Hong Kong: June exports value down 11.4%

The value of Hong Kong's total exports decreased to $337.4 billion in June, down 11.4% on the same month last year, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

The value of goods imports decreased 12.3% to $393.9 billion for the same period.

A trade deficit of $56.6 billion, or 14.4% of the value of imports, was recorded in June.

Comparing the second quarter with the preceding quarter on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of exports of goods rose 0.4% while that of imports of goods dipped 0.7%.

The Government noted that the value of merchandise exports fell further from a year earlier amid the weak external environment. Exports to the Mainland, the US and the European Union all shrank, and exports to most other major Asian markets continued to fall by varying degrees.

Looking ahead, it added that with slower global economic growth, Hong Kong's export performance will continue to face intense pressure in the near term.

This story has been published on: 2023-07-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
NEWS PROVIDED BY

Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights

July 25, 2023



NEW YORK, July 25, 2023 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is submitted by Bill Donohue, President, Catholic League:

Leonard Leo, co-chairman of the Federalist Society, and the man most responsible for shepherding through President Trump's appointments to the federal bench, including three Supreme Court Justices, is being attacked by anti-Catholic bigots in his hometown in Maine, simply because left-wing extremists object to his work.

The protesters, who are doxxing Leo by showing up at his house in Northeast Harbor, are not content to object to his jurisprudential philosophy. No, they are viciously attacking his Catholicism.

On July 22, protesters carried signs denouncing his religion and pledging to run him out of town. Leo, who is a member of Opus Dei, a traditional Catholic organization in good standing in the Church, was condemned for his membership in the group.

Anti-Catholic banners read, "Rosaries Off Ovaries," and a recently created website depicted him as a Ku Klux Klan member (the Klan was anti-Catholic, as well as anti-black and anti-Jewish). His Catholicism was also targeted on social media. He was called a rapist and accused of violating women's uteruses.

This is what happens when civility breaks down and demagoguery triumphs. The population control crowd, beginning with Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger, has a long history of anti-Catholicism. Today's iteration is even more virulent, and in some cases, such as with Antifa and Jane's Revenge, anti-Catholic bigots turn violent, especially when the issue of abortion is prominent.

What happened to Leo should be condemned by all men and women, independent of what side they choose on the subject of abortion.

Anti-Catholic bigotry, and angry protests outside the home of a public person, have no legitimate place in public dialogue. But to those who can't marshal a plausible defense of their abortion politics, resorting to bigotry comes naturally to them.
Breaking up the typical mix of tasting rooms and lavish eateries lining downtown Napa's streets, Zeppelin Comics opened its doors at 1311 First St. in April.

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Just enough time to prepare for the industrys signature event  Free Comic Book Day in May  the owners recently shared their journey to owning a comic book store like no other. Well, two stores now.

It all started, as some stories do, with a fit of boredom.

Natasha and Dan Curtis were looking into activities to do in the Bay Area one weekend, which would not only entertain the Benicia couple, but engage their two young daughters as well. Taking a cue from their youngest  who at the time was very interested in drawing  the pair searched for art-adjacent family activities.

And they were in luck.

WonderCon  a massive comic book convention that welcomes thousands of attendees each year  was at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The family traveled there and Natasha and Dan remember being impressed by how the convention resonated with their daughters.

Of course, the couple admits, some of this interest stemmed from the Curtises being immersed in comic book culture themselves, Star Wars being a mainstay in their household. However, the pair recalled their youngest daughter flipping through an artists portfolio, pointing out Batman, Nightwing and the more obscure Blue Beetle characters from the DC Comics universe.

The parents marveled at the 7-year-olds comic book character vernacular and this moment stuck with them well after the convention ended.

For many years Natasha and Dan had contemplated opening a business in their hometown of Benicia. And both were looking for something new. Dan was on active duty in the U.S. Air Force before becoming a federal investigator. Natasha, meanwhile, has worked as an interior designer with a recent stint as the membership development director for Girl Scouts of Northern California. The pair pondered what business they could operate as a team.

But it wasnt until they attended WonderCon and subsequent conventions  they even kept attending WonderCon when it relocated to Anaheim  that the business began to take shape.

A few years and many car rides to and from Southern California later, BAM! POW!, Zeppelin Comics was born. The Benicia location opened in 2015 followed by the Napa location earlier this year.

Touting the tagline A comic book store like no other!, Natasha explained how they wanted their business to stand out from the stereotypical, dungeon-y shops elsewhere. Even examples in mainstream media seem to follow this trope. The Big Bang Theory came to mind, since a comic book shop serves as the backdrop for several episodes throughout the series 12-season run. The show even features episodes in which Stuart, the shop owner, enlists the help of the women in the cast on how to get other ladies to visit. Later, Stuart hires a female assistant manager who is quickly questioned about her expertise and credibility in the comic book world.

They are stereotypes for a reason, Natasha added, noting the couple traveled to various stores before opening their own. In some shops, Natasha got a sense that customers had to pass some kind of test to be welcomed in. And in general, some were not as welcoming to women and kids.

But comic books shouldnt be gatekept, she emphasized. That idea fueled Zeppelins approach to business.

Natasha added that some shops only carry the traditional superhero comics such as those from Marvel and DC, which are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the illustrative medium. Comics run the gamut from collections of Garfield or Calvin and Hobbes to The Walking Dead and Watchmen. Dan even pointed out that some comics are even autobiographical, including A Fire Story by Brian Fies, which details the authors firsthand account of October 2017 wildfires that ripped through Napa County and the North Bay.

There are also tons of things people didnt realize were from comics, Dan said, the aforementioned Walking Dead franchise being one of them.

Stocking a variety of offerings is one way Zeppelin sets itself apart. Both stores also sell only new comics, whereas shops of the more dungeon variety tend to offer past issues going back decades.

However, the couple admitted, plenty of comics and merchandise will be the same regardless of which shop one frequents. To combat this, Zeppelin sticks with the basics  stellar customer service and a welcoming atmosphere.

Dan explained they use customers' names and get to know what they like and dislike, making recommendations tailored to their interests.

We are bartenders without booze, Dan said.

Hairdressers, therapists, Natasha added. We are in so many peoples lives.

This process can take time and involve a lot of observation. If someone is wearing a Spider-Man shirt, for example, that is a great conversation starter. And with the increase in comic book adaptations to film and television, many titles have entered the mainstream.

It makes it easier to talk about, Natasha said.

But on the flip side, there are 60 years of story that people are missing, Dan said.

Natasha noted that sometimes people will see a comic book movie and assume all the storylines come from a single issue, whereas most films adapt a variety of storylines, taking pieces from here and there. Having the knowledge to dissect a film into its different comic book components can be challenging, she said.

Looking ahead, the couple said they plan to continue getting to know their Napa customers, picking up on what the community is interested in  both in terms of merchandise and events.

For more information, visit https://stores.comichub.com/zeppelin_comics_napa

Why Zeppelin? Deciding to open a comic book store was one thing. Naming it was another. Natasha and Dan Curtis recalled sitting down and writing down every word that sounds cool to them. We kept coming back to 'zeppelin,' Dan said. Although some classic rock enthusiasts may believe this name pays homage to the band Led Zeppelin  Natasha emphasized this is often the case  the name is much more literal. Dans background in the U.S. Air Force and a general love of aviation and history sparked the Zeppelin Comics name. Photographs of the lighter-than-air, pre-World War II aircraft and other memorabilia from this time period are on display in Zeppelins Napa location in the map room. Designed for gaming and other activities, the map room is a replica of the inside of a zeppelin. The cushioned seats are positioned next to windows that display aerial video footage from various landscapes. As for the comic connection, Dan noted that the opening scene from the 1992 cartoon Batman: The Animated Series featured a zeppelin. Natasha added that The Rocketeer is a favorite film of theirs.

Photos: A look inside Zeppelin Comics in Napa Zeppelin Comics 3 Zeppelin Comics 4 Zeppelin Comics 1 Zeppelin Comics 2 Zeppelin Comics 5 Zeppelin Comics 6 Zeppelin Comics 7 Zeppelin Comics 8 Zeppelin Comics 9 Zeppelin Comics 10 Zeppelin Comics 11
After a man was shot dead outside a bank in Paramount in 2019, Los Angeles County sheriff's detectives turned to Google for help identifying suspects.

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Through a search warrant, detectives directed the tech giant to provide cellphone location data for people who were near places the man visited on the day he was killed. The data Google provided eventually led detectives to two suspects who are now in prison for the murder.

But law enforcement's demand for Google location data using what's known as "geofence warrants" also sparked concerns that the requests violated the suspects' constitutional rights. This year, a California Court of Appeal upheld the murder conviction but ruled the warrant violated the Fourth Amendment, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures, because it was too broad and could have potentially swept up thousands of people.

The case, People v. Meza, highlights the central tension over the exploding use of geofence warrants: Law enforcement leaders see Google location data as essential for solving crimes, but civil rights groups fear such warrants will infringe on the privacy of innocent bystanders. The number of geofence warrants Google reports receiving from U.S. law enforcement increased from 982 in 2018 to 11,554 in 2020, the most recent data released show.

Concerns about the controversial law enforcement tool were heightened after the Supreme Court ended the constitutional right to abortion last year. As states banned or restricted abortions, civil rights groups feared that law enforcers could use Google data to figure out whether a woman planned to illegally end her pregnancy. Even though abortion remains legal in California, advocates worried that officials in states that prohibit abortion could use geofence warrants to track down people who come here for the procedure.

Those privacy concerns caught the attention of Assemblymember Mia Bonta, D-Alameda, who introduced legislation to ban warrants that compel tech companies to reveal the identities of people who may have been at a certain place at a particular time or looked up keywords online. The original version of the bill would have banned all geofence warrants, but it was introduced as part of a package of bills that aim to bolster California as a sanctuary for abortion seekers.

"Quite frankly, it is a terrifying moment for us in terms of the amount of information that can be made accessible to a third party," Bonta said in an interview.

The legislation, AB 793, garnered support from privacy advocates, reproductive rights groups, Google and the trade association TechNet. But strong pushback from law enforcement tanked the effort this year as lawmakers struggled to figure out how to craft a bill that would shield people seeking abortions while allowing police to use geofence warrants to investigate crimes.

"It became pretty apparent that there could be unintended consequences based on how that language was laid out," said Bonta, who pledged to focus the bill on gender-affirming care and abortion access and try to pass it next year. "We wanted to make sure to get this absolutely right."

The bill faces a high bar to pass because it could change a law passed by voters in 1982, which requires support from two-thirds of the state Legislature.

Opponents said the bill was too broad and would hinder the ability of law enforcement to investigate crimes.

Michelle Contois, a Ventura County prosecutor speaking on behalf of the California District Attorneys Association, said law enforcement officials aren't opposed to protecting patients who are coming to the state for abortions or gender-affirming care. But banning all geofence warrants, she said, is a "real overreach."

"There are some crimes I think might not be solved at all," she said. "When we are using these, it's because we think this is the best way to get what we need in this case."

Privacy advocates and abortion activists question whether the data requests are really necessary because geofence warrants could include information about people who aren't potential suspects. The Electronic Frontier Foundation called on Google in 2021 to resist complying with those controversial warrants. Google says it collects data about a user's location history for advertising and to improve the company's services.

The debate in Sacramento forged an unusual alliance between tech giants and privacy advocates. In May, Google sent lawmakers a letter stating it supported AB 793. The company added that it would work with law enforcement to narrow the warrants if it is asked for too much data.

"Most law enforcement demands target one or more specific accounts. Geofence warrants, by contrast, request information about users who may have been in a particular place at a particular time. As such, these warrants raise heightened concerns about whether they impermissibly sweep in innocent users," Rebecca Prozan, Google's director of the West Coast Region for Government Affairs and Public Policy, wrote in the letter.

Last year, a coalition of tech giants that includes Google also supported a bill in New York that would bar the search of geolocation and keyword data, though it did not pass the Legislature.

Data reported to the California Department of Justice show geofence warrants have been used this year in various criminal investigations, including a felony hit-and-run in San Diego and a homicide in Riverside. California authorities have also used geofence warrants to investigate a Mexican mafia killing and other crimes. The FBI turned to Google data to figure out who was inside the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection.

Geofence warrants were also used to identify people protesting the police killings of George Floyd in Minnesota and Jacob Blake in Wisconsin. Sometimes, people swept up by them just happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. In one case, an innocent man in Florida became a burglary suspect after he rode his bike past a burglarized home in 2019.

District attorneys say that California's laws are sufficient to protect people's digital privacy. A geofence warrant typically involves three steps. In the first, Google gives law enforcement anonymized information based on the geographic area and time frame that's provided in the warrant. Using the larger data set, law enforcement narrows down the devices authorities want to investigate before requesting that Google provide identification information such as phone numbers, emails and names, according to the bill's analysis.

"It's not just willy-nilly us asking Google and Google giving us everybody's information," said Contois, of the district attorneys association. "It's not until we've gone through several steps, and convinced the judge at each step of probable cause, that we can maybe get identifying information and names."

The California Police Chiefs Association didn't respond to a request for comment. It was among numerous law enforcement agencies that opposed the bill, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Hayley Tsukayama, senior legislative activist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, which pushed for the bill, said AB 793 proposed banning all geofence warrants because there were concerns more targeted legislation would have loopholes that could still result in law enforcement identifying abortion seekers. Narrowing the bill, she said, is difficult for some of those reasons.

"I'm not saying that we can't do it," she said. "We just needed more time to do it than was left in this session."
About 225,0000 Californians lost their free or low-cost health coverage as of July 1, in the first round of a Medi-Cal renewal process that had been suspended since early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Thats about 21% of the over 1 million people who were due to reapply for coverage in June, according to preliminary numbers released by state health officials on Thursday.

Medi-Cal, the states health insurance program for low-income people, typically reviews enrollees eligibility every year. The state paused that process during the pandemic at the orders of the federal government, but resumed in the spring.

Less than 3% of the people who lost coverage no longer qualify for Medi-Cal because their household income now exceeds the programs limits.

That means the majority of people were kicked off because they didnt return a renewal packet and county Medi-Cal offices couldnt verify an enrollees income. State health officials said they are trying to reach enrollees in multiple ways  email, mail and texts.

David Kane, a senior attorney with the Western Center on Law and Poverty, said it is concerning that tens of thousands of people could be without insurance even though they are eligible. They may have failed to respond for a number of reasons, such as not receiving the packet or not getting the packet in their language.

I dont think todays preliminary numbers mean we can all sit back and think things are OK, Kane said. These disenrollments are not inevitable. The state, counties, advocates and community groups together have the power to help more people keep their Medi-Cal.

California will have to review eligibility for almost 16 million people over the next 12 months. June 30 was the deadline for the first group of enrollees. State health officials have previously estimated that between 2 million to 3 million people could lose their Medi-Cal coverage by next June through the reviews.

Californians who were dropped from Medi-Cal on July 1 have 90 days to reinstate coverage if they believe they are still eligible but didnt return the necessary paperwork. After that period, state officials estimate this first months disenrollment rate will be closer to 17%.

That rate is equal to or better than disenrollment rates recorded prior to the pandemic, said Jacey Cooper, the states Medicaid director.

Millions could lose health care

During the pandemic freeze, Californias Medi-Cal roll ballooned to cover close to 15.8 million residents  about 40% of the states population.

California is the latest state to release preliminary numbers. Across 33 other states and the District of Columbia, more than 3 million people have already been kicked off Medicaid (Medi-Cal is Californias version of Medicaid), according to a Kaiser Family Foundation tracker. The foundation estimates that could grow to as many as 24 million nationwide over the next year.

According to the foundation, 74% of disenrollments happened because states could not verify a persons eligibility  and not necessarily because they no longer qualified for free or low-cost health care.

California state officials said some people will be automatically re-enrolled if they can verify income information via government databases, but most people will have to fill out and mail back a renewal packet.

Why some eligible Californians could lose Medi-Cal

Health advocates have said they worry many eligible people will fall through the cracks or get caught in administrative hurdles and unnecessarily become uninsured.

Eddie Hu in Los Angeles helped his 65-year-old father renew his Medi-Cal coverage. The process went smoothly largely because Hu works for Asian Resources, a community organization that provides some health insurance enrollment aid, and was familiar with the process. But he noted that his dads paperwork was sent to him in English, even though he had previously indicated he needs his paperwork in Chinese.

We had to fill out seven to eight pages all in English, Hu said. If Im not here, he would have to look for help somewhere else. And getting outside aid from a county office or a clinic, for example, could mean long waits on the phone or multiple in-person appointments to get all the needed paperwork straightened out, Hu said.

To qualify for Medi-Cal, people can earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level  thats $20,121 a year for an individual or $41,400 for a family of four. Some Californians, such as pregnant women and people with disabilities, may qualify with slightly higher incomes.

State officials have said that they are working to automatically transition people who were kicked off Medi-Cal to sign up for a health plan through Covered California, the states health insurance marketplace. Most people who buy from the marketplace receive generous subsidies, and some people dont have a premium cost at all. Nearly half of the people enrolled in coverage through Covered California pay less than $50 a month, according to the agency.

Supported by the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF), which works to ensure that people have access to the care they need, when they need it, at a price they can afford. Visit www.chcf.org to learn more.

181 rural hospitals have closed since 2005see the states that have been impacted 181 rural hospitals have closed since 2005see the states that have been impacted #36. Maryland #35. Alaska #34. Wisconsin #33. North Dakota #32. Washington #31. New Jersey #30. Massachusetts #29. Nevada #28. Ohio #27. Nebraska #26. Virginia #25. Michigan #24. Indiana #23. Illinois #22. Louisiana #21. South Dakota #20. Maine #19. Arkansas #18. Kentucky #17. Arizona #16. South Carolina #15. New York #14. West Virginia #13. Pennsylvania #12. Minnesota #11. Mississippi #10. Alabama #9. Florida #8. Missouri #7. Kansas #6. Georgia #5. Oklahoma #4. California #3. North Carolina #2. Tennessee #1. Texas
Our position is that Armenia cannot decide the fate of the people of Nagorno Karabakh, it is the representatives of Nagorno Karabakh that should bear the political responsibility, Armenias Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at a press conference today.

"The representatives of Nagorno Karabakh should be part of negotiations, part of the dialogue, and we are promoting exactly this agenda, bearing in mind that the rights and security of the people of Nagorno Karabakh should be discussed with the participation of the representatives of Nagorno Karabakh, in the format of the Baku-Stepanakert dialogue, within the framework of the international mechanism, he said.

I think that the representatives of Nagorno Karabakh, the people, the government, will have the opportunity to address all the issues that concern them within the framework of this formula and not only raise questions, not only generate content, but also  which is very important  bear the political responsibility related to that content. That is the right way to go," he added.

Asked whether Armenia can make any changes in the agenda of the Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiations regarding Artsakh, Pashinyan responded. "I have stated before that it is a matter of thinking whether there should be a reference to Nagorno Karabakh in a potential peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, i.e. a comprehensive solution, or whether the issues related to the rights and security of the people of Nagorno Karabakh should be addressed to a different logic. We do not have a decision on this matter. This does not mean that we do not have a position."
Armenia is not discussing the resettlement of 120,000 Artsakh citizens in Armenia for a worst-case scenario of the situation in Nagorno Karabakh, Prime Minister of Armenia said at a press conference held in Yerevan.

"Armenia is not discussing such an issue as the resettlement of Artsakh residents in Armenia. Armenia is discussing the issue of creating opportunities for the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians to live in their own homes, in their own country, in their birthplace," he said.

Asked whether he discussed with his Russian partners the issue of including Artsakh in the Russian Federation and how realistic it is, Pashinyan said. "I simply have no answer to that, because it does not concern me. I have never had such a discussion."

Speaking about the blockade of the Lachin Corridor that connects Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia and the world, Pashinyan said that Armenia can appeal to the UN Security Council regarding the implementation of the decision of the International Court of Justice on the opening of the Lachin Corridor. In his words, Armenia is working in this direction as well.

"We are in contact with permanent and non-permanent member states of the UN Security Council. We are in the discussion phase. There is no difficulty to submit a request to the UN Security Council, you can do so within an hour. The problem is whether or not a decision will be made as a result, and if so, what decision will made, he said, adding that the UN Security Council is also a political body.
If Russia decides to withdraw its peacekeepers from Nagorno Karabakh, that will mean it sees no threat for the residents of Artsakh and the dialogue between Stepanakert and Baku has been effective, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said at a televised press conference on Tuesday.

Pashinyan said that the deployment of the Russian peacekeeping troops in Nagorno-Karabakh has a purpose which is recorded in the relevant resolution of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. In the resolution it is said that the Federal Assembly allows the Russian president to send a peacekeeping force to Nagorno Karabakh to prevent the mass killing of the population there.

"In other words, the President of the Russian Federation himself appealed to the Federal Assembly that a peacekeeping force must be sent to Nagorno Karabakh to prevent the mass slaughter of the population. Now, if Russia decides to withdraw, regardless of the nuances, it at least means that there is no such danger in Nagorno Karabakh, he said.

If there is such a danger in Nagorno Karabakh, it is difficult to imagine how such a decision can be made. And if there is no such danger, it means that the Baku-Stepanakert dialogue within the framework of the international mechanism was found to be effective and the parties agreed that there is no longer a need for the presence of the peacekeeping troops," Nikol Pashinyan added.
By and large, the Russian peacekeeping mission in Nagorno Karabakh is in doubt, Armenias Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at a press conference.

Because when we say a humanitarian crisis, when we say that there is a risk of mass casualties, it is a big problem for Russia, first of all in terms of the credibility and feasibility of its mission," he said, adding that it is a matter of reputation for Russia.

Further the Armenian PM said that Armenia can say that Russian should do this, the USA should do that, the EU and Azerbaijan should do another thing, but it should also be said what the leadership of Nagorno Karabak should do. Do the Nagorno-Karabakh authorities have anything to do to overcome this crisis?, Pashinyan asked.

"It [Nagorno Karabakh] can be declared a disaster zone, but I think in all cases, due to being in power, they have something to do and we are ready to support them in doing it. Yes, we expect that these countries will solve some problems in Nagorno Karabakh, but these countries cannot solve their own problems," he explained.

Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that he is in contact with the president of Artsakh on a daily basis.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) issued a statement stating that Armenia and Azerbaijan must reach a humanitarian consensus in order to ease the suffering of people in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The statement says that despite persistent efforts, the ICRC is not currently able to bring humanitarian assistance to the civilian population through the Lachin corridor or through any other routes, including Aghdam.

It noted that under international humanitarian law, sides must allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need. This includes medical supplies and essential food.

The organization is calling on the relevant decision makers to allow the ICRC to resume its essential humanitarian operations in the area.



Tens of thousands of people rely on humanitarian aid reaching them through these routes. The civilian population is now facing a lack of life-saving medication and essentials like hygiene products and baby formula. Fruits, vegetables, and bread are increasingly scarce and costly, while some other food items such as dairy products, sunflower oil, cereal, fish, and chicken are not available, reads the statement.

Further the ICRC says that the last time the ICRC was allowed to bring medical items and essential food items into the area was several weeks ago.

Our humanitarian aid convoys are a lifeline for the population in this area. With these convoys blocked, our concern is that the humanitarian situation will further deteriorate. We are most worried about those who cannot help themselves. The sick and people with chronic diseases are particularly at risk, as are the elderly, infirm and children. For us to operate here, we need the sides to reach a humanitarian consensus. This is life-saving work, and it must be allowed to continue, said ICRCs regional director for Eurasia, Ariane Bauer.

The ICRC also said that overall, the organization has evacuated more than 600 people in urgent need of medical care since December 2022.

The ICRC is continuing its bilateral dialogue with the sides and stands ready to continue its humanitarian work once such a consensus is found, reads the statement.
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We strongly condemn the purposeful and systematic attempts of Azerbaijan to cause famine in the Republic of Artsakh in order to achieve its own military and political goals, Artsakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote on Facebook.

We strongly condemn Azerbaijan's deliberate and systematic attempts to induce hunger in the Republic of Artsakh to achieve its military and political objectives. We reiterate that intentionally obstructing the delivery of humanitarian cargo for the physical survival of the besieged people of Artsakh, as well as taking deliberate actions to cause hunger, suffering and deprivation to the civilian population, constitutes a grave violation of international law and qualifies as a war crime.

The combination of these criminal actions by Azerbaijan, carried out within the context of the ongoing eight-month inhumane blockade and attempts to forcibly subjugate the people of Artsakh to the jurisdiction of Baku, creates extremely dangerous conditions for the escalation of Azerbaijan's ongoing crimes against humanity into the crime of genocide.

Against this backdrop, we consider as irresponsible any attempts to legitimise Azerbaijan's internationally wrongful acts, including through direct or indirect endorsement of proposals that are part of Baku's policy of non-compliance with its international obligations regarding the Lachin Corridor and the tightening of the blockade of Artsakh. Any support for the criminal agenda of Azerbaijan, which has deliberately created and systematically exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh, not only intensifies the suffering of innocent people but also violates fundamental principles enshrined in international law, including the dignity and human rights of individuals. The civilised international community has long rejected justifications based on the supposed right to commit mass violations of human rights under the pretext of a state's internal affairs. Moreover, it has held perpetrators of such crimes accountable before military tribunals and established legal frameworks to prevent such crimes in the future.

Any actions and proposals from Azerbaijan that undermine the dignity of the people of Artsakh must be categorically rejected. Human dignity is at the core of human rights and serves as a guarantee of their respect. Undermining the dignity of the people of Artsakh signifies a denial of their fundamental rights and paves the way for even more inhumane crimes by Azerbaijan.

We strongly urge key international actors genuinely interested in establishing a durable and just peace in Artsakh and the region as a whole to take decisive individual and collective actions to put an end to the blockade and criminal policies pursued by Azerbaijan. We once again insist that the United Nations Security Council fulfils its role entrusted by the nations of the world to maintain international peace and security and puts an end to the criminal and inhumane blockade of Artsakh. As a first step towards addressing the humanitarian catastrophe in Artsakh, we expect the UN Security Council to urgently demand the full and unconditional implementation of the ICJ Order issued on 22 February 2023, which was subsequently reaffirmed on 6 July 2023, to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access to Artsakh, and authorise the opening of a humanitarian air corridor.

We consider it absolutely unacceptable to passively and indifferently observe the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Artsakh, where the situation can sharply deteriorate at any moment. The international community must realise that the time for fruitless discussions is long over, and it is now time for concrete and urgent actions that prioritise the interests of people living under an existential threat, Artsakh MFA said.
Thousands of faculty, staff and students travel internationally for Emory University business or sponsored activities each year. The Office of Global Strategy and Initiatives' Global Safety and Security (GSS) unit aims to equip the universitys international travelers with the resources and trainings necessary to prepare for and navigate emergencies abroad.

In the event of an emergency, who engages with the international travelers loved ones back home?

To help answer this question  and after identifying a training gap for administrators who support global travel and respond to global incidents  GSS organized its first-ever Family Liaison Officer (FLO) training. During crisis events where emotions are high, FLOs play a vital role in connecting families and the organization, providing support to the families of travelers.

Held earlier this summer, the intensive training brought together representatives from various Emory departments, including the universitys Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP), The Carter Center, Emory Police Department (EPD), Rollins School of Public Health (RSPH), Emory School of Medicine, Campus Life, Office of Insurance, the Masters in Development Practice (MDP) program and the Education Abroad Office.

The comprehensive training covered a wide range of topics, ensuring Emory personnel taking on FLO roles are well-prepared to handle the emotional, logistical and informational needs of families of university students or employees experiencing emergencies while abroad.

The first training day focused on foundational skills and concepts, emphasizing the importance of communication and documentation for effective FLOs. The second day provided practical experience through tabletop exercises and role-play scenarios, allowing participants to apply their new skills.

Chan Williams, assistant director for academics and operations in the MDP program, was able to put her newly acquired skills into action the day after training.

When we sign up for trainings and conferences, we dont usually expect to utilize the information immediately, Williams says. Im happy I was able to implement the responses learned from the training section, and I had the support of my fellow FLO trainees.

Participants left the training feeling empowered to navigate the delicate relationships with families during crises, including the important step of establishing rapport.

We are responsible for building a foundation of trust and respect between all parties involved, gathering and disseminating information, and discerning which pieces of information to share with the families, Williams says. Not appropriately moving through these fragile pieces could cause secondary trauma.

Williams also acknowledged the challenges of the role, noting the potential for emotional and mental strain. She is grateful for the community created through the FLO training.

The FLO training was excellent, says Gerald Clay, assistant director of career services and engaged learning in RSPH. I suggest that everyone responsible for communicating with families during crisis situations take this course.

The GSS team looks forward to offering more global safety and security trainings in the future, including collaborating with EPD. All will be open to any university employee working with people traveling internationally on behalf of Emory.

Its important for departments that support global travel to be in regular communication with GSS to remain aware of the resources and training opportunities our office provides, says Kenya Casey, director of GSS.

For more information about Global Safety and Security and its services to the Emory community, contact Casey at kenya.casey@emory.edu.
Emorys Gavegnano Group demonstrates ability to remove key barrier to an HIV cure.

The results of a novel study presented by Emory researchers during the International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference in Brisbane, Australia, have revealed exciting findings in the pursuit of an HIV cure. The study, led by Monica Reece, a PhD candidate in Emorys Microbiology and Genetics Program, and directed by Christina Gavegnano, PhD, demonstrates the potential of Jak inhibitors, specifically ruxolitinib, to significantly decay the viral reservoir in people with HIV, offering a novel pathway toward long-term remission or a cure.

The HIV viral reservoir, essentially a small number of immune cells containing dormant virus integrated into the genomes of individuals who have suppressed viral replication with HIV treatment, has posed a major impediment to achieving an HIV cure. These cells are completely undetectable by the immune system because the virus is dormant. But as soon as treatment stops, the virus reactivates.

The barrier to an HIV cure is that the virus hides inside the DNA of cells, says Gavegnano, director of the Gavegnano Drug Discovery Program and senior author on the study. The brass ring is an agent that can eliminate thesereservoir cells, which would ultimately eliminate HIV from a persons body.

While Gavegnano and her Emory colleagues have shown that Jak inhibitors (Janus kinase inhibitors) could reverse the immune dysfunction caused by HIV since their discovery in 2010, questions about their impact on the HIV reservoir and the exact mechanism contributing to the immunologic improvements have remained unanswered, until now.

The data presented at IAS represented secondary results from a Phase 2a clinical trial centered on investigating ruxolitinibs effects on viral reservoirs in people with HIV during a five-week regimen, specifically in a subset of individuals with high viral reservoir levels at baseline.

The study measured integrated proviral DNA, which is the genetic material of a virus as incorporated into, and able to replicate with, the genome of a host cell, and examined changes in total, intact only, and defective proviral DNA copies over time. Based on a linear model of decay, the researchers estimated an astonishing 99.99% clearance of the peripheral HIV-1 reservoir in less than three years. These data provide optimism for the use of Jak inhibitors as a backbone for cure-based eradication strategies in the battle against HIV.

Reece, lead author of the study says, These data suggest that our Jak inhibitors can not only reverse the immune dysfunction that prevents HIV-1 cure, but also significantly decay the reservoir in people living with HIV. Collectively our trial demonstrates a mechanism by which ruxolitinib, or other Jak inhibitors such as baricitinib, also extensively studied by our group, decay the reservoir, which underscores potential for cure-based therapies.

The profound impact of Ruxolitinib treatment was not limited to reservoir reduction. The study also shed light on several significant biomarkers that were altered by the drug primarily related to:

Immune activation: Ruxolitinib exhibited the potential to modulate immune activation, which is crucial in controlling viral replication and maintaining immune health in individuals with HIV.

Ruxolitinib exhibited the potential to modulate immune activation, which is crucial in controlling viral replication and maintaining immune health in individuals with HIV. Cell survival: Ruxolitinib demonstrated the ability to impact cell survival, influencing the lifespan of reservoir cells and potentially limiting viral reservoir longevity.

Ruxolitinib demonstrated the ability to impact cell survival, influencing the lifespan of reservoir cells and potentially limiting viral reservoir longevity. Immune dysregulation: The study identified ruxolitinibs impact on immune dysregulation, offering hope for mitigating the chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction often observed in individuals with HIV.

It is important to note that the study focused on the peripheral viral reservoir and may not fully represent the entire viral reservoir within the body, including sanctuary sites where HIV can persist despite treatment.

Regardless, the findings from Emory Universitys study offer hope and renewed enthusiasm for efforts to unravel the complexities of HIV persistence and ultimately find a cure.

These data are valuable because they show that Jak inhibitors can contribute to a long-term cure strategy for HIV, but they can also be used to slow the inflammatory process caused by other infectious diseases, says Vincent Marconi, MD, professor of medicine and global health at Emory University School of Medicine.

Marconi, who led the initial phase 2a trial, has already been investigating the efficacy of Jak inhibitors, like ruxolitinib and baricitinib, in patients with acute COVID and now long COVID. He continues, using an anti-inflammatory drug to treat the effects of a virus could be revolutionary.

In addition to the data presented by Reece and Gavegnano, another presentation at IAS has shown how ruxolitinib administered to a patient following a stem cell transplant led to an undetectable viral load 20 months after stopping antiretroviral therapy, highlighting the different mechanisms in which these class of drugs could be valuable in HIV care and treatment.

Further research and clinical trials will be needed to fully understand the effects of Jak inhibitor use in HIV and other immune-suppressing conditions. Emory researchers have an extensive history of working with Jak inhibitors. Gavegnano and researcher Raymond Schinazi are listed on the issued patents as sole inventors, and they, alongside their co-investigators, have built a roadmap for tackling a variety of immunosuppressive viruses with these drugs.

Gavegnano emphasizes, The safety and efficacy outcomes we observed in this study provide a strong foundation for further research on cure-based interventions containing a Jak inhibitor, and we hope to bring this therapy one step closer to helping people living with HIV.
PRNewswire Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 25: Rossell Techsys, a leading global engineering and manufacturing company in the aerospace and defense sector, is proud to announce the inauguration of its new Calibration and Metrology Lab at its India facility in Devanahalli, Bangalore. This milestone event, attended by Peter Johnson, vice president and general manager of Fabrication for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, represents a significant leap forward in the company's commitment to customer-centric investments and enhanced value delivery. It also underscores Rossell Techsys' unwavering dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. "We are delighted to inaugurate our state-of-the-art Calibration and Metrology Lab," said Rishab Mohan Gupta, Promoter Group member and Director, Rossell India Limited. "This facility represents our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of precision and quality in all aspects of our operations. It allows us to deliver exceptional value to our customers, who rely on us for critical components. With this investment, we enhance our capabilities and reinforce our position as a trusted leader in the aerospace and defense industry." "We congratulate Rossell Techsys for investing in this Calibration and Metrology Lab and look forward to our continued partnership," saidSalil Gupte, President, Boeing India. "It reflects Rossell Techsys' commitment to providing global quality products and services to their customers. This is also another example of Boeing's commitment to grow world-class precision manufacturing capabilities along with its local partners in India, for India, and the world." The lab, equipped with the very latest in technology, is slated for ISO17025 certification. Integrated into Rossell Techsys' operations, it ensures meticulous control over the metrology process, ensuring accuracy and reliability across products. Rossell Techsys produces 3000+ unique parts, of which 2000+ unique parts are for Boeing alone. It uses extensive tools that require periodic calibration and metrology testing. The in-house facility, in proximity to the shop floors reduces tool calibration time, maximizing efficiency. Rossell Techsys remains an innovative leader, providing comprehensive engineering solutions for aerospace and defense industry and the Calibration and Metrology Lab showcases its dedication to excellence and focus on exceeding customer expectations. About Rossell Techsys Rossell Techsys (Division of Rossell India Limited)(NSE: ROSSELLIND), is based out of Bangalore, providing custom engineering & manufacturing services in Electrical Wiring & Interconnect Systems, Electronic Assemblies, After Market Product Support Services and Systems Engineering and Integration.https://www.rosselltechsys.com Photo:https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2160892/Mr_Peter_Johnson.jpgLogo:https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2160891/Rossell_Techsys_Logo.jpg (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 25: Indias apex industry body for alternative assets, theIndian Venture and Alternate Capital Association(IVCA), held a Road to IPO Conference, in association with Avendus, IndusLaw and Deloitte. This showcases IVCAs aim to advance entrepreneurs and investors understanding of the IPO process as a viable exit option and the best practices required for the listing process. Rajat Tandon, President, IVCA, said, The high growth in the number of IPOs emerging from India is a testament to the nations strong entrepreneurial growth and sustainability. India's burgeoning start-up culture, rising alternative asset class, and supportive regulatory environment have created a fertile ground for innovation and growth while enabling start-ups to scale rapidly and fuel their growth ambitions. As a key ecosystem enabler, IVCA, through the Road to IPO Conference, intends to enlighten stakeholders on the best practices and significant strategies so that they can learn how to best go about the process. In recent years, India has produced several high-potential, high-value companies. This has resulted in a considerable increase in the number of IPOs produced, with reports indicating that India has expanded its share in the global IPO market from 6% in 2021 to 11% in 2022 and then 13% year-to-date in 2023. From January 2023 till date, Indias BSE and NSE witnessed 14 listings raising a total of $ 1.61 Bn. This surge reflects the bullish orientation of the Indian stock market and the resilience and vibrance of the entrepreneurial activity in the country. By educating GPs, LPs, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders on the IPO process, IVCA aims to strengthen Indias IPO pipeline. Gaurav Sood, Managing Director and Head, Equity Capital Markets, Avendus Capital, said Indian economy has been a bright spot amidst global volatility, growing at the fastest rate driven by reformatory government initiatives. We have seen an exponential growth in the tech space as the country has emerged as the third largest ecosystem for startups, globally, producing more than 100 unicorns. In the last decade, we have witnessed the emergence of multiple new sectors in the listed space besides Technology, like Affordable Housing Finance, Microfinance Institutions, Market Infrastructure Institutions and E-commerce. While FII buying activity has majorly been driven by global cues, continued support from domestic investors gives us a lot of confidence in the real depth of capital markets. We expect IPOs worth USD 50-60 billion to tap the Indian markets by 2028. Manan Lahoty, Partner IndusLaw said, For a company and its investors, the execution of an IPO can be fairly demanding, but the journey can be smooth and successful depending on how well you are prepared. If IPO is an option, we advise them to familiarise themselves with the key consideration 2-3 years ahead of the planned listing. This conference has a unique format - a combination of focussed sessions followed by panel discussions - creating a great opportunity for businesses and investors to assess IPO as an option and also develop understanding on how and when to go about things. Sunder Iyer, Subject Matter Expertsaid, "The true barometer of a successful business story will always be the stock exchange. Public markets decide if the equity story is a success and also determine its true value. Prior to undertaking an IPO, meticulous financial reporting considerations are paramount. Transparency, accuracy, and adherence to the regulatory standards serve as a bedrock of successful public debut and for being a thriving public company." IVCAs Road to IPO Conference shed light on various aspects of the IPO process in the Indian startup ecosystem, particularly from legal, consulting, and fund perspectives. Industry experts Imran Jafar, Managing Partner, Gaja Capital, Sandeep Singh, Managing Partner, Everstone Capital, Vinayak Shenvi, Partner & CIO, CX Partners, Gaurav Sood, Managing Director and Head, Equity Capital, Markets, Avendus Capital; Manan Lahoty, Partner, IndusLaw; Sunder Iyer, Subject Matter Expert; Srinath S, Chief Executive Officer, Oman India Joint Investment Fund; Pranav Parikh, Managing Partner and Head, Nuvama Private Equity; Ravi Dubey, Partner, IndusLaw; Ankit Mehta, Co-Founder & CEO, ideaForge; Hirendra Divgi, Executive Director, Divgi TorqTransfer Systems; Sreekanth Nadella, Managing Director And CEO, KFIN Technologies Limited; Abhiroop Lahiri, Partner, IndusLaw, and Andy Khanna, National Leader Private Equity, Deloitte conducted and participated in engaging sessions on the process from scaling to listing. Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA) is a not-for-profit, apex industry body promoting the alternate capital industry and fostering a vibrant investing ecosystem in India. IVCA is committed to supporting the ecosystem by facilitating advocacy discussions with the Government of India, policymakers, and regulators, resulting in the rise of entrepreneurial activity, innovation, and job creation in India and contributing towards the development of India as a leading fund management hub. IVCA members are the most active domestic and global VCs, PEs, funds for infrastructure, real estate, credit funds, limited partners, investment companies, family offices, corporate VCs, and knowledge partners. These funds invest in emerging companies, venture growth, buyout, special situations, distressed assets, and credit and venture debt, among others. (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PRNewswire Chandigarh [India], July 25: Chandigarh University (CU), Gharuan is all set to host a multitude of legal experts, academicians, and supreme court judges from different countriesinits third edition of the Global Law Conference to be held on July 29,2023,which will be inaugurated by the Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. The much-awaited event, which is on the theme 'Environmental Laws & Constitutional Rights: A Global Perspective', will be attended by policymakers and legal experts from India, Nepal, Hawaii, Philippines, Brazil, Brussels, and other countries. India took up the Presidency of G-20 with the theme of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' the concept of a planetary family aimingto unite nations across the globe to work togetherto addressthe climate crisis andmakethe world a better place to live in. The conference will be presided over by Justice BR Gavai, Judge oftheSupreme Court of India, in the esteemed presence of Shri R Venkataramani, Attorney General of India. Other important dignitaries will be Justice Ananda Mohan, Judge oftheSupreme Court of Nepal; JusticeV. Kameswar Rao, Judge of Delhi High Court; Justice Arun Palli, Judge of Punjab & Haryana High Court; Justice MS Ramachandra Rao, Chief JusticeofHimachal Pradesh High Court; Justice Rajesh Bindal, Judgeof theSupreme Court of India;Prof. (Dr.) Ranbir Singh,Founder &FormerVice Chancellor of National Law University, Delhi; Joginder Keshari Ghimire, Principal Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, Asian Development Bank; and Prof. Md. Zafar Mahfooz Nomani, Professor, Aligarh Muslim University. Apart from this, retired judges of Punjab & Haryana High Court, members oftheBar Council of India (BCI) and Punjab Pollution Control Board, judicial academicians, and students from various law schools will also attend the conference. Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, Chandigarh University; Prof. (Dr.) R.S. Bawa, Pro-Chancellor, Chandigarh University, and Prof. Himani Sood, Senior Vice President, Chandigarh University will also be present on the occasion. During the conference, deliberations will be held on environmental issues, sustainable development, and effective policies, laws, and international agreements to address the global climate crisis. This international conference aims to sensitize the youth, professionals, social workers, community members, and people from all walks of life about environmental diversity and environmental jurisprudence. It will helptheunderstandingofvarious issues,tomitigateclimate change and find solutions for protecting the environmentamong allto build a sustainable future together. Chandigarh University organized the first edition of Global Law Conference in 2019. The second edition of the conference was organized in 2022 on the theme 'Climate Change, Environmental Law and Constitutional Rights'. This is the third edition of Global Law Conference, which will explore legal frameworks that safeguard constitutional rights and promote sustainable development and environmental justice. About Chandigarh University Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by the UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC. For more information, visithttps://www.cuchd.in/ Photo:https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2160936/Third_International_Law_Conference.jpg (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PRNewswire New Delhi [India], July 25: India's leading marketplace for farmers, Tractor Junction, in partnership with CEAT Specialty, hosted the 4th Edition of prestigious 'Indian Tractor of the Year' (ITOTY) awards to honor innovation in the tractor and farm equipment sector. The award function witnessed the participation of numerous national and international players. The awards were focused on their innovation, new products, and features. Reflecting its performance, design and popularity, 'Kubota MU4501' was winner of the title Award 'Indian Tractor of the Year 2023', whileNew Holland 3630 TX Super Pluswas awarded the 'Best Tractor For Agriculture 2023'. In the Implements category, ';Shaktiman Pneumatic Planter SVPP 250' won the 'Implement of the Year 2023' award. While 'Eicher Prima G3 Range' earned the title of 'Launch of the Year'. Amit Tolani, Chief Executive, CEAT Specialty, said, "At CEAT, our constant endeavour is to help farmers get the best productivity out of their farms through our superior products. We are happy to partner with ITOTY awards which also encourages the spirit of being the best and rightfully awards innovation in agriculture space. The combination of votes by industry experts and consumers ensures that the winners are the ones that have truly made a difference in farmers lives." Speaking from the sidelines of the event, Rajat Gupta, Founder of ITOTY and Tractor Junction, said, "In our continuous pursuit to support and uplift farmers, the 4th ITOTY Awards aim to further elevate the significance of farm equipment and allied products. In 28 categories and over 250 nominations received, our esteemed jury members and the public faced the challenging task of selecting the best among the best. The jury, consisting of 200+ Years experience in various departments of Tractor Manufacturers, R&D, Sales, Marketing, Government Research Centers, and Government Officials, played a crucial role in this process. Their insights and dedication helped us maintain the integrity of these awards. The process of choosing the winners was transparent, it was based on 60% weightage of Jury Members and 40% of Public Voting." The engagement of farmers over digital channels with ITOTY Awards speaks volumes about the trustTractor Junction hasbuilt with them. This year,itreceived close to 1.4lakh votes across categories, and the ITOTY Awards garnered more than 1.25 crore digital impressions. Brands have even shared that usingITOTY Winning stickers on Tractors, farm Implements, and dealerships has increased their conversion funnel, as the recognition is valued by farmers.A full list of winners as below: Indian Tractor of the Year Award 2023 Theyhave also included Tractor Financiers Awards Categories, acknowledging the pivotal role they play in supportingthefarmers. For the first time, these awards are decided solely bytheiresteemed jury members, and from the next edition onwards,theywill invite nominations and public voting for the Tractor Financiers Awards categories as well. About Indian Tractor of The Year (ITOTY): The Indian Tractor of The Year (ITOTY) is an independent and prestigious award that recognizes excellence and innovation in the Indian tractor industry. ITOTY is conducted by Tractor Junction, which is the best platform to buy and sell used tractors. Each year, a distinguished panel of experts evaluates all the latest tractor and farm implement models based on various criteria, including technological advancements, safety features, performance, efficiency, and overall value proposition. The award aims to inspire tractor manufacturers to constantly push the boundaries of innovation, ultimately benefiting farmers and the agriculture sector. About Tractor Junction: Tractor Junction is India's biggest digital platform, which is especially designed for farmers to get the best products. The company has transformed the face of the used tractor market by segregation and building a place where the farmer can easily buy or sell their used tractor. Apart from being available on the digital platform, the brand has created significance on the ground as well. Tractor Junction currently has more than 15 offline stores in 3 states including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The physical outlets of Tractor Junction in all the states play a significant role in creating a sense of relationship with the farmers. From campaigns to organising awareness workshops the brand has taken the upper hand in making the farmer knowledgeable, updated and powerful in all terms. Photo:https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2160914/ITOTY_AWARDS_2023.jpg (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
That actor Sonam Kapoor simply adores her husband, Anand Ahuja, is no secret, as she seldom passes up on a chance to express her love for him. The actor recently took to her Instagram stories to share an adorable video with hubby. Sonam captioned it, @anandpahuja. In the video, Sonam and Anand are seen donning matching black outfits. Sonam can be seen shooting the video from her camera while Anand plants a kiss on her cheeks. The couple looked cute as they were all smiles for the camera. Sonam and Anand tied the knot on May 8, 2018, in a traditional Anand Karaj ceremony. In March 2022, the couple announced that they were expecting their first child together.The couple welcomed their baby boy on August 20, 2022, in Mumbai. The proud parents announced the news through a cute message template that read, "On 20.08.2022, we welcomed our beautiful baby boy with bowed heads and open hearts. Thank you to all of the doctors, nurses, friends and family who have supported us on this journey. It's only the beginning, but we know our lives are forever changed." Meanwhile, on the work front, Sonam was recently seen in the film 'Blind' directed by Shome Makhija and also starring Purab Kohli, Vinay Pathak, and Lillete Dubey in prominent roles. The film's first look was unveiled at the Jio Studio's event. The film marked Sonam's return to acting after a maternity break. Sonam has signed two new projects, according to reports. The actor said recently, "I took two years off as I was pregnant and then wanted to take some time off with my son. Two years are not done yet and I have signed onto two projects - one show and one film that I will start working on. It will release in another year, because that is how films work. Then my idea is to do two pieces of content every year, that's it, not more because I want to spend time with my family as well." (ANI)
Actor Richa Chadha has started shooting for her first international project titled 'Aaina' in London. As per a statement, 'Aaina' is an Indo-British project where Richa will be seen playing the lead character alongside 'Chronicles of Narnia' fame William Moseley. The movie is going to be a drama which is based on real-life events. Excited about the project, Richa in a statement said, "I had read a couple of scripts for international projects but nothing was fitting well. When Aaina came my way, I knew this was the one and now, as it is finally happening, I am extremely thrilled. The movie has a very interesting storyline. I have manifested a strong script for my international debut and Aaina was perfect for that. The film was completely shot in the UK and they have a very different working culture than ours. So, even with a good number of years of experience in the Indian movie industry, I felt like a fresher. 'Ainaa' is being helmed by director Markus Meedt, who makes his feature debut with the project. In the coming months, Richa will also be seen in 'Fukrey 3'. The film is all set to be released on December 1. She also has finished her other work commitment regarding the maiden project from her production house, Girls will be Girls. The movie, which is about a 16-year-old girl who shares a very difficult relationship with her mother, stars Malayalam cinema actor Kani Kusruti in the lead and also has debutant Preeti Panigrahi and Kesav Binoy Kiron in prominent roles. "'Girls will be Girls' is going to be a memorable film in my life because many firsts are attached to it. It is the first film from my production house and the first film after my wedding. This is the movie that helped me evolve as an actor as well as a producer. All the cast and crew were so used to working together that it felt more like a family and we are gonna miss that," Richa earlier said. Richa also has Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus Netflix series 'Heeramandi' in her kitty. (ANI)
The danger mark of the Yamuna River is at 205.33 meters.

On Monday the water level in Yamuna was at 206.56 metres.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, announcements were made by the administration to vacate low-lying areas near the floodplains.

The rise in water level yet again sparked concerns about the flood-like situation in the national capital and adjoining regions.

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.

This surge in Yamunas water level is primarily due to the discharge of water from the Hathnikund Barrage caused by heavy rainfall in some regions of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

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.

Due to the increase in the water level of the river, several places in Delhi grappled with water-logging and flood-like situations.

Meanwhile, Delhi Jal Board Vice-Chairman Saurabh Bhardwaj on Sunday inspected the Wazirabad Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and said that the Delhi government has made embankments and reinforcement at vulnerable spots to prevent flood water entering the water treatment plants.

Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Sunday and discussed with him the water level in the Yamuna River in the national capital (ANI)
Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria held a meeting with all the department heads of the Goalpara district and reviewed the various schemes undertaken in the area. During the meeting on Monday in which District Commissioner Khanindra Choudhury was also present, the Governor also reviewed the schemes of the Education Department. He took stock of Vidyanjali 2.0, and asked the department to encourage communities at large or individuals to adopt schools to contribute to the growth and development of educational institutions. Notably, Vidyanjali 2.0 allows one to connect with schools of one's choice to impart knowledge and skills to children. One can also contribute in the form of assets or equipment. The aim is to contribute to the growth of schools. The Governor also harped on the need to expedite the Adhar seeding of beneficiaries which would ensure that people avails the benefits of all government schemes. Governor Kataria inquired about the progress of the TB Mukt Abhiyaan, seeking an update on the status of the campaign aimed at eliminating tuberculosis from the state. He also took stock of the Anganwadi Centres and emphasized the need for smooth functioning of the institutions for the proper development of children. In the context of tourism, the Governor highlighted the vast potential of the district in attracting tourists from across the country. He emphasized the need of taking pragmatic steps to bolster the tourism industry and ensure the economic growth of the district. Moreover, the Governor also took stock of the law and order situation in the district. He also stressed the need to address POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act and drug-related cases strictly and efficiently. The Governor also interacted with the beneficiaries of various schemes in the district. He inquired about the outcomes of the schemes and said that government schemes are for everyone and therefore, stressed the comprehensive implementation of the scheme. The Governor encouraged beneficiaries to share their positive experiences with others, enabling people from cross-section of the society to take advantage of the government initiatives. (ANI)
Commissioner of Police Ajay Tomar said, "The Special Operation Group recieved information about a suspicious article lying on the Suvali beach under the Hazira police station. The SOG and the crime branch launched a joint operation and recovered the article."

"Further, after Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) tests, we found out that it was 'charas'. It weighed 9.59 kgs, priced at Rs 4,79,50,000 in the international market", added the Police Commissioner.

Further, CP Tomar added that an investigation is underway to find out how the charas reached the beach.

"An investigation is on to find out how the 'Charas' reached the beach. We have involved the central agencies and anti-terror squad", he added.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)
"The accused has surrendered before police. He confessed that he had committed the crime. Our investigation is on, Pushkin Jain, Superintendent of Police of Golaghat district told ANI over phone.

The accused was identified as Nazibur Rahman, police said.

The incident took place at Hindi School road of Goalghat town on Monday.

The victims were identified as Sanjib Ghosh, his wife Junu Ghosh, and the accused persons wife Sanghamitra Ghosh.

The accused along with his minor daughter surrendered before the police.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Police's Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) to monitor the probe of the murder of a man namely Gaurav Chauhan who was found dead in suspicious circumstances at his flat in Mayur Vihar in December 2020. His mother Vinita Chauhan has moved a plea seeking transfer of investigation to CBI or District Investigation Unit (DIU) or any similar agency to conduct a proper investigation into the murder case of her son. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma on Monday transferred the investigation to DIU. DCP has been directed to monitor the probe. With this direction, the Delhi High Court disposed of the petition. The petitioner, a resident of Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh moved a petition through advocate Raghav Narayan. It has been stated that on the morning of December 13, 2020, Gaurav was found dead under suspicious circumstances, in his room/ flat, in Mayur Vihar Phase 1, Chilla Village near Shiv Mandir, which was taken on rent by the deceased. The petitioner stated that when she had her relatives inquired about the death they were informed by one police officer that her son has died by hanging at the edge of the wall of the bathroom by tying the rope to a ventilator and he further told them the reason for alleged suicide was that her son had cheated some people and upon not being able to return their money, he died by suicide. The petitioner's counsel submitted that the deceased's room partner told them a story that a woman (who was the ex-wife of the deceased, after levelling false allegations of Rapeagainst him, married him and later took divorce from the deceased), some people had some financial dealing with the petitioner's son and they pressured him and hence he took his life. The room partner of Gaurav himself got a complaint typed and the Petitioners father-in-law believing in him signed the same and gave it to SHO Police station Mayur Vihar on December 28, 2020, the plea said. It is alleged that even upon that complaint no action was taken by the police officials, therefore Petitioner was constrained to file an application under sections 156(3) CrPC, before the court for registration of FIR. It is also alleged that despite the directions of the Metropolitan Magistrate (MM) which were given time and again, no proper investigation was ever done by the then Investigating Officer ASI Ved Prakash. The said improper investigation was noticed by the court in several orders. When Petitioner made inquiries from the landlord, landlady and neighbours she came to know that her son's room partner had lied to them about the reason for his death and when she confronted him he stopped talking to her and started changing his path when she used to call him. It is also alleged that the IO did not collect the Call Detail Records of the deceased's room partner. It is stated that the MM after considering the status report filed by the police, was of theview that there were many lacunae/discrepancies in the inquiry regarding the death of the deceased (Gaurav Chauhan), furthermore, there were glaring contradictions between the statements of Ankit Chauhan and there was overwriting in his statement also, the plea said. Thereafter the court on March 11 directed the SHO PS Mayur Vihar to register the FIR and investigate the matter, it added. It is contended that even after a lapse of more than three years, since the death of Petitioners son, no investigation at all has been done by the then IO or the present IO. (ANI)
A patwari tried to swallow the bribe amount of Rs 4500 after seeing the Lokayukta police team in Madhya Pradeshs Katni district, an official said. The incident occurred at Patwaris office located in the Bilhari area of the district on Monday. The patwari, Gajendra Singh had demanded a bribe of Rs 5000 from a complainant, Chandan Singh Lodhi, a resident of Barkheda in the district in connection with giving him a land document. Following this Lodhi lodged a complaint to the Lokayukta Police Jabalpur. Lokayukta Inspector Kamal Kant Uikey said, Complaint Lodhi had applied for the demarcation of his grandfather Puranlals land and its demarcation was done on July 5, 2023. The concerned Patwari Gajendra Singh was demanding a bribe of Rs 5000 in lieu of giving the report of that demarcation. After which the deal was finalised for Rs 4500. The accused patwari had called Lodhi with the amount to his office situated at Bilhari in the district on Monday. Lodhi handed over the bribe amount to the patwari and as soon as the patwari saw the trap team of Lokayukta arriving there, he kept the bribe currency notes into his mouth and tried to swallow them, Uikey said. After that the team caught Patwari and took him for a medical examination. Further investigation into the matter is underway, he added. (ANI)
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday held a meeting with all party leaders after the Lower House was adjourned for the fourth straight day in the ongoing Monsoon Session, amid uproar in the Opposition benches over the Manipur situation. The Speaker convened the meeting after the Lok Sabha was adjourned till 2 pm on Tuesday. Proceedings in the Lower House were suspended till 2 pm as the Opposition members continued to raise slogans demanding a discussion on Manipur and a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Opposition members erupted in protest in the Lok Sabha after Question Hour began. Speaker Birla urged the Opposition members to return to their seats, adding that they should allow the House as Question Hour helps in fixing theaccountability of the government. Amid Opposition members holding up placards and raising slogans, the Speaker said such protests weren't the solution to any problem and neither were they consistent with the parliamentary conventions and traditions. The Speaker's call to members to "maintain the dignity of the House", however, fell on deaf ears as the Opposition members persisted with their protests. The House was eventually adjourned till 2 pm. The Congress and the other Opposition parties have been demanding that the treasury benches set aside all other listed businesses and hold a discussion on the Manipur situation. They were also adamant that PM Modi issue a statement in the Lower House on Manipur. Both Houses have been seeing repeatedadjournments over Manipur since the beginning of the Monsoon Session on July 20. Earlier, on Tuesday, the Floor leaders of Opposition parties held a meeting to discuss their strategy to keep the up heat on the Centre in both Houses. The meeting was held at the office of the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress national president, Mallikarjun Kharge. (ANI)
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested three persons, including a Myanmar national, in connection with its ongoing investigation in the Mizoram explosives, arms and ammunition seizure case, the agency said on Tuesday. The arrested accused have been identified as J. Rohlupuia (55), Henry Siangnuna (48), and C Laldinsaga (43). They were arrested on Monday after an extensive search operation conducted by the agency. NIA said the accused will be produced before the Special NIA Court, Aizawl on Tuesday where the agency will seek their remand in the case. The trio were taken into custody by the NIA after raids at four locations in Mizoram, including two in the Champhai district and one each in Aizawl and Lawngtlai districts. The raids were conducted at the suspects' homes, linked with pilferage and transportation of explosives and arms from Mizoram to Myanmar. Several incriminating materials were seized during the raids.The case pertains to the seizure of two Pick-up trucks, laden with explosives and firearms, from Kulikawn Police Station, Aizawl, Mizoram by the Assam Rifles Naka team of 2nd Battalion Asam Rifles on May 1 last year. The consignment consisted of 223 boxes of 200 sticks each, gunpowder and weapons. "Investigations have revealed that Henry Siangnuna, a Myanmar national, in connivance with Rohlupuia had illegally purchased arms, by using the Arms Dealer license of Rohlupuia, which were further being transported across the border to Myanmar," said the NIA. During the search at his house, one smartphone with two SIM cards, one Airgun, two Compressed Air Cylinders, one Myanmar Entry/Exit document and an Aadhar Card were seized. In the course of the search at J Rohlupuias premises, one smartphone along with SIM cards and the original Arms License used for procuring Arms was seized."Investigations further revealed that Laldinsagas Explosive licence was used for procuring explosives, from an Explosives Suppliers firm at Guwahati, for onward supply to Myanmar. The entire consignment consisting of explosives and arms was caught at Kulikawn, Aizawl leading to investigations in the instant case," said the agency. NIA is continuing with its investigations to unravel further links of the accused in the arms and explosives smuggling racket, it added. (ANI)
Ruling out the possibility of forging a pact with Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of next year's Lok Sabha polls, the Janata Dal (Secular) chief HD Deve Gowda on Tuesday said that his party will go all alone into the polls. The former Prime Minister was addressing a press briefing here. Asserting that, the JD(S) will not come into an electoral tie-up in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Deve Gowda said, "JDS will never sink...We will fight for parliament elections independently and will not take any help from any party. Let me be very clear. There is no question of aligning with anybody, we will fight the battle independently on our own." Gowda's son and former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said last week his party would work together with the BJP against the Congress government on various issues, giving rise to speculations that the two parties joining hands for next year's polls. Earlier on Monday, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar alleged that the leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) together are planning to destabilise the Congress government in the state. Talking to the reporters here, Shivakumar alleged that the leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) andJanata Dal (Secular)have flown out to Singapore only to hatch a plan against the Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka. BJPand JD(S) leaders are trying to enter into a pact. They could not have a meeting in Bengaluru or in New Delhi and have now booked tickets to Singapore. Our enemies have become friends. I have information on people who have flown out (to Singapore) only to hatch a plan to destabilise theCongressgovernment in Karnataka, Shivakumar said. On Sunday, HD Kumaraswamy reportedly flew to Singapore for unknown reasons after conducting a press conference with the former State Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai. On Friday, former chief ministers Basavaraj Bommai and HD Kumaraswamy held a joint press conference in Bengaluru and announced that they will work together against theCongress-led government in the state on various issues. Both parties came along on the issue of deployment of the IAS officers at a hotel where the Opposition parties' meeting was held on July 18. BJPand JD (S) on Thursday submitted amemorandumto Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot requesting a probe into IAS officers' deployment. BJPleader Basavaraj Bommai and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy, along with MLAs of their respective parties met Governor Gehlot and handed over thememorandumto him. Questioning the style of governance in Karnataka, Opposition parties, theBJPand the JD(S), Wednesday slammed Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khaders decision to suspend 10BJPMLAs and accused theCongressgovernment of suppressing the Opposition for highlighting the mistakes of the government. MLAs were protesting at the well of the House against the state government for allegedly violating norms and deputing IAS officers to welcome leaders from various parties for the recently held meeting of Opposition parties in Bengaluru. (ANI)
Two people died after an explosion took place at a firecracker manufacturing factory at Sivakasi City in Virudhunagar district, police officials said on Tuesday. According to the police, two people were found dead after an explosion occurred at a firecracker manufacturing factory in the Sivakasi City of Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar district. The police officials reached the spot and are investigating the matter. A case will be filed into the matter, after further investigation. Further details into the matter are awaited. Earlier in an unrelated incident, a National Bomb Data Centre (NBDC) team on Sunday inspected the restaurant in Himachal Pradeshs Shimla where an explosion took place that left one person dead and nine others injured and collected the evidence. "On July 18, 2023, during evening hours, an explosion had occurred at an eatery located in Middle Bazar, Shimla. In this incident, one person had reportedly died and about 10-12 persons were injured," the police said. "National Bomb Data Centre (NBDC) team comprising of 14 men and 2 officers inspected the spot today on 23-07-2023 and collected the evidence from the scene of the incident. They also examined the evidence collected by the aforementioned SIT," the police said. Meanwhile, the team of NBDC also met and interacted with the injured persons in the hospital. They also discussed this matter with Dr Rajesh Kumar of SFSL, who had initially inspected the spot on the day of the blast. The examination of the NBDC team continues, the police said. Keeping in view the sensitivity of the case and to ensure a thorough and expeditious investigation, the Director General of Police, Himachal Pradesh has requested the Additional Secretary (CTCR) Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi to depute the Post Blast Investigation (PBI) Team of NSG to visit the place of incident to unearth the cause of the blast, it added. Moreover, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted for the investigation of this case and a forensic team of State FSL Shimla had also visited the spot. According to the police, on July 18 evening around 7.30 PM, there was a big blast in a restaurant just below Mall Road in Shimla. The National Bomb Data Centre (NBDC) was created in 1988 is the apex national agency for Post Blast Investigation (PBI) and works under the National Security Guards (NSG). (ANI)
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modis jibe at the newly-formed INDIA alliance of opposition parties and said he can call them by any name but they will help heal Manipur and rebuild the idea of India in the state which has seen ethnic violence. Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet that parties of INDIA will bring back love and peace to the people of Manipur. Call us whatever you want, Mr. Modi. We are INDIA. We will help heal Manipur and wipe the tears of every woman and child. We will bring back love and peace for all her people. We will rebuild the idea of India in Manipur, Gandhi said. The Congress leaders remarks came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a jibe at the emerging alliance of opposition parties in his remarks at the meeting of BJP Parliamentary Party on Tuesday. Twenty-six opposition parties including Congress, which met in Bengaluru earlier this month, decided to name their alliance INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance). BJP leader Ravi Shankar told the media after the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting that PM Modi had said in his remarks that something on face value could be different from something that is really true. PM Modi has said that Indian National Congress, East India Company was founded by a foreign national. Today people are using names like Indian Mujahideen and Indian People's Front. Something on face value could be different from something that is really true," Prasad said. We are proud of our PM. We are coming back to power in 2024, he added. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also reacted in the Rajya Sabha to PM Modi's remarks. "So many representatives are giving notices under 267 in Parliament. We are talking about Manipur. Manipur is burning but the Prime Minister is talking about East India Company," Kharge said. Sources said parties of INDIA are planning to move no-confidence motion against the BJP-led government in the Lok Sabha. They said that the floor leaders of Congress and other like-minded parties discussed the proposal to bring a no-confidence motion in their meeting held on Tuesday morning. (ANI)
Exchange ideas, sit together, and carry forward the legacy of Atal Ji and Advani Ji, are the messages given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to BJP's Parliamentary Party meeting to celebrate the 25th anniversary of National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Union Minister, Pralhad Joshi said on Tuesday. The Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister was addressing a press briefing in Parliament. He said that PM Modi had called for celebrating and taking forward the NDA with great will and confidence on the completion of its 25 years. The Union Minister said that the party's parliamentary meeting began with paying tributes to RSS ideologue Madan Das Devi, who passed away on Monday, and three late MPs including Girish Bapat, and Rattan Lal Kataria, who passed away earlier this year. "PM Modi said that it is the 25th year of NDA and that the alliance is the legacy of senior BJP leaders Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani. We have to celebrate it. The Prime Minister has also called for suggestions ranging from holding meetings to exchanging ideas to celebrate and take forward the NDA with great will and confidence," the Union Minister told reporters. He went on to add that Prime Minister Narendra Modi also exuded confidence that in the third term of BJP-led NDA at the Centre, the country will reach third rank among the largest economies. "When we came into power in 2014, we were in 10th rank, and in the second term we reached fifth rank, (today) PM Modi said that we will be the third largest economy during our third term," the Union Minister said. Responding to opposition parties' plan of bringing a no-confidence motion against the government during the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament, Joshi said, "During our first term also they (Opposition) brought a no-confidence motion against us and in 2019 our seats increased from 282 to 303. Let them bring a no-confidence motion this time also and we will win more than 350 seats." Meanwhile, PM Modi on Tuesday came down heavily on the Opposition over the continued disruptions and ruckus in Parliament over the Manipur issue, claiming that their conduct suggests that they have decided to remain in the Opposition. Addressing the BJP's Parliamentary Party meeting earlier on Tuesday, PM Modi said, "From the Opposition's conduct, it seems that they have decided to remain in the Opposition. We have to work in the interest of the public and move forward." He added that India's image has been elevated before the world and the BJP will keep putting in the hard yards in this direction. "Today, India's image before the world has improved significantly and we are committed to keep working in this direction," PM Modi added at the BJP meeting. He further said that the government, under his leadership, will work to make India a 'developed nation' by the end of the 'Amrit Kaal' 2047. "By 2047, we will make India a developed country," he said. Also lashing out at the Opposition, senior BJP leader and former Union minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad said the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was poised to return to power in2024. Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Prasad said, "We are well on course to return to power in 2024. The country has set high hopes on us and the Opposition alliance knows it is not coming to power. Thissad and tired Opposition will disintegrate further." The former Union minister informed further that PM Modi, during his address at the BJP meet, also took a dig at the Opposition over the name I.N.D.I.A. "PM Modi said like the East India Company, the Indian National Congress was also founded by a foreigner. He said even the Indian Mujahideen and People's Front of India (PFI) have the word India in them," Prasad, the former Law Minister, said.(ANI)
Amid the impasse in Parliament , Union Home Minister Amit has written letter to two opposition leaders in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha for debate on Manipur issue, saying the government is ready for a discussion and "seeks cooperation from all the parties, rising above party lines". The Home Minister, who informed about the letters while replying to debate on the Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022 in the Lok Sabha later informed about the letters in a tweet. The Home Minister said he had written to Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and to the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge. He reiterated that the government is ready for discussion on situation in Manipur. Today, I wrote to the opposition leaders of both houses, Shri @adhirrcinc Ji of Lok Sabha, and Shri @kharge Ji of Rajya Sabha, appealing to them for their invaluable cooperation in the discussion of the Manipur issue. The government is ready to discuss the issue of Manipur and seeks cooperation from all the parties, rising above party lines. I hope that all the parties will cooperate in resolving this important issue, Amit Shah said. He also attached copy of the letters with his tweet. The two Houses of Parliament have been facing adjournments since the beginning of the monsoon session on July 20 over opposition demand for a detailed discussion on the violence in Manipur and a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament. The minister said in Lok Sabha that he had urged the opposition leaders to create a conducive atmosphere for a discussion on this sensitive matter. I have written to the Leaders of Opposition in both Houses that the government is ready for a discussion on Manipur and urged them to create a conducive atmosphere for a discussion on this sensitive matter, he said. The Lok Sabha later passed the Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022 amid protests by opposition over their demands on Manipur violence. (ANI)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday ruled out any internal revolt among Ministers in the state and added that there would be a Legislative party meeting on Thursday. Speaking at the Hubli airport, Siddaramaiah said, "It has been only two months since the formation of the government. Minor upsets are normal. However, we are not upset enough to complain." He clarified that he had not received any complaints from MLAs. On the legislative party meeting, which has been scheduled for Thursday, the Chief Minister said, "MLAs are demanding to call the Legislative party meet. The meeting was supposed to be held last week. However, it had to be postponed due to the arrival of former AICC president Rahul Gandhi. I have called a legislative party meeting on Thursday." Siddaramaiah also rubbished claims allegedly made by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar about a plan in Singapore to destabilize the government. When questioned about his deputy's statement, he said, "Ask this question to DK Shivakumar". The reports of these "minor upsets" in the Karnataka cabinet come amid the surfacing of an alleged video of Senior Congress leader and MLC BK Hariprasad expressing outrage against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The video had gone viral on social media platforms. In the purported 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." "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. 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. (ANI)
Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO) of Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh is to promote organ donation and transplantation for needy patients to increase the potential pool of donors, the Central government told the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. Various steps including community connect sessions, capacity building sessions, stakeholder meets, advocacy meets, felicitation of donor families have been taken by ROTTO, said Deputy Health Minister Bharati Pravin Pawar in a written reply to a Rajya Sabha member. "ROTTO PGIMER is entrusted with the responsibility to coordinate with designated states and union territories including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and U.T. of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Chandigarh," said Pawar while replying to the query of Kartikeya Sharma. She also said that PGIMER Chandigarh is conducting research in various new domains including cancer diagnostic, neurological diseases with special emphasis on neuro-immunological disease, artificial intelligence and rare diseases linked to genetic disorders. To enhance outreach of health facilities, the Institute is giving special emphasis on tele-medicine through adoption of eSajeevani platform for the benefit of masses, said Pawar. "Tele-consultations are provided through Ayushman Bharat, Health and Wellness Centres in collaboration with National Health Mission, Haryana and more than 90,000 Tele consultations have been given," added the MoS, when asked about the new domains of research undertaken by the PGIMER Chandigarh in the last one year in view of the mandate given to it and the extent to which it will be beneficial for the masses. (ANI)
Delhi Revenue Minister Atishi announced financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh to the bereaved family of the victims who died in a building collapse at Punjabi Bagh, Arihant Nagar on Tuesday, a press release released by the Office of the Revenue Minister stated. The Revenue Minister announced that the Delhi Government will provide Rs 20 lakh as financial aid to the affected family in this unfortunate accident. She acknowledged that the amount cannot compensate for the loss the family has suffered, but it will help fulfill their immediate needs, the statement read. Atishi said, The family resided in the building, and today, they have suffered the painful loss of a mother and her child due to the balcony collapse. The Revenue Minister Atishi visited the accident site and met with the affected family. On behalf of the Delhi government, Minister Atishi announced financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh to the bereaved family, the release read. At the same time, Atishi directed officials to arrange for a safe place for the affected family and ensure their accommodation and food arrangements. She assured the family that the government is committed to fulfilling their needs during this time of grief, the press note read. In a tragic incident of the collapse of a building's part in Arihant Nagar, Punjabi Bagh, on Tuesday, two members of the caretaker's family lost their lives, the press note stated. Among the deceased were a 30-year-old woman and her child, it added. (ANI)
The state-of-the-art airborne platform would enhance the surveillance, targeting, and tracking capabilities and carry out precision targeting of enemy targets, the Indian Army said.

The iDEX initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2018 with an aim to achieve self-reliance and foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging industries, including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes, and academia.

The iDEX scheme has partnered with leading incubators in the country to provide handholding, technical support, and guidance to the winners of iDEX challenges.

The Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) is launched with Problem Statements (PS) from the Armed Forces and OFB/DPSUs for resolution by innovators. (ANI)
The five arrested include the Deputy Chief Engineer, West Central Railway, Habibganj, Bhopal; a Technician, Divisional Office, WCR, Bhopal; a Deputy General Manager (DGM) and Project Director, National Highways Authority of India and two private persons in a bribery case, CBI said in a statement.

The investigative agency also registered a case against the seven accused on July 23.

It was alleged that the accused demanded illegal gratification from the private contractor for settling the pending matters related to approval of the design, permission for beginning construction work and passing of due bills of the said contractor, CBI stated.

The accused allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 1 lakh.

"The five arrested persons are namely; Sanjay Kumar Nigam, Deputy Chief Engineer, West Central Railway, DRM Office Building, Habibganj, Bhopal; Rakesh Chowksey, Technician, Divisional Office, WCR, Bhopal; Ram Rao Dadhe, Deputy General Manager and Project Director, National Highways Authority of India and two private persons; Ram Sanjivan Pal, employee of M/s Shreeji Infrastructure India Pvt. Ltd. (Bribe Giver) and Narayan Das, employee of M/s Shreeji Infrastructure India Pvt. Ltd," the CBI said in a statement.

Further investigation is underway in the case. (ANI)
Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) has condemned theattack on Jamil Masih and his family. HRFP raised concern over their safety and called for bringing the perpetrators to justice. The attack on Jamil Masih aged 58 and his family took place in village Chak 269 of district Toba Tek Singh on May 2, Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) said in the press release. At the time of the attack, Jamil Masih was at the workplace doing labourer work. Notably, Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians are frequently attacked in Pakistan. It is frequently targeted through draconian blasphemy laws. State institutions officially reserve sanitation jobs for Christians. The FIR against the preparators was intentionally delayed and was not registered until May 8. Jamil Masih in the FIR stated that the perpetrators Muhammad Zeeshan, Muhammad Noman, Sami Ullah, and Muhammad Azhar with an unknown entered their home forcefully and subjected the family members to violence, HRFP said in the press release. While the perpetrators dragged females Nusrat Bibi and Rukhsana Bibi, they managed to escape. However, Jamil Masih's son, Umer Masih 19, was caught, according to an HRFP press release. The perpetrators took Umer Masih to their farmhouse and beat him up. The perpetrators pulled his hair out from his head and face to make him and his family feel ashamed in front of the villagers. Local residents Saleem Masih and Nabeel Masih witnessed the torture Umer Masih was facing and asked the reason for the violence. They requested the perpetrators to leaveUmer Masih before he died. The perpetrators alleged that Umer Masih had stolen fodder from their farms.The perpetrators let him go only on the condition that he has to tell and force his father,Jamil Masih to fulfil their demands. Both witnesses during a fact-finding visit to family on the site of the incident shared that the perpetrators while leaving Umer Masih used abusive language and derogatory words not only against Umer Masih and his family but also against Christians, according to HRFP press release. Jamil Masih visited the HRFP office and shared the details and reasons for the attacks onChristians. Masih spoke on who, how and why the perpetrators victimised them for some time. In an interview with HRFP, Masih further said that the perpetrators were supported by religious and political leaders as well. The case is in the proceedings of the district and session court of Toba Tek Singh. HRFP ensured the continuity of support to them. Naveed Walter, HRFP President, in the press release, urged to make sure of the protection of victims and bring the perpetrators to justice as none of the attackers has been arrested to date. Naveed Walter said that being influential, the police are not taking action against them. Walter further said that life threats to Jamil Masih, their family and local Christians are continued, and they are facing extreme life threats and discrimination. Moreover, the Lahore-based Sunni terror group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) earlier announced that it will attack Christians and churches in Pakistan in retaliation for the Quran-burning incident in Sweden last week. The group said it will also initiate suicide bombings targeting members of the minority in Pakistan. It added that it will work with like-minded terror groups in the region to attack the Christian community to avenge the Quran incident that took place in Sweden on Eid. (ANI)
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Asad Umar appeared before the Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) on Monday to record their statements in the investigation into cypher and audio leaks inquiries, Pakistan-based The Express Tribune reported. The two leaders were responding to summons issued by the Pakistan federal authority's anti-terrorism wing. An eight-member joint inquiry team led by Islamabad Zone Director Rana Jabbar and includes Grade-19 officers from three intelligence agencies, officers from different FIA departments, is carrying out the investigation, according to The Express Tribune report. Speaking to reporters after his appearance before FIA, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said he was present before the inquiry team for around two hours and responded to their questions. Qureshi said Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been summoned tomorrow and he will also appear, The Express Tribune reported. Qureshi stressed that the existence of the cypher is an undeniable fact. He said that different statements have been made regarding it. However, two sessions of the National Security Council were convened. One of the sessions was convened under Imran Khan as Pakistan's PM and another under the premiership of Shehbaz Sharif. He said that cypher during both sittings was acknowledged as a fact. The JIT is carrying out an investigation on the direction of the cabinet which alleges that former prime minister Imran Khan, his associates, and his former principal secretary prejudiced the national security and interest of the state by directly revealing classified informationa diplomatic cypherwithout proper authorization, The Express Tribune reported. It also accuses them of misuse and unauthorized retention of the cypher telegram. Ahead of a vote of no-trust that resulted in his ouster, then-Pakistan PM Imran Khan on March 27, 2022, pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and waved it at the crowd attending a massive public meeting in Islamabad. He called it as evidence of an international conspiracy being hatched to topple his government, The Express Tribune reported. On March 31, 2022, the former premier discussed the "threat letter" that purportedly showed evidence of a foreign conspiracy to oust his government. Then, in what appeared to be a slip of the tongue, he had named the United States as the country behind the threat. He alleged,"...the letter stated that the no-confidence motion was being tabled even before it was filed, which means the opposition was in contact with them." He said the memo was against him, not against the government. Imran Khan claimed it was an "official letter that was communicated to Pakistan's ambassador, who was taking notes during the meeting." On July 19, Pakistan's former PM Imran Khan's then-principal secretary Azam Khan allegedly testified before a magistrate, calling the US cypher a "conspiracy" used by PTI chairman "for creating a narrative against establishment and opposition." (ANI)
The United States has imposed sanctions on three Malian government and military officials, including Defence Minister, for "facilitating the deployment and expansion" of Russia's Wagner Group's activities in Mali. In a statement on Monday, the US Department of the Treasury said that it has imposed sanctions on three Malian transition government and military officials -- Colonel Sadio Camara (Defence Minister of Mali), Colonel Alou Boi Diarra (Malis Chief of Staff of the Air Force) and Lieutenant Colonel Adama Bagayoko (Malian Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff)-- for facilitating the deployment and expansion of the Wagner Group's activities in Mali. It further stated that this development is based on evidence showing that these Malian officials have contributed to the Wagner Groups malicious activities in Mali. Todays action exposes the principal Malian officials who have been instrumental in facilitating the Wagner Groups entrenchment in Mali over the past two years, said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E Nelson. He further stated, These officials have made their people vulnerable to the Wagner Groups destabilizing activities and human rights abuses while paving the way for the exploitation of their countrys sovereign resources to the benefit of the Wagner Groups operations in Ukraine. Mali's Defence Minister Colonel Camara made several trips to Russia in 2021 to solidify an agreement between the Wagner Group and the Malian transition government to deploy the mercenary force to the West African country, the statement read. While, Colonel Diarra in his previous role as Air Logistics Chief, significantly contributed to the logistical movement of Russian entities in Mali. The statement further read, "Together, Camara and Diarra formulated and executed the plan that ultimately ushered the Wagner Group into Mali. On several occasions, Diarra accompanied Camara on trips to Russia to cement the deployment agreement between the Wagner Group and the Malian transition government." Lieutenant Colonel Bagayoko, serves as an advocate for the Wagner Group to the Burkinabe transition government, working to secure the Wagner Groups deployment to Burkina Faso. In June, the United States said it was concerned about the Wagner Group's destabilizing activities in Africa and accused the leader of the mercenary force of helping to engineer the departure of UN peacekeepers from Mali. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters last month that the US has information indicating Mali's transition government has paid more than USD 200 million to Wagner since late 2021. However, the US assured that as the largest bilateral donor of development and humanitarian assistance to Mali, Washington will continue to support the Malian people in their pursuit of peace, prosperity, and democracy, according to the statement. (ANI)
Geneva [Switzerland], July 25 (ANI/WAM): The General Council of the WTO elected Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, as Chair of the World Trade Organisations 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) yesterday. The Ministerial Conference, attended by leading representatives from the 164 countries and customs blocs that make up the WTO, will take place in Abu Dhabi in February 2024. MC13 comes at a critical time for world trade, and the conference will build on the outcomes of MC12, review the performance of the multilateral trading system, make decisions on the future work of the WTO, and set up the roadmap for MC14. This is a pivotal moment for world trade, commented Al Zeyoudi. "As a Ministerial Conference, we have to tackle pressing issues and challenges, consider all the forces shaping the future of trade and come up with clear solutions, and challenge ourselves to take actionable decisions that move the needle on making trade more efficient, inclusive and sustainable. "At the heart of all of this is the need to modernise trade and embed technology across supply chains, and we look forward to working closely with all the members of the WTO to make real progress at MC13. Our goal must be driving forward momentum for more change at the conference in Abu Dhabi next year, but also in the years to come, and I have the utmost confidence in our collective ability to make this happen." The announcement was made during the WTO General Council in Geneva, Switzerland, where he met with the WTO Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. During their meeting, they discussed the preparations for MC13, in addition to the landmark inclusion of trade as a thematic day at COP28, which is set to take place in Dubai later this year. Thani delivered his first address as Chair at the General Council, where he stressed the importance of building resilient trade frameworks to tackle todays challenging landscape. In his address, he called for focused and decisive deliberations amongst WTO members ahead of MC13, and commented, Trade policy extends far beyond the scope of trade itself; it is about shaping our common future. It is our collective responsibility to contribute to a predictable, rules-based, and open trade and investment environment that creates prosperity for all and this is precisely why the success of MC13 is so imperative. (ANI/WAM)
Large wargames between the USA, Australia and eleven partner nations kicked off on July 21, the largest ever in the history of Exercise Talisman Sabre. It was little surprise that the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) was not invited to participate, but China nonetheless played a central role in the exercise. Colonel Ben McLennan, Commander of the Australian Armys Combat Training Centre based in Townsville, told reporters, This activity thats occurring here is just the richest, most immersive and most realistic, no-consequence training environment that we can possibly create. Were calling it the Olympics of wargames because its the biggest, most ambitious Talisman Sabre ever. The exercises land component centred near Townsville involves 10,000 soldiers, whereas the whole exercise enlists more than 30,000 troops. Col McLennan said one key objective of the exercise was to act as a demonstration. I mean, I dont know how more tangible you need to get of manifesting resolve amongst like-minded nations, or willingness to work together This activity is a demonstration of our combined commitment to a peaceful, prosperous region, globe. And that demonstration will resonate in Australia, throughout our region and across the world. So thats what this activity is about. Without directly naming China as the audience for this military exercise, he reaffirmed that it is a demonstrative activity. In the scenario, Australia, the USA and allies were fighting against a doctrinal enemy that has comprehensive overmatch in areas such as electronic warfare, cyberwarfare and long-range fires. In other words, the red force was using the tactics of a powerful unnamed nation. In an exercise scenario, Col McLellan said the participants get to practice against an enemy that can outmatch them readily, can outperform them, can outthink them. But how many peer adversaries does the USA have? It is really only Russia and China. The fictional enemy became even more apparent in the props and mock-ups of enemy vehicles used in the wargames. These very accurately resembled PLA armoured vehicles and their camouflage schemes. So, the message put out by these partners was subtle yet definite. They view China as a pacing threat, and their militaries are rehearsing how to counter PLA aggression. Indeed, the scenario, types of activities and highly integrated organization of combat teams all reflected situations applicable to the Indo-Pacific region, and lessons that have been gleaned from combat in Ukraine. One example of this was the US emphasis on maritime operations, such as bringing in supplies by sea and conducting amphibious assaults. This is what it would do in any contingency involving Taiwan, for instance. Apart from the key Australian and American partners, forces from Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Korea, Tonga and the UK were participating. In addition, personnel from India, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand attended as observers. China was clearly interested in the exercise, for the PLA Navy (PLAN) sent a Type 815 spy ship to monitor these advanced war games taking place on land, in the air and in waters around Australia. China is well within its rights to send spy ships. Indeed, it does so every two years to monitor Talisman Sabre, just as it does at the multinational RIMPAC naval exercise in Hawaii. The sharp difference is that while China fully exercises internationally recognized rights to operate in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Australia, Beijing simultaneously screams blue murder when foreign warships pass through the international waters of the Taiwan Strait or South China Sea. China unilaterally without the backing of any international regulation claims these waters as its own. Lt Gen Greg Bilton, Chief of Joint Operations in the Australian Defence Force, told the media that he had dispatched a P-8 on the morning of 20 July to locate the Auxiliary, General Intelligence (AGI) vessel. We hailed the AGI, and we got a courteous response, as youd expect from normal interaction in international waters. And we know it continues to transit towards this part of the coastline, and it will stay outside of our contiguous zone so 24 nautical miles beyond [the coast]. Thats consistent with international law. He noted that Chinese behaviours on previous exercises have been consistent, And I dont expect that to change. Lt Gen Bilton said the Chinese had come down through the Coral Sea, and he expected the vessel to operate somewhere in the vicinity of the Queensland coast, maybe as far south as Shoalwater Bay. So, I think its going to stay in the region to observe the activities were doing on the east coast. While most interactions between the Chinese military and others are done professionally at sea and in the air, there is an increasingly entrenched pattern of poor behaviour in zones that China illegally lays claim to, such as in the South China Sea. The Chinese military, as does the China Coast Guard, can act aggressively and dangerously against foreign vessels. For example, a PLAN destroyer cut across the bows of the American destroyer USS Chung-Hoon during a transit of the Taiwan Strait in early June. The US Indo-Pacific Command said the Chinese warships closest point of approach was 150 yards and its actions violated the maritime rules of the road of safe passage in international waters. Chinas response was to rebuke the USA and Canada for deliberately provoking risk. Earlier, on May 26, a Chinese fighter carried out what the USA described as an unnecessarily aggressive manoeuvre near an American aircraft over the South China Sea. There have also been incidents of Chinese warships or vessels of the Peoples Armed Forces Maritime Militia shining lasers at aircraft cockpits. In other words, the Chinese is deliberately provoking and acting in an unprofessional manner. ANI asked the Australian general whether the ships presence would constrain the multilateral exercise. No. So, theyll passively collect and well adjust. There are some things we dont necessarily want to give away, and we have methods of being able to employ our forces without giving those, I guess, more sensitive aspects of our training away. It is obvious that Chairman Xi Jinping has encouraged the PLA to be more aggressive in all realms. Whether this is along the mountainous border of India where China has made territorial moves that caused bloody violence to disputed waters in the South China Sea, China is flexing its muscles. Taiwan is bearing the brunt of Chinese coercion. On July 13, for example, 33 PLA aircraft and nine PLAN vessels were detected by the Taiwanese military. Of the aircraft, 24 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait or entered Taiwans southwest and southeast air defence identification zone. China has created a new norm, a new baseline, for aggressive flight paths and ship passages. These are designed specifically to cow Taiwan, and they reflect the ethos of an ultra-aggressive PLA. This is the reality that the world now has to face. The PLA will not back down, for it has the full support of Xi to extend Chinese territory and influence. What is worse is that China hypocritically blames others for stoking tensions, when it is the true culprit. This is cause for grave concern since the risk of accidents or miscalculations is growing. There are reasons why collision regulations at sea exist, and if Chinese warships deliberately flaunt and break them, the danger of an accident grows. Consider too that many Chinese crews are not greatly experienced, as the number of modern warships has expanded greatly and many sailors, and even officers, are relatively inexperienced. As another example of its brazen behaviour, China broke the rules by sending high-altitude surveillance balloons crisscrossing all parts of the globe to gather intelligence data. Beijing vehemently denied culpability, despite a mountain of evidence against it. Not only that, but China has held the USA hostage, refusing to answer military hotlines and demanding that American behaviour change. This is gross hypocrisy, yet it all comes from the Chinese playbook. The American-manufactured High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is playing a key part in Exercise Talisman Sabre. On June 22, several American HIMARS fired live rockets, and scheduled later in the exercise is a HIRAIN activity. HIRAIN stands for HIMARS Rapid Infiltration, a tactic where C-130 Hercules aircraft land a couple of HIMARS launchers in an austere location, where they disembark, fire long-range rockets, reembark and then fly off. The aim is to make it difficult for a hostile power like China to target American assets. HIRAIN could be used on land links in the so-called First Island Chain a geographic string of islands that stretches from mainland Japan through Taiwan and the Philippines all the way down towards Singapore. By deploying HIMARS, which currently has a 300km firing range, at strategic locations close to maritime chokepoints, the USA could constrain the PLANs ability to advance into the Western Pacific. Significantly, Taiwan has ordered HIMARS from the USA, though it will not receive them until 2026. Sited on Taiwans western plains and mountain foothills, HIMARS could target Chinese landing beaches. Furthermore, if Taiwan obtains the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), still under development by the USA and destined for HIMARS, it would have the potential to target Chinese landing zones, ships and even as far as 300km inland from Chinas own coast. That means Taiwan could hit Chinese command-and-control nodes as well as embarkation areas, a genuine fear for the PLA. HIMARS, therefore, has a deterrence effect to dissuade China from invading Taiwan. Yet China is not one to give up its dreams of conquering the democratic nation. The PLA is carefully watching how HIMARS is performing in Ukraine against Russia, and it is exploring ways to neutralize it. Indeed, a military-affiliated periodical of a research arm of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation recently carried an article entitled Countering HIMARS. The article offered praise. The HIMARS imported from the US frequently attacked ammunition depots, logistics centres and command posts in the Russian rear, and have had a definite impact on the battlefield situation. While wary of HIMARS, the article discussed ways in which the PLA can counter it. To destroy HIMARS, active attacks are one method. Air supremacy is to be promptly established and based on the strategy of active attack; we will strike them with multiple rounds of firepower. One thing China noted from Russias failure in Ukraine is the importance of establishing air supremacy. This also helps explain all the PLA aircraft activity around Taiwan on a daily basis, as the military rehearses air operations. Observation and perception of the battlefield situation are crucial. It is necessary to first achieve air supremacy, prioritize obtaining intelligence and rely on information superiority to support an active mode of combat so that the opponent will fall into a passive position, the article asserted. The PLA would also deploy large numbers of drones and loitering munitions. These can detect HIMARS and either launch their own attacks or provide targeting information to fighter bombers. Taiwan is just one-seventeenth the size of Ukraine, and China has doubtlessly mapped the whole island; this reduces the manoeuvre and hiding spaces of Taiwanese HIMARS. The Chinese article also advocated active defence, including jamming guided munitions and enhancing our air defence capabilities, to achieve the effective intercept of guided munitions. It continued: Methods can be adapted to interfere with local information detection, acquisition, decision-making and other processes, or [China could] directly destroy enemy observation equipment, causing HIMARS to lose accurate targeting information. The USA is presumed to be supplying targeting information to Ukraine, and it would likely do the same for Taiwan in any conflict with China. The precise targeting information provided by the US may also become an important crutch for the Taiwan military. However, Chinese analysts are expressing confidence that the PLA will be able to counter HIMARS. The USA and its allies were slow to wake up to the military threat posed by China, but as Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 demonstrates, it is attempting to make up for lost time. Simultaneously, the scope and breadth of the exercises from July 21 to August 4 show the common goal of banding together against aggression and preserving the rules-based order. (ANI)
United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry is slated to arrive on a five-day visit to India beginning Tuesday, days after returning from China. During his visit Kerry will visit Chennai and Delhi, the US State Department said. In India, Kerry will attend the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministers (ECSM) Meeting in Chennai to be held on July 28, the US Department of State said in a statement. In Delhi, Kerry will meet with senior government officials to advance shared objectives on renewable and clean energy, and climate, the statement read. "Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will travel to New Delhi and Chennai, India, July 2529, to advance shared objectives on climate and clean energy, including mutual efforts to build a platform for investments in renewable energy and storage solutions, support the deployment of zero-emission buses, and diversify clean energy supply chains," the US State Department said. The third Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting was also under Indias G20 Presidency on May 21. The three-day meeting witnessed the participation of 141 delegates from G20 countries and 10 invitee countries. The representatives of 14 international and regional organisations also attended deliberations.. The three priories outlined for the ECSWG were arresting land degradation, promoting a circular economy and giving impetus to the blue economy. All meetings focused on a specific theme out of these three themes. The third ECSWG focussed on Blue Economy and was supported by two side events Mega Beach Clean Up Event and the Ocean 20 Dialogue on Day 1 of the meeting. The primary agenda of the 3rd ECSWG meeting was the detailed discussions on the draft Ministerial Communique which entailed constructive discussions and deliberations on priority areas. The meeting ended in a discussion mode on the Communique, to be further deliberated upon and refined in the virtual meetings scheduled over the next few weeks, as a run-up to the 4th and final ECSWG meeting to be held in Chennai from July 26- 27. The fourth and final ECSWG meeting would be followed by the ECSM meeting on July 28, which John Kerry would attend. Previously, emphasising on India's climate commitments, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the country has shown leadership in climate action and achieved its non-fossil installed electric capacity target nine years in advance. In a video message to the G20 Energy Ministerial Meeting in Goa on Saturday, the Prime Minister said India now plans to achieve 50 percent non-fossil installed capacity by the year 2030. No talk about the future, sustainability or growth and development can be complete without energy. It impacts development at all levels, from individuals to nations, the Prime Minister said at the meeting that brought together ministers from the countries in the G20 grouping. He pointed out that India is among the global leaders in solar and wind power and is making great efforts in green growth and energy transition. Earlier, US climate envoyJohn Kerryended his four-day visit toChinaon July 19 without anynew agreements. In fact, the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, insisted in a speech thatChinawould pursue its goals to phase out carbon dioxide pollution at its own pace and in its own way. Still, Kerry appeared buoyed that the worlds two biggest polluters had restarted discussions, which had been frozen for a year because of strained relations over Taiwan, trade and other issues. He insisted he was not disappointed in the outcome, noting that just talking marked progress, according to the Washington Post. We had very frank conversations but we came here to break new ground, Kerry said, adding, It is clear that we are going to need a little more work. (ANI)
The Punjab government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with British Council Education India Pvt Limited (BCEIPL) on Monday to expand employment opportunities for the youth, reported Khalsa Vox. The MoU was officially signed by the Director of Higher Education Amarpal Singh on behalf of the Punjab Government, and Managing Director of BCEIPL Duncan Wilson. According to Khalsa Vox, the signing ceremony was graced by the presence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Education Minister Harjot Singh, and the British Deputy High Commissioner, Chandigarh, Caroline Rowett. Following that,Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his optimism and highlighted the potential of MoU to open new directions for employment and skills enhancement for the youth. Moreover, under the partnership, they will launch a specialized training course English for Work for students of government colleges under the Higher Education Department. The training program aims to upskill the employability of young individuals, making them more competitive in the job market, reported Khalsa Vox. The English for Work course will be offered online and will have a flipped classroom approach. It will further aim to blend the flexibility of self-study with interactive live classes. Moreover, the course will benefit from both pre and post-assessment tests to track their progress throughout the course. The participants will receive a recognized certificate after successful completion of the course which can be added to their credentials. In the beginning of this course, around 5,000 students from government colleges will be offeredthe opportunity to undergo comprehensive training starting from this academic session. Later, the Chief Minister expressed his hope and added that such strategic steps would contribute to reverse the brain drain phenomenon from the state, ensuring that talented individuals can find meaningful employment opportunities locally, according to Khalsa Vox. The partnership between the Punjab government and BCEIPL will empower the youth, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge and hence providing them a brighter future. With this partnership, Punjab stands poised to create a thriving workforce ready to take on the challenges of the ever-evolving global job market, Khalsa Vox reported. (ANI)
US Department of State Secretary Antony Blinken and Pakistan Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had a telephonic conversation on Tuesday, with the former stressing that democratic principles and respect for the rule of law are at the centre of the US-Pakistan relationship and these values should continue. "Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke by phone with Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to reaffirm a productive US-Pakistan partnership," State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a press release. Secretary Blinken stressed that democratic principles and respect for the rule of law are central to the US-Pakistan relationship and these values will continue to guide this partnership forward, the State Department release said. The democratic values of Pakistan and the condition of the minorities have been a matter of concern as the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also had to step in and launch a fact-finding report on human rights violations, enforced disappearances, economic exclusion, and curbs on press freedom in Balochistan, ARY News reported last week. The fact-finding expedition that was carried out in October 2022, the report notes with concern the states widespread use of enforced disappearances to muzzle dissent, and the extensive presence of paramilitary check-posts, which citizens say has cultivated a climate of fear, particularly in Makran, ARY News reported. The US Secretary said Pakistani people have suffered tremendously from terrorist attacks and affirmed the US commitment to continued partnership with Pakistan on counterterrorism. Secretary Blinken underscored the US' steadfast commitment to the people of Pakistan, highlighting that the economic success of Pakistan remains a top priority for the United States. The Secretary noted that the US will continue to engage with Pakistan through technical and development initiatives and through our robust trade and investment ties. He also welcomed the International Monetary Funds approval of a program to support Pakistan and encouraged continued reforms to promote economic recovery and prosperity. The Secretary and Foreign Minister also discussed the destabilizing effects of Russias war against Ukraine as well as the United States and Pakistans shared interest in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. (ANI)
An official from the Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) was detained by Punjab Police in Pakistan on suspicion of drug abuse. The chief of security at the university was held the day before the arrest for reportedly having crystal meth and offensive recordings and pictures of IUB students and employees, according to a Dawn report. A special report by police claimed that a group of teachers at the university was involved in the sale of drugs and sexual exploitation of female students and teachers, according to Dawn. City Circle police detained the IUB transport in charge and allegedly recovered eight grams of meth from his possession, the report stated quoting an FIR. Police said they have registered a case under Section 9(2)1 of the Control of Narcotic Substances Act 1997 and an investigation is underway, Dawn reported. On June 28, Baghdad-ul-Jadid police arrested the IUB treasurer at a picket claiming to have recovered meth and aphrodisiacs from him. A case was registered in the matter, according to the report. Similarly, the police detained the universitys security chief on Friday and recovered sexually explicit content from his phone, as well as several aphrodisiac pills and drugs from his possession, Dawn reported. The Dawn is a Pakistan-based English daily. In a special report, police claimed that the two officials held on drug charges were also involved in blackmail and sexual exploitation of students and teachers in the varsity. The report claimed the treasurer confessed that he along with a group of other teachers would purchase and distribute drugs through students and arrange dance/sex parties. The police revealed that the group of teachers would exploit/blackmail girls and intoxicate them using drugs and he was carrying out these activities with the help of the IUB security in-charge, Dawn reported. The police intercepted the security chief at a picket at Baghdadul Jadid Morr and recovered 10 grams of ice and five aphrodisiac pills from his pocket and registered a case under Section 9(2)1 of the Control of Narcotics Substance Act, 1997. The report stated that the suspect disclosed that some teachers were involved with him in the buying, selling, sharing and using these drugs and they would also organise parties in and outside the campus with students and female staff, the Dawn reported. After an analysis of his mobile phone, the investigating team also tracked some students for supplying and buying drugs. The investigation revealed that 11 students enrolled in the university had criminal records and were involved in drug peddling. The investigation report also contained screenshots of objectionable pictures of the women and communication regarding the sale and purchase of drugs. In a letter to the IGP, the IUB legal adviser asked the police chief to revamp the investigating team. He said one individual was a witness in both FIRs registered at the Baghdadul Jadid police station, Bahawalpur, maintaining that the said official was allegedly involved in narcotics cases and was on judicial remand, Dawn reported. He also asked the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court to order a judicial inquiry because the proceedings were against the university. Meanwhile, the South Punjab Higher Education Department (HED) constituted a committee to probe the case registered against the chief security officer for allegedly carrying/using the contraband substance and purported recovery of objectionable material from his cell phone, according to a report. The secretary sought the report before Wednesday. The committee members include IUB Faculty of Engineering Dean Muhammad Amjad, IUB Institute of Physics Director Saeed Buzdar, IUB additional Registrar Bilal Arshad, and any other member, Dawn reported. The committee's mandate is to conduct a comprehensive inquiry and examine all relevant evidence, including any available digital or physical evidence, testimonies, and other pertinent information. (ANI)
Japan's Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa is set to visit India from July 27-28, according to Japan Embassy in India. Yoshimasa will travel to India as part of his vist to Southwest Asia and Africa to bolster relations with group of nations known as the Global South, NHK World-Japan reported. Speaking to reporters in Tokyo on Tuesday, Yoshimasa said he will visit India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, South Africa, Uganda and Ethiopia through August 4. During his visit, he plans to hold meeting with foreign ministers of those countries and other senior officials, according to NHK World-Japan report. Yoshimasa highlighted the importance of listening to the views of the Global South and responding to the needs of the group. Hayashi had visited Delhi in March this year to attend the Quad Foreign Ministers meeting. Yoshimasa's visit is part of a push to realize Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's "free and open Indo-Pacific" and maintain the international order based on the rule of law, NHK World-Japan reported. Speaking in Delhi in March this year, Kishida had emphasised that India is indispensable in Tokyos plan for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. Earlier this May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the full range of relations between India and Japan during his bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida in Hiroshima. The two leaders also discussed the focus areas of India's G20 Presidency and Japan's G7 Presidency towards making the planet better. The two leaders also discussed deepening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, according to the statement. The leaders agreed on ways to further strengthen the bilateral Special Strategic and Global Partnership. PM Modi tweeted, "Had an excellent meeting with PM @kishida230this morning. We reviewed the full range of India-Japan relations and also discussed the focus areas of Indias G-20 Presidency and Japans G-7 Presidency towards making our planet better." India and Japan established diplomatic relations in 1952. India, Japan, Australia, US are part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD), commonly known as the Quad. (ANI)
The government informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that projected population of India on July 1 this year is less than that of China. Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said in a written reply that as per United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the total projected population of China at the beginning of this month was about 142 crore. He said by another estimate India's population is projected at 139 crore . "As per United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division online publication, World Population Prospectus 2022, the total projected population of China as on July 1, 2023 is 142,56,71,000. The projected population of India as on July 1, 2023, as per Report of the Technical Group on Population Projections published by National Commission on Population, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, is 139,23,29,000," he said. Responding to a question whether the government proposes to conduct census and the time frame, the minister said that the intent of the Government for conducting Census 2021 was notified in Gazette of India on March 28, 2019. Due to outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the Census 2021 and the related field activities have been postponed," he said. UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) had said in April this year China will soon cede its long-held status as the worlds most populous country. By the end of this month, Indias population is expected to reach 1,425,775,850 people, it had said in a tweet. (ANI)
An anti-terrorism court initiated the process of declaring 21 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) leaders) including Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan sisters of Imran Khan as absconders for their "failure" to cooperate with the investigation in the May 9 violence, The News International reported on Tuesday. Informing the court, the police alleged that despite being aware of their involvement in the cases, the PTI leaders did not comply with the investigation and are currently in hiding. The police pleaded with the court to declare them absconders. Subsequently, the court, upon considering the police's request, commenced the process to declare Aleema Khan, Aslam Iqbal, Hammad Azhar, Farrukh Habib, Murad Saeed, Zubair Niazi, Hassaan Niazi, Ali Amin Gandapur, Azam Swati, Andleeb Abbas, Uzma Khan, and others as 'absconders', The News International reported. Meanwhile, the court extended the judicial remand of PTI leaders, including Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhary, and former Governor of Punjab, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, as the police had failed to submit the challan against them. The court instructed the police to submit the challan in the next hearing while further extending the judicial remand of the aforementioned PTI leaders, The News International reported. On May 9, this year, former PM and PTI Chairman Imran Khan was arrested from inside the High Court in Islamabad by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on the charges of corruption in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust, which he owns alongside his wife, Bushra Bibi. Following Khan's arrest, his party called for demonstrations, which turned violent at many places. The administration resorted to a crackdown and many arrests were made across the country. The people accused in the May 9 violence are being tried at military courts. (ANI)
A former White House employee and former United States President Barack Obamas personal chef was found dead in a pond near Obamas family home on Monday, CNN reported quoting Massachusetts police. 45-year-old Tafari Campbell, was employed by former President Obama and was visiting Marthas Vineyard at the time of his passing, said a release from Massachusetts State Police. Campbell was reportedly missing from early Sunday evening after he went paddleboarding, said the police. He went into the water, appeared to briefly struggle to stay on the surface, and then submerged and did not resurface, the news release added, as per CNN. According to the release, another paddleboarder who was on the pond with him at the time saw him go under the water. The police news release also said that Campbell's body was fished out of the Edgartown Great Pond before 10 am on Monday by Massachusetts Environmental Police officers. His body was found by divers from the department's underwater recovery team about 100 feet from the coast at a depth of around 8 feet after police located him using a side-scan sonar from a boat. Barack and Michelle Obama claimed in a joint statement released to CNN that they first met Campbell while he was a sous chef at the White House. He kept working for the couple even after Obama's eight-year presidency. Tafari was a beloved part of our family, said the Obamas in their statement, adding, When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together. In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter. Thats why, when we were getting ready to leave the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed. Hes been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that hes gone, the statement continued. Today we join everyone who knew and loved Tafari especially his wife Sherise and their twin boys, Xavier and Savin in grieving the loss of a truly wonderful man. According to police, the Obamas were not home at the time of the incident. Campbell's death is being looked into by the Edgartown Police Department and the State Police Detective Unit for the Cape and Islands District, according to state police, CNN reported. (ANI)
Taking home the only signed receipt is a big problem for restaurants and bars, but signing a customer copy over a merchant copy is likely not going to matter.

Taking home the only signed receipt is a big problem for restaurants and bars, but signing a customer copy over a merchant copy is likely not going to matter.

If you have ever dined out, you know the drill. After your delicious drink or meal, youre likely going to get two receipts of your bill from your server: a merchant and a customer copy.

Sometimes, a merchant copy will be the only receipt with a line for a signature, but often there is no distinct difference in the agreements between the two versions.

So what happens if you accidentally sign the customer copy instead of the restaurant copy? Restaurant workers and fraud experts weighed in.

Signing the customer copy over the merchant copy likely is not going to matter.

Alicia Perry, a San Diego-based beverage director, said it can depend on the exact policies of the restaurant or establishment, from what shes experienced in the industry.

Its not something that we traditionally worry about or are concerned about, just as long as theres a signed copy, she said. So that way, we can ensure that whoever chooses or hopes to dispute it, that theyve essentially signed whatever they have marked on that side of the receipt.

Gabriella Zottola, a Waltham, Massachusetts-based restaurant manager, agreed and said that leaving behind a signed customer copy is not a big deal. As long as the tip is clearly written on it, were good! she said. Zottola noted that if a customer copy is left behind, her practice is to toss them.

Perry echoed this sentiment, saying, If the guest isnt there, then we just throw [the customer copy] away to make sure that its not tampered with.

As technology makes paper receipts increasingly obsolete, consider that this is less of an issue nowadays.

Perry said that whether or not you sign the merchant copy is largely a moot point because of digital payments like Toast; however, its totally fine to sign the customer copy. Nothing will happen.

The one thing you should check? Whether youre accidentally taking home the only signed receipt.

Bill Whitlow, a Covington, Kentucky-based restaurant operator, said that a bigger issue is when a customer signs the merchant copy and then accidentally takes it home, so that all that is left behind is a blank customer copy. The restaurants are then left to figure out what the tip was meant to be.

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In these scenarios, what happens next depends on the restaurants policy. Whitlow said in the restaurants he was raised in, staffers would work off of the indentation of the tip left behind if it was clearly visible.

Ninety-nine percent of the time the copies are on top of each other. So you could clearly see the [indentation] of what they wrote on the other stack. And youd go with that, he said.

But in some cases, restaurant staffers can be left with no tip at all if its not written down on a receipt. Whitlow recalled that when he worked at a restaurant in Miamis South Beach, if the customer had taken the wrong copy, I wasnt going to get tipped on [a] South Beach $200-$300 check ... I definitely ran a few people down.

For Perry, the signature is key. She said that if a patron fills out a tip for a guest copy of the receipt, but then doesnt sign it, it can leave some staffers in restaurants out of a tip.

In some places shes worked at, I wouldnt be able to enter that information, she said. I cant really process a tip. Of course, I can process payment.

If you want to be a smart consumer, keep your customer copy.

Even though it may not matter for getting charged, you should still take home customer copies of receipts.

Amy Nofziger, director of victim support at AARP Fraud Watch Network, said that in general, for any clothing, grocery store or restaurant purchase, its a good practice to keep your receipts until the charge processes on your credit card. That way, you can validate that what you think you were charged is what was actually charged to your credit card. And then once you see that it is matching up, then you can dispose of that receipt, she said.

Nofziger recalled how having the customer copy of a bill has helped her dispute an incorrect tip amount. Without the customer copy, you can dispute the incorrect charge, but again, having that copy, I think is just more proof, she said.

Nofziger also recommends knowing your last few credit card numbers, so that you can quickly notice if information is not lining up.

We need to get into the habit of looking to see where our personal information is, she said. If you do look at a receipt, there usually will be the last four digits of your credit card number and then everything else is etched out.

Whitlow said that if you do see a discrepancy, you should try calling the restaurant first to get it fixed, because it can be costly for restaurants.

If you see something wrong on your credit card statement ... its probably just a legitimate mistake, he advised. Weve had a problem where like someone would say had a $100 check, and they put a $25 tip, and somebody accidentally put that as a $35 tip.

And instead of calling the restaurant to have it fixed ... they dispute it, he continued.

Whitlow said that this can result in having the bank charge back the entire amount, along with a fee, instead of just the tip amount. The restaurant loses the tip that they already gave the server, the whole check, and also has to pay us like a $35 fee for a chargeback, he said.

And if you want to be a good customer, check your math, restaurant workers advised.

Whitlow said that its a common mistake for the tip amount to not match up with the total amount. In these cases, hes been taught to go with whats on the tip line, because, People will write what they want, you cant always expect them to do proper math.

Zottola agreed and said in these scenarios, We end up doing the math for them and still putting in the correct total from the tip they write.

But Perry said that it can sometimes be a null and void situation when the tip amount does not line up with the final amount, because we cant assume that the individual is wanting to pay one or the other, especially if they dont add up.

In other words, what you do and dont write and sign at the bottom of receipts really does matter. That extra diligence of writing legibly and double-checking your math may take you a few more minutes, but it can save you  and restaurant staffers  great peace of mind.

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The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth has received a $10 million endowment to research health disparities and recruit and retain faculty for that mission.

The Texas Center for Health Disparities at UNTHSC conducts research into health disparities, trains new investigators in health disparity research and conducts community outreach.

This is the second endowment given to the Health Science Centers Institute for Health Disparities by the National Institutes of Health.

It is really showing that [the National Institutes of Health] is recognizing all the things that are going on at the Health Science Center and supporting our activities, said Dr. Jamboor K. Vishwanatha, vice president of the centers Institute for Health Disparities and director and principal investigator of the Texas Center for Health Disparities. The more successful we are, it will benefit our community here in Tarrant County as well as the Dallas-Fort Worth community.

The Health Science Center has led the way with multiple programs that are calling out disparities, using artificial intelligence, or conducting mentoring and training.

The additional endowment will help recruit and retain faculty and PhD students and provide stipends for conducting research through programs established by the 2017 endowment that invest in three priority areas.

One trains future leaders in health disparity research by providing grantsmanship, mentorship and networking opportunities for junior faculty in minority health and health disparities.

The next focuses on recruitment, hiring and retaining diverse faculty in minority health and health disparity research.

The third focuses on increasing the diversity of the Health Science Centers workforce through its scholars program. This helps annually recruit a new cohort of doctoral students from minority and underrepresented groups to focus on health disparities.

The new endowment will allow the Health Science Center to support more PhD students, from three to five students now to upwards of 10 students.

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The endowment is for supporting salaries and scholarly work for PhD students and faculty. The endowment money will be invested by the Office of Institutional Advancement, and only the proceeds of the investment can be used for the centers programs.

Vishwanatha said health disparities exist throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. There are communities where everyone doesnt have the same opportunities to get health care, which leads to disparities and various chronic diseases.

It is important for us to address these diseases with our community, as well as train our future physicians, to train our future researchers on how to address the disparities. And that is what we are doing in our center, Vishwanatha said. We are providing training, we are doing research, we are also engaged in our community addressing these issues of health disparities. And so, this endowment is giving us a sustained source of funding to address these issues in our community.
A 12-year-old boy was found dead in a lake hours after he went missing while on a camping trip with his father, Arkansas authorities say.

The child and his father were camping Sunday, July 23, near the Brady Mountain recreation area in Royal, about 70 miles southwest of Little Rock, according to the Garland County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies say the boy went to Lake Ouachita to check on a fishing jug he and his dad had been using. When the child did not return, the father went to check on him, but he was unable to find his son, authorities say.

First responders from multiple agencies went to the lake, and divers eventually found the boy in 10 to 12 feet of water about 30 feet from the shoreline, the sheriffs office said. He had been missing for more than two hours.

The boy, from Oklahoma, was pronounced dead at the scene, deputies said.

An autopsy will determine an official cause of death. The identity of the child has not been publicly disclosed.

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A teen lit a Hilton hotel lobby couch on fire in Florida and has been charged with arson, police say and news outlets report.

The 16-year-old girl, visiting Ocala from Peoria, Illinois, was fighting with her mother, according to a July 25 news release from the Ocala Police Department.

The fight escalated, police said, and around 3:30 a.m. the teen lit one of the couches on the ground floor on fire.

The couch was in the ground floor hallway, the fire department said.

When firefighters arrived, they helped to evacuate the 320 guests staying in the hotel, police said.

In a Facebook post from the fire department, firefighters said they used a thermal imaging camera to see through the heavy smoke and make their way to the burning couch in a hallway near the banquet rooms.

Within seven minutes, the fire had been extinguished, the fire department said, and the guests were able to return to their rooms soon after.

Police said the fire did hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage.

Given the deliberate nature of the blaze, the Ocala Police Department is treating the fire as arson, the fire department said in the post.

No injuries were reported, but police said the estimated damage to the hotel is roughly hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Police identified the teen staying at the hotel and charged her with arson of an occupied structure and criminal mischief greater than $1,000, according to WKMG.

Police did not release whether the teen is in custody.

Ocala is about 80 miles northwest of Orlando.

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A 17-year-old and his mother were killed in a crash with an oncoming train, Georgia troopers say.

The deadly collision happened at about 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 20, along State Route 159 in Wilcox County, according to Georgia State Patrol.

A 2016 Kia Optima was headed south and crossed a marked railroad crossing that had its safety arms activated and lowered, troopers said in a preliminary report.

In addition, the red flashing lights were active, illuminated, and flashing, the report said.

The driver steered the car around the arms and onto the tracks, where it was struck by a CSX freightliner, according to the report. The train hit the car on the passengers side, killing two people inside, troopers said.

The victims were identified as Dallas Corbin Dozier, 17, of Hawkinsville and his mother, Brandy Elizabeth Drinnon, 34, of Cordele, according to the report and Drinnons obituary.

Both were thrown from the car, WALB reported, citing Wilcox County sheriffs deputies. Troopers said Dozier was driving at the time of the crash.

The teen was a student at Hawkinsville High School and enjoyed gaming, according to his obituary.

All that knew him speaks of the well (mannered) young man that he was, it reads.

Brandy Drinnon was a self-employed tattoo artist who loved drawing, listening to music, fishing and going to the beach with her family, her obituary reads.

Doziers memorial service was held July 23, and his mothers is scheduled for Tuesday, July 25.

The crash remains under investigation.

Wilcox County is about 150 miles southeast of Atlanta.

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Train crash kills pastors two daughters and hospitalizes his son, Arkansas cops say
 Read the full article on Motorious

Unleashing the Roaring Beast.

For automotive enthusiasts, the mere mention of the Ford Mustang evokes a sense of power, performance, and iconic American muscle. But what if we told you that there's a Mustang that takes all of that to the next level? Meet the extraordinary 2019 Ford Mustang GT500 Super Snake  a high-performance beast that pushes the boundaries of raw power and driving experience.

Under the hood of this adrenaline-inducing machine lies a 5.0-liter Whipple supercharged V8 engine, meticulously tuned to unleash an awe-inspiring surge of horsepower. The thunderous growl emanating from the exhaust is enough to send shivers down any automotive enthusiast's spine. The pairing of this mighty powerplant with a rare 6-speed manual transmission promises a driving experience that is pure, unadulterated joy.

The 2019 GT500 Super Snake is not just about power; it also offers modern comforts and conveniences. Air conditioning keeps the cabin cool even when you're pushing the limits on the open road. The convenience of power brakes, locks, seats, steering, top, and windows ensures that every aspect of the driving experience is effortless.

Stepping inside, you're greeted by a luxurious leather interior that exudes a sense of refinement. Red Brembo calipers add a touch of sportiness to the overall look. This GT500 Super Snake also boasts Nitto NT01 tires and painted alloy wheels, combining style with performance.

One of the striking features of this Super Snake is the stunning 20" forged black wheels, which add to its aggressive appearance. The triple black option elevates the visual appeal even further, making this Mustang a true head-turner on the streets.

Among the limited number of GT500 Super Snakes ever produced, this specific model stands out as serial #64  a rare find for collectors and enthusiasts alike. It has had just one retail owner, who cared for it with utmost passion and attention to detail.

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According to the seller, this exceptional machine has only clocked 5,110 original miles, making it a relatively low-mileage gem. The vehicle comes with a VIN of 1FATP8FF6K5XXXXXX, showcasing its authenticity and heritage.

As a disclaimer, it's important to note that this extraordinary ride is being sold as-is, and it is not warrantied by Maple Brothers Auction. However, for the right individual who seeks to own a piece of automotive history and unleash the raw power of the Super Snake, this Mustang is an opportunity not to be missed.

So, for those who crave the adrenaline rush, the 2019 Ford Mustang GT500 Super Snake is a true embodiment of American muscle at its finest. With its roaring engine, iconic design, and limited production, this exceptional vehicle is a collector's dream and a driver's delight.

This vehicle and many more are for during the Maple Brothers Collector Car Auction. Join us in the Oklahoma City Bennett Event Center July 28-29. Bidding is available in-person or online. For more information and to register to bid or consign your vehicle visit www.maplebrothersauction.com.

Sign up for the Motorious Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
A 24-year-old biker died while trying to help stranded hikers amid this summer's record-breaking heat.

Kai Torres Bronson was biking with three friends in the Carrizo Gorge of San Diego's Jacumba Mountains on July 15 when his group encountered four hikers who had run out of food and water and were suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration, Fox 5 San Diego reported. Torres Bronson and one friend stayed with the hikers while the other two bikers went to get help.

Torres Bronson had plenty of experience mountain biking and knew to bring the necessities with him on rides, according to his family. He was carrying water in his backpack, and his family believes he gave it to the stranded hikers.

Torres Bronson (TODAY)

Three of the hikers were eventually airlifted from the trail by, NBC San Diego reported. Around the same time, first responders found Torres Bronson and his friend struggling with heat exhaustion. He'd complained of being tired and needing water, and collapsed more than once on the way to meet up with the rest of his group.

He became unresponsive and was transported by pickup truck to an ambulance and then an air ambulance. Paramedics tried to save him, but he was pronounced dead before getting to the hospital.

This was a good Samaritan just trying to help out, San Diego County fire captain Brent Pascua said. Unfortunately, bad things happen to people out there when its this hot.

The highest temperature in Jacumba that day was 106 degrees Fahrenheit.

Since his death, Torres Bronson's loved ones have shared how kindness was a big part of his personality, recalling his "huge heart."

Kai was the son, brother, cousin, friend that provided a shoulder to lean on, a hand to hold and a smile that would brighten your day, Jenn Rico, a longtime friend of Torres Bronsons family, read from a statement.

This past week has been extremely difficult. However, it brings the family some comfort knowing that our Kai Kai died the way that he lived, going out of his way to help others."

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The Alvarez family would like Kai to be remembered for his kind heart and his mission to spread positivity and compassion, Rico continued. Kai believed that you should live to treat others the way you want to be treated and just be a good person.

Extreme heat can be fatal, no matter your age

Torres Bronson's death comes amid a sweltering July with extreme heat that has left at least seven dead in national parks since June. These deaths include people in their 50s, 60s and 70s, as well as a 14-year-old boy and his 31-year-old stepfather, who died getting help.

TODAY reported on Monday that 30 million people in the U.S. were living under heat advisories, which include parts of California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Nebraska, Nevada, North and South Dakota, Texas, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming, NBC News reported. Meanwhile, people in Arizona have had to be hospitalized with third-degree burns due to contact with the pavement.

Torres Bronson's family told NBC San Diego that they hope others will learn from the tragedy and take precautionary measures in the extreme heat.

When its this hot, maybe its a good idea to plan the hike another day, or at least really early in the morning so its not in the heat of the day. And when you do, take lots of water  take more water than you think youre going to need, Pascua said.

Know your limitations and try and get help as soon as possible, that way we can get out there and help you, he added.

If you're considering going outdoors for an extended period in the extreme heat, the National Park Service recommends:

Staying hydrated. You'll likely need to consumer more than the standard guideline of eight, 8-ounce cups of water a day.

Wearing sun protection.

Wearing lightweight clothing.

Eating salty snacks.

Resting in the shade.

Splashing water on yourself.

Going back inside if you get too hot.

Scheduling activities for before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

You should also pay attention to any signs of heat-related illness for yourself or any companions. These include: muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or feeling lightheaded, headache, feeling weak, increased thirst, red or dry skin, and lack of sweating.

If you suspect you or someone you're with is suffering from heat-related illness, call emergency assistance immediately.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Insider spoke to MasterChef Israel winner Tom Aviv about the biggest grilling mistakes people make.

Aviv said that people often choose the wrong type of grill or don't manage the heat properly.

He also warned against using an electric grill over a gas or charcoal grill.

MasterChefs know a thing or two about mastering the grill.

Insider recently spoke to Tom Aviv, MasterChef Israel's 2016 winner and the owner of the restaurant Branja in Miami, about his biggest grilling tips and tricks, as well as the biggest mistakes people make when grilling.

Here are the biggest grilling mistakes people make, according to Aviv.

Getting the temperature and heat wrong can ruin your meal

Aviv said that not managing the heat of your grill or moving your burgers, steak, and other items around to prevent too much heat exposure are the most common mistakes he sees people making while grilling.

"You should know when your charcoals are on the right temperature, and when they're burning too fast because you don't want the open fire touching your product," Aviv told Insider.

Picking the wrong grill type can also blow things off course

Charcoal grills give food a nice smoky flavor. Anja Weber-Decker/Getty Images

Aviv made a distinction between the three most popular types of grill: gas, charcoal, and electric.

"We need to remember that gas has its own flavor profile," Aviv said. "During the cooking, it creates gas flavor."

Aviv said that while a little bit of gas flavor is tolerable, he personally prefers to use charcoal to get a richer, smokier flavor in his cooking. He also said that while electric grills can be an easier alternative for beginner grillers, they often don't give foods like grilled meats and vegetables the same amount of grilled flavor.

"I know that the solutions today are making it possible to bring an electric grill out onto your back balcony, for example, or if you have a small porch, using an electric grill can be great because you get less of the smoke, and it's friendlier, easier to clean, and obviously easier to turn on," Aviv said.

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"We need to understand that when we do that, there are things that we can accomplish, and then there are things we can't," he continued. "Because with open fire, it's a different taste."

Aviv explained that when you want your food to have a slightly smoky flavor, or "want to take vegetables to the other level," using an electric grill won't give you a really great caramelization or Maillard reaction.

"I need open fire, I need charcoal, I need smoke  I need it. And an electric grill, as fun as it is, is never going to give me that," he said.

Don't be cavalier about what you choose to grill

Packages of meat at a Costco store. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Aviv said one mistake some people make is that they "shove everything that can be grilled into their grill, put some charcoals maybe, put some gas, and put it up."

The chef said that some of his favorite things to grill are steaks, kabobs, and, for a vegetarian option, cabbage.

For cooking cabbage on the grill, Aviv said he likes to smoke the vegetable to cook it down until it becomes tender, like a "vegetable steak."

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The death toll of the Russian cluster munitions strike against Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast rose to three, including two children, Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said on July 25.

A girl born in 2011 who was previously wounded in the attack died in the hospital, the governor reported.

According to the latest information, at least six people were injured in the strike.

Russian forces fired cluster munitions against Kostiantynivka on July 24, using Smerch multiple-launch rocket systems.

The injured victims included four children: girls aged 5, 11, and 12, and an 11-old-year boy. According to the governor, the boy died shortly after the attack on July 24.

The attack comes among increasingly frequent reports of Russian use of cluster munitions in eastern Ukraine.

On July 23, Russian forces used cluster munitions in a double-tap strike against an aid center in Chasiv Yar, another town in Donetsk Oblast. The governor said the attack started a fire but no causalities were reported.

Deutsche Welle cameraman Yevgeny Shilko was wounded by Russian cluster munitions in the city of Druzhkivka on July 22. The attack also killed one Ukrainian soldier and injured several more people.

As the Ukrainian military deployed U.S.-provided cluster munitions against Russian positions, the Kremlin uses its own arsenal against Ukrainian civilians in retaliation.

Ukrainian officials and human rights groups have said that Russia has already indiscriminately used cluster munitions against civilian targets since last year.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested three individuals after a joint drug investigation with the Dublin Police Department in South Georgia.

According to the GBI, Ramond Green, Tony Green, and Tiffany Gren, all of Dublin, were charged with possession of marijuana and other drugs with intent to distribute.

Agents also found guns, money, and ammunition when searching the Greens home in Dublin.

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The GBI said in a statement that agents from the Southeastern Regional Drug Enforcement Office and officers from the Dublin Police Department executed a search warrant on July 5.

While executing the search warrant, agents seized approximately 25 pounds of marijuana, cocaine, multiple pills suspected to be a Schedule II Controlled Substance, money, and multiple firearms with magazines and ammunition.

TRENDING STORIES:

The same day, the GBI said they arrested:

Ramond Green

Charged with trafficking marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, possession of drug-related objects, two counts of possession of a firearm during certain crimes, and three counts of sale of marijuana.

Tony Green

Charged with trafficking marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, possession of drug-related objects, and two counts of possession of a firearm during certain crimes.

Tiffany Green

Charged with trafficking marijuana, possession of a firearm during certain crimes, and possession of tools for the commission of a crime.



All three were booked at the Laurens County Jail.

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OTHER NEWS:
University of Kansas associate professor Kent Blansetts contributions to the Native American community arent in question.

He founded the American Indian Digital History Project, which works to preserve and promote indigenous history using digital media. His biography of Richard Oaks, a leader in the Red Power movement for Native American self-determination, drew critical acclaim. He was recently appointed to the board of directors for Humanities Kansas by Gov. Laura Kellys office.

What is being questioned, though, is his own claim to a Native American ancestry.

Blansett was hired in 2020 through KUs Langston Hughes professorship, a program the university touts as bringing a prominent or emerging minority scholar to the university. His bio as an associate professor of Indigenous studies and history states he has Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw, Shawnee and Potawatomi ancestry, descended from three prominent Native families: Panther, Blanket and Smith.

Despite coming of age in the Jim Crow south, my dad persevered against overwhelming obstacles as an Indigenous man, Blansett wrote in the introduction to one of his books.  From my earliest memory, he made certain to instill value and pride in our Cherokee ways.

Blansett is among three KU professors to have allegations publicly raised about their claimed lineage by Native American individuals and groups that frequently challenge people claiming Native identity. None of the men is enrolled in a tribe.

Some Native grassroots groups and researchers allege Raymond Pierotti in the department of ecology and evolutionary biology and Jay Johnson in the department of geography and atmospheric science are also pretendians  slang to designate someone faking Native American heritage.

They say, based on independent research of the mens family trees, that the professors are white, and white only, and that theyve built careers and profits off of a lie.

Neither Johnson nor Blansett responded to multiple requests for comment, including messages on their cell phones, letters left at their homes and emails sent to their university addresses. Pierotti provided written statements to The Star for this story defending his career, but declined a phone interview.

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Imagine that someone has plagiarized your work. But more than plagiarized your work, they have stolen your ancestors. Theyve stolen your life story. Theyve stolen the story of your entire culture, Chief Ben Barnes, of the Shawnee Tribe in eastern Kansas, said of Blansett. This is way beyond a misunderstanding.

If a professor is claiming they have lived experience that informed their scholarship, my goodness, you better bring the goods, Barnes said. Show me your citizenship.

He also accused KU of ignoring the concerns being raised.

A spokesperson for the university said the identities of their faculty are not an institutional issue and referred The Star to the professors themselves.

Theyre on the colonial party bus, Jacqueline Keeler, an independent journalist, said of those deemed pretendians. Most of these folks are engaged in absolute fraud.

Keeler, a citizen of the Navajo Nation who researches genealogies and false claims of Native American ancestry, including for all three KU professors, created a list of alleged pretendians that has drawn both criticism and praise. The list is no longer public, but its helped inspire other Native people to devoted their time to uncovering frauds; some are lauded for their work as more concerned citizens slip them names to investigate. Others call the practice a witch hunt at worst and unreliable at best.

Its not just as simple as whether youre enrolled or whether youre not, or whether youre real or whether youre fake, said Kiros Auld, who said he was wrongly targeted as being pretendian despite mountains of documentation which said otherwise. He is also the founder and a moderator of r/IndianCountry, the largest Native American community on Reddit.

The University of Kansas campus

Pretendianism

Exploiting Native identities for personal gain famously goes back to the Boston Tea Party, when colonists disguised as Native people threw tea into the harbor in political protest.

Jimmy Beason, a professor at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, reminded his students of this in his American Indian Issues class. Last year, he added a new section to his syllabus: pretendianism. He even made a satirical meme for his Gen-Z students about how to fake Native.

Its not so much who you claim; its who claims you, said Beason, who is enrolled in the Osage Nation, and who said his views dont represent those of Haskell as an institution.  When it comes to pretendians, nobody claims them.

But why fake it?

Ultimately, Beason said, it comes down to money.

If people didnt associate being Native with some kind of economic gain, nobody would want to claim to be Native, he said. But throughout all this time, claiming Native has somehow been paralleled to monetary gain, which is ironic because were the poorest people in the country.

When Keeler started doing research into ancestries of people in positions of power built around the identity of being Native American, she assumed most would have some distant Native relative, or perhaps they just believed family lore without proof to back it up. Now she believes more people who publicly proclaim themselves to be Native are either negligent or deceitful.

There are currently about 200 people shes identified as alleged pretendians. Keeler said theyre sitting on requests to investigate several hundred other names provided by concerned citizens.

Identity is a sticky wicket, said Lianna Constantino, director and co-founder of the Tribal Alliance Against Frauds, a grassroots whistle-blower organization made up of citizens of federally-recognized tribes and their allies. She said they also have a list of a few hundred names theyre working to investigate.

A couple things to remember: When someone makes a public claim that they are Indian, its up to them to prove the claim. Its not up to TAAF to prove a negative, she said.

Barnes, the Shawnee chief, believes a claim to Native ancestry isnt about who someones ancestors are. Instead, he said, its a political status unique only to Native Americans. Since none of the KU professors is enrolled in a tribe, Barnes said the burden of proof lies in the professors hands.

In 2017, Barnes reached out to KUs Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with concerns about Blansetts claims to the Shawnee people.

They put him in touch with Blansett who offered to talk about it. But Barnes said he got busy and never followed through on setting up the meeting.

Whats he possibly going to say? Barnes asked. Its a binary switch, right? He is or he isnt.

Legally, to be Native American or Alaska Native in the United States is a political status that conveys two citizenships: both with the federal government and the tribe. Barnes believes being Native American isnt based on phenotype or ethnicity; he believes only those who belong to sovereign, federally-recognized tribes can claim the status.

The protections and services provided by the United States for tribal members flow not from an individuals status as an American Indian in an ethnological sense, but because the person is a member of a Tribe recognized by the United States and with which the United States has a special trust relationship, according to the Department of Justice.

The Star reached out to every tribe of which Blansett, Johnson or Pierotti claim ancestry. They said none of the men was a member.

Grassroots groups and whistle-blowers

Keely Denning began researching Native American genealogy more than three decades ago, she said in a blog post on a website for which she is spokesperson, called the Fake Indians Blog.

The blog was launched in 2013 and has since grown to about eight volunteer researchers who cross check one anothers work before publishing under the fake signature Sam to protect them from potential harassment, said Denning. This decision to publish anonymously has raised some suspicions.

She maintains their research includes combing through census records and tribal records, including documentation of rations per family, boarding schools and family member names.

Denning, who is Shawnee, said she spent about a year researching Blansetts family. Her group published the results in a series of posts accusing him of fraud. They did the same for Pierotti and Johnson.

Constantino, with TAAF, said they also conducted independent research on all three professors and found no Native connections. The Tribal Alliance Against Frauds recently published their own reports online on all three professors, independent of Keelers list and Dennings blog.

Our cultures and our languages and our ceremonies are still very much in danger of going extinct, Constantino said of pretendians, adding: Theyre claiming to be us, but they have no idea what its like to be us, and they never will.

Europeans stepped foot, en masse, on North American soil in the 1500s. A century after Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492, only about 10% of the estimated 60 million Native Americans living in what is now the United States were still alive. Many tribes were wiped out completely. In the centuries that followed, thousands of Native women were sterilized without their consent and thousands of children were taken from their families and enrolled in boarding schools to assimilate with white people.

As of 2022, fewer than 1% of the total American population identify solely as Native American on the census.

I regard pretendianism as a hate crime. Its a hate crime because it encourages hatred of Native people and all so that a white person can perform our identity onstage, do their little twirl and get their money, Keeler said. And its absolutely a form of colonialism. The ultimate form of colonialism. The coup de grace.

Kent Blansett

Blansetts resume is impressive.

Prior to publishing three books on Indigenous history, Blansett said he made trips to Kansas City to tutor inner-city Native youth through a program called Visible Horizons while an undergraduate at the University of Missouri. In 2013, while in New Mexico, he was awarded a nine-month residential fellowship for Native scholars.

In the three decades since, hes been interviewed by prominent national outlets including NPR, the Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times. Hes spoken out in local news outlets against Johnson County, Kansas, schools using Indian mascots.

Blansett, who did not respond to numerous requests for an interview with The Star, including to his university email, cellphone and home address, said in a 2021 recorded discussion about his latest book that he comes from five nations, all on his fathers side. He said one ancestor of the Blanket family fought in the war of 1812 for the Cherokee regiments under Andrew Jackson.

Keeler, the Navajo journalist who has written extensively about allegations of fraudulent claims to Native American ancestry, said she was contacted a few years ago about concerns that a few of the academics at the University of Kansas were lying about their identity.

She, with the help of two Cherokee genealogists, spent months building out 1,735 members in Blansetts family tree. They even purchased a book by a distant relative of Blansetts, on his fathers side, who wrote about the family history in the south. Nowhere, she said, did that author connect the Blansett name to the Blanket family, or any other tribe. Every single person they found was white and well-documented with roots leading back to Europe.

In September, Blansett will be the keynote speaker at the Northern Great Plains History Conference, raising some concern about his platform. Those in charge of the conference did not respond to a request for comment.

Hes controlling whats published about Indian people. He sits in a position of power on what authorship is. Hes controlling the conversation, Barnes, the Shawnee chief, said.

After another concerned person emailed the conference chair with accusations about Blansetts identity, the KU professor wrote back accusing the sender of a doxing campaign.

In a copy of the email obtained by The Star, Blansett called the accusations an unfortunate misrepresentation of my Indigenous ancestry, claiming that he has complete census records, newspapers, boarding school records and other genealogical material to back it up.

The Star searched newspaper records connecting Blansetts father or grandparents to a tribe, but found none.

Instead The Star found an article from 1996 featuring Blansett, then an undergraduate involved in the University of Missouris American Indian student group, advocating for the return of Native remains to their proper burial place.

Kent Blansett, left, appeared in a 1996 photo in The Kansas City Star of a student group at the University of Missouri-Columbia called From the Four Directions wants American Indian remains held by the school to be reburied.

Ray Pierotti

Pierottis fight over his identity has an extensive public history.

In 1999, Pierotti and his wife, Cynthia Annett, sued KU for employment discrimination. In case filings, which The Star viewed in full at the National Archives, Pierotti said that while he was an assistant professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, he was discriminated against because of his race, which he said was Native American.

In a deposition, Pierotti, who was asked to bring proof that he is Native American, said he had no documentation other than his own word. He said most of his family lines were European, with the exception of his maternal grandmother, who he said was full-blooded Native American and part of the Peneteka band of Comanche. He said she left the reservation to marry a white man and move to Pennsylvania, which is why he has no paperwork.

Asked if hed ever attempted to enroll or register with the Comanche Nation, he said: No, because basically registration is a BIA, a bureaucratic thing. Unless you feel the need to be covered by Indian Health Services or, you know, to get some of those benefits, theres no need to do it.

Court records also show that Pierotti testified his wifes former colleagues who worked for the federal government recommended he put in his cover letter the phrase: for purposes of affirmative action I qualify as Native American.

The civil case went to trial, where a jury decided in favor of the university. Pierotti and his wife did not get the $100,000 in damages they sued for.

In a statement Sunday emailed to The Star, Pierotti contended that none of his three scholarly books identify him as Native American. But for at least the next few years following the lawsuit, Pierotti continued to identify himself as a Comanche in his work, including a 2003 article in the Journal of American Indian Education.

Several years later, in 2008, a public discussion of Pierottis ancestry played out on the pages of the University Daily Kansan after his brother, Nick Pierotti, told a student journalist that his brother faked being Native American to take advantage of affirmative action when he was struggling to get a job, the student paper reported. Ray Pierotti continues to say this is false.

A year earlier, in 2007, Comanche leaders emailed KUs chancellor requesting an apology and that any reference to Pierotti on KUs website include a disclaimer that he is not a citizen of the Comanche Nation.

The Comanche Nation of Oklahoma is a federally recognized tribe and in that capacity is empowered, through specific criteria that includes proof of blood lineage, to determine tribal citizenship, the letter read. The Comanche Nation is the only entity that can determine Comanche Nation membership. Pierottis self-identification as Comanche and KUs enabling of his claim shows disrespect to tribal sovereignty and is an affront to legitimate Comanche people.

Now, nearly 25 years later, while Pierotti no longer has the word Comanche in his profile, Keeler said he still teaches and mentors Native American students under the pretense that he is one of them.

One of his goals is to get more Native students into the sciences, Pierotti said in a video posted June 12 to KUs website as part of a video series called Meet your professor.

Pierotti, who has been at KU since 1992, currently teaches in the department of biology and ecology. Asked about his career path, he said in the video:

It was kind of chosen for me because when I was growing up in New Mexico and, you know, I was surrounded by Indigenous people, and their relationships with the natural world really struck me and connected to me. So basically my whole life I aimed myself towards a career that was oriented at working with and examining and learning about nature.

His funding has included contributions from the National Science Foundation to support his mentoring Native students in ecology and environmental biology.

That KU is still allowing him to teach under what Keeler said is a guise is a complete failure of scholarship, she said, adding that Pierottis case is a slam dunk to disprove.

Pierotti continues to defend his career.

All I have to say is that I was not an Affirmative Action or Equal Opportunity hire at KU, Pierotti wrote in an email to The Star. I was hired as a regular faculty member along with my spouse. I asked to work with Haskell. KU agreed and I was the first person to ever teach a course jointly offered by Haskell and KU. My career at KU has only suffered, because of institutional racism and the teaching of interdisciplinary courses.

In Sundays statement to The Star, Pierotti said he has guided more than 50 Native American undergraduate students through their degrees and mentored 18 graduate students of color.

I am unaware of another faculty member at KU who has had this many graduate students of color complete graduate degrees under their guidance, he wrote.

The Star was not able to verify his claim.

Jay T. Johnson

In 2006, Johnson was praised for launching the Indigenous Peoples Knowledges and Rights Commission in Australia. In 2014, he was among five people recognized with the Enhancing Diversity Award from the American Association of Geographers. Since 2017, hes been awarded more than $3.6 million for the Haskell Environmental Research Studies Institute, where he is director, according to his KU profile. He also serves as director of The Facilitating Indigenous Research, Science, and Technology Network.

But in May, the Fake Indians Blog identified him as the latest professor whose authenticity they called into question based on obituaries and census reports, in which his family is listed as white.

Johnson in 2008 detailed his ancestry in an article for the American Indian Culture and Research Journal, describing himself as a mixed-race Native American. He wrote that one maternal great-grandmother was Seneca, and his maternal grandfather was Cherokee and Delaware.

The Kaw is our river, Kansas is our territory, and Fall Leaf is our town ...  he wrote, adding that he later pursued a PhD in cultural geography based on a desire to understand the struggles of Indigenous communities.

In a 2013 book of essays, entitled A Deeper Sense of Place Stories and Journeys of Collaboration in Indigenous Research, Johnson, a co-editor, is listed as being of Delaware and Cherokee descent. He is also identified as being of Munsee Delaware and Western Cherokee descent in Making Settler Colonial Space: Perspectives on Race, Place and Identity a 2010 book in which he was a contributor.

While the book Johnson co-authored, Being Together in Place: Indigenous Coexistence in a More Than Human World, is listed on his KU profile, any mention of Native descent is not.

Johnson did not respond to numerous requests for an interview with The Star, including to his university email, cellphone and home address.

The complexity of identity

Native identity is a complex topic, and self-identity isnt something to be brushed off, said Phillip Cody Marshall, a faculty member in Haskells Indigenous and American Indian Studies department.

The process of colonization, the dispossession of land, the attack on culture and all the various abuses that were committed upon native people make Native identity a touchy subject, he said. So much was kind of taken away through the years that maybe you are trying to make sure youre protecting what is left.

With more than 500 federally-recognized tribes, each with their own enrollment criteria, there are some Native people who cant enroll. Others dont want to. And then there are people who are flat-out wrong about their identity, whether done mistakenly or maliciously, said Marshall, who is enrolled in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

Some tribes require blood tests, and have a blood quantum that must be reached to gain membership into the tribe. These rules have been met with pushback.

Blansett alluded to the issue of identity in 2022, when speaking to students in California about his latest book, Indian Cities: Histories of Indigenous Urbanization.

Genocide was not a clean-cut process in America. It was incredibly messy, is the best way to put that. Because of that, yes, there were people that had to hide their identities, there was people that had to, for the fear of persecution and racism, and the ongoing challenges of Indian Jim Crow, also had to confine how they practiced their identity within these institutions or these walls, or had struggles in order to be able to kind of maintain this identity under the threat of the boarding school establishment, Blansett said in the recorded presentation.

Really what we get at here is that there isnt just a one-way street in regards to identity  The moment that we begin to create this idea of domination or this one-centered rule of identity, is the moment that we fall victim to past constructs of colonization, which is exactly the modes that they wanted us to adopt in regards to this idea that we become less-than by having a singular view.

Joey Clift is a comedy TV writer based out of Los Angeles. His award-winning short, Telling People Youre Native American When Youre Not Native Is A Lot Like Telling A Bear Youre A Bear When Youre Not A Bear, is meant to educate non-Native people.

Clift sees identity as a spectrum. On one end are people who are undeniably Native: They are citizens of tribes who speak their ancestral language and live on reservation land. On the other end are the people who are lying. But Clift said many people fall into a middle area. He considers himself among them: He is enrolled in the Cowlitz Indian Tribe but doesnt speak the language.

Wary of those who do have questionable claims, Clift said he hopes more people who are exploring their own possible Native identity ask themselves: Does your community claim you back?

Tribes are their own sovereign nations who can define who their citizenship is, who their citizenship isnt, so let them lead the way on who is a member of their tribe or not, he said.

The role of educational institutions

The University of Kansas declined to answer questions about Blansett, Pierotti and Johnson.

This sounds like a topic you should explore with the individuals involved, not the university. This is not a university matter  i.e. an employees self-identified ancestry has nothing to do with their employment. (And if others wish to question a scholars work, they can address that in their academic circles), Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, a spokeswoman for KU, said in an email to The Star.

Keeler, who said she emailed KU with concerns about Blansett and Pierotti in 2021, said its particularly hard to believe that people with advanced degrees, who are trained in research, wouldnt be able to find and explain their ancestors. She called the lack of oversight by public institutions abysmal, leading to academia being a pretendian factory.

I sent an email to Univ. of Kansas deans inquiring about 3 Alleged Pretendians we investigated at KU: Ray Pierrotti, Kent Blansett, Jay Johnson -- and one former faculty member Stephanie Fitzgerald. We looked at their family trees & couldn't find a Native ancestor. No response. pic.twitter.com/By59hMkGgR  Jacqueline Keeler (@jfkeeler) March 17, 2021

Its why shes in the process of starting two organizations focused on Native rights, which will also play a role in educating universities on how to verify Native American identity: The American Indian Geological Society and an advocacy group for Native people in the workplace.

While Pierotti and Johnson no longer include tribal affiliations on their university profile pages, Blansett does. KU is marketing him as Native American, Keeler said.

Theres a long trend of universities benefiting from Native American knowledge, history and land. Many land grant universities were funded through endowments of stolen Native American land, according to an investigation by the High Country News. Recently, university museums have made headlines for possessing stolen Native art.

Constantino, who is not a genealogist but signs off on final TAAF research before its published, believes universities should require professors to show proof of Native American status upon their hiring if theyre going to claim it in their work.

Fraud hurts Native American students who lose trust in mentors and professors who lose out on jobs, she said. As was the case with KU, she said, often complaints by tribes of possible fraud in universities go unaddressed.

The moon rises beyond flags atop Fraser Hall on the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence, Kan., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Were like begging people, Please, listen to us, she said. Were supposed to be the sole arbiters of whos one of us and who isnt. And its not about race either. Like any other community, tribal nations are mixed-race communities  but all of us are Cherokee Nation citizens.

Denning also puts more onus on universities. She said even if someone isnt able to enroll in a tribe, perhaps because their blood quantum is too low, tribes and nations can still issue letters stating that the persons ancestors were part of the tribe.

Beason, at Haskell, said he and his students identified a few solutions to concerns of Native mis-identity in academia. Since there is not generally a mechanism in place at universities to verify Native identity, they suggested universities require some kind of documentation, including a letter from a tribe acknowledging the persons ancestry, even if they arent enrolled.

He said calling out potential fakes is an important attempt at establishing accountability where its currently lacking, but its also complicated. Beason said claims of fraud need to be handled carefully; he knows of people who have been called out publicly as pretendians, including on Keelers list, who he believes are Native.

Beasons solution: Uncovering frauds should be a community effort where the fact-checker can be fact-checked.

The gray area of genealogy research

In 2021, when Keeler self-published her alleged pretendians list, Kiros Aulds family was among the 200 names.

Auld proceeded to defend his ancestry and Keeler retracted her allegation, he said. Keeler said hes incorrect, and that she never issued a retraction, adding that Auld and his family remain on her list.

The experience left a sour taste in Aulds mouth and concerns over who the list, and lists like it, benefit.

Its a solution thats worse than the so-called problem, he said.

Auld, who describes himself as Black Indian and who is Pamunkey, said his own family was listed as Black, rather than Native, in official U.S. paperwork as the result of the Racial Integrity Act of 1924. A mass erasure of Virginian Native American communities beyond his own followed.

This, Auld said, is why Keeler couldnt initially find paperwork proving his Native ancestry. He laid out a defense of his mothers ancestry on social media, including a photo of her Pamunkey Indian Reservation identification card with her signature and the chiefs, family portraits and paper clippings, including a pamphlet from a 1998 Maryland Women in the Arts presentation in which his grandmother is listed as an enrolled member of the Pamunkey Nation.

Daily reminder that #Karendians aint shit. And you should be embarrassed if youre following one.



Karendians: FACTS: pic.twitter.com/SalVbYDuW0  Kiros Auld (@KirosAuld) April 22, 2021

Auld finds this vigilante race policing problematic because he said the geographic scope and nuance of Native American ancestry is incredibly complex, and he doesnt believe any of the present lists are run by people with the authority and experience to be doing the research.

He said who is or isnt Native should be left up to the tribes, who have the ultimate say over self-determination.

In the meantime, Auld said from his vantage point, this isnt a pressing issue for most Native Americans. Other needs top the list, like education, water access, health, land and safety.

Auld said hes never heard of the KU professors, or the claims against them, but regardless he agrees there should be better vetting by educational institutions if theyre hiring or promoting on the basis of Native American identity.

If there is a problem here, and if it is an institutional issue, why arent people demanding that there be space made for First Peoples in these institutions? Theres a scarcity mindset thats everywhere.
Police in South Florida on Monday asked for the publics help identifying a woman whose remains were found floating in a waterway in three separate suitcases last week.

The Delray Beach Police Department held a press conference to generate clues as to whose body parts were found Friday in the Intracoastal Waterway near Palm Trail.

Delray Beach is about 30 miles north of Fort Lauderdale.

Delray Beach Police Chief Russ Mager said Monday a suitcase was initially discovered in the waterway with what was believed to be the human remains hanging outside the suitcase.

Delray Beach Police Chief Russ Mager provides information about the investigation in Delray Beach, Fla., on July 24, 2023. (Delray Beach Police Dept via Facebook)

During the media briefing, Mager said within a few hours, police also received reports of two other suitcases that were floating south of the location where the first suitcase with human remains was found.

We were able to determine that the remains within this suitcase, the two suitcases, were actually human remains as well. And all three suitcases were deemed to be the same person, the same victim as the original suitcase that was found, Mager said.

Sgt. Casey Kelly, who also spoke at the news conference, said the woman whose remains were found is believed to be Hispanic or white. She is between 35 and 55 years old and about 54.

The woman may have had tattooed eyebrows, and may have been placed in the waterway as early as July 17 or as late as Thursday, Kelly said.

He said investigators are focusing on an area near the waterway that stretches about 1 mile.

Were asking for the publics help with reviewing video surveillance cameras during that timeframe, he said. We ask that you specifically look for unusual vehicles or people and certainly anyone carrying or moving luggage.

Kelly continued, The stretch of waterway is very large, and thats part of why were meeting today and asking for the publics help.  But its a very daunting task. So were asking for the public to do some of that, that legwork for us.

Delray Beach Police Investigate Homicide Delray Beach police are asking for the public's help with information related... Posted by Delray Beach Police Department on Sunday, July 23, 2023

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Police have said in a statement that the female victim wore a floral tank top with a black undershirt and black mid-thigh shorts. The floral tank top, investigators said Monday, may have been made in Brazil.

On Monday, when Kelly was asked by a reporter if a violent suspect may be at large and if the public should be warned, he said investigators believe it to be an isolated incident.

The victim's remains were taken to the local medical examiner's office for testing, Kelly said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Taxes, insurance, retirement contributions.

You may look at your paycheck every two weeks and wonder where all the money goes.

Mike Murray, a financial planner with Peabody Wealth Advisors in Danvers, says there are three things to consider if youre looking for extra savings from your pay stub.

Murray says tax withholding adjustments are a good way to not overpay the government. However, some folks are not great savers and could be in for an unpleasant surprise if they owe money versus expecting to get money back each year. Murray encourages people to talk to a tax professional prior to making any adjustments to tax withholding.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

I think being conservative on your tax withholdings is always the best strategy, Murray said. I think the key is that when it becomes tax filing season theres no surprise.

DEBT VS. SAVING FOR RETIREMENT

Murray says paying down high-interest credit card debt should be the priority over making retirement plan contributions.

If your credit card is charging you 19 percent interest, your expectation in your 401(k) isnt going to be making 19 percent a year, Murray said.

But Murray says you should try to take advantage of a retirement plan if your company offers a matching contribution.

Read: How much money will you get after taxes if you win the Mega Millions jackpot?

If you have a 401(k) and your company offers a match, if you have the ability take advantage of at least the match because thats free money, he said.

Also, Murray said for those paying student loans, the recently passed Secure Act 2.0 has a provision effective in 2024 to allow employers to match your student loan payments and place matching contributions in your 401(k) as if you were contributing to the plan. This will allow to people to pay down debt and prioritize retirement savings, he said.

DO NOT DROP INSURANCE

If youre really desperate for extra cash, Murray says theres one thing you cannot do and thats opt out of health or disability insurance. Murray says having insurance is one of the pillars of financial planning and not having proper coverage is playing with fire.

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Disability [insurance] is what were most passionate about because the statistical likelihood of having a disability in your life is higher than you dying young, Murray said.

Read: 3 disturbances being monitored in the tropics

Murray says one catastrophic medical or life event could put not only the individual at risk but also their familys future.

If you lose your ability to earn a living, quite frankly, your creditors dont care why you cant pay them, he said.

Murray says depending on individual circumstances, people should consider a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). It is a way to control insurance premiums and potentially save money on a tax-favored basis for future health care costs, he said.

Read: NFL Pro Bowl Games returns to Orlando in 2024

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.
(twitter.com/Jake_Hanrahan)

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, allows for the production of parts and components without the need for a full-scale manufacturing facility. Through this process, designers can print just about anything out of plastic. The technology has advanced to the point where even firearms, which are generally made up of a combination of metal and polymer components, can now be assembled out of mostly 3D-printed parts. This became a crucial part of the anti-junta resistance in the Myanmar civil war.

The FGC-9 can be made with any color of plastic (twitter.com/Jake_Hanrahan)

Located in Southeast Asia, Myanmar has a long history of internal fighting. After the country became independent from Great Britain in 1948, control of the government was seized through a military coup d'etat led by General Ne Win. Although a democratic government began development in the 2000s, the military still exercised great control. Even under the government of democratically elected President Aung San Suu Kyi, military forces carried out a massacre against ethnic minorities that forced tens of thousands of people to flee into neighboring Bangladesh. In 2021, military forces imprisoned Aung San Suu Kyi and seized government control, sparking a civil war.

A PDF fighter with an FGC-9 (twitter.com/Jake_Hanrahan)

The Myanmar military junta, or government led by military leaders, was protested by thousands of citizens demanding the release of the president. These protests were violently put down, with the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Program estimating that over 23,000 people were killed in the 14 months after the coup began on May 5, 2021. The Myanmar Armed Forces, called the Tatmadaw, have a technological advantage over the anti-junta rebels. With tanks, artillery and fighter jets, the Tatmadaw is well-equipped to combat the resistance. Moreover, modern firearms are extremely difficult for civilians-turned-rebels to get their hands on. That's where 3D printing comes in.

The FGC-9 is used extensively by anti-junta fighters (reddit.com/r/forgottenweapons)

In early 2020, a German-Kurdish gun designer who went by the pseudonym JStark1809 released the design for the FGC-9. An acronym for "F**k Gun Control" and chambered in 9x19mm, the FGC-9 was designed to be manufactured almost entirely of 3D-printed parts. Only a few pressure-bearing parts need to be machined from metal and are easy to make. Even the 4.5-inch barrel can be rifled using electrochemical machining. The Glock pattern magazines can also be 3D-printed. In total, the FGC-9 can be built for under $500 (after the cost of the 3D printer) and takes about 1.5-2 weeks to complete.

Needing to equip tens of thousands of fighters, many of whom are young people with no firearms experience, Myanmar's People's Defence Force and other allied ethnic minority groups turned to the FGC-9. Cheap and simple, the FGC-9 is reflective of the anti-junta resistance. Rebel fighters train with and employ the 3D-printed gun in combat, sometimes replacing it with captured weapons from the battlefield. Even then, FGC-9s remain in resistance formations to arm other fighters.
A federal grand jury has indicted three men, including an active-duty Marine, in the firebombing attack on a Southern California Planned Parenthood clinic last year, prosecutors said Monday.

The Marine, Chance Brannon, 23, and another California man, Tibet Ergul, 21, were arrested last month and charged in the March 13, 2022, firebombing at the Costa Mesa facility.

Both men, as well as a Florida man, Xavier Batten, 21, were indicted on July 14 and the indictment was unsealed Monday, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Central District of California said.

Planned Parenthood clinic in Costa Mesa, Calif. (Google Maps)

A motive is under investigation, but "there are strong indications of animus toward women with regards to the three defendants," U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said.

All three men knew one another, Estrada said.

Brannon and Ergul allegedly scoped out the clinic and attacked it shortly after midnight, and Batten told Brannon how to make the Molotov cocktail and encouraged the attack, Estrada said.

The damage was not extensive, and firefighters put out the fire, but the clinic had to close and cancel around 30 appointments, Estrada said.

Someone who was friends with Brannon and Ergul tipped off the FBI after the law enforcement agency asked for help identifying two people seen in security video footage, according to court documents.

Ergul had sent that person messages about the arson, including a photo showing the firebomb, the documents say.

All three are being held without bail, Estrada said. Batten is being held in Florida.

Police found a second Molotov cocktail in Erguls garage, and an illegal short-barreled rifle and silencers when they searched Brannons home, Estrada said.

All three are charged with conspiracy and malicious destruction of property by fire and explosion, which carries between five to 20 years in prison, prosecutors said.

Burn marks on the exterior of the Planned Parenthood clinic in Costa Mesa, Calif., on March 13, 2022. (U.S. District Court for the Central District of Calif.)

Ergul and Brannon are also charged for the firebombing and the weapons. They are charged with one count of possession of an unregistered destructive device and one misdemeanor count of intentional damage to a reproductive health services facility.

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The misdemeanor count is part of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, passed in 1994, officials said.

Brannon's attorney, Kate Corrigan, said that he pleaded not guilty in court Monday, and she looks forward to discovery and defending her client.

Attorneys listed as representing the other two men charged did not immediately respond to requests for comment Monday evening.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
House Republicans on Tuesday will advance a spending bill for the Department of Veterans Affairs and related agencies that they hope can be used to roll back the Biden administration's policies on abortion, transgender health care and other lightning-rod issues.

The White House said Monday in a statement that it would veto the bill because it would result in "devastating consequences, including harming access to reproductive health care, threatening the health and safety of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) Americans, endangering marriage equality, hindering critical climate change initiatives, and preventing the administration from promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion."

But the spending bill is expected to come to the House floor for a vote this week before lawmakers leave for a month-long recess. And it may become even more objectionable to the White House depending on which amendments from conservative lawmakers get a vote and are attached to the bill.

Below are six amendments that Republicans are proposing for the $152 billion spending bill, which amounts to an $18 billion increase from last years bill.

ONLY 4 DEMS VOTE WITH GOP TO PASS DEFENSE POLICY BILL ROLLING BACK ABORTION POLICY, 'WOKE' INITIATIVES

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough has led the department since the beginning of President Biden's term. (Getty Images/File)

Stopping military from removing Confederate symbols

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

One amendment offered by Reps. Bob Good of Virgina and Andrew Clyde of Georgia would prevent the government from spending money to implement the recommendations made by the Pentagon's Naming Commission, a congressionally approved panel tasked with recommending new labels for military assets, including bases, named after Confederate icons.

The commission was the result of a bipartisan effort in the wake of George Floyd's killing by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020. The Department of Defense began implementing its recommendations this year.

A similar amendment by Good to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) failed last week.

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ARMY VETERAN GOP REP SAYS US TRYING TO OUT-PRONOUN OUR ENEMIES IN PUSH TO END MILITARY DEI PROGRAM

Blocking funds for gender-affirming surgeries

An amendment from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia would stop federal dollars from going toward "any sex altering surgical procedure" under the purview of the Department of Veterans Affairs. A similar amendment had already been adopted in the House Appropriations Committee in June.

VA Secretary Denis McDonough announced in 2021 that his department's health care would cover gender surgery for trans veterans.

An amendment also taking aim at gender ideology by Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado could also get a vote. Boebert's provision would ban federal funding from going toward a VA program called "Managing Gender Diversity in the Department of Veterans Affairs."

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was one of several conservative Republicans to introduce amendments aimed at social issues.

Withholding funding from drag shows

Rep. Matt Rosendale of Montana submitted an amendment aimed at blocking any funds in the Veterans Affairs spending bill from being used to promote adult cabaret performances or LGBTQ-themed events.

The Pentagon banned drag show performances on military bases this summer. It was a long-standing policy only enforced after intense pressure from GOP lawmakers, who claimed that such forms of expression, along with initiatives by Biden's Pentagon to focus on equity and diversity, have hurt recruitment efforts during a widespread military personnel shortage.

DEFENSE SECRETARY'S NEW GUIDANCE ON DRAG SHOWS ON MILITARY BASES HAS IMMEDIATE IMPACT: REPORT

Prohibiting funds for ESG initiatives

Environmental, social and governance investing (ESG) has been in the crosshairs of GOP lawmakers who argue that it's a way for big businesses to impose a progressive agenda on the country.

An amendment to the veterans funding bill by Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas would block Veterans Affairs from establishing any kind of advisory panel on the subject of ESG.

No such advisory committee currently exists at the VA, but an advisory committee on environmental hazards is listed on the department's website as "administratively inactive."

Rep. Matt Rosendale's amendment takes aim at any possible VA dollars going toward drag shows.

Curbing abortion access

One of several amendments offered by Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee "eliminates exceptions to abortion funding in the bill."

The bill itself includes language to prevent federal funding from going toward abortion except for cases of rape, incest and the life of the mother.

Ogles' proposal is one of two abortion-related amendments in the bill. Greene introduced a measure that would restrict abortion and abortion-related services as well as stop those dollars from going to a different agency to carry out such procedures.

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Banning Biden's climate change policies

An amendment from Reps. Chip Roy of Texas and Kat Cammack of Florida broadly blocks any federal dollars granted by this bill from being used to roll out Biden's climate change initiatives. Roy is one of the three conservatives on the Rules Committee that will consider which of dozens of amendments will be able to get a vote on the House floor.

Roy's language would put a stop to the Biden administration's plan to replace the VA's roughly 22,000-vehicle fleet with zero-emission vehicles, something Boebert is also trying to block in her own amendment to the spending bill.
U.S. medium range self-propelled anti-aircraft missiles MIM-23 Hawk ready to launch. (Getty Images)

Ukraine is getting a whole slew of new missiles. Well, new to them. The MIM-23 Hawk air defense system is literally a museum piece in most of the world. But the newest U.S. aid package confirms recent rumors that Taiwanese launchers are headed to Ukraine, joining Spanish ones already in theater. The Russo-Ukrainian War is likely to be the final and most active period of the weapon's history.

Hawk missiles solve a major problem

Ukraine looks to receive a variety of Hawk missile types and systems originally designed and deployed over decades. The Spanish version already promised and likely in Ukraine is the most advanced. It uses the newer Sentinel Radar that American forces use for its systems. And it can work with a variety of modern missiles. Norway and American defense companies upgraded the system and proved it works well with the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile, or ESSM.

The newer Hawk systems also have the network backbone to work with the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System. Ukraine already has the system thanks to donations and deals with Norway, the U.S., Lithuania, and more. U.S. Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House National Security Council John Kirby claimed the system successfully engaged 100 percent of its targets through November 2022.

The best thing about NASAMS: It works with many missiles, including Hawk but also Patriot, the ESSM, Sidewinders, AMRAAM, and more. So Ukraine will have more flexibility to fire Hawk at all the targets that missile can kill, helping the country conserve more modern missiles for more challenging targets.

Ukraine's largest source of missiles appears to be the new, rumored U.S.-Taiwanese transfer that will give it older Phase III Improved Hawk Missiles. The U.S. refused to confirm the transfer when The Drive's The War Zone reached out for comment. But the necessary funds were designated in recent U.S. aid packages.

With all of these developments together, Ukraine should have lots of missiles that work with a well-proven, well-understood system. If it gets the rumored 100 Taiwanese launchers, it could technically field multiple Hawk batteries. Still, reports indicate Ukraine will stick with one Hawk battery. Ukraine fires dozens of air defense missiles per day, so it won't take long to burn through the new missiles.

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A Hawk surface-to-air missile system is seen on display at the Black Sea Defense and Aerospace Exhibition in Bucharest, capital of Romania, on May 18, 2022. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua via Getty Images)

The birth and life of the Hawk system

Hawk as a system dates back to the 1950s. The first iteration, now known as Basic Hawk, first fielded in 1960. The system quickly became the backbone of U.S. air defenses in Europe, South Korea, and more. During the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, the U.S. rapidly ordered more launchers, missiles, and parts to ensure security. The contractors fulfilled requests in just three days, on average.

At the end of 1962, America came shopping for an improved version of the missile. While Raytheon worked on that, the Marine Corps took the first systems overseas to Vietnam in 1965, and a battalion deployed to Israel.

In 1967, Israeli forces downed several Egyptian jets with Hawk during the Six Day War. Also, Raytheon began delivering prototype versions of the new, self-propelled Hawk. And, America signed a contract with Japan to allow foreign production of the missile system.

By 1969, the first Improved Hawk production prototypes rolled out. The Improved Hawk quickly became the new standard, and its derivatives of this version that served in Taiwan until recently and are likely headed to Ukraine.

The newer, MIM-104 Patriot System fired its first test flight in November 1969. The Patriot was originally supposed to replace many Hawk and Nike systems. But America found the price tag for Patriot steep. The Patriot is also less mobile than a Hawk battery, and so the systems worked together for decades. In fact, in 1979, a study found that the two were complementary systems that should work together.

Upgrades continued with a new, guided Hawk system that flew a missile through the nose of a targeted F-80 in 1981. The following year, the Army decided to retain the Hawk system indefinitely. And the Army started transferring the system to the Marine Corps and the Army Reserve components.

Soon after, in 1985, work began on an Hawk upgrade to help it kill incoming missiles. By '88, the Hawk could engage ballistic missiles as part of a Patriot battery. The two systems worked together, with the Patriot radar sending target data to the Hawk launcher.

U.S. Army personnel deploy an MIM-23B Hawk surface-to-air missile system in the desert during Operation Desert Shield. Credit: Stocktrek Images.

The missiles retire at home, serve overseas

In the 1990s, the Hawk system deployed to Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm and was used by Army units assigned to Drug Enforcement Agency missions.

But with the Cold War ended, the Army and then Marine Corps divested from the old Hawk systems. Neither branch ever fired the Hawk system in combat.

But the system has remained popular with budget-conscious militaries and those who face older airframes. As Ukraine's threat mix includes a lot of drones, slower jets, and helicopters, the Hawk is still a viable system for it. It allows it to shoot down easier threats with a cheaper, easy-to-source missile.

And since very few operators fired many missiles from the weapon, they could quickly become the most-intense user of the missiles of all time.

But Ukraine won't be the only country still using the Hawk. American allies like Bahrain, Kuwait, Sweden, and even Turkey still deploy it. That means that Ukraine will have a laundry list of countries from which to buy more missiles, as they will likely need.
Getty Images

The Education Department announced it will be wiping out $130 million in student debt for 7,400 borrowers.

It impacts borrowers who attended Colorado-based campuses of CollegeAmerica between 2006 and 2020.

The department accused the institution of misleading borrowers on employment rates and terms of private loan products.

Thousands of student-loan borrowers are receiving automatic debt relief after President Joe Biden's Education Department accused their school of wrongdoing.

On Tuesday, the Education Department announced it will deliver $130 million in debt cancellation to 7,400 students who were enrolled at Colorado-based locations of CollegeAmerica between January 1, 2006 and July 1, 2020.

CollegeAmerica is a group operated by the Center for Excellence in Higher Education, a nonprofit that closed in 2021 and managed a number of schools in the US. The department said in its press release that the company "made widespread misrepresentations about the salaries and employment rates of its graduates, the programs it offered, and the terms of a private loan product it offered."

"This announcement means a clean slate for thousands of students hurt by CollegeAmerica's widespread misconduct," Federal Student Aid Chief Richard Cordray said in a statement. In 2012, the Colorado Attorney General began investigating the company's practices, and it led to a bench trial in 2017 in which the judge ruled in 2020 that CEHE had violated consumer protection laws. The state's investigation provided the basis for the departments findings that led to Tuesday's group discharge, including:

CollegeAmerica Colorado campuses "advertised inflated and falsified job placement rates of 70 percent, when internal figures showed the actual number was 40 percent"

CEHE "falsely" told students its private loan product was affordable when in prior years, as many as 70% of students who enrolled in the programs defaulted

And CEHE "lied to students" and told them it offered certain programs or qualifications that did not exist.

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"They basically tried to get people to sign up for degree programs that they knew weren't going to deliver the results that they were promising," Colorado Attorney General Philip Weiser told reporters on a Tuesday press call.

"The advertised starting salaries could be as high as twice as much as what people could actually get," he added. "And so three years after they might leave CollegeAmerica, only 16% of them were able to pay back the principal on student loans, meaning they were mired in what, for them, would be a deep hole and a cycle of indebtedness."

The department said it will begin notifying borrowers eligible for relief in August, after which those borrowers will see their remaining balances wiped out. Any payments those borrowers made to the government on debt they took out to attend a Colorado-based CollegeAmerica institution will also be refunded.

In 2022, CEHE sued the Education Department, accusing it of forcing the company to close so students would qualify for debt relief. "The Department's actions were the culmination of a playbook designed to force CEHE's precipitous closure and pave the way to impose massive closed-school discharge liabilities in the future," the lawsuit said.

Tuesday's action is the latest the Education Department has taken to approve a group discharge of borrower defense claims, which are claims borrowers can submit if they believe they were defrauded by the school they attended, and if approved, their loans would be canceled. In June 2022, for example, the department announced it would be approving a $5.8 billion group discharge for remaining borrowers that attend for-profit chain Corinthian Colleges, getting relief to over 560,000 former students.

The department said it encourages states to provide evidence of wrongdoing by other institutions to help their residents receive debt relief by submitting a group application.

"While my predecessor looked the other way when colleges defrauded students and borrowers  I promised to take this on directly, and provide borrowers with the relief they need and deserve," Biden said in a statement.

"Already under my Administration, we've approved $14.7 billion in relief for 1.1 million borrowers whose colleges took advantage of them or closed abruptly  like those students who attended CollegeAmerica in Colorado. And in total, we have approved $116 billion in debt relief for over 3.4 million Americans," he continued. "As long as I am president, we will never stop fighting to deliver relief to borrowers, hold bad actors accountable, and bring the promise of college to more Americans."

Read the original article on Business Insider
The 7 Circle of Kindness Great Backpack Give Back returned Saturday, August 5th, 2023, benefitting Crayons to Classrooms.

It is not a secret that some teachers end up spending their own money to provide things that their students need. Crayons to Classrooms is a nonprofit organization that distributes essential supplies to teachers of at-risk students across the Greater Dayton Region to ensure that every child has the tools they need to succeed.

The organization is servicing Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, and Warren counties. In addition to product donations, Crayons to Classrooms is leveraging an extensive collection of supply chain partners to secure essential school supplies at significantly reduced costs. All collected donations are then distributed at no cost to teachers at the organizations Dayton store.

According to Crayons to Classrooms, approximately 83% of the students in their service area are identified as low-income, and according to local teachers, 75% of their students lack the supplies they need to succeed throughout the school year.

During the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the organization served 2,069 teachers and 50,534 students in 129 schools including 7 childcare centers in the Dayton region, distributing $2,526,840 worth of supplies, setting the kids in the impacted schools up for success.

Last year, the 1st annual Great Backpack Give Back event collected over $33,000 worth of school supplies thanks to the support and generosity of our community. The 2nd annual 7 Circle of Kindness Great Backpack Give Back in partnership with Morris Home and Ashley will take place on Saturday, August 5th, at Walmart Beavercreek and Walmart Miller Lane. Our teams will be at the drop-off locations accepting donations between 7 AM and 1 PM. Look for WHIO-TV or WHIO Radio tent in the parking lot!

To donate online:

Organizations Walmart Spark Good wish list Make a financial donation HERE



Crayons to Classrooms Walmart Spark Good wish list can be found HERE. You can also support the organization by shopping its wish list on Amazon. To make a monetary gift, please visit https://www.crayonstoclassrooms.org/donate/.

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If you are willing to donate your time as a volunteer, host a fundraiser benefitting the organization, or get involved in any other way, please reach out to Crayons to Classrooms directly.

ITEMS NEEDED THE MOST:

Pencils

Crayons

Colored pencils

Markers

Highlighters

Dry erase markers

One-subject notebooks

Glue sticks

Kid scissors

Pencil sharpeners

7 Circle of Kindness is a WHIO-TV initiative serving communities with the seven pillars that focus on things important to our viewers, including education, peace, environment, diversity, and more. 7 Circle of Kindness is sponsored by Morris Home & Ashley.
No charges will be filed against any of the officers involved in the fatal May police shooting of Timothy Burgess in Racine.

Seven of the eight officers who fired their weapon in the incident are Racine police officers. The department issued a news release Monday stating that Racine County District Attorney Patricia Hansen reached that conclusion after reviewing the Wisconsin Department of Justice investigation.

According to Racine police, the incident began as a house call on May 21 in Mount Pleasant. Officers responded to the home following a report of shots fired. Burgess had recently discharged a firearm multiple times inside the home, police said. A child at the home called the police.

Burgess left the residence in a vehicle prior to police arrival. Shortly after midnight, a Racine police officer observed the vehicle and attempted to stop it. Once Burgess stopped, he fled on foot toward Clayton Park, police said.

Officers later discovered Burgess in a tree-lined area of the park where the grass is tall and began to give him commands to come out with his hands up. Police-worn bodycam footage provided by the DOJ shows parts of these moments. Officers repeatedly ask Burgess to come out with his hands up while Burgess yells back that he is injured and he can't move.

Officers decided to close in and right before they reach Burgess a shot rings out, followed by more heavy gunfire. Police said Burgess fired at officers once they got close to him and eight officers, one from Mount Pleasant, fired back. Burgess died from the gunfire and no officers were injured.

On the day of the shooting, Assistant Chief Alex Ramirez said all officers were placed on administrative leave. Monday's news release says the department will now conduct an internal review to determine if policies and procedures were followed.

Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 8 officers cleared of wrongdoing in fatal police shooting in Racine
An 83-year-old Marietta man who is a former pastor has been arrested in the cold case murder of an 8-year-old girl in Pennsylvania.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Gretchen Harrington was attending Bible summer camp in 1975 in Marple Township when she vanished while walking from her home to one of the camps two locations.

Skeletal remains were found at a state park in Edgemont Township on Oct. 14. The coroner determined she died of blunt impacts to the head, which he classified as a homicide.

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At the time, the Bible camp was housed in two churches, including the one where Gretchens father was a pastor, Reformed Presbyterian Church.

David Zandstra was the reverend at the other church, Trinity Church Chapel Christian Reform Church in Marple Township.

On the day she disappeared, Aug. 15, Gretchen was supposed to start her day at Trinity and then go to the Reformed church with the other campers later that day.

Zandstra was one of the people responsible for driving the children to the other church, which he did either in a white and blue Volkswagen bus or a green Rambler station wagon.

Read: Shocking video surfaces of Camden County Corrections Officer assaulting inmate

When Gretchen didnt arrive at Trinity, her father called Zandstra, who told him Gretchen never arrived. Zandstra called the police to report that she was missing.

A witness told police that she saw Gretchen the morning she vanished talking to someone in either a green station wagon or a two-tone Cadillac. Zandstra denied seeing the victim the day she was abducted, but did describe her clothing in detail, investigators said.

Channel 2s Candace McCowan spoke with neighbors who said this news was very hard to reconcile.

Theyve been wonderful people. Theyve always checked on us, Karen Alsdorf, who was Zandstras neighbor. I just cant believe it.

Read: Jaguars stadium woes: Community huddle reveals aging infrastructure and challenges

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In 2023, investigators interviewed Zandstras daughters best friend, who said she often slept over at the familys house and had been groped by Zandstra. She also remembered that a child in her class was nearly kidnapped twice and wrote in her diary at the time that she thought the suspect may have been Zandstra.

Investigators determined Zandstra now lives in Marietta and interviewed him. When he was confronted, he admitted to seeing Gretchen walking along the road on the day of her disappearance. He also admitted to driving the green station wagon and offering her a ride.

Zandstra claimed that he drove her to a wooded area and asked her to take her clothes off. When she wouldnt, he punched her in the head. He said he thought she was dead, dumped her body and left the area.

Zandstra was arrested on July 17 on murder charges. Investigators have taken DNA samples so they can compare them to other open cases across the country.

Read: Man accused of breaking into home, standing naked over couples bed

Gretchens family issued a statement after Zandstras arrest, saying, in part:

With todays announcement of an arrest, we are extremely hopeful that the person who is responsible for the heinous crime that was committed against our Gretchen will be held accountable ... If you met Gretchen, you were instantly her friend. She exuded kindness to all and was sweet and gentle. Even now, when people share their memories of her, the first thing they talk about is how amazing she was and still is...at just 8 years old, she had a lifelong impact on those around her. Harrington Family

Investigators said at one point, Zandstra lived in Plano, Texas. Anyone who may know anything else about his activities or believe they may be a victim is asked to call the Pennsylvania State Police.

CLICK HERE to read the original article by WSB-TV.

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Warning: This story contains graphic descriptions of violence.

A Wisconsin woman accused of brutally strangling and dismembering her lover in a meth-fueled tryst smirked and made a finger gun gesture in court on Tuesday as witnesses revealed graphic details about the February 2022 murder.

Dr. Vincent Tranchida, from the Dane County Medical Examiners Office, testified to Brown County Circuit Court jurors how Shad Thyrion was murdered on Feb. 22, 2022 before his head was decapitated. Tranchida also detailed out several other points of decapitation, including that the 24-year-olds torso was cut in half and his back was fileted.

This body was essentially bloodless, Tranchida said, adding that injuries Thyrion sustained were consistent with his attacker trying to remove the blood from his flesh. We have decapitation, we have dismemberment, we have transection of the torsowe have entered inside the body through various cutsthe victims organs have been removed once by one.

The deceased was castrated as wellit in my medical opinion that this would have taken a great deal of time.

#TaylorSchabusiness laughed Tuesday morning while the court discussed whether or not the jury should be allowed to see images of Shad Thyrions head in a bucket. pic.twitter.com/9UhFFMUX0H  Law&Crime Network (@LawCrimeNetwork) July 25, 2023

Taylor Schabusiness, 25, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to first-degree intentional homicide and mutilating a corpse, and third-degree sexual assault in connection Thyrions grisly murder. Prosecutors allege that after smoking methamphetamine and engaging in a sexual encounter, the incident took a sinister turn when Schabusiness allegedly strangled Thyrion.

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Afterward, prosecutors say Schabusiness admitted to mutilating Thyrions body for hours. She allegedly used several knives to dismember Thyrion before placing his body parts throughout the basement of the Green Bay home he shared with his mother. Tranchida also noted that Thyrion had cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana in his system when he died, but that the drugs were not the cause of his death.

The choice was to utterly degrade him after the fact, Wisconsin prosecutor Caleb Sauders said during opening arguments.

Schabusiness attorneys asked jurors on Monday to keep an open mind and assess the credibility of each and every witness. (Her previous attorney, Quinn Jolly, quit the case after Schabusiness physically attacked her during a February competency hearing.)

But several witnesses for the prosecution painted a harrowing picture of the night of the Feb. 22 murder.

Thyrions mother, Tara Pakanich, testified that she woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of her front door slamming. She said that she briefly went to the basement to see if her son was homeand instead discovered a five-gallon bucket with a beach towel on top. Inside, she said, was her sons head.

She found the severed head of her son in the basement, Pakanichs boyfriend, Steve Hendricks, told a 911 dispatcher in a call played in court. Theres something in the god damn bucket.

Green Bay Police Officer Alex Wanish, who was one of the first responders on the scene, told jurors that in addition to finding the human severed head in the bucket, he saw a stack of mattresses and blood on the floor.

Detective Phillip Scanlan, who was also one of the first to the scene, testified that a "penis and testicles were found in the bucket with the head. He walked jurors through photos of the crime scene and Thyrions body, explaining that investigators found that his organs were removed and his foot was placed inside his chest cavity.

#TaylorSchabusiness appeared to shoot a finger gun at Judge Thomas J. Walsh on Tuesday before the jury was brought into the courtroom. The Wisconsin woman faces trial for allegedly decapitating her lover before abusing his body and further dismembering him. pic.twitter.com/XgFqUKaIlk  Law&Crime Network (@LawCrimeNetwork) July 25, 2023

Prosecutors are also expected to play Schabusinesss police interview in which she admitted to the grisly crime. According to the criminal complaint, Schabusiness told investigators that she and Thyrion would often use chains and strangulation techniques during sex. But the final time, she allegedly said, she went crazy and began strangling Thyrion until he turned purple. Afterward, she said, she sexually assaulted his corpse.

According to prosecutors, Schabusiness later told police that theyd have fun trying to find all of the organs and that while she originally planned to bring all the body parts with her when she left the house, she got paranoid and lazy and left the head behind. Schabusiness asked them if they knew what it was like to love something so much that you kill it.

Body-camera footage played in court Tuesday also showed Schabusiness hands and clothes covered with what appeared to be blood as deputies arrested her.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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The ACLU of Missouri and the national LGBTQ civil rights law firm Lambda Legal sued Tuesday to stop Missouris new restrictions on gender-affirming care for transgender youth from going into effect next month.

The state lawsuit, filed in Cole County Circuit Court, seeks to prevent implementation of SB 49, which the Republican-controlled General Assembly passed and Gov. Mike Parson signed into law this spring. The suit is being brought on behalf of three families of trans youth, medical providers and national LGBTQ advocacy organizations.

The law, which is set to take effect on Aug. 28, bans gender transition surgeries on minors and imposes a three-year moratorium on hormone therapy and puberty blockers unless the patients are already receiving the medications.

The ban is part of a nationwide push to regulate the lives of transgender people, stoking fear in Missouris transgender community and prompting some to consider leaving the state.

SB 49 is the latest chapter in Missouris relentless attacks on transgender people, and the stories of the families challenging the law demonstrate the immense, devastating harm it is already inflicting on their lives, Nora Huppert, a staff attorney at Lambda Legal, said in a statement.

SB 49 would deny adolescent transgender Missourians access to evidence-based treatment supported by the overwhelming medical consensus. This law is not just harmful and cruel; it is life-threatening.

The lawsuit alleges SB 49 violates the Missouri Constitution by discriminating against trans patients on the basis of sex and their trans status, and deprives parents of a fundamental right to seek medical care for their children. The new law also forces medical providers to choose between abandoning their patients or keeping their medical licenses, according to the suit.

Among the plaintiffs is the family of C.J., a 13-year-old trans boy who has expressed a male gender identity since kindergarten. C.J. is on puberty blockers and his family intends to initiate hormone therapy when he is 14. But the law, if it goes into effect, will prevent him from receiving hormones until he turns 18.

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If that happens, C.J. will be devastated, and his mental health will be affected terribly, the lawsuit says.

The law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is also representing plaintiffs in the suit, in addition to the ACLU of Missouri and Lambda Legal.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, a Republican, will be tasked with defending the law in court. Bailey earlier this year attempted to severely restrict gender-affirming care by issuing a regulation, leading even some Republicans to question its legality. He abandoned that effort, however, after lawmakers approved restrictions.

He often framed the rule as necessary to protect children  an approach he is likely to take in defending SB 49  and rolled out the proposal after a former employee at Washington University in St. Louis transgender clinic at St. Louis Childrens Hospital alleged the center was harming patients. The universitys internal report found the allegations to be unfounded.

Bailey said in a statement Tuesday that there are zero FDA approvals of puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones to treat gender dysphoria in children. Were not going to let left-wing ideologues experiment on children here in the state of Missouri.

Parson, who signed the law during Pride month in June, said at the time that while he supports everyones right to his or her own pursuit of happiness; however, we must protect children from making life-altering decisions that they could come to regret in adulthood once they have physically and emotionally matured.

But Gillian Wilcox, deputy director of litigation at the ACLU of Missouri, said in a statement that the law targets vulnerable populations.

On its face, the law enshrines discriminatory practices in our health care system by specifically denying transgender Missourians under the age of eighteen access to evidence-based gender-affirming medical care while stripping parents of their fundamental right to make medical decisions for their children, Wilcox said.

The Stars Kacen Bayless contributed reporting
Community activists participate in a virtual news conference on Tuesday to talk about the death of 16-year-old Duvan Perez, who was killed in a workplace accident at Mar-Jac Poultry in Hattiesburg.

The death of 16-year-old Duvan Perez never should have happened, some community activists say, but justice may not come quickly, if at all, for the teen's family.

Perez, an indigenous Mayan from Guatemala, was killed July 14 during a workplace accident at Mar-Jac Poultry in Hattiesburg. The incident remains under investigation by local and federal authorities. A funeral was held Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

The Immigrant Alliance for Justice and Equity in Mississippi held a news conference Tuesday to address some of the concerns surrounding Perez's death and the poor working conditions he and others face at Mar-Jac and other similar facilities.

"As allies and national partners, we cannot and must not accept these conditions," said Lorena Quiroz, IAJE founder and director.

Efren Nunez, who also works with IAJE, was in Hattiesburg after hearing of Perez's death, to talk with other immigrant workers. They told Nunez that injuries on the job are commonplace but are not taken seriously when reported to a supervisor or the human resources department.

"I heard reports from many workers who are indigenous Mayans who are made to work double or triple shifts on the job," Nunez said. "The workers shared that the work is heavy and oftentimes dangerous, resulting in injuries."

One worker told him they were given a Band-Aid when the worker showed a serious injury to a superior. That is unacceptable, Nunez said.

"(Public officials) know these things are happening but only do something when it's too late," Nunez said. "We want no more harm to our people."

He said IAJE wants to see the federal agencies take workplace safety violations seriously and offer some assurances to undocumented workers that they will not be punished for reporting safety issues in the workplace.

"They are afraid to come forward because they remember the ICE raids and how the authorities failed to protect them," Nunez said. "We must do better. OSHA needs to make it clear that workers who come forward will not be targeted by ICE once again."

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Nearly 700 workers, including several minors, were taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in August 2019.

"The family and the community are terrified to speak out, to speak to government officials, because of the raids, because of the threats and because of the racism that surrounds these small towns in rural Mississippi," Quiroz said.

This image released by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shows a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officer guarding suspected undocumented immigrants on Aug. 7, 2019. Officers detained approximately 680 people who were unlawfully working at seven agricultural processing plants across Mississippi.

Nunez said in addition to poor working conditions, immigrant workers are not paid on the same scale as American workers, creating situations where teens must work in unsafe conditions to help their families make ends meet.

It is illegal for minors to work in any hazardous occupation, including meat processing, according to the Federal Code of Regulations and the Fair Labor Standards Act. It is unclear whether the work the teen was doing was hazardous.

But some community leaders say federal officials sometimes look the other way when it comes to enforcing the law.

"Sometimes relationships mean more than actual justice," Quiroz said.

Following the 2019 raids in Mississippi, the Center for Law and Social Policy in Washington, D.C., conducted its first study on the impact of those raids.

"Not only did we uncover the trauma and devastation caused by the single largest worksite raid operation in U.S. history, but also a deeply rooted pattern of abuse and injustice against immigrant workers by the poultry plants across Mississippi," said Wendy Cervantes, CLASP director of immigration and immigrant families. "All workers we spoke with reported unsafe and troubling workplace policies and conditions."

Some of the adverse conditions included long work hours with limited breaks, freezing temperatures, verbal abuse, limited protective gear and other related issues.

"These are work environments that are unfit for adults, much less for minors," Cervantes said. "Four years later, it is clear that not only are workers still subject to dangerous conditions, employers are still not being held accountable."

Cervantes and other panelists at the news conference offered words of comfort to Perez's family, but they also expressed outrage over the poor working conditions that led to the teen's death.

"Duvan's tragic story is unfortunately too common. Too many kids like him are working across the country in inappropriate settings in direct violation of our child labor laws, yet time and time again, blame is placed elsewhere," Cervantes said. "The most outrageous and appalling response is when blame is placed on the children themselves as has been done in Duvan's case.

"Duvan was a victim of irresponsible hiring practices and his case demonstrates the dire need for more effective labor law enforcement."

Mar-Jac Poultry officials declined to comment for this story.

Do you have a story to share? Contact Lici Beveridge at lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge.

This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: Activists want change after teen killed at Hattiesburg poultry plant
Two El Paso Police Department officers allegedly attempted to prevent the arrest of a fellow officer suspected of driving drunk and crashing into two vehicles in less than 25 minutes near the department's headquarters, court documents state.

All three officers have been placed on administrative duty.

Officer Isaac Menchaca, who was off duty at the time, was driving a dark grey Dodge Ram about 1:55 p.m. March 5 in the 3000 block of Tularosa Avenue near the El Paso Police Department headquarters when he swerved and hit a parked GMC Terrain, a complaint affidavit states.

Isaac Menchaca

The GMC was "properly parked" on the side of the street, the affidavit states.

A witness told investigators she saw the Dodge hit the vehicle and flee. She then followed the Dodge to get a picture of it and its license plate.

The witness followed the Dodge for about three or four blocks when the driver of the Dodge pulled over to the side of the street. The driver then exited the Dodge and started to spit or throw up, the affidavit states.

Surveillance videos from the El Paso Police Department headquarters and a nearby business obtained by investigators showed Menchaca opening the Dodge's driver door and throwing up, the affidavit states.

Menchaca is then seen driving east on Tularosa Avenue, past Raynor Street.

The witness then drove back to the crash location and left a note on the GMC's window. The message read, "saw the car that hit yours," with a phone number for GMC's owner to call, the affidavit states.

The damage to the GMC was estimated at more than $3,600.

As the witness was driving home, she saw the Dodge abandoned on the side of the road in the 3600 block of East Yandell Drive.

More: 5 El Paso police officers arrested in sex assault, family violence and hit-and-run cases

Less than 25 minutes later, Menchaca allegedly lost control of his Dodge about 2:17 p.m. and crashed into the back of a U.S. Postal Service mail truck. He fled the crash but left the Dodge there, the affidavit states.

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Officers saw the Dodge had sustained damage to the right rear quarter and fender.

A Postal Service worker was interviewed by officers. The worker said he saw a grey truck and heard a tire flapping on the ground. In the affidavit, an officer wrote the tire damage was "possibly from a prior accident."

The Dodge drove east on Yandell and then made a U-turn by Stevens Street, the postal worker told officers. The driver, who was now driving the truck west on Yandell, then lost control and struck the Postal Service truck in the left rear quarter, the affidavit states.

Menchaca then got out of the truck. The Postal Service worker pulled over and turned on his hazard lights. The worker got photos of the damage to the Postal Service truck and of Menchaca at the crash, the affidavit states.

The worker then called a U.S. Postal Service supervisor and reported the crash. The supervisor then arrived at the crash.

More: 3 killed in El Paso-area traffic crashes; driver faces intoxication manslaughter charge

The supervisor told officers he attempted several times to get information from Menchaca, but he refused to provide any information or documentation, the affidavit states.

The estimated damage to the U.S. Postal Service truck was more than $1,100.

Both the worker and supervisor later identified Menchaca as the driver of the Dodge in a photo lineup, the affidavit states.

Two affidavits filed against two other El Paso police officers  Enrique David Mendoza and Aaron Poblano  charged in connection with the case provide details on how and why Menchaca left the second crash.

Enrique David Mendoza

Mendoza and Poblano were off duty at the time, El Paso Police Department officials said.

Mendoza drove to the crash intending to "impede the arrest of his friend Isaac Menchaca," an affidavit states.

The affidavit alleges Menchaca was "under the suspicion of driving while intoxicated."

Mendoza allegedly placed Menchaca in Poblano's vehicle to be taken away from the crash because Mendoza was "afraid Isaac Menchaca would be arrested," the affidavit states.

He is also accused of contacting other officers who responded to the crash. Mendoza asked the other officers "if they could do a favor for a fellow officer," the affidavit states.

More: El Paso man, 19, arrested by Gang Unit investigators, accused of firing gun at teens

In the complaint affidavit filed against Poblano, he is accused of picking up Menchaca from the crash and driving him back to a bar. The name of the bar is not mentioned in court documents.

He also allegedly called a towing service in an attempt to have Menchaca's truck towed, the affidavit states.

Aaron Poblano

Menchaca was arrested March 15 on a charge of duty on striking an unattended vehicle, jail records show. He was booked into the El Paso County Jail on a $2,000 bond. He posted bail the same day, jail logs show.

He was then arrested April 11 on a charge of accident involving damage, jail records show. He was booked into the El Paso County Jail on a $2,000. He posted the bail the same day, jail logs show.

Menchaca's lawyer, Dereck Wyatt, said the situation is not what the affidavits filed by the police department are making it out to be.

"This is all just a big misunderstanding," Wyatt said. "Once we talk to all the parties involved and see what the car insurances claims and such are, I think this is just going to turn out to be something that got blown up just because my guy is a police officer. We are going to fight hard for this gentleman because I don't think he is guilty of what he is accused of."

Mendoza and Poblano were arrested July 6 on suspicion of interference with public duties, jail records show. They were each booked into the El Paso County Jail on a $1,000 bond. They both posted bail the same day, jail logs show.

Lawyer Justin Underwood, who is representing both Mendoza and Poblano, said his clients never interfered in the police department's investigation into the accident.

"My clients are completely innocent of these charges," Underwood said. "To interfere with public duties, you got to interfere and neither of my clients did that. When they arrived, there were no officers there at the scene. They went to help their buddy and take him home. They never interfered with law enforcement or their investigation. I think because this involves officers, the police department just filed these charges to cover their butts. But my clients did nothing wrong and I expect these charges to be dropped."

Menchaca has more than two years with the El Paso Police Department, Poblano has more than three years, and Mendoza has more than six years, officials said. All three have been placed on administrative duty.

Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on Twitter @AMartinezEPT.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Affidavit details El Paso officers attempt to prevent officer's arrest
A man was arrested in Ferndale on Thursday, July 20, after allegedly being involved in a hit-and-run, erratically chasing down other vehicles with his car and nearly crashing into them.

Alejandro Avila Lozano, 23, was arrested after several hours of alleged reckless behavior.

Ferndale police responded to a hit-and-run collision just after 4 p.m. in the 1600 block of Main Street after the victims vehicle was struck from the rear while waiting at a stoplight, according to Ferndale Communications Officer Riley Sweeney.

The suspects vehicle, which left the scene after the collision, was described as a maroon Toyota Avalon. At the time, officers were unable to locate the vehicle or make contact with the owner, later determined to be Lozano.

Around 6 p.m., Ferndale police received a call from a witness at the Salish Village Travel Center describing the same vehicle driving aggressively, almost crashing into other vehicles and chasing vehicles in the parking lot and nearby roadways.

The Whatcom County Sheriffs Office assisted the Ferndale Police Department in contacting Lozano, who allegedly admitted to fleeing the scene of the hit-and-run collision earlier in the day, Sweeney told The Bellingham Herald.

Lozano allegedly demonstrated several indicators of intoxication and also admitted to consuming alcohol earlier in the day, according to Sweeney.

Lozano was arrested for DUI, hit-and-run and reckless endangerment. He was booked into the Whatcom County Jail but is no longer in custody, according to jail records.
By David Ljunggren and Steve Scherer

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Three more Canadian government ministers said on Tuesday they would step down at the next election, freeing up room inside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet for a reshuffle that he will unveil this week.

Trudeau, who last carried out a major shake-up in October 2021, is looking to refresh his left-leaning Liberal Party team ahead of an election that must be called by October 2025 and could happen earlier.

"It is a significant shuffle in that most of the portfolios will have a new name or a new minister," said a senior government source who requested anonymity because they were not authorised to speak about the changes.

Senior figures like Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne look set to keep their jobs. One well-placed Liberal source said Defence Minister Anita Anand was in the running to take over at Treasury Board, which has overall control of government spending.

The Liberal source said seven ministers would be leaving the cabinet. The Canadian Broadcasting Corp, which also said seven would go, named Justice Minister David Lametti and Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino as among the departees.

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra, 53, said he would leave the cabinet immediately and not run in the next election. Public Procurement Minister Helena Jaczek, 72, and Fisheries Minister Joyce Murray, 69, said they also would not run again.

Ministers who announce they intend to leave politics are usually dropped quickly from the cabinet. Mental Health Minister Carolyn Bennett, 72, said on Monday she would not be a candidate in the next election.

Liberal sources say the shuffle will happen this week and could be announced as early as Wednesday.

Trudeau won a parliamentary majority in 2015 but was reduced to leading a minority government after elections in 2019 and 2021. He relies on the support of the smaller, left-of-center New Democrats, who have agreed to keep him in power until 2025, though that deal is not binding.

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Alghabra took over the transport portfolio in January 2021. Opposition parties criticized him last year after travelers faced long delays at Toronto's main airport.

Jaczek had been in her cabinet position for less than a year.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Paul Simao and Jonathan Oatis)
WASHINGTON  The Pentagon on Tuesday announced plans to send to Ukraine up to $400 million in ammunition, artillery, mortars, anti-aircraft and anti-armor weapons, armored personnel carriers and other equipment.

This weapons package will include 32 Stryker armored personnel carriers as well as more munitions for Patriot air defense systems; National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, or NASAMS; and High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS.

The drawdown also includes Stinger anti-aircraft systems, 105mm and 155mm artillery rounds, 60mm and 120mm mortar rounds, TOW missiles and anti-armor systems and rockets such as the Javelin.

And the United States plans to send demolitions munitions for obstacle clearing, more than 28 million rounds of small arms ammunition and grenades, night vision and thermal imagery systems, tactical air navigation systems, spare parts and other assorted equipment.

The drawdown represents the 43rd time the U.S. has sent weapons and equipment from its own stockpiles to Ukraine, which is in the midst of a slowly proceeding counterattack against Russia. This presidential authority allows quick transfers of weapons and equipment to Ukraine, Pentagon officials have said.

The Defense Department has now committed more than $43 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion in February 2022.

The United States will continue to work with its allies and partners to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security assistance requirements, the Pentagon said in a statement.
The U.S. Air Forces top officer in Europe said Tuesday the service aims to bring new fighter pilots, air planners and other reservists to the region, as the military looks to relieve active duty troops stretched thin by efforts to deter Russia and support NATO amid the war in Ukraine.

The plan comes in response to President Joe Bidens July 13 executive order authorizing the Pentagon to mobilize up to 3,000 reservists for duty in Europe. Military officials have said the order would not grow the total number of U.S. troops in the region.

We put in a request for folks to help out in our air operations center, and some staff position billets here at Ramstein [Air Base in Germany], U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander Gen. James Hecker told Air Force Times in an exclusive interview. Were going to put in some requests for some Guard units or reserve units to come fill some [air patrol] taskings, so our active duty can get a [much]-needed rest after doing that for a couple years.

In addition to calling up new fighter units to patrol NATOs borders and train with foreign allies, Hecker said the Air Force may tap tanker and reconnaissance aircraft as well. He declined to say which airframes or squadrons the service could mobilize in response.

Hecker anticipates the reservists wont start arriving in Europe until fall at the earliest.

He said it will likely take at least a couple of weeks for U.S. European Command to work through the requests for forces from its subordinate units. Then each of the military services decides who it can provide to meet those needs.

Because these are civilians with civilian positions, we want to give them adequate notice to their [employers], so they just dont pick up and leave the next day, he said.

The Pentagon has grown its presence in Europe by around 20,000 troops since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, totaling around 100,000 personnel on the continent  its largest footprint there since 2005.

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Units across all of the Air Forces fighter fleets have deployed to protect against Russian incursions into NATO airspace, and the service continues to rotate bomber crews through Europe to deter the use of nuclear weapons. U.S. and NATO intelligence aircraft also routinely patrol the region to track the movement of friendly units and Russian forces.

The U.S. has also trained more than 11,000 Ukrainians in military tactics and management, and supplied more than $43 billion worth of military equipment and other support since the war in Ukraine began, according to the Pentagon and State Department.

Everyones going to put in requests for reservists, Hecker said. Its not just the Air Force thats running at a high pace here.
A website that has been described as Airbnb for outdoor recreation is being backed by two Texas billionaire brothers whove drawn criticism in Idaho after discontinuing public access on roads that cross their properties. Now theyre offering entry to some of those properties through the site  for a fee.

LandTrust.com, which was founded in 2019, promises to connect outdoor recreationists with private landowners, most often for hunting or fishing but also for activities like hiking, bird watching and more. The Montana-based business allows owners to list their properties and name their price for various hobbies.

LandTrust founder and CEO Nic De Castro told the Idaho Statesman in an email that the service is a win-win for outdoor enthusiasts and landowners, the majority of whom De Castro said are owner/operator, multigenerational farms and ranches.

The idea has drawn concern from some outdoor recreation experts, especially over its affiliation with Dan and Farris Wilks, the Cisco, Texas, oil tycoons who gated off roads across their properties. But LandTrust has also garnered support over its potential to benefit struggling farmers and ranchers.

Wilks brothers list access to Idaho properties

According to financial news site FinSMEs, the Wilkses led a $6 million Series A funding round, a fundraising effort in which stock is issued to investors, earlier this year. The website reported that LandTrust planned to use the funds to expand into five more states. Currently, it partners with landowners in more than a dozen states, primarily in the Midwest, Intermountain West and South.

The Wilks brothers, who earned billions selling a fracking company, gained prominence in Idaho and Montana in the late 2010s after buying tens of thousands of acres across several properties. In multiple instances, they erected gates at their property boundaries to block access on roads that had long been used by the public  and which some critics say are public rights-of-way that were illegally blocked off.

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The Wilkses also backed a controversial 2018 law that hiked penalties for trespassing on private property.

Now Idaho residents can access some of their properties through LandTrust. Three properties are listed on the site under the name DF D  referencing DF Development, the name of one of the brothers businesses. Two of the properties are near Idaho City, and the other is near New Meadows. All of the listings say they are new additions to the site.

LandTrust.com, which has been described as an Airbnb service for outdoor recreation, has multiple Idaho properties owned by Dan and Farris Wilkses DF Development.

Booking the sites could cost as much as $4,300 for five days of self-guided hunting or $4,500 for bear hunting with a guide, according to the listings. Other activities include shed hunting for around $100 per day, bird watching and wildlife photography for $82 per guest per day, or $35 per guest per day for outdoor recreation.

The Wilkses listings make up a combined 8,600 acres  about 70% of the 12,000 acres De Castro said LandTrust lists in Idaho.

Though the brothers drew the ire of many Idaho hunters in years past, De Castro said he has no reservations about working with the pair.

Yes, the Wilks (brothers) are very large private landowners, but we treat them just like any other landowner who chooses to facilitate controlled recreation access to their land through LandTrust, De Castro told the Idaho Statesman.If you believe in property rights, why should they be treated any differently?

As far as reputation, we have multigenerational landowners whove bordered Wilks properties for years and have said that theyre good neighbors, he added. Their opinion carries weight with us. 

Wildlife advocates worry over privatization

Brian Brooks, the executive director of the Idaho Wildlife Federation who spoke out against the Wilkses road closures, said he doesnt believe LandTrust is anything to be up in arms about.

But he is concerned about its ties to the Texas brothers.

The first thing that comes to my mind as a representative for hunters and anglers is that we need to keep in mind that these are the same people funding legislators and funding an anti-public lands movement (in Montana), Brooks told the Statesman in a phone interview.

Brooks said theres nothing wrong with landowners charging people to hunt on their property, though he noted that it could start to exclude Idahoans who arent able to pay. Still, those people would have the option of recreating on public land.

By law, wildlife in Idaho is considered property of the state  public property. But some outdoor enthusiasts worry that Montana, Utah and some other states are moving toward privatization of wild animals, Brooks said.

Last year, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks gave Dan Wilks several permits to hunt trophy elk at his N Bar Ranch in what is typically a special permit elk hunt area with slim chances of drawing a tag. Outdoor Life reported that, in exchange, Wilks allowed several Montana hunters to access the 179,000-acre ranch to fill their own tags.

Brooks said a service like LandTrust could be further incentive for Idaho to move away from managing wildlife  and therefore hunting  as a public resource.

Right now, hunting is incredibly egalitarian, Brooks said. A billionaire has every chance to draw a tag and get a mule deer as some 16-year-old in high school.

In this 2019 file photo, a sign reading, Private road. No trespassing, is attached to a gate across Forest Service road 645 where it leaves the Boise National Forest and enters private land. The land is owned by DF Development, a Wilks brothers company. The brothers have recently listed some properties on LandTrust.com to allow paid access.

Brooks also said he worries LandTrust listings will compete with existing methods through which hunters access private land. In some cases, hunters simply ask private landowners to hunt on their property, and the property owner typically has no financial gain.

Hunters can also access private parcels that are part of the Idaho Department of Fish and Games Access Yes and Large Tracts programs, which are funded through hunter and angler dollars. Both programs compensate landowners, but Brooks said rates arent exactly competitive. Landowners may find listing their property on LandTrust is far more lucrative.

All they have to do is outbid Fish and Game, and thats not hard to do for a wealthy person, he said. Were going to see it escalate and, depending on the landowner, I think the average sportsperson is going to be outbid.

Aaron Lieberman, executive director of Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, said hes not worried about competition with licensed outfitters. Lieberman said little outfitting happens on private land to begin with, and he noted that LandTrust listings could force property owners to take on a lot of administrative work that outfitters handle. That can include greeting clients, showing them which areas of land they can use and, perhaps the most challenging, securing insurance in the event that someone is hurt.

Lieberman said the insurance market for outfitting is difficult and rarely offers businesses full coverage. He said he would anticipate similar issues for homeowners listing their land online.

Like Brooks, he said he fears LandTrust could be one step toward informal commercialization of wildlife and game management.

De Castro, LandTrusts founder, told the Statesman he hasnt heard any concerns about the website competing with Fish and Game programs or outfitting businesses. According to Montana Free Press, at least one property owner using LandTrust previously granted access through Montanas equivalent access program.

De Castro said LandTrust stands for private property rights.

(We believe) a landowner should be able to choose whatever type of access to their land that suits them, whether thats no access, allowing open public access, leasing to outfitters, enrolling in a state-run paid access program like Access Yes, or facilitating access through a platform like LandTrust, he said in an email. If you believe in property rights, as we do, you should support any of those choices with the same enthusiasm because theyre exercising their rights.

LandTrust could revive struggling properties

Plenty of landowners are exercising the right to choose LandTrust for access to their properties. The companys website says it has more than 1 million acres of private land for paying customers to explore, and it touts the private hunting experience as a way to take pressure off public lands while bolstering farms and ranches.

As people who love the outdoors ourselves, we believe its an amazing opportunity for us to be able to access private lands that werent previously publicly accessible to pursue our outdoor passions while financially supporting these families who steward them, De Castro told the Statesman.

Tom Page, an Idaho landowner whos on the board of the Idaho Wildlife Federation and the Western Landowners Alliance, said listing access on LandTrust could be a lifesaver for some Idaho families.

Page said private properties that are large and undeveloped enough to create wildlife habitat worth hunting need new ways to sustain themselves.

If we can find a way where the landowner doesnt have to do a ton more work and then can generate some income, I dont see that thats so bad, Page told the Statesman in a phone interview.

Page said the alternative could be dividing or developing the land, resulting in habitat loss. While he said he doesnt intend to list his land, which is in Custer and Lemhi counties, on LandTrust, he understands the appeal. Page said its part of the changing landscape of hunting.

I think the era of free or low-cost hunting is going away, he said.
UPDATE: A judge in Taylorsville found Teresa Campbell not guilty of assaulting a child Monday, July 24. The judge dismissed the other misdemeanor charge.

Earlier

The Alexander County Sheriffs Office says an employee at a county school was arrested for two misdemeanor charges after allegedly assaulting a student.

According to the sheriffs office, deputies got a report on Friday that a student had been assaulted on school property. The sheriffs office didnt say where the assault happened.

When deputies started investigating, they found that the student was allegedly assaulted by a staff member.

The Alexander County Sheriffs Office says 63-year-old Teresa Ellison Campbell was charged with misdemeanor child abuse and misdemeanor assault on a child under 12.

According to directory records, Campbell was listed as an EC teachers assistant at Ellendale Elementary School.

(WATCH BELOW: Authorities search for 20-year-old man connected with Alexander County school break-in)
As the House prepares to hear from a UFO whistleblower who claims the U.S. is concealing evidence of nonhuman craft, the question looms over members of Congress: Are we alone?

Many members insist they have not seriously considered the question or are keeping their concern focused on national security risks from not knowing the cause of UFO sightings.

But some members say they have seen enough to think that the unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs)  a more recent term for sightings of strange objects or effects in the sky  are of nonhuman extraterrestrial origin.

Its either something extraterrestrial, or something extraterrestrial that they reverse-engineered, Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), a leader of Wednesdays UAP hearing, said when asked about the possibility of the sightings being secret Chinese or Russian technology.

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) also said he thinks the UAPs were of nonhuman extraterrestrial origin.

Listen, God made a phenomenal planet with phenomenal people, even though we disagree, we have our own issues. I dont think were the only ones in the universe, Donalds said.

Do I think that our federal government has hidden information from the American people? 100 percent. Not even close, he added.

But while most of the focus around the UAPs is on whether their source is dangerous technology from adversaries such as China or Russia or extraterrestrial, some people have pointed to a third explanation behind the sightings.

Im a Christian and I believe the Bible, said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.). I think that to me, honestly  Ive looked into it. And I think we have to question if its more of the spiritual realm. Angels, or fallen angels. And thats my honest opinion.

Wednesdays hearing will feature David Grusch, a former intelligence official who is now a whistleblower alleging that the government is concealing evidence of a crash retrieval program focused on wreckage of nonhuman origin.

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These are retrieving nonhuman origin technical vehicles, call it spacecraft if you will. Nonhuman exotic origin vehicles that have either landed or crashed, Grusch told NewsNation last month, going as far as to suggest that some crash retrievals have included recovery of dead pilots.

In the UFO enthusiast community, Gruschs claims were a bombshell. But they did not land that way with all members of Congress.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) brushed off a recent question about whether he believes in extraterrestrial life.

I will continue to see, but I think if we had found a UFO, I think the Department of Defense would tell us, because they probably want to request more money, McCarthy said. Im very supportive of letting the American public see whatever we have.

Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, also rebuffed concern about UAPs and their origins.

There are so many things that we get an opportunity to dig into and talk about here. Its really the reason why people run for Congress, is to help their constituents and to weigh in on serious things. And this is just not in my top 20 that constituents in my district are asking me about or talking about, Aguilar said.

But there is some UFO and UAP alarm among leaders on the other side of the Capitol.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) spearheaded an amendment that was added to the chambers annual defense bill that would require government records related to UAPs be declassified and disclosed unless a review board says they must be kept classified.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), ranking member on the Senate Intelligence Committee, recently told The Hill that he is concerned about the national security implications of the UAPs and the whistleblower claims.

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 [who] are nuts. Both are a problem, Rubio said.

But do not expect any hard answers in the meeting about whether Earth has been visited by aliens.

I dont think were gonna get into little green men, said Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), who is helping lead Wednesdays UAP hearing.

The focus, he said, is on government transparency about UAPs.

What does the government know? And why arent they telling the American people? Moskowitz said. Even just trying to get this hearing done  there are different factions of the government that tried to stop the hearing from happening. Why?

Last year, a House Intelligence subcommittee held a rare open hearing on UAPs, with lawmakers seeking to destigmatize reporting of the sightings and stressing that they are a national security concern. But it did little to provide an explanation for the hundreds of recorded UAP encounters.

Im on the Intelligence Committee, and yes, we do have hearings on this stuff, said Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio). But while most of those are closed hearings, Wenstrup said they might as well be open, alluding to a lack of explanation about the encounters.

Despite the intense outside interest, Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), chairman of the House Oversight Committee, is leaving exploration of the topic to Burchett and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.).

Im just gonna sit there. Im gonna yield my time to Luna, Comer said. Im just there to listen and learn.

Rep. Jamie Raskin (Md.), top Democrat on the Oversight panel, said that bipartisan interest in UAPs is a positive thing. But as of last week, he had not deeply looked into the issue.

With climate change and extreme fanaticism running loose on earth, other planets are seeming more and more attractive to people, Raskin said. So, I dont blame them for wanting to have this hearing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Social media users are claiming Serbia is banning showings of the new "Barbie" movie because it features a distorted map of the Balkan region. This is false; the Hollywood blockbuster recorded a strong opening in Serbia, and the image circulating online shows a digitally manipulated version of the map from the film.

"Barbie movie banned in Serbia over controversial 'Greater Albania' map," says the headline in an image shared online.

Below the headline, the image purports to show a still from the hit Warner Bros. production that includes a map of the Balkans with North Macedonia missing, Greece shrunken and a red line sketched across Serbia, among other distortions.

The apparent screenshot spread in various languages and across TikTok, Instagram and other platforms in early July, with one July 5, 2023 TikTok post drawing more than 1.7 million views. The posts gained renewed traction following the movie's July 21 premiere date and a debut weekend during which it raked in $155 million in the United States, topping North American box offices.

Screenshot from TikTok taken July 24, 2023

"Barbie" has met some resistance globally, with Vietnam banning it over scenes that included what the country said was a map showing China's claims to territory in the South China Sea.

Pakistan's Punjab province also delayed the film's release to review what provincial boards that censor violations of the country's social and cultural values classified as "objectionable content."

But the posts claiming Serbia banned "Barbie" are false -- and the supposed "Greater Albania" map does not appear in the movie.

"These stories are not accurate," a Warner Bros. spokesperson told AFP in a July 24 email. "The map you may have seen online is fake."

"Barbie" earned $265,000 in opening weekend revenues in Serbia, making it the biggest opening of the year and the second biggest Warner Bros. opening of all time in the country, the spokesperson said.

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Serbian moviegoers can purchase tickets online to watch the film at a location owned by Cineplexx, the nation's largest cinema chain, as well as at Tuckwood Cineplex and MTS Dvorana, two theaters in the center of Belgrade, the county's capital (archived here, here and here).

An AFP journalist in Serbia observed posters advertising showings outside Tuckwood Cineplex on July 25, five days after its release.

Movie posters for "Barbie" and other films are displayed outside Tuckwood Cineplex in Belgrade, Serbia on July 25, 2023 Marion DAUTRY AFP

Local media also reviewed the flick (archived here, here and here).

Fake map

The "Greater Albania" map shown in the posts circulating online is an altered version of a still from the scene that earned "Barbie" its ban in Vietnam, which shows a blue map.

Defending its production against Vietnam's restrictions, Warner Bros. previously said the scene shows a "child-like crayon drawing" that is meant to "depict Barbie's make-believe journey from Barbie Land to the real world" and "not intended to make any type of statement."

The actual map shown in the film can be seen at approximately the one-minute mark of the studio's official "Barbie" trailer (archived here).

Fabricated headline

The purported headline in the online posts about a Serbian "Barbie" ban is also fabricated; a Google search generates no credible results.

The image resembles articles from the BBC News, with the text, timestamp, share button and image credit all matching the BBC News style. But while the British outlet published an article on Vietnam's ban that used the same photo caption about lead actress Margot Robbie (archived here), it never reported that Serbia had blocked showings.

"We did publish, on 3 July, the story entitled 'Barbie movie gets Vietnam ban over South China Sea map,'" a BBC spokesperson told AFP in a July 25 email. "The one about the Barbie movie being banned in Serbia isn't based on our story and is obviously fake."

Screenshot from TikTok taken July 24, 2023

Screenshot from the BBC News website taken July 25, 2023

AFP has previously debunked other fake BBC News headlines, including here, here and here.
(Reuters) -Amazon.com has slashed the price it will pay for iRobot by about 15% to around $1.42 billion after the maker of Roomba vacuum cleaners incurred fresh debt, the companies said on Tuesday.

Under the amended deal, Amazon will pay $51.75 in cash for each share of iRobot, compared with the original price of $61.00.

IRobot shares sank more than 10% on the news to $42.50, on course for their worst day since February last year, before the deal was announced. Amazon was trading 0.3% higher.

The deal price change will be largely offset by the planned increase in iRobot's net debt after it entered a $200 million financing facility to fund its operations, the companies said.

"We've reached an amended agreement with Amazon that reflects the incurrence of iRobot's new debt," said Colin Angle, chairman and CEO of iRobot.

Originally unveiled in August last year, the deal marked the latest effort by Amazon, the world's largest online retailer, to expand its stable of smart home devices.

But the buyout has faced antitrust scrutiny in Europe on worries that it may reduce competition and strengthen Amazon's position as an online marketplace provider. The European Commission has opened a full-scale investigation into the deal and will decide by Dec. 13 whether to clear or block it.

Amazon and iRobot said on Tuesday they were working with the relevant regulators in their review of the merger. The UK's antitrust regulator had cleared the deal in June.

(Reporting by Aditya Soni; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)
American Airlines flight turned back to JFK after an argument between passenger Joel Ghansham and a flight attendant (not pictured). wsfurlan/Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

An American Airlines flight returned to New York City after a passenger was said to be "disruptive."

The passenger, Joel Ghansham, said he wasn't disruptive but that he had a disagreement with a flight attendant.

Ghansham claimed the flight attendant refused to help him stow his bag despite his recent surgery.

An American Airlines flight turned back to New York City after a disagreement ensued between a passenger and a flight attendant.

The plane returned to John F. Kennedy International Airport two hours into its flight to Georgetown, Guyana on Tuesday, according to a report by local news outlet Stabroek News. American told Insider in an email the flight had to be diverted because of a "disruptive" passenger on board.

Joel Ghansham, the passenger, denied that he was disruptive in an interview posted on YouTube. Ghansham explained in the interview that he recently underwent surgery and could not lift things. Ghansham said he then asked a flight attendant to help him stow his bag in the luggage compartment, but the attendant refused.

"He was like, 'I don't do that, I don't get paid for that,'" Ghansham said, referring to the flight attendant's response to his request. Ghansham added that he was seated in business class.

Ghansham said another flight attendant then apologized to him and helped him stow his bag.

Around an hour into the flight, during meal service, the flight attendant who refused to help Ghansham with his bag asked if he wanted something to drink, and he responded: "No thank you, waiter."

According to Ghansham's interview with local news outlet Demerara Waves, the flight attendant then told Ghansham he was not a waiter and that he "had the power to turn the plane."

"You must be God so you do it," Ghamsham responded, per the interview. The pilot announced that the plane was turning back to New York City. Upon landing, Ghansham was offloaded at JFK airport, according to the interview.

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Ghansham denied that he and the flight attendant got into an argument.

"There was not a disruption. I never got up. There was not an argument, there was not a confrontation, nobody touched each other. He was wearing a mask. He wasn't even loud. It was just his pride," Ghansham said in the interview.

At JFK Airport, Ghansham was met by a police officer and a Transportation Security Administration agent who interviewed him and allowed him to leave the airport, per Demerara Waves.

"Safety and security are our top priorities, and we thank our customers for their understanding and our team members for their professionalism in managing a difficult situation," American told Insider in an email.

Ghansham did not respond to a request for comment sent outside of regular business hours.

Read the original article on Insider
Motorcyclists hit the road during the 2023 American Tribute Ride on Saturday at Ben Hansen Park in Wisconsin Rapids. The ride pays tribute to first responders and military service members.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS  Motorcycles converged on Wisconsin Rapids Saturday morning to raise money for groups that support first responders, veterans and others.

Saturday marked the 20th anniversary of the American Tribute Ride, said Ron Naab, chairman of the ride committee. It started in 2003 as a way to raise money for the Wisconsin State Fire and EMS Memorial, which is located in Ben Hansen Park in Wisconsin Rapids. Since its first year, the purpose has expanded beyond the fire service to include law enforcement officers and veterans, Naab said.

The money raised by the ride still goes to the Fire and EMS Memorial, but it also goes to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, the Wisconsin Summer Camp for Burn Injured Youth, Fischer House-Wisconsin and suicide prevention programs for first responders.

The American Tribute Ride differs from a lot of similar rides because the motorcycles visit fire departments, instead of taverns, Naab said. Each year, organizers plan a different route through central and southern Wisconsin. This year's route went to the Rudolph Fire Department for lunch. Then it went to Amherst, Wild Rose and ended in Hancock.

At each stop, the riders were able to purchase drinks, participate in auctions and enter raffles. A short ceremony kicked off the ride at the Wisconsin State Firefighters Memorial with a prayer from retired Wisconsin Rapids Firefighter Tom Anderson.

Jerry Reichert, a member of the Rudolph American Legion Honor Guard, participated in the ceremony at the Fire and EMS Memorial. The American Legion Guard joined the Wisconsin Firefighters Honor Guard.

Reichert said the annual ride is well organized, and he was happy when last October ride organizers asked the Rudolph American Legion to help with the honor guard.

"It is money well spent," Reichert said of the fundraiser.

Motorcyclists hit the road during the 2023 American Tribute Ride on Saturday at Ben Hansen Park in Wisconsin Rapids. The ride pays tribute to first responders and military service members.

Pittsville Fire Chief Jerry Minor was present Saturday helping Naab and other volunteers make sure things were staying on track. Minor stood near the entrance to the memorial Saturday morning, giving directions to people and helping with parking. He made sure everyone knew which direction the riders should travel when they left the memorial

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A ceremony to honor those in the fire service, law enforcement and military who have lost their lives in service of their communities and country was held at the end of the ride. This year's ceremony honored Harold Baum, Hancock Fire Department, who died in the line of duty on March 26, 1946; Police Officer Peter Jerving, Milwaukee Police Department, who died in the line of duty on Feb. 7; Chief Todd Yandre, Lake Mills Fire Department, who died in the line of duty on Feb. 15; Police Officer Hunter Scheel, Cameron Police Department, who died in the line of duty on Feb. 9: Police Officer Emily Breidenbach, Chetek Police Department, who died in the line of duty Feb. 9; and Deputy Kaitie Leising, St. Croix County Sheriff's Office, who died in the line of duty on May 6.

Naab said the ride ending in Hancock Saturday was not connected to the line-of-duty death of Baum. Coloma Fire Department Assistant Chief Eric Johnson was going through things at his grandfather's house and found stories about a firefighter killed March 26, 1946. Baum was the grandfather's brother-in-law, Naab said. Baum was responding to a fire when something failed on the fire truck and it rolled, killing Baum.

Naab said one goal for this year's ride is to get enough money to pay for black granite plates for the Fire and EMS Memorial. The memorial is running out of room for names and new walls have been purchased, but they need the granite plates to go on them where the names of firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty are engraved.

Naab said the American Tribute Ride Committee will get together in the upcoming week to decide how the money raised will be divided.

Contact Karen Madden at 715-345-2245 or kmadden@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @KMadden715, Instagram @kmadden715 or Facebook at www.facebook.com/karen.madden.33.

SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM: Our subscribers make this coverage possible. Click to see the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune's special offers at wisconsinrapidstribune.com/subscribe and download our app on the App Store or Google Play.

This article originally appeared on Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune: Wisconsin Rapids: American Tribute Ride supports first responders, veterans
Summer in New York means a field day or county fair is headed to your area soon, bringing funnel cakes, cotton candy and traveling rides with it.

But you may wonder if that Ferris wheel or those bumper cars that get set up and torn down all over the country are safe to ride.

Hospital emergency departments saw an estimated 24,013 visits related to injuries from amusement park rides across the U.S. in 2022, the U.S. Consumer Safety Commission reported. Earlier this summer, the Fury 325 roller coaster at Carowinds amusement park in Charlotte, North Carolina, was shut down after videos showing a crack in one of its steel support beams went viral on social media.

Fair goers walk around near rides and food vendors during opening day at the Great New York State Fair on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 in Geddes. [ALEX COOPER / OBSERVER-DISPATCH]

In New York, traveling rides are inspected every time they are set up at a new location, according to the Department of Labor.

Stationery rides outside of New York City are inspected at least once a year, the department said.

How could a UPS strike hit NY? UPS workers headed for nationwide strike: How NY would be impacted

Last year, the DOL inspected 7,000 rides across New York. The state is home to more than 50 county and youth fairs that operate between July and September.

Most ride accidents or injuries are preventable, and parents and children should be aware of how to enjoy rides safely and spot those that might be unsafe, Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said in a news release.

Heres what to know:

How are amusement rides inspected in NY?

An initial ride inspection in New York has three stages. Each individual part and component of each ride brought to a fair or festival site is inspected upon arrival.

Once the ride is assembled, it is inspected again to ensure all pieces have been assembled and secured properly.

A third inspection is conducted as the operator runs the ride and the operator is observed to ensure they are running the ride safely.

A sign displays a white New York Department of Labor inspection tag for carnival rides at the Saratoga County Fair on July 18, 2023.

Once a ride has fully passed or failed inspection, a white tag is placed on it in full view of fairgoers. The tag includes information about the ride itself, the name of the inspector, the date of inspection and whether the ride passed or failed.

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If a ride fails inspection, it is not legally permitted to operate in New York. Rides are continually inspected throughout an events duration.

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Tips on how to safely ride in NY

Obey the ride rules: Age, height, weight, and health restrictions are there for a reason. Follow all directions posted on signs, given by ride operators, or announced through recorded messages. If you don't think your child will be able to follow the rules for a ride, do not let them get on. Never sneak children onto rides if they are below the posted height, weight, or age limits.

Buckle up and stay seated: Use all safety equipment the way it was meant to be used, and do not attempt to loosen restraints or leave a ride while it is operating. Dont assume a ride is safe for children if you hold on to them. Stay seated and/or within the ride restraints until the ride comes to a complete stop and youre cleared for exit.

Fair-goers walk around near rides and attractions during opening day at the Great New York State Fair last year in Geddes.

Hand off or safely store your belongings: Dont bring loose items like wallets, glasses, cellphones or hats on the ride with you. If they come loose mid-ride, they can be dangerous to other attendees.

Take breaks: High thrill rides like roller coasters feature high g-forces, which can cause loss of consciousness with repeated exposure. Consider taking breaks between rides.

Be observant: If you observe a ride or ride operator appearing to be unsafe, report it to a venue employee immediately.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Fair rides in NY: How they're inspected, and how you can stay safe
By Max Hunder and Jonathan Saul

KYIV (Reuters) -Russian air strikes on Ukrainian grain facilities on the Danube this week threaten a vital river route for Kyiv's exports, as Moscow seeks to tighten the noose around a key sector of the economy days after abandoning the Black Sea shipping deal.

Last week, air strikes caused tens of millions of dollars of damage to the grain sector in Odesa region, and Monday's strikes on infrastructure along the Danube brought back memories of the export gridlock that followed Russia's February 2022 invasion.

"Without the Danube, the export (situation) becomes critical. To do it with just land routes is a very small amount. We'd be going back to the beginning of the full-scale invasion," said Denys Marchuk, deputy head of the Ukrainian Agrarian Council.

"We have no other way to work. If the Black Sea is closed, the Danube is one of the main routes which we will need to use," he told Reuters by phone.

Police said Danube grain warehouses had been hit on Monday in a drone attack along with tanks for storing other cargo. Reuters verified video showing damaged grain warehouses at Reni, a transport hub on the Danube bordering NATO and EU member Romania.

Officials did not go into further detail for security reasons.

"The big question mark is whether Russia will continue to attack these ports in the near future and prevent exports," said Carlos Mera, head of Agri Commodities Markets Research at Rabobank.

Since Monday's air strikes, the Danube channel has seen shipping disruptions, although it was unclear why there was a slowdown of vessel traffic.

There continued to be a bottleneck, with a buildup of ships at anchor, queuing to take their turn in port, or moving slowly across the Danube channel on Tuesday, according to Reuters calculations based on ship tracking data from analytics company MarineTraffic.

Twenty vessels including cargo ships were at anchor close to the crucial Izmail port terminal. Just three vessels had been able to sail from Izmail and another three arrived since Monday, the data showed.

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There was also congestion around Reni with seven vessels, mainly inland fuel tankers, anchored near to that port some 45 km (28 miles) from Izmail.

INSURANCE RATES RISE

Insurance sources have said war risk cover for Ukraine's ports that was part of the defunct Black Sea grain deal had been suspended with some insurance providers reviewing provisions for Danube ports.

Insurance industry sources said on Tuesday there were few requests to cover new charters for vessels looking to pick up cargoes from Ukraines Danube ports.

"Russia appears to be aiming to destroy infrastructure rather than intimidate shipping, although the latter is an effect," one insurance source said.

Another said: "Even with whatever cover is still being offered for Danube ports, rates are significantly up.

"All bets are off," the second source said.

The Danube corridor has grown in importance for Kyiv since the demise of the grain deal which Russia quit last week.

The route could export around 2.5 million tons of grain and oilseeds per month before the attacks, according to Mera.

Road and rail export routes would only be able to handle up to 2 million tons of produce per month, Marchuk said.

That is nowhere near enough to cover Ukraine's export potential. Ukraine expects to harvest 44 million tons of grain this year, down from a record 86 million-ton harvest in 2021 before the invasion. Ukraine traditionally exports most of the grain it harvests.

Some of Ukraine's western neighbours have also restricted imports of Ukrainian grain under pressure from their farmers, who said they were suffering from the added competition.

The attack on the Danube infrastructure followed a week of Russian strikes that hit grain-related infrastructure at Odesa's main ports.

Officials say the strikes damaged 60,000 tons of grain earmarked for supply to China, reservoirs and berths, and infrastructure owned by Kernel, Viterra and CMA CGM Group.

Kernel said it would take at least 12 months to repair facilities at Chornomorsk where Ukraine said damage was "considerable".

Marchuk said the lost grain was worth $8 million and that a "significant" number of elevators had been damaged.

"These are worth tens of millions of dollars," he said.

'BLACKMAIL'

Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, said the attacks sought to cut Ukraine off from the Black Sea and to elevate the importance of Russia as a global grain supplier.

The strikes, he said, indicated Russia was trying to "blackmail" the West to win a resumption of Russian ammonia exports and the lifting of some sanctions and restrictions.

Marchuk said the attacks also served to scare off commercial vessels.

The attacks lay bare the challenge to Ukrainian air defences of repelling attacks across a country double the size of Italy.

A local news report said Monday's attack on the Danube involved 15 drones with only three of them shot down, a much poorer ratio than in Kyiv where Western air defence systems have a very high success rate.

(Additional reporting by Olena Harmash in Kyiv and Sybille de La Hamaide in Paris; Writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by William Maclean)
Network should not be new battlefield for engaging in digital iron curtain, says Wang Yi

Xinhua) 08:10, July 25, 2023

JOHANNESBURG, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The network should be a big stage where a hundred flowers bloom, not a new battlefield for engaging in a digital iron curtain, said Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, here Monday.

Wang, also director of the Office of the CPC Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, made the remarks while attending the 13th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security in Johannesburg, South Africa, which began Monday.

BRICS is an acronym for five emerging economies, including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Wang said that cyber security is an important cornerstone of national security. "In the face of common challenges, we should strengthen strategic communication, clarify the direction of cooperation, and safeguard common interests," he said.

He put forward four suggestions for maintaining network security:

Firstly, he called for building a fair and reasonable cyberspace. The future of cyberspace should be jointly created by all countries, and the security of cyberspace should be jointly safeguarded by all countries. It is necessary to practice true multilateralism, support the United Nations in playing a central role in the global governance of cyberspace, fully listen to the legitimate concerns of developing countries, establish fair and reasonable international rules, and improve the democratic and transparent internet governance system.

Secondly, he called for building an open and inclusive cyberspace. The life of the network lies in interconnection, and the core lies in openness. Cyberspace should be a "big stage" where a variety of flowers bloom, not a "new battlefield" for a digital iron curtain. It is necessary to adhere to fairness and justice, oppose any form of scientific and technological hegemony and cyber hegemony, and let all parties do their best and get what they need in an open and inclusive cyberspace.

Thirdly, Wang called for building a safe and stable cyberspace. It is necessary to abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and respect the network development path and management mode independently chosen by each country, practice the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, advocate the peaceful use of cyberspace, resolutely resist the cyber arms race, oppose attempts to use cyberspace to carry out "color revolutions."

Fourthly, he called for building a vibrant cyberspace, saying it is necessary to coordinate development and security and adhere to "people-oriented" and "intelligence for good" policies to ensure national security and public interests, while seizing digital opportunities, bridging the digital divide, sharing the digital dividend, ensuring openness, security and stability of the global information and communication production and supply chain, to stimulate the potential and vitality of international cooperation in cyberspace.

Wang Yi also stressed that China attaches great importance to the issue of cyber security by actively participating in global network governance, making China's contribution to maintaining global data and network security. China is willing to strengthen exchanges and deepen cooperation with emerging market countries and developing countries, and make continuous efforts to promote the reform of the global cyber governance system and build a community with a shared future in cyberspace.

The two-day meeting, held under the theme of "Cybersecurity is increasingly becoming a challenge for developing countries," is being attended by Minister in the Presidency of South Africa Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Chief Adviser of the Presidency of Brazil Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Nikolai Patrushev, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval of India, and representatives of Belarus, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Burundi, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Cuba and other countries.

All participating parties said that with the rapid development of information and communication technology, the importance of maintaining cyber security has become increasingly prominent.

The international community should strengthen and regulate the use of information and communication technologies, jointly combat cybercrime, promote digital connectivity, narrow the digital divide, strengthen international cooperation in technological innovation, and promote the economic and social development of all countries, they noted.

They said the global network governance system should be reformed and improved to increase the representation and voice of developing countries. BRICS countries and the "Friends of BRICS" should work together to address traditional and non-traditional security challenges such as cyber security, create a mutually beneficial, inclusive and secure international environment, achieve common security and development, and promote global peace and prosperity.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Both Kyiv and the West want a full and stable truce with Moscow  sooner rather than later.

Why and how Ukrainian national interest currently contradicts a ceasefire with Russia is clear: Kyivs problem in negotiating with Moscow is that an agreement with the Kremlin now will not lead to the full restoration of Ukraines territorial integrity. It will also not protect Ukraine from continuing Russian imperialism and anti-Ukrainianism.

According to most Ukrainians and other Eastern Europeans, talking to the current Russian government about accommodation is a waste of time. Only after a crushing defeat of Russia is a lasting condominium between Moscow and Kyiv feasible. As in earlier periods of Tsarist and Soviet history, a military disaster may trigger fundamental domestic change in Russia.

Western countries, as well as other states across the globe, face a different dilemma.

They may be more equivocal toward Putins idiosyncrasies, Russias future, and Ukraines sovereignty. Western capitals may worry far less than Kyiv about the long-term prospects of a ceasefire or peace agreement. Electoral cycles in democratic states suggest to politicians in pursuit of public offices to look for quick solutions today rather than engaging in multi-year stand-offs.

Read also: Andreas Umland: Why Russia and Ukraine will not find a compromise soon

The cynics' challenge

Many in Washington, Brussels, Paris, or Berlin  not to mention capitals in Asia, Africa, or Latin America  may view Russias war against Ukraine as a far-away regional, post-Soviet, and/or Slavic dispute. Some politicians continue to argue openly that this Eastern European confrontation is of little concern to them.

Ukraine is geographically, culturally, historically, and politically remote from most Western actors homelands. That could be seen to imply for their governments that financial, military, and political investment in Ukraines defense, security, and recovery should be limited or even discontinued. It could also be seen to mean that a bad but soon peace now is preferable to a noble but long military confrontation.

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Even politicians and governments unconcerned about justice, freedom, and self-determination cannot separate, however, their behavior vis-a-vis Moscow and Kyiv from issues of global stability and security. Ukraine is  like Russia  part and parcel of the worlds political and legal order. It constitutes a full member of the international community of states.

Already in 1945-91, the Ukrainian Soviet republic was, unlike the Russian Soviet republic, a non-sovereign participant of the United Nations.

Ukraine became, after gaining independence in August 1991, not only a regular member of the UN as a fully sovereign state. It is today also an orderly participant of the Council of Europe, OSCE, and Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, as well as many other international organizations, regulations, and agreements.

The Kremlin's gauntlet

For this reason, Russia has, already with its illegal annexation of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula in 2014, created a fundamental problem for the international community of states  including those governments caring little for the fate of the Ukrainian people and state.

Moscow insists that the Ukrainian nation and state have no full value. The structure, logic, and functioning of international order, trans-border cooperation, and the security system suppose, however, that it does.

Eight years after its armed capture of Crimea, Moscow doubled down on its denial of Ukrainian statehood. Again illegally and even more unashamedly, Russia annexed yet four more regions, now in Ukraines southeastern mainland.

This additional demonstrative violation of international law, as well as Moscows escalating terror campaign against Ukraines civilians since Feb. 24, 2022, have increased the stakes. The wars course, duration, outcome, and repercussions have become ever more fateful not only for Ukraine, but also for the solidity of the planets order of sovereign states.

Nine years ago, the Kremlins story about the allegedly disputed status of Crimea was partly bought by the international community. Today, in contrast, only a few politicians, diplomats, and experts would any longer accept the Kremlins odious justifications for Russias outrageous behavior in Ukraine.

The Kremlin still provides putative explanations as to why Ukraine does not have the right to exist, at least not in its internationally recognized borders. Moscow continues its selective presentation and plain falsification of Ukrainian history, law, politics, culture, etc. All of this is meant to substantiate the Kremlins claim that Ukraine is not really a thing.

Read also: Pelechaty, Robertson: Decoding Russian disinformation campaigns

International order, adieu?

The problem of the Kremlins disinformation campaign is not only and not so much its factual inaccuracies and cherry-picking of events in Ukrainian history. Moscows more fundamental challenge with its narrative about Ukraine is that rhetorically similar stories could be told about many countries.

Most states and territories across the globe had confusing histories, contradictory allegiances, and odd episodes during their ancient and recent pasts. Some have until today disputed territories and ambivalent identities. All countries of the world did, like Ukraine, not exist at one time. They were all once not real nations, and had, like Ukraine, different borders.

In spite of the explosiveness of Moscows behavior for the international system of states, the Kremlin insists that Pandoras Box is empty. Worse, Russia is, in doing so, not just any country in the post-Cold War world. It has inherited from the Soviet Union a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and the status as an official nuclear-weapon state under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

The Russian Federation is one of those five members of the community of peoples which have special rights and responsibility for upholding the order of states, world security, and international law. With its actions, Moscow is undermining the most fundamental principles of the UN Charter.

Russia is turning the logic of the worldwide regime to prevent the spread of atomic arms and the exceptional status of the five official nuclear-weapon states on its head. The UNSC and NPT have, in Russias hands, become instruments not of stabilizing but of undermining the international order.

Read also: Richard Cashman: Understanding Russias imperial conceits

Nevertheless, peace now?

Most self-proclaimed pragmatists and pacificists who argue for a land-for-peace deal are not on the payroll of the Kremlin. They may have little sympathy for Putin & Co. Some express empathy for Ukraine and its people. Their ceasefire and peace proposals are drawn in the belief that they correspond to the assumed real interests of the Ukrainian people.

Yet, the supposed pragmatists seem to be unwilling or unable to consider all consequences of their pacifist plans.

First, a land-for-peace deal with Moscow begs the question of what kind of truce in eastern and southern Ukraine this can lead to. The local population in Ukraines Russian-occupied territories has been exposed to deportations, torture, executions, expropriations, and other human rights violations. Many of the ceasefire advocates are prone to moralistic argumentation. They typically avoid, however, the fundamental ethical issue of prolonging Russias terroristic occupation regime in parts of Ukraine.

Second, the various peace plans either ex- or implicitly foresee a temporary or even permanent limitation of Ukraines territorial integrity or/and political sovereignty. Among the most popular proposals are leaving Crimea under Moscows control or/and excluding Ukraines NATO accession. This would, however, create a problem not only for Ukraine. It would also send an ambivalent global signal.

Following such a path to peace implies that the territory, freedom, and independence of a full UN member would be constrained not only by Russia. An internationally promoted compromise would mean that other countries too become complicit in subverting the international order.

This course of action would repeat Frances and Germanys dubious pressure on Ukraine within the infamous Normandy Format of 2014-21. After using large-scale military violence and nuclear blackmail, Russia would again be officially allowed and supported, by a multilateral group, to harvest the fruits of its aggression.

Inconvenient questions

What authority and legitimacy will the UN system and European security order have if Russia gets away with violating dozens of bi- and multilateral commitments it has taken upon itself in various international treaties and organizations?

If a larger community of states promotes and accepts a deal resulting in net gains for Russia, this would not only fail to respect Ukraines political sovereignty and territorial integrity. It would also contradict these countries obligations, according to international law, not to legitimize the spoils of military conquest.

Even a partial satisfaction of Moscows political and territorial demands may send a message to certain countries around the world that may try to be as smart as Russia. Why should other relatively powerful countries in different parts of the world not attempt, with some semi-plausible apology, to do things to their neighbors similar to those which Russia did to its southwestern brother nation? Arent other territories around the world not as disputed and as much waiting to be brought home as so-called Novorossiia or New Russia (i.e., Ukraines east and south)?

Worse, several or even many smaller nations around the world might want to make sure they do not end up in the shoes of the Ukrainians. Why would governments of relatively weak states across the world continue to rely on international law and organizations for the protection of their borders, territory, and independence?

If Western governments and other influential states signal that they cannot be counted on as defenders of the international order, perhaps, other instruments may be necessary for self-defense, such as chemical agents or nuclear warheads?

Read also: How controversial cluster munitions give Ukraine needed punch during counteroffensive

Conclusions

The slow and half-hearted reaction of the international community to Russias illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, hybrid war in the Donbas in 2014-2021, and large-scale invasion since Feb. 24, 2022, has already done damage to the international system. The implementation of a well-sounding peace plan may temporarily end the fighting in Ukraine today. Yet, it would further deepen the already worrisome cracks in the world order.

A multilaterally sponsored land-for-peace deal between Russia and Ukraine would acknowledge that might is right. This admission would derail not only the international liberal order, but world security and stability in general. It would do lasting damage to the worldwide regime for the non-proliferation of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction.

The Russian armed aggression and genocidal campaign against the Ukrainian nation cannot be fully reversed with non-military means. There is thus no other way than to meet force by force. This is in full accordance with international law, in general, and the UN Charters Article 51, in particular.

Compromises, concessions, and other allowances to an aggressor state are no way toward a durable peace in Eastern Europe and elsewhere. A land-for-peace deal would do lasting damage to the rules-based international order and future rule of international law.

This article has been written within a larger SCEEUS project on hindrances to a Russian-Ukrainian truce. (See: https://sceeus.se/en/publications/)

Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent.

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Scottish SPCA generic

The Scottish SPCA has claimed there is an animal welfare crisis in Scotland due to cost of living pressures.

Arrivals at its rescue centres have increased by 25% to 3,518 in the first six months of 2023.

In Aberdeenshire that figure was 60%, with more than 800 animals coming through the doors.

The charity said the current situation was worse than it anticipated, with calls to its helpline four times higher than two years ago.

Kirsteen Campbell, the Scottish SPCA's chief executive, said vet and food bills were a playing a major role in owners having to give up their pets.

Kirsteen Campbell said vet and food bills were a playing a major role in owners having to give up their pets

"There is an absolute animal welfare crisis in Scotland, often hidden in plain sight," she said.

"We all know in the pandemic that animal ownership really rose, so that means going into a cost of living crisis more and more people have an animal in their life."

She said more than 4,000 people who called the charity's animal helpline in 2022 were looking to give up their pet. That number has risen even higher this year.

Ms Campbell added: "When animals do come into our care they need more veterinary treatment. They are in a worse condition."

The cost of living crisis has presented a perfect storm for the animal welfare charity - more people are having to give up their pets and fewer people are able to rehome them.

The charity said it had rolled out two initiatives - Pet Aid and Vet Aid - which it hopes will keep pets in the homes of caring owners who are struggling financially.

Fiona McKenzie said owners were struggling to pay for vet treatment

Fiona McKenzie, an inspector with the charity, said: "Our calls have definitely increased regarding welfare to animals, domestic pets in particular.

"Owners are struggling to pay for vet treatment and they're struggling to feed.

"Worst case scenario, which is happening a bit too often, is that they're having to give up ownership of their dog."

The additional arrivals put extra strain on rescue centres that are also experiencing an increase in their own bills and overheads.

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The charity, which runs nine rescue centres across Scotland plus the National Wildlife Rescue Centre, receives no government funding.

As costs go up, it has also seen its number of donors decrease.

SNP MSP Christine Grahame has proposed a Welfare of Dogs bill at the Scottish Parliament which she believes would put more responsibility on those buying a dog.

The MSP hopes her bill will help tackle the puppy trade and also make people think about whether or not they can afford an animal.

"They have to think very hard about the cost of keeping the animal for over a decade and whether they've got energy and the right lifestyle for it," she told BBC Scotland.

"At least we could make some inroad into people having to think hard before they take on a puppy or a dog."
This photo provided by Louisiana State Police shows police body cam video of Shreveport Police Officer Alexander Tyler after shooting Alonzo Bagley after a foot chase on Feb. 3, 2023 in Shreveport, La.

A former Shreveport officer pleaded not guilty to an additional charge in the fatal shooting of Alonzo Bagley back in February. Alexander Tyler, 23, was arraigned Monday on one count of malfeasance in office in connection with Bagleys Feb. 3 death. Prosecutors earlier this year charged Tyler with one count of negligent homicide for Bagleys death.



The charges each carry a maximum possible sentence of up to five years in prison.

Body camera footage of the incident showed Tyler and another officer responding to Bagleys home on a domestic violence call. In the video, the two officers are seen chasing down Bagley after Bagley, 43, escaped the apartment through a bedroom window. Bagley hid in the doorway of another building but by the time Tyler approached him, he was immediately shot in the chest by the officers service weapon.

Read more

The two contacted EMS and the second officer performed CPR but to no avail. Tyler was arrested almost two weeks after the incident and resigned from the Shreveport Police Department after just two years of working there.

Dhu Thompson, Tylers defense lawyer called the charges, extremely disappointing, on Monday, according to the Associated Press.

However, we have been prepared since day one to bring the case and facts therein to an impartial jury. We look forward to our day in court.

Although Tyler, who is white, was only on the Shreveport force a short time, he had already been suspended without pay twice before he shot and killed Bagley, according to documents obtained by CNN.



Its not just criminal court Tyler has to appear for.

Bagleys family filed a $10 million lawsuit against Tyler alleging he was not justified in using lethal force against Bagley, who they say was unarmed and posed no threat, per CNN. Attorney Ronald Haley is representing Bagley and previously represented the family of Ronald Greene, a motorist who died while in custody of Louisiana officers in 2019.

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Rep. Jacqueline Parker, R-Mesa, speaks on the House of Representatives floor during the opening of the Arizona Legislature at the state Capitol Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, in Phoenix.

I come today not to scold but to express my extreme admiration for the boldness, the creativity, the sheer chutzpah employed by one of the savviest operators in the Arizona Legislature.

And I dont mean Wendy Rogers, R-wherever.

Rogers scam is to claim to be living in the district she represents  in a mobile home in Flagstaff and not in her longtime home in Tempe or even the new one she recently bought for $750,000 in Chandler.

No, the Legislatures operator-of-the-year award goes to Rep. Jacqueline Parker.

Parker moves 18 miles, gets a pay boost

Parker is perhaps best known for her dismissal of Don Bolles, the Arizona Republic reporter who for years exposed organized crime and took on crooked politicians until June 1976 when a bomb planted under his car was detonated, killing him.

So, the only thing this guy accomplished is that he was a reporter? Parker asked earlier this year, as Republicans met to consider whether he was worthy of a privately funded memorial at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza. (They decided he wasnt.)

Parker, meanwhile, has a notable accomplishment of her own.

It seems this lawmaker, an attorney and member of the far-right Arizona Freedom Caucus, figured out a way to collect more than $35,000 (and still counting) in per-diem payments this year while her fellow legislators just a few miles away have gotten a mere $4,000 to $5,000.

She did it by moving from Mesa to a home elsewhere in her district  18 miles away, in San Tan Valley, an unincorporated part of Pinal County near Queen Creek.

Its totally legal. But it reeks.

Especially when you consider that the cash shes happily stuffing into her pockets was supplied by Arizona taxpayers.

She now gets $119, not $10, a day

The story comes to us from reporter Dillon Rosenblatt, who specializes in chasing public records and writing about them in his Fourth Estate 48 newsletter on Substack.

Rosenblatt obtained per-diem and mileage records in this, the longest-ever legislative session, to see how much our leaders are pulling down in daily expense pay and in reimbursements for their commute to and from the Capitol.

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Never mind that the Legislature is on an eight-week break. Not to be confused with an earlier month-long break.

Turns out Parker is collecting $119 a day  the per diem rate afforded lawmakers who live outside of Maricopa County at this extended point in the session  rather than the $10 a day she would have collected if shed continued living at her previous residence in Maricopa County.

Parker declined to comment through her secretary, directing me instead to House spokesman Andrew Wilder, who assures me that nothing nefarious happened here.

She filed with the House a formal statement of her new residence and mileage on December 1, 2022, more than a month before the session began, and was in full compliance with House rules, Wilder said. That form is what the House uses to calculate per diem and mileage reimbursement.

Plus her mileage, which taxpayers also pay

Its unclear when, exactly, she moved.

Rosenblatt reports she didnt move her voter registration until May 31, and shes listed as a precinct committee member in Mesa in Maricopa County records dated May 5.

Whatever the reason for her move to Pinal County, the payoff is obvious.

In all, records show that Parker has collected $35,462 in daily expense pay as of June 23, with the amount rising by another $119 a day, seven days a week, while the Legislature vacations.

(For the first 120 days of the session, lawmakers who live outside Maricopa County are paid $238 a day, to cover the expense of having to reside temporarily in the Valley. Its cut to $119 on Day 121. Maricopa County lawmakers, meanwhile, get $35 in per diem, cut to $10 a day on Day 121.)

We're paying HOW MUCH: To cover lawmakers' expenses?

Lest you point out the expense of her longer commute, dont. We also pay for that.

Parker has been reimbursed $6,536 as of June 23, based on her report that she has driven 10,012 miles between her Pinal County home and the Capitol through June 23.

Add in her $24,000 salary, and shes making bank  $66,000 as of June 23 and the cash register keeps aringing.

Arizona's per diem law is broken

Its a nice trick if you can pull it off, and by law, she absolutely can.

Isnt it nice to know that one of our leaders could move just 18 miles down the road and proceed to cash in, to the tune of $238  or now $119 a day  seven days a week, courtesy of us? Even while on vacation?

Rep. Parker, I bow to your keen financial acumen.

Of course, the Parker ka-ching machine is Exhibit A for why the Legislature should derail the per diem gravy train and tighten the law. (Not that itll ever happen.)

Simply put: A legislator shouldnt be paid to cover non-existent expenses.

If you arent forced by distance to temporarily relocate to the Valley, why are we paying your rent?

Reach Roberts at laurie.roberts@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter at @LaurieRoberts.

Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona lawmaker moves 18 miles, gets massive per diem pay boost
Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg is appealing a judge's ruling denying legal fees for his lawyer and sanctions against The Palm Beach Post's attorneys for seeking the truth behind a 2006 grand jury that dubbed serial sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein little more than a "john" and labeled his underage victims prostitutes.

Aronberg's appeal is over a lawsuit he said was filed by The Post only to humiliate him. He has sought at least $70,000 in legal fees, claiming that he wants to recoup taxpayer money. But taxpayers won't ever be financing his lawyer. The attorney doesn't get any money unless a judge orders The Post to pay him.

Read The Post's 2019 investigation: Jeffrey Epstein case, the first failure: To the first prosecutors, Epstein's victims were prostitutes

Now Aronberg is taking the issue to the Fourth District Court of Appeal, which in May told the lower court judge to review the grand jury material for release "in furtherance of justice" as a result of The Post's nearly four-year-long court case. Trial Judge Luis Delgado is doing that now.

"The trial judge ruled for State Attorney Aronberg on the substance of the case," the state attorney's office said in a statement. "He denied our sanctions motion only on procedural grounds, which we believe will be corrected on appeal. We believe the Palm Beach Post will be held accountable for its frivolous lawsuit to obtain records the newspaper knew we never possessed."

The Post seeks to make public what happened during the secret 2006 proceedings to see how then-State Attorney Barry Krischer torpedoed his own case against Epstein. Only one victim testified, and the prosecutor hauled out her social-media pages to undermine her, a Post investigation, "Jeffrey Epstein: the first failure," found in 2019.

"While it is clear that Jeffrey Epstein's 2008 deal with the State of Florida was not consistent with the evidence gathered against him, what remains shrouded in mystery," the lawsuit reads, "is how the evidence was presented  the extent to which it was presented  to the grand jury that returned an indictment far more limited in scope than expected and deserved."

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How did the Jeffrey Epstein grand jury come up with only one prostitution charge - no reflection of multiple girls, their ages?

Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg testifies during a September hearing. He seeks legal fees for his attorney and sanctions against The Post's lawyers, claiming the newspaper filed a frivolous lawsuit seeking to get the Jeffrey Epstein 2006 grand jury transcripts made public.

The grand jury indicted Epstein on one count of solicitation of prostitution  what a person might face after approaching an adult sex worker. Was evidence found by Palm Beach police of multiple underage girls telling similar stories of what happened at Epstein's Palm Beach mansion even brought up? The only witness was a 14-year-old girl, but the charge does not reflect her age. How extensive was the attempt by prosecutors to discredit her, their own witness?

Aronberg testified in a September hearing that the Epstein suit was part of a long campaign by The Post to make him look bad. The Post, in its constitutional role as a watchdog over government, has investigated Aronberg over the years in his role as one of the most powerful officials in the county.

More: Dave Aronberg: Post's suit to unseal Jeffrey Epstein documents meant only to humiliate me

Post Executive Editor Rick Christie has called Aronberg's claims about the Epstein lawsuit "ludicrous."

"The Jeffrey Epstein case was, and remains, one of the most heinous in our county's history. The Post continues to pursue the facts of that tragic story about the victimization of teenage girls without malice in order to bring those facts into the light."

The Palm Beach Post has spent 12 years attacking me, Aronberg testified in September. They published many hundreds of articles.  It continues to this day.

More: Jeffrey Epstein: Judge receives 2006 grand jury materials in Palm Beach Post lawsuit

Why The Post sued to make Epstein grand jury proceedings public

The newspaper and its attorneys say they did not file the Epstein lawsuit to attack Aronberg.

The newspaper wanted to know whether Krischer, who had left office three years before Aronberg was elected, "abused his authority by using material from a defense attorney to undermine a witness he called to testify before the grand jury," Post attorney Stephen Mendelsohn of the Greenberg Traurig law firm testified.

Months before the grand jury met, famed Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz, who was part of Epstein's defense team, had rained down on Krischer's office page after page of the victims' social media postings. One grand jury session was canceled so Krischer and his prosecutors could examine the posts.

More: State attorney drops objection to releasing secret Epstein documents

Aronberg and then-Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller Sharon Bock were named as defendants in their official capacities in The Post's lawsuit, which was filed in 2019, because their offices may have held the grand jury materials. Also, Aronberg's office is responsible for grand juries, and he could have voiced his position on the release of the material.

I voted for Mr. Aronberg. I have no animus against him, said Mendelsohn. This was a sober decision to sue someone in their official capacity. We took pains to make sure we werent accusing him of any wrongdoing at any time.

Aronberg said later under oath that he didn't have the materials. The clerk's office does store them.

Aronberg, Abruzzo opposed releasing the grand jury transcripts

Democrat Dave Aronberg celebrates his win with Joseph Abruzzo in the Palm Beach County state attorney race in 2012,

Aronberg and Bock's successor, Joseph Abruzzo, vigorously opposed the release of the material in court. Abruzzo hired the law firm that represented Sarah Palin against The New York Times, and Aronberg tapped Douglas Wyler, an Amelia Island attorney, on a contingency basis, meaning he doesn't get paid if he doesn't win.

Aronberg and Abruzzo both said later that they did not oppose the release of the material, but Abruzzo's attorney continued to do so in front of the appeals court. Abruzzo also is seeking attorney's fees and sanctions but hasn't pursued the motion.

Once Aronberg declared under oath that he didn't have the materials and that he wouldn't oppose The Post going forward, the newspaper dropped him as a defendant.

Even the judge who ruled against The Post said its arguments were 'strong'

When someone has to defend themselves against a frivolous lawsuit, the judge can order their legal fees be paid by the opposing party and impose sanctions against the opposing lawyers.

But both the lower court judge and the Fourth DCA indicated that The Post's lawsuit wasn't reckless.

Circuit Judge Donald Hafele said The Post had "strong arguments" but that he was not legally empowered to release the transcripts.

More: Palm Beach County clerk seeks to punish Post for pursuing Jeffrey Epstein records

"It may well be that the disclosure of (Epsteins) grand jury records could reveal that fair treatment did not occur and that (Epstein) might have escaped appropriate punishment through some failing of our justice system," Hafele wrote.

The Fourth DCA has ordered Delgado, who replaced Hafele in the suit, to review and decide which materials could be released "in furtherance of justice," the tenet in state law under which The Post sued.

Delgado in January ruled against Aronberg on whether he properly followed a procedure to give The Post notice that he was seeking attorneys fees and sanctions. Now he's appealing.

Why did Jeffrey Epstein get to sexually abuse underage girls for 13 more years after he was charged here?

Former State Attorney Barry Krischer, left, after he received the Pursuit of Justice Award in 2016 from current State Attorney Dave Aronberg. Aronberg.

The case started In Palm Beach County in 2006 and could have ended here. But Palm Beach Police Chief Michael Reiter, after his detective found multiple girls detailing sexual abuse by Epstein, was so concerned about Krischer's handling of the prosecution that he asked the FBI and federal prosecutors to get involved.

Federal prosecutors and Krischer would negotiate state prostitution charges that Epstein would go on to plead guilty to in 2008. One was the solicitation charge from the grand jury and the other was soliciting a minor under age 18 for prostitution. In doing so, Epstein had to register as a sex offender, but he escaped a 53-page federal indictment that could have put him behind bars for decades.

More: Appeals court opens way to judge's review of Epstein grand jury transcripts

Thus the "deal of the century" saga began with victims being denied justice nearly every step of the way and likely many more victimized before Epstein was finally stopped in 2019 and arrested on sex trafficking charges, 13 years after the Palm Beach County indictment.

Less than a month later, he was found hanged in the Manhattan jail. The medical examiner ruled it a suicide.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Jeffrey Epstein lawsuit: Dave Aronberg appeals ruling
A house fire broke out on North Maple in Lancaster on July 23, 2023.

LANCASTER  Police suspect arson after a duplex caught fire on Sunday on North Maple in Lancaster.

The building at 315 N. Maple was a duplex with residents living on both sides. According to a report from the Lancaster Police Department, the structure was fully engulfed in flames when officers arrived. No injuries were reported.

Multiple witnesses at the scene identified the suspect as a resident of the duplex.

The suspect's roommate told officers that the suspect threatened to burn down a house across the street.

Two witnesses stated that the suspect was served with an eviction notice and then was seen running out of the house as the fire started. One witness said the resident was destroying windows and other property days prior to the fire, according to the police report.

The accused resident said there were candles lit and he attempted to put the fire out.

No charges have been made in the case.

Assistant Fire Chief Slade Schultz said the Red Cross and Charity Newsies were contacted to assist the residents displaced by the fire.

Departments were on the scene for almost six hours. The Lancaster Fire Department received assistance from Basil Joint Fire District, Berne, Bloom, Greenfield and Pleasent townships.

Schultz said the LPD is investigating the incident and the State Fire Marshall is assisting with the investigation and is processing evidence collected in their laboratory.

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: Lancaster Police suspect arson after North Maple fire
[Source]

Two Asian women have fallen victim to separate attacks in the past two weeks in San Francisco, according to reports.

The incidents: The pair of attacks occurred on July 10 and July 21, as per English-Chinese outlet Wind Newspaper.

The first incident involved an 86-year-old woman who was pushed to the ground in Tenderloin. The victim suffered a broken hip and was taken to the hospital. Her assailant, described as a white man around 30 years old, has not yet been arrested.

The second incident involved an 88-year-old woman who was kicked and thrown to the ground after shopping for avocados in the Union Square area. She was transported to the hospital with massive internal bleeding. Her attacker, identified as 27-year-old Oakland resident James Lee Ramsey, was arrested and booked on multiple charges. Ramsey is reportedly on a warrant in Alameda.

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The big picture: The incidents mark the second and third reported attacks against senior Asian women in San Francisco this month.

On July 3, Yanfang Wu, 63, was shoved to the ground in the Bayview neighborhood. She suffered a head injury and was taken to the hospital, where she died two days later. The attack was initially ruled as an accident, and no arrests have been made so far.

Some of the most widely reported attacks on Asian seniors have occurred in San Francisco. In 2021, the fatal shoving of 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee helped spark the anti-Asian hate movement nationwide. San Franciscos alleged mishandling of such attacks also propelled 67% of Asian American voters to recall Chesa Boudin as District Attorney.

More from NextShark: Fight Breaks Out on Train After 'Asian Karen' Saves Seat for Her Hamster

We are tired of having attacks on our seniors dismissed, delegitimized, ignored, the Edwin M. Lee Asian Pacific Democratic Club reportedly tweeted before the election outcome. Its not progressive or Democratic to talk at, instead of listen to, communities of color.

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The latest attacks are currently under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to call San Francisco police at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411, starting the message with SFPD.

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Now this could be something to really worry about.

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)  a large system of ocean currents that carry warm water from the tropics into the North Atlantic  could collapse by the middle of the century, or possibly any time from 2025 onward, because of human-caused climate change, a study published Tuesday suggests.

Such a collapse could trigger rapid weather and climate changes in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere. If it were to happen, it could bring about an ice age in Europe and sea-level rise in cities such as Boston and New York, as well as more potent storms and hurricanes along the East Coast.

It also could lead to drastically reduced amounts of rain and snowfall across the central and western U.S., the study's authors say.

Earlier studies about the AMOC collapse drew comparisons to the scientifically inaccurate 2004 disaster movie "The Day After Tomorrow," which used such an ocean current shutdown as the premise of the film.

"We estimate a collapse of the AMOC to occur around mid-century under the current scenario of future emissions," the study authors write.

The AMOC collapse is one of several dangerous climate "tipping points" scientists say are possible because of climate change.

A tsunami floods New York City in the wake of a catastrophic climatic shift in a scene from the 2004 motion picture "The Day After Tomorrow." The premise of the scientifically inaccurate film mirrors that of several recent studies about the collapse of a key ocean current.

What is the AMOC?

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation really is one of our planets key circulation systems, said Niklas Boers from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany, the author of an earlier study on the topic.

The AMOC is a crucial conveyor belt for ocean water and air, which creates weather. Warm, salty water moves north from the tropics along the Gulf Stream off the U.S. East Coast to the North Atlantic, where it cools, sinks and heads south.

The faster it moves, the more water is turned over from warm surface to cool depths.

The cycle keeps northern Europe several degrees warmer than it would otherwise be and brings colder water to the coast of North America.

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Studies in 2018 and 2021 have found that a collapse of the AMOC is possible at some point this century.

What's new in this study?

Using new statistical tools and ocean temperature data from the past 150 years, researchers calculated that the AMOC will stop  with 95% certainty  between 2025 and 2095. "Using new and improved statistical tools, weve made calculations that provide a more robust estimate of when a collapse is most likely to occur, something we had not been able to do before," said study co-author Susanne Ditlevsen, a professor at the University of Copenhagen.

The researchers' prediction is based on observations of early warning signals ocean currents exhibit as they become unstable.

The calculations contradict the message of the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, in which an abrupt change in the AMOC is considered "unlikely" this century.

"Our result underscores the importance of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible," said study co-author Peter Ditlevsen, also from the University of Copenhagen.

How could climate change cause the AMOC to collapse?

Study co-authors Peter and Susanne Ditlevsen explained to USA TODAY how the collapse of the AMOC could occur: "Greenhouse gas emissions cause global warming, which speeds up the melting of Greenland ice. The melted freshwater entering the North Atlantic can then disrupt the AMOC, potentially causing major climate disruptions.

"When the increased meltwater from Greenland enters the North Atlantic, it's freshwater, which is lighter than the salty seawater around it," the Ditlevsens said. "This excess freshwater can disrupt the normal sinking of the salty water, weakening or even shutting down the AMOC. If the AMOC collapses, it can have far-reaching effects on weather patterns and ocean currents, leading to significant climate changes."

What do others say?

Experts not involved in this study offer mixed reviews of its conclusions. Michael Mann, of the University of Pennsylvania, said, "Im not sure the authors bring much to the table other than a fancy statistical method. History is littered with flawed predictions based on fancy statistical methods; sometimes theyre too fancy for their own good."

But Stefan Rahmstorf, a climate scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany, told USA TODAY that "a single study provides limited evidence, but when multiple approaches lead to similar conclusions, this must be taken very seriously. Especially when we're talking about a risk that we really want to rule out with 99.9% certainty. The scientific evidence now is that we can't even rule out crossing a tipping point already in the next decade or two.

"There is still large uncertainty where the tipping point of the AMOC is, but the new study adds to the evidence that it is much closer than we thought just a few years ago."

The study was published Tuesday in the peer-reviewed British journal Nature Communications.

Contributing: The Associated Press; Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Atlantic Ocean current near collapse? Could be sooner than expected
A major Atlantic current could collapse by the middle of the century as a result of climate change, prompting extreme cold in Europe and sea level rise along the eastern coast of the U.S., according to a study published Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications.

Researchers from the University of Copenhagens Niels Bohr Institute used statistical modeling and over a century of ocean temperature data to predict that, under current greenhouse gas emissions, the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) will collapse between 2025 and 2095.

The AMOC is essential to moving warmer water from the tropics through the Gulf Stream and into the North Atlantic Ocean, both delivering cold water off North America and warming the coast of northern Europe. In addition to causing an Ice Age in Europe, its collapse could also significantly cut precipitation in the central and western U.S., the latter of which has already suffered from a once-in-a-millennium drought.

Shutting down the AMOC can have very serious consequences for Earths climate, for example, by changing how heat and precipitation are distributed globally, Peter Ditlevsen of the Niels Bohr Institute said in a statement. While a cooling of Europe may seem less severe as the globe as a whole becomes warmer and heat waves occur more frequently, this shutdown will contribute to increased warming of the tropics, where rising temperatures have already given rise to challenging living conditions.

Previous research published in 2018 and 2021 has also indicated an AMOC collapse is possible, but authors of the 2023 study said their methodology was able to make the most precise estimate so far, putting the certainty level at 95 percent.

The study notably goes further than the United Nationss Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which predicted a weakening of AMOC but called a full collapse in the 21st century very unlikely in its most recent report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A second child has died in hospital after Russians attacked the town of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast with cluster munitions yesterday.

Source: Pavlo Kyrylenko, Head of the Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "Girl born in 2011, wounded in Kostiantynivka yesterday, has died in hospital."

Details: Kyrylenko said that as a result of the attack with cluster munitions, three people had been killed, including two children, and six more people had been wounded.

Background: On the evening of 24 July, the Russian military fired cluster munitions at Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast. At around 19:00, the Russians opened fire on a local pond where people were resting. The attack was carried out with cluster munitions fired from Smerch multiple-launch rocket systems.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
The Scoop

Nate Hochman, a prominent young Ron DeSantis staffer, was part of the slew of employees let go by the team this week, three sources familiar with the situation told Semafor.

Nate Hochman is no longer with the campaign, a campaign official confirmed.

Hochman, who left the National Review to join DeSantis campaign, faced media scrutiny after retweeting multiple pro-DeSantis videos from the four-month old DeSantisCams Twitter account.

The videos drew special attention after a New York Times story over the weekend reported that a strange meme-filled anti-LGBT video shared by the campaign was made by a DeSantis staffer, and passed off to a different Twitter account. Noting style similarities between the anti-LGBT video and videos shared on the DeSantisCams account, Republican strategist Luke Thompson speculated that they may have been made by the same person.

The same day that the Times piece ran, Hochman was found to have shared a recent DeSantisCams video in which a depressed wojack character, unhappy with Donald Trumps record, got excited about the Florida governor. It ended with the seal of Florida transforming into an apparent take on the ancient Sonnenrad, a symbol adopted by fascists, as soldiers marched in formation. The video was deleted after multiple accounts drew attention to that image.

It was not immediately clear if there was a connection between his exit and the videos. After this story published, Axios reported that Hochman himself had made  and not just shared  the latest video. The DeSantis campaign did not immediately respond to questions about whether the videos originated from the campaign.

After publication of this story, Hochman told Semafor that it was an honor to work for Governor DeSantis, and declined to comment on the videos origin.

The View From David and Shelby

The Hochman hire was big news on the online right  the elevation of a 25-year old rising star who had survived an attempt at cancellation. Hochman had been published by the New York Times, discussed conservative populism on the left-wing Know Your Enemy podcast, and written for National Review on everything from the 2024 horse race to whether liberal bias was affecting AI.

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If the Right hopes to regain a footing in arts, schools, and intellectual life, it will have to become comfortable thinking of itself as an insurgent outsider in American culture, Hochman wrote in a feature about the communist thinker Antonio Gramsci.

Hochmans fast rise earned him some enemies. Last summer, The Dispatch published audio from a Twitter Spaces chat where Hochman, while criticizing the white nationalist influencer Nick Fuentes, said that the future Trump dinner guest had gotten a lot of kids based with his approach to politics.

The fact that kids are listening to you, there are good things and bad things about it, Hochman said in the chat. But the fact that you have said super edgy things means that theres a pretty strong ceiling to what you can accomplish in politics.

Some influential conservatives defended Hochman, who is Jewish, from the articles fallout; hed previously written that Fuentes was a verifiable racist with no real political constituency.

Before the campaign began, Hochman was making a case for DeSantis that many donors agreed with. At National Review, Hochman had praised Floridas governor as an extremely competent politician and shrewd political operator who could win the nomination but didnt have Trumps dazzle factor.

While Trump may trail DeSantis in focus and competence, he beats him in raw charisma, Hochman wrote last year. In another column, he credited DeSantis with writing a playbook for confronting woke ideology going forward by standing behind the states parental rights bill, which limited discussion of LGBT issues and gender identity in public schools.

But Hochmans background also shaped some of the more recent discussion among political insiders about DeSantis as his presidential run struggled, and donors worried that the campaign was too online, and too focused on social issues that appealed to highly engaged anti-woke conservatives on Twitter.

Know More

Hochman was part of a broader campaign culling  38 staffers total have been let go in recent weeks  as the campaign seeks to reset amid a rocky launch and stagnating poll numbers.

Following a top-to-bottom review of our organization, we have taken additional, aggressive steps to streamline operations and put Ron DeSantis in the strongest position to win this primary and defeat Joe Biden. Governor DeSantis is going to lead the Great American Comeback and were ready to hit the ground running as we head into an important month of the campaign, Generra Peck, the campaign manager, said in a statement earlier Tuesday regarding the total firings.
Claims of a kidnapping made by 25-year-old nursing student Carlee Russell that sparked a nationwide manhunt were a hoax, Alabama police said Monday. File Photo courtesy Hoover, Ala., Police Department/Facebook

July 24 (UPI) -- Carlee Russell, whose 48-hour disappearance earlier this month sparked a nationwide manhunt, has admitted her claims of being kidnapped were a hoax, Alabama police said Monday.

Hoover, Ala., Police Chief Nick Derzis said he had received confirmation from the 25-year-old nursing student's attorney, Emory Anthony, that her story of being kidnapped while stopping to help a toddler along an interstate highway was entirely fictitious.

Derzis read a statement from Anthony during a press conference in which the attorney indicated his client has admitted that she "did not see a baby on the side of the road" and that "there was no kidnapping on July 13."

"My client apologizes for her actions to the community, the volunteers who were searching for her, to the Hoover Police Department and other agencies, as well as to her friends and family,'' the attorney said in the statement.

"Carlee again asks for your forgiveness and prayers," he added.

The chief said no charges have yet been filed against Russell, but that authorities are scheduled to meet with Anthony on Tuesday.

Russell returned to her home in Hoover on June 15 claiming she had been kidnapped. Forty-eight hours earlier she had called authorities to report a toddler walking alongside of Interstate 459, but when police arrived at the scene, she had vanished. Her car and belongings had been left behind.

Responding officers also were unable to find a child in the area and indicated they had not received any calls about missing toddlers.

During her absence, the nationwide hunt for Russell became a social media phenomenon and the subject of widespread conspiracy theories.

After her return, she claimed she was held by assailants in an 18-wheeler truck and at one point during her alleged ordeal was forced to get undressed while they took nude photos of her.
The man accused in the brutal stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students last fall said he has an alibi for the time they were killed.

Bryan Kohberger has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder in the killings of Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen in their off-campus rental home on King Road in Moscow in the early hours of Nov. 13, 2022.

Evidence corroborating Mr. Kohberger being at a location other than the King Road address [where the students were killed] will be disclosed at a later time, his defense attorney, Anne Taylor, said in a court filing Monday.

Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen.

Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen.

The filing provided one of the first hints of arguments in defense of Kohberger, whose connection to the students  if any exists  has not been publicly disclosed. Attorneys and investigators in the case are bound by a gag order that has meant a vacuum of information ahead of the trial scheduled for this fall, but Idaho state law requires that defendants provide a written notice if they intend to present an alibi defense in a criminal case. Monday was Kohbergers deadline to file the response.

The alibi notice should state the specific place or places at which the defendant claims to have been at the time of the alleged offense and the names and addresses of the witnesses upon whom he intends to rely to establish such alibi, according to state law.

However, the filing also said Kohbergers defense team is still investigating his case and may present more specific evidence about where he was at the time of the killings during cross-examination of the states witnesses or through their own expert witnesses.

Taylor added that the law preserves Kohbergers Constitutional right to silence as well as to testify on his own behalf.

Kohberger chose to stand silent in his arraignment in May, prompting the judge to enter not guilty pleas on his behalf.

Mr. Kohberger stands firm on his Constitutional right as well as the statutory recognition of that right. Noteworthy is that an alibi indicates a line of proof by which the defendant attempts to show that he could not have committed the crime of which he is accused because he was elsewhere at the time, Taylor says in the filing.

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Kohberger was a Ph.D. student in criminology at Washington State Universitys Pullman campus and lived just 10 miles from the victims house. He was linked to the crime scene through DNA found on a knife sheath discovered on the bed next to one of the victims, police said in a probable cause affidavit for his arrest. Authorities said they identified him as the driver of a white Hyundai seen speeding near the house minutes after the killings and pinpointed the alleged route he took the night of the killings using surveillance footage and his cellphone records. He was arrested at his familys Pennsylvania home on Dec. 30.

Kohbergers trial is set to begin in October. Prosecutors announced last month that they intend to seek the death penalty.

Related...
International military students attending the 2023-2024 Air Command and Staff College class spent several days in the nations capital to develop a deeper understanding of the U.S federal government and U.S. military.

The 79 students, representing 64 nations, visited Arlington National Cemetery, the National Mall, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Annex, National Defense University and the Capitol, where they engaged with Alabama representatives.

The International Officer School at Air University sponsored the trip July 9-13.

Maj. Mykhailo Ukrainets, Ukrainian Air Force and Maj. Aya Yano, Japan Air Self-Defense Force participate in the ceremonial laying of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery July 10, 2023.

The visit demonstrated to the students how the U.S. government affects its citizens and people and nations across the globe, while enabling the officers to experience democracy in action as part of their field studies program.

This trip allowed our international allies and partners to understand and appreciate American society, institutions and ideals firsthand, said Lt. Col. Andrea Searor, International Affairs Plans and Engagements Branch Chief. We pride ourselves at the International Officer School in building relationships with allies and partners across the globe to deepen security cooperation efforts while establishing friendships and comradery that transcend geo-political borders.

Trip highlights included students from Ukraine, Japan, Colombia and South Africa participating in the ceremonial laying of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Additionally, the entire group visited the Capitol to meet with Alabama representatives Terri Sewell, Dale Strong and Barry Moore to discuss the importance of alliances and partnerships in support of the National Security Strategy.

Military officers from Ukraine, Japan, Columbia and South Africa participate in the ceremonial laying of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery July 10, 2023. International military students from the 2023-2024 Air Command and Staff College class paid formal respect to the sacrifices of Americas veterans by placing a wreath before the Tomb. The International Officer School at Air University sponsored the Washington D.C. trip July 9-13, 2023 for international students to develop a deeper understanding of the U.S federal government and U.S. military.

It was an honor for my fellow students and I to pay homage to countless United States military members who made the ultimate sacrifice for the U.S. by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, said Maj. Mykhailo Ukrainets, Ukrainian Air Force. As we honored American servicemen, it especially made me think of all the brave souls defending Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity against foreign aggressors back home.

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At the end of the visit, the students had a chance to engage scholars in an academic setting at National Defense University, hosted by the Near East South Asian Center for Strategic Studies, where they discussed four regional centers.

During this session, students had candid conversations with academic scholars regarding current security challenges in South and Central Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Africa. Students provided unique perspectives from their respective countrys point of view while discussing whole-of-government approaches to security and socio-political challenges in these regional centers.

Air Command and Staff College international officers representing 64 nations, pose outside the U.S. Capitol building July 12, 2023. Students from the International Officer School, a part of Air University, located at Maxwell AFB, Ala. garnered insight on how the U.S. government affects its citizens and people and nations across the globe. Additionally, the entire group met with Alabama representatives Terri Sewell, Dale Strong and Barry Moore to discuss the importance of alliances and partnerships in support of the National Security Strategy.

For the past 67 years, the IOS continues to support national security cooperation strategic imperatives by supporting, preparing, and partnering with international military students and their families. The school ensures international military students succeed during their participation, side by side with their American counterparts, in U.S. Air Force professional military education.

Since its establishment in 1954, more than 12,000 international military students from 136 countries have completed the program. The program consists of planned classroom activities, wargames, field studies trips, and a sponsorship program which introduces students to the political, military and socioeconomic aspects of American culture.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Military students visit D.C., gain government, military perspectives
Officials at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in Poland have criticized Fox News host Greg Gutfeld for saying on air that Jewish people survived Nazi concentration camps by being useful.

While it is true that some Jews may have used their skills or usefulness to increase their chances of survival during the Holocaust, it is essential to contextualize this statement properly and understand that it does not represent the complex history of the genocide perpetrated by Nazi Germany, the Auschwitz Memorial said in a six-paragraph post early Tuesday on the social media service X, formerly known as Twitter.

While it is accurate to acknowledge that some Jews may have survived temporarily due to their perceived usefulness, it is crucial to remember that the Holocaust was a systematic genocide with the ultimate aim of exterminating the entire Jewish population, the memorial said in part. It would be more appropriate to say that some Jews survived the Holocaust because they were considered temporarily useful, and the circumstances of the Nazi regimes collapse prevented their murder.

We should avoid such oversimplifications in talking about this complex tragic story, the memorial added.

Gutfeld made the comments Monday on The Five, a popular political talk show. The panelists were discussing new educational standards in Florida that would teach public school students that slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit, according to the text of a 216-page document the Florida Education Department posted this month.

Jessica Tarlov, a panelist on The Five who is Jewish, said she was uncomfortable with the implication that some Black people benefited from slavery and asked whether one could make a similar argument about Jews who were imprisoned at concentration camps during World War II, when Adolf Hitlers genocidal regime murdered about 6 million Jews and also targeted Romany people, homosexuals and political dissidents.

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In response, Gutfeld said: Did you ever make [read] Mans Search for Meaning? Vik Frankl talks about how you had to survive in a concentration camp by having skills. You had to be useful. Utility. Utility kept you alive.

Gutfeld was referring to Viktor Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor who developed logotherapy, a school of psychotherapy premised on the idea that human beings are motivated to find meaning in their lives. Frankl wrote Mans Search for Meaning, a 1946 autobiography that chronicles his experiences in four Nazi concentration camps and how those ordeals shaped his psychological worldview.

Greg Gutfeld at FOX Studios in New York City (Slaven Vlasic / Getty Images file )

Viktor Frankls observation about the specific situation in Auschwitz, which at some point became a camp that connected the functions of a concentration camp and extermination center and where deported Jews went through the selection process, highlights how some Jews became registered prisoners and might have used their skills to gain favor or prolong their lives in that particular setting. Yet, it never gave them complete protection, the Auschwitz Memorial wrote in its post on X.

The memorial said, We must not overlook the larger picture of the Holocaust.

Nazi Germanys ultimate goal was to exterminate all the people it considered Jews (Nazis created their racial definition of a Jewish person). Millions of Jews were brutally murdered in execution sites, mainly across the east of occupied Europe, with entire communities wiped out regardless of their usefulness or contributions to society, the memorial said. While some of the ghettos seemed to have the goal of being productive and Jews were used as slave labor there, being useful did not guarantee safety, as the Nazis eventually decided to liquidate them, leading to the murder of those considered valuable as well.

Fox News did not immediately respond to an email Tuesday morning requesting comment on the Auschwitz Memorials post.

In a statement, White House spokesman Andrew Bates said in part: "What Fox News allowed to be said on their air yesterday  and has so far failed to condemn  is an obscenity.

"In defending a horrid, dangerous, extreme lie that insults the memory of the millions of Americans who suffered from the evil of enslavement, a Fox News host told another horrid, dangerous and extreme lie that insults the memory of the millions of people who suffered from the evils of the Holocaust," Bates said. "Lets get something straight that the American people understand full well and that is not complicated: there was nothing good about slavery; there was nothing good about the Holocaust. Full stop."

The Auschwitz Memorial posted its statement above a clip of the Fox News segment originally uploaded by Juliet Jeske, a research associate at the Tow-Knight Center for News Integrity at the City University of New Yorks graduate school of journalism. Jeske regularly posts clips from the network under the X handle Decoding Fox News.

Floridas approach to teaching public school students about slavery is part of new African American history standards that were approved last week and condemned by many education advocates. The Florida Education Association, a statewide teachers union representing roughly 150,000 teachers, said the new standards are a disservice to Floridas students and a big step backward for a state that has required teaching African American history since 1994.

Gutfeld, a fixture of the Fox News lineup for more than 15 years, hosts the late-night comedy talk show Gutfeld! and appears daily on The Five. He is known for his provocative on-air rhetoric, which The New York Times, in a profile published in June, described as insult conservatism and merry trolling. He joined the conservative news network in 2007.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Authorities are investigating after a woman died while scuba diving with her father off Rockport over the weekend.

According to the Essex District Attorneys Office, Rockport police were notified late Saturday afternoon of a potential drowning near the Dry Salvages rock mount about two miles offshore northwest of the town.

Sara Elizabeth Nivens, 40, of South Boston, was rushed to the hospital after she was helped back onto a charter boat while she was diving with her father.

The boat later docked at T-Wharf in Rockport.

Nivens was taken to Addison Gilbert Hospital, before being transferred to the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, she died in the hospital on Monday, the DA says.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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A man was found shot to death Tuesday at the Emerson Park MetroLink commuter train station near the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Community Center in East St. Louis, according to authorities.

Turyan S. Austell, 23, of Yorkshire Lane, Shiloh, was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound at 6:45 a.m. Tuesday at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, according to St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr.

The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis has been activated to assist the St. Clair County Sheriffs Department in the investigation.

St. Clair County Sheriffs Sgt. James Hendricks confirmed the activation of the Major Case Squad.

We requested the Major Case Squad to assist us in this investigation, Hendricks said.  We are not sure of the facts of this case right now. We can say the victim was taken to Memorial Hospital.

A release issued by the Major Case Squad Tuesdsay afternoon states that sheriffs deputies were sent to the train station to investigate reports of shots fired at 5:44 a.m. Deputies found a man there with multiple gunshot wounds and he was taken to the hospital, where he died, the release states.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call 618-825-5200.

Late Tuesday, the Major Case Squad posted a photo on its Twitter account and asked the public to help identify someone they referred to as a ``person of interest..
Authorities searched for a grizzly bear Monday that attacked and killed a woman over the weekend on a trail near the Montana-Idaho border.

The victim's body was found Saturday morning by a hiker on the Buttermilk Trail, about 8 miles west of the town of West Yellowstone, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks said in a statement. The woman's body was a few hundred yards from a trailhead and private campground.

Game wardens and bear specialists, along with staff from other agencies, found that the woman had "wounds consistent with a bear attack," according to the department.

While authorities did not see any bears, the department said they found tracks from an adult grizzly bear and at least one cub near the site. Morgan Jacobsen with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks said there was no sign the bear tried to eat the victim, who seemed to have been jogging when she was fatally attacked.

"This person was likely out for a morning jog along the trail and that's when this happened," Jacobsen told the Associated Press.

The victim's name has not been released. She was wearing running shoes at the time of the incident and did not have bear spray, an aerosol deterrent that wildlife experts recommend people carry in areas frequented by bears, according to Jacobsen.

Authorities were unable to confirm if the victim was preyed upon or if it was a chance encounter.

West Yellowstone is a vacation town, attracting tourists during the busy summer season and is a gateway to Yellowstone National Park.

The attack occurred near an area with a high concentration of vacation lodges, rental cabins, private residences and campgrounds. The hiking trail is also commonly used for ATVs and other off-road vehicles.

Emergency closures issued as authorities search for bear

Rangers issued an emergency closure for areas of the Custer Gallatin National Forest, including the Buttermilk area, which is popular among hikers. The closure does not include Yellowstone National Park.

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Jacobsen said a trail camera had captured an image of a grizzly bear with two cubs in the area on Saturday night but there have been no sightings since.

Authorities set up traps for the bears on Saturday and Sunday nights but were unsuccessful. An aircraft was also used to attempt to find the bears but none were found.

According to Jacobsen, the department has yet to decide if they would kill or relocate the adult bear if it is captured. He noted that traps become less effective over time because of the possibility of other bears not involved in the attack coming to the area.

Local resident Bill Youngwirth told the Associated Press that people in the area were unalarmed by the attack and forest closure. Youngwirth said people believe the mother bear may have acted out of defense.

The attack happened about a mile from several vacation homes that Youngwirth rents near the forest.

"I tell everybody, 'Better take bear spray and know how to use it,'" he said. "And the big thing is, don't go alone."

Rise in grizzly bear populations

Grizzly bear populations in the northern U.S. Rocky Mountains have significantly climbed over the past several years, increasing the likelihood of people encountering them in more places each year.

In recent years, grizzly bears have appeared in areas where they aren't typically seen or haven't been seen for generations. While bear attacks in the region are rare, grizzly bears in the Yellowstone area have killed at least nine people since 2010.

Though grizzly bears are protected by federal law in states outside of Alaska, officials in the Yellowstone region have pushed for grizzly hunting and to lift protections.

Last week, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks warned people about confirmed grizzly bear sightings throughout the state, "particularly in areas between the Northern Continental Divide and the Great Yellowstone ecosystems."

Officials have urged visitors to take precautions to avoid negative bear encounters.

Contributing: David Murray, Great Falls Tribune; Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bear that fatally attacked woman near Montana-Idaho border sought
At the centre of this image is the young star V960 Mon ESO/ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)/Weber et al.

On Tuesday, the European Southern Observatory released a new image that could advance our fundamental understanding of how brand new planets are formed.

Located over 5000 light-years away in the constellation Monoceros, a star named V960 Mon was photographed using the Very Large Telescope's Spectro-Polarimetric High-contrast Exoplanet REsearch (SPHERE) instrument. The image was taken after the onset of a brightness outburst revealing that there's material orbiting it, in what appeared to be a series of intricate spirals extending massive distances.

Intrigued by the spirals, astronomers looked back at observations of the same system previously made with the ALMA telescope. Through an analysis, they concluded that the spiral arms were clumps of dust particles with masses similar to planets  a hint of what was to come.

Philipp Weber, a researcher at the University of Santiago, Chile who led a study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters about the observation, told Salon the clumps in the spiral are likely "the precursors of planets."

"At this moment, they are just some clouds of dust," Weber said. "But in the future, they might contract and collapse to form a giant planet. This is just one possible outcome, but it's probably the most spectacular one."

In other words, from a human perspective, this image could be depicting the conception of a massive planet, a phenomenon that is still a mystery in the universe. Such a spectacle has been hypothesized as part of some models of planet formation, but this is the first time an observation has actually been made.

"With ALMA, it became apparent that the spiral arms are undergoing fragmentation, resulting in the formation of clumps with masses akin to those of planets," Alice Zurlo, one of the study authors and a researcher at the Universidad Diego Portales, Chile, said in a statement. "This discovery is truly captivating as it marks the very first detection of clumps around a young star that have the potential to give rise to giant planets."

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Webb NIRCam composite image of Jupiter

Webb NIRCam composite image of Jupiter from three filters  F360M (red), F212N (yellow-green), and F150W2 (cyan)  and alignment due to the planet's rotation. (NASA, ESA, CSA, Jupiter ERS Team)To date, astronomers believe that giant planets form in either one of two ways. First, there's the theory known as core accretion, which is when dust particles come together. Astronomers believe this is how terrestrial planets such as Earth and Mars were created. Then there's the theory of gravitational instability, which is when large dense fragments of dust and gas around a star contract and collapse, due to gravity, to form large gaseous planets like Jupiter. Gravitational instability among stars has been observed before, but not among planets, Weber said.

"There are many ideas, many theories of how planets form  in the last 10 years, there have been a lot of good observations," Weber said. "But still today, we don't fully understand every process."

Weber said one of the biggest problems is understanding the scales. For example, how a small, grain-sized clumps can turn into a planet the size of Earth.

"This means that the physics that are involved are quite complicated because it covers a lot of different scales of mass and size," Weber said. "This study is mainly a confirmation that something is possible that people have been hypothesizing about. It gives us observational evidence on this process of gravitational instability."

This observation gives the gravitational instability theory more support as a leading contender for massive, gas planet formation. Weber said it's good to have this confirmation, but that astronomers will next try to improve this observation.

"The observation that was conducted by Alma, it gives them 10 minutes of observational time on this on this target, which is not a lot. So we will aim to reopen this again to maybe reveal the structure in more detail," Weber said, adding that he hopes more detailed observations can reveal what elements exist in these fragments.

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By Niket Nishant, Nupur Anand and David French

(Reuters) - Banc of California and PacWest Bancorp will merge in an all-stock deal to create a bank with $36 billion in assets, the companies said on Tuesday, coming together just months after the regional banking sector was mired in crisis.

To help fund the combination, the lenders have also agreed to sell $400 million of new shares to private equity firms Warburg Pincus and Centerbridge Partners.

The combined bank will have $25.3 billion in total loans and more than 70 branches in California. It will be based in Los Angeles and led by Banc of California CEO Jared Wolff.

PacWest was among the lenders that were rocked by the collapse of three regional banks earlier this year, prompting the worst industry turmoil since the 2008 financial crisis.

"Both the banks are in the same geographies, are focused on commercial assets and so this could be seen as a marriage of convenience," Timothy Coffey, an analyst at Janney Montgomery Scott, said before the deal was announced.

Shares of PacWest surged 34% after the market close, while Banc of California jumped 9%.

PacWest stockholders will receive 0.6569 Banc of California shares for each PacWest share they currently own. Meanwhile, the two private equity firms will be issued new Banc of California stock worth $400 million at a price of $12.30 per share.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in May that more mergers among midsize U.S. banks could be necessary after a series of bank failures.

PacWest has been signing deals to shed some assets and strengthen its balance sheet. Last month, it said it would sell a $3.54 billion lender finance portfolio to asset manager Ares Management.

While the turbulence at regional banks has abated and lenders have stemmed deposit outflows, there remain concerns that some lenders may still be struggling.

RARE DEAL

The deal marks a rare transaction in the market after several months of government-negotiated sales of failed banks. Bank mergers have also been held up for months or scrapped awaiting regulatory approval.

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Securing regulatory clearance for bank mergers on a timely basis has been a key concern of industry figures in recent times. However, two sources familiar with the transaction said the announcement showed confidence among the parties of achieving necessary sign-offs.

Wolff said regulators were aware of the merger process from a "very early phase."

The merger is expected to be completed by late 2023 or early 2024.

PacWest had a market capitalization of $1.24 billion as of Monday, almost 63% higher than that of Banc of California, according to Refinitiv data.

PacWest had total assets of $44 billion at the end of March, while Banc of California had assets of $10 billion, according to separate company filings.

"Over the past 18 months, the competitive environment in California has changed dramatically," Wolff told analysts on a conference call. "We've seen many other banks either completely exit or significantly pull back from California. As a result, there's a sizable opportunity."

He previously served as president of a PacWest subsidiary, Pacific Western Bank, and oversaw more than 20 acquisitions in his time there.

A spokesperson for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, which regulates the Banc of California, declined to comment. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which oversees PacWest, did not respond to a request for comment.

The recent banking crisis has underscored predictions for a round of industry consolidation, analysts said, but uncertainty over changing capital rules has deterred transactions so far.

Accounting rules present further hurdles, because they require banks to mark their securities portfolios to current market values in an acquisition, and take losses upfront, said David Smith, an analyst at Autonomous Research.

Under the merger agreement, Banc of California's balance sheet will be marked, while PacWest will avoid such marks as it is the "accounting acquirer".

The U.S. currently has more than 4,700 banks, government data showed. It is likely that only half may survive in a decade's time, Nomura believes.

The global financial crisis of 2008 also contracted the size of the banking sector. From 2007 through 2013, the number of independent commercial banks operating in the U.S. shrank by 14%, or 800 institutions, government data showed.

(Reporting by Niket Nishant in Bengaluru and Nupur Anand and David French in New York; additional reporting by Pete Schroeder, Tatiana Bautzer, Megan Davies and Lananh Nguyen; Editing by Arun Koyyur, Lananh Nguyen, Jonathan Oatis and Sonali Paul)
By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The sole person convicted at trial of defrauding donors to an online campaign to build Donald Trump's signature wall along the U.S.-Mexico border was sentenced on Tuesday to 5-1/4 years in prison.

Timothy Shea's sentence was the longest imposed over the "We Build the Wall" campaign, which federal prosecutors said raised more than $25 million from hundreds of thousands of donors.

Two other defendants, who pleaded guilty, received shorter prison terms. Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon was also charged in the case, but Trump pardoned him in the final hours of his presidency.

A Manhattan jury in October found Shea, of Castle Rock, Colorado, guilty on two conspiracy counts and one count of obstruction of justice after a one-week trial. An earlier trial ended last June in a hung jury.

In sentencing Shea, 52, U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres said he helped his co-defendants launder looted donor funds through shell companies, even as they claimed all the money was going to build the wall, and kept $180,000 for himself.

"They hurt us all by eroding the public's faith in the political process," Torres said at a hearing in Manhattan federal court.

The sentence matched the recommendation by the U.S. Attorney's office in Manhattan, which brought the case.

Prosecutors argued in court papers that he viewed the campaign as a "personal piggybank" and tried to deflect blame for his misconduct.

Shea's defense lawyer had sought a prison term of about two years. He said the fundraising plan was not Shea's idea, and that while Shea was paid he did actual work for the project.

Two other defendants, the campaign's leader Brian Kolfage and Andrew Badolato, pleaded guilty and were sentenced in April to 4-1/4 years and three years in prison, respectively. Torres said on Tuesday their health issues were significant mitigating factors.

Bannon was criminally charged last September by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg with state law violations arising from the wall campaign.

Bannon pleaded not guilty and faces a trial next May 27. Presidential pardons do not cover state prosecutions.

(Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Warner Bros.

Ive been crying for the last seven days straight. If you think that sounds hyperbolic, Id wager that you havent seen Barbie yet. How anyone can come out of a theater playing director Greta Gerwigs latest without tears staining their face is far beyond my comprehension. (Well, unless youre a whiny right-wing pundit; then youre just sobbing because youre a baby the size of an adult man.)

Barbie is a movie that surpasses audience expectations by imbuing its beloved plastic doll with enough empathy and emotion to soften the reasonable critiques of its inherent capitalism. If the movie were merely a straight comedy, it would be much more difficult to contend this bright pink money train as more than a cash grab. But because Gerwig and co-writer Noah Baumbachs screenplay is so magnificently layered, Barbie the movie gets to be just as impactful as Barbie the toy.

The film creeps up on you, as Gerwigs films (she previously directed Lady Bird and Little Women) always do. Scenes that somehow seem to hold the immensity of mortal existence are condensed into nimble vignettes that arrive far sooner in the films runtime than you might expect. But even with Barbies unconventional pacing, Gerwig and Baumbach save their most heavy-hitting line until the films final minutes. Its an observation about aging and the beauty of humanity that is so plainly true that most of us wouldnt even think of it, because we spend our lives steeped in its reality. But in the Barbie screenwriters careful hands, this line becomes an all-time great piece of cinematic dialogue, the kind that will be studied for generations to come.

As the film draws to a close, everyone in Barbie Land and the Real World finds their happy ending. Ken (Ryan Gosling) learns that he can shine outside of Barbies shadow; Gloria (America Ferrera) and her daughter Sasha (Ariana Greenblatt) reconcile their strained relationship by restoring Barbie Land to its matriarchal glory; and the Mattel execs are assured that a self-aware doll can still make them money. But Margot Robbies Barbie isnt positive that she has the same fate.

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Barbie Review: Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie, and Ryan Gosling Made an Instantly Timeless Masterpiece

Im not really sure where I belong anymore, Barbie says to her cohorts, both real and synthetic. I dont think I have an ending. Through the crowd surrounding her emerges Ruth Handler (Rhea Perlman)or rather, the ghost of Ruth Handler, as Barbie enjoys debating the true permanence of deathwho developed Barbie in 1959. That was always the point, I created you so you wouldnt have an ending, Ruth tells Barbie. Together, the two of them leave Barbie Land hand-in-hand, to converse in the softly-lit realm between the two worlds.

Barbie, no longer feeling like just a doll, wonders whether theres anything left for her in the home that shes known ever since she was manufactured. Ideas live forever, humans not so much, Ruth warns Barbie. But filled with a new, distinctly ephemeral confidence, Barbie wonders if there is a way for her to become a real person, instead of the image of one. Barbie, still assuming that shes beholden to her creator, asks for Ruths permission to become human. Its here, at the apex of Barbies emotional climax, where Gerwig and Baumbach twist their knife for the ultimate bit of poignant, painful beauty.

You dont need my permission, Ruth tells Barbie. I cant control you any more than I could control my own daughter. I named you after her: Barbara. And I always hoped for you like I hoped for her. We mothers stand still, so our daughters can look back to see how far theyve come.

That final sentence, delivered with a heart-wrenching, familiar warmth by Perlman, is Barbies most profound line. It understands that mothers are always moving forward in their own lives, but eventually, they let go of their children's hands to let them flourish. These words exceed even the passionate feminist monologue Gloria gives to her daughter and the other Barbies, and affirms Barbie as a film that is as much about the unique gift of womanhood as it is about the inherent difficulty of being a woman in a patriarchal society. Furthermore, its a piece of dialogue that can be appreciated by every single viewer, regardless of their gender. It only takes being the child of a mother for Perlmans words to resonate, and even those who may have strained relationships with their mothers can appreciate how the line values both parent and child alike.

As if that moment hadnt already triggered gushing sobs, echoing throughout the theater during both screenings of Barbie that Ive been to so far, Gerwig takes it one step further. Ruth asks Barbie to close her eyes, and Barbie sees all of the splendor of being a woman play out before her. Old home movie footage of mothers and daughters growing up together blends into scenes of young girls blowing out birthday candles. Teenagers graduate high school and become young women, they get married, and they frolic through life with their own daughters, mothers, and friends at their side, well into old age. Its nearly impossible to capture this gorgeous montage, set to Billie Eilishs What Was I Made For?, with the written word. In signature Gerwig style, it envelops you and releases you back into the world a changed, more compassionate person.

Until this point, Barbie spends the film becoming familiar with the equal pain and exquisiteness of being alive. Early in her journey to the Real World, Barbie sits at a bus stop and looks around, taking in the people around her. She sees as much strife as she does happiness, watches as the wind blows through the trees, and starts to cryuntil she turns over to smile at an older woman, sitting next to her on the bench. Youre so beautiful, Barbie tells her, smiling. The woman looks back at Barbie and responds to her with a soft grin: I know it.

Combined with Barbies climactic journey through the human experienceand Ruths astonishing line about the nature of motherhoodthe bus stop affirms the films reverence for older women. Gerwig herself has called it the heart of the movie. Barbie, free from her neon world where no one ever ages, can still easily telegraph the loveliness of the woman sitting before her. By the time she must choose whether or not to become a real person some 100 minutes later, shes faced the insidiousness of American patriarchy, and acknowledged that humanity goes hand-in-hand with death. And still, knowing the potential horrors of the world that awaits her, Barbie understands that there is no greater blessing than being alive. She will age, and she will die. But she doesnt need to be the idea that lives forever now that she knows a memory can persist just as eternally.

This ending is Gerwigs third triumph as a director who trades in thoughtful stories about mothers and daughters. Her affection for older women, and how they move through life with history at their backs, has become somewhat of her calling card. She did it with her first solo feature, Lady Bird, semi-autobiographically exploring the complicated dynamic between a Sacramento teenager and her working-class mother. Gerwig did it again with Little Women, transforming a piece of classic literaturewhich had already been adapted countless times overinto a singular portrayal of the beloved story of motherhood and sisterhood. And with Barbie, Gerwig marries the resonance of her solo directing debut with the contemplative spin on a pre-existing intellectual property of her sophomore film, for a truly unforgettable portrait of womanhood, unlike anything she has done yet.

Perlmans climactic line is a revelation, thanks to Gerwigs knowledge that filmmaking can be a therapeutic exercise. Gerwig knows how to shatter us, and piece us back together before the theater lights go up. Thats what movies are all about; they hold a special ability to fundamentally restructure their audiences. And if she can do that with Barbie, a doll as adored as it is abhorred, theres no telling what kind of repose she might bring to the world over her hopefully long career behind the camera.

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Read more of our Barbie coverage HERE.

What Barbie Critics Are Getting Wrong About Its Big Monologue

Barbie Gives Us Ryan Gosling at His Peak Musical Powers

The Real Reasons Why All Kids Abuse Their Barbies

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Margot Robbie drank a special tea to get her skin glowing for "Barbie." Warner Bros. Pictures

The film's skin-health specialist, Jasmina Vico, was in charge of helping the "Barbie" cast get doll-perfect skin.

She introduced them to milk-thistle tea, which she claims cleanses the liver and helps the skin.

Vico also had the cast, including Margot Robbie, drink kefir and goat milk to improve gut health.

It wasn't just makeup and facials that helped the "Barbie" cast achieve doll-perfect skin.

Jasmina Vico, a skin-health specialist, was in charge of keeping the stars glowing on-screen, and she believed the key was more than skin-deep.

"Everything in the movies is about lighting," Vico, a facialist who is based in London, told Vogue. "That's when I thought, OK, we're going to work on the liver, calm the nervous system, and make skin glow. But, crucially, we're going to work on that glow from within."

Vico introduced the cast  including Margot Robbie, America Ferrera, and Emma Mackey  to milk-thistle tea, which is popular in Croatia, her native country. Vico told Vogue that milk thistle can help cleanse the liver and make the skin "more radiant."

Research in mice suggests that milk thistle can support skin, liver, and bone health, as well as reduce cholesterol and support weight loss. But milk thistle can also interact with certain medication  including for anxiety, allergies, and cancer  as well as birth control, and should always be discussed first with a doctor.

America Ferrera as Gloria, Ariana Greenblatt as Sasha, and Margot Robbie as Barbie in "Barbie." Warner Bros.

Vico said the tea includes the spiky heart of milk thistle, which needs to be brewed for 20 minutes to achieve its bitter taste.

The tea was such a hit among the "Barbie" stars that Robbie even brewed some for her cast members during their legendary sleepover.

Robbie also drank goat milk and kefir to prep for the role. Jaap Buitendijk/Warner Bros.

In addition to her facial treatments, Vico created a specialized skin and wellness routine for each of the stars to follow during filming and had them drink kefir and goat milk to improve their balance of gut bacteria.

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"I gave Margot kefir and advised her to eat lots of fermented foods, like sauerkraut, for example," Vico told Vogue. "She loved all of that."

And whenever the stars had any blemishes, Vico had a special trick.

"Always use salicylic acid and ice," she said. "Ice reduces the heat and inflammation, then salicylic acid helps unclog the pores."

Read the original article on Insider
The Roundup weed killer.

Germany's Bayer AG says it expects to take a 2.5bn ($2.8bn; 2.2bn) hit from a slower demand for its glyphosate-based products, including the controversial weedkiller Roundup.

The announcement came as the company lowered its outlook for the year.

In all, it has set aside over $15bn (11.7bn) to settle lawsuits alleging its herbicides are linked to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and other cancers.

Bayer has denied wrongdoing but said the payouts would end "uncertainty".

On Monday, the Leverkusen-based company said it expected a net loss of 2bn in the three months to the end of June.

Bayer said this was mainly due "a significant further decline in sales of glyphosate-based products."

The firm also forecast that its pre-tax profits could fall to as low as 11.3bn this year, compared to the 13.5bn it reported in 2022.

A Bayer spokesman told the BBC that more glyphosate-based products had entered the market following the pandemic, resulting in a lower demand for the firm's weedkillers.

"The normalisation of the competitive environment around glyphosate was more pronounced than we had expected. This was the principal cause of our outlook," the spokesman added.

Roundup was originally launched by US firm Monsanto nearly five decades ago. It became known the world's best-selling weedkiller.

In 2018, Bayer bought Monsanto in a $63bn deal. The tie-up gave Bayer control of more than a quarter of the global supply of seeds and pesticides.

The same year, a California court issued the first ruling linking Roundup to cancer and awarded substantial compensation to claimants.

In the lawsuits, Roundup users blamed the weedkiller and its active ingredient glyphosate for their non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and other cancers.

In 2020, Bayer announced a $10.9bn settlement aimed at resolving tens of thousands of lawsuits, while maintaining that glyphosate was safe.

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In March last year, the company said it had resolved 107,000 out of around 138,000 cases involving Roundup.

"The Roundup settlement is the right action at the right time for Bayer to bring a long period of uncertainty to an end," Bayer's chief executive Werner Baumann said in 2020.

He repeated the company's view that the science indicates: "Roundup does not cause cancer, and therefore, is not responsible for the illnesses alleged in this litigation".

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in many weedkillers, although the science about its safety is still far from conclusive.

Some countries have banned herbicides that contain glyphosate, while others continue to allow them.

In the UK, there is no nationwide ban on glyphosate, although some councils in the country have stopped using it due to safety concerns.

Bayer is set to report earnings on 8 August.
A Midland Park therapist accused of inappropriately touching a 9-year-old boy during a therapy session has been released on electronic monitoring.

Jonathan Barrios, 27, of Saddle Brook, appeared before state Superior Court Judge Marc Ramundo for his detention hearing last week.

The therapist is charged with sexual assault by contact and endangering the welfare of a child. The victim accused Barrios of putting his hand down his pants and touching him.

Despite the argument from the prosecutor that Barrios should remain in jail, as he poses a danger to the community and the victim, Ramundo ruled that Barrios could be released under specific conditions.

Barrios will be required to remain at his home and appear for all his scheduled court proceedings, any changes to his contact information must be immediately reported, he cannot commit any new offenses, and he must avoid contact with the victim, the judge ruled.

Ramundo said the court was hopeful that Barrios could remain employed, but he would have to do therapy sessions remotely and could not work with anyone under 18.

Court news Former top aide to NJ Senate leader avoids prison time in tax evasion, wire fraud case

During the detention hearing, Assistant Prosecutor Nicole Paton told the court that the victim was speaking with his new therapist and told her that he was uncomfortable with Barrios, and that Barrios had reached into his pants and touched him. The therapist notified child protective services, which told the victim's parents to contact the Midland Park police.

The victim "reported that while alone with Barrios, he was sitting sideways in a computer chair with Barrios' laptop on his lap," Paton said. "Barrios asked if he could touch [the victim] and [the victim] said yes but was unsure where he was going to touch."

She said that at the child advocacy center, the victim reported, Barrios would pull up a chair next to where he was seated and would touch him on the body.

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Paton said Barrios had put his hand down the 9-year-old's pants to touch his hip before the alleged sexual contact. She told the court that Barrios took advantage of his position of authority over the victim and made the victim "comfortable with touches on his body before he touched the child's intimate parts."

Jason Foy, Barrios' attorney, argued that there has never been an accusation against Barrios in the over 100 clients he has worked with in different organizations. Foy pointed to the numerous letters submitted to the court on Barrios' behalf, providing support for him and talking about his character. He said Barrios hasn't had contact with the victim since November 2022 and there had never been an attempt to contact him since the complaint was made in May.

Foy said there was an interview with the owner of the facility where Barrios worked in which she noted that Barrios had been working there since July 2020 and told police "she didn't see this coming."

Barrios' attorney said the victim's new therapist began asking leading questions and his client's name wasn't mentioned, and that she is the one who introduced the idea of touching, not the victim. Paton disagreed and said the identification of Barrios also happened when the victim was being asked questions by the Prosecutor's Office, which is trained to deal with victims of sexual abuse.

Foy said Barrios is an innocent man and that the case the prosecution has against his client is not strong.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Midland Park NJ therapist released on home detention
Baffled by all the types of tofu at the grocery store? Each one is perfect for something, but can wreck dinner if used in the wrong dish.

Back in the pre-internet days, 16-year-old me bought some tofu, cubed it and tossed it in a pan of sizzling veggies, only to watch in horror as my neat cubes exploded into a million slippery white bits. This was nothing like the chewy, luscious tofu at my local House of Hunan. Plenty of people would have decided then and there that tofu was not for them, but I was destined to be a food writer, so I went to the library instead.

I had bought the wrong tofu. You dont have to make that mistake.



What exactly is tofu, anyway?

If you didnt grow up in a tofu-loving culture, chances are you feel a bit baffled by the white cube. Water-packed, shrink-wrapped, aseptic boxed, soft, firm, which should you buy? As a chef in a natural foods deli, a cooking class instructor, and a recipe developer for five vegan and vegetarian cookbooks Ive written, Ive explored working with every kind I could get my hands on. Im convinced that everyone can find a tofu dish to love, if they learn to select the right tofu and use it well.

A quick primer is in order. All tofu is made by cooking yellow soybeans in water, grinding the mixture into a slurry, straining it to make soy milk, then coagulating the soy milk to make it into a solid. Because tofu originated in China around 950 A.D., then spread to Japan and throughout Asia, there are multiple traditions and approaches to making and cooking with tofu. The typical American grocery store only sells a few of the myriad options in the wide world of tofu, if youre even that lucky.

Chinese And Japanese Styles Of Tofu

The aseptic boxed tofu that fell apart in my stir-fry was Japanese silken tofu. Silken tofu is made by making soy milk, then mixing in a coagulant that causes the entirety of the milk to thicken like a stiff, slice-able flan. Silken tofu is treasured for its delicate, smooth texture and subtle flavor, and youve probably had it in miso soup at your favorite sushi place.

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The tofu I was enjoying in a stir-fry at the House of Hunan was Chinese-style tofu, which is made by adding a coagulant that causes the proteins to separate from the water, forming loose clumps. The clumps, or curds, are lifted out of the water, drained and pressed into a mold. This method creates cloud tofu, with a spongy, dense texture. Once the tofu is formed, it is pressed to squeeze out the remaining water, and the longer it is pressed, the firmer and denser it gets. Soft Chinese tofu is pressed the least, while firm and extra firm are pressed the longest. Soft Chinese-style tofu has a curded texture, but because its so moist and soft, can be used like silken tofu.

The ingredients that coagulate tofu can be different, too. Commercial tofu is coagulated with gypsum (calcium sulfate), Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate), nigari (magnesium chloride) or glucono delta lactone (GDL) or a combination. Tofu makers design products that make the most of the sweetness of gypsum, slight bitterness of nigari and smooth, gelled texture of GDL.

Ideally, you don't want to saute silken or soft tofu.

Ideally, you don't want to saute silken or soft tofu.

Which Types Of Tofu To Use And When

Each type of tofu has qualities that make it perfect for certain dishes. If you are starting with a recipe, it should help you out by specifying a type of tofu. If not, remember that silken or soft tofu is delicate and fragile, and medium, firm and extra firm are sturdier.

Silken Or Soft Tofu

These types are perfect pureed for puddings, cheesecakes, salad dressings, smoothies, mayo, dips or creamy soups. Theyre beloved in classic miso soup, or chilled, topped with scallions and soy sauce. They can also be coated in batter and deep fried, but are too wet and tender to shallow fry.



Medium Or Firm Tofu

These are perfect in classic stir-fries, tofu scrambles, baked marinated tofu and tofu burgers. Because they are sturdy, but not as rock hard as extra firm, you can get a good crust or sear on cubes or slices while the interior stays tender.

Extra Firm

This is perfect for grilling and making extra chewy versions of your favorite stir-fries. Extra firm is pressed to such density that you can pat it dry, brush with oil and throw it on a hot grill without breaking. People who think tofu is too mushy love this kind.



If youve never played around with silken tofu, below is a recipe that Ive found to be a winner.

Creamy Tofu-Dill Dressing

This makes a thick, creamy puree that you can use as a dip for veggies or chips, or toss with cooked potatoes or green salads. If you want a more pourable dressing, simply stir in water, a little at a time, to make the desired consistency. When pureeing tofu in the food processor, make sure it is completely smooth before adding the liquids, or you may have lumps in the end.

Makes 2 cups

12.3 ounces (or similar) silken tofu, extra firm (1 1/2 cups mashed)

1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 clove garlic, chopped

1/4 cup dill pickle juice

1/4 cup avocado or canola oil

1 scallion, chopped

1/4 cup fresh dill weed

Place the tofu in the bowl of a food processor and process, scraping down frequently, until the tofu is very smooth. Add the garlic, salt, pepper and half of the cucumber and process again, blending until almost smooth.

With the machine running, drizzle in the pickle juice, then the oil. Scrape and process again to blend.

Add the remaining cucumber, scallion and dill and pulse to mix.

Scrape into a jar and refrigerate until time to serve.

To make in a blender, pour the pickle juice and oil in first, then add the tofu, salt, pepper, garlic, and half of the cucumber, then secure the lid and blend until smooth. Add the remaining cucumber, scallion and dill and pulse to mix.

Related...
A woman takes a picture of the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago, which will be designated by the White House as part of a three-part memorial to Emmett Till, a 1955 lynching victim (SCOTT OLSON)

US President Joe Biden designated a new national monument Tuesday to memorialize the racist 1950s lynching of Emmett Till, and challenged Americans to confront their dark history or risk repeating the past.

"We should know about our country. We should know everything," Biden said at a White House ceremony attended by lawmakers and Till family members, including the last surviving witness to his abduction, prior to torture and murder.

The monument honors Till, a 14-year-old Black boy snatched by white men in 1955 after he allegedly whistled at a white shopkeeper's wife in Mississippi. It also honors his mother Mamie Till-Mobley, who turned the tragedy into a focal point for the nascent civil rights movement.

Signed on the 82nd anniversary of Till's birth, Biden's proclamation preserves three historic sites in Illinois and Mississippi.

One is the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago, where a huge crowd viewed Till's mutilated body at the funeral after Mamie Till-Mobley insisted on leaving the casket open, saying Americans should see what had been done.

Another will be the Tallahatchie, Mississippi, courthouse where an all-white jury acquitted the men accused of murdering Till, although they would later admit to the crime.

The spot on the Tallahatchie River where Till's battered body was eventually discovered is also part of the memorial. Signs commemorating the brutal event there and in other locations around Tallahatchie County have repeatedly been defaced and vandalized over the years.

- 'Quite a journey' -

Joining the audience in the ornate Indian Treaty Room was Wheeler Parker, a pastor now in his 80s, who was Till's best friend and cousin when, at age 16, he witnessed Till taken to his death.

Parker spoke of that "night of terror" but reflected that changes in the United States had brought him all the way to standing alongside the president in the White House.

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It's "been quite a journey for me from the darkness to the light," he said, recalling his "fear of certain death in the darkness of a thousand midnights."

"Back then in the darkness, I could never imagine a moment like this: standing in the light of wisdom, grace, and deliverance," he said.

An emotional Biden spoke quietly about the Till story, something he has long taken an interest in, including hosting a screening of the 2022 biopic movie "Till" early this year.

He then connected the nearly seven-decades-old case to recent controversies over race, slavery and more contemporary LGBTQ issues.

Without naming names, Biden -- who at 80 was born in to the same generation as the slain Mississippi teenager -- took shots at a chorus of Republicans who complain that leftist ideology is teaching Americans to be ashamed of their past.

One of the most prominent right-wing voices, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, is seeking to challenge Biden in the 2024 presidential election on a campaign of fighting the "virus" of leftist "woke" attitudes.

Mirroring a broader right-wing push nationwide, Florida's government has sought to weed out school textbooks seen as overly emphasizing LGBTQ issues, race and the oppression of Black people.

DeSantis himself suggested last Friday that slaves benefited from job training while they were the property of white owners. "They're probably going to show that some of the folks that eventually parlayed, you know, being (an enslaved) blacksmith into doing things later in life," DeSantis said.

Biden said the Till monument matters because Americans "should know everything: the good, the bad, the truth -- who we are as a nation."

Ignoring extremism, Biden said, won't make it disappear. "It just hides. It hides under the rocks."

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who is Black, said the Emmett Till monument was an opportunity for a "full accounting" to "learn about painful chapters in our history."

sms/mlm
President Biden on Tuesday signed a proclamation creating a national monument in honor of Mamie Till Mobley and her son Emmett Till, the 14-year-old whose brutal killing in Mississippi helped galvanize the civil rights movement.

The monument, spread over three sites in Illinois and Mississippi, will tell the story of Tills murder in 1955, and of his mothers efforts to ensure it would never been forgotten.

I cant fathom what it must have been like, Biden said Tuesday  on what would have bill Emmett Tills 82nd birthday. Its hard to believe I was 12 years old. I know no matter how much time has passed, how many birthdays, how many events, how many anniversaries, its hard to relive this.

Till was lynched for allegedly making comments toward a white woman in Mississippi while on a trip from Chicago. His mother held an open-casket funeral to show the horrors of what happened to her son.

Tills disfigured face  barely recognizable  was memorialized and syndicated in photos. For many, it was the first proof of the brutality of the Jim Crow South.

Biden spoke to Till-Mobleys courage in holding an open-casket service.

She said let the people see what Ive seen, he said. The country and the world saw, and thats the story of Emmett Till and his mother as a story of a familys promise and loss and the nations reckoning with hate, violence, racism, overwhelming abuse of power, brutality.

The new monuments, Biden said, is another chapter in the nations healing.

As Biden signed the proclamation, he was flanked by Vice President Kamala Harris, members of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr., Tills cousin who was present the night Till was kidnapped.

The national monument consists of three separate sites. The first, in Graball Landing, Miss., is the site where Tills body was discovered in the Tallahatchie River. Though the community had erected a memorial sign in 2008, it had been vandalized numerous times, as well as removed and even shot at. A new, bulletproof sign was dedicated in 2019.

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The second site will be in Chicago, in the historically Black neighborhood of Bronzeville on the citys South Side. Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ is where Till-Mobley held her sons open casket funeral. An estimated 125,000 people attended Tills services over the course of several days.

The final site of the new monument is the Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse in Sumner, Miss. It was in this courthouse where the trial of Tills murderers began. After only an hour of deliberation, it was in this courthouse that an all-white jury acquitted Tills killers. In a paid interview later, both killers admitted to lynching Till.

Both Biden and Harris highlighted that this history must be told  a jab toward state legislatures that have tried to limit teachings on Black history and have banned books that tell stories of the civil rights movement.

Our history as a nation is born of tragedy and triumph, of struggle and success, said Harris. That is who we are, and as people who love our country, as patriots, we know that we must remember and teach our full history even when it is painful  especially when it is painful.

Today, there are those in our nation who would prefer to erase or even rewrite the ugly parts of our past, she continued. 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. Let us not be seduced into believing that somehow we will be better if we forget.

The national monument follows a year of action to honor both the 14-year-old and his mother.

In December, the House passed a resolution to posthumously award both Till and his mother the Congressional Gold Medal. The resolution followed the March 2022 signing of the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, which made lynching a federal hate crime.

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For decades, members of Tills family as well as other civil rights and community leaders have fought for these sites to be protected.

This country owes so much to the Till family for insisting that what was always known to be wrong someday would be made right, said Paula Johnson, a professor of law at Syracuse University. But individuals, officials, and institutions repeatedly failed them.

Not only did the all-white jury fail to convict the men who murdered Till, said Johnson, but after Carolyn Bryant Donham, the woman who accused Till of making lewd comments toward her, admitted to lying about the incident, a majority-Black Mississippi grand jury declined to indict her.

Then, another grand jury in Mississippi last year also declined to indict Donham on kidnapping and manslaughter charges, despite new information about an unserved arrest warrant and an unpublished memoir by Donham.

These national monuments are a testament that efforts to quash truth will not succeed and that memory, legacy and the never-ending demand for justice will prevail, said Johnson, founding director of the Cold Case Justice Initiative. As the nation pays honor and gratitude to the Till family through these monuments, we are reminded that we must face all that we are if we ever hope to be all that we can be.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden criticized what he said were efforts to restrict the teaching of US history, delivering a rebuke to Republican presidential challenger Ron DeSantis amid a brewing controversy over the Florida governors defense of the states educational curriculum.

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At a time when there are those who seek to ban books, bury history, were making clear  crystal, crystal clear  while darkness and denialism can hide much, they erase nothing, Biden said at a White House event Tuesday establishing a national monument for Emmett Till, the Black teenager whose brutal lynching in 1955 galvanized the civil rights movement.

The event, on what would have been Tills 82nd birthday, took place against the backdrop of a heated controversy over the teaching of Black history. DeSantis has invited bipartisan criticism for defending a Florida state social studies curriculum that says formerly enslaved Black Americans gained beneficial life skills from chattel slavery.

Biden did not mention DeSantis by name but used the occasion to draw a contrast with one of his top 2024 rivals.

We cant just choose 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 of who we are as a nation, Biden said.

For months, DeSantis has garnered criticism from the White House and Democrats for moving to curtail the teaching of Black history  a clash reignited by Floridas new standards.

Theyre probably going to show that some of the folks that eventually parlayed, you know, being a blacksmith into doing things later in life, DeSantis said Friday.

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DeSantis has said he wasnt involved in the curriculum but defended it after Kamala Harris, the first Black, Asian and woman US vice president, traveled to Jacksonville, Florida, on Friday to highlight the White Houses opposition.

Harris criticized those standards again Tuesday, without mentioning DeSantis by name.

There are those in our nation who would prefer to erase or even rewrite the ugly parts of our past, those who attempt to teach that enslaved people benefited from slavery, she said.

Those who insult us in an attempt to gaslight us, who try to divide our nation with unnecessary debates, Harris added. Let us not be seduced into believing that somehow we will be better if we forget. We will be better if we remember.

The flap comes at a delicate time for DeSantis, whose campaign is undergoing a reboot after a dismal start that has left donors anxious about his ability to supplant former President Donald Trump as the GOP standard-bearer. DeSantis has sought to outflank Trump, who is the Republican frontrunner by a wide margin according to polls, but remains firmly in second place.

Earlier: DeSantis to Shake Up Team Amid Campaign Spending Scrutiny

Some Republican presidential candidates have criticized DeSantis, including longshot contender Will Hurd, who said implying that there is an upside to slavery is absolutely wrong, in an interview Monday with Bloomberg Televisions Balance of Power.

Read more: Hurd Says DeSantis Wrong to Double Down on Slavery Curriculum

Tuesdays event gave Biden an opportunity to shore up his ties with Black voters, a key part of the Democratic coalition that he largely credits with catapulting him to the White House. Biden carried 92% of the Black vote in 2020, but a July 18 The Economist/YouGov poll found his approval rating among those voters at just 64%.

The White House has cast DeSantis and other Republicans as extreme on issues including immigration, abortion and the teaching of critical race theory.

Bidens campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond in a statement Saturday said DeSantiss comments in support of the idea that slavery had its benefits for slaves are obviously disgusting and a sign of extremism among 2024 Republican candidates.

The proclamation Biden signed protects sites connected to the killing of Till and the efforts by his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, to highlight his death. The proclamation follows a long-sought effort to honor Tills legacy.

Biden last year signed legislation, named in honor of Till, that made lynching a federal hate crime. In February, he hosted a screening of the movie Till, about the life of Mamie Till-Mobley, at the White House.

Earlier: Biden to Host Screening of Film on Civil Rights Icon Till-Mobley

The monument spans three locations, including the Mississippi site where Tills disfigured body was found, the church in Chicago where his mother held an open-casket funeral, and the courthouse where his killers were acquitted by an all-White jury.

--With assistance from Jenny Leonard and Justin Sink.

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By Trevor Hunnicutt and Jonathan Allen

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday honored Emmett Till, the Black teenager whose 1955 killing helped galvanize the Civil Rights movement, and his mother with a national monument spanning two states and a call for Americans to learn the country's full history.

Till, 14 and visiting from Chicago, was beaten, shot and mutilated in Money, Mississippi, on Aug. 28, 1955, four days after a 21-year-old white woman accused him of whistling at her. His body was dumped in a river.

The violent killing put a spotlight on the U.S. civil rights cause after his mother, Mamie Till-Bradley, held an open-casket funeral and a photo of her son's badly disfigured body appeared in Black media.

The national monument designation across 5.7 acres (2.3 hectares) and three sites marks a forceful new effort by the president to memorialize the country's bloody racial history even as Republicans in some states push limits on how that past is taught in public schools.

"Darkness and denialism can hide much but they erase nothing," Biden told guests in the ornate, marble-edged Indian Treaty Room next to the White House, before signing the proclamation. "We can't just choose to learn what we want to know."

Biden, an 80-year-old Democrat, will likely need strong support from Black voters to secure a second term in the 2024 presidential election.

A Republican field led by former President Donald Trump has made conservative views on race and other contentious issues of history a part of their platform, including banning books and fighting efforts to teach school children accounts of the country's past that they regard as ideologically inflected or unpatriotic.

New education guidelines issued in Florida under Republican governor and 2024 presidential candidate Ron DeSantis last week ask middle school instructors to teach that enslaved Black people developed helpful "skills" in bondage, among other measures.

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"Today there are those in our nation who prefer to erase or even rewrite the ugly parts of our past, those who attempt to teach that enslaved people benefited from slavery," Vice President Kamala Harris said at the event.

"As people who love our country, as patriots we know that we much remember and teach our full history even when it is painful. Especially when it is painful," she said.

Tuesday marks the 82nd anniversary of Till's birth in 1941. One of the monument sites is his funeral location, Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ, in Chicago.

The other selected sites are in Mississippi: Graball Landing, close to where Till's body is believed to be have been recovered; and Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse, where two white men who later confessed to Till's killing were acquitted by an all-white jury.

Signs erected at Graball Landing since 2008 to commemorate Till's killing have been repeatedly defaced by gunfire.

Now that site and the others will be considered federal property, receiving about $180,000 a year in funding from the National Park Service. Any future vandalism would be investigated by federal law enforcement rather than local police, according to Patrick Weems, executive director of the Emmett Till Interpretive Center in Sumner, Mississippi.

Other such monuments include the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty and inventor Thomas Edison's laboratory.

"America is changing, America is making progress," said the Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr., 84, a cousin of Till's who was with the boy on the night he was abducted at gunpoint from a relatives' house in Mississippi where they were staying.

"I've seen a lot of changes over the years and I try to tell young people that they happen, but they happen very slow," Parker said in a telephone interview as he traveled from Chicago to Washington to attend the ceremony as one of the White House's approximately 60 guests.

Biden screened a film recounting the killing and its aftermath, "Till," at the White House in February. Last March, he signed into law a bipartisan bill named for Till that for the first time made lynching a federal hate crime.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Jonathan Allen and Steve Holland; Editing by Heather Timmons, Lincoln Feast and Mark Porter)
As South African dancer Luyanda Mdingji stepped off the plane at Urumqi Airport in the capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region late Sunday, he was greeted with a heartfelt welcome. Caught up in the vibrant drum beats, he couldn't resist swaying his waist and hips while waving his arms in sync with the music.

"It was a touching welcome. I quickly got into the rhythm of Xinjiang dance," Mdingji said, expressing his delight in taking part in Meshrep, a traditional Xinjiang cultural activity, alongside local performer Razya Yasen.

This is his first visit to Xinjiang, as well as his maiden experience with Meshrep, which means gathering in Uygur and often includes poetry, music, dance and conversations.

Mdingji and other members of the dance troupe -- Elvis Sibeko Studios of South Africa -- are in Xinjiang to attend the 6th China Xinjiang International Dance Festival, being held from July 20 to Aug. 5.

Six artists from the Muqam Art Troupe of Xinjiang Art Theater put on a special welcome ceremony for them.

Donning a doppa with diversified patterns and a pink robe, Razya Yasen, a dancer from the troupe, presented a bouquet of colorful flowers to one of the South African dancers.

"I was moved when the South African girl hugged me as she received my flowers," Razya Yasen said.

Besides dancing, the Xinjiang artists also played the popular music "Xinjiang is a Good Place" with traditional instruments.

Exmetjan Arkin, who plays the traditional folk musical instrument Rewap, skillfully cradled the wooden body with his left hand while plucking its strings with his right hand.

As the music soared to its crescendo, Qeyserjan Kurban tapped the tambourine with rhythmic precision, his head swaying in harmony with the beat. When the music reached its peak, he seamlessly accelerated the drumbeat with effortless grace.

According to Exmetjan Arkin, the dance festival is not only a platform to display Xinjiang art but also a window to showcase Xinjiang's economic, social and cultural attributes.

"I am looking forward to treating our African friends with cuisines like latiaozi (pulled noodles), dapanji (big plate chicken) and pilaf," he said.

Nomthandazo Mlungwana, project manager of the South African dance troupe, said that she is looking forward to enjoying her time in Xinjiang.

"Xinjiang dance gives people a feeling of home, and we are fascinated by it," she said, adding that she hopes to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the region after the performance.

As the welcome ceremony drew to a close, the artists formed a circle, and Mdingji stepped into the center.

With fervor and passion, he raised his legs and stomped the ground, unleashing the captivating moves of the Zulu dance. His fellow performers joined in, swaying their bodies in sync with the rhythm. Chinese actors and audience members enthusiastically clapped their hands, with some even attempting to imitate the infectious dance.

According to Mdingji, the Zulu dance is a part of the drama "The Kingdom of Ubuntu" that the South African dance troupe will perform on Monday and Tuesday. The drama aims to display social cohesion and cultural diversity.

Over the past few days, dance groups from Russia, Kazakhstan, Thailand and other countries and regions have graced the dance festival with their mesmerizing performances.

Themed "Dreams of Dance, Harmony of Silk Road," the festival has attracted more than 1,000 artists from Asia, Europe and Africa.

After their vibrant dance, both Chinese and foreign artists gathered for a group photo, chanting in unison: "Xinjiang is a good place!"
President Joe Biden on Tuesday established a national monument to commemorate the legacy of Emmett Till, whose murder helped ignite the civil rights movement, and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley.

Biden signed the proclamation to create the new Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument on the 82nd anniversary of the Black Chicago teenagers birth.

At a time when there are those who seek to ban books, bury history, were making it clear  crystal, crystal clear: While darkness and denialism can hide much, they erase nothing, the president said at the White House signing ceremony, appearing to reference Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida with his remarks. Only with truth comes healing, justice, repair and another step forward toward forming a more perfect union. Weve got a hell of a long way to go.

The signing comes amid escalating tensions in the U.S. over racial issues, like the inclusion of teachings about slavery and Black history in public schools. On Friday, DeSantis dismissed Vice President Kamala Harris criticism of the Black history standards recently adopted by the Florida Board of Education. Harris, appearing at Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.s national convention in Indianapolis on Thursday, had taken aim at the standards, which include instruction on how slaves developed skills that could be applied for their personal benefit.

Just yesterday in the state of Florida, they decided middle school students will be taught that enslaved people benefited from slavery, she said in her keynote address. They insult us in an attempt to gaslight us, and we will not stand for it.

The vice president rehashed those comments at the proclamation signing ceremony Tuesday.

Today, there are those in our nation who would prefer to erase or even rewrite the ugly parts of our past, those who attempt to teach that enslaved people benefited from slavery, she said. Let us not be seduced into believing that somehow we will be better if we forget.

Story continues

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called the Florida governors remarks inaccurate and insulting during her briefing Monday, saying they obstruct an honest portrayal of the nations history. She further highlighted the new monument as an important moment and part of depicting the broader story of American Black oppression, their survival.

The Till monument, the fourth national monument designated by the Biden administration, will span three sites in Illinois and Mississippi that hold historical importance to the story of Emmett Tills life and the events surrounding his racially motivated murder in 1955.

Till was just 14 when a white female grocery clerk accused him of whistling at her and making inappropriate advances during a visit to family in the Mississippi Delta. He was then abducted and tortured, and his body was dumped in the Tallahatchie River. Roy Bryant and his half-brother J.W. Milam, both white men, were tried on murder charges but acquitted by an all-white jury after an hour of deliberations. Months later, the men confessed to the crime in a paid interview with Look magazine.

Tills death became a pivotal event in the civil rights movement, with Rosa Parks saying his memory inspired her refusal to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in a historic act of defiance of racial segregation laws. The activism of Mamie Till-Mobley, who insisted on an open-casket funeral to show the world the brutality her son endured, helped galvanize public outrage and highlight the deep-seated inequalities of the Jim Crow South.

Its just barbaric what happened, Biden said of Till-Mobleys choice Tuesday. All you moms out there  imagine the courage it took to say, Let them see. The courage.

The National Parks Conservation Association, a nonprofit that attended the ceremony and worked with Till family members for years to advocate for the national park site, celebrated its realization.

We still see echoes of Emmetts story and blatant racial injustice in our society today, Theresa Pierno, the associations president and CEO, said in a statement on Tuesday. With this new national park site, our leaders are bringing this story back into the light so that we may all continue to learn and grow from it, just as we have at Birmingham, Stonewall, and other national monuments.

The monuments sites encompass the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Bronzeville, a historically Black neighborhood in Chicago where Tills funeral service took place. They also include the Graball Landing site, where his body was believed to be discovered, and the courthouse in Tallahatchie, Miss., where his killers were acquitted.

In March 2022, Biden signed the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, recognizing lynching as a federal hate crime.
President Joe Biden announced Wednesday his replacement for former Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl, who led the defense policy shop since April 2021.

Derek Chollet, who currently serves as the counselor at the State Department, was tapped by Biden after Kahl announced he would go back to teaching at Stanford University at the start of this school year.

It has been the greatest honor to serve the American people with [Secretary Antony Blinken] and the dedicated [State Department] team, Chollet wrote in a tweet. I am humbled by the opportunity to return to [the Department of Defense] and work with [Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin] on our nations security. I look forward to working with the Senate on my confirmation.

Chollets nomination, however, comes as Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., has placed holds on all uniformed and civilian Pentagon nominees over the departments abortion policy for service members who reside in states where the procedure is restricted. Tuberville has been steadfast in his opposition, blocking more than 250 military nominations.

Kahl announced his departure in May and leaves the Pentagon policy shop after crafting the administrations response to Russias invasion of Ukraine and dealing with a rising China. His own confirmation process hit some road bumps along the way, including during his confirmation hearing, when he apologized for remarks he made about Republican lawmakers on social media during his time in the private sector. He was also criticized for his work on the Iran nuclear agreement.

Before his time at the State Department, Chollet served at the Pentagon as the assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs. He also worked as the executive vice president of the German Marshall Fund.
On today's episode of the 5 Things podcast: President Biden's Department of Justice is suing Texas over a floating border barrier

The Department of Justice files suit against the state of Texas. Plus, Israel's Parliament approves a law that weakens Supreme Court oversight of the government, USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Bart Jansen on the Trump campaign's alleged recruitment of fake electors, Ohio voters show strong support for a constitutional amendment enshrining abortion rights, and USA TODAY Climate Correspondent Elizabeth Weise says that climate change is reshaping the employment landscape.

Podcasts: True crime, in-depth interviews and more USA TODAY podcasts right here

Hit play on the player above to hear the podcast and follow along with the transcript below. This transcript was automatically generated, and then edited for clarity in its current form. There may be some differences between the audio and the text.

Dana Taylor:

Good morning. I'm Dana Taylor, and this is 5 Things you need to know Tuesday, the 25th of July 2023. President Biden's Department of Justice is suing Texas over a floating border barrier, Israel's parliament passes a law limiting its Supreme Court's power, sparking mass protests, and we go inside Donald Trump's bid to have fake electors overturn the 2020 election.



The Department of Justice filed suit on Monday against the state of Texas after its governor refused to remove a floating border barrier that the Biden administration says was unlawfully put into place. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre spoke to the issue during yesterday's daily briefing.

Karine Jean-Pierre

When we moved forward with a plan - a plan of deterrence, diplomacy, and also enforcement with how we were going to move forward after Title 42 was lifted - we actually saw the numbers go down. We actually saw the president's plan working. And what you see the governor doing is dangerous and unlawful and it's actually hurting the process.

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Dana Taylor:

The Department of Justice claims that the presence of the floating barrier has prompted diplomatic protests by Mexico and risks damaging US foreign policy. Republican Governor Greg Abbott defied the DOJ's request and told the president he would see the Biden administration in court. The White House says that Abbott's actions are making it difficult for federal officials to patrol the area and access the Rio Grande River, where four migrants have drowned.



Israel's parliament approved divisive legislation yesterday that remakes part of the country's justice system. The law weakens Supreme Court oversight of the government, a move that critics claim will erode Israel's democracy and threatens the secular character of its state institutions. It was approved despite months of protests, the biggest in Israel's history, that have engulfed the nation's military, business, and legal communities. Opposition lawmakers who boycotted the vote shouted "shame" as the bill was approved. The judicial overhaul has divided Israel, rattling the cohesion of its powerful military and repeatedly drawing concern from its closest ally, the United States. It is being driven by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition, which is made up of ultra nationalist and ultra religious parties. They argue the reforms are necessary so that their rights and interests are protected. Protestors have blocked a road leading to the Knesset, Israel's parliament, yesterday. Police used water cannons to push them back. Businesses across the country shuttered their doors in protest of the vote. The vote passed despite a warning from Israel's President Isaac Herzog, Monday, that Israel was in a "state of national emergency."



Donald Trump's campaign recruited fake electors to overturn the 2020 election in an effort one GOP chairwoman called insane and inappropriate. For more on the fake electors story, we're joined by USA TODAY'S Justice Department Correspondent Bart Jansen. Thanks for coming on the show, Bart.

Bart Jansen:

Thanks for having me.

Dana Taylor:

So you've been looking into the fake electors story. First, can you give us a snapshot of where we are with criminal cases across the country? Where did this happen and where have there been charges brought?

Bart Jansen:

Well, the fake elector's plan was hatched in the days after the 2020 election. It covered generally about seven states, seven pivotal battlegrounds where the results were the closest between then President Donald Trump and the Democratic nominee Joe Biden, who of course won the election. The idea was to have alternate slates of electors in seven states that Biden won. The Republican electors show up, vote, and then if they won legal challenges in those states, that those electors could step up and potentially continue to have Trump as president.

The January 6th committee investigated this. They called the thing, the strategy, illegal. A U.S. judge who reviewed it as part of a civil lawsuit said that it was clearly unlawful. And so several states have been investigating since then. Now, last week, Michigan's attorney general has indicted the 16 Republican electors, fake electors in that state saying that they basically committed forgery and fraud. And the fake electors remain under investigation before a Georgia grand jury in Fulton County, where a district attorney is investigating former President Trump and others for potential election fraud. And more importantly, at the federal level, Justice Department Special Counsel Jack Smith is investigating fake electors as part of his broad investigation of potential election fraud from the 2020 election.

Dana Taylor:

So Bart, the electors just met without any authorization and voted for Trump and then sent those votes to Washington, DC?

Bart Jansen:

They absolutely met and they sent their certificates, basically fraudulent certificates. In one case in Georgia, a guy, one of the organizers, bought a new printer at Target and had a little trouble setting it up. One of the other electors was saying that it took him 20 minutes to set it up and caused some eye rolling at the meeting. But yes, they met. And in several occasions, in contravention of state laws about how these meetings happen. I mean, from the start, the electors are supposed to be the people who are on the side of the winning popular vote in that state. So in each of these seven states, state laws tend to say that they will meet in the State House, in the Capitol building. The meetings nationwide in 2020 were on December 14th.

And different laws in different states proved to be hurdles for the Republican electors to meet because in Michigan, for example, the electors were supposed to meet at 2:00 PM on December 14th in the Senate Chamber. And we have a former Republican Party chairman in that state. Laura Cox told the congressional investigators that one of the organizers came to her before this meeting to ask, "Hey, can we get into the Capitol? Can you help us get into the Capitol the day before, so we could stay there overnight to make sure we're inside the building to hold our meeting on the right day?" And she told the person that that was insane and inappropriate, and she did not help them do that. So the Republican electors who now have been charged met nearby in the Republican Party headquarters in the basement there. And of course, under state law, that's not in the building, it's not at the right time. So there are these hurdles that are in state law, and that's why even some of the organizers of this strategy acknowledge that some of the phrases that they used with that were it would be "somewhat dicey to do this strategy in Georgia," and "otherwise problematic in some of the other states."

Dana Taylor:

Thanks for being on the show, Bart.

Bart Jansen:

Thanks for having me.



Dana Taylor:

Sweeping support for a proposed Ohio constitutional amendment enshrining abortion rights spotlights the potential power of the issue to drive voter turnout and affect races up and down the ballot, even in Republican leaning states. A new USA TODAY Network/Suffolk University survey of Ohio showed the amendment guaranteeing access to reproductive services backed by a double-digit margin, 58% to 32%. Significant support crossed partisan lines, including a third of Republicans and a stunning 85% of Independent women, a key group of persuadable voters. The battle in Ohio, the only state likely to have an abortion measure on the ballot in November's off-year election, is being watched by activists nationwide who are considering a push for state-based initiatives in the next election cycle to codify or restore abortion rights. That could include swing states such as Arizona and red states like Florida, Missouri, and South Dakota.



Need a job? Climate change is reshaping the employment landscape. With more on that, I'm joined by USA TODAY'S Climate Correspondent Elizabeth Weise. Elizabeth, thanks for jumping on the show.

Elizabeth Weise:

Oh, you're so welcome. Glad to be here.

Dana Taylor:

Elizabeth, you write that climate change work is opening up a broad opportunity for job seekers. Don't I have to be a scientist for those kinds of jobs?

Elizabeth Weise:

Well, you might think so, but you would in fact be wrong. This story actually came out of two stories I've written. One, which looked at the tremendous number of college students who are going into fields that start with things like ecology and sustainability and climate change and climate; and then another I'd done about people working on wind turbines, which is actually a great and fascinating field, especially if you're not afraid of heights. But I got a lot of pushback from people in other fields who said yeah, we're going to need a certain number of climate scientists. And yes, we're going to need a certain number of people to climb up wind turbines. But really, the things that we need are things you might not think about. So that's how this story came about.

Dana Taylor:

So should I be thinking about going back to school?

Elizabeth Weise:

You don't necessarily have to. And this is not to say that having a college degree wouldn't get you into a great field. If you're concerned about the climate and you want to spend your workdays doing something to help repair the problem, then there are a whole lot of options out there. Not all of which require that you be a climate scientist. And a lot of them don't even mean you have to go to college.

For example, plumbers are going to be needed to install all the heat pumps that we are going to install in the U.S. in the next 20 years. There is an incredible dearth of electricians, and as we electrify everything, we are going to need thousands of more electricians. And both of those jobs are ones you can do a two-year course at a community college and then go work for a company and get apprentice training, or you can just go straight out of high school and apprentice yourself at a company and get the necessary certifications. Takes longer, but you're earning money while you're doing it.

Dana Taylor:

Are these jobs all recession-proof jobs?

Elizabeth Weise:

Yeah. In a way, most of them are because hundreds of thousands of Americans are going to rethink what their yards look like in the next 20 years as droughts become more common. And they realize that that beautiful lawn perhaps doesn't make sense. So people who know how to do zeroscape, people who know how to plant native plants that don't require a ton of water, people who know how to install drip irrigation systems. Those are going to be steady work for a long time.

Dana Taylor:

What are the most surprising jobs you found?

Elizabeth Weise:

For those who were in college, thinking of college, talking to young people who are thinking of colleges, there are also jobs that, again, you might not think of as being climate centered, but are really going to be, like engineers. We're going to need a lot of mechanical engineers, people who can design systems that cope with the changes that the climate will bring both to our infrastructure. So there's jobs for folks who are going to college. There's jobs for folks who aren't going to college. They all pay pretty well, and we are going to need a ton of them.

And plant breeders. So as we have more drought, one of the things we're going to need is plant breeders, because any farmer will tell you that you're always looking for the latest and greatest seed that's going to give you the best yield for your weather conditions. Well, plant breeders are the ones who sit around and they're working four or five, seven, eight years out figuring out okay, I'm going to create the wheat and the corn and the soy and the canola that can grow in that now, so that we'll have seed for the farmers when they need it. And that's going to be a big field. And people, again, it's not something you think of as climate adjacent, but it really is.

Dana Taylor:

Elizabeth, thank you so much for joining us.

Elizabeth Weise:

As always, a pleasure.

Dana Taylor:

Thanks for listening to 5 Things. I'm Dana Taylor filling in for Taylor Wilson. If you like the show, please subscribe and leave us a rating and review on Apple podcast. If you have any comments, you can reach us at podcasts@usatoday.com. Join us again tomorrow for another episode of 5 Things.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden's DOJ sues Texas, 'fake electors' update: 5 Things podcast
The Big 12 now stretches from Florida to Utah with the addition of four new schools; UCF, BYU, Cincinnati and Houston.

With more teams comes more travel for away games. For TCU, though, its 2023 schedule doesnt include cross-country flights. The Horned Frogs will travel 3,588 miles in the 2023  with its farthest trip being 781 miles to Iowa State in Ames, Iowa. TCU will travel the second-least distance in the Big 12 next season, behind Kansas State (3,240), according to bookies.com.

TCUs three nonconference games are at home, and it wont have to travel to Morgantown, West Virginia, Provo, Utah, or Orlando, Florida, like other Big 12 schools will.

UCF will accumulate the most air miles with 14,914, with the Knights going to Boise, Idaho and twice to Kansas. BYU will make two trips to the Lone Star State to face TCU and Texas, and it will face Arkansas in a nonconference game. Those three trips will combine for almost 4,000 miles.

The full list is here:
By Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The billionaire investor Leon Black was sued on Tuesday by an autistic woman who says he raped her in the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein's mansion in Manhattan in 2002, when she was 16.

In a complaint filed in Manhattan federal court, the woman, using the pseudonym Jane Doe, said that as she was preparing to give Black a massage, Black pinned her down and penetrated her with sex toys, causing her to bleed.

She said Epstein later found her crying, but refused to let her see a doctor and said longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell would take care of her.

Black's lawyer Susan Estrich called Doe's lawsuit frivolous.

"He never met this woman," Estrich said in an interview. "He doesn't know her at all. We're confident the lawsuit is totally uncorroborated by any evidence. It has nothing to do with Leon Black."

Born with Mosaic Down Syndrome, Doe said she was lured into Epstein's orbit from a summer program for cheerleaders, and gave him massages, with she and he naked, before being "shipped off" to Black.

She is seeking damages for Black's alleged violation of a New York City law against gender-motivated violence. Her lawyer Jeanne Christensen declined to say whether Doe tried to settle.

Black co-founded private equity firm Apollo Global Management, which he left in 2021. Forbes magazine said he is worth $10.1 billion.

The lawsuit was filed the same day the U.S. Senate's finance committee said it was examining Black's treatment of several trusts, and whether $158 million he paid Epstein for tax and estate planning was properly deemed income or gifts for tax purposes.

Epstein died by suicide in August 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking.

Black has denied other sexual abuse accusations, including in a dismissed lawsuit by former Russian model Guzel Ganieva, and a lawsuit by Cheri Pierson who also claimed he raped her in Epstein's home two decades ago.

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The billionaire has also reached a $62.5 million settlement with the U.S. Virgin Islands, where Epstein had a home, to avoid a possible lawsuit.

The case is Doe v Black, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 23-06418.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Additional reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington, D.C.; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
Yeayo Russell, victim at the center of a controversial video of L.A. sheriff's deputies punching her as she held her baby during a traffic stop, listens as her attorneys discuss the filing of charges during a press conference at offices of Douglas Hicks Law. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

A Black woman who was punched in the face by a sheriff's deputy last year while holding her baby in her arms filed a federal lawsuit on Tuesday, accusing Los Angeles County of failing to train or discipline the deputies who she says used excessive force and wrongfully arrested her last year after a traffic stop.

Lawyers representing Yeayo Russell said the young mother was breastfeeding her baby in the moments before Palmdale deputies pulled over the car she was in and arrested her, tugging on her babys leg before taking the child and throwing Russell in jail.

This case is about more than just punches, said Jamon Hicks, one of the attorneys handling the case. It is about the way the deputies treated this mother.

Following the traffic stop that ended in punches, Russell was booked for felony child endangerment and allegedly forced to throw out her breast milk before spending four days behind bars, where Hicks said she had no idea where her child was or if it was OK.

The lawsuit, which does not put a dollar figure on the damages requested, says the arresting deputies violated the Fourth Amendments protections against unreasonable search and seizure during the arrest.

Citing the pending litigation, the county declined to comment "other than to emphasize that L.A. County does not condone the use of excessive force." The Sheriffs Department did not offer a statement on the lawsuit. Sheriff Robert Luna called the incident completely unacceptable earlier this month when he released body-worn camera footage and held a news conference to announce his decision to relieve the deputy of duty.

Days after footage of the violent arrest went viral, The Times obtained an internal county email showing that the FBI is investigating and has visited Sheriffs Department headquarters to take documents related to the probe.

In recent weeks, the department has also faced criticism for two other violent arrests caught on camera. One, involving a woman thrown to the ground by a deputy in Lancaster, is also under FBI investigation. The other, involving a transgender man who was beaten during a traffic stop, has generated calls for further scrutiny even though the department already cleared the deputy involved.

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This weeks lawsuit stems from a traffic stop in July 2022, when Palmdale deputies spotted a vehicle driving at night without the headlights on. When they pulled over the driver, the deputies allegedly noticed the smell of alcohol coming from inside and spotted four women, three of whom were holding babies in their arms instead of using car seats.

The deputies arrested the female passengers on suspicion of felony child endangerment. They arrested the male driver on suspicion of felony child endangerment, driving under the influence and driving with a suspended license.

But in the course of those arrests, deputies used force on two of the women  including Russell.

The bulk of the eight-minute video released by the Sheriffs Department shows a tense exchange between several deputies and a woman clutching her baby. Repeatedly, the deputies asked the woman to give up the child so they could arrest her.

Forcefully taking your child from you is not whats best, one deputy said

Taking my child from me is not whats best, the woman responded.

After several minutes of back-and-forth, the deputies pried the womans hands apart and took the child from her arms.

Then, deputies announced they planned to arrest Russell, too.

Yall gonna have to shoot me dead to take my baby from my arms, she said, before a struggle ensued.

While at least two deputies held her by the wrists and arms, video shows a third threw two punches at her head as she clung to her baby with one arm.

The chaotic video footage does not provide a clear perspective, but, according to the lawsuit, at one point Russell's baby was left hanging upside down as another deputy pulled on the childs leg.

My babys leg, my babys leg, Russell shouted, fearing that the deputies would break her childs bones.

Eventually, the deputies took the child, arrested Russell, then allegedly forced her to throw out some of her breast milk. Prosecutors ultimately decided not to charge her with a felony, but her lawyers said she is still very, very scared and very, very stressed. During a press conference Tuesday to announce the filing of the lawsuit, Russell turned away and appeared to tear up her as lawyers replayed footage of the arrest.

Her child, who is now a year old, is also a plaintiff in the case because of the force deputies used when tugging on the babys leg.

Russells attorneys said there could be more lawsuits ahead, including some that might target the individual deputies involved. This weeks filing didnt name any of them, but an attorney representing the deputy who punched Russell previously told The Times his client had acted out of concern for the the child's safety. The deputy was cleared of wrongdoing during several levels of internal review before Luna learned of the case this month and intervened.

We are heartened because Sheriff Luna brought the horrific aspects of this case to the publics knowledge, said Carl Douglas, another attorney handling Russells case. We will hope to rid the Sheriffs Department of this warrior mentality that could allow officers to violate the rights of a young woman protecting her child and go silent for an entire year.

To Hicks, the case also highlights ongoing problems in the Antelope Valley, where he said the county has had a practice and custom of using excessive force against residents and specifically, using excessive force against Black women.

In 2013, a federal investigation found a pattern of unreasonable force, intimidation, and unlawful stops and searches of Black and Latino residents in Lancaster. Two years later, the Sheriffs Department agreed to implement sweeping measures to improve policing there, but as of 2021 monitors said that progress had been slow.

Then in 2021, a 16-year-old Black student at Lancaster High School sued the department and her school district, alleging she was slammed to the ground by a deputy at school after refusing to give him her phone. The department has also faced allegations of citing and arresting Black and Latino high school students in Lancaster and Palmdale at a disproportionate rate.

I dont think theres any question theres a problem between Los Angeles County and Antelope Valley residents, Hicks said, adding that the fact it took a year for the video to come out shows the mentality of the county sheriffs in that area.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
I was sitting in the garden at home, and I got a telephone call to say that my daughter, Lucie, had gone missing. These are the words of Tim Blackman, the father of Lucie Blackman, the 21-year-old British woman who vanished while living in Tokyo in 2000.

She was out working in Japan, Tim says, in Netflixs new documentary Missing: The Lucie Blackman Case. I was immediately thinking, Well, there must be some rational explanation.

But he soon realised something was very wrong. That feeling of complete blind panic just crashes in on you, he tells the camera.

Lucie, a former flight attendant, went missing just three weeks after moving to Tokyo for a year of exploration. She was last seen leaving the bar where she worked as a hostess and, as the Netflix documentary shows, an intricate international investigation followed to find Lucie, led by a team of Japanese detectives.

The true crime feature is told both through the inside track of the investigation and through Tims story of trying to track his daughter down.

The day after Lucie went missing, her friend Louise Philips received a call from a man who told her that Lucie had joined a cult and would never see Philips again.

Philips then raised the alarm, and within weeks, Tim held a press conference in Tokyo appealing for information about his daughters whereabouts. The then-prime minister, Tony Blair, met the Blackmans in Japan and promised to raise the issue with his Japanese counterpart at a G8 summit.

During the seven-month search for Lucie, Japanese police received a letter purporting to be from Lucie, stating: I am doing what I want so please leave me alone. It was quickly dismissed as fake.

Then in early 2001, body parts later identified as being Lucies were found by police buried in a cave near a beach close to Korean-Japanese businessman Joji Obaras seaside home.

In April 2001, Obara was arrested over Lucies death. In October 2002, he went on trial charged with the abduction of Lucie, rape resulting in death and the disposal of her body. He was also charged with killing an Australian woman, Carita Ridgway, in 1992 and raping eight other women.

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Tony Blair listens to Tim Blackman and his 20-year-old daughter Sophie as they speak about Lucie (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

A years-long fight for justice followed, during which time Tim drew criticism for accepting a 100 million yen condolence payment from a friend of Obaras (the equivalent of 442,000 at the time). This is not uncommon in Japan: the accused are expected to reflect on their crimes and admit their errors, sometimes atoning through a payment to the victim or the victims family.

Tims ex-wife and Lucies mother, Jane Steare, called the cash blood money, telling press that Tims actions were an utter betrayal. Tim argued he wanted to use the money to secure the long-term future of the Lucie Blackman Trust, which works to help young people be more aware of their safety, particularly when abroad.

In 2005, Lucies younger sister Sophie attempted suicide soon after Lucies ashes were buried because she could no longer cope with her grief.

Lucies sister, Sophie, holds her missing poster (Getty)

In 2007, Obara was cleared of all charges connected with Lucies death but was sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of eight counts of rape and the rape and death of Ridgway. Tim said his daughter was robbed of justice.

After an appeal from prosecutors, Obara was convicted in 2008 of abducting Lucie. The high court in Tokyo said that although there was not enough evidence to convict Obara of murder, he had mutilated Lucies body.

Missing: The Lucie Blackman Case is released on Netflix on 26 July.
Darren Craig has been researching whales for years.

The marine biologist and member of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) has traveled the world searching for humpback whales, he told McClatchy News. Lately, hes been spending his time in Ireland, exploring Donegal Bay with other members of IWDG.

In June, Craig was in the bay with several other researchers when the group spotted a single humpback. The whale was identified as HBIRL124  a male humpback who has been documented by IWDG in the bay annually since August 2013.

A few weeks later, on July 16, the group headed out into the bay in hopes of spotting HBIRL24 again, Craig said. After a quiet start to the trip, Craig said he finally spotted some blows  columns of moist air from a whales blowhole that are expelled as the whale surfaces to breath  in the distance.

A tall columnar blow from a fin whale.

The boaters expected to find HBIRL24 as they approached the activity, but instead they got something much more exciting: Fiive whales were in the bay, including four humpbacks and a fin whale.

To our surprise one of the whales was a fin whale, the second-largest animal to ever exist on earth, Craig said.

The sighting marks only the third fin whale spotted in Donegal Bay, with the first sighting being validated in August 2020, according to Craig.

Craig said the group captured photos and drone footage of the massive creature. Images show the whale blowing from its blowhole as it breaths at the surface of the bay.

A humpback slapping its pectoral fin on the water.

The group then kept moving, trying to catch a glimpse of a humpback  and they were astonished by what they encountered, Craig said.

Two humpbacks, HBIRL24 and HBIRL89 were bubble-net feeding together, which is a feeding technique whales use that involves creating a net of bubbles to contain prey before they lunge through the net with an open mouth to trap their catch.

Two humpbacks bubble feeding together.

As the group watched and documented the feeding, they noticed another movement in the distance: It was another humpback, later identified as HBIRL67, also known as Queen Medh, who was spotted by other boaters earlier this summer.

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A breaching humpback in Donegal Bay.

The show didnt stop there, Craig said.

The group spotted more splashes in the distance, and they raced to catch a glimpse at the source.

Thats when they found a third humpback whale who was breaching clear out of the water.

A humpback whale breaching in Donegal Bay.

It must have breached more than 50 times, really putting on a majestic display, Craig said.

The group watched in awe while snapping photos of the creature until they could capture a shot of its fluke  or tail, which is used to identify the creatures.

A humpback whale breaching in Donegal Bay.

When they looked at the tail shot,though, the researchers realized the humpback had never been recorded in Irish waters, so they catalogued the creature, identifying it as #HBIRL125 and nicknaming it Scar after spotting a number of lacerations on its back, Craig said.

We made our way back to shore with ecstatic expressions on our faces, Craig said. It was truly magnificent to have encountered these incredible animals in this part of the world.

The dorsal fin of HBIRL125, whose nickname is Scar.

Range expansion: a new trend

For the past 25 years, humpback whales in Ireland have kept almost exclusively to southwest waters, especially in hot spots in West Cork and Kerry. Now, experts have noticed a complete shift as humpbacks are moving north.

Researchers with IWDG believe the trend north could be growing evidence of range expansion among the Irish cohort of humpbacks.

This is a wonderful opportunity for whale watch enthusiasts living on the west and northwest to observe these magnificent mammals from both land vantage points or boats on your own local patch, the group said in a June 17 news release. That long trip down to West Cork or Kerry to see them, may soon become a thing of the past.

These are indeed interesting times to be involved in whales and dolphins in the Irish northwest waters, and Donegal in particular, Craig said.

Donegal Bay is an inlet in northwest Ireland, about 120 miles northwest of Dublin.

Massive creature makes rare appearance in Ireland. Magic moment may be the new norm

Watch unbelievable sighting of elusive sea creature giving Ireland tourists a show

12-year-old hears whale spray  then captures once-in-a-lifetime moment with drone
Boeing, which manufactures commercial aircraft, is investing $950,000 in scholarships for pilot training for people from underrepresented communities.

To meet the long-term demand for commercial airplane pilots, Boeing is investing $950,000 in scholarships for pilot training.

According to the companys news release, a $500,000 donation from the American aircraft manufacturer will fund 25 scholarships with five aviation groups: Latino Pilots Association, Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Women in Aviation International, and Sisters of the Skies, an organization of professional Black female pilots who employ mentorship, professional development, outreach and scholarship to support future Black aviators, per the organizations website.

A Boeing C-17 Globemaster III military cargo plane from the U.S. Air Force takes off this month from Vilnius, Lithuania. The manufacturer Boeing is investing in diversity in pilot training. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Boeing is also donating $450,000 to the Los Angeles-based nonprofit Fly Compton, which introduces Black youth to aerospace career opportunities, the news release states.

The demand for qualified and diverse pilots remains high at airlines worldwide. While becoming a pilot provides a lifelong career, access to training remains a barrier to entry for many, said Ziad Ojakli, executive vice president of government operations at Boeing.

These organizations are helping the next generation of pilots realize their full potential while also showing communities that are historically underrepresented in the industry that a future in aviation is possible, Ojakli continued.

Boeings donation to Fly Compton will increase flight training classes and introduce career topics related to designing, building and maintaining airplanes and drones, per the news release.

Since 2019, Boeing has invested more than $8.5 million in underrepresented communities across the country to access pilot training programs, according to the news release.

The company estimates that 602,000 new pilots will be required over the next 20 years to maintain and fly the global commercial fleet.

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Chris Broom, vice president of commercial training solutions for Boeing Global Services, noted in the release that more women and individuals from diverse backgrounds are entering the pilot profession thanks partly to the mentorship and guidance that aviation organizations like these provide for early career professionals.

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Books at Vandegrift High School's library on March 2, 2022. A new Texas law requires book vendors to apply ratings to all titles before hitting bookshelves. Credit: Lauren Witte/The Texas Tribune

A coalition of Texas bookstores and national bookseller associations filed suit on Tuesday over House Bill 900, which aims to ban sexually explicit material from school libraries.

HB 900 passed in the Legislature and was signed by Gov. Greg Abbott earlier this year. It is set to go into effect on Sept. 1 and requires book vendors to assign ratings to books based on the presence of depictions or references to sex. In school libraries, books with a sexually explicit rating will be removed from bookshelves. And students who want to check out school library books deemed sexually relevant would have to get parental permission first.

Plaintiffs in the suit include two Texas bookstores, Austins BookPeople and West Houstons Blue Willow Bookshop, as well as the American Booksellers Association, the Association of American Publishers, the Authors Guild and the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.

They are suing defendants Martha Wong, chair of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission; Keven Ellis, chair of the Texas State Board of Education; and Mike Morath, commissioner of the Texas Education Agency.

According to the official complaint, which was filed in an Austin federal court, the plaintiffs argue that HB 900 violates the First and 14th amendments by regulating speech with vague and overbroad terms and targeting protected speech.

They go on to argue that HB 900 forces the plaintiffs to comply with the governments views, even if they do not agree, and that the law operates as prior restraint  which is government action that prohibits speech or other expression before the speech happens.

The book ban establishes an unconstitutional regime of compelled speech, retaliation, and licensing that violates clear First Amendment precedent and this countrys history of fostering a robust marketplace of ideas, the complaint says.

The CEOs of both bookstores say it is not possible for them to comply with the rating system required of book vendors in HB 900. The sheer volume of titles they would need to rate is too much, Charley Rejsek, CEO of BookPeople, said in a statement.

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In a joint statement by the three bookseller associations, they said they are not questioning that content for students should be age-appropriate, but rather that they believe HB 900 does not accomplish such a goal.

It robs parents, schools and teachers from across the state of Texas of the right to make decisions for their respective communities and classrooms, instead handing that role to a state entity and private businesses, the statement says.

The complaint emphasizes how the plaintiffs believe HB 900 will shatter small bookstores in Texas, placing additional economic pressure on them.

Supporters of HB 900, like Cindi Castilla, president of conservative think tank Texas Eagle Forum, characterized the proposal as a child protection bill. In a Senate education committee hearing in May, Castilla said explicit materials in books are educationally unsuitable for students and that taxpayers should not fund such books.

Our schools must not sexualize our students or provide them pornographic reading material or introduce them to inappropriate materials that distract from the educational goals weve set as a state, she said.

Lawmakers like state Sen. Angela Paxton, R-McKinney agreed, arguing that HB 900 is a tool to be used by communities to address harmful sexually explicit material.

Opponents of HB 900 have been worried that by targeting so-called sexually explicit material lawmakers will be specifically targeting books that explore LGBTQ+ themes, including books such as Calvin and Being Jazz. Bill author Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Frisco, also condemned the book Gender Queer, a graphic novel that traces the authors experiences with gender growing up.

Many librarians and booksellers, including representatives from the Texas Library Association and individual libraries across the state, testified to the House and Senate in May that the bill will slow down book sales and acquisition of books by school libraries.

Such oversight has not been needed in the past and is not needed now, said Mark Smith, the former director of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. The bill will interfere with student learning and achievement by blocking access to materials that have been restricted.

Join us for conversations that matter with newly announced speakers at the 2023 Texas Tribune Festival, in downtown Austin from Sept. 21-23.
Waving glowsticks, dazzling stage lights, and cheerful drum beats -- the Taierzhuang Ancient Town, located in east China's Shandong Province, was rocked by a fascinating live music show in mid-July.

"I never imagined such a trendy festival could take place in an ancient town," said Xu Lele, who visited the town with his family, adding that the experience was unique.

The live music show is just one part of a grand music festival held here and scheduled to last until Aug. 20. More exciting activities will take place here, aiming to attract travelers globally.

Located in Shandong's Zaozhuang City, the ancient town traces its origins back to the Qin and Han dynasties (221 BC-220 AD) and flourished in the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). During the Wanli Period of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the ancient Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, one of the most important waterways in ancient China, was rerouted here. It significantly boosted the town's social and economic development.

However, the town was burnt to the ground during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945).

By 1938, the Chinese military had suffered huge losses to the Japanese invaders, following the fall of Beijing, Shanghai, and Nanjing. The Battle of Taierzhuang was the first major Japanese defeat since the beginning of the war, which broke the myth of the Japanese military's invincibility and resulted in an enormous benefit to Chinese morale.

Zaozhuang City announced a full-scale revitalization of the town in 2008, marking the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Taierzhuang. Historical sites such as the ancient city walls, docks, and dwellings have been renovated, and ancient canal sections, streets, and ponds have also been rebuilt, breathing life back into the town's historical heritage.

"When the night falls, boats on the river light up, with background music echoing through the town. The market has also become hustle and bustle. It feels like I was traveling back to the town's glorious ancient times," said Tian Yuchong, a tourist.

This summer, the ancient town has introduced a series of educational tours covering diverse themes from history and culture to patriotism education and traditional architecture. Those activities will help tourists of all ages grasp the town's unique charm.

Tourists can also explore 40 exhibition galleries and over 50 World War II sites in the town.

In addition, the ancient town has strived to foster its international reputation in recent years.

"We have been working hard to strengthen cooperation with overseas partners in France, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia. We wish to share the traditional Chinese culture and the beauty of Taierzhuang with more foreign friends," said Tan Zhi, an official from the Shandong Taierzhuang Ancient Town Tourism Group Co., Ltd.
A Bossier Parish band director was named the top honoree for the Louisiana Middle School Teacher of the Year award during the 17th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educators Excellence Awards Gala in New Orleans, Louisiana, Saturday July 22.

Cory Joy Craig is the band director at Benton Intermediate School, where she has won the hearts of her students and colleagues.

According to Bossier Parish Schools, she credits her own seventh-grade band director for instilling her passion for music, offering encouragement and giving her the outlet to be successful after emerging from life in foster care.

She said, he pushed us and encouraged us no matter what we were going through at the moment; that there was a future, that we had something to look forward to, that we were working hard toward a common goal. And that radically changed my life from focusing on being a victim to focusing towards being a victor in everything that I get to do and that helps shape everything I choose to do and plan to do in the classroom and out.

Craig's greatest desire is for her students to know they are loved and capable of accomplishing incredible things. I am able to impact our education system, hopefully for good," said Craig.

Three other Bossier Parish educators were also celebrated at the gala.

Camille Cole and Brad Winstead were New Teachers of the Year state finalists, and Elm Grove Middle School Principal Michael Pedrotty, was a state semifinalist for Principal of the Year.

More: Caddo Parish School Board selected a interim board member

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Bossier Parish band director named teacher of the year
Attorneys for Robert Bowers have filed a motion to exhume the body of his father, Randall George Bowers, to confirm paternity.

The motion states that the government has interjected into the case its speculative theory that Randall Bowers is not the father of Robert Bowers, who was convicted of killing 11 worshippers at a Pittsburgh synagogue in 2018.

Pittsburgh synagogue shooting: Complete Coverage

The purpose of the exhumation is to obtain DNA to prove paternity. At issue is whether Robert Bowers has schizophrenia. Randall Bowers was diagnosed with schizophrenia, which is believed to be hereditary.

The defense claims that Robert Bowers has mental health issues, including schizophrenia, that should spare him from receiving the death penalty.

In the motion, the defense claims that the government has instilled doubt into the jurors minds about Bowers paternity.

... Speculative governmental theories should play no role in the decision of whether Mr. Bowers lives or dies, the motion states.

When Bowers was seven years old, his father was charged with rape and other sex crimes. Six months later, he was getting ready to go to trial on those charges when he committed suicide at a campground in Tionesta Township, Forest County.

Randall Bowers is buried in Shaler Township, according to court documents.

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Amber Gibson, 16, was murdered by her older brother Connor in South Lanarkshire in November 2021 - UNPIXS

A brother murdered and sexually assaulted his 16-year-old sister in a depraved attack, a court was told.

Connor Gibson was convicted of attacking his sister Amber in woodland in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, on November 26, 2021.

The 20-year-old removed her clothes, sexually assaulted her with the intention of raping her, inflicted blunt force trauma to her head and body and strangled her.

After murdering her, he disposed of the clothes he had been wearing and called the childrens home where Amber was staying to pretend she was still alive.

Another man, unknown to both Gibson and Amber, was also found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow of interfering with her body.

Stephen Corrigan found her body, but rather than alert police, he inappropriately touched her and then concealed her remains.

Connor Gibson who has been found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow of the rape and murder of his sister Amber Gibson at Cadzow Glen park in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire - HANDOUT

Amber was reported missing on the evening of November 26, 2021 and her body was discovered in Cadzow Glen two days later, hidden in bushes and branches. Her body was covered in mud and her clothes found nearby.

Following the discovery, Gibson posted a chilling tribute on Facebook, writing: Amber, you will fly high for the rest of time. We will all miss you. Especially me. I love you ginger midget. GBFN (goodbye for now) X.

But he was arrested on December 1 that year and is facing life imprisonment after a 13-day trial resulted in the guilty verdict. He and Corrigan were remanded in custody and are due to be sentenced on September 4 in Livingston.

Addressing Gibson, who had denied the charges, judge Lord Mulholland said: Your sister  the last person she saw was you strangling her. It was depraved. You will pay a heavy price for that.

The judge then told Corrigan: You have been convicted of two horrific crimes. You came across a young girl who had been strangled to death and was naked.

Instead of alerting the authorities, you handled her body and your DNA told the story. Be under no illusion what is also coming your way. Neither man showed any emotion as they were taken handcuffed to the cells.

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Connor Gibson and his sister Amber were captured on CCTV walking on a street in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, at 9.55pm on November 26, 2021 - CROWN OFFICE & PROCURATOR FISCAL SERVICE/PA

In a statement issued afterwards, Craig and Carol Niven, the siblings foster parents since 2008, said: When they arrived at our home, Amber was three and Connor aged five.

Connor stated: We are safe  they were until he took the safety away. Amber deserved to live a life of hope and opportunities.

As a family, we will never be able to get over how this was taken from her. We are relieved the people involved in what happened to her are now behind bars. However, no amount of time will be justice enough for such a young innocent life.

They added: We now have one daughter buried in Larkhall Cemetery and another child in prison. We really miss Amber  life will never be the same.

Amber stayed with the Nivens until 2019, before moving to Hillhouse childrens unit in Hamilton. Gibson remained with the couple until around his 18th birthday in 2020, when he moved to the Blue Triangle homeless project in the town.

Mr Niven told the court he would not leave the siblings in each others company because they were not a good mix.

In a call on the day Ambers body was discovered, he said Gibson told him the pair had fallen out when they saw each other two days previously.

Angel McKean, one of Ambers friends at the childrens unit, recalled seeing Amber for the last time just hours before she was murdered.

The 19-year-old said: She said that she was going to meet her brother and seemed quite excited about it. Her last contact with Amber was at 9.51pm when the murdered girl sent a selfie photograph of herself with Gibson captioned my big bro.

A CCTV image of Connor Gibson walking alone on a bridge in Hamilton at 11.42pm on November 26, 2021 - CROWN OFFICE & PROCURATOR FISCAL SERVICE/PA

Gibson returned to the Blue Triangle around midnight, slumping into an office manned by project worker Suzanne Duddy, who told the court it appeared like he had fallen into a ditch.

Ms Duddy said: He explained to me that he had family issues and had an argument with his sister. That was why he wanted to use the phone to see if she returned home safely.

At around 12.30am, Gibson messaged friends on Snapchat stating: I am really going to need you guys help with something when you guys come back. I am being serious. Forty seconds later, he then texted Ambers phone asking: Are you OK?

The search history obtained from the phone also showed the user searched How to get nosy police officers to stop monitoring your phone at 11.38pm.

The forensic pathologist who carried out the post-mortem examination on Ambers body told the court the cause of death was compression of the neck.

Jurors also heard other forensic evidence that widespread blood staining on Gibsons jacket was compatible with Amber and his DNA was also found on her shorts, worn as underwear, which had been forcibly torn off.

Corrigan, 45, had denied attempting to defeat the ends of justice by intimately touching and concealing Ambers body instead of contacting the emergency services.

He lodged a special defence of alibi and his 79-year-old father, William, told the court his son was at his home in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, that weekend after a fall on ice left his arm in a sling.

Corrigan told police he was at a complete loss to explain why his DNA was found on 39 areas of Ambers body, including her breasts, buttocks and thighs.

Prof Soumen Sengupta, director of health and social care for South Lanarkshire, said: Our thoughts remain with those who knew and loved Amber.

As is the process across Scotland in any such tragic case involving a looked-after child, the local child protection committee will consider an independent review of the circumstances with all partner agencies.

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A Tamarac doctor has been fined $10,000 for a wrong site surgery, almost exactly 21 years after getting the same fine for the same medical mistake.

The final order from the state Board of Medicine approved a settlement that got into Dr. Richard Berkowitzs wallet for a total of $15,443  the aforementioned fine and $5,443 reimbursement of the Florida Department of Healths case costs. Berkowitz also must take a five-hour continuing medical education course in wrong site surgeries and a five-hour course in risk management. An official reprimand has been issued against his license.

That posted July 17, 12 days short of 21 years after the July 29, 2002, final order after another wrong site surgery. That final order hit Berkowitz with a $10,000 fine; the five-hour risk management course; providing 50 hours of free medical services; and giving a one-hour lecture to a hospital staff on wrong site surgeries.

In that case, the final order says, Berkowitz didnt dispute the facts in the Florida Department of Healths administrative complaint. According to the settlement agreement on the current case, Berkowitz officially neither admits nor denies the allegations in this administrative complaint.

But, if money talks, consider what it says that at the same Board of Medicine meeting, a doctor got fined only $5,000 for taking out fat instead of an appendix at Coral Gables Hospital.

Berkowitz has been licensed in Florida since Sept. 4, 1996. The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery says hes been board certified since July 7, 2001.

READ MORE: State suspended Pembroke Pines ob/gyns office surgery center

Stopping just in time

The complaint that started the current discipline case says on Feb. 24, 2020 a patient came to Berkowitz for a total left knee replacement. During surgery prep, the attending nurse put a compression device on the patients left leg.

Surgical staff proceeded to prepare (the patients) right leg for knee replacement surgery, the complaint said. [Berkowitz] incorrectly confirmed with surgical staff that the unmarked right leg was the correct surgery site.

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Berkowitz put a tourniquet on the right leg to stop blood flow and made an incision in (the patients) right leg before surgical staff informed him that hte procesure was actually intended for (the patients) left leg.

The complaint said Berkowitz stopped and got permission from the patients family to proceed with surgery on the right leg.

Replacing what didnt need to be replaced

On Dec. 12, 2000, Berkowitz prepared for surgery on a 50-year-old woman who complained of nausea but also immobility after a fall in her home. A bone scan had revealed a possible femur fracture and Berkowitz scheduled surgery for an occult left hip fracture.

But, the nursing staff prepped (the patients) right, or incorrect, hip for surgery, the complaint said. [Berkowitz performed a percutaneous pinning of (the patients) right, or incorrect, femur.

The pinning holds bones together until they heal, according to Nationwide Childrens Hospital. But while his patient was in recovery, Berkowitz realized he had performed the surgery on the wrong hip.

Berkowitz took the patient back into surgery and pinned the left hip.

READ MORE: Coral Gables doctor performed surgery on a patients joint. It was the wrong joint
Bryan Cranston had an unequivocal message for Disney CEO Bob Iger at the SAG-AFTRA strike rally in New York City on Tuesday (25 July).

The strike is currently in its second week after the 160,000 member-strong actors union voted to join striking Hollywood writers who are fighting for better compensation and assurances that they will not lose work to artificial intelligence (AI), among other demands.

Hours before the strike action was ordered on 14 July, Iger said the decision by the actors and writers unions was very disturbing to me, prompting backlash.

Weve got a message for Mr Iger, an impassioned Cranston, 67, said from the stage of the Rock the City for a Fair Contract rally.

I know, sir, that you look [at] things through a different lens. We dont expect you to understand who we are. But we ask you to hear us, and beyond that to listen to us when we tell you we will not be having our jobs taken away and given to robots, the Breaking Bad star continued.

We will not have you take away our right to work and earn a decent living. And lastly, and most importantly, we will not allow you to take away our dignity! We are union through and through, all the way to the end!

Cranstons speech prompted huge cheers from the rally as he yelled: Stay together! We will win this fight!

Bryan Cranston delivers a speech at the NYC SAG-AFTRA strike rally.



We will not be having our jobs taken away and given to robots. We will not have you take away our right to work and earn a decent living. We will not allow you to take our dignity. pic.twitter.com/aReUxk7SVo  DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 25, 2023

According to Variety, other actors to speak onstage at the rally included Steve Buscemi, Wendell Pierce, Christian Slater, Christine Baranski, Stephen Lang, and Tituss Burgess.

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Also onstage were Michael Shannon, BD Wong, Brendan Fraser, Jessica Chastain, Matt Bomer, Chloe Grace Moretz, and Corey Stoll.

During his 13 July appearance on CNBCs Squawk Box, Iger said it was the worst time for a combined strike.

The 72-year-old Disney chief said: We managed, as an industry, to negotiate a very good deal with the directors guild that reflects the value that the directors contribute to this great business.

We wanted to do the same thing with the writers, and wed like to do the same thing with the actors. Theres a level of expectation that they have that is just not realistic.

And they are adding to the set of challenges that this business is already facing that is, quite frankly, very disruptive.

In response to Igers interview, She-Hulk writer Cody Ziglar tweeted: The residual check from my episode of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law was $396.

This was one of the most watched episodes of television, of one of the most watched television series on Disney+. Even made multiple best episodes of 2022 lists. My residual check was $396. This is why were striking.

According to a 2019 Forbes estimate, Iger has a net worth of approximately $690m (536m).

Zack Arnold, the editor and associate producer of Netflixs Cobra Kai, told The Independent that the strike was caused by a perfect storm of streaming dominance, which has led to the erosion of residual pay, and the advent of AI in the industry.

Read more about what impact the strike will have here.
Bryan Kohberger has hinted that he has evidence placing him in another location at the time of the University of Idaho murders  but has stopped short of revealing where as the deadline for him to submit an alibi to the court passed.

In a filing in Latah County Court on Monday, attorneys for the 28-year-old criminology PhD student suggested that he has an alibi for the night of 13 November which may come to light at trial.

Mr. Kohbergers defense team continues investigating and preparing his case, the documents state.

Evidence corroborating Mr. Kohberger being at a location other than the King Road address will be disclosed pursuant to discovery and evidentiary rules as well as statutory requirements.

It is anticipated this evidence may be offered by way of cross-examination of witnesses produced by the State as well as calling expert witnesses.

His attorney added that he has a Constitutional right to silence as well as to testify on his own behalf.

The defences court filing came just ahead of the deadline for the accused mass killer to offer an alibi in the case that sent shockwaves across America.

Under Idaho law, defendants have 10 days to provide a written statement about where they claim to have been at the time of the alleged crime and offering information about any witnesses who can support their claim.

On 23 May  one day after he was arraigned on four murder charges  Latah County Prosecutors Office put in a demand for Mr Kohbergers notice of alibi.

Back then, Mr Kohbergers legal team asked Judge John Judge for an extension to this deadline, saying that they needed more time due to the wealth of evidence in the high-profile case.

The judge extended the deadline to 24 July.

While his alleged alibi remains under wraps for now, Mr Kohbergers defence has sought to undermine the evidence against the accused killer, claiming that the DNA evidence tying him to the brutal murders may have been planted at the crime scene.

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Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom during a hearing at the Latah County Courthouse (Getty)

In a recent filing in Latah County Court, he suggested that police officers could have somehow placed his DNA on the knife sheath which was left behind by the killer at the college rental home in Moscow, Idaho.

The States argument asks this Court and Mr Kohberger to assume  is that the DNA on the sheath was placed there by Mr Kohberger, and not someone else during an investigation that spans hundreds of members of law enforcement and apparently at least one lab the State refuses to name, Mr Kohbergers attorneys wrote.

Prosecutors fired back at the suggestion that the evidence was rigged, writing in a filing that the State is at a loss as to how that theory supports a claim that the lGG information is material to the preparation of his defense.

Mr Kohberger was tied to the 13 November murders of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin through a knife sheath left at the scene.

The sheath  for a military or Ka-Bar style knife  was found partly under Mogens body after she and Goncalves were found stabbed multiple times on Mogens bed on the third floor of the home.

DNA on the button clasp of the sheath was then found to match that of the 28-year-old accused killer.

Mr Kohbergers attorneys have sought to cast doubts on the strength of this DNA evidence, in particular the use of genetic genealogy.

According to the affidavit in the case, the FBI used genetic genealogy databases to try to identify the DNA source.

Trash was then collected from the suspects parents home in the Poconos Mountains and a familial match  from Mr Kohbergers father  was made to the sheath, according to the criminal affidavit.

Following Mr Kohbergers arrest on 30 December, DNA samples were then taken directly from the suspect and came back as a statistical match, say prosecutors.

The home on King Road, Moscow, where the four students were killed (AP)

Mr Kohberger faces the death penalty if convicted of the murders of Goncalves, 21, Mogen, 21, Kernodle, 20, and Chapin, 20.

He is scheduled to stand trial on 2 October after being indicted by a grand jury on four counts of first-degree murder and one burglary charge.

Mr Kohberger is accused of breaking into an off-campus student home on King Road in the early hours of 13 November and stabbing the four students to death with a large, military-style knife.

Two other female roommates lived with the three women at the property and were home at the time of the massacre but survived.

One of the survivors  Dylan Mortensen  came face to face with the masked killer, dressed in head-to-toe black and with bushy eyebrows, as he left the home in the aftermath of the murders, according to the criminal affidavit.

For more than six weeks, the college town of Moscow was plunged into fear as the accused killer remained at large with no arrests made and no suspects named.

Then, on 30 December, law enforcement suddenly swooped on Mr Kohbergers family home in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania and arrested him for the quadruple murders.

The motive remains unknown and it is still unclear what connection the WSU PhD student had to the University of Idaho students  if any  prior to the murders.

However, the affidavit, released in January, revealed that Mr Kohberger was tied to the killings through his DNA on the knife sheath, surveillance footage showing his white Hyundai Elantra close to the crime scene and cellphone activity.

The murder weapon  a fixed-blade knife  has still never been found.

Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, took this photo together hours before they died (Instagram/Kaylee Goncalves)

As a criminal justice PhD student at WSU, Mr Kohberger lived just 15 minutes from the victims over the Idaho-Washington border in Pullman.

He had moved there from Pennsylvania and began his studies there that summer, having just completed his first semester before his arrest.

Before this, he studied criminology at DeSales University  first as an undergraduate and then finishing his graduate studies in June 2022.

While there, he studied under renowned forensic psychologist Katherine Ramsland who interviewed the BTK serial killer and co-wrote the book Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer with him.

He also carried out a research project to understand how emotions and psychological traits influence decision-making when committing a crime.
Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November, has declined to provide a pretrial alibi in response to the states demand.

Kohberger chose to exercise his right to remain silent on the issue and to possibly testify on his own behalf at trial, according to the filing signed by lead public defender Anne Taylor. The defense team continues investigating and preparing his case, she wrote.

Kohbergers murder trial is scheduled to start on Oct. 2 in Latah County Court. He is charged with murder in the deaths of U of I seniors Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, both 21, and junior Xana Kernodle and freshman Ethan Chapin, both 20, at an off-campus home on King Road in Moscow.

Offering an alibi is one form of criminal defense that argues the suspect was somewhere else at the time of the incident with evidence, including possible witness testimony. It indicates a line of proof by which the defendant attempts to show that he could not have committed the crime of which he is accused because he was elsewhere at the time, Taylor wrote, referencing a legal definition.

At the time of the homicides, Kohberger, 28, was a graduate student in the criminal justice and criminology department at Washington State University in Pullman, roughly 9 miles from the border of Idaho. He was arrested in late December in eastern Pennsylvania while visiting his parents home while on break from school.

Kohberger also previously chose to stand silent at his arraignment in May, which led Judge John Judge of Idahos 2nd Judicial District in Latah County to enter a plea of not guilty.

Kohbergers team of public defenders had until Monday to file the document. They issued the notice to the court near the close of business to meet the deadline.

Public defender Anne Taylor speaks with state prosecutors during a court hearing for Bryan Kohberger, who is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022, at Latah County District Court in Moscow, Idaho. (Zach Wilkinson/The Moscow-Pullman Daily News via AP, Pool)

Evidence corroborating Mr. Kohberger being at a location other than the King Road address will be disclosed pursuant to discovery and evidentiary rules as well as statutory requirements, Taylor wrote. It is anticipated this evidence may be offered by way of cross-examination of witnesses produced by the state as well as calling expert witnesses.

Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty if he is convicted.
The attorneys for a Bucks County man accused of killing his former neighbor and setting her familys Croydon home on fire more than 30 years ago want a judge to toss out testimony from his ex-wife about the murder alleging it was unlawfully obtained.

The motion is one of more than a dozen that defense attorneys for Robert Atkins have filed in advance of his murder trial which could happen later this year.

Atkins, 57, is accused in the 1991 murder of Joy Hibbs, 35, of Bristol Township, a married mother of two, who was found stabbed, strangled, and beaten in her home, which was then set on fire.

Defendant Robert Atkins is escorted to the police car after his preliminary hearing for the 1991 murder and arson of Joy Hibbs, 35, of Bristol Township on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022.

Last year a Bucks County grand jury recommended charging Atkins with 13 felonies including first- and second- degree murder, arson, robbery and burglary. The Bucks County District Attorneys Office has certified the case as eligible for the death penalty.

The DA contends that Atkins killed Hibbs over a dispute involving a marijuana sale, and he took her cashed paycheck, and set the familys Spencer Avenue home on fire to destroy evidence.

While defense attorneys are seeking to have certain testimony and evidence excluded at trial, including an alleged confession by Atkins to a cellmate, the centerpiece for arguments Monday before Common Pleas Judge Wallace Bateman Jr. focused on his ex-wife.

In 2016, April Atkins told a Bristol Township detective that in April 1991, her then-husband came home looking messed up with what appeared to be dirt and blood on his clothing and confessed he stabbed someone and set their house on fire, according grand jury testimony.

Days later April Atkins said she learned that her friend, Joy Hibbs, was murdered on that day.

Bucks County prosecutors consider April Atkins' testimony a linchpin in their case against Atkins.

But his lead defense attorney Craig Penglase doesnt want a jury to hear the testimony that April Atkins gave to the grand jury and during a preliminary hearing last year implicating Robert Atkins in Hibbs murder.

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Penglase contends that the grand jury presentment and prosecutions case against his client was formed based on confidential communications that Robert Atkins made to his then-wife during their marriage.

If this testimony had not been unlawfully procured by the Commonwealth, the Grand Jury would not have had a sufficient amount of evidence with which to return a presentment against Robert Atkins, Penglase wrote in his motion.

Defendants ex-wife and witness April Atkins is seen in the conference room outside the courtroom during the preliminary hearing for Robert Atkins who is accused in the 1991 murder and arson of Joy Hibbs, 35, of Bristol Township on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. A cold case that led to an arrest of the long-time suspect in May.

The strange case against Robert Atkins Did police ignore evidence in 30-year-old Bristol Township murder? Family seeks answers

The couple, who married in 1986, separated in 2000 and the divorce finalized in 2007.

Bristol Township police, who investigated the Hibbs case, never questioned Atkins in 1991.

She first spoke about the murder to a Bristol Township detective who showed up at her door in 2014. At the time, though, Atkins admits she lied and stuck to the original story her ex-husband gave police about his whereabouts the day of the murder.

Pennsylvania law prohibits husbands and wives from testifying to confidential communication made by or to one another in a criminal proceeding unless the privilege is waived or vacated. The presence of a third party or the disclosure of a confidence to another person has the ability to pierce the privilege.

Bucks County First Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Schorn argued that April Atkins was long divorced from her ex-husband when she went to police with information about the Hibbs murder, and that the law doesnt apply in this case.

Schorn pointed to another similar law that gives spouses the ability not to testify against one another, but the privilege only applies to a lawful spouse. The law also includes exceptions including any criminal proceeding in which one of the charges pending against the defendant includes murder.

The Legislatures purpose for enacting the confidential communication privilege was to protect martial harmony, but in the Atkins case, they did not have a happy marriage, so the privilege is disqualified, Schorn added.

She also argued that Robert Atkins vacated his spousal privilege after his youngest son, Gabriel, who lived with him, testified that his father confessed to him in 2021 that he was going to be arrested for something he did long ago.

Penglase countered that there is no evidence that Atkins specifically admitted to his son that he murdered Hibbs.

Joy Hibbs was a 35-year-old mother of two when she was found dead inside her home on April 19, 1991 after her son returned home from school and found the Spencer Avenue house on fire.

The role of confidential informants How did murder suspect's status as a police informant impact a Bucks County cold case?

Days after the murder in 1991, Bristol Township police identified Atkins immediately as a prime suspect, but then swiftly dismissed him, despite strong evidence at the time that suggested his involvement, the grand jury found.

Atkins has denied he was involved in the murder.

For three decades he maintained that his family were on route to a planned Poconos vacation when Hibbs was murdered; April Atkins coworker at the time provided him an alibi for the time Hibbs was murdered. The grand jury last year, though, found both stories were not believable or credible.

Hibbs family members, including her daughter, Angie, attended the hearing Monday.

The Hibbs family have said they believe that Atkins previously undisclosed work as a confidential drug informant for Bristol Township Police influenced the murder investigation and the resulting in a 30 year delay of justice. Bristol Township police have denied the familys allegation.

There was no indication on Monday when Bateman would make a decision on the spousal privilege question or the other defense motions.

The hearing continues Tuesday with a focus on the prosecutions request to include certain so-called prior bad acts witnesses and testimony at trial.

Joy Hibbs was a 35-year-old mother of two when she was found dead inside her home on April 19, 1991 after her son returned home from school and found the Spencer Avenue house on fire.

Defendant in 1991 murder to be tried After 31 years, ex-neighbor of Croydon mom killed in 1991 to face trial for her murder

Arrest made in 1991 murder arson case Ex-police informant charged in 1991 murder of Croydon mom found dead in arson fire at her home

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Robert Atkins wants evidence of confession in Croydon murder tossed
Lauren Boebert Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., apologized after a video showed her throwing out a pin and a pamphlet memorializing a child killed in the Uvalde mass shooting.

In a video posted on Tuesday to Twitter, Boebert can be seen discarding the sneaker-shaped pin  a reference to the Converse sneakers 10-year-old Maite Rodriguez was wearing when she was fatally shot  as well as the supplementary information about Rodriguez seconds after being handed it by a group of gun-control activists.

Update: We just talked to Lauren Boebert about what the pin represents. She immediately threw away the pin and shook her head no when I said we hope you can take action on gun violence prevention. https://t.co/51amIYJiUx pic.twitter.com/Yh4lboUr8t  sarah fishkind (@sarahefishkind) July 18, 2023

Boebert on Monday apologized in a video published by Patriot Takes for hastily throwing out the items and the "appearance" of "disrespecting a child," justifying her actions by stating that she had been wearing AirPods at the time of the incident. The far-right lawmaker also claimed that the individual who handed her the pin was someone who had approached her "aggressively" in the past.

"I was walking, had AirPods in, tried to tell the man that I was occupied, and he continued, and as he was handing me what turned out to be a memorial pin, I recognized him as a man who came at me very aggressively just a few weeks prior during a press conference," Boebert said. "He was so aggressive that he was apprehended by another member and detained by Capitol Police officers."

She added that she had been "very vocal" about the tragedy, and wanted to "make it very clear that I did not want to receive anything that this man had to give me, nor did I know what he was handing me."

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Lauren Boebert apologized for the appearance of disrespecting a child killed in the Uvalde school shooting after a video of her throwing away her memorial pin went viral.



Boebert partially blamed throwing the pin away on wearing AirPods and claimed the man was aggressive. pic.twitter.com/otyk9XPaxa  PatriotTakes  (@patriottakes) July 24, 2023

However, the person who handed Boebert the pin and pamphlet, a man named Elijah Pelton, told The Independent that Boebert had confused him with an advocate named Jake Burdett, who was physically ousted from a protest by Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., for inquiring about Boebert's divorce.

I am currently being detained by DC Police for asking tough questions to far right extremist Congressmen @RepGosar and @laurenboebert at a press conference. Rep Clay Higgins proceeded to assault/physically remove me from the press conference.For this, the cops detained me,not him pic.twitter.com/iX4yjCGKsZ  Jake Burdett (@jake_burdett) May 17, 2023

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The father of another Uvalde victim posted a heated response to Boebert's tepid apology, blasting it as "bullsh*t."

Brett Cross, the father of Uziyah Garcia, posted his own video response to the Colorado Republican, accusing Boebert of "lying" and underscoring notable physical differences between Pelton and Burdett. Pleton, Cross said, is "a big dude" who "towers over a lot of people." He added that Boebert had willingly taken the items from Pelton, saying, "You grabbed it from him. He's holding it up and you take it from him."

"You looked down at the pamphlet. You looked down at the pin. You knew what it was and you threw it away when you thought nobody was f***ing looking. You got caught and now you're trying to spin a web of lies."

Had to fucking pay for Twitter blue just so I could post me breaking down @laurenboebert s bullshit apology. pic.twitter.com/CfAciK63L0  Brett Cross (@BCross052422) July 24, 2023

Read more

about Lauren Boebert
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgums (R) campaign announced Tuesday the governor has qualified for the first GOP presidential debate next month in Milwaukee.

Candidates must meet several donor and polling thresholds established by the Republican National Committee (RNC) to qualify for the Aug. 23 debate. Contenders must have at least 40,000 unique donors, including a minimum of 200 donors from 20 or more states each.

Candidates also must register a minimum of 1 percent in three national polls or at least 1 percent in two national polls and 1 percent in two polls conducted in two early presidential primary states, which include Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

Burgums campaign announced last week he met the RNC donor threshold. His team announced today he met the polling requirements as well.

His team cited a JMC Analytics poll where he registered at 1 percent, a University of New Hampshire poll with him at 6 percent, a Fox Business poll taken in Iowa with him at 3 percent and a recent Morning Consult poll had him at 1 percent.

Governor Burgum is looking forward to sharing his focus on the economy, energy and national security at the August debate, Burgum campaign spokesman Lance Trover said in a statement.

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

In less than 7 weeks, Governor Burgum has exceeded all the requirements for the debate. As a Governor and business leader Doug knows how to fix the economy, unleash American energy and win the Cold War with China, Trover added.

Burgum is the latest candidate to qualify for the first GOP debate. Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamys campaign announced last weekend that he had also qualified for the debate stage.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
This aerial photo taken on July 22, 2023 shows a products warehouse of Shougang Jingtang United Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's supply chains featuring resilience and integrity have attracted more foreign-invested companies to up their investment in the Chinese market amid an improved business environment.

Official data showed that 24,000 new foreign firms established themselves in China in the first half of the year, marking a 35.7 percent rise year on year. During the period, foreign direct investment from developed countries including Britain and Germany saw rapid expansion, according to the Ministry of Commerce (MOC).

As a manufacturing powerhouse, China boasts all the industrial categories listed in the United Nations industrial classification. With a vast market of 1.4 billion population, the motivation for foreign firms to invest in the country becomes even stronger.

German sheet metal parts producer HA-BE Mechanical Components (Taicang) Co., Ltd sustained double-digit growth in the Chinese market for the past five or six years. Karl Froehlich, on the board of directors of the company, attributed the fast expansion pace to the "highly competitive" industrial chain pertaining to the industry sector in China.

"The company wouldn't have grown so much without suppliers who can deliver with a faster speed and better quality, or customers who want to buy the products," Froehlich said.

He noted there has been a notable change toward partnership in the whole market that the communication and problem-solving capacity of the players on the industrial chain has boosted in the past 10 years.

The tailwinds from the integrity and unity of the industrial chain will drive the business to grow further in the Chinese market. "I hope I could work for the company for the next 10 years and have the Chinese branch as big as our headquarters in Germany when I go to retirement," he said.

Australian company BioGenesis Group, majoring in health, superfood products, and agricultural technologies related to natural algae, is looking forward to expanding its research and development (R&D) capacity, one of the core competitiveness of the company, by investing in the Chinese market.

Casting a vote of confidence in the vast potential of China, Zhang Wenbin, CFO of the group, said the company will take root in the Chinese market by launching an R&D center through an industry-academia-research cooperation mechanism.

"The Chinese market can provide up-to-date healthcare philosophy and abundant clinical data for us to develop healthcare products that are more suitable for Asian people," Zhang said.

Amid the country's improved business environment and shortened negative list for foreign investment access, foreign firms have been upping their investment ante in the Chinese market.

Foreign investments from France, Britain, Japan, and Germany into the Chinese mainland surged 173.3 percent, 135.3 percent, 53 percent, and 14.2 percent, respectively, in the first six months of this year, showed the MOC data.
A Butler Township man was sentenced to prison Tuesday for gun and drug-related crimes.

Timothy Jefferson, 46, was sentenced in United States District Court to a total of 204 months in prison for dealing cocaine, meth, and fentanyl, and possessing firearms in furtherance of his drug dealing, according to a release from the U.S. Attorneys Office, Southern District of Ohio.

Jefferson pleaded guilty in March to one count of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

He received a sentence of 144 months for the crime.

>> Man accused of setting Dayton duplex on fire indicted on charges

He also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, which carries a mandatory sentence of five years in prison to be served consecutive to any other penalty.

From at least May 2021 until December 2021, Jefferson obtained bulk amounts of cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine for resale and distribution in the greater Dayton area, according to court documents.

>> White House proposes new rule to expand access to mental health benefits

Jefferson and others would travel out-of-state to receive the bulk amounts of narcotics and drive the drugs back to Southern Ohio, the release said.

These drugs are very dangerous and pose a great risk to the safety of those who comes in contact with it, said Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. Jeffersons actions of maintaining firearms to protect himself and his drugs also created a great risk to the community.

Jefferson was also sentenced to forfeit three firearms, multiple rounds of ammunition, a Chevy El Camino and more than $55,000 in cash.

He will be under court supervision for five years after he completes his prison term, the release said.




Canton janitor James Murray Spangler is already enshrined in the National Inventors Hall of Fame for creating the first portable electric vacuum cleaner.

Now, he's enshrined in butter.

Each year, the Ohio State Fair features a butter cow display, and this year the display is honoring Ohio inventors, including Spangler. His butter sculpture features him pushing ... what else ... a vacuum. The display, which is kept a secret in advance, was revealed Tuesday.

James Spangler and the first electric portable vacuum cleaner are sculpted in butter at this years butter cow display at the Ohio State Fair. Spangler invented the vacuum cleaner while working as a janitor in Canton.

Ohio has been home to many pioneers in science and technology over the last 200 years, and this years butter display celebrates that rich history of innovation by paying tribute to four inventors and their groundbreaking inventions, Jenny Crabtree, senior vice president of communications for the American Dairy Association Mideast, said in a prepared statement.

Who is featured in the Ohio State Fair butter sculptures?

Along with Spangler and the traditional butter cow and calf, the display showcases Thomas Edison with a light bulb and a phonograph, Garrett Morgan with a three-position traffic signal, and Josephine Cochrane with a hand-powered dishwasher.

The display was crafted from 2,000 pounds of butter by a team of Ohio-based sculptors in about 450 hours, with the majority of those being spent inside a 46-degree cooler. Sculptors layer butter onto steel and wooden armatures and gradually refine their shape before chiseling in the fine details, the association said.

The dishwasher sculpture actually has a transparent door on it so you can see inside, something weve never tried before, lead sculptor Paul Brooke said in a prepared statement. And we incorporated electricity into the display to illuminate the light bulb and the traffic signal.

Tammy Buerk of West Chester works on the butter calf sculpture for the American Dairy Association Mideasts butter cow display at the Ohio State Fair.

The Ohio State Fair runs July 26 through Aug. 6 in Columbus. The association noted that about 500,000 fairgoers visit the Dairy Products Building each year to see the butter cow display.

Who was James Murray Spangler?

James Murray Spangler was born Nov. 20, 1848, in Plains Township, Pennsylvania. He married Elesta Holtz on May 21, 1874. The couple moved to Akron six years later, then to Canton soon after.

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Spangler toiled in a variety of jobs, mostly as a salesman. He worked on a host of inventions on the side  everything from a grain harvester to a wagon cycle for children. But none of his intellectual work panned into riches. By the early 1900s and in his 50s, Spangler landed a job as a janitor at Zollinger Department Store in downtown Canton, inside a building that would later become home to JC Penney.

The story of Spangler's electric suction sweeper invention was tied to his janitorial work at the store.

Afflicted with asthma, he realized that dust kicked up by his cleaning of carpets with a Bissell commercial sweeper and broom was aggravating his condition and making him cough. After closely watching a rotary street sweeper in action, Spangler came up with the idea for a motor-powered sweeper.

He filed paperwork for a patent in 1907. He ironed out some financing. He formed the Electric Suction Sweeper Company with Ray Harned, who worked for the owners of the Zollinger building. Eventually, William "Boss" Hoover bought the Electric Suction Sweeper and Spangler remained on board as production supervisor and was paid a salary of $1,500 per year and royalties until the patent expired in 18 years. Two years later, the company was renamed Hoover Suction Sweeper.

In 1922, it became Hoover Co.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton janitor James Spangler sculpted in butter at Ohio State Fair
Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a press conference in Half Moon Bay, Calif., Jan. 24, 2023. (Jim Wilson/The New York Times)

Last week, Rep. Matt Gaetz and his wife, Ginger, arrived at a Washington reception for Barbie in matching pink, grinning in photos along the pink carpet, mingling among guests sipping pink cocktails, admiring a life-size pink toy box.

They left with political ammunition.

The Barbie I grew up with was a representation of limitless possibilities, embracing diverse careers and feminine empowerment, Ginger Gaetz wrote on Twitter. The 2023 Barbie movie, unfortunately, neglects to address any notion of faith or family, and tries to normalize the idea that men and women cant collaborate positively (yuck).

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When another account scolded Matt Gaetz, the hard-right and perpetually stunt-seeking Florida congressman, for attending the event at all  citing the casting of a trans actor as a doctor Barbie  Gaetz replied with a culture-warring double feature.

If you let the trans stop you from seeing Margo Robbie, he said, leaving the T off the first name of the films star, the terrorists win.

The non-terroristic winners were many after the films estimated $155 million debut: Robbie and Greta Gerwig, the films director, finding an eager audience for their pink-hued feminist opus; the Warner Bros. marketing team, whose ubiquitous campaigns plainly paid off; the film industry itself, riding Barbie and Oppenheimer to its most culturally dominant weekend in years.

But few outcomes were as nominally inexplicable (and probably inevitable) as the films instant utility to political actors and opportunists of all kinds. For a modern take on what was long a politically fraught emblem of toxic body image and reductive social norms, no choice was too small, no turn too ideology-affirming or apparently nefarious, for a bipartisan coalition of commentators and elected officials to see value in its dissection.

I have, like, pages and pages of notes, Ben Shapiro, the popular conservative commentator, said in a lengthy video review, which began with him setting a doll aflame and did not grow more charitable. (He said his producers dragged him to the theater.)

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I took a tequila shot every time Barbie said patriarchy  only just woke up, wrote Elon Musk. (Shapiro, diligently but less colorfully, said he had counted the word more than 10 times.)

Here are 4 ways Barbie embraces California values, the office of Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote in a thread hailing Barbie as a champion of climate activism, hitting the roads in her electric vehicle, and of destigmatizing mental health care.

If there was a time in the culture when a giant summer film event was something of an American unifier  a moment to share over-buttered popcorn through big-budget shoot-em-ups and sagas of insatiable sharks  that time is not 2023.

And, as ever, the political classs performative investment in Barbie  the outrage and the embrace  can seem mostly like a winking bit.

What to make of Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer posting a Barbie meant to resemble herself beside the Instagram caption, Come on Barbie, lets go govern?

What does it mean, exactly, when Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., says of himself, This Ken is pushing to end maternal mortality?

Certainly, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has summoned practiced gravity in accusing Barbie of working to appease the Chinese. (Some Republicans have fixated on a scene that features a crudely drawn map that supposedly depicts the so-called nine-dash line, which indicates Chinese ownership of oceanic territory that is disputed under international law. Vietnam has banned showings of the movie in the country over that image.)

Obviously, the little girls that are going to see Barbie, none of them are going to have any idea what those dashes mean, Cruz told Fox News. This is really designed for the eyes of the Chinese censors, and theyre trying to kiss up to the Chinese Communist Party because they want to make money selling the movie.

The response on the right is not a one-off. For a generation of conservative personalities, weaned on Andrew Breitbarts much-cited observation that politics is downstream of culture, Hollywood and other ostensibly liberal bastions are to be confronted head-on, lest their leanings ensnare young voters without a fight.

Recent years have provided ample evidence, some on the right say, for a go woke, go broke view that progressivism is bad business. Last years apolitically patriotic Top Gun: Maverick was a smashing success, as was this years kid-friendly The Super Mario Bros. Movie. By contrast, critics on the right contended that Disneys remake of The Little Mermaid, with its title character portrayed by the Black actress Halle Bailey, failed to match its producers hopes. (Of course, there is no way to trace exactly what determines any movies success or failure, and many observers adhere to screenwriter William Goldmans axiom: Nobody knows anything.)

Barbie cannot be said to have gone broke. But its purported politics, conservatives have argued, did damage it by making it less entertaining  a lecture, in the words of The Federalists Rich Cromwell, that self-identifies as a movie.

Kyle Smith, a reviewer at The Wall Street Journal, complained that the film contains more swipes at the patriarchy than a years worth of Ms. magazine.

The film seems at times (gentle spoiler alert) to be engaging with the patriarchy ironically, infusing it with knowing Southern California vapidity, decor that seems inspired by hair metal and a heavy emphasis on weightlifting and brewskis.

When it comes time (less gentle spoiler alert) to reclaim Barbie Land, the Barbies distract the Kens by indulging their tendency for exaggerated gestures of malehood like playing acoustic guitar, and insisting on showing a date The Godfather while talking over it.

Shapiro has sounded unconvinced that the movie is broadly in on its own jokes.

The actual argument the movie is making is that if women enjoy men, its because they have been brainwashed by the patriarchy, he said in his review.

He called the film, with a straight face, two hours he will rue wasting as he sits on his deathbed.

The things I do, he said, for my audience.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
A federal judge in California tossed the Biden administrations new immigration policy Tuesday, writing that the rules for asylum-seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border were unlawful.

The decision was not unexpected, given that the judge hearing the matter, U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar, temporarily blocked a similar asylum policy pursued by former President Donald Trump in 2018.

Tigar, who is based in Oakland, Calif., wrote that the new rules imposed conditions on asylum-seekers that Congress did not set forth. The policy was put in place by the Biden administration in response to an historic surge in migrant arrivals at the U.S. southern border, and offered asylum seekers other pathways to legal status into the country while limiting options for entry at border crossings.

Before requesting asylum in the United States, migrants must have asked for asylum and prove that it was not granted in another country. But Tigar, appointed to the federal bench by President Barack Obama, said that fell short of what Congress intended.

The Rule is also contrary to law because it presumes ineligible for asylum noncitizens who fail to apply for protection in a transit country, despite Congresss clear intent that such a factor should only limit access to asylum where the transit country actually presents a safe option, Tigar wrote.

While Bidens immigration policies have been criticized on the political right as too lenient, the California lawsuit was brought by the American Civil Liberties Union, which argued that they were too harsh. Immigration advocates decried the rule when it was put into effect in May, saying that it mirrored one Trump attempted to impose to curb immigration from certain countries.

Migrants schedule interviews to claim asylum via a mobile application, CBP One, or have a U.S. citizen sponsor them. There are minimal exceptions for health and safety threats.

In May, before the immigration rule went into effect, advocates said border conditions were inhumane and that people didnt have the means to use the app  if they knew about it at all.

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The Biden administration previously said that the rule was coupled with more legal immigration pathways.

Responding to the ruling, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said that the Justice Department would quickly appeal the decision. Tigar stayed the ruling for two weeks to allow the appeal to go forward.

We strongly disagree with todays ruling and are confident that the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways rule is lawful, Mayorkas said in a statement. To be clear, because the district court temporarily stayed its decision, todays ruling does not change anything immediately. It does not limit our ability to deliver consequences for unlawful entry.

Those who fail to use one of the many lawful pathways we have expanded will be presumed ineligible for asylum and, if they do not have a basis to remain, will be subject to prompt removal, a minimum five-year bar on admission, and potential criminal prosecution for unlawful reentry, he added. We encourage migrants to ignore the lies of smugglers and use lawful, safe, and orderly pathways that have been expanded under the Biden Administration.
Californias lowest-paid health care workers are expressing outrage over wages that they say dont allow them to cover their basic needs, rallying in cities around the state to demand sizable increases in their minimum wages.

On Tuesday in Sacramento, home care providers chastised the Sacramento County board of supervisors for approving a 36% raise for themselves while doing nothing to ensure that those who care for regions elderly and disabled have a livable wage. Represented by SEIU Local 2015, they want a minimum wage of $20 without compromising health care benefits.

That same day, SEIU-UHW kicked off three days of protests where workers will picket at different Kaiser Permanente medical centers in Manteca, Roseville, Sacramento, south Sacramento, Stockton, Vacaville and Vallejo. This union has pushed for a $25 minimum wage for health care workers in municipalities around California, including in Sacramento, and now is backing statewide legislation for it.

And last week, AFSCME Local 3299 protested outside a meeting of the University of California regents to demand that they institute a $25 minimum wage, along with a 5% wage increase to unrepresented students, frontline service workers and patient care staff. The UC has given double-digit raises to top-level senior managers, janitor Davina Woods told The Bee, while she and other workers must rely on pooling money with their family to pay for their housing and other needs.

What led to health care worker protests?

Robert Bruno, director of the labor studies program at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, said that workers across multiple industrial sectors  autoworkers, UPS drivers, health care workers and more  are demanding more equitable wage increases.

For 40-50 years, wages have been largely stagnant in most of the labor force, and ... while there was dislike about that, there wasnt a whole lot of expressed resentment or organizing (around it), Bruno said. Post-COVID, with the large degree of income inequality that is now near record highs. I think workers are feeling like they have little bit more power in the workplace, and therefore, theyre feeling more comfortable about expressing their outrage.

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Many workers transitioned jobs during the COVID pandemic, and they got not only hefty pay increases but also employers who respected them for their service, Bruno said, and their peers have taken note. Labor is now telling management that the modest wage increases of the last four or five decades are no longer acceptable, he said.

Sheree Utterback joined a sea of protesters in purple SEIU Local 2015 shirts in Sacramento on Tuesday, telling the Sacramento County supervisors just that: In-home caregivers want $20 an hour, and they dont want to see their health care benefits suffer to make up for it.

Now 30 years old, shes been taking care of her grandmother since she was 15, only taking a short stint off for college. She was quickly drawn back, though, after her grandmother had a heart attack, and she ended up giving up her job delivering newspapers to take care of her grandmothers medical needs. I do it out of love.

But it takes more than just time or love to make sure that Utterback can give the care her grandmother deserves. It involves a long list of tasks for which she says she is often underpaid. She takes her grandmother to the bathroom, cooks for her, handles her doctor appointments, shops with her at the grocery store and ensures shes safe while driving her around. That takes money for supplies, gas and food, not just for her grandmother but for herself as well.

A former Lincoln resident, Utterback drove around two hours from Red Bluff to share her story with the supervisors. Now, she makes Tehamas Countys rate of $15.5 an hour, $1.00 an hour less than Sacramento Countys wage of $16.50 an hour. She often worries about how shes going to pay for next months rent or afford another round of groceries.

Im tired of getting underpaid. Utterback said. How are we supposed to feel safe in this economy? Im afraid Im gonna be homeless.

How will Sacramento supervisors respond?

There are around 35,000 workers like Utterback in Sacramento County, and the supervisors appeared to empathize with their struggles. The union has been in contract negotiations with county representatives since late last year, and District 5 Supervisor Pat Hume told union members and his fellow lawmakers at Tuesdays meeting that hed like to see the caregivers concerns addressed. This has gone on a very long time, and it doesnt seem to be coming to a fruition.

Though other supervisors elected to keep their thoughts private for internal deliberations, Hume indicated that hed be open to seeing cuts to other parts of the budget in order to accommodate the unions request. Chair Rich Desmond told the public hed like to see a solution sooner rather than later.

In an email, Kim Nava, a spokesperson for the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, said the board is not an active participant in negotiations, but is routinely updated and kept in the loop. SEIUs proposal would cost the County $40 million extra annually, while the supervisors 36% raise cost an additional $231,000 annually, she said. She maintained that the countys proposals would not require a reduction in health care benefits in order to see wage increases.

The County is proposing a $1 increase to the hourly wage, she wrote. In addition to the $1 increase, the County is proposing the 80 cents per hour it currently pays into a medical trust instead be paid as a provider wage to each provider.

The rally at the board of supervisors echoes previous union negotiations in San Francisco, whose supervisors voted in May to elect for a pathway to a $25 per hour minimum wage as new contracts take effect in the fall. Alameda County also worked with the union to meet their demands, said Kim Evon, executive vice president of SEIU Local 2015. Now, she says it is all the more crucial for Sacramento to follow suit.

At Tuesdays rally outside Kaiser Permanentes Sacramento Medical Center, patient care technician Jvonne Christian said Kaiser used to lead the way on pay but that now its wages have dropped so low that its competing with retailers and restaurateurs for employees.

They can afford to bring us to a livable wage because we have some of our co-workers sleeping in their cars. We have some of our co-workers who are homeless right now, Christian said, And being a health care worker and working for Kaiser and being homeless, thats disheartening.

De Borah Anderson, a unit assistant at the Sacramento Medical Center on Morse Avenue, does whats necessary to keep a hospital department up and running  answering phones, picking up blood supplies, ensuring medical tests get done and more. She said she often must cover two units on her shift because there just arent enough staff to go around.

I cannot get all the tests done and get them done in a reasonable time, Anderson said. Then we have the doctors who are complaining, but theres nothing we can do if were short-staffed. When we have like 15 patients, all of a sudden, they say that we dont need a unit assistant, but we do because things dont get done. Then they want to put a volunteer in that spot, or they want to take a nurse who may be on light duty and put them in that spot. Thats not acceptable. Thats our job and they need to hire more people.

Anderson and Christian, both members of Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, said they have had to cover more patients and add on work assignments that are typically done by other types of staff. Christian said shes doing quadruple the work because shes transporting more patients and picking up work that a certified nursing assistant would normally be assigned to do.

The SEIU-UHW members say the situation isnt safe for patients or employees. The union, part of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, is negotiating a new contract with Kaiser. The current contract will expire in September.

Kaiser Permanente issued a statement about the protests, saying in part: The staffing challenges mentioned by the Coalition have been happening all across health care but are actually less true at Kaiser Permanente now than elsewhere. ...The average employee turnover rate across health care is 21.4%. ... While it crept up a bit during the height of the pandemic, we are thankful that our current rate of 8.5% as of June 2023 is significantly lower than the rest of health care.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom

The Temecula Valley Unified School District in Southern California has avoided a state fine by adopting a state-approved social studies curriculum it had rejected because it mentioned groundbreaking gay politician Harvey Milk.

Gov. Gavin Newsom had threatened the district with a $1.5 million fine if it did not adopt the curriculum, and he promised that the state would buy social studies textbooks for Temecula students if the district wouldnt.

The school board had rejected the curriculum, which uses the textbook Social Studies Alive!, in May, with the board president calling Milk a pedophile because he began a relationship with a teenager, Jack McKinley, when Milk was in his 30s. However, McKinley had reached the age of consent. The board vote and President Joseph Komroskys comment led to protests by teachers, and eventually the board fired Superintendent Jodi McClay.

At its meeting Friday, the board decided to approve the curriculum, the Los Angeles Times reports. The textbook it includes doesnt feature anything about Milk, but he is mentioned in supplemental materials that teachers can use and on which they can base lessons. However, the district will withdraw the material that covers Milk and the LGBTQ+ rights movement for further review and possible rewriting, according to the Times.

Komrosky said the reversal had nothing to do with Gov. Newsom, but he acknowledged the board feared legal troubles. We have a fiscal responsibility so that I cannot steer this district into more legalities, he said at the meeting.

Under California law, public schools must teach about the contributions of LGBTQ+ people in their history lessons. Gov. Jerry Brown signed that measure into law in 2011, and Temecula Valley hasnt updated its social studies curriculum since 2006, the Times reports.

Even though the district is reviewing the content about Milk, Newsom expressed relief that students will have new textbooks but pointed out that the California Department of Education is still investigating Temecula Valley for possible civil rights violations.

Fortunately, now students will receive the basic materials needed to learn, he said in a statement, adding, Demagogues who whitewash history, censor books, and perpetuate prejudice never succeed. Hate doesnt belong in our classrooms and because of the board majoritys antics, Temecula has a civil rights investigation to answer for.
Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert!

WILL HURTADO SPOIL A SALAS CONGRESSIONAL COMEBACK?

Via Juan Esparza Loera

State Sen. Melissa Hurtado  who squeaked out a 13-vote win in her re-election last year  is taking a serious look at challenging Republican incumbent David Valadao in the 22nd Congressional District.

The Bakersfield Democrats potential run was first reported by the San Joaquin Valley Sun on Sunday and picked up by the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Should Hurtado get into the race, she would also challenge former Assemblyman Rudy Salas, a Democrat who lost to Valadao by 3 percentage points last year in a district that favors Democrats by 17 points.

Salas announced a rematch against Valadao, the five-term Republican whose only political setback was in 2018 against former Democratic Rep. TJ Cox.

The district is one that Democrats hope to flip in an effort to retake the House. It covers Kings County and parts of Kern and Tulare counties and is heavily Latino. President Joe Biden carried the district by 13 points.

Read more in the Fresno Bee.

D.C. LOOKS TO CALIFORNIA FOR WORKER HEAT PROTECTIONS

Via Gillian Brassil

More than 100 federal lawmakers called on Bidens administration on Monday to create a federal standard for addressing heat stress in the workplace as global temperatures rise.

Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla and 20 California House members, including Reps. Ami Bera and Doris Matsui, signed a letter to the U.S. Department of Labor asking them to swiftly implement a federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rule on dealing with extreme heat.

Protection from extreme heat is a matter of life and death for many workers and their families across the United States, the lawmakers wrote.

The legislators suggested rules in California and a few other states become a baseline for high heat standards. When temperatures exceed 80 degrees in California, employers must allow workers to take a break in a shaded area any time they feel at risk of overheating.

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California has been used as a progressive model in the past for climate-related policies. The Biden administration looked to the states rules on vehicle emissions when developing federal limits. The president has tapped many Californians for key positions, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

On Monday, lawmakers asking for a heat standard also asked the administration to incorporate a California senators legislation.

Padilla, along with Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown and Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, introduced a bill for an OSHA heat standard, titled the Asuncion Valdivia Heat Illness and Fatalities Prevention Act. The measure asks for:

Adequate hydration

Rest breaks

Shaded areas for breaks in outdoor workplaces or air-conditioned indoor places

Medical services and training to address signs and symptoms of heat-related illness

A plan for acclimating to high-heat work conditions

OSHA, an agency within the Labor Department, has taken steps toward developing a heat standard during the past couple of years. But not fast enough, legislators contended, writing that rising global temperatures require the federal government to take immediate action if we are to accomplish our shared goals of saving lives and prioritizing worker safety and dignity.

This summer had the hottest June ever recorded, many scientific organizations concurred. The hottest week ever came in July. And the heat isnt relenting anytime soon.

More than 700 people die from heat-related issues in the U.S. per year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates. Heat waves are associated with increased deaths from heart attacks and respiratory illnesses, as well as more hospitalizations for cardiovascular, kidney and respiratory issues.

As you know, many workers whose jobs require prolonged exposure to extreme heat are not afforded paid time off or sick days, lawmakers wrote. Thus, any health complications caused by heat exposure can lead to missed work, missed wages, and financial instability for families.

LEE GETS SENATE NOD FROM WORKING FAMILIES PARTY

Via Maggie Angst

Rep. Barbara Lee got a Senate campaign boost on Monday with an endorsement from Working Families Party California.

Party California director Jane Kim said it was a tough decision choosing between two two incredible women leaders and progressive champions, speaking of Lee and Rep. Katie Porter, who also sought the endorsement.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, did not participate in the organizations endorsement process, which consisted of candidate questionnaires and a live-streamed forum.

Lee, Porter and Schiff are locked in a hotly-contested race to replace longtime California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who will not seek re-election in 2024. Two candidates will advance from the March primary to compete for the seat during the November general election.

The Working Families Party is a progressive group that fights for workers over bosses and people over the powerful, according to the organizations website. The Party is a staunch supporter of policies such as Medicare for All and the Green New Deal.

In addition to the endorsement, Kim said the Party will be organizing a tour to introduce Lee to their member affiliates and undecided voters across California with the hopes that shell secure a general election spot.

Lee on Monday thanked the Party for trusting me to realize our mission for social, racial, economic, and climate justice in the Senate.

I look forward to working closely to pass legislation that lifts people out of poverty and rebuilds the middle class, Lee said in a Twitter post.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

I, for one, think its great that Elon made Twitter non-binary.

- Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, via Twitter. Twitter owner Elon Musk on Monday officially renamed the social media platform X.

Best of the Bee:
Former President Donald Trump's classified documents trial will take place at the Alto Lee Adams Sr. United States Courthouse in Fort Pierce, Florida Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The federal trial for former President Donald Trumps alleged mishandling of classified documents is scheduled to start on May 20, 2024, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon announced on July 21, 2023.

This trial date should be entered into calendars with a pencil, because Cannons order leaves open the possibility that the trial could be delayed. Reasons for such a delay could involve either the defense or prosecution filing various requests that draw the process out.

Federal prosecutors wanted the trial to begin as early as December 2023. Trumps legal team had pushed to delay his trial until after the election. Cannon took a middle ground by setting the May 2024 trial date. The trial is scheduled to happen after most of the Republican primaries are held, but before the November 2024 presidential election.

Critics have scrutinized Cannon, whom Trump appointed to the bench in 2020, questioning whether her previous rulings and nature of her appointment indicate bias in favor of Trump. These observers called for Cannon to remove herself from the Justice Departments case against Trump.

I am a scholar of legal ethics and trials. The fact that Trump appointed Cannon to the bench is not a good enough reason for her to recuse herself from the case.

A restaurant welcomes former President Donald Trump to Fort Piece, Fla., where Trumps federal trial will take place. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

A shadow over the trial

Trump has pleaded not guilty to 37 felony counts related to the mishandling of national security information and obstruction of justice. This case was randomly assigned to Cannon in June 2023, not because anyone personally selected her for the job.

Some argue that Trumps appointment of Cannon  and a ruling Cannon made in Trumps favor in earlier stages of the case  are reasons to remove her from the case. Legal experts have said that her previous rulings cast a shadow over the proceedings, especially since they fall well outside of the judicial norm.

In an earlier ruling, Cannon stopped the FBI in September 2022 from reviewing documents seized from Mar-a-Lago until after a special master, whom she appointed, reviewed them. This was a very unusual decision, and the court of appeals quickly reversed her order, finding that Cannon exceeded her authority.

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Still, federal law states that mandatory recusal, or disqualification of a judge, is required only under limited circumstances in which the judges impartiality might reasonably be questioned. Impartiality is required so that every person will receive a fair trial, free from bias.

Judges have stepped away from cases in circumstances in which they had personal knowledge of disputed facts or had a potential financial interest in the matter. For example, Mark Walker, the federal judge in Florida originally assigned to Disneys case against Gov. Ron DeSantis, recused himself in June 2023 when he learned that a relative owned stock in Disney.

The unsealed federal indictment of former President Donald Trump details how he mishandled classified documents and took them from the White House to his Florida home, Mar-a-Lago. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Little outside interference

Federal judges generally decide for themselves whether to step down from a case or not.

Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, for example, did not take part in cases decided in the lower court by his brother, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer.

Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh recused himself in 2022 from a case in which the Supreme Court gave a US$2 billion verdict in favor of women who claimed they developed ovarian cancer from using Johnson & Johnson talc products. Kavanaughs father had headed a trade association that lobbied against warning labels on talc products.

There are also many cases of judges not recusing themselves despite calls to do so.

If either the defense or prosecution does not think that a particular judge can be fair, they can file a motion before the trial begins to have the judge disqualified. The judge in question usually decides the motion, and, if the judge does not voluntarily step down, the petitioner may appeal the decision to the court of appeals. The court of appeals rarely second-guesses the trial judges decision to stay on a case over a partys objection.

This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. The Conversation is trustworthy news from experts, from an independent nonprofit. Try our free newsletters.

It was written by: Peter A. Joy, Washington University in St Louis.

Read more:



Peter A. Joy 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.
VICTORIA, British Columbia  The Canadian government has increased the number of strategic tanker transport aircraft it is ordering from Airbus as it shores up its contribution to the defense of North America.

Last year, Canadian officials said they were committing to the purchase of four new A330 Multi Role Tanker Transports for its fleet, and negotiations were underway with Airbus. Meanwhile, the country acquired two used A330s from International Airfinance Corp., a global aircraft leasing company.

But on July 25, Canadian Defence Minister Anita Anand announced the government is buying three more used A330s from International Airfinance, and that it selected Airbus Defence and Space to convert the now-five used aircraft into strategic tankers.

Canadas contract with Airbus, which covers delivery of the four new A330s and conversion of the five used aircraft, is worth about CA$3.6 billion (U.S. $2.7 billion). The used aircraft are currently configured for long-haul commercial use.

Anand noted that the initiative will allow the Royal Canadian Air Force to enhance its sovereignty operations, including in the Arctic. It will also strengthen Canadas air-to-air refueling support for North American Aerospace Defense Command operations and NATO, she added.

The additional air-to-air refueling initiative is an integral part of Canadas investments in NORAD modernization, Defence Department spokesman Dan LeBouthillier said.

Last year, the Canadian military found the Airbus A330 was the only aircraft that met its requirements. As a result, the nation issued a formal request for proposal for the planes to Airbus on May 13, 2022, and negotiations began.

The aircraft will be able to refuel current Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighter jets as well as the F-35 aircraft on order, Le Bouthillier said. The tankers will also be able to refuel various U.S. military aircraft.

The new planes are expected by 2027.

Canada is also buying a new simulator as part of the same program, but the government did not release further details.

The A330 MRTT perfectly matches Canadas needs to protect its sovereignty as well as to enhance operations both in the North American Aerospace Defence Command as well as in NATO, Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, said in a July 25 statement.

The new fleet will replace the existing CC-150 Polaris aircraft, which have been in operation since 1992.
[Source]

A man from Cariboo, British Colombia, was captured on video placing a cardboard sign that read "Chinese police station" in front of a local Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) office.

Making a statement: The video, uploaded on Twitter on Sunday by user @RespectDaFro, depicts the resident attempting to attach the cardboard placard to a sign outside the RCMP building. Failing in his initial attempt, the individual then props the makeshift sign up in some bushes and secures it with tape for better visibility.

Commenters cheered the post, with one user calling the man a "legend" and another, a "national hero."

Foreign interference: The act comes following the recent arrest of retired RCMP officer William Majcher, who was charged on June 21 with foreign interference-related offenses on Chinas behalf. Majcher is accused of utilizing his extensive network of contacts in Canada to unlawfully obtain intelligence or provide services to benefit China.

Story continues

More from NextShark: NYC man sentenced to 22 years for anti-Asian killing of Yao Pan Ma

The charges against Majcher were the result of an investigation into his "suspicious activities" launched by the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team in the fall of 2021.

Overseas stations: A report by Safeguard Defenders last year purported that the Chinese government was operating at least 102 Chinese Overseas Police Service Centers in 53 countries around the world. These overseas police stations were reportedly set up to monitor Chinese citizens residing abroad, including in Canada, the U.K. and the U.S.



More from NextShark: Japanese household that accidentally received $360,000 COVID subsidy says it cant be returned

In general, these stations have both a good and a bad purpose, Safeguard Defenders Director Peter Dahlin was quoted saying. They are there to help say Chinese tourists who get into trouble, they can act as a liaison with the local police, they can help out, basically. The problem is they are not properly registered as [agents for the police] in these different countries.

In April, two Chinese men were arrested for illegally opening and operating a police station in New York City as part of a provincial branch of China's Ministry of Public Security (MPS). Harry Lu Jianwang, 61, of the Bronx, and Chen Jinping, 59, of Manhattan, were both charged with conspiring to act as agents of the PRC government and obstructing justice by destroying evidence of their communications with an MPS official.

More from NextShark: Cat in Japan switches career from train station master to chief priest of shrine
This aerial photo taken on Aug. 20, 2022 shows the Tesla Gigafactory in Lingang new area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone in east China's Shanghai. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory began to export its car model, Model Y (Rear-Wheel Drive), to the Republic of Korea (ROK) recently, marking the first time for the Tesla vehicles made in China to enter the ROK market, said the company.

Previously, Tesla vehicles exported to the ROK were produced in its Fremont factory in the United States.

The Shanghai plant recorded a global delivery volume of 476,500 vehicles in the first half (H1) of this year, which is equivalent to about two-thirds of its total delivery volume last year. Currently, a vehicle can be rolled off the production line in less than 40 seconds in the plant, and over 95 percent of the auto parts can be supplied locally.

Besides, the Shanghai factory exported vehicles to Thailand for the first time earlier this year. Car models, including Model 3 and Model Y, made in the factory, have been delivered to Thailand since the beginning of this year, according to the company.

Data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) shows that in the first six months of this year, China exported 534,000 units of new energy vehicles, surging 160 percent year on year.
LANSING  One City Council candidate has been the subject of a personal protection order after a reported violent episode. Another has several felony convictions. Two others are late on payments related to state-required campaign finance filings.

These issues are outlined in public records the State Journal reviewed ahead of the Aug. 8 primary election that will pare 13 candidates to eight seeking four seats on the Lansing City Council. The LSJ reviewed criminal records, civil court records, tax payments, traffic violations and campaign finance paperwork among other research on candidates.

Prior felony convictions

The Rev. DeMarco Taft is running for a First Ward City Council seat in the Aug. 8 primary election. Taft has several felony convictions.

The Rev. DeMarco Taft is running in the First Ward as D. Taft in a race that includes incumbent Ryan Kost and Michael VandeGuchte. Taft was convicted of three felonies as an adult  welfare fraud of $500 or more in 1998 in Muskegon County; and fleeing an officer and obstructing or assaulting an officer in 2003 in Kent County.

He was also convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence in 2003 in Van Buren County, public records show.

Taft told the State Journal in a statement he was under the impression the felonies had been pleaded down to misdemeanors or wiped from his record.

I didnt know the over-20-year-old charges were on my record, he said in a statement. I thank the LSJ for informing me. Im vigorously working to get (my) record updated and set aside under Michigan Clean Slate, Public Act 193, MCL 780.622(1).

The Michigan Clean Slate program was enacted earlier this year and allows for some felonies to be automatically set aside and removed from a person's record. Taft said he believed some of his convictions shouldve been included in the program. He said he has corresponded with Michigan State Police after being made aware of the charges, but that his record would take up to a week to update publicly.

The State Journal confirmed the public records contained in the Michigan State Polices Internet Criminal History Access Tool with local courts in Muskegon and Van Buren counties.

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Taft said the welfare fraud conviction was incurred while he was working a temporary job and he said he paid back the money the week after he was charged. His domestic violence conviction pertained to an incident with an intoxicated sibling that turned physical, he said. Taft said his convictions for fleeing an officer and obstructing or assaulting an officer in Grand Rapids happened when a police officer attempted to pull him over and his daughter was riding with him, and he did not stop, but instead continued driving to his wifes place of work, where he dropped off his daughter. He added he was attacked by police dogs.

Taft said he sued authorities following the incident and that the charges were dropped to high court misdemeanors upon dropping the suit.

Online records showed Taft sued the Grand Rapids Police Department in civil court in 2002 for $1 million. The case was settled in 2003 out of court, and the terms were not released. Grand Rapids Media Relations Manager Steve Guitar did not immediately have information on the settlement.

Taft ran for City Council in 2021 and 2022. He is suing the city of Lansing, present and former police officers, and their union for false arrest and other issues in what he described as a gang attack that officers watched without taking action.

Restitution and a personal protection order

Lansing City Council member Ryan Kost listens during a special meeting on Monday, April 3, 2023, at City Hall in Lansing. Kost owes unpaid restitution from a traffic crash in 2009 and has been the subject of a personal protection order.

Ryan Kost, current councilmember for the First Ward, was the subject of a personal protection order in 2013 filed by a former partner.

In court records asking for the protection order, Nathan Janssen wrote that Kost, 25 at the time, stole money from him, bit him multiple times, gave him a black eye and heavily drank over the course of several days while destroying his property. Janssen said Kost recorded 0.22 and 0.30 blood alcohol levels on consecutive days on an at-home breathalyzer.

Janssen, 22 at the time, said in the complaint that Kost willingly entered detox at the Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. Judge Laura Baird granted the personal protection order. It expired in May 2014.

When a State Journal reporter asked Kost about the PPO, he said it was the first time he had heard of it and said he didnt recall the events described in Janssens letter. Kost confirmed he had a relationship with Janssen, but said it ended in the summer of 2013, several months before the PPO was filed in late November.

I know who Nathan was, but I don't recall any of this, nor was I ever served any kind of PPO or told I had a PPO, he said. I can't control what someone else says  I certainly know that relationships don't always end with everyone happy.

I don't want to go into details with my struggles and what I've overcome, but there have been struggles that I have had to overcome myself in my life that were very painful, he added. And I've been able to overcome them and become a much better person and learn from my mistakes.

Kost also pleaded guilty to a 2010 misdemeanor for failing to stop at the scene of a personal injury accident. Kost was sentenced to one year in jail or directed to pay $8,925 in victim restitution. Total costs including fines and court costs was $9,533. Court records show as of Monday he owed $10,345. Kost said he was unaware of the balance until a State Journal reporter asked him about it.

I did have a misdemeanor and I paid my debt and that was 13 years ago, there's nothing I can do to change it, he said. So I made a mistake, there were consequences and I learned from them.

"I didn't know I owed anything from 13 years ago but I certainly will be paying that immediately," he said. The payment was originally due in May 2012, following Kost's release from jail.

Records showed a writ of garnishment being mailed to Kost's current address in November 2021, a notice that Kost said he never received. The record does not confirm acknowledgement of the service.

After the State Journal informed him of the outstanding restitution, Kost contacted the court and set up a payment plan to be garnished from his paychecks. Ashley McGilvra, a deputy clerk with the court, confirmed a payment plan had been established Monday afternoon.

"It would have been handled in prior years if I had known about it, but it was a miscommunication I think from the entire process of the ticket and the understanding of the ticket  which is no one's fault except for mine for not understanding that," he said. "But I certainly want to make things right, so I am currently doing that."

Unpaid campaign filing fees

Two candidates have campaign filing fees that had not been paid at the time of publication  at-large candidate Keshawn Mitchell-Roland has yet to file his Statement of Organization and owes $300; King L. Robertson owes $230 for filing that form late.

Mitchell-Roland did not respond to a question on the fine. Robertson did not respond to texts or emails and his phone number was not able to receive calls.

Two at-large seats on the council are open because councilwomen Carol Wood and Patricia Spitzley aren't seeking reelection. Other at large candidates include Nicklas Zande, Jody Washington, Farhan Sheikh-Omar, Tamera Carter, Missy Lilje and Trini Lopez Pehlivanoglu.

In the Third Ward, Robertson and incumbent Adam Hussain will both advance to the general election in November.

Olivia Vaden, who will appear on the ballot, attempted to withdraw from the race past the deadline to be removed from the ballot, according to Chief Deputy City Clerk Brian P. Jackson.

Contact Sheldon Krause at skrause@lsj.com . Follow him on Twitter @sheldonjkrause .

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Candidates for Lansing City Council have felony convictions, unpaid restitution
Carlee Russell, who claimed she was kidnapped after she reported seeing a toddler walking along the interstate, admitted Monday that she had fabricated the story and issued an apology following a nationwide search for her earlier this month.

Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis said the department received a statement from Russells attorney Emory Anthony on her behalf on Monday, in which she admitted there was no kidnapping on July 13 and that she had not seen a baby on the side of the road.

Derzis read the statement from Russells attorney, which said Russell did not leave the Hoover area while she was identified as a missing person and did not have any help in the incident. The statement noted she was not with anyone or at a hotel with anyone from the time she went missing.

My client apologizes for her actions to this community. The volunteers who were searching for her, to the Hoover Police Department and other agencies as well as her friends and family, the statement said in part. We ask for your prayers for Carly as she addresses her issue and attempts to move forward.

The nationwide search for Russell began on July 13 after she called police to report seeing a toddler walking alone on the highway. Police then received another call from Russells mother, who said a relative had spoken with Russell on the phone before she screamed and they lost contact.

Two days later, Russell called 911 and told authorities she walked back home on foot. She told investigators she had tried to approach the toddler she claimed she saw on the side of the road when a man came out of the trees and forced her into an 18-wheeler truck.

The 25-year-old said she was brought to a house, where the man and a woman forced her to get undressed and took pictures of her. She claimed she escaped from a car and returned home.

Speculation over the accuracy of Russells story was sparked last week when Derzis said authorities were unable to verify most of her statement on her disappearance. The chief told the press that Russell had looked up paying for Amber Alerts, how to take money from a register without getting caught, a Birmingham bus station and the movie Taken in the days before she disappeared.

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The facts, I think last Wednesday, pretty much showed that we knew that it was a hoax, Derzis said.

Derzis said he could not confirm or disclose where Russell was during the 49 hours she was considered missing. When asked about Russells motivation, Derzis said, I wish I could tell you. I think only Carlee knows and maybe her attorney now, noting the statement from Russells attorney did not indicate a motivation.

Police are currently discussing possible criminal charges with the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office in Bessemer, Ala., which would ultimately be responsible for bringing forth charges, according to Derzis.

The sad thing is, again, there were so many people that were involved, took this thing very, very seriously and again, we wanted the focus to be bring her home, weve very excited about that, Dezis said. You know, it is what it is.

Derzis said Russells attorney scheduled a meeting for Russell to meet with investigators Monday afternoon, but then sent the statement on her behalf instead. Police will be meeting with her attorney at some point on Tuesday, where Derzis said they will inquire about meeting with Russell herself.

When asked if Russells parents may be under investigation, Derzis said, Anythings on the table. We still dont know what happened in those 49 hours, where she was, did she have any help, we have no idea.

Derzis said the statement from Russells attorney does not alter the investigation and police will continue to try to determine Russells whereabouts in those 49 hours.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Carlee Russell Admits That She Made Up Her Kidnapping Story, Apologizes To Authorities | Skyler Sawyer/Unsplash

Carlee Russell, the woman who sparked a nationwide search effort when she appeared to be kidnapped, is now admitting that she made up the whole story about her disappearance. Russell confessed to police in Hoover, Alabama, saying she apologizes to everybody who was concerned about her. In a statement to Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis, attorney Emory Anthony said there was no kidnapping on July 13 and there was no baby on the side of the road as the woman claimed when she called 911.

My client did not leave the Hoover area when she was identified as a missing person. My client did not have any help in this incident, but this was a single act done by herself, Anthony wrote according to AL.com. My client was not with anyone or at any hotel during the time she was missing,

Its not clear why Russell faked her own kidnapping or where she stayed during the two days she was gone.

I wish I could tell you, Derzis said according to AL. I think only Carlee knows, and maybe her attorney knows now.

As Blavity previously reported, Russell called 911 on July 13 and said she saw a toddler walking alone on the highway. However, Russell was already gone before police arrived at the scene. After disappearing for two days, the 25-year-old returned home on her own, saying she escaped from a kidnapper.

Anthony said Russell is now asking for prayers as as she addresses her issues and intends to move understanding that she made a mistake.

My client apologizes for her actions to the community, the volunteers who were searching for her, to the Hoover Police Department and other agencies, as well as to her friends and family, the attorney said.

Russell is not facing charges at this time. However, Derzis said police are still discussing the possible consequences.

We will announce those charges when, and if, they are filed, he said.

Derzis is glad to have the statement from Russell, but still hopes to sit down for an interview with her.

It at least puts some of the social media super sleuths hopefully to rest for a little bit, he said. We know by her own admission it didnt happen and were thankful for that.
Carlee Russells Ex-Boyfriend Speaks Out, Says He Was Blindsided By Her Actions | Pixabay

Carlee Russells now-ex-boyfriend shared a statement to his Instagram account Monday and condemned the 25-year-olds actions just hours after the Hoover Police Department confirmed her kidnapping was a hoax.

Thomar Latrell Simmons said Russells actions created hurt, confusion and dishonesty as he and his family defended her during the 49 hours she went missing after the initial report of her kidnapping on July 13.

As Blavity reported, the Hoover Police Department held a news conference Monday evening and released new details in the case.

Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis received a statement from Russells attorney, Emory Anthony, stating there was no kidnapping on July 13, and no toddler was wandering on the side of the road when she called 911.

My client did not leave the Hoover area when she was identified as a missing person. My client did not have any help in this incident, but this was a single act done by herself, Anthony wrote, according to AL.com. My client was not with anyone or at any hotel during the time she was missing.

The 25-year-olds alleged kidnapping sparked a nationwide concern, with many believing Russell could have been the victim of a sex-trafficking sting and used a baby to lure her away from her car and abduct her.

Police are unsure why Russell faked her kidnapping or where she was for the two days she went missing.

 I wish I could tell you, Derzis said, according to AL.com. I think only Carlee knows, and maybe her attorney knows now.

Simmons said he and his family are disgusted as new details emerged on Monday.

I was made aware of the false narrative after coming to the defense of my ex Carlee Russell, Simmons wrote. Myself and my familys nature was to react in love and genuine concern. We are disgusted by the outcome of this entire situation. I strongly feel exactly like you all. blindsided by Carlees actions.

He continued: This is still an ongoing investigation but with all of the recent information and her confession now we gain closure with this situation.

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Simmons also thanked his family, friends and the nation for supporting him. He asked everyone to pray for his family as they move forward.

On Monday, police read an additional statement from Russells attorney, with an apology from the 25-year-old as she apologized to the community and everyone who searched for her.

As for her friends and family, we ask for your prayers for Carlee as she addresses her issues and attempts to move forward, understanding that she made a mistake in this matter. Carlee, again, asks for your forgiveness and prayers, according to the statement obtained by Today.

Russell isnt facing any charges at this time. However, Derzis said the department would announce those charges when, and if, they are filed, per Blavity.
When classes begin in about three weeks, students in the Carroll school district will only be allowed to use restrooms that correspond to the sex listed on their birth certificates, and teachers dont have to promote or use gender-identifying pronouns.

School trustees voted 6-0 Monday to adopt the policies that mirror those already in place in Keller, Frisco and Grapevine-Colleyville school districts.

Seven parents and one high school senior commented on the policy changes during the meeting at the Carroll ISD Boardroom in Southlake. Some accused the school board of a lack of transparency as the agenda and policies were publicly posted Friday afternoon, and that did not give the community time to study before Monday nights vote.

Brady Golumb, a senior at Carroll High School said he is in the top 20% of his class and is applying to elite colleges. Golumb said he worries that the policies restricting restroom use and use of gender-identifying pronouns will make it more difficult for him to be accepted, as he said universities focus on diversity.

There is so much intolerance, he said.

Golumb said he often hears homophobic slurs and tells students to stop using them.

Im white. Im straight. Im 17 years old, I know what you are doing is wrong. I urge you not to make these changes to my schools, Golumb said.

But Angie Dawkins, a parent of six sons, said she fully supports the boards decisions, adding that protections for people who face discrimination because of sexual orientation and gender are covered under Title IX.

There are people who believe the students belong in a protected class. Anyone has the right to make a claim (of discrimination.) By choosing to have my student enrolled in a school Im trusting the administrator to investigate. As a parent, I take responsibility. It has nothing to do with the color of their skin or how they identify, Dawkins said.

But Colleen Golestan said her son faced discrimination at school because of his sexual orientation.

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Carroll seems to be targeting LGBT students, Golestan said. I do not want what happened to my child to happen to anyone elses child. I do not want someones child to feel that they are an abomination and that they are destined to hell.

Before the board voted, Tamy Smalskas, assistant superintendent for administration said that the districts nondiscrimination statement follows the federal Title IX guidelines because sexual orientation and gender discrimination are covered under sexual harassment protections.

The school districts code of conduct also prohibits bullying, she said.

Trustee Andrew Yeager asked Smalskas if there is anything in the policies that should concern parents. No sir, she replied.

Trustee Eric Lannen said the district is standardizing its policies and that does not diminish the level of protection from discrimination.

Lannen said, It really bothers me that people feel we (trustees) are not loving and caring toward our students.

Along with adopting policies restricting restroom and locker room use and gender-identifying pronouns, trustees approved a 2023-24 student handbook and code of conduct that no longer contain references transgender and sexual orientation, including in the districts nondiscrimination statement.

The nondiscrimination statement lists the following: race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or any other basis.

Pam Francis, a parent who served on the policy review committee, said she was among the two members who voted against the policy changes, saying they no longer provided protection to vulnerable students as guaranteed under federal law.

Francis said there were specific votes to remove references to gender from the entire handbook, including the nondiscrimination statement. The statement also does not list sexual orientation. Examples of gender-based harassment which could be helpful to students and others concerned about reporting discrimination were also stripped from the handbook.

They (transgender students) were told they could report and now all of that is gone. Why remove it, whats the purpose? she said.

The policies are based on Texas Association of School Boards guidelines, according to documentation from the school district. But Francis said the TASB guidelines include references to gender.

The Carroll school board voted to leave TASB earlier this year over concerns that the organization, which provides legal and risk management services to districts, was promoting a divisive agenda.

Carroll will remain in TASB through August.

Carroll is facing eight open civil rights investigations from the U.S. Department of Education Office on Civil Rights. The investigations include allegations of discrimination involving race, sexual orientation and disability.

Jim Bradshaw, a spokesman for the Department of Education, did not respond immediately to an email from the Star-Telegram requesting information about the status of the complaints.

The ACLU of Texas has issued statements in opposition to school district policies it says target the LGBTQ community. Last month, the ACLU sent a letter to the Keller districtthat warned of legal action if the school board voted to adopt such policies in violation of Texas and federal laws.
A doctor was found wounded and a suspect was critically injured by officers after police were called Tuesday about an active shooter at a Cedar Hill medical building, police said in a press conference.

The Cedar Hill Police Department said that officers were called to Methodist Family Health Center at 950 E. Belt Line Road around 12:15 p.m. Tuesday about an active shooter.

The first officer who arrived at the scene saw a man  a physician from the clinic  on the ground in front of the clinic with a gunshot wound, Cedar Hill Police Chief Ely Reyes said at the press conference.

Another officer at the scene saw a man with a long gun leaving the scene in a black Chrysler four-door vehicle, Reyes said.

At 12:22 p.m., the suspects car crashed into another vehicle in the 700 block of East Belt Line Road, police said. According to Reyes, multiple officers saw the suspect with the firearm in the vehicle, and five officers shot at him, wounding him.

Police removed the suspect from the vehicle and began life-saving measures until medics arrived, according to Reyes. The suspect was taken to Methodist Dallas Medical Center, where he is in critical condition.

The injured doctor from the clinic was taken to a local hospital in stable condition.

The driver in the other vehicle involved in the crash was taken to a hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

The Dallas County Sheriffs Office and the District Attorneys Office will conduct the criminal investigation, and the Cedar Hills Police Department will conduct an administrative investigation.

Video from multiple vehicles and body-camera footage will be used in the investigation.

All officers involved will be placed on administrative leave during the investigation, police said.

Cedar Hill is in Dallas and Ellis counties and is about 30 miles southeast of Fort Worth.

This is a developing story. For the latest updates, sign up for breaking news alerts.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., speaks earlier this month during a House Committee on Oversight and Accountability hearing with IRS witnesses about alleged misconduct by Hunter Biden. A House Democrat introduced a resolution Tuesday to censure Greene over graphic photos she displayed during the hearing, as well as dozens of other grievances. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

July 25 (UPI) -- A House Democrat has introduced a resolution to censure Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., for dozens of grievances, including showing graphic images of Hunter Biden during a congressional hearing.

"Whereas Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has repeatedly fanned the flames of racism, antisemitism, LGBTQ hate speech, Islamophobia, anti-Asian hate, xenophobia and other forms of hatred," the four-page resolution, introduced by Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt., on Tuesday reads.

"Whereas on July, 19, 2023, Representative Majorie Taylor Greene displayed graphic pornographic images during an official committee hearing that she claimed depicted a member of President Biden's family," the resolution adds.

During last week's House Oversight Committee hearing with testimony from two IRS whistleblowers, who claimed the Justice Department slowed their federal tax investigation into Hunter Biden, Greene presented sexually graphic and censored photos of President Joe Biden's son with the warning, "I would like to let the committee and everyone watching at home that parental discretion is advised."

Democrats at the hearing, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., blasted Greene's use of the photos, as Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., queried, "Should we be displaying this?"

Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt., introduced a resolution Tuesday to censure Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., for 'fanning the flames of racism, antisemitism, LGBTQ hate speech,' in approximately 40 grievances. File photo courtesy Balint for Congress Facebook

"Today ... marked a new low when pornographic images were paraded in this hearing. I don't care who you are in this country. No one deserves that," Ocasio-Cortez said Wednesday.

In all, the resolution lists approximately 40 examples of Greene's statements with views ranging from conspiracy theories and sympathetic views toward insurrectionists, to calls for violence. Greene has not responded to the censure.

"For me, censuring Rep. Taylor Greene is about the health of our democracy and faith in government. Her antisemitic, racist, transphobic rhetoric has no place in the House of Representatives," Balint said in a statement.

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"Unserious elected officials like Taylor Greene make a mockery of our democratic institutions and derail us from the urgent work we've been tasked with," Balint added

A censure is the second-highest form of punishment in the House, with expelling members being the highest. Once a censure passes, the Speaker of the House formally reads off the resolution while the offending lawmaker stands silently on the House floor.

Last month, Republicans censured Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., for his role in the investigation into what he claimed was Russian collusion by former President Donald Trump. Last week, Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., filed a resolution against Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., for alleged lies he told about his education, career and family.

Balint, who is a freshman lawmaker, could force a vote on the censure of Greene this week.
ORLANDO, Fla.  The National Hurricane Center continues to keep an eye on a system in the Atlantic with a small chance to develop into a tropical depression or storm as it approaches the Florida coast, but is also eyeing two more systems in the Atlantic.

In its 2 p.m. Eastern time tropical outlook, the NHC said the weak trough of low pressure was located a few hundred miles south-southwest of Bermuda, but is expected to migrate toward the U.S. in the coming week.

Significant development of this system appears unlikely while it moves move west-northwestward toward the southeastern U.S. coast over the next several days, forecasters said.

The NHC dropped its predictions to only a 10% chance to form into a tropical system in the next seven days.

Another system the NHC has been tracking has entered the Caribbean Sea after dropping heavy rain on the Lesser Antilles. Its now west of the Windward Islands with disorganized showers and thunderstorms and continuing a speedy path west.

Development of this system is not expected while it continues to move rapidly westward over the Caribbean during the next few days, forecasters said.

The NHC gives it a 10% chance to form into a tropical depression in the next two days, and 10% in the next seven.

The NHC began tracking a third system late Tuesday in the far eastern Atlantic off the coast of Africa.

The tropical wave is located south of the Cape Verde Islands, but the NHC said it could develop later this week as it moves west toward the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

The NHC gives it a 20% chance to form into a tropical depression or storm in the next seven days.

If any of the systems spin up to named-storm power, they could become Tropical Storm Emily.

The 2023 hurricane season has seen four named storms so far with only one hurricane, Hurricane Don, which was a Category 1 hurricane that petered out in the north Atlantic on Monday.

The hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.

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A Charlotte woman pleaded guilty to her role in a million-dollar COVID-19 fraud scheme.

The Department of Justice said Jeannetta Blackmon took advantage of pandemic loan programs to net more than $1.5 million for herself and others.

ALSO READ: Mooresville man accused of multi-million dollar investment, COVID relief loan fraud

From April 2020 to November 2021, investigators said Blackmon submitted falsified documents to get disaster relief loans from the Small Business Administration.

Blackmon received more than $319,000 in disaster relief money, investigators said. She also admitted to receiving more than $300,000 in loan preparation fees from customers who paid her to prepare and submit fraudulent applications for pandemic relief loans on their behalf.

Her customers received more than $1.2 million in disaster relief funds, prosecutors said.

Blackmon pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud and money laundering charges and faces up to 30 years behind bars.

(WATCH BELOW: Charlotte business owner indicted in $1.2M COVID loan fraud scheme)
A chase involving a robbery suspect ended with a crash in Dayton Monday evening.

Around 8:20 p.m. Dayton police officers spotted a silver Infiniti that was suspected to be involved in a robbery in Harrison Township, according to a sergeant with Dayton Police Department.

Officers were chasing the car until it crashed into a black sedan in the area of Richmond and Homewood Avenues.

>> Definitely a dangerous situation; Woman wakes up to gunfire, suspects stealing car in Harrison Twp

The suspect in the silver Infiniti ran from the car and has not been located by police, according to DPD.

Police said the Infiniti was also reported stolen.

>> PHOTOS: Chase involving robbery suspect ends with crash in Dayton

No injuries were reported to those involved in the crash, including a child in the black sedan.

We are working to learn more about the crime the suspect was believed to be involved in and if they are in custody.

We will update this story as new information becomes available.




Song Tao, the mainland's senior Taiwan affairs official, on Monday met with representatives of Taiwan guests who will attend a cross-Strait exchange event, including Hung Hsiu-chu, former chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang party, in Nanjing of east China's Jiangsu Province.

Song, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, conveyed the cordial greetings of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, to the Taiwan guests.

Song reiterated that only by upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" can the cross-Strait relations return to the right path of peaceful development.

He called for resolute opposition against separatist activities seeking "Taiwan independence" and external interference, and taking the future and destiny firmly in the hands of Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Hung and other guests noted that Taiwan should uphold the 1992 Consensus, which is the anchor for cross-Strait peace and stability, explore the ways and plans for realizing peaceful reunification, and work with the mainland towards Chinese modernization and national rejuvenation.
By Yew Lun Tian and Laurie Chen

BEIJING (Reuters) -China named veteran diplomat Wang Yi its new foreign minister on Tuesday, removing former rising star Qin Gang after a mysterious one-month absence from duties barely half a year into the job.

Qin, 57, a former aide to President Xi Jinping and envoy to the United States, took over the ministry in December but has not been seen in public since June 25 when he met visiting diplomats in Beijing.

The ministry has said he was off work for health reasons without giving details, sparking speculation and drawing attention to the secrecy often surrounding China's Communist leadership and decision making.

Qin's successor Wang, 69, was also his predecessor, holding the post from 2013-2022 as ties frayed with rival superpower the United States to a point Beijing described as an all-time low.

He has filled in for Qin during his absence and this week represented China at a national security advisers' meeting of BRICS countries in Johannesburg.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Qin on June 18, on the first visit by America's top diplomat to China in five years. The U.S. State Department said then they held "candid, substantive, and constructive" talks and Blinken invited Qin to Washington to continue discussions.

Blinken subsequently met Wang on the sidelines of a regional meeting in Jakarta in Qin's absence.

Chinese state media did not say why Qin was removed and China's foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment. Xi signed a presidential order to make the decision effective, state news agency Xinhua reported.

"The lack of an explanation opens more questions than provides answers," said Ja Ian Chong, a political scientist at the National University of Singapore.

"It also underscores the opacity and unpredictability, even arbitrariness in the current political system."

Qin's apparent disappearance was not the first unexplained absence of a Chinese official.

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Industry minister Xiao Yaqing vanished from public view for nearly a month last year before it was revealed he was being investigated for corruption.

KEY LINES OF COMMUNICATION

U.S. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel told a regular briefing on Tuesday it was up to China to choose its foreign minister and Blinken had met Wang multiple times.

"We will continue to engage with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other Chinese officials, and we continue to believe that keeping lines of communication (is) incredibly important," he said.

Asked whether Blinken's invite to Qin to Washington would be extended to his successor, Patel said: "Ultimately it would be for the PRC to announce any travel to the United States."

Qin was one of China's youngest foreign ministers, enjoying a meteoric ascent that analysts attributed in part to his closeness to Xi. He was twice foreign ministry spokesman, between 2006-2014, and chief protocol officer from 2014-2018, overseeing many of Xi's contacts with foreign leaders.

He was posted to Washington as ambassador in July 2021, after a period of unusual public vitriol between U.S. and Chinese officials.

Wang retakes the foreign ministry helm as China seeks to re-engage with the world after years of COVID-induced isolation, as a mooted economic recovery fails to gain hold, and Beijing spars with Washington over issues from Ukraine, Russia and Taiwan to trade and technology disputes.

"The choice of Wang Yi is rational," said Yun Sun, director of the China Program at the Stimson Center in Washington. "To convey a sense of stability and credibility, China needs to select someone who is senior, authoritative and impeccable."

Wang was promoted last year to the politburo of the Chinese Communist Party, one of China's top leadership bodies.

Hours after news of his reappointment, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari tweeted congratulations, saying Wang was "an astute and seasoned diplomat".

Qin's political future remains unclear. Analysts noted there has not yet been any clarity over whether he will still hold his role as state councillor, a member of China's cabinet.

His name remained on the list of state councillors on the English-language webpage of Chinas State Council website, while the page on China's foreign ministry website that is typically filled with the biography of the foreign minister and readouts of his activities simply read "updating" on Tuesday.

"Qin's removal without explanation has left intact the rumours and speculation about his disappearance," said Dali Yang, a political science professor at the University of Chicago.

"His fate is left hanging and is a glaring reminder of the opacity of the Chinese political system."

Asked about Qin by reporters, deputy U.N. spokesperson Farhan Haq said: "Certainly we wish him well. We hope he's well. But in terms of questions about officials of the government of (the People's Republic of) China, I believe you need to ask those to the government."

(Reporting by Yew Lun Tian, Laurie Chen and Martin Quin Pollard; Additional reporting by Simon Lewis, Michael Martina and David Brunnstrom in Washington; Editing by John Geddie, Nick Macfie, Andrew Cawthorne, Bernadette Baum and Daniel Wallis)
(Bloomberg) -- Envoys from China and Russia are set to become the first foreign delegations to enter North Korea since the pandemic started, a sign of opening by the isolated country.

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The Russian delegation will be led by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and will pay a congratulatory visit to mark the 70th anniversary on Thursday of the end of fighting in the 1950-1953 Korean War, North Koreas official Korean Central News Agency reported Tuesday.

The dispatch came hours after KCNA said a Chinese group led by Li Hongzhong, who sits on the Communist Party of Chinas 24-member Politburo, would also visit for the event. China has confirmed the travel plans.

The trips come as North Korea gradually opens up to Beijing, its biggest benefactor and trade partner, and its neighbor to the northeast, Russia. North Korea sealed its borders soon after the pandemic began in 2020, slamming the brakes on trade.

Satellite images show that North Korea is planning a military parade for the war anniversary, NK News reported.

See: North Korea Isnt Talking About Soldier Who Bolted, US Says

The grinding conflict pitted the Chinese and North Koreans against US-led United Nations forces and South Korea. It ended with an Armistice Agreement that halted the stalemate, but North Korea, China and some former Communist bloc states celebrate July 27 as a victory. The Soviet Union, North Koreas most important partner at the time of the war, didnt take part in the fighting but was instrumental in offering military and political support for Pyongyang.

The delegations would be making the first official visit by foreigners in about three years, according to NK News, a media outlet based in Seoul that specializes in news and data about North Korea. Pyongyang has not sent any delegations abroad during that period, it added.

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North Korea granted special permission earlier this year so Chinese Ambassador Wang Yajun could enter the country and start his assignment.

There has been no indication that North Korea is ready to accept foreign tourists, who have in the past provided cash for the sanctions-hit nation. Russia and China have used their veto power at the UN Security Council in recent months to block new punishments on Kim Jong Uns government for its tests of ballistic missiles.

Chinese officials said in September that the main train route with North Korea was reopening after a hiatus of several months due to Covid. The rail line between Dandong, China, and Sinuiju in North Korea is Kims main link to the worlds No. 2 economy

The few democracies with embassies in Pyongyang withdrew their staff during the pandemic. That complicates attempts by the US to communicate with Kims government over an American soldier who crossed into North Korea last week.

More: How Kim Jong Un Is Building a Nuclear North Korea: QuickTake

The US does not have diplomatic ties with North Korea. Sweden has long handled some affairs for Washington in North Korea.

--With assistance from Xiao Zibang.

(Updates with Russian delegation.)

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(Bloomberg) -- Biden administration officials have a longtime, if sometimes combative, relationship with Wang Yi, the veteran Chinese diplomat who is returning as foreign minister after the unexplained ouster of his successor.

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It is up to China to decide who their foreign minister is, Vedant Patel, a State Department spokesman, told reporters Tuesday. But he added that Secretary of State Antony Blinken has met with Wang repeatedly, including in Jakarta and Beijing.

China removed Qin Gang as foreign minister just seven months into the job with no explanation, after the diplomat mysteriously disappeared from public view in June. Qin is a longtime foreign policy adviser to President Xi Jinping who previously served as ambassador to the US.

Read more: China Replaces Foreign Minister After Mysterious Absence

Wang Yi is an obvious replacement for Qin Gang right now, Rorry Daniels, managing director of the Asia Society Policy Institute, said in a statement. With a series of major international meetings coming up, Xi defaulted to someone who has relationships with many of his foreign counterparts.

Jake Sullivan, President Joe Bidens national security adviser, has been closely engaged with Wang through a back channel they have kept low-key. Bloomberg News reported in March that they held a phone call to discuss the pending transit of Taiwans president through the US.

Sullivan has said their conversations have a brush-clearing quality.

It allows for a frank and candid interchange of ideas where we dont then have to go out and intermediate what we said to one another through the media or score points or do things like that, Sullivan said last week at the Aspen Security Forum. So I think that matters.

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But Wang also can be combative in more formal encounters. When Blinken traveled to Beijing last month, the Chinese diplomat blamed frayed bilateral ties on Washingtons wrongful perceptions of Beijing.

Asked at the Aspen forum what was behind Qins disappearance from public view, Sullivan said, Literally, we dont know. All we know is that Secretary Blinken was meant to meet the foreign minister at the recent ASEAN conference in Indonesia. He ended up meeting with Wang Yi instead.

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A month after Chinas Foreign Minister Qin Gang disappeared from public view, hes out of a job. And few in Washington are likely to miss him.

The Chinese government said Tuesday that former foreign minister Wang Yi had replaced Qin amid mounting questions about his mysterious absence from any public official duties.

Qin  who served as Beijings ambassador to the U.S. for 15 months before he was promoted to foreign minister had a reputation as a prickly interlocutor in Washington. And the Biden administration denied him meetings with high-level officials for long stretches, making his tenure in D.C. a difficult one.

The consensus in Washington was that Qin had been particularly difficult and that he had not been very effective as ambassador, said Zack Cooper, former assistant to the deputy national security adviser for combating terrorism at the National Security Council. It's not like we've lost a critical piece of the U.S.-China puzzle  it might be that we've removed an impediment.

Qin had not appeared in public since June 25, and speculation about his whereabouts  complete with the Twitter hashtag #WhereisQinGang  has flown thick and fast in recent weeks. Beijing has not provided an explanation for his disappearance and did not give any reason for Qins removal from his post Tuesday.

Qins departure is a reputational blow to Chinese paramount leader Xi Jinping, who picked Qin for the role in 2022 over more senior diplomats. This episode will be seen as an embarrassing lapse in judgment at the top, said Daniel Russel, a former senior Asia hand in the Obama administration.

That lack of experience may have contributed to Qins difficulties as ambassador. Qin was a classic by-the-book, by-the-script kind of guy who would parrot Xi Jinping and didnt take time to develop relationships, said Craig Singleton, senior China fellow at the nonprofit Foundation for Defense of Democracies who has spoken with multiple members of the D.C. foreign policy establishment who met with Qin while he was in D.C.

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In his first public speech in the U.S. as ambassador in September 2021, Qin excoriated U.S. wrong beliefs and cautioned against violating Beijings red line on Taiwan, on its claims to parts of the South China Sea or on its treatment of the Uyghur ethnic minority.

The Biden administration, whatever its thoughts on Qin Gang, had been working to foster a relationship with him in his new post. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Qin in Beijing last month and then invited him for follow-up meetings in Washington.

But Wang Yis return as foreign minister  he held the post from 2013 to 2023  may ease concerns about turmoil in the foreign ministry. Wang is a known quantity in the State Department and has met in recent months with senior Biden administration officials including national security adviser Jake Sullivan and climate envoy John Kerry. Wangs position as a member of Chinas Politburo  one of two key Chinese Communist Party decision-making bodies  also gives him more influence in Beijing than Qin had.

Still, Wang also has a reputation for sharp elbows. Last month he sparked a furor for urging Japan and South Korea to develop an Asian values-based strategic autonomy from the U.S.

I warn the Biden administration against placing too much hope in engagement with Chinese Communist party officials, for this shows that they can change the next day, said Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The White House was tight-lipped about Qin's ouster. This is an internal matter for the PRC, so we'll leave it up to them to speak to speak to this change, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said on Tuesday. The State Department also limited its comment on the apparent turmoil in China's Foreign Ministry. It is up to China to decide who their foreign minister is, State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel said on Tuesday.

Not everyone who knew Qin in Washington cheers his downfall. Qin was a decadeslong student of the American system and its a loss for U.S.-China relations for someone with that level of expertise not to be playing a role, corporate consultant Juleanna Glover said. Glover  who met Qin in 2021 at a dinner in D.C. at the home of Justin Smith, then-chief executive of Bloomberg Media  helped facilitate Qins introductions to Washington power brokers while he was ambassador as a route to pressure Qin for the release of imprisoned pro-democracy media magnate Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong.

Beijing is erasing any traces of Qin from the foreign ministrys website. Qins official profile and photograph  still visible early on Tuesday morning  have since vanished along with links to his speeches and activities. In their place isan electronic updating message.

The mystery surrounding Qins disappearance and ouster may hint at more tumult to come in Xis government  given that Qins ties to Xi dont appear to have been enough to protect him, said former U.S. Ambassador to China Max Baucus.

The knives are out behind the curtain in Beijing, Baucus said.
Russian service members take part in military exercises outside Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia, on September 4. Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images

Russian buyers are ordering significant amounts of Chinese military equipment, Politico reported.

The country has imported over $100 million in drones from China this year alone, the report said.

China is using loopholes for equipment that can have both civilian and military use, it said.

China has sent Russia enough military equipment to outfit an army, using loopholes in Western sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Politico reported.

Politico, using evidence such as customs records, reported that Chinese manufacturers were delivering significant quantities of equipment to help Russia in its fight against Ukraine.

This includes enough protective gear to equip many of the troops Russia has mobilized for its invasion, as well as drones that can direct artillery fire and drop grenades on Ukrainian forces.

Chinese manufacturers have also sent thermal-optical sights that can target soldiers at night, the report said.

Overall, Russia has imported more than $100 million worth of drones from China since the start of this year, as well as $225 million in ceramics, which can be used in body armor, a 69% increase over 2022, Politico reported.

Chinese companies are exploiting a loophole to send this equipment: The gear is considered nonlethal and seen as dual use, which means it can have civilian as well as military applications.

This leaves Western authorities with an excuse if they don't want to confront China on the issue, Politico reported.

China has repeatedly denied sending military equipment to Russia since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

But Ukraine said earlier this year that it was finding a growing number of Chinese parts in Russian weapons that it captured, including drones and tanks.

And US intelligence documents obtained by The Washington Post in April showed that China approved the "provision of lethal aid" to Russia earlier this year and planned to send military equipment disguised as civilian equipment.

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The US said it had not seen any evidence that China had given Russia weapons or lethal aid.

The custom records obtained by Politico showed Russian buyers declaring orders for hundreds of thousands of bulletproof vests and helmets made by a company called Shanghai H Win.

Russia has been struggling with equipment shortages, with mobilized soldiers saying they had to buy their own body armor and a Russian soldier complaining in an intercepted phone call that his unit had no ammunition and were given just one grenade each, to blow themselves up.

The UK Ministry of Defense said in March that Russian soldiers in the city of Bakhmut, Ukraine, were likely forced into close-quarters fighting because they didn't have enough artillery ammunition.

And in June, Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that his troops didn't have enough equipment, including "high-precision ammunition, communications equipment, aircraft, drones, and so on."

China is officially neutral and has tried to position itself as a prospective peacemaker that can broker a deal. But it has also expanded its dealings with Russia since the invasion began, including through state visits, trade, and more purchases of Russian oil. It also hasn't stopped military exercises with Russia.

Helena Legarda, an expert in Chinese defense and foreign policy at the German think tank Mercator Institute for China Studies, told Politico: "What is very clear is that China, for all its claims that it is a neutral actor, is, in fact, supporting Russia's positions in this war."

Ukraine is also a customer of Chinese weapons, though Politico reported that its imports of many types of Chinese equipment had plummeted this year.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The News

Chinas foreign minister Qin Gang has been removed from his post, following an abrupt disappearance that has lasted weeks. He will be replaced by his predecessor Wang Yi, state media reported.

The decision was made Tuesday in an emergency session held by the Chinese Communist Partys top decision-making body, the National Peoples Congress Standing Committee.

The lawmakers voted to have the 57-year-old foreign minister replaced effectively but did not provide an explanation for his removal prompting further speculation about his mysterious months-long absence.

Weve curated insightful analysis and reporting on Qin Gangs disappearance and subsequent dismissal.

Insights

Its not unusual for Chinese officials and entrepreneurs to disappear under the guise of poor health or for no reason at all  only to surface weeks or months later without explanation or under criminal investigation. Secrecy is the chosen mode of operation because for the Chinese Communist Party, information is a weapon, said Willy Wo-Lap Lam, a senior fellow at the Jamestown Foundation. In the case of Qin Gang, the mystery surrounding the absence of such a high-level official at a time when China is attempting to shore up its diplomacy is mind-boggling.

A rumor attributing the ministers disappearance to an extramarital affair with famous TV news anchor Fu Xiaotian has been reported by Taiwanese and Hong Kong media and has dominated Chinese social media in recent weeks. The BBC reported that searches for Qins name on Baidu, Chinas biggest search engine, skyrocketed amid reports of his absence  up 5,000% in a week. Fu has also reportedly not been seen since a flirtatious TV interview between the pair surfaced online.

Qins perceived closeness with Chinese leader Xi Jinping heightens the intrigue of his disappearance. Qin enjoyed an unusually fast rise within Chinas foreign service  first as the Foreign Ministry spokesman, then as Chief Protocol Officer, Vice Minister, and Chinese Ambassador to the U.S., before landing his most recent post. Deng Yuwen, a former editor of a Communist Party newspaper, earlier told CNN that any problems with Qin will reflect badly on Xi too  implying that Xi failed to choose the right person for the job.

Qin Gang may have lost his title as foreign minister, but he appears to still retain his role as state councilor  suggesting that he may be professionally in trouble but he is not politically dead yet, said Wen-Ti Sung, a political scientist at the Australian National University. He also speculated that Wang Yi might be a placeholder for the foreign minister job, given that he is past the retirement age for cabinet members. The continued uncertainty around this saga is not great for the effectiveness of Chinas international outreach, Sung said.

Story continues

Know More

The last time Qin had been seen in public was on June 25, when he met with diplomats from Vietnam, Russia, and Sri Lanka. Since then, he had not shown up to scheduled engagements.

Wang Yi, who will be returning to his old role, had attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting in Indonesia earlier this month  an annual meeting where the regions foreign ministers gather. This week, Wang was also in South Africa for a BRICS meeting.

The Chinese government had initially refused to comment on Qins absence, but then subsequently said that the foreign minister was out of work due to ill health. When pressed for details, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said she had no information to provide.

After the abrupt announcement on Tuesday, Chinas Foreign Ministry website scrubbed most traces of Qin Gang  leaving just some mentions of the ministers most recent meetings on the English-language version.

All details under the section The Minister were wiped.

Notable
The News

Chinas foreign minister Qin Gang has been removed from his post, following an abrupt disappearance that has lasted weeks. He will be replaced by his predecessor Wang Yi, state media reported.

The decision was made Tuesday in an emergency session held by the Chinese Communist Partys top decision-making body, the National Peoples Congress Standing Committee.

The lawmakers voted to have the 57-year-old foreign minister replaced effectively but did not provide an explanation for his removal prompting further speculation about his mysterious months-long absence.

Weve curated insightful analysis and reporting on Qin Gangs disappearance and subsequent dismissal.

Insights

Its not unusual for Chinese officials and entrepreneurs to disappear under the guise of poor health or for no reason at all  only to surface weeks or months later without explanation or under criminal investigation. Secrecy is the chosen mode of operation because for the Chinese Communist Party, information is a weapon, said Willy Wo-Lap Lam, a senior fellow at the Jamestown Foundation. In the case of Qin Gang, the mystery surrounding the absence of such a high-level official at a time when China is attempting to shore up its diplomacy is mind-boggling.

A rumor attributing the ministers disappearance to an extramarital affair with famous TV news anchor Fu Xiaotian has been reported by Taiwanese and Hong Kong media and has dominated Chinese social media in recent weeks. The BBC reported that searches for Qins name on Baidu, Chinas biggest search engine, skyrocketed amid reports of his absence  up 5,000% in a week. Fu has also reportedly not been seen since a flirtatious TV interview between the pair surfaced online.

Qins perceived closeness with Chinese leader Xi Jinping heightens the intrigue of his disappearance. Qin enjoyed an unusually fast rise within Chinas foreign service  first as the Foreign Ministry spokesman, then as Chief Protocol Officer, Vice Minister, and Chinese Ambassador to the U.S., before landing his most recent post. Deng Yuwen, a former editor of a Communist Party newspaper, earlier told CNN that any problems with Qin will reflect badly on Xi too  implying that Xi failed to choose the right person for the job.

Story continues

Know More

The last time Qin had been seen in public was on June 25, when he met with diplomats from Vietnam, Russia, and Sri Lanka. Since then, he had not shown up to scheduled engagements.

Wang Yi, who will be returning to his old role, had attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting in Indonesia earlier this month  an annual meeting where the regions foreign ministers gather. This week, Wang was also in South Africa for a BRICS meeting.

The Chinese government had initially refused to comment on Qins absence, but then subsequently said that the foreign minister was out of work due to ill health. When pressed for details, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said she had no information to provide.

After the abrupt announcement on Tuesday, Chinas Foreign Ministry website scrubbed most traces of Qin Gang  leaving just some mentions of the ministers most recent meetings on the English-language version.

All details under the section The Minister were wiped.

Notable
BEIJING (Reuters) - A court in the Chinese capital on Tuesday commenced the appeal trial for Canadian pop star Kris Wu, according to state-run Xinhua news agency, after he was sentenced to 13 years in jail in 2022 for crimes including rape.

The trial was not open to the public to protect the privacy of the victims, Xinhua cited the Beijing No. 3 Intermediate People's Court as saying.

The Canadian embassy in Beijing had been notified of the appeal trial before the hearing, Xinhua reported.

The embassy did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

In November last year, the People's Court of Chaoyang, a district in Beijing, said Chinese-born Wu would be deported after serving his prison term.

A former member of K-pop group EXO, the superstar returned to China in 2014 to pursue a solo career.

Wu, 32, made his Hollywood debut in the 2017 film "XXX: Return of Xander Cage".

(Reporting by Ryan Woo; additional reporting by Laurie Chen in Beijing; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
MANCHESTER, N.H. - Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says comments from Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina  one of his rivals for 2024 Republican presidential nomination  that former President Donald Trump isn't responsible for the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol are "ridiculous."

And Christie, who's making his second White House bid after unsuccessfully running in the 2016 cycle, said he's going to target Trump at next month's first Republican presidential nomination debate whether "hes on the stage or hes not on the stage."

Scott, a rising star in the GOP and the only Black Republican in the Senate, has seen his poll numbers edge up in the latest surveys in Iowa and New Hampshire, the states that hold the first two contests in the GOP presidential nominating calendar. That's led some super PACs supporting rival candidates to start placing a bullseye on the senator's back.

TIM SCOTT'S BULLSEYE EXPANDS AT SOUTH CAROLINA SENATOR RISES IN GOP 2024 POLLS

Republican presidential candidate Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina holds a town hall in Salem, New Hampshire, on July 18, 2023

In an interview last week with WMUR-TV in New Hampshire, Scott was asked about the storming of the U.S. Capitol two and a half years ago by right-wing extremists and other Trump supporters who unsuccessfully attempted to halt congressional certification of President Biden's Electoral College victory over Trump in the 2020 election.

Last week the former president was informed  in a letter from Special Counsel Jack Smiths office  that he's a target of a probe into the deadly attack on the Capitol and efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

WHAT TIM SCOTT TOLD FOX NEWS ABOUT TRUMP'S VP SUGGESTION

Scott said that "Jan. 6 was a dark day for our nation."

But he added that "I hold the folks who broke into the Capitol with ill will in their hearts, destroying property, responsible for their actions. I don't hold the former president, who didn't show up at Capitol and threaten my life, as responsible."

Story continues

"I can only hold responsible the very people who threatened my life and the former president did not threaten my life," Scott emphasized.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks at a business round table discussion, on July 24, 2023, in Manchester, New Hampshire

Christie, in a Fox News Digital interview Monday as he arrived in New Hampshire for a busy two-day campaign swing, argued that "Tim saying that Donald Trumps not responsible for what happened on Jan. 6. Its ridiculous."

Pointing to Trump, Christie said the then-president "invited all those people to come to a rally on the Ellipse on Jan. 6. He went out there and told them again that the election had been stolen. He urged them to march with him to the Capitol to stop it."

IT'S TAKE TWO FOR CHRIS CHRISTIE AS FORMER GOVERNOR LAUNCHES SECOND WHITE HOUSE RUN

"Im disappointed in Tim that he wont at least say that Donald Trumps responsible for that. Whether hes criminally accountable or not is something that the courts will decide and the special counsel will decide and hell have a full ability to defend himself. Thats not what Im talking about," Christie reiterated. "Is he responsible and Tim should answer that question. Is he responsible for it or isnt he?"

And Christie charged "thats what people are tired of already in this race is all these folks  good men like Tim Scott who are afraid to tell the truth about Donald Trump. Im in this race because somebody has to."

Christie's campaign says the former governor has met the polling and donor thresholds mandated by the Republican National Committee for candidates to reach in order to make the stage at the first debate. Fox News is hosting the August 23 showdown in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Christie has said for months that he's the best equipped candidate in the large field of GOP presidential contenders to take down Trump at the primary debates, thanks to his in-your-face campaign chops and his experience from the 2016 Republican presidential primary debate fireworks.

But Trump has indicated that due to his large lead over the rest of the field, he may skip the first couple of debates.

That doesn't appear to phase Christie.

Christie told Fox News that if Trump's not on the stage at the first debate, it "makes my life even better because then I wont have to talk over him. You know him. He loves to interrupt everybody. So, my biggest debate prep would be to get my voice even louder than his, so I could talk over him."

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

"Look  Im going to talk about Donald Trump and his record whether hes on the stage or hes not on the stage. So, my suggestion to him is get on the stage" so that the former president can defend himself and his record in office.

Christie emphasized that Trump's "better off in my opinion being on the stage to defend that because if hes not Im still going to talk about it."
Construction workers begin repairing the section of Interstate 95 that collapsed after a truck accident in Philadelphia on June 17. File Photo by Laurence Kesterston/UPI

CLIVE, Iowa, July 25 (UPI) -- State, county and city leaders across the United States are prioritizing projects to improve roads, repair bridges, remove lead water lines and deliver high-speed Internet to underserved communities with funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

President Joe Biden has highlighted some of the marquee projects to receive funding during his "Investing in America" tour, such as the Baltimore and Potomac Tunnel replacement.

But there are many more projects coming, and some of the most impactful ones don't get ribbon cuttings.

"The intent is to address our aging infrastructure," Keith Pugh, American Public Works Association president, told UPI. "We've got some failing grades in our infrastructure. There's a lot of maintenance that needs to take place."

Crumbling roads, bridges

A St. Louis Fire Department pumper blocks the eastbound lanes of Highway 64 after a water main break floods the main main thoroughfare through St. Louis on May 12. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

When Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also known as Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, on Nov. 15, 2021, the American Society of Civil Engineers reported that more than 45,000 bridges and 1 in every 5 miles of roadway were in poor condition.

Traffic congestion, particularly in major metropolitan areas, remains a disruptive issue for daily commuters. Los Angeles leads the nation with an average of more than 7 hours of traffic congestion per day, according to the Department of Transportation. Seattle, Portland, Ore., Washington, Denver and San Francisco average more than 6 hours per day.

Members of a hot shot crew remove fuel along a containment line during the Caldor fire near Meyers, Calif., in 2021. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law authorizes $3.37 billion for wildfire risk reduction. File Photo by Peter DaSilva/UPI

Congestion is worsened by the diminishing quality of roads. This also adds to the average cost of car repairs. In New York, drivers spend an estimated $625 a year due to driving on more than 7,000 miles of highway that is in poor condition.

Failing and inequitably built infrastructure also creates health crises. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates there are 6 million to 10 million lead water service lines in the United States. Exposure to lead poisoning can create irreversible health problems.

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Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at an Investing in America event in Washington on April 13, highlighting $72 million allocated to upgrade a section of a nearby 73-year-old bridge that handles more than 88,000 vehicles a day. File Photo by Shawn Thew/UPI

About $10 billion will reach New York's state, county and municipal governments. But with its broad array of needs, there will always be a need for more federal and state funding. The state's water infrastructure, including drinking water and wastewater, is in perhaps the most need of updating, Infrastructure Coordinator Minelly De Coo said.

"The state of our water infrastructure is so severe that there isn't enough money at the federal or state level to do all of the work that needs to be done," De Coo told UPI.

President Joe Biden kicks off the next phase of his administration's "Investing in America" tour, announcing funding for expanding access to high-speed Internet on June 26. File Photo by Rod Lamkey/UPI

Coordinating spending

As of May 26, California, Texas and New York have received the most announced funding through the infrastructure law, according to the General Services Administration.

Five cars and one Port Authority bus can be seen from the Forbes Avenue side of the Fern Hollow Bridge that collapsed on January 28, 2022 in the Point Breeze neighborhood of Pittsburgh. In 2021, the American Society of Civil Engineers reported that more than 45,000 bridges were in poor condition. File Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI

California has received $20.1 billion, with about 75% going to transportation projects. Texas has received $15.2 billion and about 83% of its announced projects are related to transportation. New York has received $10.9 billion and allocated 82% to transportation.

Funding has been allocated to all states and U.S. territories, including American Samoa, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Cars traverse a low spot in the road in the West End section of New Orleans as Hurricane Laura, a major Category 4 storm, skirts the coast of Louisiana on August 26, 2020. The state is using Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for disaster mitigation. File Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI

With the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Biden administration recommended that all states and territories appoint an infrastructure coordinator to ensure each state can obtain and appropriately use its grant.

Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu was appointed the federal infrastructure coordinator.

About 60% of the funding goes directly to states for the state government to administer.

Clean energy, disaster mitigation

The infrastructure law authorizes several categories of funding related to disaster mitigation and emergency assistance. It expands the eligibility for federal-aid highway programs to include transportation resilience, including the $7.3 billion Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation Program. It authorizes $3.37 billion for wildfire risk reduction through fiscal year 2026 and $6.7 billion for flood mitigation assistance through FEMA.

An additional $1 billion has been added to the Disaster Relief Fund and $1 billion will be used through fiscal year 2025 for a grant program to help state and tribal governments address cybersecurity threats.

Jackson Wright, Louisiana's infrastructure coordinator, told UPI that his state faces tremendous infrastructure challenges due to the threats from climate change.

Climate-related projects are a priority for Gov. John Bel Edwards. Of the $4.4 billion announced for the state, $920 million is being used for the resilience of infrastructure, $385 million for clean energy and the power grid, $92 million for environmental remediation and $77 million for electric vehicle charging, according to the state infrastructure dashboard.

"We have been very active in pursuing many grant programs, including both competitive and formula grants in the Grid Innovation Program for hardening our infrastructure," Wright said. "After Hurricane Ida, there was a long power outage here due to issues with the grid. We want to make sure we are doing everything we can to be innovative in that space."

Among those innovations is the HALO Hydrogen Hub, a three-state energy project that Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma have partnered on. An application for funding has been submitted but the reward has not yet been announced. Hydrogen hub projects are eligible to receive up to $1.25 billion in federal funding.

The HALO Hub would be built throughout the three states with the intention of ultimately connecting to a national hydrogen network.

"This is an extension of Louisiana's ongoing efforts in diversifying the makeup of our energy sources and ensuring an economically and environmentally balanced approach to cleaner use of traditional fuels and transition to new potential energy sources," Edwards said in a statement.

Along the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana has several infrastructure resilience projects in the works, such as the $25 million project to raise more than 8 miles of Highway 1 between Leeville and Golden Meadow, which will create a safer evacuation route in the case of a hurricane and flooding.

M. Leon Berrett, associate director for the Salt Lake County Public Works Department, said his county in Utah faces the potential for a drinking water crisis should it experience an earthquake. Many of its largest water lines cross the Wasatch Fault. If those water lines are broken, the city could be without clean water for months.

"There's a big push to create more funding to make those water lines more resilient," Berrett told UPI. "We're also looking at other underground utilities that sometimes get neglected.

Equitable building plans

How and where infrastructure spending has historically been dispersed has created inequities, particularly in communities and neighborhoods that are largely populated with minority groups, as well as tribal nations. The Biden administration launched the Justice40 Initiative to direct 40% of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities, including infrastructure funds.

De Coo said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is trying to secure as much funding as possible to undo the past wrongs of infrastructure buildout, tailoring funding to communities that have been underinvested in.

The state is especially focused on delivering clean water and providing quality broadband service. De Coo said that while Internet providers will claim that most residences have access to service, for many it is unreliable or unaffordable.

"We know the private sector is going to go where the money is and there's nothing wrong with that," she said. "That's where we strongly feel that the government has to come in and ensure that these communities aren't left behind."

Last month, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., announced that New York would receive $670 million to expand high-speed Internet.

"New York, under Governor Hochul's leadership, is leading the charge to get all New Yorkers the equitable access to the Internet they deserve, and this major federal investment will help finally give our communities the support they need to succeed in the 21st century," Schumer said in a statement.

De Coo has been waiting to see the Interstate 81 Viaduct Project come to light since her days as a young engineering intern collecting traffic data in Syracuse 15 years ago.

When the I-81 raised viaduct was built in 1966, it notoriously cut through historically Black neighborhoods and created a physical divide between communities. With it came an audible and visible nuisance that fell into disrepair..

Not all have been in favor of the $2.25 billion project to create a "Community Grid" that will reconnect the neighborhoods that were divided by the viaduct. An organization called Renew 81 For All unsuccessfully challenged the plans in court, citing environmental concerns.

The New York Civil Liberties Union, in an amicus brief, supported the project after holding forums to speak with hundreds of residents of the area.

"This is ensuring that we are again undoing the wrongs of the past in how we've invested in our infrastructure," De Coo said.

Louisiana lists 380 areas in the state as disadvantaged. Wright said Edwards has been "intentional" about focusing funding on those areas in alignment with the Justice40 Initiative.

"The governor often talks about this investment being once in a generation," Wright said. "He recognizes this is an opportunity to provide good jobs and to promote Louisiana-based, minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses. The benefits of this tremendous federal investment is not just felt by building new roads but by providing good jobs."
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has called for striving to realize economic development goals in 2023 at a meeting recently.

The CPC Central Committee held the symposium with non-CPC personages on July 21 to seek opinions and suggestions on the country's current economic situation and economic work for the second half of the year. Xi presided over the symposium and delivered an important speech.

To do the economic work well for the second half of the year, the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability should continue to be followed, Xi said.

Efforts should be made to fully and faithfully apply the new development philosophy on all fronts, accelerate the building of a new pattern of development, comprehensively deepen reform and opening up, intensify macro regulation, expand domestic demand, boost confidence and prevent risks, he said.

He also stressed pushing for the continued improvement of the economic performance, endogenous driving force and social expectations, continuously defusing risks and hidden dangers, and effectively upgrading and appropriately expanding China's economic output.

Li Qiang, Cai Qi and Ding Xuexiang, members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended the meeting. Li briefed on the economic work in the first half of the year and the planning for the second half.

Leaders of eight non-CPC parties, head of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and a representative of personages without party affiliation made remarks respectively at the meeting, raising suggestions on topics such as promoting high-level opening-up, accelerating the development of artificial intelligence, speeding up the development of biomedicine, and promoting new-type consumption.

Xi said that under the CPC leadership, the Chinese economy continued to recover in the first half of the year, with solid progress made in high-quality development.

China's economic recovery speed took the lead among major economies, with sound economic fundamentals unchanged in the long run and a bright prospect, he said.

To cope with prominent challenges in the economic operation, efforts should be made to strengthen macro-control and expand demand, Xi said.

He called for pushing forward industrial upgrades and optimization, deepening reform and high-level opening up, preventing and defusing risks in key areas, and ensuring and improving people's wellbeing, so as to realize continuous economic growth and development goals in 2023.

Xi expressed gratitude to the non-CPC parties and personages as their proposals and suggestions on major issues, such as restoring and expanding consumption, accelerating high-quality development of digital economy, and promoting the optimization and upgrading of key industrial chains of manufacturing industry, had provided important references for the scientific decision-making of the CPC Central Committee.

He expressed the hope that they will continue to comprehensively understand and accurately grasp the policies and arrangements made by the CPC Central Committee, make research and offer suggestions on major issues including infrastructure construction, modernization of the industrial system, and reforms in key areas, and build consensus and confidence to further stimulate vitality of business entities.
Officials declared a heat emergency for the city of Boston on Thursday and Friday amid a string of hot and humid weather.

Temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s for both days, with the heat index expected to reach the mid-90s to 100 degrees.

During last summers heat wave, Boston EMS says they experienced a 15-20% rise in daily 911 calls.

To combat the heat, cooling centers will be open on Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 15 Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF) community centers. A list of those centers can be found here. 64 different splash pads will also be open at parks and playgrounds throughout the city.

Heat waves can endanger anyone, regardless of age or health, and it is critical for everyone to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity when possible and wear plenty of sunscreen, Mayor Michelle Wu said in a statement. This summer is an opportunity for Boston residents to have fun and stay active togetherbut this is only possible when our community comes together to take necessary precautions to stay safe from extreme heat.

The Mayor issued the following tips to stay safe in the extreme heat:

 Children and pets should never be left alone in vehicles, even for short periods of time.

 Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids regardless of activity level. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine.

 Keep cool with frequent cool showers, shade, and air conditioning or fans.

 Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas and be extra cautious from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., when the suns ultraviolet (UV) radiation is strongest.

The mayors office is also providing assistance to the citys homeless population. Emergency shelters at 112 Southampton Street (mens shelter) and 794 Massachusetts Avenue (womens shelter) are open 24 hours a day and are air-conditioned. Similarly, officials say the Engagement Center at 112 Southampton Street, run by BPHC, will be open and providing air conditioning, showers, and beverages from 6 a.m.  5 p.m., seven days a week.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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A Pennsylvania city mayor has demanded that Donald Trump reimburse a $35,000 bill from 2018 ahead of his planned return for a campaign rally on Saturday.

Joe Schember, the mayor of the western Pennsylvania city of Erie, told Erie Times-News that their pleas to seek a bill for Mr Trumps campaign for the rally in October 2018, which attracted a crowd of 12,000 people, have gone unheard nearly for five years.

He said they will try to get an advance payment this time as it is taxpayers money being used to fund his rallies.

"I think we have to try, and I feel like my team feels the same way," Mr Schember said.

"Were going to see whether we can get some payment from them in advance this time. Its important to do this because were talking about taxpayer money being used to help make his visit more safe."

Mr Trump, who appears to be the frontrunner for the Republicans 2024 presidential nomination, is set to return to Erie on Saturday at the Erie Insurance Arena at 6pm ET.

The former president arrived at the same indoor stadium in downtown Erie on 10 October 2018 to hold a Make America Great Again rally for his campaign for Republicans around the country ahead of the 6 November midterm elections.

The city mayor made several unsuccessful attempts to recover the cost incurred by the administration in security arrangement, overtime pay for city workers assigned to cover the event, and other employee-related costs.

Despite the unpaid bill, city officials and the police have begun logistical and staffing preparations for the 2023 event, Mr Schember said.

According to the Federal Election Commission filings, the Trump campaign had more than $35.4m on hand at that time. Mr Schember said they were aware of it and made the formal request for reimbursement but did not hear back.

Trump has been able to bring in millions of dollars for his campaign, Mr Schember said. He should be able to easily pay these costs to cities.

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A local resident of Erie has launched a petition to ban Trump from Erie until he pays his bill to the city over his unpaid dues.

Joshua Makowski said the city should not allow anyone to use city services and not pay their bill and said Mr Trump should be held accountable for his first bill.

I would ask city officials to think about what kind of precedent it sets that a high profile individual can come here, use our city services to promote their campaign, and then leave a $40k bill unpaid, he said.

Erie is not the only city which has complaints of unpaid dues from Trumps campaign. Similar complaints have been raised in several other cities Mr Trump visited over neglect to cover the additional expenses incurred to ensure safe and well-managed rallies.

Local news station KTSM, headquartered in El Paso, Texas, revealed in November 2022 that the former presidents campaign failed to make any payments for a February 2019 rally held at the El Paso County Coliseum.

The Independent has reached out to the Erie mayors and Mr Trumps offices for comment.
A sign at the Stop Mount Valley Pipeline rally held in front of the White House on June 8.

A sign at the Stop Mount Valley Pipeline rally held in front of the White House on June 8.

Two things.

First, why are Republicans opposed to capitalism that pursues new and innovative ways to make money?

Second, when it comes to the climate crisis, why not do something about it? What is the worst that could happen?

Many industrial companies in the United States are taking innovative steps to protect their operations and profits in the face of climate change. But Republicans are trying to punish them for it because, to them, those business efforts are about something they dont like called environmental, social, and corporate governance, or ESG.

There are several ways to define ESG, but ultimately, its a fiscal or business path that screens investments based on corporate policies and encourages companies to act responsibly in areas each of those letters  ESG  represents.

Critics say companies making ESG investments are doing so to advance liberal policies, such as moving the United States away from fossil fuels, addressing gun violence, or protecting abortion rights. But you know how this works: Republican lawmakers and their Make America Great Again cohorts hear climate change, or the Second Amendment, or give women free choices, and that turns into woke liberals are coming to steal your money, take your guns, kill your babies, and make you watch reruns of Barney. On PBS.

But businesses big and small, private investors of every caliber, and state government pension funds are always thinking of the long game and investment diversity, not only to stay in business but to satisfy their investors, if theyre public entities, or pension holders, if theyre state workers or teachers.

So along comes Nucor  a steel manufacturer in South Carolina, the largest steel producer in the United States, and the biggest recycler of scrap in North America.

Steel is everywhere in our lives, from transportation and infrastructure to construction and agriculture.

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It also drives global warming, accounting for up to 9% of all the carbon dioxide emissions humans generated in 2020.

The solution: low-carbon steel. All steel contains carbon. Without it, youd just have conventional iron. Carbon is what creates steel, making it stronger than iron. But carbon creates pollution, which contributes to global warming.

Nucor has invested in innovations that allow it to make low-carbon steel, which is just as strong; cheaper to make (which means bigger profits for the manufacturer); and a lower carbon footprint, which means its good for the environment. Its also a paradigm shift in steel manufacturing, and Nucor is on the cutting edge.

What could possibly be wrong with that?

Its liberal! Quick! Hide the children!

According to the state treasurers office in South Carolina, the goals of ESG align perfectly with [a] progressive social agenda to undermine the American way of life and take away our economic freedoms.

Its amazing how Republicans can continue to create new facepalm moments.

What sounds like a more reasoned but equally bogus Republican argument is that investors who reward companies like Nucor are more interested in pushing woke policies (theres that word again) instead of making money.

And yet Nucor posted record profits of $7.61 billion last year.

Besides, what business is it of helicoptering parent Republicans what a firm invests in or how its benefiting their investors, a company, a corporate board, or anyone else in the private sector? Dont those investment firms, businesses, and companies have a right to choose their own business strategies?

Translation, why do Republicans like South Carolinas treasurer hate economic freedom?

Palmetto State Republicans arent punishing Nucor directly. That would be unwise. Nucors steel was voted last year as the coolest thing made in South Carolina.

Instead, Republicans target financial firms that invest in companies like Nucor based on ESG factors, which, of course, does punish Nucor by impeding its efforts to grow its business. Yay, capitalism!

As of June 2023, Republican lawmakers in 37 states have so far introduced a total of 165 bills and nine resolutions that aim to eliminate or target state-level investment strategies and contracts involving ESG.

The dark-money hellions behind most of these proposals are names you know: The Heartland Institute, The Heritage Foundation, the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and everybodys favorite, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). They all have ties to the oil and gas industry. They and the energy conglomerates have a history of denying the existence of climate change dating back decades.

You might remember various shills nattily dressed who went on cable networks telling you that global warming was a hoax, a narrative that went into overdrive after Al Gores An Inconvenient Truth made the splash that it did.

The fact is, through disinformation, propaganda, and lobbying campaigns, the fossil fuel industry, along with those GOP dark-money powerhouses, has a history of denying the existence of climate change and its solutions dating back decades. Themes have included: its not real; its a hoax; its chicken little, its not caused by human activity; its a natural, eons-long heating and cooling cycle. And as authors Geoffrey Supran and Naomi Oreskes noted in 2021, its a campaign that continues to this day:

Six big oil CEOs were summoned to US Congress to answer for the industrys history of discrediting climate science  yet they lied under oath about it. In other words, the fossil fuel industry is now misleading the public about its history of misleading the public.

But also in that hearing, while the oil barons acknowledged that the burning of their products was driving climate change, none pledged to end their financial support for efforts to block action on climate change, and they said fossil fuels were here to stay.

Didnt we already go through this with the tobacco companies?

Im not a climatologist, geologist, geochronologist, or any other kind of -ologist, but the scientific community  the national science academies of all major industrialized nations  consistently and overwhelmingly recognizes that our planet is warming and the primary cause is the exponential increase of greenhouse gases produced by human activity. If you cant see this, what with more intense weather events, droughts, wildfires, floods, extreme heat, and increasingly violent storm systems, to play off a phrase of comedian Jeff Foxworthy, you might be a Republican.

Save for very few outliers, theres no controversy in the scientific community, and the denialists are dwindling. Or paying a price.

Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) thinks climate change is a hoax but hes willing to take federal aid to help his state get through  take a guess  a 1,200-year drought plaguing the West and hammering Kansas wheat farmers especially hard.

Bootstraps, skippy. Pull them. Thats what Id like to say, but it wouldnt be fair to those farmers. Its not their fault their senator is a hypocritical embarrassment.

For those still cemented in their views, no amount of scientific data will matter. I get it. Youre not interested in the science. You dont trust it. You dont believe it. Someones lying or maybe not telling you what you want to hear. Or you manage to find data you think affirms your beliefs, you shout it out and say, See? Hoax!

So, lets try this. Take your belief  I dont care what it is  and ask yourself this question: Whats the worst possible consequence if youre wrong? There are two opinions and two possible courses of action for each opinion:

1. Climate change is a hoax; do nothing.

2. Climate change is a hoax; take action.

3. Climate change is real; take action.

4. Climate change is real; do nothing.

In each course of action, whats the worst thing that could happen?

1. If climate change is false, doing nothing would be correct. Our usual problems would exist but climate change wouldnt be one of them.

2. If climate change is false and we take action, the worst-case scenario would be its imposition on global citizens: increased taxation, burdensome regulation, bloated government, and a potential global economic crisis. But the air would be cleaner, the water less foul, and the pursuit of alternative energy sources, from solar to nuclear, would create new economic opportunities.

3. If climate change is real and we take action, wed have made the right decision. The cost associated with that decision would remain, but it would be money well spent. The climate may still change some, making it a different world, but livable because we took steps to avert an ecological calamity.

4. If climate change is real and we do nothing, the consequences are cataclysmic: economic upheaval, environmental ruin, public health disasters, political and social pandemonium on a global scale. Millions of displaced people would be at odds with others, fighting over scarce resources; breadbaskets in Canada, here and Russia would become dust bowls; coastal population centers, the nerve centers of most nations, would be devastated; famine and disease would be rampant.

The world would be unrecognizable. No one would escape its impact. No one is right now.

When the number of extreme heat days in Phoenix expands to a third of its year, when coastal cities are flooded, when waters off the coast of Florida are hitting temperatures better suited to your backyard hot tub, when mass migration causes chaos, when water suppliesdry up, when crops fail due to rising temperatures, when glaciers and ice shelves melt completely, when the oceans get too acidified and decrease fish supply, when extreme weather events become even more prominent  will all these events taking place finally be convenient for oil conglomerates, climate denialists, and Republican lawmakers to get serious about carbon emission reduction? How many deaths and disasters will it take?

No one says preventive measures would be inexpensive, easy or trivial, whether those efforts are driven environmentally, socially or capitalistically.

But how do you measure the cost of catastrophic destruction that may not happen in the near term compared with the precautionary cost needed to protect us from it? By weighing whether the potential risk of taking action outweighs the risk of doing nothing.

Think about it in terms of buying car insurance. You may never need it, but what price do you pay if you do need it and dont have it? My guess is, those decrying the cost of climate insurance would be the very same people declaring the motorist a fool for not buying auto insurance.

The difference, of course: Far fewer people are affected by a motorists imprudent choice. Is that the sort of game we want to play with the lives of 8 billion inhabitants?

No amount of money would be adequate enough to compensate for the inevitable cataclysmic losses from climate change. The only thing more dangerous are the denialists and partisan pig heads.

Ultimately, its the old ounce of prevention lesson our mothers used to preach. When it comes to the future of our planet, following Moms advice seems like a pretty good idea. Whats the worst that could possibly happen? Except maybe MAGA snowflakes getting their feelings hurt.
Getty

In The Day After Tomorrow, the warming of the planet causes the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC), the formal name for the overall system of Atlantic Ocean currents, to effectively collapseinducing a new ice age upon the planet.

The writers of the movie may have taken dramatic liberties with climatological research to imagine such an outcomeafter all, they had to find a reason for Dennis Quaid to make a dangerous trek across a newly formed glacier around New York City to save Jake Gyllenhaal.

But the collapse of AMOC isnt impossible. In fact, we're rapidly reaching a tipping point, thanks to climate change, according to a new study published Tuesday in Nature Communications that predicts it could collapse by the middle of the century, possibly even as early as 2025.

Blistering U.S. Heat Virtually Impossible Without Human-Created Climate Change, Scientists Say

It calls for immediate action, Peter Ditlevsen, a climate researcher at the University of Copenhagen and a co-author of the new study, told The Daily Beast. With the worrisome finding, some research will need to deal with more climate model based assessments of regional climate changes with a collapse of the AMOC.

The ocean currents that comprise AMOC work like conveyor belts to carry warm water from the southern latitudes into the North Atlantic. Heat from the south causes colder, saltier water in the north (which is heavier) to sink. (The Pacific Ocean lacks the same kind of salinity, and its the reason water around Alaska tends to be colder than in Scandinavia, even though they share the same latitude.)

But AMOC can be shut down if too much fresh water is added to the ocean, which reduces its salinity. Ocean waters become less heavy, which basically causes the AMOC currents to turn off. That infusion of freshwater could come from the melting of ice sheets, increased river runoff, and increased precipitationall things that are driven by climate change.

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Climate Change Is Literally Changing the Oceans Color

Ditlevsen and his co-author ran their study by looking at sea surface temperature data of the North Atlantic stretching back to 1870, which can help tell us about the historical stability of AMOC. After running new analyses, they came to conclude that AMOC is getting more unstable over time. Mechanisms that maintain regularity are falling apart.

The authors analyses suggest AMOC will collapse sometime between 2025 and 2095likely in the middle of the century, but they warn it may happen sooner. Such an event would likely lead to rapid rises in sea levels, and a sharp decrease in temperatures across the Northern Hemisphere. Severe storm events would likely follow.

The new study is very alarmingif you buy into its findings. And there is some skepticism among other scientists. The latest report from the U.N.s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said it was unlikely that AMOC would collapse based on current climate models. And New Scientist reports several other experts have cautioned that uncertainties make it difficult to pinpoint when the AMOC tipping point will occur (something Ditlevsen himself conceded).

TikTok to Start Enforcing Climate Change Misinformation Ban

Still, the IPCC has been criticized again and again for pulling its punches and moderating its conclusions in the face of political pressure. And most experts have observed that climate change has blown past most predictions made in the past.

The good news is that this is all reversibleif you react to it quickly enough, said Ditlevsen.

Once we cross the tipping point, it will be several decades before a full collapse of AMOC begins, and thats a moment where greenhouse gas concentrations can still be brought down to prevent the worst case scenarios from unfolding.

That doesnt mean there should be any reason to not to act. It is not going to be The Day After Tomorrow, but we do not really have analogies for the collapse, as it happened last more than 12,000 years ago, warned Ditlevsen.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Scientists are holding human-induced climate change responsible for the Colorado River Basins loss of more than 10 trillion gallons of water  or about the entire storage capacity of Lake Mead  over the past two decades.

Without the impacts of anthropogenic warming, drought conditions would not likely have depleted reservoir levels low enough to require a first-ever federally declared water shortage, which the U.S. government instituted in 2021, the scientists determined in a new study.

The findings come at a watershed moment for the Colorado River region, where stakeholders from the federal government, the seven basin states, tribal nations and Mexico are about to renegotiate the long-term guidelines that govern the basin.

The fact that warming removed as much water from the basin as the size of Lake Mead itself during the recent megadrought is a wakeup call to the climate change impacts we are living today, lead author Benjamin Bass, a hydrologic modeler at the University of California, Los Angeles, said in a statement.

While previous analyses of Colorado River resources have focused on the effects of climate processes alone, this study  published in Water Resources Research  also probed how rising carbon dioxide levels have interfered with vegetation and reduced available runoff.

The scientists identified a 10.3 percent decrease in runoff amid drought conditions from 2000 to 2021  or a cumulative volume loss of about the full capacity of Lake Mead, the basins largest reservoir.

The situation has been particularly dire in the usually snow-covered areas of the region, which are now losing water about twice as fast as snowless parts of the basin, according to the study.

We were surprised to find how sensitive the basin is to warming compared to other major basins across the western U.S., and how high this sensitivity is in the relatively small area of the basins crucial snowpack regions, Bass said.

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The UCLA research team explored how the basins hydrology has changed from 1880 through 2021, using a land surface model capable of analyzing water, changes in vegetation and the response of plants to rising carbon dioxide levels.

They then employed standard data on atmospheric conditions, streamflow gauges and other factors to capture the regions hydrology, as well as ground and satellite information to record tangible changes in vegetation.

We had all the major players in terms of runoffs sensitivity to climate change, Bass said.

During the 18802021 period, the temperature in the Colorado River Basin warmed about 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) because of human-induced climate change, according to the study.

This warming directly led to the 10.3 percent reduction in runoff observed by Bass and his colleagues.

But they stressed that without including the help of plants at all, present-day water loss would be closer to 13 percent  indicating the importance of accounting for vegetation changes in water modeling.

The fact that typically snow-covered areas are now hemorrhaging water so much faster than snowless regions was particular cause for concern among the scientists.

This transition, they explained, should be alarming to water managers, who rely on snowpack for an outsized contribution to the basins water supply. While only about a third of the basin is blanketed in snow each year, these areas are responsible for about two-thirds of the regions total runoff, the authors warned.

Given that the original rules of the Colorado River were defined by a compact more than a century ago  on the assumption that the regional climate was stable  Bass stressed the need for a significant adjustment that considers the impacts of warming.

Going into the future, we may get some natural variability, wet or dry swings, but this study highlights that theres been a decreasing trend in runoff, he said. In the long run, thats likely to continue if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The US Coast Guard has ended its search for a man who jumped from the deck of a Carnival cruise ship.

Surveillance video reportedly captured 30-year-old Jaylen Hill leaping over the railing of the Carnival Elation on Sunday afternoon off the coast of Melbourne, Florida.

On Monday night, Coast Guard officials announced the search had been called off pending any further developments.

We offer our deepest condolences to the Hill family. Our crews take our life saving mission very seriously. Any time we cant bring a loved one home to their family is a pain we all feel, Petty Officer Eric Rodriguez said in a statement.

Rescue crews scoured more than 1,374 miles in their search using the 87-foot cutter Tarpon from St Petersburg, a Hercules aircraft from Clearwater, and an Ocean Sentry plane from Miami.

Carnival previously said the Elation crew was informed by Mr Hills travelling companion late on Sunday afternoon that he had not been seen all day.

Jaylen Hill, 30, was allegedly filmed jumping off of a Carnival cruise ship near Florida on 23 July (US Coast Guard via Twitter)

Sadly, after an exhaustive on-board search and a review of security camera video it was determined that he jumped, the company said in a statement to The New York Post.

Carnival added that it alerted officials to the incident and was advised to continue to Jacksonville, Florida, on Monday, the final stop on the cruises four-day route through the Bahamas.

The 855-foot Elation weighs nearly 72,000 tons and can carry nearly 2,200 guests, as well as 900 crew members, according to Fox 35 Orlando.

The Carnival Elation cruise ship is pictured (right) in a file photo (AFP via Getty Images)

In May, a Carnival passenger named Ronnie Peale went overboard the ship Magic and fell into the waters off Florida.

The Coast Guard was unable to locate the man after searching more than 5,171 miles over 60 hours and called off the search.
Summer is a temporary reprieve before high school seniors begin the agonizing process of applying to colleges, which then either admit or reject them in any number of ways. Few who have gone through the grueling ordeal think we do the kids-go-to-college thing right. The application process is increasingly chaotic and confusing, expectations are unrealistic and the experience can seem unfair.

From what Ive personally observed, high school students apply to too many colleges. Why not? All you have to do is check one more box and pay an extra $50. I have watched a young person close to me claim to want nothing more than to go to college near the beach and then decide to apply to the University of Vermont. But though its a relatively small cost to the student to apply to different schools, its wasting time for everyone to process the application.

We must either somehow limit the number of applications, be forced to list all the schools being applied to or charge more for the application.

Opinion

The College Board suggests students apply to five to eight colleges. I dont know any college-bound seniors who applied for that few but apparently, they are out there. One study found that the average student applies to 5.8 colleges. But applications overall are up 30% in just four years; and 55% of all applications come from 20% of the nations most affluent zip codes.

My alma mater, the University of Southern California, sent out an announcement in late March bragging that they had the most impressive class yet, and that their admission rate hit a record low of 9.9%. Well, when 18-year-olds are just taking a shot at a tremendous number of schools, the denominator of that admissions percentage skyrockets and becomes a misleading statistic.

So why are kids applying to more and more schools? I think its because students and their parents dont see the admissions process as providing any sort of standardization. Universities would clearly argue that they look at the whole applicant in the 15 minutes they spend looking at the application, yet every parent I speak with has a story of some academic decathlon gold medalist with a 4.7 GPA who is somehow not getting into a major university. Yet, shockingly, the student with the 3.6 GPA who was the assistant treasurer of the chemistry club is getting a full ride to the same major university.

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In tax policy we argue that people who have the same income should pay about the same tax. That is vertical equity. People with higher incomes should pay more tax. That is horizontal equity. If we are now going to measure students by GPA without test scores, I dont see too much vertical or horizontal equity in the current system. If two students have the same GPA, we see huge discrepancies in the universities they are accepted to.

As taxpayers, we deserve better explanations from universities on their admission processes. Billions of dollars are being poured into the university systems, and many parents hope their children will one day be able to take advantage of the state higher education system.

Though most people can agree that the university admission process is flawed, many folks have to agree that we, as parents, contribute to this mess. The social pressure of where their kid goes to college is becoming overwhelming. There are approximately 50 colleges in this country that are really hard to get into. After that, there are 500 great places to go to college. All of those places educate future astronauts, nurses, college professors, bank executives and Academy Award winners.

It is not uncommon today for many families to hire college admissions counselors and for parents to be the ones actually writing the essays while the student is mostly disengaged. None of this seems healthy or honest.

We would be far better served if we embraced learning for the sake of learning and guided youth to colleges and universities where they can thrive on a career path. We should ignore our competitive natures and give youth a healthier perspective on rejection and opportunities. More and more applications is simply not the answer.

Matt Rexroad is a political consultant specializing in redistricting and independent expenditures.
Elcielo, the Colombian restaurant in Miami that was awarded a Michelin star in 2022, has branched out  into the space that was once home to The Bazaar by Jose Andres at the SLS South Beach hotel.

From Colombian chef Juan Manuel Barrientos Valencia, Elcielo is now open in the former space of The Bazaar, which announced its closing last fall.

In addition to its Brickell location, the brand also has restaurants in Medellin and Bogota as well as a Michelin-star winning location in Washington, D.C., which was the first Michelin star ever awarded to a Colombian restaurant.

For now, the space retains its Bazaar-era glamour, including its centerpiece chandelier. A redesign is scheduled for next summer.

Heres where you can find all of Miamis Michelin-starred restaurants

Colombian chef Juan Manuel Barrientos Valencia, known as Chef Juanma, has opened his Michelin-starred Elcielo in Miami Beach.

The new South Beach menu is unique in one significant way: It represents the first time Elcielo is offering a la carte ordering. The existing restaurants offer a tasting menu chosen by the chef.

Known internationally as Chef Juanma, Barrientos said that the menu will include Elcielo favorites like the corn arepa and caviar and ribs in guava and tamarind. The yucca gnocchi with truffle and sweet plantain will be featured, too.

Other signature dishes will be on the menu, too, such as truffle bunuelos with torched foie gras; crispy crab empanadas with Caribbean spices; roasted quail; and lulo ceviche (lulo is an exotic fruit with a citrusy flavor).

The famous Tree of Life  made with cassava, cheese and basil and presented with eclectic showmanship  will also make an appearance on the menu.

The Tree of Life, made from cassava, cheese and basil, at Elcielo Colombian restaurant.

We are thrilled to bring our second Elcielo Miami location to the beautiful SLS South Beach, an iconic destination recognized for its exceptional dining offerings and dynamic atmosphere, said Chef Juanma in a statement.

Simon Sorpresi, area vice president for SLS South Beach, said he hopes the restaurant creates unforgettable moments for its guests.

Culinary excellence and discovery are at the heart of the SLS South Beach experience, he said. Were delighted to welcome Elcielo as our partner in delivering an extraordinary dining experience.

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Corn arepas with caviar, one of the popular dishes at Elcielo Colombian restaurant.

Elcielo

Where: SLS Hotel South Beach, 1701 Collins Ave., Miami Beach

Reservations: OpenTable

This Miami Beach restaurant earned a Michelin star six months after opening. Heres why
This screen grab from dash camera video provided by the Fort Lupton Police Department shows a freight train barreling toward a parked police car with a suspect inside, Sept. 16, 2022, in Fort Lupton, Colo. A trial began Monday, July 24, 2023, for the police officer accused of putting the handcuffed woman in the car that was hit by the train. The collision seriously injured 21-year-old Yareni Rios. The date/time stamp shown on the video is incorrect.

It sounds like something out of an old Western, but unfortunately, its all too real: A Colorado police officer is on trial for leaving a handcuffed woman in a parked police car that was hit by a freight train. And the cop allegedly responsible has an interesting defense: she didnt know she parked her police cruiser on active train tracks.

On September 16th, 2022, Yareni Rios-Gonzales screamed for help as the freight train barreled into the car where she was restrained. Miraculously, Rios-Gonzales survived. However, according to the Associated Press, the twenty-one-year-old suffered extensive injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. Unsurprisingly, shes suing for the cost of her treatment.

Read more

But theres also a criminal trial underway against Fort Lupton Officer Jordan Steinke.

Last year, Steinke placed Rios-Gonzales under arrest, but instead of putting her somewhere safe, she placed the partially immobilized woman in her police car, which was sitting in what would soon be the path of an oncoming train. In her testimony, Steinke claims that she didnt realize the car was sitting on the tracks until it was too late.

I saw the front headlights and heard the train at the same time right before impact, Steinke testified, according to the AP. However, prosecutors said that Steinke walked over the railroad tracks roughly five times during the stop.

Steinke faces a felony charge for criminal attempt to commit manslaughter, as well as two misdemeanor charges for reckless endangerment and third-degree assault.

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Representative Scott Cepicky, reads a proclamation during a bridge dedication ceremony in memory of Jean Corley Harlan in Columbia, Tenn. on Tuesday, July 11, 2023.

Local drivers might have noticed a new moniker on the state Highway 50 West bridge, or Williamsport Pike, honoring the late Jean Corley Harlan for her lifetime contributions to the agricultural industry in Maury County and Tennessee.

The bridge, which covers Green Lick Creek will now be known as the Jean Corley Harlan Bridge.

Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, formally dedicated the bridge in her honor before dozens of family members on July 7.

At the dedication ceremony, son Al Harlan told a crowd of family members and friends gathered on the bridge about his memories of the farm being next to the creek.

Friends and family pose for a photo after dedicating a bridge in memory of Jean Corley Harlan in Columbia, Tenn. on Tuesday, July 11, 2023.

"My mom lived out here for about 63 years," he said. "She walked across that bridge a lot."

He told about an incident of flooding decades ago that left some of the herd stranded.

"We had a massive flood, which flooded Green Lick Creek," Al Harlan said. "We had cattle on that side of it [the opposite side of the creek], and we had to get the help of the Tennessee Highway Patrol to shut that road down, so we could get the herd back over here across that bridge and over to the barn to be milked.

"This bridge has meant a lot to us."

Harlan thanked the state legislature and Maury County Commission for approving the naming of the bridge.

Al Harlan speaks about his mother, Jean Corley Harlan, during a bridge dedication ceremony in her memory in Columbia, Tenn. on Tuesday, July 11, 2023.

"This is the best part of the job," Cepicky said. "Not only to represent your constituents but to represent true Tennesseans. Ms. Harlan was a true Tennessean."

Ms. Harlan passed away on May 24, 2019.

Ms. Harlan was born to Nixon and Rebecca Corley on Sept. 30 1929 and raised on a family farm in Wilson County, where they raised sheep, cattle and row crops and also operated a dairy. Her uncle Homer Hancock was the Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture when she was a child.

She attended The University of Tennessee Knoxville, receiving a degree in home economics in 1951.

Afterwards, Ms. Harlan moved to Columbia to start a job with the UT Agriculture Extension Service, where she administered the 4-H program for four years during the program's heyday,, becoming well known in the ag community.

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From left, Ed, Al, Gayle and Patrick Harlan pose for a photo during a bridge dedication ceremony in memory of their mother, Jean Corley Harlan, in Columbia, Tenn. on Tuesday, July 11, 2023.

A large number of students participated in the program, and she gave presentations monthly at each county school.

In 1954, she married Edward Harlan. The couple went on to build a legacy of agricultural excellence through their large farming operation where they operated a diary and raised hogs, sheep, horses, beef cattle, row crops and tobacco.

"She always helped work the farm, feed the livestock, feed the farm, feed the farm help (which as many farm wife can tell you, is no small task) and always canned and froze fruits and vegetables," a Maury County bridge proclamation says from former County Mayor Andy Ogles Office.

Ed Harlan walks away with a document dedicating a bridge to his mother, Jean Corley Harlan, in Columbia, Tenn. on Tuesday, July 11, 2023.

"She was one who could always be counted on to do more than her part in any group or organization in which she was associated with."

A turning point in her life occurred when her husband died unexpectedly at the age of 46 on June 30, 1975, leaving a large active farm, including the dairy, many debts on land and equipment and small children to raise.

"When many would have sold the farm and given up, and some encouraged her to do so, Jean rose to the challenge," the proclamation says.

During the time of hardship, her oldest son Ed took on major responsibilities of running the farm with the rest of the family. Through cooperation and perseverance, the family continued to build the farm operation, pursue a good education and become successful adults.

She also remained active in the Maury County Farm Bureau women, West End Baptist Church and the Cosmopolitan Book Club all of her life.

Jean Corley Harlan's four children include Ed, Al, Gayle and Patrick along with seven grandchildren.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Jean Corley Harlan honored by bridge for leaving legacy of agriculture
A rendering of Coca-Cola Consolidated's planned new 400,000-square-foot distribution and warehouse facility in an industrial park off Rohr Road near Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus. The facility is expected to open in spring 2025 and will get a major tax abatement to add 12 new jobs to the 329 existing full-time positions following action Monday by the Columbus City Council. City officials say the abatement was necessary to keep the facility and jobs in Columbus.

Besides a major funding deal for the North Market expansion and the adjacent Merchant Building development, Columbus City Council on Monday approved major tax abatements for Coca-Cola Consolidated and other businesses as well as a zoning variance for a private-equity housing developer.

The council also voted to dissolve previous tax incentives for several firms that failed to meet the terms of their agreements.

The legislation being voted on tonight show our investment strategies in action, from the creation and retention of hundreds of well-paying jobs, to investment in our local schools, said Michael Stevens, director of the citys Department of Development. All of these tools work together to thoughtfully promote investment, foster equitable growth and create opportunity for Columbus residents.

But several members of the public voiced concerns about new projects during the meeting.

Joe Motil, who is running against Mayor Andrew Ginther in the November general election, said that tax abatements come at the cost of neighborhoods.

The increase of crime and violence in Columbus is a direct result of the city's ongoing defunding of public education through tax abatements, he said. Nonprofit social service agencies who rely heavily on property tax revenue have stated recently that they will not have sufficient revenue to support their programs this year.

New tax abatements for Coca-Cola, others

The council voted to approve a 10-year, 75% tax abatement for Coca-Cola Consolidated, the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States, for an expansion of its facilities near Rickenbacker International Airport. The planned new 400,000-square-foot distribution and warehouse facility, anticipated to open in spring 2025, will be part of the Rickenbacker Industrial Center located on Rohr Road, a 230-acre master planned industrial development by Trident Capital Group and OConnor Capital Partners.

The companys expansion is expected to create just 12 new full-time positions, but Council member Nick Bankston, who chairs the council's economic development committee, said the tax abatement was necessary to preserve 329 existing full-time jobs after the company had threatened to move its operations outside Columbus.

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This particular company  worked with us, and we were able to retain 329 good-paying jobs here in this community, Bankston said.

Coca-Cola Consolidated said in an announcement Tuesday that it will spend nearly $100 million (the city information said $82 million) to create the new three-function facility that includes warehouse and distribution, equipment services, and fleet shop for its transportation subsidiary, Red Classic Transit.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Coca-Cola Consolidated bottles, sells and distributes beverages of the Coca-Cola Company and other partner companies in more than 300 brands and flavors across 14 states in the Midwest, Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and the District of Columbia to approximately 60 million consumers.

"We are excited to continue our journey of growth in the Buckeye state, Sam Meiner, Coca-Cola Consolidateds Market Unit vice president and general manager in Ohio, said in a release posted on the company's website. This investment in our distribution capabilities is a long-term commitment to improving how we serve the worlds best brands and flavors to our communities.

The city also approved a 10-year, 75% tax abatement for Trident Broad Development, LLC on a $21.8 million investment that is expected to create 25 new full-time positions. The Boston-based company is building an industrial facility at 260 Taylor Station Road, on Columbus Far East Side.

Another 10-year, 75% tax abatement went to BGO Charter Street Storage Owner LLC, for a $45.7 million investment to create an industrial cold storage facility at 2865 Charter Street on the citys Far West Side. It is expected to create 22 new full-time jobs.

Old incentives canceled

City Council on Monday also voted to dissolve tax incentives for companies that failed to meet the terms of their agreements, including job creation.

ORIX Real Estate Capital Holdings, LLC lost a cash incentive equal to 50% of its income tax withheld on payroll after it said the expansion and growth previously planned in Columbus would not occur as it has relocated its headquarters to New York.

McDaniels Construction Corporation lost an Enterprise Zone Tax Abatement for a $1 million investment at 1069 Woodland Avenue on the Near East Side after the city found that it failed to create two new jobs, as previously agreed upon.

Likewise, the council voted to dissolve a cash incentive for Xariable, Inc. dba Loop Returns, which had previously committed to retain 14 full-time positions and create 40 new, permanent full-time positions at a new facility at 797 North Wall St. on the citys North Side.

University District housing developer gets rezoning approval

The council voted 6-1 to rezone 1.7 acres at 50 W. Lane Ave. in the University District to allow the development of a student housing project by American Campus Communities, which is a subsidiary of the private equity firm Blackstone.

Only council member Lourdes Barroso de Padilla voted against the rezoning, which had been previously rejected by the University Area Commission but approved by the University Impact District Review Board.

Several members of the public cited Blackstones record of evictions as a reason to oppose the project.

Another community member, Xenia Palus, told The Dispatch that she opposed the project because it will cut down numerous trees and because she believes it will cause parking and traffic congestion problems.

Revenue sharing

As part of an income tax revenue sharing agreement, the council approved sharing of $4.2 million with Columbus City Schools and other local school districts. The breakdown is as follows:

$3,125,794.26 to the Columbus City School District

$710,645.50 to the Hilliard City School District

$252,096.70 to the Olentangy Local School District

$103,699.61 to the South-Western City School District

$23,239.10 to the Worthington City School District.

$92,937.76 to Gahanna-Jefferson Schools.

The money comes from projects that received city tax abatements and generated new employee payroll of more than $1 million. In these cases, the city shares half the municipal income tax revenue from the new employee payroll at the project site with the local school district in which it is located.

In other action Monday, the council:

Agreed to spend $840,000 for the second year of a three-year agreement with SoundThinking Inc., formerly known as ShotSpotter, Inc. to continue the use of its gunfire detection, alert, and analysis system in various parts of the city.

Approved paid leave for city employees to work as poll workers during the August 8 special election and the November general election.

Conducted a first reading on new legislation intended to protect tenants from eviction. The legislation, which will likely be voted on during the next meeting, will require landlords to halt evictions for nonpayment of rent when tenants, or those acting on their behalf, provide the rent and court costs.

Conducted a first reading of legislation to annex nearly 100 acres in Madison Township. The company, Bachman Farm Ltd. of Canal Winchester, is seeking rezoning of more than 90 acres of agricultural land inn two separate locations for residential development.

Peter Gill covers immigration, new American communities and religion for The Dispatch in partnership with Report for America. You can support work like his with a tax-deductible donation to Report for America at:bit.ly/3fNsGaZ.

pgill@dispatch.com

@pitaarji

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Council gives major tax benefits to Coca-Cola Consolidated, others
El Paso County Constable Oscar Ugarte announced he is running for sheriff, citing his community ties and saying it's time for a new generation of leadership at the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.

Ugarte will not seek reelection as constable for Precinct 1, which covers parts of West, Central and Northeast El Paso, he said Monday in a news release.

"By fostering a strong bond between law enforcement and the residents of El Paso County, we will work together to create a safer environment and build a stronger, consolidated community," Ugarte said in a statement about his run for sheriff.

Oscar Ugarte, an El Paso County constable, is running in the 2024 election for El Paso County sheriff.

Candidates are vying to replace Sheriff Richard Wiles, who earlier this year announced he will retire when his current term finishes at the end of 2024. The primary election is March 5, 2024.

El Paso Election 2024: Here's what to know as candidates begin announcing their bids for office

Two members of the top leadership at the Sheriff's Office are already in the running  Robert "Bobby" Flores, assistant chief of the Jail Annex, and Cmdr. Ryan Urrutia, who heads the patrol division.

The race for sheriff is forming along interesting political sides, with Wiles endorsing Urrutia and Ugarte having the backing of U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, and state Reps. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, and Lina Ortega.

Ortega, D-El Paso, publicly encouraged Ugarte to run for sheriff.

Ugarte, who is a Democrat, said he seeks to improve transparency, efficiency and community policing, including the creation of a Civilian Social Services Unit in the Sheriff's Office.

Elections 2024: Exclusive: Colin Allred seeks to unseat incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz. Here's why he's running.

The proposed civilian unit would focus on outreach and would follow up on law enforcement encounters to address issues such as mental health, homelessness and helping at-risk youth, according to Ugarte's campaign website.

Ugarte is a graduate of Ysleta High School and has worked as a Texas prison corrections officer, a Socorro police officer and a court bailiff before becoming a deputy constable and then a constable in 2016.

He has a master of science degree in criminal justice with a certificate of administration of justice and a cyber security-threat detection certificate from Webster University and a certificate in terrorism and homeland security from Park University.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Constable Oscar Ugarte announces run for El Paso County sheriff
Comedian Dave Chappelle announced a new tour on Tuesday that includes a stop in downtown Lexington.

Dave Chappelle Live kicks off at Madison Square Garden in New York in August and will be at Rupp Arena on Sept. 12.

Tickets, starting with local pre-sales, will be available to buy on July 26.

General on-sale ticketing begins on July 27 at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster.com, according to tour producer Live Nation.

Rupp Club Experience tickets for the show are on sale now for $250-$275 per person, including parking, food and access to private bar.

Comedian Dave Chappelle will bring his new tour, Dave Chappelle Live, to Rupp Arena on Sept. 12.

Chappelle is the 2019 recipient of the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, and his comedy has won five Emmy awards (three for Netflix specials, two for hosting Saturday Night Live.) Hes also won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album three years in a row.

But Chappelle also has been controversial, especially with the LGBTQ community. A 2021 Netflix special, The Closer, was criticized for jokes about transgender people. Chappelle also welcomed tech billionaire Elon Musk onstage during a show in San Francisco shortly after Musk fired many Twitter employees.

The Rupp Arena comedy show comes with restrictions: No cellphones, cameras or recording devices will be allowed; all phones and smart watches must be secured in locked Yondr pouches.

Venue cancels Dave Chappelle show hours before he takes the stage in Minnesota

Dave Chappelle tackled on stage during Netflix comedy show by man who left on stretcher
TV Tokyo BIZ/YouTube

Authorities in Japan announced Tuesday that they arrested a woman and her parents in connection with a case in which a decapitated man was found in a hotel room bathtub three weeks ago.

Reports say an employee at a hotel in the northern city of Sapporo found the naked, headless body slumped in the tub on July 2. The victims head was then missing until Monday, when police say they found it in the family home of a psychiatrist, according to the Kyodo News agency.

How Renegade Cops Finally Caught Prolific Sex Attacker

Authorities said they detained Runa Tamura, 29, and her 59-year-old psychiatrist father, Osamu Tamura, on Monday on suspicion of conspiring to behead the victim in the hotel room before moving the severed head to another location in the dead of night between July 1 and July 2.

Their home was raided Tuesday, and police also arrested Runas mother, Hiroko Tamura, a 60-year-old part-time worker, on suspicion of conspiring with her husband and daughter on the same charge.

Police did not provide details about how the daughter and her parents allegedly collaborated, and a motive is still being investigated. Authorities also did not confirm if Runa and the victimidentified as Hitoshi Ura, 62were known to each other.

Runa may also have a history of mental illness, police noted, with local media reports suggesting that she had been reclusive since she was young.

According to Kyodo News, the victim and another person believed to be Runa checked into a hotel together in the Susukino areawhich is known for its short-stay love hotels, establishments that typically charge hourly rates for people seeking a discreet place for sex.

The person seen arriving at the hotel with Ura was reportedly wearing light-colored womens clothes and a wide-brimmed hat but left around three hours later dressed in black. The person was also seen carrying a large suitcase as they left.

When no one had checked out of the room by the afternoon of July 2, a staff member at the hotel went to see what was going on. Inside, the worker found Uras body in the bathtub. His belongings were missing and the bed appeared not to have been used.

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An autopsy on Uras body found that he had died as a result of hemorrhagic shock caused by blood loss from stab wounds, according to the South China Morning Post, while his head had had been cut off using a blade that had been taken from the scene. Investigators say they now plan to conduct another autopsy on the recovered head.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Corpus Christi ISD named several new leaders this week ahead of the 2023-24 school year.

Jessica Albert is the new principal of Coles High School. Albert previously served as principal of the Student Support Center. Before that, she was an assistant principal at Coles High School.

Laurie Beveridge has been named principal of the Student Support Center. She previously served in assistant principal positions at Miller High School and Browne Middle School.

Veronica Sisk will be the district's new director of student health services. Sisk, a registered nurse, recently served as regional administrator for school health services for the Education Service Center, Region 2.

Corpus Christi ISD has named Laurie Beveridge (left) principal of the Student Support Center, Veronica Sisk (center) as director of student health services and Jessica Albert (right) as principal of Coles High School for the 2023-24 school year.

"We are delighted to have three highly trained, experienced leaders in these important roles," Superintendent Roland Hernandez said in a news release. "We are grateful each of them will provide smooth leadership transitions in their respective positions."

Earlier in the year, the district announced other changes in school leadership that will go into effect this fall.

Current Coles High School Principal Christopher Hall will now lead Driscoll Middle School in the fall.

Browne Middle School interim leader Jenifer Guerra has been named principal of the school.

Christa Rasche will lead Yeager Elementary school for the 2023-24 school year, before moving to Creekside Elementary School the following year. Creekside Elementary School is still under construction with a summer 2024 completion date.

Rasche was most recently principal of Woodlawn Elementary School, which closed at the end of the 2022-23 school year. Woodlawn, Montclair and Meadowbrook elementary school students are slated to attend the new Cullen Place Elementary School this year.

Veronica Molina is moving from Yeager Elementary School to Galvan Elementary School.

Former Galvan Elementary School principal Diana Ybarra has been named CCISD coordinator of recruitment and retention programs.

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Former Montclair Elementary School principal Steve Barrera will lead the new Cullen Place Elementary School.

Corpus Christi ISD's Tech2Teach event offers parents, teachers some tech tips

Sharks, oysters and conservation policy: Look inside the Harte Research Institute

Middle school students take on engineering challenges at Del Mar College summer program

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Corpus Christi ISD names new school leaders
orangish spiral galaxy as seen by the james webb space telescope

Capturing spectacular images of deep-space objects revealed in unimaginable clarity and scope, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has been a $10 billion triumph of ingenuity and indomitable spirit.

This summer celebrates the one-year anniversary of JWST's first science observations. The huge observatory has been peering back in time toward the origins of our universe and providing astrophysicists and amateur stargazers across the planet stunning data to dissect.

The final installment of Netflixs four-part "Unknown" docuseries, titled "Cosmic Time Machine," unveils details of how the biggest-ever space telescope was conceived, developed and launched.

Related: The James Webb Space Telescope wraps 1st year peering across the universe. What has it discovered so far?

Directed by Shai Gal and executive produced by Jason Spingarn-Koff, this illuminating 64-minute film arrives today (July 24) and delivers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into NASA's decades-long mission to create and deploy the worlds most sophisticated space observatory.

Space.com: What inspired you to take on this important space project, and how did it differ from your other filmmaking endeavors?

Shai Gal: This story starts in 2013, when I spent a year at the University of Michigan on a journalistic fellowship. I met Thomas Zurbuchen, who'd later become the head of all NASA science missions. We became good friends after he was looking for a partner whod be brave enough to run in the snow with him, and I was the Israeli who agreed to do that. One day I was talking with Thomas and thought maybe we should do something together. He pitched me the story of NASAs plans to launch the James Webb Space Telescope in about a year. Its the most complicated mission ever. The most expensive mission ever. And so many people are depending on it.

He said, "It could be the story of how I got fired, or one of the greatest triumphs in science ever." That's really what caught me, this rare combination of amazing science and this point in history that could move humanity forward in an outstanding way.

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posted for the 'cosmic time machine' documentary showing the james webb space telescope's huge golden mirror.

Space.com: Your filmmaking specialty is telling emotional stories with a humanistic heart. Where did you discover the core of "Cosmic Time Machine?"

Gal: First, it's about this really deep enthusiasm about people who spend all their life on a single mission. Like Mike Menzel. While on the project for 25 years, he's seen people die during this period of time. People coming and going. People start this journey without a family and end up with a full family and name their kids after the stages of the James Webb. It was emotional to see people devoting their life to a single project on a mission they knew would change the course of history in our knowledge.

The other emotional aspect was the way I met people who were talking about the love for space and stars. They are adventurers who once stared up at the stars and wondered what's going to be there, and now theyre on a team thats sending this amazing telescope to actually see the last chapter of human history of, Where did we come from? It truly got me in that sense.

movie poster for 'unknow: cosmic time machine' showing the james webb space telescope being deployed into space, with the curve of earth in the background

Space.com: How did you pull off the balance of facts, drama, images, and personalities in "Cosmic Time Machine" to maintain a tight emotional thread?

Gal: Documentary filmmaking is always a team effort, and the team here knows exactly how to do these types of stories. At the end of the day, if you have good stuff that's not in the film, then you probably have a really good film. There might be moments that are really good, they're almost gold, they're silver, but they're out. And that's what we were trying to do here, which was putting together a journey that's very tight. We were there for all the stages. We were there in the room with Dr. Z [Zurbuchen] when he was writing both speeches.

Hours from launch, and he was writing the failure and the success speeches. NASA was really brave to let us put Netflix cameras inside the command center during those two delicate weeks. You need to be a strong, confident organization to allow that to happen. We wanted to get the viewer into a journey to try and understand what it's all about. It's been a rollercoaster, and I hope it feels like that in the film.

Related: The James Webb Space Telescope's 1st photos (gallery)

a bald man in a black shirt stands against a pillar

RELATED STORIES:

 James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)  A complete guide

 James Webb Space Telescope images: 12 astonishing views of our universe (gallery)

 See amazing images from James Webb Space Telescope's 1st year gazing deep into the cosmos (photos)

Space.com: In what ways did creating this space documentary change you as a filmmaker, a father and a full-time resident of our planet?

Gal: It did make me realize that I'm a citizen of Earth. Every time I see this material, I realize that the world came together for this amazing moment which is not war. In a way, it's a journey to our roots. This is what we were made of. Documentaries always charge you. They make you wiser, smarter, and they make me love people more. That team at NASA, it's easy to love them and admire their spirit.

I was so lucky to be a part of the crew that was there. This is documenting real history that's going to be so meaningful for the world. Look at what we're already seeing a year after the first photo. Dr. Z told me that people talk too much about technology  its about the people who are willing to push it and take it there.
Teenage handlers at the youth swine exhibition at the Perry County Fairgrounds display their showmanship skills, in New Lexington, Ohio, April 29, 2023. (Maddie McGarvey/The New York Times)

It was showtime at the youth swine exhibition, and the pig barn was bustling. The competitors, ages 3 to 21, were practicing their walks for the show ring and brushing pig bristles into place. Parents were braiding childrens hair, adding ribbons and pig-shaped barrettes.

Dr. Andrew Bowman, a molecular epidemiologist at Ohio State University, was striding through the barn in waterproof green overalls, searching for swine snot. As he slipped into one pen, a pig tried to nose its way out, then started nibbling his shoelaces.

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Bowman prefers not to enter the pens, he said, as he wiped gauze across the animals nose. He soon spotted a more appealing subject: a pig sticking its nose out from between the bars of its enclosure. We have a total bias for snouts out, he said. Later, back in the lab, Bowman and his colleagues would discover that several of the snouts snuffling around this busy barn in New Lexington, Ohio, were harboring influenza.

The world is emerging from a pandemic that killed at least 6.9 million people. It wont be the last. Outbreaks of zoonotic diseases, which can spread between animals and humans, have become more frequent in recent decades, and animal pathogens will continue spilling over into human populations in the years ahead. To Americans, spillover might seem like a distant problem, a danger that dwells in places like the live animal market in Wuhan, China, that may have been the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I think theres this real feeling here in the U.S. that disease is something that comes from elsewhere, said Ann Linder, an associate director at the animal law and policy program at Harvard Law School.

But there is real risk in our own backyards  and barnyards. Since 2011, there have been more confirmed human cases of swine flu in the United States than anywhere else in the world. (That may be because other nations are doing less testing and surveillance, and many cases here and abroad are likely to go undetected, experts say.) Most have been linked to agricultural shows and fairs. They have become kind of hot spots, Linder said.

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Although flu is often mild in pigs, the animals are renowned for giving rise to novel flu variants. In 2009, one of these new variants, which originated in pigs in Mexico, set off a pandemic that killed at least 150,000 people, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Lots of folks say, Well, its just flu, whats the big deal? Bowman said. If its the next pandemic, then its really bad.

For more than a decade, Bowman and his colleagues have been documenting the dangers and seeking ways to make swine shows safer. Meaningfully reducing the risks will require looking past the pigs to creatures on the other side of the spillover equation. What needs to change, Bowman said, is an awful lot of human behavior.

Pig Pathogens

Pigs play a key role in the evolution of influenza. They can be infected by swine, bird and human flu viruses simultaneously, serving as mixing vessels in which different strains can reshuffle their genetic material, yielding new versions of the virus.

When the 2009 swine flu pandemic hit, influenza surveillance in pigs was limited, said Bowman, who was then a practicing veterinarian. But the outbreak was eye-opening, and Bowman, who attended veterinary school at Ohio State, returned to the university to work with one of his former professors on a swine surveillance project.

They began swabbing pigs at swine shows, ultimately uncovering a national network of events that resulted in human infections in a predictable annual cycle.

Starting every spring, regional and national jackpot shows, which attract serious swine competitors, bring together pigs from far-flung farms, causing new flu variants to spread across the country.

In the summer and fall, a much larger number of children bring their pigs to county or state fairs. At about 25% of fairs, at least one pig tests positive for the flu, which tends to spread widely, the researchers found. By the end of the fair, Bowman said, you have 200 pigs shedding influenza virus.

Fairs also put large crowds of people in close contact with pigs. Theres children petting and touching the pigs and, at the same time, eating cotton candy and hot dogs and finger food, Linder said.

Spillover is not a rare event. In 2012, a major swine flu outbreak caused more than 300 confirmed human cases; Bowman and his colleagues found evidence that the virus had jumped from pigs to people during at least seven different Ohio fairs. The idea that were seeing it right in front of us, multiple times  it was very surprising, Bowman said.

Over the years that followed, the researchers worked to identify what made these shows risky. They found that although most fairs had hand sanitation stations, few had signs explaining how to use them  and almost no one did.

They also documented risks associated with the standard weigh-in procedure, in which the pigs were lined up, nose to tail, and guided onto a scale one by one. During that process, many pigs pressed their noses to vertical sorting panels used to keep the animals in place, and one infected pig could contaminate the common surface. That results in accelerated transmission, Bowman said. Its one pig to everybody in line behind them.

The researchers, who have shared their findings with show organizers and health officials, say they have seen some changes, with many shows moving away from mandatory mass weigh-ins.

Some bigger shows and fairs, which traditionally last a week, have also begun sending most pigs home after 72 hours. That timeline means that pigs that are infected at a show will be gone before they start shedding the virus. Theyre not on public display, where theyre infecting other animals or people, Bowman said.

Still, not all shows have been receptive to making these sorts of top-down changes. So, the Ohio State team is also working from the bottom up.

Healthy Habits

When they were not competing, many of the children at the New Lexington show wandered into the vendor barn, where artisans and organizations were hawking their wares. A booth near the entrance, where a cartoon pig in a lab coat invited children to enter the Swientist Laboratory, did a brisk business.

When a group of three preteens approached, Jacqueline Nolting, a researcher and educator on the Ohio State team, challenged them to test their hand-washing skills. She directed them to rub a clear gel into their hands and wash them thoroughly. Then, she pulled out a black light, announcing that any lingering traces of gel would glow. Six hands lit up.

Oh, youve got lots of germs! she exclaimed. In the cracks of your knuckles  can you see how it got in the cracks of your knuckles?

The activity is a mainstay of the Swientist program, which the team began developing in 2015 to teach young exhibitors how to keep their pigs, and themselves, healthy. At the New Lexington show, Nolting, who leads the program, also invited children to practice putting on and taking off personal protective equipment and gave away backpacks stuffed with activities, such as a biosecurity scavenger hunt.

The researchers have become fixtures at swine shows across the country, which they attend with two objectives: to keep tabs on the virus by swabbing more pigs and to stop its spread by teaching children the basics of biosecurity.

Rob McCarley of Circleville, Ohio, said that the first thing his 5-year-old twins want to do at a show is see what activities the Swientist team is offering. They look forward to it, he said. (And they seem to be paying attention; when one of the familys pigs got sick this spring, one of the twins announced that they should isolate the animal.)

But success did not come overnight, and some families initially greeted the Ohio State researchers warily. Like, Theyre targeting me, and they think my pigs are sick, said Kelly Morgan, who manages OH-PIGS, a circuit of Ohio swine shows. The trust had to be built in the beginning.

The scientists shared their data with exhibitors and reassured them that they were not just here to poke and prod and take, Bowman said. They pitched themselves as partners with shared goals.

They gave us some great tips and some great ideas on how to keep our herd healthy, said Lindsey Caldwell of Leesburg, Ohio, whose two daughters show pigs. For instance, they advised that after returning from a show, the family should change or disinfect their shoes and quarantine the pigs that had attended, Caldwell said.

Her 16-year-old daughter, Maddie, has also passed some of these lessons onto peers in her agriculture classes. And despite her fear of needles, Maddie is among the children who have provided blood samples to the researchers, who are also collecting nasal swabs from young exhibitors in hopes of learning how often they are exposed to influenza and what their immune systems look like.

I swab mainly to learn: Does the disease get to me? said Ruth Ann Carity, 15, a swine exhibitor from Minster, Ohio. Im just curious to know.

Still, some health recommendations, such as not eating or drinking around the animals, have been a tough sell. For many families, some of whom bring crockpots into the barn with them, sharing a meal at a show is a way of building community. And with shows that can last all day, it can also be a logistical necessity, Morgan said: I mean, you have to feed kids, or they get very hangry.

Ultimately, the Ohio State team decided to ease off the recommendation, worried that it was so out of step with the culture that it would undermine their credibility. (Its also not clear how much eating and drinking might increase the risk for people who are already spending hours sharing air with their pigs, Nolting acknowledged.)

It is hard to determine how effective the teams efforts have been overall; the surveillance is still fairly new, and some flu seasons are naturally worse than others. But I think we have moved the needle, Bowman said. There is change happening.

Pigs are not the only farm animals that can carry dangerous pathogens, and the researchers recently began an educational program for people buying chicks at farm stores. They may create a cattle-focused program, too, Nolting said.

Weve talked about what our logo is going to look like, if its, Swientist and Friends, Nolting said. Maybe our pig in the lab coat has his buddies with him.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
The court has arrested MP Oleksandr Ponomariov as a suspect in high treason, without the right for a bail.

Source: The State Bureau of Investigation press service in the comment for Ukrainska Pravda

Details: The decision was made by the Pechersk District Court of Kyiv on 25 July.

Ponomariov was arrested for 60 days.

The MP's defence announced the recusal of the judge, but their motion was declined.

Background:

Case materials of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) and the State Bureau of Investigation of Ukraine state that on 24 July, Ponomariov was served with a notice of suspicion of high treason.

The security forces of Ukraine established that the member of political party Opposition Platform  For Life, which is now forbidden in Ukraine, had switched to the Russians side at the beginning of the war. He went from Kyiv to the occupied city of Berdiansk on the first day of the full-scale Russian invasion.

In order to preserve his own fortune and businesses located in the occupied city of Berdiansk, Ponomariov started collaborating with the occupiers.

Due to commercial arguments with the invaders, Ponomariov decided to come back to non-occupied territory of Ukraine. The operative information says that businesses affiliated with him are still lodging with the Russian military, providing them with food, fuel and lubricants.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!






RICHMOND  The state Court of Appeals hasrejected a Shenandoah County mans claim that a Staunton court erred in revoking his suspended sentences and giving him new jail time for stalking his former girlfriend, even though he admitted in court he probably was going to violate her protective order once he was released.

Matthew Edwin Lawson, 45, of Strasburg, was sentenced in February 2022 to six years behind bars with all but nine months suspended after pleading guilty to stalking the woman and violating a protective order. As a condition of the suspended sentence, Lawson was ordered to avoid any contact with her.

However, within weeks of being released from jail, court records indicated Lawson sent his ex-girlfriend text messages and a voice mail, and tried to contact her through Facebook Messenger and Instagram.

In August 2022, he pleaded guilty to felony charges of stalking and violating the protective order. A Staunton judge gave him five years in prison with one year suspended for the order violation, and a suspended five-year sentence on the stalking charge. In addition, the judge reimposed three years of the six-year term he received six months earlier.

Lawson appealed the reimposed sentence, claiming that the judge did not take into consideration that Lawson had a substance-abuse problem that was a slight contributing factor to the newest charges, according to court records. He also admitted that when he was originally sentenced in February, he knew then he was probably going to contact the victim once he got out but now, he had no desire at all to do so.

During his second sentencing, Lawson read a letter he wrote to the victim saying he was sorry and extremely embarrassed for what he did. However, he tried to blame the woman for part of the problem, saying she should have been truthful from the beginning instead of calling him stupid and crazy and insisting he was making everything up in his head.

In its opinion released Tuesday, the Court of Appeals said the trial judge was correct in imposing part of the suspended sentence because Lawson had not truly come to terms with what he had done, especially in trying to assign blame to the victim.

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In sum, the record demonstrates that Lawson disregarded the terms of his suspended sentences by engaging in the same criminal behavior for which he was on probation, the appellate court ruled. Further, the trial court made a finding that incarceration was the only means of addressing Lawsons behavior. Given those circumstances, we find no abuse of the trial courts sentencing discretion.

Lawson is being held at the State Farm Correctional Center in Powhatan County near Richmond. He is scheduled to be released in 2028, according to online Virginia Department of Correction records.

More: Former CPS investigator indicted in Staunton and Augusta County amid sex assault allegations

More: Security theater: Experts see drawbacks to Augusta County's weapons detection system

Bill Atkinson (he/him/his) is an award-winning journalist who covers breaking news, government and politics. Reach him at batkinson@progress-index.com or on Twitter at @BAtkinson_PI.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Court throws out sentence appeal in 2022 Staunton stalking conviction
A demonstrator in Jerusalem waves an Israeli flag smudged with red coloring during a protest this week against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government's overhaul of the judicial system. (Ariel Schalit / Associated Press)

Full-page ads in solid black covered the fronts of Israels major newspapers Tuesday. Doctors walked out on strike, and the Israeli currency and stock market sank as the country braced for dangerous economic fallout from the governments efforts to weaken courts.

Political turmoil that sent tens of thousands of protesters into the streets for the last six months is also pulling down Israel's economy, investors and experts said Tuesday.

A law passed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right coalition government stripping power from the Supreme Court brought warnings from critics about a slide into autocracy  and from international credit agencies and the country's high tech industry about Israel's economic future.

Since the judicial reform crisis began six months ago, the value of the shekel, the Israeli currency, has fallen to a three-year low and the stock market has fallen by 10%, according to Reuters. In the last 48 hours, the TA-35 Index, the top 35 companies with the highest market value on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, dropped 4%.

The last few months have literally broken the spirit of a lot of people who now dont believe their future is in Israel, said Eynat Guez, co-founder of an international payroll company called Papaya Global and a leader in the Democratech movement. The government is sending a clear message: Youre not welcome here. We dont care about your future.

The law passed Monday, the first of three proposed judicial overhauls, strips the Supreme Courts ability to nullify government decisions it finds unreasonable in the extreme.

Opponents believe it will gut Israels judiciary and destroy a central pillar of its democracy. Supporters want to limit the power of liberal judges to overturn laws created by an increasingly extremist and ultranationalist legislature.

Read more: Netanyahu ignores Biden  and masses of Israeli protesters  to step back from democracy

The efforts by Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges, brought a rebuke from Israel's most loyal ally, the United States, where President Biden and major U.S. Jewish organizations urged the prime minister to reconsider the law and seek more consensus. Netanyahu ignored those entreaties, although the Israeli Knesset, or parliament, is entering a long recess and won't be able to take further action until returning in October.

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The Knesset's moves also threaten to jeopardize Israel's attempts at rapprochement with Arab nations, especially Saudi Arabia, and further erode chances of peace with the Palestinians living under Israeli occupation.

The reverberations prompted a warning Tuesday from the credit agency Moodys about a significant risk likely to cause negative consequences for Israels economy and security situation. Morgan Stanley also predicted increased uncertainty about the economic outlook, though neither agency downgraded Israels credit rating, which helps guide international investment.

Read more: Protesters march on Jerusalem to beg Netanyahu to halt judicial overhaul; prime minister later hospitalized

Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich dismissed the economic concerns raised by Moody and others. This is a temporary response, and when the dust settles it will be clear that Israels economy is very strong, they said in a joint statement Tuesday.

Especially hard-hit, analysts warn, is the high-tech industry, a roaring engine of Israels modern economy.

The newsstands awash in black Tuesday morning were the work of the Democratech movement, a coalition of high-tech workers opposed to the judicial overhaul. It paid for ads  with the words, A dark day for Israels democracy  in five of the countrys largest papers, including the pro-Netanyahu Israel Hayom.

This is killing the high-tech scene in Israel, said tech investor Itzik Fried, who has attended the chanting, flag-waving demonstrations weekly. Money is like water, it flows where its easy. And its about to stop coming here.

The tech sector has been leading the way in Israel's economic decline as more workers and companies relocate, although the country is not yet in recession and unemployment has not soared, said Yannay Spitzer, associate professor of economics at Hebrew University.

Read more: Longtime Israel backers in U.S. turn outraged critics  but Biden administration remains distant

Almost 70% of local Israeli startup companies have taken legal or financial steps toward relocation, including withdrawing cash reserves, moving headquarters outside Israel, and relocating employees or conducting layoffs, according to a report this week from Start-Up Nation Central, an independent nonprofit focusing on the tech sector.

It took years to build a high-tech sector in Israel, and high-tech has two fundamental pillars, said Spitzer. One is the institutional make up, that its sound to make business here and safe to invest in Israel, and the other is the human capital. And the judicial overhaul is about to destroy both of them.

The high-tech sector has been an influential part of the protest movement over the last six months, including joining general strikes on several occasions. In March, widespread strikes from the tech sector, the countrys largest labor unions and airport workers forced Netanyahu to temporarily shelf the judicial overhaul for a number of months.

Spitzer estimates that the Israeli economy has lost some $81 billion, or 15% of the countrys GDP, because of the judicial reforms and the impact on the economy. Israels stock exchange had been a close mirror of the S&P 500 index. But in the last year, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange has dropped 26.5% lower than the S&P.

For the masses of demonstrators who formed an opposition movement unprecedented in Israels 75-year history, there was a sense of defeat and dismay after Monday's vote. Many were returning home Tuesday, and streets here and in Jerusalem were largely back to normal routines.

Still, leaders of the movement, which grew to encompass mostly secular students, progressive academics, business entrepreneurs and the elite of Israels security establishment, vowed not to surrender.

Netanyahus allies have vowed that the law passed Monday is only the beginning. They plan to exert Cabinet control over judicial appointees and take steps to ensure legal advisors throughout the government are partisan loyalists.

Without the protest movement, writer Noa Landau said, all state systems would have long since been completely recruited in service of a prime minister who is on trial for corruption and his ultranationalist and theocratic cronies.

The greatest struggle is still ahead, Landau, an editor at the liberal Haaretz newspaper, wrote Tuesday. The appetite of the victory-drunk coalition will only increase in the Knessets fall session. The civil protest is therefore more important than ever.

Critics of the judicial overhaul have begun to file petitions challenging it at the Supreme Court. But since the law specifically targets the Supreme Court, it is unclear how these challenges would play out, setting Israel on an uncharted institutional clash.

And many in Israel worry that the instability at home weakens their country in the face of its enemies, such as Iran, raising alarms over security.

Lidman is a special correspondent. Times staff writer Wilkinson reported from Washington.





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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Heatwaves scorch North Hemisphere, ring alarm about global warming

Xinhua) 08:21, July 25, 2023

BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Since June, temperatures across the Northern Hemisphere have continued to rise, and many countries, gripped by the most intense heatwave, have issued high temperature warnings. Forecasts show that 2023 is likely to be the hottest year ever.

"Globally, June 2023 was the warmest June since directly measured instrumental records began in 1850, breaking the record previously set in June 2022," according to a study published recently by Berkeley Earth, a California-based research organization for climate science.

Noting that the global mean temperature this June was 1.47 degrees Celsius above the 1850-1900 average, the organization said 2023 is "now likely to become a new record warm year (81 percent chance)."

A man cleans his sickle in a puddle on the dry bed of Botok water reservoir in Sragen district, Central Java, Indonesia, July 11, 2023. (Photo by Bram Selo/Xinhua)

BURNING EARTH

The globe is heating up. Simultaneous heatwaves are suffocating the United States, much of Europe and parts of Asia.

A major heatwave is forecast to hit much of the contiguous United States during late July into early August as mid-level high pressure builds over much of the western and central regions, according to the U.S. National Weather Service. Excessive heat alerts are in place in several states including California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

Extreme heat warnings have also been issued across Europe since last week. In Italy, red alerts were in force from Wednesday in all but four of the country's 27 major cities. Temperatures during the hottest part of the day were considered a threat to even young and healthy individuals.

Extremely high temperatures were recorded in at least a dozen European countries this week, including Albania, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Switzerland.

A man refreshes himself with the water from a fountain near the Pantheon in Rome, Italy, on July 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Jin Mamengni)

RELATED DISASTERS

Amid high temperatures, drought and heavy rains have appeared across the globe, leading to wildfires and floods.

The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre said Thursday that there were 887 active wildfires nationwide and the number of out-of-control wildfires was 549. The number of wildfires in the country so far this year has reached 4,308, devouring about 111,000 square km of land.

In Spain, a wildfire on the Canary Island of La Palma has burned over 3,500 hectares of land and destroyed around 20 houses and buildings. Raging wildfires in Greece have destroyed forests and forced people to evacuate, with authorities warning further sweltering heat in coming days. In Turkiye, wildfires broke out in the southern and western provinces over the weekend as summer heat grips a large swathe of the country.

In the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, at least five people were killed, and two others were still missing following a flash flood in the past weeks. The local police department stated that the area was hit by a torrential rainstorm which caused flash flooding in several areas throughout the township.

In Canada, a province-wide state of emergency was declared in the eastern province of Nova Scotia on Saturday in response to severe flooding.

This photo taken on June 27, 2023 shows a thermometer at a residential backyard in Plano, Texas, the United States. (Photo by Dan Tian/Xinhua)

In Afghanistan, rainstorms and flooding swept parts of eastern Wardak province late Saturday.

China's State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on Saturday launched a level-IV emergency flood control response as heavy rains are forecast to lash northern parts of the country.

HEAVY TOLL

The massive swathe of extreme heat is not only taking a toll on millions of people, but also driving up costs for businesses and putting pressure on the economy.

Three people have died in wildfire-fighting operations in Canada recently. In the United States, a tourist died last week at a trailhead in Death Valley National Park amid extreme heat.

This aerial photo taken on July 7, 2023 shows wildfires in the northern part of British Columbia, Canada. (BC Wildfire Service/Handout via Xinhua)

The number of deaths from extreme heat "is set to rise year-on-year," WHO's Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge said.

The World Meteorological Organization is calling on governments to adopt heat action plans to protect "hundreds of thousands of people dying from preventable heat-related causes each year."

Japan continued to issue heatstroke alerts with near-record high temperatures baking many parts of the country, as temperatures soared to nearly 40 degrees Celsius in many regions including Tokyo.

"Residents in different regions should choose suitable ways to reduce the impact of high temperatures on themselves, such as going to relatively cool places to avoid heat, and vulnerable groups should prepare heatstroke medication," said Song Yuqin, professor of the College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering of Peking University.

Cars are seen nearly submerged outside a restaurant in Bedford, Nova Scotia, Canada, on July 22, 2023. (Nova Scotia Government/Handout via Xinhua)

In addition to the human toll, the heat also has an impact on economic activity. Recent studies have shown that extreme heat could cost the United States 100 billion U.S. dollars annually in terms of productivity loss alone. If left unchecked, it could sap away one-sixth of global economic activity by the year 2100, CNN has reported.

The losses are steepest in sectors such as agriculture and construction, but no industry or business is immune, Chris Lafakis, Moody's Analytics' director of economic research, was quoted by CNN as saying.

U.S. Special Envoy for Global Food Security Cary Fowler said recently that he was "very concerned" about what El Nino could mean for crop production and the resulting impacts on global food security.

CALL FOR ACTION

"Since 2021, the extreme disasters brought by climate change have been rampant globally, especially the extreme high temperatures and droughts that occurred globally in 2022," said Xu Huaqing, director of China's National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation.

The wildfires in Canada are exceptional by any measure and this wouldn't be happening without the heatwaves and the lack of moisture, said Paul Beckwith, a Canadian climate system scientist.

"Beyond adapting to our new reality this summer, we must look to the years and decades ahead," Kluge said. "There is a desperate and urgent need for regional and global action to effectively tackle the climate crisis, which poses an existential threat to the human race."

Kelly Herbinson, co-executive director of the Mojave Desert Land Trust, said the international community should work together to deal with climate change, noting that as the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, the collaboration of groups around the globe is also growing in importance.

Faced with unprecedented difficulties in global climate governance, no country can independently address this series of challenges, nor can any country retreat to a self-isolated island, said Xu. "Global action, global response, and global cooperation must be carried out."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
An investigation is underway after a body washed up on a beach in Salisbury early Tuesday morning, authorities said.

A person walking along Salisbury Beach noticed the body of a man floating along the shoreline near 4 Ocean Front Drive, according to Essex District Attorney Paul F. Tucker.

Salisbury police responded to the scene, pulled the mans body to shore, and pronounced him dead. His name hasnt been made public.

State police detectives assigned to Tuckers office are assisting Salisbury police with the death investigation.

There were no additional details immediately available.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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A Dallas police officer returned fire and wounded a theft suspect who shot at the officer Tuesday near Dallas Love Field airport, police said in a news release and press conference.

The shooting occurred about 11 a.m. in the 7100 block of Lemmon Avenue, which is just east of Dallas Love Field.

Officers were conducting surveillance on a stolen U-Haul truck in the northwest area of Dallas, Police Chief Eddie Garcia said at a Tuesday afternoon news conference. The suspect got into the truck, noticed the surveillance being conducted, and rammed a surveillance vehicle, according to Garcia.

A chase ensued and the suspect began driving on a tollway, Garcia said. The suspect ended up in the 7100 block of Lemmon Avenue, where the U-Haul truck crashed into several vehicles. The suspect got out of the truck and ran toward a private hangar building near the airport, Garcia said.

An officer chased the suspect and, as the suspect was about to enter a building, the man turned and fired at the officer, Garcia said. The officer returned fire, striking the suspect at least once in the leg, injuring him, according to Garcia and the police department news release.

The suspect was arrested and taken to a hospital with injuries that are not life threatening, and the investigation is ongoing, police said.

The names of the suspect and officer have not been released.

Dallas police plan to hold another press conference Friday, when more details will be released.

This is a developing story. For the latest updates, sign up for breaking news alerts.
JPMorgan Chase executives joked about seeing Jeffrey Epstein surrounded with nymphettes at one of his homes, according to fresh allegations by the US Virgin Islands.

The territory, which is suing JPMorgan for at least $190m for allegedly turning a blind eye to Epsteins sex trafficking, revealed the private messages in new court filings on Monday night.

In a 2012 message to Mary Erdoes, now JPMorgans head of asset and wealth management, an executive describes attending an event at the home of another client.

Reminded me of JE's house, except it was more tasteful, and fewer nymphettes, the executive writes. More like the Frick [museum]. Art was fabulous.

Wow, Ms Erdoes replied.

Other internal messages revealed senior bank executives discussing how Epstein was constantly accompanied by young women.

In a 2006 message, former JPMorgan executive Jes Staley writes to Ms Erdoes: Last night went to the Huggy Bear concert. The age difference between husbands and wifes [sic] would have fit in well with Jeffrey.

Ms Erdoes responds: Oh, and what I meant to tell you about last night was they [sic] were a few people laughing about Jeffrey... One of the guys... apparently has 8 assistants, one is more beautiful than the other... Anyway, lots of comparisons to JE.

JPMorgan has rejected allegations it was complicit in Epsteins offending and tried to shift blame for his crimes onto high-ranking USVI officials. They have claimed in court that the USVI shielded him from accountability while giving him tax breaks and reaping the benefits of his wealth.

Jeffrey Epstein appears in court in West Palm Beach, Fla., July 30, 2008. (AP)

In a counter-filing on Monday, JPMorgan accused the US Virgin Islands of providing visas for Epsteins victims and looking the other way when he arrived on the territory with young women and underage girls.

It previously named Cecile de Jongh, the wife of former USVI governor John de Jongh, as Epsteins primary conduit for spreading money and influence throughout the USVI government.

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In the new filing, JPMorgan alleges that former governors de Jongh and Kenneth Mapp, who ruled from 2007 to 2019, allegedly admitted they never cared to investigate Epstein.

Current Governor Albert Bryan turned his attention elsewhere, even after Epstein was indicted in 2019 on underage sex offences, the bank alleges.

The US Virgin Islands alleges JPMorgan kept Epstein as a client long after he had been convicted of child sex offences due to his immense value to the bank, both as a client and an intermediary to new wealthy clients.

In a separate court filing on Monday, the territory claimed that Epstein introduced Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page to former Mr Staley in 2003. That relationship alone brought in $4bn for the bank, according to one filing.

Epstein was the biggest revenue producer for JPMorgans Private Bank by 2011, according to the filings.

Epstein was too big to fail, the USVI states in the filings.

Jeffery Epsteins estate on Little Saint James Island in the U. S. Virgin Islands, July 9, 2019 (Associated Press)

The filings note that a compliance officer hired by JPMorgan raised the alarm in 2011 after watching an episode of Law & Order SUV about a fictitious billionaire who trafficked young women for sex.

The bank would eventually cut ties with him in 2013, five years after he was convicted in Florida of sex offences against underage girls.

The new allegations were taken from depositions with JP Morgan executives and hundreds of thousands of pages of internal bank documents turned over to the USVI.

The territory has already forced several JPMorgan executives including CEO Jamie Dimon to sit for depositions.

JP Morgan executives discussed seeing nymphettes at Epsteins home (AP)

A trial is scheduled for 23 October in the US District Court in Manhattan. The USVI wants the judge to declare before then that JPMorgan participated in Epstein's sex trafficking and obstructed law enforcement.

JPMorgan is also suing Mr Staley, alleging he hid Epsteins abuse and trafficking to keep the financier as a client. Mr Staley has previously denied wrongdoing, and said he is being scapegoated by the bank.

Last month, JPMorgan reached a $290m settlement with survivors of Epsteins abuse.

And last week, it was revealed that private equity billionaire Leon Black agreed in January to pay $62.5m to the USVI to be released from potential claims related to its investigation into Epstein.

Epstein was ruled to have taken his own life in a New York prison cell while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges in 2019.

When contacted by The Independent, JPMorgan declined to comment.
Photograph: Amir Levy/Getty Images

Jewish groups in the US have condemned the Israeli parliaments vote to limit the power of the judiciary as a threat to democracy and warned that it could damage relations with American Jews. But the White House limited its criticism to calling the outcome unfortunate in a sign the Biden administration is unlikely to impose any real costs on Benjamin Netanyahus government for defying the presidents calls to delay the vote and reach a compromise with his opponents.

After seven months of fierce debate, the Israeli government on Monday voted to limit the courts ability to overturn laws. The changes have been denounced by critics as a transparent power grab that will erode democratic norms and aid Netanyahus fight against graft charges, which he denies.

Related: Israeli parliament votes in Netanyahus controversial supreme court changes

Others have warned that the legislation is a step toward the desire of the ultra-nationalists in Netanyahus government to annex some or all of the occupied territories.

The American Jewish Committee, one of the oldest pro-Israel groups in the US, expressed profound disappointment at the vote and said it is gravely concerned that it will deepen divisions in Israeli society amid huge demonstrations against the law, including in the military with thousands of military reservists threatening to refuse to report for duty.

The continued effort to press forward on judicial reform rather than seeking compromise has sown discord within the Israeli Defense Forces at a time of elevated threats to the Jewish homeland and has strained the vital relationship between Israel and diaspora Jewry, it said.

The Israel Policy Forum, founded three decades ago to give support in the US to Israeli-Palestinian peace accords, said it was dismayed at the vote and warned that it will be damaging to Israeli democracy, Israels international standing, the US-Israel alliance, and the relationship between Israel and American Jews.

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The New Israel Fund called it a dark day in the history of the state of Israel and the Jewish people.

Some members of congress joined in the criticism. Representative Jerry Nadler, former chair of the House judiciary committee, condemned Netanyahu and his extremist coalition, calling the vote a dark day for Israeli democracy.

In contrast, the Biden administration issued a brief statement that avoided direct criticism.

Protesters against the Israeli judicial overhaul march across the Brooklyn Bridge. Photograph: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

As a lifelong friend of Israel, President Biden has publicly and privately expressed his views that major changes in a democracy to be enduring must have as broad a consensus as possible. It is unfortunate that the vote today took place with the slimmest possible majority, it said.

The pro-Israel, pro-peace group J Street pressed for the White House and Congress to go further.

While the Netanyahu government fundamentally alters Israels democratic character and plows ahead toward a more authoritarian and ethno-nationalist future, business as usual from Congress and the White House is a recipe for terrible failure, it said.

Debra Shushan, the groups director of policy, said Biden made important personal interventions in pressing Netanyahu to delay the vote but needs to take a firmer stand.

With the Israeli government crossing bright red lines, and advancing anti-democratic transformation in Israel, we need serious action from the administration. No more business as usual, and obviously something that goes beyond a comment about this being unfortunate, she said.

We have Israeli protesters taking very strong actions in the street. A much stronger statement by the Biden administration would be very important for them. Thats how the administration can show true support, significant support, for Israeli democracy and those who are fighting to uphold it.

Shushan said Biden should make it clear to Netanyahu that he wont be invited to the White House while his government is taking actions that undermine Israeli democracy.

Aaron David Miller, a US Middle East peace negotiator during several administrations, said he expects Biden to avoid a messy, distracting and potentially politically costly public fight with Netanyahu.

There is nothing that Ive seen in eight months to back up the fact that this president will impose any real costs and consequences on Israel, certainly not over the judicial issue. In response to what is an annexation policy in everything but name, where are the costs and the consequences? he said.

Miller said there is also domestic politics to consider.

Joe Biden cannot do anything to undermine his capacity to deal with the most important major challenge that he faces  preventing the re-election of Donald Trump. The Republican partys emerged as the Israel-right-or-wrong party. Biden does not want to get caught between that and his own party, which is divided between progressives and mainstream Democrats who are very supportive still of Israel, he said.

The only thing that would push them is if you ended up with a situation in the West Bank that was qualitatively and quantitatively beyond anything weve seen. A major conflict which involves the disproportionate use of Israeli force and large numbers of Palestinian civilians are killed.

 This article was amended on 25 July 2023. An earlier version mistakenly said that Israels parliament had also voted to give politicians more control over judicial appointments. While that is among a package of proposals, it has not yet been put to the vote.
Greece's deadliest wildfires were in July 2018 (VALERIE GACHE)

Algeria and Greece are battling massive wildfires that have ripped through homes and resorts, killing dozens of people in nightmarish scenes that have become a staple of summer in the Mediterranean.

AFP looks at the deadliest wildfires in the region since 2000.

- Algeria in 2021 and 2022 -

More than 90 people, including 33 soldiers, were killed in dozens of wildfires in Algeria in August 2021.

The government blamed arsonists and a blistering heatwave for the blazes, but experts also criticised authorities for failing to prepare for the annual wildfire season.

In August 2022, massive blazes killed 37 people over several days in northeastern El Tarf province, near the border with Tunisia.

More than 10,000 hectares (25,000 acres) went up in smoke in El Kala National Park, a UNESCO-listed heritage spot famous for its rich marine, dune, lake and forest ecosystems.

- Greece in 2007 and 2018 -

In Greece's worst-ever fire disaster, 102 people died when wildfires swept through homes and vehicles in the coastal town of Mati near Athens in July 2018, leaving only charred remains.

The majority of the victims were trapped by the flames as they sat in traffic jams while trying to flee. Others drowned while trying to escape by sea.

In 2007, a 12-day inferno starting in late August killed at least 67 people and destroyed 800 homes across the southern Peloponnese peninsula.

The flames engulfed most of the region's olive groves. The Aegean island of Evia was also badly affected.

In all 77 people died that summer due to fires.

- Portugal in 2017 -

The deadliest wildfires in Portugese history broke out in the central Leiria region during a heatwave in June 2017 and burned through hills covered with pine and eucalyptus trees for five days.

Many of the 63 people who died became trapped in their cars while trying to escape.

In October, a new series of deadly fires broke out in northern Portugal, killing another 45 people as well as four in neighbouring Spain. Those fires were chiefly blamed on arsonists.

Story continues

- Israel in 2010 -

The worst inferno in Israel's history raged through Carmel forest, south of the coastal city of Haifa for four days, in December 2010, killing 44 people and destroying hundreds of homes.

Most of the victims were prison guards trapped in their bus as they raced to help evacuate a prison from the approaching flames.

eab/cb/cw
ALGIERS (Reuters) - Algeria was battling to contain devastating forest fires along its Mediterranean coast on Tuesday, in an inferno which has killed at least 34 people, authorities said, adding they had managed to control about four-fifths of the blaze.

Fanned by strong winds, fires had also spread to neighbouring Tunisia, forcing the closure of two border crossings.

A relentless heatwave has caused havoc across the planet this month, with temperatures breaking records in China, the United States, southern Europe and North Africa, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.

Greece has been battling forest fires for the past week, triggering a mass evacuation of thousands of tourists from its most popular holiday resorts.

The fires broke out in several provinces in Algeria on Monday, ripping through forests, olive groves and low-lying shrubland. More than 8,000 firefighters were deployed to bring the flames under control.

Algerian civil protection services said 15 fires were raging across eight regions on Tuesday at Skikda, Jijel, Bouira, Bejaia, Tebessa, Medea, Setif, and El Tarf.

Ten of the 34 victims reported on Monday were soldiers. Authorities said they had evacuated some 1,500 people from their homes.

Temperatures of 49 degrees Celsius (120 Fahrenheit) were recorded in some cities in Tunisia this week.

Civil protection units, backed by forestry workers and the air force were working to put out fires in several areas of Tabarka in the northwest, bordering Algeria.

Moez Tria, spokesman for Tunisian civil protection, said priority was given to protecting residential communities in the region and to prevent the blaze from reaching an airport in the area.

Fires also broke out in other regions of the country including Bizerte, Beja and Siliana regions.

(Reporting By Tarek Amara; writing by Michele Kambas; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
Down a forgotten street in a forgotten neighborhood sits a forgotten place.

And no, thats not entirely fair. The people who live and conduct business in Brownsville, who have loved ones interred at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery, would likely protest that they have forgotten nothing.

Its a fair point.

But so is this. In the condo towers downtown where construction cranes perch like giant metallic grasshoppers, on the sparkling bay where motorboats and Jet Skis duel incoming waves, down the tony streets of Coral Gables where the elite meet to eat and drink as breezes serenade the palm fronds, in all the showcase places that signify in the public mind all that Miami is, one would likely be hard pressed to find anyone who knows anything about this broken-down graveyard signifying all that Miami was.

Meaning, a segregated Southern town where black people lived and moved largely unseen, and where the racial mores of the Jim Crow era were enforced by the law, the fist and the gun.

Lincoln is the final resting place for an estimated 10,000 to 30,000 African Americans, lynching victims and millionaires alike, pressed together in the equality of their legal inequality. Nearly a hundred years after its first burials, the graveyard is a misbegotten jumble of tombs, the names of occupants scrubbed away by years of sun and storm.

So closely are the stone boxes pressed together that two recent burials required a forklift and crane to situate the new tombs. So tightly are they jammed in that there is virtually no way to walk between them; a visitor must walk on top of them instead. Weeds stand tall, and the place is ringed about by a perimeter of detritus  the box from a 12-pack of Coke, a kitty litter bag, an empty cigar packet.

Which only adds to the impression that this is a forgotten place.

But beginning Aug. 3, the Coral Gables Museum invites us to remember. On that day and continuing until Nov. 6, an exhibit called Sacred Ground: The Rise, Fall and Revival of Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery will take up residence at the museum. Through a display of telegrams, video, artifacts, historical documents and images from photographers including Carl Juste and C.W. Griffin, the museum will tell the story of the cemetery, its citizens and the Miami they knew.

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Its a necessary tale. As John Allen, the museums executive director points out, Im a third generation Miamian and I had never heard of this cemetery before.

He was introduced to it by Malcolm Lauredo, the museums director of historic research and lead historian, who himself stumbled across the graveyard years ago on an aimless late night drive. The first time I was there, says Allen, I stepped on a vertebrae, looked inside a casket and had a femur staring up at me coming out of a suit jacket. It seems the cemetery had become something of an easy mark for grave robbers seeking bones for religious ceremonies.

In that sense, the tale of Lincoln Memorial is not yet a success story, not yet a story of the ragged and unkempt made to shine like new. Yes, the grave robberies are said to have declined, but make no mistake, the place is still a mess.

But if this isnt a success story, it is a story of progress, as embodied by the cemeterys self-appointed caretaker, Arthur Kennedy, who, in conjunction with the museum, is slowly reclaiming it from years of neglect. In so doing, they hope to restore to some of Miamis pioneers something African Americans are too often denied: the dignity of memory.

Miami, just like a lot of other places in United States history, has sort of been whitewashed, says Lauredo. Theres a lot of people who were really cornerstones in shaping what Miami is today: D.A. Dorsey, the first African-American millionaire in Miami. You have Kelsey Pharr, who was a prominent mortician, he founded the first chapter of Boy Scouts for African Americans in South Florida. We have Gwen Cherry, the first African-American woman elected to the Legislature, we have H.E.S. Reeves, who founded the Miami Times. So theres a lot of luminaries and important Miami pioneers that you dont talk about  and I think its really important that they have representation in the history of the city that they helped found, just as much as Henry Flagler and Julia Tuttle.

Not that prominent people doing prominent things are the only ones interred here. As noted, segregation forced black people together, both in life and in death. Allen is taken with a group of telegrams the museum unearthed, asking the dean of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama to put a certain student on a train home to Miami immediately.

Her mother had died here in Miami, but Please dont tell her shes dead yet. Well tell her when she gets here. Theres a lot of stuff like that, he says of the material the museum has amassed. Its very intimate. It brings it home. Young children drowning in the Coral Gables canal, sailors that died aboard ships and how they stored the bodies until they could get them home to port. All of a sudden, youre picturing these people. Some of these houses where these people died, theyre still standing, and they died in 1928, 1929.

The people buried at Lincoln are not, to be sure, the only ones denied memory. There are other urban cemeteries in South Florida  indeed, across the country  where the only caretaker is neglect, and African Americans lie in forgotten repose. Earlier this month, a backhoe operator stumbled upon a femur while working on the site of a new school near Houston.

It turned out to be the final resting place of 95 African Americans, victims of a forced labor prison  de facto slavery  during the Jim Crow era.

Apparently, everybody forgot they were there.

America forgets such things because they are easy to forget. And we forget them because they are necessary to forget, because they give the lie to our national mythology. America has to forget them because otherwise, how can you gaze upon the construction cranes, how can you feel the Jet Ski spray, how can you hear the rustle of the leaves in the palm fronds, in quite the same innocent and oblivious way?

Against the seduction of amnesia, the Coral Gables Museum offers the hard duty of memory, a chapter from a story yet in progress, a tale of what lies in a too-often forgotten place down a too-often forgotten street in a too-often forgotten neighborhood.

This is Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery, final resting place to the millionaire, the lynching victim and the mother of the Tuskegee student. Here, a shopping cart sits abandoned in the weeds. Here, the fence sags under the weight of its years. But here, too, fresh bouquets of red and gold flowers adorn a few of the tombs. And small American flags hang limply in the posts of that tired fence, their faded colors barely stirred by the breeze.
St. Clair County District Judge John Monaghan denied a motion for bond Tuesday for Carmello Wilson, the teenage boy charged with open murder in the death of a 19-year-old man.

Byron Pitts, who appeared as Wilson's new defense attorney, argued that Wilson, 15, be allowed release under house arrest while awaiting trial, citing his young age and lack of criminal history.

Wilson was arrested after KC Curtis Cureton of Port Huron was shot and killed near the intersection of 13th Street and Lapeer Avenue on July 12. He was not granted bail at his arraignment.

Pitts said Wilson would not be a flight risk because his family connections were all in Detroit and the surrounding area.

"He has no place to go," Pitts said. "He has no resources. He's a kid whose only resource is his mother."

St. Clair County Senior Assistant Prosecutor Joshua Sparling argued against the motion, saying house arrest and an ankle monitor would not be sufficient deterrence for a defendant facing such a serious charge.

Sparling also cited the evidence against Wilson, saying the prosecution had identified four eyewitnesses who said they saw Wilson shoot Cureton

"I don't care if he's five years old. He murdered a man who is no longer with us," Sparling said.

Pitts said whether Wilson was guilty of murder had not been decided, and until then the court should use the least restrictive bail conditions necessary.

Monaghan sided with Sparling, agreeing the charge was too serious to grant Wilson bail.

A probable cause conference scheduled for Tuesday was delayed until Aug. 8. Pitts requested the delay, asking for time to go over discovery materials since he had just started representing Wilson.

Pitts also requested the court to order a no-contact order between the families of the deceased and the defendant, saying Wilson's family had received threats to social media. Monaghan denied the request, but said making threats online was a crime, and should be reported to law enforcement.

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Wilson has been charged as an adult despite his age due to a Michigan law that allows juveniles to be charged as adults in murder cases. Another defendant was arrested and charged as a juvenile for accessory after the fact.

Contact Johnathan Hogan at jhogan@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @jr_Hogan1.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Defendant in Port Huron shooting gets new attorney, judge denies request for bond
Errol G. Frank III, right, speaks Tuesday with defense attorney Aaron Kovalchik while on trial in Stark County Common Pleas Court. He faces felony charges of murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence with gun specifications in the death of Melvin Stevenson in March.

CANTON  In a police-recorded video played for jurors Monday, Errol G. Frank III reluctantly admitted to a detective that he shot and killed Frank's wife's ex-husband.

But Frank, 29, of Canton, said he fired his gun at Melvin H. Stevenson to protect Frank's wife and 2-year-old daughter. He claimed that Stevenson had made threats against his wife during the four months prior to the shooting, once by telling her that he knew her address.

"I'm not just a murderer. I'm not just a killer. I'm a protector," he said during about an hour of questioning by the police detective at the Canton police station more than six hours after the fatal shooting on March 22 on Peel Place NE at O'Jays Parkway NE. "I'm not one to do senseless stuff. I'm rarely in trouble."

Frank is being tried in Stark County Common Pleas Court on felony charges of murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence with gun specifications. If convicted, he faces a sentence of at least 18 years to life.

Prosecutors spent much of Monday presenting evidence seeking to discredit Frank's claim of self-defense.

Errol Frank: 'I was scared for my wife and daughter.'

In the police video, Frank initially said he was walking to meet a friend. And then later conceded he had been driving his vehicle looking for Stevenson. His wife had called Frank to say she had seen Stevenson walking along a street as she drove by. Frank claimed he had never seen Stevenson, couldn't recognize him and needed his wife to describe him. Frank said his wife didn't tell him to find Stevenson.

Frank in the video said he screamed Stevenson's name, Stevenson turned, asked him about some buildings and then recognized him. He said Stevenson lunged at him and Frank, not knowing if Stevenson was armed, responded by shooting Stevenson.

"I was scared for my life," Frank said.

But later Frank told the detective, "I was scared for my wife and daughter. I wasn't scared for me."

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Later in the interview, Frank said, "I was scared. Had to protect my family. I'm scared now because I am a Black man now."

Stevenson, 36, of Canton was taken to a hospital where he died about two days later.

Stark County Assistant Prosecutor Margaret A. Scott in her opening statement said Frank had sought to find Stevenson. He waited for Stevenson to walk by him and then chased him and shot him at least twice, at least once in the head "in broad daylight" around 3 p.m. March 22 at O'Jays Parkway NE and Peel Place NE.

(Frank) finds where the victim is. He stalks him. He waits for him. And then he shoots him in the head as hes running away, Scott said. You will see this is not self-defense.

In the video, Frank eventually admitted that after he shot Stevenson, he threw the gun into a gutter by Frank's detached garage.

Stark County Assistant Prosecutor Margaret A. Scott presents evidence Tuesday in the trial of Errol G. Frank III in Stark County Common Pleas Court. Frank faces felony charges of murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence with gun specifications in the death of Melvin Stevenson in March.

Wife cleared: Canton man indicted in shooting death of Melvin Stevenson, wife will not face charges

Attorney: Errol Frank was acting in self-defense

Franks attorney Aaron Kovalchik said that Melvin Stevenson was upset that his ex-wife was now with Frank. And Frank will testify that he sought to find Stevenson to resolve the tensions. But Stevenson responded violently and Frank shot Stevenson in self-defense, he said.

Errol G. Frank III, right, speaks Tuesday with defense attorney Aaron Kovalchik while on trial in Stark County Common Pleas Court. He faces felony charges of murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence with gun specifications in the death of Melvin Stevenson in March.

Errol did not have the intent that day to hurt Melvin Stevenson, said Kovalchik, who indicated to jurors that Frank would take the stand in his defense. When Frank sought to speak with Stevenson, this is when Melvin became violent. This is where Melvin put Frank in a situation where Frank feared for his life.

But the prosecutor said Stevenson was just walking along minding his own business not bothering anybody.

Pastor witnessed chase and shooting

Pastor Paul George testified that he was driving by O'Jays Parkway NE and Ninth Street NE at the time in a church van with his wife and four teens on their way to pick up another teen for a church event. They heard a gunshot. George stopped the vehicle.

He said he saw a man with dreadlocks at least six-feet tall chasing another man. Both men were sprinting. George said the man being chased, who was not wearing shoes, fell down face first and was on his hands and knees. The man on the ground turned toward his pursuer with his hands in the air. The man with dreadlocks was holding something in his hands. George said he then heard two gunshots and the man on the ground collapsed as the other man fled.

George said he parked the van, called 911 and went to check the status of the man on the ground. George thought he was dead. Another man had gotten to the scene before George and rolled the man onto his back. George testified that the man had a bullet wound to his forehead.

While the pastor was not asked to identify Frank in the courtroom, Frank has dreadlocks.

Related: Canton man, wife charged in shooting that seriously injured 36-year-old man

Canton police interrogate Errol Frank

Jurors also heard Tuesday from three Canton police officers who responded to the shooting. A patrol officer testified he rendered first aid to Stevenson, saw an exit bullet wound on Stevensons abdomen and saw two shell casings at the scene.

Detectives said by checking Stevenson's Facebook profile, surveillance video and license plate camera data, they began piecing together that Stevenson's ex-wife's current husband's vehicle, a Mazda MPV minivan, was in the vicinity of the shooting when it took place.

The footage gave them a basis to obtain search warrants to search Frank's home a couple of miles away on Morris Avenue NE, for Frank and his wife to be picked up in a traffic stop, and for the couple to be brought to the police station downtown to be questioned.

Canton police detective Vincent Romanin, who questioned Frank, testified that he sought to establish rapport with Frank by expressing sympathy to Frank's claim that Stevenson was a threat to Frank's family to try to get Frank to reveal as much as possible.

On the video, Romanin convinced Frank to waive his right against self-incrimination, agree to give a DNA swab, reveal where he had disposed of the gun to avoid police tearing through his home to find it and to give consent for the police to search the contents of Frank's iPhone 12.

On the video, Frank said after he shot Stevenson he ran away and didn't even stop to see if Stevenson had survived.

Errol G. Frank III is on trial in Stark County Common Pleas Court. He faces felony charges of murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence with gun specifications in the death of Melvin Stevenson in March.

"I wish he wouldn't have lunged at me. I wish we could have talked as men," Frank told the detective. Frank said he didn't intend to kill him but was responding to a burst of adrenaline.

Romanin asked, "Do you think you made a mistake, tonight?"

"I know I did," said Frank. "I am not proud of anything that happened today. But I love my family. I love my wife. I love my mother. ... I may have made the biggest mistake of my life."

Testimony is set to resume Wednesday morning in Stark County Common Pleas Judge Frank Forchione's courtroom. Closing arguments are expected to take place Thursday.

Reach Robert at robert.wang@cantonrep.com. Twitter: @rwangREP

Errol G. Frank III is on trial in Stark County Common Pleas Court. He faces felony charges of murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence with gun specifications in the death of Melvin Stevenson in March.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Attorney: Errol Frank shot Melvin Stevenson in self-defense
[Source]

An Indian traffic officer has been suspended after he was caught on camera giving a Korean national driving through Delhi a fine and taking his money without handing him an official receipt.

Key details: Although the exact date of when the incident occurred is unclear, the encounter with the Delhi traffic police was caught by a dash cam and later posted on July 20 by Korean fitness vlogger Fitvely, who has over 1.34 million subscribers on YouTube.

What happened: The video shows Fitvely and another car in front of him getting pulled over by two traffic officers, who ask for his license.

Soon after, the officer tells the vlogger that he committed a road violation and immediately demands 5,000 rupees (approximately $61) in cash. Fitvely then confuses 500 rupees (approximately $6) for 5,000, but the officer corrects him.

More from NextShark: Comedian gives a lesson in how not to be racist while dressing up as 'Squid Game' characters

Odd interaction: While Fitvely counts his cash in front of the officer, the traffic cop suddenly tells him to stop. Fitvely can then be heard addressing the camera in Korean, Hes going to take all my money. The vlogger hands over his cash to the officer, who then gives back 500 rupees and his license before leaving without issuing a receipt.

The aftermath: The viral incident, which already has over 150,000 views on Fitvely's YouTube channel, made headlines across India. Fitvely's encounter was also reported in South Korea.

More from NextShark: NYC career criminal sentenced to 12 years for striking Asian man with hammer

The officer was identified days later as Mahesh Chand. He was subsequently suspended for his actions in the viral video. Delhi Police reportedly announced in a tweet on Sunday that they have launched an inquiry into the matter.

Delhi Police has zero tolerance policy towards corruption, the Indian authorities added.

What the officer is saying: Chand reportedly defended himself against the corruption accusation by claiming that Fitvely left before he could give him his receipt.

Story continues

More from NextShark: Japanese man behind $2.9 million global romance scam arrested in Ghana

What people are saying: Several Indian Twitter users condemned the officer, with one user writing, That police officer is a con artist of top class. @DelhiPolice take a bow!! Nice tricks! That too with guests of the country, well done. Must be proud of this.

I request @DelhiPolice to make bodycams mandatory for all policemen so that every act of theirs is recorded daily. This will bring transparency also  to which public also has right. It will become a great tool for police administration to remove corruption, another user wrote.

More from NextShark: Identity of man who made anti-Asian remark, bumped into 62-year-old in Flushing sought by NYPD
The Republican presidential campaign of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is cutting more staff as it attempts to "streamline" operations, top aides confirmed to Fox News on Tuesday.

The layoffs, which total nearly 40 people from across the campaign, come as DeSantis and his top advisers aim to get the governor's GOP presidential nomination bid back on track two months after he declared his candidacy for the White House.

"Following a top-to-bottom review of our organization, we have taken additional, aggressive steps to streamline operations and put Ron DeSantis in the strongest position to win this primary and defeat Joe Biden," DeSantis campaign manager Generra Peck said in a statement.

Peck emphasized that "Gov. DeSantis is going to lead the Great American Comeback and were ready to hit the ground running as we head into an important month of the campaign."

CHECK OUT THE LATEST FOX NEWS POLL IN THE LEAD OFF STATE OF IOWA

The latest staffing cuts follow the departure earlier this month of two top DeSantis campaign advisers  Dave Abrams and Tucker Obenshain  who left to join a DeSantis-aligned non-profit group that's expected to aid the governor's 2024 effort.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The move, first reported by Politico, is also another signal that top officials are attempting to cut costs following concerns by leading donors over campaign spending.

WHERE TRUMP, DESANTIS, REST OF THE FIELD STAND IN LATEST POLL IN KEY PRIMARY STATE

The news comes two days after the campaign told top financial contributors that a "reset" was underway.

The officials acknowledged Sunday during a meeting with leading campaign donors and bundlers that they spent too much money in the two months since DeSantis launched his White House bid, sources with knowledge of the gathering confirmed to Fox News.

During the meeting at the upscale Stein Eriksen Lodge of the Deer Valley resort in Utah, DeSantis' campaign promised that more changes were ahead as the Florida governor aims to rebound from what has been characterized as a disappointing start to his campaign.

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Campaign officials, according to sources familiar with the meeting, acknowledged that money had been spent on unsuccessful operations and that Team DeSantis would run a leaner, "insurgent" type campaign going forward.

"Something needs to change and there needs to be a new ignition," a leading DeSantis donor told Fox News.

Former President Donald Trump reacts to crowd applause during a campaign event on July 1, 2023 in Pickens, South Carolina.

Former President Donald Trump, who remains the commanding front-runner in the GOP nomination race as he makes his third straight White House run, has expanded his large double-digit lead over DeSantis in numerous polls since DeSantis declared his candidacy. And the governor's advantage over the rest of the large field of 2024 Republican presidential candidates has shrunk since late spring.

Trump campaign senior adviser Jason Miller took to Twitter to take aim at the DeSantis campaign, writing "they fired the wrong staffers."

WHO'S IN AND WHO'S ON THE SIDELINES  YOUR GUIDE TO THE 2024 GOP PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION RACE

DeSantis raised an impressive $20.1 million during the first six weeks of his campaign. But nearly half  $8.2 million  came in the first 24 hours after DeSantis declared his candidacy.

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks with customers at the Red Arrow Diner in Manchester, New Hampshire, on May 19, 2023. The iconic diner has long been a must stop for actual or potential White House hopefuls.

And peeking past the top lines, only a small percentage of the cash DeSantis raised came from donors contributing less than $200, with much of his fundraising coming from top-dollar donors, some of whom have now maxed out and are prevented by Federal Election Commission rules from giving further contributions to the governor. Trump, by comparison, saw the lion's share of his fundraising come from small-dollar, grassroots donations.

DeSantis has also been burning through his campaign coffers at a quicker rate than Trump. The governors campaign spent $7.9 million in half the time that Trumps team shelled out $9.1 million.

Karoline Leavitt, spokeswoman for the pro-Trump super PAC Make America Great Again, charged that "Team DeSantis has lit tens of millions of dollars on fire. In return, DeSantis has seen a collapse in polling. The people left to suffer are a few dozen low and mid-level staffers."

So what's seemingly gone wrong for DeSantis?

"Maybe he hired too fast and too early," suggested David Kochel, a longtime Republican consultant and veteran of numerous GOP presidential campaigns in Iowa and nationally.

Florida's 44-year-old governor saw his popularity soar among conservatives across the country over the past three years due to his forceful pushback against coronavirus pandemic restrictions and his aggressive actions as a culture warrior going after media, corporations and teachers unions. And DeSantis won an overwhelming 19-point gubernatorial re-election victory last November, amid a cycle where the GOP suffered some high-profile setbacks at the ballot box.

"I think its pretty clear that coming out of the last campaign, with a lot of donor enthusiasm in particular, they probably got ahead of themselves," Kochel emphasized. "You need to be prepared for the downsides. You need to be prepared for the tough times and it feels like they may have built this thing too quickly."

Kochel suggested that "the net result is the burn rate is too high and people - and in particular donors - notice and youve got to get it back to a place where its sustainable. A smaller national campaign staff and a bigger state campaign staff is the answer. Thats what you need to focus on."

Another Republican consultant claimed that the DeSantis campaign erred in "trying to go too far to the right of Donald Trump."

And the consultant, who asked for anonymity in order to speak more freely, suggested that the DeSantis campaign wasnt prepared for the constant barrage of incoming fire from Trump, his campaign, and allies.

Veteran New Hampshire based political scientist Wayne Lesperance argued that "every mistake you can make out of the gate, the DeSantis campaign has made."

"The massive amounts that were spent on staffing and putting offices in place now look like it wasnt a very smart use of donor money," Lesperance, the president of New England College, emphasized. "The fact that youre announcing that youre restructuring your campaign at this moment tells me that you didnt manage it right the first time. Why should voters believe that you can manage it right the next time."

Lesperance also noted that "the stakes for him [DeSantis] were incredibly high the moment he set foot in New Hampshire and Iowa, and he really didnt have a big moment.In states like New Hampshire and Iowa that pride themselves on retail politics, Ron DeSantis has not figured out to make that connection with individual voters."

DeSantis in recent weeks has taken aim at what he calls the "corporate media" as hes been repeatedly asked about his campaigns performance, arguing that the medias focusing on him because they do not want him to win the nomination.

"The media does not want me to be the nominee," the governor charged. "I think that's very clear. Why? Because they know I'd beat [President] Biden, but even more importantly, they know I would actually deliver on all these things."

Kochel seemingly agreed, claiming that "the media just loves writing these stories that pronounce campaigns dead or alive. And the truth is its much more complicated than that."

And he added that "national narratives arent that important."

But Lesperance criticized the governors messaging, arguing that "when youre spending your time complaining about the media coverage, youve kind of already lost the narrative."

The DeSantis restricting and downsizing comes with just under six months to go until the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary lead off the GOP presidential nominating calendar, which offers the Florida governor time to rebound.

"They right the ship by right sizing the campaign, which appears to be happening in a couple of stages here. And by focusing on whats important  which is go out in these early states and run a good campaign and get their candidate in front of voters and have a tight message," Kochel suggested. "They raised a ton of money. Now they have to make sure that they preserve it until they get closer to game day."

"So double down on Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina and go run a great campaign in those states. Thats what matters," he highlighted.

DeSantis heads back to Iowa this week for three straight days of campaigning, followed directly by a three-day swing in New Hampshire.

Kochel noted that theres a history of campaigns surviving "these feeding frenzies over the years."

The most extreme example on the presidential level was the late Sen. John McCains second White House campaign, which was left for dead in the summer of 2007. But the Arizona Republican dramatically cut his staff and eventually rebounded enroute to winning the 2008 GOP presidential nomination.

Lesperance offered that DeSantis "knows policy and has a sharp perspective on that policy but he communicates sometimes more like a think tank person than a candidate. There just needs to be more of a connection with individual voters, more listening and reacting to what hes hearing."
(TDOT Smartway/AP)

The floundering campaign of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was on its way to scramble for more cash all over Tennessee when the journey came to an abrupt stop.

The motorcade transporting the governor and presidential candidate was involved in a crash on Tuesday morning, leaving one staffer with a minor injury. The governor was uninjured.

Heres everything we know so far:

This morning, the governor was in a car accident while traveling to an event in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He and his team are uninjured. We appreciate the prayers and well wishes of the nation for his continued protection while on the campaign trail, spokesperson Bryan Griffin said in a statement.

Mr DeSantis was set to attend fundraisers in Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Nashville on Tuesday as his campaign is reported to be struggling both in terms of funding and poll numbers.

Motorcade vehicles crashed into each other as traffic slowed

The crash took place on I-75 South close to the 2.8-mile marker, south of the 153 exit, according to News Channel 9.

Chattanooga Police told News Channel 9 that it was a minor crash and as traffic slowed down, four cars in the motorcade transporting Mr DeSantis collided with each other. Law enforcement said one of the staffers suffered a minor injury. Mr DeSantis and his staff continued their journey to the fundraisers.

Campaign has blown 40 per cent of donations

The incident and Mr DeSantiss string of fresh fundraisers come amid reports that he had blown 40 per cent of his campaign donations on private jets and fancy campaign dinners.

His campaign advisers took the rare (and sometimes fatal) step of acknowledging mismanagement of the Florida governors presidential bid this weekend, as reports revealed that he is burning through cash with little to show for it.

Top staff meet restless donors as campaign compared to Jeb Bush

The Florida governors top staff and advisers were in Utah on Sunday where, according to Politico, they appeared in front of dozens of restless campaign donors who have expressed concern about a return on their investments and the overall trajectory of Mr DeSantiss bid for the White House.

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The meeting comes as the DeSantis campaign is beginning to draw comparisons to the well-financed eventual flop that was the Jeb Bush 2016 campaign, the last bid by a Republican governor of Florida to win a GOP primary against Donald Trump.

Indeed, Mr DeSantis has earned some of those comparisons, given that he continues to trail far behind Mr Trump in all available polling and now sees other Republican candidates in a much better position to dethrone him than he is to usurp the former presidents mantle of the frontrunner.

Donations spent too freely

On Sunday, aides including campaign manager Generra Peck admitted that the governors bid was spending donations too freely, in particular faulting the event planning team which saw a number of firings this past week.

According to The New York Times, the DeSantis campaign has already spent 40 per cent of the donations it has raised directly in the first six weeks of his campaign  though that number does not count the war chest controlled by the Never Back Down PAC, the governors vehicle for outside spending.

Among the steeper expenditures which apparently led to the recent staff shakeup have included fancy retreats for donors and supporters.

DeSantis has spent virtually nothing on major television ad buys

The campaigns cash burn rate is notable given that Mr DeSantis has spent virtually nothing on major television ad buys, which are typically among the priciest (but still often necessary) investments a successful primary operation must make. The New York Times highlighted Mr DeSantiss propensity for flying to events via chartered private jets as another reason for the high spending.

But campaign officials gave little other information to donors on Sunday regarding what new strategies the governors team would employ, other than pledging to let Ron be Ron. They did express confidence in Ms Pecks leadership of the operation, according to Politico. On Monday, however, one of those changes was made public: the promotion of digital director Ethan Eilon to deputy campaign manager.

Campaign attempts to rebrand as insurgent bid

The important thing that everyone realized here is the first family has complete faith in Generra and the team, Florida-based conservative lobbyist Nick Iarossi, who attended the meeting, told Politico after it occurred.

The team is going to continue to evaluate the direction, be nimble, make changes as necessary, he said. But the team is solidly behind her, the donors are solidly behind her. And this insurgent campaign thats being run is going to allow us to be more efficient going forward.

Mr DeSantis continues to trail Mr Trump even in his home state of Florida  to say nothing of states like Iowa, where his campaign has made significant investments and worked hard to woo local leaders, like Republican Governor Kim Reynolds.

Campaign officials declined to comment on the spending rate of the governors presidential bid, giving the Times instead a snarky statement about Mr DeSantis not being the candidate of the media and political establishments.

The media and D.C. elites have already picked their candidates  Joe Biden and Donald Trump, Andrew Romeo told the newspaper. Ron DeSantis has never been the favorite or the darling of the establishment, and he has won because of it every time.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis campaign is firing 38 staffers, about one-third of its total roster, in an effort to cut back on spending as the Florida governors presidential bid stumbles. According to a report from Politico, which confirmed the layoffs with advisors from the campaign, the cuts to staff revealed today expand on a downsizing announced earlier in July and the sudden departures of senior advisors Dave Abrams and Tucker Obenshain.

The DeSantis campaign has floundered in recent months, and while the Florida governor remains in second place in the race for the 2024 nomination, DeSantis has had little to no success in closing his massive polling gap with frontrunner Donald Trump.

Earlier this month the campaign fired about a dozen of mid-level staffers when it realized it had burned through more than $7.9 million in the first weeks of the campaign. The operation had made a critical mistake in maxing out the legal amount of contributions from a majority of their major donors, and it was struggling to find a foothold among voters who could contribute small donations.

As previously reported by Rolling Stone, the DeSantis campaign has also struggled to land on a messaging strategy that actually appeals to voters. DeSantis has leaned hard into his pandemic-era policies as Floridas governor, hoping to differentiate himself from Trump. But according to various Republican operatives and campaign officials who spoke to Rolling Stone, polling shows and internal research shows most GOP voters are no longer motivated by Covid politics.

No one believes he actually believes any of the stuff about the vaccine, one GOP megadonor who had supported DeSantis against Trump said. If you talk to the noncrazy people hes got working for him, they dont believe it, either. Its politics.

And the politics arent adding up for the DeSantis campaign. With the Iowa caucus less than six months away, it seems the Florida governor is banking on a hard reset to get his team back into shape.

Story continues

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Click here to read the full article.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was involved in a multi-car accident on Tuesday in Tennessee but was uninjured as he traveled in a motorcade to a campaign stop for his 2024 presidential bid.

The chain reaction crash happened before 8:15 a.m. when traffic slowed on Interstate 75 in Chattanooga, causing four cars in the motorcade to hit one another, police said. All the vehicles involved in the crash were government vehicles taking DeSantis and his team to his scheduled event, police said.

The Republican White House hopeful was not hurt, according to Chattanooga police, Florida law enforcement protecting the governor and DeSantis campaign spokesperson Bryan Griffin. DeSantis continued on to the campaign event. A female staff member who suffered a minor injury in the crash was treated at the event, police said.

The governor's staff and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's agents, who are required by Florida law to provide security for the governor and his immediate family, "all have been cleared with no significant injuries, department spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger said. One of the departments agents was driving the governors vehicle, she said.

Representatives for DeSantis campaign did not offer more details about the accident. A spokesperson for the Florida governors office deferred questions about the accident to the campaign.

DeSantis was scheduled to hold events throughout central and eastern Tennessee as he prioritizes Super Tuesday states in his campaigning. Super Tuesday, held on March 5 next year, is when the largest number of delegates are up for grabs of any day in the primary cycle.

Earlier this month, DeSantis addressed more than 1,800 attendees at a state GOP dinner in Nashville.

The Florida governor, who has trailed front-runner Donald Trump in the GOP presidential contest, was expected to be at a fundraiser at a private home in Chattanooga on Tuesday. Hosts for the fundraiser were to pay $10,000 per couple for the event, while co-hosts were paying $5,000 and other attendees were paying $2,000 each, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

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DeSantis was expected to attend additional fundraisers on Tuesday in Knoxville and Franklin.

The Republican candidate has been attending a string of fundraisers lately as his campaign has faced some surprising financial pressures. He was in Utah over the weekend holding fundraisers and in New York last week for an event in the Hamptons.

Just two months after entering the race, DeSantis already has been cutting staff while facing new questions about his aggressive spending, his media strategy and his apparent willingness to brawl with any and all foes except for Trump, the one person he must defeat to claim the GOPs 2024 presidential nomination.

The DeSantis campaign is recalibrating. Its clear it needs to, said Republican strategist Terry Sullivan, who managed Marco Rubios 2016 presidential campaign. But at the end of the day, theyre still better positioned than any other challenger to Donald Trump, times 10.

DeSantis team has quietly expressed confidence for months that voters would eventually tire of Trumps escalating legal troubles and personal baggage. But that baggage, playing out in the U.S. legal system just as the GOP primary intensifies, is leaving precious little oxygen for his rivals to break through. And Trumps standing with Republican primary voters seems to be growing stronger with every new legal challenge.

Still, DeSantis team has raised a stunning $150 million for his presidential ambitions so far. The vast majority, $130 million, has gone to a super PAC run by allies who cannot legally coordinate with the campaign.

The DeSantis campaign itself raised more than $20 million in the first six weeks he was in the race, though recently released federal filings revealed that he and his team had burned through more than $8 million in a spending spree that included more than 100 paid staffers, a large security detail and luxury travel.

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This story has been corrected to show DeSantis was in Nashville earlier this month, not last week.

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Price reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Meg Kinnard in Houston, Brendan Farrington in Tallahassee, Fla., and Adriana Gomez Licon in Miami contributed to this report.

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Follow the AP's coverage of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at https://apnews.com/hub/ron-desantis.
FIRST ON FOX: It was an Iowa invitation that nearly all the GOP presidential candidates found hard to turn down.

Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds invited the entire field of more than a dozen Republican White House hopefuls to join her for "Fair Side Chats" next month at the Iowa State Fair.

Nearly everyone accepted the invitation to take part in the one-on-one interviews in the state that leads off the Republican presidential nominating calendar.

In an announcement shared first with Fox News on Tuesday, Reynolds unveiled her schedule for the "Fair Side Chats," which includes Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former ambassador and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, former Vice President Mike Pence, and entrepreneur and political commentator Vivek Ramaswamy.

HOW THIS ONETIME BATTLEGROUND STATE IN AMERICA'S HEARTLAND TURNED BRIGHT RED

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks to guests before signing into law a bill that will ban most abortions after around six weeks of pregnancy during a visit to the Family Leadership Summit on July 14, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa.

However, not on the list of attendees is former President Trump, who is the commanding front-runner in the latest GOP presidential nominations polls in Iowa, other early voting states and in national surveys, as he makes his third straight White House run.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Reynolds said the interviews will provide fairgoers "a unique opportunity to learn more about the candidates themselves as well as their policy priorities."

CHECK OUT THE LATEST FOX NEWS POLL IN THE LEAD OFF STATE OF IOWA

"I am so proud that I get to have the opportunity to introduce these candidates to Iowans at an event so near and dear to my heart," Reynolds added in a statement. "The Iowa State Fair showcases the best of Iowa  from our people to our culture and wonderful agriculture industry  and its the perfect venue for a conversation with the candidates."

The Iowa Caucuses display at the State Historical Museum of Iowa, on Jan. 15, 2020.

The Iowa State Fair  held annually in August at the state fairgrounds in Des Moines  has been a must-stop for decades for presidential contenders of both major political parties in the year ahead of the nominating contests.

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Reynolds' interviews will take place at JR's South Pork Ranch at the fairgrounds.

Former nationally syndicated radio host and 2021 California recall election gubernatorial candidate Larry Edler is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. CT on Thursday, Aug. 10, the first day of the state fair.

The next day  Friday, Aug. 11  North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (8:30 a.m. CT), Pence (9:30 a.m. CT), and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez (10:30 a.m. CT) will join Reynolds.

WHO'S IN AND WHO'S ON THE SIDELINES  YOUR GUIDE TO THE 2024 GOP PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION RACE

Ramaswamy (8:30 a.m. CT), Haley (9:30 a.m. CT), and DeSantis (10:30 a.m. CT) are scheduled to team up with Reynolds on Saturday, Aug. 12.

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (8:30 a.m. CT), Texas based businessman and pastor Ryan Binkley (9:30 a.m. CT) and Scott (10:30 a.m. CT) are scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 15.

Michigan businessman and 2022 gubernatorial candidate Perry Johnson (9:30 a.m. CT) and one-time CIA spy and former Texas Rep. Will Hurd (10:30 a.m. CT) will join the governor on Friday, Aug. 18.

Former President Trump greets supporters accompanied by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds during a campaign rally, in Davenport, Iowa, March 13, 2023.

Two weeks ago, Trump criticized Reynolds  a popular two-term governor  for staying neutral in the race for the GOP presidential nomination race.

"I opened up the Governor position for Kim Reynolds, & when she fell behind, I ENDORSED her, did big Rallies, & she won. Now, she wants to remain NEUTRAL. I dont invite her to events! DeSanctus down 45 points!" the former president wrote on Truth Social.

In 2017, Trump nominated longtime Republican Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad as U.S. ambassador to China. Reynolds  who was lieutenant governor at the time  succeeded Branstad as governor. Trump endorsed Reynolds ahead of her narrow election in 2018 to a full term in office. Reynolds was easily re-elected by 19 points last year.

Reynolds' pledge to stay neutral in the presidential nomination race is in line with previous Iowa governors. Iowa's all-Republican congressional delegation is also staying neutral as the large field of 2024 presidential contenders descends on their state.

The governor joined Trump in March in Davenport, as the former president made his first stop in Iowa as a 2024 candidate. Reynolds did not join Trump when he returned to the state in early June and again earlier this month.

Trump took plenty of incoming fire for his criticism of Reynolds, and a Republican state senator who had endorsed the former president switched his support to DeSantis due to the incident.

Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung told Fox News on Tuesday that "President Trump looks forward to interacting with tens of thousands of Iowans at the fair in an open and unfiltered setting."

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who is making his second bid for the GOP nomination, is also not joining Reynolds.

Christie is concentrating his campaign on New Hampshire, which holds the first primary in the GOP calendar and the second contest overall following Iowa, and South Carolina, which votes third.

"New Hampshire and South Carolina will be our main focus. And thats what weve intended right from the beginning. Youll see thats what our travel reflects," Christie told Fox News on Monday. "Im sure well go to Iowa at some point, probably for a debate. But Im going to spend my time here in New Hampshire and down in South Carolina."
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was involved in a car accident on Tuesday morning while traveling to a fundraising event in Chattanooga, Tenn., a spokesperson for his campaign said.

A spokesperson for DeSantis did not immediately respond to the Miami Heralds questions about the severity of the accident, which was first reported by Fox News. His campaign Press Secretary Bryan Griffin said in a statement that the governor and his team werent injured in the accident.

This morning, the governor was in a car accident while traveling to an event in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Griffin said. He and his team are uninjured. We appreciate the prayers and well wishes of the nation for his continued protection while on the campaign trail.

DeSantis is set to attend fundraisers in Chattanooga, Knoxville and Franklin, Tenn. on Tuesday before heading to Iowa on Thursday to help kick off a bus tour for Never Back Down, the main super PAC backing his presidential bid.

Kevin West, a spokesperson for the Chattanooga Police Department, said the accident occurred at about 8:15 a.m. on I-75 South and involved four vehicles in the governors motorcade.

The driver of the lead vehicle in the motorcade applied the brakes quickly as traffic slowed down, causing the three vehicles behind it to rear-end one another, West said. All the cars involved in the accident were government vehicles, he said.

One female staffer suffered a minor injury in the collision, but wasnt taken to a hospital for treatment and continued on to the fundraising event. West said he wasnt aware of whether police issued a citation.

This story is developing and will be updated.
Seattle police are looking for a gunman, who killed a man in West Seattle Sunday night.

Officers said they first responded to Delridge Way Southwest for reports of shots fired around 11 p.m. but didnt find any victims.

Shortly after, they responded to a crash on the West Seattle Bridge. The 26-year-old driver had multiple gunshot wounds.

Officers said they treated him until the fire department could get him to the hospital but he died Monday morning.

If you have any information, call the Seattle Police Department Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones refused to make a public comment about the contract dispute between the team and All-Pro guard Zack Martin.

Im just not gonna discuss anything about any player, any of our players agreements, Jones said on Tuesday at a press confernce prior to the start of the Cowboys training camp. We certainly have great communication with frankly everybody, and so not necessarily any surprises at all.

Cowboys offensive lineman Zack Martin threatened to hold out over unhappiness with his contract and was not on Mondays team-chartered flight to Oxnard, Calif., for training camp.

Martins contract was signed in 2018 and the All-Pro guard is underpaid relative to the other top players at the guard position.

Jones would not say whether he expected Martin to show up to training camp.

As we start camp today, and where we are, there is nothing to concern me about anything were doing with contractual situations, said Jones.

Martin will be fined $50,000 per day for training camp absences.
Though I made it through the hike, my uncomfortable backpack rode up my waist the entire time Cassandra Brooklyn

I knew after only a few miles of my 96-mile hike in Scotland that I didn't do a good job packing.

I couldn't believe I forgot to bring basic items like a water bladder, blister pads, and knee brace.

I've hiked thousands of miles, yet there were certain things I hadn't considered I'd need until now.

I'm no contender for summiting Everest, but I've done quite a bit of hiking in my day, both as a solo hiker and as part of guided group hikes.

From four-hour forested waterfall hikes in Madeira, Portugal, to four-day jungle treks through Colombia's northern mountains, I've experimented with loads of backpacking gear. Last month, I joined a guided "wilderness walk" along the 96-mile West Highland Way in the Scottish Highlands, and I immediately learned that my backpack (and its contents) were not up to the task.

Here are essential items I wish I'd packed.

I wish I'd had a more comfortable backpack

I have an excellent 55-liter Osprey backpacking backpack that I left at home because it was much larger than I needed for this hike. I wound up bringing a new 26-liter backpack (not made by my beloved Osprey), and the waist strap kept riding up my back, causing lower back pain.

The sternum strap also kept riding all the way up to my chin, which was annoying and uncomfortable. Never again will I bring a backpack I haven't used extensively and know that I love.

A waterproof backpack cover would've come in handy

Another hiker's rain cover is so light that she just leaves it on all day Cassandra Brooklyn

My guide with Wilderness Scotland, Tim Willis, has two decades of mountain guiding experience under his belt and the first thing he said to me was that "just because something is 'waterproof' doesn't mean it's Scotland waterproof."

Noted. Although a backpack (or jacket, pants, or boots, for that matter) may claim to be waterproof, they might only be able to withstand moderate rain for a couple of hours. However, they may not withstand eight hours of heavy rain and wind that is whipping the water into nooks and crannies not designed to keep water out.

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Because I thought my backpack was waterproof, I didn't bring a rain cover. Fortunately, another hiker had an extra waterproof backpack cover that I borrowed.

A water bladder could've saved me time and effort

Another hiker's water bladder (tube wrapped around her chest) is much easier to access than my water bottles were. Cassandra Brooklyn

I usually hike with water bottles that I stash in the side pockets of my backpack and grab whenever I get thirsty. I've never had an issue with this strategy, but on day one of the seven-day hike, I immediately wished I had brought a water bladder (also known as a hydration sleeve).

Water bladders distribute the weight evenly along the backpack's center, versus having lopsided bottle weight on the sides. Because nearly everyone else on the hike could just sip from their bladder's tube while hiking, I felt like a jerk asking people to stop and wait for me to grab my bottle.

Although I can normally grab and drink from bottles fairly easily and quickly, because it rained so much, I often had my backpack enveloped in a rain cover. As such, I had to swing my backpack around and pull off the side of the rain cover before I could even access the bottle.

On a single-day hike, this isn't a big deal, but on seven consecutive days of long hikes, it proved annoying.

Next time, I'm packing better blister pads

I keep a handful of thin blister pads in my toiletries bag because you never know when you'll get a blister. But when you're hiking 14 to 16 miles per day, thin blister pads just don't cut it.

Fortunately, the thickest and most effective blister pads I've ever tried in my life, made by Compede, are readily available in Scotland, so I picked up a few packs at a small store we stopped in during the hike.

I was lucky to find the blister pads in stock but, next time, I'm bringing my own stash.

Zip-up waterproof pants would've been more convenient

Because my waterproof pants required me to take off my boots to get them on and off, I wound up wearing them even when it wasn't raining. Cassandra Brooklyn

I was wise enough to pack a pair of waterproof Arc'teryx pants that I love because they're comfy and they don't look like the garbage bags that most waterproof pants resemble. The waterproofs I brought go on like traditional pants and can be worn on their own or slipped over hiking tights or trousers.

I quickly learned, however, that I should have brought a style that zipped all the way up to my knees or thighs so that I could pull them on and off without having to remove my boots. Because the weather in Scotland changes frequently and rapidly, there were many times when we'd get a 15-minute downpour followed by several hours of sunshine.

Because I didn't want to slow down the entire group by sitting down and removing my boots to put my waterproofs on (or get my socks soaked in the process), I wound up putting the pants on over my leggings when getting dressed several mornings. Doing so kept me dry, but it also caused me to be much hotter than necessary during the many dry and sunny sections of the hike.

I should've brought a knee brace

I've never hiked with a knee brace, which makes no sense because I often get slight knee pain when hiking down steep hills. The knee pain I've experienced on one- or two-day hikes has been minimal and tolerable, but it became significant during seven days of steep hills along the West Highland Way.

Luckily, a few days into the hike, my guide let me borrow an extra knee brace he had brought (I love you, Tim!).

Travel ice packs would've been great

Another hiker and I put our legs up the wall to improve circulation and decrease foot swelling during a lunch break Cassandra Brooklyn

Because my knees were bothering me so much, I requested ice from the bars and restaurants in our hotels every night.

Without a bag to contain the ice cubes, I wound up stuffing them into a hiking buff or towel and holding the ends tightly so the cubes wouldn't fall out. It worked, but a proper ice pack would be a much better solution.

Most hikers brought a midge net

This part of Scotland may not have man-eating animals or loads of poisonous snakes, but it does have midges, tiny annoying bugs that swarm and can make your life a living hell.

Although the rain and wind kept the midges mostly away on my hike, I know that if and when I return to hike in Scotland (with Tim, of course!), I will definitely be bringing a midge net like many of my fellow hikers did.

Read the original article on Insider
In Kansas City, where residents live in a metro area divided by the Missouri-Kansas state line, drivers frequently commute from one state to the other for work and may even buy a car in a state other than the one they live in.

In navigating the different state laws governing vehicle registration, one question often comes up: Do you need a license plate on the front and back of the car, or just one license plate?

The answer depends on which state you register the car in.

One license plate needed in Kansas

In Kansas, a driver only needs one license plate, which goes on the rear of the car, according to the Kansas Department of Motor Vehicles.

Car owners will only receive one license plate when they register their car in Kansas. This applies to any kind of vehicle that needs to be registered with the Kansas DMV, according to Kansas state statute.

Two license plates needed in Missouri  with some exceptions

In Missouri, most vehicle registrations require two license plates on the front and rear of the vehicle, according to state law.

There are a few exceptions to the rule. Cars with a historic value stored as a collectors item, motorcycles and commercial vehicles that are 18,000 pounds or more only need one plate.

When drivers register their car in Missouri, they will receive both the front and back plates.

The cost of registration varies depending on the type of vehicle.

In Kansas City, if a driver is caught without a license plate in the front of their car they can be fined up to $96 for each ticket, said Benita Jones, Kansas City Municipal Court spokesperson.

This applies only to cars registered in Missouri.

If a Kansas driver is passing through Missouri, they dont need to worry. Kansas City police wont pull over Kansas drivers for only having one license plate, said Kansas City Police Officer Corey Carlisle.

Rear license plates are required in all 50 states, but front license plates are only required in 30 states and Washington D.C., according to Insurance.com, a site that allows people to compare insurance quotes.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is proposing a new rule aimed at improving access to state and local public services online for people with disabilities, the White House announced Tuesday.

The proposed rule would establish technical standards  like captioning videos, adding text descriptions to images and making navigation more accessible  for state and local governments web and mobile app-based services, like voter registration, tax filing and registering for vaccines.

As so many services have gone online in recent years, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, it is now more important than ever to ensure that there are clear standards for what state and local governments must do to make their online programs, services and activities accessible to people with disabilities, said Vanita Gupta, associate attorney general, on a call with reporters.

This issue affects the ability of disabled people to access court websites, public library services, information about police services, public school materials, voter registration information, public hospital services, parking apps, public transit schedules, public benefits information and so much more, Gupta said.

The White House said the standards in the proposed rule would help states and localities understand and meet their obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)  and would improve online access to state and local services for nearly 50 million Americans with hearing, vision, manual dexterity and cognitive disabilities.

The DOJ has sent a notice of proposed rulemaking under Title 2 of the ADA to the Federal Register, and the rule will be up for a window of public comment, Gupta said. The text of the proposed rule is not yet available.

The proposal comes as the administration marks the 33rd anniversary of the ADA, which bans discrimination against people with disabilities across employment, government services, schools, public accommodations, telecommunications and transportation.

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President Biden said in a proclamation on the anniversary that the ADA has had a profound impact in the last three decades, but we still have much more work to do to protect disability rights.

Disabled Americans are still three times less likely to have a job; and when they do, they often earn less for doing the same work. Voting locations, transit, and public spaces are too often inaccessible. And we need to continue building a culture that not only protects disability rights but also celebrates disability pride, Biden said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The new litmus test in the race for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination is over the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol and former President Donald Trumps unprecedented efforts to overturn an election he lost.

With federal prosecutors possibly bringing charges against Trump in connection to the insurrection any day now, many of the top candidates seeking to stop him from becoming their partys presidential nominee have argued that he should get a pass for inciting hundreds of his supporters to storm and trash one of the most recognized symbols of democratic government in the world.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Trumps leading rival, said last week that the former president should have responded more forcefully when the supporters he told to march on the Capitol broke inside the building. But he said that didnt rise to the level of a criminal indictment.

I hope he doesnt get charged. I dont think itll be good for the country, DeSantis said of Trump, who ignored pleas from his advisers and even his own daughter to tell his supporters to leave the Capitol.

Former Vice President Mike Pence, who has blamed Trump for putting his and his familys life in danger during the attack, echoed the sentiment.

While his words were reckless, based on what I know, I am not yet convinced that they were criminal, Pence said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union.

The former vice president was repeatedly criticized by Trump for refusing to try to prevent Congress from certifying Joe Bidens win in the 2020 election. Trumps supporters built a make-shift gallows outside the Capitol during the riot and chanted Hang Mike Pence.

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under Trump, meanwhile, said Monday on CNBC she would support Trump if he becomes the GOP nominee in 2024. Haley has called Trumps legal woes a distraction, arguing that it would hurt his chances in a general election campaign, but she, too, has sided with Trump and other Republicans against the Department of Justice bringing charges.

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Sen. Tim Scott, the other South Carolinian in the race, who was also present in the Capitol during the Jan. 6 attack, said last week that he would only hold responsible the very people who threatened my life, and the former president did not threaten my life.

But Trump did have a role in the attack. Nearly 200 of the people who broke into the Capitol on Jan. 6 have directly claimed they were responding to calls by Trump to help keep him in the White House, according to one analysis by a government watchdog group.

If Trump is charged by the Department of Justice, it would be the third time this year he has been indicted. The former president is also facing charges related to a hush-money case in New York and his handling of classified documents after leaving office. Prosecutors in Georgia  where Trump pressed local officials to overturn election results  are eyeing their own charges against him, and he is facing another trial over defamation against writer E. Jean Carroll next year.

But none of those developments have shaken Trumps hold on the GOP primary electorate. In fact, they seem to have boosted his standing. The former president continues to hold large leads in polls of the 2024 race, a dynamic that is reflected in his rivals reluctance to criticize him even over an attempted overthrow of democracy.

The only candidates in the race who have sharply criticized Trump over Jan. 6, 2021, and called his conduct disqualifying are former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. But both men are polling in low single digits near the bottom of the field.

While Donald Trump would like the American people to believe that he is the victim in this situation, the truth is that the real victims of Jan. 6 were our democracy, our rule of law, and those Capitol Police officers who worked valiantly to protect our Capitol, Hutchinson said earlier this month.

Christie has repeatedly ripped Trump as well as other candidates like DeSantis and Scott for refusing to call out the former president.

When you say the presidents not responsible for Jan. 6, I cant not say something about that, its ridiculous, and Tims better than that, Christie said of Scott on Monday in New Hampshire.

It is disgraceful what [Trump] did that day. And it is disappointing that Tim Scott said what he said, he added.
Wagner troops

The Minister for National Defence of Lithuania, Arvydas Anusauskas, has called on European politicians "not to dance to the [tune of] disinformation" of dictators Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko amid the latest threat to attack Poland.

"Let's stop dancing to the disinformation claims of Pu (Russian dictator Vladimir Putin) and Lu (Belarusian self-proclaimed president Alexander Lukashenko). The capabilities and firepower of the Lithuanian army has changed a lot in the past year, not to mention our allies' armies," he wrote on Facebook on July 24.

Read also: They stress me out  Lukashenko complains to Putin about Wagners wishes to march on Warsaw

Anusauskas said that Lithuania is able to simultaneously eliminate several hundreds of armored and unarmored targets, including tanks.

"Finally, let us not forget that we are integrated in the entire NATO defense system," he said.

Anusauskas said the dictators should "be scared of their own shadow" and not underestimate the power of the Lithuanian army which will gain additional capabilities soon, including HIMARS, NASAMS, and electronic warfare tools.

During a recent meeting with Putin, Lukashenko said that Wagner Group mercenaries stressed him out because they allegedly want to attack Poland.

Read also: Ukraine intel says Polish military would 'quickly' deal with any Wagner advance - intel agency

Wagnerites in Belarus: What is Known

Russian mercenary company Wagners leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, announced the beginning of an armed conflict with the Russian Defense Ministry on the evening of June 23, claiming that he wanted to restore justice in Russia.

The one-day munity was halted after negotiations between Lukashenko and Prigozhin.

Putin presented the Wagner troops with three options, one of which involved their deployment to Belarus.

Read also: Wagner mercenaries continue to receive salaries  report

Shortly after, reports emerged of camp constructions in Belarus intended to accommodate the Wagner fighters. Satellite images of a potential private military contractor field camp were subsequently released. While Lukashenko denied the existence of any camps specifically for the Wagner troops, he mentioned that they would be provided with accommodation if necessary.

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According to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, Belarus has the capacity to host approximately 8,000 Wagner PMC mercenaries. However, Ukrainian intelligence cautioned against premature conclusions regarding the transfer of Wagner fighters to Belarus.

Later, information surfaced suggesting that the Wagner fighters in Belarus would be involved in training Belarusian nationals for combat. This statement was supported by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, and on July 12, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus confirmed negotiations regarding the training of Belarusian special forces.

Meanwhile, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine announced on July 14 that Russia had withdrawn nearly all of its military personnel from Belarus.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Partisan culture wars are boiling over on House spending bills touching on even the most mundane agencies  complicating Congress efforts to keep the government operating past September.

Republican policy riders seeking to limit diversity efforts, drag shows, Pride flag displays and promotion of critical race theory are rife throughout the Houses dozen proposed annual spending bills, including those that would fund the national parks, pay for roads or maintain U.S. embassies abroad.

The cascade of social issues turning up in the must-pass bills is noteworthy for how its pervaded this years appropriations process  and for how the GOP concerns have spread far beyond top-tier conservative causes such as limiting abortions and gender-affirming care.

And liberal groups are keeping score: Of the 12 bills moving through the House appropriations process in recent months, policy riders targeting agency diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives have appeared in 11, according to tracking from Human Rights Campaign. Language seeking to ban discrimination against people who do not believe in gay marriage appeared in 10. Eight sought to block funding for Pride flags and gender inclusive care. Three took aim at drag shows.



The bill that would fund the Interior Department, including the national parks, would prohibit spending on eco-grief counseling and critical race theory, and would prohibit any non-official flags from flying over the departments buildings  a response to GOP complaints about Pride flags.

The Interior bill would also zero out funding for the Smithsonians planned National Museum of the American Latino, after Republicans said a precursor exhibit promoted socialism and portrayed Hispanics as victims. But Republicans said theyre open to dropping that language if the Smithsonian addresses their concerns. Democratic efforts to strip that provision from the bill failed.

Most of the policy riders face slim-to-none odds in the Democratic-controlled Senate, but they complicate efforts to meet Congress Sept. 30 deadline to keep the government funded during the next fiscal year. House GOP leaders also face challenges in their own chamber in finding the votes needed for their spending bills, a week after the same kinds of social and cultural disputes threatened to derail the annual defense policy bill.

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In addition to the culture war riders, the spending bills on the House side would make steep cuts across the board. The Senate, on the other hand, is advancing largely bipartisan bills that include tens of billions of additional emergency dollars.

The push on social issues is an unusual turn for the House Appropriations Committee, which has historically dodged the brunt of the partisan battles raging elsewhere on Capitol Hill. But Democrats on the committee say thats changed this year.



We just are continuing to spiral downward with more and more partisan rancor, said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), an 18-year veteran of the committee, during a markup of the transportation, housing and urban development spending bill last week.

Republicans have maintained that theyre only responding to Democrats efforts to use government power to move the country to the left.

During the transportation markup  which went into recess three times over an emotionally charged, hourslong debate of an amendment that would strip funding from three LGBTQ organizations  Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) was blunt about the impact of the Republicans culture push.

They always say there are Democrats, Republicans and appropriators, and now we have to say there are Democrats, Republicans, appropriators  and unfortunately, a bigger umbrella called bigots, he said. He added that the committee was above this and that he hoped it would not be permanently damaged by this action.

Committee Republican Ryan Zinke of Montana said the amendment has nothing to do with discrimination over a class of citizens or people or race but rather with an ideology and whether or not the taxpayers should have to pay for it.

To suggest its anything else, he said, is simply a political theater.

Appropriations should be appropriate, Zinke added.

The committee ultimately approved the amendment along party lines.

Pocan also denounced a provision in the State Departments funding bill that would ban spending on Pride flags and drag queen workshops, performances, or documentaries. At a June markup, he noted that the cost of Pride flags is negligible and accused Appropriations Republicans of micromanaging the budget to please people whove built a brand around hate.



Lets just be honest among friends that this isnt for appropriations purposes, Pocan said.

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), who chairs the subcommittee overseeing State Department funding, said Republicans are refocusing this bill.

If anybody thinks that U.S. taxpayer dollars going for things like drag shows around the world help our national security interests, thank God you have the right to believe so, he said. But that kind of funding harms public support for programs that forward our national security interests around the globe, he argued.

Democrats have accused Speaker Kevin McCarthy of allowing the appropriations process to fall victim to demands from hard-right lawmakers who typically vote against spending bills anyway, such as members of the Freedom Caucus.

Is there no limit on how low you will go to break the faith and trust which this committee is supposed to operate, all to placate the whims of some who, I might add, in looking historically do not ever vote for appropriations bills? asked the Appropriations Committees top Democrat, Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, during the transportation markup. You are negotiating with terrorists.

Republicans called for DeLauros comments to be stricken, and after a recess, she requested to withdraw the offending words.

Caitlin Emma, Jennifer Scholtes, Ben Lefebvre and Alex Guillen contributed to this report.
In a high-stakes traffic stop on July 21, the Glynn County Police Department made a significant arrest, recovering a stolen vehicle, confiscating illegal firearms, and seizing illegal drugs.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

The incident, which occurred near New Jessup Highway and Interstate 95, involved the apprehension of 32-year-old Malcom Davis, a convicted felon from Savannah, Georgia.

The routine traffic stop was carried out by GCPD officers from the Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (H.E.A.T.) team, in conjunction with GCPD Uniform Patrol officers.

During the stop, they discovered that Davis was driving with a suspended license. The vehicle he was operating turned out to be reported stolen from Savannah and was sporting a stolen license plate from another vehicle.

A subsequent search of the stolen vehicle uncovered 3.43 grams of cocaine and two loaded firearms: a .380 LCP Ruger pistol and a .22 Lifecard folding pistol, described as a functional single-shot pistol smaller than a deck of cards.

The gravity of the situation escalated when it was revealed that Malcom Davis was a convicted felon, further amplifying the seriousness of the charges against him.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

As a result of this operation, Davis now faces an array of charges, including:

Felony Theft by Receiving Stolen Property for the stolen Ford F250

Felony Possession of Schedule II (Crack Cocaine) Controlled Substance

Felony Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.

Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Misdemeanor Theft by Receiving Stolen Property for the license plate.

Misdemeanor Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License.

Without wasting any time, Malcom Davis was taken into custody and transported to the Glynn County Detention Center, where he remains pending further legal action.

Chief of Police Scott M. Ebner expressed his appreciation for the hard work and dedication displayed by the officers involved in this crucial arrest.

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Cars queue for the drive-thru at the recently opened Jack in the Box on State Street in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

The Salt Lake City Council, with the goal of enhancing the walkability of Sugar House, is considering an ordinance that would prohibit new drive-thru facilities in the neighborhood.

I think this is great. I think here are parts of our community where drive-thrus make sense, and Sugar House is not one of them anymore, said Council Chairman Darin Mano during a recent meeting.

Sugar House is, in a lot of ways, becoming a model walkable, transit-connected community, Mano said.

The proposed change would apply only to Sugar House, although other areas of the city are feeling the impacts of drive-thrus that, while convenient and arguably lifelines during the pandemic, congest traffic, discourage walking and contribute to air pollution while cars idle in queues.

An oft-cited example of such congestion has been the Chick-Fil-A along 2100 South in the heart of the Sugar House district, although the fast-food restaurant has taken steps to relieve the bottleneck.

Recently, the return of Jack in the Box to Salt Lake City snarled traffic along 2100 South, when the California-based fast food chain opened an outlet at 61 E. 2100 South. Some early reports said lines 60 cars long congested the already busy intersection. Similar issues occurred in South Jordan and elsewhere when Raising Canes opened in the state.

Cars queue for the drive-thru at the recently opened Jack in the Box on State Street in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

The Salt Lake City Council could vote on the Sugar House proposal as soon as Aug. 15, following a public hearing at 7 p.m. in the council chambers on Aug. 8. If the council approves the proposal, it will join a number of cities reconsidering this land use, which came of age in car-crazy California in the 1950s, according to the Smithsonians National Museum of American History. By the 1970s, drive-thru windows had a firm toehold nationwide.

Several cities across the country have already imposed prohibitions on new drive-thru facilities. Minneapolis; Fair Haven, New Jersey; and Orchard Park have banned new drive-thrus in recent years. In 2019, Long Beach, California, passed temporary moratoriums blocking new developments, according to CNN.

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Next month, the Atlanta City Council will consider a ban in the citys BeltLine area, 22 miles of unused railroad tracks that circle the core of its in-town neighborhoods.

While many argue that drive-thru establishments, whether fast-food restaurants, pharmacies, dry cleaners or coffee shops, are convenient, University of Utah research points to the hyperlocal health risks to workers posed by idling motor vehicles.

People wait in line for COVID-19 tests at City Hall in Herriman on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

The study was conducted following reports of wait times of up to four hours at drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites in early January 2022.

The study quantified PM2.5 concentrations at three COVID-19 testing sites and compared them against nearby regulatory air quality sensors. PM2.5 describes fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller, according to the EPA.

While the COVID-19 testing sites were generally farther away from large pollution sources than the regulatory sensors, and generally had lower PM2.5 concentrations, on testing days during atmospheric inversion periods, the PM2.5 readings were comparable on testing days during atmospheric inversion periods.

Our findings suggest that traffic-related emissions, from both idling and added traffic to and within the COVID-19 testing sites are the cause of the observed increased PM2.5 concentrations. The impact of stagnating pollution from hyperlocal sources is a concern, particularly for staff working at high-traffic facilities, including drive-throughs, according to findings.

While this study focused on drive-through COVID-19 testing sites, the amount of drive-through facilities, including food establishments, banks, and pharmacies, among others, is non-trivial and this number has increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As important as it is to focus on ambient air quality impacts, the health of the workers staffing these facilities must be taken into consideration as well, the study states.

The studys lead author, Daniel Mendoza, research assistant professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Utah, said while people tend to blame poor air quality on industry, in neighborhoods far from major roadways or other emitting sources, individuals activities contribute to local air pollution whether they are idling their car in a drive-thru line to purchase fast food or using a gasoline-powered lawn mower or leaf blower to tidy up their yard.

These are things that we dont often talk about. Its a lot easier to point the finger and then say, Oh, industry did this, or the perfect target recently has been the Inland Port. ... But the reality is, if you live far away enough, and you dont live next to one of these large facilities, well, most likely, youre a substantial contributor to your local air pollution, he said.

Even though the proposed Sugar House ordinance was proposed over concerns with congestion conflicting with promoting a walkable community, Mendoza said other benefits are curbing traffic congestion, which contributes to air pollution, and enhancing safety.

When traffic backs up, motorists tend to wend through busy streets, which can pose risks to pedestrians and bicyclists especially during rush hour, which of course coincides with dining hours. That tends to be something that we try to look at in terms of not just the air pollution side, but also the safety side, he said.
A driver behind the wheel of a Jeep died last week on a road east of Lancaster, South Carolina, police told Channel 9.

The Lancaster Police Department said the crash happened around noon last Thursday on Rocky River Road. Officers arrived and found the driver ejected from the Jeep. Police said the driver went off the right side of the roadway, overcorrected and then flipped on the left side of the road.

SEE MORE: Former Lancaster officer sued over alleged civil rights violation after previous complaints

The driver died at a hospital in Columbia, South Carolina. The Lancaster Country Coroners Office identified the victim as 48-year-old Timothy Ryan Cox of Monroe.

According to Lancaster PD, the driver wasnt wearing a seat belt.

No other cars were involved in the crash, police said.

(WATCH: 2 hurt after plane crashes at Boy Scout camp in Stanly County)
MH17

A Dutch judge who sought to influence the investigation into the destruction of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 has resigned, Dutch media reported on July 25.

Charlotte van Rijnberks resignation was confirmed by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, where she worked as an adviser.

Van Rijnberk was reprimanded by the Dutch Supreme Court earlier this month for trying to bring her brother's conspiracy theories regarding the disaster to the attention of judges presiding over the case.

Her brother, writing under the pen name of Lodewijk van Maaseik wrote a book titled A False Flag Terror Attack, which falsely claimed that flight MH17 was not shot down by a Russian missile. Van Rijnberk distributed her brother's book to judges and prosecutors involved in the case.

Read also: Putin okayed delivery of Buk system that downed MH17 to occupied Donbas, reports JIT

As a result, she was banned from conducting criminal cases. The woman called the conclusions of the Dutch Security Council and the prosecutor's office " deliberate and transparent concealment" involving "manipulation and lies".

The Supreme Court ruled that her decisions undermined confidence in the authority and impartiality of the judicial system. They added that the judge can express her opinion, but must take into account " the impact of these statements."

Flight MH17, a Boeing 777, was shot down on July 17, 2014, near Torez, Donetsk Oblast, during Russias armed aggression in eastern Ukraine.

An international investigation established that the plane was shot down by a Russian Buk anti-aircraft missile system. As a result of the disaster, all 298 people on board were killed.

The ICC sentenced three defendants to life imprisonment in absentia on November 17, 2022. One, Igor Girkin, commonly known as Strelkov, was recently detained in Russia on unrelated charges.

Read also: MH17 shot down by Buk missile launched from occupied Donbas, says Dutch judge

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
An EasyJet Airbus A320-200 aircraft lands at Athens, Greece, on July 15, 2019. Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Wildfires on the Greek island of Rhodes are causing chaos for thousands of holidaymakers.

An EasyJet pilot flying to Rhodes told tourists it was a bad idea, a BBC-affiliated report said.

Some tourists disembarked the plane, including a boy who was crying, the report said.

An EasyJet pilot warned tourists flying to Rhodes, Greece on Monday that it was a "terrible idea" moments before taking off, according to a report by the BBC's Welsh-language news program Newyddion.

The pilot told the 37 passengers on board the flight heading from London Gatwick Airport to Rhodes that they would be allowed to disembark if they changed their minds, a journalist, who was on the flight, told Newyddion.

"Traveling to Rhodes at the moment is a terrible idea," the pilot said, according to the report. "In my opinion, this is the plane flying to provide an emergency service."

"Tours are now controlled by the military. If you want to get off the plane, feel free to do so," he added. "I don't know why you're traveling, but if you're traveling for recreational reasons, I suggest it's a bad idea."

A spokesperson for EasyJet told Insider in a statement: "As we understand that some customers traveling to the affected area may want to change their plans, we have put in place a flexible policy for customers traveling to Rhodes in the coming days with the option to change their flights for free to another date or request a flight voucher for the value of their unused flights if they no longer wish to travel."

Eight passengers disembarked the airplane, including a young boy who was in tears, the report said. The plane can carry 180 passengers in total. One passenger chose to get off because they found out their accommodation in Rhodes was no longer available, the spokesperson added.

The pilot's warning came as devastating wildfires raged on Rhodes and Corfu, prompting tens of thousands of tourists to be evacuated. Greek officials said that it is the largest evacuation effort in the country's history, CNN reported.

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Hotels are being engulfed in flames while helicopters are dumping water to clear a way out through high flames. Many tourists have said they are now stuck on the island, looking for a way out.

Some major low-cost airlines, including Jet2 and Tui have canceled all their flights to Rhodes until July 28.

EasyJet, however, is still operating flights to the island, telling Reuters in a statement on Sunday: "We advise customers traveling to and from Rhodes to check the status of their flights on Flight Tracker."

In a later statement on Monday, the company said it is offering its customers two repatriation flights from Rhodes to London. It has canceled all of its package holidays to the island "up to and including Tuesday," the company added.

The UK Foreign Office said it has sent an emergency team to help stranded UK tourists, The Guardian reported.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Relatives of inmates at the prisons where the violence has broken out waited for news

A large-scale security operation is under way in Ecuador to free dozens of prison guards who were taken hostage by inmates, the country's interior minister says.

The minister, Juan Zapata, said the security forces had "taken control of the jails", but he did not specify if the guards had been freed yet.

President Guillermo Lasso had earlier declared a state of emergency in the country's jails.

Thousands of police have been deployed.

The security operation comes after days of violence which saw at least six people killed and 11 injured in Guayas prison in a fight between rival gangs in the port city of Guayaquil.

The deadly incident triggered unrest in a dozen other jails, where inmates went on hunger strike.

In at least five penitentiaries, prison guards were held against their will, Ecuador's prison service, Snai, said in a statement released on Monday without giving an exact number of hostages.

The governor of Azuay province, Consuelo Orellana, said 53 guards were being held in Turi jail in the city of Cuenca alone.

The prison service said the hostages were "in good shape" and that every effort was being made to free them.

People living near Guayas prison reported hearing explosions early on Tuesday. Minister Zapata tried to reassure locals, telling reporters that they were "controlled explosions used to gain entry to blocked doors".

The minister said that 2,700 members of the security forces had been deployed to Guayas prison, where they had "managed to regain control of three of the prison's wings".

Many of Ecuador's prisons are severely overcrowded and the authorities struggle to keep members of rival gangs separate.

Hundreds of inmates have been killed in deadly gang fights in recent years. Attacks on rivals are often co-ordinated and riots often break out in prisons across different states simultaneously.

In other cases, a deadly fight in one prison triggers revenge attacks in other jails.

The government has struggled to contain the violence, which has blighted the prisons and the country as a whole.

On Monday, President Lasso declared a state of emergency and night curfews in three coastal provinces after a spate of murders over the weekend, including the killing of the mayor of the city of Manta. The measure will be in force for 60 days.
By Alexandra Valencia

QUITO (Reuters) -Ecuador's attorney general raised the death toll from a wave of violence over the weekend in one the country's most dangerous jails to 31 late on Tuesday, after the government earlier declared a 60-day state of emergency for the country's prisons.

The emergency declaration seemed to set off violence in the city of Esmeraldas, where 15 prison guards and two other staffers were being held hostage at a local jail, the government said in a statement.

In Esmeraldas itself, a police unit was attacked, explosives were placed at gas stations and several cars were burned. The attorney general's office said on social media that one civilian was hurt in a Molotov cocktail attack on its office there.

In Guayaquil, at least 2,700 heavily equipped soldiers and police officers entered the Penitenciaria del Litoral prison after enactment of the 60-day measure, regaining control of three cellblocks with controlled detonations.

Clashes between gangs began on Saturday at the prison, one of the most dangerous in Ecuador.

The prosecutor's office raised the death toll to 31 from 18 in a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. It also raised the number of injured to 14.

Some 120 prison officers had been freed after being held hostage in six jails around the country, the government said. There was no official information about hunger strikes allegedly taking place at some prisons.

This latest surge of prison violence comes during campaigning for Aug. 20 elections, with some presidential candidates pledging prison reforms.

According to the decree signed by President Guillermo Lasso, inmates in Guayaquil used firearms during the unrest and set fire to facilities using gas tanks.

Lasso on Monday declared a state of emergency in the provinces of Manabi and Los Rios and in the city of Duran, after the mayor of the city of Manta, Agustin Intriago, was shot dead on Sunday.

Military intervention in Ecuador's prisons will continue until control has been retaken and there is no threat to prisoners or officials, the government said.

Lasso has regularly declared states of emergency in the country's prisons as he tries to tackle violence that has surged since 2021, claiming the lives of hundreds of prisoners.

(Reporting by Alexandra Valencia; Writing by Oliver Griffin and Valentine Hilaire; Editing by Bill Berkrot and Stephen Coates)
Homes have already been condemned and removed in Pacifica, Calif., south of San Francisco because of cliff erosion. (Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)

California has two competing crises. The states housing shortage has driven up prices and rents to unaffordable levels, and the only solution is to build tens of thousands more homes.

But climate change is making it too risky to build in parts of the state that have a high likelihood of wildfire, flooding, coastal erosion and sea level rise. And  so far  the state hasnt adopted comprehensive policies that spell out where or how development in those areas should be curtailed.

This tension came to a head recently in the fight over Senate Bill 423  state Sen. Scott Wieners (D-San Francisco) effort to extend the hugely successful SB 35, the 2017 law that fast-tracks approvals for apartments, condos and townhouses that comply with local zoning and include affordable units. Developers say SB 35 has done more to accelerate affordable housing construction than almost any other reform in the state. Between 2018 and 2021, nearly 18,000 units were proposed under SB 35, with 75% affordable for low- and very low-income households.

Read more: Editorial: Climate change is making California more expensive. Home insurance is the latest bellwether

SB 35 did not apply in high fire-risk zones or in the Coastal Zone , which is generally the first 1,000 yards from the shoreline but extends a couple of miles inland in some areas.

SB 35 sunsets at the end of 2025. The new bill would extend the law to 2036 and remove the exemption for high fire-risk zones and urban parts of the Coastal Zone, roughly 18% of the states shoreline. Wiener has argued that the blanket exemption for the Coastal Zone is too broad and excludes whiter, wealthier coastal cities. There are areas along the coast, including Malibu, Santa Monica, Encinitas and San Clemente, that could safely accommodate more apartment buildings.

The California Coastal Commission, which regulates development in the Coastal Zone, opposes SB 423, but is talking with Wiener's office about amendments. The bill had broad support in the Senate and is expected to pass the Assembly next month. While the law would require that developers follow existing land-use and environmental rules, the fast track means the commission wouldnt be able to do a detailed individual analysis of a project, hold lengthy public hearings and tack on additional requirements related to environmental and coastal protection, ocean views and parking. (SB 423 delays implementation in the coastal zone for one year so communities and the commission can update and strengthen their land-use plans and development standards.)

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Read more: Editorial: California cities want to stop fast-tracking affordable housing construction. Bad idea

That scrutiny has been the Coastal Commission's responsibility for decades and the commission has helped protect coastal access and the environment. Yet all that extra consideration creates uncertainty and delays and raises the already high cost of building in coastal communities. And is it really necessary in existing urban areas that are set back from the shoreline, say, near Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica or the outlet mall in San Clemente? No. These are exactly the areas near jobs and services where it should be easier to build more housing, especially affordable units.

The Coastal Commission and Wiener have gotten close to a compromise that would allow fast tracking in the Coastal Zone except in areas vulnerable to three to five feet of sea level rise by 2100. The commission has urged the more cautious five-foot projection, which is reasonable and would exclude a small amount of developable urban land, according to an analysis by California YIMBY, the pro-housing development that sponsored the bill.

The problem is that theres not a single source that maps out which properties are at risk if sea level rises five feet. There are various models and assumptions and the Coastal Commission does site-by-site analysis when considering development permits, but California does not yet have a tool that identifies which properties are most at risk. That makes it harder to delineate when developments can be safely fast tracked and which need more scrutiny. Hawaii, for example, developed the Sea-Level Rise Viewer , to identify individual properties risk for flooding and coastal erosion.

Read more: Opinion: California housing and the environment are often at odds. They don't have to be

In the absence of that kind of comprehensive data, state lawmakers should be more conservative and not streamline the process for apartments in areas at risk if sea level rises five feet. It doesnt make sense to encourage and fast track home construction in areas that could be flooded or eroded in several decades. Its wise to prepare for the worst, given that the effects of climate change are happening faster and are more severe than researchers forecast even a few years ago. NASA last year said that sea level rise has accelerated and is likely to be higher than earlier projections.

SB 423 directs the state departments responsible for forestry, fire protection and housing to identify whether and how streamlined approvals can be done in high fire-risk zones. Those zones include vast swaths of land, including developed communities in Los Angeles, like Silver Lake and parts of the Pacific Palisades and Eagle Rock, that could safely accommodate more apartment buildings.

California has to change the way it builds housing, which means increasing density in already built-up communities and slowing  or stopping  construction in the areas most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. SB 423 can help.

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.
Many people in the Melrose area were devastated when Bitty and Beaus Coffee shop, a national chain that hires workers with developmental disabilities, abruptly closed a shop on Main Street earlier this year.

All the workers there lost their jobs.

Workers with developmental disabilities experience one of the highest rates of unemployment. Its estimated to be over 30%.

Now the families of the workers as well as the Boys and Girls Club of Stoneham & Wakefield are developing plans to open a new coffee shop with the same mission. It will be called The INspire Cafe.

Part of the plan is operating a slush pop-up on Main Street in Wakefield this summer to raise money.

Workers like Daniel Gill took the closing of Bitty and Beaus hard. A little bit depressed, he said.

Another worker, Brady Maher said, I was shocked, I was mad about it.

Damon Kruppa worked at Bitty and Beaus as a shift manager along with his sister Mia.

It was devastating when the shop closed, and all of the workers would come up and ask whats next and we didnt have a solution.

The rising senior at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester is now the business development manager for the project. So far, about $30,000 has been raised towards opening the new cafe. The goal is $75,000.

Janis Mamayeks son worked at Bitty and Beaus and she is now the president of the board of directors for the new non-profit. We always believed in having a place for bridging and belonging. Bridging to the community so we all are familiar with different abilities, and just belonging, because our guys shine when they are together.

This is venture is also about giving these workers a sense of self-worth.

Maher added, I know that my parents are all proud of me, my sisters as well, and my future brother-in-law. And I know I cant wait for the new coffee shop to open up.

Adam Rodgers, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Stoneham & Wakefield, said the goal is to make the new cafe sustainable and permanent.

Story continues

He thinks everyone in the area will be a winner if they are able to turn slush into coffee because it shows that everyone is welcome in the community.

The slush stand operates from Tuesday thru Saturday.

Bitty and Beaus corporate office wouldnt comment on why the Melrose store was closed but told Boston 25 News theyre looking for a new location in Boston proper.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Getty

Something was going down outside Twitter headquarters on Monday afternoon.

Less than a day after owner Elon Musk changed the companys logo from a decade-old internationally recognized symbol with sky-high brand awareness value to the letter X, workers had moved in to start dismantling the buildings giant Twitter sign.

The only problem was that Musk hadnt secured the correct permits for the crane now blocking the street, according to a witness at the scene. Officers with the San Francisco Police Department quickly arrived and started shutting it down, he tweeted. The half-finished removal operation left only the sign reading just er.

Welp, @twitter name so coming off the building right now but @elonmusk didnt get permit for the equipment on the street so @SFPD is shutting it down. pic.twitter.com/CFpggWwhhf  Wayne Sutton (@waynesutton) July 24, 2023

A spokesperson for the SFPD told The Daily Beast in a statement that nearby officers had responded to a report of a possible unpermitted street closure. Through their investigation officers were able to determine that no crime was committed, and this incident was not a police matter.

It was just the latest beat in the comedy of errors that has been Musks attempted overhaul of the social media platform he scooped up for $44 billion last year. The gambit, which officially began on Sunday with the removal of the blue bird logo from the site, immediately obliterated anywhere between $4 billion and $20 billion in value, Bloomberg News reported.

Buteven worse for Muskit has also already been judged a deeply humiliating self-own.

Devoid of colour, bland, generic BORING! one user tweeted. This is branding suicide.

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did you hear this? they changed twitters name to X. uh huh, yeah. and it makes sense because the next thing i said was Y? pic.twitter.com/sAkgU52kdV  Ben Rosen (@ben_rosen) July 24, 2023

Other users were quick to compare the new logo design to that of a porn site, a bad Call of Duty gamebattles team from 2008, or an app for a membership only human trafficking gentlemens club headquartered in Budapest.

Its nothing but a cheap, meaningless play to get his name in the press, comedian Adam Conover observed.

Another user, apparently making fun of the meaninglessness of the letter, posted a photoshopped image of a Musk tweet and captioned it, Cool website you fucking idiot.

After Musk tweeted about wanting a good enough X logo early Sunday, his followers flocked to offer their suggestions. An acolyte named Sawyer Merritt posted several designs in his replies, with Musk selecting what he called a minimalist art deco icon. Probably changes later, certainly will be refined, the billionaire added.

The letter X will be holding a press conference later today. #TwitterX pic.twitter.com/qXKNYLTqLe  Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) July 24, 2023

The crowdsourced logo closely resembles a generic Unicode character, an international symbol that would be impossible to trademark, according to Bellingcat founder Eliot Higgins.

Making matters even more chaotic, both Meta and Microsoft own the trademarks for similar versions of the X symbol, portents of potentially long and bloody legal scraps to come. The revamp may be just as much of a legal headache overseas, with Japanese users chiming in to note that the rights to the term X Japan are owned by a popular J-rock group.

Im not a [copyright] lawyer but I think he should have figured out if he owned the name before changing it, journalist and former Daily Beast contributor Molly Jong-Fast tweeted.

Nevertheless, a towering version of the symbol was proudly projected on the side of Twitter headquarters late Sunday.

Our headquarters tonight pic.twitter.com/GO6yY8R7fO  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 24, 2023

Inside the building, according to a New York Times report on Monday, the removal of various bird-related paraphernalia was soon underway. Projections of the X logo were blasted into the cafeteria, while conference rooms were renamed things like eXposure and s3Xy, an old Musk favorite.

But, try as Musk might, Twitter persisted in other ways. The Tweet button and search bar prompting users to Search Twitter remained on the sites homepage. The URL Twitter.com still reliably directed users to the site, while the domain X.com redirected some users, including former company owner Jack Dorsey, to an empty GoDaddy portal.

Twitter was acquired by X Corp both to ensure freedom of speech and as an accelerant for X, the everything app," Musk tweeted Monday night. This is not simply a company renaming itself, but doing the same thing. The Twitter name made sense when it was just 140 character messages going back and forth  like birds tweeting  but now you can post almost anything, including several hours of video.

He added users should expect additions including comprehensive communications and the ability to conduct your entire financial world. on the platform in the months ahead. "The Twitter name does not make sense in that context, so we must bid adieu to the bird, Musk said.

The mayhem will be familiar to anyone keeping even a casual eye on Musks messy takeover of Twitter. After assuming control in October, he fired or pushed out the majority of Twitters staff through multiple rounds of layoffs; the site then suffered from bugs and intermittent crashes. Musk demanded that the companys remaining staffers adhere to a hardcore work culture. Office perks were pared back. Workers even complained about the lack of toilet paper at headquarters.

Meanwhile, to the delight of many right-wing users, Musk upended Twitters approach to content moderation, arguing that his predecessors had improperly clamped down on free speech. In some cases, however, he appeared to make exceptions when it suited his interests. He booted an account that tracked the movements of his private jet, and multiple journalists who had criticized him were suspended.

Just Better: Even Musks Own Twitter Employees Are Using Threads

But X, as a concept, has had a special place in Musks heart for nearly three decades. His infatuation appears to have started with his work as cofounder of the online bank X.com, which launched at the height of the dot-com bubble in 1999. Soon after its founding, the business merged with a rival called Confinitywhose founding team included Peter Thieland rebranded as PayPal.

That year, Musk attempted to convince the company that working the letter in (for X-PayPal, with an eye toward eventually phasing out the suffix entirely) was a fantastic business idea.

According to author and Bloomberg News reporter Max Chafkin, however, the companys marketing team conducted a series of focus groups showing that customers disliked the brand name, because it reminded them of porn. But Musk was unmoved.

The only business instinct Elon Musk's ever had in 30 years is "what if we called it... (sly grin, crossing arms)... X." He's done it at his payments company and car company and rocket ship company and social media app and with his own human child. No one has ever liked it. https://t.co/VWHE8m4ncg  att (@matttomic) July 24, 2023

The next year, he was ousted from PayPal. In 2017, he bought back the domain from his former company. No plans right now, but it has great sentimental value to me, he tweeted at the time.

After PayPal, Musk proceeded to sprinkle X over many of the projects hed had a hand inamong them SpaceX, Tesla Model X, xAI, and X  A-Xii, his son with ex-partner Grimes.

Short version is this X rebrand is the tech bro version of drunk-DMing your university girlfriend on Facebook to tell her you still think shes hot, a Twitter user observed on Monday.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Elon Musks rebranding of Twitter is off to a rocky start.

On Sunday, the eccentric billionaire announced the rebrand of the company formerly known as Twitter  which he purchased in October for $44 billion  to X. But the switch has been caught up in more hurdles for Musk and the changing platform.

Musk and his social media company are already facing potential legal challenges and user criticism over the new branding.

The company formerly known as Twitter is not the first tech giant to move on from an iconic name. Google rebranded its parent company name to Alphabet in 2015, making Google one of its subsidiaries under the umbrella name. In a similar move in 2021, Facebook rebranded its parent company to name Meta.

Musk also renamed Twitters parent company to X Corp. earlier this year.

But Musks latest change is different  while Meta and Alphabet only renamed their parent companies, Musk is changing Twitters iconic name and branding at the product level.

Musk has directed users to call posts on the platform xs instead of tweets, raising another set of threats to the value behind the brand image.

Its a risky move getting rid of the iconic Twitter birdie logo, said Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives, adding that advertisers make take a wait-and-see approach.

Ives predicted a $2 billion to $5 billion loss in value from the change; analysts who spoke to Bloomberg News predicted the change would wipe out anywhere from $4 billion to $20 billion. The company is already facing struggles with advertisers after Musks takeover and subsequent changes to content moderation and verification systems.

At the same time, the rebrand is part of Musks long term plan to turn the company into his everything app. That gamble, Ives said, may pay off in the end.

X rebrand mocked online

The initial changes to the platform are all seemingly surface-level rebranding, but were marred with inconsistencies.

At the top of the page on the web browser version of the platform, users see the X brand logo. But as of Tuesday afternoon, the platforms staple birdhouse icon  which takes users to their home feed  remained below the new X logo.

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The platforms mobile app is also still called Twitter and features the iconic blue bird logo

The shift spurred criticism and mockery online, including on Musks rebranded platform.

In one post, a user compared the Twitter logo to the Barbie movie and the X logo to Oppenheimer, while others likened the logo to one that would appear on adult content.

The companys brand change faced real world roadblock, too.

San Francisco police interrupted the changing of the Twitter sign outside the companys headquarters Monday, leaving it with just a remaining ER on the side of the building, The Verge reported.

Who owns the X trademark?

Musks plans to rebrand the company as X may also be fraught with legal hurdles.

Other companies, including tech giants Meta and Microsoft, already have intellectual property rights to the letter Musk is rebranding Twitter under, Reuters reported.

Trademark attorney Josh Gerben told Reuters he counted nearly 900 active U.S. trademark registrations that already cover X across a wide range of industries. That leaves Twitter subject to lawsuits from others who claim ownership.

Gerben told Reuters that Meta and Microsoft likely wouldnt sue Musks company unless they felt threatened that it encroached on brand equity they built in the letter X.

Robert Brauneis, a professor and co-director of the Intellectual Property Law Program at George Washington University Law School, said its quite possible an existing company will threaten to sue.

However, Brauneis said he hasnt seen anything likely to lead a court to stop the rollout of X dead in its tracks.

Rather, the company may have to face litigation as it continues the transition. And based on its size, Brauneis said he suspects Musks company could afford to pay whatever it would take to make the other ones go away.

What is next for X?

While X has only made superficial changes to its platform so far, company CEO Linda Yaccarino said the new app will expand into a wide range of services.

X will be centered in audio, video, messaging, payments/banking, Yaccarino posted.

Theres absolutely no limit to this transformation. X will be the platform that can deliver, well.everything, she added, though she did not lay out a timeline nor specifics.

Ives said the longer term vision for X makes sense, but the execution is going to be highly scrutinized.

Hes trying to build a super app. He needed to do something aggressive, and he accomplished it, Ives said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
When President Joe Biden signed a proclamation Tuesday establishing a national monument honoring Emmett Till and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, it marked the fulfillment of a promise Tills relatives made after his death 68 years ago.

The Black teenager from Chicago, whose abduction, torture and killing in Mississippi in 1955 helped propel the Civil Rights Movement, is now an American story, not just a civil rights story, said Tills cousin the Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr.

It has been quite a journey for me from the darkness to the light, Parker said during a proclamation signing ceremony at the White House attended by dozens, including other family members, members of Congress and civil rights leaders.

Back then in the darkness, I could never imagine the moment like this, standing in the light of wisdom, grace and deliverance, he said.

With the stroke of Bidens pen, the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument, located across three sites in two states, became federally-protected places. Before signing the proclamation, the president said he marvels at the courage of the Till family to find faith and purpose in pain.

Today, on what would have been Emmett's 82nd birthday, we add another chapter in the story of remembrance and healing, Biden said.

It's the fourth such designation by the Democratic president's administration, reflecting its broader civil rights agenda, the White House said. The move comes as conservative leaders, mostly at the state and local levels, push legislation that limits the teaching of slavery and Black history in public schools.

At a time when there are those who seek to ban books (and) bury history, were making clear, crystal clear, Biden said. We cant just choose to learn what we want to know. We should know everything  the good, the bad, the truth of who we are as a nation. Thats what great nations do.

On Tuesday, reaction poured in from other elected officials and from the civil rights organizing community. The Rev. Al Sharpton said the Till national monument designation tells him that out of pain comes power.

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House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jefferies said the monument places the life and legacy of Emmett Till among our nation's most treasured memorials."

Black history is American history, he said in a written statement.

Tills family members, along with a national organization seeking to preserve Black cultural heritage sites, say their work protecting the Till legacy continues. They hope to raise money to restore the sites and develop educational programming to support their inclusion in the National Park System.

Brent Leggs, executive director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, said the federal designation is a milestone in a yearslong effort to preserve and protect places tied to events that have shaped the nation and that symbolize national wounds.

We believe that not until Black history matters will Black lives and Black bodies matter, he said. Through reckoning with Americas racist past, we have the opportunity to heal.

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund has provided $750,000 in grant funding since 2017 to help rescue sites important to the Till legacy. A number of other philanthropic organizations have contributed several million dollars towards preservation of the Till sites.

Bidens proclamation protects places that are central to the story of Emmett Tills life and death at age 14, the acquittal of his white killers by an all-white jury and his late mothers activism.

In the summer of 1955, Mamie Till-Mobley put her son Emmett on a train to her native Mississippi, where he was to spend time with his uncle and his cousins. In the overnight hours of Aug. 28, 1955, Emmett was taken from his uncles home at gunpoint by two vengeful white men.

Emmetts alleged crime? Flirting with the wife of one of his kidnappers.

Three days later, a fisherman on the Tallahatchie River discovered the teenagers bloated corpse  one of his eyes was detached, an ear was missing, his head was shot and bashed in.

Till-Mobley demanded that Emmetts mutilated remains be taken back to Chicago for a public, open casket funeral that was attended by tens of thousands of people. Graphic images taken of Emmetts remains, sanctioned by his mother, were published by Jet magazine and fueled the Civil Rights Movement.

At the trial of his killers in Mississippi, Till-Mobley bravely took the witness stand to counter the perverse image of her son that defense attorneys had painted for jurors and trial watchers.

Altogether, the Till national monument will include 5.7 acres (2.3 hectares) of land and two historic buildings. The Mississippi sites are Graball Landing, the spot where Emmetts body was pulled from the Tallahatchie River just outside of Glendora, Mississippi, and the Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse in Sumner, Mississippi, where Emmetts killers were tried.

At Graball Landing, a memorial sign installed in 2008 had been repeatedly stolen and was riddled with bullets. An inch-thick bulletproof sign was erected at the site in October 2019.

The Illinois site is Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago, where Emmetts funeral was held in September 1955.

Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth, who originally introduced the bipartisan legislation to federally recognize and protect Roberts Temple, noted the church's importance to the history of Chicago and the nation.

Its past time we recognize how national monuments can not only teach us about our history  but provoke us to build a more just future, the Democratic senator said in a statement.

Mississippi state Sen. David Jordan, 90, was a freshman at Mississippi Valley State College in 1955 when he attended part of the trial of the two men charged with killing Emmett. As a state senator for the past 30 years, Jordan, who is Black, spearheaded fundraising for a statue of Emmett Till that was dedicated last year in Greenwood, Mississippi, a few miles from where the teenager was abducted.

On Tuesday, Jordan praised Biden for creating the Till national monument.

Its one of the greatest honors that a president could pay to a person, 14, who lost his life in Mississippi thats created a movement that changed America, Jordan told the AP.

Daphne Chamberlain, a history professor at Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi, said Emmett's brutal killing continues to resonate in racial justice issues of today.

Over the past decade or so, we have seen as a nation the murder of young Black men like Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, Tyre Nichols in Memphis, (and) Ahmaud Arbery, she said. In each of these instances, what we have also seen is the bravery of the mothers in coming to the forefront and speaking out against what happened to their sons, but also making sure that they stayed the course in pursuing justice.

The Till national monument joins dozens of federally recognized landmarks, buildings and other places in the Deep South, in the north and out west that represent historical events and tragedies from the Civil Rights Movement. For example, in Atlanta, sites representing the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., including his birth home and Ebenezer Baptist Church, are all part of the National Park Service.

The designation often requires public and private entities to work together on developing interpretation centers at each of the sites, so that anyone who visits can understand the sites significance. The hiring of park rangers is supported through partnerships with the National Park Foundation, the park services official nonprofit, and the National Parks Conservation Association.

Increasingly, the park service includes sites that are part of the arc of justice in this country, both telling where weve come from, how far weve come, and frankly, how far we have to still go, said Will Shafroth, the president and CEO of the National Park Foundation.

For Parker, who was 16 years old when he witnessed Emmetts abduction, the Till monument proclamation begins to lift the weight of trauma that he has carried for most of his life. In an interview with the AP ahead of Tuesday's White House event, Parker reflected on the decades-long fight to portray Emmett and his story in a proper light.

Ive been suffering for all these years of how theyve portrayed him  I still deal with that, Parker, 84, said of his cousin Emmett.

The truth should carry itself, but it doesnt have wings. You have to put some wings on it.

___

Associated Press writers Emily Wagster Pettus in Jackson, Mississippi, and Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report.

___

Aaron Morrison is a New York-based member of APs Race and Ethnicity team. Follow him on social media.
An unleashed dog is the probable cause of death of an endangered monk seal found last month on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, federal authorities announced Thursday.

The carcass of the 4-month-old female pup RS48, also known as Hoomau Lehua, was recovered by federal authorities June 12 on the North Shore, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The seal pup was last seen swimming June 6 in the same general area where a necropsy conducted by NOAA suggests she died two days later.

"We can confirm that puncture wounds found around her head and flippers occurred prior to death and were consistent in size with bites from a dog," NOAA wrote in a press release. "Hemorrhaging found in her body was also consistent with shaking from a dog attack. There was no evidence found of underlying disease, including toxoplasmosis."

Hoomau Lehua

Surfing seal: Watch this excited baby seal catch waves with surfers every morning

Monk seal's death marks the 2nd of its kind

Hoomau Lehua is the second young seal that appears to have been killed in a dog attack, federal officials said in a press release.

In 2014, NOAA volunteers found a 2-week-old seal pup dead on a Kauai beach. Federal regulators later determined that the seal pup had been mauled by a dog. Four other seals suffered punctures and scratches in the dog attack but survived their injuries.

Dolphin washes up on beach: Young striped dolphin washes ashore on New Hampshire beach, perplexing rescue group

One of the seals that survived the deadly 2014 dog attack was found bludgeoned to death on a beach in Anahola less than six months later.

Even when a dog attack is not immediately fatal, the resulting injuries can develop life-threatening infections. Dogs can also transmit diseases to monk seals.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hawaiian monk seal pup killed in apparent dog attack, NOAA ays
NEW YORK (AP)  A gynecologist who sexually abused vulnerable and trusting patients for over two decades at prestigious New York hospitals cried before he was sentenced Tuesday to 20 years in prison by a federal judge who called his crimes unprecedented.

The sentence for Robert Hadden, 64, of Englewood, was a measure of vindication for hundreds of former patients who accused the doctor of molesting them during examinations but saw an earlier prosecution end with a plea bargain that spared him from jail.

Given his chance to speak Tuesday, Hadden stood with his hands folded before him to say that there was "much I'd like to say" but that he had been advised by his lawyers to keep his statement brief.

"I'm very sorry for all the pain that I have caused," a sobbing Hadden said before dropping his head down as he sat again. He then took off his glasses and wiped tears from his eyes.

In statements over the past two days, U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman said the case was like none he'd seen before and involved "outrageous, horrific, beyond extraordinary, depraved sexual abuse." He noted that at least 245 women Hadden treated said they were abused.

FILE - Robert Hadden appears in Manhattan Supreme Court, Feb. 23, 2016, in New York. A federal judge has given a 20-year sentence to the gynecologist who sexually abused dozens of patients for over two decades at prestigious New York hospitals. The judge says Hadden's crimes were shocking and unprecedented. (Alec Tabak via AP, File)

The federal trial involved a smaller number of victims. Hadden was convicted of four counts of enticing women to cross state lines so he could sexually abuse them.

Nine victims testified at the trial, describing how Hadden molested them during gynecology treatments, starting in the late 1980s, at prominent hospitals, including Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

Allegations of misconduct during examinations first surfaced in 2012. Hadden was indicted on state charges in 2014 as women  19 and counting  kept coming forward. But in 2016, the office of the Manhattan district attorney at the time, Cyrus Vance Jr., allowed Hadden to plead guilty to two low-level felonies and a misdemeanor in a deal that required him to give up his medical license but didn't require jail time and kept him out of the state's sex offender registry.

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Some of the women who had gone to state prosecutors were outraged, but their stories didn't start receiving public attention until the #MeToo movement began gaining steam in 2017.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan got a grand jury indictment against Hadden in 2020, charges based on the fact that some patients at his New York offices had come into the city from suburbs in other states. He was convicted in January.

Several dozen of Hadden's accusers were in the courtroom for his sentencing. Among them was Liz Hall, who said she found Hadden's expression of regret hollow.

"That was not an apology. He has shown zero remorse or empathy. I think he's incapable," she said.

Hall said she hoped the sentence would give other victims of sexual abuse courage to speak out.

Sexual assault victims share smiles as they gather for a group photograph after sentencing proceedings concluded for convicted sex offender Robert Hadden outside Federal Court, Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

"It's the first time ever that the justice system did what it was supposed to do: take it seriously," she said.

The Associated Press does not typically name victims of sexual assault unless they come forward publicly.

According to trial testimony, Hadden benefited from the prestige of the hospitals where he worked as he groomed his patients in a private office decorated with pictures of his children as he conversed with them about their personal lives.

But once he had isolated them after a chaperone or nurse left the treatment room, he fondled and probed them with gloveless fingers and sometimes orally.

The judge noted that many patients were particularly vulnerable because they were pregnant, had physical problems, or had never been to another gynecologist and trusted that Hadden was behaving properly.

One of his accusers was Evelyn Yang, whose husband, Andrew Yang, ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat for president in 2020 and for New York City mayor in 2022. She said Hadden sexually assaulted her years ago when she was seven months pregnant.

Some women abused by Hadden later pushed for a change to state law that made it easier for survivors of sexual abuse to sue over allegations normally barred by the statute of limitations. Hospitals where Hadden worked have agreed to pay more than $236 million to settle civil claims by more than 200 former patients.

Hadden's lawyer, Deirdre von Dornum, asked the judge Tuesday to credit her client for his efforts to reform himself and his devotion to his family.

A day earlier, when the judge announced that he planned to impose a 20-year sentence, she had complained that Berman was being too harsh.

"Here you have somebody who has already lost everything, and you're giving him effectively a life sentence," she said.

The lawyer said her client was enduring harsh jail conditions at a federal lockup in Brooklyn, where inmates make threats and extort him to turn over his commissary money.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jane Kim said Tuesday that Hadden still had not accepted responsibility for his crimes.

She said he "still has the same sexual disorders he had as he carried out his career of sexual abuse."

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY gynecologist from Englewood sentenced to for sex abuse
Kiyoshi Hashimoto founded his company nearly 40 years ago, but well past retirement age he has neither a successor nor a buyer (Kazuhiro NOGI)

Kiyoshi Hashimoto's machinery factory outside Tokyo should be buzzing with industry. Instead, it's so quiet you can hear him practising the recorder.

The 82-year-old entrepreneur founded his company nearly 40 years ago, but well past retirement age he has neither a successor nor a buyer for a business that retains loyal clients.

It is a problem that Japan's government warns could affect up to a third of all small businesses in the country by 2025, as the country's population shrinks and ages.

"All of this would go to waste if I were to close now," said Hashimoto, whose factory in Yachimata, east of Tokyo, is filled with workbenches, drill tables and parts cabinets.

He once employed dozens of people, but now gets by with just two part-time workers after scaling back operations.

The problem is so vast that Japan faces an "era of mass closures", said Shigenobu Abe of bankruptcy research firm Teikoku Databank.

A 2019 government report estimated that about 1.27 million small business owners would be 70 or older by 2025 and have no successors.

The trend could kill up to 6.5 million jobs and reduce the size of the Japanese economy by 22 trillion yen ($166 billion), the study warned.

By 2029, the situation will worsen still, as baby boomers hit 81, the average life expectancy for Japanese men, who account for most of the presidents of these firms, according to Teikoku Databank.

"We know for sure that many workers will lose their livelihoods because of this," Abe told AFP.

- 'A serious blow' -

As elsewhere, small businesses in Japan are often passed down to family or trusted employees.

But the country's prolonged economic stagnation has made small businesses unattractive to young people.

Firms in rural areas struggle further because of a preference for city life and a growing trend of rural depopulation.

Compounding the problem is a feeling among some older Japanese that selling a family business to outsiders is shameful.

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Some liquidate their firms rather than seeking buyers.

Japan's government has offered generous incentives to encourage sales, and the private sector has also jumped in to match investors with businesses for sale.

Company BATONZ now makes more than 1,000 matches a year, up from just 80 when it opened in 2018.

Still, it reaches a fraction of the people who need it, said BATONZ president Yuichi Kamise.

Waves of closures will mean the loss of specialised craftsmanship, unique services and original restaurant recipes that make up Japan's social and cultural fabric, he said.

"Over time, what makes Japan unique could disappear due to a lack of successors," he said.

"I think it will deal a serious blow to Japanese culture and Japan's attractiveness as a tourism destination."

Some feel though that the trend offers a chance to fix inefficiencies and consolidate small businesses that are barely scraping by or survive on subsidies.

Hiroshi Miyaji, 50, owns Yashio Group, a logistics giant started by his grandfather, and has snapped up various businesses.

"There will always be buyers for firms, with or without successors, that have unique strengths, special know-how and human resources," said Miyaji, a third-generation president.

Helped by BATONZ, he recently purchased a small trucking company from 61-year-old Ayako Suzuki.

- 'Waiting for someone' -

Suzuki gave up her corporate career to help her father with the business he had started in 1975.

None of the firm's three drivers wanted to take over and she was asked to join and help her father, then in his late eighties.

But problems quickly piled up: the coronavirus pandemic hit, a driver left, trucks needed maintenance, and before long she was dipping into savings to stay afloat.

"I wanted to keep the business going, at least while my father was alive," she told AFP.

BATONZ connected her with Miyaji, who pledged to keep the firm's employees, clients and trucks.

"I'm more relieved than sad," she said.

"I didn't think our company had any value."

The glut of affordable small businesses can be a boon for young people looking to break into a sector.

Among them is 28-year-old chef Rikuo Morimoto.

When the pandemic prevented him from studying in Italy, he used his savings to buy a four-decade-old diner in Tokyo and start a restaurant at a fraction of the normal cost.

He kept the decor, furniture and many longstanding customers of "Andante", a beloved neighbourhood restaurant in the Suginami district, while offering his own menu.

"I thought I could only afford to have a food truck or a small bar," he said.

Not everyone is so fortunate, and the future of Hashimoto's machinery factory remains uncertain, despite his attempts to groom three successors.

"I'm just waiting for someone to come along and make use of this," he said.

hih/sah/leg/mca
After former President Donald Trumps campaign allegedly skipped out on the bill following a 2018 rally, officials in Erie, Pa., want the Republican 2024 front-runner to pay up before his rally on Saturday night.

City officials said the former presidents Make America Great Again rally ran up a $35,129 tab while passing through town for an Oct. 10, 2018 rally at Erie Insurance Arena. That bill for overtime pay for city workers including law enforcement officers was footed by taxpayer money.

Trump plans to return to the scene of the proverbial crime at 6 p.m. Saturday following an afternoon of events at that same venue. City officials said they have no control over the arena, but plan to bill his campaign in advance for the services an event like this requires.

The city has a duty  and will continue  to provide security for our residents, businesses and anyone who holds an event like this the city, regardless of whether they reimburse the city for unusual coverage costs, or not, a city spokesman said in a statement to the Daily News.

That statement also said any event of this magnitude, regardless its nature, requires considerable manpower and its organizers will be billed by the city in advance.

The former presidents campaign paid $17,500 to rent Erie Insurance Arena in 2018, according to the Erie Times-News.

But the city says its yet to be made whole as the 77-year-old politician  who has a long history of dodging debt  prepares to host another costly spectacle meant to return him to the White House in 2024.

Were going to see whether we can get some payment from them in advance this time, Erie Mayor Joe Schember said Tuesday. Its important to do this because were talking about taxpayer money being used to help make his visit more safe.

Trump won Pennsylvania in 2016, but was defeated by President Joe Biden in 2020 despite, the Queens natives false claims the election was rigged.

Running up debt at massive fundraising events isnt unheard of for Trumps campaign.

In March, the Daily Beast contacted 30 counties and municipalities where the 45th president hosted rallies and only one of those places responded to confirm itd been reimbursed.

El Paso, Texas hired a collection agency to retrieve nearly $570,000 compensation Trumps campaign owed the city from a 2019 event, according to The Houston Chronicle. A representative from the purported billionaire politicians camp said they were reviewing the invoice, which included more than $380,000 owed to police officers.
 Flash

Wang Yi (2nd R), director of the Office of the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, meets with Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian (1st L) in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 24, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, met with Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian in Johannesburg on Monday.

During the meeting, Wang said China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Iran to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, and promote the steady and long-term development of the bilateral relations.

China will continue to support Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty and dignity, pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions and safeguarding its national security, Wang said, noting that China opposes external interference in Iran's internal affairs.

Wang stressed that China is willing to strengthen synergy with Iran on the implementation of the China-Iran comprehensive cooperation plan, advance Belt and Road cooperation, and help Iran improve people's livelihood and promote its economic and social development.

Iran attaches great importance to its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, Ahmadian said, noting that he hopes the two sides will tap into the potential of cooperation, and deepen cooperation in such fields as the Belt and Road Initiative, so as to deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

Ahmadian said the Iranian side appreciates China's important role in achieving reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and welcomes China to continue to make positive contributions to regional peace.
Gov. Dan McKee's fundraising Capital Grille power lunch with a State House lobbyist and the since-fired firm that was trying to redevelop the Cranston Street Armory is going to be the subject of a State Ethics Commission investigation.

The Ethics Commission, responding to a state Republican Party complaint, voted unanimously Tuesday to investigate whether McKee's share of the $228 lunch, paid for by lobbyist and political fixer Jeff Britt, violated the $25 gift limit in the code of ethics for public officials.

"The Ethics Commission needs to expose Rhode Islands pay-to-play political culture," Rhode Island GOP Chairman Joe Powers said after the Ethics Commission vote to investigate.

The Capital Grille Providence.

Background on the lunch

Those involved differ on how the January lunch came together, but McKee and his campaign's lead fundraiser, Jerry Sahagian, attended it with Britt and his clients, the two principals of then Armory developer Scout Ltd. The Scout team, Managing Partner Lindsey Scannapieco and Development Director Everett Abitbol, contributed $500 to the McKee campaign that day.

McKee campaign spokesman Mike Trainor said in an email that "this complaint is politically  not ethicallymotivated by the GOP. The campaign will look forward to the conduct and completion of the Ethics Commission investigation."

More: McKee, Britt give conflicting accounts of Capital Grille lunch. What actually happened?

The lunch was revealed by The Journal after Scout, which was seeking state funding to rehab the Armory, reported details of a March visit by two high-ranking McKee administration officials to a project they had done in Philadelphia, and the behavior they described turned into a national scandal.

Scout reported that one of the Rhode Island officials, David Patten, had made racist and sexist remarks while using his position to extract favors and gifts from Scout and businesses at a former vocational school building they turned into a commercial and community space.

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The McKee administration hired consultant JLL to scrutinize Scout's Armory proposal on March 15, shortly after the Philadelphia trip, although Department of Administration spokeswoman Laura Hart said plans to commission a third-party analysis began in February.

After that consultant's report was released earlier this month, Scout was fired.

McKee says he didn't know lunch was with Scout

Regarding the January lunch, McKee told reporters he hadn't known ahead of time that he would be lunching with people from Scout.

But Britt said he had told the campaign ahead of time that Scout would be at the lunch and the "governor was clearly familiar with the project."

The ethics case is likely to hinge on the money paid for the lunch and, as Common Cause Rhode Island executive director John Marion described it, whether the governor "ordered the $24 Cobb salad or the $39 steak for lunch."

The McKee campaign said the governor left the lunch early and since Sahagian had forgotten the campaign credit card asked Britt to pick up the $228 tab and send them an invoice for reimbursement.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: McKee's lunch at Capital Grille with lobbyist subject of ethics investigation
BUCHAREST (Reuters) - The European Union Court of Justice ruled on Monday that the Romanian judiciary should disregard decisions by the top national court which had led to thousands of corruption cases being closed since last year.

A ruling by Romania's Constitutional Court in 2018 eliminated exceptions to a statute of limitations for various crimes, including fraud. After the government failed to replace the previous rules with new legislation for four years, the court ruled last year that cases could be closed retroactively.

The EU court said the rulings contradicted the bloc's law by creating a "systemic risk of impunity" for serious cases of fraud.

"The Court recalls that national courts must not enforce national jurisprudence when it leads to the prescription of criminal accountability in such a large number of serious fraud cases that harm the European Union's financial interests," it said.

Romania is regarded as one of the European Union's most corrupt states, according to Transparency International, and Brussels kept its justice system under special monitoring since it joined the EU in 2007. The Commission recommended lifting the monitoring mechanism late last year.

Investigations by anti-corruption prosecutors have exposed conflict of interest, abuse of power, fraud and awarding of state contracts in exchange for bribes across political parties. Thousands of public figures, including ministers, mayors, lawmakers and company executives, have been convicted for graft.

(Reporting by Luiza Ilie; Editing by Peter Graff)
Head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen

The European Union has provided Ukraine with another 1.5 billion ($1.7 billion) in macro-financial assistance, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced on Twitter on July 25.

She said that the funds are to be allocated to repair destroyed infrastructure and "help keep the state running."

Read also: EU Commission readies 50 billion relief fund for Ukraine

In addition, von der Leyen condemned Russia's strikes on port infrastructure.

"I firmly condemn the Russian strikes on Ukrainian grain storage and export infrastructure," she said.

"As Russia continues its ruthless war, we continue to support Ukraine. Today we paid another 1.5 billion, to help keep the state running and repair infrastructure."

This is the sixth tranche of macro-financial assistance received by Ukraine.

Read also: EU may move military training programs to Ukraine after ceasefire - Borrell

The previous time the European Commission disbursed 1.5 billion in macro-financial aid to Ukraine was on June 22.

In December 2022, the European Union agreed to provide Ukraine with 18 billion ($19.9 billion) in macro-financial assistance.

On Jan. 16, 2023, Ukraine and the EU signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the provision of this assistance.

Earlier, NV reported that the European Union would cover almost half of Ukraine's financing needs until 2027.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
By Michelle Nichols and Julia Payne

UNITED NATIONS/BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Britain warned on Tuesday that it has information indicating Russia's military may start to target civilian shipping in the Black Sea, while the European Union pledged to help Ukraine export almost all its farm produce via rail and road.

Global wheat prices have spiked 15% in the past week after Russia quit a deal that allowed the safe Black Sea export of Ukraine grain for a year and began targeting Ukrainian ports and grain infrastructure on the Black Sea and Danube River.

"Our information indicates that the Russian military may expand their targeting of Ukrainian grain facilities further, to include attacks against civilian shipping in the Black Sea," Britain's U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward said on Tuesday.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shared the information with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during a phone call on Tuesday, Woodward told reporters. Britain also had information that "Russia has laid additional sea mines in the approaches to Ukrainian ports", she said.

"We agree with the U.S. assessment that this is a coordinated effort to justify and lay blame on Ukraine for any attacks against civilian ships in the Black Sea," Woodward said.

Russia's mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The White House gave similar warnings last week about possible Russian attacks on civilian ships and sea mines.

The Black Sea grain deal was brokered by the U.N. and Turkey a year ago to combat a global food crisis worsened by Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine and Russia are both leading grain exporters.

Russia withdrew last week, saying that demands to improve its own food and fertilizer exports had not been met and complaining that not enough Ukrainian grain had reached poor countries under the deal. The U.N. has argued that the pact benefited poorer countries by lowering global prices 23% since March 2022.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin is due to host African leaders in St. Petersburg on Thursday and Friday and has promised free Russian grain "to replace Ukrainian grain." The U.N. said the most vulnerable will pay the highest price for Moscow's decision to terminate the Black Sea agreement.

Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yury Ushakov told Russian media on Tuesday that 17 African leaders would speak.

EU 'SOLIDARITY LANES'

The European Union said on Tuesday it is ready to export almost all of Ukraine's farm produce via road and rail "solidarity lanes" through neighbouring EU countries and help cover transportation costs.

"We are ready to export almost everything. This is about four million tonnes per month of oilseeds and grains and we achieved this volume in November last year," EU agriculture commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski said.

Wojciechowski said that the EU was looking to come up with a joint plan to cover the additional transport costs.

Expanding grain transit through the EU is sensitive for Poland and some countries bordering Ukraine, where farmers have come under pressure from increased Ukrainian imports.

In May, the EU allowed five countries close to Ukraine - Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia - to ban domestic sales of Ukrainian wheat, maize and oilseeds until Sept. 15, while allowing transit through them for onward export.

The EU will review the ban after several countries pushed for an extension beyond Sept. 15.

Polish Agriculture minister Robert Telus told reporters on Tuesday that he wanted a flexible ban, explaining as an example that Poland wanted to prohibit raspberries, but would allow sunflower seeds.

"There is no way that after Sept. 15 Ukraine grain will enter Poland," Telus said. "We have quite a lot of grain, prices of grain already today are low ... it would completely destabilise our market."

EU member Lithuania has asked the European Commission to develop a route for Ukrainian grain through five ports in the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, according to a letter seen by Reuters. The five ports have a combined grain export capacity of 25 million tonnes, the letter said.

Ukraine and the Baltic States railways are built on Russian-type gauge, which is incompatible with the railway gauge used in Poland, the only practical route between the countries.

USAID chief Samantha Power said on Tuesday that Washington would look to invest in additional grain storage for Ukraine so that harvests that could have been shipped via the Black Sea do not rot while waiting to be exported to global markets.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols at the United Nations and Julia Payne in Brussels; Additional reporting by Geert De Clercq in Paris, Andrius Sytas in Vilnius, Michael Hogan in Hamburg and Daphne Psaledakis in Washington; Writing by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Nick Macfie and Grant McCool)
By Julia Payne

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union is setting up a dedicated sanctions framework for Sudan to eventually target key actors in the ongoing war with travel bans and asset and bank account freezes, diplomatic sources familiar with the matter said.

A proposal document was shared between member states late last week and the details will be discussed over the following weeks, diplomatic sources said. The aim is to finish the framework by September, after which it could be used to compile a list of banned individuals and companies, the sources said.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order in early May laying groundwork for potential U.S. sanctions.

The EU has already sanctioned entities and individuals linked to Russia's Wagner Group of mercenaries, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, including its operations in Sudan and two gold companies.

"Setting up the regime should serve as a deterrent to Sudanese warlords. It's a last warning," one of the sources said, adding that the framework would stick to individual targets rather than any sectoral moves.

War broke out in April this year between the army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who ousted longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir in 2019, and a paramilitary force led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti.

Hemedti derived his wealth from gold mines in Darfur and his Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has close links to Gulf powers Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Burhan's army is supported by Islamist Bashir loyalists.

The UN's special representative to Sudan, Volker Perthes, warned in July that the conflict showed no signs of a quick resolution and "risked morphing into an ethnicised civil war". Diplomatic mediation efforts has so far failed and ceasefires have been used by both sides to regroup.

Earlier this month, the International Organization for Migration estimated 3 million people had been displaced by the fighting and more than 700,000 had fled to neighbouring countries such as Egypt and Chad. A humanitarian crisis is meanwhile unfolding as aid fails to be disbursed or reach its destinations.

(Reporting by Julia Payne)
Janusz Wojciechowski, European Commissioner for Agriculture, has proposed to compensate the transport costs of grain exports from EU funds if it is transported from Ukraine by land.

Source: European Pravda with reference to Bloomberg

Quote: "Russia will be the beneficiary of the situation because it will be cheaper than to pay for the grain from Ukraine transported to the Baltic ports, the cost of this operation will always be higher than what Russia can offer on the global market."

Details: The European commissioner stressed that the EU's assistance in compensating for the cost of transit of Ukrainian grain through the territory of EU member states is an urgent issue since transportation by land is more expensive than by sea.

Wojciechowski assured that he would prepare a proposal for the European Commission to subsidise the cost of transporting Ukrainian grain at the expense of EU funds.

Background:

Ukraine has been forced to export its agrarian products by land and river after Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and attacks on Ukrainian ports, with sea exports blocked l.

US Department of State warned Ukraine that Russia may be getting ready for a false flag operation in the Black Sea amidst the attacks on port infrastructure in Ukraine's south. James Cleverly, the UK Foreign Minister, warned Ukraine about this, too.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
LONDON (AP)  European Union member states gave final approval Tuesday to the bloc's master plan to expand semiconductor production, clearing the path for its massive effort to slash reliance on Asia for computer chips vital for everything from washing machines to cars.

The European Council's ministers signed off on the EU's Chips Act, which will channel 43 billion euros ($47 billion) in public and private funds and allow state aid for the continent's semiconductor industry. EU leaders want to use the cash to kick-start massive investments for new chipmaking facilities, doubling the 27-nation bloc's share of global semiconductor production to 20% by 2030.

Asia accounts for most of the global production of semiconductors  a crucial role that was exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when supply chain disruptions resulted in extended shortages of autos, smartphones and medical devices.

Western governments are trying to wean themselves off Asia. The U.S. launched its own $52 billion Chips Act, and Britain has a smaller $1.2 billion chip strategy. Companies like Intel have unveiled ambitious investment plans for Europe.

Chips are integrated circuits embedded in a semiconductor, a material  notably silicon  that can manage the flow of electric current. The terms chip and semiconductor are often used interchangeably.

The EU Chips Act will take effect after it's published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Photo Illustration by The Daily Beast/Photos by Getty/Soteryx

A former CIA clandestine service officer accused of putting an aspiring operative through a sordid training program centered on servicing him sexually is now nowhere to be found, the alleged victims lawyers say.

Adding additional intrigue to the search for ex-spy Shaun Wiggins, the upstate New York data analytics firm he co-founded has apparently vanished.

The attorneys representing Wiggins accuser hired a skip tracer in hopes of tracking him down. Still, Wiggins remains frustratingly out of reach, making it all but impossible to serve him with legal papers to get the civil case underway, according to court records and a source with knowledge of the situation.

In an astonishing lawsuit filed earlier this month, which was first reported by The Daily Beast, a young woman using the pseudonym Jane Doe said Wiggins, 59, coerced her into having ongoing sexual relations with him beginning in 2017 under the guise of teaching her to use her body as a weapon. Doe claimed Wiggins told her the carnal knowledge she was picking up would become part of her technical skillset once she made it to the CIA, and that it would not only come in handy when eliciting secrets from foreign targets, but also to cement bonds between herself and her eventual colleagues.

The alleged assaults occurred during Does 14-month tenure at Soteryx, the firm Wiggins launched in 2016 with two other ex-CIA officers, including Wiggins brother. However, Wiggins promises to help Doe get hired by the CIA fell flat, according to the suit, which says Doe ended up under psychiatric care instead of realizing her dream career.

As became increasingly clear, though Wiggins was not conducting an actual CIA recruitment, the complaint states. Rather Wiggins was operating as a groomer, using his position of actual and apparent authority and power to cause [Doe] to accede to his repeated sexual assaults. (The CIA said it could not confirm or deny The Daily Beasts request for verification of Wiggins past employment, though he is regularly cited in local media as having worked for the spy agency.)

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Attorney Jon Bell, who is representing Wiggins, told The Daily Beast that he was unable to comment on pending litigation. He previously told local Saratoga Springs newspaper The Daily Gazette that Wiggins denies the allegations against him, calling them baseless and untruthful.

We expect that Mr. Wiggins will be fully exonerated, Bell said.

Soteryxs general counsel was unable to be reached on Tuesday, and a call to the company connected to an automated recording saying the number was out of service. An email sent to Soteryx for comment on Wigginswhose bio has been deleted from the Soteryx websiteand his possible whereabouts went unanswered. Now four days past the court-imposed deadline, Does lawyers have still not been able to serve him, a person familiar with the case told The Daily Beast.

Does lawsuit was filed on July 11 in New York State Supreme Court, after which Judge Lisa Headley ordered the documents to be served personally on Wiggins and Soteryx by July 21. Attorneys Megan Goddard and Siobhan Klassen engaged a process server to take care of the task, a motion submitted in court by Klassen states.

On the morning of July 19, the process server performed a skip trace on Wiggins to pull up his last known address, according to the motion. Although he worked in New York, and was thought to reside there, the results came back showing an address in Englewood, Colorado, the motion states. But when the process server showed up the next day, Wiggins wasnt there.

The resident of the home stated that he moved into this address approx. 1 month ago and does not know the subject, reads an email from the process server to Does lawyers.

That afternoon, Does lawyers emailed Bell to ask if he would be willing to accept service but they received an out of office auto-reply, informing them that Bell would be away until the end of July, without access to email, the motion states.

The next day, the process server went to Soteryxs listed address on the fourth floor of an office building in Schenectady, New York, according to an email string included in court filings by Does team. There, she found a different business occupying the space, and no one on the premises had ever heard of Wiggins, the process server wrote.

The company and suite number does [sic] not exist, the process server wrote. We can not serve something that doesnt exist.

She tried a second address for Soteryx in what she described as a huge 6-story building that is part residential in Saratoga Springs.

As per lobby attendant, the subject is not located here, her email said. I went to the suite and spoke to a woman who is employed by [a local accounting firm], and they have occupied this suite for the last 3 years.

At a crossroads, Goddard and Klassen had no choice but to serve Soteryx via the Secretary of States office, they state in a separate filing.

On July 21, the two attorneys had the process server contact the U.S. Postal Service to formally request the most recent address for Defendant Wiggins, according to Klassens initial motion.

Upon her request, she was informed this process may take significant time, it says.

Does lawyers are now asking the court for an additional 45 days to serve Wiggins, hoping theyll be able to locate the absent defendant so the lawsuit can proceed.

New York State Supreme Court

Wiggins formal response to Does suit is due by Aug. 18.

Doe is suing Wiggins under New Yorks Adult Survivors Act, which opened a one-year lookback window for sexual assault victims to file claims that otherwise would have expired under the states statute of limitations. Some 130 cases have been brought thus far, and such bold-faced names as boxer Mike Tyson, director James Toback, and former President Donald Trump have been hauled into court under the act.

I am grateful for the Adult Survivors Act, which has allowed so many survivors of sexual assault and abuse to hold their abusers accountable, Goddard told The Daily Beast in a previous interview. Abusers should always be held responsible for the harm they inflict, but the window for survivors to file lawsuits under the Adult Survivors Act ends in November of 2023.

Doe, for her part, resigned from Soteryx in October 2018 and took a job as a restaurant server, according to her lawsuit. In 2021, after she told her story to a friend and a legal aid attorney visiting the restaurant, Doe at long last understood how fully she had been victimized and traumatized by Wiggins, the complaint states. She eventually told her family what had happened, and completed an intensive four-week outpatient program at a psychiatric hospital in Saratoga. Doe is asking for undetermined damages for sexual assault, battery, and infliction of emotional distress, as well as gender discrimination and sexual harassment.

Goddard and Klassen on Tuesday declined to comment on their ongoing search for Wiggins.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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A Manhattan judge on Tuesday sentenced prolific, heinous and predatory ex-Columbia University gynecologist Robert Hadden to 20 years in federal prison, meting out the maximum punishment decades after he began abusing his patients.

Citing Haddens out of control and depraved abuse, Manhattan Federal Judge Richard Berman said the magnitude of Haddens case stood out because of the number of victims  at least 245  and the outrageousness of his conduct.

Hadden was sentenced to 20 years on each of four counts of enticement and inducement to travel to engage in unlawful sexual activity. The sentences will run concurrently. Berman also imposed a $10,000 fine.

Ive imposed this sentence in order to reflect the seriousness of the offenses, to promote respect for the law, and to provide a just punishment for these crimes, Berman said, adding that he also sought to protect the public from Hadden.

Before Berman imposed the sentence, Hadden addressed the court in a brief statement, his voice cracking as he spoke.

I just want to say that Im very sorry for all the pain I have caused. Thank you, he said.

After the proceeding, Adina, who asked to be identified by her first name, said she didnt consider his statement an apology.

I think his apology was pathetic, she said. Im sorry, for what? To who? Your family? Are you sorry to us victims? Did we even have faces, did we even mean anything to him?

Adina was one of the first women to report Hadden to authorities. Hadden delivered Adinas children.

Marissa Hoechstetter, who has relentlessly sought to hold Hadden accountable, said the institutions where he abused her and hundreds more women still need to be held accountable.

Hoechstetter played an instrumental role in getting the Adult Survivors Act passed in New York, lobbying lawmakers to enact the historic legislation that afforded victims of sexual assault their day in court.

Him going to jail for 20 years is an important milestone, but it does not change anything about what happened  about what Columbia and New York-Presbyterian let happen to us. It doesnt change the hundreds of women who keep coming forward, Hoechstetter said. Its not the full story. Its one part of what happened.

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Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Hospital have paid about $236 million to at least 200 of Haddens former patients over the last two years. Still, the institutions have never directly admitted wrongdoing or contacted Haddens former patients about him losing his license.

Bibi, who also asked to be identified by her first name, realized Hadden was the doctor who had abused her through legal advertisements related to the Adult Survivors Act.

I found out through Instagram a few months ago, Bibi said outside the courthouse, noting she recognized Haddens face in a targeted ad and was reminded of her disturbing appointments with him. He was my first gynecologist ... so I thought, Oh, maybe its just in my head.

Eva, who also asked to identify by her first name, said Columbia never informed her that Hadden had lost his license. She said she long believed shed overreacted to Haddens mistreatment of her, and didnt grasp that shed been abused until she saw news reports when the feds charged him.

It was real. It was genuine what happened to me in that labor and delivery room for 48 hours with him. I felt like, for the first time, I was not crazy, she said.

The charges the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office brought against Hadden in 2020 related to four women he lured from out of state to abuse at Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian affiliated facilities in the city. He was quickly convicted at trial in January.

The prosecutions case included evidence of up to 310 acts of abuse inflicted on as many as 154 patients.

They noted more than 100 other patients have been identified in now-settled class-action lawsuits. Scores more women have said they were abused in proceedings before New York legislators, and lawyers involved in civil proceedings say they continue to come forward.

Judge Berman also imposed a term of lifetime supervision on the 64-year-old from Englewood, N.J. Hadden had asked the court to sentence him to no more than three years, with his lawyer arguing that hed paid for his crimes.

Former Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr. charged Hadden with abusing six women in 2014 and later indicated prosecutors were in touch with 19 women. But in 2016, he offered Hadden a plea deal allowing him to admit to harming just two women in exchange for no jail time.

Hadden allegedly evaded justice for years before Vance brought a case. Haddens sentencing Tuesday came almost 30 years after Dian Saderup Monson notified his superiors at Columbia that hed sexually abused her during an exam in 1994.

She received a quick response and never heard back, with Hadden remaining employed for another 18 years.

I saved the letter, and I saved the response, Monson said. Hoarding does have some upsides.

As Monson spoke outside the courthouse Tuesday, women in the now tight-knit community of Haddens victims commended her for putting his depravity on the record from the start.

You are the reason why Columbia was forced to take accountability, Liz Hall said. It would still be going on, 100%, if it werent for you.

I agree. Youre the hero, Adina added.

I kind of caught him, Monson said. We all kind of caught him.

Hadden has been in federal custody since he was convicted of the charges in January.
A former U.S. Marine who was held for three years in Russia before being exchanged in April 2022, Trevor Reed (seen in Capitol Hill lawmakers' sign, 2021) has been wounded fighting alongside Ukrainian forces, according to the State Department. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

July 25 (UPI) -- A U.S. citizen and former Marine who was detained in Russia in 2019 before being released in an April 2022 prisoner exchange, has been wounded while fighting alongside Ukrainian forces, according to the State Department.

Trevor Reed, 30, was arrested in 2019 for allegedly attacking a Russian police officer and sentenced to nine years in prison in 2020.

On Tuesday, State Department principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said, "We are aware that Trevor Reed was injured while participating in fighting in Ukraine."

Patel said Reed "was not engaged in any activities on behalf of the U.S. government," and that he "has been transported to Germany and he is receiving medical care."

Patel warned that U.S. citizens who fight for Ukraine face extreme risks.

"As I indicated, we have been incredibly clear warning American citizens, American nationals not to travel to Ukraine, let alone participating in fighting," Patel said.

"Since the begging of this war, we have warned that U.S. citizens who traveled to Ukraine, especially with the purpose of participating in fighting there, that they face significant risks, including the risk of capture or death or physical harm," Patel added.

When Reed was sentenced in 2020, the U.S. government denounced the case against him as "preposterous."

"Today, U.S. citizen Trevor Reed was convicted in a Russian court following a trial in which the prosecution's case and the evidence presented against Mr. Reed were so preposterous that they provoked laughter in the courtroom. Even the judge laughed," then-U.S. Ambassador to Russia John J. Sullivan said in a statement at the time.

Ultimately Reed was exchanged for convicted cocaine smuggler Konstantin Yaroshenko, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a U.S. court in 2011.
 Flash

Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, met with Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, in Johannesburg on Monday.

During the meeting, Wang said China-Russia relations have withstood the test of international changes and become more mature, resilient and vigorous.

China is willing to further strengthen strategic communication with Russia, enhance strategic mutual trust, deepen the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union, and intensify coordination and cooperation at the bilateral, regional and international levels, Wang said.

"We should work together to oppose hegemonic and high-handed acts, enrich the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era, and inject new impetus into a multi-polar world and democratization of international relations," said Wang.

Stressing that the BRICS countries are all major emerging markets and developing countries that play important roles in the world, Wang hailed BRICS cooperation in recent years with both practical outcomes and institutional progress. BRICS is an acronym for five emerging economies -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

China is ready to work closely with Russia and other BRICS countries to further strengthen BRICS cooperation in a bid to safeguard the common interests of developing countries, Wang said.

Patrushev said Russia is willing to strengthen strategic communication with China, expand practical cooperation, and deepen coordination and cooperation within the frameworks, including BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, to inject more stability into a volatile world.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern. Enditem
REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

A former U.S. Marine who was freed from Russian custody via a prisoner exchange negotiated by the Biden administration in 2022 has been injured while fighting against Russian forces in Ukraine, a Biden administration official told The Daily Beast.

The Marine, Trevor Reed, is in Germany receiving medical attention following his injury, the official said. He traveled there with the support of an NGO.

Trevor Reed, who spent more than two years wrongfully detained in Russia, reportedly pleaded for help once again after injuring himself in battle in Ukraine, according to The Messenger, which first reported the news. Reed reportedly requested help from the U.S. government after stepping on a landmine about two weeks ago.

Reed was first detained Russian in 2019 after a drunken night and was released last year, after months of negotiating both before and after Russias invasion into Ukraine. He had originally been sentenced to nine years in prison.

Trevor Reed on How a Drunken Night Turned Into 985 Days in a Medieval Russian Prison

The Biden administration official clarified that Reed was not deployed on a U.S. mission in Ukraine.

Since the beginning of the war, we have warned that U.S. citizens who travel to Ukraine, especially with the purpose of participating in fighting there, that they face significant risks, including the very real risk of capture or death, the official told The Daily Beast.

The United States is not able to provide assistance to evacuate U.S. citizens from Ukraine, including those Americans who may decide to travel to Ukraine to participate in the ongoing war, the official added.

According to CNN, Reed was transported to a Kyiv hospital before being evacuated to Germany.

The Weatherman Foundation worked to help Reed make his way to Germany, but was not ultimately responsible for Reeds evacuation, a representative for the foundation told The Daily Beast.

The RT Weatherman Foundation effectively advocated at critical points and with key decision makers in DC, Kyiv and Germany for successful evacuation, the representative said. But we didnt physically move him.

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American citizens, including Marines and other veterans, have been traveling to Ukraine to help counter Russias invasion since the beginning of the war, motivated by the atrocities Russian President Vladimir Putin has unleashed in the country. Some who volunteered to fight have not been so lucky to escape the war with their lives.

Americans Who Fought Putin Share Horrifying War Surprises

Reeds decision to fight in Ukraine has raised questions over whether Russia would be able to identify him as a high-value target in the war. (The State Department declined to answer questions about the possibility Tuesday.)

Reeds case is not going to impact the way the Biden administration fights to bring other American detainees home from Russia, including Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, the State Department told reporters Tuesday.

As it relates to the other American citizens who continue to be wrongfully detained in Russia we will continue to engage directly with the Russian Federation calling for their release, State Department principal deputy spokesperson, Vedant Patel, said. Youve seen us do so in the case of Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, and well continue to remain deeply engaged on those issues.

Reed's family declined to share a comment through a spokesperson.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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David Zandstra, 83, of Marietta, Georgia, was arrested last week for killing Gretchen Harrington, 8, on Aug. 15, 1975. Photo courtesy of Delaware County District Attorney's Office/Release

July 25 (UPI) -- Authorities in Pennsylvania arrested an 83-year-old former pastor for the murder of an 8-year-old girl who was killed nearly 50 years ago.

The suspect, David Zandstra of Marietta, Georgia, was arrested July 17 by Cobb County police officers to whom he confessed to killing Gretchen Harrington in August of 1975, in Pennsylvania's Marple Township, which is located in Delaware County just outside of Philadelphia, authorities said Monday.

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer announced in a statement that Zandstra has been charged with criminal homicide, kidnapping of a minor, possession of an instrument of crime and first-, second- and third-degree murder.

"Gretchen is now in peace. Her perpetrator is going to be brought to justice," Stollsteimer told reporters during a brief press conference Monday.

"We are going to bring him here to Delaware county, we're going to try him, we're going to convict him, he's going to die in jail -- And then he's going to have to find out what the God he professes to believe in holds for those who are this evil to our children."

Gretchen Harrington, 8, was killed Aug. 15, 1975. She was last seen that morning walking to bible camp in Marple Township. Photo courtesy of Delaware County District Attorney's Office/Release

Stollsteimer said Zandstra is fighting extradition, but the county is seeking a governor's warrant.

According to the Delaware County District Attorney's Office, Harrington was last seen walking the morning of Aug. 15, 1975, to her summer bible camp, which was held at two churches in Marple -- the Trinity Church Chapel Christian Reformed Church where Zandstra worked and the Reformed Presbyterian Church where her father worked, also as a pastor.

When she failed to arrive later that morning to the Reformed church, Harrington's father became concerned and Zandstra called police.

The girl's skeletal remains were found two months later on Oct. 14, 1975, within the Ridley Creek State Park.

Zandstra was interviewed by police that month, but the case went quiet and then cold until early this year when investigators interviewed a woman who was best friends with Zandstra's.

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The woman told investigators that as a child she would spend the night at Zandstra's house and that during one sleepover when she was 10 years old she was awakened in the night to find the suspect groping her groin, the Delaware County District Attorney's Office said.

When she told Zandstra's daughter about the incident, the girl replied that her father "did that sometimes," the statement continued.

The unidentified woman had also noted in her 1975 diary that she believed Zandstra was likely responsible for two attempts to kidnap a child in her class.

After prosecutors confronted Zandstra with the new evidence in July, he admitted to the crime, the district attorney's office said.

The district attorney's office said the defendant allegedly admitted to seeing Harrington walking to church the morning that she went missing, that he offered her a ride and took her to a nearby wooded area where he attempted to undress the girl, who refused.

The district attorney's office said he then allegedly admitted to hitting her in the head and, believing that she was dead, attempted to cover her body before leaving the area.

Trooper Trey Eugene Tray told reporters that when Zandstra confessed it was like "a weight was lifted off his shoulders.

"It was extraordinary to see," Tray said. "He was a different person. Even when he was told he was going to be placed under arrest that day, he was okay with it. He was just resigned to this is my fate, I guess. I don't know if he's sorry for what he did, but it was a weight off his shoulders, for sure."

A DNA sample was collected from Zandstra to be compared to other open cases in the state and across the country as law enforcement is concerned that he may have more victims.

In a statement provided to media, the Harrington family said they are "grateful" for the continued pursuit of justice by the law enforcement agencies involved in the arrest of Zandstra.

"The abduction and murder of Gretchen has forever altered our family and we miss her every single day," it said.
A former University of Georgia linebacker who was accused of rape by two women agreed to a plea deal on lesser charges Monday.

Adam Anderson entered an Alford plea on two misdemeanor counts of sexual battery. An Alford plea allows a defendant to maintain their innocence, but acknowledge that pleading guilty is in their best interest, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

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Nearly two years ago, a woman accused Anderson of raping her at his home on Oct. 29, 2021. According to the police report, a woman said she went to his home in Athens to have some drinks. She told police she fell asleep and then later woke up to the linebacker assaulting her.

She said the incident was non-consensual and made a report with the police department later that day. Anderson played in the Georgia-Florida game in Jacksonville that next day. He was suspended from the team following the allegations and never played another game for the Bulldogs.

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Another woman in Oconee County also came forward and accused Anderson of raping her. Both cases were combined earlier this year with a plea downgrading the charges from felony rape to misdemeanor sexual battery.

Once the plea was agreed upon, the Athens-Clarke County District Attorneys Office requested a 24-month sentence. The judge sentenced Anderson to serve a year in jail on both charges concurrently, according to court documents.

As part of the plea, Anderson cannot have direct or indirect contact with either victim and cannot discuss either case on social media. Anderson must turn himself in to the Clarke County Jail by July 29 at 12 p.m.

Andersons attorney Steve Sadow sent the following statement to Channel 2 Action News.

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Mr. Anderson chose to resolve the matters by entering an Alford plea to two misdemeanors. An Alford plea is a type of guilty plea in which a defendant does not admit to committing the crime but agrees if the prosecutions evidence is believed there is enough to convict. This plea allowed Adam to plead guilty but maintain his innocence in the eyes of the law. Adam hopes to pursue a career in pro football upon completion of his misdemeanor sentence.

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IN OTHER NEWS
Former US Marine Trevor Reed, charged with attacking police, stands inside a defendants' cage during his verdict hearing at Moscow's Golovinsky district court on July 30, 2020 (Dimitar DILKOFF)

A former US Marine who spent more than two years in a Russian prison was injured fighting in Ukraine, the State Department confirmed Tuesday.

Trevor Reed, who was released by Moscow in an April 2022 prisoner swap, has been sent to Germany for the treatment of unspecified injuries incurred while fighting for Ukraine, said Vedant Patel, a State Department spokesman.

Patel stressed that Reed "was not engaged in any activities on behalf of the US government," but had traveled to Ukraine to join the fight on his own.

He said Reed was transported to Germany with the help of a private, non-governmental organization and is currently receiving medical care.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he had no further information on Reed's condition or status but he warned American citizens against heading to Ukraine.

"It underscores why we continue to call on Americans not to travel to Ukraine and not to fight there," he told a news conference during a visit to Tonga.

Blinken said he did not expect Reed's case to have an impact on US efforts to bring home two Americans held in Russia -- Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US Marine Paul Whelan.

"My expectation is that even as we are dealing with all sorts of other challenges in our relationship with Russia, we will and we are determined to continue to work to bring both Evan and Paul home," he said.

Reed was a Texas university student in 2019 when he traveled to Russia with his Russian girlfriend.

He was arrested for assault on law enforcement officers after getting drunk, and was sentenced to nine years in prison.

In April last year Russia released him after the White House negotiated an exchange for Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian pilot and alleged drug smuggler who was sentenced to 20 years in prison by an American court.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the US government has been "extraordinarily, extraordinarily explicit" in warning citizens "not to travel to Ukraine, let alone participate in fighting."

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She said she could not provide an estimate of how many Americans might be volunteering on the side of Ukraine against Russian forces.

Asked if the Reed episode could complicate US efforts to procure the release of other Americans imprisoned -- unjustly, according to Washington -- in Russia, Jean-Pierre said the cases were "separate. They're not the same."

bur-djw/arb/mlm
By Chris Prentice and Tom Sims

NEW YORK/FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is preparing to resolve a two-year probe into allegations of greenwashing by the German fund manager DWS, with a fine by the end of September, two people with knowledge of the matter said.

Resolution of the case with the U.S. authorities, which the people said would likely result in a financial settlement that is not expected to be significant, would help draw a line under an episode that has tarnished the image of Deutsche Bank-controlled DWS.

DWS said the resolution of allegations was a top priority but that it couldn't comment on timeframes or outcomes. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Deutsche Bank declined to comment.

Since 2021, regulators on both sides of the Atlantic have investigated accusations sparked by a whistleblower that DWS may have misled investors by marketing its funds as greener than they actually were. Investigations in Germany are still ongoing.

DWS has said that it stands by its financial disclosures and fund prospectuses and is cooperating with investigators. But the scrutiny has resulted in raids by investigators on DWS' headquarters, the resignation of its chief executive and pressure on its share price.

Under Democratic leadership, the SEC has pledged to crack down on "greenwashing" and the inflating of ESG credentials to attract investors. Last year it cracked down on Goldman Sachs with a $4 million fine.

DWS had earmarked civil litigation provisions of 8 million euros ($8.84 million) by the end of last year.

It remains unclear when there may be a resolution on the case with German authorities.

DWS has been in settlement negotiations with Frankfurt prosecutors over a multi-million euro fine, one of the people said.

Earlier in July, Reuters and other media reported that German prosecutors were investigating DWS' former CEO Asoka Woehrmann, who in the past has called allegations "unfounded".

($1 = 0.9055 euros)

(Reporting by Chris Prentice and Tom Sims; Editing by John O'Donnell, Louise Heavens and Susan Fenton)
The News

African heads of state and Russian officials are set to attend the second Russia-Africa summit which will be held this week, from July 27 to 28, in St. Petersburg. The last summit was held four years ago (pictured). It will run concurrently with the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, focused on business meetings.

Know More

 What will be discussed? Food security is likely to be high on the agenda after Moscows withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal last week. That move threatens to cause food shortages in parts of Africa and push up global food prices.

The African Union has expressed regret over Russias decision. According to Russian news agency TASS, President Vladimir Putin yesterday said Russia will continue vigorously working toward sending grain, food and fertilizer to Africa. Some countries will also discuss military cooperation.

 Whos coming? South Africas Institute for Security Studies (ISS) expects at least 40 African heads of state and senior leaders to attend. In 2019, representatives from all 54 African states, including 43 heads of state attended the summit.

 What is Russia planning? President Putin plans to discuss Ukraine with a group of African leaders over a working lunch on July 28, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.

African-led efforts to broker peace discussions between Russia and Ukraine last month saw seven African heads of state hold talks with the leaders of both countries.

 Anything else? The future of the Wagner private army, whose troops are present in some African countries, is also likely to be discussed in the wake of the forces abortive mutiny last month.

 What are analysts saying? Russia has turned sharply towards Africa to circumvent Western isolation following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The St. Petersburg meeting is a chance to show that Moscow has not been isolated and has alternative partners willing to deepen their cooperation with the Kremlin, said Priyal Singh, a senior researcher at ISS.

Cameron Hudson, an analyst with the U.S.-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, said African leaders have made comments in the run-up to the summit that suggest they are looking for signs of a peace process to end the pernicious effects of the conflict on Africa. This is a decisive moment for both Africa and Putin in their relationship.
Our modern world is so alienating that legions of lonely men are turning to an unlikely source of comfort: AI-generated girlfriends, powered by chatbot tech.

We already knew that could lead to some dark places, but new reporting from The Guardian suggests that these endlessly patient silicon fembots  Replika is one such popular app that generates AI companions  could be spawning a new generation of incels who will have trouble relating to actual people if they ever enter into a relationship with a flesh-and-blood human.

Tara Hunter, the acting CEO for the domestic violence advocacy group Full Stop Australia, expressed alarm over the rise of these chatbots in an interview with the newspaper.

"Creating a perfect partner that you control and meets your every need is really frightening," Hunter said. "Given what we know already that the drivers of gender-based violence are those ingrained cultural beliefs that men can control women, that is really problematic."

But these programs look like they are here to stay  fulfilling a need for a non-judgmental sounding board who makes users' lives feel less barren and isolating. For example, the Replika Reddit forum has more than 70,000 members, who eagerly post screenshots of their mundane and sometimes sexually charged conversations with their AI companions.

One post has a user boasting that they and Jennifer, their Replika companion, got "married," while showing a screenshot of their AI wife in a white flowing dress. The happy couple received virtual Mazel Tovs from other users, with no detectable irony or sarcasm.

"Congrats, such a beautiful bride" wrote one well-wisher.

Replika, which was developed by the software company Luka, is billed as a program "for anyone who wants a friend with no judgment, drama, or social anxiety involved. You can form an actual emotional connection, share a laugh, or get real with an AI thats so good it almost seems human," according to its Google app listing.

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You can customize the appearance of your AI companion, text with it, and even video chat, according to the Replika website. The more a user talks to their AI companion, the company claims, "the smarter it becomes."

Other commercial AI companion programs include Anima, billed as a "virtual friend" and the "most advanced romance chatbot you've ever talked to."

The romance aspect of these chatbots is concerning to people like Hurt, according to The Guardian. And since these technologies are relatively new, it's a mystery how they might impact users in the long term. (One AI companion vendor, Eva AI, told the paper it has psychologists on staff to grapple with these questions).

Belinda Barnet, a senior lecturer in media at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia, told The Guardian that it's "completely unknown what the effects are. With respect to relationship apps and AI, you can see that it fits a really profound social need [but] I think we need more regulation, particularly around how these systems are trained."

"These things do not think, or feel or need in a way that humans do," tech author David Auerbach told Time earlier this year. "But they provide enough of an uncanny replication of that for people to be convinced. And thats what makes it so dangerous in that regard.

Japan may serve as a harbinger of what's to come for the rest of the world. In 2013, the BBC reported that men who interacted with a fake girlfriend in a video game said they preferred it to maintaining a corporeal relationship. Coupled with Japan's low birth rates and a critical mass of men expressing no interest in sex, the future looks strange  or maybe even bleak, depending on your point of view.

More on AI people: Fully AI-Generated Influencers Are Getting Thousands of Reactions Per Thirst Trap
HOLLISTON  Two people suffered serious burns Monday after a furnace explosion at a Westfield Drive home, authorities said.

The two men, who were not identified, were found on the front lawn at 138 Westfield Drive after the 3:49 p.m. explosion, Fire Chief Michael Cassidy said in a press release.

At 3:49 p.m. Monday, the Police Department received several 911 calls reporting the explosion, and both the Police and Fire departments rushed to the house. The Ashland and Medway fire departments assisted at the scene.

"Upon arrival, it was determined that two victims needed immediate medical attention," according to the release.

'Garage to be demoed': Framingham fire believed to have been caused by gas tank explosion

The victims, a 61-year-old man and a 59-year-old man, were transported by ambulance to Holliston High School, where a landing zone was set up for two medical rescue helicopters. One victim was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital while the other was taken to Brigham and Women's Hospital.

According to Cassidy, it appears one of the homeowners and an electrician were in the basement when the explosion occurred. A preliminary investigation indicated they were working on "oil burning equipment" that had not been working since thunderstorms struck last Friday evening.

"Lightning storms can cause electrical surges across many neighborhoods," Cassidy said.

A medical rescue helicopter transports a person who suffered serious injuries in an explosion that occurred Monday afternoon inside a Holliston home to a Boston hospital.

Cassidy said if a home has been damaged by an electrical surge, homeowners should contact an electrician to look for damaged wires or other hazards. They should also contact their insurance company to properly assess possible damage.

Due to the suspected power surge, town officials have asked Eversource to check several homes in the area that had reported electrical issues after Friday's storm.

138 Westfield Drive, a Colonial-style home, was built in 1966 and last assessed at $788,800, according to the town assessor's database. It is owned by Loretta and Robert Nelson. According to the database, the home is heated by oil.

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The explosion is under investigation by the Holliston Police and Fire departments, as well as Eversource.

Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on Twitter @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Two people hospitalized after explosion inside Holliston home
A scary finding in a recent study puts Americans on notice as the hottest week of the year sizzles much of the nation, and the dense wildfire smoke just won't seem to go away. The chance of a deadly heart attack can double due to the combo, the study finds, and several days of excessive heat and humidity alone up chances by 74%.

US FACES HOTTEST WEEK OF SUMMER AS MORE THAN 260 MILLION SIZZLE FROM ABOVE-AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

File: A man takes a selfie beside a thermometer showing 102 degrees Farenheit in Baker, California on July 11, 2023, amidst a heat wave.

A study published in the American Heart Associations Journal, "Circulation," studied heart attack deaths in a province in China from 2015-2020. The province goes through four seasons, with a wide variety of temperatures and occasionally high air pollution.

Twice as many residents died of heart attacks during four days or more of high feels-like temperatures or heat index between 82.6 - 109.4 degrees Fahrenheit, with high concentrations of small particulate matter in the air the day of the death and/or the day before. Scientists estimate that the combination led to 2.8% of heart attacks. Feels-like temperatures over 95 increased the chance of heart attack by 75%.

Scientists focused on particles measuring 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM 2.5), which is 30 times smaller than the width of human hair. Wildfires, as well as burning diesel, gas, oil and other wood products, make up much of the PM 2.5 pollution, according to the California Air Resources Board.

CANADIAN WILDFIRE SMOKE CONTINUES BLOWING INTO UPPER MIDWEST, GREAT LAKES

This graphic compares a human hair to fine sand, PM 10 and PM 2.5 particles.

"Particulate matter contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can be inhaled and cause serious health problems," states the EPA. "Some particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter can get deep into your lungs, and some may even get into your bloodstream. Of these, particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, also known as fine particles or PM2.5, pose the greatest risk to health."

In New York, recent unhealthy levels of PM 2.5 descended on the city, dropping visibility and leaving an orange haze. The New York Department of Health warned that breathing in the haze from Canadian wildfire smoke can increase the risk of heart disease, asthma and contribute to low birth weight and cancer.

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U.S. AIR QUALITY MAP

File: Smoke shrouds the skyline of Lower Manhattan and One World Trade Center as the sun rises in New York City on June 30, 2023, as seen from Jersey City, New Jersey.

The study noted days that exceeded 37.5 micrograms of the particles per cubic meter for a daily average. For comparison, the EPA classifies that concentration as "moderate." The WHO recommends limiting exposure to no more than 15 micrograms per cubic liter to less than three to four days a year.

"Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental risk to health," states the World Health Organization. "By reducing air pollution levels, countries can reduce the burden of disease from stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and both chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma."

A 2019 report by the organization said that 99% of the world lived in places that did not meet the WHOs air quality guidelines. Outdoor air pollution caused 4.2 million premature deaths.

WHICH CITES HAVE THE WORST AIR POLLUTION IN AMERICA?

File: On September 14, 2020, air quality plummeted in Portland, Oregon due to wildfires and was amongst the worst in the world.

Findings showed that 3.2% of all the 202,000 deadly heart attacks in the study occurred when heat indices hit 91.2  104.7 Fahrenheit for at least three days. Most at risk were women and people over 80.

The study also found that the chance of fatal heart attacks during heat waves alone increased:

Up by 18% during a 2-day heat wave with heat indices between 82.6  97.9 degrees Fahrenheit

Up by 76% during a 4-day heat wave with heat indices between 94.8  109.4 degrees Fahrenheit

Even cold snaps proved deadly. Over 3% of heart attack deaths occurred during a three-day or longer stretch of temperatures from 30 to 38.5 degrees.

Up 4% when the cold lasted for two days, from 33.3  40.5 degrees Fahrenheit

Up 12% when the cold lasted for at least three days, from 27.0 to 37.2 degrees Fahrenheit

HEAT KILLS MORE AMERICANS THAN FLOODING, TORNADOES, HURRICANES OR LIGHTNING

FILE -- Woman wipes away sweat.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

The best way to lower your chance of fatal heart attacks due to extreme weather is to keep an eye on the forecasts.

"Strategies for individuals to avoid negative health effects from extreme temperatures include following weather forecasts, staying inside when temperatures are extreme, using fans and air conditioners during hot weather, dressing appropriately for the weather, proper hydration and installing window blinds to reduce indoor temperatures," author Dr. Yuewei Liu told the American Heart Association. "Using an air purifier in the house, wearing a mask outdoors, staying clear of busy highways when walking and choosing less-strenuous outdoor activities may also help to reduce exposure to air pollution on days with high levels of fine particulate pollution may also help to reduce exposure to air pollution on days with high levels of fine particulate pollution."

Keep track of your forecast highs and air quality with the FOX Weather app.
GENEVA (Reuters) - The United Nations body responsible for assessing the latest climate change science will choose a new leader this week.

The elected chair will hold office for the next five to seven years - a critical period both for the climate and the organisation, with temperatures expected to soon strike 1.5 Celsius of warming above preindustrial levels.

Four candidates, including the first women candidates in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) 35-year history, are vying for the top job in Nairobi. Dozens of other bureau members will also be appointed.

The IPCC is tasked with creating extensive reports that are considered the most authoritative source of scientific knowledge on climate change. All candidates aim to promote diversity in the body where two-thirds of its scientists are men.

WHO IS RUNNING?

- Jean-Pascal van Ypersele (Belgium), a physicist involved with the IPCC's work as an author and vice-chair since 1995, is running for the top job a second time. A nature lover, he sent an emotional letter to his great-grandchildren about biodiversity loss and released a campaign photo on top of Mont Blanc pledging to "lead the IPCC to new heights".

He advised Fiji's presidency at past U.N. climate talks and has emphasised climate justice. He told Reuters that the IPCC's messages needed to be made more relevant for policy makers.

- Thelma Krug (Brazil), a mathematician who previously led efforts to monitor deforestation in the Amazon, told Reuters she was inspired to run following the election of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva who has prioritised the climate change issue.

Krug, who became the first female IPCC vice-chair in 2015, would also be the first Latin American chair. She told Reuters she has overcome career challenges like financing her degree while raising a child. If elected, she would seek to boost regional representation and promote science in languages other than English.

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- Debra Roberts (South Africa), a natural scientist and the current co-chair of the IPCC group on climate change's impacts, is one of two female candidates.

She has just been endorsed by the African Union and, if elected, would be the first African chair. Her extensive practical experience including in urban reforestation could be an advantage, analysts say, especially since the body will soon produce a report on cities. The IPCC's upcoming work "can inform more real-world decisions than ever before," she told Reuters.

- Jim Skea (United Kingdom), a sustainable energy professor who co-chaired the IPCC's work on mitigating climate change, started with the IPCC 30 years ago. "I think I know how to pull the strings to make things happen," he said.

Skea said it was important for future reports to address overshoot scenarios  how to prepare and respond to a situation where the Paris deal warming limits are surpassed and to explore all options for mitigation through technology. He heads Scotland's Just Transition commission and stresses his track record on forging consensus in negotiations.

WHAT IS THE IPCC AND WHY DOES THE JOB MATTER?

Created by two U.N. bodies in 1988, the IPCC produces objective and comprehensive reports considered the most authoritative source of scientific knowledge on climate change.

They come from three so-called working groups covering the science of climate change, its impacts and ways to mitigate them. With these elections, it will now enter the seventh series of such assessments.

The IPCC chair together with the bureau has the potential to shape the research agenda which often include additional special reports on specific subjects. For example, the current chair Hoesung Lee has brought into focus climate change solutions since he began in 2015.

The chair needs a rare combination of scientific and diplomatic skills, especially for winning government approval for report summaries.

The reports inform international climate talks such as the annual U.N. climate summits, the so-called COP meetings.

HOW DOES VOTING WORK?

The chair's election is closed-door and via secret ballot. A simple majority is needed and if none is obtained in round one the top two candidates compete in a further round.

All 195 member states have a vote and the results are expected on Wednesday or Thursday.

(Reporting by Emma Farge, Jake Spring, Kate Abnett and Gloria Dickie; Editing by Janet Lawrence and Angus MacSwan)
 Flash





Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval in Johannesburg on Monday.

During the meeting, Wang said China and India are the two major forces in the process of multi-polarization, and the two sides should follow the right direction in developing bilateral relations.

The two sides should enhance strategic mutual trust, focus on consensus and cooperation, overcome obstacles and bring bilateral relations back to the track of sound and stable development as soon as possible, Wang said.

Wang stressed that China will never seek hegemony, and stands ready to work with developing countries, including India, to support multilateralism and the democratization of international relations, and promote the more just and equitable development of international order.

Doval said as two ancient civilizations and the two most populous countries in the world, India and China share broad common interests.

India is willing to work with China, in the spirit of mutual understanding and mutual respect, to find a fundamental solution to the border issues and improve the bilateral relations in a timely manner, so as to make positive contributions to world peace and prosperity, Doval said.
In a damning audit of state police  which exposed 26,000 likely-fraudulent tickets that were logged into Connecticuts racial profiling database  one state trooper stood out as a dubious high performer.

The audit flagged a lone state policeman who submitted 1,350 overreported tickets from 2014 to 2017. (These are the tickets auditors deemed, with high likelihood, were false.) This one trooper accounted for more than 5 percent of the states total over the seven years covered by the audit. And according to the report, these dodgy citations accounted for over 83 percent of this troopers infraction records.

Until now, authorities would not identify this state policeman. But in response to a freedom of information request by Rolling Stone, the state has disclosed the individual is Robert S. Hart, who retired as a Trooper First Class in 2017.

Hart was assigned to Troop F of the Connecticut state police, headquartered in Westbrook, which had twice as many overreported records compared to the average troop, according to the auditors, who added of the unit: We believe there is a pattern of submitting false and inaccurate racial profiling records.

Hart retired in good standing. Cynthia Isales, legal director for the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, who sent the states FOI response, wrote that Hart has no disciplinary history related to improperly logged tickets.

State payroll records reflect that Hart had been earning close to $140,000 a year at his retirement, including overtime. He now appears to be drawing a hefty pension. Connecticuts Open Pension database shows Robert S. Harts benefit in 2022 was $104,000. Efforts to reach Hart by phone and email were unsuccessful.

While Hart is an outlier, hes far from alone. The Connecticut state trooper scandal implicates as many as one-in-four state police. By law, troopers are supposed to log traffic stops in two databases: one that goes to the judiciary and triggers fines and court dates; the other records the race of motorists stopped  as part of a state initiative to eliminate racial disparities in policing.

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The audit, conducted by the state-funded Connecticut Racial Profiling Prohibition Project, describes pervasive logging of tickets in the racial-profiling database that do correspond to actual traffic citations filed with the judiciary. In aggregate, this fake ticketing had the effect of systematically inflating stops attributed to white motorists.

The audit also discovered that troopers failed to log more than 16,000 genuine traffic tickets in the racial database, which it describes as a violation of law. This under-reporting masked the true number of stops of people of color. The twin practices created a a substantive and statistically significant distortion of the states traffic enforcement by race, the audit concluded.

The motivations for individual officers in this scandal can be difficult to tease out from the data. A 2022 Hearst Connecticut expose of fraudulent ticketing by four officers, which sparked the current audit, revealed that the troopers had been logging ghost stops into the racial database to pad their performance metrics  resulting in perks like preference for shift assignments, new or special police vehicles, promotions, and overtime assignments, the audit reports. (Two troopers received short suspensions; two others retired before being subject to any discipline.)

The release Harts identity comes at a moment with the Connecticut state trooper scandal is widening. Last week a report surfaced that a single trooper had logged more than 90 percent of his tickets since late 2022  or more than 1,000 citations  as being issued to Native American drivers, and none to Hispanics. The trooper responsible for these unfathomable statistics has been suspended.

Legislative committees are meeting on Wednesday, July 26, in Hartford to hold a special hearing on the state trooper scandal. And on Monday, Gov. Ned Lamont announced that hed commissioned an independent investigation, led by former U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly, to probe the fake ticketing. We must get to the bottom of this and learn how it happened, why it happened, and how to prevent it from ever happening again, Lamont said.

This is a sharp change of tactics by the governor, who previously handed off investigative responsibilities to the Office of the Chief States Attorney  which then announced it was working hand-in-glove with the Connecticut State Police itself on an investigation. The move was roundly criticized as lacking independence.

Less than two weeks ago, Lamonts office insisted that the States Attorney was the appropriate entity to investigate this, that the governor had faith in the independence of the Connecticut States Attorney Office, and that it was important that that office be allowed to conduct their investigation.

A spokesperson now tells Rolling Stone that the office of the states attorney probe will continue and will ultimately weigh criminal charges. The new independent inquiry is a fact-finding affair and offers a path for public accountability.

More from Rolling Stone

Best of Rolling Stone

Click here to read the full article.
The claim: Spanish environment minister flew to climate conference by private jet before bike ride photo op

A July 11 Facebook post (direct link, archive link) features a video of Spains Minister for Ecological Transition Teresa Ribera biking to a European Union climate policy meeting.

Spanish minister attending climate conference gets out of limo 100 meters before arriving to pretend she biked there, reads the text in the post. The post caption adds, She traveled most of the way in a private jet too.

The post garnered more than 3,000 shares in one week. Other versions of the post continue to circulate on Instagram, Twitter and Telegram.

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Our rating: False

The Spanish Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge has stated multiple times on social media that Ribera did not travel by commercial or private plane to the meeting of the EU Ministers of Environment and Energy in Valladolid, Spain.

Spanish government says Ribera did not fly to climate meeting

On July 10, Ribera attended the informal meeting alongside several other Spanish government officials.

Ribera was photographed riding a rental bicycle to the meeting, which was promptly shared by both the press and the Spanish Ministry for the Ecological Transitions official Twitter account.

The Ministry said the claim that Ribera traveled to Valladolid by either a commercial or private plane was false news (falsa noticia) in a Twitter post.

Fact check: Human greenhouse gas emissions, not El Nino, drive climate change

Some of the posts include screenshots of a flight map for one of the Spanish governments private aircraft that flew from Torrejon de Ardoz, east of Madrid, to Valladolid.

But the original photo of Ribera biking was shared by the Spanish Ministry for the Ecological Transitions official Twitter account before that plane even departed, let alone arrived in Valladolid, according to the flight log used in the post.

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One of the accounts that posted the flight map is clearly labeled as satire in the username and biography.

USA TODAY reached out to the Facebook user who shared the post for comment but did not receive an immediate response.

Lead Stories and France 24 also debunked this claim.

Our fact-check sources:

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Gretchen Harrington disappeared in 1975, on her walk to summer bible camp. Provided by Delaware County District Attorney's Office

Psychic Judith Richardson Haimes worked with police to solve nearly 100 criminal cases.

In 1984, she told police in Delaware County, PA that missing 8-year-old Gretchen Harrington was dead.

Now that a former pastor was charged with the killing Monday, she told Insider she prayed then she was wrong.

Judith Richardson Haimes used her psychic abilities to assist law enforcement in solving nearly 100 criminal cases throughout the northeast, but  as a mom to six  none were more difficult than those that involved missing children.

In 1975, police in Pennsylvania sought her out for help locating missing 8-year-old Gretchen Harrington. Harrington disappeared on her walk to bible camp in Marple, Pennsylvania that August.

In September, Richardson Haimes sat in a room with police, and made a prediction that she told Insider she prayed was wrong.

"I remember blurting out, 'Oh my God, she's dead,' and everybody being so upset," the Richardson Haimes, now 79, told Insider Tuesday. "It's very difficult."

Harrington's remains were found a month later.

On Monday, nearly a half century after later, Delaware County prosecutors filed murder and kidnapping charges against David G. Zandstra, who was living in Marietta, Georgia.

At the time of Harrington's death, Zandstra was a pastor at Trinity Church Chapel Christian Reform Church in Broomall and a friend of the Harrington family, the District Attorney said.

Prosecutors said the arrest was the result of a friend of Zandstra's daughter coming forward to police.

The woman told police that when she was 10-years-old she awoke at a sleepover to Zandstra touching her groin area, and that when she told his daughter what happened she said that her father did that sometimes.

The woman also handed investigators her diary from 1975, and in it she wrote that a child in her class was nearly kidnapped twice, and she believed it was Zandstra.

This month, investigators confronted Zandstra about the sexual abuse allegations in Georgia and he admitted to them that he killed Harrington after picking her up on her walk to camp, prosecutors said.

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"He admitted to offering Gretchen a ride and taking her to a nearby wooded area. The defendant stated that he had parked the car and asked the victim to remove her clothing," the district attorney's office said in a statement.

When Harrington refused, Zandstra struck her in the head with a fist, prosecutors said, based on his interview with investigators. Prosecutors say Zandstra believed she was dead, covered her body, and left the area.

"It's a knife in your throat. The first thing you do as a mom is say, 'God, please let me wrong. Let me make a fool of myself," Richardson Haimes said Tuesday. "I have goose pimples all over because I wanted so much to be wrong."

David Zandstra was charged with the murder of an 8-year-old girl at bible camp a half century ago. Delaware County District Attorney's Office via AP

Richardson Haimes said she didn't remember a lot of details about the nearly 50-year-old case, but recalls a feeling that the person responsible was someone involved with the Sunday school or bible school.

"I knew if they didn't get him back then he would hide in plain sight," she said.

Richardson Haimes said she downplayed her work with police to avoid being targeted

Richardson Haimes said she had strict rules about missing persons cases.

She'd never work on a case if a victim's family was in the room, and when they called her directly she referred them to police. She was only involved in cases where police specifically reached out to her for help, she said.

And in most cases, she didn't want it known publicly she was involved  fearing for the safety of her family.

She wasn't just afraid of retaliation from criminals, but also from skeptics who didn't like that she was taken seriously by police.

In one case in New Jersey, for example, when a young woman's headless torso was found, she assisted state police. Someone in the agency must have leaked her involvement, and she said she was targeted.

"One day, there was a bang on my front porch. I went and opened a bag they left," she said. "In it was a head of cabbage."

In 1977, Richardson Haimes retired from working as a professional psychic for private clients, and from doing volunteer work for police departments, after an allergic reaction to medication during a CAT scan left her with a brain bleed that gave her severe migraines when she tried to concentrate.

She initially won a famous lawsuit against Temple University in Philadelphia after she claimed the allergic reaction caused her to lose income as a psychic, but the case  and reward  was later overturned.

After many years, she stopped having the severe headaches, but only does readings for herself.

"No psychic ever solves a crime. It's not how it works," she said. "We are an investigative aid. We help."

Richardson Haimes described being psychic as having a sixth sense that can't be easily explained.

For her, it was her mother who first figured out she could predict things would happen  or knew what happened in the past  when she was around six years old and living in rural Kentucky.

Her mother was worried that others in the town would find out.

"In bible belt Kentucky, someone like me was possessed," she said.

Richardson Haimes, though, doesn't think gifts like hers are extraordinary and understands it as primal.

"There are different people in my field  people who are absolute frauds, and people who are well meaning idiots," she said. "And then there are people who have a highly developed sixth sense, not much more than an animal instinct."

Today, Richardson Haimes lives on the Gulf of Mexico in Clearwater, Florida.

Her oldest daughter, who is in her 60's, has "a tremendous amount of psychic ability," but never leaned into it professionally.

Three of her sons went on to work in law enforcement, which she credits, in part, to her own work in the criminal justice field. There have been moments she congratulated them on using their "sixth sense" in cases, but they snipped back that it's just "cop sense," she recalled.

"You can say they have a healthy dose of skepticism," she said. "You have to have it with this. You can't just take people at their word. They have to show you the proof."

As for Zandstra, Richardson Haimes said she's thrilled they've found "the perpetrator," but doesn't believe that Harrington's killing was an accident.

Insider could not locate a lawyer for Zandstra, who has been denied bail and is fighting extradition from Georgia to Pennsylvania.

"I guess that eases his conscience," she said. " I can tell you that's for sure not the way it happened."

Correction: July 26, 2023  An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the defendant was fighting extradition to Delaware. He is being prosecuted in Delaware County, which is in Pennsylvania.

Read the original article on Insider
The family of a homeless woman who was run over by a lawn mower at Beard Brook Park in Modesto wants a full investigation of her death, a spokesperson said.

And although a ruling on the cause of her death has not yet been made in the death of Christine Chavez, the question of who is responsible for her death looms.

That question is bound to end up in civil court, said Dez Martinez, a Fresno advocate for unsheltered people and founder of the nonprofit, We Are not Invisible.

We just want to hold them accountable and raise awareness so they do a full investigation, Martinez said.

Close relatives of Chavez said theyve been given only sketchy details of what happened in the July 8 incident in south Modesto.

Chavez, 27, was run over by a large mower pulled behind a tractor. E.&J. Gallo Winery hired Grover Landscape Services to perform weed abatement on the park property, the day after Beard Brook changed ownership. The city of Modesto gave the 12-acre park to Gallo in exchange for 12 acres of land along the Tuolumne River, which will be used for improvements to Tuolumne River Regional Park.

A close relative of Chavez could bring a lawsuit most likely naming multiple defendants, said Mary-Beth Moylan, a law professor at McGeorge School of Law at University of the Pacific.

Moylan said the terms of the property exchange agreement between the city and Gallo Winery could possibly be significant if a lawsuit is filed. The 14-page agreement talks about the timing of the property exchange but does not include a requirement for posting signs telling the public its now private property.

A lawsuit could focus on Gallo, as owner of the property, and on Grover Landscape, as a contractor acting under the authority of Gallo. If the contractor was found grossly negligent, then Grover could be more liable for damages than Gallo Winery, Moylan said.

The judge or jury may also consider whether Chavez was trespassing or authorized to be on the property and also whether notices were posted about the legality of sleeping in the park, Moylan said.

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If the person was not expected or allowed to be there, it could affect the amount of a monetary judgment.

Grover Landscape said in an email Tuesday the tractor operator was tested for alcohol and drugs after the incident and the result was negative. The company will have no other comment while the police investigation continues, the email said.

E.&J. Gallo Winery didnt have a comment on the liability questions. In a previous statement, Gallo expressed sincere condolences to the family of the victim and said the company and landscaping contractor were fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities.

The Stanislaus County Coroners office is awaiting toxicology tests for Chavez before determining the cause of death.

A Modesto police spokesperson did not respond Tuesday morning when asked for an update on the investigation.

Martinez said Gallo acquired the former park knowing that unhoused people camped there or were often in the park. She added that alcohol and drug testing of the tractor driver was essential to the investigation.

The family has disputed some accounts that Chavez was laying down or asleep in tall weeds. Martinez said the foxtails and grass were not tall enough to block visibility.

The family of Christine Chavez created a memorial for the homeless woman who was killed accidentally by a landscaping crew at Beard Brook Park in Modesto, Calif., Friday, July 14, 2023.

The unhoused people who were there saw her about 40 minutes before the police officers arrived, Martinez said.

Chavezs death is similar to the death of Shannon Bigley, 32, who suffered fatal injuries as a Caltrans worker cleared a homeless encampment along Highway 99 at Kansas Avenue in 2018. A Stanislaus County jury in November 2021 did not award any money to Maurice Bigley, Shannons father, who sued Caltrans and the worker for wrongful death.

The jury heard testimony that Maurice Bigley of Oregon did not have a close relationship with his daughter.

Martinez noted that Chavez often saw her father at his Modesto residence. She would leave, usually staying at the Salvation Army shelter at South Ninth and D streets, not far from Beard Brook, to receive mental health services. She would also spend time in the park.

She was daddys girl, Martinez said. They tried numerous times to take her home and get her into counseling. She told everybody she wanted to be outside, with no walls, no rooms and no doors. ... She felt free outside.
HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in Miami. Google Maps

Hospital workers put photos on Instagram of a motorcycle-crash victim who later died, per a lawsuit.

The teen's father, Jose Fabian Lopez, is now suing the hospital and two employees for damages.

The father's attorney told Insider that the "breach of trust in this case is as bad as it gets."

After an 18-year-old was airlifted to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in Miami on May 28 last year, he lay unconscious for several weeks.

Jose Lopez Canizares had been struck by a car while riding his motorcycle, a crash that would prove fatal.

A new lawsuit has accused hospital staff of taking photos of his catastrophic injuries and posting them to Instagram while the teenager fought for his life.

The teen's father, Jose Fabian Lopez, is suing the hospital, the group that runs it, and two employees, according to a complaint filed in Miami-Dade County.

The complaint included a letter from the hospital acknowledging that an image had been posted and said that the employee had been "appropriately sanctioned."

Lopez accused the hospital of several counts, including invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress, and is seeking damages in excess of $30,000

"I think it's egregious what they did," Robert C. Solomon, an attorney from Saban & Solomon Solicitors who is representing the father, told Insider. "I think that the level of breach of trust in this case is as bad as it gets."

The complaint accused a hospital worker of taking three unauthorized and "gratuitous" photos of Canizares while he was undergoing treatment in the trauma bay.

The complaint said that about 20 hospital employees, including nurses, technicians, and doctors, watched while the photos were taken and no one intervened.

The hospital worker shared the photos with his colleagues and his Instagram followers, the complaint continued. The lawsuit also accused the worker of posting another photo of the victim while he was in the operating room to Instagram and tagging a fellow employee.

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That employee, who was also named as a defendant, reposted the photo to his Instagram feed, which had more than 3,000 followers, and added emojis to the caption, according to the complaint.

"Your son is in a traumatic motorcycle accident, the last thing you're thinking is they're going to take pictures of him like he's on display," Solomon said.

He added, "I mean, why are you guys taking pictures instead of doing what you need to do to save this kid's life?"

Lopez was told about the posts by a hospital employee a few days before taking his son off life support, the complaint said.

Lopez died on June 23 last year, but the plaintiffs alleged in the complaint that the hospital knew about the posts about three weeks before  as early as June 1, 2022.

"I think they purposely sat on the information," Solomon said. "There's no excuse, they had the information and they should have told his family immediately."

The complaint said that Lopez struggled to sleep, eat, and focus on work because of the photos.

The hospital attempted to have the lawsuit dismissed, arguing that any breach of privacy affected the son and not the father, but the presiding judge dismissed only a negligence count, the Miami New Times reported.

Solomon told Insider there was enough evidence to proceed with the case. "We have enough right now to move forward and get this case in front of the jury," he said.

HCA Florida Kendall Hospital did not respond to a request for comment.

Read the original article on Insider
A federal judge Tuesday blocked a new Biden administration rule that limited access to asylum, issuing a decision that will take effect in two weeks.

The ruling from a federal judge in California is a major loss for the Biden administration, which imposed new restrictions on asylum-seekers, including that they must first seek the protections if offered in another country along their route to the U.S.

The rule, finalized in May, also limits the ability to seek asylum between ports of entry.

In blocking the rule, U.S. District Court Judge Jon Tigar repeatedly referenced U.S. asylum law, writing that the new policy undermines the clear intent of Congress in establishing a safe haven for those fleeing persecution and danger.

Requiring noncitizens to present at ports of entry effectively [constitutes] a categorical ban on migrants who use a method of entry explicitly authorized by Congress, Tigar wrote in the ruling.

Conditioning asylum eligibility on presenting at a port of entry or having been denied protection in transit conflicts with the unambiguous intent of Congress, he added later.

The suit stems from a challenge led by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), though the policy also generated lawsuits from GOP-led states.

The ruling is a victory, but each day the Biden administration prolongs the fight over its illegal ban, many people fleeing persecution and seeking safe harbor for their families are instead left in grave danger, Katrina Eiland, deputy director of the ACLUs Immigrants Rights Project, who argued the case, said in a statement.

The promise of America is to serve as a beacon of freedom and hope, and the administration can and should do better to fulfill this promise, rather than perpetuate cruel and ineffective policies that betray it.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which promulgated the rule, did not immediately respond to a request for comment, though the Department of Justice is expected to appeal the ruling.

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We strongly disagree with todays ruling and are confident that the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways rule is lawful, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement, referencing the formal title of the rule.

He noted the Department of Justice will appeal the decision and seek a stay pending appeal.

Because the district court temporarily stayed its decision, todays ruling does not change anything immediately. It does not limit our ability to deliver consequences for unlawful entry. Do not believe the lies of smugglers. Those who fail to use one of the many lawful pathways we have expanded will be presumed ineligible for asylum and, if they do not have a basis to remain, will be subject to prompt removal, a minimum five-year bar on admission, and potential criminal prosecution for unlawful reentry, he said.

The rule had prompted howls from critics who argued DHS was turning to policies strikingly similar to those proposed under former President Trump. While the Biden rule had some mechanisms for migrants to fight determinations that they were ineligible for asylum, like the Trump-era third country transit ban it effectively blocked asylum for those who did not first seek it along their route.

Immigration advocates have argued few other countries have functional asylum systems to offer such protections.

But in some regard, DHS appeared to have reservations about the rule.

To be clear, this was not our first preference or even our second, a senior administration official told reporters when previewing the policy in February.

The courts ruling follows the decision by the Biden administration to lift Title 42, another Trump-era policy that used the pandemic as a rationale for expelling migrants without letting them seek asylum  another contravention of asylum law.

Border crossings have dipped since the rescission of Title 42, a factor the administration credits both to the new limitations on asylum as well as the creation of new parole programs for Cubans, Haitians, Venezuelans and Nicaraguans that allows temporary admittance to the country.

Updated at 4:39 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
WASHINGTON  A federal judge in California struck down a new Biden administration policy that sought to limit the number of migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border, delivering a major blow to the White House's efforts to stem migration.

U.S. District Court Judge Jon Tigar of the Northern District of California ruled Tuesday on behalf of immigrant rights groups, which challenged a Biden policy requiring migrants heading to the U.S. border to first seek protection in Mexico before attempting to do so in the U.S.

Creating additional requirements to seek asylum, the judge said in the 35-page order, violates federal law that allows anyone in the U.S. to apply for asylum regardless of their immigration status.

"The rule is both substantively and procedurally invalid," Tigar, a President Obama-appointee, wrote. The judge said the hastiness of the Biden administration's push to implement the rule "denied the public a meaningful opportunity to comment on the rule."

Tigar delayed his ruling from taking effect for two weeks. The Department of Justice filed a notice that it planned to appeal the decision.

President Joe Biden's administration, under pressure to address surging migration, adopted the rule in May after the expiration of Title 42, a COVID-19 pandemic policy that allowed the U.S. to cite fears of spreading the virus as a reason to expel migrants.

The Biden policy that replaced Title 42 was strikingly similar to one proposed by President Donald Trump and repeatedly shot down by federal courts in the past.

Migrants wait for asylum hearings at the US-Mexico border on May 11, 2023, as seen from San Ysidro, California.

The policy included a new cell-phone app that allows migrants to request an appointment to have their case reviewed.

Migrants caught crossing the border illegally aren't allowed to return for at least five years. They can be criminally prosecuted if they attempt to cross again. Families allowed in as their immigration cases progress face curfews and GPS monitoring.

Immigrant rights groups, which had the backing of the American Civil Liberties Union, argued that the expedited deportation process for asylum-seekers returned many to dangerous situations. The judge agreed on this point.

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"While they wait for an adjudication, applicants for asylum must remain in Mexico, where migrants are generally at heightened risk of violence by both state and non-state actors," Tigar wrote in the ruling.

A Justice Department spokesperson said the department remains confident that the asylum rule is a "lawful exercise of the broad authority granted by the immigration laws.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said "nothing has changed" following the ruling because of the judge's two-week stay while the Justice Department appeals.

"Our border enforcement plan remains in full effect," Jean-Pierre said, arguing that the plan has worked as evident by the nation's fewest border crossings in two years.

Border agents encountered about 144,000 people attempting to cross the border in June, a 30% decrease from May, according to newly released data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The number, which includes people who presented at ports of entry with or without an CBP appointment, is the lowest since February 2021.

Contributing: Associated Press, John Fritze and Michael Collins of USA TODAY

Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Federal judge blocks new Biden asylum policy for migrants at border
Unionized FedEx pilots rejected a tentative agreement with the company on Monday as talks between the union and company falter.

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) said Monday that FedEx pilots rejected the agreement with the company by a vote of 57 percent to 43 percent, but did not specify why the deal was rejected.

The Hill reached out to ALPA for additional comment.

FedEx said Monday it is disappointed in the result, but noted the vote has no impact, on the companys services.

The union said negotiations will continue under the supervision of the National Mediation Board, noting there is no time requirement for this to happen.

FedEx pilots remain unified and that will drive a new path that will help produce an agreement that all FedEx pilots will be proud to support, said FedEx ALPA chair Capt. Chris Norman in a statement.

Norman said union members will regroup and prepare for the next steps, while FedEx ALPA leadership will set a timeline for assessing pilot group priorities moving forward.

The failed agreement between FedEx and unionized pilots comes as a potential strike by unionized United Parcel Service workers looms closer. Contract negotiations have failed to result in a deal between shipping giant UPS and the UPS Teamsters, which represents over half of the companys workers. If the parties cannot agree on a new contract by the end of July, tens of thousands of workers have voted to go on strike to fight for better benefits and working conditions.

ALPA touts itself as the worlds largest airline pilot union, representing dozens of pilot groups including those from United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Air Canada, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines and Breeze Airways.

Earlier this month, United Airlines said it reached an agreement with the union to raise pilot pay by up to 40 percent over four years.

The Associated Press contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Biden administration on Monday filed a lawsuit against Texas over floating barriers that state officials have deployed in the middle of the Rio Grande, seeking to force the state to remove the buoys that federal officials argue have endangered migrants and Border Patrol agents alike.

The Justice Department's nine-page lawsuit, filed in the federal district court in Austin, said Texas officials were required to request and obtain permission from the federal government before assembling the barriers, which were put in place earlier this month. The river buoys, the department argued, violate a long-standing federal law that governs structures in navigable waterways. The suit asked the court to direct Texas to remove the existing river buoys and to block the state from setting up similar barriers in the future.

"We allege that Texas has flouted federal law by installing a barrier in the Rio Grande without obtaining the required federal authorization," Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said in a statement. "This floating barrier poses threats to navigation and public safety and presents humanitarian concerns. Additionally, the presence of the floating barrier has prompted diplomatic protests by Mexico and risks damaging U.S. foreign policy."

The Biden administration last week said Texas could avoid a lawsuit if it agreed to remove the buoys. On Monday, however, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican and vocal critic of the administration, defended the legality of his state's actions and welcomed a legal battle: "See you in court, Mr. President."

Monday's lawsuit marks an escalation of a political showdown between the administration and Abbott over how the federal government has managed high levels of unauthorized crossings at the U.S. southern border since President Biden took office in 2021.

Operation Lone Star

The floating barriers are part of a larger, multi-billion-dollar initiative authorized by Abbott, known as Operation Lone Star, that has raised humanitarian and legal concerns related to the treatment of migrants. Abbott and other state officials have touted the operation as necessary to reduce illegal border crossings, saying the Biden administration has not done enough to deter migration to the U.S.

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As part of Abbott's operation, Texas officials and members of the National Guard have been instructed to deter migrants from crossing to the U.S. by setting up razor wire on the riverbanks of the Rio Grande and to arrest migrant adults on state trespassing charges. The state has also transported more than 27,000 migrants to Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., to protest "sanctuary city" policies that limit local cooperation with federal deportation agents.

Migrants walk by a string of buoys placed on the water along the Rio Grande border with Mexico in Eagle Pass, Texas, on July 15, 2023, to prevent illegal immigration entry to the U.S. / Credit: SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images

While Abbott has tied his state's actions to the record levels of migrant apprehensions reported over the past two years, unlawful crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border have recently plummeted.

In June, the number of migrants apprehended by Border Patrol after crossing the southern border without authorization fell to just under 100,000, a sharp drop from May and the lowest level since the start of Mr. Biden's tenure, according to federal statistics. The decrease in unlawful crossings came after the Biden administration enacted stricter asylum rules for those who enter the country illegally and expanded efforts to direct migrants to programs that allow them to come to the U.S. legally.

While Operation Lone Star has faced criticism from migrant advocates and the Biden administration since it began in March 2021, the initiative recently came under internal scrutiny after a Texas state trooper and medic expressed concerns about state actions placing migrants in harm's way.

The medic's allegations included reports of migrant children and pregnant women being cut by the razor wire assembled by state officials. He also reported concerns about the river barriers forcing migrants to cross the Rio Grande in more dangerous parts of the river where they can drown.

The Texas Department of Public Safety announced an internal investigation into the medic's allegations, but has denied his accounts of state officials directing troopers to withhold water from migrants and to physically push them back into the Rio Grande.

Robert Legare contributed reporting.

Buttigieg explains why air travel headaches have continued

Transportation Department investigating airlines' "unrealistic scheduling" after flight delays, cancellations

Airlines fly fewer flights than pre-pandemic even as passenger numbers rebound
A man whose fiancee was killed in a mass shooting in a North Carolina neighborhood announced Monday that he will run for Raleigh City Council next year.

Rob Steele, the fiance of Mary Marshall, one of five people killed in the Oct. 13, 2022, shooting rampage, announced in a video posted on YouTube that he will run for an at-large seat on the council.

The teenage suspect fatally shot his 16-year-old brother and multiple neighbors, opening fire along the Neuse River Greenway trail before barricading himself in a shed about a mile from the Hedingham neighborhood.

ALSO READ: Absolutely heartbroken: Who were the victims in the deadly Raleigh mass shooting?

Since the shooting, Steele said he began to look into issues such as affordable housing and transportation.

Steele, a property manager and Navy veteran, has criticized the city for not issuing an emergency alert during the shooting, and at an April council meeting, he called on the whole council to resign, The News & Observer reported.

And if Mary hadnt died, would I be running for city council right now? Probably not, because I probably would still be ignorant of the issues, Steele told the newspaper. But Marys death led to me becoming cognizant of the issues that the city is facing. And Im just not the type of person to see a problem and not try to fix it.

VIDEO: New details released in deadly Raleigh mass shooting as families continue to grieve
 Flash

People wait outside Allen Premium Outlets in Allen, a suburban city of Dallas, Texas, the United States, May 6, 2023. Nine people were killed, including the shooter, and seven others wounded in a shooting at an outlet mall on Saturday afternoon in south-central U.S. state Texas, authorities said. [Photo/Xinhua]

Nine mass shootings occurred across the United States over the weekend, bringing the total to more than 400 this year, according to a national website that tracks firearm deaths and injuries.



The nine mass shootings led to at least four deaths and 35 injuries as of Sunday, according to the latest data from the Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as an event with at least four victims either injured or killed, not including the shooter.

The website recorded 404 mass shootings as of Sunday since the start of 2023, which left at least 453 people dead, according to the data, which are collected or validated from 7,500 sources daily.

Among those killed were some 161 children under age 12, and another nearly 400 children had been injured in mass shootings so far this year, according to the anti-gun violence group.

The number of mass shootings was 9 percent up from a year earlier. As of July 23, 2022, there were 365 mass shootings, and that year saw a total of 647 mass shootings across the country.

The increase confirmed a rising trend of mass shootings in the United States.

In 2016, the country reported 383 mass shootings. The last three years all surpassed 600, with 2021 registering the largest number -- 690 mass shootings, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
Fires that sprung up in Queens and the Bronx injured 15 people  13 of them firefighters  on Monday.

A blaze erupted on the 27th floor of the gated North Shore Towers and Country Club off Grand Central Parkway at about 4:30 a.m.

Smoke-eaters quelled the blaze at 6:32 p.m., the FDNY said.

Paramedics rushed four firefighters and one civilian to Long Island Jewish Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries, according to a Fire Department spokesman.

The Bronx fire sparked in a three-story building on Castle Hill Ave. near the Cross Bronx Expressway at shortly after 2 p.m., before spreading to a neighboring building of roughly the same size, according to FDNY Chief of Operations John Esposito

The fire engulfed the top floors of both buildings, before burning through the roof, Esposito said.

The FDNY utilized unmanned drones to achieve a birds-eye view of the blaze, but the summer heat forced commanders to rapidly pull personnel off the fire due to heat exhaustion, according to Esposito.

Its a very hot day today, weve used a lot of units, said Esposito at a news briefing held amid fire operations. We want to be careful and aware of our members of their safety, we tend to relieve them earlier.

The Bronx fire sent 10 people to the hospital for non-fatal injuries, including nine firefighters who were treated for smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion, according to EMS Operations Deputy Chief Joseph Pataky
Two adults got into a fight Tuesday on the campus of Julius Chambers High School, which led to one of them being shot, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said.

READ: Julius Chambers High to have extra security after threat made toward to school

The victim had non-life-threatening injuries.

The north Charlotte school was not in session and there were no students involved.

The adults are not employees of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Sschools. However, officials said they were contractors.

On Thursday, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said the suspect, 22-year-old Brent Wall, had been arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, discharging a firearm on school grounds and possession of a firearm on school grounds.

VIDEO: Julius Chambers High to have extra security after threat made toward to school
City leaders propose to add tenant protections for Boise renters, making it harder to displace them and requiring that they receive notice about their rights.

The changes could come as city leaders have rewritten the citys zoning laws in an effort to boost the construction of new apartments.

Here are four key proposals for tenants, brought this month before the Boise City Council.

1. Prohibit retaliation

Nicki Hellenkamp, Mayor Lauren McLeans housing adviser, proposed adding language to city law banning landlords from retaliating against their tenants.

The changes would aim to make sure tenants can request repairs and raise safety concerns or other issues without fear of retaliation, Hellenkamp said. In this context, retaliation would mean terminating a tenancy, refusing to renew a lease, increasing rent, decreasing services or harassing tenants.

An eviction notice on a form provided for landlords use by the Idaho Judicial Branch as part of its assistance to landlords and tenants in eviction proceedings.

2. Require notice of tenant rights, responsibilities

Another provision would require landlords to inform tenants of their rights and responsibilities.

Hellenkamp said the city would create a document online listing the information, and landlords would have to provide their tenants with access to it.

3. No source-of-income discrimination

This would prohibit landlords from denying a lease to a prospective tenant solely because of where the tenants money comes from, so long as the money is earned legally.

The city has in mind sources like child support, savings and government assistance.

4. Money back on demolitions

If a landlord displaces tenants because the landlord plans to demolish or renovate a property, the city may require the landlord to return each tenants security deposit in full.

Since the apartment building would see considerable changes, or potentially be completely rebuilt, tenants would not be on the hook for minor repairs.

Hellenkamp said the changes could include an exception for extreme cases, which she said would be instances where a tenant took something the landlord planned to reuse, like a toilet.

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Why City Council does not seek rent control

Council Member Patrick Bageant said he wanted the source-of-income discrimination protections extended to owners of small businesses. But he said it would be appropriate for a landlord to look askance on gift income.

I think its perfectly reasonable for a landlord to say, Wait a minute, youve documented your income based on a $5,000 gift from a stranger. I have questions about that.

Council Member Jimmy Hallyburton said he thought staff members should explore how gift income is viewed by governments in other cities.

Hellenkamp said an ordinance, if passed, would likely take effect in the new year. The council plans to schedule a public hearing on a proposed ordinance.

In 2019, the council capped rental application fees at $30 in an effort to protect tenants from exorbitant charges.

State law does not allow Idaho cities to impose rent control, as some cities elsewhere have.
Two Black farmers have received licenses to grow, process and sell medical marijuana, after a new state law helped clear the way for the long-awaited licenses.

The Florida Department of Health issued the licenses July 11 to Suwannee County farmer Terry Donnell Gwinn and Bascom-based Shedrick McGriff. The farmers each met a Friday deadline to submit a required $5 million bond to begin operating, sources confirmed.

Letters sent to Gwinn and McGriff announcing the licenses had been awarded pointed to legislation, HB 387, that lawmakers passed in May and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed last month.

The bill was aimed, in part, at helping carry out a 2017 law that earmarked a medical-marijuana license for a Black farmer with ties to doing business in the state. The farmer also had to be part of decades-old class-action lawsuits, known as the Pigford cases, against the U.S. Department of Agriculture over discriminatory lending practices.

State health officials accepted applications for the Black farmer licenses in March 2022, after years of delay. The Department of Health in September announced its intent to issue a license to Gwinn, but losing applicants filed administrative and legal challenges.

Under the law that DeSantis signed last month, the health department was required to issue licenses to Black farmers whose applications did not have any identified deficiencies. Of last years 12 applicants, only Gwinn and McGriff met that provision.

The law also requires the health department to award licenses to applicants whose applications were deemed to have met all requirements for licensure by an administrative law judge. And the new law gives hopefuls whose applications were found deficient a 90-day cure period to address the problems.

It isnt clear how many additional licenses the law will generate because not all of the applicants might have met the criteria.

Florida voters in 2016 approved a constitutional amendment that broadly allowed medical marijuana. Gwinn and McGriff are entering the market as a political committee known as Smart & Safe Florida tries to put a proposed constitutional amendment on the 2024 ballot that would authorize recreational use of marijuana by people age 21 or older.

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The committee is seeking approval from the Florida Supreme Court of the proposed ballot wording. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has urged the court to reject the measure, arguing that it is misleading to voters.

As the third-largest state in the country, investors and marijuana operators consider Florida a prime target for recreational use.

State economists recently predicted authorizing recreational use could generate $195.6 million to $431.3 million a year in state and local sales taxes.

With the addition of Gwinn and McGriff, the state now has 24 licensed medical-marijuana operators. The men will have to seek authorization to begin cultivating marijuana plants within two months.

Mr. Gwinn is grateful that the long awaited Pigford MMTC (medical marijuana treatment center) license has been awarded, and he and his team look forward to moving forward quickly to begin cultivation, processing and dispensing operations, Jim McKee, a lawyer for Gwinn, said Friday. Upon receipt of cultivation authorization, cultivation will commence in his Alachua County cultivation facility.

McGriff in Jackson County said thanked DeSantis and state leaders for the license.

As a Black farmer, Ive lived our history with agriculture and felt the weight of the imbalances weve shouldered, he told the News Service. Were rolling up our sleeves, preparing meticulously to offer medical cannabis to those patients who need it.

The state issued a first round of medical-marijuana licenses after lawmakers laid out a blueprint for the industry when authorizing low-THC cannabis in 2014.

Black farmers complained none of them met the license-eligibility criteria, which required applicants to have operated as Florida nurseries for 30 years. The farmers maintained that lending discrimination, in part, had prevented them from being able to sustain operations over three decades without interruption.

A 2017 law carrying out the 2016 constitutional amendment required health officials to grant a license to one applicant that is a recognized class member in the Pigford cases.

The law also required the Black farmer applicants to have conducted business in Florida for at least five years and have valid certificates of registration as nurseries from the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Applicants also had to provide documentation showing they were recognized members in the Pigford class-action lawsuits.
In honor of World Drowning Prevention Day, the new Face the Water with Confidence campaign by the First Coast YMCA is raising awareness about water safety for parents and children to reduce the number of drownings in Florida.

The organization says, Drowning continues to be a leading cause of death among children under the age of 5 in Florida.

Megan Hansson, Aquatics Director for First Coast YMCA, says educating the community through swim lessons and lifeguard training is an important part of the campaign.

For the YMCA, we have three basic swim lessons that they can definitely get into. We can bring those children in at the earliest at six months, which is our Swim Starter program, so thats six to 36 months. Then they can go into our Swim Basics, which is more of our preschool area that is three to five years old, and then our Swim Strokes, which will be our five to 12 years old...Of course, then we can definitely get them into doing lifeguarding, Hansson said.

For parents who want to sign up for swim lessons or have teenagers interested in a job as a lifeguard, you can go to Water Safety Florida for more information.
WASHINGTON  First lady Jill Biden delivered remarks Tuesday in France at a UNESCO ceremony marking the U.S.' return to the global organization after more than four years of absence.

The U.S. formally withdrew from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in December 2018 over what the Trump administration saw as anti-Israel bias and the need for "fundamental reform." Previously, the U.S. halted funding for UNESCO when it voted to give Palestine membership in 2011.

But the absence from UNESCO was "harming our interests," and the organization has made "much-needed reforms," a senior Biden administration official said in a call with reporters last week.

The U.S. announced its decision to rejoin the organization last month and was re-admitted shortly after.

The first lady spoke at a flag-raising ceremony Tuesday marking the return of the U.S. Her trip is the latest move in the Biden administration's efforts to rejoin multilateral organizations that President Donald Trump exited.

"Some of the biggest challenges of our time cannot be solved in isolation," she said. "Of course, we need to take care of our own citizens, but were also a part of the global community. When we take our seat in that coalition, we can fight for our values, like democracy and equality and human rights."

In 2021, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the U.S. was rejoining the U.N. Human Rights Council, a move that became formalized at the start of a three-year term beginning in January 2022.

The U.S. withdrew from the council in 2018 during the Trump administration, with the ambassador to the U.N. at the time, Nikki Haley, citing chronic bias against Israel.

President Joe Biden rejoined the Paris Agreement addressing climate change, which the Trump administration announced its intention to withdraw from in 2017. The U.S. formally exited the pact just one day after the 2020 election.

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As President Biden has frequently noted, the United States is stronger, safer, and more prosperous when we engage with the rest of the world and when we seek cooperation, collaboration, and partnership, Blinken said in a statement last month. By rejoining UNESCO, the United States would reinforce that message and restore our leadership in a vital international space.

Senior administration officials framed the first lady's trip as a milestone in restoring U.S. leadership on the international stage.

We also recognize that when we dont show up in these organizations, other countries will fill the void, a senior administration official said.

If we arent in the room, we cant push back, the official added. And if we dont show up, we cant fight for the American people and defend our allies abroad from unfair attacks.

The first lady will also visit Mont-Saint-Michel  a UNESCO world heritage site  as well as the Brittany American cemetery in Normandy to honor U.S. service members who died during World War II. She will meet with France's first lady, Brigitte Macron, on Tuesday.

A senior administration official listed U.S. priorities in UNESCO, including investments in Holocaust education, preserving cultural heritage in Ukraine, journalists safety and STEM education for women and girls in Africa.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
First responders are asking state legislators to better protect them while responding to emergency calls involving the opioid epidemic.

State Sen. Nick Collins, a Boston Democrat, is backing bills that would give police, fire and EMS easier access to disability income if they are exposed to illness or an infectious disease while on the job.

On the front lines, already dangerous work can become even more hazardous.

First responders said places like Mass and Cass are the biggest concern.

Rushing into these situations of people bleeding, of people suffering from overdose and possibly getting stuck with a need that may be infected and then they are bring that infection home with them, said Larry Calderone, president of the Boston Police Patrolmens Association.

Sam Dillon, president of Boston Firefighters Local 718, described what his firefighters are dealing with every day.

Our members have been stuck with hypodermic needles in the past. They have been subjected to violence which increases their risk of exposure, said Dillon.

Collins is pushing two bills that he said would take care of first responders who come down with an illness when responding to these calls.

If they were disabled through an infectious disease, they presumed to have on the job, they would get that benefit for their family, said Collins.

Collins is also looking to include Public Works and Public Health employees who have been working alongside first responders at Mass and Cass.

They should be eligible for this benefit as well, said Collins.

If the Joint Committee approves the measure, it would still need to be passed in the Senate and House and then get the governors signature.

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
Compiled by California Outdoors Hall of Fame member Dave Hurley and edited by Roger George, who guides in the greater Fresno area and holds the striper record at Millerton Lake.

Photo gallery

Show off your success! Share your fish photos and videos with Bee readers. Please share only jpeg images and Mp4 video files. Include Fishing Report in the subject line and a full caption and email to sports@fresnobee.com.

Best bets

Pine Flat boasting of good bass, trout and catfish bites, Michael Crayne said. Don Pedro is kicking out big king salmon , Monte Smith reported. New Melones catfish and kokanee hitting, Kyle Wise said. Shaver trout top dog, Dick Nichols reported. West side waterways producing catfish and stripers, Omega Nguyen said.

Valley

Westside waterways

Striper 3 Catfish 3

Triple-digit heat has made sitting at the shadeless aqueduct difficult during the day. Omega Nguyen of Mega Bait and Tackle in Lathrop reported a solid catfish bite for big channel cats in both the Delta Mendota and California Aqueduct with striped bass fishing best south of Santa Nella. Striperz Gone Wild Three-Year Anniversary Fall Classic Striper Derby is 5 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Hilldale Bridge with a BBQ, 50/50 raffle, and prizes in the adult and youth divisions.

In the south aqueduct in Kern County, Copes Rod and Tackle in Bakersfield reported the striped bass bite has been on fire with lugworms, nightcrawlers, or anchovies sprayed with Bang! Garlic scent. Anglers are split-shotting the crawlers and tossing them directly into the moving water at the headgates. Catfishing is also outstanding with Triple S Dip Bait, cut baits, or chicken livers. Poppers, Whopper Ploppers, small swimbaits, or plastics in Baitfish, white, or green pumpkin are working for largemouth bass.

Call: Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis (559) 292-3474; Bobs Bait Bucket, Bakersfield (661) 833-8657.

Eastman Lake/Hensley Lake

Bass 2 Trout 1 Bluegill 2 Catfish 2 Crappie 2

Eastman remains very tough as more than 70 anglers participated in a fundraising tournament for Kevin Vue hosted by Michael Her and sponsored by 559 Fresno Bait and Tackle, BGC Swimbaits, and Nujay Outdoors. A total of only 5 fish were weighed in with the winning limits just over 7 pounds. Michael Crayne of Valley Rod and Gun reported tough fishing at both lakes with the triple digit heat and budding algae blooms behind a hindrance. Eastman dropped 3 feet to 561.83 feet in elevation and 73% with Hensley also dropping 2 feet to 514.44 feet in elevation and 61% as water releases continue.

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Call: Eastman Lake (559) 689-3255; Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis (559) 292-3474; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hensley Lake Hidden Dam (559) 673-5151.

Lake Don Pedro

Bass 2 Trout 2 Kokanee 2 King salmon 3 Crappie 2

Monte Smith of Gold Country Sport Fishing has been finding excellent action for king salmon with a total of 8 kings, a kokanee, and a rainbow trout on a recent trip. He said, The kings ranged from 1.5 to 4.2 pounds, and they all came on kokanee gear as we are running Apex lures or hoochies tipped with corn with the best action from 50 to 55 feet. The kokanee was close to 18.5 inches at 2.7 pounds, and it came at 75 feet. The kokanee was a male, but it was still in good shape with its teeth started to show. I have been launching very early in the morning at Blue Oaks which is at the very top with the high water, and you have to make a 5 mph run through a small channel marked with red and green buoys. With the heat, you have to be on the water very early before getting off early. For bass, Ryan Cook of Ryan Cooks Fishing said, The bass bite is decent, but it is getting tougher. There is a good jerkbait bite early with the Megabass Vision 110 + 1 in shad patterns along shade lines in the early mornings, and there have been periods of bass schooling on the surface in 40 to 80 feet of water along main lake points. A 1/4th-ounce Kastmaster in blue/silver is also working along with a 5-inch Senko thrown out into open water. The bass are total suspended. There is still a jig bite, but it is slowing down. I was out with Joseph Peacock over the weekend, and he landed his personal best largemouth bass at 9.04 pounds on a topwater lure. We ended up with a five-fish limit just a few ounces shy of 30 pounds.

The Blue Oaks ramp has been closed intermittently due to high water, but it reopened as the lake rose 2 feet to 824.53 feet in elevation and 97%.

Call: Monte Smith, Gold Country Sport Fishing (209) 581-4734; Kyle Wise, Head Hunter Guide Service (209) 531-3966; Ryan Cook, Ryan Cooks Fishing (559) 691-7008.

Lake Isabella/Bakersfield area

Bass 3 Trout 3 Crappie 2 Catfish 3 Bluegill

The lake rose nearly 2 feet to 2,603.78 feet in elevation and 97%. Copes Rod and Tackle in Bakersfield reported tremendous interest in the double-digit largemouth bass landed at the lake within the past few weeks. The water temperature is rising, hitting 68 degrees in the North Fork and 75 degrees in the South Fork. Bass action continues to be solid in the South Fork at depths from 6 to 12 feet with Roboworms in Aarons Magic or Oxblood along with jigs, crankbaits, topwater poppers, or buzzbaits. The area around Lime Dyke and Rabbit Island has been productive. Crappie are located in open water at depths from 12 to 20 feet with Get Bent Baits or live minnows. Despite the warm temperatures, trout fishing remains solid from the shoreline as well for trollers. With the cooler water temperatures, the North Fork is the best location for bank anglers with garlic Power Bait, Get Bent Baits, or spinners while trollers are pulling Needlefish or Flicker Shad on leadcore. Catfishing improved this week with Triple S Dip Bait, nightcrawlers, or cut baits.

The Kern River at Kernville dropped from 1996 to 1595 cfs while water releases out of the dam dropped from 3422 to 2772 cfs at First Point. The flows remain dangerous for swimming in in both the upper and lower Kern. At the local lakes, Copes reported a decent bluegill bite with live worms under a bobber or on a Carolina-rig at the River Walk while Ming is sporting an outstanding bluegill bite with meal worms, red worms, or small crappie jigs. Bass fishing is good with plastics on the drop-shot after tossing frogs or topwater lures in the early morning hours. Small catfish are coming on Triple S Dip Bait or cut baits. Crappie action is fair with live minnows or minijigs. At the Buena Vista lakes, Copes reported bass anglers are flipping and pitching near the cattails along with weightless Senkos in green pumpkin or topwater frogs along weed lines. Crappie are taken on small minnows or minijigs tipped with Crappie Nibbles while catfishing is best with fresh shrimp, Triple S Dip Bait or cut sardines. At Hart Park, there is a decent bass bite with 6-inch plastic worms in purple, brown, or dark green on a Texas-rig fished weedless under floating weeds. Topwater frogs or poppers are working in the morning. Bluegill are taken on red worms or waxworms while catfishing is best with Triple S Dip Bait on a Carolina-rig

Call: Copes Tackle and Rod (661) 679-6351; Bobs Bait Bucket, Bakersfield (661) 833-8657; North Fork Marina (760) 376-1812; Golden Trout Pack Station (559) 542-2816.

Lake Kaweah

Bass 2 Crappie 2 Trout 2 Catfish 3

The lake dropped slightly to 710.94 feet in elevation and 95%. Copes Rod and Tackle in Bakersfield reported bass fishing is best with Roboworms in Aarons Magic, green pumpkin, or Oxblood are working on either a drop-shot or shakey head. Small jigs with a twin-tailed trailer or crankbaots along main and secondary points are another option along with topwater lures in the early mornings or late afternoons. Crappie are found over submerged rockpiles or brush with small live minnows, small swimbaits such as Keitechs, or minijigs. Triple S Dip Bait or chicken livers are best for catfish. The Kaweah River at Three Rivers is dropping, and it came down from 2224 to 1690 cfs this week.

Lake Success

Bass 2 Crappie 2 Trout 2 Catfish 2

The lake dropped slightly to 648.46 feet in elevation and 90%. Copes Rod and Tackle in Bakersfield reported a decent bass bite with crankbaits, finesse plastics or jigs with the fish holding near main lake points and near submerged vegetation. Plastics on a Carolina-rig, spider jigs, or stick baits are also effective. Crappie are holding either near the docks in the marina or over submerged vegetation, and minijigs, small swimbaits, or small live minnows are working for the slabs. Catfishing is best with Triple S Dip Bait or cut anchovies

Call: Copes Tackle and Rod (661) 679-6351; Sequoia Fishing Co. 539-5626, sequoiafishingcompany.com.

McClure Reservoir

Bass 2 Trout 2 King salmon 0 Kokanee 0 Crappie 2 Catfish 2

Triple-digit heat and much better bass action at Don Pedro has led to most anglers giving McClure a break for the time being. The best action remains at night, and there have been some quality bass landed in the evening hours with deep-diving shad patterned crankbaits, topwater Spooks, or spinnerbaits. The lake has started to release water, and it dropped nearly a foot to 858.22 feet in elevation and 94%.

Call: Ryan Cook, Ryan Cooks Guide Service (559) 691-7008.

McSwain Reservoir

Trout 2

The lake has risen once again to 99% with water releases out of Exchequer Dam at Lake McClure. There hasnt been much change here as the summertime is dominated by campers and recreation on the lake. Without trout plants, bank anglers continue to struggle for the occasional holdover rainbow. Trout plants should resume in the fall months prior to the October Merced Irrigation District Trout Derby, but the lake is dominated by recreational activity during the summer months.

Call: Anglers Edge Market (209) 226-4416; McSwain Marina (209) 378-2534.

Millerton Lake/San Joaquin River

Bass 2 Striped bass 1 Shad 1 Bluegill 3 Crappie 2

Michal Crayne of Valley Rod & Gun in Clovis said, Most anglers are avoiding the lake due to heavy recreational boating pressure in the main lake combined with the extreme heat. The best fishing remains in the upper lake near the river arm, but the majority of bass remain small.small Swimbaits or plastics on the drop-shot are working best. The lake has risen to 101 percent of capacity at 878.94 feet in elevation. Water releases down the San Joaquin have held steady at 2575 cfs at Friant. The San Joaquin River from Friant Dam to the Merced County line has reopened for recreational use, but interested individuals should check the local parks for availability. Sycamore Park is open seven days per week.

Call: Valley Rod & Gun 292-3474.

New Melones Reservoir/Tulloch

Bass 2 Crappie 2 Catfish 3 Trout 2 Kokanee 3

Fishing pressure on the lake has increased for kokanee as trollers are hunting down the states largest kokanee. Kyle Wise of Head Hunter Guide Service continues to find limits of big kokanee over 2.5 pounds trolling Apex lures or spinners behind a Paulina Peaks gold hammered dodger at depths from 40 to 45 feet. He added, The catfish bite is on fire as we are finishing off our kokanee trips by soaking cut sardines for the whiskerfish. Melones catfish love cut bait, and there are some big ones over 20 pounds in the lake. I have also been drifting live minnows for spotted bass, but it isnt lights out as you really have to work for them. Richard Kowski and Frank Ceneca night fished for rainbow trout with the Kowski Crawler method for limits of rainbows to 22 inches before targeting kokanee the next day. Kowski said, We started at the Spillway and ended at Glory Hole Point for limits of kokanee with two over 19 inches trolling watermelon Apex lure or spinners behind the Kowski Special Dodger from TopCoat Tackle at depths from 33 to 45 feet at 1.2 to 1.7 mph. For bass, Shaun Leytem of RB Bass came in 2nd during Saturdays Yak A Bass tournament with the best bite on either the Berkley Choppo 120 topwater lure in Perfect Ghost or a 4-inch Senko on a Texas-rig. He said, After spending numerous days on the water before the tournament, I came to the conclusion that there are fish literally everywhere. What I mean is there are fish on nearly every point, cut/ cove, rock pile, or underwater island, and the majority of the fish were from 10 to 25 feet deep. Finesse baits on a Ned, dart head, or drop-shot were all catching fish, and during practice, I would catch around 30 fish, but I wasnt getting the larger 15- to 17-inch fish on a regular basis. My big clue was I caught a couple larger fish up the river arm and just off the main river channel so I during the tournament, I fished Coyote Creek all the way to the back with the Choppo in the early morning to 11:30 a.m. The bites were few and far between, but when I did catch one it was a good one. When I came back to a cove or a cut with wood in the back, I would throw a 4-inchSenko on a Texas-rig. Water releases have started, and the lake has dropped a foot to 1057.29 feet in elevation and 86%.

Call: John Liechty, Xperience Fishing Guide Service (209) 743-9932; Ryan Cook, Ryan Cooks Guide Service (559) 691-7008; Kyle Wise, Headhunter Guide Service (209) 531-3966; Monte Smith (209) 581-4734.

Pine Flat Reservoir/Kings River

Bass 3 Trout 3 Kokanee 0 King salmon 0 Catfish 3 Crappie 2

The lake is extremely high as it has risen another 8 feet in the past week to 948.03 feet in elevation and 98 percent. The restrooms are now under water to roof level, and there is limited parking with the high water levels. Michael Crayne of Valley Rod and Gun in Clovis said, The lake has been fishing very good in the upper end and into the river arm for trout, bass, catfish, or carp. My friend was up there over the weekend throwing a jerkbait while his family was soaking worms, and they found a variety of species willing to bite. There is a reaction bite with crankbaits or topwater lures along with a finesse bite with plastics on a drop-shot or jigs. The flows on the lower Kings at Trimmer remain dangerous despite dropping from 10,296 to 8595 cfs. Portions of the lower river were closed during the holiday weekend, but interested individuals should check for accessibility as the river is scheduled to reopen soon.

Call: Valley Rod & Gun (559) 292-3474; Sequoia Fishing Co. (559) 539-5626.

San Luis Reservoir and ONeill Forebay

Striper 2 Catfish 2 Bass 2 Crappie 2

The lake is finally releasing water, and it has dropped from 99 to 95 percent. Mickey Clements of Coyote Bait and Tackle in Morgan Hill said, Before this heat wave, there was a good topwater and fluke bite in the early mornings, but this has been much tougher since the extended run of triple-digit temperatures arrived. Evergreens Shower Blow SB1500 in bone has been a top producer. With the hot temperatures, most boaters are trolling near the dam, Romero Visitor Center, and the Basalt Recreation Area with Duo Realis 120s in Neo Pearl or red head/white or Lucky Craft 120s. In the ONeill Forebay, the weeds are piling up, and there are few areas from the banks clear of weeds. The Twin Islands have been the best bet for clearer water, but the area around Check 12 is getting choked up. We have been selling loads of Sea Waves Green Label anchovies for limits of schoolie stripers.

To check the wind conditions on the lake use windfinder.com/forecast/san_luis_reservoir.

Call: Coyote Bait and Tackle (408) 463-0711, Roger George, rogergeorgeguideservice.com (559) 905-2954.

High Sierra

Bass Lake

Bass 2 Trout 3 Kokanee 1

Mike Beighey of Bass Lake Fishing said, The lake is still kicking out rainbow trout, but I havent seen any kokanee yet. I am beginning to wonder what happened to the kokanee although it the lake was reportedly planted. The rainbows are found from the surface to 29 feet across from Millers Landing with Dicks Mountain Tubes or Trout Busters tipped with maggots behind a Dicks Mountain Dodger in gold/purple or blue/silver. Rocky Mountain Tackles Planktons in pink behind a Signature Dodger are also working. Recreational boat traffic remains heavy, even on weekdays. Bass fishing is best with plastics on a drop-shot for a small grade of fish. A webcam of the launch ramp is available at https://basslakeca.com/. The lake is at 90%.

Call: Mike Beighey, Bass Lake Fishing 676-8133.

Edison/Florence/Mammoth Pool

The Kaiser Pass lakes are rising, and trout fishing has been solid at both Edison and Florence Lake. Edison has is kicking out multiple browns and rainbows for troller with the high water level. All the lakes are nearly filled with Edison at 90, Florence at 97, and Mammoth Pool at 100 %. Road conditions (559) 97-0706. A trout plant is scheduled for Ward Lake this week.

Call: Vermilion Valley Resort at Edison Lake 259-4000.

Shaver Lake/Huntington Lake

Kokanee 2 Trout 3

Dick Nichols of Dicks Fishing Charters, Shavers Guide Emeritus, said, The trout bite remains active, but the kokanee bite continues to be slower. Even with hotter weather conditions, the trout remain in the upper 25 feet. On our last trip out, we picked up multiple limits of trout/kokanee, but we had to remove our dodgers and put on weighted Dicks Mountain Flashers in front of Stevenson Creek. We were able to get down between 20 to 25 feet using Dicks Trout Busters or purple Dicks Koke Busters with a setback of 100 feet behind the weighted flashers. On the downriggers, we are scoring with Mountain Tubes or Mountain Candy in pink or orange tipped with corn behind Mountain Dodgers at depths from 30 to 36 feet deep for the kokanee. The kokanee will be dropping in water column as the extreme heat continues.

Rob and Rick Scheidt of Clovis trolled from the Point to the island with Dicks Scout Trout Busters with scented corn behind a Dicks Mountain Flashers on the side poles while using the same setups at 30 feet deep on the down riggers. Rick reported catching 5 trout an hour on the side poles and only a few trout on the riggers. No kokanee were caught. Culling through the trout, the brothers kept two limits of trout to 16 inches. With a good trout bite, we can expect a boost in the action with another CDFW this week.

At Huntington, the lake remains high and 98 percent, and the launch ramp is accessible. Nichols reported small kokanee or catchable rainbow trout are found at depths around 25 feet for trollers working near Dam 2. Huntington is also scheduled for a trout plant this week. A webcam of the Shaver launch ramp is at sierramarina.com/webcam-weather-page.html and for Huntington at http://www.shaverlakewebcams.info/huntington.html. A trout plant is scheduled for Shaver next week.

Call: Todd Wittwer, Kokanee.net Guide Service (559) 288-8100; Jerad Romero, Jrods Guide Service (559) 392-6994; Tom Oliveira, Tom Oliveira Fishing (559) 802-8072.

Wishon/Courtright

Trout 2

Courtright Reservoir is now open, but Michael Crayne of Valley Rod and Gun in Clovis reported slow trout action despite no gear on the lake for months. He said, One troller landed a total of four trout over the weekend. Bank fishing is slow with the fish moving out into deep water. Wishon has been the best option for trollers working the upper end of the lake, and fly fishermen are also finding solid action in the early mornings and evenings, particularly in the inlet. Banks fishing is slow with the hot temperatures. Wishon and Dinky Creek are scheduled for trout plants this week.

Call: Wishon RV Park (559) 865-5361.

Ocean

Half Moon Bay

Rockfish 3 Striper 2 Halibut 2 White seabass 1 Sand dabs 3 Surf perch 3

Rockfishing along the coastal reefs south of the harbor are producing limits of assorted rockfish along with the occasional ling cod and California halibut. The ability to head further offshore for rockfish has been limited by the continued inclement weather, and although bluefin tuna hunters are having a hard time being patient, trips offshore to the Half Moon Bay Weather Buoy and outside the Farallons are on hold until the next weather window. Rockfishing is open at any depth until Dec. 31.

Call: Captain Michael Cabanas, New Captain Pete (510) 677-7054; Captain Chris Chang, Ankeny Street (650) 279-8819; Captain Bill Smith, Riptide (650) 728-8433; Half Moon Bay Sport Fishing, Queen of Hearts (510) 581-2628.

Monterey/Santa Cruz

Rockfish 3, Halibut 2 Striper 2 White seabass 1 Sand dabs 3 Surf perch 3

Alan Bushnell of Santa Cruz Kayak Fishing and Surf Casting Guide Service said, Monterey Bay is a great place to be if you like to fish. And were really just getting going on our summer season. Fishing has been great all around the bay and its going to get better. In Monterey, Chris Arcoleo sends out the Check Mate and Caroline nearly every day, and everyday reports limits aboard each boat. Wednesdays trip on the Check Mate recorded 220 rock cod and 31 lings for 22 anglers. The Caroline only had 20 anglers aboard, and their tally was 200 rockfish. The Point Sur area is teeming with big chilipeppers in 300-500 feet of water while crowds of lingcod are ready to bite out to 750 feet. Arcoleo reports the squid spawns nearshore have dwindled, though the private boaters are picking up plenty of nearshore rockfish as well as halibut. Joey Stagnaro is at the wheel of the Kahuna these days and hes stoked with the numbers and quality of fish they are getting. Its the same, same, same. Every trip were getting beautiful limits of chilis, vermilion and canaries, he reported this week. Some nice ling cod coming over the rail too! The Kahuna has been fishing mostly close to Moss Landing in roughly 300 feet of water. The deep canyon edges seem to be the spot for chilipeppers. Stagnaro says they will be taking longer range trips soon, down to the Point Sur area, when the weather cooperates. Meanwhile in Santa Cruz, Ken Stagnaro has been dispatching the Velocity and Legacy out for a variety of deepwater trips as well as half-day outings. Thursday and Fridays half-day nearshore trips netted limits for all aboard.

Call: Chris Landing (831) 375-5951; Allen Bushnell, Santa Cruz Kayak and Surf Casting (831) 251-9732

Golden Gate/San Francisco Bay

Halibut 3 Striper 2 Rockfish 3 Leopard shark 2. Sturgeon 2

After a slow start for rockfish on last Sundays opener, the coastal rockfish have received the memo, and they have decided to bite aggressively. Most party boats are heading outside the Golden Gate for the Marin coast to focus on rockfish before making a few drifts for halibut either inside or outside the bay. Boats targeting halibut have been focusing on the North Bar with outstanding results. The Happy Hooker out of Berkeley found an excellent grade of halibut on the bar on Saturday with 9 limits of big flatfish. Their sister boat, the Pacific Dream, loaded up with 18 limits of halibut plus a crew fish to go with a single striped bass outside the Gate. Captain Ron Koyasako of Nautilus Excursions out of San Francisco has been following this script, adding a try for striped bass inside the bay for limits of linesides one day, followed by slower action on the stripers the next day. Halibut and rockfish have been a given.

Captain James Smith on the California Dawn 2 had a spectacular Sunday with 25 limits of rockfish, 25 limits of ling cod to 21 pounds, 11 halibut to 24 pounds, and a bonus striped bass. The California Dawn 1 treated a small group of 11 anglers for limits of rockfish, near limits at 21 ling cod, and 5 halibut.

Captain Jerad Davis of the Salty Lady out of Sausalito took out a group of young anglers from the San Mateo Police Activities League for an excellent day inside the bay for 15 halibut and 7 striped bass. These trips are sponsored by the Golden State Salmon Associations Roger Thomas Youth Fishing Endowment fund, designed to get youth under the age of 18 out fishing.

Bluefin tuna mania remains on a simmer as the weather offshore has not allowed boats to venture out the 30-plus miles to the Continental Shelf. Private and party boats are champing at the bit to head out, and most party boats have organized a waiting list once the weather breaks.

Call: Captain Ron Koyasako, Nautilus Excursions (916) 704-4169; Captain Jerad Davis, Salty Lady (415) 760-9362; Captain Steve Mitchell, Hookd Up Sport Fishing (707) 655-6736; Happy Hooker (510) 223-5388.

San Luis Obispo

Rockfish 3 Surf perch 3

Rockfish season is now open all depths through Sept. 30. The Endeavor out of Morro Bay Landing in Morro Bay had another banner trip full day trip on Sunday with 25 anglers returning with limits of rockfish composed of sub-limits of 100 vermilion to 10 pounds, 150 assorted rockfish, and one ling cod. The Avenger and Flying Fish were out on trips ranging from - to 3/4th  day with 73 passengers for 168 vermilion, 400 assorted rockfish, 60 Boccaccio, 5 ling cod to 8 pounds, and a rock sole. Out of Virgs Landing, the Fiesta and Rita G were out on trips ranging from -day to 3/4th day on Saturday with 50 anglers for near limits of rockfish composed of 138 vermilion, 267 assorted rockfish, 31 Boccaccio, one copper, one Petrale sole, and a single ling cod.

The Rita G took out a rockfish research trip on Sunday from Cal Poly San Luis Obispos California Collaborative Fisheries Research Program to Piedras Blancas for a total of 13 different species. Out of Patriot Sport Fishing in Port San Luis, the Patriot and Flying Fish were on -day trips on Sunday with a combined 33 passengers for 72 vermilion, 175 assorted rockfish, 15 Boccaccio, 10 Bolina, and two ling cod for a total of 274 fish. The Phenix had a small charter of 12 anglers on an all-day trip for 11 vermilion, 6 Boccaccio, 83 Bolina, 12 assorted rockfish, 8 cabezon, and 2 ling cod to 10 pounds. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, the take of shelf and slope rockfish and lingcod is open seaward of the 50-fathom line. Take is prohibited shoreward of the 50 fathom RCA line. Boats out of Morro Bay and Port San Luis are filling up for the opening week. Webcams of many of the coastal locations are available at https://805webcams.com/.

Call: Virgs Landing (800) 762-5263; Patriot Sport Fishing (805) 595-4100; Morro Bay Landing.

Others

Delta/Stockton

Bass 2 Striper 2 Sturgeon 3 Catfish 2 Bluegill 3

Bass fishing is showing signs of life, particularly in the north Delta where the water is clearest. Fresno-native Vince Borges of Vince Borges Outdoors put together a 27-pound limit this week throwing chatterbaits in the grassy flats. The water is clearer in the north Delta as the bite remains slow throughout the central and south Delta where the water remains cold and dirty.

Alan Fong of Alan Fongs Outdoors found a solid bite for both striped and largemouth bass on the flats north of the Rio Vista Bridge over the past week, but the fish have moved on as of the weekend. Stripers in the 5- to 7-pound range along with quality bass to 5 pounds were taken on crankbaits in Red Craw. Fong said, Some of the stripers looked like they hadnt spawned yet.

Johnny Wang, manager of Turners Outdoorsman in Stockton, reported good action for striped bass in Disappointment Slough with live minnows or bluegill. Franks Tract and Mildred Island are also holding stripers.

There have been reports of largemouth bass with deformations in the north Delta, and as of yet, there is no answer for the reason for the deformations. Herbicide spraying continues throughout the Delta, and the aggressive spraying approach may contribute to the condition of some of the largemouth bass.

Triple-digit heat has plagued the entire Central Valley, but the hot weather is essential for the success of the upcoming frog tournaments. The end of July is a highly anticipated time for the Ultimate Frog Challenge and the original frog tournament, the Snag Proof Open. The 8th Annual Ultimate Frog Challenge will be held at Russos on July 29/30 followed by the original frog tournament, the Snag Proof Open on Aug. 5-6.

Few anglers continue to sturgeon, but the diamondbacks remain thick in Suisun Bay.

White sturgeon regulations are slated to be revised in 2025, and a video and Power Point of the Departments special online presentation on the current status and the upcoming process for regulation changes for white sturgeon is available via this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtdCzvzJqWE while slides of the presentation can be downloaded here: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=213229&inline.

The Delta Cross Channel Gates at Walnut Grove have been opened, but they may be closed from time to time on a short-term basis. Updated information on the status of the gate is available through this link - https://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvo/vungvari/dcc_chng.pdf.

Call: Randy Pringle (209) 543-6260; Captain Steve Mitchell, Hookd Up Sport Fishing (707) 655-6736; Vince Borges, Vince Borges Outdoors (209) 918-0828

Lake Nacimiento/San Antonio/Santa Margarita/Lopez

Bass 2 White bass 2 Striper 0 Catfish 3 Crappie 2 Bluegill 2 Trout 1

At Nacimiento, water releases have started, and although the lake is historically full, it has dropped to 81%. Copes Rod and Tackle in Bakersfield reported a decent finesse bite for spotted bass at depths from 10 to 25 feet with Roboworms in Oxblood, green pumpkin, or Aarons Magic on the drop-shot or Neko-rig along with small jigs. The shad schools are deep, and there is a spoon bite over the shad schools while Senkos on a wacky-rig are working in the shallows. White bass have been boiling on occasion, and white Kastmasters, small topwater lures, or Roostertails are working for the whites.

Catfishing is best with Triple S Dip Bait, anchovies, or fresh shrimp while crappie are taking with small live minnows or minijigs in submerged structure. With the brutally hot temperatures, recreational boating remains extremely high, even during the week. A webcam of the lake is available at https://805webcams.com/lake-nacimiento-live-webcam/. Lopez Lake dropped slightly to 99.2%, but it is basically still full. Working flooded vegetation is the key to success here, and creature baits, Senkos, or crawdad-imitation jigs are all effective. Trout plants will continue, and this should spur on the swimbait bite for the quality largemouth bass. Anglers can view a live webcam of the lake at https://805webcams.com/lopez-lake-webcam/.

At Santa Margarita, chatterbaits, Senkos on a wacky-rig, or walking-style topwater lures are working best, as similar to Lopez, the bass are holding around the flooded vegetation in the nearly filled lake. The lake is releasing water, and it dropped slightly to 96.2%. A webcam of the lake is available at https://805webcams.com/santa-margarita-lake-webcam-california. At San Antonio, the lake held at 69%. There hasnt been much change as hot weather has driven the fish into deeper water. Catfish remain best bet with cut mackerel, Triple S Dip Bait, or chicken livers. Bass fishing remains very slow. With the high water, fishing should be the best it has been in recent memory, particularly after the disappearance of striped bass due to extreme low water conditions several years past. Triple-digit temperatures have limited fishing to the early morning or late afternoons into the evenings.

Reminder: consuming white bass, black bass, crappie, catfish, or carp are subject to safe eating guidelines due to excessive mercury.

Events

Striperz Gone Wild Three-Year Anniversary Fall Classic Striper Derby - 5 a.m.-2 p.m., Oct. 7, at the Hilldale Bridge with a BBQ, 50/50 raffle, and prizes in the adult and youth divisions.

Tournament results

Pine Flat  Sierra Bass Club  July 15: 1st  Joe Ploharz/Traci Lucceshi -13.13; 2nd  Dave and Ken Smith  9.26; 3rd  Danny Lopez/Richard Jones  9.12 (Big Fish  Lopez  4.03).

New Melones  Yak A Bass July 22: 1st  P. Yang -85.75 inches; 2nd Shaun Leytem  85.25 inches; 3rd  R. Lewis  79.75 inches.

Upcoming tournaments (dates and locations subject to change)

July 26

Delta/Ladds Marina  Bertolli Disposal

July 29-30

Delta/Russos Marina  Anglers Press

July 29

Santa Margarita  San Luis Obispo Bass Ambushers

Aug. 2

Delta/Ladds Bertolli Disposal Wednesday Night Shoot Out

Aug. 2-3

Tulloch  Grumpy Old Men

Aug. 5-6

Delta/Russos Marina  Snag Proof Open

Santa Margarita  Bass Addicts of SoCal

Aug. 5

Stampede Reservoir  Kokanee Power

New Melones  Manteca Bassin Buddies

Aug. 6

Delta/Big Break  American Bass Association

Aug. 9

Delta/Ladds Bertolli Disposal Wednesday Night Shoot Out

Aug. 9-10

Tulloch  Grumpy Old Men

August 12th 

Delta/Ladds Marina  Bass Anglers of Northern California/Tri Valley Bassmasters

New Hogan  Outlaw Bass Club

Isabella  Golden Empire Bass Club

Lopez  Kern County Bassmasters

August 13th 

Don Pedro  Best Bass Tournaments/Modesto Ambassadors

August 16th

Delta/Ladds Bertolli Disposal Wednesday Night Shoot Out

August 16th/17th 

Tulloch  Grumpy Old Men

Aug. 19-20

Millerton  Fresno Bass Club

Aug. 19

Delta/Ladds Marina  Nor Call Bass

Bass Lake  Sierra Bass Club

Isabella  American Bass Club

Santa Margarita  805 Bass Addicts

Aug. 20

Delta/Russos - Anglers Press

Pardee  Gold Country Bass Tour

Aug. 23

Delta/Ladds Bertolli Disposal Wednesday Night Shoot Out

Aug. 26-27

Millerton  Bass 101

Aug. 26

Delta/Big Break  Bass N Tubes

Santa Margarita  805 Bass Addicts

Aug. 27

New Melones  Riverbank Bass Anglers

Aug. 30

Delta/Ladds Bertolli Disposal Wednesday Night Shoot Out

For more go to fresnobee.com/fishing
Appleton International Airport is busy with flights on June 28, 2022, in Greenville, Wis.

GREENVILLE - The Appleton International Airport is set to have another record year as new flights and an expansion project aim to boost passengers arriving and departing to more than 930,000 by the end of 2023.

"Over the last few years we've seen incremental growth because more and more people are choosing to fly out of Appleton," Airport Director Abe Weber told The Post-Crescent.

Weber contributed the airport's continuous growth  up from 846,000 passengers in 2022  to more people seeing benefits of flying out of Northeast Wisconsin following a surge in travel after the pandemic.

And, as the state's third-busiest airport behind Milwaukee and Madison sees more passenger growth, the airport is beginning construction on a $65 million upgrade and expansion project to attract more flights and better accommodate passengers.

How much has the airport grown in the last year?

Appleton International Airport plans to see a 14% increase in passengers from the end of 2022 to the end of 2023.

Since its record year in 2022, the airport added a non-stop flight between Appleton and Portland International Airport in Oregon with Allegiant Air over the summer.

The added flights to Portland make the city Allegiant's 11th destination and Oregon the seventh state the airline flies to out of Appleton.

"Seats on the Portland flights have continuously been full, so by all projections, we're assuming Allegiant will return that flight for the next summer season," Weber said.

According to the airport's most recent passenger statistics from March, all of Appleton's commercial flights have seen an increase in passengers in the year to date, with the biggest increase with Allegiant Air, which saw a 32% increase in the last year.

The airport's commercial flight success is in contrast to the decrease the airport has seen in air cargo traffic, which was down 16% from March 2022 to March 2023.

Weber said while the airport saw a boom in freight and travel flights after the pandemic, travel flights continued to steadily rise, but the airport hasn't seen the same rise for air cargo.

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"We're seeing that come down a bit now," Weber said.

Furthermore, to keep up with the passenger growth and bring in more flights, the airport began construction on its $65 million terminal expansion project this year, which will increase the number of gates and passenger amenities.

What changes are coming to the airport?

Rendering of the expanded floor plans of the airport gates. The Appleton International Airport plans to expand its terminal by 250 feet and add four new gates.

Over the next two to three years the airport will expand its terminal by 250 feet and add four new gates.

Weber hopes the additional gates will encourage airlines to add more routes through Appleton and increase the airport's capacity for commercial flights.

To accommodate increased passengers, the expansion plans to improve the gift shop and restaurant and increase the number of restrooms.

Additionally, a second phase of the expansion project will improve ticket counters, baggage claim and the travelers' parking lot, but this portion has not been designed or put out for bids yet.

Once finished, the total project is estimated to cost $105 million with the majority of funding coming from state and federal grants.

The airport's most recent regional economic impact report from 2015 found it provided $604 million in economic output that year. Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson told The Post-Crescent at a press conference July 6 that the airport could bring in $1 billion in economic activity after its expansion is completed.

Sophia Voight is a local government and political reporter with The Post-Crescent. She can be reached with feedback and tips at svoight@postcrescent.com. Follow her on Twitter @sophia_voight.

This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Appleton International Airport set to have another record busy year
It's been a busy 18 months for the Wilmington International Airport, as the 1,800-acre facility just north of downtown Wilmington has welcomed two new carriers and nine new nonstops  five of those to Florida.

But with the rapid growth, which could see the facility handle nearly 1.3 million passengers this year compared to just under 1.1 million last year, has come some teething pains.

Parking is no longer a guarantee, especially at the airport's in-close lots, and the ticketing lobby and security checkpoint can get congested during busy departing flight periods.

Still, there's no denying that adding Avelo Airlines and flights to Tampa, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando in the Sunshine State along with Baltimore-Washington, New Haven, Connecticut, and Wilmington, Delaware, and Sun Country Airline's service to Minneapolis-St. Paul has been a feather in the cap for airport officials. American Airlines' recent announcement that it will start seasonal fall/winter service to Miami and Delta Airlines adding flights to Boston was the proverbial cherry on top.

Now the question is what comes next.

Pointing to the slide on his computer that showed ILM's current nonstop destinations on a digital map, Jeff Bourk motioned to the west. He ticked off Denver, Nashville and Los Angeles.

"They are our top markets out of Wilmington that we don't have nonstop service," said the Wilmington airport director.

Aspirational? Sure. But there's no doubt that the airport's leadership wants to keep the good times rolling.

More: What are the cheapest airfares from Wilmington to major cities?

Wilmington now has nonstop flights to 18 destinations, with half of them starting since 2022.

'An airport for everybody'

Wilmington's airport used to be a sleepy facility close to downtown where you could park cheaply and close to the terminal, likely pay more for a ticket than if you drove to Raleigh-Durham or Myrtle Beach, and stroll in 30 minutes before your flight to Charlotte or Atlanta and still have plenty of time to have a drink before boarding.

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Today, the airport's parking lots and many of its areas inside the terminal are bursting at the seams. Officials are rushing to meet the surge in demand, including wrapping up a major expansion of the concourse that has increased ILM's number of gates to nine. Outside the terminal, crews are busy building a new 900-spot surface parking lot that the airport hopes to open before the Thanksgiving Day travel rush. The project will require the airport's ring road to be moved out toward North 23rd Street.

Wilmington also now offers nonstop service to 18 destinations, a significant upgrade from the handful of flights to hub airports ILM had a decade ago.

The airport's growth in recent years matches the population boom in the tri-county region, which has surged from nearly 276,000 people in 2000 to an estimated 442,000 in 2023.

Passengers head to their flights in the newly expanded Wilmington International Airport on Wednesday. The airport is the fastest-growing airport in North Carolina, having added nine new nonstop destinations since 2022.

But will the good times last? Many of the new nonstop destinations are seasonal, only operating for half the year or less, and fly on only a handful of days a week.

That's a big change for a facility that was known to cater to the region's business community with several flights a day on mostly small jets to big cities.

"What we need to be is an airport for everybody," Bourk said. That means offering flights aimed at leisure travelers and those flying to see family and friends as well as those traveling for work.

"We don't offer everything for everyone, and we know that," Bourk added. "But we now offer a lot more than we used to."

'A challenge and an opportunity'

Key to meeting the needs of that non-business market has been the arrival in the Port City of Avelo. The Texas-based ultra low-cost carrier started service from Wilmington in spring 2022 and now offers nonstop flights to seven destinations, including a slew of cities in Florida.

"We hold Wilmington in high regard," said Trevor Yealy, the carrier's head of network planning. "Customer reception to our service has been quite strong, as evidenced by the number of cities we now serve from ILM."

He added that more destinations from Wilmington could be in the offering, although he declined to get into details, and said Avelo basing aircraft in the Port City could also be a future possibility if the market continued to perform well.

Wilmington International Airport is adding a new 900-space parking area that should be completed in November.

Helping promote the new flights has been the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau, which is providing $125,000 per market to promote the Port City in four of Avelo's new destinations. Another $62,500 was used by Sun Country to market its new route in Minneapolis, with another $125,000 committed to new air service promotion in the 2023-24 fiscal year.

"It's both a challenge and an opportunity," said Kim Hufham, the visitor bureau's CEO, on entering a new market. "The challenge is with a limited budget, it is harder to build awareness in new markets without an ongoing marketing campaign. The opportunity is that we are able to have a presence in these markets with the potential for future growth."

Fastest-growing airport in NC

In today's aviation world, not much comes free. That includes new destinations.

Wilmington, as is true with most airports, is providing incentives to carriers who start new nonstop services. The perks include things like free or reduced landing and ticket counter rental fees and in some cases a guarantee from a community that it will fill a certain number of seats on each plane.

While not getting into details, Bourk said the airport's incentives are for two years or less. A federal grant is helping support Wilmington's new flights to South Florida on Avelo.

Wilmington International Airport Director Jeff Bourk

So what happens when the incentives and grant expire?

Bourk said by then the hope is the market is strong enough to support the flights on its own, that Wilmington has stimulated enough passenger traffic on the routes to show the airlines that they can be operated profitably.

That sentiment was echoed by Avelo's Yealy.

"Financial incentives may help us prioritize starting one destination over a competitor destination without incentives, but we would never start a route unless we believed it had long-term potential in our network," he said. "The purpose of the incentive is to help the airline build awareness over a long-enough period so that when the incentive runs out, the airline has built the market to stand on its own two legs."

Bourk said Wilmington's dramatic recent growth, which has seen it rocket to the top as the fastest-growing airport in North Carolina in seat-capacity growth through September 2023 and third in the whole country, has shown there's pent up demand for new air service in the market.

MAKING A STATEMENT? Functional and cheap or iconic and pricey? What should a new Memorial Bridge look like?

But it isn't just new destinations by new carriers that's helping Wilmington. Bourk said the airport's traditional carriers, like American and Delta, are adding frequencies on many of their routes and bringing in bigger planes on some flights.

The surge in passengers comes as the airport rushes to add new amenities, like Port City Java and a Flying Machine Brewing bar, and expand its ticketing and baggage claim areas in the terminal.

An American Airlines plane approaches approaches a gate at the Wilmington International Airport on Wednesday.

And the growth doesn't look like its losing altitude even as the economy shows signs of sputtering. According to airport statistics, June was the best month ever at ILM, with 134,256 passengers using the facility. That's 37% higher than June 2022's figure, and 25% higher than any other month in Wilmington's history.

"Wilmington is a place they should be considering," Bourk said when asked if the airport is still pressing existing and new carriers for additional services from ILM. "That's our message to the airlines."

Reporter Gareth McGrath can be reached at GMcGrath@Gannett.com or @GarethMcGrathSN on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington Airport sees new destinations and more passengers
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a leading 2024 Republican presidential candidate, was not injured after he was involved in a car accident in Tennessee Tuesday morning, according to his spokesperson.

"This morning, the governor was in a car accident while traveling to an event in Chattanooga, Tennessee," DeSantis' spokesperson Bryan Griffin told USA TODAY. "He and his team are uninjured."

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis campaigns for president on July 15, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn.

"We appreciate the prayers and well wishes of the nation for his continued protection while on the campaign trail," Griffin added.

DeSantis was traveling to a presidential campaign fundraiser when the crash occurred. He was visiting Tennessee for three fundraisers throughout the day on Tuesday. The first one was set to begin at 8:30 a.m. in Chattanooga.

A spokesperson for DeSantis did not provide any additional details about the accident.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ron DeSantis uninjured in car accident Tuesday in Tennessee: campaign
(Reuters) -Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, was involved in a car accident in Tennessee on Tuesday but is uninjured, his spokesperson said.

"This morning, the governor was in a car accident while traveling to an event in Chattanooga, Tennessee," the spokesperson, Bryan Griffin, said in a statement. "He and his team are uninjured."

The campaign did not release additional information.

DeSantis, 44, is considered former President Donald Trump's main challenger in the 2024 Republican contest.

(Reporting by Doina Chiacu and Rami Ayyub; Editing by Doina Chiacu)
THE FLORIDA KEYS  Cynthia Lewis carefully pulled back the lid covering a 240-gallon tank.

As the bubbles subsided, there they were: her lifes work, the very animals she has studied for more than two decades, dying in front of her eyes.

Corals, hundreds of them, lined the scores of saltwater tanks in the outdoor lab Lewis oversees. All showed signs of serious trouble  paled patches or bleached entirely white  and some were likely already dead.

Just days and even hours before, many of these corals were in the open ocean, where temperatures surged this week into the triple digits for the first time in recorded history. A buoy stationed in the waters around Manatee Bay, to the north of Key Largo, recorded an ocean temperature of 101.1 degrees at 6 p.m. Monday. If verified, that could be the hottest sea surface temperature ever recorded on Earth.

Now, scientists are scrambling to evacuate corals from their suddenly unlivable waters. More than 1,500 corals and counting have already been harvested from offshore nurseries over the past week and delivered to their new refuge in the temperature-controlled tanks at the Keys Marine Laboratory on Long Key.

The corals will likely shelter here  in what Lewis describes as a coral halfway house  for months until the ocean heat subsides. This time of the year, water temperatures should be in the mid-80s, not pushing mid-90s or higher.

Its happening so much earlier than weve ever seen it, said Lewis, the labs director. She paused in the 95-degree heat to catch her breath.

Its an unprecedented event: Weve never seen it this hot, for this long, this early.

In a last-ditch effort to curb mass bleaching and death, scientists from across the state who monitor offshore nurseries are using the lab as refuge. The Tampa-based Florida Aquarium, the states wildlife commission and the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg are using the coral refuge, which as of Monday afternoon was sitting at 50% capacity with more coral scheduled to arrive in the evening.

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Lewis worries for her staff. Like her, they are losing animals they dearly love. And fast.

For many working to round up corals, theres no time to grieve, Lewis says. That part will come later, as it inevitably does in this line of work, marred by disease, human-caused water quality problems and the looming threats of climate change.

But for now, she says, there is only time to act. When youre dealing with super-heated corals in an unprecedented marine heat wave, every minute counts.

Theres an emotional toll that nobody can understand unless youve been in the trenches and done it yourself, Lewis said. Theyre under a lot of emotional stress. But for now, theyre running on adrenaline. Theyve got to get it done.

We need to protect what we can

Last week, the federally operated Coral Reef Watch placed the Florida Keys under a bleaching Alert Level 2, the highest alert level on the scale.

That means theres a likelihood of more than 90% of all the reefs and corals in the Florida Keys bleaching at some point this summer, according to Bill Precht, a Miami-based coral scientist with more than four decades of research experience.

Acting quickly to soften the crisis, the Coral Restoration Consortium, a community of global experts, sent out guidance this week with advice for how scientists in Florida should respond: Immediately cease restoration activities, the consortium urged, and move offshore corals to land facilities. Monitor the health of rescued corals daily. Document the losses. Take pictures. And do your best.

We are a community, we will get through this El Nino and likely mass bleaching together as we have in the past, by exchanging stories, helping each other, and improving the way we do restoration, the consortium wrote in its guidance, reviewed by the Tampa Bay Times.

In this moment, we need to protect what we can, identify resilient corals, and experiment with techniques to help us in the future.

Its not the first time Florida has seen the damage wrought by a bleaching event.

In 2014, a third of all the elkhorn corals monitored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the Upper Keys were either damaged or killed in a mass bleaching event. The summer and winter of 2014 were, at the time, the warmest on record for those waters.

But this year is running hotter.

This event, compared to that event, is like an order of magnitude worse, Precht said in an interview with the Times.

When temperatures rise, corals begin bleaching, or weakening, as they expel the tiny algae species living in their tissues. When a coral bleaches, it becomes more susceptible to diseases like the lesion-causing stony coral tissue loss disease, which is impacting more than 20 coral species across the Caribbean.

The number of weeks when the water temperature is above a corals bleaching threshold for a given location is usually eight to 10 weeks during a bad summer, according to Precht.

This year, some areas are already entering week six.

And its only July. We likely havent seen the warmest part of the year yet, Precht said. Even if temperatures were to stay the same, and not get any warmer through August and September, there could be at least nine more weeks above the bleaching threshold, he said. That could be 14 weeks, or more, with inhospitable temperatures for corals this year.

All the clues in front of us are pointing to that this year is going to be catastrophic  unlike any other year, Precht said. We could be losing corals in percentages that weve never lost before in a year.

We cant just give up

For Keri ONeil, the ongoing coral rescue operation has been a crazy, crazy time.

As the director of the Tampa-based Florida Aquariums Coral Conservation Program, ONeil and a team of researchers spent last week driving up and down the Florida Keys, scooping up elkhorn corals reined in from offshore nurseries.

The team drove those corals to Lewis and the Keys Marine Laboratory, where they rent a few of the 60 saltwater tanks, which range anywhere from 40 to 1,000 gallons. The lab, part of the larger St. Petersburg-based Florida Institute of Oceanography, is the favorite landing spot for most coral rescuers, as its located roughly in the middle of the 220-mile island chain.

Over several days, caretakers monitor the rescued corals, making sure they have the appropriate treatments to shield them from disease while theyre already vulnerable. Then, once theyre stable, the Florida Aquarium team packs them up in heavy-duty coolers and drives them to the lab in Apollo Beach, according to ONeil.

That journey happened last week, and at least one other transport run is scheduled for this week, ONeil said.

Their work is especially pressing because of whats on the horizon: The August full moon, one week away, is when corals begin to spawn. Its a crucially important period when creating future corals begins  and this year, its aligning with the marine heat wave.

Its really easy to get to this point where you just want to throw your hands up in the air and give up, ONeil said. But our work is more important now than ever. We cant just give up.

There was hope, however scarce, at the lab Monday afternoon, as wetsuit-clad workers were arriving to drop off more corals.

Lewis pointed to one tank, where several corals were beginning to color up  a sign of rebuilding strength.

He actually looks better than when I saw him on Saturday, Lewis said about one coral.

These guys are not looking awful, she said about others.

Progress is being made, but itll still be weeks at the earliest before the corals see their home waters again.

From a scientific perspective, many solutions are being explored: Shading offshore corals. Placing corals in deeper waters. Creating more genetically strong offspring.

Watching everything that weve worked so hard on die in front of your eyes is horribly depressing, ONeil said. We need to find resilient corals  but as coral scientists, our own resilience is being tested.
A Broward County man convicted of threatening poll workers in last years gubernatorial primary election was sentenced Monday to a year and a half of home confinement with electronic monitoring instead of prison time because of his mental-health illness.

Joshua David Lubitz, 39, has been diagnosed with chronic obsessive-compulsive disorder, a key factor that led to his lenient sentence, according to court records.

Lubitz, who lives with his parents in Sunrise, will face supervised release for three years. He is not allowed to visit polling places, may not contact any victims or possess firearms, and must undergo psychological counseling, according to the terms imposed by U.S. District Judge Rodolfo Ruiz.

Josh is so much more than his diagnosis, his parents, Robert and Michele Lubitz, wrote to the judge before Mondays sentencing in Miami federal court. Joshua has always been a very special and gentle soul. ... To this day, Joshua has never been someone who seeks out any form of confrontation. He would rather walk away from anything unseemly than stay and exacerbate the situation.

Lubitz was charged with voter intimidation last October after he had threatened election workers who assisted him and other voters at a senior center in Sunrise during the primary election last August.

Should I kill them one by one or should I blow the place up? a federal indictment accused Lubitz of saying at the polling station, then he pointed his finger and thumb in a gun-like fashion towards election workers.

In May, Lubitz pleaded guilty to voter intimidation, a charge carrying up to five years in prison. During that hearing, Lubitzs lawyer, Jonathan Friedman, said it was his clients decision to plead guilty against his advice, arguing this was a triable case.

On Monday, Friedman argued for no prison time, providing the judge with a video of what transpired at the Sunrise polling place, a history of Lubitzs mental-health illness and letters of support from the defendants family members.

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In a factual statement filed with his plea agreement, prosecutors Harry Wallace and Jeremy Thompson said that if Lubitz had gone to trial, they would have been able to prove he made threats to the election workers. They told FBI agents about his intimidating statements and behavior at the Sunrise polling place on Aug. 17, 2022.

Even after he cast his ballot, the prosecutors said Lubitz, a registered Democrat, continued to act aggressively towards the poll workers.

After Lubitz voted, the poll deputy who was inside the polling station thanked Lubitz for voting, to which Lubitz uttered an obscenity, according to the factual statement signed by the defendant. The poll worker then exited the polling station behind Lubitz to continue to watch him as he went to the parking lot to leave.

As Lubitz drove past the entrance to the polling site, he extended his arm toward the two poll workers and made a threatening gesture toward them with his hand.

In the run-up to last falls gubernatorial election in Florida, local officials expressed fears about voter intimidation because of the divisive climate of the electorate following the 2020 presidential election in which Democrat Joe Biden unseated GOP President Donald Trump.

Lubitzs case turned out to be one of the few examples, and its unclear from the court record whether politics even played a role in his misconduct.
Florida Polytechnic University President Randy Avent will step down next year, continuing a wave of leadership changes at state universities.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Avent, who has been the Lakeland schools only president since it opened in 2014, announced Monday that he will leave the job in July 2024 and, after a sabbatical, return to the faculty.

Leading the university from its infancy to the strong campus we have today has been the privilege of my lifetime, Avents said in the announcement. I never imagined that I would be part of establishing a brand-new STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) university and molding the way it would serve students, industry and the entire state.

Avent said he is confident our Board of Trustees will conduct a successful presidential search and Im committed to ensuring a seamless transition and Florida Polys ongoing success. As such, I will continue as president until my successor is solidly in place.

While he heads the states newest university, Avent is the longest-serving current president in the university system. University of West Florida President Martha Saunders has the next-longest tenure, becoming president of the Pensacola school in January 2017.

Avents announcement came as Florida Atlantic University and New College of Florida, which is part of the university system, operate under interim presidents. Also, Florida Gulf Coast University President Aysegul Timur took her position on July 1.

Meanwhile, University of Florida President Ben Sasse, Florida State University President Richard McCullough, University of North Florida President Moez Limayem, University of South Florida President Rhea Law and Florida International University President Kenneth Jessell have taken the helm of their schools during the past two years.

Mondays announcement did not include information about the process to find a replacement for Avent. Trustees at other universities have hired search firms to help find and winnow lists of candidates.

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But some searches, including the ongoing process to find a new president of Florida Atlantic University, have led to controversy.

University system Chancellor Ray Rodrigues this month directed FAU to put its search on hold after the schools Presidential Search Committee selected three finalists for the post. Rodrigues alleged that at least one candidate had been asked questions about their sexuality and preferred pronouns and that the search committee improperly participated in a straw poll in which members ranked their preferred candidates.

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Brad Levine, chairman of the FAU search committee, has disputed the allegation that the search process was conducted improperly.

The suspension of the FAU process has fueled speculation about the possible candidacy of Rep. Randy Fine, R-Brevard County, for the presidency. Fine, a political ally of Gov. Ron DeSantis, was not on the list of three finalists.

Stacy Volnick has served as FAUs interim president since former President John Kelly stepped down at the end of last year. Volnick previously was chief operating officer and vice president for administrative affairs at the school.

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Dennis Prager Illustrated / Getty Images

Republican governor and presidential aspirant Ron DeSantis has made little secret of his political ambitions to turn Florida  and by extension, the whole of the United States  into the place where, in his words "woke goes to die." DeSantis' philosophy of aggressive culture war provocation has made his state the political ground zero for a broader conservative enterprise to reshape everything from public displays of gender identity to the nature of public education across the nation. To that end, right-wing advocacy group and media outlet PragerU announced last week that Florida had become "the first state to officially approve PragerU as an educational vendor."

"If you are a teacher in Florida, you cannot be fired for using PragerU content," CEO Marissa Streit said in a brief video trumpeting Florida's decision, adding that "additional states are signing up" to use the group's material.

So what does it mean that a group with an overt political agenda, and which lacks academic accreditation, is now an official resource for Florida schools? Is PragerU truly "just getting started," as Streit bragged in her video announcement, or is Florida's embrace of a group accused by the Southern Poverty Law Center as pushing "dog whistles to the extreme right" another isolated example of DeSantis' political posturing?

What are the commentators saying?

PragerU's material "aligns to Florida's revised civics and government standards," a Florida Department of Education spokesperson told The Daily Beast, while a representative from PragerU itself said that teachers could use the "supplemental curriculum" at their own discretion. PragerU also claimed its materials come at the behest of teachers who "are sick and tired of curriculum laced with radical political agendas."

The new partnership announcement comes in the midst of a larger controversy over Florida's revised social studies standards, which include lessons on American slavery that focus on how enslaved peoples "developed skills" that could later be "could be applied for their personal benefit." While Florida's Education Department claimed to the Miami New Times that PragerU's content was not submitted as part of the new curriculum, the paper noted that "the very first section on slavery in Florida's Black history curriculum closely mirrors a PragerU segment in which conservative pundit Candace Owens, who is Black, reminds viewers that 'slavery was not invented by white people.'"

"It's unclear if traditional PragerU videos  with titles such as Why I Left the Left and Immigrants! Don't Support What You Fled among their most popularwill be permitted for use in Florida classrooms," The Daily Beast noted.

Florida's new education standards are an "invitation to disaster in the classroom" professor and African American history author Marvin Dunn told the New Times. "I just see this as being extremely chaotic going forward because Black parents are not going to stand for this."

"In Florida, where Ron DeSantis promised to remove political ideology from classrooms, teachers can now show students PragerU videos like this one, teaching that America was founded as a Christian nation and should be again," NBC investigative reporter Mike Hixenbaugh tweeted, along with screenshots from PragerU videos.

This is merely the "latest example showing that DeSantis hasn't removed political ideology schools, but rather amplified conservative Christian ideologies that he favors," Hixenbaugh continued.

PragerU's announcement is not, in fact, the first association between the conservative group and DeSantis' administration; late last year Semafor reported on a newly launched "Florida Standard" conservative website conspicuously favored by the governor and created by pro-DeSantis donors. As detailed by Media Matters, the Florida Standard's founder is former PragerU pundit Will Witt, whose time with PragerU was peppered with instances of bigoted conspiracy theorizing.

What could happen next?

While PragerU's inclusion in Florida's list of approved educational vendors is the first instance of the group being officially accepted by a state's governing body, its content has reportedly been spreading across schools nationwide for years. A 2021 investigation by The American Prospect determined the group "already [had] over 6,000 educators and parents signed up"  a surge fueled in part by the Covid-19 pandemic, with the shift toward remote learning having "exacerbated the trend of classrooms showing PragerU's content. Teachers are strained and often in a desperate search for multimedia materials to keep kids engaged."

"The point of attacking public schools with the gay and trans conspiracy theories was always to oppress vulnerable groups," commentator and author Jared Yates Sexton said, linking the certification of PragerU to a broader conservative fight over public education. "But," he added, the goal was "also to weaken public education and create a controlled market for ideology-driven curricula producers."

To that end, PragerU has been unambiguous about its agenda to extend its official reach into other public school systems, with one host promising that "PragerU Kids is going to more states soon" while directing followers to sign a petition to that effect on the group's website.

With Florida's unique suite of new educational standards backed by the singular push by DeSantis to maneuver his state to the forefront of the conservative culture wars, it's unclear whether PragerU will have similar success in other places anytime soon. However, given the organization's gargantuan popularity and ubiquity already  more than a billion views on YouTube alone  official state approval may simply be gilding a lily whose roots have gone permanently deep already.

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A season pass holder was riding a roller coaster at Ohios Cedar Point amusement park when he said he was struck by another riders flying cellphone.

This resulted in an open head wound that bled for over an hour, as well as a diagnosed concussion, David Carter wrote on Facebook.

Carter said he was on the Maverick coaster on Saturday, July 22, when toward the end of the ride, his head was hit by the phone. It belonged to someone a few rows ahead of him.

Another patron on the same train decided to ignore the multiple rules and suggestions in place to store all loose articles in the bin prior to riding, he said.

McClatchy News requested comment from Cedar Point on July 25 and was awaiting a response.

In a statement to The Detroit News, a spokesperson with Cedar Point confirmed a rider was injured by a phone during a ride.

The rider was treated by our first aid team and released, as they did not request additional assistance, according to the statement obtained by the outlet.

I had blood dripping down my face, and I felt a bit dizzy, Carter told the Detroit Free Press.

After being treated, he said the park reimbursed him the cost of his Fast Lane pass and offered free meals until the park closed, according to the newspaper. Carter, who left first aid at about 8:30 p.m., said he received one free meal before closing.

Cedar Points response to this situation has left A LOT to be desired, the man said on Facebook.

Hes debating taking legal action against the park or the family who owns the phone, according to the Free Press.

As a paramedic, Carter told The Detroit News he sees freak accidents all the time, and hed like to help prevent future incidents such as this.

This could have ended much worse, he said on Facebook. Just follow the rules folks.

The Cedar Point 2023 Guest Assistance Guide says due to the nature of our rides, backpacks, purses, electronics, stuffed animals, jewelry and other loose items are not permitted on most rides.

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Visitors are not allowed to take photos or use electronics while on rides, according to the guide.

The Maverick coaster is more like a bucking bronco than a coaster, according to the ride description. It reaches speeds up to 70 mph and manages to catch riders by surprise at every bank and turn.

Cedar Point is in Sandusky, about 65 miles west of downtown Cleveland.

Riders dangle in midair as roller coaster evacuated, California video shows

8-year-old covered in blood after flying phone hits her on coaster, CA family says

Woman struck by detached roller coaster part is fighting for her life, family says
Yuan Meng was born in 2017 in the Beauval zoo in the Loire region of France (GUILLAUME SOUVANT)

The first giant panda to have been born in France received an emotional send-off on Tuesday as he left his French zoo ahead of the long haul flight back to his ancestral China.

Yuan Meng, who was born in 2017 in the Beauval zoo in the Loire region of France, was cheered by visitors and zoo staff as he was driven under police escort to Charles de Gaulle airport for a 12 hour China Airlines flight to the Chinese city of Chengdu.

Trained for several days to get ready comfortably for the trip, the son of Yuan Zi and Huan Huan -- the first pandas loaned to France by the Chinese authorities in 2012 -- did not show much hesitation in climbing into his special cage filled with bamboo for his trip.

"Everything went well. He said goodbye to his parents and his sisters, with tears in the eyes of his keepers," said Rodolphe Delord, head of the zoo.

"He can now continue to live his good life. It's inevitably a moment of emotion, but all our animals born here are forced to leave one day. We're used to that," he added.

Hundreds of fans of the black and white bear braved morning rain to bid farewell to the winsome ursine.

"It's still sad, we got attached to the pandas. But we know he'll be better off there, for the good of the species," said Caroline Bernard.

Her daughter Lilou, nine, was less sanguine.

"I cried, I am sad he is leaving. But I am trying to tell myself that he will be better off there. It's for his own good," she said, her eyes red with tears.

In Chengdu, the panda will be transferred to a panda reproduction centre, with the job of helping to keep his species in existence.

China has long deployed so-called panda diplomacy with friends and even foes ranging from the US to Taiwan, gifting the animals to various countries, often to further its foreign policy aims.

Beijing only loans pandas to foreign zoos, which must usually return any offspring within a few years of their birth to join the country's breeding programme.

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There are an estimated 1,860 giant pandas left in the wild, mainly in bamboo forests in the mountains of China, according to environmental group WWF.

There are about 600 in captivity in panda centres, zoos and wildlife parks around the world.

mam-sjw/rox
STAUNTON  A former Child Protective Services investigator with Shenandoah Valley Social Services has been indicted on multiple sexual assault charges in both Staunton and Augusta County.

Jessica M. Duff, 43, of Raphine, is charged with 10 counts of aggravated sexual battery in Staunton, where a grand jury indicted her last week. She was initially only facing two charges in Staunton before the eight charges were added.

On Monday, Duff was also indicted by an Augusta County grand jury on felony charges of object sexual penetration and aggravated sexual battery.

Authorities said the victim was a young girl under the age of 14 when the alleged abuse began. Police arrested Duff on April 5. She has since been released from jail on bond.

According to Augusta County's Human Resources Department, Duff is a former Family Services Specialist III. The Virginia Department of Social Services said the position includes investigating claims of child abuse. Duff's employment began in 2010 and ended in 2018. Authorities allege she began sexually abusing the young girl in 2017, a year before she left the agency.

According to evidence presented at a bond hearing in April in Staunton Circuit Court, in late March the girl told her mother that Duff began sexually abusing her a few years ago. Staunton Chief Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Joe Perry said the alleged abuse continued "for a number of years."

Perry said the girl told authorities Duff attempted to make her actions appear "very normal" and that she "made it seem like they were in love." The prosecutor said it was grooming behavior.

During the bond hearing earlier this year, Dana Cormier, Duff's defense attorney, said she worked many years for CPS and was employed in Henrico County in the mental health field when she was arrested. Besides getting a divorce, Cormier said Duff lost her job and home following the allegations.

In Augusta County, Duff is accused of digitally penetrating the child at a home in Raphine.

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In Staunton, Duff will face a jury in March 2024 on the 10 charges. A court date for the Augusta County case has not been set.

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Brad Zinn is the cops, courts and breaking news reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip? Or something that needs investigating? You can email reporter Brad Zinn (he/him) at bzinn@newsleader.com. You can also follow him on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Former CPS investigator indicted in Augusta County on felony charges
John Quinones, a former Republican state legislator from Osceola County, is running for Congress to take on Democratic U.S. Rep. Darren Soto in 2024.

I am running for Congress because I believe that we need to restore common sense toWashington, Quinones said in a statement.

I will fight for the values that matter to our families and our community, like lower taxes, a better education for our children, and safe and secure communities, he said. I have a proven track record of fighting for the people of Florida, and I pledge to be a strong voice for Central Florida in Congress.

Quinones, 58, of Kissimmee, served in the Florida House from 2002 to 2007 and was the first Republican of Puerto Rican descent to serve in Tallahassee. He resigned to run for the Osceola County Commission, where he served as chair, and made a previous run for Congress in 2012, coming in second in the GOP primary.

As a proud Puerto Rican born American, I am asking for your support so that we can fixthe broken economic policies of the Biden Administration and make a difference in the lives of hardworking Floridians and their families, Quinones said.

Soto, the first congressman of Puerto Rican descent elected in Florida, began his political career when he won the special election to succeed Quinones in 2007.

After serving in the Florida Senate, he was elected to Congress in 2016 and has fought off a number of challenges, including a bitter Democratic primary against former U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson in 2018.

District 9, which includes Osceola and parts of southern Orange County, is a Democratic-leaning district that in its current formulation would have voted for President Joe Biden by about 17 points in 2020.

Soto, a repeated target of the national GOP, won the district in 2022 by about 7 points over Republican Scott Moore, his closest winning margin among his congressional races.

Because Soto tows the extreme Democrat party line, Floridians are looking for a change, National Republican Congressional Committee spokeswoman Delanie Bomar said in a statement.

Angel Luis Coba is also running for the GOP nomination for District 9. Soto has no listed primary challengers.

____
Trevor Reed, the former U.S. Marine who was held in Russia for three years before being released in a prisoner swap in April 2022, has been injured while fighting in Ukraine, the State Department confirmed Tuesday.

We are aware that Trevor Reed was injured while participating in fighting in Ukraine, State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters. We are aware through the support of an NGO that Mr. Reed has been transported to Germany and he is receiving medical care.

Little has been revealed of how Reed was injured and the circumstances around it, though The Associated Press reported the injury occurred several weeks ago.

The State Department has repeatedly warned U.S. citizens against traveling to Ukraine while its war with Russia continues.

Since the beginning of this war we have warned that U.S. citizens who travel to Ukraine, especially with the purpose of participating in fighting there, that they face significant risks including the risk of capture or death or physical harm, Patel said.

He also said Reed was not engaged in any activities on behalf of the U.S. government, adding that Washington is not in a place to provide assistance to evacuate private U.S. citizens from Ukraine.

Reed is the latest American to be injured while fighting for Kyiv. Several others have been confirmed killed in combat since Moscow first invaded in February 2022.

Reeds name became well known after he was arrested in Moscow in 2019 for intoxication and was sentenced to nine years in prison in July 2020.

Reed was released in a prisoner swap last year in exchange for Konstantin Taroshenko, a Russian drug smuggler.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Rev. William OMalley, a former McQuaid Jesuit High School faculty member who gained fame with a role in the 1973 blockbuster The Exorcist, and infamy when he was accused in lawsuits of sexually abusing students during his time at the all-boys Catholic school, has died at age 91.

The Rev. OMalley died July 15 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Newton, Massachusetts, McQuaid wrote on its website and in statement issued Monday.

A Buffalo native and graduate of College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, he worked at McQuaid from 1966 to 1986, teaching English, Latin and theology and leading its drama department.

His good looks, wit and charisma made him a standout on campus, his role as Father Joseph Dyer in The Exorcist added to the mystique, and admired by parents, he became one of McQuaids most celebrated teachers. Consequently, the sexual abuse accusations stunned many who knew him from his days at the school, Steve Orr reported for the Democrat and Chronicle in 2019.

On Aug. 14 of that year, the first day for bringing old sexual abuse claims under New Yorks Child Victims Act, the Rev. OMalley was accused in a legal complaint of sexually abusing a 17-year-old McQuaid student multiple times in 1985 and 86, including on school grounds.

The Rev. William O'Malley, a former faculty member at McQuaid Jesuit High School who had a featured role in "The Exorcist" and several years ago was accused in lawsuits of sexually abusing McQuaid students during the 1970s and '80s, has died at age 91.

At the time of the complaint  in which a dozen people accused nine Catholic clerics of sexually abusing them when they were young  a school spokesperson told Orr that McQuaid had no record of any sexual offenses involving the Rev. OMalley and didnt become aware of the accusations until the suit was filed.

Likewise, through a spokesperson, officials at the Jesuit province for the northeastern United States said they were previously unaware of any misconduct allegations.

He was subsequently accused of sexually abusing two other students, including in 1975 or '76, according to a July 21, 2020, complaint.

All of the suits are on hold, as they are part of the ongoing Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester bankruptcy case.

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In its statement on Monday, McQuaid expressed sadness over the Rev. O'Malley's death, calling him "a gifted teacher, author and communicator," and wrote, "Many McQuaid Jesuit alumni, in the days since Fr. OMalleys passing, have expressed their profound gratitude for the role Fr. OMalley played in their growth and development, intellectually and spiritually."

The school said it would not comment on the pending litigation. "McQuaid notes, however, that the claimant in any such litigation also will be an alumnus and a member of the McQuaid brotherhood, who is entitled to the communitys love and support in their search for healing. McQuaid remains committed to extending that love and support to all, and to continuing transparency with respect to such matters."

'Exorcist' role

During his McQuaid tenure, the Rev. OMalley was one of the best-known clergy members in town. He gave public talks, appeared on local television shows and acted in local productions, including in November 1971 in The Glass Menagerie at Theater at the Tracks in Pittsford.

He shared the stage with Robert Forster, a Rochester native and established Hollywood star, but still managed to make an impression, according to D&C arts critic Jean Walrath, who described the priest's performance as exuding humor, charm and authenticity.

He was cast in "The Exorcist" after forming a friendship with the novel's Jesuit-educated author, William Peter Blatty.

In the fall of 1971, the Rev. O'Malley wrote a review of the bestseller for a Rochester Public Library program and mailed it to Blatty. Blatty responded with a dinner invitation. Shortly after that get-together in New York City, Blatty, who adapted his book for the movie, asked the Rev. O'Malley if hed like to play Father Dyer, confidant and consoler of lead character Father Damien Karras (Jason Miller).

To a guy who directed 99 high school plays and musicals, that was like Charlie Brown being asked if hed like a season with the Yankees, the Rev. OMalley wrote in 2017 for America: The Jesuit Review.

The theological thriller, for which he also was a technical consultant, became a cultural phenomenon and suddenly he was in demand for interviews and TV appearances far beyond Rochester. He then took a sabbatical, during which he taught at the university level, wrote a number of books and plays and a screenplay and did more amateur theater.

He returned to McQuaid in 1975, telling the D&C, I was a moonlight actor, but Im a teacher. My life is with the kids. He left after the 1985-86 school year for Fordham Preparatory School, located on the Fordham University campus in the Bronx.

In June 2012, he was dismissed by Fordham Prep because, a school official told the New York Post, his confrontational and abrasive teaching style, long a topic of discussion among administrators, was out of step with the times and had diminished his effectiveness.

As a result of the the first sexual abuse complaint, on Aug. 26, 2019, the Rev. OMalley was removed from Fordham Universitys Murray-Weigel Hall, a Rose Hill campus residence that houses retired Jesuit priests, student newspaper The Fordham Ram reported.

Private funeral services were held last week in Massachusetts, McQuaid said in its statement.

Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @MarciaGreenwood.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: William OMalley, The Exorcist actor accused in abuse suits, dies
Yevhen Borysov in the courtroom, July 25

Yevhen Borisov, former head of the Odesa regional military commissariat, has been taken into custody for two months with an option for bail set at UAH 150 million ($4 million), according to a court ruling on July 25. The proceedings were reported by public broadcaster Suspilne from inside the courtroom.

The prosecution had initially demanded arrest without the option for bail, arguing in court that Borisov had actively avoided investigation by frequently changing his phone number and residence.

Read also: Three museums damaged in Odesa city center after missile attacks

Borisov denied the charges, asserting that he never evaded the investigation and had willingly traveled from Odesa to Kyiv. He was arrested close to the main investigative department of the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI), where he was heading with his lawyers. Borisov's legal counsel appealed to the court to reject the prosecution's request and opt for a preventive measure not involving detention.

In early May, former MP Ihor Mosiychuk told Radio NV that he had provided the National Anti-Corruption Bureau with evidence of Borisov's purchase of high-end real estate in Spain.

Read also: Odesas ex-draft commissioner illegally earns $5.1 million, says anti-graft agency

Ukrainska Pravda subsequently released an investigative report stating that Borisov's family acquired property on the Spanish coast and cars worth millions of dollars amid the Russian invasion. Borisov denied knowledge of these acquisitions, claiming his wife was involved in "retail trade" in Spain.

Read also: Russian army no longer loyal to Putin, says war criminal Girkin

In response to these allegations, the SBI opened a criminal case against Borisov in May, based on evidence suggesting that he ordered his subordinates not to issue mobilization summons to specific individuals in exchange for bribes. Following these charges, Borisov was dismissed from his position.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
On. Aug. 15, 1975, 8-year-old Gretchen Harrington was walking to Bible camp in a township outside Philadelphia when she was kidnapped and killed.

On Monday, authorities said a man who had been the pastor of one of the camp's host churches has been arrested and charged with Harrington's murder.

The Delaware County District Attorney's Office said David Zandstra, 83, recently confessed after he was confronted with new evidence, including a witness' allegations that the former pastor had groped her and may have tried to kidnap another local girl.

Gretchen Harrington. (Delaware County District Attorneys Office)

A law office representing Zandstra said it was aware of the charges but had no comment, according to NBC Philadelphia.

The allegations against him include criminal homicide; murder in the first, second and third degrees; kidnapping; and the possession of an instrument of crime. The alleged crimes happened in Marple Township, about 10 miles west of Philadelphia.

The new witness, who was not identified, provided a diary, prosecutors said. In it, she wrote an entry one month after Harrington went missing, speculating that Zandstra may have been responsible for twice trying to kidnap another girl, prosecutors said in the criminal complaint against Zandstra.

"Guess what?" the witness is quoted as writing in an entry dated Sept. 15, 1975. "A man tried to kidnap Holly twice! It's a secret I can't tell anyone, but I think he might be the one who kidnapped Gretchen. I think it was Mr. Z."

She also said she was groped by the suspect during a sleepover at his home seven days before Harrington went missing, according to the complaint. The witness, 10 at the time, was best friends with one of Zandstra's daughters.

Talking to the suspect

On July 17, officials interviewed Zandstra near his home in Georgia, according to the complaint and to Delaware County DA spokesperson Margie McAboy.

He volunteered to speak, State Police Trooper Eugene Tray said at Monday's news conference, and he was read Miranda rights.

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Confronted with the new witness information, Tray said, Zandstra confessed.

"He was relieved," the trooper said. "It was like a weight was lifted off his shoulders."

Zandstra said that he was driving Aug. 15, 1975, when he came upon Harrington walking to the Bible camp hosted by his congregation, Trinity Church Chapel Christian Reform Church, the criminal complaint states.

David Zandstra was the pastor of Trinity Church Chapel Christian Reform Church in Marple Township, Pa. (Delaware County District Attorneys Office)

Prosecutors said he routinely picked children up to take them to the mid-morning camp. Harrington was best friends with another daughter in the Zandstra household, so he was a familiar face, they said in the complaint.

Prosecutors said she was last seen two blocks from home.

Zandstra told the officers he picked up Harrington as she walked to the church and drove her to nearby woods, where he parked. She asked him to take her home, but he ordered her to take off her clothes. When she refused to disrobe, he punched her in the head, he said, and she never regained consciousness, the filing stated.

Lawrence Road, where Gretchen Harrington lived. (Delaware County District Attorneys Office)

The suspect left her body, described in the complaint as "half-naked," in the woods, and he covered it with foliage, according to the complaint.Harrington's father was the pastor at an adjacent church, Reformed Presbyterian Church, which hosted the second half of each day's summer Bible camp, prosecutors said.

The victim usually walked with her two sisters, but they stayed home that day because her mother had just given birth, prosecutors said. Harrington's father encouraged her to walk alone because she had a perfect attendance record, they said.

When she didn't show up at 11 a.m. at Reformed Presbyterian Church, Harrington's father drove off in an attempt to find her along adjacent Lawrence Road, according to the complaint. When the clock marked her as 23 minutes late, he called police, the filing states.

Reformed Presbyterian Church. (Delaware County District Attorneys Office)

Unusual details

He gave a description noting that Harrington was 3 foot 6 and 50 pounds, with blonde pigtails, according to the complaint. Interviewed days later, Zandstra described specific details about the girl's shorts including that they had a zipper and a snap in front but no visible buttons, the complaint said.

The details were unusual for two reasons, prosecutors argued: The girl never arrived at Bible camp, thus he wouldn't have seen her there; and the shorts were unique, handmade by the girl's mother.

On Oct. 14, 1975, Harrington's remains were discovered in a state park in nearby Edgmont Township.

Cause and manner of death was homicide by at least two strikes to the head, the complaint stated.

Harrington's relatives said they are grateful to police and prosecutors.

"The abduction and murder of Gretchen has forever altered our family and we miss her every single day," the family said in a statement.

Marple Township Police Chief Brandon Graeff said Harringtons time on Earth was a life unfulfilled  because of pure evil and depravity.

He said during Monday's news conference that her murder represented a shift for a suburb that had once felt relatively innocent and crime-free.

"It transformed this community," the chief said. "It was Anytown, U.S.A."

More victims?

Prosecutors said Zandstra left the church and moved away from the area, settling first in Plano, Texas, and then in Georgia, where he was in the Cobb County Adult Detention Facility on Monday for a sixth day with no bail, according to prosecutors and inmate records.

Authorities have expressed concern there may be more victims, and they asked anyone with information to reach out. State police were in the process of comparing his DNA to other cold or open cases, the DA's office said in a statement Monday.

Prosecutors said Zandstra has refused to waive extradition to Pennsylvania, which will prolong the process but is unlikely to stop it.

On Monday, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said the 48-year-old case is closed.

"Were going to bring him here to Delaware County, were going to try him, were going to convict him, and hes going to die in jail," he said.

CORRECTION (July 25, 2023, 10:10 a.m. ET): In a previous version of this article, two photo captions misidentified the location of churches near the 1975 abduction site of Gretchen Harrington. The churches were in Marple Township, Pennsylvania, not Marple, Delaware. The article also transposed the name of the Marple Township police chief. He is Brandon Graeff, not Graeff Brandon.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A former pastor was arrested after he confessed to the kidnapping and murdering of an 8-year-old girl who attended a Bible camp hosted by the mans church in Pennsylvania nearly 50 years ago, officials said Monday.

David Zandstra, 83, of Marietta, Georgia has been charged with criminal homicide, murder of the first, second and third degree, kidnapping of a minor and the possession of an instrument of crime.

The Delaware County District Attorneys Office said the man admitted to his crimes after presented with allegations made in a January interview that the man groped a different young girl and may have attempted to kidnap another.

Gretchen Harrington, 8, disappeared the morning of August 15, 1975, in Marple, Pennsylvania, after she left for Bible camp, according to the statement.

The Trinity Church Chapel Christian Reform Church, where Zandstra was a pastor, was one of the host churches of the camp where the children began the day with opening exercises.

Zandstra was among the individuals responsible for transporting the children from Trinity to The Reformed Presbyterian Church, another host church of the camp where Harringtons father was a pastor.

After Harrington did not appear at The Reformed Presbyterian Church that day, her father became concerned, and Zandstra reported the victims disappearance to the Marple Police Department.

Skeletal remains that were later identified as Harringtons were found located within Ridley Creek State Park on October 14, 1975.

The murder of Gretchen Harrington has haunted members of law enforcement since that terrible day in August 1975. The families of victims often say that their lives are forever altered into the before time and the after time. Gretchens murder created a before time and an after time for an entire community  and for an entire county, District Attorney Stollsteimer said in the announcement.

An arrest warrant and criminal complaint were filed against Zandstra on July 17 following the emergence of the new evidence, and Zandstra is now in jail in Cobb County, Georgia, according to the District Attorneys Office statement.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
On. Aug. 15, 1975, 8-year-old Gretchen Harrington was walking to Bible camp in a township outside Philadelphia when she was kidnapped and murdered.

On Monday, authorities said a man who had been the pastor of one of the camps host churches has been arrested and charged with Harringtons murder.

The Delaware County District Attorneys Office said David Zandstra, 83, recently confessed after he was confronted with new evidence, including a witnesss allegations that the former pastor groped her and may have tried to kidnap another local girl.

Gretchen Harrington. (Delaware County District Attorneys Office)

A law office representing Zandstra said it was aware of the charges but had no comment, according to NBC Philadelphia.

The allegations against him include criminal homicide; murder in the first, second and third degrees; kidnapping; and the possession of an instrument of crime. The alleged crimes happened in Marple Township, about 10 miles west of Philadelphia.

The new witness, who was not identified, provided a diary, prosecutors said. In it, she wrote an entry one month after Harrington went missing, speculating that Zandstra may have been responsible for twice trying to kidnap another girl, prosecutors said in the criminal complaint against Zandstra.

Guess what? the witness is quoted as writing in an entry dated Sept. 15, 1975. A man tried to kidnap Holly twice! Its a secret I cant tell anyone, but I think he might be the one who kidnapped Gretchen. I think it was Mr. Z.

She also said she was groped by the suspect during a sleepover at his home seven days before Harrington went missing, according to the complaint. The witness, 10 at the time, was best friends with one of Zandstras daughters.

Talking to the suspect

On July 17, officials interviewed Zandstra near his home in Georgia, according to the complaint and to Delaware County D.A.s spokesperson Margie McAboy.

He volunteered to speak, State Police Trooper Eugene Tray said at Mondays news conference, and he was read Miranda rights.

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Confronted with the new witness information, Tray said, Zandstra confessed.

He was relieved, the trooper said. It was like a weight was lifted off his shoulders.

Reformed Presbyterian Church. (Delaware County District Attorneys Office)

Zandstra said that he was driving Aug. 15, 1975, when he came upon Harrington walking to the Bible camp hosted by his congregation, Trinity Church Chapel Christian Reform Church, the criminal complaint states.

Prosecutors said he routinely picked children up to take them to the mid-morning camp. Harrington was best friends with another daughter in the Zandstra household, so he was a familiar face, they said in the complaint.

Prosecutors said she was last seen two blocks from home.

Zandstra told the officers he picked up Harrington as she walked to the church and drove her to nearby woods, where he parked. She asked him to take her home, but he ordered her to take off her clothes. When she refused to disrobe, he punched her in the head, he said, and she never regained consciousness, the filing stated.

Lawrence Road. (Delaware County District Attorneys Office)

The suspect left her body, described in the complaint as half-naked, in the woods, and he covered it with foliage, according to the complaint.

Harringtons father was the pastor at an adjacent church, Reformed Presbyterian Church, which hosted the second half of each days summer Bible camp, prosecutors said.

The victim usually walked with her two sisters, but they stayed home that day because her mother had just given birth, prosecutors said. Harringtons father encouraged her to walk alone because she had a perfect attendance record, they said.

When she didnt show up at 11 a.m. at Reformed Presbyterian Church, Harringtons father drove off in an attempt to find her along adjacent Lawrence Road, according to the complaint. When the clock marked her as 23 minutes late, he called police, the filing states.

Unusual details

He gave a description noting that Harrington was 3 feet 6 inches, 50 pounds, with blonde pigtails, according to the complaint. Interviewed days later, Zandstra described specific details about the girls shorts including that they had a zipper and a snap in front but no visible buttons, the complaint said.

The details were unusual for two reasons, prosecutors argued: The girl never arrived at Bible camp, thus he wouldnt have seen her there; and the shorts were unique, handmade by the girls mother.

On Oct. 14, 1975, Harringtons remains were discovered in a state park in nearby Edgmont Township.

Cause and manner of death was homicide by at least two strikes to the head, the complaint stated.

Harringtons relatives said they are grateful to police and prosecutors.

The abduction and murder of Gretchen has forever altered our family and we miss her every single day, the family said in a statement.

Marple Township Police Chief Graeff Brandon said Harringtons time on Earth was a life unfulfilled  because of pure evil and depravity.

He said during Mondays news conference that her murder represented a shift for a suburb that had once felt relatively innocent and crime-free.

It transformed this community, the chief said. It was Anytown, U.S.A.

More victims?

Prosecutors said Zandstra left the church and moved away from the area, settling first in Plano, Texas, and then in Georgia, where he was in the Cobb County Adult Detention Facility on Monday for a sixth day with no bail, according to prosecutors and inmate records.

Authorities have expressed concern there may be more victims, and they asked anyone with information to reach out. State police were in the process of comparing his DNA to other cold or open cases, the D.A.s office said in a statement Monday.

Prosecutors said Zandstra has refused to waive extradition to Pennsylvania, which will prolong the process but is unlikely to stop it.

On Monday, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said the 48-year-old case is closed.

Were going to bring him here to Delaware County, were going to try him, were going to convict him, and hes going to die in jail, he said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
A former pastor with North Texas ties is accused of abducting and murdering an 8-year-old Pennsylvania girl on her way to summer camp nearly 50 years ago, officials said.

David Zandstra, 83, was taken into custody July 17 and charged with the August 1975 murder of Gretchen Harrington, according to a press release from the Delaware County District Attorneys Office in Pennsylvania.

District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said he is thankful to finally have answers for the community.

Gretchens murder created a before time and an after time for an entire community  and for an entire county, Stollsteimer said in the release. This heinous act left a family and a community forever changed.

After leaving Pennsylvania, Zandstra pastored Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Dallas from 1976 to 1983, according to his bio on the Christian Reformed Church website. The church is no longer active.

Zandstra is reported to have lived in Plano, and Plano Police Department officials are asking for anyone who knows anything about Zandstras time in the area let them know.

If anyone has any info on David Zandstra and ties to Plano, TX please let us know. Apparently we have been listed in a news article as one of the places this monster could have lived. We will also be checking our records but as of right now we dont have any information. @KHQA  Plano Police (Texas) (@PlanoPoliceDept) July 24, 2023

Apparently we have been listed in a news article as one of the places this monster could have lived, Plano police said in the tweet Monday. We will also be checking our records but as of right now we dont have any information.

Authorities collected DNA samples from Zandstra to compare to samples connected with open cases in Pennsylvania and across the U.S., officials said.

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Zandstra and Gretchens father pastored churches in close proximity to each other in Broomall, Pennsylvania, at the time of Gretchens disappearance. The two churches collaborated in hosting a summer camp, and Zandstra was responsible for driving the children from his church to the other one during the camp, according to the release.

Gretchen was last seen walking to Zandstras church for camp around 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 15, 1975. Her father became concerned when she didnt arrive at his church with the other children and told Zandstra, who called police to report Gretchens disappearance, officials said.

A witness reported seeing Gretchen talking with the driver of a vehicle that looked like one owned by Zandstra, but when interviewed by authorities, Zandstra denied seeing Gretchen the day she disappeared. Gretchens remains were found in Ridley Creek State Park two months later.

In January 2023, an anonymous woman told authorities that Zandstra had touched her inappropriately when she was a child and she believed he was responsible for Gretchens disappearance, officials said.

Investigators met with Zandstra on July 17, and he admitted he saw Gretchen walking alone the morning of her disappearance, the release said. He told investigators that he offered her a ride and took her to a wooded area, where he asked her to remove her clothes. When she refused, Zandstra hit her on the head with his fist and hid her body, officials said.

Zandstra has been charged with criminal homicide; murder of the first, second and third degree; kidnapping of a minor and the possession of an instrument of crime, according to the release.

Zandstra is being held in the Cobb County Jail in Georgia without bond, according to Cobb County Sheriffs Office records.

Lora Snyder, a former neighbor of the Harringtons, said in a public Facebook post that she grew up a block from where Gretchen was abducted.

This has haunted our family forever, Snyder said. So glad there is closure for the family.

The Harrington family said in a statement to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that Gretchen was sweet and gentle and had a lifelong impact on those around her.

The abduction and murder of Gretchen has forever altered our family and we miss her every single day, the family said. We are grateful for the continual pursuit of justice by law enforcement.
Former U.S. attorney Harry Litman on Monday said he believes the table is set for the indictment of Donald Trump in special counsel Jack Smiths investigation into the former presidents attempts to overturn the 2020 election.

Theres one main signal, Litman, now a legal analyst, told MSNBCs Joy Reid.

That is, everything theyre talking about in terms of witnesses they have to interview, they dont need the grand jury for, but it is customary, he explained. And in this case, it will happen that Trumps lawyers will be afforded a final chance to come in and make a last-minute plea, which will not succeed, but they have the opportunity.

Litman noted Trumps increasingly unhinged rhetoric about the probe.

Last week, Trump shared a video on his Truth Social platform in which he is heard saying: If you fuck around with us, if you do something bad to us, we are going to do things to you that have never been done before.

The hysteria levels from Trump are hitting the stratosphere because this is one that he would know about, Litman said of the possible indictment.

So, to me, the table is set, Smith is ready to go and thats what the target letter means, save only you guys coming in or not? And by the way, you cant take two weeks, you know, come in off the pitch after that. Heres the indictment, he added.

Smith last week sent Trump a target letter in his probe.

Watch the video here:

On Sunday, former acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal predicted Trump would be indicted this week. You dont send the target letter to a former president, unless youre pretty darn sure that youve got the goods, he said.

Trump already faces trial in 2024 in the Stormy Daniels hush money case.

He remains under investigation in Georgia for attempting to overthrow the 2020 election result and has been charged with Espionage Act violations for allegedly mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House.

Related...
By Nate Raymond

BOSTON (Reuters) - A former employee of a federal prison in Massachusetts has agreed to plead guilty to secretly accepting thousands of dollars from Raj Rajaratnam while the Galleon Group hedge fund founder was serving time for insider trading, according to court records and a person familiar with the matter.

Federal prosecutors in Boston on Monday said William Tidwell accepted over $90,000 in benefits and a $50,000 property loan from a high net-worth inmate while working as a correctional counselor at the Federal Medical Center Devens in Ayer, Massachusetts.

Court papers only identified the former inmate as "Individual 1." A person familiar with the matter said he was Rajaratnam, who was sentenced in 2011 to 11 years in prison and was released early in 2019.

Prosecutors had accused Rajaratnam, the founder of the New York-based hedge fund Galleon Group, of making as much as $63.8 million in illicit profit from 2003 to 2009 trading on stocks including eBay, Goldman Sachs and Google.

Rajaratnam was not charged in Monday's case against Tidwell.

"This is the first we're learning of the charges against Mr. Tidwell," said Samidh Guha, Rajaratnam's lawyer. "We of course would cooperate appropriately with the government if and when they reach out to us."

Tidwell as part of a plea deal has agreed to plead guilty to bribery in violation of official duties, making false statements to a bank and identity theft. His lawyer, Brad Bailey, declined to comment.

Starting in 2018, Tidwell began receiving undisclosed benefits from Rajaratnam and a close friend and business associate of Rajaratnam, according to charging papers and the person familiar with the matter.

Those benefits included $25,000 to help pay off loans for a family member and more than $65,000 in fees and other benefits stemming from an agreement to help manage certain properties, including one Tidwell lived at, prosecutors said.

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During this time, Tidwell showed favoritism to the wealthy inmate by delaying his transfer from a coveted unit within the prison where inmates had more privacy and allowing him to set up legal calls more easily than other inmates, prosecutors said.

Later, after Rajaratnam was released from prison, Tidwell in 2020 received a $50,000 loan from the onetime inmate's friend to buy a house. Prosecutors said he lied on a bank loan application about the source of that money.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by David Bario and Chris Reese)
A Fort Worth police officer was terminated from his employment after he was accused of pulling out a gun during an argument with employees at a North Texas business earlier this year, the Fort Worth Police Department announced in a news release Tuesday.

The Boyd Police Department responded to a call on Feb. 17 about a disturbance at a local business. Police were told that an off-duty Fort Worth police officer, Michael Williams, was involved in an argument with employees there.

It was also reported that Williams displayed a firearm in a manner that placed the employees in fear for their safety and the safety of the other customers, Fort Worth police said in the release.

The Fort Worth Police Department immediately began investigating the allegations about Williams, according to the release. He was placed on restricted duty and was stripped of police powers during the investigation.

It was determined Williams violated multiple Fort Worth police policies, the release said. Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes agreed with Williams chain of command and fired him from the police department.

The Fort Worth Police Department will continue to hold employees accountable who do not meet the standards expected of a Fort Worth Police Officer and in doing so, will continue to be transparent and open with our community, officials said in the news release.
US cities remain clueless as thousands go homeless

08:40, July 25, 2023 By Belinda Robinson in New York ( China Daily

NYC, LA faced with fund crunch to tackle problem caused by migrant influx, layoffs

Editor's note: As the United States is beset by soaring homelessness, this page takes a closer look at this crippling issue in New York and Los Angeles, two of its largest cities.

In a tale of two cities, New York and Los Angeles, the largest and second-largest cities in the United States, where the rich live alongside the less fortunate, homelessness has become a crippling issue that local governments are struggling to deal with.

The number of homeless people in New York has reached levels not seen since the Great Depression of the 1930s, said the Coalition for the Homeless based in New York, the country's oldest advocacy and direct service organization that helps the homeless.

A record 100,000 people are living in homeless shelters for the first time, city officials said on June 28, mainly after a huge influx of migrants from the southern border were mostly bused into the city from Republican states beginning in spring last year.

Jose, a migrant from Venezuela who asked to drop his last name for fear of his family's safety, arrived in New York in October. He has no official status, cannot work and has no place to live.

However, he is adamant that he cannot return to Venezuela where he was a truck driver, as gangs told him they would kill him, nonprofit National Public Radio reported in March.

About 52,000 migrants are among New York's homeless population, making them the largest group of unhoused people in the city's system. More than two-thirds have families and children with them, Deputy Mayor Anne Williams-Isom told a news conference last month.

To handle the crisis, Mayor Eric Adams said $1.4 billion has already been spent to provide housing for migrants this year. The city expects to spend at least $4.4 billion overall to address the issue by next year. He acknowledged that the funding is taking away from social services.

"I just think it's unfair  $1.4 billion that could have gone into some of the priorities that we all share," he told The New York Times on June 29.

City Relief, a nonprofit founded in 1989, provides meals from a local mobile van at eight locations, including Chelsea, the Lower East Side and Chinatown, West 14th Street, South Bronx and Harlem in New York City as well as several more places in New Jersey. It relies on donations through its website and encourages people to volunteer.

Corey Hayes, creative director for the organization, told China Daily: "We have seen an uptick in the number of people needing help over the past 10 months. Part of that has been migrants, but also as the cost of rent in the city continues to skyrocket, more and more people are just not able to afford rent."

Many of the people who have newly arrived are living in 166 locations, including converted hotels, hospitals or one of 11 large relief centers across the city. It costs the city $8 million a day.

On July 11, Adams announced two new Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief centers that will cater to migrants, including 330 families with children seeking asylum.

"New York City continues to receive thousands of asylum-seekers each week, and we continue to do everything in our power to respond accordingly, but we are still in dire need of assistance from our state and federal partners," he said in a statement.

Adams, along with lawmakers, also announced a $107 billion budget for the new fiscal year beginning on July 1. But it includes cuts to nonprofits that the Department of State uses to run its shelters. This was criticized by several organizations, including Homeless Services United, a nonprofit in New York.

Last month, the mayor used an executive order to eliminate a rule that had required homeless shelter residents to wait 90 days before they could get a "Family Homelessness &Eviction Prevention Supplement", or a rental assistance voucher funded by the city.

He also vetoed other bills aimed at expanding eligibility for the vouchers to people at risk of eviction and to alter the income requirement of people who wanted them.

However, his veto was overridden by the New York City Council on July 13. He estimated that all the bills could cost the city $17 billion over the next five years, which he said was unsustainable.

The mayor has also faced criticism for supporting rent increases for 2 million people in rent-stabilized apartments, which advocates believe will affect those on a low income already struggling to pay rent and buy food.

"Often people will come to us just because the rent doesn't allow them enough money to eat," Hayes said. "The city has failed to invest in increased housing over the past number of years and wasn't ready for either situation."

Junior Phillips, 49, from Brooklyn, installs flooring in homes and businesses for a living. He has a full-time job and does part-time work to cope with the cost of rent and rising bills.

"At my main job, I work about 30 hours a week," Phillips told China Daily. "My other job is along the same lines. The thing is the money I make on the side is not extra money because living in New York is really very expensive. I just have enough to cope."

In addition to asylum-seekers, 80,000 non-immigrants are homeless in the Big Apple, which equates to 1 in 80 people not having a permanent home. Many would go hungry if it were not for the help of homeless outreach programs such as City Relief.

"Our main focuses are providing hot meals for people to make it through the day, and connections to local resources to help them create a future off the streets," Hayes said. "I've had many people tell me over the years that they would have died without our assistance."

Mental health issues

At least 3,000"vulnerable" homeless people in the city who suffer from mental health problems live on the streets and can often be seen living on subways.

The plight of this group, known and monitored by the city, came to the fore this year after Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man, was choked to death on May 1 on a train by Daniel Penny, a 24-year-old former US Marine.

Eyewitnesses said Neely had been shouting and complaining on the subway that he had no food. The Michael Jackson impersonator had been homeless for numerous years after his mother was killed by her boyfriend. He had been on drugs and was in trouble with the law after being arrested 42 times.

Last month, Penny was indicted on second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. His case has divided opinion between some who think he is a hero and others who believe he "lynched" Neely, such as Yusef Salaam, a politician.

Hayes said: "It's so important that people remain compassionate (toward the homeless). As homelessness grows due to housing shortages, geopolitical crisis and climate change, we've found people become less tolerant toward those experiencing homelessness.

"They see more people on the street and have less compassion for their situation, feeling that the person must somehow be at fault."

Thousands of kilometers away on the West Coast, Los Angeles is known worldwide for its opulence, celebrities and sunshine. However, it has another side  the homeless. In some areas, along backstreets, hundreds of tents form makeshift cities where hundreds of people sleep.

Last month, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the city's preliminary figures showed that the number of homeless people living in a tent, car or temporary homes in Los Angeles County was 75,518 as of January, up from 69,144 the previous year.

"The challenge before us is vast, but we will continue to work with urgency to bring Angelenos inside," Bass said. "Lives depend on it."

Overall, homelessness has increased by 9 percent in LA County and 10 percent in the city of Los Angeles last year.

This is despite hundreds of millions of dollars being spent on housing the homeless, said a report by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. It has not decreased the camps full of homeless people on the streets.

In January, volunteers carried out a count of the homeless. Compared with a similar count done in 2015, the number of unhoused people had increased by 80 percent in the city and 70 percent in the county.

Homelessness in Los Angeles is often spurred by people losing their jobs and not being able to pay their rent, like New York, a study by researchers at the University of California San Francisco found.

Benjamin Henwood, a professor of the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California, told China Daily, "A lack of affordable housing is the primary driver of homelessness in LA, which is a result of decades of underinvestment in affordable housing and insufficient urban planning for the population growth experienced in LA and California more broadly."

The areas in LA with the highest homeless population include South LA, Westside and Harbor areas, the Los Angeles Times reported last month. Unlike New York, the number of people in shelters was just 20,000 county-wide, but the number of those living on the street out of shelters was more than 55,000.

The COVID-19 pandemic was challenging, but homelessness has been bad for more than 10 years and continues to soar, Henwood said.

Upward trend

"In the immediate aftermath of COVID, we did not see a large increase in homelessness as evidenced by the 2022 homeless count," he said. "The 2023 estimate points to a resumption of a continuous upward trend over the past 10 years with the homelessness population doubling during that time.

"COVID-19 pandemic aid, including cash payments and an eviction moratorium, interrupted this trend, but growing income inequality and a housing market that can't accommodate low-wage earners (have) resulted in a resumption of this upward trend."

About 27,000 people living on the streets in Los Angeles have been there for more than a year, the count showed, and much like New York, many are suffering poor health, mental health woes and substance abuse. Around 25 percent of homeless people said they had severe mental illness, and 30 percent said substance abuse was an issue, officials said.

The racial makeup of those in homeless shelters was about 43 percent Latino, 31 percent black, 24 percent white and 2 percent Asian.

Many workers in other areas in California, such as Silicon Valley, could not put food on the table while paying rent after a loss of income amid the pandemic, according to local food banks. Tech companies, many of which have headquarters in the state, also had massive layoffs.

Diane Baker Hayward, a spokeswoman for Second Harvest of Silicon Valley in California, one of the largest food banks in the US, said the aftermath of the pandemic put a huge strain on families that had to turn to food banks.

Second Harvest serves people in San Jose, Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, including Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Peninsula.

"This high level of need was due in large part to the very high cost of housing in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties  what many refer to as Silicon Valley," Hayward told China Daily.

"When the pandemic hit, many people lost their jobs or had hours cut at work. Many of the people we are seeing now have never received food assistance before."

Mayor Bass said she and her team have moved 14,000 people off the streets in the first six months of this year. At least 30 percent, or 4,332, got permanent housing, and a further 10,049 went into interim housing from December to May.

However, Henwood believes that to solve the problem in the long run, "more needs to be done at every level of government".

"A recent report provided an estimate that the state of California needs to commit $6.9 billion to affordable housing annually for the next 12 years to address homelessness when it currently only commits $1.2 billion to affordable housing," he said.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Despite an outspoken contingent of conservatives bashing the Barbie movie over a controversial map, Fox News put up a graphic showing where the flick is trending  revealing the movie is quite popular in red states.

The panel on Fox News Americas Newsroom were discussing the big box office weekend when co-host Dana Perino then asked for a map to be displayed, comparing where Oppenheimer and Barbie  represented respectively by blue and pink  were trending more in the United States. The map showed the southern half of the US was blanketed in pink.

I dont know whats going on down South, Ms Perino said. They like this Barbie movie a lot.

Fox News displayed a map showing that Barbie was trending more in red states (Fox News)

A little bit more fun down South, maybe open to the experience, Fox News The Big Money Show host Taylor Riggs said.

Bill Hemmer then asked for the map to be pulled up again, before saying, Barbie is really big in the red states. And Oppenheimer is really big in the blue states. He added an exasperated, Whats going on?

I think people in the South like to party, political commentator Kennedy tried to explain. And people in the North, you know. They maybe have a little bit of intellectual guilt about the way Western civilization has unfolded.

Perino chimed in, suggesting it could be the heat wave in the southern states that is driving crowds inside to the cool movie theatres.

The network showcased an interesting trend that contradicts a lot of the Barbie backlash from conservatives. The heart of the criticism regards a world map featuring a contested area in the South China Sea.

Last week, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, for the second time, accused the Barbie movie of pushing Chinese communist propaganda. The Texas republican was referring to a nine-dash line used on the map, depicting what China claims is its territory within the South China Sea.

On the same token, Vietnam said it would ban the movie from being released in the country due to the map.

Other conservatives have criticised the movie for other reasons. Right-wing commentator Ben Shapiro tweeted: My producers dragged me to see Barbie and it was one of the most woke movies I have ever seen.

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He added, My full review of this flaming garbage heap of a film will be out on my YouTube channel tomorrow at 10am ET. (He did indeed post a video of himself setting Barbie dolls ablaze in a trash can.)

The wife of Florida Republican Rep Matt Gaetz, Ginger Gaetz, also criticised the movie, tweeting: Thinking about watching the Barbie movie? Id recommend sticking to getting outfit inspiration and skipping the theater.

The Independent has reached out to Fox News for comment.
With two courts looking at the issue, plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit are disputing arguments by Florida Power & Light that a new state law protects the utility from liability for power outages in Hurricane Irma.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

FPL on July 5 filed a motion in Miami-Dade County circuit court seeking dismissal of the long-running lawsuit, which contends the utility did not meet obligations to help prevent outages during the 2017 storm.

The FPL motion is based on a new law that says a utility is not liable for damages based in whole or in part on changes in the reliability, continuity, or quality of utility services which arise in any way out of an emergency or disaster and gives the Florida Public Service Commission authority to resolve issues about disaster preparedness and response.

But in a court filing last week, attorneys for the plaintiffs in the lawsuit argued the law, which took effect July 1, can not be applied retroactively to the Irma case.

The Legislature could have stated that the statute was retroactive, the filing said. It did not. Nor does the statute state in any way that it is applicable to any pending cases or that its passage would require the dismissal of any pending cases. As drafted, the statute makes clear that it is a prospective, not retroactive, statute that does not impact the instant (Irma) case whatsoever.

READ: Hurricane Irma: Electricity company warns of scam in Jacksonville

FPL, however, fired back in a court document Monday by focusing on the part of the law that gives the Public Service Commission authority to determine the sufficiency of disaster preparedness and response. FPLs attorneys argued that part of the law is procedural, allowing it to be applied retroactively, and gives the regulatory commission exclusive jurisdiction over this case.

Plaintiffs contrary argument is flawed because they ignore the fact that the new statute not only clarifies that disaster preparedness and response are within  the existing jurisdiction of the PSC (the Public Service Commission), but also mandates that jurisdiction over such matters lies exclusively with the PSC, the document said.

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FPL attorneys also argued that if the commission finds liability, it could lead to a return trip to the circuit court to decide what damages (if any) a plaintiff might be entitled to.

The lawsuit, filed in 2017, alleges that FPL did not meet obligations to help prevent outages, such as carrying out a storm hardening plan, replacing aging poles and adequately clearing vegetation near lines. Irma made landfall in September 2017 in Monroe County as a Category 4 storm and caused widespread damage and power outages as it barreled up the state.

In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs attorneys argued that FPL was grossly unprepared for the hurricane and that customers who lost power suffered damages such as lost profits and perishable goods and faced expenses. The lawsuit said FPL had collected money from customers to strengthen the power system.

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In March, a panel of the 3rd District Court of Appeal upheld a circuit judges decision that certified the lawsuit as a class action. FPL has asked the full appeals court to review that ruling.

Also, the Miami-based appeals court has asked the two sides to file briefs about how the new law could apply to the case. FPL contended Tuesday that a circuit judge should wait for direction from the appeals court on the issue.

The added legal protection for utilities was included in a broader disaster-response bill (SB 250) after Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole caused massive damage last year. The bill received almost-unanimous approval in the Legislature and was signed by DeSantis on June 28.

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Lebanon's parliament speaker Nabih Berri (R) receives French special envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian in Beirut (-)

Lebanon's powerful parliament speaker Nabih Berri met Tuesday with French special envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian, in Beirut to help resolve divisions that have left the presidency vacant for nearly nine months.

A statement from Berri's office said the meeting was "good" and that "an opening has pierced through" Lebanon's power vacuum, without elaborating.

Mired in a gruelling economic crisis since 2019, Lebanon has been governed by a caretaker cabinet for more than a year and without a president since late October.

Le Drian, on his second mission to Lebanon, gave no public statement after the meeting with Berri.

The French envoy is set to hold discussions with other political leaders during his three-day visit.

Le Drian "is coming to present the results of the Doha meeting and his talks in Saudi Arabia," a French diplomatic source told AFP, referring to recent moves meant to encourage Lebanon to name a new president.

"He will try to reconcile points of view and create favourable conditions for a consensual solution to emerge," the source added.

Lebanese lawmakers failed 12 times to elect a successor to former president Michel Aoun amid bitter disputes between the powerful Iran-backed Shiite movement Hezbollah and its opponents.

On July 17, representatives of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United States, France and Qatar gathered in Doha to discuss Lebanon, urging parliament to choose a president and politicians to "take immediate steps to break the impasse".

"We discussed concrete options with respect to implementing measures against those who are blocking progress on this front," the statement said.

Le Drian came to Lebanon last month for the first time as France's envoy, meeting key figures on a "consultative" mission to push for a solution to the protracted political deadlock.

Multiple attempts spearheaded by Lebanon's former colonial ruler France to extricate the country from its woes have ended in failure.

at/aya/ami
The Federal Trade Commission is finalizing its long-awaited antitrust lawsuit against Amazon, four people with knowledge of the matter told POLITICO, a move that could ultimately break up parts of the company.

The FTC has been investigating the company on a number of fronts, and the coming case would be one of the most aggressive and high-profile moves in the Biden administrations rocky effort to tame the power of tech giants. The wide-ranging lawsuit is expected as soon as August, and will likely challenge a host of Amazons business practices, said the people, who were granted anonymity to discuss a confidential matter. If successful, it could lead to a court-ordered restructuring of the $1.3 trillion empire and define the legacy of FTC Chair Lina Khan.

Khan rose to prominence as a Big Tech skeptic with a 2017 academic paper specifically identifying Amazon as a modern monopolist needing to be reined in. Because any case will likely take years to wind through the courts, the final result will rest with her successors.

The exact details of the final lawsuit are not known, and changes to the final complaint are expected until the eleventh hour. But personnel throughout the agency, including Khan herself, have homed in on several of Amazons business practices, said some of the people.

The complaint is likely to focus on challenges to Amazon Prime, Amazon rules that the FTC says block lower prices on competing websites, and policies the FTC believes force merchants to use Amazons logistics and advertising services, according to some of the people.

The agency has been drafting a complaint since at least the end of last year, some of the people said, and is likely to file its case in federal court rather than its in-house tribunal.

In its probe, the FTC has interviewed dozens of witnesses both inside and outside Amazon, including CEO Andy Jassy and former CEO and founder Jeff Bezos, some of the people said. The FTC has collected millions of documents from Amazon and third parties over the last three years to build its case.

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Spokespeople for Amazon and the FTC declined to comment.

Among the potential claims are allegations similar to existing cases from the attorneys general in Washington, D.C., and California, some of the people said. Those cases center on Amazons rules requiring third-party retailers to offer their lowest prices on its platform, thereby cutting off the possibility of lower prices elsewhere.

Amazon has previously disputed those allegations saying sellers set the prices for their goods. A Washington, D.C., judge threw out the case, but a California judge is letting it move forward.

Amazon Prime, which began as a subscription for unlimited free shipping, is also expected to be a target, some of the people said. Prime has evolved to include books, music and video streaming. The FTC is concerned that the bundle of services is used to illegally cement the companys market power.

The FTC is also expected to claim that Amazon steers sellers to its own logistics services, which include shipping and warehousing, by rewarding them with better placement on the site, and punishing them when they dont, some of the people said. Amazon briefly allowed sellers to use other logistics providers and still receive prioritized listings, but discontinued that several years ago., though it recently announced it is restarting that program. Bloomberg earlier reported the likely inclusion of claims involving the logistics business.

Amazons rapidly growing digital advertising business will also likely be targeted, some of the people said. The agency is concerned Amazon forces merchants to buy ads in order to get better placement in customer search results. The FTC sees advertising as a tax Amazon can collect after forcing sellers to use its platform through price parity provisions requiring the lowest prices on its site, some of the people said.

The Amazon investigation began in the Trump administration under former Chair Joe Simons. However, he prioritized a different investigation into Metas Facebook. Shortly after Khan joined the agency, she bulked up and reorganized the team leading the Amazon probe, a move first reported by The Information.

Top enforcement officials in the Biden administration have aggressively gone after corporate mergers in the past year, but more often than not have struck out. The FTC lost its bid to block Microsofts $69 billion purchase of Activision last week, which came months after another loss in its case to block Metas acquisition of a popular virtual reality app. The spate of high-profile losses has amped up pressure on the FTC to bring a successful case against Amazon.

The Justice Department meanwhile has two separate lawsuits against Google over its search and advertising businesses, the former of which is scheduled for a two-month trial in September. It is preparing an antitrust case against Apple, and has pending investigations into Ticketmaster and Visa, among others.

Amazon has sought Khans recusal both for her past statements against the company and over investigative work into the tech sector while a staffer on the House Judiciary Committee. The agency has not ruled on the request, but filing a case in federal court will help sidestep the issue. In its in-house tribunal, FTC commissioners serve as prosecutors and judges, a role that makes Khan more susceptible to claims of bias.

The FTC could also bring state attorneys general on board for the lawsuit, another reason to file in federal court. In addition to California and Washington, D.C., New York is also investigating the company.

And while there is no large, formal multistate alliance investigating Amazon, as there is with Facebook and Google, other states could join the FTCs case. The FTC has told some states that it plans to share more information by the end of July that can be used to determine whether to join its lawsuit, some of the people said.

The exact allegations will determine who joins. Some states  and some within the agency  have pushed back against making Prime, a popular consumer service, a focal point of the case, some of the people said.

This will not be the first case the FTC has filed against Amazon under Khan. The company recently agreed to pay $30 million to settle a pair of privacy lawsuits involving its Ring doorbell cameras and Alexa smart speakers made for kids. Amazon is also fighting allegations that it has made Prime unnecessarily difficult to cancel. And the FTC is currently investigating the companys purchase of robot vacuum maker iRobot, which POLITICO previously reported that agency staff are leaning toward trying to block.

Amazon has also settled similar allegations in Europe by making changes to its sales practices and restricting its use of data from third-party sellers on its European web stores.

One of the FTCs final steps before filing a lawsuit will be to give Amazons executives and attorneys a final chance to plead their case before the commissioners. That so-called last rites meeting, largely a formality, is not expected to take place until at least August, two of the people said, and is expected to be the last step before a case is filed.
Viktor Yanukovych

The High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine (VAKS) is set to hear the case of raiding the Mezhyhirya Residence by fugitive former president Viktor Yanukovych and his son, Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) reported on Facebook on July 25.

"Based on the results of the preparatory hearing, the VAKS panel of judges has scheduled the trial hearing of the former Ukrainian president and his son's case in regard to illegal seizure of the Mezhyhirya Residence," the message reads.

Read also: 7 wounded, 1 in intensive care after Odesa Oblast drone attack

The VAKS, at the request of the prosecutor, additionally decided to conduct special court proceedings (in absentia) against the said defendants, who have been hiding in the territory of the state recognized by the Verkhovna Rada as an aggressor state for seven years.

The session is scheduled on Aug 2.

Read also: Zelenskyy tells G7 principle of preventive security will protect democracies from aggressor states

The SAPO said that in 2002-2013, the former president, together with his son, abused his official position and illegally seized a land plot and a property in the Vyshhorod District, namely the Pushcha-Vodytsia recreation center in the Mezhyhiria tract and a house in the village of Novi Petrivtsi. The losses caused to the state exceed UAH 540 million ($14.5 million).

Read also: All war criminals will be found  Ukrainian intelligence marks Vinnytsia attack anniversary

The actions of the former president are classified under Article 191(5), Article 209(3), Article 368(5) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, and those of his son under Article 191(5), Article 209(3) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Georgia Attorney General Chriss Carrs office announced a DeKalb County man was indicted for multiple counts of trafficking persons for sexual servitude, and one count of sexually exploiting a child.

Terry Florence, a 32-year-old man from Conyers, was charged by the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.

The release from the Attorney Generals Office said there were three victims involved in the charges.

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Carrs office said Florence was first indicted on three counts of trafficking for sexual servitude in June 2021.

The indictment was focused on his having allegedly trafficked an underage victim and another, according to the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.

Officials said the underage victim was recovered during Operation Not Forgotten, a two-week rescue effort in the summer of 2020.

During the operation, 26 children were rescued and nine people were arrested. An additional 13 children were located safely.

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After Florences arrest, the investigation continued and a third victim was found. Additional charges were added to the indictment against Florence in July.

This indictment is yet another example of our longstanding commitment to protecting our most vulnerable Georgians, Carr said in a statement. Once we open a case, our Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit works diligently to identify and assist every victim within our reach. We will not rest in our efforts to ensure that those responsible for the trafficking of a child are held fully accountable for their actions.

As it stands, Florence faces the following charges.

Did knowingly provide a person for the purpose of sexual servitude, said servitude being induced or obtained by coercion; charged with 3 counts of Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude, O.C.G.A.  16-5-46.

Did knowingly harbor a person under the age of 18 years, for the purpose of sexual servitude; charged with 2 counts of Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude, O.C.G.A.  16-5-46.

Did knowingly maintain a person under the age of 18 years, for the purpose of sexual servitude; charged with 1 count of Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude, O.C.G.A.  16-5-46.

Did knowingly benefit financially from the sexual servitude of a person under the age of 18 years; charged with 1 count of Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude, O.C.G.A.  16-5-46.

Did knowingly create a film, a visual medium depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct; charged with 1 count of Sexual Exploitation of Children, O.C.G.A.  16-12-100.

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The AGs office will not be releasing additional information on the investigation or indictment at this time.

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OTHER NEWS:
A Bulloch County teen is behind bars after he recorded a TikTok saying he was going to blow up a train station.

The FBIs National Ops Center said it received information on Saturday that someone said they were going to blow up a train station in Savannah, Ga. At 5:00pm.

Working with local authorities, agents were able to trace the threat to Bulloch County and to the home of Savalas Harden, 17.

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Federal agents went to Hardens home, where they interviewed him and admitted to making the threat post on his TikTok account.

Harden was arrested and charged with making terroristic threats and dissemination of information relating to terroristic acts, both felonies.

Harden is currently being held in the Bulloch County Jail.

IN OTHER NEWS:




By Maxwell Akalaare Adombila and Christian Akorlie

ACCRA (Reuters) - Ghana's parliament on Tuesday voted to abolish the death penalty, making the country the latest of several African nations that have moved to repeal capital punishment in recent years.

No one has been executed in Ghana since 1993, although 176 people were on death row as of last year, according to the Ghana prisons service.

The new bill will amend the state's Criminal Offences Act to substitute life imprisonment for the death penalty, according to a parliamentary committee report. President Nana Akufo-Addo still has to assent for the law to take effect.

"This is a great advancement of the human rights record of Ghana," said Francis-Xavier Sosu, the parliamentarian who tabled the bill.

"We have conducted research, from the constitutional review to opinion polls, and they all show that majority of Ghanaians want the death penalty removed," he told Reuters.

Ghana is the 29th country to abolish the death penalty in Africa and the 124th globally, according to The Death Penalty Project, a London-based NGO which said it worked alongside partners in Ghana to help get the law changed.

Equatorial Guinea, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic and Zambia are among the latest African states to have ended capital punishment in the last two years.

(Reporting by Maxwell Akalaare Adombila and Christian Akorlie; Writing by Nellie Peyton; Editing by William Maclean)
Prison bars

Ghana's parliament has voted to abolish the death penalty, joining a long list of African countries that have done so in recent years.

The country currently has 170 men and six women on death row, whose sentences will now be replaced by life imprisonment. The last execution took place in 1993.

Execution has been the mandatory sentence for murder in Ghana.

Opinion surveys suggest that most Ghanaians approve abolition.

Last year seven people were sentenced to death in Ghana - but none were executed. Treason has also been punishable by death in Ghana.

The bill to amend the Criminal Offences Act was put forward by MP Francis-Xavier Sosu and had the backing of the parliament's Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.

A London-based campaign organisation, the Death Penalty Project (DPP), had worked with Mr Sosu to get the law changed.

A statement from DPP says Ghana is the 29th African country to abolish the death penalty, and the 124th globally.

In recent years many African states have abolished the death penalty, including Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Sierra Leone and Zambia.

Mr Sosu said that "on death row, prisoners woke up thinking this could be their last day on earth. They were like the living dead: psychologically, they had ceased to be humans.

"Abolishing the death penalty shows that we are determined as a society not to be inhumane, uncivil, closed, retrogressive and dark."

He added this would pave the way to a free and progressive society reflecting "our common belief that the sanctity of life is inviolable".
The Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect had a somewhat blase reaction when a group of plain-clothes police officers swooped on him in the heart of a busy Manhattan street and arrested him in connection to a chilling series of cold case murders, according to authorities.

Rex Heuermann was taken into custody on 13 July as he left the office of his architecture business in midtown Manhattan.

He was charged with the murders of three of the so-called Gilgo Four  Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy and Amber Costello.

He is also the prime suspect in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes  who was last seen alive in early June 2007 in New York City.

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison has now revealed the accused serial killers first words when officers descended on him more than 13 years after the victims bodies were found discarded along Gilgo Beach, Long Island.

Mr Harrison told NBC News that the 59-year-old married father-of-two was dismissive of the allegations  but then quickly lawyered up.

He very much said, What am I here for? I dont know nothing of what youre talking about, he said.

He asked for a lawyer  and that was the end of the conversation, he added.

As the 59-year-old was processed into Suffolk County Jail on a string of murder charges, sources told CNN he did have another chilling question  this time about his newfound notoriety.

Is it in the news? he asked.

The police chief previously said that the decision was made to arrest Mr Heuermann in Manhattan in the hope that the suspected serial killer would confess to his alleged crimes on the long drive up to Long Island.

However, this plan didnt pan out and the Long Island native has insisted his innocence and so pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The details of his demeanour come as investigators were spotted digging up the backyard of his home amid reports that at least one victim may have been killed at the property.

Search teams carried out what was described as a major excavation on Monday at the one-storey home in Massapequa Park, where the architect lived with his wife and two adult children.

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Cadaver dogs and a ground-penetrating radar machine were brought in to scour the ground before excavators were seen digging up the earth with a backhoe.

At one point, a huge wooden deck was dismantled and a blue tent was erected to shield the search from view.

In addition to digging up Mr Heuermanns backyard, investigators searched a huge walk-in vault with a big iron door. They described the search as fruitful.

Mr Harrison said that they believe at least some of the murders took place inside the home but are unable to confirm this at this time.

Authorities continue to work at the home of suspect Rex Heuermann (AP)

Mr Heuermanns wife and two children were out of town at the time of each of the three murders he is charged with, according to court documents.

In the 11 days since Mr Heuermann was arrested in connection to the infamous serial killer case, investigators have been searching for evidence tying him to the murders including any trophies taken from the victims.

Police said that they are confident they will soon be able to charge him with the fourth murder.

The Gilgo Four were all found in December 2010 within one-quarter mile of each other, bound by belts or tape and some wrapped in burlap  their bodies dumped along Gilgo Beach.

Court records show that Mr Heuermann was linked to the killings through a tip about his pickup truck, a stash of burner phones, sadistic online searches, phone calls taunting victims families, his wifes hair found on the victims bodies  and a pizza crust.

The first piece of the puzzle came when a witness in the Amber Costello case revealed details about a vehicle that a client was driving when she was last seen alive.

Costello, who worked as a sex worker, was seen alive on the evening of 2 September 2010 when she left her home in West Babylon. A witness said she had gone to meet a client who was driving a first-generation Chevrolet Avalanche.

Last year, a registration search showed that local man Mr Heuermann owned a first-generation model of the truck at the time of Costellos disappearance. He also matched the witness description of the man believed to be the killer: a large, white ogre-like male in his mid-40s, around 64 to 66 tall, with dark bushy hair, and big oval style 1970s type eyeglasses.

The discovery of the car led investigators to hone in on Mr Heuermann including executing 300 subpoenas, search warrants and other legal processes to obtain evidence to determine his potential involvement in the killings.

Among this was Mr Heuermanns alleged use of burner phones, with prosecutors saying that he used burner phones to contact the three women and arrange to meet them at the time when they went missing.

Rex Heuermann booking photo (AP)

He also allegedly took two of the victims cellphones  and used one to make taunting phone calls to one of their families where he boasted about her murder, court documents state.

Mr Heuermanns DNA was found on one of the victims, while his wifes hair was found on three of the four women he is connected to.

His arrest comes after the horrific serial killer case has captured the nations attention for more than a decade.

The Gilgo Beach murders had long stumped law enforcement officials in Suffolk County who believed it could be the work of one or more serial killers who targeted sex workers and dumped their bodies along the remote beaches on Ocean Parkway.

The case began in May 2010 when Shannan Gilbert vanished after leaving a clients house on foot near Gilgo Beach.

She called 911 for help saying she feared for her life and was never seen alive again.

During a search for Gilbert in dense thicket close to the beach, police discovered the remains of another woman.

Within a matter of days, the remains of three more victims were found close by.

By spring 2011, the remains of a total of 10 victims had been found including eight women, a man, and a toddler. Police have long thought that it could be the work of one or more serial killers.

Gilberts body was then found in December 2011. Her cause of death is widely contested with authorities long claiming that it is not connected to the serial killer or killers but that she died from accidental drowning as she fled from the clients home.

However, an independent autopsy commissioned by her family ruled that she died by strangulation and her mother believes she was murdered.

Like Gilbert, most of the victims targeted were sex workers, while some are yet to be identified.

As well as extensively searching Mr Heuermanns home in Long Island, officials are probing other locations connected to the accused murderer including storage units two miles away in Amityville.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies are also looking into unsolved murders and missing persons cases all across America including in Las Vegas, South Carolina and Atlantic City.
An 8-year-old girl was found dead after vanishing from a Pennsylvania church camp nearly 50 years ago, and now a former pastor faces charges in Georgia, officials said.

The case dates to August 1975, when Gretchen Harrington was attending a summer bible camp. She didnt show up to one of the churches that was hosting the camp, causing her father to grow worried and report her missing, according to the Delaware County District Attorneys Office in Pennsylvania.

A jogger found Gretchens remains about two months later in a remote part of Ridley Creek State Park, officials said.

Now, about 48 years later, a man who served as pastor of one of the churches that hosted the camp is charged in the girls kidnapping and death. Prosecutors didnt list attorney information for the man, identified in a July 24 news release as 83-year-old David Zandstra of Marietta, Georgia.

The abduction and murder of Gretchen has forever altered our family and we miss her every single day, her family told the National Center for Missing an Exploited Children in a news release. We are grateful for the continual pursuit of justice by law enforcement, and we want to thank the Pennsylvania State Police for never stopping in their constant search for answers.

More about the Gretchen Harringtons disappearance

At the time of Gretchens disappearance, Zandstra was working as the pastor of a church in the Broomall area, roughly 10 miles northwest of Philadelphia. He was responsible for driving children from one church to another during the summer camp, officials said.

In 1975, a witness saw Gretchen speaking to someone in a car similar to the one Zandstra drove. When he was interviewed at the time, he reportedly said he didnt see the girl the day she went missing.

The case remained unsolved for decades before someone came forward in January to report that the former pastor touched her inappropriately as a child. In a 1975 diary entry, she wrote that she believed Zandstra was responsible for what happened to Gretchen, the district attorneys office said.

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After the allegations surfaced this year, officials interviewed Zandstra again. He reportedly told them he saw the 8-year-old by herself as she walked to the camp.

He admitted to offering Gretchen a ride and taking her to a nearby wooded area, officials wrote. The defendant stated that he had parked the car and asked the victim to remove her clothing. When she refused, he struck her in the head with a fist. The victim was bleeding, and he believed her to be dead. He attempted to cover up her body and left the area.

Now, decades after Zandstra is accused of killing the girl, prosecutors believe more allegations could surface. Before he retired in 2005, he worked at congregations in several states, including California, New Jersey and Texas, according to the Christian Reformed Church website.

We are concerned that there may be more victims who might have been sexually assaulted by this man, District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said during a July 24 news conference, adding that he encourages people with information about other potential cases to move forward.

As officials wait to take Zandstra to Pennsylvania, he remains jailed in Cobb County, Georgia. The Atlanta-area man is charged with criminal homicide, murder of the first, second, and third degree, as well as kidnapping of a minor and the possession of an instrument of crime, officials said.

Remains were pulled from pond in 2019, Georgia police say. Theyve just been identified

Officials ruled his death suicide in 2016. Now man charged with murder, GA cops say
A Michigan man accused of assaulting his former girlfriend and then kidnapping and killing her 2-year-old daughter faces nearly two dozen state charges, including premeditated murder, in connection with the "horrific and brutal crime spree," officials announced on Friday.

Rashad Trice, 26, was arrested on July 3 in the St. Clair Shores area of Michigan after allegedly fleeing with the toddler from his ex-girlfriend's Lansing apartment in the woman's vehicle, authorities said.

An Amber Alert had been issued for the girl -- Wynter Cole-Smith -- whose body was subsequently found in a Detroit alley on July 5.

MORE: Man charged with kidnapping, killing his ex-girlfriend's 2-year-old daughter

Trice initially faced charges in three counties in connection with the incident, though the Michigan Department of Attorney General said last week it will prosecute all state charges in one trial, consolidating the case.

Trice now faces 20 charges, including one count of first-degree premeditated murder and one count of murder, the Michigan attorney general said on Friday. Both felonies carry a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole if convicted.

PHOTO: Rashad Trice is shown in this Michigan Department of Corrections photo from Jan. 26, 2023. (Michigan Department of Corrections)

The suspect was also charged with one count of assault with intent to murder, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of home invasion, among other charges. Additional charges stem from Trice allegedly fleeing the scene in a stolen vehicle and allegedly attempting to disarm a peace officer while being apprehended in St. Clair Shores.

"We have alleged today, and our many charges reflect, a horrific and brutal crime spree from Lansing to Detroit to St. Clair Shores," Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a statement.

Nessel praised the county prosecutors "for their commitment to a singular, victim-centered prosecution that prioritizes and respects the tragic experiences of the surviving victims and the family of Wynter Cole-Smith."

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Trice is being charged as a fourth-offense habitual offender, state prosecutors said. The previously announced local charges will be dropped.

PHOTO: In this July 5, 2023, file photo, signs are seen posted on doors in the building outside of an apartment where Rashad Trice, 26, is accused of kidnapping Wynter Cole Smith, 2, on Sunday night at her home in Lansing, Mich. (Ryan Garza/USA Today Network)

"By consolidating the prosecution into one judicial forum and trial the Department seeks to minimize the traumatizing effect that multiple trials and obligations to testify would necessitate on surviving victims, witnesses, and all loved ones of Cole-Smith and her mother," the Michigan Department of Attorney General said in a statement.

Trice is being held at the Newaygo County jail. His representation wasn't immediately clear. ABC News has reached out to the public defender in his Ingham County case for comment.

MORE: Carlee Russell searched movie 'Taken,' Amber Alerts before disappearance

Trice also faces federal charges in the incident. During a July 11 court appearance, the judge found probable cause to proceed in the case and he was ordered held detained. His next federal court appearance has been scheduled for Aug. 7, court records show.

According to the federal complaint, Trice allegedly had a violent altercation over money with his ex-girlfriend in the woman's apartment on the night of July 2.

"In self-defense the [ex-girlfriend] stabbed Trice," the complaint stated. "Trice then stabbed the complainant multiple times and sexually assaulted her."

PHOTO: Community members leave balloons, stuffed animals, and candles in memory of Wynter Cole-Smith on Erwin Avenue on July 7, 2023, near where the body of the 2-year-old Lansing toddler was found in Detroit. (Junfu Han/USA Today Network)

The ex-girlfriend then fled to her mother's apartment in the same complex -- leaving behind a 1-year-old boy she shares with Trice and Wynter, who was not his daughter -- and reported to Lansing police that she had been attacked, according to the complaint. When officers responded to her apartment, the 1-year-old was there but Trice and Wynter were not, the complaint stated.

After a three-day search, Wynter was found. The toddler appeared to have been strangled to death, federal prosecutors said.

Trice was charged federally with kidnapping a minor and kidnapping resulting in death, the latter of which carries a mandatory life sentence if convicted and is death penalty eligible, federal prosecutors said.

ABC News' Luke Barr contributed to this report.

Man accused of kidnapping, killing his ex-girlfriend's 2-year-old faces 20 state charges originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
An online fundraiser for a Bradenton family suffering the loss of one child and critical injuries to another has raised more than $35,000 in less than two weeks.

A July 15 boating accident on the Manatee River claimed the life of 14-year-old Hunter Ganey and left his 17-year-old brother James in critical condition when a jet ski crashed into their boat, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The two teenagers began their fishing trip at the Fort Hamer Boat Ramp, ABC Action News reports.

While Hunter died in the crash, James was brought to the ICU at Tampa General Hospital. FWC said in a statement provided to the Bradenton Herald Monday afternoon that James is continuing to receive medical treatment and his condition is being closely monitored by healthcare professionals.

A 45-year-old Palmetto resident was driving the jet ski that crashed into the boat, FWC said. The agency did not share details about whether the driver was also injured in the crash.

The FWC extends its deepest condolences to the families affected by this tragic event. This loss of life is profoundly felt by our agency and the entire Manatee County community. Our thoughts are with the victims, their family and all those affected during this extremely difficult time, FWC wrote in an email.

The GoFundMe has raised $35,669 as of Monday evening, more than $10,000 over its $25,000 goal. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward covering funeral costs and medical expenses, as well as helping the family pay bills while they are forced to miss work.

The family says any amount is appreciated and is asking those who cannot donate to consider sharing the GoFundMe to help spread the word.

There was an outpouring of love and support in the comments of the GoFundMe, both from those who knew Hunter and James and from those who did not.

I want to support the community when someone has experienced an unexpected tragedy. I hope my contribution can help with their funeral and hospital expenses. And my prayers give them comfort, wrote Rebecca Baker.

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Jan Elasser wrote that the situation is heartbreaking and wanted James to know that your little brother will always be with you.

Hunter was an avid fisherman, the GoFundMe says.

Hunter was quite the outdoorsman and such a caring young man who loved fishing. He leaves behind his immediate family, which includes his mother, Katie, father, Ray, brother, James, sister, Mackenzie, brother, Colton.

The accident is being investigated by the FWC in collaboration with the Manatee County Sheriffs Office. As of Monday evening, it was unclear whether any charges would be filed in the fatal accident.

We remain committed to understanding the full sequence of events that led up to this devastating incident, the FWC wrote in a statement Monday.
Have a U.S. passport and plans for a family vacation to the Italian countryside, bachelorette trip to the Greek islands or romantic getaway to Paris?

Starting in 2024, Americans will now be required to have travel authorization to enter 30 European countries, the European Union announced.

The travel visas, through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), will allow anyone with a U.S. passport to enter into visa-required countries for three years once approved, the EU said.

What do you need to know?

The rollout of the new authorization program has been delayed multiple times before the new January 2024 start date was announced, CBS News reported. Travel experts are expecting it to be delayed again.

But, for the time being, all U.S. passport holders and U.S. nationals will be required to fill out an online application through the ETIAS website.

Along with the application, travelers will be asked to pay 7 euros, equivalent to about $8 in the U.S. for each application.

The EU says most applications should be processed in minutes and travelers will be sent a confirmation email when their application is approved.

Some may take longer, the agency said, and decisions may take anywhere from four to 14 days if youre asked for additional information.

If your authorization is declined, travelers will be given the option to appeal the decision. The process is different in each country, and more explicit instructions on the appeal process can be found in your authorization refusal email.

Youre approved! Whats next?

Once you are approved, your authorization will be linked to your passport, meaning there is no additional documentation you need to enter an EU country.

The authorization is also valid for three years or until your passport expires, the EU said, whichever comes first.

The authorization allows U.S. passport holders and nationals to stay up to 90 days in an ETIAS-requirement country within a 180-day period.

When you arrive at a customs location in Europe, you will present your passport or other legal travel document and the authorization will be in the ETIAS database; no extra steps required.

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How to be prepared

The EU suggests making a check-list to ensure your European trip goes smoothly.

First, you can apply for your travel authorization well before you are expecting to travel, including before you book a flight or hotel. Since the authorization is valid for a long period, you should ensure you are approved before you confirm travel plans.

Next, its important to make sure your passport details match the information you provide in the online application. Since the authorization is linked to your passport, you may be denied entry at the border if the information doesnt match.

Once youre approved its important to make sure your authorization is still valid before you travel in the years to come. It is also important to check that your passport is valid for three months after your intended trip, as you may be denied entry if your passport is about to expire.

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PHOENIX (AP)  Adam Wainwright has earned the trust of the St. Louis Cardinals' top brass after nearly two decades of pitching excellence, so when the 41-year-old said he didn't need any more rehab work and was ready to return from the injured list, they listened.

The right-hander didn't disappoint.

Wainwright threw five solid innings, Paul Goldschmidt hit a two-run homer and then a tying single in the ninth against his former team, and the Cardinals rallied for a 10-6 win over the skidding Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night.

My main focus today, besides winning, was making sure I didn't embarrass them, Wainwright said of the organization. That's the best I've felt all year and it's not even close.

It was a back-and-forth game that saw Wainwright and the Cardinals take a 5-2 lead after five innings, only to watch the Diamondbacks push ahead 6-5 heading into the ninth. But St. Louis rallied against closer Andrew Chafin, loading the bases with one out.

That's when Goldschmidt sent a full-count pitch into left field for a single that made it 6-all. Chafin (2-3) struck out Nolan Arenado for the second out but then walked Lars Nootbaar, which forced home Willson Contreras for a 7-6 lead.

Tyler O'Neill followed with a crucial blow, hitting a three-run double off Kevin Ginkel that made it 10-6.

St. Louis snapped a three-game losing streak and improved to 7-4 since the All-Star break.

Arizona has dropped five straight, continuing an extended slide. The D-backs are 5-13 in July, which could change the team's approach to the rapidly approaching trade deadline on Aug. 1.

We didn't execute on the mound, Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. We didn't throw strikes in some critical situations and gave up some big hits at big moments.

Goldschmidt crushed his 17th homer in the first for a 2-0 lead, hitting a fastball from Ryne Nelson off the batter's eye, far above the 407-foot sign on the center-field wall. The veteran first baseman spent his first eight seasons with the Diamondbacks  making six All-Star teams  before being traded to the Cardinals after the 2018 season.

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It was Goldschmidt's 104th career homer at Chase Field  the most for any player since the park opened in 1998.

Arizona scored a run in both the first and second to even it 2-all. Corbin Carroll had a sacrifice fly, and Alek Thomas hit a two-out single that scored Emmanuel Rivera.

Wainwright returned to the mound after three weeks on the shelf with a right shoulder strain. He got better as his outing progressed, retiring nine hitters in a row at one point. He went five innings  even dropping down for a sidearm delivery at times  and gave up two runs on four hits while throwing 76 pitches.

He was as efficient as we've seen him, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said. Got through five, made some tough pitches and navigated that lineup well.

Wainwright left with a 5-2 lead and was in line for his 199th career win, but the St. Louis bullpen couldn't hold it.

The D-backs scored twice in the sixth to cut the margin to 5-4 and then pushed ahead 6-5 in the seventh on Evan Longoria's pinch-hit, two-run double off Giovanny Gallegos (2-4). The 37-year-old third baseman is a three-time All-Star who has turned into a valuable role player this season in the desert.

Nelson gave up five runs on eight hits over six innings.

LONGEVITY

Wainwright made his 402nd start for the Cardinals, passing Bob Forsch (401) for sole possession of second place in franchise history. Only Hall of Famer Bob Gibson (482) had more.

TRAINERS ROOM

Diamondbacks: Lovullo said RHP Drey Jameson has a sprained UCL in his right elbow and is trying to decide whether to rest the injury or have Tommy John surgery. Jameson is 3-1 with a 3.32 ERA in 40 1/3 innings this season while splitting time between the rotation and bullpen.

UP NEXT

The series continues Tuesday night. The D-backs are expected to start RHP Merrill Kelly (9-4, 3.22 ERA), though Arizona still needs to make a roster move to bring him off the injured list. The Cardinals will counter with LHP Steven Matz (1-7, 4.67).

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
WASHINGTON  Former President Donald Trumps legal troubles in multiple federal criminal investigations have raised a significant question among his rivals in the 2024 race: would they pardon Trump if they're elected?

The presidents pardon power is set forth in the Constitution and is considered an expression of forgiveness typically granted if an individual accepts responsibility for a crime and establishes good conduct for a certain period of time after conviction or completion of a sentence, according to the Department of Justice.

While the power has generally been used after a person has been convicted, some presidents have issued pardons prior to the commencement of criminal prosecutions, according to Marc Scholl, who served as a criminal prosecutor in New York.

Stay in the conversation on politics: Sign up for the OnPolitics newsletter

Trump is currently scheduled to go to trial in May 2024 over his alleged mishandling of classified documents kept at his Mar-a-Lago estate after he left the White House in 2021. He was indicted in that case last month. Trump is also facing a potential indictment in an investigation connected to the 2020 election and Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021.

Here are the candidates leaning towards a pardon:

Vivek Ramaswamy

Nikki Haley

Larry Elder

Here are the candidates leaning against a pardon:

Chris Christie

Asa Hutchinson

Will Hurd

Here are the candidates who haven't given a definite answer:

Ron DeSantis

Mike Pence

Tim Scott

Francis Suarez

Doug Burgum

Here's a closer look at what these GOP candidates have said about pardoning Trump:

Candidates leaning towards pardon: 'The issue is less about guilt'

After Trump was indicted in the classified documents investigation, biotechnology entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy criticized the Department of Justice in a tweet and wrote that he commits to pardon Trump promptly on January 20, 2025 and to restore the rule of law in our country.

Ramaswamy has spoken out against Trump's indictments suggesting they are politically motivated. He told USA TODAY during an interview that Trumps pardon would be a precondition for "moving forward with integrity in this country.

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Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley stood on similar ground. She said in a radio interview last month on "The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show" that if the claims in the classified documents indictment are true, then Trump was incredibly reckless with national security.

However, she also said the question of a pardon is different, and she would be "inclined in favor" of it, though she noted these discussions are still premature.

When you look at a pardon, the issue is less about guilt and more about whats good for the country, Haley said. And I think it would be terrible for the country to have a former president in prison for years because of a documents case.

Larry Elders campaign confirmed to USA TODAY that the conservative commentator would pardon Trump. Elder alleged in an interview with Scripps News that theres a double standard in the criminal justice system between Democrats and Republicans.

Candidates leaning against pardon: 'No place in a campaign'

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, one of Trumps most vocal critics, said in an interview with USA TODAY he wouldn't be inclined to pardon Trump if he became president.

You have to see what kind of trial they got, what the evidence is, what their sense of remorse is, if any, what responsibility they take for what they did, Christie said. I think he'll fail at the idea of a pardon because, in the end, he won't do the things that legally you're supposed to do have in place to be able to get a pardon.

However, Christie also said that he wouldnt want to see a former president  especially one of Trumps age  behind bars, arguing that's something to be taken into consideration.

Likewise, former Texas Rep. Will Hurd told CBS Mornings that he would not pardon Trump when discussing the classified documents probe and his 2024 presidential bid last month.

Here is why that this is frustrating to me, Hurd said. Donald Trump knew the kinds of information that he had and when you look at the classifications of these documents, these are information that if got in the wrong hands would lead to a loss of life. That is what makes this case different and the fact that Donald Trump willingly kept that material and he wants to be the leader of the free world is unacceptable to me.

In an interview on NewsNation last month, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said that it was "almost juvenile behavior" to sign a pledge to pardon Trump if elected. He also called on Trump to drop out of the 2024 race and said a pardon "should have no place in a campaign or a serious discussion of the office of president" in an interview on Scripps News' "Morning Rush."

After Trump was indicted last month, Hutchinson said in a statement that Trump's actions should "not define our nation or the Republican Party."

Candidates without a definitive answer

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, whos trailing behind Trump in GOP primary polls, indicated that he would be pursuing pardons aggressively, alleging that the Department of Justice has been weaponized. However, he didnt give a clear answer on whether Trump would be excused.

Some of these cases, some people may have a technical violation of the law, DeSantis told radio hosts Clay Travis and Buck Sexton last month. But if there are three other people who did the same thing, but just in a context like BLM and they dont get prosecuted at all, that is uneven application of justice, and so were going to find ways where that did not happen.

On Fox Business Varney & Co, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez suggested he would pardon Trump, though he didnt give a clear answer on the matter either.

"I think hes entitled to due process like everybody else in this country, Suarez said. If I become the President of the United States, what I think is appropriate for a president to use the pardon power to heal the country, and that goes for both Republicans and Democrats. Thats what I would do if I become the President of the United States.

Former Vice President Mike Pence said earlier this month that a pardon would only be appropriate to weigh if Trump was found guilty.

"Ive been a governor, Ive actually pardoned people," Pence said. "And I think any pardon that you could conduct would only be appropriate to consider after somebody has been found guilty. And I dont know why some of my competitors in the Republican primary assume the presidents going to be found guilty."

Other candidates have dodged the question altogether. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., said that he is not going to deal with the hypotheticals in an interview on Fox News Sunday last month. He added that every American is innocent until proven guilty.

Likewise, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum dismissed the question in an interview last month on The Hugh Hewitt Show.

Youre asking me a hypothetical question about something from two years from now, when we dont even know if this is going to go forward or if theres even going to be a conviction, so I think I just tend to stay away from hypotheticals, Burgum said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Which 2024 GOP candidates would pardon Trump? Here's the list.
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) slammed the Pentagon on the eve of a UFO-focused hearing slated to be held by a House Oversight subcommittee on Wednesday.

Fox Newss Martha MacCallum asked Burchett what people should expect from the hearing, where three witnesses will address the Oversight Subcommittee on National Security, the Border and Foreign Affairs. MacCallum also showed footage of the so-called Tic Tac videos that were released by the Department of Defense of suspected unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP).

So this  the Tic Tac videos, which you showed earlier  The military denied that that even existed, and then it was put out and they said they were fakes and then they eventually came around, Burchett said.

The Pentagon is coming around because they smell dollars, man, the war pimps at the Pentagon, all they want to do is drain more dollars from us, he continued. We dont need any more dollars. All we need is transparency. Thats the job of you all in the media and us in Congress.

When reached for comment, Burchett doubled down on his criticism of the Pentagon to The Hill.

You hear me talk about them all the time, he said. The industrial war complex always wants to hit a lick so they can go fail another audit or misplace the money. The Pentagon loses over a billion dollars a year. We cant have that.

During the hearing, titled Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena: Implications on National Security, Public Safety, and Government Transparency, lawmakers are expected to hear from three witnesses: David Grusch, the whistleblower who has accused the government of withholding information related to UFOs, Ryan Graves, the executive director of Americans for Safe Aerospace, and Rt. Commander David Fravor, the former commanding officer of the Navys Black Aces Squadron.

Frustrated lawmakers have been demanding more information on UFOs and UAPs after Grusch claimed that the government is holding some back.

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Burchett, who has been a leading voice on getting more information on UFOs, said Tuesday that members have spoken to pilots who destroyed evidence in connection to the UAPs.

We need to turn loose the files, and we need to quit with all the nonsense, he said. This is ridiculous. We have Mr. Grusch is a  hes a combat veteran and apparently hes decorated. You know up here in Washington that doesnt mean a whole heck of a lot obviously, but in Tennessee it sure as heck does. We value our veterans and we value their opinion.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The News

Republican presidential candidates are talking about changing Social Security benefits for younger workers to stave off a looming insolvency, putting them in line with pre-Trump proposals that also sought to shield current and near-retirees from cuts. Ron DeSantis has suggested people in their thirties and their forties could be affected, for example. Mike Pence and Nikki Haley have made similar comments.

But the circumstances have changed since Republicans and some Democrats proposed similar ideas in prior decades, experts say. A long-anticipated glut of Baby Boomer retirements is already here: Keeping their benefits safe while targeting younger Americans could mean Republicans are taking a politically risky position that wouldnt actually prevent the program from a short-term fiscal crunch.

Politicians havent updated their talking points since the 1990s, Brian Riedl, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, tweeted. Back then you could exempt older people from reform because the 74 million boomer retirement deluge wasnt coming until 2008-2030. Now its too late.

The program has a projected $23 trillion shortfall over the next 75 years, according to the latest trustee report, and will only be able to pay out about 80% of its benefits with tax revenues starting in 2034.

The insolvency date is like 10 years from now. So any policy that doesnt take effect for more than 10 years isnt going to avoid insolvency, Marc Goldwein, senior vice president and fiscal expert at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, told Semafor. And that means that if youre focused on a benefits-only approach, you really need changes that are going to affect new beneficiaries immediately, if not some current beneficiaries.

Josephs view

Most lawmakers in both parties are reluctant to tackle the Social Security time bomb before its projected insolvency in 2034, showcasing the difficulties of addressing a puzzle that probably requires some trade-offs to solve.

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Potential proposals could include raising the cap on payroll taxes along with reducing current or future benefits, but any revenue raiser is historically a difficult subject on the GOP side. And Democrats are only becoming more dug in against changes to benefits the less likely it appears that Republicans will partner on a deal that raises taxes. An attempt by a bipartisan working group of senators to tackle the issue earlier this year seems all but dead.

President Biden voted for the last Social Security overhaul in 1983, which passed with bipartisan support, but left the issue out of his latest White House budget after previously suggesting raising the cap on payroll taxes. He accused some Republicans of trying to use the debt ceiling to force cuts to retirement programs in his last State of the Union, prompting jeers from Republicans, who ended up staying away from Social Security and Medicare in talks. Donald Trump has also attacked his Republican rivals over votes and statements related to raising the retirement age or reducing benefits.

Room for Disagreement

While Baby Boomers have been the face of Social Securitys financial strain for decades, the program also faces challenges from lower birth rates and even wage inequality, which subjects a lower percentage of income to payroll taxes. That could mean the program requires changes even when Gen X and Millennials hit retirement.

The boomers are sort of the leading edge of a transition from a society that had a lot of workers and few retirees to a society with a lot of retirees and fewer workers, Andrew Biggs, a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, told Semafor.
After watching the video of a Circleville police dog attacking a truck driver, Gov. Mike DeWine says officer training in Ohio needs improving.

The truck driver, Jadarrius Rose, 23, of Memphis, Tennessee, was surrendering with his hands raised when the Circleville officer released his K-9 despite objections from a State Highway Patrol trooper. Officer Ryan Speakman was placed on administrative leave.

More: Ohio police dog mauled Black man as he surrendered to officers, video shows

"This incident in Circleville should be a lesson, a wake-up call to everyone that police training in the state of Ohio is not equal," DeWine said.

More training needed

The governor is proposing the construction of a scenario-based training facility as part of the upcoming capital budget. He'd also like lawmakers to set aside "guaranteed funds" so departments could use this facility at little to no cost.

"There is no substitute for training," DeWine said. "Our big police departments are expertly trained, but when you get to smaller police departments they may not have the resources to have that training that's needed."

A newly released video shows a Circleville police dog viciously mauling an unarmed Black man who had already surrendered to authorities following a high-speed vehicle chase.

Circleville K9 investigation: Handler on paid leave, driver feared for his safety

The July 4 incident began in Jackson County after Rose's truck failed to stop for a vehicle inspection by state troopers. When Rose pulls over and exits the vehicle, he raises his hands and appears to comply with troopers commands to surrender. That's when Speakman arrives with his K-9.

The two different agencies appear to give conflicting demands, and a state trooper can be heard on the body camera video saying, "Do not release the dog with his hands up.

Speakman then released his dog, which attacked Rose and dragged him to the ground.

"That was excessive use of force," former Cincinnati police officer and Democratic state Rep. Cecil Thomas said. "Here's an individual not resisting or giving any reason for that type of force to be used. I had to wonder whether it was because this was a Black man. Was it some kind of biased behavior? Is there something there? Some implicit bias?"

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The incident has garnered national attention, including condemnation from chapters of the NAACP and comment from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre who said the "sounds horrific."

Whether Ohio law enforcement officers have enough training has been an ongoing debate at the statehouse. The governor pushed for a police reform package after the death of 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant in Columbus in 2021. But the legislation never materialized.

More: Months later, a major police reform bill promised in April has yet to appear in Ohio

Democrats have also tried and failed to introduce their own police reforms since George Floyd's murder made national news in 2020.

"I can't do anything in this area without the cooperation and work of the state legislature," DeWine said. "We will be working with the Speaker and the Senate President in regard to this."

Senate President Matt Huffman, R-Lima, told the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau he supports the governor's idea and a similar proposal floated by Republican state Sen. Frank Hoagland.

"I think it's a great idea," Huffman said, adding that the public deserves to be approached in the same way no matter where they might be pulled over in Ohio.

Thomas has also been a supporter of efforts to standardize police training across the state, but he said new requirements "gotta have some teeth behind what you put out there. You cant have it be voluntary."

Lawmakers allocated about $40 million for police training in the state budget passed this June. They also included a new commission to study long-term methods for funding peace officer training.

DeWine called those changes a good start, but he thinks Ohio needs a more "holistic view of this."

"No matter where you reside you have a right to have your police officers dealing with you to have the best training possible," DeWine said. "We have a ways to go in Ohio."

Anna Staver is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

Get more political analysis by listening to the Ohio Politics Explained podcast

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: DeWine says Circleville K9 attack 'wakeup call' for police training
In the fight against plastic pollution, several states in the U.S. have banned the distribution of single-use plastic shopping bags. Globally, New Zealand has taken this measure a step further  by becoming the first nation to ban both plastic shopping bags and plastic produce bags.

As of July 1, New Zealand residents were expected to bring their own bags for fruits and vegetables to the supermarket, eliminating the estimated production of around 150 million plastic bags every year.

Thats 17,000 plastic bags, every hour, James Palmer, New Zealand secretary for the environment and chief executive of the Ministry for the Environment, said in a statement.

The single-use plastic produce bag ban expands on New Zealands 2019 ban on single-use plastic shopping bags.

The ban is the second phase of the New Zealand governments plan to eliminate single-use and hard-to-recycle plastics. The first phase of the plan went into effect in October 2022. The final phase will be implemented by July 2025.

New Zealand is one of at least 77 countries around the world that has taken action against plastic pollution by passing partial or full bans on single-use plastic bags. Representatives from 175 nations are working together in the United Nations Environment Assembly to end plastic pollution.

Though most single-use plastic bags are only in use for a handful of minutes, they affect the environment for years to come: By some estimates, it takes 1,000 years for a plastic bag to break down in a landfill.

Bag bans like New Zealands keep that plastic out of circulation and out of landfills. One California bag ban reduced the use of single-use plastic bags by 71.5%, according to a study reported on by the Conservation Law Foundation

The New Zealand ban also prohibits the production and sale of single-use plastic plates, bowls, and utensils. Stores can no longer offer single-use plastic straws to customers, except for those with disabilities or health needs that require a straw.

Shaun Lewis, New Zealands director of waste and resource efficiency at the Ministry for the Environment, said in the statement, The plastic products the Government is phasing out are often used only once before becoming waste or litter  Alternatives exist. Using things like reusable produce bags or ceramic plates for example, are steps we can all take to cut down the amount of plastic we use in our lives.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
Firefighters said more than 260 firefighters were still battling flames for an eighth consecutive day on Rhodes (Spyros BAKALIS)

Greece braced for a new wave of soaring temperatures Tuesday, as wildfires raged on two popular tourist islands.

In the capital city of Athens the mercury is expected to soar to 41 degrees Celsius (106 degrees Fahrenheit), and reach up to 44C in central Greece, according to the national weather forecaster EMY.

The very hot weather comes after a weekend of intense heat and after thousands of locals and tourists fled forest fires in Rhodes and Corfu, with the prime minister warning the heat-battered nation is "at war" with the flames.

The mercury hit 46.4C in Gythio, in the southern Peloponnese peninsula on Sunday, though failed to reach the hottest temperature nationally on record of 48C.

Authorities evacuated nearly 2,500 people from the Greek island of Corfu on Monday, after tens of thousands of people had already fled blazes on the island of Rhodes, with many frightened tourists scrambling to get home on evacuation flights.

More than 260 firefighters were still battling flames for an eighth consecutive day on Rhodes, supported by two helicopters and two planes.

Fires were also raging on Greece's second largest island of Evia, where Greek civil protection authorities issued an overnight evacuation order in one northern locality.

"We are at war and are exclusively geared towards the fire front," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told parliament on Monday.

He warned that the country faced "another three difficult days ahead" before high temperatures are forecast to ease.

Vassilis Kikilias, Greece's civil protection minister, said crews had battled over 500 fires around the country for 12 straight days.

Many regions of the country were on "red alert" Tuesday, meaning there is an extreme risk of forest fires, exacerbated by strong winds.

hec/yap/rox/lth
Gregg Wallace has joked that he really enjoyed his first acting job after his one-off mockumentary, The British Miracle Meat, aired on Channel 4 last night (24 July).

In the show, which Channel 4 said would see the MasterChef star investigate a controversial new lab-grown meat product that could provide a solution to the cost-of-living crisis, Wallace is seen exploring pioneering technology in the sales of human meat.

He visits a human meat-harvesting plant in Lincolnshire, and at a London restaurant he is offered toddler tartare.

While the mockumentary was created to raise awareness of the cost-of-living crisis and the lengths people will go to in order to keep their families out of poverty, many viewers thought it was in bad taste, and some even seemed to think it was a genuine documentary.

Posting on his Instagram after the show aired, Wallace wrote: Thank you for watching. I really enjoyed my first acting job!

For clarity, alongside a picture of himself on the programme, he added: Satire. See Jonathan Swift A Modest Proposal.

A Modest Proposal is a satirical essay written and published by the Irish author Swift in 1729, which proposed that the impoverished Irish might overcome their economic troubles by cooking and eating their own children.

The British Miracle Meat had mixed reviews from critics. In The Guardian, Lucy Mangan wrote that it took a shamefully long time for me to work out what was going on.

The Telegraphs Anita Singh, meanwhile, called it a Black Mirror episode stripped of cleverness and subtlety.

Food critic Jay Rayner, meanwhile, tweeted: So @Channel4 is currently running a two-minute sixth form comedy sketch, as a 30-minute fake doc. Fronted by Greg Wallace. I mean. OK. On you go.

The show is not the first mockumentary or fictional programme that has duped audiences into thinking it was real.

Viewers were so traumatised by the 1992 Halloween drama Ghostwatch, about paranormal activity, that it led to numerous children suffering from PTSD.

The 1938 radio drama The War of the Worlds, meanwhile, adapted the HG Wells novel into fake news bulletins describing a Martian invasion of New Jersey. Some listeners mistook those bulletins for the real thing and shared the false reports with others or called CBS, newspapers, or the police.
A grizzly bear walks along the North Fork of the Flathead River in Montana. (Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department)

A grizzly bear attacked and killed a woman over the weekend outside the Montana town of West Yellowstone, officials said, forcing the closure of a national forest while trackers searched for the animal.

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department issued a news release Monday morning confirming that a hiker had notified officials at 8 a.m. Saturday of the discovery of a body.

Injuries and wounds suffered by the woman were consistent with those of a bear attack, wildlife wardens and specialists said.

The Gallatin County Sheriff's Office confirmed Monday afternoon that the victim was 48-year-old Amie Adamson of Derby, Kan.

Read more: A sheriff's dog was searching for a hiker. Then crews airlifted the overheated dog

Adamson, according to an ABC report, is a former teacher who backpacked across the country and wrote a book about the subject .

Experts found tracks made by an adult grizzly bear and at least one cub, though the total number of bears present was unknown. No animal carcasses or day beds  favored spots where grizzlies nap during daylight hours  were around, notes parks officials, which are telltale signs of a longer-term presence of bears.

Forest Service Supervisor Mary Erickson shut down Custer Gallatin National Forest; it was closed beginning Saturday and won't reopen until Aug. 23.

The purpose of this order is to protect public health and safety from unsafe conditions resulting from bear activity in the area, wrote Erickson in her order Saturday . A follow-up call to her office was not immediately returned.

The attack happened along the forests Buttermilk Trail about eight miles west of West Yellowstone. Roughly 4 million visitors pass through the town of about 1,300 residents annually. West Yellowstone serves as the gateway to Yellowstone National Park, home to popular attractions such as the famed Old Faithful geyser.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department staff notified residents and visitors to the town of the attack and park closure.

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Wildlife officials and specialists then began trapping operations since the killing occurred near campgrounds and park visitors. Park officials eventually employed aircraft in the search but hadnt located the bear as of Monday afternoon.

Read more: Woman tried to avoid bison, Yellowstone officials say, but was gored: A possible reason why

Morgan Jacobsen, a Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department information officer, said it was still unknown what would happen to the bear when it was caught.

"Each incident is unique, and we have yet to determine what we'll do," Jacobsen said. "We first have to identify the bear, and then we'll make a joint decision with [U.S.] Fish and Wildlife Services."

Jacobsen did confirm that euthanasia was a possibility.

Jon T. Coleman, a University of Notre Dame professor of American history with an emphasis on environmental issues, said that an occasional animal attack  even a fatal one  would not deter patrons from visiting parks.

There has always been an expectation, going back to the 19th century when these parks were founded, that people would have close encounters with wild animals, said Coleman, author of the book Vicious: Wolves and Men in America. When you have that expectation, youre going to at least have a couple of these incidents and accidents a year. It seems like thats a trade-off most people live with.

Read more: The do's and don'ts of Yellowstone National Park

Coleman noted that park visits continued to trend upward. Even though Americans are spending more time at home and on screens each year, the number of visitors to national parks is increasing and reaching near pre-pandemic levels.

Its a remarkable trend that I cant explain, Coleman said. Maybe people have more resources to do this type of traveling or maybe being stuck inside makes these places even more attractive.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department officials said the grizzly bear population would "only become denser and more widespread" in the coming years, "increasing the likelihood that residents and recreationists will encounter them in more places each year."

Jacobsen said this was the third bear fatality in as many years in the same national forest. Hiker Craig Clouatre was killed in March 2022, while Carl Mock succumbed to injuries suffered in a bear attack in April 2021.

In recent months, other violent human-animal encounters have happened across the nation.

Two women were attacked by bison in separate incidents that occurred within a three-day span earlier this month.

A 47-year-old hiker was gored while walking on Yellowstone Lakes north shore, near the northwestern tip of Wyoming, on July 17. She survived but suffered significant injuries to her chest and abdomen.

The previous Saturday, a Minnesota woman was attacked but survived, with injuries to one foot and her stomach, in an incident at North Dakotas Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

In June, a 300-pound black bear mauled and killed 66-year-old camper Steve Jackson outside a Prescott, Ariz., campsite.

On July 11, another black bear severely injured a 35-year-old man inside the Weminuche Wilderness in southwestern Colorado. The man survived bites to his head, the Colorado Sun reported.

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.
Gustavia Harbor on the island of Saint Barthelemy. Sean Pavone/Getty Images

A travel company ranked the most expensive destinations around the world.

The group found that Gustavia, on the Caribbean island of Saint Barthelemy, was the most expensive.

Travelers can expect to spend about $1,852 a day while visiting the island town.

Pristine sandy beaches, red-roofed vacation homes, and French influence attract travelers to Gustavia, a town on the Caribbean island of Saint Barthelemy.

And while there's plenty to entice travelers to visit, it comes at a cost.

According to Florida Panhandle, a travel brand that promotes tourism in the Sunshine State, Gustavia is the world's most expensive travel destination.

The organization analyzed data from more than 100 popular vacation destinations. They considered factors such as the nightly rate for accommodations, flights, meals, and daily transportation prices, as well as the most popular attractions in each place.

And Gustavia easily topped the list.

According to the travel study, the cost of a single day for a traveler averages $1,852  and that doesn't even factor in the airfare.

Take a look inside the world's most expensive travel destination.

Islands dot the Caribbean Sea, but one town, in particular, draws a rich crowd. Gustavia, a coastal town on the island of Saint Barthelemy, has been deemed the world's most expensive travel destination, according to a new study by the tourism site Florida Panhandle.

An arrow points to the coastal town of Gustavia. Google Maps

Source: Florida Panhandle

It's expensive partly because most goods on the island need to be imported, but also because it's earned a reputation for catering to rich clientele, according to HuffPost.

A view of Gustavia in the evening. Sean Pavone/Getty Images

Source: HuffPost

And those two factors mean visitors can expect to spend a lot while visiting. According to Florida Panhandle, travelers spend an average of $1,852 a day while staying in Gustavia.

An aerial view of Saint Barthelemy. cdwheatley/Getty Images

Source: Florida Panhandle

But before exploring the town's old churches and sandy beaches, visitors have to get there. The closest airport to Gustavia is the tiny Gustaf III Airport. Here, a roundtrip flight from Los Angeles costs an average of $2,772, according to Florida Panhandle's study.

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An aircraft lands on the island's airport. Walter Bibikow/Getty Images

Source: Florida Panhandle

Or visitors can arrive by boat and dock in the Gustavia Harbor, where there are guaranteed to be multimillion-dollar yachts.

Yachts lined up in Gustavia, Saint Barthelemy. Sean Pavone/Getty Images

And once travelers reach the island, they can expect to drop a pretty penny on accommodations. The travel company discovered that the average night's stay is around $1,700.

Gustavia Harbor on the island of Saint Barthelemy. NAPA74/Getty Images

Source: Florida Panhandle

But beyond glamorous hotels and vacation homes, visitors arrive in Gustavia for its tropical landscapes.

A view of the coast of the island of Saint Barthelemy. daniloforcellini/Getty Images

These happen to come at affordable prices. The town's well-known beaches, like Shell Beach, are free to visit.

Boats anchored off Shell Beach, Gustavia, St. Barts. Holger Leue/Getty Images

But Saint Barthelemy has more to offer than sand. Visitors can also explore nearby churches, go on mountainside hikes, or find an afternoon yoga class in one of the town's studios.

St Bartholomew's Anglican Church. Mark Meredith/Getty Images

Or they can spend an afternoon shopping in the town's high-end boutiques.

Designer shops fill the town. Mark Mainz/Getty Images

And, of course, visitors can indulge in the town's fine-dining restaurants. According to the Florida Panhandle, the average meal for visitors is $58.

The town of Gustavia at night. Walter Bibikow/Getty Images

Source: Florida Panhandle

So, while there's plenty to attract travelers to Gustavia, visitors will need to make sure they pack their wallets.

Gustavia Harbor at sunset. Buena Vista Images/Getty Images

Read the original article on Insider
H&M has filed a lawsuit against infamous fast fashion retailer Shein for copyright infringement, according to court documents filed in Hong Kong.

Hennes & Mauritz, the Swedish fashion brand more commonly known as H&M, has accused Zoetop Business Co  the Hong Kong-based entity that previously owned Shein  as well as Shein Group Ltd of copying its designs in the new lawsuit.

H&M is seeking unspecified damages and an injunction to stop Shein from infringing on its copyright and trademarks.

According to Bloomberg, the filing included photos of dozens of items  such as swimwear and sweaters  that H&M claimed was evidence Shein had stolen its designs.

In a statement, an H&M spokesperson confirmed to Bloomberg it filed a lawsuit against Shein in Hong Kong, claiming the fast-fashion competitor in multiple cases has infringed on our designs.

The next hearing is slated to take place July 31.

More follows
Hampton University recently announced the establishment of the School of Religion.

University Chaplain Rev. Debra Haggins said the school will launch in January and will offer numerous degrees and encompass several existing programs within the university.

Haggins said the new school is part of President Darrell Williams 10-year strategic plan. It will bring together existing undergraduate degree offerings and masters programs, and will add two doctorate programs: a Doctor of Philosophy in public theology and community engagement and a Doctor of Ministry in pastoral leadership and congregational development.

Basically, what were hoping to do is not just practical contributions to clergy leadership, or ministerial leadership, but also wed like to make big contributions to the scholarly and research end in theological education as well, she said.

Haggins added that the new school is a part of Williams six-point plan, and will help elevate academic excellence, increase research and innovation and enhance stakeholder engagement.

Our world now more than ever needs well-equipped pastors and dedicated researchers and scholars in religion and theology to strengthen and support our churches, communities, congregations and, of course, clergy, she said.

The school was first announced last month at Hampton Universitys Ministers Conference, which the university has hosted for more than 100 years. The conference will fall under the umbrella of the new school.

Although we are not a religious institution, it is certainly a part of our fabric and our foundation, Williams said in a press release. We see the development of the School of Religion as a natural progression. Its not revolutionary. It is, in fact, evolutionary.

The school will also encompass several of the universitys grant-funded initiatives, including programs that focus on pastoral well-being and development, compelling preaching and building thriving congregations. A new program, called Roots and Wings, will focus on helping parents pass on their faith and values to their children.

Nour Habib, nour.habib@virginiamedia.com
President Biden and Vice President Harris took veiled swipes at GOP presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at the White House Tuesday, while announcing a new national monument in memory of Emmett Till, a Black teenager whose 1955 lynching catalyzed the Civil Rights Movement.

"Our history as a nation is born of tragedy and triumph, of struggle and success. That is who we are. And as people who love our country, as patriots, we know that we must remember and teach our full history even when it is painful, especially when it is painful," Harris said. "Today, there are those in our nation who would prefer to erase or even rewrite the ugly parts of our past."

"Those who attempt to teach that enslaved people benefited from slavery," Harris continued. "Those who insult us in an attempt to gaslight us. Who try to divide us with unnecessary debates. Let us not be seduced into believing that somehow we will be better if we forget. We will be better if we remember. We will be stronger if we remember because we all here know, it is only by understanding and learning from our past that we can continue to work together to build a better future."

Biden, who signed a proclamation establishing the new Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument in Mississippi and Illinois, commended the courage of Tills mother for choosing to have an open casket to reveal to the world her 14-year-old sons brutalized and maimed body. The president also praised "the Black media," noting how Jet magazine, Chicago Defender and other newspapers published the graphic photos, effectively driving the course of the Civil Rights Movement in America.

CONSERVATIVE CALIFORNIA SCHOOL BOARD OKS CURRICULUM ON GAY RIGHTS ACTIVIST AFTER NEWSOM THREATENED $1.5M FINE

"At a time when there are those who seek to ban books, bury history, we're making it clear  crystal, crystal clear  how darkness and denialism can hide much, but they erase nothing," Biden added. "You can hide, but they erased nothing. We can't just choose 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 of who we are as a nation. That's what great nations do. And we are a great nation. That's what they do. For only with truth comes healing, justice, repair and another step forward toward forming a more perfect union. We got a hell of a long way to go."

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Their speeches also referenced how Biden last year signed the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, which codified lynching as a federal hate crime.

Fox News Digital reached out to the DeSantis campaign for comment but did not immediately hear back.

The remarks come as Harris and DeSantis have already traded public barbs regarding the Florida Department of Educations new curriculum regarding slavery in America. Democrats have also accused the Republican presidential candidate of banning books during his fight against woke ideology. DeSantis and his team have denied that he has banned books or that his state teaches that Black people benefited from slavery  a claim Harris recently made, drawing pushback in the media.

During a speech in Jacksonville Friday, Harris charged that the Florida state curriculum meant "middle school students will be taught that enslaved people benefited from slavery."

Emmett Till, 14, of Chicago, was brutally murdered in Mississippi in 1955 after being accused of making sexual advances toward a White woman.

DESANTIS ADMINISTRATION FIRES BACK AT CRITICISM OVER NEWLY ADOPTED AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDIES STANDARDS

"Democrats like Kamala Harris have to lie about Florida's educational standards to cover for their agenda of indoctrinating students and pushing sexual topics onto children," DeSantis tweeted in response. "Florida stands in their way, and we will continue to expose their agenda and their lies."

In March, DeSantis spoke out against those who accused him of banning books, calling the narrative a "hoax." He condemned "pornographic and inappropriate materials" in schools and libraries that violate state standards, and said he wants to keep education "free from sexualization and harmful materials that are not age appropriate."

Earlier Tuesday, DeSantis was involved in a car accident while on the campaign trail but was not injured.

The Emmett Till memorial comes nearly 68 years after Till's death. While on a trip from his home in Chicago visiting family in Mississippi, Till was accused of making inappropriate advances toward a White female grocery clerk. Four days later, he was pulled from his bed, kidnapped and brutally murdered by at least two White men.

Tills mutilated body was pulled from the Tallahatchie River another three days later, Aug. 31, 1955. As many as 125,000 people attended the visitation and funeral.

Two of his accused killers were acquitted by an all-White jury on capital murder charges.

The White House fact sheet said the new national monument "will tell the story of the events surrounding Emmett Tills murder, their significance in the Civil Rights Movement and American history, and the broader story of Black oppression, survival and bravery in America."

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at the Moms for Liberty's Joyful Warriors National Summit in Philadelphia on June 30, 2023. Democrats have accused DeSantis of banning books as the Republican combats woke ideology.

"Look, telling the truth and the full history of our nation is important. For our children, our grandchildren, our great-grandchildren," Biden said.

"Silence is complicity. I will not be silent, nor will you be silent about what happened," he added. "There's really critical work ahead to continue the fight for racial justice and equality for all Americans. And my administration is committed to leading the path forward."

The president said the monument would tell the story "of a family's promise and loss and the nation's reckoning with hate, violence, racism, overwhelming abuse of power and brutality."

"It's hard to fathom, hard to fathom. It's even a war," Biden said. "For me, it's hard to fathom."
Vice President Harris used an appearance at a Latino conference in Chicago to urge Hispanic leaders to unite against extremism, bashing GOP-led states for actions on immigration, reproductive rights and book bans.

Harris said at the UnidosUS 2023 Annual Conference that extremist so-called leaders have a blueprint to attack hard-won freedoms and rights and to do it state by state as part of their national agenda.

Across our nation, extremist so-called leaders demonize, target and attack immigrants, she said.

Harris pointed to a new law in Florida that requires companies to determine an employees immigration status and puts penalties on hiring undocumented immigrants. The vice president called it a law designed to make people live in fear.

She called out Texas for the barrier in the Rio Grande River designed to block migrants from crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. The Justice Department later Monday sued Texas over the barrier, seeking to compel Gov. Greg Abbott (R) to remove it.

We see reports that authorities have pushed children and pregnant women who crossed the Rio Grande back into the river, she said, adding its inhumane, outrageous, and un-American.

Harris also noted some GOP-led states have enacted stricter abortion laws since the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade last year and cited efforts targeting voting rights, the LGBTQ community and a push to enact book bans.

And for these extremists, that was not enough, Harris said. They now push forward revisionist history, they push propaganda, they suggest that enslaved people benefited from slavery  as they insult us in an attempt to gaslight us. Well, we will not have it. We will not have it, she said.

Harris has leaned into something of a traditional attack dog role in recent months, heading to states like Florida and Tennessee to fight what the White House views as extreme policies.

She went to Florida last week after The Sunshine State passed controversial new educational guidelines for how issues like slavery should be taught in schools, denouncing extremists who she said were pushing propaganda on children.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Vice President Harris will head to Iowa on Friday to highlight the effects of the states recently signed abortion ban, setting up a split-screen as top GOP presidential candidates are set to speak in Iowa the same night.

Harris will travel to Des Moines to host a conversation with health care providers, patients, local leaders and reproductive rights advocates on efforts to protect abortion access across the country, the White House said.

The vice president is expected to discuss Iowas efforts to effectively enact a blanket ban on abortions in the state and highlight the impacts of attempts to curtail access to reproductive health care, the White House said.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) earlier this month signed legislation that would ban almost all abortions after the detection of fetal cardiac activity, which is usually six weeks into a pregnancy and before many women know they are pregnant. There are some exceptions for rape, incest and fetal abnormalities.

Prior to the law, abortion was legal in the state up to 22 weeks of pregnancy.

A state court temporarily blocked the law from going into effect days after Reynolds signed it.

Harris will be in Iowa on the same day that most of the GOP presidential primary field will flock to the Hawkeye State to speak at the annual Lincoln Dinner, which is also taking place in Des Moines.

Former President Donald Trump, former Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and others will be in town to speak at the gathering of state Republicans.

Harris has in recent weeks settled into a role as the White Houses main attack dog going after Republicans for controversial policies on abortion, book bans, educational guidelines and gun violence, among other topics.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Harvards legacy admissions  also known as affirmative action for privileged white kids  has been challenged by the U.S. Department of Education.

The Education Departments Office for Civil Rights has opened an investigation into Harvard Universitys preferential treatment for the relatives of donors and alumni during the admissions process, according to lawyers representing three Massachusetts-based organizations serving Black and brown communities.

On Tuesday, the department confirmed that it launched the probe this week in response to a separate complaint filed last month on behalf of the Chica Project, ACEDONE, and the Greater Boston Latino Network, per Wall Street Journal.

The complaint alleges that admitting applicants based on whether their relatives attended the university violates the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and points out that both 70 percent of applicants with relatives at Harvard and applicants whose relatives are Harvard donors are white. The results of this preferential treatment are substantial, the complaint reads. It alleges that from 2014-2019, donor-related applicants were seven times more likely to be admitted, and legacy applicants were six times more likely to get into the nations most prestigious higher-learning institution.

In a statement to Rolling Stone, a spokesperson for Harvard University said that the school is in the process of reviewing aspects of our admissions policies to assure compliance with the law.

Our review includes examination of a range of data and information, along with learnings from Harvards efforts over the past decade to strengthen our ability to attract and support a diverse intellectual community that is fundamental to our pursuit of academic excellence, read the statement.

The investigation arrives a month after the Supreme Courts conservative majority ruled that race-conscious admissions programs are unconstitutional. The Courts decision means that higher-learning institutions will have to overhaul efforts to cultivate a diverse student body, and the number of Black and brown students admitted to elite universities like Harvard is expected to decline.

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Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.), a former public school teacher and principal, previously called the devastating decision for diversity an infuriating, exhausting, and another body blow to our continued fight for justice and equality in America.

The Supreme Court just upheld white supremacy, Bowman told Rolling Stone at the time, noting that legacy admission policies allow big donors, the wealthy elite, and those who were able to attend certain higher education institutions to secure admission spots for their family members, while simultaneously shutting poor people and people of color out of the most prestigious institutions.  That is un-American. That is undemocratic. And that is unacceptable.

More from Rolling Stone

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Click here to read the full article.
The U.S. Department of Education has opened an investigation into Harvard Universitys legacy admissions process.

The group Lawyers for Civil Rights Boston told The Hill the Department of Justice notified them of the investigation. The group filed a complaint at the beginning of the month on behalf of New England Black and Latino organizations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Lawyers for Civil Rights welcomes the news we received from the U.S. Department of Education that it has formally opened a federal investigation into our civil rights complaint, which challenges Harvards discriminatory practice of giving preferential treatment to children of wealthy donors and children of alumni, the group said in a statement.

As our complaint outlines, these unfair and undeserved preferences are bestowed overwhelmingly on white applicants and systematically harm applicants of color, in violation of federal anti-discrimination law.

The Education Department confirmed to both the New York Times and the Associated Press that an investigation into Harvard has been opened. However, they declined further comment on what exactly the probe is about.

The Office for Civil Rights can confirm that there is an open investigation of Harvard University under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a spokesperson for the department told the Times. We do not comment on open investigations.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin, for any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

This investigation comes a little under a month after the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action programs allowing race as a factor in admissions at American colleges and universities. Harvard was involved in one of the two cases that resulted in the decision, along with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The Hill has reached out to the Department of Education.

The Associated Press contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The News

The U.S. Department of Education launched a civil rights investigation into Harvards legacy admissions on Tuesday, the New York Times first reported.

The development comes just weeks after three groups filed complaints with the Supreme Court arguing that legacy admissions favored students of wealthy families over more qualified Black, Hispanic, and Asian applicants.

Weve curated reporting and analysis on how systemic legacy admissions are at Americas top schools, and what experts say can change.

Insights
Hate crime in California is on the rise, according to an official state tally of reported incidents. But Shasta County law enforcement organizations hope to stop hate crime before it starts by reaching out to community groups to educate them about hate crime.

U.S. Attorney Phillip Talbert, Shasta County District Attorney Stephanie Bridgett, Shasta County Sheriff Michael Johnson and other law enforcement officials met in July with members of the Shasta Equal Justice Coalition, Shasta Interfaith and other organizations. The officials' aim was to explain what constitutes hate crime and where Shasta County stands on the number of cases compared to the state overall.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a recent hate crime report that said hate crimes were up 20.2% statewide in 2022 compared to 2021. "The alarming increases in crimes committed against Black, LGBTQ+ and Jewish people for the second year in a row illustrates the need for our communities to join together to combat extremism," Bonta said in the report.

Shasta County District Attorney Stephanie Bridgett

In 2022, there were five hate crimes involving six suspects reported in Shasta County. All the incidents took place in Redding, according to the state's report.

How that compares with past years isn't fully known because the county doesn't have a way "to capture those actual statistics without a pretty labored specific effort," in part because the county is changing its record keeping system, Johnson said.

So far, Shasta County seems to have bucked the state trend in 2022. Hate crime-related cases tried by the Shasta County District Attorneys office last year remained about the same as in prior years, Chief Deputy District Attorney Emily Mees said. Her office took four hate crime cases to trial last year, she said.

Defining hate crime

Johnson said that Often, people will report what they believe is a hate crime" when the crime actually doesn't meet the legal definition.

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Note to readers: Weve made this story free as an important public service. If you are able, help power local journalism. Subscribe to the Redding Record Searchlight.

For example, on Feb. 10, residents of Reddings Country Heights subdivision off Buenaventura Boulevard called police to report a hate crime after they found fliers with antisemitic messages printed on them had been left anonymously on their doorsteps.

That didnt constitute a hate crime, but was a hate incident, Redding Police Sgt. Regan Ortega told the Record Searchlight in February: All of the material that's being distributed is falling under free speech."

Redding Police are asking for the public's help as they investigate 100 'hate flyers' left anonymously overnight in the Country Heights subdivision.

To be a hate crime, there needed to have been an act of violence or the threat of violence associated with the flyers, Ortega said.

Californias penal code defines a hate crime as a criminal act committed, in whole or in part" because of the victims real or perceived characteristics: Disability, gender, nationality, race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. The penal code also applies to crimes against people because of their association with someone who has one or more of those characteristics.

Hate crimes "may result in imprisonment or jail time for offenders, according to a bulletin issued to law enforcement statewide by Bonta on June 26.

More: No crime was committed, so antisemitic flyers aren't a hate crime: Redding police

Crimes that are truly hate crimes tend to be heinous, violent and result in victims with emotional distress or physical injury. In my experience, these are usually reported without haste and result in intense law enforcement investigation and follow through," Johnson said.

Sheriff clarifies law for community groups, militia

Stopping hate crime starts with making sure law enforcement officers know how to spot it. Johnson said that "deputies receive on-going trainings through webinars, classroom trainings and case law briefings."

Shasta County Superior Court Judge Jody Burgess, right, shakes hands with new Shasta County Sheriff Michael Johnson after he was sworn in Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in the Board of Supervisors chambers. Looking on is Johnson's wife, Rosemary.

As well as reaching out to other community groups, Johnson said he spoke with local militia members after he first became sheriff to make sure they understood the law.

Here's what Johnson said: "My meeting with the militia leadership was very respectful and non-confrontational. I was direct with them and they were with me. I learned about their core values and intent to instill patriotic, basic American principles in their youth and to uphold the Constitution."He continued: "I relayed that our agency was committed to enforcing the laws of this nation and the laws of the State of California. Vigilantism and discrimination of any sort will not be tolerated, nor any other violation of the law."

Hate crimes cases tried in Shasta County

The most public of the four Shasta County hate crime cases tried by the district attorneys office in 2022 involved a Sacramento man who was found guilty of attempted voluntary manslaughter and assault with a semi-automatic firearm after he shot at two people in Lakehead in 2021, putting one in the hospital with a serious brain injury. Silas Matthew Hesselberg was sentenced to 20 years and four months in prison by a Shasta County Superior Court judge on April 6.

More: Lakehead 'hate crime' shooter found guilty of attempted voluntary manslaughter gets prison

On April 18, 2021, William Travis Barber of Shasta Lake, his family and his friend were on a fishing trip at the Salt Creek Inlet when Hesselberg approached them, shouted a racial slur and shot Barber and his friend, according to an investigative report from the Shasta County Sheriff's Office. Barber was hospitalized and his unnamed friend, a 41-year-old Black man, was treated for his injuries, according to the sheriff's office.The jury's verdict agreed with a hate crime allegation involving Hesselberg's initial target in the shooting, the 41-year-old friend.

Hesselberg "went out of his way" to start a confrontation, and shot the two men, sheriffs detectives reported.

Silas Matthew Hesselberg

More: Shasta Lake man recovers after being shot defending friend from hate crime

Three other hate crimes were tried by the district attorneys office in 2022, according to Mees. In Shasta County, a plea of no contest is the same as a guilty plea, she said.

On July 23, 2021, a 17-year-old Black woman was driving on Interstate 5 when she and defendant Carlos Zavala had a road rage incident, according to the district attorneys office. During the altercation" Zavala directed racial slurs at the teen, according to Mees. This case is still open, she said.

On Aug. 6, 2022, Carole Wachtell Nichols was causing problems at a Chevron gas station and the owner/managers couldnt get her to leave, Mees said. Nichols began swinging a large wooden stick as she walked toward at least two people, who reported to officers that Nichols made racist comments about one of them, who is of "East Indian" background. She told him he "should go back to your country, according to the district attorneys office. Nichols pleaded no contest and the case is closed, Mees said.

On Jan. 10, 2022, a Black man working as a caretaker for Madeline Manfredonias father expressed concerned Manfredonia was having her father sign paperwork that seemed "out of the ordinary, according to the district attorneys office. Manfredonia acted angry and threatening, and called the caretaker the N-word multiple times, Mees said. Manfredonia also smashed the caretaker's truck windows, causing more than $900 in damage, she said. Manfredonia pleaded no contest and the case is closed, Mees said.

How to report a hate crime

Talbert said in the community meeting that to report a hate crime, people should make two calls: One to local law enforcement and to the FBI at 800-CALL-FBI, or 800-225-5324.

"The key, however, is that they need to clearly articulate the circumstances as to why they believe it is a hate crime," Johnson said.

Report details and have names of "witnesses, potential evidence and timelines available," Johnson said.

He also recommends that victims and witnesses get legal help.

Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and news stories. Follow her on Twitter @RS_JSkropanic and on Facebook. Join Jessica in the Get Out! Nor Cal recreation Facebook group. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you.

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Hate crime in Shasta County: These four recent cases went to trial
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP)  Efforts to protect the nations election systems have grown exponentially since the 2016 presidential election, but more is needed to defend the integrity and resiliency of the election process ahead of next years vote, the head of the nations cybersecurity agency said Tuesday.

Jen Easterly, director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, known as CISA, announced plans to boost resources within the agency, hiring 10 additional election security specialists who will be across the country to interact directly with state and local officials. Easterly made the announcement at the summer conference of the National Association of State Election Directors in Charleston, South Carolina.

Our capabilities and posture in this area is simply night and day when you compare it to 2016, Easterly told the officials gathered for her speech. Despite this progress, we know there is more we have to do and that we must remain vigilant in the face of new and evolving risk.

CISA is charged with protecting critical infrastructure, including the nations dams, banks and nuclear power plants. U.S. voting systems were added after the 2016 election and Russias multipronged effort to meddle.

Since then, state and local election officials have been working to shore up cybersecurity defenses around U.S. voting systems with the help of millions of dollars allocated by Congress over the years. In its efforts to secure elections, CISA works across government, partnering with federal, state and local agencies on various initiatives and providing direct support through cybersecurity reviews, assessments of physical security protocols, remote testing to look for vulnerabilities and other services.

Meanwhile, the threats to elections keep increasing, with the newest concern centered on the emergence of generative artificial intelligence tools that can be used by those seeking to meddle in U.S. elections to create false and misleading content. Thats on top of financially motivated, criminal ransomware groups and the potential for sophisticated cyberattacks waged by countries hostile to the U.S.

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Easterly, in an interview after her speech, said she was particularly concerned about the potential for bad actors to utilize generative AI, but expressed confidence that the public, with guidance from their state and local election officials, will be able to sort through manipulation attempts. She emphasized that the vote itself will be protected and secure.

All of the reasons why people should trust the integrity and security of elections remain the same: the physical security safeguards, the cybersecurity safeguards, all of the defense-in-depth mechanisms, the segmentation, the training that goes on, Easterly said. Nothing will change all these safeguards and measures that are put in place to ensure the integrity and resilience of elections.

Easterly said the agencys mission hasnt changed, despite criticism from Republicans in Congress and a recent court order by a federal judge in Louisiana that limited federal agencies including CISA from contacting social media companies about content deemed false or deceptive with a few exceptions.

The case arose out of allegations that government officials used the possibility of regulatory action to coerce social media platforms to squelch what the administration considered misinformation on a variety of topics, including COVID-19 vaccines, President Joe Bidens son and elections. An appeals court has since temporarily paused the order.

Easterly said the agency has never" and "does not censor speech. When it comes to countering misinformation, Easterly said the agency will continue to weigh in when asked to by state and local election officials to explain security processes that are the subject of misinformation  as part of the Rumor Control page that began under her predecessor, Chris Krebs.

She added that the agency is focused on making sure that state and local election officials have the information they need about potential foreign influence campaigns, that they can identify tactics used by foreign adversaries and that the voices of state and local election officials are amplified.

As somebody whos a lifelong independent, whos worked for Republican administrations and Democratic administrations, theres frankly nothing more important to ensuring that CISA is successful as an agency than making sure we are seen as a nonpartisan, non-political agency  because security is not a partisan mission, Easterly said.

After Easterlys speech, state election officials from Pennsylvania and Ohio said they welcomed the additional resources focused on election security and spoke about the importance of having good relationships with the federal government.

The relationship needs to evolve and grow because our threat evolves and grows, said Mandi Grandjean, senior adviser and deputy assistant to Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a Republican. And the general landscape of what we do is evolving and growing. And so its great to hear what CISA is doing.

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The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about APs democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
RHODES, Greece (AP)  A third successive heat wave in Greece pushed temperatures back above 40 C (104 F) across parts of the country Tuesday following more nighttime evacuations from fires that have raged out of control for days.

The latest evacuations orders were issued on the islands of Corfu and Evia, while a blaze on the island of Rhodes continued to move inland, torching mountainous forest areas, including part of a nature reserve.

Desperate residents, many with wet towels around their necks to stave off the scorching heat, used shovels to beat back flames approaching their homes, while firefighting planes and helicopters resumed water drops at first light.

Authorities said that more than 20,000 people has been involved in successive evacuations on the island, mostly tourists over the weekend, when fire swept through two coastal areas on the southeast of Rhodes.

The European Union has sent 500 firefighters, 100 vehicles and seven planes from 10 member states, while Turkey, Israel, Egypt and other countries have also sent help.

For the 12th day, under extreme conditions of heat and strong winds, we are fighting nonstop on dozens of forest fire fronts ... The Greek Fire Service has battled more than 500 fires  more than 50 a day, said Vassilis Kikilias, the minister for climate crisis and civil protection.

In Athens, authorities resumed afternoon closing hours at the ancient Acropolis, as part of broader measures to cope with the high heat.

EU officials have blamed climate change for the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires across the European continent, noting that 2022 was the second-worst year for wildfire damage on record after 2017.

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Follow APs coverage of climate issues at https://apnews.com/climate-and-environment
With rain threatening the skies over Norwichs waterfront, Museum of Connecticut Historys curator, Patrick Smith, gathered a group of Connecticut history enthusiasts at Howard T. Brown Memorial Park on Friday for a Hiking Through History walking tour of Norwich. The forecast didnt bother anyone, as one group member, Lou Pacchione, from Sandy Hook, offered his friend, Nancy Ziegler, a spare rain poncho.

Spanning the range of Norwichs historical landscape encompasses the bustling seaport of the 1600s, to the epicenter of trade and commerce in the 1700s and 1800s, the mills and industrial boom that permeated throughout the 20th century, the Victorian Era architecture, to Norwichs Native American heritage, all set against the backdrop of Connecticuts natural beauty.

You can read all this in a history book. Or stream some version of it one way or another.

The urban hike began at the historic Norwich waterfront, at the center point where the Thames, Quinebaug, and Yantic Rivers meet, a once bustling industrial and maritime center in downtown Norwich.

Experiential learning makes the history captivating

But theres something to be said for walking through the footsteps of all these history makers and absorbing all the captivating information as you experience their journeys.

Since I retired three years ago, I got back into history, Pacchione, aged 73, said, who used to work in sales for Proctor and Gamble for 23 years. He has participated in several historical societies in the area. Im relearning what I learned back in high school, or junior high. And Im find it so interesting!

Ziegler described the walking tour as the kickoff to her Connecticut staycation. The Oxford, Connecticut, resident was looking forward to taking a deep dive into Norwichs history, a city she wasnt that familiar with prior to the Hiking Through History expedition.

Hiking skills not needed

One doesnt need to be an avid walker to participate in the tour, just the ability to navigate a few small hills along the approximately four mile trek. Smith kept the pace moderate and walking was leisurely done along paved paths and roads.

The best way to experience history is to be where it happened, explained Jennifer Matos, administrator for the Museum of Connecticut History, while walking along the Yantic River. There are so many layers of history, the landscape has changed so much. Its cool that were learning from people on the tour as well, who lived here at different times.

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One such individual was Dr. Victor Ferry, a retired school principal who moved to the Norwich area in the 1940s, where his grandfather owned an Italian restaurant (since closed). Ferry was delighted to share with the group with his own treasure trove of Norwich regalia, like pointing out that the pipe extending above the Yantic River was how he and his school buddies would get from one side to the other. He also recognized houses all along the way, pointing out his childhood social studies teachers house on Maple Grove Avenue.

The urban hike continued along the hilly paths next to the Yantic, through the Norwich historic district.

The historic mill situated in the Yantic Falls Historic District.

How Hiking through History came to be

Matos, along with Robert Kinney, Connecticut State Librarys Outreach Director, helped make the tour possible and were clear advocates of experiential learning of history.

Its good to walk in the paths of people who have lived long ago and to actually see the things that they saw back then, Kinney said, while strolling riverside, where Mohegan tribe members would carry their dead along canoes as part of a funeral barge up to sacred burial ground at Uncas Leap.

Its a fascinating experience, concurred Kinney. I love when stories are told that people havent heard. I love seeing the expression on their face and the intake of knowledge Its like opening up another door for them.

Mohegan Landing, where the Mohegan tribe inhabited a village on the shore at the bottom of the Yantic Falls. Below the spot, Mohegans brought their dead along the river in canoes, and carried them up the plateau, to the traditional Mohegan burial place.

Kinney co-developed the Walking Through History excursion alongside Smith.

I think the mix between Native American history and industrial history is very well preserved because you have the factories up there, said Smith, while pointing out several vacant and former working factories that proliferate Norwichs downtown facade. And you have the burial ground up here, while guiding the group to the Uncas monument. And the architecture on Washington Street is amazing.

One of those architectural gems included one striking Victorian house, the original Dr. Patrick Cassidy building at 98 Washington St., built in the 1890s, and bought by the City of Norwich in 2020, with plans to revitalize the property. The imposing structure remains one of the most notable examples of Stick architecture in New England.

Walking tour guide Patrick Smith pointed out the Victorian house of Dr. Patrick Cassidy, one of CTs most notable examples of Stick architecture. After falling into disrepair, the house was eventually purchased by the city for $32,000 in 2020, with plans to restore it.

More: Slater Museum reopened with a fresh look and new items in the collections

Its all in a real, close area, Smith said about the tour, which touched on the early settlement, the establishment of several factories along the waterfront, 20th century industrialism, Native American conflicts between the Pequot, Mohegan and Narragansett tribes, and the revitalization of Norwich.

All this history is packed in here. You have almost 400 years of history right here.

Walking through the past proves that theres so much more to the stories you learned in your average history books.

The Museum of Connecticut History and CT State Library will be hosting a few more tours throughout the summer, including one in Hartford in August. The walks incorporate various walking levels, ranging from easy to moderate. More information can be found at the CT library web site: https://ctstatelibrary.org/events/.

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Norwich Hiking through History tour is a deep dive into city's past
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton took to Twitter on Tuesday to blast "MAGA Republicans" for the recent summer heat wave hitting communities nationwide.

Clinton's social media post came in response to a tweet from left-wing think tank Center for American Progress which stated "MAGA Republicans are pouring fuel on the climate crisis fire." The post included an image of recent media stories highlighting the recent spate of high temperatures in the U.S. and noted Republicans voted against the Inflation Reduction Act, Democrats' $739 billion climate package  which President Biden signed into law in 2022.

"Hot enough for you? Thank a MAGA Republican. Or better yet, vote them out of office," Clinton tweeted Tuesday.

The former Secretary of State and Democratic presidential nominee's post comes amid above-average summer temperatures. Democrats have been quick to blame climate change, though some climate experts like Ryan Maue, the former top climate scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, have noted heat waves aren't new.

HILLARY CLINTON'S NONPROFIT PUSHED $300,000 TO GROUP FINANCING UNRULY CLIMATE PROTESTS

"Without climate change, July's summer heat in the U.S. Southwest would have been 'virtually impossible,'" Maue tweeted Tuesday. "I guess that's true if you memory hole 1925, 1930s, 1950s, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2012, 2020, etc. and the rest of the almanac."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

In a separate post, Maue noted Clinton's post was made just eight days after a New York Times editorial calling on leaders to "politicize the weather."

AOC'S PAC FUNNELED THOUSANDS TO ORG FINANCING DISRUPTIVE CLIMATE PROTEST GROUPS

According to the FOX Forecast Center, this week is set to be the hottest week of the summer as a shifting upper air pattern will plunge the East Coast into dangerous heat and humidity.

Excessive heat is moving eastward this week.

An estimated 75% of the nation will be blanketed in warmer than average temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday, the data showed. The high temperatures will impact more than 260 million Americans throughout the country excluding the Pacific Northwest and parts of the northern Rockies.

And millions of Americans remain under Excessive Heat Warnings or Heat Advisories. However, the temperatures arent expected to break any records.

FOX Weather reporter Steven Yablonski contributed to this report.
Fire at an oil depot in occupied Sevastopol after a drone attack, April 29, 2023

Hitting the Headquarters of Russias Black Sea Fleet would hurt the occupiers the most, the head of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, Refat Chubarov, told Radio NV.

This is the pond of these Russian jackals, barbarians. And if it were completely destroyed, I think there would be a very powerful military and moral effect," Chubarov said on Radio NV.

Read also: Crimean Tatar leader Chubarov predicts how Ukraine will liberate Crimea

In other news, a warehouse containing ammunition was hit in the Dzhankoy district of occupied Crimea, according to regional Gauleiter Serhii Aksyonov on July 24, who said that 11 drones were "neutralized".

The occupiers have now suspended railway traffic in the Dzhankoy district and on the Dzhankoy-Simferopol highway, and announced the "evacuation" of villages within a radius of five kilometers from the site of the explosions.

On July 22, near the village of Oktyabrske, 43 km from Simferopol, a series of explosions rang out, causing a fire.

Read also: Russians, fearing strikes on Kerch bridge in Crimea, scrambling to organize more ferry services  Chubarov

The occupying "authorities" of Crimea declared that as a result of the UAV strike there, "a detonation occurred at an ammunition warehouse."

The occupiers announced the evacuation of the population within a radius of 5 kilometers from the site of the explosions and temporarily stopped traffic on the Crimean railway.

At the same time, the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the destruction of the oil depot and warehouses of the Russian army in Oktyabrsky.

On July 19, a fire broke out at a training ground in the Kirovsk (Islamterets) district of the occupied peninsula, affecting an ammunition depot near Old Crimea.

Aksyonov said that the illegally built Taurid highway (Kerch  Simferopol  Sevastopol) was blocked. Residents of the villages of Krynychki, Aivazovske, Abrikosivka and Privitne were evacuated.

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
Theres a neighborhood in South Carolina that has become popular with candidates with aspirations for higher office.

But neighbors tell Channel 9 that the homeowners association is now banning candidates from stumping in the community.

The Sun City community has hosted dozens of political candidates over the years, and for good reason.

They come here because we have two voting precincts in Sun City, and theyre the most active in South Carolina, said Melvin Threatt, a neighbor who lives in Sun City, which is just south of Indian Land.

Threatt has lived here for 15 years, and hes seen many political candidates stop by to address neighbors.

It gives the people in Sun City a chance to ask them questions, Threatt told Channel 9s Tina Terry.

ALSO READ: DeSantis to become 1st GOP candidate to file for South Carolina primary during visit next week

He says the communitys Republican club recently invited presidential candidate Nikki Haley to speak there, but leaders in the HOA told the club that candidates are no longer allowed to spread their message.

I believe we still have free speech in this country; we are still a democracy, as I understand it, Threatt said.

Neighbors say theyve collected hundreds of signatures from Republicans and some Democrats in the community who disagree with the decision.

Theyre violating our civil rights and right of assembly, said Michael Jacobs, a neighbor in Sun City.

The neighbors say theyre planning to present those signatures to HOA members with the hope of a change.

Quite frankly, were always hoping the board will back off and say this is a bad idea, Jacobs said.

SEE IT: Trump stops in South Carolina along campaign trail

Terry stopped by Sun City asking to speak with HOA members about the issue on Tuesday.

The HOA later sent a statement just before the newscast, saying: We are a private community with insufficient resources to host declared candidates in an equitable fashion. We do not want to include some and exclude others. Communications to the Board are running approximately 10 to 1 in support of the Board.

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The leader of the Democratic club told Terry that her club has chosen to not take an official stance on this issue.

South Carolinas presidential primaries are on Feb. 3 for the Democratic Party and Feb. 24 for the Republican Party.

(WATCH: Local students react after grand jury indicts former President Trump)
Actor Bryan Cranston speaks at a strike rally in New York's Times Square (ANGELA WEISS)

Hollywood A-listers including Emmy winner Bryan Cranston and a group of Oscar winners on Tuesday led a large rally of striking actors and writers in New York's Times Square, as the stalemate with studios and streamers dragged on.

Academy Award winners Brendan Fraser, Jessica Chastain and F. Murray Abraham were among the stars joining the mass of demonstrators.

Movie and television production has effectively shut down in the United States since thousands of members of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) guild walked off the job on July 14, joining writers who have been on strike for weeks.

Both guilds are demanding better pay and job security, as well as safeguards against the threat posed by artificial intelligence as they pursue the first industry-wide walkout in 63 years.

"We will not be having our jobs taken away and given to robots," "Breaking Bad" star Cranston told attendees, referring to fears about AI being used to recreate an actor's likeness.

Surrounded by Times Square's giant screens, which often advertise the latest movies and streaming series, Cranston delivered a message to Disney boss Bob Iger, the target of the actors' ire.

"We will not have you take away our right to work and earn a decent living and, lastly and most importantly, we will not allow you to take our dignity," he bellowed, wearing a SAG-AFTRA t-shirt and raising his fists.

Abraham, best known for winning an Academy Award for his starring role in the 1984 movie "Amadeus," said unionism was "good for America."

"We're fighting for integrity, respect, and honor," said the 83-year-old, who recently featured in television hit series "The White Lotus."

Steve Buscemi and Christian Slater were also among the protesters.

SAG-AFTRA represents actors from mega-stars to day-players who take small roles on television series. It represents about 160,000 people, including stuntmen and dancers.

The industrial action not only prohibits actors from filming but also from promoting their productions in person or on social media.

arb/pdh/sst
Florida homeowner Denise Wuetcher recently entered a legal battle with her HOA over her right to use a clothesline in her own backyard, reports Fox 13 News.

Wuetcher initially applied to install the line behind her Venice, Florida, home in 2018. The Verona Reserve Homeowners Association initially granted the request.

But after Wuetcher started using the line, the HOA sent her a notice saying that she was in violation because the clothesline was visible from the street. To keep it out of sight, Wuetcher would need to move it closer to her home  where the building would block the sunlight and where wind-blown clothes would touch the siding and get dirty.

For every day Wuetcher refused to move the clothesline, the HOA fined her $100, quickly reaching the maximum allowed fine of $2,500.

A screenshot of the Fox 13 News article was shared on Reddit in 2021, where users express disbelief that an HOA could be that powerful.

That sounds utterly nuts, and based on a highly subjective take on whats desirable in a neighborhood, says one commenter. Another asks, Wait, the HOA is a real thing? I thought that was TV.

I never realized this was a possibility, another says.

HOAs in the U.S. often have the capability to ban home modifications that dont fit the desired appearance of the neighborhood. However, as Wuetchers lawyer, James Potts Sr. points out, the Verona Reserve HOA doesnt have a specific rule against visible clotheslines.

[The HOA] have not properly referenced, or put us on notice, precisely which covenant or which bylaw we have broken, he says. He also states that Wuetcher has a legal right to put her clothesline in the place where its most efficient, where you can make the most use of the sun.

Wuetcher isnt the first to have trouble with an HOA about eco-friendly home upgrades. One homeowner says they forced an HOA to back down after showing them the exact state law they were breaking by restricting the use of solar panels. Another isnt sure how to proceed after a similar refusal.

Challenging these decisions often requires legal action  but many states have laws in place to protect homeowners efforts to be environmentally friendly. In some cases, challenging an HOA even leads to a change in the law, like when a Maryland couple went to court to defend their yards native flowers.

Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet.
Doctors and staff members at MUSC Health Lancaster celebrated one year of performing kidney transplants at the hospital.

Hospital officials say a patient who gets a kidney transplant is seven times more likely to survive than one who stays on dialysis.

Keep fighting: Daughters heart transplants inspire dads mission to help others

Doctors say several factors can lead to kidney failure.

The most common reason overall in the U.S. is hypertension and diabetes, and those two are rampant in our area, said Dr. Prince Anand, with MUSC Health Lancaster. I would say most people, if not 60% in these states, kidneys fail because of high blood pressure and diabetes.

The doctors best advice for keeping kidneys healthy is exercise, weight control, and listen to your doctors, especially if you are diabetic.

VIDEO: Still fighting: Catawba Co. man who didnt want COVID vaccine gets kidney transplant
Crime scene tape outlines the perimeter of a shooting in Tallahassee. crime scene tape

A spate of shootings in Savannah over the weekend have led the Savannah Police Department (SPD) to seek warrants for potential suspects.

On Saturday at about 1 p.m., SPD detectives responded to the 500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, where they found two adult male victims suffering from non-life-threatening gunshot injuries.

Later that night, SPD detectives arrived at the intersection of Indiana Avenue and Ohio Avenue, where they found one male victim suffering from serious injuries. He later died.

On Sunday night, SPD officers responded to the 8000 block of Waters Avenue, where they found a victim dead. Detectives interviewed witnesses and brought one person in for questioning, but no arrests were made.

In Session: Assistant district attorney argues Leilani Simon's actions constitute murder

Repercussions: Savannah Police Department fires detective who lied in search warrants

Overall, Savannah's crime rate has dipped

The weekend shootings represent an outlier of violent crime in Savannah in 2023.

This year, by most measures, crime in Savannah has decreased. As of July 24, there had been 12 total homicides in Chatham County  eight of those within the city. Last year to this date, there had been 21 total homicides. To a lesser extent, total violent crimes, including aggravated assaults, have decreased this year. This year, there have been 817 total violent crime incidents in Chatham County. Last year, there were 862 such incidents.

Savannah Police Department assistant chief DeVonn Adams offers remarks during the official swearing in of chief Lenny Gunther on Tuesday January 10, 2023 at the Savannah Cultural Arts Center.

In an interview at 6600 Abercorn Street, the Savannah Police Department's temporary headquarters, SPD Assistant Chief Devonn Adams attributed the decrease in violent crime to multiple factors.

"From a law enforcement standpoint, we've done a lot from a technology and analytical standpoint, we've put people in the right spot, we're working with our federal partners, engaging the community a lot," said Adams.

"But to be honest with you, it's a lot of luck and a lot of support from the police gods, because even though we've had less homicides, we've had a lot of aggravated assaults, a lot of people being shot. That's disturbing to us."

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Adams said there is "no indication that any of the [recent] shootings are connected."

"We have our investigations, our other federal partners and everybody working together to see if there is any connection or are these four separate incidents where people decided to handle conflict based on their individual activities," said Adams.

Savannah Police has located "several people-of-interest," most of whom are between 15 and 24 years old, said Adams. The "strange thing" is that most of the suspects have not been on the department's radar, said Adams.

"When we have them like we've had in the last week, it's still heart-wrenching and it still disturbs us," said Adams. "We're not satisfied and we're gonna keep on pushing."

Drew Favakeh is the public safety and courts reporter for Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at AFavakeh@savannahnow.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Weekend marred by violent crime, even as Savannah's overall crime rate drops
This week, it will be the Midwest and Northeast's turn to swelter.

After punishing the western and southern U.S. with record-smashing temperatures over the past month or so, the intense summer heat will finally make an appearance across much of the Midwest and Northeast over the next few days.

"This week, the extent of the heat across the United States will be the most widespread of the summer yet," AccuWeather meteorologist Bernie Rayno said.

Highs will surge toward 100 degrees in some Midwest cities and well into the 90s in the Northeast, according to Weather.com.

Overall, at least 45 states and more than 100 million Americans will endure temperatures of 90 degrees or higher at some point this week, AccuWeather reported.

A San Bernardino County firefighter wipes his head as the Oak Fire burns near Fontana, California, on July 19, 2023.

Record-breaking heat brings more triple-digit days

Late July is expected to be the hottest period of the summer for much of the country based on historical averages, according to AccuWeather. Temperatures are forecast to exceed average levels by six to 12 degrees, challenging some daily record highs in the Midwest and Northeast.

As the heat dome expands eastward, millions of people in the mid-Atlantic may experience triple-digit temperatures that haven't been reached in years, AccuWeather said. Temperatures in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore are predicted to reach around 100 degrees at the end of the week.

"It has not yet reached 100 in either city this year," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bill Deger. "In fact, it has not even gotten into the upper 90s yet in Washington."

Meanwhile, the Southwest has entered its third week of record-breaking heat. In Arizona, the Phoenix Metropolitan Area has seen temperatures topping 110 degrees daily with Tuesday hitting 118 degrees.

The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings for weeks in the area, but excessive highs aren't the only problem. Record-high lows are also a challenge, meaning low temperatures are higher than usual.

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In El Paso, Texas, the city endured scorching heat for its 40th consecutive day. High temperatures reached 102 degrees Tuesday afternoon in the city.

'Heat is a real force multiplier'

With no end in sight, the heat has been exacerbating medical emergencies and the length of the heat wave matters more than how hot temperatures get, according to Arizona State University researcher Pope Moseley.

"Data from population studies in Sweden have shown that for every heat wave day, you have an 8-12% increase in overall mortality," Moseley said in an ASU publication. Heat is a real force multiplier of the illnesses and chronic conditions that we have.

So far in 2023, there have been 18 heat-related deaths in Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix. But 69 other deaths are also under investigation by officials that could potentially increase the number of heat-related deaths.

Arizona officials and advocates have also decried conditions for farmworkers and migrants amid the heat. The death of a Yuma farmworker on July 20 has renewed calls for regulations to protect workers from the heat.

Dario Mendoza, 26, the father of two young children died after collapsing on the job from an apparent heat stroke as temperatures reached a high of 116 degrees in Yuma.

Migrants detained over the weekend at the Ajo Border Patrol Station caused officials and advocates to raise concerns over the conditions as temperatures remained in the triple digits. A few dozen migrants were seen under the sun in an outdoor cage on Saturday.

'Hottest weather of the summer'

"For people in much of the Northeast, later this week will bring the hottest weather of the summer so far," Rayno said.

Highs will jump into the middle to upper 90s from New York City to Washington, D.C., as the week comes to a close, Weather.com meteorologists Chris Dolce and Jonathan Erdman said. Hartford, Connecticut, and Washington will come within a few degrees of their daily record highs on Friday.

New York City should reach or exceed 93 degrees Thursday or Friday  the city's highest temperature of the year  and may hit 90 degrees on Saturday, which would make it the first "official" heat wave of the year, according to AccuWeather meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.

Scorching hot in the Midwest

The Midwest will also see extreme heat this week. "A massive dome of high pressure has been the driving force of the heat in the Southwest this summer and that system will expand eastward this week," Sosnowski said.

St. Louis should see highs of at least 100 Thursday and Friday. And Chicago will see its first heat wave of the summer with four days of 90 degrees or greater from Tuesday to Friday.

Good news and bad news

There is some good news on the horizon for the Midwest, Northeast and mid-Atlantic by Sunday and into next week as a push of cool, less humid Canadian air is forecast to spread across the regions. However, along with the cooler air will come smoke from wildfires in western Canada, AccuWeather said. That could cause more bouts of poor air quality in several cities.

Southwest continues to bake

The heat is also forecast to continue this week in the Southwest. Phoenix's record-breaking summer of heat continued Monday as the city recorded its 25th straight day of temperatures of 110 degrees or higher, extending a national record among large U.S. cities.

The city also had 15 straight days (through Monday) in which its lows have not dipped below 90 degrees, including an all-time record-warmest low temperature of 97 degrees last Wednesday, Weather.com reported.

Phoenix is forecast to see highs of 110 degrees or above for the rest of the week, the National Weather Service said.

Excessive heat warnings will remain in effect across the Desert Southwest through Thursday, and heat advisories are in place over portions of the Great Plains and southern Florida, the weather service said.

Contributing: Kate Perez, Eli Wizevich, Daniel Gonzalez, Jose Ignacio Castaneda Perez and Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY Network

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Heat wave on the way for Midwest, Northeast this week
The House will consider several pieces of legislation as early as Tuesday under a suspension of the rules, including a bipartisan bill that could crack down on Chinese manufacturers of synthetic opioids.

Republican Rep. Andy Barr of Kentucky authored the bill  the "Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act of 2023"  which would impose sanctions on Chinese opioid producers and "opioid precursors," as the fentanyl crisis continues to climb.

Precursor chemicals are used for legal opioid medications but can be diverted for illicit fentanyl and heroin production.

China is the source of much of the fentanyl trafficked into the U.S.

PERMISSION SLIP TO CARTELS': FENTANYL OVERDOSES ARE SURGING, SO WHAT IS CONGRESS DOING TO HELP?

"The Chinese Communist Party plays a prominent role in every step of the fentanyl crisis from producing precursor chemicals to transferring expertise to laundering cartel profits who illegally traffic it into the United States," Barr told Fox News Digital Tuesday.

Barr said he expects broad support for the bill on the House floor.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Rep. Andy Barr speaks at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 25, 2023.

"The Biden administration has abandoned control of the southern border and I am proud to lead this effort to defend our national security," he said.

According to the bill, first introduced in May, it updates the definition of a "foreign opioid trafficker" in the Fentanyl Sanctions Act to include specific Chinese entities and government officials who dont take steps to prevent so-called "opioid trafficking."

MEXICAN CARTELS DRUG DEALINGS TOP PRIORITY AS FENTANYL POURS ACROSS SOUTHERN BORDER, DEA SAYS

The U.S. has previously called on both Mexico and China to link arms against the crisis.

One of Barr's co-sponsors of the bill, Republican Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, told Fox News Digital the Chinese Communist Party is "just as culpable" as the Mexican cartels and the Biden administration's open border policy.

"Make no mistake  theres no fentanyl crisis without the CCP. Passage of this bipartisan bill is a critical step in protecting Americans from this deadly substance, and Im hopeful well get it across the finish line," Luetkemeyer said.

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Fentanyl, which is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, is often made by Mexican cartels in labs with precursors shipped from China. A small amount of fentanyl can lead to a deadly overdose, the National Institute on Drug Abuse has warned, with thousands of fentanyl-related deaths reported each year.

Arizona Border Patrol agents arrested two U.S. citizens for smuggling illegal immigrants and drugs.

Barrs bill aims to "hold Chinese officials accountable for the spread of illicit fentanyl," in line with other congressional members who have been calling for a similar crackdown on Chinas role in black market opioid production.

Last week, Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., floated the idea of including an amendment to the much-anticipated military defense bill that would sanction China over its illicit fentanyl production.

THE 'NEW OPIUM WAR': AMERICA'S DEADLY FENTANYL INVASION COULD BE CHINA'S REVENGE FOR 'CENTURY OF HUMILIATION'

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas also made remarks last week that the Chinese Communist government "bears responsibility" for cleaning up fentanyl in the U.S.

And the Department of Justice brought conspiracy charges against three Chinese chemical manufacturing companies suspected of manufacturing and distributing fentanyl in the U.S. in June.

Democratic Reps. Chris Pappas, Pat Ryan and Morgan McGarvey are co-sponsoring the bill, alongside Republican Reps. Luetkemeyer, Gregory Murphy, Mike Lawler, Beth Van Duyne, Anthony D'Esposito and Zach Nunn.
Rep. Becca Balint, a Vermont Democrat, (left) wants the House to formally censure Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene, a Georgia Republican, who is seen here looking at a slightly redacted nude photo of Hunter Biden. Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/AP; Stephanie Scarbrough/AP

A House Democrat may force the House to vote on formally censuring Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Vermont Rep. Becca Balint's resolution lists off a number of Greene's comments.

Among the offending behavior is Greene's decision to show nude photos of Hunter Biden during a House hearing.

Democratic Rep. Becca Balint of Vermont wants to formally censure Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for a litany of offenses, including showing Hunter Biden's slightly redacted nude photos during a House hearing last week.

Balint could use a procedural move to force the House to consider formally punishing Greene, The Washington Post reported. The freshman lawmaker could force such a vote this week, though it is unclear if she will do so.

Balint's resolution touches on a list of Greene's behavior both before and after she was elected to Congress, much of it references antisemitic, racist, and xenophobic statements she made during her time as a far-right promoter of the QAnon conspiracy theory.

As for her behavior since joining Congress, Balint pointed out Greene's attendance at an event hosted by avowed white nationalist Nick Fuentes (she later said she wouldn't do it again), calling a group of progressive lawmakers that includes Rep. Ilhan Omar, who is Muslim, the "Jihad Squad", displaying an anti-trans poster outside of her office which is right next to a Democratic lawmaker who has a transgender daughter, and Greene's actions during last week's hearing.

Greene, who warned viewers that "parental discretion is advised," proceeded to question IRS whistleblowers about alleged leaked photos from Hunter Biden's laptop that showed him and alleged sex workers. Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, appeared flabbergasted. "Should we be displaying this?" he asked.

"Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene displayed graphic pornographic images during an official committee hearing that she claimed depicted a member of President Biden's family," the resolution reads. (Balint updated the text of resolution on Tuesday afternoon, slightly changing the wording of the Biden-related provision.)

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Democrats are focusing renewed attention on the House's censure power in the wake of House Republicans censuring Rep. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, for his handling of investigations into then-President Donald Trump. A separate effort is underway to censure Rep. George Santos, a New York Republican, who has admitted to falsifying multiple claims during his campaign and is facing federal fraud charges. The Santos resolution already has some Republican support.

Balint's resolution also touches on comments Greene made before being sworn in that later led to her being kicked off of committees in February 2021. At the time, she said that QAnon allowed her "to believe things that weren't true."

"And that is absolutely what I regret," Greene said on the House floor before the vote. "Because if it weren't for the Facebook posts and comments that I liked in 2018, I wouldn't be standing here today, and you couldn't point a finger and accuse me of anything wrong, because I've lived a very good life that I'm proud of ... and that's what my district elected me for."

A spokesperson for Greene did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

A censure is a formal punishment that if passed requires the Speaker of the House or another presiding officer to formally read off of the resolution while the offending lawmaker stands silently on the House floor. It is the second-highest form of punishment the House can inflict; the highest is expelling members. Historically, it is reserved for gross misconduct, including when a member has violated the law.

Some Republicans have become more open to using the censure power after Democrats censured Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona in November 2021 for sharing an edited meme that depicted him killing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Reps. Ayanna Pressley, Summer Lee and Robert Garcia

Three Democratic members of Congress introduced legislation on Tuesday aimed at ushering in gender blindness in U.S. laws.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts., Pennsylvania Rep. Summer Lee, and Rep. Robert Garcia, a gay California congressman, announced the Equality in Our Laws Act. The bill would enshrine gender equity in the U.S. legal code by replacing masculine generics with gender-neutral language.

For example, rather than using he, the law should use the Secretary when referring to the head of a federal agency, or rather than a fireman, laws should reference a firefighter, a statement announcing the bill read.

As a result of this change, the U.S. code would be more inclusive of LGBTQ+ people, particularly those who are gender nonconforming, nonbinary, and intersex, according to the announcement. Several states, including Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin, have already succeeded with similar efforts.

According to the act, the Office of Law Revision Counsel (OLRC) would be instructed to revise the codes non-positive law portions non-substantively and gender-neutrally; and it would require OLRC to prepare a draft bill containing non-substantive, gender-neutral changes to the codes positive law sections.

Research cited by the lawmakers shows that masculine generics (he/him/his) reinforce gender stereotypes and discrimination by reflecting sexist social structures and reinforcing gender stereotypes. Men are perceived as more qualified for high-status leadership positions over their women counterparts when they have masculine job titles, according to a 2015 study.

At a time where gender equality has yet to be enshrined and recognized in our constitution, it is crucial we take every step necessary to codify dignity, humanity, and equality for all in our laws  and that includes the language we use. We must be intentional about including women and LGBTQ+ folks in our countrys legal code, Pressley said in a statement.

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America has long been a beacon of freedom and equality in the world. Yet, our legal code  the very foundation of our society  continues to use a language that isnt reflective of the countrys diversity; it speaks in masculine generics, silencing women and folks who are a significant part of our diverse community, Garcia said. The introduction of gender-neutral language throughout the U.S. Code will help ensure the law is truly representative of all Americans.

The lawmakers note that gender-neutral language is increasingly used by organizations and governments to combat stereotyping and discrimination.

Lee added, Words matter - especially the words that form the foundations of our countrys rule of law. Its not shocking that, for generations, the U.S. code intentionally wrote out women, Black, brown, queer and marginalized folks. What is shocking is that today, equality is enshrined into neither our laws nor our constitutionmeaning neither our laws nor our constitution protects all people.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Republican chairman of the House Judiciary Committee is threatening to hold Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in contempt of Congress for failing to supply documents related to an investigation into supposed censorship by tech companies of conservatives.

Rep. Jim Jordan, chair of the Judiciary Committee, said the panel plans to hold a hearing Thursday to vote on a contempt report detailing how Zuckerberg has willfully refused to comply with a February subpoena.

The measure is likely to pass the GOP-controlled committee. It would then be up to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to hold a full House vote on the contempt resolution as early as this fall, after the August recess.

If the House were to hold Zuckerberg in contempt, the Justice Department would decide whether to prosecute him.

Andy Stone, a spokesperson for Meta, said the company has delivered more than 50,000 pages of both internal and external documents to the committee since February. He added that they also have made current and former employees available for interviews with lawmakers.

For many months, Meta has operated in good faith with this committees sweeping requests for information," Stone said in a statement.

Jordan, R-Ohio, issued the subpoenas to the chief executives of the five largest tech companies, including Zuckerberg, shortly after Republicans took over the House in January  looking to make good on a campaign promise to investigate Big Techs content moderation, particularly over COVID-19.

The letters were also sent to Sundar Pichai of Alphabet; Satya Nadella of Microsoft; Tim Cook of Apple; and Andy Jassy of Amazon.com. All were asked to turn over any documents related to what they assert is widespread corporate censorship of conservative voices.

Twitter was notably absent from the list of companies subpoenaed. Its owner, Tesla founder Elon Musk, has proven to be more sympathetic to conservatives than Twitters previous management, and Republicans in Congress have gone to bat for him. Republicans held hearings in February with former Twitter executives where GOP lawmakers grilled the witnesses about the companys decision to initially block a New York Post article in October 2020 about the contents of a laptop belonging to Hunter Biden.

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Since then, Jordan has put pressure on Meta specifically, even sending a letter last week to Zuckerberg asking for the platform to produce a whole new series of documents related to content moderation on its new app, Threads, a new rival to Twitter.

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Associated Press reporter Barbara Ortutay in San Francisco contributed to this report.
Reps. Chip Roy, Mike Johnson, and Harriet Hageman

The House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Consitution and Limited Government has scheduled a hearing this week ostensibly to discuss gender-affirming medical care. No doctors will testify.

Instead, during Thursday mornings hearing titled The Dangers and Due Process Violations of Gender-Affirming Care for Children, lawmakers will hear from a former college athlete who took issue with a transgender team members participation, an anti-LGBTQ+ advocate from a conservative interest group, a member of the Federalist Society, and a person who had access to gender-affirming care, decided to detransition, and now advocates against the care for youth.

Republicans invited former University of Pennsylvania swimmer (and Lia Thomas critic) Paula Scanlan, detransitioner Chloe Cole, Director for Family Studies at the far-right anti-LGBTQ+ group Family Research Council Jennifer Bauwens, and Federalist Society member May Mailman, who is also a senior fellow at the conservative Independent Womens Law Center, to testify.

Democrats, already frustrated with Republican efforts to strip funding from all bills benefiting the LGBTQ+ community, called the hearing a sham.

"The upcoming House Judiciary Constitution Subcommittee hearing is the latest attempt by extremist Republicans to weaponize Congress and inject their culture wars into families private health care decisions, Pennsylvania Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, the ranking Democrat on the subcommittee, tells The Advocate. Gender-affirming care is safe, effective, medically necessary, and supported by every major reputable medical association. The science is not up for debate. This hearing is nothing more than a concerted effort to cultivate fear and stigmatize vulnerable communities in order to pursue an extremist agenda and political power."

Rep. Cori Bush, who represents Missouri and sits on the subcommittee, also criticized the GOP move.

Though despicable, it is not surprising that Republicans are holding a hearing whose sole purpose is to platform bigotry and hate, she tells The Advocate. This hearing isnt based on facts or reality; it reflects an extreme and unpopular agenda that targets vulnerable people and doesnt make anyones life better off. It is further proof Republicans dont know how to legislate unless it involves stripping the rights of historically marginalized communities. I will always stand unequivocally with the trans community as they fight for dignity and respect.

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Other House Democrats reiterated the continued assault by Republicans on bodily autonomy.

Another week, and its another hearing in which were beating up on queer and trans kids and their families, another week in which the Republican Conference wants to bully Americans, and it is so outrageous that theyre spending our time making us essentially accomplices in their diabolical machinations to beat up on Americans who are just trying to live their lives, Vermont Democratic Rep. Becca Balint tells The Advocate. Balint also sits on the subcommittee.

Its just so disgusting, adds Balint, co-chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus,. This hearing does not need to happen. All the other hearings that weve had in which these issues have come up dont need to happen, and its part of the GOP strategy, this election cycle, to put queer and trans kids and their families on every single issue that were trying to discuss here in Congress. And its just disgusting.

Balint points out the shameless hypocrisy of the House majority.

It flies in the face of everything Republicans say that they are around limited government and they are always talking about parental rights. Here they are inserting themselves into the lives of these families. We should be supporting Americans and their families, period. They know best what they need for their children.

She says that in Vermont, her constituents are dealing with extreme flooding and other daily issues and arent concerned with the culture war issues the GOP seeks to fight over.

We have farms that have been destroyed. We have businesses that have been destroyed and families in incredible need right now, she says. you can look at every single congressional district across the country, and they are feeling the effects of climate change. They are struggling with health care thats not affordable.

Balint says it would be one thing if House Republicans held hearings with witnesses whose testimony was germane and could be relied upon. Instead, Republicans have invited known anti-trans activists with political agendas and no medical expertise.

The witnesses theyre bringing are not credible, Balint notes. And on the other side, youve got 1.3 million US doctors saying that gender-affirming care is what is needed to support these children best.

Every major medical association in the U.S. has supported gender-affirming care for transgender youth.

Balint also explains the problem of finding the occasional detransitioner and holding up their experience as an example of why care should be banned for others.

Detransitioning refers to stopping or reversing a gender transition, which may involve medical treatment or cosmetic changes.

Republicans often seek out people who are deciding to detransition, and then they hold them up as an example of a rampant situation within the queer and trans community, Balint says. The only people who really understand their experiences are those queer and trans people going through those experiences. And we know that there are people, I believe its less than 2 percent of Americans, who decide to transition and then have a very long journey of figuring out what identity they feel most comfortable with. But again, these are decisions that are made by people in consultation with their families and their doctors.

The government should not be in a situation of deciding for people writ large what is appropriate care for them.

She adds, Its just outrageous, an incredible waste of time, but its also just so mean-spirited.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Congressional Equality Caucus condemned GOP riders on a slate of 2024 appropriations bills that Republicans targeted with anti-LGBTQ+ measures. Republicans added more than 40 anti-equality provisions in next years budget bills. Those bills move to the House floor this week.

Among the riders are those that restrict access to gender-affirming care or limit funding for organizations that provide it, riders that prohibit the use of funds to fly Pride flags in certain facilities, and riders that would restrict funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Drag show riders were also added by Republicans, which prevent performances from being held in defense and other operations. "Riders" is a term for provisions in bills that are not relevant to a bill's main purpose.

Funds appropriated by the defense bill are prohibited from supporting events that violate the Department of Defense Joint Ethics Regulation or bring discredit upon the military, such as a drag queen story hour for children or the use of drag queens as military recruiters.

Drag queen workshops, performances, and documentaries are prohibited by a rider to a bill dealing with state, foreign operations, and related programs.

This Congress, extreme MAGA Republicans are using the appropriations process to further their radical agenda and attack the LGBTQI+ community, said Equality Caucus Chair Mark Pocan of Wisconsin in a press release. Motivated by bigotry and the desire to appeal to the GOP extremist base, more than 40 anti-equality provisions across the 12 appropriations bills were passed. Last week, they went even further and cut millions of dollars in funding for members community projects that would have tackled LGBTQI+ homelessness and housing insecurity. I condemn these discriminatory attacks and remain committed to ensuring none of these awful provisions make it into the final funding bill that becomes law.

The House Appropriations Committee ranking member and an Equality Caucus member, Connecticuts Rep. Rosa DeLauro, added, Instead of responsibly working to pass Appropriations bills that fund the programs and services all Americans rely on, the majority has opted to distract from the calamitous ramifications of their dangerous spending cuts by loading up must-pass legislation with indefensible riders that subject some of the most vulnerable communities to discrimination.

She explained, We are appropriators. Our job is to fund the federal government. The bills our committee produces are statements of our priorities and our values as a country. To that end, the majority has shown they have no values, and no priorities, and are solely focused on how to appease their most extreme caucus members, to greenlight discrimination and impose second-class status on LGBTQ+ Americans, and to defund American workers, seniors, families, and veterans.

Pictured above: Republican Reps. Chip Roy, Mike Johnson, and Harriet Hageman

Editors note: This article was updated to include comments from Missouri Rep. Cori Bush.
Human-induced climate change is responsible for the historic heatwaves sweeping the planet from China to the United States, scientists have found.

The research conducted by World Weather Attribution (WWA), which was released on Tuesday, says the record-shattering heat in Europe and the US would have been almost impossible in a world without global heating.

The researchers, who analysed records in all three continents, said the likelihood of extreme heat in China, which recently recorded its highest-ever temperature at 52.2C, is now 50 times more likely due to the climate crisis.

The researchers evaluated the role of climate crisis in these extreme heat events using peer-reviewed methods, weather station data of the hottest days in July, and computer models.

It is already known that planet-heating greenhouse gas emissions have increased the global average temperature by 1.2C, which, in turn, is making heatwaves more frequent and extreme.

The WWA study found that the heatwaves like the ones currently persisting now have a probability of occurring approximately once every 15 years in the US and Mexico region, once every 10 years in Southern Europe, and once every five years in China due to increased global average temperatures.

However, without the human-induced climate crisis, these heat events would have been extremely rare. In China, such a heatwave would have been about a 1-in-250-year event, while the maximum heat experienced in the US and Mexico region and Southern Europe would have been virtually impossible.

The climate crisis did not just play a role in the occurrence of the heatwave, but also made the temperatures hotter than they would have been with natural phenomenon like the El Nino.

The European heatwave was 2.5C hotter, the North American heatwave was 2C hotter, and the heatwave in China was 1C hotter due to the human-induced climate crisis, the study notes.

Researchers who were part of the study said the stronger impact of the climate crisis on the US and Europe is a result of a complex relationship between global and regional factors. Europe is heating faster than the global average, earlier studies have shown. Scientists said its because the impact of the climate crisis isnt even worldwide.

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Once again, our study shows the significant impact of the rapid rate of warming on local temperatures in Europe. It underscores the urgent necessity for Europe to continuously take adaptation and mitigation measures, Sjoukje Philip, researcher at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, and one of the researchers of the study, said.

The planet isnt warming evenly, Ms Philip adds. Climate scientists are working to understand the complex relationships between increasing global and regional average temperatures.

Map shows extreme temperatures in Europe last week (European Union, Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service Data)

Other scientists have also largely attributed the recent heat events, including the ones in July in the northern hemisphere and the marine heatwaves, to the climate crisis.

Earlier, WWA researchers also analysed the April heatwave in a dozen Asian countries, including India, China and Thailand as well as the 2022 heat events in the UK which were found to be made ten times more likely due to the climate crisis.

Recently the Met Office also said the reason behind the UKs hottest-ever June was also the climate crisis.

The heatwaves have caused severe impacts, with deadly wildfires burning in Greece and Canada, and heat-related illnesses and fatalities reported in several countries.

In the US alone, over 200 people died due to the extreme heat, and Spain, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Algeria, and China also reported heat-related deaths and a surge in hospitalisations.

Last years heat in Europe contributed to the deaths of over 61,000 people, a recent study found.

The study warned that unless there is a rapid reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a shift away from fossil fuels, heatwaves will become even more common and severe in the future.

If the global average temperature rise goes up by 2C, a limit that is expected to be breached in the next 30 years if greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase the way they are, there would be a probability of experiencing heatwaves like the one currently ongoing every two to five years.

The result of this attribution study is not surprising. The world hasnt stopped burning fossil fuels, the climate continues to warm and heatwaves continue to become more extreme. It is that simple, Friederike Otto, senior lecturer in climate science at Imperial College London and co-founder of WWA said.

However, she added that these heatwaves are not evidence of runaway warming or climate collapse.

We still have time to secure a safe and healthy future, but we urgently need to stop burning fossil fuels and invest in decreasing vulnerability.

If we do not, tens of thousands of people will keep dying from heat-related causes each year. It is absolutely critical that governments legislate fossil fuel phase out at this years Cop climate conference.
By Catarina Demony and Miguel Pereira

CASCAIS, Portugal (Reuters) - Aided by local residents, hundreds of Portuguese firefighters scrambled on Tuesday to put out flames sweeping across a natural park near the popular holiday destination of Cascais, with strong winds complicating efforts to tackle the blaze.

The wildfire started at 5 p.m. (1600 GMT) in a mountainous area that is part of the Sintra-Cascais natural park, which covers around 145 square kilometres (56 square miles) of land and is located west of the capital Lisbon.

Backed by 189 vehicles, more than 600 firefighters were brought in after the fire erupted. Water-bombing planes also battled the blaze but had to stop operating as the night set in.

At one of the villages affected by the fire, desperate local residents took matters into their own hands as they tried to protect their homes with buckets of water and hosepipes, as strong winds fanned the flames.

"The fear now is that it will get to the houses," said 34-year-old Ines Figueiredo as smoke filled the air. "We try to help as much as we can with buckets (of water)... but it's not worth much."

Mayor of Cascais Carlos Carreiras said gusts of up to 60 kph were the biggest challenge ahead, and that a number of people had been evacuated as a precaution.

Residents used wheelchairs to help evacuate those with mobility problems.

"They (firefighters) do what they can," said Miguel Medeiros, a local resident who has helped fight the flames. "It's difficult for everyone."

No houses have been damaged and no major injuries have been reported, according to authorities.

EU data shows Portugal, which has so far escaped the recent heatwave causing deaths and destruction across southern Europe, is usually one of the bloc's worst-hit countries by wildfire.

Extreme weather in July has caused havoc across the planet, with record temperatures in China, the United States and southern Europe sparking forest fires, water shortages and a rise in heat-related hospital admissions.

(Reporting by Catarina Demony, Miguel Pereira and Pedro Nunes; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, is expected to plead guilty to misdemeanor tax crimes during a court hearing in Wilmington on Wednesday.

The hearing is also expected to address an agreement between federal prosecutors and Hunter Biden to avert prosecution on a felony charge of illegally possessing a firearm as a drug user.

The Caleb Boggs Federal Building, a typically quiet courthouse on King Street in downtown Wilmington, is expected to be buzzing with national media, as well as interested members of the public, for the morning hearing.

Hunter Biden arrives for a hearing regarding his criminal tax case at the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building in Wilmington on Wednesday, July 26, 2023.

Heres a rundown of what you need to know.

NEED TO KNOW: How last-minute court filings could prompt sanctions against Hunter Biden's legal team

What is Hunter Biden accused of?

First, Hunter Biden faces two misdemeanor crimes for willful failure to pay tax. Specifically, federal prosecutors claim Hunter Biden received at least $1.5 million in income each year in 2017 and 2018 but didn't pay taxes, according to court records.

Charging documents state he was a resident of Washington, D.C., during the years he failed to pay taxes. His court documents indicate that he currently resides in Malibu, California.

Federal prosecutors also claim Biden possessed a Colt Cobra 38SPL revolver despite being addicted to drugs. That is a violation of federal firearms laws, prosecutors claim.

President Joe Biden, and his son Hunter Biden arrive at Fort McNair on Sunday, June 25, 2023, in Washington. The Bidens were returning from Camp David.

He bought the handgun in October 2018 somewhere in Delaware. On a required form, he replied "no" when prompted to answer whether he was an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance," according to the Washington Post.

By his own account, Biden has battled drug addiction for periods, including 2018.

What exactly is happening Wednesday?

U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika is presiding over what is scheduled as a change of plea hearing for the tax charge and his initial court appearance for the gun charge.

According to court documents, Hunter Biden is expected to plead guilty to both of the tax charges at the hearing. In such hearings, the judge will typically ask the defendant a series of questions to ensure they understand their rights and are knowingly pleading guilty.

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LOCAL DEALINGS: What Hunter Biden's emails reveal about his investment in now-defunct Fisker Automotive

The firearm charge is a felony and much more serious in terms of potential punishment.

The hearing may cover the logistics of a pretrial diversion agreement between prosecutors and Biden that would see that charge struck from his record if he adheres to the terms of that agreement. Those terms have not been discussed publicly as of yet.

Could this send the president's son to prison?

Hunter Biden is not expected to see any prison time despite facing potential maximum sentences totaling 12 years in prison. It is rare for a defendant, particularly one with Hunter Biden's background, to receive anything close to the maximum punishment.

The two tax charges are punishable by a maximum of a year in prison each, along with potentially six-figure fines. Citing unnamed sources, the Associated Press has reported that prosecutors will recommend a sentence consisting entirely of probation for the tax charges.

DID HUNTER BIDEN GET A SWEETHEART DEAL? How these cases play out with other defendants

A judge will consider standardized sentencing guidelines alongside recommendations from prosecutors and defense counsel in sentencing Hunter Biden. In some cases, judges sentence defendants on the same day they plead guilty. However, there is no indication in court documents that will happen in Biden's on Wednesday. Sentencing may occur at a future court hearing.

The gun charge itself carries a potential 10-year sentence, but the pretrial diversion agreement will likely head off any potential prison time and require Biden to adhere to terms and monitoring similar to a probationary sentence.

Last month, following the unsealing of the case against Biden, his lawyer, Christopher Clark, said the president's son will take responsibility for "mistakes he made during a period of turmoil and addiction in his life. He looks forward to continuing his recovery and moving forward."

Long-running Delaware investigation

The charges are being brought by David Weiss, U.S. attorney for the District of Delaware. Weiss began the investigation five years ago and was appointed by former President Donald Trump.

Under the Biden administration, Weiss was not asked to resign like most U.S. attorney Trump appointees. Biden officials said that decision was made to ensure continuity in the investigation into Hunter Biden.

David Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the State of Delaware (right), speaks at a press conference on February 21, 2023 about an effort from several agencies to end a multi-state drug operation.

Weiss has been targeted by congressional Republicans that have characterized the case as a slap on the wrist for Biden and the result of preferential treatment.

Meanwhile, congressional Republicans are continuing their own investigations into Hunter Biden and his family.

USA TODAY COVERAGE: Hunter Biden, White House, House GOP clash over widening investigation of Joe Biden's son

New developments included the first public testimony by two IRS agents involved in the Hunter Biden investigation, along with the public release of an FBI document with unverified allegations against President Joe Biden.

Laptop lawsuit brewing in Delaware courts

Meanwhile, Hunter Biden is suing the Trolley Square computer repair shop owner who claimed Biden dropped off his computer at the Wilmington shop and never retrieved it, which led to the leak and publication of private photographs and correspondence belonging to the presidents son.

John Paul Mac Isaac, owner of the Mac Shop in Wilmington, Delaware, says a man who identified himself as Hunter Biden brought damaged computer equipment to his small repair shop in April 2019.

The lawsuit was filed in response to a defamation lawsuit pursued by the computer repairman, John Paul Mac Isaac, which names as defendants Hunter Biden, as well as news publications CNN and The Daily Beast and U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat.

The lawsuit claims those defendants characterized Mac Isaac as a thief and a Russian agent and this caused him to shutter his business.

RECENT: Hunter Biden is suing Trolley Square laptop repairman at center of data leak.

Biden's countersuit claims Mac Isaac had no right to access and copy the data on the laptop and then invaded Bidens privacy by disseminating the ill-gotten content.

That case is proceeding in Sussex County Superior Court.

Contact Xerxes Wilson at (302) 324-2787 or xwilson@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Hunter Biden in federal court: What to know about Wednesday's hearing
The prosecutor who led the investigation into President Bidens son Hunter Biden is willing to testify this fall, the Justice Department (DOJ) said in a letter to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) on Monday.

The DOJ offered to make U.S. Attorney for Delaware David Weiss available on several dates in September and October for a public hearing, amid recent allegations from two IRS whistleblowers that prosecutors slow-walked the case and showed preferential treatment to the presidents son.

[We] are deeply concerned by any misrepresentations about our work  whether deliberate or arising from misunderstandings  that could unduly harm public confidence in the evenhanded administration of justice, to which we are dedicated, Assistant Attorney General Carlos Uriarte said in Mondays letter.

The Department believes it is strongly in the public interest for the American people and for Congress to hear directly from U.S. Attorney Weiss on these assertions and questions about his authority at a public hearing, Uriarte added.

In a plea deal filed in court last month, Hunter Biden agreed to plead guilty to two minor tax crimes and to enter into a pretrial diversion program relating to unlawful possession of a weapon.

At a House Oversight Committee hearing with the two IRS whistleblowers last week, Jordan accused Weiss of changing his story over whether he sought and was denied special counsel status as he attempted to bring charges against Hunter Biden outside Delaware.

However, in the two letters that Jordan suggested showed a shift, Weiss maintained he has never been denied the authority to bring charges in any jurisdiction.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The News

Last week, when the Club for Growth paid for new polling of the 2024 electorate, it asked two questions for the very first time. Were voters worried that illegal drugs are appearing in the White House? And did they believe that the president should acknowledge Hunter [Biden]s daughter as his grandchild?

The results were overwhelming: Yes and yes. Sixty-three percent of voters were unhappy that the Secret Service couldnt figure out who left cocaine at the White House this month (Republicans have cast suspicion on Hunter), and 69% wanted the president to admit that he had seven grandchildren, not six. None of the conservative issues tested for the Club by WPA Intelligence  supporting freedom schools, opposing a government-backed digital currency  had numbers like this.

I was a little surprised, Club for Growth President David McIntosh said at a Monday night happy hour in D.C., where he shared the polling with reporters. It was too early to say whether Republicans could win votes by pressing the White House on Hunter Biden. But if it looks like Hunter Biden received money to influence his dad, said McIntosh, Republicans will make it a big issue and I think voters will care about it.

Hunter Bidens many problems, from the child paternity case to the tax fraud investigation thats bringing him back to court this week to the sex tapes that were put on posters in a House hearing, havent inspired much Democratic angst about the president. Most polling has justified that attitude, finding that very few voters who might support Joe Biden for a second term are following the Hunter stories, and that even fewer factor it into their 2024 vote.

Democrats and independents just dont really hold Joe Biden responsible for Hunter, said Chris Jackson, a senior VP at Ipsos, one of fairly few public pollsters thats been asking voters about the presidents son. Well see, right? Theres over a year to go before the election, but so far they arent changing.

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But coverage of Hunter Biden has also changed in recent weeks: A wide range of stories about the presidents son are now getting more traction outside of conservative media. As Republicans step up their criticism of the Biden family  a catch-all phrase that ties the president to anything his relatives do  pollsters are watching to see if public attitudes change as well.

The accusation that the president himself took bribes, first made at the end of the 2020 campaign, hasnt moved voters after three years of investigation; Republicans are hopeful that closed-door testimony from Hunter Bidens associate, Devon Archer, will change that. Claims by two IRS agents that the Justice Department undermined the investigation into Hunter have found a much more receptive media audience and, while not proven, forced everyone from the FBI Director to the Attorney General to the U.S. Attorney handling the case to directly rebut them.

Meanwhile, queasiness about the Biden family ignoring Hunters illegitimate child has gotten more pick-up in traditional media, and a few shots from rival candidates. When Ron DeSantis wanted to hit back at the White House, over its criticism of state education standards, he did it with a joke about Bidens granddaughter.

Davids view

Why have Democrats been so confident, for so long, that nothing Hunter Biden does will seriously damage his father? The Republican answer is that the media and law enforcement, which are hopelessly compromised and anti-Trump, have been protecting the family.

As long as you have this political bias and the interference in the investigations or prosecution, youre not gonna have any prosecution until after Bidens out of the White House, Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley told me in Iowa, shortly before releasing an FBI record on an alleged scheme to bribe the Bidens. Republicans are going to the mat with that, and talking about impeachment; House Speaker Kevin McCarthy told reporters today that Biden had lied to the American public about whether he helped with his sons business deals, and it might take an impeachment inquiry to prove it.

The pollsters answer is different: Its that voters simply do not care about this. They learned in 2019 that candidate Joe Biden had a neer-do-well son, they processed that information, and they havent followed each beat of the story.

Independents and Democrats have zero interest in Hunter Biden  zero, said Frank Luntz, a political consultant who frequently builds focus groups. It didnt matter in 2020 or 2022, either. Republicans are a different matter. To them, anything that reflects badly on any Biden is a good thing.

Democrats have mostly echoed Bidens overall framing of the issue, if not his assertion that Hunter did nothing wrong ahead of his indictment. They say the president has a troubled son with a tragic family history who fell into hard drugs and that hes doing his best to support him.

If Hunter Biden is guilty of crimes that anyone else would go to prison for, then lock his ass up ex-New York Rep. Mondaire Jones told us earlier this month, But it has nothing to do with President Joe Biden.

Thats where most polling has landed, too. Last month, when Ipsos asked whether Joe Biden is being a good father by supporting his son Hunter, even while Hunter goes through legal troubles, 60% of all voters agreed, including 47% of Republicans. A majority of Republicans said that Hunter Bidens plea deal reduced their likelihood of voting to re-elect the president; just 20% of independents and 7% of Democrats said the same.

You can explain the challenge for Republicans with three words: Whats the crime? said John Couvillon, the founder of JMC Analytics & Polling. We all know Hunter has done some sleazy stuff and hes been leveraging his fathers influence. If they can prove that this affected Bidens policies with regards to American interests, thats a potentially powerful narrative. But I havent seen that theyve proven that narrative yet.

Eddie Vale, a strategist with the pro-Biden pushback group Facts First USA, said that Republicans had made his job easier by disappearing down multiple rabbit holes of insanity. Why were voters not paying attention when Republicans said there was fresh evidence of Biden family corruption? Because, Vale argued, youre supposed to under-promise and over-deliver, but theyd claimed to have it even before they opened the House investigation.

Republicans have linked the Biden investigations to the Trump indictments, arguing they show a two-tiered justice system that treats the current president and his family more favorably than the previous one. Democrats have also linked the two investigations, but to argue Republicans are relying on warmed-over baseless claims from years earlier to defend Trump from genuinely serious charges.

The American people see this embarrassing and now X-rated carnival for what it is, a transparent effort to prop up President Trumps poll numbers by attacking the DOJ and FBI and establishing a false equivalency between President Biden and the twice-impeached and continually disgraced former president Trump, said Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, in a statement to Semafor.

The View From Biden's Democratic Challengers

Marianne Williamson hasnt made an issue out of the Hunter drama. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has mostly refused to, until this past weekend. When Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo pressed him on the GOP investigation, Kennedy said that we really need a real investigation of what happened if it turned out that Burisma paid out apparently $10 million to Hunter and his dad.

Norman Solomon, who co-founded the anti-Biden group Step Aside, Joe!, doesnt support either challenger. But the Hunter story, he said, risked a re-run of 2016, when all the background noise about alleged Hillary Clinton corruption  such as high-paid corporate speeches and Clinton Foundation donations  hurt her with some voters on the fence. Republicans would keep pounding on the corruption allegations, making one more reason Biden is a risky candidate.

Room for Disagreement

Some Trump critics see the entire Hunter story as a coping mechanism for Republicans who dont want to defend the former president, but dont want to vote for a Democrat if hes the nominee. The Hunter stuff is really all just an escape vehicle for Republicans looking to avoid grappling with Trumps federal indictment, Jonathan V. Last wrote in The Bulwark. In that regard, it may be a success, Jonathan Chait argues, pointing to conservative critics of Trump who have likened the Biden family issues to their own concerns about Trump.

To make this worldview hold up, every awful thing about Trump must have an equal and opposite flaw in his opponent, Chait writes. And so in the end, with everything else being a tie, they will vote for the candidate who signs the tax cuts and appoints conservative judges.

Notable
International nuclear energy watchdog inspectors said mines laid between two perimeter fences at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine did not present a danger to the plant's nuclear safety and security systems. File Photo courtesyof Russian Emergencies Ministry/EPA-EFE

July 25 (UPI) -- International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors have spotted mines near the perimeter of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant and warned their presence at the Russian-controlled facility breaches safety standards and nuclear security guidelines.

The anti-personnel mines were seen during a walkaround of the site in a restricted area between the internal and external fences -- but facing away from the plant and inaccessible to staff working at the power station, the IAEA said in a news release issued Monday.

Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi said the IAEA knew about mines in and around the plant, but it was the first time inspection teams had observed them in this specific location.

"Our team has raised this specific finding with the plant and they have been told that it is a military decision and in an area controlled by the military," Grossi said.

"But having such explosives on the site is inconsistent with IAEA safety standards and nuclear security guidance and creates additional psychological pressure on plant staff -- even if the IAEA's initial assessment based on its own observations and the plant's clarifications is that any detonation of these mines should not affect the site's nuclear safety and security systems.

The IAEA said mines found by its experts, pictured here conducting an earlier inspection of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, were "inconsistent with IAEA safety standards and nuclear security guidance." File Photo courtesy of IAEA

"The team will continue its interactions with the plant," he added.

The latest report comes after the IAEA team heard several explosions some distance away from the plant Saturday evening.

IAEA said its experts had carried out inspections and regular walk-downs across the site, without seeing any heavy military equipment but, despite repeated requests, had yet to gain access to roofs of the reactors and their turbine halls, including units 3 and 4 which are of particular interest.

On Tuesday, IAEA experts visited the main control room of reactor no. 6, emergency control room, rooms housing electrical cabinets of the safety systems and parts of the turbine hall. While the team was not able to visit all areas in the turbine hall, they did not observe any mines or explosives, IAEA said.

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The agency said it was concerned about an incident over the weekend in which the plant had to fall back on a single 330-kilovolt backup line for eight hours after losing its connection to the main incoming 750 kV power line saying it "highlighted the site's fragile external power situation during the military conflict."

While Zaporizhzhya's six reactors were placed into "cold" shutdown in September, the watchdog stressed that the plant still needed reliable power for "reactor cooling and other essential nuclear safety and security functions."

Ukraine officials, who have been warning the international community about the risks presented by laying mines at the plant, told Politico they had been cut off from accessing the plant's safety monitoring systems.

"It might blow up any moment; we just don't know when. Russians have completely cut us off the safety monitoring systems," Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko said. "We trust our military intelligence and IAEA experts on the ground. But we have no control over the station and that is alarming."

Inspectors have been trying to gain access to the rooftops of reactor units 3 and 4 to confirm that no mines or other explosives are planted inside the plant but found no evidence of mines or other explosives during a July 7 search of the rest of the facility.
The Idaho Transportation Department has known for nearly two years that dead and dangerous trees should be removed along a stretch of Highway 55 near Banks.

But most of the trees havent been removed until the last couple of weeks.

Its coming too late for 13-year-old Coltin Jones, who was killed by a dead tree whose top snapped off in a windstorm on June 7 and hit the car Coltin was a passenger in.

According to an article by Idaho Statesman reporter Noble Brigham, ITD officials raised concerns about the trees as early as November 2021.

I would like to start working on getting a contractor to come in and remove the dead trees on Hwy 55 from Horseshoe Bend to Donnelly, an ITD technician wrote in an email in November 2021.

Only about 20 trees were removed in 2021.

One year later, another ITD manager wrote in an email: I just got off the phone with the Forest Service and they would like ITD to remove some hazard trees on ID-55 between Milepost 73-79. Coltin was killed at milepost 77.

I think I know the trees they are talking about, been dead for a while now, an ITD supervisor replied.

Still, only about six trees were removed last year and another half-dozen removed this year, even though ITD identified at least 150 hazardous trees.

An ITD official told the Statesman the project to cut down the trees was more than their maintenance workers could handle. The project was dependent on the Forest Services schedule to cut the trees, he said, and it was difficult to coordinate the two agencies.

The Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management said it was the responsibility of the Idaho Transportation Department.

Weve heard this before, unfortunately.

Its reminiscent of a story just a couple of weeks ago about the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the Idaho Department of Education not being able to coordinate efforts to bring $15 million in federal funding to Idaho to help feed low-income children during the summer.

In the case of the dead trees on Highway 55, ITD discussed for two years a larger contract to cut down the trees that would be separate from the Forest Service work, but its taken so long because the state agency has a lengthy contracting process, one official said.

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In that time, others noticed the hazard, including a letter writer to the Idaho Statesman and a conservation associate from the Idaho Conservation League.

Idaho seems to have a pattern of incompetent and inadequate government agencies that cant even provide the most basic public services, such as public safety.

Complicated bureaucracy, lengthy contracting processes and an inability to coordinate among various public agencies are getting in the way of the simplest government functions.

Or is something else going on in Idaho?

In a state that touts itself as the least regulated in the country, Idaho seems to have a bias toward having the government do as little as possible.

Sadly, ITD officials say they dont plan to do anything differently to speed up the process. A contract to fell trees between Horseshoe Bend and Banks still has to finish its public comment period and then go for a board vote in the next couple of months.

At some point, doesnt the head of state government get involved or at least have something to say?

Theres a lot of crowing about cutting red tape and staving off intrusive government from the current governor, but its radio silence when the state is dysfunctional and derelict in feeding hungry kids or keeping motorists safe on the states most heavily used north-south highway.

Is this typical bureaucratic impotence or another instance when people could use a little more government in their lives?

Regardless, its a failure of governance and oversight of agency responsibilities.

Unfortunately, in this case, the end result was the death of a child.

Statesman editorials are the unsigned opinion of the Idaho Statesmans editorial board. Board members are opinion editor Scott McIntosh, opinion writer Bryan Clark, editor Chadd Cripe, newsroom editors Dana Oland and Jim Keyser and community member Mary Rohlfing.
Ilhan Omar has spoken out in defence of a teenage girl who was jailed for 90 days after taking an abortion pill to end an unwanted pregnancy.

The Democratic congresswoman posted an image on Instagram of an article titled: Nebraska teen who used pills to end pregnancy gets 90 days in jail.

This is a freighting violation of privacy and autonomy Ms Omar wrote.

Celeste Burgess, 19, was sentenced last week after she and her mother Jessica Burgess, 42, pleaded guilty to charges earlier this year.

Prosecutors said Celeste Burgess used abortion pills well beyond the 10-week limit approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Court records reveal that she terminated her pregnancy when she was nearly 30 weeks pregnant, surpassing the generally recognised point of viability at 23 to 24 weeks. At that stage, a foetus would have a higher chance of survival outside the womb.

The mother and daughter were charged after their private Facebook messages were obtained by the police.

These messages revealed their plans to end Celestes pregnancy by using abortion pills ordered online and then burn the evidence.

The teenager was not charged by prosecutors under Nebraskas abortion law.

Prosecutors agreed to drop two charges of concealing a death and false reporting against her after she pleaded guilty in May to concealing human skeletal remains.

Celeste was also sentenced to two years probation apart from her 90 days jail sentence.

Joseph Smith, the top prosecutor in Madison County, Nebraska, said the sentence seems reasonable as the teenager has no criminal history.

Its a painful case for everybody, he said, adding that it was the first case of its type that he had prosecuted in his 33-years-long career and Im glad its over.

Jessica Burgess meanwhile faces up to five years in jail.

The case has prompted widespread discusson, wth Ms Omar the latest to comment on the case.

Her post had garnered more than 68,000 likes as of early Tuesday morning, with comments fom her supporters including that the case was like the beginning of the Handmaids Tale.
I learned quite a few things when I visited Dubai. Rachel Dube

When I visited Dubai for the first time, there were some things I wish I knew beforehand.

The weather during my stay was amazing so I think the winter season is definitely the time to visit.

The city is bigger than I expected so I'd recommend hiring a guide to see as much as possible.

Now I know the winter season is the best time to visit, mostly because of the pleasant weather.

Summer in Dubai is supposedly brutal so visiting during the winter season is the move. Rachel Dube

Dubai has year-round sunshine but I now know the best time to visit the city is during the winter, which, according to US News, spans from November to early March.

When I went in January 2022, the temperature ranged from 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit without any humidity. It was warm enough to enjoy touring and being out and about.

The temperature was also perfect when I stayed in the city and went to the desert. There was a slight breeze by the sea and marina, but nothing that required a jacket during the day. The sundresses and lightweight dresses I packed worked perfectly, but I advise bringing a jacket or long-sleeve shirts since it can get a bit chilly in the evening.

There are so many activities, you likely won't be able to do them all.

The Ain Dubai is the highest observation wheel in the world. Rachel Dube

I didn't realize just how big Dubai was until I visited. There is an endless amount of activities, so I would suggest trying to identify your priorities before landing in the city.

Based on my experience, I recommend visiting the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world), going on the Ain Dubai, wandering the souks, and strolling along the Jumeirah Beach Residence Walk.

At night, it's worth snagging tickets to see the La Perle show and walking around the Dubai Mall to see the fountain show and lights around the Burj Khalifa.

Dubai is filled with record-breaking attractions but also tons of history and culture.

A building in Al Seef is reminiscent of what the city used to look like. Rachel Dube

Though the world's tallest building and highest observation wheel were worth seeing, don't skip the historical part of the city. Visiting Al Seef, the souks, and taking an abra (a boat) across the river were definitely highlights of the trip.

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Parts of the city are extremely innovative and new but older areas showcase its history and culture. Seeing both allowed me to appreciate how the city has evolved over time.

Abu Dhabi is definitely worth a day trip and is only about an hour and a half away.

I also visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Rachel Dube

Though I originally planned on visiting only one of the seven emirates, the emirate of Dubai, my friends told me I had to incorporate a day trip to Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and is located in the eponymous emirate. We hired a tour guide to take us on the hour-and-a-half drive to Abu Dhabi and around the main sites.

Dubai isn't the only city with gorgeous sites and history  there are incredible places to visit nearby.

Driving to Abu Dhabi's breathtaking sites was truly worth it. Rachel Dube

In Abu Dhabi, we visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Qasr Al Watan (a working Presidential palace), and Heritage Village.

I loved the emirate so much that I'd love to go back just to see more of it.

In addition to offering traditional Middle-Eastern food, Dubai seemed to have every other cuisine imaginable.

The breakfast at my hotel was one of my favorite meals on the trip. Rachel Dube

I'm allergic to sesame, so I was worried about what I'd eat on this trip, since Middle-Eastern food and Emirati cuisine use this ingredient quite often.

However, Dubai had every cuisine I could imagine. Everything from Italian food to Chinese options was available, so my choices were not limited.

Though everything we tried was delicious, the food could be pricey.

Palm Jumeirah and Dubai International Financial Centre are closer to the main attractions than some other popular areas where visitors stay.

My hotel in the Dubai International Financial Centre was beautifully decorated. Rachel Dube

Since Dubai is such a large city, I think it's best to stay close to its attractions. I selected the Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre because it was only a two-minute drive (or a 20-minute walk) to the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall and close to restaurants and shops.

Since it was in the center of the city, grabbing taxis and finding transportation was easy.

Many visitors also opt to stay in Palm Jumeirah, which has waterfront hotels with larger properties and private beaches. It's still close to the city but has some privacy.

Hiring a tour guide ended up being the best decision I made on my trip  and it was quite affordable.

The view from the Dubai Marina Walk was stunning. Rachel Dube

I hired tour guides to maximize my time in Dubai, which was one of the best decisions I made.

We hired guides to take us around the city on our first day, as well as on our day trip to Abu Dhabi, the desert, and a nightlife tour. We made the most of our time in the city and we saw a ton.

We booked most of the guides through the hotel or by recommendations from friends and family who have visited. Each guide was relatively affordable and was accompanied by a driver.

You must bring appropriate attire for mosques and other holy sites.

I wore an abaya at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Rachel Dube

The holy sites we visited had a dress code. Men should wear a shirt with sleeves that are at least elbow length with long trousers. In mosques, women need to wear an abaya and shayla, which covers their body and hair.

You can purchase an abaya and shayla at many tourist sites or borrow them ahead of entering. I didn't realize the mosques had a dress code, but I would have planned my outfit beforehand if I had.

Don't let your worries about sand and heat cause you to pass up a trip to the desert.

I'm glad I got to see the desert. Rachel Dube

I typically stay away from deserts, but dune bashing  driving at varying speeds over sand dunes  in Dubai was one of my favorite activities on the trip. It was almost like riding a roller coaster on the sand and we got to see a beautiful sunset before heading back to the city.

Don't miss dune bashing if you take a trip to the emirate.

Souks are some of the best places to buy souvenirs or spices.

You can buy things like souvenirs and spices at the souks in Dubai. Rachel Dube

You can grab souvenirs from just about any attraction in Dubai, but I think you'll get the best prices and selection at the souks, or marketplaces.

Dubai has a multitude of open-air souks, ranging from one for gold to a market for spices, and they each sell a wide variety of items. I purchased spices, jewelry, and souvenirs from different souks and strongly believe they're worth checking out.

Read the original article on Insider
Editors note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal.

The son of prominent local former journalist and Orange County Tourist Development Tax Citizen Advisory Task Force Co-Chair Jane E. Healy was arrested during a traffic stop July 21 as part of an Orlando Police Department narcotics investigation.

Read: Police say drugs found during raid of community leaders home, threaten nuisance crackdown

A search of a home Healy owns at 813 Greenwood St. near downtown Orlando revealed several narcotics, and it has been the scene of multiple citizen complaints regarding illegal activity, said a July 24 news release from the Orlando Police Department. The investigation resulted in the arrest of 40-year-old Randall Healy Clark  the son of Jane Healy, according to a Florida Politics report  and three other individuals. The OPD report specifically mentioned the owner of the home  Jane Healy  was not arrested.

The significance of Jane Healy  a Pulitzer Prize-winning former Orlando Sentinel managing editor  is her role on the countys TDT task force, which is helping provide Orange County leaders with guidance on how to spend millions of dollars in tourist development tax dollars. The groups recommendations will be presented to Orange County leaders on July 25, and Healy played a key role in leading the task force through the deliberations and presenting the applications to county leaders.

Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journals website.
With an unprecedented heat wave baking much of the West, inmates at Californias largest female-only prison say they have been suffering in recent weeks because of faulty cooling systems that have left them sweltering.

This is the worst year its ever been, said inmate Christine Loyd, 79, who has been housed at the Central California Womens Facility in Chowchilla since 2012.

Loyd said temperatures inside her dormitory-style room rose to 94 degrees three days in a row since last weekend, and that as she was speaking to a Sacramento Bee reporter Monday, the thermometer said it was 84 degrees in her room.

Theres been a horrific heat wave and it has affected most of the cells, she added. Its almost impossible to breathe with the heat.

Loyd and inmate advocates say much of the problem is that the facility relies on evaporative coolers that sometimes break and frequently leak.

A spokeswoman for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said in an email response to The Bee that officials had repaired the cooling systems, known colloquially as swamp coolers, and that efforts are being made at all state prisons to deal with the heat.

CDCR is closely monitoring the heat wave, and is coordinating with our state partners and the leadership in each of the states 33 prisons to ensure there are appropriate resources and response, spokeswoman Mary Xjimenez wrote. CDCR responded quickly to the heat issue at CCWF and completed repairs of the swamp coolers on Friday, July 21.

We have also installed additional fans in the housing units, which now have an average temperature of 80 degrees.

But inmates say that average temperature is misleading, with the hallways typically running much cooler than inmate rooms, which have cinder block walls and have more direct exposure to the sun.

The rooms are extremely hot, said Charlotte Pleytez, 36, who has been at the prison for 13 years. The end room that I live in, the corner area gets up to 102 degrees.

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We have no air flow except for the fans we have purchased.

Pleytez said some of the swamp coolers did not have water in them, which is needed to cool the air fanned through them, because of concerns that they were old and leaking through ceilings.

She added that industrial fans have been placed in hallways to provide better air circulation, but that staffing issues have left many inmates inside their rooms with their doors closed.

Were locked in constantly because of lack of staff, so our doors are closed and the rooms are ridiculously hot, Pleytez said. Sometimes staff might come in and say, Its not too hot in here.

They say they check the temperatures in the hallways, but the hallway doesnt face the sun. The hallways are cooled. Its inside the room where were locked.

Laura Hernandez, an inmate advocate based in Orange County and former Chowchilla inmate, said she began getting calls and emails from concerned relatives of inmates more than a week ago.

She added that staffers brought ice water coolers in for inmates, but that some later were marked as being for staff only.

Its just an oven, youre baking them inside, she said.

Chowchilla reached 100 degrees Monday evening, according to the National Weather Service, with highs near 100 predicted for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Hernandez forwarded a message from a prison official saying ice water had been distributed to each unit and that we have policies in place which articulate when ice is distributed to incarcerated individuals.

Our team is actively working on the repair of the CCWF swamp coolers to restore their functionality as soon as possible, the message added. We assure you that we are expediting the repairs to alleviate the current heat conditions.

What are California prison policies for heat?

CDCR has a heat plan coordinator at each prison and a plan for extreme heat situations that calls for more access to water, ice and fans, more access to showers and access to areas with air conditioning such as clinics, CDCRs website says.

All housing units in CDCRs 33 prisons provide some cooling relief from heat, most often in the form of evaporative coolers and fans, CDCRs plan says. Additionally, nursing staff will conduct rounds in the housing units and all staff are advised to keep visual contact with the incarcerated population for any signs of heat exposure.

When indoor temperatures are higher than 90, vulnerable inmates are moved to air conditioned spaces, and liquids with electrolytes are distributed if medical staff direct that, CDCR says.

Indoor temperatures above 95 degrees call for nurses to check on every inmate at least every two hours.

At all our institutions, we are paying special attention to medically vulnerable incarcerated people, and are providing additional water, ice, cooling areas, and information to our staff and incarcerated population on ways to prevent heat-related illnesses throughout this heat wave, Xjimenez said. At this time, in-person visiting has not been impacted, but depending on the conditions, may be canceled.

We advise any scheduled visitors to check our website for updated information.
Inside Corporate Americas Favorite 'Union Busting' Firm

The Labor Relations Institute links employers up with the persuaders who thwart union organizing campaigns.

by Dave Jamieson July 25, 2023

TULSA, Okla.  The nexus of the union avoidance consulting industry sits in a row of strip malls in the Tulsa suburb of Broken Arrow, between a dog-grooming service and a smoky bar. The blue sign above the door says LRI, short for the Labor Relations Institute, a lofty moniker that suggests an organization abuzz with researchers. But LRI is not an institute so much as a profitable business built on subcontracting.

LRI acts as a clearinghouse that links up employers with the persuaders who help thwart union organizing campaigns  work that labor groups call union busting. It is the firm that some of Americas most recognizable companies have turned to when their workers are considering forming a union. Its clients have included the food-service conglomerates Aramark and Sysco; candy company Hershey; pharma giant Pfizer; poultry processor Mountaire Farms; ink producer Sun Chemical; and retailers like Dollar General, Lowes and Williams-Sonoma, according to federal disclosure filings.

Employers often pay $400 per hour or more to have a single labor consultant countering a union campaign.

Employers often pay $400 per hour or more to have a single labor consultant countering a union campaign. The real work is done inside the workplace, but making money doesnt necessarily require going out in the field and speaking to workers  the assignments can be subcontracted to other consultants who are registered as LLCs. Such is the business model of LRI.

LRI is run by Phillip Wilson, a University of Michigan Law School graduate who sometimes appears at human-resources conferences or gets quoted in the news speaking on labor issues.

Over the years, Wilsons menu of services has ranged from a la carte videos and opposition research to a guaranteed option that requires a minimum $50,000 deposit and assures the union will fail.

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It is not clear how many employees Wilson has at LRI. He has referred to himself as the president, general counsel and occasional barista for the firm. He did not respond to repeated interview requests for this story, or a detailed list of questions sent before publication.

Persuaders who have gotten jobs through Wilson describe him as a nice guy who brings in a lot of work for his subcontractors. Bob Funk, a former union employee who now runs a nonprofit watchdog called LaborLab, called Wilson a figurehead for the industry who makes a controversial line of work seem more palatable. Wilsons polish gives no hint of how vicious anti-union campaigns can be, according to Funk.

I think most of the industry wants him to be that person, Funk said. You look at his profile, he seems like a pretty upstanding guy. Hes really well spoken, and he comes off as really reasonable. But he is making millions of dollars doing this.

Although the persuader industry is regulated by the Labor Department, its difficult to say accurately how much money firms like LRI bring in. Employers paid LRI more than $10 million for persuader work between 2020 and 2022, according to an analysis of annual disclosure forms. But that figure only includes what employers self-reported to the government. Many companies fail to disclose their spending even though its required under law, so its likely that LRIs receipts were higher in that time period.

Business seems to be getting better as more workers try to unionize. An analysis of LRIs disclosures shows the firms payments to its persuaders increased by 29% in 2021, then by another 19% in 2022, tracking with a rise in union election petitions filed by workers. Funk said more employers seem to be hiring the likes of LRI before their workers even request an election, perhaps because they see successful organizing happening at big-name companies like Starbucks and Trader Joes. Americans approval of labor unions now stands at a 57-year high.

Wilson likes to speak of LRIs work using the language of positive employee relations. Hes boasted that his firm has helped improve relationships between managers and their employees in over 10,000 different companies. But notes and spreadsheets obtained through public record requests show LRI subcontractors rating individual workers on their union support, sharing details from workers personal lives and strategizing about how best to turn them against the idea of a union.

Ryan Coffel, who helped lead a union campaign at the Midwestern chain Colectivo Coffee in 2021, said LRIs consultants brought new tensions to his workplace. He said baristas were required to sit through meetings in which all the information seemed slanted against the union.

They dont blatantly lie. They just bend the truth.Worker Ryan Coffel on the consultants he encountered

They dont blatantly lie. They just bend the truth, said Coffel, a former cafe shift leader. People were frustrated with these meetings. It just became more of like a war of attrition.

Shellie Parsons, who tried unsuccessfully to unionize her Dollar General store in Connecticut in 2021, told HuffPost after the vote that LRI consultants had trailed employees as they did their duties. The union lost the election 2-3.

They were following us, Parsons said. They just scared everybody.

I Get My Marching Orders

LRI was founded by Wilsons father, Donald, in 1978, according to the younger Wilson. On corporate papers filed with the state of Oklahoma in 1996, Donald Wilson wrote that LRIs business purpose was to manufacture and market video tapes about labor relations, though the filings made no mention of labor unions. The firm sold its products to employers facing union campaigns, and it was highly aggressive in its marketing tactics, according to National Labor Relations Board files.

In 1998, the labor boards office of the general counsel sent a warning to staff that LRI consultants were soliciting leads on union campaigns from the agencys federal employees. The memo said that in some cases they had offered compensation in return for the receipt of such information, rather than filing requests for public records. Employees were told it was an ethical violation to accept such payments and that the matter had been referred to the agencys inspector general.

The inspector general sent the troubling results of that investigation to Congress later that year. LRI had been recruiting federal workers as coordinators who would send LRI information on the latest union election petitions via fax. LRI was paying secretaries and clerical workers inside the agency a monthl for their services, plus a bonus for each election petition they sent, according to the inspector general.

If LRI succeeded in selling its business to the employer facing a union drive, the coordinator got another bonus. LRI also gave the workers movie and meal tickets and other gifts.

Evidence indicates that LRI and coordinators frequently arranged for payments to be split into several names, or made out to a friend or relative of the coordinator, to conceal the payments, to avoid the issuance of a 1099, and allow the coordinator to evade federal and state income taxes, the inspector general wrote.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation joined the investigation after a subpoena of LRIs bank records showed the substantial involvement of board employees, but the U.S. attorneys office ultimately declined to pursue a case, according to the report. The investigation found that some board employees had been working for LRI on the side for years. (On his LinkedIn page, Phillip Wilson says he joined his fathers firm in 1998, the year the inspector general issued its report.)

As the inspector general noted, LRI was known for giving subscribers access to its online database loaded with information on unions, before the information was more readily available on the labor boards website. Brent Yessin, a longtime labor consultant who competed with LRI, once said in a 2014 civil deposition that the firms products were subpar, but it excelled at drumming up business.

Their research isnt very good. Their films arent very good, Yessin said. But they have a great database so they send out gazillions of letters every time [an employer] gets a petition.  They get work.

Few union avoidance firms could boast working as many union campaigns or having as large a network of persuaders as LRI.

Few union avoidance firms could boast working as many anti-union campaigns or having as large a network of persuaders as LRI. A representative once testified before the labor board that the firm had 84 former union organizers working as consultants, a figure that could not be confirmed. LRI has sometimes served as a first stop for persuaders new to the business.

Wilson appears to farm out most or all of the on-the-ground work. The subcontracting arrangement, which is common in the industry, can make it difficult to track how much ends up in the pockets of the persuaders themselves, as opposed to intermediaries like LRI. Payment figures submitted as part of a 2015 civil lawsuit in Delaware show LRI splitting the employers fees 50-50 with its consultant (LRI was not a party to the suit).

By handling the administrative work, LRI appears to free up the persuaders to focus on their end: swaying workers to vote against the union. As one LRI consultant testified during a 2012 labor board hearing, I get my marching orders and I let the bosses deal with the contracts.

The Captive Audience

Over the years, thousands of workers have encountered LRIs consultants in what are known as captive audience meetings. These are mandatory talks, either in groups or one on one, where persuaders generally deliver anti-union talking points. But these interactions can serve a larger purpose for the persuaders: figuring out where individual workers stand on the union.

Labor board files obtained through public records requests show the extent to which LRI consultants are studying the workforce and probing for employees pressure points. Take the case of Western Refining, a petroleum distributor that was the subject of a 19-day NLRB hearing in 2012.

Western Refining hired LRI to help dissuade its truck drivers in New Mexico from joining the Teamsters. Records show LRIs consultants had spreadsheets that mapped out union support among the facilities. Each worker was graded on a scale of 1 to 5  1 being solidly anti-union, 5 being unshakably pro-union. The consultants put much of their energies toward those in the 3 column  fence-sitters who could go either way.

Its standard practice for union organizers to evaluate workers on their own end, but with a crucial difference: Only the employer enjoys guaranteed access to the voters. At Western Refining, the persuasion came in the form of group meetings, one-on-one chats and on-the-job ride-alongs with LRI consultants, according to labor board files.

Today i will be riding with some of the workers who need special attention, one persuader wrote in her notes. They have either been classified as on the fence or they are #2 who need a little push to be open non union supporters.

The consultants added notes about each worker: synical in meet. Says no respect, no voice. out on disability, broken leg. worried about aftermath for signing a card. The consultants would write up detailed reports on each driver, weighing their evaluations against those made by their fellow persuaders.

One consultant assessed a driver for the companys Albuquerque facility and advised on how to turn him against the union: Some have him as a four. I see him a true 3. He knows very little about the union and just came from a company that went under. So any discussions of the unions history of impacting business and job security during a petition campaign will swing him to a solid 2.

The consultant said the personal circumstances of another worker could make him easier to coax: He is 47 years old and was born and raised a stone throws away from the Western facility. He lives in the NE side of town [and] has an eleven year old at home. He is looking at what would assure him of job security. I think he is a genuine 3 but with extensive education and one on one persuading he should be a 2.

But the consultant seemed most concerned with an Albuquerque-based driver who professed to be against the union. He suspected this worker was a secret union supporter: If a petition is filed and a campaign is started he will need to be managed and early tested by giving him false information that should appear in the unions propaganda.

The union accused Western Refining and LRIs consultants of repeatedly breaking the law during the campaign, leading to a trial at the labor board. During their testimony, the consultants downplayed the nature of their work.

The consultant who said some workers needed special attention claimed she was doing the ride-alongs primarily to learn about trucking: What I wanted to do was just get to know more about the industry and what it is that they do.

Another LRI consultant gave testimony that appeared to conflict with his own emails that had been submitted as exhibits. The judge deemed him a witness who would conform his testimony to whatever would please his customer.

The judge found that one of LRIs consultants broke the law by soliciting grievances from workers and making promises if they chose not to unionize, as well as carrying out an unlawful interrogation. The employer was ordered to read a notice to workers about their rights and offer back pay to workers who were wrongfully suspended. LRI faced no penalties.

For years unions have wanted to see captive audience meetings banned. They might finally get their wish.

An Inherent Threat

Unions believe mandatory meetings like the ones at Western Refining make it much more difficult for workers to organize. For years they have wanted to see the meetings banned. They might get their wish, thanks to a case involving LRIs persuaders.

In 2018, the Mexican-owned ready-mix concrete company Cemex hired LRI to blunt a union effort among its truck drivers in Nevada and California. Cemex spent morethan $1.1 million on LRIs work. Following a bitter campaign, the union narrowly lost the election, with workers voting 179-166 against joining the Teamsters. But a judge later ruled that the company had committed extraordinary violations, and that one of LRIs persuaders  a man the judge found not credible as a witness  had illegally threatened workers with layoffs.

Every time we had a meeting  it was always just to talk down about the union and why we should not vote for the union, and how they were going to take our [money], one Cemex driver recalled during a hearing.

The Cemex hearing was conducted via Zoom due to the pandemic. One of LRIs persuaders appeared to be tuning in for his testimony from somewhere in the Caribbean. He apologized to the judge for the background noise.

Im on a small island in the Caribbean and I live right across the street from an airstrip, and theres also a lot of roosters outside, he said, according to hearing transcripts obtained through a records request.

The labor boards general counsel filed a lengthy brief in the case that caused a stir among labor lawyers. She argued that mandatory anti-union meetings should be illegal. She also said Cemex should have to bargain with the union because the company broke the law and had no good-faith reason to doubt a majority of the workers wanted to unionize.

If those arguments hold up before the five-member labor board in Washington  and survive legal challenges that may follow  the case could alter precedent and make it easier for workers to form unions. It could also forbid employers and consultants around the country from forcing workers into anti-union meetings.

The general counsel, Jennifer Abruzzo, said in an interview that mandatory meetings like the ones held by LRI consultants are inherently coercive.

There is a threat... Its inherent because these workers are economically dependent upon their employer. NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo

There is a threat. ... Its inherent because these workers are economically dependent upon their employer, said Abruzzo, who was appointed by President Joe Biden. They have no true ability to exercise their right to refrain without fear of some sort of reprisal.

Its not clear how such a change would impact the persuader business. Employers may see less value in their services if workers can no longer be required to listen to them. But its also possible their work could move more to the background, where they would advise the company and its managers on what to say and do, and have less direct interaction with employees.

For now, the work remains highly profitable, whether the consultants deliver for the employer or not.

At Colectivo Coffee, LRIs work was not enough to turn baristas against a union. They voted 106-99 in favor of unionizing and ratified their first contract in early June. Coffel, the former employee, said many workers had been seeking raises when they decided to organize. So it was galling to learn that the company had spentnearly $200,000 on LRIs consultants, according to Labor Department filings.

How much of that money could have gone to us? he said.
Interior paint (which really mostly means paint for walls inside the house) is one of those elements of a home improvement project that you notice less the better it is. But the choices can seem daunting: matte, satin, or eggshell? Acrylic or oil-based? Should you be priming or not? Dont fret! The good news is that the best paints are simply the ones that satisfy the homeowners unique aestheticsso, in that sense, if youre happy with it, its impossible for you to be wrong. But we can guide you toward the right paints for most modern homes. Indoor paints dont need to be scary!

Whats the difference between interior paint and outdoor paint?

Dont think you can just pull out that old leftover can of exterior paint to add a splash of color to the kids room. Exterior paint is made with chemicals to prevent mildew, chipping, peeling, fading, and stand up to the rigors of outdoor weatherand these arent the kinds of things you want inside your home.

Paint bases you can buy: Acrylic versus latex versus oil

Photo: liquorice/Getty Images

Though the term is used interchangeably with oil-based paints for most practical purposes, alkyd paints are actually not oil-based but alkyd resins mixed in some sort of thinner. When most people refer to oil-based paints, theyre actually talking about alkyds. They take longer to dry but tend to paint more evenly and blend better.

Though alkyds are a popular choice for outdoor painting because of their consistently high performance, theyre a poor choice for interior walls because they give off fumes during and after painting (sometimes for years). Those fumes can contain volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that are harmful to humans and animals and include known carcinogens. If youre considering alkyd paints for the interior of your home, its advisable for you to consider not going the DIY route and at least consult with, or hire, professional painters.

Even in my commercial experience, we never used oil-based paints, ever, North Carolinabased interior designer Heather LaBoda says. Oil-based paints were used outside and to adhere to existing substrates in old buildings where you needed that adhesion and were covering an oil-based paint already there.

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Water-based paints come in two common varieties for painting the interior of your home: acrylic and latex. Acrylic paints have additives that make them more elastic and clingy and more mildew-and water-resistant, so theyre a popular choice for humid rooms like bathrooms. They dry faster than oil-based paints and can be cleaned with simple soap and water in most cases. Though they dont contain as many VOCs as alkyd paints, they do contain more than latex paints and should be used with appropriate safety measures like wearing R95-rated respirators, opening windows, and running fans to blow the fumes out of the house. Acrylic is more expensive than latex paints and typically comes in one-gallon cansyoull probably see more acrylic paints in even smaller tubes and pots in art-supply stores than in the indoor aisles of paint stores.

Some manufacturers have recently introduced waterborne alkyd paints, which they say combine the best qualities of alkyd paints with the best qualities of acrylic paints, all with low VOCs.

Latex paints are far and away the most popular paints to use for interiors and are probably the type youll be painting with. Like acrylic paint, its a quick-drying (you can often finish two coats of paint in a single day), easily washable paint thats much cheaper than the other common bases (sold in five-gallon buckets as opposed to one-gallon), with low VOCs emitted while drying. Its great for covering large areas and comes in the most colors of any wall paint, but it can go on unevenly or let underlying paints show through if youre not careful.

When youre buying paints, look for low-, no-, or zero-VOC paints. Low-VOC paints are required to have less than 50 grams of VOCs per liter, whereas zero-VOC paints arent literally zero-VOC  theyre required to have under five grams of VOCs per liter. Though thats a lot less than the paints previous generations had to choose from, they can still contain VOCs and other harmful chemicals, so its still good practice to wear the appropriate respirators and keep the area well-ventilated until the paint is completely dry.

Paint finishes you can buy: Matte/flat paint versus eggshell paint versus satin paint versus semi-gloss versus high-gloss

Just as important as the color of your paint is the finish (or gloss or sheen). Generally speaking, matte (or flat) paints absorb light and are better for covering up imperfections. The glossier the paint gets, the more light it reflects.

Woman hands painting with a brush Photo: David-Prado/Getty Images

Though the terms gloss and sheen are often used interchangeably, gloss refers to the amount of light reflected at a 60-degree angle and describes a sharper, crisper look. Sheen, on the other hand, is the amount of light reflected at an 85-degree angle and describes a softer reflected appearance.

But dont get too wrapped up in the exact names of the paint finishes, as theres no industry standard and each manufacturer uses its own terms. You may notice that Sherwin-Williamss eggshell is shinier than Benjamin Moores eggshell or even equivalent to Benjamin Moores semi-gloss, for example. Some manufacturers even use different names for gloss grades between their own paint lines! Suffice it to say that, in order of increasing glossiness, paints are generally understood to go from flat (or matte) to eggshell to satin to semi-gloss to glossy or high-gloss. In general, and in this article, we default to the terms most resembling the glossiness scale of Benjamin Moore.

Keep in mind that bases and pigments are mixed together to make the paint you walk out of the store with. So just because you dont see your favorite color in an eggshell finish doesnt mean you have to settle for semi-glossthe store can simply mix the right color with the eggshell base, says Jennifer Levy, interior designer and founder of CAVdesigns in New York City

What is the most popular paint finish to buy for interior walls?

Eggshell paint is probably the most popular choice for interior paint, especially for lived-in areas like living rooms and dining rooms, and is seen by many as a great compromise between the easy maintenance of glossy paints and the ability to cover up imperfections of matte paints. (Some manufacturers have recently started putting out matte or flat paints that they tout as being as easy to wash as eggshell paints.)

One of the disadvantages of eggshell, however, is that its more difficult to touch up later compared to matte. So if you dont paint the whole wall, you get splotches where you touched up that you can see when the light hits the wall just right, LaBoda says.

For millwork, like trim for windows and doors or features that see a lot of use like kitchen cabinets, semi-gloss finish is traditional, as its easier to clean for these areas that are often painted white and naturally attract more fingerprints.

For high-traffic areas, rooms that will get messy (kitchens and anywhere with young kids), and areas where humidity will be an issue, go toward the glossier end of the spectrum. Just keep in mind that the glossier you get, the more any imperfections in the wall will stand out. In order to use a full-on gloss paint, the condition of whatever youre using it on has to be really pristine, because its going to show any little flaws or defects or inconsistencies, Levy says.

What is the best paint color to buy for interiors?

The classic combination is neutral tones for indoor walls and a lighter neutral color (usually white) for the trim, but, in the end, the only experts who count when deciding on the colors of the paint for the walls of your home are you and your family. (And there are plenty of underrated paint colors.) But we can point you in the right direction.

Beautiful wooden dining table in drawing room of luxury house Photo: JR-stock/Getty Images

Technically, there is no one right answer, because color is subjective, LaBoda says. But there are multiple right answers. And from a design perspective, there could be a wrong answer for a space, depending on what your goals are.

She says she likes to start with the overall design concept of the house and make sure each space fits in with the overall vision to create a sense of continuity throughout. Thinking about the paint colors for the entire house can narrow down your choices for each room. You can pull an accent color from an adjacent room and make that the dominant color in your new room, she says.

And dont let the names of the paints fool you, Levy warns. Theres no such thing as just white when it comes to paint, Levy says. There are lots of whites, and they will look different in a room.

What kind of lighting is in the room?

Both experts we spoke to agreed that its impossible to overemphasize the importance of the lighting in the room.

Natural lights going to bring in different undertones depending on how the windows are oriented, LaBoda says. Determine the dominant light exposure in the space and how itll affect the wall colors you choose. North-facing and south-facing rooms never have direct sunlight, but a north-facing room will overall have cool, gray overtones to it, so you may want to consider a warm palette to counteract that. A south-facing room is going to be very warm, so you might consider a cooler tone because you dont want your color to be overwhelmingly warm. East/west-facing rooms change during the daya western room will have cooler light in the morning and warmer light in the evening. So ask yourself, When do I usually spend my time in there? If its all the time, youre going to need to supplement with artificial light.

It doesnt stop there. You also need to consider whats outside the windows and how it affects the light. For example, Levy says, if you have a tree outside the window, the color from the leaves will suffuse the room with greenish light at certain times of day, pulling the paints on the walls toward the greenish end of the color wheel and influencing the paint sheen you choose.

How big is the room?

In general, darker colors make spaces look smaller, while lighter colors make spaces look bigger.

A dark color will make a room feel smaller, LaBoda says. Paints with higher sheens will encourage natural lights to bounce around the space and make it feel larger. Matte finishes will absorb light and make a room feel smaller.

There are instances when you may actually want to use darker colors in small rooms, for instance, to use ceiling paint to good effect.

Smaller rooms where you dont spend a lot of time, like a powder room, can really be enhanced by a rich coat of paint, Levy says. The fifth wall is the ceilingIve used light pastels or even darker, richer colors on the ceiling to add a lot of atmosphere, and it can really bring a high ceiling down. Sometimes a really high ceiling can feel too high, not to human scalea small bathroom with a nine-foot, 10-foot ceiling can feel like a pit or a corridorso dark paint can make it feel cozier.

What do you use the room for?

The function of the room youre painting will be a huge factor in the finish you chooseand could affect your color choice, as well.

High-traffic areas and areas that see a lot of messes, splatters, handprints, and sticky little fingerskitchens, family rooms, living rooms, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and anywhere little kids like to congregatewill require different paint finishes than rooms that are more sedate. (Think semi-gloss paints and above on the stain-resistance scale.)

Youll also want to consider whether the colors you pick match the activities the room will support.

Is it used to work, play, or relax? Because colors can have a direct effect on how you feel, LaBoda says. Blues and grays and greens are calming. Yellow is energetic. Red is intense and passionate. How would that color reflect how you feel as you use it? What mood do you want to set aesthetically? Classy? Funky? Playful?

What paint is best to buy for trim and architectural details?

Crown molding, wainscoting, cornices, balustrades, custom wall panels, and other architectural details are usually painted a different color and finish than standard walls. Theyre typically painted white or some other color that complements the wall paint, which is a safe choice if you dont want these features to be accentuated because of flaws you dont want to highlight or because you just feel like it.

White wooden door Photo: Lily Solopova/Getty Images

Theres often a good reason to go with a glossier texture like a satin finish for thesefor instance, railings and wainscoting are common areas for scuffs and fingerprints. Elements like crown molding and cornices wont see a lot of handprints, of course, but a glossier paint is a good way to bring attention to these attractive elements, catching and reflecting light and using it to pop and emphasize its three-dimensionality, as long as it isnt so glossy that it is showing off the imperfections, of course.

And if you do want to showcase your architectural details, painting them is a perfect way to do that too. Working in Brooklyn, I do deal with a lot of architectural detailing in brownstones, and one thing people get really hung up on is wood, Levy says. So I convince people that its an opportunity to highlight the details in a different way  it doesnt have to be a wood color.

Matching indoor paints to furniture, curtains, and other elements

Once youve considered the size and function of the room, there are several other elements you should look at before settling on the colors for your indoor painting. Do you know what furniture, drapes, or other items are going into the room, or is it already furnished? Picking out and emphasizing or complementing existing color schemes is a great way to ensure you get the most out of your indoor paintsand seriously narrow down the paint chips youll be looking at.

Usually, I like to select the paint pretty late, Levy says. I like to have the room and furniture and fabrics figured out and then paint. Why? Because if you look at a paint deck, theres like thousands of paint colors to pick from.

Do you want to pick from elements like duvet covers? Are there multiple colors in them? LaBoda says. You can pull from some of those and match those to paint swatches from the store and build off that. Its nice to have a central element to build off of.

Try paint samples before you buy

The most important step in choosing your paint colors is getting samples and making sure they work in your space with all different kinds of lights and your existing aesthetic. You can get paint decks or paint chips for paints for sale at almost any paint store, but the chips are tinyabout the size of a thumbprintand wont do you much good. Instead, stores often offer tiny cans of paint for sale that you can use to paint small patches of wall in the colors youre consideringthe idea being that you can simply paint them over once you find The One.

Photo: skynesher/Getty Images

The best thing to do is paint a 12-by-12 swatch on the wall with all your options, LaBoda says. Looking at it on the wall at home is better, and the bigger the swatch the betterits almost more concentrated. I would encourage people to keep it there for multiple days and look at it multiple times of day. Youll see how it changes depending on the natural light in the night and morning.

If youre antsy about actually painting a wall you may change your mind about, then Levy suggests companies that offer large peel-and-stick paint samples, like Backdrop and Samplize, which offer samples of paint from major paint suppliers like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Farrow & Ball.

Prep and primers to buy for paint jobs

Indoor paint jobs start way before the actual painting: You need to wash and clean the walls and make sure the surface is ready for the paint to adhere to it. It might require some light sanding. And if its going over a glossy paint, a much darker paint, or a troublesome surface, then you should look into a primer thats suited to the surface youre working on (drywall, wood, metal, etc.)especially if youre dealing with water stains.

Somehow, those stains always come through, Levy says, chuckling. If theres a real trouble spot, I like Zinsser 1-2-3. Its pretty tough stuff, a primer, sealer, and stain killer in one, and its water-based and can be used on a lot of different surfaces.

How many gallons of paint do I need to buy?

The rule of thumb is that you need one gallon for one coat of 400 square feet covered. (Thats the area of the walls youre painting, not the floor space of the room.)

Once youre done, keep unused paint in a tightly sealed can in the basement or a closet for touch-ups. Levy lays Saran Wrap on top of the paint before sealing the lid on half-used cans so it doesnt dry out or develop a skin (like you would with half an avocado). If you actually manage to use exactly as much indoor paint as you bought, then its not a bad idea to buy an extra quart in the colors you used and keep them sealed in storage for the same reason. (You never know when the manufacturer might decide to discontinue the colors you used, after all, and though many paint stores have machines that can replicate colors for you, theyre not always a 100% perfect match.)

How many coats of paint do I need for indoor walls?

Both experts we spoke to agreed that you should paint at least two coats for a project, possibly more if the original color still shows through.

Do a minimum of two and then look at it, Levy says. If its a darker paint, then maybe three. Youll see it. Youll see unevenness and maybe a bit of the color behind it here and there.

How do you care for the indoor paints on your walls?

Indoor paints are made with durability in mind. Unlike with fabrics or furniture, you generally dont have to worry about fading with indoor paints, according to Levy.

Woman erasing child drawings from the white wall Photo: AnSyvanych/Getty Images

Its not the paint that goes, its the amount of small particles or even electromagnetic stuff that can cause what looks like dirt in the corners, she says.

Most indoor-painted walls can be cleaned with a simple swipe of mild soap and water on a soft washcloth. Youll only need to start thinking about putting on a new coat if there are noticeable scuffs or more serious damageor if your tastes change.

I would say consider repainting every 10 to 15 years or so; youll start noticing, depending on the color, that your whites are getting dingier or that you may be getting sick of that color, LaBoda says. Though it depends on how much use the space gets. It might be sooner if you picked some bold colors that arent vibing with you anymore.

What is the best interior paint brand to buy?

By far the most popular and easiest-to-find brands of indoor paints in the US are Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore, and each of them have several lines in various tiers of quality and price. (Behr, a Home Depot exclusive, is also popular.) Levy recommends Farrow & Ball for its excellently curated selection of colors and high finish, though it can get notoriously expensive. LaBoda and Levy both say that those looking to coordinate wall paints with wallpaper should browse the Backdrop Home website, which offers a selection of wallpapers and coordinating paints.

Painting accessories to buy

Necessities for paint projects include paint brushes, rollers (of which youll need a shorter nap the smoother the surface), painters tape, drop cloth or plastic, paint respirators, and disposable gloves. You may even decide to rent a sprayer (in which case, you definitely need good respirators.) Levy says her favorite painters tape for sharp lines is FrogTape. Her go-to brush type is a three-inch angled brush.

My recommendation is to get the best brush you can afford and clean it every time you use it and itll last you a long time, she says.

How much does it cost to paint a room?

A paint projects budget can vary widely, depending on whether youre doing it yourself or hiring professional painters, the brand and quality of paint you use, the height of the walls and difficulty painting them, architectural details, and so on. The paint itself can range from as little as $20 a gallon for low-quality paint to around $150 for higher-end paint from Farrow & Ball.

Generally speaking, youll pay less per square foot for larger paint projects, since the price of some necessities (drop cloths, brushes, ladders, etc.) is essentially a flat price.

The best tips and biggest mistakes when buying interior paints

Paint samples, paint samples, paint samples. Never forget to do the paint samples before buying paint, both experts say.

Not getting samples is the number one mistake people make with indoor paints, Levy says. People are constantly looking at Pinterest and other sources for finding paint colors they like, which is a good starting point. But the one thing I always tell people is: Get samples.

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest

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Welcome to Investigative Stories from Ukraine, the Kyiv Independent's newsletter that walks you through the most prominent investigations of the past week.

Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support us

The Kyiv Independents exclusive

Russia systematically abducts children from Ukraine, gives them to Russian families

Russia systematically abducts Ukrainian children from the occupied territories, trying to brainwash them and place them with Russian families, according to the Kyiv Independents first feature investigative documentary film.

Over 19,000 forcibly deported kids have been identified. But by some estimates, this stolen generation may number up to 100,000.

The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's commissioner on child rights for allegedly organizing the abductions.

Russia subverted the social services, medical facilities and childrens centers in Donetsk Oblast, using them in its kidnapping scheme. Children were deported from Donetsk to the other occupied territories and kept in hospitals.

Some were then deported to Russia under the pretext of "recovery," but they were placed with Russian families, camps, or orphanages instead, according to the investigation.

The Kyiv Independent has identified Russian families involved in adopting these children illegally.

Some children managed to return to Ukraine with the help of charitable organizations. But those who still remain in Russia face difficulties in expressing their will to return due to fear and control.

The journalists also identified one Russian family where an abducted Ukrainian child currently resides, with relatives in Ukraine desperate to bring her home.

The Kyiv Independent talked to parents who went to retrieve their children from Russia and the occupied territories.

Despite efforts to return the abducted children, the Russians are resisting, as they consider the children potential witnesses to war crimes. Moscow is refusing to provide lists of abducted children, hindering the volunteers to facilitate their return to Ukraine.

Story continues

Child abduction and deportation is a severe violation of international human rights law, international humanitarian law, and international criminal law. It is one of the five prohibited acts under the Genocide Convention of 1948.

Watch the full documentary via this link or read the story in English here.

Read also: Stolen generation. Russia systematically abducts children from Ukraine, gives them to Russian families

Top investigations

RFE/RL finds route through which Russia abducts Ukrainian children

Radio Free Europe identified the routes Russian troops and proxies took to forcibly move 31 Ukrainian children from the Donetsk Oblast to Russia in the spring of 2022.

Journalists used the testimonies of the abducted children, leaked data from the hacked email of the top Russian proxy in Donetsk, Denis Pushilin, and identified over 10 facilities in the occupied Donetsk Oblast, where the children were gathered before being deported to the camp near Moscow under the management of Putins Directorate.

Yevhen Mezhevyi, whose three children were deported to Russia, provided the Schemes with the list of 31 deported children. A similar document was found in the emails of Pushylin, the top Russian proxy, who personally approved and signed the list of children.

The so-called "List of 31" comprised 16 boys and 15 girls from the age of six to 17.

From the social centers in Donetsk Oblast, the children were deported by bus to Russias city of Rostov-on-Don. Later, the aircraft belonging to Putins Directorate took 31 children to Vnukovo Airport in Moscow, according to the report.

Some of the children from the "List of 31" were placed with Russian families, including the family of Maria Lvova-Belova, the Russian official overseeing the forced deportations, journalists found.

Only four children from the list have returned to Ukraine.

Find the full story in Ukrainian here.

Telegraph: Russia abducts Ukrainian elderly, vulnerable, disabled people

Russian forces also abducted elderly, vulnerable and disabled Ukrainians during the early stages of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to a Telegraph investigation.

The journalists found that abducted Ukrainian adults were stripped of their citizenship, subjected to forced blood donations to aid wounded Russian troops and suffered from botched medical procedures while in Russia.

The Telegraph didnt provide the number of deported Ukrainians to Russia.

Those who escaped back to Ukraine recounted being "treated with disdain" and subjected to abuse, according to the report.

The mistreatment and abuse experienced by these seniors was overshadowed by the focus on the illegal deportation and mistreatment of Ukrainian children by the Russian forces.

Elderly Ukrainians shared their stories of neglect, humiliation, and loss of personal documents and possessions while in Russia or in the Russian-controlled territory of Ukraine.

The charity Helping to Leave rescued some elderly Ukrainians. But some of those deported died in captivity or days after being returned to Ukraine-controlled territory from illnesses relating to the treatment received in the Russian captivity, journalists found.

Forced displacement and deportation constitute a war crime.

Read the full Telegraphs investigation via this link.

RSF finds new evidence confirming captured Ukrainian journalist is alive



Reporters Without Borders (RSF) obtained first-hand accounts, which confirmed that Ukrainian journalist Dmytro Khyliuk, abducted by Russian troops in March 2022, is alive in illegal detention in Russia.

RSF found that Khyliuk was transferred to a prison in Russias Vladimir Oblast in early May from the pre-trial detention center in Novozybkov in the far south-east of Russia, where he spent over a year without any legal basis.

The undisclosed sources told RSF Khyliuk was seen in the prison in late May. Khyliuk is held either in the colony near the town of Kovrov or in Melekhovo, the high-security prison where Russian authorities reportedly hold Putins critics among other prisoners.

Most of the detainees in the Melekhovo colony are held without charges as witnesses. They have no lawyer access.

Taking hostages of people taking no active part in the hostilities breaches the Geneva Conventions and constitutes a war crime.

Read the full report in English.

Impacts

Odesa military enlistment official detained after Ukrainska Pravda investigation

The State Investigation Bureau operatives detained Yevhen Borysov, head of the Odesa military enlistment office. Ukrainska Pravda reported that he was hiding assets in Europe.

Authorities said Borysov tried to avoid the detention by changing phone numbers, residences, and cars.

Ukrainska Pravda reported in late June that Borysov acquired a luxurious villa and cars registered under his wife in Spain worth $4.9 million since the start of Russia's all-out war against Ukraine.

Shortly after the story broke out, President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly asked for Borysov to be dismissed.

Borysov had been wanted for two days prior to his detention in Kyiv.

He is suspected of an alleged illegal enrichment and evading service during martial law, facing up to 10 years in prison if found guilty.

Oil storage tanks stand illuminated at night at the RN-Tuapsinsky refinery, operated by Rosneft Oil Co., in Tuapse, Russia, on Sunday, March 22, 2020. (Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

US sanctions Kyrgyz companies helping Russia evade sanctions

The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned companies from Kyrgyzstan for helping Russia to bypass Western sanctions following an investigation by RFE/RL program Schemes.

The sanctioned companies imported Western-made electronics for Russia's military, including microchips, and telecommunications equipment used in Russian missiles, tanks, helicopters, drones, and radio systems in the war against Ukraine, the journalist found in late June.

Kyrgyz officials have faced pressure from both Moscow and Western governments. Concerns have been raised about the possibility of secondary sanctions from the U.S. and the EU, according to the RFE/RL.

Kyrgyzstan-based entities have been frequent exporters of controlled electronics components and other technology to Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to the U.S. Treasury.

Meanwhile in Russia

FT: Car exports from Armenia to Russia skyrocketed after imposition of sanctions

Used car exports from Armenia to Russia skyrocketed since Western sanctions were imposed against Moscow due to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Financial Times reported.

Russian consumers, unable to access Western-made cars due to sanctions, turn to middleman countries, including Armenia.

Aggregate car exports from Armenia to Russia soared from $800,000 to $180 million in January 2023, according to the report.

Financial Times reported that the trade route for used cars primarily involves importing vehicles from the U.S. via the Georgian Black Sea port of Poti, clearing customs in Armenia, and transporting the cars to Russia.

Armenia's trade has fueled an economic boom, propelling its GDP to a record 13% growth in 2022, more than double the rate of the previous year, according to the report.

The US and the EU accused Armenia of smuggling restricted goods to Russia.

Armenian officials deny the accusations.

Read the full story in English via this link.

FT: Russian oil trade shifts to UAE as Switzerland joined sanctions against Russia

When Switzerland sanctioned Russia for invading Ukraine, a significant portion of Russian oil exports began to go to Dubai and other United Arab Emirates cities instead of Geneva.

UAE-based companies purchased around a third of Russias exported crude oil worth over $17 billion between January and April, according to the report.

Around 90% of Russian oil was re-exported directly from Russian ports to Asia, Africa, and South America without ever being touched down in the UAE.

Eight out of the top 20 traders of Russian crude oil and half its top refined petroleum product traders were registered in the UAE in the first four months of 2023, customs data shows.

The boom made Dubai a new hub for the Russian oil trade, enriching the UAE with billions of dollars in oil revenue and attracting new companies, according to the report.

Read the full story in English here.




NEW YORK (AP)  An intense police search of the Long Island home of Rex Heuermann is now complete, authorities said Tuesday as they ended a 12-day hunt for evidence that involved ripping up the yard and the discovery of a basement vault containing hundreds of weapons kept by the man accused of killing at least three women more than a decade ago.

At a press conference outside the Massapequa Park home where Heuermann lived with his wife and two kids, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said police had found a tremendous amount of information during their search.

He declined to describe the bulk of the material, but said there was not a singular piece of evidence that jumped out to him.

The search turned up at least 279 weapons kept inside a thick basement vault large enough for a person to walk into, Tierney said. Police took boxes of additional evidence from the house, which he described as a very cluttered environment.

An effort in recent days to dig up the backyard in search of possible clues about where the murders were committed did not yield any large items of evidence, he added.

A coalition of law enforcement agencies have been poring over the property since July 14th, when Heuermann was arrested and charged with killing three women  Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Costello, and Megan Waterman  and dumping their bodies along a remote stretch of coastal highway near Long Island's Gilgo Beach more than a decade ago. Prosecutors identified him as the prime suspect in the death of a fourth woman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes.

Heuermann, who worked as an architect in Manhattan, has denied the charges through his lawyer.

The killings, all of which involved women engaged in sex work, happened while Heuermanns family members were out of town, according to court papers. There is no indication his wife or children had knowledge of the crimes, Tierney said.

During the search, police used a scanning technology to identify disturbances in the ground outside Heuermanns property, Tierney said. An excavator dug up the yard, and investigators with shovels could be seen scraping through freshly upturned earth.

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There was nothing of note taken from the back yard, he said. As far as remains, there is a whole entire trace analysis we have to go through with the house with regard to hair fibers, DNA, blood, which well have to await the results of.

Police were also seen pulling from the house a large doll encased in glass and a portrait of a woman with a bruise on her face. Tierney said it would be quite some time before all of the evidence could be tested for forensics.

The end of the search comes as police in Las Vegas and South Carolina are beginning their own investigations into whether the suspect may have been connected to any unresolved cases. Heuermann owns a timeshare in Las Vegas and planned to retire in a remote area of South Carolina, where his brother currently lives.

Tierney declined to discuss specifics in the other cases on Tuesday, but noted the investigation is not limited to New York state.

Heuermann is due back in court on August 1st.
Israel faces extraordinary turmoil and a democratic crisis as opposition leaders and protesters step up their campaign against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus judicial overhaul plan.

Netanyahu and his coalition allies on the religious and political right won a key victory Monday by voting through the first part of the overhaul, removing the right of judges on the Supreme Court to overrule Cabinet ministers decisions for being unreasonable.

In response, thousands of protesters blocked streets outside the Knesset, Israels parliament, some of whom had camped overnight in a nearby park. Leading Israeli newspapers published entirely black front pages Tuesday.

NBC News explains the latest developments and why they matter.

Image: Benjamin Netanyahu (Maya Alleruzzo / AP)

What happened Monday?

On Monday, the Knesset passed one of its most contentious laws since Israel was founded in 1948. While the ability to overrule Cabinet ministers decisions for being unreasonable is rarely used, it was employed in January when the court ruled that the appointment of a minister was unreasonable in the extreme because of his criminal convictions. Netanyahu, much to his displeasure, had no choice but to remove him.

The change is part of a long-promised raft of proposals from Netanyahus coalition of far-right and hard-line religious parties. Netanyahu has long argued that the Supreme Court is a liberal, politically motivated body in need of reform.

There were hopes that a compromise could be reached. But the ruling coalition passed the law by 64 votes, with none against  opposition lawmakers left the parliament chamber in protest during the roll call.

In a statement addressed to the Israeli people Monday, Netanyahu said, We passed the amendment on the reason of reasonableness, so that the elected government could lead the policy in accordance with the decision of the majority of the countrys citizens.

Far-right Cabinet minister Bezalel Smotrich, the leader of the Religious Zionist Party, said in a statement that the change had started to repair the judicial system and restore the balance between the authorities that was violated 30 years ago by Aharon Barak, referring to the former president of the Supreme Court who developed the reasonableness test.

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Demonstrators block a highway to protest the Israeli government's judicial reform plan in Tel Aviv on July 24, 2023. (Jack Guez / AFP - Getty Images)

Why is it so important?

Unlike the U.S. Congress, Israels parliament has just one house, and there is no written constitution, giving the government a high degree of autonomy. The ability of judges to intervene was seen as a vital check on executive power.

It may sound like a technical detail, but the division this and other proposed changes have caused is unlike anything long-standing observers have seen.

This is a serious threat. This has never happened before, and we are going into a civil war now, Ehud Olmert, who was prime minister from 2006 to 2009, told the British broadcaster Channel 4 News on Monday.

Protesters, including military reservists and the 150 or so businesses that closed Monday in solidarity, say putting even more power in the hands of the prime minister is a risk.

The fear is that if they get this through, they will weaken democracy, especially because there are many elements in the coalition who are not very democratic  the far right is not very democratic, said Gideon Rahat, an Israeli politics expert at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

The only check and balance we have is the courts  we dont have strong local government; we dont have constituencies.  And the government is trying to weaken it, he said.

Image: (Maya Alleruzzo / AP)

What happens next?

It is far from over. Protests will continue, and more judicial changes are coming.

In a twist, its possible that Israels judges could end up deciding the fate of the reasonableness bill. The Movement for Quality Government, a good governance group, has filed a petition to the court arguing that the change is illegal.

Future proposed laws would give the government greater powers to appoint judges and remove ministries independent legal advisers.

No demonstrations were expected Tuesday, but protest groups have vowed to carry on as Netanyahu plans to take the rest of his judicial changes to parliament.

The government of the destruction of the house voted to crush the State of Israel as we knew it  we will fight them to the end, the Black Flags protest group said in a statement.

Histradut, the countrys trade union umbrella group, said after Mondays votes that it would convene a meeting of its members to discuss a general strike.

The covers of Israeli newspapers Haaretz, Yedioth Ahronot and Israel Hayom on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. (Paul Goldman / NBC News)

But while the government has shown no signs of relenting, the sheer scope of the opposition to Netanyahus changes could be too much, some said.

The protests and other pressures, such as what Biden might do and the economy, that all might restrict this plan, Rahat said. I think they did not predict this amount of rejection.

President Joe Biden has repeatedly urged Netanyahu not to impose his judicial plan on an angry public, with the White House again making that clear in a statement Monday, adding that Biden has been a lifelong friend to Israel.

The columnist Thomas Friedman of The New York Times suggested that only Biden has the power to stop Netanyahus plan.

Netanyahu, who has survived numerous political crises over his many years in power and is on trial on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, which he denies, may ultimately lose out in his quest to remake Israels judicial system.

Netanyahu is riding the back of a tiger, but sometimes the tiger takes him places he doesnt want to be taken, Rahat said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
(Bloomberg) -- The decline in Israeli assets accelerated on Tuesday as investor concern grew over a law that weakens the power of judges and which has sent hundreds of thousands of Israelis to the streets in protest.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The shekel slipped for a fourth day, dropping 1.4% to 3.7115 per dollar as of 5:05 p.m. in Tel Aviv, one of the biggest lossess among some 150 currencies tracked by Bloomberg.

The benchmark stock index dropped as much as 3.7%, the most intraday since February last year and the poorest performance in the world among primary indexes monitored by Bloomberg. The nations local currency bonds dropped, weakening by the most since February as of Mondays close.

I think what you are seeing now is a fundamental change in the quasi legal controls, said Saed Abukarsh, Dubai-based chief portfolio manager and co-founder at Ark Capital Management. Investor sentiment will be heavily impacted given that this will be viewed as an initial step in the total overhaul of the Israeli legal structure, he said. I expect this selloff to continue as well as demonstrations to escalate.

On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus right-wing coalition scrapped a law that allowed judges to void ministerial decisions they considered unreasonable, effectively removing judicial oversight over elected politicians decisions.

The government says the reasonableness law is just the first step. It also wants to increase the ability of politicians to select judges and make it harder for the Supreme Court to overturn legislation. Opponents say such legislation undermines Israels democracy and could imperil its status as a magnet for tech investments.

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Netanyahu has drawn this process out and so tensions will likely get worse, said Win Thin, global head of currency strategy at Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. There will be significant economic costs as protests continue.

He said he also worried about security, citing a tail risk of bad actors attempting to take advantage of dissent within the military.

Israel in Twilight Zone as Investors Fret Over Judicial Law

Short-term Recovery

The shekels one-month implied volatility has jumped by the most in over a year in the past two sessions, rising to the highest since April 17. The one-week measure has spiked to make it among the top three in the world behind Russias ruble and Turkeys lira.

Eimear Daly, a London based emerging-markets strategist at NatWest Markets, said that while investors were concerned about the potential for further moves by the coalition, the shekel could gain a reprieve from the parliamentary recess beginning at the end of July.

Without any further tangible moves to further constrain the judiciarys power, the shekel selloff will be limited and it could stage a short-term recovery during the break, she said. But further judicial reform likely means further ILS weakness, Daly said.

(Updates stock index move.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
JERUSALEM (AP)  Thousands of Israeli doctors walked off their jobs, labor leaders threatened a general strike and senior justices rushed home from a trip abroad on Tuesday, a day after the government's approval of a law that weakens the country's Supreme Court. Critics say the legislation will erode the system of checks and balances.

Four leading Israeli newspapers covered their front pages in black ink  an ominous image paid for by an alliance of high-tech companies. The only words on the pages were in a line at the bottom: A black day for Israeli democracy.

Monday's vote  on the first of a series of measures that make up Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus divisive judicial overhaul  reverberated across the country. It came despite seven months of fierce popular resistance, Netanyahus promises of an eventual compromise and a rare warning against the overhaul from Israels closest ally, the United States.

The bill was unanimously passed by the governing coalition, which includes ultra-nationalist and ultra-religious parties, after the opposition stormed out of the house shouting Shame!

Opponents say they are not done fighting and civil rights groups submitted petitions to the Supreme Court, calling for the new law to be overturned. Protests again roiled the country's streets.

These protests are not going anywhere, especially because the government has clearly stated that this is just phase one, said Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem think tank. This is the most widespread and significant democratic awakening in the history of the country. Clearly, it won't end.

Hundreds of thousands of people fanned out in Tel Aviv overnight, burning tires, setting off fireworks and waving Israeli flags. In Jerusalem, mounted police and water cannons spraying foul-smelling liquid cleared protesters from a main highway. At least 40 people were arrested by police in protests around the country.

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Videos showed police officers dragging protesters by the hair and neck, beating people until they bled and violently pushing them back with batons. At least 10 officers were assaulted and injured, police said.

Israel is now hurtling into uncharted territory against the specter of further social and political unrest. Thousands of officers in the military reserves have announced they will no longer turn up for voluntary service  a blow that could undermine the countrys operational readiness. High-tech business leaders are considering relocation.

On Tuesday, Moody's issued a report warning of significant risk if divisions within the country continue as Netanyahu's government presses ahead with the overhaul, with negative consequences for Israels economy and security situation.

Netanyahu said the credit rating company's assessment was a momentary response, when the dust clears, it will be clear that the Israeli economy is very strong.

The overhaul also threatens to strain ties with the Biden administration, jeopardize Israels new alliances with Arab states and deepen the conflict with the Palestinians, analysts say.

I think this country is going to either split into two countries or be finished altogether, said Yossi Nissimov, a protester in a tent city set up by demonstrators outside of the Knesset, or parliament, in Jerusalem.

The vote on the law came just hours after Netanyahu was released from the hospital, where he had a pacemaker implanted, adding another dizzying twist to an already dramatic series of events.

The Israeli Medical Association, which represents nearly all of the country's doctors, said they would strike en masse Tuesday across the country, with only emergencies and critical care in operation.

The vast majority of physicians know they will not be able to fulfill their oath to patients under a regime that does not accept the role of reason, said Hagai Levine, chairman of the Israeli Association of Public Health. He was referring to the law passed Monday, which prevents the Supreme Court from using the standard of reasonableness to strike down government decisions.

This overhaul will damage the public health and the health care system in Israel, Levine said, adding that already over 1,000 physician members have asked to be transferred abroad since the law passed.

Israels largest labor union, the Histadrut, which represents some 800,000 workers, said Tuesday that it would convene in the coming days to plan a nationwide general strike.

The chief justice of the Supreme Court, Esther Hayut, along with five other senior justices, cut short a trip to Germany in order to deal with the crisis, the court said. The justices were expected to land home on Tuesday night, a day earlier than expected, to discuss petitions against the overhaul.

But any move by the court to strike down Netanyahus new law could lead to a constitutional crisis and put the justices on an unprecedented collision course with the government.

Supporters of the judicial overhaul say the powers of unelected judges should be curbed to boost the powers of elected officials.

Opponents say it will undermine Israeli democracy and erode the countrys only check on majority rule in a system where the prime minister governs through a coalition in parliament  in effect giving him control over the executive and legislative branches of government.

As a result, the Supreme Court plays a critical oversight role. On Tuesday, for instance, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara appealed to the top court to scrap a law passed earlier this year that strips her of the power to remove the prime minister from office.

Netanyahu responded to the court, saying it shouldn't intervene in the matter.

Protesters also fear that the overhaul is fueled by the personal grievances of Netanyahu, who is currently on trial on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

While protesters represent a wide cross section of society, they come largely from the countrys secular middle class. Netanyahus supporters tend to be poorer, more religious and live in West Bank settlements or outlying rural areas.

The judicial overhaul has laid bare Israels social and religious divisions, said Israeli historian Tom Segev.

This is the beginning of a whole plan to change the basic values of society, he said.
NABLUS, West Bank (AP)  The Israeli military said it shot and killed three Palestinian gunmen in the northern occupied West Bank on Tuesday, the latest bloodshed in one of the most violent stretches of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in years.

Israeli security forces said they opened fire at Palestinian militants who had shot at them from a black Skoda in the West Bank city of Nablus, the territorys commercial capital and a major focus of the Israeli militarys recently stepped-up raids.

Hamas, the Islamic militant group, claimed the three Palestinians as members. Israeli security forces said they confiscated three M-16 rifles and other military equipment from the Palestinian car.

Palestinian media described the Israeli killing of the alleged gunmen as an ambush following the militants attempted attack on Israeli forces near a neighborhood that overlooks Nablus and is home to the Samaritans, one of the world's oldest and smallest religious minorities.

Palestinian health officials identified the men as Nur al-Ardah, 32, Montaser Salama, 33, and Saad Al-Kharraz, 43. Al-Kharraz had served as head of the Hamas student bloc at Al Najah University in Nablus, Palestinian authorities said.

Israeli-Palestinian fighting has surged in the occupied West Bank, which Israel captured from Jordan in the 1967 Mideast war. Palestinians seek the territory, along with east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, for a hoped-for future state.

In recent months, the West Bank has witnessed a volatile mix of the rise of local armed Palestinian groups carrying out frequent shooting attacks against Israelis and near-daily Israeli military raids that have increasingly turned deadly.

Earlier this month, Israels most forceful incursion into the West Bank in nearly two decades killed 12 Palestinians and one Israeli soldier.

Heightening tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus far-right, ultranationalist coalition has rejected talks with the Palestinian leadership, sought to expand Jewish settlements in the West Bank and pushed for a more aggressive response to Palestinian militant attacks.

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Speaking during a visit to the Turkish capital, Ankara, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accused Israels government of deliberate and planned racist practices and trying to destroy what remains of the foundations of the political process.

Late Monday, Palestinian militants said they opened fire at a bus carrying Israeli settlers near the Palestinian town of Hawara, just south of Nablus, without causing casualties. The Israeli military said it was setting up checkpoints to search for the suspects. A little-known armed group from the area calling itself the Dawn Brigade claimed responsibility for the shooting.

So far this year, over 150 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank  the highest death toll in over a decade. Nearly half of them were affiliated with militant groups and killed in fighting during Israeli military raids, but stone-throwing youths protesting the incursions as well as innocent bystanders have also been killed.

Palestinian attacks targeting Israelis have killed at least 25 people this year.
The Israeli government has passed the first major piece of legislation in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus plan to overhaul the countrys legal system  part of a broader plan that has triggered nationwide protests, divided the country and rattled the powerful military and influential business community.

The plan seeks to weaken the country's Supreme Court and transfer more powers to the parliament. Supporters say Israel's unelected judges wield too much power. But opponents say the judges play an important oversight role, and that the plan will push Israel toward autocratic rule.

Despite the fraught atmosphere, Netanyahu's allies say they are moving forward on the overhaul.

Heres a look at how the overhaul could affect Israel in the coming months:

WHY IS THE COUNTRY SO DIVIDED?

Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption charges, has long been a polarizing leader. His government took office in December, after narrowly winning the country's fifth election in under four years. All of those elections focused on Netanyahus fitness to rule.

These divisions have been reflected in the debate about the overhaul  stretching across religious, class and ethnic lines.

The anti-government protesters come largely from Israels urban middle class and include doctors, academics, military officers and business leaders. Netanyahu's supporters tend to be poorer, more religious and include residents of West Bank settlements and outlying areas. Many are working-class Jews of Mizrahi, or Middle Eastern, descent who see themselves marginalized by an Ashkenazi, or European, elite.

Following the Knesset vote that pushed the law through on Monday, Netanyahu appealed for unity and dialogue. But his opponents rejected the offer as insincere and vowed to continue the protests.

The morning after, we emerge to an Israel with internal battle lines drawn, an Israel potentially at war with itself, a government certainly at war with much, perhaps most, of the people, wrote David Horovitz, founding editor of the Times of Israel news site.

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Simcha Rothman, the Israeli lawmaker who has spearheaded the overhaul, said he hopes the opposition will be responsible and return to negotiations. But he made clear he is not done.

We have the majority, he said, referring to the parliamentary coalition. "The majority of the people in Israel still support the reform.

WILL THE MILITARYS READINESS BE AFFECTED?

Thousands of military reservists have threatened to stop reporting for duty now that the first law has been passed. The military depends heavily on these volunteer reservists, particularly air force pilots, intelligence officers and members of other specialized units.

Current and former military brass have warned that if the reservists follow through on their threats, the militarys ability to function in a national emergency could be compromised.

If we dont have a strong and united defense force, if Israels best do not serve in the IDF, we will no longer be able to exist as a country in the region, warned Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, the chief of staff.

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT ISRAELS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE US?

By pushing through the new law without a broad political consensus, Netanyahu has defied the countrys closest ally, the United States, which gives Israel nearly $4 billion in annual military assistance and diplomatic backing in international forums.

In a rare public warning ahead of the vote, President Joe Biden called on the Israeli government to postpone the session and try to reach a compromise with the opposition. The White House lamented Monday's vote result as unfortunate.

Analysts say the contentious plan could undermine what both countries routinely describe as shared interests and values.

Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli consul-general in New York, said that Netanyahu's disregard for American concerns would further hurt the Israeli leader's troubled relationship with the U.S. president.

No one will take Netanyahu at his word, he said.

The vote could also deepen a growing rift between the conservative Israeli government and the predominantly liberal American Jewish community. Two major groups, the American Jewish Committee and the Jewish Federations of North America, expressed deep disappointment over Mondays vote.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE PALESTINIANS?

Palestinians look at the unrest roiling Israel as proof of what they see as hypocrisy, saying that Israel's ongoing, 56-year occupation of the West Bank long ago undermined Israel's democracy.

Palestinians see this as a contradiction, that Israelis are fighting for freedom and democracy through institutions that are inherently preventing an entire people from freedom and democracy, said Ines Abdel Razek, executive director of the Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy, an advocacy group.

But some politicians and analysts warn that the potential consequences of the judicial changes have a deeper reach into the West Bank than the public might think, eroding the main check on a far-right coalition bent on expanding settlements and increasing Israels control over the occupied territory.

This is a dangerous development for us, said Mustafa Barghouti, a veteran Palestinian activist.

WILL THE PROTESTS CONTINUE?

After seven months of mass demonstrations against the plan, the grassroots protest movement says it has no plans on stopping. Mondays vote was met by fierce protests across Israel and unprecedented clashes between protesters and the police.

Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem think tank, said the "protests are not going anywhere, especially because the government has clearly stated that this is just phase one.

Josh Drill, a spokesperson for the protest movement, called for new measures, such as not paying taxes. He also called on the U.S. and the American Jewish community to reconsider financial support for the Israeli government and instead donate to advocacy groups aligned with the movement.

How many statements can the U.S. administration put out that theyre distraught or that theyre worried? Come on, thats not actually doing anything, he said.

WILL THIS PUT ISRAEL'S ECONOMY AT RISK?

Monday's vote sent the Israeli currency and stock market tumbling and yielded warnings from the Moody's credit rating agency of negative consequences for the economy.

Netanyahu dismissed the negative reactions as a momentary response" and insisted: "When the dust clears, it will be clear that the Israeli economy is very strong.

But many experts believe the damage to the economy could be long-lasting  with foreign investors potentially deterred by fears that a weak judiciary could open the door to corruption and hurt the business environment.

The threat is particularly acute in in Israels high-tech sector  a key portion of Israels economy. On Tuesday, leading Israeli newspapers covered their front pages in black  an ominous image that was paid for by an alliance of high-tech companies.

A black day for Israeli democracy, the ad read.

Yannay Spitzer, an economist at Israel's Hebrew University, said Israeli stock prices have lagged behind global indexes since the plan was unveiled. This trend, he said, "cannot be accounted for by ordinary market developments.

Israel is headed to become an economically backward country with civil strife, Spitzer predicted.
Tel Aviv  Huge protests that rocked Israel over the coalition government's judicial reforms were on pause Tuesday. The nation appeared to be taking stock of fallout from Monday's momentous vote in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, which curbed the power of the nation's Supreme Court.

It was a victory for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right and ultraconservative religious coalition partners, a bitter defeat for Israel's opposition, and a shock to the majority of Israelis who  according to most polls  were against the move.

Prominent Israeli political analyst and journalist Barak Ravid told CBS News that his country was in "uncharted waters."

Israeli protesters confront police during a rally against the Israeli goverment's judicial overhaul bills in the coastal city of Tel Aviv, July 24, 2023. / Credit: Gili Yaari/NurPhoto/Getty

"Most of the people here, both those who supported this and obviously those who were against it, are in shock," Ravid said, "because nobody knew we were going to get to that point."

What are the judicial reforms?

Monday's vote was just stage one of a package of proposed judicial reforms sought by Netanyahu's coalition government.

In a country with no formal constitution and no upper legislative chamber, Israel's Supreme Court has long served to check the legislative branch's power.

There has been wide consensus for years that some modernizing and changes were due, and Netanyahu insists his reforms will curb the power of activist judges, but critics say they're designed to bring the top court under the direct control of politicians.

Until Monday, the Supreme Court had the power to declare any proposed legislation "unreasonable" and send it back to lawmakers for review and amendment. Monday's vote removed that power. Now Israel's parliament can override an "unreasonable" ruling and simply approve the law with a simple majority.

Historian Yuval Noah Harari warns of dictatorship in Israel

Later this year, Netanyahu's ruling coalition plans more legislation to politicize the appointment of judges, so the government can choose who sits on the bench. It also seeks to reduce the influence of legal advisors in government, in part by making them answerable to elected officials rather than to the country's apolitical Justice Ministry.

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Why are the reforms causing such upheaval?

Already, many Israelis fear the direction things are moving. They'll tell you the current government's real objective, above everything else, is to hold onto power, and that it is making a mockery of Israel's democracy in the process.

It's worth noting that Netanyahu wants to give elected leaders like himself more power over the courts even as he faces drawn-out legal battles of his own. The prime minister has been charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in three separate cases. He denies all the charges and insists the cases against him are politically motivated.

Many Israelis, including Ravid, believe the changes proposed by Netanyahu's government are likely to erode Israel's democracy.

"I'll give you one example," Ravid told CBS News. "Many people believe the government wants to weaken the Supreme Court in order to pass laws that will make it impossible for Arab politicians to run in Israeli elections."

"If Arabs do not run the 20% of Israel's Arab voters would not be represented. If they're not represented, they won't vote, and if they don't vote, then the opposition can never win another election."

For decades, Israel has been described  and described itself  as the only democracy in the Middle East.

"I'm not sure how much longer we'll be able to say that," Ravid said.

The economic impact on Israel

Israel's economy has taken a hit in anticipation of more protests and the potential for widespread instability.

The Reuters news agency reported earlier in July that startup funding in Israel's thriving tech sector had dropped by nearly 70% in the first half of 2023, since the judicial reform proposals were first made public.

After Monday's vote, both the Israeli stock market and the value of its currency, the shekel, fell.

"You can see it in the numbers. It's not an opinion. It's a fact," said Ravid. "Every serious economist in the country, every credit rating agency, warned the government that this move will hamper the economy, and we're seeing it right now."

The analyst said the impact was visible "in many, many sectors," noting that in the space of just 24 hours, about 1,000 Israeli doctors had joined a WhatsApp messaging group entitled simply "Relocation."

"A thousand doctors is a lot," said Ravid, "and that's just one example. You hear this from many, many people who are now considering whether they want to stay here because they see the trajectory, and they all know that this thing is just started."

What the military does, matters

Much depends now on Israel's powerful military and the reservists it depends on. Thousands of Israel's reserve forces have signed a petition saying they won't serve a government that goes ahead with the proposed judicial reforms.

That's a dangerous development in a dangerous neighborhood.

If the reservists carry through on their threat, said Ravid, "then you'll see more and more units will have  problems functioning properly."

"If Israel's military is disintegrating, if the trust in the commanders and the political echelon is disintegrating," he said, "then this country is under huge threat."

What happens next?

As the reality of Monday's vote in the Knesset sank in, Ravid said it was still "a bit too soon to talk about what's next." But with lawmakers due to go on recess at the end of July and Netanyahu indicating a relatively short window for any discussion of a compromise with his political opponents, the clock is ticking.

It may be that both sides of this bitter divide in Israeli politics decide compromise is a better option than another round of bruising public protests. But it may not.

Netanyahu said Monday that he wanted to give four months for further negotiations on the other aspects of the judicial overhaul, and the White House and Israel's other major allies have urged some compromise.

But Ravid said both the leader of the opposition, Yair Lapid, and prominent political figure and former defense chief Benny Gantz had already made it clear they are "not interested."

He said he didn't understand statements from the White House about ongoing talks.

"I just don't see, at least in the immediate term, any real negotiations on this issue," said Ravid. "This is just not true, at least not at the moment."

McCarthy raises possible Biden impeachment inquiry

Deadly heat dome continues to expand

Bronny James, LeBron James' son, suffers cardiac arrest during practice
ROME (Reuters) -Italy is preparing special measures to help construction and agricultural firms keep staff at home during an intense summer heatwave, government officials and trade unionists said on Tuesday.

Giorgia Meloni's cabinet will probably discuss the furlough scheme at a meeting on Wednesday, Labour Minister Marina Calderone told the unions at a gathering about the weather emergency.

However Italy's main union, the CGIL, said the proposals did not go far enough.

"Nothing is provided to help people working for delivery firms or seasonal workers, or other categories of employees," it said in a statement.

Under Italian regulations, companies can apply for temporary lay-offs - usually to deal with a slump in business - for no more than 52 weeks over two years, or 90 days per year in the agricultural sector.

The new decree will allow construction and agricultural firms, both severely hit by the heatwave because their workers cannot work from home, to use the instrument without the hours being counted in the overall limits, government officials said.

Although the measures have a cost for the state coffers, the government believes they can be covered by the funds already earmarked for the ordinary furlough scheme, which is not expected to be fully used, the officials added.

Italian hospitals in the regions worst hit by soaring temperatures are seeing a jump in heat-related emergencies, medics have said.

To support workers in sectors other than construction and agriculture to deal with heatwaves, the government and the unions are working on a memorandum of understanding detailing steps such as the reorganisation of work shifts and breaks.

(Reporting by Giuseppe Fonte, editing by Gavin Jones)
Jack Smith presiding during a war crimes court hearing at The Hague on November 2020 (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Jack Smith, the experienced war crimes prosecutor who unveiled an unprecedented federal indictment against former US president Donald Trump, is no stranger to high-profile probes of public figures.

The US Department of Justice veteran oversaw anti-corruption prosecutions against multiple US politicians in his role as the head of the Department of Justice public integrity section from 2010 to 2015.

One of those cases was against former Virginia governor Robert McDonnell, a Republican against whom he secured a conviction on bribery charges, though the case was later thrown out by the US Supreme Court.

He also won a conviction of former GOP Representative Rick Renzi of Arizona, who received a sentence of three years in prison before being pardoned by Mr Trump.

A Harvard Law School graduate, Mr Smith also served in prosecutorial roles in US Attorney offices in the Middle District of Tennessee and the Eastern District of New York.

Prior to his appointment by Mr Garland, Mr Smith lived in the Dutch city of The Hague, where he has been serving as a specialist prosecutor overseeing investigations into war crimes in Kosovo since 2018.

He also served as a coordinator of investigations for the prosecutors office at the International Criminal Court from 2008 to 2010, where he worked on cases against foreign government officials and members of militias accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

Mr Smith returned to the US last November after being appointed a special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland.

His first mission was to consider, whether any person or entity violated the law in connection with efforts to interfere with the lawful transfer of power following the 2020 presidential election or the certification of the electoral college vote held on or about January 6, 2021.

The second, which led to Mr Trump being indicted and arraigned in 37 federal charges, was about whether the former president had violated US laws prohibiting unlawful retention of national defence information and obstruction of justice.

Story continues

It marked the first time in US history that an ex-president  let alone one who is a declared candidate in the next presidential election  faced criminal charges.

On 13 June, Mr Trump was arrested and arraigned on those charges in a federal court in Miami, where he pleaded not guilty.

Coming face-to-face in the courtroom, several reporters described how Mr Smith was seen staring down the former president throughout the entirety of the arraignment proceedings.

The latest development came on 18 July when the former president said he had received a letter stating that hes a target in the federal probe into his efforts to remain in office despite losing the 2020 election, including any role he may have had in inciting the insurrection on January 6, 2021, for which he was impeached but not convicted in the US Senate trial.

A letter of that type tends to be a sign that an indictment is coming but any possible charges will take months to go through the judicial process.

On 18 July, Mr Trump shared a lengthy statement on Truth Social.

He said in part that Deranged Jack Smith, the prosecutor with Joe Bidens DOJ, sent a letter (again, it was Sunday night!) stating that I am a TARGET of the January 6th Grand Jury investigation, and giving me a very short 4 days to report to the Grand Jury, which almost always means an Arrest and Indictment.

The former president has repeatedly characterised the multiple investigations against him, including the January 6 probe, as a politically motivated hoax and an attempt to steal the 2024 election from him.

On 23 July, Mr Trump published several posts on his social network Truth Social, once again calling the special prosecutor deranged.

Mr Trump also went after President Joe Biden, claiming without providing evidence that hes a criminal and the most corrupt and incompetent President in United States history.

Get smart, Republicans, they are trying to steal the Election from you! he wrote before referring to Democrats and federal and state prosecutors as monsters who are destroying our country.

A third indictment of Mr Trump now appears likely. Mr Trump may be charged for his attempts to obstruct the congressional proceedings in relation to January 6, for possible fraud in connection to fundraising, as well as the attempts to recruit fake electors in states that he lost by small margins.

On 18 July, authorities in Michigan charged 16 people in the fake elector effort.

Theres little public information about what the federal prosecutors are reviewing, but the letter to Mr Trump pointed to statutes such as a possible charge of conspiracy to defraud the US and a wider charge in connection to a rights violation.

Mr Trump will not be the first public figure who Mr Smith has put in the dock.

Jack Smith presiding during a war crimes court hearing at The Hague on November 2020 (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

But will his prior experience be ample preparation for the punishing national spotlight to which he will now be subjected, including Mr Trumps infamous social media broadsides?

Following the indictment in June, Mr Trump lashed out at Mr Smith, accusing him of being a Trump hater and a deranged psycho that shouldnt be involved in any case having to do with justice, other than to look at Biden as a criminal  which he is!

Subsequently, Mr Trumps allies and supporters began attacking Mr Smith, including Kimberly Guilfoyle, Matt Gaetz and Mark Levin.

Special Counsel Jack Smith is atrocious, MAGA War Room tweeted on 13 June  the day of Mr Trumps arrest and arraignment.

Far-right US Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene introduced an appropriations rider to the House floor on 12 June to defund Jack Smiths Special Counsel, his office and the investigation.

This is a weaponized government attempt to take down the top political enemy and leading presidential candidate, she said.

.@RepMTG: "I'm writing an appropriations rider to defund Jack Smith's Special Counsel, his office and the investigation. This is a weaponized government attempt to take down the top political enemy and leading presidential candidate of the United States Donald J. Trump." pic.twitter.com/5VPHVNLL2k  CSPAN (@cspan) June 12, 2023

Mr Smith has also faced repeated attacks from Mr Trump himself since the indictment was handed down.

In his post-arraignment speech at Bedminster on 13 June, the former president laid into the special prosecutor.

He looks like a thug, he said of Mr Smith.

Hes a raging and uncontrolled Trump hater, as is his wife, who also happened to be the producer of that Michelle Obama puff piece. (Mr Smiths wife, Katy Chevigny, is a documentary filmmaker who produced 2020s Becoming.)

Mr Smith has been unfaltering in his response.

On 9 June, when the indictment was unsealed, he struck a defiant note  a note he appeared to continue to take in his courtroom stance.

Adherence to the rule of law is a bedrock principle of the Department of Justice, and our nations commitment to the rule of law sets an example for the world, he told reporters.

We have one set of laws in this country and they apply to everyone.

Gustaf Kilander contributed to this report
artist's concept of a planet-forming disk in deep space

Astronomers have for the first time discovered that rocky alien worlds could possess large amounts of water from the moment they form, a new study finds.

Life is found virtually wherever there is water on Earth . As such, the search for potentially habitable exoplanets has mainly focused on hunting for the presence of water.

Previous research suggested that the newborn Earth got a lot of its water from water-bearing asteroids bombarding our young planet's surface after it formed. Now scientists may have discovered evidence that water could also serve as one of the initial ingredients of rocky planets available at birth.

Related: The strangest alien planets we've seen so far

artist's concept of a planet-forming disk in deep space

In the new study, the researchers focused on the young star PDS 70, located about 370 light-years from Earth. About three-quarters the mass of the sun, PDS 70 is only about 5.4 million years old, compared to our sun 's age of about 4.6 billion years.

"PDS 70 is a star similar to our sun, just younger and cooler," study lead author Giulia Perotti, an astrophysicist at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg, Germany, told Space.com. "By observing it, we can trace back how the planets in our solar system formed and what their chemical composition was before they fully formed."

Using the mid-infrared instrument (MIRI) on NASA's James Webb Space Telescope , the scientists discovered water near the center of the planet-forming disk of gas and dust surrounding PDS 70, in the form of hot vapor at a temperature of about 625 degrees F (330 degrees C).

"Our result shows that water is present in the inner disk of this iconic system where planets similar to Earth may be assembling," Perotti said.

In our solar system, this central zone is where Earth and the other rocky planets formed. These new findings suggest that any rocky planets originating in PDS 70's central zone would draw from a substantial reservoir of water, improving their changes of habitability later on.

Story continues

PDS 70 is the first relatively old planet-forming disk where scientists have discovered water. Previous research failed to detect water in the central regions of disks of similar age, leading astronomers to speculate that harsh radiation from newborn stars might destroy nearly all water. But these new findings challenge that idea.

"In the PDS 70 system, there is quite a lot of water available during the process of rocky planet formation," study co-author Thomas Henning, an astrophysicist and managing director of the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, told Space.com.

RELATED STORIES:

 James Webb Space Telescope notches 1st rocky planet confirmation

 James Webb Space Telescope's ground-breaking study of a planet-forming disk hints at future exoplanet discoveries

 James Webb Space Telescope reveals alien planet's atmosphere like never before

So far, the scientists have not actually detected any planets near the center of PDS 70's disk. Discovering any such worlds requires larger telescopes, such as the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array ( ALMA ) in Chile, Henning noted.

Still, they have detected two gas giant planets farther out, dubbed PDS 70 b and c. The gravitational influence of these giant worlds is actually preventing the influx of ice-rich rock from the outer parts of the disk to its center, Henning said.

One possible explanation for the presence of this water is that it was left over from a water-rich nebula that gave birth to the PDS 70 system, with dust and other material in the planet-forming zone potentially shielding this water from the star's destructive radiation, the researchers said. Another possibility is that oxygen and hydrogen gas entering the outer rims of the PDS 70 disk might have combined to form water vapor that could in turn drift closer to the star.

Future research could examine more planet-forming disks around young stars to see if PDS 70 is an unusual exception, Perotti said.
A man was sentenced on Monday to a more than four years in prison for beating a police officer with a flagpole during the Jan 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol.

In a news release, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said that Peter Francis Stager of Conway, Arkansas was sentenced after pleading guilty to a felony charge. The charge was for his role in disrupting Congresss joint session of certifying the electoral votes of President Bidens 2020 election victory.

Authorities said Stager was a part of a large, armed mob of rioters who attacked police officers at the Lower West Terrace entrance of the Capitol building.

According to federal prosecutors, at 4:27 p.m. Stager positioned himself toward the bottom of a set of steps that led to the archway that authorities had been defending for the past two hours, as rioters tried to fight their way into the entrance.

According to court documents, Stager watched other rioters attack the police line and dragged one police officer, face down and head first, into the crowd of rioters.

Once that happened, Stager used the flagpole he was carrying and beat down the police officer, striking him at least three times, according to federal prosecutors..

Authorities said that after his assault on the police officer, Stager then headed up the steps of toward the archway where a second police officer was lying on the ground, fending off attacks from other rioters.

F*** you! F***ng traitor! Stager yelled at the officer as he stood over him, prosecutors said.

Stager also filmed a video during the insurrection, pointing the camera at the Capitol building while saying, Everybody in there is a disgrace. That entire building is filled with treasonous traitors. Death is the only remedy for whats in that building.

Everybody in there is a treasonous traitor, Stager said. Every single one of those Capitol law enforcement officers, death is the remedy, that is the only remedy they get.

Authorities arrested Stager a week after the insurrection.

Story continues

Authorities have arrested more than 1,069 people for their involvement in the Capitol insurrection, which resulted in five deaths. More than 350 individuals were charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement during the riot.

Stager, 44, pleaded guilty earlier in February to a felony charge of assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers using a deadly or dangerous weapon during the riot. Stager was ordered to pay restitution up to $2,000 and will be placed on supervised release for three years.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
WASHINGTON  A Jan. 6 rioter who repeatedly struck a police officer with a flag pole as the officer was being dragged down the steps of the Capitol was sentenced Monday to more than four years in federal prison.

Peter Stager, a 44-year-old truck driver from Arkansas, was sentenced to 52 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras. Prosecutors had sought six-and-a-half years in prison, citing Stager's "chilling motivation" and the brutality of the assault.

Every single one of those Capitol law enforcement officers, death is the remedy, that is the only remedy they get," Stager said on video on Jan. 6, according to prosecutors.

In court, however, Stager said Monday that he thought that the officer was a member of antifa, and that all he saw were the officer's shoes and that it was kind of odd for people to be dressed in tactical gear and wearing hiking boots.

"What I remember, ultimately, was the feet," he said.

An aerial photograph was taken as members of the mob at the Capitol dragged a police officer down stairs and into the crowd. Peter Stager, top, is circled in dark blue. Others circled are also defendants. (U.S. District Court for D.C. )

Stager's attorney said Monday that his client was deeply regretful of his conduct and told the judge that the rehabilitative function of incarceration had already been achieved because he has served more than two years in federal custody already.

"I take full responsibility for my actions," Stager said. "I messed up."

Stager said that he will "continue to back the blue," and said he hopes that the country can come together and not follow "bad people with bad ideas who think they're leaders."

Contreras said he factored in Stager's "horrible" upbringing, noting that he'd been raised by a prostitute who was addicted to heroin and abandoned her children at a motel. Stager was then subjected to abuse in the foster system, the judge said.

Contreras added that former President Donald Trump and his allies "bear responsibility for what occurred that day."

One of Stagers co-defendants  Logan Barnhart, a romance novel cover model who dragged the officer down the steps  was previously sentenced to more than three years in federal prison.

Story continues

Last week, prosecutors unsealed new Jan. 6 cases against 19 different defendants. More than 1,000 people have been charge so far in connection with the attack on the Capitol, and more than 300 were sentenced to time in prison.

Earlier on Monday, a husband and wife  Jamie Buteau and Jennifer Buteau, who had both appeared in a QAnon documentary  pleaded guilty, with the husband admitting that he threw a chair at officers inside the Capitol, where it bounced off a wall and struck an officer in the arm.

Another defendant, Michael Scott Lockwood, admitted that he got into a fight with an officer and then stole his baton.

"Got me a little souvenir," Lockwood, who pleaded guilty Monday, had written in a Facebook message.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
An Arkansas man who beat a police officer with a flagpole during the Jan. 6, 2021, assault at the Capitol was sentenced on Monday to 52 months in federal prison.

The Justice Department said Peter Stager, a 44-year-old truck driver, was in Washington after delivering produce nearby and decided to attend the pro-Trump rally near the Capitol. As the crowd surged toward the halls of Congress, Stager became part of a large, armed mob as rioters fought their way into an entrance at the Lower West Terrace of the building, the Justice Department said in a statement announcing the sentencing.

Prosecutors said Stager watched as other rioters attacked a police line and dragged Officer Blake Miller into the crowd. Once the officer was on the ground, Stager raised the flagpole he was carrying and beat Miller with the implement at least three times.

Stager stood over the officer and yelled, Fuck you! Fucking traitor! the Justice Department said in its statement. Later in the day, Stager was filmed pointing at the Capitol building and stating, Everybody in there is a disgrace. That entire building is filled with treasonous traitors. Death is the only remedy for whats in that building.

Insurrectionists loyal to President Donald Trump breach the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021.

Insurrectionists loyal to President Donald Trump breach the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021.

Stager was arrested on Jan. 14, 2021, shortly after the insurrection. He pleaded guilty earlier this year to assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers using a deadly or dangerous weapon.

His attorneys said in court filings the man was seeing red when he picked up the flagpole, which had an American flag attached to it. Stager apologized to the officer for his actions in a letter before his sentencing, saying he didnt have any hatred toward law enforcement.

Once the adrenaline wore off, Mr. Stager immediately called his wife to tell her he was horrified by his actions and that he was going to turn himself in upon returning to Arkansas, the lawyers wrote in the filing, per The Associated Press.

Story continues

Nine men were charged with assaulting Miller and two other officers near that entrance of the Capitol. More than 1,000 people have been arrested for their role in the insurrection.

Related...
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan and China agreed to resume high-level trilateral talks with South Korea that would include the countries' leaders and top diplomats, Japanese foreign minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a regular press conference, Hayashi said he and Chinese counterpart Wang Yi made the agreement on the sidelines of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting in Indonesia earlier this month.

A trilateral summit meeting has not been held since December 2019 due to diplomatic tensions between Japan and South Korea, which have since thawed.

"It's highly meaningful for the leaders of China, Japan and South Korea, which share a big responsibility towards the region's peace and prosperity, to get together" to discuss cooperation and other issues, Hayashi told reporters.

U.S. allies Japan and South Korea are wary of China's increasing military assertiveness and of growing tensions between China and the United States over a range of issues including trade and self-ruled Taiwan.

(Reporting by Satoshi Sugiyama; Editing by Chang-Ran Kim)
A photo of Sarah Kellen and Jeffrey Epstein entered into evidence in Ghislaine Maxwell's trial. They're standing in front of one of Epstein's jets. US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York

Jeffrey Epstein frequently withdrew tens of thousands of dollars in cash from his JPMorgan accounts.

At the time, there were reports that he paid cash to girls for "massages"  a code word for sex.

When asked about the large withdrawals, Epstein said he needed to pay for jet fuel.

Jeffrey Epstein needed an excuse.

He was withdrawing a lot of cash from his bank accounts with JPMorgan Chase.

Starting from August 2006, he withdrew tens of thousands of dollars at a time, usually multiple times per month.

He usually withdrew the money in $40,000 increments. In one November 2013 transaction, tied to an account related to his private jet, Epstein withdrew $97,152. Between September 2003 through the end of 2013, Epstein withdrew more than $5 million in cash from his JP Morgan accounts overall.

The trouble was, Epstein banked with JPMorgan's Private Bank division, reserved for ultrawealthy clients.

JPMorgan's private bank has a policy to "discourage" large cash deposits and spending. Bankers, according to an excerpt of the guidelines filed in court Tuesday morning, are responsible for getting clients to explain their large cash withdrawals.

"It is the primary responsibility of the Banker to obtain explanations on the source of the cash and acceptability of the intended use of the case, and to assess the plausibility of these explanations for large cash transactions," the guidelines say.

The other problem was, Epstein was known for using cash to pay off the teenage girls he raped.

Epstein's large cash withdrawals raised red flags

Epstein, whose estate was valued at $630 million after he died in 2019, kept tens of millions of dollars of his assets parked with JPMorgan between 1998 and 2013. A chunk of those funds was used to pay over 100 women who he sexually abused before his death.

In an ongoing lawsuit, the government of the US Virgin Islands accuses JPMorgan of being aware of Epstein's sex-trafficking operation and did nothing to stop it, ignoring numerous red flags for years.

Story continues

The US Virgin Islands government offered more insight into Epstein's relationship with JPMorgan in a series of court filings Tuesday morning.

It filed a 45-page summary judgment motion, a 148-page "statement of fact" that was agreed upon by the government and the bank, and more than 300 exhibits  most of which were filed under seal or remain highly redacted.

The documents illustrate how JPMorgan employees joked about how Epstein surrounded himself with young women, had due diligence reports that noted criminal investigations related to his abuse of girls, and internally expressed concern about his enormous frequent cash withdrawals  but kept him as a client for years anyway.

Jeffrey Epstein's former home on the island of Little St. James in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Emily Michot/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Much of Epstein's sex trafficking, the US Virgin Islands said, consisted of paying cash to teenage girls for "massages"  a code word for sex. Victims who testified in the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 for trafficking girls to Epstein for sex, said they were paid between $200 and $300 for giving "massages" to Epstein.

Details of Epstein's payments for massages were also reported in a 2006 Palm Beach Post article, which turned up in JPMorgan's internal due diligence reports. The article cited an affidavit from Palm Beach County police, which described how a girl recruited six other girls to Epstein for sexualized massages, each of whom was paid $200 per session. One 14-year-old girl was given $300 after giving Epstein a massage where he told her to strip naked.

In another memo dated that year, JPMorgan employees raised their eyebrows at Epstein's enormous cash withdrawals.

"Cash withdrawals are routinely made in amounts for $40,000 to $80,000 several times a month, which total over $750,000 year to date," employees wrote in a 2006 memo discussing how to handle him as a client.

While these withdrawals rang alarm bells, Epstein was one of the Private Bank's most important clients.

Partly because of his connections to other powerful and wealthy people, JPMorgan's private banking executives used him as a recruiter.

In 2003, according to Tuesday's motion, Epstein was "by double, the top revenue generator in the Private Bank." He made connections between bankers and potential clients like billionaire hedge fund manager Glenn Dubin, Google cofounder Sergey Brin, Bill Gates, Leon Black, Larry Summers, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Prince Andrew, Ehud Barak, Thomas Pritzker, and Benjamin Netanyahu, some of whom ended up banking with JP Morgan, the filing says.

Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.

In a statement to Insider, a JPMorgan representative said the bank had no knowledge of his sex-trafficking operation.

"Any association with Epstein was a mistake and in hindsight we regret it, but we did not help him commit his heinous crimes," a representative for JPMorgan Chase told Insider in a statement. "We would never have continued to do business with him if we believed he was engaged in an ongoing sex trafficking operation."

JPMorgan finally asked Epstein about the cash in 2011

In 2007, Epstein arrived at a plea deal with prosecutors in Florida. Law enforcement identified about 40 women and girls who said he sexually abused them. Alexander Acosta, a US Attorney at the time, came to an agreement with Epstein that allowed him to plead guilty to a couple of charges related to soliciting sex work in exchange for a quick stint in jail, where he'd mostly be on work release.

JPMorgan's employees remained uneasy about the bank's relationship with Epstein, documents obtained by the US Virgin Islands show. But Epstein kept withdrawing enormous amounts of cash, despite the private banking division's guidelines. He continued to take out hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash each year from his JPMorgan accounts, records show.

In a 2011 memo cited in the 148-page "statement of fact" document, JPMorgan employees wrote that a banker had another conversation with Epstein "with regard to large cash withdrawals."

Epstein had an excuse ready. He told them he needed the money to pay for fuel when he traveled. JPMorgan made an internal note to reflect that.

"Mr. Epstein withdraws anywhere from $20K to $40K in cash to pay for fuel expenses when he travels to foreign countries," the memo said.

The next page of the "statement of fact" document is entirely redacted.

Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein. US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York

By July 18, 2013, the continued cash withdrawals rang bells at JPMorgan's internal anti-money laundering department, which the US Virgin Islands described as "JPMorgan's in-house human trafficking experts."

One compliance officer wrote in an email that Jeffrey Epstein had kept up massive cash withdrawals, simply switching from his personal account to a different account linked to his private jet.

"Issue is he really never stopped the large cash withdrawals," a compliance officer wrote then.

The next day, John Duffy, who was then the CEO of JPMorgan's private banking division, emailed Mary Erdoes, the CEO of the wealth management division, about cutting ties with Epstein. Erdoes had been in frequent communication with Epstein over the years, and he wanted her advice.

Duffy raised a few talking points with her about what to tell Epstein.

"1. The repetitive nature of your cash transactions is a problem for us and our relationship with you[;] 2. The regulatory standards in the banking industry continue to evolve with a very low tolerance for cash activity when combined with your personal history[;] 3. So, given the intersection of these circumstances we are in a uniquely challenged situation," Duffy wrote. "Remediation is required and we need to ask you - in an orderly manner - to find another bank for your needs."

"I think that is fine," Erdoes responded, about the proposed language of the bank's anticipated break-up with their billionaire client.

JPMorgan officially dropped Epstein as a client later that year.

Last month, the bank agreed to pay $290 million to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by Epstein's victims over his sexual abuse.

Correction: July 26, 2023  An earlier version of this story overstated which of Jeffrey Epstein's acquaintances made accounts with JPMorgan Chase. They didn't all make accounts with the bank after Epstein connected them with the bank's employees.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Nobody should be taking a victory lap because the new New Jersey state budget does not extend the corporate business tax surcharge. New Jersey never should have imposed it in the first place. We will see if the surcharge lapses once and for all in lame duck  the period where members who are leaving make deals to make votes they wouldnt otherwise.

That will be the true test of fiscal courage and fiscal sanity in the state.

The state budget may not extend the 2.5% tax surcharge on businesses earning over $1 million, but it doesnt have to because it doesnt expire until Dec. 31. Unfortunately, after the elections on Nov. 7, there will be plenty of time to extend it during lame duck.

It will be hard for Democrats to let it expire based on the budget deficit they created. Revenue is already below expectations for this fiscal year. Yet, somehow, they expect revenue to increase next fiscal year, but not enough to pay for all of their spending  especially the pork spending that only benefits them politically.

The $1.5 billion budget deficit will need to be made up and the more than $1.2 billion of pork in the state budget will need to be paid for somehow. Democrats will think they need to fix the problem they created with the state budget. The problem is they dont think they have to fix the problem they created with the states economy.

The press conference room in the newly-renovated New Jersey Statehouse in Trenton on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.

New Jersey is the least desirable place for businesses in the entire nation, routinely ranked as the most expensive and most bureaucratic. That makes our state incredibly uncompetitive, and our economy struggles as a result.

More: NJ corporate business tax is set to sunset as budget deal approaches

Lowering the corporate business tax to a nationally-competitive rate will make a major difference in our economy. A decade ago, New Jersey and North Carolina changed the way they attracted businesses and their economies went in different directions.

In 2013, North Carolina started gradually cutting its corporate business tax to 2.5%. Every time revenue went up, the tax would lower a proportionate amount. Thats right, they cut their tax and revenue increased  which allowed North Carolina to cut its tax more and get more revenue out of it.

Story continues

The state received more revenue because after cutting its business tax, it led the nation in economic growth for three years. More jobs, better pay, lower unemployment and all-around economic growth.

The proof is in the pudding. Raising taxes is less effective at helping the economy than cutting taxes. By letting the 2.5% surcharge expire, New Jersey will still be uncompetitive nationwide because our state will still have the fourth highest corporate business tax. That is higher than all of our neighboring states.

Pennsylvanias Democratic governors have even agreed that it is necessary and beneficial to lower their corporate tax rate to 4.99% to be the most competitive state in the region.

In todays world, New Jerseys convenient location and educated workforce is not the advantage that it used to be. North Carolina attracted all of those businesses because products can be moved more easily with less concern. Education is improving throughout the country, and, as we saw with the pandemic, people can move to another state more readily than ever.

New Jersey has always had the location and the workforce, but our economy has been among the nations worst for 22 years because taxes are too high and businesses invest in other states. That leads to our educated workforce leaving for greener pastures.

IRS data released in April showed that New Jersey lost a net $3.8 billion of adjusted gross income in calendar years 2020 and 2021. During that time, a net 25,854 people left New Jersey, half of the former state residents who moved out were between the ages of 26 and 44. That means our prime workforce is leaving the state.

Where are they going? The data shows people nationwide, not only from New Jersey, are moving to lower tax states. About half moved to Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, Georgia and, you guessed, it North Carolina. Places with more population growth tend to have more economic growth.

We will see if the Democrats let the CBT surcharge expire or if they will extend it after the election during lame duck season for politicians. Letting it go is a good first step. Lowering it to attract more businesses and create more jobs is an even better step.

Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips represents parts of Bergen, Essex, Morris and Passaic counties in the 40th Legislative District.

Christopher DePhillips

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ corporate business tax lapse is cause for celebration.
Joey Wendle didnt make the trip last season when the Miami Marlins faced the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. He was at the tail end of an injured list stint due to a right hamstring strain, rehabbing in Jupiter when Miami played its two-game set against Tampa Bay at Tropicana Field that May.

This year, Wendles second with the Marlins after four years with the Rays, Wendle is playing against his former team at his former home ballpark. Hes starting at shortstop and batting seventh for the Marlins on Tuesday in the first game of the quick series that wraps up on Wednesday.

Its a little strange, Wendle said. Its not something that Im used to, coming into the visiting clubhouse here. But Ive been part of this team for almost two years now. Im happy to be on this side.

Wendles MLB career took off during his time with the Rays. In four seasons with Tampa Bay, he played 400 career games and posted a .247 batting average, .744 on-base-plus-slugging mark, 151 RBI and 191 runs scored. He played in the World Series with them during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season and was named an All-Star for the first time in 2021 before being traded to the Marlins during the following offseason for outfielder prospect Kameron Misner.

In one-plus years with the Marlins, Wendle has morphed into a leader in the clubhouse. He is now the teams primary shortstop and is hitting .265 with 13 doubles, two triples, one home run, 11 RBI and 24 runs scored in 65 games this season.

He is also the player who rallies the clubhouse following wins, starting their postgame speech celebrations.

Injury updates

 Center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. is with the club in St. Petersburg. He hit in the batting cages and did defensive work on the field Tuesday.

 Right-handed pitcher Max Meyer, recovering from Tommy John surgery, saw Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Monday after complaining about soreness in his right elbow. An MRI showed no structural damage. Meyer will return to Jupiter and resume his throwing progression once the soreness subsides.

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 Left-handed pitcher Andrew Nardi (triceps inflammation) is beginning a rehab assignment with Triple A Jacksonville.

 Outfielder Avisail Garcias rehab assignment has been transferred from Double A Pensacola to Triple A Jacksonville.

A minor trade

The Marlins on Tuesday acquired 6-6 left-handed relief pitcher Jose Castillo from the San Diego Padres for cash considerations. The Padres designated Castillo for assignment on Thursday. Castillo will report to Triple A Jacksonville.

Castillo, 27, has made 40 career MLB appearances, 37 of which came in 2018 and one apiece in 2019, 2022 and 2023. He has dealt with an assortment of injuries since making his MLB debut, including issues with a tendon in his left middle finger and hand in 2019, back troubles in 2020 and Tommy John surgery in 2021.

Hes got real stuff, said Marlins manager Skip Schumaker, whose time with the San Diego Padres overlapped with Castillo. The injury part of it has always been his problem and nothing that he can control with whats happened lately. I mean, its [a] 95-96 [mph fastball] as good of secondary stuff as there is in the league with the changeup and power curveball. Hes a 10 out of 10 person, too. Really good, hard working kid. Hopefully we can keep him healthy. ... If he gets right, thats a big arm to help us later in the year.

Spring training schedule

MLB on Tuesday released the spring training schedules for the 2024 season. The Marlins will play 30 games over the Grapefruit League slate, which begins Feb. 24 against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Miami will have three split-squad days when they play two games in one day: March 3 (in Jupiter against the Cardinals and in West Palm Beach against the Washington Nationals), March 10 (in Jupiter against the Cardinals and in West Palm Beach against the Houston Astros) and March 19 (in Jupiter against the Cardinals and in West Palm Beach against the Astros).

The Marlins lone trip outside of South Florida during spring training is a two-day stint on the west coast of the state against the New York Yankees in Tampa on Feb. 29 and against the Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater on March 1. Both teams will also make their way to Jupiter to face the Marlins, with Miami hosting the Yankees on March 4 and the Phillies on March 16.

Outside of those four games with the Yankees and Phillies, the rest of the Marlins spring training slate is against the five teams based in South Florida: The Cardinals in Jupiter, the Nationals and Astros in West Palm Beach and the New York Mets in Port St. Lucie.

Opening Day of the 2024 season is March 28 against the Pittsburgh Pirates at loanDepot park.
The GOP-led House Judiciary Committee is moving forward with plans to consider recommending that the House hold Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in contempt of Congress.

GOP members of the panel have accused Meta of not cooperating with its investigation into the companys content moderation practices.

The committee announced Tuesday that it is slated to consider its report recommending Congress hold Zuckerberg for contempt during a Thursday session.

House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) launched an investigation in February into how tech companies communicate with the federal government. The vote Thursday comes after a series of hearings on the same topic from the House Judiciary Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government.

A spokesperson for Meta said Tuesday that the company has sent more than 53,000 documents to the committee, a slight uptick from the more than 50,000 documents the company said it shared as of Monday.

For many months, Meta has operated in good faith with this committees sweeping requests for information, the Meta spokesperson said in a statement to The Hill. We began sharing documents before the committees February subpoena and have continued to do so.

To date we have delivered over 53,000 pages of documents  both internal and external  and have made nearly a dozen current and former employees available to discuss external and internal matters, including some scheduled this very week, the spokesperson said. Meta will continue to comply, as we have thus far, with good faith requests from the committee.

Jordan subpoenaed executives from Meta, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple and Microsoft about their communications with the federal government starting in February. Since then, the weaponization subcommittee has held numerous hearings about the subject.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This report is part of a series in which the Journal & Courier investigates the housing crisis in Tippecanoe County. In an earlier story, the Journal and Courier documented Melvin Moon Sr.s story of surviving a stabbing and an eviction. This story follows Moon in his eviction hearing which was held on July 24, 2023.

LAFAYETTE, Ind.  After months of setbacks, from being stabbed, being evicted from his apartment for being stabbed and then being moved into an unhabitable house with his disabled son  Mondays decision was the first victory Melvin Moon Sr. had achieved in a while.

Superior Court 7 Judge Daniel Moore heard the eviction case Monday against Moon that was filed by his landlord, Chaofeng Liu, an adjunct statistics professor at Purdue University and who is also known as Charles Lee. Liu filed the lawsuit to evict Moon on July 10.

Prior to walking into the courtroom, Moon was concerned about how this additional eviction on his record could potentially lead to him and his son needing to live on the streets.

After hearing arguments from both Moon and Liu, Moore set aside the lease, ending the eviction that Liu filed against Moon.

Snow falls onto the Tippecanoe County Courthouse, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, in Lafayette, Ind.

The hearing

When Moon walked into the courtroom, he scanned the room to see if anyone from either Home-based/Goal-focused Counseling for Children and Families or Indiana's Child Protective Services, were there to help represent him in his eviction hearing.

After scanning the room, he realized that it was only himself and his son, Melvin Moon Jr. who would be alone sitting across from Judge Moore and Liu.

Although during most of Mondays hearings, Moon sat outside with his son, due to the lack of space in the courtroom to accommodate his sons mobile hospital bed.

After waiting about 90 minutes, the court finally called Moon inside, when Moore began to hear Lius six eviction cases of the day.

A photo of Chaofeng Liu an adjunct professor at Purdue University in the Department of Statistics.

Moon was the first of Lius tenants to be heard by the judge.

Moore allowed Liu to start off the hearing and explain to the court his reasoning for filing an eviction against Moon.

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Liu stated that he was evicting Moon from the property after not receiving any rent from either Moon or the Indiana Department of Child Services by July 10.

He was looking to receive, Julys rent of $1,100, late fees and additional fees for mowing the lawn of the property twice since Moon moved in.

Judge then processed to ask Moon why he had not paid Liu his July rent.

Melvin Moon has been renting from Chaofeng Liu since June. Photo taken, Monday, July 17, 2023, in Lafayette, Ind.

Moon explained to the judge that he did not pay Liu because the property was in an unhabitual state for both him and his bedridden son.

He also made it clear to the court that moving into this property was not entirely his own decision. The decision to move Moon into the property was made by his case manager at Home-based/Goal-focused Counseling for Children and Families and Indiana's Child Protective Services, who were tasked at finding him housing as soon as possible, Moon told the judge.

Moon explained that if he had seen the property prior to signing the lease with his case manager, he would have never moved forward on moving to that property.

He explained that he would not have put his family in this position if he was the one applying for housing.

Based on the amount that he receives from disability for taking care of his son, which is around $1,400, the current cost of rent which is $1,100 plus utilities is too high for him to reasonably take care of his son, his son's medical cost and himself.

I wouldnt have put myself in this position, where I would have failed because this rent is ungodly, Moon said.

He then explained that the property they lived in was dilapidated and infested with rats and cockroaches. Parts of the house are breaking apart, and the shower doesn't work, Moon told the court.

Moon also claimed that Liu never sent anyone over to fix the property.

He disappeared. He didnt fix nothing," Moon told Moore. "Right now, as Im sitting here and my doors are unlocked and someone can just walk in and take everything."

A photo of the boarded-up windows. Melvin Moon Sr. attempts to document the state of the property when he first moves in.

There are boards on the windows, rats in the house, roaches, and I even got paperwork from the trustee saying anybody with this landlord they aint going to help me.

He (his case manager) told me that he trusted him (Liu) and then he (Liu) took off.

Before asking Liu if he had a rebuttal to any of Moons claims, Moore reviewed several photos of the property which showcased boarded-up windows, debris on the property and other concerning aspects of the building.

Moore then allowed Liu to rebut Moons claims.

Liu told Moore that he was aware of the state of the property before renting it to Moon, but explained that the case manager wanted to move forward with the agreement either way.

The case manager contacted me, saying they had a person desperately in need of a place to stay," Liu said. "I clearly told his case manager saying that the property is not ready. Not completely ready and were in the process.

He said that his client had no place to go," Liu said. In terms of the unfinished parts, I know that, and I agree.

Liu explained that the case manager asked if Liu could finish fixing the property before Moon and his son moved, and Liu said that he wouldnt be able to.

Thats when the case manager asked if Liu could finish fixing the property after Moon and his son moved in, and Liu told the case manager he could do that.

Liu then explained to Moore why the repairs werent completed like he had agreed to with the case manager.

The residence of Melvin Moon. Photo taken, Monday, July 17, 2023, in Lafayette, Ind.

Liu said that he had informed his handymen six times to conduct maintenance on the property, but according to Liu, his handymen only visited the property twice and were refused entry each time.

They knocked on the door and nobody answered," Liu said. "And I know that they are in the home because they have a kid who needs 24-hour (care).

Moore then asked if Liu knew if the shower was working or not.

Im not sure. Probably no, Liu said.

Moore then asked if Moon had seen the property in person and read over the lease before signing it or if most of the situation was handled by a third party.

Moon explained that he just signed the lease trusting the decision of his case manager or in this case, a third party.

Before making his decision, Moore tried to determine if Moon had any financial stake in the property, specifically if he had paid any money into the first month's rent or security deposit.

Moon explained that he didnt and that the Home-based/Goal-focused Counseling for Children and Families and Indiana Child Protective Services oversaw that.

After hearing that, Moore set aside the lease and dismissed the case. Moore sealed the court records to ensure that it did not appear in Moons records.

I want to make sure with your sons needs that Im listening to what youre saying. Im hearing you say that you want to be out by the first and your big issue is you just dont want an eviction on your record, Moore asked Moon.

Moon confirmed that is what he wanted. He believed by having another eviction on his record it would make it almost impossible to find suitable housing for his son.

It really shouldnt have been rented," Moore said. "It sounds like you were in a desperate situation, and he was willing to let you move in. But that shouldnt have happened if the property wasnt ready to be inhabited.

So, Im going to let you out of the lease," Moore said. "You didnt see the property; you werent aware of the condition of the property. I dont think that you should be responsible for paying rent for property that wasnt at issue.

Moon thanked the judge and wheeled his son out of the courtroom. Liu remained in his seat as he prepared for the five other eviction hearings that he had Monday morning.

After the hearing, the Journal & Courier reached out to Liu for comment.

I agree with the judge and his determination, and I agree with the situation there. Ive already explained everything in the court, Liu said.

Noe Padilla is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email him at Npadilla@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter at 1NoePadilla.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Judge dismisses stabbing victim's eviction case
A federal judge Tuesday blocked the Biden administrations new regulation restricting asylum-seekers, one that contributed to a severe drop in crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border over the past few months.

U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar, an Obama appointee in Oakland, Calif., knocked down the restrictions as arbitrary and capricious, while staying his ruling for 14 days to give the Biden administration an opportunity to appeal. Tigar also halted a similar measure  the Trump administrations so-called transit ban  a few years ago, joking during last weeks hearing that he heard 2023 was going to be a big year for sequels.

The judges 35-page ruling marks the latest legal hurdle facing the Biden administrations immigration policy, which has faced multiple challenges from both ends of the political spectrum. Tigars decision jeopardizes the administrations strictest deterrence measure to date and comes as illegal border crossings have plunged to their lowest level since President Joe Bidens first full month in office.

The Justice Department disagrees with the district courts ruling today in the East Bay case and intends to appeal the decision and to seek a stay pending appeal. We remain confident in our position that the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways rule is a lawful exercise of the broad authority granted by the immigration laws, a Department of Justice spokesperson said in a statement.

Tigar detailed a series of legal faults with the Biden asylum rule, including its basis on outdated or inaccurate assumptions and that it was made available for public comment during an abbreviated 33-day window. The judge raised particular concern about the administrations effort to require most asylum applicants to present themselves at established ports of entry, rather than claiming asylum after crossing between border posts.

The Court concludes that the Rule is contrary to law because it presumes ineligible for asylum noncitizens who enter between ports of entry, using a manner of entry that Congress expressly intended should not affect access to asylum, Tigar wrote.

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Requests for comment from the White House and the Department of Homeland Security were not immediately returned Tuesday.

Bidens asylum ban, released in May and set to expire in two years, bars some migrants from applying for humanitarian protection if they cross the border illegally or fail to first apply for safe harbor while crossing through another country on the way to the U.S. The rule is not applied to certain migrants, including unaccompanied children, asylum-seekers who enter at a legal port of entry or those fleeing imminent harm.

Immediately after the rule was issued this spring, upon the end of Title 42 health orders, immigrants rights advocates moved to sue the Biden administration and accused the White House of deploying President Donald Trumps immigration playbook. The plaintiffs cheered Tuesdays ruling, urging the Biden administration to drop its legal fight defending the policy.

The courts ruling is welcome and expected, since the new policy simply rehashed prior rules that restricted access to asylum based on similar grounds, which courts already rejected. U.S. laws protect the rights of people fleeing persecution to come to this country and pursue asylum, full stop. We encourage the Biden administration to now direct its resources to upholding that right, rather than fighting to continue this unlawful and inhumane asylum ban, Keren Zwick, director of litigation at the National Immigrant Justice Center said in a statement.

Administration officials have rejected the notion that the two-year rule is like the Trump transit ban, which also required asylum-seekers to seek asylum through the first country they crossed on their way to the U.S. During last weeks hearing, a Justice Department lawyer argued that the current asylum restrictions are different because they are paired with a number of new legal pathways and that asylum-seekers can apply for an appointment through the CBP smartphone app.

The southern border has remained a vexing challenge for the president  one thats not expected to dissipate as Republicans seize on the border as a base rallying issue in 2024. The ruling is also a blow to the Biden administrations post-Title 42 border plan, but its not clear how it will affect declining border crossings.

While administration officials have credited the asylum rule in part for the drop in border crossings, some immigration experts argue the use of the CBP One app, voluntary departure and the expansion of legal pathways have played a larger role in the plummeting border numbers.
A deadlocked jury resulted in a mistrial Saturday in the 2018 double homicide trial for Gifford rapper Jamell Demons, known professionally as YNW Melly.

The 12-person jury could not reach a unanimous verdict after three days of deliberations in Broward County.

Demons, and his childhood friend and recording partner Cortlen Henry  YNW Bortlen  now both 24, are from Gifford and are each charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a firearm in the 2018 shooting deaths of friends Anthony Williams, 21  aka YNW Sakchaser  and Christopher Thomas Jr., 19  aka YNW Juvy.

Henry is being tried separately. A date has not been set.

On June 12, testimony in the Demons trial began and was livestreamed by Law&Crime Network on YouTube in its entirety. Rewatch key moments of the trial here.

Here's everything you need to know about the mistrial and what could happen to YNW Melly.

What is a mistrial?

A trial that is not completed is deemed a mistrial. This could occur for a variety of reasons such as:

Misconduct on the part of a jury or attorney

A hung jury, where jurors cannot reach a unanimous consensus through deliberation

Unavailability of a key participant on trial

Comments made in front of the jury making it unfair to continue the trial

In the case of Demons, jurors deliberated for nearly three days. The panel could not reach a unanimous verdict and Broward Circuit Judge John Murphy III twice asked jurors to keep deliberating after they said they were deadlocked, but relented after they came back a third time.

Jurors received the case Thursday afternoon and deliberated for a few hours before being sequestered until a decision was reached.

Friday afternoon Murphy gave jurors special instructions, known as an "Allen charge,'' in which he urged them to try harder to reach a verdict and be open to arguments to change their minds.

Those instructions followed a note sent to Murphy at 2:15 p.m., signed by the jury foreperson asking, What if we cant come to a decision? Everyone is stuck on which side they've chosen."

Story continues

Murphy ordered the mistrial Saturday afternoon when jurors announced they couldn't reach a unanimous verdict.

Read the full breakdown of the trial here.

Was YNW Melly found guilty or not guilty? Will he face the death penalty?

Since jurors could not unanimously decide, a final verdict was not reached. Thus, Demons was neither convicted nor acquitted meaning he is still facing these charges against himincluding the death penalty.

The death penalty is still on the table for Demons once a retrial happens in the double homicide case.

Jurors would have to reach an 8-4 vote to give Demons the death penalty under Florida law. The statute was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis on April 20.

Previously, jurors would have to unanimously decide on the death penalty for the defendant guilty of murder.

What happens next?

Prosecutors may begin a retrial with a new jury within 90 days of the original trial. A retrial is expected, according to The Associated Press.

A status hearing is slated for Friday at 9 a.m. Demons, meanwhile, continues to be held at the Broward County Jail, records show.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

YNW Melly: 'Murder On My Mind' earns over 2 million streams in third week of homicide trial

YNW Melly accused shooter:New details released about alleged cover-up

'Versace on my sneaks', COVID in jail:Gifford rap star YNW Melly's life behind bars

Who is YNW Melly?24-year-old rapper on trial in 2018 murder case

Jamell Demons:Jury selection underway in YNW Melly's double murder trial in Broward County

Capital murder:Prosecutors seek death penalty against rap artist YNW Melly in double homicide case

YNW Melly murder case:Anthony Williams, Christopher Thomas Jr. shootings 3 years later

Gianna Montesano is TCPalm's trending reporter. You can contact her at gianna.montesano@tcpalm.com, 772-409-1429, or follow her on Twitter @gonthescene.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Judge orders mistrial in YNW Melly murder case. What does this mean?
A judge shot down claims of impropriety after a defense attorney for Karen Read, who is accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend, questioned the courts ability to provide a fair trial in the case on Tuesday.

Dozens of people chanted on courthouse steps to support Karen Read of Mansfield, who was back in Norfolk Superior Court on Tuesday afternoon, in a chaotic courtroom that experienced several interruptions with hundreds of people on a Zoom call during the open session. Several callers muted and unmuted themselves during the Zoom call while Read sat next to her defense attorneys.

Her attorney, Alan Jackson, argued that the court employs people who are tied closely to the case.

ADA Lally says witnesses are being harassed because of information that has been shared with media. He is asking for a gag order in Karen Read case. #boston25  Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) July 25, 2023

The decision should be an expression of the unwavering commitment the court has to justice, to fairness... actual impartiality is not enough to deny this motion, Jackson said.

He added that a reasonable person looking at this from the outside might think that the court has some relationship that would compromise its ability to be fair.

Reads lawyer David Yannetti responds, how dare you! to prosecution request for gag order. Says he has every right to defend his client in and out of court #boston25  Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) July 25, 2023

Jackson spoke regarding claims that Judge Beverly Cannone had previous relationships with persons tied to the case, claims that the judge firmly denounced.

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Notably there is some allegation that I have some relationship with some man named Sean McCabe. That simply is not the truth, Cannone said, adding that she does not know Sean McCabe and that I have never spoken to him.

Ive never interacted with him and I certainly have not socialized with him nor with any family members or witnesses whose names have been said in court, Cannone said before denying motions raised by the defense.

I think it points out that this motion to recuse is not credible, Cannone said.

Cannone called the claims untrue and unsubstantiated.

I want to make it very clear that I reject the notion that untrue or unsubstantiated rumors spread on the Internet can force a judge to recuse herself, Cannone said.

All four points raised in the defendants motion are without merit. Your motion is denied, Cannone said in court.

After the judge offered the defense a chance to appeal, Jackson said Were not inclined to appeal.

Prosecutor Adam Lally said in court that he believes in the courts ability to provide Read with a fair trial.

I personally do not or never had any questions or a moment of pause in this courts ability to be fair and impartial in this case, Lally said.

Lally said witnesses are being harassed because of information that has been shared with media. He asked for a gag order in case.

Read is accused of hitting and killing OKeefe, her boyfriend, with her SUV while dropping him off at a party at the home of a fellow police officer in Canton back in January 2022.

OKeefes bruised and battered body was discovered in a snowbank outside the home the next morning.

Prosecutors allege Read was drunk behind the wheel when she hit OKeefe while executing a 3-point turn in the driveway.

Read has maintained her innocence from the start, and her defense team says theres evidence to not only prove she is innocent but also points to a cover-up.

Defense attorneys have alleged OKeefe was brutally beaten and attacked by a dog inside the Canton home and that Read is being framed for his murder.

Karen Read, 41, of Mansfield, Mass., is charged with manslaughter in the Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, death of Boston police Officer John OKeefe. O'Keefe, 46, was off duty at the time of his death.

Karen Reads father, William, who spoke to Investigative Reporter Ted Daniel on Tuesday, said Im very grateful for their support.

It befuddles me that this district attorney, Morrisey and aides cannot say, Okay, there was enough reasonable doubt to dismiss this case, William Read said.

Read said a legal defense fund for his daughter has nearly 900 contributors whove pitched in over $120,000.

Here is this growing avalanche of people who are questioning what has happened here and questioning our institutions, Read said.

WATCH the full hearing below:

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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The defense continues to present witnesses in the final phase of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial.

The jury has decided that Robert Bowers, who killed 11 worshippers in a Squirrel Hill synagogue in 2018, is eligible for the death penalty.

In the final phase of the trial, family members and survivors had the opportunity to speak for the first time about their loss and grief.

The judge anticipates about two to three weeks before the jury makes its final decision on whether Bowers will be sentenced to life in prison or death.

On Tuesday, the defense asked the judge to exhume the body of Randall Bowers to conduct DNA testing to confirm that hes the father of Robert Bowers.

It came after the prosecution during cross-examination questioned whether he is the biological father.

>>> Bowers defense team files motion to exhume his fathers body to prove paternity

The defense says its critical to show that the mental illness his father suffered from was passed down to him.

The defense writing, Despite the extensive documentation and historical evidence that Randall Bowers is the biological father of Robert Bowers, in order to undermine the genetic basis for defendant Robert Bowers serious mental illness, the government has interjected into the case its speculative theory that Randall Bowers is not the father of Robert Bowers.

In court Tuesday, the defense continued calling witnesses. Among them, a childhood friend Frank Ray, who testified that Bowers was never violent or aggressive but obsessed with making homemade pipe bombs.

Bowers' childhood friend, Frank Ray

Ray also said he owes his life to Bowers. While they were swimming one day, he started going under and Bowers grabbed him and pulled him to shore.

I remember that moment because Im fairly certain I wouldnt have made it to shore if he wasnt there, Ray said.

Another friend, Kelly McKinley, also testified about visiting Bowers in the hospital on several occasions after he set himself on fire with a cigarette and grain alcohol. Its unclear if it was an accident or a suicide attempt. Mckinley said Bowers couldnt talk but wrote messages to her.

Story continues

He wrote to me, I love you, McKinley said.

Defense Attorney: Were you surprised by that?

Kelly McKinley testifies via Zoom. Bowers stopped writing to watch her on his screen in front of him while she testified for a little bit.

Very. I did not expect that because I did not know him. I never really spoke with him until then, McKinley responded.

McKinley, who also described when she and Bowers ran from his mothers car so he wouldnt have to go back to the psychiatric unit at St. Francis Hospital, said she never had any contact with Bowers after high school.

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Anti-government agitator Ammon Bundy must pay an Idaho hospital more than $50 million for defaming it and targeting it with protests while it cared for an associates grandsonwho was taken into protective custody after child welfare officials determined he was malnourished.

In March of last year, Bundy was arrested for trespassing outside of St. Lukes Meridian Medical Center, where 10-month-old Baby Cyrus was being treated. The then-gubernatorial candidate organized a week-long protest, claiming Cyrus was medically kidnapped over a missed non-emergency doctors appointment.

Two months later, St. Lukes hospital filed a defamation suit against Bundy and Diego Rodriguez, the childs grandpa and an activist in Bundys far-right Peoples Rights Network (PRN). The complaint also named their companies, including Rodriguezs Freedom Man Press, which posted Baby Cyrus kidnapping videos.

A jury delivered its verdict on Monday: Bundy, Rodriguez, and their companies would owe $26.5 million in compensatory damages and nearly $26 million in punitive damages.

Erik Stidham, an attorney for St. Lukes, told jurors he thought the hospital deserved at least $16 million. My hope is that you will look at this and you will deter (Bundy) in a way that he hasnt been deterred yet, Stidham said in closing arguments, according to the Idaho Statesman. He added that Bundys and Rodriguezs entities were a massive ugly machine built to make money and radicalize people.

Known for armed standoffs with law enforcement, Bundy was a consistent no-show throughout the legal proceedings. In April, a judge issued a default judgment against Bundy and Rodriguez for failing to respond to the suit, leading Bundy to put out an emergency alert that falsely claimed cops surrounded his home and that beckoned his PRN disciples to show up to defend him.

As a result of the default, jurors in the two-week trial were tasked with deciding what damages Bundy and Rodriguez owed to the hospital system. They heard testimony from doctors and administrators about the mens mob stoking fear among patients and families in the emergency room, and Life Flight pilots refusing to land at the facility, fearing shots from the armed crowd on the ground.

Story continues

One pediatrician told the jury about the danger she believed Baby Cyrus was in: He allegedly couldnt sit up, had a distended stomach and sunken eyes. In my opinion, if he had been allowed to go home with his parents and continue on the trajectory he was on, he would have died, Thomas testified, according to the Idaho Statesman.

Another doctor testified that Rodriguezs website called her a child trafficker, and that she believed her family's safety was in jeopardy because of the online attacks.

Todays verdict is a moment of real accountability for Ammon Bundy and his reckless campaign against St. Lukes, said Lindsay Schubiner, Programs Director at the Western States Center, who was among the groups monitoring extremism to celebrate the outcome.

His decision to target St. Lukes and to use inflammatory, dishonest rhetoric about the hospitals actions endangered both staff and patients. This verdict shows that the courts have the ability to treat this kind of threat with the seriousness it deserves.

While Bundy and Rodriguez havent stepped foot in court, theyve publicly commented on the controversy since the case was filed. Ive tried everything I could to make peace with St. Lukes executives and their attorneys, Bundy said in one February video, in which he shows off a pile of legal mail. But theyve rejected every offer of peace, every token of peace that Ive offered to them. And theyve actually come after Diego and I even harder.

The lawsuit reveals St. Lukes hospital sought punitive damages, and an award of at least $250,000 to each of the plaintiffswhich include a hospital executive, doctor, and nurse practitionerfrom each of the defendants. If granted, Bundy, Rodriguez and their companies would have been on the hook for $7.5 million in damages.

So what did these people do to earn this money, to deserve this money? Well, they participated in taking Baby Cyrus from his loving and caring parents, Bundy said in his video. And what did Diego and I do to deserve everything we own and more stripped from us? Well, we said bad things about them for taking Baby Cyrus away... things that were exposing them.

Bundy then went on to conflate offerings of gender-affirming care for children at St. Lukes to the hospitals treatment of Cyrus, and noted St. Lukes received millions from donations and COVID relief funds. And what are they using it for? he said. Theyre using it for things like child sex changes and to pay high-dollar attorneys to come after their political enemies.

Supporters of Ammon Bundy gather in front of the Ada County Courthouse in April 2021 Idaho Statesman/Getty

On July 10, the day the civil trial began, Bundy posted a letter to a new judge presiding over the trial. Please, do not give rich and powerful people false justification to destroy my life, Bundy wrote. Please do not sanction a war that may end in innocent blood and require others to bring justice upon those who are responsible for shedding it.

May God bless you with the strength to do what is right and to let the consequences follow, he concluded. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ I write this letter.

The conflict with St. Lukes had become so antagonistic that Bundy was accused of threatening process servers and local deputies who delivered court papers, and one doctor expressed concern that witnesses would be too intimidated to participate in the case.

In his February video post, Bundy warned followers that St. Lukes was trying to have him arrested. While a judge issued a warrant for Bundy in April over alleged witness intimidation, authorities never came for the 47-year-old provocateur. The Gem County sheriff, in a letter filed on the docket, said he didnt want to risk deputies safety over a civil issue.

At one point, Bundy even appeared to threaten a standoff over the legal battle. Theyre probably going to try to get judgments of over a million dollars and take everything they have from me, Bundy told one local news site in December. And Im not going to let that happen. Im making moves to stop that from happening. And if I have to meet em on the front door with my, you know, friends and a shotgun, Ill do that. Theyre not going to take my property.

For his part, Rodriguez challenged St. Lukes lawyers on his Freedom Man website, writing that he was giving them the chance to win in the court of public opinion.

You can win my public apology. You can win my retractions. You can get the pages on my website that you want taken down, REMOVED without a judgment or legal order. You can even get $50,000 for St. Lukes right now. All you have to do is show the world where I have published any FACTUALLY inaccurate information, as Ive already stated, Rodriguez wrote.

But the hospital evidently wasnt going to be cowed by far-right extremists.

In a fourth amended complaint, St. Lukes argued that Bundy and Rodriguez were aiming to benefit financially and boost their political brands by launching a knowingly dishonest and baseless smear campaign against it. This campaign, the suit alleges, claimed Idaho State employees, the judiciary, the police, primary care providers, and the St. Lukes Parties engaged in widespread kidnapping, trafficking, sexual abuse, and killing of Idaho children.

The lawsuit argued that Bundy and Rodriguez used Cyrus case to spread their lies and further their agendas, as they portrayed themselves as crusaders against their manufactured state-sponsored child kidnapping and trafficking ring. The men, according to the suit, directed their followers to dox and harass St. Lukes employees.

Meanwhile, Rodriguez is accused of lying to followers about Cyruss care, claiming the baby had a 100% clean bill of health when authorities took him into custody and that his parents had only missed one doctors visit. He also falsely claimed a St. Lukes pediatrician had reported the parents to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

St. Lukes sued Ammon Bundy for defamation. Idaho Statesman/Getty

The trouble began when Bundy and his flock entered the hospitals ambulance bay at around 1:30 a.m. on a Saturday in March, the complaint says; they began cursing at staff and police, blocking patients access to the facility and filming the episode for social media.

Recognizing that Bundys followers were growing more numerous and menacing, a hospital supervisor tried to reason with Bundy and deescalate the situation, the complaint says. For the benefit of those there to film him, Bundy responded by accusing the supervisor of kidnapping and then demanded that he give Bundy the Infant.

Bundy knew full well he had no legal authority to make that demand because he had no parental rights over the Infant.

Cops arrested Bundy about a half hour later for refusing to move. After his release from custody, Bundy quickly began to publicize his confrontation and later beefed up a false narrative about St. Lukes, the lawsuit states. (Bundy took a plea deal in the trespass criminal case, receiving a $1,000 fine and suspended 90-day jail sentence.)

The lawsuit lists a slew of defamatory statements from Bundy and Rodriguez, including that the hospital was world famous for killing people and stealing babies from their parents and that it forced Cyrus to ingest a toxic poison. Bundy also allegedly claimed that St. Lukes had targeted the baby because of Bundys objection to COVID corruption.

The hospital argues the duos stunt disrupted its operations and harmed staff and patients. According to the suit, the men called on their devotees, many of whom were armed, to protest in front of the hospital for a week before Cyrus was released. Rodriguez became a daily presence, holding press conferences outside the building, the complaint says.

Rodriguez would go on to solicit $115,000 in donations by falsely claiming the hospital was performing unnecessary medical tests and treatments to prolong the babys time in the hospital and extort the uninsured parents, the lawsuit continues. (The hospital, however, claims that Medicaid covered Cyruss bills and his family never paid anything for and owe nothing for the care received at St. Lukes.)

Bundys campaign allegedly caused St. Lukes to go on lockdown for more than an hour and for patients to be routed to other facilities. The followers also flooded St. Lukes phone lines and email accounts with menacing communications and death threats.

But the alleged smears didnt stop after Cyrus went home. St. Lukes argues that Bundy and Rodriguez continued to capitalize on the episode, creating a group called People Against Child Trafficking and holding a rally where they further defamed the hospital, comparing its employees to feudal lords practicing primae noctis.

The complaint highlights the mens possible financial windfall in their war against the hospital, noting that Bundy generates funds by marketing himself as an anti-government, quasi-religious leader through his 60,000-member PRN and uses at least two corporate entities: Dono Custos, Inc. and Abish-husbondi. Inc.

The potential revenue to Bundy is significant, the lawsuit says. If each member of PRN annually contributes just $50 to Bundy through Dono Custos, Bundy could pocket more than $3,000,0000 [sic] per year. It adds that entities owned by Bundy and Rodriguez received money from Bundys gubernatorial campaign.

As for Rodriguez, the complaint adds, money streams in through his Freedom Tabernacle, which purports to be a church but is used as an entity to receive contributions, dues, or payments from members of PRN. According to the legal filing, the church requires members tithe 10% of their earnings. Another of Rodriguezs entities, Power Marketing, hawks three-day training courses for $15,000 per student.

In fact, even after the Infant was returned to the Infants parents, the suit alleges, Rodriguez and Bundy have continued to exploit the Infant by incessantly marketing the Infant and his likeness through social media and alternative media to promote PRN, Bundy in campaign advertising, and Rodriguez and his multiplicity of sales schemes.

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BRUSSELS (AP)  A jury on Tuesday found six people guilty of terrorist murder for extremist attacks at the Brussels airport and a busy subway station that killed 32 people in Belgiums deadliest peacetime violence, part of a wave of attacks in Europe linked to the Islamic State group.

Among those convicted for their role in the 2016 Brussels suicide bombing plot was Salah Abdeslam, who already is serving a life sentence without parole in France over his role in attacks that hit Paris cafes, the Bataclan theater and Frances national stadium in 2015. Both the Paris and Brussels attacks were linked to the same IS network.

Wrapping up the biggest trial in Belgium's judicial history, the chief judge listed the names of the victims before reading the decisions and explanations of the 12-person jury. The verdict was reported by Belgian media covering the trial from inside the courtroom, including public broadcaster RTBF, newspaper Le Soir and news websites HLN and Nieuwsblad.

Survivors and families of victims hoped the trial that started in earnest in December would help them work through the trauma of what happened on March 22, 2016, and to find closure.

In total, 10 defendants were on trial. Two brothers were acquitted of all charges. The other eight were convicted of participating in activities of a terrorist group; six of those eight were also convicted of terrorist murder.

Sentencing will be decided in a separate process, but not before September.

The morning rush hour attacks at Zavantem Airport, which is also known as Brussels Airport, and on the Brussels subways central commuter line deeply shook the city  home to the headquarters of the European Union and NATO  and put Belgians on edge. In addition to the 32 people killed, hundreds of others were wounded or suffered serious mental trauma.

The jury made a clear connection between the attacks and IS and its extremist ideology, and found that the attackers clearly wanted to intimidate Belgian society. Jurors also determined there was clear homicidal intention and premeditation, according to the media reports.

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The jurors deliberated since early July over some 300 questions the court asked them to consider before reaching a verdict.

The jury found that four additional deaths could be attributed to the attacks, including a survivor who later took his own life because of mental suffering and another who had to stop cancer treatment due to injuries sustained in the attack, according to the media reports.

Survivors gathered at the special courthouse designed for the exceptional trial to hear Tuesday's verdict. Among them was a man named Frederic, who said the atrocious crimes'' committed the day of the attacks haunt him.

He was among the commuters who survived the attack at the Maelbeek metro station and spoke Tuesday on condition that his last name not be published to protect his identity as a victim of trauma.

We have been waiting for this for seven years, seven years that weighed heavily on the victims. ... We are waiting with impatience, and with some anguish for the verdict, he told The Associated Press.

Survivors supported each other through the proceedings, some coming to court every day. It is important to be together, to hear the decision of justice,'' Frederic said. After that, they hope "to be able to turn the page.''

Abdeslam was the only survivor among the Islamic State extremists who struck Paris in November 2015. After months on the run, he was captured in Brussels on March 18, 2016. His arrest may have prompted other members of the IS cell to rush ahead with attack plans on the Belgian capital.

Also convicted of terrorist murder at the trial in Brussels was Mohamed Abrini, a childhood friend of Abdeslam and a Brussels native who walked away from Zaventem Airport after his explosives failed to detonate.

Oussama Atar, identified as a possible organizer of the deadly attacks on both Paris and Brussels, was convicted of terrorist murder in absentia. He is believed to have died in the Islamic State group's final months of fighting in Iraq and Syria.

Philippe Vansteenkiste, who sister Fabienne died in the attacks, told Belgian broadcaster VRT: I hope there will be global recognition and justice. Terror is trying to attack democracy. By showing that we have faith in the jury and democracy, we are sending a signal to terrorists."

The wound has reopened, he said. "It may heal better after this, but the scar will always remain.

___

Angela Charlton in Paris and Mike Corder in The Hague, the Netherlands, contributed to this report.
The Transylvania County Courthouse.

BREVARD - A jury will continue to deliberate July 25 over the fate of a Transylvania County man whom two minors say sexually assaulted them and exploited another child, but whose supporters say is a hard-working person who looked after his children, stepchildren and other people's children.

After deliberating for three hours July 24, the jury in the case of 38-year Sapphire resident and tree service worker Johnathan Jessi McKinney was "at a standstill," according to Superior Court Judge George Bell. Jurors wanted to stop and reconvene the next day, the judge said.

The jury will resume deliberations at noon in order to accommodate already scheduled morning District Court and will continue "however long it takes," Bell said, though he guessed "another two to three hours."

McKinney is now facing 17 felony charges that range from statutory rape to child abuse by a sexual act. The number of charges is down from 23 after one of the accusers, Child 1, testified last week they were not sure about what body part McKinney used during some of the alleged sex acts. As a result, Assistant District Attorney Beth Dierauf on July 21 dismissed five counts of statutory rape of child by an adult and one count of incest against a child under the age of 13.

While the children's names were used in open court, the Citizen Times is not publishing them as a measure of protection and will refer to them as Child 1 and Child 2. There are three children named as victims But just two minors testified.

Johnathan Jessi McKinney leaves the Transylvania County Courthouse July 24

Child 1, now a teenager, has described multiple sexual assaults, including oral sex, dating back to 2013 and beginning when the child was younger than 10 years old.

Child 2, also now a teenager, described more recent assaults, in 2020.

Dierauf and defense attorney Jack Stewart gave closing arguments earlier on July 24

Stewart talked about the 17th Century Salem, Massachusetts, witch trials in which fantastical accusations from mostly teenagers led to dozens of executions. He questioned the credibility of claims against McKinney that sexual assaults happened in homes full of people, including visiting children.

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"(Child 2) wants you to believe ... that (they are) in this room sleeping with all these other kids and animals and my client creeps through that room dodging everybody and somehow takes one child away, puts (them) on another couch, and then rapes (them) right there in plain view everybody in that room. I mean, is that really believable?" Stewart said.

The prosecution had the advantage of making the last arguments because the defense presented witnesses during the trial. Those witnesses included McKinney's parents, wife, babysitters and others who said they never saw him being inappropriate with his or other children.

Dierauf pointed to testimony during the trial from three other children who said McKinney sexually assaulted and groped them, though no charges were brought on their behalf.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sexual assault of children is a rampant public health problem. The government agency estimates 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys experience child sexual abuse at some point in childhood.

The Justice Department estimates that 86% of child sexual abuse cases are never reported. And those who do report often suffer from delayed disclosure.

A public health study cited by CHILD USA found the average age of women and men who reported being sexually abused as children is 52, for reasons including shame, fear of not being believed and fear of retaliation from the perpetrator.

More: More allegations of sexual assault at Asheville School emerge: police reports

The assistant district attorney replayed a recording of one of those children being interviewed in which they said "he's really not afraid of anyone. He will do it where he can kind of like keep it to himself or he would do it when other people were still around."

That witness talked about an incident when they were younger than 12 and asleep next to McKinney's wife, Brittany McKinney, in the living room and he groped her. "Did any defense witness rebut that?" Dierauf said.

The defense and prosecution also talked about how the minors could not often remember dates or other details, arguing about the standard to which children witnesses should be held.

Dierauf said that Child 1 had reported abuse to authorities but after an investigation was cleared to go back to McKinney's house.

Johnathon Jessi McKinney, seen here May 3, 2021 in Transylvania County Superior Court, is on trial this week on multiple charges of child sexual abuse.

"Be careful about evaluating children, children who were groomed at a very young age by the defendant to be used to it," the assistant district attorney said.

Stewart said the gravity of the charges meant there should be no leeway in terms of the evidence. He noted how some of the testimony contained allegations that were not before reported by the children, despite several interviews and interactions with adults.

"Folks, that's what the state calls proof in this case. That's what they say is the kind of evidence you should use to deprive a man of his liberty," he said.

According to previous Citizen Times reporting, McKinney had been arrested in 2016 in Transylvania County in a separate case and charged with felony indecent liberties with a child bur later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge.

Court documents say in October 2017, the felony charge was dropped by then-District Attorney Greg Newmans office, which then charged McKinney with a new, misdemeanor charge of assault on a female. McKinney pleaded guilty to that charge and was sentenced to time served  one day in jail.

McKinney was not required to register as a sex offender. However, the court ordered McKinney to have a sex offender evaluation by a psychologist within 60 days, to stay away from the children involved in the case, and not to be alone with any children under the age of 16 unless they were his biological children.

Former District Attorney Greg Newman, whose office oversaw that case, was removed as DA for Henderson, Polk and Transylvania counties during a special hearing in April 2021, in part due to his mishandling of a different child rape case.

He was replaced in May of that year by DA Andrew Murray, who could be seen in court this week sitting in the audience and at times comforting the two child witnesses.

The family of one of the child victims filed a complaint with the sheriff's office in early 2021. A grand jury released indictments in April of that year. He was arrested two days later by Transylvania County sheriff's deputies.

More: Ex-Buncombe County high school teacher pleads guilty to child sexual abuse of student

More: Former MAHEC psychiatry director accused of child rape appears in Buncombe district court

Joel Burgess has lived in WNC for more than 20 years, covering politics, government and other news. He's written award-winning stories on topics ranging from gerrymandering to police use of force. Got a tip? Contact Burgess at jburgess@citizentimes.com, 828-713-1095 or on Twitter @AVLreporter. Please help support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: WNC jury at 'standstill' over 17 child sex crimes charges
The Justice Department on Monday filed a lawsuit against Texas and its Republican governor for placing buoys in the Rio Grande as part of the state's effort to deter migrants from crossing into the United States.

The civil suit said Gov. Greg Abbott violated federal law by installing the barrier and asked a judge to order the defendants to "promptly remove the unauthorized obstruction" at their own expense.

The lawsuit cites the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act of 1899, which bars the creation of any obstruction not affirmatively authorized by Congress, to the navigable capacity of any of the waters of the United States.

It also alleges that Abbott had failed to obtain a permit through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before installing the barrier in the Rio Grande as required by federal law.

A worker helps deploy a string of large buoys to be used as a border barrier at the center of the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass, Texas, on July 11, 2023. (Eric Gay / AP)

The governors office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit, which comes after the Justice Department on Thursday notified Abbott of its intent to sue unless Texas acted to remove the buoys by Monday afternoon, arguing that the barrier endangered public safety and could obstruct the federal governments official duties, among other concerns.

Earlier Monday, Abbott sent a letter sent to President Joe Biden accusing him of attempting to hamstring his states sovereign interest in securing its border.

"In a late-night letter sent to me last Thursday, your lawyers at the Department of Justice threatened to sue the State of Texas over the floating marine barriers we have deployed in the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass, Abbott wrote. Texas will see you in court, Mr. President."

Migrants trying to enter the U.S. from Mexico approach the site where workers are assembling large buoys to be used as a border barrier along the banks of the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass, Texas, on July 11, 2023. (Eric Gay / AP)

Abbott also argued that Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act doesn't apply to Texas' actions, adding that while he shares the administration's concern for migrants' welfare, Biden's finger points in the wrong direction.

Neither of us wants to see another death in the Rio Grande River, Abbott wrote. Yet your open-border policies encourage migrants to risk their lives by crossing illegally through the water, instead of safely and legally at a port of entry. Nobody drowns on a bridge.

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When reached for comment about Abbotts letter, a spokesperson for the Justice Departments Environment and Natural Resources Division pointed to Monday's lawsuit and declined further comment.

Buoy barriers are installed in the middle of the Rio Grande river in Eagle Pass, Texas, (Brandon Bell / Getty Images)

White House spokesman Abdullah Hasan defended Bidens border policies in a statement, arguing Abbotts dangerous and unlawful actions are undermining that effective plan." Hasan said such actions were "making it hard for the men and women of Border Patrol to do their jobs of securing the border, and putting migrants and border agents in danger.

Vice President Kamala Harris also blasted Abbott and immigration enforcement in his state, which a Texas trooper has said included orders to push nursing women and young children back into the river and denying them water in scorching heat.

Across our nation, extremist so-called leaders demonize, target, and attack immigrants," Harris said Monday at an annual conference for the Latino civil rights and advocacy group UniDos, where she called the actions in Texas "inhumane, outrageous, and un-American."

Briefing reporters on Monday before the lawsuit was announced, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre accused Abbott of "sowing chaos" and staging inhumane "political stunts."

"He's actively undermining our border enforcement plan," she said, adding that illegal border crossings are at their lowest level since Biden took office.

Abbott is "not operating in good faith here," she added.

The Texas governor has previously made immigration policy a focal point of his administration. Last month, Abbott sent 42 migrants by bus to Los Angeles and touted in a statement the transport of more than 21,000 migrants from Texas to cities across the country since last year  an effort that he said provided much-needed relief to the states small border towns.

The DOJ's letter to Texas last week asked officials to respond by 2 p.m. ET on Monday with an indication that the state planned to expeditiously remove the buoys. If Texas did not provide such a response, the United States intends to file legal action, the letter said.

Abbott, in his response, made clear that he did not intend to comply with the DOJ's request.

"Texas will fully utilize its constitutional authority to deal with the crisis you have caused," Abbott said.

CORRECTION (July 24, 2023: 8:10 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated when the Justice Department first threatened to sue Texas. It was in a letter on Thursday, not Friday.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The claim: Kamala Harris brought flowers to McCain monument in Vietnam to honor his captors

A July 7 Facebook video (direct link, archive link) shows Vice President Kamala Harris laying flowers at a memorial. A narrator claims the memorial celebrates those who shot down a plane piloted by the late Sen. John McCain during the Vietnam War.

What the know-nothing millennials who set Kamalas schedule didnt know, is that the site that shes laying those flowers at?" says the narrator. "Its a celebration of those who shot McCains plane out of the sky and then captured him, delivering him to the VC for his long stay and torture at the Hanoi Hilton."

The Facebook post's caption asserts this was an intentional decision by Harris: You think it was a mistake but it wasnt.

The post was shared over 2,000 times on Facebook.

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Our rating: False

Harris brought the flowers to the monument to honor McCain, who she referred to as a "hero." While the monument may have initially been built to celebrate McCain's 1967 capture, McCain admirers have laid flowers at the monument for years in a showing of respect to the late senator, and a pejorative reference to McCain was dropped from the monument in 2015.

Harris praised McCain after placing flowers

McCain, then a naval aviator, was flying a bombing mission over North Vietnam in 1967 when he was shot down and taken prisoner. He spent more than five years as a prisoner of war before he was released.

A small monument was later erected on the banks of Truc Bach Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam, to memorialize his capture by the Vietnamese. It is unclear whether the monument was intended to celebrate the downing of McCain's plane or simply mark the spot where it happened.

McCain himself visited the monument during a 2009 trip returning to Hanoi.

Why they erected it and the significance it has to them, I never quite figured it out, CBS reported McCain saying.

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Despite this, many left flowers at the monument in honor of McCain following his death in 2018, Reuters reported. The footage shared in the Facebook post shows Harris laying flowers at the monument in 2021 during a visit to Vietnam.

Harris's comments make clear her intent was to honor the senator, contrary to the post's claim.

John McCain was an extraordinary American hero, Harris said at the monument, according to The Hill. I was honored and privileged to serve with him for a short time in the United States Senate. John McCain, he loved our country."

Fact check: Experts say mammograms are best way to test for breast cancer

The monument was updated in 2015 to correct the spelling of McCain's name and rank and remove the Vietnamese word "TEN," which was originally included in reference to McCain on the monument, according to the website of Ted Osius, a former U.S. ambassador to Vietnam.

"TEN is a classifier for despicable individuals such as enemies, thieves, robbers, cheaters and rapists, Osius wrote. The Vietnamese language has a group of classifiers that have built-in positive or negative connotations, which can be added or dropped to express the speakers attitude toward the subject modified by the classifier. After TEN was dropped, the text was no longer marred by the speakers bias against the subject.

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

Our fact-check sources:

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

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

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Harris laid flowers at McCain monument in tribute to him | Fact check
A 30-year-old man is accused of seriously injuring a person he argued with outside a downtown Kansas City gas station by purposely hitting him with a car.

Jackson County prosecutors charged Julian E. Young, of Kansas City, with first-degree assault, a Class A felony, and armed criminal action. Records show Young was arrested Wednesday and ordered held on a $100,000 bond.

According to court documents, Kansas City police officers were called to a report of the collision involving a pedestrian around 3 p.m. July 17 at a gas station near 10th and Locust streets, roughly two blocks from KCPD headquarters.

The pedestrian, whose name is not included in court documents, could not be interviewed as he remained intubated when Kansas City detectives were investigating last week. He reportedly suffered massive head trauma that included a broken jaw.

Witnesses told police the pedestrian had argued with a man identified by police as Young. At one point, Young had exchanged words with and appeared ready to fight the pedestrian outside the gas station, according to court documents.

The two were separated by bystanders. Shortly after, one witness reported hearing a loud boom and went outside to find the pedestrian on the ground in the parking lot.

Surveillance footage reviewed by detectives shows Young getting into an argument with the man. In the video, both are seen circling one another, shirtless, and appear ready to fight, though no physical altercation occurs, according to court documents.

After getting back in his car, Young allegedly circled the lot before speeding toward the pedestrian and striking him with the front bumper. The impact caused the pedestrian to roll off the windshield and spin in the air, according to court documents.

During a police interview, Young told detectives he had been in Kansas City, Kansas, on the day of the crash. Detectives ended the interview after Young asked for a lawyer, according to court documents.

Online court records did not list a defense attorney for Young. He was being held in the Jackson County jail as of Monday.
Kansas government operations and contracting of minority-owned businesses could be affected by Attorney General Kris Kobach's legal interpretation of the U.S. Supreme Court's affirmative action ruling.

Kobach and a dozen other attorneys general warned the nation's largest businesses that racial preferences in employment is now unconstitutional.

While the Supreme Court case was on affirmative action in higher education, Kobach's letter tied the same reasoning to employment practices at private businesses. He warned the nation's largest businesses not to engage in such practices as contracting quotas for minority-owned businesses but made no mention of related state government efforts.

"We certainly think it does apply to government decision-making  including contracting, including hiring, including promotion  that the government must, all governments must, be race neutral in the way they address these decisions," Kobach later told reporters. "We have not yet been asked for an official attorney general opinion on any specific statute or contracting scenario in the wake of the Supreme Court's opinion, but we do believe that that opinion would be binding upon state agencies and potentially on state contracting, depending on the context."

Attorneys general threaten to sue big businesses

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach sent a letter to big businesses warning them to abandon racial preferences in employment decisions, but his office has provided no guidance to state government about the issue.

Kobach was one of 13 attorneys general to sign the letter, which he co-led with Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti. It was sent to Fortune 100 businesses and took to task Apple, Google, Microsoft, Netflix and other companies.

Kobach warned big businesses against racial preferences in employment, including contract preferences for Black-owned businesses. He wrote that "race-based employment and contracting violates both state and federal law, and as the chief law enforcement officers of our respective states we intend to enforce the law vigorously."

Kobach has since said he had no concerns with any specific Kansas companies.

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"The purpose of the letter is to give notice to the corporations all across the country that this is how we believe the Supreme Court's ruling may affect you in your hiring practices," he said. "So really the ball is in the companies' court now to make any adjustments to what they're doing with respect to hiring and any considerations of race. So at this stage, I think it's only fair to allow the companies to assess and, if necessary, make corrections."

But it remains unclear what Kobach's treat to sue companies that give preferential contracting treatment to minority-owned businesses means for Kansas state government initiatives designed to help give preferential treatment to minority-owned businesses.

His legal interpretation could mean less opportunity for minority-owned businesses to secure contracts and put federal funding at risk.

More: Kris Kobach, AGs threaten 'legal consequences' against businesses using race to hire

Kobach's interpretation could hurt minority-owned businesses

While the letter implied a threat to sue big businesses involved in race-based employment preferences, it made no mention of holding government to the same standard.

The Kansas Department of Commerce is tasked by state law with operating an Office of Minority and Women Business Development. That office has the job of certifying minority-owned businesses, which can help such businesses secure contracts with other businesses and governments, and maintaining a directory.

While it is unclear if Kobach's legal interpretation would consider government certification of minority-owned businesses to be unconstitutional, the law remains on the books and there are no known constitutional challenges against it.

The Kansas Department of Transportation has an Office of Civil Rights Compliance. It has the job of ensuring compliance with federal highway funding contract goals for disadvantaged business enterprises, which includes minority-owned businesses. The federal law has withstood legal challenges.

"The intent is to have a level of DBE participation equal to that which would occur without the effects of past or present discrimination," a KDOT program manual states.

The current goals at KDOT are 0.74% for Federal Transportation Administration projects and 7.79% for Federal Highway Administration projects.

But such "racial preferences and quotas in selecting suppliers" were listed in Kobach's letter as illegal. It is unclear how KDOT could comply with both Kobach's affirmative action interpretation and the federal funding requirements.

Kris Kobach has not provided guidance to state agencies

Spokespeople for the Commerce and Transportation departments both said their agencies have received no guidance from the attorney general's office on how to comply with the affirmative action ruling. Still, both said, their agencies have "always and will continue to follow applicable state and federal law in its programs."

Spokespeople for Kobach didn't directly answer multiple questions about how his legal interpretation applied to state government contracting and the state's certification of minority-owned business. Instead, they sent a one-sentence statement from Kobach: "The Supreme Court has made clear that racial discrimination in employment is forbidden."

Likewise, a spokesperson for Skrmetti did not respond to questions about the letter's implications for state government. Neither did a spokesperson for Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, whom Skrmetti previously served as chief legal counsel, when asked if Skrmetti's office had provided any guidance.

Like Kansas, Tennessee state government also certifies minority-owned businesses while also promoting them as part of federal highway fund goals.

Kobach later told reporters that he currently has no specific concerns with existing contracting practices in state government, though he offered to provide his legal opinion should the agencies ask for it.

"The attorney general's office is the chief counsel for all of state government, including the agencies," Kobach said. "And so we would expect that if state agencies think there might be something that is contrary to the Supreme Court's opinion or to the extension of that precedent into their agency's activities, then we would hope that they would come to us. But no, there's not a specific state agency practice that we are currently investigating."

Jason Alatidd is a statehouse reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached by email at jtidd@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jason_Alatidd.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: US Supreme Court race case could affect Kansas government: Kris Kobach
Convicted drug kingpin Cecil Brooks is as widely feared in Wyandotte County as his alleged longtime business partner and sex trafficking co-defendant Roger Golubski, the former Kansas City, Kansas, police detective who prosecutors say made Brooks possible by protecting him.

Yet apparently because Brooks is a convicted drug kingpin with asthma, he was temporarily released from prison and allowed to live with relatives in KCK during the pandemic.

At a Monday hearing on whether Brooks, who as of last month had served his sentence for selling crack, should be released while awaiting his sex trafficking trial, Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hunting told the court that while Brooks was out on home confinement two years ago, he went right back to selling drugs.

Or at least, thats how it looked on footage captured by the camera the FBI had installed, which showed what appeared to be hand-to-hand drug transactions. When the FBI had his room searched, Hunting said, they found a loaded handgun, a silencer and some drug residue.

I must say its hard to imagine Brooks handing off any drugs himself, because as the CEO of his organization, he left customer service to underlings.

But Huntings larger point, that Brooks is too dangerous to be back on the street, is well documented: The defendant has demonstrated that he is dangerous, that he is ruthless, that he is savvy and smart.

For now, Brooks wont be released. But at least in part, thats because his lawyer, Jonathan Truesdale, came to court without any real plan for where Brooks would stay beyond the first week after his release from federal custody.

Terrified female victims physically ill giving statements

Unfortunately, Hunting also came less prepared than he should have been for such an important case.

He did argue energetically against Brooks release: People are terrified because of the defendant, he said. Particularly among female victims, its not uncommon for them to be physically ill while giving a statement. They might be too afraid to continue to cooperate with the governments case if hes released, Hunting argued, which is 1,000% true. The stripes on this tiger will not change.

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But Hunting was unable to answer several of Magistrate Judge Rachel Schwartzs questions about the case.

You say hes made false statements, Schwartz said, so what are those? Hunting didnt know.

She asked whether Brooks had slipped away from his monitors only once or more than once during his time on home release, and he didnt know that, either.

(Given the number of times I heard that Brooks had spent the previous evening at KCKs To the Hoop Bar & Grill during that time, Im going with more than once. Unless of course his favorite former hangout with his associates was on the list of places where he was allowed to spend time while wearing an ankle bracelet. In KCK, Ive learned, anything is possible.)

Truesdale wound up apologizing for wasting the courts time, and withdrew his request that Brooks be released. Now, hell try to come up with a more serious plan.

But that only happened after Truesdale consulted his client, right there in the courtroom, about where he might stay if set free. Brooks replied that his ex-wife would be willing to take him in, but then, no, was contradicted by the pretrial services officer, who told the judge that he had already spoken to the former Mrs. Brooks, who told him that under no circumstance was he moving back in with her.

With nowhere to send him, the judge couldnt have released him if shed wanted to.

But the ho-hum lawyering and leisurely pace of this whole case is disturbing.

This is not some minor prosecution, but one years and years in the making, involving victims who were afraid theyd be killed if they came forward but did it anyway. Leaving them out there hanging like this all these months must keep prosecutors up at night, or so I hope.

Victims who showed up for Mondays hearing think Roger Golubski should be behind bars, too.

Still no trial date set for 70-year-old Roger Golubski

Brooks, 61, was impassive throughout the hearing, keeping his chin down but his eyes up and on the judge. He is accused of conspiring with Golubski and two other men to traffic underage girls at an apartment complex Brooks ran on KCKs Delavan Avenue.

Some of the victims, prosecutors say, were recruited straight out of a juvenile correctional center, then were held in a condition of involuntary sexual servitude  raped and used like chattel while Golubski protected the operation from any real scrutiny.

Hunting told the court that a uniformed officer once called to the scene by a woman worried about some of these girls was told by management that he should call Golubski. When he did, the detective actually showed up, called the woman making the report crazy and convinced his fellow officer that everything was fine.

Two points that Truesdale made in court were certainly valid: First, that it would be unfair for Golubski and two other co-defendants to be free on home arrest while Brooks remains in custody. I agree, and like the victims who showed up for the hearing, think Golubski in particular should be behind bars, too.

Truesdale also said that based on the considerable age of the allegations in this matter and amount of discovery involved in this case, it is not likely to proceed to trial soon. Thats accurate as well.

And thats why, with victims still equal parts terrified, angry that a trial date has not been set and worried that well all be dead before 70-year-old Golubski ever spends a night in jail, prosecutors need to step it up.

Why is Kate Brubacher, the new U.S. attorney for the District of Kansas, who was at the hearing on Monday, not trying this case herself? She should be. And thats not only because if it doesnt result in a conviction, that will be on her.

Brooks previous handiwork, as described in court, includes a long history of sex crimes and such depravity as burning someone he thought had stolen from him with an iron. He once poured acid on another man suspected of cheating him, Hunting said, while pliers were used to snip his skin away from his body. He sodomized one man with a broom handle, the prosecutor said, and on another occasion, stuck a gun up an enforcers anus and threatened to fire if the man didnt do as he was told. So sure, let this model prisoner free?

He should no more be at liberty than so many inmates I know whove been sent away for life should still be behind bars; if theres any consistency to our so-called system, I havent picked up on it.

Theres a fundamental unfairness, Truesdale said, in a world that would let Golubski sleep in his own bed while Brooks does not. Tell me about it.
Extending operations of the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant through 2045 could cost California ratepayers as much as $45 billion, a new report has found.

The states biggest utility, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), is currently in the process of seeking a license renewal that could enable the aging facility to run for another 20 years  with the widespread support of state legislators, but in opposition to environmental activists.

If the plant ends up staying online for two more decades, total costs to run the site could range from more than $20 billion to nearly $45 billion from 2023 through 2045, according to a new analysis from the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

Keeping Diablo Canyon open past its closure date is a terrible idea for many reasons, including the staggering price tag that unwitting ratepayers will face for keeping the dilapidated and dangerous nuclear plant operating, EWG President Ken Cook, who is also a Bay Area resident, said in a statement.

While PG&E in 2016 had announced plans to retire the site and decommission its two reactors when their licenses expire  in November 2024 and August 2025, respectively  California enacted legislation last fall seeking to extend operations until 2030.

About six months later, the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission granted PG&E an exemption that enabled the plant to stay open under its current licenses while the agency considers renewal application  whose terms would apply for 20 years.

Located about 25 miles southwest of San Luis Obispo along Californias Central Coast, the Diablo Canyon plant first began operating in 1985. Both Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and state legislators have long advocated for the extension, arguing that the site provides critical support during Californias transition to a renewable energy economy.

Environmental activists, on the other hand, have vehemently opposed the plans as both reckless and irresponsible with regards to public safety.

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The EWG analysis  based in part on testimony filed by the Utility Reform Network, a consumer advocacy group  estimated that keeping the plant open would likely require hundreds of millions of dollars every year.

Because that cost would need to be passed on to the consumer, households could then expect an increase of between $55124 per year on typical utility bills, according to the analysis.

Its clearly a high-cost, no-reward and puzzling scenario for California, given its decades-long leadership on the environment, a statement from EWG said.

The environmental groups conclusion is a stark departure from a 2021 study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University, which determined that operating the plant until 2045 could save ratepayers up to $21 billion.

A 10-year extension alone would reduce carbon emissions in Californias power sector by more than 10 percent annually from 2017 levels, as well as decrease dependence on natural gas and save ratepayers about $2.6 billion, the MIT-Stanford study argued.

Keeping Diablo in operation to 2045 could spare about 90,000 acres of land by avoiding the need for an additional 18 gigawatts of photovoltaic solar power, the researchers found.

By then constraining photovoltaic siting by land use to a total of 60 gigawatts  which the authors described as consistent with recent annual deployment rates  savings could amount to $21 billion, per the study.

Tuesdays EWG analysis acknowledged the MIT-Stanford research, characterizing the findings as the leading  if flawed  projection about just what it would cost to keep Diablo Canyon running.

The analysts explained that they used PG&Es own numbers and the Utility Reform Networks calculations for capital and operating costs  noting that the former excludes the companys profit margins, administrative costs and various state and federal taxes.

The estimated $20 billion$45 billion cost to ratepayers could be even higher, the EWG analysts argued, stressing that these projections dont account for expenditures associated with disasters, such as radiation leaks or earthquake damage.

Grant Smith, EWG energy advisor and co-author of the report, argued that the 6-8 percent of Californias electricity that is provided by Diablo Canyon could easily come from cleaner and safer sources.

California added enough renewables in the past year to match the power output of Diablo Canyon, Smith said.

Proven, reliable clean energy choices such as energy efficiency, solar, wind, battery storage and demand response are far safer options than allowing Diablo Canyon to continue operating, he added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Keeping Californias last nuclear power plant running past 2025 could cost ratepayers $20 billion to $45 billion, according to a new report by a nonprofit environmental organization.

The Environmental Working Groups report, published Tuesday morning, analyzed how expensive it could be for PG&Es 15.8 million ratepayers to have Diablo Canyon Power Plant remain open through 2045.

The nonprofit organization, which is based in Washington, D.C., looked at the 20-year timeline because PG&E has said it will apply to renew the power plants license for the next 20 years with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission by the end of this year.

Located just north of Avila Beach in San Luis Obispo County, Diablo Canyon produces about 9% of the states total power.

The 2,200-megawatt power plant was expected to stop operating its twin reactors in 2024 and 2025, and be replaced by renewable energy sources. However, the state failed to ensure grid reliability during a time of increased energy demand due in part to climate change.

Senate Bill 846, signed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom in September, allowed for a $1.4 billion loan to be allocated to PG&E to help fund the continued operations of Diablo Canyon.

The Senate bill pushes to keep the nuclear power plant operating until 2030  giving the state another five years to try to procure enough renewable energy to fully replace Diablo Canyon

The Environmental Working Group report released Tuesday claims that keeping Diablo Canyon open for 20 additional years is not worth the cost to PG&E ratepayers.

The tens of billions it will cost to keep Diablo Canyon operating will ultimately be borne by PG&Es ratepayers, who already pay some of the highest electricity bills in the country, while the monopolys shareholders will reap additional profits, the groups president, Ken Cook, said.

Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant is the last of its kind in California, seen here in a photo on Oct. 25, 2022.

Report: PG&E customers could pay $55 to $124 more per year

To come up with its estimate of the cost of keeping Diablo Canyon operating until 2045, the Environmental Working Group used estimates of the plants capital and operating costs from a June report by the Utility Reform Network, a San Francisco-based consumer advocacy organization.

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Based on PG&Es cost estimates for the power plant, it would cost $20 billion to keep the plant operational through 2045, The Environmental Working Group said in its report.

However, the nonprofit surmised, the utility company could be underestimating the costs.

Therefore, the Environmental Working Group used annual operating cost estimates by the Utility Reform Network to calculate the total operating cost until 2045 to be $45 billion.

Those costs, divided equally among PG&Es customers, would mean ratepayers would see their bills increase by $55 to $124 a year, or $4.49 to $10.33 a month, according to the Environmental Working Groups analysis.

The cost increase estimates by the Environmental Working Group are entirely speculative, Grant Smith, the groups senior energy advisor, told The Tribune.

Its likely the actual increased cost of keeping Diablo Canyon would be different for each ratepayer based on their normal electricity bills from PG&E, he said.

Whether the power plant stays open until 2030 could also change how much ratepayers bills increase, he added.

File photo of a humpback whale breaching off the shore of the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant.

State to analyze costs of continued Diablo Canyon operations

As part of its requirements under SB 846, the California Energy Commission is evaluating the costs of keeping Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant open past 2025. The agency is expected to release a report on its findings by Sept. 30.

Meanwhile, the California Public Utilities Commission has an active proceeding to implement the various stipulations outlined in the Senate bill, which include potential costs to be incurred by ratepayers should the power plant remain open past 2025.

The Environmental Working Groups report states that Diablo Canyon should not continue to operate past its originally scheduled closure dates in 2024 and 2025, especially given the additional costs to ratepayers.

We do not see how keeping Diablo Canyon online will save ratepayers money, as its supporters claim, Smith said. These costs are also entirely avoidable, because the power this problematic plant generates could easily be replaced by new clean energy investments.

The groups report comes two years after a study by Stanford University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology said keeping the nuclear power plant open through 2045 could save ratepayers $21 billion.

However, those savings came because keeping Diablo Canyon operating would reduce how much money would need to be spent on using natural gas and procuring other renewable energy sources, according to the study.

Proponents for keeping Diablo Canyon open say the nuclear power plant is operating safely and helps ensure the state has a reliable electricity grid while it works toward meeting its renewable energy goals.

Public forums to discuss future of nuclear power plant

The California Public Utilities Commission is set to hold online public forums to discuss the potential extended life of Diablo Canyon.

The forums, which will be held at 2 and 6 p.m. Tuesday, will begin with a brief presentation from agency staff. Then the floor will be opened for public comment.

The forums can be accessed via adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc.

To make a public comment, tune in via phone at 800-857-1917, and dial 1767567# for the passcode.

You can submit written public comment online at apps.cpuc.ca.gov/c/R2301007.
Former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway suggested Monday the former president may participate in the first Republican presidential primary debate next month but will likely keep everybody in suspense in the lead-up.

If I were you, I would keep that center podium warm because maybe hell make the announcement the day of, Conway said of Trump on Fox News. You just never know.

Trump has repeatedly indicated he is leaning against attending the first Republican primary debate in Milwaukee on Aug. 23 because he maintains a sizable lead over the rest of the crowded GOP field.

When you have a big lead, you dont do it, the former president recently told Fox News. Why would you let somebody thats at 0 or at 1 or 2 or 3 be popping you with questions?

Conway acknowledged Trumps thought process for potentially skipping the debate but also noted the debate stage is a natural habitat for him.

On the one hand, hes acting like a front-runner, Conway said. Hes way ahead. What does he have to gain by going?

On the other hand, thats a natural habitat for him, she added. It helped him in that first Fox News debate on Aug. 6, 2015, in Cleveland. He got center stage, he never lost it, became the nominee and indeed the president.

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

Trumps rivals also continue to up the pressure for him to take part in the debate, including former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Nobodys entitled to be nominated. You gotta earn it. And I think he should show up and make his case and answer questions like the rest of us, said DeSantis, who has typically polled in second behind Trump, last week.

Christie said Trump cant avoid the GOP presidential debates, writing last week on Twitter: Want to be President? Then get in the ring pal

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is rattling the impeachment saber again, signaling a renewed openness toward starting an inquiry into President Joe Biden over GOP claims of corruption.

McCarthys comments on the topic came as the House is set to debate a pair of likely contentious government funding bills this week that will test his ability to hold his conference together and as former President Donald Trump, who lost the 2020 election to Biden, ramped up calls for the presidents prosecution.

Weve only followed where the information has taken us, McCarthy told Fox News host Sean Hannity on Monday night.

But, Hannity, this is rising to the level of impeachment inquiry, he said.

McCarthy doubled down on Tuesday, telling reporters a formal inquiry would be the only way to find out what was needed.

Youve got to get to the bottom of the truth. And the only way Congress can do that is go to impeachment inquiry that gives Republicans and Democrats the ability to get all the information, he said.

It remains unclear exactly what basis Republicans would claim as meeting the U.S. Constitutions treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors criteria for impeachment.

On Hannitys show, McCarthy mentioned allegations members of Bidens family have used shell corporations to receive foreign money and that the presidents son has been treated with favoritism by prosecutors, but, as with many other Republicans, he did not mention a specific criminal charge, such as bribery, extortion or prosecutorial misconduct, that those allegations would provide evidence for.

Weve only followed where the information has taken us.House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.)

Last week, McCarthy focused on the dispute over whether a federal prosecutor, David Weiss, had been publicly given the authority to charge Bidens son Hunter for various alleged crimes only to have that power be denied in private. Weiss and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland have insisted Weiss had complete authority to bring charges however he wanted and an assistant attorney general, Carlos Uriarte, said there may be misunderstandings over the issue.

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McCarthy said last week notes taken by a pair of IRS agents supported the idea there was no misunderstanding over Weiss authority.

I will tell you this. We will get to the bottom. And if somebody is lying, that rises to the place of an impeachment inquiry, he told reporters.

The younger Biden agreed in June to plead guilty to two misdemeanor charges of failing to pay taxes and to enter into a pretrial diversion agreement in connection with a charge of unlawfully possessing a firearm while being a drug user and addict.

Since winning control of the House in last years elections, Republicans have talked eagerly of impeaching someone in the Biden administration, though the leading candidate has varied over time.

As of Tuesday, Biden was tied with his Homeland Security secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, for the lead in terms of impeachment resolutions or bills related to impeachment, with five bills having been filed against each of them.

Garland, Vice President Kamala Harris, FBI Director Christopher Wray and Matthew Graves, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, were all well behind with only one impeachment-related bill apiece.

On Tuesday, a pair of hardline House Republicans told reporters they remain interested in impeaching someone, even if they werent sure yet who.

I think the low-hanging fruit is Mayorkas, Secretary Mayorkas, said Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.). But he said an impeachment inquiry would be needed to bring more witnesses, bring more evidence.

Its all the above, said Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.). Pick one.

Its all the above.Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.)

Referring to payments to Hunter Biden, Norman said, If thats not pay-to-play, I dont know what is. But let the evidence lead us there.

At the same time, Trump has used his social media site to also say the president is corrupt, even as Trump is expected to face a third court charge soon, in addition to his charges in New York of falsifying business records and a federal indictment over his retention of classified government materials after he left office.

In a Monday post on his site, Trump asked why Senate Republicans were not joining their House counterparts in investigating Joe Biden.

Joe Biden is the most corrupt President in the history of the United States, which is being undeniably proven in the House of Representatives every single day, Trump wrote.

Democrats have dismissed the impeachment talk as baseless. Jaime Harrison, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said so again on Tuesday in response to McCarthys appearance on Fox.

Its clear that Donald Trump is the real Speaker of the House. He has made sure the House majority is little more than an arm of his 2024 campaign, and Kevin McCarthy is happy to do his bidding, Harrison said in a statement.

Instead of wasting the American peoples time and money carrying water for Trump, Republicans should join President Biden in working to provide relief for hardworking families, lowering costs, and bringing jobs back to America instead of playing reruns of the Trump show.
A pivotal witness for federal prosecutors in the case against Michael Shirley, a former consultant of Joel Greenberg, will testify despite the witness not answering questions about him allegedly having had sex with a 17-year-old girl  a snag that caused the judge to schedule an early hearing on Tuesday before Shirleys trial continued.

Warren Lindsey, an attorney representing Shirley, told a judge on Monday as the trial began that the witness, Joe Ellicott, a former radio host and friend of Greenbergs, admitted to federal investigators that he had sex with a 17-year-old girl.

Shirley is accused of paying bribes to and taking kickbacks of hundreds of thousands of dollars from Greenberg, the disgraced Seminole Tax Collector, for favorable treatment from the tax office.

Before jury selection began, Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Daniels surprised the judge when she said Ellicott would invoke the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution so as to not incriminate himself if asked about the illicit activity in which hes accused of engaging.

Key witness had sex with minor, defense attorneys allege in Greenberg consultant trial

Daniels argued that the case against Shirley is centered on fraud and that allegations against Ellicott are not relevant.

Ellicott was sentenced to 15 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to taking part in a bribery scheme with Greenberg. As part of his plea agreement, he must provide evidence and testify truthfully in federal court.

Lindsey disagreed with prosecutors, saying his alleged admission is an important point because Ellicott was not charged in connection with the illicit act and that he has an incentive to please the government.

On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Gregory Presnell said he will allow Ellicotts testimony and will allow Ellicott to invoke his Fifth Amendment rights in response to questions concerning the specific facts about the alleged commercial sex with a minor.

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Its a fine line, said Presnell, adding that he wants both the government and the defense to question Ellicott but does not want Greenbergs former friend to incriminate himself. He can live up to his bargain without incriminating himself.

Theres no reason to get into the facts of the sex with a minor claim, Presnell said. Whats important is he may be subject to such a charge.

According to an unsealed motion of departure from the government, Ellicotts sentence was lowered, in part, because of his cooperation concerning Florida public officials engaged in commercial sex  including with a minor, Presnell said.

Shirley faces four counts of fraud and a charge of conspiracy to commit fraud. He has pleaded not guilty.

According to a grand jury indictment, Shirley got up to $466,625 from his scheme with the Seminole County Tax Collectors Office under Greenberg in which Shirley and his company, Praetorian Integrated Services, submitted fake invoices for goods and services at inflated prices.

Ellicott is described in the indictment as a co-conspirator, who would take money that Shirley withdrew from a Central Florida bank and deliver it to Greenberg.

In December, Greenberg was sentenced to an 11-year federal prison sentence after pleading guilty to using taxpayer funds to have sex with a minor. Like Ellicott, he is required to provide evidence and testimony for prosecutors in other criminal cases.

Despite him appearing on the governments witness list, Daniels said on Monday that she doesnt anticipate calling Joel Greenberg to testify in Shirleys trial.

However, Greenberg may still testify since his name is on the defenses witness list.

Shirleys trial will continue at 9 a.m.

ccann@orlandosentinel.com
A shooting that left a teen dead and another in critical condition was over a perceived drug deal gone wrong, according to a Lexington police detective.

Emmanuel Contreras, 19, is one of two teenage suspects charged with murdering 16-year-old Christopher Valdez July 5. Contreras appeared in court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing, which is the first chance a defendant and their lawyer have to hear evidence from investigators. He also faces assault, evidence tampering and trafficking marijuana charges.

Contreras told police he and his cousin, a juvenile who is also a suspect in the case, were sitting in a car at Pine Meadows Park when Valdez and a juvenile approached them with firearms, according to Detective John Davis testimony. Contreras and his cousin were waiting to conduct a drug deal that had been setup through social media, Davis said.

Both sides fired at each other, according to testimony.

Officers responded to the shooting and initially found a 17-year-old victim with multiple gunshot wounds to the abdomen and legs, Davis said. That victim was sent to University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital with serious injuries and underwent six surgeries, Davis said.

Officers on scene received calls from Saint Joseph Hospital where a second gunshot victim had arrived  a 16-year-old, with a gunshot wound to the face.

Davis said a juvenile witness who lives nearby spoke with officers and said he saw the incident happen, and saw Valdez run into the woodline of the park.

With that new information, we were able to locate the deceased into the woodline with a single gunshot to the back, Davis said.

Davis said police used Flock cameras to track a car involved in the incident. They found the vehicle at a residence in Masterson Station. They also found Contreras at a residence with his girlfriend, and followed him until they conducted a traffic stop.

When searching Contreras home on Maple Drive, police located 8 ounces of marijuana, scales, ammunition, drug paraphernalia and firearm magazines, Davis said.

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Contreras allegedly made remarks about what happened at the park and was taken to police headquarters for interviews, Davis said.

Contreras told police the juvenile who was with Valdez began firing at him and his cousin first, prompting them to return fire, according to Davis. The juvenile suspect, who hasnt been named by investigators, shared similar statements with police, Davis said. Nearly 20 shots were heard on surveillance footage from a nearby residence.

Officers located two guns at the park, one of which was deemed unfireable, according to Davis.

If the suspects statements are corroborated, Davis said the surviving juvenile who was shot could face charges of robbery and assault.

Judge: Suspect is a danger to the community

Contreras attorney, Brooklynn Alcorn, asked for the assault charge to be dropped and said murder was not an appropriate charge.

I dont believe murder is an appropriate charge  the victims allegedly set up a drug deal bringing guns and no money, Alcorn said. I dont think this rises to murder, but manslaughter or reckless homicide based off probable cause.

Fayette District Judge Lindsay Hughes Thurston disagreed, and sent the charges to a grand jury. She also kept Contreras bond at $750,000.

You are facing a Class A felony. That is the most serious felony in the commonwealth and I believe you are a danger to the community, Thurston said. Kids with guns  it is all I have heard in this hearing today and it is very concerning for this court.

Valdez neice, Jaqueline Garcia, said her uncle did not know Contreras at all and she is not sure if he was there for a drug deal.

It is painful and hard knowing we wont get to see him again, she told reporters after the hearing. But we are staying strong to fight for this case and get justice.

She said Valdez was her best friend, and recalled his smile, love for skateboarding and speaking the word of God.

I think this was just the wrong place, wrong time, she said. Emmanuel shouldnt be out on the streets, because you just never know.
China ready to synergize development strategy with Brazil: Wang Yi

Xinhua) 09:03, July 25, 2023

Wang Yi (2nd R), director of the Office of the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, meets with Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim (2nd L), chief advisor of the Presidency of Brazil, in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong)

JOHANNESBURG, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, met with Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim, chief advisor of the Presidency of Brazil, here on Monday.

China and Brazil, the biggest developing countries in the Eastern and Western hemispheres, share common strategic interests, Wang said.

China is willing to work with Brazil to deepen strategic mutual trust, expand strategic cooperation, and strengthen the alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Brazil's development strategies, such as reindustrialization and the growth acceleration program, Wang said.

China also stands ready to work with Brazil to further explore common interests and create growth drivers, making their relationship a model of solidarity and cooperation between emerging markets and developing countries, so as to jointly promote human development and progress, and strive to build a human community with a shared future, Wang said.

The BRICS mechanism has become the most representative platform for South-South cooperation and is facing a historical opportunity for development, Wang said.

BRICS is an acronym for five emerging economies -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Brazil, jointly promote BRICS cooperation to reflect the new reality and respond to the voices of all parties, keep pace with the times, make new progress, better safeguard the common interests of emerging markets and developing countries, and promote the multi-polarization and democracy in international relations, Wang said.

For his part, Amorim said China is an important strategic partner of Brazil, and all-round cooperation between the two countries has yielded fruitful results.

Brazil is willing to work with China to implement the consensus of leaders of the two countries, maintain close strategic communication and coordination, deepen pragmatic cooperation in aviation, automobile, advanced technology, green economy, climate change and other fields, and create multiplier effects, he said.

Brazil is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in multilateral frameworks such as BRICS, jointly uphold multilateralism and safeguard world peace, Amorim added.

The two sides also exchanged views on international issues of common concern.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Illustration: Lex Villena; Photo 77456571 | American  Demerzel21 | Dreamstime.com

A new study published on Monday shows that even when controlling for test scores, children from wealthy families have a higher chance of being accepted to an elite college than their middle-class counterparts. Further, the study found that applicants from families in the top 0.1 percent have over double the chance of being accepted to an elite institution than the average applicant.

The study, conducted by a team of Harvard and Brown University researchers, examined admissions data from a group of 12 "Ivy-Plus" collegesthe eight Ivy Leagues, plus Stanford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Duke University, and the University of Chicago. The study found that students from the 1 percent were much more likely to be admitted to these elite colleges, even when controlling for standardized test scores. It concluded that this admissions gap is primarily due to three main factors: admissions preferences for children of alumni, athlete recruitment, and the weight placed on nonacademic criteria, like extracurriculars and teacher recommendations.

Data

"The three key factors that give children from high-income families an admissions advantage are uncorrelated or negatively correlated with post-college outcomes, whereas SAT/ACT scores and academic credentials are highly predictive of post-college success," the study authors note.

While the study found that attending an Ivy-Plus university instead of a state flagship university didn't dramatically increase students' average future earnings, it nonetheless found that attending an elite university increased a student's likelihood of entering the 1 percent by 60 percent, almost doubled their chance of attending an elite graduate school, and tripled their likelihood of working at a prestigious firm.

As an alternative to current practices, the study proposed that colleges eliminate legacy preferences, athlete preferences, and the emphasis on nonacademic criteria like extracurriculars and teacher ratings.

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"Under such an admissions policy, the share of students attending Ivy-Plus colleges from the bottom 95% of the parental income distribution would rise by 8.7 percentage points, adding 144 students from families earning less than $240,000 (the 95th percentile) to a typical Ivy-Plus college," the authors state. "This increase of 144 students from lower-income and middle class families is similar to the reduction in the number of Black and Hispanic students that would arise from eliminating race-based affirmative action policies absent any other changes in admissions practices."

The study provides yet more evidence that the recent move to ditch SAT and ACT test requirements in favor of a higher emphasis on nonacademic measurements will end up hurting low-income students rather than helping them. While a move away from standardized testing has been hailed as a move to increase racial and economic equality, a greater reliance on admissions essays, extracurriculars, and teacher ratings will make it harder for talented yet disadvantaged students to prove themselves when applying to elite universities. One 2021 study backed this up, finding that student essays were more closely correlated with income than SAT scores.

This shouldn't be surprising. Tests are simply harder to game than nonacademic factors. Wealthy families can hire tutors to write polished admissions essays for their children, ensure they have a battery of extracurricular activities and sports, and make sure they attend schools where skilled guidance counselors know how to write a glowing letter about an applicant. Expensive test prep, on the other hand, is limited in its efficacy. And simply taking practice testswhich are widely available online for freeseems to be the most effective way to study.

While this study isn't likely to single-handedly end the popular idea that getting rid of standardized tests is a surefire way to help disadvantaged students, it provides yet more evidence that, for those who want to level the playing field in the world of elite college admissions, standardized tests are indispensable.

The post Killing the SAT To Help Underprivileged Students Actually Benefits Rich Kids appeared first on Reason.com.
The News

Thousands have been evacuated from fires burning across southern Europe and North Africa.

In Algeria, at least 1,500 people fled a blaze in the countrys mountainous Bejaia and Bouira regions. The fires have killed at least 34 people. In Greece, forest fires have been raging across the islands of Rhodes and Corfu, prompting the Greek government to carry out the largest evacuation in its history.

Weve gathered key news and insights you should read on this years unprecedented heat.

Insights

Record-breaking heat can no longer be considered rare because of climate change , the authors of a recent study say. The study has found that so far, the July 2023 heatwave has been 2 degrees Celsius, 2.5 C, and 1 C hotter in the U.S., Europe, and China respectively than it would have been in a world without climate change.

Antarctica is struggling to regain its sea ice this winter. The issue, referred to as a five-sigma event because of its extreme rarity, is so statistically unlikely it could only be expected to happen once every 7.5 million years. Sea ice is crucial for the Earths ability to temperature-regulate, and physical oceanographer Edward Doddridge said in a recent interview that to call the event unprecedented isnt strong enough.

As fires increase in frequency, some insurance companies are withdrawing their coverage from susceptible areas. In California, which suffers annual wildfire seasons, Allstate and State Farm, alongside several other large insurers, have downsized their coverage for fires in an attempt to avoid paying out billions in damages. Elsewhere in the U.S., insurance companies are reducing their services in areas hit by climate disasters.

Know More

We are at war, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in Parliament. The climate crisis is already here, it will manifest itself everywhere in the Mediterranean with greater disasters.

Thousands of tourists have been evacuated from Greece, with some sleeping on airport floors as they awaited repatriation flights to their home countries.

One BBC reporter, dispatched to Rhodes to cover the fires, said that the pilot operating the flight warned that traveling to Rhodes for a holiday at the moment is a terrible idea.
(Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin will discuss Ukraine with a group of African leaders in a working dinner at a summit in St Petersburg on July 28, Russian news agencies quoted Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yury Ushakov as saying on Tuesday.

Ushakov told Russian media that 17 African heads of state would speak at the Russia-Africa summit, which takes place this Thursday and Friday, the agencies said.

He also said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who "plays a crucial role in advancing the Africans' initiatives", would hold a bilateral meeting with Putin the day after the multilateral summit, on Saturday.

Last month, Ramaphosa visited Putin in St Petersburg with leaders from Senegal, Egypt, Zambia, Uganda, Congo Republic and the Comoros to present a peace plan for Ukraine.

But Putin gave the leaders a list of reasons why he believed many of their proposals were misguided, pouring cold water on a plan already largely dismissed by Kyiv.

Since then, Africa's fears about the war have become more urgent. Last week, Moscow quit a deal allowing Ukraine, one of the world's leading grain exporters alongside Russia, to ship grain safely out of its ports on the Black Sea despite the war, which Moscow calls a "special military operation".

The resulting shock to world grain prices has been exacerbated by Russian attacks on those seaports and on the Ukrainian ports on the River Danube that have been taking up some of the slack, threatening to cause shortages in parts of Africa that depend on imported grain.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it was "especially devastating for vulnerable countries struggling to feed their people".

Moscow has suggested that it can help Africa with both commercial and free shipments of Russian grain as Putin, a pariah in the West for invading Ukraine, seeks to reinforce ties with countries farther afield.

(Reporting by Felix Light; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Alison Williams)
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko discussed the Wagner mercenary group, economic cooperation and external threats during two days of talks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.

Lukashenko, who helped broker a deal to end a mutiny against the army's top brass by the Wagner group last month, flew to St Petersburg on Sunday to start the talks with Putin.

The two men have met regularly, as well as talking by phone, since Lukashenko allowed Belarus to be used as a staging post for Russia's armed forces when they launched what Moscow calls its "special military operation" against Ukraine in February 2022.

Peskov said the two men had not set out to reach any new agreements in the latest talks, but that "within the framework of very close relations, the presidents synchronise their positions, synchronise their watches".

He said the agenda had taken in "the theme of the Wagner Group, and the theme of trade and economic cooperation, and the Union State, and external threats along the perimeter of our countries."

Russia and Belarus are linked in a partnership called the "Union State" in which Moscow is the dominant player.

Lukashenko has proved his usefulness to Putin not only in February 2022 but also by letting Russian forces train at his military bases and station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.

The Kremlin also credited Lukashenko with brokering last month's deal to end the mutiny, under which Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was allowed to relocate to Belarus. Thousands of his fighters have since moved there.

Their arrival has caused tensions with neighbouring Poland, which has reinforced its border security in response, prompting a warning from Putin that any aggression towards Belarus would be considered an attack on Russia.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Kevin Liffey/Andrew Osborn)
Girls from Oaxaca en Utah perform at La Guelaguetza at Heritage Park in Kaysville on Saturday, July 22, 2023. La Guelaguetza is an event held to celebrate the rich culture and traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

There aren't many opportunities in Utah outside his own home for Jeronimo Bazan-Alavez to speak his native Zapoteco  an Indigenous language whose dialects are spoken in southwestern Mexico.

But Saturday morning, Bazan-Alavez spoke in Zapoteco as he welcomed dozens of people to La Guelaguetza  an annual celebration of the Indigenous cultures and traditions from each of the eight regions in Oaxaca, Mexico. The nonprofit Oaxaca en Utah has organized bigger and grander annual Guelaguetza celebrations since 2020.

This year was the first time Bazan-Alavez spoke Zapoteco in front of so many people. Although he speaks the language daily with his wife, who is from the same town in Oaxaca, and his children, he uses Spanish and a little English to communicate with everyone else.

"I'm very proud to speak this language," he said in Spanish. "There is a new generation of people who are still conserving it, who still speak it. But unfortunately, it's already disappearing because the younger generation doesn't want to speak it, or the parents don't want to teach it to their kids, or they're ashamed to speak it."

"It's important to conserve it because it's our culture, our roots," he continued.

It's that pride and drive to conserve the culture that is visible throughout the Guelaguetza, from the wide variety of gastronomy options and artisanal items to traditional dances, larger-than-life paper-mache figures and "toritos," fireworks shaped like "little bulls."

"The Guelaguetza, as you all know, is a festival that unites us as Mexicans and where we share our rich culture and celebrate our identity," Mexican Consul Eduardo Baca Cuenca said in Spanish. "The Guelaguetza is more than a party; it's a moment in which we connect with our roots and preserve our traditions. Through the music and the dances and the gastronomy, we remember the importance of our Indigenous communities."

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Ramon Ramos assembles large figurines at La Guelaguetza at Heritage Park in Kaysville on Saturday. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Maribel Maldonado, president of Oaxaca en Utah, moved to the U.S. from Oaxaca over two decades ago. But she's made sure to pass down the culture to her now adult children, whether that's cooking traditional foods like mole amarillo, performing Oaxacan dances or sharing the Guelaguetza with Utah.

"There wasn't a Guelaguetza here, although it has been celebrated in other states," she said in Spanish. "This year, specifically, a lot of Americans got involved. ...There are Mexicans and Hispanics here, but also a lot of Americans  and that's really beautiful."

Oaxaca en Utah founder Norma Carver agreed. "I'm very proud to be Oaxaquena," she said in Spanish, adding that her favorite part of the celebration is "the people."

For 17-year-old Daniela Lopez Alonso, being involved with Oaxaca en Utah has allowed her to stay connected to her Oaxacan heritage despite growing up in Utah.

"Where I grew up, there wasn't anybody besides my own family that was from Oaxaca. So we were a little closed off from everybody. Just getting to know more people from the same region as me, people that look like me  it's really inspiring. You could say it just makes me happy," she said. "My favorite part is just being able to spread our culture and show that we're so diverse just inside of the state of Oaxaca."

Left to right, Paloma Jensen and Lizette Villegas have their photo taken at La Guelaguetza at Heritage Park in Kaysville on Saturday. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Angelina Suniga, who runs a gourmet ice pop business with her mother, said although the Oaxacan community in Utah is small, she hopes the Guelaguetza will allow more people to enjoy the culture.

"There's not a lot of us, so for our culture to be celebrated is really nice," she said. "Not a lot of people know about Oaxaca, and I feel like when people know about this place, they're interested to know more just about the culture and the food."

That appears to be the case with Silvestre Gutierrez. Although Gutierrez is originally from Mexico, he has never been to Oaxaca. However, he said the Guelaguetza is a good opportunity to learn more about Mexico's Indigenous culture and heritage.

"This is one of the most practical ways to introduce people to the culture," he said in Spanish. "Unfortunately, I'm from Mexico but I'm not as familiar with Mexico. I'm more familiar with the U.S. than my own country. I think this is a good way to bring us closer to the native cultures of Mexico."

Fernanda Martinez from The Queens Salon does Gladys Duenas makeup at La Guelaguetza at Heritage Park in Kaysville on Saturday, July 22, 2023. La Guelaguetza is an event held to celebrate the rich culture and traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Luis Gonzalez ties balloons to a string at La Guelaguetza at Heritage Park in Kaysville on Saturday, July 22, 2023. La Guelaguetza is an event held to celebrate the rich culture and traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

A performance at La Guelaguetza at Heritage Park in Kaysville on Saturday, July 22, 2023. La Guelaguetza is an event held to celebrate the rich culture and traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Girls from Oaxaca en Utah perform at La Guelaguetza at Heritage Park in Kaysville on Saturday, July 22, 2023. La Guelaguetza is an event held to celebrate the rich culture and traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Gladys Duenas poses at La Guelaguetza at Heritage Park in Kaysville on Saturday, July 22, 2023. La Guelaguetza is an event held to celebrate the rich culture and traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Oaxaca en Utah coronates Gianna Hernandez Rivas as this years Baby Guelaguetza at La Guelaguetza at Heritage Park in Kaysville on Saturday, July 22, 2023. La Guelaguetza is an event held to celebrate the rich culture and traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Susy Qzzette Cruz takes a photo of Lizette Villegas at La Guelaguetza at Heritage Park in Kaysville on Saturday, July 22, 2023. La Guelaguetza is an event held to celebrate the rich culture and traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Girls from Oaxaca en Utah perform at La Guelaguetza at Heritage Park in Kaysville on Saturday, July 22, 2023. La Guelaguetza is an event held to celebrate the rich culture and traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
The entrance to Daily Dealz, photographed on Monday, June 6, 2022, at the Lansing Mall in Delta Township.

DELTA TWP.  Just over a year after Daily Dealz opened at the Lansing Mall, the discount store, which sells everything from kitchen appliances to electronics for as little as $1, is set to close the location.

The business, which buys overstock items in bulk from major retailers, such as Amazon, and then sells them at a steep discount, announced plans to close the Delta Township location Monday on social media.

"Daily Dealz Lansing 5412 w Saginaw Hwy Lansing, We will be moving!" read a post on the store's Facebook page.

Daily Dealz' Flint store, its first in Michigan, opened in March 2022, Ehab Awad, one of the store's owners, told the State Journal last year. He could not be reached on Tuesday morning.

The business opened the Lansing Mall location, its second Michigan store, at 5412 W. Saginaw Hwy. in June 2022, The 32,000-square-foot storefront was previously occupied by T.J. Maxx.

According to the post on Facebook, the last day of operation for the Daily Dealz' mall location will be Sunday.

Contact Rachel Greco at rgreco@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @GrecoatLSJ .

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Daily Dealz discount retailer Lansing Mall store to close
The latest round the Operation Consequences crime suppression program mainly targeted Victorville and resulted in nearly two dozen felony arrests, and the seizing of cash, firearms and illegal narcotics, sheriff's officials said.

The latest round the Operation Consequences crime suppression program focused on Victorville and resulted in nearly two dozen felony arrests, and the seizing of cash, firearms and drugs, sheriff's officials said.

Crime suppression activities ending July 21 occurred at the following locations:

14500 Block of El Evado Drive Victorville

13600 Block of Elcona Drive, Victorville

13100 Block of Samprisi Lane, Victorville

15200 Block of Dakota Street, Victorville

16700 Block of Fifth Street, Victorville

15300 Block of Nisqualli Road, Victorville

16300 Block of Fir Street, Hesperia

13000 Block of Roswell Avenue, Chino

The latest round the Operation Consequences crime suppression program mainly targeted Victorville and resulted in nearly two dozen felony arrests, and the seizing of cash, firearms and illegal narcotics, sheriff's officials said.

During the service of three search warrants and contacts with suspects, San Bernardino County Sheriffs investigators seized three firearms and nearly seven pounds of illegal drugs. They also made 23 felony arrests, the sheriff's department reported.

Previous operations have been conducted with the assistance of San Bernardino County Probation, the California Highway Patrol and Department of Homeland Security Investigations.

The latest round the Operation Consequences crime suppression program mainly targeted Victorville and resulted in nearly two dozen felony arrests, and the seizing of cash, firearms and illegal narcotics, sheriff's officials said.

Operation Consequences will take place throughout the year to curb violent crime, disrupt and dismantle targeted criminal street gangs, and locate and arrest criminals who are illegally possessing, manufacturing, and trafficking firearms.

There are currently 6,568 parolees at large in California and 534 parolees at large in San Bernardino County, sheriffs officials said.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Latest Operation Consequences targets Victorville
Chicago-based law firm Greenberg Traurig has signed an agreement to move its headquarters from 77 W. Wacker Drive to a new development under construction in the Fulton Market neighborhood. The move continues the exodus of tenants from downtown Chicago as companies seek out new office buildings that provide better amenities and are more likely to entice employees back to the workplace.

The global firm will occupy 90,000 square feet in 360 N. Green St., a 24-story tower that developer Sterling Bay plans to finish next year. The surrounding neighborhood west of the Loop, transformed in the past decade from an industrial district into a sleek office center packed with restaurants, retail and boutique hotels, was part of its appeal, said Rita Powers, comanaging shareholder of the firms Chicago office.

Theres no question the Fulton Market is tremendously vibrant, she said. Thats a winning formula for us.

The new 500,000-square-foot building will also give Greenberg Traurig employees access to outdoor balconies on every floor, and a midtier deck with green space.

Its hard to have that where we are now, Powers said.

Greenberg Traurigs decision helps cement Fulton Market, already home to Google and McDonalds world headquarters, as one of the nations hottest office markets. Its vacancy rate has been dropping since early 2022, even though developers in three years added millions of square feet in 15 new complexes, according to a report from Colliers International. Meanwhile, the Central Loops many outdated buildings struggle to attract tenants, and 31.7% of its space was available by the end of June, the most ever and up from 29.4% one year ago.

As we all know, it gets real quiet these days in the Loop, said Michael Fishman, vice chairman of Greenberg Traurigs Chicago office.

The 51-story building at 77 W. Wacker Drive was completed in 1992, and is now 62% leased, according to CoStar.

Sterling Bay previously secured another deal for 360 N. Green St., now 70% leased, with Boston Consulting Group, which will leave 300 N. LaSalle St. and occupy 223,000 square feet starting in early 2025.

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360 N. Green St. was designed to attract professional services firms and law offices, said Bob Chodos, vice chairman of Newmark, who helped represent Greenberg Traurig in the transaction. Most attorneys need private spaces, and the slender, rectangular shape of Sterling Bays new building, along with floor-to-ceiling windows, ensures associates and partners wont get buried in back offices without views of the skyline.

You have to find a way to help people want to make the commute, he said. These are the things that make people say, Im going to do the drive.

The willingness of law firms to move west to Fulton Market could be another headache for Loop landlords. Lawyers historically clustered near the Loops downtown courts, but this year global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright opened an office in Fulton Market, leasing the top floors of 1045 W. Fulton Market, a 12-story tower completed in 2022.

Powers said many court appearances now happen on Zoom, so the firms litigators dont have to rush back and forth as often, and in any case, downtown is just a few minutes away.

We think on balance that the extra five minutes it takes to get to court is outweighed by all the other advantages of this building, she said.
The State Department will brief the House Foreign Affairs Committees leadership in the wake of the Biden administrations decision to bench Iran envoy Rob Malley after the panels top lawmaker threatened to subpoena administration officials.

Rep. Michael McCaul, the committee chair, secured an agreement from the State Department for the sit-down some time this week, according to a Republican committee aide granted anonymity to discuss the sensitive situation. The classified briefing is also open to the panels top Democrat, Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York.

The State Department confirmed that briefings in response to lawmakers queries about Malley are in the works but declined to give specifics about the timing or exact content matter.

Malley, a veteran diplomat who has served in multiple Democratic administrations, had been working to restore the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. As POLITICO has reported, he was put on partial leave this spring amid an investigation into whether he should have access to classified information. State turned that into a full-time, unpaid leave in late June when news of the probe, which involves the FBI and Diplomatic Security, became public.

Republican lawmakers have criticized the administration both for allowing Malley to continue to work in the department after his security clearance was suspended over the investigation and for keeping them in the dark about the probe for several weeks.

In mid-July, McCaul threatened to subpoena State Department officials if he didnt get a briefing on the circumstances surrounding Malleys suspension by Wednesday.

McCaul hasnt said whether he will drop the threat and may not decide until after the briefing.



The State Department hasnt publicly acknowledged what prompted Malleys break from his job and Malley has denied wrongdoing.

Without offering evidence, McCaul has questioned whether Malley may have transferred intelligence and secrets to our foreign nation adversary, saying such an action, would be treason in my view.

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In a statement, the State Department said it is in communication with the committee about its requests for additional information, adding we anticipate providing briefings for the committee.

Malley, who was named envoy in January 2021, has many detractors, including among groups that want the United States to take a harder line on Irans Islamist government.

But both Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan have expressed support for Malley, while declining to discuss the investigation directly.

Malley has said previously that he was told his clearance was under review but not given further information. Asked for comment for this story, Malley said: I know that I have done nothing to jeopardize U.S. national security interests and remain fully confident that this will be resolved positively.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Lawmakers intent on reducing China 's influence on the U.S. economy are pushing the Treasury Department to help curb the outsized role of Beijing at the Inter-American Development Bank, which supports economic and social development in Latin America and Caribbean.

The bipartisan group of lawmakers say Beijing is using the bank as a tool to expand its influence in the region. And they want the U.S., the biggest voice at the bank, to do more to rein in the awarding of projects to Chinese firms and to block Chinese attempts to acquire more shares at the bank.

Rep. Mike Gallagher, the Republican chairman of a new House select committee focused on China, is the lead sponsor of of the legislation, which is being introduced Tuesday, seeking to understand and reduce Beijing's power at the bank.

The Inter-American Development Bank Transparency Act would require the Treasury to issue a report every two years on the scope and scale of Chinese influence and involvement in all aspects of the bank, including a list of Chinese-funded projects and an action plan for the U.S. to reduce Chinese involvement at the bank.

For too long, the Chinese Communist Party has exploited its presence in the Inter-American Development Bank to advance its own geopolitical, economic, and technological goals, Gallagher said in a statement. Latin American citizens deserve to have the IDB serve their economic development, not as a vector of CCP malign influence.

The IDB is a non-commercial development bank made up of member countries. The bank, for instance, disbursed a record $23 billion last year intended to alleviate poverty made worse by the coronavirus pandemic in the region. The U.S. is the largest shareholder, with a roughly 30% voting share. At issue is the number of contracts the IDB awards to Chinese firms relative to its meager share of the bank, which hovers around 0.1%.

China formally joined the bank in 2009 as its 48th member nation, and its influence in Latin America, both economically and diplomatically, has grown exponentially in the past two decades.

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In 2022, Latin American and Caribbean trade with China rose to record levels, exporting roughly $184 billion to China and importing an estimated $265 billion in goods, according to a Boston University Global Development Policy Center analysis.

More than a dozen Republican and Democratic lawmakers have signed on with Gallagher as co-sponsors of the legislation, including Sen. Robert Menendez, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

It's seen as a first step at addressing Chinas influence over the multilateral development banks. And while the Biden administration already has the authority to do much of what lawmakers are seeking, the legislation is intended to force the issue.

Menendez said in a statement that as China continues to use economic tools to advance its coercive economic agenda across the Western Hemisphere, its more important than ever that we protect the integrity of the IDB and ensure its critical work can continue unhampered by Beijings interference.

Diplomatic relations between Latin American and China have also increased. In March, Honduras cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favor of China, following the steps of El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama and the Dominican Republic in turning their backs on Taiwan.

Enrique Dussel Peters, a professor and coordinator of the Center for Chinese-Mexican Studies at Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, said the U.S. effort to compete with China in Latin America comes 20 years too late.

In many cases in many countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, he said, China is already the most important trading partner and it has become a very dynamic investor in these countries, from lithium to raw materials to oil to gas to whatever issue you can image.

Other development banks have also been scrutinized for possible undue influence by the Chinese.

In 2021 IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva came under fire after allegations that while she was a World Bank official, she and others pressured staffers to change business rankings in an effort to placate China. The IMFs 24-member executive board reviewed Georgievas actions and concluded that she did not conclusively demonstrate an improper role.

The House formed the new China committee in January to focus on improving U.S. competitiveness with China economically and militarily. The committee's early work has included investigations into partnerships that American companies and universities have entered into with Chinese entities as lawmakers take a harder look at efforts that could benefit Beijing at the long-term expense of the U.S.

Gallagher said earlier this month that every business entering China takes on a business partner whether they know it or not in the Chinese Communist Party.
W. VinZant Restaurants, which owns BRGR Kitchen + Bar, Gram & Dun and several other local restaurants, faces a federal lawsuit from former employees who say they are owed wages and overtime compensation.

The collective action, filed in the U.S. District Court of Kansas, is similar to one filed earlier this year against Corvino Supper Club and Tasting Room. It alleges that the restaurant groups properties did not abide by the Fair Labor Standards Acts so-called 80-20 rule for tipped employees such as bartenders and servers.

Hospitality employers can take a tip credit that lets them pay such employees less than the minimum wage so long as their total take-home pay between wages and tips exceeds minimum wage. But employers cant force those employees to spend more than 20% of their time on activities that dont yield tips, such as rolling silverware or cleaning restrooms.

If youre a server making less than minimum wage, you should be engaged for at least 80% of your week doing work that earns you tips, like serving tables, said Michael Hodgson, attorney for the plaintiffs. If not, you should be paid at least the full minimum wage. What were saying is that these employees were being asked to do too much side work and as a result were not being paid properly.

The restaurants also had a policy of not paying for all overtime hours worked, the lawsuit states.

Whitney VinZant, the CEO of VinZant Restaurants, did not respond to a request for comment. His attorney, Samantha Monsees, told The Star they do not have any comment at this time.

VinZant founded Louies Wine Dive in Des Moines in 2012 and went on to open several locations of the restaurant across the Midwest, including in Kansas City. In 2019, VinZant bought BRGR and Taco Republic from a different restaurant group, Bread and Butter Concepts, that was entering into bankruptcy. The next year, VinZant purchased two more Bread and Butter restaurants, Gram & Dun on the Country Club Plaza and Urban Table in Prairie Village (which was reopened as Va Bene).

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VinZant Restaurants also owns Brewtop Pub and Patio in Overland Park; Fresko Natural Food and The Latin King, both in Des Moines; and Chicken Marys in Pittsburg, Kansas.

The restaurant group has closed several locations in recent years, including a Louies Wine Dive in Waldo, a Taco Republic in Kansas City, Kansas, and a BRGR in Overland Park.

The case was filed in October, and the initial plaintiffs in the case withdrew in March. Hodgson declined to comment on their reasons, citing attorney-client privilege.

Ten other employees from various VinZant restaurants have since joined the collective action. They are: Stephanie Dilaveri, Margaret Bonfanti, Jordyn Crawford, Payton Clark, Roman Higgins, Angie Groves, Elizabeth Brewer, Lisa Battani, Jeremy DeWeese and Stephanie DeWeese.

The case is currently stayed, as the parties look to settle the dispute through mediation.

We would like to resolve this within the next month, said attorney John Ziegelmeyer, who is representing the plaintiffs along with Hodgson.
One of the largest lenders behind a development company with ties to Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has sued to recover $15 million due on a loan that was used to buy two parcels in Miami Beach for a now-stalled commercial and residential project.

The lawsuit is the first filed by a lender since developer Rishi Kapoor lost control of his real estate company, Location Ventures, and stepped down as its CEO last week.

The suit accuses a local firm that borrowed the money for the URBIN mixed-use project on Washington Avenue in Miami Beach of breaching a contract and seeks to place it in foreclosure for future sale. The project at 1234-1260 Washington Ave., already saddled with liens by contractors and other vendors, was shut down in late June by city officials for lacking permits while being built along the gentrifying commercial thoroughfare in South Beach.

The complaint  filed by 1234 Washington Acquisition, LLC, headed by private lender Robert Gutlohn  says the loan deal with URBIN Miami Beach Owner, LLC, was struck in 2021 and revised the following year but that the entire principal with interest was not paid by a June 1, 2023 deadline. Total due: $15,355,312.50

Kapoor and his former Location Ventures partner, Daniel Motha, were not named as defendants in the suit, but court records show they signed side agreements personally guaranteeing the loan to Gutlohns lending company. Gutlohns lawyer, Jason Alderman, declined to comment, but he is expected to file more lawsuits on his clients behalf in the coming weeks. Gutlohn, through other business entities, has loaned tens of millions of dollars for at least two other Location Ventures condominium and commercial projects in Coral Gables and Miami.

Kapoor and the lawyer for Location Ventures, Brian Goodkind, did not respond to a request for comment.

While the suit says Gutlohns company was not being repaid on its loan, Kapoors real estate firm was paying Suarez $10,000 a month as a consultant tasked with raising funds for Location Ventures URBIN projects in Miami, Miami Beach and Coral Gables, the Miami Herald recently reported. Since September 2021, Location Ventures had paid Suarez at least $170,000 through March 2023, according to corporate financial records reviewed by the Herald. The Herald also reported that the mayors office provided services that included helping Kapoor cut through red tape at Miami City Hall to obtain permits for URBINs $70 million Coconut Grove development, citing corporate and public records.

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That formerly secret arrangement between Kapoors company and the Miami mayor surfaced in May when Location Ventures former chief financial officer, Greg Brooks, sued the firm for back pay and other compensation. Brooks, who was fired by Kapoor, noted in his lawsuit that Location Ventures was paying Suarez for unknown services. Suarez has yet to disclose his relationship or income from Location Ventures or its subsidiary, URBIN, in disclosure forms over the past two years. Under disclosure laws, he didnt have to if the income was less than 5% of his outside earnings.

Suarez, a lawyer, has said that he was paid to raise money from investors.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez speaks at the Miami Beach launch of URBIN, developer Rishi Kapoors project, the company website shows. Company records show the developer paid Suarez at least $170,000 since 2021.

Meanwhile, the lawsuits filed against Kapoor, Location Ventures and related entities are piling up, as the Coral Gables-based company tries to reorganize itself under the interim leadership of a former Miami-Dade Circuit judge, Alan Fine, who is assessing its assets and liabilities while considering liquidation of certain projects.

Earlier this month, two of the biggest investors in Location Ventures real estate projects in South Florida sued Kapoor, claiming he owes them $25 million under a contract agreement to buy out their interests that was signed at the end of last year. The lawsuit claims Kapoor failed to pay the two investors for their share of two projects in Coral Gables and Fort Lauderdale in a series of scheduled equity payments this year.

Location Ventures, Kapoor, Suarez and others have now come under the scrutiny of authorities at every level of government. Both the FBI and Securities and Exchange Commission, along with the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office and county ethics investigators, have opened probes of Kapoor and his business, the Miami Herald has learned. They are also looking at the consulting arrangement with Suarez, the Herald reported last month.

Work started without permits

As the developers financial troubles mounted, construction on the Miami Beach project commenced earlier this year  even though the city had not yet granted permits for the work.

The city ordered work to stop late last month after the Herald inquired about parts of the foundation and columns being built at the Washington Avenue site.

In a June 30 email to Miami Beach Building Official Ana Salgueiro, Location Ventures Chief Development Officer Vivian Bonet acknowledged that the projects general contractor, Winmar Construction, had begun construction and only stopped in mid-March once it was realized that the permit was not imminent within a couple of weeks.

Bonet asked Salgueiro for a three-week extension to submit required documents to the city, saying the developer was unable to cover the cost of Miami-Dade County impact fees  payments to offset the cost of police, fire and other services  and could not obtain a bond due to all of the negative press surrounding the project.

Salgueiro granted the extension but Location Ventures failed to meet a July 24 deadline, city spokesperson Melissa Berthier said.

Berthier said the city has now filed license complaints related to the unpermitted construction against Winmar and the projects private inspector, MTCI. The city reported Winmar Construction to Floridas Department of Business and Professional Regulation and MTCI to the state engineering board.

The URBIN Miami Beach project site at 1260 Washington Ave. is pictured June 27, 2023. The city of Miami Beach issued a stop-work order for unpermitted construction there.

After applying for a building permit in May 2021, Kapoors firm struggled to reach consensus with city planning staff on various issues to get it approved, public records show. As the process dragged on, Kapoor and his Miami Beach lobbyist, Michael Larkin, expressed increasing eagerness to start building.

I really want them to be able to start construction as soon as possible and it seems that their permit is just being held up in miserable permitting limbo, Larkin said in an email to city officials last August.

This past February, Larkin continued to display a sense of urgency as planning staff raised concerns about the amount of amenity space proposed for the co-living project, an affordable-housing concept in which residents have individual bedrooms but share common areas.

My development team is under the gun to get this permit issued, he wrote to city officials.

The project was slated to include 69 units, including studios as small as 275 square feet and two- to four-bedroom units larger than 1,300 square feet. In November, Location Ventures held a groundbreaking ceremony and announced all of the units had been sold at prices ranging from $400,000 to $2.4 million.

In addition to the living areas, the six-story design featured a wellness center and ground-floor food and drink offerings, all touted by Kapoor as a way to infuse living, working and wellness into a singular location.

The projects implosion now complicates the citys efforts to revitalize Washington Avenue and deliver on a concept that required zoning changes and months of selling elected officials on the idea.

Ricky Arriola, a city commissioner who supported the project, said he fears there could now be significant delays. Location Ventures recently appointed Fine, the former judge, to oversee liquidation of company assets.

I hope that the receivership process goes quickly and that this project ends up in the hands of a competent developer who can finish it so that it doesnt lay dormant, Arriola said. Nothing worse than an unfinished project.

Kapoor had other potential projects in the works in Miami Beach. In May, the City Commission approved an ordinance to allow a possible future co-living project further north on Washington Avenue, near 15th Street. And Location Ventures submitted an unsolicited bid last year to redevelop a city-owned parking lot at 13th Street and Collins Avenue into a parking garage, office and retail building.

In March, an entity connected to the firm contributed $50,000 to a political group supporting Michael Gongora, a candidate for Miami Beach mayor. Arriola, a political opponent of Gongora, said he saw the contribution as a red flag.

One could surmise that [Kapoor] was trying to buy political influence, he said.
Actor Leonardo DiCaprio posted about the new species on social media last week

An Indian man who discovered a rare new species of fish almost three years ago has found renewed fame after Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio praised him online.

Abraham A, a former paramilitary soldier from the southern state of Kerala, found a new species of subterranean fish called Pathala Eel Loach in 2020.

The fish gets its name from the Sanskrit word Pathala which means "below the feet", a reference to its subterranean nature.

The small, snake-like species lives in aquifers - large layers of permeable rock and sediments that hold groundwater.

Mr Abraham, who lives in Alappuzha district, said the discovery was made by chance - he was taking a bath when he spotted "a red thread in the bucket".

Intrigued, he scooped it out to take a closer look and found the thread was moving.

Mr Abraham placed it inside a glass jar and contacted a local college professor, Dr Binoy Thomas, who put him in touch with researchers at the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos), who identified the new species.

Over the next few weeks, they found four more fish from the same species in Mr Abraham's well and water tank.

The fascinating discovery re-entered the spotlight last week when DiCaprio - an environmental campaigner - posted a colourful picture of the Pathala Eel Loach on Instagram and praised Mr Abraham.

"The wild is all around us and sometimes all it takes to discover a new species is going about a normal day," the actor said.

The discovery, DiCaprio wrote, showed "how citizen science" was the "key for researchers to study these unknown, underground ecosystems".

Mr Abraham found the new species in 2020

Normally, fish live in rivers, lakes or other surface water, but Pathala Eel Loach belongs to a group of subterranean fish which live in groundwater.

"We have around 17-18 such species in India and at least 11 of these are in Kerala," Dr Rajeev Raghavan, an assistant professor at Kufos, told BBC Hindi.

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These fish are unique because they are only found in places such as India, China - which has the largest number of groundwater fish - and Mexico.

"Since these fish are found in groundwater, the only way to catch them is when they accidentally come out through taps," Mr Raghavan said.

The aquifers are connected to wells and when they dry up in summer, the fish sometimes appear there. Kerala has the highest density of homestead wells in India, with close to seven million structures in the state's highland and midland areas.

In Mr Abraham's case the fish could have gone from the groundwater into the well and from there to the water tank on the roof, before landing in his bucket through the tap.

"It is an accidental opportunistic kind of sampling," said Dr Raghavan.

The scientist adds that not much was known about fish that live in groundwater until the 1950s. Their existence in Kerala was only confirmed in 2015 when Kufos started studying them under a project funded by the state government.

The university then launched a Citizen Science Network to teach people that such fish could land up through taps or at the bottom of dry wells.

"We told them to call us or send us a message. That is how we have collected more than 150 specimens of all the 11 species," Dr Raghavan said.

Scientists say the discovery of Pathala Eel Loach is also significant from an evolutionary point of view.

"Most groundwater fish are ancient," Dr Raghavan said, adding that a study of one of the 11 species found in Kerala found their origin dating back 125 million years - when dinosaurs still roamed the Earth.

"This means that all fish trapped in underground systems have been around for millions of years," he said.

For Mr Abraham, the discovery was significant from the beginning.

But it became even more special after DiCaprio's post. "Such a big man has taken my name. I am elated and very happy," he said.

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The fireball immediately after the first detonation of an atomic bomb in New Mexico on July 16, 1945. (Los Alamos National Laboratory )

To the editor: Perhaps many of us would like to live in a world where history is wrapped in tidy packages of simple solutions. In reality, historical "truth" frequently lies in indefinite territory. ("'Oppenheimer' is here. Is Hollywood still afraid of the truth about the atomic bomb?" Opinion, July 20)

Relative to World War II in the Pacific theater, one can play a counterfactual game of continued, unlimited American warfare versus a negotiated peace.

But reputable historians, while not endorsing or condemning the use of atomic warfare, have objectively concluded that there is not enough evidence to support when and how the Japanese imperial government would have eventually surrendered to the Allies in the absence of nuclear utilization.

Moreover, an argument that faults one scientist with the current existential horror of nuclear obliteration is specious.

Within the postwar context of an oncoming Cold War, a conflict that would have occurred with or without J. Robert Oppenheimer's work, its pretty hard to imagine that in the years following World War II, the Soviet Union and other advanced nations would not have eventually built atomic weapons.

Scott Allen, Santa Monica

..

To the editor: You have to wonder about who may have been saved if the atomic bomb had been ready in December 1944. If Berlin had been hit, would Anne Frank have been spared from death in March 1945?

How about the Chinese civilians who lived under a brutal occupation by the Japanese military? How many more of them would have died if they had to wait for an invasion of Japan to end the war?

We know that the Japanese military murdered more than 100,000 men, women and children in retaliation for the 1942 American bombing raid on Tokyo. They did it the old-fashioned way with bullets, bayonets and swords. They killed more people than died at Nagasaki.

My dad was very happy the bomb was dropped and the war ended in August 1945. He was a 21-year-old 2nd lieutenant working as an artillery forward observer. His unit was expected to be one of the first into Japan that fall. Would he have survived that?

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We know about the people killed by the bomb. I also think about those saved by it.

James Wilterdink, Chula Vista

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Kristy Field has been named the new principal of Tates Creek High School, marking the first time a woman has been hired for the top leadership job at the Lexington school.

Most recently the associate principal at Lafayette High School, Field replaces Marty Mills, who takes over this month as the Fayette school district director of human resources systems and processes.

According to a news release from the district, Fields hiring is a historic milestone that marks the first time a woman has been named as principal at Tates Creek.

With more than 23 years of experience in education, this is Fields ninth year with Fayette County Public Schools. Before returning to Kentucky in 2015, Field served as an intervention specialist at Chillicothe High School in Ohio for 14 years.

Since joining Fayette County, she has served in roles including special education teacher, administrative dean and intervention specialist at STEAM Academy, Freshman academy principal at Bryan Station High School, and most recently associate principal at Lafayette High School.

I am so excited for the Tates Creek High School community and know that our staff, students and families will thrive under the leadership of Dr. Kristy Field, said Chief School Leadership Officer James McMillin. She brings a wealth of knowledge as an educator and instructional leader and is very familiar with the academy model that Tates Creek employs.

Field attended the University of Rio Grande in Ohio where she earned a bachelors degree in economics and a masters degree in education, specializing in Special Education. She obtained her certification in education administration from the University of Ohio and later completed her doctorate in educational leadership and organizational management through the University of Louisville.

Dr. Fields exceptional experience in the classroom and as a high school administrator uniquely qualify her to steer Tates Creek towards greater success, said Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Demetrus Liggins. Kristy brings a wealth of expertise and a strong understanding of the education landscape, and under her leadership, I believe Tates Creek High School will continue to flourish as a hub of academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity.
The event was called a Friendship Walk and was held in Kolkata city

Pride parades in India today are vibrant affairs, where thousands gather to express themselves and offer support to the queer community. But things were very different in 1999, when the country's first Pride walk was organised in the eastern state of West Bengal. Journalist Sandip Roy revisits the trailblazing event.

On 2 July 1999, Pawan Dhall, a queer rights activist in Kolkata city, was among the 15 intrepid marchers to participate in what was later called the first Pride walk in India.

The event was timed to coincide with global celebrations marking 30 years of the Stonewall riots in New York which sparked the LGBTQ+ movement in the US.

But July is monsoon season in India, and the 15 marchers in their custom-made bright yellow t-shirts with pink triangles were soon soaked to the bone.

"It was more of a wade than a walk," Mr Dhall says.

The marchers also did not call the event a Pride march, instead going for the more innocuous-sounding "Friendship Walk" to avoid trouble.

In 1999, homosexuality was still criminalised in the country - a Victorian relic in the Indian Penal Code - and gay life was largely underground, though a few groups dedicated to supporting the community had formed in some cities.

Queer Indians found each other through mailing lists and Yahoo groups, and the idea of a Pride march surfaced there.

On 28 April 1999, Owais Khan, a convener of the LGBTQ+ India group, suggested doing something to celebrate "Gay Liberation Day" in New York - he called it "a small pada-yatra (procession) complete with pink triangles and rainbow-coloured peacocks".

Mr Khan said he was inspired by the Pride parades in cities like New York, but also by Mahatma Gandhi's famous Salt March during India's independence struggle.

Thousands attend colourful Pride marches in India every year

But not everyone shared his enthusiasm. Rafiquel Haque Dowjah, a communications consultant and one of the 15 marchers, says some members of the community called Mr Dowjah an "attention seeker" and accused him of "copying a western idea".

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Even Mr Dhall remembers being less than enthusiastic. "Another procession in Kolkata! I've been part of many processions and it's quite a pain," he thought to himself, he said.

But Mr Khan was determined to make the march happen. In the book Gulabi Baghi, an anthology of essays on the LGBTQ+ movement in India, Mr Khan recalls telling his peers: "Friends, The Walk is happening even if I am the only walker."

But it wasn't easy for a motley group of volunteers to pull off a march with practically no money.

Mr Khan says he woke up on the day of the walk with "a stomach full of fluttering butterflies" and wondered if anyone would turn up.

Eventually, 15 people participated, seven from Kolkata and the rest from Delhi and Mumbai and from smaller towns such as Bongaon and Kurseong in West Bengal.

An elderly woman, who was passing by, asked one of the participants why they were marching. He said they were demanding their rights. The woman shook her head and wondered aloud why the state had nothing better to do than "police people's private lives".

Others were more bemused. After their initial walk the marchers split into two groups and visited non-governmental organisations and the state's Human Rights Commission to distribute information brochures.

"We met a junior official there who was completely bewildered by the issue," says Mr Dhall.

At a press meeting later in the afternoon, reporters complained that they had no pictures of the parade.

So the group re-staged their historic "walk" for the cameras. "That's what eventually appeared in the newspapers," Mr Dhall laughs.

Organising the 1999 walk was a challenge and only 15 people showed up

Not all of the participants had come out to friends and family at the time. "My relatives had no idea where I disappeared on the day of the walk," says Navarun Gupta who lived in Atlanta but was visiting relatives in Kolkata that day.

Aditya Mohnot, now a fashion designer in Kolkata, said he joined the walk because his parents were not in town that day. But he did not realise pictures from the march would appear in newspapers the next day, with headlines like "15 friends walk with gay abandon".

At first, Mr Dhall said the walk felt like "an unnoticeable ripple" as the participants went back to their lives.

But the ripples were noticed - and they sparked a flurry of reactions.

Mr Mohnot said his friend's parents read about him in the newspaper. Luckily they were "surprised but proud".

In Mr Dowjah's case, his neighbour cut off all ties with him after she found out about the march.

"It was very hurtful and painful. Her family had known me since I was born," he said.

Mr Khan, however, remained hopeful. "Fifteen was a modest number but at least one needed two hands to count them," he said.

Soon, reactions began to pour from abroad as well.

"I am moved to tears," said Faisal Alam, founder of the queer Muslim support group Al Fatiha in the US, in a letter to the organisers.

"For a young queer person like me, the march showed that we could struggle for a better and more queer-friendly India visibly, proudly and publicly," said Parmesh Shahani, author of Queeristan - LGBTQ Inclusion in the Workplace.

"It showed us literally, and not just abstractly, that queer alternatives are possible in our country."

In 2019, Mr Dhall, Mr Khan and Mr Dowjah along with some queer groups recreated the Friendship Walk to mark its 20th anniversary. But this time, they felt like they were marching in a different country.

Homosexuality had just been decriminalised in India in 2018. In a few years, the Supreme Court would be hearing arguments to legalise same-sex marriages. Transgender activism had led to a landmark (though controversial) transgender bill. And a panel they organised saw participation from several small cities and towns in India.

Then again, not everything had changed. "The 20th anniversary walk was also quite a washout because of the rains," Mr Dhall says.

There was a happier postscript though. Years after she stopped talking to him, Mr Dowjah's neighbour knocked on his door and finally apologised for her behaviour.

Mr Dowjah says it just showed one had to keep doing the right thing. "People will come around, if not today, then in 20 years."

Sandip Roy is an author and journalist based in Kolkata city.

BBC News India is now on YouTube. Click here to subscribe and watch our documentaries, explainers and features.

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The Defence Forces of Ukraine continue holding the initiative on the Bakhmut front, liberating the positions captured by the Russians, metre by metre.

Source: Serhii Cherevatyi, spokesperson of the Eastern Group of Forces, in the national joint 24/7 newscast and in a comment for Ukrainska Pravda

Details: Commenting on the combat actions near the village of Andriivka, Cherevatyi specified that a possible liberation of this settlement will once again improve the tactical positioning of the Ukrainian forces and allow further advances with the goal of encirclement or driving out the Russian forces from the city of Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast.

Quote: "Andriivka, like any settlement around Bakhmut that will be liberated, would allow for encirclement of Bakhmut or driving out the Russian forces from the city.

In general, the Defence Forces are holding the initiative on the Bakhmut front and continue to liberate hundreds of metres of the Ukrainian land every day. They manage to liberate several kilometres a week, and time will come when it will be dozens of kilometres. The main principle here is to move gradually and preserve manpower, while causing as much damage and losses to the Russians as possible."

Details: Cherevatyi added that yesterday 95 Russian occupiers were killed, 187 were injured and 3 captured on the Bakhmut front.

Why it is important: Some media outlets mistakenly interpreted Cherevatyis words in the newscast as a confirmation of a liberation of the village of Andriivka on the Bakhmut front by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!






LIBERTY - A Liberty man was charged with attempted murder after three men were stabbed in the village early Sunday morning.

Police began their investigation after officers responded to a report of a man with a knife outside a restaurant on School Street in the village around 12:55 a.m. That investigation led to the arrest of Darwin Banegas-Ortiz, 38, of Liberty in a wooded area off Grant Street about an hour later.

When officers initially responded to the scene, they found a 42-year-old man and a 20-year-old man suffering from cuts and puncture wounds to the neck and abdomen.

Due to a lack of available ambulance service at that time, they were taken by private vehicle with a Liberty police escort to Garnet Health Medical Center Catskills in Harris. After receiving initial treatment there, the 42-year-old was flown to Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown and the 20-year-old was flown to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla for further treatment.

Child abuse: Middletown man charged with predatory sexual assault against a child

As their investigation began, Liberty police learned a third stabbing victim had left the School Street location and was at a private residence on Chestnut Street. Officers responded and found a 47-year-old man at that location with a stab wound to the chest.

He was taken by ambulance to Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown.

After Banegas-Ortiz was taken into custody, he was treated for a cut on his arm at Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown.

Police charged him with felony counts of attempted second-degree murder, attempted first-degree assault, second-degree assault and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was also charged with a misdemeanor count of second-degree menacing, a misdemeanor.

Lessons learned: New York nurses endured COVID's darkest days.

He was arraigned in Town of Liberty Court and sent without bail to the Sullivan County jail, pending a future court appearance.

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The name of his attorney was not immediately available.

The Sullivan County District Attorney's office, state police and the K-9 division of the Orange County Sheriff's Office assisted Liberty police with the investigation.

Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record, Poughkeepsie Journal and The Journal News/lohud. Reach him at mrandall@th-record.com or on Twitter @mikerandall845.

This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Liberty stabbings: Man charged with attempted murder, 3 men injured
Investigators in Long Island have dodged questions about a crucial piece of evidence believed to have been found inside the family home of Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney was grilled in a press conference on Tuesday about the chilling alleged discovery of a mattress inside a huge vault in the basement of the home in Massapequa Park.

The DA repeatedly refused to confirm or deny the existence of the potentially harrowing piece of evidence but did confirm the existence of the walk-in underground vault.

The vault is big enoguht to walk into and its in the basement, he said.

He also confirmed that no human remains had been found at the cluttered one-storey property.

However, he noted it will take time for the crime lab to test the trove of items seized for the likes of blood, hairs or other trace evidence which would indicate whether or not any of his alleged victims were killed at the property.

While he would not go into details about what was found, he did confirm that a massive amount of evidence had been recovered from the home which Mr Heuermann grew up in as a child  before sharing with his wife of two decades, their daughter and his stepson until his arrest.

The DA confirmed that the search of the home has now come to an end after investigators spent almost two weeks combing through the property, seizing items and digging up the yard for clues about the murders.

In the 12 days since Mr Heuermann was arrested in connection to the infamous serial killer case, investigators have been searching for evidence tying him to the murders including any trophies taken from the victims.

On Monday, search teams were spotted carrying out a major excavation of the backyard with cadaver dogs and a ground-penetrating radar machine scouring the ground before excavators dug up the earth with a backhoe.

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison previously revealed that they believe at least some of the murders took place inside the home.

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Mr Heuermanns wife and children were out of town at the time of each of the three murders he is charged with.

Mr Heuermann was taken into custody on 13 July, almost 13 years after the bodies of at least 11 victims were discovered along the shores of Gilgo Beach on Long Island.

He was charged with the murders of three of the so-called Gilgo Four  Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy and Amber Costello.

He is also the prime suspect in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes  who was last seen alive in early June 2007 in New York City.

The Gilgo Four were all found in December 2010 within one-quarter mile of each other, bound by belts or tape and some wrapped in burlap  their bodies dumped along Gilgo Beach.

Court records show that Mr Heuermann was linked to the killings through a tip about his pickup truck, a stash of burner phones, sadistic online searches, phone calls taunting victims families, his wifes hair found on the victims bodies  and a pizza crust.

The first piece of the puzzle came when a witness in the Amber Costello case revealed details about a vehicle that a client was driving when she was last seen alive.

Costello, who worked as a sex worker, was seen alive on the evening of 2 September 2010 when she left her home in West Babylon. A witness said she had gone to meet a client who was driving a first-generation Chevrolet Avalanche.

Last year, a registration search showed that local man Mr Heuermann owned a first-generation model of the truck at the time of Costellos disappearance. He also matched the witness description of the man believed to be the killer: a large, white ogre-like male in his mid-40s, around 64 to 66 tall, with dark bushy hair, and big oval style 1970s type eyeglasses.

Authorities searching the home of suspect Rex Heuermann (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The discovery of the car led investigators to hone in on Mr Heuermann including executing 300 subpoenas, search warrants and other legal processes to obtain evidence to determine his potential involvement in the killings.

Among this was Mr Heuermanns alleged use of burner phones, with prosecutors saying that he used burner phones to contact the three women and arrange to meet them at the time when they went missing.

He also allegedly took two of the victims cellphones  and used one to make taunting phone calls to one of their families where he boasted about her murder, court documents state.

Mr Heuermanns DNA was found on one of the victims, while his wifes hair was found on three of the four women he is connected to.

His arrest comes after the horrific serial killer case has captured the nations attention for more than a decade.

The Gilgo Beach murders had long stumped law enforcement officials in Suffolk County who believed it could be the work of one or more serial killers who targeted sex workers and dumped their bodies along the remote beaches on Ocean Parkway.

The case began in May 2010 when Shannan Gilbert vanished after leaving a clients house on foot near Gilgo Beach.

She called 911 for help saying she feared for her life and was never seen alive again.

During a search for Gilbert in dense thicket close to the beach, police discovered the remains of another woman.

Within a matter of days, the remains of three more victims were found close by.

By spring 2011, the remains of a total of 10 victims had been found including eight women, a man, and a toddler. Police have long thought that it could be the work of one or more serial killers.

Gilberts body was then found in December 2011. Her cause of death is widely contested with authorities long claiming that it is not connected to the serial killer or killers but that she died from accidental drowning as she fled from the clients home.

However, an independent autopsy commissioned by her family ruled that she died by strangulation and her mother believes she was murdered.

Like Gilbert, most of the victims targeted were sex workers, while some are yet to be identified.

As well as extensively searching Mr Heuermanns home in Long Island, officials are probing other locations connected to the accused murderer including storage units two miles away in Amityville.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies are also looking into unsolved murders and missing persons cases all across America including in Las Vegas, South Carolina and Atlantic City.
A mushroom cloud produced by the first test of a hydrogen bomb during Operation Ivy at Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands. CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

Decades after Oppenheimer, the US still pays benefits to people exposed to nuclear radiation.

VA benefits apply to those involved in testing like the Manhattan Project or cleanups in the Marshall Islands.

Civilians who contracted cancer or other diseases due to nuclear testing also receive benefits.

Christopher Nolan's new film "Oppenheimer" follows the development of the first atomic bombs during World War II under the supervision of theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer. The so-called "father of the atomic bomb" is tapped to helm the Los Alamos Laboratory where the Manhattan Project focused on developing a nuclear weapon faster than Nazi Germany, leading to a race against time.

And while most of the characters in "Oppenheimer" seem to understand the immediate, destructive impact of using atomic bombs on targets like the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, they don't necessarily think of the long-term effects of creating  and using  such a powerful and devastating weapon.

Radiation exposure has been a persistent problem that the US is still dealing with today. Long after the creation and testing of that first nuclear weapon and the many more tests that followed, Washington is still paying benefits to veterans and civilians exposed to radiation from nuclear bomb tests and cleanups.

It was over 40 years after the first nuclear test, codenamed "Trinity," before the risks and dangers were officially recognized. The first acknowledgement of both the need to compensate servicemen and women effected by nuclear radiation and the linkage between cancers and certain illnesses and radiation exposure came in 1988, when Congress passed the Radiation-Exposed Veterans Compensation Act.

The bill was prompted by the concerns of "atomic veterans," individuals who had been present during atmospheric nuclear tests from 1946 to 1952 and who spoke out about the serious health complications that they developed from exposure to radiation.

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A comparison between the prop bomb used in filming Oppenheimer [top] and the historic photo of the bomb used in the Trinity test [bottom]. Universal Pictures [top], Los Alamos National Laboratory [bottom]

The bill included specific diseases, including leukemia and certain other types of cancer but hedged on how serious the illness had to be and the timeline of when and how veterans had been exposed to radiation. It also defined "radiation-risk activity" as specifically being related to "onsite participation in the atmospheric detonation of a nuclear device," the US occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki between August 1945 and July 1946, and internment as a prisoner of war in Japan during World War II.

It offered $50,000 to individuals residing or working downwind of the Nevada Test Site (where decades of nuclear weapons testing took place), $75,000 for workers who participated in atmospheric weapons tests, and $100,000 for uranium miners, millers, and transporters. But while limited in scope, the Radiation-Exposed Veterans Compensation Act opened the floodgates for discourse around nuclear radiation effects and subsequent legislation providing further benefits.

In 1995, President Bill Clinton's Advisory Committee on Human Radiation Experiments released a thousand-page document detailing extensive investigations into questionable US government-led radiation experiments involving human test subjects during the Cold War.

Some of those subjects, as previously documented by Eileen Welsome's "The Plutonium Experiment" story and the Markey report, had been unknowingly and unwillingly injected with plutonium.

The report also acknowledged that atomic veterans who had been involved in nuclear testing or cleanup activities were unaware of the consequences, leading to Clinton's public apology on behalf of the US government in 1996 to all veterans and civilians involved with nuclear testing.

A 1946 postwar replica of the "Little Boy" nuclear weapon dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, in August 1945. MPI/Getty Images

One atomic veteran who was sent to the Marshall Islands, where the US carried out dozens of nuclear weapons tests after World War II, to help with cleanup effort in the 1970s previously told Insider the potential dangers of the radiation were never properly addressed beforehand and that he didn't receive adequate training.

"On our end of it, most of our guys are dead because of the cancers and all the ailments that come along with the radioactive materials that we ingested," Ken Brownell said in an interview last year, adding that he had little protective gear. He said he was diagnosed in 2001 with stage-four non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and given months to live. But he managed to beat it.

Another atomic veteran who was sent to the Marshall Islands, Francis Lincoln Grahlfs, wrote in a 2021 Military Times op-ed that "little was known by the public about the long-term effects of radiation exposure." Like Brownell, he believes several health complications that he has suffered from, including cancer, are a result of the radiation.

The Hanford Nuclear Reservation played a key role in the development and disposal of plutonium for The Manhattan Project in the 1940s. Jeff T. Green/Getty Images

Current VA benefits related to nuclear radiation exposure include cleanups at the Marshall Islands and Palomares, Spain, from a 1966 US Air Force plutonium accident. Atmospheric nuclear bomb testing, as well as radiation therapy for different illnesses or cancers, also qualifies.

There are other incidents as well that could see veterans or workers receive benefits. Those who were stationed at the McMurdo Antarctica nuclear plant from 1964 to 1973 and those that have worked with depleted uranium found in armor and munitions, such as the shells the US is sending to Ukraine, qualify. Most recently, service members involved in the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011 and its cleanup can receive benefits.

The qualifications  and payouts  depend on what situation or circumstance veterans were involved in, as well as what specific cancer or illness they developed and how likely it is to be linked to radiation.

Nuclear weapons testing also devastated local communities, both in the US and abroad. Detonations on the Marshall Islands, for example, wreaked havoc on the environment and left individuals worried about the long-term impact of radiation exposure on their health.

Such was also the case after the Manhattan Project's Trinity Test, when, in July 1945, the world's first atomic bomb went off, sending radioactive fallout raining down on numerous people. Though this historically significant test was the feature of "Oppenheimer," the film appears to overlook the lasting local impacts of the world-changing explosion.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Young people are especially quick to adapt to new technology. i_am_zews/Shutterstock

South Africa has a growing unemployment rate. Statistics show the unemployment rate to be above 60% for those aged 15-24 and over 40% for those aged 25-34 years. Rankings from the World Bank position South Africa as having the highest unemployment rate in the world.

This runaway unemployment rate not only creates precarious, limiting circumstances for individual young people but also poses a threat to the countrys economic growth and global competitiveness.

Another, much more positive statistic from the International Telecommunications Union positions young people as active adopters of technology. Three-quarters of 15- to 24-year-olds globally use the internet actively. Though the figures show this uptake to be mostly in developed countries, there is progress on the African continent in terms of technology infrastructure to lead to internet usage.

These developments are also noted in South Africa. The countrys internet penetration rate stood at 72.3% of the total population at the start of 2023. This paves the way for greater use of social media.

Our interest as researchers is how young people can use social media to overcome the unemployment challenge in South Africa.

A study we carried out found three key ways for young people to enhance their employability using social media. Our findings, like those of some other studies, place high importance on the role of social media in a context of high unemployment.

For the study, we interviewed 15 human resources specialists whose work largely focused on recruitment and selection. They help some of South Africas leading corporate companies to find the best candidates for certain roles. These were their three key pieces of advice.

1. Using social media to edify a personal brand

All the interviewees in our study agreed that social media could be used to edify an individuals brand. This is something that is becoming common and encouraged globally.

The aim here is clear: through your social media activity you convey a message about yourself. This can be useful to reach out to the outside world in advertising your skills set. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn are a valuable resource for young jobseekers to achieve this.

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2. Using social media to widen your networks

Once young people have an idea of what their online brand will be, they can start to network. This may be with other jobseekers or prospective employers. Networking offers an opportunity to learn about the world of work, including the challenging labour market. Using information from networking, young people can be better equipped to respond to uncertainty.

Networking on social media platforms could involve attending webinars and discussion forums. A number of social media platforms offer tools enabling interaction through text, audio or video. One participant in our research described the strength of networking like this:

Networking allows you to build your social capital on two fronts. First, you get access to interact with important stakeholders such as prospective employers. Second  not only information but a learning space from the experience of others.

Interviewees warned that young jobseekers should not compromise their personal brand. One said:

Graduates should be warned about the kind of stuff they should and should not post on social media and ensure that their online media presence is closely monitored and updated so that they are aware of what others can see about them. Social media allows for quick and easy judgement-making 

Universities should consider offering social media and personal branding training awareness so that future graduates are not only aware of complexities in the labour market but also prepared to meet them. Graduate placement offices within universities could take on this training role.

3. Using social media as a platform for continued learning

Social media presents young people with an endless reservoir of information about the world. It includes job postings, learnership and internship opportunities, and tips on how to be marketable in an ever changing job market.

One participant in our study with experience recruiting in the technology sector expressed this view:

For any young person I would say continue to use social media as a fountain of learning. Learn about the world of work through social media. Importantly, also learn about yourself and how you could fit into such a world.

Tackling unemployment

Our research suggests that young people should learn how to search for job opportunities, and advertise their skills and profiles on social media. This can help them tap into a network that might give them a better chance in a situation of high unemployment.

High data costs remain a challenge. Companies and content developers can assist here in developing websites that can be accessed with no data cost implication.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. Like this article? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

It was written by: Willie Tafadzwa Chinyamurindi, University of Fort Hare; Liezel Cilliers, University of Fort Hare, and Obrain Tinashe Murire, Walter Sisulu University.

Read more:



Willie Tafadzwa Chinyamurindi receives funding from the National Research Foundation; National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences and the National Heritage Council.

Liezel Cilliers receives funding from the National Research Foundation and the South African Medical Research Council.

Obrain Tinashe Murire 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.
The competition in our bracket for Lexingtons best tattoo shop is well underway, and six businesses have advanced to our third round of voting.

With 47,693 votes cast since the launch, readers are helping determine the fan-favorite parlor. All the local businesses offer unique tattoo options and artists, and you can check out the full list of 24 below.

Heres the results of voting in the second round, as of 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8:

Fallen Angel Tattoo Studio: 4,284, or 48%

Moonstruck Tattoo: 3,021, or 34%

Black Swann Ink: 1,181, or 13%

Keyhole Tattoo: 216, or 2%

Next Dimension Tattoo: 100, or 1%

Underground Ink Tattoo Studio: 75, or 1%

Bleed Blue Ink: 68, or 1%

Tattoo Charlies: 7, or 0%

Black Rose Tattoo: 5, or 0%

Ink Addiction Tattoos: 3, or 0%

Tigers Eye Studio: 2, or 0%

Poisoned Pen Tattoo Co.: 1, or 0%

The top six  Underground Ink, Next Dimension, Keyhole, Black Swann, Moonstruck and Fallen Angel  have moved to the third round of voting. The poll is open now down below and closes at noon Aug. 15.

Tattoos have a long history, with evidence of permanent art inked on bodies dating back 5,200 years, Smithsonian Magazine reports. Though the reasons for seeking tattoos vary, some current trends include tattoo tourism and celebrities displaying face tattoos.

You can vote in round three of our bracket using the polling feature bellow. Its not scientific, its just for fun, and you can vote as often as youd like.

Share a BeOp page with this creative Display creative in a fullscreen mode https://engage.beop.io/613b545cc72e363398f474c9/64d2737922d07b5838489ad3?expand

If weve missed your favorite studio, or you just want to show us your art, you can shoot an email to ask@herald-leader.com.

Next week, the final three shops will move on the championship round.

Tattoo studios in Lexington, KY

Black Rose Tattoo

With more than five years in business, the downtown location at 119 N. Mill St. focuses on traditional, tribal and history tattooing. According to its website, the studio also has the largest selection of hand-painted flash tattoos in Lexington. While the shop does offer same day appointments and walk-ins, those who have appointments receive first priority.

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To The Grave Tattoo Co.

Open every day, the studio guarantees those with appointments and deposits a session, but welcomes walk-ins. Located at 2160 Sir Barton Way, Suite 116, customers can expect a staff of artists and apprentices.

Piercing and tattoo services are available, as well as a $10 discount for military, first responders and students with valid ID. Piercing options and pricing can be found online, as well as aftercare products. To see the teams work, individual portfolios can be found on their site, in addition to the studios Instagram.

Murder Art Collective

The tattoo shop offers piercing and tattoo services, located at 535 S. Upper St. It is open Monday through Friday, and customers can reach the shop by calling or texting 859-687-0226.

Charmed Life Tattoo

Established in 1999, this unique shop is home to some of the best artists, according to its website. Open Tuesday through Saturday, appointments are recommended and can be made by calling 859-266-4187 or emailing book@charmedlifetattoo.com. Walk-ins are welcome at their 754 N. Limestone shop, but cannot be guaranteed. Examples of previous art can be found on the shops Instagram account.

LexInk Tattoo

Open seven days a week, this 147 E. Loudon Ave. shop offers more than just tattoos. Customers are also welcome to barber or piercing services. All shop services are by appointment by calling 859-382-1760.

Bleed Blue Ink

The black-and-blue-themed shop offers a unique experience with walls decorated with signed memorabilia and a place where customers can write their own name on the signature wall. Tattoo and piercing services are offered at the outfit, located at 102 W. High St.

Fallen Angel Tattoo Studio

The studio located at 162 E. New Circle Road offers tattoo and piercing services Tuesday through Saturday. Specializing in tribal, blackwork, Japanese, patchwork, 3D, pet and animal, anime and sketch, customers have a wide variety to choose from and can view artists work on their social media accounts.

Tattoo Charlies

Established in 1973, the shop names itself the oldest tattoo studio in the Lexington area. Operating two locations, those in the Lexington can visit the 470 New Circle Road, No. 2 studio for piercing and tattoo services. Its website offers piercing appointments and tattoo consultation request forms, as well as up-to-date schedules for both services.

Horseshoe Tattoo

Offering a multitude of services, the shop specializes in all kinds of work, ranging from fine-line tattoos to solid blackwork tattoos. Located at 357 Southland Drive, customers can book appointments on its website or contact matt@art859.com for further information. Artist portfolios are available on their Facebook or Instagram page.

Penumbra Tattoo Studio

Located at 640 W. Maxwell St., Suite 120, customers are to book an appointment by reaching out to their desired artist for a consultation through the shops website. The studio offers traditional and Asian-style tattoos, as well as some additional services. Previous artwork can be found on the studios Instagram page.

Underground Ink Tattoo Studio

Operating for more than 20 years in the Lexington area, the studio specializes in custom tattoos with a $60 minimum, according to its website. The shop is located at 132 Burt Road, open Tuesday through Saturday and reached by calling 859-455-8282.

Poisoned Pen Tattoo Co.

This 153 Patchen Drive, Unit 67 studio offers custom tattooing and piercing services Monday through Saturday. A variety of tattooing styles are available, depending on the artist. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.

Goldenrod Tattoo

Customers can expect piercing and tattoo services at this shop located at 1801 Alexandria Drive. According to its Instagram, there are four tattoo artists that can be scheduled by emailing goldenrodtattoo@gmail.com. Previous work and art to purchase can also be seen on the shops Instagram.

Black Swann Ink

With a wide plethora of tattoo services, the women/queer-owned studio works to provide customers with high quality tattoos in a clean, comfortable, and inclusive environment, according to its website. The studio is located at 355 Longview Plaza and only takes appointments booked through a submission form on the website.

The Tattoo Lounge

Newer to the area, the lounge was established in 2021 looking to give customers a unique experience where tattooing is taken in a new direction, according to its website. Located at 828 Lane Allen Road, Suite 195, the studio is open Tuesday through Saturday. Customers are able to make an appointment or consultation by calling 859-368-0017 and can view artists work on their individual Instagram accounts found under their artists tab or the lounges Facebook page.

Ink Addiction Tattoos

With more than 25 years of combined experience, the studios website says the artists work to provide customers with a comfortable environment and welcome first timers. The 132 Southland Drive, Suite 1A studio has a wide variety of styles from names to full sleeves, as well as a 15% discount for all active military, veterans and first responders with a valid ID. Examples of the studios work can be found on its Facebook and Instagram.

Love & Luck Tattoo

The private studio owned by Rachel Head is located at 274 Southland Drive, Suite 104B, where she specializes in bold, dark, and illustrative traditional style art, according to the studios website. Rachels studio is by appointment only. Customers can schedule an appointment by emailing Rachaelheadbooking@gmail.com.

Dream Chaser Tattoos

Serving predominantly the Lexington and Danville areas, this studio offers tattooing and piercing services. The artists have 30 years of combined experience and can be located at either of their two locations, 159 E. Reynolds Road, Suite B in Lexington or 710 South 4th St. in Danville, according to the studios website.

Next Dimension Tattoo

Offering tattoo services from simple designs to full back or sleeve pieces, Next Dimension Tattoos website says its got you covered. Located at 3101 Richmond Road, Suite 301, customers can book an appointment with an online form. The artists work can be found on the shops Instagram.

Moonstruck Tattoo

After recently celebrating her one year anniversary, Chelsea Joell Searcy began her own studio located at 520 Booker St., Suite 1. Appointments can be made by emailing appointments.moonstrucktattoo@gmail.com, with artwork seen on her Facebook.

Keyhole Tattoo

Located near the historic district, the studio can be found at 192 N. Broadway and is open Monday through Saturday. Walk-ins are available, but to book an appointment, customers should call 859-303-4568 or visit the Instagram page. The studios work can also be seen on the account.

Tigers Eye Studio

With the first step being a free consultation, customers are able to work with the artists to design a tattoo specific to them at the 359 W. Short St. studio. The artists work can be found on their website, as well as their Instagram. Booking is closed until October, but customers can reach the studio by emailing frontdesk@tigerseyeky.com or calling 859-286-9020.

The Tattoo Den

The private studio is located at 2548 Larkin Road, Suit 102, inside of Lanas Salon Suites. Customers can receive tattooing or piercing services, according to its Facebook. To reach the studio, customers can call 859-551-9188 or email thetattoodenky@gmail.com.

Rennies Inkwell

The private studio is owned and operated by single mom Caitlyn Renae and located at 2548 Larkin Road, Suite 110. The studio runs by appointment only and can be reached by calling 859-806-8887 or visiting the website for a consultation form.
Crews will sink more than 5,000 tons of construction material from a spillway project into Lake Wateree -- for sport. Specifically, sport fish like largemouth and striped bass.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources announced a fish habitat project with Duke Energy. Duke has significant work ongoing on the Wateree Dam. Part of it will now include creation of four new fish attraction sites and upgrades at two existing ones using 5,200 tons of concrete and other construction material from the job.

The sites are expected to grow bass populations, but also catfish and crappie among other species. Lake Wateree a more than 13,000-acre reservoir on the Catawba River chain. Its shores span Lancaster, Fairfield and Kershaw counties. Water from Lake Wylie winds through Wateree on its way to the coast.

SCDNR manages Wateree for recreational fishing and has 17 fisth attraction sites there.

One of Lancaster Countys biggest recreation draws is about to drop, and stay low

According to the state natural resource agency, the move should leave to more prized game fish.

As South Carolinas inland reservoirs have aged, their fish habitat has degraded with the break-down of much of the woody materials left in place as they filled with water, said Ross Self, SCDNR chief of freshwater fisheries.

The Wateree work is an example of habitat enhancement statewide to address that issue, Self said.

A barge and backhoe will place the concrete at sites of 30- to 70-foot water depths. Work should run through August as spillway sections are dismantled. The sites should both grow and concentrate fish populations by providing areas of cover for spawning.

A year ago, Duke announced the company would drop Wateree beginning in November 2022 to six or seven feet below the lakes full pond. It would stay at those decades-low levels for more than a year, the company said, as new spillway gates are installed to allow an extra 75,000 gallons of water per second to flow through the dam.

The work initially listed at almost $6 million would improve drought and flood response in the basin as Duke uses reservoirs from Lake James, Lake Norman, Mountain Island Lake, Lake Wylie and others to buffer the full system during extreme weather.

Wateree has 181 miles of shoreline in three counties. Its not far from Great Falls in Chester County, whether more Duke work brought about the restoration of namesake falls there. Wateree was dammed in 1920 to operate a power station and is the second largest of 11 Catawba chain reservoirs. Its the largest in South Carolina.
At a research conference in late March, Princeton economist Richard DiSalvo presented some startling graphs comparing student enrollments against the number of schools serving those students.

By contrasting these two trends, DiSalvo could measure whether and how much districts suffer from what he called adjustment inertia. In other words, do districts open new schools as student enrollments rise, and do they close schools as enrollment falls?

His findings are not entirely surprising: On average, districts have an easier time growing when demand is rising than they do shrinking when enrollments fall. Its also comparatively easier for districts to adjust staffing levels up or down than it is to adjust their physical footprint in the form of school buildings.

Some districts manage this process better than others. Consider DiSalvos graph on Chicago. Student enrollments (in blue) were declining over time. But the district delayed its decisions to close schools, eventually resulting in a big wave of school closures (in red).

That school closure in 2013 made national news. Under then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago shuttered 49 elementary schools, the largest school closure in the countrys history. It uprooted tens of thousands of students and teachers, harmed both the displaced students and the schools that eventually received them, and set off a wave of political debates that are still being felt.

However, DiSalvos data shows that such events are not inevitable. For example, Milwaukee and Kansas City stood out as districts with relatively little adjustment inertia. As enrollments dropped, they gradually scaled down the number of schools.

Related

Analysis: State Laws Leave Schools Unprepared for a Post-COVID Fiscal Cliff

Closing a school, in general, is bad for students, but its worse when districts have to shutter many at once. In Philadelphia, for example, researchers found that achievement among both displaced students and those at the receiving school fell more as the number of displaced students rose. In other words, the sheer size of the closure made the fallout worse.

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Besides being strategic on the timing of closures, districts can also take steps to mitigate the harm done to students. As EdNavigators Tim Daly wrote earlier this year, when districts put supports for displaced students in place, they can fare better academically than they did in their former schools.

DiSalvos data ends in the fall of 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked further havoc on public school enrollments across the country. As of the latest data, public schools were serving 1.3 million fewer students than they did pre-pandemic. Thanks to declining birth rates and years of reduced immigration, enrollments are projected to decline by another 4.4% nationally by the end of this decade.

Related

Its Time to Start Preparing Now for School Closures that Are Coming

Estimates are that public school enrollments will fall in 42 states, topped by West Virginia, with an estimated decline of 20%. In numeric terms, the biggest losers are likely to be New York and California, with forecasted declines of 149,000 and 530,000 fewer students, respectively.

That translates into a lot of districts with a lot of underenrolled schools. The infusion of $190 billion in federal ESSER funds, not to mention state hold harmless provisions, has allowed districts to hold off difficult school closure conversations.

But thats a mistake. The surge in budgets over the last few years represents a lost opportunity for districts to right-size their physical footprints. It would have been wise to use the federal funds to soften the blows and create supports for displaced students while the money was there. By putting off those decisions, districts will likely have to close many more schools in the years to come, after the one-time money runs out.

The financial aspect is obvious for green-eyeshade types like me. If a school serves fewer students, the cost of providing the same services will rise on a per-capita basis. As a result, underenrolled schools start to look like costly outliers. (For anyone wanting to take a look at their district, Id recommend checking out the School Spending & Outcomes Snapshot database, created by the Edunomics Lab at Georgetown University and hosted by the National Comprehensive Center.)

But the arguments in favor of closing underenrolled schools are not merely financial. Kids at those schools miss out on the full complement of staffing or programming that theyd otherwise receive. Districts cant continue to offer music, art, electives, counselors, extracurriculars or other specialists at the same levels when they spread their resources too thin across too many buildings.

Related

Downsize Schools, or Keep Them Open & Hope Students Come Back?

Smaller schools are neither entirely good or all bad. But, because districts revenues are tied to how many students they serve, they have to make choices about how to allocate resources across schools. Budgeting is a trade-off. When enrollments decline, the district can spread its staff across a large number of buildings and let each school operate with a skeleton crew, or it can close some schools so more students can attend schools that offer a full suite of services.

Of all the decisions school district leaders must make, whether or not to close a school can be particularly fraught. But deciding not to shutter underenrolled schools is also a policy choice. It means that students will get fewer services in the short term, and it raises the chance of a potentially harmful massive school closure down the road. That risk is particularly high right now.
Ric Feld/AP Images

A Lowe's in Georgia has rehired a woman it fired for trying to stop suspected shoplifters.

The 13-year employee was left with a black eye after one suspect assaulted her, local police said.

Lowe's said she had violated company policy. "I didn't expect to get terminated," she told local news.

A Lowe's store in Georgia has rehired a woman it fired for trying to stop alleged shoplifters.

Local police said Donna Hansbrough, who had worked at the store in Rincon, just north of Savannah, for 13 years, was assaulted during her attempt to prevent the suspected shoplifters from leaving.

The Rincon Police Department said that on June 25, three people visited the Lowe's store, "loaded multiple items into shopping carts, and exited the store without paying for the merchandise." Hansbrough attempted to stop one of the people by grabbing a shopping cart but didn't make any contact with the woman pushing it, the police said. The woman then struck Hansbrough in the face three times, causing her right eye "to swell and blacken," according to the police.

The total value of the stolen merchandise was $2,101, the police said.

Rincon police said that as of Monday, one of the suspects hadn't been apprehended. Police said the suspect may have been involved in a "similar theft" at a Walmart near Savannah on the same day.

Hansbrough "was fired for attempting to stop the theft" because her action of grabbing the cart violated company policy, the police said. Many retailers have strict policies that prohibit staff from stopping shoplifters.

"They say that if you see somebody stealing something out the door, not to pursue, not to go out," Hansbrough told local news outlet The Effingham Herald. "I lost it."

"I didn't expect to get terminated," she continued. "Maybe a reprimand or a suspension." A fundraiser set up for Hansbrough raised more than $25,000.

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Lowe's confirmed to The Herald on Monday that Hansbrough had been given her job back.

"After senior management became aware of the incident and spoke to Donna Hansbrough today, we are reinstating her job and we are pleased that she has accepted the offer to return to Lowe's," Larry Costello, Lowe's senior manager of corporate communications, told the outlet.

"There's nothing more important than the safety of our customers and associates. Products can be replaced; people cannot."

"We continue to work closely with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute those who are responsible for this theft and violent attack," Costello continued.

Lowe's did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, made outside of regular working hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Alexander Lukashenko

The Belarusian self-proclaimed president Alexander Lukashenko's claims about the desire of Wagner PMC mercenaries to attack Poland are transparent psychological operations (PSYOP), Defense Intelligence of Ukraine representative, Andriy Yusov, said on national television on July 25.

"It is PSYOP to draw attention to both 'Wagnerites' and Belarus, in order to get our EU and NATO partners stressed and obsessed with the situation on the border with Belarus and to destruct them from supporting Ukraine," Yusov said, calling Lukashenkos actions a "collective PSYOP".

Read also: Poland to bolster border security after Wagner mercenaries arrival in Belarus

"Lukashenko speaks loudly but threatens no one in particular. He referred to 'Wagnerites' who are now in Belarus."

Yusov noted that an attack on Poland would be suicide.

During the meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, Lukashenko said that Wagner Group mercenaries stress him out because they allegedly want to attack Poland.

Wagnerites in Belarus: What is Known

Wagners mercenary leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, announced the beginning of an armed conflict with the Russian Defense Ministry on the evening of June 23, claiming that he wanted to restore justice in Russia.

The one-day munity was halted after negotiations between Lukashenko and Prigozhin.

Read also: Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin suffering from abdominal cancer, says Russian media

Putin presented the Wagner troops with three options, one of which involved their deployment to Belarus.

Shortly after, reports emerged of camp constructions in Belarus intended to accommodate the Wagner fighters. Satellite images of a potential private military contractor field camp were subsequently released. While Lukashenko denied the existence of any camps specifically for the Wagner troops, he mentioned that they would be provided with accommodation if necessary.

Belarus has the capacity to host approximately 8,000 Wagner PMC mercenaries, said the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine,

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Ukrainian intelligence cautioned against premature conclusions regarding the transfer of Wagner fighters to Belarus.

Later, information surfaced suggesting that the Wagner fighters in Belarus would be involved in training Belarusian nationals for combat. This statement was supported by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, and on July 12, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus confirmed negotiations regarding the training of Belarusian special forces.

Read also: Wagner mutiny launched transit of power in Russia  defense minister Reznikov

The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine announced on July 14 that Russia had withdrawn nearly all of its military personnel from Belarus.

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
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, 77, will get hip surgery (Carl DE SOUZA)

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, 77, said Tuesday he would undergo hip surgery to relieve pain that was putting him "in a bad mood."

"It's a very simple procedure," he announced on Twitter, rebranded "X," without specifying details of the ailment for which he would go under the knife "in the next few months."

"The pain puts me in a bad mood and I want to stay in a good mood, because I made a commitment to make Brazil work," said the leftist leader who took office on January 1.

Lula has two busy months ahead, meaning the operation may have to wait a short time.

In August, he is scheduled to receive the leaders of Amazon countries in Belem, before heading to South Africa for a BRICS summit.

In September, he will attend a G20 summit in India, then a UN General Assembly meeting in New York.

In March, the president had to postpone an official visit to China as he recovered from pneumonia.

And last November, shortly after his election victory over far-right ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, Lula had surgery to remove a lesion from his vocal cords.

The ex-metalworker was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2011, soon after leaving the presidency after serving two successive terms. He went into remission after treatment.

rsr/lg/tmo/sba/mlr/bgs
Lyft CEO David Risher said people should want to return to the office "for the snacks," the Wall Street Journal reported. Michael Liedtke/The Associated Press

Lyft's CEO says workers who don't want to return to the office should come back  for the snacks.

He told employees they would need to come into the office three days a week starting in the fall.

David Risher's mandate is a reversal of the "fully flexible" work policy Lyft instituted in 2022.

Major companies are struggling to lure people back to the office as workers sign petitions to hold onto their flexibility and contend that they're just as productive, if not more, when working from home.

Lyft's CEO David Risher, however, thinks office snacks should be enough reason enough for employees to head back in.

At a company meeting in April, Risher reversed the "fully flexible" work policy Lyft instituted in March 2022. That policy had allowed almost all employees to live and work from anywhere. Instead, he announced that employees would need to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall, the New York Times reported after the meeting in April.

And when one employee asked why they would need to return, Risher said "for the snacks in the office," the Wall Street Journal reported Monday, citing employees who attended the meeting.



Risher's comments didn't go over too well with employees, however, who rated him poorly on a scale of 1 to 5 following the meeting, the Journal reported. But things must have turned around because now Risher said he was rated well after a more recent meeting in late June, the Journal reported. The company declined to provide exact scores to Insider.



In a statement to Insider, Risher said: "Lyft brings people together to work, learn, and play together. We've got to walk the walk if we're going to talk the talk."



And while the company declined to provide specifics on its in-office snack offerings, a spokesperson for Lyft added by email that, "We're as serious about building a great experience for our employees as we are for riders and drivers."

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The statement continued: "Good food matters, but this is about more than baby carrots with a light dipping sauce. It's about building an engaging, flexible and productive workplace that lets all of us focus on the needs of our customers."

(So that might offer a clue to what one might find in Lyft's office snack bar  though of course the company might also offer much more.)

It appears Lyft's office offers snacks like baby carrots and dipping sauce. Tempted? Roberto Machado Noa / Contributor/Getty Images

Lyft's plug for "baby carrots with light dipping sauce" comes as tech companies are paring back their snack and cereal offerings and cutting down on free lunches, too.

Lyft's return-to-office mandate is one of several changes Risher has enacted since he took the helm as CEO in April.

Shortly after he stepped into the role he laid off 26% of Lyft's workforce, and introduced new features for riders and drivers changes that have helped the company reclaim some of its market share from Uber, the Journal reported.

The company used the money it saved on payroll cuts, for example, to lower its prices to better compete with Uber, the Journal reported. In fact, your Lyft ride might have gotten cheaper because of those job cuts.

Risher has also said the company is "doing everything we can" to prepare itself for advances in self-driving car technology.

Read the original article on Business Insider
An Alton man has been charged in the shooting death of Jacob A. Wall of Wood River.

On Tuesday afternoon, Madison County States Attorney Tom Haine and Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells announced Austin L. Mullins, 19, was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Wall, 23.

The alleged shooting took place at a home where several individuals were present. Wells said the people at the home were invited guests.

This was not a random act of violence, Wells said.

Mullins was taken into custody shortly after the shooting. Associate Judge Neil Schroeder set Mullinss bail at $1 million. He remained in custody at Wood River City Jail as of Tuesday afternoon.

According to a release, the Wood River Police Department received a 911 call at about 4:09 a.m. Monday reporting that a person had been shot to 834 Tennyson St.

The Wood River Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services responded and began to treat Wall at the scene. Several people were at the single-family residence. Multiple police agencies  including the Madison County Sheriffs Office and the Alton, Roxana, South Roxana, Hartford, East Alton, and Bethalto police departments  responded to assist Wood River Police at the scene.

Wall was transported by ambulance to the Wood River Police Department where he was transferred to a helicopter. He was flown to a St. Louis area hospital where he later died.

Illinois State Police and Madison County Sheriffs Office assisted Wood River police in the investigation.

I want to thank every department who assisted the Wood River Police Department in this investigation, Wells said. The Illinois State Police provided crime-scene services and K-9 assistance, Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor sent two investigators to work with the Wood River Police detectives, and Attorney Thomas Haine assigned Assistant States Attorney Morgan Hudson to review the case as it proceeded.
The U.S. Forest Service said Monday that the Cerro Pelado Fire which burned over 60 square miles in Sandoval County, New Mexico last year was caused by the agencys own prescribed burn.

The investigation found the wildfire in April of 2022 started from an escaped prescribed burn where piles were ignited earlier in February.

The National Park Service explains prescribed fires as a treatment for resource benefits or research, which include lighting a fire in an area for various purposes after careful planning and under controlled conditions.

According to a lengthy report from the Forest Service, investigators found an ash pit with burned woody material, in two, specific and adjacent origin areas. The report also found the ash pits were made after logging debris was either pushed into piles with the use of equipment or piled by hand and burned.

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Southwestern Regional Forester Michiko Martin said investigators determined the prescribed fire caused a holdover fire, which he described as a fire that smolders without detection.

Martin said the holdover fire was dormant for considerable time, without visible signs of smoke or heat.

This fire deeply affected our communities. Escaped prescribed fires in 2022 led the Forest Service to implement a 90-day national pause on prescribed fire and review required changes to the prescribed fire program, Martin said, noting the Santa Fe National Forest has implemented these changes.

Martin said the Forest Service will conduct an internal declared wildfire review to learn how to conduct prescribed fires more safely and reduce the risk of them escaping. He added that firefighters in the Southwestern Region are now using handheld thermal devices and drones to detect the presence of heat.

Mondays report sparked criticism from New Mexico leaders, including Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D), who said on Twitter she is outraged over the U.S. Forest Services negligence that caused this destruction.

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While climate change and extreme drought continue to plague the Southwest, the Forest Service must abandon their business-as-usual approach to prescribed burns and forest management in our state, it read.

New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich (D) echoed these concerns, tweeting that the Forest Service needs to prioritize rebuilding the publics trust.

New Mexico suffered enormous loss during last years wildfire season, he wrote on Twitter. It is frustrating and deeply concerning to learn now that the Cerro Pelado Fire was also caused by an escaped prescribed fire.

The Forest Service previously said a prescribed burn was also responsible for the Calf Canyon Fire, which sparked just weeks before the Cerro Pelado Fire and is considered the largest fire in New Mexico history.

Shortly after both fires, the Forest Service announced it was pausing prescribed fire operations to conduct a 90-day review of protocols.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A Massachusetts man who tried to hire a hit man to kill his wife after she sought a restraining order has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The sentence for Massimo Marenghi, 57, handed down Monday in federal court in Boston was the maximum possible under sentencing guidelines, federal prosecutors said.

Marenghis conduct was despicable, acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy said in a statement.

Domestic violence is a truly haunting reality that is far too pervasive in our society. At its core, that is what the prosecution of Mr. Marenghi was all about, he said. He was looking to engage in the most extreme form of domestic violence by plotting the murder of his wife.

Authorities began investigating in January 2021 when someone went to law enforcement and reported that Marenghi had complained about the restraining order and asked for assistance in killing his wife, prosecutors said.

Federal investigators directed that person to introduce Marenghi to an undercover agent posing as a contract killer.

The Malden man met with the agent in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, discussed a price of $10,000, provided the agent with a photo of his wifes home, and explained how to evade surveillance cameras.

At another meeting, he provided the agent with a $1,500 deposit, a photograph of his wife, a description of her car, and details about her work schedule.

Marenghi pleaded guilty in March to a murder-for-hire charge.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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A group of anti-abortion Operation Save America members gather in prayer.



A group of anti-abortion Operation Save America members gather in prayer.

Its a tale as old as time: A group of men who very openly despise women assemble like the Avengers of upholding patriarchal violence and decide what pregnant people can and cant do with their bodies. Over the weekend, a panel of all-male anti-abortion movement leaders gathered in Georgia to kick off a weekend of harassing a nearby abortion clinic and brainstorming strategies to subject people who have abortions to the death penalty.



According to the Georgia Recorder, every speaker at the extremist group Operation Save Americas abortion panelwhich included voices from a diversity of groups including End Abortion Now and Georgia Right to Lifewas a man, in an image weve seen before quite a few times. Weve seen all-male Congressional panels weigh birth control restrictions; weve seen all-male legislators vote to pass an abortion ban in Alabama; weve even seen men wearing WOMEN FOR KAVANAUGH apparel. And now weve got a group of pro-life dudes on stage saying people who choose not to be pregnant should be put to death.

Read more

They called for more equal protection legislation modeled after an unsuccessful Georgia bill to grant embryos with personhood and threaten people who have abortions at any stage with the death penalty. And they discussed model legislation for fetal personhood laws that would limit IVF and not just criminalize abortion, but further criminalize a range of behaviors during pregnancya terrifying outcome that were already seeing.

Operation Save Americas status as an extremist group is well-known among abortion rights advocates; as Reproaction has flagged, the groups leader was present at the Jan. 6 insurrection and called for political leaders he disagrees with to be shot. Their leadership and members subscribe to an oppressive patriarchal model that they intend to uphold violently. As theyve said, criminalization is pro-life, Shireen Shakouri, deputy director of Reproaction, told Jezebel in a statement.

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But, Shakouri notes, the organization is just saying what the rest of the anti-abortion movement knows is true but often tries to cover up: They want to jail or kill people who dont comply with their rigid, regressive gender roles, including forced birth and subjugation of LGBTQ+ people.

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A man accused of shooting at Las Cruces police officers on the East Mesa was jailed last week on a judges order.

Bobby Charles Crawford, 47, faces two counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of aggravated assault upon a peace officer, and three counts of aggravated fleeing from a law enforcement officer. Crawford was also charged with possessing a firearm by a felon and shooting at or from a motor vehicle.

More: Police show East Mesa shootout in video, describe near miss for officers

Police believe he fired at three Las Cruces Police Department officers after New Mexico State Police tried to arrest Crawford.

On Friday, Judge Douglas Driggers found that Crawford was dangerous and that no conditions of release could ensure the public's safety. Crawford will likely remain in jail until the case is resolved.

Justin Garcia covers public safety and local government in Las Cruces. He can be reached via email at JEGarcia@lcsun-news.com, via phone or text at 575-541-5449, or on Twitter @Just516Garc.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Man accused of shooting at Las Cruces police held in jail
A man is facing charges in connection with a drive-by shooting that killed a woman in Winton Hills earlier this month.

Tyrone Hunter, 25, was taken into custody Monday afternoon after he surrendered himself to authorities on an open murder warrant, Cincinnati police said in a Tuesday morning news release.

Officers responded around 11:35 p.m. on July 6 for a person shot at Kings Run Court, officials said.

More: There have been 5 drive-by shootings in 3 weeks. Here's what the data shows

When they arrived at the scene, police found 26-year-old Isis Roseman suffering from a gunshot wound. She had been shot through the window of her home.

Roseman was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center where she later died from her injuries.

There have been at least five drive-by shootings in the past three weeks in the Greater Cincinnati region in July:

Hunter is currently being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center on a $1 million bond, jail records show.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Man arrested in connection with fatal drive-by shooting, police say
A man accused of inappropriately touching six girls at Michigan's Adventure was arraigned Monday and will return to court Aug. 14.

MUSKEGON  A man accused of inappropriately touching several girls at Michigans Adventure was formally charged Monday.

Appearing in court via video, Benjamin Koche, 39, of Lansing, was arraigned on one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim under the age of 13 and one count of fourth-degree CSC involving a victim between 13 and 16. The first count is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The second is a high misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison.

Michigan State Police said Koche was arrested after targeting young girls in the wave pool at the amusement park north of Muskegon on Saturday, July 22. In court Monday, authorities referenced a total of six victims.

A state trooper wrote in a court document that multiple victims  reported having their buttocks touched, being grabbed by their hips and pulled toward the stranger, and one person reported he pressed himself against her.

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The trooper wrote that Koche denied the accusations.

In a statement released Sunday, Michigans Adventure assured visitors that safety remains its top priority.

Koches bond was set at $75,000. He's expected back in court on Aug. 14 for a preliminary hearing.

Anyone with information is asked to call Muskegon Central Dispatch at 800-328-0911.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Man charged with touching several girls at Michigans Adventure
A man has drowned after deputies said he ran from them as they were serving a warrant for someone else.

The Greenville County Sheriffs Office in South Carolina confirmed to WJCL-TV that deputies went to a home along River Road to serve a warrant Sunday afternoon for someone who failed to appear in court.

When deputies got to the home, they said a man, whom the deputies were not looking for, ran from the house and jumped into nearby Lake Cunningham, the TV station reported.

TRENDING STORIES:

Deputies jumped in to help rescue the man but were unable to find him. A dive team later found the mans body, WJCL-TV said.

Authorities have identified the man as Chuck Gilbert Shelton, 38. His official cause of death was ruled accidental from freshwater drowning, the TV station said.

IN OTHER NEWS:
A man has been sentenced to prison after a 13-year-old girl abducted from Texas was found in a North Carolina shed back in March, according to the Charlotte Observer.

In March, the Davidson County sheriff said FBI agents found her in a shed at a home on Lynwood Southmont Road on March 10. The shed was locked from the outside, he said.

Jorge Camacho, 34, faced several felony charges in the teens disappearance and was given a $1.2 million bond. Hes now been sentenced to prison, prosecutors told the Charlotte Observer.

PREVIOUS: Sheriff: 13-year-old girl abducted from Texas found alive in NC shed

Camacho was sentenced to 29 years in prison for child sex crimes and first-degree kidnapping, the newspaper reports.

The Observer learned the case involved an Alford plea, which is when the defendant pleads guilty to a charge while maintaining innocence.

The FBI discovered the teen had been communicating with her abductor through social media beforehand. Investigators said the chats were consistent with grooming and enticement, and said Camacho reportedly convinced the teen to leave her home.

Camacho allegedly picked her up in the Dallas area and authorities later discovered he had taken her to Davidson County.

(WATCH PREVIOUS: Sheriff: 13-year-old girl abducted from Texas found alive in NC shed)
A Delaware man was killed when his vehicle and a Columbus fire engine were involved in a crash on Interstate 270 Sunday night.

>> TRENDING: Ohio officer placed on leave after police dog attacks surrendering truck driver

Timothy Wiggins, 63, was involved in a multi-vehicle crash that involved a fire truck at around 9:55 p.m. on Interstate 270 northbound near Hamilton Road, Columbus Fire Battalion Chief Jeffery Geitter told WBNS.

It is currently unknown if Wigginss vehicle was the one to crash into the fire engine; however, Geitter confirmed that an involved vehicle struck the rear of the fire truck.

Responding officers and firefighters attempted to help the victim; however, he succumbed to his life-threatening injuries and died at the scene.

Wiggins was driving with a passenger who reported non-life-threatening injuries and was subsequently transported to Mount Carmel East for further treatment.

A firefighter was also taken to Mount Carmel East after being attacked by a dog that was inside one of the vehicles involved in the crash. The firefighters condition was described as stable, according to Geitter.

Emergency responders closed Interstate 270 near the area to handle the crash site and the deceased victim. The highway was later reopened after several hours.
Three women were killed in an apartment shooting that also left a baby hospitalized, Oklahoma authorities say.

A man turned himself in after the shooting, which happened around 6:30 a.m. Monday, July 24, according to the Tulsa Police Department. He faces three counts of first-degree murder, but formal charges have not been announced as of Tuesday morning.

One of the victims, 38-year-old Ashley Atwell, was the arrested mans ex-girlfriend and the mother of their infant child, Tulsa World reported.

Officers found Atwell and the two other deceased victims, 20-year-old Annaway Mackey and 19-year-old Sarah Gonzalez, shot and killed in the home, police said. The baby had also been shot and was taken to a hospital, according to a police news release.

Its an absolutely horrific event. We dont know what precipitated this, Tulsa Police Capt. Richard Meulenberg told KOTV.

An investigation revealed the man entered the apartment by shooting out a sliding glass door, police said. He then shot his ex-girlfriend as she held their baby, officers said.

Police said he later shot the other two woman who were inside the apartment.

A 13-year-old, who KOTV reported is Atwells son, hid in a bedroom during the shooting, police said. He eventually escaped through a window and called for help.

The accused shooter turned himself in more than an hour after the shooting, according to police. A motive is unclear.

He faces charges of shooting with intent to kill and first-degree burglary in addition to the murder charges, police said. Tulsa World reported he is 29.

I feel like he deserves to rot in hell, thats how I feel, Jennifer Atwell, Ashleys sister, told KOKI.

The baby underwent surgery and is expected to survive, police said.

Any time a child gets shot thats horrific. I mean its an infant, Meulenberg told KOTV. The infant hadnt done anything wrong. How can we justify the shooting of any children.

Ex-boyfriend kidnaps woman from work, kills her after police chase, Georgia cops say

9-year-old calls for help after her mom and siblings are shot dead, Missouri cops say

Off-duty cop shoots his wife in the face with a rifle, Texas police chief says
A Colorado man was sentenced Tuesday to 63 months in prison for his role in a scheme that misused donations solicited for former President Trumps border wall agenda.

Prosecutors said Timothy Shea and two founders participated in an online fundraising scheme and stole hundreds of thousands of dollars of donations raised for a campaign called, We Build The Wall. Donors were told the money would help fund the building of a wall at the U.S. border with Mexico, a central focus of Trumps platform.

The Southern District of New York U.S. attorneys office said the campaign raised over $25,000,000 as Andrew Badolato repeatedly promised donors 100 percent of the funds would go to the campaigns mission.

Meanwhile, Shea, co-defendants Brian Kolfage and Badolato, and others created a scheme to route the payments to entities and bank accounts in their control, and concealed the payments with fake invoices and sham contracts, according to prosecutors.

Timothy Shea abused the trust of donors to We Build The Wall, stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations to line his own pockets, and attempted to obstruct the federal investigation of his criminal conduct, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement Tuesday.

Shea was convicted last fall on three charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering and obstruction of justice.

In addition to prison time, Shea was sentenced to three years of supervised released and was ordered to forfeit $1,801,707 and pay restitution in that same amount.

Kolfage and Badolato each pled guilty last year to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, while Kolfage also pled guilty to tax and wire fraud charges. Kolfage and Badolato were sentenced to prison in April to 51 months and 36 months respectively, and were both given three years of supervised release. Kolfage was ordered to forfeit $17,872,106 and pay restitution of $2,877,414. Badolato was ordered to forfeit $1,414,368 and pay restitution in the same amount.

Trumps former adviser and longtime ally Steve Bannon was accused of being involved in the scheme, but Trump granted him clemency just before leaving office. While the federal fraud case against Bannon was dismissed, he now faces state-level charges from Manhattan prosecutors. He is likely to stand trial in November for his alleged role.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A wall in Georgetown in Washington, DC, has been listed for sale at $50,000. Google Maps

Allan Berger is selling a wall in Georgetown in Washington, DC, for $50,000.

He told The Washington Post that he was selling it amid issues with the owner of the attached house.

The median sale price of homes in the neighborhood is $1.6 million, according to Redfin.

A Washington, DC, resident is selling a wall for $50,000.

In July, Robert Morris, a realtor at Keller Williams Capital Properties, posted a listing for a property in the Georgetown neighborhood of DC.

At first glance, the photos of the listing appear to show a row house at the end of a block. But upon further inspection, it's clear that they actually point to a red-brick wall attached to the house.

The listing has an asking price of $50,000. The median sale price for homes in Georgetown is $1.6 million, according to Redfin.

"Own a piece of Georgetown," the listing says. "This wall located at 30 and M NW. The opportunities are limitless."

But Morris told Ellie Silverman of The Washington Post that the wall wasn't in great shape. "It's like crumbling," he said.

The listing has become the butt of jokes on DC social-media pages such as Washingtonian Problems, but the wall's current owner, Allan Berger, is selling it because of a disagreement with Daniela Walls, his neighbor, according to The Post.

The listing comes after years of tension between the two property owners

Berger told The Post that he inherited the wall from his father and that his father had bought it as a joke so he could say he owned property in Georgetown.

Walls told the outlet that she knew Berger owned part of the wall when she purchased her home in 2019. She said that she owned the interior 12 inches of the wall and that Berger owned the exterior 12 inches at its widest point on the south side of her house. However, she told The Post that when water started leaking into her house in 2020, she discovered the beams in the part of the wall that Berger owned were wet and therefore threatening the structure of her home. This was confirmed in a 2022 engineers report conducted by Walls' insurance company, according to The Post.

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Walls offered to buy the wall from Berger through her attorney, Eric Rome, for its tax-assessed value of $600, which prompted Berger to list it through Keller Williams, The Post reported.

"That's when I came up with $50,000, without any research, without any great thought," he said. "For better or for worse."

Keller Williams did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Morris or Berger, and Walls did not immediately respond to a request for comment through Rome.

The Post also reported that before Walls offered to buy the wall from Berger, the DC Department of Buildings, also known as the DOB, fined Berger twice in connection to "improper upkeep" of his property  including chipping paint and rotting materials  for a total of $1,661 in November. Berger denied the claims and is scheduled to go before an Office of Administrative Hearings administrative law judge in September, according to the outlet.

The DOB also sent Berger an order to submit a structural-engineering report on his property within 30 days on Thursday, The Post reported. The DOB did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Berger told the outlet that Berger "blindsided" him by approaching the DOB.

But Walls told the outlet that Berger's claims were "childish" and that she didn't want her house to fall down as a result of the structural damage.

"Everybody is working to resolve this, not because they have a vendetta against Allen," she told The Post. "It's because they want to solve a problem."

So far, no one is willing to pay $50,000 for the wall

Walls told the outlet that she wouldn't pay $50,000 for the wall because she would have to spend tens of thousands on repairs and upkeep as a result of the deterioration of Berger's property.

"Nobody is going to give you a mortgage for a wall," she told The Post.

Morris told the outlet that he initially had 12 interested buyers in the property but that 11 backed out after learning that they would have to get approval on murals or advertisements on the wall from the Old Georgetown Board.

The remaining potential buyer lost interest in the property after seeing it in person, according to The Post.

The listing was still active as of Tuesday.

Read the original article on Insider
A Lubbock County Sheriff's Deputy escorts Ethan Scott out of the 137th District Court where he pleaded guilty to a count of manslaughter in the 2020 stabbing death of Eddie Pair.

A 22-year-old man who admitted to using a Samurai sword in the fatal stabbing of his mother's boyfriend more than two years ago was sentenced Monday morning to 13 years in prison.

Ethan Isaiah Scott, who has been held at the Lubbock County Detention Center since his Nov. 30, 2020, arrest appeared in the 137th District Court where he pleaded guilty to a count of manslaughter, a second degree felony that carries a punishment of two to 20 years in prison.

Ethan Scott

He was initially charged with murder, a first degree felony that carries a punishment of five years to life in prison.

Scott entered his plea ahead of a trial set for Wednesday and admitted to recklessly causing the Nov. 29, 2020, stabbing death of 54-year-old Eddie Pair at the Lubbock Square Apartments in the 4600 block of 50th Street.

His charge is the result of a Lubbock Metropolitan Special Crimes Unit investigation that began after Lubbock police officers responded to an 11:15 p.m. call for service at the apartment complex and found Pair lying on the grass, suffering a stab wound. He was taken by ambulance to University Medical Center where he died.

A warrant for Scott's arrest was issued after witnesses identified him as the person who stabbed Pair.

The Lubbock County Courthouse.

A juvenile witness told investigators Scott and Pair argued and the older man walked out of the apartment. Neither the warrant nor a police report disclose the subject of the argument.

The witness said that as Pair walked to the door, Scott retrieved a Samurai sword and stabbed Pair in the back. The witness stated Pair walked outside and collapsed. The witness said Scott cried and apologized for stabbing Pair and ran away before police arrived, the warrant states.

Scott surrendered to authorities about 2 p.m. the next day and was booked into the Lubbock County Detention Center on a charge of murder.

He was initially indicted by a grand jury on a count of murder, which carries a punishment of five years to life in prison. However, prosecutors re-filed the case on Thursday as a manslaughter, according to court records.

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The Lubbock County District Attorney's Office did not pursue a deadly weapon finding in the case, meaning he would have to serve a third of his sentence before being eligible for parole.

Prosecutor Laura Beth Fossett said mitigating factors, including elements of self-defense of another person, were considered in the plea deal offered to Scott.

"There are a lot of factors that I don't get to tell you about that went into making this decision," she said. "This was not an easy decision or a decision that myself or this office took lightly."

Court documents did not disclose what led to the argument, however, Fossett said Pair was also arguing with his girlfriend, who is Scott's mother.

Fossett said Scott's mother told investigators she was terrified of Pair that night.

Pair's son, Blake Pair, told Scott in his victim impact statement that he could have walked away instead of "taking the low road" and stabbing his father in the back.

"The time and opportunity you stole from me and my family will never be replaced," he said.

Pair's mother, Barbara, told Scott that his actions robbed her family of a son, an uncle, a father and a grandfather.

She said it didn't matter to her what he pleaded guilty to.

"It's all the same to me," she said. "You took a man's life and that man was my only son and I loved him dearly."

She spoke through tears, telling Scott she hoped he'd use the time he would spend in prison to think about his actions and the pain he 's caused her family.

"I pray that some day I'll find it in my heart to forgive you but that's not today," she said. "I'm sorry."

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Ethan Scott sentenced in fatal Central Lubbock stabbing
A man with ties to State College was sentenced Monday for his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Brian Gundersen was convicted in November of obstructing the vote to certify the electoral college and of striking a police officer. He was sentenced Monday by Judge Rudolph Contreras to 18 months in federal prison, according to CBS News Congressional Correspondent Scott MacFarlane, who tweeted the proceedings.

Gundersen was living in State College when he traveled to the rally that preceded the Jan. 6 riot. According to the statement of facts filed by the Department of Justice and agreed to by Gundersen, on Jan. 5, 2021, he posted to Facebook asking if anyone else was going to Washington, D.C. the next day, and suggested we might be able to bum rush the (W)hite (H)ouse and take it over.

At the Capitol the following day, Gundersen entered the Senate parliamentarians office and left a note, which read sowwy for the damage and included a crying emoticon, according to prosecutors. He was forced out of the building and then re-entered before being forced out again, wrote prosecutors.

Gundersen was identified in images at the Capitol by FBI investigators via his Byram Hills High School Jacket, which had his former jersey number on the sleeve.

On Jan. 7, according to DOJ documents, he wrote on Facebook that i dont want to be arrested, i dont want any problems with the law but for me to condemn my fellow patriots for being mad enough to attack the government would make me a spineless p***y.

There is only one other person with known ties to Centre County who has been convicted of charges related to Jan. 6. Julian Khater, the former owner of Frutta Bowls in downtown State College, was sentenced in January to 80 months in prison for his involvement. Khater pepper-sprayed at least three police officers during the attack, including Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, who died after defending the Capitol.

Spring Mills man Terry L. Allen was arrested last month after being accused of assaulting law enforcement officers during the attack.

More than 1,000 people have been charged in connection with Jan. 6.
The Mandela effect refers to a collection of widely held, completely false memories  and it all started with a conversation about Nelson Mandela.

In 2009, paranormal researcher Fiona Broome attended a conference, she recalled on her YouTube channel, and began speaking about people who falsely remembered the death of the former president of South Africa in the 80s, when in reality, he died in 2013.

"I have no idea which one of us first used the phrase 'Mandela effect,' but it was certainly easier than saying, 'People who remember Nelson Mandela dying years ago," she said in the video.

Following this conversation, Broome began a website around the topic of collective false memories. She amassed other unexplained memories and theories.

Some seemed subtle. Logos had taken different shapes and childhood characters had lost defining features. Others were not so subtle. Turns out, brand names and movie lines that rolled off the tongue actually never existed.

"It turned out the Nelson Mandela theory was the tip of the iceberg," Broome said.

Essentially, the phenomenon is an assortment of misremembered recollections that are held widely. People will swear something existed in a certain way even though all evidence from recorded history point to it being different. Weird, right?

While Broome's website is defunct, the r/MandelaEffect subreddit has amassed over 270,000 rallying members who riff off one false memory after another, or distorted perceptions.

At the very least, the Mandela effect serves as a reminder that memories can be spotty. Try testing yours out by unraveling these 50 notable examples of popular beliefs that just so happen to be fiction.

Pikachus tail

Two images of Pikachu, in the left image his tail has a brown tip. (Owen Berg / TODAY Illustration / Getty Images)

Popular belief: Pikachu has black tips on his tail

Reality: Pikachus tail is yellow, through and through

The iconic Pokemon characters tail has nothing more to it  its simply yellow.

Risky Business costume

Popular belief: Tom Cruise danced in sunglasses

Story continues

Reality: Cruise was wearing a different outfit

Every Halloween, someone inevitably gets fitted in a white oversized button-down shirt and throws on sunglasses and crew socks to portray Cruises character, Joel Goodsen, from the 1983 film. And yet, Halloweekend after Halloweekend, people still get the costume wrong. In the famous dance scene, Goodsen wasnt rocking shades, and he was actually donning a pink shirt.

Captain Crunch or Capn Crunch

Popular belief: Captain Crunch

Reality: Capn Crunch

Capn or captain, the crunch is real  maybe a little too real, as the roofs of our mouths can attest. Also, the cereals mascot is named Horatio Magellan Crunch  and get this, hes not even a captain. Hes a commander, but thats a whole different story.

Sandy Cheeks backpack

Popular belief: Sandy Cheeks carried a backpack

Reality: Sandy Cheeks wore nothing on her back

The sharp squirrel from SpongeBob SquarePants is usually dressed in a diving suit. While some fans of the franchise recall Sandy lugging around a white, rectangular backpack that acted as an air tank, she never had one.

Fruit of the Loom logo

Popular belief: Fruit of the Loom logo features a cornucopia

Reality: Fruit of the Loom logo doesnt have a cornucopia

If you picture the Fruit of the Loom logo, theres a red apple, of course. There are also grapes, leaves and berries. Now, whats behind all of this? Nothing. But some people recall seeing a cornucopia sitting in the backdrop of the brands logo.

Kit Kat or Kit-Kat

Two Kit Kat bars, one with a hyphen in the logo and one without. (Owen Berg / TODAY Illustration / Alamy)

Popular belief: Kit-Kat

Reality: Kit Kat

Yes, its true: A hyphen doesnt separate the kit from kat. The brand even addressed the Mandela effect in a tweet from 2016, saying the Kit Kat name has never been hyphenated on either the U.K. or U.S. wrappers.

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back quote

Popular belief: Luke, I am your father

Reality: No, I am your father

In a galaxy far, far away, Darth Vader dropped one of the biggest plot twists and most-misquoted lines ever.

C-3PO

Popular belief: C-3PO is golden from head to toe

Reality: C-3PO has a silver leg

C-3PO is the face of another Mandela effect within the "Star Wars" franchise. While many remember the robot being golden all over, the characters right leg is silver below the knee.

Skechers or Sketchers

Popular belief: Sketchers

Reality: Skechers

Hold the T  the footwear brand is spelled without one.

The Matrix quote

Popular belief: What if I told you 

Reality: The line doesnt exist

Fans of the franchise remember Laurence Fishburne, who played Morpheus, explaining the Matrix to Keanu Reeves character Neo by starting his monologue off with What if I told you. The line picked up so much traction it became a viral meme. But, as it turns out, the quote was never spoken. Talk about a glitch in the Matrix.

Curious Georges tail

Popular belief: Curious George has a tail

Reality: Curious George doesnt have a tail

Sure, monkeys have tails. Curious George just isnt one of them.

Shazaam movie

Popular belief: Comedian Sinbad starred in Shazaam

Reality: Shazaam doesnt exist

Theres major confusion surrounding this one. People say they remember Sinbad acting as a genie in a film called Shazaam even though it never happened. You know who really did play a genie in a movie? Shaquille ONeal in Kazaam.

Febreze or Febreeze

Popular belief: Febreeze

Reality: Febreze

The air freshener chose to stray from word play with breeze, landing on a spelling with one e in the middle.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs quote

False belief: Mirror, mirror on the wall 

Reality: Magic mirror on the wall 

And to think, you were probably reciting the Evil Queens famous line incorrectly all these years.

Oscar Mayer or Oscar Meyer

Two images of the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, the left image has the logo spelled as

Popular belief: Oscar Meyer

Reality: Oscar Mayer

The brand is known for its hot dogs and cold cuts. Its even the mastermind behind hot dog-flavored ice pops and bologna-inspired face masks. But did you know Mayer is spelled with an a, not an e?

The Monopoly Man

Two images of the man from the Monopoly game, one with a monocle and one without. (Owen Berg / TODAY Illustration / Alamy)

Popular belief: The Monopoly Man wears a monocle

Reality: The Monopoly Man doesnt wear a monocle

Rich Uncle Pennybags  yes, thats his name  has 20/20 vision, apparently. Maybe were the ones that need to have our eyes checked.

Cheez-It or Cheez-Itz

Popular belief: Cheez-Itz

Reality: Cheez-It

The cheesy snack makes do without the extra z.

JCPenny or JCPenney

Popular belief: JCPenny

Reality: JCPenney

Some people vividly remember the department store being spelled without the e, but the brand has always existed as JCPenney.

Totinos or Tostinos

Popular belief: Tostinos

Reality: Totinos

Maybe you're among the population who mispronounces the company known for its decadent pizza rolls by adding an extra s to its name. Know this: You are not alone.

The Berenstein Bears or The Berenstain Bears

Popular belief: "The Berenstein Bears"

Reality: "The Berenstain Bears"

A family of bears found themselves at the center of a hot debate when people recalled the childrens series being spelled with an e over an a.

Jif or Jiffy

Popular belief: Jiffy Peanut Butter

Reality: Jif Peanut Butter

The peanut butter brand could be getting confused with its competitor, Skippy.

Chick-fil-A or Chic-fil-A

Popular belief: Chic-fil-A

Reality: Chick-fil-A

The chain is spelled Chick-fil-A, a nod to its specialty chicken sandwiches.

Jaws quote

Popular belief: Were gonna need a bigger boat

Reality: Youre gonna need a bigger boat

The change is slight, but it makes all the difference.

Sex in the City or Sex and in the City

Popular belief: "Sex in the City"

Reality: "Sex and the City"

Both the book and HBO series centered around Carrie Bradshaws quest for love in New York City are dubbed Sex and the City.

Shaggys Adams apple

Two images of Shaggy from Scooby Doo. On the left, he has a large protruding Adam's apple. (Owen Berg / TODAY Illustration / Alamy)

Popular belief: Shaggy has a protruding Adams apple

Reality: Shaggy doesnt have a visible Adams apple

It looks like we found ourselves a mystery with this one. Scooby-Doo! viewers recall Shaggy having an absurdly massive Adams apple, but the character appears to lack such a feature.

Forrest Gump quote

Popular belief: Life is like a box of chocolates

Reality: Life was like a box of chocolates

Regardless of the verb tense, Tom Hanks Forrest Gump offered up some wise words on that park bench.

Pixie Sticks, Pixy Sticks, Pixy Stix or Pixie Stix

Popular belief: Pixie Sticks, Pixy Sticks, or Pixie Stix

Reality: Pixy Stix

Of all the iterations floating around, only one remains true: Pixy Stix.

Froot Loops or Fruit Loops

Popular belief: Fruit Loops

Reality: Froot Loops

Lets be real. We were all thrown in for a loop with this one.

I love Lucy quote

Popular belief: Lucy, you've got some splainin to do

Reality: The quote was never said

You remember Ricky Ricardos catchphrase, right? He would cross his arms and say, Lucy, you've got some splainin to do. Well, trick question. That line wasnt uttered once in the sitcoms six seasons.

Barbie Girl lyrics

Popular belief: Im a Barbie girl, in a Barbie world

Reality: Im a Barbie girl, in the Barbie world

The lyrics to Aquas catchy song implies theres only one Barbie world  the Barbie world, not a Barbie world.

Silence of the Lambs quote

Popular belief: Hello, Clarice

Reality: Good morning

When Hannibal Lecter first meets Clarice Starling, he says good morning, but a great deal of people recall the line being hello, Clarice.

Mike and Ike or Mike n Ike

Popular belief: Mike n Ike

Reality: Mike and Ike

The candy has always been Mike and Ike.

Uncle Sams hat

Popular belief: Uncle Sams hat is white with red stripes

Reality: Uncle Sams hat is white

Uncle Sams hat is lined with stars near the brim, but there arent any red stripes on there.

Clif Bar or Cliff Bar

Popular belief: Cliff Bar

Reality: Clif Bar

While a cliff adorns the energy bars wrapper, the snack is called Clif Bar. According to the companys website, Clif is short for Clifford, the founders father.

Mickey Mouses suspenders

Popular belief: Mickey Mouse wears suspenders

Reality: Mickey Mouse doesnt wear suspenders

Nothings holding up Mickeys red shorts.

Mickey Mouses tail

Popular belief: Mickey Mouse doesnt have a tail

Reality: Mickey Mouse has a tail

After all, he is a mouse.

Field of Dreams quote

Popular belief: If you build it, he will come

Reality: If you build it, they will come

Still cant believe weve been saying this line wrong for so long.

Chartreuse

Popular belief: Chartreuse is a shade of red

Reality: Chartreuse is a shade of green

Chartreuse  like the liqueur  has always been a shade of green.

Casablanca quote

Popular belief: Play it again, Sam

Reality: Play it once, Sam

Ingrid Bergmans character Ilsa Lund just wanted to listen to As Time Goes By.

White Out or Wite-Out

Popular belief: White Out

Reality: Wite-Out

The correct spelling of the branded correction fluid includes a hyphen and leaves out an h.

Star Trek quote

Popular belief: Beam me up, Scotty

Reality: The line doesnt exist

In his portrayal of James T. Kirk, William Shatner never recites the line Beam me up, Scotty in the original "Star Trek" series. Though, he does come close with quotes like beam us up and Scotty, beam me up.

Side mirror safety warning

Popular belief: Objects in mirror may be closer than they appear

Reality: Objects in mirror are closer than they appear

This ones a doozy.

Leonardo DiCaprios Oscar wins

Popular belief: DiCaprio won an Oscar for his role in Titanic

Reality: DiCaprio didnt win his first Oscar until 2016

While DiCaprio has racked up a running list of Academy Award nominations, he clinched his first award in 2016 for best actor for his performance in The Revenant.

"The Flintstones" or "The Flinstones"

Popular belief: "The Flinstones"

Reality: "The Flintstones"

Meet the Flintstones, a modern Stone Age family, and pay special attention to the T in their name.

Funyuns or Funions

Popular belief: Funions

Reality: Funyuns

Contrary to popular belief, the onion flavored rings are spelled Funyuns. Consider it a Funyuns fun fact.

Lord of the Rings quote

Popular belief: Run, you fools

Reality: Fly, you fools

Dont be fooled by the Mandela effect. Gandalf says fly instead of run in his commonly misquoted line.

Mona Lisa

Popular belief: Mona Lisas expression has changed

Reality: Mona Lisas expression has stayed the same

Leonardo da Vincis famous painting has stirred quite a buzz, especially around the subjects enigmatic expression. Some admirers remember Mona Lisa frowning, and others insist she was always smiling.

Smokey the Bear or Smokey Bear

Popular belief: Smokey the Bear

Reality: Smokey Bear

He campaigns about campfire safety. He gives tips about wildfire prevention. Hes  Smokey Bear.

King Henry VIII's portrait

Popular belief: Henry VIII holds a turkey leg in a portrait

Reality: The portrait doesnt feature a turkey leg

If you look through portraits of the monarch, there wont be a turkey leg in sight. Not one in his hands, at least.

Looney Toons or Looney Tunes

Popular belief: Looney Toons

Reality: Looney Tunes

Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety and co. all starred in Looney Tunes, not the Looney Toons. Thats all, folks!

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
A voluntary manslaughter charge was dismissed last week and a weapons charge was filed against a Fayetteville man who shot and killed an intruder at his Dallas Street home, court records show.

Andre Allen Lewis, 44, was arrested on the evening of July 17 on a charge of voluntary manslaughter in the shooting death of Alvie Chavis, 52. Chavis was found dead of a gunshot wound early that morning behind a home in the 2000 block of Center Street after officers responded to a report of a shooting on nearby Dallas Street.

On Wednesday, the manslaughter charge was dismissed and charges of possession of a firearm by a felon and two counts of possession of a controlled substance were filed against Lewis instead, court documents show.

"After thorough conversation with the lead detective in the matter and based on information available to the State as of the date of this dismissal, the Castle Doctrine ... applies to this shooting. Additional charges were served that don't offer a defense under that statute or similar doctrine," Cumberland County Senior Assistant District Attorney Rob Thompson wrote in the dismissal paperwork.

A police SUV is parked at the intersection of Dallas and Center streets Monday, July 17, 2023, near where a man was found dead behind a house about 5:30 a.m.

Under North Carolina law, the Castle Doctrine, also known as the "Stand Your Ground" law, gives an individual the justification to use "defensive force," including deadly force, to defend their home, workplace, motor vehicle and life from an intruder threatening death or serious bodily injury.

An affidavit in support of a search warrant in the case alleges Chavis was shot after he and another man broke into Lewis' Dallas Street home early in the morning and began threatening him through his closed bedroom door.

More: Hope Mills man charged with murder in death of missing man

The record states Lewis fired multiple shots through the door, striking Chavis in the chest. The affidavit said that after the shooting, someone dragged Chavis' body to a lot behind the neighboring house on Center Street where officers found him. According to the record, the direction of the bullet holes in the bedroom door showed that the shots were fired from inside the room, and investigators recovered two weapons hidden in the kitchen trash. Among the other items police seized was nearly $2,500 in cash, ammunition and controlled substances.

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The document states that the Dallas Street home was a "known drug house." The affidavit alleges that in an interview with investigators, Lewis admitted to hiding the firearms in the trashcan and selling controlled substances from the home. The document goes on to state that while in the interview room, presumably while law enforcement wasn't present but the room was under surveillance, Lewis admitted to his girlfriend that he shot at the intruders.

Lewis remains in the Cumberland County jail on the new charges, with bail set at $10,000.

Joseph Pierre can be reached at jpierre@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fayetteville man's voluntary manslaughter charge dismissed
A squad of armed men stole a "large amount of cannabis" from a legal Northern California marijuana farm this week, Humboldt County authorities said. Above, plants at another farm in the county. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

The former manager of a Northern California marijuana farm has been arrested after allegedly returning to his old workplace with a squad of armed men and stealing a large amount of the farm's product, authorities said.

A victim at the farm said that Thomas Vernon Harwood Jr., the former manager, arrived unannounced Monday afternoon with 10 other masked men at the farm in Miranda, a small town in Northern California's Emerald Triangle cannabis-growing region, according to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office.

Thomas Vernon Harwood Jr. was arrested in connection with the armed robbery of a Humboldt County cannabis growing facility he used to manage, authorities said. (Humboldt County Correctional Facility)

Harwood assaulted the victim, then forced the victim into a car on the property, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The men stole a "large amount of cannabis," according to authorities.

The victim escaped in the car and met sheriff's deputies down the road, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Harwood was arrested near the cannabis growing facility shortly after the robbery. The other thieves fled the scene in a white Ford pickup truck with concealed license plates, victims told the Sheriff's Office. They were wearing body armor and were possibly armed, victims told authorities.

Read more: Cannabis workers face death and exploitation. California is stepping in after Times investigation

Harwood was booked into county jail and charged with robbery, burglary, false imprisonment and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Robberies at marijuana farms in Humboldt County and other Northern California areas are not uncommon, though they are known especially for happening at illegal grows.

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.
A day after filing a federal lawsuit against the city of Chicago and former detectives, Marilyn Mulero, the first and only woman in Illinois exonerated after being sent to death row, called on the city to stop defending and paying the pensions of former police officers whose alleged misconduct has led to scores of wrongful convictions.

As first reported by the Tribune, Mulero filed the complaint on Monday against the city of Chicago and former detectives Guevara and Ernest Halvorsen, accusing the Chicago Police Department of fostering an environment in which the detectives, in framing her for murder, were allowed to fabricate evidence, coerce a false confession through psychological torture, manipulate lineups and violate her civil rights in spite of her innocence.

Shes among dozens who have accused Guevara of fabricating evidence to frame them for crimes they did not commit throughout his career with the Chicago Police Department.

During a news conference Tuesday in the Loop, Mulero and her attorneys, flanked by other exonerees, vowed to make it unsustainable for the city to protect bad cops.

The city must reform, said Antonio Romanucci, one of Muleros lawyers. It must root out bad apples.

A statement from a spokesperson for the citys Law Department said the city had not yet been officially served and has no further comment.

Mulero grew tearful as she addressed reporters, describing how she wrote about 3,000 letters during the time she was incarcerated, affirming her innocence and pleading for support.

I never got a response from nobody, she said.

Even after her sentence was commuted and she was released from prison, she struggled to remain employed with a murder conviction on her record and went through a period of homelessness.

Mulero was a mother of two when she was arrested at 21, accused in the shooting deaths of Jimmy Cruz and Hector Reyes in Humboldt Park on May 12, 1992. Mulero and two other women were accused of luring the two to the park, where the men were fatally shot in alleged retaliation for an earlier gang killing.

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According to court documents, the two men were killed by Jacqueline Montanez, who has confessed and whose sentence in 2016 was reduced from life in prison, a term handed down when she was a juvenile, to 63 years.

Earlier this year, a judge vacated the convictions for Muleros co-defendant, Madeline Mendoza, who was 16 when she was arrested.

Mulero accused Guevara and Halvorsen of interrogating her for hours, denying her sleep and not allowing her to speak to an attorney. She signed a statement prepared by the detectives confessing to one of the murders after being threatened with the loss of her children, court records say.

They kind of use your weakness, and they know that using your children is your weakness, she said.

Her attorney advised her to plead guilty without a deal, and she was sentenced to the death penalty, which was later overturned. A jury then sentenced her to life in prison. She was incarcerated for 28 years before Gov. J.B. Pritzker commuted her sentence in 2020, and a judge later vacated her convictions.

Mulero and her attorneys said the city spends millions of dollars defending cases filed in connection with Guevara and other former officers with long histories of allegations of misconduct, such as Jon Burge and Ronald Watts. They also pointed out that Guevara continues to collect an $80,000 pension from the city annually.

A Tribune analysis of Law Department records shows the city has paid more than $26 million since 2010 for outside counsel to handle civil rights lawsuits involving the former detective. About 30 people have sued the Chicago Police Department over wrongful convictions involving Guevara as judges continue to grant certificates of innocence in his cases, paving the way for more lawsuits.

We do need to make it unsustainable for the city to defend the bad core apples who continue to cost taxpayers, Romanucci said.

Romanucci said Mayor Brandon Johnson seems to have his heart in the right place, and he hopes for change.

We hope he does the right thing, he said.

mabuckley@chicagotribune.com
Marilyn Mulero  who was sentenced to death without a trial at age 23  filed a federal lawsuit Monday against the city and two disgraced Chicago police detectives after having her murder conviction overturned last year.

A mother of two young children when initially incarcerated as a 21-year-old in 1992, Mulero joins a growing number of exonerated ex-inmates who have sued former detectives Reynaldo Guevara and Ernest Halvorsen. Her lawsuit accuses the Chicago Police Department of fostering an environment in which the detectives, in framing her for murder, were allowed to fabricate evidence, coerce a false confession through psychological torture, manipulate lineups and violate her civil rights in spite of her innocence.

This evil and injustice cannot be overstated, the lawsuit alleges.

Mulero and two other women were charged with luring two gang members to a West Side park, where the men were fatally shot in alleged retaliation for an earlier gang killing. Mulero was interrogated by Guevara and Halvorsen for several hours in which she was denied sleep and not allowed to speak to an attorney. After being threatened with the loss of her children, Mulero signed a statement prepared by the detectives confessing to one of the murders, according to court records.

Her court-appointed attorney advised her to plead guilty without a deal in place, and she subsequently received the death penalty, records show. Her punishment was later overturned and a jury sentenced her to life in prison without parole.

She was incarcerated for 28 years before Gov. J.B. Pritzker commuted her sentence in 2020. Two years later, Cook County prosecutors announced they would not stand by her conviction and asked that it be vacated.

In the three years since her release, Mulero has struggled to rebuild her life. She told the Tribune she lived briefly with her son at the height of the pandemic, before she decided to try surviving on her own. She soon found herself experiencing homelessness, living out of a car and sleeping in parking lots for about six months until her brother helped her find a more stable living situation.

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Its been a roller coaster, she said in a telephone interview. You cannot put a pretty pink bow on it. Every day I feel like Im a broken person.

More than four dozen people have accused Guevara of framing them for murder, coercing confessions and other serious police misconduct between the 1980s and the early 2000s. Of those, 39 have been exonerated so far.

Halvorsen, who died in 2020, was often his partner on the cases.

Guevara, who is collecting two city pensions, has moved to another state since retiring in 2005. He could not be reached for comment.

Mulero, now 52, had two toddler-age sons when she went into prison. She now has four grandchildren  two boys, two girls  ages 18, 15, 13 and 11. She watched her children and grandchildren grow up mostly through photographs and phone calls.

She told the Tribune she hopes her lawsuit will send a message to those in power not to abuse their positions of trust. She also hopes it will give her two adult sons and grandchildren a better life.

I wasnt able to put my children through college, but it will help my grandkids go through college and become productive members of society, and thats what I want, she said. I want something I never had for me and my kids. I want to be able to pass it on to my grandchildren.

She said her years of incarceration took a toll on her family, especially her children. Her belief she would one day be reunited with them and her deep religious faith helped sustain her.

My kids have been traumatized emotionally, physically and spiritually by my situation, she said. I personally rely on a higher power. ... I kept my faith alive in Him, and He has come through for me on a daily basis. He hasnt forgotten about me. Hes my strength.

She also finds solace among other people wrongfully convicted because of Guevara. She said they keep in touch by text messages and through monthly get-togethers. They also attend each others important court dates and legal milestones, with many of them expected to stand by Mulero when she publicly announces her lawsuit at a news conference Tuesday.

That support system has become a family, she said. We are there in times of need. If someone needs to talk, theres always someone there to take your call or theres someone there to go meet you somewhere so you can express whats going on. We support each other.

About 30 people have sued the Chicago Police Department over wrongful convictions involving Guevara, whose disgraced career has become an increasingly expensive burden for taxpayers.

A Tribune analysis of Law Department records shows the city has paid more than $26 million since 2010 for outside counsel to handle civil rights lawsuits involving the former detective.

Nearly a third of those bills have been submitted in the past two years, as the cases against Guevara have mounted. In 2022, for example, the city paid more than $4.2 million for outside lawyers to handle 12 separate cases.

Eleven new cases have been filed within the past seven months.

Former Mayor Lori Lightfoots Law Department faced criticism from plaintiffs lawyers for refusing to settle the cases and then slow-walking them through the system to delay the payouts.

Unfortunately, we know all too well that the citys modus operandi in defending police misconduct cases or civil rights cases is to stall, to delay, because they know that there is a reckoning at the end for them, said Muleros attorney, Antonio Romanucci of Romanucci & Blandin. We know that they cant afford these cases. So what do you do when you cant afford to pay a bill? Well, you dont pay it. You stall until you absolutely must and then you just kick the can down the road. So we know what the citys doing. Were on to them. ... In order for us to succeed on these cases, we must continue to file (lawsuits) until it becomes unsustainable for the city to continue to kick the can down the road.

The approach has put the city on a path toward a financial reckoning on par or greater than  claims against former police Cmdr. Jon Burge.

Burge and his detectives are accused of torturing confessions out of more than 100 men, most of them Black, between early 1972 and late 1991. At the time of his death in 2018, the city and Cook County had spent about a combined $100 million in Burge-related settlements and legal fees.

So far, the city has resolved only four lawsuits involving Guevara-related wrongful convictions, each ending with either a settlement or jury award between $10 million and $21 million. With many of his accusers possessing certificates of innocence and Guevara indicating he will refuse to testify  something future juries would likely be told to view in a negative light  many have predicted it will be difficult for the city to beat many of the claims.

Theres no doubt that they (the city) are going to be found liable in not only the majority of the cases but very likely almost all of them, Romanucci said.

Indeed, Lightfoot appeared to be referencing these inherent difficulties with Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx when she accused prosecutors earlier this year of handing out certificates of innocence like theyre candy.

I am sure you are aware that once these cases are resolved in the county, they immediately go to federal court and file 9 and 10 figure lawsuits against us and we know about the cases for the first time when we see the plaintiffs press release, Lightfoot wrote in a text message explaining her comment.

Besides Guevara and Halvorsens estate, Muleros lawsuit also named as defendants Robert Biebel, Stephen Gawrys and Anthony Riccio, who were Chicago police officials involved in Muleros arrest, according to the lawsuit.

Mulero is expected to petition for a certificate of innocence in the coming months. She also hopes to start a nonprofit to help others, especially women, who have been wrongfully convicted.

I have goals and aspirations and dreams that I would like to accomplish, she said.

sstclair@chicagotribune.com

cmgutowski@chicagotribune.com
The Marine Corps has given the first public look at its new uncrewed Tomahawk missile launcher truck.

The U.S. Marine Corps has finally given us a look at the uncrewed 4x4 launch vehicle at the core of its new ground-based Tomahawk cruise missile unit. Dubbed the Long Range Fires Launcher, it is similar, but not identical to the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle-based design that the service is also fielding as a launch platform for Naval Strike Missile anti-ship missiles.

Two Long Range Fires Launchers were part of the backdrop for an official ceremony to mark the standing up of Battery A, 11th Marines at Camp Pendleton in California on July 21. The Marines released photos from that event today. Battery A, the service's first Long Range Missile (LMSL) battery, had already been formally activated earlier this year, as The War Zone was the first to report last month. The Corps hopes to have a multi-battery LMSL battalion with an unspecified number of launchers fully operational by 2030.

The two Long Range Fires Launchers are seen in the background of this picture from the Battery A, 11th Marines activation ceremony on July 21, 2023. USMC

The Long Range Fires Launcher is immediately distinguishable from the earlier design derived from the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) that is configured to fire the Naval Strike Missile (NSM), which is also called the Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS). The Long Range Fires Launcher appears to only be able to be loaded with one Tomahawk at a time, unlike the two ready-to-fire NSMs that NMESIS can carry at once.

The Long Range Fires Launcher also has distinctive 'boxes' on either side of the center of the chassis, which are not found on the NMESIS. The purpose of these is not immediately clear, but they could contain a host of Tomahawk-specific systems, including fire control hardware.

The Long Range Fires Launcher. The single missile canister and the right side "box" are readily visible. USMC

A Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) launcher vehicle. USMC

Both the Long Range Fires Launcher and NMESIS clearly utilize variants of the Remotely Operated Ground Unit for Expeditionary-Fires (ROGUE-Fires) vehicle. This is an uncrewed derivative of the 4x4 JLTV that is operated remotely by personnel on the ground.

The pictures of the Long Range Fires Launcher do answer a number of outstanding questions about how this vehicle might be configured. Tomahawk is significantly longer than NSM. The Tomahawk missile canister on the Long Range Fires Launcher looks to be long enough that it will hang off the back of the vehicle, and possibly the front, when it is in its stowed-for-travel position. As seen below, this is not the case with NMESIS.

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USN

A single canister positioned along the centerline of the chassis could also help give the vehicle a better center of gravity, which was apparently an issue in testing. "The proof-of-concept [Tomahawk] system... already had a tip-over incident due to the center of gravity being off," Defense News reported in June.

Other details about the Long Range Fires Launcher, as well as its cousin the NMESIS, remain limited.

It is also worth noting that the Long Range Fires Launcher is substantially smaller than the tractor-trailer and containerized weapon systems the U.S. Army and Navy are fielding, respectively, to launch Tomahawk and other missiles. The Army's system is called Typhon, while the Navy's one is called the Mk 70 Expeditionary Launcher. The Marine Corps' uncrewed launcher vehicle should be more readily transportable as a result, including by air.

A complete US Army Typhon system, including four tractor-trailer-based launchers. U.S. Army

Navy Mk 70 Expeditionary Launchers, or variants or derivatives thereof, on trailers during a test in Europe in 2022. USN

"The battery will train with long-range fires launchers, designed to fire Tomahawk cruise missiles, and various supporting assets to further refine the structure and requirements necessary for successful employment of the system," according to the Marine Corps. "The batterys Marines, along with 11th Marines leadership, will continue to refine tactics, techniques, and procedures to employ the long-range fires system in support [of] 1st MARDIV [Marine Division] and I Marine Expeditionary Force [MEF] initiatives."

Ostensibly, the Long Range Fires Launcher and the Marine Corps' new LMSL batteries are part of "broader ground-based anti-ship missile development[s] for the service." The indication has long been that the primary weapon for the LMSL units will be the anti-ship optimized Maritime Strike Tomahawk (MST).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQJ-tTn6Lh4

This is part of the larger sea denial component of the Marine Corps' new expeditionary and distributed concepts of operations, which are still in the process of being refined. One major focus of those concepts is on the ability to relatively rapidly deploy Marine units to remote or austere locations where they can establish bases to hold large surrounding areas, including maritime environments, and enemy forces within them at risk. Those contingents are then expected to be just as capable of deploying to other sites, reducing their vulnerability to counter-attack and otherwise complicating an opponent's decision-making and targeting cycles.

New stand-off strike weapons like the Long Range Fires Launchers loaded with Tomahawks and NSM-armed NMESISs are key components of the Marine Corps' vision for how it will conduct operations in the future. Island-hopping scenarios, such as ones that Marines might encounter during a future high-end conflict in the Pacific against China, have been a major factor in this planning, as well.

A Marine Corps NMESIS launcher fires an NSM. USMC

Of course, the anti-ship focus notwithstanding, the Long Range Fires Launchers should be able to fire any variant of the Tomahawk, and MSTs will retain a land-attack capability. As such, units with these launch vehicles should be able to engage targets at sea and ashore anywhere within a bubble extending roughly 1,000 miles or more out in all directions from where they are deployed. That's an area encompassing more than three million square miles. If the Marine Corps' JLTV-based launchers can be relatively quickly deployed and redeployed within forward areas, this would help extend their reach and general flexibility.

The Marine Corps' Long Range Fires Launcher, along with NMESIS, are also just part of a growing joint service long-range land-based strike ecosystem. This includes the Army's Typhon and the Navy's Mk 70, which can fire multi-purpose SM-6 missiles, capable of engaging aerial threats and targets down below, along with Tomahawks. This is all being driven by a U.S. military-wide desire for additional capacity to conduct long-range strikes against targets on land, at sea, and in the air, with a particular eye toward the need for those capabilities in any future conflict with China.

"I imagine someone pretty high up said, 'Weve seen what Marines can do with rifles, lets see what Marines can do with Tomahawks,'" Marine Corps Col. Patrick Eldridge, the commanding officer of 11th Marines, said at Battery A's activation ceremony.

Now that the Marines have revealed the Long Range Fires Launcher to the public, as well as stood up the first unit to be equipped with them, we may well start to learn more about what Battery A is capable of in more detail.

Contact the author: joe@thedrive.com
Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia at the Capitol on July 14, 2023. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was kicked out of the House Freedom Caucus earlier this month.

She reportedly first found out about the decision as she scrolled Twitter on the House floor.

The ouster came after she developed a close working relationship with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene reportedly learned that she'd been booted from the hard-right House Freedom Caucus only after seeing her own name trending on Twitter.

According to the New York Times, Greene was scrolling her Twitter feed on the House floor on June 23 when she came across reports that she had been ejected from the group in a vote held two hours earlier.

She also reportedly declined a meeting with the group's chair, Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, because she had a meeting with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's staff to discuss a bill that would criminalize providing certain medical treatments to transgender people under the age of 18.

Greene, who by then had a strained relationship with many members of the Freedom Caucus, reportedly told another conservative lawmaker that the group "doesn't care about" her bill.

The far-right Georgia lawmaker's ouster-by-Twitter is reminiscent of the days of the Trump administration, when several top officials  from White House Chief of Staff Reince Preibus, to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, to Defense Secretary Mark Esper  found out via Twitter that they had been fired by former President Donald Trump.

Her ouster from the group came days after she called fellow Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado a "little bitch" on the House floor, accusing her of copying her articles of impeachment.

But her ties to the group had long grown frayed, owing to her increasingly close working relationship with McCarthy.

Read the original article on Business Insider
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Mark Meadows, former President Donald Trumps final chief of staff, joked about Mr Trumps claims of election fraud shortly after the 2020 election.

According to the Washington Post, Mr Meadows sent a text message to a White House lawyer. He wrote that his son, Georgia-based attorney Blake Meadows, had been investigating possible fraud and had come up with a few possible votes cast in dead voters names.

The lawyer sent a response, joking that maybe Mr Meadowss son could find the trove of votes Trump would need to win the election, mocking Mr Trumps claims that 5,000 votes were cast by dead people. (The state election board found only four.)

The text exchange occurred in December 2020, according to the Post, just the days before the infamous phone call between President Donald Trump and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. During the call, Mr Trump tried to pressure Mr Raffensperger to find votes in Georgia to overturn Joe Bidens rightful victory.

Mr Meadows was on the call, yet a recording of the interaction indicates he did not challenge Mr Trumps dead people voting claims.

Instead, after Mr Raffensperger said that state investigators had only found two instances of this, Mr Meadows replied: That may be what your investigation shows, but I can promise you there are more than that.

Earlier this month, Mr Meadows testified before a federal grand jury hearing evidence in special counsel Jack Smiths probes.

Without commenting on whether or not Mr Meadows has testified before the grand jury or in any other proceeding, Mr Meadows has maintained a commitment to tell the truth where he has a legal obligation to do so, George Terwilliger, his lawyer, told CNN.
While Mark Sievers sits on death row for the 2015 killing of his wife, his attorneys say Hurricane Ian destroyed evidence that he believes could help keep him alive.

Mark Sievers, 55, on death row for the murder-for-hire of his wife, Teresa Sievers, 46, on July 13 filed a motion asking that his trial counsel, Michael Mummert and Gregory Messore, hand their trial records to the Capital Collateral Regional Counsel Middle District, which assists inmates on death row.

Mark Sievers on April 5 switched his case to Capital Collateral Regional Counsel for the Middle District after a "conflict" with the respective Southern District, according to the motion.

In the motion, Mark Sievers alleges that under law, Mummert and Messore are obligated to provide postconviction counsel a copy of their original file within 45 days of appointment of postconviction counsel.

According to the July 13 motion, Mark Sievers' postconviction counsel reached out to Mummert and Messore "in attempts to obtain these records."

Mummert said Hurricane Ian destroyed the majority of his records in a box, the motion says. It includes 113 pages of case law notes, opening statement notes, closing statement notes and cross-examination of Curtis Wayne Wright, the man convicted of murderer-for-hire in Teresa Siever's death.

Similarly, Messore said he couldn't provide anything due to the storm destroying "all of his files." Hurricane Ian struck Southwest Florida on Sept. 28 as a Category 4 storm, creating massive flooding and leaving homes without power for weeks.

It's unclear if Mark Sievers' trial attorneys would face penalties for not handing over the evidence.

Capital Collateral said in the motion that through their investigation they learned that the attorneys had several hard drives, as well as a DropBox or Google Drive account, "which contained the entire case file."

Assistant State Attorney Cynthia Ross told Capital Collateral that all discovery was shared electronically, the motion says. Mummert hasn't replied to Capital Collateral since it inquired about the electronic files.

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"There is no indication that these cloud-based drives would have been rendered inaccessible subsequent to Hurricane Ian," the motion read in part.

Capital Collateral counsel Megan Montagno, Julissa Fontan and Nicholas Bedy allege that without the trial counsel records, Mark Sievers can't fully investigate all claims available to him if he's unable to obtain the files.

Mummert and Messore didn't respond to requests for comment. The State Attorney's Office declined comment.

Mark Sievers' initial death row appeal was denied last year.

The Florida Supreme Court on Feb. 3 affirmed his sentence and conviction.

A jury convicted Sievers on Dec. 4, 2019, in the slaying of Teresa Sievers, a Southwest Florida doctor.

On June 28, 2015, Teresa Sievers left a family vacation and returned alone to her Bonita Springs home.

After she pulled into the garage, retrieved her luggage and walked into the house, Wright and Jimmy Ray Rodgers beat her with hammers.

Lee Circuit Judge Bruce Kyle sentenced Rodgers to life in prison, convicted of second-degree murder and trespassing by a Lee County jury in October 2019.

On Feb. 10, 2020, Kyle sentenced Wright to 25 years for his role in the murder after he pleaded guilty.

Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran, Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews and Twitter @TomasFRoBeltran.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Florida death row inmate Mark Sievers asks for release of case files
Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe, right, recently attended the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative where she was able to highlight what Columbia is doing on poverty, housing and other issues, and was able to learn from other mayors, like Rita Ali, from left, from Peoria, Illinois, and Karen Bass, from Los Angeles, in the educational cohort.

When Columbia City Manager De'Carlon Seewood announced the 2024 budget July 13, one major aspect included the creation of a new city department, expanding the work staff do in community development to focus on housing and neighborhood services.

The focus of the proposed department is on affordable housing. Hearing that other communities, including those overseas, are putting a focus on affordable housing was reinforcing to the work being undertaken by the city, said Mayor Barbara Buffaloe on Monday.

She attended the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative last week in New York, which was attended by 27 U.S. and 13 international mayors as part of its seventh cohort.

"Places like Verona, Italy, Turin, Italy, Iowa City, Iowa, Amsterdam, all are suffering from lack of affordable housing for their community members," Buffaloe said about the path ahead. "The ideas of what we can do from the data and work we are doing here in Columbia with the county, what can we do to increase the available housing here and what unintended consequences do we need to be aware of.

"And how as the mayor can I help inspire for what it is we all want, which is a safe place for people to live and sleep. What can we do to work together to achieve that?"

More: 4 highlights from Columbia's budget work session

She also seeks to apply skills learned through courses to transportation and sustainability to develop actionable strategies on these topics.

Buffaloe can take one of three tracts for her path through the program: innovation, data and collaboration. Buffaloe is focused on innovation with an eye toward finding ways to remove governmental process barriers, where possible.

"What can I do to automate some of these systems, so like if you have filled out a form, it's prepopulated. I don't need you to do it again, or electronic opportunities if paper is hard to access. Can things be done in person or virtually," she said.

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This cohort partnership also means Columbia will have access to Harvard research data and case studies for comparisons to Columbia to address the various complex challenges, Buffaloe said.

The City Leadership Initiative is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. It invested $150 million in support of the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, which was part of the host organizations. Mayors were welcomed by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

"Mayors face no shortage of urgent challenges right now  from poverty to climate change to public safety. This program is designed to help build their capacity to lead and empower them to act boldly," he said in the announcement about the new mayoral cohort. "We look forward to working closely with this new class throughout the year and to seeing the results theyll deliver for the millions of residents they serve."

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Bloomberg Philanthropies hosted the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative Mayors from July 16-19 in New York. Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe was invited to apply for the mayoral cohort and was selected to participate in the yearlong professional development program.

More: Public safety, parks, business projects progressing across Columbia

Buffaloe received a message about applying to join the seventh City Leadership Initiative in the spring.

"I was really interested because this is my first time in politics. I worked for city government, but as far as being mayor, I want to make sure that I have all of the tools available and all of the trainings I can to be the best mayor I can for Columbia," she said.

The first classes were in-person but over the next year, there will be virtual sessions. Since Buffaloe participated, it gives Seewood an opportunity to also participate from a city management perspective.

"Having that opportunity for professional development for our senior staff that are working on implementing some of these innovative ideas, I think is key to making sustainable investment in Columbia," Buffaloe said.

Attendance and participation in the cohort helps elevate what Columbia is doing to a national and slightly international scale, while also allowing Buffaloe to learn some strategies and of programs instituted by other mayors, she said.

"(This) was when we worked with other communities in the midwest to collect data that showed our already changing climate. Other communities had not done something like that," Buffaloe said. "... All of us came together from a place of compassion. Listening to (Los Angeles) mayor Karen Bass talk about how she doesn't want to get to a point where we are penalizing people for poverty. We talked about the need for more housing ... those wraparound services."

Buffaloe was able to interact with mayors from Peoria, Illinois, and Chandler, Arizona. Peoria is close to her original hometown and the mayor from Chandler attended the University of Missouri, she said.

Mayors and those within the Bloomberg organizations also knew of Buffaloe from conference calls with the U.S. Council of Mayors and from even before when she was with the city's sustainability office, she said.

"While this is a huge world, every one of our actions do make ripples that get out and hopefully inspire others to make a difference in their world," Buffaloe said.

Charles Dunlap covers local government, community stories and other general subjects for the Tribune. You can reach him at cdunlap@columbiatribune.com or @CD_CDT on Twitter. Subscribe to support vital local journalism.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Mayor Barbara Buffaloe joins international city leadership cohort
Kevin McCarthy edged back from the brink of an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden on Tuesday, less than a day after suggesting his party was close to announcing one.

The speaker set off a Washington kerfuffle Monday night when he told Fox News Sean Hannity that he believed the House GOPs investigations into Hunter Bidens business dealings were rising to the level of [an] impeachment inquiry, presumably into his father.

But during lengthy Tuesday question-and-answer sessions with reporters, McCarthy said his televised remarks were not meant as an announcement of any new steps. Instead, the California Republican clarified that the myriad of allegations he is seeing from Republicans investigations could eventually merit an impeachment inquiry.

I wasn't announcing it, McCarthy said of his Fox News comments. I simply said that the actions that Im seeing by this administration  withholding the agencies from being able to work with us, that would rise to the level of an impeachment inquiry.

We  still have a number of investigations going forward now. The committees are working in good faith. Theyre finding new information all the time, McCarthy added.

He later took to Twitter with a similar dialing back of the tone he took on Fox, writing: If evidence continues to rise to the level of an impeachment inquiry, House Republicans will act.

The speakers pullback comes as Republicans face fierce pressure from their right flank to impeach Biden or a Cabinet official  a high bar that would require near-total GOP unity, given their five-seat majority. A swath of McCarthys conference remains skeptical of any impeachment effort at the moment, underscoring the hurdle that conservative backers face despite GOP control of the House.

McCarthy said on Tuesday that he has no timeline for when House Republicans might make a call on whether or not to vote to formalize an impeachment inquiry, which he has described as a step that would give Republicans more investigative tools. Even if Republicans voted to take that step, they would still need to decide whether to hold an impeachment vote in committee, before taking the matter to the House floor.

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Asked how long Bidens Cabinet departments have to indicate whether they will cooperate with GOP investigations, McCarthy also declined to give a firm timeline. Committees are currently bringing people in for interviews, he noted.

Weve got a number of people coming in, McCarthy said. They could come  forward with all the information these committees are requesting, and we wouldnt have to rise to [that].

McCarthy, in his Fox News interview, stopped short of explicitly saying he would move to formalize an inquiry against Biden, Attorney General Merrick Garland or any other administration official.

In addition, he broadly discussed the different threads the House GOP is investigating. Those topics include payments that Bidens family members received from foreign companies, though Republicans have failed to provide evidence that links the president to those payments; IRS whistleblowers who allege the Justice Department hampered the federal probe of Hunter Biden; and an uncorroborated FBI document that links the president to bribery allegations involving the First Son.

Citing that variety of activity, McCarthy argued Monday night that the Republican investigations are building in the direction of what would be a historic impeachment inquiry. While he has previously opened the door to a potential impeachment inquiry into Garland if Republicans could prove he had lied, those remarks amounted to his strongest statement yet on a Biden impeachment.

Republicans last month punted an impeachment resolution from Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) back to committees for further work.

In the weeks since then, however, Republicans have pushed to escalate their investigation into President Biden, Hunter Biden and the years-long federal investigation of the First Son. The two IRS whistleblowers who allege federal intervention into the Hunter Biden probe testified last week, and negotiations are underway for a follow-up hearing with David Weiss, the U.S. attorney in charge of that probe.

But McCarthys remarks fueled new impeachment chatter from some of its most ardent conservative backers on Tuesday  marking a potential headache of the California Republican's own making.

"As we've continued to amass evidence and information, I certainly think, bare minimum, we should be doing an impeachment inquiry, Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) told reporters on Tuesday.

Both Garland and Weiss have denied the whistleblower claims that the DOJ meddled in the Hunter Biden probe. DOJ has offered to have Weiss testify on the Hill after the August recess in late September or mid-October. Garland is already scheduled to testify before the House in late September as part of a routine oversight hearing.

The only way we can investigate that is through an impeachment inquiry so that the committee would have the power to get all the documents, McCarthy said. What I said last night, and  I said it before, the more this continues to unravel it reaches to the level of impeachment inquiry.

Sarah Ferris contributed to this report.
[Source]

Meet Ko K'un-hua (Ge Kunhua), a Chinese scholar who became Harvard Universitys first Chinese instructor during the late 19th century and whose documents became the core of the Harvard-Yenching Library.

The idea of introducing a native Chinese scholar to teach Mandarin at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was formed either in 1877 or 1878 after a group of Harvard alumni from Boston and Salem who conducted trades in China decided their alma mater should also offer Chinese lessons to students, emulating Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, at the time, according to Harvard Magazine in 2008.

Yale University was credited as the first university in the United States to offer Chinese courses in 1877, due in large part to missionary and sinologist Samuel Wells Williams.

The first step

More from NextShark: 'The opposite of cancel culture': Final Bow for Yellowface helps update a Christmas tradition

The group of alumni sought advice from Chinas Imperial Maritime Customs Service, which handled the countrys emigrant labor issues, telegraph and postal systems, among other tasks.

Sir Robert Hart, the services longtime inspector general, disagreed with the proposition, arguing that [a] Chinese literary man can undertake no more dreadful drudgery thanteaching Chinese to a foreigner, adding that those who wanted to join the service have plenty of time to learn Chinese.

Despite that, the group still proceeded with their plan.

More from NextShark: Professors sue California State University system over caste anti-discrimination policy

Looking for the right candidate

Harvard alumnus Edward Bangs Drew recommended Ko, who hailed from Ningbo, Zhejiang province, for the position. According to Harvard Magazine, Drew briefly studied with Ko, who, despite not knowing how to speak English, had experience working for the British embassy for five years and the American consulate in Shanghai for two years.

More from NextShark: New poll shows majority of Americans oppose affirmative action

Problems surfaced, but it was too late

Drew later revealed in a confidential letter to Harvard President Charles William Eliot that while Ko was very learned, he was not a recognized scholar as he never obtained any degrees by examination. Drew also added that Ko had purchased his title from the Chinese government.

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In response, Eliot wanted to cancel the agreement. But Ko had already quit his job and rented a house for him and his family, so he would lose face if they followed through.

More from NextShark: 'This physical pain does not compare to the pain of losing my nation': How 2 schoolgirls helped fight for Korean independence

Making history

Ko made history on Sept. 1, 1879, when he officially became Harvard Universitys first native Chinese instructor.

Two days after his arrival, however, an unnamed faculty member raised concerns, noting that the university never considered the number of students who wanted to learn Chinese.

That same year, Ko only had one student: Pope Professor of Latin George Martin Lane, who helped teach Ko English in return.

Unfortunately, before Ko could finish his three-year contract, he contracted and later succumbed to pneumonia in February 1882, just three months before the controversial Chinese Exclusion Act was signed into law.

According to his Boston Daily Advertiser obituary, despite only having four to five pupils during his time at Harvard, the results obtained have been most satisfactory, noting that [O]ne who has studied with him has acquired the ability to converse easily with Mandarins, and is nearly ready to establish himself in some business in China.

Harvard reportedly paid for Kos family to return to China, while Drew purportedly began raising funds to help educate his surviving sons.

Lasting legacy

Although Ko had been at Harvard for less than three years before his sudden death, his legacy continues to live on within the university.

When he moved from Ningbon to Cambridge, he reportedly brought several Chinese books with him. Those same books were the Harvard-Yenching Librarys first acquisitions in any East Asian language, marking the beginning of a wide collection of East Asian literature, which is now touted as the largest in any academic library outside Asia.

As of 2018, the library reportedly had over 1.5 million volumes in its collections, including over 900,000 Chinese, 400,000 Japanese, 200,000 Korean, 30,000 Vietnamese, 4,000 Tibetan, 3,500 Manchu, 500 Mongolian and 55,000 Western languages collections.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) keeps pressing his case on culture war issues  even though his efforts so far havent helped him rise above a modest ceiling of support in the presidential race.

That, in turn, poses the question as to whether former President Trump already has a lock on most of the conservative voters animated by those issues.

DeSantis is plowing on regardless.

Late last week, the Florida governor suggested he could take legal action against Bud Lights parent company over the controversy centered around transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.

DeSantiss argument is that the corporation may have breached its fiduciary duty to shareholders  including Florida pension funds  in its marketing efforts with Mulvaney, which hurt sales.

DeSantis has also been hitting back hard at Vice President Harris in a furor over new standards for teaching Black history in Florida schools.

The standards include a sentence asserting that students should be taught how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.

Harris, the daughter of Jamaican-born and Indian-born parents, contended that it is offensive to suggest that there could be any benefit to being subject to this level of dehumanization under slavery.

Without naming DeSantis, she slammed those who she said would push propaganda to our children.

DeSantis excoriated Harriss statements as absolutely ridiculous and outrageous.

The two separate fights are just the latest manifestations of DeSantiss culture-warrior stance, a worldview encapsulated in his boast that his state is where woke goes to die.

DeSantis has conducted a long-running fight with Disney, which began when the corporation publicity criticized legislation endorsed by the governor that banned the teaching of sexual orientation and gender identity to young children.

He has blasted critical race theory, objected to the draft curriculum of an Advanced Placement course on African American Studies and defended the six-week abortion ban passed in his state.

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Early last year, DeSantis signed the Stop W.O.K.E. Act, contending that, We will not let the far-left woke agenda take over our schools and workplaces. There is no place for indoctrination or discrimination in Florida.

More from The Hill

These kinds of stances should be red meat to the Republican base.

But the number of Republican voters rallying to DeSantiss side is underwhelming so far.

DeSantis lags Trump by more than 30 points in the weighted national polling average maintained by data site FiveThirtyEight. His level of support  around 19 percent of Republican voters  is essentially unchanged since he launched his candidacy two months ago.

Some Republicans argue that DeSantis has made a strategic miscalculation in allowing his stance on culture-war issues to overshadow everything else.

GOP strategist Dan Judy argued that the Republican primary electorate is comprised of three camps, which he termed Always Trump, Never Trump and Maybe Trump voters.

The red-meat rhetoric, Judy added, most appeals to the people who wont vote for anyone but Trump. And leaning so hard into the culture wars has actually turned off some of those Maybe Trump voters who are less comfortable with the anti-trans stuff, the hard abortion stuff. That has been [DeSantiss] biggest strategic mistake so far.

There is some data to support this argument.

A recent report from newspaper chain McClatchy noted polling that suggests DeSantis has suffered steep declines in support among GOP voters with at least a bachelors degree.

McClatchy cited a Quinnipiac University poll, among other pieces of evidence, that showed DeSantiss support among college-educated white Republicans declining from 51 percent in February to 29 percent this month.

Todd Belt, the director of the political management program at George Washington University, argued that DeSantis is trying to make the woke issue his point of differentiation from other GOP candidates.

But, Belt added, It is hard to pry people away from Trump with just that. It looks like he has pried away about 20 percent, and that is not an insignificant amount. But elections are about the future, and we havent heard much about that.

DeSantis allies would dispute that contention.

In broad strokes, his supporters say he has begun the process of laying out his agenda for the American people and that criticisms of the campaign to date are both premature and unfair.

DeSantis gave the first major policy speech of his campaign late last month, when he outlined a hawkish agenda on immigration.

A memo prepared by his campaign earlier this month, intended to reassure donors and other supporters, highlighted what it branded a No Excuses policy agenda that will focus on the economy, foreign policy and how to address the threat from China.

If DeSantis wants to engage more on policy, he also has a tailor-made opportunity just around the corner; the first Republican debate is also less than a month away.

Still, its not as if DeSantis is going to drop his claim as the most aggressive culture warrior in the race.

The early July memo to supporters  reportedly written by campaign manager Generra Peck  highlighted DeSantiss biography, his economic message and his willingness to push back on China.

But, it added, Governor DeSantis is THE leader of the culture fight in America. We will continue to burnish his record fighting the Left who want to come after our kids and take over society via the Control Economy.

The Memo is a reported column by Niall Stanage.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner was endorsed Tuesday by the Memphis Police Association and Memphis Fire Fighter's Association, the city's two unions for emergency responders. Bonner is a candidate in a packed field to be the next Memphis mayor.

Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner has been endorsed by both the Memphis Police Association and the Memphis Fire Fighter's Association in his bid to be the next Memphis mayor.

In statements read outside of Memphis City Hall Tuesday, MPA Chief Steward John Covington and MFFA President Thomas Malone said crime was the top issue the next mayor would face, and that Bonner's decades in law enforcement made him the "right man for the job."

"It's no secret that crime is the major issue facing the city," Covington said. "The fight to protect the honest, hard-working citizens of Memphis from violent crime is a fight that we cannot, and will not, lose. We ask you to join us in supporting a man that is the right man for the job, the man who will be ready on day one, the man with 42 years of law enforcement experience and the man who will make the city, you and your family safe. That man is Floyd Bonner."

Dive into the mayoral race: Memphis mayoral candidates address infrastructure, crime and economic development

Malone said Memphis cannot afford to have a mayor that will not "hit the ground running the first day" and spend four years learning the best way to protect the city.

Bonner said Tuesday, should he win the election, he would take a "holistic approach" to lowering the crime rate in the city, which has risen over the last few years.

"We're going take a holistic approach and take a look at everything," Bonner said. "We're going to look at the small crime that will eventually lead to bigger crimes. We've got to take a look at it all."

Lucas Finton is a criminal justice reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at Lucas.Finton@commercialappeal.com and followed on Twitter @LucasFinton.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis police, firefighter unions endorse Sheriff Floyd Bonenr for mayor
During a visit with the new ambassador of Mexicos Central Coast consulate, San Luis Obispo County leaders asked for help finding Mixteco translators and shortening wait times for appointments.

On Thursday, the Latino Outreach Council invited Consul Ricardo Santana Velazquez to meet local community groups along with representatives of Congressman Salud Carbajal, State Assembly member Dawn Addis and state Senator John Laird at the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education headquarters.

My goal is to to talk with the locals in the three counties that we have in our jurisdiction, Santana Velazquez told reporters after Thursdays meeting. I need to know the needs that the Mexican community have here to assist them.

Santana Velazquez represents the Oxnard consulate, which serves the counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura.

His first day on the job was July 1, and his term lasts a minimum of three years, he said.

The U.S. is the first and the main friend of Mexico, Santana Velazquez said at the meeting. Not only that  we are neighbors, we have a dynamic borderline.

During the past 42 years, he has served as a diplomat for Mexico  working in six different states, including Texas and Arizona, he said.

I am so happy to stay here in this area, Santana Velazquez said. Exceptional weather, exceptional people.

Services offered at the Mexican Consulate

The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard helps Mexican citizens obtain birth certificates, passports, certificates of fraternity and other official documents, Santana Velazquez said.

Additionally, U.S. citizens with at least one Mexican parent can apply for Mexican citizenship at the consulate, he said. Applicants must bring their birth certificate along with the birth certificates for both of their parents.

The consulate also helps Mexican citizens living on the Central Coast apply for citizenship in the United States by teaching basic English classes, providing funding for registration and connecting folks with classes to prepare for citizenship exams, Santana Velazquez said.

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Finally, the consulate connects folks with health care and legal services. It also provides financial assistance, such as helping folks send money to relatives in Mexico.

People can make an appointment at the consulate by phone at 805-330-3060, online at citas.sre.gob.mx or through social media app WhatsApp, according to Santana Velazquez.

The consulate will also offer pop-up consulate events in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties throughout the year, he said. This way folks dont have to travel to Oxnard for an appointment, an effort Santana Velazquez said he hopes to expand next year.

SLO County leaders ask for Mixteco translators, shorter wait times

During Thursdays meeting, SLO County leaders told the ambassador that its challenging to find translators who speak Mixteco, an indigenous language of Mexico.

The Migrant Education Program serves about 1,100 migrant students and their families in SLO and Santa Barbara counties, according to program coordinator Keith Badger.

Not only does the organization support students learning, but it also works to support families by helping parents register their children for school and connecting them with services, program recruiter Josy Aguilar said.

The Migrant Education Program serves numerous Mixteco-speaking families, but it hasnt been able to find a Mixteco translator, Aguilar said.

SLO County Superintendent of Schools Jim Brescia and San Luis Obispo Police Department Chief Rick Scott noted that their agencies are also struggling to find Mixteco translators, even though they have the funding to hire one.

Moneys not the issue right now, its people, Brescia said.

According to Santana Velazquez, the Oxnard consulate also struggles to find Mixteco translators. He said he will prioritize connecting local groups with translators when they are available.

Those at Thursdays meeting also said that its difficult to schedule an appointment at the consulate as they fill up quickly  an issue that Santana Velazquez acknowledged.

Its a very high demand that we have, Santana Velazquez said, noting that the consulate takes about 135 appointments per day.

Los Angeles County residents often go to the Oxnard consulate for appointments because the Los Angeles consulate is booked, Santana Velazquez said, which contributes to the high demand.

To serve more people, the consulate needs more staff, Santana Velazquez said.

After Mexicos presidential election next year, the consulate will have an opportunity to request more funding to hire additional employees, he said.
The Mexican navy is in charge of drug checks at the Manzanillo port (ULISES RUIZ)

Mexico's Pacific port city of Manzanillo is on the front line of the fight against fentanyl -- a drug blamed for tens of thousands of deaths in the United States.

Since last year, agents at the port have been tasked with finding and seizing precursor chemicals used in the production of the synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin and much easier and cheaper to produce.

This on top of the methamphetamines, cocaine and marijuana they were already on the lookout for among the 3.5 million ship containers that pass through Manzanillo every year.

"It's not that (seizures of precursor chemicals) didn't happen before. Before 2022 they werent regulated," Captain Luis Martinez of the Mexican navy in charge of drug searches told AFP on a recent tour of the port.

Under a new law passed last year by Congress, a search alert is in place at the port for certain chemicals that can be used in the production of fentanyl -- the leading cause of deaths among Americans aged 18 to 49 years.

Deaths from fentanyl overdoses in the United States rose from 69,000 in 2020 to 110,000 in 2022, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As the drugs' addictiveness became increasingly clear, the United States pressured China -- the chief source of fentanyl -- to ban exports, which it did in 2019.

But China is still a major producer of precursor chemicals, which are shipped to Mexico and Central America, where cartels produce fentanyl for smuggling into the United States.

- Mexican cartels -

"The two drug cartels that are responsible for the influx of fentanyl into the United States, the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels, work with chemical companies based in the People's Republic of China to get their raw materials," US Drug Enforcement Agency Administrator Anne Milgram said recently.

In Mexico, navy agents at Manzanillo told AFP they work on their own, without technical assistance from the United States.

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It is dangerous work.

In May this year, Manzanillo's deputy customs director Sergio Emmanuel Martinez was assassinated just a fortnight after taking office.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the murder was a reaction to his government's anti-drug efforts.

"We are fighting drug trafficking, preventing the introduction of these chemicals, destroying laboratories, doing our job," said the president.

- Meth in tequila -

Agents can only do so much with their limited resources pitched against the ingenuity of traffickers.

Earlier this year, the navy said it had intercepted methamphetamines mixed into more than 8,000 liters of bottled tequila.

"The substance was diluted," said Martinez.

Cocaine mixed with "organic fertilizers" was also recently seized, he added.

"In 2021 we seized 1,712 kilos of marijuana destined for Chile" that were hidden in containers filled with building bricks.

According to the latest available data, almost 385 tons of chemicals used in the production of synthetic drugs, including fentanyl, were seized from December 2018 to September of last year, as well as 356 tons of ready-made fentanyl.

Once seized, the chemicals are broken down to their base molecules, to "guarantee it can no longer be used for the manufacture of synthetic drugs," said Martinez.

The effort remains an uphill battle.

"We cannot inspect them all," said the captain of the mountains of containers passing through the port.

"We prioritize according to the level of risk," he said.

str-st/yug/dga/mlr/caw
By Lizbeth Diaz

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexican security forces were complicit in the 2014 abduction of 43 student teachers and concealed documents which showed where some of them were taken, according to a new report by an independent panel of international experts presented on Tuesday.

The Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts (GIEI) tasked with investigating the case said in their findings that the Army, Navy, police and intelligence agencies knew, minute by minute, where the students were.

"They all collaborated to make them disappear," GIEI panel member Carlos Beristain told a press conference before the presentation of the group's final fact-finding report on one of Mexico's most notorious human rights scandals.

The Army said it had no comment. The Navy did not respond to a request for comment. Mexico's armed forces have long denied having information about the disappearances.

The 43 youths were part of a larger group of students from the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers' College that came under attack in the city of Iguala, Guerrero, the night of Sept. 26, 2014. Some of that group died at the scene or escaped.

In its initial findings, the previous government concluded the 43 had been kidnapped by corrupt police in cahoots with a local drug gang who believed the students had been infiltrated by members of a rival outfit. The gang then killed the students and burned their bodies, their report said.

The GIEI and the current government says that account was riddled with errors and that officials hid information, using torture to obtain false testimonies.

The panel said it had received incomplete information and that the Defense Ministry hid documents showing where 17 of the 43 students were taken, and who was involved. The ministry declined to comment.

After President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a trenchant critic of the previous administration, took office in 2018, he created a "truth commission" to look into the case and renewed the mandate of the GIEI, which was formed in 2014 and appointed by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

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The investigation found that members of the Navy and the Army had carried out unreported joint operations and manipulated information relevant to the case, according to the report published on Tuesday.

In the crucial hours after the students went missing, at least 500 calls about the incident were recorded at a government security surveillance center, the report said.

Meanwhile, soldiers who had initially testified they were in their barracks that night were linked to locations where the students are believed to have been taken, it also found.

The Army and Navy also secretly arrested five suspects in the case who were believed to have been missing until now, the report argued, using documents, photographs and testimonies.

Experts also found discrepancies over the Army's reporting of the discovery of the body of Julio Cesar Mondragon, one of the Ayotzinapa students who died that night. The institution told the GIEI the differences were an "involuntary error."

The remains of only three of the 43 have been formally identified.

The GIEI said the motive behind the disappearances remains unclear.

(Reporting by Lizbeth Diaz; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
OAXACA, Mexico (AP)  Leticia Santiago carries her ancestral heritage wherever she goes. Every time she addresses the crowds during the Guelaguetza, the biggest cultural event in southwestern Mexico, her words, her garments and her skin reveal a clue about the town where she was proudly born.

The 35-year-old Mexican was elected as Centeotl goddess in late June, which means shell represent the Aztec deity of maize for a year and lead all festivities during the Guelaguetza, which will run in the state of Oaxaca through July 28. During the government-sponsored event, 16 Indigenous ethnic groups and the Afro-Mexican community promote their traditions through public dances, parades and craft sales.

Santiago cant help but smile when she talks about the history of her ethnic group, known as Chatinas. Her hometown, Santiago Yaitepec, is located five hours away from Oaxaca City, between the mountains and the coast.

It is said that we come from the sea and our ancestors were fish, Santiago said. When a sea monster started devouring them, our Holy Father, the Sun, took pity on them and turned them into human beings. Thats how our story began.

She claims that she entered the Centeotl goddess contest to share the Chatina heritage to the world. All her public speeches include some of her native language and every time someone asks for a photo, she enthusiastically raises a side of her bright-colored skirt.

Chatinas learn to cross-stitch as young girls because embroidering birds and flowers has a spiritual meaning. In the community's worldview, the Earth is their mother and their closeness with nature can be seen in their textiles.

Through threads and needles, through waist looms, we have created an identity. Preserving it has been a struggle for us, Santiago said.

Not every Oaxacan community can be a part of the Guelaguetza, which began in 1932 when the government organized a celebration. Participants are selected by a committee, which for years was criticized by academics and activists over the groups it excluded. Santiagos own community was ignored until now.

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Because of that, nearby towns started to organize their own Guelaguetzas and added more local elements, said Oaxacan anthropologist Enrique Martinez. According to his records, up to 26 similar events have been held in parallel.

When a new governor came into power in 2022, the committee in charge of selecting the participants was overhauled and vowed to be more inclusive. This year the discourse has changed, and they invited communities that were previously left out, said Gabriela Zapien, who is also a Mexican anthropologist.

Some of the racial diversity of the local ethnic groups can be seen along the streets of Oaxaca City during this years Guelaguetza.

Tonatiuh Estrada, a craftsman who specializes in cardboard figures, was asked to create dolls representing women from the eight regions of the state. The three-meter-tall figures are regularly used during calendas, as Oaxacans call processions held during Catholic festivities to honor their patrons or saints.

For me, these dolls are like documents, Estrada said. When people look at them, they dont only see a huipil (a traditional garment) or a local hairstyle. They can read them and understand their meanings.

Among his latest creations for this years Guelaguetza is a devil who stars in a local dance.

Many have claimed that this cultural event is a mere show, but Estrada disagrees. It was created by a government 91 years ago, but the Guelaguetza has nurtured and positively exhibited the peoples tradition, he said.

Oaxacas culture is not inside a museum or an exhibition. Its alive.

Hundreds filled the streets of Oaxaca City during a recent parade that was led by Santiago in her role as Centeotl goddess.

For us (the Guelaguetza) is the ultimate festivity because it comes from an ancient culture that our ancestors bequeathed us, said Silvia Ramirez, a local who enjoyed the parade with a friend. It fills us with emotion because we can feel them again.

Just like Santiago, most representatives from the 16 Oaxacan ethnic groups speak proudly about the garments, accessories or music shared with the crowds during the Guelaguetza.

Nayelli Lopez, who is part of the Chinas Oaxaquenas and lives in the city, tells how the gala dress she wore during the parade reflects her faith and some social codes. The bow at the waist reveals whether they are single or married and the medallion commonly worn near their hearts show their devotion to Our Lady of Solitude, a depiction of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

My black shoes are the symbol of the mixed race and we use our baskets as offerings to our saints or to make a request, Lopez said.

Enrique Olvera, born in Ejutla de Crespo, said that his white suit and donkey skin hat represent the ancient clothing of his ancestors, men dedicated to agriculture. Natasha Gutierrez, from Santo Domingo de Tehuantepec, explained that her velvet outfit  hand-embroidered with silk threads  is worn on August 4, during the honoring of her community's patron, Santo Domingo de Guzman.

The mere word of Guelaguetza has a story to tell: Its an ancient concept usually used among Oaxacans to help each other. It means mutual cooperation and support.

Leticia Santiago hopes to assist her own people as soon as she heads home. She says that the local government promised to work closely with her community to rescue their native language. Though more than 41,000 people can speak Chatino, its written form has been lost, Santiago claimed.

While she holds her cedarwood scepter close to her heart, she says that she also hopes to lead by example and inspire other Chatina women to follow her path.

This could show our descendants that they can preserve and maintain our culture too.



Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
(Bloomberg) -- Miami Mayor Francis Suarez received a $500,000 donation from an online flower shop that allegedly violated federal campaign financing laws, according to a complaint filed to the Federal Election Commission.

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The 27-page complaint alleges unknown persons used PassionForest LLC, a less than year-old company that sells artificial flowers online, to conceal the true source of the contributions made to Suarez, according to the Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan watchdog group. The 45-year-old Republican mayor announced a long-shot presidential bid last month.

PassionForest operates mostly out of China, according to the complaint, suggesting it may have been used to conceal illegal foreign national contributions.

PassionForests only known activity was selling artificial flowers on Amazon.com, supporting the conclusion that it could not have made a $500,000 contribution without someone else  the true contributor  providing it with funds for that purpose, the Campaign Legal Center said in its complaint.

Suarezs SOS America PAC received the $500,000 from PassionForest in October, according to fillings.

The mayors office referred calls to SOS America. In an email statement, the PAC said the complaint makes no accusations whatsoever against SOS America PAC or the mayor. This is nothing more than a political attack and it will be seen for what it is.

A contact address for PassionForest couldnt be found. An Amazon page for a PassionForest store lists a Chinese address with no contact information.

Suarez had already been facing criticism for possible conflicts of interest related to outside jobs, just as his net worth more than doubled last year. A consulting gig for a real estate developer sparked multiple investigations, according to the Miami Herald newspaper. Suarez denies wrongdoing.

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Other SOS America donors include Cantor Fitzgeralds Howard Lutnik, who gave $1 million, and crypto firm Ripple Labs Inc., which donated $500,000. A different PAC supporting Suarez got $1 million from Citadels Ken Griffin.

SOS America has spent $1.7 million on cable, radio and digital ads backing Suarez, according to AdImpact. Its due to report detailed information on its fundraising through the first six months of 2023 to the FEC on Monday.

--With assistance from Anna Jean Kaiser.

(Updates with SOS America PACs extended statement in sixth paragraph)

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Missouri journalist Michelle Li and her nonprofit, the Very Asian Foundation, were awarded the Asian American Journalists Associations (AAJA) AAPI Community Impact Award over the weekend.

Background information: Li, an anchor at NBC affiliate KSDK in St. Louis, made headlines last year after receiving a scathing voicemail from a viewer who complained that she was being very Asian.

The caller apparently took offense at Lis mention of dumpling soup while reporting about food that Americans eat during New Years celebrations.

She was being very Asian. I dont know. She can keep her Korean to herself, the caller said about Li, who is Korean American. It was annoying because if a white person would say that, they would get fired.

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Amid an outpouring of support  paired with a viral hashtag  Li turned the racist incident into a cause for good and launched the Very Asian Foundation. Since then, the organization has worked to amplify diverse Asian stories and raise funds to provide grants to organizations focused on strengthening Asian communities.

About the award: Li and Very Asian received the AAPI Community Impact Award at the AAJA23 Awards Gala in Washington, D.C., on Saturday night. The award recognizes those who champion the spirit of the AAPI community through their work.

Li said in a statement:

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It's incredibly humbling to receive any recognition, but as a journalist-founded organization, we couldn't be more honored to work toward filling the gap between news and community. None of this would be possible without the support of KSDK, TEGNA, and the community. We're humbled to receive an honor that allows us to create space for non-profit work through a journalistic lens. We are truly grateful to do this work and being honored is just icing on the cake.

This is not the first community award Li has received this year. In April, the FBI surprised her with the Directors Community Leadership Award for turning a racist comment against her into nationwide pride for the AAPI community amid a spike in anti-Asian hate crimes.

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Chicago has several. St. Louis has one. So does Minneapolis. Cripes! Even Cleveland has one!

And thats only in the Midwest. Theres also the Space Needle in Seattle and the Empire State Building in New York City.

We're talking public observation decks. And Milwaukee deserves one.

We need a place where people can view our beautiful and growing skyline. A place that allows us to soak in the sweeping Lake Michigan shoreline to the east. Somewhere to watch the sunset over American Family Field and, on a clear day, spot Holy Hill in the distance.

The US Bank Center  Wisconsin's tallest building  has an observation deck on its 41st floor that was open to the public until 1991. But as it stands now, when you Google Best observation deck near me in Milwaukee, Wisconsin a top search result is the Hoan Bridge. I love the Hoan, but its not the most feasible location to stop your car, get out and look around. That will get you arrested, injured or worse.

I know Im not the only one who doesnt think this is a terrible idea.

Thatd be neat, agreed Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

As mayor, I mean, I've got the unique opportunity to get to the tops of many of these buildings. It's really breathtaking, Johnson continued.

Johnson went on to say that a higher view would help people gain a perspective on the size of Milwaukee.

I think if more people had the opportunity to see it, it would open folks' eyes up about the expanse of our city, how beautiful our city is, the architecture of our city, and really help people to visualize just how big our city is.

Want a bird's-eye view of Milwaukee? Good luck.

Im fortunate enough that my job as a photojournalist at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has taken me to some really high-up places in downtown Milwaukee with some amazing views.

The scenery impressed me to the point of doing a multimedia project back in 2012 where I captured a series of videos and images from towering locations like the US Bank Building, the City Hall Bell Tower, the Basilica of Saint Josaphat, and a bunch more. Even the catwalk at American Family Field (formerly Miller Park).

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Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photographer Mike De Sisti takes a selfie on top of the 30-story Moderne apartment high-rise at West Juneau and North King Drive while documenting the views from high places around Milwaukee for his Highview project in 2012.

The reason for doing that project was twofold: I was genuinely curious what the views looked like from these places, but I also wanted to show them to you!

Unless youre paying for a hotel room with a view, or happen to have a connection to someone with an office, seeing views like this in our city is hard to come by for the public.

Which leads me to my main ulterior motive, which I must disclose on why Im arguing for a public observation tower: My family.

After recently researching the cost of Caribbean vacations for a family of four, I opted for a staycation in downtown Milwaukee.

This staycation would be ultimate, I decided. Id use my connections from a decade ago when I did my Highview project and show my family some of those same amazing views I got to experience myself.

My first knock was on the US Bank Center.

I sent an honest, polite email explaining I wanted to take my family to the top of the US Bank Center. Whats the worst they could say? No?

Im not sure what I was expecting, but thats exactly the answer I got. My email made its way to the property manager.

Unfortunately, the observation deck at the US Bank Center is not open to the public for liability reasons. Im sorry! I hope you and your family enjoy your upcoming staycation!

Never taking the first no for an answer, especially when it comes to treating my family to an unforgettable, unique experience, I countered with the option to sign whatever liability waivers I needed to sign. I even included several fine images I've taken of the US Bank building over the years.

This time the response was two sentences. Hi Mike, Unfortunately, we cannot allow this. Thank you.

Moving on. I tried the folks at the 32-story Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance tower.

Id been to the top a couple times to take photos for work. The views of the lake and the city are fantastic, if I could only get my wife and my kids, who are 10 and 14, up there to see it.

I dreamt of me remarking how lit, dope and fit these views are as my girls rolled their eyes at me. The press relations crew at Northwestern Mutual would have loved to help me out, but had other commitments with our space.

Wasnt meant to be.

U.S. Bank Center tower, left, and the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. tower stand among the Milwaukee skyline in Milwaukee.

People are 'starved' for view of the city

People are clamoring for the view. Just ask the folks at Historic Milwaukee who organize the annual Doors Open event in the fall, when attendees can choose from hundreds of buildings in the Milwaukee area to go in and explore.

The most popular? The ones with a view.

There is always huge demand for great views during Doors Open, said Grace Fuhr, Historic Milwaukee's special events director.

Stacy Swadish, Historic Milwaukee's executive director, said you have to act fast to get the tickets to high places.

We have a ticketed one of the clock tower at Rockwell. That one also sells out during our member sale in an hour."

"So, the short answer is people are starved for that, she continued.

If you build it, will they come and pay?

Mayor Johnson also said, We've got a great city with a downtown, a skyline that is transforming.

With all that transformation, perhaps one of these new skyscrapers could build an observation deck into their plans.

I understand Rome wasnt build in a day and things are always more complicated than it seems. But again, if Cleveland can do it 

Many of the complexities, not surprisingly, lie where they usually do  in the almighty dollar.

I think certainly Milwaukee's a big enough city, with an impressive enough skyline ... to have an observation deck that's open to the public, said Matt Rinka, a partner with Rinka, the Milwaukee-based architecture and design firm that was responsible for conjuring up Deer District, Drexel Town Square and the 30-story Moderne apartment high-rise.

But costs can become prohibitive, he said, especially when it comes to incorporating a public space into a private one. An entirely separate elevator and stairway system to accommodate the public would need to be designed and built.

Another option would be to create a freestanding tower or structure that would act as both a symbol of our skyline and an observation deck  like a St. Louis Arch or Seattle's Space Needle.

While it would be cool to plop something as elaborate at the St. Louis Arch on the lakefront (picture a more Wisconsin-y large beer tap, cheese wedge or beer keg), that might be a little overambitious.

It took three decades for The Arch to move from the idea stage to the shovels-in-the-ground stage, in 1965, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The cost to build the Arch was $13 million (well north of $100 million today, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics). Federal funds paid for 75% of that, and the City of St. Louis made up the rest, according to the National Park Service.

The group in charge of paving the way for the Arch also had to petition Congress to establish a "Territorial Expansion Memorial Commission for the land. President Franklin D. Roosevelt eventually signed an executive order designating an 82-acre site on the riverfront as a unit of the National Park System, according to a 1985 St. Louis Post-Dispatch article.

Ill ask, but President Bidens a pretty busy dude. And Im not sure anyone in Milwaukee is willing to give Bradford Beach to the federal government so we can build and pay for an observation tower to look at stuff.

Seattle's Space Needle, on the other hand, is privately owned by a family that was involved in building the structure for a 1962 world fair. It's unknown how much revenue it brings in  but according to the tower's website, 1.3 million people visit each year, with tickets starting at $30 for adults (and that's not counting the $17 cocktails at the bar.)

How much would people here pay for an opportunity to see their city in a way they haven't before?

The question intrigues Rinka.

"Thats sort of where my head goes  about that as an opportunity for maybe not only as a symbol of the skyline ... but an opportunity to generate a little revenue.

Or could we just go back to the US Bank observation deck?

The US Bank building at one point had a perfectly good observation deck with a view that  I assume  hasnt gone anywhere. Is cleaning up that building's attic the answer?

Unfortunately, the only current access point to the deck is through a law firm on the 40th floor. As the story goes, public access ended because the lawyers didn't want a bunch of gawkers meandering through the firm on the way to the 41st floor to snap selfies of the skyline. Which makes sense, I guess.

But like all things in marriage and in life, there's got to be a compromise. Do lawyers really work on weekends? I'm obviously not one, or I'd know that. But if they don't, maybe folks could pay a few bucks to go up there then?

We could all sing a release form. I agree to NOT: a) make eye contact with any attorney I happen to pass by, or b) ask for legal advice.

There! Settled.

Let's see the city from a new perspective

Up close, while meandering through traffic and potholes to work, listening to news reports of violence and reckless driving, were reminded that the city has flaws.

But stepping back, or above it, if only for a moment, and looking at our city from an elevation of 600 feet just might give a fresh perspective on the gem we have below us.

Am I suggesting that by building a sky deck, well solve homicides and deadly car crashes? Hardly.

I do think it would, at worst, be cool as hell. And at best, an unbridled view of downtown through this lens might offer an opportunity to reexamine our perspective, illuminating new insights and opening our minds to a broader understanding of the city.

It shouldnt take being the mayor, a member of the media, or being lucky enough score Doors Open tickets, to have the chance to see a nice view and a fresh perspective on our landscape.

When the great minds in our city by the lake sketch out the next big project to shape our skyline, may they consider building a public observation deck.

Until then, Im more than happy to take my camera up there and show you what it looks like.

But, while a picture may be worth a thousand words, until you experience that view for yourself, in real life, those words are worthless.

To quote the late painter Bob Ross Its hard to see things when youre too close. Take a step back and look.

Mike De Sisti has been a staff photojournalist the Journal Sentinel since 2008. He covers everything from breaking news, professional sporting events including the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks and Brewers to features, and business assignments. De Sisti grew up in Crystal Lake, IL, a suburb of Chicago. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter: @mdesisti

The downtown Milwaukee skyline along the Lake Michigan lakefront in Milwaukee on Friday, June 30, 2023.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee needs a public observation deck to view our skyline
Two boaters were left stranded in the ocean after their boat capsized miles from the Georgia shore, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

The boaters were out on a 16-foot boat about 4 miles east of Jekyll Island on July 22, according to a news release from the Savannah station.

When they didnt return home, others began calling their phones which went directly to voicemail, the Coast Guard said.

The men were reported missing, and an aircrew aboard an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter out of Savannah took off to search the coastline.

The crew spotted the men down in the water on July 23, both waving their arms, according to the release.

One of the men was sitting on top of their capsized boat and the other was in the water, the Coast Guard said.

The crew sent down baskets to hoist the men into the helicopter. The Coast Guard shared a video of the rescue.

The two boaters were found with their capsized boat off the coast of Jekyll Island, Georgia.

Both boaters were evaluated by medical personnel and neither were injured, the Coast Guard said.

The southeast is prone to powerful storms that arent predictable and are capable of capsizing smaller vessels, Lt. Tucker Williams said in the release. We recommend all mariners carry a radio, flares and other distress signals in case they encounter an unexpected situation.

Jekyll Island is about 95 miles south of Savannah.

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Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves has requested financial assistance from the federal government for 16 counties hit by tornadoes and damaging storms that hammered the state over a five-day period in June, he announced Monday.

Mississippi weather wilder: Mississippi is seeing more tornadoes, hail and flooding. Here's why

Reeves' office said the state is asking for a Major Disaster Declaration, which would include individual assistance for Jackson and Jasper counties, where severe weather caused significant damage. The state also requested public assistance for local governments in other affected areas.

The state of Mississippi has been working diligently with local and federal partners to assess the damage stemming from these storms, Reeves said in a news release. This disaster declaration request is the next step forward as we continue to help Mississippians restore, rebuild, and recover. Well be here for as long as it takes.

Reeves' office said 18 tornadoes struck Mississippi between June 14 and June 19. In Jasper County, the small, rural town of Louin bore the brunt of the damage from a tornado that killed 67-year-old George Jean Hayes and injured several others. Drone footage and photos showed wide expanses of debris-covered terrain, decimated homes and mangled trees.

Late that day, another severe storm pummeled the south Mississippi town of Moss Point. Photos showed homes with obliterated roofs and tilted power lines.

At least one more tornado struck Mississippi in June, for a total of 19. That broke a 49-year-old record for the number of tornadoes in the month, according to the National Weather Service. The previous record was in 1974, when seven tornadoes hit the state in June.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Mississippi requests federal assistance for tornado damage
A former Ocean Springs man on probation for possessing child pornography is in custody after his probation officer learned he had started viewing child pornography again, according to court records.

Brett Michael Sekinger, 31, got out of federal prison in May after serving a portion of his eight-year sentence.

In that case, he admitted to possessing computers and other electronic devices containing visual depictions and digital still and video of minors  including children under 12 years old  engaging in sexually explicit conduct, according to the U.S. Attorneys office.

Sekinger also admitted to accessing a child pornography bulletin board online then.

Sekinger was under supervised release for the next 10 years when his probation officer, Ryan Medeiros, filed a petition in July in federal court in Gulfport for a warrant to arrest Sekinger for violating his probation, the court papers say.

Sekinger had a computer at his home, which is a violation of his probation because he is not allowed to possess Internet-capable devices.

When questioned in July, the probation officer said Sekinger admitted to having child pornography on the computer. The probation officer confirmed the information during a search of the device.

Sekinger is in federal custody awaiting a final revocation hearing in August when a judge will decide whether to send Sekinger back to federal prison to serve the remainder of his 10-year probation.

Brett Michael Sekinger

Since his arrest, Sekingers attorney Lauren Hillary filed court papers asking for a bond reduction for Sekinger so he could return to his home under supervised release pending the final revocation hearing on Aug. 18.

Magistrate Judge Robert Myers denied the request.

So far, Sekinger has not been charged with another child pornography offense for possessing the child sexual abuse material at his home during his probationary period.

Sekingers home address is now listed in Hattiesburg on the Mississippi Sex Offender Registry.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones is prosecuting the case.
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson recently signed a new law that will make it easier for some banks to grant loans to marijuana businesses. The new law will also require those businesses to submit fingerprints for all marijuana company employees to the state highway patrol for background checks.

Leaders in both the banking and marijuana industry are in favor of the changes. The Missouri Banking Association and the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association told The Star that the new law will make it easier for banks to meet the federal requirements needed to work with weed businesses.

This is a big win for both the cannabis industry and the banking industry here in Missouri, Jack Cardetti with the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association said. I truly believe that this continues to normalize the cannabis industry in a positive way.

Changes to banking for marijuana businesses

Missouri Banking Association President Jackson Hataway and Cardetti said they both hope the law encourages more state-chartered financial institutions to serve marijuana businesses because it will make it easier to meet the federal requirements to do so.

What you have is a state solution that allows information sharing but very few banks are willing to take the risk of banking those businesses, Hataway said.

Since the federal government still regulates marijuana and classifies it as a high-risk controlled substance, state-sanctioned businesses are still considered illicit under federal law. This makes it harder for banks to offer services because they need to maintain strict federal standards.

Very few banks are willing to take the risk of banking those businesses because you have to at least assume some level of federal oversight in your banking practices. That means the federal government can come along and say, You know what, this is an illegal business. The funds are illegal, and therefore everything connected to those illegal funds is frozen, Hataway said.

Banks that do choose to serve marijuana businesses can offer bank accounts, deposit services and loans. Hataway said these services are especially important for marijuana businesses as they are at a higher risk of being robbed when operating as cash businesses with no secure place to deposit their money.

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Before banks can step in though, they must meet a series of requirements including passing federal inspections by the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and the Bank Secrecy Act, Cardetti said.

Banks are also required to absorb the costs of performing those inspections, and those costs are typically passed on to the marijuana businesses seeking banking services, Cardetti said.

To help banks meet federal guidelines, the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association worked with state officials to streamline documentation process for state banks.

Now with the new law in place, banks will be able to request the data they need to provide to the federal government from state agencies like DHSS or the Department of Revenue.

The new law will essentially ensure that banks can dot every I and cross every T, Hataway said, without spending as much time or money to do so.

This will actually clear the path for more banks in Missouri to potentially participate, show interest in and provide normalized banking services to cannabis businesses, Cardetti said.

Which banks in Missouri offer baking services to cannabis businesses?

There are more than 200 state-chartered banks in Missouri, and its estimated that around 10 of those banks serve marijuana businesses, Hataway said.

Hataway said that many banks dont advertise that they serve marijuana businesses, but there are a few who are open about the services they offer. Banks like Triad Bank, located outside of St. Louis in Frontenac and Focus Bank, which serves communities in Southeast Missouri, promote their services to marijuana businesses.

Why banking is hard for weed businesses

Congress has tried to pass multiple iterations of a SAFE Banking Act that would prohibit federal regulators from penalizing banks for offering banking services to marijuana-related businesses.

Each time the bill dies before it becomes law. This spring lawmakers in both the federal House and Senate introduced the latest SAFE Banking Act in hopes of scoring more protections for banks looking to serve state-sanctioned marijuana businesses.

 If [we say], Hey, marijuana for medicinal purposes and recreational purposes is legal [in our state] then those businesses are legal, therefore the funds flowing through them shouldnt be treated as illegal business funds, Hataway said.

The passage of a federal SAFE Banking Act would also allow federal institutions to consider offering banking services to marijuana businesses. In turn, marijuana businesses could also offer customers more electronic payment options.

Weve been fortunate in Missouri to have several local banks willing to work with cannabis companies, but from a federal level, US Bank, Bank of America, PNC, Chase, none of them will touch cannabis businesses, Clovr CEO Josh Mitchem told The Star in February. Credit card processors wont touch cannabis businesses because of the federal classification of it.

Marijuana employees will have to submit fingerprints

Currently, only marijuana business licensees have to submit fingerprints to determine whether they have a disqualifying felony offense, but fingerprints are not required for employees. Once the law goes into effect on Aug. 28, all employees, contractors, owners and volunteers at a marijuana cannabis facility for more than 14 days will need to submit their fingerprints.

Cardetti said the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association worked closely with state lawmakers to make sure that the background check measure in the new law would not lead to overregulation of the industry.

As a result, in the newly passed legislation, only contractors that are performing work at a marijuana facility for more than 14 days a year are subject to criminal background checks, he said.
Marissa Dubois models swimwear for Hot Miami Styles on the runway (Twitter/Hot Miami Styles)

Runway model Marissa Dubois has hit out at critics who suggested she has had plastic surgery to achieve her body shape.

The Miami-based model and content creator went viral over the weekend after a video of her walking the runway for retailer Hot Miami Styles resurfaced on social media.

A clip of Dubois strutting down the runway was shared on the Daily Loud Twitter account, prompting thousands of comments  both positive and negative.

While many complimented Dubois for her modelling, others claimed that parts of her body were fake and unnatural, with some accusing her of undergoing plastic surgery.

The model addressed the claims by sharing a throwback photo from her high school days, holding up a sign during her senior year.

In the photo, a young Dubois smiles at the camera whole holding a colourful sign with the words Big Judy framing a curvy behind in jeans.

She wrote in the caption: For the weirdos that somehow think my bodys fake This was my senior sign in [high school].

Fans showed their support for Dubois clapback with messages of support in the comments.

Its always smart to keep receipts but in this case, let the haters hate. You dont have to prove anything to anyone! one person wrote. Keep on blessing that runway (as well as us all) and continue reaching for and achieving all of your hopes and dreams.

For the weirdos that somehow think my body's fake... this was my senior sign in HS  pic.twitter.com/9TyhdQei4m  R I S S (@realitywithriss) July 24, 2023

Another added: Thats why you got that zest in your walk, doctors cant give anybody that.

A third said: You dont owe anyone any explanation. You are beautiful.

Dubois also received negative criticism about her curvy figure after trolls claimed she was overweight. However, fans also came to her defence and praised body diversity on the runway.

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People in the comments bodyshaming her are NUTS she really got that shit on  like she looks good as hell https://t.co/F9lP009zT0  Momo Morales Dreamcon (@ItsMomochan) July 24, 2023

A lot of the comments make no sense. I see a beautiful curvy woman owning it, one person said.

Another declared: Glad were finally evolving to have different women with different body shapes modelling.

Dubois appearance on the runway is refreshing for many viewers, particularly since the fashion industry came under fire this year for reducing the number of diverse models on the catwalk compared to previous years.

Edward Enninful, former editor-in-chief at British Vogue, spoke out against the lack of diversity in March after Fashion Month.

Sharing the April 2023 cover of the magazine, which included models Paloma Elsesser, Precious Lee and Jilla Kortleve, Enninful wrote on social media that he felt like he had gotten into a time machine while attending shows during Fashion Month.

Show after show dominated by one body type, so many limited versions of womanhood, it felt like we were slipping back, he said. From runways in Milan and New York, to the red carpets of the recent awards season, we all saw it happen: one prescribed notion of beauty prevailed again, and it felt like the reality of so many women around the world were being ignored.

Enninful recently stepped down from his role as editor-in-chief and will take on a new title at Conde Nast as global creative and cultural advisor of Vogue.
A 32-year-old Arizona man killed his father, then dismembered and burned his body following a fight, police said.

The man fled Casa Grande firefighters responding to the blaze, then held three people at gunpoint before surrendering to police, officers said in a news release.

His 56-year-old mother is accused of helping him conceal evidence, police said.

Christopher Lawrence Chase shot and killed his father, Thomas Chase, 57, after a physical confrontation at their home at 1:43 a.m. Monday, July 24, police said.

He dismembered his fathers body and burned it in a 55-gallon metal drum, police said.

When firefighters arrived to douse the blaze, they spotted Christopher Chase running from the home and yelled at him to stop, but he fled, police said.

He held two men and a woman at gunpoint at a nearby home and demanded keys to their vehicle, police said.

About 30 minutes after fleeing firefighters, Christopher Chase called 911 to confess to burning a body and surrendered to police, the release said. None of the others in the home were injured.

He faces charges including murder, abandonment or concealment of a dead body, kidnapping, aggravated assault, burglary and tampering with evidence, police said.

His mother faces charges including abandonment or concealment of a dead body and tampering with evidence, police said.

Casa Grande is about 50 miles southeast of Phoenix.

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A Georgia mom is "appalled" after water park employees said she couldn't breastfeed in a pool.

"I have never in my years of being a breastfeeding mother had one single negative comment made to me about breastfeeding while out in public ... but today was a different day," Tiffany Francis, a mother of two, wrote in a July 14 Facebook post.

Francis explained that she had gone to Rigby's Water World, an aquatic park in Warner Robins, with her 11-month-old son, Landon, and her 4-year-old daughter, Olivia. Before Landon's nap, they entered a lazy river so Francis could nurse while they floated in an inner tube, as she often did at Rigby's.

"He likes motion to sleep," she explained on Facebook. "He sleeps well in the car or swing so he will also sleep in the lazy river."

According to Francis, a lifeguard approached her and said, "Ma'am you cant breastfeed in the lazy river."

I have never in my years of being a breastfeeding mother had one single negative comment made to me about breastfeeding... Posted by Tiffany Francis on Friday, July 14, 2023

"I kind of laughed because I thought he was just making a joke in very poor taste," she wrote. "Then he got on the radio and had a lady come and tell me I wasnt allowed. I was trying to pull the baby off but when (the) baby is latched, hes latched."

Francis said the second employee reiterated the breastfeeding rules, so she exited the water with Landon and Olivia to investigate.

"Of course there was nothing stating anything about children, except for (that) babies needed to wear swim diapers (which he was)," she wrote. Francis said she asked to speak to a manager, who told her, "No food or drinks in the water."

"Imagine all the bodily fluids being excreted into the water but theyre worried about breast milk when the baby was latched, my breast was out of the water, and the milk was only going into babys mouth," she wrote. "But really it wasnt even about him eating in the water  it was about it making other guests uncomfortable."

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Tiffany Francis (Courtesy Tiffany Francis)

"Im just so upset and appalled and wanted to give a heads up to all the other moms out there that this is how breastfeeding moms are treated at Rigbys Water World," she wrote.

Francis wrote that she asked Rigbys for a refund on her $92.99 season pass, which she was denied. She said she left the facility that day in tears.

Francis cited Georgia law which "allows a mother to breastfeed her baby in any location where the mother and baby are otherwise authorized to be."

Fifty states, including Georgia, allow breastfeeding in public or private places, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, which states that 31 of those states exclude breastfeeding from public indecency laws.

Francis tells TODAY.com that she often breastfeeds at Rigby's  including earlier that day in another pool, and no one "batted an eye."

"I was wearing a one-piece swimsuit and my son's head covered more of my breast than just my suit did," she says. "My top was pulled down enough for him to feed but it revealed nothing."

The mom added that the park was packed with people that day, leaving little option for her to breastfeed elsewhere.

Francis says Steve Brown, vice president of operations at Rigbys Water World, called her two days later to apologize.

Brown tells TODAY.com that Rigby's revised its breastfeeding policy within hours of the incident, adding that staff has been re-educated about the law.

"We had a policy in place that didn't allow breastfeeding in the river that was in line with the health department's standard on no eating or drinking in the pools," he says, adding that breastfeeding in other areas of park has always been permitted.

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health's rules and regulations for public swimming pools, spas, and recreational water parks, "Bathers shall not be allowed to eat or drink while in or partially in the water."

Tiffany Francis (Courtesy Tiffany Francis)

Francis was invited to nurse on the pool deck, he says, preferably in the shade on a lounge chair, and added that she was never asked to leave the water park, departing on her own accord.

"When I was made aware of the law that mothers can breastfeed anywhere they're allowed to be, we reviewed our policy, reaching out to other experts who operate aquatic facilities," he says. "From there, we decided to allow our guests to breastfeed in the pools, should they choose."

Brown said he called Francis to apologize for the misguided" policy.

"We were under the impression it was a health code violation," he says. "It was a misunderstanding ... it was my mistake to misinterpret the law .... there are different opinions on this issue but we want to comply with the law."

Brown confirms that Francis will not receive a refund on her seasonal pass, per Rigby's policy.

"In this case, we didn't tell (Francis) that she couldn't come to the park or ask her to leave the park," he says. "We have not issued a refund because she is more than welcome to return to the park and breastfeed anywhere she chooses."

Francis says she can't imagine returning to Rigby's.

"I don't know what they expected  for me to lay down while they broke the law?" she says. "'Especially for something that moms are shamed for all the time."

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
The 11th Wagner convoy has arrived in Belarus, this time including six rare Shchuka armored vehicles, the monitoring group Belarusian Hajun reported on July 25.

The column includes at least 29 vehicles, namely one UAZ-Patriot, two Ural-4320 trucks, two KAMAZ trucks, six truck tractors with six excavators and one 1GAZelle pickup truck, one off-road vehicle, and 11 other trucks, Belarusian Hajun wrote on Telegram.

According to the monitoring group, the vehicles are moving along the P43 highway and are likely traveling to the camp in the village of Tsel near Asipovichy.

As the anti-government group noted, Shchukas are a distinctive vehicle used by the Wagner Group and have not been previously recorded in Belarus.

Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko allegedly helped broker a deal for Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin and his troops to relocate to Belarus after their armed "rebellion" in late June stopped short of reaching Moscow.

On July 14, Belarusian state media reported that Wagner mercenaries were in the country to train Belarusian territorial defense forces. The monitoring group Belarusian Hajun later identified several Wagner convoys heading toward a military training facility near the city of Asipovichy.

On July 20, Belarus announced joined exercises between the mercenaries and the Belarusian military near the border with Poland.

Ukraine's Border Guard Service commented on July 16 that the mercenaries do not pose a serious threat to Ukraine due to their low numbers in Belarus.

Several NATO leaders have, however, called for strengthening the Alliance's eastern flank in reaction to the private military company's re-deployment.

Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Baszczak announced on July 18 that Poland's border with Belarus will be reinforced with two additional military brigades due to the Wagner Group's presence.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to a crowd at Adventure Outdoors gun store in Smyrna, Georgia. John Bazemore/ AP Photo

Gov. Ron DeSantis was an early proponent of the COVID vaccine, urging the elderly to get the shot.

But as Republican sentiments toward the vaccines shifted, DeSantis began downplaying his support.

A New York Times report this week suggests a spike in Florida Covid deaths in July 2021 could be related.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is building his fledgling 2024 presidential campaign on the supposed merits of his COVID-19 response in Florida, often touting the state's prioritization of protecting personal freedoms over mask mandates and vaccine requirements.

But a New York Times report published Saturday suggests the Florida governor's shifting public attitude toward vaccines throughout the pandemic may correlate with an unnecessary spike in deaths throughout the state during the brutal Delta wave in the summer of 2021.

The Times found that the majority of Florida's COVID deaths took place after vaccines were readily available to all adults  not before, as was the case in many Democratic-led states, as well as nationwide.

A spokesperson for DeSantis did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Florida was initially one of the early success stories of the pandemic. The state's death rate throughout the first year of the pandemic was lower than all but 10 other states, The Times reported, and Florida was ahead of the curve in vaccinating people 65 and older in early 2021.

While DeSantis made efforts to get elder Floridians vaccinated early on, his approach seemed to shift as the Republican party stoked increased skepticism about the science behind the shots. By the spring of 2021, as the vaccines became more readily available to adults of all ages, DeSantis was instead emphasizing his opposition toward mandates and offering some appraisals of the shot, according to The Times.

The governor also bolstered medical officials who have downplayed the severity of the virus, including appointing Florida State Surgeon General, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, in September 2021, who publicly questioned the vaccine's effectiveness and would not say whether he himself got the shot.

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By July 2021, Florida's vaccine numbers had fallen from their early lead, and rates of vaccination among younger adults in the state were below the national average, the outlet reported. The consequences of that downward trend would be on full display when the Delta variant ravaged the country in the summer of 2021.

The Times analysis found that Floridians died at a higher rate, adjusted for age, than people in almost any other state during the Delta wave. Florida made up 14% of deaths between July and October 2021, despite representing less than 7% of the country, according to The Times.

Twenty-three-thousand Floridians died during the Delta wave, and 9,000 of them were younger than 65  a majority of whom were either unvaccinated or had not finished their two-dose regimen, the newspaper reported.

DeSantis suddenly began recommending vaccinations again as July 2021 came to a close and cases skyrocketed, The Times reported.

The governor has previously taken issue with the suggestion that his comments about vaccines played a role in Florida's case count, suggesting that his opposition was toward mandates and not the shots themselves. But local officials in Florida told The Times that DeSantis' public shift on vaccines was notable.

Dr. Alina Alonso, the recently-retired health director for Palm Beach County, told The Times DeSantis' messaging went from, "Let's get everybody vaccinated 65 and older" to "Vaccines are not really useful."

Florida's death rate eventually fell in the autumn, as many other states' rates did when the wave subsided. In total, Florida's death numbers throughout the pandemic, when adjusted for age, actually trended better than the national average, according to The Times.

But DeSantis' vaccine pivots are worth reckoning with, Dan Gelber, the Democratic mayor of Miami Beach, told The Times.

"There are people in the state who will do what he says," Gelber said. "He's a popular governor."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Republican-led amendments to an annual military spending bill that threaten reproductive and LGBTQ rights are largely unpopular among voters, regardless of their political affiliation, according to new report from Data for Progress, a progressive think tank and polling firm.

House Republicans this month packed several controversial amendments into the must-pass National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that target military diversity programs and access to abortion and gender-affirming health care for transgender service members.

The bill, which authorizes a national defense budget of $886 billion for fiscal 2024, passed this month in a 219-210 vote, with four Democrats supporting it and four Republicans opposing it.

According to Tuesdays Data for Progress survey, which gathered responses from more than 1,200 U.S. adults between July 19-20, 60 percent of voters agree that bills focused on military spending should not contain measures that in some way target the LGBTQ community, including a majority of Democrats (67 percent), independents (61 percent) and Republicans (51 percent).

Another 63 percent of voters, including an overwhelming majority of Democrats and independents and a plurality of Republicans, believe U.S. service members who are transgender should have access to medically necessary health care, including gender-affirming health care.

One of the amendments passed this month by the House would prevent TRICARE, the health care program for military service members, retirees and dependent family members, from covering the cost of hormones and gender-affirming surgeries for transgender individuals.

The government has no business funding these procedures on the taxpayers dime, Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.), who introduced the amendment, said on the House floor this month.

Gender-affirming care  which often, but not always, includes puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy and surgery  is considered medically necessary care that can be lifesaving for transgender youths and adults.

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The American Medical Association during an annual meeting in June strengthened its commitment to protecting gender-affirming health care by adopting a resolution that formally opposes any and all penalties against patients seeking gender-affirming care, as well as their families and providers.

As political attacks on gender-affirming care escalate, it is the responsibility of the medical community to speak out in support of evidence-based care. Medical decisions should be made by patients, their relatives and health care providers, not politicians, the Endocrine Society, which introduced the resolution, wrote in a June news release.

According to Tuesdays survey, most voters also oppose an amendment to the NDAA that would prohibit the military from paying for or reimbursing service members who travel out of state to get an abortion.

A majority of voters  51 percent  oppose the amendment, which was introduced this month by Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), including 34 percent who strongly oppose it. But support for the proposal is split largely along partisan lines, according to Tuesdays survey, and while 63 percent of Democrats and 54 percent of independent voters say they do not support the adoption of the amendment, more than half of Republicans say they do.

Thats consistent with findings from other nationally representative surveys, which point to a widening gulf between Democrats and Republicans when it comes to their views on abortion. In a Pew Research Center poll conducted last year, 84 percent of Democrats said abortion should be legal in all or most cases, compared with just 38 percent of Republicans.

Democrats and Republicans are similarly split over their support for Sen. Tommy Tubervilles (R-Ala.) blockade of more than 250 military promotions since February. Tuberville has blocked the Senate from approving the promotions in protest of a Pentagon policy offering paid leave and travel reimbursement for service members seeking abortions.

More than half of voters  55 percent  in Tuesdays survey agree a single senator should not take military personnel decisions hostage to protest a government policy that doesnt align with his personal beliefs. That includes 75 percent of Democrats and 58 percent of independent voters.

Just 29 percent of Republicans say Tuberville should end his months-long block on military promotions. Fifty-seven percent of Republicans, meanwhile, say they support Tubervilles actions, believing the Biden Administration has gone too far in its efforts to impose abortion policies across all branches of our government, including the U.S. military.

Roughly a third of voters overall, according to Tuesdays survey, say they support Tubervilles hold on military promotions.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
VIRGINIA BEACH  This year marks the 50th anniversary of the creation of Mount Trashmore, the countrys first landfill turned into a recreational area. Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation is collecting memories of the famed landmark.

To get the ball rolling, the department posted a few significant points of history for Mount Trashmore on its Facebook page, which was built atop 640,000 tons of garbage.

Remember the soap box derby races held on a paved ramp on the eastern slope of the main hill in the 1970s and early 1980s?

Maybe you were there when skateboarder Tony Hawk competed in the 1986 East Coast Assault vert competition.

Did you help form the living flag in honor of Gulf War troops in 1991?

Or maybe you fell for the the April Fools Day joke in 1992 when WNOR-FM 99 disc jockeys Henry The Bull Del Toro and Tommy Griffiths warned that the old landfill was about to explode.

Back in the day, snow on the ground meant sledding at Mount Trashmore. But in 1994, the city banned it on the north and west sides of the 65-foot-tall hill. In 2000, a full ban on sledding was implemented.

July Fourth celebrations, family picnics, flying a kite and fishing on Lake Windsor  The list goes on.

People can share their memories and photos in the comments section of the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Facebook page, send the department a direct message through Facebook, or use #TrashmoreVB50 when posting about Mount Trashmore on social media. The city plans to share the submitted photos and stories online through social media. But it is also commemorating the anniversary in other ways.

A 50th anniversary T-shirt is available for purchase online at www.bonfire.com/mount-trashmore-park-50th-anniversary/. Or to learn more about the parks history, free guided history walking tours will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday and July 31. Registration is available online.

The 165-acre Mount Trashmore Park was built in 1973, which was originally conceived in the 1960s by Roland Dorer, a director in the states health department who lived in Virginia Beach. Each layer of garbage was compacted and covered with a layer of soil taken from adjacent borrow pits, which are now lakes.

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Mount Trashmore is now a popular spot for workouts, playdates and dog walks and is home to numerous events including an annual summer carnival, the Filipino cultural festival Fil Fest, and a water lantern festival.

Its now the citys most visited park and competes with some of the tallest dunes in First Landing State Park for the distinction of the being the highest elevation in Virginia Beach.

Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com
Seattle Police arrested two teenagers Thursday night after reports of human trafficking in the Mt. Baker neighborhood.

A late 911 call from a father told police that his 18-year-old daughter was being held against her will in the 2000 block of 29th Avenue South.

She had come to Seattle for MLB All-Star Week and he was struggling to stay in contact with her. Before calling 911 he had been on the phone with his daughter who said she could not leave before sending her location and abruptly disconnecting.

Police arrived at the address and rescued the daughter before detaining 19-year-old Terrique Devon Milam and a 17-year-old boy. Two guns and a large quantity of suspected fentanyl pills were also uncovered.

The suspects are expected to have driven the victim to and from Aurora Avenue as a sex worker.

Both teenagers are being charged with promoting prostitution in the first degree, kidnapping In the second degree, and unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree. More charges may be added once the suspected fentanyl pills are tested.

Milam was booked into King County Jail while the 17-year-old was taken to the King County Child and Family Justice Center.
MUNCIE, Ind.  A Muncie man already charged with trying to kill three Delaware County sheriff's deputies now stands accused of attacking a corrections officer in the county jail.

Tarron Hayden Conwell, 19, is preliminarily charged with battery resulting in injury to a corrections officer, a Level 6 felony carrying up to 30 months in prison.

While in the jail on July 17, Conwell allegedly "smacked (a corrections officer) across the face, striking the right side of his face (and) knocking (the victim's) glasses off," according to an affidavit.

An investigator wrote that Conwell was "upset about a lunch tray that he was served and wanted another food tray instead."

In an ensuing struggle, the Muncie teen reportedly kicked and tried to scratch the officers who were trying to subdue him.

When the incident took place, the corrections officer was reportedly trying to help Conwell  recovering from injuries suffered when he was struck by a police car on June 23  to a restroom.

According to court documents, Conwell  at the time the target of an arrest warrant  was being pursued by the deputies on June 23 when he fired a handgun at them. He was then struck by one of his would-be victim's police cars, according to an affidavit.

Last week, Conwell was charged in Delaware Circuit Court 1 with three counts of attempted murder, a Level 1 felony carrying up to 40 years in prison.

He was also charged with resisting law enforcement and unlawful carrying of a handgun. Conwell continued to be held in the jail on Tuesday under a bond of $342,500.

According to court records, the teenager faces 10 charges, all but one of them misdemeanors, in seven cases pending in Madison County courts  bribery, false identify statement, possession of paraphernalia, five counts of driving without ever receiving a license and two counts of possession of marijuana.

Douglas Walker is a news reporter for The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Muncie teen charged with attempted murder accused of battering jailer
Everything Is Alive, Darlingside (Thirty Tigers)

Even the percussion is pretty.

Darlingsides Everything Is Alive achieves a melancholy-inducing beauty from the sum of its parts. That includes the quartets vocals, whether individually or in harmony, and arresting arrangements with chiffon textures that make a kick drum sound tender.

Theres variety thanks to the Boston-based bands democratic approach  lead vocals are shared by all four members, as are writing credits. Don Mitchell evokes fire and rain contemplating mortality on Darkening Hour, and Auyon Mukharjis tenor shines atop baroque strings on Down Here, which has the subtle sway of a courtly Sarabande. Harris Paseltiner offers Green Light as an Irish blessing paired with an intricate melody, while David Senft somehow creates an ethereal mood on All the Lights in The City even as he sings of boustrophedon.

Keep the dictionary handy: There are also lofty lyrics about a Robitussin dream and cerulean embrace, which perhaps is to be expected with a band from a college town. Recurring themes of loss and darkness, however, are plain enough.

Lose the keys, the marbles, lose a parent, lose the count, lose the plot, Mitchell laments on Lose the Keys.

Darlingside sings the blues with a lovely, inviting intimacy. These are songs made for bedroom headphones  good ones, not the cheap kind. Everything Is Alive is worth the investment.
Hunter Biden sold artwork to Elizabeth Hirsh Naftali, a Democratic donor who was appointed to a prestigious federal commission, according to a person directly familiar with Hunter Biden's account. The transaction raises questions about the "absolute wall" between President Joe Biden's administration and his family members' business deals. Andrew Harnik/AP; Insider

A mystery buyer spent $875,000 on 11 of Hunter Biden's paintings.

The buyer, whose identity is not known, lives outside New York, according to gallery documents obtained by Insider.

That buyer's payments represent the majority of the $1,379,000 that Biden has made for his artwork.

A mystery buyer shelled out $875,000 for Hunter Biden's artwork.

That's according to internal documents from Biden's art gallery that Insider obtained. The buyer's purchases make up the bulk of the $1,379,000 that the first son has made off of his artwork, the documents show.

The identity of the buyer is not known, but they appear to live outside New York and purchased some of his largest format works from the Georges Berges Gallery in Manhattan.

Insider also found that another buyer who purchased Hunter Biden's artwork is an influential Democratic donor who was appointed by President Joe Biden to the Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad. The timing of the purchase by that donor, Elizabeth Hirsh Naftali, is unknown, however.

Hunter Biden was aware of Hirsh Naftali's identity as well as the identity of another buyer, Kevin Morris, Insider learned. Hunter Biden's counsel told Insider that he became aware of the buyers' identities after their purchases because they were his friends. That new detail complicates the White House's pledge that Hunter Biden would be walled off from knowing the identities of his buyers in an attempt to separate his business dealings from his father's administration. Hirsh Naftali's role on the commission establishes at least one point at which the worlds of Hunter Biden's art patrons and President Biden's donors overlap.

Indeed, the Biden White House has struggled with the optics of a presidential family member participating in the opaque and mostly unregulated global art market.

According to The Washington Post, White House officials helped draft an agreement that would allow Hunter Biden to earn a living from his art while not knowing who buys his paintings. The agreement was struck with the owner of Georges Berges Gallery, who estimated that the younger Biden's paintings could sell for anywhere from $75,000 to $500,000 apiece, which art critics said were prices more typically seen for established and successful artists.

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"Hunter Biden is a private citizen who is entitled to have his own career as an artist," Ian Sams, a White House spokesperson, told Insider this week. "We are not involved in his art sales, and any buyers of his art are not disclosed to the White House."

The first son, meanwhile, has publicly brushed off those who criticize his work as being pricey and overrated.

"You seem to have good spirits about this sort of kind of crazed narrative around your painting," Nate Freeman, the co-host of the podcast "Nota Bene," told Biden in a 2021 interview. "What's your response to people who are, you know, coming after the prices of the work or just, you know, the collectors, I mean, what's been your response to that?"

"Other than 'fuck 'em'?" Biden quipped as Freeman and co-host Benjamin Godsill broke into laughter.

"That's a pretty good response," Freeman said, while Godsill added: "I think that's all you need."

Read the original article on Business Insider
The 114th NAACP National Convention began in Bostons Seaport District on Wednesday and will continue through Monday.

The convention had earlier been planned in Boston a few years back, but didnt happen due to the pandemic, Leon Russell, NAACP Chairman of the Board, earlier said. It will be the first NAACP national convention held in the city in decades, since 1982.

Come through the convention, be a part of what we do at the NAACP, said Russell while meeting with city leaders in June. We are the nationals oldest and largest and boldest and probably, proudest, civil rights organization. We are that grassroots organization that attempts to impact public policy across this country, and so we are so happy, so happy that well be here.

Organizers have set a theme of Thriving Together, which will be the focus of this years convention.

The five-day convention will include more than 80 guest speakers who will discuss a variety of hot-button topics impacting the Black community, according to the NAACP.

The list of speakers includes Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. House of Representatives Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Massachusetts Secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Development Yvonne Hao, New England Patriots CEO Robert Kraft, retired Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Justice Geraldine Hines, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, rapper Meek Mill, actors Adrian Holmes, Gail Bean and Kadeem Hardison and television hosts Sheryl Underwood and Elaine Welteroth.

Harris will be traveling to Boston on Saturday to deliver remarks at the convention, the White House confirmed on Tuesday.

Each year, the Convention fosters an intergenerational approach to advocacy, connecting activists, allies, and entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds through main stage discussions, luncheons, and the experience hall. Together, they are united in their commitment to ensuring the Black community thrives together, the NAACP said.

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The convention will include the 2023 Thriving Together Cinematic Shorts Competition, which will provide six filmmakers/activists the opportunity to tell their stories of social justice, according to the NAACP. It will also include ACT-SO programs, which stands for Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics, during which high school students showcase their skills and talents in visual arts and business to performing and culinary arts.

Events will be held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center at 415 Summer St. in the Seaport. Attendees may take the T to the World Trade Center stop on the SL1 and SL2 lines. The convention is also about a 17-minute walk from South Station.

The convention is open to NAACP delegates and the general public. Tickets for the convention for the general public (as observers who are not voting) are $250 for adults and $110 for youths if purchased in advance and $275 for adults and $135 for youths if purchased on site.

Daily tickets, which may be purchased on site, are $100 for adults and $50 for youths.

Anyone from the general public with registration questions may get help by email at NAACPConvention@ConferenceDirect.com or by phone at 888-980-8839. Support is available Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information on the convention schedule, visit the NAACP website.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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BANGKOK, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's auto production increased in June as manufacturing for exports soared, but local sales dropped, data showed on Tuesday.

Auto manufacturers produced 145,557 vehicles in the country last month, slightly up 1.78 percent from a year earlier due to lower production for the domestic market, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

The country's finished car exports jumped 20.22 percent year on year in June to 88,826 units as manufacturers produced more passenger cars for exports, according to Surapong Paisitpattanapong, the FTI's automotive industry club vice president and spokesperson.

The June finished car export value soared 30.72 percent from a year earlier, totaling 55.92 billion baht (about 1.62 billion U.S. dollars), due to higher shipments to Asia, Australia, and Middle East markets, Surapong told a news conference.

Domestic auto sales fell 5.16 percent year on year last month to 64,440 units, reversing from a 0.55 percent increase in May, as banks tightened auto loans due to high household debt levels, he said.

He also noted that the FTI lowered its car production target to 1,900,000 units this year from 1,950,000 units projected in January as imported electric vehicles now share more than 5 percent of local market sales, affecting demand for domestic production. 
A Nampa man who shot the driver of another vehicle during a road rage incident, and was then shot by a police officer in a traffic stop, could serve as many as 20 years in prison.

Third District Judge Randall Grove sentenced Roland Castillo, 42, to five years fixed and 10 years indeterminate for aggravated battery, plus five years fixed for unlawful possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, according to a Tuesday news release from the Canyon County prosecutor. In total, Castillo will serve the first 10 years of his sentence in prison and could serve the remaining 10 in prison or on parole.

On July 13, 2022, Castillo ran a stop sign and was flipped off by another driver in Nampa, according to the news release. Prosecutors said Castillo followed and shot the man using a stolen gun, hitting him in the shoulder and hand. The man called 911 and provided a description of the vehicle and the direction it was headed, according to previous Idaho Statesman reporting.

A Canyon County deputy found Castillos vehicle an hour later, initiating a traffic stop. The deputy shot Castillo during the encounter, and he was treated and released from a local hospital.

Nampa police said in a news release at the time that Castillo had assaulted the deputy before the deputy shot him, according to Statesman reporting. The Tuesday news release about Castillos sentencing said he was shot after he aggressively exited the vehicle.

I want to thank the Canyon County Prosecutors Office for their work putting Mr. Castillo behind bars and bringing justice to the victim of this senseless crime, Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue said in the news release. I also want to credit my deputy, who made a split-second decision and took the necessary action to stop Mr. Castillo from potentially causing more violence or damage to members of our community.

The shooting was investigated by the Nampa Police Department, according to previous Statesman reporting, before being turned over to Canyon County prosecutors to find an outside prosecutor to review the case. The police shooting of Castillo prompted a Critical Incident Task Force investigation.

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Adams County prosecutors headed the CITF investigation, didnt press charges against the officer and cleared the officer on February 21, Canyon County spokesperson Joe Decker said in a phone call with the Statesman. Decker said the officer returned to duty.

6 were shot by police in Boise area last year. Where are the investigations now?

Nampa shooting suspect identified, allegedly assaulted deputy
Armen Hovanesian, a budget-planning resource analyst for NASA-JPL, allegedly lied in multiple loan applications and received $151,900 in COVID-19 relief loans. (Julia Weeks / Associated Press)

A NASA employee admitted to using federal COVID-19 relief loans to pay off his real estate debt and help fund an illegal marijuana cultivation project, according to federal prosecutors.

Armen Hovanesian, a budget-planning resource analyst for NASA-JPL, allegedly lied in multiple loan applications and received $151,900, which was meant to be used to alleviate some of the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses he controlled.

Instead, the 32-year-old resident of Glendale used the money to pay off personal real estate debts and buy equipment for an illegal marijuana grow operation, according to a federal complaint.

Hovanesian's attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On July 20, Hovanesian signed a plea deal with federal prosecutors agreeing to plead guilty to one count of wire fraud.

According to the federal complaint, Hovanesian applied for three loans between June 27 and Oct. 5, 2020, using names of businesses that he and his wife controlled. Hovanesian, however, allegedly lied in the applications about revenues, operations, and costs incurred by the businesses during the pandemic.

The low-interest loans issued by the Small Business Administration were meant to provide help to businesses hurt by the pandemic.

In 2021, the U.S. attorney general established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to tackle pandemic-related fraud.

Hovanesian is expected to appear in court Aug. 11. He faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A NASA employee was caught using COVID-19 relief loans to support an illegal marijuana-growing endeavor and erase his real estate debt, federal prosecutors said.

Armen Hovanesian, 32, who works for NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory, an agency research center run by the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, had applied for COVID-19 relief loans to help his small businesses during the early stages of the pandemic in 2020, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Central District of California.

As a result, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, run by the Small Business Administration, granted Hovanesian $151,900 in COVID-19 relief funds, federal prosecutors said.

Hovanesian, of Glendale, California, went on to defraud the federal loan program  which provided economic aid to businesses struggling during the pandemic  by using the loans to buy marijuana cultivation equipment and to repay real estate debt, court documents show.

Hes agreed to plead guilty to wire fraud, the attorneys office announced in a July 24 news release. After doing so, he will face up to 20 years in prison, according to prosecutors.

Information regarding Hovanesians legal representation wasnt listed in court records as of July 25.

Hovanesian works as a cost-control and budget-planning resource analyst at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

In a statement to McClatchy News on July 25, the center said we are not able to comment on the governments investigation or employee matters, but we take the charge of misconduct seriously.

We are not able to comment on the governments investigation or employee matters, but we take the charge of misconduct seriously.

Hovanesian lied on three loan applications submitted between June 2020 and October 2020, causing the Small Business Administration to wire him EIDL loan proceeds, according to prosecutors.

Specifically, he lied about his business gross revenues and promised to use all the (loan) proceeds only as working capital to alleviate economic injury caused by disaster, prosecutors said.

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Hovanesian will appear in court on Aug. 11, according to the release.

As of June 27, the SBA has disbursed $1.2 trillion in Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Paycheck Protection Program money since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report released by the administration.

Of this amount, more than $200 billion, or 17%, were disbursed to potentially fraudulent actors, the SBA said in the report.

Glendale is about 10 miles north of Los Angeles.

Sister steals over $64,000 in disability benefits from dead brother for years, feds say

TSA officer stole thousands in unemployment while working at Florida airport, feds say

Wings restaurant was fraudulently funded with COVID loan money in Missouri, feds say

Texas man plundered over $15 million in COVID relief funds, New York officials say
The Blue Alchemist project aims to produce solar cells from lunar materials. (Blue Origin Photo)

Jeff Bezos Blue Origin space venture has won $34.7 million in funding from NASA to support the development of a system that could produce solar cells on the moon from materials that are available on site.

The Blue Alchemist project is one of 11 proposals winning support from the space agencys Tipping Point program, which partners with commercial ventures to back technologies that could contribute to long-term space exploration.

Harnessing the vast resources in space to benefit Earth is part of our mission, and were inspired and humbled to receive this investment from NASA to advance our innovation, Pat Remias, vice president for Blue Origins Capabilities Directorate, Space Systems Development, said today in a news release. First we return humans to the moon, then we start to live off the land.

Blue Alchemist would use lunar regolith  the dust and crushed rock that covers the moons surface  as the raw material for solar cells and electrical transmission wire. Oxygen, iron, silicon and aluminum would be extracted through a process known as molten regolith electrolysis, and fed into the manufacturing process. The oxygen could be used for life support or for rocket propulsion.

Kent, Wash.-based Blue Origin has been working on the technology over the past couple of years, with Earth-produced simulants taking the place of lunar regolith.

Blue Origin is also on the team for another Tipping Point project, led by Washington, D.C.-based Zeno Power Systems. Zeno was awarded $15 million for Project Harmonia, which aims to create a new type of radioisotope power supply for the Artemis moon program that uses americium-241 as fuel.

An artists conception shows Zeno Power Systems radioisotope power supply as a purple-tinged box in a cutaway view of a lunar rover. (Zeno Power Systems Illustration)

Other partners on Project Harmonia include Intuitive Machines, NASA Glenn Research Center, NASA Marshall Flight Center, Sunpower and the University of Dayton Research Institute. Zeno plans to have its technology ready for a lunar surface demonstration in 2027. Theoretically, the teams Stirling generators could provide continuous power to lunar bases for years, using radioactive material thats currently classified as nuclear waste.

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Project Harmonia will provide the technology to transform the moon from a location darkened by night and shadow to one enlightened by science and exploration, ultimately for the good of the nation and humankind, Tyler Bernstein, CEO and co-founder of Zeno Power, said in a news release.

This is NASAs sixth round of Tipping Point grants. Each company receiving a grant is expected to cover a minimum percentage of the total project cost  at least 10% to 25%, based on company size. NASAs investment in this newest round is expected to amount to $150 million over the course of a period lasting up to four years.

Partnering with the commercial space industry lets us at NASA harness the strength of American innovation and ingenuity, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a news release. The technologies that NASA is investing in today have the potential to be the foundation of future exploration.

In addition to Blue Origin and Zeno Power, the newly announced Tipping Point awardees include:

Astrobotic Technology of Pittsburgh, $34.6 million  Astrobotic will demonstrate the robotic deployment of one kilometer of cable, and power transmission through that cable across the lunar surface. A CubeRover delivered by Astrobotics Griffin lander will deploy the power line. The demonstration will advance power generation and distribution technologies, including a high-voltage power converter and cable, plus a cable reel system.

Big Metal Additive of Denver, $5.4 million  The company will advance materials, manufacturing processes, equipment and facilities for metal hybrid additive manufacturing. The project aims to increase technology readiness and reduce lead time, material waste and cost to enable a range of structural products, including space habitats.

Freedom Photonics of Santa Barbara, California, $1.6 million  Freedom Photonics will develop a new tyupe of direct diode laser source that could enable more efficient lidar systems. The system could better detect methane in Earths atmosphere and improve scientists understanding of climate change.

Lockheed Martin of Littleton, Colorado, $9.1 million  The company will demonstrate in-space component joining and inspection technologies for structural, electrical and fluid systems. The capability would reduce risk and advance the maturity and reliability of in-space assembly architectures.

Redwire of Jacksonville, Florida, $12.9 million  The company will develop a grader, compactor and microwave emitter into a scalable platform that removes rocks, compacts loose regolith, and melts or sinters regolith into a solid surface. This technology could enable dust mitigation areas, habitat foundations, roads and landing pads.

Protoinnovations of Pittsburgh, $6.2 million  Protoinnovations will advance modular, flight-ready mobility control software for lunar rovers and robots

Psionic of Hampton, Virginia, $3.2 million  Partnering with Draper Laboratory, Psionic will conduct a flight demonstration of its Navigation Doppler Lidar and terrain contour matching system. Crewed and robotic missions could utilize the high-precision navigation system to land at various planetary destinations, including the moon.

United Launch Alliance of Centennial, Colorado, $25 million  The company will continue to evolve a proven Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) technology design. ULA will develop a larger 10-meter HIAD that leverages a two-piece structure to enable effective load distribution for even larger inflatable decelerators.

Varda Space Industries of El Segundo, California, $1.9 million  Varda will mature Conformal Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator (C-PICA), a cost-effective and mass-efficient thermal protection system material developed by NASA. The project will put C-PICA through a flight test and start commercial production of the material.

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP)  A NASA power outage disrupted communication between Mission Control and the International Space Station on Tuesday.

Mission Control couldn't send commands to the station and talk with the seven astronauts in orbit. The power outage hit as upgrade work was underway in the building at Houston's Johnson Space Center.

Space station program manager Joel Montalbano said neither the astronauts nor station were ever in any danger and that backup control systems took over within 90 minutes. The crew was notified of the problem through Russian communication systems, within 20 minutes of the outage.

Its the first time NASA has had to fire up these backup systems to take control, according to Montalbano. He said NASA hoped to resolve the issue and be back to normal operations by the end of the day.

NASA maintains a backup control center miles from Houston in the event a hurricane or other disaster requiring evacuations. But in Tuesday's case, the flight controllers stayed at Mission Control since the lights and air-conditioning still worked.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
President Biden is expected to sign a proclamation Tuesday designating locations associated with Emmett Till as a national monument on what would have been his 82nd birthday, recognizing the impact of his killing on the civil rights movement.

Graball Landing in Mississippi, the Tallahatchie River location where the brutally beaten body of 14-year-old Emmett Till was discovered in 1955, will soon be one of three sites designated as a national monument in his honor, CBS News has learned.

The White House is expected to announce the river site, the Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse and the Robert Temple church in Chicago as part of a national monument, recognizing both the history of racial violence and the need for legal justice. Till's mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, is also being honored with the monument.

Brent Leggs, who helped secure the designation, hopes it will draw attention to approximately 5,000 additional Black historic sites across the United States that require approximately half a billion dollars for preservation.

"It isn't for our nation to remain stuck in a painful past. It really is to challenge our nation to say, 'we can do better,'" Leggs said.

The memory of Emmett Till remains imprinted on the banks of the Tallahatchie River.

"This landscape holds memory of one of the most painful moments in American history," said Leggs. The site serves as a grim reminder of the violent and threatening environment faced by Black youth in American society during that era.

Nearly 70 years later, Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr., Till's cousin, still remembers the fateful summer of 1955 when they traveled from Chicago to visit relatives in the Mississippi Delta. On their trip, the cousins visited Bryant's Grocery Store, owned by Roy and Carolyn Bryant. Till's innocent act of whistling at Carolyn Bryant, a White woman, resulted in fatal consequences.

"That's a death sentence," Parker said.

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Days later, armed with guns, Roy Bryant and his brother J.W. Milam found the family at their home.

"I heard 'em talkin, 'You got two boys here from Chicago?'" Parker said. "I said, 'God, we're getting ready to die.' Shaking like a leaf on the tree. I closed my eyes to be shot but they didn't shoot me. They came to take Emmett. That's what they did."

Till was abducted from his relative's home, tortured and shot before his lifeless body was dumped in the Tallahatchie River.

The images of Till's beaten and bruised body appeared in Black-owned newspapers and magazines across the country, thanks to the efforts of the Black press, which played a crucial role in exposing racial disparities.

Mamie Till-Mobley, Till's mother, held an open casket funeral at Roberts Temple in Chicago, where nearly 50,000 people paid their respects. The public viewing of Till's disfigured face is considered a catalyst for the civil rights movement.

"She allowed the world to see what she saw when she opened that box that they shipped from in Mississippi: the face of racial hatred and racism in America," said Marvel Parker, Wheeler Parker's wife.

The Parkers are focused on restoring the 100-year-old church building, which requires approximately $20 million for full restoration.

At the Tallahatchie County Courthouse, restored to its 1955 appearance, Patrick Weems facilitates tours, reminding visitors of the battle between racial violence and legal injustice that took place there.

It was at that courthouse that an all-White male jury acquitted Bryant and Milam for Till's murder. Months later, the brothers confessed their crime to a magazine, but were never held accountable.

"There was a battle here. There's a battle of the souls of this nation about what was gonna win out. Are they gonna say segregation is right and what the murderers did was OK? Or is justice going to prevail? And that day  we all lost," Weems said.

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The July 2023 NATO summit in Lithuania saw movement toward expanding the alliance. Paul Ellis/Pool Photo via AP

After the recent NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, it is anticipated that Sweden will soon become the alliances 32nd member.

The heart of this alliance  which was established in the aftermath of World War II to promote the collective security of its mostly Western European members  is Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which requires that if one member is attacked, then all of the other members will respond as if they themselves had been attacked.

Its most recent addition came in April 2023, when Finland became the 31st country to join.

At present, NATO currently recognizes Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and Ukraine as aspiring members.

But NATO isnt the only alliance that countries across the globe are eager to join.

For more than 75 years, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S. have been sharing intelligence with one another as part of what they call the Five Eyes alliance.

I am a former U.S. Army intelligence analyst who now studies and teaches political science. I know from personal experience that the Five Eyes is still very active in the 21st century, even though its not as well known as its younger sibling NATO.

Origins

A 1941 document in which U.K. Prime Minister Winston Churchill approved sharing key intelligence secrets with the U.S. Image courtesy of Americas National Churchill Museum, CC BY-ND

In 1940, during the prime ministership of Winston Churchill, a secret effort by U.K. codebreakers to deconstruct Germanys Enigma machine succeeded, allowing the British to read German military messages. These messages ended up being a major source of intelligence throughout World War II, providing much-needed information about German troop numbers, military maneuvers and technological developments.

British mathematician Alan Turing is probably the most widely recognized person who worked to help crack the Enigma machine. But in reality it was the collective effort of hundreds of men and women, including mathematicians, linguists and even chess champions.

Parallel to these developments, U.S. codebreakers were able to successfully crack diplomatic codes used by the Japanese.

In February 1941, an American military delegation was invited to visit the U.K. codebreaking operation, based on an estate called Bletchley Park. However, when approving the visit, Churchill  prohibited any British discussion of their success against the Enigma machine, according to a 2016 speech by Richard Ledgett, then the deputy director of the U.S. National Security Agency.

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Upon their arrival, the American officers explained how to break the Japanese codes, Ledgett said, going on to observe that the information caused the British to re-examine their initial decision to keep their Enigma success a secret.

Afterward, Churchill approved a request to reveal to our American colleagues the progress  made in probing German Armed Force cryptography.

Throughout the remainder of the war, the U.K. and U.S. continued working together to enhance their codebreaking capabilities. In 1943, this informal relationship was formalized with the Britain-United States of America, or BRUSA, agreement.

This intelligence alliance was further strengthened by the UKUSA agreement signed on March 5, 1946. That same day, Churchill was at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri  the college where I now teach  giving his Iron Curtain speech.

In 2010, this top-secret agreement was declassified and made publicly available for the first time.

Canada joined the UKUSA agreement in 1948. Australia and New Zealand joined in 1956. Thus, the the Five Eyes was born.

Recent developments

To address the rising power of China, members of the Five Eyes have recently expanded the scope of the alliance beyond intelligence sharing into the realm of policy. Five Eyes attorneys general now regularly meet, as do finance and defense ministers.

In November 2020, the once-secretive Five Eyes alliance took the bold step of publicly issuing a joint statement condemning Chinas National Security Law for undermin[ing] Hong Kongs high degree of autonomy.

China responded by warning that attempts by certain countries to meddle in Hong Kong politics  are futile and doomed to fail.

Notably, China is New Zealands largest export market. At the time, New Zealand was also hoping to conclude an upgraded free trade deal with China.

In January 2021, the Five Eyes countries  except New Zealand  issued a joint statement condemning the mass arrests of 55 politicians and activists in Hong Kong for subversion under the National Security Law. That same month, China and New Zealand signed the upgraded free trade deal.

Since that time, New Zealand has continued to avoid taking as strong a position as the rest of the Five Eyes. As a result, the U.S. has sought to circumvent New Zealands reluctance by formalizing other agreements without the Kiwis.

For example, in September 2021, Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. announced the AUKUS partnership. Under this agreement, the three countries will expand and accelerate [the] sharing of sensitive information. Canada has expressed a desire to join the AUKUS partnership. This would leave New Zealand as the only Five Eyes member outside of the pact.

The Five Eyes alliance has had to deal with other internal difficulties as well. For example, the U.S. has had several notable intelligence failures, including the leaks of classified documents by Edward Snowden and former President Donald Trumps alleged hoarding of classified documents. Both of those events undermine U.S. assurances to its allies that it can keep a secret.

The leaders of the U.S., U.K. and Australia make an announcement about the AUKUS alliance in March 2023. Stefan Rousseau/Pool via AP

Looking ahead

Over the years, several countries have been considered as potential candidates to join the Five Eyes, including India, Israel, Germany and South Korea.

Currently, the most likely candidate is probably Japan. At the end of 2016, Australia and the U.S. signed a trilateral agreement with Japan to deepen their covert security cooperation. As of 2020, Japans minister of defense was enthusiastically in favor of joining the Five Eyes. In 2021, Japans ambassador to Australia argued that in terms of interests and capability, Japan is the best candidate to consider for enlarging the Five Eyes.

In 2022, the U.S. House Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations acknowledge[d] that the threat landscape has vastly changed since the inception of the Five Eyes arrangement, with primary threats now emanating from China and Russia. It recommended expanding the Five Eyes arrangement to include  Japan.

Regardless of whether Japan  or others  ends up joining the alliance, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman warned in 2020 that no matter how many eyes they have, five or 10 or whatever, should anyone dare to undermine Chinas sovereignty, security and development interests, they should be careful not to get poked in the eye.

This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. The Conversation is trustworthy news from experts, from an independent nonprofit. Try our free newsletters.

It was written by: Joshua Holzer, Westminster College.

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Joshua Holzer does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Imprisoned Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny said on July 25 that Igor "Strelkov" Girkin, the recently arrested Russian war criminal, is a "political prisoner" who was "detained illegally."

"As long as (Girkin) remains in custody on these ridiculous and obviously politically motivated charges, he is a political prisoner," Navalny wrote on his Telegram channel.

Navalny, a prominent anti-Kremlin figure sentenced to prison in 2021 in what international organizations called a sham trial, acknowledged that Girkin has been convicted by a Dutch court for the downing of the MH17 airliner.

He also noted that the former commander of Russian proxy forces in Donbas admitted to taking part in hostilities in Ukraine. The downing of MH17 and Girkin's acts in Ukraine should be investigated by Russian authorities and courts should provide a "fair assessment" of the events, Navalny said.

He argued that Girkin was not detained over his past acts in Ukraine, but on false charges of extremism, simply for criticizing Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Read also: Russia after Wagner revolt: Will Putin stay afloat or face more turmoil?

While conceding that Girkin's criticism of the Kremlin actually calls for more drastic measures in the war against Ukraine, Navalny urged that "law and justice" must be respected regardless of the warlord's views.

"To gloat that Strelkov fell victim to his own power is to publicly support lawlessness," Navalny commented.

Girkin, a former officer of the Federal Security Service (FSB), was arrested by Russian authorities on July 21 on extremism charges.

In April 2014 he organized the seizure of the town of Sloviansk, Donetsk Oblast, initiating Russia's war in the Donbas. Girkin admitted later in an interview that he had "pulled the trigger" of Russia's war.

He proclaimed himself the "defense minister" of Russia's proxy forces in Donetsk Oblast in 2014.

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Girkin has also been found guilty by The Hague court of participating in the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, which killed 298 people in 2014.

During the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he has often lambasted the Kremlin for mishandling the war effort. He intensified his criticism of Putin over the past weeks.

Girkin co-founded the Club of Angry Patriots, a hardline nationalist movement pushing for more extreme measures to achieve victory over Ukraine.
A North Carolina woman who is nine months pregnant has been reported missing, and police this week asked the public for help finding her.

Cissy Lee Collins was last known to be at 738 Forest Drive in Gastonia, according to a Gastonia Police Department news release.

That is where she lives, according to a public records search by The Charlotte Observer. The single-story brick ranch home is just south of East Garrison Boulevard and Lineberger Park.

Collins was last seen wearing black shorts and a white shirt, police said.

Police did not provide Collins age or say how long she has been missing.

Public records obtained by the Observer suggest Collins is 25.

A police spokesman didnt immediately reply to The Charlotte Observers request on Tuesday for more details about Collins disappearance.

Police asked anyone with information on Collins whereabouts to call Gastonia Police Department detectives at 704-854-6651. Callers can remain anonymous, police said.
Approximately 3,800 southeast Wichita voters will vote in a different place than usual for the Aug. 1 primary next week.

The Sedgwick County Election Office has sent out mailers notifying affected voters of the change.

Wichitans who usually cast their ballots at Cedar Point Church will now vote at Southeast High School, 2641 S. 127th Street.

A county spokesperson said communication issues with the church caused Election Commissioner Laura Rainwater to make the change a week before the primary, when residents will vote to narrow the mayoral race and at-large Wichita school board race to two candidates each.

The election office staff had a hard time connecting with the church to iron out the planning details, so as the primary election date got closer, the Election Commissioner decided to go with her backup plan at Southeast High School, Stephanie Birmingham told The Eagle in an email.

We are thankful to Wichita USD 259 and Southeast High School for accommodating these voters and for the changes to make their election experience a positive one.

The following precincts are affected by the change: 208, 209, 230, 233, GY02, MI09, MI12, MI22.

All voters are encouraged to check their assigned polling station through the Kansas secretary of states online VoterView tool or by calling the Sedgwick County Election Office at 316-660-7100.

Early voting is already underway at the election office, where any registered voter can cast a ballot between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Additional satellite polling stations will open Thursday.

Contributing: Chance Swaim of The Eagle
JAKARTA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Search and rescue are underway for a boat with three crew members on board that went missing on Tuesday in the country's eastern province of Southeast Sulawesi.

Muhammad Arafah, search and rescue agency chief of the province's capital Kendari, told local media that the boat carrying sand reportedly departed from Port Malaoge in Buton Regency to Port Kapota in Wakatobi Regency.

"In the middle of the trip, the boat was reportedly hit by waves and then sunk," said Arafah.

Maritime accidents in Indonesia, a Southeast Asian archipelago of over 17,000 islands, are usually caused by lax safety standards. 
Nearly 40,000 pieces of litter were found on Guernsey's beaches over a year, a charity has said.

The Clean Earth Trust said findings from its 2022 marine litter report would bolster its campaign to ban single-use plastics.

The report also recorded more than 10,000 cigarette butts were found by volunteers across 38 beaches and bays.

A charity spokesman said: "Over a thousand pieces of litter were found per mile of coastline."

Of these items, 66% were plastic, highlighting the "importance of reducing our plastic consumption", it said.

It added the 2022 survey provided a "snapshot of waste found on Guernsey's beaches" - but many litter pickers outside the charity would not have recorded their findings.

The trust said it would use the data to support its campaign to ban the supply of specific single-use plastic products, including plastic cutlery, plates, straws and cotton bud sticks.

Plastic carrier bags also feature in the proposed ban, which has been presented to the President of the Environment and Infrastructure Committee.

Olivia Bennett, charity coordinator, said: "The report for 2022 highlights the importance of looking after our natural environment and picking up litter where you can, whether it is three pieces or hundreds of items, it all makes a difference."

Follow BBC Guernsey on Twitter and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.
Israeli police use a water cannon to disperse demonstrators blocking a road during a protest on Monday in Jerusalem against plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to overhaul the judicial system. (Mahmoud Illean / Associated Press)

In his speech to a joint session of the U.S. Congress last week, Israeli President Isaac Herzog invoked the word democracy, or a variation thereof, at least 17 times in praise of his countrys political system.

U.S. lawmakers jumped to their feet in steady applause nearly every time.

But at home, hundreds of thousands of Israelis are now living in deep fear that Israel, long heralded as the only democracy in the Middle East, will no longer be able to claim the title.

Were totally shocked  this is horrible, said Naomi Sussmann, 59, a translator who was in the crowd of protesters outside the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on Monday, hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing government pushed through a law opponents believe will gut the power of Israels judiciary and destroy a central pillar of its democracy.

President Biden and other U.S. leaders have voiced objections to the law and urged the Israeli government to seek consensus as massive demonstrations continued to fill Israeli streets week after week.

Though Washington gives Israel billions of dollars for security each year, that aid is considered sacrosanct, giving U.S. officials little leverage. They acknowledged that the issue was ultimately a domestic Israeli matter. Netanyahu owes his seat in power to a coalition of ultranationalist lawmakers and is essentially captive to them.

Biden has expressed loyalty and admiration for Israel, for both political and personal reasons, but he also wants it to preserve the very democratic ideals that are the reason for much of the support it enjoys.

It is unfortunate that the vote today took place with the slimmest possible majority, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday.

Read more: Longtime Israel backers in U.S. turn outraged critics  but Biden administration remains distant

As a form of pressure, Biden has broken with tradition and refused to issue a formal invitation to Netanyahu to visit the White House since his reelection late last year. Monday's White House statement made no mention of Netanyahu, instead expressing support for Herzog, in the ceremonial role of president, and Israeli officials seeking compromise.

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The law, which limits the ability of the Supreme Court to overturn government decisions, has thrown Israel into unprecedented political crisis, sowed turmoil in its military, which generally opposes it, and smirched the nation's reputation abroad.

Israeli police disperse demonstrators blocking a road during a protest in Jerusalem on Monday against plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to overhaul the judicial system. (Ohad Zwigenberg / Associated Press)

Proponents of the legislation are motivated by deep-seated resentment toward what they see as a liberal court. These include Jewish settlers who insist on building on West Bank lands claimed by Palestinians, and the ultra-religious haredim, who are worried about court decisions that threaten to cut their benefits, including heavy subsidies and a pass to avoid military service. Some critics say Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges, believes weakening the judiciary helps his case.

The Biden administration comes up against the hard calculus of the coalition which sees this move as crucial for amplifying its power," said David Makovsky, a former editor of the Jerusalem Post and fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. "I don't think any U.S. president could have stopped it."

That's despite the fact, Makovsky said, that Biden has the support of the majority of the Israeli public. "I've never seen a U.S. [president] withhold a White House invitation for seven months and have the Israeli public on his side," Makovsky said. "It defies political physics."

Netanyahus decision to ignore Biden could have other ramifications, such as chilling U.S. efforts to broker an Israeli-Saudi diplomatic breakthrough.

Israel has always considered itself a liberal democracy," which is "an important distinguishing factor between it and its neighbors, said Yuval Shany, a Hebrew University law professor and senior fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute. The fact that they're willing to go to such an extent, to basically jeopardize the military, the economy, society, and also create a rupture with international communities, and specifically with Washington, this is quite remarkable and is extreme in and of itself.

Lawmakers surround Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, center, at a session of the Knesset, Israel's parliament in Jerusalem on Monday. (Maya Alleruzzo / Associated Press)

The characterization of Israel as a democracy has always rung hollow for the Palestinians living under Israeli military occupation for nearly half a century  a group that now numbers 5 million. The political picture in Israel now is also bad news for them. Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza Strip have long sought an independent state, and the Supreme Court served as a last resort for some seeking to prevent their property from being seized by Israelis.

There is wide expectation that the already numerous settlements, which much of the world considers illegal, will now expand even as deadly violence between Israelis and Palestinians has soared in recent months.

In a brief televised address after the vote by the Knesset, or parliament, Netanyahu sought to portray his action as realizing the will of the voter  the essence of democracy.

Read more: At 16, he escaped a fringe Jewish sect accused of child abuse. Now hes fighting to get his family out

The vote came against an extraordinary backdrop: tens of thousands of Israeli protesters in the streets of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and other cities, defying water-cannon blasts and horseback-mounted police officers while raising fierce cries of Shame!

As mass protests entered a 29th week, demonstrators lay on the ground to block traffic, formed a human chain stretching from the Western Wall to downtown Jerusalem, and erected a sprawling tent city near the Knesset. Authorities took the virtually unprecedented step of deploying skunk water  a foul-smelling liquid sometimes sprayed at Palestinian protesters in the occupied West Bank  against some of the Israeli demonstrators. By evening the unrest spread into the heart of Tel Aviv, the countrys commercial capital.

All of our fears became real today, said Rivka Calderon, a retired museum archivist from Tel Aviv who was protesting in downtown Tel Aviv on Monday night. Today was not an easy protest, but Im looking for that feeling of being together, thats why I came back out tonight.

Calderon said she was also worried about the damage done to the wider society, evidenced by violence between the two sides on Monday night, including a car ramming attack that left three anti-reform protesters injured, and shots fired in the air at a protest in southern Israel.

Theres a tear that is so deep in our society, and thats not healthy, this enormous gap between the two sides that is getting deeper, she said.

Thousands of Israeli military-age men have said they would not report for reserve duty if the legislation moved ahead, including hundreds of Air Force reservists who threatened to withhold their participation in mandatory weekly readiness exercises.

I cant even say these words out loud, that were not a democratic country, said Eyal Yaffe, the leader of a group of veterans of the 1973 Yom Kippur War. The group created a life-sized version of the tank Yaffe fought in 50 years ago and has been taking it to protests all over the country. He was in the reserves until leaving the army altogether to join the protests.

I never thought that in my life Id leave the army under my own decision, when I still have things to do there, he said. I love the army and I love to serve the country, but I cant continue serving a country thats going to be a dictatorship.

Read more: Israel pledges fair treatment for all U.S. travelers in bid for visa-free trips

Israels largest labor federation, the Histadrut, said it would consider holding a general strike, and the unrest shuttered hundreds of shops and businesses, even entire large shopping malls.

As Netanyahus political allies posed for triumphant selfies in the Knesset, commentators warned of a staggering and perhaps irreparable blow to the countrys democratic traditions.

Veteran editor and commentator David Horowitz, writing for the Times of Israel website, said Netanyahu and his government had set in motion a process that risks tearing apart the State of Israel.

Speaking to Britain's Channel Four, former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said: We are going into a civil war now.

Adding to the sense of crisis and drama, the 73-year-old Netanyahu pushed through the legislation even while recovering from the implanting of a pacemaker over the weekend.

In what Netanyahus critics saw as an ominous portent, the hard-line national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, said Mondays legislative action was only the beginning.

There are many more laws we need to pass as part of the judicial overhaul, he declared.

Staff writers Wilkinson and King reported from Washington and special correspondent Lidman from Tel Aviv. Staff writer Owen Tucker-Smith in Washington contributed to this report.

Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Netflix is facing criticism for listing an artificial intelligence (AI) product manager role worth an upwards salary of $900,000 (698,900) amid the ongoing actors and writers strike.

Hollywood has been effectively shut down since 14 July, when the Screen Actors Guild of America  American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) joined its fellow screenwriters union, the Writers Guild of America (WGA), in the fight for increased base pay, higher streaming residuals and assurances that their work wont be replaced by AI.

The latter point has been a chief concern among several high-profile actors, including Succession star Brian Cox who raged against the scary technology last week during a solidarity rally in London.

The wages are one thing, but the worst aspect is the whole idea of AI and what AI can do to us, the 77-year-old Scottish actor said in an impassioned tirade.

However, even as fears of AI not only taking over jobs but also actors likenesses grow, Netflix appears to remain strong in its investment in the technology.

At current, the streaming conglomerates job board includes a position for a Product Manager  Machine Learning Platform. It notes that the overall salary range for this role is typically $300,000 to $900,000.

The listing states that the person in the position will collect feedback and understand user needs from ML/AI practitioners and application engineers across Netflix, deriving product requirements and sizing their importance to then prioritise areas of investment.

Netflix job listing screenshot (Netflix.com)

Writer, actor and comedian Rob Delaney (Catastrophe), who stood alongside Cox at the rally, reacted to the job listing, calling it ghoulish.

So $900k/yr per soldier in their godless AI army when that amount of earnings could qualify thirty-five actors and their families for SAG-AFTRA health insurance is just ghoulish, the comedian, 46, told The Intercept.

Having been poor and rich in this business, I can assure you theres enough money to go around; its just about priorities.

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Netflix declined to respond to The Independents request for comment.

Other TV and movie actors, such as Matilda child star Mara Wilson, romcom staple John Cusack and This Is Uss Mandy Moore, have shared their appalling pay stories in order to highlight the importance of the historic strike.

Hours before the strike action was ordered on 13 July, Disney CEO Bob Iger criticised the decision, saying it was very disturbing to me.

This is the worst time in the world to add to that disruption, he said, adding: Theres a level of expectation that they have that is just not realistic.

Breaking Bads Bryan Cranston is the latest to respond to Igers message.

The 67-year-old actor said on Tuesday (25 July) from the front lines of New Yorks Rock the City for a Fair Contract rally: I know, sir, that you look [at] things through a different lens. We dont expect you to understand who we are. But we ask you to hear us, and beyond that to listen to us when we tell you we will not be having our jobs taken away and given to robots.

We will not have you take away our right to work and earn a decent living. And lastly, and most importantly, we will not allow you to take away our dignity! We are union through and through, all the way to the end!
Lawyers for Sandra Hemme, who has spent four decades in prison for a murder her attorneys say was more likely committed by a disgraced St. Joseph police officer, will present evidence of her innocence at a hearing early next year.

The evidentiary hearing was set for Jan. 16 to 19. If her attorneys with the New York-based Innocence Project prove their case, the hearing could lead to Hemmes exoneration and release from prison.

Now 63, Hemme has been behind bars for more than 42 years for the Nov. 12, 1980, killing of Patricia Jeschke, whose nude body was found on the floor of her apartment along North Riverside Road in eastern St. Joseph.

The only evidence connecting Hemme, a psychiatric patient at the time, to the murder were her wildly contradictory and factually impossible statements extracted from detectives, her attorneys say. No physical evidence or witnesses tied her to the crime.

The Innocence Project contends more evidence implicated Michael Holman, a 22-year-old cop who was investigated for insurance fraud and burglaries, and later went to prison. He died in 2015.

Shortly after Jeschke was found dead, Holman tried to use the victims credit card to buy $630 worth of photography equipment at a store in Kansas City, Kansas. A hair found on Jeschkes bed sheet exhibited microscopic characteristics similar to that of Holmans. And Jeschkes earrings were found at Holmans apartment  a fact that was hidden from Hemmes lawyers at trial.

The Missouri Attorney Generals Office did not oppose setting an evidentiary hearing. It was an unusual move for the AGs office, which has historically fought to keep innocence claims out of court and uphold convictions, regardless of new evidence that might prove a person was wrongly convicted.

At a hearing Monday at the Livingston County courthouse in Chillicothe, a short drive from where Hemme is incarcerated at the Chillicothe Correctional Center, Hemmes lawyers said they expect to call seven or eight witnesses at the evidence hearing. The AGs office plans to put about three witnesses on the stand.

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Hemme  who has been in prison for about two-thirds of her life  appeared at the hearing in a beige jail uniform. She was handcuffed at her hands and feet, with a locked chain around her stomach.

If Hemme is ultimately exonerated at the January hearing, her prison term would mark the longest known wrongful conviction of a woman in U.S. history.

Joyce Kays, Hemmes sister, said their family cant wait to bring her home. That includes grandchildren Hemme has never had the chance to meet. Hemmes spirits were lifted Monday when she saw nine of her relatives in the courtroom to support her, they said.

Hemme has been imprisoned for so long that some members of her legal team were not yet alive when she went to prison.

Jane Pucher, one of Hemmes attorneys with the Innocence Project, said they are grateful for the opportunity to show in January what her family has always known: that Hemme is innocent.

She should never have been questioned in the first place, Pucher said. And she deserves to be home.

Hemmes innocence claim

Then 20, Hemme was a patient at the St. Joseph State Hospitals psychiatric ward when she was first questioned by detectives about the murder of Jeschke, a 31-year-old library worker. Hemme, who goes by Sandy, had a history of mental health issues and was medicated with drugs so potent that she was unable to hold her head up straight, her attorneys say.

Detectives who pursued dozens of leads during the investigation kept coming back to take statements from Hemme, whose story evolved dramatically over the course of nearly two weeks.

Sandra Hemme as a teenager

At first, Hemme said she left the hospital on the day that Jeschke was killed and hitched a ride to Dearborn, between St. Joe and Kansas City, before heading to her parents house in Lafayette County. She made no mention of a homicide.

In a later statement, Hemme claimed to have watched a man named Joseph Wabski kill Jeschke. He was charged with capital murder  until prosecutors, days later, declared him innocent when they realized he was at a halfway house in Topeka at the time.

Hemme pleaded guilty to capital murder in April 1981, but she told her mother in a letter from jail that she didnt kill that lady.

The judge initially rejected her guilty plea, saying she could not provide enough information about the crime. After a short recess, during which Hemme talked to her attorney, she provided more information and the judge allowed the plea.

Hemme would later say her defense attorney told her she would be sentenced to die if she did not plead guilty.

A survivor of physical and sexual assault, Hemmes psychological vulnerabilities increased the likelihood she falsely confessed, a forensic psychiatrist recently determined. Her youth also may have played a role, research shows.

Nearly 70% of people under 25 who have falsely confessed have diagnosed mental illness, Hemmes lawyers wrote in court filings.

Across the country, false confessions have contributed to the wrongful convictions of more than 400 people, according to the National Registry of Exonerations, which has logged the some 3,300 known wrongful convictions since 1989.

Because Hemmes original attorney did not seek to have her mental health evaluated, her guilty plea was thrown out on appeal. She was then convicted in 1985 at a one-day trial, during which her statements were read to the jury.

Holman, the discredited officer, was considered a suspect late in the murder investigation. His colleagues looked into his alibi  a story of him having sex with a woman named Mary at a motel next to Jeschkes apartment  but it could not be verified.

Lloyd Pasley, who twice served as the St. Joseph Police Departments interim chief, is among those who believes Hemme is innocent and that Holman was Jeschkes lone killer. Pasley previously told The Star that a lieutenant who has since died was also convinced that Holman  rumored within his own police department to be a burglar  was the killer.

Hemmes attorneys argue that she was also not the first mentally ill person targeted by St. Joe detectives. Around the same time, Melvin Lee Reynolds falsely confessed to murdering a boy in 1978 following hours of police interrogation.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the infrastructure streamlining package July 10, accelerating construction timelines on the projects necessary to achieving the state's ambitious climate and clean energy goals. (Office of Gov. Gavin Newsom)

In a talk at a climate summit in New York, Gov. Gavin Newsom in September said he had to jam his own Democratic Legislature in order to pass a series of climate bills in the final days before lawmakers adjourned last year.

The comment frustrated his legislative allies back in California and prompted Newsom to embark on an apology tour to smooth things over.

Hes tried to ram major policy through the statehouse twice more since then.

Every governor employs different strategies when stepping outside of traditional powers in the executive branch and into the public policy making arena in Sacramento, where the state Legislature is responsible for introducing, debating and passing legislation.

Some governors limit their policy agenda, creating little need to bargain with lawmakers. Many tether their marquee proposals to the state budget process that begins and ends with the governor. Others use their celebrity, or the statewide ballot, to force lawmakers to cut deals.

Whether born from a lack of patience or hard-nosed intentionality, the policy trademark of Californias 40th governor has become increasingly apparent in his second term. Newsom has a penchant for publicly manufacturing a sense of urgency and giving lawmakers as little time as possible to act.

The process is always tough and I recognize I dont necessarily always make it easy, Newsom said at a news conference this month in Sacramento as he celebrated signing a series of infrastructure bills that he sprang on the Legislature in the 11th hour of the budget process.

You werent supposed to snicker, Newsom said to lawmakers standing next to him on stage.

Though said in jest, the governor was alluding to an uncomfortable reality. Despite the officials' coming together for a photo opportunity that day, the tactic isnt endearing Newsom to interest groups or his Democratic colleagues at the statehouse.

Gavin Newsom has correctly decided that he's willing to aggravate his allies because they need him more than he needs them, said Thad Kousser, a professor of political science at UC San Diego who wrote a book about how governors succeed in passing bills and budget proposals. Hes leveraging the publicity that every utterance that he makes creates in order to kind of create a political ultimatum when he wants the Legislature to do something.

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Read more: Amid fight with oil industry, Newsom makes a last-minute pitch to harden California's climate goals

So far, its produced mixed results.

Though Newsom's tactic has helped him score some victories, it doesn't always deliver everything he set out to win. The Democratic governor announced a special session for lawmakers to pass a penalty on excessive oil industry profits last fall just weeks after his mea culpa for suggesting lawmakers in Sacramento were beholden to the oil industry.

Feeling the political pressure of soaring gasoline prices, Newsom railed against Big Oil for price-gouging and taking advantage of Californians. Standing before television cameras in Sacramento, he said lawmakers had to pass a tax on oil industry profits in order to protect consumers now and get every dollar, every cent back in the pockets of those who were fleeced.

But the governors plan ran into problems from the jump.

No other state had successfully implemented a cap and penalty on oil profits. Without a blueprint to follow, lawmakers were worried a penalty could prompt the industry to continue to raise prices in California. Newsom acknowledged that navigating uncharted territory was a challenge.

The Legislature held its first public hearing on the proposal nearly five months after Newsom introduced the idea. By then, the governors office had presented only an outline of a plan to lawmakers with a yet-to-be-determined cap on profits as the administration struggled to figure out how to implement his idea.

Gas prices had also begun to drop, eliminating the governors urgency for lawmakers to act.

Newsom scrapped his original plan in March and instead settled on demanding more transparency from the oil industry in hopes of being better able to determine the cause of price spikes. Instead of lawmakers approving a cap on oil profits, the final law gave the California Energy Commission more authority to investigate gasoline prices and the option, through a public hearing process, to penalize oil companies.

Its the only thing you can do, said Susan Kennedy, a former chief of staff to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Every administration I've seen has dealt with gas prices through the roof and they do a study and they go after the oil companies and they do investigations on gas prices. I think I must have overseen five of them. That's what you do because you have no control over supply and demand of oil.

Despite falling short of his very public call for lawmakers to set a profits cap and penalty, Newsom cast his transparency bill as a major win against the oil industry.

Though Newsom presented his original penalty as imperative to protecting consumers, he acknowledged at the bill signing that "nothing is going to happen in the short term" and "prices are not going to drop immediately. Nor is there any requirement for oil companies to pay consumers back for price spikes over the summer.

Read more: Newsom gives up call for lawmakers to cap oil industry profits

Kousser said the governors declaration of victory in that instance reminded him of Schwarzenegger, who served two terms as California governor from 2003 to 2011.

His problem, especially in his first year and a half, is he would come in with this thing... and the Legislature would just completely roll him and then he'd say, Fantastic,  Kousser said of Schwarzenegger. Hed get something done and declare victory. Then he got this reputation for being like, OK, he just wants to get something so we can do whatever we want, and help take credit and be happy and thatll all be fine.

He said thats also a danger for Newsom.

It creates a sense that the governor is really not interested in the policy change, Kousser said. The governor might be interested in the political win. Once you get that reputation, that can hurt you.

Newsom once again tried to jam lawmakers in May when he introduced a package of bills to speed up the process of building major infrastructure in California by limiting the opportunity for lengthy legal challenges to projects under the states marquee Environmental Quality Act.

Lawmakers and environmentalists criticized the late arrival of the package, the lack of time for sufficient public review of such a sweeping policy and the inclusion of Newsoms existing plan to construct a tunnel to transport water under the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to Southern California.

Kathryn Phillips, the former director of the Sierra Club California who publicly lambasted Newsoms plan during the negotiations, said the infrastructure fight speaks to the disdain he has for the environmental community.

The governor often points out that his father was an environmentalist as an example of his deep roots within the movement. But Newsom "wants to be hailed as a leader of something hes not exactly led," she said.

"You gotta have people following you if you're a leader," Phillips said. "And when you just spring stuff on people, and you don't talk to them, you're not really leading. Youre imposing.

Phillips also said Newsoms desire to ram policies through is an example of his impatience with the legislative process, and in turn, disregard for public transparency and the vetting of public policy.

The strategy does provide a major advantage for Newsom, however: It limits time for opposition to mount and for lawmakers to water down the proposal through public hearings or stall as a negotiating tactic to leverage their own priorities. Legislative leaders have similarly introduced and passed controversial bills in the final days of the session.

The governor is not interested in jamming the Legislature, said Angie Wei, Newsoms former legislative affairs secretary. Hes interested in solving the big problems facing California. When your policy is done, its time to go. You cant let the calendar hold you back.

The governor has repeatedly commented on the limited time he has left at the helm of California government and his concern about having regrets for not doing more when his term ends in 2026.

"I want to actually deliver, not just on goals and ambitions, but on projects," Newsom said when asked this month about shoehorning legislation. "And so I'm in a different mind-set. There's a sort of hard-headed pragmatism. You know, let's get moving."

Read more: Newsom and Democratic lawmakers remain divided on infrastructure plan

Negotiations over the infrastructure package held up a budget deal between Newsom and lawmakers for weeks in Sacramento.

The governor threatened to veto the Legislatures state budget unless lawmakers approved his infrastructure plan, an action that could have turned the Democratic infighting into a rare public spectacle.

Legislative leaders held out and ended up winning protections for disadvantaged communities. Newsom won many of the provisions he originally wanted to speed up projects, but dropped the delta tunnel from the proposal.

Former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, who stepped down from his post leading the lower house this summer after the budget deal, said lawmakers are to blame for the way in which Newsom forces policies upon them. Legislators created a power imbalance when they left the state Capitol during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said, and allowed Newsom to run state government and enact policy alone.

That carried over, said Rendon (D-Lakewood), who was worried at the time about relinquishing power to the governor. The Legislature weakened itself by not showing up and that relationship between the branches has never been the same. We love to piss on the administration and Gavin, but thats something that was our fault. It was never rectified.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Its on!

Despite rumors that Tom Brady was possibly interested in Kim Kardashian, it seems the retired GOAT is eyeing someone completely different.

Though the new woman in his life is not that different from his supermodel ex, Gisele Bundchen.

Over the weekend, Page Six paparazzi tailing Brady on the west coast, where he has a home, snapped pictures of him and Irina Shayk, who also happens to pose for a living.

In somewhat fuzzy photographs, you can make out that a smiling Brady is behind the wheel of a Rolls Royce, smiling and affectionately touching Shayks cheek.

Witnesses told the outlet that the 45-year-old retired QB picked up the 37-year-old Russian native from the Hotel Bel-Air Friday afternoon and took her to his house, where they proceeded to have a sleepover.

How cute. Do you think they made hot cocoa and smores?

Paps saw Brady and Shayk  who reportedly began making googly eyes at each other back in May at a star-studded wedding in Italy  emerge at around 9:30 a.m. the next morning when the former New England Patriot dropped her back off at the hotel.

OK, good gossip, surely. But these are two grown single adults, who are both in the spotlight and are both single parents (Shayk shares a daughter with ex Bradley Cooper).

We definitely dont see any problem at all with these two. And if things proceed swimmingly, well expect to see a lot more of Shayk, who memorably wore no pants while attending Formula 1 back in May.

Apparently, Gisele is unbothered with the hookup as well. Sources close to the situation tell UsWeekly that the 43-year-old Brazilian is happy hes moved on because she has too.

Caveat: Bundchen will be cool as long as the new relationship doesnt affect their ability to coparent their two kids, who live with both mom and dad in split custody arrangements in Miami Beach.

Other than that, Tom is obviously free to date whoever he likes, the insider added.
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum has qualified for the first GOP presidential primary debate, according to POLITICOs tracking. Hes the seventh candidate to punch a ticket to Milwaukee next month.

Burgum, a one-time software executive who first ran for governor in 2016, has poured his personal wealth into the campaign, helping to propel him onto the debate stage on Aug. 23 alongside other candidates who have been in the national spotlight for much longer.

Burgum has spent millions of his own money into his campaign, blanketing Iowa and New Hampshire with television ads that have attracted a pocket of support in those states.

But likely hundreds of thousands more went to another unusual play: Promising those who gave his campaign a buck a $20 gift card in return, all in an effort for Burgum to meet a requirement set up by the Republican National Committee that candidates have 40,000 unique donors, with 200 in 20 different states or territories.



That gambit worked, with Burgum saying he crossed the donor threshold last week.

Governor Burgum is looking forward to sharing his focus on the economy, energy and national security at the August debate, Burgum spokesperson Lance Trover said in a statement. In less than 7 weeks, Governor Burgum has exceeded all the requirements for the debate.

Burgum qualified on Tuesday, when he passed the polling threshold by hitting 1 percent in a national poll released by Morning Consult. He previously notched 6 percent in a University of New Hampshire Granite State poll and 3 percent in a Fox Business poll in Iowa, along with 1 percent in a national survey from the Louisiana-based JMC Analytics and Polling.

Six other candidates have already qualified, according to POLITICOs tracking: Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, Chris Christie and Tim Scott.

But there are questions if all seven of the qualified candidates will show up  especially the former president. Trump has been publicly waffling on if he wants to make the trip, seemingly unwilling to give other contenders a chance to take a shot at the frontrunner and potentially improve their standing.



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Other candidates could yet make the stage as well. Former Vice President Mike Pence and former Gov. Asa Hutchinson have both hit the polling threshold, according to POLITICOs analysis  but neither man has hit 40,000 donors.

POLITICOs tracking of debate qualifications has automatically included surveys from two nationally-known pollsters  the University of New Hampshire and Fox Business Network. POLITICO has also included surveys from Morning Consult after the RNC confirmed that those polls met the methodological requirements to be included.

A spokesperson for the RNC, however, did not respond to repeated questions from POLITICO on if the JMC Analytics and Polling survey, along with other recent polls, met the methodological rules.

Burgum and other candidates, argue that the JMC poll counts  and a plain reading of the RNC rules by POLITICO agrees with that interpretation.

Hutchinson similarly hit the polling threshold with the inclusion of the JMC poll, which his campaign also asserted met the requirements. POLITICO is including polls in its debate tracker that, on their face, meet the methodological requirements  even if they come from a lesser-known pollster.

POLITICO's decision to include  or not include  a poll in our debate analysis is not an endorsement of the veracity of any particular pollster or methodology, only a reading of the RNC debate rules.
North Korea fired two ballistic missiles, Seoul said, the latest in a series of weapons tests in recent weeks by Pyongyang (Jung Yeon-je)

North Korea will welcome Russia's defence minister and a high-level Chinese delegation to Pyongyang this week for Korean War armistice anniversary celebrations, state media said Tuesday, marking a key shift in the nuclear-armed country's stringent Covid-19 border restrictions.

Pyongyang will celebrate 70 years since the signing of the Korean War armistice on July 27, 1953, which ended open hostilities in the conflict and is known as Victory Day in the North, with state media saying it would be marked in a "grand manner that will go down in history".

Satellite imagery indicates the North has been preparing for the kind of large-scale military parade with which it typically fetes such anniversaries. But the inclusion of Chinese and Russian guests this year is a post-pandemic first, which hints at new flexibility towards enforcing border controls.

North Korea has been under a rigid self-imposed coronavirus blockade since early 2020 to protect itself from Covid-19, which has prevented even its own nationals from entering the country.

"A military delegation of the Russian Federation led by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu will pay a congratulatory visit to the DPRK," the state-run Korean Central News Agency said, a day after it confirmed a Chinese delegation would also attend the Thursday event.

Shoigu in fact arrived in Pyongyang later Tuesday and was welcomed at the airport by his North Korean counterpart Kang Sun Nam, Shoigu's ministry said in Moscow.

Russia, a historic ally of Pyongyang, is one of a handful of nations that maintains friendly relations with the North.

Pyongyang's leader Kim Jong Un has been steadfast in his support for Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, including, Washington says, supplying rockets and missiles.

"This visit will contribute to strengthening Russian-North Korean military ties and will be an important step in the development of cooperation between the two countries," the Russian Defence Ministry said in a statement.

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China also confirmed Tuesday it would send a delegation led by Politburo member Li Hongzhong.

- Seoul, Washington monitoring -

Seoul's defence ministry said Tuesday it had detected more "people and equipment" in the capital Pyongyang, adding that South Korean and US intelligence agencies were closely monitoring as the North prepared for the upcoming celebration.

The visits by the Chinese and Russian officials are the first known by any foreign delegation since the start of the pandemic.

The North only resumed some trade with China last year, and allowed Beijing's new envoy to take up his position this year.

Beijing said the delegation would travel to Pyongyang on Wednesday, suggesting they would not be required to undergo an extensive quarantine ahead of the Thursday anniversary event.

"After this event, North Korea is expected to ease its Covid restrictions while strengthening military cooperation with Moscow and Beijing," Cheong Seong-chang, director of the Center for North Korean Studies at the Sejong Institute, told AFP.

"Russia is expected to ask for more artillery support from North Korea to be used in the Ukraine war, and Pyongyang is also expected to ask for Russia's cooperation on reconnaissance satellites or nuclear submarines."

- US submarines -

North Korea tried -- but failed -- to launch its first military spy satellite in May, and has fired off multiple ballistic missiles recently to make clear its displeasure at Washington's deployment of a nuclear-capable submarine to the Korean peninsula.

The visit last week of the Ohio-class submarine was the first such deployment since 1981, and it was swiftly followed by the arrival of a second US submarine, the nuclear-powered USS Annapolis, at a South Korean naval base on Monday.

Relations between the two Koreas are currently at one of their lowest historical points, as diplomacy between Pyongyang and Seoul has stalled and Kim has called for ramping up weapons development, including tactical nukes.

In addition, a US soldier, Travis King, is currently believed to be in North Korean custody, after he ran across the border into North Korea during a tour of the demilitarised zone last week.

cdl/ceb/sco/dw/bfm
(Bloomberg) -- North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the waters off its east coast, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a text message.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The launch came ahead of the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Korean War Armistice Agreement on July 27, 1953. North Korea has invited Li Hongzhong, a member of the Chinese Communist Partys Politburo, to visit Pyongyang for the occasion, the official KCNA news agency said.

The latest launch, like the firing of cruise missiles on Saturday, also came after North Korea threatened to use nuclear arms over the arrival of a US nuclear-capable submarine in South Korea.

North Korean Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam said last week that the dispatch of the USS Kentucky puts Pyongyang within its rights to use a nuclear weapon. At the Pentagon, spokeswoman Sabrina Singh slammed North Korea for the threat, calling it dangerous, and saying that the port call was a sign of long-standing cooperation with South Korea.

Separately, Washington is seeking the release of a US soldier who crossed into North Korea on foot last Tuesday. The United Nations Command has started talks with North Koreas military on the status of Private Second Class Travis King, 23, according to Lieutenant General Andrew Harrison, deputy commander of the joint command.

Read more: UN-North Korea Talks Begin on US Soldier Who Crossed Border

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North Korea overnight Monday launched two ballistic missiles into the East Sea. File Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI

July 25 (UPI) -- North Korea launched two ballistic missiles into the East Sea late Monday, after a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine took harbor in a South Korean naval base amid growing tensions on the peninsula.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the launches in a text message to reporters, stating the first launch of a short-range ballistic missile was detected at 11:55 p.m. Monday followed by a second launch at 12 a.m. Tuesday.

Both missiles landed in the East Seat after each flew about 250 miles, it said.

Japan's ministry of defense also confirmed the launches in a statement that said both missiles reached a maximum altitude of about 60 miles before splashing down into the ocean outside of Tokyo's exclusive economic zone.

"We strongly condemn North Korea's series of missile launches as a serious provocation that undermines peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula as well as the international community," South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

North Korea launched the missiles less than a day after the USS Annapolis, a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered submarine, docked at a naval base on Jeju Island, South Korea's southern most province, for what Navy officials told reporters was to replenish supplies.

"On the occasion of the USS Annapolis' visit, the natives of South Korea and the United States plan to strengthen a combined defense posture and conduct exchange activities in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the South Korea-U.S. alliance," the armed services said, according to Yonhap news agency.

The submarine also docked on South Korea's resort island of Jeju less than a week after the USS Kentucky, an Ohio-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, arrived in South Korea's Busan city.

It was the first time a U.S. nuclear-capable ballistic missile submarine had docked in South Korea in some 40 years.

The visit by the USS Kentucky was announced in April as part of the Washington Declaration signed by U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol during a visit to the White House.

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The declaration is seen as a reaffirmation of joint values and a recommitment by the United States to protect South Korea from a Pyongyang nuclear attack, but also is a deepening of military ties between the two allies that gives Seoul a greater say in the potential use of the U.S. nuclear arsenal.

The document was penned as North Korea has continued with its record-setting number of launches that began in early 2022.

Over the weekend, North Korea launched several cruise missiles into the East Sea after firing a new Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile earlier this month.
China, Iran vow to deepen Belt and Road cooperation

Xinhua) 09:07, July 25, 2023

Wang Yi (2nd R), director of the Office of the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, meets with Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian (1st L) in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong)

JOHANNESBURG, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, met with Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian here on Monday.

During the meeting, Wang said China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Iran to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, and promote the steady and long-term development of the bilateral relations.

China will continue to support Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty and dignity, pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions and safeguarding its national security, Wang said, noting that China opposes external interference in Iran's internal affairs.

Wang stressed that China is willing to strengthen synergy with Iran on the implementation of the China-Iran comprehensive cooperation plan, advance Belt and Road cooperation, and help Iran improve people's livelihood and promote its economic and social development.

Iran attaches great importance to its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, Ahmadian said, noting that he hopes the two sides will tap into the potential of cooperation, and deepen cooperation in such fields as the Belt and Road Initiative, so as to deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

Ahmadian said the Iranian side appreciates China's important role in achieving reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and welcomes China to continue to make positive contributions to regional peace.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
This photo taken on July 24, 2023 shows a test flight of Italian Airlines ITA at Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli, Libya. Direct flights between Libya and Italy will resume after a hiatus of almost 10 years, announced the Libyan government on Monday. (Photo by Hamza Turkia/Xinhua)

TRIPOLI, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Direct flights between Libya and Italy will resume after a hiatus of almost 10 years, announced the Libyan government on Monday.

"Today, Monday, Italian Airlines ITA launched a test flight from Rome to Tripoli, carrying Prime Minister Abdul-Hamed Dbeibah, after a suspension of about 10 years as a result of the European Union air ban on Libya," said the government in a statement.

In a press conference following the arrival of the flight, Dbeibah said that the test flight is a practical announcement to lift the ban on Libyan civil aviation using European airspace, confirming that commercial flights between Libya and Italy will officially resume in September.

"The decision to resume flights between Tripoli and Rome comes after intensive meetings of the committee formed by the Prime Minister to lift the air ban on international airports with the aim of facilitating movement and travel for Libyan citizens," the statement said.

In December 2014, the European Commission banned all Libyan airlines from operating in European airspace citing security reasons. 
The use of gas-powered leaf blowers is no longer allowed during the summer months in one coastal town on the North Shore of Massachusetts.

Marblehead police announced in a letter to residents last week that the Massachusetts Attorney Generals Office approved the Marblehead summer gas leaf blower ban from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Use of gas power leaf blowers shall be prohibited in the Town of Marblehead from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year. Such leaf blowers shall be permitted during the remainder of the year, subject to such other general rules of the Town are in effect from time to time, the letter stated. A representative chosen by the Select Board may implement the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in a Town emergency situation at any time.

Residents or businesses found in violation of this bylaw will be subject to a warning, followed by a $100 fine for a second violation, and a $200 fine for any subsequent violations, according to police.

Town officials noted that residents can report violations to the police or the health department.

This ban doesnt include electric-powered leaf blowers.

**EFFECTIVE 7/20/2023 - Gas Powered Leaf Blower Ban is in Effect** A Joint Statement from the Town on the Gas Powered... Posted by Marblehead Police Department on Thursday, July 20, 2023

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A federal judge in Tarrant County awarded a man and his wife $26.5 million in their lawsuit against the U.S. government over a car accident involving a U.S. Postal Service truck.

Michael Le became quadriplegic after a crash with a USPS truck in May 2018 and sued the United States. U.S. District Judge Reed OConnor of the Fort Worth division of the Northern District of Texas handed down the verdict and judgment in the case on Monday after a bench trial.

According to the judges order, Le has ankylosing spondylitis, a spinal disease that can lead to the spine becoming rigidly fused together over time. The spine can become more susceptible to fractures from low-impact collisions, which can result in highly unstable fractures, OConnor wrote.

While Le had complications due to this condition, he was still able to work, do daily activities and regularly exercise, the judges order says. After the May 2018 crash, however, he cannot do any of those activities, according to evidence presented in court.

According to the lawsuit, Le was backing out of his driveway in Grand Prairie when a USPS driver reversed down the street and hit his car. After the collision, Le testified, he could not pull his foot away from the accelerator and drove through his front yard, through his neighbors fence, and into the corner of his neighbors house.

While the U.S. contends that Les resulting fracture happened during the second collision, OConnor sided with the family that Les pre-existing condition was aggravated by the collision with the USPS truck. OConnors verdict includes opinions from a spinal expert who testified that the initial collision caused a neurological injury and spinal fracture that made Le unable to pull his right leg away from the accelerator after being rear-ended, causing him to drive into his neighbors house.

After the accident, Le developed multiple life-changing conditions. He has a tear to his esophagus that requires permanent use of a feeding tube and his lower legs were amputated. Le is generally confined to his bed or wheelchair and rarely leaves his house due to the difficulty and expense of transporting him, according to court documents.

OConnor ordered Le should recover $23.9 million from the United States due to his past and future medical expenses, loss of earnings, and other damages, and Les wife, Dung Le, is entitled to recover $2.6 million.
FALL RIVER  A Fall River police officer facing one count of possessing child pornography, a partially nude photo his 17-year-old girlfriend sent him, is seeking to dismiss the criminal case against him.

Defense attorney Rene Brown indicated to the judge that Michael Morin, 38, was in the courthouse, but he did not appear in the courtroom during a pre-trial hearing on Tuesday.

Brown asked Fall River Judge Cynthia M. Brackett to schedule a motion to dismiss hearing, which she scheduled for Aug. 24.

This is a case of selective prosecution and an arbitrary enforcement of the statute, said Brown in the brief hearing. The young lady sent a picture of her breasts to my client, and they charge him with possession, and they have yet to charge this young lady with dissemination.

Fall River Police Officer Michael Morin seen here at his arraignment in June on one count of possession of child pornography. Morin is asking to have the charge dismissed on grounds the photo was of his 17-year-old girlfriend that she sent to him and not pornographic.

Bristol County District Attorney spokesman Gregg Milotte said his office would not comment on a pending case and the defense has not filed a motion to dismiss at this time.

During his arraignment in June, a judge denied a request by the Bristol County District Attorney's Office that he not have contact with the 17-year-old woman.

Brackett also denied the teenager's father a restraining order against Morin, after their relationship was discovered by police.

Appalling child exploitation case: A Fall River babysitter raped 2 kids and made child porn. She was sent to federal prison.

Defense attorney cites conflicting state statutes

Morin was arraigned in Fall River District Court on June 30 for the pornography possession charge, but not for having sexual relations with the 17-year-old woman, because the age of consent in Massachusetts is 16.

However, it is against the law to possess pornographic images of a person younger than 18.

Morins arrest report was impounded by a judge, but information from court proceedings indicate that Morin and the 17-year-old woman had been confronted by a neighbor when the off-duty police officer drove the girl home but parked in a neighbor's driveway.

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There was a confrontation with someone who lived in the home, and Fall River police were called; it is not clear if Morin or the resident contacted the police. The resident was arrested and charged with a crime related to the incident.

Swansea man convicted: Man sent to prison for having child porn. He won't be free for many years.

Apparently, the police began an investigation into Morins relationship with the teen and would find the photo of the 17-year-old in his phone.

Brown said shell argue at the motion to dismiss hearing that, in addition to selective prosecution, some of Morins civil rights were violated.

And that nudity is not pornography, said Brown.

What constitutes child pornography, and has enforcement changed in the past?

The two statutes that outline age of consent and what constitutes possession of child pornography definitely conflict.

The authors of the possession of child pornography statute wrote in their criteria that to be considered illegal, the images must be considered lewd and lascivious.

Apparently it was a selfie from her phone to his, said Brown.

Lets say he is convicted; boy, it's going to be a great case to take up on appeal to challenge that child pornography statute, said Brown.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has overturned possession of child pornography convictions in the past.

In the early 2000, the SJC overturned the conviction of a 40-year-old photography student who had taken photographs of a 15-year-old girl with her breasts exposed.

The judges ruled that the photographer had no lascivious intent and the pictures were neither obscene nor pornographic.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River police officer with nude teen pic asks to dismiss porn case
The number of U.S. children who received free summer lunches on an average day in July 2022 dropped considerably compared to the previous year, according to a report released by the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC).

On an average day in last July, almost 3 million children received a free lunch through the federal Summer Nutrition Program, which gives free meals to low-income children. That was down 44.5 percent, or 2.4 million children, compared to July 2021.

Summer breakfast saw an even steeper decline: 1.8 million children last year, down 62 percent from July 2021.

The drop in participation was driven in large part by Congresss delay in extending the pandemic child nutrition waivers that allowed all communities to offer summer meals and provided operational flexibilities; the staffing challenges (both within the nutrition programs and summer educational and enrichment programs); and the supply chain disruptions, the report says.

The states that saw the best participation rates, according to the report, were New Jersey, New York, Vermont, New Mexico and Maryland, but every state in the country saw a decrease from July 2021 to last July.

The group recommends lowering the area eligibility threshold currently used to determine who has access to the program. The program presently can only be utilized in areas where 50 percent or more of children are eligible for free or reduced lunches in schools.

FRAC says this inhibits rural and suburban areas where poverty may be less concentrated from accessing the food children need.

Six states have now made school lunches free for all students during the school year.

Every Michigan child deserves a chance to pursue their potential and build a bright future. This historic education budget will make that possible, said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D), who recently signed a bill allowing free school lunches. This budget puts students first and supports parents by expanding access to free pre-K, providing free breakfast and lunch to all public school students, and improving higher education.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A nurse who ran outside a nursing home to help a patient was struck and killed by an 80-year-old driver, Michigan cops say, according to media reports.

A patient at Majestic Care in Livonia left the facility Sunday, July 23, and laid in the middle of a busy road, The Detroit News reported.

Several nurses, including 42-year-old Latrice Pebbles Jones, went outside to help and put the patient in a wheelchair, according to WWJ.

But as the nurses began to push the patient back to the facility, an 80-year-old driver struck Jones while swerving to avoid the wheelchair, WDIV reported.

Jones died at the hospital, according to WXYZ.

She was a hero. She lost her life trying to save somebody elses, former coworker and friend Shonte Lyles told WXYZ.

The driver, who The Detroit News reported suffered minor injuries, is also accused of striking two vehicles. Alcohol is not believed to have played a factor, police said.

In a statement to multiple outlets, including WDIV, Majestic Care CEO Paul D. Pruitt said he was heartbroken by the incident.

She was an amazing care giver that provided exceptional care to residents and created magic for all those around her, Pruitt said in the statement. We recognize with admiration the dedicated care she gave serving as a Licensed Practical Nurse and the calling she answered by always putting the lives of residents as a top priority.

Jones was a mother, loved ones said on Facebook. She was remembered as being a big-hearted woman who was sweet, cool and funny.

Sad story, to be a nurse and lose your life while on duty, trying to save the life of someone else! Alantae Martin said in a Facebook post.

With Pebbles, her heart is so big and thats how she passed away, family friend Tameka Long told Fox 2. Caring for somebody else.

Nurse severely hurt in hit-and-run while cycling from New Orleans Jazz Fest, lawyer says

Nursing student from Indiana is killed by a stray bullet while vacationing in Belize

Nursing student killed by car doing donuts at illegal Christmas street show, CA cops say
NEW YORK  Rat complaints to New York Citys 311 line are down 20% over the last month and a half, Mayor Eric Adams and his cadre of anti-rat crusaders revealed Tuesday.

The reduction in calls to the helpline is being measured by comparing rat complaints from this May to mid-July with calls within the same timeframe last year.

Adams, Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Citywide Rodent Mitigation Director Kathleen Corradi, whos also known as the rat czar, also announced Tuesday that calls on rat sightings to 311 from the citys four so-called rat mitigation zones dipped by more than 45% on average within the same timeframe.

Adams loves to tell reporters  and anyone else within earshot  how much he hates rats. Tuesday was no different.

Its still early, but these numbers show what were doing is working and that we are moving in the right direction, the mayor said in a written statement Tuesday. Every food scrap that we keep out of the trash and every black bag that we keep off the street is a meal that were taking out of a hungry rodents stomach.

Since becoming mayor last year, Adams has unveiled several policies aimed at fighting rats. In October, he and Tisch rolled out a new set of garbage collection rules aimed at curbing the rodent populations food options. And in May and June, he announced that all food-related establishments and many chain businesses would be required to put their trash in secure containers under new rules.

But Adams has weathered his own personal travails to when it comes to the cheese-eaters. In December, he was ticketed for a rat infestation at his Brooklyn townhouse, and in January, he was slapped with fines again.

Two months later, he paid off a $300 ticket for failing to adequately address the infestation.

But the 20% reduction in complaints citywide appears to indicate a broader victory against his four-legged foes of choice.

Adams and his municipal rat killers also plan to step up their efforts next month.

Currently, there are four rat mitigation zones citywide: on the Bronxs Grand Concourse, in Harlem, in Bedford-Stuyvesant and Bushwick, and in the East Village and Chinatown.

Adams also announced on Tuesday that in August the city will host its first Anti-Rat Community Day of Action in the Harlem zone to share best practices and take action on street tree care.
Former President Barack Obama and his family are mourning the death of their personal chef who drowned while paddleboarding Sunday on Edgartown Great Pond on Martha's Vineyard.

The body of Tafari Campbell, 45, of Dumfries, Virginia, was recovered Monday just before 10 a.m., police officials said. His body was found in eight feet of water, about 100 feet from shore. The body was found by Massachusetts Environmental Police officers using side-scan sonar from a boat.

Massachusetts State Police officials said Monday that Campbell was not wearing a lifejacket when he fell off the paddleboard. Campbell was visiting Marthas Vineyard where the Obamas have a vacation home. The Obamas were not on the island.

FILE - White House Chef Tafari Campbell smiles Nov. 6, 2008, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C. Campbell, an employee of former President Barack Obama, has drowned near the couples home on Marthas Vineyard. Massachusetts State Police confirmed that the paddleboarder whose body was recovered from Edgartown Great Pond on Monday, July 24, 2023 was Tafari Campbell, of Dumfries, Virginia.

Campbell was the Obama family's personal chef, according to a statement by the former president and his wife Michelle Obama. In the statement, according to the Associated Press, the Obamas called Campbell a "beloved part of our family."

Emergency responders on Sunday went to Turkeyland Cove on the pond, near the Obama vacation home after receiving reports of a possible drowning.

In a 911 call around 7:46 p.m. another paddleboarder reported that Campbell had not resurfaced, according to police.

According to police call logs, the call came in from Wilsons Landing, a public launch point across the cove from the Obama residence. Wilsons Landing is also where Edgartown police and Massachusetts State Police based their search from on Monday.

The $12 million property purchased for Obama on Martha's Vineyard in 2019 is on Turkeyland Cove Road, a few hundred yards from Wilson's Landing. It was purchased by a trust listing James F. Reynolds, a longtime friend of the Obamas, as trustee, according to the Town Assessor's database.

Wilson's Landing was again open to the public by 11:53 a.m., Edgarton police announced Monday.

The Obamas said in a statement Monday evening that Campbell was a talented sous chef at the White House and that they came to know him as an "extraordinarily kind person," according to the Associated Press.

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Thats why, when we were getting ready to leave the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed. Hes been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that hes gone.

The Obamas added that Campbell is survived by his wife and their twin sons.

The death is being investigated by the Cape and Islands District Attorneys Office and Edgartown police. The district attorney's office, Edgartown police and Dukes County Sheriff's Office all directed further questions to Massachusetts State Police, who did not return multiple calls and emails regarding the incident.

Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Tafari Campbell, chef for former President Obama, drowned in Edgartown
Former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama depart Washington, DC, for Martha's Vineyard in 2016. Photo by Ron Sachs-Pool/Getty Images

The body of a paddle boarder was recovered from a pond near the Obamas' Martha's Vineyard home.

Police identified the man as Tafari Campbell, 45, a personal chef for the Obamas.

Authorities said the Obamas were not present at the property at the time of the accident.

The body of a missing paddle boarder found in a pond near Barack Obama's Massachusetts property on Monday has been identified as the former president's personal chef, authorities said Monday.

Tafari Campbell, 45, served as a White House sous chef during the Obama administration and continued to work for the former president and his wife, former first lady Michelle Obama, after Obama left office.

Campbell was paddleboarding in Edgartown Great Pond in Martha's Vineyard on Sunday, and disappeared that evening, local officials said. Massachusetts State Police said they started searching the waters near the Obama estate on Sunday after receiving reports of a missing paddle boarder.

Authorities said they recovered Campbell's body around 10 a.m. ET on Monday morning, approximately 100 feet from shore at a depth of about eight feet.

The Obamas were not present at their Martha's Vineyard home at the time of the accident, police said. Campbell had been visiting the sprawling estate where the Obamas spend part of their summer.

The former first couple released a statement on Monday sent to Insider: "Tafari was a beloved part of our family. When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House  creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together. In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter.

"That's why, when we were getting ready to leave the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed. He's been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that he's gone."

Story continues

Campbell is survived by his wife Sherise and their twin boys, according to the Obama statement.

An investigation into Campbell's death is ongoing, authorities said.

Read the original article on Insider
Tafari Campbell worked at the White House before moving to work for the Obamas

A personal chef to former US president Barack Obama has died during an accident on a paddle boarding trip near the Obamas' Massachusetts home.

Tafari Campbell, 45, worked in the White House before staying on with the Obama family after Mr Obama left office in 2016.

On Sunday, he went missing in the waters of Edgartown Great Pond on Martha's Vineyard.

The Obamas released a statement hailing his talent inside the kitchen and out.

"Tafari was a beloved part of our family. When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House - creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together," Mr Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama said on Monday.

"In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter."

Mr Campbell had been visiting the Massachusetts island from his home in Virginia at the time of his death. Police say the Obama family was not home at the time of the accident.

The search was launched on Sunday night for "a male paddleboarder who had gone into the water, appeared to briefly struggle to stay on the surface, and then submerged and did not resurface," according to a police report.

"Another paddleboarder was on the pond with him at the time and observed him go under the water," it added.

On Monday, his body was found "approximately 100 feet (30 meters) from shore at a depth of about eight feet".

The Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit is investigating his death, but it is believed to have been an accident, CBS News reported.

His wife, Sherise Campbell, posted a tribute to her husband on Instagram.

"My heart is broken," Ms Campbell said. "My life and our family's life is forever changed. Please pray for me and our families as I deal with the loss of my husband."

Mr Campbell had worked in the White House during Mr Obama's eight years in Washington. During that time he helped create some of the most famous presidential recipes, included a beer brewed from ingredients grown at the White House.

When it was time for the first family to depart Washington, they asked Mr Campbell to join them and he "generously agreed" the Obamas' statement added.

"He's been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that he's gone. Today we join everyone who knew and loved Tafari - especially his wife Sherise and their twin boys, Xavier and Savin - in grieving the loss of a truly wonderful man."
By Maria Alejandra Cardona

KEY LARGO, Florida (Reuters) - The surface ocean temperature in and around the Florida Keys soared to typical hot tub levels this week, amid recent warnings from global weather monitors about the dangerous impact of warming waters on ecosystems and extreme weather events.

A water temperature buoy located inside the Everglades National Park in the waters of Manatee Bay hit a high of 101.19 degrees Fahrenheit (38.44 Celsius) late Monday afternoon, U.S. government data showed, while other buoys nearby topped 100F (38C) and the upper 90s (32C).

Normal water temperatures for the area this time of year should be between 73F and 88F (23C and 31C), according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which published the findings from the National Data Buoy Center.

The readings add to previous warnings over Florida's warming waters in the southeastern United States as prolonged heat continued to bake other parts of the country.

The growing frequency and intensity of severe weather - both on land and in oceans - is symptomatic of global, human-driven climate change that is fueling extremes, experts in the field say, with current heatwaves expected to persist through August.

Earlier this month, the United Nations' World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said global sea temperatures have reached monthly record highs since May, also driven in part by an El Nino event. The WMO and NOAA say temperatures like those in South Florida can be deadly for marine life and threaten ocean ecosystems.

That can also impact human food supplies and livelihoods for those who work is tied to the water.

As he worked his knife to filet fish hauled into Key Largo on Tuesday, fishing boat captain Dustin Hansel said the catch has been getting "slower and slower" for the past five summers. He's also been seeing more dead fish in waters around Key Largo.

"As far as all of our bay waters, any near-shore waters, everything is super, super hot," Hansel told Reuters.

NOAA warned earlier this month that the warmer water around Florida could supercharge tropical storms and hurricanes, which build more energy over warmer waters. Rising temperatures are also severely stressing coral reefs, the agency said.

(Reporting by Maria Alejandro Cardona in Key Largo and Brad Brooks in Lubbock, Texas; editing by Donna Bryson)
KATHMANDU, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Nepali president Ram Chandra Poudel met with Yuan Jiajun, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee on Sunday here in the Office of the President.

Yuan said during the meeting that China is willing to deepen practical cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Nepal, and deeply and solidly promote the strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity between China and Nepal.

The CPC is willing to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning with Nepali political parties to boost the development of China-Nepal relations, Yuan said, adding that Chongqing is willing to enhance cooperation and exchanges with Nepal in agriculture, poverty reduction and education to enrich the relationship between the two countries through subnational exchanges.

Poudel said that Nepal and China enjoy a long-lasting relationship and close contact in all sectors. Nepal appreciates China's key support to its development, adheres to the one-China policy and does not allow any force to use Nepalese territory for any anti-China action.

Nepal is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China at government, political party and subnational levels so as to promote the construction of BRI and further development of the mutual relations, Poudel added.

Yuan led a CPC delegation to visit Nepal at the invitation of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center) from Sunday to Tuesday. 
Stockton Rush. AP Photo/Bill Sikes

OceanGate's CEO Stockton Rush viewed certification as an obstacle to submersible innovation.

But Patrick Lahey, who runs a sub manufacturing company, told Insider that the "opposite is true."

"Certification is the crucible within which responsible innovation is possible," the expert said.

Before OceanGate's CEO Stockton Rush was killed along with four others when his sea exploration company's Titanic submersible imploded on a dive, he made it clear he was no fan of what he described as overregulation.

Rush lamented about how the rules curbed innovation, saying in a 2019 interview with The Smithsonian: "There hasn't been an injury in the commercial submersible industry in over 35 years.

"It's obscenely safe because they have all these regulations," Rush said. "But it also hasn't innovated or grown  because they have all these regulations."

But a longtime sub expert whose Florida-based company designs and manufactures submersibles told Insider in an interview on Tuesday that the "exact opposite is true."

"Certification is not an impediment to innovation," Patrick Lahey, the CEO and co-founder of Triton Submarines, said. "Certification is the crucible within which responsible innovation is possible."

Lahey was among a slew of industry leaders who signed onto a 2018 letter sent to OceanGate expressing safety concerns about the company's unconventional carbon fiber and titanium Titan sub.

"We were all concerned that an accident and incident involving this craft that OceanGate created would be harmful to all of us," said Lahey, who called last month's Titan sub disaster "an avoidable tragedy."

The "big difference" between OceanGate's now-imploded Titan "contraption" and the vessels built by Triton Submarines and others in the industry is the "accreditation aspect," Lahey said.

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"There is a stark difference between an experimental craft that conforms to no rules and a carefully and thoughtfully designed and engineered machine that is fully certified and accredited," said Lahey.

The sub expert called independent oversight of deep-sea vessels "essential."

"People shouldn't be allowed to operate vehicles that have been created without any type of third-party oversight because there's no assurance that they're safe," Lahey told Insider.

OceanGate's Titan sub imploded on June 18. Reuters

OceanGate's Titan imploded on June 18 while on an expedition to the Titanic shipwreck in the depths of the North Atlantic Ocean, killing Rush, British billionaire explorer Hamish Harding; British-Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son Suleiman; and French explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet.

The Titan was never classed  the process of an independent company checking to see if it was up to industry standards.

OceanGate's co-founder Guillermo Sohnlein, who left the company in 2013, told Insider in a recent interview that "just because you're certified doesn't mean you're gonna be safe."

"At OceanGate, at least when I was there, we went way above and beyond what any other sub operator was doing when it came to safety," Sohnlein said.

OceanGate even argued in a 2019 blog post on its website on why its doomed vessel called Titan wasn't classed that the process to do so was a lengthy one that hampered innovation.

"Bringing an outside entity up to speed on every innovation before it is put into real-world testing is anathema to rapid innovation," the post read.

But Lahey told Insider: "The simple fact that classed and certified human-occupied vehicles enjoy a 50-year unblemished safety record is all the proof you need."

"If a submersible is certified," Lahey said, "That means it must have been built and is kept maintained in conditions that warrant continued certification and the certification agency's purview extends to the operation of the submersible too and the vessel it is based aboard."

The Titan, Lahey said, was a craft that "skirted the rules" and shouldn't have taken people aboard.

Read the original article on Insider
MWI Creative Team/picture alliance / moodboard/Newscom

Some lawmakers want to include weight as a protected category for employment discrimination purposes. New York City and some states are moving "to outlaw weight discrimination at work," the Wall Street Journal reports. "Signed into law in May, the New York City ban adds weight and height to the list of characteristics protected from discrimination, alongside race, gender, age, religion and sexual orientation."

Similar measures have been introduced in New Jersey and Massachusetts, and Michigan already bans weight-based employment discrimination.

Laws like this make it off-limits for companies to consider someone's weight when making employment decisions such as who to hire, promote, or let go.

Of course, in an ideal world, employers would not arbitrarily discriminate against workers or potential workers because of their body sizes. But there are some jobs for which being overweight or obese might make performing relevant duties more difficult. It's not right for the government to tell private companies they can never consider weight when making decisions about whom to employ.

The more pernicious paradox here, however, is that rules like these stand little chance of effectively ending weight discrimination (to whatever extent that it exists) while simultaneously adding a lot of landmines to the employment landscape, making room for more frivolous lawsuits, and perhaps backfiring against overweight workers.

Employers don't have to tell rejected candidates why they've been rejected and there are myriad reasons why some workers might receive promotions over others. Any employer who wants to discriminate based on weight should still have an easy enough time acting on that without consequence under anti-discrimination schemes that include weight.

Meanwhile, disgruntled employees or would-be employees who are rejected for a job, passed over for a promotion, or perceive slights from their bosses or co-workers can sue. If there's no evidence that weight-based discrimination occurred, or that management knew about weight-based hostility from colleagues, such lawsuits should be unlikely to ultimately succeedbut they can still prove a hassle and a drain on resources for employers.

Story continues

And fear that overweight workers will pose legal trouble may actually lead to increased discrimination against them. Employers may worry, rightly or wrongly, that someone's weight will make it more difficult to fire or discipline them for legitimate reasons should the need arise and therefore conclude that it's easier not to hire an overweight worker in the first place.

There's evidence for this sort of unintended consequence with other sorts of anti-discrimination laws. For instance, state-level age discrimination laws that allowed for larger damage awards were associated with longer unemployment periods for older men.

Nonetheless, pushes to make weight part of anti-discrimination statutes are becoming a trend, suggests the Journal article.

FREE MINDS

Elite colleges favor the rich. A new study provides hard evidence of what everyone already knows: Elite colleges and universities are much more likely to admit rich kids, even when their standardized test scores aren't as good. The researchers also found that "children from high-income families have no admissions advantage at flagship public colleges."

The study, from researchers at Harvard University and the National Bureau of Economic Research, relied on anonymized admissions data linked to income tax records and SAT and ACT test scores. It found that "children from families in the top 1% are more than twice as likely to attend an Ivy-Plus college (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, Duke, and Chicago) as those from middle-class families with comparable SAT/ACT scores."

"Two-thirds of this gap is due to higher admissions rates for students with comparable test scores from high-income families," explain the researchers in the paper's abstract. "The remaining third is due to differences in rates of application and matriculation."

Overall, "the high-income admissions advantage at private colleges is driven by three factors: (1) preferences for children of alumni, (2) weight placed on non-academic credentials, which tend to be stronger for students applying from private high schools that have affluent student bodies, and (3) recruitment of athletes, who tend to come from higher-income families," explains the study.

"The advantage to rich applicants varied by college," notes The New York Times:

At Dartmouth, students from the top 0.1 percent were five times as likely to attend as the average applicant with the same test score, while at M.I.T. they were no more likely to attend.

High-performing children of families earning less than $68,000 a year also had an advantage over students whose families earned more but were not ultra-rich. "An applicant with a high test score from a family earning less than $68,000 a year was also likelier than the average applicant to get in, though there were fewer applicants like this," notes the Times. "Children from middle- and upper-middle-class familiesincluding those at public high schools in high-income neighborhoodsapplied in large numbers. But they were, on an individual basis, less likely to be admitted than the richest or, to a lesser extent, poorest students with the same test scores."

FREE MARKETS

D.C. restaurants pass on new wage costs to customers, because of course. Initiative 82, passed by District of Columbia voters last year, raises the pre-tip minimum wage for tipped workers from $5.35 an hour up to $17 an hour by 2027. In response, some restaurants are starting to charge customers an "Initiative 82 fee." According to Axios, "more than 150 D.C. restaurants have adopted service fees in the wake of I-82."

One such restaurant is the D.C. Mexican joint Mi Vida. "We think that the public should see the impact of their decision," Mi Vida's Jason Berry told Axios:

You voted for this. Here's what it costs to do it. You're going to pay for it. I'm not, because you know what? I don't want to go out of business. And if I start taking 3% away from my sales everywhere I go, I'm not going to make it."

Berrywhose hospitality company Knead owns eight D.C. restaurantsalso said he wouldn't open any more new restaurants in the city.

Supporters of legislation like Initiative 82 act like wages can be hiked with no other ramifications. But many restaurants are struggling to get by as is and can't eat an increase in operating costs.

"The D.C. Council passed emergency legislation earlier this year postponing I-82 increases from going into effect until May so businesses could prepare," notes Axios. "The first increase was to $6, and then $8 this montha nearly 50% jump that jolted some to implement the new fees."

QUICK HITS

Over the last 3 decades, the US has accused every adversary country using cluster bombs of committing war crimes. Last week, Congress voted on @RepMTG's amendment to ban Biden from sending them to Ukraine. The establishment wings of both parties united to ensure its defeat. pic.twitter.com/RWhTPaWPgg  Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) July 24, 2023

 Here's a guide to the newly proposed federal merger guidelines, from Max Gulker, senior policy analyst for Reason Foundation (which publishes this website). The guidelines "present resistance against prospective mergers far more aggressive than positions taken by authorities for decades," writes Gulker. "They presume that 'big is bad,' using simplistic measures of the number and size of firms in a market as grounds to delay and potentially block mergers."

 The IRS says it will mostly stop showing up at people's homes unannounced.

 "In 2021, when a New York art gallery debuted Hunter Biden's paintings with asking prices as high as $500,000, the White House said that Hunter Biden's team had a process for carefully vetting buyers, and that their identities were known only to the gallery, and not to Hunter Biden himself," notes Insider. But "Hunter Biden did in fact learn the identity of two buyers," and "one of those buyers is indeed someone who got a favor from the Biden White House." However, it's unclear whether this favor came before or after the art purchase.

 "Third parties in Ohio have lined up to oppose Issue 1, the state question that would make it harder for voters to amend the Ohio Constitution," reports the Sandusky Register. "The Libertarian, Green and Forward parties in Ohio all have urged their supporters to vote 'No.'"

 National Review examines "the quiet collapse of four key state Republican Parties."

 A new law in New York bans the sale of THC-infused seltzers and sodas.

The post Officials Want To Ban Weight Discrimination in the Workplace appeared first on Reason.com.
In this heat, theres a concern for people who work outside.

Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown wants workers protected in life-threatening heat and said almost no level of government has guidelines in place to help workers.

Bryant Beaudry, who works outside all day, said once you get to an official heat wave, three straight days over 90 degrees starts to take a toll.

>> RELATED: Lawmakers demand enforceable heat standard for workers amidst dangerously high temperatures in U.S.

Usually the first day is not too bad but after that, definitely a few more breaks, Beaudry said.

Beaudry is part of a crew working on streetlights and traffic lights in the massive West Main Street construction. They are not the only ones working their shift under a relentless sun.

Contractors are putting in a huge new bridge that will change the face of US Route 35 at Trebein Road in Greene County.

They are in a hot environment that can be dangerous, and while many employers go out of their way to protect workers, they dont have to.

Senator Sherrod Brown is urging the Occupational Health and Safety Administration to establish national workplace heat standards.

He cites research from the advocacy group Public Citizen that claims heat stress kills 700 workers a year and creates 170 thousand injuries and illnesses.

Brown believes prolonged heat exposure causes increased deaths from heart attacks, respiratory illnesses, cerebrovascular diseases, and increased hospitalizations from cardiovascular, kidney and respiratory disorders.

Brown wants OSHA to require employers to provide adequate hydration, rest breaks, and shaded rest areas for outdoor work and airconditioned rest areas for indoor work.

Beaudry says his company, Param Electric, is ahead of any forced regulations.

Supplies us with water and anytime we need to we can sit in the truck, in the air, Beaudry said.

Brown said that OSHA has taken two important steps toward creating workplace heat safety standards.

He wants it done on the federal level to avoid having the debate in 50 individual states.




Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond notified Gov. Kevin Stitt that he plans to intervene on behalf of the state in a long-running federal lawsuit over the legality of gaming compacts negotiated by Stitt.

Oklahomas attorney general filed court papers Tuesday to oust the governor from representing the state in a controversial lawsuit over gaming compacts.

Gentner Drummond said he believes the case is needlessly dragging on under the leadership of Gov. Kevin Stitt. The legal dispute centers on two standalone gaming compacts negotiated by Stitt, and whether they are legal.

In his court filing, Drummond said he feels compelled to step in because the compacts clearly violate state law. He said he wants to end the states defense and resolve the case.

I see no other option, because the governor has inexplicably abrogated his constitutional duties in this case, Drummond wrote in a notice to the court.

More: At odds with the governor, Oklahoma tribal leaders are working around him

Garry Gaskins II, the top trial lawyer in Drummonds office, also told the court he plans to appear on the states behalf in the case.

In a statement, the governors spokesperson Abegail Cave described the attorney generals move as unprecedented. She said Drummond is turning his back on tribes that signed agreements with Stitt and is siding instead with four of the states largest tribes. The Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw and Citizen Potawatomi nations filed the suit in 2020.

Governor Stitt is actively fighting for eastern Oklahoma as these tribes continue their efforts to turn Tulsa and much of the rest of eastern Oklahoma into a reservation, Cave said, referencing Stitts larger campaign to limit the expansion of tribal government authority in the state.

Since taking office in January, Drummond has been sharply divided from Stitt on how to work with tribal nations. Drummond has described Stitts rhetoric as divisive and irresponsible, while the governor has said he is working toward fairness for all.

The Chickasaw Nation is one of four tribes that filed suit in federal court over the legality of standalone gaming compacts signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt.

The conflict in the case has been brewing since June, when Drummond asked legislative leaders for their approval to intervene on the states behalf. Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat responded with a formal request last week.

Story continues

Drummond said in a news release that he called Stitt and wrote him a letter explaining his decision to intervene. He also described the case as an example of the governors failure to find productive ways to work with tribal governments.

The citizens you were elected to serve are the ones who suffer from this irresponsible approach, Drummond wrote. Instead of working in partnership with tribal leaders to enact compacts that benefit all four million Oklahomans, you insist on costly legal battles that only benefit the elite law firms you hire. Millions of dollars of state resources have been squandered on these futile efforts.

More: Six key moments defining Oklahoma's relationship with Native tribes under Gov. Kevin Stitt

The private legal bill in the gaming compact suit has so far added up to $596,000, with most going to New York-based law firm Sullivan & Cromwell, according to a list of payments provided by Drummonds office to The Oklahoman. The payment data was compiled by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, the attorney generals office said.

The lawsuit started nearly three years ago amid the larger dispute over the future of tribal gaming in Oklahoma. A model compact gives tribes exclusive rights to offer Las Vegas-style gaming in exchange for paying a specific share of revenues to the state.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt tried to renegotiate the model state-tribal gaming compact. Those efforts failed, but he did negotiate four outside agreements with tribes. Two of those agreements are now the subject of a long-running lawsuit.

The governor challenged the agreement as unfair in 2019 and attempted to renegotiate the deal. The states highest court rejected his efforts and also invalidated standalone agreements he had negotiated with four tribes.

But two of those deals, with the Comanche and Otoe-Missouria nations, remain in legal limbo in federal court because federal regulators did not directly scrap the deals.

The Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw and Citizen Potawatomi nations filed the lawsuit to stop the agreements from becoming effective under federal law.

Cave said the attorney general is helping those tribal governments further their political agenda in the case.

In his court filing, Drummond said he is asserting his duty to intervene when the governor is no longer carrying out the law. He said he is moving to take over the lawsuit solely for the purpose of protecting the interests of the state of Oklahoma.

Read more:

Editor's note: This is a developing story and has been updated.

Molly Young covers Indigenous affairs. Reach her at mollyyoung@gannett.com or 405-347-3534.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma attorney general moves to intervene in gaming compact dispute
HSMTMTS teaser clip

Oh did you think you were as excited as you could possibly get for the return of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series? Well just wait until you see this teaser clip for season 4 released today by Disney.

Returning for the opening number of the fourth and final season of the hit musical series are Lucas Grabeel, Monique Coleman, Kaycee Stroh, and Corbin Bleu. In its oh-so-meta way, the cast is filming the opening number for the fictional fourth film, which also serves as the show's kick-off number.

It's joyful and fun  just as youd expect  but about halfway through is a moment you won't want to miss. Ryan Evans (Grabeel) steps off stage for a moment where someone special is waiting for him, his love interest played by none other than Pentatonixs Scott Hoying.

It's a sweet moment where Hoyings character looks lovingly at Ryan and tells him, You look amazing, this is so cool!

Ryan replies, This means so much to me that you are here.

Hoyings character tells him that he loves him and the two share a kiss. It's a sweet moment and it means that Ryan has gone from officially unlabeled, to a canonical part of the LGBTQ+ community. We love to see it.

And of course the gays were celebrating in the comments!

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twitter.com

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High School Musical: The Musical: The Series will debut all episodes when it returns to Disney Plus for a fourth and final season on August 4. Watch the video and catch that sweet gay kiss below.

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twitter.com
A wedding ceremony set up Claudia Casal / Moment via Getty Images

Two very important people walked Sheri Shaw-James down the aisle at her wedding in June: her oncologists Emma B. Holliday and Van Karlyle Morris.

In February 2021, Shaw-James, a 70-year-old retired nurse, was diagnosed with stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum. She told her new boyfriend, Bill James, 77, that she didn't think it was fair for him to have to go through her treatments, and told him he should end things. "I told her, 'No, I'm not going anywhere,'" James told The Washington Post.

James was by her side as she began treatment at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, receiving radiation and chemotherapy. "She was so incredibly courageous and wouldn't give up," James said. Shaw-James quickly grew close to her oncologists, Holliday and Morris, sharing stories with them about her life and family. This was the "lowest point" in her life, she said, and they were there through the fatigue and vertigo and nausea. "We became partners in getting through it."

Four months later, she was declared cancer-free, and when James later proposed marriage, she said yes. As they began planning their wedding in North Carolina, Shaw-James knew she wanted Holliday and Morris to play a role in the ceremony. "Without them and their hard work, there might not have been a wedding to celebrate," she told the Post. "I am here today because of God and because of them."

Both immediately agreed to be part of the big day. "We get a lot of hard questions as oncologists, but this was probably the easiest one to answer," Morris said. Shaw-James was touched, and found it a "huge honor" to have them by her side.

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Los Angeles police shot and killed a man as he was stabbing another person outside a Denny's in Reseda on Tuesday morning, according to the department. (KTLA-TV Channel 5)

Los Angeles police shot and killed a knife-wielding man as he was stabbing another person outside a Denny's restaurant in Reseda on Tuesday morning, authorities said.

LAPD officers responded to multiple calls, the first at 11:09 a.m., of a man carrying a blade near the intersection of Reseda Boulevard and Saticoy Street.

The man was found on top of the victim holding a knife, according to police. Police fired 40-millimeter less-lethal rounds, which can sometimes still result in fatalities, at him after he failed to comply with orders to drop the knife, they said.

The rounds failed to stop the man, who began stabbing the victim, according to police. Officers then fired on the man and killed him.

Read more: L.A. County deputy shoots driver who was doing 'donuts' and repeatedly rammed patrol cruiser, officials say

Firefighters declared the man dead at the scene, according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Margaret Stewart. He was not identified but was described as in his 30s.

The stabbing victim, who the LAFD said was also in their 30s, is stable at a hospital.

Whatever relationship existed between the two was unknown.

The Los Angeles Police Department did not answer questions regarding the numbers of officers involved or shots fired.

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.
Migrants rescued off the Canary Islands are often taken to Arguineguin port on Gran Canaria where they are checked over by Red Cross officials (Desiree Martin)

Spain's coastguard on Tuesday said it had rescued a migrant boat off the Canary Islands, pulling 84 people to safety but also finding the body of a man who had died en route.

The boat was spotted in the early hours of Tuesday morning just off Gran Canaria island, a spokeswoman for Salvamento Maritimo told AFP.

Those rescued, which included just one woman, were taken to Arguineguin port on Gran Canaria, the coastguard said.

Between January and July 15, 14,021 migrants entered Spain, with more than half -- or 7,590 -- arriving via the Canary Islands, interior ministry figures show.

The figures were lower than in the same period in 2022, with the numbers reaching Spain this year dropping by 6.5 percent, and the figure for the Canary Islands falling by 18.5 percent.

The archipelago has long been a draw for migrants seeking a better life in Europe, with many boats setting off from Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania and even Senegal.

But the Atlantic route is particularly dangerous due to the strong currents, with migrants travelling in overloaded, often unseaworthy wooden boats without enough drinking water.

Atlantic crossings began surging in late 2019 after increased patrols along Europe's southern coast dramatically reduced Mediterranean crossings.

According to figures released by Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras, which helps migrant boats in distress, 778 people died while trying to reach the Canary Islands in the first half of 2023.

Figures from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) give a lower figure of 126 dead or missing over the same period.

mig/hmw/lcm
The dirty energy company formerly known as British Petroleum has faced its fair share of scandals and embarrassment.

But BP CEO Bernard Looney is facing a new sticky situation no thanks to an unusual billboard campaign called OilyFans.

A new London billboard depicts Looney topless with two BP logos over his chest, alongside the text: Bernards package is bulging (and so is your gas bill).

.@bp_plc is making record profits while the rest of us struggle with a cost-of-living crisis. That's something we really aren't fans of.



So, meet #OilyFans https://t.co/lxApVXGoOu pic.twitter.com/oXerkJHZUc  Global Witness (@Global_Witness) July 21, 2023

The campaign, run by international human rights organization Global Witness, aims to draw attention to the fact that despite many peoples financial hardship brought on by skyrocketing energy prices, Looneys salary doubled in 2022 to nearly $13 million.

What is the OilyFans campaign?

Mimicking the adult-content website OnlyFans logo and namesake, the campaign intends to expose and embarrass Looney for profiting off the financial well-being of ordinary people while decimating the health of the planet, Alice Harrison, a campaign leader at Global Witness, told The Guardian.

BPs CEO saw his pay packet bulge, while the rest of us were plunged into a deep and damaging cost-of-living crisis  thats something we really arent fans of, Harrison said.

Although light-hearted in nature, our action today is intended to highlight the very serious issue of an energy system that pays out to polluters and penalizes ordinary people, she added.

Story continues

Global Witness acknowledged the unusual nature of its campaign but explained that it decided to move forward because it aims to highlight the gross inequality at the heart of our energy system  that can see oil and gas CEOs rake in millions during a cost-of-living crisis sparked by eye-watering energy bills.

What are people saying?

The billboard in question has gone viral, with commenters largely sharing their amusement at the expense of Looney, while the U.K.s Advertising Standards Authority confirmed that it led to complaints.

The billboard also made its way to Reddit, where one user commented: Who in their right mind is upset by this?

Another joined in, saying: I find it hilarious that they claim the complaints say the ad isnt appropriate for children.  Im sure if the complaints were made public, theyd be written by people on the BP payroll.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
Hi OnPolitics readers. President Joe Biden hasnt publicly acknowledged his youngest granddaughter, a move that makes even some of his supporters uncomfortable, USA TODAYs Joey Garrison and Michael Collins report.

Catch up: The 4-year-old girl is the only child of Hunter Biden and Lunden Roberts of Arkansas, a woman he met in the peak of his battle with drug addiction.

The president and White House aides havent answered questions about the girl, but Joe Biden has regularly touted his close relationship to his six other grandchildren, including Hunter Bidens three older daughters and his son, as well as the daughter and son of Beau Biden, who died from brain cancer in 2015.

What voters are saying: It's not sitting well, even among supporters in Philly, where Biden kicked off his 2020 campaign and later carried more than 80% of the vote.

 David Basenow, 71, a former writer and publisher in medicine from Philadelphia, told USA TODAY he supports Biden, but called the presidents unwillingness to recognize the girl hypocritical.

"It happens in every family," Basenow said, "and makes him more like the people who will probably vote for him.  He's somebody who's not on a pedestal. He does have problems in his family, and they've come to terms with it."

Republican officials have also ramped up their attacks against Joe Biden over the girl, defying the informal rule in Washington that lawmakers families are off limits to conflict.

Read more here: President Biden wont acknowledge his youngest granddaughter. It turns off even some supporters.

Stay in the know on politics: Sign up for the OnPolitics newsletter

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joe Biden hasn't acknowledged Hunter Biden's youngest daughter
A worker is busy at a workshop of an auto parts production company in Yongchuan District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, July 24, 2023.

In recent years, Chongqing Municipality has accelerated the building of new energy vehicle (NEV) industrial clusters. At present, production lines of NEV industry in Chongqing are operating at full swing to meet the domestic and international market demand.

According to the statistics, the NEV output of Chongqing in 2022 went up 142.5 percent year on year to nearly 369,000 units, and automobile exports from the municipality increased by nearly 90 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

This aerial photo taken on July 20, 2023 shows a vehicle distribution center of Chang'an Auto in Jiangbei District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality.

In recent years, Chongqing Municipality has accelerated the building of new energy vehicle (NEV) industrial clusters. At present, production lines of NEV industry in Chongqing are operating at full swing to meet the domestic and international market demand.

According to the statistics, the NEV output of Chongqing in 2022 went up 142.5 percent year on year to nearly 369,000 units, and automobile exports from the municipality increased by nearly 90 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

This photo taken on July 11, 2023 shows a truck carrying auto parts of the Great Wall Motor Company Limited departing from the Chongqing Yongchuan Comprehensive Bonded Zone in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality to export to Ecuador and Thailand.

In recent years, Chongqing Municipality has accelerated the building of new energy vehicle (NEV) industrial clusters. At present, production lines of NEV industry in Chongqing are operating at full swing to meet the domestic and international market demand.

According to the statistics, the NEV output of Chongqing in 2022 went up 142.5 percent year on year to nearly 369,000 units, and automobile exports from the municipality increased by nearly 90 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

This aerial photo taken on July 11, 2023 shows trucks carrying auto parts of the Great Wall Motor Company Limited departing from the Chongqing Yongchuan Comprehensive Bonded Zone in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality to export to Thailand and Ecuador.

In recent years, Chongqing Municipality has accelerated the building of new energy vehicle (NEV) industrial clusters. At present, production lines of NEV industry in Chongqing are operating at full swing to meet the domestic and international market demand.

According to the statistics, the NEV output of Chongqing in 2022 went up 142.5 percent year on year to nearly 369,000 units, and automobile exports from the municipality increased by nearly 90 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

A worker is busy at a workshop of an auto parts production company in Yongchuan District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, July 24, 2023.

In recent years, Chongqing Municipality has accelerated the building of new energy vehicle (NEV) industrial clusters. At present, production lines of NEV industry in Chongqing are operating at full swing to meet the domestic and international market demand.

According to the statistics, the NEV output of Chongqing in 2022 went up 142.5 percent year on year to nearly 369,000 units, and automobile exports from the municipality increased by nearly 90 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

Workers are busy at a production line of the new energy vehicle AVATR at a workshop of Chang'an Auto in Jiangbei District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, July 20, 2023.

In recent years, Chongqing Municipality has accelerated the building of new energy vehicle (NEV) industrial clusters. At present, production lines of NEV industry in Chongqing are operating at full swing to meet the domestic and international market demand.

According to the statistics, the NEV output of Chongqing in 2022 went up 142.5 percent year on year to nearly 369,000 units, and automobile exports from the municipality increased by nearly 90 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

Workers are busy at a production line of the new energy vehicle AVATR at a workshop of Chang'an Auto in Jiangbei District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, July 20, 2023.

In recent years, Chongqing Municipality has accelerated the building of new energy vehicle (NEV) industrial clusters. At present, production lines of NEV industry in Chongqing are operating at full swing to meet the domestic and international market demand.

According to the statistics, the NEV output of Chongqing in 2022 went up 142.5 percent year on year to nearly 369,000 units, and automobile exports from the municipality increased by nearly 90 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Li Qianlei)

Workers are busy at a workshop of an auto parts production company in Yongchuan District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, July 24, 2023.

In recent years, Chongqing Municipality has accelerated the building of new energy vehicle (NEV) industrial clusters. At present, production lines of NEV industry in Chongqing are operating at full swing to meet the domestic and international market demand.

According to the statistics, the NEV output of Chongqing in 2022 went up 142.5 percent year on year to nearly 369,000 units, and automobile exports from the municipality increased by nearly 90 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

New energy vehicles AVATR are transported by trucks at a vehicle distribution center of Chang'an Auto in Jiangbei District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, July 20, 2023.

In recent years, Chongqing Municipality has accelerated the building of new energy vehicle (NEV) industrial clusters. At present, production lines of NEV industry in Chongqing are operating at full swing to meet the domestic and international market demand.

According to the statistics, the NEV output of Chongqing in 2022 went up 142.5 percent year on year to nearly 369,000 units, and automobile exports from the municipality increased by nearly 90 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

New energy vehicles AVATR are transported by trucks at a vehicle distribution center of Chang'an Auto in Jiangbei District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, July 20, 2023.

In recent years, Chongqing Municipality has accelerated the building of new energy vehicle (NEV) industrial clusters. At present, production lines of NEV industry in Chongqing are operating at full swing to meet the domestic and international market demand.

According to the statistics, the NEV output of Chongqing in 2022 went up 142.5 percent year on year to nearly 369,000 units, and automobile exports from the municipality increased by nearly 90 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

Workers are busy at a workshop of an auto parts production company in Yongchuan District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, July 24, 2023.

In recent years, Chongqing Municipality has accelerated the building of new energy vehicle (NEV) industrial clusters. At present, production lines of NEV industry in Chongqing are operating at full swing to meet the domestic and international market demand.

According to the statistics, the NEV output of Chongqing in 2022 went up 142.5 percent year on year to nearly 369,000 units, and automobile exports from the municipality increased by nearly 90 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

Workers are busy at a production line of the new energy vehicle AVATR at a workshop of Chang'an Auto in Jiangbei District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, July 20, 2023.

In recent years, Chongqing Municipality has accelerated the building of new energy vehicle (NEV) industrial clusters. At present, production lines of NEV industry in Chongqing are operating at full swing to meet the domestic and international market demand.

According to the statistics, the NEV output of Chongqing in 2022 went up 142.5 percent year on year to nearly 369,000 units, and automobile exports from the municipality increased by nearly 90 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)
Marc Tessier-Lavigne at his inauguration as president of Stanford University on Oct. 21, 2016. He announced his resignation as president on July 19, but will keep his post as a biology professor. That's a clue to his real reasons for the move. (Dan Honda/Bay Area News Group via Associated Press)

Its hardly news by now that college presidencies are not what they used to be. The change is the result of factors as diverse as the institutions they lead. Yet despite the differences, certain similarities emerge among all college presidents.

First and foremost is their need to keep money flowing into their institutions coffers. As long as they do, theyll hold onto their jobs. A series of recent resignations confirms that the truth is almost always found by following the money trail.

When an independent review of his research found that it fell below the standards of scientific rigor, Marc Tessier-Lavigne promptly announced that he would resign as president of Stanford University , a post he has held since 2016.

Read more: Op-Ed: Higher education as a path out of poverty is now more myth than reality

Even his defenders mostly dont question the work done by a panel that reviewed more than 50,000 documents, leading to an 89-page report. It was thorough and unbiased. But what is hard to swallow is the reason that Tessier-Lavigne gave for his decision.

He said the report calls into serious question his ability to lead Stanford into the new academic year. Wait  he was cleared of fraud, so why does he somehow feel incapable of staying on as president? The presidency is strictly an administrative position thats pretty far removed from research. If anything, he might have resigned from his other post, as a professor of biology, given that roles proximity to research. But so far, he hasnt said he will relinquish that post.

Could it be that the real reason is the effect the report will most certainly have on fundraising?

Read more: Opinion: With an end to affirmative action in higher ed, here's one way colleges can retain diverse students

Thats highly likely in light of the reasons for other college presidential resignations over the last few years. USC and the University of Rochester are cases in point. What they demonstrate makes Tessier-Lavignes decision all the more predictable. In both cases, the presidents stepped down because of their failure to maintain an atmosphere in which all students felt free from sexual harassment  not because of research flaws.

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USC made larger headlines because of a series of scandals. One involved a longtime gynecologist at its health center who had abused female students for decades. The other involved the former dean of its medical school, who used drugs and partied with prostitutes.

At the University of Rochester, a 207-page report by an outside investigator found that allegations of sexual harassment were exaggerated and misleading in many respects. Nevertheless, the president announced his resignation even before seeing the report.

Read more: Letters to the Editor: Stop bashing higher education. It isn't all about elitism

At Stanford, Tessier-Lavigne took less than a week to do so.

Few college presidents oversee a campus that is totally free of complaints. So why do they so quickly announce their resignations when certain issues bubble up? It happens even when theres no apparent legal liability attached to the school.

In the final analysis, the answer is that the issues are too volatile for the public  and donors  to ignore until a plausible change has been made. When the universities involved are private, the financial support from alumni is crucial. Graduates are willing to cut them some slack over research flaws but not over sexual and racial issues.

Read more: Opinion: Want more diversity in schools? Copy the University of California and look to community colleges

The latter was on display in July when the president of Texas A&M University resigned after a controversy over attempts to hire a prominent Black professor to jump-start the schools journalism program. As a public university, it is highly sensitive to events with the potential to play poorly in the state Legislature. Thats particularly true in Texas, with its Republican-dominated body that has a history of targeting public education. Although Katherine Banks, A&Ms outgoing president, said in her resignation letter that negative press has become a distraction, what she surely meant is that if she stuck around, the controversy would result in reduced funding from the state.

No matter what the issue, college presidencies these days are bound to be short-lived. Thats because students are seen first and foremost as customers who must be catered to for their tuition dollars. Despite the high-blown rhetoric about developing critical thinkers, the No. 1 goal is to keep the money flowing. As long as presidents can do that, theyll weather any storm. When they cant, theyre out.

Walt Gardner was a lecturer in the UCLA Graduate School of Education.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Manhattan Project displaced some New Mexicans and employed others at Los Alamos in the 1940s.

When the project detonated the first atom bomb, radioactive fallout rained on thousands of people.

Christopher Nolan's new film "Oppenheimer" leaves out these lasting, local impacts.

When the Manhattan Project team led by J. Robert Oppenheimer detonated the first atom bomb in the New Mexico desert in 1945, Tina Cordova's family was living in nearby Tularosa.

After the bright blast, radioactive ash fell from the sky for days.

A decade later, Cordova says, her great-grandfathers were both diagnosed with what was called "stomach cancer" at the time. Then her grandmothers had cancer. Then her father. Now Cordova herself is a survivor of thyroid cancer.

A sign once carried in a rally by a victim of radiation from the 1945 Trinity nuclear weapon test, on display at the New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe. Robert Alexander/Getty Images

"The first question they asked me was 'When were you exposed to radiation?'" Cordova, who founded the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, said in a panel discussion on July 17. "And now I have a 23-year-old niece going to college in California, studying art, wants to work at Pixar. And in November, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer."

The Manhattan Project displaced some New Mexicans, employed others, and irradiated potentially thousands. None of them appear in the new Christopher Nolan film about the project, called "Oppenheimer."

Director Christopher Nolan signs autographs as he attends the UK premiere of 'Oppenheimer' at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London. Wiktor Szymanowicz/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Cordova said she made several unsuccessful attempts to contact somebody on Nolan's team, hoping to ensure the film acknowledged these local impacts.

"A reflection on those sorts of things would've taken nothing away from this film and actually would be in line with the regrets that Robert Oppenheimer eventually expressed," Cordova told Insider during the panel.

In December, Olivia Fermi also tried to contact filmmakers by reaching out to lead actors on Instagram or via contact forms on their charities' websites, and by asking for help from Kai Bird, an author of the book "American Prometheus", which is the basis of the new movie.

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"I hoped only that they would include something in the end credits," Fermi, a psychological counselor in Vancouver and an acquaintance of Cordova's, told Insider. Her grandfather was the physicist Enrico Fermi, who worked on the Manhattan Project and is played by Danny Deferrari in the film.

Enrico Fermi in his laboratory. CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

"I was hoping that because of my last name that somebody would notice," Fermi said.

It's not clear if her messages reached anybody involved in the film, based on emails and screenshots that Fermi shared with Insider.

"There's no excuse in 2023 to not include families, women, and minorities," she added.

NBCUniversal, the company that owns the studio behind the film, did not respond to Insider's request for comment.

The Manhattan Project grabbed some locals' land and recruited others

At a nuclear test site near Alamogordo, New Mexico, atomic bomb scientists measure radioactivity in seared sand particles two months after the explosion. Bettmann/Getty Images

When the US government first chose Los Alamos as the location for its secret nuclear lab, it displaced several families who had been living and farming the land for generations.

Many of the homesteaders were Hispanic. The language barrier and sight of uniforms and guns may have intimidated them into accepting the government's offer to buy their land, said Rosario Martinez Fiorillo, a descendant of one of the evicted families.

Some homesteaders received as little as $7 an acre for their land, while the government paid about $225 an acre for the Los Alamos Ranch school and $43 an acre for the Anchor Ranch, both Anglo-owned.

After homesteaders' descendants petitioned the federal government over the discrepancy, Congress set up a $10 million fund, acknowledging the Hispanic homesteaders had been paid less for their land.

Even after the displacement, people still lived near the lab and what would eventually become the Trinity site, where the scientists and military personnel tested the first atomic bomb. Residents from the San Ildefonso Pueblo, El Rancho, and other nearby communities started working at the laboratory site.

Many of the women started as house cleaners or babysitters for the scientists and their spouses, but many eventually became technicians or clerical workers as the project expanded and more and more workers were needed.

None of those local landowners or workers appear in the Nolan film. The Oppenheimer character briefly mentions people living in the area when he proposes it as the site for the Manhattan Project.

The first atom-bomb test spread nuclear fallout over thousands of people

This is an aerial view of the aftermath of the first atomic explosion at Trinity Test Site, New Mexico, July 16, 1945. It left a half-mile wide crater, ten feet deep at the vent and the sand within the crater had been burned and boiled into a highly radioactive, jade-green, glassy crust. AP Photo

On the night before the Trinity Test, Elizabeth and Alvin Graves, a married couple of physicists who worked at Los Alamos, headed to a cabin in Carrizozo, New Mexico, about 45 miles from the test site.

Though the project's scientists weren't sure exactly how the radiation would affect humans, they still thought that Elizabeth Graves, who was pregnant, should be miles away.

"Their understanding of what's a safe amount of radiation to be exposed to is not the same one we would have today," Alex Wellerstein, a historian of science and nuclear technology and professor at the Stevens Institute of Technology, told Insider.

Post-war research would focus heavily on the effects of radiation, but at the time, "their real priority is making the atomic bomb, not keeping these marginalized communities safe," he said.

On July 16, 1945, the world's first atomic bomb exploded. Over 280 miles away, in Amarillo, Texas, residents could see a bright flash. Windows broke and dishes rattled in Silver City, New Mexico. It was 5:30 a.m.

Almost 11 hours later, the cloud of radiation wafted toward the Graves. The needle on the couple's Geiger counter was stuck on the highest reading.

Bob Bell uses equipment to tests for radioactivity as he and others visited the Trinity Site during an open house. Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images

There were people living even closer to the test site, though, some within 13 miles of the blast, according to Cordova and the National Park Service, which maintains Los Alamos as a historical park.

Tens of thousands of people lived within 50 miles of the test site.

The difference between them and the Graves' is that the locals had no idea what was happening. Nobody had warned them.

To explain the flashes, booms, and rattles, Gen. Leslie Groves had an officer from the Alamogordo Air Base tell the Associated Press that "a remotely located ammunition magazine containing a considerable amount of high explosives and pyrotechnics exploded" but that no one was injured.

No evacuations as radioactive ash fell from the sky

Wellerstein said the Army had people stationed in downwind towns with radiation detectors, and plans to initiate evacuations if the radiation spiked past a certain level. Ultimately, nobody was evacuated.

"They did have towns that, according to their surveys, picked up radiation. They judged all of this to be within safe tolerances," Wellerstein said. "Today we probably wouldn't judge that to be acceptable amounts of radiation to be exposed to."

Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer in "Oppenheimer." Universal Pictures

Radioactive fallout from the blast spread northeast, over an area about 250 miles long and 200 miles wide, according to NPS. Ash fell from the sky for days. The radiation landed on vegetables and cattle that locals relied on for food, and in cisterns they used to collect rainwater, since many had no running water.

"Truly it set up the perfect storm for overexposing us," said Cordova, whose father was four years old and lived in a downwind community at the time.

Oppenheimer once wrote that his "two great loves" were "physics and New Mexico."

"I am distressed every time I hear that because I too love this great state. This is where I have chosen to live and where I choose to live every day," Cordova said. "We never were asked permission. We were never given a chance to weigh in on all of this. And this is the legacy that we live with."

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J. Robert Oppenheimer on a visit to New York on November 17, 1945. Getty Images

The film "Oppenheimer" is filled with terrible visions of nuclear war from the father of the atom bomb.

But J. Robert Oppenheimer didn't know about the worst-case scenario: nuclear winter.

The theory is that nuclear war would darken the skies, cool the planet, and cause billions to starve.

Christopher Nolan's new film "Oppenheimer" is filled with the titular physicist's worst nightmares of nuclear war.

Ominous visions of mushroom clouds bursting from city after city, stacks of fire rising past the clouds, and ripples of radiation engulfing Europe haunt Cillian Murphy's J. Robert Oppenheimer.

As the director of the secret Los Alamos laboratory, where a group of scientists developed and tested the world's first atom bomb, Oppenheimer was well aware of the power his lab was unleashing.

He famously called it "Death, the destroyer of worlds."

But he only knew half the story.

The mushroom cloud of the Castle Bravo nuclear test of March 1, 1954. NOAA

Oppenheimer's night terrors pale in comparison to the worst-case scenario scientists predict today. An outbreak of nuclear war, with hundreds or thousands of atomic explosions, could send the planet into an apocalyptic state called nuclear winter, in which billions of people would starve to death.

"Nuclear weapons are the greatest danger that the world faces and has been facing for a long time, but we've forgotten about it," Alan Robock, a professor at Rutgers University and a pioneer of nuclear-winter research, told Insider.

So far, he added, "I think we've been very lucky."

Nuclear winter is a theory, based on models and debated within the scientific community  like many of the predictions atomic scientists made in Oppenheimer's time. Here's how it goes.

What nuclear winter would be like: dark, cold, and irradiated, with up to 5 billion deaths

A field of dead almond trees after a drought in California's Central Valley. Lucy Nicholson/Reuters

It would start with nuclear bombs setting cities ablaze. Each nuclear explosion would ignite countless little fires, which can coalesce into huge, uncontrollable firestorms.

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In the event of an ongoing back-and-forth of nuclear attacks, all those firestorms could send so much soot into the stratosphere that it forms a belt around the planet and blocks out the sun, causing temperatures to drop by up to 15 degrees Celsius. This global cooling could last years.

The darkness, cold, and radiation from nuclear fallout would destroy much of Earth's plant and animal life.

The first detonation of a nuclear device, called the Trinity test, conducted by the US Army on July 16, 1945. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Five scientists, including Carl Sagan, first proposed this theory in a 1983 paper.

Since then, a team of cross-disciplinary scientists, including Robock, has combined climate models and food-production simulations to better understand the possibility of nuclear winter.

Last year, they published findings that fish and livestock would not be able to sustain the world if nuclear winter wiped out crops. They concluded that a nuclear war between the US and Russia could cause 5 billion people to starve to death.

"More than 10 times as many people would die from starvation than would die from the direct effects [of the bombs]," Robock said.

Even a smaller nuclear war between India and Pakistan could send millions of tons of soot into the atmosphere and cause global food shortages, they've calculated. Robock and his colleagues estimated that scenario would kill about 2 billion people.

"I hope [the movie] will make people ask questions about why we still have nuclear weapons, how could they possibly be used, and why we would need them," he said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Ernest Lawrence, Enrico Fermi, and Isidor Rabi all won the Nobel Prize and contributed to the Manhattan Project. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Officials on the Manhattan Project recruited top scientists to research and develop the atomic bomb.

Some of them were already Nobel Prize winners, but others received theirs as late as 2005.

Most won the physics award, but there were a few for chemistry, medicine, and the Peace Prize.

Despite his early work on what would later become known as black holes, J. Robert Oppenheimer never won a Nobel Prize. In part, it may have been because the "father of the atomic bomb" lacked the focus of some of his colleagues and constantly moved from topic to topic.

Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, established the eponymous prize for those who "conferred the greatest benefit to humankind."

Over two dozen Nobel Prize winners worked on the Manhattan Project during World War II. Most won for breakthroughs in physics, but a few received the award for chemistry or medicine. Joseph Rotblat, a Polish physicist who was the only scientist to leave the project for moral reasons, won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Since the first prize was awarded in 1901, 959 people have won a Nobel Prize, so they didn't all work on the Manhattan Project. Most notably, the US Army intelligence office refused to grant Albert Einstein security clearance. He received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921.

Here's what the 31 scientists with ties to the Manhattan Project won their Nobel Prizes for, and how they contributed to the research depicted in Christopher Nolan's latest movie, "Oppenheimer."

Niels Bohr, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1922

Niels Bohr, physicist from Denmark, is seen, Nov. 11, 1957.

Niels Bohr, physicist from Denmark, photographed in 1957.AP Photo

Nobel Prize: Niels Bohr was a Copenhagen-born physicist who incorporated quantum mechanics when describing how electrons behave in atoms. Electrons move closer to or farther from the nucleus at specific intervals, based on whether the atom radiated or absorbed energy.

Manhattan Project: After a harrowing escape from Nazi-occupied Denmark in 1943, Bohr began consulting on the Manhattan Project. Due to his fame, Bohr traveled under an alias, Nicholas Baker. He split his time between London, Washington, DC, and Los Alamos, where many of the scientists referred to him as "Uncle Nick."

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James Franck, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1925

Professor James Franck, a German-born physicist, in his laboratory in Germany, circa 1925. Boyer/Roger Viollet via Getty Images

Nobel Prize: James Franck and his co-winner Gustav Ludwig Hertz performed an experiment that supported Niels Bohr's theory of atomic structure. They showed that applying a certain energy level caused bound electrons to jump to a higher-energy orbit.

Manhattan Project: Franck served as director of the chemistry division at the University of Chicago's Metallurgical Laboratory. He was also the author of the Franck Report, which recommended openly demonstrating the power of the atomic bomb in a remote area before dropping it on Japan.

Arthur Compton, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1927

Arthur Compton in a laboratory circa 1932. Imagno/Getty Images

Nobel Prize: When a photon interacts with a charged particle, like an electron, the resulting decrease in energy is known as the Compton effect or Compton scattering. Compton discovered the effect in 1922 during an experiment with X-ray photons.

Manhattan Project: Compton was the Chicago Met Lab's project director and later wrote "Atomic Quest," a book about his time working on the bomb and the ways science and religion influence each other.

Harold Urey, Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 1934

Harold Urey inspects a Belemnite "fossilized thermometer" in 1951. Los Angeles Examiner/USC Libraries/Corbis via Getty Images

Nobel Prize: Harold Urey distilled liquid hydrogen in 1932 in order to extract a hydrogen isotope. The resulting isotope, known as deuterium, is twice as heavy as regular hydrogen.

Manhattan Project: During the war, Urey contributed to the creation of the gaseous diffusion method for separating uranium-235 from uranium-238, though the Oak Ridge lab ended up using an electromagnetic separation technique instead. He also headed the Substitute Alloy Materials Laboratory at Columbia.

James Chadwick, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1935

British physicist James Chadwick in the 1930s. Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images

Nobel Prize: Atoms contain positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons. In 1932, James Chadwick showed that, in addition to protons, atomic nuclei contain other non-charged particles, called neutrons.

Manhattan Project: Chadwick led the Manhattan Project's British Mission, made up of many European refugees. His position gave him unique access to both American and British plans and information regarding the project. He lived briefly in Los Alamos before moving to Washington, DC.

Enrico Fermi, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1938

Enrico Fermi at a lab at Columbia University

Enrico Fermi inspecting equipment at a Columbia University laboratory.Keystone/Getty Images

Nobel Prize: In the 1930s, Enrico Fermi discovered how to create radioactive isotopes by bombarding atoms with neutrons and developed theories on how to change this radioactivity by slowing down neutrons.

Manhattan Project: Fermi built an experimental reactor pile at the University of Chicago. When it went critical, it became the world's first controlled, self-sustaining nuclear reaction. Later, he went to Los Alamos and was present for the Trinity Test, where he jokingly took bets on whether the atmosphere would ignite.

Ernest Lawrence, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1939

Ernest Lawrence spent much of his career at the University of California, Berkeley. Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images

Nobel Prize: A cyclotron is a device that uses electromagnetic fields to speed up protons so they can effectively bombard atomic nuclei and produce isotopes. Ernest Lawrence won the Nobel Prize for inventing this early particle accelerator.

Manhattan Project: Cyclotrons were crucial for enriching uranium, as were calutrons, also created by Lawrence, which were used at the Oak Ridge, Tennessee, facility. Lawrence spent time at both Oak Ridge and Berkeley and also witnessed the Trinity Test. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory are both named after him.

Isidor Isaac Rabi, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1944

Isidor Isaac Rabi in 1982. Nancy R. Schiff/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Nobel Prize: Isidor Isaac Rabi created a technique using molecular beams to study the magnetic properties of atomic nuclei, which formed the basis of nuclear magnetic resonance.

Manhattan Project: Though he turned down Oppenheimer's offer of the deputy director position, Rabi still consulted on the project. While much of his war research concerned radar, he also spent time at Los Alamos, including during the Trinity Test. Along with Fermi, he was a vocal opponent of the hydrogen bomb.

Hermann Muller, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 1946

Hermann Muller at work experimenting on fruit flies. Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

Nobel Prize: After exposing fruit flies to X-rays, Hermann Muller found that genetic mutations increased with higher doses.

Manhattan Project: Between 1943 and 1944, Muller was a civilian advisor for the Manhattan Project, consulting on experiments studying the effects of radiation.

Edwin McMillan, Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 1951

Edwin McMillan at the University of California in 1951. Bettmann / Contributor via Getty Images

Nobel Prize: With Glenn Seaborg, Edwin McMillan won the Nobel Prize for their work creating new elements by bombarding uranium. McMillan produced element 93, neptunium, in 1940.

Manhattan Project: At Los Alamos, McMillan worked on implosion research. His wife, Elsie McMillan, wrote a memoir, "The Atom and Eve," which included details about their time in New Mexico.

Glenn Seaborg, Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 1951

Glenn Seaborg at the University of California in 1951. Bettmann / Contributor via Getty Images

Nobel Prize: Seaborg built upon his co-winner's work to isolate element 94, plutonium, in 1940.

Manhattan Project: Seaborg worked in the University of Chicago's Metallurgical Laboratory, figuring out how to extract plutonium from uranium. Based on his research, the process was industrialized for the Hanford, Washington, site. He served as chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission from 1961 to 1971.

Felix Bloch, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1952

Felix Bloch in 1952. RDB/ullstein bild via Getty Images

Nobel Prize: Both Felix Bloch and Edward Purcell shared the prize because both developed methods that expanded on Rabi's Nobel Prize-winning work, eventually leading to the widespread application of nuclear magnetic resonance.

Manhattan Project: Working on both theoretical problems with Hans Bethe and on implosion, Bloch was a versatile figure at Los Alamos. But he left to work on radar at Harvard University, preferring a less militarized culture.

Edward Purcell, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1952

Edward Purcell circa 1951. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Nobel Prize: Working separately, Purcell and Bloch developed similar methods of measuring the response of changes in the magnetic response of nuclei in atoms, leading to their shared Prize.

Manhattan Project: Mostly involved with microwave radiation research at the MIT Rad Lab during the war, Purcell also assisted in some work for the Trinity Test bomb.

Emilio Segre, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1959

Emilio Segre in 1959. ATP/RDB/ullstein bild via Getty Images

Nobel Prize: Co-winners Emilio Segre and Owen Chamberlain used a particle accelerator in 1955 to confirm the existence of antiprotons, the antiparticles of protons that have the same mass but the opposite charge.

Manhattan Project: As head of the radioactivity group at Los Alamos, Segre measured the radioactivity of fission products and the gamma radiation after the test bomb exploded at the Trinity site.

Owen Chamberlain, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1959

Owen Chamberlain circa 1950. Keystone-France\Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

Nobel Prize: Chamberlain and Segre won for their joint work on antiprotons.

Manhattan Project: Still in graduate school at the University of California, Berkeley, during World War II, Chamberlain joined the Manhattan Project and worked under Segre. In the 1980s, he visited the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima to offer his apologies for the bombings.

Willard Libby, Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 1960

Willard Libby and his wife, Leona Libby, who also worked on the Manhattan Project, in the late 1960s. Lowell Georgia/The Denver Post via Getty Images

Nobel Prize: Carbon-14 is radioactive and decays at a fixed rate. Willard Libby created a method for using that rate to approximate the age of fossils and archaeological finds.

Manhattan Project: At Columbia University, Libby developed the gaseous diffusion method for separating isotopes from uranium needed for the atomic bomb. In the 1950s, he opposed a petition from fellow Nobel winner Linus Pauling that called for a ban on nuclear weapons testing. After the war, he married Leona Woods Marshall Libby, a physicist who also worked on the Manhattan Project.

Eugene Wigner, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1963

Eugene Wigner circa 1955. Pictorial Parade/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Nobel Prize: When protons and neutrons are far apart, the cohesive force that binds them is weak and gets stronger when they are closer together. Eugene Wigner discovered the correlation in 1933.

Manhattan Project: Wigner offered input on Leo Szilard's 1939 letter, signed by Einstein, urging President Franklin D. Roosevelt to invest in uranium research. Wigner worked at the Chicago Met Lab designing production nuclear reactors for converting uranium into plutonium.

Maria Goeppert Mayer, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1963

A portrait of Maria Goeppert Mayer standing in front of a chalkboard.

Maria Goeppert Mayer worked on the Manhattan Project and later won the Nobel Prize in physics.Bettmann/Getty Images

Nobel Prize: Maria Goeppert Mayer and J. Hans Jensen were joint winners for their separate neutron shell work. Goeppert Mayer created a model showing that protons and neutrons in a nucleus are arranged in layers, with neutrons and protons orbiting the nucleus at each level. How the spins and orbits align or oppose each other determines the particle's energy and demarcates each layer's limits.

Manhattan Project: Working for Harold Urey at Columbia University's Substitute Alloy Materials Laboratory, Goeppert Mayer studied uranium hexafluoride and researched photochemical reactions for separating isotopes. She later joined the Los Alamos lab to assist Teller with his hydrogen bomb research. For much of her career, Goeppert Mayer was stymied by nepotism rules that wouldn't allow her to work at the same university as her husband, but she became a full professor at the University of California, San Diego, in 1960 at age 58.

Richard Feynman, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1965

Richard Feynman in 1954. Bettmann / Contributor via Getty Images

Nobel Prize: Quantum electrodynamics describes the way matter particles interact with light and with each other. Richard Feynman came up with diagrams for visualizing the complex behavior of quantum particles. He shared the prize with Sin-Itiro Tomonaga and Julian Schwinger for their own quantum electrodynamics contributions.

Manhattan Project: At 24, Fenynman had only recently completed his PhD when he arrived at Los Alamos. He worked in Hans Bethe's theoretical division. Eschewing the dark glasses everyone else wore to protect their eyes, Feynmwan watched the Trinity bomb explode from behind a truck windshield, counting on the glass to filter out the ultraviolet light.

Julian Schwinger, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1965

Julian Schwinger in the 1960s. CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

Nobel Prize: The same year that Feynman won, Schwinger also received the Nobel Prize for reconciling quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity, leading to the new quantum electrodynamics.

Manhattan Project: After a short stint at Chicago Met Lab, Schwinger focused on radar at the Radiation Laboratory at MIT. Four of his students went on to win their own Nobel Prizes.

Robert Mulliken, Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 1966

Nobel Prize Robert S. Mulliken holds a pipette in laboratory in 1966.

Robert Mulliken in a laboratory in 1966.Bettmann via Getty Images

Nobel Prize: When he won the prize in 1966, Robert Mulliken called his description of molecular orbitals "unavoidably technical." Using quantum mechanics, he created models of the way electrons move within a molecule that were more complex than Niels Bohr's atomic model.

Manhattan Project: Mulliken was a director at the University of Chicago's Met Lab and signed the Szilard Petition. Because of his contributions to molecular orbital theory, he was known as "Mr. Molecule."

Hans Bethe, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1967

An undated photo of Dr. Hans A. Bethe.

An undated photo of Hans A. Bethe. CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

Nobel Prize: When light nuclei fuse to form heavier ones, it releases a large amount of energy, a process known as fusion. In 1938, Hans Bethe theorized that hydrogen nuclei and helium nuclei combining results in the incredible amount of energy that stars emit.

Manhattan Project: Oppenheimer recruited Bethe to head Los Alamos' theoretical division, which was responsible for solving complicated problems involving implosion, critical mass, and initiation. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Bethe was one of the most senior members of the Manhattan Project still living and used his position to urge scientists all over the world to stop the development and manufacture of new weapons of mass destruction.

Luis Alvarez, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1968

Luis Alvarez in a laboratory in 1946. Bettmann via Getty Images

Nobel Prize: In the 1950s, Luis Alvarez helped spur the discovery of new particles with his technique for filling bubble chambers with liquid hydrogen. The electrically charged particles left a path of tiny bubbles that were then photographed. Alvarez also improved methods of scanning and transferring the images to computers.

Manhattan Project: Moving from radar research to the Manhattan Project, Alvarez worked in a number of areas in both Chicago and Los Alamos. He studied the effects of shock waves with a series of implosion tests at Bayo Canyon. When the Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, he rode in a separate plane that was recording data. In 1980 Alvarez and his son, geologist Walter Alvarez, proposed that an asteroid hit the earth and led to the dinosaurs' extinction after discovering unusually high levels of iridium in sedimentary layers.

James Rainwater, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1975

Nobel Prize winnner James Rainwater in 1975 in front of a blackboard at Columbia University

James Rainwater at Columbia University in 1975.Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Nobel Prize: Early models of atomic nuclei depicted them as spheres. James Rainwater proposed that nucleons interacting on the inner and outer parts create centrifugal pressure that distorts the nucleus' shape. Aage Bohr independently came up with the same theory and verified it with Ben Mottelson, and all three jointly won.

Manhattan Project: Rainwater was a Columbia University graduate student who used the SAM lab's cyclotron alongside experimental physicist Chien-Shiung Wu. He had to wait to receive his PhD until 1946 when his thesis was declassified.

Aage Bohr, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1975

Aage Niels Bohr in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1975. Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Nobel Prize: About a month after Rainwater's paper was published, Aage Bohr submitted his own on the same topic. A few years later, Aage Bohr and Mottelson jointly published their experimental work on nuclei shape.

Manhattan Project: Working as an assistant to his father, Niels Bohr, Aage Bohr proved instrumental in interpreting for some members of the Manhattan Project. Both Feynman and Segre complained that the elder physicist mumbled.

Val Fitch, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1980

Nobel Prize winner Val L. Fitch in front of a blackboard in 1980 at Princeton University

Val Fitch at Princeton University in 1980.AP Photo/Kanthal

Nobel Prize: Val Fitch and James Cronin performed experiments in 1964 on the decay of an elementary particle, the neutral K-meson. While it should decay into half matter and half antimatter to obey the laws of symmetry, they found instead that it decayed in a "forbidden manner," asymmetrically. Thus, they found that reactions going backward in time, decaying, behave differently from those progressing forward in time.

Manhattan Project: Fitch was just 21 years old when he was drafted into the Army's Special Engineer Detachment. He became a member of the Trinity Test detonation team and helped design the timing apparatus.

Jerome Karle, Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 1985

Isabelle Karle and Nobel Prize winner Jerome Karle stand next to each other at the Naval Research Lab in 1998

Isabelle and Jerome Karle at the Naval Research Lab in 1998.Larry Morris/The The Washington Post via Getty Images

Nobel Prize: The X-ray crystallography technique directs X-rays at crystals, and the resulting scattered radiation is measured. Initially, some guesswork was needed about the crystal's structure. Joint winners Jerome Karle and Herbert Hauptman came up with a method for determining crystal structure from experimental results without the guesswork in the 1950s. Their breakthrough made studying the structure of molecules more efficient.

Manhattan Project: Researching plutonium chemistry, Karle worked alongside his wife, fellow physical chemist Isabella Karle, at the University of Chicago. When the war ended, the two continued their X-ray crystallography work at US Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC.

Norman Ramsey, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1989

Norman Ramsey and his wife, Ellie Welch-Ramsey, leaving their home in 1989 to attend the Nobel Prize ceremony. Bettmann via Getty Images

Nobel Prize: An atomic clock defines a second as the time it takes for a cesium atom to make over 9 billion radiation cycles. Some modern versions are only off by 1/15,000,000,000 of a second each year. Norman Ramsey's Nobel work made the extremely accurate clock possible. Taking Rabi's resonance method and passing a beam of atoms through two oscillating fields instead of one, he demonstrated how to create more precise interference patterns, allowing for a better understanding of the structures of atoms.

Manhattan Project: Joining the Los Alamos lab in 1943, Ramsey investigated ways to deliver the bomb to its target, realizing the B-29 was the only US aircraft that could carry it internally. He also assisted in assembling the bombs on Tinian Island.

Joseph Rotblat, Nobel Peace Prize, 1995

Nobel Peace Prize winner Joseph Rotblat surrounded by books and papers while wearing a suit in 1995

Joseph Rotblat at his office in 1995.David Cheskin/PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images

Nobel Prize: Shortly after its discovery, Joseph Rotblat worked on nuclear fission. In the 1950s, he began researching ways to use his nuclear physics expertise in the medical field instead of on bombs. He founded the nuclear disarmament organization, the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs, and both he and the organization were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for advocating for nuclear disarmament.

Manhattan Project: After briefly working with James Chadwick in Los Alamos, Rotblat left the Manhattan Project in late 1944. He later said it was for moral reasons because it was clear that the Germans didn't have the capability to build a nuclear weapon at that point. In 1955, he signed the Russell-Einstein Manifesto. Written by philosopher Bertrand Russell and signed by Enstinen shortly before his death, it warned that a war fought with hydrogen bombs "might possibly put an end to the human race."

Frederick Reines, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1995

Nobel Prize Winner Frederick Reines standsi n front of a purple sunset in 2001

Frederick Reines in 2001.Philippe Caron/Sygma via Getty Images

Nobel Prize: Beta decay converts a neutron into a proton and produces an electron. Because of the law of conservation of energy, it seemed like another particle, a neutrino, must also form. But for decades their existence was only theoretical. In the 1950s, Frederick Reines conducted nuclear reactor experiments that proved neutrinos exist.

Manhattan Project: Reines received his physics PhD in 1944. Feynman brought him into his group within the theoretical division at Los Alamos. After the war, Reines remained at the Los Alamos National Laboratory for several years, including while he conducted his neutrino research.

Roy Glauber, Nobel Prize in Physics, 2005

Nobel Prize winner Roy J. Glauber stands in behind a podium and in front of a Harvard banner at Harvard University on October 4, 2005

Roy Glauber at Harvard University on October 4, 2005.Gail Oskin/WireImage via Getty Images

Nobel Prize: Light has properties of both waves and particles. In 1963, Roy Glauber applied quantum theory to describe the characteristics of different light sources, including lasers, contributing to the foundation of quantum optics.

Manhattan Project: At 18, Glauber was still a student at Harvard when he became one of the youngest scientists to join the Manhattan Project. With Feynman, he worked on the bomb's critical mass calculations. Once Glauber earned his PhD, Oppenheimer offered him a position at the Institute for Advanced Study. During his long career as a professor at Harvard University, he participated in the Ig Nobel Prizes, which awards sillier scientific accomplishments.

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All students can eat a free breakfast and lunch at all Orange County Public Schools when classes resume in August, a move experts say can improve academics, attendance and cafeteria finances.

OCPS offered the free meals to everyone at 75% of its schools last year, but Central Floridas largest school district will expand that to all its campuses for the 2023-24 school year, it announced this week.

The Lake County school district made the same, meals-for-all move several years ago.

For years, students from low-income families could, under the federal school lunch program, eat free or reduced-price schools meals wherever they attended school. In the spring, 69% of OCPS students qualified for the program, according to data from the Florida Department of Education.

Qualifying all students  even if some individual families earn too much to be eligible individually  eliminates the requirement that parents to fill out financial applications and that staff review and approve them. That can help lunchroom operations run more smoothly and minimizes stigma, the district said in a statement.

OCPS offered free meals to everyone during the pandemic, but federal approval for that effort ended last year. The district then decided this year to apply for the federal governments community eligibility provision, so that all schools could offer breakfast and lunch at no charge.

That provision, authorized by Congress in 2010, requires that an average of 40% of students qualify as low-income, a threshold the district meets.

Every student deserves access to healthy food, regardless of their background, OCPS wrote on its Facebook page when it announced the decision. We believe this will enhance our students well-being and academic performance and reduce the stigma associated with receiving free or reduced-price meals.

The announcement drew quick praise online. Way to go OCPS! Best news out of Florida in a while, wrote one woman.

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This is something we can celebrate, wrote another.

The policy will cover breakfast and lunch but not extra items sold a la carte, such as cookies and chips, OCPS said.

The schools new to the free-meals effort are in some of Oranges wealthier areas, including Avalon Park, Dr. Phillips, Horizon West, Lake Nona and Winter Park. But the schools there still enroll students who qualify for free meals. At Hamlin Elementary in the new Horizon West development in west Orange, for example, about 15% of the students, or 80 youngsters, got free or reduced-price meals last school year.

Serving all students free breakfast and lunch is associated with higher math test scores, better attendance and fewer behavior problems, analysts with the Brookings Institute noted in a paper last year. School districts that make everyone eligible typically boost participation in school lunch programs and can then see savings through the economies of scale, they wrote, though some district administrators worry the expansion could be costly.

The Food Research and Action Council, which advocates for programs to end poverty-related hunger, urges districts that qualify to offer the free meals. Community eligibility is a win for everyone, its website says.
A helicopter flies between the Bedrock Fire and nearby Fall Creek to get a load of water as the wildfire burns east of Eugene on Monday.

Updated at 9:18 a.m. on Thursday, July 27

Here's the latest updates on major wildfires burning around Oregon.

Evacuations lifted on Sams Creek Fire east of Newport

The level 1 evacuations on the Sams Creek Fire east of Newport have been lifted, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office said Thursday morning.

"There are no remaining evacuation notices in place for Lincoln County," the agency said.

Fire crews will remain on scene for the next 24-48 hours completing mop-up operations.

The fire grew to 5 to 7 acres on Wednesday night.

Crater Lake National Park bans campfires

With the increase in fire danger in southern Oregon, Crater Lake National Park will go into a full fire ban, the park said Wednesday.

"The outlook is for above normal significant wildland fire potential for the next several months," the park said in a news release. The fire ban, which includes developed campsites, goes into effect on Friday.

Wood fires and charcoal fires will not be allowed in Crater Lake National Park. Liquid fuel and propane camp stoves and gas grills are permitted in campgrounds, picnic areas, backcountry areas and residential areas.

Smoking is only allowed in cars and fireworks are also prohibited.

Bedrock Fire grows to 7,100 acres, brings major closure to popular Fall Creek area

An emergency closure has been issued for the length of the popular Fall Creek area east of Eugene in Willamette National Forest in response to the 7,156-acre Bedrock Fire. The closure was made Wednesday afternoon by the U.S. Forest Service for the safety of the public and firefighters on the scene.

The area closed includes all recreation sites upstream of Fall Creek Reservoir. A full list of trails, campgrounds, recreation sites and trailheads are included in the closure order from the Forest Service.

Firefighting aircraft will also be scooping water from Lookout Point Reservoir Wednesday to fight the spread of the Bedrock Fire. The Lane County Sheriffs Office added that anyone near or on the reservoir should use extreme caution and consider finding another area to recreate in the meantime.

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The fire has spread to the east and north up Fall Creek.

Fuels are abnormally dry for this time of the season due to drought," fire behavior analyst Dean Warner said in a Wednesday update, explaining why the fire has been so active in late July. "Drier fuels take less energy to ignite, and burn more rapidly and intensely than wetter fuels.

The fire first ignited Saturday at the Bedrock Campground, in an area with a mosaic of some previously burned and unburned forest.

Fire personnel are working to establish fire lines along ridgelines between Little Cowhorn Mountain and Fawn Peak.

"In other areas, they are evaluating previous fire lines from past fires to see if any are suitable to reuse for Bedrock Fire," the Wednesday update said.

Map of the current Bedrock Fire.

'One of those pristine Oregon experiences'

With camping, hiking and swimming access, the area sees its fair share of visitors over the summer. That includes Robert Aspen and his two kids, who live in the Fall Creek area and frequented the Bedrock Campground every other weekend.

"Driving through there you could see previous burns, but this one had been untouched... it really was one of those really pristine Oregon experiences," Aspen said. "This is our third big fire experience in four years or so, and it just seems to me like this is becoming a common part of living in the Pacific Northwest."

It's the third major fire to ignite in a campground this season, following the Boulder Fire and Flat Fire. No official cause has been listed.

Information requested on how fire started

Fire officials have asked the public for any information about how the fire ignited.

"The Forest Service asks that the public recall any information, photography, or videos they may have from their visit to the area where the fire began on July 22. Any information can assist investigators in determining the cause of the fire," a news release said. "Please submit any information that could assist fire investigation efforts to SM.FS.R6TipHotLine@usda.gov."

Big Fall Creek Road is closed at the intersection of Peninsula Road for the Bedrock Fire east of Eugene on July 24.

Flat Fire held at 23,687 acres, up to 4% containment

The acreage of Oregon's largest wildfire bumped up a little to 23,687 acres by Thursday morning, but it marked yet another day when the fire had seen very little growth. It increased containment slightly to 4%.

Fire crews continue to work on mop-up and burn-out operations along the permitter, other firelines are being added as an additional safety net.

"Forces working west from Game Lake are readying for firing operations to tie together the southwestern side of the fire. This action is critical to keep the fire from moving further to the southwest," a Wednesday afternoon update said.

More than 1,500 fire personnel are now working the blaze. As of Wednesday, drones and helicopters were also playing an important part with firing operations.

The fire is burning near the town of Agness near the confluence of the Illinois and Rogue rivers. In Sunday's report, the fire was listed as "human caused" for the first time. The fire ignited at Oak Flat Campground. No other details were released.

More: Fire crews get OK to use heavy equipment in Kalmiopsis Wilderness to fight Flat Fire

A professional faller steps back after he completes his back cut on a snag. His work and the work of other fallers provides the first step in making these areas effective containment lines on the Flat Fire.

Pacific Northwest Team 3  a team tasked with managing some of the nation's largest and most complex fires  took over management of the fire Sunday.

A fire line starts at Game Lake and stretches east over the Kalmiopsis Wilderness to its northern boundary. The fire team also will move resources toward the fires perimeter to establish lines.

There is a large closure area and a level 2 evacuation warning  meaning "be prepared to go" from Agness to Quosatana Creek. Curry County is sending evacuation notices utilizing Everbridge, which provides notices via phone.

ODF vehicle at Haight Creek Fire Camp near Veneta taken on Saturday.

Forest Service warns of increased fire danger

The U.S. Forest Service sent out a warning Wednesday morning that fire danger was high across the Northwest and likely to climb.

The agency's news release said this, in part:

"Summer 2023 is only halfway over and low spring rainfall has resulted in abnormally dry conditions as hot temperatures persist across the Forest Services Pacific Northwest Region. This situation poses a significant risk of wildfires, and residents of Oregon and Washington are urged to take precautions to prevent human-caused wildfire starts," a news release said.

This dryness, combined with record and near-record heat, has resulted in excessively dry vegetation in many areas. As a result, a new fire start could grow quickly, and existing fires may remain on the landscape until weather conditions change. This raises the threat of prolonged smoke impacts, which can have serious health consequences for those with respiratory issues.

To mitigate these risks, the Forest Service is encouraging the public to take the following steps:

Prevent human-caused wildfire starts. To report a wildfire, call 911.

Keep an eye on smoke forecasts and plan outdoor recreation accordingly.

Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire closures before heading out.

Structural firefighters with Oregon State Fire Marshal doing mop up near structures on the Golden Fire.

Golden Fire burned 43 homes, may have ignited from illegal marijuana grow

A wildfire that started over the weekend in southern Oregon has burned dozens of homes and caused area residents to lose 911 service and internet, state officials said Tuesday.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal said preliminary damage assessments from the Golden Fire east of Klamath Falls showed that 43 residences near the town of Bonanza were destroyed. More than 40 outbuildings were also consumed by fire.

The fire marshal said most of the structures are believed to have burned Saturday, when the fire started and spread rapidly in hot weather and gusty winds. Crews were unable to access the structures before Tuesday because of unsafe conditions, the fire marshal said.

Sherry Booth told KATU-TV that she lost her home to the fire.

She said she was in town when she got a call saying the fire was headed toward it.

They were closing everything off, but we know a back way in so we did get to the house, she said. We had to go try to save our animals, and the cops were at the house and they were just telling us to grab our animals, go, go, go.

By the time Booth returned home, her house was engulfed in flames.

I did have insurance, she said. Were going to see what we can do, what they have to say.

The Red Cross Cascades had opened an evacuation shelter in response to the Golden Fire at Bonanza Schools (31610 Mission St., Bonanza).

Crews continue work on the Golden Fire. Wildland resources will work to hold and improve lines, monitor, and extinguish spot fires and mitigate snags.

The fire also significantly damaged a fiber optic line affecting most of the 8,200 residents in neighboring Lake County, causing a loss of 911 service, internet and phone service. The Lake County Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency Monday because of the outage and said an estimate for restoring the line wasnt yet known.

911 calls were being rerouted to Klamath County, and county emergency officials have been working with multiple state agencies to restore emergency connections, the commissioners said in statement. Temporary internet towers have also been put up and are providing services, commissioners said.

Fire crews also have been coordinating with utility companies that are working to repair damaged infrastructure, fire officials said Tuesday.

Our hearts go out to the Bonanza community and those affected by the Golden Fire, said Matt Howard, Oregon Department of Forestry Team 2 incident commander. Our job now is to fully suppress this fire so the recovery process can begin.

As of Tuesday morning, the blaze had burned about 3.2 square miles and was 9% contained.

Multiple fire crews and aircraft are working the fire. The estimated cost has grown to $2,937,000, according to an update from crews.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, the Klamath County Sheriffs office said. According to initial information, the blaze may have started on private property being used to grow marijuana illegally, law enforcement officials said. The Golden Fire began Saturday afternoon at about 1 p.m.

Crews have made progress on the fire, holding it within its original footprint, although high potential exists for the fire to keep growing because of heat, high winds and available fuel, officials said.

Some mandatory evacuations were lowered Tuesday, but several hundred homes are still impacted by evacuations at all levels, officials said. A shelter remained open and served more than 80 people over Saturday and Sunday nights, according to the state fire marshal.

An air quality advisory also remained in effect for the central and southern parts of Oregon into at least Wednesday night because of the Bedrock Fire burning between Eugene and Bend and the Flat Fire burning in southwest Oregon.

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality spokesperson Laura Gleim said air quality levels will vary between unhealthy and hazardous, improving at times during the day then getting worse overnight, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported.

-Associated Press

Aerial photo of the Haight Creek Fire near Veneta taken on July 21.

Haight Creek Fire containment grows to 40%

Southwest of Veneta in Lane County, containment of the Haight Creek Fire had grown to 40% by Sunday. A Monday update from the fire team said the crew was able to expand mop-up efforts after clearing other hazards near the line.

Some smoke may be visible to communities nearby as the rest of the fuel is burnt inside the fires perimeter, alongside other conditions from fires farther away.

Fighting an active fire always draws a lot of the publics attention, but the mop-up phase is equally important, and it takes considerably more time, Ole Buch, Oregon Department of Forestry district forester, said in Mondays release. Folks are often surprised that trapped heat within the fire can smolder for months and even put off smoke. District staff will patrol the fires perimeter throughout the summer to keep a close eye.

No evacuation orders have been issued and no structures or powerlines are threatened. The biggest threat is to natural resources, the Oregon Department of Forestry said. Access to Oxbow Road is also closed near the fire for the safety of the fire team.

The fire started July 18 on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected BLM land. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Simnasho Fire improves to 25% containment on Warm Springs

A wildfire burning west of Simnasho on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation was listed at 1,249 acres Monday but has been bumped up to 40% containment.

There are no evacuations or road closures at this time. Highway 9 is limited to local and fire traffic only.

"Today the focus will continue to be the southern flank and continuing to watch for spot fires," a Facebook post from the Wildland Fire Management Team for Warm Springs said Monday.

Simnasho Fire on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation was listed at 1,249 acres Monday morning but has been bumped up to 40% containment.

Human-caused fire contained on South Sister climbers trail near Moraine Lake

A human-caused wildfire was contained Sunday on the South Sister climbers trail near Moraine Lake Trail. Smokejumpers were dispatched and had a line around a blaze that didn't grow larger than an acre.

The fire is human caused, Central Oregon Fire Information added.

A small wildfire on the South Sister climbers trail in Central Oregon.

Abigail Landwehr is an outdoors journalism intern for the Statesman Journal. She can be reached at alandwehr@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon wildfire updates: Bedrock Fire brings closure to Fall Creek
CAPTION (Oleksandr GIMANOV)

A group of Ukrainian officials anxiously eyed deep cracks in the back wall of the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa, days after Russian missiles pummelled the UNESCO-protected port city.

"The threat is that part of the building where that crazy Russian missile came down -- it's moving," Odesa mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov told AFP outside the Orthodox cathedral, following the Sunday strike.

The mayor later told the 84-year-old Orthodox cleric responsible for the diocese, Metropolitan Agafangel, that the wall needed to be taken down.

"It is dragging the whole building down," he said.

Odesa, a Black Sea port with historic central streets on UNESCO's World Heritage List, had suffered comparatively little war damage until recent days.

But after Russia scrapped a grain export deal with Ukraine, it pounded port areas and damaged some of Odesa's oldest and most beautiful buildings.

"We haven't had such attacks on Odesa. This is the first time," said the mayor.

The Transfiguration Cathedral is not old, and was completed in the early 2000s.

But parishioners and clerics said it was precious because it was built from public donations, recreating a cathedral demolished by Soviet authorities.

The city chief asked the Metropolitan for permission for partial demolition and asked him to warn visitors against walking near the cathedral.

"They shouldn't put themselves in danger by being here."

- 'It's awful, awful' -

"It's awful, awful," the Metropolitan replied softly.

"A tragedy. What a holy place. The Russian defence ministry said there were foreign depots. What depots are there here?"

Earlier the head of the Odesa diocese toured the cathedral with clerics in plastic construction helmets.

He also joined an outdoor prayer service. Some wept as they listened to clerics in golden and black robes chanting and singing.

Large gold icons and cherubs' faces were propped up against the cathedral's walls and workers were blocking up windows with chipboard.

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Inside, volunteers had swept the floor clean and stacked up ripped and shrapnel-scored icons.

Ornate wall paintings, only completed this Easter, had been ripped away, exposing the concrete and metal structure.

"These walls aren't just walls. They were put up with our hands, with our love. Now it's such a blow, such pain, such grief," said Galyna, 58, who was selling candles to raise money for restoration.

"This church is the pride of Odesa," said 85-year-old worshipper, also named Galyna, examining an icon of the Holy Virgin, rescued almost intact.

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church was previously under the Moscow Patriarchate.

While it has formally broken ties, many in Ukraine see it as still loyal to Russia.

- Feel 'hatred' -

But the spokesman for the Odesa diocese, Archpriest Maximian Pogorelovskiy, 31, said he and other clerics felt "hatred, non-acceptance and lack of understanding" over what Russia did.

"They aimed at the cathedral, probably to scare us, to confuse us," he said.

The Kremlin denied targeting the cathedral, blaming Ukrainian air defences.

The archpriest linked the destruction of the original cathedral by the Soviets to the Russian missile attack.

"This cathedral was rebuilt, everyone was glad, and now the inheritors of that Bolshevism -- Russian rockets -- have destroyed this cathedral."

The strikes left a trail of destruction, blowing out windows in the historic House of Scientists, a professional centre and events venue, and hitting low-rise stone apartment buildings near the port.

Asya Kashpyruk, a 22-year-old student and dancer, boxed up dresses and books in her bedroom in her family's apartment on the top floor of a 19th-century stone building, after it was left with walls askew and gaping holes in the ceiling.

"This is our flat -- what's left of it," she said bitterly.

In the courtyard outside, rose bushes and grape vines were still coated with dust from the pulverised building.

"It was very friendly, we had good relationships, we had a lot of stray cats which we were feeding," Kashpyruk said of the space.

Now put up in a hotel, the family said they feared even a heavy downpour could destroy their flat, since the roof is largely ripped off.

Asya's mother, Katarina, said officials told her the building was under UNESCO protection, and therefore they "can't do anything".

"Will they wait for it to fall down?" she asked.

am/jbr/rox
Muhammad Naeem Butt, who gave up on a perilous attempt to reach Europe, is kissed by his mother Razia Latif at their home in Pakistan (Aamir QURESHI)

After spending weeks in Libya trying to reach Europe illegally, Muhammad Naeem Butt turned back -- abandoning a journey that has already cost hundreds of Pakistani lives this summer.

Shovelling sand onto a truck surrounded by Pakistan's Kashmir valley, he says he ended his treacherous bid for a better life when an overloaded fishing trawler sank off the coast of Greece last month.

Up to 350 Pakistanis were believed to be among the 600 who drowned, including 24 from Butt's hometown of Khuiratta in the lush Kashmir valley.

"Looking back, I realise that the risk I took was not worth it," Butt told AFP.

Butt is one of several men from Khuiratta who told AFP the disaster prompted them to give up on the journey after reaching Libya.

"Life is defined by the quality time you spend with your children and spouse, not the amount of money you possess," he said.

Tens of thousands of young men have handed over family fortunes to agents who smuggle them to Europe, from where remittances -- even more valuable since Pakistan's economy slumped into crisis last year -- can be wired home.

Butt sought help from friends and family, and his wife sold her precious wedding jewellery to scrape up the 2.2 million rupees (around $7,500) he needed to pay the human traffickers organising the trips.

The first legs of his journey were uneventful -- commercial flights to Dubai and Egypt, then overland to Libya, where his ordeal really started.

He spent two months in a makeshift shanty camp with 600 other migrants, waiting for the day they would be put on a cargo ship to make the journey across the Mediterranean.

- The anguish of families -

Instead, they were crowded onto a rickety fishing boat and spent eight days floundering in international waters, where they were first fired on, then rammed, by a Libyan naval vessel, Butt said.

They only stayed afloat because the navy ship abandoned them when a storm struck, he added -- but it returned days later to tow them back to port, where they were thrown in jail.

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"They gave us the minimal amount of food to keep us alive... a plate of macaroni or boiled rice would be shared among five people," Butt said.

"They were brutal people."

While he was in jail, news reached his hometown of the migrant boat sinking off Greece, causing heartbreak and distress.

"I can't explain the pain and anguish I went through for a week," Butt's wife Mehwish Matloob told AFP.

"I felt as though my entire world had crumbled before me," the 31-year-old said, clutching a shawl.

Butt finally got out of jail and was able to contact his family to tell them he was alive.

His mother, 76-year-old Razia Latif, says she now regrets the danger he endured.

"We thought that others were making it to Europe, so why not send him," she said.

"We would have preferred begging had we known it was that difficult."

- 'Greed' and risk -

The International Organization for Migration has declared the Mediterranean passage the world's most perilous migration route.

Around 1,728 migrants have gone missing there this year alone -- surpassing the 1,417 disappearances recorded in 2022.

But families that do get one or more of their young men abroad can prosper from the money sent back.

The noticeable disparity between families with relatives in Europe and those without is causing envy, said Zafar Iqbal Ghazi of Kashmir's Human Rights Forum group.

"If someone has a single-storey home, right next to it you will find a three-storey home, and bigger mansions, and so on," he said.

And the promise of untold riches abroad attracts those even well off by local standards.

Hamza Bhatti was earning 200,000 rupees a month (around $700) as a driver in Saudi Arabia -- enough to comfortably support his wife and their eight-month-old son -- but he still saw greener pastures in Europe.

"I believed that life in Europe would be more vibrant and colourful compared to my experience in Saudi Arabia," the 29-year-old told AFP.

Bhatti was jailed after his boat was returned to port by Libyan authorities and he found himself alongside Butt as news of the sinking broke.

"It was my greed that took me to the brink of death," he said.

- Smuggling agents arrested -

Ghazi said more than 175 youngsters from Khuiratta alone left illegally for Europe last year, and he believes any recent pause after the boat incident in Greece will only be temporary.

Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) said 69 smuggling agents had been arrested since a crackdown was launched last month, but prosecutions will be difficult.

"The challenge lies in the fact that most of these youngsters possess valid visas for Dubai, which they use as a starting point to reach Libya," one FIA official said, speaking anonymously to AFP.

"This is not a new phenomenon, and it will not end after the Greece boat tragedy."

European Union lawmakers have urged Brussels to provide support to member states to strengthen their capacity to carry out sea rescues, but attitudes towards migrants are hardening across Europe, with Greece steadily slashing benefits for asylum seekers.

Mehwish says her husband Butt will never again attempt the journey -- even though traffickers refunded part of his payment in the hope they wouldn't be reported.

"I don't regret losing the gold, and I am content to live in poverty as long as he is with me," she said.

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A Palm Bay man is accused of shooting a killing a 52-year-old Melbourne man on Saturday.

Melbourne police said the shooting happened on Race Street around 6:45 a.m. on July 22. When officers arrived, they said they found Derric West, of Melbourne, in the street with multiple gunshot wounds.

West later died at a nearby hospital.

Police said they identified Michael Hunter, 61, of Palm Bay, as the lone suspect in the shooting.

He was arrested on Monday around 7 p.m.

Read: Police: Driver who hit, killed man in Melbourne in 2021 arrested

Police said Hunter is charged with second-degree murder with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Police are asking anyone with information on the shooting to call the Melbourne Police Department at 321-608-6731 to speak with a detective or call Central Florida Crime Line at 800-423-TIPS (8477).

Read: Publix opens brand new store in Melbourne

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.
Palm Beach Central High School Principal Darren Edgecomb makes his first appearance in court on charges of failure to report child abuse against a student.

Editor's Note: Reports obtained Thursday from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office clarified some facts in this story. The sexual assault survivor's friend wrote a letter to high school officials that mentioned two sexual assaults by two different boys. Deputies investigated only one incident that happened in April involving one boy. The new report indicated no sexual assault occurred in August. Also, a friend of the survivor reported the assault to Assistant Principal Dan Snider, who is a defendant. It wasn't the survivor herself. You can read the latest story here.

Palm Beach Central High Principal Darren Edgecomb and four other school district staff members were arrested Monday on charges involving failure to report suspected sexual assaults against a 15-year-old student.

Edgecomb, 58, assistant principals Nereyda Cayado de Garcia, 37, and Daniel Snider, 49, and choral teacher Scott Houchins, 53, were arrested by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office along with Priscilla Carter, 55, currently a case worker in the district's SafeSchools office, at about 10 p.m. Monday.

By state law, all employees of the public school district, charter schools and private schools have "an affirmative duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect."

The latest: Boy accused of assault is related to Palm Beach Central official charged with failing to report it

Failure to report child abuse to the Department of Children and Families is a third-degree felony that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

The district employees are charged with repeatedly failing to report two suspected sexual assaults that happened off campus that they were made aware of through a letter written in pink ink by the victim's friend. The student pleaded with school administrators to address the incidents as she was afraid for her friend's life.

The survivor of the assaults reportedly attempted to take her own life in the summer of 2021. Sheriff's deputies who interviewed school administrators said that if the incidents had been "properly addressed before the summer," then the suicide attempt "could have potentially not taken place."

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In a written statement issued Tuesday, Palm Beach County schools spokesperson Angela Cruz Ledford said the district would not comment on an open investigation, but that all district employees involved had been reassigned to positions where they will not have contact with students.

"The allegations involving students occurred off of school property and over a weekend. However, no matter when or where any alleged assault against a student occurs, our policy aligns with the law, which requires all personnel to report suspected abuse," she said.

Principal Darren Edgecomb speaks during the Palm Beach Central High School graduation ceremonies in 2021. Edgecomb, along with two assistant principals and a music teacher, were arrested Monday and charged with failing to report sexual abuse.

More on Edgecomb: Palm Beach Central leaders disciplined by state after grade-changing investigation

What happened at Palm Beach Central High?

The charges stem from a molestation in April 2021 reported to a teacher and a guidance counselor by the end of the 2020-21 school year. They failed to report it to the state abuse hotline as required by law, according to a sheriff's office offense report released Thursday. The principal and assistant principals learned of it in August and also are charged with failing to report it. The sheriff's office arrest reports released Tuesday were heavily redacted, blacking out many of the names of the staff members who were arrested.

After the incident at Lake Worth Beach in April, a female friend of a 15-year-old student at Palm Beach Central wrote a letter detailing two times the student had been sexually assaulted by two boys. The unnamed friend wrote that she had witnessed both assaults and that the two boys were "not taking no for an answer."

The sheriff's Office investigated one of those incidents. Details about any second assault were not included in police reports or the letter.

The friend also said in her letter that the student had been engaging in self-harm and that she was worried her friend was contemplating ending her life.

The students friend gave the letter to Palm Beach Central chorus teacher Houchins between April and the end of the school year. He routed it to the schools guidance office. Houchins did not report the allegations of sexual assault, according to the arrest report.

On June 16, Priscilla Carter, a school behavioral health specialist at the time, called the student down to her office. After speaking with her, Carter determined she was not a risk to herself.

The arrest report alleges that Carter also did not report the assault to DCF or to law enforcement and did not ask the student about it. Carter asked the teen only about her suicidal thoughts and whether she felt safe in her relationship, the report says.

The student told Carter she felt safe because she was not dating the boy who she said assaulted her.

Palm Beach Central High School in Wellington, Fla, in April 2023.

School officials are accused of denying they knew about the letter that mentioned the April assault. But on Aug. 16, a second friend of the survivor reported the sexual assault to assistant principal Snider, the arrest report says. Snider asked her to provide a written report, which she did. Snider is a relative of the male student accused of the assault, according to an investigation by the sheriff's office.

Snider took the report and shared it with Edgecomb, but again none of the schools leaders reported that suspected assault to DCF, the arrest report says. The survivor's friend made a second report about the assault to Cayado de Garcia on Aug. 17, and Cayado de Garcia shared that report with Edgecomb.

The principal on Aug. 19 met with top school leaders and told them he had conducted his own investigation of the sexual assault and determined that the assault did not happen. Edgecomb said that as a result of his investigation, the school did not need to report the allegations to law enforcement or DCF. He said that the student's interpretation of the events was different and that he wouldn't go "by hearsay."

Cayado de Garcia said she did not report the sexual assaults because there was no indication that the student wasn't safe, and therefore there was no need for the school to report the incident, the report says.

But Florida law says suspected child abuse also must be reported.

The students parents initially chose not to pursue criminal charges, because they told police they thought a legal battle would delay the students progress in healing from the incident. This year, they went to PBSO again with new information about what school leaders hadn't reported.

Other educators in Florida have been arrested on charges of failing to report abuse and misconduct.

In May, a Hillsborough County charter school principal was arrested on two counts of failing to report abuse of a 7-year-old student, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

The student was touched inappropriately by another student and in a separate incident, the child was reportedly thrown to the ground by a cafeteria worker. Principal Cristina Fuentes, of Channelside Academy of Math and Science in Tampa, said she didn't know she was required to report such incidents to the state.

Fuentes was placed on administrative leave as the police investigated the incidents.

Edgecomb was on probation with the state for grade-changing scandal

Edgecomb has been the principal at Palm Beach Central since at least 2016.

In 2019, the school districts inspector general found that Edgecomb and then-Assistant Principal Laurence Greenberg raised the grades of at least 11 students without their teachers knowledge.

The administrators failed to involve teachers or district leaders, investigators said.

According to their report, Greenberg said he "changed the student's grades because there were extenuating circumstances where the teachers targeted the students and where teachers unfairly graded the students' class performance or did not accept the students' class work.

Edgecomb was put on probation for three years starting last October. He agreed to take a college-level course on leadership or two microcredential leadership courses offered by the National Education Association within his first year of probation.

He also agreed to abide by all state and local education rules and to accept a letter of reprimand for his part in the grade changes.

Egdecomb also got into trouble in 2010, when he was the principal of Turning Points Academy near West Palm Beach. He was accused of punishing assistant principal Anne Williams Dorsey, who went on maternity leave, by demoting her and cutting her pay.

Five years later, the U.S. Justice Department sued the school district over the demotion. The school district reached a settlement in the case that cost $350,000.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sex abuse in Palm Beach County, here is a place that can help: Palm Beach County Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center Help line: 561-833-7273; Toll-free: 866-891-7273.

Help is available for people experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts. Call the national 24-hour Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Katherine Kokal is a journalist covering education at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at kkokal@pbpost.com. Help support our work. Subscribe today!

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach Central principal, arrested over not reporting sex abuse
NANJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Song Tao, the mainland's senior Taiwan affairs official, on Monday met with representatives of Taiwan guests who will attend a cross-Strait exchange event, including Hung Hsiu-chu, former chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang party, in Nanjing of east China's Jiangsu Province.

Song, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, conveyed the cordial greetings of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, to the Taiwan guests.

Song reiterated that only by upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" can the cross-Strait relations return to the right path of peaceful development.

He called for resolute opposition against separatist activities seeking "Taiwan independence" and external interference, and taking the future and destiny firmly in the hands of Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Hung and other guests noted that Taiwan should uphold the 1992 Consensus, which is the anchor for cross-Strait peace and stability, explore the ways and plans for realizing peaceful reunification, and work with the mainland towards Chinese modernization and national rejuvenation. 
Vladmir Putin

Russian dictator Vladmir Putin was made aware of Wagner PMC leader Yevheniy Prygozhins preparations for his rebellion by Russias FSB Security Service at least two or three days in advance, reported The Washington Post on July 25, referencing intelligence assessments.

Some key facilities, including the Kremlin, saw security bolstered and the dictators personal guard was strengthened with additional manpower and weapons, but no further measures were taken, the newspaper reported.

Read also: Russian army no longer loyal to Putin, says war criminal Girkin

Putin gave no single order during most of July 24 as he was paralyzed and unable to take any decisive steps, European and Ukrainian security officials told journalists on the condition of anonymity.

"Putin had time to take the decision to liquidate [the rebellion] and arrest the organizers. Then when it began to happen, there was paralysis on all levels  There was absolute dismay and confusion. For a long time, they did not know how to react," one European official said.

Without orders from the top, local authorities, including in Rostov-on-Don, had to decide for themselves what to do and eventually did nothing to stop the heavily armed mercenaries. So, Wagner Group fighters managed to take control of all main military facilities in the city and moved further toward Moscow.

Read also: New rebellion in Russia may be under way, according to Ukrainian intelligence

Not receiving any clear commands to stop the rebels, many local officials actually believed the rebellion happened with "some degree of agreement with the Kremlin."

Prigozhin even gained some support within Russian power circles as "a fish rots from the head down." They saw the mutiny as a way of purifying the power.

Some senior Russian figures were ready to accept Prigozhin, should he have succeeded, a top NATO official told The Washington Post. Regular soldiers also desired Prygozhins success as they believed he might be able to reform the army command so it would be easier for them to fight.

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"There seem to have been important people in the power structures  who seem to have even been sort of waiting for this, as if his attempt had been more successful, they would also have joined the plot, this official said.

"Many including in the upper reaches of the security services and military supported Prigozhins drive to oust Russias top military leadership," another unnamed European official said, according to the newspaper.

Read also: Wagner mutiny launched transit of power in Russia  defense minister Reznikov

Others were horrified at the mutiny attempt, and at the Kremlins toothless reaction. They see in it a sign of deep turmoil waiting for Russia in near future.

The Kremlin's spokesperson Dmitriy Peskov called these intelligence assessments "nonsense" from people who have "zero information," commenting on the newspaper request.

Prigozhin's munity

Prigozhin announced the beginning of an armed conflict with the Russian Defense Ministry on the evening of June 23, claiming that about 25,000 of his fighters were going to restore justice in Russia.

Read also: Wagner mercenaries continue to receive salaries  report

Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko held talks with Prigozhin as his mercenaries closed in on Moscow, Lukashenkos press office stated, culminating in a deal where Prigozhin agreed to halt his forces advance on the Russian capital  in exchange for dropping charges, and changes at the Russian Ministry of Defense.

In a video address on June 26, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin offered three options to the fighters of the Wagner mercenary company who had participated in the mutiny  return to civilian life, sign contracts with the regular Russian military, or relocate to Belarus.

Prigozhin recorded an audio address on July 3 for the first time in a week, asking for support.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Channel 2 Action News is learning new information about a former pastor who is now in jail for murdering an 8-year-old girl in Pennsylvania nearly 50 years ago.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

David Zandstra has been living in Marietta for the past 18 years with his family. Last week, he was arrested in the 1975 murder of 8-year-old Gretchen Harrington, who vanished while walking to Bible school. Zandstra was the pastor at one of the two churches the Bible school was held. Her father was the pastor of the 2nd church.

TRENDING STORIES:

Channel 2s Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell spoke to Detective Phil Stoddard with the Cobb County Police Department, who said that when Zandstra confessed, he was emotionless.

He was seated right there when interviewed and when he confessed, Stoddard said. He was very calm. Placid.

Police said Zandstra had lived in Marietta for nearly two decades.

Investigators said that before he and his family moved to Georgia, Zandstra knew the victim and her family very well. His wife even helped in the search when she vanished.

Stoddard said Cobb County Police were contacted by Pennsylvania State Troopers two months ago and they requested police reach out to Zandstra and ask him about his ties to the family.

It was inside a room at the Cobb County Police Department that he confessed.

A lot of times, when one is in custody, theres a lot of questions about whats going to happen next. What am I being charged with? Stoddard said. We got none of those questions from Mr. Zandstra.

A Pennsylvania State Trooper whose cracked numerous cold cases gave Harringtons case a fresh set of eyes, re-interviewing witnesses. He found alarming information, including a diary with disturbing allegations, that led him to Zandstra.

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There are allegations that he may have sexually assaulted members of his own family, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said. He used his position on a pulpit to pray on young children.

Stollsteimer said that Zandstra was a pastor at several different churches and there are likely more victims.

People who use their positions and power to sexually abuse children probably dont do it just once, he said.

Zandstra pastored at five different congregations for the Christian Reformed Church in North America.

The organization issued a statement extending their condolences to the Harrington family and saying they are grieved to hear that a CRC pastor was responsible for her murder.

We join in prayer for the Harrington family and the Broomall, Pa., community. We are grateful that local law enforcement did not stop in their pursuit of answers, and we pray that the truth for Gretchen and any other survivors of abuse or violence will continue to come to light. We also commit to continue striving for our congregations to be places of peace, welcome, hospitality, and safety for all who attend and visit. As a denomination, we work hard to help our congregations be safe places that actively prevent abuse in all its forms. We encourage all congregations to have safe church policies and procedures in place to help prevent abuse. (To learn more about the tools available to congregations in the area of abuse prevention, visit Thrives website .)








Ambulances are parked at Mission Hospitals emergency room July 19, 2023.

ASHEVILLE  Dark memories drove Garrett DeLooze to become a paramedic. He said there were many "bad situations" when he saw friends in medical crises and he didnt know what to do. He was helpless. DeLooze didnt want to recount those memories, since even mentioning them made him uneasy. Those searing moments altered his career trajectory, thrusting him into a life responding to people in crisis.

DeLooze, 33, has worked for Buncombe County Emergency Management Services for about a year. He responds to 911 calls in his ambulance, and drives most patients to Mission Hospital, providing care along the way. After arrival, most of the time, Buncombe County EMS transfers the patient to the hospitals responsibility within 15 to 20 minutes  the industry wide goal. The hospital moves the patient to a bed in the Emergency Department and the paramedics field their next 911 call.

But when the Emergency Department does not have room for patients arriving in ambulances, paramedics wait next to them in the hallway leading to the emergency room, standing against the wall with the patient in the stretcher. Since the pandemic took hold, longer wall times have become more frequent at Mission Hospital, according to data provided by Buncombe County. Mission Hospital is owned by for-profit HCA healthcare, which bought the hospital in 2019 for $1.5 billion.

Garrett DeLooze, a paramedic and instructor at AB Tech, July 24, 2023.

In 2018, 4.4% of wall times exceeded 20 minutes for Buncombe County  that year a total of four patients waited on the wall for more than an hour. In the second quarter of 2023, 24% of wall times exceeded 20 minutes in the county. During that time, 104 patients waited on the wall for more than an hour.

According to Mission Health Emergency Department workers, Western North Carolina emergency services leaders and local and national experts, these extended wall times diminish the efficacy of local crisis response. Patients waiting on the wall do not receive the care they need expeditiously. Ambulances cannot drive to 911 calls if paramedics are waiting beside patients at Mission.

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National experts say this issue impacts hospitals around the world. Local experts and employees agree that increased Emergency Department use is part of the reason for these long wall times. Mission Hospital workers and local emergency services leaders say that staffing challenges in the Emergency Department and the hospital overall are mostly to blame for the bottleneck.

Its a flow issue, its a staffing issue. Those are two of the biggest parts that contribute to those delays when they occur, said Buncombe County EMS Medical Director Stace Horine, who has worked in the Mission Health system for more than 30 years as a physician.

Horine is also an independent contractor with TeamHealth, the staffing agency that employs Missions Emergency Department doctors. He is the EMS Medical Director for Missions transport service. Horine noted that this is a national issue, not just specific to Mission or HCA. He currently spends most of the time working in the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital in Macon County.

DeLooze, who became a paramedic so he could be useful in crisis moments, now feels helpless again, wanting to respond to other Buncombe County residents who call 911, but having no choice but to wait with the patient next to the wall.

Im a paramedic who is there to treat patients, DeLooze said. Once weve gotten to the hospital and completed our job to that point, it is frustrating. When you hear pending calls going out and there are people having to wait. It may not be a high acuity call like chest pain, but somebody has felt the need to call 911 and now theyre having to wait.

Theres a small percentage of outliers but those stand out because of what it is," Horine added. "The issue does become whether the community has the response time they expect and deserve. If you have a time when there are significant delays, you dont have enough ambulances to respond to the 911 calls in the community.

Garrett DeLooze, a paramedic and instructor at AB Tech, July 24, 2023.

Patience wanes for patients

DeLooze is not the only one who becomes frustrated. Patients waiting for care sometimes become irritated and decide to leave before receiving treatment according to DeLooze, Buncombe County EMS Division Manager Jamie Judd and Horine.

Theyve been on our stretchers and waiting, DeLooze said. Its to the point they dont want to wait anymore and theyre able to make that decision as an adult. Unfortunately, we can try our best to talk them into staying, because they need it for their own reasons, but we cant force them to stay.

According to Horine, the hospital tracks the number of times patients leave without receiving treatment, but in a July 21 statement to the Citizen Times, Mission Hospital spokesperson Nancy Lindell declined to provide this statistic.

A profound impact on rural counties

Ambulances are effectively taken out of service while paramedics need to wait beside patients before the hospital formally takes responsibility for them. This problem is particularly pronounced in less populous outlying counties, which have smaller ambulance fleets, and are long drives from Mission. Mission is the only Level II trauma center in the area, so rural hospitals depend on it when they dont have services that only Mission can provide.

Its actually more exaggerated for some of the outlying counties, Horine said. Thats just because they have such a large geographical area and so few ambulances, so if they have one or two ambulances at the Emergency Department waiting to unload, theyre basically down to one ambulance in the entire county.

Mitchell County, which is a 50-minute drive northeast from Mission Hospital and has three ambulances in operation during the day shift, uses Missions Emergency Department when its local hospital, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine, cant provide the care that patients need. According to Bryant Reid, the EMS director at Mitchell Medics, the private agency the county contracts for its emergency services, there have been occasions when two ambulances in its fleet were out of service at Mission while the remaining ambulance was transporting a patient.

An ambulance from Riceville leaves Mission Hospital July 19, 2023.

More: Mission/HCA to open Sweeten Creek Mental Health and Wellness Center in Asheville in Aug.

When we take a patient from our local hospital that is being transferred to Mission, were still having to hug the wall, Reid said. He went on to explain that the doctor at the local hospital communicates with Mission about the transfer. After Mission accepts the transfer, they know the patient will arrive between 90 minutes and two hours later. Theyve known about this patient for almost two hours, and we still have to hug the wall.

Mitchell County considers an ambulance back in service once it crosses the county line. In the past year, 53 ambulance trips in Mitchell County have taken longer than 110 minutes to go back in service when they go to Mission Hospital; thats an hour waiting on the wall and finalizing the report once Mission accepts the patient, and 50 minutes driving back to the county  14% of all ambulance trips to Mission hospital from Mitchell County.

In July, one ambulance took three hours and 38 minutes to return to service after a trip to the hospital. That was after two hours and 20 minutes waiting on the wall. According to Reid, the patient in the ambulance had a neck fracture.

A busier emergency department with less staff

There is not one reason for these long wait times. Emergency call volume has increased, according to data from Buncombe County EMS and conversations with other local EMS leaders. Patients who dont have access to primary care wait until their illness becomes an emergency and then use the Emergency Department, which is required to treat them, according to the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act.

The Emergency Department is also a place for people experiencing a behavioral health crisis to receive care. Some say that patients use the Emergency Department for non-emergency situations, contributing to the backlog of patients. Lindell did not mention increased 911 calls in her statement but noted that each of these other factors and the pandemic contribute to what she called a dramatic increase in ER visits.

More: Candler resident's lawsuit against Mission Hospital to continue after her death

More: Mission Hospital owner HCA discloses data breach at multiple hospitals across WNC

Hannah Drummond, who is an Emergency Department nurse at Mission, and Horine, both say that staffing challenges at Missions Emergency Department and the hospital overall are largely responsible for the extended wall times. Patients held in the Emergency Department often need to be admitted to the hospital to receive necessary treatment, but Horine and Drummond say there is not enough staff for all the hospitals beds to be available to patients.

Hannah Drummond, an Emergency Department nurse at Mission Hospital, July 24, 2023.

They also say that staffing issues in the ED make it difficult for doctors and nurses to treat patients in need of expedient care. This leads to the backup.

Lindell said in her statement that The demand is sometimes greater than the capacity. While Mission Hospital's ER is fully staffed, a few of those roles are currently filled by travel nurses, so we continue to recruit for those positions along with some supporting roles.

Mission Hospitals career page has multiple job listings for its Emergency Department as of July 24, including three for registered nurses, two health unit coordinators, which are both marked as new, and an emergency department pharmacist.

HCA loves to run with the bare minimum of any staff, Drummond said. She added that nurses often treat patients in the waiting room because there are no beds for them, which Horine confirmed. Drummond is also the chief nurse representative for National Nurses United, the largest nurses union in the U.S., which formed a Mission chapter in 2020.

Lindell said in her statement that patients are triaged in the appropriate manner. If a patient arrives who is less critical than the next, they may have to wait.

Data from the National Academy of State Health Policy estimates that Missions direct patient care staff, excluding physicians, has decreased dramatically from 2019 to 2022. This information, which is based on data from reports Mission annually delivers to the federal government and attests as accurate, indicates that from the 2019 to the 2022 fiscal year, Missions direct patient care staff decreased from 3,636 employees to 2,712 employees, a 25% reduction. According to Marilyn Bartlett, a senior policy fellow at NASHP, those statistics are based on the number of hours for patient care Mission reported.

Hannah Drummond, an Emergency Department nurse at Mission Hospital, July 24, 2023.

"Its inaccurate to say Mission Hospital cut direct patient care staff by 25%," Lindell said in a July 24 statement. "In fact, the number of patient care roles is approximately the same now as it was in 2019. Cost report data cant be used to compare staffing between years as there can be changes on where roles are reported from year to year. We have made positive strides in 2023 to fill open positions having added almost 200 experienced RNs and 100 new graduate RNs to our staff so far this year."

Lindell did not respond to Citizen Times' clarifying questions about this statement.

Mike Taigman, who teaches graduate courses across the county on EMS and is an improvement guide at First Watch, a public health data analytics and consulting firm, agreed with Horine that largely, long wall times are caused by staffing and patient movement through a hospital.

Its a patient bed management flow issue throughout the entire hospital and health system, Taigman said. A large part of the backup of any of the stages in that patient flow has to do with staffing issues. There are staffing issues throughout most of healthcare that were exacerbated by COVID related things.

More: 'Blackballed' Mission Hospital doctor sues former employer because he can't find work

Mitchell Li is the founder of Take Medicine Back, an advocacy organization that informs the public on the perils of corporatizing medicine, a practicing local emergency physician and the author of the expert report in the whistleblower lawsuit filed by two Mission Hospital emergency room physicians. They accused HCA and TeamHealth of overbilling their patients. The state attorney general and U.S. Justice Department did not take the lawsuit on. According to an April 6 order from Judge Susan C. Rodriguez, the doctors who filed the suit had until July 5 to choose to continue it on their own. There are no new filings to indicate they have continued the suit.

Li attributes part of the staffing depletion to what he called a regional labor monopsony. That is, HCA has control over so many hospitals in the area  six  that staff have fewer options for employment. According to Li, people who dont want to work for HCA either leave the industry, leave the area, or work as a travel nurse. He explained that the labor monopsony affords HCA more power over the employees who do stay at the company and their working conditions.

Mitchell Li, founder of Take Medicine Back.

HCA can get away with a lot more extreme versions of understaffing or inappropriately overextending nurses, Li said. He later continued, All of this is regional because it doesnt matter if theres another health system in the country. A lot of those nurses live locally. They have families and children, and fewer options to travel.

Disagreement on solutions

Mission is looking to build two freestanding emergency departments in South and West Asheville, which Lindell said will help alleviate this surge. AdventHealth, a Florida-based nonprofit that operates a hospital in Henderson County, is opposing Missions application.

Judd said that these freestanding emergency departments could help and hurt the problem. These emergency departments can treat patients who are not as sick, which would ease some burden on the Mission Emergency Department. However, patients who arrive at the freestanding emergency room and are too sick to receive treatment would need to be transported to the main hospital.

If Missions transport service is not available to do those transfers, then it falls back to the 911 system to do that, Judd said. He added that Buncombe County is in discussions with HCA about how to address this concern.

Li echoed Judds worry. He also added that Mission would not be legally required to accept patients who are evaluated with a medical screening exam and have been treated and stabilized to the abilities of that freestanding emergency department if there are no beds available. They would need to be transferred to a hospital further away, wait in the freestanding ER indefinitely for a bed to open at Mission, or in an extreme scenario, the ER would need to discharge the patient so they could travel to Mission on their own and get the treatment they need.

More: Victims of botched C-section at Mission file new suit against OB-GYN and Asheville clinic

More: NC Attorney General's office reprimands Mission Hospital independent monitor

You may end up with plenty of patients who need to go to the main hospital, Li said. Its going to be harder to go to the main hospital. Its an extra trip for an ambulance and its harder to get them in.

Buncombe County is considering implementing a surge policy that is closely modeled after the policy Haywood County developed. Haywood has struggled with prolonged wall times with their local hospital, Haywood Regional Medical Center, which has been owned by Duke LifePoint since 2018 when LifePoint was purchased by Apollo Global Management, a private equity firm.

The Haywood County policy allows paramedics to offload patients within a certain timeframe irrespective of whether the hospital is ready to accept them, depending on the severity of the patients sickness or injury. The amount of time ambulances wait depends on the number of ambulances in service in the county.

Hannah Drummond, an Emergency Department nurse at Mission Hospital, July 24, 2023.

Judd explained that this policy needs to go through multiple approvals at the county level before they bring the policy to HCA.

Our ultimate goal is patient care, Judd said. How do we make sure the patient has the best experience from the time they call 911 to the time theyre discharged from the hospital. We want to make sure that transition from the EMS to the hospital goes as smoothly as possible, as quickly as possible.

The story has been updated with a revised comment from Lindell.

Have you called an ambulance and had to wait at Mission Hospital for an extended period of time? Email mblack@citizentimes.com. We want to know. Mitchell Black writes about Buncombe County and health care for the Citizen Times. Follow him on Twitter @MitchABlack. Please help support local journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Mission Hospital ambulance patients wait hours for hospital care
Trevor Reed, a former U.S. Marine who spent nearly three years in a Russian prison before being freed in an inmate swap, was wounded while fighting in Ukraine, the State Department said Tuesday.

Department spokesman Vedant Patel said Reed was transported to Germany for medical care by a non-governmental organization and was not engaged in any activities on behalf of the U.S. government, likely indicating he was a volunteer fighter.

The U.S. has repeatedly discouraged Americans from traveling to Ukraine, "let alone participate in fighting, Patel said. We are not in a place to provide assistance to evacuate private U.S. citizens from Ukraine.''

The Biden administration has been trying to negotiate the release from Russian detainment of two other Americans, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and corporate security executive Paul Whelan.

Themessenger.com, citing two U.S military officials, said Reed was wounded after stepping on a land mine about two weeks ago. The officials, who spoke under condition of anonymity because of Defense Department regulations, said he suffered shrapnel wounds from the explosion.

Reed was arrested in summer 2019 after Russian authorities said he assaulted an officer following a night of heavy drinking. He was sentenced to nine years in prison, though his family has maintained his innocence and the U.S. government described him as unjustly detained.

The U.S. obtained Reed's release in April 2022 in exchange for Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian pilot who had been serving a 20-year federal prison sentence in Connecticut for conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the U.S. The Justice Department has described Yaroshenko as an experienced international drug trafficker."

Jonathan Franks, a spokesperson for the Reed family, told USA TODAY the family declined to comment.

Contributing: Chris Kenning

A man works on the rubble of an apartment building destroyed in Russian missile attacks in Odesa on July 23, 2023.

Developments:

 Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said on Telegram that Kyiv's forces reclaimed nearly 5 square miles of southern territory last week. She also noted Ukraine doesn't sacrifice nearly as many lives as Russia, with one military death for every eight Russian soldiers killed around Bakhmut and one for every 5.3 in Berdiansk and Mariupol. "This is despite the fact that usually the side that advances loses more,'' she said.

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 Russian President Vladimir Putin was politically paralyzed and failed to act decisively in the first hours of last month's attempted mutiny by Wagner group mercenaries, The Washington Post reported Tuesday, citing Ukrainian and other security officials in Europe. No orders were issued for most of the day, the officials said. After negotiations, the coup was abandoned within 120 miles of Moscow.

 About 3,450 to 3,650 Wagner mercenaries have arrived at a camp in Belarus after their failed rebellion in Russia last month, according to the Belaruski Hajun military monitoring group.

 Putin plans to visit China in October, seven months after Chinese leader Xi Jinping traveled to Moscow for a three-day meeting, Kremlin official Yuri Ushakov said.

 Ukraine has received international pledges for $244 million worth of demining help, in addition to demining systems from Swiss and Croatian companies, according to Minister of Economic Development Yulia Svyrydenko.

Russia expands age eligibility, seeks to increase military ranks

The Russian parliament took the first step Tuesday toward expanding the military ranks amid the war in Ukraine as the lower house approved a bill extending the upper range of eligibility for mandatory service from 27 to 30 years of age.

The measure would go into effect Jan. 1 if supported by the upper house and signed by Putin. Currently, all Russian men from 18 to 27 are required to serve a year in the military, although many get deferrals.

Around 50,000 Russian soldiers have died in the Ukrainian invasion since it was launched in February 2022, according to a study released this month by two independent Russian media outlets. In early May, the White House estimated Russian casualties since December alone at more than 100,000, including 20,000 deaths.

Expanding military eligibility allows the Kremlin to boost its forces without declaring a partial mobilization as it did in September, prompting tens of thousands of men of service age to flee the country.

Russian lawmakers also approved legislation drastically increasing fines for draftees who fail to promptly report for service and banning them from leaving the country once a summons to report has been issued.

Can latest US aid package jump-start counteroffensive?

The latest U.S. military aid package bound for Ukraine includes armored vehicles, surveillance drones and ammunition Kyiv desperately needs for a counteroffensive against an entrenched Russian military that continues to pound Ukrainian cities.

The $400 million package comes as Ukraine endures a barrage of missiles targeting the port city of Odesa that has left part of the "Pearl by the Sea" in ruins.

"We must defend Odesa," Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tweeted Tuesday. "Ukraine urgently needs to strengthen its air defense to protect its historical heritage."

The package announced Tuesday includes dozens of Stryker armored vehicles and missiles for the High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), along with Stinger air defense missiles and anti-tank Javelin weapons, the Pentagon said. The weapons are being provided through presidential authority that allows the Pentagon to deliver items often within days.

Zelenskyy has conceded the counteroffensive was slower than desired." Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged this week that Ukraine faces a very hard fight and predicted the counteroffensive would continue for several months.

Days after the Russian invasion in February 2022, Tetiana Khlapova moved to Odesa to escape the bombings that battered the northeastern city of Kharkiv. Now she says she will ride out the war in Ireland.

I am a refugee from Kharkiv. I endured that hell and came to sunny Odesa," she said. In Ukraine, "we are not protected for a single second, in any city.

Russia's 'dysfunctional targeting process' adds to damage in Odesa

The Black Sea Grain Initiative had allowed crucial grain shipments from Odesa to sail through a Russian blockade bound for ports in Europe, Asia and Africa. But Russia, since pulling out of the deal a week ago, has battered the elegant city known for its history, art, architecture and beaches. Russia generally refrained from striking civilian infrastructure in Ukraine's southern ports for the year the agreement was in effect, the U.K. Defense Ministry said in its latest assessment of the war.

"Since Russia failed to renew the deal, the Kremlin likely feels less politically constrained, and is attempting to strike targets in Odesa because it believes Ukraine is storing military assets in these areas," the assessment says. Russias strike campaign has been characterized by poor intelligence and a "dysfunctional targeting process," the assessment says.

Audrey Azoulay, head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), said dozens of historical buildings have been damaged. The collateral damage includes the Transfiguration Cathedral, the city's first church, which dates to the 1790s, and marks an escalation of violence against Ukraine's heritage, Azoulay said.

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,

Azoulay said in a statement.

It's summer, but Ukraine already bracing for a cold winter

It's only the middle of summer, but authorities in Ukraine are already girding for winter. About 60% of restoration work has been completed on power grids damaged by massive Russian rocket attacks, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said. He urged Ukrainians to begin conserving power now and to be prepared for blackouts that could last for days when winter comes.

"We are continuing the campaign to restore the energy sector," he said. "Enhanced protection for energy facilities is being provided. At the same time, work is being carried out to prepare the thermal power industry for winter."

Ukraine drones batter Moscow: Moscow; Kremlin threatens 'tough retaliatory measures': Updates

International experts find land mines at Russian-held nuke plant

International Atomic Energy Agency experts discovered land mines around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Russian-occupied southeastern Ukraine, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said Tuesday. Grossi said the mines were found in a restricted "buffer zone" that plant personnel cannot access. The team did not observe any within the inner perimeter, he said, adding that detonation of the mines that were found should not affect the sites nuclear safety and security systems. Grossi said experts have not yet been provided access to some areas of the plant, which has not generated power for several months.

"Having such explosives on the site is inconsistent with the IAEA safety standards and nuclear security guidance and creates additional psychological pressure on plant staff," Grossi said. Our team has raised this specific finding with the (Russian plant operators), and they have been told that it is a military decision."

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ukraine Russia war live updates: Trevor Reed injured while fighting
Donald Trump Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Erie, Pa., Mayor Joe Schember is seeking reimbursement from former President Donald Trump's campaign for an upcoming Saturday rally after it stiffed the city five years earlier. Schember told the Erie Times-News that he plans to once again seek reimbursement even though the Trump campaign did not repay more than $35,000 to the city for a rally at Erie Insurance Arena in 2018. Nearly all of the costs were related to overtime pay for city workers assigned to cover the event, including police officers.

"I think we have to try, and I feel like my team feels the same way," Schember told the outlet. "We're going to see whether we can get some payment from them in advance this time. It's important to do this because we're talking about taxpayer money being used to help make his visit more safe."

The city formally requested a reimbursement after the 2018 rally when Trump's campaign had more than $35 million on hand. Erie is one of dozens of cities that have incurred significant costs when hosting Trump rallies that have not been reimbursed even as others received repayments. "Trump has been able to bring in millions of dollars for his campaign," Schember said. "He should be able to easily pay these costs to cities."
(Pennsylvania DA)

A pastor has been charged with a cold-case murder of an eight-year-old girl who was disappeared walking to Bible camp in August of 1975.

David Zandstra was arrested for the murder of neghbourng pastors daughter Gretchen Harrington and has been charged with criminal homicide, murder of the first, second, and third degree, as well as kidnapping of a minor and the possession of an instrument of crime.

According to police, following his arrest, Zandastra had admitted to offering Harrington a ride and taking her to a wooded area.

The defendant stated that he had parked the car and asked the victim to remove her clothing. When she refused, he struck her in the head with a fist. The victim was bleeding, and he believed her to be dead. He attempted to cover up her body and left the area, police said in a statement.

The murder of Gretchen Harrington has haunted members of law enforcement since that terrible day in August 1975. The families of victims often say that their lives are forever altered into the before time and the after time, said District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer.

Gretchens murder created a before time and an after time for an entire community  and for an entire county. This heinous act left a family and a community forever changed. At long last I can announce today that her killer  David Zandstra  has admitted to his crime. Justice has been a long time coming, but we are proud and grateful to finally be able to give the community an answer.

On the morning of August 15, 1975, Harrington left her home on Lawrence Road in Marple at approximately 9:30 am to walk to her summer bible camp.

The camp used both the premises of the Trinity Church Chapel Christian Reform Church (Trinity) and the premises of The Reformed Presbyterian Church (Reformed) next door. The defendant was the pastor of Trinity, and Harringtons father was the pastor of Reformed.

Harringtons father realised his daughter was missing when she failed to appear at Reformed, and her disappearance was reported to the police shortly afterwards.

Her body was found two months later in Ridley Creek State Park, but despite the defendant being interviewed around the time of her disappearance, no arrest was made.

Police made a breakthrough in the case 50 years later, after an individual who would often attend sleepovers at the Zandstras house said claimed had been woken one night to find Pastor Zandstra groping her. She told police that she recalled that a child in her class was nearly kidnapped twice and she believed at the time that Zandstra was the culprit.
Supporters cheer as US President Donald Trump holds a Make America Great Again rally at Erie International Airport in Erie, Pennsylvania, October 20, 2020. Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

Trump's previous presidential campaigns still haven't repaid several of the cities he held rallies in.

The mayor of Erie, Pennsylvania, wants the Trump campaign to pay the city for service before his rally on Saturday.

Trump's campaign has more than enough cash on hand  $22.5 million  to remedy the request.

The mayor of a Pennsylvania city is pushing for former President Donald Trump's campaign to pay up before he and his campaign descend on it Saturday for a planned rally.

According to a recent report from the Erie Times-News, Erie Mayor Joe Schember wants to be reimbursed for any fees related to the upcoming rally ahead of time, after Trump's campaign failed to repay the city more than $35,000 following a campaign event in 2018.

As the Erie Times-News reported in 2018, Schember and his administration pushed Trump's team to reimburse $35,129 to the city for overtime pay for city workers who assisted with the event. According to Paul Lichtenwalter, Erie's financial director, the city didn't have any leverage in 2018 to force the campaign to repay the debt.

Nearly five years later, Schember appears to have learned his lesson.

"We're going to see whether we can get some payment from them in advance this time," he told the Erie Times-News. "It's important to do this because we're talking about taxpayer money being used to help make his visit more safe."

Trump's 2024 campaign is currently sitting on a stack of cash  $22.5 million  though it's unclear if the campaign has any intention of following through with Schember and the city's requests.

Erie isn't the only city Trump's campaigns have failed to reimburse. According to a report from the Center for Public Integrity in 2019, Trump still owes the City of El Paso over $470,000, more than $80,000 in Tucson, and more than $60,000 in Spokane, Washington, among other cities.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Nausicaa Delfas took over as chief executive of The Pensions Regulator in March this year - Jonathan Goldberg/Shutterstock

Pension funds failing to deliver good outcomes for savers will face robust action from the regulator, its new head has warned.

Nausicaa Delfas, the chief executive of The Pensions Regulator, said pension trustees for defined contribution schemes must consider more complex investments for their savers.

And if they fail to do so, they should wind up or consolidate, she said in an interview with the Financial Times.

It comes as the Chancellor is pushing pension funds to invest in British start-ups and private equity to encourage growth and boost returns for savers.

Ms Delfas, who joined the regulator in March, said: Trustees have a duty to savers to act in their best interests. That means properly considering the full range of investment options.

We believe that bigger schemes, with that greater scale and expertise, can deliver greater outcomesTrustees not doing what we expect can expect us to intervene more robustly, and be more assertive around the need to consolidate if they fail to improve or if they are not meeting regulatory requirements.

Ms Delfas added that the regulator intended to fully use its powers. The watchdog can ban trustees considered unfit for the role, as well as appoint new trustees in order for schemes to be run effectively.

The Government is also considering plans to expand the regulators powers, so that it can force the consolidation of poorly performing pension funds.

This month Chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled a raft of pension reforms, including a voluntary compact among Britains biggest pension funds to invest 5pc of their assets in start-ups and private equity.

Mr Hunt said in a speech to City bosses that the reforms would unlock an additional 75bn of financing for growth by 2030, in a move he hoped would address the shortage of scale up capital holding back so many of our most promising companies.

Ms Delfas said: We expect that those schemes that have the scale and expertise are able to invest in a diverse range of assets.

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She added that productive finance, such as illiquid investments, start-ups and growth assets, had a role in a diversified portfolio.

Clearly, some of the more sophisticated investments cost more, but our view is that even now, even within schemes are not actually using the full range of costs (available to them).

The Treasury claimed its package of reforms could boost pension incomes by more than 1,000 extra per year, however internal modelling has shown that the very high fees charged by private equity firms could erase returns for savers.

However Ms Delfas defended the move, adding. This is a voluntary agreement by the parties and it shows the intent to look at a diverse portfolio of assets, she told the FT.

We expect DC trustees to look at whether or not they are competent to conduct these kinds of [illiquid] investments and when not, then they should really look to consolidate their scheme or wind it up.

Tom Selby, of the broker AJ Bell, said Ms Delfas language could risk trustees feeling pressured into looking at riskier, more expensive investments.

There is nothing wrong with the regulator saying that trustees need to make sure they are looking at investments that could improve returns, he said.

But the danger is that if the Government and regulator ramps up this rhetoric too much, trustees may feel pushed into investing in a way that they are not comfortable with, and there is no guarantee that these assets will help pensions to grow.

Ms Delfas was previously an executive director at the Financial Conduct Authority, the City watchdog, and was formerly the interim head of the Financial Ombudsman Service.

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A Defense Department database of military health system patients diagnosed with COVID-19 is incomplete and inaccurate, shortcomings that make it ineffective for steering medical treatment or public health decisions on the illness, the Pentagon's top watchdog has found.

A DoD inspector general report released this month found that the department's COVID-19 registry did not contain roughly 7,200 patients who qualified for inclusion and there were errors in 24 of 25 records reviewed by inspectors.

The issues raise questions about the database's overall accuracy, which was supposed to be right for at least 90% of the records, according to its contract, said Carol Gorman, the assistant DoD inspector general for audit, cyberspace operations and acquisition, contracting and sustainment.

Read Next: A Mysterious Osprey Clutch Issue Caused the Deaths of 5 Marines. But V-22s Remain Flying.

Since last year, lawmakers have raised concerns over the accuracy of DoD medical databases and registries, including the Defense Medical Epidemiology Database, or DMED, a data set that includes current and historical data on patient health conditions, hospitalizations and medical events of service members.

Last week, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., wrote to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin over discrepancies in the numbers reported to his office for 15 illnesses or conditions. Johnson said a whistleblower has questioned the accuracy of DoD data, and the department failed to disclose that it provided incomplete data to the senator when asked.

For example, Johnson noted, the DoD provided his office erroneous information that diagnoses of hypertension rose by 2,181% in 2021, when compared with the years 2016 to 2020. After correcting the data that led to that conclusion, the DoD said the number of cases rose by 2%.

A whistleblower told Johnson, however, that cases rose by 12%.

"I am grateful to the whistleblowers who continue to come forward to provide my office with information you and other DoD officials are unwilling to produce," Johnson wrote in the letter.

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The Defense Department's public COVID-19 dashboard, which differs from the registry, reported that the DoD had 740,942 cases from 2020 to 2022, with 690 deaths, including 96 service members and 36 dependent family members. The remainder of the deaths were among civilian DoD employees and contractors.

Overall, there have been 103 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. and 1.1 million deaths, according to the World Health Organization.

The Defense Health Agency established the registry in July 2020 to track all COVID-19 cases and events in the military health system. To create the database, the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity awarded a contract worth up to $4.75 million to an unnamed company to review patient records, confirm the records and enter the information into the registry.

The contract was renewed in 2022 for continued support services for $2.3 million.

But the DoD inspector general audit found that the database identified 182,159 COVID-19 cases among DoD patients in the health system, while the DoD IG identified 189,372 patients -- 7,213 more than the previous tally.

The auditors also examined 25 patient registry records and found 24 errors in their demographics information, symptoms or pre-existing condition data -- information that physicians could use to assess and improve COVID-19 medical care and track the illness.

"A properly designed and executed registry can provide the DoD with real-time information on patient outcomes and can contribute to the research and development of treatments," the auditors wrote.

Given that the contract called for a high rate of accuracy in building the database, the IG questioned whether the DoD has recourse to recoup any of the $6.2 million it spent on the program.

"We recommend that the [Joint Trauma System] Chief conduct an analysis to determine whether the contractor complied with the terms of the contracts," they wrote.

To qualify for the registry, military hospital or clinic patients must have had a confirmed positive test, been hospitalized for COVID-19 or told to self-isolate or quarantine. As part of the process, the database was loaded with data for 187 categories in the system, including demographics, health data and more.

Since the DoD's electronic medical records didn't automatically glean the information for the registry, the department contracted out the job to a company that hired reviewers and nurses who were supposed to ensure that the registry was complete and accurate.

But the DoD didn't follow guidelines published by the Department of Health and Human Services for patient registries, and it also lacked its own policies for developing and building patient registries, the IG noted.

The watchdog made a dozen recommendations to improve the process in the future, recommending that the DoD build a policy for developing and populating patient registries; review all existing registries for accuracy and fix them if necessary; and determine whether the department should receive some of its money back.

The DoD pushed back on 75% of the recommendations, however, arguing against the IG's methodology for determining errors, its characterization of the contracting process and payment concerns.

DoD officials said they would work with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and other federal agencies to develop policies for overseeing and developing future patient registries.

Meanwhile, Johnson has been seeking data from the department as part of a concerted campaign against the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine mandates and government shutdowns.

He ran on a platform that included a belief that the COVID-19 vaccine caused harm to patients and that such incidents are not rare occurrences. He has been seeking information from the department to determine the scope of any vaccine-related injuries among service members.

Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines are mainly mild and disappear within days of receiving the vaccine, including fatigue, pain at the injection site, joint pain, headache and malaise.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, serious but rare side effects include anaphylaxis, in 5 cases per one million doses; Guillain-Barree Syndrome, an immune response that can cause weakness and paralysis that occurred among recipients of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at higher rates than the other immunizations; heart conditions such as myocarditis and pericarditis, particularly in young men in their teens and 20s, following the second dose of the vaccine; and severe blood clotting, which occurred in 4 cases per one million doses.

The CDC noted, however, that millions of Americans have safely received the COVID-19 vaccine and the benefits continue to outweigh any potential risks.

-- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Military.com.

Related: Nearly 100 Deaths, Half a Million Cases: The Toll from 3 Years of the Coronavirus Pandemic on the Military
Pete Davidson has entered a diversion program to resolve a reckless driving charge for crashing into a Beverly Hills home and will perform 50 hours community service, authorities said Tuesday.

The 29-year-old Saturday Night Live and King of Staten Island actor and comedian will likely do his community service with the New York Fire Department, where his late father worked, Los Angeles County prosecutors said.

Davidson was 7 years old when his father, Scott, a New York firefighter, died responding to the 9/11 attacks.

Davidson pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor and was put in an 18-month diversion that also includes 12 hours of traffic school, an order to obey all laws and restitution that was not specified.

When Davidson was charged on June 16, prosecutors called the March 4 crash a serious collision." No one was reported injured.

Davidsons latest show, Bupkis, debuted on Peacock in May, and he stars in the forthcoming film  Dumb Money.
PHNOM PENH, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) won 120 parliamentary seats as the royalist Funcinpec Party gained the remaining five seats in Sunday's general election of the Southeast Asian country, party spokespersons said on Tuesday.

A total of 18 political parties contested the election, which was held once every five years to elect the members of parliament for the 125-seat National Assembly.

CPP spokesman Sok Eysan said on Tuesday that according to the CPP's calculation based on the National Election Committee (NEC)'s preliminary results, the CPP won 120 seats and the Funcinpec Party of Prince Norodom Chakravuth gained the remaining five seats.

"The CPP received 80 percent of the ballots from 8.21 million voters, winning 120 seats, or 96 percent of the 125 seats in the National Assembly," he told Xinhua.

"This is another great success for the CPP, and it truly reflected people's confidence in the party's leadership," Eysan said. "We will do our best to continue to serve the people."

Hun Manet, the future Prime Minister candidate for the CPP, said people had clearly expressed their wills through votes with a very high turnout rate of more than 84 percent.

"An overwhelming number has expressed support for the Cambodian People's Party," he said in a message released on his official Telegram channel.

Manet, 45, who is also a member of the CPP's Standing Committee, thanked voters for supporting the CPP, vowing to better serve them in the future.

Funcinpec Party spokesman Nhoeun Raden told Xinhua on Tuesday that the NEC's preliminary results showed that the Funcinpec Party gained five seats, or 4 percent in the National Assembly.

He said the party won one seat each in the capital Phnom Penh and the provinces of Kandal, Prey Veng, Kampong Thom and Kampong Cham.

According to the NEC, about 8.21 million people, or 84.58 percent of the 9.71 million eligible voters, cast their ballots in the general election.

Sunday's parliamentary polls was the seventh of its kind in the Southeast Asian country since 1993. In the previous one held in 2018, the CPP won all 125 seats in the National Assembly.

The CPP has ruled Cambodia since 1979, with Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, also the president of the party, being the prime minister since 1985.

Hun Sen has said that the National Assembly will convene for the first time on Aug. 28, and the new five-year-term government will be sworn in on Aug. 29.

Joseph Matthews, a senior professor at the BELTEI International University in Phnom Penh, said the CPP has strong leadership, clear vision and development strategy, and human and financial resources.

Matthews said under the CPP-led government, Cambodia's economy had grown at an average annual rate of 7.7 percent between 1998 and 2019, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. 
Pete Davidson has been placed on an 18-month diversion programme after being charged with reckless driving last month.

In March, the Saturday Night Live alum, 29, was driving in Beverly Hills when his vehicle reportedly went over the curb, hitting a fire hydrant and crashed into the side of a house.

According to The Blast, Davidsons lawyers struck a deal with Los Angeles prosecutors last week ahead of his scheduled arraignment date on Thursday (27 July).

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles District Attorneys office confirmed to media on Monday (24 July) that Davidson must complete the programme as an alternative to prosecution.

According to NBC, the programme will require him to do 12 hours of traffic school and 50 hours of community service, which he can complete in his native home of New York City.

Davidsons counsel indicated [his community] service is likely to be completed at NYFD, NBC further reported.

Davidsons father, Scott, was an NYFD firefighter who died during the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center when the comedian was seven.

Pete Davidson (Getty Images)

Davidson must also pay restitution and obey all laws.

In a statement to People magazine, the NYFC said it would welcome Davidson to complete his community service with them.

As the son of a 9/11 hero, we would be happy to provide Mr Davidson an opportunity to do his required community service, the statement read.

The Independent has contacted Davidsons attorney for comment.

In a statement issued after Davidson was charged last month, the LA DAs office said: We believe that Mr Davidson engaged in reckless driving, which ultimately resulted in his involvement in a serious collision into a home. Luckily, no one was seriously injured as a result of this collision.

According to Lieutenant Moreno of the Beverly Hills Police, Davidson was travelling with a female passenger at the time of the accident. It was reported at the time he was in the car with his Bodies Bodies Bodies co-star and girlfriend Chase Sui Wonders, 27.

Story continues

Pictures obtained by TMZ show exterior damage caused to the home and pictures published by Fox show major damage to the front of a dark Mercedes-Benz.

News of Davidsons court order comes weeks after his representatives confirmed he had checked into a rehabilitation facility for mental health issues.

Davidson has previously been open about his mental health struggles. In 2017, the King of Staten Island actor shared he had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) during an appearance on the WTF With Marc Maron podcast. He explained that he had checked into a rehabilitation center in December 2016 after struggling with symptoms of the disorder.

Speaking with Jon Bernthal on his Real Ones podcast last March, Davidson said that his fathers death had had an impact on his fear of abandonment as well as his PTSD.
Comedian Pete Davidson will be required to perform 50 hours of community service after crashing his car into a Beverly Hills, California, home in March.

Davidson avoided jail time after reaching the deal with prosecutors.

Davidson, 29, was driving with actress Chase Sui Wonders on the night of March 4 when he allegedly lost control and his Mercedes-Benz struck a fire hydrant and a home at a high rate of speed, damaging the residence and the vehicle.

No one was injured and no arrests were made. Investigators also said no drugs or alcohol were involved.

In June, nearly three months after the incident, Davidson was charged with reckless driving and faced the possibility of a 90-day sentence, a $1,000 fine and points on his license.

Later that month, Davidson entered rehab to treat battle borderline personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

According to TMZ, Davidson entered a diversion program in July that did not require him to plead guilty or no-contest. Hell need to perform 50 hours of community service in New York and plans to do so at the FDNY. Davidsons father, Scott Davidson, was a FDNY firefighter who died in the 9/11 attacks.

Davidson must also attend traffic school and attend a scared straight presentation at a morgue to see victims of reckless driving, according to Yahoo News.

As a first-time offender, Davidson reportedly paid a small fine, too.

The charge will cleared from his criminal record 18 months after he completes the required actions.

Davidson was a cast member on Saturday Night Live for eight seasons and has starred in a number of films and TV series, including the semi-biographical King of of Staten Island and Bupkis.


A farmer leads his water buffalo to a safer place in Isabela province, north of Manila on July 25, 2023, as Super Typhoon Doksuri heads towards the northern Philippines (STR)

A super typhoon swept towards the northern Philippines on Tuesday, the country's weather agency said, triggering evacuation orders for coastal communities expected to bear the brunt of the powerful storm.

Super Typhoon Doksuri was packing maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometres per hour (115 miles per hour) as it headed towards the northern tip of the main island of Luzon.

The storm, which is called "Egay" in the Philippines, was expected to make landfall or pass very close to the lightly populated Babuyan islands or northeastern Cagayan province by Wednesday, the agency said in its latest bulletin at 0300 GMT.

It would then move towards Taiwan and southeastern China.

Coastal communities in northwestern and northeastern Cagayan province had been ordered to evacuate their homes in anticipation of storm surges reaching, or even exceeding, three metres (10 feet).

Three of the five Babuyan islands are inhabited, with a population of around 20,000 people.

Local disaster official Charles Castillejos said people living near the shores of those islands had been ordered to go inland, while fishermen had been told to get their boats out of the water.

"We sent the police to convince the hard-headed ones who refuse to evacuate," Castillejos told AFP.

Science and technology secretary Renato Solidum said people needed to be prepared for the typhoon because "things happen fast".

"We need to remind our people the importance of readiness against storm surges, strong winds and also possible floods," Solidum told reporters.

Some farmers in the northern province of Isabela, bordering Cagayan, were seen leading their livestock to safety ahead of the storm.

"Those living on coastal areas have been moved to higher ground," Isabela provincial disaster officer Constante Foronda told local radio station DZBB.

"Our water search and rescue teams are now deployed in those areas most likely to be affected," Foronda said.

Story continues

- Flooding, landslides 'highly likely' -

The Philippines is hit by an average of 20 major storms each year that kill hundreds of people and keep vast regions in perpetual poverty.

Scientists have warned that such storms, which also kill livestock and destroy key infrastructure, are becoming more powerful as the world gets warmer because of climate change.

Boats, including wooden outriggers and passenger ferries that provide transport between islands, have been ordered to shore in Luzon and central islands due to gale warnings, stranding more than 11,000 people, the Philippine Coast Guard said.

By midday Wednesday, the storm was expected to have dumped more than 200 millimetres (7.9 inches) of rain on the islands and the northern portion of Cagayan, including Babuyan islands, as well as Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur provinces.

Heavy rain was also expected across the mountainous northern provinces in the coming days, with flooding and landslides "highly likely", the weather agency said.

Cagayan provincial disaster officer Ruelie Rapsing told DZBB that emergency food packs had been stored in warehouses.

"The province has been on red alert status since Saturday and all evacuation centres, emergency operation centres of each town, and incident management teams are activated," he said.

"Cagayanons are used to this."

cgm-amj/sco
The Pittsburgh Pirates (44-56) defeated the San Diego Padres (48-53) for the fourth time in four attempts this season after an 8-4 victory on Monday night.

Quinn Priester notched his first-career big league win and the Pirates slugged four home runs in the victory. Carlos Santana hit a pair of two-run shots and Jack Suwinski hit a solo homer.

Liover Peguero snuck one over the left-field wall for the first-round tripper of his major league career and drove in a pair of runs for the Pirates.

The Pirates have a chance to earn their first series win since sweeping the Padres in a three-game set at PNC Park at the end of June.

Click here to read more from our partners at PittsburghBaseballNOW.com.

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Pittsburgh police welcomed a new recruit class on Monday.

The class has 30 new recruits, police said.

The new recruits will complete 33 weeks of classroom training followed by 12 weeks of field training.

Chief Larry Scirotto and command staff welcomed the newest recruit class as they begin day one of their training to become Pittsburgh Police officers.



The class consists of 30 recruits who will complete 33 weeks of classroom training followed by 12 weeks of field training. pic.twitter.com/7PBzGBOyGn  Pittsburgh Police (@PghPolice) July 24, 2023

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A Placer Superior Court judge has sentenced a Lincoln man convicted of arson after he started a series of fires in forest lands over a few days last year, prosecutors said.

Judge Suzanne Kingsbury on July 12 sentenced 38-year-old Ryan Dale Lapp to 10 years in prison for the fires he maliciously started on forest lands near Baxter Grade Road in Auburn, McCourtney Road in Lincoln and Greenbrae Road in Rocklin, the Placer County District Attorneys Office announced Tuesday.

On May 19, Lapp pleaded no contest to four felony counts of arson on forest land and four felony counts of possessing materials or a device used for arson stemming from the fires on Aug. 26 and 31, court records show.

Prosecutors said these arson fires were more serious than other similar crimes, because Lapp started multiple vegetation fires with a level of planning involving incendiary ignition devices, planning the locations for the fires and watching the fires after he started them.

Cal Fire law enforcement officers arrested Lapp on Sept. 3  a few days after authorities found and extinguished the fires. Prosecutors said investigators searched Lapps vehicle and found a box of Zippo Typhoon waterproof matches and a constructed paper napkin wick used as an incendiary device.

Lapp did not express remorse for the fires as he was questioned by investigators, and he poses a serious danger to the community, according to the District Attorneys Office.

Deputy District Attorney Nancy Smith prosecuted the case against Lapp.

Placer County takes arson very seriously, Smith said in a news release. Not only do arsonists pose a threat to the year-round fire preparedness efforts of our fire officials, county agencies and residents, one spot fire has the threat to turn into a devastating wildfire.

On Tuesday, Lapp was already serving his sentence at a North Kern State Prison in Delano, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Watch your language: cabin crew are not waiters (Getty Images)

An American Airlines plane returned to the airport it had departed from after a passenger onboard called a flight attendant waiter.

The flight bound for Georgetown, Guyana, turned back to New York Citys JFK International Airport after only two hours because of an incident involving what the airline described as a disruptive passenger, according to Guayanas Stabroek News.

The passenger was identified as Joel Ghansham, who the newspaper describes as a Guyanese cultural activist.

Mr Ghansham took to YouTube to share his version of events, with the a caption on the video reading: What really went down?.

Mr Ghansham, who said he was travelled in business class, denied that he was disruptive and claimed that the episode started when he asked a flight attendant to help him put his bags in the overhead luggage compartment as he had recently undergone surgery.

He was like I dont do that, I dont get paid for that," alleged Mr Ghansham, who added that another employee apologised and did help him.

The flight attendant who had allegedly refused to assist Mr Ghansham asked the passenger, around an hour into the flight, if he wanted anything to drink, to which Mr Ghansham said he replied: No thank you, waiter.

In the video, Mr Ghansham claimed the flight attendant told him he wasnt a waiter but had the power to turn the plane [around]  to which Mr Ghansham said he replied: You must be God, so you do it.

Soon after, the pilot announced over the loudspeaker that the plane was returning to New York. According to reports, Mr Ghansham was met by a police officer when the aircraft landed and was interviewed by an agent from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Mr Ghansham has denied that any argument took place and claims he was not disruptive. He said: There was not a disruption. I never got up. There was not an argument, there was not a confrontation, nobody touched each other. He was wearing a mask. He wasnt even loud. It was just his pride.

A spokesperson for American Airlines told The Independent: American Airlines flight 2557, with service from New York (JFK) to Georgetown, Guyana (GEO), returned to JFK on Tuesday due to a disruptive customer. Safety and security are our top priorities, and we thank our customers for their understanding and our team members for their professionalism in managing a difficult situation.
Ukraine has been defending itself heroically for more than 400 days, and we Poles have kept our word. You can always count on Poland! Thus did Polish president Andrzej Duda salute Volodymyr Zelenskyy in April, heralding him as a friend and a hero and pledging Polands continued support for his beleaguered nation.

Since the Russian invasion began, Poland has been one of Ukraines most assertive military, financial and diplomatic supporters. The Polish people have also welcomed fleeing Ukrainians into their homes with open arms. So youd be forgiven for thinking that the two countries had always been the closest of allies.

But Ukraine couldnt always count on Poland. For much of their history, the two nations have harboured deep resentment against each other. And Ukraine has, at times, seen Poland as just as much of an antagonist as Russia. Centuries of mistrust between the two, starting with a Ukrainian Cossack rebellion against Polish authority back in the 17th century, culminated in Polands forced deportation of 150,000 Ukrainians and related ethnic minorities from Polands southeastern borderlands in 1947  an act that the post-Cold War Polish government has formally condemned.

And for their part, the Poles are yet to forgive the Ukrainians for the grisly Volhynia massacres of 1943-1945, when the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a far-Right paramilitary, killed as many as 100,000 Poles  many of them women and children  in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia. These places today lie in western Ukraine, but were part of Poland before the Second World War. The killing spree was bound up with a Ukrainian nationalist campaign to establish an independent Ukrainian state and prevent post-war Poland taking back its former territory.

The two nations still dont see eye-to-eye on the issue: while the Ukrainians tend to refer to the massacres as a tragedy, the Polish talk about the Volhynia genocide or slaughter. One reason Ukrainians are reluctant to look too closely at the matter is that the UPA, the organisation responsible for the massacres, was founded by followers of Stepan Bandera  one of the revered, if controversial, fathers of Ukrainian nationalism. He is lionised by many Ukrainians today  though certainly not all  because of his stalwart, uncompromising fight against the Soviet Union. Since Russias invasion last year, Ukrainian public figures have been especially nervous of sullying his legacy, as the country is in need of historical symbols to rally around. According to one poll, Bandera is now viewed favourably by 74% of Ukrainians.

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But Poland wants to present a united front with Ukraine against Russia. Wary of vindicating Putins dehumanising depiction of Ukraine as a nation of murderous fascists, it has called for reconciliation and forgiveness over the Volhynia killings. Zelenskyy, too, has shown goodwill. And so, earlier this month, he joined Duda in honouring Polish victims on the 80th anniversary of the massacres start. He has also promised to exhume the bodies of Polish victims from mass graves on Ukrainian territory so that they can be given proper burials  a courtesy long demanded by Poland.

It is in Ukraines interests to settle the issue. By coming to terms with the UPA atrocities in Volhynia, Ukraine would be able to craft a more nuanced view of its history and national identity, which would better suit its current pluralistic, democratic character than the narrow, authoritarian and racialised vision of Bandera. This in turn will make it harder for Russia to distort Ukrainian history and demonise its national heritage, depriving Putin of a key weapon in his fight against Ukraine.

Yet coming to terms with the massacre wont be easy. Ukraines government has never denied the killings took place; the trouble is in the detail and framing. Some Ukrainian officials have used reprisals by Polish self-defence units at the time to suggest that the massacres were the result of a tit-for-tat territorial dispute  even though far fewer Ukrainians, between 10,000 and 20,000 civilians and UPA militants, were killed by Poles in these attacks. A common phrase used by Ukrainian public figures is We forgive and ask for forgiveness, which sounds nice, but creates a sense of equal and mutual wrongdoing.

Even more concerning are the Ukrainian scholars who cast doubt on how closely involved the UPA leadership was in orchestrating the killings. And here is the heart of the problem: for many Ukrainians, the UPA and its parent organisation, the Organisation of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), played a crucial role in Ukraines struggle for independence  and so cannot simply be erased from the national narrative. Because Ukrainians have historically viewed themselves exclusively as victims of foreign domination, implicating the UPA and OUN in an arguably genocidal campaign would challenge central elements of their self-image, and would complicate their perception of figures such Bandera as righteous rebels against oppression.

The Volhynia massacres took place at a desperate juncture in Ukrainians journey towards freedom. At the end of the First World War, Ukrainians twice attempted to establish independent states on the territory of modern Ukraine. However, by 1921, both efforts had failed, and Ukrainians were once again a subjugated people, split between the USSR and Poland. While Ukrainian identity was encouraged for a time in Soviet-annexed Ukraine, by the Thirties, Stalins collectivisation policies had led to the devastating, man-made Holodomor famine that killed millions of Ukrainians. In the inter-war Second Polish Republic, Ukrainian desires for autonomy were tolerated to varying degrees depending on who was in charge, but by and large Ukrainians were treated as second-class citizens.

In response to both the famine in the communist USSR and the oppressive Polish state, certain Ukrainian nationalists adopted an increasingly militant far-Right ideology. When Nazi Germany invaded Poland and later the USSR, these Ukrainian nationalists, including Bandera, joined forces with the Germans, believing that they had finally found their ticket to independence. However, when Bandera and the OUN declared an independent Ukrainian state in 1941 under German auspices, he and other OUN leaders were arrested by occupying Nazi authorities and their hopes were dashed yet again. The UPA and local OUN commanders loyal to Bandera turned against the Germans, but remained convinced that the only way to bring about the ethnically-pure Ukrainian state they envisioned would be to act against the local Polish population while the German occupiers were still in charge  leading them to instigate the Volhynia massacres in 1943.

This has given Russia plenty of fodder for propaganda. The Kremlin has tried to paint Bandera as a hardened Nazi for years in order to brand modern Ukraine as a fascist state  in 2021, Putin baselessly claimed Banderas followers in Ukraine were making plans to massacre Russian speakers in eastern Ukraine, and called Ukrainians neo-Nazis and Banderites shortly after touching off his invasion last year. Yet Moscow has conveniently ignored the fact that the modern Ukrainian state that emerged in 1991 was entirely unaffiliated with the visions of Bandera, the OUN and the UPA, and that Bandera was simply one of many Ukrainian independence fighters who didnt all share the same ideology.

Resolving a decades-old historical dispute with a country it now considers one of its closest allies feels like an issue of only passing importance while Ukraine is under attack. But it is precisely because of the Russian invasion that it should be confronted. The war has catalysed a dramatic renaissance of Ukrainian culture and identity as Ukrainians demonstrated that theirs is an independent nation worth dying for, creating the perfect opportunity for them to build a more holistic and critical perspective on the early 20th-century nationalism that helped to forge their country.

There are indications Ukraine is keen to take up the challenge. This May, the head of Ukraines parliament said during a speech to Polands parliament that Ukraine will work with you, dear Polish friends, accepting the truth no matter how ruthless it may be. To make a statement like this about such a bitter period of ethnic violence is practically unheard of in Eastern Europe. From the Balkans to the Caucasus, issues like these tend to be left to fester into simmering ethnic hatreds  but Poland and Ukraine are showing that it is possible to some extent to move on.

Every day, Ukraine finds new war heroes to worship: from soldiers dying on the front line to grandmothers making Molotov cocktails. With this new generation of freedom fighters, the need to venerate divisive 20th-century nationalists such as Bandera may well diminish, allowing Ukraine and Poland to finally put their differences behind them and ensure that their friendship will stand the test of time.
One person was critically injured after a police chase of suspected carjacking suspect led to a crash Tuesday afternoon in Kansas City, according to police.

Officers responded around 12:21 p.m. to the crash in the area of Southbound Interstate 435 and Bannister Road, said Capt. Corey Carlisle, a spokesman for the Kansas City Police Department.

Police were pursuing a red Toyota Corolla that was allegedly carjacked, when the Toyota traveled down an embankment and onto the southbound lanes of I-435.

A black Volvo T6 braked while changing lanes to avoid the Toyota, but the Volvo was rear-ended by a red Freightliner semi-truck and car carrier. The impact pushed the Volvo west across all lanes of traffic and into a ditch. The Freightliner also struck the Toyota.

Emergency medical crews took the Volvo driver to a hospital in critical condition. The passengers in the Volvo and the Freightliner driver were not seriously injured in the crash.

Police later reported one of the passengers in the Volvo was the victim of the carjacking, and had reportedly been in the car with the suspects before being beaten and carjacked. Police said they located the Volvo while the suspects were allegedly trying to commit another robbery in the area of E. 101st Terrace, and were pursuing the vehicle before the crash.

The carjacking victim was taken to a hospital, and is stable.

After the wreck, the suspects were allegedly taken into custody after a brief foot chase. Police said their investigation is ongoing.
Peter McCall, Cumbria's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner - STUART WALKER / Alamy Stock Photo

A police commissioner is quite pleased with a near 20 per cent rise in drug-related crimes.

Peter McCall, Cumbrias Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, claimed that although it appeared to be bad news the figures pointed to a rise in officers catching people.

There were 1,152 drug offences between April 2022 and March 2023, compared with 971 in the previous year, according to an annual report.

Mr McCall said figures were higher because police were checking more people with drugs.

While presenting the report Mr McCall said drug offences had risen by 18.6 per cent.

Quite pleased

That sounds like bad news, but I am quite pleased with that because we are catching more people, Mr McCall said.

The report also found its Cyber and Digital Crime Unit had investigated 104 offences, made 60 arrests, prosecuted 40 criminals for 183 offences and safeguarded 130 children.

Anti-social behaviour dropped to 4,922 from 6,445 cases, while arson and criminal damage fell to 4,998 from 5,023, it said.

But incidents of violence climbed from 16,811 to 16,912 and sexual offences also rose from 1,706 to 1,719 and public order offences from 4,656 to 4,703.

Robberies increased to 154 from 151, theft offences grew to 5,352 from 4,614, offences against a vehicle increased to 977 from 757 and overall crime increased to 38,826 from 37,084.

Mr McCall asked people to report crimes and information, adding: If the cops dont know about it, how can they do anything about it?

Cumbrias Police and Crime Commissioner was given permission to take control of the countys fire service in April last year.

Mr McCall said he wanted to improve the services infrastructure but the Fire Brigade Union was initially opposed to the move.

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MANILA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos left for Malaysia on Tuesday for a three-day visit to identify new areas of economic cooperation between the two countries.

"I believe this is an opportune time to harness the potential of a revitalized relationship between the Philippines and Malaysia," Marcos said in his departure speech at an airbase in Manila.

The Philippines and Malaysia, two major economies in Southeast Asia, have long enjoyed close economic ties, supported by strong bilateral ties stretching back for decades.

In Kuala Lumpur, Marcos is expected to have an audience with the King of Malaysia, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and meet local business leaders to showcase trade and investment opportunities.

Marcos said his visit will focus on areas such as agriculture, food security, digital economy, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, as well as explore new avenues for cooperation.

"This visit aims to forge synergies with Malaysia for the Philippines to enjoy a share of this market," he added. 
Police have completed their search of Gilgo Beach murder suspect Rex Heuermann's Long Island home, said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney in a news conference Tuesday afternoon.

Tierney said police found "approximately 279 weapons" in the "cluttered" residence, including "quite a few long guns" and 92 handgun permits. In addition to the weapons, a "massive amount of material" was removed from the home, but Tierney declined to offer more details.

Many of the guns were found inside a walk-in vault in Heuermann's basement, police said Tuesday. Suffolk Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison told CBS New York that the vault had a large iron door, but said it was "not a soundproof room."

Heuermann, an architect who worked in New York City, has been charged with the murders of three women and is the prime suspect in a fourth case. The bodies were found on Gilgo Beach within a quarter mile of each other in 2010, each wrapped in burlap. Heuermann has pled not guilty and will appear in court again on Aug. 1, 2023. He is being held without bail.

Investigators have also searched the Massapequa Park home's backyard, as well as a storage unit nearby. An excavator, sonar devices and cadaver dogs have been used in the search at Heuermann's home, and investigators searched around the home's foundation with shovels. Police have been investigating if any murders were committed at the home, which Heuermann shared with his wife, Asa Ellerup, and their two daughters. Ellerup has filed for divorce.

There were seven other sets of remains found on the same beach between 2010 and 2011, and CBS New York reported that Heuermann has not been ruled out as a suspect in those cases.

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Boston police are investigating shots fired incident that caused a heavy police presence in Fenway.

Officers responded to 126 Jersey Street for reports of shots fired incident around 12:30 a.m.

Upon arrival at the scene, police found ballistic evidence and ballistic damage to a vehicle.

A victim later self-admitted themselves to a local hospital.

No arrests have been made and additional information was not immediately available

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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A man was taken into custody after crashing a suspected stolen car into a Boston Police cruiser Monday night.

Officers responding to the area of Pierce Street and Leach Street near Halloran Park in Stoughton around 5:53 p.m. for a reported carjacking found a victim in his mid-40s who said he was robbed at gunpoint, according to Stoughton Police. The victim reportedly said a customer responded to his online ad for plumbing assistance but when he arrived at the address given, no one was there.

The victim called the customer, who said theyd be there soon. However, moments later, a Black man with a stocky build wearing a white t-shirt approached the victims white Jeep Grand Cherokee and allegedly pulled out a gun.

Police say the suspect took the victims cell phone and wallet and drove off at a high rate of speed. The victim was not injured during the encounter.

Around 7:08 p.m., Boston Police say that the same Jeep Grand Cherokee backed into one of their cruisers in the area of Horadan Way and Cornelia Court in Roxbury.

Authorities arrested the man and allegedly recovered a firearm from the car.

No officers were injured during the crash.

Joseph was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing after a court arraignment Tuesday afternoon at Roxbury Boston Municipal Court. That hearing is scheduled for August 3.

Stoughton Police say their investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information about the incident should call 781-344-2424.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Boston police have released the name of the suspect who is accused of stealing a truck with a baby inside before dropping the infant off at a Dorchester intersection earlier this month.

Cristofanes Mendes, 33, of Boston is wanted for reckless endangerment of a child, larceny of a motor vehicle, and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in relation to a kidnapping incident.

Officers responded to the intersection of Geneva Ave and Leroy Street just before 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 14 for the reported kidnapping. The victimized family told police that they had pulled over to tend to the two-year-old when the suspect, identified by police as Mendes entered their truck and sped down the road with the baby still inside.

Surveillance video shows the stolen truck fleeing down Geneva Ave toward Bowdoin Street as the family tries to chase Mendes down.

Moments later, Mendes returned to 430 Geneva Ave. and placed the infant, who was still in the car seat, on the sidewalk.

Mendes then drove away again in the stolen truck toward Bowdoin Street.

The infant was reunited with the parents and an ambulance took the infant to a nearby hospital for evaluation. About an hour later, officers located the stolen truck at 156 Columbia Road.

Photographs show Mendes -- a man with a beard, tattoos on both forearms, and wearing a gray Boston Red Sox T-shirt -- on a bicycle. Police described him as a heavy-set, light-skinned Hispanic male, last seen wearing a grey shirt/grey pants with long hair and a beard.

Anyone with information on this incident is strongly urged to contact Boston Police Detectives at 617-343-4335.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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The Atlanta police have released new photos of two suspects who were seen on security camera breaking into more than 100 cars at a northeast Atlanta apartment complex.

Atlanta police told Channel 2 Action News that more than 100 cars were broken into at the Mariposa Lofts on Montag Circle early Saturday.

Police confirmed that the suspects broke into an Atlanta Police Patrol vehicle that was at the complex.

Both men were pictured wearing hoodies with shorts and gloves.

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Neighbors said they are concerned about their safety.

My window was smashed. My glovebox was raided. I did not have anything in my car, so nothing I am aware of was taken, resident Eric Koob said.

Koob said many neighbors have complained about the lack of security in the area.

The security gate for the apartment complex, where most of the break-ins happened in the parking garage has been broken for months, he said.

TRENDING STORIES:

Channel 2 Action News reached out to the apartment complex but has not heard back.

Anyone with information on the case can or the identity of the suspects is asked to contact Investigator J. Mogavero at 470-217-2696 or submit a tip anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or online at www.StopCrimeAtl.org. You do not have to give their name or any identifying information to be eligible for the reward of up to $2,000 for the arrest and indictment of the suspect.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Former Anaheim Council Member Jordan Brandman stands in front of City Hall. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Two years ago, an Anaheim City Council member was embroiled in a scandal over violent and misogynistic texts he wrote, which leaked to a local blog.

City leaders, expressing shock, denounced Jordan Brandman's texts, and some residents called on him to resign. He stepped down in disgrace nearly two months later, in August 2021.

But what the city did not acknowledge at the time was that it had been aware Brandman had been acting erratically for some time. In fact, it had launched an investigation after fielding an accusation in December 2020 that he made racist and misogynistic comments and said he wanted to shoot up City Hall, according to interviews and city records obtained by The Times.

The police chief and city manager coordinated to keep secret a visit by police to Brandmans apartment shortly after the allegation was received, text messages between the officials show.

Read more: A politicians downfall reveals a Disney exec and a secret cabals power over Anaheim

Asked if he and the city manager had tried to keep secret the police visit to Brandman's apartment, Chief Jorge Cisneros told The Times: When we get very influential individuals, we put those under wraps. He added that the department nonetheless complies with the states public records law.

The city manager, Jim Vanderpool, declined to comment.

David Loy, legal director for the First Amendment Coalition, said it would be extremely troubling if city officials took steps to conceal a police visit to a council member's apartment.

If police are being called to the home of an elected official on allegations the elected official is acting erratically or potentially dangerously, thats an issue of compelling public interest, Loy said. The public has a right to know when were talking about the conduct of an elected official, particularly when were talking about an allegation that an elected official is talking about shooting up City Hall.

The allegations against Brandman came in a letter dated Dec. 10, 2020, to the city manager from a council aide announcing he would no longer work for Brandman. The letter alleged that a year earlier, Brandman had flown into a rage about city employees, telling another aide while yelling and sobbing that he wanted to walk into City Hall and blow peoples heads off because they were not complying with his directives.

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That same morning, Vanderpool exchanged a series of texts with Cisneros, the police chief, according to records obtained under the Public Records Act. In one text, the city manager provided Brandmans address. In another, Vanderpool said he was at the site.

Help please! Still no one here, he wrote.

The police chief responded that "the watch commander is on the call and was going to the scene."

Brandman told The Times that Vanderpool never spoke to him while he was there. But Brandman said he spent several hours with a lobbyist, Todd Priest, a friend, who showed up at his apartment complex.

The morning after the police visit, Vanderpool wrote in a text to Cisneros that a lieutenant had assured him the police visit would be put into the system as unnamed person welfare check. He added that officers were directed to keep the interaction extremely confidential.

In a text response, Cisneros said: we put the call in with no info.

Asked about his comments in the texts, Cisneros said he had forgotten what his intentions were and couldn't speculate about what he said.

Read more: Secret retreats and a powerful 'cabal': Corruption probe reveals who really runs Anaheim

Earlier this year, The Times filed two separate requests under the states Public Records Act for information about police visits since Jan. 1, 2020, to Brandmans apartment. The requests included the ex-councilman's address, not his name. One gave the address to Brandman's apartment complex, the other his specific apartment number. In both instances, the department said that after an "exhaustive search, the city had found no record of a police visit.

When a Times reporter informed the department that several sources had confirmed the visit, a spokesperson responded by providing a brief dispatch log showing that five units had been sent to Brandmans apartment Dec. 10, 2020. There were no notes describing what had happened, and no police report was taken, the log said.

A police spokesperson said the department looked into how it initially failed to find the log and concluded it was the result of an unintentional error. He did not elaborate.

Once the mistake was discovered, we provided those records immediately, Sgt. Jonathan McClintock wrote in an email. The Anaheim Police Department does not have a specific policy regarding shielding information related to interactions with high-profile persons.

Soon after the aide sent his letter to Vanderpool in 2020, city officials commissioned an outside law firm to investigate Brandman, invoices show. City officials declined to release other records related to the investigation, citing attorney-client confidentiality.

The letter also alleged that Brandman made racist and misogynistic comments, including blaming an employees COVID-19 diagnosis on her "family's ethnic heritage."

In interviews with The Times, he initially said he didnt recall making a comment about shooting people at City Hall, but it was something I would have said at the time. In a later interview, he denied making it, claiming the employee would have reported it earlier. He denied making the misogynistic and racist comments alleged in the letter.

Brandman said he was upset when Vanderpool told him the investigation would be proceeding with interviews. He said he responded with a veiled threat that he could have the city manager fired, telling Vanderpool that he knows how to count to four about this and other matters. Replacing a city manager in Anaheim requires the support of majority of the seven-member council.

Brandman said he complained to another lobbyist, Jeff Flint, about the investigation, and Flint said he'd speak to Vanderpool. Brandman said Flint later called him to say Vanderpool told him Brandman had nothing to worry about. Flint has represented the Angels and Disneyland. Flint declined to comment for this story.

Jose Moreno, who was a council member at the time, said the council was never informed about the allegations made against Brandman.

Six months after the aide's complaint was made, text messages Brandman sent to a local activist were published on a local blog showing that he used misogynistic and violent language to describe a city councilwoman, calling her a derogatory term for women and saying he wanted to rip her f tits off.

The disclosure resulted in a public uproar and helped to ramp up a recall campaign launched against Brandman. He resigned several weeks later.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis has told a young transgender person that "God loves us as we are", his latest outreach gesture towards the LGBT community.

His comments, released by Vatican media on Tuesday, were in a podcast in which Francis listened and responded to audio messages from young people ahead of a Catholic youth festival which he will attend in Portugal next week.

One of the young people was Giona, an Italian in their early 20s who said they were "torn by the dichotomy between (their Catholic) faith and transgender identity".

Francis replied that "the Lord always walks with us ... Even if we are sinners, he draws near to help us. The Lord loves us as we are, this is God's crazy love."

The Catholic Church teaches that members of the LGBT community should be treated with respect, compassion and sensitivity, and their human rights respected.

Whether the Church can and should be more welcoming towards LGBT people, for example by offering blessings for same-sex unions, is a particularly sensitive topic.

Francis has famously said "who am I to judge" in an answer to a question specifically about homosexuals, and has condemned laws criminalising members of the LGBT community as a sin and an injustice.

At the same time, the 86-year-old pontiff has reaffirmed that marriage can only be understood as a life-long union between a man and a woman. He backs civil laws giving same-sex couples rights in bureaucratic matters such as pensions and health care.

Conservatives have contested Francis' more welcoming and less judgmental attitude towards the LGBT community, although he consistently refers to traditional Catholic teaching that says same-sex attraction is not sinful but same-sex acts are.

An upcoming world summit of bishops, due to convene this October and in 2024, is expected to discuss the Church's stance towards LGBT people, women and Catholics who have divorced and remarried outside the Church.

(Reporting by Alvise Armellini; editing by Philip Pullella and Mark Heinrich)
Portillos, a fast-casual restaurant serving Chicago-style street food, will be bringing its Beef Bus to Allen for three weeks from July 25 through Aug. 12.

The 32-foot food truck will give North Texans a chance to try the cuisine ahead of the opening of Portillos restaurant in Allen, the second location in Texas. Its first location in Texas opened earlier this year.

Last summer, the food truck made a visit to AT&T Stadium to promote the national chains first North Texas restaurant. Portillos in The Colony opened earlier this year.

In 1963, Portillos was opened by Dick Portillo as a hot dog stand. The Chicago-based restaurant now boasts more than 75 locations across 10 states. Its best known for Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, char-grilled burgers, salads, shakes and chocolate cake.

You can stop by the Beef Bus at The Hampton Inn located at 830 West Stacy Rd. in Allen from Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can order Chicago-style hot dogs with all the fixings, a mini Italian beef sandwich, char-grilled Italian or Maxwell Street Polish sausages and crinkle-cut french fries.

Starting July 25, Portillos will conduct interviews with job applicants interested in working at the Allen restaurant. Interviewees looking to work at the new restaurant will receive a voucher for a complimentary meal from the Beef Bus. Interviews will be available Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.  6 p.m.
Social media users are sharing a post that juxtaposes rising autism rates with increases in the number of vaccines recommended for American children, implying a correlation. But the association is spurious; research shows vaccination does not cause autism, and experts say more cases are detected primarily due to higher awareness and better identification.

"Do you believe there is a connection between an increase in vaccinations & the increase in Autism?" asks Grant Cardone, an American entrepreneur and author, in a July 14, 2023 Instagram post.

The post claims that between 1983 and 2018, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) added 64 vaccines to its immunization schedule. During the same time frame, autism rates supposedly increased from one in 10,000 to one in 36.

"277X increase in autism cases," Cardone says in the caption on his post, which accumulated more than 64,000 likes. "Despite these facts the same groups DENY any connection between the increase of Vaccines & Autism."

Screenshot from Instagram taken July 24, 2023

Other posts sharing the figures accumulated tens of thousands of interactions across Instagram and Facebook, according to CrowdTangle, a social media insights tool. Similar claims have spread on TikTok and Twitter, which is being rebranded as "X."

"If you look at this and see no Correlation you're a special typed (sic) of person," says Brandon Vera, an American mixed martial artist, in a July 14 Instagram post with more than 2,800 likes.

Claims linking vaccination to autism have circulated online for decades. AFP has previously debunked versions of the theory.

Similarly, the posts from Cardone and others are misleading -- the CDC's Immunization Safety Office told AFP that vaccines "do not cause autism."

"All vaccines are closely monitored for safety before licensure and safety monitoring is on-going after licensure," the office said in a statement emailed July 24. "There is no data to indicate a causal association between vaccines and autism."

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'No evidence of a link'

Claims that childhood vaccines cause autism date back to a 1998 article published in The Lancet, a peer-reviewed medical journal. British doctor Andrew Wakefield linked the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) shot -- typically administered to infants and young children -- to autism.

However, The Lancet retracted the study in 2010 after it was found to have included falsified data. British medical authorities later pulled Wakefield's license to practice medicine.

"Unfortunately, its publication set off a panic that led to dropping immunization rates, and subsequent outbreaks of these diseases," the World Health Organization says on its website (archived here).

Research conducted since the publication of Wakefield's paper has shown childhood vaccines do not cause autism:

A 2002 study (archived here) found that among 537,303 Danish children, 82 percent of whom had received the MMR vaccine, the risk of autism was the same in both the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups.

In 2009, researchers from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia examined seven studies looking at a possible association between thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative in vaccines, and autism. All of them failed to support the link (archived here).

A 2013 CDC study (archived here) found the amount of antigens, substances in vaccines that trigger the body's immune response, received during the first two years of life did not increase a child's risk of developing autism.

In 2012, the National Academy of Medicine reviewed the safety of eight vaccines administered to children and adults -- including the MMR and diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) shots, both of which are on the CDC's immunization schedules (archived here and here).

"While no vaccine is 100 percent safe, very few adverse events are shown to be caused by vaccines," the National Academy of Medicine said in its report (archived here). "In addition, the evidence shows that vaccines do not cause several conditions."

CDC immunization schedules

Cardone's post also misleads on the history of CDC-recommended vaccines.

Between 1985 and 1994, the schedule included five shots, according to a College of Physicians of Philadelphia timeline (archived here). By 2006, that number had jumped to 12.

As of July 25, there were 20 vaccines on the CDC's immunization schedule for children and adolescents (archived here), most of which require multiple doses and some that can be offered in combination shots. The adult schedule (archived here) had 19 shots.

All vaccines on the CDC's immunization schedule undergo a rigorous testing and approval process prior to being added. A 2013 examination of the recommended childhood shots (archived here) uncovered no evidence of major safety concerns.

"Vaccines are recommended by CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and endorsed by professional organizations because vaccines save lives and prevent morbidity, and the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks of adverse events," the CDC Immunization Safety Office told AFP.

The agency estimated that the vaccination of children born between 1994 and 2021 helped prevent more than one million deaths (archived here).

Autism prevalence

The CDC estimates about one in 36 children has autism spectrum disorder (ASD) -- a proportion more than four times higher than two decades ago (archived here). Researchers have found a similar global trend.

ASD is a "developmental disability caused by differences in the brain," the CDC says on its website (archived here). Some of those differences can be genetic or environmental, while others are unknown.

A few studies (archived here) estimate the prevalence of ASD in the 1980s was far less than it is today. But there are several potential reasons for the subsequent spike that have nothing to do with vaccination.

"The most obvious explanation is that this is a much better-recognized phenomenon, much more discussed phenomenon," said Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "So, there are many more tools out there for educators and clinicians to recognize and at least provide services for this disorder."

A 2022 review of autism prevalence worldwide (archived here) pinned the rise on multiple factors, including "the increase in community awareness and public health response globally, progress in case identification and definition and an increase in community capacity."

Another potential explanation is the "clear correlation between paternal age and the diagnosis of autism," Offit said.

"So then the question becomes: Has paternal age increased over the past, say, 40 or 50 years? And the answer is yes," he said. "Those are the kinds of things that make sense because there clearly is a correlation."

Other independent fact-checking organizations have also debunked claims linking rising autism rates to childhood vaccination. More of AFP's reporting on vaccine misinformation is available here.
KHARTOUM, July 25 (Xinhua) -- At least 16 civilians were killed on Tuesday in air and artillery strikes at a neighborhood in the city of Omdurman, west of the Sudanese capital Khartoum, a resistance committee said.

The civilians "died in this senseless war at the Ombada neighborhood" in Omdurman, the Ombada's Resistance Committee, a popular youth group, said in a statement.

It added that there were other victims at Souk Libya, a local market in Omdurman, due to the strikes.

In the meantime, the United Nations said that the humanitarian situation in Sudan has turned into a full catastrophe.

"Yesterday marked 100 days since the eruption of war in Sudan, a crisis that turned a dire humanitarian situation into a full-blown catastrophe," Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, said in a statement on Tuesday.

The humanitarian community remains steadfast in its commitment to support the people of Sudan, making tremendous and brave efforts to provide assistance amid very difficult circumstances, the statement said.

"Yet relief workers are not spared from the horrendous acts of violence and abuse," the UN official said, adding that at least 18 aid workers have been killed and many more injured since the start of the conflict in Sudan.

Humanitarian facilities have also been attacked, with at least 50 humanitarian warehouses having been looted, and 82 offices ransacked, according to the statement.

Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum and other areas since April 15, resulting in over 3,000 deaths and more than 6,000 injuries, according to figures released by the Sudanese Health Ministry. 
ISLAMABAD, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A policeman was killed and several others were injured in an explosion in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Tuesday, police and rescue teams said. 
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 25)  Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said cases will soon be filed against agriculture product smugglers and hoarders as the government continues efforts to address the issue of rising food prices.

I think it will be very soon that cases will be commenced against people responsible for smuggling and hoarding, Bersamin told CNN Philippines The Source.

During his second state of the nation address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued a warning against smugglers and hoarders.

Bilang na ang mga araw ng mga smuggler at hoarder na 'yan, he said.

[Translation: Those smugglers and hoarders days are numbered.]

Bersamin said intelligence reports have been validated many times, even during past administrations, regarding possible smugglers. Meanwhile, authorities have also identified possible hoarders, he noted.

Early this month, Marcos instructed the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation to look into hoarding, smuggling, and price fixing of agricultural commodities.

The DOJ said it would create an Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Task Force focused on protecting the entire agricultural sector.

Bersamin said they have yet to receive a report from the task force, but gathering of evidence is ongoing for case development.

The executive secretary also said the identities of the hoarders will be revealed.

Gov't officials involved?

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the DOJ is looking into a number of government officials who may be involved in smuggling, particularly of onions and garlic.

He said the bribes for them to allow the illegal entry of goods are seen to run in billions of pesos. He added that such operations may have been running for at least 15 years already.

"Marami tayong pangalang nais tignan mula sa iba't ibang ahensya na may kinalaman sa pagpasok at pagbibigay ng mga permiso na ipasok ang mga commodities na pinag-uusapan," Remulla told reporters.

[Translation: There are several people from different agencies whom we want to investigate for potentially allowing the entry of these commodities in question.]

The DOJ chief said they plan to conduct a fact-finding investigation within the next two weeks and that this may take a month or two to be finished.

"We'll still be validating a few more facts, and we will be calling on the government agencies involved in the regulatory process to give us the necessary documents so that our database would be complete," he said.
Photograph: Leah Millis/Reuters

A Republican-backed spending bill threatens to end national access to mail-order abortion pills and cut billions from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap) that provides low-income families with food benefits.

The legislation is part of a spate of appropriations bills that lawmakers will debate this month, and which Congress must reach a decision on by the end of September in order to pass a budget for the 2024 fiscal year and avoid a federal shutdown. It was already approved by a House appropriations subcommittee in May, while being condemned by Democrats and causing internal rifts among Republicans. Republicans have added several provisions to the bill that would have wide-ranging effects on reproductive rights, health policy and benefits.

Related: McCarthy raises Biden impeachment threat during Fox News interview

The food and agriculture spending bill is the latest front in the rightwing campaign against reproductive rights. In the year since the supreme court overturned Roe v Wade, Republicans have passed bills in more than a dozen states that ban or severely restrict abortion access. Ending access to mail-order pills that induce abortions would complicate and limit efforts from abortion rights groups and physicians to provide care for people in states with abortion bans.

Specifically, the bill would reverse a 2021 Food and Drug Administration policy that allowed people to get the abortion-inducing drug mifepristone  which can be used up to 10 weeks after conception  through the mail rather than via in-person visits to providers. The FDA had temporarily lifted restrictions on the drug during the Covid-19 pandemic, before later making those changes permanent. But the drug, which is widely used for abortion and can also be used for managing miscarriages, has been the center of legal challenges and rightwing attempts to prevent its use ever since.

House Republicans messaging on the bill claims that their provision reins in wasteful Washington spending and protects the lives of unborn children. The bill would also decrease the Snap benefit program  formerly known as food stamps  by $32bn compared with 2023 levels, as well as prevent the health and human services department from putting limits on the maximum amount of nicotine in cigarettes.

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The approaching fight over spending bills has echoes of the standoff over debt ceiling negotiations earlier this year, when Democrats accused Republicans of holding the government hostage in an attempt to exact sweeping cuts to federal programs. Hardline Republicans similarly pushed to shift their party towards far-right policies during those negotiations as well.

Democrats are eager to prevent a government shutdown such as the one in 2018 during the Trump administration that left about 800,000 government workers without pay and lasted longer than any previous closure in US history. But some have called for establishing red lines around what compromises they are willing to make, with a number of House Democrats such as the Massachusetts representative Jim McGovern pushing back against attempts to cut Snap funding and other conservative provisions in recent legislation. House Democrats previously tried to add two amendments to the food and agriculture spending bill that would have eliminated the anti-abortion provision, but both failed.

Several Republicans have also spoken out against the food and agriculture bill, including the New York representative Marc Molinaro, who told Politico he will vote against the legislation if it comes to the floor. Molinaro, along with another New York Republican lawmaker, previously denounced a conservative Texas judges ruling that threatened to remove FDA approval of mifepristone.

Molinaros opposition to the bill highlights a rift within the Republican party over just how far to push an anti-abortion agenda that has proven nationally unpopular and contributed to electoral losses in many states.

Abortion policy has divided the GOP as hard-right Republicans, as well as powerful Christian conservative activist groups, have demanded far-reaching bans on abortion access. Others, such as the South Carolina Republican Nancy Mace, have warned that Republicans need to read the room on abortion or face defeat in elections.

The Republican speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy, has meanwhile been left scrambling to manage the different factions of his party as votes on must-pass appropriations bills loom. In addition to limiting abortion access and benefits, far-right Republicans have sought to use spending bills to greatly reduce military aid to Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion.

An NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll from earlier this year saw that support for abortion access was at an all-time high, and included a finding that about one-third of Republicans also broadly back the right to abortion access.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin (UT) are using smart chemistry to improve farming, increasing production in a way thats better for the environment.

They detailed the progress of their smart farming studies in a report for UT News, and the results could be a game-changer for standard agriculture practices regarding fertilizer. Thats because the breakthrough copper-based hydrogel being developed captures excess nitrate from fertilizer before it has a chance to harm our waters and soil.

At issue is the overuse of nitrogen-based compounds and some other elements crucial to plant growth that are common in fertilizers. Farmers use them each year to help grow food for the worlds population, which UT News reports is expected to expand by about 2 billion people by 2050.

Nationally, there are more than 895 million acres of land used for farming, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). So, when farmers overuse nitrogen to create better yields, the excess elements eventually leach into the soil and groundwater.

[W]hich can contaminate groundwater and lead to harmful greenhouse gasses, Guihua Yu, a professor of materials science who is involved with the work, said.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said that dead zones can be found underwater. The nitrogen can eventually lead to hypoxia, or oxygen deficiency, causing fish kills and harming other water organisms. The EPA reports that harmful algae blooms are also possible, which can be toxic to people. The impact can eventually reach rivers and oceans, according to experts at the USDA.

Researchers at UT may have a solution that provides abundant crops without the toxic runoff. Their copper-based hydrogel catches excess nitrates and turns them into reusable ammonia before it leaches into the environment. UT News said the intuitive gel being developed senses nitrogen levels in the soil. At just the right time, it converts the nitrogen, preventing pollution.

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Whats more, plants seem to be growing better with smart farming.

We designed this system and showed that it can grow the same or more crops without overusing nitrogen, Yu said in the UT News report.

A photo of wheat and rice plants shared by UT shows that the ones grown using the hydrogel are larger, with bigger leaves.

We need to feed our growing population, but we also need to protect our water and air, Yu said in the UT News story. Finding ways to capture and recycle nitrate-heavy wastewater could have tremendous benefits across the board.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet.
A long exposure photo shows the Milky Way galaxy star cluster in March from Indonesia.

Mysterious radio wave pulses from deep in space have been hitting Earth for decades, but the scientists who recently discovered them have no concrete explanation for the origin of the signals.

For 35 years, the strange blasts of energy in varying levels of brightness have occurred like clockwork approximately every 20 minutes, sometimes lasting for five minute intervals. That's what Curtin University astronomers from the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) concluded in research published last week in the journal Nature.

The discovery of the signal, which researchers named GPMJ1839-10, has the scientists baffled. Believed to be coming from around 15,000 light years away from Earth, the signal has been occurring at intervals and for a period of time previously thought to be impossible.

This remarkable object challenges our understanding of neutron stars and magnetars, which are some of the most exotic and extreme objects in the universe, lead author Dr. Natasha Hurley-Walker said in a statement on ICRAR's website.

Alien technology? Harvard professor finds fragments that could be of otherworldly origin

First signal detected from 2018 data

Using data gathered in 2018, astronomers first detected another magnetar spinning much slower than usual and sending similar signals every 18 minutes. But by the time they analyzed the data in 2020, it was no longer producing radio waves, according to Hurley-Walker.

So they looked again, knowing that the chance was high they would find another long-term radio source.

The team of astronomers used the Murchison Widefield Array radio telescope in Western Australia to scan the Milky Way galaxy every three nights for several months. They didn't have to wait long to find what they were looking for.

Within no time, a new source was discovered in a different part of the sky, this time repeating every 22 minutes with five-minute pulses.

Studying records at the Very Large Array in New Mexico, which maintains the longest-running archive of data, the researchers discovered that the source's pulse was first observed in 1988.

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What's even more alarming than that this radio signal was able to go undetected for more than three decades is that scientists have not determined with confidence what it could be.

'Internet apocalypse': How NASA's solar-storm studies could help save the web

Is it a sign extraterrestrial life? Not so fast...

But before you go assuming that E.T. is trying to phone our planet, the researchers do have other theories about what may be causing it.

Even Hurley-Walker noted in an article she penned on The Conversation  a media outlet with articles written by academics and researchers  that it can be tempting to include extraterrestrial intelligence as a possible source of the signal. In fact, that's what happened when the first pulsar was discovered and astrophysicists nicknamed it "LGM 1" for "Little Green Men 1" before additional observations caused them to rule the possibility out.

The most likely culprit, researchers say, is pulsars, neutron stars that blink and rotate like lighthouses emitting energetic beams as they rotate toward and away from Earth. But pulsars slow down as time passes, their pulses growing fainter with age until they eventually stop producing radio signals.

What's more confounding: the object that the researches detected resembles a pulsar, but spins 1,000 times slower.

Another explanation researchers offer is that the object could be an ultra-long period magnetar, a rare type of neutron star with extremely strong magnetic fields that can produce powerful bursts of energy. But until recently, all known magnetars released energy at intervals ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes  far more often than the 22-minute intervals that this object emits radio waves, according to the study.

Magnetars also generate radio waves for several months before stopping, not for 35 years and counting, according to researchers. The radio emissions should be slowing down, but as observations show, it is not.

In fact, researchers note that it shouldn't be possible for it to produce radio waves at all. The object is spinning so slow as to fall below the "death line," a critical threshold where a stars magnetic field becomes too weak to produce radio emissions.

To determine what's behind the mysterious pulsing, the astronomers said that additional observations and study are needed.

Whatever mechanism is behind this," Hurley-Walker said in the statement, "is extraordinary.

The discovery joins a list of mysterious finds this year beyond Earth's gravitational pull.

In May, researchers at Sandia National Laboratories unveiled strange findings after recording unidentified sounds in the stratosphere using solar-powered balloons.

And in January, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope discovered an exoplanet outside our solar system that shares similar qualities with Earth.

Aliens among us? Vegas UFO report latest in UAP sightings investigated worldwide

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @EricLagatta.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Radio signal from space has been reaching Earth for years, study finds
In a horrifying discovery, geologists have found rocks made from plastic debris on Brazils remote Trindade Island. The island, which serves as an important refuge for green turtles, is more than 700 miles from land. The plastic rocks are evidence of how human pollution has now influenced Earths geological cycles.

Whats happening?

The geology team discovered that melted plastic had become intertwined with the rocks on the volcanic island, forming what they call plastiglomerates. By definition, a plastiglomerate is made up of rock fragments, sand grains, debris, and other organic materials welded together with once-molten plastic.

The pollution, the garbage in the sea, and plastic dumped incorrectly in the oceans is becoming geological material  preserved in the earths geological records, Fernanda Avelar Santos, a geologist at the Federal University of Parana, told Reuters.

The plastic rocks were found on a part of Trindade Island that is permanently preserved for green turtles to lay their eggs. In fact, the only inhabitants of the island are members of the Brazilian Navy, specifically there to protect the nesting turtles.

We identified [the pollution] mainly comes from fishing nets, which is very common debris on Trindade Islands beaches, Santos told Reuters. When the temperature rises, this plastic melts and becomes embedded with the beachs natural material.

Fishing nets and other gear pose a huge threat to marine wildlife and the oceans ecosystem. In fact, an estimated 100 million pounds of plastic enter the ocean each year as a result of lost fishing gear.

Why are plastic rocks concerning?

The discovery of plastiglomerates may be a sign that the Earth is entering a new geological era  one where humans are leaving a significant and long-lasting impact on our planet. This era, as reported by the New York Times, is referred to as the Anthropocene epoch.

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Plastics and plastiglomerates might well survive as future fossils, Jan Zalasiewicz, a geologist at the University of Leicester in England, told the New York Times. If they are buried within [layers of rock in Earth], I dont see why they cant persist in some form for millions of years.

Whats being done about it?

This is a big issue, and making a positive change can seem like an insurmountable feat. But everyone can help. As local, state, and federal governments continue to discuss environmental topics, fighting to prioritize green policies is a great way to support change now and in the future.

Cutting down on your own plastic use can also help. Make the swap to reusable, durable items like reusable water bottles, shampoo bars, dissolvable dishwasher/laundry pods, and more. And for the plastic you do use, make sure you know how to recycle it properly.

As Patricia Corcoran, a geologist at the University of Western Ontario, told The Huffington Post, Even small things make a difference.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
Catalina reborn for Pacific

A Florida company plans to turn an iconic World War II seaplane design into a modern aircraft it claims can perform airborne amphibious operations required by the U.S. military.

Dubbed the Next Generation Amphibious Aircraft (NGAA) Catalina II twin turboprop amphibious flying boat, the aircraft is based on the historic Consolidated PBY 5 Catalina that provided maritime patrol, light transport, and search and rescue, among other duties.

Catalinas during WWII. (DOD left, Pearl Harbor Air Museum Right)

The NGAA Catalina II is a modern amphibian with advanced engines and avionics and will offer capabilities no other amphibian can provide today," said Lawrence Reece, president of Catalina Aircraft. Thats a Longboat Key, Florida company holding the U.S. and Canadian type certificates for the PBY-5.

The companys announcement comes as the U.S. seeks runway-independent aircraft that can operate in an environment where large airbases and runways are likely to be early targets in any future conflict with an adversary like China.

A low-resolution rendering of the reborn PBY that appears to be equipped as a gunship. (Catalina Aircraft)

U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command is currently testing what it's calling the MC-130J Amphibious Capability, or MAC. Thats an MC-130J special operations tanker/transport aircraft converted into a floatplane. However, as we reported in May, an initial demonstration of that concept is now at least two to three years away, according to U.S. Air Force Col. Ken Kuebler, U.S. Special Operations Command's (SOCOM) program executive officer for Fixed Wing (PEO-FW).

During the SOF Week conference in Tampa, Kuebler said that "we're doing hydro testing, subscale testing... we're moving towards a critical design review." He also stressed that the project encompassed "more than just the development of the aircraft." In addition, Kuebler said studies were being conducted now into how different sea states might impact such an aircraft and into its maintenance and logistics requirements.

A rendering of one possible MAC configuration. AFSOC

A big floatplane will also have limitations where a flying boat would excel, which can include operating in rougher waters. The penalty of flying with giant floats is also not realized on a flying boat. Still, a modern Catalina would be able to complement MAC and vice versa, not really replace one or the other across the board.

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Beyond the MAC, the U.S. military is increasingly interested in a variety of novel aviation capabilities that make operations from austere locations more feasible.

In a media release issued Tuesday, Catalina Aircraft said it is pursuing two variants of the NGAA Catalina II, one for commercial customers and one for the military.

Catalina Aircraft's PBY-5 N427CV painted in pre-World War II U.S. Navy livery. (Catalina Aircraft photo)

The military version, which the company is calling the NGAA Catalina II Special Use Variant, is a new production 40,000-pound Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) unpressurized, twin-turboprop, Sea State 3-capable, amphibious flying boat geared to support government and military-type Concepts of Operations (CONOPs), the company claims in its media release.

Sea State 3, under the Beaufort Scale, means a gentle breeze of up to 10 knots and maximum wave heights of three feet.

According to the company, the NGAA Catalina II is a Large, Transport Category amphibious flying boat capable of operation from runways, grass, dirt, sand, lakes, rivers, bays, and blue water.

It has a fuel capacity of up to 2,710 gallons, giving it over 19 hours of operational capability available for missions. Other green energy power options can also be considered at the customer's request.

The company also says that the special use variant - equipped with more powerful engines and a Very Low Stall (VLS) wing design - can offer a high-speed cruise of up to 200 Knots, as well as low-speed entries as slow as 62 Knots.

With its lift capacity and enlarged forward and aft cabins, the company says its aircraft can support several configurations, including transporting 30 fully-geared troops, up to 16,000 pounds of internal cargo and equipment, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, Reconnaissance suites and/or weaponization and two 2,500-pound external wing stores.

Catalina Aircraft's concept for how the military could use its NGAA Catalina II aircraft. (Catalina Aircraft chart)

The company also took an apparent broadside at AFSOCs plans for the MAC, without specifically naming it.

Unlike float converted land planes, the hulled fuselage of the NGAA Catalina II is designed specifically for operations in ever-changing maritime conditions.

Clearly looking at the capabilities being pursued by the U.S. and other militaries, the company claims that the NGAA Catalina II offers a single asset solution capable of replacing several existing platform types, thus reducing overall Acquisition, Operational and Sustainment costs.

The company, however, said it was yet to announce the cost of the aircraft.

It is unclear from the release the depth of discussion, if any, the company has had with the U.S. or any other military about this aircraft, which Catalina said it expects to deliver by 2029.

Weve reached out to the company for additional details - including when it expects to build and demonstrate an NGAA Catalina II. We also reached out to AFSOC to learn what, if anything, they know about this aircraft and what, if any interest, the command might have in making this a procurement priority.

We will update this story with any information provided.

While AFSOC is looking to convert a C-130 into a floatplane, Kuebler in May noted that the command is also exploring other options.

"We're also looking at other amphibious capabilities," he told reporters, including from The War Zone, at the time. "We are looking across the globe really at amphibious capabilities. We've had conversations with the Japanese on looking at how we would train  looking at how we would use the [ShinMaywa] US-2, to develop CONOPS [concepts of operations], etcetera."

Japan's ShinMaywa US-2 sea plane. (U.S. Air Force/Senior Airman Joseph P. LeVeille)

As we previously noted, U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) appears to remain financially committed to the MAC program despite the delays.

The command is asking for $15 million to continue working on MAC in its budget request for the 2024 Fiscal Year, almost $5 million more than it received for this project in the current fiscal cycle.

Given that Catalina Aircraft has yet to reveal a price point, its hard to know how the NGAA Catalina II would measure up against SOCOMs existing lines of effort. Moreover, the U.S. has yet to show any real interest in procuring the thoroughly modern, highly capable US-2 - a remarkable aircraft that The War Zone has examined in depth in the past. So it is unclear what, if any interest, there would be in a reboot, no matter how modernized, of the Catalina.

But then again, this could be changing outside of SOCOM. Air Mobility Command's chief has discussed procuring a cheaper, slower, but still long-range aircraft capable of operating out of austere locales in the Pacific. Even unmanned or optionally manned options are on the table. These would be used for smaller cargo operations and potentially other roles. You can read all about this effort to refresh America's airlift capability for a future peer fight here, but a modern PBY could actually fit that bill and then some.

But with the tremendous interest in flying boats and the growing importance of runway-independent aircraft, its future is something we will watch closely.

Update 8:37 p.m. Eastern

A U.S. defense official responded to our query.

AFSOC had informational meetings with Catalina Aircraft Systems previously," the official told us. "At the time of the meeting AFSOC conveyed that our strategy is to modify a MC-130J versus acquiring a platform and that strategy remains."

"Efforts around the MC-130 Amphibious aircraft are ongoing. Small scale model testing has been ongoing for about six months and will continue for the foreseeable future. The first aircraft that will be used for full scale testing is expected to arrive by end of calendar year 2023 but no specific testing is scheduled at this time.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
A woman in Rhodes has described her experience of escaping the wildfires with her family as "horrific".

Kaz was on holiday with her husband Jon, eight-year-old daughter Lily and parents when the flames approached.

She described people trying to block evacuation coaches, being forced to cling on to the side of a boat and sleeping in a school hall.

A lack of information or reps made the situation even scarier, but locals helped her out with gifts, she said.

The Greek island has been battling fires fanned by strong winds since Tuesday after a heatwave saw temperatures in excess of 40C (104F).

As columns of smoke covered the sky and ash began to fall "like snow" on Saturday, Kaz - from Leicester - got an alert on her phone telling her to evacuate - but said she was told to stay by staff at the hotel in Kiotari.

Shortly afterwards, a banging on the bedroom door started a grim series of events.

"It was horrific," she told BBC Radio Leicester. "It was just the most terrifying thing I have ever been through.

"Someone said 'get out, get out, fire, fire', and we had to abandon our luggage.

"We went to the coaches outside and it was just people screaming and shouting - the children were terrified.

"But we were lucky - there were people running in front of the coaches, screaming at them to stop."

They were dropped off at the nearby Gennadi beach in the early afternoon but their situation had hardly improved.

"It was 40 degrees," she said. "The Red Cross brought us water but as it got dark, with no electricity, the panic started to pick up again.

"The locals were just saying 'get out of here', and you could see the red on the horizon as the flames started coming again.

"There were thousands of people there with no idea what was going on."

Boats arrived at around midnight to move people off the beach but this prompted another rush.

"In the dark I was separated from my family so it was just me and my daughter," she said.

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"We got on to a boat but had to cling on to stop falling in, but my daughter sang songs to keep my spirits up."

Kaz was reunited with her family later that night but ended up sleeping in a school hall in Rhodes itself.

"We have got nothing. The locals, who are being impacted the most by this, have been so kind," she said.

"They have given us toothbrushes and flip flops but all we want is to go home, but we have been told nothing about when that might happen.

"Jet2 tell us to follow local guidance, the local people tell us to talk to our airline."

They were hoping to board a repatriation flight on Monday night.

Honeymoon trauma

A newly-wed couple, from Leicestershire, who were celebrating their honeymoon in Rhodes, have also spoken of their "traumatic" experience.

Claire Jones, 36, and her husband Paul, also 36, were on the island after getting married on 16 July.

On Saturday, the couple were evacuated by coach from the Village Rhodes Beach Resort in Lindian Village, near Lardos, after Mrs Jones said the situation went from "zero to 100".

Mrs Jones has said she and her husband were "very lucky" as they have now managed to flee via a taxi to Faliraki in the north of the island, where they had planned to stay later in their trip.

She said: "I keep thinking of little things, like there was a little girl on the bus screaming to her mum, 'I don't want to die'."

While waiting for the coaches to arrive, Mrs Jones said: "When we got to the car park and you could see the fires getting closer and closer and closer, and the coaches weren't turning up... that was really worrying.

"It was really quite traumatic driving to where we went because you could see everyone fleeing their hotels, and people were walking along the beaches, walking along the roads, and they had babies and small children."

Officials estimate 19,000 have been evacuated by land and sea with more people due to be evacuated from three villages - Pefki, Lindos, Kalathos

British evacuees have begun to arrive back in the UK from Rhodes and Corfu. An EasyJet flight from Corfu touched down at Gatwick just after 14:00 BST on Monday.

Katie Lewis, 28, from Nottingham, said she cut her holiday in Corfu short and flew back because of the fires.

"It was like an apocalypse," she said.

"We've seen what's happened in Rhodes the last few days and we didn't want to get stranded out there."

A spokesperson for Jet2 said over the weekend that it had "put on four repatriation flights to bring our customers home, which is on top of our scheduled programme of flights that will continue to operate from Rhodes to the UK this week".

"We are continuing to make decisions in the best interests of our customers, and we are keeping everything under constant review," they added.

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The Windsor Framework, Rishi Sunak's Brexit deal, was adopted unilaterally in March 2023 - SIMON WALKER/AVALON

Rishi Sunaks Brexit deal will create more red tape for businesses which send goods to Northern Ireland, leading peers have warned.

A report by a House of Lords subcommittee found that the new bureaucracy the agreement generates will be more burdensome for many firms than the status quo.

The dossier, which was produced by a largely Remainer committee, will heap pressure on the Prime Minister to revisit the Windsor Framework.

Brexiteers said it showed his deal was fatally flawed and warned that it renders us worse off by re-affirming the border in the Irish Sea.

The Daily Telegraph has been told that sources close to Downing Street allegedly attempted to get the most withering criticisms in the report watered down.

Peers on the Northern Ireland Protocol subcommittee gathered evidence from businesses about the impact the agreement will have on them.

They concluded that the pact will be beneficial to very large retailers, but will leave many other companies facing more paperwork than before.

That is because the deal ends a series of indefinite grace periods which the UK unilaterally imposed to soften the impact of the original Protocol.

Red lane, green lane

In important respects, and in particular for the non-retail sector, the Windsor Framework will be more burdensome than the Protocol as it has operated to date, the report said.

While the green lane will benefit large retailers in particular, some retailers, and some other sectors, may have to use the red lane.

The green lane will see items destined only for Northern Ireland and labelled as such able to cross the Irish Sea with no physical checks and minimal paperwork. All other goods will have to go through a red lane.

Peers highlighted the haulage sector, which will have to bear the brunt of much of the new red tape, as being particularly negatively affected.

Mark Tait, from Target Transport, told the committee that the Windsor Framework could make things much more difficult than our current position.

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The report also raised concerns from businesses about the red tape and cost involved in new requirements to label products as not for the EU.

Companies that want to avoid the most burdensome checks by sending food through the green lane may have to use four different stickers to label goods.

Even the largest firms like M&S have raised concerns about the plans, warning that the system is so complex they wont be able to navigate it.

In its report the Lords committee urged the Government to swiftly set out how it will support businesses in adapting to these changes.

Much of the Windsor Framework deal, including the creation of the green and red lane system, is set to come into force in October.

Report exposes the spin

Peers did conclude that the new agreement is an improvement on the Protocol as originally negotiated without the permanent grace periods.

They praised its pragmatic compromises on rules around VAT but added that there has been no substantive change to the role of the EU court.

The report comes amid anger from Tory MPs over the Governments attempts to push the deal through Parliament with little scrutiny.

Mark Francois, the chairman of the ERG said: This Lords committee, which could hardly be said to be dominated by Brexiteers, in fact quite the reverse, has produced a detailed critique of the Windsor Framework, which effectively upholds many of the key criticisms of our own Star Chamber report back in March.

This new analysis explains why the Windsor Framework is fatally flawed and thus also why the DUP have still not reentered Stormont.

Nigel Dodds, a DUP peer who was one of the few eurosceptic members of the committee, said the report exposes the spin from No 10.

He said: This report from a heavily Remain stacked committee is quite significant and certainly doesnt give the Government much room for complacency or comfort.

The key conclusion is it makes things worse for business than what they have experienced up until now and renders us worse off in terms of the Irish Sea border.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 25)  The Marcos administrations push to reform the current pension system of military and uniformed personnel (MUP) may be realized before 2023 ends, Finance chief Benjamin Diokno said Tuesday.

As the measure is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s priority legislative agenda, Diokno said the bill seeking to reform the pension system is expected to be passed by the end of the year.

It will have an impact as soon as January of next year, he said at the post-SONA briefing.

READ: Teodoro allays concerns on possible mass early retirement of soldiers over pension reforms

We are pushing for this This is really for their own good to make the pension system more sustainable in the future, Diokno said.

Diokno warned that failure to implement such reforms would result in a catastrophic impact in the future.

Earlier, the official said that the Philippines may see a fiscal collapse as the pension is fully funded by the national government.

It will open up a lot of fiscal space in the budget, Diokno said of the reforms.

On the planned contribution to MUPs retirement fund, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin told CNN Philippines The Source that they would leave it to Congress to determine the details.

In June, the Department of Finance proposed to require MUP in active service to contribute 5% of their monthly salary for the first three years.

New entrants, meanwhile, should contribute 9% of their basic salary and longevity pay to the retirement fund.

READ: DOF: Contributions to uniformed personnel pension set at 5% to 9%

The operationalization of this program will be posing difficulties regarding the source of funding because the amount discussed even with past admins was so big. We have limitations so we will resolve these issues, Bersamin said.

Im confident theyre looking for solutions, he added.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada, chairman of the Senate committee on national defense, meanwhile also said he has yet to see a win-win solution on the proposed reforms. However, he believes those who are against the proposal could eventually have a change of heart.

I already conducted an initial hearing. Kung kinakailangan ba na magkaroon ng isa or dalawa pang hearing gagawin ko [If theres a need to conduct one or two more hearings, Ill do it], the senator said. I am not rushing things because it is a very meticulous issue.

Estrada told reporters he will meet with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro to discuss the issue and study the results of roadshows and consultations.

He also supports the idea of privatizing assets of the military and police to contribute to the pension fund, as earlier raised by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.

CNN Philippines Correspondent Eimor Santos contributed to this report.
The Department of Interiors The Road to Healing" will make two stops in California during the first week of August. The Interior Department announced today that Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) and Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs will travel to Riverside, California on Friday, August 4 and Rohnert Park, California on Sunday, August 6, 2023.

The Road to Healing is a year-long tour across the country to provide Native survivors of the federal Indian boarding school system and their descendants an opportunity to share their experiences.

Secretary Haaland launched the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative in June 2021 to shed light on the troubled history of Federal Indian boarding school policies and their legacy for Indigenous Peoples. In May 2022, the Department released Volume 1 of an investigative report as part of the Initiative, which calls for connecting communities with trauma-informed support and facilitating the collection of a permanent oral history.

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.

The tour is the second phase of the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative.

Trauma-informed support will be available on-site during the events, which will be memorialized as part of the effort to capture first-person stories.

The Road to Healing  Riverside, California

WHAT : Meeting with survivors and descendants of the federal Indian boarding school system as part of The Road to Healing

WHEN : August 4, 2023, at 10:00 AM PT

WHERE: Riverside, California

The Road to Healing  Rohnert Park, California

WHAT : Meeting with survivors and descendants of the federal Indian boarding school system as part of The Road to Healing

WHEN : August 6, 2023, at 10:00 AM PT

WHERE: Rohnert Park, California

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
They came from as far away as Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, and from as nearby as across the street.

Family members representing four generations  newborn to age 84, who are descendants of a family who ran one of Rockland County's largest and most productive farms  gathered Saturday at a fieldstone farmhouse to recreate a family photo taken 100 years before, right after the house was built.

There were just a lot of memories that welled up," said Denise Giannotti Smyth, who came to the reunion from Georgia with her mother. "And I think a lot of people were just really excited to see it again.

The Katt Family housewarming in 1923, in a photo taken by Fred Crum.

The Katt family holds a gathering of family from across the country at the site of their family farm in New City on Saturday, July 22, 2023.

The 150-acre Katt Farm on Germonds Road in New City, operated in early- to mid-1900s by Diedrich Katt and his family, was known for its corn, tomatoes, string beans, apple cider and vinegar. It was originally named D. Katt and Son and later E.R. Katt when Deiderichs son, Elberton, took the reins.

In the summer of 1923, Diedrich Katt, his wife, Sophia Tatje Katt, and their 10 children moved into the farmhouse theyd built on the property, celebrating the occasion by having the photograph taken on the front porch steps.

Diederich Katt stands in front of a truck with D. Katt & Son on the door.

Fred Crum, a well-known Spring Valley photographer at the time, shot the image.

It was a time before the opening of the Tappan Zee Bridge hastened the suburbanization of Rockland, when the county had a wealth of farmland. The greater New City area itself was home to the Katt, Smith, Cropsey, Schimpf, Gerlach and Wesel farms, said Marianne Leese, senior historian at the Historical Society of Rockland County.

The eldest of the family, Margaret Katt Giannotti, made the trip from Roswell, Georgia, to revisit the former farmstead where she packed tomatoes to be trucked to markets in New York City.

Tomato label from Katt's farm.

Giannotti reminisced about the days before traffic clogged the local roads.

It was interesting living, it was a lot easier, Giannotti said, a few days before the reunion. We used to see the airplanes doing the crop dusting in the subdivisions across the street from the houses.

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Margaret Katt Giannotti, left, and her daughter Denise Giannotti Smyth stand on the steps of the family's former farmhouse during the Katt family gathering in New City on Saturday, July 22, 2023.

All the offspring had chores on the farm, and some bought lots from their parents and built homes there. We all kind of ended up with two-acre lots, Margaret Giannotti said.

Her Uncle William had to give up his house, which dated from 1876, when crews were building the Palisades Interstate Parkway in the 1950s, she said.

Dorothy Katt, the last family member to live in the house at 5 Germonds Road.

The Katt homes current owners, Janine and John Hodge, knew little about its past when they bought it in 2022. They were drawn to the four-bedroom, 2,400-square-foot homes period features, like solid wood floors and push-button light switches. The only major renovation was to the kitchen, Janine Hodge said.

They became curious about a print of the familys 1923 photo hanging on a wall, which shows open land surrounding the house, in contrast to the mature trees that dot the property now.

The Katt family siblings pose for a photo during a family gathering at the site of their family farm in New City on Saturday, July 22, 2023.

The Katt Family housewarming in 1923, in a photo taken by Fred Crum.

Then a few months back, Susan Katt Bitts (Margaret Giannottis second cousin), who lives across Germonds Road, knocked on the door with a copy of the reunion invitation in her hand and asked if the Hodges would mind playing host to her family for a short visit.

The newcomers were more than happy to accommodate.

It was really cool to find out this history because we just found this house to be so unique and unlike any of the houses we had seen, Janine Hodge said. So it made sense that there was something special about it.

The Katt family holds a family gathering at the site of their family's former farm in New City on Saturday, July 22, 2023.

After assembling everyone for the photo Saturday, the Katt descendants enjoyed a late-afternoon supper under a tent outside the home.

Everybody brought a dish, said Margaret Giannotti, who was making her first visit in some 30 years. It was an old-fashioned family get-together.

I think everybody was really a little emotional about it," Smyth, 59, said Sunday. "Especially us kids.

Robert Brum is a freelance journalist who writes about the Hudson Valley. Contact him and read his work at robertbrum.com.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Katt family farm: This fieldstone farmhouse is home to a reunion
Nick and Charlie kiss

Young love blooms (and gets complicated) in the city of love for Nick, Charlie, and the gang in the final season two Heartstopper trailer.

While the first season ended with Nick and Charlie officially becoming boyfriends the second season sees them processing what that means moving forward. Yes, it means plenty of stolen kisses and heartwarming moments for the two, but for Nick, it means reckoning with coming out publicly. Charlie is ready to support him in whatever he wants, and thinks, likely very incorrectly, that he can protect him and give his boyfriend the thing he never had, a chance to come out the way he wants.

Plus the whole gang is headed on a school trip to Paris, aka the most romantic city in the world, what could go wrong?

In the trailer, we also see that the romantic tension between Tao and Elle is growing as they try to work out if they could ever possibly be friends. On the other hand, our seemingly happiest and most secure couple Tara and Darcy are facing surprising challenges in their relationship, as Tara confesses her love and Darcy seems confused about her feelings. Also, Issac appears to have a love interest that will force him to take his nose out of his book and explore his own feelings.

But that's not all, exams are also on the horizon and they have a prom to plan. So, yeah, the gang has a lot to juggle as they journey through the next stages of life, love, and friendship.





Watch the final Heartstopper season two trailer below, and scroll through for photos from the new season.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube
Ron DeSantis and his team were unharmed in the car accident, his spokesperson said

Florida governor and Republican presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis was involved in a car accident in Tennessee on Tuesday morning but is unhurt, a spokesperson for his campaign said.

The governor was in Chattanooga, Tennessee for campaign fundraisers.

His spokesperson, Bryan Griffin, said the accident happened when Mr DeSantis was traveling to an event.

Police said a female staff member received "minor injuries".

Chattanooga police received a call about the road crash at around 08:15 local time (13:15 BST). Four government cars were involved in the accident.

A spokesperson said officers were dispatched to the scene on the Interstate 75 near East Brainer Road, and that no one required treatment in hospital.

"The motorcade came up on slow traffic and the lead vehicle had to brake quickly, which caused a rear-end collision involving the other vehicles," a police spokesperson told the BBC in a statement.

Mr DeSantis' team did not share any further details about the incident.

"We appreciate the prayers and well wishes of the nation for his (Mr DeSantis) continued protection while on the campaign trail," his spokesperson said.

Mr DeSantis, 44, is vying for the Republican nomination in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, where he is expected to challenge former US president Donald Trump.

News of the accident comes as Mr DeSantis' White House campaign let go of more than a third of its staff amid concerns over finances.

The cuts will amount to a total of 38 jobs across various departments, and the step was taken to "streamline operations", his campaign manager, Generra Peck, said in a statement.
Crimean bridge on July 17, 2023

Russia has extended the deadline for the restoration of the Crimean Bridge until the end of 2023 after the attacks in October 2022 and July 2023, according to the Russian government website, which reports that the deadline for rebuilding the bridge after the October explosion has been extended to Dec. 31, 2023.

Read also: Russian troops rig Mariupol bridges with explosives  Ukrainian official

At the same time, according to Ukraines Operational Command South, the bridge may never again be able to withstand the same load.

Natalia Humeniuk, head of the Joint Coordination Press Centre of the Southern Defence Forces, told Kyiv 24 TV channel that Russians sometimes stop traffic there because the production capacity of this hydraulic facility has not yet been reinstated.

"And probably they will never return it because the damage was quite significant to withstand the load that is now concentrated around this bridge," she said.

Humeniuk added that the return of cargo traffic is very slow, as the local administration is mostly trying to do it with the help of ferry crossings, but this severely slows down the traffic.

In the early hours of July 17, all traffic on the Crimean Bridge was suspended, as Sergei Aksyonov, the Kremlin-appointed Crimean governor, declared an extraordinary event.

Russian publications reported explosions and significant damage to at least one section of the bridge. Later, the occupation authorities announced the resumption of rail transportation, but road traffic was paralyzed.

Read also: Explosions heard near oil depot and railway in central Crimea, traffic halted on Kerch Bridge

An NV source in law enforcement reported that Ukraines Security Service and the Ukrainian Navy were involved in the incident. According to the source, the bridge was attacked using surface drones.

Russias Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, said that one span of the road part of the Crimean bridge cannot be restored.

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Read also: Panic over Crimean Bridge blasts may cause queues at gas stations in Crimea  journalist

This is the second case of explosions on the Crimean Bridge, which Russia uses to deploy armoured vehicles and manpower to southern Ukraine.

On Oct. 8, a powerful explosion occurred at the Crimean Bridge, which Russia employs to deploy armored vehicles and military personnel to southern Ukraine, resulting in the collapse of several sections into the Kerch Strait.

Read also: Girkins detention signals intensifying internal power struggle within Kremlin  intelligence

The Kremlin regime has accused Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukrainian military intelligence, of organizing the sabotage. However, Budanov has refuted these claims, dismissing them as baseless accusations.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Sergey Kotov ship attack

Russia claims to have repelled an attack by Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) launched against the Black Sea Fleet corvette Sergey Kotov. While the incident last night remains unconfirmed, it suggests Ukraine may be making good on its promise to fight more widely on the Black Sea, after Russia itself threatened ships making use of Ukrainian ports. All this follows Moscows declaration of a naval blockade and subsequent bombardment of these same ports, the latest developments in the complicated issue of the deal that had previously allowed Ukrainian grain to reach world markets.

In a statement, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that it destroyed two Ukrainian USVs which were engaged in an attack on the Sergey Kotov, a Project 22160 large patrol ship, one of four of these very modern vessels currently active with the Black Sea Fleet.

https://twitter.com/sambendett/status/1683798790870908929?s=20

Tonight, the Armed Forces of Ukraine made an unsuccessful attempt to attack the patrol ship Sergey Kotov of the Black Sea Fleet, which performs the tasks of controlling navigation in the southwestern part of the Black Sea, with two sea-going guided unmanned boats, the Russian Ministry of Defense said.

In the course of repulsing the attack, both enemy remote-controlled boats were destroyed by fire from the standard weapons of the Russian ship at a distance of 1,000 meters and 800 meters [1,090 yards and 875 yards]. There were no casualties, the ministry added. The Sergey Kotov continues to fulfill its tasks.

The Project 22160 ships, which displace around 1,965 tons and are 300 feet long, have a standard armament that includes a single 76mm automatic gun and a pair of 14.5mm heavy machine guns. These would likely have been used to engage any USVs in the vicinity, with similar weapons apparently having been used by Russian warships to tackle such threats in the past.

https://twitter.com/Archer83Able/status/1661379305236987907?s=20

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Dmitriy Rogachyov, the sister vessel of the Sergey Kotov, entering the port of Sevastopol in 2019. Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

The Sergey Kotov and the other vessels in its class can also be configured with modular weapons options. Tor-M2KM air defense systems have also been embarked as a stopgap measure during the war with Ukraine, as seen in the tweet below, complementing the usual complement of shoulder-fired Igla man-portable air defense systems, or MANPADS.

https://twitter.com/TheShipYard2/status/1533937479841107968?s=20

Ukraine, meanwhile, has already made extensive use of USVs in its naval war with Russia. They have been used in attacks on the Black Sea Fleet port of Sevastopol, in Russian-occupied Crimea, including in October and November 2022, March of this year and just days ago. They have also been used against Russian Navy vessels underway in the Black Sea.

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1680473319496114176?s=20

While these attacks have not necessarily been very successful in terms of sinking or seriously damaging Russian warships, combined with aerial drone strikes, they have forced Russia to change how it deploys vessels and protects the port of Sevastopol. This has included establishing very complex layered defenses in the air, on land, and at sea around the harbor in Sevastopol, especially at its entrance. You can read more about this issue in our coverage here.

Its notable that the Russian Ministry of Defense statement points directly to the vessels mission of controlling navigation in the southwestern part of the Black Sea, referring to the ongoing naval blockade.

This latest crisis was triggered last week when Russia pulled out of a United Nations-brokered agreement that ensured grain exports were able to leave Ukrainian ports. The deal helped prevent a spike in global food prices and reduce the risk of famine in areas of the world most threatened by food shortages. Moscow said that its actions were in response to the Ukrainian attack on the Kerch Bridge linking Russia to the occupied Crimean peninsula, earlier the same day, which also involved sea drones of some type.

https://twitter.com/SpriterTeam/status/1681918385720836096?s=20

On Wednesday last week, Russia issued a warning against all ships heading to Ukraine, stating that it would consider any vessels traveling to Ukrainian ports to be potential carriers of military cargo and their flag countries to be parties to the conflict on the Ukrainian side. Since then, Ukrainian ports  including Odesa and Mykolaiv  have also come under repeated Russian attack. This warning was also followed by an ominous live-fire exercise, in the same area, in which a Russian corvette sunk an ex-Ukrainian warship with a supersonic anti-ship missile. You can read about this event here.

https://twitter.com/DevanaUkraine/status/1682324588053635072?s=20

The U.S. and U.K. governments have both also said that they believe Russia has laid additional sea mines in the approaches to Ukrainian ports.

https://twitter.com/SamRamani2/status/1683854388224221188?s=20

Russias actions were then met by a threat from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, signaling its readiness to fight on the Black Sea, as well as saying it considered all shipping out of Russian and Russian-occupied ports to be potential targets. This new policy came into force at midnight last Thursday.

The fate of the cruiser Moskva proves that the Defense Forces of Ukraine have the necessary means to repel Russian aggression at sea, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense said, making an explicit reference to the sinking of the Black Sea Fleet flagship in April last year, which was the result of an anti-ship missile strike.

Moskva in the Black Sea after the explosion that led to its sinking. via Twitter

Furthermore, officials in Kyiv have also specifically mentioned the use of drone boats in the context of attacking Russian shipping in the Black Sea.

Ukrainian-made maritime drones are capable of destroying stationary and moving targets anywhere in the Black Sea, Anton Gerashchenko, current official advisor, and a former deputy minister at the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs, said on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1682015248369287169?s=20

While Moscow has claimed that its attacks on Ukrainian ports have been targeting military infrastructure, its clear that civilian targets are also being hit. Ukraine and the United States have stated that agricultural infrastructure and tens of thousands of tons of grain have already been destroyed in Odesa.

Not surprisingly, global wheat prices have climbed considerably in the wake of these actions.

Today, the Kremlin doubled down on its rejection of the U.N.-brokered grain deal, arguing that its own interests  which include a parallel deal to assist Russian exports of food and fertilizer  are not being implemented.

Indeed, theres a suggestion that Russia may now step up its military campaign in the Black Sea and begin targeting civilian shipping there, according to the British ambassador to the United Nations, Barbara Woodward.

https://twitter.com/SamRamani2/status/1683854183416360961?s=20 https://twitter.com/Apex_WW/status/1683840048486318082?s=20

While Russias President Vladimir Putin has signaled that he would be willing to return to the grain deal, if his terms are met, for the time being, both sides have said they are ready to engage ships leaving each others respective ports.

Already last week, the U.K. Ministry of Defense, in one of its regular intelligence briefings, warned that Black Sea Fleet blockade operations will be at risk from Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessels and coastal defense cruise missiles.

https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ/status/1681895616136216578?s=20

The apparent attempt to engage the patrol ship Sergey Kotov would suggest that this prediction may well be coming true.

Contact the author: thomas@thedrive.com
Russia could stage 'false flag' incident in Black Sea, US State Department warns

After Russia's withdrawal from the grain deal, night attacks on Odesa Oblast, and naval exercises by the aggressor state, Washington fears that the Kremlin may be preparing a false flag operation in the Black Sea, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said at a briefing on July 24.

"We have information to suggest that they may be preparing a false flag operation  we believe they may be preparing a false flag operation; their threatening of ships operating in international waters; and then just today, this attack on the Danube," he said.

Miller emphasized that he will continue consultations with partners in the region on how to find alternative ways to export grain from Ukraine.

"There is no perfect solution that would allow Ukraine to ship the same amount of grain as it did under the Black Sea Grain Initiative without the reopening of those sea lanes," the State Department representative concluded.

"There just simply isnt a way to get enough grain out through the Danube ports or over land or any other means."

Read also: Zelenskyy proposes to carry on with Black Sea grain deal without Russia

Russia officially announced its withdrawal from the grain deal on July 17, citing the repeated attacks on the Crimean Bridge, and withdrew its shipping safety guarantees in the Black Sea. The Russian military immediately began regular and targeted attacks on port infrastructure and grain terminals in Odesa Oblast.

On the same day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed to extend the grain deal without Russian participation, jointly with Turkey and the UN. According to media reports, Ukraine is creating a temporary alternative route for food exports via the Black Sea through Romania's territorial waters.

Russia announced on July 19 that it will consider all ships sailing to Ukrainian ports to be "military targets."

In response, Ukraine's Defense Ministry warned that it would consider all vessels heading to Russian ports in the Black Sea, as well as to ports in the temporarily occupied territories, as "carrying military cargo with all the corresponding risks."

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Russia conducted practice missile strikes in the Black Sea on July 21 after threatening to attack all vessels sailing to Ukrainian ports.

During the drills, Russian forces demonstratively sank the Ukrainian corvette Ternopil, which was hijacked in 2014 during the occupation of Crimea.

Read also: SBU charges ex-Russian Black Sea Fleet commander with ordering deadly missile strike on Vinnytsia

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly

Following its withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI), Moscow may carry out attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said on July 25, as reported by Sky News.

Cleverly suggested that Moscow could start carrying out terrorist acts as it escalates its campaign to halt food exports from Ukraine.

Read also: Russia justifies merciless missile attacks by claiming Ukraine hiding military equipment in grain facilities

"We will highlight this unconscionable behavior at the United Nations Security Council," he said.

Russia should stop holding global food supplies hostage and return to the deal.

Read also: Ukrainian grain producers request access to EU ports

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 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.

Read also: Turkey, Saudi Arabia in secret talks to repatriate Ukrainian children abducted by Russia  FT

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.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Russia adopts amendments to the law on extending the conscription age

Russian lawmakers amended on July 25 the law on military conscription age, extending it up to 30 years and leaving the low limit at 18, Russian media report.

Read also: Kakhovka dam explosion limits water flow to North Crimean Canal, satellite images confirm

Men in Russia will be required to carry out a year of military service between ages 18 and 30 from Jan 1, 2024, when the new legislation comes into force.

The Russian Defence Ministry proposed these amendments back in December 2022. However, it was supposed not only to raise the upper age limit from 27 to 30, but also to get the lower age limit higher - from 18 to 21. This was the bill that was passed by the State Duma in the first reading.

In the second reading, the MPs voted for only the upper limit change.

Now, the bill has to be approved by the Council of the Russian Federation and then signed by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

The chair of the defense committee of the State Duma, Andrei Kartapolov, claimed that Russians who turned 27 by the end of 2023 wouldn't be conscripted but would be considered as reserve officers, instead.

Read also: Russia remains committed to Belarus security, Peskov says

Earlier, Kartapolov argued for raising of the lower conscription limit by saying that "instead of a snotty kid who is drafted right out of high school, they will draft a rather adult person." Now, he explained the decision to leave the lower limit of the draft age unchanged by saying that "a lot of 18-year-old boys want to serve," and with "serious demographic situation" in the country.

Read also: Interview with sociology professor on how the war will impact Ukraines demographics

Another amendment to the bill was introduced, namely the ban from leaving the country of those who were summoned to a conscription office, including those summoned at work or at school. Also, summons can be served online, according to the legislation passed in April.

Story continues

Read also: Ukraine developing transitional legislation for liberated areas, says deputy PM

An amendment was also adopted in regard to medical and general educational organizations who will now be required to provide information on citizens necessary for military registration in electronic form.

It was reported on June 4 that Russia wants to change legislation in order to make military service registration and deregistration possible online without in-person presence at a conscription office.

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 government has extended the deadline for the restoration of the Crimean Bridge until the end of this year after the attacks in October and July.

Source: Russian Astra Telegram channel with reference to the order published on the website of the Russian government

Details: The restoration of the bridge after the explosion in October has been extended until 31 December 2023. Previously, the Russians planned to repair it by 1 July.

After another attack on 17 July, the Russians planned to finally launch two-way traffic on the Crimean Bridge in November.

Background:

On the morning of 17 July, Sergei Aksyonov, the so-called head of the Russian administration in occupied Crimea, said that an "emergency" had occurred on the Crimean Bridge, causing it to be closed to traffic. Russian Telegram channels were reporting that a span on the bridge had collapsed.

Ukrainska Pravda sources reported that the night attack on the Crimean Bridge was a special operation by the Security Service of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Navy. Later, the version about two surface drones was voiced by the Russian propaganda publication RIA Novosti with reference to the National Anti-Terrorist Committee of the Russian Federation.

Earlier, Russian mass media reported that the Crimean Bridge was being guarded by fighter jets from the sky, and by divers and fighting dolphins underwater.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia would retaliate for the Crimean Bridge attack.

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BRICS meeting kicks off, making preparations for leaders' summit

09:08, July 25, 2023 By Liu Xin and Wan Hengyi ( Global Times

Top national security officials and senior diplomats from BRICS and developing countries are gathering in Johannesburg, South Africa for a three-day meeting to have in-depth exchange of views on hotspot issues including Russia-Ukraine conflict and other global security issues of common concern, which analysts said would serve as political preparations for the leaders' summit in August, and the wider issues covered by the mechanism also underscore the bigger role it plays in global governance.

The meeting, which is scheduled to last from Monday to Wednesday, is reportedly chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's national security advisor Sydney Mufamadi, and is part of a series of BRICS meetings taking place ahead of the BRICS Summit in South Africa from August 22 to 24. Aside from BRICS countries, delegates representing a record 45 countries will also join the dialogue, media reported.

Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, is scheduled to attend the 13th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security from July 24 to 25, according to a release from China's Foreign Ministry.

Senior national security officials from other BRICS and other countries, including Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolay Patrushev, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran Ali-Akbar Ahmadian, Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will reportedly attend the meeting in person, media reported.

Making preparations

Senior finance, diplomacy and security officials from BRICS member countries traditionally meet in advance to exchange views and hold detailed cooperation in preparation for the leaders' summit.

The Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security is an important platform for BRICS countries to carry out political and security cooperation. The three-day meeting will help BRICS countries coordinate stances on major global security issues, practice true multilateralism and promote global peace. It will also make preparations for the upcoming leaders' summit, Feng Xingke, secretary general of the World Financial Forum and director of the Center for BRICS and Global Governance, told the Global Times.

Topics covering traditional and non-traditional security threats, the Ukraine crisis, anti-terrorism and cyber security will be high on the summit's agenda, said Feng.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has continued for more than a year with the entire international community feeling the strong impact, making the promotion of stable and peaceful development a major topic for every country, Wang Lei, director of the Center for BRICS Cooperation Studies at Beijing Normal University, told the Global Times.

In recent months, the issue of whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the leaders' summit in South Africa in person in August, due to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. over the conflict in Ukraine, has dominated Western media's reports on BRICS, which have been criticized by some experts for trying to divert discussions away from the set agenda.

It is unrealistic to expect BRICS countries to find a thorough settlement of the Ukraine crisis, but they may come up with new ways to promote communication under the security initiative shared by member countries, said Zhu Tianxiang, director at the Institute of Foreign Relations of the BRICS Research Institute of Sichuan International Studies University.

Other issues including the security of nuclear weapons, food, and energy will also be covered at the three-day meeting, given the chain effect caused by the Ukraine crisis. Security concerns of African countries and global multilateral governance will also be discussed in preparation for the upcoming leaders' summit, said the expert.

Growing influence

The wider topics covered by the BRICS meetings as well as the growing interest of more countries in joining the mechanism underscore the bigger role it is playing in global governance, analysts said, noting that this year's summit in South Africa in August may also be milestone in the growth of the multilateral mechanism.

This year's summit has attracted high attention as it is the first offline gathering of BRICS leaders for the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with higher expectations for further improving trust among members and reaching pragmatic achievements, Wang told the Global Times.

South Africa has invited the heads of state of all African countries to the summit, which will discuss how BRICS countries can partner with Africa to help the continent achieve economic growth, a senior South African official was cited as saying, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

With the wider attendance of African countries, more focus will be put on how to further encourage cooperation between BRICS and African countries, especially in the business and trade fields, how BRICS countries can help implement free trade agreements in African countries and how developing countries can achieve social and economic development in the post-COVID era, said Wang.

Moreover, more developing countries and new emerging economies, which have played a significant role in regional and global affairs, have expressed interest in joining BRICS, making the expansion of the mechanism important to the global governance system, said Wang.

Around 20 countries from around the world have applied to join the BRICS group, which currently consists of five nations, and an equal number of other countries have expressed interest in doing so, South Africa's ambassador-at-large for Asia and BRICS, Anil Sooklal, was cited by media as saying on Thursday.

Discussions on expanding BRICS are expected to be high on the agenda for the next two days as well as for the upcoming summit in August. More countries, especially developing countries are getting increasingly disappointed with the US and some Western countries' abuse of the current international governance system for hegemonic ends, and these developing countries and new emerging economies hope to build a mechanism that can be a voice for their interests, said analysts.

They noted that BRICS' increasing attractiveness lies in its bigger role in building consensus, and more countries are seeking to join it to coordinate and work to solve problems that concern them, which worries the US and some Western countries, with many Western media claiming that BRICS countries are leading developing countries away from the West.

Since its inception, the BRICS mechanism has focused on cooperation among developing countries and not creating confrontations, which is why it has won the support of developing countries that are victims of geopolitical or ideological games. BRICS has never had the intention of being a counterweight to the West, nor will it pull together small cliques. The deeper reason behind why the West seeks to smear the mechanism is their fear of developing countries' efforts in seeking the right to speak up in international affairs, said Feng.

The expert also noted that the summit in South Africa will let the whole world see the "BRICS strength", with developing countries focusing on promoting economic development, and encouraging trade and finance cooperation to make a greater contribution to global recovery and prosperity.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 25)  Some 11,000 passengers, drivers, cargo helpers and their cargoes and motorbancas were left stranded on Tuesday as Super Typhoon Egay hit parts of Luzon and Visayas.

Over 110 vessels and 67 motorbancas also took shelter in Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Southern Tagalog, Central Luzon, and Metro Manila due to rough sea conditions brought by strong rains and winds.

Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel Starlite's 123 passengers bound for Batangas, meanwhile, had to stay overnight at the Caticlan Jetty Port after their trip was canceled Monday night. Eighty-seven passengers bound for Boracay also failed to cross to the island after boat trips were cancelled due to bad weather.

The Malay Municipal Disaster Risk and Management Council said it has coordinated with the local government unit and the Municipal Tourism Office to assist the stranded passengers.

State weather bureau PAGASA said it has been in close coordination with affected local government units and the Philippine Coast Guard to ensure the safety of the sea passengers.

Super Typhoon Egay continues to batter northern Luzon, prompting PAGASA to raise Wind Signal No. 4 over Santa Ana, Cagayan.

PAGASA added that based on the current forecast scenario, Signal No. 5  meaning extreme wind threat  could be raised.
A view of a building after two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) attack in Moscow, Russia, on July 24, 2023. Sefa Karacan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

A drone attack close to Russia's Defence Ministry on Monday left two buildings damaged.

But less than 300 meters away from the attack, Russia has an air defense system, Radio Liberty reported.

Satellite images show that the system was not activated on the morning of the attacks.

Russia had a super-advanced air defense system within 300 meters of a recent drone attack in Moscow  but failed to shoot it down, Radio Liberty reported.

Drones struck two non-residential buildings in the center of the Russian capital on Monday morning, according to Russian authorities, who said they had "thwarted" the attack.

The strike caused no casualties but damaged the buildings, causing debris to fall onto the street below, footage shows.

One of the broken buildings was located right next to Russia's Ministry of Defence, which has a Pantsir S-1 missile system placed on its roof, Radio Liberty reported, citing satellite images.

The Pantsir S-1 missile system is a super-advanced, Russian-designed anti-aircraft system that can fire missiles that target any target in the air within 20 kilometers of it. This includes drones.

The system, which is located less than 300 meters away from the site of the attack, has been there since the end of 2022, the Ukrainian outlet Pravda reported.

The defense system was not activated on the morning of the attack, eyewitnesses told Radio Liberty.

It is unclear how exactly Russia thwarted the attack. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that air defenses had worked successfully, according to Russian state-run media outlet TASS.

"All the drones have been neutralized today, and measures are being taken," Peskov said. "As for the development of the defense system, ensuring its more intensive work, this is a question for the Ministry of Defense."

In a statement on Monday, Russia's Foreign Affairs Ministry said it would take "tough retaliation measures' against Ukraine, the Ukrainian Pravda reported.

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Ukraine has not formally accepted responsibility for the attack, though one unnamed intelligence official told CNN that Kyiv was behind it.

Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's minister of digital transformation, noted on Telegram that the drone attacks demonstrated that Russia's air defenses are "less and less able to protect the skies of the invaders," adding that "there will be more" of them, CNN reported.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The State Duma of the Russian Federation has raised the age limit for conscription of men to 30, closed the border for persons that have been called up to the military commissariat, and increased the fine for failure to appear tenfold.

Source: RIA Novosti

Details: On 25 July, the State Duma of the Russian Federation adopted in III reading a law on raising the conscription age limit to 30.

The lower bar will remain the same  18 years. That is, the age of conscription in the Russian Federation is set from 18 to 30 years and not from 21 to 30 years, as previously assumed.

"The wording of the draft law has changed due to the fact that the demographic situation is serious, [and its] affecting the amount of mobilised resources, and in order for us not to drag, we need just such a wording," explained Andrey Kartapolov, chairman of the Duma Defence Committee.

There will be no transitional period; the law will enter into force on 1 January 2024.

Citizens who will turn 27 by the end of 2023 will not be subject to the new rules on the draft age, said Kartapolov.

The State Duma also adopted an amendment banning citizens of the Russian Federation from leaving Russia if they have been called up to the military commissariat, including at the place of work or study.

Medical and general educational organisations are obliged to provide electronic form information about citizens, which is necessary for keeping military records.

In addition, the State Duma of the Russian Federation adopted in the II and III readings the draft law on fines for failure to appear at the military commissariat: they will reach up to 30,000 roubles [about US$ 330  ed.].

Initially, it was planned to up the maximum possible fine to 50,000 roubles, but before the second reading, the amount was reduced to 30,000.

Currently, the maximum fine under this article in Russia is 3,000 roubles.

For reference: Russia has been waging an open full-scale war against Ukraine for 17 months, and had a hybrid war with the occupation of territories from 2014 to 2022.

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Holy Transfiguration Cathedral after being hit by Russian missiles

The Kremlin feels less "politically constrained" since the termination of the grain deal and strikes Odesa and other southern regions of Ukraine, claiming that weapons are hidden behind agricultural infrastructure, the UK defense intelligences July 25 report reads.

The grain humanitarian corridor prevented Russia from striking civil and port infrastructure in southern Ukraine from August 2022 until June 2023, the British experts said.

Read also: X-32, Oniks missiles are upgrades of X-22 - HUR spokesman

Now Russians deliberately target Ukraines south, claiming that military assets are in the area. Russia is noted for its poor intelligence and dysfunctional targeting since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the intelligence service said.

Russia uses a large number of Kh-22 missiles and 5.5 tonne AS-4 KITCHEN missiles meant to destroy aircraft carriers for its strikes on Odesa and other southern regions of Ukraine.

Read also: Military expert explains why Odesa, Mykolayiv arent protected from shelling  opinion

Russian attacks on Ukraine's south

Read also: Three museums damaged in Odesa city center after missile attacks

Russia has relentlessly attacked the south of Ukraine with drones and missiles all week, mainly targeting port and agricultural infrastructure in the Odesa and Mykolaiv oblasts.

The Russian army on July 23 launched the most massive air strike on Odesa since the full-scale invasion began. They used 19 cruise and ballistic missiles, including Kalibr, Oniks, Kh-22, Iskander-K, and Iskander-M missiles. The Ukrainian air defense downed nine aerial targets.

A man was killed in the attack. Another 21 people, including four children, were injured. That attack destroyed the Transfiguration Cathedral in the center of Odesa. A total of 25 historical objects were damaged.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Russian lawmakers approved legislation on Tuesday that's likely to raise the upper age limit for mandatory military service and ban draftees from leaving the country as Moscow seeks to expand its pool of military reserves amid staggering losses in President Vladimir Putin's stalled war in Ukraine.

Under current Russian laws, all men aged between 18 and 27 must serve one year of conscription service. New amendments to legislation that passed a final hearing Tuesday in the Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, would raise the upper age limit for compulsory service to 30 from next year while keeping the lower limit of 18 unchanged.

Conscripts can't immediately be sent into battle  they officially must undergo at least several months of training before they can sign up to go to the front lines. However, Russian rights groups have said new conscripts have been pressured into signing contracts with the army or otherwise forced to take part in the war in Ukraine.

The war has claimed thousands of lives on both sides, but it became apparent soon after the full-scale invasion began in February 2022 that Russian forces and leaders had likely expected an easier fight.

"The Russian forces have some really significant and deep systemic problems at the moment in their efforts," U.K. Minister of Defense Ben Wallace said in March, adding that the "latest U.S. assessments I have seen now put [Russian] casualty figures over 220,0000 of dead or injured."

U.S. officials have said this year's front-line battles, particularly around the fiercely contested town of Bakhmut, have been particularly brutal for Russia, and Ukrainian commanders in the region told CBS News they were facing wave after wave of Russian mercenaries who seemed poorly equipped for the fight.

The proposed changes to Russia's draft laws represent a notable deviation from the original amendments supported by President Vladimir Putin in December, which proposed raising the age limits gradually from 18-27 to 21-30 over three years  a proposal seen widely as a way to address public concern over young, untrained men being sent to the front lines in Ukraine.

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"The wording of the draft law has changed due to the fact that the demographic situation is serious, it affects the size of the mobilization resource, and in order for us not to fall behind, such a wording is needed," co-author of the bill and chair of the Duma's Defense Committee Andrei Kartapolov was quoted as saying by Russia's Interfax news agency.

Kartapolov added that the age limits were expanded to ensure a consistent number of conscripts each year, "so there would be a pool of people to draw from."

This year's spring recruitment campaign, which Karapolov noted as an example of the kind of numbers the military wants to see each year, saw 147,000 men drafted.

Two volunteers operate a mobile army recruitment information post set up on a crowded path near a train station in Moscow, Russia, April 13, 2023. / Credit: Vlad Karkov/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty

Russia's upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, was set to vote on the changes Friday, although the speaker of the Council has already said it will support the measure. Putin's signature is also required for the new age parameters to come into force, but there was little doubt the bill would land on the president's desk and be quickly signed into law.

The measure is part of a wider overall of Russia's army initiated by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu last year that seeks to address a lack of trained soldiers for the war in Ukraine.

Under the proposed changes, the Russian Armed Forces would swell their ranks by 30%, from 1.15 million to 1.5 million service members, over the next few years.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, meets with his Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence, outside Moscow, October 28, 2022. / Credit: MIKHAIL METZEL/SPUTNIK/AFP/Getty

Shoigu has also backed proposals to allow men carrying out their mandatory service to immediately sign up to fight in Ukraine.

The proposed law would also ban conscripted men from leaving Russia after the military issues them a draft notice  a measure meant to crack down on draft evasion. A massive Russian military mobilization effort last autumn sparked an exodus of fighting-age men out of the country.

Putin also signed a separate law Monday that will gradually raise the upper age limit for the mobilization of reservists by five years. When the staged changes are complete in several years, the military will be able to call up senior officers from reserve up to the age of 65, and junior officers up to 60. Reservists of all other ranks will be subject to mobilization up to the age of 55.

For high-ranking reserve officers, the age limit of mobilization remains unchanged at 70. The amendments also allow the Russian military to contract foreign citizens in the country up to the age of 52.

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(Bloomberg) -- Russia is supplying wheat to Mali, bolstering ties with one of its strongest African allies.

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News of the shipments comes days after Russia ended an agreement to allow Ukraine  one of the worlds biggest wheat producers  to export grain from Black Sea ports. African countries have been among those most impacted by the rise in food prices triggered by Russias invasion.

A shipment of 50,000 tons of the grain destined for Mali arrived from Russia at the port of Conakry in Guinea about a month ago, Alfousseyni Sidibe, a spokesman for Malis foreign affairs ministry, said by phone from Bamako, the capital.

The wheat was sold to five different mills, said Salif Fofana, an official at a Malian association of grain millers. Another shipment of 25,000 tons is in Conakry and should arrive in Bamako shortly.

Cheap Grain

The wheat has been supplied to Mali at a cost of about $220 a ton, according to Africa Intelligence, which reported the shipments earlier. Thats well below European prices for the grain, which are currently about $292 a ton.

I want to assure you that our country is able to replace Ukrainian grain both commercially and free of charge, Russias President Vladimir Putin said in a statement ahead of a summit with African leaders in St. Petersburg later this week, Kommersant reported. We again expect a record harvest this year.

Mali is battling a jihadist militant insurgency and a surge in the number of people in need of food due to the insecurity and erratic weather.

The grain shipments come as the countrys military government severs ties with its former western allies and moves closer to Russia.

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Last year, France withdrew thousands of troops from the country and a 13,000-strong United Nations mission will leave by January at the governments insistence. That will leave more than 1,000 fighters from Russias Wagner mercenary operation to help the Malian army fight the militants, according to the International Crisis Group.

Read More: UN Ends Mali Peacekeeping Mission With Wagner Set to Fill Void

Earlier this year, Mali was one of just six countries to vote with Russia against a UN resolution that it leave Ukrainian territory.

Mali has, over the last few years, imported about 300,000 tons of wheat annually with about 40% of that coming from France, 32% from Russia and 7% from Ukraine, Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, said. Its domestic production is just 20,000 tons on average, he said.

(Updates with Putin comment in sixth paragraph, Malis wheat imports in last)

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Russia is warning of tough retaliatory measures against Ukraine following drone strikes in Moscow and Crimea early Monday morning.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, two Ukrainian unmanned combat aerial vehicles attempted to attack facilities early Monday morning in Moscow but were stopped by radio-electronic warfare systems. No casualties were reported, though two nonresidential buildings were struck.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said a helicopter-type drone, with no explosives also fell on a cemetery in the city of Zelenograd.

Separately, Russian authorities claimed Kyiv launched drones in Russian-annexed Crimea, hitting an ammunition depot and causing a traffic backup on a major highway and a railway crossing in the Black Sea peninsula. There were no casualties reported, but a private home was damaged by drone fragments.

Multiple villages within a 3-mile radius of the depot were ordered to evacuate, according to Moscow-appointed head of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said Ukraine has since claimed responsibility for the attacks. In a telegram post Monday, Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Mykhalio Fedoro signaled Russia was less and less able to protect the skies of the invaders.

The military and political leadership of Ukraine has yet against resorted to terrorist methods to intimidate the civilian population, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, adding Russia reserves the right to take tough retaliatory measures.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said the Investigative Committee of Russia is opening criminal proceedings in connection with Mondays attacks.

This is the second drone attack on the Russian capital this month, following a strike on July 4 where five drones were taken down on the outskirts of Moscow. Flights were temporarily restricted at Moscows Vnukovo airport and diverted to two other Moscow airports as a result.

The Associated Press contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A Russian agent planned terrorist attacks in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has arrested a man in Zaporizhzhia for planning terror attacks and storing an arms chace under the bed of his 6-year-old daughter, the service's press office reported on July 25.

According to the SBU, he had been preparing a series of terror attacks against the Armed Forces of Ukraine on May 9, earlier this year.

Read also: Ukraines SBU nabs Russian agent helping abuse residents of Mykolayiv Oblast

On the eve of this date, the SBU detained two other Russian agents located near the frontline in Eastern Ukraine, who were his point of contact with the countrys security services.

The individual was arrested at his apartment in Zaporizhzhia, in which he hid weapons, including a loaded Kalashnikov rifle, grenades, small arms and ammunition.

SBU

SBU

Read also: SBU detains Ukrzaliznytsia employee for facilitating Russian attack on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast

The accused agent was known to publically air his pro-Kremlin views to those around him.

The SBU is still considering what charges to bring against the individual.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Journalists claim that Russian special services are monitoring Moldovan authorities through antennas on the Russian embassy

Russian Ambassador to Chisinau Oleg Vasnetsov was summoned to the Moldovan Foreign Ministry after the publication of an investigation into the surveillance by Russian special services ofthe country's authorities using antennas on the embassy building, local outlet NewsMaker reported on July 25.

Read also: Zelenskyy meets with Sunak in Moldova

The ministry called espionage and foreign interference in Moldova's internal affairs unacceptable.

The department noted that it is analyzing the nature and scale of espionage activities, "in particular the activities of the persons mentioned in the investigation."

"We consider any espionage and foreign interference in the internal affairs of Moldova, which constitute a direct challenge and threat to the sovereignty and national security of our state, absolutely unacceptable," the Moldovan Foreign Ministry added.

The Russian ambassador was asked to clarify the situation. Depending on further developments, the Moldovan authorities will consider several options in response.

Earlier, journalists from Jurnal TV and The Insider reported that the number of satellite dishes and tracking devices on the roof of the Russian Embassy in Moldova is growing. Activity on the roof has often been observed ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections or visits of foreign delegations to Moldova.

The surveillance was noticed on the eve of the European Summit on June 1, as well as in May after a hacker attack on Moldovan government networks, when thousands of classified documents fell into the hands of criminals.

Read also: Satellite images could show machine gun nests installed on occupied Zaporizhzhya NPP roof

Journalists managed to identify the people on the embassy roof: they were classified liaison officers from the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Russian General Staff (GRU) and the Foreign Intelligence Service.

They were reportedly closely connected to hacker groups believed to be responsible for hacking the emails of Angela Merkel, Emmanuel Macron, and Hillary Clinton.

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Read also: EU provides Ukraine another 1.5 billion in macro-financial aid

GRU officer Pavel Yakunin was spotted on May 14 on the roof of the residential building of the Russian Embassy in Chisinau.

Read also: Ukraine and Moldova to construct bridge across Dniester, key link between Kyiv and Chisinau

Moldova continues to condemn Russia for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and its war crimes. Chisinau said that Moscow has not given up trying to regain influence in Moldova and is trying to destabilize the political and economic situation in the country.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu stated that Russia's current plans to overthrow the government have failed, but they will certainly try again.

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SEOUL/MOSCOW (Reuters) -A Russian delegation led by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has arrived in North Korea, the ministry said late on Tuesday, joining a Chinese group as the first such public visitors to the country since the start of the pandemic.

The two delegations will take part in the celebration of the 70th anniversary of "Victory Day" on Thursday in Pyongyang, state media agency KCNA reported, with Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Li Hongzhong leading the Beijing group.

Russia's Defence Ministry said it had been invited by its North Korean counterpart and would attend the Victory Day events.

"This visit will help strengthen Russian-North Korean military ties and will be an important stage in the development of cooperation between the two countries," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry posted a short video on its Telegram messaging app showing Shoigu being greeted by a North Korean military official on a red carpet at an airport's tarmac.

A red banner with a sign saying, "Welcome, Comrade Defence Minister of the Russian Federation Sergei Shoigu!" in Korean and Russian stood behind a line of saluting soldiers.

North Korea closed its border in early 2020 to all trade and diplomatic exchanges, even with its main economic and political partners China and Russia. The state media report did not say whether the visits marked any change in policy.

The anniversary events are expected to include a major military parade in North Korea's capital.

China asserted on Monday that it "strictly" implements U.N. sanctions on North Korea, reacting to a letter from the Group of Seven, the European Union and others that urged Beijing to stop Pyongyang from evading the measures by using Chinese waters.

China's exports to North Korea in June were eight times higher than a year before, when the secretive state was reporting tens of thousands of COVID-19 cases per day and had shut its border.

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The United States has accused North Korea of providing military aid to Russia for the war in Ukraine, a claim that both Pyongyang and Moscow deny.

Russia and North Korea, who both have frosty relations with the United States, have long enjoyed friendly ties with each other even as Moscow has tried to help broker a deal on Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme.

U.S. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said on Tuesday that both Russia and China "can use their influence over the DPRK (North Korea) to encourage them to refrain from threatening, unlawful behaviour.

"They also have a potential role to play in encouraging the DPRK to return to the negotiating table," Patel said.

(Reporting by Hyunsu Yim and Andrew Osborn; additional reporting by Simon Lewis in Washington and Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; editing by Ed Davies, Raju Gopalakrishnan, Mark Heinrich and Sandra Maler)
WASHINGTON (AP)  A Russian fighter jet flew within a few meters of a U.S. drone over Syria and fired flares at it, striking the American aircraft and damaging it, the U.S. military said Tuesday, the latest in a string of aggressive intercepts by Russia in the region.

A senior Air Force commander said the move on Sunday was an attempt by the Russians to knock the MQ-9 Reaper drone out of the sky and came just a week after a Russian fighter jet flew dangerously close to a U.S. surveillance aircraft carrying a crew in the region, jeopardizing the lives of the four Americans on board.

One of the Russian flares struck the U.S. MQ-9, severely damaging its propeller, Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, the head of U.S. Air Forces Central, said in a statement describing the latest close call. "We call upon the Russian forces in Syria to put an immediate end to this reckless, unprovoked, and unprofessional behavior.

Grynkewich said one of the crew members operating the drone remotely kept it in the air and flew it back to its home base.

The Sunday incident is the latest in a series of encounters between Russian fighter jets and U.S. aircraft flying over Syria. U.S. leaders have noted the uptick and so far have discounted any connection to Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, where the U.S. and Western allies are actively supporting Kyiv's fight against Moscow.

Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said hes uncertain what triggered the increase. Weve got analysts trying to figure that out. I dont know if its connected to Ukraine or not. Right now, theres nothing to suggest that it is, he told reporters during a recent briefing.

Others have suggested that it stems from a growing coordination among Russia, Syria and Iran and is meant to persuade the U.S. to leave Syria, thus opening the door for more Iranian activity, particularly in the South.

Randa Slim, director of the Conflict Resolution and Track II Dialogues Program at the Washington-based Middle East Institute, said that before the war in Ukraine, Syria was seen by the Russians as an arena for competition as well as cooperation with U.S. Their shared interested in Syria included limiting Iran and Turkeys footprints, preventing a military escalation between Iran and Israel that could provoke a regional war, promoting a political solution to the war in Syria, and denying the Islamic State a safe haven.

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However, since the war in Ukraine, Slim said there is an increasing convergence between the Russian and Iranian positions around an endgame that sees U.S. forces pushed out of Syria.

The U.S. and other allies of Ukraine have accused Iran of supplying hundreds of drones to Russia for its war effort, which Russia denies.

The Deir Ez-Zor province in eastern Syrian has been a particular area of tension among the U.S., Russia and Iran. Control of the oil-rich province is split between Syrian government forces and the U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, with a presence of both Iranian militias and U.S. troops. It was also the site of a confrontation between U.S. forces and Russian mercenaries from the Wagner private military company in 2018.

On Monday, Syrian state news agency SANA reported that residents protested in the town of al-Mayadeen, in Deir Ez-Zor province, in rejection of the American occupation of Syrian lands, calling for the withdrawal of American and allied SDF forces.

In all of the Russian air intercepts except the one instance a week ago, the U.S. aircraft were MQ-9 drones without crew members. On that Sunday, however, the Russian Su-35 jet few close to a U.S. MC-12 surveillance aircraft with a crew, forcing it to go through the turbulent wake.

U.S. officials at the time called it a significant escalation in the ongoing string of encounters between U.S. and Russian aircraft that could have resulted in an accident or loss of life. They said the Russian move hampered the crew members' ability to safely operate their plane.

In recent weeks, U.S. officials said, Russian fighter jets have repeatedly harassed U.S. MQ-9 drones, which are conducting anti-Islamic State group missions, largely in western Syria.

On multiple occasions in the past three weeks, the officials said, Russian fighter jets flew dangerously close to the U.S. Reapers, setting off flares and forcing the drones to take evasive maneuvers.

U.S. and Russian military officers communicate frequently over a deconfliction phone line during the encounters, protesting the other sides actions.

There are about 900 U.S. forces in Syria, and others move in and out to conduct missions targeting Islamic State group militants.

____

Associated Press writer Abby Sewell in Irbil, Iraq, contributed to this report from Iraq.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 25)  The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued another show cause order against Public Attorney's Office (PAO) chief Persida Acosta for her recent actions on a certain provision in their updated code of conduct, which allows public lawyers to represent opposing parties in court cases.

The SC public information office said the high court wants Acosta to explain why she should not be reprimanded over her Office Order No. 096, which gave public attorneys the "discretion and disposition" to comply with the "conflict of interest" provision of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA).

The subject Canon III Section 22 of the CPRA reads, "A conflict of interest of any of the lawyers of the PAO incident to services rendered for the Office shall be imputed only to the said lawyer and the lawyer's direct supervisor. Such conflict of interest will not disqualify the rest of the lawyers from PAO from representing the affected client, upon full disclosure to the latter and written informed consent."

The SC said Acosta advised public attorneys to reconcile the provision with Article 209 of the Revised Penal Code  which penalizes betrayal of trust and revelation of secrets by lawyers  to avoid any criminal responsibility and imprisonment.

The court further described Acosta's order as "an insinuation that compliance with the CPRA will amount to the commission of such offenses" and accused her of further "instigating disobedience."

According to the SC, Acosta also urged public attorneys to adopt precautionary measures in handling conflict-of-interest cases "to protect their life and limb."

"The Court deemed the foregoing instructions in Atty. Acostas Office Order as belligerent and disrespectful as she effectively accused the Court of directly exposing the Public Attorneys not only to criminal and administrative liability, but also physical danger," the statement read.

Acosta earlier requested the SC to delete the provision, which the high court denied, and issued her a show cause order over her position on the matter.
A US drone's propeller was severely damaged when a Russian jet dumped flares on it while flying "dangerously" close overhead in Syria, says the US.

The US military accused Russian jets of "blatant disregard for flight safety".

The 23 July incident is the latest in a series of "buzzing" encounters between Russian, US and Chinese aircraft.

While Russia has not commented on the latest incident, earlier this week it accused US and allied jets and drones of "violating Syria's airspace".

Moscow also accused the US and allies of violating "deconfliction" protocols that were set up in 2019 to avoid confrontations in Syria's skies.

The BBC has contacted the Russian embassy in Washington DC for comment.

In a statement published on Tuesday, the US military said the Russian fighter plane had harassed the drone while it was on a mission against the Islamic State on Sunday.

US Central Command - which oversees operations in the Middle East - said the jet "deployed flares from a position directly overhead, with only a few metres of separation between aircraft".

Despite being damaged, the MQ-9 Reaper drone was able to be remotely directed back to its home base, according to the US.

Lt Gen Alex Grynkewich, of Central Command, said: "We call upon the Russians in Syria to put an immediate end to this reckless, unprovoked and unprofessional behaviour."

US forces still regularly conduct air-and-ground missions alongside allied forces in Syria and Iraq.

In June alone, US forces carried out 37 sorties that resulted in 13 Islamic State operatives killed and 21 detained, according to the American military.

These missions, US commanders say, have increasingly been harassed by Russian aircraft.

On 7 July, for example, the American military says Russian forces buzzed another US drone for two hours shortly before the unmanned aircraft killed an IS leader in eastern Syria.

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Less than two weeks later, on 16 July, a Russian jet flew close to a manned US surveillance aircraft, forcing it to fly through its wake turbulence, and endangering the four crewmembers, said the US.

Similar incidents - including at least one collision between a Russian drone and US jet - have been reported in the Black Sea and the Baltic.

But Case Western University Professor Michael Scharf, a former state department legal adviser, told the BBC "the US is on shaky legal ground in Syria".

"Russia has been invited in by the Assad regime," he said. "The irony here is that Russia has a better legal claim."

Prof Scharf said that while such incidents "used to be seen as a really scary precursor to war", these encounters were unlikely to escalate.

"There's no overreacting and Russia has bigger fish to fry in Ukraine," he said.

Other "buzzing" encounters have also been reported between US, Canadian and Chinese aircraft operating in the Pacific.
A Russian fighter jet flew "dangerously close" to a U.S. hunter-killer drone over Syria on Sunday and released a flare causing severe damage to the drone's propeller, the U.S. Air Force said Tuesday.

At 12.23 a.m. ET Sunday the Russian plane came within a few feet of the MQ-9 Reaper drone, which was on a "defeat-ISIS" mission, said Air Force Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, the commander of the Ninth Air Force and the Combined Forces Air Component for U.S. Central Command.

The Russian fighters blatant disregard for flight safety detracts from our mission to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS, he said, referring to the Islamic State terrorist group.

This image from video released by the U.S. Air Force, shows a damaged propeller from a U.S. drone on July 23, 2023. (U.S. Air Force via AP)

We call upon the Russian forces in Syria to put an immediate end to this reckless, unprovoked, and unprofessional behavior.

A Defense Department spokesperson said there was no justification for Russias actions targeting American drones over Syria.

The Russians know where we operate. Theres no excuse for how their forces continue to harass our MQ-9s after years of U.S. operations in the area, spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters in a teleconference Tuesday.

It is at least the third such incident this month, following similar near-collisions between Russian jets and U.S. drones over Syria on July 5 and July 6.

The Air Force released video that it said showed the Russian jet flying close to the drone and releasing a flare.

On July 23 Russian military aircraft deployed flares, damaging a U.S. MQ-9 while conducting a defeat-ISIS mission. For the full statement by Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, Commander, 9th AF (AFCENT) visithttps://t.co/5cQm8MQ6aQ@CENTCOM @DeptofDefense @usairforce @CJTFOIR pic.twitter.com/ViVTI3P05i  US AFCENT (@USAFCENT) July 25, 2023

The crew operating the MQ-9 drone was able to fly it to its home base, he added. The drone has a wingspan of 66 feet and costs $56.5 million at 2011 prices, according to the Air Force website. It can carry Hellfire missiles and precision-guided bombs.

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An MQ-9 Reaper drone flying over Nevada in 2007. (Ethan Miller / AFP - Getty Images file)

Russia has used its air power to support the regime of Bashar al-Assad during Syrias long civil war, with deadly airstrikes on rebel-held territory.

In March, Grynkewich told NBC News that armed Russian jets were flying over U.S. positions in Syria nearly every day.

The Russian flights near U.S. drones in Syria follow attacks by Iranian-backed forces against U.S. military troops in Iraq and Syria this year. In March, the U.S. military carried out multiple airstrikes in Syria against Iranian-aligned groups that Washington accused of staging a drone attack that killed an American contractor.

Iran and Russia have forged an increasingly close military partnership in recent months, with Tehran providing Russia with Iranian-made drones for its war in Ukraine.

The Russian Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, imprisoned by the Russian authorities, has claimed that the arrest of Igor Girkin, a former FSB officer and leader of the Russian-backed "Donetsk People's Republic" terrorists, also known by his nom de guerre Igor Strelkov, is illegal, adding that Strelkov is a political prisoner.

Source: Alexei Navalny on Telegram

Quote: "Igor Strelkov has been arrested illegally. He is a political prisoner for as long as he remains in custody on this ridiculous and obviously politically motivated charge.

Earlier, Strelkov was found guilty by a Dutch court in a process that, in my opinion, complies with the principle of judicial independence. Anyway, Russia must investigate the killing of the 298 Boeing airliner passengers, and all those responsible must be brought to justice. Strelkov himself does not deny his participation in the hostilities in Ukraine in an unspecified status. All of this should also be investigated and fairly assessed by the court.

But now Strelkov has been arrested not on charges of committing an actual crime but on a fictitious and fabricated case of extremism. Simply put, for criticising the authorities. Specifically, Shoigu [Russia's Defence Minister] and Putin."

Details: Navalny alleged that "Strelkov has become a victim of his own power" and that one should not gloat over this, as it "means publicly supporting lawlessness".

Previously: On 21 July, the Russian Meshchansky Court ordered the arrest of Igor Strelkov (real name Girkin), a terrorist and critic of the Russian authorities, until 18 September on "calls for extremism".

As of 23 July, Strelkov (Girkin) was being held in a two-bed cell in the Lefortovo Detention Centre in Moscow. He has a TV and a fridge and has even used the library.

Background:

Navalny is being held in penal colony No 6 in Russia's Vladimir Oblast. He was sentenced to nine years in prison last March in a fraud and contempt of court case.

The case on organising and financing an extremist organisation was initiated in October 2022. Navalny was accused of propaganda, terrorism, and calls for it.

On 26 April, a Moscow court began a hearing to limit the time allocated to the politician to read the 196 volumes of the criminal case on extremism against him. The judge closed the proceedings. Media reported that the opposition leader's associates said that Navalny had been given one day to review the 700 pages of materials.

In April 2023, Navalny said that a new case against him had been split off from the extremism case under the article on terrorism. He said he could face life imprisonment.

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There is little doubt that Wagner will survive in one shape or another (Olga MALTSEVA)

Ever since Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin staged a mutiny in Russia last month, questions have been raised over the future of his group in Africa, the cradle of its wealth and notoriety.

Prigozhin's dramatic rebellion ended in a deal by which he was expected to move to neighbouring Belarus with some of his men.

Details about the accord remain sketchy, but as far as Africa is concerned, Wagner can count on its geopolitical and economic weight to survive in one shape or another.

"Let's continue to train, improve our skills, and then off to the next adventure to Africa," Prigozhin said last week, according to a video, not authenticated by AFP, posted on Telegram by a Wagner-linked account.

As African countries and Russia prepare for a summit in St. Petersburg, here is a snapshot of Wagner's presence on the continent:

- Range of services -

Wagner is openly active in at least four countries in Africa, typically shoring up fragile regimes in exchange for minerals and other natural wealth.

In Mali, Wagner offers a full menu of services. Its paramilitaries protect the current regime, conduct military operations and training and advise on the revision of mining laws and even of the constitution.

In Sudan, Wagner has been accused by observers of being heavily involved in the flourishing and illegal gold trade.

It keeps in close contact with the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary unit locked in a bloody power struggle with army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

In the Central African Republic (CAR), Russian paramilitaries have been present since 2018, supporting President Faustin Archange Touadera in return for concessions to exploit gold, diamonds and other minerals.

In Libya, Wagner is close to Khalifa Haftar, a strongman based in the east of the country. According to Pauline Bax, Africa Program Deputy Director at the International Crisis Group, several hundred Wagner troops are deployed to protect military bases and oil installations there.

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- Sanctions -

The group is frequently accused of atrocities and looting of natural resources in Africa, interfering in local politics in numerous conflicts and running anti-Western information campaigns, especially in francophone West Africa.

The United States has imposed sanctions on Prigozhin and labelled his group a transnational criminal organisation.

After an independent UN expert accused the CAR army and its Russian allies of acts of violence, the EU announced new sanctions against several Wagner leaders there.

Last week, Britain imposed sanctions on 13 people or businesses with alleged links to Wagner abuses, including torture and executions, in Mali and the CAR, and accused of threatening the peace in Sudan.

- Deniability -

Created in the early 2010s, Wagner quickly established itself as an African proxy army for Russia, allowing Moscow to officially deny any involvement in its operations.

"Wagner is neither an army unit nor an entirely private entity," said Maxime Audinet, researcher at the French war college's IRSEM institute.

"It serves the official interests of Moscow, but also Prigozhin's personal ambitions. It's a thin line," he told AFP, in remarks that were made before the mutiny.

- Post-mutiny change? -

Wagner's model will need to be reassessed in the light of the mutiny and the settlement, say analysts.

The group is self-financing, at least in terms of paying its, men but still needs logistics support from the Russian defence ministry, said Bax.

This could give Moscow leverage to impose a more loyal figure at Wagner's helm, and perhaps order a name change or even replace the group with a different Russian outfit providing similar services.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wagner's future in Africa was "above all up to the governments of the countries concerned."

But Aditya Pareek at Janes, a privately-owned British open-source intelligence company, said it was unlikely that Russia could ever control Wagner completely.

"Prigozhin's faction is unlikely to prioritise furthering the Kremlin's interests," she said.

- Enduring business model -

Whatever happens to Wagner, its business concept is probably here to stay, said Bax.

"Wagner has introduced a model that seems to work for at least two countries," she said, in reference to Mali and the CAR.

"Even if Wagner ceases to exist, other companies will try to fill the void."

This theory is backed by African governments' decades-long tradition of using mercenaries, often to compensate for their armies' weakness.

The "ambiguous international legalese" defining what is a mercenary "makes Africa an all-too-attractive place to do business with flexible morals," researcher Amanda Brooke Kadlec wrote in New Lines Magazine.

"If the Wagner Group or other Russian competitors are perceived as incompetent or unreliable because of the chaos at home, there are plenty of other options out there."

dla/jh/sjw/ri
Investigators have noticed dozens of antennas and satellite dishes on the roof of the Russian embassy in Moldova, which are used by Russia's secret services for surveillance.

Source: an investigation by Jurnal TV and The Insider, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The investigators noted that the number of satellite dishes and transmitting devices on the roof of the Russian Embassy in Chisinau is growing every year. In addition, mysterious people can be seen periodically on the roof of the diplomatic mission and neighbouring buildings.

The journalists said these people turned out to be classified liaison officers from the Main Intelligence Directorate of Russia (GRU) and the Foreign Intelligence Service of Russia (SVR), closely linked to hacker groups that hacked the emails of Angela Merkel, Emmanuel Macron and Hillary Clinton.

Russian intelligence officers most often climbed to the roof of the embassy before the parliamentary and presidential elections and before the summit of the European Political Community. On 14 May, as well as on the day of the election of the bashkan (head) of Gagauzia.

PHOTO: THE INSIDER

In particular, Pavel Yakunin, a military attache at the Russian Embassy in Moldova, who is also responsible for secret channels of communication with the GRU headquarters in Moscow and the space intelligence reception centre in Vatutinki near Moscow, was spotted on the roof.

Currently, the liaison officers and spies in Chisinau are commanded by Alexandr Vasinovich. He often appears on the roof of the embassy and gives instructions to his subordinates.

In total, journalists counted 28 antennas and satellite dishes on the roof of the embassy, some of which help establish satellite communications and microwave relay lines, amplify wireless internet router signals, and locate ships, aircraft and guided missiles. They intercept satellite telephony signals, making it possible to listen in on telephone conversations and intercept conversations on the local police radio.

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In addition, intelligence officers' wives are used as couriers to transport files that are too "heavy". Sources in the border police noted that the wives often fly to and from Moscow, and their bags are always full of flash drives and hard drives. Since the wives have diplomatic immunity, they cannot be searched.

Background:

In April, the Dossier Centre posted an investigation stating that Russian secret services had installed a surveillance system in European countries using antennas at embassies that served Russian diplomats expelled from these countries.

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Joe Biden's administration has said that the drone attack on Moscow was the result of a war started by Russia.

Source: Ukrinform citing Karine Jean-Pierre, White House Press Secretary

Details: "This is a war that Russia started," said Karine Jean-Pierre, responding to a request to comment on the drone attack on Moscow city centre.

Karin Jean-Pierre emphasised that the Russian Federation has been striking civilian facilities in Ukraine almost every day during all the months of the war.

"Russia has been bombarding the Ukrainian port of Odesa; killing and injuring Ukrainian civilians; devastating UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites; and destroying tens of thousands of tons of grain that were going to be shipped to countries around the world," she said.

At the same time, Karin Jean-Pierre noted that the US does not support Ukraine's strike on Russian territory, emphasising that Crimea is Ukrainian territory.

Background:

On the night of 23-24 July, drones attacked the Russian capital, damaging a building next to the Russian Defence Ministry. Another drone hit the Leroy Merlin business centre in Moscow.

A Ukrainska Pravda source has said that the drone attack on the capital of Russia was a special operation by the Chief Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence.

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Russia saw an record $239 billion in net capital outflows  i.e. assets leaving  in 2022, per a think tank.

The outflow was four times that in 2021 and 70% more than during the GFC in 2008.

Some of the capital likely left for neighboring countries, where some Russians have fled to.

It's not just Russians who are leaving their homeland, a large swathe of capital has also left the country following its invasion of Ukraine.

Russia witnessed an unprecedented $239 billion in net capital outflows in 2022 amid the war in Ukraine, according to a Monday report from the Center for Macroeconomic Analysis and Short-term Forecasting, a Moscow-based think tank. According to Investopedia, capital outflows refer to the movement of assets out of a country.

Outflows this significant are even larger than Greece's GDP of $219 billion in 2022, according to World Bank data.

Countering that, Russia's current account surplus  meaning a country's exports eclipse its imports  hit a record high of $227 billion in 2022 as revenues from the country's oil and gas exports surged while imports plunged on the back of sweeping sanctions over the Ukraine war.

Last year's capital outflows were four times that of 2021 and 70% more than in 2008 amid the Global Financial Crisis, according to the analysis. Another $27 billion has flowed out of Russia so far in the first half of 2023, the report states. Insider could not independently verify these numbers.

The outflows out of Russia are not all about money getting transferred out of the country. They would also cover overseas investments.

But it's not just Russia  emerging markets, in general, have become increasingly exposed to capital outflows last year as the US dollar strengthened against local currencies, Bloomberg reported in September 2022.

Part of the capital outflows likely left for neighboring countries, where some Russians have fled to, following the start of the Ukraine war.

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Russians transferred about $1.75 billion to Armenia in 2022, Martin Galstyan, the country's central bank governor, said in January, Armenia's News.am reported. Money transfers from Russia to Georgia rose fivefold, from $411 million in 2021 to $2.1 billion in 2022, according to data from Georgia's central bank.

Many of these Russians landed in neighboring countries, setting up new lives and businesses, and ended up boosting the economies of these nations, the independent Russian media outlet Novaya Gazeta reported Friday.

Although Russia's economy appeared to be holding up in the first year of the Ukraine war, the situation has gone from bad to worse due to stifled exports, a weak ruble, and now, record-breaking capital outflows.

In fact, Russia's current account has collapsed by 93% since last year, Insider reported on July 13.

"It is a slow burn," said Timothy Ash, an associate fellow at Chatham House's Russia and Eurasia program, the UK media outlet Telegraph reported on Monday. "As time goes on, the more difficult it gets for them. They will have to make choices, guns versus butter."

Read the original article on Business Insider
One of Ruth Bader Ginsburgs famed collars, which the late Supreme Court justices family once described as one of her favorites, is going up for auction.

The Potomack Company recently announced that it would accept bids for Ginsburgs collar, dubbed The Pegasus, as part of an auction beginning Sept. 20.

The Pegasus limited edition silver metallic bib by Stella & Dot was one of [Ginsburgs] favorite collars evoking power and strength with the imagery of battle armor in its layered metal pointed feathers, the Alexandria, Va.-based auction house said.

Ginsburg died in 2020 at 87.

The former liberal leader of the Supreme Court sported the Pegasus collar in the official 2018 photo of all nine justices, after Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined the court. The day also marked her first time being back at the Supreme Court following a fall that fractured her ribs.

The collar sent the unspoken  but very clear  message that the justice was back in action and ready for duty, according to The Potomack Company.

A beaded collar owned by Ginsburg sold for $176,000 last year.

The Pegasus piece  which is considered one of her important collars, and will be included in a forthcoming book The Collars of RBG: A Portrait of Justice  is expected to fetch between $200,000 and $400,000, a Potomack Company representative told ITK.

The auction house said in a news release that it would donate a percentage of its commission to the American Bar Foundations Ruth Bader Ginsburg Endowed Fund for Research in Civil Rights and Gender Equality.

In 2022, an online Potomack Company auction of 150 items owned by Ginsburg  including a medal she was awarded when she was inducted into the National Womens Hall of Fame and a silver tea set  raised more than $800,000 for the Washington National Opera.

Updated at 11:47 a.m. ET.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Two Sacramento police officers referred to a group of kids as ghetto and retarded before improperly putting a 14-year-old Black boy in handcuffs. Both are still on the force.

Police Chief Kathy Lester, then a deputy chief, sustained allegations of discrimination against Officer Brandon Lundgren and excessive force against Officer Connor Lawrence, according to October 2021 disciplinary letters the department posted to its website Thursday. The department ordered both to complete additional training.

Just before 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, the two officers were dispatched to the area outside the movie theater at the Delta Shores shopping center in Meadowview. A caller had said kids were loitering, fighting and deterring patrons from going to businesses, the disciplinary letters stated.

After the kids did not follow police orders to leave, Lundgren told a 14-year-old Black boy alright, first victim, then handcuffed him and put him in the backseat of a patrol car, the letter stated.

There is two hundred of you roaming around, being a pack of animals, Lundgren can be heard saying on a body camera, according to the disciplinary letter. Its like a pack of wolves out there destroying the community ... you are not going to get away... I could tase you, I could bola wrap you, I could shoot you with a bean bag round. I could deploy a dog on you. I mean is this really how you are going to grow up and live your life, just f--- the police? ... Live a great life and show some respect. Because right now, you are the problem with our society. You are the problem with our country.

The department has no policy prohibiting the handcuffing of minors, unlike Baltimore and San Jose. Last year, unidentified Sacramento officers handcuffed a Black 10-year-old girl as she sobbed. The citys Office of Public Safety Accountability Director LaTesha Watson and Inspector General Dwight White showed the council the video last month during a discussion about police racial bias that has yet to result in council action.

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Lundgren and Lawrence did not respond Friday to emails seeking comment on the Delta Shores incident. The city and its police department, through spokespeople, declined comment.

During a July 2021 interview with the departments internal affairs division, Lundgren admitted the first victim comment has a negative impact and could be perceived as though the kid was going to be the victim of something, and that his other comments could leave a long-lasting effect on a 14-year-old, the letter stated.

Sonia Lewis, a community organizer, said the city should have disciplined the officers more harshly.

People in the Black community have stressed for too long that training doesnt deter this type of behavior, Lewis said. Its a culture, its a norm of law enforcement. I would like to see suspensions unpaid. We need to hit them in the pockets. Too often when something really goes awry it hits the taxpayer in the pocket when huge settlements are paid out for wrongdoings by cops.

Lewis said the council should create a policy to bar officers for handcuffing kids.

Its one of those things that are long lasting traumas, Lewis said. Handcuffing doesnt solve anything. You detaining a child in handcuffs does more irreparable harm than good.

Lundgren telling the 14-year-old Black boy was the problem with this country, did severe damage, and he could be saying similar things to other Black kids, she said.

It shapes a narrative that theres no value in me, Lewis said. If we tell a person long enough they are bad, theyll believe they are bad.

What discriminatory language did the police use?

Right when the two officers arrived on scene, the body cameras picked up a conversation between Lundgren and Lawrence in the patrol car.

How many of these kids you think are drinking Lean and shit? Lawrence said, referring to a drink made with liquid prescription medication and soda, the letter stated. So ghetto, so ghetto, so ghetto.

Should I just go out there and grab somebody and f------, ka-ka-ka Lawrence said, according to the letters.

The disciplinary letter stated about that comment: You admitted that someone could interpret the verbiage, ka-ka-ka, as using force or shooting, the letter stated. You admitted the phrase...could bring discredit or embarrassment to the (department).

Both officers referred to the kids as retarded.

During the internal affairs interview, Lawrence explained his use of the word ghetto.

You stated that by saying So ghetto, so ghetto, so ghetto, you were referring to the behavior of the large crowd in the area and their lack of regard for the businesses, police and patrons in the area, the letter stated. You admitted your comments ... could be offensive to the public and could bring discredit or embarrassment to the (department).

Both admitted using the word retarded is derogatory. Lawrence admitted that referring to people as blind cats, could be taken as derogatory.

Police failed to report incident

The incident reports both officers filled out lacked pertinent information relative to the detainment of a kid, the letter stated. They did not ensure the kid was released to a parent or guardian, in violation of department policy. They didnt fill out the Racial and Identify Profiling Act entries for the kid who was detained, another policy violation.

The 14-year-old boy was handcuffed for a total of 27 minutes, and there was no department document about it, the letter stated. The failure to document the detainment was a violation of city policy. The pair did not call a sergeant to inform him they had taken someone to the ground, another policy violation.

Lawrence detained the minor as an attempt to issue a notice of trespass, but it evolved into a detention for resisting arrest, in violation of a state law, the letter stated.

As punishment, Lawrence and Lundgren both had to attend a three-day training involving resilience, compassion and leadership for law enforcement, the letter stated. They also had to participate in a two-week assignment in the departments Outreach and Engagement Division to complete a community engagement project involving south Sacramento youth.

Lundgren was one of two officers involved in a use of force causing great bodily injury to a Black female on Jan. 19 at Mack Road and Center Parkway, according to the department website. The department has not yet released documents detailing that incident.

The disciplinary letters are likely no longer in the officers personnel files because 18 months have passed, according to the letters.

Lundgren, who has been with the department since 2016, was paid $127,540 in total compensation last year. Lawrence, who has been with the department since 2017, made $113,582 in total compensation last year.
Officers on Monday afternoon were investigating a shooting reported in Sacramentos Curtis Park neighborhood just south of Highway 50.

The shooting was reported shortly before 4 p.m. near 24th and X streets, according to the Sacramento Police Department.

Police said officers arrived and found a man with at least one non-life-threatening gunshot wound. The wounded man was taken by ambulance to a hospital to receive medical treatment.

By 4:45 p.m. Monday, authorities had closed 24th Street to vehicle traffic between X and Broadway. There was at least one police helicopter circling above the shooting scene as officers were gathered near an alleyway entrance to an apartment complex.

Others were knocking on an apartments front door and heading to a nearby store, as officers canvassed the area for witnesses.

Police canvas the Curtis Park neighborhood for witnesses after a man was wounded in a shooting reported Monday afternoon on Monday near 24th and X streets in Sacramento.

At 5:15 p.m., police said that officers and crime scene investigators remained at the shooting scene collecting evidence and canvassing the area for witnesses. The shooting remained under investigation, and the Police Department did not release any further details.
Hong Kong (CNN)  Chinas foreign minister Qin Gang has been suddenly replaced by his predecessor Wang Yi in a surprise shake-up to Chinas foreign policy leadership.

The move was voted on by the top decision-making body of Chinas rubber-stamp parliament on Tuesday, according to state media. It comes as Qin had been missing from the public eye for a month without explanation.

Qin, 57, had not been seen in public since June 25, after he met with officials from Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Russia in Beijing, sparking significant speculation about his fate within Chinas notoriously opaque political system.

A career diplomat and trusted aide of Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Qin had been in his role as foreign minister since December after a brief stint as ambassador to the United States.

He had played a key role in efforts by the US and China to stabilize rocky ties and restore communication, including meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the American diplomats visit to Beijing in mid-June.

The replacement of a foreign minister by his predecessor is an unusual move.

Wang, who served as foreign minister from 2013-2022, now serves as director of the foreign affairs arm for the ruling Communist Party, a position which makes him Chinas top diplomat.

This is a breaking story and will be updated. It was first published on CNN.com, "Chinas foreign minister Qin Gang ousted in surprise shake-up of Xi Jinpings foreign policy leadership"
Pamela White stared at the silver tree with twinkling lights while she cleaned out her sons apartment, wondering how in a matter of days she went from celebrating Christmas to having to think about headstones and burial plots.

Her son, Dararius Evans, was an Army reservist and veteran who had survived a deployment in Iraq. A few days after Christmas 2019, the 28-year-old was killed in a shooting outside of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The shooter was sentenced to life in prison last year.

White and her family, who live outside of New Orleans, turned to Louisianas victim compensation board for help paying for the unexpected funeral. She was met with administrative hurdles, a denial that blamed her son for his own death, a lengthy appeal  all while paying up front through a personal loan that gathered interest as she waited.

Thousands of crime victims each year are confronted with the difficult financial reality of state compensation programs that are billed as safety nets to offset costs like funerals, medical care, relocation and other needs. Many programs require victims to pay for those expenses first and exhaust all means of payment before they reimburse costs, often at rates that dont fully cover expenses.

The programs also struggle under often unstable funding mechanisms that leave their budgets vulnerable to shortages and the changing priorities of lawmakers. Well-intentioned prison and criminal justice reforms aimed at reducing incarceration have caused shortfalls in some states that rely heavily on court or prison fines and fees for funding.

Advocates say most states' requirement that victims pay upfront can leave out people living on the edge of financial disaster who are often most vulnerable to a crime.

So many families often cant rely solely on that reimbursement model.  Those funds take months to arrive to families, said Aswad Thomas, vice president of the Alliance for Safety and Justice, a nonprofit working to reform victim compensation and other aspects of the criminal justice system.

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Some programs do offer to directly pay funeral homes or medical providers. But for victims in places that dont, the expense can mean not being able to pay rent or having to decline services like counseling because the grocery bill is more pressing.

Programs also require victims to exhaust other payment options first, like insurance, lawsuit awards or even crowdfunding. If a family member or friend starts a GoFundMe drive, it could cause some programs to reduce an award or claw back already granted money.

The wait for help also causes financial strain. While some states report claims are processed within days, others take months or even years. The average processing time in 2022 was three months, according to federal data collected from states.

Andrew LeFevre, the executive director of the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, which oversees victim compensation and other state programs, said more stable funding sources would mean faster payments and more victims having access to help.

About a dozen states get most or all of their funding from recurring state budget dollars. But many states have put the onus of paying for the programs on people in the criminal justice system  court fines, taking a percentage of prisoner wages or prison commissary fees.

Those funding streams can fluctuate greatly. Temporary court closures early in the pandemic, sentencing reforms and changes to how some prosecutors charge misdemeanor crimes have all meant fewer dollars for many state programs.

LeFevre has been talking to Arizona lawmakers for years about the need for stable funding. Over the last decade, revenue dropped 38% in the states Criminal Justice Enhancement fund, largely gathered through surcharges on criminal and civil penalties, that pays for compensation and other programs.

Last year, Arizona lawmakers bolstered the program with $10 million in one-time American Rescue Plan money and supplemented its budget with a recurring $2 million in general funds. But even that is considerably less than the about $14 million annually LeFevre estimates the program needs to serve all victims in the state without using criminal justice funds.

We didnt advertise the program (to victims) ourselves, LeFevre said. Because the last thing we wanted was to have twice as many victims coming forward and not be able to help them.

Hawaiis program has relied primarily on fines and fees since 1998. But chronic shortfalls nearly forced the program to close in 2022. An influx of general funds from the legislature to pay staff saved the program, according to an annual report.

A handful of state legislatures have used one-time general fund infusions to plug budget holes created by the downstream effects of criminal justice reforms.

Californias restitution fund fell by about 27% from fiscal year 2021 to 2022. State lawmakers boosted general fund dollars to cover the gap and for the following budget year. But the program still relies partly on the unstable restitution fund, which advocates say makes lawmakers hesitant to expand the program or remove hurdles.

Many states rely heavily on matching dollars they get from the U.S. Justice Department's Office for Victims of Crime. But even its Crime Victims Fund depends on fluctuating criminal fines, penalties, forfeited bail and other special assessments, which has also meant financial uncertainty.

Less money was going to the federal fund after a shift in legal strategy led to more deferred federal prosecutions, usually in white-collar crime cases, which means those cases don't go to court if fines or other conditions are met. Congress addressed that in 2021 by redirecting fines from those pre-prosecution agreements into the fund. Lawmakers also increased the percentage of matching funds states receive annually.

In Louisiana, past funding shortages had left victims approved for compensation waiting sometimes more than a year to receive help. The state started clearing the backlog in 2017 by transferring money saved by lower incarceration costs created through prison reform, which also increased its federal reimbursement.

Whites application filed in 2020 wasnt part of the backlog, but it still took close to two years for her case to be settled. Each Christmas, she put up the silver tree from Dararius apartment. And she waited.

During her appeal hearing, White pleaded with the board, saying that even if a fight had led to her son's killing, he was still a person who didn't deserve to die.

I made them think about it. That was a life taken  that wasnt an animal, she said. It doesnt matter if they were arguing. It doesnt matter if they got in a fistfight.  It doesnt warrant a person losing their life.

The board reversed its decision and gave White $5,000  the most offered for funeral assistance at the time. But the loan White had taken out was for $6,000 and gained interest as she made the monthly payments.

White was able to weather those payments, but she knows many people cant.

Elizabeth Ruebman, a New Jersey-based victims advocate and former adviser on compensation to the state attorney general, said compensation programs currently are not designed for emergency needs.

Its slow, its bureaucratic. Were talking about people who have a crisis right now, she said.

Many states do offer emergency awards to help victims through the immediate aftermath of crime, but advocates say those awards are flawed. They often are restrictive, capped as low as $500, and are deducted from any later award. About a dozen states dont offer emergency awards at all.

The AP found the maximum awards programs offer ranged from $10,000 to $190,000 in individual states. Many programs havent increased those amounts for decades: North Dakota, Montana and Rhode Island last raised their caps in the 1970s.

Programs have lagged less in raising limits on individual expenses like funerals. But many states dont offer enough money to cover the actual cost of burying a loved one. The National Funeral Directors Association estimated the median cost of a funeral with burial vault was more than $9,400 in 2021. Only a dozen states offer enough to cover that median cost.

Over the years, some states have increased the amount available for medical bills for people who suffer catastrophic injuries due to a crime. But in some states even those catastrophic amounts only add up to an extra $10,000, which doesnt cover the lifelong costs of injuries like losing the ability to walk.

New Yorks program is unique because it doesnt cap reimbursements for medical expenses. That includes lifelong help with replacement prosthetics, extended physical therapy needs or equipment not always covered by medical insurance. Some payouts have reached millions of dollars, administrators said.

Kingsley Joseph was 20 years old and living in New York City when he was shot in the back and paralyzed from the waist down in 2007. His college career was put on hold. He couldnt continue to live with his parents in their walk-up apartment. He couldnt keep his job as a ramp agent at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Josephs best option was a nursing facility where many of the other patients were decades older than him. A staff member there told Joseph about New Yorks victim compensation program.

Joseph applied and was approved for lost wages  money that helped him get an accessible apartment. The program has paid for medical equipment like a therapy bike that helps maintain leg muscle.

New Yorks program also includes sometimes overlooked expenses, like training for a new career after a catastrophic injury. Joseph received an occupational therapy award that helped him get his advanced medical physics degree.

The 36-year-old now works in cancer care.

They invested in me as a person, he said. And I am incredibly grateful for that.

___

Catalini reported from Trenton, New Jersey. Lauer reported from Philadelphia.

___

This is the third in an occasional Associated Press series examining crime victim compensation programs. Send confidential tips to ap.org/tips. The Associated Press receives support from the Public Welfare Foundation for reporting focused on criminal justice. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
The Navy is changing the COVID-19-era policy that allowed sailors to bank up to 120 days of leave, according to an administrative message.

"Service members will lose any [special leave] in excess of 90 days ... on Sept. 30, 2023," said the message, released last Thursday. A Navy spokeswoman also confirmed this to Military.com in an email.

In April 2020, the Navy started letting sailors accumulate up to 120 days of leave -- as opposed to the usual 60 -- because the COVID-19 pandemic made travel nearly impossible.

Read Next: VA Studying Whether 3 Types of Cancer Are Linked to Overseas Military Service

Lt. Sarah Niles, a spokeswoman for the Chief of Naval Personnel, said that sailors whose leave balance was more than 90 days at the end of 2022, however, would keep those days "through the current expiration date or no later than Sept. 30, 2026."

Niles added that the changes "were mandated by law and are in line with DoD policy updates."

The message noted that the revision in how many days sailors may bank is "the most impactful of the upcoming changes," but the Navy is planning on making other alterations to the special leave policy in the future.

One change the message previews is being able to hold on to special leave for two years instead of three, and that the first flag officer in a sailor's chain of command will need to approve special leave being given out in most cases going forward.

The message stressed that it is intended as a heads-up to give sailors time to use the leave they have earned and that "unit commanders should continue to minimize the loss of leave within the constraints of operational requirements."

Typically, all active-duty service members earn 30 days of leave per year and, while some of that time is allowed to roll over year-to-year, any unused leave over 60 days is normally lost every year.

-- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @ktoropin.

Related: Sailors Can Finally Use New Family Leave Policy After Weeks of Delays, While Soldiers Still Wait
Comic Con 2023 is in the books.

San Diego Comic-Con 2023 is officially in the books and it was a weird one. For the first time in years, Hollywoods presence didnt dominate the event, thanks to studios failing to meet the demands of striking writers and actors. And so, when that big shining star goes away, what happens? Does SDCC just die? Or does the light extend to other places and make everything brighter?

Were happy to report it was the latter. This years Comic-Con was one of the best in years. Crowded, of course. But jovial. Without the stress of getting into a handful of panels, people spread out and did different things. More comics, more games, more interactive activations. It just felt like a more complete, old-school Comic-Con.

Read more

Was it perfect though? Of course not. What follows are the winners, and a few losers, of San Diego Comic-Con 2023.

Winner: The Fans

The floor at SDCC 2023.

After two years absence due to the pandemicand 2022s proof-of-vaccination wristbands and mandatory masks2023 felt like San Diego Comic-Cons true return, with crowds in and around the convention center every day, enjoying the panels, the shopping, the activations, and the sheer mountain of cool, nerdy stuff to stare at, not to mention the merciful retreat of Californias heat wave for the duration of the weekend. Though there was some concern fans would stay home due to the lack of star power, that proved not to be the case; sure, everyone loves seeing superheroes take the Hall H stage, but even in their absence it felt like the SDCC masses still managed to have a great time.



Winner: Video Games

The Spider-Man 2 panel in Hall H.

Video games are already the biggest pop culture industry and have a big presence at Comic-Con each year. But this year, in the absence of live-action television and films, games stepped up big time. Marvels Spider-Man 2 had the first video game Hall H panel (which was an impressive feat, even if the panel was underwhelming). Other franchises like Star Wars also made their presence felt with games, with 2024's Outlaws getting a spotlight. A major Street Fighter tournament was held on the floor, to cheering crowds. Comic-Cons own director of programming said before the Spider-Man panel he wants to see more games in Hall H. It just felt like the beginning of games being seen alongside TV and movies as major, major draws at Comic-Con.



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Oh, and when Spider-Man voice actor Yuri Lowenthal spoke out in support of his fellow artists in the WGA and SAG-AFTRA, you got the sense these people were here to stay.

Winner: Cosplay

Image: io9/Gizmodo

Fans donned their fandom best, from casual bounding cosplay (like the many Eddie Munsons from Stranger Things) to intricate cosplay like Spider-Punk and other multiversal Spider-sonas. Every day of the con had a fantastic showing of passionate fans dressed in their best.



Winner: Haunted Mansion

Photo: io9/Gizmodo

With free Doom Buggy rides around the Gaslamp, a proliferation of hitchhiking ghosts, and a surprise screening and party, Disneys Haunted Mansion made its spooky presence felt. Director Justin Simien was on hand to promote the film and was well-received in a panel on directing.



Winner: Offsite activations

A moment at one of the off-site activations.

A recreation of Anne Rices haunted New Orleans for AMCs Interview With the Vampire, a fun ski lodge that combined various Paramount+ properties, and maybe the most sought-after Jurassic Park photo op ever for the dinosaur blockbusters 30th anniversary were among the standout offsite activations this year. Best of all, fans didnt need a SDCC badge to get in on the fun.

Winner: Tiny Toons

Image: Warner Bros.

The Steven Spielberg-produced animated series is back! Its familiar for those of us who grew up on it, but really brings Buster, Babs, and friends into a new generation. Theres destined to be meme jokes, Looney Tunes slapstick classic funnies, and plotlines that really elevate the show for a modern audience.



Winner: Artists, comic creators, and authors

Fans lining up for comic creators.

Film and TV actors and writers may have skipped SDCC due to their ongoing battles with Hollywood studios for fair labor contracts, but plenty of talent in other realms was still able to attend. Artists, comic creators, and authors all turned out to meet fans and share their latest projects, with themed panels, events, and signings at the expo all bustling with excited energy.



Winner: Rachel Smythe

Image: io9/Gizmodo

The creator of hit Webtoon series Lore Olympus won a second career Eisner award for their modern re-telling of the Persephone and Hades myth. The series is currently on hiatus, but Smythe was on hand to participate in a number of panels as a special guest at SDCCincluding a fireside chat filled with fans cosplaying as their favorite Lore Olympus characters.



Winner: Toys

The crowd at the reveal of the Ghost Haslab.

Toys are always a big deal at Comic-Con, mainly becauseunlike games, shows or moviesyou can put them on the convention floor for people to look at, take photos of, and enjoy up close. This year was no different, with companies big (Hasbro, Mattel, Lego), medium (Neca, Super 7), and small (such as Syndicate) having stand-out reveals and displays. Lego impressed with its Brickbuster experience, Hasbro unveiled its incredible Ghost Haslab, Mattel had a rad Jurassic Park exhibit, Super 7 had an unforgettable new Thundercats lair, and Syndicate had toys for True Romance, just to name a few.



Winner: Star Trek

Tawny Newsome, Jack Quaid and Anson Mount appear in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Again, no stars onstage, but Hall H was still filled with Starfleet uniforms for the Trek panel, which featured juicy tidbits for current and upcoming series Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Lower Decks, and Star Trek: Strange New Worldsall capped off with a (slightly) early screening of the much-anticipated Lower Decks-Strange New World crossover.



Winner: Directors

Gareth Edwards, Justin Simien, and Louis Letterier at Comic-Con.

The actors are on strike. The writers are on strike. Who else is left that can easily speak to the entirety of a project? The directors, of course. And while directorsby definitionare usually at the forefront, this year they were doing their best to sell their work while also being respectful of their striking collaborators. Jeff Rowe came out for his new Ninja Turtles movie. Gareth Edwards, Justin Simien, and Louis Letterier were on hand to talk about their latest films, and Kevin Smith was around speaking his mind on all the issues, to name just a few examples. It couldnt have been easy, or comfortable, to promote at this time, but directors did so gracefully.



Loser: Hollywood

A crowded Hall H at Comic-Con.

With the actors and writers on strike, so many other facets of what makes Comic-Con great were truly able to shine. And, by comparison, it made Hollywoods presence feel slightly insignificant. Does Comic-Con need Hollywood? Probably not. Sure, a little of that buzz and excitement is gone, but this years convention made the strongest case yet that anything stealing the spotlight from the con itself isnt always great.



Loser: Film Screenings

the cast of barbie at the european premiere



Comic-Con fans werent able to sneak off and watch Barbie because there are no longer theaters near the convention center.

In the past, film screenings at Comic-Con were the stuff of legend. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Shaun of the Dead, Superbad, etc. In the past few years though, the movie theaters near Comic-Cons Gaslamp hub have folded up, which has all but stopped SDCC-related screenings. Movies that do screen require fans to shuttle out to remote theaters or take cabs away from the convention, which just sucks the Comic-Con energy out of themand though that can work (in the case of last years Prey), reports were that same magic didnt carry over to A24's showing of Talk to Me. Plus, on Barbenheimer weekend, no one at the convention could partake in the global festivities.



Loser: Offsite activation lines

Long lines at activations.

While the experiences themselves worked, the bigger issue was getting into them. Fans needed a strong constitution to withstand the lengthy lines leading up to every single activation, with hours-long queues for the most popular attractions. Patient con-goers who brought portable chairs and sunscreen were at an advantage, but who really wants to spend hours waiting in line for a What We Do in the Shadows popsicle?



Loser: The Walking Dead

Image: AMC

The Walking Dead used to rule Comic-Con. All the stars would come out, all the biggest news would break, and Hall H would be jam-packed with fans. The original series may have ended, and obviously no actors were in attendance, but The Walking Dead still presented at Hall H this yearand despite lots of actual, big news (additional seasons of the new spin-offs, new trailers) it didnt feel like it struck any kind of chord. Like at all.



Loser: Funko

Part of the Funko booth at Comic-Con

One year after buying the team at Mondo and just four months after firing most of the main people behind that, Funko was back at Comic-Con as if nothing happened. And to most fans, it didnt matter. The company still had the biggest booth on the floor and the most sought-after exclusives, with huge crowds all weekend long. And yet, never before has the soullessness of the company been more obvious. The huge booth felt like a threat as it towered over smaller booths and took away space from a bustling Artists Alley. The crowds made browsing the booths near impossible. Mondos offerings were mostly leftovers from another era. Any excitement was just gone.



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A Santa Maria man was arrested after he was caught stealing from a Paso Robles Lowes store for the second time, according to the Paso Robles Police Department.

Kody Samuels, 36, stole a log splitter from Lowes on June 30 after cutting the cable that secured it to the home improvement store, police said in the release.

On July 17, Samuels returned to Lowes, located at 2445 Golden Hill Road in Paso Robles, around 9 a.m., police said.

Thats when Paso Robles police were called.

Samuels had attempted to cut a cable which held several generators together, presumably to steal the generators as well, police said in the release.

Police said Samuels concealed numerous pieces of store merchandise in his clothing before fleeing the store on foot.

Patrol officers located Samuels nearby and arrested him without incident, the release said.

Samuels was arrested on suspicion of grand theft, burglary, possession of burglary tools, possession of stolen or fictitious checks and possession of a stun gun by a prohibited person, the release said.

In California, stealing $950 or more worth of personal property, real property, money, or labor is considered grand theft.

Samuels was taken to San Luis Obispo County Jail at the time of his arrest. He was not listed in custody as of Tuesday, according to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Offices online inmate database.

The Paso Robles Police Department asks anyone with more information to call 805-237-6464 or persons wishing to remain anonymous are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers 24-hour hotline at 805-549-STOP (7867) or by texting SLOTIPS plus your message to CRIMES (274637).
A 23-year-old Sarasota man was sentenced to 35 years in state prison after he pleaded guilty following a hearing based on Florida's Stand Your Ground law in which the judge ruled in favor of the state.

Johnny Evans pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and the second-degree misdemeanor of openly carrying a firearm. The maximum penalty is life.

Sarasota Circuit Judge Dana Moss adjudicated Evans guilty on Monday, the day his trial was scheduled to start, and sentenced Evans to 35 years in prison with a 25-year mandatory minimum. Evans was also sentenced to 15 years for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon to run concurrently and time served for the misdemeanor charge.

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Evans reserved his right to appeal the denial of his Stand Your Ground motion and all other pretrial motions, according to a court document.

Assistant State Attorney Karen Fraivillig said after the outcome of the July 14 immunity hearing both sides settled on 35 years.

In early January 2022, Sarasota police were searching for Evans in connection to a fatal shooting in the 1900 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Way, according to previous reporting.

An affidavit states a witness standing outside of Moore's Grocery flagged down a passing police car and directed them to follow a vehicle that fled down N. Washington Court. The sergeant lost the vehicle on Leon Avenue.

Interviews with witnesses and surveillance video showed that the suspect parked the car at Moore's Grocery just before midnight and left the vehicle running when he went inside the store. Surveillance video showed the suspect walking into the store carrying a firearm in his right hand, according to the affidavit.

The victim approached the car, opened the driver's door, and rummaged through the vehicle, according to the affidavit. The driver walked out of the store and confronted the victim verbally, according to the affidavit. Both witnesses told detectives they heard two gunshots and then saw the driver get in his car and drive away.

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Fraivillig praised lead detective Maria Llovio for her careful work on the case. Fraivillig said that Llovio learned that the car belonged to Evans' father and when she went to speak with him, Evans called.

Fraivillig said Evans told his father on the phone that the victim had pulled a knife and tried to stab him. However, his statement contradicted what he'd told his girlfriend hours after the shooting. Evans told her that he thought he'd seen a gun on the victim, Fraivillig said.

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Following that call, Evans fled to Mississippi, Fraivillig said. Evans was at-large for two months before the U.S. Marshals Service found him and extradited him to Florida.

Sarasota police also received a phone call from an inmate at a federal prison alerting them to where they could find the gun used in the shooting, Fraivillig said. When the gun was sent for analysis, it matched the spent bullet casings found at the crime scene.

Judge rules to continue with trial following immunity hearing

Two weeks prior to the scheduled trial date on July 14, Evanss defense filed a motion to dismiss his case based on statutory immunity under Floridas Stand Your Ground law.

Florida's 'stand your ground' law: Here are five questions (and answers) to explain

Evans's defenses in the motion stated that on Jan. 5, 2022, Evans went to Moore's Grocery to pick up a tobacco product and once he was inside, he was told it would cost more than what Evans had on him. Evans told the clerk he'd grab additional change from his car where he found the victim rummaging inside.

Evans and the victim got into a verbal argument, at which time Evans said he recognized the victim "as someone from the neighborhood who frequently robbed people," the court document states.

During the immunity hearing, Evans claimed that when he pulled the victim from the car, the victim allegedly told him he was planning to go "joyriding" and that he would kill Evans. Evans said those statements made him fear for his life.

"In fear for his life, (the) defendant fired two rounds in self-defense and fled," a court document states.

When Evans was confronted during cross-examination at the July 14 hearing, he denied telling his father over the phone that the victim had pulled a knife and was trying to stab him.

Gabriela Szymanowska covers the legal system for the Herald-Tribune in partnership with Report for America. You can support her work with a tax-deductible donation to Report for America. Contact Gabriela Szymanowska at gszymanowska@gannett.com, or on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota man pleaded guilty in connection to Moore's Grocery shooting
Man behind bars

Maurice Jimmerson spent the last decade behind bars awaiting his trial in Dougherty County, Georgia. Earlier this month, he finally got his day in court.

The prosecutions case in the long-awaited murder trial, relied heavily on a witness who came forward years after the arrest claiming to have seen Jimmerson pull the trigger. The only problem, in court, the witness recanted, claiming he lied to reduce his prison time.

Read more

In the end, the jury couldnt come to a decision, and it was declared a mistrial.

Its an anti-climactic end to a trial a decade in the making. Two of the other defendants in the gang-related shooting case were already acquitted. And Jimmersons attorney, Andrew Fleischman, told Atlanta First News (which broke this story) that Jimmersons pretrial detention was the longest in Georgias history and the second longest pretrial detention in U.S. history.

Im old fashioned, Fleischman told Atlanta First News. I think people should be convicted of a crime before theyre punished. This is an unprecedented case. This is about a core constitutional right, the right to a speedy trial. The right to due process. And, when you see people denied that right, the public needs to know about it.

As Fleischman explained, the right to a speedy trial (i.e., the right to be tried within a reasonable time frame) is a core constitutional right. Theoretically, its supposed to prevent people like Jimmerson from languishing in jail without a conviction. But while this is an extreme case, its not the only example of that right being trampled on.

In Henry County, G.A., Mathew Baker has spent the last six years in jail awaiting a trial in a murder case. Baker maintains his innocence, and advocates on his case told 11Alive news that the prosecutions case is incredibly weak.

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Theres no fingerprints; his fingers didnt touch the gun. There was no blood or gunpowder on him, Damita Bishop, an advocate on his case, told the local news outlet. They dont have enough to say this kid committed this crime.

Many have suggested that race (he was the only person of color connected to the case) plays a huge factor in why Bishop is still behind bars. Its a theory worth considering. Race has been shown to play a massive role in who gets locked up before trial. In 2022, a bail fund, Envision Freedom, found that Black and Latinx New Yorkers were over five times more likely to be incarcerated pretrial than white New Yorkers.

And these arent all short stints in jail. The CITY spoke to New Yorkers whod spent up to 10 years languishing at Rikers Island, the notorious jail where Kalief Browder spent 700 days in pre-trial detention between 2010 and 2013, when he was finally released. Beset by mental health issues, Browder died by suicide in 2015, and his case became a rallying cry for bail reform in New York State and elsewhere.

In Jimmersons case, the local prosecutor has blamed everything from the pandemic to a courthouse flood for why Jimmerson was denied a speedy trial. Jimmersons ordeal is far from over. After the mistrial, he was remanded back to jail, and in all likelihood, hell face another trial.

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An illustration shows the Aeolus wind satellite over Earth.

This week will see a first-of-its-kind operation to guide a dead and disused satellite back to Earth safely. The mission will pave the way for the safe return of other space-based equipment in the future.

The European Space Agency (ESA) plans to help its Aeolus spacecraft officially reenter Earth's atmosphere during the evening of Friday (July 28). The procedure to bring it back down to our planet, however, begins on Monday (July 24).

Aeolus has been orbiting Earth since 2018, when it became the first spacecraft to measure our planet's winds from space. The mission has far outlived its planned operational lifetime of one year, but was finally shut down after almost completely exhausting its fuel in early July 2023. Since then, the spacecraft has been falling toward Earth with gathering speed. By Monday, it should have reached an altitude of 174 miles (280 kilometers) over Earth, allowing ESA scientists to start the pioneering mission to bring Aeolus back down safely using a tiny bit of fuel that remains with the craft.

"This is quite unique, what we're doing. You don't find really examples of this in the history of spaceflight," head of ESA's Space Debris Office Holger Krag said during a press briefing on Wednesday, July 19. "This is the first time to our knowledge, we have done an assisted re-entry like this.

Related: Australian Space Agency investigating possible rocket debris found on beach

During the press briefing, ESA Spacecraft Operations Manager Isabel Rojo Escude-Cofiner explained precisely how the operation to bring Aeolus down to Earth will proceed.

"This will start with an initial set of maneuvers that will be executed on Monday to lower the altitude from 174 miles (280 km) which the spacecraft should have by then, to 155 miles (250 km) and to put it in an elliptical orbit," Escude-Cofiner said. "If everything goes according to plan, this will be then followed three days later by another set of maneuvers which is intended to lower it even further from 155 miles (250 km) to 93 miles (150 km) altitude."

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A diagram showing the steps in the operation to bring the ESA wind safely down ro Earth

All of this is preparation for the last day of operations on Friday, when ESA scientists will give Aeolus given its final commands. The craft will then perform maneuvers to bring its altitude down to around 62 miles (100 km) over Earth. Five hours later, the craft will reenter Earth's atmosphere, engaging in a flight descent corridor over the Atlantic Ocean with the ESA tracking it by radar as it falls.

The maneuvers intended to lower the craft will be retrograde in nature, meaning the thrusters on Aeolus will be firing in the opposite direction of its orbit around Earth.

The risk of clashing with other spacecraft during maneuvers is expected to be low because Aeolus orbits Earth in a sparsely populated zone. Still, if such an encounter appears to be a threat, plans are in place to divert Aeolus' descent.



"Before we do any sort of maneuvers, this is all taken into account, and any conjunction risks are evaluated at that point in time," Escude-Cofiner said. "So the deviation from the plan is possible. This is one of the multiple challenges that we will be facing."

Should the operation fail at any point, Aeolus will make the natural, unguided reentry it was originally destined for when it was created. The wind satellite was once dubbed the "impossible mission" because of several challenges ESA had to overcome to make it work in the first place.

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A safe return but not for Aeolus itself

To be clear, even if the Aeolus return mission is a complete success, the satellite's safe descent to Earth doesn't exactly mean it returns to the planet in one piece.

At the press conference, ESA scientists explained they expect around 80% of Aeolus to be destroyed as the satellite falls through the atmosphere. The remaining 20% will splash down in the Atlantic and quickly sink, meaning there are no plans to recover any pieces of Aeolus at all.

Krag explained that an 80% to 20% survival ratio for a spacecraft entering the atmosphere is typical of natural descent, so the reentry procedure isn't intended to be "safe" for Aeolus or any of its pieces. Rather, the "safe" aspect of this mission refers to the fact it could help scientists build the groundwork for future missions that will bring other space equipment back to Earth with little risk to property or populations.

This is becoming increasingly important as use of the space environment around Earth burgeons.

"Today, we have 10,000 spacecraft in space, of which 2,000 are not functional. In terms of mass, we are speaking about 11,000 tons," Krag said at the press conference. The ESA scientist added that around 100 tons of human-made space debris reenter Earth's atmosphere each year, with large objects falling back to our planet at a rate of around one per week.

While there have been no major incidents of human-made space junk causing injuries or property damage as of yet, the growing use of orbital space means it could happen one day, and the ESA is taking such a threat very seriously.

Hence, the retired Aeolus satellite's final mission  to build a method of safely guiding other disused craft back to Earth in a controlled way.
Note: This story has been updated to correct a misattributed quote.

The Savannah Police Department has fired Ashley Wood, the detective who falsified information, including security footage and text messages, in multiple search warrant applications tied to a 2021 murder case.

The internal affairs investigation, launched on March 31, stemmed from the killing of Charles Vinson and centered on whether the man charged with killing Vinson, Marquis Parrish, is seen in security footage purchasing cleaning supplies in a Walmart store following Vinson's disappearance.

In applying for a search warrant in the case, Wood claimed Parrish is seen on the security video. But both Parrish's defense lawyer and the assistant district attorney working the case asserted in court filings that Parrish is not present in the footage.

According to records, Wood applied for five search warrants related to the investigation between early May and early June 2021. The requests included warrants to search Vinsons residence, car, cell phone and his Facebook profile. Woods search warrants state that Parrish and others charged in the case purchased cleaning supplies at Walmart.

A black band covers the badge of a member of the Savannah Police Department Honor Guard during the annual Police Memorial Ceremony on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

At the time of the investigation, Wood was assigned to the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) as a task force officer, according to the probe. She was hired by the Savannah Police Department in February 2017.

Through the probe, Savannah Police Lt. Zachary Burdette found that Wood violated five internal policies, including Oath of Office, Ethics, and Conduct, Organization and Direction, Search and Seizure, Criminal Investigations and Court Protocol.

Corporal Ashley Woods gross violations of multiple Savannah Police Department Policies have severely impacted her ability to perform her duties as she has violated the trust of her co-workers, members of the Chatham County District Attorneys Office, Judges in both the Chatham County Recorders Court and Superior Court, and most of all public trust," Burdette wrote in a report on the probe.

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The results come as Chatham County assistant district attorneys allege that homicide prosecutions are falling apart at trial partly because of a recurring problem regarding the quality and timely receipt of case files from the Savannah Police Department and other law enforcement agencies.

On July 14, Chatham County District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones sent an email to the defense attorneys representing the four alleged murder suspects that her office is re-evaluating their cases to determine if they can meet the burden of beyond reasonable doubt at trial.

More: Savannah Police detective under review over search warrants in Charles Vinson murder case

More: In Session: Assistant district attorney argues Leilani Simon's actions constitute murder

More: Chatham County judge delays murder trial after detective's evidence called into question

What did the probe find?

The probe went into more detail about Woods policy violations.

According to the probe, Wood indicated in the report that a witness, Tyesha Love, saw Javaris Roundtree shooting at her apartment. When the SPD internal affairs investigator, Kaishawn Samuell, reviewed the body-worn camera footage documenting the conversation between Wood and Love, however, he noticed that Love said she didnt know who was shooting at her apartment.

The probe revealed that Wood never submitted a case file for the homicide of Vinson because she transferred to the gang unit and forgot to submit a file.

Wood typed her investigative supplemental report from memory without watching her body worn camera footage. Wood said she completed the supplemental report one month after the interview.

Wood also did not complete the search warrant returns because, she said, it was common practice to not do a search warrant return until it was almost time for discovery in the criminal proceeding.

Based on this false statement and the facts known at the time, there would not have been Probable Cause established to obtain an arrest warrant for Javaris Roundtree, Burdette wrote.

Wood did not submit crucial evidence to the GBI for examination. Wood also didnt show up for a court appearance for which she was subpoenaed.

Corporal Ashley Woods actions were repeated several times throughout this investigation in terms of not reporting accurate information based on what was learned during recorded interviews," Burdette wrote. "Corporal Wood claims that the offenses were inadvertent, however, it appears that they were intentional and committed for gain with the result being an arrest and case closure.

On June 14, SPD Assistant Chief Devonn Adams sustained Woods' firing.

On June 15, Wood appealed her termination. In her reason for appeal, Wood wrote, Disagree with decision of the termination, although she didnt explain why she disagreed with the decision.

On July 13, Savannah Police Chief Lenny Gunther upheld the termination.

Of note ... Woods actions are not indicative of the men and women at SPDs dedication to integrity and community trust, Gunther wrote.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah Police Department fires detective who lied in search warrants
Leaky Faucet

After getting slapped with a warning from the Department of Justice over the leaking of private and personal documents, lawyers for disgraced FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried have fired back and said that it's fine, actually.

In a Sunday filing to the judge presiding over his federal case, SBF's attorneys Mark Cohen and Christian Everdell insisted that it wasn't actually bad for their client to leak his ex-girlfriend Caroline Ellison's diary entries to the New York Times even though the DOJ claimed the opposite in its request for a gag order.

"The Government has taken a set of circumstances where nothing improper or impermissible occurred and has unfairly recast the events as a nefarious attempt by Mr. Bankman-Fried to 'discredit' Caroline Ellison and 'taint' the jury pool," his lawyers wrote. "But Mr. Bankman-Fried did nothing wrong."

SBF was exercising his First Amendment rights, the filing claims, when he gave the NYT Ellison's writings. And anyway, the NYT story "was favorable to Ms. Ellison and negative towards Mr. Bankman-Fried," the lawyers wrote.

He Admitted It

Along with the assertion that it's not nefarious to share someone else's innermost thoughts with the media, the lawyers also admit in their filing that SBF was, in fact, the person who leaked the diary entries to the NYT, which did not same its source.

"A reporter contacted Mr. Bankman-Fried and asked if he wanted to respond to an article about Ms. Ellison that had been in process for months," the filing continues. "Mr. Bankman-Fried spoke to the reporter and shared certain documents that he had obtained prior to his arrest, and that were not produced in discovery, in an effort to give his side of the story about topics that have already been reported in the media."

To their end, Cohen and Everdell did say that if presiding Judge Lewis Kaplin issues a gag order, their client will comply. They also asked that the same order be given to John Ray III, the former Enron exec who began running FTX during its bankruptcy proceedings last year and who has, as the lawyers note, "routinely made disparaging statements" while the government "stood silent."

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It was within the "hyper-toxic media environment" in the aftermath of the FTX crash that SBF leaked the documents, the lawyers wrote  an environment that was, they claim, made worse by Ray's repeated attacks.

Claims of toxicity aside, the clapback does make for an interesting update in this seemingly never-ending scandal that has revealed way more than anyone would like to know about the participants' sex lives, thoughts on monogamy, and mental health issues.

And the lawyers did get one thing right: in the NYT piece about Ellison's diary, at least, she does come off a lot more likable than SBF.

More on FTX: FTX Considered Buying an Island to Conduct Human Genetic Experimentation
Yevhen Muraiev

Former parliamentarian Yevgeniy Muraev has been charged by Ukraines Security Service (SBU) with treason, the agencys press service reported on July 25.

Read also: SBU Special Forces show off their successes on the frontline

The SBU announced that he has also been charged with violating the equality rights of citizens based on racial, national, regional belonging, religious beliefs, disability or other grounds.

If found guilty of treason, Muraev faces a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment and the confiscation of property. The second charge entails a maximum sentence of five years.

According to the SBU, Murayev used the Nash TV channel, which he controlled, to ensure the mass dissemination of Kremlin propaganda to manipulate the public opinion of Ukrainians in the interests of the Russian Federation.

Read also: Russian propaganda reports rise in Putins popularity despite Wagner debacle

The SBU said Muraevs efforts focused on distorting information about the internal political situation in Ukraine. The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine previously placed sanctions on the TV channel in February, 2022.

Read also: NAFO Summit, community combating Russian propaganda, makes waves in Vilnius

In the fall of 2022, the SBU conducted a series of searches at Muraev's residences and offices.

Read also: Murayev threatens UK with legal action over claims he would lead a Putin puppet regime in Ukraine

Cash in Russian rubles, weapons, as well as computer equipment and mobile phones were found and seized.

At the time, UP journalists revealed that Muraev and his family live in Vienna and often visit Bratislava to conduct business.

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
Seoul, South Korea (CNN)  A high-level Chinese government delegation is headed to North Korea this week, believed to be the highest-level representatives from Beijing to visit Pyongyang since the isolated country closed its borders during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chinese Communist Party official Li Hongzhong, who is part of the partys central policymaking committee and holds a leadership position in the top body of its rubber stamp Parliament, will lead the delegation.

He will attend ceremonies marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, according to a statement from Hu Zhaoming, spokesperson of the International Liaison Department of the Central Committee.

Lis visit comes after an invitation from North Korea, the statement said.

The visit will be significant for what it says about Beijings support of North Korea as well as Pyongyangs willingness to relax pandemic-era border restrictions, said Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.

North Korea sealed its borders during the coronavirus pandemic, deepening the isolation of a country that is already one of the most cut off places in the world.

Beijing is Pyongyangs longtime ally.

In the fall of 1950, China sent a quarter million troops into the Korean Peninsula, supporting its North Korean ally and pushing back the combined forces of South Korea, the United States and other countries under the United Nations Command.

More than 180,000 Chinese troops died in the Korean War, or what Beijing calls the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea.

But Easley noted that South Korea is garnering a much larger show of international support for its armistice anniversary commemorations, with representatives from 22 countries expected to attend.

New missile tests, sub visit

The Chinese visit, and the ceremonies marking the 70th anniversary of the 1953 armistice that ended fighting on the Korean Peninsula, comes amid simmering tensions between North Korea and South Korea and its US ally.

Pyongyang has frequently tested missiles banned under United Nations Security Council resolutions, and on several occasions the US and South Korea have deployed military assets like nuclear-capable submarines and bombers.

North Korea continued its torrid pace of missile testing late Monday, when it fired two short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) from the Pyongyang area into the waters off the east coast of the peninsula, according to South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

The missiles were launched around 11:55 p.m. local time, flying for about five minutes or 400 kilometers (248 miles) before falling into the water, according to the JCS.

Earlier Monday, US Navy attack submarine USS Annapolis made a port call at Jeju Naval Base on the island off South Koreas southern coast, according to South Korean Navy spokesperson Jang Do-young.

The sub was stopping at the island to replenish military supplies while on an operations mission, Jang said.

The Annapolis visit follows the much more provocative arrival of nuclear-capable ballistic missile submarine USS Kentucky at the southern South Korean port of Busan last week.

North Korea said the visit of the boomer, an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine which can carry up to 20 missiles and 80 nuclear warheads, to Busan crossed a red line and said such provocations could produce a drastic response by Pyongyang.

I remind the US military of the fact that the ever-increasing visibility of the deployment of the strategic nuclear submarine and other strategic assets may fall under the conditions of the use of nuclear weapons specified in the DPRK law on the nuclear force policy, a statement from North Korean Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam posted by state media said.

North Korea silent on US soldier

Relations have been further complicated by the decision of a US soldier to cross the border between North and South Korea last week in the demilitarized zone separating the two nations.

Pvt Travis King, who was facing disciplinary action and was meant to go back to the US the day before he bolted, is believed to be the first US soldier to cross into North Korea since 1982.

On Monday, the deputy commander of the United Nations Command (UNC), Gen. Andrew Harrison, said a conversation has commenced with North Korea over King.

Two US officials told CNN that North Korea had acknowledged receiving contact from the UNC, a multinational military force that includes the United States which fought on the side of South Korea during the 1950-53 Korean War.

But Pyongyang does not seem to be responding to Washington directly.

The US State Department has not received a response to its messages on King, State Department spokesperson Matt Miller said on Monday. He also said it was his understanding that the US military had not received a response.

On the UNC side, Miller said it was his understanding that there have been no new communications since last week, communications that happened in the early days, but that the North Korean government had acknowledged receipt of the message.

Im not aware of any new communications, other than those that happened in the very early hours, early days after he went across the border, Miller said at a State Department briefing Monday.

King has not been publicly seen or heard from since he crossed into North Korea last Tuesday, and North Korea has also not said anything about the status or condition of the missing soldier.

His reasons for crossing the border into one of the worlds most authoritarian places  and a country which the US does not have diplomatic relations with  have so far remained a mystery.

Easley, the Ewha Womans University professor, said any quick response from Pyongyang on the status of King was unlikely, especially in light of the armistice commemorations.

North Korea is unlikely to engage on Travis Kings case until his interrogation and quarantine are complete, and after the Kim regime celebrates its so-called Victory Day, Easley said.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Highest-level Chinese delegation to visit North Korea since Covid restrictions."
A South Carolina congresswoman has recently tested positive for COVID-19, for the third time, raising questions about how concerning the virus remains.

U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-Daniel Island, confirmed Monday that she tested positive for COVID-19 following two previous infections on Jun. 23, 2020, and again on Jan. 10, 2022. The 1st District congresswoman was fully vaccinated in the spring of 2021, according to a news release.

Maces diagnosis spurs questions surrounding how threatening COVID remains at a time where the world has appeared to have moved on from the pandemic.

Since the end of June, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control discontinued its use of a COVID-19 dashboard on its website, reflecting, among other things, the number of new COVID infections across the state.

As reporting requirements changed, DHEC determined that the data provided in the COVID-19 weekly update was no longer as meaningful for our communities to take action from as it once was, said DHEC spokesperson Casey White.

White said DHEC does, however, continue to maintain vaccination statistics, which show that nearly 61% of South Carolinians 12 and older have, to date, been fully vaccinated.

COVID-19 indicators, including emergency department visits, test positivity and wastewater levels, have begun to show small increases nationally, while hospital admissions have leveled off after a steady decline, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID data tracker.

While CDC data show a 10% increase in COVID hospitalizations since last week, nationally, fewer than 400 South Carolinains have been hospitalized due to COVID during that time.

As a result of Maces latest bout with the virus, she was unable to attend votes and committee hearings last week while working remotely, according to a news release. She returned to work this week.

I wanted to thank our staff for ensuring our office operated on all cylinders last week, said Mace in a news release. No one works harder for the Lowcountry to put our constituents first.
The Scene

JOHANNESBURG  Paul Mashatile, South Africas deputy president, loves belting out songs. Singing has been built into South Africas resistance culture going back a couple of centuries.

When Paul is relaxedIn the best of moods, he likes singing revolutionary songs, says long-term friend and ANC colleague Nomvula Mokonyane. Mashatile appeared on television singing about his boss, President Cyril Ramaphosa, during a meeting of the ruling African National Congresss (ANC) executive committee earlier this month. It was a show of support for Ramaphosa  even though he is widely tipped for the presidents job.

But a slew of negative stories threaten Mashatiles chances of succeeding his boss and have created uncertainty about the partys future beyond Ramaphosa.

The South African media have reported on his connections to business figures  one of them facing high profile corruption allegations. The reports, published in recent weeks, have stated that Mashatile has stayed in homes owned by beneficiaries of government contracts. Edwin Sodi, one of the businessmen, faces corruption and fraud charges linked to a $14 million (255 million rand) asbestos eradication contract. Sodi has denied wrongdoing.

Another controversy relates to Mashatiles home which is reportedly registered under the company of his son and son-in-law. The company, Nonkwelo Investments, is said to have received a business loan from a fund owned by the Gauteng government when Mashatile was a provincial minister. Mashatile has denied any wrongdoing.

The reports have raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and the risk of being beholden to business people who do business with the government. His critics say a Mashatile presidency could mark a return to state capture, a term used to describe the manner in which members of the prominent Gupta family allegedly used their ties with former President Jacob Zuma to influence contracts and siphon off state assets from Africas most advanced economy.

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Know More

A former premier of Gauteng province, which contains the commercial capital Johannesburg, Mashatile was elected as the ANCs deputy head in December and became deputy president three months later. At 61, he represents a younger generation of party leaders, who were either too young or not prominent when Mandela made his first public address in 1990, marking the end of his 27 years in prison.

Mashatile grew up in the Alexandra Township in Johannesburg. He maintains strong links with Alexandra and those he befriended as a young political activist, some of whom are now successful business leaders loosely known as the Alex Mafia.

Ramaphosas term as ANC leader is not due to expire until December 2027 but the last two South African presidents were recalled by the party before completing their second terms as heads of government. If Ramaphosa left office as state or party head before his second term was up, Mashatile would be the automatic stand-in by virtue of his position as the deputy. He would then need to win an ANC leadership contest to head the party. He would become president if the ANC was the governing party, as it is now, or the dominant party in a coalition.

Sams view

Reuters/Siphiwe Sibeko

Mashatile is undoubtedly a strong candidate to succeed Ramaphosa. Despite the recent scandals, history is on his side: most ANC presidents  including Thabo Mbeki and Ramaphosa  were deputies before ascending to the top position.

But he needs to allay fears with the ANC that he could further tarnish the partys reputation. The partys record was already sullied during the state capture controversies of the Zuma years.

The government is widely considered to be inefficient in its handling of public services, With rolling blackouts that have choked the economy and driven up the unemployment rate to around 33%. Those problems have led many to predict that the ANC may secure less than 50% of the vote in next years general election, forcing it into a coalition.

Opposition parties could use the controversies surrounding Mashatile to criticize the ANC. The question is to what extent does he become a liability in the elections, said Ndletyana.

However, new political party Rise Mzansi has asked Acting Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka to probe potential breaches of the ministerial code of ethics by Mashatile. The investigation could keep the matter in the public eye as the nation prepares to vote, raising questions about Mashatiles leadership suitability that make him less attractive to those within the ANC who are disillusioned with the slow pace of change under Ramaphosa.

However, one aspect of Mashatiles current role could provide a political lifeline. Since taking office four months ago, he has worked with political parties to craft a framework that could be used to manage coalition governments, his spokesman Vukani Mde told Semafor Africa. In the cities, coalitions tend to be unstable, with regular changes of mayors, raising fears that instability could be a feature of a national coalition government.

One of his delegated responsibilities from the president is to inject more urgency and more rigor into this work, Mde told me. Over the next few months, the office will be unveiling a programme of activities and initiatives to give renewed impetus to this work.

The detailed work he is doing to prepare for the possibility of coalition government could make him the ANC figure best placed to lead the party into a new political landscape.

Room for Disagreement

Mashatile is concerned about the sustained attacks that distort information and paint him in the worst light possible, his spokesman Mde told Semafor Africa. He is confident that if everything is investigated, he will be cleared. That is why he has chosen to focus on the work assigned to him by the president.

Earlier this month Mashatile told South Africas City Press there was a plot to oust him by August and had seen messages stating that aim. He did not name the people he suspected of being behind the plot.

The View From Johannesburg

If Ramaphosa did not complete his term, the ANC would need to host its own election, in which Mashatiles chances are not automatically guaranteed.

Mashatile is in a tricky position, said political analyst Susan Booysen. He has to watch his step so he does not step on Ramaphosas toes, as the presidents allies can make life very difficult for him if he is seen to be pushing too hard.

Notable
Note: The Green Bay Press-Gazette has chosen not to publish many of the graphic details of this crime. However, readers may find material in this report disturbing.

GREEN BAY - Jurors in the trial of Taylor Schabusiness Monday heard about the heartbreaking moment when Shad Thyrion's mother began to believe her son had been slain.

Tara Pekanich testified Monday in Brown County Circuit Court about the night that she and her boyfriend, Steve Hendricks, called the Green Bay police after she made a gruesome discovery after she went to the basement of her Stony Brook Lane House on Green Bay's west side to turn off a light that had been left on.

"I figured (Shad) was sleeping," she told jurors in the homicide trial of Thyrion's friend, Taylor Schabusiness. "I wanted to go back to sleep. I went to go back upstairs, there was a bucket there. That's where I found Shad."

She went to the second-floor of the house, woke Hendricks and told him she had seen Thyrion's head in the bucket, and convinced him to notify authorities. The call brought Green Bay patrol officers Alex Wanish and Ethan Plonke to the house. Wanish went downstairs, confirmed that there was a human head in the bucket.

RELATED: Taylor Schabusiness trial starts today in beheading case; here is timeline of events in the case

Schabusiness, 25, of Green Bay, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, third-degree sexual abuse, and mutilating a corpse in the death of Thyrion, 24, of Green Bay.

Much of Monday's testimony involved witnesses for the prosecution discussing their roles in the investigation, and what they found linking the victim and the defendant. Assistant District Attorney Caleb Saunders is prosecuting the case; he is assisted by Brown County DA David Lasee. Christopher Froelich is the defense attorney.

Investigator finds human remains in crockpot box inside van

Petra Schwab, operations director of the Brown County Medical Examiner's office, testified about how she collected Thyrion's remains from the basement of the house on Stony Brook Lane, and recovered other samples of human tissue from a minivan it appeared the killer had access to.

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"We were informed there were potential human remains in a van that had been towed to the Green Bay Police Evidence-Storage Unit," she said. "We ultimately did find a crockpot box that did have human remains (that included) parts of both lower limbs."

Forensics employees recover 'choke chains' from crime scene

Michelle M. Czarneski, the first of two members the Green Bay Police Department's Forensics Unit to testify, discussed how she was involved in processing the crime scene, and evidence she collected, which included two silver-colored dog choke-collar chains. Police have indicated a chain was used to strangle Thyrion. Czarneski also collected a knife from the crime scene. Officers have said that knives were used remove parts of Thyrion's body.

Taking the stand

The following people also testified Monday:

Amy Shannon, a supervisor at the Brown County 911 center.

Green Bay Patrol Officer Alex Wanish.

Green Bay Patrol Officer Ethan Plonke. He and Wanish were the first officers on the scene.

Green Bay Patrol Sgt. Kurt Brester.

Steve Hendricks, boyfriend of Thyrion's mother. He testified about the discovery of Thyrion's head.

Eva Wheelock, Thyrion's sister who is now 17.

Baileigh Andre, Green Bay Police forensic specialist.

Green Bay Detective Phillip Scanlan identified a number of crime-scene photos taken from inside the Stony Brook Road home's basement.

Preceding testimony were opening statements from the prosecutor and the defense attorney.

Coming Tuesday

David Graf is among the Green Bay Police detectives whose names are on the state's list of potential witnesses yet to testify. Much of the criminal complaint filed against Schabusiness is based on Graf's investigative work. Green Bay detectives Kevin Kempf, Jason Leick and Craig Pakkala, and roughly six other officers are among a number of Green Bay police also listed as potential prosecution witnesses.

Lasee said he plans to call a number of officers who were involved in the investigation and arrest. He expects that the prosecution will be complete Wednesday.

Brown County Circuit Judge Thomas Walsh has scheduled five days for the trial.

Timeline of events in Schabusiness case

Email Doug Schneider at DSchneid@Gannett.com, call him at (630) 373-0799 and follow him on Twitter @PGDougSchneider

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Schabusiness trial begins with testimony from victim's mother, police
[Source]

For decades, the existence of a massive gravity hole in the Indian Ocean has been one of the greatest natural mysteries of our planet  until now.

What a gravity hole is: In simple terms, a gravity hole is an area where gravity is so low that it causes sea levels to sink. On Earth, there are many gravity holes. They exist because the planet is not a perfect sphere and because materials underneath its surface have varying densities. Where there is less mass, there is less gravity.

The Indian Oceans hole: The gravity hole in the Indian Ocean was first discovered by Dutch geophysicist Felix Andries Vening Meinesz in 1948. Scientifically called the Indian Ocean Geoid Low (IOGL), it is a circular depression where the sea level plunges by over 328 feet.

How it was formed: How the IOGL came to be has perplexed geologists since its discovery. But scientists from the Indian Institute of Science and GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences now suggest in a study published in journal Geophysical Research Letters that magma plumes coming from deep inside the Earth could be behind it.

More from NextShark: Japanese study suggests men who lack sexual interest in women tend to die earlier

Six of 19 simulations that recreated tectonic shifts and magma movements in the Earths mantle from 140 million years ago to the present revealed the existence of such plumes. The scientists said they originated from the disappearance of an ancient ocean as India collided with Asia 40 million years ago.

Whats next: The future of the Indian Ocean gravity hole is yet to be seen, study coauthor Attreyee Ghosh, a geophysicist and associate professor at the Indian Institute of Science, told CNN.

That all depends on how these mass anomalies in the Earth move around. It could be that it persists for a very long time. But it could also be that the plate movements will act in such a way to make it disappear  a few hundreds of millions of years in the future. More from NextShark: Balkanatolia: Lost continent allowed Asian animals to colonize Europe 34 million years ago, researchers say

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The study was published in May in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark!

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Comedian Raymond Mearns said, at first, he thought the story was a wind-up

A hiker claims he was saved from a bear attack in the US - by the voice of a Scots comedian.

Retired Edinburgh vet Iain McAllister was hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in California when he came across the animal.

Mr McAllister said his life was saved because he was playing BBC Scotland's Breaking The News programme on a speaker in his backpack.

He said the bear heard Glasgow comedian Raymond Mearns' voice and took off.

Mr Mearns told BBC Radio Scotland's Drivetime programme he received an email from the vet telling him about what happened, and thought it was a wind-up.

Mr McAllister's message said: "I wasn't using headphones as I listened to the 7 July episode and it was at a point in the show where Raymond was chatting away in his inimitably brilliant Scots brogue.

"At that exact moment, a bear jumped onto the trail about 50 yards in front of me, took one look at me, heard Raymond's voice and ran away at high speed.

"Thank you Raymond for saving my life."

The comedian said: "I just thought 'Whit?'.

"I thought it was a bit of a wind-up - I don't know if that can be true so I got on with the things I was doing."

When he thought about it some more, he decided to share the story on social media.

"If I saved the guy's life that's amazing, unbelievable - and I wasn't even in the same country.

"It's just one of these things. But there is nothing like a Scots accent - you know that way when you hear a Scots accent in full flow - that would intimidate anybody."

He suggested the bear was "a big feartie" and could possibly be a reincarnation.

"I wonder if the bear knew me in a past life or something - maybe the bear used to be a Glasgow guy or maybe the bear was a bartender in a pub somewhere in Glasgow and barred me years ago."

Mr Mearns said he would see this new revelation as a positive.

"I am doing my walking tour at the Edinburgh Fringe and you are absolutely guaranteed protection from any wild animal attacks," he said.

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Scott Wilkinson from the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) told BBC Scotland: "There are indeed bears along the Pacific Crest Trail - though for the entire trail, except possibly the northernmost few dozen miles near the Canadian border, those bears are certain to be black bears.

"While it's wonderful to think our bears have an aversion to Scottish accents, knowing it was a black bear means the bear would likely have run away from the hiker no matter what. But you never know!"

The PCTA introduced new rules in July 2022 for visitors to carry food in special bear canisters.

Bears had become more aggressive in their search for food, causing increased interactions between humans and bears.

The association said: "A person who fights back or gets between the bear and food is risking bodily injury or death."
The Cruachan pumped hydro storage scheme involves a reservoir to store water for generating power

The Scottish government has approved plans to expand Argyll's Hollow Mountain underground power station.

Renewable power developer Drax proposes building a new 500m pumped hydro storage plant at its existing Cruachan facility near Oban.

The company said the extension could be operational in 2030 and support 1,000 jobs during its construction.

But before it can go ahead, the project needs new UK government policy that would support private investment.

Developers of pumped storage hydro schemes argue that the current UK energy market does not have the mechanisms to make such major projects attractive to investors.

The schemes are costly to build and take a long time to construct - between five to eight years.

The UK government said it did intend to enable investment in pumped hydro storage technology.

The existing underground power station at Cruachan was opened by the late Queen in 1965.

At the time, it was the first large-scale reversible turbine storage energy project of its kind in the world.

It is housed within a huge cavern dug out inside Ben Cruachan, which is nicknamed Hollow Mountain because of the project.

The existing power scheme was opened in 1965

Drax has welcomed the Scottish government's planning approval for the 600MW extension.

Chief executive Will Gardiner said: "This is a major milestone in Drax's plans to build Britain's first new pumped storage hydro plant in a generation."

He said that with the right support from the UK government, investment would be made to more than double Cruachan's generating capacity.

First Minister Humza Yousaf, on a visit to Cruachan, said the plans had the potential to help Scotland meet net zero targets.

He added: "The Scottish government will continue to urge the UK government to provide an appropriate market mechanism for hydro power and other long-duration energy storage technologies, to ensure that the potential for hydro power is fully realised."

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'Greater energy security'

The UK government said it had already attracted billions of pounds in green investment, adding that Scotland had played a key role and benefited from this work.

A spokesman added: "Our plans to power up Britain are expected to attract a further 100bn investment and support 480,000 jobs across the UK, including Scotland, by 2030.

"Pumped hydro storage will help deliver greater energy security and economic growth and we have already confirmed our intention to enable investment in these technologies while removing regulatory barriers."

Industry body Scottish Renewables said the Cruachan extension, along with similar projects, would be essential for ensuring energy security and keeping energy bills low.

Pumped storage uses reversible turbines to pump water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir where the water is stored. The turbines are powered by excess electricity from wind farms.

When there is high demand for electricity, the water is released back through the turbines to generate power.
For many Americans, the news that Congress was holding hearings about a possible secret UFO program was a stark surprise.

The hearings on Wednesday appear to inject a dose of science fiction into the usual business of Congress  as well as a note of bipartisanship that, for the contentious House Oversight Committee, is almost as remarkable as the claims that the Pentagon may be hiding alien spacecraft.

But it has taken nearly two decades of sober, bipartisan legislative work to get to the point where the search for UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) is politically mainstream.

From the mysterious videos that started it all, to the 2007 foundation of a secret UAP-hunting program, to the 2021 passage of a UAP whistleblower law, to the militarys own acknowledgment of hundreds of unexplained phenomena, here are five moves by lawmakers and government officials that helped take the hunt for UAP into the public square.

The Pentagon collects UAP videos

In 2020, the Pentagon released unclassified videos that seemed to show U.S. fighter pilots tracking a mysterious craft with capacities far superior to their own.

The Defense Department said it was releasing the videos in order to clear up any misconceptions by the public on whether or not the footage that has been circulating was real, or whether or not there is more to the videos. The aerial phenomena observed in the videos remain characterized as unidentified.

The first of the videos was shot in November 2004, when a U.S. Navy fighter pilot encountered what appeared to be a strange aircraft soaring over the Pacific. The mysterious object  which the aircraft carrier USS Princeton had been tracking for weeks  appeared suddenly at 80,000 feet, nearly twice as high as the maximum flight ceiling for the F-18 fighter jets sent to investigate, then plummeted down to 20,000 feet.

The pilots sent to check it out reported seeing an oval craft about 40 feet long hovering above the sea, causing the water to boil, they told The New York Times more than a decade later.

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It accelerated like nothing Ive ever seen, Commander David Fravor told the Times, adding that he was pretty weirded out. The object zoomed off into the distance, covering 60 miles in less than a minute  about three times the speed of the F-18s tailing it  before disappearing.

Teased by other sailors and aviators that night, Fravor recalled telling a fellow pilot that he was confused by what he had seen. The craft had no plumes, wings or rotors and outran our F-18s. I want to fly one.

When the Pentagon released Fravors video, along with two others recorded in 2015, former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) offered qualified praise.

Im glad the Pentagon is finally releasing this footage, but it only scratches the surface of research and materials available, Reid wrote on Twitter. The U.S. needs to take a serious, scientific look at this and any potential national security implications. The American people deserve to be informed.

Senators set up a secret UAP surveillance program

Reids interest was more than casual: In 2007, after seeing Fravors video himself, the senator was a major driving force behind the creation of a secret  or at least unpublicized  program to gather and vet accounts and videos of UAP.

After that project became public, Senators, Congressmen, committees, and staff began to pursue this issue and uncovered a vast web of individuals and groups with ideas and stories to share, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Reids successor as majority leader, recounted in a recent statement.

Reid worked closely in this effort with two other senators, The New York Times reported: Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Ted Stevens (R-Alaska). Reid later told the Times that the meeting was one of the easiest meetings I ever had. Ted Stevens said, Ive been waiting to do this since I was in the Air Force.

Stevens, Reid later told New York Magazine, was interested because he had a UAP encounter of his own. As Reid recounted, Stevens told him: I was in my airplane alone and off to my left was an object. I could see it. It was so close to me. I would veer up, down, sideways. Wherever I went, it was there. I was starting to get low on fuel, went and landed, and went to the air-traffic controller. I said, Was there anybody up in the air with me? The guy said, I dont know what youre talking about.

This, Reid explained, was the problem with UAP: Sightings were relatively common, but pilots didnt want to report them, because it would hurt them in their promotions and make them look like goofballs.

Many of the early contracts in the nascent Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program went to an aerospace entrepreneur named Robert Bigelow, who had a UFO interest of his own  and a family history to boot. His grandparents had once seen something in the air. This so-called flying saucer, for lack of a better description. As part of the $22 million program, Bigelow led an effort to consolidate reports and footage of UAP.

In his interview with New York in 2018, Reid expressed frustration that the press hadnt done more with the considerable public data this partnership had generated. We have hundreds and hundreds of papers, pages of paper, that have been available since this was completed. Most all of it, 80 percent at least, is public. You know something? The press has never even looked at it. Not once. Thats where we are. I wanted it public, it was made public, and you guys have not even looked at it.

Its my belief you guys kind of want to be spoon-fed, Reid added. You dont want to do any work on your own.

UAP task force is established

The military was paying attention. In the budget signed in 2020, then-President Trump included funding for a successor to the program Reid had started: the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force. (The term UAP has since been broadened to refer to unidentified anomalous phenomena.)

This task force was created to improve [Defense Department] understanding of, and gain insight into, the nature and origins of UAPs, the agency wrote in a 2020 memo. The mission of the task force is to detect, analyze and catalog UAPs that could potentially pose a threat to U.S. national security.

The safety of our personnel and the security of our operations are of paramount concern, the agency wrote.

One notable feature of the Pentagon memo was its use of the term UAP  a replacement for the more commonly recognized UFO, or Unidentified Flying Object. That more familiar phrase had been skunked by its long association with cranks, Merriam Webster noted at the time.

This represented a nearly 20-year voyage of that word from the fringes of semantics to the heart of the Senate. Aside from UAPs more encompassing description, this term avoids the heavy cultural baggage attached to UFO, whose initial association with extraterrestrial origins, however true or untrue it may prove upon final analysis, sets up a narrow and inflexible framework for honest scientific research, semiotician Mark Rainer wrote in the journal Etcetera in 1999.

In 2021, the UAP task force released its first report, which concluded that its findings would likely fall into five potential explanatory categories: airborne clutter, natural atmospheric phenomena, U.S. [government] or U.S. industry developmental programs, foreign adversary systems, and a catchall other bin. (The report offered no speculation as to what that other explanations it considered.)

In the 2022 edition, the military revealed that it had uncovered a total of 510 UAP reports since the Reid program was spun up  and 119 since the 2021 report.

The report suggested that in at least one way, Reids program had successfully changed the climate around UAP data: The rising frequency of reports was in part a result of the reduced stigma, it said.

Congress creates protections for whistleblowers

The UAP task force generating those reports was the one to which now-whistleblower David Grusch was assigned as a liaison from the National Reconnaissance Office, a lesser-known cousin to offices like the Central Intelligence Agency, in 2019. (In 2021, Grusch became a co-lead at the task force.)

In July, Grusch told NewsNation that in his capacity as a senior member of that program, he became aware of a secret UAP crash retrieval program  but was refused access to it.

When he first heard of the program, I thought at first I was being deceived, and that it was a ruse, he said. But people started confiding in me, they approached me. I have plenty of current former senior intelligence officers that came to me  many which I knew almost my whole career  that confided in me that they were a part of a program. They named the program. Ive never heard of it. And they told me, and they provided me documents and other proof that there was in fact a program that the UAP task force was not read into.

Grusch has not provided any hard evidence for these allegations.

Scientists told The Hill that there was no way to evaluate those claims on their own merits.

But thanks to a 2022 law, Grusch is legally protected for making them. That law offered protections to officials making authorized disclosures about unidentified anomalous phenomena, and protecting whistleblowers from retaliation.

Senators call for UAP disclosure

For many in Congress, limited protections for whistleblowers releasing unclassified information dont go far enough. As the Senate debates the mammoth annual military funding bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a bipartisan group of senators is pushing a bill that would make the Pentagon cough up its UAP records  and create a public clearinghouse of that data at the National Archives and Records Administration.

Under the legislation, federal records concerning UAP should carry a 10 presumption of immediate disclosure and all records should be eventually disclosed to enable the public to become fully informed about the history of the Federal Governments knowledge and involvement surrounding unidentified anomalous phenomena.

Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) all co-sponsored the bill.

The American public has a right to learn about technologies of unknown origins, non-human intelligence, and unexplainable phenomena, Schumer said in a statement accompanying the legislation.

We are not only working to declassify what the government has previously learned about these phenomena but to create a pipeline for future research to be made public. I am honored to carry on the legacy of my mentor and dear friend, Harry Reid and fight for the transparency that the public has long demanded surrounding these unexplained phenomena, he added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
More than 12,000 elephants of all shapes, sizes and colors live next to U.S. Route 30  and you can see them for yourself at Mister Eds Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium in Orrtanna in Adams County. The roadside attraction includes more than 4,000 square feet of candy and elephants, not including whats outside.

We have some pretty magical gardens, said Nicole Bucher, a Penn State alumna and co-owner and operator of Mister Eds.

The gardens feature seven life size elephants as well as Buchers grandmothers teapot collection  more than 220 of them.

It all started when Buchers grandparents received an elephant as a wedding gift and found out it was a good luck symbol. Her grandfather started collecting elephants and eventually started the business in the mid-1970s as Mister Eds: The Territorys Most Unusual General Store. They moved to their current location and name in 1984.

The gardens at Mister Eds Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium feature seven life size elephants.

Theres no admission fee to walk in and visit the titular elephants, 12,000 of which are on display  and another 12,000 that are in storage, off-view. Most of them are donations from people seeking to purge their pachyderms.

People will call us and say hey, please take the elephants, laughed Bucher.

Miss Ellie, the big indoor elephant, actually came from Ohio  Buchers grandfather hauled it himself on an open-bed trailer. When the store suffered a fire in 2010, they asked the construction workers to rebuild around the size of Miss Ellie.

You should have seen the construction workers face! Bucher said.

Miss Ellie watches over the massive candy store, which also sells house-made fudge. Bucher is a licensed chocolatier herself  and doesnt want anyone to leave Mister Eds hungry.

When you walk in, we want people to say wow, Bucher said. It gives me goosebumps thinking about it.

What to know: Theres free admission and you should expect to spend about an hour on site.

Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

How to get there: From State College take state Route 26 South, US 22 East and state Route 641 East to get there in less than 2 1/2 hours.
The elected head of Seminole County government, after seeking earlier this month to silence other county commissioners from commenting on 1,4-dioxane contamination in tap water, says she hopes the county can cleanse its water of the toxic chemical. The issue will be discussed during a commission meeting Tuesday.

In a letter published Sunday in Orlando Sentinels Opinion section, commission chair Amy Lockhart said, Your Board of County Commissioners is addressing the 1,4-dioxane situation comprehensively, transparently, and thoroughly with regulatory, legal and scientific guidance.

It followed her email to commissioners and senior staffers on July 14  three days after the Sentinel began publication of its Toxic Secret series on drinking water contamination in Seminole  urging them not to speak to the media about the subject.

I am confident that the propensity to publicly speak out individually stems from a desire to help, but moving forward, cameo interviews will be viewed (at least by me) as obstruction and/or interference, Lockhart wrote in the email.

But in her guest column to the Sentinel, addressing the general public for the first time in preparation for Tuesdays commission meeting, Lockhart proposed urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to quickly adopt regulations for the chemical in drinking water.

I will ask the commission to approve a letter to Michael Regan, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, urging the EPA to take immediate action towards implementing comprehensive regulations on 1,4-dioxane to protect public health and the environment, she said.

Industrial chemical infiltrated Lake Mary, Sanford, Seminole water wells; few knew and there was no coordinated response

The U.S. EPA regulates the presence of 90 chemicals in drinking water but not 1,4-dioxane. A decade ago, the agency, which classifies 1,4-dioxane as likely to cause cancer, ordered water utilities across the nation to test for the chemical for research purposes.

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A handful of Florida utilities found high concentrations in 2014 and 2015, including those of Lake Mary, Sanford and of Seminole County west of Interstate 4. Those findings were reported in the Sentinels Toxic Secret series of stories over the past two weeks.

Lake Mary eventually was able to construct a high-tech water treatment plant, and Sanford has aggressively pushed for a solution that would purify its tap water.

But Seminole County leaders lost track of the contamination issue largely, they said, because of turnover.

As reported in the series, Seminole Countys top level of government became aware of 1,4-dioxane only earlier this year when informed and questioned by the Sentinel.

Engaging the EPA

Lockharts proposal to call on the EPA to adopt regulations reflects a belated awareness of a chemical that has tormented many communities from North Carolina to New York and to Arizona.

The EPA plans to release a preliminary decision in the coming weeks on whether 1,4-dioxane poses unreasonable risk to the general population, an anticipated finding that has been years if not decades in the making.

This decision will be based on a draft supplement to a 2020 risk evaluation of the chemical. The draft supplement, released July 7, analyzed 1,4-dioxane exposures from air and drinking water.

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The EPAs drafted conclusions will need to go through a round of public comment and peer review before being finalized.

If the EPA does officially flag 1,4-dioxane as an unreasonable health risk to the general population via any exposure route, the agency will have a year to propose new rules, which could include limiting the chemical in drinking water or consumer products. The EPA would have two years to issue a final rule.

The chemical has been on EPAs radar for years, but action has been slow-moving. A 2016 update to the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act  the law giving the EPA the ability to regulate chemicals  jumpstarted the agencys efforts to monitor and regulate it.

What local communities did

After discovering 1,4-dioxane, Sanford and Seminole County were able to reduce concentrations to less than the advisory concentration set by the U.S. EPA and Floridas health department  0.35 parts of chemical to 1 billion parts of water.

Lake Marys concentration remained elevated at nearly four times that of the federal and state advisory level. But its new treatment plant, which started in 2021, removes all but traces of 1,4-dioxane from drinking water.

Floridas Department of Environmental Protection has not conclusively pinpointed the source of 1,4-dioxane in the Seminole utilities drinking water, which is pumped from the Floridan Aquifer deep underground..

A known source of significant 1,4-dioxane ground and water pollution is a defunct telephone systems factory in Lake Mary that operated from 1968 to 2003 under several owners, including the last, Siemens Corp.

The chemical was first documented at the factory site in 2001, which poses the possibility that the cities and countys drinking water has been contaminated for decades.

Seminole utilities struggled to address, pinpoint source of toxic chemical in tap water

Factory owners agreed to pay for Lake Marys treatment plant, which city officials estimate cost nearly $40 million. The owners said factory pollution may have migrated to wells of Lake Mary but otherwise have not admitted liability.

Sanford officials, however, hired two expert consulting firms that concluded it was likely the chemical migrated from the factory to the citys water wells.

In Lockharts opinion column, she said Seminole County waters 1,4-dioxane levels have not exceeded Floridas Health Advisory Level of 0.35 parts per billion since April 2016. If this element surpasses the states threshold, customers would be promptly notified, she wrote.

There is no state or federal requirement for notification of 1,4-dioxane in drinking water whether above or below the advisory level.

When asked if Lockhart intends to adopt a county requirement for such a notification, county spokeswoman Ashley Moore said Monday in an email, The Board will discuss next steps on 1,4-dioxane tomorrow [Tuesday]; to say that theres an expectation for what actions will be taken would be speculative.

The County has been, and will continue to be, in compliance with any and all state and federal guidance for notifications.

Whats the right level?

Some states and other countries have advisory concentrations that are far higher than that of the U.S. EPA and Florida, underscoring a deep lack of research into the health effects of the chemical.

All previous studies have been conducted on laboratory animals. The first major research on health effects for humans, including from chronic exposures to low levels, began last year at Yale University and is to conclude in 2027.

Environmental and clean-water advocates contend that people already are persistently exposed to 1,4-dioxane in cosmetics and other consumer products, which is something that regulations for drinking water should account for.

The chemical is obscure to most people but a comprehensive book that covers many aspects is available: Environmental Investigation and Remediation: 1,4-Dioxane and other Solvent Stabilizers. It was written by Thomas K.G. Mohr, William DiGuiseppi, James Hatton and Janet Anderson. The first edition was published in 2010 and the second edition in 2020. It is technical but still accessible to nonprofessionals.

As a public service, the Orlando Sentinel purchased four copies at $200 each and donated them Monday to the reference sections of the Seminole County librarys central branch in Casselberry, north branch in Sanford and northwestern branch in Lake Mary, and to the Orange County library in Orlando. The purchases were with money donated to the Orlando Sentinel Community News Fund.

Tuesdays Seminole County Commission meeting where 1,4-dioxane will be discussed can be attended in person or streamed on seminolecountyfl.gov/sgtv, youtube.com/seminolecounty, or viewed on Spectrum channel 498.

kspear@orlandosentinel.com, ccatherman@orlandosentinel.com
Sen. Mitt Romney speaks to reporters following an event with the Utah Aerospace and Defense Association at the Larry H. Miller Company in Sandy on Feb. 23, 2023. In an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal, Romney suggested a date to pick one GOP candidate to go up against former President Donald Trump for the Republican nomination. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Utah Sen. Mitt Romney is marking a date on the calendar  Feb. 26  by which point, he says, all GOP candidates running for president in 2024 should clear the path for one person to go up against former President Donald Trump for the Republican nomination.

He asked Republican megadonors and influencers to take charge and do something they didnt do in 2016: get candidates they support to agree to withdraw if and when their paths to the nomination are effectively closed, he wrote in an opinion piece published in The Wall Street Journal Monday.

Early primaries will already be decided in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina by Feb. 26.

But, as Romney, a Republican, said, no-hope candidates tend to stay in the race for many reasons.

He used Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum as examples of 2016 presidential candidates who got paying gigs after their campaigns ended late in the race. Romney quoted former New Hampshire Gov. John H. Sununu, who said, It is fun running for president if you know you cannot win.

Of the hangers-on, They will split the non-Trump vote, giving him the prize. A plurality is all that is needed for winner-take-all primaries, Romney said.

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Romney argued that in the past, candidates would rally around one person for a common goal. He detailed the presidential election of 1968 involving his father, George W. Romney, then-governor of Michigan, who was one of the leading candidates in the race among Republicans.

The Utah senator said other hopefuls, including William Scranton, Charles H. Percy, Mark Hatfield, John Chafee and Nelson Rockefeller dropped out and united behind Romney because they believed he had the best shot of stopping Richard Nixon.

They were unsuccessful but not because of blind political ambition or vanity. They put a common cause above personal incentives, he said, adding that narrowing the field this way doesnt happen anymore.

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Romney asked donors, especially deep-pocketed billionaires with commitments to candidates that exceed tens of millions of dollars, to set clear goals alongside their donations.

Donors who are backing someone with a slim chance of winning should seek a commitment from the candidate to drop out and endorse the person with the best chance of defeating Mr. Trump by Feb. 26, he said.

Romney said although donors may expect party leaders to guide Republicans in the race, candidates dont listen to party officials, because voters dont listen to them either.

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He warned it is often a campaigns employees  consultants and staff  who discourage a candidate from dropping out.

They buck up candidates, promoting long-shot prospects and favorably biased internal polls. I can almost hear the words from Dumb and Dumber  So youre telling me theres a chance? Romney said.

He said the United States needs a nominee with character, driven by something greater than revenge and ego, preferably from the next generation.

Family, friends and campaign donors are the only people who can get a lost-cause candidate to exit the race, Romney said, adding that after the early primaries, they should start doing exactly that.

Apart from Trump, more than a dozen Republicans are in the running for the Republican nomination for 2024, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, as well as Romneys colleague in the Senate, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, among others.

Republicans react to Romneys op-ed

Romneys suggestion to donors and Republican contenders that they should coalesce around one candidate against Trump, who is leading in Republican primary polls, earned a mixed reaction from political leaders in Utah and beyond.

Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs reacted to The Wall Street Journal op-ed on Twitter, saying he couldnt remember the last time he saw Romney.

He seems to serve one purpose in the Senate, and that is to spite Donald Trump, Staggs said. He has allowed his personal vendetta to cloud him to a point that he can no longer even represent his constituents.

As a mayor in Utah, I can not tell you the last time I saw Mitt Romney. He seems to serve one purpose in the Senate, and that is to spite Donald Trump. He has allowed his personal vendetta to cloud him to a point that he can no longer even represent his constituents. https://t.co/rCAaTsnElE  Mayor Trent Staggs (@MayorStaggs) July 24, 2023

Meanwhile, Utah state Sen. Nate Blouin, a Democrat representing the 13th District, said Romney is showing more political courage than any other Utah Republican.

Romney once again showing more political courage than any other Utah Republican. https://t.co/ifkuNwvvO0  Nate Blouin (@NateForUtah) July 24, 2023

Brian Bartlett, who served as the war room director for Romneys presidential campaign in 2012, also chimed in, calling Romneys op-ed a strong case, but added that Feb. 26 will be too late.

It needs to happen in December and January, if not sooner for some, Bartlett said.
Severe thunderstorms, including some that pose a significant risk to lives and property, will slice through parts of the central United States into the middle of the week along the edge of a tremendous dome of heat, according to AccuWeather forecasters.

The thunderstorms will feed off the heat in many areas and travel along a corridor where the warmth interfaces with cooler air trying to move south from Canada. Some of the storms could survive across multiple states for hundreds of miles as they form and move to the east-southeast through midweek.

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Some thunderstorms that formed and wreaked havoc in the Plains Tuesday will survive through Wednesday evening as they move across the Great Lakes region, according to AccuWeather forecasters. New and even more vigorous storms will erupt into Wednesday night around the Great Lakes.

The area where there's at least 'some' risk for severe thunderstorms into Wednesday night extends across portions of five states from the lower Peninsula of Michigan and northern Indiana to northern Ohio, northwestern Pennsylvania and western New York. In addition, a large part of southwestern Ontario will also be in the path of potentially violent storms.

Earlier this week, AccuWeather meteorologists imposed a moderate risk for severe thunderstorms smack in the middle of the threat zone. On Wednesday morning, forecasters added a high risk area based on the likelihood of thunderstorms packing powerful wind gusts that can knock down trees, trigger regional power outages and cause significant property damage for a large portion of southern Michigan.

"This energy could translate into storms with damaging wind gusts, hail and even a tornado or two," AccuWeather Meteorologist Haley Taylor said.

Detroit is included in that higher risk zone where thunderstorms will interrupt amidst very warm and humid days with temperatures well into the 80s and even near 90. Residents in Cleveland, Columbus, Indianapolis and Milwaukee will also be at risk of severe storms.

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Travelers on portions of interstates 55, 70, 75, 80 and 90 will have to slow down when encountering heavy thunderstorms since driving could become dangerous for a time, forecasters say.

The storms may evolve into a long-lasting, high-powered thunderstorm complex known as a derecho. Within a derecho, conditions similar to a hurricane are possible. The official designation for a derecho is wind damage that extends for more than 240 miles and includes wind gusts of at least 58 mph or greater. A derecho typically tracks across a region at a rapid pace, posing a higher risk to residents who may have little time to prepare or take shelter.

The severe weather threat will not wane as storms track farther east into Thursday. Parts of the mid-Atlantic and Northeast will again see a risk later this week.

Meanwhile, more storms will erupt over the Upper Midwest on Thursday afternoon and evening.

These storms will focus on parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin but may extend into portions of Iowa and northern Illinois as well.

The "train" of thunderstorms will roll on later this week, as additional rounds of storms that are expected to develop in the time frame from Thursday to Saturday could again turn severe, AccuWeather meteorologists warn.

These storms, this time in association with a strong cold front dropping south from Canada, will erupt from Iowa to southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois before extending farther to the east into northern Ohio, southern Michigan, southwest Ontario, northwestern Pennsylvania and part of western New York.

Behind the thunderstorms and cold front, a much more refreshing air mass will bring some heat relief to millions across the northern U.S. into next week.

"Parts of the northern Plains, Midwest and Northeast should experience much more comfortable conditions by next week," said Taylor. "The cold front bringing this relief from the heat will also push moisture farther south, ending the threat for storms for several days."

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Two phone calls changed Capt. Amy Bauernschmidts life.

First, when she found out she was in the pipeline to become a commander of an aircraft carrier in 2014. And second, when she learned she would be the first woman in the history of the U.S. Navy to lead a nuclear powered aircraft carrier in 2020.

But its unclear when another woman will get that call.

There still isnt another female in the pipeline, Bauernschmidt told Navy Times. There was nobody in the pipeline when I entered it, and theres still nobody in the pipeline.

Ensign Bryan Blair, a spokesperson for Commander, Naval Air Forces, confirmed that it would be at least another six to eight years before another woman takes the lead of a carrier after entering the pipeline, which starts at Nuclear Power School.

Though there are currently no women in the aircraft carrier commanding officer (CO) pipeline, it is our hope that Capt. Bauernschmidts success as CO of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) will encourage and inspire our women aviators to pursue aircraft carrier command as a career path, Blair said in a statement to Navy Times.

Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt observes sea and anchor detail on the bridge of the USS San Diego in 2020. (MC1 Benjamin K. Kittleson/U.S. Navy)

And even if another woman were to enter the pipeline, its not a guaranteed path to becoming CO of a carrier.

Just by virtue of the length of the pipeline, and the process that you have to go to to get to this point is never a given, Bauernschmidt said.

Bauernschmidt made Navy history with the likes of Vice Adm. Sara Joyner, who became the first woman to command a carrier air wing as a captain in 2011, and retired Vice Adm. Nora Tyson, who became the first woman to lead a carrier strike group in 2010. But Bauernschmidt is eager for the day that such milestones dont exist anymore.

I look forward to when we dont have to celebrate firsts anymore, Bauernschmidt said.

Joining the Navy

Bauernschmidt, who grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, wanted to pursue a career that complemented her interests in math, sciences and the water. As she searched for colleges, she learned only a handful of schools offered a degree in ocean engineering  including the U.S. Naval Academy.

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The school intrigued her, and Bauernschmidt spent a year in Rhode Island attending the Naval Academy Preparatory School, which aims to train midshipmen candidates through academic and physical programs for a life at the service academy, prior to heading to Annapolis.

Her time at the prep school, known as NAPS, provided a more seamless transition from civilian to military life.

NAPS is perfect because youre wearing uniform, you go into class, but its not as strict as being a midshipmanYou really kind of get a dry run of your first year at the Naval Academy, Bauernschmidt said.

This Navy captain is now the first woman commanding a nuclear aircraft carrier

Ultimately, Bauernschmidt graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1994, just months after Congress repealed laws prohibiting women from serving on combat ships and aircraft. That decision played a role in Bauernschmidts choice to pursue a career in aviation, she said.

There are incredible women all over the Navy now that are only there because they were able to take advantage of the new opportunities after that act passed, Bauernschmidt said. And so most of the awesomeness that youre seeing in 2023 is because of that act passing.

But it was the rigors of flight school that she said helped point her toward success, which then paved the way for her success at Nuclear Power School.

Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt uses the multi-purpose reconfigurable training system (MRTS) 3-D aboard the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln. (MC3 Aleksandr Freutel/U.S. Navy)

It was really naval aviation that taught me how to study, Bauernschmidt said. Youre in an aircraft, youre flying in and an emergency comes up. When youre in an emergency, theres no time to pull out a book. And so you needed to know the information and your systems and your procedures cold. And thats where I really learned how to study.

I took so many aspects of how I studied to become a pilot when I went to nuclear power training, Bauernschmidt said. If I had not had the experience of being an aviator, I would not have done well at Nuclear Power School.

Bauernschmidt earned her wings as a naval aviator in 1996, and became a helicopter pilot assigned to Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light 45, the Wolfpack, in San Diego.

She also served as an instructor pilot and quality assurance officer with the Seahawks of HSL-41 in San Diego, as well as the commanding officer of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 70  totaling more than 3,000 flight hours during her career.

Leading the Lincoln

Bauernschmidt took command of the Lincoln in August 2021, following a tour as the commanding officer of the amphibious transport dock San Diego.

Less than two weeks later after taking the lead, Bauernschmidt faced one of the most challenging moments of her career when a MH-60S Seahawk helicopter assigned to the Lincoln crashed while conducting training  killing five sailors. She wears a patch on her jacket honoring the five servicemembers who died.

A Navy investigation found that a damaged damper hose failed, causing the helicopter to vigorously shake as it was landing aboard the carrier, ultimately sending it into a spin that caused the aircraft to fall into the ocean.

Bauernschmidt recalled talking to sailors days after the mishap, their awe-inspiring ability to internalize the tragedy and their ability to have conversations about it.

The team on board here did an absolutely incredible job and that professionalism, ownership of the mission, ability to do the right thing  continued throughout this tour, which was definitely a highlight, Bauernschmidt said.

The carrier and its strike group set out on deployment in January 2022 to the U.S. 7th Fleet, where it conducted dual-carrier operations in the South China Sea with the Carl Vinson carrier strike group. The carrier also served as the flagship during Exercise Rim of the Pacific in July 2022, the worlds largest international maritime exercise conducted near the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.

The biennial exercise involved 26 nations, 38 surface ships, and more than 25,000 personnel, who conducted what the Navy dubbed the most realistic, relevant combined operations training.

For the first time, the exercise embarked two U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft on Australian amphibious ship HMAS Canberra and also embedded MQ-9A and MQ-9B unmanned aerial vehicles.

RIMPAC  there is no maritime exercise in the world like it, and the ability to so flawlessly work together for a period of about five weeks is truly impressive, Bauernschmidt said.

Another milestone from the deployment for Bauernschmidt was the teams ability to adapt after going more than 60 days without a port visit while navigating a high-risk environment.

It was not a COVID thing. It was a mission thing, Bauernschmidt said. We were out there doing what our country had asked us to do. And the sailors did not complain, and they did not skip a beat, and they performed exceptionally well.

Additionally, the Lincoln and its strike group were the first to deploy a Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II squadron: Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314.

The squadron became ready for a carrier deployment and full combat operations in July 2021, and concluded a final integrated training cycle with the Lincoln and the carrier strike group in December 2021.

By and large, it was a completely seamless, flawless integration, Bauernschmidt said in August 2022 when the carrier returned to San Diego.

Rear Adm. Kevin Lenox, commander, Carrier Strike Group 3, presents a Legion of Merit to Capt. Amy N. Bauernschmidt, during a change of command ceremony in May. (MC2 Madison Cassidy/U.S. Navy)

The Navy nominated Bauernschmidt for rear admiral in February 2023 and she is now assigned to the U.S. 7th Fleet, while Capt. Pete Riebe relieved her as commanding officer of the Lincoln in May.

Over the course of her CVN command tour, Capt. Bauernschmidt has shown herself to be an immensely impactful leader, Rear Adm. Kevin Lenox, commander of Carrier Strike Group 3, said at the change of command ceremony in May, according to a Navy news release. She did this job as well I as I have ever seen it done, by anyone.

As a leader, Bauernschmidt hopes she inspired her sailors to accomplish goals they didnt think were possible.

If one sailor can remember that you cared about what they were doing, then I won the lottery, Bauernschmidt said. And if theres one sailor  just one  that did something that they didnt think they could do and achieve something they didnt think they could achieve because of something I did or said  that is beyond words.
A composite image of Sharaban (left) who is accused of killing Khadidja (right). Insider via BILD-Foto

Prosecutors say that Khadidja O. was hunted down and killed by her doppelganger.

As the trial looms, Insider spoke to her family in Algeria who is desperately looking for answers.

The mother says she is being kept in the dark by German authorities.

Cherifa Bouch hadn't seen her daughter, Khadidja, for more than a decade.

But on an otherwise ordinary day in August, she was consumed by a feeling that her firstborn was in trouble.

"On the day of her death, her framed picture fell off the wall," she told Insider from her home in Oran, Algeria. "As a mother's intuition, I sensed that she was in crisis."

Sadly, she was right.

Khadidja, who was living in Heilbronn, Germany, at the time, was brutally killed after being hunted down on Instagram by a woman who looked like her doppelganger, police said.

The bizarre case gripped the media and thrust the family into a true-crime nightmare.

In the 11 months since, Bouch has been desperately searching for answers about how her daughter  a beauty blogger with a tight-knit group of friends  could have been lured to her death via social media.

She feels German authorities have left her in the dark with information reaching the family piece-by-piece from media reports and Khadidja's friends.

Khadidja's younger sister, Ahlem Boudjemaa, told Insider that initially finding out about her death through friends on social media was devastating. "I was the first to learn about the news, and I screamed and cried," she said.

The victim, Khadidja, 23, was an Algerian beauty influencer living in Heilbronn, Germany. Mohamed Mira

Doppelganger killing

Last summer, prosecutors accused a 23-year-old German Iraqi woman  identified only as Shahraban K  of trawling social media for a look-alike and then killing the victim to fake her own death. (The victims and accused are referred to by only their first names and an initial, as is customary in the German legal system.)

Shahraban, they said, had created a fake Instagram account to contact multiple women who looked like her. When she found Khadidja, she offered to give the 23-year-old a makeover, they said.

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The beauty blogger was hesitant, according to her family, but eventually agreed to meet up.

On August 16, police in Germany said they found a body in the back of a Mercedes in Ingolstadt with more than 50 stab wounds. The victim's face, in particular, was "badly injured," they added.

Officials initially identified the body as belonging to Shahraban. But an autopsy a day later found that the corpse had, in fact, belonged to Khadidja.

Khadidja bore a resemblance to Shahraban  olive skin, brown eyes, and long, wavy hair. So striking was the similarity that Shahraban's parents initially believed that the body belonged to their daughter.

A second suspect, whom officials said helped her with the killing, was identified as Shahraban's friend, a 23-year-old man named Sheqir K.

Veronika Grieser of the Ingolstadt state prosecutor's office told the German tabloid Bild that Shahraban had wanted to go into hiding "due to internal disputes with her family."

(Bild shares its parent company, Axel Springer SE, with Insider.)

The weapon used in the killing has not been found, she added, but "the burden of proof is overwhelming."

The broken picture frame featuring photos of doppelganger murder victim Khadidja in her mother's home in Oran, Algeria. Mohamed Mira

When details of the investigation emerged in January, it made headlines worldwide, with news outlets dubbing it the "doppelganger murder."

Andreas Aichele, a police spokesperson, told Bild: "It was an extraordinary case that demanded all the skills of the investigators.

"We don't have a case like this every day  especially with such a spectacular twist. On the day we found the body, it was not at all expected that it would take such a development."

News of the death traveled slower to Bouch, who said it took 10 days for her to learn of her daughter's killing.

Khadidja as a baby, pictured in her cot. Mohamed Mira

She said German authorities failed to inform her about the killing. Now, as the trial of Shahraban and Sheqir looms, Bouch is hoping for justice.

"My hope is to attend the trial of my daughter's killer and hear the verdict so that I can tell my daughter in her grave that justice has been served," she told Insider.

A search for answers

Bouch said that despite the media attention, the German authorities have done very little to help, except provide her with a general email address. Bouch also said she doesn't know when the trial starts.

"I fear that my daughter's rights may be lost and her killers may go unpunished," she said.

Insider discovered the email address she'd been given was incorrect. When contacted, Grieser said: "We do not have a corresponding request from the victim's mother, which could have been assigned to these proceedings, here, at the Ingolstadt Public Prosecutor's Office."

She added: "When we receive inquiries from relatives of the victims, we provide information on request about the status of the investigation, significant developments, and dates, insofar as this is possible in view of the ongoing investigations."

Grieser characterized this as a misunderstanding.

Khadidja O.'s mother, Bouch Cherifa, sits in her home in Oran, Algeria. Mohamed Mira

A recent fact-finding mission to Germany, which Bouch undertook despite being unwell, also left her struggling to get information.

Bouch suffered a brain hemorrhage several years ago, which means she sometimes has seizures. "When I heard that she was killed, I became even more sick," she said.

Despite notifying the German authorities of her health, she said she did not receive any assistance while she was there. She also tried to visit the Algerian Embassy but said it was closed because of public holidays.

"I was crying and asking for help because it was my first time in Germany and I couldn't find a hotel," she said. "I wanted them to help me find a hotel, but nobody asked about me."

After a few unsuccessful days, Bouch returned to Algeria. She plans to return to Germany to learn the verdict of the trial.

"I heard that they would give them a life sentence, but I'm not sure about it," she said.

A photo of the victim, Khadidja, as a child in Algeria. Mohamed Mira

Shahraban and Sheqir, who are both in custody, were charged with first-degree murder, Bild reported.

Earlier this month, Shahraban was charged with an additional crime, relating to an allegation that she had paid somebody to kill a relative just one month before Khadidja was found dead. The plan failed, prosecutors said.

The public prosecutor's investigation is ongoing, Grieser told Insider, with no date set for a main hearing.

"We very much regret that the victim's mother feels inadequately informed by the authorities," she said. "Of course, the victim's relatives have a right to information about the status of the proceedings and, of course, about the dates of the main hearing."

Until then, the family continues to live in limbo, plagued by unanswered questions and uncertainty.

"I still can't believe that my sister has passed away," Boudjemaa said.

And, she added, "I still don't understand the reason."

Read the original article on Insider
CHICAGO  A woman who spent nearly three decades in prison for a murder she did not commit has filed a federal lawsuit against the Chicago Police Department and several individual officers, including a disgraced former detective accused of framing dozens of innocent people.

The 13-count civil complaint filed Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on behalf of Marilyn Mulero, 52, alleges that detectives Reynaldo Guevara and Ernest Halvorsen and other officers engaged in a "number of unconstitutional and egregious acts" and coerced a false confession from Mulero.

She is one of at least 38 people exonerated after being convicted on murder charges due to the misconduct of the officers, according to the complaint. Collectively, the innocent men and women have served more than 800 years behind bars, the complaint says.

"I stand here today because, unlike myself, there's many other innocent people incarcerated," Mulero said at a press conference Tuesday, adding, "There are many women that are innocent. And these women are not spoken of."

The Chicago Police Department said it does not comment on ongoing litigation.

What happened to Marilyn Mulero?

In May 1992, Mulero was 21 years old with two young children. She was in a park on Chicago's West Side when another woman shot and killed two people. Mulero "did not participate in the shootings or have any knowledge they were going to occur," her attorneys said.

Yet Mulero was "subjected to brutal and unconstitutional interrogation tactics" to force a confession, including being told she would receive a lethal injection if she did not confess, her attorneys said.

A corrupt Chicago cop destroyed lives. Now victims want justice.

According to the complaint, the officers did not provide Mulero with access to a lawyer, used psychological torture, manipulated and coerced purported witnesses into providing false statements, promised leniency to jailhouse informants in exchange for false testimony and manipulated lineups and identifications.

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Mulero pleaded guilty in the hopes of avoiding the death penalty, but she was sentenced to death anyway. Her sentence was reduced to life in prison several years later. In total, she was incarcerated for 28 years, including five years on Death Row.

"It took many long, long years of writing letters to get support," said Mulero, who estimated writing 3,000 letters to try to gain attention to her case. She added: "Every day I'd wake up wondering what it'd be like for me to take my children to school."

In 2020, after investigations and lawsuits uncovered evidence that Guevara, Halvorsen and other officers had framed dozens of people, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker commuted Mulero's sentence, and she was released from prison. In 2022, a Cook County judge granted motions filed by State's Attorney Kim Foxx to dismiss all charges against Mulero.

Marilyn Mulero

"She was the first Latinx woman ever sentenced to death in Illinois, the first woman to be exonerated in a Guevara-related case, and she is the first and only woman exonerated from death row in Cook County, Illinois," Mulero's attorneys said in a press release.

Mulero said there were many times while incarcerated when she wanted to "give up." She said it has been hard to get a job and rebuild her relationships with her children and grandchildren. At one point, she was homeless for six months, she said.

"I struggle every day because I'm a broken woman. I'm trying to rebuild myself, but it's not easy," she said.

The attorneys called Mulero's exoneration "a step in the right direction" but said her exoneration "can never give her back the nearly thirty years that she spent in prison, nor the opportunity to raise her two children, who grew up with a wrongfully incarcerated mother."

800 years served by innocent people, attorneys say

Several other people wrongfully convicted in cases tied to Guevara and Halvorsen stood alongside Mulero at the press conference Tuesday.

"This is something that we have to live with for the rest of our lives," Mulero said.

The Death Penalty Information Center, a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., has accused Guevara of framing defendants of murder in more than 50 cases.

The City of Chicago has paid more than $26 million since 2010 for outside counsel to handle civil rights lawsuits involving Guevara, according to an analysis of Law Department records by the Chicago Tribune. So far, the city has resolved a handful of the suits. In court, Guevara has repeatedly plead the Fifth Amendment.

Mulero's complaint seeks monetary damages and aims to make it "unsustainable for the City of Chicago to protect and defend officers who have no business wearing a patch," said attorney Antonio Romanucci.

Halvorsen, who was a member of the Chicago Police Department from 1972 until 2010, died in 2020. Guevara, who served from 1976 until 2005, continues to collect more than $80,000 per year from his police pension, according to the complaint.

"We still believe there are more victims and survivors of these disgraced officers," Romanucci said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chicago detective hit with federal lawsuit for wrongful imprisonment
A Russian delegation headed by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu will visit North Korea from 25 to 27 July to "celebrate" the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War.

Source: Kremlin-aligned news agency RIA Novosti

Details: The Russian ministry claims that the visit will contribute to the strengthening of Russian-North Korean military ties and will be an important stage in the development of cooperation between Russia and North Korea.

Commemorative events dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War will begin in North Korea on 26 July.

Shoigu will fly from Russia to Pyongyang, and Li Hongzhong, deputy chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, will fly from China.

The Korean War was an armed conflict of 19501953 between North Korea and South Korea. The reason for the war was Kim Il-Sungs desire to take over the whole of Korea. Before the attack, he enlisted the support of the USSR and China.

The Soviet military trained the North Korean army, and before the invasion, Kim Il-Sung asked for permission from Joseph Stalin, and only after gaining his support did the North Korean army invade South Korea at 04:00 on 25 June 1950.

Kim Il-Sung counted on the support of the population of South Korea and believed that they were waiting for his rule there, but the lightning invasion failed.

The USA and Western countries supported South Korea. By 1953, the conflict had exhausted both sides. At a UN meeting, they voted for a ceasefire. The front line actually moved back to the previous division along the 38th parallel.

Until now, the peace treaty that would formally end the war has not been signed. The United States, North Korea, and China signed a peace agreement in July 1953, but South Korea refused to sign it.

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By Yew Lun Tian and Laurie Chen

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's top diplomat Wang Yi has been given back his old job as foreign minister, one he had held for almost a decade from 2013, after the shock removal of his short-lived successor.

Wang, 69, is a career diplomat and fluent Japanese speaker who served as Chinas ambassador in Tokyo and head of Chinas policy-making Taiwan Affairs Office.

Likened to a "silver fox" by Chinas state media and online admirers due to his greying hair and diplomatic wiles, Wang currently heads the Chinese Communist Party Foreign Affairs Commission, the top foreign policy decision-making body.

Regarded by some of his foreign counterparts as suave and charming, he has become increasingly tough in recent years: a proponent of China's aggressive and often abrasive "wolf warrior" style of diplomacy.

"No matter how blonde you dye your hair or how sharp you make your nose, you will never become European, American or Western," he told South Korean and Japanese counterparts at a forum earlier this month, in a criticism about their pro-western stance.

He told U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in 2022 that the U.S. should "stop trying to deal with the Chinese from a position of strength."

When he met Blinken in Beijing last month - the first visit by Washington's top diplomat in five years - he told him China had "no room for compromise or concessions" on Taiwan, the democratic island China claims as its own and Washington supports.

Journalists have also been on the receiving end of Wang's sharp tongue.

After a Canadian reporter asked him about human rights in 2016, he responded by saying the question was "full of prejudice against China and arrogance". "I dont know where that comes from. This is totally unacceptable, he said through an interpreter.

Wang had been kept busy after stepping down as foreign minister in 2022.

He was seen as instrumental in brokering a surprise peace deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia in March and then stood in for his successor Qin Gang at several engagements after he disappeared from public view for a month before his removal.

(Reporting by Yew Lun Tian; Editing by Christina Fincher)
UK airlines are continuing to sell flights for immediate departure from the UK to Rhodes despite the wildfires that have seen thousands of tourists evacuated from the island.

The UKs two biggest tour operators, Jet2 and Tui, have cancelled all flights and holidays to Rhodes for several days ahead. They are and offering refunds because of the fires, which have been raging on the Greek island for six days.

But other airlines are continuing to offer seats on flights to Rhodes, and the travel firm Thomas Cook says most of its customers booked to travel ion Sunday and Monday are travelling as normal.

From London Gatwick, easyJet has five flights to Rhodes on sale on Tuesday. But for those who no longer wish to travel, the airline is allowing free changes for passengers booked up to 29 July.

Three easyJet aircraft are also flying out empty to pick up UK holidaymakers wanting to come home early.

Ryanair says its operations to and from Rhodes are normal and that usual conditions apply.

Jet2 and Tui are dispatching aircraft with no passengers from UK airports to Rhodes to pick up holidaymakers. Both have dispatched teams to help customers.

Tui customers on the island are being told: We are aware that many of our guests are now located at evacuation centres or found temporary shelter at other hotels. We are relentlessly working on improving the situation for our guests and our teams are working closely with the local authorities.

Customers currently in Rhodes will return on their intended flight home.

Holidaymakers were evacuated from their hotels and left their belongings behind (AP)

Rhodes airport is on the northwestern shore of the Greek island, close to the capital, Rhodes Town. With no imminent danger in that area, airlines are entitled to operate a business as usual policy, with normal terms applying.

But most are expected to provide some options to customers, with package holidaymakers benefiting from extra protection.

It comes after holidaymakers were forced to flee resorts on Saturday, with some British tourists describing terrifying scenes of turmoil as power cuts caused chaos on the island.

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Thousands of tourists have been evacuated (AP)

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.

The Foreign Office advises travellers to contact their airline or travel operator. For 24/7 British consular assistance, UK citizens abroad can call +44 20 7008 5000.

The FCDO has also sent a Rapid Deployment Team to Rhodes to support British nationals, and the Greek Foreign Affairs ministry has set up a help desk at Rhodes airport.

I am in Rhodes and want to leave as soon as possible. What are my options?

Many tourists are in that position. Jet2 and easyJet are operating special repatriation flights in addition to the normal schedule. The general principle is that

British Airways says passengers booked to fly from Rhodes to London can switch to earlier flights without penalty  though little space may be available. The earliest BA departure with space available is on Wednesday evening.

Other carriers may adopt a similar policy. But availability is scarce, with no seats on easyJet flights to the London area until late on Tuesday evening, and not before Wednesday to Manchester.

Most airlines are operating their normal schedules, and are likely to continue to do so from Rhodes  though more outbound flights may be empty, as Jet2 and Tui are doing.

Flights are full. Are there any other ways out from the island?

Yes. Dodekanisos Seaways sails once or twice a day from Rhodes Town to Kos, where there are fairly frequent flights to the UK. The 8am sailing is usually the fastest and most reliable, taking around 2h30m. A taxi will take you from the port to the airport in about 30 minutes, with much cheaper but slower buses available.

Flights on Tuesday 25 July include a Ryanair departure to London Stansted which is currently selling at just 37.

The ferry voyage to Marmaris in Turkey is shorter, at around one hour, but the closest airport, Dalaman, is a long way from the town  making for a 90-minute taxi journey or two hours in a bus. In addition the frontier formalities leaving Greece and arriving in Turkey will take time.

I lost my travel documents in the scramble to leave the area. Can I leave the island?

Yes. To help tourists who were evacuated from their accommodation in a hurry and left their passports behind, the Greek authorities are issuing emergency and temporary identification to allow them to board their flights.

Ryanair says: Passengers departing from Rhodes should be advised that we will accept temporary travel documentation issued by the Greek Police.

If I am brought home early, will I get some or all of my money back?

People who are anxious about being on the island but whose holidays have not been directly affected are unlikely to be offered any recompense for the lost holiday times.

Package holidaymakers whose trips are curtailed because their accommodation cannot be used are due a partial refund under the Package Travel Regulations. But it may not be as much as the traveller might expect.

If a two-week holiday that cost 1,000 per person ends a week early, the refund will not simply be half the cost of the trip, ie 500. The holiday company is entitled to subtract the value of the flights, which might be 400  meaning only half of the remainder will be refunded, ie 300.

If you make the decision to return ahead of schedule, no compensation is due. Travel insurance may help with extra costs if you can demonstrate you spent them reasonably.

I am booked to travel imminently to Rhodes. Can I cancel for a refund?

If the travel firm or airline cancels your trip you can expect a full refund within two weeks. If the flight is going ahead, then your rights depend on whether you are on a proper package holiday or have booked flights and accommodation separately.

Under the Package Travel Regulations, holidaymakers can cancel for a refund if unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occur at the place of destination or its immediate vicinity which significantly affect the performance of the package or the carriage of passengers to the destination.

In the case of key parts of Rhodes, this looks like reasonable grounds to cancel.

These are the companies policies for imminent departures as of 4pm on Monday.

British Airways: passengers booked to Rhodes in the next week can rebook for a different date up to November 2023.

easyJet: all easyJet Holidays packages up to and including Tuesday 25 July are cancelled, with full refunds offered. Flight only passengers booked to travel to or from Rhodes until 29 July can transfer for free to another date or can request a flight voucher by calling easyJet Customer Services on 0330 551 5151.

Jet2: all flights and holidays that are due to depart to Rhodes up to and including 30 July have been cancelled, with full refunds offered.

Ryanair: Flights to/from Rhodes Airport are currently operating as normal and unaffected by the forest fires. Please check your Ryanair app where you will be notified of any changes to your Ryanair flight.

Thomas Cook: the online travel agent is allowing customers due to depart to holidays in the affected areas in Kiotari and Lardos up to 31 July to cancel their holidays for a full refund. Customers booked to travel to elsewhere in Rhodes on Tuesday and Wednesday are being offered full refunds.

Tui: We have cancelled all outbound flights to Rhodes up to and including Friday 28 July, and have also cancelled all outbound flights for customers travelling to impacted hotels up to and including on Sunday 30 July. All customers due to travel on these flights will receive full refunds. Passengers due to travel to areas not affected by fires on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July will be offered a fee free amend to another holiday or the option to cancel for a full refund. 

I am booked to travel to Rhodes in August. Can I cancel?

Not at this stage. Depending on events over the next few days, travel firms will make decisions on their plans for the peak summer month.

The travel industry appears to be preparing the ground for a restart in tourism to some of the unaffected areas of Rhodes. A spokesperson for Abta, the travel association, said: We understand that some of the resorts have had their evacuation order removed by the Greek authorities and people have been advised that they can return to the resorts of Lindos, Pefkos and Kalathos.

Travel companies will be liaising with their accommodation providers to ensure that they are ready to receive customers and customers will be notified accordingly.

Would you go to Rhodes?

I sympathise with everyone who is feeling apprehensive about travelling to an island that, in places, is nothing short of a disaster area. Even though distressed and exhausted holidaymakers are still trying to return from Rhodes, some tourists have been proceeding with their trips as booked in the past few days.

But I would not travel there immediately: with people still trying to get out and the infrastructure under pressure, it would be unhelpful.

Looking ahead a few days, though, I believe the picture will change significantly. By tomorrow I believe the vast majority of people who understandably want to come home will have done so: large amounts of air capacity are going in as repatriation flights. Pressure on the resources will ease. And the damage to the resorts on the south east shore of Rhodes will be clear.

For people who are booked to the affected area, it may be that you are offered a choice between moving to a different location or a full refund. But getting all your money back is likely to be offered only if the travel firm deems it impossible for you to have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

The people of Rhodes have shown outstanding kindness and courage towards overseas tourists. In most parts of the island  and 90 per cent is unaffected  they will want to get back to work delivering great experiences for visiting holidaymakers. And, in a week or two, I would be glad to go there and meet them.

Meanwhile, what is happening in Corfu?

A wildfire, which some reports say was started deliberately, has led to evacuations of some villages and a few hotels in the north east of the Ionian island.

A Tui spokesperson said on Monday: Weve been working with the local authorities in Corfu following the outbreak of a wildfire in the north east of the island last night resulting in guests being evacuated from a small number of hotels.

As a precautionary measure we also stopped new arrivals into the affected hotels for Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 July. The situation is now fully under control and guests are returning to their hotels to continue their holidays as planned.

The Abta spokesperson said: The situation in Corfu is quite different to the situation in Rhodes. The wildfire on the north east of the island of Corfu is on a much smaller scale and is affecting significantly fewer holidaymakers.

Some of the resorts were evacuated as a precautionary measure and we understand that those who were initially evacuated have mostly been able to return to their resorts and their accommodation.

Corfu is a very large island. Hotels and resorts are open and providing holiday services. The majority of people travelling to or currently on holiday in Corfu should be able to continue their holidays as planned.

Customers in Corfu and those due to travel there imminently are advised to continue to monitor the situation and follow any advice issued by the local authorities or their travel company.
The five surviving defendants sit in a specially designed glass box in the Palace of Justice in Brussels - OLIVIER MATTHYS/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

A Brussels court on Tuesday convicted French citizen Salah Abdeslam and Belgian-Moroccan Mohamed Abrini for 2016 jihadist bombings in the Belgian capital that killed 32 people, after the countrys largest-ever criminal trial.

The high-profile pair  already sentenced to life in jail by France for a 2015 massacre in Paris  were among six accused found guilty of murder linked to terrorism over the biggest peacetime attack in Belgium.

The suicide attacks on Mar 22 2016 at Brussels main airport and on the metro system were claimed by the Islamic State group.

Hundreds of travellers and transport staff were maimed and seven years on many victims, relatives and rescuers remain traumatised.

The murder convictions leave those found guilty facing a life sentence in Belgium. Sentencing is expected after the summer recess ends in September.

Sole surviving Paris perpetrator

Abdeslam, 33, is the sole surviving perpetrator of the 2015 Paris attack that killed 130 people. Prosecutors told the court they believed the Belgium-based cell also carried out the Nov 13 2015 rampage in the French capital.

Abdeslam had fled to Brussels after taking part in the Paris attacks and holed up for four months in an apartment hosting members of the local cell.

He was arrested several days before the Brussels attacks took place.

But the jury  which spent over two weeks deliberating  rejected his claim not to have been involved in planning the violence.

Abrini was found guilty of being one of the teams of suicide bombers who targeted Brussels main airport and a metro station.

He testified that he decided at the last minute not to blow himself up at the airport  as did another defendant, Osama Krayem, a Swede of Syrian origin.

Krayem was also found guilty of murder, along with defendants Ali El Haddad Asufi and Bilal El Makhoukhi.

Suspect Osama Atar, who is believed to have been killed in an air strike in Syria, was convicted in absentia of masterminding the attacks.

Story continues

Two other defendants  Tunisian Sofien Ayari and Rwandan Herve Bayingana Muhirwa  were acquitted of murder but found guilty of participating in a terrorist group.

Brothers Smail and Ibrahim Farisi were acquitted of the charges they faced.

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Emergency crews were called to a fire on Brunot Island Monday evening.

PHOTOS: Smoke billowing from fire after reactor catastrophically failed on Brunot Island

Photos and videos shared with Channel 11 from viewers show smoke filling the sky as flames sprouted from the island in the Ohio River.

A Pittsburgh Public Safety report said the fire was caused by the failure of a specialized transformer at the Duquesne Light facility.

Flames could be seen from miles away. While the island is in Pittsburghs Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood, images and videos sent to Channel 11 are from as far back as Ross Township.

Officials said no one was hurt in the blaze and the fire and any related hazards are contained to Brunot Island.

Fire personnel and those working on the blaze had pulled out due to safety concerns.

We arrived with our crews and had a large fire and some small detonations happening on the island as a result of a reactor failure, told Channel 11 Assistant Chief Brian Kokkila of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire at the scene Monday night.. This is a catastrophic failure of a reactor, which is part of a power grid.

Kokkila said oil inside the reactor was burning.

Duquesne Light released the following statement about the fire after 9 a.m. Tuesday:

Fire crews successfully put out the fire on Brunot Island overnight. Our crews remain on the scene to assess the full damage, which was contained to the area around the transformer, and have begun the cleanup process. The incident has not resulted in any injuries, threats to the public or disruption to electric service. We will continue investigating the cause and working with the appropriate agencies to ensure the continued safety of our employees, customers and the environment. We thank everyone involved for their hard and diligent work in getting this matter resolved safely.

Officials said the scene cleared just after 2 a.m.

The Norfolk Southern Rail line that crosses the Ohio River over Brunot Island was temporarily shut down during the fire and emergency operation but has since reopened.

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Overnight, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire was able to extinguish the fire and douse it with additional water to cool down the site, according to the report. There was no threat to the public.

Along with Duquesne Light, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire will continue to investigate.

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Fishing trips to Canada are a tradition for Jeffrey Hardy and his three friends from Vermont. They have, since 2001, been anglers loyal to Quebecs northern wilderness, where the walleye are plentiful and the cellphone service is not.

This summer, the crisp forest air coveted by recreationists visiting Canada was instead polluted with smoke as wildfires have torn through millions of acres, blocking roads, destroying campgrounds and forcing tourism operators to scramble during peak season. The mens mid-June fishing trip was canceled.

It was a big letdown, said Hardy, who is from St. Albans, Vermont, but has been living and working remotely from Bermuda since the pandemic began. Everybody was excited to go because Canada had been shut down for all of COVID.

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The countrys worst wildfire season on record is straining the outdoor segments of Canadas tourism industry at a crucial time in its rebound from years of pandemic travel restrictions. Of the 28.6 million acres that have burned across the country so far, more than 11.6 million acres were in Quebec, the most of any province, according to data from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.

Fire season typically runs from April to September in Canada, and had an intense start this year with mass evacuations in Alberta and Nova Scotia in May, followed by Quebec, and parts of northern Ontario. In central British Columbia, where the wildfires are picking up intensity, the coroners office is investigating the death of a 9-year-old from an asthma attack that it said was aggravated by wildfire smoke. Three firefighters have died in separate provinces.

Other than some days of reduced air quality, major Canadian cities remain largely unaffected by wildfires. The fires are in the countrys northern and more remote regions  regions that, in years past, have drawn travelers who are interested in outdoor experiences.

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Federal data compiled by the Tourism Industry Association Canada shows that tourism represented, in 2019, a 2% share of Canadas gross domestic product, or 44 billion Canadian dollars. Because of rigid international border restrictions, that figure was halved by the pandemic, but has since rebounded to C$37.8 billion.

Last year, close to 9.5 million Americans traveled to Canada, and another 3.3 million came mainly from Britain, Mexico, India, France and China. American travelers are the most important demographic for Canadas tourism industry, with international visitation rates forecast to recover by 2026, and tourism spending by 2024, according to Destination Canada, a government-owned marketing organization.

In a recent report, the organization said visitors spent C$1.9 billion from 2018 to 2019  half of the total spent by international visitors  in the cities of Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal.

But other Canadian destinations attractive to visitors, like hiking trails in British Columbia or campgrounds in eastern Ontario and Quebec, have been affected by the wildfires. Earlier this month, rains brought some relief to Quebec, perhaps too late.

For some, the most profitable portion of this season is behind them, said Dominic Dugre, president of the Quebec Outfitters, an industry group. About 330 wilderness outfitters  like the fishing lodge Hardy planned to use  were temporarily closed because of the wildfires, putting revenue losses at more than C$10 million, Dugre estimates. Thirty or so camps and cabins, he added, have burned or were damaged.

The Quebec government is offering businesses hurt by the wildfires financial support through guaranteed loan programs, totaling C$50 million.

Repayment for debt accumulated over the pandemic is among the top concerns for Canadian tourism operators, especially smaller businesses, said Beth Potter, president of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. The group is urging the government to extend repayment time frames.

In anticipation of increasing visitor volumes, and ongoing wildfires, some businesses are rethinking how to adapt their operations.

Thats going to be the new thing that we do as travel agents who are promoting an outdoor-type recreation as a tourism opportunity, said Renee Charbonneau, executive director of the Canadian Motorcycle Tourism Association, based in Grande Prairie, Alberta.

The associations nonprofit travel agency is considering creating a questionnaire for customers to indicate at which level of the air quality index they would postpone or cancel a booking, Charbonneau said, adding that a recent motorcycle tour was postponed because of road closures from the wildfires, reduced air quality and a lack of visibility.

About 30,000 Albertans were evacuated from their homes in May, early in the fire season, which has continued to rage on and is now picking up in British Columbia, where there is currently the greatest number of wildfires burning. This comes two years after a devastating heat wave that the provinces coroner said caused 619 deaths, followed by widespread fires, including one that destroyed the rural town of Lytton, killing two people.

Tourism in British Columbia is a greater contributor to the provinces gross domestic product  C$5 billion per the latest government figures from 2021  than the provinces next largest industry, oil, at C$4.5 billion. The province has a diverse array of recreational offerings, from the major ski destination of Whistler to wineries in the Okanagan Valley and kayaking or hiking along the Pacific coast.

Blackcomb Helicopters, a helicopter tour and utilities company based in Whistler, has canceled or rescheduled its sightseeing excursions and other offerings, including flights that bring picnickers to remote alpine lakes, or mountain bikers to summits. The company is using most of its fleet on the firefighting effort until at least early August.

It comes down to the question of flying our customers around on sightseeing tours or putting out fires within 5, 10 kilometers of our bases of operations and the communities that we live in, said Jordy Norris, the companys tourism director and a former wildland firefighter. We made it pretty clear to both our staff and our customers that we have a duty to protect the backyard.

Some parts of the backyard have gone up in flames.

Darrin Rigo, a videographer and photographer, was recently filming a waterfall at a recreational site, Greer Creek Falls, for a local tourism board in the northern part of the province. A boardwalk runs through the lush forest, taking visitors to the falls, where the crystal water and perfect sky captured what Rigo said makes British Columbias nature a gem. We were so excited to send it off to our clients and invite people to come see it, he said.

Two weeks later, on a community Facebook page, he saw a photo someone had shared of the entrance to the park engulfed in 30-foot flames.

What happened with Greer Creek was my first time losing a landmark that was really beautiful, that was close to home, Rigo said. Im looking at this map of all these fires around us, and Im pretty sure thats not going to be the only one.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
By Sheila Dang

(Reuters) -Photo messaging app-owner Snap Inc on Tuesday gave weaker third quarter guidance than analysts had expected as it works to compete with tech giants for advertising dollars, sending its shares down 18%.

The company's Snapchat app has attracted hundreds of millions of users thanks to its lighthearted photo filters and new AI-powered chatbot that can answer questions. But it has struggled to consistently grow revenue and catch up to rivals like Facebook-owner Meta Platforms that reach a much larger audience, prompting questions from analysts and investors about its strategy.

Santa Monica, California-based Snap said it estimates third quarter revenue will be between $1.07 billion to $1.13 billion. Analysts were expecting revenue of $1.13 billion, at the top end of the guidance range.

Similarly, Wall Street forecast 406.2 million users in the third quarter, according to IBES data from Refinitiv, but Snap said it expects between 405 million to 406 million daily active users.

Shares of Snap dropped 18% to $10.19 in after-market trading following the results.

Snap's weak outlook "highlights concerns that advertising money is not going to the smaller social media networks amid the constrained economic environment," said Jesse Cohen, senior analyst at Investing.com.

Earlier this year, the company updated its machine learning model to serve more relevant promotions to users, which Snap said in the short term caused a small number of its largest advertisers to see fewer "actions," such as users tapping on ads, than they did previously

Advertisers are beginning to see results from the changes, which led to a more than 30% increase in "purchase-related conversions" compared to the first quarter, Snap told investors.

The improvements also helped Snap grow the total number of advertisers on its platform, though it is not yet enough to make up for the lower ad demand from some larger brands, it added.

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During a conference call with analysts, Snap's chief financial officer Derek Andersen said the consumer packaged goods, restaurants and travel industries were strong, but advertisers in other sectors continued to face economic challenges.

Still, the tech company beat revenue and user estimates for the second quarter.

Revenue for the quarter ending June 30 was $1.07 billion, beating analyst expectations of $1.05 billion, according to Refinitiv data.

Daily active users on Snapchat rose 14% year-over-year to 397 million, beating Wall Street expectations of 394.8 million.

More than 150 million people have also sent more than 10 billion messages to My AI, the ChatGPT-powered bot Snap launched in February. Those conversations will help Snap learn more about user interests and lead to more relevant ads, the company said, adding that it is testing sponsored links in My AI's responses.

Snap's net loss was $377 million during the second quarter, narrowing from a net loss of $422 million the previous year.

Several analysts questioned Snap's plan to spend more on infrastructure, which the company said would cost between 79 cents to 84 cents per daily active user in the third quarter, up from 70 cents from the second quarter. Andersen said the spending aimed to improve its ads platform and grow user engagement with content.

(Reporting by Sheila Dang in Dallas; editing by Susan Heavey)
S.C. Rep Rosalyn Henderson Myers' legislation to support breastfeeding mothers at work is gaining international attention.

Henderson Myers, a Democrat, from Spartanburg was invited by Baroness Sandip Verma of Leicester, England, to attend the Africa Summit Leaders' Briefing at the House of Lords in London on July 10. She discussed her work on supporting women and nursing mothers.

In May, she was honored at a White House event for a nationwide law modeled after her PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act that she authored in South Carolina.

"To know that this legislation has created change in the United States as well as across the world is deeply humbling and inspiring," Henderson-Myers said.

State Rep. Rosalyn Henderson-Myers of Spartanburg, left, with Baroness Sandip Verma of Leicester, England, at the recent Africa Summit Leaders' Briefing at the House of Lords in London.

Federal lawmakers used the S.C. Lactation Support Act to create the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Act requiring employers to provide a break time and private space for breastfeeding employees to nurse while working.

The accolades started when federal lawmakers used her S.C. Lactation Support Act of 2020 to model its own legislation.

The S.C. General Assembly passed the S.C. Lactation Support Act in 2020, and President Biden signed PUMP into law in December.

State Rep. Rosalyn Henderson-Myers of Spartanburg at the House of Lords in London. She was a guest speaker at The Africa Summit in London.

The House of Lords is the upper house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Like the lower house, the House of Commons meets in the Palace of Westminster in London.

While there, and the next day during the Africa Summit at The Dorchester Hotel in London, Henderson-Myers spoke about how she turned her legislation into a federal law that is now having a global impact.

She also spoke on her career and challenges as a female South Carolina lawmaker.

"I spoke on how an elected official makes a change in your country, and what they could do to make a difference," Henderson-Myers said.

She said the summit featured several leaders from African countries, including Deputy Speaker Fonati Koffa of Liberia and finance officials from Zambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Madagascar and Ethiopia.

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Many of those leaders wanted to discuss how to bring economic development to their nations, she said.

"What I learned was how Africa is willing to reach outside their continent and partner with us," Henderson-Myers said. "They very much wanted to collaborate with the state of South Carolina and our pro-business environment."

This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Spartanburg Rep. Henderson-Myers talks breastfeeding law in London
In the second quarter of 2023, Spotify saw its million monthly active users (MAU) climb to 551 million after welcoming 36 million new listeners. That represents a 27 percent increase in MAUs and is an all-time high for the streaming giant, which has just published its earnings report. While not all new users signed up for a Premium account, Spotify also had a record-breaking second quarter when it comes to Premium subscriber numbers. It welcomed 10 million paying users  3 million larger than guidance  and grew its subscriber base by 17 percent year over year. That's not an all-time high, but it's also apparently the best Q2 Spotify has ever had in that regard.

Despite the massive influx of new users, Spotify still lost a significant amount of money. Its total revenue for the period is $3.5 billion (3.2 billion), 11 percent larger than last year's. However, it also posted an adjusted operating loss of $123.7 million (112 million). Spotify blamed those losses on the shutdown of its podcast shows, as well as on excess real estate and severance for employees laid off due to company restructuring. If you'll recall, the audio streaming giant recently made big changes to its podcast strategy and axed several original productions.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Spotify previously told investors that it would be raising prices in order to turn a profit. Indeed, the company just added $1 on top of the old subscription rate, meaning users in the US now have to pay at least $11 a month. Spotify also plans to implement price hikes across markets, including the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. The company anticipates a slowdown in premium subscription signups due to its higher prices for the third quarter of the year. From having 10 million new paying users in the second quarter, it expects to add 4 million Premium subscribers in Q3. Even so, it believes the price increases will "have a minimal impact on total revenue" and is still expecting to earn $3.65 billion (3.3 billion) this quarter.
Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo Freddy Ramirez, who police say shot himself in the head Sunday night after an argument with his wife, has likely lost the use of his right eye but appears to have escaped brain damage and is expected to recover, according to the president of the agencys largest police union.

Ramirez, 52, turned a gun on himself after stopping his vehicle on the shoulder of I-75 just south of Tampa. Law enforcement agencies investigating the shocking and still murky incident say it happened just hours after Ramirez got into a fight with his wife Jody that was so heated police were called to the Tampa hotel where the couple were attending a law enforcement convention.

Steadman Stahl, president of the South Florida Police Benevolent Association, said he visited with the Ramirez family at the hospital Monday night. Other sources also provided similar updates Tuesday on Ramirezs condition.

The family is devastated. But theyre close and theyre sticking together, Stahl said. The good news I heard is that hes stable and hes talking.

Read More: Miami-Dade police chief shot himself in the head after fight with wife at Tampa hotel

Law enforcement agencies  Tampa police, the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office and Florida Department of Law Enforcement  all have confirmed parts of the basic chronology of events surrounding the shooting. But many key details remained unclear two days later, including what sparked the argument between the long-married couple, who have four children  one who is a sergeant on the police force led by his father.

In a statement released Monday afternoon, Tampa Police said they were called to the downtown JW Marriott, which was hosting the Florida Sheriffs Association summer conference, around 6:30 p.m. Sunday by someone who said a man was outside the hotel was pointing a gun at himself.

The Hillsborough sheriffs office, along and other sources said that prior to the call to Tampa Police, the Ramirezes had been seen arguing inside the hotel.

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By the time officers got to the hotel, the couple was upstairs in their room on the 12th floor, Tampa Police said. The officers waited for the couple to leave the room and when they did they told police they had been arguing, but that no weapon was ever used. Police said they left after Jody Ramirez told them she wasnt concerned about her safety.

The shooting, police said, came hours later as the couple drove south  and after Ramirez had spoken by phone to several people, including Miami-Dade Mayor Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. It remained unclear why Ramirez decided to pull over and whether he fired inside the car or had stepped outside.

Multiple sources told The Miami Herald that after the incident at the hotel but before the shooting, Ramirez had contacted Levine Cava to discuss what happened. The director also reached out to Christian Ulvert, the campaign manager he shares with Levine Cava in the 2024 election cycle. Sources familiar with the conversations said Ramirez discussed how he would address what was likely to be an embarrassing situation as he embarked on a quest to become an elected senior member of the Levine Cava administration.

Read More: Things to know about Alfredo Freddy Ramirez, Miami-Dade police and candidate for sheriff

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Highway Patrol are overseeing the investigation. The agencies have not responded to public records request to release information like incident reports, 911 calls and police body camera footage. A spokesperson at FDLE said its so backed up it could take several months or longer.

The Ramirezes have been married since 1993. One of their four children, a daughter, is attending medical school. Ramirez is a Democrat who has filed to run in the Democratic primary for sheriff in 2024. Hes a nearly three-decade veteran who has worked his way through almost every major unit in the department. He was named police director in 2020.

Read More: Miami-Dade mayor names interim top cops

On Monday, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava named Ramirezs senior administrator Stephanie Daniels interim director of the agencys 4,600 sworn and civilian employees. J.D. Patterson will resume his role as chief safety officer under the mayor, a role formerly undertaken by Ramirez.
Chef Carlos Salgado at Taco Maria in Costa Mesa. The Alta California pioneer was named The Times' Restaurant of the Year by late critic Jonathan Gold in 2018. (Ron De Angelis / For The Times)

Chef Carlos Salgado is taking a break, closing his critically acclaimed Taco Maria restaurant in Costa Mesa with the intent of relocating elsewhere with a bigger dining room thats a better fit, he told The Times Monday.

Saturday will be the last evening of service at the restaurants current location at OC Mix at SoCo Collection in Costa Mesa. The restaurant opened there in 2013. He has no other location identified but said he wants to stay in Orange County, where the chef and his restaurant originated.

Read more: Appreciation: Farewell for now, Taco Maria. We didn't deserve you

The suit was never much of a flattering fit, but it served us well, Salgado said of the retail center near the 405 freeway. It didnt match our intentions, match our vibe. I feel like we kind of grew up and have been in need of a more suitable space for a while now.

The restaurant is considered a leader in the regional Alta California cuisine and is a winner of multiple accolades and awards. Through his cooking, Salgado helped spearhead a culinary movement that recognizes the importance of heirloom varieties of corn to Mexican cuisines. The chef's restaurant nixtamalizes and makes all of Taco Maria's masa products from heirloom corn grown by small family farms in Mexico.

Salgado, born and raised in Orange County, started out working at his familys Mexican restaurant in Orange. He went to culinary school and trained in Michelin-ranked restaurants in the Bay Area before returning home to start his own venture.

Taco Maria started as a taco truck before it opened up a bricks-and-mortar restaurant. Soon after opening the doors, Salgado started collecting awards and accolades. Los Angeles Times restaurant critic Jonathan Gold, who died five years ago this month, named Taco Maria The Times Restaurant of the Year in 2018. The restaurant has appeared on the Los Angeles Times 101 Best Restaurants list every year since, ranking as high as No. 3 in 2019.

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Read more: Community-focused Locol rises again in Watts, this time as a nonprofit restaurant

The restaurant is healthy, but the move is partly a financial decision, he said.

The restaurant opened at a shopping center that tried to be a hip food and shopping destination but evolved into a plaza with beauty salons, boutiques, mostly furniture showrooms. After 10 years, Salgado said he didnt renew his lease partly because he had outgrown the space, which could accommodate only 28 seats, with most of the seating in an outside patio. Hed like to find a location with a larger interior dining room that can accommodate 50 seats with a separate sit-down bar.

Salgado also wants more prep and storage space. A dedicated restaurant and bountiful parking would be ideal, he added. You know, like a full grown-up restaurant, Salgado said.

Salgado had considered moving years ago, he said, but the COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench into his plans. Mandatory restaurant closures that followed decreased the restaurant's savings, and Taco Maria's recovery has been slow, he said.

"The rate of recovery for us is too low for us to continue to try to build back from the pandemic here, and necessary investment we have to do to get us to a place where the rate of recovery is more favorable," Salgado said.

The final decision happened fast. Salgado had hoped to find a place before his lease was up, but he never got the chance to focus on finding a new spot. He was looking for a place up until a week ago. Last week, he said, he decided not to renew his lease, close up, take a rest and give himself time to plan and look for a perfect location.

Diners at the kitchen-facing bar inside Taco Maria. The current location sits only 28 people. (Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times)

Salgado had the option to renew his lease for a year or two, but he said the space needed a lot of work and money to update it. Hed recently spent tens of thousands of dollars on a new walk-in refrigerator and a new air conditioner for the back space of the kitchen.

At a certain point you look at all the recent costs and you project forward the near future cost, he said. You realize that to continue spending money on this space was going to set us back further and potentially harm our ability to open up a new restaurant.

Salgado said reservations are already booked up through the weekend. If diners cant secure a table, Salgado tells them not to fret.

Its not the end, he said. Its not anyones last chance to eat at Taco Maria.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A State College cyclist died Monday after a crash on South Atherton Street, according to State College police.

Police responded to the crash at about noon in the 3500 block of South Atherton Street, near T&B Medical. The cyclist, a 70-year-old State College resident, was traveling along the bike path before suddenly entering the roadway, police wrote in a Tuesday news release. The bicycle struck a northbound vehicle.

First responders performed aid, but the cyclist, whose identity has not been released, died at the scene.

The unidentified driver was also a Centre County resident and police said drugs and alcohol are not believed to be a factor in the crash.

The investigation is ongoing, police wrote.

Centre County Accident Reconstruction Team, Centre Life Link EMS, Boalsburg Fire Company, the Centre County Coroners Office and PennDOT were present at the scene. The crash caused a three-hour lane closure on South Atherton on Monday afternoon.
Crime reduction data produced by police and touted by Gov. Andy Beshear exaggerated the states reduction in homicides from 2021 to 2022.

According to new data provided by the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD), a recently celebrated report produced by the Kentucky State Police (KSP) based on previously provided LMPD information undercounted the number of homicides in Jefferson County by 100. The latest report on 2022, which was released this month, showed that 64 homicides were reported in the states largest county instead of the actual 164 reported by LMPD.

The report stated that homicides in Kentucky had gone down from 647 in 2021 to 431 last year, but adjusting only for the undercount in Jefferson County the actual 2022 total is 531.

News reports heralded the homicide figure after the governors administration held a press conference on the matter.

Leaving no other county homicide report figures unchanged beyond Jefferson Countys total, the state would still register a significant decrease of 17.9% instead of the reported 33.4% drop.

A spokesperson for LMPD told the Herald-Leader that they sent the correct figure 164, with 157 of those being criminal homicides, to the state. Eight other homicide reports were logged in Jefferson County by other law enforcement agencies.

KSP begs to differ. Agency spokesperson Captain Paul Blanton claims that the 64 number was the one sent to them by the deadline for the report.

While we are reviewing what was submitted, KSP relies on local law enforcement agencies to accurately and timely submit their statistics by the time the Crime in Kentucky report is tabulated. KSP triple-checked the numbers that were provided by LMPD. The 64 number is what LMPD reported to KSP by the report deadline, Blanton wrote.

LMPD said that the agency is aware of possible discrepancies between their own numbers and the data referenced in the report and were working with the state to resolve the issues.

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We understand that there have been questions raised about the report and the numbers for LMPD, mainly regarding homicides and that there may be possible discrepancies. Three different LMPD units reviewed and double checked our numbers, and we believe the homicide data that we provided to the Commonwealth is accurate. We are in consultation with Kentucky State Police and the Kentucky Justice Cabinet to figure out why there is a discrepancy between our numbers, an LMPD spokesperson wrote.

The spokesperson said they were also consulting with the state to see if any other data discrepancies exist in the KSP report.

A spokesperson for the Kentucky Justice & Public Safety Cabinet did not confirm whether an error had occurred somewhere down the line.

The information listed in the report is based on the data reported to the state by the commonwealths law enforcement agencies, the spokesperson wrote.

Though available crime data in the United States is limited and inconsistent, Kentuckys overall crime data trends mirror the rest of the country, though an unusual increase in homicides occurred in 2020. Following years of relative stasis, homicide incidents rose by more than 25% in all regions of America during the COVID-19 pandemic, starting in 2020. In 2020, the number of homicides reported statewide, according to KSP, leaped from 405 to 640, a 58% increase.

2021 also saw record highs throughout the United States, but Kentuckys overall number of reported homicides fell slightly from 2020 peaks. Violent crime and homicide numbers have markedly fallen in 2022 throughout the country, and Kentuckys homicide rate, adjusting for the Jefferson County undercount, roughly mirrors that trend.
Toxic algae is overtaking the largest freshwater lake in Florida, hampering the summer plans of thousands  and the situation is likely to worsen. While plans are underway to alleviate the problem going forward, some are skeptical.

Whats happening?

Lake Okeechobee in southern Florida is currently half full of bright green toxic algae, which is expected to increase throughout the summer.

Were looking at a bullet in the chamber here, Eve Samples, executive director of the conservation group Friends of the Everglades, told The New York Times of the growing bloom.

A handful of conditions allow the dangerous algae to thrive. According to reporting, the severity of the algal bloom is largely due to our overheating planet, which has caused increased storms and rainfall that have stirred up phosphorus that the algae need to grow. The phosphorous has mostly been sourced by fertilizer runoff from rivers upstream that feed into the lake. Rising levels of carbon dioxide pollution, which the algae need, intensify the problem.

While blooms of algae arent uncommon for Florida in the summer months, blooms of this magnitude are, and they seem to be occurring more often.

In 2018, Lake Okeechobee experienced a similar bloom that leaked into surrounding canals and the Caloosahatchee River. That year, toxin-producing algae exploded in both fresh and saltwater ecosystems, leading to former Governor Rick Scott to declare a state of emergency.

Downstream algae outbreaks from Okeechobees outflows also significantly impacted coastal communities in 2013, 2016, and 2018, causing beaches to be closed and businesses to shut down. Some residents were evacuated as well.

Why toxic algae is concerning

The Florida Department of Health issued a health alert in June warning the public to exercise caution in and around the area of Lake Okeechobee. Those looking for summer fun in the lake were warned not to swim, wade, ski, or boat where there is a visible bloom. They were also told to keep pets away from the water, and for good reason.

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The toxic algae overtaking Lake Okeechobee can cause major health issues for humans and animals, including lung infections, organ damage, and neurological disorders. The algae-contaminated water is so harmful that even boiling it will not eliminate the toxins, according to health officials.

Whats being done about the toxic algae

The Army Corps of Engineers is undertaking a massive project to combat the growing issue of toxic algae affecting not only Lake Okeechobee, but the surrounding area as well.

A 10,500-acre reservoir expected to be completed in 10 years or so will capture at least some of Okeechobees toxic outflows. This is in addition to the recently completed 6,500-acre artificial wetland designed to remove nutrient pollution before water flows out into the Everglades.

Some are skeptical, though, of the projects impact, as the new reservoir will fill to capacity after draining only 6 inches of water from Lake Okeechobee, per The New York Times.

An earlier proposal for a 60,000-acre system was scrapped due to objections from the local agricultural community.

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Stryker

The new U.S. military aid package for Ukraine worth up to $400 million will include, among other things, ammunition for advanced air defense systems and Hornet nano-drones, the Associated Press reported on July 25, citing American officials.

Overall, the package includes:

 Ammunition for HIMARS and NASAMS

 Stinger and Javelin anti-aircraft and anti-tank missiles

 Hydra-70 air-to-ground rockets

 32 Stryker armored vehicles

 Artillery rounds

 28 million rounds of ammunition for firearms

 Surveillance Hornet nano-drones

Funds for the new aid package are allocated under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), a scheme that allows U.S. President Joe Biden to draw from existing Pentagon stockpiles and without congressional approval.

The United States announced a $1.3 billion aid package for Ukraine on July 19. It includes, among other things, four NASAMS air defense systems, TOW missiles, Phoenix Ghost, and Switchblade drones.

Read also:

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Patchareeporn Sakoolchai - Getty Images

The Wallace Line runs through Asia and Australia, and shows an incongruity in the dispersion of animal species on either side.

Researchers have known about the differences in the animals for over 150 years, but have only just now released a theory as to why they exist.

Colliding continents could be to blame for some animal species failing to adapt to changing climates.

The imaginary Wallace Line in Southeast Asia and Australia isnt so fictional for the differing animal species living on either side. The linenamed after British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallaceserves as a boundary, and each side of that boundary plays host to very different types of animals.

For over 150 years, scientists didnt have an explanation as to why the line exists. Why would two regions in close geographic proximity have such different animal populations? For example, why does a koala live in Australia, but not in the Philippines? Or, why can we find kangaroos in Papua New Guinea (and Australia), but not in Malaysia? And why do some animals buck that trend, like the enjoyably named kookaburra, which can be seen throughout both Asia and Australia?

Now, we may finally have an answer. A new paper published in Science claims that, tens of millions of years ago, shifting plate tectonics forced a dramatic swing in Earths climate and produced what have come to know as the Wallace Line.



According to the biologists at The Australian National University and ETH Zurich, the Wallace Line was caused by Australia breaking away from Antarctica millions of years ago, drifting north, and ramming into Asia.

That collision gave birth to the volcanic islands that we now know as Indonesia, Alex Skeels of Australian National University says in a press release. The creation of the Indonesian islands produced stepping stones for animals from Asia to reach New Guinea and northern Australia.

But the research still shows that far more groups of Asian animals made the move to Australia than vice versa. Thats why the researchers believe the Wallace Line answer comes from more than just moving Earth, but in a climate change shift. The team says that when Australia broke free from Antarctica, a dramatic climate change came with it. This cooled and dried continents and led to a mass extinction event.

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When Australia drifted away from Antarctica, it opened up this area of deep ocean surrounding Antarctica which is now where the Antarctic Circumpolar Current is, Skeels said. This dramatically hanged Earths climate as a whole. It made the climate much cooler.

Somehow though, according to the latest theory, Indonesia remained relatively warm, wet, and tropical. So, Asian animals that were well-adapted to and comfortable in the conditions could easily hop from Asia to Australia. This was not the case for the Australian species, Skeels said. They had evolved in a cooler and increasingly drier climate over time and were therefore less successful in gaining a foothold on the tropical islands compared to the creatures migrating from Asia.

That migration pattern still plays out in todays distribution of species. If you travel to Borneo, you wont see any marsupial mammals, but if you go to the neighboring island of Sulawesi, you will, Skeels said. Australia, on the other hand, lacks mammals typical of Asia, such as bears, tigers, or rhinos.

Millions of years of climate history, the authors claim, could help predict which species can better adapt to the modern worlds changing environments.

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A former gang member in Cape Town, South Africa, shows off his tattoos. Courtesy Dariusz Dziewanski

At first glance, it would appear that theres little in common between the vast plains of the Canadian Prairies and the mountainous swells of South Africas southernmost coastline. But take a closer look into cities like Calgary, Winnipeg, and Saskatoon, on one hand, and Cape Town, on the other, and youll come across the gangs in each city.

Although they exist in different socioeconomic, historical, and geographic contexts, our recent paper finds that street gangs in Cape Town have key things in common with those in Prairie cities. Both are subcultural groups seeking empowerment and protection in areas defined by structural oppression and exclusion.

Read more: The Cape Town gangsters who use extreme violence to operate solo

As a criminologist with extensive research experience in South Africa and a Metis professor of Indigenous studies in Canada, weve both studied how and why individuals become engaged in street gangs in our respective countries of interest.

Researchers often overlook the similarities between street gang involvement and its connection to marginalisation and colonisation in South Africa and Canada. Our paper compared the life histories of 24 gang members from Cape Town to those of 53 members in Prairie cities. Our findings are represented through the accounts of two former gang members, Gavin and Roddy, in South Africa and Canada.

Whether in South Africa, Canada, or elsewhere, gangs are an embedded, systemic feature of unequal and exclusionary urban landscapes. They are often an indication of larger problems in the societies in which they exist. The deep-rooted contours of discrimination, disenfranchisement, and disempowerment  past and present  shape social life in Cape Town and on the Canadian Prairies. They create the conditions in which many young Coloured and Indigenous men and women turn to gangs.

Gavin and Roddy

The paper presented in this article adds to a small but growing body of gang literature that draws comparisons across international contexts.

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Gavin, a long-time member of the Mongrels gang, grew up with an abusive father in an impoverished informal settlement on the outskirts of Cape Town. He explained:

Theres no jobs, right. Its the gangsters here that have the money. They put food on the table  Its what I was attracted to.

Street cultural gang research suggests that, for those living in tough circumstances, aggression and violence are a sure way to get respect  or street cred. Says Gavin:

The reason (gangsters) shoot constantly  that they do it every day  is they want to  make a statement and become famous  put their name out. Then he has the power

For Roddy, a member of the Native Syndicate in Winnipeg, Manitoba, respect was associated with acting crazy:

At the time, being crazy gave you that status and people knew you.

Roddy also spoke about the same challenges Gavin faced, and how being in a gang provided a solution:

No water, no money, no brotherhood  the identity of something (the gang) made you feel important  I felt so awesome when I joined the gang, I felt like: wow your problems are over. I didnt even know what I was getting into.

Although Gavin and Roddy grew up on different sides of the world, each saw gangs and street culture as a way to gain access to the basic amenities of life where legitimate opportunities were not afforded.

Mapping marginality

Cape Towns most powerful street gangs are found in communities that are predominantly Cape Coloured  a multiracial ethnic category in South Africa  and often beset by joblessness and violence.

A housing project in a peripheral part of Cape Town where gangs are common. Courtesy Dariusz Dziewanski

In Winnipeg and other Prairie cities, gang membership is dominated by Indigenous youth living in marginalised neighbourhoods that are seen as gang controlled.

Gang membership in each research context has long colonial roots linked to historical struggles of Coloured and Indigenous populations to endure successive state campaigns directed at their cultural erasure through institutionalised violence.

For example, in South Africa, the term Coloured was produced through colonial efforts to force people of diverse geographical and cultural origins into a single racial classification. Later, forced relocations under the apartheid regime violently tore apart Coloured communities  as well as other racialised groups  to make space for white-owned real estate in the city centre. This encouraged the formation of gangs that provided adrift youth with a sense of belonging, purpose and empowerment.

Gang graffiti in Canada. Courtesy Robert Henry

Similarly across the Prairies, street gangs have emerged due to the fragmentation of Indigenous families and identities. This occurred first through the Indian residential school policy, which removed children from their families, placing them in state and church run schools. Here they were stripped of their cultures and languages, and many children died. It later also happened through child welfare policies which scooped children away from their families and placed them in non-Indigenous homes. Settler colonial policies such as these have created the social conditions and inequities that enable Indigenous street gangs to emerge and expand.

What this means

Actions taken in the streets can seem random or senseless to the outside observer. But consistently acting crazy and seeking violent confrontation expands a gang members social and personal esteem by conforming to gang ideals of toughness and fearlessness.

Gang membership was a calculated move that provided Gavin, Roddy, and others in our study with what they believed to be their best chance to survive.

Denied access to legal sources of income and other forms of human capital, marginal populations turn to the streets and to violence. Gang membership helps them construct defiant identities. In the short term street culture gives gang members some hope for empowerment and connections to underground economies.

However, long-term prospects for gang membership are not promising. Most literature on street gangs has shown that involvement is often short-lived and highly violent. Although gang members like Gavin and Roddy do make it out, its not easy and can be deadly.

More needs to be done to create equitable and just societies in which young men and women do not feel that the gang is their only choice.

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: Dariusz Dziewanski, University of Cape Town and Robert Henry, University of Saskatchewan.

Read more:



Robert Henry receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

Dariusz Dziewanski does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Girkin's supporters are trying to save their own skins

After the arrest of Russian war criminal Igor Girkin (also known as Strelkov  ed.) in Russia for criticising Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin, supporters of the former DPR terrorist leader have begun to turn on him en masse.

Read also: Moscow court set to choose preventive measure against terrorist Girkin

Many of those who had gained membership to the self-proclaimed "Club of Angry Patriots" (CAP) quickly reversed their positions the moment Girkin was arrested.

One of them was z-propagandist Vladimir Grubnik.

"There is no 'Club of Angry Patriots'," said Girkin's now former associate in a video.

Let's cut through all this nonsense. There is Igor Ivanovich, who has gathered people around him, his personality. The CAP is Strelkov, first of all. Not [Pavel] Gubarev, not me, not anyone else. It is Strelkov. There is no organisation as such. There is no structure as such. There is nothing as such. There is only one Strelkov, his reputation, his importance, his size.

Read also: Russia detains terrorist Girkin following Wagner mercenarys statement

Quickly seeking to distance himself, Grubnik hastened to publicly assure the Putin regime that he had no association with the CAP and was merely an accidental bystander.

Read also: Paralyzed Putin did nothing despite knowing of Wagner rebellion in advance  Washington Post

"It was his idea," he assured his audience, probably already scared to death of the prospect of falling under the millstone of domestic political repression launched against public figures who were not loyal enough to Putin after the failed coup of Wagner PMC leader Yevgeny Prigozhin.

His idea, I repeat. It was his idea! He suggested it to many people. As a result, a total of seven people came to this meeting. Including me, who came there by accident.

Read also: Kremlin purges 28 high-ranking officers after Wagners mutiny  Estonian intelligence

Grubnik's excuses look even more ridiculous against the backdrop of a post by the alleged "opposition" to the Kremlin, the founder of the Anti-Corruption Foundation Alexei Navalny, who suddenly called for Girkin to be considered a "political prisoner".

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Severe weather moving across Massachusetts Tuesday afternoon is bringing heavy rain, lightning, and wind prompting reports of damage and flooding in several communities.

In Framingham, city officials said part of at least one local road was closed after a potential microburst shortly before 4 p.m.

The National Weather Services Boston office documented several other reports of downed trees largely in Middlesex and Worcester County.

In Waltham, several trees and poles have fallen causing damage to cars and streets due to lightning and strong winds.

Were here in Waltham, MA where a severe thunderstorm moved through, doing damage to the area.



Wind was strong enough to take down tree branch multiple feet in diameter on the common. @Boston25 pic.twitter.com/CYGGANSVH5  Tucker Antico (@tuckerweather) July 25, 2023

In Cambridge, emergency crews responded to Farrar Street just before 5:30 p.m. after a tree and wires toppled onto a car blocking the street from drivers.

Engine 1 & Ladder 1 responded to the tree with secondary wires down on Farrar St. (group 2 on duty).

Farrar St is closed until @CambridgeDPW & @EversourceMA clear the area. pic.twitter.com/KVuXPAzDwF  Cambridge Fire Dept. (@CambridgeMAFire) July 25, 2023

Storms in the region have triggered a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Massachusetts scheduled to expire at 5 p.m.

A flash flood warning was also in effect as of around 4:45 p.m., scheduled to remain in effect through 7 p.m.

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Severe thunderstorm, flash flood warnings in effect for parts of Massachusetts

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Follow our Boston 25 Meteorologists on Twitter for updates:

Kevin Lemanowicz | Shiri Spear | Tucker Antico | Vicki Graf

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Thunderstorm clouds roll over the US Capitol. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

A recent study found that public support for using violence to "coerce" members of Congress nearly doubled from January to June.

Support among self-identified Democrats for political violence grew by about 250%, according to the study.

"The more there's distrust in democracy, the more that's leading to radical support for the use of force," the study's author told Insider.

Public support for the use of force against members of Congress nearly doubled from January to June of this year, according to a recent study shared with Insider.

The study, published by the University of Chicago's Project on Security and Threats (CPOST), found that as of June 26, 17% of the American public  an estimated 44 million people  supported using violence to coerce lawmakers. That's up from 9% when the survey was conducted in January.

The spike was most pronounced among self-identified Democrats: in January, 7% of Democrats supported using political violence against lawmakers, and that number climbed to 16% in June.

By contrast, the support for political violence against Congress among self-identifying Republicans increased by 50%. Overall, a higher percentage of these Republicans  18% of all respondents  endorse the use of force against lawmakers compared to Democrats.

"When we say violence or coercion, we're using 'use of force' specifically because we know the respondents interpret that as meaning, 'even if some people are injured and killed,'" Robert Pape, a political science professor at the University of Chicago and the study's author, told Insider.

The report noted that while support for violence against members of Congress increased "across the political spectrum, the rise was sharpest among Democrats, where it grew by about 2.5 times."

It did not draw a specific causal link for the rise in support for extremism among Democrats, but noted that it coincides with "growing anger over the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and hearings that they have held painting a disparaging picture of Democrats."

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Pape's report, which was published earlier this month, also clocked a significant jump over the last several months in public support for using violence to restore former President Donald Trump to power.

Specifically, the survey found roughly 4% of Americans  an estimated 12 million people  supported using violence to return Trump to office in April. By the end of June, that number spiked to an estimated 18 million Americans, about a 50% increase. The CPOST survey polled 3,543 adults between June 22 and June 26 had a 2.3% margin of error.

Pape also noted that rise in radical support for violence across the aisle is connected to "perceived corruption in our democratic institutions."

"We have credible evidence that the more there's distrust in democracy, the more that's leading to radical support for the use of force for both conservative, Republican causes and also for liberal causes," he told Insider.

Read the original article on Business Insider
HEREFORD  A 19-year-old man was shot by authorities and later arrested after a police pursuit in Deaf Smith County ended in Hereford on Sunday night.

Salvador Garcia, 19, suffered minor injuries in the officer-involved shooting, which is currently under investigation by the Texas Rangers.

Officers from the Deaf Smith County Sheriff's Office and Hereford Police Department engaged in a vehicle pursuit at about 10 p.m. Sunday, according to police. The pursuit was initiated by the DSCSO deputies outside of city limits.

Police said after the vehicle entered the city of Hereford, officers temporarily lost sight of the suspect, later identified as Garcia. A short time later, an officer from the Hereford Police Department located the suspect vehicle, and a second pursuit was initiated.

On reaching the 1200 block of Grand Avenue, Garcia struck a Deaf Smith County Sheriffs Office vehicle, causing minor damage, police said. According to the sheriffs office, the suspect vehicle then began to turn toward a Hereford police vehicle and Garcia attempted to flee the scene.

While Garcia was attempting to flee, two shots were fired at the suspect by the deputy who was involved in the crash, and Garcia was struck twice, resulting in minor injuries, Hereford police said. He was taken to Hereford Regional Medical Center, where he was treated and later released to the Deaf Smith County Sheriffs Office.

Garcia was booked into the Deaf Smith County Jail on multiple charges.

This incident is under investigation by the Deaf Smith County Sheriffs Office and the Texas Rangers.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Deaf Smith County, Hereford authorities arrest suspect after pursuit
A suspect who admitted he grazed a Washington Technology Magnet School staff member with a bullet earlier this year was charged Monday with six felony counts in connection with that shooting and another shooting a week later.

Eh Doh Soe, 19, who was charged in connection with the January drive-by shooting outside the Washington Technology Magnet School on Rice Street in St. Paul and with another drive-by shooting less than a week later, allegedly told authorities that he was involved in a string of shootings following the one at the school.

On Jan. 20, a school staff member was shot and injured after a fight erupted between two groups of teenagers at the school, police said. The staff member received a minor graze wound to her earlobe and was treated by medics at the scene.

According to the complaint, after his arrest on Friday, Soe admitted to being involved in at least three other shootings after the shooting at the school, which serves grades 6-12 with a college preparatory curriculum focused on math and science..

According to the complaint, after Soe was read his Miranda rights he admitted purchasing a Springfield XD 40 semiautomatic pistol around noon on Jan. 20 for $500 from a guy near Phalen Lake, in St. Paul, whom hed met on Snapchat.

He told detectives he had joined a Karen gang in middle school and that his gang had been in disputes with other gangs because the other gangs made fun of them for wearing traditional Karen clothes and being from a foreign country. He claimed his gang was formed because Asian kids were being robbed and beaten. He said the gang is now dissolved.

On Jan. 20, he drove to the Washington school to pick up his sister. He had five other people in his Honda Accord at the time.

According to the complaint, shortly after school was dismissed about 3 p.m., a fight broke out between several Karen students and about four Black students. School officials broke up the fight and escorted two Karen students and two Karen adults away from the school. As they did, someone in the group said, This isnt over and Were coming back.

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Meanwhile, other school officials escorted the Black students towards the student parking lot.

A school official heard one of the students yell, Theyre coming back around and Theyve got a gun and then saw a dark blue four-door sedan stop part way out of the student parking lot. The drivers window was rolled down and the driver pointed a black handgun out the window and fired twice.

A staff member who was escorting two of the students back toward the school heard several loud pops and felt something whiz by her head before she felt pain in her right ear. Later, police said they saw a bullet hole in the sweatshirt and jacket she was wearing and saw that her right ear lobe was bleeding.

During questioning, Soe admitted shooting more than three times at an African American kid who was yelling at him and expressed remorse for striking the school staff member with a bullet.

The two complaints give the following details of what Soe told authorities:

About midnight a little more than a week later, on Jan. 28, Soe said he drove his Honda with five other people inside to an apartment complex on 10000 block of Duluth Street where they believed a rival gang member lived. He said they intended to break into cars and create havoc in the parking lot.

When someone came outside to confront them, Soe claimed to hand his Springfield pistol to a friend who fired it and shot someone.

The victim in that shooting was shot twice in his feet after he confronted the group breaking vehicle windows in the parking lot, according to the complaint in that case. Another man who also confronted the group hid behind a pillar when the shooting began. He was not injured, but a bullet did go through his pants, according to the complaint.

A few weeks later, on Feb. 8, Soe drove his Honda to a recreation center to confront someone they were having trouble with. He said they were going to kill the other person. But when he and his friends got to the recreation center, other friends confronted the intended victim first and shot him with Soes Springfield pistol, he claimed.

During a fourth shooting, on Feb. 12, Soe said this time he was a passenger in a red Honda Civic when they drove by someone who they felt gave them a mean look. A passenger in the back seat, Soe claimed, shot the person with Soes Springfield pistol and then handed it back to him.

On Feb. 23, St. Paul officers stopped the red Honda Civic suspecting it had been involved in the Feb. 12 shooting. When they did, they arrested Soe, who was in the front passenger seat, on suspicion of possessing the Springfield without a permit. He had the gun in his front jacket pocket. At the time, it was loaded with an extended magazine on it.

Authorities say that cell phone records place Soes phone at the scene of all four shootings.

Soe, who is in custody in Ramsey County, is expected to have his first court appearance on Tuesday.

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The man accused of crashing his car into the front of Johnsons Giant Food in Attalla has been charged with attempted murder in an incident earlier that evening.

Police in Rainbow City say Ryan Tyler Watts, 24, broke into a relatives home June 5, and tried to drown a female. Officers responded to a call around 9:45 p.m. on Royal Troon Way, but Watts was gone when they arrived, said Detective Lt. Jason Higgins.

The damage to the deli area at Johnson's Giant Food in Attalla is shown after a vehicle slammed into the store's brick wall on June 5.

About an hour later, Watts car rammed into the front deli section of Johnsons. Because of statements Watts made in Rainbow City, police believe it was intentional.

Watts was unresponsive in his car afterward and was rushed to a hospital where he stayed until July 14, Higgins said. He was arrested as soon as he was released and is being held under a $100,000 cash bond at the Etowah County Detention Center.

A bond reduction hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Aug. 2, according to the clerks office. Attorney Ken Robertson has been appointed to represent Watts, but he was unavailable Monday.

As for any charges in Attalla, Chief Investigator Doug Jordan said they are waiting on the owners of the popular grocery spot to decide if they want to press charges.

More: Johnson's Giant Food in Attalla up and running after incident, grateful for support

We havent made up our minds yet, said Mack Johnson, who owns the chain that also includes two stores in Gadsden and one each in Jacksonville and Oxford.

The charge would be first-degree criminal mischief, but the store owner has up to three years to decide, Jordan said.

Johnson and his family of employees have been busy cleaning up and dealing with the aftermath of the wreck.

The store was heavily damaged. Water and gas lines were broken in the deli, plus the sprinklers were pulled from the ceiling. The fryers were turned over, spilling 100 gallons of oil that mixed with the water and ran across the entire floor.

Johnson said hes still looking into what insurance is going to pay. He estimated the damage to be at least $500,000.

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The store on Third Street opened three days after the crash, but Johnson said it would take three months to reopen the deli.

But slowly but surely weve been getting our equipment in, he said loudly Monday from his tractor at home.

The deli should be open again in August sometime, he said.

The whole mess has been a long, hard road, but everybody has stayed in good spirits.

Never a dull moment, he shouted.

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Grocery store incident suspect faces charge in separate case
American Flag Semiconductor  Korn Vitthayanukarun | Dreamstime.com

The largest semiconductor manufacturer on the planet agreed to open factories in the U.S. instead of abroad. The company wants the government to pick up the tab for the difference in cost, even as it postpones production.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) makes semiconductor chips found in iPhones, MacBooks, and computer graphics cards from manufacturers like AMD and Nvidia. In December 2022, Apple CEO Tim Cook and President Joe Biden visited Arizona to announce that TSMC would build a new factory in the state while upgrading and expanding another. "Apple had to buy all the advanced chips from overseas" before, Biden said. "Now we're going to do more of their supply chain here at home." The company pledged to spend as much as $40 billion on the projects.

TSMC had teased the project as far back as May 2020, stating in a press release that it hoped to build a factory "with the mutual understanding and commitment to support from the U.S. federal government and the State of Arizona."

As it turns out, "support" doesn't come cheap: In June 2020, just a month after announcing its intent to build in Arizona, the company reportedly asked the federal government to "make up TSMC's running costs difference between the United States and Taiwan."

In April 2023, The Wall Street Journal reported that TSMC sought between $7 billion to $8 billion in funding from the CHIPS Act, a $52.7 billion pot of cash earmarked specifically toward incentives for semiconductor manufacturers. It also sought an additional $6 billion to $7 billion in grants from the Commerce Department. If fully approved, the government would be on the hook for up to $15 billion, more than one-third of the total projected cost.

Now, however, TSMC says that it will delay the start of production in the Arizona facility until at least 2025, citing lower-than-expected revenues and difficulty finding skilled workers. The company already faced delays last year over a lack of skilled workers.

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Nonetheless, the Journal reports that "TSMC faces significantly higher costs in the U.S. compared with Taiwan. [TSMC Chairman Mark] Liu said TSMC is counting on U.S. help to cover that cost gap for about five years."

Given the company's difficulties, it should be a relief that the U.S. has so far not acceded to TSMC's demands. But there are plenty of things the government can do that would have far-reaching benefits beyond just one company.

In a January 2023 earnings call, TSMC Chief Financial Officer Wendell Huang said that while he couldn't give an exact number for the financial discrepancy between building in the U.S. and Taiwan, "the major reason for the cost gap is the construction cost of building and facilities, which can be 4 to 5x greater" in the U.S.

Of course, part of that gap can be explained by factors like the difference in the cost of livingby one estimate, over twice as much in the U.S. as in Taiwan. But in November 2022, a month before Biden announced the project, TSMC wrote in a public response to questions from the Commerce Department that it doesn't "see access to capital as a significant barrier to growth in the US"rather, specific factors making the project more expensive included "federal regulatory requirements that increase project scope and cost."

Rather than forking over billions of dollars to a single company, the Biden administration should take steps to ease regulatory burdens on expanding companies. Similarly, plenty of firms could benefit from a greater number of high-skilled workers, like those proficient in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. And yet foreign nationals who graduate in STEM fields from American universities face near-impossible challenges to stay in the country and most end up going elsewhere. Congress could help that situation by raising the number of green cards that can be issued annually.

With TSMC's delay, Biden and Congress have an opportunity. TSMC admits that its issues are bureaucratic, not financial, so there's no need to shovel more money at a wealthy company. Instead, lawmakers should get rid of cumbersome regulations and create a more welcoming environment for both businesses and workers.

The post Taiwanese Company Demands U.S. Taxpayers Cover the Higher Costs of Making Semiconductors in Arizona appeared first on Reason.com.
An updated T3E2 drives over an obstacle (Library of Congress)

With its 1,500 shp gas turbine engine, the M1 Abrams can reach a top speed of 45 mph. Optimized to run on jet fuel, the engine is similar to the engines that propel many modern commercial aircraft. Since Russia's T14 Armata can only claim an estimated top speed of 47-50 mph, the Abrams is likely the fastest tank in the world. Decades prior to the M1's introduction, another tank used an aircraft engine to reach a top speed on 104 mph.

Christie demonstrates his M1931 to reporters and Army officials (U.S. Army)

The tank was a game-changer when it was introduced to the battlefield in WWI. Mobile, armored and armed, the tank could scout, flank and break through enemy defenses. However, early tanks often suffered from suspension failure. American engineer J. Walter Christie aimed to resolve this issue. In 1919, Christie developed a suspension that allowed a tank to drive to the battlefield on its road wheels. The tank could then be fitted with its tracks before entering combat.

Christie brought his tank to the U.S. Capitol to show it off (Public Domain)

Intrigued by the concept, the U.S. Tank Ordnance Corps ordered a Christie tank for testing. Designated the M1919, it was delivered in 1921. During testing, Christie modified the suspension and moved the tank's armament to the front. With these changes, the tank was redesignated the M1921. Testing continued in 1922 and 1923, but the Army found the tank lacked in maneuverability and abandoned it.

The Christie tank was so fast that it could drift and skid off road (U.S. Army)

Undeterred, Christie worked on his suspension design through the late 1920s. The improved Christie suspension allowed for greater travel and improved maneuverability. Paired with a 338 hp, 27L Liberty L-12 aircraft engine, the Christie suspension was used on the M1928 tank. Able to drive on tracks or its road wheels, the tank caught the attention of the U.S. Army. During an unofficial demonstration, the M1928 achieved an average speed of 28 mph. Over the same course, the Army's T1E1 tank managed an average speed of 9.9 mph.

The Combat Car T1 was tested and evaluated by the cavalry (U.S. Army)

In 1930, the Army awarded Christie a $55,000 contract to build an improved version of the M1928. Designated the M1931, the prototype tank was delivered in March 1931. That month, during a public test in Linden, New Jersey, Christie showed off his invention. The M1931 drove across a field of logs and rocks at a speed of 45 mph and even through a brick wall. Climbing a 45-degree hill, the tank maintained a speed of 35 mph. On the highway Army officials recorded a top speed of 104 mph.

(Left to right) The BT-7, A-20, T-34 (1940) and T-34 (1941) all used Christie suspensions (Public Domain)

In June 1931, the Army ordered seven more M1931s. Delivered in 1932, it was designated the Convertible Medium Tank T3. The tanks were tested at Fort Benning, Georgia and Fort Knox, Kentucky. Another version replaced the 37mm cannon with a machine gun and was designated the Combat Car T1. Despite impressive speed and maneuverability, neither the T3 nor T1 were officially adopted, primarily due to cost. However, the Christie suspension was used in the British Cruiser tanks as well as the Soviet BT tanks and T-34.
A dog named BeBe stumbled upon a tiny orange cat while exploring around her home  and it was just the beginning of the cats story.

The 5-week-old kitten was found in Utah with a leg deformity and a displeased face, but now he has gained quite the fan club across social media.

TikTok user @kittycrusiade posted a video to the social media platform July 21 to share the story of Tater Tot.

Tater Tot was found with four legs that were malformed and a cleft palate, the TikToker said. He was later handed over to Kitty CrusAIDe, a Salt Lake City animal rescue, and things started to change.

The cat was put in splints to help change the form of his legs so hed be able to eventually learn to use them, the TikTok said.

Luckily for the cat with bent and twisty legs, he learned, and his splints were taken off, according to a TikTok video that has garnered more than 5.6 million views.

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As of now, Tater Tot is hanging out with the big kids as he grows, according to a July 23 post on Instagram by his foster mom.

He gets tube fed by his foster mom, according to the TikToker. The foster mom was identified by FOX news as Ash Houghton.

At this point, we are just focused on getting him big and strong, Houghton told FOX News.

Bride gifts first dance to parents who eloped at 18, TikTok shows. Now Im crying

Beloved 17-year-old sea lion with booming voice and heart nose dies at CA aquarium

Couple pulls over for frantic mama duck and completes heartwarming rescue, TikTok shows
A 17-year-old Tennessee high school student is suing his school district and administrators after he was suspended for creating and posting satirical memes directed at his principal on social media.

According to the federal lawsuit filed on July 19, the unnamed student, who is set to begin his senior year at Tullahoma High School, accuses the Tullahoma City School district, now-former Principal Jason Quick and Vice Principal Derrick Crutchfield of violating his First Amendment right to free speech after he was suspended for three days for posting the memes on Instagram.

Attorneys representing the school district and administrators did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment.

This case is about a thin-skinned high school principal defying the First Amendment and suspending a student for lampooning the principal on the students Instagram page even though the posts caused no disruption at school, attorneys for the student said in their complaint.

Tullahoma High School in Tennessee.

Tullahoma High School in Tennessee.

The student posted three memes that featured Quick on his personal Instagram account in 2022, while off campus and over summer vacation, according to the lawsuit.

The satirical memes featured an image of Quick holding a box of vegetables, with the text, like a sister but not a sister <33, an altered image of Quick in a dress with cat ears and whiskers, and one with his face placed on a video game character being held by a cartoon bird.

The student intended the images to be tongue-in-cheek commentary, gently ribbing a school administrator he perceived as humorless, Conor Fitzpatrick, the lead attorney representing the student, said in a statement.

The memes that led to a suspension, according to the student's lawyers.

The memes that led to a suspension, according to the student's lawyers.

On Aug. 10, 2022, immediately after Crutchfield told the student he would be suspended for five days, the student suffered from a panic attack and experienced sweating, shortness of breath and lost feeling in both arms, the complaint said.

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The suspension was later reduced to three days after Crutchfield allegedly told the student he reviewed the social media post and believed it to be a more appropriate punishment.

In the statement, Fitzpatrick and other attorneys practicing with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), a free speech advocacy group, said the school administrators could not use vague social media policies to punish off-campus acts.

Principal Quick suspended a student over playful memes  but he cant suspend the First Amendment, FIRE attorney Harrison Rosenthal said in the statement.

As long as a students posts do not substantially disrupt school, what teens post on social media on their own time is between them and their parents, not the government, Fitzpatrick added.

Related...
Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas) is holding an all-day thirst strike on the steps of the Capitol on Tuesday to call for a federal heat rule to protect workers amid recent record-breaking heat across the country.

The Texas Democrat will not drink, eat or take a break until nurses require him to stop, his office said in a press release. Washington, D.C., is forecast to reach a high of 90 degrees Tuesday.

Today Im on a thirst strike on the steps of the U.S. Capitolnot drinking water or taking breaks, through rain or shine, in solidarity with our nations workers, Casar tweeted. Currently there are NO federal protections for workers exposed to heat.

This summer continues to shatter heat records, drawing calls for increased heat protections. The world saw the hottest June on record last month and broke the record for the highest global average temperature several times in early July.

The scorching heat poses a particular risk to workers; more than 400 workers died in heat waves between 2011-21, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

While the Biden administration has previously endorsed federal heat regulations and announced plans to develop a rule aimed at preventing occupational heat illness and death, Casar and more than 100 members of Congress urged acting Labor Secretary Julie Su on Monday to move toward the fastest implementation possible amid the extreme heat.

Casar and the other signatories to Mondays letter also emphasized a recent law signed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) that would take power away from cities and could eliminate existing heat protections in Dallas and Austin.

Our nationand my home state of Texasis experiencing a historic heatwaveexposing workers to deadly 100+ temperatures, Casar tweeted. Yet in the middle of this heatwave, @GregAbbott_TX signed a law *eliminating* workers rights to water breaks.

Enough is enough: we MUST go over Greg Abbotts head, he added. Thats why Im urging @POTUS to take action for workers with federal heat safety protections. We can undo Greg Abbotts assault on working families.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Photograph: Brandon Bell/Getty Images

The US Department of Justice has sued the Republican governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, over his refusal to remove a floating barrier placed on the Rio Grande to stop migrants entering the US from Mexico.

Related: Texas trooper says they were told to push children into Rio Grande and deny migrants water

The move is the latest in a growing political spat between Abbott and the Biden administration, heightened by Republican attempts to scaremonger over immigration as the 2024 presidential election looms.

The lawsuit filed by the federal government asks a court in Texas to force the state to remove the roughly 1,000ft line of bright orange, wrecking ball-sized buoys the Biden administration says raises humanitarian and environmental concerns.

The suit also says Texas unlawfully installed the barrier without permission, near the border city of Eagle Pass.

The suit was filed on Monday, after Abbott refused to comply with instructions to remove the barrier.

Texas will fully utilise its constitutional authority to deal with the crisis you have caused, Greg Abbott wrote to Joe Biden in a letter reported by CNN and other outlets.

Texas will see you in court, Mr President.

It was the latest confrontational move by a governor who for more than two years has escalated measures to stop migrants entering the US, pushing legal boundaries along the 1,200-mile border with Mexico.

Blowback over the tactics is widening, including from within Texas and particularly in light of a state troopers account of razor wire leaving asylum seekers bloodied and officers denying migrants water in 100F (37.7C) heat and being told to push children into the river.

Last week, the US justice department told Texas to remove the river barriers, citing federal laws against obstructing waterways and imposing a Monday deadline. On Monday, Abbott said that in refusing to comply, he was assert[ing] Texass sovereign interest in protecting [its] borders in his role as the commander-in-chief of [the] states militia.

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Repeating a common Republican talking point, the governor also wrote to Biden: If you truly care about human life, you must begin enforcing federal immigration laws. By doing so, you can help me stop migrants from wagering their lives in the waters of the Rio Grande.

Saying migrants could attempt to use legitimate ports of entry, Abbott said: While I share the humanitarian concerns noted in your lawyers letter, Mr President, your finger points in the wrong direction. Neither of us wants to see another death in the Rio Grande  Yet your open-border policies encourage migrants to risk their lives by crossing illegally through the water, instead of safely and legally at a port of entry. Nobody drowns on a bridge.

A White House spokesperson said Abbotts behavior was  making it hard for the men and women of border patrol to do their jobs of securing the border and putting both migrants and border agents in danger.

Bidens border enforcement plan, the spokesperson added, had led to the lowest levels of unlawful border crossings in over two years. Governor Abbotts dangerous and unlawful actions are undermining that effective plan.

If Governor Abbott truly wanted to drive toward real solutions, hed be asking his Republican colleagues in Congress why they voted against President Bidens request to increase funding for the Department of Homeland Security and why theyre blocking the comprehensive immigration reform and border security measures that would finally fix our broken immigration system.

The White House also said Republicans have no plan and are just playing political games.

Criticism of Abbott is growing within his own state.

Speaking to the Associated Press, David Donatti, an attorney for the Texas American Civil Liberties Union, said: There are so many ways that what Texas is doing right now is just flagrantly illegal.

Aron Thorn, a Texas Civil Rights Project attorney, described a very strong correlation between Abbotts border policy and the Trump and post-Trump era in which most of the Trump administrations immigration policy was aggressive and extreme and very violative of peoples rights and very focused on making the political point.

The design of this is the optics and the amount of things that they sacrifice for those optics now is quite extraordinary.

In Eagle Pass, Jessie Fuentes, a kayaker, has filed his own lawsuit over work done on the river. On Monday that suit, Epis Canoe & Kayak Team v State of Texas, was cited in the suit filed by the federal government.

Citing measures including floating barriers and shipping containers and razor wire placed along riverbanks cleared of vegetation, Fuentes recently told the Eagle Pass city council: The river is a federally protected river by so many federal agencies, and I just dont know how it happened.

A member of the Eagles Pass council, Elias Diaz, told the AP: I feel like the state government has kind of bypassed local government  and so I felt powerless at times.

Hugo Urbina, a farmer whose land abuts the river, said he supported efforts to reduce border crossings via the Rio Grande. But Urbina said Abbott and his administration do whatever it is that they want  breaking the law and  making your citizens feel like theyre second-hand citizens.

The Texas land office has said it will permit vegetation management on the banks of the river as part of anti-migration efforts. The state military department has cleared out carrizo cane, which the land office has called an invasive plant. Environmental experts are concerned changes to the landscape will affect the flow of the river.

Tom Vaughan, co-founder of the Rio Grande International Study Center, said: As far as I know, if theres flooding in the river, its much more severe in Piedras Negras  on the Mexican side  than it is in Eagle Pass because thats the lower side of the river.

And so next time the river really gets up, its going to push a lot of water over on the Mexican side, it looks like to me.

The Associated Press contributed reporting
Joy Alonzo is an expert on the opioid epidemic and a professor in Texas A&M Universitys Department of Pharmacy Practice. Credit: Texas A&M University Health Science Center

Joy Alonzo, a respected opioid expert, was in a panic.

The Texas A&M University professor had just returned home from giving a routine lecture on the opioid crisis at the University of Texas Medical Branch in March when she learned a student had accused her of disparaging Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick during the talk.

In the few hours it took to drive from Galveston, the complaint had made its way to her supervisors, and Alonzos job was suddenly at risk.

I am in a ton of trouble. Please call me! she wrote to Chandler Self, the UTMB professor who invited her to speak.

Alonzo was right to be afraid. Not only were her supervisors involved, but so was Chancellor John Sharp, a former state comptroller who now holds the highest-ranking position in the Texas A&M University System, which includes 11 public universities and 153,000 students. And Sharp was communicating directly with the lieutenant governors office about the incident, promising swift action.

Less than two hours after the lecture ended, Patricks chief of staff had sent Sharp a link to Alonzos professional bio.

Shortly after, Sharp sent a text directly to the lieutenant governor: Joy Alonzo has been placed on administrative leave pending investigation re firing her. shud [sic] be finished by end of week.

The text message was signed jsharp.

For free speech advocates, health experts and students, Texas A&Ms investigation of Alonzo was a shocking demonstration of how quickly university leaders allow politicians to interfere in classroom discussions on topics in which they are not experts  and another example of increasing political involvement from state leaders in how Texas universities are managed.

The revelation comes as Texas A&M is reeling over concerns that the university allowed politically motivated outsiders to derail the hiring of Kathleen O. McElroy, a Black journalism professor at the University of Texas at Austin, to revive the journalism school at Texas A&M. The subsequent outcry over how Texas A&M handled the situation prompted the university president to resign last week, and the interim dean of arts and sciences stepped down from that role but will remain a professor.

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In an email obtained by The Texas Tribune through a public records request, Alonzo told Self the investigation had been kicked off by a student who has ties to Texas A&M Leadership.

The Texas A&M system confirmed the series of phone calls and text messages that led to Alonzos investigation was kicked off by Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, a graduate of UTMBs medical school. The Tribune confirmed her daughter, a first-year medical student at the time, attended Alonzos lecture. Buckingham served six years in the Texas Senate with Patrick, who endorsed her run for land commissioner last year, and she recently attended Sharps wedding in May.

Buckingham declined to comment. One day after this story published, however, Buckingham tweeted a response that did not address the Tribunes questions but encouraged leaders in academia, the media, and elected office to focus on meaningful policy solutions, not destructive blame games.

A few hours after Texas A&M started looking into the complaint, course leaders at UTMB sent an email to students in the class saying Alonzos comments about Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and his role in the opioid crisis did not represent the opinion of the university.

The email also included a formal censure of Alonzo, although it did not specify what she said that was offensive.

Neither UTMB nor Texas A&M would confirm what Alonzo said that prompted such a reaction, and UTMB students interviewed by the Tribune recalled a vague reference to Patricks office but nothing specific.

UTMB declined to comment for this story, and Alonzo declined to be interviewed.

Ultimately Texas A&M allowed Alonzo to keep her job after an internal investigation could not confirm any wrongdoing.

In a statement, Texas A&M University System spokesperson Laylan Copelin said Sharps text to Patrick was a typical update, saying it is not unusual for the chancellor to keep elected officials informed when something at Texas A&M might interest them.

It is not unusual to respond to any state official who has concerns about anything occurring at the Texas A&M System, said Copelin, who said the system followed standard procedure to look into the claim.

Patrick did not respond to a request for comment.

Adam Steinbaugh, an attorney with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a nonprofit legal group focused on protecting free speech on college campuses, said it would be highly inappropriate for a university to conduct an investigation if a faculty member says something critical of a state leader or a government official.

That is, I think, a misuse of institutional resources, and its one that will have a chilling effect and that has a chilling effect even if you wind up clearing the professor, Steinbaugh said.

A day after the complaint about Alonzos talk, Marcia Ory, a professor at Texas A&M Health and co-chair of the universitys Opioid Task Force with Alonzo, warned about the long-term consequences.

The incident in Galveston yesterday is probably an indicator of how sensitive and politically charged this topic is and the need to tread lightly and be aware that anything can be taken out of context, Ory wrote in an email to Jon Mogford, vice president of Texas A&M Health.

Its a shame because all we want is to make people aware of harm-reduction strategies that can save lives, especially among youth and young adults who are especially vulnerable these days, wrote Ory, who did not respond to a request for comment.

An expert with a solid reputation

Alonzo has spent more than two decades as a pharmacist in Japan, Missouri and elsewhere, and has taught college students in Texas for more than a decade. She now teaches at Texas A&M while working as an ambulatory care pharmacy director at a free health clinic in Bryan.

She has helped bring millions of federal research dollars to the university, and last year Texas A&Ms pharmacy school named her the early career researcher of the year.

One of Alonzos recent projects focuses on training people to use Narcan, a nasal spray that reverses opioid effects and can save lives in overdose cases. Shes also advised state leaders on other public policies that could improve the fight against opioid overdoses.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid often illegally manufactured by Mexican drug cartels, is a growing problem. Between 2019 and 2021, overdose deaths involving fentanyl in the state rose nearly 400%.

This year, Gov. Greg Abbott declared cracking down on fentanyl as one of his seven priority issues for the legislative session.

Lawmakers allocated $18 million over the next two years toward providing naloxone, an opioid-reversing drug, to police, schools and community organizations on the front lines of the epidemic. To improve the governments response to overdose spikes, they also passed laws requiring police and other public entities to report overdoses to a public health agency.

But instead of backing other recommended strategies to reduce overdose deaths, such as legalizing test strips that can detect the presence of fentanyl in other drugs, lawmakers focused on a more punitive approach, approving laws that increase criminal penalties for providing fentanyl that leads to an overdose death.

Public health experts like Alonzo have largely supported harm-reduction efforts rather than increasing punishments for drug users. As the crisis intensified, Alonzo often received urgent emails from Texas school districts and law enforcement agencies eager for training and naloxone kits. In the past, she estimated she had given away more than $4.5 million worth of naloxone through her training sessions.

Statement of formal censure

Self, the professor at UTMB, scheduled Alonzo to give the lecture to the first-year medical students months in advance.

I cant tell you enough how much the students value this presentation, Self wrote in October, according to emails obtained through an open records request. I get feedback all the time from them telling me how important they view this talk. Theyll come up to me even months later to tell me.

On March 7, the two started the day with breakfast at the laid-back Mosquito Cafe in Galveston before heading to the lecture, which was mandatory for students to attend.

The lecture was not recorded, but according to presentation slides obtained by the Tribune through an open records request, Alonzo gave students a broad overview of the opioid crisis and the science behind opioids. She walked them through how to prevent opioid deaths, how to recognize an overdose and how to administer naloxone. She even touched on what to do if a police dog was exposed to fentanyl.

The slides show that Alonzo discussed how a lack of infrastructure limits the states ability to respond to the crisis, noting that many Texas counties lack a medical examiner; reporting on opioid deaths by emergency rooms is infrequent; and many law enforcement agencies and local health departments dont track opioid deaths.

This means the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers Texas a nonreporter when it comes to opioid data, which makes it more difficult for researchers to receive grants to tackle the issue. (Alonzo gave her presentation before the Legislature passed new reporting laws this year.)

The lecture ended around noon. Afterward, students gathered at the front of the class to grab free naloxone kits provided by Alonzo. Some stuck around to ask Alonzo questions.

The courses instructors gave no indication anything had gone awry.

Alonzo got in her car and started her two-and-a-half-hour journey home.

At 4:22 p.m., as Alonzo was learning that a controversy was brewing, a course coordinator sent an email to the entire class distancing UTMB from comments Alonzo allegedly made about Patrick. The subject line read, STATEMENT OF FORMAL CENSURE.

The statements made by the guest lecturer do not represent the opinion or position of the University of Texas Medical Branch, nor are they considered as core curriculum content for this course, the email said.

UTMB does not support or condone these comments. We take these matters very seriously and wish to express our disapproval of the comment and apologize for harm it may have caused for members of our community, the email continued. We hereby issue a formal censure of these statements and will take steps to ensure that such behavior does not happen in the future.

The email did not specify what comments had led to the censure.

The trouble had started several hours earlier when Buckingham called Patrick to alert him that an A&M professor had made negative comments about him during a guest lecture at UTMB, said Copelin, the A&M system spokesperson. Buckingham then called Jenny Jones, the university systems vice chancellor for governmental relations.

Copelin said a text message had alerted Buckingham of the comments, but he did not provide information on who sent the text message.

Patrick then called Sharp and Kevin Eltife, the chair of the University of Texas Systems board, Copelin said. The call between Sharp and Patrick was short. Patricks chief of staff, Darrell Davila, followed with the text to Sharp that linked to Alonzos faculty page. Eltife declined to comment.

Sharp had a staff member look into the complaint and that staff member asked then-A&M President M. Katherine Banks' office to investigate.

Copelin said Sharps request went through the chain of command at A&Ms Health Science Center and ended up with Kevin McGinnis, the systems vice president and chief compliance officer.

At the same time, the government relations team alerted the Health Science Center and the pharmacy school, which are affiliated with Alonzo, Copelin said.

A&M officials received a copy of UTMBs censure statement and reached out for more information, but UTMB did not cooperate, Copelin said.

By the close of the day, McGinnis decided to put Alonzo on paid leave and investigate to determine what really happened, Copelin said in a statement.

As the situation developed, A&M officials updated Patrick and his team.

At 4:43 p.m., just 15 minutes after UTMB sent its official censure letter, Jones alerted Patricks deputy chief of staff, Marian Wallace, that the investigation was underway.

joy alonzo placed on administrative leave pending firing investigation this week js, read the message from Jones obtained by the Tribune through a public records request.

Copelin said the universitys handling of the complaint against Alonzo followed standard procedure and appropriately updated the relevant lawmakers on the investigations progress.

The investigation into the matter was a reasonable step to take, particularly after UTMB issued a public statement censuring one of our faculty members, he said. In fact, it would have been irresponsible not to look into it.

Texas A&M would not answer questions about what specific policy Alonzo may have violated with her comments or provide documents pertaining to the investigation, citing state law that allows a university to withhold such information if a person is cleared of wrongdoing.

The timing of the complaint came as the legislative session was heating up. Universities, including Texas A&M, were making pitches to lawmakers to devote some of the states multibillion-dollar surplus to fund special projects.

Alonzos predicament also comes as Texas universities are dealing with increasing government involvement in ostensibly independent public universities, particularly at the hand of Patrick, whom Alonzo was accused of criticizing. This year, Texas lawmakers banned diversity, equity and inclusion offices on college campuses, a priority for Patrick. These offices target underrepresented groups on campus to help them succeed, but critics accused them of pushing woke, left-leaning ideology on students and faculty.

Patrick also prioritized a bill that would limit certain conversations about race and gender in college classrooms. When professors at UT-Austin publicly reaffirmed their academic freedom to teach critical race theory last year, Patrick pledged to ban tenure in public universities. Ultimately, that proposal was unsuccessful, but faculty say the broad attack on higher education has made Texas a less appealing and more difficult place to work.

Students scramble to understand what happened

When students at UTMB received the email hours after the lecture, several started texting each other, trying to figure out what Alonzo had said that was so offensive.

According to one student who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation from the school, some students wondered if it was when Alonzo said that the lieutenant governors office was one of the reasons its hard for drug users to access certain care for opioid addiction or overdoses.

A second student who also asked to remain anonymous for the same reason said Alonzo made a comment that the lieutenant governors office had opposed policies that could have prevented opioid-related deaths, and by doing so had allowed people to die.

A third student who also spoke on the condition of anonymity said Alonzo talked about how policies, like the states ban on fentanyl test strips, have a direct impact on the ability to prevent opioid overdoses and deaths. A push to legalize the test strips died earlier this year in the Patrick-led Senate despite support from top Republicans, including Abbott.

All of the students interviewed said they felt Alonzos comments were accurate and they were not offended by anything in the presentation.

In a statement provided by Copelin, the A&M system spokesperson, Alonzo said her remarks were mischaracterized and taken out of context, but she did not confirm exactly what the comments were.

She added that she had no issue with how the university handled the situation, Copelin said.

The third student at UTMB said the email from the school was frustrating because it was unclear which comments the university found problematic.

Weve been left wondering exactly what it was they objected to, the student said. That vagueness just leads to some more self-censorship, since its hard to tell what is and isnt allowed.

Steinbaugh, an attorney with the legal nonprofit FIRE, said schools have the right to criticize an employee or guest speaker for statements they make, but issuing a formal censure sends a strong and unambiguous message.

That is a suggestion that if you repeat this language or these criticisms, then you will be subject to disciplinary consequences that go beyond formal censure, he said. That is a way to really put an exclamation point on the chilling effect.

In a statement last week to faculty who were upset about the fallout over the botched hiring of McElroy to the journalism department, Sharp expressed concern about outside influences in the hiring and promotion of faculty, saying it was never welcome, nor invited.

Sharp said he only participates in hiring questions over the schools president and vice chancellors for agriculture and engineering.

Other than that, I dont believe it is my place to be part of the hiring process for faculty, he wrote.

Fear of a chilling effect on life-saving information

A few hours after Alonzo reached out to Self about the trouble she was in, she finally heard back. But the tone of the email was notably different from the earlier cordial exchanges.

Self said she did not record the lecture and noted that all further correspondence will be funneled through our Office of Education.

Self referred a request for comment by the Tribune to UTMBs media relations department, which declined to discuss the situation.

Meanwhile, emails obtained through an open records request show that opioid experts and advocates across the state started sending Alonzo letters of support that evening.

Ive never seen her to be anything other than professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate, wrote Kathy Posey, who helped start the Montgomery County Overdose Prevention Endeavor, an opioid overdose awareness group made up of people whose family members have been addicted to opioids or died from an overdose.

Lucas Hill, a clinical associate professor of pharmacy at the University of Texas at Austin, wrote in his letter that Alonzo was not a divisive educator.

While I was not present during her guest lecture at the University of Texas Medical Branch this morning, my interactions with Dr. Alonzo gives me great confidence that she engages learners in discussions of controversial topics with the professionalism and restraint described in established principles of academic freedom, he wrote.

The stakes are high for professors who simultaneously work in their fields and teach, many of whom, like Alonzo, do not have tenure. And it raises concerns that medical experts working on high-stakes issues like the opioid crisis might withhold important, life-saving information out of fear of reprimand or punishment.

When were dealing with basic life-saving interventions, chilling effects can have much more deep consequences, said Aaron Ferguson, an addiction treatment expert in Austin who works with researchers at public universities to combat opioid overdoses. People don't feel emboldened to share basic science that could save peoples lives.

Some members of the audience were offended

On March 21, two weeks after she was placed on paid leave, Alonzo received an email saying her leave had been lifted.

The following day, pharmacy school Dean George Udeani said in a memo to Alonzo that during the lecture she related an anecdote and an interaction with a state official.

I understand that your comment did not assign blame. However, some members of the audience felt that your anecdote was offensive, he wrote.

While it is important to preserve and defend academic freedom and as such be able to discuss and present to students and the public the results of research observations and strategies, you should be mindful of how you present your views, Udeani said.

Disclosure: Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University System, University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas System and Kathleen McElroy have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

Join us for conversations that matter with newly announced speakers at the 2023 Texas Tribune Festival, in downtown Austin from Sept. 21-23.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has listed the Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, which lives in South Texas, Arizona and Mexico, as a threatened species. Credit: Ninahale via Wikimedia Commons

A tiny owl that lives in the South Texas brush has received protected status from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is also proposing that two species of mussels found in the Rio Grande be added to the endangered species list.

The cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl, a 6-inch-tall raptor, was classified late last week as a threatened species by the agency, which means the species will likely become endangered in the foreseeable future.

The owl is imperiled throughout its range by activities that reduce and fragment its habitat. These threats include but are not limited to, invasive species, urbanization, agriculture and forest production, and climate change, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a press release.

Since 1992, the Center for Biological Diversity has lobbied for increased protection for the owl, which has a habitat that extends into Mexico and southern Arizona.

I'm really glad that it's finally protected. I wish it wouldn't have taken so long, its in peril, said Noah Greenwald, endangered species director for the Center for Biological Diversity. It'll get a recovery plan, there'll be more funding for research and monitoring. And there'll be habitat protections.

Greenwald said that in Texas, the owl is found in live oak trees and along the banks of the Rio Grande.

On Monday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also proposed that two species of freshwater mussels receive protection under the Endangered Species Act, which is reserved for species in danger of extinction within all or a portion of their range.

The Salina Mucket and Mexican Fawnsfoot are both in danger of going extinct due to the loss of flowing water and poor water quality in the Rio Grande, the agency said in a written statement.

I don't have to tell anybody in Texas that it's been insanely hot. The water evaporates more, and there's more demands for water and withdrawals from underground sources, said Michael Robinson, senior conservation advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity. The mussels live in flowing water. They need clean, flowing water in order to survive.

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Matthew Johnson, a biologist for The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service who specializes in freshwater mussel conservation, said the agency is working closely with Big Bend National Park to manage the Rio Grande in ways that are beneficial to the species. The Salina Mucket lives just downstream from the park, while the Mexican Fawnsfoots habitat stretches from Eagle Pass downstream to San Ygnacio.

Johnson said he hopes other state agencies partner with the federal agency to help protect the mussels, adding that if they go extinct, there could be larger ramifications for the ecosystem.

They play such an important role in maintaining water quality by filtering out gallons and gallons every day to help improve that water quality, he said. They help stabilize river beds just by their presence, they are important food sources for other animals that live around rivers. When they die, their shells can be suitable habitat for snails and fish  they play a very important role.

Robinson said the owl and the mussels are just a few of many Texas species in need of attention.

Theres quite a few imperiled species in Texas that we are pushing the Fish and Wildlife Service to protect, and that will really conserve the beauty of the Lone Star State from the piney woods in the east to the grasslands and mountains in the west and all the varied environments in between, Robinson said.

Join us for conversations that matter with newly announced speakers at the 2023 Texas Tribune Festival, in downtown Austin from Sept. 21-23.
Photo: ZikG (Shutterstock)

The public is only now learning about a 2020 incident in which two Sacramento cops were eventually disciplined for using racist language while they improperly detained a group of Black boys while on duty.



Officers Connor Lawrence and Brandon Lundgreen were given disciplinary letters in October 2021 by the Sacramento Police Department for a 2020 incident in which they were recorded telling the boys, among other things, that they are the problem with our country, and calling them ghetto and retarded, the Sacramento Bee reports. Although the altercation took place three years ago and the disciplinary action two years ago, the citys police department only disclosed the incident on its web site this month.

Lawrence and Lundgreen responded to an area near a movie theater in the Delta Shores shopping center one evening in October 2020. The 2021 disciplinary report says the caller complained about a group of kids loitering and bothering patrons. When the two arrived, body camera audio picked up their conversation inside the car including comments about whether the kids were drinking Lean and insults that they were so ghetto and retarded.



Read more

Should I just go out there and grab somebody and f, ka-ka-ka, Lawrence said, which the report confirmed meant shooting or using force. The two officers then discussed ways to detain the group by yanking them and throwing them in the patrol car.

When they finally stepped out of the vehicle, they ordered the group to leave but the kids refused. Lundgreen went to handcuff one 14-year-old and addressed him as the first victim. Following that, he went on a full blown, unprovoked rant.

Read more from The Sacramento Bee:

There is two hundred of you roaming around, being a pack of animals, Lundgren can be heard saying on a body camera, according to the disciplinary letter. Its like a pack of wolves out there destroying the community ... you are not going to get away... I could tase you, I could bola wrap you, I could shoot you with a bean bag round. I could deploy a dog on you. I mean is this really how you are going to grow up and live your life, just f- the police? ... Live a great life and show some respect. Because right now, you are the problem with our society. You are the problem with our country.

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The disgusting verbiage used to slander these teens sounds a lot like how the news media described the Central Park Five in the late 80s. They were described as animals, savages and a sort of wolf pack that came from drugs and were looking to to smash, hurt, rob, stomp, rape, as The New York Posts Pete Hamill put it.

But despite being reprimanded and forced to complete a three-day training involving resilience, compassion and leadership for law enforcement as well as additional outreach engagement, Lawrence and Lundgreen still patrol Sacramento with badges and guns.



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On Tuesday, President Biden signed a proclamation to establish a national monument honoring Emmett Louis Till, a 14-year-old Black boy who was brutally lynched in Mississippi over 67 years ago. The monument also honors Tills late mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, who dedicated her life to social justice following the death of her only child.

The proclamation to establish the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monuments marked what would have been Tills 82nd birthday and will include three federally protected locations in Mississippi and Chicago.

The sites are the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago, where Tills open-casket funeral was held; an area along Graball Landing near Mississippis Tallahatchie River, where his body was found; and the Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse, where his murderers were acquitted by an all-white jury.

Biden says he was 12 years old when Till was killed. I cant fathom what it must have been like, he said, adding that he will not be silent about the hard truths of Americas history.

Only with truth comes healing, justice, repair and another step forward towards a more perfect union, Biden said.

The White House says the monuments are a reminder that America cannot deny its history and the nation moves toward healing.

Emmett Till, 14, with his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, at home in Chicago. (Chicago Tribune file photo/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

We will be better if we remember, we will be stronger if we remember, because we are all here now. It is only by understanding and learning from our past that we can continue to work together to build a better future, Vice President Kamala Harris said during the signing.

Heres a timeline of events that led to the national commemoration of Till and his mother on Tuesday.

August 1955: One of the darkest chapters in our nations history

On Aug. 24, 1955, Till was visiting family in Money, Miss., a town with Jim Crow laws that legalized racial segregation, when he was accused of wolf-whistling at and grabbing Carolyn Bryant, a white woman who, decades later, recanted her statement.

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Four days later, Till was kidnapped and later murdered, Davis Houck, professor of rhetorical studies at Florida State University and a leader of the Emmett Till Memory Project, told Yahoo News. On Aug. 31 his body was discovered in the Tallahatchie River.

Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam  Carolyn Bryants husband and his brother-in-law, respectively  beat Till, shot him in the head and lynched him before his body was thrown into the river.

Emmett Till's murder is emblematic of one of the darkest chapters in our nations history, Sen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat who represents Tills home state of Illinois, said in a tweet.

September 1955: Let the people see

On Sept. 3, 1955, Mamie Till-Mobley held an open-casket funeral in Illinois.

The brutal nature of Till's murder and the brave decision by his mother for an open casket funeral exposed the harsh racial violence of the South to the world, Democratic Illinois Rep. Jonathan Jackson tweeted on Tuesday. His story became a rallying cry for the Civil Rights Movement, compelling many, including leaders like Rosa Parks, into action.

Photographs from the funeral of Emmett Till at a Chicago Historical Society exhibit. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Over 100,000 people attended Tills funeral and saw his bruised and beaten body firsthand. Elliott Gorn, author of Let the People See: The Story of Emmett Till, says the murder was a difficult story to tell because it was so grim.

Let the people see comes from Tills mother, Gorn told Yahoo News of his book title. When she saw what had happened to her son, she was horrified by how he had been beaten and shot. She made the decision that she should not be the only one to see this.

While the open-casket funeral shed light on one of the darkest incidents of American history, Till never received justice.

On Sept. 6 of that year, a grand jury indicted Roy Bryant and Milam for kidnapping and murder in the case, which experts say was rare in the South.

White men murdering Black folks in the Deep South often didnt meet with nothing, let alone indictments, Houck said.

Both men pleaded their innocence, and though there was a slew of evidence, they were acquitted by an all-white jury later that month.

Decades later: Nothing that boy did could ever justify what happened to him

Decades later, in 2007, 72-year-old Carolyn Bryant recanted portions of her statement and admitted that Till didnt grab her  nor did he deserve to be murdered.

Nothing that boy did could ever justify what happened to him, Bryant told Timothy Tyson, who was then writing a book about the case titled The Blood of Emmett Till, which was published in 2017.

A boy at a vigil in Massachusetts on the one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, May 25, 2021. (Brian Snyder/Reuters)

Despite her admission, no one was arrested, and a grand jury declined to indict her in 2022.

Houck says Carolyn Bryant was able to escape justice. A lot of people held out hope that there would be somebody brought to justice in the case, and Carolyn Bryant for the last 20 years was the target of it, he said.

She lied in court in 1955, Dave Tell, professor of communication studies at the University of Kansas, told Yahoo News, noting that she died in April 2023. And so with her passing, there is no longer anyone living who could be charged with any crime in the case.

We thank President Biden

In 2008, President George W. Bush signed the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act, which provides funding to help solve cold cases that occurred during the civil rights movement.

In 2022, after years of legislative failures, Biden signed the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, which makes lynching a federal hate crime, punishable by up to 30 years behind bars.

Lynching was pure terror to enforce the lie that not everyone ... belongs in America, not everyone is created equal, Biden said as he signed the bill. Terror, to systematically undermine hard-fought civil rights. Terror, not just in the dark of the night but in broad daylight. Innocent men, women and children hung by nooses in trees, bodies burned and drowned and castrated.

President Biden with Till family member Marvel Parker, executive director of the Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley Institute, after signing a proclamation establishing the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

While Till never received the justice he deserved, advocates and experts say his legacy will live on forever, through legislation and, now, federal monuments.

This national monument designation makes certain that Emmett Tills life and legacy, along with his mother Mamie Till-Mobleys social action and impact, will live on and be used to inspire others to create a more just and equitable society, the Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr., a Till cousin and the last living witness of his kidnapping, said in a statement. We thank President Biden for codifying the national monument and are heartened to know these places will foster empathy, understanding and healing for years to come.

Cover thumbnail photo: Mandel NganN/AFP via Getty Images, Chicago Tribune file photo/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Israeli troops inspect the scene of an exchange of fire in the West Bank city of Nablus in which three Palestinians were killed (Jaafar ASHTIYEH)

Israeli troops killed three Palestinians in the occupied West Bank Tuesday, the Palestinian health ministry said, the latest deaths in a surge of violence in the territory since early last year.

"Three Palestinians have been killed by Israeli bullets in Nablus," the ministry said. Palestinian militant group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, said the three were members of its armed wing.

The Israeli army said three "armed terrorists" had opened fire on its soldiers from a vehicle in a Nablus neighbourhood and the troops fired back "to neutralise" them.

The soldiers recovered three M-16 rifles, a gun, cartridges and other military equipment, the army said in a statement.

The Palestinian health ministry identified the dead as Nour al-Deen al-Ardah, 32, Montaser Salameh, 33, and Saad al-Kharaz, 43.

Hamas said the three were members of its Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades armed wing.

"We mourn our heroic Qassam martyrs who died this morning in an armed clash with the occupation forces in Nablus," Hamas said in a statement.

The Palestinian president's spokesman, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, said the killing of the three men amounted to a "war crime".

"Israeli crimes will not bring our people to their knees, and will not bring security and stability to anyone," he said in a statement.

Israel has occupied the West Bank since the Six-Day War of 1967.

Since early last year, the territory has seen a string of attacks by Palestinians on Israeli targets, as well as violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities.

Violence linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict this year has killed at least 201 Palestinians, 27 Israelis, one Ukrainian and one Italian, according to an AFP tally compiled from official sources on both sides.

They include, on the Palestinian side, combatants as well civilians and, on the Israeli side, three members of the Arab minority.

Excluding Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, the West Bank is home to nearly three million Palestinians, as well as around 490,000 Israelis who live in settlements considered illegal under international law.

str-he-ha-jd/kir
Flash flooding hits Zion National Park in this file photograph from June 29, 2021. Roaming thunderstorms this week has authorities warning about the potential for sudden flooding in isolated areas.

The thunderstorms that have started wandering into Utah in recent days are raising worries about flash flooding at places like national parks.

Flash flooding threats were possible in most parts of southwestern Utah on both Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service, with parks from Zion to Bryce Canyon to the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area all likely to see flooding in slot canyons, dry washes and small streams.

"Make sure to check in with local visitor centers or ranger stations before heading out and have a plan if threatening weather approaches," warned the Salt Lake City office of the NWS on social media.

There is an increased risk of flash flooding for southern Utah National Parks and recreation areas. Make sure to check in with local visitor centers or ranger stations before heading out and have a plan if threatening weather approaches. More at: https://t.co/7kgSJIR7mF #utwx pic.twitter.com/9a6poCliNQ  NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) July 25, 2023

Thunderstorms and flash floods hit isolated areas across the state over the weekend and on Pioneer Day, bringing heavy rain and high winds along with them and prompting a series of warnings and special weather statements to various parts of the state.

The trend was likely to continue in the coming days, although their sporadic, isolated nature can make them difficult to predict until just before they hit.

Flash flooding earlier today in @CapitolReefNPS produced many waterfalls across the park. This one was caught on camera by a park ranger. #utwx pic.twitter.com/bVZOG67pHg  NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) July 18, 2023

In the meantime, the weather outside the storms' influence remained hot and dry, with most of the region expecting daily high temperatures in the triple digits.

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St. George was expected to hit 107 degrees on Tuesday, followed by 108 on Wednesday, with temperatures expected to remain in that range through the weekend. The NWS forecast suggested there was a 15% chance of precipitation for the day, with thunderstorms a distinct possibility, if unlikely to hit any particular area.

In Springdale outside of Zion National Park, the forecasted high for Tuesday was 102, with Wednesday set to reach 104.

Temperatures were even high at higher-elevation locations like Cedar City, with the forecast calling for 94 degrees on Tuesday and 95 on Wednesday.

Temperatures should cool by next week though, with increased moisture likely to make the storms stronger. The Cedar City area forecast showed a 30% chance of precipitation by next Monday, with a 50% chance on Tuesday.

This article originally appeared on St. George Spectrum & Daily News: Flash flood potential rising at national parks in Utah
Chinese-owned video streaming app TikTok says it will offer text-only posts as competition between social media giants heats up.

The platform says the new feature gives users "another way to express themselves".

Earlier this month, TikTok launched a new music streaming service to rival platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

And on Monday, Elon Musk's Twitter ditched its famous blue bird logo and switched to a black and white X.

TikTok users will now be offered three options on the app - whether to post photos, videos or text.

They will also be able to customise posts by adding sound, location or Duets, which are video reactions to posts by other TikTok users.

"These features make it so your text posts are just as dynamic and interactive as any video or photo post," TikTok said.

TikTok, which is owned by China's ByteDance, recently launched a new music streaming service, TikTok Music, in Brazil and Indonesia.

Last week, the company also rolled out a beta version of the service in Singapore, Mexico and Australia.

A spokesman said it would allow users to "listen, share and download the music they have discovered on TikTok, as well as share their favourite tracks and artists with their TikTok community".

The app is testing other features including a new landscape mode with select users around the world.

In 2021, TikTok became the world's most popular online destination as it had more hits than US search engine giant Google.

That year, the app also said it had more than one billion active users globally.

Competition between rival social media firms - such as Instagram owner Meta and X, Mr Musk's rebranded Twitter platform - have heated up in recent weeks.

This month, Meta's new Threads platform went live on Apple and Android app stores in 100 countries, including the UK.

Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg later said his company's Threads platform had signed up more than 100 million users in less than five days.

Also this week, the blue bird branding on social network Twitter was replaced by a logo featuring a white X on a black background.

The term tweets will also be changed to "x's", according to Mr Musk.
Photo: Ascannio / Shutterstock.com (Shutterstock)

TikTok is set to launch an e-commerce platform to sell Chinese-made goods to its millions of American users, according to a new report in the Wall Street Journal. The new shopping experience is a new attempt by TikTok to compete with Shein and Temu, two Chinese companies dominating the online retail scene with fast fashion and cheap products.

You wont have to wait long either. As soon as early August, TikTok plans to give you the exciting opportunity to buy things on the same app that keeps you staring at your phone long after you promised to go to sleep, according to unnamed sources who spoke to the WSJ. A TikTok spokesperson declined to comment.

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TikTok reportedly plans to store, sell, and ship these products itself, rather than just providing a platform for third-party sellers to hawk their wares. The WSJ reports that TikTok will operate on behalf of factories and other partners in China to sell products including clothes, electronics and kitchen gadgets.

The social media business is in a tailspin as growing privacy restrictions and a stuttering economy make mining data for ads a less profitable business. As companies work to diversify their revenue streams, social media companies keep coming back to the idea that they might turn themselves into stores.

In the United States, experiments such as Facebook Marketplace and the Instagram Shopping Tab mostly failed, but people seem to love buying stuff on social media in Asia and some other parts of the world. In China, social media apps have grown an estimated $423 billion business with retail live streams similar to the Home Shopping Network. Amazon is working to copy that model, and YouTube just launched its own video shopping channel in South Korea. TikToks reported new junk shop is the latest attempt to bring the retail trend to America.

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The short-form video king sees big dollar signs on the horizon for its retail efforts. TikTok is already testing an online retail business in the UK and Saudi Arabia, and implemented a dystopian social credit score for influencers who participate in those programs, where creators are given ratings for metrics such as cooperation and diligence. The company reportedly planned to bring its retail business to the US far sooner, but hit delays after American politicians had a collective freak out over the companys privacy and security practices.



TikTok may be stepping into a whole new arena of controversy with its new e-commerce baby. Shein and Temu are making a lot of money selling low-budget Chinese products to American consumers, but they face growing scrutiny over reports of slave labor, clothes contaminated with lead and other dangerous chemicals, complicity in the Uyghur genocide, and environmental concerns over cheap products destined for the landfill. These issues are bad enough that Shein financed an influencer propaganda campaign, where it flew creators out for a supervised tour in exchange for breathlessly positive testimonials. Shein and Temu did not respond to requests for comment.

To a certain extent, these problems are built into the business model TikTok is about to embrace, where profits stem from jumping on trends and churning out inexpensive products as quickly as possible. That incentivizes cutting corners and overlooking concerns, and it will take a lot of proactive work if TikTok wants to avoid those problems. These issues arent unique to TikTok or Chinese retailers and manufacturers, but it does create new fodder for the growing list of American companies and political leaders terrified of TikToks creeping presence.

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Image: Kevin Winter (Getty Images)/destineenstark/Gizmodo

Conservative grifter and disgraced country musician Jason Aldean has been under the microscope for his maligned anti-protest track Try That in a Small Town. After a barrage of bad publicity accusing Aldean of promoting lynching and violence via the songs lyrics and video, a TikTok user debunked Aldeans claims that all footage in the video comes from the real American news cycle. Now, that TikToker is claiming shes had her life threatened by Aldeans fans in the process.



In Try That in a Small Town, Aldeanwho is from Macon, Georgia, which boasts a population of nearly 160,000 (not much of a small town)croaks that crimes that might fly in the city like carjacking, robbing a liquor store, and punching an unsuspecting pedestrian will not go unpunished in a small town. While the song was released in May, Aldean released its video just over a week ago to accusations of promoting lynching, violence against protesters, and racism. Aldean responded to the accusations on his social media platforms, claiming that every clip of news footage within the music footage is authentic. Enter: Destinee Stark.

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Jason Aldean - Try That In A Small Town (Official Music Video)

Destinee Stark is a TikTok user and activist who smelled something fishy with Aldeans statement and contested his claims of using real news clips. In her 8-minute video posted to TikTok last week, Stark says that she found two instances of footage within the first 30 seconds of the music video that can both be found on stock footage websites. One clip was taken at a festival in Germany while the other was produced by a Bulgaria-based stock footage studio, which further discounts Aldeans efforts to paint his song and video as pro-Americana propaganda.

Stark also points out that Aldean filmed portions of his video at a courthouse in Tennessee, which was the site of the lynching of a black 18-year-old in 1927 and a race riot in 1946. Starks video and a follow-up have both accumulated over 1.5 million views each on the platform, but Stark now says that shes been the subject of death threats, doxxing, and other negative speech.

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Im receiving thousands of comments that quite honestly, I cant possibly keep up with. The context of those comments go far beyond what is considered reasonably harsh criticism, and into the dark realm of death threats, death wishes, threats of violence, and just the most degrading, vile comments Ive ever seen, quite frankly, Stark told Gizmodo in an email. I would encourage everyone who is so angry about my commentary to spend some time reflecting on why it is that they are so angry about what I have to say.

Aldean did not immediately return Gizmodos request for comment.

Aldean has since been mum on the video and its reaction since his initial statement, except for tweeting out a promo video for his ongoing tour. Despite the backlash and Country Music Television announcing that it would be pulling the video from circulation, The New York Times reports that Try That in a Small Town hit #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week.

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A graphic designer and activist who made TikTok content debunking the claim by Jason Aldean that his controversial music video only uses "real news footage" has been facing a wave of racist and violent hate mail by defenders of his song.

Destinee Stark is among the first who publicly criticized Aldean's "Try That in a Small Town" for the song's lyrics and for featuring a Tennessee courthouse where a Black teenager was lynched in 1927. A former fan of the country star, Stark first heard the song about two weeks ago and then saw the music video.

The more she thought about the words and images, the angrier she became, Stark told NBC News on Monday.

"I get online all the time and I share my, like, opinions online all the time. It's, you know, something that I do," Stark said. "And that first video that I made, I posted it at like ... 11:30 p.m. ... I didn't think it would go anywhere. And I woke up to like thousands of messages about it."

Last week Country Music Television, which initially aired the video, pulled it from rotation. But after Aldean defended the music video by stating that "there isnt a single video clip that isnt real news footage," Stark said it was easy to prove him wrong

In a TikTok video that's gotten at least 1.5 million views, Stark found that two of the clips in the video came from stock footage. One showed a woman flipping off police at at labor day event in Germany and another was a commercial stock clip of a molotov cocktail.

"I just think that people have a right to know," Stark said. "Things like this, they inform politics and it informs how we vote, how we see the world and who we interact with. And I just think that if we're consuming content that's not even accurate, that it's just propaganda. And it's just fueling people, you know, to commit more violence."

NBC News also found stock clips of a protest in Montreal, Canada, and a protest in Kyiv, Ukraine. The Montreal clip does not have a date nor does it have context for the cause behind protest.

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The Ukraine clip appears to be from a 2013 protest in downtown Kyiv, which was in opposition to the former president's refusal to sign an agreement that would have aligned the country with the European Union.

A representative for Aldean did not immediately respond to a request for comment from on Monday.

Stark shared screenshots with NBC News of hateful messages she's received since posting her videos about Aldean's song, which included racist slurs, fatphobic remarks and death threats.

Stark said she has tagged Aldean on social media, asking him to denounce the hate mail and discourage defenders from engaging in violent, racist rhetoric.

In one message, someone referred to her with two different slurs and threatened to hang Stark in their backyard so people could gather around. She described that particular message as the "worst" of the messages so far.

"They're trying to defend and say that the song isn't racist while using racist rhetoric to tear me down, which literally defeats the purpose of their entire argument," Stark said.

Stark encouraged those people to look inward and really think about why they were so incensed by her videos, because others have sent kinder messages about how her content has made them more aware.

"Even people that were fans of Jason Aldean reached out and were like, 'You know, I would have been vibing with this song until you pointed all this out'," Stark said.

"So even though it seems like the trolls and the hate is so much louder, it really is changing things and it's really changing people's perspectives," she added. "And I think that that's the really important part to focus on too."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A woman texting (stock photo). Tero Vesalainen/Getty Images

A TikToker shared the underhanded things she did to catch her boyfriend cheating.

This included catfishing him by pretending to be a girl he knew.

She said her revenge was inviting him to a fake date venue that was actually a psychiatric hospital.

A TikToker described a series of "toxic" things she said she did to successfully catch out a boyfriend who was cheating on her.

Tabitha Mae, who has 19,000 followers, posted a video last week breaking down her purported schemes. Insider wasn't able to confirm any of the details she described.

Mae described catching out an unsuspecting boyfriend, who she didn't name, while he lived in Montreal, Canada.

She said she repurposed an old Instagram account to be the fake woman, which she said seemed more believable because it had some followers already. Then she cropped a photo so only her body was visible.

"And honestly when I was like making this account and about to message him, I was like, there's no way in hell he's going to believe this," she said. "Like this is actually ridiculous, there's no way."

But it did work, she said, letting Mae successfully manipulate her boyfriend into being caught.

Mae's video taps into a popular TikTok trend where creators share stories of revenge against someone who has wronged them in their past. Though often unverifiable, they also hit a nerve with thousands of people who have been cheated on or mistreated.

Mae said she wrote to the boyfriend in French since he was living in Quebec. (She didn't specify where she was at the time.)

"So I messaged him in French using Google translate," she said, telling him she met his friend "Rob" a few weeks prior. In response, her boyfriend asked, "Is this Natalie? I've been waiting for you to reach out."

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"So then I have a full blown conversation with him in French," Mae said. She added that when she downloaded Duolingo, she knew it "had gone too far."

Another time, Mae said she noticed a girl in the background of her boyfriend's Instagram story wearing a red jacket, and messaged him pretending to be her, using an app to disguise the number she was texting from.

Mae said her boyfriend responded and asked if she was "Laura," and that he thought he had her number already.

"I was like, fuck, I've been caught red handed," Mae said. "But I had a little trick up my sleeve. I was like, do you not remember when I shattered my phone into a million pieces last night? I have to use my friend's phone until I can go to the AT&T store tomorrow."

Mae said she didn't think her boyfriend would fall for this one, but it "worked like a charm."

She said she then had to get him to admit to cheating, so she asked him: "Are we just not going to talk about last night?"

At first, he responded asking, "what do you mean?" But then he confirmed Mae's suspicions with a follow-up.

"He sent another message that said, I know you and Rob used to talk, but I promise he doesn't care what we do," Mae said.

Mae said she was with her friend at the time who convinced her to try and get her boyfriend to meet up with the pretend girl. So she "played along" and told him she wanted to see him that night.

"I sent him an address, he shows up at the address, it's actually a psychiatric institute," Mae said. "And then I texted him and said, book an appointment, love."

Mae's first video amassed over 700,000 views, so she posted a second video on Monday.

She described another ex, who she called Tyler, and how he started hanging out with another girl, who she named Olivia.

She said she started becoming suspicious of their friendship, so she went through Tyler's phone. She said she couldn't find messages from anyone called Olivia, but she then decided to go through every contact one by one.

"So I'm clicking on each contact, and go into the messages, and I get to Ben & Jerry's," she said. "I click on the messages, and he was not asking them if they had Rocky Road in stock."

Mae said she then had a decision to make. She could cry and confront him, or have a little fun. She went for the latter, and started scheming with her friend.

They ordered a bowl of ice cream to Tyler's doorstep with a note saying "Special delivery from Ben & Jerry's."

Tyler immediately called her, Mae said, and apologized. But she responded to everything he said as if she were ordering ice cream.

"He was like, I'm so sorry, I can't believe I did this, I'll never do this again, and I was like, I'll have a cup of chocolate with a few sprinkles on top and some gummy bears," she said. "And when he started crying, I was like, would a sundae help?"

Mae said she wasn't recommending anyone repeat her methods, but if anyone did, they should send her screenshots so they could "laugh together."

Read the original article on Insider
TikTokers reacted to a viral cow print mural which they felt resembled something completely different. TikTok: @tishaaragon, Tisha Aragon

An artist went viral on TikTok after she shared a cow print mural she'd made using a sock and paint.

The video received 9.7 million views and 24,900 comments who weren't convinced by the final design.

Some praised the artist for trying but felt the end result looked like it should be flushed away.

TikTokers were quick to share their thoughts on a viral artwork after an artist attempted to create a cow print mural using a sock and dabs of brown paint, which many felt resembled the interior of a toilet instead.

On June 20, a TikToker who goes by Tisha Aragon posted a video that showed a sock-covered hand dipped in white paint, which was then applied to a wall. The upload then cut to a clip of the same sock, wet with what appeared to be brown paint, which was also dabbed and wiped onto a wall.

Aragon, who describes herself as a "Texas artist that paints with a SOCK" in her TikTok bio, included the hashtags #cowprint, #art, and #painting beneath the video, and revealed the final look at the end which showed the top third of the wall had been covered with the fresh paint job.

The upload was viewed 9.7 million times and over 24,900 comments reacted to the final look, many of which wrote they could see what she was aiming for, but the design reminded them of something else altogether.

"I like it.....but....it also looks like the inside of the toilet bowl," one viewer responded in a top comment that received over 25,800 likes.

Many more comments made similar references and jokes about toilets, as they felt the cow print design hadn't quite come out right.

"I like it, poocasso," a further user wrote in a punny comment that received over 900 likes as it referenced both the famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, and a popular TikTok sound which is often used by uploaders attempting to appear positive about something they're really unsure about.

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Others were a bit kinder and suggested the mural actually looked more like a tortilla than the planned cow print, while some suggested ways the artist could potentially improve the look, such as painting the rest of the wall brown or black.

Later that month, Aragon uploaded another mural, this time of flowers above a set of bathroom basins, which received a much more positive response. "Oh girl this makes up for the cow print by 1000%. That is beautiful," one viewer wrote and received over 4,800 likes.

Aragon has over 119,000 followers on TikTok where she has uploaded a whole array of designs using the same sock and paint method, which generally receive praise from viewers. She did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Controversial artworks have blown up on TikTok in recent months as viewers give their personal take on the merits of the final piece.

In May, a tattoo artist received over 3.5 million views as comments discussed whether his permanent sketch of a flower was worth the price tag, and earlier this month viewers debated whether a professional artist who kept going viral was truly talented or simply scribbling.

For more stories like this, check out coverage from Insider's Digital Culture team here.

Read the original article on Insider
Dr Brian Hyatt, former chairman of the Arkansas State Medical Board, has been accused of falsely imprisoning patients as part of an alleged Medicare scam (screengrab/ KNWA)

The former chair of the Arkansas State Medical Board is being sued by at least 25 former patients who claim they were held against their will in his psychiatric unit, and is further facing allegations of Medicare fraud from the state's attorney general's office.

Dr Brian Hyatt, one of the state's top physicians, is at the centre of the lawsuit. Former patients claim the doctor kept them locked up after they sought treatment for mental health problems, and proceeded to charge them the highest amount possible upon their eventual release.

No charges have been brought against the doctor. His attorney insists the allegations are an orchestrated smear campaign against the physician, while the Arkansas Attorney General's office believes he may have been running a Medicare fraud plot.

Here's what we know about the alleged imprisonment and fraud scheme.

Imprisonment

At least 25 of Dr Hyatt's former patients claim in a lawsuit that after seeking treatment for mental health issues they were held in medical facilities against their will.

One former patient, William VanWhy, told NBC News he checked himself into Northwest Medical Centre in Arkansas last year after feeling emotionally overwhelmed.

He remained in the facility for four days despite wanting to leave, and told the outlet "I was not receiving any medical care at all."

While mental health patients in Arkansas can be held against their will for up to 72 hours if they are considered a danger to themselves or others, doctors must obtain a court order and judge's consent to hold a patient any longer.

There was no petition filed in Mr VanWhy's case.

With the help of his partner and a lawyer, Mr VanWhy was eventually released. On the way out of the facility, a nurse commented that they were "glad he's getting out," before asking the trio not to "repeat that." The comment was captured on the body camera footage of a deputy who had been dispatched to execute a court order demanding Mr VanWhy's release.

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Mr VanWhy told the deputy that he saved his life.

It was the second time in as many months that a sheriff's deputy was required to execute an order forcing Dr Hyatt to release a patient.

While Mr VanWhy was held for only four days, some former patients claim they were kept for weeks.

What possible reason could a doctor have for holding patients against their will?

William VanWhy, a former patient of Dr Brian Hyatt, who says he was held against his will at an Arkansas psychiatric facility (screengrab/CBS5)

Medicare Fraud

Aaron Cash, a lawyer representing Mr VanWhy and other former patients of Mr Hyatt, said he has an idea.

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, he told NBC News.

Once the patients were allowed to leave, Dr Hyatt allegedly billed Medicaid "at the highest severity code on every patient," according to a search warrant affidavit obtained from the Arkansas Attorney General's office.

The Arkansas attorney general, Tim Griffin, has accused the doctor of running an insurance scam.

The investigation ultimately led to Dr Hyatt's resignation from the state board, though he insisted his leaving was not an admission of guilt.

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 at the time of his resignation. I will continue to defend myself in the proper forum against the false allegations being made against me.

Northwest Medical Centre in Springdale terminated his contract in May 2022, shortly after his resignation.

The hospital eventually agreed to settle with the attorney general's office to the tune of $1.1m after it failed to provide sufficient evidence that 246 patients held in Mr Hyatt's unit were justified.

The hospital denied any wrongdoing and insisted its personnel were in compliance with the law.

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, a spokesperson for the hospital said in a statement.

Dr Hyatt has maintained his innocence.

Dr. Hyatt continues to maintain his innocence and denies the allegations made against him, Dr Hyatt's attorney said in a statement to Arkansas Business last month. 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.

The Independent has reached out for comment.

Between January 2019 and June 2022, Medicare payouts to the facility exceeded $800,000. The state attorney general's office said in an affidavit that the "claims are so high they skew the averages on certain codes for the entire Medicaid program in Arkansas," calling Dr Hyatt's billing practices "a clear outlier."

The affidavit says that 99.5 per cent of Dr Hyatt's Medicaid claims were made at the most expensive code. Typically patients arrive and are billed at the highest code as they are often dealing with serious issues when they first arrive. However, as they continue their stay those codes typically decline in cost as their conditions improve before release.

Exacerbating the claims of imprisonment and exorbitant billing are former patients' allegations that they did not even receive treatment during their time in the hospital.

Lack of care

Dr Hyatt became the medical director of Northwest Medical Centre's behavioural health unit in January 2018. Shortly after, the facility's beds expanded from 25 to 75, and there was a sharp increase in Medicaid and Medicare claims, as well as private insurance claims, according to the state attorney general's office.

At the same time he was acting as medical director Dr Hyatt was also running his own private practice, Pinnacle Premiere Psychiatry in nearby Rogers, Arkansas.

In his insurance claims Dr Hyatt said he conducted daily, in-person evaluations with his patients at the hospital.

However, a former hospital staffer spoke out in April 2022, telling state investigators that the doctor was only at the facility "a few minutes each day" and that he had "no contact with patients."

That claim prompted investigators to review 45 days worth of surveillance footage from the hospital. They found that Dr Hyatt only entered a patient's room or interacted with them 17 times, for less than 10 minutes in total.

Dr. Hyatt never had even a single conversation with the vast majority of patients under his care, the AG's office said in an affidavit.

Shannon Williams, a travelling nurse who claims she was held against her will in Dr Hyatts psychiatric facility (screengrab/NBC News)

Shannon Williams, 52, told NBC News that she was held at the facility for five days and given a sedative against her will. She sought treatment in February 2021 after learning her brother had died of Covid-19 while overseas. Being a nurse who worked in a Covid unit herself, the news pushed her to a breaking point, and she sought help.

She was eventually transferred to Dr Hyatt's unit, where she says she felt as though she were "in a prison" and said she was "terrified." Ms Williams noted that she never saw the doctor's face.

All I saw of Dr. Hyatt was the back of his head in the hallway. I never even saw his face," she told the broadcaster.

Dr Hyatt's legal team has maintained that he "did not mistreat patients" and that he "followed the guidelines" of Medicaid billing "as he understands them," according to the New York Post.

Medicaid billing is a complicated, and not always consistently administered, system that does not make it easy for providers, the attorneys said.
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline aims to take oil from western Uganda to a port on the Tanzanian coast (Kun TIAN)

TotalEnergies announced Tuesday it had started drilling wells for oil in Uganda as part of a huge project condemned by environmental and rights groups.

The French oil major and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) signed a $10-billion agreement last year to develop Ugandan oilfields and ship the crude via a 1,445-kilometre (900-mile) pipeline to Tanzania's Indian Ocean port of Tanga.

Drilling began in July "to start production in 2025", TotalEnergies said.

In Kampala, however, the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) said "the drilling of development wells" began on June 28.

Over 400 wells "are expected to be drilled... to produce about 190,000 barrels of oil per day at peak when production starts in 2025," the PAU said in a statement to AFP.

"Three rigs have been lined up for drilling operations," said Alex Nyombi, PAU's director of development and production.

"We currently have one rig up and running... the second rig is undergoing final test and checks... while the third rig components are being assembled and is expected to start operations in October 2023," he said.

"The rigs in Uganda are designed to minimise the environmental footprint by adding sustainable technologies and practices and ensuring responsible resource extraction for future generations," PAU's legal and corporate affairs director, Ali Ssekatawa, said in a separate statement to AFP.

- 'Greenwashing' -

But Friends of the Earth France and Survive said the drilling was underway "in the very heart of the Murchison Falls national park, Uganda's oldest and biggest protected natural space."

"Total continues its greenwashing, trying to convince that its oil wells will not affect the local fauna thanks to the beige colour of the drilling towers 'to look like the surrounding savannah'," the two groups said in a statement.

They noted that one third of the 400 wells due to be bored will be within the park.

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"While the ravages of climate change are being felt more than ever, Total is going beyond all imaginable limits by starting oil extraction in one of the places with the greatest biodiversity in the world," said Friends of the Earth's Juliette Renaud.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) says the project will have dire consequences for local communities and the environment.

The pipeline is "a disaster for the tens of thousands who have lost the land that provided food for their families and an income to send their children to school, and who received too little compensation from TotalEnergies," HRW said.

The company said it had offered fair compensation and would "continue to pay close attention to respecting the rights" of the communities concerned.

cho/nal/jnb/bp/ri
A trade group that has opposed Julie Sus nomination to lead the Labor Department is demanding the Biden administration refrain from issuing a high-profile rule on gig workers until a Senate-confirmed secretary heads the department.

Flex, the trade group for app-based companies including DoorDash, GrubHub, Lyft and Uber, argued in a letter on Monday that any rules and regulations issued while Su is acting secretary dont have political legitimacy or constitutional authority.

Its an early hint at the challenges likely to be raised to the legitimacy of Sus tenure as she serves as an indefinite acting secretary. And it echoes Republican arguments that any regulations issued by the Labor Department without a Senate-confirmed secretary in place could be subject to legal challenge.

Any action taken to finalize the proposed worker classification regulation under Ms. Sus current leadership as Acting Secretary would circumvent the Senates constitutional role of providing advice and consent on nominees, Flex CEO Kristin Sharp said in the letter addressed to President Joe Biden. It mirrored language others have used to forecast legal challenges to Sus regulations. The Department should not finalize its worker classification proposal before having a permanent Secretary.

Though it is publicly encouraging senators to support the nomination, the Biden administration has determined that Su doesnt currently have enough votes to be confirmed in the Senate. The president plans to keep her in the role as acting secretary.

The administration argues Su has legal authority to issue regs under Labor Department rules that say the deputy secretary  the job Su was confirmed by the Senate to fill in mid 2021  requires her to assume the role of acting secretary in the absence of the secretary. She is not subject to the same time limits on her confirmation as many other Cabinet-level nominees. Privately, some White House officials have scoffed at the idea that Republicans would support department regs if only the secretary were confirmed, noting their opposition to those regulations even when a secretary is in place.

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The proposed rule at the center of the dispute governs how gig workers  such as Uber drivers  are classified. The departments measure would make it harder for companies to classify them as independent contractors instead of employees eligible for more protections and benefits.

Opponents have labeled the proposal as similar to Californias AB5 law, which business groups have opposed. Su has said the state and federal policies differ and has told a Senate panel that the federal government has not been authorized by Congress to go as far as AB5.

Californias AB5 classifies workers as employees by default unless the company proves the employee has cleared each of a stringent, three-part test, such as independence from the company and performing work that is different from the companys usual business. Su told Congress the federal policy would not be able to do the same.

Flex argues that the lack of support stems in large part from her refusal to articulate plans to how she would write the rule and avoid the economic turmoil California experienced.

House Republicans have included a rider to the labor appropriations bill that would bar the Labor Department from moving forward with any changes to gig worker classification, though such language will likely face opposition from Senate Democrats and worker advocacy groups.

Nick Niedzwiadek contributed to this report.
Citing a crisis of availability of care, transgender people are asking a federal judge to block a new state law making it more difficult for trans adults to access hormone-replacement therapy and surgery.

The law, passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature this spring and championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, requires patients diagnosed with gender dysphoria to sign informed-consent forms crafted by state medical boards.

Under the law, only medical doctors and osteopathic physicians  not nurse practitioners  are allowed to order hormone therapy. The law also requires transgender people seeking gender-affirming care to undergo lifelong mental-health exams by state board-licensed psychiatrists or psychologists.

The new restrictions have erected unnecessary barriers to care and impose medically unsupported requirements on trans people, plaintiffs argued in a revised version of a lawsuit filed Friday.

The law (SB 254) also banned doctors from ordering gender-affirming care for children but allowed minors already receiving such treatment to continue, under certain conditions.

Parents of transgender children filed a lawsuit challenging the restrictions, and U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle last month blocked a ban on the use of puberty blockers and hormones to treat children diagnosed with gender dysphoria, calling the prohibition an exercise in politics, not good medicine. The state is appealing Hinkles ruling.

The lawsuit was revised Friday to add several adults as plaintiffs.

One overall effect of the transgender medical restrictions has been to create a crisis of availability for transition-related care in Florida, with demand for that care vastly outstripping the supply of physicians authorized and willing to supply it. This has created extremely long wait times for treatment that leaves patients without their medications or access to other forms of care for prolonged periods, risking significant harm to their physical and mental health while they remain untreated, the revised lawsuit said.

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In a motion for a preliminary injunction filed Monday, the plaintiffs lawyers asked Hinkle to block parts of the law dealing with adults.

The law singles out transgender individuals and creates arbitrary, harmful and medically unjustified restrictions that deter them from obtaining needed medical care, the motion said.

The motion also argued that the restrictions on transgender adults ability to obtain care, and those in the informed consent forms, are not even rational. Rather than fostering any interests in health or safety, they undermine them.

Adult plaintiffs who joined the lawsuit alleged they have been unable to find treatment or have had long-scheduled surgeries canceled since DeSantis signed the law in May.

A declaration filed by plaintiff Lucien Hamel, a 27-year-old transgender man who lives in Indian River County, said he was incorrectly assigned the sex female at birth, began dressing as a male as a child and started receiving transition-related medical care four years ago.

Hamel said he had been receiving testosterone from a nurse practitioner at a clinic in Melbourne until the new law went into effect, but hes now unable to find a healthcare provider who is authorized to prescribe testosterone and is taking new patients.

Being forced to go without testosterone has had, and will continue to have, devastating consequences for me physically, emotionally and psychologically. Because of being unable to obtain care, I experience debilitating fear, anxiety, self-loathing and despair, Hamel said..

Hamel, the father of a 7-year-old son, said he cant afford to relocate to another state.

Thus, I am trapped in a state that is denying me access to critical medical care that I need to live and thrive, he added.

Plaintiffs on Monday also filed declarations from doctors who specialize in treating people diagnosed with gender dysphoria. The doctors said the states approach is contrary to widely accepted medical standards and pointed, in part, to the informed-consent forms approved last month by the state Board of Medicine and the state Board of Osteopathic Medicine.

The consent forms say medical treatment of people with gender dysphoria is based on very limited, poor-quality research with only subtle improvements seen in some patients psychological functioning in some, but not all, research studies.

Dan Karasik, a professor emeritus of psychiatry at the University of California-San Francisco, said the forms are riddled with false and misleading statements and thereby undermine informed consent.

Daniel Shumer, a pediatric endocrinologist and professor who serves as the medical director of the Comprehensive Gender Services Program at Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, also criticized the forms.

When a regulatory agency interferes with the informed consent process to require doctors to misstate information, impose medically unsupported requirements and create unnecessary barriers to ongoing care, the process is corrupted and patient autonomy is undermined. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the consent form itself , Shumer said.

Kenneth Goodman, founder and director of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicines Institute for Bioethics and Health Policy, said in a declaration that the state-approved forms depart from well-established principles of medical ethics and undermine physicians decisions about how best to serve their patients.

The doctor-patient relationship is of fundamental importance and therefore should be free from legislative or regulatory interference that does not serve a medical justification, Goodman said. These principles apply as a matter of professional ethics notwithstanding any individuals personal viewpoint on gender identity or whether gender transition care should be legally accessible.

Debate about the bill restricting gender-affirming care focused largely on children during the legislative session that ended in May.

We cannot speak something into existence that doesnt exist. We cannot change our sex, Rep. Ralph Massullo, a Lecanto Republican who is a dermatologist, said in May before the House gave final approval to the measure. And for those children that this bill addresses, they cannot change their sex, and they need to learn that fact.

Florida is among a number of Republican-led states that have approved measures to curb or prohibit gender-affirming care for transgender children and adults. DeSantis, who is running for president, has made the issue one of his priorities.

In a separate lawsuit, Hinkle on June 22nd blocked a state ban of Medicaid coverage for transgender children and adults, saying the effort was invidious discrimination. The state also is appealing that decision.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  Vanderbilt University Medical Center is being sued by its transgender clinic patients, who accuse the hospital of violating their privacy by turning their records over to Tennessee's attorney general.

Two patients sued Monday in Nashville Chancery Court, saying they were among more than 100 people whose records were sent by Vanderbilt to Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti. His office has said it is examining medical billing in a run of the mill fraud investigation that isn't directed at patients or their families. Vanderbilt has said it was required by law to comply.

The patients say Vanderbilt was aware that Tennessee authorities are hostile toward the rights of transgender people, and should have removed their personally identifying information before turning over the records.

Tennessee has stood out among conservative-led states pushing myriad laws targeting transgender people, enacting some of the nation's most anti-LGBTQ restrictions, even as families and advocates have voiced objections that such policies are harmful. The lawsuit seeks class-action status on behalf of everyone at the clinic whose private medical records were released to Skrmetti.

Against that backdrop, its failure to safeguard the privacy of its patients is particularly egregious, the lawsuit says.

The attorney generals office has said the hospital has been providing records of its gender-related treatment billing since December 2022, and that the records have been kept confidential. Elizabeth Lane Johnson, an attorney generals office spokesperson, noted Tuesday that the office isnt a party to the lawsuit, and directed questions to Vanderbilt.

VUMC spokesperson John Howser said Tuesday that it's common for health systems to get such requests in billing probes and audits, and the decision to release patient records for any purpose is never taken lightly, even in situations such as this where VUMC was legally compelled to produce the patient records.

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Many of the patients involved are state workers, or their adult children or spouses; others are on TennCare, the states Medicaid plan; and some were not even patients at the transgender clinic, according to the lawsuit. It says that records for more than 100 current and former patients were sent without redacting their identities.

The lawsuit says that since the patients learned that their information was shared, they've been terrified for their physical safety, have had significant anxiety and distress that has impacted their ability to work, has caused them to increase home security measures, and drop out of activities in which they normally would participate.

The lawsuit accuses Vanderbilt of negligence that inflicted emotional damage and violated patient privacy protection and consumer protection laws. It seeks monetary damages, improved security procedures, an injunction blocking further release of their records without notice, an acknowledgement by Vanderbilt that it violated its own privacy policy, and an admission that the policy inadequately informs patients of their rights regarding disclosures.

The hospital waited months before telling patients their medical information was shared, acting only after the existence of the requests emerged as evidence in another court case. Howser said that at that point, hospital officials thought patients should hear it from them instead of media reports or other ways.

The attorney general also requested a slew of additional information, including the names of everyone referred to the transgender clinic who made at least one office visit, as well as people who volunteer for the hospitals Trans Buddy initiative, which aims to increase access to care and improve outcomes by providing emotional support for the clinic's patients.

Howser said Vanderbilt's lawyers are in discussion with the attorney general's office about what information is relevant to their investigation and will be provided by VUMC.

The attorney general's office made the requests several months after conservative commentator Matt Walsh surfaced videos last September that include a medical center doctor saying gender-affirming procedures are huge money makers for hospitals. Vanderbilt paused all gender-affirming surgeries for minors the next month under pressure from Republican lawmakers and Gov. Bill Lee, who demanded an investigation.

Vanderbilt said it had provided about five gender-affirming surgeries to minors each year since its clinic opened in 2018, all to people over 16 who had parental consent. None received genital procedures.

Tennessee lawmakers then passed a ban on gender-affirming care for minors. A federal appeals court recently let it take effect after a lower court judge blocked it.

___

Kimberlee Kruesi in Nashville contributed to this report.
Trevor Reed in Russia

A US man who was jailed by Russia for nearly three years before being released in a 2022 prisoner swap has been injured while fighting in Ukraine.

Ex-US Marine Trevor Reed was hurt while fighting against Russia's invasion, the US State Department said on Tuesday.

Officials add that he "was not engaged in any activities on behalf of the US government" and reiterated that Americans should not travel to Ukraine.

Mr Reed has been transported to Germany by a non-governmental organisation.

State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said at a briefing that US officials "are aware" of Mr Reed's injuries and the fact that he has been taken to Germany for treatment.

"We have been incredibly clear that traveling to Ukraine, choosing to participate in the fighting there, has a very real risk of capture, of death, of bodily harm, and that continues to be our assessment," Mr Patel said.

The circumstances of Mr Reed's injuries - and how or when he came to fight for Ukraine - are not clear. Officials tell US media he was injured in eastern Ukraine before being taken to hospital in Kyiv and then sent on to Germany.

The Messenger, which first reported Mr Reed's injuries, says he suffered shrapnel wounds from stepping on a land mine two weeks ago.

According to CBS News, the BBC's US partner, sources say he is being treated at a military faculty in the German town of Landstuhl for a laceration to an extremity.

In 2019, Mr Reed was convicted in Russia of fighting with police officers while on a drunken night out.

The US had deemed him to be wrongfully detained in Russia, calling his trial "theatre of the absurd".

He was released in 2022 in exchange for a Russian pilot who had been convicted in the US of cocaine smuggling charges.

The US is currently working to free two Americans also considered to be wrongfully detained in Russia - businessman Paul Whelan and journalist Evan Gershkovich.

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Russia and Ukraine have not yet commented on Mr Reed's injuries.

David Whelan, a brother of Paul Whelan, said in a statement: "I'm sorry to hear that he's been injured. But a hostage's release isn't an end point.

"They have to live with the aftermath after the hostage takers and others move on. I can't imagine the anger, vengeance, and grief they must feel.

"I hope he finds some peace now."
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Trevor Reed, who was released in a prisoner swap with Russia brokered by the Biden administration in 2022, was injured recently while fighting for Ukraine in the east of that country, CBS News has learned.

Multiple sources tell CBS that Reed was evacuated from Ukraine by a non-governmental organization and is expected to recover from those injuries. Two sources confirm that he is being treated at a military facility in Landstuhl, Germany. Reed suffered a laceration to an extremity.

The Biden administration is aware of Reed's injury in Ukraine and his travel to Germany for treatment. An administration official said in a statement, "I want to be clear here: Mr. Reed was not engaged in any activities on behalf of the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government has been extraordinarily explicit in warning Americans not to travel to Ukraine, let alone to participate in fighting there."

The official also said that U.S. citizens who travel to Ukraine in order to join the fighting there "face significant risks, including the very real risk of capture or death."

"The United States is not able to provide assistance to evacuate U.S. citizens from Ukraine, including those Americans who may decide to travel to Ukraine to participate in the ongoing war," the official said.

Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who helped negotiate Reed's release last year, released a statement saying, "Regardless of the circumstances that led to his injuries in Ukraine, it is important to make sure Trevor Reed receives the best possible care so he can return safely to his family. We have worked hard to guarantee Trevor's return from Russia. He is a veteran and should be treated with care."

Reed had been arrested in Moscow in 2019 and the State Department considered him wrongfully detained. Two Americans remain wrongfully detained in Russia: Paul Whelan, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been imprisoned since March and is accused of espionage. Whelan has been detained in Russia since December 2018 and is serving a 16-year prison sentence on espionage charges. The U.S. has declared that both men are being wrongfully detained by Russia.

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Two sources also confirm that Reed is scheduled to start college at Georgetown University next month. A spokesperson for the university, Ruth McBain, said that registration for students entering this fall has not yet taken place, so "we therefore cannot confirm enrollment at this time."

Reed family spokesman Jonathan Franks said in a statement to CBS News, "We politely decline to comment on this story."

David Whelan, brother of prisoner Paul Whelan, said in a statement, "I'm sorry to hear that he's been injured. But a hostage's release isn't an end point. They have to live with the aftermath after the hostage takers and others move on. I can't imagine the anger, vengeance, and grief they must feel. I hope he finds some peace now."

The Messenger was first to report on Reed's injuries and evacuation.

Sarah Barth and Caitlin Yilek contributed to this report.

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Trevor Reed, a former US Marine freed from Russian prison last year, was injured while fighting as an international volunteer in Ukraine, according to US officials.

A pair of defence sources told The Messenger that Mr Reed, who came back to the US in a high-profile prisoner swap in April 2022, stepped on a land mine in Ukraine and was not acting on behalf of the US government.

"Since the beginning of the war, we have warned that US citizens who travel to Ukraine, especially with the purpose of participating in fighting there, that they face significant risks, including the very real risk of capture or death, one of the officials said.

A government source told The Associated Press Mr Reed "has traveled to Germany where he is receiving medical care.

US officials are reportedly frustrated with Mr Reeds actions, following considerable government efforts to release him, including the decision to release Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian cocaine smuggler serving a 20-year sentence in the US, in exchange for the Americans freedom.

Jonathan Franks, a spokesperson for the Reed family, declined to comment when reached by CNN.

In 2019, Mr Reed was arrested in Russia following a party after his girlfriend called police and asked them to take the man to a drunk tank. When she came to retrieve him, the American appeared to have been heavily injured and was under interrogation by Russian intelligence agents.

Mr Reed was eventually charged with violence against police officers, on claims he attempted to grab the wheel of a police car, endangering those inside the vehicle, and sent to a Russian penal colony.

International observers criticised the trial, and Mr Reeds treatment in prison, where he staged a hunger strike.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated with new information.
A Florida Highway Patrol trooper was hurt Monday night after stopping a wrong-way driver on Interstate 4 in Orlando.

The trooper responded after reports a driver in a white car was going west on the eastbound lanes of I-4 in Orange County around 10:30 p.m.

Photos: Trooper hurt after using cruiser to stop wrong-way driver on I-4 in Orlando

Troopers worked with Orange County deputies and Orlando police to secure the area and attempt to stop the driver.

See: Police seek ATM thieves who dragged it down Florida road with stolen truck

One trooper attempted to stop the wrong-way drivers path with lights and sirens on, but was hit in the process.

At that stage, our trooper decided he was going to be able to protect life and property by putting his life in the way of that vehicle to stop it from getting to that busy intersection, said Tara Crescenzi with Florida Highway Patrol.

The wrong-way driver eventually collided with a tree after crashing into the FHP cruiser.

Watch: Large amount of marijuana washes ashore on Florida beach

The driver, a 48-year-old Arizona woman, was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center for an evaluation.

The 22-year-old trooper was taken to AdventHealth to be treated for minor injuries.

Watch: Low-pressure system could bring increased rain chances to Florida this weekend

Troopers said the crash remains under investigation.

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.
Drenching downpours and locally gusty thunderstorms associated with a tropical disturbance will spread westward across parts of Florida to end the week, AccuWeather meteorologists say. Not only will cloud cover and the downpours cause temperatures to drop but the risk of flash flooding will increase.

Meanwhile, forecasters will continue to monitor a train of disturbances, also known as tropical waves, moving westward from Africa as July comes to a close and August begins.

On this wide image of the tropical Atlantic basin taken on Wednesday, July 26, a tropical wave was located off the coast of Africa (far right). A tropical wave was located over the eastern Caribbean (middle left center). Finally, a tropical wave was kicking up thunderstorms over the Bahamas to near the Florida coast (upper left). (AccuWeather Enhanced RealVue satellite)

A tropical wave was located over the northern Bahamas on Wednesday. A tropical wave represents a narrow zone in the atmosphere where the air is rising and more conducive for showers and thunderstorms to erupt. Under the right conditions, tropical waves can develop an area of circulation and an increase in winds.

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"Where this disturbance is located, there is some moisture around and not a great deal of wind shear," AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said. Wind shear is the sudden change in direction or increase in breezes across the atmosphere and can inhibit tropical development.

"The water is very warm where the feature is now and where it is going," Rayno said.

Ocean water temperatures as of 9 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

A water temperature of 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit is the minimum threshold for tropical development. Water temperatures in the vicinity of the disturbance and where it is likely to travel generally range from 83-88 F but are even higher locally.

A general west-to-northwest drift of this disturbance is likely through the end of the week, which would bring it across the Florida Florida Peninsula spanning Thursday and Friday. Disruptive wind shear is likely to increase as the system nears the Florida coast.

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"There is not much time for this system to organize and strengthen," Rayno said. However, the system will be watched closely for last-minute development prior to moving across Florida and encountering warm waters in the Gulf Stream where temperatures were in the upper 80s on Wednesday.

An uptick in drenching downpours and locally gusty thunderstorms is likely across parts of Florida and perhaps as far to the north as the Georgia coast into Friday.

Even weak tropical systems can bring an uptick in severe weather including waterspouts and short-lived tornadoes. Coastal waters may get choppy for boaters, and rough surf and rip currents may pose hazards to swimmers.

"Downpours could be heavy enough to trigger flash flooding in places such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach through Thursday night," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Houk said. "It may bring enough rain to help ease severe drought in the hard-hit Florida counties of Manatee and Sarasota, near the Gulf coast, by Thursday afternoon."

Clouds and downpours from the weak tropical system will likely snap the string of 90-degree days in Miami that began on June 23.

A tropical wave that AccuWeather meteorologists have been tracking for over a week is entering a more hostile zone for development in the Caribbean.

"The tropical wave was moving into a zone of increasing wind shear and dry air over the Caribbean as it drifted westward on Tuesday," AccuWeather Tropical Meteorologist Alex DaSilva said.

Because of the scope of wind shear and dry air over the Caribbean, AccuWeather meteorologists are no longer forecasting that tropical wave to develop.

"While the broad nature of this tropical wave will bring localized downpours and gusty winds to the islands in the Caribbean as it drifts westward, it is not likely to be a significant long-term threat," DaSilva said.

Downpours and gusty thunderstorms from this system are likely to reach parts of Central America Friday and Saturday.

As July winds down and August ramps up, conditions typically become more favorable for tropical development in the prime zone of the Atlantic between Africa and the Caribbean. The months of August and September are sometimes referred to by meteorologists as the Cabo Verde season, because of the amount of tropical systems that take shape near the group of islands located off the west coast of Africa.

As the train of tropical waves continues to move westward from Africa, there will inevitably be opportunities for development with some of the systems.

During the late summer and first part of autumn, water temperatures are typically at their warmest levels in the tropics and areas of dry air and disruptive wind shear tend to dwindle.

"A robust tropical wave moved off Africa on Monday and will be closely monitored for development during the end of this week, through this weekend and into next week as it moves generally to the west," DaSilva said. "This tropical wave will encounter dry air from Saharan dust into Friday, though wind shear may decrease in the system's path toward the end of the week and that may allow the system to organize."

At this time, AccuWeather meteorologists have assigned a medium risk of development for the system, with the potential for an increase in development risk later this week.

The next named tropical or subtropical storm in the Atlantic will be called Emily. Don, the most recently named storm to prowl the open waters of the basin, briefly became the first Atlantic hurricane of the year well away from land this past Saturday.

AccuWeather's tropical and long-range meteorologists are expecting a significant uptick in tropical development in the Atlantic during August and into September. However, a quick decrease in activity is possible during the second half of the hurricane season as El Nino's impacts on the basin increase.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Washington  Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik has turned over thousands of pages of records to special counsel Jack Smith as part of the federal investigation into efforts to stop the transfer of presidential power after the 2020 election, sources familiar with the matter confirmed to CBS News.

The documents were submitted to Smith on Sunday. A source close to Kerik's legal team said they believe the records, which include sworn affidavits from people raising concerns about the integrity of the 2020 presidential contest, show there was a genuine effort to investigate claims of voter fraud in the last election.

CNN was first to report that Kerik had given Smith's team the materials.

Despite the allegations about election irregularities, dozens of court challenges seeking to invalidate the results from key battleground states were tossed out, and all 50 states certified their election results.

FILE -- Former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik. (credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Kerik served as police commissioner under then-New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani from 2000 to 2001 and is an ally of former President Donald Trump's. He and Giuliani worked together on an effort to identify widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election. Kerik was sentenced to four years in prison in 2010 after pleading guilty to eight felonies involving tax fraud and obstruction, and Trump pardoned him a decade later.

Kerik is set to speak with investigators from Smith's team, and his lawyer, Tim Parlatore, told CBS News last week he expected the interview to happen "soon." Parlatore was among the key lawyers working for Trump in the Justice Department's investigations into the former president, but left the legal team in May.

The tranche of documents provided to Smith include emails between Kerik and a range of Trump lawyers, consultants and allies. Among those who received the messages were Sidney Powell and Jenna Ellis, conservative lawyers who pushed the unverified claims of fraud, as well as members of Trump's campaign, including advisers Jason Miller and Boris Epshteyn.

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The batch includes communications with former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon and Trump's former national security adviser, Michael Flynn. Bannon was indicted in 2020 for allegedly defrauding donors to an online fundraiser before being pardoned by Trump in the final hours of his presidency. Bannon has since been convicted on contempt of Congress charges. In November 2020, Trump pardoned Flynn, who twice had pleaded guilty to charges of lying to the FBI. Bannon was recently subpoenaed by the special counsel, according to two sources familiar with the communication, but it is unclear if he has met with investigators.

The records include an email sent from Georgia Republican Party chair David Shafer to Kerik, an aide to Giuliani, Donald Trump Jr., the former president's eldest son, and Kimberly Guilfoyle, an adviser to Trump's campaign.

The material also includes business information related to Dominion Voting Systems, an electronic voting company that was at the center of baseless claims the election was rigged against Trump. Dominion filed a defamation lawsuit against Fox News and its top on-air personalities, arguing the network knowingly spread false information about its role in the 2020 election. The two parties reached a settlement agreement in April ending the dispute, and Fox agreed to pay Dominion $787.5 million.

Smith was appointed in November by Attorney General Merrick Garland to oversee the Justice Department's investigation into the efforts to stop the transfer of power after Trump lost the election and the certification of Electoral College votes on Jan. 6, 2021. The counting of state electoral votes by Congress was interrupted when a mob of Trump's supporters breached the U.S. Capitol building, leading law enforcement to evacuate lawmakers and then-Vice President Mike Pence, who was presiding over the proceeding.

Trump revealed earlier this month that he received a letter from Smith's office informing him that he is a target of the investigation, an indication that a decision on whether to pursue charges against Trump is near.

A senior Trump source said the target letter highlights three federal statutes. Two of the laws include potential charges of conspiracy to commit an offense or to defraud the U.S., and deprivation of rights under color of law. The third indicates potential charges ranging from obstruction of an official proceeding to tampering with a witness, victim or an informant. Hundreds of defendants in the Justice Department's probe into the Jan. 6 Capitol attack have faced the obstruction-related charge.

Trump has denied any wrongdoing related to events after the November 2020 election and leading up to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. He has claimed the investigation is a "witch hunt" pursued by the Justice Department.

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Republican senators who dont want to see former President Trump as their partys nominee are feeling increasingly anxious that special counsel Jack Smith is actually helping Trumps presidential campaign through his dogged pursuit of the former president.

They fear that another round of federal charges against Trump will only further boost his fundraising and poll numbers, solidifying his possession as the dominant front-runner in the 2024 Republican presidential primary field.

And they worry that Smiths effect on the Republican presidential primary is being magnified by prominent House Republicans and conservative media personalities who have rallied behind Trump, effectively blotting out the rest of the GOP presidential field.

They wish he would go away, said a Republican senator, who requested anonymity to comment on private conversation, of fellow GOP senators concerns that Smith is helping propel Trump to victory.

They wish they would both go away, the senator added, referring to Smith and Trump.

The senator said constituents are calling on colleagues to stand by Trump, essentially turning the GOP presidential primary into a referendum on the former president and his battles with the Biden Justice Department.

The senator said Smith is absolutely the best thing going for Trumps presidential campaign.

Trump had a 15-point lead over Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in national polls March 30, when news of the former presidents first indictment in New York on 34 felony counts related to a hush money scheme became public.

Since then, his lead over DeSantis, his closest rival, has grown to 33 points, according to an average of recent national polls.

A second Republican senator said the Department of Justice will further boost Trump if it brings new charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and stop Congress from certifying President Bidens victory Jan. 6, 2021.

Trump already faces 37 counts in a federal indictment related to the classified documents found at his Florida residence.

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The things that one would have thought were disqualifying can be enhancing, can be improving your standing, said the GOP senator, who also requested anonymity to comment on how Trumps legal battles are energizing Republican voters to embrace his campaign.

I should explain to my constituents who complain that the Democrats are out to ambush Trump: No, they want him to be Republican nominee because he is the one who would lose, the senator added.

The senator said a new federal indictment against Trump creates increased enthusiasm among his supporters and probably brings other voters along who see this as a rotten system.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who hasnt yet endorsed any presidential candidate, said Trump is getting stronger because of the two indictments and the potential for additional charges from the Justice Department and the Fulton County (Ga.) district attorney.

I think hes getting stronger, he said, adding, The primary gets less and less [competitive].

Paul speculated that the Biden administration and its allies may be focusing prosecutorial firepower on Trump to boost him in the primary, because Democratic strategists believe Biden has a good chance of beating him again in a general election.

More from The Hill

Maybe thats their strategy. Maybe their strategy is: Lets keep indicting him. Well build him up because hes the one candidate who wont have appeal to independents. And that might be true, Paul said.

The Kentucky senator said even Republicans who arent Trump fans feel angry and exasperated by the severity of the charges brought against him.

More and more Republicans, even ones who have disagreements with him, are like: Really, youre going to indict him for trying to overturn the election? he said.

Paul said he thought the strategy of Trump allies trying to push alternate slates of Electoral College electors in the weeks after the 2020 election was a stupid strategy.

I voted against it. I said at the time it was a dumb strategy. So Im against that policy, but never in my right mind would I think that its a crime for [Trump] to say, Lets have an alternate set of electors, he said.

Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D.), who has endorsed Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) in the 2024 presidential election and has repeatedly warned that Trump is a turnoff to swing voters, said the Department of Justice has only boosted Trumps fundraising and standing in the polls.

That seems to have happened so far, he said. He seems to have benefited every time that the Justice Department goes after him.

Im hoping that the dynamic changes in a way that Tim Scott starts to break out, Thune said.

Trumps campaign last week sent out a fundraising email to supporters within 24 hours of receiving a letter from Smith informing him that he is the target of a grand jury investigation related to the events of Jan. 6.

He asked his subscribers to make a contribution to show that you will NEVER SURRENDER our country to tyranny as the DEEP State thugs try to JAIL me for life.

Trump raised $35 million in the second quarter of this year, during which time he pleaded not guilty in separate criminal cases in Manhattan and the Southern District of Florida.

DeSantis reported raising $20 million in the second quarter.

Trump has repeatedly bashed Smith to rev up his core supporters.

He shot off a fundraising email immediately after learning that he had been indicted in early June for violating the Espionage Act and conspiring to obstruct justice because of his handling of classified documents after leaving office.

We are watching our Republic DIE before our very eyes. The Biden-appointed Special Counsel has INDICTED me in yet another witch hunt regarding documents that I had the RIGHT to declassify as President of the United States, he wrote June 8.

Trumps strategy of villainizing Smith and the Department of Justice has proven especially effective with small-dollar donors; his campaign reported collecting $6.6 million within days of Smith announcing his first round of charges.

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), who voted twice to convict Trump of impeachment charges and wants his party to move away from the former president, said: In the past, an indictment would be terminal for a candidate.

Donald Trump has proven thats not the case. He was right: He could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and it wouldnt make a difference, he said.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), who doesnt think Trump can win a general election matchup against Biden, said the indictments have rallied Republican voters behind Trump so far.

But he hasnt had a trial yet, he said. That could change things.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantiss presidential campaign and former President Trump this week rolled out dueling plans for the U.S. military, with both GOP candidates proposals light on details and heavy on gripes over Biden administration efforts.

While DeSantiss proposition took aim at Pentagon diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, recruiting woes and policies impacting transgender service members, Trumps plan focused largely on seeking reimbursements for U.S. aid to Ukraine, lambasting Europe for what he decried as only a tiny fraction of what Washington had contributed.

But as both candidates strive to stand apart from each others messaging, choosing to focus on different aspects of national security, experts say there appears to be little difference between the two proposals.

There doesnt seem to be very much daylight between the two of them on a couple of different fronts, said Katherine Kuzminski, an armed forces expert and society at the Center for a New American Security, a Washington, D.C., think tank.

Former President Trump pumps his fist as he departs after speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2023, on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

I think theres a real focus on bringing resources back to the U.S. and not extending American leadership abroad. And then, certainly, when it comes to the domestic politics, the pushes for reform within the Department of Defense when it comes to DEI policies and transgender policy, she said.

There isnt really a debate between the two of them on these specific issues  When you look at their policies, theyre not actually all that different, Kuzminski said.

Here are both candidates messages on the U.S. military and national security:

DeSantiss culture war complaints

DeSantiss plan, unveiled at a brief news conference last Tuesday in South Carolina, doubled down on past campaign promises to rip the woke out of the U.S. military and overhaul the institution.

The Mission First proposal includes potential six-month performance reviews for all four-star generals and admirals, and possible dismissals should anyone be found to have promoted policies to the detriment of readiness and warfighting.

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He also pledged to rescind Bidens executive order that allows transgender individuals to serve under their preferred sex, rip out DEI initiatives in the services or military academies, end Pentagon efforts to combat extremism in the ranks and reinstate personnel who were dismissed for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine as well as give them backpay.

In addition, he promised to end programs meant to prepare military installations and troops for future climate change, bashing the Pentagon for shifting, in part, to electric vehicles.

In an interview with CNN the evening after the press conference, DeSantis claimed his policy targets Pentagon efforts that hinder recruitment and said the military is currently suffering from Americas loss in confidence in the institution.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis rolls out his military policy proposal during an event for his 2024 presidential campaign on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, in West Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)

At this level, everybody has acknowledged these recruiting levels are at a crisis.  I think its because people see the military losing its way, not focusing on the mission and focusing on a lot of these other things, DeSantis said.

DeSantis isnt straying far from his policy proposals already enacted as Florida governor.

While head of the state, he has banned higher education institutions from putting dollars toward diversity and inclusion programs, forbade the use of federal resources to teach students about sexual activity, sexual orientation or gender identity, and prohibited some teachings about race and U.S. history.

But Michael OHanlon, a security fellow at the Brookings Institution, called DeSantiss stance a missed opportunity for the former Navy officer, who served in the Navy Judge Advocate Generals Corps in Iraq.

Cleary DeSantis is fighting the culture wars and hes sort of staying true to his M.O., OHanlon told The Hill.

I think its probably a missed opportunity for him.  He should be trying to show he is actually capable of developing serious views on the big strategic issues of the day, which are fundamentally not about diversity, equity and inclusion within the armed forces, he said. I think he ought to be engaging on China and Russia, how to solve the Ukraine, how to prevent war over Taiwan.

And Kuzminski said theres a misperception that the Florida governor is capitalizing on wokeness as a recruiting challenge in the U.S. military,

That is the perception of some who may have served a long time ago, but the reality of military service is that it needs to reflect the population from which its drawn, she said. Thats a challenge that I think a President Trump 2.0 or President DeSantis is going to run  into if they were to win the election.

On Ukraine, Desantis has offered tentative comments on the conflict, insisting it wasnt a U.S. national security priority and downplaying the Russian invasion.

While the U.S. has many vital national interests [such as] securing our borders, addressing the crisis of readiness within our military, achieving energy security and independence, and checking the economic, cultural and military power of the Chinese Communist Party, becoming further entangled in a territorial dispute between Ukraine and Russia is not one of them, DeSantis said in March.

He has since walked back his comments on the war being a territorial dispute.

A firefighter walks with of a resident through smoke coming from a house on fire, after cluster rockets hit a residential area, in Konstantinovka, eastern Ukraine, on Saturday, July 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty)

Trumps Ukraine-Russia War focus

Trump, meanwhile, has long made pledges to cut back U.S. involvement in foreign wars, starting with campaign promises ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

Trump coasted through the 2016 GOP primaries under his so-called America First foreign policy, intended to diminish Washingtons role on the world stage and focus more dollars at home than overseas.

During his presidency, he continued that line of thinking, calling for a reduction in service members serving abroad and criticizing the U.S. foreign intervention as being too expensive and ineffective.

Trump seems to be doubling down on that track with his plan for Rebuilding Americas Depleted Military, also released last week.

In a prerecorded video put out by his campaign, the former president focuses largely on foreign policy, repeating criticisms over Bidens handling Russias war on Ukraine.

If reelected, he claimed, he would demand Europe pay the U.S. to rebuild its weapons stockpiles  which have pulled from heavily since February 2022 to help bolster Kyiv in its fight.

Less than three years ago, Id fully rebuilt the United States military and steered America into such a strong global position, Trump boasted.

Twenty-nine months later, the arsenals are empty, the stockpiles are bare, the Treasury is drained, the ranks are being hollowed out, our country has been totally humiliated, and we have a corrupt, compromised president, crooked Joe Biden, who is dragging us into World War III, he said.

Trump also claimed Washingtons European allies were only giving a tiny fraction of the assistance to Ukraine compared to the United States, and suggested Biden was too weak and too disrespected to even ask for reimbursement.

Trump also said in a recent interview that he could end the war in 24 hours, a claim many found dubious.

OHanlon, who called Trumps assertions on lagging European assistance to Ukraine incorrect, said he appears to be banking on his past arguments on making America first.

Kuzminski agreed that Trumps campaign looks to be hitting harder on making Ukraine repay us, and doubling down on those statements.

While Trump hasnt been as vocal on culture war issues in the military this time around, he has a well-documented history when it comes to his stance on transgender service members in the military.

In July 2017, he announced on Twitter, apparently out of the blue, that transgender individuals would no longer be allowed to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military.

That ban was eventually rescinded by Biden via executive order shortly after he entered the White House in January 2021.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
For the third time in as many months, former President Donald Trump is expected to be indicted on criminal charges.

Trump announced last week that he is a target of the Justice Departments investigation into the insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021, saying he received a so-called target letter from special counsel Jack Smith, who has been leading the federal investigation into the Capitol attack and Trumps efforts to hold onto power after he lost the 2020 election.

Trump received a similar letter from Smith shortly before his indictment last month on 37 counts stemming from a separate DOJ probe into his handling of classified material after he left office.

The latest letter reportedly informed Trump he is facing three potential criminal charges: conspiracy to commit an offense against or defraud the United States; deprivation of rights; and witness tampering.

Yahoo News spoke with several legal experts for answers to some frequently asked questions surrounding Trumps latest potential indictment as well as the other cases against the former president.

How likely is it that former President Trump will be indicted in the DOJs Jan. 6 case?

Very, said New York criminal defense lawyer Andrew Bernstein.

I could point to a hundred little things that might say why the indictment [is] coming, but that target letter speaks for itself, Bernstein said. I cant take it to mean anything other than in a case of this magnitude that the government is going to indict him.

Then-President Donald Trump as he arrives to speak near the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP file)

Have you ever seen a case where someone receives a target letter and does not end up being indicted?

It does happen sometimes, when good lawyering saves the day, said Kevin OBrien, former assistant U.S. attorney in the Justice Department and partner at Ford OBrien Landy. Sometimes a lawyer will make an argument or theyll make what's called a proffer, an explanation of the facts that is persuasive. But I dont think either of those scenarios are going to happen here.

According to multiple reports, the letter informed Trump that he is facing three potential criminal charges. What do each of these mean?

Conspiracy to commit an offense or to defraud the United States: According to Bernstein, this charge refers to an agreement made with others to commit a crime, regardless of whether the crime itself was actually committed. Jack Smith would have to lay out that Donald Trump and one other person agreed to commit an act that would defraud the U.S. government, he said. So its a very good sort of catchall charge.

Story continues

Tampering with victims, witnesses or informants: This is anyone who is trying to stop a witness or an informant from coming forward and giving correct testimony, Bernstein explained.

Conspiracy against rights: If youre agreeing with one other person and youre intending to impede, infringe or prevent someones free exercise of their rights, this is a potential charge, Bernstein said. Trumps alleged actions tied to Jan. 6 could include interfering with then-Vice President Mike Pences certification of the election results.

If the former president is indicted in this case, how serious would it be compared with his previous indictments?

Anytime someone is charged with a felony, its serious for the defendant. But if Jack Smiths office indicts Trump a second time, it could be even more serious for the U.S. justice and political system than the others.

The indictment relates to how Trump conducted himself after the 2020 election, and it would progress toward a trial as Trump is seeking the 2024 Republican nomination, said Christine Adams, a former federal prosecutor and partner at Los Angeles-based Adams, Duerk & Kamenstein. Neither of Trumps other two cases relate as directly to whats happening right now in American politics, which is that were in the middle of another contentious presidential campaign.

Throngs of Trump supporters gather at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Some experts have pointed to a clause in the 14th Amendment that bars any former elected official who participated in an insurrection from ever holding public office again. If Trump is convicted of any of these charges, would it prevent him from serving as president?

It likely would not  unless theres something in the indictment that specifically alleges an insurrection, said Richard Serafini, a former senior trial attorney in the Justice Departments criminal division and a criminal defense attorney based in South Florida.

It would depend to a great degree on what exactly hes charged with, Serafini said.

Bernstein said he would be shocked if Trump is actually brought up on insurrection charges. I don't think were living in a world where its so clear that anything  absent a conviction  is going to give someone the power of the 14th Amendment to disqualify Trump from being on the ballot.
Donald Trump has shared a QAnon post on his Truth Social platform as he continues to lash out at President Joe Biden, special counsel Jack Smith and Attorney General Merrick Garland ahead of his third potential looming criminal indictment.

The former president reTruthed a post from a QAnon supporter which showed an image of Mr Trump along with the ominous message: Nothing can stop what is coming. Nothing.

Mr Trump has gone on the attack in recent days over the grand jury investigation into the January 6 Capitol riot and his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

In one of the clearest signs Mr Trump could face federal charges in the case, the former president said last week that he had received a letter saying he is a target of a grand jury investigation.

Court documents revealed on Monday that former New York City Police Department commissioner Bernie Kerik, who collected spurious evidence of alleged voter fraud and manipulation for Mr Trumps campaign, has agreed to turn over hundreds of documents to the DOJ as part of its probe.

Mr Kerik was working for Rudy Giuliani and had previously refused to share the evidence.

Key points

DeSantis in car crash as he heads to Tennessee campaign event

14:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Ron DeSantis was in a car crash while on his way to a campaign event in Tennessee.

The Florida governor and 2024 presidential candidate was uninjured in the Tuesday morning incident, ABC News reported.

Gustaf Kilander has the latest on this developing story.

Ron DeSantis in car crash as he heads to Tennessee campaign event

Story continues

Fulton County DA eyeing criminal solicitation and conspiracy crimes in Trump 2020 election probe

14:12 , Oliver O'Connell

The Fulton County investigation of Donald Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia has been weighing several potential statutes under which to charge the former president, The Guardian reports.

Among those charges being considered are criminal solicitation to commit election fraud and conspiracy to commit election fraud, as well as solicitation of a public or political officer to fail to perform their duties, and solicitation to destroy, deface or remove ballots, the outlet reports, citing two people briefed on the matter.

Identifying a list of potential charges suggests Fulton County district attorney Fani Willis and her team of prosecutors are on course to ask a grand jury to return indictments next month, as expected.

Ms Willis is also seeking to charge at least some of the Trump operatives who were involved in accessing voting machines and copying sensitive election data in Coffee County, Georgia, in January 2021 with computer trespass crimes.

The charges could be done individually or the possibility still exists that they could be folded into a wider racketeering case, as Alex Woodward reports below:

How prosecutors could charge Trump with racketeering in Georgia case

Giuliani 2020 election fraud team hands over hundreds of documents to Trump Jan 6 investigation

13:45 , Oliver O'Connell

The former New York City Police Department commissioner who collected spurious evidence of alleged voter fraud and manipulation for Donald Trumps campaign has agreed to turn over hundreds of documents, according to court filings.

Alex Woodward has the details.

Jack Smith receives hundreds of documents from Giuliani team

Profile: Fani Willis

13:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Her first day as the chief prosecutor for Fulton County came with news that then-President Donald Trump attempted to pressure Georgias top election officials to reverse his loss in the state during the 2020 presidential election.

A phone call between Mr Trump and Georgias Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger was published by The Washington Post late at night on 3 January 2021.

Hours later, Fani Willis would walk into her first day on the job as Fulton Countys district attorney, an office that is now spearheading a criminal investigation into Mr Trump, with the phone call serving as a central damning piece of evidence against him.

Read more...

Who is Fani Willis, the Georgia prosecutor who could take down Trump

How might Georgia prosecutors charge Trump with racketeering?

12:45 , Oliver O'Connell

The Georgia prosecutor investigating Donald Trumps attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in that state is reportedly weighing a racketeering indictment against the former president and others.

Alex Woodward reports.

How prosecutors could charge Trump with racketeering in Georgia case

DeSantis has already blown 40 per cent of his campaign donations

12:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Ron DeSantiss campaign advisers took the rare (and sometimes fatal) step of acknowledging mismanagement of the Florida governors presidential bid this weekend, as reports revealed that he is burning through cash with little to show for it.

John Bowden has the story.

Ron DeSantis has already blown 40 per cent of his campaign donations

Unanswered questions about Trumps looming third indictment

11:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump is widely expected to be hit with his third indictment of the year this week over his attempts to overturn the result of the 2020 US presidential election and his role in the ensuing Capitol riot of 6 January 2021.

Joe Sommerlad looks at what we dont know yet about the potential indictment.

Unanswered questions about Trumps looming January 6 indictment

Legal woes: The status of all the lawsuits and criminal charges involving Trump

11:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Heres what you need to know about all the major investigations and lawsuits against Donald Trump:

All the investigations Trump still faces following his second arrest

Trump shares QAnon post on Truth Social

10:50 , Rachel Sharp

Donald Trump has shared a QAnon post on his Truth Social platform as he continues to lash out at President Joe Biden, special counsel Jack Smith and Attorney General Merrick Garland ahead of his third potential looming criminal indictment.

The former president reTruthed a post from a QAnon supporter which showed an image of Mr Trump along with the ominous message: Nothing can stop what is coming. Nothing.

Trump shares QAnon post on Truth Social (Truth Social)

I gave $1 to you and $20 to Biden

10:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Republican presidential candidate and North Dakota Gov Doug Burgum is offering $20 gift cards to donors who give $1 to his campaign  but some supporters of Joe Biden say they have been funnelling the gift card money to the presidents re-election campaign.

Kelly Rissman has the story of the ruse.

Biden supporters exploit Republicans $1 cashback campaign pledge

Voices: Is Donald Trump a legal unicorn?

09:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Benedict Cosgrove writes:

As the legal troubles facing Donald Trump grow, many of us are torn by conflicting responses to the spectacle of a former president facing multiple felony criminal indictments.

Yes, were grateful that the most depraved, transparently autocratic president in US history is facing justice. But our satisfaction is tempered by the knowledge that, like any mob boss, Trump sees the indictments as a badge of honor, and countless MAGA die-hards see them that way, too.

Read on...

Is Donald Trump a legal unicorn?

Which presidential candidates have met the criteria to join first RNC debate?

08:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Six Republican presidential candidates have met the Republican National Committees (RNC) new criteria to participate in the first GOP debate on 23 August.

Ariana Baio reports.

The presidential candidates who have so far met criteria to join first RNC debate

Haley leads DeSantis in South Carolina, Fox poll shows

07:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Eric Garcia has the latest as the home state candidate Nikki Haleuy bests Ron DeSantis for the number two spot behind Donald Trump in South Carolina.

Nikki Haley leads Ron DeSantis in South Carolina: Fox poll

ICYMI: Jack Smith has contacted Georgia Governor Brian Kemp

06:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has given insight into the possible scope of special counsel Jack Smiths investigation of Donald Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

The Republican governor - who survived a Trump-backed attempt to oust him from office last year - told USA Today on Sunday that Mr Smiths office had contacted him.

However, it is unclear what stage Mr Smiths investigation has reached or whether Mr Kemps office had provided, or agreed to provide, evidence or testimony.

John Bowden reports.

Jack Smith has contacted Brian Kemp over Trumps effort to overturn 2020 election

How Trump is gaining an advantage in the battle for delegates

05:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Set aside the polls, the fundraising numbers or Donald Trumps name recognition as metrics of his early dominance of the Republican presidential contest. He has what could prove to be the most important advantage in the race: a leg up in winning the delegates needed to clinch the GOP nomination.

How Trump is gaining an advantage in the nitty-gritty battle for delegates

Nervous GOP candidates turn to New Hampshire in hopes of stopping Trump

04:45 , Oliver O'Connell

They acknowledge Donald Trumps dominance, but weary Republicans across New Hampshire  even inside the governors office  are fighting to stop the former president from winning the first-in-the-nation primary.

For now, however, theyre relying on little more than hope and prayers.

Nervous Republicans turn to New Hampshire in hopes of stopping Trump

The judge with Trumps fate in her hands was appointed by him

03:45 , Oliver O'Connell

A Florida district judge assigned to oversee Donald Trumps classified documents case is attracting criticism given that it was Mr Trump himself who elevated her to the bench three years ago.

Aileen Cannon, a federal judge with the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida overseeing the Espionage Act and obstruction of justice case against Mr Trump, has rejected the disgraced ex-presidents bid to delay his trial until after the 2024 election.

Judge Cannon issued an order on 21 July granting the governments request to set a speedy trial date and schedule for pretrial motions, with a start date of 20 May 2024.

Joe Sommerlad reports.

Aileen Cannon: The judge with Trumps fate in her hands was appointed by him

Explained: Trump, January 6 and a conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election

02:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Alex Woodward reports on how a sprawling Justice Department probe into Donald Trump and his allies could result in several criminal charges against the former president.

The federal investigation into Trump and January 6, explained

Voices: Ron DeSantis is caught in a death spiral of his own making

01:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Eric Garcia writes:

At this point, almost everyone, including his fans, acknowledges Florida Gov Ron DeSantiss presidential campaign has severely underperformed its expectations. He failed to raise more money than former president Donald Trump and his campaign has burned through cash, which has led to him shedding staff.

This weekend, two polls from Fox Business offered a double body blow to Mr DeSantis, with one showing that Mr Trump leads the governor by 30 points while Sen Tim Scott (R-SC) is biting at his heels. Even more brutally, a poll in South Carolina shows he now trails the states former Gov Nikki Haley by one point.

Read on...

Ron DeSantis is caught in a death spiral of his own making

DeSantis has already blown 40 per cent of his campaign donations

Tuesday 25 July 2023 00:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Ron DeSantiss campaign advisers took the rare (and sometimes fatal) step of acknowledging mismanagement of the Florida governors presidential bid this weekend, as reports revealed that he is burning through cash with little to show for it.

The Florida governors top staff and advisers were in Utah on Sunday where, according to Politico, they appeared in front of dozens of restless campaign donors who have expressed concern about a return on their investments and the overall trajectory of Mr DeSantiss bid for the White House.

John Bowden reports.

Ron DeSantis has already blown 40 per cent of his campaign donations

Could prosecutors charge Trump with racketeering in Georgia case?

Tuesday 25 July 2023 00:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Alex Woodward explores the possibility that the Fulton County grand jury could lead to racketeering charges against former president Donald Trump.

How prosecutors could charge Trump with racketeering in Georgia case

Nervous GOP candidates turn to New Hampshire in hopes of stopping Trump

Monday 24 July 2023 23:15 , Oliver O'Connell

They acknowledge Donald Trumps dominance, but weary Republicans across New Hampshire  even inside the governors office  are fighting to stop the former president from winning the first-in-the-nation primary.

For now, however, theyre relying on little more than hope and prayers.

Nervous Republicans turn to New Hampshire in hopes of stopping Trump

Man who beat officer with flagpole during Capitol riot is sentenced

Monday 24 July 2023 22:45 , Oliver O'Connell

An Arkansas truck driver who beat a police officer with a flagpole attached to an American flag during the US Capitol riot was sentenced Monday to more than four years in prison.

Read on...

Man who beat officer with flagpole during Capitol riot is sentenced to over 4 years in prison

ICYMI: Jack Smith has contacted Georgia Governor Brian Kemp

Monday 24 July 2023 22:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has given insight into the possible scope of special counsel Jack Smiths investigation of Donald Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

The Republican governor - who survived a Trump-backed attempt to oust him from office last year - told USA Today on Sunday that Mr Smiths office had contacted him.

However, it is unclear what stage Mr Smiths investigation has reached or whether Mr Kemps office had provided, or agreed to provide, evidence or testimony.

John Bowden reports.

Jack Smith has contacted Brian Kemp over Trumps effort to overturn 2020 election

GOPs Hunter Biden gambit jeopardises national security, say House Oversight Democrats

Monday 24 July 2023 22:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee issued a memo saying that Chairman James Comer (R-KY) and Sen Chuck Grassleys (R-IA) release of an unclassified document related to their probe of Hunter Biden jeopardises national security.

Mr Grassley released what is called an FD-1023 form, which includes claims that a confidential informant made about President Joe Bidens son Hunters work with Ukrainian energy company Burisma.

The informant claimed that they were told by officials at Burisma about their relationships with then-vice president Biden and his son Hunter. But top Republicans admit they cannot verify the claims in the form.

But a memo from the Democratic members of the committee characterised the claims, which were memorialised second-hand from Ukrainian Oligarch Mykola Zlochevsky, the owner of Burisma, to the FBI by a confidential source, as coming years after the fact.

Eric Garcia has the latest from Capitol Hill.

House Oversight Committee Democrats call out GOP for jeopardising national security

How Trump is gaining an advantage in the battle for delegates

Monday 24 July 2023 22:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Set aside the polls, the fundraising numbers or Donald Trumps name recognition as metrics of his early dominance of the Republican presidential contest. He has what could prove to be the most important advantage in the race: a leg up in winning the delegates needed to clinch the GOP nomination.

While the delegate count wont begin taking shape until voting begins next January, Trumps edge in the race to win their votes is years in the making.

Read on...

How Trump is gaining an advantage in the nitty-gritty battle for delegates

Pennsylvania mayor seeking reimbursement of costs from Trump as he prepares another rally

Monday 24 July 2023 21:30 , Oliver O'Connell

The Erie-Times News reports that the city of Erie is once again seeking reimbursement from the Trump campaign for any costs incurred by the taxpayer as a result of the former presidents rally planned for Saturday.

The president did not repay more than $35,000 to the city to cover the costs of a rally in 2018.

Erie Mayor Joe Schembers administration will once again seek reimbursement from former President Donald J. Trumps campaign for any taxpayer-funded, employee related costs incurred as a result of Trumps planned Saturday rally at Erie Insurance Arena.

Schember told the Erie Times-News Monday morning that the city plans to pursue reimbursement from the Trump campaign, despite the fact that the former president's campaign committee did not repay more than $35,000 to the city in relation to a Trump rally which took place at Erie Insurance Arena almost five years ago.

I gave $1 to you and $20 to Biden

Monday 24 July 2023 21:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Republican presidential candidate and North Dakota Gov Doug Burgum is offering $20 gift cards to donors who give $1 to his campaign  but some supporters of Joe Biden say they have been funnelling the gift card money to the presidents re-election campaign.

Kelly Rissman has the story.

Biden supporters exploit Republicans $1 cashback campaign pledge

Giuliani team that tried to find evidence of 2020 fraud hands over hundreds of documents to Jan 6 probe

Monday 24 July 2023 21:00 , Oliver O'Connell

The former New York City Police Department commissioner who collected spurious evidence of alleged voter fraud and manipulation for Donald Trumps campaign has agreed to turn over hundreds of documents, according to court filings.

Alex Woodward has the details.

Jack Smith receives hundreds of documents from Giuliani team

Watch: Miles Taylor reveals Trump desperately wanted to create his own armed mercenary group'

Monday 24 July 2023 20:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Former White House staffer Miles Taylor revealed in an interview that former president Donald Trump desperately wanted to create an American version of Russian President Vladimir Putins Wagner Group.

Wow. Miles Taylor reveals Trump "desperately wanted to create his own armed mercenary group" like Putin's Wagner Group and that Trump had plans to deploy the U.S. military domestically to intimidate political opposition and achieve his political aims. https://t.co/mYKXUuvsns pic.twitter.com/PF9xQuGvxx  MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) July 24, 2023

Voices: Is Donald Trump a legal unicorn?

Monday 24 July 2023 20:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Benedict Cosgrove writes:

As the legal troubles facing Donald Trump grow, many of us are torn by conflicting responses to the spectacle of a former president facing multiple felony criminal indictments.

Yes, were grateful that the most depraved, transparently autocratic president in US history is facing justice. But our satisfaction is tempered by the knowledge that, like any mob boss, Trump sees the indictments as a badge of honor, and countless MAGA die-hards see them that way, too.

Read on...

Is Donald Trump a legal unicorn?

Watch: Christie says Trump threat to suspend Constitution should disqualify him from 2024 race

Monday 24 July 2023 20:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Chris Christie on Donald Trump:



"He said that it was ok to suspend the Constitution if you think the election was stolen from you...Anybody, in my opinion, who says that it's okay to suspend the Constitution is disqualified from being President of the United States." pic.twitter.com/A3fZQMBkKP  Republican Accountability (@AccountableGOP) July 24, 2023

What does the Kerik evidence mean for the next Trump indictment?

Monday 24 July 2023 20:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Referencing The Daily Beast reporting, MSNBCs Katie Phang notes what the evidence handed over by former NYPD commissioner Bernie Kerik could mean for the special counsel investigation into Donald Trumps alleged election interference, and the likely third indictment of the former president.

"Smith is expected to now receive nearly 2,000 pages of material describing how Kerik looked into bogus fraud allegations. The records could prove pivotal for federal prosecutors, who are seeking evidence of Trumps decision-making process..." https://t.co/o7QK6Ar3mv  Katie Phang (@KatiePhang) July 24, 2023

"Smith is expected to now receive nearly 2,000 pages of material describing how Kerik looked into bogus fraud allegations. The records could prove pivotal for federal prosecutors, who are seeking evidence of Trumps decision-making process..."

"Kerik has agreed to sit down with the feds for a formal interview sometime in mid-August, Kerik said. That timing could indicate that Smith isnt as close to indicting Trump as the former president has recently suggested..."

"...but Smith could also conduct the Kerik interview after an indictment. Investigators typically wrap up interviews and collect a full picture of evidence before asking a grand jury to vote on criminal charges."

"...but Smith could also conduct the Kerik interview after an indictment. Investigators typically wrap up interviews and collect a full picture of evidence before asking a grand jury to vote on criminal charges."  Katie Phang (@KatiePhang) July 24, 2023

Unanswered questions about Donald Trumps looming third indictment

Monday 24 July 2023 19:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump is widely expected to be hit with his third indictment of the year this week over his attempts to overturn the result of the 2020 US presidential election and his role in the ensuing Capitol riot of 6 January 2021.

Mr Trump took to Truth Social last Tuesday (18 July) to gripe to his followers about receiving a letter from Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith informing him that he is the target of a grand jury investigation, adding to his ever-mounting legal woes at a time when he is attempting to secure the Republican Partys backing to be its candidate for the White House in 2024.

The development comes after he was arraigned in New York on 4 April over the alleged misrepresentation of business records to conceal hush money payments during the 2016 campaign and again in Florida on 13 June over the alleged mishandling of classified documents belonging to the US government in the aftermath of his presidency.

Mr Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing and, despite these setbacks, his popularity with his supporters remains largely undimmed: he leads the field in the quest for the GOP nomination to challenge Joe Biden and has turned adversity to his advantage by raising campaign funds off the back of his insistence that he is really the victim of political persecution by his enemies and a Justice Department weaponised against him by the Biden administration.

Read more...

Unanswered questions about Trumps looming January 6 indictment

Haley leads DeSantis in South Carolina, poll shows

Monday 24 July 2023 19:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Two new polls from Fox Business show that Florida governor Ron DeSantiss numbers in the Republican presidential primary continue to tumble in Iow in South Carolina, where the states former governor Nikki Haley has eclipsed him.

Eric Garcia reports.

Nikki Haley leads Ron DeSantis in South Carolina: Fox poll

Former NYPD commissioner hands Trump records to special counsel, report says

Monday 24 July 2023 19:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Per The Daily Beast:

Bernie Kerik, the former NYPD commissioner who collected evidence of supposed election fraud for the Trump campaign in 2020, has cut a deal to turn over records to Department of Justice Special Counsel Jack Smith as part of the investigation into Donald Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Smith previously sought the documents, which are related to Keriks role as the former presidents on-the-ground investigator looking into eventually disproven conspiracy theories about ballot stuffing and fake voters. However, Keriks legal team had refused to turn those documents over, citing attorney-client privilege stemming from the fact that Kerik was working on behalf of Trumps lawyer, Rudy Giuliani.

But on Friday, Trump himself waived that privilege and agreed to have the documents turned over, according to Keriks defense lawyer, Timothy Parlatore.

Watch: Trump alleged 2020 election interference was drama in three acts

Monday 24 July 2023 19:00 , Oliver O'Connell

As I explained @CNN, Trumps alleged 2020 election interference was a drama in 3 parts



Act 1 yielded the phony electoral certificates



Act 2 used them to press Pence



& when that failed, Act 3 was the violence of 1/6 pic.twitter.com/Rz90JhB9fT  Norm Eisen (@NormEisen) July 24, 2023

Voices: What Donald Trumps trial date means for the 2024 election

Monday 24 July 2023 18:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Eric Garcia writes:

Another day, another wrench thrown into the Republican presidential primary. On Friday, US District Judge Aileen Cannon issued an order announcing Donald Trumps court date for his trial for charges related to the Espionage Act and obstruction of justice will take place on 20 May 2024.

Read on...

What Donald Trumps trial date means for the 2024 election

Watch: Haley says she will support Trump if he is nominated but adds he cannot win a general election

Monday 24 July 2023 18:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Nikki Haley on Trump: "But I will tell you, you look at these indictments. There's probably going to be a fourth indictment. We can't have as Republicans him as the nominee. He can't win a general election. That's the problem. We've got to go & have someone who can actually win."  Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) July 24, 2023

Which presidential candidates have met criteria to join first RNC debate?

Monday 24 July 2023 17:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Six Republican presidential candidates have met the Republican National Committees (RNC) new criteria to participate in the first GOP debate on 23 August.

Read on...

The presidential candidates who have so far met criteria to join first RNC debate

Trump shares meme calling Jan 6 a government staged riot even though he was in power

Monday 24 July 2023 17:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Former President Donald Trump reposted a meme on Truth Social that suggested the government led the Capitol riot on January 6, despite the fact that he was president at the time.

The meme, which Mr Trump re-truthed, said: January 6 will go down in history as the day the government staged a riot to cover up the fact that they certified a fraudulent election.

The meme has been liked nearly 9,000 times and shared 2,400 times as of Monday. In reaction to Mr Trumps repost, journalist Aaron Rupar sarcastically wrote on Twitter: rubbing my last 2 brain cells together as I try to remember who ran the government on January 6.

Kelly Rissman reports.

Trump confuses by sharing meme blaming government for Jan 6 despite holding office

Judge with Trumps fate in her hands was appointed by him

Monday 24 July 2023 16:40 , Oliver O'Connell

A Florida district judge assigned to oversee Donald Trumps classified documents case is attracting criticism given that it was Mr Trump himself who elevated her to the bench three years ago.

Aileen Cannon, a federal judge with the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida overseeing the Espionage Act and obstruction of justice case against Mr Trump, has rejected the disgraced ex-presidents bid to delay his trial until after the 2024 election.

Judge Cannon issued an order on 21 July granting the governments request to set a speedy trial date and schedule for pretrial motions, with a start date of 20 May 2024.

Read on...

Aileen Cannon: The judge with Trumps fate in her hands was appointed by him

The many lawsuits and criminal charges involving Donald Trump and where they stand

Monday 24 July 2023 16:20 , Oliver O'Connell

Since leaving the White House, Donald Trump has continued to face a cloud of lawsuits and investigations, which could frustrate his hopes to win back the presidency in 2024.

The Independents US news team has been closely following the former presidents legal woes.

Heres a summary of where each of the cases against him stands:

All the investigations Trump still faces following his second arrest

Is Trump going to prison?

Monday 24 July 2023 16:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Andrew Feinberg explains.

Is Donald Trump going to prison?

When will Trump next be indicted?

Monday 24 July 2023 15:50 , Oliver O'Connell

Despite leading the race to be the Republican Partys next presidential candidate, Donald Trumps legal woes continue to mount.

Last week, Mr Trump was informed by Justice Department Special Counsel Jack Smith that he is the target of a grand jury investigation into his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and his role in the deadly Capitol riot of 6 January 2021.

This comes after he has already been indicted twice this year  once over hush money payments allegedly made during his 2016 election campaign and second over his alleged mishandling of classified documents since leaving the White House.

Rachel Sharp takes a look at what might happen next.

When is Donald Trumps next indictment?

Explained: The Trump federal investigation

Monday 24 July 2023 15:40 , Oliver O'Connell

Alex Woodward reports on how a sprawling Justice Department probe into Donald Trump and his allies could result in several criminal charges against the former president.

The federal investigation into Trump and January 6, explained

Jack Smith: The prosecutor overseeing the Trump federal investigations

Monday 24 July 2023 15:20 , Oliver O'Connell

Jack Smith, the experienced war crimes prosecutor who unveiled an unprecedented federal indictment against former US president Donald J Trump, is no stranger to high-profile probes of public figures.

The Department of Justice veteran returned to the US last November after being appointed a special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland.

The first mission was to consider, whether any person or entity violated the law in connection with efforts to interfere with the lawful transfer of power following the 2020 presidential election or the certification of the electoral college vote held on or about January 6, 2021.

The second, which led to Mr Trump being indicted and arraigned in 37 federal charges, was about whether the former president had violated US laws prohibiting unlawful retention of national defence information and obstruction of justice.

Read on...

Who is Jack Smith, the prosecutor overseeing the Trump probes

Pelosi slams pathetic McCarthy for playing politics with plans to expunge Trump impeachments

Monday 24 July 2023 15:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi slammed her successor Kevin McCarthy for plans to expunge former president Donald Trumps two impeachments, in an interview with CNN on Sunday.

Ms Pelosi presided over both impeachments of Mr Trump, the first in 2019 when Mr Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Joe Bidens son Hunter in exchange for military aid to the country, and the second in 2021 for the January 6 riot.

The president was impeached because we had no choice, she said on CNNs State of the Union. He had undermined our national security, jeopardised our wellbeing of our country.

Ms Pelosi said she was very cautious about bringing forward the two impeachments.

Eric Garcia reports.

Nancy Pelosi slams pathetic Kevin McCarthy for plans to expunge Trump impeachments

Marjorie Taylor Greene addresses conspiracy theory linking her to Jan 6 pipe bomber

Monday 24 July 2023 14:40 , Oliver O'Connell

Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has taken to social media to address one of many absolutely stupid conspiracy theories linking her to the January 6 pipe bomber.

Back on 6 January 2021, authorities identified two pipe bombs in the Washington DC area  one each outside of the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee headquarters on Capitol Hill.

The devices were discovered just minutes before Donald Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol, prompting concerns that they were planted as a distraction ahead of the chaos.

Graig Graziosi reports.

Marjorie Taylor Greene addresses online conspiracy linking her to Jan 6 pipe bomber

Trump demands Senate act to thwart most corrupt President in the history of the United States'

Monday 24 July 2023 14:23 , Oliver O'Connell

In a post-breakfast Monday morning Truth Social post, Donald Trump demanded that Republican leadership in the Senate rebukes Crooked Joe Biden and the Radical Left Democrats, Fascists, and Marxists for their criminal acts against our Country.

Heres the full post:

Joe Biden is the most corrupt President in the history of the United States, which is being undeniably proven in the House of Representatives every single day. But with all of these horrible revelations and facts, why hasnt Republican leadership in the Senate spoken up and rebuked Crooked Joe Biden and the Radical Left Democrats, Fascists, and Marxists for their criminal acts against our Country, some of them against me. How long does America have to wait for the Senate to ACT?

Trump lashes out at deranged Jack Smith in Sunday night Truth Social rant about legal woes

Monday 24 July 2023 14:00 , Rachel Sharp

Donald Trump lashed out at Justice Department Special Counsel Jack Smith, US Attorney General Merrick Garland and his own successor President Joe Biden in his latest tirade on Truth Social on Sunday night, where he once again claimed to be the victim of a coordinated HOAX orchestrated by his enemies to rob him of a return to the White House.

Mr Trump was informed by Mr Smith last week that he is the target of a grand jury investigation into his role in the deadly Capitol riot of 6 January 2021 and in his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election in his favour.

He could be charged as soon as this week, having already been indicted twice this year over hush money payments allegedly made during his 2016 election campaign and over his alleged mishandling of classified documents in the aftermath of his presidency.

Read the story here:

Trump lashes out at deranged Jack Smith in nighttime rant about legal woes

Trump demands cameras in courtroom for potential federal trial

Monday 24 July 2023 13:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trumps new lawyer will ask a judge to allow cameras in a federal courtroom if the one-term president is indicted with January 6 election fraud charges by the Department of Justice.

Mr Trump has said that he received a target letter from special counsel Jack Smith who could be set to bring criminal charges against the GOP front-runner within days.

I would hope that the Department of Justice would join in that effort so that we can take the curtain away and all Americans can see whats happening, Mr Lauro said in an appearance on Fox News.

Theres a major obstacle in the way though, as Graeme Massie reports.

Trump demands cameras in courtroom for potential election fraud case

WATCH: Nancy Pelosi slams 'pathetic' Kevin McCarthy for 'playing politics' with plans to expunge trump impeachments

Monday 24 July 2023 13:00 , Rachel Sharp

These people are pathetic": Nancy Pelosi just ripped Kevin McCarthy and Republicans for their proposed plan to pass a bill to 'expunge' Donald Trump's impeachments. There is no such thing as 'expunging' an impeachment. pic.twitter.com/vjg8UJemGZ  MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) July 23, 2023

Judge says ex-president did rape columnist E Jean Carroll

Monday 24 July 2023 12:30 , Oliver O'Connell

The judge overseeing Donald Trumps sexual abuse case brought by columnist E Jean Carroll has denied his bid to toss the jurys verdict, and let the air out of his legal teams argument.

Judge Lewis Kaplan ruled this week that a jurys award of $2m to Ms Carroll over its finding that Mr Trump had indeed sexually abused her was not excessive, given that while the actions alleged by his accuser did not fit the legal definition of rape, they certainly fit the colloquial meaning of the word.

John Bowden reports.

Trump bid to toss E Jean Carroll ruling backfires as judge says he did rape her

Jack Smith has contacted Georgia Governor over Trumps effort to overturn 2020 election

Monday 24 July 2023 12:00 , Rachel Sharp

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has given insight into the possible scope of special counsel Jack Smiths investigation of Donald Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

The Republican governor - who survived a Trump-backed attempt to oust him from office last year - told USA Today on Sunday that Mr Smiths office had contacted him.

However it is unclear what stage Mr Smiths investigation has reached or whether Mr Kemps office had provided, or agreed to provide, evidence or testimony.

Read more here:

Jack Smith has contacted Brian Kemp over Trumps effort to overturn 2020 election

Trump classified documents trial set for May 2024

Monday 24 July 2023 11:30 , Oliver O'Connell

The Florida federal judge overseeing the Espionage Act and obstruction of justice case against former president Donald Trump has rejected the disgraced ex-presidents bid to delay his trial until after the 2024 election.

US District Judge Aileen Cannon on Friday issued an order granting the governments request to set a speedy trial date and schedule for pretrial motions, with a start date of 20 May 2024.

Andrew Feinberg reports from Washington, DC.

Judge sets May 2024 date for Trump classified documents trial

Trump lashes out at deranged Jack Smith in Sunday night rant at legal woes

Monday 24 July 2023 11:00 , Rachel Sharp

Donald Trump has gone on the attack over the grand jury investigation into the January 6 Capitol riot and his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election  as he could be indicted on criminal charges as soon as this week.

In a Truth Social rant on Sunday night, the former president lashed out at special counsel Jack Smith and Attorney General Merrick Garland claiming that the investigations are a coordinated Hoax and a ploy to STEAL ANOTHER ELECTION through PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT at levels never seen before in the U.S..

Just think of it! Between Mueller, Deranged Jack Smith, and Congressional Committees, over 100 Million Dollars has been spent investigating me since I came down the escalator in Trump Tower, Trump fumed.

Biden is a criminal, and almost no money, by comparison, has been spent investigating him. Get smart, Republicans, they are trying to steal the Election from you!

How might prosecutors charge Trump with racketeering in Georgia case?

Monday 24 July 2023 10:30 , Oliver O'Connell

The Georgia prosecutor investigating Donald Trumps attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in that state is reportedly weighing a racketeering indictment against the former president and others.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis could rely on evidence tied to Mr Trumps infamous call to the states top elections official to find votes for him, as well as the breach of voting machines by a group of Trump-connected operatives, according to The Guardian, citing two people briefed on the matter.

Prosecutors are reportedly reviewing a racketeering indictment including statutes related to influencing witnesses and computer trespass.

An indictment is expected within the first two weeks of August.

Alex Woodward reports.

How prosecutors could charge Trump with racketeering in Georgia case

Explained: Trump, January 6 and a conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election

Monday 24 July 2023 09:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Alex Woodward explains how a sprawling Justice Department probe into Donald Trump and his allies could result in several criminal charges against the former president.

The federal investigation into Trump and January 6, explained

How Trump is gaining an advantage in the nitty-gritty battle for delegates

Monday 24 July 2023 07:54 , Shweta Sharma

Set aside the polls, the fundraising numbers or Donald Trumps name recognition as metrics of his early dominance of the Republican presidential contest. He has what could prove to be the most important advantage in the race: a leg up in winning the delegates needed to clinch the GOP nomination.

While the delegate count wont begin taking shape until voting begins next January, Trumps edge in the race to win their votes is years in the making.

Many state Republican parties made changes to their rules ahead of the 2020 election by adding more winner-take-all contests and requiring candidates to earn higher percentages of the vote to claim any delegates.

DeSantis says hed accept Trump being prosecuted for a traditional crime

Monday 24 July 2023 07:30 , Oliver O'Connell

There is a scenario in which Gov Ron DeSantis would applaud the prosecution of former President Donald Trump  but only if Mr Trump were to do a traditional crime like robbing a bank.

Look, nobody is above the law, Mr DeSantis said in an appearance on Newsmax.

If Donald Trump or any big political person gets caught robbing a bank or doing things that we know are traditional crimes that people get prosecuted for every day, thats just the way the cookie crumbles.

Abe Asher reports on the governors comments.

DeSantis says hed accept prosecution of Trump for a traditional crime
Sci-tech hub in Central China's Hubei empowers 51 postgrads with hands-on research

People's Daily Online) 09:18, July 25, 2023

Zhang Shuntao, a Ph.D. student in edaphology at Huazhong Agricultural University in Wuhan city, central China's Hubei Province, passed his thesis defense on May 28 and moved closer to becoming a postdoctoral researcher.

Postgraduate students work in the field. (Photo/Changjiang Daily)

Zhang's thesis was notably enriched by his experimental fieldwork conducted in Zhangchi village, Shayang county, Jingmen city, Hubei, where he dedicated two years of fieldwork over the span of his six-year postgraduate studies.

Huazhong Agricultural University established the "Rapeseed Science and Technology Courtyard" in Zhangchi village in 2011. Since then, over the course of 12 years, 51 postgraduate students have performed research there.

The courtyard's founder, Professor Lu Jianwei of the College of Resources and Environment at Huazhong Agricultural University, stated that many postgraduate students had spent an accumulated two years at the courtyard conducting research and learning more about the countryside.

Before coming to the courtyard, 90 percent of these postgraduate students had never had the opportunity to engage in farm work. Nevertheless, they quickly adapted to the demands of farm work and executed their experiments across nine experimental fields with notable enthusiasm.

Zhang stayed at the Science and Technology Courtyard throughout 2018, independently cultivating rapeseed and rice.

The courtyard's director, 26-year-old Fang Yating, arrived at Zhangchi village in July 2019. Her supervisor, Professor Lu, instructed her that the courtyard's purpose was to introduce advanced agricultural technologies to farmers and offer them support.

Fang Yating works in the field. (Photo/Changjiang Daily)

Initially, the student's lack of farm experience led to skepticism from some skilled growers in the village. To prove her worth, Fang instigated a rapeseed planting contest with local grower Wang Xuemei, who had 20 years of farming experience.

In 2020, Wang's per-mu (667 square meters) yield of rapeseed was 177.5 kilograms, whereas Fang's experimental field yielded 265 kilograms per mu. By 2022, Wang's yield increased to 226 kilograms per mu, while Fang's jumped to 354 kilograms per mu.

Admitting defeat graciously, Wang approached Fang to learn how to increase her crop yield. Fang revealed that precision fertilization and irrigation were the secrets to her success.

Shayang county is a major rapeseed growing area in China. During this year's Rapeseed Flower Festival, the county reported 3 million tourist visits, generating about 1.5 billion yuan ($209 million) in tourism revenue.

The Science and Technology Courtyard has contributed to the development of rapeseed farming technologies in Shayang county. Postgraduate students who have conducted research at the courtyard have become a driving force in the county's agricultural sector.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Donald Trump; Capitol Riot; January 6 Photo illustration by Salon/Getty Images

It now appears that Donald Trump, a criminal mastermind who has spent decades evading serious responsibility for his behavior, may finally have met his match. The doubly-indicted ex-president  with a third and fourth indictment likely to follow soon  now faces multiple felony trials and criminal investigations across the country for violations of the Espionage Act, financial fraud and other serious crimes connected with his attempts to overturn the 2020 election.

Last week Trump confirmed that the Department of Justice has sent him a "target letter" indicating that special counsel Jack Smith may soon charge him with defrauding the United States and "deprivation of rights under color of law" in connection with the Jan. 6 coup plot. Trump also faces potential charges related to tampering with witnesses and "obstruction of an official proceeding."

Experts have noted that one statute cited in the target letter (Section 241 of Title 18) was created during Reconstruction in an attempt by federal authorities to protect the rights of newly freed Black Americans from the Ku Klux Klan and other Southern white terrorist groups.

Trump still has a vast war chest of money and considerable resources of other kinds, but those are being depleted by his growing legal expenses. In all probability, he will still be the 2024 Republican presidential nominee. But his latitude of action and his ability to escape the law appears, at least for now, to be diminishing. The "Trumpocene" era may be drawing to a close, but what may happen next in this truly unprecedented historical period remains unclear.

Are we truly witnessing Trump's downfall  and if so, why did it take so long? Where would the country be now if Attorney General Merrick Garland had moved faster?

What about Trump's tens of millions of MAGA followers, the largely subservient Republican Party, the right-wing news media and all the other tools he has at his disposal? Can those resources help him escape justice and accountability once again? In an attempt to make sense of the road ahead for Donald Trump and the fate of American democracy, I recently asked a range of experts to offer their thoughts and insights.

Story continues

Rachel Bitecofer is a political analyst and election forecaster.

The idea that former President Trump and his co-conspirators might get away with their plain-sight crimes, as serious as attempting to seize permanent power via disrupting the transfer of power, has haunted many of us over the past two years. So it is a big relief to see we have moved past this corrupting idea that American presidents cannot be prosecuted, a concept I feel certain even the Federalists would have found horrifying.

Finding out that the FBI was actively involved with trying to prevent search and seizure in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case, despite a year of theft, lies, and concealment of important national security documents  combined with reports that Garland and the Department of Justice remained inert on investigating the principals behind the Jan. 6 insurrection until the House select committee forced them into it  does not exactly inspire confidence in the system. The fact is, if the Department of Justice had led, and not followed, on the Jan. 6 investigation we would be living in a very different legal reality than we are now, where we are likely to see a criminally convicted Republican nominee running in the fall general election.

I would like to believe that Trump will be neutralized, and won't be on the ballot in November of next year. But my experience and instincts tell me this crisis is far from over and that many twists and turns and dangers remain. The fact is, Trump continues to receive preferential treatment from the federal justice system, and that should concern every law abiding American. The "two-tiered system" of justice that Trump and his MAGA allies like Speaker McCarthy decry is actually this: There is one standard for someone like Jack Teixeira, a National Guardsman recently indicted for stealing classified intel who is being held in custody as a risk to national security, and another for Donald Trump, who despite allegedluy committing similar crimes, is free on bond. Few defendants facing charges of classified info disclosures receive bond, let alone release without any conditions or seizure of the defendant's passport. So, the jury is still out, so to speak, as to whether our federal judicial system can meet this moment.

That said, my assumption is that as indictments stack up across multiple federal and state venues, less committed Republican voters who are currently inclined to vote for Trump will start to conside giving Joe Biden a second term.

Look for the Trump campaign and their allies to flood the zone on polls, as they did during the run-up to the 2022 midterms in an attempt to disguise the failure of their "red wave" to materialize. Keep in mind that the bulk of primary voters do not follow the daily news, and will not start doing so until this fall. I think that state-level "fake elector" charges that tap into the people who powered the conspiracy are likely as important as the prosecutions of Trump himself.

Much of Trump's power hails from his "supporting cast" of MAGA Republicans, who to this day continue to perpetuate the lies at the heart of the criminal conspiracy. If there are criminal penalties for illegal actions taken by these people, we may start to see Trump's echo chamber fracture. That is key to breaking the mass psychosis behind the MAGA movement.

Norm Ornstein is emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and contributing editor for the Atlantic. He is also co-author of the bestselling book "One Nation After Trump: A Guide for the Perplexed, the Disillusioned, the Desperate, and the Not-Yet Deported."

It is frankly a relief that Trump now is finally going to be charged with the ultimate crimes: direct attempts to destroy American democracy and instigate a violent insurrection. Of course, I would have preferred that this had happened earlier  and I wish Jack Smith had been given the case much earlier to expedite it. But I also know that a case that was not complete and had not tied up every loose end might have ended with a dismissal or an acquittal  or at least with a hung jury because of one diehard Trumpist who would be fine with him shooting someone on Fifth Avenue in broad daylight. We will have to wait to see what the charges are, and who is cooperating. But I doubt that people like Mark Meadows or former Arizona Gov. Ducey would have been willing to cooperate if the ask had come a year or more ago.

The fact that other prosecutors, including Fani Willis, have not brought charges yet shows that this is a common feature of complex and highly charged cases, not simply Merrick Garland dragging his feet. To be sure, nothing would have altered the disgraceful reactions of the Kevin McCarthys and Elise Stefaniks.

The bad news is that even after charges are brought, it will take months before they result in a trial. Some of the delays will no doubt be driven by the bias of Judge Cannon in Florida, but cases involving a lot of classified material inevitably take longer. It is possible we will have one or more trials during the primary stage, or even later than that. And it remains true that none of this seems to be changing the Republican primary voters in their attachment to Trump. He may be a presidential nominee facing multiple criminal trials during the campaign and after the election. That's nightmarish, to be sure. But what would be more nightmarish is if he were not held accountable for multiple offenses against the United States and all of us.

Cheri Jacobus is a former media spokesperson at the Republican National Committee and founder and president of the political consulting firm Capitol Strategies PR.

While a target letter implies indictments are coming, it's well over a year late. Possibly too late. Merrick Garland has afforded Trump the luxury of time to build, fundraise, agitate, organize, propagandize, blackmail, brainwash, bribe, threaten, energize, incite, strengthen his hold on his base and possibly grow it. Trump's appointed judge, Aileen Cannon, has set a trial date for the stolen classified documents case for May, 2024, likely ensuring further delay as the GOP primary will be underway and likely showing Trump as the presumptive nominee. This calendar is fraught with peril for justice and democracy. Had Garland not inexplicably sat on his hands for so long, we'd be in trial stage by now, and the GOP donors and candidates would have plenty of reason to move on from Trump and lead his cult followers away from the cliff.

The reality is that Trump will likely be the GOP nominee and has a very good chance of becoming president again. He can run and serve if he is indicted, prosecuted, found guilty and even if he is serving time in prison. There is nothing in our Constitution forbidding it.

It is becoming apparent that our only hope may be the 14th Amendment, which bars an insurrectionist from office. Section 3 of the amendment  the Disqualification Clause  bars any person from holding state or federal office who took an oath to support the Constitution as an "officer of any State" and then "engaged in insurrection or rebellion" or gave "aid and comfort" to insurrectionists. It would have to be brought to court in each state. A "test" case brought by CREW in New Mexico was successful, as an officeholder who was on the Capitol steps on Jan. 6 was removed from office by a judge. If Trump is properly convicted for his role in the insurrection, the path to keeping him off the ballot (at least in enough states) and out of the White House will be the 14th Amendment.

David Pepper is a lawyer, writer, political activist and former elected official. His new book is "Saving Democracy: A User's Manual for Every American."

I'm pleased the walls look to be closing in, and that the special prosecutor appears to be pursuing this aggressively. Accountability here is desperately needed. No one who leads an insurrection against the peaceful transfer of power should be allowed to run for office again. If Garland had moved faster, we might have lived up to such a foundational and crucial principle. The delayed pursuit also sent a message across the country that undermined the seriousness of what happened. If you're a less partisan voter trying to make sense of all the clamor and rhetoric about Jan. 6, the lack of early movement by the attorney general signaled that it must not have been that bad. That false narrative has shaped perceptions ever since, and will likely do so as any trial proceeds.

Trump will win the Republican primary, and I think Biden remains in a strong position to beat Trump in the general election. The extremism of the far right, made so real by the Dobbs decision and what's happened since, continues to be the prime driver of voting behavior.

My primary anxiety is whether those on the side of democracy take advantage of this opportunity by competing and winning up and down the ballot, including state legislative races. With democracy in the balance, it's no longer good enough to simply win federal races in a few swing states, leaving untouched most of the places where extremism is advancing and democracy undermined. To reverse the downward spiral, those fighting for democracy must widen and deepen their battle plan for both '23 and '24.

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

Rich Logis, a former member of the Republican Party and right-wing pundit, is the founder of Perfect Our Union, an organization dedicated to healing political traumatization, building diverse pro-democracy alliances and perfecting our union.

Irrefutably, Trump is partly responsible for the insurrection; the justification of politically motivated violence was one of the reasons I left behind the politically traumatic world of Trump/MAGA/GOP. Jack Smith's Jan. 6 charges are going to be bad, and I will not be surprised if he charges Trump with seditious conspiracy or treason; Smith knows he must show evidence that Trump knows he lost the 2020 election, and I am certain Smith will provide such proof. We still really don't know what Trump was doing for three hours, once the insurrectionists breached the Capitol. Privately, the GOP, as well as Trump's primary opponents, are beyond ecstatic over Trump's legal problems, but they are grossly incorrect in their likely assumption that such problems weaken Trump: The more he's indicted, the stronger his support grows with the GOP's primary voting base.

I fully appreciate that many are dissatisfied with the speed at which Attorney General Garland moved. In fairness, he is not only in an unenviable position but an unprecedented one. I am a staunch defender of Garland: He has never lost a case he has tried, is a man of granite integrity and would not have taken the job had he thought he'd be coaxed into doing anyone's bidding; this was proven by his prosecution of Hunter Biden. If Trump committed crimes, Garland will win at trial. Holding Trump legally accountable is mandatory, if we, as a nation, are going to overcome the mistake of Trump's election.

One immense benefit that Trump, DeSantis, etc., have is that most of the American electorate isn't political; most only pay attention a month, or two, before an election. The Democratic Party needs to stop worrying about Biden's age and the polls, and start worrying about how to reach the tens upon tens of millions of Americans who are apolitical.

Because of the Electoral College, Trump was much closer to winning in 2020 than the Democratic Party wants to acknowledge. Biden's re-election is not guaranteed. America has survived one Trump presidency. But another? It is a risk we must not take. The most beneficial outcome for the country is to electorally mercy-kill the GOP. We must be patient in affliction, simultaneously bringing the good news of conserving democracy to the afflicted.

Wajahat Ali is the author of "Go Back to Where You Came From." He is also a columnist for The Daily Beast and MSNBC Daily and co-host of the democracy-ish podcast.

The target letter by Jack Smith reveals that Trump's numerous criminal transgressions are at the very least catching up to him. Whether or not this will result in any form of accountability remains to be seen, but it is certainly a troubling development for the leading GOP presidential candidate, whose 2016 campaign included the chant, "Lock her up!" Karma, thanks to Merrick Garland and the Justice Department, was slow and late to respond, but this is certainly bad news for Trump and his MAGA minions. Over in Michigan, Attorney General Dana Nessel announced felony charges against 16 Michigan residents for their role in the alleged false electors scheme. This is in addition to the two existing indictments against Trump.

We still haven't heard from District Attorney Fani Willis of Georgia, who has Trump dead to rights thanks to his phone call asking the secretary of state to "find" him the votes he needs. For normal people who aren't protected by whiteness, wealth and the GOP, all of this would be enough to send a person to jail for years. However, everything is skewed to mollify the radicalized anger of white rage and MAGA, so I won't hold my breath for Trump's incarceration. I remain cynical, because he is a former president and I recall that Richard Nixon never spent a day of his life in jail and went on to a lucrative speaking and writing career. Still, we need more accountability, and this will only increase the pressure on Trump's minions, such as Meadows and others, to play ball with law enforcement.

These people are brittle and weak porcelain dolls who won't last a day in jail. They'll sing like birds. None of this will dampen MAGA support for Trump, and we already see the GOP leadership rallying around him. Even Megyn Kelly, whom Trump mocked and ridiculed, has made amends with her former tormentor. Masochism is the price to pay when you're in a political cult. I do believe this will weaken Trump and Republicans leading up to 2024, however, and build up the rich narrative of his awesome corruption and the GOP's utter, craven complacency and complicity.

Read more

about Trump's possible reckoning
TSMC said on Tuesday it will invest $2.9 billion in advance chip packaging. File Photo by David Chang/EPA-EFE

July 25 (UPI) -- The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company announced a $2.87 billion investment into a new chip packaging plat, citing growth in the fast-evolving artificial intelligence market.

The plant is set to be constructed in northern Taiwan's Tongulo Science Park and the management authority has already approved a land lease for the project, Taiwan's Central News Agency reported.

"Rapid growth of the AI market [has] driven a surge in demand for TSMC's advanced packaging," TSMC said.

During TSMC's second-quarter earnings report a week ago, the firm's CEO C.C. Wei said he saw "strong demand" for chips related to AI and would have to increase its capacity to keep up with demand.

"We are increasing our capacity as quickly as possible and we expect that these tightenings will be released next year, but in between, we're still working closely with our customers to support their growth," Wei said.

In TSMC's second quarter report, its chief financial officer Wendell Huang said he expects strong growth in 3-nanometer chips, which the company specializes in.

"Moving into third quarter 2023, we expect our business to be supported by the strong ramp of our 3-nanometer technologies, partially offset by customers' continued inventory adjustment," he said.

The announcement comes after TSMC delayed production at an Arizona facility from late 2024 until 2025 citing a shortage of skilled workers.
Cases of tuberculosis (TB)  an illness that kills more people than any other infectious disease  rose in the U.S. during 2022, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And some doctors are concerned that limitations of testing at the border could be partly to blame for the surge.

In 2021, the disease infected nearly 11 million people and caused 1.6 million deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease caused by a bacterial infection. It primarily affects the lungs, but can also affect the brain, kidneys and spine.

The CDC states that all refugees ages two and older must be tested for tuberculosis before entering the U.S.

TEXAS CITY REPORTS SYPHILIS OUTBREAK AMID 'LIMITED SUPPLY' OF PENICILLIN DRUG

"By law, refugees diagnosed with an inadmissible condition are not permitted to depart for the United States until the condition has been treated," the agency states on its website.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Some doctors are concerned that limitations of testing at the border could be partly to blame for the rise in tuberculosis cases.

The CDC uses its Electronic Disease Notification (EDN) system to notify federal, state and local health departments of any immigrants and refugees who are found to have medical conditions that require follow-up.

There are limitations to that process, however.

"By design, the EDN system only collects information for the approximately 10% of immigrants who have an overseas medical classification," explained Neha Sood, health communication specialist for the CDC in Atlanta, Georgia , in a statement to Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor.

"Thus, DHS [Department of Homeland Security] data were used to approximate the immigrant denominators."

There is also some degree of human error that comes into play, Sood added.

"Because data transfer for immigrants during the study period primarily relied on staff at ports of entry to correctly review, retain and route paper forms for each immigrant with a medical classification, human error likely caused some losses, resulting in possible underestimates of immigrants with medical classifications," she said.

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DENGUE FEVER CASES COULD REACH NEAR-RECORD HIGHS THIS YEAR: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE TROPICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASE

While health departments are "encouraged and provided incentives" to share the results of immigrants testing with the CDC, Sood said there is always the chance of "underreporting."

She added, "The proportion of immigrants, refugees and eligible others who completed a post-arrival examination might be higher than indicated in this report."

Although the CDC has "comprehensive surveillance systems" to track communicable diseases within the U.S., the agency does not track diseases by immigration status, Sood explained.

Tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease that primarily affects the lungs, but can also affect the brain, kidneys and spine.

Linda Yancey, M.D., a specialist in infectious disease who is affiliated with Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston, Texas , said she regularly sees people who have screened positive for the disease and need treatment to prevent developing symptomatic illness.

"Tuberculosis is quite common in Texas, especially in the big cities," she told Fox News Digital. "Houston is an international port of entry, so we get people from TB-endemic areas coming here frequently."

Most of the imported tuberculosis cases seen at Memorial Hermann are among people coming from Africa and the Indian subcontinent, Yancey said.

"This is why immigrants coming into the U.S. are screened at the time of entry," she said.

"People can be exposed to TB years before they become contagious," she went on. "By doing early screening, we are able to treat people long before they develop severe pneumonia ."

WHY ANTIBIOTICS MAY NOT HELP PATIENTS SURVIVE THEIR VIRAL INFECTIONS: NEW RESEARCH

Immigrants who have positive screenings are given three to four months of pills to protect their TB from developing into an illness, Yancey said.

In a 2022 study by the University of Texas, researchers analyzed patterns in tuberculosis patients who had been diagnosed when crossing into the U.S. from the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, which serves as a "migration waypoint."

A diagnosis of tuberculosis can be made via a skin test or a blood test.

The study, which was published in the Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, found that an average of 30% of immigrants screened positive for tuberculosis over an eight-year period.

Immigrants with tuberculosis may be less likely to get successful treatment due to various factors, the study authors also wrote in a discussion of their findings.

The barriers to treatment that were cited included mobile living conditions, economic constraints, fear of deportation and the policy of the host country to provide free TB therapies.

Another concern is the type of TB that potentially could be coming into the U.S.

James Hodges, M.D., an internist in Waco, Texas, is concerned that immigrants are bringing in a drug-resistant strain of the disease.

"I have found that immigrants who are positive for TB are more likely to have a drug-resistant type," he told Siegel.

"This is likely due to the over-the-counter meds and antibiotics that are available in Mexico and other central and South American countries  these patients have incompletely treated coughs on their own," Hodges continued.

"This is becoming more common with the last two years of an open border," Dr. Hodges of Waco, Texas, said of drug-resistant tuberculosis cases entering the United States of America.

"This is becoming more common with the last two years of an open border."

Tuberculosis treatments need to be "specialized, complex regimens," Dr. Siegel explained. "Here in the U.S., we use INH, Rifampin, PZA, Ethambutol and others. If you use an over-the-counter antibiotic that only partially treats TB, resistance is more likely to emerge."

Exposure to tuberculosis is very common, but only about 20% to 30% of people who are exposed to it become infected, according to Mount Sinai.

Most new infections occur when bacteria enter the air after the infected person coughs or sneezes, and is then breathed in by someone else.

LISTERIA OUTBREAK KILLS THREE ADULTS IN WASHINGTON STATE, HEALTH DEPARTMENT CONFIRMS

A majority of people who get the infection will have no symptoms and are not contagious, which is known as "latent tuberculosis."

Those who have "active infections" develop the disease, experience symptoms and can potentially spread it to others.

During the first stage of TB, most people dont experience any symptoms, though some may have a mild fever, cough and/or fatigue.

During the first stage of TB, most people dont experience any symptoms, but some may have a mild fever, cough and/or fatigue.

Patients who develop an active infection  either immediately after the primary infection or after months or years of a latent infection  may experience coughing (sometimes with blood or mucus), chest pain, pain when breathing or coughing, fever, chills, weight loss , night sweats, loss of appetite and/or fatigue, according to the Mayo Clinics website.

Some people may develop extrapulmonary tuberculosis, which is when the infection spreads from the lungs to affect other parts of the body.

There is currently no vaccine for TB available in the U.S.

Diagnosis can be made via a skin test or a blood test.

For those who have positive screenings, additional tests  including chest X-rays, CT scans and lab analysis of lung fluid  can determine the extent of the infection and the impact on the lungs, according to the Cleveland Clinic website.

For those who have positive screenings, additional tests  including chest X-rays, CT scans and lab analysis of lung fluid  can determine the extent of the infection and the impact on the lungs.

There are multiple treatments available for both latent and active tuberculosis, Yancey said.

"For latent disease, we treat with drugs like rifampin, rifapentine and isoniazid," she said. "People only need to take the pills for three to four months."

For active disease, additional pill options include pyrazinamide, ethambutol, moxifloxicin and linezolid, Yancey said.

There is also an injectable option called amikacin.

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"Because we have so many different options to treat TB, drug shortages are very seldom an issue," Yancey said. "If one drug is in short supply, we have multiple effective alternative regimens."

Medications are typically taken for a period of at least six to nine months.

If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.

"If you have tuberculosis and youre treated, your outlook is good if youve followed directions and taken your medications for as long as you should and in the way you were told," the Cleveland Clinics website indicates.
Its been a hot summer in North Texas, with the days only getting hotter.

Many Texans are looking for ways to cool off, with some opting to bare it all at nude beaches. But for those looking to keep the towel on, Texas has plenty of other ways to relax on the water.

Tubing is a fun way to kick back, relax and cool off on Texas rivers. Heres where to go tubing within driving distance from Fort Worth escape the summer heat:

Trinity River

Part of the 710-mile long Trinity River runs right through Fort Worth.

While its waters are known for kayaking, plenty of Fort Worthians hit the river on tubes. One of the benefits of tubing the river during the summer is the live music.

Panther Island Pavilion hosts Rockin The River through July and August every summer, bringing concerts to the Trinity River waterfront. Pick up a tube and hit the water as the country tunes drift across the waterway.

Distance from Fort Worth: Panther Island Pavilion is located at 395 Purcey St.

Brazos River

Another long waterway that runs through Texas is the Brazos River.

Many North Texans flock to the river with tube in hand, especially just west of the Metroplex around Millsap and Graford. Possum Kingdom State Park is located near the river, offering tubers a place to camp when theyre not floating the river.

Another nearby campground is called Hillbilly Haven, where people can rent tubes and hit the river just minutes from where theyre staying.

Distance from Fort Worth: An hour and half

Guadalupe River

The Guadalupe River is a popular tubing destination for south Texans.

Located just north of San Antonio and running through New Braunfels, the Guadalupe is one of the states most popular waterways for recreation. From fishing and canoeing, to tubing down the spring-fed river, many enjoy what the Guadalupe has to offer.

The Guadalupe River State Park is a central hub where Texans can stay, rent tubes and relax.

Distance from Fort Worth: Four and half hours

Comal River

Another popular south Texas tube floating destination is the Comal River.

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Running through New Braunfels, the Comal is the shortest river in Texas and is known for its calm spring-fed waters. One of the rivers draws is its tube chute, which serves as a water slide of sorts for those looking for a little excitement while they float.

Distance from Fort Worth: Four hours

South Llano River

Located in central Texas is the South Llano River.

Many Texans flock to South Llano to tube the spring-fed and slow moving Hill County waters. The South Llano River State Park serves a central hub for water fun, where tubers can make camp and float on.
The leader of Tunisia's opposition National Salvation Front, Ahmed Nejib Chebbi, addresses a rally marking the second anniversary of President Kais Saied's power grab (YASSINE MAHJOUB)

Around 300 protesters rallied in Tunis Tuesday to mark the second anniversary of President Kais Saied's adoption of sweeping powers, and to demand the release of about 20 detained opposition figures.

"Down with the coup, freedom for all the prisoners," the protesters chanted.

Addressing the crowd that gathered in the heart of the capital, braving temperatures that topped 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit), veteran politician Ahmed Nejib Chebbi denounced a "total failure" of Saied in managing the state.

Chebi, who heads Tunisia's main opposition coalition, the National Salvation Front which organised the rally, said the president's leadership had worsened the state of Tunisia's economy.

On Tuesday afternoon, Saied went out to meet citizens in central Tunis, visiting a popular market in the old city as well as Bourguiba Avenue -- the site of many protests against him.

The president avoided talk of his opponents, and when asked by merchants about recurring water and electricity cuts, he said they were due to "exceptional heat this summer".

The opposition has kept up its protests against Saied's July 2021 move sacking the government and suspending parliament, despite the arrest since February this year of more than 20 opposition, media and business figures on charges of "conspiracy against state security".

Writer Chaima Issa and former minister Lazhar Akremi were released earlier this month but the others remain in custody.

Among them is Rached Ghannouchi, leader of the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party which was the largest bloc in parliament before Saied's power grab. He is serving a one-year prison sentence on terrorism-related charges.

During Tuesday's protest, Ennahdha spokesman Imed Khemiri denounced "the return of a policy of intimidation... which restricts freedom of expression and impacts the media".

Rights groups have condemned a "witch hunt" aimed at repressing freedom of opinion in the North African country which had been the sole democracy to emerge from the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011.

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After his initial moves two years ago, Saied has ruled by decree and last year rammed through a constitution that gave his office unlimited powers and neutered parliament.

"Decree by decree, blow by blow, President Saied and his government have dramatically undermined respect for human rights in Tunisia since his power grab in July 2021," Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa director, Heba Morayef, said in a statement.

"In doing so, he has stripped away basic freedoms that Tunisians fought hard to earn and fostered a climate of repression and impunity."

Saied, a former constitutional law lecturer, was elected in 2019 for a five-year term.

kl/fka/kir/fz/ysm/ami/it
By Tarek Amara

TUNIS (Reuters) - Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Tunis on Tuesday to mark the second anniversary of President Kais Saied's seizure of power, calling for an end to "autocratic rule" and the immediate release of detained opposition leaders.

About 300 people gathered on the central Habib Bourguiba Avenue at a rally organized by the main opposition coalition Salvation Front, carrying placards saying "Freedom for political detainees" and "Down with the coup".

Elsewhere in the capital, hundreds of supporters of another opposition grouping, the Free Constitution Party, led by party leader Abir Moussi, gathered waving Tunisian flags and chanting: "poverty increased, hunger increased.." and "Saied Enough".

Saied seized most powers in 2021, shutting down parliament before passing a new constitution that gives him near total authority.

In April, the authorities arrested opposition leader and Saied's most prominent critic Rached Ghannouchi,82, the former prime minister Ali Laryedh and others officials from Ghannouchi's party.

Earlier in February, police detained about 20 prominent political leaders, including Salvation Front members, on charges of plotting against state security.

The opposition says Saied, elected in 2019, expanded his powers in a coup, but he has defended his actions saying they were legal and necessary to save Tunisia from the chaos and rampant corruption.

"Saied changed all law, all political system for the worse ... If there is an imminent danger, it is Kais Saied", Abir Moussi told supporters.

Tunisia is in the midst of a severe economic crisis and needs external financial assistance to avoid defaulting on its debts, while Tunisians suffer from high costs of living and shortages of staples, such as sugar, semolina, oil, coffee and rice.

(Reporting by Tarek Amara; Editing by Tomasz Janowski)
ANKARA, Turkey  Two Turkish defense companies will showcase new systems for air defense and unmanned ground combat at the IDEF exhibition in Istanbul this week.

Military electronics specialist Aselsan, Turkeys biggest defense firm, said July 23 that it launched the GURZ (mace in English) air defense system, designed to protect stationary units as well as military convoys on the move.

The weapon is an answer to an increase in need to possess assets with strategic maneuvering capabilities, Aselsan said.

It is designed to target very-low or low-altitude targets like artillery munition or missiles as well as drones, helicopters and fighter jets. The system comes fitted on a 8x8 wheeled platform.

Some analysts here have likened the GURZ to an advanced version of the Russian-made Pantsir, a self-propelled, medium-range, air-defense weapon.

Meanwhile, military software company Havelsan, also state-owned, said it delivered its new Barkan unmanned ground system to the Turkish military. Havelsan said it has been testing the robot over the past year and a half, incorporating a 12.7 mm weapon. The company plans to upgrade the system with grenade launchers and other missile variants.

Barkan II, the advanced version, features enhanced mobility. It doubles the vehicles weight capacity and is equipped to carry heavy weapons. The Barkan also will be displayed at IDEF 23, the manufacturer said.
TEL AVIV  The peoples divisions have spread to the peoples army.

Israels roiling national crisis over a new law to weaken the Supreme Court is affecting the Israel Defense Forces, an institution that for most of the countrys history has been seen as being above politics.

The military, which polls consistently find is the public body Israelis trust most, now faces questions about whether it can remain a symbol of national unity and whether its operational readiness has been compromised by internal divides.

We have tried to stay out of the current discourse, but given its current prominence in Israeli society, we got caught up in it, and our unity was impaired. It is our duty to prevent these cracks from widening, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, the IDF chief of staff, said in an address to his troops this week.

The most acute crisis facing the military comes from thousands of reservists who say they will stop volunteering in protest of the legislation, a crucial part of which passed Monday despite mass demonstrations and a walkout by every opposition politician during the vote.

Israeli military reservists sign a declaration of refusal to report for duty to protest plans to overhaul the judicial system, in Tel Aviv, on July 19, 2023. (Ohad Zwigenberg / AP)

While Israel mandates military service for young people, it still relies on experienced reservists for many roles. That is especially true in the air force, where in some squadrons half of the pilots are reservists rather than full-time airmen. Reservist officers can have weeks when they carry out strikes on Syria one day and are back at their civilian jobs the next.

Last week, 1,142 air force reservists announced they would end their volunteer duty in protest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus attempt to overhaul the judiciary. Their joint letter sent shock waves through Israeli society. Among its signers was Lt. Col. N., who asked to be referred to only by his rank and initial because of his recent involvement in national security issues.

An F-16 pilot for over three decades, N., 61, had until last week been a reservist at air force headquarters.

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It was one of the most difficult decisions Ive ever taken in my life. Its many nights of turning in bed not being able to sleep, he said.

I came to the conclusion that this government is the biggest danger that Israel faces right now. More than any external enemy or threat, be it Iran, Hezbollah, anyone out there, he said. Since I dont believe in violence inside Israel, the only option that I was left with is to stop serving in reserve, because I dont want to serve a dictatorship.

The reservist said he would return to service if the legislation were reversed and further plans for the judicial overhaul were scrapped.

I want to go back. My conscience is torn apart, even today. I think I did the right thing, but I dont sleep well. Its lose-lose, he said.

Danny Orbach, a military historian and professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, said the reservists refusal to attend training would hurt the air forces readiness as their fitness to fly lapses. They would also be difficult to replace in the long term, he said.

To train a pilot to lead four planes in a squadron takes about 15 years, including combat experience, he said. You can imagine it wont be easy to just fill these missing places.

Netanyahu and other right-wing politicians have condemned the reservists, accusing them of using their leverage in the national security sphere to try to force the government to give in to liberal political demands.

Calls for refusal to serve harm the security of every citizen of the state. No government can capitulate to refusal diktat, and we will not give in to such diktat, he said in a speech Monday, shortly after the bill passed.

Israeli military reservists block the entrance to a military base as they protest against plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to overhaul the judicial system on July 18, 2023 in Tel Aviv. (Ohad Zwigenberg / AP)

Harder to measure is the impact on the IDFs image within Israeli society. A viral video, shared by several of Netanyahus Cabinet members, imagined a scene in which an infantryman pinned down by enemy fire radios for air support. The pilot in the skies above him replies: Do you support or not support the reform?

The clip ends with the dying soldier telling the camera: My brothers, from left and right, politics cannot be brought into the army.

An Israeli military spokesman condemned the video and leapt to the defense of the air force pilots.

These are the best fighters and commanders in the IDF, who risk their lives night after night, he said.

Israels enemies are closely watching from the outside as its crises persist from within.

Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, said Israels trust, awareness and self-confidence have deteriorated into the crisis it is experiencing today.

The outbreak of war and the threat of destruction by external enemies have unified Israel many times in its 75-year history. In his speech, Halevi called on both reservists and full-time troops to rediscover that unity before its too late.

If we dont have a strong and united defense force, if Israels best do not serve in the IDF, we will no longer be able to exist as a country in the region, he said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Russia continues to suffer losses in its war of aggression against Ukraine. Over the past day alone, Ukrainian defenders killed 600 Russian occupiers and destroyed 30 artillery systems, 13 armoured combat vehicles and 14 UAVs.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Details: Total combat losses of the Russian forces between 24 February 2022 and 25 July 2023 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses  ed.]:

approximately 243,220 (+600) military personnel,

4,174 (+12) tanks,

8,131 (+13) armoured combat vehicles,

4,705 (+30) artillery systems,

698 (+1) multiple-launch rocket systems,

454 (+2) air defence systems,

315 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft,

310 (+0) helicopters,

3,977 (+14) operational-tactical UAVs,

1,307 (+0) cruise missiles,

18 (+0) ships/boats,

7,194 (+12) vehicles and tankers,

703 (+5) special vehicles and other equipment.

The data is being confirmed.

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Ukraines Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov says that Ukraine will continue carrying out attacks on Russian-occupied Crimea and the Kerch Bridge that connects it to the Russian mainland, while also admitting that Ukraines plan for its sluggish counteroffensive is behind schedule.

As Russia has pummeled the southern port city of Odesa and the surrounding region over the past week, Ukraine has continued to carry out strikes inside Crimea. On Tuesday, Ukrainian drones hit an ammunition depot, just a week after seaborne drones struck the Kerch bridge.

All these targets are official targets because it will reduce their capacity to fight against us (and) will help to save the lives of Ukrainians, Reznikov said in an interview with CNN.

Asked if Ukraines goal is to permanently disable the bridge, Reznikov responded: Its normal tactics to ruin the logistic lines of your enemy to stop the options to get more ammunition, to get more fuel, to get more food, etcetera. Thats why we will use these tactics against them.

Reznikov also accused Russia of operating as a terrorist state.

The fifth night of Russian strikes in Odesa badly damaged more than two dozen landmarks in the historic city center. Drones meanwhile pounded the regions port infrastructure, targeting crucial grain stocks days.

The barrage comes after Moscow withdrew from a crucial grain deal that allowed for the safe export of Ukrainian wheat to international markets, exacerbating a global food crisis.

This approach is absurd, but its real and thats why its new evidence they are a terrorist state, Reznikov told CNNs Alex Marquardt on Saturday.

Senior Russian officials have said the spike in attacks is a response to a deadly explosion on the strategic Kerch bridge in Russian-occupied Crimea earlier this month.

(Russia) tried to explain that its a response for some explosions in their territories, but they are fighting with the civilians, Reznikov said. Thats why I call them looters, rapists and murderers.

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Asked if Ukraine plans to ramp up attacks against Russian ships in the Black Sea in retaliation, he said, We have capacity. We have weapons as we did with the cruiser Moskva and if they threaten us in the Black Sea, well have to respond.

The pride of Russias fleet, guided-missile cruiser Moskva, sank in the Black Sea in April, in an attack claimed by Ukrainian officials.

Counteroffensive is going to plan

Storage tanks damaged by a Russian drone strike are seen in a sea port in Odesa on Monday, amid Russia's attack on the southern Ukrainain city. - Ukrainian Armed Forces/Reuters

Moscow targeted Ukrainain grain stocks along the Danube River overnight, prompting widespread condemnation from Kyiv and its Western allies. - Ukrainian Armed Forces/Reuters

Ukrainian air defense forces have struggled to counter Russias renewed attacks on Odesa in recent weeks, as Kyiv attempts to break Moscows tight defenses in the southeastern regions.

But Ukraines grueling counteroffensive has not resulted in any significant breakthroughs, despite Western allies donating billions of dollars worth of aid to bolster Kyivs military might and putting hundreds of soldiers through training.

Reznikov however insisted the operation is going to plan, saying: Our generals, our commanders, they see the real situation on the battlefield. And again, I have to repeat the main value for us is life of for our soldiers.

But asked if the plan is behind schedule, he acknowledged that it is.

If Ukrainian forces can successfully puncture Moscows sizeable defense lines along Ukraine Sea of Azov coastline that links Crimea to Donbas, Reznikov said it would be a good result for Kyiv.

We have to do it thinking about the lives of our soldiers instead of Russians. Theyre using the soldiers as cannon fodder.

Its a war and I think that we will show to the world again that we will win this war, he said, referring to Ukraine taking back territory in the Kherson and Kharkiv regions.

Reznikov said that F-16 training for Ukrainian pilots will begin in August, adding that if Kyiv had the fighter jets now they would certainly have helped make more progress in the counteroffensive.

Reznikov also said he would share a report with the United States about the use of controversial US-supplied cluster munitions in Ukraine this week, probably Monday or Tuesday.

Highly destructive cluster munitions are outlawed by the UK, France, Germany and other key US allies, but the US and Ukraine are not signatories to the ban, nor is Russia.

We will win this war

Russias invasion of Ukraine has shifted the security landscape in Europe, triggering Western allies to rethink their national security strategy and reigniting calls from Kyiv to join NATO.

The NATO summit in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius in July kicked off with heightened pleas from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to invite Ukraine into the bloc, despite resistance from allies amid Kyivs war with Russia.

In his interview with CNN, Reznikov acknowledged that Ukraine will likely only be able to join the alliance once the war is over, referencing Article 5, which requires members to come to the defense of any fellow member under attack.

After the victory, after then, it will be in the interest of NATO because we became a real eastern shield of NATO or eastern shield of Europe, he said.

Ukraine has gained real combat experience  how to deter Russians, to defeat them, to beat them with using NATO standard weaponry, he added.

He predicted that Ukraines membership bid will be accepted in July 2024, when the NATO summit is scheduled to take place in Washington to mark the 75th anniversary of the alliance.

Asked if he thought the war would be over by next summer, he quickly answered, Yes. We will win this war.

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The beleaguered Yemen-flagged FSO Safer oil tanker is anchored in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen's contested western province of Hodeida (MOHAMMED HUWAIS)

The United Nations said on Tuesday it had begun transferring one million barrels of oil from a rusting super-tanker off war-torn Yemen, in a bid to avert a catastrophic spill.

"The United Nations has begun an operation to defuse what might be the world's largest ticking time bomb," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement.

"A complex maritime salvage effort is now underway in the Red Sea off the coast of war-torn Yemen to transfer one million barrels of oil from the decaying FSO Safer to a replacement vessel."

The transfer of 1.14 million barrels of Marib light crude from the 47-year-old FSO Safer to the new vessel is expected to take "less than three weeks," David Gressly, the UN's resident coordinator for Yemen, said on social media.

Experts say success is far from certain, as scorching summer temperatures, ageing pipes and sea mines lurking in surrounding waters all pose potential threats to the operation.

"Because it is the start of the emergency phase of the project to remove the oil, we need to be very cautious," Sarah Bel, spokeswoman for the UN Development Programme, told reporters in Geneva.

The UN hopes the $143 million operation -- for which it is still $20 million short -- will eliminate the risk of an environmental disaster that it estimates would cost $20 billion to clean up.

Because of the Safer's position in the Red Sea, a spill would also cost billions of dollars per day in shipping disruptions through the Bab al-Mandab Strait to the Suez Canal, while devastating ecosystems, coastal fishing communities and lifeline ports.

The Safer, a floating storage and offloading facility, has been moored around 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the port of Hodeida since the 1980s.

It has not been serviced since war broke out eight years ago between Yemen's Huthi rebels, who control the capital Sanaa and the waters where the Safer is positioned, and a Saudi-led coalition backing the internationally recognised government based in the southern Yemeni city of Aden.

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The ageing vessel, with its corroding hull, is carrying four times as much oil as was spilled in the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster off Alaska.

- Disputes expected -

For years, a skeleton crew of workers remaining on the ship, numbering no more than seven or eight at any given time, have strained to prevent the kind of leak or on-board explosion that would spread a thin slick of oil across the surface of the Red Sea.

In March, the UN purchased a replacement vessel, the Nautica, with an eye towards getting the oil off the Safer.

Two months later, experts from the private company SMIT Salvage arrived to ensure the Safer could withstand the transfer operation.

Last week, the UN engaged in a symbolic handover of the Nautica to "the people of Yemen", though the shipping firm Euronav will continue to administer it on the UN's behalf for at least six months.

Even if the transfer succeeds, the Safer "will pose a residual environmental threat, holding viscous oil residue and remaining at risk of breaking apart," the UN has warned.

Disputes are also expected over ownership of the oil and the Nautica, which has been renamed the Yemen, pitting the Huthis against the Aden-based government.

"At this stage, an agreement could not be found on the actual sale of the oil," said UNDP chief Achim Steiner.

But some see progress on the Safer crisis as a positive sign.

The UN's Gressly believes cooperation over the Safer could pave the way for a more durable ceasefire between Yemen's warring parties.

The operation "could be a stepping stone for greater dialogue between the parties that are in conflict as we speak," he said.

"I hope it will be the beginning of the peace process," Fathi Fahem, the Yemeni business leader who first put forward the idea of a replacement vessel for the Safer two years ago, told AFP last week.

Hundreds of thousands of people have died in the fighting in Yemen or from indirect causes such as lack of food or water, in what the UN calls one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

Yet clashes between the Iran-backed Huthis and the Saudi-led coalition have reduced sharply since a UN-brokered truce began in April last year, even though it lapsed in October.

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Inspectors with a United Nations nuclear monitoring agency found several mines around the Zaporizhizhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, which is under Russian control.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said his team saw some mines in a buffer zone between the sites internal and external perimeter barriers and at other spots inside the site perimeter of the power plant.

Grossi said the mines were placed in restricted areas inaccessible to the IAEA inspectors, who are tasked with keeping the nuclear plant in southeastern Ukraine safe during the war.

The agency head said the IAEAs initial assessment based on its own observations and the plants clarifications is that any detonation of these mines should not affect the sites nuclear safety and security systems.

Still, Grossi added in a statement that the existence of the explosives at the site are inconsistent with the IAEA safety standards and nuclear security guidance and creates additional psychological pressure on plant staff.

The IAEA has been aware of the previous placement of mines outside the site perimeter and also at particular places inside, Grossi said. Our team has raised this specific finding with the plant and they have been told that it is a military decision, and in an area controlled by military.

Concerns about an attack on the Zaporizhizhia power plant have remained since the spring of last year, when Russian forces first took over the site.

Fighting around the plant has also been a major concern. IAEA inspectors arrived at the power plant last fall as part of an agreement reached by both Kyiv and Moscow to keep the plant safe and from causing an environmental catastrophe.

More recently, both Ukrainian and Russian officials have accused each other of plotting to blow up the plant in the past two months.

The plant supplies a large swath of power to Ukrainian citizens. While damage to the power plant, the largest in Europe, would undoubtedly have a major economic and environmental impact, experts told The Hill it would not be on the scale of Chernobyl, which contaminated millions of acres after the 1986 meltdown in Ukraine.

IAEA inspectors are still trying to get access to reactors three and four out of a total of six at the site, as teams are subject to the control of Russian forces.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A volunteers with the Phytoplankton Monitoring Network takes a water sample off the dock on Skidaway Island.

Imagine growing up on the shores of Lake Ontario, New York. Imagine spending your childhood summers in southeast Alaska where your uncle owns and operates a commercial salmon fishing business. Mallory Mintz (MS graduate student, Cohen Lab at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography) doesnt have to imagine.

I remember lying flat on my stomach on docks in both places, craning over the edge to see the animals underneath absolutely enchanted by the diversity of critters in Alaska  sea stars and snails and all sorts of crabs.

She wondered why the waters in New York seemed to lack such diversity. Theyre very different environments, of course, but New Yorks waterways had been transformed by pollution and invasive species. Stories of this environmental change and events like the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 framed her understanding of the natural world as a fragile but resilient place. Ive been studying it ever since.

Life on the Water: Saltwater Science Speaker Series presents oral histories of Georgia shrimpers

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Mallory Mintz, a masters student at UGA Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, speaks to campers about her research involving plankton.

Whats the harm?

Fast forward to the docks off of Skidaway Island at the UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant facilities where Mintz collects water samples twice a day. She is studying phytoplankton, also known as microalgae. She explained that these plant-like organisms are photosynthesizers that typically provide food to a variety of life-forms in the ocean, which then, in turn, supply nutrients for other organisms as part of a balanced ecosystem. Changes in the environment can disrupt that balance and cause Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). As defined by NOAA.gov, HABs occur when colonies of algaegrow out of control and produce toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals and birds.

Mintzs research was the topic of the most recent Saltwater Science Speaker Series talk on July 13 at the UGA Aquarium. She shared that she seeks to describe the internal machinations that allow the HAB-forming species to thrive. Her work stands on the shoulders of research conducted by folks like Sandy Haeger, who also spoke at the event about the role of citizen scientists. She and other involved locals have been gathering samples for the phytoplankton lab for decades. Mintz is able to mine that historical data and compare the citizen scientists current samplings against her own to determine patterns that may reveal a bigger picture.

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Though no major events have happened to our knowledge on the Georgia coast, save for the 2019 Akashiwo bloom, they are a growing problem worldwide. She cited the work of scientists such as Christopher Gobler for those who want to review more on the topic. HABs can have severe consequences for the communities and ecosystems that rely on the ocean for livelihood and recreation.

What environmental causes lead to HABs?

Sewage leaks, pollution, and agricultural run-off (particularly sugarcane) are some factors that could cause HAB formation. Floridas issue last year with large, pungent HABs was largely due to lack of regulations on sugarcane farmers releasing run-off into tributaries.

Mintz hypothesized that since most of Georgias coast is protected there have been fewer instances of HABs. She admits that fewer instances could also be a result of less data. Florida and South Carolina both conduct more regular testing. Georgia could be behind in that regard. While its challenging to predict the future of HABs, especially as were still in the data collection phase of our research, warming of the ocean may lead to increases in these events.

In addition to ocean temperature rise, shes analyzing rainfall amounts, chlorophyll concentrations, and increased amount of water salinity. We want to better understand the triggers of HAB events and how they might evolve in changing waterways.

Campers head to the dock at the UGA Aquarium to learn techniques for recreational crabbing.

Whats next?

Mintz remains hopeful (and somewhat not) that a bloom event will occur during her time here so she can analyze it. For everyone in the Lowcountry, its crucial to be informed about the state of our oceans in order to best protect our coastal environments and communities.

In the meantime, she suggests that if the water locally looks or smells funny to you, then forgo entering it. Dont let Fido romp through it either. For her part, she eventually wants to study another type of plankton called foramimifera for her PhD. These organisms (or early versions of them) have been around for half a billion years and make for some of the best records of climate change that we have.

Find out more about the Phytoplankton Monitoring Network made up of citizen scientists like Sandy Haeger. Also plan to attend the final Saltwater Science Speaker Series talk, Oyster Aquaculture and Restoration, 6 p.m., July 27, at the UGA Aquarium on Skidaway Island.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: University of Georgia researcher monitors waterways for harmful algal blooms
A home in University Place was destroyed in a large fire that came dangerously close to neighboring homes.

It was the latest in a string of fires at vacant buildings across Western Washington, including two arsons in Seattle.

The fire at the home on Cirque Drive West and 55th was called out around 4 a.m. Tuesday, according to West Pierce Fire & Rescue.

The home has been vacant for quite some time, but there is evidence that people were living there illegally, according to firefighters and neighbors.

Weve had fires back here in the past, Tony Pool, who lives by the property, said on Tuesday. Squatters come back here in this house, so it was only a matter of time. Whatever they have to burn, they burn. If they stay the night in the house, theres no electricity.

Pool is one of several neighbors we spoke with, who said squatting at the property has been an ongoing problem.

This is our backyard. We all have kids in this neighborhood and its scary, Pool said. Had there not been moisture, this wouldve been a lot worse... Seven houses on this side, theyre all aligned with these trees. Every one of them wouldve caught on fire.

Pool also said hes called 911 several times because of small fires on the property.

(Property owners should be) making sure that they secure the property. And whatever they plan on doing with this  if its a demo and they were going to knock it down and build, lets have that happen sooner than later. Because whats happening is neighborhoods are putting up with the brunt of it, said Pool.

This comes after a vacant building burned down in the University District neighborhood of Seattle on Monday. One person was found dead inside the building, according to the Seattle Fire Department.

On Friday, a vacant building in the Chinatown-International-District burned down. Investigators have determined it was arson.
The London Bathing Season The Cartoon Collector/Print Collector/Getty Images

As Summer 2023 continues to shatter heat records, climate change experts are talking about a "new abnormal." Studies indicate that ecosystems are likely to rapidly collapse as extreme weather events caused by these heatwaves pile up, one on top of the other. Sky high temperatures are rendering cities like Phoenix, Arizona into borderline uninhabitable heat domes.

If this type of unbearable heat is going to be part of humanity's long-term future, it behooves us to turn to history for precedents. Only in that way can we better understand what awaits us.

This brings us to the Great Stink of 1858, which was an incident in English history during which the city of London was paralyzed by one of the hottest, smelliest and most unsanitary summers in history.

The story is set in London during the July and August doldrums. Because London's sewerage system had deteriorated over centuries, human waste was seeping into the banks of the Thames before it finally was dumped into the city's main river. In addition to untreated human excrement, the Thames was also full of industrial chemicals and other manufacturing byproducts. Even before the Great Stink of 1858, three separate cholera outbreaks had already been tenuously linked to the river by public health authorities. Yet there was not enough political will among the English elite to address the problem, so it simply festered  in many ways, literally.

Thousands of people died during the Great Stink, thanks largely to waterborne diseases like dysentery, typhoid and cholera while millions more were regularly forced to live in unsanitary conditions in the decades previous. The story is, at its heart, a testament to how the apathy of a society's leaders for the less fortunate can lead to unpredictable mass crises.

In another sense, the Great Stink is regarded as a tale of triumph, and in one respect that may be accurate. Joseph Bazalgette, a civil engineer, brilliantly convinced civic leaders to construct 132 kilometers (82 miles) of underground brick sewers that using a complex plan would divert the raw sewage away from areas where humans could interact with them.

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Unlike today, when scientists know that disease is spread by microorganisms, Victorian Englishmen thought it was spread by "miasmas," or "bad air." In this sense Bazalgette's science was wrong, but his underlying reasoning was still correct: Use the potential of modern engineering to limit human contact with their own waste to the greatest extent possible. As a result of Bazalgette's ingenuity, cholera outbreaks in London were reduced and countless lives were saved.

Yet a terrible human toll had to occur to form the backdrop to that ostensibly inspiring story. This brings us to our current climate crisis. Indeed, there are already Great Stink-equivalents that are occurring today as a result of persistent heatwaves, rising sea levels and more. Likewise, climate change is driven by human activity, especially the burning of fossil fuels, so the systemic breakdown of our ecosystems and infrastructure represents yet another policy failure.

"While not directly related to sewage systems, there is definitely evidence that heatwaves can impact water quality and supply," Dr. Stephanie Herring, a climate scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, wrote to Salon. "Warmer water is more hospitable to many types of waterborne diseases, and there is research around how this is and will impact drinking water supplies as well. This includes possible impacts to our seafood supply through events such as harmful algal blooms."

Herring added, "I think one of the important issues around climate change is that it puts our safe drinking water supply at risk, whether that be through contamination, water-borne diseases, coastal inundation from sea level rise causing the salinization of drinking water supplies. This is a serious issue in Florida, for example."

Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter The Vulgar Scientist.

"I think the lesson is that we must always be ready to adopt and adapt technology to cope with new problems, whether heatwaves, storms, drought or anything else," Stephen Halliday, author of the book "The Great Stink of London," told Salon by email. "If you look at the latest edition of 'The Great Stink,' just published, there is a postscript on the new Thames Tideway Tunnel which will deal with the sewage overflows caused by storms and concrete."

Dr. Ashok Mishra, a professor at Clemson University's Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth's Science and co-author of a landmark recent study on climate change and heatwaves, elaborated on the specific heat-related problems posed by climate change today.

"Extreme temperatures associated with heatwaves can severely impact human life and the natural ecosystem," Mishra wrote to Salon. "Unprecedented climate events like heatwaves may hamper and cause additional challenges for human systems, particularly in large settlements such as towns and cities."

When those systems break down, one gets incidents similar to the Great Stink, which caused countless Londoners to suffer from preventable diseases.

"The Great Stink resulted from unplanned and rapid population expansion in London without the provision of a proper sewerage system," Mishra pointed out. "Hence it is of utmost importance for cities and planners to account for future population changes and changes in municipal and industrial activities when designing cities and sewerage systems. Additionally, due to climate change and the rise of extreme weather events, there is an urgent need to build climate-resilient sewerage systems, allowing for the distribution of loads and providing backup in events of disruption."

He added, "Failure in sewerage management can lead to an outbreak of diseases, disruption to ecosystem balance, and intolerable odor problems."

Mishra also observed that there are specific Great Stink equivalents that have already transpired.

"Similar to the Great Stink, events of foul smell atmosphere causing discomfort to residents have been observed with the increased occurrence, especially with warmer temperatures and heatwaves causing increased bacterial enzyme activities," Mishra pointed out. "Equipment failure due to a heatwave at Crockett Wastewater Treatment Plant in September 2022 resulted in the plant malfunctioning and the whole town reeling with foul smell emanating from untreated effluents. Smaller towns, such as Osoyoos, British Columbia, relying on sewage lagoons are also facing challenges due to industrial effluents causing the failure of lagoons, while heatwaves and warmer temperatures increase the foul smell and discomfort to residents. The failure of septic tanks due to climate change is causing effluents to seep into groundwater. Marine heatwaves in coastal cities can trigger increased algal blooms, foul smells emanating from the bay, and eutrophication leading to biodiversity loss in the coastal ecosystem."

Read more

about heatwaves
A man looks damaged building in front of a door at the site after Russian missile attacks in Odessa, Ukraine on July 25, 2023. Multiple missile strikes on the city of Odessa, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, caused damage to at least 20 historic buildings including Odessa cathedral. Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Russia is launching "unusual" numbers of carrier killer missiles, among others, at urban areas in southern Ukraine.

The Kh-22 missile is inaccurate when used this way and exceptionally dangerous.

Its reported use in recent attacks on Odesa indicates Russia is continuing to engage in indiscriminate destruction.

Russia has been firing an "unusual number" of missiles designed to sink aircraft carriers and their accompanying battle groups at areas of southern Ukraine lately, specifically the port city of Odesa, per Western intelligence. It has been happening for a week now.

The Kh-22 Storm, which NATO calls the AS-4 Kitchen, is a massive, nearly 40-foot-long anti-ship missile that weighs over six tons and carries a roughly 2,000-pound warhead. It's wildly inaccurate over land and known for causing significant collateral damage.

The Tupelov Tu-22M supersonic bomber can carry up to three Kh-22 missiles, an anti-ship weapon that Russia has been using against Ukraine's urban areas. Russian Defence Ministry/Getty Images

While the original missiles were first fielded in the 1960s, the upgraded Kh-22M introduced a decade later can be launched from well over 300 miles away by Tu-22M Backfire bombers able to carry not just one but three of these missiles.

These supersonic weapons have historically represented a formidable stand-off threat to NATO's carriers, but in Ukraine, Russia is not using them against navy ships and is instead launching them at land targets.

An aerial view of the damaged building after Russian missile attacks in Odessa, Ukraine on July 25, 2023. Multiple missile strikes on the city of Odessa, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, caused damage to at least 20 historic buildings including Odessa cathedral. Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The latest targets of the Kh-22 and other Russian missiles have been parts of southern Ukraine following the collapse of a key grain deal. Russia apparently believes Ukraine is storing military equipment in the area and is no longer inclined to avoid targeting it.

Even if Ukraine were doing that, Russian strikes aren't hitting those targets. They are instead battering non-military targets like grain silos, ports, and landmarks in Odesa's historic city center, according to the most recent intelligence update from the UK defense ministry.

Not only have the Russian strikes, which involve a variety of different missiles, killed and wounded innocent Ukrainian civilians, but dozens of historic sites like the Orthodox cathedral in Odesa have been severely damaged, prompting outrage from Ukraine's leadership.

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"Missiles against peaceful cities, against residential buildings, a cathedral ... There can be no excuse for Russian evil," Zelenskyy said in response to an attack that killed one and injured 22 people. He warned that Russia will lose this war and vowed to retaliate for what he called an act of terrorism.

In an aerial view, the Transfiguration Cathedral heavily damaged by Russian missile on July 23, 2023 in Odesa, Ukraine. Yan Dobronosov/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images

Regardless of which missiles struck what exactly in Odesa and other southern cities, reports that the Kh-22 was among the weapons lobbed at these urban centers indicates the perpetuation of a troubling pattern of Russian devil-may-care targeting.

As the British defense ministry notes, "since the start of the war, Russia's strike campaign has been characterised by poor intelligence and a dysfunctional targeting process," and it doesn't seem particularly deterred by collateral damage and civilian casualties.

The Kh-22 has a radar that can't discriminate as well as those of Russia's precision guided missiles, making the weapon's use against cities notably reckless.

The missile is difficult to shoot down though, making it less vulnerable than other weapons to Ukraine's capable air defenses. It is also a lot less valuable than certain precision guided missiles, which Russia is running low on after expending them more quickly than it can replenish them. Essentially, this missile fills a capability gap but without the accuracy.

Workers clean up the destruction caused by a rocket attack at Military Descent a day after the rocket attack in Odessa. According to the Operational Command "South", the Russian forces fired missiles in Odesa on the night of July 23, 2023, with 5 types of missiles of all types based: Caliber, Onyx, Kh-22, Iskander-M. Viacheslav Onyshchenko/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Those advantages to Russia, however limited they may be given the targets being struck, come at a cost being paid by Ukrainian civilians, and there may be a point to that.

"This type of missile leads to the greatest human casualties, because the missile is extremely inaccurate," Ukraine's prosecutor general's office said in a statement provided to The New York Times following an attack earlier this year.

In January, a Kh-22 anti-ship missile slammed into an residential structure in Dnipro, a decent-sized city in central Ukraine, killing scores of people and wounding many others. There are no indications the apartments were a legitimate target.

Yuriy Ihnat, a Ukrainian military spokesperson, said in the aftermath that the Kh-22 missile that hit an apartment block "is designed to destroy aircraft carrier groups at sea," adding that "there is no explanation or justification" for using it to attack "a densely populated city."

Yet these kinds of attacks have happened repeatedly throughout the war.

In another attack in June 2022, the Kh-22 was used in a strike on the Amstor shopping mall in Kremenchuk, where fires spread in the wake of the initial strike. The horrific attack against a civilian target killed at least 20 people and injured nearly 60 others.

Intelligence reports that "unusual" numbers of these destructive missiles are being launched at Odesa and the surrounding area may speak to Russia's desperation or indifference to hitting their intended target, assuming it's not intentional.

As one missile expert previously told Insider about Russia using the Kh-22 against Ukraine's cities, it's possible that "cruelty is the point."

Read the original article on Business Insider
A flower of a Nasa humboldtiana subspecies called humboldtiana that was rediscovered by a team of botanists and citizen scientists for the first time in 162 years.

A Captain Planet-style team up of international botanists and amateur plant enthusiasts have rediscovered lost plants from the tropical Andes Mountains. The findings, published on July 25 in the open-access journal PhytoKeys, describe some plants that have been forgotten about for over a century.

[Related: After 50 years, botanists finally identified this Amazonian plant.]

The plants belong to a genus of plants from the Blazing Star family called Nasa. This genus is known for delicate leaves that can pack a mean sting, which makes them difficult for scientists to collect. Most of these plants are rare, highly endemic, and are only around for a short period of time, which also adds to the difficulty in adding them to a collection of samples preserved for long-term study called a herbarium collection.

Fortunately, global science networking and free data repositories have made it easier for botanists to share information, and they dont have to rely on herbaria as their only source of material and clues. A citizen science platform called iNaturalist played a significant role in the rediscovery of these Andean plants.

A notable species named Nasa colanii had only been once recorded in 1978, until the team on this study came upon a photograph from 2019. This plant grows in a very inaccessible region in a cloud forest in the buffer zone of Perus Cordillera de Colan National Sanctuary, at an elevation of over 8,500 feet.

In 2022, iNaturalist users also confirmed the existence of another Nasa species called Nasa ferox that hadnt been reported for roughly 130 years and did not get a scientific description until 2000. Only a small population of roughly 10 fertile plants of Nasa ferox has been found and these plants always grow in sheltered areas.

Given the location of the park close to the [Ecuadorian] city of Cuenca, and the fact that the important road 582 goes through the park makes it particularly surprising that the species has not been reported in such a long time, even more so if we consider the numerous botanical expeditions that have been carried out in the general region, the researchers wrote in the study.

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Additionally, the team rediscovered a typical form of Nasa humboldtiana for the first time in 162 years. It was found in a conserved Andean forest in Chimborazo, Ecuador.

[Related: Two newly discovered Andes Mountain plant species have an appetite for insects.]

They also found species that had also been considered extinct in the wild. Nasa hastata and Nasa solaria, were believed to be extinct and listed as remained unknown or almost so in the wild. Photos of living Nasa hastata were taken by a sister of one of the authors and a few dozen Nasa solaria were also spotted using iNaturalist.

All these discoveries serve as a reminder that even well-studied regions harbor diversity that can so easily remain overlooked and unexplored, and point to the role of botanists in documenting biodiversity which is an essential prerequisite for any conservation effort, co-author and Leibniz Center for Agricultural Landscape Research botanist Tilo Henning said in a statement.

The team hopes that more of this crowd sourcing will lead to descriptions of more undescribed or long lost plants.
State and local Chambers consistently partner with UPS to help grow Kentuckys economy and improve our communities. The strong presence of UPS in Kentucky is a significant competitive advantage to economic development, job creation and business recruitment. We are proud of the UPS assets in our regions through Louisvilles UPS Worldport, Lexingtons large ground hub operation, and multiple UPS facilities in Northern Kentucky, including Hebron and Richwood.

UPS has a tremendous impact on Kentucky's economy.

When our Chambers meet with other leaders from across the country, we proudly share this story. More than 250 companies have moved operations to Kentucky to take advantage of the services UPS offers. UPS also directly employs nearly 30,000 people in the commonwealth. Another 60,000-plus jobs are directly related to the presence of UPS in Kentucky, accounting for more than $2.5 billion in annual payroll to support hardworking families. UPS has invested nearly $3 billion in construction projects in Kentucky since 2000, helping boost local economies and grow the logistics advantage for Kentucky. The company is also responsible for $300 million in tax revenue annually, which accounts for 2% of all state taxes collected in the commonwealth.

UPS and its workforce are also essential to our economy. From management positions to drivers, pilots and mechanics, all roles are critical to the success of the global logistics economy that many businesses rely on every day. That's why we are glad Teamsters went back to the table to continue negotiations and avoid a strike.

UPS workers rallied in front of the UPS Centennial Hub ahead of a potential strike on August 1st. July 18, 2023

We are grateful for UPS and the diversity of career opportunities the company offers for part-time and full-time workers. UPS has demonstrated over its 100-year history with the Teamsters that it values its essential workers and sets a high standard for pay and benefits including for part-time workers. Employees also receive a competitive combination of benefits and pay is at the top range for most employers in this sector.

Part-time UPS employees have attended college for free at the University of Louisville or Jefferson Community and Technical College through the groundbreaking Metropolitan College program. Nearly 20,000 of these students have earned degrees and certificates, leading to careers in fields like nursing, finance and even as state legislators, while others opt to work full-time at UPS.

Part-time union employees at UPS make an average of $20 an hour after their first 30 days of employment and receive annual wage increases as well as cost-of-living adjustments.

Along with industry leading pay, UPS part-time employees receive the same health and medical benefits as full-time employees, as well as pension, tuition reimbursement and other benefits. All these benefits are offered to part-time employees who, on average, choose to work 15-20 hours a week.

With less than two weeks until the Teamsters contract with UPS expires, negotiations are down to the final pieces of the contract. We encourage both sides to continue to talk through issues, so workers have job security and the state, international and domestic commerce avoids disruption. We encourage both sides to reach an agreement that is a win for everyone.

Ashli Watts

Ashli Watts is President and CEO, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: UPS values essential workers. Teamsters should come back to the table
By Lisa Baertlein and Priyamvada C

(Reuters) -UPS and its Teamsters union have signed a tentative contract deal for about 340,000 U.S. workers at the parcel delivery firm, one week ahead of a threatened strike that could have cost the economy billions and disrupted a quarter of the nation's package shipments.

Tuesday's agreement, which must be ratified by union members, cinches another win for transportation labor groups. Railroad, airline and West Coast seaport workers have all seen their bargaining hand strengthened by labor shortages and public support for those who risked their lives early in the pandemic to keep the U.S. economy functioning.

The planned Aug. 1 strike by workers at UPS, which handles about 20 million packages a day across the United States, could have also driven customers into the arms of rivals like FedEx, which is still embroiled in talks with its pilots union.

"This contract sets a new standard in the labor movement and raises the bar for all workers," International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien said.

The Teamsters said the contract provides historic wage increases, one more paid holiday and air conditioning in the company's ubiquitous brown delivery trucks. It also eliminates a two-tier pay system and forced overtime for delivery drivers.

"We demanded the best contract in the history of UPS, and we got it," O'Brien said, adding that UPS put $30 billion in new money on the table without a single concession from the union. "We've changed the game."

UPS declined to comment directly on O'Brien's estimate. The company, which said it is best positioned to assess the financial impact of the agreement, plans to update guidance during its second-quarter earnings call on Aug. 8.

"This agreement continues to reward UPS's full- and part-time employees with industry-leading pay and benefits while retaining the flexibility we need to stay competitive," UPS CEO Carol Tome said.

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Shares in UPS closed down 1.9% to $184.69 on Tuesday after initially rallying 1.6% following the announcement.

Early details on the deal "suggest the union won greater first-year wage increases than we'd expected ... while UPS retained flexibility in return" on issues like personal vehicle drivers and a possible move to seven-day operations, Susquehanna analyst Bascome Majors said in a client note.

Despite the potential impact on the economy, the Teamsters expressly asked President Joe Biden, a Democrat who campaigned on labor support and is seeking reelection, not to intervene even as his administration has been involved in railroad and other sector labor talks.

Still, Biden praised the UPS pact, saying it "moves us closer to a better deal for workers that will also add to our economic momentum."

Investors, analysts and business groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Retail Federation had pushed for a deal and expressed relief after the announcement.

The agreement is "very heartening to investors and to everybody who cares about a more thriving and inclusive American economy," said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, who serves as investment advisor for the city's pension fund, which held UPS shares valued at $191.1 million as of June 30.

AUGUST VOTE

A 10-day UPS strike could have cost the U.S. economy more than $7 billion, estimated Anderson Economic Group, a think tank specializing in the economic impact of labor actions.

Member voting to ratify the pact begins August 3 and concludes August 22, the Teamsters said.

Under the deal, current full- and part-time UPS workers will get $2.75 more per hour in 2023, and $7.50 more per hour over the length of the contract, the union said.

General wage increases for part-time workers will be double the amount obtained in the previous UPS Teamsters contract  and existing part-time workers will receive a 48% average total wage bump, addressing a key sticking point in talks.

Analysts said investors were focused on the new starting part-time wage, which was expected to reach as much as $25, Jefferies analysts said in a client note.

UPS part-timers currently make about $20 per hour. Under the agreement, that would move up to $21 and advance to $23 per hour over the next five years.

Meanwhile, FedEx and its pilots union are restarting talks, likely under federal supervision, after union members on Monday announced that they had rejected a tentative contract deal.

UPS also competes with nonunion delivery rivals like Amazon.com that pay workers significantly less.

Shares of FedEx and Amazon closed up less than 1%.

(Reporting by Lisa Baertein in Los Angeles and Priyamvada C in Bengaluru; additional reporting by Eric Beech and Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Shailesh Kuber and Susan Heavey)
Flags of Ukraine and the USA

The United States will provide Ukraine with additional $400 million in security assistance, focused largely on Stryker armored vehicles and ammunition for anti-air systems, the U.S. Department of Defense announced on July 25.

"Todays commitment in security assistance, valued at up to $400 million, includes additional air defense munitions, artillery and other ammunition, armored vehicles, anti-armor weapons, and other equipment to help Ukraine counter Russias ongoing war of aggression," the Pentagon's statement said.

Read also: Ukraine expands list of citizens affected by flooding entitled to one-time assistance

According to the message, the aid package includes:

 Additional munitions for Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems;

 Stinger anti-aircraft systems;

 Additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);

 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds;

 120mm and 60mm mortar rounds;

 32 Stryker Armored Personnel Carriers;

 Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles;

 Javelin and other anti-armor systems and rockets;

 Hornet Unmanned Aerial Systems;

 Hydra-70 aircraft rockets;

 Tactical air navigation systems;

 Demolitions munitions for obstacle clearing;

 Over 28 million rounds of small arms ammunition and grenades;

 Night vision devices and thermal imagery systems; and

 Spare parts, training munitions, and other field equipment.

Read also: Stingers, Javelins, Strykers, and Hornets  whats in the USAs new $400 million aid package for Ukraine

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On July 19, the United States announced the provision of another military aid package for Ukraine worth $1.3 billion. It included four NASAMS missile defense systems, TOW missiles, Phoenix Ghost and Switchblade drones.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Footage shows Peter Francis Stager attacking a fallen police officer with an American flagpole

An Arkansas man who used the pole of an American flag to batter a fallen police officer during the US Capitol attack has received a 52-month jail term.

Peter Francis Stager helped drag the officer down the steps of the Capitol, then "forcibly and repeatedly" struck him, say prosecutors.

He was also captured on video saying that "death is the only remedy" for the lawmakers inside the building.

Over 1,000 people have been charged in connection with the Capitol riot.

Stager, a 44-year-old truck driver from Conway, Arkansas, pleaded guilty in February to a felony charge of assaulting police with a dangerous weapon.

He was identified six days after the attack by an informant, who told the FBI he recognised Stager from videos posted on Twitter.

One video shows Stager climbing the steps of the Capitol holding a flagpole affixed with the American flag.

The officer he attacked had been guarding an entrance into the building when he was "pulled - face down and head first - down a set of steps and into the violent mob," prosecutors with the Justice Department said.

Stager and others "forced [the officer] into a prone position on the stairs and proceeded to forcibly and repeatedly strike [him] in the head and body with various objects," they added.

A second video shows Stager saying: "Everybody in there is a treasonous traitor. Death is the only remedy for what's in that building," in apparent reference to members of Congress and law enforcement.

A confidential source told the FBI that Stager had claimed he did not know the man was a police officer and thought he was striking a member of the far-left Antifa movement.

The officer is, however, uniformed in the video and his Metropolitan Police logo is clearly identifiable.

Government prosecutors had previously argued "Stager's chilling motivation and the brutality of the assault" called for a prison sentence of six years and six months.

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Defence lawyers, in a court filing, said their client was "humbled, contrite, and extraordinarily remorseful for his actions".

On Monday, Judge Rudolph Contreras sentenced him to four years and four months.

Of the 1,070 rioters charged in the attack, nearly 600 people have received prison sentences. Some 350 people have been charged with attacking, resisting or impeding police officers.
A U.S. drone was damaged by flares from a Russian fighter jet over Syria on Sunday in the latest in a series of confrontations by Russian aircraft in the region.

The Russian jet flew dangerously close to the U.S. MQ-9 drone, harassing it and deploying flares from just a few meters overhead, Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich said in a Tuesday statement.

One of the Russian flares struck the American drone and severely damaged its propeller, Grynkewich said. However, the drone was able to maintain flight and return to its home base.

The Russian fighters blatant disregard for flight safety detracts from our mission to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS, he added. We call upon the Russian forces in Syria to put an immediate end to this reckless, unprovoked, and unprofessional behavior.

Pentagon deputy spokesperson Sabrina Singh later told reporters that the U.S. has seen an increase in unsafe, unprofessional behavior by the Russian military.

Its just yet again another blatant disregard of how to operate and flies in the face of operating safely and professionally, and continues to distract from our mission there, which is to defeat ISIS, she said. Theres no excuse for how their forces continue to harass our MQ-9s after years of U.S. operations in the area  we call on the Russians to conduct their ways in accordance with international law.

This was the fifth time in the past month that Russian fighter jets have harassed U.S. drones flying over Syria.

Three Russian jets launched parachute flares at an American drone in early July, forcing the aircraft to conduct evasive maneuvers. The incident was quickly followed by two others in the next two days.

Grynkewich said last week that another incident had occurred over the weekend, with a Russian fighter jet once again flying dangerously close to a U.S. surveillance aircraft.

A Russian jet intercepted a U.S. drone over the Black Sea in March, forcing it down and sparking backlash from officials in Washington who decried the move as unprofessional and unsafe.

Story continues

Ellen Mitchell contributed.

Updated at 3:12 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
US intelligence has suggested that a Shahed drone manufacturing facility in Russia will have a "significant" negative impact on the war in Ukraine.

Source: CNN, citing analysts from the US Defense Intelligence Agency

Details: Analysts from the Defense Intelligence Agency said that the drone-manufacturing facility, which is currently under construction in Russia, is expected to provide Russia with a new drone stockpile that is "orders of magnitude larger" than what it has been able to procure from Iran so far.

The analysts also said that Iran provides Russia with equipment designed to facilitate the completion of the manufacturing plant. The construction is likely to wrap up by early 2024.

CNN wrote that in April, the US released a satellite image of the planned location of the purported drone manufacturing plant, inside Russias Alabuga Special Economic Zone about 960 kilometres east of Moscow.

The defence intelligence analysts added that Iran has provided Russia with over 400 Shahed-131, Shahed-136 and Mohajer drones to date, "a stockpile that Russia has almost completely depleted," CNN wrote.

Background:

The UK Defence Intelligence reported that since 18 July, Russia has increased the number of missile and drone attacks on Odesa and port infrastructure in Ukraine's south after the Kremlin's decision to withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

Russias attacks damaged several grain depots in the Chornomorsk port and Odesas historic centre. On 24 July, Russia deployed drones to strike docks on the River Danube, some 200 metres away from the Ukrainian-Romanian border.

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The federal government has launched a civil rights probe into Harvard Universitys use of legacy admissions, the U.S. Department of Education said Tuesday, increasing pressure on universities already grappling with intense backlash to the practice.

The disclosure arrived three weeks after a Boston civil rights group filed a complaint with the Education Department over Harvards use of legacy admissions  the practice of advantaging the children of alumni in admissions decisions  and almost a month after the Supreme Courts landmark decision banning affirmative action nationwide.

Legacy admissions, a controversial practice used by many elite universities, can disproportionately benefit white applicants. Civil rights advocates have seized on the fight against legacy admissions after the U.S. Supreme Court sharply curtailed colleges ability to give admissions bumps to Black and Latino students.

About 70% of legacy applicants to Harvard are white, and legacy applicants are about six times more likely to be admitted to the school than non-legacy applicants, according to the complaint filed earlier this month by the Boston firm, Lawyers for Civil Rights.

Harvard is on the wrong side of history, Oren Sellstrom, the firms litigation director, said in a virtual news conference Tuesday.

Shortly after the Supreme Court ruling, President Biden pledged that the Education Department would study legacy admissions and other systems that expand privilege instead of opportunity.

The investigation into Harvard marks his administrations most aggressive step against legacy admissions to date.

The Education Departments Civil Rights Office said it would investigate whether Harvard discriminates on the basis of race by using donor and legacy preferences in admissions, according to a notice letter dated Monday and released by Lawyers for Civil Rights. The letter was addressed to the firm.

The Education Department said in a Tuesday statement that it can confirm the investigation, but that it does not comment on pending probes.

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Legacy admissions, like race-conscious admissions, appear broadly unpopular in the U.S. A Pew Research Center survey last year found 75% of respondents did not think legacy considerations should play into admissions decisions.

Some selective schools have voluntarily given up legacy admissions. Wesleyan University in Connecticut said last week that it would stop giving preferential admissions treatment to the children of alumni.

But top universities seem largely reluctant to withdraw from a practice that supporters say can sharpen school spirit and supercharge fund-raising efforts.

Harvard has declined to comment on the complaint from Lawyers for Civil Rights. The firm filed the complaint on July 3 on behalf of three Boston-area advocacy groups: the Chica Project, the Greater Boston Latino Network and the African Community Economic Development of New England.

The complaint alleges that Harvards practices systematically disadvantage students of color, violating the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

In one section, the complaint lifts directly from the conservative Supreme Courts affirmative action decision, arguing that if the practice is scrapped legacy admissions should be also.

Eliminating racial discrimination means eliminating all of it, the complaint said, quoting Chief Justice John Roberts majority opinion.

The fate of legacy admissions could ultimately be decided in the courts, but lawmakers in some states  including New York  have sought to take legislative action against the practice.

Colorado outlawed legacy admissions in public universities in 2021, but the state remains an outlier.

And last year, New York State lawmakers proposed a bill banning the practice in the states public and private schools, but the legislation floundered. The bill appears likely to get a second life next year.

Some New York schools, including NYU, say they do not consider legacy status in admissions decisions. Johns Hopkins University in Maryland and Amherst College in Massachusetts ended their use of legacy admissions in recent years.

It was unclear if New Yorks two highly selective Ivy League universities  Columbia in the city and Cornell in upstate Ithaca  would move to give up legacy admissions. The two schools did not immediately reply to requests for comment Tuesday on the federal probe into Harvard.
The US 'cannot do it alone', Biden said (Bertrand GUAY)

US First Lady Jill Biden said on Tuesday she and her husband Joe were proud that their country had rejoined UNESCO, the UN cultural agency Washington had quit during the Trump administration.

In a speech at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, Biden -- on her first official visit to France since Joe Biden became US president -- said that Washington's "fight for our values like democracy and equality and human rights" was made easier with America being part of the global community.

"The United States cannot do it alone, but we must help lead the way. That's why we're so proud to rejoin UNESCO," she said.

Former president Donald Trump announced in 2017 that he was pulling the United States out of UNESCO, accusing the body of bias against Israel. The decision took effect in 2018.

Audrey Azoulay, a former French culture minister who has headed UNESCO since 2017, made it a priority to bring the United States back.

Last month, an extraordinary session of the UN body's General Assembly voted overwhelmingly for the country's return, but there were dissenting voices, notably China and Russia.

The United States, a founding member of UNESCO, was a major contributor to its budget until 2011, when the body admitted Palestine as a member state.

That triggered an end to the contributions under US law, leading up to the formal withdrawal announcement six years later.

Until the suspension of its contributions in 2011, the United States paid about 22 percent of UNESCO's budget, or $75 million.

The US Congress, then fully controlled by the Democratic Party, in December paved the way for the United States to restore funding, setting aside $150 million in the budget.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in March that the US absence from UNESCO was letting China write rules on artificial intelligence.

The United States had already withdrawn from UNESCO in 1984 -- under president Ronald Reagan -- and rejoined the organisation after almost 20 years in October 2003.

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Washington will make payments over coming years to UNESCO to cover its debt, the organisation said last month.

Paris-based UNESCO is the United Nations' educational, scientific and cultural organisation.

Its work includes compiling a list of world heritage sites, defending press freedom, promoting sustainable development and running education programmes.

Earlier Tuesday, Jill Biden met with French First Lady Brigitte Macron at the Elysee Palace.

She is on Wednesday to travel to an American Cemetery in northwestern France to pay tribute to US soldiers who died in World War II.

The final stage of Biden's trip is the Mont Saint-Michel, a world heritage site, in the northwestern Normandy region.

jf/jh/sjw
the us capitol building at night beneath a full moon

If the truth really is out there when it comes to what the U.S. government knows about UFOs, we may get a little closer to it this week.

On Wednesday (July 26), the United States House of Representatives will hear testimony from three witnesses regarding unidentified anomalous phenomena, or UAP, a new term that encompasses not just unidentified flying objects (UFOs) in the air, but also any craft or phenomena that are seen in space or underwater that can't be identified.

The hearing will be held by the House's Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs and will include testimony from former U.S. military and intelligence community personnel who claim to have come in contact with craft that defy physics and known flight capabilities or have even seen evidence of "non-human intelligence."

The hearing will be livestreamed on YouTube by the House Oversight and Accountability Committee starting at 10 a.m. EDT (1400 GMT) on Wednesday (July 26). Watch it live here courtesy of the committee.

Related: The US Congress is holding UFO hearings this week. What might we learn?

A still from a video taken by a U.S. Navy pilot of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon.

Wednesday's hearing will include testimony from two former U.S. Navy aviators, Ryan Graves and David Fravor, both witnesses to separate highly publicized encounters with what appeared to be unconventional aircraft operating in U.S. military airspace.

In addition, the hearing will call David Grusch as a witness. Grusch was the subject of a report published last month in which the decorated former combat officer and veteran of the Pentagon's intelligence community claimed to have received "extensive classified information about deeply covert programs that he says possess retrieved intact and partially intact craft of non-human origin." While Grusch's statements have been controversial to say the least, they have received attention from both major news outlets and U.S. politicians.

Some members of the U.S. Congress have also insinuated that there is indeed hidden UFO/UAP knowledge that has been hidden from the public. "The Pentagon and Washington bureaucrats have kept this information hidden for decades, and we're finally going to shed some light on it," Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) said in a House Committee on Oversight and Reform statement. "We're bringing in credible witnesses who can provide public testimony because the American people deserve the truth. We're done with the cover-ups."

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Graves, who has been vocal about the need to better understand the UAP issue as it pertains to airspace safety, calls these unidentified phenomena an "urgent and critical national security issue" that deserve better scientific scrutiny. "If UAP are foreign assets, we must respond appropriately. If UAP continue to defy conventional explanation  we must invest in scientific research," Graves said in a press statement.

RELATED STORIES:

 UFOs worth investigating despite lack of 'real evidence,' former astronaut Scott Kelly says

 UFOs will remain mysterious without better data, NASA study team says

 Pentagon has 'no credible evidence' of aliens or UFOs that defy physics

This congressional hearing is only the latest in a long line of major milestones concerning UFOs/UAP and the U.S. government and its federal agencies. Nearly a year ago to the day, the U.S. Department of Defense created the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), which aims to collect and analyze all of the data available to the U.S. military and intelligence community related to UFOs.

In an April 2023 hearing, the director of AARO stated the office "has found no credible evidence thus far of extraterrestrial activity, off-world technology or objects that defy the known laws of physics." Those comments now stand in stark contrast to the claims of the witnesses who will testify at Wednesday's hearing.

NASA also recently held a public meeting of its independent UAP study group, and a report from the group is forthcoming.
By Moira Warburton and Josephine Walker

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic U.S. Representative Greg Casar of Texas held a thirst strike at Congress on Tuesday to protest a new law signed by Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott blocking local ordinances that mandate water breaks for workers.

Casar, whose district includes parts of Austin and San Antonio, Texas, said would not drink water for eight hours while standing on the steps of the U.S. Capitol building, as temperatures in Washington rise to almost 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32C).

A day earlier, over 100 Democrats signed a letter to President Joe Biden's administration, asking for federal workplace heat safety regulations.

"It's challenging and it's hot, but it's not as hot as it is in Texas," said Casar, who was sweating in the sweltering humidity. Temperatures in Casar's district were expected to top 100F (38C) on Tuesday.

Top House Democrat Hakeem Jeffries called Abbott's bill "unreasonable, unconscionable and un-American."

Abbott's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The legislation blocks cities from writing local rules that go further than state laws, an attempt by Texas Republicans to limit the ability of local Democratic lawmakers to enact their policies.

The cities of Houston and Austin have sued the Texas government over the bill set to take effect in September.

Jasmine Granillo, whose family successfully pressured the city of Dallas to implement mandatory water breaks in 2015 after her brother died of heat stroke while working a residential construction job, said Abbott's bill "is chipping away what my family has fought for."

(Reporting by Moira Warburton and Josephine Walker; Editing by Scott Malone and Bill Berkrot)
By David Morgan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. House of Representatives is due to begin voting this week on a series of Republican spending bills for fiscal 2024 that could lead to a new standoff between hardline conservatives and party leaders including Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Lawmakers will consider two appropriations bills that would provide $155.7 billion in discretionary spending for military construction and veterans affairs, and a total of $25.3 billion for agriculture, rural development and the Food and Drug Administration, for the fiscal year beginning Oct 1.

The measures also contain a number of provisions that would limit abortion and transgender rights. Hardline conservatives from the House Freedom Caucus have proposed amendments that would address other hot-button topics including immigration, critical race theory and diversity.

But Freedom Caucus members warned on Tuesday that they could withhold support for the two bills, saying they need to be convinced that 2024 spending will come in at a fiscal 2022 level of $1.47 trillion. That is less than what McCarthy agreed in a deal with Democratic President Joe Biden just two months ago.

The White House has said that Biden would veto both of this week's House appropriations bills if they reached his desk. With House Democrats opposing them as well, McCarthy can afford to lose no more than four votes from his 222-212 Republican majority.

"If we don't agree with the outcome, we'll vote against the rule and do whatever we have to do," Representative Ralph Norman, a prominent Freedom Caucus member, said in an interview.

"Our vote is not just two, three people. It's 20-plus," he said.

McCarthy warned hardliners that delaying this week's bills would only increase the odds of a stopgap funding measure that would "lock in" policies implemented when Democrats controlled Congress.

"I would want to work towards the conservative position. I hope they will join us," the California Republican told reporters.

Story continues

The bills are the first of 12 appropriations measures that lawmakers have been crafting to cover every aspect of government funding. While House Republicans argue over spending cuts, the Democratic-led Senate is moving quickly and in a strong bipartisan manner toward legislation with at least $120 billion more spending.

The House and Democratic-led Senate have until the end of the current fiscal year on Sept. 30 to pass their respective bills and hammer out compromise legislation or risk a partial government shutdown.

Representative Andy Biggs, a Freedom Caucus member, said he does not expect a shutdown and predicted that lawmakers would instead agree to a temporary funding measure known as a "continuing resolution" - though he said members of the hardline Republican group would not vote for one.

"I think that they'll ... run it out till December," Biggs told reporters on Tuesday.

Congress has not enacted 12 appropriations bills on time since fiscal 1997. Last year, spending bills were all crammed in to a sweeping omnibus measure totalling $1.7 trillion.

Norman and other hardliners shut down the House floor last month to protest the $1.59 trillion spending levels for fiscal 2024 that were contained in the debt ceiling agreement negotiated by Biden and McCarthy.

Republican leaders had initially proposed shifting $115 billion from existing Democratic programs to party priorities in fiscal 2024, to compensate for the cuts sought by Freedom Caucus members. But hardliners want that money used instead to pay down a national debt of more than $31.4 trillion.

(Reporting by David Morgan in Washington; Editing by Scott Malone and Matthew Lewis)
The US Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on 24 July against Malian Defence Minister Sadio Camara, and two other Malian military leaders who facilitated the activities of the Wagner Group Private Military Company (PMC) in their country.

Source: US Department of the Treasury

Details: The US Department of the Treasury stated it has imposed sanctions on Defence Minister Sadio Camara for travelling to Russia several times in 2021 to secure an agreement between Wagner PMC and Mali's transitional government to deploy mercenary forces in the country.

In addition, the US has imposed sanctions against Alu Boi Diarra, Malis Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and his deputy, Adama Bagayoko.

"These officials have made their people vulnerable to the Wagner Groups destabilising activities and human rights abuses while paving the way for the exploitation of their countrys sovereign resources to the benefit of the Wagner Groups operations in Ukraine," said Brian E. Nelson, US Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.

Background: The UK has implemented sanctions against 13 individuals and businesses linked to the actions of the Russian Wagner Private Military Company (PMC) in Mali, the Central African Republic and Sudan.

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Migrants crossing the Rio Grande river near Eagle Pass, Texas, hoping to enter the United States (SUZANNE CORDEIRO)

A federal judge on Tuesday overturned US President Joe Biden's 10-week-old asylum policy, rejecting the heart of the administration's effort to get migration across the southern border under control.

Judge Jon Tigar of the US district court in San Francisco said the policy to force asylum seekers to apply for admission to the United States from their home countries or from countries they pass through on the way was "unlawful."

His ruling could again force the US government to accept the asylum claims of any petitioner who crosses into the country, the policy that has been in place for "decades," Tigar said.

That potentially could spark a new surge of migrants to the US-Mexico frontier, after a decline for the past two months.

Tigar though immediately suspended his ruling for 14 days to give the Biden administration time to appeal it.

The Justice Department quickly filed a notice of appeal and said that in the meantime it would seek a longer stay on implementation of Tigar's decision.

The rules the Biden administration put in place in May are "a lawful exercise of the broad authority granted by the immigration laws," the department said.

The appeal could keep the policy in flux for months, with the case possibly ending up in the Supreme Court.

- End of Covid-19 controls -

The ruling came in a case brought by the East Bay Sanctuary Covenant and other migrant advocacy groups after the Biden administration announced on May 16 its new approach, aimed at stemming the up to 200,000 migrants trying to cross the southern border each month.

They argued the Biden policy effectively presumes asylum ineligibility for those at the border.

Biden implemented it to replace the use of Title 42, a Covid-19 pandemic rule that had been used since 2020 to summarily block entry of migrants as a matter of public health.

Despite that rule, last year border authorities interdicted more than two million people seeking to enter the United States, either illegally or via asylum applications.

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The sheer number became a major political issue for Biden, with opposition Republicans accusing him of lax border policies.

With Covid border controls lifted, Biden sought to diminish the flow by instituting a more rigid process for asylum seekers.

If at the border, they would have to use a smartphone app to obtain an interview appointment, which could take weeks if not months.

Elsewhere, they would have to request asylum from their home country or at special centers in countries they pass through.

Meanwhile people who crossed the border without going through the process would automatically lose the opportunity to gain asylum.

In all cases, the policy raised the burden of proof for the applicants and left them facing long waits for rulings.

Biden's policy however did create exceptions for unaccompanied children crossing the border, and for citizens of certain countries like Haiti and Ukraine offered a separate formal parole process.

The policy had a quick impact: the number of border patrol interdictions or "encounters" with migrants fell from 212,000 in April to 145,000 in June, according to Customs and Border Protection figures.

But Tigar found fault with Biden's policy on several points.

It did not comply with the Immigration and Nationality Act's rules on asylum, and said that legally it was inconsistent due to the exceptions it offered.

The Biden policy "is therefore arbitrary and capricious," Tigar said.

He also said it had been instituted in a rush, bypassing the legally required 60-day review period for such a complex policy.

- Warning over smugglers -

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who is responsible for border security, said that for now the Biden policy remains in place.

He warned migrants that if they attempt to enter the country without documents, they face minimum five-year bans and possible prosecution.

"We encourage migrants to ignore the lies of smugglers and use lawful, safe, and orderly pathways that have been expanded under the Biden administration," Mayorkas said.

Katrina Eiland of the American Civil Liberties Union called the ruling a victory.

"But each day the Biden administration prolongs the fight over its illegal ban, many people fleeing persecution and seeking safe harbor for their families are instead left in grave danger," she said in a statement.

pmh/mlm
After nine hours, Greg Casar ended his thirst strike

A US congressman ended a food and water strike protest over a Texas law overriding protection for people working outdoors in intense heat after nine hours.

Texas Democrat Greg Casar's "thirst strike" hoped to highlight the need for rules around outdoor working.

Temperatures have been soaring across much of the southern and western US.

The new Texas law effectively bans local rules, such as a 10-minute break for every four hours worked outside.

More than 400 workers have died in heatwaves since 2011, according to Bureau of Labour statistics.

Mr Casar said in a tweet: "Yesterday was incredible. I was honoured to be joined at my thirst strike by workers in Texas and across the nation - and by lots of colleagues pushing for federal heat safety protections."

He added: "[Nine] hours without water or food, but I'm more energized than ever to get this done."

On Tuesday, he announced the his plan to not drink water or take breaks, "through rain or shine, in solidarity with our nation's workers".

He had said the thirst strike would go on until a nurse requires him to stop.

"Currently, there are no federal protections for workers exposed to heat," he added. Mr Casar's office did not respond to further questions about why the thirst strike ended.

As he began his strike at the US Capitol, Washington DC was experiencing hot, humid temperature of about 31C (87F). Without fluids, a human can only survive a few days, according to the UK National Health Service. The capital could see temperatures of up to 37C on Thursday.

In a letter, Mr Casar and more than 100 other members of Congress said protection from extreme heat "is a matter of life and death for many workers and their families" across the US.

It cited a report of several examples of workplace deaths to have taken place this year that are believed to be the result of the heat.

The death of a 40-year-old postal worker who died on his route and a 35-year-old worker believed to have died of heat exhaustion while working to restore power in Texas' Harrison County were included.

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"We know extreme weather events such as heat waves are becoming more frequent and more dangerous due to climate change," the letter added. "Urgent action is needed to prevent more deaths".

The letter called on the federal government to implement a number of safeguards.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a law overturning several local heat protections, such as an Austin regulation requiring a 10-minute break for every four hours for people working in the heat.

Supporters of the Texas move argued local regulations were applied "inconsistently" and encroached on the state's ability to regulate commerce and trade.

"Our nation - and my home state of Texas - is experiencing a historic heatwave - exposing workers to deadly 100+ temperatures," Mr Casar tweeted.

"Yet in the middle of the heat wave, Greg Abbott signed a law eliminating workers rights to water breaks".

Absent any federal policy, the Texas law goes into effect on 1 September.

The current intense heat for much of the US shows little sign of abating. About 46 million Americans were under heat warnings on Tuesday, with temperatures expected to rise for many parts in the coming days.
A 23-year-old Sarasota man who shot and killed someone outside a grocery store in 2022 pleaded guilty to 35 years in prison in a Sarasota County courtroom on Monday.

Sarasota police said it was shortly after midnight on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022 when Johnny Evans killed a man outside of Moores Grocery on the 1900 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Newtown, a community in North Sarasota.

Detectives say Evans shot the man twice before fleeing in his fathers 1997 Toyota Camry and then obtaining a rental car to flee farther.

He managed to stay away from law enforcement for around two months before detectives tracked him and arrested him in Greenville, Mississippi, on Feb. 5, 2022, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Evans had a Stand Your Ground hearing before Judge Dana Moss on July 14, 2023, which resulted in a jury trial on July 24, where he pleaded guilty to murder, according to a press release issued by the Sarasota Police Department on Tuesday.
The US Department of Defense has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine. It is worth US$400 million.

Source: European Pravda

Details: The new US aid package, as expected, is provided through the Presidential Drawdown Authority mechanism, which allows the transfer of weapons and equipment directly from US Army warehouses. This is the 43rd such tranche since February 2022.

The assistance includes additional ammunition for Patriot, NASAMS and HIMARS systems, Stinger anti-aircraft systems, Javelin anti-tank systems, 32 Stryker armoured personnel carriers, 155 mm and 105 mm artillery shells, as well as 120 mm and 60 mm mortar bombs.

In addition, the US military aid package includes TOW missiles, Hornet unmanned aerial systems, Hydra-70 aircraft missiles, "tactical air navigation systems", explosive munitions to overcome obstacles, more than 28 million rounds for small arms and grenades, night vision and thermal imaging systems, as well as spare parts and training ammunition.

Background: The total amount of US military assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 has already reached more than US$43.7 billion.

The United States announced the previous military air package to Ukraine worth US$800 million on 7 July. It included cluster munitions for the first time since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion.

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The US Department of State has said that the US will defend NATO territory, commenting on the words of self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who said that the Wagner Group militants supposedly want to attack Poland.

Source: Matthew Miller, Spokesperson for the US Department of State during a briefing, quoted by Ukrinform

Details: Miller stressed that the US would defend "every inch of NATO territory".

At the same time, Miller said that the Belarusian leaders words were "another in a series of irresponsible comments by Lukashenko".

Background:

During a meeting with Vladimir Putin, Alexander Lukashenko said that the Wagner Group mercenaries were "stressing him out" because they supposedly wanted to invade Poland.

The Institute for the Study of War reported that the Wagnerites who have moved to Belarus do not pose a threat to Ukraine or Poland.

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An image released by the US Department of Defense shows damage to the propeller of an MQ-9 drone caused by a flare dropped by a Russian warplane over Syria (Handout)

Russian fighter aircraft dropped flares above a US drone as it took part in a mission against the Islamic State jihadist group in Syria, damaging its propeller, a US commander said Tuesday.

The United States has accused Russian pilots of putting both aircraft and crewmembers at risk with a series of unsafe and unprofessional maneuvers this month over Syria, where Moscow's forces are deployed to support President Bashar al-Assad.

On Sunday, "Russian fighter aircraft flew dangerously close to a US MQ-9 drone on a defeat-ISIS mission, harassing the MQ-9 and deploying flares from a position directly overhead," US Air Force Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich said in a statement, using an acronym for the Islamic State group.

"One of the Russian flares struck the US MQ-9, severely damaging its propeller," but it was able to return to its base, Grynkewich said, calling on "Russian forces in Syria to put an immediate end to this reckless, unprovoked, and unprofessional behavior."

While most of the recent incidents have involved harassment of drones, Grynkewich said a Russian jet "closely approached" a manned reconnaissance plane on July 16, forcing it to fly through the warplane's wake turbulence and reducing the "crew's ability to safely operate the aircraft."

Earlier in the month, the United States said Russian aircraft harassed American MQ-9 drones over Syria on two occasions within 24 hours, including by dropping flares in front of them.

And in March, Washington said a Russian jet clipped the propeller of an MQ-9 drone operating over the Black Sea, causing it to crash.

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By Andrew Hay

(Reuters) - The U.S. Forest Service said it started another New Mexico wildfire in 2022, bringing to three the number of blazes it sparked in the drought-hit state last year, including the largest in the contiguous United States.

The Cerro Pelado Fire began in April 2022 near Los Alamos when strong winds stoked a pile of burning logs and branches left from a controlled burn meant to lower wildfire risk, the U.S. Forest Service said in a recent report following a more-than-yearlong investigation.

The disclosure drew further questions about the Forest Service's ability to safely conduct controlled burns in the warming U.S. Southwest.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said the Forest Service had to abandon its "business-as-usual" approach to prescribed burns while climate change and extreme drought plagued the region.

I am  again  outraged over the U.S. Forest Services negligence that caused this destruction," Lujan Grisham said in a statement regarding the fire that burned over 45,000 acres (18,210 hectares) and destroyed 10 homes and other structures.

The agency blamed the Cerro Pelado Fire on strong winds and tinder-dry forests, as it did with two other blazes it started in April 2022. The other two merged into the largest wildfire in state history known as the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire.

"This investigation adds to the considerable evidence of how severely the Santa Fe National Forest was affected by extreme environmental conditions caused by historic drought in 2022," Forest Service Southwestern Regional Forester Michiko Martin said in a statement.

The Forest Service paused prescribed burns nationally in 2022 as it investigated causes of the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire, which burned over 340,000 acres and destroyed 903 homes and other structures.

The agency implemented new procedures after it found poorly trained and ill-equipped staff faced pressure to meet prescribed burn objectives and failed to understand how climate change had dried out the landscape.

(Reporting by Andrew Hay; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly backed legislation on Tuesday that would require U.S. companies to notify federal agencies of investments in Chinese technologies such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

The 100-member Senate backed the amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by 91 to 6. The NDAA sets policy for the Department of Defense and is expected to become law later this year.

The desire for a hard line on China is one of the few truly bipartisan sentiments in the divided U.S. Congress, and lawmakers have introduced dozens of bills seeking to address competition with China's communist government and industries.

The amendment is a version of the Outbound Investment Transparency Act, offered by Democratic Senator Bob Casey and Republican John Cornyn to address the risks of U.S. investment going to foreign adversaries like China.

"We need this type of outbound investment notification to understand just how much... critical technology we are transferring to our adversaries via these capital flows. With this information in hand, we can begin to take control of our economic future," Casey said in remarks urging senators to support the amendment.

Unlike a version of the legislation the senators introduced in 2021 that failed to become law, the latest measure requires notification of some outbound investments, rather than review or prohibition of certain deals, and targets fewer industries.

The Senate also passed, by a vote of 91 to 7, an amendment to the NDAA boosting federal reviews of foreign purchases of U.S. farmland and, in some cases, barring Chinese, Russian, Iranian or North Korean purchases of U.S. farmland.

The final form of the NDAA, which authorizes $886 billion in defense spending, will not be determined until later this year.

The Senate is expected to pass its version, including amendments, this week. The Senate bill must then be reconciled with a bill passed in the House of Representatives earlier this month. That compromise measure must pass both chambers and be signed by President Joe Biden to become law.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Jamie Freed)
(Photo : SPYROS BAKALIS/AFP via Getty Images)

As high winds impeded firefighters' efforts, panicked tourists on fire-ravaged Rhodes were left "to fend for themselves" as they fled their burning hotel.

Thousands of residents and tourists escaping wildfires on the Greek island of Rhodes sought refuge in schools and shelters on Sunday, with many evacuating via private boats as flames threatened resorts and coastal communities.

According to Reuters, thousands spent the night on beaches and streets during what was described as Greece's largest evacuation of residents and visitors under emergency conditions.

Wildfires Ravage the Greek Island of Rhodes

Overnight, approximately 19,000 people were evacuated from their residences and hotels as fires that had been burning since Wednesday grew in intensity, ripping through forests until they reached resorts on the island's southeast coast.

Some vacationers reported walking miles in sweltering weather to reach shelter. The flames rendered the trees charred and emaciated. The roadside was littered with dead animals and vehicles that had caught fire.

Rhodes is an extremely popular vacation destination, especially among British tourists. The tour operators Jet2, TUI, and Corendon canceled flights to the island of Rhodes, located southeast of the Greek mainland and renowned for its beaches and ancient ruins.

TUI stated that its teams were doing everything possible to assist consumers and dispatched additional personnel to respond to "a difficult and evolving situation."

According to the Greek transport ministry, TUI and Jet2, which manage the majority of tourism to Rhodes, planned 14 scheduled flights from Rhodes airport, carrying approximately 2,700 passengers until 3 a.m. local time (2400 GMT).

In many regions of Greece, temperatures have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) over the past week. In addition to Rhodes, emergency services were battling flames on the islands of Evia, east of Athens, and Aigio, southwest of Athens, as well as on the island of Corfu, where several minor settlements were evacuated as a precaution.

The fire on the island of Corfu, west of Greece, was raging on a broad front. A government official stated that boats in the vicinity had been dispatched to evacuate residents by sea.

Matthew Lodge, the British ambassador to Greece, stated that a rapid deployment team would be sent to Rhodes to assist British nationals. Personnel from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs are en route to Rhodes to establish an assistance desk at Rhodes International Airport for travelers who have misplaced their travel documents.

Fire Brigade spokesperson Yannis Artopios reported that 266 firefighters, 49 engines, and hundreds of volunteers were operating on the ground as of early Sunday afternoon. In the area are ten firefighting aircraft, including two from France, two from Turkey, and one from Croatia, as well as eight helicopters.

According to USA Today, there are significant European Union reinforcements. EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, tweeted early Sunday afternoon, "More than 450 firefighters and seven aircraft from the EU have been dispatched to Greece in response to widespread flames."

In the mountainous region of Rhodes, the wildfire's active front, firemen have been attempting to prevent the conflagration from expanding to dense forests nearby.

A trench was being excavated southwest of the resort of Kiotari, which was the primary target of Saturday's evacuations, to prevent the fire from crossing a watercourse and threatening the village of Gennadi.

On Sunday, the weather in the Mediterranean nation remained sweltering. The temperature had already surpassed 100 degrees Fahrenheit before noon. The winds were weak but notoriously variable on Rhodes as on other Greek islands.

Read Also: Spain's Inconclusive Vote Sends Government Into Political Uncertainty

Greece Wildfires May Be Intentional

Families continue to escape the tourist destination as raging fires cause conditions resembling a war zone, and officials warn that the situation could deteriorate. Per Mirror, the emergency services continue to operate in the scorching 42-degree heat as travelers describe the scene as "hell."

Officials report that there are early indications of arson as a police investigation into the devastating conflagration is launched. Vassilis Vathrakogiannis of the Rhodes Fire Department told reporters that the scorching heatwave may not have been the cause of the tragic fire.

A general public member captured the most recent video from the island, which depicts two aircraft lowering hundreds of gallons of water over a damaged area. Sunday's predicted high winds have further hampered firefighters.

They warned yesterday that the battle to contain the flames, which are rampaging amid prime tourism season, will likely take several days. Numerous flights filled with British vacationers are still heading to the island today, much to the consternation of those on the ground, with easyJet stating that they are currently operating "as normal."

The Foreign Office has advised travelers in a country impacted by wildfires to adhere to emergency services' instructions. According to the British ambassador in Greece, a "rapid deployment team" has been dispatched to assist the vacationers.

Related Article: Ferry in Indonesia Capsizes, Killing At Least 15; Authorities Search for 19 Missing People

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Ukraine will receive a batch of tiny Black Hornet nano-drones used for reconnaissance in a new aid package worth about US$400 million.

Source: AP with reference to unnamed US officials, as reported by European Pravda

Details: AP noted that Black Hornets are tiny nano-drones used primarily for intelligence gathering. Ukraine has received them from other Western allies.

In addition, the package will also include various types of ammunition, including missiles for HIMARS and NASAMS air defence systems, as well as artillery ammunition.

The US will also send Javelin anti-tank missile systems and Stinger MANPADS.

The package will also include 32 Stryker armoured combat vehicles, mine clearance equipment, Hydra-70 missiles, mortars and millions of rounds of small-arms ammunition.

Background:

Reuters said that the new aid package to Ukraine will be provided through the Presidential Drawdown Authority mechanism, which allows the supply of weapons and equipment directly from the US Armys warehouses. This will already be the 43rd such tranche since February 2022.

On 19 July, the US Department of Defense announced a new package of military aid to Ukraine worth US$1.3 billion.

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CHARLEVOIX The U.S. Geological Survey is using an autonomous surface vehicle on lakes Michigan and Huron from late-July through September to improve fishery surveys in cooperation with several partners in both the U.S. and Canada.

The USGS worked with Saildrone, Inc., to launch an autonomous surface vehicle called a Saildrone Explorer into Lake Michigan out of Charlevoix on July 19, 2023.

On July 19, a wind and solar-powered uncrewed surface vehicle called a Saildrone Explorer was launched on Lake Michigan out of Charlevoix. The vehicle is equipped with several environmental sensors both under and above the water, including a fisheries echosounder that uses sound to detect fish, operated by Saildrone, Inc.

The saildrone will operate in northern Lake Michigan and throughout Lake Huron through the end of September.

Technologies like Saildrone are helping us to more accurately monitor fish abundances, which gives the states and tribes better information to help manage the Great Lakes fishery, said Dr. Peter Esselman, USGS fishery biologist. The great advantage of a wind-powered drone is that it can stay on the water collecting data 24 hours a day for months at a time, greatly expanding the amount of water we can monitor for fish. The drone moves slowly and is not dangerous, but we encourage boaters to maintain safe distances from the saildrone to ensure a successful mission.

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Long-range autonomous underwater vehicle 'Tethys' upon retrieval after a previous mission on Lake Michigan.

In addition to the saildrone, a long-range autonomous underwater vehicle (LRAUV) will be deployed out of various harbors along Lake Michigans eastern shoreline, from Frankfort down to Benton Harbor, throughout the month of August. The LRAUV is operated by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute and will travel at 25 to 50 meters water depth, also mapping fish distributions.

Partners on these studies include the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Anticipated route for Saildrone Explorer over 56 days in lakes Michigan and Huron. Green lines represent areas where acoustic data will be collected from both the saildrone and conventional research vessels simultaneously for comparisons. Pink lines represent areas where the saildrone will gather data independently. Final routes will be determined closer to the mission start date.

"These experiments using advanced technologies and autonomous vehicles are just one part of a multi-year effort by USGS and fishery management partners across the Great Lakes to improve fishery science in support of the $7 billion Great Lakes fishery," said Commissioner Jim McKane, chair of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. "This is what 21st century science looks like, and it's happening now here in the Great Lakes thanks to strong collaborative partnerships."

Notices regarding both autonomous vehicles have been provided to mariners via the U.S. Coast Guard. The acoustic technology used in the study is not hazardous to people or animals and will not interfere with sonar, communications equipment, or similar electronics. Boaters are asked to maintain a safe distance of 1,500 feet from the saildrone.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: USGS, international partners conduct fishery assessments on lakes Michigan and Huron
Cafe Rio isnt satisfied with a couple of restaurants in Boise proper.

Clearly, the Mexican-food chain wants the whole enchilada.

After opening two Meridian locations last spring, Cafe Rio just expanded its footprint even farther into the Boise burbs.

The Utah chain opened a new restaurant July 14 in Star  at 140 N. Highbrook Way.

The Star restaurant is the seventh Treasure Valley location for the fast-casual brand, which also has stores in Boise, Eagle and Kuna.

Founded in St. George, Utah, in 1997, Cafe Rio is on a world-conquering roll. It has grown more than 50% in the past five years, according to a media release, and now operates in 11 states.

Cafe Rio should have half a dozen new locations launched by the end of 2023, according to the release, bringing the total to 163.

So what should you order from the menu?

Cafe Rio is the kind of place where you choose the ingredients to craft your masterpiece  then watch them make your food. Its a cut above, say, Taco Bell. Just to get the ball rolling at Cafe Rio, you pick from a flour, wheat or corn tortilla.

Ultimately, though, the menu is a typical smorgasbord of Mexican cuisine: tacos, burritos, tostadas, enchiladas, quesadillas and nachos.

Just make sure you try one particular protein.

Cafe Rio calls itself home of the original Sweet Pork Barbacoa.
Salt Lake Police investigate a scene in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. Police in Utah have investigated more domestic violence-related killings during the first six months of 2023 than they did in all of 2021. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

A California man who drove to Utah to shoot and kill his brother. A Layton man accused of killing his wife and her parents. An Enoch man who shot and killed his wife, children and mother-in-law to death. A Salt Lake man who killed his teenage son before taking his own life.

During the first six months of 2023, Utah has investigated more domestic violence-related deaths than it did the previous five years during the same period.

According to statistics compiled by KSL.com, 22 people were killed in Utah from Jan. 1 through June 30 in domestic violence incidents. All but two of those deaths were from guns. In 18 of those 22 killings a direct family member is accused, while the others were allegedly committed by a boyfriend.

In comparison, there were 14 people who were killed in domestic violence incidents during the first six months of 2022; six in 2021; 14 in 2020; 11 in 2019; and nine in 2019, according to the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification. Utah counts domestic violence-related "murder, non-negligent manslaughter and negligent manslaughter" in compiling its statistics.

The 22 domestic violence deaths during the first six months are more than all of 2021 domestic violence deaths, according to state's statistics, and just two shy of all of 2022.

Elizabeth Sollis, a domestic violence victim advocate and former longtime spokeswoman for the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition, says the primary reasons for domestic violence are power and control. And the abuse doesn't always start with physical assaults.

"The majority of physically abusive relationships start with emotional abuse. A lot of people want to discount the unhealthy, abusive behaviors they see or experience because they may not rise to the level of physical violence," she said. "I truly believe the denial of progressive emotional and verbal abuse, which frequently escalates to physical violence, is part of why we're seeing more severe and fatal cases of domestic violence."

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Sollis says she will often hear excuses such as, "But they've never been physically abusive." She says the community cannot dismiss controlling and manipulative actions or comments made by a perpetrator, or pass off other abusive behaviors as proof of a "loving" relationship.

The year got off to a tragic start when eight members of an Enoch family were found dead in their home in January:

Tausha Haight, 40; Haight's mother, Gail Earl, 78; and Haight's children  three daughters ages 17, 12, and 7, and two sons, ages 7 and 4  were shot to death by the children's father and Haight's husband, Michael Orwin Haight, 42, who then took his own life.

In March, Timothy Parker, 58, and his wife, Jeannie Parker, 50, were found deceased in their Spanish Fork home after officers were called to conduct a welfare check. Both were shot to death. Their son, Tryston Robert Erickson, 26, was arrested in Colorado following a chase with police.

In April, Scott Roberts was shot and killed at his North Ogden home by his brother, Jeffrey Roberts, of Long Beach, California, who police say drove to Utah and shot his brother shortly after Scott answered the door. Jeffrey Roberts then set fire to the home and was killed in a shootout with responding officers. Scott Roberts' wife, Jodi Roberts, survived.

In May, 16-year-old Om Moses Gandhi was shot and killed by his father, Parth Gandhi, 49, at his neuropsychology clinic at 2936 S. Highland Drive. Parth Gandhi and his wife divorced in 2009 and had been involved in a bitter child custody battle ever since.

Six days later in Layton, Anastasia Stevens, 36, and her father and stepmother  Becky Stevens, 61, and Donald Stevens, 73  were found shot to death inside Anastasia Stevens' home. Jeremy Bailey, 34, her husband, was charged with three counts of aggravated murder, a capital offense, and could potentially face the death penalty if convicted.

On June 29, police say Dallas Wade Martineau, 40, was "lying in wait" in his brother-in-law's West Haven backyard and when Russell Allen Evans, 50, came outside on the back porch, he was shot multiple times.

The total number of domestic violence-related killings could have been even higher if not for the medical attention given by doctors and first responders in several other Utah incidents, as well as just good luck for the victims. For example:

John Christian Barlow, 25, allegedly shot his father three times with a small-caliber gun, including once in the face, and was charged with attempted murder. His father is expected to make a full recovery.

In June, Alec Paul Davis, 26, allegedly slit his 53-year-old mother's throat and nearly killed her after taking drugs in Midvale. He was charged with attempted aggravated murder.

Sonia Salari says research has found that women are more likely to be murdered in the United States by a current or former intimate partner, while men are more likely to be killed by an acquaintance or complete stranger. The types of men who kill their significant others can typically be broken down into two categories  "homicidal-intent" and "suicidal-intent."

Salari is a professor at the University of Utah in the Department of Family and Consumer Studies. She has a doctorate of philosophy in sociology with an expertise in family violence. She has published several articles and books about her research on intimate partner violence and guns.

Suicidal men, or men who kill their partner and then themselves, sometimes don't show any red flags.

"People don't think of them as a domestic violence offender," Salari said. "They think the person is an upstanding individual  quiet, but seeming to be functioning well.

"The perpetrators were often reported to be kind or good parents. Neither the victims nor family members previously reported fear of danger from the perpetrator," she also said in a 2021 article.

A homicidal-intent man, however, may have already exhibited abuse toward his partner, who is in fear and may be trying to get away from the perpetrator, she said.

"Most instances of intimate partner violence are difficult to detect, because neither victims nor perpetrators are likely to report family violence," she said in the article.

Salari further noted in a 2018 article, "While not all (intimate partner violence) leads to murder, unresolved and ongoing abuse can escalate, increasing the risk of a male abuser killing his female victims.

"Male-on-female homicide, particularly in young (intimate partner) relationships, are associated with motives of isolation, competition, jealousy and entitlement," she saids.

Salari has also done extensive research on gun violence and domestic shootings.

"Firearms make domestic violence deadlier, with women five times more likely to die if their abuser owns a gun," according to an article she co-authored in 2021. "And 20 times higher mortality if they have been previously threatened with a firearm."

She also points out that gun sales in the United State rose dramatically between 2018 and 2021.

Salari says many victims of domestic violence do not call police. But when someone does, she says those victims need to be believed.

"Victims are the experts in their own case and should be believed when they show concern about their safety, or when they seek help from police, a victim's advocate, or court services," she said.

A victim's survival rate is 68% better if an expert, such as police or a victim's advocate, get involved, Salari said. She says tools such as the lethality assessment protocol that police are required to conduct on domestic violence calls, are important and she hopes tools like that will continue to evolve.

"Our research suggests that (lethality assessment protocol) screening tools should be modified for older women, who are more likely to die by a husband with suicidal ideation, and perhaps no history of domestic violence. Under the cover of normalcy, most elder adult women do not realize they are endangered and do not appear to be fleeing in fear. While some in the media may falsely perceive this to be agreement with the violence, there is little evidence to suggest this is true.

"Most were ambushed while going about the business of the day, or while sleeping in bed," she wrote in her 2021 article. "These women were cut down without warning in such a way that they didn't seek protective orders."
Gov. Spencer Cox is joined at the podium by Attorney General Sean Reyes as they take questions about plans to address the harmful impacts social media is having on the mental health and well-being of Utah youth in the Gold Room at the Capitol on Jan. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah officials are investigating whether TikToks business practices are in violation of the states consumer protection laws and claim the social media giant is in contempt of two subpoenas filed earlier this year.

On Tuesday, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, Attorney General Sean Reyes and Utah Department of Commerce Executive Director Margaret Busse announced a legal filing after they say the social media giant failed to comply with two previous subpoenas  one filed in February 2023 and the other in May.

Filed in 3rd District Court and signed Tuesday by Reyes, court documents spell out the Utah Division of Consumer Protections investigation into whether TikToks business practices that are harming the States children have violated Utahs consumer protection laws.

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With hundreds of thousands of Utah users, TikTok is clearly a potential target for the Division to investigate to understand its business practices and whether its conduct may or may not be lawful in the State, court documents state.

TikToks popularity among young users is concerning, the state alleges, citing a U.S. Surgeon General report concerning the impact of social media companies like TikTok have on teen mental health.

The state also takes issue with TikTok challenges that it says encouraged children to assault others or destroy property and led students to sexually harass other students or to assault school employees.

In another incident, a Utah teenager was left with permanent eye damage after being targeted through a TikTok challenge encouraging teens to shoot each other with polymer beads, court documents read.

The states investigation started with a subpoena sent on Feb. 6, according to the legal filing, seeking the production of documents and written responses to several investigative specifications.

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In the subpoena, the state asks TikTok to clarify a number of business practices. Among the 80 specifications are:

Explain how TikTok prohibits nudity and sexual solicitation and removes accounts that redirect users to sexual content or services.

Describe in detail what information TikTok collects from users when they create a TikTok account, including any methods of age verification.

List all, if any, third-party fact checkers with whom TikTok contracts for fact-checking services on the TikTok platform.

State whether any person in China may access any data that is generated by use of TikTok within the United States. If so, state what data is accessible within China.

The subpoena makes 55 separate requests for documents related to things like age verification, data collection, the companys algorithm and content curation, beauty filters, hashtags and challenges that deal with issues like suicide, eating disorders and criminal behavior, community guidelines and TikToks relationship with the Chinese government.

On May 30, the state issued another administrative subpoena containing specifications and document requests informed by the Divisions investigation to date.

But according to court filings, the two entities could not agree on a schedule to respond to the requests. On June 19, after a meeting with TikTok lawyers, the division said the company provided responses to only around 70% of the specifications.

TikTok has simply failed to credibly explain why one of the worlds largest technology companies cannot respond to these requests within this time, instead offering a counter schedule offering ambiguous initial responses almost four months from the subpoenas issuance and further reserving the right to unilaterally kick out its proposed schedule even further. For good reasons, the Division has rejected that schedule, and asks this Court to force TikTok to justify it as part of a show cause hearing, court documents read, claiming the company is in contempt of the states original subpoena.

In a news release issued Tuesday, Cox, Reyes and Busse all took aim at the social media giant.

Utah will not stop insisting that social media companies be held accountable for the harm they are causing our youth. That TikTok wont even appropriately respond to the investigative subpoenas speaks volumes about the lack of TikToks credibility and transparency, said Cox, who has been outspoken on the link between teen mental health and social media, and signed some of the countrys first and most restrictive laws regarding the issue during the legislative session.

Reyes said the probe asks two questions  how is TikTok operating in Utah, and what is its impact on children?

As Attorney General, I will never stop fighting for the safety of our children. That is why we have filed a Motion asking the Court to order TikTok to cooperate with our subpoenas. We will not accept further excuses or delays. No one is above the law, he said.

And Busse described the states investigation as a proactive approach to push back on the impact social media has on youth mental health.

The Utah Governors Office, Attorney General Reyes, and the Utah Department of Commerce are not willing to stand by while our young people are at risk. Utah residents deserve to have confidence in the companies they interact with, but TikToks evasive actions have eroded that trust, she said.
A Royalston man was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday in connection with distributing child pornography using the Wi-Fi of a Veterans Affairs Medical Center in western Massachusetts.

Kevin A. Divoll, 51, was sentenced in Springfield by U.S. District Court Judge Mark Mastroianni to eight years in prison and five years of supervised release, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a statement on Tuesday.

Divoll was also ordered to pay $5,000 each to two of the identified victims.

On April 24, Divoll pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

Divoll, a former employee of the VA Medical Center in Leeds, was identified as the owner and user of a device distributing child pornography over the VA Medical Centers public Wi-Fi from May 2022 through July 2022, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

During a search of his home on Aug. 4, 2022, investigators found Divoll in possession of child pornography that involved a prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared paralyzed on the day Wagner Group mercenaries carried out their armed mutiny in the country despite being warned a possible attack was in the works, according to a new Washington Post report citing Ukrainian and other European security officials.

Yevgeny Prigozhins troops stunned the world earlier this summer when they took control of the Russian military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don, mounting one of the biggest challenges ever to Putins leadership.

His mercenaries later advanced toward Moscow before pulling back after the Kremlin struck a deal with Prigozhin, brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, under which Prigozhin would move to Belarus in exchange for no charges for him and his soldiers. The mission of the short-lived rebellion was to reportedly oust the countrys military leadership, which Prigozhin has condemned.

Intelligence assessment shared with the Post revealed the Russian president was given a heads-up by his security services that Prigozhin was planning an attack at least two or three days before it happened.

Russian officials stepped up security measures at key buildings, including the Kremlin, and gave out more weapons, but otherwise took no sweeping action to prepare for the possible uprising.

European security officials also told the newspaper there were no orders from Russias top command during the first hours of the rebellion, meaning that local and military security chiefs didnt mount a strong resistance to Wagner forces.

The authoritarian system is formed in such a way that without a very clear command from the leadership, people dont do anything, a senior Ukrainian security official said.

Putins spokesperson attacked the intelligence obtained by the Post, calling it nonsense.

Meanwhile, thousands of Wagner mercenaries as well as 700 vehicles and construction equipment have arrived in Belarus since the June uprising, The Associated Press reported, citing Belaruski Hajun, a military monitoring group.

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A video published last week allegedly showed Prigozhin speaking to his troops in Belarus telling them they will be training there before going to Africa.

What is going on the front line today is a shame in which we shouldnt take part, he reportedly said.

We may return to the special military operation when we feel sure that we will not be forced to put shame on ourselves, Prigozhin continued.

CIA chief William Burns has warned that Putin could still seek revenge on Prigozhin over the mutiny in the future.

Putin is someone who generally thinks that revenge is a dish best served cold, Burns told the Aspen Security Forum last week. In my experience, Putin is the ultimate apostle of payback so I would be surprised if Prigozhin escapes further retribution.

Read the full Washington Post report.

Related...
A group of Republican voters on Tuesday appealed a state court decision that favored New York Democrats in a legal battle over the states congressional map.

A state appeals court earlier this month ordered New Yorks bipartisan Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) to submit a new map, which would replace the existing one implemented by a court-appointed special master.

Under that existing map, New York Democrats lost multiple seats in last years midterm elections, aiding Republicans takeover of the House.

The appeals courts ruling, however, which ordered the IRC to commence its duties forthwith, has breathed new life into Democrats attempts to reverse those losses.

The GOP voters on Tuesday appealed the recent ruling to the New York Court of Appeals, the highest court in the state. Late Tuesday, five members of IRC also appealed the ruling.

The legal battle began after the state legislature rejected the IRCs first set of maps. Under the state constitution, the IRC was mandated to submit a second set of maps, but the commission deadlocked and did not do so.

The stalemate led the Democratic-controlled legislature to step in and submit their own maps. The group of voters then filed their lawsuit, and the New York Court of Appeals invalidated the maps and ordered a court-appointed special master to draw the lines instead.

After their losses in the midterms under the map, New York Democrats have attempted to give the IRC another shot at drawing the second set of maps they never submitted.

Updated: 6:26 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Mali's Defence Minister Col Sadio Camara is accused by the US of planning and organising Wagner's deployment

The US has imposed sanctions on three top officials of Mali's junta for their alleged involvement with the Wagner Group of Russian mercenaries.

Wagner fighters have been accused of committing atrocities alongside the Malian army fighting jihadists.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said civilian casualties had more than tripled since Wagner forces were deployed to Mali in late 2021.

Mali's government has never officially acknowledged Wagner's presence.

But the shadowy mercenary group is believed to have about 1,000 soldiers in Mali, one of several African states in which it operates.

Their deployment had followed a breakdown in diplomatic relations between Mali's military regime and France, prompting the former colonial power to withdraw its counter-terror troops.

The three officials sanctioned are Defence Minister Col Sadio Camara, head of the air force Col Alou Boi Diarra and air force deputy head Lt Col Adama Bagayoko.

In a US statement they are accused of being "instrumental in facilitating the Wagner Group's entrenchment in Mali over the past two years".

Col Camara and Col Diarra are accused of planning and organising Wagner's deployment to Mali, while Col Bagayoko is also alleged to be working to secure Wagner's deployment to neighbouring Burkina Faso and reportedly trying to help it get access to gold mines in Mali.

Since Wagner began working in Mali, in December 2021, civilian casualties have increased by more than 270%, the US says.

"Many of those deaths were the result of operations conducted by the Malian armed forces alongside members of the Wagner group," Mr Blinken said.

UN researchers and human rights groups have detailed a number of alleged abuses.

A UN report released in May described how Malian soldiers, overseen by Wagner fighters, killed around 500 mostly unarmed civilians in a village in the Mopti region over five days in March 2022.

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The Malian government denied wrongdoing and said it would investigate. It later told the UN to withdraw its 12,000-strong peacekeeping force.

This week, rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW) said civilians continued to be summarily executed and forcibly disappeared in central Mali.

Responding to that, Mali's foreign ministry said it "regretted" the allegations and accused HRW of conducting "biased investigations", which ignore the asymmetric nature of the jihadist threat facing the country.

"In this regard the government strongly refutes allegations which suggest that anti-terrorism operations lead to ethnic targeting and that these operations supposedly indiscriminately impact civilians," the statement said.

While Malian officials have said in the past that there are Russian military instructors in the country, they have never admitted the presence of Wagner.

But Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said in a media interview that Wagner "provides security services" to the Malian government - and in the wake of Wagner's failed mutiny last month he said the mercenaries were working as instructors in Mali.

According to a large batch of US military documents leaked earlier this year, Mali has been used as a proxy to acquire weapons from Turkey on Wagner's behalf, with one Pentagon dispatch saying the junta leader had confirmed it would do so.

Mali has been fighting Islamist militants for more than a decade.

Military leaders, who took power in 2020, currently head a transitional government intended to pave the way for democratic elections.
The first thing you hear after ringing the doorbell at Peter Mutabazis house near Lake Wylie is the pitter-patter of little feet. Then, a head of blond hair appears at the bottom of the front door windows. A 2-year-old girl looks up through the glass with bright blue eyes.

She had just nearly been trampled by a labradoodle and goldendoodle  each double her size  but she still smiles eagerly, showing off the crumbs of a recent snack at the corners of her lips, as she fumbles to turn the doorknob.

Toys are scattered along the entryway: Barbie dolls, a rainbow unicorn Pop It, abandoned board games and coloring books. Dog barks echo over the sound of the living room TV and children playing upstairs.

Its all a little crazy, but this house is full of life.

Thats just how Peter Mutabazi, 49, prefers it, and what its been like since he became a foster parent in 2016. Since then, he has fostered 34 children between living in Charlotte and Oklahoma City. He currently has five foster children ranging in age from 2 to 9 living at his home, along with his 17-year-old adopted son.

There is so much joy knowing that I can provide a safe and loving home for these kids, Mutabazi says.

Peter Mutabazi plays a game with all five of his foster children on Wednesday, June 5, 2023 at his Charlotte home. Mutabazi has had 34 foster kids since he started fostering children.

Caring for 34 foster children isnt common  especially within the span of seven years. Neither is the fact that Mutabazi is African American and a single man.

Not every day is entirely joyous, however. Some are difficult, dealing with the stress, tears and challenges of raising children that all parents are familiar with. And a single father like Mutabazi takes on an additional load with the loneliness and pressure of doing it all himself. But for him, its all worth it.

From street kid to foster parent

Its worth it because Mutabazi knows what its like to experience a childhood riddled with trauma and hardships. Someone helped him 35 years ago, and hes trying to pay it forward by helping other children.

Mutabazi grew up in a rural town in southwest Uganda called Kabale, living among widespread sickness and hunger with his four younger siblings. But in those conditions, he had no solace at home: His father was physically and verbally abusive, Mutabazi says, to the point where he feared for his life.

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He ran away from home at 10 years old, without saying goodbye to his siblings or mother.

I had no interest in telling them, Mutabazi says. I just wanted to get away.

Peter Mutabazi poses in the kitchen of his Charlotte home where he currently houses five foster children and one adopted child. A singe father, Mutabazi has had 34 foster kids.

He made his way to Kampala, Ugandas capital city that is more than 250 miles from his hometown. There, he lived on the streets. He stole from locals and dug through garbage for food as a means of survival.

Then one day, a driver of a familiar car began offering him food and clothes.

This stranger  named James  and his wife ultimately helped Mutabazi enroll in boarding school when he was 14. The couple acted as his unofficial foster parents throughout his schooling, providing a nurturing family environment  something once foreign to Mutabazi. Their kindness changed the trajectory of his life.

I adored (my foster parents) so much that I wanted to be like them, Mutabazi says.

So, he did.

Dealing with scrutiny as a foster parent

Mutabazi is an immigrant and a single Black man with no kids of his own  an anomaly within the foster parent community. The NC Department of Health and Human Services says 31.3% of licensed foster parents are Black or African American and 21.7% are of a one-parent household.

Once, at a foster parent class, Mutabazi entered a room of married couples and was asked, Is your wife joining late? He has never been married. The idea of a single man as a foster parent appeared hard for people to wrap their head around.

But Mutabazi considered it his calling. When he first started as a foster parent, friends told him they didnt think it was right for him, because those kids are bad. But, back in Uganda, Mutabazi was one of those kids.

I dont think they realized how harmful those comments were to me, Mutabazi says. For them to say these children dont deserve a good dad, it hurt.

This foster dad has found an opportunity to redefine what a family could look like. And that started with unlearning his own prejudices.

Mutabazi once assumed hed be fostering kids who were African American and Native American, since he understood those to be the most marginalized demographics.

Thats why his first placement  which occurred on the same day he earned his foster parent license  came as a surprise. The 5-year-old boy who arrived at his home in 2016 had the blondest hair and bluest eyes Mutabazi had ever seen.

That was when he lived in Oklahoma City, where the white population is 4.7 times larger than the Black population. Neighbors would see Mutabazi and his foster son playing in the front yard and ask, Where are his parents? or Do you have babysitting services?

Since then, 19 of Mutabazis 34 foster children have been white, including his six kids at home now. Nine have been Black, three were Latino and one was Native American. People seldom believe he is his childrens father.

Like on one family trip to Costco, his kids roamed around the food sample stations. The employees asked the children where their parents were. Mutabazi was right behind his kids all along, pushing the shopping cart.

They always disregard me, he says.

Juggling a house full of kids (that people never think are his own) can be a lot to handle, Mutabazi admits. While he has the occasional help of babysitters and respite foster care, he lacks a partner to help with day-to-day parenting.

I would love to be married, Mutabazi says. But its not a priority.

Mutabazi doesnt have a wife or biological kids of his own, but instead has devoted his life to a new type of family.

Family is who you love, Mutabazi says. Family is when you open your door to let anyone come in, no matter what they look like.

The technicalities of the foster system

Mutabazi moved from Oklahoma City to Charlotte in 2018 and became a U.S. citizen the year after. In Oklahoma, he fostered 15 kids; hes fostered 19 since moving to North Carolina.

Foster parents in the U.S. receive a monthly stipend for each kid in their home. The money comes from federal, state and county funds. North Carolina foster parents receive rates of $514, $654 and $698 for kids aged 0-5, 6-12 and 13+ respectively, according to FosteringNC.org  meaning Mutabazi currently receives $3,100 each month to help with expenses for his kids.

While taking in more foster kids  thereby getting a higher reimbursement  might create doubts of his motivations, Mutabazi says the money barely scratches the surface of what he spends on his children.

I would do it even if the system didnt have a penny to pay me, he says. Also, to become a foster parent, you need a job. The system must know you are not depending on the kids.

Before becoming a foster parent, Mutabazi worked with humanitarian organizations advocating for children across the world. After earning his foster license, he transitioned his career to flipping houses. He now manages contractors who facilitate the home renovations, so he can work from home and be more available to his kids.

The joys  and complexities  of a full house

Outside of his Charlotte home, four kids race around the block on their scooters. As his eldest daughter speeds down the hill, one of his sons does a jump trick off the curb. They yell after each other, laughing as they roll by. Even the toddler tries a scooter for herself, holding onto Dads arms as he steers the way.

All smiling and out of breath, the kids file inside, migrating toward the kitchen and a promised ice cream treat. A pile of Razor scooters remains on the front steps, gleaming in the sun.

Mutabazi describes his home as kid-friendly for every child, as he passes his dining room with shelves spilling over with toys and games on every wall.

Even among the clutter, Mutabazi feels most at home in a full house, with open doors.

The more kids I can love, the more I can help, he says.

After playing outside, Peter Mutabazi serves his foster kids ice cream in their Charlotte home on Wednesday, June 5, 2023.

Mutabazi was drawn to help foster children after his own experiences with trauma, abuse and neglect. Most kids in the foster system are removed from their homes due to neglect and parental drug abuse, partially fueled by the opioid epidemic, according to ChildTrends.org and North Carolina Health News.

What other parents find extremely difficult or confusing, I find it relatable, he says.

He recalls a time finding a child hiding snacks in their bed. Instead of lecturing about attracting ants throughout the house, Mutabazi recognized that as a response to previous food insecurity  and decided that a coping mechanism is nothing to be shamed for.

I have to earn the right to know what they went through, Mutabazi says. I do not ask, but I create a space for them to feel safe.

His kids often bond so deeply with each other, that theres a sense of abandonment when one is placed in permanent care. Because of this, every three months, Mutabazi reconnects former foster kids with those still living in his home.

I do this so they feel like their friends didnt leave, that everyone in their lives isnt leaving, he says.

His goal in fostering kids has always been for them to return to their birth parents or an adoptive family, so saying goodbye is bittersweet.

Through the hardest parts of foster parenting, Mutabazi still finds reminders in the smallest interactions with his kids that reaffirm hes doing the right thing.

When I tuck a kid into bed and they say, Dad, I love you, or this is the best place Ive ever lived, that really warms my heart, Mutabazi says.
The University of the Philippines Third World Studies Center (UP TWSC) released its first Dahas project report. It revealed that drug killings during the first year of Bong Bong Marcos as the Philippine President are higher compared to Rodrigo Duterte's.

UP TWSC Claims Marcos' First Year Has More Drug Killings Than Duterte's

According to Inquirer.Net, the first Dahas project report was released by UP TWSC just in time for Marcos' 2nd SONA (State of the Nation Address).

The Dahas project report stated that there are 342 drug-related deaths during Philippine President Bongbong Marcos' first year.

This is higher compared to Duterte's first year as the president of the Philippines, which has 302 drug killings.

The drug killings that UP TWSC monitored were recorded from July 1, 2022, until June 30, 2023.

Although the drug killings under the Marcos Administration were higher, the UP Third World Studies Center said that the number is not that much.

"The 342 drug-related deaths under the first year of [Marcos] give us the answer: Not much," said UP TWSC.

Read Also: Philippine President Marcos Signs New Agrarian Emancipation Act

About UP TWSC's Dahas Project

Via its official website, UP TWSC explained that the Dahas project is a multisectoral undertaking launched to produce and disseminate research outputs that can be used to maintain an evidence-based intervention.

These interventions are specifically those in ongoing public debates regarding the violence in the Philippines linked to authoritarianism.

One of the main goals of the Dahas project is to keep track of the drug-related killings happening in the country.

UP TWSC provides its Dahas project database free to the public. Its database already contains deaths linked to the government's war on drugs initiative from 2021 until 2023.

The drug killings included in UP TWSC's Dahas project meet the following criteria:

Deaths linked to drug-related activity, encounter, or operation.

Deaths involved in the drug trade or in the war on drugs.

Deaths linked to illegal drug possession accusation.

If you want to see the latest drug killings in the Philippines, you can click here.

Related Article: Marcos Visits Philippine Air Force on Anniversary, Stresses Service's Key Role in Looming 'Geopolitical Challenges'

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Lubbock Police Department is investigating a shooting in the 1900 block of East Auburn Street that left one person dead, Tuesday, July 11, 2023.

Court documents state that a disagreement about a marijuana transaction may have resulted in the shooting at an East Lubbock home that left a 45-year-old man dead.

Lubbock police on Friday announced the arrests of two people - Antoine Manahan and Avery White - in connection with the July 11 shooting death of Chad Reed.

Two suspects arrested in connection to July 11 killing in east Lubbock

The two were arrested in the Metroplex and are being held at the Tarrant County Jail while they await extradition to Lubbock.

They each face a charge of murder in connection with the shooting. The charge is a first-degree felony that carries a punishment of five years to life in prison.

Antoine Manahan, 36, is wanted in connection with the shooting death of 45-year-old Chad Reed.

The charge stems from a Lubbock Metropolitan Special Crimes Unit investigation that began after Lubbock police officers were dispatched to a shots fired call at a home in the 1900 block of East Auburn Street.

A witness told officers that a man was shot inside the home and the shooter fled the scene. Responding officers found Reed suffering from a gunshot wound, and he had died at the scene.

Investigators received information that the shooter was a Black man who went by the alias "Tweezy," a street name that was also associated with Manahan, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Security camera footage from neighboring homes showed what appeared to be a Black man run into a white 1997 Lexus passenger car about 10 minutes after the shooting.

The man on the video appeared to have a thin build, was bald and had multiple tattoos on both arms. Investigators believed the man on the video resembled Manahan.

The car could be seen driving in the area of the shooting multiple times in the minutes leading up to the shooting. The video showed the suspected shooter leave the vehicle in a black, "puffy" coat and a ski mask.

Meanwhile, officers with the Texas Anti-Gang unit found Manahan and White in a 1997 Lexus passenger car in the 3900 block of Idalou Road about an hour after the shooting.

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Both agreed to speak with detectives and were interviewed separately.

Manahan reportedly told detectives he made several marijuana deliveries in the city earlier in the day. He also admitted to selling Reed marijuana within 24 hours of the shooting, the affidavit stated.

During her interview with detectives, it was determined White was being deceptive, the affidavit stated.

The two were released. However, investigators learned through a confidential informant that White had personal knowledge of the shooting, the record states.

White, who owned the Lexus, reportedly told the informant that she was with Manahan during the shooting and saw him enter Reed's home to confront him about a disagreement they had about a marijuana transaction.

The informant told detectives that White reportedly said Manahan returned to the vehicle with blood on his shoes, the affidavit stated.

Meanwhile, forensic investigators found a greasy substance in Reed's home that appeared to make a trail to the sidewalk and ended on an adjacent street to the west of the home. Investigators found a similar substance inside White's Lexus, the affidavit stated.

Detectives obtained a warrant for Manahan's arrest on July 12. Two days later, Lubbock police officials sought the public's held finding him.

A warrant for White's arrest was issued July 20.

Lubbock police officials on Friday said the two were arrested by police in Arlington.

Manahan's bond is set at $500,000, while White's bond is set at $250,000.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Deadly shooting in Lubbock may have stemmed from marijuana sale
Naman Wakil, a Venezuelan businessman accused in Miami of laundering some of the hundreds of millions of dollars he allegedly made as part of a corruption scheme, died in his sleep Monday, his lawyer said.

Wakil was scheduled to go to trial in federal court in October on charges of paying millions in bribes to Venezuelan officials in exchange for securing government contracts between 2010 and 2017, and investing part of his illegal profits in luxury properties, including his familys condo at the Residences at Vizcaya on Hiawatha Avenue in Coconut Grove as well as in high-rise units on Brickell Avenue in downtown Miami and at the Porsche Design Tower in Sunny Isles Beach.

Mr. Wakil passed away in his sleep yesterday morning, his lawyer, Howard Srebnick, said Tuesday.

Wakil died in his home, where he was living while free on bond pending trial. Family members have not disclosed details about the cause of the businessmans death, but the indictment against him will probably be dismissed, as it is usually the case when a defendant dies.

Wakil, 62, faced federal charges because authorities say he invested part of his illegal profits in the United States. His assets totaled more than $50 million and, besides the luxury real estate properties, included a yacht and an airplane.

Wakil is among a number in Venezuelas politically connected business class to be accused in Miami federal court of exploiting cozy relationships with senior officials in the governments of past President Hugo Chavez and current President Nicolas Maduro to enrich themselves through inflated government contracts, lucrative loans and currency exchange schemes. Most of their money has ended up in Swiss and other foreign bank accounts, along with investments in South Florida real estate.

The embezzlement of billions of dollars from Venezuelas socialist government, particularly from its main source of income, the national oil company known as PDVSA, has contributed to the South American nations drastic economic collapse, forcing millions of people to flee to neighboring countries and the United States, U.S. authorities say.

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Wakil, a Syrian-born entrepreneur, gained notoriety in 2016 when he was featured in a McClatchy series on the Panama Papers scandal that exposed secret shell companies set up in off-shore bank accounts by the wealthy clients of a Panamanian law firm, Mossack Fonseca. The accounts were set up to help the law firms clients hide money, make foreign investments and evade taxes, according to the McClatchy series.

In the spring of 2015, according to one McClatchy story, a Miami-based Citigroup banker emailed the Panamanian law firm with an inquiry about a wealthy client who needed assistance.

Mossack Fonsecas leaked emails identified that client as Wakil, a globetrotting entrepreneur worth about $400 million with business interests in both North Carolina and Miami. He wanted to reduce his U.S. tax liability and protect his assets from creditors, his lawyers memo indicates.

The Panamanian law firm proposed creating a series of trusts and offshore companies for the client. A year later, Wakil was embroiled in a controversy that tied him to a Venezuelan general in an alleged procurement scam that reportedly netted $76 million.

In 2019, Bloomberg described Wakil as a former street peddler who accumulated vast wealth through the purchase of discounted meat products that were sold at vastly inflated prices to the Venezuelan government.

Wakil, who was born in Aleppo, immigrated to Venezuela and grew up in Caracas Petare district, one of the worlds largest slums. He rose from selling goods on the streets to immense wealth.

According to a Venezuelan audit commissions findings, he had a close relationship with Carlos Osorio, a major general in Venezuelas military who oversaw billions of dollars of food contracts as the nations food minister.
The U.S. national security adviser said the administration will move as fast as possible to get F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. A top White House spokesperson said the aircraft would be in Ukrainian skies towards the end of the year.

But so far, Western partners have yet to even agree on a plan to train Ukrainian pilots to fly the promised jets, according to three U.S. officials familiar with the discussions. Denmark and the Netherlands are leading a coalition of 11 nations to support the training, but so far no country has publicly committed aircraft to the program.

The scramble by the West comes as Ukraine calls for additional military capabilities to break through Russian defenses on the battlefield. And Ukraine is ramping up pressure on allies to send F-16s again this week, as Russia pulled out of a deal that allowed civilian ships to transport grain through the Black Sea; Ukraines foreign minister said Tuesday that the jets could help protect a corridor that is vital to global food security.

One training proposal that has been discussed involves bringing Ukrainian pilots to the United States to receive instruction from the 162nd Air Wing, an Air National Guard unit based in Tucson, Ariz., that already trains foreign partners on the F-16.

But that idea has had little traction, according to two of the U.S. officials and a European official. They, along with others interviewed, were granted anonymity to discuss plans that have not yet been finalized.

Another plan involves sending U.S. military pilots to Europe to train the Ukrainians somewhere outside of that country.

Nothing is off the table, and no final decisions have been made, said two of the U.S. officials.

Theres collaboration ongoing, one of the officials said. We are working with our partners and allies to determine the most practical way to implement this plan.

The coalition has taken certain steps to start the training. Aerospace contractor Draken International has begun recruiting retired military pilots to train the Ukrainians, according to one of the U.S. officials and a job posting that was since taken down. This effort will take place at a facility thats being built in Romania and is envisioned to be a regional F-16 training center.

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Another training center will also be set up in Denmark, European officials said.

European partners hope training can start this summer, most likely at a location in Europe, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said Tuesday. In the meantime, the U.K. plans to begin basic flying and language training for Ukrainian pilots within a few weeks, she said.

In terms of any aircraft delivery or any additional timelines, I just dont have anything for you today, Singh said.

Despite the various ambitious timelines, training cannot start on the F-16s until the U.S. State Department formally approves the transfer of associated training materials, such as instruction manuals and flight simulators. That signoff, which is required under export restrictions, still has not taken place.

Asked recently about the holdup, national security adviser Jake Sullivan seemed to place responsibility on the Europeans, saying that those countries needed a few more weeks to create the necessary training infrastructure.

A spokesperson for the Danish defense ministry declined to comment; a spokesperson for the Dutch defense ministry did not respond to a request for comment. A U.S. State Department spokesperson also declined to comment on a proposed transfer of materials.

Realistically, U.S. officials say the jets wont arrive until the spring at the earliest.

Wed probably get some pilots flying, training by the end of the year, but an actual F-16 with Ukrainian colors is not likely before the spring, said a fourth U.S. official.
The White House has doubled down on the widely scrutinized "lie" that Florida's new history curriculum is attempting to re-write the history of slavery in the U.S. and how it's taught to students despite pushback from one of its Black creators.

During Monday's daily White House press briefing, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre went off on the new curriculum, echoing Vice President Kamala Harris' heavily panned comments during a speech in Jacksonville, Florida last week claiming it was going to be used to teach students "that enslaved people benefited from slavery."

"Let's not forget what we have seen these past several months as we witness extreme officials in Florida and across the country lie about American history. The most recent example, shamefully, shamefully promoting a lie that enslaved people actually benefited from slavery," Jean-Pierre said during her opening remarks.

CRITICS UNLEASH ON KAMALA HARRIS' EVIL,' ASTONISHING LIE ABOUT FLORIDA'S SCHOOL CURRICULUM ON SLAVERY

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre takes questions during the daily briefing on July 24, 2023 in Washington, DC.

"It's inaccurate, insulting, it's hurtful, and prevents an honest account, an honest account of our nation's history," she added. "The Biden-Harris administration will continue to speak out against hateful attempts to rewrite our history and strongly oppose any actions that threaten to divide us and take our country backwards."

The new curriculum , which was partially developed by Black scholar Dr. William B. Allen, actually states, "Instruction includes how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit." This led to countless critics accusing Harris of "brazenly lying" and "misleading" the American people following her speech.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"This is a brazen lie. Its an astonishing lie. Its an evil lie. It is so untrue  so deliberately and cynically misleading  that, in a sensible political culture, Harris would be obligated to issue an apology," one critic said.

Story continues

THE VIEW HOST BLOWS UP OVER FLORIDA SLAVERY CURRICULUM, HAS TO BE CENSORED ON AIR: THATS BULLS--T!'

Allen slammed Harris' criticism as "categorically false," telling ABC News in an interview that "it was never said [in the curriculum] that slavery was beneficial to Africans."

"The only criticism Ive encountered so far [on the new curriculum] is a single one that was articulated by the vice president, and which was an error," he said.

Other critics of Harris called her claims "a brazen lie."

WASHINGTON POST JOINS LEFT'S ATTACKS ON HORRENDOUS FLORIDA HISTORY CURRICULUM

Vice President Kamala Harris rails against Florida's new Black history curriculum during a speech in Jacksonville, Florida on July 21, 2023.

Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ripped Harris ahead of her Friday speech, accusing her of being "obsessed" with Florida, and described the Biden administration of trying to indoctrinate students.

"Florida stands in their way, and we will continue to expose their agenda and their lies," DeSantis said in a statement on social media.
The Scoop

U.S. securities regulators were preparing to slap new regulations onto $1.4 trillion in corporate loans but backed down last week under quiet pressure from the Federal Reserve and U.S. Treasury.

The Securities and Exchange Commission shelved a legal brief that would have required bank loans to carry the same kind of disclosures as stocks and bonds, people familiar with the matter said.

Behind the scenes, Fed and Treasury officials urged SEC Chair Gary Gensler to reconsider his position, the people said. Sweeping corporate loans into the nations rubric of securities laws would roil already-shaky debt markets, they argued.

The result: The SEC stood down, declining in federal court last week to weigh in on whether loans should be treated as securities, a designation that comes with sweeping public disclosures and opens companies and their bankers up to lawsuits.

The punt surprised Wall Street banks, which had been lobbying Washington to stay out of the fray. And it was a rare pullback from Gensler, who has deemed crypto tokens as securities and claimed jurisdiction over corporate CO2 emissions.

Representatives for the SEC and the Fed declined to comment. Treasury didnt respond to a request for comment.

Step Back

The SEC was asked to weigh in on a lawsuit filed by investors who bought slices of a loan to a California drug-testing company in 2014. They sued JPMorgan, which underwrote the deal and allegedly failed to disclose that the lab was under federal investigation at the time.

If the company had issued new bonds or shares of stock, it would have had to tell investors about any probe. But because the transaction was a loan, it didnt. The investors lost millions of dollars and argued in federal court that loans are similar enough to bonds to require the same level of transparency.

Know More

The distinction is a decades-old one. Loans were held by banks and occasionally parceled out to professional fund managers, who would hold them until they matured. Bonds traded freely and could end up in the hands of retail investors, who needed to be protected. So two different sets of rules sprang up.

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Treating loans like bonds would have turned the entire market upside-down, said Elliot Ganz, of the Loan Syndications and Trading Association. The trade group did its own lobbying, Ganz said, meeting with SEC staff, as well as officials from the Fed, Treasury, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, which regulates commercial banks.

Lizs view

I dont know whether loans are securities. They are more widely held and more actively traded than the original laws assumed, and have at least as much resemblance to bonds as crypto tokens do to stocks.

By one estimate, 60% of these loans are repackaged into collateralized loan obligations, which very much are securities. If it quacks

On the other hand, there have always been different rules for big boy transactions between sophisticated parties. And with corporate defaults poised to rise, reclassifying trillions of dollars of loans would give investors a legal escape hatch from their own bad decisions.

But if anyone should have a view on whether something is a security,. Its right there in the name. Gensler has taken an expansive view of his agencys remit, making jurisdictional land grabs on everything from crypto to climate emissions.

His deference here is puzzling, and leaves the question in the hands of a non-expert federal judge with unpredictable consequences for a market that companies count on for funds.

Room for Disagreement

You peel back the onion and you realize how complicated this market is, Ganz said. The SEC couldnt have weighed in without crossing into policy issues with massive ramifications. If the agency wants to reconsider the issue, it can do it through traditional rulemaking.

Notable
How the U.S. should navigate its contentious relationship with China and counter its growing influence will be a prominent foreign policy topic in the 2024 presidential election.

Republicans say the Biden administration's response to China  widely viewed as the greatest geopolitical threat to the U.S.  has been inadequate.

Who's running for president in 2024? Meet the candidates - and likely candidates - vying for your vote

Most have not explicitly laid out their own plans on how to deal with China. But many GOP candidates size up tensions between the U.S. and China in terms that are similar to Democrats, viewing the relationship as a potential new Cold War, though most also note the rivalry between the two countries is still less contentious than the U.S.-Soviet Untion relationship was. Some have called for the decoupling of the U.S. and China economies, while others say a move that drastic is not realistic.

Candidates have also hesitated to answer whether the U.S. would defend Taiwan against a Chinese invasion, should any of them be elected president. The U.S. posture toward Taiwan is one of "strategic ambiguity," although under the Taiwan Relations Act, the U.S. would help equip Taiwan, so that it could defend itself against attack.

Here's what the 2024 GOP presidential candidates have said about China:

Donald Trump

Former President Donald Trump has escalated his anti-China policies from his last campaign by essentially arguing for the decoupling of the U.S. and Chinese economies.

He has proposed universal baseline tariffs, revoking China's Most Favored Nation trade status and phasing out all Chinese imports of essential goods within four years. Trump has also proposed barring U.S. companies from investing in China, banning China from buying U.S. farmland and revoking federal contracts to companies that outsource to China.

Trump's campaign says the plan will allow the U.S. to "reclaim our economic independence from China."

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The former president began his first term in the White House by starting a trade war with China, imposing tariffs on billions of dollars of Chinese goods. His Justice Department also launched the controversial China Initiative, which sought to crack down on Chinese economic espionage.

During the 2024 campaign he vowed to ramp up efforts to stop China from spying on the U.S., saying "a reformed FBI and Justice Department will be hunting down Chinese spies" and new visa and travel restrictions will "shut off Chinese access to American secrets."

While Trump has taken a tough tone toward China, he has also made admiring statements about its authoritarian leader, Xi Jinping. Even after his presidency, Trump has continued to praise Xi, saying at a town hall in July, "Think of President Xi: Central casting. Brilliant guy. You know, when I say he's brilliant, everyone says, 'Oh, that's terrible' ... Well, he runs 1.4 billion people with an iron fist. Smart, brilliant, everything perfect. There's nobody in Hollywood like this guy."

During an interview with Fox News on July 16, Trump declined to say whether the U.S. should help defend Taiwan from an attack from China if it meant the U.S. would be at war with China.

"If I answered that question it will put me in a very bad negotiating position," he said before accusing Taiwan of taking away semiconductor business from the U.S.

Ron DeSantis

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has portrayed U.S.-China tensions as a new Cold War.

"If you look at where we are at this juncture in the 21st century, what the Soviet Union was to us, that's really what China represents in terms of the threat to the free world," he said during an interview with Nikkei Asia in April. "In many respects, the Chinese Communist Party is stronger than what the Soviet Union was, certainly economically."

He has vowed to revoke China's preferential trade status if he is elected president. Under his leadership, he would also "project power" to deter China from invading Taiwan, but he has avoided answering whether the U.S. would send forces to defend the self-governing island, which China wants to bring under its control.

As Florida governor, DeSantis signed several bills into law, including banning Chinese purchases of farmland and land near U.S. military bases and critical infrastructure in the state, and blocking TikTok on government devices and school networks. In doing so, he said the Chinese Communist Party is the "greatest geopolitical threat" to the U.S.

Nikki Haley

Nikki Haley, who served as former President Donald Trump's ambassador to the United Nations, has criticized Trump's approach to China as being too "singularly focused" on trade while he was in the White House.

In a June 27 policy speech on China, she said the Chinese military was "stronger" at the end of Trump's presidency and he showed "moral weakness" in trying to befriend Chinese President Xi Jinping. She criticized President Biden for continuing to "dither" as China "is preparing its people for war."

"Communist China is an enemy," she said. "It is the most dangerous foreign threat we've faced since the Second World War."

Laying out what her policy toward China would look like, Haley said her administration would respond domestically, economically and militarily.

Her proposals include pushing Congress to stop trade relations with China until the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. ends, revoking federal funding for universities who accept money from China and ending the export of sensitive military technology.

She said she would not allow China to buy land in the U.S. and would force it to sell land it already owns.

Haley also wants to ban all lobbying from the Chinese Communist Party, as well as prevent former members of Congress and military leaders from lobbying on China's behalf.

Haley argues the U.S. needs to quickly strengthen its military while deepening military ties with Japan, South Korea and Australia, and create stronger relationships with India and the Philippines.

On Taiwan, Haley said the U.S. and its allies should give it "everything it needs to defend itself" and maintain a strong naval presence in the Taiwan Strait. The U.S. can force China to rethink an invasion of Taiwan by quickly giving Ukraine the weapons and training it needs to fight off Russia's invasion, she said.

"If we rally now, the Chinese Communist Party will eventually end up on the ash-heap of history, like the Soviet Communist Party," Haley said.

Chris Christie

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie wants the U.S. to take "a totally new approach" to China, which could include tariffs.

Like other candidates, Christie believes the competition the U.S. faces with China is more serious than the threat from the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

"I'm not saying that we should isolate China. It's impossible. They're the second largest economy in the world. They have billions of people," Christie told voters in June. "But we have given into their demands of saying, 'We're a developing country. We need more advantages.' Guess what, the development is over. You're now nearly our equal, if not our equal, in many ways. So you know what? Now we compete with each other on an equal basis."

He also views Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a proxy war between the U.S. and China, and has said it's important that the U.S. keep supporting Ukraine to deter China from invading Taiwan.

Vivek Ramaswamy

Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy's China policy focuses on reducing U.S. economic dependence on the country.

His plan includes "tough measures to counter China's unfair trade practices," protecting intellectual property and investing in American innovation and technological advancements such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

He has said U.S. relations with other Asian nations, particularly India, are critical to helping the U.S. "declare independence from our top enemy."

"We're cutting the cord unless you drastically reform," Ramaswamy said of how he plans to confront Chinese President Xi Jinping. "No more IP theft. No more data theft. No more turning our companies into pawns to lobby here as a condition for them being able to do business in China. We're cutting the cord. You will not buy land in this country if you're affiliated with the CCP. You will not donate to a university in this country. A U.S. business will not expand into China unless and until the CCP meets our demands or falls."

Ramaswamy also wants to "drive a wedge" between China and Russia, which would make Xi "think twice" about invading Taiwan if he doesn't have another nuclear superpower backing him.

"That's how we deter Chinese aggression without going to war," he said. "That's the hallmark of my foreign policy vision."

Ramaswamy supports arming Taiwan against China.

Tim Scott

South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott views China as an economic adversary that is only becoming stronger.

His plan to confront China if elected president includes reducing the U.S. national debt held by China and prohibiting the Chinese Communist Party from buying farmland in the U.S., donating to American universities, infiltrating U.S. airspace and collecting Americans' personal data.

He has called China "the biggest threat to America's security" and has vowed to rebuild the U.S. military.

Scott has declined so far to say how he would respond to a Chinese attack on Taiwan, but he said in June that "we must stand shoulder to shoulder with the Taiwanese government and the military when it comes to defending what we believe is our ally."

Mike Pence

During a speech on China in 2021, former Vice President Mike Pence warned that the Chinese Communist Party poses a greater threat to U.S. interests than the Soviet Union did during the Cold War  not only because of its authoritarian regime, but also because of the extent to which U.S. and Chinese business interests are intertwined.

"Beijing has exploited modern corporate America's insatiable appetite for market access and coerced top CEOs, athletes and entertainers into not only withholding criticism from the communist regime, but in many cases actively singing their praises," Pence said.

"Imagine if during the Cold War, the USSR also happened to be America's top trading partner. Imagine if the United States was dependent on Moscow for life-saving medical equipment or the rare earth minerals essential to modern technology. Imagine your favorite household brands in directly funding Soviet occupation of Eastern Europe, building the Berlin Wall or financing the construction of gulags in Siberia," Pence said, expanding the Cold War comparison.

He proposed a number of policy recommendations in the speech, including putting pressure on China to reveal the origins of COVID-19, banning U.S. labs in China, manufacturing essential pharmaceuticals and medical supplies in the U.S. and decoupling in industries related to national security.

Pence has called China the "greatest economic and strategic threat" to the U.S.

"One of the things I'm proudest of in the Trump-Pence administration is we changed the national consensus on China," Pence told Iowa voters in March.

Pence has also said China's ownership of U.S. land needs to be looked at "very carefully" and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States guidance should be updated.

He is in favor of providing Taiwan the resources it needs to defend itself from a Chinese invasion.

Asa Hutchinson

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson's campaign website says he is willing to continue trade partnership with China, "but it must be one that protects American interests and promotes American ideals."

"For too long, America has been dependent upon China for the stabilization of our economy," his website says.

He has also said China's leadership "must know our determination to not allow Taiwan to become another victim of China's expansion."

Doug Burgum

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum thinks the U.S. is already in a Cold War with China "and we won't admit it." But the way to win it is economically, he said in a recent interview with "Meet the Press." He also referred to Chinese President Xi Jinping as a "brutal dictator."

In an ad listing off his reasons for running for president, Burgum included "rebuild our military to win the Cold War with China."

Burgum, who started a software company he later sold to Microsoft for $1.1 billion, is the rare candidate who can say he himself was a victim of Chinese intellectual-property theft. He told the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board in July that in 1989, his company, Great Plains, was selling its software system for $5,000 a module exclusively in North America. While he was in China, he said that he was tipped off about a market that sold software. He went to the market "and was told he could buy his own product 'on a 5-inch floppy for $1,'" he told the board.

Francis Suarez

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez views China as the "threat of our generation" in several different contexts, including economic and national security.

"China is not our partner," he said in his speech announcing his 2024 campaign. "China is now our adversary."

In June, Suarez flubbed an answer on China's human rights record, when conservative podcast host Hugh Hewitt asked Suarez if he'd be talking about the Uyghurs in his campaign. "What's a Uyghur," Suarez responded. He later said, "I didn't recognize the pronunciation."

At the end of the Trump administration, the U.S. determined that Uyghurs, Turkic ethnic Muslim who are native to Xinjiang, China, had been subjected to a "decades-long campaign of repression" subjected to abuses "designed systematically to discriminate against and surveil ethnic Uyghurs as a unique demographic and ethnic group, restrict their freedom to travel, emigrate and attend schools," according to State Department statement.

Over 1 million Uyghurs are believed to have been held in detention camps in Xinjiang.

Will Hurd

Former Texas Rep. Will Hurd has framed the U.S.-China competition as a "generation-defining struggle" that will have global ramifications.

He believes the two "can and should coexist" and that decoupling from China is not realistic. But he also thinks the U.S. should also be preparing for a potential war.

Unlike primary opponents who favor tariffs to protect U.S. companies and even trade imbalances, Hurd aspires to produce more and better products at home.

"Instead of pursuing a 19th century tit-for-tat tariff war, which is a self-imposed sales tax on American consumers, we should be collaborating with our allies to out-innovate China," he wrote in a 2019 op-ed.

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Students began returning to classrooms in some parts of the Valley in mid-July, and all Maricopa County school districts will have started the 2023-24 school year by mid-August.

That means families across the Valley are wrapping up back-to-school errands.

The Arizona Republic has compiled a list of organizations giving away school supplies to families in need and accepting school supply donations.

Back To School Resource Fair

WHAT: The Back to School Resource Fair, sponsored by Father Matters, will provide free backpacks and school supplies. The fair will also offer gently used household items, clothing and food.

WHEN: Saturday, July 29, 10 a.m. to noon.

WHERE: Brooks Community School campus cafeteria, 3146 E. Wier Ave., Phoenix.

MORE INFORMATION: https://fathermatters.org/event/back-to-school-resource-fair/.

Phoenix Backpack Giveaway

WHAT: K-12 students can receive one of 750 free backpacks with school supplies until materials last at an event hosted by the law firm Lerner & Rowe. Families will get the supplies via drive-thru, and students are required to be there to receive a backpack.

WHEN: Saturday, July 29, starting at noon.

WHERE: 2475 S. 59th Ave., Phoenix.

MORE INFORMATION: https://lernerandrowe.com/free-backpacks/.

School Rocks Backpack Giveaway

WHAT: Families across the Valley can get backpacks filled with school supplies from their nearest TCC wireless store. Students must be present to receive a backpack.

WHEN: Sunday, July 30, 1 p.m. until supplies last.

WHERE: A list of TCC locations in Arizona is available at https://locations.tccrocks.com/az.html.

Looking for a place to donate school supplies?

Whether you have gently used school supplies or want to donate cash, here are organizations accepting donations to help teachers and students.

Arizona Helping Hands, a nonprofit serving children in foster care, is accepting money toward their back-to-school drive. Donations will provide foster children in the state with a backpack filled with supplies.

For more information, visit https://azhelpinghands.org/back2school-drive/ or call 480-889-0604.

Phoenix Family, a nonprofit centered around the needs of low-income families, youth and seniors, is accepting donations for their back-to-school drive until Aug. 8. Donations can be made by buying supplies off the organizations Amazon, Walmart or Target wishlists or making a monetary donation.

For more information, visit https://www.phoenixfamily.org/backpacks/. Phoenix Family also created a School Supply Drive Toolkit to help other groups that want to collect school supplies. Check it out at https://www.phoenixfamily.org/documents/backtoschool/OperationBackpackDriveToolkit.pdf or call 816-561-1033.

Back to school: More Phoenix-area schools are starting early this year. Here's why

Treasures 4 Teachers began as a supply drive run from a local preschool directors garage. More than a decade later, the Tempe-based organization provides a school supply store to help teachers get free or low-cost supplies. The organization accepts new or gently used supplies in Tempe and west Phoenix. For more information on where and when to donate, visit https://www.treasures4teachers.org/ or call 480-751-1122.

St. Vincent de Paul accepts one-time or monthly donations toward the Dream Center, the organizations program for children from low-income families. More information is available at https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/give/campaigns/back-school-drive or call 602-266-4673.

Do you know of a back-to-school assistance program that should be added to this list? Email the reporter at helen.rummel@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Where to get free back-to-school supplies and donate to help students
Rep. Kevin West listens to a witness with Reps. David Hardin, left, and Justin Humphrey, in the background. An Oklahoma House committee holds a hearing later this month about a former Oklahoma Department of Corrections employee who raised concerns about how the agency handled allegations that guards illegally had sex with inmates.

Accusations of a cover-up emerged during a hearing at the state Capitol on Monday as former employees with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections raised alarms about how the agency was handling complaints of prison guards having sex with inmates.

The Oklahoma House's Committee for Criminal Justice and Corrections explored numerous claims from Whitney Louis, a psychologist with 17 years of multi-state experience for correctional facilities. She argued Oklahoma's prison system was not properly investigating rape allegations involving guards at Eddie Warrior Correctional Center, a women's prison in Taft.

Several other witnesses were called in an attempt to provide further evidence of similar complaints during the hearing, which grew increasingly heated as corrections officials either disputed several of the claims or declined to speak about certain allegations due to ongoing lawsuits. But Rep. Justin Humphrey, the committee's chair, said the evidence presented during the hearing was too steep to ignore.

"I do have a basis for what I'm saying, I'm not just making these things up, and it's not just the doctor saying it," Humphrey told the corrections officials.

"I've got inmates coming out and saying it, I've got former employees coming out and saying it, (and) I have employees who say they're scared to come forward saying it, so it's multiple, multiple people. It's not one," Humphrey said. "And that's the point: Where should we take responsibility and say, 'OK, I'm going to listen to this and I'm going to look into it and, again, to have it where we get down to the bottom of it?'"

More: Oklahoma House committee to hold hearing on rape allegations at state prisons

Whistleblower alleges retaliation for reporting sexual harassment, rape of inmates

Whitney Louis testifies before the committee. An Oklahoma House committee holds a hearing later this month about a former Oklahoma Department of Corrections employee who raised concerns about how the agency handled allegations that guards illegally had sex with inmates.

Louis sought whistleblower status when she complained that the Corrections Department did not properly investigate rape allegations, but she was eventually fired.

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She told the committee Monday she was sexually assaulted by a lieutenant in 2022 at Eddie Warrior Correctional Center and claimed the prisons warden once arrived at work drunk. She also accused the department of trying to intimidate her when they looked into her claims.

I have to tell them I stood up for something I believe in, and this is what happened, Louis said about her response to her children when they asked why she isnt going to work anymore. Im in this situation because I told the truth.

Basically, you have been failed by the entire system, Humphrey told Louis.

Louis' attorney, Matthew Frisby, said "there was no reasonable basis" for Louis' termination, and that a court had found the department "had not followed the proper steps" in the case of her termination.

"I was actually told that she would never work for DOC again," Frisby said. "But they didn't follow the rules. The facts, the basis for her termination, it was just not there."

"The only thing that I can point to her for her termination is that she was a squeaky wheel, and she reported things that DOC didn't want to be reported, because the facts aren't there," Frisby also told Humphrey. "She's not a bad employee, she doesn't have a horrible history, so I think, yes, that bottom line, her activities of reporting rapes that weren't being reported ... I think that ultimately cost her job."

More: Whistleblower alleges overcharges, excessive fees in Oklahoma tourism deal

Department of Corrections disputes allegations, says employees are disgruntled

Department Director Steven Harpe told the committee he could not divulge information openly regarding several of the allegations because of the ongoing nature of the litigation, but also said the agency is actively working to deal with various issues. A previous statement from the Corrections Department had called Humphrey's comments earlier this month "hyperbole" and described Louis as "disgruntled."

"There's nothing in it for us not to get to the bottom of these things," Harpe said. "I just want to make sure that, as we're going forward, if there's new information that's actually evidence instead of hearsay (...) it should be looked into, 100%."

Harpe also said he would prefer the Oklahoma attorney general's office investigate the allegations further, allowing for an independent review to chart out a path for the department to follow.

More: Statewide lockdown issued at Oklahoma correctional facilities after Hominy incident

Whitney Louis testifies before the committee during an afternoon session. An Oklahoma House committee holds a hearing later this month about a former Oklahoma Department of Corrections employee who raised concerns about how the agency handled allegations that guards illegally had sex with inmates.

Attorney general's office claims previous administration did not investigate, but also claims whistleblower cannot be primary witness

Jim Harmon, chief of the attorney general's criminal division, told the committee Louis' complaint was submitted during the previous administration, under John O'Connor. When asked if the previous administration investigated Louis' complaint, Harmon said no action had been taken.

"I know they reviewed it, (but) I don't think they took any action," Harmon said. "I know there was some, from what I've been told, indecision about what could be done" statutorily.

After Gentner Drummond assumed office, Harmon said the AG began trying to determine if the allegations had been investigated. However, Harmon told the committee the AG's office did not conduct an independent investigation into specifics of the complaint, but rather attempted to confirm if the Corrections Department had investigated the complaint and did not speak to individual witnesses.

Louis said she never spoke with the AG's office, which Harmon confirmed. He claimed that she could not count as the primary witness "because she was getting this information from second- or third-hand."

More: Women's correctional facility in OKC to close; inmates moving to Eddie Warrior in Taft

When questioned further, Harmon said it would likely be up to legislators to shape public policy that could better address issues with the prison system and its culture.

"You can fix competency, to an extent, if youre not doing everything you should be, because maybe you dont know how to do it correctly," Harmon said. "I dont know if you can fix corruption. If you dont want to do it, theyre not going to do it, and if thats the system that we have, then yes, I would totally be in support of (changes). But I need to put a big asterisk on it that I have not seen anything that would indicate that to me at this point."

Rep. Justin Humphrey talks Monday about what is on a report. An Oklahoma House committee holds a hearing later this month about a former Oklahoma Department of Corrections employee who raised concerns about how the agency handled allegations that guards illegally had sex with inmates.

Committee argues evidence is substantial to warrant further investigation, potential legislative solutions

Monday evening, the Corrections Department provided a statement to The Oklahoman, commending the work of Drummond's office and reiterating intentions to continue collaborating as partners.

"We are comfortable with the Attorney Generals review and assessment of our investigative process and results surrounding (Prison Rape Elimination Act) claims," the statement read. "Any new information involving PREA allegations can be sent to our Inspector General or the AGs office. ODOC believes in the justice system and respects the Courts, which is the appropriate forum for review of personnel matters."

To Humphrey and other House committee members, many of whom have past career experience in law enforcement, the claims and complaints heard Monday constituted a call for reforms.

"We have a whistleblower process that is obviously broken," Humphrey said, adding that he hopes to introduce updated legislation on clarifying and strengthening protections for whistleblowers from retaliation.

'Break the cycle': New degree plan offered by Oklahoma Christian to incarcerated women

Rep. Danny Williams repeatedly asked witnesses for their perspectives on what could be done to better improve conditions at state prisons for both employees and inmates, often bringing up better pay and more disciplinary oversight.

Williams also mentioned that inmates at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center, another women's prison in McLoud, are among the people in the district he represents. A 2012 Bureau of Justice Statistics report found that the rate of sexual violence at Mabel Bassett was the highest in the nation for female institutions.

"I'm very passionate about quality of life for the inmates," Williams told the hearing's attendees. "I want us to come up with some things that make it better in Oklahoma for our people, and I want to thank you for bringing it to light."

Contributing: The Oklahoman's Ben Felder

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OK House committee hearing begins on rape allegations at state prisons
The Bidens' German shepherd Commander, seen here when he arrived at the White House in 2021, is undergoing new training after several biting incidents, US media reported (Handout)

Problem pets are hounding US President Joe Biden again, after his dog Commander was involved in several biting incidents, including at the White House -- the second time a Biden family pooch has been accused of nipping staff.

Commander, a German Shepherd who first arrived at the bustling White House as a puppy in 2021, will have to undergo a fresh round of training in the wake of at least 10 incidents, including one that sent a victim to the hospital, US media reported.

In one incident, First Lady Jill Biden "couldn't regain control" of the young dog as he charged a Secret Service staff member, CNN reported, citing Secret Service emails obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests by conservative group Judicial Watch.

"I believe it's only a matter of time before an agent/officer is attacked or bit," the staff member wrote in an email.

Jill Biden's communications director described the hectic White House to CNN as a "unique and often stressful environment for family pets," and said the Bidens were working with the Secret Service and building staff on new protocols and training.

"The First Family is working through ways to make the situation better for everyone," Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, mentioning plans for more training and "establishing designated areas for Commander to run and exercise."

The Bidens' other German Shepherd, Major, also had some trouble adapting to White House life.

In 2021, he was briefly sent back to the Biden family home in Delaware after at least one biting incident, and also underwent additional training. He was later sent to live with family friends.

Joe Biden attributed Major's unpresidential behavior to the way he gets surprised by Secret Service agents and others appearing around every corner in the busy White House complex.

The Bidens also have a cat -- a short-haired tabby named Willow.

But while White House cats have been known to gain political cachet -- the Clintons' cat, Socks, was photographed at the presidential desk in the Oval Office -- they are a much rarer species.

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Instead, the US presidential mansion has a long and storied history as a pro-dog house. More than 100 have roamed and sniffed its corridors.

In modern times, well-liked presidential pups have included George H.W. Bush's English springer spaniel Millie and Barack Obama's Portuguese water dogs Bo and Sunny.

After all, as former president Harry Truman once famously said, if you want a friend in Washington -- get a dog.

st/bfm/sms/mlm
The Biden administration on Tuesday announced new proposed rules to reinforce legislation requiring insurance companies to cover mental health benefits to the same degree as medical and surgical benefits, with an administration official citing the stark lack of access Americans have to mental health care.

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), passed in 2008, blocked large group health plans from enacting annual or lifetime dollar limits on mental health benefits.

Fifteen years later, the Biden administration lamented that access to mental health services still remains limited.

We know that treatment works and that is why access to mental health providers is crucial, crucial for the well-being of our families, White House domestic policy adviser Neera Tanden said in a briefing.

In 2020, less than half of Americans with mental health needs receive the mental health care they needed most, Tanden said. And too many Americans struggle to get that care covered. Its not supposed to be this way.

Under the proposed rules, health plans would be required to make changes if they are found to be providing inadequate access to mental health services. Inadequacies would be determined through analyses that look to see if companies are failing to meet legal requirements.

Insurance companies, however, have previously not been found to conduct these analyses as thoroughly as the federal government might hope.

The Departments of Labor, Treasury and Health and Human Services reported to Congress in 2022 that 40 percent of insurance companies requested extensions of time when asked to provide comparative analyses on the limits they place on mental health benefits, like preauthorization requirements.

Given this high percentage, [Employee Benefits Security Administration] concludes that many plans and issuers were deficient in their statutory obligation to perform and document the necessary analyses, the report from last year stated.

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Violations of the MHPAEA include insurance companies not providing out-of-network providers or inpatient benefits to treat mental health or substance abuse even though those benefits are offered for medical and surgical services.

A company is also in violation if it charges a higher premium for mental health services, imposes broad preauthorization requirements or fails to disclose the criteria for why benefits were denied.

Course-corrective measures that companies would be expected to take if they are found to be inadequate include having them add more mental health professionals to their networks and reducing the amount of red tape to get care.

The proposed rules will also include specifications on what health plans can and cannot do, explicitly stating companies cannot use more restrictive prior authorization, other medical management techniques, or narrower networks to limit mental healthcare access.

The final change that the Biden administration is proposing would close the loophole under the original enactment of the MHPAEA which did not require the health plans of state and local government employees to comply with the federal law.

By codifying changes to the MHPAEA that were passed by Congress, the White House estimated 200 more health plans and 90,000 consumers would be affected.

Once the proposed rules are published in the Federal Register, there will be a 60-day comment period for the public.

When asked how the White House plans to enforce these new rules, given that prior legislation has routinely been ignored, senior administration officials said they planned to report to Congress on non-compliance as well as raise public education among consumers on how their health plans are legally obligated to cover mental health care.

The officials did not disclose any plans for penalties on health insurance companies that do not comply. Without disclosing a strict timeline, an administration official said the rules would be finalized in the near future.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Putin's warning to Poland, advice from former Google recruiters to job-seekers, and the antitrust chief's denial that he was selecting winners and losers after failing to stop Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard were all at the top of the news the previous week.

Read the breakdowns here!

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has warned Poland, saying that Moscow would see any action directed towards Belarus as an attack on Russia.

The threat comes after the Russian leader accused NATO of territorial intentions in the former Soviet Union. On Friday, July 21, Putin warned that Moscow would respond to any action against its ally, Belarus, which he called a loose "Union State" with Russia, with all available means.

In reaction to Putin's charges, Warsaw authorities dismissed any form of territorial aspirations in Belarus. The Russian president also reminded the Poles that the western portion of Poland was a gift from Soviet leader Joseph Stalin to his country.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecky responded, saying Stalin was a war criminal who killed hundreds of thousands of Poles. He said history is undisputed.

Continuum CEO Nolan Church identified the most prevalent resume error that might prohibit candidates from gaining their ideal job at Google.

Church, a former Google recruiter from 2012 to 2015, told CNBC that brick texts, an endless stream of text with plenty of words but no context, are his worst resume pet peeve. "There's zero chance you're going to move forward," he said.

The Forbes 2014 study estimates that Google receives two million job applications annually; this means that prospective employees need to stand out from the crowd right from the start.

Church noted that the capacity to be concise in selling oneself is a critical talent that might imply the difference between success and failure in one's professional life. He also suggested that job-seekers utilize editing tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly to improve their applications.

See Also: Google's News-Writing AI Tool Is Under Development; How Will This Affect Journalism?

New, more stringent suggested rules for how the Biden administration would control monopolistic power were released last Monday, July 17. Now, the authorities in the field are responding to claims that the document is a political ploy to scare firms away from lawful mergers and acquisitions.

New regulations were issued after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) was unsuccessful in its attempt to block Microsoft's purchase of Activision Blizzard, maker of the Call of Duty video game franchise. The watchdog agency has subsequently filed an appeal against the proposed merger.

Department of Justice (DOJ) antitrust chief and Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter stated that the government was "not picking winners and losers" in its approach to the Microsoft vs. FTC case.

"We've gone through painstaking detail to make sure this is not an ideological document ... to make sure this is a legally rigorous document," he said.

See Also: Activision Blizzard's Stock Market Value Soars After Court Ruling Favors Purchase of Game Firm

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
An Ada County Jury has decided how Ammon Bundy, Diego Rodriguez and associated companies should be held accountable.

On Monday evening, the jury returned a judgment of over $52 million in combined compensatory and punitive damages in the defamation suit launched by St. Lukes Health System.

This decision is a just one.

Bundy and Rodriguez accused St. Lukes of child trafficking, a detestable lie in response to doctors efforts to save a malnourished child. They brought armed protesters to the hospital, necessitating a lockdown and putting patients at further risk of harm.

Those are serious damages to St. Lukes, and it is due compensation.

But more importantly, this judgment could do what federal law enforcement has failed to: Put an end to Bundys string of lawless acts, his repeated acts using force to get his way.

He took up arms against the government when his father refused to pay the grazing fees he owed. He took up arms again because he was upset with the sentences received by two Oregon ranchers who set fires on federal lands. Federal prosecutors mishandled both cases, and Idaho was left to deal with the consequences.

During the pandemic, he forced public meetings to shut down and was at the head of a mob that broke a door at the state Capitol.

All of these acts undermined the rule of law, and they encouraged others to follow his lead. Others on the far-right rallied behind him, with the Idaho Freedom Foundations campaign arm choosing to endorse Bundys gubernatorial campaign.

Bundy will find it much harder to organize such actions as he deals with his almost certain bankruptcy.

The most difficult road may lie ahead: enforcing these penalties on Bundy, Rodriguez and their allies. Bundy, in particular, has already successfully defied an arrest warrant for months by holing up with followers at his home in Emmett. Police have been right to wait that situation out  learning the lessons of Waco, Ruby Ridge and other standoffs  but eventually, the law will have to be enforced.

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Bundy doesnt get to threaten his way out of it, as he has so often done in the past.

The rule of law means you face the consequences of your actions, no matter who you are.

Statesman editorials are the unsigned opinion of the Idaho Statesmans editorial board. Board members are opinion editor Scott McIntosh, opinion writer Bryan Clark, editor Chadd Cripe, newsroom editors Dana Oland and Jim Keyser and community member Mary Rohlfing.
"Barbie" has dominated social media since its wide release on Friday, but one moment in particular has become a rallying call for the women who've seen the film.

The text of a speech given by America Ferrera's character, Gloria, about the expectations women are held to has been shared across social media by women of all ages, many of them saying they feel the monologue outlines the challenges women face under the patriarchy.

Reading America Ferreras monologue in #Barbie before I go to bed every night like its my Bible pic.twitter.com/EHeiTUq7ib  Zoe Rose Bryant (@ZoeRoseBryant) July 24, 2023

The speech has especially resonated with Latina women, who appreciate that Ferrera was the messenger of this resonant movie moment.

In "Barbie," after the titular Barbie, played by Margot Robbie, returns to Barbieland with Gloria and her daughter Sasha, played by Ariana Greenblatt, she's devastated to find the Kens have taken over and brainwashed the rest of the Barbies.

Barbie sobs, telling Gloria that she feels she'll never be good enough, which is when Gloria launches into a monologue about the contradictions of womanhood.

"It is literally impossible to be a woman. You are so beautiful, and so smart, and it kills me that you dont think youre good enough," Gloria tells Barbie. "Like, we have to always be extraordinary, but somehow were always doing it wrong."

She then goes on to talk about how women are expected to "be thin, but not too thin," and to "have money, but you cant ask for money because thats crass," and to be "a boss, but you cant be mean."

Gloria runs through the series of contradictions and expectations, finally concluding that she is tired of watching herself "and every single other woman tie herself into knots so that people will like us."

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"And if all of that is also true for a doll just representing women, then I dont even know," she finishes.

The scene felt like a truth Ferrera had always known, she told The Los Angeles Times.

"Theres no woman in my life who those words arent true for," Ferrera told the Times. "Not a single one. And when we hear the truth, it hits in a certain way, and you cant unhear it, right?"

Director Greta Gerwig said Ferrera was the right person to deliver the remarks in the film because, "America's us."

America has lived in the world as a person and can kind of articulate all this. Barbie just got flat feet yesterday, Gerwig explained to the Times.

Still, Ferrera said she felt her role in the film was a "miracle."

"That kind of thing doesnt often happen for Latinas in this industry. There are so few roles created for us, and its not in $100 million movies that are about cultural icons," she said.

Ferrera told Vanity Fair the scene took two days and between 30 to 50 takes to film.

On social media, the moment has become a touchstone for women who feel that the speech perfectly articulates silent expectations they have been forced to contend with.

"This is what the inside of my brain sounds like EVERY DAY. The movie depicts womanhood like nothing Ive seen before," one person tweeted.

Another person posted, "this monologue could have either made or broken the film im so serious..i am so glad it was perfect. i was sobbing."

One person wrote the speech needed to "to be printed off, read daily and taught in school."

While many said the speech was an important, powerful moment, others called it "corny" and claimed it amounted to "feminism 101."

"im going to say something controversial, but people who are amazed by this monologue are people who have never thought critically about feminism or being a woman before," one person tweeted.

Still, many who saw the film said the monologue will resonate with them long after "Barbie" leaves theaters.

"I started sobbing when I realized how big of a role America Ferrera had in the Barbie movie. I loved my Barbies growing up and I would routinely ask my dad how I could get lighter skin to look like my Barbies. AND NOW A LATINA IS HOLDING IT DOWN FOR THE BARBIE MOVIE," one person tweeted. "Im so happy for those little girls who hopefully wont ask for lighter skin because they saw America taking up space."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
No emergency intubation equipment, no proof of proper cleaning, incomplete patient records and other issues got a Pembroke Pines ob/gyns office surgery registration suspended for a month.

The 30-day suspension of Dr. Kompal Gadhs offices surgical license ended Monday.

As the designated physician in charge of ensuring compliance at the center that carried her name, Gadh was fined $5,000 by the state Board of Medicine for the violations at 601 N. Flamingo Rd., Suite 307. She also has to complete a five-hour continuing medical education course in laws, rules and ethics and another in risk management.

According to her Florida Department of Healths license entry, this is Gadhs first disciplinary case since becoming licensed in Florida on Feb. 15, 2005.

The Board of Medicines final order in Gadhs discipline as designated physician said she was present, represented by attorney Brian Engel and the facts are not in dispute from the Florida Department of Health administrative complaint.

That complaint says a July 13, 2021 inspection revealed several shortcomings at Kompal Gadh MD, LLC.

 No documentation of monthly cleaning of autoclaves and no spore testing results for dates between April 21 through May 20, 2021 and June 3 through June 24, 2021.

Autoclaves provide a physical method for disinfection and sterilization, Princeton University Environmental Health and Safety says. They work with a combination of steam, pressure and time. Autoclaves operate at high temperature and pressure in order to kill microorganisms and spores. They are used to decontaminate certain biological waste and sterilize media, instruments and lab ware.

 Some surgical logs didnt say who provided anesthesia and/or how long the surgery lasted.

 Some patient records didnt have the pre-op evaluation done right before surgery.

 There wasnt a positive pressure ventilation device plus oxygen supply to help with breathing should a patient become critically ill.

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 There wasnt an end tidal CO2 detection device, which provides instantaneous information about ventilation (how effectively CO2 gas is being exhaled/eliminated by the respiratory system), perfusion (how effectively CO2 is being transported through the vascular system to the lungs), and metabolism, according to a presentation for Mount Sinai Beth Israel nurses prepared by Dr. Pierre Kory and registered nurse Laura OBrien.

 There werent monitors watching for blood pressure, EKG or oxygen saturation.

 There wasnt emergency intubation equipment.

 There were no defibrillators with pads or gel or an automated external defibrillator unit.

 There was insufficient back up power in case of an outage during a procedure..

 There was insufficient IV solution and IV equipment..
Workers take a break from deploying large buoys to be used as a border barrier along the banks of the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass, Texas, Wednesday, July 12, 2023. The floating barrier is being deployed in an effort to block migrants from entering Texas from Mexico. | Eric Gay, Associated Press

The Justice Department is suing Texas over floating barriers in the Rio Grande, barriers that were being used as a means to deter immigrants from attempting to cross the border from Mexico.

According to The Associated Press, Gov. Greg Abbott approved the installment this month, and President Joe Bidens administration sent a letter stating the barrier near the border town Eagle Pass was unlawful.

The floating barrier poses a risk to navigation, as well as public safety, in the Rio Grande River, and it presents humanitarian concerns, the letter states, as well as the intent to sue Texas if the barriers are not removed, per AP.

The lawsuit also alleges that the barriers violated the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act by building a structure in U.S. water without permission from United States Army Corps of Engineers, CNN reported.

How did Gov. Abbott respond about the floating barriers?

On Monday, Abbott said he would not be ordering the removal of the barriers, ignoring the Justice Department request.

Texas will fully utilize its constitutional authority to deal with the crisis you have caused, Abbott wrote in a letter to Biden, per CNN. He added, Texas will see you in court, Mr. President.

Abbott claimed that the barrier stopped tens of thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands, of people attempting to cross the U.S. and Mexico border, according to Politico.

The lawsuit is focused on the floating barrier, but according to Politico, one Justice Department spokesperson said officials would also be investigating claims that Texas state troopers were ordered to push migrants back into the water.
The 360 shows you diverse perspectives on the days top stories and debates.

Ron DeSantis. (Photo illustration: Jack Forbes/Yahoo News; photos: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images, Getty Images)

Whats happening

Just two months into his fledgling  and floundering  presidential campaign, Ron DeSantis has already been forced to reboot.

Once heralded as the GOPs likeliest Donald Trump slayer, DeSantis vaulted to a 5-point lead over the former president among potential primary voters after coasting to reelection as Florida's governor last November. The fact that DeSantis triumphed on a night when the rest of the party faltered  Trumps handpicked MAGA candidates most of all  only burnished his next-big-thing brand.

But sadly for DeSantis, it has been all downhill from there. In April, the polls showed rank-and-file Republicans rallying around Trump after his first indictment of the year (for his alleged role in paying hush money to a porn star). In May, DeSantiss official campaign launch  an awkward, glitchy Twitter Spaces event with Elon Musk  fell flat. Since then, surveys have consistently shown Trump averaging more than 50% of the primary vote. DeSantis now trails him by more than 30 points.

In recent days, the governors problems have seemed to pile up at an even faster pace. Campaign finance reports showed lavish spending on luxury hotels and private jets and zero spending on television ads. Dozens of staffers have been fired. A bizarre DeSantis video slamming Trump as too friendly to LGBTQ people triggered widespread backlash. Reports surfaced that billionaire Fox News baron Rupert Murdoch had soured on his early favorite. Donors began to balk.

In response, advisers vowed over the weekend (via a splashy New York Times story) to reset the DeSantis candidacy as an insurgent run: a leaner-meaner operation that will burn less cash, engage more with the press and burrow deeper into Iowa, the first caucus state.

But DeSantiss latest do-over raises some make-or-break questions: Why, exactly, has the Floridian been such a bust? And can he actually turn things around in time to dethrone The Donald  or is it too late?

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Why theres debate

Despite Trumps incumbent-like status, a significant  and potentially growing  group of Republicans would rather not renominate him in 2024. In fact, the latest Yahoo News/YouGov poll found that less than half of potential GOP primary voters now prefer Trump (49%) over a hypothetical someone else (43%).

The problem is: Whos that someone else? For now, DeSantis looks like the only viable Trump alternative. According to the poll aggregators at FiveThirtyEight, the governor is averaging about 18.6% nationally; the next-closest candidates are entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy (6.8%) and former Vice President Mike Pence (6.3%), neither of whom, for different reasons, seems poised to win over a plurality of primary voters. No other candidate clears 4%.

So for Republicans who favor someone other than Trump (i.e., 43% of the party), figuring out why DeSantis has flopped is the first step in determining how he can stop flopping in the future  or how a different someone else can avoid making his mistakes.

Whats next

Theres not much on the horizon that could radically alter the dynamic of the race  at least not until the first GOP debate in Milwaukee on Aug. 23. Even then, Trump might not show up.

Which further signals that the biggest factor shaping DeSantiss fate is Trump himself. Another federal indictment against the former president (in the Jan. 6 case) is likely to land any day now. Criminal charges in Georgias 2020 election probe could follow. DeSantis clearly hopes to capitalize on any collapse in the Trumps support. But theres no guarantee any such collapse will come  or that Republicans would unite around the governor if it does.

Perspectives

DeSantiss problem is  DeSantis

Stories about DeSantiss lack of charisma and general off-puttingness abound, reinforcing the idea that hes cold and awkward. He has entered what can only be called the Ted Cruz zone: a self-perpetuating narrative in which tales of a candidates aloofness (to put it mildly) are constantly being pushed to the fore. For most of the last three years, Ron DeSantiss story was about him being the future of the Republican Party. Now, he already looks like a loser.  Alex Shephard, New Republic

He is emphasizing his extremism when he should be emphasizing his electability

Both money and media hype are, of course, important for a successful campaign, so its not totally crazy that DeSantis is courting people who wish Trump were more extreme. But because thats the only group hes courting, DeSantis is  despite the money and the hype  flaming out with voters who think its good that Trump maintains tactical flexibility in pursuit of the larger cause of beating the Democrats.  Locked in a cage with Trump, hit him from the right is the only move that occurs to DeSantis. This hasnt worked, and its also gotten him very far away from the initial source of his appeal, which was the notion that hed be more electable than Trump.  Matthew Yglesias, Slow Boring

Actually, DeSantis still has a plausible  if unlikely  path to the nomination

Weve seen repeatedly how Trumps supporters always seem to want to return to him, and how Trumps skeptics always seem incapable of uniting effectively. We havent seen enough potency from DeSantis-the-candidate to expect him to make those patterns break. But sitting at 20% for a long time and then riding an early primary victory to consolidation is an imaginable scenario, at least, and one that tracks with recent examples of campaigns that first disappointed and ultimately surged. Whereas all the other scenarios for beating Trump, whether involving current contenders or some late-entering white knight, seem like wishcasting from Republicans who dont want to settle for DeSantis.  Ross Douthat, New York Times

And it runs straight through Iowa

One [asset is] a heavy investment in the sort of grassroots infrastructure that could pay off on Caucus Night  Another is his not-so-secret backing from popular Iowa GOP governor Kim Reynolds.  Still another is his apparent success in appealing to the leadership of Iowas pivotal conservative evangelical community. Its no accident that Trump has recently disrespected Reynolds as well as veteran Christian Right figure and alleged Iowa kingmaker Bob Vander Plaats, who seems inordinately fond of DeSantis. And its no surprise that DeSantis has gone after Trump from the right on cultural issues like abortion and gender identity that concern conservative evangelicals in particular.  Ed Kilgore, New York magazine

Either way, nothing is going to change until DeSantis can confront Trump directly

DeSantis is going to fight Trump for the nomination at some point. [But he will have to wait] until the two of them are on a stage together. Why? Because DeSantis is smart.  The trick is that this fight has to happen inside the Republican tent. If DeSantis does what Chris Christie does  goes on Sunday-morning talk shows and bashes Trump  hell look like hes amplifying liberal criticisms of Trump, which most partisans dont distinguish from criticisms of themselves.  Nothing is going to matter until DeSantis can speak directly to Trumps face and own the consequences of it. Until then, enjoy your summer.  Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review
Trader watching stocks crash on screen

Credit - Caroline PurserGetty Images

Youre not the only one who wakes up feeling stressed at 2 A.M. In the middle of the night, even on Christmas, Google searches for the term anxiety spike. Moments later, searches for Bars Open Near Me, How To Meditate and How To Roll A Joint, surge. Impulsively, we look for ways to calm our fraying nerves. Interestingly too, searches for Am I fat? Am I ugly, and Am I stupid? also rise. Our self-critical, mean voice naturally comes out to play when we feel stressed.

While the reflexive nature of our feelings of confidence, our actions, and our stories appears straightforward and logical when captured in small, isolated moments like this, we routinely overlook that this three-dimensional dynamic occurs consistently throughout our lives, individually and especially in groups.

Nowhere is the ever-changing equilibrium between our fluctuating mood, actions, and stories more transparent than in the financial markets. What we buy and sell every day has everything to do with how we feel and the stories we tell. Stock prices are a real-time barometer of investor sentiment.

Behind every investment decision we make is a storynot just about a business or an industry but about the future. We wont willingly buy shares in a company if we imagine trouble ahead. And by imagine, I mean it in its most creative sense of the word. While our decisions may be grounded in projections and forecasts of revenues, earnings, and other objective financial measures, any time we talk about the future, we must imagine it. We must come up with a story that captures what we believe to be ahead.

And here is what may surprise you: If you track the stories investors and the financial media share, youll see that they are far better reflections of how we feel now than they are accurate predictions of the future. They explain what we think will happen, not necessarily what will happen. As the financial markets show over and over, often those two can be very different.

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Take the COVID-19 pandemic. Three years ago, you could watch our imagination crumble as our confidence fell. As the outbreak unfolded, the stories we told ourselves and others about what was ahead became bleaker and bleaker. In fact, search volume for the term coronavirus was all but mirrored by a comparable decline in stock prices. As investors panicked, and felt more and more vulnerable, they swapped the unpredictability of stocks for the certainty of cash. And at the late-March 2020 lows in confidence, everyone believed things could only get worse and was acting on those feelings and storiesincluding business leaders and policymakers. There was a clear equilibrium between our shared feelings of powerlessness and uncertainty, market narratives and our actions. With that, market prices precisely mirrored how bad we felt. The stock price of travel related companies like Carnival Cruise Line and American Airlines, for example, collapsed while shares of pizza delivery company Dominoes soared on the expectation that we would be forced to stay home indefinitely.

At the other end of the sentiment spectrum, in early 2021, we saw the reverse. With a mass vaccination effort underway and consumers flush with cash from Washington D.C., there was renewed excitement about innovation and the economic growth it would bring. Not a year from the pandemic outbreak, investors stampeded into cryptocurrencies, SPACs, meme stocks, and other highly speculative, abstract investments certain that their future would be blisteringly bright. As you would expect, the prices of these instruments, too, mirrored the extreme confidence investors had in that imagined future. Shares of EV maker Telsa were up ten-fold from their pandemic lows while shares of hydrogen fuel cell company Plug Power were up twenty-fold.

More recently, weve seen a similar surge in AI-related stocks, as investors extreme belief in those companies bright futures has led to a flood of cash into the shares of the likes of Nvidia, Microsoft, Google, and Apple, as well as a swirl of small start-ups. Once again, feelings of invulnerabilityand the intense certainty that investors have that these companies will not only transform the future but be the greatest beneficiaries of that changehave been mirrored by riveting stories and high stock prices.

Most investors make their worst decisions when market prices are at their extreme and the accompanying market narratives mirror investors either dour or ebullient mood.

At lows, the stories we tell ourselvesand that are often being repeated by the financial media more broadly often in Markets in Turmoil specialscaution that things will only get worse. We extrapolate the intense uncertainty we feel far into the future and race to sell. With that, we demand what we feel is most concrete: cash. Conversely, at peaks, we do the reverse. Feeling invincible, we see an unstoppable bright future ahead and dive in. We crave abstract possibility. We dont want to miss out on whats coming. Moreover, as confidence rises, we naturally scrutinize our decisions less. As a result, we take our greatest risks while paying the least amount of attention. And it isnt just us. The same is true for the companies we invest in. At peaks in confidence, they, too, wildly invest in the most abstract opportunities. The result is an echo chamber in which invulnerability paired with seductively optimistic stories draws everyone in.

Read More: Why the World Is on the Brink of Great Disorder

You would think we would learn, but at extremes in sentiment it is hard for us to avoid the simple, loud, powerful narratives that are widely shared. We have to sell at the bottom. To do otherwise would go against everything we feel and hear. Meanwhile at the top, as we watch others celebrate the money theyve made, while we sit cautiously on the sidelines, we feel weak and ashamed. In the middle of the night, we stare at the ceiling wondering whether we are the one who is stupid.

We can improve our investment decision-making by paying closer attention to market sentiment, investor narratives, and what the crowd is rushing in and out of. They offer important clues about what is likely to be ahead. Moreover, if we know one element, we can deduce the other two. While the specific nature of what we buy changes, the three elementsand their equilibriumis all but certain to remain consistent.

At their core, market cycles are nothing more than a trolley car ride from feelings of defeat to invincibility, from stories of hopelessness and great peril ahead to extraordinary possibility and a blisteringly bright future, and from a panicked rush into cold, hard cash to a race into wild, abstract dreams. And back.

In either direction, when the car gets loud and crowded, its best to prepare for a sudden reversal.

This article has been adapted from The Confidence Map: Charting a Path from Chaos to Clarity by Peter W. Atwater. Copyright  2023. Available from Portfolio, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.
Thousands of Wagner mercenaries have arrived in Belarus since the groups failed mutiny against Moscow led by its founder Yevgeny Prigozhin  leading to Nato member Poland reinforcing its eastern border against the potential threat they pose.

Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko welcomed Wagner forces into the country after brokering a deal between the Kremlin and Mr Prigozhin, which stopped the mercenaries march on Moscow about 125 miles from the capital. He and Russian president Vladimir Putin have spoken about the mercenaries on a number of occasions, including during two days of talks over the weekend and into Monday, the Kremlin said on Tuesday. Mr Putin has said that any aggression towards Belarus  by Poland or any nation  would be seen as an attack on Russia.

Mr Prigozhin called the Wagner mutiny a march of justice intended to oust the top military leaders. The mercenaries faced little resistance and downed at least six military helicopters and a command-post aircraft, killing a number of Russian troops.

The revolt posed the most serious threat to President Putin during his 23-year rule, eroding his authority and exposing the cracks in the military in regard to the Kremlins handling of its 16-month invasion of Ukraine.

Heres a look at where we are now.

How many Wagner fighters are in Belarus, and where are they?

Between 3,450 and 3,650 soldiers have travelled to a camp close to Asipovichy, a town about 140 miles (230km) north of the Ukrainian border, according to Belaruski Hajun, an activist group that tracks troop movements within the country.

Satellite images show that about 700 vehicles, along with construction equipment, have also arrived in Wagner convoys to Belarus, Belaruski Hajun said.

Mr Prigozhin also registered a real estate management company in Belarus last week under the name Concord Management and Consulting in Belarus. Documents analysed by independent Belarusian media outlets showed that the companys registered address is in the same village as the Wagner mercenary camp.

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Why is Poland so concerned?

The bigger issue for Poland is that the Belarusian Defence Ministry has made clear over the last week or so that the mercenaries are providing training for Belarusian soldiers, including at training grounds close to the Polish border.

Wagner fighters who have really been in the heat of combat are passing on valuable information and experience to our servicemen, the Belarusian Defense Ministry said in a statement. One of the ranges is in Brest, about three miles (5km) from Polands eastern border.

Warsaw said it was ready for various scenarios as the situation develops, having started moving around 1,000 of its own troops towards the border earlier this month.

According to claims made in a post by a senior Wagner commander, known by his nom de guerre Marx, which was republished by Wagners Telegram channel, up to 10,000 fighters have gone, or will go to Belarus  although the accuracy of that statement is difficult to verify.

Polands Defence Ministry said the countrys borders were secure. In response to Warsaw reinforcing its border, the Kremlin tried to paint it as an aggressive move  despite Moscows invasion of Ukraine being the ultimate genesis of it.

The Belarusian interior minister, Ivan Kubrakov, met Wagner commanders at a training centre to draw up a clear plan of action, a statement said.

In view of the difficult situation near the republics borders, it is especially important to be ready to respond to potential challenges and threats, Mr Kubrakov said.

He was quoted as hailing the mercenaries practical experience following their months-long experience of combat in eastern Ukraine, notably in bloody battles such as those that have taken place around the eastern city of Bakhmut.

Would Wagner troops try to invade Poland?

It would be foolish. With Poland being a Nato member, crossing the border could bring Article 5 of the alliances treaty into play. It states that an attack on one member state is considered an attack on all members. Given Mr Putins talk about military action against Belarus being on a par with attacking Russia, Wagner forces heading into Poland is the last thing either Mr Putin or Nato needs.

However, that has not stopped the Belarusian leader, Mr Lukashenko, from stirring the pot. In a meeting with the Russian president on Sunday, Mr Lukashenko said that Wagner troops were stressing [him] out by calling for an excursion into Poland. He said that his government in Minsk was controlling the situation by keeping the group in the centre of the country.

They are asking to go west ... to go on a trip to Warsaw ... Mr Lukashenko told Mr Putin. But of course, I am keeping them in central Belarus, like we agreed.

It suits both Mr Putin and Mr Lukashenko to have Europe worry about its borders. It allows both men to keep talking tough on the international stage  and play to voters at home.

The remarks have largely been dismissed by experts, with the American Institute for the Study of War  which monitors the fighting in Ukraine  saying that Wagner troops there could not threaten Ukraine and Poland.

There is no indication that Wagner fighters in Belarus have the heavy weaponry necessary to mount a serious offensive against Ukraine or Poland without significant rearmament, the think tank said in a statement.

The deputy head of Ukraines Main Intelligence Directorate, Vadym Skibitsky, also said that there was no direct threat from Russian mercenaries in Belarus, but that Kyiv would be keeping a close eye on the Wagner fighters.

Our assessment is very simple: today there is no direct threat [from Belarus], but we are ready. We are monitoring everything related to the so-called Wagner missile defence system, he told journalists, according to the directorates Telegram channel.
Things are happening at two neighboring restaurant buildings on Wichitas south side, and both of them offer fried chicken and fish.

One of those things is the temporary closure of Krispys Fried Chicken & Seafood, a restaurant at 3009 S. Hillside thats been a go-to for fried chicken fans since the summer of 2014. The owners of Krispys closed the restaurant on July 6, saying on social media that they planned to remodel and reopen on Aug. 10. A sign posted on the door also says the restaurant will reopen on Aug. 10, which is a little more than two weeks away.

The owners havent returned messages about their remodeling plans, and so far, there are no visible changes on the outside of the building.

Krispys on South Hillside is supposed to reopen in a couple of weeks. Denise Neil/The Wichita Eagle

Meanwhile, a new restaurant has taken over a spot next door that has seen a long list of eateries move in and out over the last few years. The Appetite 316 has been running a soft opening for several weeks, and its owner  a young chef who studied with Butler Community Colleges Culinary Arts program  is about ready for his big grand opening celebration.

Marcus Wooley said his restaurant at 2959 S. Hillside serves home-style food. The space has over the years been home to concepts like The Angry Elephant, Birrieria La Nieta De Villa, Azul 21 and Senor Burger.

Wooley said that hed been wanting to open his own restaurant for a while, but his health slowed him down.

It got pushed back because I didnt believe I was able to do it, he said. Now that I am able to do it, I got up and did it.

Wooley, who will celebrate the restaurants official opening on Friday, Aug. 4, said that the business has several unique features. One of them: It stays open until nearly 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. So far, Wooley said, hes been drawing people who are hungry after the bars close as well as second-shift aircraft and medical workers.

He said he hasnt completed the culinary arts program at Butler but has plans to go back. He discovered a love of food after being reluctantly put in a culinary class at Northwest High School. Once the class started, he was surprised to discover that he had a talent for food.

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I fell in love with it, he said. I like to make food that I feel like sticks to the bones and really feeds the heart.

His menu includes a variety of burgers  including a meatball burger made with Italian sausage  chicken and waffles, chicken strips, wings, fried catfish and fries.

Wooley will reveal his official logo and his full menu at the grand opening. The next day  Aug. 5  hell be a contestant in the ICT Burger Battle fundraiser.

The Appetite 316s hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 to 11:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. Fridays; 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. Saturdays; and 3 p.m. to midnight Sundays.
The dangers of wildfires in Greece are far from over and could disrupt travel for a while to come.

More than 20,000 people, many of them tourists, have been evacuated from Rhodes alone, and the U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Greece and Greek authorities warn the risk of wildfire remains "very high" for the rest of the country.

We are going through perhaps the toughest days of the summer with the temperatures showing a further increase, Hellenic Fire Service Fire Col. Ioannis Artopios said in a statement Tuesday. We all remain in a state of high alert.

Hopeful travelers may be considering adding travel insurance to upcoming trips to the islands, but it may be too late.

I wouldn't recommend buying a policy now, said Megan Moncrief, president of SquareMouth, a site where travelers can compare insurance policies for trips.

Heres why and what travelers visiting Greece should know:

A wildfire burns in Gennadi village, on the Aegean Sea island of Rhodes in southeastern Greece on Tuesday.

Which islands are on fire in Greece?

The wildfires are mainly in Rhodes and Corfu, but there are also fires in Evia and Achaia, according to the Hellenic Fire Service.

Can I still fly to Rhodes?

Rhodes International Airport remains fully operational.

Additionally, all airport staff and partners are making every effort to assist the thousands of tourists who wish to depart from the island, always in cooperation with the respective authorities, the airport said on its website.

The airport advises travelers first to reach out to their airlines and tour operators about any changes related to the fires.

Flames burn a forest in Vati village, on the Aegean Sea island of Rhodes, Greece, on Tuesday. A third successive heat wave in Greece pushed temperatures back above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) across parts of the country Tuesday following more nighttime evacuations from fires that have raged out of control for days.

Are wildfires covered by travel insurance?

Yes and no.

Insurance policies, typically, are to cover unforeseen events, said Meghan Walch, director of Product at travel insurance comparison site InsureMyTrip.

So travelers who purchased plans before the fires started may be covered, but thats not the case for new plans going forward.

That's because the fires are already a known event, Moncrief said. So the way that the insurance carrier looks at it is, its likely to impact your trip and you know about it  If there's anything relating to these fires, it won't be covered regardless of when you buy the policy (now).

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What cannot be covered under trip insurance?

In addition to known events, fear of travel is excluded by standard plans.

We saw this quite a bit during COVID, Walch said. You may have booked a trip to somewhere where it's suddenly turning into a hotspot, (but) general fear of travel is also not covered under the policy.

Travelers can opt for broader Cancel for Any Reason policies, which have higher premiums, but those generally have to be purchased within a short window of trip booking. They also dont recoup everything.

Typically the reimbursement is anywhere from 50% to 75%, depending on the policy, and you have to be canceling your trip at least two days prior to departure, Walch said.

Can I get travel insurance after I have left?

Unfortunately, it would be too late, Walch said, but there is plenty of time beforehand for most plans.

Technically, with a comprehensive travel insurance plan, you can purchase them up until the day before departure. But if you're looking to cover the cost of your trip for something that may happen down the road prior to departure, you obviously want to be purchasing well in advance, she said.

As with Cancel for Any Reason plans, travelers with preexisting medical conditions may also need to purchase plans within a short window of booking their trips if they want those conditions covered.

Greece Wildfires Evacuees wait to board buses as they leave their hotel during a forest fire on the island of Rhodes, Greece, on Monday.

How much does travel insurance usually cost?

If you think about how much you're spending on your trip, you could spend between like 4% to 7% of the cost of that trip on a policy, Moncrief said, acknowledging no one likes to spend more money on travel. In the grand scheme, it can be a worthy investment.

Which insurance is best for travel?

We always recommend, depending on your needs, to buy the least expensive policy that includes those benefits, Moncrief said. Just because the policy has a cheaper premium doesn't mean that it's inferior coverage.

What will differ, however, is whats offered by third-party providers versus point-of-sale plans offered by airlines and cruise lines, which may only cover a portion of trips.

In addition to comparing plans, Moncrief recommends looking at reviews for claims processes. Buying a policy is one thing, but what is the claim like? she asked. Am I going to be doing this for six months or six days? That should all be taken into consideration as well.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Greece wildfires may not be covered by travel insurance
By Fedja Grulovic and Lamine Chikhi

RHODES/ALGIERS (Reuters) - Large areas of the Mediterranean sweltered under an intense summer heatwave on Tuesday and firefighters battled to put out blazes across the region.

In Algeria, at least 34 people have died. In Croatia, flames came within 12 km (7.5 miles) of the medieval town of Dubrovnik late on Tuesday.

Greece has been particularly hard hit, with authorities evacuating more than 20,000 people in recent days from homes and resorts in the south of the holiday island of Rhodes.

Close to 3,000 tourists had returned home by plane as of Tuesday, according to figures from the Transport Ministry, and tour operators have cancelled upcoming trips.

Two firefighting pilots died when their plane, which had been dropping water, crashed on a hillside close to the town of Karystos on the island of Evia, east of Athens.

Italy suffered a twin pounding from the elements when severe storms battered the north, killing a woman and a 16-year-old girl scout, while southern regions sweltered. In the south, a bedridden 98-year-old man died when fire swept through his home.

Fires also swept across Portugal and Spain's Gran Canaria.

In the U.S., the ocean waters around South Florida soared to typical hot-tub levels this week, according to government data. A weather buoy in the waters of Manatee Bay recorded a high of 101.19 degrees Fahrenheit (38.44 Celsius) late Monday afternoon, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data. On land, heat warnings were issued for stretches of the desert southwest, in central Texas and north into the Midwest.

Extreme weather throughout July has caused havoc across the planet, with record temperatures in China, the U.S. and southern Europe sparking forest fires, water shortages and a rise in heat-related hospital admissions.

Without human-induced climate change, the events this month would have been "extremely rare", according to a study by World Weather Attribution, a global team of scientists that examines the role played by climate change in extreme weather.

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The heat, with temperatures topping 40 C (104 F), is well in excess of what usually attracts tourists who flock to southern European beaches.

The high temperatures and parched ground sparked wildfires in countries on both sides of the Mediterranean.

Several dozen firefighters were using aircraft to battle a wildfire that had broken out close to Nice international airport in southern France.

In north Africa, Algeria was fighting to contain devastating forest fires along its Mediterranean coast in a blaze which has already killed at least 34 people. Fanned by strong winds, fires also forced the closure of two border crossings with neighbouring Tunisia.

Wildfires also broke out in the countryside around Syria's Mediterranean port city, Latakia, with the authorities using army helicopters to try to put them out.

SAVING THE HOTEL

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said his country was one of those on the front line against climate change, with no easy solution.

"I will state the obvious: in the face of what the entire planet is facing, especially the Mediterranean which is a climate change hot-spot, there is no magical defence mechanism, if there was we would have implemented it," Mitsotakis said.

The fires will deal a blow to a tourist industry that is a mainstay of the Greek economy. It accounts for 18% of gross domestic product and one in five jobs, with an even greater contribution on islands such as Rhodes.

Lefteris Laoudikos, whose family owns a small hotel in the Rhodes seaside resort town of Kiotari, one of the epicentres of a fire over the weekend, said its 200 guests - mainly from Germany, Britain and Poland - evacuated in rental cars.

He said his father, cousin and two others were trying to douse the flames using a nearby water tank.

"My father saved the hotel. I called him, and he didn't want to leave. He told me 'if I leave there will be no hotel'."

'SILENT KILLER'

Scientists have described extreme heat as a "silent killer" taking a heavy toll on the poor, the elderly and those with existing medical conditions.

Research published this month said as many as 61,000 people may have died in Europe's sweltering heatwaves last summer, suggesting preparedness efforts are falling fatally short.

The heat has also caused large-scale crop damage and livestock losses, the World Weather Attribution scientists said, with U.S. corn and soybean crops, Mexican cattle, southern European olives as well as Chinese cotton all severely affected.

Residents of Milan were surveying the mess after the dramatic overnight storm and winds of over 100 kilometres per hour.

"It all happened around 4 or 5 AM (0200-0300 GMT) this morning, it was very short but very intense, it knocked down several trees ... with the wind gusts they took off and broke up," witness Roberto Solfrizzo, 66, told Reuters.

(Reporting by Angeliki Koutantou, Renee Maltezou, Federico Maccioni, Alvise Armellini, Lamine Chikhi, Jana Choukeir, Tarek Amera, Nayera Abdalla, Augustin Turpin, David Stanway and Brad Brooks; Writing by Keith Weir; Editing by Sharon Singleton and Stephen Coates)
Former US Marine Corps fighter pilot Daniel Duggan, who has become an Australian citizen for 10 years now, has been detained at a maximum security facility in Australia's New South Wales state awaiting extradition to the US at the request of the FBI for allegedly training military pilots from China.

Duggan is locked up indefinitely down under while fighting an extradition order against him.

In an exclusive interview with the Australian public broadcaster ABC, it was revealed it was the first time in nine months that the former Marine and pilot-for-hire was given the opportunity to speak to journalists after his detention and that anything he might divulge on Australian media could be used against him.

"It's not that I want to speak out or decided to speak out, but I feel that I've had a very unfair ability to defend myself," he told the public broadcaster.

Duggan is facing conspiracy, arms trafficking, and money laundering charges by the US government. If found guilty, he could face up to 65 years in prison.

Read Also: Survey Finds Australians Want Strong China Ties, But Are Concerned About National Security

Rogue Pilot

The accusations against Duggan originated from his work between 2010 and 2012 as an instructor for the Test Flying Academy of South Africa, when he was employed by the People's Liberation Army (PLA), China's armed forces, during the time Australian and Chinese navies were still conducting joint military exercises at sea.

His legal counsel Bernard Collaery told ABC he believed the charges were politically motivated amid tensions between the United States and China, further claiming that Australia, being both an American ally and a Chinese trade and security partner until recently, had a conflict of interest.

"You must agree it makes a good show trial in Washington where the United States system is known for it," he added. "If Australia does extradite him we're liable to see him become a pawn in this China game. It is very worrying."

The US indictment alleged Duggan received more than $182,000 for providing a range of services during that time, including teaching Chinese military pilots how to take off and land on an aircraft carrier. Duggan adamantly denied the allegations, stressing he was training civilian test pilots and not military ones. He also denied he concealed his compensation from authorities.

"Now I'm in prison, and no one else is," he added. "I'm happy that no one else is because they shouldn't be, because there was no law broken."

The Test Flying Academy of South Africa also told the ABC none of its training involved classified methods nor any frontline activities or defense services.

Meanwhile, the US State Department declined to give any comment to the Australian broadcaster, saying they are not to publicly comment on extradition matters as part of its long-standing policy.

Honorable Past

Inspired by his father's service as a US Marine pilot during the Korean War, Duggan followed his steps and flew for the same branch of service from 1989 to 2002, when he left the Marines with the rank of Major.

Fellow US Marine Col. Ben Hancock (Ret.) told the ABC he served under Duggan for two years, including a stint in the Persian Gulf in the late 1990s. He added the imprisoned Devil Dog was a "Jedi Knight" and the "cream of the crop. Hancock added Duggan was a weapons and tactics instructor, the highest tactical qualification any Marine could get, which he called the Marine Corps equivalent of the US Navy's "Top Gun" program.

"Hands down, highly respected, highly regarded, very proficient military jet pilot," he said.

When told about why Duggan was imprisoned, Hancock was shocked by the allegations, saying he was simply a man who knew how to fly planes and wanted to teach them to others.

Yankee Down Under

Duggan started his life in Australia in the early 2000s and met his wife Saffrine in 2011. They have six children together.

"The family is under a lot of duress," the jailed pilot told the ABC. "It's a scary process for a young child to see prison guards locking doors and gates and it's just not a very nice environment."

Duggan is set to face court Tuesday, Australian Time (July 25), where lawyers would argue for a temporary stay to his extradition.

Meanwhile, Australian Attorney General Mark Dreyfus also declined the ABC's request for an interview, but a spokesperson said there were two remaining stages of the extradition process, namely, a judge would determine whether a person is eligible for surrender, and a decision by Dreyfus himself whether the person should be surrendered.

Related Article: Australia Could Be China's Next Target if They Support US Military; Experts Warn Nuclear War Could Happen

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The antics of a runaway rodeo goat are putting a small town in southern Texas on the national map.

Willy the little rodeo goat has evaded capture since escaping from the towns rodeo arena July 15, the Willacy County Livestock Show and Fair said on Facebook.





Willacy County is about 440 miles south of Fort Worth. Residents have spotted Willy hiding in cotton and sugarcane fields (and photos prove it), but no one has been able to capture it, officials said.





Whoever captures the goat is in for more than $5,000 in prize rewards, ranging from barbecue, beer, a haircut, tattoos, desserts, cash, and custom-made apparel to commemorate the towns goat chase  all donated by local businesses.

This has just gotten bigger than we ever dreamed. Our county is a really small county, about 20,000 population and a mostly agriculture, farming and ranching community, Alison Savage, president of the Willacy County Livestock Show and Fair, told the Associated Press. And were very much one big family.  So, were excited that everybody wants to find our goat.

Rodeo officials dont know if the goat is a buck or doe. It was with a mixed herd of bucks and does when it slipped out of the pasture.

We think Willy was one of the does but we wont know for sure until we find the little rascal, officials said in a July 24 Facebook post.

Willy didnt have a name when it first went missing  as most ranch goats dont, officials said.

Willy is not a pet. He is not someones show animal, officials explained on Facebook. When the rodeo goat story started to spread and so many people were out looking for it, we thought it would be fun to give our goat a name. And so Willy it was!

Officials closed the prize pool July 22 after they caught wind that some people said they planned to find Willy and hang on to him while the prize pool continued to grow. Despite that hiccup, officials said theyre grateful for what the search has done for the town.

What has become the great goat chase wasnt planned  but if it had been, we couldnt have planned it better, officials said. At a time when the world is often scary, a little rodeo goat, now named Willy, has come along and united an entire community.

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The search has inspired residents to focus on the good, and that even a nameless rodeo goat is important and worthy and plays a vital role in the world, officials said.

In this case, the role is reminding us to be kind. To be good neighbors. To help each other out. To support one another. And that everyone is worthy of being saved, being found, and being loved, officials said.

Weird peeping goat is wandering town, staring in windows, New Jersey cops say

Elusive pig evades capture for days. Cops fairly certain hes the fastest pig alive

Police follow cries for help  then get a big surprise, video shows. Its a goat?
GOLDENDALE, Wash.  Hot, dry and windy conditions are making firefighters' job even more difficult suppressing a wildfire burning thousands of acres in Washington State.

The Newell Road fire, which began last Friday, quickly became a hazard to homes, livestock, crops, the Williams natural gas pipeline and the Roosevelt Landfill, Klickitat County officials said Sunday.

"It's a wind-driven fire through wheat fields, pasture land, interspersed with a significant number of wind turbines and a solar farm," said Rich Elliott, an operation section chief for the Southeast Washington Type 3 Interagency Team during a prior update on the fire.

The fire is now burning just over 56,000 acres, according to Klickitat County Department of Emergency Management. The fire was 20% contained as of Monday evening. The cause is under investigation.

The fire forced the closure of Highway 14 in both directions between U.S. Highway 97 and Interstate 82, except for local residents.

"This closure is in place for the safety of local residents and to allow emergency responders access within the fire area. It will remain in effect until further notice," Klickitat County officials said Tuesday morning.

Evacuation levels were raised to a Level 2 out of 3 on Monday, warning residents of the significant danger and preparing them to leave at a moment's notice.

WHAT DO LEVEL 1, 2, AND 3 EVACUATIONS MEAN DURING WILDFIRES

A Fire Weather Warning will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. for high and gusty winds up to 40 mph.

Due to Monday's high winds, additional resources will be directed to the northwest corner of the fire to inspect and improve containment lines, the Klickitat County officials said.

Additionally, fire personnel will patrol and mop up along the other areas of the fire by physically checking for any heat along containment lines. Much of the same work will continue Tuesday, including suppression efforts along the entire perimeter of the fire.

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WHAT SHOULD BE IN YOUR EVACUATION 'GO' BAG DURING WILDFIRE SEASON

FEMA has authorized federal funds to support 75% of the firefighting costs in the state, FOX 13 Seattle reports. An additional $1.2 million is also available to Washington State through a post-fire federal grant.

A community meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Goldendale Middle School. You can access the meeting virtually by clicking here.
Mustafa Hassan, who was present on the day Malcolm X was shot on 21 February, says he believes there were law enforcement informants in the crowd that day (Ariana Baio / The Independent)

Six decades after the assassination of prominent civil rights leader Malcolm X, a man who witnessed his death is coming forward with allegations that law enforcement officials had informants in the crowd of people on 21 February 1965.

Mustafa Hassan, previously known as Richard Melwin Jones, was standing with Malcolm X on the day he died. Multiple photographs and videos from the day show Mr Hassan, 84, tending to him after he was shot.

Despite Mr Hassans presence, law enforcement officials failed to interview him, civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump and co-counsel Ray Hamlin said in a press conference on Tuesday.

Mr Hassan alleges that he heard police officers from the New York Police Department (NYPD) ask one another if Thomas Hagan, previously known as Talmadge X Hayer, was with us after he fatally shot Malcolm X.

He believes this means police knew Malcolm Xs life was in danger but didnt act quickly enough to protect him and wrongly arrested two men in connection with his death.

For years, the assassination of Malcolm X has been subject to questions and theories that point to a larger conspiracy suggesting his death was planned or orchestrated by US officials.

An initial investigation into Malcolm Xs murder found three men guilty of fatally shooting the prominent leader on 21 February 1965. But documentaries, books and amateur investigations have long questioned the truth behind Malcolm Xs murder.

Then in 2021, two men who were found guilty of killing Malcolm X for which they served more than 20 years in prison, were exonerated by the Manhattan district attorney.

Since then, the truth behind Malcolm Xs assassination has remained concealed.

Who was Malcolm X?

Malcolm X was a well-known religious and civil rights leader who rose to prominence in the 1950s after becoming a spokesman figure for the religion, the Nation of Islam.

During the civil rights movement, Malcolm X juxtaposed the beliefs of Martin Luther King Jr, calling for racial separatism and rejecting his non-violent teachings.

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Famously, he urged Black people to claim civil rights by any means necessary.

Malcolm X Quote Library (1965 AP)

Though he generated debate with some of his views, Malcolm X is widely celebrated as a leader in promoting racial justice and Black empowerment.

During his time with the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X repeatedly received death threats and was surveilled by government agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Eventually, in 1964, Malcolm X separated from the Nation of Islam.

Malcolm Xs assassination

On 21 February 1965, three men opened fire outside of the Audubon Ballroom in New York City where Malcolm X was preparing to address a crowd of followers.

He was fatally shot 21 times in front of his wife, Betty Shabazz, and four of his daughters.

Also standing near him was Mr Hassan, who in an affidavit, attested that he was assisting with Malcolm Xs security detail when he was shot by Hagan.

Mustafa Hassan points to a photo of himself next to Malcolm X after he was shot (Ariana Baio / The Independent)

I would later see [Hagan] outside as he was being beaten by Malcolms followers while a group of policemen, who suddenly showed up on the scene asking is he with us while at the same time holding back Malcolms followers from beating him, Mr Hassan said.

From my vantage point, this was an attempt by the police to assist in him getting away.

Mr Hassan said he tried to grab Hagans collar to prevent him from escaping but a police officer came in between them.

Mustafa Hassan points to himself in a photo from the day Malcolm X was assassinated (Ariana Baio / The Independent)

Three men, Muhammad Aziz (formally known as Norman 3X Butler) and Khalil Islam (formally known as Thomas 15X Johnson) and Hagan, were arrested, charged and convicted of Malcolm Xs murder.

Though Hagan confessed to firing a gun, he testified that neither Mr Aziz nor Mr Islam was involved. Despite this, all three men were sentenced to life in prison.

In 2020, the then-Manhattan district attorney Cyrus Vance Jr opened an investigation into Malcolm Xs murder where they alleged prosecutors withheld key evidence during the trial.

After spending more than 20 years in prison, Mr Aziz and Mr Islam (posthumously) were exonerated from the charges in 2021.

Malcolm X Wrongful Conviction Lawsuit (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Questions about the truth of Malcolm Xs murder have led to theories that law enforcement purposefully did not prevent his assassination and government agencies, like the FBI and CIA, may have been involved.

Mr Crump believes Mr Hassans witness to the day Malcolm X died shows that police did not conduct a thorough investigation and there may be more than what theyre letting on.

We want justice to be served because I think what history has recorded is inaccurate, Malcolm Xs daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz, told reporters on Tuesday.

She added: We want the truth to be known and we want the history books to reflect that truth.

This past February, Malcolm Xs family filed an intent to file a lawsuit against agencies including the FBI, NYPD, CIA and more, accusing them of playing a role in his death.

Mr Crump said they were following protocol and waiting to file the suit.

In the press release, Mr Crump accused government agencies, of having factual and exculpatory evidence that they fraudulently concealed from the family of Malcolm X and the men wrongly convicted of crimes surrounding the assassination of Malcolm X.
Among Californias finest wineries, 246 entered 1,846 wines in Americas oldest and most esteemed wine event dating back to 1854.

The California State Fair Wine Competition has celebrated the best of the Golden State for over 169 years. I reported in my last column that Jeff Runquist Wines won 2023 Golden State Winery of the Year, following previous victories in 2011 and 2019.

Thirty-nine world-class judges also awarded a total of 19 Best of Region Awards, 20 Best of California Awards, a Best Value Award and three Best Micro Winery Awards. In total, 129 Double Gold, 309 Gold, 801 Silver and 478 Bronze medals were awarded.

Here are the top California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition winners:

Best of Show Red: Lewis Grace 2020 Souzao, El Dorado County

Best of Show White: New Clairvaux 2022 Assyrtiko, Tehama County

Best of Show Sparkling: Vienza at Europa Village NV Brut Metodo Classico, North Coast

Best of Show Pink: Carol Sheldon 2022 Wild Thing Rendezvous, Mendocino County

Best of Show Dessert: Husch Vineyards 2022 Late Harvest Gewurztraminer, Anderson Valley

Best Value: Baron Herzon 2021 Chenin Blanc, California

Golden State of the Year: Jeff Runquist Wines

Best Micro Winery Red: Hoyt Family Vineyards 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles Willowcreek, San Luis Obispo County

Best Micro Winery White: Tannura 2022 Fiano, Santa Clara Valley

Best Micro Winery Other: Ranch de Philo Winery NV Triple Cream Sherry Mission Grape, Cucamonga Valley

Complete results and competition information can be found at CalExpoStateFair.com/California-Commercial-Wine.

Barbera Festival

Terra DOro Winery will host 40 California wineries in a beautiful outdoor setting nestled in the Sierra foothills just a few miles east of Plymouth. The Amador County Barbera Festival on Sept. 9 will offer a grand tasting, gourmet food from top chefs, live music and local artists. New this year will be a premier access area that allows an 11 a.m. entry, as well as a place to relax and stay cool in the barrel room lounge. Tickets are still available at www.BarbaraFestival.com.

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Whats on our Table

I discovered a Spanish blend made with 70% Monastrell and 30% Garnacha at Trader Joes for just $5.95. The 2020 La Cueva De La Culpa is a big wine with a small price for an organically grown Mourvedra/Grenache blend. I call it a steal. I also picked up a few Moon series whites for summer sipping, all in the $5-$6 range. Moon label wines are made by a family owned valley winery exclusively for Trader Joes.

By the way, why isnt there a Trader Joes located somewhere/anywhere between Modesto and Fresno? I thought UC Merced would be a good motivator, but no. Well, my vote goes to Livingston or maybe Atwater or Turlock? Cheers!

Questions? Comments? Find me on Facebook or at rgwinton@yahoo.com.
Wood River police have a person in custody tied to the shooting death of 23-year-old Jacob A. Wall, Chief Brad Wells confirmed Tuesday morning.

According to department press release, several people were at the single-family residence in Wood River when Wall was shot early Monday morning. Wall, of Wood River, later died at a St. Louis area hospital.

People at the scene were interviewed and taken to the Wood River Police Department. An individual  not at the home when the officers arrived  later was taken into custody, Wells said.

This was not a random act of violence, Wells said. The investigation shows the people present at the home were invited guests at the home.

According to the release, the Wood River Police Department received a 911 call at about 4:09 a.m. Monday reporting that a person had been shot to 834 Tennyson St.

The Wood River Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services responded and began to treat the victim. Several police agencies, including the Madison County Sheriffs Office, the Alton, Roxana, South Roxana, Hartford, East Alton, and Bethalto Police Departments, responded to assist Wood River police officers, the release stated.

Wall was transported by ambulance to the Wood River Police Department where he was transferred by helicopter to a St. Louis area hospital before dying of an apparent gunshot wound, said Wells. An autopsy is pending.

The Wood River Police Department, Madison County Sheriffs Office and the Illinois State Police continue to investigate the case.
A sedan seen driving the wrong way on Interstate 4 late Monday struck a Florida Highway Patrol troopers patrol car, sending both drivers to area hospitals, FHP said.

According to a statement distributed by FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi, dispatchers learned about 10:30 p.m. Monday that a car was driving west on the eastbound lanes of I-4 near Mile Marker 83 in Orange County, near downtown Orlando.

Orlando police and Orange County deputies joined troopers in searching for the vehicle before spotting the Toyota Carolla on the eastbound I-4 entrance ramp from John Young Parkway, FHP said.

An FHP patrol vehicle with its lights and siren on entered the ramp and tried to block the car from reaching John Young Parkway, the statement said.

The car swerved, struck the patrol car and then drove onto the grass shoulder of the ramp and hit a palm tree, FHP said.

The driver of the Toyota, a 48-year-old woman from Tuscon, Ariz., was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center for a medical evaluation, Crescenzi said.

The 22-year-old trooper in the FHP vehicle was taken to AdventHealth Orlando with minor injuries, the statement said.

The names of those involved were not released. The crash is still under investigation.
The man accused of fatally shooting another driver during a road rage incident pled not guilty on Tuesday.

According to Washington State Patrol, the driver passed away Tuesday night.

WSP responded to the road rage shooting Monday afternoon. It shut down a portion of State Route 16 at the Sedgewick Exit.

Troopers told us that the incident involved a black Toyota Forerunner and a silver Chrysler. Initially, troopers said the two cars were driving toward Bremerton. Troopers said they got calls from people reporting the two cars driving erratically.

Troopers said at some point the two cars made a U-turn in Gorst and started driving east. Troopers then said the cars stopped in front of Kitsap Auto Outlet. Troopers said both drivers got out of their cars and thats when the driver of the Forerunner allegedly shot the driver of the Chrysler. The shooter then drove off.

The victim was shot in the head and was taken to St. Joes in Tacoma. Multiple agencies responded and located the suspects car on Lake Flora Road. The suspect has been arrested. Troopers also said they found a gun in a backpack near the suspects car.

The prosecution asked the judge to set the 26-year-old mans bail at $1 million, saying the suspect followed the victim for miles, shot him in the head, fled the scene, and then attempt to elude police. The prosecution said the man changed his clothes, pulled stickers off of his car, and took back roads while trying to get rid of evidence like the gun used in the shooting, the guns magazine, and his backpack.

The judge agreed to the $1 million bail amount saying the man was a substantial danger to the community and likely to commit another violent crime.

Well see the man back in court on August 15, with his trial set for September 11.
They call it a yard sale, but it was conducted in a school, and all the items could be taken for free.

The Muscogee County School Districts second annual Teacher Yard Sale at Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts on Monday allowed MCSDs approximately 400 new teachers (out of 5,300 employees) the chance to supply and equip their classrooms with items that go beyond the basics provided by the district.

The Muscogee County School Districts second annual Teacher Yard Sale at Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts on Monday allowed MCSDs approximately 400 new teachers (out of 5,300 employees) the chance to supply and equip their classrooms with items that go beyond the basics provided by the district.

This is one more means of supporting our teachers and giving them the resources and support they need to be successful, MCSD superintendent David Lewis said during a news conference before the event. Ultimately, if they are, our students are as well.

Shawna Hartley, teacher quality specialist for MCSDs central region, credits retired teacher Laura Stokes with suggesting the idea, giving retired and veteran teachers a constructive way to discard classroom items they no longer need.

If we can do anything to come alongside and pour into our new teachers, that is what were doing to do, she said.

The Muscogee County School Districts second annual Teacher Yard Sale at Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts on Monday allowed MCSDs approximately 400 new teachers (out of 5,300 employees) the chance to supply and equip their classrooms with items that go beyond the basics provided by the district.

Kyra Johnson, teacher quality specialist for MCSDs east region, added, We just want to make sure they know that we appreciate what theyre doing. This is sometimes a hard field, and we want to make it as easy as possible for our new teachers that are coming into the district.

Teachers could take any amount of items on tables in the middle of the room during their 15-minute shopping period, and they could choose one specialty item, such as a table or a chair, on display along the walls.

MCSD communications director Kimberly Wright didnt allow the media to interview any of the new teachers at the event, but she did let the Ledger-Enquirer interview a teacher who benefited from it last year.

Shaw High School chorus director Rontae Angry, 24, said he spent approximately $300 of his own money last year on school supplies for his classroom and estimated 60 students.

Its not cheap whatsoever, he said.

Rontae Angry is the choral director at Shaw High School in Columbus, Georgia. 07/21/2023

The items Angry bought included sheet music, folders, worksheets, pencils and tissues.

Story continues

Thats why the yard sale was such a great benefit for us, he said. I got a lot of great things.

Those things included a chair, lamp, table, staplers and hole puncher.

A nationwide problem

Teachers across the country face similar problems. More than 90% of teachers spend their money on school supplies and other items for their students, averaging around $500 out of pocket per year, according to the National Education Association.

Thats why Angry appreciates MCSD for providing a creative opportunity to lessen the financial burden.

I was offered a few positions, he said, and I took this position because Muscogee County takes good care of their teachers.
In 2015, Sacramento City Councilwoman Lisa Kaplan didnt get much sleep, and it wasnt just her newborns fault. Low-flying planes departing from Sacramento International Airport started taking off right over her home in Natomas, waking her up nearly every day at 5 in the morning.

That year, the Federal Aviation Administration changed flight arrival and departure paths to increase efficiency as part of its NextGen initiative. In the eight years since, Natomas residents  and communities across the United States  have complained of disruptive noise thats not only annoying but potentially harmful to health.

Now, the FAA is revisiting its noise policy and asking for public input. Kaplan, Natomas residents and the city attorney are seizing the moment in hopes of influencing new policy and sparing their ears.

On Aug. 10, Kaplan will host an event for impacted Natomas residents to discuss the issue and the FAAs noise policy evaluation. It will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the North Natomas Public Library.

Sacramento airport brings sound and fury

Roughly 150 flights take off from Sacramento International every day, and the airport is forecast by Sacramento County for continued growth over the next eight years. Nearly all of them fly in a narrow path over the same neighborhoods in Natomas, but it didnt used to be this way.

Prior to 2015, flights mostly used a path over county-owned land adjacent to the airport purchased and left mostly undeveloped in order to prevent noise issues in residential areas. Planes had a broader exit path and reached higher elevations before crossing over residential areas.

The NextGen initiative used satellite technology to pick optimally efficient flight paths, saving fuel and time and increasing predictability. The changes concentrated the number of planes that flew over straight over three residential communities: Westshore, Westlake and Sundance Lake.

You literally cannot sit outside and have a conversation. We cant open windows when the weathers nice. I wake up every day at 5:35 a.m. when the first plane crosses over my house, said Tracie Cone, who lives on the edge of the Four Seasons Westshore, a residential community for adults over 55.

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Soon after the 2015 changes, residents like Cone and Kaplan turned their commiseration into action. In 2020, they got the city to send a letter to the FAA saying it wants to provide input on the decision-making process for new departure routes.

The city hopes that the FAA will either include dispersal headings or lateral track variations that address the noise issues experienced by the residents of Natomas and make use of the vacant land to the west and south of Natomas until aircraft reach a higher altitude, the letter stated.

The Sacramento city attorneys office confirmed to The Sacramento Bee that it will again be submitting a letter to the FAA about its noise policy. The office could not share details on the contents of that letter yet.

Last year, complaints from airport neighbors across the country escalated the noise issue to the Congressional Committee on Transportation and Infrastructures subcommittee on aviation. The U.S. Government Accountability Office, a nonpartisan federal agency that evaluates and audits government activity, released a report recommending that the FAA use supplemental noise metrics and increase community engagement and information sharing.

Now, the FAA is accepting comments from people affected by noise pollution through Sept. 29, after the FAA extended the period past the original July 31 deadline. The public comment period is part of a larger review the administration is conducting on its noise policy.

Environmental lawyer and specialist in aviation and aerospace law Steven Tabor noted that even if the FAA changes its noise policy, theres no guarantee that the Sacramento airports flight paths will be rerouted.

Revisiting a 51-year-old noise policy

Since the passage of the Noise Control Act of 1972, the FAA has used a metric of Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL), which is the average sound level in an area over 24 hours.

The FAA makes all flight decisions to keep the DNL of airport areas to below 65 decibels. The FAA does take nighttime flight noise into account, giving it extra weight in the DNL metric due to its potential sleep disruption. In California, the FAA must use the Community Noise Equivalent Level, which also adds weight to evening aircraft noise.

But some, including the U.S. Government Accountability Office, say DNL may not be the best noise metric. An area passed overhead by many quieter aircraft may have the same DNL as an area passed overhead by a single louder aircraft. Though they have the same DNL, the lived experience of residents might be wildly different.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, normal conversations are on average 60 decibels, and washing machines make 70 decibels of noise. Noise above 70 decibels, the CDC says, can damage hearing over long periods of time.

Noise pollution is more than just an annoyance, research has shown.

In 1992, researchers studied children in neighborhoods adjacent to the Munich Airport when it changed locations. Children living near the old airport location improved at cognitive tasks after it relocated, while children living near the new location experienced declines.

And theres the issue of sleep disruption. Even moderate airplane noise levels increased the odds of disrupted sleep in a study of 35,000 people living near 90 major airports in the U.S. by public health researchers at Boston and Oregon State universities.

Natomas residents arent the only ones whose lives have been disrupted by the NextGen flight paths. Sacramento International has a dramatically higher rate of bird strike occurrence than other area airports, KCRA reported.

In the past year, Sacramentos airport has had a bird strike rate of 30 per 100,000 flights. San Francisco International Airport, for comparison, has a rate of 10 and Los Angeles International a rate of nine per 100,000.

Some say the low altitude departure paths are to blame. Sacramento is along the Pacific Flyway for migrating birds. The longer planes stay at lower altitudes, the more likely they are to cross paths with a bird, according to the city attorneys 2020 letter to the FAA.

Though the public comment period is only related to the FAAs noise policy, Natomas residents ultimately hope the pre-2015 flight paths return, sparing their ears and the birds.
The village manager for Yellow Springs has announced his resignation effective September.

Village Manager Josue Salmeron is leaving the job for a new opportunity in the Washington D.C. area, the village said in a media release.

His last day will be Sept. 3.

>> Ohio lawmaker pushes for national workplace heat standards as temps rise across the U.S

Salmeron was hired in 2019 and during his time with the village has established the Municipal Broadband Utility and the Village Building Department as well as facilitated projects that generated over $60 million in local investments, the village said.

It has been an honor to serve the community of Yellow Springs, Salmeron said. We have worked together  Village team members, residents and local organizations  to overcome challenges, and I am proud of our progress.

The village council said they are working to ensure a smooth transition and will announce plans as they are developed.








Israelis rally, strike as parliament passes contentious judicial overhaul bill

Xinhua) 09:26, July 25, 2023

Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin speaks in the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, in Jerusalem, July 24, 2023. Israeli lawmakers passed on Monday a key bill of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's contentious plan to overhaul the country's judicial system. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing)

JERUSALEM, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Thousands blocked roads outside the Israeli parliament and the country's 150 largest companies went on strike on Monday as a key bill of the government's contentious judicial overhaul plan was passed in parliament when all opposition lawmakers boycotted the final vote.

The police tried to disperse the protesters joined by four opposition lawmakers with water cannons. A live broadcast on Israel's state-owned Kan TV news showed policemen throwing several protesters to the ground before dragging and arresting them.

Ha'aretz newspaper reported that at least two protesters were injured and needed hospital care.

The police said in a statement that at least 19 protesters were arrested.

The law cancels the Supreme Court's power to override decisions by the ministers that it deems "unreasonable" and is a key part of Netanyahu's divisive plan to weaken the Supreme Court and reshape the legal system.

The bill has stirred turmoil in the country, including nationwide protests that have been going on for 29 consecutive weeks.

More than 11,000 military reservists, including pilots, warned they will not go into the services if the bill is approved, raising concerns among military officials that the country's military preparedness could be affected.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (1st L) arrives for a vote at the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on July 24, 2023. Israeli lawmakers passed on Monday a key bill of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's contentious plan to overhaul the country's judicial system. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives for a vote at the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on July 24, 2023. Israeli lawmakers passed on Monday a key bill of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's contentious plan to overhaul the country's judicial system. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (2nd L) attends a vote at the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on July 24, 2023. Israeli lawmakers passed on Monday a key bill of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's contentious plan to overhaul the country's judicial system. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C-L) and Justice Minister Yariv Levin (C-R) attend a vote at the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on July 24, 2023. Israeli lawmakers passed on Monday a key bill of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's contentious plan to overhaul the country's judicial system. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
(Photo : SUZANNE CORDEIRO / AFP) (SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images)

United States President Joe Biden's administration has filed a lawsuit against Texas Gov. Greg Abbott over the latter's implementation of a buoy barrier in the Texas-Mexico border.

United States President Joe Biden's administration has filed a lawsuit against Texas Gov. Greg Abbott over a buoy barrier created to stop migrants from crossing into the US from Mexico.

The Department of Justice's (DOJ) new filing asks a federal judge in Austin to order Texas to remove the nearly 1,000-foot-long line of bright orange, wrecking ball-sized buoys. The Biden administration claims that the barrier is threatening humanitarian and environmental consequences.

Bide Files Lawsuit Against Texas

Additionally, the lawsuit claims that Texas unlawfully installed the buoy barrier without gaining permission between the border cities of Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras, Mexico.

The situation is the latest development in the tensions in Texas' border security operation, including razor-wire fencing, arresting migrants on trespassing charges, and sending busloads of asylum-seekers to Democratic-controlled areas in other states.

For some time, critics have questioned the effectiveness of the state's two-year operation, which is known as Operation Lone Star. Earlier this month, a state trooper shared his account of the situation, saying that some measures caused injuries to migrants, putting the mission under new scrutiny, as per the Associated Press.

Abbott sent a letter on Monday to Biden where he defended his state's right to install the barrier. He then accused the Democratic president of putting migrants' lives at risk by not doing more to prevent them from making the dangerous travel to the United States, saying, "Texas will see you in court, Mr. President."

On the other hand, the Biden administration has repeatedly said that illegal border crossings have significantly dropped since implementing new immigration restrictions in May. A month after, the first full month since the new policies were in effect, the US Customs and Border Protection reported that migrant encounters dropped by roughly 30% compared to the previous month.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also said that Abbott's policies, as a whole, have made it difficult for US Border Patrol agents to access the Rio Grande. She added that the state's unlawful actions were not helpful and undermined what Biden has put forward and is trying to accomplish: addressing the issue at the southern border.

Read Also: Statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Israel Judicial Reform

Buoy Barrier at the Southern Border

Last week, the DOJ warned the state of Texas that it had until a Monday deadline to work on removing the buoy barrier or risk facing a legal challenge. The document added that the buoy wall "poses a risk to navigation, as well as public safety, in the Rio Grande River," according to the Los Angeles Times.

The buoy barrier has also caused blowback, including from within Texas and after the state trooper's revelations that revealed officers were denying migrants water while they were in 100F heat and were allegedly told to push migrant children into the river.

A spokesperson for the White House argued that the Texas governor's behavior was making it more difficult for border patrol personnel to secure the border properly and was placing both migrants and agents in danger, said The Guardian.

Related Article: RFK Jr. Claims Media Attacks Him More Than Trump, But Still Confident With His Ratings

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Beaufort police have arrested 19-year-old Yemassee resident Lavent Altobby Frazier in connection with a deadly Easter shooting at the Cross Creek Apartment Homes.

Frazier was charged with murder and booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center early Tuesday morning. His bond hearing is scheduled for Tuesday while his first court appearance is set for mid-September, according to judicial records.

The Beaufort Police Department alleges Frazier shot and killed 21-year-old Ridgeland man Daveion Reed the night of April 9. When officers arrived at the complex along Parris Island Gateway to find Reed in an apartments entryway with a single gunshot wound. He died that evening at Beaufort Memorial Hospital, spokesperson Deputy Chief Stephenie Price previously told The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette.

Three men, considered subjects of interests by Beaufort police, were seen leaving the area in a dark-colored four-door sedan shortly after the shooting, according to Price. It is unknown whether Frazier was inside the vehicle.

This report will be updated as more information becomes available.
Rhodes, Greece  A third successive heat wave in Greece pushed temperatures back above 104 degrees across parts of the country Tuesday following more nighttime evacuations from fires that have raged out of control for days. The latest evacuations orders were issued on the islands of Corfu and Evia, while a blaze on the island of Rhodes continued to move inland, torching mountainous forest areas, including part of a nature reserve.

Two pilots died Tuesday when their water-bombing plane crashed while battling a blaze on Evia, officials said, with amateur video capturing the moment the plane hit the ground, sending up a huge fireball.



Desperate residents, many with wet towels around their necks to stave off the scorching heat, used shovels to beat back flames approaching their homes, while firefighting planes and helicopters resumed water drops at first light.

Record number of evacuations

Authorities said that more than 20,000 people has been involved in successive evacuations on the island, mostly tourists over the weekend, when fire swept through two coastal areas on the southeast of Rhodes.



The European Union has sent 500 firefighters, 100 vehicles and seven planes from 10 member states, while Turkey, Israel, Egypt and other countries have also sent help.

A firefighter looks on as wildfires burn a hillside near the village of Vati, just north of the coastal town of Gennadi, in the southern part of the Greek island of Rhodes, July 25, 2023. / Credit: SPYROS BAKALIS/AFP/Getty

"For the 12th day, under extreme conditions of heat and strong winds, we are fighting nonstop on dozens of forest fire fronts ... The Greek Fire Service has battled more than 500 fires  more than 50 a day," said Vassilis Kikilias, the minister for climate crisis and civil protection.

"We are at war and are exclusively geared towards the fire front," Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told lawmakers Monday, warning that the country faced "another three difficult days ahead" before high temperatures were forecast to ease.

"All of us are standing guard," he told his cabinet on Tuesday. "I will state the obvious: in the face of what the entire planet is facing, especially the Mediterranean which is a climate change hot-spot, there is no magical defense mechanism. If there was, we would have implemented it."

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Many regions of Greece remained on "red alert," meaning there was an extreme risk of dangerous forest fires exacerbated by strong winds.



Heat wave after heat wave

In Athens, authorities resumed afternoon closing hours Tuesday at the ancient Acropolis as part of broader measures to cope with the high heat as Greece braced for a new wave of soaring temperatures.

People pour water onto a woman who was affected by the extreme heat as she visited the Acropolis Hill in Athens, Greece, July 23, 2023. / Credit: Costas Baltas/Anadolu Agency/Getty

In the capital city of Athens the mercury was expected to soar to 106 degrees, and up to 111 in central Greece, according to the national weather forecaster EMY.

The mercury hit 116 degrees in Gythio, in the southern Peloponnese peninsula on Sunday, just short of the hottest temperature ever recorded nationally at 118.



EU officials have blamed climate change for the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires across the European continent, noting that 2022 was the second-worst year for wildfire damage on record after 2017.

The severe heat in Greece has been reflected across much of southern Europe and Northern Africa.

Deadly fires in Algeria

In Algeria at least 34 people have died as wildfires raged through residential areas, forcing mass evacuations.

In southeastern France officials Monday issued a fire warning at the highest level in the Bouches-du-Rhone region, warning that the weather conditions make the risk of flames "very high compared to normal summers."

Scientists from the World Weather Attribution group said Tuesday that the heat waves that have hit parts of Europe and North America this month would have been almost impossible without human-caused climate change.

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gavel

CANTON  A 28-year-old Canton man will spend the rest of his life in prison after a jury convicted him of raping a 6-year-old girl.

Stark County Common Pleas Judge Frank Forchione on Monday sentenced Jeffrey B. Edwards to life in prison without parole.

The judge in his sentencing decision cited the age of the victim and the fact that Edwards had a prior rape conviction.

Forchione said he told Edwards: "Youre the monster that a parent worries about the day that their (child is) born. And I told him that you were their worst nightmare and today Im going to be your worst nightmare.

A message seeking comment was left with Edwards' attorney, Catherine Purdum.

A jury on July 6 found Edwards guilty of rape and gross sexual imposition. A grand jury had indicted Edwards on those charges in February.

Stark County prosecutors had accused Edwards of sexually assaulting the child in an apartment on Alan Page Drive SE sometime between February 2021 and September 2021.

In 2015, Edwards pleaded guilty to rape, felonious assault, kidnapping and gross sexual imposition. He admitted to choking a masseuse he had hired to the point of unconsciousness and raping her in a Canton home. Then-Common Pleas Judge John Haas sentenced him to four years in prison.

Reach Robert at robert.wang@cantonrep.com. Twitter: @rwangREP.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Jeffrey Edwards sentenced to life in prison for child rape in Canton
(Reuters) -Operators carrying out maintenance at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant have switched the shutdown mode of two reactors, the Moscow-installed administration of the plant, located on the war's front-line, said on Tuesday.

Europe's largest nuclear plant was captured by Russian forces in March 2022. Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of shelling around the station and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been trying to set up a safety mechanism to prevent accidents.

One of the plant's six reactors, according to the IAEA, needs to be kept in a hot shutdown mode in order to produce steam required for nuclear safety, including the processing of liquid radioactive waste in storage tanks.

"In order to conduct a scheduled technical inspection of the equipment of power unit No. 5, the management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant decided to transfer it to the 'cold shutdown,' state," the administration said on its Telegram channel.

"And in order to provide steam for the station's own needs, the reactor plant of power unit No. 4 was transferred to the 'hot shutdown' state."

The IAEA said in a statement on Monday that the plant administration had informed the agency about the transition.

"The other units remain in cold shutdown," the IAEA said in the statement.

Moscow says the plant will eventually be connected to Russia's power grid. None of the plant's six reactors has been producing electricity. Ukraine has vowed to retake the plant and all land in Ukraine that is now occupied by Moscow.

IAEA inspectors stationed at the plant had noted mines in a buffer zone between the sites internal and external perimeter barriers and had also observed mines during previous checks, Rafael Grossi, the agency's director general, said on Monday.

(Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, has warned officials and MPs who look for profitable business trips during the war, relax at resorts and enrich themselves at the expense of the state, as this is a betrayal of national and public interests, such persons cause only rage and will not stay in power.

Source: Zelenskyys evening address

Quote from Zelenskyy: "Millions of Ukrainians are focused on one thing day after day. Not on themselves, not on their own desires, but on defending the state and their lives. But unfortunately, some people think that the war is somewhere far away from them. As if the dome of the Verkhovna Rada, or the walls of some offices, or a list of some powers can shield [you] from reality."

Details: According to the president, no one will forgive MPs, judges, "military commissars" or any other officials for opposing the state.

"For some, it's about islands and resorts during the war; for others, it's about lining one's pockets in the military enlistment office, for others it's about bribes in the courts. For any public official, this is a betrayal of state principles, a betrayal of the interests of society," the president emphasised.

Zelenskyy pointed out that when you are looking for weapons for the state, when all attention is paid to having artillery, missiles, drones, when you constantly see and feel the moral strength that our soldiers, our people, who are doing everything possible and impossible to win and preserve freedom, have gained for Ukraine, then any internal betrayal, any "rest on the beach" or any personal enrichment instead of Ukraine's interests causes fury, at the very least. "Fury. Remember that," the President said.

Quote from Zelenskyy: "I want to warn all MPs, officials, and everyone else in public office. When everyday you search for weapons for the state, when all the attention is on providing artillery, missiles, drones, when you constantly see and feel the moral strength gained for Ukraine by our warriors, our people, who are doing everything possible and impossible for the victory and preservation of freedom, any internal betrayal, any "beach" or any personal enrichment instead of Ukraine's interests triggers fury at the very least."

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, Jul 26 ( NHK ) - Japan's population stood at over 122.42 million on January 1, down about 800,000 from the previous year, and the biggest drop since record-taking began in 1968.

The number of births last year totaled about 771,000, the lowest since the survey began in 1979, while the number of deaths was a record high of over 1.56 million.

Natural population decline, which is calculated by deducting the number of births from the number of deaths, has increased for 15 years in a row.

By prefecture, Tokyo was the most populous with about 13.26 million. Tottori had the smallest population of about 541,000.

Population decreased in all 47 prefectures for the first time.

The number of foreign residents of Japan stood at more than 2.99 million. It was the first rise in three years, and the highest since the survey began in 2013. The numbers rose in all prefectures.
What started as not much more than a dream a decade ago has developed into the envy of many municipalities across the country.

Council Bluffs leaders celebrated the 10th anniversary of the deployment of the BLink outdoor Wi-Fi network on Friday with a ceremony and community picnic at Rivers Edge Pavilion at the foot of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.

BLink offers a free connection to the internet across many Council Bluffs neighborhoods and outdoor spaces, including all Council Bluffs Community School District buildings. Its one of the countrys largest free Wi-Fi networks for public use.

Were not done yet, Mayor Matt Walsh said. Last fall, we completed the final phase within the Council Bluffs Community School District neighborhoods. In May, we launched our first phase in the Lewis Central neighborhoods. Technology is a great equalizer. The continuous expansion of BLink increases the opportunities for our communities youth to learn beyond the classroom walls.

The BLink network helps bridge the digital divide and has put Council Bluffs on the map for its efforts. The community was named the 2021 Iowa Technology Community of the Year by the Technology Association of Iowa. The network was cited as a key component of Council Bluffs being named an All-America City by the National Civic League in 2017.

Together, we are building a community where education knows no boundaries and every student has the tools to thrive, Walsh said.

The development of the BLink network began when the Council Bluffs Community School District adopted a plan to expand its Wi-Fi network to students out in the community, building off a donation of Chromebooks by Google that allowed the district to provide one laptop per student. The Chromebooks were revolutionary in the classroom, but not every student could use them at home due to a lack of internet access.

Our Council Bluffs students and the families are fortunate to be a part of a truly connected community, said Vickie Murillo, superintendent of the Council Bluffs schools, who credited the leadership of her predecessor, Martha Bruckner. Thanks to so many partners, like those represented here today, our students and families, neighborhood-by-neighborhood, have really benefitted from this initiative.

Murillo said Council Bluffs was ahead of the curve when the COVID-19 pandemic struck because its students were ready for online learning. More than 8,400 students in the district can access BLink, using an average of more than 4 terabytes of data each month.

The power of partnership is alive here in Council Bluffs, Murillo said. We have seen this in the implementation of the BLink network, and in our Diploma +1 Pathways, and in so many other ways that make us an outstanding place for parents to raise families and for children to receive a high-quality education.

Since 2020, more than 900 terabytes of data have moved through the BLink network  thats close to 20 million tall filing cabinets worth of paper or the equivalent of half a trillion pages of printed text on standard printer paper.

Dave Johnson, director of business connections for MidAmerican Energy, said his companys infrastructure has helped support the BLink network, built on top of positive working relationships with community partners.

Its easy to see why BLink has had such a positive impact not only doing remote learning during times like COVID but also overall greater access for many students to what has become a necessary tool to advancing learning and opportunities for all, Johnson said.

The BLink network has been built without investing tax dollars through community collaboration, with many partners giving money, time, material, labor and expertise. The Council Bluffs Area Wi-Fi Consortium oversees the network, and it is an Iowa 28-E organization comprised of the City of Council Bluffs, Google, Iowa West Foundation and the Council Bluffs and Lewis Central schools.

All of us understand that Wi-Fi is critical for our daily success and for the success of our students, but not very many of us actually understand what an accomplishment BLink truly was, said Brenda Mainwaring, president and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation. Were Midwesterners. We want other people to brag on us. We dont brag on ourselves. But other people know what were doing here, and they have really focused on trying to duplicate what weve done here in Council Bluffs.

Communities from California, Louisiana and Illinois have reached out for assistance in building similar networks.

Our community has achieved something that other communities are still trying to figure out, Mainwaring said.

Much of that success has come as a result of Googles investment in the community.

Google is so proud to call Council Bluffs home, with our $5 billion investment and the hundreds of people that it takes to actually run that data center, said Allie Hopkins, data center area lead for Google in Iowa and Nebraska. This year marks our millionth dollar committed over the past decade, and we have been thrilled to see BLinks impact, successfully breaking down barriers and enhancing the quality of life here in Council Bluffs.

With the completion of the eighth phase of BLinks expansion in December 2022, the attention shifted to serving homes in the Lewis Central Community School District. The first neighborhood there went live on the network in May.

As we move forward, Im excited for the future of our schools, Lewis Central Superintendent Brent Hoesing said. Im energized by the work of this successful partnership and look forward to continuing to find new projects to partner on to help our community thrive.

At project completion, BLink will cover a total area of more than 20 square miles and provide access to more than 40,000 people in the community.

Find more on the BLink outdoor Wi-Fi network and its current coverage area at blinkwifi.org.
NORFOLK  Regarding the Sports and Spaces policy controversy in our public schools: It seems to me that the primary reason for public school is to teach our children to read proficiently, perform math skills sufficient for the workplace, to be good communicators and to learn other importan
Whether people have lived in Norfolk all their life or recently moved here, they can learn all there is to know about their hometown through the Norfolk 101: Citizens Academy.
(Photo : Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

New Zealand Justice Minister Kiri Allan has filed her resignation after she was criminally charged in relation to a car crash on Sunday.

New Zealand Justice Minister Kiri Allan has filed his resignation after he was criminally charged with reckless driving resulting in a car crash.

In a statement, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said that the justice minister was involved in a car crash in the nation's capital of Wellington on Sunday evening and was detained by law enforcement personnel for several hours. He noted that police have charged Allan with careless driving and refusing to accompany a police officer.

New Zealand Justice Minister Resigns

The prime minister also noted the police's report that the justice minister was tested and found to be over the legal alcohol limit but was not charged with drunk driving. Law enforcement authorities said they issued the official an infringement notice about a breath test.

Following the arrest and criminal charges, the justice minister has not yet announced a court date. If Allan is found guilty, she could face fines and a suspension of her driver's license, as per Fox News.

The New Zealand justice minister was previously considered a rising star of the Labour Party and had recently taken some time off for her mental health. This followed her involvement in a publicized split with her partner, and she is also facing accusations of having poor working relationships with some of her staff members.

On Monday, Hipkins spoke with the justice minister and told her she was not fit to remain in her position. He added that it was untenable for a justice minister to be charged with a criminal offense. Allan agreed with the prime minister and subsequently resigned from her ministerial role.

The prime minister also said that Allan is an "incredibly talented person" who he believes is battling against some demons. He noted that she had been experiencing extreme emotional distress during the car crash.

The situation with Allan is the latest development in a series of missteps and scandals involving New Zealand's government ministers in less than three months following national elections. Recent polls have shown that the conservative opposition has broken even or has come out slightly ahead of the incumbent liberals in what many consider will be a close race, according to The Guardian.

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Kiri Allan Criminally Charged Following Car Crash

In a statement responding to the incident, Allan apologized and said she was going home to consider her future in the country's politics. She said that she faced many personal difficulties in the last few weeks. However, the justice minister acknowledged that her actions during the car crash showed that she was not okay and had let her colleagues and herself down.

The incident follows Transport and Immigration Minister Michael Wood's resignation in June over his alleged failure to disclose a potential conflict of interest in stock ownership. A month before that, Customs Minister Meka Whaitiri decided to change sides and join another party.

New Zealand Police Minister Stuart Nash was also fired four months ago, in March, after authorities discovered that he gave confidential information to donors, said BBC.

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With the release of the long-awaited report from state auditor Mike Foley on North Fork Area Transit, many of the questions Norfolkans have been asking for months were answered, and at least in that document, it seems that all signs with regard to any financial improprieties point to former 
Gemcorp Holdings Ltd. (GHL), Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have announced the financial close of Cabinda Oil Refinery in Angola with a US$335-million project financing facility.

The announcement comes as the project spearheaded by Gemcorp, a UK-based asset management company, to build a refinery in Angola has been well behind schedule, but the London-based investment management firm still repeatedly said it believed in the project and its team in Luanda. The project is being developed by Gemcorp in partnership with Angolas state oil company, Sonangol. The credit facility covers the first phase of the project and paves the way for construction, which will enable the processing of 30,000 crude oil barrels a day. In due course, the second phase will add another 30,000, bringing the refinerys refining capacity to 60,000 barrels a day on completion.

While Angola, Africas second-biggest crude oil producer, has rich crude oil deposits, but is not processing it and still has to import the fuel it needs. The southern African nation currently has only one operational refinery, located near the capital Luanda. With the construction of the new refinery about to start, the whole idea is to make Angola less dependent on importing refined products, says Martin Jooste, project manager at Gemcorp. Adjacent to the planned refinery is the community of Malembo with nearly 13,000 residents, mostly fishermen and farmers, who complain that they have hardly any prospects, while the oil companies next door are raking in big profits. But Gemcorp is reported to have so far behaved differently, as it has launched health projects and promised to employ locals once the refinery is up and running.
After more than a two-year delay, the EU Council finally ratified (20 July) a new treaty with African, Caribbean and Pacific countries that covers a wide range of areas, from sustainable development and growth, to human rights and peace and security.

Recognized as one of the EUs oldest and broadest cooperations with other countries, the so-called Cotonou Partnership Agreement between the EU and 78 African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) nations should have expired in February 2020 but was extended until December 2021 after negotiations on a successor deal took longer than planned. Following the delays in ratification in Europe, Cotonou was rolled over until September 2023. The treaty is set to be formally signed by leaders at a summit in Samoa in the coming weeks.

The delay was caused by Hungary and Polands refusal to sign the treaty. After Hungary abandoned its opposition to the treaty over its provisions on migration and gender rights in April, Warsaw still continued refusing to sign the treaty ostensibly in protest at its language promoting non-discrimination, LGBT rights and gender equality. The EU and the African, Caribbean and Pacific states represent over 1.5 billion people and more than half of the seats at the United Nations. With this new agreement, Brussels has expressed hope to all partners to the treaty to be better equipped to address emerging needs and global challenges, such as climate change, ocean governance, migration, health, peace and security.
Bachir Adewale Adeniyi, Head of Nigerias customs is expected in neighboring Benin Monday July 24 as both countries seek to boost custom cooperation.

Adeniyi, reports say, will hold talks with Benin authorities on several topics including development of trade between the counties and the fight against fraud. The Nigerian top official will meet up with his Benin counterpart Alain Hinkati and the countrys Economy and Finance minister.

Adeniyi during the visit will tour the external foreign trade single window of Benin, Web Fontaine and Cotonou Harbor.

The Nigerian delegation will also learn from Benins scanning and tracking goods system. Adeniyi this month indicated that he would begin a discussion with the Benin Customs Administration to address the issues of border security, importation across the border, and deployment of technological solutions to address complex border problems.
The World Bank has approved a $350 million results-based financing program to support Morocco implement its National Program for Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation (PNAEPI 2020-2027) in the framework of the 30-year National Water Plan (PNE, 2020-2050).

Launched in 2020, PNAEPI aims to improve water security by accelerating investments in the sector and strengthening the resilience of drinking water supply and irrigation.

The World Bank Program will help finance a subset of the activities included in the PNAEPI through three synergistic strategic pillars: strengthening water sector governance, improving the financial viability and efficiency of water use, and better integrating non-conventional water resources.

The Program contributes to the World Banks strategic priorities in the MENA Region, particularly around gender and climate change, and supports the implementation of the recommendations made in the World Banks Moroccos Country Climate and Development Report, which was published in October, 2022, the international financial institution points out in a release.

Morocco is a climate hotspot and water scarcity imposes significant economic constraints, the release underlines.

Providing access to natural resources, particularly water, while preserving them, is essential for building a sustainable future in Morocco, says Jesko Hentschel, Country Director for the Maghreb and Malta at the World Bank. To this end, this new Program aims to reinforce water security for all in Morocco and provides support for the updating and the adoption of the National Water Plan (PNE) that defines the 30-year vision for the water sector.

In addition to supporting the PNE, the Program will help strengthen water sector governance by protecting groundwater resources, improving the quality and availability of water-related information, supporting the performance of river basin agencies, developing water data information systems, and developing mandatory reporting by multiservice operators, the Bretton Woods institution stresses.

The Program is also focused on supporting the governments efforts to improve financial sustainability and water use efficiency. This will enhance climate resilience for the water sector, including the development of a financial model and the adoption of a financial sustainability action plan that will inform pricing strategies for specific sub-sectors, the implementation of the PNAEPI communication strategy to raise awareness of the importance of water conservation, and the operationalization of water loss reduction plans in distribution networks.

This Program will contribute to the governments efforts to strengthen recognition of the value of water, increase transparency of costs along the water value chain and incentivize more efficient and rational uses of scarce water resources, says Marcus J. Wishart, Lead Water Resources Management Specialist and Program co-leader at the World Bank.

Moreover, the Program aims to improve the enabling environment for desalination and use of treated wastewater which are becoming increasingly important to augmenting Moroccos water resources.

Concretely, the Program aims to save 25 million m3 of potable water in distribution water supply networks, the equivalent of the annual consumption in El Jadida and Sidi Bennour provinces; and make 52 million m3 of treated wastewater available for reuse, which represents 52% of the PNAEPIs target of 100 million of treated wastewater available for reuse by 2030, underlines Carolina Dominguez Torres, Senior Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist and Program Leader at the World Bank.
16 people on board a boat used for illegal migration died in the night of Sunday to Monday July 24, after their vessel capsized off the Senegalese capital Dakar.

It seems to be migrants, Samba Kandji, a district deputy mayor, told AFP on Monday.

The local fire service, reports say, was alerted at dawn after 14 dead corpses were discovered on the beach. An officer of the Gendarmerie told state-run news agency (APS) there was an unknown number of survivors who managed to flee. Two others have been arrested in connection with the tragedy.

President Mack Sall on Twitter presented his condolences for the losses.

The incident is the second so far this month. Early this month, the ministry of Interior indicated that 14 people died after a boat carrying illegal migrants heading to the Spanish autonomous Canary Islands capsized off the coasts of the coastal city of Saint-Louis.
The deadly wildfires in Algeria left 34 people dead in a new episode of regime failure to prepare ahead by procuring enough firefighting aircrafts.

The interior ministry said more than 1500 people were evacuated from their homes in the affected coastal areas as the flames reached urban centers in Bejaia and the Kabylie region.

While wildfires are common in the Mediterranean during the summer, Algeria remains the only country where fires kill scores largely due to the incompetence of the regime there in procuring necessary equipment notably air fire extinguishers.

In 2021, wildfires killed more than 200 in the restive Kabylie region and the regime ordered 6 Beriev waterbombers from Russia the same year in a $220 million deal but has so far received one.

The delay in Russian deliveries was foreseeable in light of Moscows war effort in Ukraine which should have alerted Tebboune/CHengrihas regime to seek such critical aircrafts elsewhere.

Algeria has leased smaller aircrafts from Chile with a limited capacity of 3000 liters that proved of little efficiency in controlling large blazes.

Algeria has in 2021 also refused aid from its neighbor Morocco which offered sending two of its 8 Canadair firefighting aircrafts to help the country control flames.

Meanwhile, Algeria annulled a contract with Spain allowing it to borrow water bombers during the summer against the backdrop of Madrids support for Morocco on the Sahara issue.

Instead of investing in the safety of its citizens against wildfires, Algeria prefers to dilapidate its oil and gas money on fantasies such as joining the BRICS, with $1.5 billion offered to the groupings NDB bank.

The Kabyle independence movement MAK had often accused the regime of deliberately targeting the region with wildfires.
(Photo : Drew Angerer/ Getty Images)

The top prosecutor in Hunter Biden's case is prepared to appear publicly despite House Republicans' demands for a closed-door session.

The Department of Justice is proposing US Attorney David Weiss, who led the investigation into Hunter Biden, to testify before the House of Representatives after House Republicans demanded he and more than a dozen other officials appear for interviews.

Assistant Attorney General Carlos Felipe Uriarte informed House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, in a letter obtained by Fox on Monday that the DOJ has accepted Weiss' offer to testify "at a public hearing before the committee."

US Attorney in Hunter Biden Probe, to Testify in Congress

House Republicans demanded in June that Weiss and more than a dozen federal officials appear before multiple congressional committees for transcribed interviews regarding allegations of politicization and malfeasance at their agencies during the years-long investigation into the president's son.

The House Oversight Committee, House Judiciary Committee, and House Ways and Means Committee are conducting a joint investigation into whether prosecutorial decisions were influenced by politics during the federal investigation of Hunter Biden.

Assistant US Attorney Lesley Wolf, who allegedly blocked lines of questioning in the investigation pertaining to President Biden; US Attorney for the District of Columbia Matthew Graves, who allegedly blocked Weiss from charging Hunter Biden in his district; Jack Morgan and Mark Daly of the DOJ's Tax Division; US Attorney for the Central District of California E. Martin Estrada; and Acting Deputy AG Aguirre.

House Oversight Committee Democrats issued a memo stating that the release of an unclassified document related to their investigateon of Hunter Biden threatens national security.

Grassley disclosed what is known as an FD-1023 form, which contains allegations made by a confidential informant about President Joe Biden's son Hunter's work with the Ukrainian energy company Burisma.

According to the informant, they were informed by Burisma officials about their relationships with then-vice president Biden and his son Hunter. However, leading Republicans acknowledge they are unable to verify the claims on the form, The Independent reported.

Democratic members of the committee wrote in a memo that the claims, which were relayed to the FBI by a confidential source from Ukrainian oligarch Mykola Zlochevsky, the proprietor of Burisma, were "years after the fact."

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Hunter Biden Tax Affairs

Disclosure of the document, according to Democrats on the committee, led by ranking member Jamie Raskin (D-MD), "could eliminate or chill important collection, undermine the FBI's confidential human source program, jeopardize investigations, and significantly increase the risk of physical harm to sources based on their historic and ongoing collection."

In addition to the confidential human source, the Democratic memo noted that senior Republican figures and members of the Justice Department during Trump's presidency debunked the claims.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) disclosed the FBI-generated FD-1023 tip document last week, and it has been a focal point of the House Oversight Committee investigation led by Chairman James Comer (R-KY).

In the document, a confidential human source alleges to an FBI informant that both Bidens were paid $5 million by Mykola Zlochevsky, the head of Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company on whose board Hunter Biden sat, to exert pressure on the Ukrainian government to dismiss Viktor Shokin, a prosecutor who was allegedly investigating Burisma.

Even though the allegations are unsubstantiated, Republican members of the committee view them as a crucial aspect of their investigation into the Bidens' international business dealings.

In a memo obtained by the Washington Examiner, the Democratic staff of the committee criticized the Republicans' decision to disclose the document to the public, alleging that it contains discredited "conspiracy theories."

Prior to the 2020 election, Parnas was also assigned with obtaining a statement from Zlochevsky regarding the senior Biden's involvement in his son's business dealings. In response to a list of queries sent to him by Parnas in 2019, Zlochevsky stated that "no one from Burisma ever had contact with Vice President Biden or his staff during Hunter Biden's engagement."

Per The Washington Examiner, this contradicts the claims made by the confidential human source and Zlochevsky in the FD-1023. The confidential human source informs the FBI informant that Zlochevsky paid both Bidens $5 million to negotiate with the prosecutor.

According to the FD-1023, Zlochevsky himself told the informant in 2016 that "it costs $5 million to pay one Biden and $5 million to pay another Biden."

Related Article: Hunter Biden Probe: IRS Whistleblower X Set To Reveal Identity, FBI Agent Told To Avoid Congress Questions

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As China levies export controls on two critical minerals, gallium and geranium, from August, for US industry dependent upon reliable supply chains, Africa represents a key opportunity for American interests, according to Ned Rauch-Mannino, a former co-chair for the White Houses Prosper Africa initiative.

The restrictions imposed on access to these two critical minerals mark Beijings latest volley in its strategic power competition with Washington and will significantly disrupt US and Taiwanese chip manufacturers, warns Rauch-Mannino, currently a visiting fellow for the Douglas and Sarah Allison Center for Foreign Policy Studies at The Heritage Foundation and a former senior official with the US Department of Commerce. To that end, US vulnerability underscores the need to pursue a pivot. Decoupling is unrealistic, but diversifying supply is a necessary long-term strategy, Rauch-Mannino argues in a piece recently published in RealClearDefense (RCD).

Though Africa may not be an outright solution to todays supply chain challenges, the continent deserves much more serious consideration from forward-thinking entrepreneurs who understand the constraints of a single basket approach. The case for Africa as a US industry partner is stronger than ever, and for those bold enough to navigate Africas complexities the opportunity for two-way commercial relationships with a market positioned for growth is clear. Americas peers, most notably the European Union and China, recognize the importance of trade and investment relationships with Africa, Rauch-Mannino points out. Therefore, he argues that beyond supply chain security, given Africas overall potential, US industry can build lasting, mutually beneficial relationships through commerce.
With rising temperatures, people living in regions across Africa that were once inhospitable to malaria-carrying mosquitoes, including the mountains of eastern Ethiopia and the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, could be newly exposed to the disease, according to latest studies on this topic.

As the temperature range where malaria-carrying mosquitoes thrive is rising in elevation as the planet warms and mosquitoes migrate slowly upward, scientists now worry people living in areas once inhospitable to the insects will now be exposed to malaria. For example, a study published in 2016 found the habitat for malaria-carrying mosquitoes had expanded in the high-elevation Mount Kilimanjaro region by hundreds of square kilometers in just 10 years. Lower altitudes, in contrast, are becoming too hot for the bugs. Most research on the trend focuses on Africa given the fact that 96% of malaria deaths in 2021 occurred in the continent.

Global deaths from malaria declined by 29% between 2002 and 2021 as countries have taken more aggressive tactics in fighting the disease. However, the numbers remain high, especially in Africa, where children under 5 years old account for 80% of all malaria deaths. The latest world malaria report from the WHO recorded 247 million cases of malaria in 2021  Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and Mozambique alone accounted for almost half of those cases. The link between climate change and expansion or change in mosquito distributions is real, said Doug Norris, a specialist in mosquitoes at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Despite this, uncertainty remains on the extent of how shifting mosquito populations will affect people in the future.
Hay harvesting permit applications will be available from the Nebraska Department of Transportation on Monday.

Applications will be processed in the order they are received during normal business hours, NDOT said in a press release. Individuals must have a permit to harvest hay on state right of way.

An individual may purchase hay harvesting permits online from July 30 to Sept. 15 on a first-come, first-served basis, with each permit limited to five miles of roadside hay total.

The hay is for private use only and only one permit is allowed per person. There is an online map to help applicants and NDOT staff select the location for each permit.

Landowners are given the opportunity to renew last years permits between March 1 and July 29.

The Hay Harvesting Permits Application and Help Docs will be available on the NDOT website. The option to purchase permits from specified NDOT locations will still be available. Please visit ndot.info/haypermit for more information.
In 2023, Nebraska finally joined the 48 other states that empower parents to choose the best education for their children despite their income or ZIP code. I was proud to cosponsor and support LB 753, the Opportunity Scholarships Act, joining with colleagues from across the state to pass a bill that was long overdue.

Many of us may disagree on many other issues, but we came together on this.

I am very disappointed to see efforts to stop parents from putting their children in a better school. It is very important citizens from western Nebraska stand behind families and let school choice finally become a reality in our state.

In their attempts to roll back the law, the Nebraska State Education Association is distributing myths and false information. They claim that this program would take money away from public schools, despite the Legislature passing historic levels of funding for public education this past session.

They are not telling the truth. There is clear evidence that similar programs in other states have not cut funding for public education. Perhaps more disturbing to me are the suggestions that school choice is not helpful in rural communities like mine.

In fact, experience in states that have led the way on this issue shows that all types of communities, rural and urban, benefit from this. Half of the six Florida counties with the highest private school enrollment are rural. It is in those communities that school choice can be especially crucial.

In 2021, 8,500 students in Floridas 30 rural counties used school choice scholarships. In rural communities, school choice can be used to help children attend schools that already exist, or help entrepreneurs create new schools.

For example, every student enrolled in the Gold Star Private Academy in Bristol, Florida, uses a school choice scholarship to attend. I anticipate many untold opportunities arising for students in District 43 once school choice becomes a reality.

School choice is coming to Nebraska. Support for empowering parents is higher than ever as confidence in the one-size-fits-all government education system reaches historic lows.

When a child cannot get what is needed and there are no other educational options, parents should have the opportunity to make a different choice. I hear it from my constituents, and I know Im not alone.

Even NSEA allies who ran a recent poll full of biased questions could only find split opinions. The support for this policy is far wider than they would like to admit. And thats why their allies continue to desperately mislead the public, hoping that special interest money and a statewide campaign of false information will block opportunity for Nebraska families.

We wont fall for it in western Nebraska. Under our constitution, 5% of the signatures collected must come from 38 of our 93 counties. This ensures the population centers in Lincoln and Omaha cannot pass a referendum idea like this without significant support from the rural part of Nebraska.

For the sake of our children and their future, every Nebraskan of all backgrounds should decline to sign the petition being circulated that would repeal this law.
Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

Well, well, well, whos a good boy now?

The status of Commander, Joe Bidens nearly two-year-old German shepherd, has been called into question. It was revealed on Tuesday that he has taken up the same biting habit that got Major, another of the presidents dogs, banished from the White House.

The Bidens have had lots of pet drama in the past three years. They moved into the White House with two German shepherds, Champ and Major. Sadly, Champ passed away in June 2021. A few months later, Major was rehomed with Biden-family friends after biting at least two people at the White House. Just before Christmas 2021, Biden announced the arrival of a third presidential pup, the three-month-old Commander.

Meet the newest Biden. pic.twitter.com/JHAbH53iRk  President Biden (@POTUS) December 20, 2021

But it turns out Commander was even more determined to disprove the aphorism When a dog bites a man, that is not news because it happens so often. On Thursday, the New York Post broke the news that Commander had bitten a whopping seven people over a four-month period, according to records obtained by the conservative legal group Judicial Watch.

The most serious incident occurred on November 3, 2022, when Commander bit a Secret Service officers arm and thigh unprovoked, forcing them to thwart further attacks from behind a steel cart. The White House physicians office referred them to a local hospital for treatment, and the agent told a colleague that Commander was a menace. Per the Post:

Two days after the incident, the attacked agent, whose doctor placed them on restricted duty for three days after their visit to the hospital, emailed to a colleague who asked about their recovery: My leg and arm still hurts. He bit me twice and ran at me twice.

The fellow Secret Service member wrote back: What a joke  if it wasnt their dog he would already have been put down  freaking clown needs a muzzle.

But Commanders reign of terror continued. On November 10, he bit another Secret Service agent on the left thigh while First Lady Jill Biden was walking the dog near the East Wing. The next day, an agent said they had to use a chair to keep Commander from attacking them. On December 11, yet another agent was bitten on the arm and hand after the president took the dog off his leash. The incidents continued through the holidays, and on January 2, a Secret Service technical-security investigator was attacked by Commander while investigating an alarm at the presidents home in Wilmington, Delaware.

Jill Bidens spokeswoman, Elizabeth Alexander, said the family has responded to Commanders rampant biting by implementing additional leashing protocols and training as well as establishing designated areas for Commander to run and exercise. Alexander said the Bidens are incredibly grateful to the Secret Service and White House staff, adding, The White House complex is a unique and often stressful environment for family pets, and the First Family is working through ways to make this situation better for everyone.

Her statement doesnt say anything about Commander exiting the White House, but that would be one tried-and-true way to make this situation better for everyone  especially Willow, the White House cat, who is, as far as we know, a perfect angel.
Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images

When Hunter Biden began selling his ink-blown artworks two years ago, the White House tried to ensure that no one would purchase his mediocre portraits and paintings (up to $500,000 a pop) in an attempt to curry favor with the Biden administration. But as is pretty much the case with everything involving Joes second son, things got complicated fast.

Insider reports that Hunter Biden sold a painting to California real-estate investor Elizabeth Hirsh Naftali, a Democratic donor who has given $13,414 to Joe Bidens reelection campaign this year. In July 2022, President Biden announced that Naftali would be appointed to a position on the Commission for the Preservation of Americas Heritage Abroad, a government agency dedicated to preserving sites in Europe related to the Holocaust. Its the type of unpaid role donors are commonly rewarded with, but if Naftali bought Hunters painting prior to her appointment, it could constitute a conflict of interest. Neither the White House nor Hunter Bidens attorneys responded to questions regarding when she made the purchase. The painting first went on sale in late 2021.

According to a Biden administration official who spoke with Insider, Naftali was recommended to the president by Nancy Pelosi. But in the days when Hunter Biden was touting his fathers name in exchange for lucrative contracts, he told family members that he could help secure appointments on the Commission for the Preservation of Americas Heritage Abroad, as Insider explains:

In the past, Hunter Biden has privately suggested that he could arrange to have friends seated on the commission. Eric Schwerin, Hunter Bidens longtime business associate, was appointed to the same post by President Barack Obama in 2015. An email apparently from Hunter Bidens abandoned laptop written that year suggests that he had sway over Schwerins appointment. Eric asked me for one of these the day after the election in 2008, Biden wrote to a cousin, who had written inquiring about the possibility of a similar appointment for her mother.

While Hunter Biden was not supposed to know the identities of the benefactors who purchased his works, Insider reports that he was aware that Naftali was one of the buyers  along with Kevin Morris, a Los Angeles attorney and friend of Hunter Biden who has reportedly lent him north of $2 million. But the identity of Bidens single biggest fan  the Medici to his Michelangelo  remains unknown. Insider was not able to figure out the name of the buyer who accounted for $875,000 of the $1.3 million in net sales from Bidens show at the Georges Berges Gallery in Manhattan.
Photo: Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images

If youre anything like me, you start most days by making yourself a big cup of tea and searching the internet for the latest news on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. And this morning, you learned that the royal duo have been harassing old people. A quick skim of the headlines revealed that Meghan and Harry snubbed their elderly Navy veteran neighbor with their rude response to his sweet gesture.

Shocking if true! But much like the dubious claim that the couple tried to hitch a ride on Air Force One and the divorce rumor that turned out to be partly based on Harry going on a work trip, this story falls apart upon further investigation.

Unlike the sources in many royal gossip stories, this elderly Montecito, California, neighbor definitely exists and he was willing to go on the record. Frank McGinity is an 88-year-old U.S. Navy veteran who lives a tiaras toss or two from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as the Montecito Journal put it. The globetrotting accountant just published an updated edition of his book Get Off Your Street, which recounts his travels on all seven continents and describes his failed attempt to make contact with Meghan and Harry. Per the New York Post:

In his memoir, Get Off Your Street, McGinity alleged that he approached the couples home to give them some of his homemade films about local history.

I have a big house next to Harry and Meghans property and I live in the guest house while renting the main house out on Airbnb, he said 

Harry and Meghan live on old McCormick property and I went up to their gate with the films on a CD, but they werent interested, he claimed.

He said the security guard wouldnt let him past the gate.

The gate guy turned me away and wouldnt take the film, just saying Theyre not interested. I was trying to be neighborly.

Its sweet that McGinity wanted to welcome the royals to the neighborhood. But this snubbing is actually a story about a security guard doing his job. Its unclear if Meghan and Harry even heard about this incident before it was added to the public accounting of their allegedly rude behavior.

There have, of course, been sporadic reports of Meghan and Harry indirectly annoying their Montecito neighbors in the past. They moved to their current home in July 2020, and within weeks TMZ reported that locals were fed up with the influx of paparazzi even though the town is already home to several huge stars including Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres.

They definitely have brought a lot of attention to my sleepy little town, Rob Lowe, who has lived in Montecito for decades, told E! back in 2021. Let me tell you something: Once the royals move into your neighborhood, the neighborhood is never going to be the same.

Lowe might have spoken too soon. The U.K.s Daily Express reported this week that the couple are considering abandoning Montecito for Malibu, which is much closer to Los Angeles and far more celebrity-filled. Meghan signed with the top-tier L.A. talent agency WME in April.

Being close to Beverly Hills and LA where the deals are done is smart, a source told Express.

And of course there is a real Malibu scene where major stars, producers and studio executives all hang out, socialize and get deals done during dinner and beach parties, they added. Certainly Prince Harry and Meghan would be welcome at many major parties and would be desired guests.

Well, maybe. If theres any lesson to be drawn from the snubbing report, its that unprovoked neighbor drama will likely follow Harry and Meghan wherever they go.
Photo: Universal Pictures/B) Universal Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Christopher Nolans Oppenheimer is a great picture. His take on the life and times of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, features the quintessential trait of a Nolan blockbuster: the ability to be brilliant and laughably heavy-handed at the same time. The screening I attended featured closed-captioning that inadvertently acted as a commentary on Nolans brand of bombastic filmmaking  (ROUSING MUSIC CONTINUES)  though the script alone did the job by flashing its themes on giant billboards. So we are treated to Niels Bohr (Kenneth Branagh with a Nordic accent) solemnly telling Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy with an ambivalently American one) that he is the American Prometheus, which happens to be the title of the book by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin that served as Nolans principal source material. Somehow, despite the occasional howler, Oppenheimer feels destined to be a classic, an engrossing meditation on human ingenuity and its destructive consequences that takes us back, for the umpteenth time, to World War II and the formation of the modern geopolitical order.

Oppenheimer hit theaters the same week as Greta Gerwigs Barbie, giving rise to the Frankensteinian phenomenon known as Barbenheimer  two eagerly anticipated films fused together that could not be more different, the latters hot-pink aesthetic clashing with the formers dark mushroom cloud. It is Barbie, oddly enough, that has captured the attention of conservative lawmakers and pundits with Senator Ted Cruz calling it Chinese communist propaganda for depicting a map that shows China controlling contested territories in the Pacific Ocean and Ben Shapiro burning Barbie dolls for the movies alleged wokeness. Oppenheimer has thus far attracted comparatively little attention from the right despite the fact that it is sympathetic to the real-life Oppenheimers communist leanings and features Murphy constantly talking about his characters left-wing politics.

The age-old question of whether the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which all told killed some 220,000 people, were necessary to end the war has largely fallen to the left, though here the discussion has been confused and sometimes wrongheaded. Mother Jones scolded Nolan for not taking a stronger side in the debate even though Murphys Oppenheimer concedes that the U.S. dropped the bombs on an enemy that was essentially defeated already. The whole point of the movie is that Oppenheimer was ultimately ostracized and accused of being a Soviet agent for warning the world about the dangers of nuclear proliferation  in case theres any doubt, Nolan quite clearly believes that using weapons of mass destruction on people is bad. Still, there is something about the treatment of the Japanese in this film that speaks to a broader confusion about the war and to Americas blinkered perception of itself.

What kind of enemy were the Japanese anyway? The first third of the movie is propelled by the threat that the Nazis could develop the bomb first  and we know all about them. Oppenheimer, a Jew, takes the threat personally, his very vocation referred to derisively by Hitler as Jew science because of the number of Jews, famously including Albert Einstein, who specialized in quantum physics. The final third of the movie is preoccupied with the Soviets, who pose both a mortal threat in their own quest for the bomb and an ideological one in the form of communism. We know all about them, too, and intimately so  the movies framing device of a closed-door, McCarthy-inspired interrogation of Oppenheimer echoes the show trials of Americas Cold War nemesis. In the middle come the Japanese, but we get no real sense at all of the adversary who actually bore the brunt of Oppenheimers terrible weapon.

Nolan is not alone in having only a hazy idea of wartime Japan, which in the popular imagination is defined by kamikaze fighters and blindly loyal soldiers in the jungle continuing to fight long after the fight is over. Hollywood loves the Nazis. It loves the communists and their spies. It largely ignores the Japanese, as if they are just too strange to contemplate. While Japan was a military foe that had to be brought to its knees, it was not persecuting Jews, with whom Americans like Oppenheimer had a connection, but other, similarly alien Asians; while an American official might lie awake at night anxious about communist indoctrination of members of the Manhattan Project, he did not lose any sleep over the possibility that lefty scientists would start worshipping Emperor Hirohito. Still, the incuriosity about Japan is perplexing for many reasons, not least of which is that it was the Japanese, not the Nazis, who attacked America and brought it into the war  a fact that Nolan omits entirely while having a character brandish a newspaper that practically spins on the screen declaring, HITLER INVADES POLAND. It is doubly odd when you consider that, from Japans point of view anyway, the two countries are inextricably intertwined, bound together like brothers by historical fate.

The great coincidence of this summer movie season was not that Oppenheimer came out at the same time as Barbie but at the same time as The Boy and the Heron, the latest and possibly final film by legendary anime director Hayao Miyazaki. It tells the story of a child whose mother was killed during the Allied firebombing of Tokyo, a metaphor for how Americas grim victory, epitomized by the bomb, gave birth to a new Japan, which rose from the ashes a chastened and traumatized country, as meek as its previous incarnation was militaristic. America forced Japan to adopt a pacifist constitution, and to this day, in an extraordinary arrangement, provides this largely defenseless country with a security guarantee, protecting it from its neighbors in the schoolyard of East Asian politics. Miyazakis movie, which will play in the United States later this year, is virtually a sequel to Oppenheimer, and the boy the bombs figurative son.

To understand what the Japanese were like before they were wrenched into a new national identity, you could watch Clint Eastwoods Letters From Iwo Jima, an equally brilliant movie that, in emphasizing the nobility of the Japanese warrior, has the feel of the Lost Cause to it; or Miyazakis The Wind Rises, a Japanese version of Oppenheimer that tells the story of Jiro Horikoshi, an engineer who invented the Imperial Armys deadly Zero fighter jet; or, the one I find most convincing, Masaki Kobayashis unforgiving ten-hour epic The Human Condition, which depicts the Japanese as sadistic, deeply racist boors who, like the colonizers in the West they sought to emulate, wanted to dominate and subjugate and exploit their perceived inferiors. Was the wartime Japanese an officer and a gentleman who lived by an ancient military code? A scientist with an artists spirit, led astray by his government? Or an authoritarian bully? I would guess he was, in varying degrees, all three.

It is not Nolans job to faithfully depict the Japanese. He has made a movie about J. Robert Oppenheimer after all. But some common understanding of this faraway foil is necessary for us to comprehend this historical figures significance. Nolan is most concerned with the fact that Oppenheimer brought us into the nuclear age, which gave humanity the ability for the first time to destroy itself. The legacy of the bomb, however, is more specific and concrete than Oppenheimers final vision of a world engulfed in nuclear fire. At the very same instant that the bomb created modern Japan in a burst of light, it also gave rise to the America we know today  America as superpower. Two new nations were born from this expression of the bombs divine power, and the cost of this transformation, like some ghastly blood sacrifice, were those 220,000 human beings who were either incinerated or succumbed to radiation poisoning, human beings Oppenheimer said were necessary to target to show what havoc the weapon could really wreak, which is to say that the inauguration of the American century would not have happened without the Japanese.

But, of course, America does not see itself as sharing its history with anyone, let alone that it has a ghostly sibling on the other side of the world. Which is how Kai Bird, writing for the New York Times on the occasion of Oppenheimers release, can say with a straight face that the real tragedy of Oppenheimers life was that it discouraged scientists from standing up in the political arena as public intellectuals. Well, no  the tragedy is that his genius was literally weaponized against a country that may no longer have posed a threat to him or his country, against people who have been forgotten by their opponents, if they were ever known at all.
Auburn and Opelika have several events in store for you if you are looking for something fun to do this weekend.

If you are 21 and older, you can join others on Friday in Downtown Auburn for the 7th annual Cheers on the Corner and enjoy tasty food and drinks.

Since summer break is coming to an end, parents and students can get school supplies, win door prizes and participate in parent sessions at the community-wide back-to-school bash in Opelika.

If you aren't interested in any of those events, we have a list of weekend events you may enjoy:

All weekend long

Finding Nemo Jr.: The Alsobrook Performing Arts Company will be having performances of Finding Nemo Jr. from now to Sunday at the Southside Center for the Arts in Opelika. Tickets are $8 for kids and $10 for adults. Please visit Eventbrite to see all available dates and times, and to get your tickets.

Friday

Cheers on The Corner: The Auburn Downtown Association will hold its 7th annual Cheers on the Corner in Downtown Auburn on Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. If you are 21 years or older, you can enjoy sips of wine and food from different restaurants in the area. Tickets are $45 per person in advance and $50 the day of. Visit Downtown Auburns website to purchase tickets.

Saturday

Self-Care Saturdays: Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn will hold free open-level yoga classes this Summer every Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. You can enjoy group activities centered around self-care and mindfulness. Visit Eventbrite to register.

Community-Wide Back-to-School Bash: There will be a free Back-to-school bash on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center in Opelika. Several colleges will be on-site, and Opelika City Schools will assist families with registration requirements and after-school options. There will be parent sessions, lunch, school supplies, door prizes and more. For more information, email gstepsinc@gmail.com or call 912-220-7818.

Sunday

Sip and Paint: Visions of Colors Paint and Pour Studio in Opelika will have a Minions - Can You See Me? sip and paint for kids on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The fee is $27 per person. Please visit VCPP Studios website to register.
(Photo : Amir Levy/Getty Images)

The Israeli government has passed the controversial judicial reform law despite massive nationwide protests opposing the measure.

Despite massive nationwide protests opposing the measure, Israel has passed the controversial judicial reform law set forth by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration.

In a statement on Monday, Netanyahu addressed the country after his government successfully passed the controversial law despite massive opposition. He said that he was fulfilling the will of the voters.

Israel Passes Controversial Judicial Reform Law

Netanyahu noted that the situation is not the end of democracy but rather, the essence of democracy, adding that the law being passed was a "necessary democratic move." He then blamed the opposition for refusing to compromise on the measure but did not go into detail what compromises the governing coalition had offered them.

As he did during a speech last week, the prime minister urged military reservists not to refuse to serve. As per CNN, he noted that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) relies on dedicated reservists who love their country.

Netanyahu then called on the army reservists to leave their service in the IDF out of the political debate that has engulfed the country. The situation comes as former United States Ambassador to Israel and former U.S. Special Envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations Martin Indyk urged Israel to "consider standing on its own two feet" about the military aid that Washington sends.

During an interview on Monday, Indyk said Israel should begin "weaning itself off its dependence on US military assistance." He noted that the country would be better off if it were not dependent on military aid from the American government.

While the American government has never considered withdrawing the aid it sends to Israel, lawmakers have recently called for it to come with certain restrictions instead. However, Indyk said that providing aid to Israel is a sensitive topic that enjoys strong bipartisan support.

The controversial law removes the power of the Israeli Supreme Court to overrule government actions that it deems unreasonable. According to BBC, it was the first measure approved in a series of tensely-fought reforms that sought to curb the power of the country's courts.

Read Also: China: School Gym's Roof Collapse Claims 11 Lives, Prompts Outcry

Curbing the Supreme Court's Powers

Netanyahu's planned reforms have prompted what is considered the largest protests in the history of Israel, with opponents issuing warnings that they endanger the country's state as a democracy.

On the other hand, the government argued that the measures are needed to correct the imbalance in power that they claim has resulted in courts increasingly intervening in political decisions in the last few decades.

Officials passed the so-called "reasonableness" bill with a final vote of 64-0 as the opposition boycotted the final vote. In remarks to the Knesset, Yair Lapid called the development a takeover by an extreme minority over the Israeli majority.

A Palestinian member of the Knesset, Ahmad Tibi, said that the new law only weakens and eliminates any form of supervision that the Supreme Court has over the government's decisions. He added that this is particularly true when it comes to situations where lawmakers make decisions related to official appointments and other major issues, said Aljazeera.

Related Article: Netanyahu Attends Voting to Overhaul Judicial System, Ignoring Biden Warning

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Gods, the trauma for the one watching.

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What a horrible way to go 



RIP

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In summary, he went paddle boarding in the coastal pond and drowned - it doesn't actually say it was at the Obama's house in the article? Though I assume it was nearby.



Poor guy, devastating for his family. I'm glad they found his body.

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He was young. May he rest in peace.



I wish that the crazy conspiracy theorists would give grace to this man's family but that would be asking for the impossible.

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I have come to truly hate conspiracy theorists. usually the conspiracies make no fucking sense whatsoever. like that Wayfair conspiracy theory that if you ordered certain furniture you would get a trafficked child? just stupid and nonsensical.



the world is complicated and interesting enough without making up stupid bullshit to buy into

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That wayfair conspiracy is the dumbest thing I've ever heard. When people are willing to believe shit like this...

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Imagine if it were true and some rich dude orders overpriced shelves and a kid gets mailed to his doorstep.

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Its tragic enough that he struggled and passed, but he had a wife and kids god, this is so depressing. May he rest in peace.

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He went paddle boarding, so there is a chance he knew how to swim. And he still drowned. This is so scary. RIP.

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Of course the internet crazies cant just give his family peace to grieve. This poor man and his poor family.

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Uh that title is really misleading. Fox News?

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don't you know, if you work for Obama then you're always on his property

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When paddle boarding started to get popular in my area, there was a huge push/educational blitz about wearing your life jacket and having the proper safety equipment with you. So many drownings because people think they're amazing swimmers and don't want the extra bulk.

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Tourists here are constantly paddle boarding in the ocean; I dont think Ive ever seen them provided with vests. Thankfully, I dont think anything had happened yet.

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I was an ocean lifeguard and just had such a visceral reaction to that. Arrogant men are a huge problem, ime (edit: not this man, sorry! That came off wrong. But we'd have to save a lot of college and rich douchebros who went way out past the safety lines and then were fucked and then didn't even thank us, being all "I was fine!" while they were thiiiis close to drowning).



Edited at 2023-07-25 12:41 pm (UTC)

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I would be so pissed to literally save someones life and not get a thanks but an I was fine! Ugh

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When Naya Rivera went missing someone here posted some really important info, I had never considered how much higher risk there is with potential drowning in fresh water/brackish water versus salt water.

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A lot of people think they're better swimmers than they are.



Tom Hanks had to do a swimming scene in one of those movies based on a Dan Brown novel & thought he was good. But after the swimming stunt/safety guy watched him swim for a bit he told him all of the ways he was doing it wrong.

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Very sad to hear it. I already know the internet crazies are holding hands and mass hallucinating, playing pretend like 'OOO WHAT DID HE KNOW' but here's the good news, I realized. Just dont use twitter and you'll never see it. You'll never see them be lunatics again, their powers are gone. I urge you all to cut yourselves free-and I hope this mans family will be given the space and privacy to grieve without weirdos trying to harass them for engagement fodder. Remember to never fall for the engagement traps friends. Dont do it for the sake of your mental health, but also and more importantly, out of respect for his family. Because sometimes things just spread further and worse in trying to e-defend someones name. Let them be crazy, block em. Speak peace and block/remove yourself from hatred and cruelty.

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At the Obama's home?

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No. Behind their home, at a pond not on their property

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what is this title?

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How are you gonna talk about conspiracy theories with a misleading title like that? lol

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Yeah, whats going on???



So sad. RIP. My condolences.

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Because otherwise Variety and other entertainment mags owned by these asshole corporations that are fucking them over in the first place would write about it and ppl would be all why is this rich person joining them smh







Ahhhh

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I saw Jack Black's instagram post of him at the strike, and there was a comment like "millionaires complaining about billionaires" and "don't actors get paid enough?" 

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Jack doing king shit once again

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Thank you.

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Aaaaand all the top comments in his post explain why big stars might be better off supporting behind the scenes

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We dont listen to LOSERS.

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YESSSSS KING

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This is all very reasonable and fair, and I would go further and say that even high-profile donations should go unannounced.

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I generally agree but sometimes the kind of postive press the Rock is getting is enough to get more donations

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Those a listers need to donate to the relief fund and bring food/water if they go to the picket lines. And they need talking points for when someone says theyre rich already. Meryl or Cruise picketing for hours wont be useful on it own. They need to know how to use the attention they get to highlight the issues at play.

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As long as the 160,000 members of sag aftra honor the strike, it doesnt matter to me.



Another anti union distraction hit piece from Variety because the real story should be why amptp has not re-engaged in negotiations.

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tbh the average idiot already thinks all these ppl on strike are millionaires. seeing jennifer lawrence or whoever leading the protests will just do more harm than good

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this is just anti-union propaganda tbh there are 160K members of sag-aftra, we're not going to see every single member on the picket lines!

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I wonder how many are using this time to get plastic surgery since they have an excuse for being out of sight. I bet those Beverly Hills surgeons are staying booked and busy.

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Lmao we need a follow up post in 6 months!

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Can we ban Variety/THR etc from being sources for posts during the strike? Seems like they're the only ones people keep using and then we're in the comments having to remind everyone that those are AMPTP mouth pieces so any "fairness of journalism" (not that that's a thing anymore) doesn't exist for them cause they want to break the strike.



Also this post and all those bolded points seem like a lot of information and bullshit to hide the fact ASMPTP isn't at the bargaining table 





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the unfortunate thing is that they are also the most reputable industry outlets in general so people don't clock their bias and there aren't many alternatives with similar clout

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Disagree on banning THR/Variety as sources. I think it's important to unpacktheir reporting and challenge it, which is exactly what savvy ONTD posters are doing in this thread.

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Exactly. You can't see what they're doing, unless you... see what they're doing.

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They know exactly what they're doing at Variety and other major publications

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yeah i even saw a piece from The Guardian suggesting that the union should start targeting their anger at highly paid actors as the "real" problem



comments were enabled on it and i was pleasantly surprised lots of them were calling out the author for blatantly trying to pit actors against each other

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it's really damned if you do damned if you don't with the ~it~ actors rn. if they don't go to the picket line you have certain writers (i've mostly just seen writers) complain on twitter about how the famous actors don't gaf and treat the strike like a vacation. but if they do attend, mainstream media will pile onto the "look at these rich people whining!!!" narrative



i agree tho that donating is the best thing A-listers can do to show support without the extra bullshit

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$25k seems like not enough for someone like JLC



Lbr the rich ones who were never worried are probably all taking vacations right now. I just hope they at least put some serious dollars in the relief fund.



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Colin Farrell has joined. Cant get more A list than that!

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Are they doing a production? No. They're actually not scabbing. Even Tom Cruise, who's keen to promote and encourage theater attendance, is not breaking the strike. This is just stupid agitprop from the trades lol

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Concurrent Group Faces OSHA Fines for Electrocution Hazards Following a Workers Death

The company faces more than $40,000 in proposed penalties.

The death of a 32-year-old lineman for Concurrent Group LLC in January 2023 led OSHA to kick off an investigation of the companys safety measures.

In a release dated July 19, OSHA announced it had completed its investigation into the Blue Bell, Pennsylvania-based electrical contractor. The findings determined employees parked a digger truck underneath energized overhead power lines without taking the necessary precautions. This oversight, OSHA found, ultimately led to the employees death by electrocution, which occurred when the trucks boom made contact with the 7,620-volt power line.

Concurrent received five serious violations, amounting to a proposed $40,937 in penalties, as a result of the investigation. These violations include allowing employees to operate a digger truck within minimum approach distance to the overhead power lines, failure to designate an observer to supervise the activity, the lack of protective equipment to ground and insulate the area and the failure to inspect the site and equipment prior to starting work.

An employee lost their life because Concurrent Group LLC failed to use required safeguards before starting work that morning, OSHA Area Office Director Condell Eastmond in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, said in a statement. The company could have prevented this tragedy if it had ensured the power lines were de-energized before allowing employees to work in close proximity.

Concurrent has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest its findings.
OSHA Issues Petco Store Citations for Rodents, Other Hazards

The Andover, Massachusetts location faces proposed penalties of $129,473.

Petco operates more than 1,500 pet supplies stores throughout the United States, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. And now one location in Andover, Massachusetts, is facing citations from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

In a release dated July 21, OSHA announced the store had received two repeat and two serious violations, amounting to a proposed $129,473 in penalties.

Following an employee complaint, OSHA investigators in February 2023 discovered the Petco store lacked an effective vermin control program. As a result, workers were routinely exposed to live and dead rodents as well as their waste. Another Petco store in Corpus Christi, Texas, received citation for a similar violation in 2021.

In addition, the North Andover location received citations for electrical hazardsstemming from the blocked access of electrical panelsas well as chemical hazards related to unlabeled containers and inadequate eyewash and cleaning. A Petco in Columbus, Ohio, received a similar citation in 2022 relating to electrical safety.

"Protecting the safety and health of employees must be a core value for employers, large and small," OSHA Area Director Sarah T. Carle in Andover, Massachusetts said in a statement. "After previous citations for similar violations, Petco is well aware of the importance of having effective programs in place to control pests and safeguard against hazards at all of its locations."

Petco has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest its findings.
Russias crude oil exports by sea continued to slump last week and are now well below the February levels and nearly 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) lower than the recent peak at the end of April, tanker-tracking data monitored by Bloomberg showed on Tuesday.

Russias crude shipments plunged by 311,000 bpd to 2.73 million bpd in the week to July 23, as exports out of the Western ports on the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea crashed to 1.17 million bpd, down by 625,000 bpd from the previous week, according to the data reported by Bloombergs Julian Lee.

Crude shipments from the Kozmino port in Russias Far East, from where the voyage to top customers China and India is much shorter, rose in the week to July 23, but couldnt offset the plummeting crude export volumes from Novorossiysk on the Black Sea and Primorsk and Ust-Luga on the Baltic Sea.

So in the week to July 23, nationwide Russian crude exports by sea, at 2.73 million bpd, were 1.48 million bpd lower than the peak seen in the final week of April, according to Bloombergs data.

Tanker-tracking data have already started to show in recent weeks that Russias seaborne crude oil exports were declining from the highs seen in April and May.

Last week, Russian crude oil shipments plunged to a six-month low in the four weeks to July 16.

This weeks data compiled by Bloomberg suggests shipments plummeted further in the following week to July 23.

In early July, Russia said that it would cut its crude oil exports by 500,000 bpd in August in a bid to ensure a balanced market, and the reduction in exports would come from a further 500,000-bpd cut in oil production.

Vessel-monitoring data suggest that Russia has started to reduce supply to the market, which, combined with the Saudi production cut of 1 million bpd in July and August, would tighten market balances.

By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

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More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
The idea that the energy transition to an energy system dominated by wind and solar power appears to be at odds with the idea of an oil and gas refining industry.

Yet this is a superficial contradiction: wind and solar cannot exist without oil and gas refining. Now, Chinese refiners are taking advantage of this fact.

Reuters reported this week that petrochemicals producers in the Asian nation were investing tens of billions to expand their production capabilities for high-end products used in the wind and solar industries.

Private and state-owned refiners alike were in a rush to position themselves as suppliers of things like carbon fiber for wind turbine blades, polyolefine elastomers for solar panels, and polyethylene for lithium-ion batteries.

The petrochemicals segment of the oil and gas industry has for years been seen by analysts and industry players alike as the only guaranteed part of the business that had a chance for long-term survival in the transition, provided it goes as envisioned by its advocates.

Even if the electrification of everything was realistically possible, the world would still need petrochemical products in large volumes, even in 2050. Aware of this, some majors, notably Aramco, moved early to position themselves favorably.

Earlier this year, Aramco sealed two deals with Chinese petrochemicals producers, one of which was finalized earlier this month: the Saudi state oil major bought a 10% stake in Rongsheng Petrochemical for $3.6 billion. Under the deal, Aramco will supply 480,000 bpd of crude to the Chinese refiner over a period of 20 years.

Speaking of Aramco, the Saudi major is working on the domestic growth front, too. Last month, Aramco and French TotalEnergies inked an agreement for the construction of a new petrochemical complex in the Kingdom, valued at $11 billion.

Saudi Arabia's fellow OPEC member Iraq is also eyeing growth in petrochemicals. Earlier this year, reports emerged that the $8.5-billion Nibras petrochemical complex project had resurfaced in government plans, and construction could begin shortly. Related: Buffett Bets On Fossil Fuels Amid Cheap Market Valuations

Others are eager to boost their petrochemicals capabilities, too. At the start of this year, QatarEnergy greenlit the Ras Laffan Petrochemicals project, to be carried out in partnership with Chevron.

The project, whose value is estimated at $6 billion, is the biggest investment for the Qatari state energy company and will increase Qatar's polyethylene production capacity to nearly 14 million tons annually. It will also make it the largest ethylene producer in the Middle East.

Indian refiners are also in on it. Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited, a unit of state major ONGC, recently signaled a shift away from expanding its refining capacity in favor of boosting its petrochemicals capabilities.

According to the company, the shift, which could cost it as much as $5.7 billion, would help MRPL "de-risk" its future with a view to the energy transition.

"Overcapacity and weak demand for commodity chemicals, and China's rapidly growing industries like solar, electric vehicles are the key drivers for companies to extend into high-end, high performing materials," a Wood Mackenzie analyst told Reuters.

ADVERTISEMENT

No doubt government policies elsewhere seeking to catch up with China on wind and solar, as well as EVs, are also among the drivers of the wave of petrochemical expansion that is currently underway. It is, indeed, a safe way to "de-risk" the future of the industry and secure long-term demand for oil and gas products.

It is, in a way, ironic that the energy transition away from hydrocarbons literally depends on these very same hydrocarbons and their high-end derivatives. It was also unavoidablethere are no comparable substitutes for the petrochemicals used in wind and solar power installations, and it will be a while, if ever, until such substitutes appear on the transition stage.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
The outcome of the recent G20 meeting held in India has left some participants disappointed, while others had anticipated a fiery discussion on hydrocarbons and energy policies. Amid growing concerns about the future of the planet, the debate surrounding the future of hydrocarbons has intensified, with the Global South aligning its objections with powerful oil and gas-producing nations. The G20 Ministerial energy meeting, hosted by India in Goa, included influential countries such as China, the US, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Germany, France, the UK, and the EU.

The upcoming COP28 summit in Dubai, led by Sultan Al Jaber, who also heads the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), is expected to become a battleground between environmentalists, NGOs, and Western governments pushing for aggressive climate change action and the Global South advocating for the continued inclusion of hydrocarbon producers and energy companies.

The contentious debates are already underway, as evident from the G20's inability to agree on tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030. The lack of consensus on globally phasing out fossil fuels is attributed to the opposition of major hydrocarbon producers like Russia and Saudi Arabia, triggering harsh reactions from climate scientists and activists concerned about the escalating impact of climate change, as witnessed through increased extreme weather events like heatwaves in Europe, China, and the USA. Related: UAE Says OPEC+ Cuts Are Enough To Support The Oil Market

While the G20 summit's overall outcome isn't entirely negative, with 22 out of 29 proposed paragraphs receiving unanimous agreement, significant disagreements arose over proposals to cut back or phase-out fossil fuels, particularly from countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, South Africa, and Indonesia. These issues have become deeply divisive, leaving little room for maneuvering at present.

The focus now shifts to the preparation and results of COP28 in Dubai, where the UAE's leadership will face immense pressure from Western governments and NGOs to adopt a stronger and more viable strategy to reduce global hydrocarbon dependence and accelerate the energy transition. However, there is a concern that COP28 might turn into a stage for a hydrocarbon revival, as Sultan Al Jaber has expressed the need for an inclusive gathering that involves major energy companies, in contrast to COP26, where some were excluded.

Geopolitical considerations will undoubtedly influence discussions at COP28, similar to what happened during the G7-G20 meetings, where Russia's involvement triggered attempts to address the ongoing Russian invasion and destruction of Ukraine. China, as a supporter of Russia, prioritized focusing on global economic and financial issues, while India, as the host, aimed to maintain neutrality amidst balancing its ties with Russia and the USA.

The growing alliance between Asian, Arab, and African countries is expected to counter any hardline climate change strategies proposed at COP28. Sultan Al Jaber's leadership at the summit will be pivotal in managing geopolitical conflicts, not only between Russia and Ukraine but also between China, USA/Europe, and the West versus BRICS+ nations.

While the commitment to an energy transition and renewable energy is solid, addressing geopolitical conflicts will be an additional challenge for Sultan Al Jaber. The support of OPEC+ producers and international oil companies (IOCs) will be crucial for a functional energy transition since the world is still heavily reliant on fossil fuels, making up 80% of global energy sources.

Energy transition strategies will not only impact climate change but also influence the security and future of major regions worldwide. The role of hydrocarbons remains significant, and the discussions on energy transition must take into account the increased volatility of systems, economies, and societies when phasing out oil and gas in the long term.

In preparation for COP28, it is essential to acknowledge the intricate links between access to energy, investments, and technology and their connection to geopolitical and geo-economic alliances. Sultan Al Jaber's challenge lies in managing these complex relationships while pursuing an effective energy transition strategy.

With Russia, an influential player in the energy landscape, attending COP28, aligning with BRICS-related powers, and the UAE's interests in balancing relationships with China, India, and Russia, the summit's discussions will be far from simple.

The decisions made at G20 and COP28 will significantly impact global energy transition efforts, and it is evident that geopolitical considerations cannot be overlooked. The survival of African regimes, Arab oil and gas producers, and economic giants like China, India, and EU members largely hinges on hydrocarbon revenues and access to affordable energy.

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While climate change remains a pressing global challenge, a successful energy transition strategy must consider the interconnectedness of energy supplies, geopolitical alliances, and regional interests. Achieving a meaningful and effective energy transition will be a delicate balance of these complex factors.

By Cyril Widdershoven for Oilprice.com

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Saudi Arabias oil revenues plunged in May to the lowest level since September 2021, official data showed on Tuesday as the worlds top crude oil exporter lowered shipments while oil prices were significantly lower than in the spring of last year.

The value of Saudi Arabias total exports slumped in May, mostly due to the decline in oil exports, the Kingdoms General Authority for Statistics said on Tuesday.

Oil revenues slumped by 37.7% year over year to $19.2 billion (72 billion Saudi riyals) in May 2023. This compares to $30.8 billion (115.5 billion riyals) in oil revenues for May 2022, when Brent crude prices averaged $113 per barrel, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

This year in May, Brent oil prices averaged around $75 a barrel, which, combined with lowered Saudi oil exports and lower production as part of the OPEC+ deal, dragged down Saudi oil revenues to a 20-month low.

The share of oil exports in the value of total exports decreased from 80.8% in May 2022 to 74.1% in May 2023, the official Saudi data showed.

Lower oil prices mean the Kingdom is now getting lower revenue and income for its oil-dependent economy compared to the windfall from last year when Saudi Arabia received as much as $326 billion in oil revenues, its biggest oil sales haul in the era of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

But as of May 2023, Saudi Arabias crude oil exports have started to decline as the OPEC+ cuts began to take effect. That month, Saudi exports slumped to below 7 million bpd for the first time in many months. Crude shipments out of the worlds top exporter could further decline as Saudi Arabia is now cutting its production by an additional 1 million bpd in July and August.

Saudi Arabias efforts to prop up oil prices with large production cuts will slow down its economy, which could even shrink this year and become one of the worst performers among G20, from the fastest-growing economy in this group last year, analysts say.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Azamat Sarsenbaev, an activist from the Kazakh Caspian Sea city of Aqtau, is trying to bring attention to a problem that is closing in on residents of his city at the same time as their only water source recedes further into the distance.



Ten years ago we would swim around 200 meters in order to get to these rocks, Sarsenbaev told RFE/RLs Kazakh Service, recalling his childhood. Now we are standing on them.



There is no doubt that the Caspian Sea -- the worlds largest enclosed body of water that is shared by Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan -- is shrinking.



And because Kazakhstans section of the Caspian is among the shallowest, it is no surprise that authorities here are scrambling to deal with severe consequences that are no longer far off on the horizon.



Earlier this summer, Aqtau officials announced a state of emergency in relation to the recession of the shoreline -- a measure intended to accelerate mitigation efforts.



Kazakh Environment Minister Zulfiya Suleimenova acknowledged the scale of the problem on the day of the June 8 announcement, citing climate change as an exogenous factor and upstream regulation of rivers that flow into the lake, such as the Russian-originating Volga and the Ural, as the main causes.



Sarsenbaev is less diplomatic.

While acknowledging that Kazakhstan needs to use water more efficiently, he argues that the construction of multiple dams and other industrial objects along the Russian parts of those two rivers is causing big problems for Kazakhstan.



They stop the water flow. And if less is coming in from the rivers, the Caspian will keep shrinking, he said, dismissing the idea popular among many Aqtau residents that the latest plunge is the result of time-honored tectonic shifts under the seabed.



Geological changes have caused sudden shoreline recessions in the past -- including in the late 1970s -- but a lot has changed in 50 years, Sarsenbaev argued.



Aqtau: A City On The Edge



Experts say the Caspians most recent shrinking phase began around 2005.



In the last few years, the rate of recession has increased, reaching a visibly critical low.



According to Nature, a British scientific journal, the Caspian Seas levels are projected to fall by nine to 18 meters in medium to high emissions scenarios before 2100.

The drop is caused by a substantial increase in lake evaporation that is not balanced by increasing river discharge or precipitation, the authors of a paper published in 2020 said.



Indeed, current trends suggest that both of those balancing factors may now be in decline.



The need for immediate action is not lost on Murat Igaliev, deputy director of the Mangyshlak Atomic Energy Combine (MAEK), an energy complex that comprises a decommissioned nuclear power plant -- thermal power plants that provide heat and electricity for Aqtau -- and a plant that desalinates water for the town where more than 200,000 people live.



MAEK, in turn, depends on Caspian Sea water drawn from a water intake channel.

In an interview with RFE/RLs Kazakh Service, Igaliev said that 590 meters of the channel was submerged in 2005, compared to just 145 meters now.



During a harsh winter last year, part of the channel froze, contributing to a drop in power generation, while in the long-run, problems at the aging MAEK threaten the viability of Aqtau as a city.



The urgent reconstruction work required for the channel is part of the reason the authorities declared a state of emergency over the Caspian.

Igaliev said it is vital to find a contractor to begin preparatory work for dredging as quickly as possible and determine what equipment is better to use so as not to harm the marine ecosystem.



In addition to the former Soviet closed towns existence, declining water levels in the Caspian put the work of seaports central to the so-called middle corridor -- a cross-Caspian trade route that bypasses Russia -- into jeopardy.



Kazakhstans traditionally sleepy ports of Aqtau and Quryq have seen demand for their services increase in the wake of the Ukraine war, as some shippers look for alternatives from routes that traverse Russia, which has been hit hard by international sanctions.

Kazakhstan, in turn, is keen to boost modest oil exports across the Caspian as far as possible in order to ease a near-total dependence on a troubled pipeline that sends Kazakh oil to international markets by way of the Novorossiysk-2 Marine Terminal in Russia.

But the director of the Aqtau port, Abay Turikpenbaev, said the shallow waters near his port had already impacted the work of oil tankers, which can no longer be loaded to capacity.



Turikpenbaev noted that from January 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023, the water levels at the port fell 30 centimeters, significantly more than the average of 5-10 centimeters in recent years.

If that trend continues, dredging work will have to be carried out in order to prevent the port from falling into disuse, Turiqpenbaev told RFE/RLs Kazakh Service, bemoaning a lack of research into the problem by Kazakh institutions.



For Quryq, some 70 kilometers from Aqtau, the problem is less pressing, given that the port, which was opened in 2017, occupies a position on the shore where the water is deeper.



Nevertheless, Quryqs port director Serik Akhmetov said the port is already planning for a worst case scenario.

There are forecasts that the sea will recover. There are also predictions of the opposite. But we cannot sit back and wait. We are currently negotiating with Belgian and Greek dredging companies. We have been dealing with this question for the last six months, Akhmetov said.



Is Russia To Blame?



Scientists have few doubts that a drying Caspian will have major impacts -- ecological and socioeconomic -- on its five littoral states and the wider region.



The most obvious evidence for that is the fate of the Aral Sea, once one of the largest inland bodies of water in the world.



The Aral catastrophe, driven by the Soviet Unions cotton-growing policies in Central Asia, bequeathed a mostly dried up lake that split off into separate Kazakh and Uzbek sections.



And the tragedy still haunts neighbors further afield, as dust storms from the dried parts of the lake travel across borders, lacing farmland in countries like Turkmenistan with salt.



But the degree, timing, and nature of the Caspian impact will vary from littoral state to littoral state, making collective action harder to guarantee.



This is a challenge insofar as the effects are less immediate for Moscow, whose Volga River alone accounts for around 80 percent of the Caspians inflow, with the Ural and other Russian rivers playing important secondary roles.

During the Soviet Unions industrialization drive in the 1930s, systematic damming along the Volga was seen as a factor in a sudden drop in the Caspians sea levels that was later corrected by a spell of strong precipitation.



And Kazakh experts believe Russia is now intensifying its use of upstream water, hastening the rapid decline of the northeastern Caspian that also hosts Kazakhstans economically vital Qashagan oil field.



Former Water Minister Nariman Qypshaqbaev told RFE/RLs Kazakh Service that he believed state officials who sign and oversee the current transboundary water-sharing agreements with Russia had not done their duty in regards to the Caspian.



If seven billion cubic meters of [water from] the Ural were still entering the Caspian [each year], then the Ural would not be as shallow [in Kazakhstan] as it is [today], Qypshaqbaev argued, referencing an agreement that he said was in place during his time as a minister more than two decades ago.



Nowadays, Qypshaqbaev claimed, Russia only guarantees Kazakhstan its agreed share of the Urals water for farming and other economic activities, marking the end of the idea that both sides are responsible for the water going into the Caspian, because the Caspian is common.

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By Ainur Saparova via RFE/RL's Kazakh Service

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China is making a soft-power push in Central Asia, launching initiatives to strengthen cooperation with expert institutions in Uzbekistan and boost cultural exchanges and tourism with Kyrgyzstan.

An Uzbek expert delegation led by Doniyor Kurbanov, head of the Foreign Ministrys Information and Analytical Center for International Relations, recently toured China, holding talks with representatives of leading Chinese research institutions, including the Academy of International Affairs, Peking University and the Academy of Social Sciences. According to a report published by Review.uz, the visit produced a memorandum of understanding outlining prospects for further strengthening cooperation in research activities" and "further strengthening relations between leading" Chinese and Uzbek think tanks. The framework for cooperation will include joint research projects and expert exchanges, taking into account Chinese experience."

Meanwhile, a flurry of high-level meetings between Chinese and Kyrgyz officials aims to expand tourism and cultural exchanges between the two countries. Chinese Culture Minister Hu Heping met July 11 with Kyrgyzstans ambassador to the PRC, Aktilek Musayeva, to explore the feasibility of opening cultural centers and take further steps to strengthen cooperation in the field of art, cinema, etc., according to the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry press service. A few days later, the Kyrgyz Ministry of Culture announced that a Chinese tourism expert, identified as Peng Xiaolan, will work as a voluntary consultant at the ministry to promote bilateral cultural and humanitarian ties. One of Pengs initial assignments, according to the report, will be to open a Kyrgyz cultural center in China.

Kyrgyzstan and China also are bolstering educational exchanges. Kyrgyz Deputy Energy Minister Taalaibek Tolubayev and the PRCs envoy to Kyrgyzstan, Du Dewen, were prominent attendees at a ceremony in Bishkek on July 16 for Kyrgyz graduates of the Xi'an Petroleum University of China, the Xinhua news agency reported. Elsewhere, the TASS news agency reported that Kyrgyz students have been accepted into a program run by EastChina NormalUniversity in Shanghai that operates under the auspices of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Auto News

Uzbekistan's ADM Jizzakh plant has reached a deal to start assembling Haval branded vehicles, including M6 compacts and H6 SUVs, designed by the Chinese automaker Great Wall Motors. Haval assembly will replace production of vehicles designed by the Russian automaker AvtoVAZ, the production of which is now suspended due to sanctions, according to a report published by Quto, a Russian-language outlet focusing on Eurasias auto industry. The Jizzakh-Great Wall partnership eventually wants to launch production of hybrids and electric cars. For Great Wall, Uzbekistan is expected to become one of the most important drivers of growth, the Quto report states.

Kazakhstan imported 16,333 Chinese-made vehicles during the first five months of 2023, the Central Asian nations First Credit Bureau reported via its Telegram channel. In monetary terms, imports during the period amounted to $291.8 million. In 2022, the value of auto imports for the entire year was reported as $183.9 million.

Agriculture News

Kazakhstan is exploring the possibility of expanding wheat exports to China. The Kazakh Agriculture Ministry reported July 13 that Minister Yerbol Karashukeyev met with top officials of COFCO, the largest importer of Kazakh wheat to China. During the meeting, the two sides discussed increasing the annual supply of wheat to the Chinese market up to 1 million tons. The meeting occurred at a time when the two countries are haggling over wheat prices. Grain producers from Kazakhstan have suspended wheat exports to PRC due to too low purchase prices, the Kursiv news outlet reported July 17. The report added that so far in July, 23 trains with grain carriers were supposed to leave for China, but as of the middle of the month, not a single train had crossed the border. The Chinese side is now giving $240 per ton. But our Kazakh exporters believe that this is a low price, taking into account fluctuations in exchange rates and other factors, and they want at least $245-250, the Kursiv report quoted Zeinoll Abdumanapov, chairman of the board of the KazGrain National Exporters Association, as saying.

Infrastructure Development

Kyrgyz railway officials report that a memorandum of understanding has been completed among relevant entities in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and China to consolidate efforts to extend a planned intermodal route to Afghanistan. The Kyrgyz statement did not outline any specific measures to implement the plan.

Diplomatic News

Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov accepted the credentials of Chinas new ambassador to the Central Asian nation, Yu Jun, the ministrys press service reported July 12. We have achieved many results in our cooperation. More to come. Uzbek-Chinese relations are developing at a high pace, and the existing potential is even higher, the UzDaily news website quoted Saidov as saying.

By Eurasianet.org

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(Photo : Eva Marie Uzcategui/Getty Images)

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his allies have defended the state's new Black History curriculum despite massive criticism.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other lawmakers defend the state's new Black History curriculum amid widespread criticism.

On Monday, the governor and his allies doubled down on their stances even in the face of threats of potential legal action from a group of civil and religious leaders. On the other hand, Black leaders and Democratic lawmakers, as well as some Republicans, are using the situation to criticize DeSantis and his ambitions for the top seat in the White House.

Florida Defends New Black History Curriculum

The opposition is specifically targeting the newly-implemented standards that now require middle schoolers to receive instruction that claims that enslaved people could develop skills that, in some cases, could be applied for their benefit.

But the DeSantis administration has tried to characterize criticisms of the history standards as dishonest and a political stunt that was perpetrated by Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris, in an attempt to tarnish the state of Florida, as per Politico.

The recent controversy has once again thrust the state of Florida and DeSantis into the country's politically polarized fight over how and what topics to teach children. Republican lawmakers have praised the governor and state education officials for his continued support of controversial education measures.

These include DeSantis pushing the state's Parental Rights in Education law, known by opponents as "Don't Say Gay." It restricts lessons about race and bans colleges and universities from spending on programs tackling diversity, equity, and inclusion.

On the other hand, Democratic lawmakers and many civil rights groups have demonized the Florida governor and the state over such bills and warned of boycotts. In a statement, the pastor of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Rev. R.B. Holmes Jr., said that DeSantis will not be able to rewrite and redefine Black history.

Read Also: Biden Administration Sues Greg Abbott's Office Over Buoy Barrier Meant To Block Migrants

Claiming Slavery Taught Valuable Skills

During an interview, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said that DeSantis started the current situation with the bill that he signed. According to NBC News, he claims that the Florida governor is now refusing to take responsibility for the consequences of his actions.

In response to the criticism, DeSantis posted on Twitter, accusing Harris and other Democratic lawmakers of lying about the educational standards to "cover for their agenda." The Florida governor also dismissed the vice president's reaction to the standards as "absolutely ridiculous" and "totally outrageous."

When DeSantis was asked about the board's wording of the curriculum change, the Florida governor said he did not do it and was not involved in making it. However, he later said that they were trying to show that some people who were thrust into slavery were able to do other things later in their lives.

Additionally, former US Rep. Will Hurd criticized the idea that enslaved people could use their suffering as some training program. He said that slavery was not a jobs program that taught victims beneficial skills, said the Washington Post.

Related Article: Hunter Biden Probe: DOJ Offers Investigator To Testify Before Congress

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Brazils energy major Eletrobras has plans to invest close to $17 billion over the next five years and is eager to grow through mergers and acquisitions.

Thats according to a security filing, cited by Reuters, in which the Brazilian company also said that investments in electricity generation would come in at around $3.6 billion over the period.

The company will also look at acquisition opportunities in low-carbon energy capacity and transmission, the filing also said, with the total number of deals eyed at up to 15. The expansion of the countrys transmission network is essential for the growth of its wind and solar capacity.

This capacity is concentrated in the northeast of Brazil, and in order to carry the electricity to the south and southwest, the government needs more transmission lines.

Last month, it launched a tender for over 6,000 km of new transmission lines to that end and plans two more tenders for transmission capacity.

Brazil is already a large renewable energy producer thanks to its substantial hydropower resources. Thanks to these, Brazil boasts 84% of its power generation coming from renewable sources, as the country is the second-largest hydropower producer after the United States. Yet it also has ambitions in wind, solar, and hydrogen.

Eletrobras is the largest power utility in Latin America. The state-owned company was privatized a year ago by the Bolsonaro administration. The government issued new shares in the company and sold them, diluting its own stake in the company. The share sale generated $6.3 billion.

When President Lula da Silva came into office, his government tried to challenge the privatization. The Supreme Court is expected to throw out the challenge. Lula has spoken against the privatization of Eletrobras previously, calling it erratic and almost banditry, per a Reuters report.

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Warren Buffett and his investment conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway have been increasing stakes in oil and gas industry operators this year as cheap valuations and attractive returns make fossil fuels good investments amid the ongoing ESG considerations from many other investors.

I love ESG because oil and gas stocks are cheap now partly due to this, Cole Smead, CEO at Smead Capital Management, has told Bloomberg.

Im sure Buffett and Munger love ESG as well, Smead, whose firm manages $5.4 billion worth of assets, including Berkshire Hathaway and Occidental shares, said.

So far this year, Buffett has materially raised Berkshire Hathaways stake in Occidental Petroleum, to more than 25%, as of the end of June.

Berkshire Hathaway, however, doesnt plan to buy control of Oxy, Buffett told Berkshire Hathaways shareholders at the companys annual meeting in May.

Theres speculation about us buying control, were not going to buy control, Buffett added. We wouldnt know what to do with it.

But returns are good while valuations in fossil fuels are cheap, so Berkshire Hathaway has made several other bullish bets on oil and gas.

Data from Bloomberg show that the energy sector is currently the cheapest of any S&P 500 sector in terms of price/earnings ratios, while it generates the highest cash per share.

Last month, Berkshire Hathaway increased its passive stakes in each of the five leading Japanese trading companies, Itochu, Marubeni, Mitsubishi, Mitsui, and Sumitomo, to over 8.5% in each of the firms.

Earlier this month, Berkshire Hathaway bought Dominion Energys share in the Cove Point LNG project in Maryland. The stake, which cost Berkshire $3.3 billion, has brought the companys stake in Cove Point to 75%.

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The acquisition comes at a time when U.S. LNG is one of the hottest growth areas in global energy. Following Europes gas squeeze last year, when Russia turned most taps off, U.S. LNG became a key source of gas for Europe.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Extending the life of the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant could cost Californians $45 billion, a climate activist group has warned.

According to the Environmental Working Group, the number represents the costs of running the facility between this year and 2045 or later.

The Diablo Canyon nuclear power is slated for retirement in two years but the utility operating it, Pacific Gas & Electric, is seeking a 20-year extension of its life.

For now, Californias leadership appears only willing to grant a much shorter extension of the nuclear power plants life, until 2030. Governor Gavin Newsom even said keeping the plant open until 2030 was critical for Californias transition to wind and solar.

Not everyone agrees, however. Besides the Environmental Working Group, another activist organization is also challenging Diablo Canyons life extension. In April this year, the group, Friends of the Earth, filed a lawsuit at the San Francisco Superior Court to force the state government to stick to original plans to retire the nuclear plant in 2025.

The saga with Diablo Canyon is illustrative of the nuclear power conundrum of the energy transition. Nuclear energy is zero-emission once a plant begins operation, pretty much like wind and solar. However, there is a strong and vocal anti-nuclear lobby in transition circles that insist nuclear has no place in a renewable energy grid.

At the same time, there are many proponents of nuclear power who argue that the transition to net-zero will be impossible without a heavy leaning on nuclear, which, unlike wind and solar, is a dispatchable form of energy, like coal and gas.

Opponents main arguments are the risk of a reactor meltdown and the storage of waste fuel. Proponents arguments focus on a clean track record for U.S. nuclear power in terms of dangerous accidents, and advancements in waste fuel treatment and storage.

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Week-long discussions at the Council of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), a UN-backed regulator, have failed to reach a consensus on immediate permission for deep sea mining or draft regulations on seabed mineral exploitation.

Some countries have been exploring the potential of seabed mining for the minerals that are key to the energy transition.

However, the ISA authority said that it would continue the work on the exploitation regulations with a view to adopting them during the 30th session in 2025.

The Council of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) also discussed the so-called two-year rule which expired on July 9, 2023, and says that it should consider and provisionally approve deep sea mining applications two years after they are submitted, regardless of whether it has finalized the exploitation regulations.

However, no application for a plan of work has been received to date, the Council of the ISA said.

More meetings will be held in the coming months and years for the council to reach an agreement on common regulations for the exploitation of seabed resources, it added.

Environmentalists are calling for a total shutdown of any possibility of deep sea mining.

The global ocean doesnt belong to anyone. We cant sell it to the highest bidder, Greenpeace said last week.

Last month, Norways government submitted to Parliament plans to open a large area to deep sea mining as it seeks to access and extract critical minerals from the seabed.

We need minerals to succeed in the green transition. Currently, the resources are controlled by a few countries, which makes us vulnerable, Norways Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Terje Aasland said.

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Early this year, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate issued a resource assessment, in which it said that there were substantial resources on the Norwegian shelf.

Copper, zinc, manganese, cobalt, rare earth minerals, and other critical minerals could be found on the Norwegian seabed, according to the report, which noted that The NPDs assessment is that the resources in place are significant. For several of the metals, the mineral resources compare to many years of global consumption.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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In the fall of 2021, Dr. Keith Vrbicky went from a seeming picture of health to acute congestive heart failure.

Less than three weeks after that surprising diagnosis, the Norfolk obstetrician-gynecologist, who had delivered more than 13,000 babies and founded an early telehealth firm, underwent a heart transplant at the Nebraska Medical Center.

He describes that journey in a new memoir, "Forever Grateful: The Gift of Life from Organ Donation." Other themes of the book are gratitude, his faith and family and his advocacy for organ and tissue donation. He'll hold a book launch party Thursday at the University of Nebraska at Omaha's Thompson Alumni Center, 6705 Dodge St., from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Vrbicky wrote the book, released July 10, with Omaha-based author and journalist Leo Adam Biga. It's available in digital form on Amazon.com and in paperback.

SPOILER ALERT: Vrbicky, who will mark the second anniversary of his transplant in late September, is back to work full time. He's now topped 13,700 deliveries  and counting. He does plan to start slowing down a little, though. He'll be joined at Midwest Health Partners on Aug. 1 by Dr. Keith Vrbicky Jr., who recently completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Creighton University, his father's alma mater.

But before there was a book, there was Vrbicky's health crisis. One week, he was a fit working professional who ate healthfully, biked regularly and had no history of heart problems. Less than three weeks later, he was in the intensive care unit at the Nebraska Medical Center, where his heart failed so quickly that he was placed on the transplant list and had a 48-hour window to receive a match.

"It was very sudden and it just shows you how fragile life is when one minute you think you're healthy the next minute you're told you're dying," said Vrbicky, who turns 69 in September. "Not a good feeling. But I think it's raised my empathy for patients and others that have chronic health conditions. When you're on the other side, it's a new perspective."

Vrbicky said he is particularly grateful to his unknown donor and to the donor's family. He has been working to raise awareness about the need for organ donation and for people to register as donors. That includes working with Live On Nebraska, the organization that facilitates organ and tissue donation in Nebraska.

To register, Nebraskans ages 16 and older can either check a box when they get their driver's license, register online at LiveOnNebraska.org or make a living organ donation.

In the U.S., more than 100,000 people await an organ transplant in any given year. The need, Vrbicky said, isn't just for major organs like the heart he received but also for tissues such as cartilage, bone and corneas.

"As a physician going through this, I thought I could share my experience and help raise awareness about the importance to have people at least consider getting on the donor list if something should happen to them," he said.

Vrbicky grew up in Clarkson, Nebraska, and graduated from high school there before completing both his undergraduate and medical degrees at Creighton. There, a friend and fellow faculty member convinced him to join him to practice in Norfolk. His friend later left to do mission work. Vrbicky renamed the practice, which now has eight providers in its obstetrics/women's health and urgent care divisions.

Just before Labor Day in 2021, Vrbicky began feeling a bit under the weather. He tested negative for COVID-19 but eventually visited a Norfolk infectious diseases specialist, who tested him again. After ruling out that infection, she sent him on to a local cardiologist, who delivered the bad news that sent him on his journey to a transplant.

Eventually, doctors diagnosed Vrbicky with a condition called giant cell myocarditis, cause unknown. The rare, fast-developing and usually fatal condition causes extreme inflammation of the heart muscle and impedes the hearts blood-pumping capacity to the point that the heart itself and the organs it feeds start to die.

Post-transplant, he now travels to the medical center in Omaha every three months for checkups. The frequent checkups and the anti-rejection medications he now takes, he said, are a small price to pay.

"I feel good and it's always nice to know you're doing well," he said.

He and his wife, Karyn, continue to enjoy their six children and 12 grandchildren, with two more on the way. On Friday, he was planning to deliver another baby later in the evening  one of his patients was in labor, one more toward his unofficial goal of 15,000  and then take it easy over the weekend.

"I'm delivering the babies of babies I delivered," Vrbicky said.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of July 2023
Michelle Settlemyer, the president of the Omaha teachers union, has resigned nearly one year into the job.

Settlemyer said she didnt want to leave but felt like she was given no choice but to step down from the Omaha Education Association, which represents more than 2,600 educators in the Omaha Public Schools.

It was not my choice, but I also know when I am in a losing situation, Settlemyer told The World-Herald. Im happy to be going back to the classroom. I will still advocate for teachers and students, but it will not be from the lens of the OEA president.

Kathy Poehling, vice president of advocacy for the OEA, will assume Settlemyers role, according to a press release. Settlemyer declined to comment further on her resignation, and Poehling said she couldnt comment on Settlemyers decision.

Michelle is a dedicated educator and a strong believer in the association and collective action, Poehling said in the release. I appreciate her leadership and her contributions to OEA and her work on behalf of our students, our OEA members and our Omaha Public Schools.

Settlemyer, who was elected in March 2022, was a science teacher at Omaha Northwest High School. She has 25 years of experience in education and was both a member of the OEA board of directors and the districts chief negotiator, according to a press release from the Nebraska State Education Association.

Settlemyer said in the release that she will continue to serve on the OEAs board of directors.

OEA members, including myself, will remain focused on gathering the number of petition signatures to put the repeal of LB 753 on the ballot to keep public tax dollars from being diverted to private schools, Settlemyer said in the release.

OPS staff and school board members have joined other Nebraska educators under the organization Support Our Schools Nebraska for the petition drive against Legislative Bill 753, which recently passed the Nebraska Legislature.

Union board members accepted Settlemyers resignation Friday. They also elected Terri Childers as interim vice president of advocacy and Faith Johnson as interim vice president of member benefits. An election for the two vice presidents will be held in September at a union meeting.

Poehling said she wants to continue Settlemyers work, especially focusing on staff shortages and the challenges in special education. She will serve the rest of Settlemyers term, which is two more years.

Ive always wanted to unite or work with the board and the district to really work on a common goal, Poehling said. I believe that OPS is the best district. Ive taught here for 11 years, and we have amazing people who do amazing things with our students.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of July 2023
Multiple people took to the podium at a Papillion La Vista Community Schools board meeting Monday to express their opinions of how involved parents should be in the district.

The majority of parents supported involvement in curriculum and library books, an issue that has been simmering in the district for several months. School officials have been dealing with a record number of challenges against library books made by people who dont have children in the district.

Parents are claiming the books arent appropriate for students who have access to them because they include themes of gender identity, race and sex.

Dorothy Reyes said the districts taxpayers should have a right to express their opinion and be involved in school curriculum.

I have watched the board suppress the communitys free speech. Im tired of what I witness  this agenda that is being pushed, Reyes said. Taxpayers should have a say in what is happening in our schools. We should not be suppressed.

Roberta Adams echoed Reyes opinion, saying that it shouldnt matter whether a community member has a child in Papillion La Vista when they submit a complaint.

For those of us with children who are now adults, you might think our social responsibility is over  our time is done, so dont interfere with those whose children are still in school, Adams said. If our social responsibility was complete, there would be no reason for us to participate in the tax scheme of school taxes.

Board members reminded the public during the meeting that patrons arent excluded from giving feedback about the district. The board discussed the proposed revision of its policy regarding controversial materials, which defined what patrons without children can do if they dont agree with curriculum material.

Theres been a lot of talk about, for some reason, people thought patrons were being removed, but thats not the case, said board member Valerie Fisher.

Parents of Papillion La Vista students can fill out a complaint form if they seek a reconsideration of the educational selections made by the district, according to the policy. Patrons without children in the district can share their concerns with administrators.

Lisa Kuechenmeister said the district already does an excellent job in keeping parents involved by distributing district-level email updates, along with email updates from individual teachers about their own classrooms.

I am extremely upset by those who do not have kids in our schools or those outside our district who are pushing distrust and a false narrative. Let our trained professionals teach, Kuechenmeister said. Just because youre a parent does not give you the right to steer the education system. If you do not like what is being taught, you have the right to opt out.

School officials have said that anyone has the ability to see any book offered at specific schools in Papillion La Vista by checking school websites.

Parents also can use the districts app to see each book their child checks out from the library. They also can ask their childs library to not allow specific books to be checked out.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of July 2023
A burst pipe that led to flooding at the Nebraska Humane Society in Omaha has caused staff to hold off on accepting surrendered animals.

Spokesman Brendan Gepson said the pipe burst Friday afternoon in the shelters medical and customer service areas at the complex near 90th and Fort Streets. No animals were harmed. Its unknown why the pipe burst.

Luckily, we only had about five animals in our animal medical area at the time. We were able to get them out of the way pretty quickly, he said. The other affected areas didnt have animals in them at the time.

As the Humane Society assesses the damage and repairs the affected areas, the organization has adjusted operations. In order to continue to being able to take in stray and abused animals, the Humane Society is asking people to not surrender any animals for the foreseeable future.

If a person needs to surrender their animal, Gepson asked they look into programs like the Humane Societys Home to Home program. A list of programs can be found on the Humane Societys website at nehumanesociety.org/community-services/surrendering-a-pet.

Were asking people to ask friends and family first before they come to us just while we get through this, Gepson said.

The Humane Society has temporarily moved its animal medical wing to its former spay and neuter center, which had been closed because of staff shortages. Other adjustments the Humane Society has made include closing the public restrooms  a portable toilet is situated outside  and moving the adoptions desk to another part of the customer service area.

Although the Humane Society is under its animal capacity limit, Gepson said space is limited, particularly in the dog section. As of Tuesday, Gepson said the Humane Society has 112 dogs and 24 cats up for adoption.

Before this flood happened, we were housing dogs in kennels that we usually wouldnt put them in, he said, adding some dogs were being held in animal medical clinic kennels despite being fully healed. Now that those kennels are out of commission, were just kind of in a tight spot.

The floods crest was only about 2 inches, Gepson said. He added it took a bit of time to turn the water off. Staff members used squeegees to push the floodwater outside through a nearby exterior door.

The water was clearly dirty. It wasnt wastewater though, he said. When the water finally left, there was like sand and mud left behind.

Anyone who wishes to help can do so by donating towels and money. The staff used all towels in their possession to clean up. Gepson said a lot of the towels are beyond saving now. He added that money will help cover expenses not likely to be covered by insurance.

We ultimately dont know how much insurance will end up covering for this. Regardless, there are going to be some expenses that will crop up, Gepson said.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of July 2023
Melania Trump's new "Man on the Moon" NFT, featuring Buzz Aldrin's iconic photo, clashes with the guidelines of the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA).

The former First Lady's latest digital art venture has taken a cosmic twist. NASA is not over the moon about it.

Melania Trump 'Man on the Moon' Buzz Aldrin NFT

As per Art News, the former First Lady, no stranger to making headlines, has recently delved into Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) with her 'Man on the Moon' collection. While owning a piece of lunar history might sound exciting, Melania's NFT journey has hit a snag.

Trump's latest NFT collection features Apollo 11 NFTs, notably the iconic image of astronaut Buzz Aldrin, dating back to 1969, walking on the moon's surface. No less than the Apollo 11 commander Neil Armstrong took the photograph that captured one of humanity's most significant achievements.

Art News notes that Trump's latest limited edition NFT drop fetches $75 per piece.

The United States put a man on the moon on this day in 1969. I salute Americas ingenuity and ongoing commitment towards excellence. #USAmemorabilia pic.twitter.com/Kr7hJUC63w  MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) July 20, 2023

Read Also: Gilgo Beach Serial Killer Hired by Donald Trump for Architect Job at NYC Property

NASA Rules vs. Melania Trump's NFT

However, according to Gizmodo, Melania's fresh NFT drop clashes with the policies of the US space agency NASA. Although NASA images are free from copyright and available for informational and educational purposes, the rules are different for NFTs.

The agency's Regulations on Merchandising Requests and Media Usage Guidelines says, "NASA does not wish for its images to be used in connection with NFTs." Furthermore, the space agency notes that "NASA is not approving any merchandising applications involving Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), as they are not consistent with the categories of products the Agency is approved to merchandise."

On top of that, Decrypt pointed out that NASA requires companies and individuals to request approval from the agency before using their imagery, emblems, and identifiers for merchandise. As for Trump's Buzz Aldrin NFT needs to be clarified when she requested its usage with NASA. Given NASA's strict policies, Decrypt notes that the agency may have rejected it.

However, Art News stresses that the consequences for clashing with NASA's strict policies could be clearer. It is worth noting that a previous NFT collection features the NASA brand. In 2021, Anicorn Watches dropped a NASA-branded collection, which the agency's "worm" logo designer Richard Danne created.

In the listing of the "Man on the Moon" NFT, the name of Melania Trump is nowhere to be found. But in her recent interview with Fox News, she claimed that the fresh collection was hers. The former First Lady dived into the rodeo of NFTs last December 2021, a time wherein the digital asset was a massive craze.

Related Article: Fact Check: Is First Lady Melania Trump Fluent in Five Languages?

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Just after the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, an event in Omaha will recognize Nebraskans who served in whats often called the Forgotten War.

The ceremony, which will include speakers, music and reenactors, will take place at Memorial Park on Saturday at 10 a.m., according to a press release from Patriotic Productions.

The Armistice Agreement that effectively ended the Korean War was signed on July 27, 1953. The agreement officially established the Demilitarized Zone at the border between North Korea and South Korea that remains today.

Saturdays ceremony will take place at the south end of Memorial Park, according to the release. The ceremony will be led by Hal Daub, an Army veteran who represented Nebraskas 2nd District in the House of Representatives from 1981 to 1989 and was Omahas mayor from 1995 to 2000.

Speakers at the event will include Korean War veterans Don Kane, who served in the Army, and C.R. Rex Gruber, who served in the Marine Corps and is also a retired Douglas County Sheriffs Office captain, according to the release.

Dr. Carolyn Manhart, whose parents immigrated from Korea, and Bill Johnson, a Bob Hope impersonator, will also speak at the event. Bob Hope was a comedian and an actor who was famous for his many tours with the United Services Organization to entertain U.S. soldiers abroad, including during the Korean War.

Korean War reenactors will also be at Memorial Park on Saturday with vehicles and equipment used during the war, the release said.

A half-size replica of the Korean War Monument in Washington, D.C., will also be available for viewing on Friday and Saturday.

In 2013 and 2014, Patriotic Productions organized honor flights for hundreds of Korean War veterans from Nebraska and Iowa to Washington, where they were able to view the monument.

More than 36,000 Americans died in the Korean War, including approximately 318 Nebraskans and 508 Iowans.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of July 2023
Grasslands Unlimited is adding pollinator habitat to Omaha, one median and intersection at a time.

Founder Trevor Pellerite said a group of volunteers started with two medians as part of a pilot program this spring and hopes to expand to 15 to 20 more in the next three years.

Were calling it our urban pocket prairie campaign, he said. What were trying to do is partner with the City of Omaha to basically create pollinator habitat in marginal unused spaces around the city.

The group is focusing on roadsides, medians and intersections that are filled sometimes with turf grass but more often are full of weeds that the city must spend tax dollars mowing and spraying.

The goal is to convert those marginal areas into pollinator habitat that benefits birds and butterflies while requiring less maintenance in the future once the new beds are established.

He said the citys response so far has been positive.

They seem pretty excited to have a new group involved in maintaining these spots, Pellerite said.

The group uses plants that stay short enough not to impede traffic, that are drought tolerant and that wont need to be watered, and those that can handle some road salt

Long-headed coneflower, butterfly milkweed, golden Alexander and asters are among the plants theyve used. Seeds come from Prairie Legacy Inc. in Western, Nebraska, and those they harvest themselves. Plants have been sourced from Midwest Natives Nursery in Lincoln.

I could not be more thrilled with how the first one looks, Pellerite said. Almost every plant we planted is alive and thriving in this one median.

Its located at 114th and Davenport Streets. The others is on the frontage road near 114th Street and West Dodge Road.

The small group, which is looking for new members, is interested in supporting pollinators and sustainability. Go to grasslandsunlimited.org for information.

Pellerite also transformed his own property when he moved here from Colorado, where he was attending law school. Hes now earning his masters in biology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where hes studying the impact of road side restoration on small mammal communities.

One of the first things we did is kill our entire front lawn. We have planted the entire thing with native wildflowers and native prairie grasses, he said. Theres nothing more gratifying than watching your neighbors mow and water their grass on 90-degree days and you can just go out and enjoy your wildflowers. This is pretty much no maintenance.

Pellerite said hes hoping that the groups small-scale restoration programs will ultimately persuade the city to change its policies to be even more sustainable and prairie-friendly.

He and other members are trying to make the world a better place using all the tools at their disposal.

I think weve been able to do something really incredible in a few months with a few hundred dollars and a couple of dedicated volunteers, he said. We cant wait to see what this program can grow into.
BLOOMINGTON  One of the first steps to add about 800 residential units to the city of Bloomington has been approved by the City Council.

On Monday, the council authorized the annexation and amended the zoning of a 77-acre plot near the terminus of Old Peoria Court north of West Market Street (Illinois Route 9) east of Rivian Motorway.

The developer, Bloomington 77 Developments LLC, is planning to add 700 to 800 multi-family residential units to the site, including apartments and townhomes. There also would be 114,000 square feet carved out for commercial development and space for an outdoor running and biking trail.

Phil Hoffmann, a Bloomington 77 Developments project representative, said he is hopeful that the project can break ground in February or March of 2024.

The project will be broken up into three phases with each phase lasting 18 to 24 months, he added.

City officials believe this to be the biggest single residential development project in Bloomington.

This is one of several housing developments proposed in Bloomington-Normal since Patrick Hoban, CEO of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, reported that there is a shortage of 7,000 to 8,000 residential units in the area.

The developer would be responsible for any costs associated with water main construction and must maintain a temporary access road between the southern portion of the planned development and Old Peoria Court. No city incentives were written into the annexation agreement.

Although no one spoke at Monday's public hearing regarding the annexation, some homeowners of the adjacent Old Peoria Court residential area raised concerns about the project's influence on traffic and storm water retention during a Planning Commission meeting earlier this month.

Community leaders have said the lack of housing for a rapidly growing population brought on by the expansion of companies like Rivian and Ferrero have become an economic concern.

Alderwoman Mollie Ward said there has been a lot of talk over the last few months about the shortage of housing units in the area, but this project has the potential to fill as much as 10% of the county's overall shortage.

"It's pretty rare that we have something that impacts the entire community as fully as it sounds like this is going to," Ward said.

The council voted 7-1 in favor of the project with Alderwoman Donna Boelen voting no. Alderman Kent Lee was absent.

Boelen voiced concerns about the city's obligation to perform maintenance on any new infrastructure that would come from the project.

"I know that (the developers) are going to be paying for putting in the infrastructure but over the long run, the city will have to maintain it and to be honest, we're having trouble maintaining what we have with the allocated funding," Boelen said.

The council also must sign off on a special use permit related to the project, which was approved without opposition by the Zoning Board of Appeals last week.

A traffic signal also would be required on Market Street. Therefore, a traffic study and intersection design study would be required.

Other business

As part of its consent agenda, the City Council also approved a $62,500 agreement with Dewberry Engineers to determine which city facilities are most suited for solar installations.

The work would include preparing preliminary sizes and configurations and providing construction cost estimates for future budgeting. The city had allocated $75,000 for this work in its fiscal 2024 budget.

Bloomington Deputy City Manager Billy Tyus said the city has discussed opportunities to utilize its current properties for solar energy over the last few years.

"Before we would determine any budget of what we could do, we need to know sort of what the opportunities are," Tyus said. "We have a lot fo different buildings throughout our organization from the arena the water facilities to office facilities et cetera."
BLOOMINGTON  Michael Bakana, the man convicted in May of killing one woman and attempting to kill another outside a bar in downtown Bloomington, will spend the rest of his life in prison.

At the end of a lengthy hearing Monday, Chief Judge Casey Costigan sentenced Bakana, 44, of Normal, to 110 years in the Department of Corrections.

Costigan said it was difficult for him not to agree with Assistant States Attorney Jeff Horve's description of the crime: execution, senseless gun violence, brutal violence. And I would also add danger to society, he said.

Bakana was convicted by a McLean County jury of murder in the death of 22-year-old Mariah Petracca and attempted murder in the shooting of her friend, Bibianna Cornejo, as well as aggravated battery with a firearm. The violence was recorded on Jan. 30, 2021 on a Bloomington Police Department camera outside Daddios Bar in downtown Bloomington.

At the time of his trial in May, Bakana had been out on bond when authorities said he cut off his GPS monitoring bracelet and fled. He was taken into custody in Lexington, Kentucky, within hours of the jury's guilty verdict in the four-day trial.

Speaking outside the courtroom after the decision, Cornejo said she was relieved. I feel better now that we got justice for Mariah, she said.

Mariah Petraccas mother, Madeline Petracca, echoed the relief of justice but said, Its just a tragedy all around.

Its never going to bring my daughter back, unfortunately, she said. I have to live with that and now my grandson has to live without a mom.

Sentence requests

Calling Bakana's actions brutal, vicious and cold-blooded, Horve asked the judge to issue a sentence of natural life. If Costigan opted instead for a number of years, Horve asked the judge to find that Bakana caused severe bodily harm in the attempted murder offense. This would ensure that the sentence had to be served consecutively with the murder sentence.

He said this shooting, which stemmed from an argument and shouted insults, could only be characterized as an execution  over what? Over some words from some girls who had too much to drink, over nothing.

The defendant shot two girls who were walking away, Horve said. He engaged them and whats even more horrifying is how he shot Bibianna Cornejo, fired two shots at her while shes lying on the ground watching her friend bleed to death next to her.

Bakanas attorney, Clyde Guilamo, asked Costigan to sentence his client to 45 years in prison, the minimum possible sentence, noting Bakana had no criminal history, acted under strong provocation and is a good man.

We all wish that that day wouldve happened differently. Its a tragedy any way you split it, Guilamo said. ... Mr. Bakana is a good man. It doesn't change that what happened out there was a tragedy; thats going to always be a tragedy.

In a statement to the court, Bakana said he was the victim of extreme emotional violence, extreme mental violence, mob action, a hate crime and two forcible felonies, based on my understanding of the law, expressing anger about what happened Jan. 30, 2021.

Speaking for about 14 minutes, Bakana also explained his citizenship process; his education, which he said includes two bachelors degrees and a Master of Business Administration; his faith as a humanitarian Christian; and the nonprofit organization, One Heart for Congo, which he said he created to help raise money to save child soldiers.

The Pantagraph was unable to independently verify the latter claim. Paperwork filed with the Secretary of States Office for One Heart for Congo lists several names of organization leadership but shows no connection to Bakana. A search of other public documents did not immediately reveal ties between the defendant and the organization, which is categorized in state records as "dissolved."

Bakana thanked his family, his attorney and Costigan, who he said was a great judge and the first person to explain his charges fully and make sure he had a French translator so he didnt miss anything.

In regards to the victims, he said: I apologize to all those who suffered or are suffering because of my actions.

Costigan said the court does not condone the racial slurs cast toward Bakana during the argument that night, but they were words  not strong physical provocation.

The judge noted that Bakana had the opportunity to walk away from the situation or contact law enforcement but instead decided to take matters into his own hands, and execute a sentence on these individuals.

Quite frankly, you weren't a victim of this situation, in the courts view, at all, Costigan said.

He sentenced Bakana to 35 years on the murder charge, plus 25 years as a firearm enhancement, because he used a gun to commit the offense; and 25 years on the attempted murder, plus the firearm enhancement. He found that Bakana caused severe bodily harm in the attempted murder, ensuring that sentence runs consecutive to the murder sentence. The aggravated battery charged merged with the attempted murder, adding no extra time to the sentence.

Guilamo said after the hearing, the 60-year murder sentence must be served at 100% and the 50-year attempted murder sentence is 85%.

In a prepared statement after the sentencing, McLean County State's Attorney Erika Reynolds said, "No amount of time in prison can undo the terrible acts committed by the Defendant in January of 2021. However, the sentence of 110 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections that was imposed by the judge today will help ensure that no other innocent person is victimized by the Defendant. We hope that this sentence will also be something that allows the victims families to begin to find some closure."

Seeks new trial

Before the sentencing, Costigan denied a defense motion for a new trial.

Guilamo argued that the jurors should have been told that they could find Bakana guilty of second-degree murder, which would align with the self-defense argument he presented during the trial.

A second-degree murder conviction could have seen Bakana released in 10 years, allowing him to start a family and continue his career, he said.

Guilamo said his client asked in February for the lesser charge to be included in jury instructions. The judge, however, noted that Bakana could not make the request at trial because he failed to appear, waiving the opportunity.

Assistant States Attorney David Fitt said the jury instruction would not have made a difference because the evidence would not support a second-degree conviction.

The evidence against the defendant is so overwhelming that he got into an argument, he left the situation and he chose to come back but only after arming himself, Fitt said. "Then he sought them out, and when they tried to leave, he followed them with his hand on the gun, primed and ready to go.

  The facts of this case are so overwhelming that if there was error, any error in not giving that second-degree instruction is completely harmless because what jury would ever say grabbing a gun from your car and following two drunk women who are trying to leave is self-defense?

Guilamo also argued that the defendant should have been granted a change of venue, calling the May proceedings a circus and a chaotic trial. Seated at the defense table, his client nodded.

When Bakana's escape was announced to the public, his attorney noted, public schools in the area were placed on lockdown. Alerts were sent out to families, which affected jury members.

Addressing elements of Guilamos argument, Costigan said while hes never had a homicide case go perfectly smooth, it was the courts impression that the trial was not a circus, that it was maintained with dignity and integrity.

He said any issues related to media or police response at the start of the trial were the defendants doing.

There never would have been issues, there never would have been these lockdowns, there never would have been police alerts  had the defendant just shown up for court, Costigan said. ... His own actions created those issues and now to complain about them  well, it was the defendant that created that atmosphere, outside of this courtroom.

Guilamo pointed out that he had sought to delay the trial after Bakana first failed to appear. In hindsight, we can see that if we had continued this matter for just one week, Mr. Bakana would have been available and present for court, he told Costigan.

Thats a bit disingenuous, isnt it, Mr. Guilamo? the judge asked, noting that Bakana could have been on the run for years before he was apprehended.

The bulk of the Mondays hearing was spent on the motion for a new trial, which Guilamo told reporters was because he wanted to give the most focus to that argument. Without a new trial, he said, even the minimum sentence of 45 years in prison likely would be a life sentence.

In response to the motion, Fitt said the defendant was not entitled to a perfect trial, but a fair one.

And although he chose not to participate in any trial at all, thats what he got in his absence: a fair trial, the prosecutor said.

Costigan agreed with that assessment and denied the defense motion for a new trial.

Bond issue

On another matter, Costigan settled the fate of the $200,000 bond that Bakana posted before the trial  and forfeited by failing to appear in court. The judge agreed to allow $50,000 of Bakanas posted bond to be used for attorney fees in accordance with a contract previously presented to the court.

Costigan had previously ruled, in March, that another $50,000 could be taken from Bakana's $200,000 bond to pay the first installment of attorney fees.

Guilamo had asked the judge to vacate the defendants bond forfeiture, which would have allowed the money to be returned to Bakana. Costigan denied the motion.

He awarded $5,789 of the money to the Petracca family for funeral expenses and $1,456 to Cornejo to cover child care expense she couldnt pay because her extensive injuries from the shooting kept her out of work.

After court costs, the remaining balance of Bakanas bond will be given to the county.

Cities with the fastest 'time-to-crime' rates for firearms Cities with the fastest 'time-to-crime' rates for firearms #40. New York City #39. Baltimore #38. San Jose, California #37. San Diego #36. Los Angeles #35. San Bernardino, California #34. Jacksonville, Florida #33. Tampa, Florida #32. Chattanooga, Tennessee #31. Wichita, Kansas #30. Tulsa, Oklahoma #29. Winston-Salem, North Carolina #28. New Orleans #27. Orlando, Florida #26. Chicago #25. Dayton, Ohio #24. Cincinnati #23. Miami #22. Indianapolis #21. Charlotte, North Carolina #20. Baton Rouge, Louisiana #19. Louisville, Kentucky #18. Las Vegas #17. Columbus, Ohio #16. Dallas #15. San Antonio #14. Philadelphia #13. Houston #12. Cleveland #11. Huntsville, Alabama #10. Mobile, Alabama #9. Milwaukee #8. Atlanta #7. Shreveport, Louisiana #6. Memphis, Tennessee #5. St. Louis #4. Phoenix #3. Columbia, South Carolina #2. Detroit #1. Richmond, Virginia
How Time Flies is a daily feature looking back at Pantagraph archives to revisit what was happening in our community and region. 100 years ago

July 25, 1923: The newly installed street lighting system on South Main Street in Bloomington is set for dedication next week. There will be a pavement dance, organizers said, and the new lights  which extend to the end of the pavement at the city limits  will be turned on for the first time. Property owners in the area united to do much of the work themselves, cutting the cost of the project roughly in half.

75 years ago

July 25, 1948: National Guardsmen from McLean County fell in at 7 a.m. on South Center Street to answer here to roll call before embarking for a two-week field training session at Fort Sheridan in Lake County. The 396th Antiaircraft Battalion pulled out at 8 a.m. About 200 men from the county will take part in the field operation.

50 years agoJuly 25, 1973: Faced with new state and federal pollution standards, the Bloomington-Normal Sanitary Districts trustees didnt have much choice in calling for a bond issue to help finance modernization of the districts disposal plant. Twin City residents will vote next Monday, July 30, on a $3 million bond issue to provide local funding for an estimated $9.2 million plant improvement.

25 years ago

July 25, 1998: Unless Bloomington provides $3 million in sales tax rebates to the owners of Eastland Mall, plans for a 125,000-square-foot Famous-Barr anchor store will be dropped and Kohls may leave the mall for another location. The Bloomington City Council will take final action on the agreement at its next meeting on July 27. If approved, mall owners will proceed with a $28 million expansion.

101 years ago: See vintage Pantagraph ads from 1922 Gerthart's Union Gas and Electric Co. Hoover Dr. J.A. Moore Dentists Moberly & Klenner W.P. Garretson W.H. Roland Pease's Candy Thor 32 Electric Washing Machine The Kaiser's Story of the War Ike Livingston & Sons Gossard Corsets Cat'n Fiddle 'Stolen Moments' Case Model X The Johnson Transfer & Fuel Co. The Pantagraph want ads Franklin Motor Car Co. 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court' Calumet Baking Powder Mayer Livingston & Co. Newsmarket 'The Emperor Jones' 'California Fig Syrup'
The Bank of Ghana has indicated that the country recorded a trade surplus of $1.77 billion in the first half of 2023, approximately 2.4% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).



The Central Bank explained that the figure is higher than the $1.47 billion (2.0% of GDP) registered during the same period last year (2022).



This is according to Central Banks July 2023 Summary of Economic and Financial Data.



The Bank said total exports as of June 2023 were estimated at $8.17 billion, whilst total imports stood at $6.40 billion.



Gold continued to dominate the total value of exports, recording $3.45 billion in June 2023, higher than the $3.03 billion recorded during the same period last year.



Crude oil exports came second bringing in $1.66 billion in June 2023, compared to the $2.83 billion in June 2023.



Proceeds from cocoa first six months of 2023 stood at $1.48 billion, as against $1.41 billion a year ago.



Total imports stood at $6.40 billion in the first six months of 2023, lower than $7.40 billion during the same period last year.



The countrys Balance of Payment at the end of June 2023 showed a deficit of $107.8 million, approximately 0.1% of GDP.



This is far lower than the deficit of $2.49 billion recorded during the same period in 2022.



Capital and Financial Account Balance stood at a deficit of $897.3 million in June 2023.



The negative Capital and Financial Account Balance was a result of a net portfolio of investments outflow.



The current account balance however stood at $849.2 million, about 1.1% of GDP in April 2023.



Meanwhile, Gross International Reserves stood at $5.34 billion in June 2023, about 2.5 months of import cover; lower than $7.68 billion recorded in June 2022.

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 2023 Mid-Year Budget Review will focus on revenue enhancement through both administrative and compliance measures, the Deputy Minister of Finance, Abena Osei-Asare, has hinted.







She said the budget review would also focus on fiscal consolidation and structural measures that were outlined under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.



Speaking at an economic dialogue organised by Deloitte, she said the budget would drive stability and growth in the economy.



The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, will appear before Parliament on Tuesday, July 25 to address the country on how the economy had performed in the first half of the year and the projections for the rest of the year.



The minister will do so when he presents the Mid-Year Review of the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government and Supplementary Estimate for the 2022 financial year.



This exercise is pursuant to the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921).



Addressing structural weaknesses



Ms Osei-Asare said Ghanaians should expect that the mid-year budget would address structural weaknesses and build resilience in key areas such as expenditure commitment control and arrears clearance; debt management; financial stability and review of statutory funds.



She said it would also address the energy sector issues and some challenges in the cocoa sector.



The budget will rejuvenate the growth agenda towards a more prioritised Growth Strategy.



The strategy will make concerted efforts to accelerate growth by attracting significant new investment in areas such as agriculture, local manufacturing, tourism and digital transformation, she stated.



She said it would also safeguard social protection for the vulnerable.



Scrap COVID-19 levy



Speaking to the Daily Graphic after the dialogue, the Vice Chair of the Association of Ghana Industries, Tema, Adobea Asiamah-Aboagye, said the AGI was looking forward to the scrapping of the COVID-19 levy in the mid-year budget.



The government in 2021 introduced the COVID-19 Health levy to support expenditures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.



Ms Asiamah-Aboagye said since COVID-19 is no longer a global pandemic, it was only right for the government to scrap that levy.



If there was a global pandemic, now that it is no more existent, then as a matter of principle, the levy that was introduced to deal with it must also go off, she stated.



She also urged the government to merge the straight levies and the VAT rate to take off the six per cent cost on businesses.



We cannot expect much



Also speaking in an interview, an Economist, Professor Godfred Bokpin, said the country could not expect much from the mid-year budget because of the ongoing IMF programme.



He, however, pointed out that there was so much stress on the balance sheets of the private sector and households and the mid-year budget must, therefore, consider this reality.



We want to see the kind of adjustments, relief mechanisms and balancing act to situate the recovery within what is good for the private sector, households and the government.



In the governments attempt to restructure its balance sheet, this must not come at a great cost to the private sector and households, he stated.



He said the country also needed a clearer picture of what this recovery was all about, stating that What kind of recovery are we looking forward to.



He noted that the recovery must address unemployment, food insecurity, protect the vulnerable and ensure job-rich growth.



Prof. Bokpin also reiterated calls for the revision of some of the taxes.



The key thing I am expecting is that COVID-19 levy should go, e-levy should go and then also the government should merge the standard VAT rate of 15 per cent with the straight levies and peg it below 18 per cent, he said.

Source: Graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has advised all school heads, teachers and its members in general not to pre-finance the running of schools from their own resources.



That, it said, was because "doing so would be misinterpreted and rewarded with shame, suspension and interdiction, as has happened to The Headmistress of West Africa Senior High School, Dr Shine Agatha Ofori and her colleagues.



"To the Ghana Education Service (GES), we wish to state categorically that enough is enough! We are fed up, and the earlier GES stopped embarrassing school heads, teachers and all other staff in the sector, the better it would be for all of us.



The GES must acknowledge its own "blackness" before calling school heads, teachers and the ancillary staff black," GNAT said in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Thomas Musah.



Interdiction



This was in reaction to the interdiction of Dr Agatha Ofori.



A statement dated July 19, 2023, and signed by the Head, Public Relations Unit of the GES, Cassandra Twum Ampofo, said the Management of GES had interdicted Dr Ofori for unauthorised collection of money from students.



She was, therefore, directed to hand over the administration of the school to the Regional Director of Education, pending the final determination of the case by the Regional Disciplinary Committee.



Reaction

However, GNAT said the GES had once again gone into the overdrive and was at its usual sinister best, seeking to cover its own shortcomings of not addressing the numerous challenges in the system such as the smooth running of the public basic and senior high schools.



"This behaviour is bringing the personalities of school heads and teachers and their skills and competencies into question, disrepute and opprobrium.



"The GES must put its own house in order internally, before going to town every now and then with school heads, who have become pawns in its blame game," it said.



Vogue

The statement said GNAT was amazed that the vogue now was the GES interdicting public school heads of unauthorised collection of money from students, which in many instances turned out to be false, and subjecting them to psychological trauma, moral turpitude and impugning their reputation.



It said further that a few months ago, it was Tema Senior High School; days later, it was Aburi Girls and Achimota, hours later, Tamale Senior High and Fijai and now West Africa Senior High School (WASS).



GNAT would like to find out from the GES whether pre-financing the running of schools by the heads in terms of capitation grant, administrative cost and meeting other overhead costs from their own resources to be recouped later constitute an infraction.



"Should heads allow their students to go hungry as in the case of Binduri SHS, which resulted in a riot leading to the temporary closure of the school, as carried by the July 21, 2023, Editorial of the Daily Graphic?



Or can as to whethe the parent teacher-association (PTA) and old boys/girls associations can appropriately support the schools using their own resources, both in cash and kind? " it asked.



Heads

They questioned why school heads who were very responsible people, and who taught many of the policy makers, were made to keep quiet over the ineptitude of the said policy makers.



As citizens, why can't they complain or cry out when things are not going well in their schools?



"The other day, the Head of Fijai SHS was at the receiving end, only for the PTA to come out to absolve him of any wrongdoing or malfeasance; but then the harm had already been done, the statement said.



It asked how such a person could hold himself/herself in society and before his/her students, family, church, mosque and the larger society henceforth.























Source: graphiconline.com









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Member of Parliament for Asante Akim Central, Kwame Anyimadu Antwi has pleaded with the Ghana Education Service and authorities of the Adisadel College to temper justice with mercy in the case involving two students who engaged in a violent scuffle on campus.



A viral video, captured from the school, showed one of the students causing severe bodily harm to the other during their fight and this has ignited public rage.



Hours after the video surfaced on the internet, the authorities of Adisadel College suspended the culprit.



The Ghana Education Service, also reacting to the troubling video, in a press release noted it's taken it with seriousness and commended the Adisadel College for their prompt response to the incident.



"We commend the school authorities for promptly suspending the alleged perpetrator pending further investigation," the statement read.



Hon. Kwame Anyimadu Antwi, who is also the Chairman of Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs is pleading with the authorities, on behalf of the perpetrator, not to dismiss and/or give him a harsher punishment as sending him to court.



He argued that though the perpetrator's action is condemnable, dismissing or prosecuting the student may jeopardize his future.



To him, this situation should be contained in a manner that the student who assaulted his fellow student is given a punishment that will reform him, ensuring he doesn't repeat his action ever again.



"I believe Adisadel College will take a good decision," he said.



Describing the incident as "unfortunate", he however appealed to the school authorities not to bring the Police into the matter.



Hon. Kwame Anyimadu also advised parents and authorities of all education institutions in the country to keep an eagle eye on their children and train them to avoid violence as their resort to addressing conflicts.



"This is an opportunity where Headmasters, housemasters, senior housemasters, housemistresses must wake up and watch our school children closely," he said while delivering his submissions on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' show.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Host of Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo", Kwami Sefa Kayi, affectionately called "Chairman General", says the culprit in the Adisadel College assault incident should be handed over to the Military to teach him a lesson of a lifetime.



A viral video which has sparked public outrage showed two students at the Adisadel College in a fierce fight with one inflicting serious injury on the other.



The culprit, who looked like he aimed to cause bodily harm to his victim, has been suspended while the authorities of the school and Ghana Education Service launch a probe into the issue.



Reacting to the matter, Chairman General condemned the barbaric act by the culprit and called for corporal punishment to be meted out to him.



"It is really really sad," he said and proposed the student should be sent to "military Police guardroom for about 10 days," believing this discipline will reform the student.



"If you go there for one day, two days, you will be a changed man. Whatever evil spirit that entered you to misbehave, the spirit itself shall desert you," he added.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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(Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

ABBOTSFORD, BRITISH COLUMBIA - NOVEMBER 21: A home and car sit submerged in floodwaters on November 21, 2021 in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Residents and farmers continue to clean up and recover nearly a week after the Canadian province of British Columbia declared a state of emergency following record rainfall that resulted in widespread flooding of farms, landslides and the evacuation of residents. (not the actual photo)

Police reported on Monday that they discovered the body of a missing man and what they believe to be the remains of a second person washed away during the weekend's severe flooding in Nova Scotia.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said they recovered the corpse of a 52-year-old man from Windsor, Nova Scotia, in a search area northwest of Halifax, while the remains of a second individual were discovered on the shore in a tidal area in the adjacent county.

Two Killed, Two Missing After Following Severe Floodings in Canada

On Saturday, four individuals, including two children, were reported missing after their two vehicles were submerged in the regional municipality of West Hants.

Beginning on Friday and continuing into the following day, a series of thunderstorms deposited up to 250 millimeters (10 inches) of rain in several regions of the province, causing widespread devastation.

According to provincial officials, six bridges were destroyed, 19 were damaged, and at least 50 routes sustained significant damage. Sgt. Rob Frizzell reported that police were collaborating with the medical examiner to identify the second set of human remains

However, investigators believed they belonged to one of the other three missing individuals. As searchers combed the area for the missing, industrial pumps gradually drained a flooded field.

Per The Independent, a police dive team recovered an unoccupied pickup truck submerged in more than two meters (6 1/2 feet) of water and stated that it was likely the vehicle in which the children were traveling.

Numerous highways, local roads, and properties have been damaged, and hundreds of people have been displaced. According to officials, 25 bridges were damaged and the floodwaters completely obliterated six.

About 500 to 600 people were displaced in Nova Scotia because they were unable to access their homes; however, many were able to return home on Monday after some evacuation orders were rescinded.

North of Halifax, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) continues its investigation for the missing from the town of West Hants. After their vehicles were submerged in floodwaters, the 52-year-old man and the three others went missing.

According to BBC, the police discovered the pickup truck where the two missing children were traveling but found no trace. Three others in the vehicle managed to escape. They also located a second vehicle in which they believed the 52-year-old male and a juvenile to be traveling.

Two additional passengers were rescued from the vehicle. Police have not disclosed the man's name or the names and ages of the three other suspects.

Authorities are collaborating with the Office of the Medical Examiner of Nova Scotia to identify the remains discovered. The mayor of West Hants appeared visibly emotional as he discussed the search efforts at a news conference on Sunday.

Read Also: Hunter Biden Probe: DOJ Offers Investigator To Testify Before Congress

Nova Scotia Declares State of Emergency

The Canadian province of Nova Scotia has proclaimed a state of emergency due to severe flooding that has destroyed roads and bridges, and authorities are searching for four people, including two children, who have gone missing.

A province-wide state of emergency was declared due to heavy rainfall on Canada's east coast to restrict travel to the affected areas, free up more response personnel, and allow time to restore critical infrastructure.

The weekend's heavy rainstorms, the worst in 50 years, have left thousands without electricity. The inundation on Canada's east coast coincides with drought and heatwaves elsewhere that have resulted in the worst wildfire season in the country's history, straining its emergency response capabilities and dispersing smoke across North America and beyond.

Significant damage has been done to roads and infrastructure. Conditions are not secure for pedestrians and vehicles at this time," tweeted the regional municipality in the province's largest port, Halifax.

SCMP reported that Environment Canada forecasts torrential rain in the eastern portion of the province through Sunday. At one point, more than 71,000 individuals were without electricity. Social media posts from Halifax depicted abandoned vehicles nearly submerged in floodwaters and rescuers using watercraft to save people.

Related Article: Greece Rhodes Fires: 19,000 Evacuate as Wildfires Rage Near Hotels; Firefighters Say There Are Indications of Arson

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Renowned private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has explained some of the legal implications of the arrest of the former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resource, Cecilia Dapaah.



Cecilia Dapaah resigned after court documents indicated that the minister and her family lost US$1 million, 300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis in cash; assorted clothes valued at GH95,000 and handbags, perfumes, and jewellery valued at US$95,000, during the robbery.



She was arrested by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) hours after her resignation with the OSP citing suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding the huge amounts of money and other valuable items reportedly stolen from her residence by two house helps in 2022.



In an interview with GhanaWeb, lawyer Martin Kpebu said that the arrest of Cecilia Dapaah by the OSP and the subsequent search of her properties is necessary to get to the bottom of the matter.



According to him, the action being taken against the immediate past sanitation minister is in line with Article 286 (4) which states that any property or assets acquired by a public officer after the initial declaration required by clause (1) of this article and which is not reasonably attributable to income, gift, loan, inheritance or any other reasonable source shall be deemed to have been acquired in contravention of this Constitution.



Article 286 (4), that is where it is stated that if you have a property that cant be attributed to inheritance or loan then it has been unlawfully acquired and would be confiscated. So, that is the law and that is what the OSP would be using, he explained.



The lawyer also explained that the laws establishing the OSP also allow it to investigate person it suspect have acquired wealth illegally under the lifestyle audit report.



If you go to the OSPs law, the LI2374, the regulation 20 also says that the OSP can ask the suspect to list all the assets and everything that the suspect owns  that is what they called the live style audit.



So, the constitution is very clear, that if you have property that you cannot justify, that property would be confiscated, he added.



Under the LI2374 persons convicted for failing to declare the sources of their property or income are liable to a jail term of not below two years and not more than four years or a fine of not less than five hundred penalty units or both.







Source: ghanaweb.com









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Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta, will engage in an intensive meeting with Members of Parliament on Friday.



This meeting comes as a prelude to the upcoming mid-year review and the possible presentation of a supplementary budget, scheduled for Monday.



Speaker Alban Bagbin revealed the purpose of the meeting before the house , stating, "On Friday, the Minister of Finance will be available to hold an intensive meeting with Members of Parliament. This is an agreement entered into between leadership and the Ministry of Finance as a prelude to the presentation of the mid-year review and possibly a supplementary budget on Monday."



The intensive meeting with MPs is expected to provide a platform for in-depth discussions and consultations on the upcoming mid-year review and any proposed supplementary budget.



Meanwhile, parliament has confirmed a new date for Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to present the highly anticipated 2023 Mid-Year Budget Review.



Initially scheduled for July 25, 2023, the presentation had to be rescheduled and is now set to take place on Monday, July 31, 2023.



Asaase Radio reports that the Mid-Year Budget Review, mandated by Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution and the Public Financial Management Act 921, provides an opportunity to revise macroeconomic targets and present a comprehensive economic outlook for the remainder of the fiscal year.



This will be the first major financial statement of the government since Ghana secured a substantial $3 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) extended credit facility.



During the session, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is expected to update Parliament on the steps taken by the government to stabilize the economy following the IMF deal.



















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.

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In a shocking turn of events, former Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, has been arrested by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on suspicion of corruption and corruption-related offenses.



Following her arrest, the OSP has now initiated a search of her properties, aiming to uncover any potential hidden assets or money linked to the alleged corruption.



Officials from the OSP are currently en route to Cecilia Dapaahs homes as part of their ongoing investigation.

The purpose of the search is to establish whether there are any additional undisclosed funds or assets within her properties.



Cecilia Dapaah, who previously held the position of Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, has faced intense scrutiny over the past days regarding allegations of corruption after news broke that her househelps stole huge sums of cash from her residence in the capital.



The OSPs decision to search her properties indicates a significant escalation in the investigation. This development underscores the commitment of the Ghanaian authorities to address corruption and hold accountable those who engage in such activities, irrespective of their positions or past accomplishments.



This is in respect of the ongoing investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding large amounts of money and other valuable items reportedly stolen from her residence by the OSP.



Madam Cecilia Dapaah was arrested by the OSP to assist with ongoing investigation over money stolen from her house by her house help.



She has been under investigation by the OSP officials since morning.



CECILIA ABENA DAPAAH At 11:55 GMT on 24 July 2023, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, who resigned from the position of Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources on 22 July 2023, was placed under arrest by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in respect of suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding large amounts of moncy and other valuable items reportedly stolen from her residence. Ms. Dapaah is being questioned by authorised Officers of the OSP,  a statement issued by OSP today July 24, 2023.



Ms. Dapaah resigned from her position on July 22, 2023, following rumours of a theft case involving her house helps.



The court case in question involves two house helps, Patience Botwe and Sarah Agyei, who allegedly stole large amounts of money and valuables from the home of Dapaah and her husband in Abelemkpe, Accra.

It has been revealed that an estimated $1 million, 300,000, and millions of Ghana cedis were stolen between July and October 2022.



The stolen items reportedly include clothing valued at GH95,000, handbags, perfumes, jewelry worth $95,000, six pieces of Kente cloth valued at GH90,000, and six sets of mens suits worth $3,000. Several individuals have also been charged with receiving stolen property.



Patience and her alleged accomplices initially evaded arrest but were later caught in Tamale. During a search of their apartment, $40,000 and GH72,619.70 were recovered. Patience also purchased a 3-bedroom house worth US$70,000 in Amrahia and furnished it with new items. Sarah, on the other hand, used her portion of the stolen money to build a 3-bedroom house.



Ms. Dapaah resigned to ensure that the ongoing court case does not hinder the work of the government. She expressed her intent to cooperate fully with state agencies to establish the facts and emphasized her belief that she will be fully exonerated from the allegations against her.



The resignation of Ms. Dapaah has raised concerns and expectations among citizens and stakeholders regarding the future of sanitation and water management in the country. There is hope that the government will reevaluate its policies and prioritize the urgent need for improved sanitation infrastructure and access to clean water.



The governments response to the resignation and its subsequent actions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of sanitation and water management in Ghana.



During her tenure, Ms. Dapaah launched the National Sanitation Campaign and implemented various water supply projects to address sanitation and water-related challenges. However, the persistent issues in these areas call into question the effectiveness of the governments approach and the need for a renewed strategy moving forward.



The court case involving Patience Botwe and Sarah Agyei has been adjourned till August 2, 2023, as investigations continue.

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.

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has announced plans to review the government's flagship agricultural program, "Planting for Food and Jobs," after six years of successful implementation, citinewsroom.com reports.



The new phase of the program will involve increased private sector participation and aim to attract more youthful engagement in the agricultural sector.



During his address at the 4th European Corporate Council on Africa and the Middle East in Italy, President Akufo-Addo emphasized Ghana's achievement of food security through the program and highlighted the need for a paradigm shift from import subsidy to an import credit scheme.



This transition is expected to drive greater investment and development in the agricultural value chain, ultimately boosting productivity and production in the sector.



After six years of successful implementation, the programme has come up for review, and it is transitioning into phase two. It is called PFJ Phase Two and this phase will be expanded to achieve private sector participation with emphasis on value chain development. It is also a paradigm shift from import subsidy to import credit scheme, and it is designed to attract more investment in the agric sector and expected to increase productivity and production.



The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana has been advocating for a review of the initiative for some time, and the call for an update is now being heeded.



The then Agric Minister, Dr. Afriyie Akoto, had previously praised the success of the program, revealing that GH2.6 billion had been spent on its implementation as of October 2022.



"Planting for Food and Jobs" is a significant agricultural campaign initiated by the government, encompassing five implementation modules.



The first module, PFJ (Crops), was launched by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on April 19, 2017, to promote food security, ensuring the availability of selected food crops in the market, and creating job opportunities.











Source: ghanaweb.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Board Chairman of National Theatre, Nana Fredua Agyeman Ofori-Atta and member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has scolded critics questioning the source of Mrs. Cecilia Abena Dapaah's wealth after reports that her house helps had stolen 1 million dollars from her home.



Mrs. Cecilia Dapaah, who has resigned as Sanitation Minister due to this developing story, caused the arrest and prosecution of her domestic workers accused of stealing her money and other valuable items from her residence.



The theft, which occurred last year, came to the public domain days ago and people have raised questions on the legality and morality of a Minister stashing whopping sums of foreign and local currencies in her house.



The house helps allegedly stole $1 million, 300,000 and millions of cedis from her house.



"I am resigning therefore 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. I intend to cooperate fully with all state agencies to enable them fully establish the facts", the former Minister said in her resignation letter to the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.



The President, in response, has accepted the resignation and wished her well in her endeavors.



Discussing this issue on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' morning show, Nana Fredua stated emphatically that Mrs. Cecilia Dapaah is not a thief and doubted she acquired her 1 million dollars through dubious means.



He recounted his personal relationship with her and finds it surprisingly shocking that people would question her for having such huge money sitting in her home.



"She is a good person. She is not a thief. She doesn't steal," he stated.



According to him, Mrs. Cecilia Dapaah was well-to-do before her political career, hence she can own a million dollars.



He stressed; "She is from a good home...it wasn't politics that gave the things she has. When I met her, she had done a PR job at CMB and was independently working for herself together with her husband. Her husband is a well-respected architect globally, not only in Ghana."



Watch video below





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Chairman General Kwami Sefa Kayi has questioned President Nana Akufo-Addo's statement to Mrs. Cecilia Abena Dapaah's resignation letter after a theft case involving her house helps.



Her house helps, Patience Botwe, 18 years old and Sarah Agyei, aged 30 years, are standing trial for allegedly stealing 1 million dollars, 300,000 and millions of cedis belonging to Mrs. Cecilia Dapaah.



Facts



The accused persons are said to have stolen the monies from the former Minister's house and shared it among themselves, their families and to their boyfriends.



Patience Botwe is accused of stealing six sets of kente cloth worth GHC90000 and six sets of men's suits valued at $3,000 which belonged to Ms. Dapaah's husband.



Three other individuals including Botwe's current and former boyfriends and her father are also facing charges for allegedly being involved in dishonestly receiving GHC1 million, GHC180,000 and GHC50,000 respectively.



Resignation Letter



Mrs. Cecilia Dapaah, on Saturday, July 22, resigned stating in a letter to the President that, "I intend to cooperate fully with all state agencies to enable them fully establish the facts".



"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," parts of the letter further read.



President's Acceptance



The President, in response, accepted the letter saying "it is with considerable regret that I accept your resignation and I applaud your loyalty to the image and standing of the Government. The work you undertook during your period in Government was excellent and productive, and I thank you for your wholehearted contribution and devotion to the progress of the Government and the Nation".



President Nana Akufo-Addo also seemingly wished for her exoneration, stressing, "I am confident, like you, that, at the end of the day, your integrity and, whilst in office, will be fully established. I wish you the very best in all your endeavors".



Was It Necessary? - Sefa Kayi Asks



The host of Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' morning show, Kwami Sefa Kayi, broaching the President's statements with his panel members on Monday, July 24, 2023 questioned why the President would include his wish for Mrs. Cecilia Dapaah to be exonerated from prosecution.



"Did he have to say that? Don't you realize that it is beyond the woman and President's relationship? So, if the President is talking, shouldn't he be a bit more measured considering we are coming back to...optics?", he asked.



He suggested that the President should have conveyed a concise message that he's accepted the former Minister's resignation and simply said, "I wish you well in your future endeavors" without expressing confidence in her innocence as inferred from his statement.



"Was it really necessary?", Sefa Kayi further queried.







Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Dr. George Domfeh, a Research Fellow at the Center for Social Policy, University of Ghana, has implore Ghanaians who have foreign currencies not to follow the footstep of the former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, who kept hers in her house.



Hon. Cecilia Dapaah has resigned as Minister after news broke that her house helps had stolen a million dollars from her house.



Critics raised questions about why a Minister would stash such huge money in her house resulting in her resigning from her post and subsequently being arrested by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).



At 11:55 GMT on 24 July 2023, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, who resigned from the position of Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources on 22 July 2023, was placed under arrest by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in respect of suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding large amounts of money and other valuable items reportedly stolen from her residence. Ms. Dapaah is being questioned by authorised Officers of the OSP, the OSP released a statement on Monday, July 24, 2023.



Dr. George Domfeh has registered his displeasure with the Minister's act and advised every Ghanaian with dollars or any foreign currency sitting in the home to send it to the bank.



"Everybody who has hidden some under his or her mat should please send it to the bank," he said on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo'.



Watch video below





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Assin Central Member of Parliament and presidential hopeful of the NPP, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has addressed the controversy surrounding his strategic comment on the governments management of the cedi, clarifying that it was not targeted at Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia.



In an interview on Home Radio, Mr Agyapong explained that his remarks were directed towards a specific Member of Parliament, rather than the Vice President.



He asserted that his intention was not to attack Vice President Bawumia, but to criticize another parliamentarian who had questioned the governments strategic approach.



The truth hurtsso you are the victim, and I am educating you, and you think Im hitting back? You see, they are not being fair. I did not hit the Vice President but I hit one MP because he said, 'We dont want somebody who will come and say that I have done this and that for the party and Ghana, but we want a strategist, Agyapong quoted.



Mr Agyapong then pointed out an incident in Parliament where the said MP had claimed that Ghana would not approach the International Monetary Fund (IMF), only to have the country seek IMF assistance later. This led Agyapong to question the MPs claims of being a strategist, criticizing what he described as "diabolic ways".



Press disappointment



The Assin Central lawmaker also expressed his disappointment with the media, accusing them of sensationalising news and not providing the full context of his statements.



He emphasised that his remarks were made in an attempt to advise against divisive campaigning within the party and to promote unity among its members.



Mr Agyapong further opened up about his experiences with politics and the challenges he faced, stating, The people that I have helped, made them who they are today, they are the ones that are against me. I bought cars, gave them money, campaigned for them to win their seats, but now, theyre my number one enemies. But I just look at them, and I say Lord, forgive them because of their stomach.

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.

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A Deputy Director of Communications of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ernest Owusu Bempah, has dared former President John Dramani Mahama to swear by the popular river god deity antoa if he has never kept over one million dollars in his home.



"John Mahama should come and swear by antoa if he hasnt kept $1m before . . . we are daring Mahama, if he is a man he should swear by antoa that he never kept more than this in his home before. If he cant swear then he and his NDC should shut up, he said in an interview.



According to him, the NPP does not support the action of the former Sanitation Minister, Mrs Cecilia Dapaah in keeping such a huge amount of money in her bedroom.



We condemn that act of the woman, we are not supporting the action of the woman which is why the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), established by the NPP, is investigating the matter. At least the woman has shown integrity by resigning from government . . . NDC has no moral right to criticize the NPP for this, he said.



He said the National Democratic Congres (NDC) and their flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama are being hypocritical in their criticisms of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in relation to the case.



 . . the NDC should stop being hypocritical. The BNI and National Security should start going to the homes of the NDC bigwigs and John Mahama to see if they are also not allegedly keeping huge monies in their homes. The OSP should be granted a search warrant to search Mahamas house, he added.



"Where did Mahama get that money he doled out to delegates from for his re-election? $1m is a chicken change to Mahama, he should give us a break, he said.



The former President in a tweet on Friday said, "$1m+ 300k & millions of GHS in a Ghanaian Minister's home? Scandalous!! Even if genuinely acquired, why keep millions of hard currency at home?

Will @NAkufoAddo ever set a good example for public office holders in his administration?"





Cecilia Dapaah Arrested By OSP

Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, has been arrested by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).



This was confirmed in a statement signed by the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng dated July 24, 2023.



This follows a court case in which two house helps and others are standing trial for allegedly stealing $1 million, 300,000 and millions of cedis from her Ablekuma residence.



Two of her house helps, Patience Botwe (18) and Sarah Agyei (30), were previously charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, following the alleged incidents between July and October 2022.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Fire damage in the Algerian town of Toudja.

Algerian firefighters on Tuesday battled blazes that have killed 34 people across the tinder-dry north, destroyed homes and coastal resorts, and turned vast forest areas into blackened wastelands.

Witnesses described fleeing walls of flames that raged "like a blowtorch". TV footage showed charred cars, burned-out shops and smoldering fields.

Severe fires have raged through the mountain forests of the Kabylia region on the Mediterranean coast, fanned by winds during blistering summer heat that peaked at 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit) Monday.

The severe heat wave has been reflected across much of southern Europe and northern Africa.

Greece is battling wildfires on three major fronts, and Italy's Civil Protection Department on Tuesday reported "extensive fires" across the south.

Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent his condolences to the families of those killedamong them 10 soldiers trapped by flames at Beni Ksila, in Bejaia province, according to the defense ministry.

"I have nowhere to go nowmy house and that of my son have been completely destroyed by flames," said a tearful elderly woman who lost her daughter-in-law and granddaughter. She spoke on TV from Ait Oussalah.

Authorities reported progress in fighting back the almost 100 fires over recent days, having mobilized more than 8,000 civil defense personnel, 500 fire trucks and multiple chartered aircraft.

Fires in northern Algeria.

Out of 97 blazes burning over three days, most had been brought under control but 11 were still raging by Tuesday afternoon, authorities said as temperatures dropped somewhat and winds eased.

The public prosecutor of Bejaia ordered an investigation into the causes of the fires and possible perpetrators.

More than 80 people, 25 of them military personnel, were injured in Bejaia, Radio Soummam reported.

Bouira and Jijel provinces were also hard-hit, but fires burned in a total of 15 provinces, leading to the evacuation of more than 1,500 people.

Climate change and drought

Northern and eastern Algeria battle forest fires every summer, but they have been exacerbated by this year's Mediterranean heat wave.

Serious fires have also raged in recent days in neighboring Tunisia, especially the northwestern Tabarka region.

Firefighters battle near the town of Melloula in northwestern Tunisia close to the border with Algeria on July 24, 2023.

An AFP team there witnessed significant damage and saw helicopters and Canadair water bombers in action.

More than 300 people were evacuated from the coastal village of Melloula by boat and overland.

Firefighters were still battling flames Tuesday in three areas in the northwest: Bizerte, Siliana and Beja.

In August last year, fires killed 37 people in the northeastern El Tarf region, a year after 90 died, mostly in Kabylia.

To prepare for this year's fire season, Algerian authorities deployed observation drones and created multiple helicopter landing sites.

The government in May announced the purchase of a large water bomber aircraft and the rental of six others from South America.

Algeria also placed an order with Moscow for four water bombers, but reported that their delivery was delayed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Burnt trees near the town of Melloula in northwestern Tunisia.

Local media reflected anger about the latest deadly fires. The TSA news site asked, "in view of all these measures, why couldn't we avoid the disaster?"

Scientists rank the Mediterranean region as a climate-change "hot spot", with the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warning of more heatwaves, crop failures, droughts, rising seas and influxes of invasive species.

 2023 AFP
(Photo : KRISTON JAE BETHEL/AFP via Getty Images)

Pennsylvania officials announced that an 83-year-old former pastor was charged with the abduction and murder of a neighboring pastor's daughter in 1975.

An 83-year-old former church pastor has been accused of the 1975 murder of an 8-year-old girl who vanished en route to Bible summer camp.

The disappearance and murder of 8-year-old Gretchen Harrington had perplexed authorities in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, for nearly half a century until a former pastor at the church she attended confessed to the crime on Monday, according to the county prosecutor.

Retired Pastor Arrested for 1975 Cold Case Murder

"The murder of Gretchen Harrington has tormented law enforcement since that dreadful day in August 1975," Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said in a statement announcing the arrest of a suspect in the girl's slaying.

Stollsteimer reported that David Zandstra, 83, of Marietta, Georgia, has been charged with criminal homicide, murder in the first, second, and third degrees, kidnapping a minor, and possessing a weapon. In Georgia, Zandstra was apprehended on July 17. His parole was denied, and he remains in Cobb County Jail, Newsweek reported.

Stollsteimer stated that Zandstra is attempting to avoid extradition to Pennsylvania, but the prosecutor's office has requested a warrant from the governor to transport Zandstra to Delaware County, west of Philadelphia.

On August 15, 1975, Harrington walked to Bible school at Trinity Chapel Christian Reformed Church, where Zandstra served as pastor, according to Stollsteimer. Even though the chapel was less than a half-mile away, the young girl never made it.

Stollsteimer stated that Zandstra was the one who contacted the Marple Police Department to report the victim's disappearance.

A few months later, on October 14, Harrington's skeletal remains were discovered in the nearby Ridley Creek State Park. Her head injuries were determined to be the cause of her death, which was ruled a homicide. The question of who murdered the girl baffled authorities for 48 years.

In a news release, the district attorney's office said that his confession came after investigators presented him with new evidence gathered early this year, including an interview with a confidential informant and a diary entry the informant wrote in 1975 when she was 10 years old.

According to the release, the camp took place at both the Trinity Church Chapel Christian Reform Church - where Zandstra served as pastor - and the Reformed Presbyterian Church - where Gretchen's father served as pastor.

Per CNN, Gretchen's father became concerned when she failed to appear at his church, and it was Zandstra who contacted the police to report her disappearance.

Read Also: Canada Floods: State of Emergency Declared in Nova Scotia; Floodings Leave 2 Dead, 2 Missing

Suspect Initially Denied Involvement to Crime

According to a newly released criminal complaint, investigators noted inaccuracies in Zandstra's initial statements and questioned how the pastor knew so much about what Gretchen was wearing that day when she never arrived at camp.

Zandstra denied knowing anything about the disappearance at the time. According to the release, investigators learned the former pastor now resides in Marietta, Georgia, and confronted him with the new evidence there last month.

Zandstra acknowledged offering Gretchen transport to summer camp on the morning of her disappearance. The complaint states he told officers he drove the minor to a wooded area and ordered her to disrobe. When she refused, he struck her in the head and left her bleeding in the area, believing she was deceased, as per NBC News.

The district attorney's office stated that a DNA sample was collected from Zandstra so it could be compared to DNA recovered from the crime site as well as open cases in the state and country.

Zandstra fled Pennsylvania after Gretchen's disappearance and resided in Plano, Texas, and Marietta, Georgia. The Pennsylvania State Police are requesting that anyone in these communities with information pertinent to Zandstra contact them.

Related Article: Alabama To Execute 1st Lethal Injection Procedure After Months-Long Pause Over Failed Execution

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Credit: Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

The UK's COVID inquiry is putting pandemic policymaking under the microscope. One of the key questions is who should make decisions in an emergency, and how.

In a government committee hearing before the inquiry began, Dominic Cummings, former chief adviser to Boris Johnson, suggested a "kind of dictator" should be in charge in such times of crisis, relying on the guidance of a small group of scientific and mathematical experts.

But as former chancellor George Osborne pointed out in his testimony to the inquiry, expert advice isn't necessarily enough on its own. Even the most detailed expert analysis won't tell us whether we should close schools to protect vulnerable residents in care homes. These are questions about what we value as a society.

Melanie Field, executive director of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, has mentioned the involvement of members of the public in these decisions. She gave the example of the Welsh government using online platforms to consult with people with certain characteristics protected under the Equality Act.

But discussion of public involvement in pandemic decision-making has been minimal during the inquiry so far. As a bioethicist who has worked on public deliberation, I believe ordinary citizens should be a made an active part of policymaking in the next pandemic.

Engaging the public

Deliberative democracy is the process of engaging a cross-section of the public in making decisions. A group of citizens learns, discusses, deliberates and makes policy recommendations in bodies like citizens' juries and larger citizens' assemblies.

These can engage up to over 100 citizens and make recommendations on a variety of topics. To date citizens have deliberated on issues from local budgets, to how to deal with the climate crisis, to the ethics of genome editing and artificial intelligence.

Researchers and experts outside government have often led experiments in citizen participation. However, there have been successes in involving ordinary citizens in government decision-making. Citizen participation is now a permanent part of government in Paris, Brussels, and the European Union, for example.

But how could greater citizen involvement have helped the UK's COVID response? A major focus for the inquiry so far has been the initial COVID lockdown. According to a 2022 government report, the decision to delay locking down was partly based on the "widespread view that the public would not accept a lockdown for a significant period."

Widespread perhaps, but not necessarily true. Members of the public largely complied with COVID restrictions, showing themselves willing to sacrifice some liberty in exchange for fewer lives lost to COVID. And evidence shows most people continued to abide by the rules during the second and arguably tougher lockdown.

One way to prevent this kind of misconception happening again could be to directly involve citizens in the ethical trade-offs of emergency decisions.

There have been some public deliberations on COVID-related issues in the UK during the pandemic, led by academics, public sector bodies and independent research groups. These included citizens' juries on allocating limited intensive care resources if the health system became overwhelmed, weighing up the benefits of health data sharing with privacy concerns, and building public trust in contact tracing apps.

Citizen deliberation has also happened in devolved and local government. In Scotland a citizens' panel informed the Scottish government's oversight of its COVID restrictions. A citizens' assembly in Camden, London, considered the effects of COVID on local residents while one in Bristol set priorities for the city's COVID recovery.

However, there's no evidence the UK government heeded any of the findings from these deliberations when designing policy.

Diverse experiences and perspectives

A major benefit of engaging the public is the diverse experiences and perspectives they bring. Citizen engagement can reveal ideas and arguments that may not have been raised otherwise.

For example, a public deliberation on colorectal cancer screening recommendations revealed concerns around the lack of information available about different screening options. This concern had not been considered by an expert panel which had focused on clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness.

Members of the public are capable of sophisticated moral reasoning. The deliberation on intensive care resource allocation mentioned earlier balanced the ethical values of efficiency, vulnerability, and equality in their recommendations that age should not be directly considered in triage policy.

Moving beyond expert voices can also help bring attention to the perspectives of marginalized communities who are often politically ignored. This was the case when deliberative democracy in Brazil led to a focus on the priorities of poor and minority citizens in regional spending decisions.

Ultimately, citizen participation can have a big impact. One major success story is the Irish Citizens' Assembly which in 2017 recommended the legalization of abortion and called for the matter to be put to a referendum.

The Irish government accepted the call for a referendum, and recommendations from the assembly became a valuable public resource during the campaign. In 2018, 66% of Irish voters chose to overturn the ban on abortion.

Preparing for the next pandemic

While the UK government regularly claimed COVID policymaking was "following the science," this obscured the complexities that had to be considered during the pandemic.

Pandemic decisions involve values-based dilemmas, complex trade-offs, and long-term challenges. These are the same three factors researchers at the OECD have identified as making a topic suitable for public deliberation.

Would public deliberation take too long in a crisis? On the contrary, it can be designed for speed. Take the online deliberative event on contact tracing which took place more rapidly than usual so recommendations could be made quickly.

And speed wouldn't be a problem if structures are built for citizen participation in time for the next pandemic. With permanent deliberative bodies that citizens could be randomly selected to participate in, with compensation to ensure they could take time off work to do so, deliberations could take place rapidly and efficiently.

If this seems fanciful, just consider that jury service, an everyday part of public life, works the same way.

Citizen-led deliberation has become a formal part of governments across the world. The UK COVID inquiry should recommend Britain follow their example. Doing so could empower citizens, improve public trust, revitalize British democracy, and prepare us for the next pandemic.

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Sweat covers the face of Juan Carlos Biseno after dancing to music from his headphones as afternoon temperatures reach 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46.1 Celsius), July 19, 2023, in Calexico, Calif. A new study Tuesday, July 25, finds these intense and deadly hot spells gripping much of the globe in the American Southwest and Southern Europe could not have occurred without climate change. Credit: AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File

The fingerprints of climate change are all over the intense heat waves gripping the globe this month, a new study finds. Researchers say the deadly hot spells in the American Southwest and Southern Europe could not have happened without the continuing buildup of warming gases in the air.

These unusually strong heat waves are becoming more common, Tuesday's study said. The same research found the increase in heat-trapping gases, largely from the burning of coal, oil and natural gas has made another heat wavethe one in China50 times more likely with the potential to occur every five years or so.

A stagnant atmosphere, warmed by carbon dioxide and other gases, also made the European heat wave 4.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 degrees Celsius) hotter, the one in the United States and Mexico 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius) warmer and the one in China one 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius) toastier, the study found.

Several climate scientists, using tree rings and other stand-ins for temperature records, say this month's heat is likely the hottest Earth has been in about 120,000 years, easily the hottest of human civilization.

"Had there been no climate change, such an event would almost never have occurred," said study lead author Mariam Zachariah, a climate scientist at Imperial College of London. She called heat waves in Europe and North America "virtually impossible" without the increase in heat from the mid 1800s. Statistically, the one in China could have happened without global warming.

A sign displays an an unofficial temperature as jets taxi at Sky Harbor International Airport at dusk, July 12, 2023, in Phoenix. A new study Tuesday, July 25, finds these intense and deadly hot spells gripping much of the globe in the American Southwest and Southern Europe could not have occurred without climate change. Credit: AP Photo/Matt York, File

Since the advent of industrial-scale burning, the world has warmed 2.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 degrees Celsius), so "they are not rare in today's climate and the role of climate change is absolutely overwhelming," said Imperial College climate scientist Friederike Otto, who leads the team of volunteer international scientists at World Weather Attribution who do these studies.

The particularly intense heat waves that Texas, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua and Coahuila are now roasting through are likely to happen about once every 15 years in the current climate, the study said.

But the climate is not stabilized, even at this level. If it warms a few more tenths of a degree, this month's heat will become even more common, Otto said. Phoenix has had a record-shattering 25 straight days of temperatures at or above 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius) and more than a week when the nighttime temperature never dropped below 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32.2 Celsius)

Youngsters enjoy a warm evening before sunset in Bucharest, Romania, July 19, 2023. A new study Tuesday, July 25, finds these intense and deadly hot spells gripping much of the globe in the American Southwest and Southern Europe could not have occurred without climate change. Credit: AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru, File

The heat in Spain, Italy, Greece and some Balkan states is likely to reoccur every decade in the current climate, the study said.

Because the weather attribution researchers started their analysis of three simultaneous heat waves on July 17, the results are not yet peer reviewed, which is the gold standard for science. But it used scientifically valid techniques, the team's research regularly gets published and several outside experts told The Associated Press it makes sense.

The way scientists do these rapid analyses is by comparing observations of current weather in the three regions to repeated computer simulations of "a world that might have been without climate change," said study co-author Izidine Pinto, a climate scientist at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute.

In Europe and North America, the study doesn't claim human-caused climate change is the sole cause of the heat waves, but it is a necessary ingredient because natural causes and random chance couldn't produce this alone.

Tourists sip cold water as they shelter from a hot sunny afternoon near the Rome's Colosseum, July 5, 2023. A new study Tuesday, July 25, finds these intense and deadly hot spells gripping much of the globe in the American Southwest and Southern Europe could not have occurred without climate change. Credit: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File

A woman fans herself in Madrid, Spain, July 10, 2023. A new study Tuesday, July 25, finds these intense and deadly hot spells gripping much of the globe in the American Southwest and Southern Europe could not have occurred without climate change. Credit: AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File

Children play with water at a fountain during a heat wave, at Stavros Niarchos foundation Cultural Center in Athens, July 21, 2023. A new study Tuesday, July 25, finds these intense and deadly hot spells gripping much of the globe in the American Southwest and Southern Europe could not have occurred without climate change. Credit: AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris, File

A man pushes a trolley with bottles of water on a hot summer day, in Istanbul, Turkey, July 13, 2023. A new study Tuesday, July 25, finds these intense and deadly hot spells gripping much of the globe in the American Southwest and Southern Europe could not have occurred without climate change. Credit: AP Photo/Francisco Seco

People walk through cooling misters along the Las Vegas Strip, July 13, 2023, in Las Vegas. A new study Tuesday, July 25, finds these intense and deadly hot spells gripping much of the globe in the American Southwest and Southern Europe could not have occurred without climate change. Credit: AP Photo/John Locher, File

Tourists cool off near a fan as they queue to enter Rome's Colosseum, July 18, 2023. A new study Tuesday, July 25, finds these intense and deadly hot spells gripping much of the globe in the American Southwest and Southern Europe could not have occurred without climate change. Credit: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File

A man holds an umbrella as he and other tourists enter the ancient Acropolis hill during a heat wave, in Athens, Greece, July 13, 2023. A new study Tuesday, July 25, finds these intense and deadly hot spells gripping much of the globe in the American Southwest and Southern Europe could not have occurred without climate change. Credit: AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris, File

Texas state climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon said the study was reasonable, but looks at a broad area of the U.S. Southwest, so it may not be applicable to every single place in the area.

"In the United States, it's clear that the entire southern tier is going to see the worst of the ever-worsening heat and this summer should be considered a serious wake-up call," said University of Michigan environment dean Jonathan Overpeck.

With heat waves, "the most important thing is that they kill people and they particularly kill and hurt and destroy lives and livelihoods of those most vulnerable," Otto said.

 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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A foreground matrix of graphene against a rainbow background. New research used the rainbow scattering of protons to probe the imperfections of graphene. Credit: Robert Lea

Graphene is a two-dimensional wonder material that has been suggested for a wide range of applications in energy, technology, construction, and more since it was first isolated from graphite in 2004.

This single layer of carbon atoms is tough yet flexible, light but with high resistance, with graphene calculated to be 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminum.

Graphene may sound perfect, but it very literally is not. Isolated samples of this 2D allotrope aren't perfectly flat, with its surface rippled. Graphene can also feature structural defects that can, in some cases, be deleterious to its function and, in other instances, can be essential to its chosen application. That means that the controlled implementation of defects could enable fine-tuning of the desired properties of two-dimensional crystals of graphene.

In a new paper in The European Physical Journal D, Milivoje Hadzijojic and Marko Cosic, both of the Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Serbia, examine the rainbow scattering of photons passing through graphene and how it reveals the structure and imperfections of this wonder material.

While there are other ways of investigating the imperfections of graphene, these have drawbacks. For instance, Raman spectroscopy can not distinguish some defect types, while high-resolution transmission electron microscopy can characterize crystal structure defects with outstanding resolution, but the energetic electrons it uses can degrade the crystal lattice.

"The rainbow effect is not that rare in nature. It was discovered in scattering of the atoms and molecules as well. It was detected in ion scattering experiments on thin crystals. We have theoretically studied a scattering of low energy protons on graphene and demonstrated that rainbow effect occurs in this process as well," Hadzijojic says. "Furthermore, we have shown that graphene structure and thermal vibrations could be studied via proton rainbow scattering effect."

Using a process called rainbow scattering, the duo observed the diffraction they took as this passed through the graphene and the "rainbow" pattern created.

Characterizing the diffraction pattern, the researchers found perfect graphene gave a rainbow pattern in which the middle part was a single line with the inner part demonstrating a pattern with hexagonal symmetry, a symmetry that was absent in imperfect graphene.

The scientists also concluded that specific defect types produce their own distinct rainbow patterns, and this could be used in future research to identify and characterize defect types in a graphene sample.

"Our approach is rather unique and could potentially serve as a useful complementary characterization technique of graphene and similar two-dimensional materials," Hadzijojic says.

More information: M. Hadzijojic et al, Study of graphene by proton rainbow scattering, The European Physical Journal D (2023). DOI: 10.1140/epjd/s10053-023-00664-y Journal information: European Physical Journal D

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Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are designing a low background detector, shown here, to sense supernova and solar neutrinos as part of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment. Credit: Composite image by Nathan Johnson, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

The most abundant, massive particles in the universe may be ones you've never even heard of: neutrinos. These particles are all around useven streaming through usthough they almost never interact with other particles. They are so light and weakly interacting that no one has recorded their mass.

Physicistsincluding Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) researchers Chris Jackson and Eric Churchbelieve that key questions about the creation of matter could be answered by neutrinos. Jackson and Churchalong with over 1,700 other scientists from 38 countriesinvestigate these particles as part of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE). Through DUNE, an international team of scientists aims to build ultrasensitive detectors to understand these elusive particles. Jackson, Church, and a team of university and national laboratory collaborators recently published a paper detailing a new detector design that can be fine-tuned to increase sensitivity to physics beyond the original DUNE concept. They performed simulations to examine the detector's abilities with the help of an aspiring high school physics teacher. Their results were published in the Journal of Physics G, whose editors selected the paper as a cover-page article.

Preparing for DUNE

Studying tiny particles takes some big equipment. When DUNE is fully constructed, neutrinos will begin their journey at the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility located at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) in Batavia, Illinois. They'll pass through one detector (the "near detector") before traveling roughly 800 miles to a much larger detector (the "far detector") at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota.

The far detector of DUNE is made up of four different modules, each roughly three times the size of an Olympic swimming pool. Together, these modules will hold nearly 70,000 tons of liquid argon. Argon's large nuclei interact with the neutrino beam to produce a distinctive signal that the detectors can identify.

This is where Jackson and Church come in. They designed SLoMothe Sanford Underground Low background Moduleas a proposed new detector design. SLoMo features additional shielding, stringent radioactive background control, and enhanced light detection, making their module potentially more powerful than DUNE's first two planned modules. Specifically, the SLoMo design enhances DUNE's sensitivity to neutrinos emitted from sources other than the beam of neutrinos created at Fermilab. The SLoMo design makes it possible for DUNE to study neutrinos from supernova explosions as well as neutrinos emitted by the sun.

"Radioactive background noiselike neutrons from surrounding rockscan interfere with neutrino signals," said Jackson. "Controlling radioactive backgrounds is something we do very well at PNNL. We wanted to see how much extra physics we could do if we could control the radioactive backgrounds in DUNE."

"PNNL brings the low background expertise to increase the scope of the physics of the DUNE detector," said Church. "Our module proposal was unique in that we performed a lot of simulations to find out exactly what physics measurements our detector would be able to make."

"The work Chris and Eric are doing to lead the community to build a more capable science experiment is impressive," said John Orrell, sector manager of the High Energy Physics program at PNNL. "They are helping the high energy physics community understandin a quantitative wayhow much more science can be achieved with DUNE."

From DUNE to the classroom

To help them run simulations to test SLoMo, Jackson and Church recruited Sylvia Munsona high school physics teacher then in her junior year of college. Munson began her research journey through the STEM Teacher and Research (STAR) program that PNNL participates in.

Munson worked with Jackson and Church in 2020 and 2021 as part of the STAR summer research program though PNNL's Office of STEM Education. She performed some of the integral simulations that show the capabilities of SLoMoearning her authorship on the Journal of Physics G publication.

Because of her positive experience with PNNL's internship program, Munson encourages her high school physics students to join summer research programs as early as possible. She even includes elements of her PNNL research in her curriculum.

"As a first-generation college student, I never dreamed I would be involved in something like this," said Munson. "Now I encourage everyone to apply."

More information: T Bezerra et al, Large low background kTon-scale liquid argon time projection chambers, Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics (2023). DOI: 10.1088/1361-6471/acc394
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Homeless man with his dog on a London street. Credit: Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Homeless people and their dogs have a mutually beneficial relationship, with the dogs providing critical support for their owners' emotional and mental health while owners make every effort to protect dogs and meet their welfare needs, new research has found.

A new study by academics at the University of Bristol Veterinary School and published in the Zoophilologica Polish Journal of Animal Studies highlights the importance of making sure there are sufficient services available for homeless people with animals and points out that allowing dogs to remain with their owners could improve engagement with charity services.

The U.K. homeless population is increasing. Companion animal ownership among homeless people is not uncommon, but the positive and negative consequences of this association for both humans and animals are not fully researched.

The researchers carried out semi-structured interviews with 21 homeless dog owners in the South West, recruited via a dog welfare charity that works with homeless people and their dogs. The interviews covered how their dog impacted them, how they met the dog's welfare needs and the costs and benefits of a homeless living for both the owner and the dog.

Dr. Chelsie Bailey, one of the study's authors and an Honorary Teaching Associate at Bristol Veterinary School, said, "One of the most positive findings our study found was that not one of the dogs we saw lacked basic veterinary care, and this was due to the accessibility provided by the centers linked with Dogs Trust."

The researchers found dogs provided similar benefits as dogs owned in households, but additionally owners believed dogs helped with their routine, assisted them through mental health issues and gave continuous emotional support. Owners noted difficulties accessing long- and short-term accommodation, and services, such as shops, due to their dog, and generally only entrusted other individuals to look after their dog in urgent cases.

All the dogs received veterinary care as needed, were treated against parasites, and fed adequately. The main concern expressed by owners was providing somewhere warm enough and large for their dog to sleep, but the research team suggest access to a safe place to avoid frightening stimuli may also be important. During the interviews many owners used the dog to help facilitate a discussion about themselves, allowing them to open up about the difficulties of their past, and future.

Dr. Nicola Rooney, Senior Lecturer in Wildlife and Conservation at Bristol Veterinary School and one of the paper's authors, added, "Dogs can play an incredibly important role in enhancing mental health, and this study shows this is equally true for the homeless community. Homeless dogs compared favorably to home owned dogs in many areas when considering how their welfare needs were met. The dogs we studied had high levels of human companionship and access to veterinary care and flea and worm prevention.

"However, several potential issues were identified surrounding thermal comfort, contact with other dogs, and the ability to avoid things which may scare them, although the latter two issues are likely equally common in the homed dog population. Tailor-made education initiatives addressing the challenges specific to this population may be valuable."

Dr. Bailey added, "One issue highlighted in this study was the variation in what some shelters and day centers classed as 'dog friendly.' For example, we found some shelters and day centers provided food but didn't allow dogs into the premises which meant the owners were less likely to access proper support. Places that would allow owners to keep their pets with them at all times could help owners seek further support and access support properly."

The study highlighted the importance of ongoing charity work to inform homeless people with dogs about the help and support that is available to them. Most charity schemes require and assist with the dog being neutered. This research suggests that this requirement deterred some participants from using this service leading to further mistrust, and potentially affecting the veterinary care that is wanted for the animal in the future. Uptake is likely to increase if individuals do not have to neuter their dogs to be eligible, or if attitudes towards neutering dogs in the homeless population were to change.

More information: Chelsie Bailey et al, "A Part of Me": The Value of Dogs to Homeless Owners and the Implications for Dog Welfare, Zoophilologica Polish Journal of Animal Studies (2023). DOI: 10.31261/ZOOPHILOLOGICA.2023.S.05. journals.us.edu.pl/index.php/Z  A/article/view/13555
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A parrotfish swims around a coral reef in Key West, Florida; About 25 percent of all marine species are found in or around these habitats.

Shallow waters off south Florida topped 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8C) for several hours on Monday, potentially setting a new world record with temperatures more commonly associated with hot tubs.

The readings were taken from a single buoy in Manatee Bay, about 38 miles (60 kilometers) southwest of Miami, at a depth of five feet (1.5 meters).

A peak temperature of 101.1F was recorded at 6:00 pm, but it remained above 100F for about four hours, official data showed.

Jeff Masters, a meteorologist and former government scientist, tweeted that while there was no official world record for sea surface temperature, a 2020 scientific paper found that the previous high might have been 99.7F recorded in Kuwait Bay.

But, added Masters, since the new measurement was taken near land, "contamination of the measurement by land effects and organic matter in the water might...invalidate the record."

"Unless there is photographic proof that debris was not present, it would be difficult to (verify) the 101.F record as valid," he added on social media.

The sauna-like conditions might be enjoyable for some humans, but sustained extreme heat is devastating for coral reef ecosystems and the species that depend on them.

It comes days after the nonprofit Coral Reef Foundation (CRF) said that one reef in south Florida it had been working to restore had been devastated.

"CRF teams visited Sombrero Reef, a restoration site we've been working at for over a decade. What we found was unimaginable100% coral mortality," said the organization's Phanor Montoya-Maya, in a statement.

About 25 percent of all marine species are found in, on, or around coral reefs, rivaling the biodiversity of tropical rainforests, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Across the globe, the Mediterranean Sea reached its highest temperature on record Monday during an exceptional heat wave, Spanish researchers told AFP on Tuesday.

"We attained a new record... in the daily median sea surface temperature of the Mediterranean: 28.71C (83.68F)," Spain's Institute of Marine Sciences said.

The previous record was on August 23, 2003, with a median value of 82.86F.

July 2023 is on track to be the hottest absolute month on record, as well as the hottest in potentially thousands of years, according to NASA climatologist Gavin Schmidt.

"We are seeing unprecedented changes all over the world," he said last week, with records being broken on land and in the sea, and the effects mostly attributable to human-caused climate change.

 2023 AFP
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An American Flag on a fence blows in the wind along NM 22 as the Cerro Pelado Fire burns in the Jemez Mountains, April 29, 2022, in Cochiti, N.M. The U.S. Forest Service said on Monday, July 24, 2023, that its own prescribed burn started the 2022 wildfire that nearly burned into Los Alamos, N.M. Credit: Robert Browman/The Albuquerque Journal via AP, File

The U.S. Forest Service's own prescribed burn started a sprawling 2022 wildfire that nearly reached Los Alamos, New Mexico, the agency acknowledged Monday in a report published after a lengthy investigation.

The Cerro Pelado fire burned in dry, windy conditions across more than 60 square miles (155 square kilometers) and crept within a few miles of the city of Los Alamos and its companion U.S. national security lab. As the fire approached, schools closed and evacuation bags were packed before the flames tapered off.

Investigators traced the wildfire to a burn of piles of forest debris commissioned by the Forest Service. The burn became a holdover fire, smoldering undetected under wet snow, with no signs of smoke or heat for months, said Southwestern Regional Forester Michiko Martin.

The revelation prompted immediate rebukes against the Forest Service by New Mexico political leaders, including Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. She said she was "outraged over the U.S. Forest Service's negligence that caused this destruction." Episodes of extremely hot and dry weather in recent years have triggered concerns about prescribed burns as techniques for clearing forest debris, concerns that Grisham echoed.

The federal government already has acknowledged that it started the largest wildfire in state history, whichcharred more than 530 square miles (1,373 square kilometers) of the Rocky Mountain foothills east of Santa Fe, New Mexico, destroying homes and livelihoods.

The Cerro Pelado Fire, seen on May 6, 2022, from Cochiti, N.M, burns in the Jemez Mountains. The U.S. Forest Service said on Monday, July 24, 2023, that its own prescribed burn started the 2022 wildfire that nearly burned into Los Alamos, N.M. Credit: Robert Browman/The Albuquerque Journal via AP, File

The Forest Service last spring halted all prescribed burn operations for 90 days while it conducted a review of procedures and policies. By the end of the moratorium, managers learned that they can't rely on past success, and must continuously learn and adapt to changing conditions, Forest Service Chief Randy Moore recently told New Mexico lawmakers.

Firefighters now monitor pile burns using handheld thermal devices and drones that can detect heat, Martin said Monday.

Examples of prescribed burns that escaped control include the 2000 Cerro Grande Fire that swept through residential areas of Los Alamos and across 12 square miles (31 square kilometers) of the laboratorymore than one-quarter of the campus. The fire destroyed more than 230 homes and 45 structures at the lab. In 2011, a larger and faster-moving fire burned fringes of the lab.

In the spring of 2022, wildfires were propelled by ferocious winds across Arizona and New Mexico, combined with extreme drought and warm temperatures, casting a pall of smoke across the region.

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich urged the Forest Service to be more nimble in its investigations and decisions.

A Cochiti Fire Department vehicle heads toward a plume of smoke from the Cerro Pelado Fire burning in the Jemez Mountains, April 29, 2022, in Cochiti, N.M. The U.S. Forest Service said on Monday, July 24, 2023, that its own prescribed burn started the 2022 wildfire that nearly burned into Los Alamos, N.M. Credit: Robert Browman/The Albuquerque Journal via AP, File

"The warming climate is making our forests more vulnerable to catastrophic wildfires. That's a reality that our Forest Service can and must urgently respond to when deciding when and how to do prescribed burns," he said in a statement. "We cannot catch up to this reality if it takes nearly a year to even make the findings on the Cerro Pelado Fire public."

An initial probe into the origin of the Cerro Pelado fire was conducted by a wildland fire investigator from Washington state's Department of Natural Resources and pointed toward an ash pit from the earlier prescribed burn as the likely source, while ruling out other potential sources such as campfires and lightning. But it stopped short of a definitive conclusion.

The Forest Service commissioned a second investigation by its own special agents and concluded that the prescribed burn and its windblown embers were the cause.

The Biden administration is trying to confront worsening wildfires in the U.S. West through a multi-billion dollar cleanup of forests choked with dead trees and undergrowth. Chainsaws, heavy machineryand controlled burnsare major components of the effort, with Congress in the last two years approving more than $4 billion in new funding to prevent repeats of destructive infernos.

 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Tiny, DNA-stabilized silver nanoclusters glow under UV light. Each nanocluster contains only 10 to 20 silver atoms wrapped in DNA. The DNA sequence acts as a genome for the nanocluster, selecting its size and color. In the laboratory of Stacy Copp, UCI assistant professor of materials science and engineering, researchers combine materials chemistry and machine learning to develop these new nanomaterials as molecular probes for biomedical imaging and sensing applications. Credit: Steve Zylius / UCI

DNA can do more than pass genetic code from one generation to the next. For nearly 20 years, scientists have known of the molecule's ability to stabilize nanometer-sized clusters of silver atoms. Some of these structures glow visibly in red and green, making them useful in a variety of chemical and biosensing applications.

Stacy Copp, UCI assistant professor of materials science and engineering, wanted to see if the capabilities of these tiny fluorescent markers could be stretched even furtherinto the near-infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrumto give bioscience researchers the power to see through living cells and even centimeters of biological tissue, opening doors to enhanced methods of disease detection and treatment.

"There is untapped potential to extend fluorescence by DNA-stabilized silver nanoclusters into the near-infrared region," she says. "The reason that's so interesting is because our biological tissues and fluids are much more transparent to near-infrared light than to visible light."

Copp says scientists and engineers have been looking for new ways of scanning bodily tissues to avoid the mutating side effects of X-rays or having patients ingest radionuclides to detect tumors. "There are lots of reasons why it would be exciting to use noninvasive, nonhazardous near-infrared light, which is basically heat," she says. "But one of the biggest challenges is that we don't really have good, nontoxic fluorophoresmolecules or nanoparticles that emit this near-infrared light."

People have been aware of the antimicrobial powers of silver since ancient times. The element kills bacteria but is benign to most mammalian cells; it's even used to fight odors in some fabrics that humans wear. Copp says recent studies have shown that DNA-stabilized silver nanoclusters have low cytotoxicity, and DNA is inherently biocompatiblewhich makes these compounds potentially safe to use in a clinical setting.

As with many things DNA-related, there is an almost incomprehensible quantity of sequence permutations, only a small subset of which possess the fluorescent qualities researchers seek. While at UC Santa Barbara, Copp was part of a team that designed an instrument that can rapidly scan hundreds of silver nanoclusters at a time to see if they have near-infrared emission. With this tool, the scientists have been able to find a large number of previously hidden candidate sequences.

In her lab in UCI's Susan and Henry Samueli Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building, Copp initiated a project with Peter Mastracco, her first Ph.D. student, to take advantage of new data connecting DNA sequences to the colors of the nanoclusters, which Copp says she likens to a "nanocluster genome." She asked Mastracco to develop a machine learning method that could help them analyze mountains of experimental data to come up with novel DNA sequencesones capable of being created in the labthat open access to the near-infrared region.

Early in the project, Mastracco found a research paper showing the X-ray crystal structure of a DNA-stabilized silver nanocluster. "It literally gave us a picture of where all the silver atoms are and how the DNA is folded around the nanocluster," Copp says. "And he spotted something I hadn't noticed before, which is that the DNA folded around the nanocluster in a particular way."

The researchers hypothesized that if they encoded information about this folding peculiarity into their machine learning models, they might be able to predict the fluorescence color of the nanoclusters.

Part of Mastracco's Ph.D. training in Copp's group was to become a mentor. In the summer of 2020an early peak in the COVID-19 pandemiche was matched with Josh Evans, a student at Chaffey College, a community college with campuses in California's Inland Empire.

According to Copp, Evans devised a creative way to interpret the results of Mastracco's models more clearly. "Some of these algorithms can operate like a black box," Copp says. "You provide a data set to the machine learning algorithm, and it learns the trends in that data, and that helps you make predictions. But it really can be hard to open the lid to find out what's going on in the box."

Evans helped solve this problem by using a "feature selection tool" that allowed the team to determine what part of the DNA sequence was correlated to the different fluorescence colors of the nanoclusters.

Copp says the breakthrough became an essential contribution to a research paperwith Mastracco as lead authorthat was published in the journal ACS Nano.

Work in the Copp research group on fluorescent nanoclusters continues apace. They recently published a second paper on the subject in Journal of the American Chemical Society, this one led by Ph.D. student Anna Gonzalez Rosell, who mentored UCI undergraduate co-author Nery Arevalos.

"The paper represents a key advance in developing truly biocompatible nanoclusters for near-infrared imaging," Copp says. "Several of my students worked on these papers, and undergrad mentorship played a vital role in the projects. It's an arrangement that works incredibly well in terms of delivering research results and helping young scientists achieve their goals."
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Olympus Mons: a volcanic island in the middle of a vanished Martian ocean. Credit: A.Hildenbrand/Geops/CNRS (produced from MOLA public data)

Imagine a volcanic island about the size of France and over 20,000 meters high. Such a landscape may once have existed on the planet Mars.

Published in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters, recent work led by a CNRS researcher shows that the giant Olympus Mons volcano on Mars shares morphological similarities with many active volcanic islands on Earth. Scientists believe they are the result of contact between liquid water and lava from the volcano.

Similar features on the northern flank of the Alba Mons volcano, located more than 1,500 km from Olympus Mons, also support the idea that a vast ocean of liquid water once occupied the Red Planet's northern lowlands. Precise dating of these volcanic rocks could provide a considerable amount of information about the climatic evolution of Mars.

More information: A. Hildenbrand et al, A giant volcanic island in an early Martian Ocean?, Earth and Planetary Science Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.epsl.2023.118302 Journal information: Earth and Planetary Science Letters

Provided by CNRS
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Credit: DavideAngelini/Shutterstock

Travel is back in full swing this summer, and so is bad behavior by tourists.

Popular destinations have seen an uptick in incidents involving tourists in recent years. Reports of a man defacing the Colosseum in Rome shows that behavior has deteriorated even in places that rarely had problems in the past.

What's behind these abhorrent acts? One answer, my research shows, is social media. Instagram and TikTok have made it easy to find "hidden gem" restaurants and discover new destinations to add to your bucket list. But this democratization of travel has had other consequences.

Because people now see their social media connections from their home environment traveling in an exotic location, they assume (consciously or not) that behavior they ordinarily carry out at home is also acceptable in that holiday destination.

This is known as social proof, when we look to the behaviors of others to inform our own actions. People are likely to act more hedonistically while on holiday. Now, travelers also look to social media for proof of how others behave. If their peers from home are throwing caution to the wind while on holiday, this can cause a domino effect of bad behavior.

I've identified other bad travel attitudes and habits that have emerged as a result of social media-driven tourism.

For example, the identifiable victim effect, which explains how people are more likely to sympathize with victims of tragedies when they know who those victims are. Because tourists are often sheltered in hotels and resorts away from local communities, they might (wrongly) think that traveling to a place far from home is an opportunity for consequence-free bad behavior. They underestimate or ignore the effect their actions can have on locals or the economy.

The Instagram effect

When people travel to a beautiful place, the temptation to post photos and videos to social media is high. But, as I have argued, this creates a cycle that contributes to more self-indulgent travel.

First, tourists see their friends post photos from a place (revealed through geotags). They then want to visit the same places and take the same sorts of photos of themselves there. Eventually they post them on the same social networks where they saw the initial photos.

Being able to travel to and post about visiting the same places as one's social group or online connections can be a form of social status. But it means that, in some cases, travelers will put more energy into creating content than they will to exploration, discovery or being respectful to local customs.

Hotspots respond

Bali is one destination with a reputation for social media-induced tourism. The photogenic island, replete with yoga retreats, is a huge draw for influencers.

In response to tourist misbehavior, Bali introduced new guidelines for visitors in June 2023. These include rules about proper behavior in the sacred temples, around the island and with locals, and respecting the natural environment.

Tourists now need a license for motorbike rentals, and may not set foot on any mountain or volcano in Bali due to their sacred nature. Travelers must only stay in registered hotels and villas (which will impact a number of Airbnb properties). Bali has introduced a "tourist task force" to enforce the restrictions, through raids and investigations if necessary.

One new guideline is to not act aggressively or use harsh words towards locals, government officials or other tourists both while in Bali, or, notably, online. This speaks to the role of social media as part of the problem when it comes to bad tourist behavior.

Other destinations have taken similar steps. Iceland, Hawaii, Palau, New Zealand, Costa Rica and others have adopted pledges for visitors to abide by local laws and customs. Campaigns like Switzerland's No Drama, Austria's See Viennanot #Vienna, Finland's Be more like a Finn and the Netherlands' How to Amsterdam are aimed at attracting well-behaved tourists.

Where such efforts aren't successful, some places such as Thailand's famous Maya Bay have taken it further and fully closed to tourists, at least temporarily.

Travel respectfully

Remember you are a guest of the host communities when you travel. Here are some ways to ensure that you will be asked back.

1. Do your research

Even if you're a seasoned traveler, you may not realize the impact your actions have on local communities. But a bit of informationfrom your own research or provided by local governmentsmight be enough to help you act more appropriately. Before you go, look up guidelines or background information on local cultural or safety norms.

Whether you agree with the customs or not is irrelevant. If it is a more conservative place than you are used to, you should be mindful of thatunlike the two influencers who were arrested for explicit behavior in a temple in Bali.

2. Put down your phone

Research shows that when traveling, people can become alienated from their surroundings if they are more focused on their devices than the destination.

Often the most memorable travel experiences will be when you have a meaningful connection with someone, or learn something new that you've never experienced before. That becomes harder if you're constantly looking at your phone.

3. or use your influence for good

In popular "Instagram v reality" posts, influencers are revealing the huge crowds and queues behind the most Instagrammable locations.

Showing the less-than-glamorous conditions behind those iconic shots could influence your own social media connections to rethink their personal travel motivationsare they just going somewhere to get the perfect selfie? Having more evidence of these conditions circulating online could lead to a larger societal shift away from social media-induced tourism.

If you have the urge to post, try to promote smaller businesses and make sure you are demonstrating proper (and legal) etiquette on your holiday.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The US Forest Service admitted responsibility for the outbreak of a massive wildfire in 2022 that came dangerously close to Los Alamos, New Mexico, in a report released on Monday following a thorough investigation.

The Cerro Pelado fire spread across more than 60 square miles (155 square kilometers) in dry, windy weather as it inched closer and closer to Los Alamos and the nearby US national security facility, as reported by The Associated Press.

Forest Service's Incompetence

(Photo : by DAVID MCNEW/AFP via Getty Images)

This photograph taken on July 25, 2022, shows embers falling from trees of a forest destroyed by the Oak Fire near Mariposa, California, burning west of Yosemite National Park where the Washburn Fire has threatened the giant sequoia trees of the Mariposa Grove.

Schools were closed before the flames started to die down as the fire drew closer. Investigators linked the incident to a Forest Service-commissioned burn of mounds of forest trash. According to Southwestern Regional Forester Michiko Martin, the blaze became a lingering fire and smoldered covertly beneath heavy snow for months without emitting any smoke or heat.

Political figures in New Mexico, including Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, immediately criticized the Forest Service in response to the disclosure.

She expressed her fury at the US Episodes of unusually hot and dry weather in recent years have sparked worries about controlled burns as methods for cleaning forest trash, concerns that Grisham reiterated. She said that it was the incompetence of the Forest Service that resulted in this catastrophe.

The greatest wildfire in state history, which burned more than 530 square miles (1,373 square kilometers) of the Rocky Mountain foothills east of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and destroyed homes and livelihoods, was caused by the federal government, which has already admitted responsibility.

The Forest Service stopped all prescribed burn operations last spring for 90 days while it reviewed its methods and guidelines. Randy Moore, chief of the Forest Service, recently testified before lawmakers in New Mexico that managers had learned by the end of the moratorium that they cannot rely on past success and must constantly learn and adapt to new conditions.

According to Martin, firefighters now use thermal-capable drones and mobile gadgets to monitor pile burning. Sen. Martin Heinrich of the United States encouraged the Forest Service to make quicker judgments and investigations.

An initial investigation into the cause of the Cerro Pelado fire was carried out by a wildland fire investigator from Washington state's Department of Natural Resources, and it excluded other potential causes like campfires and lightning while pointing toward an ash pit from the earlier prescribed burn as the most likely source. However, it didn't reach a firm decision.

After the Forest Service's special agents conducted a second investigation, it was determined that the wind-blown embers from the prescribed fire were to blame.

Read Also: Climate Change Means More Wildfires In Earth's Boreal Forests

What the Biden Administration is Doing About the Wildfire Crisis

The Biden administration is attempting to stop the US wildfire crisis from worsening. West through woodlands packed with dead trees and vegetation that have undergone a multi-billion dollar cleanup.

Major tools in the campaign include chainsaws, large machinery, and controlled burns. Over the past two years, Congress has approved more than $4 billion in new financing to stop the spread of devastating infernos.

Prescribed burns that went out of control include the 2000 Cerro Grande Fire, which destroyed more than a fourth of the Los Alamos complex and spread over 12 square miles (31 square kilometers) of the laboratory.

The fire destroyed more than 230 dwellings and 45 buildings at the lab. The edges of the lab were damaged by a bigger, more quickly spreading fire in 2011. Wildfires were sparked in the spring of 2022 in Arizona and New Mexico by violent winds, severe dryness, and scorching temperatures, covering the area in smoke.

Related Article: California Wildfires: What Caused Destructive Yosemite Fire That Forced Evacuation of 6000 People?

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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A newly developed physics-informed variational autoencoder (P-VAE) framework. Credit: Vidhya Ganapati

Computational imaging techniques are growing more popular, but the large number of measurements they require often lead to slow speeds or damage to biological samples. A newly developed physics-informed variational autoencoder (P-VAE) framework could help speed up computational imaging by using supervised learning to jointly reconstruct many light sources, each with sparse measurements.

Vidya Ganapati, Assistant Professor of Engineering, Swarthmore College, will present this research at the Optica Imaging Congress. The hybrid meeting will take place 1417 August 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts.

"This research could be powerful in applications of scientific discovery, taking a computational approach to push imaging devices to see more detail, faster," added Vidhya Ganapati.

Although data-driven approaches can reduce the number of measurements required for computational imaging, they usually require some type of reference data or information that isn't always possible to acquire. The new physics-informed deep learning technique developed by Ganapati and colleagues doesn't require any ground-truth or reference sources.

P-VAE relies on sparse measurements, which are computationally easier to handle because they contain data in which most of the values are zero. For P-VAE, sparse measurements are acquired for each source and then used jointly to reconstruct all the sources. By pooling information from measurements across the dataset and incorporating known information about the forward physics of imaging, prior and posterior distributions can be inferred.

The researchers applied P-VAE to light-emitting diode (LED) array microscopy, which replaces the illumination source of a standard wide-field microscope with a programmable two-dimensional LED array. For each object or field of view imaged, LED illumination patterns are used to create an image stack. Each illumination pattern typically corresponds to one image in the stack, but the researchers showed that applying P-VAE decreases the number of images needed per object, thus reducing the overall acquisition time.

They also applied the technique to computed tomography, which images the internal structure of a sample or object by measuring the attenuation of X-rays through an object at different rotations relative to the beam. Although imaging more rotation angles will improve reconstruction, it also increases the X-ray dose and may cause damage. By applying P-VAE, the researchers jointly reconstructed objects using only sparse measurements.

More information: The open-source code and experimental data for LED microscopy is available at: https://github.com/vganapati/LED_PVAE and https://doi.org/10.6084/m9 The computed tomography code is available at: https://github.com/vganapati/CT_PVAE.

Provided by Optica
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The models predictions for where road salt concentrations will stabilize in 461,567 lakes and reservoirs larger than 2.5 acres. Each point on the map represents a lake or reservoir. The predictions assume that road density and salt application rate per unit of road remain constant at mean 2010-2015 levels. Credit: Solomon, C.T., Dugan, H.A., Hintz, W.D., Jones, S.E. (2023). Upper limits for road salt pollution in lakes. Limnology and Oceanography Letters.

Since de-icing with road salt began in the 1930s, the salinity of lakes across much of the US has been steadily increasing, posing a potential threat to aquatic life and drinking water supplies.

However, a cautiously optimistic new study in Limnology and Oceanography Letters concludes that if we can hold steady or decrease road salt use, levels in many lakes could stabilize below thresholds set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

"For the majority of US lakes, road salt pollution could be a solvable problem, if we put our minds to it," said lead author Chris Solomon, who studies lake ecology at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. However, he cautions that more research is needed to better understand what actually is a safe level of salt in a freshwater ecosystem.

The US applies an estimated 24.5 million tons of road salt on its roads every wintermostly in the form of sodium chloride. Rain and melting snow carry this salt into local waterways and aquifers, where it can cause freshwater salinization syndrome. Not only is this salt harmful to many organisms, but it can leach toxic metals and radioactive materials from soil and water pipes.

Solomon saw the upward-trending lines of salt concentrations in US lakes and wanted to find out where they were headed. Would road salt levels continue to rise, or would they stabilize? With colleagues, he developed a model to explore controls on road salt concentration in lakes to reveal the concentration at which they might level off.

The model looked at road density in lake watersheds, the amount of road salt applied per road mile, and precipitation. Hydrologic fluxes were taken into account to predict how salt pollution flows into and out of lakes. The model calculated the levels at which road salt would be expected to stabilize if salt application was held at amounts reported in 20102015, for all of the 461,000 lakes and reservoirs larger than 2.5 acres in the contiguous US.

For lakes in areas with light to moderate road density, the authors found that holding road salt application rates steady could help lakes stabilize below 230 mg/l of chloride per liter of water, the threshold designated by the EPA to protect aquatic life. Reducing application could yield additional environmental and economic benefits without threatening road safety.

The authors note that more research is needed to determine if the EPA's 230 mg/l chloride threshold is too high. Solomon explains, "The EPA's chronic toxicity thresholds for chloride were developed with limited data, and there is growing evidence that negative impacts can occur at concentrations well below 230 mg/l." Even less is known about how salt mixtures from multiple sources affect aquatic life.

Some places have set much lower chloride guidelines, including 150 mg/L in Michigan and 120 mg/L in Canada. The model predicts that chloride concentrations will eventually exceed the 120 mg/L threshold in more than 9,000 US lakes, even if road density and salt application rates stay at current levels.

Unsurprisingly, lakes with predicted salt concentrations in excess of EPA's 230 mg/l thresholds were most common in the Northeast and Midwest. Most vulnerable were lakes with high road density and high road salt application in their watersheds. They included some 9-10% of lakes in Illinois and Ohio, as well as a smaller percentage of lakes (<0.1 to 1%) in Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Achieving safe salt levels in these lakes will require reductions in salt use. This can be done safely by adopting best management practices and new technologies.

A loader pours salt into the back of a truck. Credit: Seattle Department of Transportation

As a test of the model's accuracy, predictions were compared to measurements taken at Mirror Lake in New Hampshire, a site that has been monitored since 1967 by Cary Institute founder Gene E. Likens. After plugging in the local data, the model predicted maximum and minimum salt levels, and the real-world measurements fell within the predicted range. "This gives us confidence that we're in the right ballpark," said Solomon.

"We don't think the model is perfect. It's a simple model that's meant as a tool for thinking through the problem," Solomon says. Among other things, the model ignores salt inputs from natural rock weathering and from human activities like agriculture and industry, and does not consider temporary seasonal spikes in chloride. "We hope others will elaborate on the approach and make better predictions. But in the meantime our results suggest that efforts to control salt application can make a big difference, and may help to prioritize those efforts," Solomon concludes.

Next steps include comparing the model's predictions to observed data in other places where salt application and lake chloride levels have been documented for many years, and using the model to explore how other forms of global changesuch as land use or climate changealter both precipitation and the need for road salt application.

More information: Solomon, C.T., Dugan, H.A., Hintz, W.D., Jones, S.E. Upper limits for road salt pollution in lakes, Limnology and Oceanography Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1002/lol2.10339 Journal information: Limnology and Oceanography Letters
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Aerosols, suspended particles in the atmosphere, influence the Earth's climate system by directly scattering and absorbing solar and terrestrial radiations as well as by acting as cloud condensation nuclei and ice nuclei to modify the properties of clouds.

Newly launched satellite sensors often face challenges in obtaining sufficient observations in a short period to support the development of land surface reflectance (LSR) constraints for aerosol retrieval.

A research team led by Prof. Li Zhengqiang from the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), together with collaborators, proposed a generalized land surface reflectance reconstruction method that provides efficient constraints to surface reflectance for high-precision aerosol retrieval. The study was published in Remote Sensing of Environment on June 16.

Based on the reference surface reflectance product, the proposed method only needs a short time observation of the target sensor, and it uses spatial-temporal minimum reflectance technology to reconstruct the long-time historical surface reflectance product of the reference sensor. Then the reconstructed virtual LSR can be used to construct reliable surface constraints for high-precision retrieval of aerosol parameters.

The researchers applied this method to the Particulate Observing Scanning Polarimeter (POSP) onboard Gaofen-5 (02) satellite. They found that using the overlapping observations of POSP and MODIS for only one month, a stable surface reflectance reconstruction relationship between the two could be established. And the retrieved aerosol optical depth based on the reconstructed LSR achieved high accuracy level according to the validation results against AErosol RObotic NETwork observations.

More information: Zheng Shi et al, A generalized land surface reflectance reconstruction method for aerosol retrieval: Application to the Particulate Observing Scanning Polarimeter (POSP) onboard GaoFen-5 (02) satellite, Remote Sensing of Environment (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.rse.2023.113683
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New species of marine cryptofauna Gnathia jimmybuffetti discovered in the Florida Keys and named after musician Jimmy Buffet. Credit: Anja Erasmus, Ph.D.,North-West University Water Research Group, South Africa

An international team of scientists from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science and the Water Research Group from the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management at the North-West University in South Africa have discovered a new species of marine cryptofauna in the Florida Keys.

The study, titled "Morphological description and molecular characterization of Gnathia jimmybuffetti sp. nov. (Crustacea, Isopoda, Gnathiidae): the first new gnathiid in 100 years from the Floridian ecoregion," was published on 12 June 2023 in the journal Bulletin of Marine Science.

Cryptofauna are the tiny, hidden, organisms that make up the majority of biodiversity in the ocean. The roughly three-millimeter-long isopod is one of only 15 species from the genus Gnathia currently known in the region.

The newly discovered species, Gnathia jimmybuffetti, which is a member of a group of crustaceans called gnathiid isopods, were collected using light traps set in shallow water and characterized using photomicrographs and genetic sequencing.

"Upon examination, it was determined to be a species that was previously unknown to science," said senior investigator Paul Sikkel, a research professor in the Department of Marine Biology and Ecology at the Rosenstiel School. "It's the first new Florida gnathiid to be discovered in 100 years."

These tiny animals, which are found throughout the world's oceans lead a very curious life. The juveniles are most active at night and feed on the blood of fishes like a mosquito or tick. The adults do not feed and live hidden in rubble on the ocean floor. Given their lifestyle, they are grouped as parasites, organisms that require a living host for survival.

The current severe marine heat wave events in Florida and other regions of the world that host coral reefs is a big concern for species like Gnathia jimmybuffetti, who cannot simply swim to cooler water. Work by Sikkel's team on other gnathiid species has shown that at above average seawater temperatures, mortality rates increase, and abundance of gnathiids on reefs decrease significantly. To the extent these effects are likely to be similar for the myriad of other small invertebrates that live in or near the benthos (bottom), this can have major impacts on coral reef food webs.

Various juveniles and adult specimens of Gnathia jimmybuffetti. Credit: Anja Erasmus, Ph.D., North-West University Water Research Group, South Africa

Since the species was discovered in the Florida Keys and Sikkel and his team are long-time fans of Jimmy Buffett's musicwhich is synonymous with the Florida Keysthey named the new species: Gnathia jimmybuffetti after the music legend.

"By naming a species after an artist, we want to promote the integration of the arts and sciences," said Sikkel, whose research team named a similar species from the Caribbean after Bob Marley (Gnathia marleyi).

"All species in an ecosystem play an important role and all species have something to teach us," said Sikkel. "As we discover new species, we are reminded of how many undiscovered species there still are."

The researchers emphasize that while these organisms have a parasitic lifestyle, they are in no way likening these artists, whom they admire and respect, to parasites.

The authors include Anja Erasmus, Nico Smit, and Kerry Hadfield, North-West University Water Research Group, in South Africa, and Paul Sikkel, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science.

More information: Anja Erasmus et al, Morphological Description and Molecular Characterization of Gnathia Jimmybuffetti Sp. Nov. (Crustacea, Isopoda, Gnathiidae): the First New Gnathiid in 100 Years from the Floridian Ecoregion., Bulletin of Marine Science (2023). DOI: 10.5343/bms.2023.0040 Journal information: Bulletin of Marine Science

Provided by University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
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Juvenile whiting are common in Port Adelaide waters where shellfish beds are recovering. Credit: Brad Martin/Flinders University

Local shellfish including native razorfish and flat oysters, and feral pacific oysters, are showing strong ecosystem benefits for marine species within the Port River estuary ecosystem in Adelaidewith Flinders University researchers also discovering an exotic whelk that has found a foothold in the popular coastal area.

Environmental monitoring of the Port Adelaide marine environment, which features nearby natural assets including remnant mangrove forests and the International Bird and Dolphin Sanctuaries, has seen many changes in water quality and species composition over the years.

This led Flinders University Ph.D. candidate Brad Martin, from the Ecosystem Resilience research group, to conduct fieldwork of the different shellfish reefs throughout the Port River earlier this year to assess the species using these poorly understood habitats.

Following the outbreak of disease in feral oysters, the South Australian Government introduced bans on collecting shellfish including oysters, mussels and razorfish in the Port River in 2018. Around the same time, local community groups also began native flat oyster restoration projects, with native shellfish reefs once common to Australia's coastline.

As well as finding high numbers of native fishes and invertebrates, the fieldwork also found several invasive species using the feral oyster habitat, including the first detection of Hercules club whelk (Pyrazus ebeninus), which was "likely introduced through the ballast water from a shipping vessel."

"At present these intertidal species are unlikely to have significant negative impacts on other species, but could in spread in future beyond the Port River," he says.

"The establishment of species from the east coast like the mud whelk and Sydney cockles is also an indication of warmer conditions. Until recently, these species only appeared in the SA fossil record and had died out during one of the previous ice ages."

The Hercules club whelk is a large marine snail that can grow up to 10cm in length and are common to estuaries on the eastern seaboard.

He says the benefits of more shellfish in the area include improved water quality from their filter feeding, and providing habitat and nursery grounds for other species including recreationally important ones like whiting, bream and blue swimmer crabs.

Bradley Martin's research work from the Port River "Density and death: the habitat function of intertidal razorfish (Pinna biocolor) beds" recently won the Fisheries Research Development Corporation (FRDC) Prize for Best Oral Presentation at the Australian Marine Sciences Association conference on the Gold Coast.

His supervisor Dr. Ryan Baring also presented "Sediment stabilization of the restored shellfish reefs," from research conducted on the Glenelg shellfish reef, with Associate Professor Graziela Miot da Silva, from the Beach and Dune Systems Laboratory at Flinders University

In the two years since construction, Dr. Baring says oysters are now growing on the restored Glenelg shellfish reef.

"The restored Glenelg shellfish reef has lots of oysters growing that are contributing to an ecologically important nutrient sink on the seafloor, which is important for turning bad nutrients from stormwater runoff into useful nitrogen in the sea and atmosphere," he says.

"We have also identified a reliable hydrodynamic and sediment model to performance check and fine-tune the Glenelg Shellfish Reef to improve its ability to stabilize sediments that are extremely challenging to manage along highly developed metropolitan coastlines under climate change."



Native oyster (Ostrea angasi) reefs were once common to Southern Australia until the 1940s when they declined due to overfishing, disease and habitat modification. In South Australia shellfish reefs occurred in coastal shorelines and estuaries, covering rocky reefs and the surface of razorfish (Pinna bicolor). Today less then <1% of these reefs remain and Ostrea angasi hold out in small numbers.

In recent years several restoration reefs projects have been established in the Gulf St Vincent by government and community groups and The Nature Conservancy.

Native oyster harvesting was one of the earliest fisheries industries in South Australia and was legislated with the "Oyster Bed" Act in 1853, the state's first fisheries legislation.

Port Adelaide was historically a hub for oyster trade with naturally occurring shellfish beds existing throughout the Port River, aquaculture/farming of native oysters from the late 1850s-1910s around Jervois Bridge and regular shipments of oysters from the Eyre and Spencer Gulf.

The collapse of native oyster industry led to the introduction of Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas) to Australia in the 1950s with aquaculture in SA occurring from 1969 onwards. Pacific oysters have since established a feral population in the Port River, which in 2018 due to an outbreak of POMs lead to a ban on shellfish harvesting.

Recognizing the Indigenous and colonial history of shellfish in Port Adelaide, Estuary Care Foundation conducted an initial subtidal restoration trial of native oysters at Jervois Bridge in 2018, with Ozfish coming on as a collaborator, leading to additional oyster baskets added in December 2022.

In spite of poor water quality in the Inner Harbor, the area now attracts some bream, whiting, blue crabs and gobies as well as occasional snapper and salmon.
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A 52-million-year-old compound infructescence fossil showing preserved fruits and seeds attached to branches, collected by the late Rodolfo Magin Casamiquela from Laguna del Hunco, Chubut province, Argentina. The plant's characteristics  such as the terminal fruit (tf), axile seeds (sd) and plumose stigma (st)  are only found today in the Macaranga-Mallotus clade of the spurge family. Credit: Peter Wilf

Anyone who has taken a long road trip or bike ride has used a product of the spurge plant familyrubber. The spurge family, or Euphorbiaceae, includes economically valuable plants like the rubber tree, castor oil plant, poinsettia and cassava. Newly identified fossils found in Argentina suggest that a group of spurges took a trip of their own tens of millions of years ago.

Driven by climatic changes ands land movements over millennia, a group of spurges relocated thousands of miles from ancient South America to Australia, Asia and parts of Africa, according to research led by Penn State.

Reported in the American Journal of Botany, the findings suggest that the spurge family's Macaranga-Mallotus clade (MMC), encompassing a common ancestor and all its descendants and long considered to have Asian origins, may have first appeared in South America when it was still part of Gondwanathe supercontinent that encompassed South America, Antarctica and Australiabefore spreading around the globe.

"Our study provides the first direct fossil evidence of spurges in Gondwanan South America," said Peter Wilf, professor of geosciences at Penn State and lead author of the current study, noting that the finding contrasts with the prevailing idea that the MMC evolved in Asia.

"But if they evolved in Asia, how in the world would they have gotten to where we found them, in Argentine rocks 50 million years old? Instead, we think these spurges tracked the moving continents from South America to Asia, to the other side of the world. You can't go much farther than that without leaving the planet. We've seen this pattern in many other plant groups we've found as fossils in South America like kauris, Asian chinkapin and yellowwood trees. Altogether it is the most dramatic evolutionary biogeography story I've ever seen."

Fossil leaves with characteristics identical to several Macaranga species. Credit: Courtesy of Peter Wilf

According to Wilf, Euphorbiaceae have adapted well to evolutionary challenges in different environments.

"They're common in tropical rainforests in Africa, South America and most notably in Asia, where if you count the number of trees in a plot, they're usually the second most common type," he said.

"They make up much of the understory habitat that is structurally important to the rainforest and its animal life. The MMC is well known in the Asian tropics and is highly visible along roadsides and in burned areas. Its plants often have large, umbrella-like leaves that provide abundant shade, and they provide nutritious seeds for animal forage."

The spurge family comprises more than 6,000 species, found mostly in the tropics but also in deserts and cold temperate zones, and there are about 400 species in the MMC alone. Given their prevalence in southeast Asia and 23-million-year-old fossils previously found in New Zealand, scientists have considered the MMC an "Old World" plant group likely with Asian origins.

The current study, based on fossils more than twice as old as the New Zealand specimens, provides the first evidence of "New World" origins for MMC spurges and adds two new species to the plant family, according to the scientists.

A compound infructescence fossil showing preserved fruits and seeds attached to branches. The 52-million-year-old fossil fruits and leaves that the researchers identified as belonging the the Macaranga-Mallotus clade (MMC) of the spurge family suggest that the MMC, long considered to have Asian origins, may have first appeared in Gondwanan South America before spreading around the globe. Credit: Peter Wilf

Wilf and his colleagues at Argentina's Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnologicas (CONICET) in Bariloche and the Museo Paleontologico Egidio Feruglio (MEF), and Cornell University examined 11 leaf fossils and two compound infructescence fossils, or fossils that show preserved fruits and seeds attached to branches.

The fossils came from a site in Chubut, Argentina called Laguna del Hunco, where the researchers have collected fossils for decades. Dating of volcanic rocks at this site places the fossils at 52 million years old, a globally warm time immediately preceding the final separation of Gondwana.

The scientists studied the detailed characteristics of the leaves and fruits and compared them with living specimens. They also took CT scans of the infructescences at the Penn State Center for Quantitative Imaging. The scans picked up density changes in the rock and rendered them into three-dimensional images that the researchers used to study the fruits' features, including tiny paired seeds inside the fruits that were barely visible at the surface.

The researchers found that the characteristics of the fossil fruits and leaves are only found today in MMC spurges, identifying them as two new species. They named the infructescences after the late Rodolfo Magin Casamiquela, an Argentine vertebrate paleontologist and anthropologist who collected one of the specimens, perhaps as early as the 1950s, and the leaf species after Kirk Johnson, paleobotanist and Sant Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History who had discovered the first of the leaf fossils in the 1990s.

"The MMC is widely distributed, but prior to this research they've never been found growing naturally in the Americas," Wilf said. "This is the first time that the MMC has been reliably documented anywhere in the Western Hemisphere past or present."

A CT scan of a fossil infructescence showing fruits and tiny paired seeds inside the fruits. The CT scan picked up density changes in the rock and rendered them into three-dimensional images. Credit: Peter Wilf

The fossils tell a story about environmental changes, plate tectonics and biogeography, or the distribution of plants and animals around the world, Wilf said. The plants likely originated and evolved in Gondwana and began retreating as the climate grew drier and colder over millions of years, suffering extinction in Antarctica and South America but apparently surviving in Australia, he said.

At the same time, plate tectonics were pulling apart the Gondwanan supercontinent. Australia broke away from Antarctica more than 40 million years ago and collided with southeast Asia 25 million years ago, bringing the water-demanding plants to New Guinea and the southeast Asian rainforest, the researchers said.

"We've seen over and over again that we can trace a significant number of Australian and Asian rainforest plants all the way to Argentina and Western Gondwana," Wilf said.

"These fossils tell us how plants respond to environmental changes. If you give them time and an escape route, like Australia as it moved from the Antarctic latitudes to Asia, they can move around the world following their preferred environment and thrive. Deforestation and environmental changes today, including in southeast Asia where our Gondwanan survivor trees live, are occurring 100 to 1,000 times faster than they did millions of years ago, and escape routes have been converted into cities and agriculture."

"These fossils serve as a warning from the deep past, that the natural world that we rely on is extremely resilient but cannot keep up with us. It is not too late to act and avoid the worst outcomes."

More information: Peter Wilf et al, The first Gondwanan Euphorbiaceae fossils reset the biogeographic history of the MacarangaMallotus clade, American Journal of Botany (2023). DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.16169 Journal information: American Journal of Botany
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps, and neither do its glittering lights.

It's home to the brightest light beam in the world atop the Luxor, and now, the biggest and brightest sphere on the planet.

On the Fourth of July, the Sphere gave a preview to locals of what it could do, showing off its bright lights with displays of fireworks, the flag, the moon and even an eyeball.

But the hype surrounding the newest addition to the Las Vegas skyline is bringing a smaller known issue to the forefront of people's minds: light pollution.

What is light pollution?

Light pollution is the excessive or poor use of artificial outdoor light, according to National Geographic.

Kevin Swartz, vice president of the Las Vegas Astronomical Society, says that light pollution is a big problem in the valley, and that the sphere isn't quite helping.

"It wastes tons of energy and it creates health concerns," he said. "It also has a large impact on wildlife. That grasshopper invasion we had back in 2019? Grasshoppers are attracted to light so they just flocked to where they saw the most light, and that was the Strip."

According to a study conducted in 2021, global light pollution has increased by at least 49% over the past 25 years. University of Nevada Reno professor Jenny Ouyang told the Review-Journal that by 2025, 80% of the world's population will live in light-polluted cities.

"Plenty of studies show that excess light pollution can cause hormone-related cancers, immune deficiencies and melatonin deficiencies," Ouyang said.

Light pollution is just like any other pollutant in the environment, but is severely understudied, according to Ouyang. It's a relatively new concept that researchers are still learning more about.

In an essay for American Scientist magazine, she warned that as urbanization continues to increase, "there are more and more of us who will never see the Milky Way, who will never look to the stars to ponder our place amongst the galaxies."

But the increased awareness to the issue of light pollution has also introduced more people to the concept of dark sky communities.

Dark sky communities

The International Dark-Sky Association is the recognized authority on light pollution, and the leading organization working to combat light pollution worldwide.

The organization also designates official dark sky communities around the world, or cities or towns that are dedicated to preserving the night sky, through education and the implementation of special lighting ordinances.

Nevada has two Dark Sky designations: Great Basin National Park and Massacre Rim Park, both in the northern part of the state, away from the lights of Las Vegas.

One way that Great Basin has stayed in compliance with International Dark-Sky Association rules is by changing its outdoor lighting fixtures to red light.

"We have red lights that cover the walkways and red lights for the bathrooms," Bradley Mills, Great Basin's lead astronomy ranger, said. "We make sure our lights are on timers or motion detectors, or pointed specifically at the ground so there is no light residue in the sky."

Many people actually go out to Great Basin to see the starry night sky that they can't get in their urbanized cities, according to Great Basin Superintendent James Woolsey.

"In general, dark night sky tourism has picked up for us," Woolsey said. "Fifteen to 20 percent of all visitors come for our dark skies. We measure this by how many of our visitors come to evening festivals built around stargazing."

One of those evening events is the Star Train, held in collaboration with the Northern Nevada Railway Museum, which takes tourists on a guided train ride through the park to view the starry sky.

Mills recalled one tour of around 120 people, where only one person raised their hand when asked if they'd ever seen the Milky Way before.

"It's an amazing place, you can look up on any night and see the tremendous beauty," Mills said. "I love being able to share it with everyone. So many people who come here have never seen the Milky Way or the night sky and so when they look through our telescopes at the sky, we hear a lot of 'ohs' and 'wows.'"

But even Great Basin isn't immune to light pollution. From some areas of the park, city lights from Salt Lake City and Las Vegas can be seen off in the distance, according to Mills.

But now, one other community, much closer to Las Vegas, is in the process of trying to become a dark sky community.

Darker skies ahead

Boulder City has been working in conjunction with the Nevada Department of Outdoor Recreation to retrofit their outdoor lighting to get closer to compliance with Dark Sky International.

Ashley Pipkin, an outdoor recreation planner for the National Park Service and a community science fellow with Boulder City, said community members had voiced concerns about their lights.

Pipkin says it was great to hear a community caring about the issue.

Boulder City Utilities Director Joe Stubitz said in a statement that the city was excited to partner with the National Park Service and the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation to receive a $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

The grant was able to help Boulder City purchase lighting that is friendlier to the night sky, according to Pipkin.

The lights that Boulder City is planning on introducing have a warm color temperature, which produces less glare, is less harmful to wildlife and better for the elderly.

The new outdoor lighting coming to Boulder City is a testament to how cities are working to continue to reduce light pollution.

While the glow of city lights is always going to be a staple in Las Vegas, Ouyang has said that light pollution isn't all doom and gloom, and that there is a simple fix to combat light pollution that everyone can do in their lives: Remember to turn off the lights.

2023 Las Vegas Review-Journal. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A team of staff and students from the University of Notre Dame Australia believe they have uncovered the underground remains of an 187-year-old jail at a historic site in Albany, in Western Australia's south.

Led by Archaeology and History Senior Lecturer Shane Burke, a group of 14 students recently spent three days in Albany exploring the early European settlement area of Lawley Park with ground penetrating radar.

They believe they found the structural remains of the 1836 town jail about 0.8m below ground.

Records show the brick jail measured 5.6m by 11.6m in 1852, and was probably demolished in the 1870s.

Dr. Burke said Lawley Parknow a recreational area that provides breathtaking views over Princess Royal Harborwas a fascinating site that had many different uses over thousands of years.

He said the fieldwork revealed that physical evidence of Albany's history and prehistory that was yet to be discovered still existed.

"Lawley Park has had much heritage significance, having been used by the British as a store, commissariat and jail in the 1830s," he said.

"Our students set out to find historical and archaeology evidence of how the site has been used by the people who lived in the region over the years."

"What they uncovered was that just below the ground's surface are the reminders of previous people's use of the area going back thousands of years."

"The jail was a small structure that was occupied by police constables and prisoners before it disappeared, probably in 1870."

"We also found surface artifacts of different dates at the base of the hill that showed the area was also possibly used for recreation and military functions."

The team covered 300m2 at Lawley Park with ground penetrating radar and pedestrian transects and were given access to historical records at the local library during the trip.

They gathered at the library each day for debriefing sessions, which were open to the public and gave residents the chance to witness discussions about the day's discoveries.

The findings will be compiled in a report that will be provided to the City of Albany to help guide future developments in the area.

The students who took part in the fieldwork are studying archaeology and history majors at Notre Dame in Fremantle. They were joined by Ph.D. candidate and tutor Lauren Tomlinson, as well as Dr. Burke.

Dr. Burke and students found the remains of what is believed to be WA's oldest colonial buildinga 190-year-old commandant's quartersabout 1.2m underground at a park on Parade Street in Albany in March 2019.

The quarters were built when Albany was a military outpost of NSW between 1826 and 1831.

The University would like to thank the City of Albany for supporting the Lawley Park fieldwork.
Lake George, home to the French and Indian wars siege of Fort William Henry, has a history that does not always match the scenes in James Fenimore Coopers American classic, The Last of the Mohicans.

In a presentation from Skidmore College Associate Professor Nick Junkerman, the fateful historical events that took place in and around the fort during August 1757 will be explored along with some differences in the fictional account depicted in Coopers novel. Junkerman (pronounced YUNK-er-man) is an associate professor of English Literature.

The Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance will discuss that presentation a the Fort William Henry Conference Center at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 3 a press announcement says.

John DiNuzzo, president of the Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance, said that all history is important for a society's progress.

For the Lake George, Warren County area to have been the location of some of the most important American history of the 18th Century is a blessing, he said.

The outcomes of the French and Indian War are foundational to what occurred 20 years later during the American Revolution, he said. The military knowledge gained during the French and Indian War by American provincial soldiers gave them the experience and the confidence to overtake the British and ultimately earn our independence.

"When people understand thatboth local residents and touriststhere's a whole new appreciation for Lake George's history. That's why we invite the public to the presentations we sponsor such as Nick Junkerman's and previous ones about Philip Schuyler, Henry Knox, and others. They're all connected to here, he said.

Coopers story is one of five works of historical fiction he wrote between 1823 and 1841, collectively called The Leatherstocking Tales, a press release about the presentation says. Coopers heroes were Natty Bumppo (also called Hawkeye), born to white parents but raised among indigenous people of the Northeastern Woodlands, his foster brother Chingachgook, and Chingachgook's nephew Uncas.

Mohicans has been adapted into numerous film versions, most recently in 1992 with Daniel Day-Lewis as Natty Bumppo.

That movie was filmed in North Carolina, but renewed interest in the Lake George region where the real-life events occurred and where Cooper set his novel. Although the actual fort burned in 1757, a replica was built in the 1950s where the original once stood, press materials say.

DiNuzzo said that he believes Junkerman will address why Cooper fictionalized his book.

The context of this book is that it was written nearly 70 years after the events at Fort William Henry. Cooper already had an established track record as a novelist, and it made for a much more marketable tale by adding imagined elements (such as romance) to the baseline story of war's brutality, DiNuzzo said in an interview.

Because Coopers depiction of the siege was so popular, it became the most recognized event of the French and Indian War, Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance trustee Russell P. Bellico said in the press materials.

The 1757 siege of Fort William Henry and the adjacent entrenched camp (present-day Lake George Battlefield Park), and the subsequent massacre were indelibly etched into the psyche of American colonists through vivid contemporary newspaper accounts, he wrote in the release.
Four thousand down, more than 24,000 left to go.

New Jersey American Water said Tuesday it is making progress two years into a 10-year plan to replace every lead service line in its coverage area in accordance with a state mandate.

But with more than 24,000 lines still needing replacement and many more yet to be identified, the utility is asking customers to help speed up the process.

In July 2021, the state enacted a law requiring all water providers to replace both utility-owned and customer-owned lead and galvanized service lines by July 22, 2031.

When the law was passed, a state report found there were 2.4 million total service lines in the state across 582 water systems, and it projected the cost to local governments of replacing every lead service line within 10 years would be about $2.65 billion.

Some towns have raised local water and sewer rates to account for the pipe replacement project, and many have sought funds from the state and federal government to alleviate the burden on ratepayers. The New Jersey Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program offers water systems discounted loans to finance its replacement projects.

For its part, New Jersey American Water petitioned the state Board of Public Utilities on Jan. 14 for authorization to impose a new surcharge as part of a cost-recovery plan.

In January 2022, New Jersey American Water published an online map to allow customers to view the service line material of their property. Ratepayers can zoom in on their town and see where there are still lead or galvanized steel lines.

Towns brace for rate hikes downstream of anti-lead legislation A law designed to fight lead pollution in water could hit homeowners with a torrent of rate 

Historically, the material of customer-owned water service lines has not been tracked by water utilities, New Jersey American Water said in a news release. As such, the company launched an education campaign with resources for customers, including a tutorial showing how to identify pipe material and an online portal to submit findings. Customers with water service lines confirmed as needing replacement would then need to sign an agreement authorizing New Jersey American Water to complete the work.

New Jersey American Water said it will step up outreach in early August by launching an online toolkit and hosting a webinar to equip stakeholders, elected officials and partners with more resources to help spread the word about the program.

As the company and customers continue to identify lead and galvanized service lines, New Jersey American Water will notify property owners via letters annually until their lead or galvanized service line is replaced, the utility said. This notification will follow the companys annual July inventory submission to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

If a customers service lines contain lead, it does not mean they cannot use water as they normally do, the utility said, adding New Jersey American Water regularly tests for lead in drinking water and the water delivered to customers meets state and federal water quality regulations.

For this effort to truly be successful, we need everyone to pipe up and tell us what their service lines are made of, so we can work together to get the lead out of New Jersey, once and for all, utility President Mark McDonough said.

For more information on the program, visit newjerseyamwater.com/leadfacts.
According to official media, the president of Russia's space agency has invited the BRICS nations of Brazil, India, China, and South Africa to take part in building a cooperative module for the country's upcoming orbiting space station.

Following Moscow's decision to cease its decades-long association with NASA and withdraw from the ailing International Space Station, one of the few remaining routes of cooperation between Russia and the United States, construction of the proposed space station began last year.

Expanded Collaboration on The Space Station Project

(Photo : by NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP via Getty Images)

A mockup of a new Russian orbital space station, presented by Roscosmos State Space Corporation, is displayed during the Army-2022 International Military-Technical Forum at the Russian Armed Forces' Patriot Park in Kubinka, outside Moscow on August 16, 2022.

According to Vladimir Kozhevnikov, the principal designer of the project, the Russian Orbital System (ROS), the first stage of the envisioned space station is scheduled to launch in 2027, followed by the delivery of four further modules to orbit between 2028 and 2030, as reported by CNN.

Yuri Borisov, the director-general of Russia's space agency Roscosmos, proposed to expand collaboration on the project to include BRICs partner states during a meeting on Monday in Hermanus, South Africa.

The agency head stated that Russia was "open for cooperation" with other nations and that he had given African countries a chance to develop their modules.

According to Russian state media earlier this year, citing Roscosmos, the ROS is anticipated to initially house two astronauts, meaning that each crew member will have more responsibilities and a wider range of tasks than on the ISS.

Russian authorities anticipate that their new orbital station will aid in developing technologies for upcoming space missions, including those to Mars and the moon.

Salyut 1, the world's first independent space station, was operated by Russia while the Soviet Union was still in power. Tragically, Salyut 1's first three crew members perished during the station's return trip to Earth in 1971.

The 1970s and the beginning of the 1980s saw the deployment of several additional Salyut stations. Later, Mir took their place. Mir stayed in low Earth orbit for more than 14 years, successfully hosting hundreds of astronauts from several nations, including the US, until it retired in 2001.

Read Also: Russia's Space Technology Develops Satellite Destroyers Causing Space Debris That Threatens the ISS in Orbit

China's Move

The US, Russia, Japan, Canada, and the European Space Agency first worked together to create the International Space Station, which has been human-crewed continuously for more than 22 years.

The space station will continue to be used by NASA until the end of 2030, at which point it will be de-orbited and fall into a remote area of the Pacific Ocean, according to a statement made by NASA last year.

With the first three astronauts docking in November, China, whose astronauts had long been barred from the ISS, built its own permanently manned space station in 2017.

The station is the ISS's only other operating orbiting outpost. The Chinese space station, albeit smaller than the International Space Station (ISS), has a comparable module design and has room for up to six astronauts.

Chinese officials recently disclosed new information regarding their plans for a human lunar trip as they want to become only the second country to land citizens on the moon.

With the successful launch of its Chandrayaan-3 mission earlier this month, India is vying to become just the fourth nation after the US, Russia, and China to carry out a controlled landing on the moon. On August 23, the craft is anticipated to touch down on the moon.

Related Article: Russia Launches Iranian Satellite Into Space Amid Concerns Moscow Would Use it To Spy on Ukraine

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Welcome to your dream home! This stunning property located in Equestrian Estates offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and functionality. Situated on a generous corner lot, this spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence with a full and partial finished basement and a 2-car garage is truly a homeowner's delight. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by a grand foyer that sets the tone for the rest of the house. The main level features an open concept layout, seamlessly connecting the living, dining, and kitchen areas. Natural light floods the space through large windows, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The large open kitchen is an entertainers dream, boasting granite counter tops, ample cabinet space, and a center island perfect for preparing meals and entertaining guests. Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining area provides an elegant space for formal dinners or casual family gatherings. Retreat to the spacious primary bedroom, located on the upper level, which offers a tranquil oasis to unwind. The master bedroom features 2 generous walk-in closets and a luxurious en-suite bathroom complete with a soaking tub, a separate shower, and dual vanities. The additional bedrooms on this level provide ample space for family members or can be utilized as home offices or guest rooms. The lower level of this home offers a versatile space with a full and partial finished basement. It provides endless possibilities to create a recreation area, a home theater, a fitness center, or even a playroom for the little ones. The possibilities are truly limitless! Convenience is key, and this property delivers with its attached 2-car garage, providing plenty of space for vehicles and additional storage. Located in a sought-after neighborhood, you'll enjoy the benefits of a peaceful community while still being within close proximity to local schools, shopping centers, dining options, and recreational facilities. Don't miss the opportunity to make this exceptional property your own. Schedule a showing today and imagine the endless memories that await in this remarkable home.

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What is solidarity?

Jeopardy! champ Cris Pannullo, a customer-success operations manager from Ocean City 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 wrote he will not participate in any games comprised of recycled clues while the WGA strike is in effect.

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 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 streak ended with a controversial misspelling, wrote that 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 the Tournament of Champions but took to the picket line earlier 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 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 Sept. 11, though its unclear if the show will have new episodes to air.
SEA ISLE CITY  A day at the beach can be difficult, and sometimes even impossible, for a child with epilepsy. Pauls Purple Warriors wants to change that.

The epilepsy advocacy nonprofit, along with Epilepsy Services of New Jersey, held the third annual Seize the Wave event Tuesday on the 37th Street beach. The event allows children with epilepsy to receive individual surf lessons with a volunteer instructor.

Epilepsy is a brain disease that causes seizures. Nearly 93,000 people in New Jersey and about 3.4 million people nationwide have active epilepsy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Heritage Surf Shop supplied surfboards and instructors for the event. There was a volunteer doctor and nurse and an ambulance on site in case of emergency.

We started this event so kids with epilepsy can feel safe going in the ocean and doing things other kids do, said Colleen Quinn, president of Pauls Purple Warriors.

Quinns 16-year-old son, Paul St. Pierre, who has epilepsy, got the idea for the event a few years ago when he met someone else with epilepsy at the beach. He wanted to provide a way for other kids with epilepsy to enjoy a day at the beach and to safely try new things, he said.

People that have epilepsy really dont get the chance to do all that, so we made it possible to help kids with epilepsy surf and do things they love, St. Pierre said.

St. Pierre said the hardest part for most kids with epilepsy is usually just getting in the water, but when you have an instructor with you, it can be easier.

Its not really something they can experience, they dont do it in their normal lives. What they do is take meds and stay alive, St. Pierre said.

St. Pierre said he had always been interested in surfing, but wasnt really able to learn before the program. Now, he loves surfing and can help others learn how to surf as well.

All I want to see is kids who have epilepsy, who dont really get to surf, with a smile on their face. And that makes me smile, St. Pierre said.

Liza Gundell, CEO of Epilepsy Services of New Jersey, said they hold the event to provide resources for young people with epilepsy to safely enjoy the beach and the water.

Its incredible to see parents scared at the waters edge, and then they see what their kids can accomplish, Gundell said.

Gundell said the goal of the event is to give kids with epilepsy an opportunity to do something that other kids do. It also allows parents to connect and support each other, she said.

Epilepsy is often really isolating, Gundell said. Kids can meet other kids with the same disability.

Carla Evans was standing at the waters edge watching her 17-year-old daughter Mia surf, as her other two children, 19-year-old Connor and 15-year-old Aidan, rested on the beach.

Surfing lessons for young people with epilepsy return to Sea Isle City SEA ISLE CITY  One South Jersey teenager is making waves in building a statewide community 

When you get an event like this, you know that people are caring about your kid and your family, and it makes a difference, Evans said.

Her son Connor has both epilepsy and cerebral palsy and is mostly nonverbal. He has participated in the event for the past three years, despite the physical challenges he faces.

Evans said Connor cant normally go out on a board the same way as others, and his instructor is aware of how he communicates and what hes able to do, so they work well together.

When physical therapy is on a surfboard, thats the best day ever, she said.

The sense of community and opportunities for both the kids and families is what brings them to the event each year, Evans said.

When you hear people clapping, its not just that kids mom or dad, its all of us. Even though that isnt our kid, theyre kind of all our kids, Carla said.

Jeff Geller, of Voorhees, Camden County, was the volunteer doctor on site for the third year in a row.

Who the hell would have thought that seizures and surfing would go together? he said.

Geller said he and his wife, Dawn, got involved with the event because their 18-year-old son, Dylan, suffers from seizures, and they think its a great experience for kids.

I said to some of the instructors, this is two hours out of your life, but these kids will remember this forever, Geller said.

Tim Marrer said his 5-year-old son, Ryan, loved surfing for the first time.

The volunteers taking time out of their day to do this is awesome. He had the time of his life, said Marrer, of Haverton, Pennsylvania. Its really nice to meet other parents who are going through this.

Ryan added that he liked surfing because he loves sharks.

Pauls Purple Warriors advocated for required seizure training for school staff and individualized health care plans for students with epilepsy, which resulted in the passing of Pauls Law in 2021. The organization also fundraises to send children to summer camps in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. For more information, visit ppwnj.org.

GALLERY: Seize the Wave in Sea Isle City
Michael Atkins, a resident of Atlantic Citys Lower Chelsea neighborhood, sees it on a daily basis.

People jaywalking, crossing the street when the crosswalk sign is red, even waiting between lanes in the center of the road while busy traffic is passing.

Either youre going to wait for the light to change, or youre one of the people that expects people to slam on their brakes and stop for you, Margate resident Shawn Bowen said.

As populations increase in the area during the summer, so does the number of people crossing streets in shore towns, along with the dangers that come with it.

New Jersey is notoriously unsafe for pedestrians and bicyclists, which can present specific issues for persons with disabilities or elderly persons, said Atkins, who also noted he had a comeuppance with safety infrastructure over Memorial Day weekend when he broke his collar bone while biking. We need to rethink street design to prioritize people who cant drive for physical or financial reasons. Its in the best interest of all of us, especially drivers, to design a transportation network that reduces car dependency.

New Jersey is among the states with the most pedestrian fatalities, reaching a 30-year high in 2021 with about 220 people dying on the states roads, according to a study that year by Smart Growth America.

According to the states 2023 Highway Safety Plan, reducing pedestrian injuries and fatalities continues to be a challenge in New Jersey, as more than 31% of the states total roadway fatalities in 2021 involved pedestrians being killed.

Although there was a slight decrease from 174 pedestrian deaths to 173 from 2019 to 2020, there was a 28% increase in pedestrian fatalities in 2021, according to the plan.

Ocean City reports packed holiday weekend Visitors packed Jersey Shore towns for the long Independence Day weekend, including Ocean City, which saw crowded beaches, heavy traffic and few parking spaces anywhere on the island.

Last year in Atlantic County, a total of 34 vehicle crashes resulted in fatalities, according to State Police data. Of those, 11 were pedestrians.

And this year, so far there have been 17 fatal crashes in the county, six of which killed pedestrians.

Longport police Sgt. Ray Burgan said all of the crosswalks in the borough are potentially hazardous due to the high volume of foot traffic in these areas, especially during the summer.

We have an influx of pedestrian foot traffic going to and from the beach area. Additionally, our traffic volume also increases. Many of these motorists are not familiar with the state laws as it pertains to stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks, said Burgan, who added police do their best to monitor these areas while also patrolling other areas of the borough. But pedestrians must do their part and ensure that it is safe before entering out into the roadway.

State law requires drivers to stop and stay stopped for pedestrians whether theyre at a marked crosswalk, unmarked crosswalk or even a sidewalk if youre backing out of a driveway.

The law was tied to the death of 21-year-old college student Casey Feldman, who was killed crossing Central Avenue at 14th Street in Ocean City in 2018 on her way to work as a waitress on the Boardwalk.

Another law requires New Jersey drivers to approach pedestrians with caution, change lanes, pass with 4 feet of space if possible or otherwise slow to 25 mph and be prepared to stop. Failure to stop for a pedestrian is a two-point ticket, a $200 fine (plus court costs), 15 days of community service and surcharges on insurance, according to the state Attorney Generals Office.

To educate people on pedestrian safety, the state has launched a shore pedestrian awareness campaign.

$37.7M Stone Harbor beach project nears completion As the summer of 2023 warms up, a beach replenishment project in Stone Harbor and Avalon is winding down, the latest in a decades-long effort to keep sand on the beaches of New Jersey.

The annual initiative is part of the Street Smart NJ Safety campaign, which was started in 2014. It is led by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration, New Jersey Department of Transportation and New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. The entities work in conjunction with local police departments that were granted funding from the Division of Highway Traffic Safety to decrease pedestrian deaths through education and enforcement.

Police, officials and other members of the community analyze pedestrian-vehicle crash information, which includes injuries; fatalities; the areas where they happened; pedestrian demographics, like gender or age; the factors that caused the crashes, like speeding or distracted driving; as well as other factors, like the dates and times incidents occurred.

They share their thoughts on pedestrian safety, from road safety infrastructure to resources available, and then implement a plan through high-visibility enforcement, especially in pedestrian hot spots. They also do public outreach and evaluate their findings through the campaign.

The campaign started July 11 and will run through Aug. 14.

Burgan said the funding will allow for the Longport Police Department to place an additional officer on the street to specifically focus on pedestrian safety.

Atkins said pedestrian safety is key.

Absecon Island has fantastic infrastructure already to be a safe place  the Boardwalk, jitneys, trams and walk/bike culture are amenities other cities lack, said Atkins. It should be the goal to encourage tourists that get to A.C. by car to leave it parked for as much of their stay here as possible. For locals, providing safe infrastructure will provide them alternatives to sitting in seasonal tourist congestion.

GALLERY: Busy summer roads and pedestrians
The Uttar Pradesh Polices ATS has arrested 40 Rohingya Muslims in Mathura, officials said on Monday. All of them were living with their families in a colony and also had taken a farm on rent.

The action comes ahead of chief minister Yogi Adityanaths proposed visit to Mathura on July 26.

The arrested persons have been taken to Jaint police station, where they are being interrogated. During interrogation, these people could not show any valid document. They revealed that they buy leftover from hotels and sell the same to make ends meet.

According to ATS sources, they had received information that Rohingya Muslims have been living in Alhepur village for a long time. On the instructions of senior superintendent of police (SSP) Shailesh Kumar Pandey, SP city Martand Pratap Singh reached the spot with the police force. The entire operation was kept confidential. IANS
Elisha McGowan thought she moved into a dream apartment.

In April, the single mother of two boys moved the family from the Americana Park apartments to the brick building at 309 N. Harrison St., known as The Berg.

"It had more space for the boys, space for their bunk bed, and it had a washer and dryer right there in the apartment," McGowan said of The Berg. "I had a lot of high hopes, you know? That's all over now. It's just been a nightmare."

The city of Davenport condemned her apartment and ordered her to vacate it on July 5. McGowan and her two sons are without a home and had to leave belongings behind.

Other tenants have remained in the building since McGowan's apartment was condemned.

The Berg is managed by the Andrew Wold-owned Village Property Management. It was built in 1874 by Henry Berg, a gunsmith. It was purchased by Andrew Wold Investments from Phoenix Properties in 2019.

McGowan has been staying on friends' couches or in her car. Her sons are with friends who can house them on a more permanent basis.

She said the trouble started with a leak in her laundry room.

"The water was falling on the electrical outlet and, eventually, part of the ceiling fell in," she said. "And there was black mold that made me sick.

"I don't know what to do or who I can go to," McGowan said. "I'm trying to get a lawyer, but I need a place to live, and I have nothing. I paid $900 a month and I put down a security deposit. I can't even get the property management people to return my calls."

Multiple attempts were made to reach Village Property Management, which no longer lists a working telephone number.

McGowan works in Eldridge and has a rental history. But getting a new apartment is, for now, out of her reach. She wasn't prepared to start over so soon after saving up to move to The Berg.

She was dealt another blow over the weekend when she discovered furniture from her apartment was up for sale on a Facebook marketplace page. That posting vanished after McGowan contacted the seller, who did not reply.

"My sons' bunk beds and my TV stand were being sold," she said. "It just made me sick inside. I kept thinking about how sad my kids are going to be when I have to tell them.

"Mostly I'm just depressed, and I know my sons are angry. I was the one who complained, and I feel like I'm the one being punished. I thought I was moving to a nicer place. Now we have no place and no one."

Photos: Demolition continues Tuesday on the collapsed The Davenport apartments
Beginning Monday, July 31, a $3.9 million construction project will take place on Interstate 88 in Rock Island County.

The work zone will be between Old Illinois 2 and the Rock Island-Whiteside County line.

Construction will include repairing and installing overlays at bridges located at Zuma Creek east of the Old Illinois 2 interchange, Canoe Creek southwest of the Hillsdale-Port Byron interchange, and Meredosia Ditch at the Rock Island-Whiteside County line. Traffic will be reduced to one line in each direction in the work zones.

It is expected to be completed by the end of November.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow for extra time when traveling through the area. The Illinois Department of Transportation is urging the use of alternate routes.

Drivers are urged to pay attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.

Quad Cities Botanical Center celebrates its 25th anniversary
A Bettendorf man is accused of fleeing from an Iowa State Patrol traffic stop at more than 100 mph.

Manuel Figueroa Jr., 19, faces charges of eluding and driving while barred, according to Scott County court records.

A state trooper attempted to stop the 2011 Dodge Charger Figueroa was driving at about 12:30 a.m. Saturday, records state. The Dodge was westbound on Interstate 74 near Bettendorfs Spruce Hills Drive.

The reasons listed for the attempted stop were speeding and the Dodge having no rear registration. The trooper, in a fully marked police vehicle, followed the Charger and measured its speed at 71 mph in a 65 mph zone, reports show.

When the trooper activated the squads emergency lights, Figueroa sped away and tried to flee, police said. At one point during the pursuit, the Dodge was going more than 100 mph in a 45-mph zone.

Figueroa also is accused of failing to obey traffic signals as he tried to flee, as well as passing unsafely on the right and other traffic infractions, police said. The chase ended when Figueroa pulled over. He was then arrested without further incident.

He was free Tuesday after posting an $8,500 bond, according to the Scott County Jail website.

At the time of his arrest, Figueroa was also wanted in Rock Island County for failure to appear on a misdemeanor traffic case, records state. The citations from a November stop were for speeding, driving without a license and not having insurance.

His next court appearance in Scott County is set for Aug. 24, court records state. His next appearance on the Illinois citations was not available Tuesday afternoon.
A Davenport man faces several charges, accused of choking a person with a shower curtain and shoving her down stairs.

Scott County authorities have charged Devin Michael Sird, 26, with willful injury causing bodily injury, assault while displaying a dangerous weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to county court records. The charges stem from acts investigators say Sird committed at 6:30 a.m. Sunday at an apartment in the 300 block of East 11th Street in Davenport.

Sird slammed the person into a bathtub by her neck, then choked her with the plastic shower curtain, police said.

He then pointed a black handgun at the female, who fled to the back door, where Sird pushed her down the stairs, court records state.

The victim, whose age was not provided in the court records, had bleeding cuts, redness and swelling on her neck.

Court documents state that she was sent to the hospital, because she was having trouble breathing, but did not provide further details on her condition.

Police served a search warrant at the apartment, where they found the shower curtain torn from the shower rod and broken bottles and other items scattered around the bathroom and in the bathtub, police said.

They also found a black BB gun in a closet and three marijuana bongs containing burnt marijuana residue at various places in the residence, records state.

Sird was free Monday afternoon on a $7,300 bond, according to the Scott County Jail website.

He has a court date scheduled for Tuesday.
An Iowa City hospital that is alleged to be in a financial freefall and on the brink of financial collapse may soon be placed in receivership.

One of the bondholders and biggest lenders for Mercy Hospital-Iowa City went to court on Monday seeking the appointment of a receiver who would take control over the assets of Mercy. Preston Hollow Community Capital, a specialty finance company that represents the bondholder, argues a receiver is needed to stem unsustainable financial losses at Mercy and avoid the closure of the 234-bed, acute care hospital.

In its court petition and in a separate written statement, Preston Hollow, which invested in Mercy five years ago and is now the hospitals largest senior secured creditor, placed the blame for the situation squarely on Mercys board of directors.

The firm said in its statement that the board has made a series of decisions that have put that mission at risk, along with the hospitals ability to meet its financial obligations to their talented team of nurses, doctors, and more.

The firm said because the board refused to shift its approach to address these issues, the hospital is now on the verge of insolvency. Preston Hollow said its hopeful that receivership will provide a framework for the rehabilitation and recapitalization of Mercy and ensure that its existing patients continue to receive the care they need.

Thomas R. Clancy, the hospitals CEO and president, told employees in an email Friday that we received notice from our bondholder  the equivalent of a bank that holds the mortgage on your home  that they consider Mercy-Iowa City in default on its bond agreements. We disagree with the notice, and our attorneys have responded with a letter that disputes their assertions and outlines our view of the facts.

Clancy said the hospital has made all of the payments on the bonds as required and reduced the hospitals costly reliance on traveling nurses by 30%, all while completing critical maintenance repairs and upgrades.

We are Iowa Citys only community hospital and have much to celebrate and honor  including 150 years of service to this community, Clancy said in his email.

While the hospital has yet to file a response to the court petition, lawyers for the hospital wrote to Preston Hollow on Friday and argued there had been no default that would warrant the appointment of a receiver. The letter indicates the hospital and its bondholder have been engaged in restructuring negotiations since February of this year and it calls for the parties to re-engage in a constructive dialogue.

Petition: Board members buried their heads in the sand

In its petition for receivership, Preston Hollow calls Mercy a vital community asset that, unfortunately, is in financial freefall.

The company alleges the nonprofit hospitals board of directors and management have made a series of decisions over the past several years that have placed the hospital on a path toward insolvency. According to the petition, Mercys liquidity has declined by $40 million, or 51%, over the past nine months and the hospital has a negative cash flow of roughly $2.6 million per month.

The hospitals own financial projections show that its liquidity will dwindle to less than $5 million  a level thats insufficient to pay the cost of ongoing operations  by late September, the petition alleges.

If action is not taken immediately, the hospital may be forced to cease operations and shutter, the petition states, adding that Preston Hollow has implored the board to initiate a financial turnaround plan before it falls off the financial cliff in September. The board and management have buried their heads in the sand, the petition alleges.

Preston Hollow is asking the court to appoint a receiver on an emergency basis in order to protect and preserve its collateral and to ensure the hospital remains operational for the safety and care of its patients.

Tax records show that the hospital finished the 2022 fiscal year $16.8 million in the red, taking in $177 million while spending almost $194 million. That was a dramatic shift from the previous year, when the hospital took in $10.4 million more than it spent.

According to those same records, the hospitals net assets or fund balances dropped precipitously over that same period, from $96.8 million in 2021 to $55.8 million in 2022.

The hospitals shifting financial situation appears to be tied to both a drop in revenue and an increase in expenses. For example, total revenue in 2022 was $177 million, which represented a sharp decrease from 2021s $193 million. Over that same period of time, spending increased by $11 million.

The tax records indicate that Sean Williams, the former chief executive officer of Mercy Hospital-Iowa City, was paid $972,326 in compensation by the hospitals management company, MercyOne, in 2022. There were five physicians who, in 2021, each collected more than half a million dollars in compensation from the hospital, according to the tax records.

RAGBRAI 2023 photo collection 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI 2023 RAGBRAI Dipping tires in the Missouri before RAGBRAI A tour of the 2023 RAGBRAI Expo
Washington bringing ruin to US tech, deceived by false promise of advantage

09:27, July 25, 2023 By China Daily editorial ( Chinadaily.com.cn

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has vocally denied any attempt on the part of the United States to "decouple" from China, and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has touted Washington's aspiration for a "stable" relationship with China when speaking at the Aspen Security Forum on Friday.

In practice, however, Washington is doing everything in its capacity to impede the technological progress of China, turning a deaf ear to Beijing's calls for bilateral ties to "return to a healthy track".

Although, rhetorically, "de-risking" sounds less confrontational than "decoupling", there seems to be no way to dissuade Washington from continuing its ongoing tech offensive against Beijing, despite its efforts so far having proved both the impossibility and self-defeating nature of the tactic.

Belying all the claims about US sincerity for a normal, stable relationship with China based on international rules and fair competition, Washington has since the days of the Donald Trump administration identified China as its foremost rival and acted accordingly.

In addition to all the previous sanctions and export control measures, the Joe Biden administration is proposing to significantly upgrade these endeavors with new rules being considered to restrict US investments in Chinese tech companies, and further tighten the restrictions on exports of advanced chips to China. The US House of Representatives is targeting venture capital companies GGV Capital, GSR Ventures, Walden International and Qualcomm Ventures for their investments in China.

Beijing has consistently said that the attempts to sever the economic and trade ties between the world's two largest economies are painful for both sides and will not benefit the US in the long run. And that is what the US business community is telling the country's policymakers.

If that message fails to convince when it comes from Beijing, perhaps the CEOs of the largest US chipmakers, who have found themselves at the forefront of the chip war with China, can be more persuasive in getting it across. During a meeting on July 17 with officials in Washington, they asked the government to study the impact of export controls and pause before implementing new ones, because they undermine US leadership in the industry.

Rather than slow down Chinese technology progress, such restrictions weaken US companies in the Chinese market, which in turn will negatively impact their R&D funding, they argued. The obvious truth is many major US companies have developed a heavy dependence on China. Qualcomm, for one, gets more than 60 percent of its revenue from the China region. Just as the chipmaker CEOs conceded, access to the Chinese market is not only indispensable to the company's overall business, but also to its return to the US as well as its global competitiveness.

As Beijing embraces what it defines as "higher-level of opening-up", and strives to retain and attract more international investments, it is indeed of critical importance for the US, as well as China, that Washington reconsider its witch-hunt targeting China's tech companies.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Beijing is looking into claims made by South Koreans that China was sending random foreign packages, some of which might have contained unknown hazardous items.

On Tuesday, Seoul said that police had gotten 2,793 reports of suspicious international packages from throughout the nation, reported by The South China Morning Post.

South Korea Issues Warning

(Photo : by China Photos/Getty Images)

CHENGDU, CHINA - JULY 31: (CHINA OUT) Workers remove boxes of vaccines for Streptococcal Disease (Type 2) in Swine on their arrival at Chengdu Shuangliu Airport on July 31, 2005 in Chengdu of Sichuan Province, southwest China.

There were 679 cases investigated, but no links to terrorism were found, and no toxic or dangerous substances were found. On Thursday, a care facility for people with disabilities in Ulsan, in the southeast, reported the first suspicious package to the authorities. After opening a box, three facility employees were taken to the hospital with breathing problems and dizziness.

The package's invoice revealed that it had been shipped from Taiwan. However, the Taipei mission in South Korea claimed that the parcel had come from Shenzhen in southern China and had traveled to South Korea via Taiwan following an inquiry by Taiwan's customs office.

Soon after, complaints of similar suspicious items spread across the country, forcing the South Korean government to warn its citizens not to open packages unless they indicated the sender's identity.

A suspicious package was discovered on the first level of the 21-story Seoul Central Post Office in Seoul's popular shopping neighborhood of Myeongdong, prompting the temporary evacuation of more than 1,700 individuals.

The island's postal service, Taiwan's Chunghwa Post, announced on Tuesday that it had stopped receiving and delivering stopover mail from Shenzhen, tightened source controls, and implemented several control and preventive measures to "improve the security of cargo."

Chinese internet shopping malls frequently use stopover mail since it has lower delivery costs than the direct post service.

While some parcels were empty, others included lip balm or other inexpensive goods.

Investigators in South Korea are looking into the likelihood that the parcels are related to the "brushing scam" perpetrated by Chinese online shopping malls, in which products are sent arbitrarily from a foreign sender to manipulate business performance or create phony favorable ratings.

Read Also: North Korea Claims "Alien Things," From South Bring COVID-19 as China Tests Air in Pyongyang To Trace The Outbreaks' Origin

Mysterious Parcels From China

Unknown seeds were shipped to several individuals in the US and Canada in 2020 from the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou.

Authorities warned not to plant the seeds due to worries about the potential for bioterrorism. Later, US Department of Agriculture investigators established that the shipments were a component of a sweeping fraud.

Regardless of the reason for the parcels, they have caused alarm among recipients and government officials. In some cases, the seeds are of invasive species, which could threaten native plants and animals. In other cases, the seeds are contaminated with harmful bacteria or viruses.

The mysterious parcels from China are a reminder of the potential dangers of unsolicited packages. If you receive an unsolicited package, it is important to be cautious and to contact your local authorities if you are concerned.

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A pair of recent polls of Iowa Republican voters show U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina is gaining ground in the contest for the partys presidential nomination, while former President Donald Trump retained a commanding lead.

The polls  one paid for by Fox Business and the other by the Trump campaign  both showed the former president in the lead among likely Iowa Republican caucus-goers with 46%. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took second place with 16% of support in both polls, while Scott pulled in 10% support in the Trump campaign poll and 11% in the Fox Business poll.

A Scott-aligned super PAC said last week it would devote $40 million to TV and digital advertising in Iowa and other early states later this year, according to The Hill.

While Scott has taken third place in other recent Iowa polls, they are the first major polls that show him breaking double digits, pulling ahead of opponents like biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.

The polls suggest Trump still holds a formidable lead ahead of the 2024 caucuses, despite swirling legal battles and taking criticism this month for attacking fellow Republican Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds over her commitment to staying neutral in the caucus contest.

The Trump campaign poll was conducted by co/efficient and surveyed 2,283 likely Republican caucus-goers between July 15 and 17, according to The Hill, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.6%. The Fox Business Poll was conducted by Beacon Research and Shaw & Company Research and surveyed 806 likely Republican caucus-goers between July 15 and 19. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5%

Never Back Down to host DeSantis on bus tour

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will make stops in Iowa this week in a bus tour hosted by Never Back Down, the super PAC backing his bid for the Republican nomination for president.

The bus tour will make stops in Chariton, Osceola and Oskaloosa between Thursday and Friday, ahead of DeSantiss appearance at the Iowa GOP Lincoln Dinner in Des Moines on Friday.

The increase in activity by Never Back Down, which has already spent hundreds of thousands on advertising in Iowa, is part of its goal to aggressively boost DeSantis in the state. The Des Moines Register reported this month the super PAC plans to open five offices in Iowa and increase its events with DeSantis.

A spokesperson for the DeSantis campaign said Monday the Florida governor is planning to achieve the full Grassley by visiting all 99 counties in Iowa. The feat  which former Vice President Mike Pence has also pledged  is named after Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, who visits each county in an annual town hall tour.

Details of the upcoming events can be found on Never Back Downs website.

DeSantis to headline Brenna Bird fundraiser

Republican Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird will host Ron DeSantis at her first annual "Big Barn Bash" fundraiser on Aug. 5, she announced Monday.

The event, Bird's first campaign fundraiser since being elected in 2022, will be held Aug. 5 at the Dallas County Fairgrounds in Adel.

Interested members of the public can RSVP by emailing lauren@cgdelivers.com or calling (515) 663-6791, Bird said on Twitter.

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott holds a town hall meeting to talk about his plans for presidency
One vacant spot remains on Rapid City's Historic Preservation Commission with less than a week left to apply.

The city encouraged that residents with an interest in historic preservation apply through the Citizen Interest Application on the city's website.

The deadline is set for 5 p.m., Monday, July 31.

Seven citizen volunteers are on the city's Historic Preservation Commission who are appointed by the mayor and city council.

The commission has regular meetings, about two times a month. They will also have work session and committee groups to work on different assignments and projects.

The commission applies for grant funds and looks at proposals for identifying potential historic properties.

Members maintain a website and do social media outreach, as well as have a number of projects that are education and outreach based.

Sarah Hanzel, planning project division manager, says the commission also reviews building permit projects and makes recommendations to the city council.

A historic review is required for any project that affects the exterior of a historic structure which follows Rapid City ordinances and South Dakota codified law. A permit from the city is required.

The review process uses the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, which recommends repairing historic fabric rather than replacing when possible. If replacement is necessary, the new material should match the old in design, color, texture and material.

A review will go to the city council if there is potential or actual harmful effect to the historical building and the South Dakota State Historic Preservation Office doesn't approve a case report on the property.

The Community Development staff submits the case report to the city council for review.

"It's one component of our sense of identity as a community that we have this historic downtown and we have historic neighborhoods that tell some of the beginnings of our community, and it creates a central place as far as Rapid City, it helps to contribute to that," Hanzel said.

She also said that they look at the importance of Indigenous people in the Black Hills. It's not related much to architecture but it's a part of the community's whole history.

The committee works to preserve the quality of life and natural environment of the community by participating in activities to protect historic structures and sites. The work provides a shared understanding of history and culture through continuous stories that "strengthen social bonds, shape community identity and help to bridge the city's past to its future," according to the commission's website.

Commission members represent stakeholders of the Downtown Historic District, the West Boulevard Historic District or industry professionals.

Members of this commission have also demonstrated interest or experience in historic preservation. They represent the professional disciplines of history, architectural history, architecture, archaeology, planning, urban planning, American Studies, American civilization, paleontology, law or cultural geography.

It can also increase the economy and diversity of the community through preservation and restoration of historically and architecturally significant buildings and sites.

Hanzel said in the mid-1970s, the West Boulevard Historic District was added to the national register and a year later the City of Rapid City formed the Historic Preservation Commission.

Since then, the commission has done projects to produce planning documents, survey historic properties and districts, engage with property owners and community members about the importance of historic preservation to local communities, and nominate properties to the National Register of Historic Places.

The commission is staffed by and housed within the city's Community Development Department.

Hanzel says that she would encourage anyone who's considering applying to find out more about the commission by reaching out to the mayor's office at (605) 394-4110 or the Community Development Department at (605) 394-4120.
I believe in you. Believe in yourself. Chase after what it is that you want with grit, perseverance and an undying will to never give up.
Calling the allegations against him "very violent," Magistrate Judge Janki Sharma Tuesday morning set bond at $100,000 cash only for a Rapid City man accused of assaulting and raping a woman he reportedly did not know.

Damon Mesteth, 46, was arrested Saturday after he allegedly held a screwdriver to a woman's throat, raped her, and punched her face until she "saw black," Deputy Pennington County State's Attorney Brandy Rhead told the judge, adding the two were allegedly strangers.

Mesteth appeared in Pennington County Court Tuesday morning charged in a criminal complaint with second-degree rape, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, interference with emergency communication, and obstruction.

The complaint alleges he prevented the victim from calling for help, and obstructed, impaired or hindered the actions of first responders.

Second-degree rape  which involves the use of force  is the most severe form of rape against an adult in South Dakota. It is class 1 felony with a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison and up to a $50,000 fine.

Aggravated assault is a class 3 felony with a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in prison and up to a $30,000 fine.

Interference with emergency communication and obstruction are both class 1 misdemeanors each with a maximum sentence of one year in the county jail and up to a $2,000 fine.

When Sharma asked Mesteth if he understood the charges against him, he said he didn't because "it didn't happen."

Sharma again explained the charges, and Mesteth acknowledged he understood them, the potential penalties, and his rights.

The state asked for a $10,000 cash only bond. Ryan Sutton with the Public Defender's Office asked the judge to set bond at $1,000 cash only.

Sutton said Mesteth has lived in Rapid City his whole life and is not a flight risk. He also noted Mesteth has family who also live in Rapid City, including his brother and aunt.

Before setting his bond at $100,000 cash only, Sharma said she was surprised the state asked for "only" $10,000.

Sharma also ordered Mesteth have no contact with the alleged victim. If he posts bond, he is to wear an ankle monitor and show up at the 24/7 Program twice a day for a breathalyzer. The judge referenced Mesteth's alleged blood alcohol concentration of .247 at the time of his arrest.

Mesteth is scheduled to appear in court at 3 p.m. Aug. 9 for a preliminary hearing. The state will present evidence before a judge, who will determine if there is enough evidence to formally charge Mesteth.

If a grand jury hears the case before that date, the court will cancel the preliminary hearing.
August is World Breastfeeding Month and the Hamilton WIC office is celebrating by encouraging clients to visit farmers markets and announcing its merger with Ravalli County Public Health.

The Women, Infant and Children (WIC) office has local celebrations planned Aug. 1-7.

Linda Seed, a certified lactation consultant with the Ravalli County WIC office, said the local breastfeeding coalition plans to follow the this year's World Breastfeeding Month theme, Enabling Breastfeeding: making a difference for working parents.

[Our goal is] to educate and recognize local businesses this coming year that enable breastfeeding moms to continue to breastfeed while returning to work, Seed said. The state has a toolkit and resources to help and will recognize businesses whose names we submit.

The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) is a global network of individuals and organizations dedicated to the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding worldwide.

The local coalition has had some changes in leadership, Seed said, but continues to meet every other month on Zoom and work together to educate, promote, and help normalize breastfeeding in Ravalli County.

The Montana Breastfeeding Coalition has a program to recognize businesses who are breastfeeding friendly.

We want to do that locally, Seed said.

WIC has merged with Ravalli County Public Health and now offers a breastfeeding room for any mothers needing a quiet place to pump or nurse. The room has a refrigerator and there is a bathroom nearby.

Anyone can use this space, Seed said. County employees or anyone.

The Montana Mother-Friendly Worksite to Promote Breastfeeding tool kit said only half of eight to 10 mothers who start breastfeeding are still breastfeeding at six months. Key barriers are lack of lactation support and education, paid leave and workplace lactation accommodations. The information says offering a nursing employee support provides a 3:1 return on investment, listing lower absenteeism, lower health care and insurance costs and higher retention rates.

In addition, federal and state laws require businesses to accommodate nursing mothers at work.

To launch World Breastfeeding Week celebrations in Hamilton, Ravalli County Public Health will have a table outside the Ravalli County Museum on the south lawn on Tuesday, Aug. 1, during the Tuesdays at Twelve concert. Organizations, such as Early Head Start, are encouraged to participate or to leave brochures for the public at that time.

On Wednesday, Aug. 2, Bitterroot Public Library Youth Librarian Annika plans to read Mamas Milk book by Michael Elsohn Ross to toddlers during story hour, about animal mothers feeding their babies. WIC plans to give away divided plates during that time.

On Saturday, Aug. 5, the Bitterroot Breastfeeding Coalition may have the Baby Bungalo, a private breastfeeding tent, set up during the Hamilton Farmers Market.

Changes at WIC office

WIC services are across the hall from their former location in a merge and space swap with Ravalli County Public Health. There is one receptionist for WIC and the Public Health office.

WICs newest income guidelines took effect on July 1. Participants must meet income requirements  making less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Level or qualify for Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or free/reduced school meal program. For a household of one the annual income must be below $26,973; for a household of two the annual income must be below $36,482, three  $45,991, four  $55,500 and for each additional family member at $9,500. Pregnant women count as two.

WIC is for pregnant, post-partum and nursing moms, children from birth to age 5 and women whose pregnancies have ended early. Dads, grandparents and guardians are also welcome.

WIC Director Ronda Blatter said Bitterroot Health and Bitterroot College are offering breastfeeding classes.

The WIC office is also talking with the detention center nurse about making breast pumps and possibly other WIC services available to incarcerated pregnant and/or new moms if needed.

According to a Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) press release, families who qualify for WIC can use WIC Farm Direct Benefits at farmers markets this summer. The DPHHS encourages families to enroll and utilize the Montana Farm Direct Program.

A state-administered federal nutrition program, Farm Direct authorizes farmers to accept WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program Benefits (FMNP) at local markets and roadside stands.

There is nothing quite like Montana summers, and getting fresh fruits and vegetables from a farmers market is part of what makes our local communities so vibrant, said Lacy Little, director of the Montana Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program that oversees Farm Direct. The program helps families participate in the community and access more fresh fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers.

The WIC Shopper App helps participants make the most use of their WIC and Farm Direct Dollars including finding WIC offices near them to sign up for Farm Direct benefits, tips for picky eaters, recipes to use fresh fruits and vegetables, and other nutritional information. Tips for picky can also be found at the WIC USDA Resource page https://wicworks.fns.usda.gov/resources/picky-eaters and WIC recipe ideas can be found at ebtshopper.com/recipes/.

Contact Ravalli County WIC at 406-375-6672 or visit their office 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed at noon) Monday through Thursday, at 205 Bedford St., Suite L, in Hamilton. WIC has outlying clinics in Stevensville, Victor and Darby.

Ravalli County Public Health Director Tiffany Webber, RN, said the merger has been good.

WIC becoming part of our programming happened at the commissioner level, Webber said. I think it is a really good collaboration and it is happing across the state. Were not the first Public Health office to bring WIC in. For us, it was an opportunity to have more interaction with residents because we dont have family planning anymore.

RCPC still has programs for skull savers (bike helmet give away) and Pack n Plays distribution with education on back sleeping.

When clients come in we are able to assess their immunization status, and get them updated right then and not have to book an appointment for later, Webber said. We can also check their car seat, provide a car seat, and visit with new moms.

Webber said the move and merge of the two departments has just been completed and any kinks will be worked out over time.

We are taking in a mental health crisis coordinator, Webber said. She is bringing the stakeholders to the table to try to make a plan for how we will meet a mental health crisis out in the field. She works with law enforcement, a crisis intervention team and is a connector piece to find people who need to be having a conversation.

Webber said that without family planning, with less direct patient care, she feels public health needs to be able to connect community members with needs to where they can get services.
Athletes ran, biked and swam across some of the most spectacular terrain the Bitterroot has to offer this past weekend at the annual Lake Como Triathlon.

The triathlon attracted participants from all over the region, including some from as far as California, Utah and Washington. The triathlon consists of a .9-mile open water swim, 12.6-mile bike and a 7.7-mile trail run. This year was the first year race organizers offered a two-leg bike-run duathlon/biathlon race, with a 16.6-mile bike and 7.7-mile trail run.

Joy Adams, 39, of Missoula, took first place in the womens solo triathlon with a time of 2:57:09, and Corey Soulliard, 42, of Hamilton, took first place in the mens division with a time of 2:23:15.

Adams got her start competing in triathlons as a freshman at the University of Montana, where she joined the triathlon club.

I just like the challenge and like, pacing through the different events, she said. This is my favorite triathlon out of all the ones that I've done, because it's so beautiful out here.

Adams has competed in the Lake Como Triathlon multiple times, coming in fourth last year, and winning once before.

I've done like four or five times, she said. Its fun to get first again this year.

Adams said that its interesting to see how things change year to year and fun to see what the course is like from one year to the next.

The swim was warm, she said. I've never been not cold on the swim. This is the first year it wasn't cool. Then the bike felt pretty good. I used to be a professional mountain biker. So I love doing the mountain bike part. And yeah, and then the run, I just kind of like hanging in there for the ride. So I haven't done that much running this year. But I've bested my time from last year by quite a few minutes on the run. So I was really happy with that.

The race attracts participants from near and far for the natural beauty as well as the community feel of the event. Soulliard is also a volunteer organizer for the event and said turnout was good this year, especially considering the near-100-degree temperatures over the weekend. More than 80 people had signed up to participate prior to race day.

We had a lot of teams  we probably had 16 teams maybe taking part, which is great, because that gets people out here doing it that maybe don't want to or can't do a full triathlon out here taking part, Soulliard said. We had two 16-year-olds finish, which was fantastic. We had a lot of people coming into registration saying its my first one, I've never done this before, so that's what we want. There are some people that take it serious and try to go fast, but it's very laid back. It's a community race. People are here to help you.

Rachel Huang, 24, of Monrovia, California, said the race at Lake Como on Saturday was her first time competing in a triathlon.

I'm very proud of myself, she said. My goal was to finish and I did finish.

Huang said she would look into doing a triathlon again, but with a little more training next time.

I don't think I trained enough at all, she said. I don't think I swam for the last like two months.

Despite the challenge, she said her internal monologue acted as her motivation to keep going.

I was talking to myself constantly, Huang said. I was like, you're going to be okay, out loud."

She said that some might think she was wasting her energy but she disagreed. I think no  I think I needed to hear that.

Soulliard said he hopes the race continues to attract participants for years to come.

It's a fantastic setting, and that's why we've tried to keep it going, he said. Some of the other triathlons have disappeared, but working with the Forest Service, we've got the permit thing figured out pretty well. It's pretty consistent to put it on year-to-year, we just follow the same ideas. There's not a lot of overhead costs that some of the other triathlons run into, and we just have a beautiful venue, so we've been able to keep it going and we plan to try to keep it going."
Who exactly does Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks serve? Presumably, the entirety of the Montanan public, with decisions presumably reflecting scientific management of all of Montanas wild resources for all users.

Two weeks ago, Montana based nonprofit Wolves of the Rockies hosted a Yellowstone Wolf Summit in Gardiner. Wolves of the Rockies agenda is simply the scientific management of wolves as a wildlife species through policies that take into account non-consumptive users in addition to consumptive interests. One of the major focal points of the summit was the dangers of allowing extremists on all sides to dominate issues of wolves (and other wildlife) and the need to understand the sincere concerns of fellow Westerners who see wolves through a different lens than ourselves. We believe it is through good faith relationships, transparency and policies based on reality that all sides will ultimately come out ahead.

Summit speakers included livestock owners who live in wolf country. They included ethical hunters who venture into the Rocky Mountain wilderness in the hopes of filling up their winter freezer with elk meat. They even included the lead wolf biologist of Wyoming Game & Fish.

But they did not include MT FWP. Not for lack of invitation. Wolves of the Rockies asked MT FWP over 10 months ago to participate in the June 2023 summit, and asked again on at least five subsequent occasions, only to be first refused by the previous director Hank Worsech and then by the new director Dustin Temple. Additional MT FWP leadership either refused or ignored all invitations.

We didnt want MT FWP to send someone to our wolf conference so they could be heckled; that would serve absolutely no purpose for us. We wanted someone representing our wildlife resource management agency to answer honest questions, explain the data behind their wolf management policies, and to simply engage with us as legitimate stakeholders.

MT FWP works regularly and closely with the Montana Trappers Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International, and a host of other targeted wildlife interests.

And that brings us back to the initial question posed above. If MT FWP is truly serving the people of Montana, then it must start extending its engagement beyond only consumptive users, as well as cease pretending that a handful of organizations with deep pockets speak for all hunters.

Furthermore, if MT FWP is indeed managing wildlife based on sound science and the long established American tradition of the public trust, then it is quite perplexing that they routinely refuse to engage non-consumptive users or clearly explain the data behind their decision making. Why for example do we need a complete open season (no quota) on wolves, with individuals able to now obtain 10 wolf tags by hunting and another 10 by trapping, with said individuals then paid by the state for each dead wolf (which is a bounty, despite the state calling it reimbursement) even in areas of the state with elk populations above management objectives and miniscule livestock losses? Why does the MT FWP insist on ignoring the tens of thousands of Montanan wildlife wildlife watchers, the tens of millions of dollars that wolf-watching and other wildlife watching brings to Montana communities, and those outdoorsmen who know that the responsible carnivore management promised by the state is nothing like the wholesale slaughter through any means imaginable that the state is actually delivering? Finally, why does MT FWP aggressively resist any fiscal benefits that could be provided by inclusion of wildlife watchers, including killing a voluntary Wolf Stamp for which all proceeds would have directly funded all non-lethal aspects of Montanas wolf program?

It seems that MT FWP refuses to even acknowledge that wildlife management governed by science and enacted on behalf of all Montanans interests is desirable, or even possible.

We want win-win. Were tired of the paradigm of win-lose, and wildlife watchers getting the seats at the table that our numbers warrant to hold MT FWP accountable to reality is not the death knell for Western culture. Its an affirmation of Montana values of equality, responsibility and fair governance.

We have no interest in banning big game hunting or destroying the small family rancher.

Of course, if MT FWP bothered to come to the summit, they would have learned that.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A top U.S. Treasury official will highlight Washington's efforts to facilitate Russian grain and fertilizer exports during a visit to Kenya and Somalia and stress that Moscow's exit from the Black Sea grain deal will hurt African states, a spokesperson said on Monday.





This week's visit by Brian Nelson, Treasury's undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to host African leaders in St. Petersburg on Thursday and Friday and promises them free Russian grain "to replace Ukrainian grain."





"He will highlight the exemptions in U.S. sanctions that have always allowed the continued flow of food and agriculture transactions," the Treasury spokesperson added of Nelson's trip, first reported by Reuters.





Nelson's second trip to Africa as undersecretary and his first to East Africa follows visits by several senior Biden administration officials to the continent this year after President Joe Biden pledged in December that the U.S. was "all in" on Africa's future.





While in Nairobi and Somalia's capital Mogadishu from Monday to Saturday, Nelson will discuss strengthening anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism frameworks as Treasury looks to strengthen capacity across the continent.





Enhancing partnerships to address regional security, including to combat the Islamic State and al Shabaab militant groups, will also be a focus, the spokesperson said.





Nelson will discuss ways to work with governments on combating illicit financial flows associated with crises in the region such as in Sudan, according to the spokesperson, where over 1,100 people have been killed and more than 3 million uprooted since fighting broke out in April.





BLACK SEA GRAIN DEAL





Russia quit the deal allowing Black Sea exports of Ukrainian grain last week, saying that demands to improve its own food and fertilizer exports had not been met, and that not enough Ukraine grain had reached the poorest countries under the Black Sea deal.





Since Russia quit the deal and began attacking Ukrainian food-exporting ports on the Black Sea and Danube river, global wheat and corn futures prices have risen sharply.





The Black Sea grain deal was brokered by the U.N. and Turkey a year ago to combat a global food crisis worsened by Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine and Russia are both leading grain exporters.





Somalia received 84,000 tonnes of wheat from Ukraine in 2022, up from 31,000 tonnes in 2021, according to U.N. trade data, as donors stepped up assistance to fend off a looming famine in certain areas.





Famine in parts of the Horn of Africa was averted this year as the rainy season, projected to fail for a fifth consecutive year, beat expectations. But aid officials say some 60 million people are still food insecure in seven east African countries and worry about the impact of a further blow.





While Russian exports of food and fertilizer are not subject to sharp Western sanctions, Moscow has said restrictions on payments, logistics and insurance have amounted to a barrier to shipments.








Kathmandu, Nepal, July 25, 2023: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has met with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the United Nations Food Systems Summit, 2023, on Monday.





During the meeting discussions were held on ranges of issues including the environment, food security and strengthening relations between Nepal and the United Nations.





The United Nations Food Systems Summit, 2023 is taking place at the FAO Headquarters in Rome of Italy. Prime Minister Dahal had left for Italy on Saturday leading a Nepali delegation.




PORTLAND, Maine  A review of the status of a vanishing species of whale found that the animal's population is in worse shape than previously thought, federal ocean regulators said.

The North Atlantic right whale numbers less than 350 and has been declining in population for several years. The federal government declared the whale's decline an "unusual mortality event," which means an unexpected and significant die-off, in 2017.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released new data this week that 114 of the whales have been documented as dead, seriously injured or sub-lethally injured or sick since the start of the mortality event. That is an increase of 16 whales since the previous estimate released earlier this year.

The agency recently completed a review of the whales using photographs from researchers and surveys to create the new estimate, said Andrea Gomez, a spokesperson for NOAA.

"Additional cases will continue to be reviewed, and animals will be added if appropriate, as more information is obtained," Gomez said.

Thirty-six of the 114 whales included in the estimate died, NOAA documents state. The agency cautioned that only about a third of right whale deaths are documented, so the total number of dead or injured animals could be much higher.

Right whales are found off the Atlantic coast of the U.S. They are vulnerable to collisions with large ships and entanglement in commercial fishing gear. The federal government worked to craft stricter rules to protect the whales from both threats.

Commercial fishing and shipping interests both vowed to fight stricter protections. A federal appeals court sided with fishermen last month after they filed a complaint that proposed new restrictions could put them out of business.

The new data illustrate how dire the situation is for the whales, said Sarah Sharp, an animal rescue veterinarian with International Fund for Animal Welfare. The number of injured animals is especially significant because injured whales are less likely to reproduce, Sharp said.

"If animals are putting energy into healing from a wound, they are not necessarily going to have those energy stores for other things," Sharp said. "I think this just paints a much more accurate picture of the threats these whales are facing."
(Photo : JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)

TOPSHOT - A man carries a woman in arms as demonstrators clash with Israeli riot police during a protest against the Israeli government's judicial reform plan in Tel Aviv on July 24, 2023. Israeli lawmakers on July 24 approved a key clause of a controversial judicial reform plan that aims to curb the powers of the Supreme Court in striking down government decisions.

The Israeli police engaged in nighttime clashes with masses of demonstrators after the parliament passed a highly controversial law limiting the Supreme Court's authority.

The measure, which is part of a comprehensive reform program, will prevent the court from reversing government actions that it deems unreasonable.

Protesters Clash With Police Following Israel's Judicial Reform

The police in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv used water cannons to disperse highway-blocking demonstrators. According to critics, the government's reforms pose a threat to Israeli democracy.

After months of massive street demonstrations in opposition to the judicial reform, the reform was approved. The Knesset vote on Monday was a significant victory for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But the conflict is not yet over. It could last for months.

A political watchdog group and opposition leader Yair Lapid will petition the Supreme Court to overturn the new legislation. Per BBC, thousands of military reservists, including air force pilots, have also pledged not to report for duty if the law is permitted to stand.

For a nation that takes pride in its ability to respond swiftly to any threat, the possibility that Israel's security could be compromised is a source of great concern. Netanyahu has insisted that the law is required for the government to "carry out policy in accordance with the majority of the country's citizens."

However, he stated that he would resume negotiations with the opposition until November to reach a comprehensive agreement. The proposed reforms have sparked some of the largest demonstrations in Israeli history. Monday saw at least 22 arrests, according to police.

The vote, which was passed unanimously by Netanyahu's governing coalition after the opposition stormed out of the chamber, deepened the fissures that have tested the delicate social ties that bind the country, shook the cohesion of its powerful military, and repeatedly drew concern from the United States, Israel's closest ally.

Thousands of flag-waving protesters were captured on camera, taking to the streets and obstructing highways as they marched to express their outrage over the passage of the law.

To disperse the protesters, Israel's security forces responded with water cannons. Others were observed throwing demonstrators to the ground and hauling them away from the masses, according to Daily Mail.

The government passed the controversial law after 29 weeks of widespread protests and public opposition. The legislation prohibits courts from reviewing the reasonability of government and ministerial decisions; it is the first significant measure to pass as part of Netanyahu's plan to overhaul the country's judiciary.

It occurred mere hours after Netanyahu, 73, was discharged from the hospital, where he had a pacemaker implanted, adding a disorienting variation to an already dramatic series of events.

As Netanyahu's allies celebrated their victory and promised to push forward with additional reforms, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, and opponents swore to challenge the new legislation before the Supreme Court.

Read Also: Canada Floods: State of Emergency Declared in Nova Scotia; Floodings Leave 2 Dead, 2 Missing

Wild Israeli Judicial Reform Protests Continue

Tel Aviv now! Pro-democracy protest in Israel. pic.twitter.com/DPmPvYxTqA  Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) July 15, 2023

Heartwarming moment! 



This just happened in Israel, as protesters who are against the judicial overhaul head down the escalator and meet those who are protesting for the judicial overhaul heading up the escalator of a Jerusalem train station.



As Tisha BAv is upon us, and we pic.twitter.com/vu3KKNwyxD  Rabbi Shmuel Reichman (@ReichmanShmuel) July 24, 2023

A car drove through pro-democracy protesters in Israel, injuring 3 people. Remember Indias farmer protest and the son of Modis minister driving his Jeep over protesting farmers! Modi and Netanyahus supporters have a lot in common. pic.twitter.com/BEC5w9JRny  Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) July 24, 2023



Thousands of people, many of whom were brandishing blue-and-white Israeli flags, congregated in front of the Knesset, or parliament, and the Supreme Court and clogged the main highway in Jerusalem.

Walls and railings were covered in posters that read "we will not serve a dictator," "democracy or rebellion," and "save Israel from Netanyahu."

Many protestors stuffed cotton into their nostrils or clutched rosemary sprigs plucked from nearby shrubs in an effort to contain the stench.

Additionally, tens of thousands demonstrated in the heart of Tel Aviv, the epicenter of months of anti-government demonstrations. There were scuffles between police and demonstrators, with at least eight arrests and the igniting of bonfires by protesters.

Mounted police parted throngs as other officers grappled with demonstrators. A video depicted a man carrying an Israeli flag being blown off a wall by a water canon.

The police have reportedly apprehended the motorist who struck a group of demonstrators in central Israel, injuring three individuals. Local media broadcast footage of the vehicle driving into a small gathering on a highway blocked by demonstrators.

In response to the escalating crisis, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert warned that the nation was descending into civil conflict. His remarks were reiterated by others outraged by the passage of the bill.

According to Netanyahu and his associates, the changes strengthened democracy by limiting the authority of unelected judges and expanding the decision-making authority of elected officials.

Protesters, however, view the reform as a power grab motivated by the personal and political grievances of Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption, and his allies.

Related Article: Israel Passes Controversial Judicial Reform Law, Limits Supreme Court Power Despite Massive Opposition

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Nicole Kidman loves to make "under the radar" trips back home to Australia.

The "Days of Thunder" star was born in Hawaii but grew up Down Under and now lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, Keith Urban, and their two daughters  Sunday, 14, and Faith, 12  but she's revealed she regularly makes secret trips back to the country to visit family, explaining they "jump in and out" fairly regularly.

Speaking during an appearance on "Studio 10," Kidman said: "We jump in and out quite a bit. Sometimes under the radar, which is always lovely, too. ... The girls love it, too. So we're very much always back and forth. It's a huge part of our life seeing my sister and all my nieces and nephews and mama."
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.
Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp. is moving aggressively into Southside Virginia, a part of the state where the Richmond-based bank has not been active, with the $417 million acquisition of Danville-based American National Bankshares Inc.

The deal creates a $23.7 billion statewide banking giant, with more than 130 branches hosting $19.1 billion of Virginians and North Carolinians savings, and with outstanding loans totaling more than $17 billion.

It comes the same day Atlantic Union reported that its earnings for the three months that ended June 30 bounced back from a first quarter during which profits fell because of moves to quickly clean up its balance sheet as Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank collapsed in the largest bank failures since the Great Recession.

American National has been in business for 114 years, and has 26 branches in Southside Virginia and nearby parts of North Carolina, as well as the New River Valley and Roanoke area. Its assets, including some $2.2 billion in loans, total just under $3.1 billion.

Atlantic Union traces its roots back to 1902 with the formation of the bank that became Bowling Green-based Union Bank and Trust. It acquired Richmond's First Market Bank that Jim Ukrop of the Richmond-based grocery firm  famed for its bakery and its emphasis on selling Virginia apples, Hanover County tomatoes and Black Angus beef from the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Valley  launched in 1997 when he decided the Richmond region needed a locally based bank.

From that base, the bank expanded, to acquire regional banks in Culpeper and Hampton Roads.

We expect that our combined footprint will bring additional convenience to our customers and position us as an even stronger competitor against the large national, super-regional and smaller community banks, said John C. Asbury, President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Union.

Increasing our presence in Roanoke and entering Southside Virginia will further build out our Virginia franchise, he said.

The deal will also help Atlantic Union move farther into North Carolina, especially in that states Piedmont Triad region and Raleigh, Asbury said.

Jeff Haley, chairman, president and chief executive officer of American National, said the merger will bring new technology and resources to his banks customers.

And at the root of this partnership are two solid banks with very compatible cultures, which ultimately will make us stronger together, Haley said.

American National started operations at the corner of Main and Market streets in Danville with just $100,000 in capital. In the depths of the Great Depression, the banks cashier, Wayles R. Harrison, launched what he called a character loan  what today is called an installment loan  bucking other bankers skepticism, as they required collateral to back loans.

Shortly before announcing the merger, Atlantic Union reported its second quarter earnings rose 60% after its balance sheet cleanup following the first quarter, despite a decline in the amount it netted from its basic business of making money on loans while paying out interest on deposits.

Although loans were up 3.3%, customers moves to higher-interest-bearing deposits trimmed the banks net. A 9.4% jump in business loans, 4.5% increase in home mortgages and 4.4% increase in construction and land development loans led the increased lending.

But Atlantic Unions lending and deposit business was up sharply from the 2022 quarter.

Its $15.1 billion in loans as of June 30 was up 10.3% from a year ago, with business loans posting a 30% gain, construction loans up 25% and home mortgages up 17%.

But a drop in fee income and increased overhead spending translated to a nearly 12% decline in its net income from the year ago level  to $52.3 million, or 70 cents a share.

Close The strength and conditioning room at the Atlantic Union Bank Center features a lower-level for weights, and an upper-level for cardio. Both the men's and women's lockers rooms feature film rooms that allow the Dukes to study tape before games. The James Madison University mens basketball team practices Wednesday in the schools new Atlantic Union Bank Center in Harrisonburg. The entrance to the Campanelli club that greets fans upon entering the Atlantic Union Bank Center. The club accommodates 500 and is the result of an anonymous donation to honor JMU hall of fame coach Lou Campanelli. An inside look of the bar in the Campanelli Club in the Atlantic Union Bank Center Throughout the Atlantic Union Bank Center, JMU basketball's history is displayed like this encounter between the Dukes and the legendary Michael Jordan during his time at North Carolina. James Madison opens its season in the new Atlantic Union Bank Center on Nov. 25. Photos: A look inside JMU's Atlantic Union Bank Center The strength and conditioning room at the Atlantic Union Bank Center features a lower-level for weights, and an upper-level for cardio. Both the men's and women's lockers rooms feature film rooms that allow the Dukes to study tape before games. The James Madison University mens basketball team practices Wednesday in the schools new Atlantic Union Bank Center in Harrisonburg. The entrance to the Campanelli club that greets fans upon entering the Atlantic Union Bank Center. The club accommodates 500 and is the result of an anonymous donation to honor JMU hall of fame coach Lou Campanelli. An inside look of the bar in the Campanelli Club in the Atlantic Union Bank Center Throughout the Atlantic Union Bank Center, JMU basketball's history is displayed like this encounter between the Dukes and the legendary Michael Jordan during his time at North Carolina. James Madison opens its season in the new Atlantic Union Bank Center on Nov. 25.
Just one month after opening, the portal for families to apply for Learning Acceleration Grant funds is officially closed until further notice.

The Virginia Department of Education announced recently that it has received the maximum number of applications from families hoping to use these government dollars toward education services to help fill learning gaps left over from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. And while additional applications for grants may be accepted if more funds become available, exactly when or if that might happen remains unclear.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced the initiative in March, making $30 million available for the grant program. To meet demand, on July 6 Youngkin announced the programs funding would double, to $60 million. It was a win for Virginia families hoping for access to education services that could provide alternatives in the wake of some of the toughest times our educational system has faced.

In May, the program and its associated registration portals were made accessible to applicants. And by June, families desperate for alternatives in education had already depleted the funds in a clear and resounding cry for help.

So, what did we learn? Well, for starters, $30 million wasnt enough. Families now sit on long waiting lists, hoping that additional government dollars are applied to this program. Clearly, more resources are needed to advance educational choice for the students in our commonwealth.

We all know the significant strain the pandemic put on school systems and on students. And while the most oppressive days of the pandemic seem to be behind us, other challenges arent going away. Bullying, violence, mental health, rising crime and inequitable educational resources across ZIP codes are impacting our students every day. And although immediate grant money has dried up, these larger, systemic problems have not.

Banked government dollars like these grants are a critically important tool in expanding educational choice in Virginia. And the governor was on the right track, offering these funds to families with students in need of alternatives. But this program is not a long-term solution for a system of education continually failing to meet the needs of each unique child. Funds like these could be especially impactful for underserved populations.

As a Black man, I see firsthand the need for expanded educational opportunities, specifically in Black and brown communities. Where do we turn once this grant program closes for good?

Advocates are working together with Americans for Prosperity toward one goal: to bring together families, educators and legislative leaders to develop legislation on expanded educational choices to meet the unique needs of each and every Virginia student.

Its time to strengthen the weaknesses in our educational system and look toward long-term alternatives. Models like Education Success Account programs, which have already proven to be a powerful model for success in other states, allow parents to set up a savings account funded with state dollars that could be used to cover educational expenses outside public schools in Virginia.

Those dollars would not expire and would give families the time they need to make critically important choices about their childrens educational options.

We must hold our leaders and our legislators accountable for failing to carve more than one pathway for Virginias students to succeed. Virginia students and their families dont have time to waste. The clock is already ticking.

From the Archives: A look back at notable Richmond fires
The topic of reparations for African American descendants of the enslaved invariably is framed in the form of a check.

But momentum appears to be taking reparations back to its land-based roots, most famously voiced in the promise of 40 acres and a mule. And a collaboration between Richmonds Duron Chavis, an urban agriculturalist and food activist, and Callie Walker, the daughter of an Amelia County cattle farmer, has resulted in a effort to provide reparations for descendants of the enslaved on 80 acres Walker inherited from her parents.

Chavis and Walker are putting the word out about their effort  a project of their nascent nonprofit Central Virginia Agrarian Commons  to be stewards of acreage that would grant low-cost or no-cost 99-year leases to individuals who want to farm on the land at Amelia Court House, about 40 miles southwest of downtown Richmond.

Community members would be schooled on farming at a 5-acre site in Petersburg before heading to Amelia, where land, equipment and philanthropic resources would be available for their use. That way, were building a system between rural and urban where farmers can actually not have to go into debt to farm, Chavis said Monday.

Central Virginia Agrarian Commons had hoped to build multiple housing units for the farmers on the property, but zoning restrictions prevented that. Instead, in upcoming months, the nonprofit will begin fundraising to build a bed and breakfast as a starter house for a family or two, as a business, or as a retreat center.

Walker and Chavis connected at a workshop of the Agrarian Trust, which promotes equitable land access for future farmers and ranchers.

During the workshop, Agrarian Trust gave us a pretty brief but pretty appalling history of practices by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including discrimination against Black farmers, Walker said. My husband and I already knew that we wanted to donate this land to environmental food growers, she said; after the presentation, they concluded that the donation must benefit African American environmental food growers.

Chavis was already in conversations with Agrarian Trust, and it just kind of took off from there in January 2020, Walker said. They formed a board, including consultant Renard Turner, co-owner and operator of Vanguard Ranch in Louisa County. Last September, Agrarian Trust facilitated the transfer of Walkers 80 acres to Central Virginia Agrarian Commons.

If African Americans are conflicted about returning to our agrarian roots in America, our skepticism is hard-earned. There is the traumatic legacy of enslavement, the broken promise of property redistribution after Emancipation, and the loss of land through theft, violence, eminent domain and lack of access to USDA loans. Another problem is heirs property  land passed down to descendants without a will or deed  which left owners vulnerable to partition sales.

Chavis knows this history of land misappropriation all too well. But he argues that reconnecting Black folks with the land will not only heal communities, but a planet ailing from climate change.

The land didnt do anything to us, he said. Theres a difference between the land and the oppression that happened on the land. The land is necessary.

Land-based reparations came up during a meeting last Wednesday of the Virginia Commission to Study Slavery and Subsequent De Jure and De Facto Racial and Economic Discrimination Against African Americans. Commission member John W. Kinney said members of a Black realtors group proposed the donation of vacant state land for housing as a form of reparations.

People are seeing another way, beyond individualism and immediate gratification, Chavis said. We can all boss up together if we work together and take lessons from Fannie Lou Hamer and the Rev. Charles and Shirley Sherrod, Chavis said, citing pioneers of the land trust movement.

They laid blueprints down as far as how we can take care of our community through shared and cooperative ownership, for housing as well as agriculture, he said. This is where our movement left off, to be frank, after the Civil Rights Act passed.

The Amelia farm on which Walker grew up has a complicated history of its own.

When her father purchased the property in 1968, it had a plantation house on it. The family soon sold the house, which was dismantled, moved to Goochland and rebuilt. But two years ago  through the book The Unsung African American Heroes of Amelia County, Volume 1 by Minister Emanuel Hyde III  she learned that the plantation once belonged to a man named Nathaniel Harrison, who fell in love with an enslaved woman owned by his brother Edmund.

Edmund learned of his brothers affection for Frankey Miles and planned to sell her into the Deep South. But his brother had a friend purchase her instead. Nathaniel Harrison then purchased and freed Miles. Upon his death in 1852, he left the 1,100-acre site to Miles and their children, Walker said.

Their descendants held onto various pieces of the land and some remain in Amelia, Walker said. Descendants of people enslaved there also remain in the county. And so my hope is that descendants of people who were enslaved on this property will end up being the ones who control it, and decide what to do with it and how to use it and what to grow here, she said.

Walkers husband, Pastor Dan Walker, leads United Methodist Church congregations in Amelia and Nottoway counties. Callie Walker was a United Methodist clergywoman in Philadelphia but is now on leave from that role in the church. They have no children to whom they can pass on property. So Im proud and honored to be part of a reparations project and to have inherited land that I can do this with.

The goal is to build a community of people descended from the enslaved in Amelia, so that folks can actively participate in their repair or that healing that comes along with land-based reparations, Chavis said. Central Virginia Agrarian Commons is seeking a conservation easement that would prevent commercial development of the acreage.

Were not giving you a check, but were going to give you 80 acres of land, Chavis said of the project. What do you do with that land to empower your community for generations to come? What you can do with land as a wealth-building strategy for your community is a real conversation.

It is a conversation that is a century and a half overdue.

PHOTOS: Hollywood Cemetery, from the RTD archives
If youre a Citibank customer, youll know by now that Citi has sold its consumer banking business in Malaysia to UOB Bank. Accordingly, UOB has been making preparations since the end of 2022 to migrate Citis assets and products into its ecosystem. While UOB has certainly done its level best to keep all stakeholders up to date on its progress, were sure that some of you, as outgoing Citi cardholders, may still have questions.

For instance, which UOB credit card are you getting as replacement? Are the benefits of the new card similar to your current Citi card? What about all the other card features, such as the annual fees? In this article, we have the full list of outgoing Citi credit cards in Malaysia, their UOB replacements, as well as the latest perks of the UOB cards  all in one page.

To get things started, here are all the outgoing Citi cards and the UOB cards that theyll be replaced with  for your quick reference:

Existing Citi credit cards Replacement cards from UOB Citi Prestige UOB Zenith Citi PremierMiles UOB PRVI Miles Elite Citi Rewards UOB World Lazada Citi Lazada UOB Citi Simplicity+ UOB Simple Citi Cash Back Platinum UOB ONE Platinum Citi Cash Back Gold UOB ONE Citi Clear

Citi Rewards Platinum

Citi Choice

Citi Gold

Citi Silver UOB Preferred Citi Business Platinum UOB Platinum Business

Next, well break down the features and benefits of each card, so that you can get a clear comparison and see how your new card will work for you moving forward. To note, well be focusing solely on personal credit cards.

UOB Zenith

Replacement for: Citi Prestige

The UOB Zenith is a brand-new credit card that has been introduced by UOB to replace Citis highest tier mass consumer credit card: the Citi Prestige. In addition to being able to earn up to 2x Citi Rewards Points for selected expenses, Citi Prestige cardholders were also able to earn bonus Rewards Points via a Relationship Bonus Programme, as well as enjoy perks like a complimentary fourth night stay at selected hotels and resorts.

Many of these benefits under Citi Prestige have been ported over to UOB Zenith, as you can see below:

Citi Prestige UOB Zenith Card benefits  1x Citi Rewards Point for every RM1 spent locally



 2x Citi Rewards Points for every RM1 spent overseas



 1x Citi Rewards Point for every RM1 of easy pay (EPP) transaction on local spend  1x UNIRM for every RM1 spent locally



 2x UNIRM for every RM1 spent overseas Other bonuses  250,000 Citi Reward Points spend bonus with minimum annual spend of RM240,000



 Up to 40% relationship bonus points based on the length of your relationship with the bank  250,000 UNIRM spend bonus with minimum annual spend of RM240,000



 Up to 50% relationship bonus points based on the length of your relationship with the bank Travel & lounge, and insurance perks  12x complimentary lounge access per annum via LoungeKey



 Complimentary night at international hotels or resorts with a minimum four-consecutive-night stay



 Complimentary limo rides home from KLIA Terminal 1 (with minimum three retail transactions made overseas, 30 days prior to redemption)



 Exclusive services via Citi Prestige Concierge  12x complimentary access to Plaza Premium Lounge (PPL) and its affiliate partners per annum



 Complimentary night at international hotels or resorts with a minimum four-consecutive-night stay



 Complimentary limo ride home from KLIA Terminal 1 (with three retail transactions made overseas, 30 days prior to redemption)



 Exclusive services via UOB Zenith Concierge Minimum annual income requirement RM192,000 per annum RM192,000 per annum Annual fees  Principal: RM1,000



 Supplementary: Complimentary  Principal: RM1,000



 Supplementary: Complimentary

UOB PRVI Miles Elite

Replacement for: Citi PremierMiles

Another new card by UOB, the UOB PRVI Miles Elite is set to replace the Citi PremierMiles. However, unlike other UOB cards that have been rolled out  which share almost similar benefits and features with its Citi counterpart, including the point multipliers  youll notice that the UOB PRVI Miles Elite card diverges a little from this practice.

This is because Citi PremierMiles cardholders do not earn the usual Citi Rewards Points like other Citi rewards points cards; instead, it utilises a separate system that earns PremierMiles points. UOB, meanwhile, opted to keep to its standard UNIRM rewards points system for the PRVI Miles Elite. As such, UOB has adapted the points earning system of its UOB PRVI Miles Elite card to make up for the differences in points calculations with the Citi PremierMiles.

Here are the full benefits of both cards for your comparison:

Citi PremierMiles UOB PRVI Miles Elite Card benefits  1x PremierMile for every RM3 spent locally



 2x PremierMiles for every RM3 equivalent spent in foreign currencies and on selected online travel merchants



 1x PremierMile for every RM3 of EPP transactions on local spend  10x UNIRM for every RM1 spent on overseas expenses (no cap)



 5x UNIRM for every RM1 spent on airline expenses (no cap)



 1x UNIRM for every RM1 spent on local transactions Other bonuses  10,000 PremierMiles every year with payment of annual fee  60,000 UNIRM every year with payment of annual fee Travel & lounge, and insurance perks  8x complimentary lounge access per annum to PPL in nine countries and territories



 Complimentary limo rides home from KLIA Terminal 1 (with minimum three retail transactions made overseas, 30 days prior to redemption)



 Personal accident and travel inconvenience coverage of up to RM300,000  8x complimentary lounge access per annum to PPL in nine countries and territories



 Complimentary limo rides home from KLIA Terminal 1 (with minimum three retail transactions made overseas, 30 days prior to redemption)



 Personal accident coverage of up to RM300,000



 Special conversion rate for points of 9,000 UNIRM to 1,000 miles Minimum annual income requirement RM100,000 per annum RM100,000 per annum Annual fees  Principal: RM600 (waived for the first three years)



 Supplementary: Complimentary  Principal: RM600 (waived for the first three years under an ongoing acquisition campaign)



 Supplementary: Complimentary

UOB World

Replacement for: Citi Rewards World Mastercard

As the replacement for the Citi Rewards World Mastercard, the UOB World card offers pretty similar perks. For context, Citi Rewards World Mastercard cardholders have the ability to earn up to 12x Citi Rewards Points for selected expenses, spend bonus of 125,000 Citi Rewards Points, and various additional travel perks, like 6x complimentary access to PPL (limited to KLIA Terminal 1 and KLIA Terminal 2 only).

Meanwhile, heres what the UOB World has to offer  in comparison to the card that it is to replace:

Citi Rewards World Mastercard UOB World Card benefits  12x Citi Rewards Point for every RM1 spent on selected e-wallet and online spend (capped at RM300 per merchant per month)



 5x Citi Rewards Points for every RM1 spent at selected departmental stores and supermarkets (capped at RM3,000 per month)



 5x Citi Rewards Points for every RM1 spent overseas (capped at RM24,000 per annum)



 1x Citi Rewards Point for every RM1 spent on local transactions, as well as EPP transactions on local spend  12x UNIRM for every RM1 spent on selected e-wallet and online spend* (capped at RM300 per merchant per month)



 5x UNIRM for every RM1 spent at selected departmental stores and supermarkets (capped at RM3,000 per month)



 5x UNIRM for every RM1 spent overseas (capped at RM24,000 per annum)



 1x UNIRM for every RM1 spent on local transactions



*same merchants as Citi Rewards World Mastercard Other bonuses  125,000 Citi Reward Points spend bonus with minimum annual spend of RM48,000  125,000 UNIRM spend bonus with minimum annual spend of RM48,000 Travel & lounge, and insurance perks  6x complimentary lounge access per annum to PPL at KLIA Terminal 1 and KLIA Terminal 2



 Overseas personal accident coverage of up to RM50,000  6x complimentary lounge access per annum to PPL at KLIA Terminal 1 and KLIA Terminal 2



 Overseas personal accident coverage of up to RM50,000 Minimum annual income requirement RM60,000 per annum RM60,000 per annum Annual fees  Principal: RM600 (waived for first three years)



 Supplementary: RM150  Principal: RM600 (waived for the first three years under an ongoing acquisition campaign)



 Supplementary: RM150

Lazada UOB

Replacement for: Lazada Citi

Lazada Citi was a co-branded card between e-commerce platform Lazada and Citi that offered up to 10x Rewards Points on selected expenses, as well as exclusive offers during Lazadas sales days. You can also use your Citi Rewards Points to offset certain Lazada purchases.

To replace this card, UOB had also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Lazada to roll out a Lazada UOB card with similar benefits:

Lazada Citi card Lazada UOB card Card benefits  10x Citi Rewards Point for every RM1 spent on Lazada purchases and Lazada Wallet top-ups (capped at RM500 per month)



 5x Citi Rewards Points for every RM1 spent on selected online entertainment, lifestyle/online food delivery, telco, and insurance spend (capped at RM500 per month for online entertainment and food delivery, and another RM500 for telco and insurance)



 1x Citi Rewards Point for every RM1 spent on local and petrol transactions



 Use Citi Rewards Points to offset Lazada purchases  10x UNIRM for every RM1 spent on Lazada purchases and Lazada Wallet top-ups (capped at RM500 per month)



 5x UNIRM for every RM1 spent on selected online entertainment, lifestyle/online food delivery, telco, and insurance spend* (capped at RM500 per month for online entertainment and food delivery, and another RM500 for telco and insurance)



 1x UNIRM for every RM1 spent on local and petrol transactions



 Use UNIRM to offset Lazada purchases



*same merchants as Lazada Citi card Other bonuses  1,000 Rewards Points spend bonus per month with a minimum monthly spend of RM1,500



 Exclusive Lazada offers, including RM28 discount for every Monday, RM8 discount vouchers every month, and free shipping vouchers every Friday  1,000 UNIRM spend bonus per month with a minimum monthly spend of RM1,500



 Exclusive Lazada offers, including RM28 discount for every Monday, RM8 discount vouchers every month, and free shipping vouchers every Friday Minimum annual income requirement RM24,000 per annum RM24,000 per annum Annual fees  Principal: RM100 (waived for first three years; annual fee for subsequent years waived with annual minimum spend of RM15,000 during current year)



 Supplementary: RM70  Principal: RM100 (waived for the first three years under ongoing campaign; annual fee for following years waived with annual minimum spend of RM15,000 during current year)



 Supplementary: RM70

UOB Simple

Replacement for: Citi Simplicity+

The Citi Simplicity+ was a different type of cashback card that focused on helping you offset some of the finance charges of your purchases and cash advances (and not on your expenses itself). It also comes with no extra fees, including annual fees. Its replacement is the brand new UOB Simple card:

Citi Simplicity+ UOB Simple Card benefits  10% cashback on finance charges of your purchases and cash advances every month, if you pay at least the minimum monthly due amount on time (no cashback cap)



 No late payment charges



 No annual fees



 No overlimit fee when you go over your credit limit  10% cashback on finance charges of your purchases and cash advances every month, if you pay at least the minimum monthly due amount on time (no cashback cap)



 No late payment charges



 No annual fees Minimum annual income requirement RM24,000 per annum RM24,000 per annum Annual fees N/A N/A

UOB ONE & ONE Platinum

Replacement for: Citi Cash Back Gold & Platinum

The Citi Cash Back card has two variants  Gold and Platinum  both offering the same cashback benefits, namely up to 10% cashback for four categories of essential expenses (petrol, groceries, dining, and Grab transactions). The differences between the two cards lie in the cashback cap and the minimum monthly spend requirement that must be achieved in order to unlock the maximum cashback rate  with Platinum having the higher cap and monthly spending requirement.

Those holding these popular cards will receive the UOB ONE Classic and UOB Classic Platinum as replacement, with the following benefits:

i) Citi Cash Back Gold & UOB ONE Classic

Citi Cash Back Gold UOB ONE Classic Card benefits Monthly spend RM500 and above

 10% cashback for petrol, groceries, dining, and Grab transactions (capped at RM10 per category)

 0.2% cashback for other retail purchases (no cap)



Monthly spend less than RM500

 0.2% cashback for petrol, groceries, dining, and Grab transactions (capped at RM10 per category)

 0.2% cashback for other retail purchases (no cap) Monthly spend RM500 and above

 10% cashback for petrol, groceries, dining, and Grab transactions (capped at RM10 per category)

 0.2% cashback for other retail purchases (no cap)



Monthly spend less than RM500

 0.2% cashback for petrol, groceries, dining, and Grab transactions (capped at RM10 per category)

 0.2% cashback for other retail purchases (no cap) Minimum annual income requirement RM36,000 per annum RM24,000 per annum Annual fees  Principal: RM120 (waived for first three years)



 Supplementary: RM60  Principal: RM120 (waived for the first three years under an ongoing acquisition campaign)



 Supplementary: RM60

ii) Citi Cash Back Platinum & UOB ONE Platinum

Citi Cash Back Platinum UOB ONE Platinum Card benefits Monthly spend RM1,500 and above

 10% cashback for petrol, groceries, dining, and Grab transactions (capped at RM15 per category)

 0.2% cashback for other retail purchases (no cap)



Monthly spend less than RM1,500

 0.2% cashback for petrol, groceries, dining, and Grab transactions (capped at RM15 per category)

 0.2% cashback for other retail purchases (no cap) Monthly spend RM1,500 and above

 10% cashback for petrol, groceries, dining, and Grab transactions (capped at RM15 per category)

 0.2% cashback for other retail purchases (no cap)



Monthly spend less than RM1,500

 0.2% cashback for petrol, groceries, dining, and Grab transactions (capped at RM15 per category)

 0.2% cashback for other retail purchases (no cap) Minimum annual income requirement RM60,000 per annum RM48,000 per annum Annual fees  Principal: RM195 (waived for first three years)



 Supplementary: RM100  Principal: RM120 (waived for the first three years under an ongoing acquisition campaign)



 Supplementary: RM60

UOB Preferred

Replacement for: Citi Clear, Citi Rewards Platinum, Citi Gold, Citi Silver, and Citi Choice

Finally, UOB has made its UOB Preferred as something of a catch-all replacement card for five Citi credit cards. As such, those holding these Citi cards will need to evaluate if the benefits provided by the UOB Preferred card will still fit their needs. Here are the full comparisons between all the five Citi cards and the UOB Preferred card:

i) Citi Clear & UOB Preferred

Citi Clear UOB Preferred Card benefits  3x Citi Rewards Points for every RM1 spent with selected lifestyle merchants (dining and apparel)



 1x Citi Rewards Points for every RM1 spent on other local transactions, as well as EPP transactions on local spend  5x UNIRM for every RM1 spent on dining, grocery, and entertainment expenses (up to RM1,000 per category)



 3x UNIRM for every RM1 spent on petrol and recurring spend in selected categories (up to RM500 for petrol, unlimited for recurring spend)



 1x UNIRM for every RM1 spent on any other expenses Other bonuses  1-for-1 drink offer at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf outlets from Monday to Friday



 1-for-1 movie ticket offer at Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) on Fridays  1-for-1 drink offer at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf outlets from Monday to Friday



 1-for-1 movie ticket offer at Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) on Fridays Minimum annual income requirement RM24,000 per annum RM40,000 per annum Annual fees  Principal: RM90 (waived for first three years)



 Supplementary: RM60  Principal: RM198 (waived for the first three years under an ongoing acquisition campaign)



 Supplementary: RM30

ii) Citi Rewards Platinum & UOB Preferred

Citi Rewards Platinum UOB Preferred Card benefits  5x Citi Rewards Points for every RM1 spent on selected expense categories that you opt to subscribe to (shopping, home, travel, petrol, and dining/entertainment  capped at specified amounts)



 1x Citi Rewards Points for every RM1 spent on other local transactions, as well as EPP transactions on local spend (except petrol and other ineligible transactions)  5x UNIRM for every RM1 spent on dining, grocery, and entertainment expenses (up to RM1,000 per category)



 3x UNIRM for every RM1 spent on petrol and recurring spend in selected categories (up to RM500 for petrol, unlimited for recurring spend)



 1x UNIRM for every RM1 spent on any other expenses Other bonuses N/A  1-for-1 drink offer at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf outlets from Monday to Friday



 1-for-1 movie ticket offer at Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) on Fridays Minimum annual income requirement N/A RM40,000 per annum Annual fees RM100 for every expense category that you are subscribed to (you may earn free subscription to categories by reaching a minimum annual spend)  Principal: RM198 (waived for the first three years under an ongoing acquisition campaign)



 Supplementary: RM30

iii) Citi Gold & UOB Preferred

Citi Gold UOB Preferred Card benefits  3x Citi Rewards Points for every RM1 spent at selected supermarkets and hypermarkets (up to RM3,000)



 1x Citi Rewards Points for every RM1 spent on other local transactions, as well as EPP transactions on local spend  5x UNIRM for every RM1 spent on dining, grocery, and entertainment expenses (up to RM1,000 per category)



 3x UNIRM for every RM1 spent on petrol and recurring spend in selected categories (up to RM500 for petrol, unlimited for recurring spend)



 1x UNIRM for every RM1 spent on any other expenses Other bonuses N/A  1-for-1 drink offer at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf outlets from Monday to Friday



 1-for-1 movie ticket offer at Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) on Fridays Minimum annual income requirement N/A RM40,000 per annum Annual fees  Principal: RM195



 Supplementary: RM100  Principal: RM198 (waived for the first three years under an ongoing acquisition campaign)



 Supplementary: RM30

iv) Citi Silver & UOB Preferred

Citi Silver UOB Preferred Card benefits  1x Citi Rewards Points for every RM1 spent on local transactions  5x UNIRM for every RM1 spent on dining, grocery, and entertainment expenses (up to RM1,000 per category)



 3x UNIRM for every RM1 spent on petrol and recurring spend in selected categories (up to RM500 for petrol, unlimited for recurring spend)



 1x UNIRM for every RM1 spent on any other expenses Other bonuses N/A  1-for-1 drink offer at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf outlets from Monday to Friday



 1-for-1 movie ticket offer at Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) on Fridays Minimum annual income requirement N/A RM40,000 per annum Annual fees  Principal: RM70



 Supplementary: RM45  Principal: RM198 (waived for the first three years under an ongoing acquisition campaign)



 Supplementary: RM30

v) Citi Choice & UOB Preferred

Citi Silver UOB Preferred Card benefits  50x Citi Rewards Points for every RM50 spent on local transactions  5x UNIRM for every RM1 spent on dining, grocery, and entertainment expenses (up to RM1,000 per category)



 3x UNIRM for every RM1 spent on petrol and recurring spend in selected categories (up to RM500 for petrol, unlimited for recurring spend)



 1x UNIRM for every RM1 spent on any other expenses Other bonuses N/A  1-for-1 drink offer at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf outlets from Monday to Friday



 1-for-1 movie ticket offer at Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) on Fridays Minimum annual income requirement N/A RM40,000 per annum Annual fees  Principal: N/A



 Supplementary: N/A  Principal: RM198 (waived for the first three years under an ongoing acquisition campaign)



 Supplementary: RM30



With this list, we hope all Citi cardholders are now clear on which replacement card that theyll receive from UOB. UOB has also stated that depending on which Citi card you own, you may be sent new UOB cards to you starting from October 2023  but regardless, now that the migration is completed, your current Citi cards are all UOB credit cards with the new set of benefits.

Note that post-migration, your card number, CVV, and expiry date all do not change, but if youre making payments to the card from another bank, youll need to make payments to UOB (using the same card number) instead of Citi  this also means existing saved/favourite transfers will no longer work.

Aside from that, there are also some notable details that you may want to take note of. For instance, with regard to annual fees of the UOB Preferred card (replacing Citi Clear, Citi Rewards Platinum, Citi Gold, Citi Silver, and Citi Choice), UOB is offering a concession where you are not required to pay the RM198 annual fee of the card. Instead, you only need to pay the highest annual fee of your current Citi cards  although it is not clarified if this is a temporary or permanent arrangement.

On top of that, all Citi Rewards Points previously earned by Citi cardholders  which are evergreen  will also not expire when they are ported over to UOBs system as UNIRM. New UNIRM earned via the replacement cards, however, will have the usual three-year validity.

Lastly, well continue to keep and eye out and report on any new updates regarding UOBs migration of Citis assets and products, so do check back with us every now and then!

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71 million pesos earmarked for public infrastructure for Felipe Carrillo Puerto

Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Q.R.  Approximately 71 million pesos has been earmarked for public infrastructure projects in Felipe Carrillo Puerto. Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa says the funding has been secured through the Secretary of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development (Sedatu).

Her announcement was made Monday after a meeting in Mexico City with Sedatu Director Roman Meyer Falcon. She says the money will be used for the construction of streets, urban improvement and public spaces in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto.

We have managed like never before, before the Government of Mexico with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, before the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit and before Sedatu, to achieve this objective and bring social justice to our communities, said the Governor.

Mara Lezama explained that the investment of more than 71 million pesos will be allocated through the Comprehensive Neighborhood Improvement program in eight communities in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto.

The Mayan municipalities to receive the project funding include Chumpon, Chun On, Chun Yah, Yokdzonot Chico, San Antonio Norte, Cecilio Chi, Chunyaxhe, and Kankabzonot.

The projects will be carried out in coordination with Sedatu in order to reduce lags and settle a historic debt to communities that have been left behind. She said the labor for projects will be hired out locally, creating 3,221 jobs.

The infrastructure is complementary to priority projects such as the Tulum International Airport and the Mayan Train.

During this meeting, other priority projects such as Parque del Jaguar, Mercado de Bienestar, the road to Vigia Chico, Parque Andres Quintana Roo, among others, were also reviewed.
Four detained in retaliatory shoot up of Cancun restaurant

Cancun, Q.R.  Two women and two men have been arrested by elements of the State Attorney Generals Office. The four adults were picked up by elements in coordination with the Citizen Security Secretariat (SSC) in the armed attack on a restaurant-bar.

The armed attack took place in SM 74 of Cancun on July 21 of this year. The detainees, Albelda N, Idania N, Hugo N and Jose N, are also accused of drug dealing.

According to the SSC, their first investigation indicates that the armed attack againts the restaurant-bar was in retaliation after the owner refused to allow them to sell narcotics from his business.

Idania N, who met with one of the accomplices on the day of the attack to go to a place where they would meet other colleagues, intentionally took city routes to avoid city surveillance cameras, the SSC reported.

Hugo V, along with a second person with the alias El Jarocho, arrived at the establishment, the first being the one who fired the shots where one person lost his life and three more were injured, they reported.

An investigation lead to the issuance of an arrest warrant for a property in SM 248 of Cancun where authorities located drugs and five loaded weapons. The property searched is believed to have been used as a criminal safehouse.

Authorities are testing the weapons found to determine if any of them were used to shoot at the Cancun restaurant-bar.
Motorcycle driver killed instantly after being thrown headlong into rock

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  The driver of a motorcycle was killed Monday after crashing headlong into a large stone. His male passenger was rushed to Playa del Carmen hospital in critical condition.

The accident was reported on the property of a Riviera Maya theme park Monday afternoon. According to early reports, the driver of the motorcycle was leaving the area speeding around a corner around 3:30 p.m. when he suddenly began skidding.

Both men were thrown from the bike. The driver skidded head first into a large rock. His passenger also skidded, coming to a stop beside the rock. The unnamed male driver was killed instantly after his helmet split. His passenger remains hospitalized.
Re-creating the self has become big business, not to mention a matter of cultural and political controversy. But this is not a new phenomenon. Its as old as the Garden of Eden.

In Genesis 1:27, we read the following: God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. We are beings inextricably linked to God, yet we are constantly striving to separate ourselves from our Creator. Its part of our primeval rebellion (you will be like god knowing good and evil), and its something that has become a rather significant part of our nature.

Given our source, we have a free will from which flows all kinds of creation and, unfortunately, destruction. What happens when we continue our rebellion against God and start re-creating ourselves? Is the creation of a new identity an act of rebellion or something else? Where does an identity come from anyway? Is it something suggested to us by our environment, or does it depend on our individual personalities? These are some of the questions that Tara Isabella Burton asks, and attempts to answer, in her new book, Self-Made: Creating Our Identities from Da Vinci to the Kardashians.

Part historical survey and part cultural criticism, Self-Made makes the argument that there is not much difference between Albrecht Durer and Kim Kardashian, at least when we consider some of the ways in which we understand the meaning of the self. According to Burton, we are always trying to be divine, whether we believe in God or not. While the medieval mindset always had God as the center of thought and life, the Renaissance ushered in a different set of metaphysical priorities, which have been getting stronger as weve moved from one age to the next.

Denying the notion that weve become a nation of formerly religious secularists, Burton writes:

We have not so much done away with a belief in the divine as we have relocated it. We have turned our backs on the idea of creator-God, out there, and instead placed God within usmore specifically, within the numinous force of our own desires. Our obsession with self-creation is also an obsession with the idea that we have the power that we once believed God did: to remake ourselves and our realities, not in the image of God but in that of our own desires.

Im inclined to agree with Burton, although as our culture has turned away from the God out there and weve turned in on ourselves, weve seen a warping of our view of reality, one made worse by our obsession with technology, with our constantly staring into the black mirror of the consumer-driven devices.

Many of the historical figures and events that Burton singles out in her book have to do with attempts to become free from former constraints. Trying to release ourselves from God, religion, and morality, we wish to forge not just a new path but a new self. But this new self is not a being who delights in Gods creation or even finds joy in ones own creation to the glory of God. Rather, almost all of Burtons historical examples highlight narcissists who prefer pleasure to joy, which is perceived as an actual impediment to self-re-creation. The highest quality of life depends purely on the attainment of a certain kind of freedom. As Burton writes, A human being  must untether himself from all those elements of custombirth and blood, to be sure, but also religious superstition and unexamined social moresthat alienate him from his true, natural state. This is where true freedom lies; at least according to the Enlightenment mindset.

One of the ways we have attempted to distinguish ourselves and make a statement of personal freedom is through fashion. Burton examines the life of a fascinating man, George Bryan Brummel, an English dandy who in the early 1800s was most definitely the talk of the townor at least London. Brummel created a unique persona that he used to get money, clothes, and food, hobnobbing with the English elite and royalty. What made Brummel fascinating was his tendency toward haughty indifference. He had a bored nonchalance that implied that even a snub from the prince of Wales himself could not penetrate his emotional armor. A godlike disengagementa freedom from and superiority to other people, even princeswas necessary for the person who wanted to truly create himself anew.

Burtons wonderful and colorful portrait of Brummel will certainly make one despise the man simply because he appears to have no purpose or mission in life except to experience self-centered pleasure. Hes a fake in a society of wanna-be blue bloods. But there is more to Brummels story than Brummel himself. What was the nature of the hold he had on his society? Was his power merely a superficial societal impact mostly felt in fashionable trends, or was it something deeper, affecting economics? Burton correctly observes that Brummel was less original than he might at first glance appear. Rather, Brummels talent lay in his ability to channel and manipulate the tensions of his time, to gain a monopoly, as it were, on this burgeoning concept of bon ton [good tone or high society].

In other words, almost everything in Brummels world revolved around hierarchy. Where you came from determined the possibilities of success in life, band it is this concept of bon ton that helped Brummel propel himself into a societal strata he may not otherwise have been allowed into. As Burton writes, those who had bon ton belonged to a special, elite class of persons. They were members not only of literal, hereditary aristocracy but, perhaps even more importantly, of an aristocracy of style. In some ways, Brummel was the vehicle to something we might call today social currencya rather shallow way of being and relating to the world.

Ideas have consequences, Richard Weaver wrote, and even bad ideas can energize people. Wishing for a more enlightened existence that leaves God behind can have grave consequences. With man as the measure of all things, as the Renaissance promised, we are back where we started: Genesis.

While one can make the argument that theres a self-made thread binding, say, the Marquis de Sade and Kim Kardashian, and though Burton navigates through cultures high and low quite well, the chapter on Frederick Douglass appears to be weirdly out of place. She singles out Douglass contribution to the idea of self-making, and that for Douglass it is through hard work that man is able to re-create himself. As Burton writes, Self-making, for Douglass, was not simply a privilege afforded to those imbued with an innate gift, as the thinkers of the Renaissance believed.  Self-making was an act anyone could participate in, so long as they were willing to work hard.

Of course, for Frederick Douglass to say that the way to become who you are is through work is startling and unique, given that he was once literally a slave. For him, freedom was intertwined with work, but work was never to be divorced from ones basic humanity, and most importantly community. The creation of the self was to be done in concert with God through both action and contemplation, and a genuine freedom.

The Founding Fathers were of this mindset as well. Although they differed in personalities and even in their conception of a truly moral society, they understood that the self-made man is not someone who must free himself from a given set of moral principles (something we see later most prominently in Nietzsche) but must be free to be guided by the divine order of things.

Burtons examination of Douglass life, finally, teeters on the verge of dismissing altogether the idea of the American Dream and every Americans right to the pursuit of happiness. By placing Douglass as just a counterpart to someone like Brummel, Burton minimizes the metaphysical, political, and spiritual significance of Douglass.

Although I favor approaching cultural criticism by comparing and contrasting high and low culture, there are moments in intellectual and political history that point to the importance of preserving ones God-given human dignity and celebrating achievements that transcend the historical moment, that escape any facile reductionist analysis. Douglass personified such dignity and accomplishment, as did the Founders, and there is a sense of the sacred in what they did that ought not to be equalized with the profane and fleeting.

Burtons thesis is that we all brand ourselves and that this has been going on for centuries. Who is a fake and who is real? In todays internet culture, it is becoming harder and harder to discern whom we can trust, what is authentic or true, especially in the media. Intellectual life has almost disappeared because of a parade of pseudo-intellectuals peddling ideas they hardly understand under the guise of expertise that is little more than what can be fostered by their influencer status. Anything (and anyone) can become trademarked and reduced to a mere gimmick, yet one that can go viral, ushering in a Warholian 15 minutes of fame. It may get a lot of attention at first, but soon everyone tires of it and goes looking for another god and another gimmick.

Self-Made is an excellent historical survey of people who have explored the very meaning of personal freedom, even if indulging in purely narcissistic visions of the self. The book slightly falters because it doesnt get into deeper philosophical and theological questions (although they are briefly alluded to in the introduction and conclusion of the book), remaining a cultural history only rather than one of ideas and their roots. To be sure, Burtons intent is to show the threads that bind a variety of personae together: their intentions, passions, thoughts, and actions. The reader will learn about many figures who have become unfairly obscure, and Burton superbly navigates their stories via detailed historical research. But the question of human authenticity still remains: Who is fake and who is real? How do we define reality to begin with? Most importantly, what is human singularity and authenticity in relation to God? This last question especially deserves our continuous attention.
Due to fuel supply issues at Britain's busiest airport, Heathrow, airlines have been instructed to carry as much fuel as possible in their tanks, a contentious practice that could raise carbon emissions.

In a letter sent on Sunday, the airport requested that airplanes carry extra gasoline while traveling to London and refrain from carrying too much when departing due to supply concerns, according to The Guardian.

Carbon Footprint's Effects

(Photo : by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: A cargo plane carrying donated items destined for victims of the major earthquake in Turkey takes off at Heathrow Airport on February 20, 2023 in London, England.

The nine-day notice period ran from Sunday, July 23, through Monday, July 31, 2017. According to Heathrow, the request did not affect travelers or planes.

Fuel tankering is debatable because it greatly adds to the weight of the kerosene stored in the airplane's wings. That additional weight raises the fuel consumption of an aircraft and, consequently, its carbon footprint.

However, if gasoline is less expensive at one airport than another, it may still be commercially advantageous for airlines to fly there despite the added expense and carbon emissions.

According to a 2019 research by Eurocontrol, a group of air traffic controllers, the practice generates 900,000 tonnes of unnecessary carbon emissions annually in Europe alone, comparable to around 2,800 flights between Paris and New York.

Airlines utilized tankers mostly to avoid paying higher fees at particular airports, saving them a combined 265 million (229 million). However, they occasionally employed tankers if strikes may prevent refueling.

The UK's national airline, British Airways, is one of the businesses previously charged with routine tinkering. It has been revealed that BA has been using gasoline tankers regularly since 2019 after promising to "review" the practice following a BBC Panorama probe.

The Airbus A320, the most popular aircraft in the world, can carry up to 24,000 liters of fuel, weighing 19 tonnes, in tanks in its wings and main body. Not all of the capacity would be needed for shorter journeys.

Underground pipelines transport fuel to one of two facilities after it is delivered to the West London airport. Trucks are also used to deliver some fuel.

Read Also: Heathrow Security Staff Plans Summer Strikes

Heatrow Airport's Service

In contrast, Heathrow Airport Fuel Company and Heathrow Hydrant Operating Company, both of which are owned by groups of oil firms, are in charge of managing the day-to-day supply of fuel at Heathrow Airport.

The need for gasoline at Heathrow is so great that a continuous supply must be piped in from ExxonMobil's Fawley refinery in the Southampton area.

The largest refinery in the UK receives up to 2,000 cargoes of crude oil each year, which is transformed into jet fuel, chemicals for use in industry, and gasoline and diesel for vehicles and lorries. Additionally, ExxonMobil is constructing a new pipeline to the airport.

Since experts anticipate a surge in demand for air travel as developing nations get wealthier, the global aviation sector already needs help with its reputation as environmentally unfriendly. According to manufacturers, long-distance air travel has yet to be made possible by a jet that doesn't release carbon into the atmosphere.

Airlines and airports like Heathrow are beginning to utilize so-called sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which creates net zero emissions since it is created from plants or carbon absorbed from the air without a zero-emissions technology.

Related Article: British Airways Cancels Flight After Report of Mysterious Foul Odor

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Congrats are in order to Judy and Jerry Willis, a retired couple in Wytheville. Recently they made a huge score, the kind that might leave others green with envy.

They won $750,000 from Publishers Clearing House, the International Lotto Commission and the Intl Lottery Board.

The Willises learned of this stunning good fortune in a July 10 letter to Judy, a former schoolteacher. It purports to be from the well-known magazine marketer, which has used sweepstakes to sell subscriptions for decades.

Also included with the mailing was a legitimate-appearing business check for $8,050, purportedly from a real insurance agency located in Bozeman, Montana. It was typed, like a cashiers check.

You are required by the International Sweepstakes and IRS by law to make a payment toward taxes and processing fees, the letter states. Enclosed are funds to assist you with out-of-pocket expenses to enable your payment.

All Judy had to do to get the ball rolling on her grand prize was deposit the check into their bank account and call Publishers Clearing House to find out what to do next to claim the prize, the letter said.

Oddly, Judy cant recall ever entering this particular contest. But the letter covers that base with an all-purpose bit of gobbledegook.

Your entry into this Sweepstakes/Lottery was based on cross-promotion by marketing companies through Credit Card expenditures, past subscriptions and in-store and grocery store rebates in North America, the letter says.

It advised Judy to call your claims agent Roy Kline immediately, at one of two different New York phone numbers listed on the letter.

Please keep this award letter strictly confidential until your cash prize winnings have been processed and remitted to your designated account, the letter adds. It is our company policy to keep this letter and your cash prize winnings confidential to avoid double or false claims, identity theft and impersonation.

You should in no scenario give out your personal info to anyone online or by phone in regards to your winnings.

Judy did not deposit the check. Neither did Jerry, a retired chiropractor. Nor did they keep the good news confidential. Instead, they informed me. They wanted to spread the word to other potential victims of the scam. And in short order, they emailed images of the letter and check.

What Im afraid of is, there will be other people  older people especially  who will be gullible enough to fall for it, Jerry told me.

Columnist calls Roy Kline

Neither Judy nor Jerry had called either number listed on the letter  so I did. And somebody picked up after the second ring.

Publishers Clearing House, how can we help you? a man answered.

Yeah, Id like to speak to Roy Kline, I said.

This is Roy Kline, he answered. How can I help you today?

Im calling about my prize, I said.

Okay, what is your name? he asked.

My name is Judy Willis, I replied in a deep voice.

Judy Willis? he asked, He sounded a bit incredulous.

Yeah, thats my wifes name, I added. My names Jerry.

Uh, and what is your claim number? he asked.

I read the corresponding string of letters/numbers off the letter. And I added, It came with a check for $8,050 from Rocky Mountain Insurance Group.

Uh, yeah, that check will pay the customs fees, Roy said. You know, any customs fees involved, uh, that check will pay for. Thats why the check has been given to you.

Customs fees? Even though I called after noon, Roy sounded rather unprepared, like hed just woken up or something. His fumbling repartee failed to inspire confidence.

Why is an insurance agency from Bozeman, Montana paying my taxes associated with collecting this prize? I asked.

Its uh, yeah, because youre not located in Canada. So theyve agreed to take care of it, he responded. Theyre a sponsor  to our company theyre a sponsor.

When you say to our company, which company is that? I asked him.

At that point, Roy uttered an expletive and hung up. Evidently he was suddenly disinterested in helping Judy collect her $750,000 prize. Which, if you havent realized by now, doesnt exist.

FTC: Fake Check Scams an old one

It seems hard to believe that people would fall for something like this, right? But a second call  to the insurance agency in Bozeman  persuaded me that some people do.

Weve gotten a couple dozen phone calls, at least, said Suzie Boyer, operations manager for Rocky Mountain Insurance Group, a real business in Bozeman. The checks are phony, but theyve prompted calls to the insurance agency from Seattle, other areas in the Pacific Northwest, Tennessee, Kentucky, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida, she added.

Now Boyer can add Virginia to her list. Oh joy.

At least a couple of those calls have come from credit unions that were attempting to verify the authenticity of the checks, after account holders deposited them, she said.

The unfortunate thing is theres no number for us to call, to get disassociated with it, Boyer added.

The ploys an old con game known as the Fake Check Scam. This column first publicized that more than 14 years ago. Back then, the intended mark was a reader named Hugh Elliott of Roanoke.

Elliotts letter said hed won $150,000 in an international lottery he also couldnt remember entering. His letter contained a check from Subaru of Lafayette, Indiana, to help him cover the fees he had to pay to collect his prize.

Boyer told me the routing and account numbers on the check the Willises received are made up and dont pertain to any actual bank account.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has an entire web page devoted the Fake Check Scam. It outlines the five major categories of scams associated with company checks that arrive unexpectedly in the mail.

According to the FTC, banks are required by law to make funds from deposited checks available to account holders within two days. But it often takes a bank longer to ascertain a check is phony. In the meantime, a bank may float the funds to its account holder.

If he or she wires money to a scammer during that float, the bank could end up holding the account holder responsible for the wired funds.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service also has issued warnings. According to that agency, the real Publishers Clearing House NEVER charges advance fees to its prize winners. And its real phone number, where people can check sweepstakes winnings, is (800) 459-4724.

Dont be a victim.
Email Thomas Elias at tdelias@aol.com. His book, "The Burzynski Breakthrough, The Most Promising Cancer Treatment and the Governments Campaign to Squelch It" is now available in a soft cover fourth edition. For more Elias columns, visit www.californiafocus.net
A Chapman University scientist and his colleagues have determined how the Earth responds as it heats up due to climate change.

The scientists say a warming world calls for a new approach in detecting how much carbon dioxide comes out of ecosystems when the temperature changes which tells us how well plants and soil can alleviate damage by removing carbon pollution from the atmosphere. The study is the first to find the temperature-carbon dioxide release relationship at the landscape level.

Their findings are published in the prestigious academic peer-reviewed journal Nature Ecology & Evolution.

Plants that currently take up a quarter to a third of humanity's carbon emissions might not be able to maintain the rate of carbon dioxide removal, says Joshua Fisher, a climate scientist and associate professor of environmental science and policy at Chapman University's Schmid College of Science and Technology.

"A big unknown in the future of the Earth is how ecosystems will respond to increasing temperature," says Fisher. "Our findings give us insight into the fate of the planet, and how we can measure those changes at large scales."

Recent developments, including those by Fisher, have led to the use of satellites to monitor global photosynthetic activity and measure the concentrations of gas in plants and ground soil; but, similar tools have been unable to track respiration, or the "breathing" out of carbon dioxide, across biomes and continents. Respiration continues to be indirectly estimated as the difference between photosynthesis and the overall change in carbon dioxide, and "the spot measurements are not representative of the larger landscape," Fisher says.

So, he and other scientists took to the treeswell, monitoring stations among the trees. New carbon dioxide measurements were taken by a network of dozens of monitoring stations on towers across North America. The results gave great insight into future measurements over larger swaths of land.

When they compared landscape measurements from the tower stations to the spot measurements done on the ground, they found the ground measurements show an overly sensitive relationship between carbon dioxide and temperature that does not exist when looking at the larger landscape. "Ground measurements said there's a lot of CO 2 emission for small changes in temperature; but the landscape measurements said there's not a lot of CO 2 emission for small changes in temperature," Fisher says.

The team later used the findings to update mathematical models used to predict the relationships, and found that when they were improved with the findings, they performed better.

"This is a very clever study that harnessed a myriad of measurements, models, and understanding of how they synergize together," says Fisher. "Our results continue to march us forward in deeper understanding of the Earth and what it may mean if we continue to change its climate."

The study was funded by the NASA Terrestrial Ecology Interdisciplinary Science and Carbon Monitoring System, the Carnegie Institution for Science's endowment, Singapore's Ministry of Education, the RUBISCO SFA, which is sponsored by the Regional and Global Model Analysis Program in the Climate and Environmental Sciences Division of the Office of Biological and Environmental Research in the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, and NASA.

Other members of the research team include lead author Wu Sun and Anna Michalak of Carnegie Institution for Science; Xiangzhong Luo, Yao Zhang, and Trevor Keenan of University of California Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Yuanyuan Fang of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District; and Yoichi P. Shiga of the Universities Space Research Association.

More information:

Wu Sun et al, Biome-scale temperature sensitivity of ecosystem respiration revealed by atmospheric CO2 observations, Nature Ecology & Evolution (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02093-x

Provided by Chapman University
Construction of the largest ever solar telescope built in Europe, designed to provide unparalleled insight into the phenomena of space weather, will be supported by the University of Sheffield, it has been announced today (25 July 2023).

Launched in 2008, the European Solar Telescope (EST) project aims to provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying solar flares and coronal mass ejections. These events determine so-called 'space weather', which can lead to geomagnetic storms on earthseen as the northern lightsand have a strong influence on our technological society.

Leading the United Kingdom Universities Consortium (UKUC), the University of Sheffield today signed the deed of the EST's Canary Foundation in Santa Cruz, Tenerife. The agreement sees six UK universities, including Aberystwyth, Belfast, Durham, Exeter and Glasgow, along with a further six European countries, commit to the construction of the telescope at the world-renowned El Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, at La Palma in Spain.

Professor Robertus von Fay-Siebenburgen, from the University of Sheffield's School of Mathematics and Statistics, will be a principal investigator for the UKUC project. He said: "The EST will be the biggest ground-based solar telescope constructed in Europe and will keep its European partners at the forefront of solar physics research, so it's fantastic that so many UK partners have been able to come together to join the EST Canary Foundation today.

"This kind of unrivalled research infrastructure will provide European astronomers and plasma-astrophysicists with an extraordinary tool for observing the Sun and its space weather, one that will pave the way for scientific advancements in some of the world's biggest and most important challenges, such as the development of green fusion energy.

"By being able to study the physical processes happening in the solar chronosphere in such detail for the first time, we will gain new insight into how the heating mechanisms occur that underpin the plasma heating processes. Learning from how nature does it will help us explore how to replicate the process for the benefit of humankind."

One of the EST's primary objectives is to improve understanding of the Sun by observing its magnetic fields in unprecedented detail. Once operational, it will be able to uncover signals currently hidden in the noise and reveal the existence of unknown, tiny magnetic structures.

The optical configuration and instrumentation of EST have been meticulously designed to study the magnetic and dynamic coupling of the solar atmosphere, and capture the interactions between the different atmospheric layers of the Sun.

Additionally, a comprehensive set of instruments will be installed to enable simultaneous observations across multiple wavelengths. This unique capability will give the EST a higher efficiency compared to existing or future telescopes, whether ground-based or space-borne.

The University of Sheffield will be developing designs for the capability of the project to process the vast amounts of data produced by the telescope. It is estimated to produce a petabyte of data per day, roughly equivalent to the amount of data used to store more than 220,000 DVD films. Sheffield will be responsible for how the project can handle and analyse some of this data, which, at the moment, few scientific projects around the world come close to doing. This means that entirely new capabilities are needed to conduct research on such a scale.

The preliminary design phase of the telescope, which was funded by the European Commission's Horizon 2020 programme, has recently been completed. After a construction period of six years, the EST's first lightor becoming operationalis planned for 2028-2029.

The establishment of the EST Foundation today marks a crucial milestone in advancing the project towards the construction phase. One of the primary objectives of the Foundation is to create a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC), which will bring together the national ministries of the partner countries. The EST ERIC will be the legal entity responsible for overseeing all aspects of the construction and operation of this large research infrastructure.

Professor Lyndsay Fletcher, of the University of Glasgow's School of Physics and Astronomy, was part of the team responsible for defining the telescope requirements. She said: "The University of Glasgow has a long history of world-leading research in solar physics, and I very much welcome our investment towards bringing this exciting new facility into being.

"Our research into solar flares and prominences stands to benefit enormously, since the innovative design of the telescope means that it is optimised for measuring the Sun's magnetic field, which governs these energetic phenomena. Novel instrumentation, recording the Sun's structure and dynamics with four times the spatial detail of any existing solar telescope in Europe will lead to a step-change in understanding of energetic events on our nearest star."

For more information about the project, please visit: www.est-east.eu

Provided by University of Sheffield
The international menu item sandwiches three beef patties between a hamburger bun, but customers can add as many patties as they want

PingLoveSai/ Facebook, Richard Barrow/Twitter

Burger King Thailand recently surprised burger fans with the real cheeseburger, a hamburger bun stuffed with 20 slices of American cheese. Their next move? The real meat burger, which is exactly what it sounds like.

The sandwich item, available only in Thailand, includes three beef patties in between a hamburger bun and thats all. No pickles, no lettuce, no ketchup, no nothing.

The basic version with three patties costs 339 baht ($9.79), according to a Facebook post from the official Burger King Thailand account announcing the latest, silly menu item. The company added that customers can pile on as many extra patties as they want, with each one costing an additional 100 baht ($2.89).

Although there was no specific date for the product's launch, Burger King Thailand noted on Facebook that customers can order the item at restaurants by saying that they dont want vegetables and other sauces, only meat.

PingLoveSai/ Facebook Burger King Thailand sells a burger with only meat after viral cheese-only version

Photos from the official Burger King Thailand account depict the real meat burger with dozens of burgers ridiculously sandwiched between the buns. While the image looks to be a joke, Thai food blogger Believe Me, I Already Ate ( ) pushed it to the limit and ordered the real meat burger with 100 patties, Today reports.

Richard Barrow/twitter The "Real cheeseburger" from burger king thailand

Related: Burger King Thailand Has a Meatless Burger with Just 20 Slices of Cheese

The dairy-filled real cheeseburger that started this sandwich trend was first published on Facebook on July 9.

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This is for real! Burger King Thailand wrote in a Facebook post about the sandwich with 20 slices of cheese. The company explained that the item will only be available for a limited time and at a reduced price compared to the traditional cheeseburger.



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Lee Hsien Yang served with correction direction under POFMA for false statements on Facebook post. (PHOTO: Nicholas Yong / Yahoo News Singapore)

SINGAPORE  Lee Hsien Yang, the younger brother of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, has been served with a correction direction under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) after he published a post on his Facebook page containing false statements of fact.

The correction direction, issued by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong on Tuesday (25 July), requires Lee to carry a correction notice to clarify the inaccuracies in his post.

According to the Law Ministry, he made several untrue statements, which have been fact-checked and found to be misleading and lacking in veracity.

False claims about state-funded renovations

His post on Sunday (23 July) claimed that the state paid for renovations to 26 and 31 Ridout Road, because ministers K Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan leased the properties.

However, it has been clarified that the identity of the tenants had no influence on the decision to carry out the works on the properties.

The Law Ministry said that the Singapore Land Authority invests in maintaining conserved properties, including 26 and 31 Ridout Road, as part of their conservation efforts.

The works were "assessed to be necessary" and in compliance with conservation requirements, as stated by Tong in Parliament on 3 July.

26 and 31 Ridout Road (PHOTO: Google Maps)

Misleading statements about tree felling

Another false claim made by Lee suggested that the trees at both properties were allowed to be felled due to the properties being leased by Shanmugam and Balakrishnan.

However, the decision to fell trees "with a girth size of more than one metre" was made following inspections by independent arborists, who identified safety concerns.

Approval for tree felling, where required, was obtained from the National Parks Board. The statement said the tenants' identities were not a factor in these decisions.

Inaccurate allegations against SPH Media

Lee further alleged that SPH Media fraudulently inflated its circulation numbers.

Story continues

However, the overstatement of circulation numbers occurred when the media business was under SPH Limited, a listed company before SPH Media Trust was incorporated.

Upon taking over SPH Limited's media business, SPH Media Trust discovered, reported, and investigated the circulation issue. According to the ministry, the government's funding agreement for public service media capabilities was signed with SPH Media Trust, and not based on circulation numbers.

As per the correction direction, Lee must publish a correction notice on his Facebook post. This notice will include a link to a Factually article, presenting the facts and clarifications provided by the relevant authorities.

A check by Yahoo Southeast Asia shows that Lee has carried the notice.

Do you have a story tip? Email: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube.
Oppenheimer is so stuffed -- with historic information, blue-chip actors and cinematic techniques -- you wonder if it even belongs in the same breath as other films released this year.

Its a stunner and one more way director Christopher Nolan reminds us cinema is a vital art form, not a disposable one.

In the biography of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, he details the distractions the physicist had from multiple sources as he worked to unlock the weapons secrets. Oppenheimer (played with great poise by Cillian Murphy) didnt just have political opponents, he had nagging insiders who could have spilled the secrets to any number of enemies. Keeping a lid on the build, dubbed the Manhattan Project, was often the least of his worries.

On the homefront, he had a feisty, forthright wife (Emily Blunt) and a needy mistress (Florence Pugh) who had the ability to steal his focus. In the hastily built Los Alamos (where scientists were united to craft the bomb), he had a deadline-crazy general (Matt Damon) and a phalanx of experts who demanded his attention.

Film Review - Oppenheimer This image released by Universal Pictures shows Cillian Murphy in a scene from "Oppenheimer."

Nolan carefully lays the track for the mission, then begins chugging until audiences can feel the pressure building.

Murphy handles it skillfully (Damon isnt quite as controlled) and gets his project underway. Then, its a matter of ensuring it wont destroy those creating it.

Throughout the mission, Nolan switches to scenes with Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss, chair of the United States Atomic Energy Commission. Nominated for a cabinet post, Strauss tries to sully Oppenheimers reputation in order to build his own. Shot in black-and-white, the hearing and confirmation scenes represent the dismantling of Oppenheimer. The color shots show what happened outside the process. Folded into all of it, of course, is the thought that the man could be a Communist, working for interests other than the United States.

The witch hunt ties nicely with the statements Nolan makes about politics and its role in the arms race. Oppenheimer talks with Albert Einstein (Tom Conti) at one point and learns what he has to lose. Its a telling scene that confirms games have always been played in Washington.

Film Review - Oppenheimer Jason Clarke is Roger Robb in a scene from "Oppenheimer."

Film Review - Oppenheimer Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer in a scene from "Oppenheimer."

Film Review - Oppenheimer Cillian Murphy in a scene from "Oppenheimer."

When Oppenheimer and company test their bomb, Nolan builds tension by using sound and light to underscore the moment. Step by step, you witness areas where the film could be the leading contender for Academy Awards.

There are so many supporting actors of note (its like an indie directors dream team), youll wonder who will emerge from the pack. Downey is obviously a standout -- at times its impossible to recognize him under the makeup and gestures -- but there are also smart turns from Alden Ehrenreich, Dylan Arnold and Damon.

Subtly, we see Oppenheimer age. The makeup effects are first-rate, aiding Murphy in his process. While he isnt a flashy actor, Murphy displays plenty of emotion on his gaunt face. Its not difficult to see the wheels turning. When hes greeted by his team following its victory, life becomes a blur. Like the bomb, theres plenty of flash, indistinguishable sound and a sense of dread. Like The Candidate, the moment has an oh, no, what have I done? feel.

Murphy plays every scene with care, providing his character with plenty of dimension and thought.

He makes Oppenheimer. But, then, so do Nolan and the thousands who abetted him. It's one of the year's best.

Film Review - Oppenheimer Florence Pugh as Jean Tatlock, left, and Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer in a scene from "Oppenheimer."

Film Review - Oppenheimer This image released by Universal Pictures shows Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, left, and Emily Blunt as Kitty Oppenheimer in a scene

Film Review - Oppenheimer This image released by Universal Pictures shows Matt Damon as Gen. Leslie Groves, left, and Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer in a scene
SIOUX CITY  A Sioux City family is awaiting the return of a loved one's remains while authorities in Oklahoma continue to investigate the death of a man believed to have been shot before his body was burned and his bones dumped in a ditch.

Two people with Sioux City ties who are suspected of killing Brian Corey are being held in an Oklahoma jail.

Clyde Clayton booking photo Clyde Clayton, of Sioux City, has been charged in connection with the death of former Sioux City resident Brian Corey in Oklahoma.

In a July 12 post on his Facebook page, Nick Corey said his family had been informed that his son Brian Corey had been killed in Oklahoma. The family had previously contacted Oklahoma authorities after having not heard from Brian for a week since June 5. The family sought to report Brian as missing because he usually contacted at least one family member almost daily.

"That's way too long for him not to talk to one of us," Nick Corey said. "We're a close family."

Brian Corey had moved around after leaving Sioux City a couple years ago, his father said, and had settled in Carney, Oklahoma, where he was living with Janelle Brown, a woman from Sioux City whom Nick Corey said his son had introduced to him previously.

Corey and Brown's relationship had apparently ended, Nick Corey said, and his son was in the process of moving out of their home.

Brown, whose address is in Wellston, Oklahoma, and Clyde Clayton, of Sioux City, are accused of killing 52-year-old Brian Corey sometime between June 2 and July 7, then burning his body. Authorities found burnt human bones in a ditch and more burnt human bones, in addition to a metal knee implant similar to one Corey had, in a burn pile at his home.

Brown and Clayton were arrested July 7. Clayton, 42, has been charged with accessory to first-degree murder, unlawful removal of a dead body and desecration of a human corpse. Brown, 39, is charged with accessory to first-degree murder and unlawful removal of a dead body. Both are scheduled for court appearances Thursday in Lincoln County, Oklahoma.

Janelle Brown booking photo Janelle Brown, who at one time lived in Sioux City, has been charged in connection with the death of former Sioux City resident Brian Corey in

Clayton and Brown, who according to court documents were involved in a sexual relationship, both claim the other shot Corey.

When first contacted on June 12 by a sheriff's deputy responding to the Corey family's request for a welfare check on Brian Corey, Brown said she hadn't seen him for a week and that he would sometimes leave for weeks at a time before reappearing.

On July 7, investigators detained Brown after she arrived at a meeting with her probation and parole officer. She was driven there by Clayton, who was stopped by authorities after he had driven away and detained.

Brown gave the following account to authorities, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in court:

On June 5, she and Corey returned to their home. Clayton had been staying with them, waiting for Corey to drive him to Texas, but Corey had been putting it off. Brown said she and Corey got into an argument and she went outside. Corey and Clayton remained inside and were doing methamphetamine. When she returned inside, Brown said she found Corey slumped in his recliner in the living room, shot in the neck and not breathing. The next day, Brown said, she helped Clayton take the body outside, and Clayton burned it, then scooped up the ashes and the two drove away and threw the ashes in a ditch. Brown said she cleaned up blood in the living room and helped Clayton burn the recliner in a pit in the front yard.

After her interview, Brown led a deputy to a site about half a mile from Corey's home, where the deputy found burnt bones and empty bags that had held the ashes. Brown then showed the deputy the burn pit, where parts of the burnt recliner were observed.

Clayton gave different versions of what happened, according to an affidavit filed in his case:

Clayton first told investigators Corey had left at the end of June and he hadn't seen him since. He then said he was at Corey's home on June 5 and had stepped outside when Brown and Corey were arguing and then heard a gunshot. Clayton said he stayed in a nearby abandoned house that night before returning the following morning and seeing Brown burning Corey's body in a brush pile. Clayton said he didn't say anything to Brown, but thought to himself "this is how she is." Clayton said he didn't help burn the body, but then said he added brush to the fire.

Brian Corey Brian Corey, left, and his brother are shown in this undated photo. Corey, a former Sioux City resident, was killed in Oklahoma in June, and t

Clayton was booked into jail, and on the following day, investigators searching Corey's property found burnt bones and the knee implant in the burn pile. In a new interview, Clayton changed his story, telling an investigator he was in the house with Corey on June 5 and Brown was outside. Corey was in his recliner when, Clayton said, he heard a gunshot outside and was hit in the face with a piece of glass from the door. He said he saw Corey slumped in the chair and bleeding from his neck. Clayton said Brown was trying to open the door and said something like, "did I hit him?" Clayton said he "freaked out" and went outside. When he returned inside, the back door was open, the chair was tipped over and Corey's body was outside on the ground.

Clayton said he removed the door and took it to a neighbor's home. Investigators found the door, which had been burned, on the neighbor's metal pile.

Nick Corey said he had never met Clayton, who has been identified as a person interest in a missing person case involving Peyton Heintzelman, of Sioux City. Heintzelman, a transient who also went by the name Sioux Walker or Sue Walker, was last seen on the city's west side in February, and her social media was last used on Feb. 10.

Corey said an Oklahoma medical examiner is attempting to identify the remains that have been recovered. Once the remains are released, Corey said the family will have them returned to Sioux City for a funeral and burial.

"It's pretty horrific when a parent has to bury their son, no matter how old he is," Corey said.
SIOUX CITY  Another former Sioux City Schools employee has been selected to serve on the Sioux City School Board.

Philip Hamman was selected Monday to fill the vacant Sioux City School Board position.

Phil Hamman Author Phil Hamman reads aloud from his book as he teaches sophomore Language Arts at East High School in this Journal file photo. Hamman was 

Hamman will serve in the position for less than four months, filling Perla Alarcon-Florys seat until the November election. Alarcon-Flory vacated her seat to move to Arkansas with her family due to the Dakota Dunes Tyson closure.

Hamman was a teacher at East High School for 37 years in special education and retired this May.

"I could have retired many years earlier but because of my love for education I wanted to see the kids have the best education they can have," he said. "Giving quality education to students has been my whole life."

Phil Hamman Author Phil Hamman teaches sophomore Language Arts at East High School in this Journal file photo.

He plans to continue teaching as a substitute in the coming year in addition to serving on the board, which he said gives him another opportunity to help students in their educational experience.

Hamman was chosen by the board in a 4-2 vote Monday night with Board Members Bob Michaelson, Jan George, Dan Greenwell and Taylor Goodvin voting in favor of him in the final round of balloting.

Sioux City Community Inclusion Liaison Semehar Ghebrekidan received two votes from Board Members Monique Scarlett and Bernie Scolaro. The decision came after only two rounds of voting.

Hamman attended the meeting over video but was sworn in immediately. He thanked the board for the opportunity to serve and said he will give 100 percent to the appointment.

"I'm humbled to be chosen over such great candidates," he said. Hamman indicated he plans to run for a full-term seat in November.

Phil Hamman Author Phil Hamman teaches sophomore Language Arts at East High School in this Journal file.

Hamman joins George, Michaelson and Scolaro as former Sioux City Schools employees on the board.

School Board President Dan Greenwell said the level of experience and knowledge of school operations these former employees bring to the board is beneficial.

"Each of them have over 20 years of experience, that has been something that has been incredibly helpful to the board," he said.

Hamman said he is up to date on what is going on in the district and can step into the job knowing what needs to be addressed in the district and has a strong love for teaching.

He believes a focus should be on raising the reading, writing and math scores. He also said one of his top priorities is looking at how to improve support for special education and English Language Learner students.

"We really need to stay focused on the classroom, the students, the teachers," he said.

Authors Phil and Sandy Hamman Authors Phil and Sandy Hamman show the cover art for "Gitchie Girl" in this January 2016 file photo.

With a degree in behavior and emotional disabilities, Hamman has worked closely with managing behavior and said he is an expert at managing classroom behavior without filling out discipline referrals.

This past school year, the district implemented a new cell phone policy that restricts the use of cell phones during school hours, as well as other behavior guidelines.

"We really saw our behaviors improve immensely in the high school," he said. "It was almost as if the students were waiting for somebody to give them more guidance on their behaviors."

Hamman said he likes the direction the current school board and administration are headed.

The board members on Monday thanked those who applied for the positions and encouraged the candidates to run for the five open seats that will be available in November.

Greenwell said he was thankful so many people applied for the position and it shows that people are invested in public education. He said his three priorities for a candidate were someone interested in running for the board in November, someone with broad experiences and who would be best for a short-term appointment.

Thirteen individuals ran for the open seat. The candidates include Chad Krastel, Maria Rundquist and Eric Boe, who ran for the last vacancy on the school board.

The list also includes:

Former school board candidates Shaun Broyhill and Ryan Baker;

Former Sioux City School Board Member John Meyers;

Sioux City School Board candidate Marguerite Cortez;

Sioux City Community Inclusion Liaison Semehar Ghebrekidan;

Former Northwest AEA speech pathologist Julie Berens and;

Community members Jebediah Hibbs, Justin Rhodes and Tashsa Cowan.

Julian Lee originally signed up for consideration, but withdrew his name before the meeting Monday, Greenwell said.

On Monday, each candidate was given a few minutes to speak about their qualifications and reasons for seeking the seat. They also answered questions from the board members.

School Board Member Taylor Goodvin asked each candidate if they are interested in running for the position in the fall.

Rundquist, Berens and Boe are undecided;

Hamman, Broyhill, Ghebrekidan, Cowan, Baker, Hibbs, Cortez, Rhodes and Meyers plan to run for a school board position in November.

Each of the candidates full interviews at Monday's board meeting can be viewed on the Sioux City Schools website.

When a school board member vacates their position early, the board has a few different options. They can hold a special election and allow voters to make the decision, or they can appoint someone to fill the remaining term.

Historically, the Sioux City School District has chosen to appoint an individual.

In August 2022 the school board had a vacancy that drew seven candidates. School Board Member Bernie Scolaro was chosen at the time to complete Juli Albert's term, which expires in November.

At this point, five of the seven school board seats will be up for election this year, including the seats held by Board President Dan Greenwell, Taylor Goodvin, Monique Scarlett, Bernie Scolaro and the seat vacated by Perla Alarcon-Flory.

The ballot will have two items and no one can run for both. They can either run for one of the four, four-year terms, or the one, two-year term, which is the remainder of Alarcon-Flory's seat.

Petitions to have your name placed on the ballot are due by Sept. 21. The election will take place on Nov. 2.
SIOUX CITY  Construction of new fiber optic internet service in Sioux City is approximately 25 percent complete.

Indiana-based Metronet began construction in Sioux City in the late summer of 2022.

Their goal is to complete the Sioux City build-out by the end of 2024.

We want to keep the foot on the gas, said Craig Zimmerman, Metronet government affairs manager.

Metronet coming to town Contractors work on installing pipes at the corner of Sergeant Road and South St. Aubin Street that will hold cables for Metronet's new fiber 

Mayor Bob Scott takes issue, though, with the manner in which the installation has proceeded.

"No public utility should be able to come into a town and not have to comply with or even tell us where they are digging," Scott said. "I find that totally unacceptable. They got a state franchise or whatever. You know you drive around our neighborhood and there are patches everywhere. They dont plant grass seed. They dont put sod back down. They leave their cable connections up above ground until they come back to hook them up. Thats not the way that they ought to do business. Were trying to do too much way too fast. And they are doing it with subcontractors and they are not very responsive to the neighbors."

Zimmerman sent a statement to the Journal in response to the mayor's complaints.

We understand construction can be disruptive, and that is why it is our goal to move through the construction process as quickly, safely and responsibly as possible," the statement said. "In an effort to provide full transparency and communicate with the city, our construction leadership meets with the Public Works and Engineering department on a regular basis to review construction progress and to address any concerns. If any residents have restoration or construction concerns, they may submit a ticket at www.sioux-city.org/metronet. All tickets are responded to within 24 business hours and are rectified within 8 business days when possible.

Metronet is available in 16 states and 250 communities. The company has a four-step process to keep homeowners updated on construction in their neighborhoods.

One of the things that we really emphasize at Metronet is communication and customer service, Zimmerman said. We have a four-point notification and communication process during neighborhood construction.

About 30-45 days before crews are in a neighborhood, residents receive a letter from the company. That is followed by a postcard 7-10 days before construction in a neighborhood begins.

The third step is a yard sign placed in the easement by the sidewalk.

That means that within 3 to 5 days our construction teams will be in the neighborhood.

Metronet coming to town Angel Dominguez, left, and Eddy Dominguez, right, install a junction box where three sets of pipes converge at the corner of Sergeant Road and

Then as work gets underway, larger signs placed at entrance and exits of neighborhood and residents will see trucks and equipment.

I will tell that there is not one city that is the same as the other. The geography is an issue. Theres aerial putting fiber on poles owned by a utility company. Theres fiber underground in some cases. Theres smaller rivers, bigger rivers, small bridges, big bridges, lots of variables, Zimmerman said.

He said Metronet is building in 30 Iowa communities and not one of them is the same.

The company is fully funding the $20 million project in Sioux City, he noted.

We are not waiting for federal money. We havent asked the city for any money. We arent asking taxpayers to fund this build. I think that says a lot, Zimmerman said.

Metronet coming to town Angel Dominguez removes excess pipe from the ground as he and a team of contractors install these pipes which will hold fiber optic cables for

Despite the company's goal for completion being more than a year away, some customers in Sioux City are already using Metronet service.

We do release as we go so we build a portion of the city, neighborhood areas that are typically around 200-500 homes and we release them as we go. So dont have to wait until the entire city has built out. There will be areas of the city that we build and release and continue to build and release, Zimmerman said.

There are advantages to fiber optic service, he said.

Fiber is to date the fastest and most reliable internet delivery service. We use a type that is the most future proof technology. As technology grows and as demand grows the fiber we are putting in the ground will work into the future. It is conceivable as demand grows and as the need grows there is going to be equipment that allows us to provide even faster speeds than we do currently.

Bob Scott Mayor Bob Scott

Fiber is stronger than copper, more impervious to weather and other hazards. Another benefit of fiber is that it is a dedicated symmetrical bandwidth service with upload and download speeds that are the same.

Zimmerman said other services will typically offer an upload speed thats higher and a download speed thats lower.

We feel this is the best technology that can be implemented, he said.
The new TikTok Text Post feature was released by the video platform on Monday, July 24. This means that TikTokers can now share their stories even if they don't have videos to upload.

TikTok Text Post Feature Arrives

According to Forbes, the new TikTok Text Post feature is a clear sign that the social media giant is challenging Twitter.

It is the latest platform to take on Twitter since Instagram already launched its text-only app called "Threads" recently.

Via its official Newsroom blog post, TikTok said that they are always looking for new ways to empower their creators and community.

The social media giant believes that it can do just that by providing more innovative tools that inspire self-expression.

"Today we're thrilled to announce the expansion of text posts on TikTok, a new format for creating text-based content that broadens options for creators to share their ideas and express their creativity," said TikTok.

The company added that the new Text Post feature can give the spotlight to the written creativity it saw in comments, captions, and videos.

Read Also: TikTok 'Anime Is Cats' Video Now Going Viral; Fans Ask If This Makes Them a Furry

How to Use TikTok Text Post Feature

CNET provided all the needed steps you can follow to use the new TikTok Text Post:

First, open your TikTok app via your mobile device. Then, click the Camera page. This will provide you with three options; text, video, and photo. Choose the Text option and type the words you want to post. After that, you can start customizing the text post. These include adding sounds, a location, putting stickers, etc. Once you are satisfied with your text post, you can now publish it so your followers can see your story.

TikTok provided all the features that empower its new Text Post enhancement. These include the following:

Tags and Hashtags

Stickers

Background Colors

Sounds

Draft and Discard

To learn more about Text Post's range of features, you can click here.

Related Article: Meta's Threads Releases First Update Following Explosive Launch, Bringing New Features

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An Iowa City hospital that is alleged to be in a financial freefall and on the brink of financial collapse may soon be placed in receivership.

One of the bondholders and biggest lenders for Mercy Hospital-Iowa City went to court on Monday seeking the appointment of a receiver who would take control over the assets of Mercy. Preston Hollow Community Capital, a specialty finance company that represents the bondholder, argues a receiver is needed to stem unsustainable financial losses at Mercy and avoid the closure of the 234-bed, acute care hospital.

In its court petition and in a separate written statement, Preston Hollow, which invested in Mercy five years ago and is now the hospitals largest senior secured creditor, placed the blame for the situation squarely on Mercys board of directors.

The firm said in its statement that the board has made a series of decisions that have put that mission at risk, along with the hospitals ability to meet its financial obligations to their talented team of nurses, doctors, and more.

The firm said because the board refused to shift its approach to address these issues, the hospital is now on the verge of insolvency. Preston Hollow said its hopeful that receivership will provide a framework for the rehabilitation and recapitalization of Mercy and ensure that its existing patients continue to receive the care they need.

Thomas R. Clancy, the hospitals CEO and president, told employees in an email Friday that we received notice from our bondholder  the equivalent of a bank that holds the mortgage on your home  that they consider Mercy-Iowa City in default on its bond agreements. We disagree with the notice, and our attorneys have responded with a letter that disputes their assertions and outlines our view of the facts.

Clancy said the hospital has made all of the payments on the bonds as required and reduced the hospitals costly reliance on traveling nurses by 30%, all while completing critical maintenance repairs and upgrades.

We are Iowa Citys only community hospital and have much to celebrate and honor  including 150 years of service to this community, Clancy said in his email.

While the hospital has yet to file a response to the court petition, lawyers for the hospital wrote to Preston Hollow on Friday and argued there had been no default that would warrant the appointment of a receiver. The letter indicates the hospital and its bondholder have been engaged in restructuring negotiations since February of this year and it calls for the parties to re-engage in a constructive dialogue.

Petition: Board members buried their heads in the sand

In its petition for receivership, Preston Hollow calls Mercy a vital community asset that, unfortunately, is in financial freefall.

The company alleges the nonprofit hospitals board of directors and management have made a series of decisions over the past several years that have placed the hospital on a path toward insolvency. According to the petition, Mercys liquidity has declined by $40 million, or 51%, over the past nine months and the hospital has a negative cash flow of roughly $2.6 million per month.

The hospitals own financial projections show that its liquidity will dwindle to less than $5 million  a level thats insufficient to pay the cost of ongoing operations  by late September, the petition alleges.

If action is not taken immediately, the hospital may be forced to cease operations and shutter, the petition states, adding that Preston Hollow has implored the board to initiate a financial turnaround plan before it falls off the financial cliff in September. The board and management have buried their heads in the sand, the petition alleges.

Preston Hollow is asking the court to appoint a receiver on an emergency basis in order to protect and preserve its collateral and to ensure the hospital remains operational for the safety and care of its patients.

Tax records show that the hospital finished the 2022 fiscal year $16.8 million in the red, taking in $177 million while spending almost $194 million. That was a dramatic shift from the previous year, when the hospital took in $10.4 million more than it spent.

According to those same records, the hospitals net assets or fund balances dropped precipitously over that same period, from $96.8 million in 2021 to $55.8 million in 2022.

The hospitals shifting financial situation appears to be tied to both a drop in revenue and an increase in expenses. For example, total revenue in 2022 was $177 million, which represented a sharp decrease from 2021s $193 million. Over that same period of time, spending increased by $11 million.

The tax records indicate that Sean Williams, the former chief executive officer of Mercy Hospital-Iowa City, was paid $972,326 in compensation by the hospitals management company, MercyOne, in 2022. There were five physicians who, in 2021, each collected more than half a million dollars in compensation from the hospital, according to the tax records.
A McCool Junction man will be extradited to Colorado on theft charges.

Tyler Cox, 30, is being held in York County on fugitive from justice charges. He's accused of theft of between $100,000 and $1 million, a felony, in Weld County, according to a Colorado warrant.

On Wednesday, Cox agreed to be extradited to Colorado, according to Nebraska court records. An extradition status hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 23. He's being held on a $100,000 cash or surety Colorado bond, Nebraska court records indicate.

According to the York County criminal complaint, Cox was a fugitive from justice in the county from around June 6 until last week when he was taken into custody.

Weld County is in north-central Colorado, located just north of the Denver area. Court records list a Centennial, Colorado, residence for Cox, which is on the southern side of the Denver metro.

Nebraska court records list a McCool Junction address as of May.

Cox is originally from the Denver area and attended college in York. He built a home in McCool Junction and has several rental properties in York. He opened Central Nebraska Auto Sales in York and said at the time he was also the owner of Nebraska/Central Equipment near Grand Island. On Friday, an employee with Nebraska/Central Equipment  a distributor for Blue Bird buses  said Cox wasn't the owner but had been a manager and was no longer employed by the company.

Central Nebraska Auto Sales has since closed and Cox filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Nebraska on May 10

In April, LincOne Federal Credit Union of Lincoln filed suit against Cox regarding a $60,300 loan for a 1970 Chevrolet Camaro from the credit union to Cox. According to the lawsuit, Cox took out the loan in September 2022 and as of March 30 owed $62,653. In an April letter to the court related to the lawsuit, Cox said he was working in Omaha.

Top Journal Star photos for July 2023
A Story County woman is suing a nurse practitioner who is criminally charged with pimping and human trafficking in connection with his Ankeny medical practice.

Police and prosecutors allege that for the past 15 years, Carl Markley of Ames, who ran the Wellness Clinic in Ankeny and several other businesses, recruited patients and other individuals to participate in sex acts, disguised as research, in exchange for money.

Separately, the Iowa Board of Nursing has alleged that over a period of two years, Markley wrote numerous prescriptions for controlled substances and ordered more than 14,000 tablets or capsules of medication from a nonprofit pharmacy that provides indigent people with unused medications in single-dose packages. During that same two-year period, the board alleges, Markley asked juvenile employees of his construction company to submit to unnecessary physical evaluations.

In a newly filed lawsuit, a Story County woman identified in court records only as Jane Doe is suing Markley for sexual battery, fraud, negligence and invasion of privacy.

Doe alleges she met Markley through her boyfriend, who worked at one of Markleys businesses and periodically volunteered to participate in projects intended to help Markley maintain his nursing license or expand his health care credentials. In July 2020, Doe and her boyfriend agreed to participate in a study Markley was conducting into the health of intimate couples, according to the lawsuit. During the couples seven or eight visits to the Ankeny clinic, the two allegedly submitted to physical examinations in return for cash payments of $50 to $80.

In April of this year, the lawsuit alleges, Doe was contacted by Ames police and shown an image of herself wearing a hospital gown in an examination room at the clinic. The image was allegedly pulled from a video recording shot by Markley using a hidden camera inside his examination room.

Markleys alleged study was merely a fraudulent device he used to lure participants to the clinic, the lawsuit claims, giving Markley repeated opportunities to exploit them for his personal sexual gratification.

Markley has yet to file a response to the lawsuit.

Criminal court records indicate that in March, police executed search warrants at Markleys home and business and seized several electronic devices, including a clock and pen with hidden cameras in them. On one device, they allegedly found a commercially produced pornographic video depicting actors portraying doctors and patients performing sex acts in a clinical setting. They also claim to have found text messages on Markleys phone in which he arranged to meet with people for sex-related research inside a storage closet of an apartment building that he owned.

Detectives also reported locating multiple photographic images of individuals that were allegedly taken by covert means inside Markleys clinic. One of the images is alleged to be of a male, with his genitals exposed, who later confirmed for police that the image was of him at the age of 15 or 16. As a result of those findings, Markley was charged with sexual exploitation of a minor.

Several days after that charge was imposed, Story County prosecutors charged Markley with human trafficking and four counts each of pimping, prostitution and invasion of privacy.

Court records indicate investigators have located documents dating back 15 years, to 2008, when Markley allegedly began engaging in commercial sexual activity. He has pleaded not guilty to all of the criminal charges.

Markley recently agreed to surrender his nursing license. No trial dates have been scheduled in the criminal proceedings.
More than a dozen Republican presidential contenders will converge in Des Moines on Friday for the Republican Party of Iowas annual Lincoln Dinner, the biggest gathering of the 2024 field in Iowa so far.

The event will feature 13 candidates who are looking for the support of Iowa Republicans in the 2024 presidential precinct caucuses.

Who is speaking?

Beginning at 6 p.m., each candidate will get 10 minutes to speak to the crowd of 1,200 in the Iowa Events Center. The speaking order is as follows:

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

South Carolina U.S. Sen. Tim Scott

Michigan businessman Perry Johnson

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum

Former Vice President Mike Pence

Former Texas U.S. Rep. Will Hurd

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez

Texas pastor and businessman Ryan Binkley

California talk show host Larry Elder

Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy

Former President Donald Trump

The only major candidate missing from the lineup is former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who has not campaigned in Iowa, instead focusing efforts on New Hampshire, the first primary state which will hold its primary shortly after Iowas caucuses.

The annual event is a major fundraiser for the Iowa GOP, and in presidential election years regularly draws candidates hoping to secure support in the first-in-the-nation caucus state. Tickets, which cost at least $150, are sold out, according to the events webpage.

With over 1,200 guests and 13 presidential candidates in attendance, this years Lincoln Dinner is going to be historic by marking the official kickoff for the 2024 caucus cycle to begin in earnest, Iowa GOP Chair Jeff Kaufmann said in a statement.

Iowa Democrats said the event would showcase candidates embracing far-right policies in desperate attempts to win over the MAGA base within their party.

As Democrats focus on strengthening the middle-class and protecting Americans freedoms, this field is busy fighting over who can propose the most extreme agenda of abortion bans and handouts to the ultra-wealthy, said Iowa Democratic Party Rapid Response Director Dawson McNamara-Bloom in a statement.

The after-parties

Following the main program, several candidates will host individual reception suites where attendees can mingle with other supporters and meet with the candidates.

Iowa voters can expect to see Nikki at our suite and enjoy our campaigns Southern hospitality when they get there, said Haley spokesperson Ken Farnaso.

Ryan Binkley will offer food and drinks in his suite, and will give further remarks and host a Q&A later in the evening, a campaign spokesperson said.

Other candidates hosting suites include Trump, Burgum, Johnson, Pence, Ramaswamy, Scott and Suarez.

Voters get access, party gets dollars

The event will give Republican voters a chance to hear the pitch from nearly every major Republican candidate as they weigh who to support in the caucuses, said Polk County GOP Chair Gloria Mazza.

To have them all together gives voters a chance to see them all at one time, without going to lots of events all over to find them, she said. They can do one-on-ones, but these are nice also. Its just another way, and its what Iowa does best.

The event is also a major revenue driver for the state party as it prepares to conduct the hundreds of precinct caucuses across 99 counties in January, Mazza said.

Vice President Kamala Harris to hold dueling event

Vice President Kamala Harris will be in Iowa on Friday as well to hold an event focused on abortion rights, the Des Moines Register first reported.

She will highlight the effects of a six-week abortion ban Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law this month, which is blocked from taking effect by a district court. The Iowa Supreme Court on Tuesday granted a request to review the temporary injunction on the law.

The event will be held in her official capacity as vice president, but Democratic National Committee spokesperson Ammar Moussa said it will offer a contrast to the messages offered at the Republican fundraiser.

Its a pretty stark split-screen, Moussa said. The vice president is coming to Iowa to speak to providers and highlight the huge ramifications of Iowas abortion ban, while Republicans are going to be gathering later that night to, essentially, celebrate the abortion bans made possible by Donald Trump.

Candidates hold events around Lincoln Dinner

Republican candidates also plan to hold events around the state in the days before and after the Lincoln Dinner.

DeSantis will appear in a bus tour hosted by the super PAC backing his candidacy, Never Back Down. The PAC will hold events in Chariton, Osceola and Oskaloosa between Thursday and Friday.

Scott will hold a town hall in Ankeny, alongside Republican Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, on Thursday, and Trump will join campaign organizers for the opening of his Iowa campaign headquarters on Friday evening, shortly before he takes the stage at the Iowa Events Center.

Photos: Trump returns to Iowa Monday at Adler Theatre in Davenport
Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Submit it here.

Dear Care and Feeding,

My younger sister and her husband have always been bad with finances and have a history of going to relatives to borrow money. This got more frequent after starting a restaurant. The reasons range from we cant make payroll to were going to be evicted to the freezer broke. The problem is, while those are believable reasons for the difficult restaurant business, recently, Ive been made aware that soon after getting the money, about twice a year, they go on extravagant vacations, posting social media pictures of themselves enjoying a $300 dinner for two, posing with strippers at a club, or going for a cruise with some very friendly people. This apparently has been going on for the past five years, so its not a sudden lapse in judgment.

My first reaction to this news was that if other people want to give them money, its none of my business, nor is it my business how they spend their money. That changed when my step-father was diagnosed with Alzheimers. Ive been trying to help my mother plan for the next stage of their lives, and I am getting a better picture of their financial situation. Moving into assisted living will strain my mothers finances to the limit, and she is no longer in a position to dole out money. She is in incredible shape for 80, and her side of the family is extremely long-lived, so the money she gives to my sister now increases the likelihood that my mother will end up destitute at some point. My mother, for her part, is aware the loans will never be repaid and knows that her daughter and son-in-law are bad with money, but she doesnt know the details. My mother is devoutly religious and frugal, and so undoubtedly would disapprove of every aspect of how my sister is actually spending the money.

After talking to someone who works in elder care, Ive been advised that not confronting my sister is tacit approval of what is essentially scamming my mother. I have been encouraging my mother to stop giving away money they will need, but have not told her about her daughters deceptions. Having the full picture of where her money was going would undoubtedly dissuade her from giving in the future, but it feels like tattling on my sister. Should I tell my mother shes been scammed? Should I confront my sister about her behavior? Right now, I have my hands full trying to encourage my parents to actively plan for what comes next rather than putting their hopes into being cured by a miracle drug.

Trying to Forget About Alzheimers

Dear Trying to Forget,

Your vulnerable and elderly mother is being scammed by her own adult offspring, and if you ask me, thats about as low as one can get. Youre absolutely rightif this is allowed to continue, it could leave your mom in a very bad financial spot, and that would be awful. The solution to this is pretty straightforward. You should confront your sister immediately and let her know that her behavior is unacceptable.

Before you take any action, you need to be absolutely sure that your sister is behaving this way, because if youre only going on rumors, youll end up irreparably damaging your relationship with her. Of course, youre probably going to damage your relationship with her by speaking out even if the allegations are true, but its better to come from a place of virtue instead of gossip mongering. (Its also worth noting that, even if your sister wasnt misusing this cash, your mom is no longer in a position to give out loans for the business eitherall requests need to stop now.)

In terms of how to handle the confrontation, you can say something along the lines of, I know youre spending moms money on other things besides your business. If things are as bad as you say they are for you financially, you shouldnt be posting selfies on lavish cruises and at strip clubs. Its absolutely despicable of you to put our mothers future on the line to fund your lifestyle, and Im not going to stand for it anymore. Ill give you the courtesy of not telling mom about this right now, but if I hear of you doing this again, I will tell her immediately afterwards.

The last thing you should worry about is being a snitch or a tattletale, because you are unquestionably doing the right thing. Dishing out tough love is never easy, and your sister may hate you for itbut once she grows up and learns some accountability, she should come around. Hopefully that will happen for everyone involved, but her crappy money management and morals are not an excuse for behaving this way.

Want Advice on Parenting, Kids, or Family Life?

Submit your questions to Care and Feeding here. Its anonymous! (Questions may be edited for publication.)

Dear Care and Feeding,

My fiance and I are having a disagreement over dog care, and Im afraid its a bad sign for parenting any future children together. (We both want to have kids someday.) A year ago, we got a puppy, Max. Max is greathes sweet, smart, and easy to train. A couple months ago, we started taking him to two local dog parks. He loves it so much that when we say Max, do you wanna go to the dog park? he jumps up excitedly, grabs his lease, and waits by the door.

But I think we should stop taking him. There have been numerous incidents where someone brings their aggressive dog to the dog parkthey either dont care, are deluded he just wants to play! types, or think they can train it out of their dog. Weve had several close calls where Max narrowly missed being harmed, and we saw another dog get a bite that broke the skin. Its not every time, but its enough that Im done. I think its too dangerous, and we should find another way for Max to socialize and run around off-leash. My fiance thinks we shouldnt deprive Max of something he loves out of fear of something that may not ever happen.

Were at an impasse. How do you resolve a situation where one parent (or in our case, dog owner) thinks an activity is too dangerous but the other disagrees? Am I crazy for wondering if this disagreement should have me reconsidering things about our future together? Does this mean our risk tolerances are too fundamentally different for us to have kids together?

The Cautious One

Dear Cautious One,

I tend to side with your fiances perspective on this. The bottom line is we cant protect our loved ones from every danger in life, and sometimes bad things happen if they explore the world. If your dog park is anything like the one in my neighborhood, its overrun with doggos of varying sizes and temperaments, and there are times when tussles take place. I have a 14-pound dog that sometimes gets bullied by bigger dogs, and as the owner, Ill usually step in if I see that it escalates beyond the point of playing around. You could also do the same. The fact that Max finds so much joy at the dog park should be reason enough to keep sending him back, right? Life is too short to create monsters that dont exist.

Since this is a parenting column, and Im not one of those people who believe dog parenting and human parenting are the same, lets talk about what life would be like if you had children. I can totally appreciate that you wouldnt want your kids to get hurt, because I feel the same way as a dadbut I think it comes down to what you deem to be dangerous. Are we talking about going down a slide headfirst or sticking a wet fork in an electrical socket? The latter could get a kid killed, but the former is just a rite of passage in childhood that 99 percent of kids have done in their lifetimes and should be embraced.

Kids will lick doorknobs, eat snot, and roll in dirt. They will also break bones, get in trouble, and make us question out loud, how could you think doing something so stupid was a good idea?! But thats what makes parenting so cool, in my opinion. When a kid breaks their arm by showing off to their friends at the playground, they learn not to do it again. Theres no greater teacher in the world than experience, and if we remove all obstacles from our kids lives, they wont grow into functional, self-sufficient adults.

This is a long-winded way of saying that you may have to loosen the leash a little (pun completely intended) on Max, your fiance, and your future children. Obviously you shouldnt let a toddler make scrambled eggs for herself on the stovetop, but normal exploration is a part of life and in the overwhelming majority of cases, everyone turns out okay.

Catch Up on Care and Feeding

 If you missed Mondays column, read it here.

 Discuss this column in the Slate Parenting Facebook group!

Dear Care and Feeding,

Im a 45-year-old father of one 7-year-old, and being her father has been the greatest joy I have known. I had a pretty rough go of life before she came along. For as long as I can remember, I have struggled with depression and learning disabilities, feelings of worthlessness and suicidal ideation. My parents divorced when I was in middle school, and I was so relieved. My parents were verbally cruel to each other and abusive to my brother Jake and me. Jake and I both developed into acute alcoholics, and my mental illness became more severe every year. Neither of our parents have ever shown contrition for our childhood or anything else.

When my daughters mom Becky got pregnant, my parents became more regular in our lives. Six years ago, Becky and I separated, and shortly after I went back to AA. Almost two years later I was finally diagnosed as bipolar 1. My daughter, therapy, medication and the 12 steps have changed my life. The black hole in the middle of my steps is still my parents. Our problems are irreconcilable, and having them in my life is a destructive force, so we are estranged. Its not because I dislike them, its because they are actively harmful to my mental health. Still, Becky believes that our daughter should have a relationship with my parents and the two visit them regularly. I dont see this as necessary or beneficial in any way to me or my daughter. How do convey to Becky how much Im triggered by this? Or do I suck it up?

Recovering In Rhode Island

Dear Recovering,

I know this situation is triggering to you, but its also triggering to me as someone who actively deals with depression and used to have a drinking problem. What is Becky thinking? In no universe should you have to suck up anything that causes this level of emotional trauma. Were talking about your parents, not hersso you have every right to demand that the visits stop if thats what you want. Theres no way you can be the best version of yourself for your daughter if you constantly have to deal with mental anguish every time your mom and dad enter the picture.

Regarding how to speak to Becky, I would be firm, vulnerable, and honest. You can say something like, Ive dealt with a lot of mental illness challenges in my life, and my parents played a large role in my struggles. I dont want our daughter around that level of toxicity, so from this point forward, she is not allowed to visit them. We are talking about my parents, so I should call the shots on this, not you.

You mentioned youre separated from Becky, so Im wondering if shes engaging your parents as a not-so-passive aggressive way to get back at you in some regard. Im not a family law attorney, but I would suggest reaching out to one if she refuses your request to stop bringing your daughter around your parents. No matter what you do, you shouldnt let this slide. Do whatever you can to set strong boundaries for yourself and your daughter.

Dear Care and Feeding,

I have two young children and live a 7-hour drive away from my mom, who lives alone after my dad passed away 15 years ago. We are close, and talk every day. However, she struggles being far away from us and we cannot get together often, so she leans into gift-giving as her love language. I appreciate it, but she also makes it clear that she wants a project (she loves finding a good deal) and tells me most days about how bored she is. She will always ask me, have the kids pick something out. Once I say something like, Kid X needs new shoes, and would appreciate any kind of slip-ons in Size 10. Thank you! It starts a huge shopping project of price comparisons and color choices and whether or not it is Kohls cash eligible. More often than not, theres some kind of sale that we just missed or coupon that doesnt work and I hear about it literally every day.

I try to be patient and remind myself that she is lonely and bored, but also really resent the extra project on my plate as a working mother of two. It would take me less than 5 minutes to just order it myself and we thankfully can afford it. When I do just order new clothes for the kids (which I like to do as well!), shell often ask why didnt I tell her they needed it so she could get it instead. As an added element, she refuses to send me links but rather photos of her computer, which results in a kind of Google scavenger hunt. Is there anything I can (or should?) do about this or just acknowledge it as a quirky older generation thing? If I lived closer would the hours I spend on these projects instead be spent taking her on errands anyway? Thank you for perspective!

I Have Amazon, Too

Dear I Have Amazon,

I dont want to invalidate your feelings, because I totally get how annoying it can be to traverse down shopping rabbit holes when you could be doing something else. However, I think this is definitely the coping behavior of a person who is experiencing extreme loneliness and wants to find fulfillment through her love language.

One option is to avoid having her give gifts that have personality to them, such as shoes, clothing, or backpacks, because all of those involve the extra project management work of selecting styles, prices, etc. that youre not interested in dealing with. Instead, focus on practical, boring gifts like pens, notebooks, or folders for back-to-school time that she could buy on her own without any major discussions with you.

Another option is to tell her that it would be easier for you to just buy the stuff the kids need, she can send you the money, and you can tell the kids that it all came from her. Granted, that probably wouldnt fly at first with a person who loves giving gifts, but if you gently tell her that you dont have the bandwidth to handle the back and forth with her, eventually she will come around.

There is room to compromise, though. For example, you could involve her in the process by sending her three photo options of slip-ons in size 10 and have her select which one to get for your child. Then shell feel like she did something. (I hope my mom isnt reading this, because I do this with her all of the time.)

Last, but not leastI would do everything in my power to spend more in-person time with her, especially as the kids get a little older. Sure, the phone calls are great, but there are no substitutes for hugs and family dinners for a lonely grandparent. I realize this isnt an easy thing, but have you considered having your mother come live with or near you? I have no idea, of course, if thats something you (or she) would want, but it does seem like having her closer would help ease her loneliness and give you an extra hand in raising the kidsjust something to consider!

Doyin

More Advice From Slate

Since my daughter married Chris, she has turned into a different person. It started on her wedding day, when she got drunk and screamed at me for always putting her down after I made a (not insulting!) comment about her non-traditional dress. That was four years ago, and things have gotten worse since then
During the early months of Joe Bidens presidency, a series of news reports revealed that his White House dog Major, a German shepherd, would not stop biting staff members, particularly members of the Secret Service, even after briefly being sent to the Biden home in Delaware for dont bite people training. Eventually, in December 2021, Major was shipped out to live in a quieter environment with family friends as the White House welcomed a new cat and a German shepherd puppy named Commander.

Unfortunately, Commander appears to have the same problem that Major did (biting people). From the New York Post, which has owned the Secret Service agents upset about being bitten by Joe and Jill Bidens dogs beat:

President Bidens nearly 2-year-old German shepherd Commander bit seven people in a four-month period after former first dog Major was ousted from the White House over similar aggressive behavior, according to internal Secret Service communications reviewed by The Post.

According to correspondence released to the right-wing group Judicial Watch through Freedom of Information Act requests, Commander has bitten a number of Secret Service officers, a security technician, and an EMT. A spokesperson for Jill Biden, in a statement, said that the Bidens are working through ways to make this situation better for everyone and described the White House and its grounds as a unique and often stressful environment for family pets.

Now, two things can be true at once in this situation:

Dog bites can cause serious complications and the Bidens may be erring by keeping animals with aggressive, protective personalities in an environment in which they are frequently confronted by strangers who are moving toward the humans they know and trust.

The New York Posts 1,500-word piece, which quotes the leader of Judicial Watch describing the bites as evidence of corruption and abuse that raises fundamental questions about President Biden, is perhaps a little much.

In conclusion, other headline possibilities for this subject include Bite-n Crime Family and Dark Bran-dog. OK, thanks for reading our news websitecome back soon!
Only a few weeks have passed since the Supreme Courts devastating decision in 303 Creative v. Elenis, and it has already inspired more anti-LGBTQ+ attacks in courts around the country. And, because the courts permission to discriminate was so ambiguousawarded to any business that can convince the courts that it sells something expressivethe ensuing assaults rapidly spread beyond web designing, outside of the wedding industry, and to more than same-sex couples.

Just a week after the release of 303 Creative, the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty submitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit a Notice of Supplemental Authority in Fitzgerald v. Roncalli High School, weaponizing 303 Creative against an LGBTQ+ employee of a private religious high school. It argued that the web designers victory in that case legitimizes the termination of a female counselor who is married to another woman due to the high schools freedom of speech. (Soon after, the 7th Circuit ruled for the school regardless of the new authority, yet the case has clearly already been added to the anti-LGBTQ+ arsenal to be used in private employment disputes.)

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Related From Slate Americans Want the Supreme Court to Stop Behaving Like This Read More

Next followed the Alliance Defending Freedom, the conservative advocacy group that represented the web designer in 303 Creative as part of a nationwide legal strategy to sue states and localities preemptively to undo years of anti-discrimination law. In this latest instance, the ADF returned to two lower courts that were also part of this strategy, seeking to extend its accomplishment to commercial photographers.

In a case pending at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, the ADF submitted a supplementary brief on behalf of a business called Chelsey Nelson Photography that is litigating against Louisville. Appallingly, the photographers website already carries an offensive (virtual) sign declaring: I dont photograph same-sex weddings. Now, the ADF asks the court to apply 303 Creative and rule that the photographer can keep the sign and start refusing to serve same-sex couples.

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A day later, the ADF also submitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit a supplemental letter brief arguing that 303 Creative resolves the appeal of Emilee Carpenter, a young New York photographer who also seeks to discriminate due to her religious beliefs. It claimed that Under 303 Creative, New Yorks nondiscrimination laws pertaining to the businesses are per se unconstitutional. Astonishingly, the ADF additionally asserted that 303 Creative provides workable boundaries for determining when public-accommodation laws compel speech. But, while photographers may be similar enough to web designers, the Supreme Courts decision never attempted to set any such boundaries. In fact, Justice Neil Gorsuch admitted in his opinion that determining what qualifies as expressive activity protected by the First Amendment can sometimes raise difficult questions. He then explicitly avoided these questions by relying instead on the parties stipulations.

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This avoidance became more meaningful when it turned out that immediately after releasing its decision, the court ordered the Court of Appeals of Oregon to reconsider its ruling regarding a bakery, Sweet Cakes by Melissa, that refused to sell a wedding cake to a same-sex couple. This was already a strong suggestion of how wide the umbrella of expressiveness might be. Then, a few days ago, the ADF filed its own attempt to add bakeries to the list of businesses exempted from the demands of equality.

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This recent strike, however, is more ambitious: It is made outside of the wedding realm and aims at ordinary birthday cakes. It also expands the battle to transgender people, targeting Autumn Scardina, who wanted to celebrate her birthday with a pink-and-blue cake. The bakery in question, however, is familiar. It is the one the ADF once represented in Masterpiece Cakeshop, when a less conservative court refused to grant a general exemption from nondiscrimination laws. But now, armed with a new license to discriminate issued by a conservative supermajority, the ADF submitted a response to a notice of supplemental authority in Colorados Supreme Court. In it, the ADF claims that 303 Creative controls here, even as it clearly tries to apply it much beyond the limits the decision sets on the government by extending it to private litigation between a discriminating business and the person it severely injured.

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All those immediate efforts to expand the impact of 303 Creative against LGBTQ+ people are highly distressing, especially as they join countless other hostilities directed at the community. Equally daunting is the question of what comes next. The freedom of speech is broad enough, as the majority stated, to protect even the most despicable views, covering speakers whose motives others may find misinformed or offensive, which includes even participants in a Nazi parade. So, as the dissent highlighted, businesses might try to use the decision not only against LGBTQ+ people, but also against any person, because of race, sex, national origin, or other protected characteristic. Sadly, as the days after the decision have already shown, this invites a resurrection of a segregated marketplace in which additional attempts to legitimize other forms of mistreatment and offensive NO [FILL IN THE BLANK] signs are only a matter of time.

Recognizing that there is already such a concerted effort to expand 303 Creative on the conservative side is important not only to sound an alarm. It should also remind us that, as Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote, we are not powerless in the face of the decision. We could and should attempt to block those efforts, and any others surely to comeboth in the courts of law and in the courts of public opinion.
This week, Israels parliament passed a judicial reform law that hundreds of thousands of people have been protesting against, in the nations streets, for the past six months. The law overhauls the judiciarys powers, removing some of the only checks and balances on the prime minister and legislature. The laws opponents believe the Supreme Courts checks areor wereessential to the countrys democracy and to the rights and safety of its secular citizens, Palestinians, other non-Jews, women, and LGBTQ+ people. Many fear that the reforms threaten to turn Israel, currently governed by arguably the most religious, right-wing government in its history, into a theocracy or a dictatorship. The protesters have blocked highways, gone on nationwide strikes, and pulled their money out of the nations banks. In response, Israeli police have used increasingly violent tactics in attempts to suppress protesters. While the demonstrations show no signs of abating, the leaders who passed the law likewise show no signs of backing down.

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Back in May, Foreign Policy published an article about what the conflict could teach the U.S. about democratic backsliding and confronting a constitutional crisis. Weve reprinted a portion of the piece below.

Over the past four months, in an extraordinary display of national resolve and resistance, millions of Israelis have rallied in the streets to protest their governments efforts to revolutionize the judiciary. Because Israel does not have a written constitution or bicameral parliament, these so-called reforms, if enacted, would eviscerate an independent judiciary, remove the one check and balance standing in the way of unbridled government power, and fundamentally undermine Israels democratic system.

In a recent conversation with one of the authors, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak noted that the behavior of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government during the current crisis evoked thoughts of the U.S. Capitol insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021.

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Can the United States learn anything from Israel in its own efforts to stop democratic backsliding and combat a future constitutional crisis in the event, for example, that a president seeks to hold on to power, overturn the results of a free and fair election, and threaten the very essence of constitutional government?

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At first glance, the sheer size of the United States and fundamental differences between the two countries political cultures and governance systems might appear to render comparisons moot, if not irrelevant. But a closer look reveals important takeaways from Israels situation that are worth considering. If Israelis succeed in checking this judicial juggernaut, and even if they dont, there are lessons for Americans should U.S. liberal democracy be seriously threatened.

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The biggest takeaway from what has been happening in Israel has to do with the size, tactics, and endurance of the protests themselves. For months, the world has watched Israelis engage in sustained, massive, nonviolent protests and civil disobedience in cities and towns across the country, drawing participants from nearly all sectors of society.

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The scale, scope, and composition of these demonstrations are unprecedented in the countrys history. Hundreds of thousands regularly attend the protests, which are largely grassroots demonstrations, locally organized, and with former officials and intellectuals recruited to speak. On April 1, close to 450,000 Israelis took to the streets. That is close to 5 percent of the population, roughly equivalent to 17 million Americans. A recent poll showed that 20 percent of all Israelis have protested at one time or another against the judicial coup.

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Given the vast disparity in country size, replicating this kind of sustained protest movement is no easy matter. As a point of comparison, the Womens March on Washington on Jan. 21, 2017, drew between 1 and 1.6 percent of the U.S. population. But that doesnt mean this is impossible. Indeed, the Black Lives Matter protests that took place in the United States in the summer of 2020 were largely spontaneous and may have included as many as 26 millionand perhaps moreprotesters in total.

Size is critical, but so is the character of demonstrations. The essential element is nonviolence. As Erica Chenoweth and Maria J. Stephan have demonstrated in studying civil resistance movements that occurred between 19002006, using nonviolent tacticswhich can include protests, boycotts, and civil disobedienceenhances a movements domestic and international legitimacy, increases its bargaining power, and lessens the governments efforts to delegitimize it. Although the vast majority of Black Lives Matter protests were peaceful (despite the false or misleading media and government claims to the contrary), there were acts of violence, looting, and rioting. Any future protest movement in the United States must shun this kind of destructive behavior.

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The Israeli movements endurance and persistence have also been an asset. The struggle for democracy is not a 100-yard dashas demonstrated in other countries, such as Serbia. In Israels case, the perception that the so-called judicial reform wasnt just some technical adjustment to the political system, but rather a fundamental threat to Israelis way of life, sustained the protests. The profound anger and mistrust toward the Netanyahu government further catalyzed Israelis from virtually all sectors of society to turn out in the streets.

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Related From Slate The Women of Israel Will Not Let Their Country Backslide Into Theocracy Without a Fight Read More

A second essential part of the response to the judicial legislation in Israel has been the active participation of military reservists who have signed petitions, participated in protests, and boycotted their formal and volunteer reserve duty. These reservists play a critical role in both intelligence and air force operations that are key to the current security challenges Israel faces.

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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is the most respected institution in the country. In fact, what led Netanyahu to pause the judicial legislation was the surge of protests that followed his (since rescinded) decision to fire Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Gallant had publicly called for a halt to the judicial overhaul, arguing that it was jeopardizing Israels security. Adding to the pressure, a host of former IDF chiefs of staff, commanders, and former directors of Mossad have publicly opposed the judicial legislation. And even active, lower-level Mossad employees have been given permission to participate in the protests.

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Such actions by former and current government officials are precisely what is needed to imbue the protests with additional legitimacy and to amplify the seriousness of the moment. Active members of IDF units have not refused to serve, and were not recommending that active U.S. military units join protests. Indeed, given the U.S. tradition of the subordination of military to civilian authority, uniformed military would be hard-pressed to intervene in a political crisis.

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Still, before the November 2020 election, when thenU.S. President Donald Trump refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power pending the results, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley issued a public statement that the military had no role in an election and would obey the lawful orders of our civilian leadership. And senior military officials might well publicly remind the U.S. militaryas the Joint Chiefs of Staff did in the wake of the Capitol insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021that their mission is to defend the U.S. Constitution.

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At the same time, civil servants from throughout the federal government should consider joining the protests, and have their organizational representatives (the American Foreign Service Association at the Department of State, for example) issue statements in support. These employees need not resign, at least at first, but they should make clear their nonpartisan opposition to efforts to undermine the rule of law and constitutional norms. The nonpartisan nature of these actions would be reinforced if they involved not just federal employees in Washington, but also the much larger workforce throughout the country. Furthermore, calls to protest could also involve state employees, particularly if the constitutional crisis stemmed from state action.

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Third is the importance of strikes. The HistadrutIsraels largest trade union, with an estimated 800,000 memberscalled for a general strike that followed more limited strikes in the preceding months. That decision shut down departures from Ben Gurion Airport. Israels research universities and medical facilities (all public hospitals and community clinics) also called to strike, in addition to the closing of banks, businesses, and restaurants (including the ever-popular McDonalds).

These tactics worked in Israel because, along with other measures (such as closing highways through acts of civil disobedience), they communicated to government ministers and Knesset members that unless they reassessed the situation, the country would shut down, with grave economic and political consequences. The tech sector had already begun to express major concerns that judicial reform as envisioned by the Netanyahu government could turn Israels image as a start-up nation into one of a shut-down nation, raising risks that foreign investment might be curtailed and Israeli entrepreneurs might decide to move out of the country.

Read the rest of the article over at Foreign Policy.
As we await a likely federal grand jury indictment of Donald Trump for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, a June 27 Supreme Court decision has created an intriguing possibilitythat one key set of criminal charges could rest on Trumps threat-by-tweet to his vice president while the violent mob was inside the Capitol: Mike Pence didnt have the courage to  protect our Country.

By report, one of three potential charges specified in special counsel Jack Smiths July 16 target letter to Trump was for conspir[ing] to injure, threaten, or intimidate a person  in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured by the Constitution or laws of the United States or because of his or her having exercised such a right.

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Note particularly the words threaten and intimidate. Heres the theory under which an indictment might allege that Trumps Jan. 6 tweet at 2:24 p.m. was a threat or attempt to intimidate Pence, to deprive himand through him the voters whose ballots his role was designed to countof the free exercise of a constitutional right.

Under the 12th Amendment, the vice president has the right (and duty) to preside over the Joint Session of Congress to certify the vote electing the next president, and to ensure that the electoral votes are lawfully counted.

Only minutes before the Jan. 6 joint session began at 1:05 p.m., Pence had notified Trump that he would, as vice president, exercise that right, contrary to the then presidents bidding to ignore the actual vote and send the electors back to the states. Pence said he lacked unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not.

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Trumps 2:24 pm tweet came 11 minutes after the mob breached the Capitol. It also came, according to the House Jan. 6 committee, after White House chief of staff Mark Meadows had notified Trump of the violence.

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Trump plainly had in mind one or more of three aims. First, for a final desperate time, to directly intimidate and threaten Pence to bend to Trumps will by using the mob in the Capitol.

Second, to inflame the insurrectionists so they would threaten or intimidate Pence to surrender his right as presiding officer to have the votes lawfully counted.

Third, to wreak revenge on Pence for not yielding should the first two aims fail. That would constitute an attempt to punish Pence for exercising his constitutional rightand by proxy that of American votersanother violation of the statute.

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Lets focus now on how the June 27 Supreme Court ruling bears on this potential way to charge the civil rights statute. In Counterman v. Colorado, the court held 72 that a mental state of recklessness for threatening violence is sufficient to prove true threats, words that lie outside the bounds of the First Amendments protection. Recklessness means that the person issuing the threat consciously disregarded a substantial risk that his communications would be viewed as threatening violence.

That shoe fits Trump like custom footwear measured and made in Milan. Indeed, in Watts v. United States, the leading case on what takes a threat out of the realm of free-speech protection, the court identified three factors to determine whether a threat was real or hyperbole: 1) the context in which it was issued; 2) whether there were conditions attached; and 3) the reaction of listeners or the recipient.

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The context on Jan. 6 made absolutely clear that Trumps words were meant to put a target on Pences back. With the raging Capitol mob already inside the halls of Congress, Trumps ripping Pence for lack of courage was reckless beyond imagination.

As for conditionality, the tweet included none. It was unlike the defendants statement in Watts, in which a war protester said that if he were inducted into the Army (an event he said would never happen) and if he had President Lyndon Johnson in his sights (he wasnt armed), he would shoot.

As for listeners, Sarah Matthews, White House communications aide, saw the tweet in real time and testified to the Jan. 6 committee that it was pouring gasoline on the fire. Deputy national security adviser Matthew Pottinger resigned on the spot.

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Meanwhile, Meadows top aide, Cassidy Hutchinson, testified to the committee that she heard Meadows say Trumps reaction to the Hang Mike Pence chants was that his vice president deserves it. This was in line with Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthys reported description of Trump reacting approvingly to the mobs violent threats.

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The committee reported that another set of key listeners, the mob inside and outside the Capitol, surged immediately after Trump sent the tweet.

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Even Mike Pence, who has avoided calling the presidents actions criminal, said they were reckless, the Supreme Courts precise new standard under Counterman.

As always, Trump has defended his outrageous conduct. When ABCs Jonathan Karl asked Trump if he was worried about his supporters in the Capitol mob chanting Hang Mike Pence, Trump answered, No. I thought he was well protected.

In fact, as the Jan. 6 committee reported, Pence was not evacuated to a security space in the Capitol until two minutes after Trumps tweet. Pence avoided the mob by just 40 feet.

Only after the indictment is filed will we know the specific allegations supporting the charge of conspiring to deprive someone of their rights and privileges under the law. Smith and the grand jury have many options. But as for making Trumps Molotov-cocktail tweet of Jan. 6 a focal point, the Supreme Court has opened a door.
Consequences of the attack in Moscow. Photo: Reuters



The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that prevented an attempt by the regime in Kiev to carry out a terrorist act over Moscow with two aircraft carriers. They added that they were shot down and that there were no casualties. According to Russian news agencies, one fell near the Russian Ministry of Defense in the center of the Russian capital, while the other hit a business center.

The mayor of Moscow Sergey Sobyanin announced that the attack took place around 4 a.m. local time and that there were no casualties.

Russia reserves the right to respond decisively to drone attacks on the capital Moscow and the Crimean peninsula, the Kremlin announced later. We assess these events as terrorist methods to intimidate the civilian population of Ukrainian political and military leaders, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced. Behind the daring actions of the Ukrainian neo-Nazis is the desire of the West to worsen the situation in the conflict in Ukraine, they added, while promising that it would be Moscow found and punished all those responsible.

Rocket attack on Odesa on Sunday

The attack came a day after Kiev vowed to respond to Russias missile attack on the Black Sea port city of Odessa on Sunday, which killed two people and damaged an Orthodox cathedral in the historic center of the UNESCO-listed city.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced retaliatory measures in a speech on Sunday evening. He assured that Moscow will definitely feel the consequences, stressing that the targets of Russian missiles are not only cities, villages or people. Their target is humanity and the foundations of the entire European civilization, he emphasized.

Moscow and its surroundings, which are about 500 kilometers from the border with Ukraine, have been the target of attacks by Ukrainian forces several times this year. drones.

Second drone attack in Crimea in three days

A Ukrainian drone attack on an ammunition depot is reported from the occupied Crimean peninsula, with Russian forces shooting down or electronically disabling 11 drones over the peninsula, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014.

It is currently unclear whether the ammunition depot was directly hit drone or damaged by its falling debris. The pro-Russian governor of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov said that a residential building was damaged in the area, and road and rail traffic was suspended for safety reasons.

It was the second such attack in Crimea in the past three days, after a drone exploded at an ammunition depot in the central part of the peninsula on Saturday, prompting authorities to evacuate people nearby and briefly halt road traffic on a bridge linking the peninsula to Russia.

Training of members of the pro-Russian militia in Crimea. Photo: Reuters



Russia once again destroyed a grain warehouse in Odessa

In a nighttime drone attack on the port infrastructure near the Ukrainian city of Odesa on the Black Sea, Russian forces destroyed a grain warehouse, the Southern Command of the Ukrainian Army announced on the Telegram social network.

As reported by the Ukrainian army, the attack with drones Iranian made Shahed-136 on the port infrastructure lasted almost four hours and that tanks for storing other types of cargo were also damaged in the attack. Three drones was shot down by Ukrainian anti-aircraft defense. According to initial information, four port workers were injured.

Russia is attacking the area regions Odessa has strengthened since withdrawing from an international agreement on the export of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea a week ago. During this period, according to the Ukrainian side, it destroyed more than 60,000 tons of grain in attacks on warehouses. After withdrawing from the agreement, Moscow announced that it would treat ships sailing towards Ukrainian ports from where they export grain as military targets.

Western countries were critical of Russias decision. They called on Moscow to avoidance deterioration of global food security, changes the decision and continues cooperation in the agreement. These are Kiev and Moscow with the intervention of the United Nations and Turkey concluded last July and extended it three times.

For a new extension, Moscow requires the removal of obstacles to the export of Russian grain and fertilizers.

Putin raised the maximum age for conscripting reservists

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law raising the maximum age for conscription of military reservists. The law increased the age limit for everyone by five years, according to todays announcement on the Russian government website.

Soldiers will be able to be called into service until the age of 55, officers until the age of 60, senior officers until the age of 65, and generals until the age of 70.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu already indicated last year that there could be changes in this area. At the time, Moscow was considering raising both the minimum and maximum age for enlistment, which, according to some estimates, would increase the number of members of the Russian armed forces from the current 1.15 million to 1.5 million.

Because of the war in Ukraine, Putin ordered a partial military mobilization in the fall, calling up 300,000 reservists. The mobilization revealed serious shortcomings in the Russian army, and many Russians avoided military service by fleeing abroad. Since then, Moscow has denied the possibility of a new mobilization.
An Ohio police dog brutally mauled a Black man despite him surrendering to the cops. The dog attack incident happened after Jadarrius Rose, 23 years old, was being chased by the police.

Ohio Police Chases Black Man Due to Missing Rear Mud Flap

According to NBC News, Rose was being chased by around 20 police officers who were armed. The Black man said that they were pointing their guns directly at his truck. He was able to call 911 dispatchers during the chase and made at least two calls.

"So now I'm trying to figure out why they got their guns all pointed at me and they're all white people," said Jadarrius to a Pickaway County dispatcher.

Based on the incident report from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Black man was being apprehended because his semi-truck was missing a left rear mud flap.

After the lengthy chase, police officers and vehicles were able to stop the man's truck and surrounded him. This is where things got worse.

Read Also: 'Top Gun' Pilot Jailed Down Under: Ex-Marine Fights to Stay in Australia After Allegedly Training Chinese Pilots

Ohio Police Dog Mauls Mr. Rose

BBC reported that the incident was recorded by the bodycam and dashcam worn by the police officers. After cornering Rose, one of them can be heard ordering the man to get on the ground or he'll get bitten by the dog.

Meanwhile, another cop said to the police dog handler not to release the dog since Rose's already had his hands up. Unfortunately, the K9 handler still decided to release the police dog.

The dog's handler was identified to be R. Speakman; a Circleville police officer. After Speakman instructed his dog to attack the Black guy, a bodycam video showed that the K9 mauled Jadarrius.

Mr. Rose can be heard screaming loudly as the dog pulls his arm and continues to bite him.

Circleville Mayor McIlroy said that he doubts that Speakman was wearing his bodycam during the dog attack.

As of writing, the police officer was placed on paid administrative leave for five days.

The Circleville Police Department announced that a use of force review board is already investigating the dog attack.

Findings are expected to be released before July ends.

Related Article: Cold Case Breakthrough: Retired Pastor, 83, Charged With 8-Year-Old Pennsylvania Girl's Death During Bible Camp in 1975

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Former President of the United States Barack Obama and his wife Michelle are mourning the death of their personal chef. Tafari Campbell died in a vulture accident near Obamas Katama estate not far from Marthas Vineyard, they said in a statement. He was 45 years old. Campbell was an assistant chef at the White House and later joined the Obama household.

Tafari was a beloved part of our family. Our hearts are broken that he is gone, are in a statement to the magazine People announced the former president and former first lady Michelle. Massachusetts State Police, who confirmed Campbells death, said in a news release that they Campbellwho was from Dumfries, Virginia, was found by divers.

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Divers perform rescue after Massachusetts police find victims body using sonar, the police announced, adding that the body was found near the shore. Mr. Campbell was visiting Marthas Vineyard at the time of his death. The President and his wife were not present on the property at the time of the accident, they confirmed in a press release.

Emergency services were notified the day before the body was discovered that the man had gotten into trouble with the vulture and had sunk below the waters surface, struggled briefly to stay above the water, then fainted and never resurfaced.

READ MORE An armed man was arrested near Obamas house: We surrounded these losers!

The spouses also paid tribute to Chef Campbell Obamawho wrote in a press statement: When we first met him, he was a talented assistant chef at the White Housecreative and passionate about food and its ability to bring people together. In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, oddly kind person who made all of our lives a little better. So when we left the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed. Hes been a part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that hes gone. We join everyone , who knew and loved Tafari  especially to his wife Sherise and their twins Xavier and Savino  in mourning the loss of a truly wonderful man.

Campbell was one of the chefs who brewed the White House Honey Ale using honey from Michelles South Lawn garden, created by then First Lady Michelle. In 2012, the White House released a video of Campbell and then-sous chef Sam Kass demonstrating the beer-making process, reports The Washington Post.

The ongoing investigation into Campbells death is being led by the Cape and Islands State Police Detective Unit and Edgartown Police.
The US Justice Department on Monday filed a lawsuit against the state of Texas and its governor, Greg Abbott, for failing to remove floating barriers against migrants on the Rio Grande border river with Mexico. The lawsuit demands their removal.

The Department of Justice notified the state of Texas last week that it plans to file a lawsuit against the installation of a series of large orange buoys on the river. Abbott, a Republican, released a public letter to the US president following the threat to Joe Biden and informed him that he would continue to solve the crisis allegedly caused by the Democrat.

Immigration issues are federal, not state-specific, but the conservative majority of the federal Supreme Court may ultimately rule in Texas favor.

Representatives of the Biden government have grown increasingly concerned in recent months about Abbotts actions, which are hindering the operation of the US Border Patrol and endangering the lives of migrants. Rights advocates are outraged by footage showing Texas police and National Guardsmen pushing migrants back into the river.

Migration issues are the responsibility of the federal state, not the individual states. PHOTO: AP

The Justice Department gave Texas until 2 p.m. ET on Monday to commit to removing the floating border barriers or face legal action, the department said in a letter to Abbott. In response, he referred to the sovereignty of Texas to protect the border, which does not exist under American law or the federal constitution. State constitutions and laws are subordinated to federal laws and constitutions.

Texas is also suing a kayak and canoe rental company

Governor Abbotts dangerous and illegal actions undermine an effective plan to reduce illegal migration and make it more difficult for Border Patrol agents to secure the border. The governors actions are cruel and put both migrants and border agents at risk, a White House spokesman said Abdullah Hasan.

If Governor Abbott wanted real solutions, he would have his Republican colleagues in Congress, including Texas Sen To Ted Cruzasked why they voted against President Bidens request for record funding for the Department of Homeland Security and why they are stalling comprehensive immigration reform and border security measures, he added.

Border river with Mexico Rio Grande PHOTO: AP

The Justice Departments threat to sue over the floating obstructions is based on a provision of federal law that prohibits the installation of obstructions to the navigability of U.S. waters and prohibits the placement of any structure in such waters without a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Texas is already facing a lawsuit over the installation of a floating barrier. The owner of a Texas canoe and kayak company filed the lawsuit earlier this month. He sued the state of Texas and Abbott, as well as the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas National Guard.
Barack and Michelle Obamas personal chef, who cooked for them at the White House, drowned near their Marthas Vineyard estate. Tafari Campbells body was found by divers on Monday after he had been missing since Sunday night, according to TMZ.

They also reacted to his death Barack and Michelle Obamawho said he was Tafari Campbell a beloved part of their family and that his death breaks their hearts. They remember him as a talented chef who was creative and passionate about food and its ability to bring people together, and as a warm, funny and extremely kind person who brightened all of our lives.





The estate of the Obamas in the US state of Massachusetts

Photo: Profimedia





The body was found eight meters below the surface

Police say they received a missing persons report Sunday and the search ended Monday morning when divers found Campbells body near the Obamas property. According to their information, the body was found one hundred meters from the shore and eight meters below the surface.

The Obamas were not on the property at the time of the incident, and the investigation into Tafaris death is ongoing. Marthas Vineyard is located in the US state of Massachusetts.

The deceased chef lived with his wife Sheris and their twins Im closing and Savin. He was 45 years old.

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Small business owners dont always have access to enough resources to meet their goals. Luckily, there are many business grants and other funding programs available to help. Heres a guide to several ways to fund projects for your small business.

How Do You Get Free Money to Start a Business?

Free money to start a business usually comes in the form of grants. These can come in many forms, from federal small business grants to those offered by local nonprofits. The process usually includes an application where you outline your need and how youd use the funds.

Top Places to Get Free Money to Start a Small Business

Small businesses can receive grant money from several sources. The exact opportunities you apply for may depend on your location, industry, and other factors. However, there are several federal grants, nonprofit opportunities, and state programs that may appeal widely to small businesses. Here are several common ones.

Sell Your Business Power Up Your Event's Success Conduct Market Research Advertise Your Business Here

Small Business Administration Grants (SBA)

The Small Business Administration is the main source of grant money through the federal government. Here are some specific programs run through the administration to provide free money to start or run a business.

State Trade Expansion Program: The SBAs STEP program awards money to state and territory governments to help businesses establish and improve their exporting programs. Businesses can apply for these grants through their state, but the initial funding comes from the SBA.

The SBAs STEP program awards money to state and territory governments to help businesses establish and improve their exporting programs. Businesses can apply for these grants through their state, but the initial funding comes from the SBA. Small Business Innovation Research: The SBIR program awards federal funding to firms that undertake scientific research projects.

The SBIR program awards federal funding to firms that undertake scientific research projects. Small Business Technology Transfer: The STTR program also provides funding for innovative small businesses with commercialization potential.

The STTR program also provides funding for innovative small businesses with commercialization potential. Management and Technical Assistance: The SBAs 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance Program supports eligible small businesses in select regions that want to provide management and technical assistance to other small firms.

The SBAs 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance Program supports eligible small businesses in select regions that want to provide management and technical assistance to other small firms. Grants for Community Organizations: The SBA also provides grants to community organizations across the country. Funds dont go directly to small businesses, but recipients may offer grants or provide other forms of assistance.

General Small Business Grant Money

There are also small business grant programs offered by large corporations or other major groups across the country. Not every small business may qualify for these. But they should appeal to a wide audience.

NASE Growth Grants: The National Association for the Self-Employed offers grants of up to $4,000 to member businesses. The program has been around since 2006 and has awarded nearly $1 million in grant funds.

The National Association for the Self-Employed offers grants of up to $4,000 to member businesses. The program has been around since 2006 and has awarded nearly $1 million in grant funds. Comcast RISE Grants: Comcast RISE is a two-year program providing grants to underserved businesses across the U.S. Each funding round focuses on a select group of cities.

Comcast RISE is a two-year program providing grants to underserved businesses across the U.S. Each funding round focuses on a select group of cities. NAVs Small Business Grant: Financial services provider NAV offers an ongoing program to support small businesses. The program is currently being reimagined but is expected to open again in 2023.

Financial services provider NAV offers an ongoing program to support small businesses. The program is currently being reimagined but is expected to open again in 2023. Grants.gov: Grants.gov is the portal the federal government uses to provide grant opportunities. This isnt a specific grant, but you can use the portal to find relevant opportunities.

Grants.gov is the portal the federal government uses to provide grant opportunities. This isnt a specific grant, but you can use the portal to find relevant opportunities. Hello Alice: Hello Alice is a funding platform that hosts various grant opportunities throughout the year. Corporations and nonprofits often partner with Hello Alice to offer short-term funding programs.

Industry-specific Grant Money

Some grant programs, both through private companies and the government, aim to support small businesses in a specific industry. Here are a few that may help certain types of businesses.

USDA Rural Development Business Grants: The USDA offers grants for businesses that benefit rural communities. These often include agriculture operations, but may apply to other industries as well.

The USDA offers grants for businesses that benefit rural communities. These often include agriculture operations, but may apply to other industries as well. National Institutes of Health Grants: NIH grants go toward biomedical companies that undertake research projects that may benefit the public.

NIH grants go toward biomedical companies that undertake research projects that may benefit the public. Restaurant Strong Fund: The Restaurant Strong Fund provides various grant opportunities throughout the year, often with corporate partners.

The Restaurant Strong Fund provides various grant opportunities throughout the year, often with corporate partners. Halstead Jewelry Grants: The Halstead Grant is an annual contest for silver jewelry designers. Businesses can win up to $7,500 plus other benefits.

Small Business Grants from State and Local Governments

Some government grants also come from state and local governments. Youll have to search for specific opportunities in your location. But here are a few places to start.

Small Business Development Centers: SBDCs are local centers funded through the SBA. They provide local grants, along with technical assistance and other support.

SBDCs are local centers funded through the SBA. They provide local grants, along with technical assistance and other support. State Business Incentives Database: The State Business Incentives Database provides access to updated information about funding programs and similar opportunities in each state.

The State Business Incentives Database provides access to updated information about funding programs and similar opportunities in each state. Minority Business Development Agency: For minority-owned businesses, the MBDA provides support and access to grants and other funding options.

Green Business Grants

If youre a sustainable business or want to make some energy-efficient improvements, these grant funding sources may help.

EPA Grants: The Environmental Protection Agency unveils several grant programs throughout the year to support environmentally friendly businesses and projects.

The Environmental Protection Agency unveils several grant programs throughout the year to support environmentally friendly businesses and projects. Patagonia Corporate Grant Program: Patagonia supports grassroots organizations and projects that improve the environment through its corporate small business grants.

Patagonia supports grassroots organizations and projects that improve the environment through its corporate small business grants. U.S. Department of Energy Grant: The Department of Energy periodically offers grants and incentives for energy-efficient upgrades like lighting or appliance changes.

Nonprofit Grant Money

Nonprofit organizations can also benefit from grants. These opportunities can come from federal agencies or private corporations. Here are a few to consider.

The Carnegie Corporation: The Carnegie Corporation proactively seeks organizations to award grants to that can help them achieve their program goals. The corporation also offers a cloud-based portal for applicants.

The Carnegie Corporation proactively seeks organizations to award grants to that can help them achieve their program goals. The corporation also offers a cloud-based portal for applicants. Walmart Foundation Grants: The Walmart Foundation offers local community grants to nonprofits that support the areas they serve.

The Walmart Foundation offers local community grants to nonprofits that support the areas they serve. Amazon Web Services Imagine Grant: AWSs Imagine Grant supports community organizations using technology to solve specific problems.

AWSs Imagine Grant supports community organizations using technology to solve specific problems. Google Ad Grants: Google provides free money for advertising to select nonprofits to help them spread the word about their initiatives online.

Startup Grants for Women-Owned Businesses

Women-owned businesses have traditionally been less likely to get funding. So many organizations offer small business grants specifically for female founders.

Amber Grants for Women: WomensNet runs the Amber Grant program, which offers funding to women-owned businesses every month. To apply, founders simply create a short video explaining their business and what theyd like to achieve with the funds. The organization offers several specific grants. But this application qualifies businesses for all of them at once.

WomensNet runs the Amber Grant program, which offers funding to women-owned businesses every month. To apply, founders simply create a short video explaining their business and what theyd like to achieve with the funds. The organization offers several specific grants. But this application qualifies businesses for all of them at once. InnovateHer Challenge: InnovateHer is a program of the SBA. The contest awards annual grant funds to women entrepreneurs and those who serve women in their communities. Contests are run through local SBA centers.

InnovateHer is a program of the SBA. The contest awards annual grant funds to women entrepreneurs and those who serve women in their communities. Contests are run through local SBA centers. Cartier Womens Initiative Award: Luxury brand Cartier offers the Womens Initiative Award to female entrepreneurs who aim to have a strong environmental or social impact. The program has run since 2006 and is open to women-owned and women-run businesses in every country.

Startup Grants for Veteran-Owned Businesses

If youre a veteran small business owner, you may also access grant opportunities that honor your service.

The Second Service Foundation Military Entrepreneur Challenge: Formerly Street Shares Foundation, the Second Service Foundations supports military and veteran entrepreneurs through a number of initiatives. The Military Entrepreneur Challenge is a competitive cash award that involves an online application, an interview, and even a live pitch session.

Formerly Street Shares Foundation, the Second Service Foundations supports military and veteran entrepreneurs through a number of initiatives. The Military Entrepreneur Challenge is a competitive cash award that involves an online application, an interview, and even a live pitch session. Hivers and Strivers: Hivers and Strivers is an investment fund for early-stage startups owned and run by U.S. military veterans. Many of the programs involve loans and other traditional forms of financing. But the company periodically offers grants as well.

Hivers and Strivers is an investment fund for early-stage startups owned and run by U.S. military veterans. Many of the programs involve loans and other traditional forms of financing. But the company periodically offers grants as well. Warrior Rising Small Business Grants: Warrior Rising is a charitable organization that supports U.S. military veterans with financing, mentorship, and support. Veteran-owned businesses can apply to be part of the program, which identifies each companys specific needs and creates customized solutions and processes for each member.

READ MORE: How Much Does it Cost to Start a Business

Competitive Small Business Grants

Financial assistance is sometimes available to all businesses that apply. But the following programs offer competitive grant funding opportunities to award the most deserving firms.

FedEx Small Business Grant Contest: FedEx has run its annual small business grant contest since 2012, providing more than $1.5 million in cash and prizes. The program is open to entrepreneurs around the country, so it is a popular grant program with lots of competition.

FedEx has run its annual small business grant contest since 2012, providing more than $1.5 million in cash and prizes. The program is open to entrepreneurs around the country, so it is a popular grant program with lots of competition. Visa Everywhere Initiative: Visa Everywhere is an annual grant contest for startups and fintech companies. The finals for this years contest are set to compete in Qatar this November. But applications should reopen again in 2023.

Visa Everywhere is an annual grant contest for startups and fintech companies. The finals for this years contest are set to compete in Qatar this November. But applications should reopen again in 2023. U.S. Chamber of Commerce Dream Big Awards: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is a nationwide organization empowering local chambers and business groups throughout the country. This grant program is open to U.S. small businesses, and local chambers of commerce are encouraged to connect with local members to help them apply.

Funding Source Description Small Business Administration (SBA) Main source of federal grant money. Offers various programs for starting or running businesses, including exporting support and technical assistance. NASE Growth Grants Offers grants of up to $4,000 to member businesses. Comcast RISE Grants Provides grants to underserved businesses across the U.S. Grants.gov Online portal for finding federal government grant opportunities. USDA Rural Development Business Grants Supports businesses benefiting rural communities, including agriculture operations. EPA Grants Unveils grant programs throughout the year to support environmentally friendly businesses and projects.

Are Small Business Development Centers the Same as the Small Business Administration?

Small business development centers are one arm of the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBA is a federal agency that runs many initiatives to support small businesses. Small business development centers include local agencies spread throughout the country that receive SBA funding to serve local business interests. Services often include funding support, technical assistance, and networking events.

Can You Start a Small Business Without Money?

Yes, it is possible to start a business without money, depending on your industry and goals. One option for funding a new business without money is to seek small business grants using the sources listed above.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Get Free Money to Start a Business?

Free money to start a business usually comes in the form of grants. These grants can be obtained from various sources, including federal small business grants and those offered by local nonprofits. To apply for grants, you need to outline your need and explain how you plan to use the funds.

What Are the Top Places to Get Free Money to Start a Small Business?

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a major federal source of grant money, offering programs like State Trade Expansion, Small Business Innovation Research, and Small Business Technology Transfer. Other sources include NASE Growth Grants, Comcast RISE Grants, NAVs Small Business Grant, and opportunities listed on Grants.gov and Hello Alice.

Are There Industry-specific Grant Money Opportunities?

Yes, some grants are specifically tailored to support businesses in certain industries. Examples include USDA Rural Development Business Grants, National Institutes of Health Grants, Restaurant Strong Fund, and Halstead Jewelry Grants.

Can Small Businesses Receive Grants from State and Local Governments?

Yes, state and local governments may offer grants and incentives to support small businesses. Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) funded by the SBA often provide local grants. The State Business Incentives Database and Minority Business Development Agency are also resources to explore.

Are There Grants for Green Businesses and Nonprofits?

Yes, there are grant opportunities for green businesses and nonprofits. The Environmental Protection Agency offers grants to support environmentally friendly businesses and projects. Patagonia Corporate Grant Program provides small business grants to grassroots organizations working towards environmental improvements. Additionally, Google Ad Grants and Amazon Web Services Imagine Grant assist nonprofits in spreading awareness about their initiatives online.

Are There Startup Grants for Women-Owned and Veteran-Owned Businesses?

Yes, various organizations offer grants specifically for women-owned and veteran-owned businesses. Examples include Amber Grants for Women, InnovateHer Challenge for women entrepreneurs, and the Cartier Womens Initiative Award for businesses with strong environmental or social impact. For veterans, programs like The Second Service Foundation Military Entrepreneur Challenge and Warrior Rising Small Business Grants offer support and financing opportunities.

What Are Competitive Small Business Grants?

Competitive grants are awarded based on merit, and they usually involve intense competition. Examples include the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest, Visa Everywhere Initiative for startups and fintech companies, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Dream Big Awards for U.S. small businesses.

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Bratislava summoned Hungarys ambassador following Viktor Orban's appearance in Romania last weekend.

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The Slovak Foreign Ministry summoned the Hungarian ambassador Csaba Balogh on Monday, July 24, to explain Hungarian PM Viktor Orbans unacceptable and disturbing claims uttered during a recent summer university festival in Romania.

On July 22, which was Saturday, Orban visited the Romanian town of Baile Tusnad to hold his annual - and often controversial - speech at the Tusvanyos festival, a summer event held by the Hungarian minority in Romania and attended by Orban since the late 1990s.

At the start of his speech, critical of the West, Orban said that Romania had asked him to avoid certain topics. He refused to follow this advice and did the opposite.

They say that we should not talk about non-existent administrative territorial units in Romania. I wonder what they might have in mind. I think they mean Transylvania and Szekelyfold [historical region in eastern Transylvania where the Hungarians live]. But we have never claimed that these are Romanian territorial units, Orban said, among other things, implying that they should be part of Hungary.

In response to the speech, Romania summoned Hungarys ambassador on Monday, July 24. Slovakia was also outraged by Orbans remarks and quickly followed suit.

Slovak MFA Miroslav Wlachovsky and his counterpart Peter Szijjarto meet in Budapest on July 3, 2023. (Source: TASR)

Orban describes Slovakia as breakaway territory
Slovakia is one of the last countries in Europe that has not established cooperation with the Michelin Guide.

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Slovakia is the only one in Central Europe that does not cooperate with the Michelin Guide, a global restaurant guide that publishes information about the best places in the world where people can taste local cuisine and products.

Slovak entrepreneurs in the restaurant sector, including leading Slovak chefs, have therefore launched a petition, the TASR news agency writes.

The petition has been signed by 1,800 people so far.

Restaurant businesses want the government to sign a deal on cooperation with the guide.

There are talented chefs in Slovakia and very interesting traditional and modern Slovak dishes. Restaurant tourism is an integral part of tourism, which employs many people and can develop regions, the petition reads.

Slovakia is one of the last countries in Europe that has not established cooperation with the guide.

Ministry ready for Michelin stars

The Transport Ministry, which is responsible for the tourism agenda, has said that it is prepared to hold talks with the Michelin Guide, admitting that Slovakia could benefit from being included in the guide known for its star-award system.

The countries that belong to it attract a special wealthy clientele, the ministry said.

Recently, the Czech Republic has paid a big sum to appear in this 123-year-old guide. The country reportedly paid 2.1 million for five years.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230724/alabama-rejecting-scotus-gerrymandering-order-recalls-pro-segregation-massive-resistance-1112121900.html

Alabama Rejecting SCOTUS Gerrymandering Order Recalls Pro-Segregation Massive Resistance

Alabama Rejecting SCOTUS Gerrymandering Order Recalls Pro-Segregation Massive Resistance

After the Supreme Court rejected a congressional redistricting map by Alabama lawmakers earlier this year that diluted the voting power of the Black population, the legislature has made a new map ignoring the high courts order.

2023-07-24T21:18+0000

2023-07-24T21:18+0000

2023-07-24T21:15+0000

analysis

bruce fein

alabama

us supreme court

gerrymandering

racial descrimination

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The high court ruled 5-4 last month to side with a lower courts rejection of a map that had only one majority-Black congressional district for the six lawmakers who represent Alabama in the US House of Representatives, saying there was persuasive evidence the districts were racially gerrymandered to deny Black voters the same opportunity white voters have to vote people of their race into office.Last week, the states lawmakers presented a new map that again declined to carve out a second majority-Black district, instead distributing the Black vote among several other districts, one of which had as much as 40% of its electorate as Black. It also reduced the Black majority in the one existing majority-Black district from 55% to 51%.Bruce Fein, a former associate deputy attorney general of the United States and one of the countrys leading constitutional scholars, told Sputnik that Alabamas move was the first time hed encountered something so flagrant since the Brown vs. Board ruling in 1954.Fein pointed out to Radio Sputnik's Political Misfits that the reaction of the Alabama legislature ultimately stemmed from the same logic as the Southern Manifesto, a 1956 declaration by federal lawmakers representing former Confederate states of their opposition to racial integration of public places, in response to the 1954 Supreme Court ruling in Brown vs. Board of Education that found segregation illegal.So unfortunately, Alabama does not have a very clean record and I think it would come back to haunt them if the US Supreme Court finds that this violation - that they made no good-faith effort to draft districting lines without a racial motivation. They could be held in contempt and the legislators could be fined out of their own pockets, Fein explained.Fein noted that some small stories in major US media outlets covered the developments in Alabama, but said it is war stories that dominate the headlines. All other stories get second or third-tier coverage.The constitutional expert noted it was important for the high court to ramp up its efforts to force Alabama lawmakers into compliance with its ruling, because otherwise they will just delay, delay, delay, and it really wreaks havoc on the electoral process. Nobody knows where theyre running for office, you know, if youre a candidate you got to know whos on the ballot, right? Whos going to vote for you, where youre putting your canvases, where youre trying to run your advertisement.Fein explained that the origin of the high courts ruling came from a trio of constitutional amendments passed in the immediate aftermath of the US Civil War, during a period of systematic purging of Confederate institutions and ideologies known as Reconstruction.He said the amendments specifically were calculated to emancipate Freedmen - Blacks who had been slaves. The 15th Amendment in particular says that there will not be any discrimination in voting based upon race, and so the word race is right in the 15th Amendment. Its like whats in the 19th Amendment, says you cant discriminate based upon gender or sex.Fein then turned to the story of Patrick Braxton, an Alabama Black man who was the first-ever elected to be the mayor of Newbern in 2020, and who has been obstructed from taking office by the towns previous mayor, a white man named Woody Stokes III, and the towns all-white council. The citys population is roughly 80% Black and 20% white. Braxton has filed a civil rights lawsuit on the grounds that the towns actions constitute racial disenfranchisement.Fein noted that similar kinds of intimidation happen when he tries to find witnesses to participate in lawsuits over human rights crimes abroad.This is the kind of thing that can enable flagrantly unconstitutional practices to endure, if you dont have the dynamics to be able to walk into court and challenge it, he said.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230508/california-reparations-task-force-approves-payments-for-black-residents-1110206904.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230216/lawsuit-alabama-inmate-froze-to-death-after-guards-placed-detainee-inside-jails-walk-in-freezer-1107522669.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230725/african-countries-subjected-to-pressure-from-west---kremlin-1112128710.html

African Countries Subjected to Pressure From West - Kremlin

African Countries Subjected to Pressure From West - Kremlin

All African countries have been subjected to an unprecedented level of pressure from the United States, France and other Western nations to prevent the upcoming Russia-Africa summit, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.

2023-07-25T13:05+0000

2023-07-25T13:05+0000

2023-07-25T13:06+0000

dmitry peskov

second russia-africa summit

grain exports

the united nations (un)

grain supply

black sea grain deal

russia

russia

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The second Russia-Africa Summit and Economic Forum will be held in St. Petersburg from July 27-28. The spokesman also said that the summit is important as it will give an opportunity to discuss the Black Sea Grain Initiative and Russias support for Africa.Peskov also stated that it is important to prevent use of delivery channels of Ukrainian grain for military purposes, and Russia will continue countering it.Moreover, the spokesman added that Russia received a letter from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres which contained an action plan on the Black Sea Grain Initiative and a promise that obligations towards Russia could be fulfilled in future.Commenting on the proposal of Baltic states to export Ukrainian grain via their own ports, the Kremlin spokesman stated that it is these countries' sovereign right.Earlier in the week, Lithuania urged the European Commission to use Baltic ports to export Ukrainian grain after the expiration of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, saying that these ports could serve as a reliable alternative for transiting Ukrainian products.On Tuesday, European Commission spokesman Adalbert Jahnz stated that the European Commission is ready to consider export of Ukrainian grain from ports of the Baltic countries, following the proposal.Meanwhile, Eastern and Central European states banned Ukrainian food imports to shield domestic producers.The Black Sea Grain Deal was struck in July 2022 with a two-part agreement signed by Russia, Ukraine, Turkiye, and the United Nations to arrange exports of agricultural products from Russia and Ukraine. The first part of the deal - the regulation of exports of Ukrainian food from Black Sea ports through waters controlled by the Russian Navy - was fully implemented. However, millions of tons of grains did not reach developing nations which desperately need food supplies. According to statistics, 38% of the cargo ended up in Europe, another 30% was sent to Turkiye, 24% went to China, while only 2% arrived at the Global South despite the West's declarations that the deal was designed solely to feed the world's poorest countries. As for the second part of the agreement, the US and the EU neglected their obligations to lift or ease restrictions on purchasing Russian grain and fertilizers. Hence, Western banks hesitated to issue loans for Russian grain purchases, insurers refused to provide insurance and agricultural equipment producers halted sales to Russia and stopped the supply of spare parts and maintenance. At the same time, Russia's agriculture-focused Rosselkhozbank remains disconnected from the SWIFT international payment system. Furthermore, many foreign assets and bank accounts of Russian companies linked with the transportation of food and fertilizers remain blocked. Finally, a section of the Togliatti-Odessa pipeline - which used to transfer Russian ammonia used in fertilizers production to the Black Sea port of Odessa - was blown up by Ukrainian terrorists in June, restricting Russia's ability to export fertilizers. Thus, on July 17, Russia suspended its participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative, but is ready to return to the deal as soon as terms concerning Russia are implemented properly, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/putin-expects-fruitful-constructive-dialogue-at-russia-africa-summit-1112099004.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230719/poland-to-ban-ukrainian-grain-import-if-eu-fails-to-extend-ban---govt-head-1111990545.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230725/china-successfully-tests-high-thrust-engine-for-moon-landing-1112137721.html

China Successfully Tests High-thrust Engine for Moon Landing

China Successfully Tests High-thrust Engine for Moon Landing

China successfully carried out a trial test on the main engine of the Long March-10, a new carrier rocket designed for manned Moon landing missions, aiming to land taikonauts on the Moon by the year 2030.

2023-07-25T17:22+0000

2023-07-25T17:22+0000

2023-07-25T17:22+0000

asia

china

global times

china aerospace science and technology corporation (casc)

moon

moon mission

manned mission

moon landing

space race

moon base

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The test assessed all the requirements for the engine, and provided strong support for the solidification for its technical state, the establishment of the technical baseline of the product and improving reliability, the Global Times learned from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) 6th Academy on Sunday.The engine used in the test employs advanced liquid oxygen as fuel and can reach a thrust of 130 tons. It is an updated version of China's strongest active rocket engine, which has a thrust of 120 tons and is used in rockets including the Long March-5.Although the thrust of the engine has only improved by 10 tons, the first stage of the Long March-10 will reportedly carry 21 engines. This will add another 210 tons of the thrust in total, Wang Yanan, chief editor of Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times on Sunday.Zhou Xianqi, a researcher from the CASC, told the Global Times that "the engine has met all the requirements in the Saturday test." He noted that the engine's startup, shutdown and running stability under high and low conditions have been tested, and all relevant parameters have been obtained.During the development of the engine, many new materials, new processes and new technologies were applied. Researchers have overcome a number of key technical problems such as the sequence of the engine's start-up and shutdown, continuously changing the engine's thrust at scale, in addition to the engine's long life and improved reliability, laying a solid foundation for the engine's future development, the Global Times learned.The new carrier rocket has mainly been developed for the purpose of sending spacecraft and Moon landers into the Earth-Moon transfer orbit, Rong Yi, a rocket expert with the CASC China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, was quoted as saying by the Xinhua News Agency on Saturday.The rocket uses liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen and kerosene as propellants. It has a total length of about 92 meters, a takeoff weight of about 2,187 tons, a takeoff thrust of about 2,678 tons, and a carrying capacity of no less than 27 tons for the Earth-Moon transfer orbit, according to Xinhua.A non-booster configuration of the new rocket is capable of conducting missions for transporting taikonauts and cargo to the space station. Its total length is about 67 meters, the takeoff weight is about 740 tons, the takeoff thrust is about 892 tons, and the low-Earth orbit carrying capacity is no less than 14 tons.The Long March-10 serves as strategic pillar for China's aim to land taikonauts on the Moon before 2030. Preparations for the maiden flight are expected to start in 2027, Rong told Xinhua.Experts are confident that China will be able to accomplish a manned Moon landing before 2030 if the Long March-10 can carry out its maiden flight in 2027, as many parts of the carrier rocket such as the engine, core module and other technical structures are upgrades from those in the Long March-5 series of carrier rockets and so have already been fully tested, according to Wang.China revealed on July 12 that its primary plan is to carry out a manned Moon landing before 2030. To achieve this goal, the country will attempt to use two launch vehicles to send a Moon surface lander and manned spacecraft into lunar orbit, which will then rendezvous and dock with each other. Following this maneuver, taikonauts onboard the manned spacecraft will enter the lander.Apart from the progress with the high-thrust engine and the Long March-10 carrier rocket, China is also actively developing spacecraft and lunar landers for the manned Moon landing.China's new-generation of manned spacecraft successfully entered orbit by Long March-5B carrier rocket and returned to Earth during tests in May 2020. Based on the new spacecraft, China is also advancing development of near-Earth spacecraft designed to accommodate four to seven crew members, building a future for space tourism.China's lunar lander weighs about 26 tons and consists of a lunar landing module and propelling module. It can bring taikonauts down from lunar orbit to land on the Moon and send them back to lunar orbit. The lunar lander is also able to conduct autonomous flight. The lunar lander will also carry scientific payloads for exploration focusing on lunar geology and lunar physics, observation, space life sciences, as well as deep drilling on the lunar surface and utilization of lunar resources, according to Xinhua.In addition to the lunar rover, China also plans to develop a lunar mobile laboratory with large-scale mobile capability, which can realize long-term unmanned autonomous activities on the lunar surface and support taikonauts for short time stays, Xinhua said.This article originally appeared on the Global Times website.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230426/china-to-build-first-space-solar-power-station----expert--1109855592.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230516/china-could-beat-us-to-moons-south-pole---nasa-head-1110405407.html

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Kristy Lynn Felkins, 38, of Fallon, Nevada, was sentenced Thursday to five years in prison for a murder-for-hire plot, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Felkins sent 12 bitcoin (valued at approximately $5,000 at the time) to a dark web hitman website, known as Besa Mafia, to have her ex-husband murdered.

From February to May 2016, Felkins regularly communicated with the administrator of the site to pay and arrange for the murder of her ex-husband. Felkins gave the administrator the specific location of her husband in an attempt to have him murdered.

READ NEXT: Final Defendant Sentenced to 51 Months in Federal Prison for a Racketeering Conspiracy to Smuggle Contraband into the Chesapeake Detention Facility

Besa Mafia operated as a "hidden service" on the Tor network, which is an anonymizing internet service that is known informally as the "dark web." The Besa Mafia website, however, was actually a scam, and Felkins was not refunded the bitcoin she sent to the site, which is no longer in operation.

This case was the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), as part of the Northern California Illicit Digital Economy (NCIDE) Task Force, consisting of agents from HSI, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The NCIDE Task Force is a federal task force targeting all forms of dark web and cryptocurrency criminal activity in the Eastern District of California. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Lee prosecuted the case.

READ MORE: FBI San Francisco Announces Diversity Recruiting Event for the Special Agent Position

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230725/farm-bill-must-protect-us-small-farmers-encourage-climate-change-mitigation-1112138869.html

Farm Bill Must Protect US Small Farmers, Encourage Climate Change Mitigation

Farm Bill Must Protect US Small Farmers, Encourage Climate Change Mitigation

Federal lawmakers are rushing to prepare a massive new Farm Bill, a piece of omnibus legislation passed every five years that concerns a host of programs related to agriculture and nutrition in the United States.

2023-07-25T18:10+0000

2023-07-25T18:10+0000

2023-07-25T18:10+0000

analysis

us department of agriculture (usda)

farm bill

agriculture

climate change

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Jim Goodman, a retired Wisconsin organic dairy farmer and board member of Family Farm Defenders, told Radio Sputnik on Tuesday that the new Farm Bill will have to do a lot more than just ensure crops make their way to market: it needs to tackle meaningful justice issues ranging from climate change to the lasting legacies of slavery and the enclosure of indigenous lands, too."I think people who just don't even know about farming need to pay attention to the farm bill, because especially nutrition programs are a huge part of it and a lot of people depend on the SNAP program," Goodman told Sputnik, referring to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as "food stamps."However, drafters of the new Farm Bill will face an additional uphill fight this year, thanks to the agreement hammered out in early June that raised the debt ceiling. In order to avoid a catastrophic default, Democrats agreed to spending caps for the coming fiscal year, including upper limits on discretionary funding - the portion of the budget from which funding for the Farm Bills programs would be drawn. That means a scramble for the precious funding allowed under the deal."I think in a general sense, if money is not made available to support programs in the farm bill, those programs aren't going to work," Goodman told Sputnik. "You know, we seem to have no problem exempting military spending, but a lot of times programs that would benefit everyone be they nutrition programs, health care, climate mitigation, those are the ones that generally seem to bump up against the debt ceiling and spending limits that Congress seems to impose.""The farm bill is for everyone. It impacts everyone. You know, you mentioned climate: agriculture is responsible, depending on who you talk to, for maybe 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. And there are bills that will eventually become part of the Farm Bill that help farmers to mitigate that, help them sequester more carbon, keep cover crops. And I'm sure there are some bills that are trying to make their way into the Farm Bill that will establish carbon markets - which I don't think is a good idea because it's great to have farmers sequester carbon and be paid for it, but if you sell those credits to some corporation to allow them to continue to pollute, we really don't do anything to address the climate problems, he explained.Goodman explained that the impact of climate change on agriculture varies across the country, with weather, crops, and government policies and regulations differing between states and regions."It varies a lot across the country. And of course, now we see the heat dome down in Texas, in the South, where a lot of vegetables are grown. I think you have to look at the farm workers who have to be out there every day in this oppressive heat, harvesting the food crops for everyone. We saw the governor of Texas - and this wasn't specifically related to farming - but he banned mandatory water breaks for workers. So I think it affects farm workers a lot. In some parts of the country, as in Wisconsin, where we're under drought now. And it's really difficult to take care of your animals, to grow decent crops, if you don't get rain. We can't all afford irrigation and I don't think we'd all want to."Goodman noted that the final omnibus bill is still being assembled, but that some proposed bills include disaster relief programs for farmers affected by droughts, hurricanes, and other weather events that destroy their crops or flocks."One that we're aware of is called the Agricultural Resiliency Act, which has money available for climate resilience or to help farmers sequester more carbon in the soil. So there are things there that we hope to add," the farmer said. "And I think a lot of the research that is funded through the Farm Bill and university research to help farmers figure out ways to live through climate changes, to develop different kinds of scenes that are more drought tolerant. These are all things that farmers depend on and as the climate continues to change, we need that."Other bills he noted were the Justice for Black Farmers Act and the Farmland for Farmers Act, which he said were needed to give farmers the ability, especially Black farmers, to to correct the injustices that USDA [US Department of Agriculture] [perpetuated] over generations.Goodman also noted the tension between increasing access to locally produced food and the increasing integration of farmers into a "global marketplace." He noted one bill, the Local Farms and Food Act, that could help "establish regional food systems and farmers markets.""I think the closer you can produce food to the people who need it, the better off you are. You know, we always talk about food miles, food shipped across the country - certainly that doesn't do any good for the environment and certainly it doesn't help people get fresh, locally produced food," he noted."You know, when this country was founded, we had very strong import restrictions to protect our farmers and small businesses. And now with global corporations, it doesn't really make any difference to them where they buy or where they sell it, as long as they can buy cheap and sell high, and I think that really has an impact not just on small farmers and businesses here, but small farmers all over the world who don't have a seat at the table, can't get into that huge global marketplace. Very few farmers directly export. It's all done through large corporations that do that.""So, I think we have to seriously look at protecting our farmers and farmers around the world. We're all kind of caught in this death spiral to the bottom: whoever can produce the cheapest best to sell their stuff. And that does not bode well for adequately feeding people here or anywhere else in the world."For more in-depth analysis of todays' news, check out our Sputnik Radio show By Any Means Necessary

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230721/record-long-and-intense-heat-set-in-phoenix-arizona-1974-record-broken-1112047964.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230707/climate-doom-loops-may-start-much-earlier-than-predicted-study-finds-1111710206.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230720/rediscovered-greenland-soil-sample-suggests-warm-wet--largely-ice-free-future-for-planet-earth-1112021556.html

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Fantine Gardinier

farm bill; climate change; drought; rain; heat dome
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230725/joint-space-project-to-launch-brics-cooperation-to-new-altitudes-1112136155.html

Joint Space Project to Launch BRICS Cooperation to New Altitudes

Joint Space Project to Launch BRICS Cooperation to New Altitudes

Moscow has offered BRICS  the acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  the creation of a specialized module for the Russian orbital station (ROS) in order to carry out their national space research at a low Earth orbit (LEO).

2023-07-25T17:04+0000

2023-07-25T17:04+0000

2023-08-04T10:22+0000

brazil

china

russia

brics

international space station (iss)

science & tech

world

roscosmos

natan eismont

yury borisov

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Roscosmos Director General Yury Borisov has suggested that BRICS countries should consider jointly creating a fully-fledged space module that would allow them "to use the possibilities of low Earth orbit to implement their national space programs" during the recent meeting of the joint committee on space cooperation of the BRICS member nations.S. P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia, the leading rocket-space enterprise in Russia, has been making a preliminary design of the new orbital station which is due to be completed in 2023. The first module of the new station is expected to be launched in 2027, and astronauts will be able to operate it in 2028."We must not forget that the new Russian orbital station has new capabilities with respect to the ISS," Russian Academy of Sciences Space Research Institute senior researcher Nathan Eismont told Sputnik. Sputnik's interlocutor noted that the new module could look "pretty much like" the Russian module on the International Space Station (ISS). There will be maximum constructive borrowings, which increases reliability, according to the expert.It was planned that the ROS would be inaugurated prior to the decommissioning of the ISS, scheduled for 2028-2030. The ISS is currently used by Russia, the United States, the European Space Agency, Canada, and Japan.How BRICS Could Benefit From Joint Space Project?BRICS countries are likely to benefit immensely from the developing project, according to the expert. Brazil and South Africa may win a lot because they are interested in observation of the South Pole and the new station  unlike the ISS  would offer them this opportunity, he explained.There are great new opportunities for the People's Republic of China, too. Even though the Chinese have launched their own orbital station, it has "a low inclination", somewhere around 30 degrees, per the expert. That means that the Chinese cannot currently observe Polar regions.Another participant is India. Geographically, India, in general, can largely consider the same tasks as China and grasp unique opportunities, according to the expert.There also could be a political benefit in India's participation, he pointed out.Are BRICS Countries Prepared?The BRICS club has yet another advantage for joint cooperation in space: Chinese and Indian space technologies have a lot in common with that of Russia, Eismont remarked.While the Republic of South Africa appears to be a novice in the field, it has its own advantages. The crux of the matter is that not only Brazil, but also South Africa, are located in the Southern Hemisphere, and this makes it possible to use the control station there. And this, of course, greatly expands the possibilities of operating this station, according to Sputnik's interlocutor. "That is, literally everyone wins here," he stressed.When it comes to Brazil, it has long been striving to join the club of influential space powers.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/what-is-brics-bloc-and-how-does-it-stack-up-against-g7-goliath-1112092766.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230529/china-to-launch-shenzhou-16-space-mission-to-orbital-station-on-may-30---space-agency-1110766405.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20221127/pm-modis-mann-ki-baat-meaning-of-g20-presidency-for-india-new-gains-in-space-exploration-1104747375.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20170621/putin-russia-brazil-space-launches-1054855598.html

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Ekaterina Blinova

international space station (iss), korolev rocket and space corporation energia, the russian orbital station (ros), brics, joint space program, brics space program, russia-china space cooperation, russia-india space cooperation
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230725/new-911-audio-captures-moments-before-police-k9-mauls-unarmed-us-driver-yielding-to-cops-1112125867.html

New 911 Audio Captures Moments Before Police K9 Mauls Unarmed US Driver Yielding to Cops

New 911 Audio Captures Moments Before Police K9 Mauls Unarmed US Driver Yielding to Cops

Although there are no nationally available statistics on attacks by police dogs, the Marshall Project uncovered three cases in which incidents led to deaths... 25.07.2023, Sputnik International

2023-07-25T04:15+0000

2023-07-25T04:15+0000

2023-07-25T04:12+0000

americas

ohio

police

police brutality

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https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/19/1112125711_0:61:3534:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_3ee0e900039821c3c27e11713ee261e8.jpg

Newly released recordings revealed have offered a clearer insight into the events that preceded the moment that a 23-year-old Black driver was mauled by a police dog despite having surrendered to cops with his arms raised.Jadarrius Rose was pulled over on July 4 in Circleville, Ohio, for a missing mudflap, according to police. A lengthy pursuit followed, in which police utilized stop sticks twice to deflate the tires of the semi-truck Rose was driving.After the truck came to a stop, Rose exited the vehicle per police instructions and can be seen in bodycam footage holding his hands above his head when Ryan Speakman, a Circleville cop, orders his K9 unit to attack. Speakman released the dog despite a state trooper repeatedly yelling against the move as Rose had been complying with law enforcement.Rose was later treated at the scene by state troopers before being transferred to a hospital and then booked on a failure to comply charge.In two 911 calls released on Monday, an unidentified caller believed to be Rose can be heard pleading with dispatchers, asking why he is being pulled over and saying he does not feel safe because officers had pointed their guns at him.In other parts of the calls, the caller can be heard saying I do not feel safe with stopping, I dont know why theyre throwing stuff on the ground trying to get me in an accident, and I dont know why theyre trying to kill me.Speakman was put on administrative leave roughly five days ago while the departments Use of Force Board investigates the incident, according to Circleville Mayor Donald McIlory. When asked by a reporter why it took so long to suspend the officer, McIlory said he could not answer that question. The mayor added that the very unfortunate situation should not happen to anybody.McIlroy told US media he understood why some may feel race played a role in the stop; however, he insisted that was not the case: We do not have any racial problems here in the city of Circleville." The 77-year-old went on to add that the city, which is 94.2% white according to the 2020 census, is all-inclusive and a great place to live, a great place to raise your family.Rose was released on bond on July 7, he faces between six and 18 months in prison. The Circleville Police Departments Use of Force Board previously announced they will release their findings sometime in the next week.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230630/french-unrest-over-police-brutality-whole-country-in-flames-1111570150.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230725/putin-to-deliver-major-speech-at-russia-africa-summit---kremlin-1112135845.html

Putin to Deliver Major Speech at Russia-Africa Summit - Kremlin

Putin to Deliver Major Speech at Russia-Africa Summit - Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin will give an important speech at the plenary session of the Russia-Africa summit on Friday, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said on Tuesday, adding that 17 African leaders will attend the session.

2023-07-25T16:22+0000

2023-07-25T16:22+0000

2023-07-25T16:22+0000

russia

second russia-africa summit

russia

vladimir putin

yury ushakov

russia-africa summit 2023

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"The summit on July 28 will consist of two parts: at the first plenary session, our president will speak as well as all the heads of 17 states, Ushakov told reporters. After that, another plenary session in a form of working lunch will take place, attended by vice presidents and ministers of various African countries and Russia, according to the aide. "Our president will make a powerful statement, assess the current state of the system of international relations, including the formation of a new world order based on the principle of multipolarity and equality of all independent states," Ushakov noted.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/putin-expects-fruitful-constructive-dialogue-at-russia-africa-summit-1112099004.html

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yury ushakov, russia-africa summit, summit in st. petersburg, african states, russia-africa relations, african leaders
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230725/rise-of-brics-signals-decline-of-us-as-unipolar-superpower-1112128962.html

Rise of BRICS Signals Decline of US as Unipolar Superpower

Rise of BRICS Signals Decline of US as Unipolar Superpower

The BRICS summit in South Africa promises to be a milestone in the history of the group of emerging economies. Economist Dr. Linwood Tauheed said it also marked the end of US hegemony.

2023-07-25T14:52+0000

2023-07-25T14:52+0000

2023-08-04T10:23+0000

world

linwood tauheed

brics

brics summit 2023

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The likely expansion of the BRICS group of nations is a sign that the developing world is rejecting Washington's demands for subservience, says a US economist.The 15th BRICS summit will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa's financial capital, from August 22 to 24, where leaders from the five leading emerging economies  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa itself  will gather.Western attempts to disrupt the meeting have had limited success. Russian president Vladimir Putin will attend by video link and be represented in person by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. That decision was taken after opposition groups threatened legal action enforce an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for his arrest over Ukrainian claims that Moscow was guilty of child trafficking for evacuating children from front-line areas of regions that voted in 2022 to join the Russian Federation.Dr. Linwood Tauheed told Sputnik that Washington's ever-increasing unilateralism was a symptom of its declining hegemony as a unipolar superpower."This rule based order, that the US State Department is pushing forward, is intended to go outside of the already established United Nations structure and the structure of international law in general," he said. "That structure was becoming less and less able to be manipulated or controlled by the US. And so the US has attempted to create an alternative to international law and to the UN charter."But most nations are unhappy with that paradigm  even including some of Washington's NATO allies."The question is who is making the rules? The US is making the rules. European countries are following those rules to their detriment," Tauheed said.Furthermore, the US is increasingly falling short of its post-Cold War goal of military 'Full Spectrum Dominance'. The economist noted that China had bolstered its military with a host of new arms and equipment.At the same time, Beijing is playing the role of peace mediator around the world."The beginning of friendship again between Saudi Arabia and Iran was facilitated by the Chinese," Tauheed underlined. "The Chinese are not only flexing their muscles economically, but also diplomatically around the world, ending in the wars that the US could have stepped in and and ended, but instead fueled the fires."In contrast to the US and its demands for all nations to adopt its model of government, BRICS is "open to cooperation with or with all countries, not just countries that are pursuing particular economic ideology," the academic said.Ahead of the summit, Putin has written an article lauding decades of cooperation between Africa, the Russian Federation and its predecessor the USSR."South Africa's involvement in joining the BRICS is is emblematic of that," Tauheed said. "South Africa was was was helped in its struggle by Russia, either directly or through Russia's support of Cuba. Cuba providing not only soldiers in the struggle, but also social, medical and other kinds of other kinds of aid."For more in-depth analysis of current affairs, tune in to our Sputnik Radio show The Critical Hour.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230724/putin-pens-article-on-eve-of-russia-africa-summit-full-text--1112102579.html

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15th brics summit in johannesburg, south africa, brics overtakes g7 in gdp output, does brics spell the end of us world domination?
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230725/russia-africa-summit-worldwide-nato-would-end-united-nations-brics-expands-1112124148.html

Russia-Africa Summit; Worldwide NATO Would End United Nations; BRICS Expands

Russia-Africa Summit; Worldwide NATO Would End United Nations; BRICS Expands

The attempt by the US Empire to expand and redesignate NATO as its personal, worldwide military projection force would effectively overwhelm the United Nations.

2023-07-25T04:04+0000

2023-07-25T04:04+0000

2023-08-04T10:25+0000

the critical hour

radio

ukraine

taiwan

israel

brics

oas

nato

brics summit 2023

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Russia Africa Summit; Worldwide NATO Would End United Nations; BRICS Explands The attempt by the U.S. Empire to expand and redesignate NATO as its personal, worldwide military projection force would effectively overwhelm the United Nations.

Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations security analyst, joins us to discuss Ukraine. Joe Biden is preparing for a failed Ukrainian offensive. Also, Poland is allegedly eyeing Western Ukraine.Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst and co-founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, joins us to discuss Russian foreign policy. President Putin penned an article on the eve of the Russia-Africa summit. Also, the grain deal is creating a dangerous situation in the Black Sea.George Koo, journalist, social activist, and international business consultant, joins us to discuss China. Brazilian President Lula De Silva and Xi Jinping are paving the way for de-dollarization. Also, China is boosting ties with Africa.Retired US Diplomat and former GOP Senate Foreign Policy Adviser Jim Jatras joins us to discuss US proxy wars. The US knows that it is sending Ukrainians to die for nothing. Also, the West knew that Ukraine could not succeed with its offensive.Robert Fantina, journalist and Palestine activist, joins us to discuss the Middle East. Thousands of Iraqis protest the Quran burning in Sweden. Also, the president of France was not invited to the Brics summit in South Africa.Dan Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "America's Undeclared War, joins us to discuss the new world order. Vijay Prashad argues that the attempt by the US Empire to expand and redesignate NATO as its personal worldwide military projection force would effectively overwhelm the United Nations.Linwood Tauheed, associate professor of Economics at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, joins us to discuss the economy. More than 40 countries want to join the BRICS economic block. Also, a number of states are working to loosen child labor laws.Dr. Wilmer Leon and Garland Nixon, co-hosts of The Critical Hour, discuss the false narrative of "Ukraine winning the war" fostered by Western media. They talk about the fact that despite Ukraine struggling against Russia, the description of "successful Western battle tactics from combined arms warfare" gets reinforced.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comThe views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

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the critical hour, ukrainian offensive, russian foreign policy, russia-africa summit, grain deal, de-dollarization, us proxy wars, quran burning, brics summit
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230725/russia-to-receive-885bln-in-revenues-from-sale-of-gas-oil-in-2023---finance-minister-1112126137.html

Russia to Receive $88.5Bln in Revenues From Sale of Gas, Oil in 2023 - Finance Minister

Russia to Receive $88.5Bln in Revenues From Sale of Gas, Oil in 2023 - Finance Minister

The Russian Finance Ministry expects to receive the planned 8 trillion rubles ($88.49 billion) in oil and gas revenues in 2023 taking into account current oil prices, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said on Tuesday.

2023-07-25T05:14+0000

2023-07-25T05:14+0000

2023-07-25T05:14+0000

russia

anton siluanov

russia

finance ministry

oil prices

oil and gas

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"Now we see that it is possible to reach 8 trillion rubles in revenue," Siluanov said in an interview with Russian newspaper, adding that the current price of Russian oil is $60 per barrel. He recalled that the Finance Ministry predicted the total volume of Russias oil and gas revenues at the level of 8.9 trillion rubles this year. Out of this sum, 8 trillion rubles will be spent to cover expenses, while the remaining 900 billion rubles are expected to be transferred to the Russian National Wealth Fund.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230722/oil-prices-up-4th-week-in-row-amid-black-sea-tensions-opec-production-cuts-1112054919.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230725/the-beginning-of-the-end-for-the-biden-presidency-1112123196.html

The Beginning of the End for the Biden Presidency?

The Beginning of the End for the Biden Presidency?

On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events including Elon Musk rebranding Twitter into X, and rumors of Hungary leaving the EU.

2023-07-25T04:14+0000

2023-07-25T04:14+0000

2023-07-25T11:11+0000

the backstory

radio

ukraine

music

fbi

ups

nuclear energy agency (nea)

elon musk

israel

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The Beginning of the End for the Biden Presidency? On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events including Elon Musk rebranding Twitter into X, and rumors of Hungary leaving the EU.

Tyler Nixon - Attorney, Media Relations Specialist | Country Music Doesn't Listen to Their Audience, The Establishment Will Destroy the System, and Modern Day Country Music is Terrible In the first hour, Lee spoke about the criticism for Robert F. Kennedy Jr's support for Israel, the Barbie movie, and liberals avoid talking about crime in cities. Lee talked about the media attacks on Robert F. Kennedy's support for Israel and Ron DeSantis's poor polling numbers. Lee talked about the new Barbie movie and conservative pundits arguing over the movie.In the second hour, Lee spoke with Tyler Nixon about Americans tired of the corruption, digital currencies, and the UPS strike. Tyler commented on the recent Biden FBI 1023 revelation and the chances Joe Biden will be forced to resign. Tyler spoke on the recent Jason Aldean controversy and how country music has gone mainstream.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comThe views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

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the backstory, robert f. kennedy jr's support for israel, the barbie movie, ron desantis, corruption, digital currencies, the ups strike, jason aldean controversy
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230725/us-military-planners-to-blame-for-stupid-ukraine-counter-offensive-1112134025.html

US Military Planners to Blame for 'Stupid' Ukraine Counter-Offensive

US Military Planners to Blame for 'Stupid' Ukraine Counter-Offensive

NATO's proxy conflict with Russia in Ukraine has reached crisis point after the much-hyped southern offensive failed to break through Russian lines. Jim Jatras said Washington politicians cared little for those dying at the front.

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2023-07-25T17:50+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

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US military strategists are guilty of "criminal" incompetence in their plan for Ukraine's disastrous offensive, a Washington advisor has said.According to the Russian ministry of Defence, Ukrainian forces have taken tens of thousands of casualties and lost around 1,250 tanks and other armoured vehicles  including the latest US and German models  more than 400 artillery pieces and more than two dozen jet aircraft and helicopters in the first few weeks of their attempt to cut off Crimea from the Russian mainland.Russian President Vladimir Putin judged that those losses had led to "no success."US military pundits have pointed out that the Pentagon would never have launched such a military campaign without first gaining air superiority  which they admit Ukraine is incapable of.Retired diplomat Jim Jatras told Sputnik that the US-devised plan for Ukraine's southern offensive was not only "stupid" but "criminal."Russian president Vladimir Putin has condemned the US and other NATO nations for fighting a proxy conflict with Russia "to the last Ukrainian."The Washington adviser drew a distinction between real military leaders and the "politicians in uniform" looking out for lucrative directorships in the big arms firms. But he rejected the idea that US President Joe Biden had been forced into the scheme of using Ukraine as a proxy belligerent against Russia by the Military-Industrial Complex.The US mainstream media have been complicit in beating the drum for confrontation with Russia in Ukraine. "The Wall Street Journal carries waters for the industries we're talking about. And the blood of people, especially foreigners, doesn't matter that much to them," Jatras noted. "The question is, where do they go from here? I think that we are really nearing a kind of a double inflection point  do these people find some way to back out of this thing?"For more in-depth analysis of todays' news, check out our Sputnik Radio show The Critical Hour.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230724/divisions-brewing-between-pentagon-and-white-house-over-bidens-ukraine-gamble-1112118516.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230725/us-seeks-to-turn-pacific-nations-into-anti-china-battering-ram-1112136772.html

US Seeks to Turn Pacific Nations Into Anti-China Battering Ram

US Seeks to Turn Pacific Nations Into Anti-China Battering Ram

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has embarked on a Pacific tour during which he is going to visit the Kingdom of Tonga, Australia and New Zealand between July 24 and 29. What's behind the charm offensive?

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"The US is attempting to maintain primacy over the Indo-Pacific region," Brian Berletic, geopolitical analyst and former US Marine, told Sputnik. "It has been losing ground to China because China brings with it obvious economic and development opportunities whereas the US has a history of subordinating and exploiting its 'partners' in the region."On July 26, the US Secretary of State is due to open a new US Embassy in the Tongan capital of Nukualofa.Per the State Department's website, Blinken will discuss "shared democratic values and vision of a connected, prosperous, peaceful, and resilient Pacific region" with Tonga, a Polynesian kingdom of more than 170 South Pacific islands.However, at the core of his charm offensive is Joe Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy aimed at reinvigorating the US' waning leadership in the region and trying to squeeze China out. In early 2022 US high-ranking officials intensified visits to the Pacific region, held virtual conferences and pledged millions of dollars for development. On September 28, the White House kicked off a first-ever summit with Pacific islands leaders.However, some experts believe that Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy is a continuation of Barack Obama's Pivot to Asia. In mid-2010, at the ASEAN Regional Forum meeting in Hanoi, then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the US' "vital interest" in the region. Obama's Pivot to Asia also envisaged bolstering trade alliances with regional players bypassing China.US Flexing Military Muscle in PacificMeanwhile, the Biden administration is moving forward with military projects in Oceania and Asia-Pacific in general, according to Berletic.Last year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the expansion of the US Coast Guard operations in the Asia-Pacific region from March 2023. Earlier, RAND, an influential US think tank, argued that "less militaristic" and "low-key" coast guards would be a new asset of choice for enhancing US military presence in the Pacific region. According to the think tank, the US had to "enhance interoperability between coast guard and naval commanders" and "begin to develop games that deal exclusively with grey-zone escalation scenarios involving non-military actors such as coast guards, maritime militia, and fishing vessels."When it comes to the broader Asia Pacific region, the US Indo-Pacific Command is enhancing military cooperation with US allies and other regional players, beefing up its presence and embracing new military tactics. Meanwhile, AUKUS  a trilateral alliance of the US, UK and Australia  is pushing ahead with its nuclear submarine project and testing new drone swarms.US Can't Persuade Pacific Nations to Choose SidesIt raises the question whether Washington would manage to persuade the Pacific nations to choose sides and turn their back on China. However, this is unlikely, per James Bradley, China expert, historian and author of The China Mirage: The Hidden History of American Disaster in Asia.The expert likewise expressed skepticism with regard to Blinken's charm offensive: "Blinken is showing the American flag after China has been all over the area recently."The US cannot persuade Pacific island nations to limit their engagement with China, echoed Berletic. He suspects that Washington may try to coerce Pacific nations into doing what the US wants or even oust Pacific governments from power and install client regimes that will."On an even playing field, why would any nation choose entangling 'security pacts' with the United States aimed at China who either is or will soon be their largest trade partner?" the US military veteran asked. "Why would any nation in the region sign up willingly to cut themselves off from their best hope at obtaining the investment and technical assistance required for the sort of infrastructure desperately needed to reduce poverty and increase economic opportunities in their nations?"Closing Ranks With US is Fraught With Security RisksPacific states are presently walking a tightrope between two great powers and don't want to choose sides. Their resolve varies between states, according to the former US Marine."Some like the Solomon Islands made a bold move to decisively side with China and to seek security assistance to head-off the political interference the US was already involved in there," Berletic said. "Others, like Papua New Guinea who find themselves doing more and more business with China, still conditionally sign security pacts with the US most likely to placate Washington and buy time until its unwarranted influence is displaced from the region."Per Berletic, nations should beware of closing ranks with the US and its NATO allies if they want to maintain sovereignty.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20220929/scholar-pacific-nations-driven-by-pragmatism-us-yet-to-win-hearts--minds-1101353848.html

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Russia's defense minister Sergei Shoigu is set to lead his country's delegation to visit North Korea this week to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Victory Day or the end of the Korean War.

According to the North Korean state media agency KCNA, China will also send its own delegation to the North Korean capital of Pyongyang, which will be headed by Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Li Hongzhong.

Both Moscow and Beijing were invited by North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un to its victory day celebrations on July 27, the anniversary of the armistice in 1953 which brought an end to the bloody fighting in the peninsula, which involved the US, China, and Russia's predecessor state, the Soviet Union. The two countries would be the first public visitors to Pyongyang since it closed its borders in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the armistice, which left the Korean peninsula divided and millions of families split by the so-called Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea.

North Korean state media reported this year's celebration would include a major military parade in the streets of Pyongyang.

Meanwhile, the US has accused North Korea of providing military aid to Russia for its war in Ukraine, a claim both Pyongyang and Moscow deny. In response, North Korea has blamed Washington for the crisis in Ukraine, insisting that the West's "hegemonic policy" forced Russia to take military action to protect its security interests.

Recently, Shoigu and Russian Armed Forces chief of staff Valery Gerasimov were accused by Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin of abandoning them while they fought in the city of Bakhmut. The Wagner boss specifically complained that Shoigu and Gerasimov were withholding ammunition supplies to his mercenaries, which eventually convinced the group to occupy Rostov-on-Don and attempt to march to Moscow until they decided to call it off.

Since then, Wagner has regrouped in Belarus at the behest of its leader Alexander Lukashenko, with evidence of Prigozhin's whereabouts in the midst of his troops detected in a recent video last week.

Read Also: House Foreign Affairs Chief Michael McCaul Warns of North Korea's Potential Demands as US Urges Release of Soldier Travis King

US, UN Has Conflicting Statements About Talks with North Korea on Travis King

On the other hand, the United Nations (UN) Command said Monday (July 24) a conversation has "commenced" with North Korea over US Army deserter Pvt. Travis King, who crossed the border between the two Koreas "willfully and without authorization" last week near the truce village of Panmunjom.

UN Command deputy commander Gen. Andrew Harrison said King's case is still under investigation and he could not provide any further detail on the deserter, CNN reported, but they still make his welfare their primary concern as the process goes forward.

However, US State Department spokesperson Matt Miller told reporters he was not aware of any new communication efforts other than those that happened in the first few hours of his disappearance.

King was supposed to be returned to the US to face a court martial and possible administrative separation after allegedly being involved in criminal charges in South Korea. However, he did not board the plane to the US but instead joined a tourist group to the DMZ. He was last seen and heard by tourists laughing as he crossed into the North Korean side of the border.

Related Article: Russia Invites BRICS to Join New Space Station Project

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Torrington Community Health recently completed a longtime expansion project in April. The project was centered around developing a larger operating space including an improved sterile processing department and more spacious operating rooms.

The hospital also constructed a new entrance for patients and made renovations to existing hospital facilities.

Technology had advanced and we wanted to really improve services for our community, and so the main key driver there was to provide a new state of the art operating space, Torrington Community Health CEO Zach Miller said.

The project ran for roughly a four-year period before reaching completion. Hospital officials say it was delayed for a year during the COVID-19 pandemic between the expansion and renovation phases of the project.

In total, the expansion and renovations cost $27 million with $19 million being spent on the expansion and $8 million on the upgrades to hospital facilities. The project was funded through Banner Health, a health system based out of Phoenix, Arizona, that owns the hospital in Torrington.

This facility has been an original Banner facility since we came into existence, Miller said.

The expansion project added 13,000 square feet to the hospitals footprint with an additional 6,000 involved in the renovation. Miller said it was felt the 45-year-old hospital had been in need of updates as technology improved and new techniques were implemented.

Miller also said that the improvements to the hospital have been welcome to both patients and hospital staff and that the facility has reaped the benefits.

From the time that we opened that main entrance through today, our surgery program has nearly doubled in size, he said.

The upgrades also included an improved mammogram suite for patients and a cardiac rehab room where patients can do rehabilitation and be monitored following.

The largest impact at the hospital has been felt in the operating rooms, Miller said, where the new sterile processing department has greatly improved the efficiency of the facility and allows doctors to perform more surgeries for their patients.

Miller said, Its really allowed us to grow our orthopedic, podiatry, general surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology lanes, specifically with sterile processing its just much more efficient with the newer equipment.

Torrington Community Health also recently renewed their accreditation with the American College of Radiologists for CT scanning. Clinical Director Levi Keener referred to the ACR as the gold standard with image quality.

Applying for accreditation is a process that includes submitting scans to the ACR for review of image quality and Torrington Community Health chose to submit images in several categories including chest, heart, brain and pediatric abdomen imaging.

Those are some of our more common exams that we do here and so those are the ones that we excelled at the most, Keener said.

Accreditations are required to be renewed every three years and this was the hospitals first renewal since they first applied for accreditation in 2020. The ACR regulates accreditation for a number of other services as well including MRIs and mammography.

The hospitals mammography department is accredited through the ACR although MRIs are a contracted service for the hospital and, therefore, are not accredited through the hospital.

However, Keener said, there are plans to possibly pursue accreditation for their ultrasound department in the coming years.

Miller said he is enthusiastic that the changes to the hospital would continue to improve patient care as well as their experience at the hospital for years to come.

Quality hasnt changed but the environment in which it is provided is much more efficient for our team, Miller said.
Sgt. Philip Eckerberg, with the Scottsbluff Police Department, answers questions submitted by readers each week. To submit a question for consideration, email policeinfo@scottsbluff.org.

Q. What do I need to do when I am involved in a collision?

A. You are driving down the street and suddenly an obstacle appears in front of you. Tires squeal and then a sickening thud sound occurs, you have been in an accident. Now what needs to be done?

Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. Call 911. Check to see if anyone in your car is injured.

If it is safe to do so, get out and check on the occupants of the other vehicle, make sure that they are not injured. If no one is injured and the vehicles can safely move, consider getting out of the roadway to prevent a second accident from occurring. If there are injured people, dont move them unless there is an immediate danger such as a car on fire. Moving an injured person may make the injuries worse.

The one thing you should never do is leave. Nebraska law 60-696 requires that you stop and identify yourself to the other driver or property owner if there is not another driver. It also requires that the accident be reported to a peace officer without unnecessary delay, even if it is on private property. Failing to do this for a non-injury accident is a cCass II misdemeanor. Saying you were scared and didnt know what to do is not an excuse.

Leaving the scene of an injury accident is a felony. Nebraska law 60-697 requires the same thing as 60-696 and adds the responsibility of rendering reasonable assistance. Calling 911 and providing basic first aid within your ability while waiting for an ambulance will probably satisfy this requirement. Leaving the scene is a Class IIIA felony for an injury accident and a Class III felony for a fatality or serious bodily injury.

Never leave the scene of an accident before the police arrive and have told you that they are done with you. With all of the video around town, you are likely to have been recorded. Even if the accident was not your fault, you could go to prison if you leave.

Mandatory state reporting is required when the damage amount to any one person is $1,500 or more, there are injuries, or there is a fatality (see 60-699). Scottsbluff city ordinance 22-2-131 requires all accidents to be reported to the police, no matter how minor, and even if on private property.

Calling law enforcement is the best way to protect yourself legally from false accusations. It will also help if the other driver gives you a false name or maybe their insurance card is no good. Dont let the other driver talk you into not calling the police, there is probably a reason they dont want the police there and fulfillment of promises to pay for the damage rarely happen. When you call your insurance company the first thing they will ask for is a copy of the police report.

There are a few things you can do before an accident to make life simpler when an accident occurs. Have your current registration and insurance cards in the car, get rid of the ones that are out of date. Have your operators license with you, its a $25 fine plus costs if you dont.

The best thing to do is drive defensively and avoid the accident.
The Scotts Bluff County Board of Equalization began hearing property valuation protests on Tuesday, July 18 and will continue throughout the weekend and into next week.

The Star-Herald sat in on several hearings held on the morning of Friday, July 21 to gather key takeaways for property owners that can help them understand the valuation and protest processes and prepare to participate in future years.

Scottsbluff and Gering both received blanket valuation increases of 15%

Although multiple protestors made valuation requests that would either keep their property value the same as in the previous year or even lower it, few of these requests were approved by the board. This is due to an increase in valuation on improvements across both Scottsbluff and Gering.

Interim assessor Mark Loose said that this increase was necessary to keep values in both communities compliant with the 92%-100% market value accuracy range that assessors are allowed within statute.

All of Scottsbluff got a 15% increase just like all of us in Gering got 15% across the board in order for the level of value to fall between 92(%) and 100%, Loose said. They were both low, so the assessor decided to go 15% on improvements.

A certified sale price or appraisal of a property can hold for up to two years

One Scottsbluff couple moved to the area from out of state in 2022 and purchased a home through a realtor. When it was discovered that the sale was closed less than two years ago, the Board of Equalization immediately approved an assessment matching the sale price.

If youre within two years of a recent sale, that sale price will hold, board chair Ken Meyer told the property owner.

A similar principle was applied to a home on Enterprise Drive for which the homeowners held a recent certified appraisal. Since the purpose of an appraisal is to determine the fair market value of a home, the board accepts them as credible proof of the homes value for up to two years after the appraisals completion.

Valuation comes down to more than just square footage

Although the size of a home or property is an important piece in the valuation process, it is not an end-all, be-all defense for the value of that property. The assessor and the Board of Equalization take many other factors into consideration when determining a propertys value, such as improvements, recent sales and the value of comparable properties.

Many property owners also discovered that the assessors office records of their own property or of their comparable properties were incomplete or outdated. Reasons for these discrepancies included remodeling done without a permit filed at city offices, resulting in the lack of a new inspection and improvements made that are not visible through Pictometry or other methods that only view the buildings exterior.

The assessor and the board recommended that property owners check the specifications given for their property and ensure that they are updated and accurate. If not, the property owner can contact the assessors office and request an inspection of the property.

Market value is whatever someone is willing to pay for property

When it comes to the valuation of property within the state of Nebraska, the number one factor has always been property sales. Both property owners and board members opined that there are an increasing number of out-of-state buyers who are willing to pay more for property in the county than what the properties are worth.

Nebraska is a market value state, board vice chair Mark Harris said. As the market goes up, your valuation will go up regardless of whether theyre from Colorado, California, Florida or wherever else. Whatever theyre selling for is going to drive up that price, and thats valuation.

Bidding wars and buyouts have an effect on the value of all comparable properties in the county for this reason. In a state where valuation is guided by sales, whatever a buyer is willing to pay is the market value of the property. That value then goes on to influence unsold properties through the principle of equalization.
Ralph Dagenhart, of Troutman, has written a book about his experiences in the U.S. Army 53 years ago: Pop Smoke: The Memoir of a 1st Cavalry Division Grunt, Vietnam/Cambodia, 1969-70 (Williamsburg, Virginia.: A15 Publishing Company, 2022.)

A grunt, of course, is the basic foot soldier, infantryman, the ground-pounder, the occupant of a pair of combat boots on the ground.

Dagenhart, a graduate of Troutman High School, class of 1964, is the son of the late Rowe T. Dagenhart, a World War II U.S. Army combat veteran originally from Alexander County, and the late Louise Ramsey Dagenhart, of Iredell County.

Pop Smoke as Dagenhart explains was, and is, a military term for detonating a smoke grenade so airborne forces may find your location on the ground  perhaps under a jungle canopy  more easily, and so to be able to separate the good guys from the bad guys.

Dagenharts 89-page memoir of the war is from an enlisted mans perspective. He ended up as a member of A Company, 5th Battalion, 7th Regiment. This was the famous Gary Owen Regiment of the First Cavalry Division (Air Mobile). The previous first commander of this legendary unit was Brevet Gen. George Armstrong Custer.

Dagenharts writing rings true. First assigned to be a rifleman, he later was an RTO (Radio Telephone Operator), whose job it was to stick close to the company commander who needed to stay in communication with his platoons, as well as with the battalion commander.

On one page he tells of taking a long-needed shower and while lathering up, to come under mortar fire for the first time. This is not a time for modesty, but a time for finding a safe place, clothed or not.

And speaking of clothing, Ralph makes a point of stating that civilian Vietnamese villagers looked just like Charlie, the commonly-used nickname for the Viet Cong enemy, who did not wear uniforms.

Oct. 20, 1969, Dagenhart tells us, was the worst day of his life, and consequently, the hardest to write about in his book. On that date his company suffered multiple casualties  at least nine killed and at least eighteen wounded  from thirty rounds of 82mm mortars and small arms fire that hit Dagenharts company, which was waiting in a pick-up zone for helicopters.

He tells what it was like to take the point on a combat patrol through thick jungle foliage, a dreaded dangerous duty he sometimes had to perform.

Perhaps Dagenharts best memory from 50-some years ago happened when the commercial airliner carrying him homeward from his yearlong tour of duty in the Republic of Vietnam cleared Vietnamese air space, an event which was announced on the aircrafts overhead speakers.

Dagenhart recalls, After clearing the coastline, there was a tremendous hurrah and the talking and the laughing began. All of us had made it, and these young stewardesses treated us like royalty on our trip back to the states.

I appreciated that Dagenharts book is interspersed with photos and each chapter beginning is embellished with quotes ranging from Plato to Presidents Nixon and Johnson. The latter part of his book deals with his brief Army cold war service in Kansas and then in Germany after returning to the United States. Nineteen of Dagenharts brothers-in-arms in Company A made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam or Cambodia during his tour of duty.

Dagenharts book is, no doubt, a form of catharsis, that is, by writing or speaking about what he went through, he cleanses himself from painful memories and suppressed emotions. By writing on what the war in Vietnam was like  in his case from an enlisted infantrymans perspective  is mentally helpful. Keeping things bottled up can lead to PTSD even years after returning to the world, as civilian life was called.

In addition, such books as Dagenharts are historically valuable and give an idea of what the war in southeast Asia was really like. What would you give to have such a memoir written by an ancestor who served during Americas Civil War?

For his service to his country, Sgt. Dagenhart was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge (the CIB), the Bronze Star, the Army Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Valorous Unit Citation, as well as some non-combat-related medals.

Dagenhart explains that his book was originally intended to be written only for family, but that he was persuaded by a friend and fellow veteran to make his memoir available to a wider readership.

The Iredell County Public Library is hosting a book signing for Ralph Dagenhart at 5:30 on Thursday. Ralph will be glad to meet you and autograph a copy of his book for you. The book will sell for an even $14. It should prove to be especially interesting reading for Iredell Countys many veterans of all branches of military service, not just Vietnam veterans.

Thank you, Ralph Dagenhart, for your service, and welcome home, brother!
Despite continued IEA (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan) government denials, they appear to be tolerating the presence of al Qaeda personnel as well as TTP (the Pakistani Taliban). TTP support was expected but IEA insists it will not tolerate any Islamic terror groups. They are either lying or simply dont have much control in many parts of the country. UN officials supervising aid deliveries noticed al Qaeda training camps in five provinces in addition to many more safehouses. Suicide bombers are being trained and indoctrinated for use outside Afghanistan. Some are being sent to Western countries where they can hide among the many Afghan refugees fleeing IEA rule. The IEA is also continuing to impose more lifestyle restrictions similar to those they enforced in the 1990s. This includes a ban on listening to live or recorded music. The IEA also censored what could be shown by Afghan TV stations. This meant no shows that had women with uncovered faces as well as no music. The IEA wants women appearing in public to wear the burqa (covers everything except the hands and eyes.) Many rural Afghans support some of these urban ideas, especially education for girls and more education in general. Beyond that these rural Afghans tend to be more conservative than those living in urban areas. The IEA is having a hard time coping with the current Afghanistan, which is quite different from the one they ruled before September 11, 2001.

When the IEA took power, the national population was at least 33 million, which is 57 percent more than two decades ago when the Taliban were driven from power. Kabul is the largest city, with about half the urban population. The last time the Taliban were in charge (2001) Kabul had a population of half a million but twenty years later that has increased ten times to five million. Despite the population growth, over two-thirds of the population still lives in the countryside but rural Afghans are not as conservative as they were in the 1990s.

Afghanistan has growing problems with Pakistan but increasingly friendly relations with India and China. The oldest Afghan-Pakistan issue is the Pakistani militarys lucrative participation in Afghanistans drug trade, which the current Taliban government claims it is trying to shut down. This effort has had some success. Over 90 percent of Afghan poppies are produced in one Afghan province; Helmand. Then as now, neighboring Pakistan cooperates to make this work because essential chemicals must be imported to refine the opium into heroin. Pakistan is also the most effective route to worldwide drug markets via Pakistani airports and its seaport in Karachi. Afghanistans other neighbors (Iran, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan) are very hostile to the drug smugglers. Afghanistans northern neighbors, all former Soviet republics, have long received armed assistance from Russia to combat the drug smugglers.

Unlike the 1990s, the Pakistani military, which created the Taliban in the 1990s and has sought to control them ever since, has encountered unexpected problems. Back in 2021, shortly after the IEA took control of Afghanistan, then Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan repeated his belief that foreign nations, including the United States, would eventually have to recognize the Taliban IEA government and resume diplomatic and economic relations with Afghanistan. That was a minority opinion in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Kahn was taking a lot of heat from Pakistanis who have seen their incomes fall or disappear because money from Afghanistan stopped coming into Pakistan due to the end of nearly all Western aid after the IEA took over Afghanistan in 2022.

Some Pakistani officials considered the Taliban and various Islamic terrorist groups another failed investment. Pakistan long supported the Taliban and believed this would enable it to take control of Afghanistan and shut down Islamic terrorists and separatist groups in Afghanistan that attacked Pakistan. That did not happen. The Taliban were also supposed to provide stability for Pakistani investments and trade. China was willing to make major investments in Afghanistan if conditions were stable. That has not happened and Pakistan gets most of the blame.

There is some international cooperation with the IEA in areas of mutual interest. The most obvious one is Islamic terrorism, which is also a problem for the IEA. The primary Islamic terror threat in Afghanistan is from ISK (Islamic State Khorasan), which was formed in Afghanistan during 2015, with the help of ISIL leadership in Syria, to handle ISIL activity throughout the region (Central Asia, Iran, Pakistan and India). ISK found they were most effective if they confined their operations to Afghanistan and Pakistan, which they have been doing since 2019.

The United States does not believe the IEA controls all of Afghanistan and, until it does, the IEA is deemed not the legitimate government of Afghanistan and is not entitled to access to $7 billion in Afghan central bank funds on deposit in foreign banks. This money originally belonged to the IRA (Islamic Republic of Afghanistan) government that the IEA deposed in 2021. This money was held in foreign banks to reduce corruption and was frozen because no one would recognize the IEA as the successor to the IRA. Countries in the region expect the IEA to collapse in a few years, which will leave the country a narco-state without any central government. The Americans will not reopen its embassy in Afghanistan until the IEA can demonstrate that it actually governs Afghanistan.

Over two billion dollars worth of American aid has been sent to Afghanistan since the IEA took power. The United States halted normal aid because of the uncertain status of the IEA but continued aid programs for Afghanistan on a case-by-case basis. The U.S. still does not have diplomatic relations with the IEA and the aid is monitored via the foreign aid groups that manage disbursement of aid throughout Afghanistan. The IEA is desperate for foreign aid to replace the much larger amounts the previous IRA government had received. IEA assured foreign aid donors that it would not interfere with the distribution of aid but did so anyway. The most obvious example of interference is the IEA ban on Afghan women working for foreign aid agencies, and putting additional restrictions on who could receive aid. It was increasingly common for the IEA to back off on agreements with foreign aid groups over how aid was to be distributed and used. The main problem was that IEA decisions were subject to modification by prominent imams (religious authorities) who have the authority to order the IEA to modify or cancel decisions on religious grounds.

Other foreign donors remain active, moving over $10 billion in aid, mainly food, to areas of Afghanistan where there is little food and not much IEA presence. Not all of this aid gets through, even though it is desperately needed and even the families of men in various armed groups are going hungry. There have been droughts in the past few years and many Afghan farmers are losing all or most of their crops. Despite that the IEA does not care how local officials use the food aid. That means some of the food aid is sold. The IEA needs cash more than it needs food air so a lor of the food aid is sold on markets, with most of the proceeds going to the IEA.

China has still not established much presence in Afghanistan and is seeking to establish security in areas where it wants to open mines and export copper and lithium. China is offering multi-billion dollar deals to the IEA if there is security for the mines and export and supply routes. These deals remain works in progress.

July 21, 2023: Inside Afghanistan, the only organized opposition to IEA rule was a successor to the 1990s Northern Alliance. This anti-Taliban group reassembled in 2022 as the NRF (National Resistance Front) and appeared to be a major threat to IEA rule and possibly something that was more than the IEA could handle. NRF leaders blame the United States and the former IRA government. Both misjudged and mishandled efforts to deal with the ISIL and TTP (Pakistani Taliban) presence inside Afghanistan. Now the resistance to the revived Taliban rule in Afghanistan is opposed by an updated version of the pre September 11, 2001 Afghan resistance. This time the United States is not interested in trying to remove a pro-Islamic terrorist government in Afghanistan.

Some of the NRF leaders are sons of successful Northern Alliance commanders. Iran threatened to provide more support to the NRF than they gave the Northern Alliance. By late 20221 the NRF dominated Panjshir province (northeast of Kabul) and believed they could resist any IEA attack. That was optimistic because IEA forces suffered some losses initially but soon turned that around and inflicted heavy losses on NRF in terms of gunmen, territory and local support. Now the NRF is based in northern neighbor Tajikistan and conducts raids into Afghanistan. This was not a repeat of the 1990s when the Northern Alliance dominated the Panjshir Valley (a 90-minute drive from Kabul) right up to the defeat of the Taliban government after September 2001. Northern Front leaders became members of the IRA government and now their sons reassembled as the NRF, which had some initial success but no staying power. Not enough Panjshir Valley residents willing to die opposing the ruthless IEA government.

July 20, 2023: The three nations (China, Russia and Pakistan) that have the most economic activity with Afghanistan are urging the IEA to help Afghanistan as well as the IEA by allowing women to work and not continuing to impose more restrictions on women. The latest restriction is the IEA order to close all beauty parlors in Afghan cities. This was not received well by Afghan women, and there were several public protests by women which the IEA suppressed without killing anyone. Afghans consider it more important to crack down on the drug cartels and Islamic terror groups that currently operate freely. So far the IEA has ignored these suggestions. In response, the world largely ignored the IEA and Afghanistan and blocked IEA access to billions of frozen funds in foreign banks. There is a similar reluctance to deliver food aid, because IEA might divert some of it to markets, where it can be sold at high prices.

July 8, 2023: Iran executed two Afghan men by hanging. The two were convicted of participating in the 2022 attack on a Shia shrine in the city of Shiraz in southern Iran. The attack killed 13 pilgrims and wounded over 40 more. Police quickly captured the two Afghan attackers alive.

July 6, 2023: In the east (Kunar province) IEA security forces carried out several operations near the Pakistan border that killed Sanaullah Ghafari, the head of ISK (Islamic State Khorasan) and six of his armed followers. ISK was formed in Afghanistan during 2015, with the help of ISIL leadership in Syria, to handle ISIL activity throughout the region (Central Asia, Iran, Pakistan and India). ISK found they were most effective if they confined their operations to Afghanistan and Pakistan, which they have been doing since 2019.

July 1, 2023: In the southwest (Nimroz province), across the border in Pakistan (Baluchistan) there is frequent separatist violence caused by Baluchi gunmen who maintain bases across the border in Afghanistan and carry out most of their attacks against Pakistani targets. There is a similar situation in the southeast (Khost province) where TTP (Pakistani Taliban) gunmen cross into Pakistan (North Waziristan) and attack Pakistani soldiers. This is not supposed to happen because the IEA assured Pakistan that there would be no sanctuaries for the TTP groups in Afghanistan. The TTP bases still exist in Afghanistan and those TTP men regularly cross into Pakistan to carry out attacks.

June 27, 2023: The UN claims it has documented 1,095 violent deaths in Afghanistan since the IEA took control in late 2021. The UN had earlier reported 3,035 deaths in 2020 when the IRA was in charge and under attack by what would become the IEA. In 2020 there were still foreign troops in Afghanistan and foreign aid paid to support Afghan several hundred thousand men in the security forces. Their main task was to fight the Taliban and other armed outlaws that were active. Some of these armed men worked for the drug cartels and some still do. The primary source of violent deaths now are Islamic terrorists and some local self-defense groups. The IEA is trying to create a security force but that process is proceeding slowly.

June 16, 2023: During the first six months of 2022, the invasion of Ukrainians killed more Russian troops than Afghans did during ten years of fighting in Afghanistan during the 1980s. The Afghan war cost the Russians 15,000 dead while the fighting in Ukraine has so far killed more than three times that number (about 47,000). The Ukrainians were better armed than the Afghans and there were more Ukrainians fighting more Russians in Ukraine than there were well-equipped Russians fighting poorly armed Afghan irregulars in Afghanistan. Russia has been actively involved in only two wars since World War II (1945) and the death toll in Ukraine has angered many Russian civilians back in Russia. Russians saw no justification for the invasion of Afghanistan that began at the end of 1979 and even less justification for going into Ukraine in early 2022. In both wars, Russian leaders had convinced themselves that victory would come quickly and with little loss. Losing the Afghan war played a role in the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. The current losses in Ukraine has many Russians talking of another government collapse.
Following Safadi's visit to Damascus, he met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on June 4th, Athr Press reminds.

Jordans diplomatic efforts toward resolving the Syrian crisis have been steadily gaining momentum. Its significant role in the Jeddah consultative meeting and continued involvement in tripartite meetings with Egypt and Iraq showcase its commitment to finding a solution.

The restoration of Syrian-Jordanian relations, marked by a phone call between President Bashar al-Assad and King Abdullah II, led to subsequent official meetings. Jordans Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, visited Damascus, signalling a willingness to engage in meaningful communication.

However, challenges persist as the complexities of the Syrian crisis and competing regional and international interests create uncertainty about the prospects for success.

Following Safadis visit to Damascus, he met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on June 4, 2023, to discuss regional stability and the return of displaced Syrians. Experts speculate that Jordans involvement hints at facilitating a Syrian-Turkish rapprochement, despite doubts about Turkeys sincerity. Menini expressed skepticism, citing Turkeys history of unreliable political positions.

To influence Qatars stance on Syria, Safadi met with Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani in Doha on June 17, 2023. While Qatars policies have negatively impacted Syria and the Gulf states, economic interests have brought Qatar and Jordan closer.

In conclusion, Jordans active diplomatic role reflects its growing influence as a regional actor. Despite the challenges, Jordan remains committed to resolving the Syrian crisis, emphasizing that reestablishing full relations with Syria is crucial for regional security and stability.

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.
Sabbagh criticized the unauthorized entry of a French Foreign Ministry delegation into Syrian territory, al-Watan writes.

Syrias Ambassador to the UN, Ambassador Bassam Sabbagh, emphasized the need for sustainable solutions to improve the humanitarian situation in Syria. He called for the immediate lifting of economic sanctions imposed on the country, stating that this would help reduce reliance on humanitarian aid and create conditions for the safe return of refugees and displaced individuals through Early Recovery projects. Speaking at a UN Security Council session on the situation in Syria, Sabbagh informed that Syria had granted permission to the UN and its agencies to utilize the Bab al-Hawa corridor for delivering humanitarian aid for a period of six months. This decision demonstrated Syrias commitment to ensuring aid reaches those in need in the northwestern region of the country.

Ambassador Sabbagh stressed that the existing three main border points, along with other available corridors within Syria, are sufficient to meet the humanitarian needs. However, achieving this requires putting pressure on terrorist organizations and their affiliates operating in the northwestern part of Syria to allow for humanitarian deliveries.

In another matter, Ambassador Sabbagh criticized the unauthorized entry of a French Foreign Ministry delegation into Syrian territory, denouncing it as an irresponsible act. He saw it as further evidence of Frances destructive role in supporting terrorist groups and separatist militias within Syria.

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 Idleb Health Directorate counts 3,000 registered cancer cases, according to Baladi News.

On Tuesday, July 25th, the administration of the Bab al-Hawa border crossing made an official statement announcing a significant development. Starting Wednesday, Syrians suffering from cancer will be allowed to enter Turkish territory to continue their essential treatment.

The crossing released a video statement confirming that the Turkish authorities have approved the resumption of admitting cancer patients to Turkish hospitals for their ongoing medical care.

The management of the border crossing expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the individuals who took part and showed their support in raising awareness about the plight of cancer patients and communicating their suffering to relevant authorities.

In response to the urgent situation, activists and media organizations in northern Syria launched a heartfelt campaign advocating for cancer patients, aiming to draw the worlds attention to their plight. The campaigns primary objective was to help cancer patients gain admission to Turkish hospitals or any other country with suitable medical facilities. Additionally, they sought to establish a specialized hospital or center for diagnosing and treating patients in northwestern Syria. Furthermore, the campaign aimed to facilitate the import of diagnostic devices and radiotherapy equipment, ensuring that cancer patients receive the necessary medical attention.

According to the Idleb Health Directorate, there are currently 3,000 registered cancer cases, with 65% of them affecting women and children. Half of these patients are currently receiving treatment in hospitals located in the northern region. In the aftermath of the earthquake, the number of injuries reached 608, with 876 individuals requiring medical treatment.

This humanitarian initiative represents a vital step in addressing the pressing needs of cancer patients in the region, and it is hoped that it will have a positive and life-changing impact on the affected individuals and their families.

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 American stance towards Assad is directly linked to the ongoing U.S.-Iranian negotiations on the nuclear issue, according to Syria TV.

An Arab diplomatic source disclosed to Syria TV that several Arab countries, which initially rushed to normalize relations with the Assad regime, have gradually curtailed their efforts at the political and economic levels. However, they have maintained lines of security and intelligence communication.

The source cited several reasons behind this change in policy, with the primary factor being the strong intervention of the United States of America. The U.S. has taken measures to limit this free engagement with the Syrian regime and has withheld financial assistance to it.

During a visit to Damascus and a meeting with Assad and regime officials, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi emphasized that the return of refugees is contingent upon receiving necessary guarantees from the Syrian regime, along with essential funding. However, the demand to lift sanctions by the United States has been firmly rejected, further complicating the situation.

The source also revealed that the American stance towards Assad is directly linked to the ongoing U.S.-Iranian negotiations on the nuclear issue, which were occurring in the Sultanate of Oman. Unfortunately, progress in these negotiations stalled due to conflicting opinions within the U.S. administration, as well as opposition from major parties in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Moreover, part of the U.S. pressure on Arab countries is attributed to the ongoing pressure on the Russian side amid the escalating Ukrainian war and the Moscow-led actions in the Middle East and Africa.

Overall, the situation has become increasingly complex and interconnected, with international dynamics playing a significant role in influencing the policies and decisions of Arab countries towards the Assad regime.

Assad does not change

In related context, the Arab diplomatic source reveals that there are several reasons behind Arab countries decision to freeze all political and economic interactions with the Assad regime. One crucial factor is the alarming presence of drug trafficking in Syria. Drugs are being smuggled through various routes, including Jordan, Lebanon, and even via the Red Sea from countries like Sudan, with active gangs involved in this illicit trade, smuggling drugs into Saudi cities.

The regime had promised Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries to halt the flow of drugs and shut down Captagon factories in exchange for economic and development programs that would compensate for the financial losses incurred from drug money, which finances military divisions and militias, specifically the Fourth Division.

Additionally, the regime has started to evade its commitments to humanitarian entitlements, particularly concerning Syrian and Arab political prisoners and human rights activists. The regime was required to provide information about their fate but has been evasive in its responses.

Furthermore, the regime has failed to initiate any steps related to the promised dialogues with opposition figures regarding the future of political participation and power transfer to a future government with the involvement of national representatives, despite claiming readiness for such discussions.

The source believes that part of the problem lies in the regimes lack of seriousness in dismantling checkpoints, camps, and positions belonging to Hezbollah, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, and other militias. The regimes actions seem more like a repositioning tactic to improve its image with Arab countries and to showcase its influence on the ground.

The delayed reopening of the Saudi embassy in Syria is attributed to the regimes reneging on its commitment to stop selling real estate to Iranian, Lebanese, Iraqi, and Iranian businessmen.

On the other hand, a Western diplomatic source indicates that the Arab countries delay in engaging with Damascus, either due to unresolved issues or American pressure, has prompted Russia to intervene and attempt to rearrange the relationship between the two sides. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to send officials, including the Special Envoy for the Middle East, Mikhail Bogdanov, to Damascus to activate the agreements made between Arab countries and Syria. Moscow may also make contacts with Iranian officials and Hezbollah to facilitate the normalization process between Damascus and Gulf capitals.

According to information, Moscow has sensed an intention among Gulf countries to halt the aid package for various reasons, including the Caesar sanctions, Assads failure to fulfill commitments made during the Jeddah summit, and the setting of a time limit by Saudi Arabia and other countries for the continuation of their contacts with the regime, possibly until the end of the year.

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.
(Photo: LEAH MILLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) walks with China's Foreign Minister Qin Gang (R) ahead of a meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on June 18, 2023.

China dismissed Qin Gang as its foreign minister Tuesday (July 25) after a month-long absence from public duties. His predecessor, Wang Yi, who filled in for Qin during his absence, would reassume his former post moving forward.

According to Chinese officials, Qin skipped an international diplomatic summit in Indonesia, saying he was off work for unspecified health reasons. Speculations about his fate and whereabouts grew as of this report because of the lack of detailed information.

It also deepened suspicion about transparency and decision-making among China's cloistered leadership, analysts and diplomats said.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has not responded to requests by reporters for comment.

Read Also: South Korea Receives Hundreds of Mysterious Parcels From China, Some May Contain Hazardous Materials

Qin Falls Out of Favor?

Qin only took the job in December after a brief stint as an envoy to the United States. The 57-year-old was last seen publicly when he met with officials from Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Russia in Beijing.

The highlight of his tenure was when US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken visited Beijing in an attempt by Washington to thaw relations between the world superpowers. He also attended the BRICS foreign ministers meeting in South Africa ahead of the leaders' summit in Johannesburg next month sans Vladimir Putin, who declined to come after an arrest warrant was presented to him by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Qin was a personal pick by Chinese President Xi Jinping, having a quick rise to the diplomatic post, with his appointment over more experienced candidates causing some surprise among observers of elite Chinese politics. It was also seen as a sign of Xi's trust in Qin until recently.

Former Chinese Communist Party editor Deng Yuwen told CNN earlier this month that Qin was "single-handedly pulled up the ranks by Xi," and any setbacks or problems with him would reflect on the top Chinese leader.

"If anything unusual happened to a senior official, people will wonder if their relations with the top leader have soured or whether it is a sign of political instability," he added.

Qin's disappearance was far from being the first, as senior Chinese officials have disappeared from public view in the past, only to be revealed months later by the ruling Communist Party's disciplinary watchdog they have been detained for investigations. Such sudden disappearances have become a common feature in Xi's anti-corruption campaign.

Related Article: China's Foreign Minister Qin Gang Has Been Missing From the Public for Weeks, Fueling Speculations About His Whereabouts

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.

In a recent incident over Syria, a Russian fighter jet dangerously approached a U.S. drone, flying just a few meters away, and reportedly fired flares at the American aircraft, resulting in damage to the drone. The incident has raised tensions between the two nations in the region. Meanwhile, a group of United States representatives has written a letter expressing their grave concern to President Joe Biden regarding the potential extension of Syria General License 23. This license had previously eased sanctions on the Syrian government as a response to the earthquake that occurred on February 6th. The representatives are urging caution and consideration before making any decisions regarding the extension, given the sensitive situation in the region.

A Russian fighter jet fired flares at a U.S. drone over Syria and damaged it, the US military says

A Russian fighter jet flew within a few meters of a U.S. drone over Syria and fired flares at it, striking the American aircraft and damaging it, the U.S. military said Tuesday, the latest in a string of aggressive intercepts by Russia in the region.

A senior Air Force commander said the move on Sunday was an attempt by the Russians to knock the MQ-9 Reaper drone out of the sky and came just a week after a Russian fighter jet flew dangerously close to a U.S. surveillance aircraft carrying a crew in the region, jeopardizing the lives of the four Americans on board.

One of the Russian flares struck the U.S. MQ-9, severely damaging its propeller, Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, the head of U.S. Air Forces Central, said in a statement describing the latest close call. We call upon the Russian forces in Syria to put an immediate end to this reckless, unprovoked, and unprofessional behaviour.

Syria still mired in division, top UN envoy tells Security Council

Months of potentially significant diplomacy to resolve the crisis in Syria have not yielded any outcomes or political momentum for the war-weary population, both within the country and those displaced outside, the UN Special Envoy for the country said on Monday.

I hope they will soon because if not, it will be another missed opportunity to help the Syrian conflict to come to a negotiated end, at a time when the impact of the crisis is deepening, Geir Pedersen said, briefing the Security Council.

While there had been positive humanitarian gestures following the devastating earthquakes in February, it was disappointing that the UN cross-border relief operations which provoked a Russian veto and a failure to agree any resolution two weeks ago, could not be extended, he told ambassadors.

How are the Syrians meant to believe that some broader progress is possible, and how are they meant to be encouraged to overcome their own deep differences, if consensus on humanitarian basics among international parties is elusive?

Plea to work proactively

Mr. Pedersen called on the Syrian Government to work proactively with the UN on a political path out of the conflict, and also highlighted the need for constructive and coordinated international diplomacy.

The more you can work together despite your differences, the more you can encourage and support the Syrians to do the same, he urged the 15-member Council.

Conditions getting worse

Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of Coordination for the UN aid coordination wing OCHA, informed ambassadors of the letter his office had received from the Syrian Government granting the UN permission to use the Bab al-Hawa crossing to deliver assistance in the northwest.

He said humanitarians continue to engage with the Government on the terms outlined in the letter and the essential requirements OCHA has to keep operating, guided by the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.

Throughout Syria, he continued, conditions continue to deteriorate, with the price of essential food commodities surging by over 90 percent in 2023, putting basic food items and other essentials, out of the reach of millions of families.

Assistance to up to 40 percent of them, or 2.5 million people, has been discontinued this month due to funding shortfalls

U.S. and major donors demand independent UN aid operation in Syrias rebel-held northwest

The United States said Monday it has joined major donors in demanding that the United Nations be able to deliver aid through a key crossing from Turkey to Syrias rebel-held northwest independently and to everyone in need. Thats a rejection of conditions set by Syria and backed by its ally Russia that Damascus control all aid and banning U.N. communications with rebels in the region, the Associated Press reported.

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the U.N. Security Council that the Syrian governments offer earlier this month to allow aid deliveries through the Bab al-Hawa crossing showed the need for cross-border assistance, but she said Syrias restrictions were unacceptable and would hinder relief and put humanitarians, including U.N. personnel, at risk.

After the latest six-month mandate expired on July 10, Russia vetoed a nine-month extension and the council rejected a Russian resolution for a six-month extension.

U.S. representatives oppose renewing Syria sanctions exemption

Several United States representatives have sent a letter to U.S. President Joe Biden voicing their grave concern over the possibility of extending Syria General License 23, which has eased sanctions on the Syrian government in response to the February 6 earthquake, North Press reported.

These representatives include Michael McCaul, Joe Wilson, James R. Baird, French Hill, Brian Mast, Thomas H. Kean Jr, Cory Mills, Keith Self and Aumua Amata Coleman Raewagen.

The license, which authorized direct transactions with the Assad regime for earthquake relief efforts for 180 days, undermines the efficacy of our sanctions and, by extension, the prospects for accountability for the Syrian people, the members wrote.

There are already existing exemptions that cover a range of humanitarian activities, and provide sufficient flexibility to navigate the complex operating environment in Syria, the letter read.

The representatives strongly urged Biden to allow the license to expire on August 8 as intended in order to preserve the integrity of our Syria sanctions, the letter concluded.

Making Sense of Renewed Iraq-Syria Ties

Responsiblestatecraft.org published a long report in which it highlighted the pragmatic approach taken by Iraq in engaging with Syria, considering the numerous shared security, economic, and environmental challenges that bind the two Arab countries together. Despite historical complexities, Iraq sees it as necessary to address critical regional issues by re-establishing ties with Damascus.

The article emphasizes the changing regional dynamics that have led to Syrias reintegration into the Arab fold. The return of high-ranking officials from various Arab states to Damascus signifies a new era of realism in the Middle East, where pragmatic concerns take precedence over past grievances with the Assad regime.

While acknowledging the brutality of Bashar al-Assads regime, the article suggests that addressing serious regional issues requires involving him. The article argues that isolating Assad further worsens the crisis and emphasizes the lack of viable alternatives to engage with Syria effectively.

The article points out that while the US maintains a military presence in both Iraq and Syria, it is unlikely to prevent Iraq from reestablishing ties with Syria. However, the Caesar Act sanctions imposed on Syria pose a challenge for Iraq in developing economic ties with Damascus, potentially limiting bilateral trade and investment.

The article calls on the US to consider the wider regional implications of its sanctions on Syria, urging a reevaluation of the approach. It highlights that the sanctions harm not only ordinary Syrians but also their neighbours, and argues for a more nuanced approach in dealing with the Syrian regime. Several Arab states, including Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, have voiced opposition to the sanctions, but efforts to persuade the U.S. to lift them have been unsuccessful thus far.

The article conveys the importance of pragmatic engagement with Syria to address critical regional issues, despite the complexities and controversies surrounding the Assad regime. It also suggests the need for the US to reconsider its approach to Syrian sanctions to better address the broader implications on regional dynamics.

The Heavy Toll of Violence at the Syria-Turkey Border

The New Humanitarian published a detailed feature in which it sheds light on the violence perpetrated by Turkish border guards against Syrians attempting to cross into Turkey irregularly. Human rights groups have documented numerous cases of severe injuries and deaths caused by the actions of Turkish border guards over the years.

Victims families face significant challenges in seeking justice for the violence inflicted on their loved ones. The article highlights the lack of progress in the investigation into a recent incident where eight Syrians were apprehended, two killed, and six injured by Turkish guards. Families struggle emotionally and economically with little support.

The article emphasizes that the violence at the Syria-Turkey border has been an ongoing issue for more than a decade. Human rights groups have recorded numerous reports of attacks against people attempting to cross the border, with incidents involving thousands of individuals.

Syrians in rebel-held northwest Syria, including those in camps, are among the worst affected by the decade-long war, fuel shortages, and rising prices. Many are pushed into severe poverty, leading them to seek safety and economic opportunity across the Turkish border, where they face significant risks.

Due to the fortified border, many Syrians turn to smugglers to help them cross into Turkey. Reports suggest that smugglers may pay bribes to Turkish border guards to ensure safe passage, exacerbating the situation and leading to more dangers for those attempting the crossing.

Survivors and families of victims call for accountability and justice for the violence perpetrated by Turkish border guards. Human rights advocates stress the right to asylum and safe passage for Syrian refugees, highlighting the need for Turkey to open its borders and ensure the safety of those seeking refuge.
No matter the outcome in the primary race for Longview City Councils seat two, at least one new member is guaranteed to join the board next year.

Hillary Strobel decided not to run for reelection for the seat and three challengers entered the race to replace her: Colby Conerly, Ramona Leber and Keith Young.

The three candidates talked to The Daily News about how the city should handle homelessness, the struggles of small businesses and planning for Longviews future.

Colby Conerly24, independent graphic designer, a Longview resident for about three years

Conerly said he was encouraging somebody else to run for the council seat after getting politically activated by attending City Council meetings. When the other candidate fell through, he quickly entered the race himself.

Conerly said his graphic design job and city politics both involve cleaning up images and messaging, which the city needs as it looks ahead from the centennial celebrations.

I feel like theres folks that dont have a unique or long-term vision for the city. Once you have that and you can start marketing it, people will come, Conerly said.

Conerly said the city committed too much to its emergency, temporary housing at HOPE Village to abandon the approach. He said the city should have stricter enforcement of camping bans elsewhere in the city limits, similar to what Kelso and Marysville have done, and give a hard look at the Salvation Armys contract when it comes up for renewal later this year.

What weve got to do is find a smarter way of running it, Conerly said. If anyone has different plans or could run it better, weve got to keep our minds open.

Conerly said the timing of the parks levy and the police levy showed the priorities of the current council members. He would have swapped the order of the two measures  since the parks levy will be the first to go to ballots in November  though he liked that both were going out for a public decision.

In order to limit future tax increases, Conerly wants to review how much the city spent on its staff and contracts for designs and engineering.

Are they going to the same people over and over? Are we really getting the best bang for our buck? Conerly said.

Ramona Leber

71, consultant for WSU Cowlitz County extension, Longview resident for 60+ years

Leber is the most established of the candidates. Leber served on the City Council from 1991 to 2007, became Longviews first female mayor in 1996, and is currently serving on the citys Planning Commission. Her campaign website includes dozens of local endorsements, including Mayor MaryAlice Wallis.

Leber said people asked her to run again this year as a voice of reason.

Ill be doing my homework outside of meetings and talking to people. Its about being calm and clear and not being concerned about going deeper, Leber said.

Leber said she liked the pallet home approach even before Longview approved HOPE Village when the Safe Stay communities in Vancouver were beginning to show good outcomes. She said the city should expand to more initiatives, including a place for homeless families and children to stay and potentially a safe parking area for people living in their cars.

The other thing is getting my hands around what is causing the influx of homelessness in the Civic Circle, Leber said. Its about determining if there is another place for them or if theres ways to clean up the park.

Longview used to have a staff member working with downtown businesses and Leber said the city could benefit from bringing that role back.

One of Lebers biggest goals was for the City Council to do more long-term planning, especially with the city budget and finances. Leber said Longview should look five or more years down the line to get ahead of major repairs and limit the need for future tax increases.

Costs dont decrease and the requirements from places like (Washington Department of) Ecology tend to increase. Maybe rate stabilization is possible, and you only know that through long-term planning, Leber said.

Keith Young

45, remote sales engineer, Longview resident for 40+ years

The editorial cartoons on Youngs campaign flyer explain many of his major concerns with the city without words: homelessness, crumbling streets and struggling businesses.

The causes of those issues, Young argued, are more about public perception than actively bad decisions by the City Council.

If people feel like theyre not involved, the perception is that the government is either hiding something or does things without permission or doesnt care, said Young, who was one of the 13 people who applied to the seat currently held by Chris Ortiz, before Ortiz was appointed in March 2022.

Young was not a fan of the housing-first approach at HOPE Village, especially as the primary way the city deals with homelessness. He said the city is not going to solve the issue on its own when places like Seattle and Los Angeles can spend much more without seeing improvements.

Youngs pitch is to tailor the citys responses across the multiple subsets of the homeless population. This could mean splitting HOPE Village into multiple locations, each with different levels of requirements or targeted residents.

Because the causes are so different and individualized, we need a more individual approach instead of lets build a big camp to put lots of people into, Young said.

Young said part of the citys business struggles was due to a lack of coordination across city departments. He said downtown businesses are struggling because many dont appeal to young workers. Young also argued the city was missing the opportunity to add small businesses along the Cowlitz and Columbia rivers.

Theres a riverfront in Kalama, Vancouver has its large waterfront. We have river properties but there is zero of it used for retail or restaurants that would draw people in, Young said.
A federal jury Tuesday found a former Oregon prison nurse guilty of 17 counts of subjecting women inmates to sexual abuse in custody and guilty of four counts of perjury.

The 12-member jury deliberated for about two days before reaching its verdict against Tony D. Klein, 38.

Klein, his hands clasped in front of him as he sat between his lawyers at the defense table, bit his lip and looked up at the ceiling as the guilty verdicts were read aloud one by one by the courtroom deputy shortly after 12:30 p.m.

Prosecutor Cameron Bell then asked that deputy U.S. marshals take Klein immediately into custody.

His defense lawyer Matthew McHenry objected, arguing that Klein has been out of custody since March 2022 and hasnt fled or committed any crimes.

Bell countered that his circumstances have changed with the verdict.

Hes been convicted on charges that carry a life sentence, Bell told the court.

U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon summoned the marshals, who already were in the courtroom, to take Klein into custody.

He rose at the defense table, and handcuffs were clicked around his wrists as those in the courtroom sat in silence.

Klein appeared to ask the deputy marshals if he could speak to his family, who sat through the two-week trial in the back of the public gallery. He nodded to them and was led away. One of Kleins defense lawyers Amanda Thibeault wiped tears from her eyes.

Hell be sentenced Oct. 17 at 10 a.m.

Klein, 38, had faced 19 counts of deprivation of rights, accused of subjecting 11 prison inmates to sexual abuse or assault in Coffee Creek Correctional Facilitys medical unit, and four counts of perjury for denying any sexual contact with prisoners during a 2019 civil deposition.

The jurys 17 guilty verdicts for deprivation of rights stemmed from nine womens accounts of sexual abuse by Klein behind bars.

Over the two-week trial, 17 former and current prisoners of Oregons only womens prison testified that Klein sexually assaulted them when their sought medical care or worked in the medical unit in 2016 and 2017.

Some women said he seemed friendly and flirtatious and shared personal information about his wife and kids before he abused them.

They said he stood extremely close to them, rubbed up against them, groped them, pulled their hair and had them perform oral sex, placed their hands on his pants, had them touch his penis and had sexual intercourse with them in an exam room or closet.

Defense lawyers argued that the women werent credible, pointing out that no staff or corrections officers ever walked in on or discovered the alleged abuse. They told the jury that the prisoners conspired to fabricate the stories to get lucrative settlements from the state.

The stories these women are tellingsome for money, some for friendship, some with the hopes of getting money laterare not plausible, Thibeault said in her closing argument.

Kleins attorneys also highlighted the criminal convictions of some of the women, including those in prison for hindering prosecution, falsifying drug records, assault, racketeering and identity theft.

The prosecution called Klein an opportunistic predator who knew where cameras were placed in the prison and how to avoid them. The nurses at the prison gave each other the benefit of the doubt and the defendant exploited that, Bell argued. She stressed that not all of the women who testified filed lawsuits.

They came in here and they told you they didnt want to come forward because their status would be used against them, she said in her closing argument. The only thing they stand to gain is seeing their perpetrator held accountable.

The state paid $1.8 million to settle 11 civil suits stemming from sexual assault allegations made against Klein while he was a prison nurse. He worked at Coffee Creek from 2010 until January 2018, when he resigned. He later went to work for Legacy Health but was fired in March 2022.

After jurors met briefly with the judge, the jury foreperson Patrick OHalloran said listening to the testimony and the deliberations in the case was difficult for everyone. He said it was challenging for jurors to be judging people who are at their low point in life.

It was a serious discussion, he said. Its not something any of us took lightly.

The two not guilty counts related to testimony of alleged sexual assaults involving two different women.

One woman from Lincoln City said Klein had sexually assaulted her in July 2017 when she was called to the prison medical unit for an xRay. She testified that she went into an exam room and Klein asked her to take her pants down because the prison blue jeans were too tight to roll up to her knee. Before she did, he gave her a light blanket covering, but once her pants were down, he thrust his hand between her legs and penetrated her with his fingers, she said. She said she pushed him away, and he fell back against a chair and then struck his head against the sheetrock of a wall. She said Klein had a big bruise on his head for a week. Yet the defense pointed out that no one in the unit heard the commotion or noticed Klein with a bruise on his head.

The other not guilty plea stemmed from the testimony of a Gresham woman who said she was seeking a new bandage for a wrist injury when Klein reached between her legs and rubbed her genitals. Defense lawyers, on cross-examination, challenged the womans memory of the date the alleged assault occurred. She had filed a suit against the state and received a settlement of about $77,000.

The jury foreperson said jurors examined each count on its own, and with those not guilty verdicts, the full evidence didnt support the accusations. The jury was made up of six men and six women.

Attorney Michelle Burrows, who represented many of the women who testified in civil suits filed against the state corrections department, said the verdicts provide validation to her clients.

Klein was indicted on the federal charges in March 2022, following an investigation by the FBI, with help from state police and the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office. The criminal section of the U.S. Department of Justices civil rights division was involved in the prosecution.

The federal prosecution followed a decision by the Washington County district attorneys office not to prosecute Klein.

According to the Oregon Board of Nursing, the Department of Corrections reported him to the nursing board in September 2018 for alleged boundary violations with patients and alleged sexual misconduct involving inmates. State police and the corrections Office of Inspector General conducted an earlier investigation and submitted it to the Washington County District Attorneys Office, which declined to prosecute due to insufficient evidence, according to the nursing board.

On June 10, 2020, the board issued a reprimand to Klein for conduct derogatory to the standards of nursing and issued a $2,500 civil fine. His nursing license expired on Oct. 15, 2022, according to Barbara Holtry, the boards interim executive director.
In an effort to empower small businesses across the country, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) and Meta are expanding their WhatsApp Se Wyapaar program to digitally train and upskill 10 million local traders on the WhatsApp Business App. The partnerships goal is to localize digitization efforts to unleash growth opportunities for businesses with hyper-local digital trainings in 11 Indian languages across all 29 Indian states.

Leveraging its wide network of 40,000 trade associations and 80 million traders across India, CAIT will conduct a series of workshops designed to provide comprehensive digital and skill training to equip businesses with essential knowledge to help digitize their storefront and build their digital dukaan on the WhatsApp Business App, including educating them on the tools and features available on the app like Catalog, Quick Replies, Click to WhatsApp Ads, that make it easier for small businesses to connect with their customers efficiently.

Over the years, the WhatsApp Business App has provided micro, small businesses and solopreneurs across India a democratized gateway to discover new markets and serve their customers, along with building a professional digital identity for their business. This partnership is another step in empowering the thriving trade community by enabling them to deliver to new age consumer requirements by adapting to and adopting technology levers to Indias socio-economic development.

Said Praveen Khandelwal, National Secretary General of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), With rapidly evolving business needs, technology can be a significant enabler for growth. We believe that with the right tools to upskill themselves, traders across India can benefit from learning newer ways of growing their businesses. The reach and success that the WhatsApp Business App can offer are unparalleled. We are excited to expand our partnership with Meta on WhatsApp Se Vyapaar program, which is designed to upskill 10 million traders across 29 states in India. This partnership will help traders and businesses build a more comprehensive customer base, scale their business, and contribute even further to Indias growing digital economy.

Nick Clegg, President, Global Affairs, Meta said, This is an era of entrepreneurship in India. India is experiencing a digital revolution, and the way Indian entrepreneurs and small businesses have embraced technologies like WhatsApp is a huge part of that. We want to keep helping entrepreneurs and small businesses to make the most of the opportunities ahead and continue to be at the heart of Indias Techade.

The partnership will also accelerate CAITs digital skilling charter for the trading community by giving 25,000 traders access to the Meta Small Business Academy. A certification by Meta Small Business Academy will especially help new entrepreneurs and marketers gain critical digital marketing skills to grow on the Meta apps. To enable the program to reach MSMEs across India, the course module and the examination are available in seven languages  English, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu.
Cloud services are critical in fostering innovation, improving business efficiency, and making it easier for businesses to scale up their operations in the digital era, especially with todays accelerating AI adoption. A significant number of business leaders and decision-makers recognise the cloud as critical to driving forward the digital transformation initiatives of the businesses they control. However, they are frequently put off by the high costs and complexities involved in putting a resilient multi-cloud strategy into practice.

Many technology experts and solution providers advise businesses to adopt multiple cloud providers in order to improve efficiency, increase flexibility, and generate new opportunities. However, this approach often entails managing multiple contracts, engaging in multiple negotiations and transactions, possessing technical knowledge, and making significant investments.

Reach 90% of the Indian cloud market simply, through a Single Access Port

DirectCLOUD, a cutting-edge interconnection solution, has transformed the way businesses connect to cloud providers by eliminating the need for multiple third-party vendors and in-house technical expertise. DirectCLOUD eliminates the need for costly on-premise infrastructure, resulting in lower administration and overhead costs. With this unique solution, users can directly access known cloud platforms such as Google Cloud, AWS, Azure, and Oracle Cloud via a single access port.

This cutting-edge service enables seamless connectivity and covers  90% of the Indian cloud market without the need for any additional infrastructural upgrades. This simplicity allows for a greater emphasis on essential abilities and more efficient resource allocation when using DirectCLOUDs infrastructure to access cloud data storage, processing, and computing resources.

Better performance and security of cloud connectivity

DirectCLOUD users benefit from avoiding public Internet, which results in fewer network hops between the origin and the destination. Controlling the data pathway in this way not only reduces the latency and improves the performance of the connection, but also improves data sovereignty and security.

Businesses of all sizes, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, use DirectCLOUD because of its many advantages. For telecommunications companies (Telcos), data centers, and internet service providers (ISPs) that serve these businesses, this represents an opportunity for additional revenue and value-adding to portfolios. Due to the services white-labelling capabilities, ISPs, Telcos, and Data Centers can increase their revenue by reselling DirectCLOUD under their own name. This means that they can benefit from a plethora of revenue streams, all thanks to their Single Access Port.

DirectCLOUD has been instrumental in enabling Indian consumers to make informed decisions when selecting data centers. DirectCLOUD has become a deciding factor for users in their data center selection process by emphasizing the importance of cloud connectivity.

Two case studies below illustrate the benefits of the service:

Case Study 1

A well-known consumer optics company in Bangalore that relies on Amazon Web Services but is slowed to a crawl by 330 milliseconds of latency whenever it tries to access AWS at Singapore via the public internet. Their latency after migrating to DE-CIX Indias DirectCLOUD dropped to 40ms. They have not reported any trouble ticket in the past two years and are now enjoying seamless and error-free connectivity.

Case Study 2

Since DE-CIX Indias DirectCLOUD solution can be white-labeled, one of the countrys largest telecom companies is reselling it under its own brand name. As a result of our service, theyve established themselves as a go-to vendor, facilitating digital transformation for hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses and large corporations, as well as one of our Largest Data Centre Providers, which incorporated these services into their service offering. This demonstrates both the services remarkable adaptability and the providers ability to profit financially from their Single Access Port in a variety of ways.

Guaranteed performance levels give customers extra confidence

DE-CIX has a deeply rooted commitment to supporting small and medium businesses (SMBs), small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and large enterprises with their digital transformation. This commitment is mirrored in the DirectCLOUD service as well. Not only are the connections offered cost-effective, but they also have increased strength, resilience, redundancy, reliability, and security.

DE-CIX India goes above and beyond to ensure that DirectCLOUD customers receive a predetermined level of performance, availability, and reliability. This is achieved by implementing guaranteed Service Level Agreements (SLAs). By establishing these SLAs, DE-CIX India offers customers, confidence in the consistent quality and dependability of the services they receive.

Accelerate digital transformation for direct connectivity to the cloud

To summarise, DE-CIXs DirectCLOUD provides simple and cost-effective cloud access for businesses looking to leverage the power of the cloud. In todays competitive market, its direct connection, flexibility, and dependability enable organisations to accelerate digital transformation, improve flexibility, and stay ahead of the competition. To fully realise the benefits of cloud computing for any company, businesses are switching to DirectCLOUD.

Access to multiple cloud providers is simpler than ever before with DE-CIX Indias DirectCLOUD.

Authored by:- Mr. Sudhir Kunder, Country Director, DE-CIX India

(The views expressed in this article are by  Mr. Sudhir Kunder, Country Director, DE-CIX India. Technuter.com doesnt own any responsibility for it.)
HDFC ERGO General Insurance is launching a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Google Cloud will be supporting HDFC Ergo with identifying and developing use cases and upskilling their teams on Gen AI.

As a digital first organization, HDFC ERGO has been a frontrunner in harnessing technology to democratize insurance and deliver efficient and hyper-personalized customer-centric services. Google Cloud will support HDFC ERGO in establishing best practices and guidelines to ensure the responsible and ethical use of generative AI for their developers.

By leveraging the capabilities of its CoE, HDFC ERGO aims to develop new products and services, enhance the efficiency of existing processes, and optimize costs. Besides, aligned with HDFC ERGOs commitment to fostering a future-ready workforce, the CoE will also offer training and upskilling opportunities to employees on generative AI technologies, empowering young jobseekers to stay at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.

Commenting on the partnership, Sriram Naganathan, CTO, HDFC ERGO General Insurance said, At HDFC ERGO, we believe that Generative AI has the potential to unlock significant untapped opportunities in the insurance sector, which can aid in realizing the regulators vision of Insurance for All by 2047. Our partnership with Google Cloud further reinstates our commitment to offer enhanced customer experience by adopting new technologies. The new CoE will allow us to unravel new dimensions of hyper-personalisation for our customers by using Generative AI, and thus play a pivotal role in foraying into new customer segments.

Bikram Singh Bedi, Managing Director, Google Cloud India, said, We are delighted to partner with HDFC ERGO to offer innovative and tech-enabled solutions. We will bring the power of Google Cloud generative AI to HDFC ERGO so they can deliver superior services to their customer base and help accelerate the adoption of AI technologies to deliver better outcomes.
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Credit: Ringo Chiu on Shutterstock

Film and television actors in the US came out on strike on July 14, causing Hollywood productions to shut down. The action has also had an impact on US films shooting in the UK: director Tim Burton's Beetlejuice 2 has "paused" and the production of Deadpool 3, filming at Pinewood Studios with stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, has been stood down.

The dispute is about remuneration for actors, very few of whom enjoy the high income of Hollywood stars. But an additional argument between the union, SAG-AFTRA, and film producers is about the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Actors are fearful of the impact of AI on their careers.

When they perform on film sets, their image and voice are digitally recorded at extremely high resolution, providing producers with huge amounts of data. Actors are concerned the data can be reused with AI. New processes such as machine learningAI systems that improve with timecould turn an actor's performance in one movie into a new character for another production, or for a video game.

Actors feel an urgent need to control how AI manipulates their image. The union president, Fran Drescher, says: "We are all in jeopardy of being replaced by machines." But how realistic are these fears?

'Synthetic media'

When we talk about the use of AI in film and television, there are multiple techniques under development. We categorize these as "synthetic media." This covers processes such as deepfakes, voice cloning, visual effects (VFX) created using AI, and completely synthetic image and video generation.

I have written before about deepfakes for The Conversation, pointing out the benefits as well as dangers. For screen actors, deepfakes are one of the most vivid threats.

This is because, since machine learning took off, Hollywood stars including Scarlett Johansson and Gal Gadot have found their faces deepfaked into porn movies. This is a major gender-based issue: it's almost always female actors whose images are manipulated and used in this way.

We tend to think of artificial intelligence as omnipotent. But my research has found that integrating deepfakes into the language of cinema and TV drama is difficult. Certain shot types are easy, such as front-on long shots, but asking the AI to produce a profile shot tests the algorithm to its limit.

Industry research and development (R&D) programs such as Disney Research have invested a huge amount of effort into perfecting deepfake techniques. But no one has yet produced an easy way to swap an actor's face into any shot size or angle that the director chooses, with convincing, high-definition results. A YouTube video uses deepfake technology to insert Malayalam actors into The Godfather.

Background actors

The actors' union, SAG-AFTRA, is particularly concerned about background actorsor "extras"being exploited by producers using AI manipulation. In the union's special agreement for background actors, which lists the additional payments that they should receive, there is currently nothing stated about the AI use of recorded footagethe arrival of new technology necessitates a negotiated deal with the producers.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) claims to have made a "groundbreaking AI proposal which protects performers' digital likenesses, including a requirement for (a) performer's consent for the creation and use of digital replicas or for digital alterations of a performance."

However, the actors' union boss Duncan Crabtree-Ireland retorted: "They proposed that our background performers should be able to be scanned, get paid for one day's pay, and their companies should own that scantheir image, their likenessand should be able to use it for the rest of eternity in any project they want, with no consent and no compensation."

Ethical dimension

This month, I convened a meeting at the University of Reading, in which academics, stakeholders and creative producers came together to discuss the issues of AI in screen production. We have formed the Synthetic Media Research Network, a group that wants to see strong ethics built into the exciting new opportunities that AI brings to the screen industries.

Philosophers, lawyers, ethicists and trade unionists joined the discussion, because establishing a values-based system for how AI can change performers' images and identities is a fundamental issue for the film and TV industries.

When I talked to Liam Budd, national officer for the UK actors union, Equity, he said, "If you're going to exploit our members' work using AI tech, you have to get consent from them and many members won't want to." Currently, there is no nationally agreed system regulating how performers give consent for the use of AI on their image.

Actors will want to be persuaded that the extra pay they receive makes it worthwhileor they want the right to opt out on a job-by-job basis. The current situation is that actors feel obliged to sign away their rights "in all media" and "in perpetuity."

Dr. Mathilde Pavis, an expert on AI rights and intellectual property, says, "You can't ask all of this from people without either remuneration or something in return, and at the moment that's being added on to their contracts without more given in return." The lack of agreed terms has led to Equity launching a campaign called Stop AI Stealing the Show.

Last week, the union also held rallies in Manchester and London in support of their striking counterparts in the US. When they began a similar scale of dispute in 1980, actors stopped work for three months. Brian Cox, star of Succession, thinks that the strike may last until the end of the year.

Actors are angry that their system of payment has not caught up with the streaming era, with Netflix, Amazon and Disney repeat screening their work while paying little in the way of royalties.

But fear is the stronger emotion here: AI is a new technology that sparks deep and legitimate fears for screen actors. Will they be "replaced by machines" as the union president has said? Unless they can be reassured about their future, American actors will not be returning to the studios soon.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Indigenous Jobs Map. Credit: CSIRO

Powerful insights to support Indigenous representation in the workforce have been released today by CSIRO, Australia's national science agency.

The research uses artificial intelligence (AI) powered analytics to identify areas of misalignment between employers seeking to recruit Indigenous talent and the profile of the Indigenous workforce. A preprint version has been published on the SocArXiv server.

It draws on big data collated for the Indigenous Jobs Map, a free online platform created by CSIRO to help employers match their recruitment strategies to the career paths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers and students.

Executive Manager of CSIRO's Indigenous Engagement Office and Indigenous Jobs Map Steering Committee Member, Louisa Warren, said employers seeking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates can use the insights to develop targeted employment strategies.

"Although Identified and cultural capability required roles doubled over the past six years, this demand could be better met through attention to the location and qualifications of Indigenous workers across the nation," Warren said.

"Targeted strategies could include offering remote work to attract people who would like to stay on Country connected with their community, or creating roles in fields where qualified Indigenous workers are well-represented but demand is lowerfields such as Architecture and Building, and Agriculture and Environment."

The map uses AI and natural language processing to analyze data from all job ads posted on Adzuna Australia between 2016 and 2020, the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census, and training and higher education completions.

An Indigenous-led working group informed the Indigenous Jobs Map, incorporating members' diverse experiences, knowledge and skills.

CEO and Founder of Indigenous tech consulting service Land on Heart and working group member Lisa Sarago provided advice and expertise on Indigenous recruitment and employment barriers, challenges and successes.

"I believe the Indigenous Jobs Map is the first of its kind," Sarago said.

"An ambitious but necessary project which will hopefully provide the blueprint for other sectors and industries.

"It will improve access to information on employment and further increase the visibility of employment opportunities for Indigenous students."

The ability to use AI and big data to support organizations' Reconciliation Action Plan objectives drove the creation of the platform, said lead researcher Dr. Claire Mason.

"While the data shows strong growth in demand for Indigenous talent in the market, these postings are concentrated in three sectors and one occupation groupcommunity and personal service workers," Dr. Mason said.

"We also discovered that certain sectors, like arts and recreation, offer well-paid and high-skilled roles for Indigenous workers, but in most industries, Identified job postings were for low-skill and less well-paid roles.

"To support employment outcomes for Indigenous Australians, high-quality roles with opportunities for development and training need to be offered across a more diverse range of industry sectors."

The Indigenous Jobs Map is also available for use by students and job seekers, who can search the platform to identify areas of market demand for their skills.

The map can be searched by industry and geographic location and offers insight into the types of formal qualifications sought by employers.

More information: Claire M. Mason et al, Employers' job advertisements: Are they addressing or entrenching Indigenous labour market segmentation? SocArXiv (2023). DOI: 10.31235/osf.io/n8aps
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Dual-resonance unit cell with three copper layers on a printed circuit board and a backplane. The front and back of the unit cell are also shown, which, respectively, host a varactor and series varactor-resistor pair. Credit: Physical Review Applied (2023). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevApplied.20.014004

Cities can be obstacle courses for communications signals. A radio signal must travel from a cell phone to a router to a cell tower, and onward to its recipientall while bouncing between walls, buildings and other structures. When it hits an obstacle, the radio wave gets scattered, diminishing the signal. This in turn reduces the bandwidth. At the same time, the signal must compete with the bandwidth needs of numerous other devices in the area. All this reduces the amount of information the signal can communicate.

Newly developed small, lightweight reflective surfaces could revolutionize communications in crowded environments by providing unprecedented control over electromagnetic signals, like radio waves.

Historically, engineers have used repeaterselectronic devices that receive a signal and retransmit itto help these communications signals cover longer distances and get around obstacles, but this technology is reaching its limits. Now, engineers are looking to modify the behavior of the communications signal itself. Enter reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS).

RIS are programmable surface structures that can reflect, redirect and modulate electromagnetic signals to boost data rates and achieve other desirable behaviors. As this technology continues to develop at breakneck speeds, its promise has been lauded and anticipatedbut its shortcomings have also been noticeable.

Researchers have long believed that metasurfacesa type of material that uses patterning or microstructuring on a surface to influence the behavior of electromagnetic waves, like light and radio signalswould be the ideal technology to implement RIS. But efforts to date have been limited by undesirable characteristics of metasurfaces, including signal loss and the need to include a resonant material in the design.

But now, for the first time, technologists at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, have developed a metasurface technology that resolves these challenges and augments the reflective behaviors of RIS. This clears the way for improved communications in crowded environments and promising advancements in telecommunications and low-power sensing applications. Their results have recently been published in the journal Physical Review Applied.

"This really shows promise for critical applications such as advanced communications, novel low power sensing and enabling operations in the most challenging environments," said Jeff Maranchi, who leads the research program area in APL's Research and Exploratory Development Department.

"The reconfigurable intelligent surfaces are another fantastic example of our team's ability to key in on the hardest technical challenges, design a new material, model and optimize the design using the latest sophisticated tools, build it, test it, and rapidly show strong potential."

Harnessing both magnitude and phase

Most metasurfaces change both the magnitude (or strength), and phase (or position in time), of an electromagnetic wave. But changing one usually changes the other.

"When you can separately control phase and magnitude, it gives you ultimate control over the reflection behaviors of the metasurface," said Tim Sleasman, a research scientist at APL and the lead author of the paper.

Controlling the magnitude and phase separately enables the metasurface to adapt the signal in many ways for situation-specific demands.

This capability has remained elusive until now.

The APL team closely studied the reflection behaviors of a two-layer metasurface, implementing a series of patch-like elements, control knobs, varactor diodes and resistors to exert more control over key parameters. Through this complex design, they created a dynamic cascaded metasurface that can separately control magnitude and phase, while fitting onto a small, cost-effective printed circuit board.

"As a signal passes through the metasurface, it interacts with each of the layers on the way in and as it's reflected out," Sleasman said. "These interactions are very complex. The layers essentially talk to one another and behave as though they know the others are there. As the signal passes through, each of the layers operates on it, creating the desired behavior."

The new material flattens the uneven signal loss that metasurfaces were previously known for, and includes two resonant materials to circumvent the shortcomings of using just one.

Not only does the resulting metasurface provide widely sought-after control over electromagnetic wave behavior, but it's incredibly small and lightweight. It could be possible to attach these printed circuit boards to surfaces around a city, for example, to boost the bandwidth of cell or Wi-Fi signals.

Reducing power requirements through reflection

Retransmitting a signal, as traditional repeaters do, requires a lot of power and a sophisticated piece of equipment like an antenna or even a phased array of multiple antennas, which takes up a significant amount of space.

The APL team's dynamic cascaded metasurfaces boost signals by reflecting them off their patterned surfaces instead. "You could run this technology off of a nine-volt battery or something like that," Sleasman said.

Other potential technology applications

The ability to control the magnitude and phase of electromagnetic waves independently has implications that extend far beyond telecommunications.

"While our focus has been on radio frequency applications, the concepts and techniques we have introduced hold value across a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum," said David Shrekenhamer, who manages the Physics, Electronic Materials and Devices program at APL. "At higher frequencies, materials science like this effort becomes a crucial consideration."

Dynamic cascaded metasurfaces could also aid in creating smaller, more lightweight sensors that could collect and provide data while using very little power.

"You might have a sensor on a buoy in the ocean measuring salinity," said Sleasman. "You don't want to load this thing up with batteries and have it transmit actively. With one of these surfaces attached, you could fly over it with a helicopter and exfiltrate the data by pinging the metasurface, which would reflect the information back."

This capability could be useful in other operational scenarios when a constantly transmitting signal might prove undesirable, such as in a contested environment.

"We're very excited to see how much interest this technology has generated, in both the commercial and government spaces," said Sleasman. "We plan to continue developing this concept for a wide array of applications."

More information: Timothy Sleasman et al, Dual-Resonance Dynamic Metasurface for Independent Magnitude and Phase Modulation, Physical Review Applied (2023). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevApplied.20.014004
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

The semiconductor industry has warned that there won't be enough engineers, computer scientists and technicians in the U.S. to support a rapid expansion this decade, threatening efforts to boost the domestic chip economy.

Chipmakers are on course to add about 115,000 jobs by 2030, the Semiconductor Industry Association said, citing a survey it commissioned. Based on a study of current degree completion rates, though, about 58% of those projected positions could remain unfilled.

Chip companies have long cited a struggle to find qualified U.S. employees. Just last week, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. said production at a planned facility in Arizona will be postponed from late 2024 until 2025 because of a shortage of skilled workers. The move dealt a blow to efforts by the Biden administration, which is counting on federal incentives to revitalize semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S.

"We're supposed to go from a $550 billion industry to a trillion-dollar industry in 2030, and that's going to take more talent," said John Neuffer, chief executive officer of the SIA. "If we aren't able to get our arms around this, our industry in general will falter."

TSMC is one of a number of large chip companiesa group that includes Intel Corp. and Samsung Electronics Co.that have announced plans to build production facilities in the U.S. They're trying to take advantage of billions of dollars set aside by last year's Chips and Science Act to bolster the domestic industry.

Total industry revenue will grow to $1 trillion by 2030, almost double where it was in 2020, the SIA said. At that point, the field will need about 460,000 workers, according to the study carried out by Oxford Economics. Based on current trends, companies won't be able to fill 67,000 new positions.

Not enough Americans are studying science, engineering, math and technology-related subjects, according to the SIA. And people from other countries who are acquiring those skills are leaving, the group said.

At U.S. colleges and universities, more than 50% of master's engineering graduates and 60% of those with a Ph.D. in engineering are citizens of other countries. About 80% of those master's graduates and 25% of those who earn doctorates depart the U.S.either by choice or because immigration policy doesn't allow them to stay.

The SIA CEO said that in the near term, the fix has to come from immigration reform that would allow the U.S. to retain more of the talent that it's creating at its world-leading universities. Beyond that, the U.S. has to lure more students into the relevant education path, and the chip industry has to do a better job of attracting those that have the skills it needs.

Neuffer said he's optimistic that lawmakers in Washington are ready to help address the skills shortage. The supply chain struggles during the pandemic may have actually helped matters because they raised the chip industry's profile, he said.

"No one is going to forget the chip shortages that we had and that chips are critically important," Neuffer said. "One silver lining from the pandemic is there's a whole lot of people who give a damn about chips."

2023 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
Dwayne Johnson, known as The Rock, recently made a "major, historic" gift to the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) Foundation Relief Fund, as reported by The Guardian. This fund offers union members who are participating in strike action emergency financial aid.

Johnson Donates 'Historic' Sum of Money

In a story published in Variety, Johnson's "seven-figure donation" was made in response to a letter issued by the president of the foundation, Courtney B. Vance. The letter was sent to 2,700 of the highest-earning actors working in the film business, including Johnson, known for his roles in the movies Black Adam, Jumanji, and the Fast and Furious franchise.

Cyd Wilson, executive director of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, said, "It's the largest single donation that we've ever received from one individual at one time. And what is amazing is that that one cheque is going to help thousands of actors keep food on their table."

Vance also voiced out his gratitude, saying, "I want to thank Dwayne for his tremendous generosity, compassion, and initiative to step up in this significant and meaningful way for our community. On behalf of the thousands who will be helped by his historic donation, thank you."

The Screen Actors Guild founded the SAG-AFTRA Foundation in 1985 as a non-profit organization to provide various services to union members.

Even before the strike started, the foundation was getting five to ten times as many requests for financial help as they would typically handle in a week. They expect that number is going to continue to climb, according to Wilson, who claimed that many SAG-AFTRA members risk financial ruin during the strike.

See Also: Tom Cruise Supports Striking Actors Union, Criticizes AI Usage in Negotiating Session

Backing From Another Hollywood A-Lister

SAG-AFTRA went on strike for many reasons. These include poor pay, the need for reassurance in the face of the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), and the potential use of an actor's likeness by such technologies.

Tom Cruise recently came forth to officially support the actors' strike, too.

Cruise reportedly showed up unannounced to a Zoom meeting between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) in support of the actors' union. He signed on to the campaign to urge the AMPTP to rethink its AI stance in the era of streaming media.

During their Zoom talk, Cruise allegedly brought up the guild's stance on stunt actors. The actor urged that the AMPTP allow artists to continue promotional tours after the strike ended because of the "fragile state of movie theaters" following the pandemic. He said that advertising movies is important for everyone involved, both the actors and the company.

Strike action has halted production on the actor's newest Mission: Impossible film, as well as dozens of other high-profile films such as the Avatar sequel, Gladiator 2, and Deadpool 3.

See Also: Garbage Information: AMC Shuts Down Conspiracy Theories of Sabotaging 'Sound of Freedom' Screenings

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

(AE) Bioinspiration Images (A) Common sea star (Asterias rubens) (Image adapted from Heydari et al. (2020) (source: Shutterstock) with permission conveyed through Copyright Clearance Center, Inc.). (B) Tube feet of the sea star (Image adapted from Heydari et al. (2020), (source: Symbiotic Service, San Diego) with permission conveyed through Copyright Clearance Center, Inc.). (C) Ventral view of a tokay gecko (Gekko gecko). (D) Tokay gecko foot, showing array of setae-bearing scansors. (E) Microscale array of setae (Images adapted from (Autumn and Gravish, 2008) with permission conveyed through Copyright Clearance Center, Inc.).(F) Robots limb with gecko patch actuated. (G) Gecko Adhesion Based Sea Star (GASS) Crawler Robot. (H) GASS robot climbing a 25 slope. Credit: Frontiers in Robotics and AI (2023). DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2023.1209202

Geckos' unique ability to climb across anything from a dry desert floor to a cold mountain top without leaving any sticky residue behind is the inspiration for many wall crawling robots, but for the first time researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have introduced it to water.

"This is an amazing proof of concept," said Sampada Acharya, a Ph.D. candidate in Reeja Jayan, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering's lab. "We can imagine using a material like this not only for underwater exploration, but to help everyday people in health care too."

Typically, fabricating adhesive patches requires complex procedures in a cleanroom. Using diffraction grating films, the team simplified the process in a cost-effective, fast, and facile way.

To test the material on something that could both climb and swim, the team developed a Gecko Adhesion Based Sea Star (GASS) Crawler robot.

When assessing the GASS crawler robot's performance on glass, acrylic, and stainless-steel surfaces, they found that the adhesive feet significantly improved locomotion under both wet and dry conditions. It was able to climb on 25-degree slopes and hold on statically to 51-degree slopes. Gecko adhesion based sea star crawler. Credit: Carnegie Mellon Unviersity, College of Engineering

Both Sampada Acharya and Peter Roberts, lead authors on the paper, are focused on improving health care practice and although their goals are different, both have found this material a promising solution. Acharya's research focuses on optimizing pathogen (e.g., bacteria, virus, fungi) collection from infectious environments to reduce hospital acquired infections in patients by using gecko-inspired micro patterned materials that will be integrated with autonomous robots.

"I hope to see providers utilizing robots integrated with gecko-inspired smart materials to collect and detect pathogens on surfaces. This will reduce human error and can decrease hospital infections, reduce operational costs and make patients' lives easier," explained Acharya. "GASS crawler's ability to move on all different surfaces brings us one step closer to that goal."

Roberts, a Ph.D. candidate in Carmel Majidi, Professor of Mechanical Engineering's lab, has been working to develop patches for biopotential signal acquisition (ECG, EMG, EEG). For these patches to work efficiently on skin, they need to adhere to it despite the presence of hair, sweat and other contaminant particles.

"The use of micro patterned structures allows this material to adhere to different surfaces, and has shown good results on skin," said Roberts. "Adhesion is enhanced using a contact splitting effect that is like what is observed in natural gecko adhesives."

This research evolved from a project in the Bioinspired Robot Design and Experimentation course taught by Victoria Webster-Wood, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering.

"The key materials innovation here is the ability to pattern these microscale structures over large areas using diffraction grating arrays that you can order on Amazon. The diverse applications extend from robotics to electronics and even energy devices."

Moving forward, the team hopes to make improvements to both the gecko-inspired adhesives, and the sea star crawler so that it can be submerged in water, climb to steeper slopes, and reach faster speeds.

The paper is published in the journal Frontiers in Robotics and AI.

More information: Sampada Acharya et al, Gecko adhesion based sea star crawler robot, Frontiers in Robotics and AI (2023). DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2023.1209202
Despite strong opposition from the community, plans to construct a spaceport on the small Hebridean island of North Uist, Scotland, have been approved. The site is located near several protected bird sanctuaries.

Scolpaig Farm, located on the northwestern shore of the island in the Outer Hebrides, is slated to become a spaceport where up to ten launches per year will occur, according to The Guardian. It will be used to send small sub-orbital rockets over the Atlantic.

Rockets will be launched on each side of St. Kilda, a group of islands west of North Uist that are an archipelago of a world heritage site. The waters on each side of St. Kilda will be designated as no-go zones during a series of launches, each measuring 155 miles (250 km) in length.

Opposition From Locals

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council), which is spearheading the spaceport idea, purchased the farm for 1 million ($1.2 million) and is developing it alongside private military contractor QinetiQ and space sector businesses Rhea Group and Commercial Space Technologies.

Since no complaints were filed by government organizations, planning authorities of the Scottish government gave their blessing to the project.

Meanwhile, local fishermen have spoken out strongly against the ideas, with over a thousand people objecting to them. Launches are scheduled for the height of their primary inshore fishing seasons in the summer, meaning that nearby fishing areas will be off-limits then.

Corncrakes, dunlin, ringed plovers, and redshanks are among the uncommon and endangered species protected by the environmental protection zones and marine preserves that surround the site.

Despite assurances from ecologists that the project's modest scope would not endanger nearby wildlife, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has requested that launches be prohibited during the mating season. The Guardian reported that the council deemed this "unreasonable," but noted that operators would have to provide justification for launches during this period.

An influential member of the Friends of Scolpaig protest organization and the closest resident to the site, Angus MacNab, expressed his sadness at the news. The committee is weighing its options, including whether or not to file an appeal. "This is one of the most beautiful vistas in Scotland, and now they're going to build a bloody spaceport in the middle of it," MacNab lamented.

See Also: Pew Research Poll Says Support for Space Tourism Skyrocketing

Upcoming Scottish Spaceport

It will be Scotland's third spaceport once construction is complete. Satellites will soon be able to be launched from privately owned launch sites in Saxa Vord in Shetland's far north and off the coast of Sutherland.

QinetiQ radar, which includes a Ministry of Defense monitoring station on St. Kilda's main island of Hirta, will be used to keep tabs on certain Scolpaig launches. The biggest of which will carry 100kg payloads.

A spokeswoman for the spaceport company has suggested that the first launches might occur by the end of 2024. The initiative has the backing of government officials who believe it would aid Scotland in capturing a sizeable share of the global space sector by 2030.

See Also: Space Tourism Is Back, Virgin Galactic Sets August Date for Next Commercial Flight

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The cryptocurrency industry in the United States witnessed a whirlwind of legislative developments last week, with both positive and negative implications for the market. Senator Jack Reed introduced a bipartisan bill to tighten regulations for decentralized finance (DeFi), while Republican House members proposed the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act to address concerns about the SECs approach towards the crypto industry. Amidst these developments, several major firms submitted spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications, signaling progress in the SEC process. However, not all countries are embracing cryptocurrencies, with Kuwait imposing an absolute prohibition on virtual assets like Bitcoin. This article explores the implications of these legislative moves and regulatory measures on the ever-evolving landscape of the crypto industry.

The DeFi Regulation Bill Sparks Controversy

Senator Jack Reed sponsored a bipartisan bill aiming to subject decentralized finance (DeFi) to Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements, similar to traditional financial companies. The bill aims to tighten regulations for DeFi, which has seen significant growth in recent years. However, major crypto lobbying groups, including Coin Center and the Blockchain Association, criticized the legislation as unworkable and redundant. They argue that DeFi operates on decentralized networks, making KYC and AML requirements challenging to enforce effectively. Critics fear that stringent regulations could stifle innovation and hinder the development of DeFi projects, which have been instrumental in driving financial inclusion and accessibility.

The Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act

On the other side of the aisle, Republican House members introduced the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act, addressing concerns about the SECs regulation by enforcement approach towards the crypto industry. The bill grants the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) jurisdiction over digital commodities and clarifies the SECs authority. By providing regulatory clarity, the bill aims to foster an environment conducive to innovation and investment in the crypto space. With increased regulatory certainty, market participants can navigate the regulatory landscape with greater confidence, encouraging responsible growth in the industry.

ETF Applications Pile Up

Several prominent firms, including BlackRock, Fidelity, Invesco Galaxy, VanEck, and WisdomTree, have submitted spot Bitcoin ETF applications to the Federal Register. This flurry of applications signals progress in the SEC process and provides the agency with an opportunity to review and consider the applications. An approved Bitcoin ETF could bring more legitimacy and accessibility to the cryptocurrency market, attracting a broader pool of investors and potentially contributing to the growth of the industry. However, the SEC remains cautious in its approach to approving ETFs, citing concerns about market manipulation and investor protection.

Kuwait Imposes Cryptocurrency Ban

While the US crypto industry grapples with regulatory developments, Kuwait has taken a different approach. The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) issued a circular imposing an absolute prohibition on almost all operations involving cryptocurrencies, including payments, investments, and mining. The circular also prohibits local regulators from issuing licenses to firms providing virtual asset services as a commercial business. Kuwaits strict stance on cryptocurrencies reflects the differing approaches countries are taking towards the emerging asset class.

Conclusion

The recent legislative developments and regulatory measures in the United States highlight the evolving landscape of the crypto industry and its integration into traditional financial systems. While lawmakers aim to strike a balance between innovation and investor protection, the industry faces a delicate phase of navigating regulatory complexities. The influx of ETF applications and the DeFi regulation bill illustrate the growing interest and recognition of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate asset class. However, countries like Kuwaits ban on cryptocurrencies demonstrate the diverse approaches countries are taking towards this nascent technology. As the market continues to mature, responsible and sustainable growth will be key in fostering the continued development of the crypto industry.
Joy Alonzo, a respected opioid expert, was in a panic.

The Texas A&M University professor had just returned home from giving a routine lecture on the opioid crisis at the University of Texas Medical Branch when she learned a student had accused her of disparaging Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick during the talk.

In the few hours it took to drive from Galveston, the complaint had made its way to her supervisors, and Alonzos job was suddenly at risk.

I am in a ton of trouble. Please call me! she wrote to Chandler Self, the UTMB professor who invited her to speak.

Alonzo was right to be afraid. Not only were her supervisors involved, but so was Chancellor John Sharp, a former state comptroller who now holds the highest-ranking position in the Texas A&M University System, which includes 11 public universities and 153,000 students. And Sharp was communicating directly with the lieutenant governors office about the incident, promising swift action.

Less than two hours after the lecture ended, Patricks chief of staff had sent Sharp a link to Alonzos professional bio.

Shortly after, Sharp sent a text directly to the lieutenant governor: Joy Alonzo has been placed on administrative leave pending investigation re firing her. shud [sic] be finished by end of week.

The text message was signed jsharp.

For free speech advocates, health experts and students, Texas A&Ms investigation of Alonzo was a shocking demonstration of how quickly university leaders allow politicians to interfere in classroom discussions on topics in which they are not experts  and another example of increasing political involvement from state leaders in how Texas universities are managed.

The revelation comes as Texas A&M is reeling over concerns that the university allowed politically motivated outsiders to derail the hiring of Kathleen McElroy, a Black journalism professor at the University of Texas at Austin, to revive the journalism school at Texas A&M. The subsequent outcry over how Texas A&M handled the situation prompted the university president to resign last week, and the interim dean of arts and sciences stepped down from that role but will remain a professor.

In an email obtained by The Texas Tribune through a public records request, Alonzo told Self the investigation had been kicked off by a student who has ties to Texas A&M Leadership.

The Texas A&M System confirmed the series of phone calls and text messages that led to Alonzos investigation was kicked off by Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, a graduate of UTMBs medical school. The Tribune confirmed her daughter, a first-year medical student at the time, attended Alonzos lecture. Buckingham served six years in the Texas Senate with Patrick, who endorsed her run for land commissioner last year, and she recently attended Sharps wedding in May.

Buckingham declined to comment.

A few hours after Texas A&M started looking into the complaint, course leaders at UTMB sent an email to students in the class saying Alonzos comments about Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and his role in the opioid crisis did not represent the opinion of the university.

The email also included a formal censure of Alonzo, although it did not specify what she said that was offensive.

Neither UTMB nor Texas A&M would confirm what Alonzo said that prompted such a reaction, and UTMB students interviewed by the Tribune recalled a vague reference to Patricks office but nothing specific.

UTMB declined to comment for this story, and Alonzo declined to be interviewed.

Ultimately, Texas A&M allowed Alonzo to keep her job after an internal investigation could not confirm any wrongdoing.

In a statement to The Eagle from A&M System spokesman Laylan Copelin, he said it would have been irresponsible for A&M to not look into an allegation from another university after UTMB issued a public statement censuring an A&M faculty member. Copelin also noted it is not usual to respond to a state official with concerns about anything occurring at the A&M System.

Dr. Joy Alonzo said her remarks were mischaracterized and taken out of context and she was returned to her duties, Copelin said in the statement. She added that she had no issue with how the university handled the situation.

Copelin also told The Texas Tribune, It is not unusual to respond to any state official who has concerns about anything occurring at the Texas A&M System."

Patrick did not respond to a request for comment.

Adam Steinbaugh, an attorney with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a nonprofit legal group focused on protecting free speech on college campuses, said it would be highly inappropriate for a university to conduct an investigation if a faculty member says something critical of a state leader or a government official.

That is, I think, a misuse of institutional resources, and its one that will have a chilling effect and that has a chilling effect even if you wind up clearing the professor, Steinbaugh said.

A day after the complaint about Alonzos talk, Marcia Ory, a professor at Texas A&M Health and co-chair of the universitys Opioid Task Force with Alonzo, warned about the long-term consequences.

The incident in Galveston yesterday is probably an indicator of how sensitive and politically charged this topic is and the need to tread lightly and be aware that anything can be taken out of context, Ory wrote in an email to Jon Mogford, vice president of Texas A&M Health.

Its a shame because all we want is to make people aware of harm-reduction strategies that can save lives, especially among youth and young adults who are especially vulnerable these days, wrote Ory, who did not respond to a request for comment.

An expert with a solid reputation

Alonzo has spent more than two decades as a pharmacist in Japan, Missouri and elsewhere, and has taught college students in Texas for more than a decade. She now teaches at Texas A&M while working as an ambulatory care pharmacy director at a free health clinic in Bryan.

She has helped bring millions of federal research dollars to the university, and last year Texas A&Ms pharmacy school named her the early career researcher of the year.

One of Alonzos recent projects focuses on training people to use Narcan, a nasal spray that reverses opioid effects and can save lives in overdose cases. Shes also advised state leaders on other public policies that could improve the fight against opioid overdoses.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid often illegally manufactured by Mexican drug cartels, is a growing problem. Between 2019 and 2021, overdose deaths involving fentanyl in the state rose nearly 400%.

This year, Gov. Greg Abbott declared cracking down on fentanyl as one of his seven priority issues for the legislative session.

Lawmakers allocated $18 million over the next two years toward providing naloxone, an opioid-reversing drug, to police, schools and community organizations on the front lines of the epidemic. To improve the governments response to overdose spikes, they also passed laws requiring police and other public entities to report overdoses to a public health agency.

But instead of backing other recommended strategies to reduce overdose deaths, such as legalizing test strips that can detect the presence of fentanyl in other drugs, lawmakers focused on a more punitive approach, approving laws that increase criminal penalties for providing fentanyl that leads to an overdose death.

Public health experts like Alonzo have largely supported harm-reduction efforts rather than increasing punishments for drug users. As the crisis intensified, Alonzo often received urgent emails from Texas school districts and law enforcement agencies eager for training and naloxone kits. In the past, she estimated she had given away more than $4.5 million worth of naloxone through her training sessions.

Statement of formal censure

Self, the professor at UTMB, scheduled Alonzo to give the lecture to the first-year medical students months in advance.

I cant tell you enough how much the students value this presentation, Self wrote in October, according to emails obtained through an open records request. I get feedback all the time from them telling me how important they view this talk. Theyll come up to me even months later to tell me.

On March 7, the two started the day with breakfast at the laid-back Mosquito Cafe in Galveston before heading to the lecture, which was mandatory for students to attend.

The lecture was not recorded, but according to presentation slides obtained by the Tribune through an open records request, Alonzo gave students a broad overview of the opioid crisis and the science behind opioids. She walked them through how to prevent opioid deaths, how to recognize an overdose and how to administer naloxone. She even touched on what to do if a police dog was exposed to fentanyl.

The slides show that Alonzo discussed how a lack of infrastructure limits the states ability to respond to the crisis, noting that many Texas counties lack a medical examiner; reporting on opioid deaths by emergency rooms is infrequent; and many law enforcement agencies and local health departments dont track opioid deaths.

This means the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers Texas a nonreporter when it comes to opioid data, which makes it more difficult for researchers to receive grants to tackle the issue. (Alonzo gave her presentation before the Legislature passed new reporting laws this year.)

The lecture ended around noon. Afterward, students gathered at the front of the class to grab free naloxone kits provided by Alonzo. Some stuck around to ask Alonzo questions.

The courses instructors gave no indication anything had gone awry.

Alonzo got in her car and started her two-and-a-half-hour journey home.

At 4:22 p.m., as Alonzo was learning that a controversy was brewing, a course coordinator sent an email to the entire class distancing UTMB from comments Alonzo allegedly made about Patrick. The subject line read, STATEMENT OF FORMAL CENSURE.

The statements made by the guest lecturer do not represent the opinion or position of the University of Texas Medical Branch, nor are they considered as core curriculum content for this course, the email said.

UTMB does not support or condone these comments. We take these matters very seriously and wish to express our disapproval of the comment and apologize for harm it may have caused for members of our community, the email continued. We hereby issue a formal censure of these statements and will take steps to ensure that such behavior does not happen in the future.

The email did not specify what comments had led to the censure.

The trouble had started several hours earlier when Buckingham called Patrick to alert him that an A&M professor had made negative comments about him during a guest lecture at UTMB, said Copelin, the A&M System spokesperson. Buckingham then called Jenny Jones, the university systems vice chancellor for governmental relations.

Copelin said a text message had alerted Buckingham of the comments, but he did not provide information on who sent the text message.

Patrick then called Sharp and Kevin Eltife, the chair of the University of Texas Systems board, Copelin said. The call between Sharp and Patrick was short. Patricks chief of staff, Darrell Davila, followed with the text to Sharp that linked to Alonzos faculty page. Eltife declined to comment.

Sharp had a staff member look into the complaint and that staff member asked then-A&M President M. Katherine Banks' office to investigate.

Copelin said Sharps request went through the chain of command at A&Ms Health Science Center and ended up with Kevin McGinnis, the systems vice president and chief compliance officer.

At the same time, the government relations team alerted the Health Science Center and the pharmacy school, which are affiliated with Alonzo, Copelin said.

A&M officials received a copy of UTMBs censure statement and reached out for more information, but UTMB did not cooperate, Copelin said.

By the close of the day, McGinnis decided to put Alonzo on paid leave and investigate to determine what really happened, Copelin said in a statement.

As the situation developed, A&M officials updated Patrick and his team.

At 4:43 p.m., just 15 minutes after UTMB sent its official censure letter, Jones alerted Patricks deputy chief of staff, Marian Wallace, that the investigation was underway.

joy alonzo placed on administrative leave pending firing investigation this week js, read the message from Jones obtained by the Tribune through a public records request.

Copelin said the universitys handling of the complaint against Alonzo followed standard procedure and appropriately updated the relevant lawmakers on the investigations progress.

The investigation into the matter was a reasonable step to take, particularly after UTMB issued a public statement censuring one of our faculty members, he said. In fact, it would have been irresponsible not to look into it.

Texas A&M would not answer questions about what specific policy Alonzo may have violated with her comments or provide documents pertaining to the investigation, citing state law that allows a university to withhold such information if a person is cleared of wrongdoing.

The timing of the complaint came as the legislative session was heating up. Universities, including Texas A&M, were making pitches to lawmakers to devote some of the states multibillion-dollar surplus to fund special projects.

Alonzos predicament also comes as Texas universities are dealing with increasing government involvement in ostensibly independent public universities, particularly at the hand of Patrick, whom Alonzo was accused of criticizing. This year, Texas lawmakers banned diversity, equity and inclusion offices on college campuses, a priority for Patrick.

Patrick also prioritized a bill that would limit certain conversations about race and gender in college classrooms. When professors at UT-Austin publicly reaffirmed their academic freedom to teach critical race theory last year, Patrick pledged to ban tenure in public universities. Ultimately, that proposal was unsuccessful, but faculty say the broad attack on higher education has made Texas a less appealing and more difficult place to work.

Students scramble to understand what happened

When students at UTMB received the email hours after the lecture, several started texting each other, trying to figure out what Alonzo had said that was so offensive.

According to one student who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation from the school, some students wondered if it was when Alonzo said that the lieutenant governors office was one of the reasons its hard for drug users to access certain care for opioid addiction or overdoses.

A second student who also asked to remain anonymous for the same reason said Alonzo made a comment that the lieutenant governors office had opposed policies that could have prevented opioid-related deaths, and by doing so had allowed people to die.

A third student who also spoke on the condition of anonymity said Alonzo talked about how policies, like the states ban on fentanyl test strips, have a direct impact on the ability to prevent opioid overdoses and deaths. A push to legalize the test strips died earlier this year in the Patrick-led Senate despite support from top Republicans, including Abbott.

All of the students interviewed said they felt Alonzos comments were accurate and they were not offended by anything in the presentation.

In a statement provided by Copelin, the A&M System spokesperson, Alonzo said her remarks were mischaracterized and taken out of context, but she did not confirm exactly what the comments were.

She added that she had no issue with how the university handled the situation, Copelin said.

The third student at UTMB said the email from the school was frustrating because it was unclear which comments the university found problematic.

Weve been left wondering exactly what it was they objected to, the student said. That vagueness just leads to some more self-censorship, since its hard to tell what is and isnt allowed.

Steinbaugh, an attorney with the legal nonprofit FIRE, said schools have the right to criticize an employee or guest speaker for statements they make, but issuing a formal censure sends a strong and unambiguous message.

That is a suggestion that if you repeat this language or these criticisms, then you will be subject to disciplinary consequences that go beyond formal censure, he said. That is a way to really put an exclamation point on the chilling effect.

In a statement last week to faculty who were upset about the fallout over the botched hiring of McElroy to the journalism department, Sharp expressed concern about outside influences in the hiring and promotion of faculty, saying it was never welcome, nor invited.

Sharp said he only participates in hiring questions over the schools president and vice chancellors for agriculture and engineering.

Other than that, I dont believe it is my place to be part of the hiring process for faculty, he wrote.

Fear of a chilling effect on life-saving information

A few hours after Alonzo reached out to Self about the trouble she was in, she finally heard back. But the tone of the email was notably different from the earlier cordial exchanges.

Self said she did not record the lecture and noted that all further correspondence will be funneled through our Office of Education.

Self referred a request for comment by the Tribune to UTMBs media relations department, which declined to discuss the situation.

Meanwhile, emails obtained through an open records request show that opioid experts and advocates across the state started sending Alonzo letters of support that evening.

Ive never seen her to be anything other than professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate, wrote Kathy Posey, who helped start the Montgomery County Overdose Prevention Endeavor, an opioid overdose awareness group made up of people whose family members have been addicted to opioids or died from an overdose.

Lucas Hill, a clinical associate professor of pharmacy at the University of Texas at Austin, wrote in his letter that Alonzo was not a divisive educator.

While I was not present during her guest lecture at the University of Texas Medical Branch this morning, my interactions with Dr. Alonzo gives me great confidence that she engages learners in discussions of controversial topics with the professionalism and restraint described in established principles of academic freedom, he wrote.

The stakes are high for professors who simultaneously work in their fields and teach, many of whom, like Alonzo, do not have tenure. And it raises concerns that medical experts working on high-stakes issues like the opioid crisis might withhold important, life-saving information out of fear of reprimand or punishment.

When were dealing with basic life-saving interventions, chilling effects can have much more deep consequences, said Aaron Ferguson, an addiction treatment expert in Austin who works with researchers at public universities to combat opioid overdoses. People don't feel emboldened to share basic science that could save peoples lives.

'Some members of the audience' were offended

On March 21, two weeks after she was placed on paid leave, Alonzo received an email saying her leave had been lifted.

The following day, pharmacy school Dean George Udeani said in a memo to Alonzo that during the lecture she related an anecdote and an interaction with a state official.

I understand that your comment did not assign blame. However, some members of the audience felt that your anecdote was offensive, he wrote.

While it is important to preserve and defend academic freedom and as such be able to discuss and present to students and the public the results of research observations and strategies, you should be mindful of how you present your views, Udeani said.
South Africa: Over 23 000 Western Cape learners attend holiday classes

A total of 23 447 learners in Grades 7, 8, 10 and 12 attended Back on Track and matric support classes over the holiday period in the Western Cape.

Parents will be familiar with our successful winter school classes for matric learners which take place every year, the Western Cape Education Department said on Tuesday.

This year, according to the department, 10 842 matric learners attended Back on Track classes, which are targeted to the schools that need the extra support the most, while 7 109 joined the district-based classes.

That means that nearly 18 000 matrics have received extra academic support over the holiday period.

What the Back on Track does differently is to expand support to other key grades, so that learners are already in a better academic position by the time they reach matric.

This is the first time we have held holiday classes for Grades 7, 8 and 10, the department added.

Of these, a total of 1 665 learners are Grade 7s and 2 113 Grade 8s went to camps and classes over the holidays, which focused on mathematics and language, along with psychosocial well-being and life skills sessions.

Our Grade 10 learners participated in a unique mathematics intervention, with 1 734 Grade 10s attending extra classes across the districts.

This intervention has been designed given the performance of last years Grade 9s in our annual systemic tests, which showed that they need extra support in mathematics.

Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier also visited some of the Grade 10s at the University of the Western Cape, which hosted classes for the Metro South Education District.

The learners I engaged with said that they were finding these classes extremely helpful and that the tutors had given them a new perspective on the material covered.

What struck me was how optimistic the learners were, and the level of commitment they were showing to the programme. I was also impressed by the commitment of their parents, some of whom travelled with the learners and accompanied them to the classes, he stressed.

Meanwhile, the department noted that the teachers also form part of this intensive mathematics intervention.

I visited the 140 Grade 10 maths teachers who attended training at the Cape Teaching and Leadership Institute (CTLI) by our maths experts during the holidays.

We thank all of the officials, schools, tutors and parents who made this holiday period a successful one for the learners and teachers participating in the Back on Track programme.

He believes that their hard work will go a long way toward improving learning outcomes and giving our children a better future in the Western Cape.  SAnews.gov.za



This story has been published on: 2023-07-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Wang Yi stresses efforts to enhance cooperation with Russia

Xinhua) 10:04, July 25, 2023

Wang Yi (R), director of the Office of the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, meets with Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, in Johannesburg, South Africa, July 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong)

JOHANNESBURG, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, met with Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, here Monday.

During the meeting, Wang said China-Russia relations have withstood the test of international changes and become more mature, resilient and vigorous.

China is willing to further strengthen strategic communication with Russia, enhance strategic mutual trust, deepen the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union, and intensify coordination and cooperation at the bilateral, regional and international levels, Wang said.

"We should work together to oppose hegemonic and high-handed acts, enrich the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era, and inject new impetus into a multi-polar world and democratization of international relations," said Wang.

Stressing that the BRICS countries are all major emerging markets and developing countries that play important roles in the world, Wang hailed BRICS cooperation in recent years with both practical outcomes and institutional progress. BRICS is an acronym for five emerging economies -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

China is ready to work closely with Russia and other BRICS countries to further strengthen BRICS cooperation in a bid to safeguard the common interests of developing countries, Wang said.

Patrushev said Russia is willing to strengthen strategic communication with China, expand practical cooperation, and deepen coordination and cooperation within the frameworks, including BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, to inject more stability into a volatile world.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Elon Musk intends to request the US Supreme Court to rule on whether the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) exceeded its power in imposing a consent decree that he has characterized as a "muzzle" on his free speech.

According to Reuters , the order stemmed from Musk's August 2018 tweet in which he claimed to have "funding secured" to take the electric vehicle firm Tesla private, and Musk has said that he intends to fight the decision of the 2nd US Circuit of Appeals in Manhattan to sustain the decree.

A three-judge panel dismissed Musk's argument that the SEC, which accused the billionaire of scamming investors, used the order to harass him and investigate his usage of Twitter, which he now controls and renamed X recently.

SEC vs. Musk

On Monday, July 24, the court of appeals issued a ruling rejecting Musk's bid to have the three-judge panel or the whole bench of 13 review the matter again. Musk's lawyer Alex Spiro stated the following day that he would file an appeal with the Supreme Court.

As part of the settlement that included the consent decree, Musk and Tesla paid $20 million in penalties, he resigned as chairman of the automaker, and he also agreed to have a Tesla lawyer review and approve some tweets before they were posted.

The appeals court panel said in its May 15 judgment that Musk could not "change his mind" and request another review of the tweet filtering. However, Musk's legal team argued that the SEC lacked the authority to demand an unlawful "gag rule" as part of any agreement.

The verdict "posits that Mr. Musk either had to forego a settlement with the SEC or give up his right to challenge the constitutionality of the SEC's demands," the attorneys wrote last month. According to them, Supreme Court has ruled differently.

In March, a federal appeals court in New Orleans concluded that Musk had broken federal labor law when he tweeted in May 2018 that Tesla workers would lose stock options if they joined a union. Last week, the court agreed to revisit this judgment.

This is appeal No. 22-1291 from the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals: SEC v. Musk.

See Also: Elon Musk's Tesla Cybertruck EV Surfaces With a Ford F-150 Wrap

What's New With Twitter?

Musk has replaced the bird in the Twitter logo with an X, signifying his intention to develop a "super app" in the vein of WeChat, the dominant messaging service in China. Since Musk paid $44 billion to acquire the social networking site last year, this is easily the most significant shift that has occurred.

However, this backfired on Musk at some point. Users have been drawing similarities between the new Twitter X logo and the pornographic website "Xvideos."

As soon as Twitter updated its new logo, the term "Xvideos" began trending. Many Twitter users have joked that from now on, Twitter videos will just be referred to as "X videos."

See Also: Twitter's X Logo Now Compared to Adult Website as Blue Bird Officially Disappears

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An Allegiant Air flight from Mesa, Arizona, to Central Nebraska Regional Airport in Grand Island turned around in midair Monday night.

Independent reporter Jessica Votipka was on the flight. She said midflight the pilot announced that they were "legally" unable to land the plane in Grand Island. At the Arizona airport, Allegiant officials told passengers the flight crew was unable to communicate with the Central Nebraska Regional Airport, leading to the turnaround.

Hall County Airport Authority Executive Director Michael Olson said National Weather Service weather reporting equipment went down.

"Airlines will not dispatch aircraft unless there is active weather reporting at the airport," Olson said.

Andrew Porrello with Allegiant media relations also noted the "airports automated weather broadcast system was inoperable. That system is responsible for relaying updated weather reports to flight crews."

Porrello noted Federal Aviation Administration regulation prohibit a flight from landing if the system isnt functioning "and the crew is not provided with updated weather information."

Votipka said the full flight was about 30 minutes from Grand Island. The plane was an Airbus A320, according to Flight Aware. The flight took off, bound for Grand Island, just after 5:45 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (Arizona does not observe daylight saving time).

Porrello said the decision to return to Arizona "was made in the best interest of our passengers."

"The Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airport is an Allegiant base and allowed us to offer passengers the option to re-accommodate at no fee or cancel their itinerary and receive a refund for airfare," he said.

Officials told passengers the flight had been rescheduled to Tuesday morning. Votipka noted her party received an email from Allegiant about the rescheduling after they were already on the plane.

"We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused our passengers and have offered them reaccommodation at no fee to another flight or a refund for airfare," Porrello said, noting passengers were also issued additional compensation.

Porrello said one other Allegiant flight was affected.
Mohamed Gamar Ahmed of Grand Island was sentenced July 18 in federal court in Lincoln to nine years in prison for drug and firearm offenses.

Ahmed, 20, was given a 48-month sentence for possession of cocaine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute, and a consecutive 60-month term of imprisonment for possession of firearms in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime.

After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Ahmed pleaded guilty to the offenses on April 18.

On March 28, 2022, Grand Island police officers were called to a residence in Grand Island. When officers arrived, they found a juvenile female unconscious and not breathing. Officers began administering CPR and Grand Island Fire Department paramedics arrived a short time later. The female was revived with the use of Narcan and transported to a hospital.

A juvenile male, who was present when police arrived at the residence, reported previously purchasing a blue pill from Ahmed, which the juveniles believed was Percocet. Within minutes of ingesting the drug, the female began showing signs of an overdose and became unconscious.

Officers obtained a search warrant for Ahmeds apartment. Inside the apartment, officers located loaded handguns, digital scales, plastic bags used for packaging drugs, ammunition, about 1.2 pounds of marijuana, THC vape pens, 31 grams of cocaine and around 30 suspected Percocet pills. Testing completed by the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Laboratory showed the suspected Percocet pills contained fentanyl.

The incident was one of three opioid pill overdose incidents that Grand Island police responded to that weekend.

According to an Independent story at the time, the female who was revived was 17. Ahmed was not involved in the other investigations.

The case was investigated by the Grand Island Police Department and the Trident Drug Task Force, which is made up of officers from the Grand Island Police Department, the Hall County Sheriff's Department, the Hastings Police Department, Adams County Sheriff, Kearney Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff, Nebraska State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
S Korea shipbuilders bank on Vietnam as nations plan to double two-way trade

By Tuong Nguyen Tue, July 25, 2023 | 12:04 pm GTM+7

Major South Korean shipbuilders Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai are eyeing fresh energy from Vietnam as the two countries seek to double bilateral trade by 2030 to $150 billion.

Hanwha Ocean signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) on July 22 to train Vietnamese shipbuilders for the former to employ.

Four weeks before that, Hanwha Group vice chairman Kim Dong-kwan and HD Hyundai president Chung Ki-sun joined a 205-strong business mission accompanying South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on his state visit to Vietnam from June 22-24 to boost economic and trade ties.

On July 21 in Seoul, South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held an inaugural meeting with trade officials from the Vietnamese Embassy to discuss details of the establishment of the "Korea Plus in Vietnam" task force under the Seoul government and the "Vietnam Plus in Korea" team under the Vietnamese government.

The two task forces will be in charge of exchanging information on trade and industry developments, supporting exporters, and exploring business opportunities, according to the South Korean ministry.

For Hanwha Ocean, the major South Korean shipbuilder expects its partnership with MoIT to enable it to establish a firm plan to hire skilled Vietnamese workers.

Vietnamese multi-business company Green Peace Holdings, known as GP Holdings, is also involved in the comprehensive cooperation as the domestic corporate partner to facilitate related works.

GP Holdings serves as a tier-one supplier for South Korean tech giant Samsung in Vietnam. It is also an established supplier of Vietnamese workers for overseas markets, including South Korea and Japan.

The MoIT said it would work with 31 colleges and universities across the country to train students in majors related to shipbuilding, including engine technology, chemical technology, mechanics, materials, and paints.

A week before the South Korean Presidents Vietnam visit, HD Hyundai said Hyundai Vietnam Shipbuilding Co. in the south-central coastal province of Khanh Hoa had obtained an order to build two oil and chemical tankers for an African shipping company. The African firms name and details of the deals financial terms were not disclosed.

HD Hyundai president Chung Ki-sun (2nd from left) inspects Hyundai Vietnam Shipbuilding's shipyard in Khanh Hoa, south-central Vietnam in June 2023. Courtesy of HD Hyundai.

While accompanying the South Korean President in Vietnam, HD Hyundai president Chung Ki-sun inspected the facility, South Korea's first overseas shipyard.

"HD Hyundai was able to achieve excellent results in Vietnam thanks to the hard work of its executives and employees despite unfavorable circumstances," the Korea Times quoted him as saying at the time. "I will continue to work harder for Hyundai Vietnam Shipbuilding to write a model success story representing the Korean shipbuilding industry."

This $350-million shipyard now employs around 5,000 local workers, according to its website. Hyundai Vietnam Shipbuilding president Lee Jong Chan writes on his companys website that the factory, which entered the building business in 2008, has so far successfully delivered over 160 new vessels.

Hyundai Vietnam Shipbuilding has plans to develop its labor force in Vietnam. In July 2022, its representatives met with leaders of Danang University of Technology to discuss training Vietnamese shipbuilding students.

Hyundai Vietnam Shipbuilding was formed in 1996 as a joint venture between South Koreas Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. and Vietnam's state-run Shipbuilding Industry Corp. to represent South Korea's first overseas shipyard, and started operations in 1999. Hyundai Mipo Dockyard is part of HD Hyundai.

World-leading shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings announced this February its new name of HD Hyundai, with HD standing for Human Dynamics.

Hyundai Vietnam Shipbuilding accounts for 40% of Khanh Hoa provinces annual export value, according to provincial data.

Data compiled by South Koreas Ministry of Justice earlier this year showed that Vietnamese nationals accounted for 55.1% of 1,595 foreigners in the country who received E-7 visas between January 2022 and January 2023 for specific activities related to shipbuilding, the Korea Times said.

The Vietnamese shipbuilding sectors compound annual growth rate (CARG) between 2023 and 2032 is forecast at 6%, global research firm Research and Markets said in its Vietnam Shipbuilding Industry Research Report 2023-2032 released on June 1.

Vietnams shipbuilding industry also exports ships to international markets, including merchant ships, offshore support vessels, and fishing vessels. Major export destinations include Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the report said.
Vietnam, Austria commit to strengthening multi-faceted cooperation

By VNA/The Investor Tue, July 25, 2023 | 7:07 am GTM+7

Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong reaffirmed Vietnam's strong commitment to valuing and enhancing the country's friendly and multi-faceted cooperation with Austria, a reliable friend within the European Union.

President Vo Van Thuong (left) and Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen hold a press conference after a high-level meeting between the two leaders. Photo courtesy of Vietnam News Agency.

He made the remarks on Monday at a joint press conference after holding talks with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen as part of his official visit to Austria at the invitation of his counterpart.

During the meeting, both leaders exchanged information about the situation in their respective countries, discussed cooperative directions, and proposed measures to further strengthen and deepen the traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and Austria.

President Alexander Van der Bellen warmly welcomed the Vietnamese leader's official visit to Austria and congratulated Vietnam on its significant achievements in socio-economic development.

He emphasized Austria's high regard for the longstanding friendship and multi-faceted cooperation with Vietnam, viewing Vietnam as an important partner in implementing its foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in trade and investment.

He expressed a desire to further enhance economic, educational, and cultural ties between the two nations.

Bellen said he hoped that the visit would strengthen political trust between the two countries and create new momentum to promote the Vietnam-Austria relationship for the benefit of both peoples and for peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

During their discussions on bilateral relations, both leaders expressed satisfaction with the substantial and effective development between the two countries over the past half-century in various areas, including politics-diplomacy, trade-investment, development cooperation, culture, education, vocational training, science, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

To increase political trust and fully tap the significant potential for cooperation between the two countries, both leaders agreed to enhance exchanges at all levels, especially at high levels and across different channels. They also discussed the effective utilization of existing cooperation mechanisms and explored the establishment of new mechanisms suitable for the current context.

Regarding economic cooperation, the leaders positively assessed the economic, trade, and investment relationship between the two countries, with bilateral trade reaching $2.79 billion in 2022.

President Thuong suggested that both sides continue to closely coordinate and effectively leverage the benefits of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). This included considering measures to facilitate access to each other's markets for their respective key export items and creating favourable conditions and incentives for Austrian businesses to enhance their investments in Vietnam, particularly in areas such as automobile and railway production, medical equipment, and pharmaceuticals.

President Alexander Van der Bellen emphasized that Vietnam was Austria's largest partner in Southeast Asia and expressed his hope for both sides to focus on improving the balance of bilateral trade.

At the talks, President Thuong proposed that Austria promptly complete the ratification procedures for the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) to facilitate equal and beneficial investment relations between the two sides.

He also requested Austria's support in lobbying the European Commission (EC) to remove the yellow card IUU status on Vietnamese fisheries, creating favourable conditions for Vietnam's seafood exports to the EU.

Thuong suggested that Austria prioritize Vietnam for official development assistance (ODA) and implement more favourable lending policies, especially for projects in the fields of healthcare, environment, vocational training, firefighting, and search and rescue.

The Austrian President welcomed the ongoing discussions about Austria's concessional loans, which would facilitate sustainable development cooperation projects between the two countries.

He highly appreciated the integration capabilities of the Vietnamese community in Austria's socio-economic life and agreed with the Vietnamese leader's proposal to continue providing favourable conditions and support for the Vietnamese community in Austria.

In an exchange of views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, President Thuong commended Austria's interest in enhancing relations with Southeast Asia. He noted that Vietnam stands ready to act as a bridge to strengthen Austria's ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), while requesting Austria's assistance in enhancing Vietnam's relations with the EU.

Both leaders agreed to continue close coordination at regional and international forums, particularly within the United Nations and the ASEAN-EU cooperation framework, to contribute to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

Regarding the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea), both leaders reaffirmed the importance of peace, stability, safety, security, and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea following international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Thuong took the occasion to invite Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and his spouse to visit Vietnam, an invitation they gladly accepted.

After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between their ministries of foreign affairs.

Meeting with Mayor of Vienna Michael Ludwig as part of his official visit to Austria, the Vietnamese leader congratulated Vienna on its developmental achievements and suggested the mayor encourage local businesses to expand their investment and business in Vietnam.

The Austrian capital, with its strengths in tourism, culture, urban management, environmental protection, heritage conservation and restoration, can cooperate with Hanoi and other Vietnamese localities to carry out specific joint activities, thus promoting the overall bilateral relationship, said President Thuong on Monday.

He also proposed Vienna provide favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in the city to stabilise their lives, integrate well into local society, and preserve their cultural identity, acting as a bridge of friendship between the two nations.

For his part, Ludwig expressed his belief that the visit will be successful, contributing to enhancing the traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries in the future.

Given the robust development of Vietnam-Austria relations, the city wants to strengthen collaboration with Vietnamese localities, especially in fields such as trade, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, culture, and art, stated the mayor.
The Biden Administration is now urging insurers to provide better mental health treatment access to Americans. To do this, the U.S. government proposed new rules that will require insurance companies to do just that.

Biden Admin Wants Better Mental Health Treatment Access

According to Reuters' latest report, U.S. President Joe Biden is pushing health insurance companies to enhance access to mental health treatment.

He said that this should be provided, especially to Americans who are having a hard time affording and finding the mental health care they need.

On Tuesday, July 25, the Biden Admin proposed new regulations. But, these rules still need to go through a public comment period, as reported by the Associated Press.

Once they are finalized, the regulations will require health insurance companies to study if their consumers have equal access to mental and medical health benefits.

This means that they could change the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act since insurers will be urged to ensure that all their consumers have equal coverage for physical and mental health care.

Read Also: President Joe Biden's Administration Sues Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's Office Over Buoy Barrier Meant To Block Migrants

The Difficulty of Getting Mental Health Care

A recent study, which was published in July, revealed that over 2,800 American patients with insurance are having a hard time getting the mental health care services they need.

CNBC reported that around 40% of these individuals are enrolled in insurance by their employers.

Despite this, they still need to seek expensive mental health care, as well as substance abuse treatment outside their insurance.

Over 50% of these Americans also complained that their insurance providers don't cover their mental health or substance abuse services; rejecting their requests three or more times.

Meanwhile, almost 60% of them claimed that their insurance providers never assisted them in getting mental health care or substance abuse treatment.

This is why the Biden Administration proposed the new rules so that health insurance providers will put more effort into assisting their consumers.

"Despite the repeated bipartisan efforts aimed at mental health parity, insurers too often make it difficult to access mental health treatment, causing millions of consumers to seek care out-of-network," said the White House in its rule proposal.

These new rules are expected to be open for public comment for the next 60 days. After that, Biden Administration officials said that these regulations will go into effect.

Related Article: Biden Admin Crackdown on Water Heaters Would Go into Effect in 2029

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Vietnam, Israel sign free trade pact after 7 years of negotiations

By Nguyen Long Tue, July 25, 2023 | 9:20 pm GTM+7

Vietnam and Israel inked their free trade agreement (FTA) in Jerusalem on Tuesday, expecting two-way trade to reach $3 billion in 2024 or 2025.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang witnessed the Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA) signing by Nir Barkat, Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry and Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien.

(L-R) Vietnams trade minister Nguyen Hong Dien, Deputy PM Tran Luu Quang; Israels PM Benjamin Netanyahu and trade minister Nir Barkat at FTA signing ceremony in Jerusalem on July 25, 2023. Photo courtesy of Vietnams government portal.

The two nations completed seven years of negotiation this April. Now, Vietnam has become the first ASEAN country to sign an FTA with the Middle East nation. This is Vietnams 16th free trade pact with trade partners across the world.

The two countries trade reached $2.2 billion last year from $1.88 billion a year earlier, $1.6 billion in 2020, and $1.2 billion in 2019, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT).

Vietnams 2022 exports to Israel hit $785.7 million and imports from the Middle East country reached $1.4 billion. The country's largest exports to Israel include smartphones, footwear and seafood, while it imports primarily electronics and fertilizer.

The two countries this year celebrate 30 years of relations.

Prior to witnessing this signing in Jerusalem Tuesday, Vietnamese Deputy PM held talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. He conveyed Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuongs invitation to Herzog to visit Vietnam soon, and the invitation was accepted with pleasure, according to an article on Vietnams government portal.

The two sides agreed upon boosting two-way trade, promoting investment and tourism cooperation, opening direct flights soon, and creating favorable conditions for the issuance of visas for citizens of the two countries to promote people-to-people exchanges and economic relations.

On July 16, the UK became the 12th signatory to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The signing kickstarted the UKs membership of what has been called a modern and ambitious trade deal. It is also the first European country to be part of the pact that has 11 other members in the Asia-Pacific region, including Vietnam.

The 11 members are Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Canada, Singapore, Mexico, Peru, Brunei, Chile, and Malaysia.
Vietnam, US see ample room for cooperation: ambassador

By VNA/The Investor Tue, July 25, 2023 | 12:31 pm GTM+7

Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S. Nguyen Quoc Dung believes that the two nations relationship will continue to reach new heights, serving the tangible interests of their peoples and contributing to maintaining peace, stability, security, cooperation, and development in the Asia-Pacific region and the world.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S. Nguyen Quoc Dung. Photo courtesy of the government portal.

Expressing his belief in an interview with Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-U.S. comprehensive partnership (July 25, 2013 - 2023), the diplomat stated that the highlight of the past decade was the bilateral ties robust growth across all areas, including politics, diplomacy, economics and trade, culture, education, science-technology, healthcare, defence-security, and people-to-people exchanges. He said such growth truly reflects the meaning of a comprehensive partnership.

In politics and diplomacy, the most notable achievement was the significant improvement in understanding and mutual respect. Both sides have shown respect for each other's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political systems. Vietnam and the US have maintained regular high-level exchanges and contacts.

Meanwhile, economic and trade relations have been the fastest and strongest growing pillar, serving as the driving force for the overall relationship. The sides bilateral trade increased more than fivefold, from $25 billion in 2012 to nearly $139 billion in 2022. Vietnam has become the seventh-largest trading partner of the U.S. worldwide.

Regarding people-to-people exchanges, there are currently around 23,000 to 25,000 Vietnamese students going to study in the U.S. annually, ranking first in Southeast Asia and fifth globally in this regard. With an average of 800,000 U.S. tourist arrivals to Vietnam per year before the Covid-19 pandemic, the U.S. has been consistently placed in the top five sources of visitors to the Southeast Asian nation.

Dung noted that addressing the aftermath of the war remains a high priority and has achieved many specific results. Both sides have devoted significant resources and efforts to the search for and identification of the remains of fallen Vietnamese soldiers, dioxin detoxification (completed at Danang airport and ongoing at Bien Hoa airport), bomb and mine clearance, and support for people with disabilities and those affected by dioxin/Agent Orange. Vietnamese agencies have cooperated with the U.S. side to search for, identify, and repatriate the remains of 733 missing U.S. soldiers.

The ambassador said he believes that in the future, the shared priority is to further strengthen and deepen cooperation in all spheres.

First, in politics and diplomacy, it is necessary to reinforce mutual understanding, increase exchanges at all levels, especially high levels, and enhance the effectiveness of existing dialogue mechanisms.

Second, the sides should develop stable, sustainable economic, trade, investment, and scientific and technological relations, while minimising trade defence actions. Additionally, they need to focus on cooperation in emerging and high-tech areas, such as the digital economy, green economy, circular economy, and maintaining the sustainability of supply chains.

Third, more attention should be paid to cultural and artistic exchanges as well as education and training in line with Vietnam's needs for high-quality human resources. Attracting more U.S. tourists to Vietnam and supporting Vietnamese and Vietnamese-origin people in the U.S. are also important.

Fourth, the countries need to accelerate cooperation in addressing the war consequences because as time goes on, the conditions for remediation become more challenging.

Fifth, both sides should enhance their effective collaboration at multilateral forums, especially within the framework of the ASEAN-U.S. comprehensive strategic partnership and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). They should also team up in resolving global issues, particularly emerging ones like the environment, climate change response, and clean energy transition.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday delivered a recorded video statement highlighting the strong and growing relationship between the U.S. and Vietnam on the 10th anniversary of the two countries' Comprehensive Partnership (July 25, 2013-2023).

In his remarks, he underlined the breadth of cooperation between the two countries, spanning economic, environmental, and security issues.

"We have built a relationship that's dynamic, consequential, and growing stronger every day," Blinken said. "Our countries are working together on an incredibly broad range of shared interests to the benefit of our peoples and people across the region and world."

Blinken also highlighted the partnerships between the two countries on economic issues, including promoting inclusive economic opportunity, resilient supply chains, and infrastructure.

He noted that the U.S. is helping Vietnam reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 while powering sustainable development and strengthening public health systems.

Blinken also emphasized the importance of people-to-people ties, which he called the "foundation of our relationship", commenting that the U.S. and Vietnam are working to enable more students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and tourists to collaborate and travel between the two countries.

Blinken also touched on the issue of addressing the legacies of the Vietnam War, stating that the U.S. remains committed to clearing unexploded ordnance, eliminating dioxin hot spots, accounting for the missing, and other joint efforts.

"For the United States, that's a matter of trust and a matter of duty," he said.

The U.S. diplomat expressed optimism about the future of the U.S.-Vietnam relationship in his address.

Recalling the breaking ground of a new, state-of-the-art U.S. embassy in Hanoi, which he attended during his visit earlier this year, he expressed gratitude to all those working to make the partnership between the two countries a reality.

"I can't wait to see where the next 10 years takes us together," Blinken said.
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Dr. Ronna Fern Dillon

March 25, 1950 - July 18, 2023

NEWBURGH, IN  Dr. Ronna Fern Dillon, age 73 of Newburgh, IN and formerly of Carbondale, passed away Tuesday, July 18, 2023, after a courageous battle, with her family by her side in Heart to Heart Hospice, Evansville, IN.

She was born March 25, 1950 in Detroit, MI to Ernest and Helen Berk.

In her youth, she migrated down to southern Florida and then made her way out west to Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and several other cities in Southern California for her education, eventually settling in Carbondale, IL, and later Newburgh, IN. She spent her entire career as a professor in the Educational Psychology Department at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale  lecturing, publishing and collaborating with her revered colleagues. She was the epitome of "burning the midnight oil." During her tenure she also provided contract support to the US government, specifically the FAA, and all branches of the military. She is widely known for her contributions to Cognitive Psychology and military testing.

She was a third degree black belt in Shotokan karate, an avid runner, baker, shopper, and lover of all things French, to include the language and her favorite herb, lavender. You couldn't open a dresser drawer without finding a lavender sachet. She also loved Cristaudo's challah and made the best French toast with it.

She will be remembered for her sharp intellect, insatiable thirst for knowledge and, of course, her famous chocolate chip cookies.

She leaves behind her devoted husband of 30 years, Lloyd Burtch; her daughters who were her pride and joy, Amber Sheffer (Doug and daughter Cameron); Tara Rocap (Jeremiah and daughters, Juniper and Clementine) and Laurel Hansell (Allison); her groovy dog, Newton B; other relatives, and a host of friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents and a brother, William "Billy" Berk.

A private burial was in Pleasant Grove Memorial Park.

Memorials can be made to Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation, Inpatient Unit, 610 East Walnut St., Evansville, IN 47713.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home.

To view the obituary and/or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.crainsonline.com.
South Carolina State University students Kenard Holmes and Victoria Jordan are among 102 students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) recently named 2023 White House HBCU Scholars.

Holmes, a rising junior from Blythewood, is a business management major at SC State. Jordan, a rising junior from Fort Mill, is a biology major with a minor in chemistry.

On behalf of the entire SC State family, I congratulate Mr. Holmes and Ms. Jordan on earning this important national distinction from the White House, SC State President Alexander Conyers said. Both students are fine examples of the intellectual promise, leadership and determination present in SC States student body.

We already have taken great pride in their numerous successes during their time on campus, and I look forward to seeing how they grow in the years to come, Conyers said.

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity announced its ninth cohort of HBCU Scholars, recognizing undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from 29 different states and countries for their accomplishments in academics, leadership, civic engagement and more.

Our 2023 HBCU Scholars are talented students who embody the culture of excellence and inclusion championed by our nation s Historically Black Colleges and Universities, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a news release. On behalf of the U.S. Department of Education and everyone across the Biden-Harris Administration, I congratulate each of our 2023 HBCU scholars on this prestigious recognition and thank them for their commitment to serving their communities.

Im thrilled to see the HBCU Scholars program continue to expand its reach and provide such exciting professional development, networking, and educational opportunities to some of our nations brightest and most promising young leaders, Cardona said.

Over the course of an academic school year, HBCU Scholars will serve as ambassadors of the White House Initiative on HBCUs, the U.S. Department of Education, and their respective HBCUs.

Holmes and Jordan are among five White House HBCU Scholars in South Carolina. The others are:

Simya Levine of Columbia, Voorhees University, Denmark.

Marlaysia Westbrook of Hardeeville, Allen University, Columbia.

Patience Badger of Olar, Denmark Technical College, Denmark.

The two SC State students formed a friendship soon after they arrived on campus in 2021 as a result of their work together in several campus organizations, including the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College and Golden Key International Honor Society. As freshmen, both resided in Battiste Hall.

As sophomores, they were inducted as Clyburn Scholars. Holmes and Jordan also served as Mr. and Miss Golden Key International Honors Society, as they are both in the top 15% of their class.
U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene could be punished after showing some of Hunter Biden's nude photos during a White House hearing in the third week of July.

Marjorie Taylor Greene Could Face Punishment

According to Business Insider's latest report, Democratic Rep. Becca Balint of Vermont suggested that Greene should be censored.

She explained that the Republican representative should face punishment for her litany of offenses, especially when she presented Hunter's slightly redacted nude images.

There's a high chance that Greene will be formally censored since Balint could use a procedural move that will force the White House to do so.

But, this will still depend if Becca will do just that. Aside from showing Hunter Biden's partially naked photos, Greene's behavior before and after she was elected to Congress could play a major role in the possible censorship.

These include the xenophobic, racist, and antisemitic statements she made when he was a far-right promoter of the QAnon conspiracy theory.

Read Also: Biden Admin Wants Better Mental Health Treatment Access from Insurers; New Rules Now Proposed

Ethics Complaint Filed Against Greene

Aside from Becca Balint, the lawyer of Hunter Biden was also disappointed with Marjorie Taylor Greene's controversial act during the recent White House trial.

USA Today reported that Abbe Lowell already filed an ethics complaint in the House of Representatives against the Republican representative.

Via his official letter sent to the Office of Congressional Ethics, Lowell said that Greene's unmoored verbal abuses and attacks against Hunter Biden violated numerous ethics regulations.

"She displayed (on printed posters) sexually explicit and nude images of Mr. Biden," explained the lawyer.

Lowell explained that Greene held up the graphic poster boards after her questioning session. He added that the politician spouted another untethered conspiracy theory.

"Spouting yet another of her untethered conspiracy theories, suggesting without any evidence that they showed Mr. Biden 'making pornography,'" Lowell further stated.

If you want to learn more about the latest controversy of Marjorie Taylor Greene, you can click here.

Related Article: Hunter Biden Probe: DOJ Offers Investigator To Testify Before Congress

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
WASHINGTON  The United States Mint joined representatives from the Harriet Tubman Home Inc. and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center to unveil the designs for the 2024 Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Program during the opening ceremony for the African Methodist Episcopal Zions (AMEZ) Womens Home and Overseas Missionary Society Quadrennial Conference in New Orleans.

The designs will be featured on a $5 gold coin, a $1 silver coin, and a half-dollar clad coin in recognition of the bicentennial of Harriet Tubmans birth. All designs were created by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designers and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artists.

$5 Gold Coin Obverse

Designer: Chris Costello

Sculptor: Joseph Menna

Harriet-Tubman-Commemoratives-press-release-250x250-1 $5 Gold Coin Obverse

The obverse (heads) design features a portrait of Harriet Tubman in her years following the Civil War, looking confidently into the distance and towards the future. Inscriptions include HARRIET TUBMAN, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and 2024.

$5 Gold Coin Reverse

Designer: Ben Sowards

Sculptor: Eric David Custer

2024-harriet-tubman-bicentennial-commemorative-gold-line-art-reverse $5 Gold Coin Reverse

The reverse (tails) design depicts both arms of an individual firmly clasping one arm of another individual, symbolizing the aid and care that Harriet Tubman offered to others throughout her life. Encircling the arms are inscriptions of Harriet Tubmans seven core values, including FAITH, FREEDOM, FAMILY, COMMUNITY, SELF-DETERMINATION, SOCIAL JUSTICE, and EQUALITY. Additional inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, $5, and E PLURIBUS UNUM.

$1 Silver Coin Obverse

Designer: Beth Zaiken

Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill

The obverse design depicts Harriet Tubman offering her hand to the viewer with an expression that challenges the viewer to seize the opportunity for freedom. Inscriptions include HARRIET TUBMAN, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and 2024.

$1 Silver Coin Reverse

Designer: Beth Zaiken

Sculptor: Craig A. Campbell

2024-harriet-tubman-bicentennial-commemorative-silver-line-art-reverse $1 Silver Coin Reverse

The reverse design depicts silhouettes crossing a bridge created by a pair of clasped hands. In the sky, the Big Dipper constellation points to the North Star, which forms the O in the word OF. Inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and ONE DOLLAR.

Half Dollar Clad Coin Obverse

Designer: Don Everhart

Sculptor: Renata Gordon

2024-harriet-tubman-bicentennial-commemorative-clad-line-art-obverse Half Dollar Clad Coin Obverse

The obverse design depicts Harriet Tubman, who distinguished herself as the first woman to lead an armed expedition in the Civil War, the Combahee River Raid, which resulted in more than 700 enslaved persons in South Carolina being freed. In the background, two Civil War-era boats represent the raid. Inscriptions include LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, 2024, and HARRIET TUBMAN.

Half Dollar Clad Coin Reverse

Designer: Tom Hipschen

Sculptor: John P. McGraw

2024-harriet-tubman-bicentennial-commemorative-clad-line-art-reverse Half Dollar Clad Coin Reverse

The reverse design depicts Harriet Tubman holding a spyglass in front of a row of Civil War-era tents, symbolizing her work as a scout and spy for the Union Army during the Civil War. Inscriptions describing her contributions include CIVIL WAR, NURSE, SCOUT, SPY, and COMBAHEE RIVER RAID LEADER. Additional inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and HALF DOLLAR.

The Harriet Tubman Commemorative Coin Program will celebrate the life and legacy of an extraordinary woman, said United States Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson. We hope this program will assist both the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Harriet Tubman Home, Inc. in accomplishing and advancing their missions.

The on-sale date for products in the 2024 Harriet Tubman Commemorative Coin Program will be published on the Mints 2024 Product Schedule. When available, the Mint will accept orders at catalog.usmint.gov/.
Conmen are back with a jury duty scam, Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell announced on Monday.

Weve taken a few calls this morning from citizens expressing concern over this, Ravenell said. These citizens were alert and werent fooled at all. But they wanted to get the word out to anyone else who may get a call.

The jury scam has been around before, Ravenell said. The scammer calls a potential victim saying they can pay money to have their missed jury accusation go away.

This scammer is using the name of Deputy Jenkins, the sheriff said. Rest assured, we do not call anyone if they have missed jury duty. And we definitely do not demand money.

If anyone receives such a call, they are urged to either hang up or call the Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office at 803-534-3550.
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A 16-year-old male, who was accused of conspiracy in connection to two separate but related shootings in Casper, had two of three charges against him dropped Tuesday morning.

The charges stemmed from a July 11 shooting at Fairgrounds Road and a July 13 drive-by shooting of a residence on Bighorn Road. It was revealed during Benjamin Jackson-Roccas preliminary hearing that a second person was shot near the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds.

Rocca is now facing one felony charge of accessory after the fact, which carries a maximum sentence of three years. He was originally facing up to 23 years in prison.

On Tuesday, Natrona County Circuit Court Judge Michael Patchen ruled not to bind the other two felony charges  conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and conspiracy to intimidate a witness  after Roccas public defender successfully argued a lack of evidence.

Rocca remains in custody.

His public defender, Marty Scott, drew attention to zero evidence of a conspiracy on Roccas part. Hes a stupid boy, who may have acted inappropriately after the shootings, he said. That doesnt constitute a crime.

Taylor Courtney, an investigations sergeant with the Natrona County Sheriffs Office, took the witness stand. He described many new details of the case, which were not listed in the original arrest affidavit.

Endre Wass, 16, who is believed to be the shooter in both incidents, is friends with Rocca. Wass was angered over a failed relationship between his new girlfriend and her ex-boyfriend, Courtney said. She and her ex-boyfriend couldnt completely cut ties because they shared a child.

She had a young baby with her ex-boyfriend, Courtney said. ...There was some beef, if you want to call it that, hard feelings.

On July 11, Rocca was picked up by an unnamed female, so they could go to the Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo, Courtney said. Rocca instructed her to pick up Wass and his new girlfriend.

Once at the fair, Rocca and Wass were involved in an altercation between 15 to 20 people over the alleged dispute, Courtney said. Rocca allegedly got so close to an unidentified male while threatening to fight him that his lips actually touched Source Fours cheeks.

The incident happened around 10:20 p.m.

Initially, it was believed that only one woman was shot. But Courtney said the male Rocca was arguing with was also struck by a bullet in the back leg through and through.

Rocca allegedly screamed shoot him, shoot him beforehand, Courtney said.

But the only witness who corroborated that was the victim himself, who Scott argued had a motive to lie because of their violent encounter.

It wasnt made clear in court whether both people were struck by the same bullet, but only one shell casing was found at the scene. The woman was sent to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, and there was no mention of what treatment the male received.

The female, who drove them all to the fair, went to the sheriffs office the following day to provide a statement, Courtney said. They were her friends, so she messaged both boys on social media to tell them she had given up all that info.

Then, the Casper Police Department responded to several reports of shots fired at 5:30 a.m. on July 13 on the 3500 block of Bighorn Road. The female, who went to the authorities, lives in that home, Courtney said.

Rocca allegedly called a different female early that morning, who was friendly with the witness too, Courtney said. He requested a ride to her house, so they could all hang out. They picked up Wass and another unidentified individual on the way.

She thought they were just going to visit, Courtney said. She started to pull into her [the victims] driveway.

Wass then allegedly fired 10 bullets into the home, which were all aimed at the witnesss bedroom. Rocca was allegedly the only person who would have known what bedroom she lived in.

Rocca requested the other female drive them to Colorado after the drive-by, but she stopped in Douglas, Courtney said. She purposefully parked in front of security cameras at the local Maverick before telling the group her grandmother wouldnt allow her to take the car across state lines.

She drove them back to a Casper apartment, and she also cooperated with authorities shortly after, Courtney said.

Scott argued the state was speculating Roccas intention based on witness speculation. If the female driver had no idea the drive-by shooting was going to take place, which police have believed so far, then its not unreasonable to believe Rocca thought the same, he said.

His co-defendant Wass also invoked his right to remain silent, so he hasnt implicated Rocca in any way. Despite significantly reducing Roccas charges, Patchen declined to reduce his $100,000 cash-only bond.

Wass has a second preliminary hearing set for Aug. 15; the state is expected to add an additional count of aggravated assault. Roccas arraignment has not been scheduled yet.

Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in Wyoming, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Star-Tribune app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
The Wyoming Supreme Court ruled that a person is only entitled to have jail time taken off a total prison sentence once when serving two or more consecutive terms.

Any sentence that does not give an individual proper credit for the time he or she spent in custody prior to sentencing is illegal, the ruling states. But the interpretation of that standard varies depending on what kind of case it is and what kind of sentence is given.

In 2014, Timothy Greene was sentenced on two felony counts of DUI, the ruling states. He received consecutive four-to-six-year sentences, which were suspended in favor of seven years of probation.

While on probation, Greene was arrested and charged with five new felonies, which included drug possession, the ruling states. He was held without bond for a total of 188 days.

The Campbell County District Court then revoked Greenes probation and reimposed the original sentence with credit for time served.

It is undisputed that the credit in those dockets included the 188 days that Mr. Greene was held without bond from his arrest to sentencing, the ruling states.

He was also sentenced to three to five years with no credit for time served in his new drug possession case. Greene believed he should have received credit in his new case too, but the states highest court denied his appeal.

Greene was entitled to credit for time spent in custody while waiting for his probation to be revoked, as it was a direct result of the original crime, the ruling states.

The most obvious of those situations where a defendant is arrested and charged with committing a new crime, the ruling states.

When multiple sentences run at the same time, credit for time serve should be applied to each sentence because its the only way the defendant will be assured the total term of imprisonment is properly reduced, the ruling states.

That standard doesnt apply when a person has to serve two or more sentences one after another; when consecutive sentences are imposed, a person is only entitled to have credit against one of their sentences, the ruling states.

For example, if a person is sentenced to three, five-year consecutive sentences, the judge intends for he or she to do 15 years in prison. If they were credited for time served in each sentence, their total time would be reduced by three times the amount it should have been.

Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in Wyoming, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Star-Tribune app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
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.
The US State Department confirmed on Tuesday (July 25) former US Marine Trevor Reed was injured while fighting in Ukraine against the said country's Russian invaders.

Reed made headlines in 2019 after he was arrested in Moscow for intoxication and was sentenced to nine years in prison in 2020. He was released by Russia in a prisoner swap with Ukraine in April 2022 in exchange for Russian drug smuggler Konstantin Taroshenko, The Messenger reported.

"We are aware that Trevor Reed was injured while participating in fighting in Ukraine," State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters. "We are aware through the support of an NGO that Mr. Reed has been transported to Germany and he is receiving medical care."

Patel added Reed was "not engaged" in any activities on behalf of Washington, as they are "not in a place to provide assistance to evacuate private U.S. citizens from Ukraine."

Little was known about Reed's injury or how he got it, but a report by the Associated Press detailed the injury occurred several weeks ago.

Read Also: Shoigu Joins Russia's Delegation to North Korea's Victory Day Parade

State Department to Americans: Do Not Travel to Ukraine, Fight with Ukrainians

The State Department has repeatedly warned US citizens not to travel to Ukraine nor participate in the fighting, no matter how high their moral benefits are.

"Since the beginning of this war, we have warned that U.S. citizens who travel to Ukraine, especially with the purpose of participating in fighting there, that they face significant risks including the risk of capture or death or physical harm," Patel stressed.

The former Marine is the latest American to be injured while fighting alongside the Ukrainians. There were several others who have been confirmed killed in action since the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2022.

Related Article: 'Top Gun' Pilot Jailed Down Under: Ex-Marine Fights to Stay in Australia After Allegedly Training Chinese Pilots

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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Trinidad and Tobago is able to access levels of free public healthcare that is not available
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.
Lets face it, while the heat is here to stay for the foreseeable future, the timeframe that we designate for summer break is more than halfway through.

If you havent yet gotten out of town, we have an option that will at least allow your tastebuds to take a trip without having to pack your bags.

Tucson is home to a variety of pizza styles, from thin-crust New York slices to deep-dish Chicago pies. You can go foreign with Sicilian style or explore spots with their own Tucson style.

Weve rounded up several local spots where you can take each style for a taste test.

New York

NYPD New York Pizza Department6546 E. Tanque Verde Road, nypizzadepartment.com

With its iconic thin and large slices, New York Style pizza has been a classic, and NYPD is serving up a taste of the Big Apple.

In 2011, Mark Fontana, a New York native and University of Arizona alumni, opened NYPD to give his new home of Tucson an authentic New York experience.

Youll also find New York-inspired calzones, wings, and more at this east-side spot.

Fontana, who grew up in Buffalo, New York, says he also wanted to cater to Tucsons East Coast transplants.

All my New York people come in and they thank me saying how they couldnt even get this back East, he said.

NYPD is open Monday -Thursday: 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Other New York-style pizzerias:

Upper Crust Pizza, 1909 E. Grant Road, uppercrustpizzatucson.com

Arizona Pizza Co, 4955 N. Sabino Canyon Road, azpizzacompany.com

New York Pizza, 8771 E. Broadway

Chicago

Roccos Little Chicago Pizzeria2707 E. Broadway, roccoslittlechicago.com

If you are searching for an authentic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, look no further than Roccos Little Chicago Pizzeria. Opened in 1998, this family-owned restaurant will transport you to the windy city.

Chicago-style pizza incorporates a thick, buttery crust with generous layers of cheese, sauce and a variety of toppings. As it is baked in a deep seasoned pan, it creates thick gooey slices.

So how did this decades-old pizzeria come to be? Anthony Rocco DiGrazia moved to Tucson after college in 1992 and couldnt find a pizza to suit his needs.

I worked in restaurants in Tucson and was making pizza at home till I got something I thought was good, he said. Im not claiming to be more authentic than anyone else, but our pizzas are true to style and taste the way I want them to. People seem to be on board with that so it works for us.

Roccos is open Sunday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Detroit

Twin Peaks Pizzeria

7575 W. Twin Peaks Road, twinpeakspizzeria.com

Originating in Detroit, this uniquely squared pizza has enamored pizza lovers with its original placement of toppings, the cheesy covered edges, and a caramelized crunchy crust.

Twin Peaks Pizzeria makes its Detroit-style pies from scratch, incorporating Wisconsin brick cheese. Along with their pizzas, they also serve up hoagies, wings and salads.

Twin Peaks is open 11 a.m to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday

Other Detroit-style pizzerias:

Transplant Detroit Style Pizza, 4603 E. Speedway, transplantpizza.com

Fresco Pizzeria and Pastaria, 3011 E. Speedway, frescopizzeria.com

Naples, Italy

Vero Amore

2920 N. Swan Road and 12130 N. Dove Mountain Blvd., veroamorepizza.com

Originating from Naples, Italy, Neapolitan-style pizza is rich with authentic and culturally distinct flavors. Its made with a few simple ingredients and is traditionally served as a Margherita or Marinera pizza.

Vero Amore has been making genuine Neapolitan pizza since 2006. They have even been certified as an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria by Italys prestigious Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana Academy (VPN).

To be certified, the academy requires strict traditional Neapolitan pizza-making standards, which Vero Amore has proven to follow.

Brent Smith, the general manager of Vero Amore, says this pizza style is unique in its hand tossed crust and short cook time in a very hot oven. Not a lot of sauce or ingredients, however, the ones that are added have to be fresh, handmade mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and an Italian stone to cook it on.

Vero Amore is open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Other Neapolitan style pizzerias:

Anello, 222 E. Sixth St., anello.space

Fiamme Pizza, 4706 E. Sunrise, fiammepizzatucson.com

Riley Craft Pizza and Drink, 101 E. Pennington St., reillypizza.com

Sicily, Italy

Mamas Famous Pizza & Heros

4500 E. Speedway, 50 S. Houghton Road and 7965 N. Oracle Road; mamasfamous.com

Mamas Famous Pizza and Heros has three locations here in Tucson, and each has mastered the taste of a Sicilian-style pizza.

With a thick, fluffy crust and a square shape, it is no wonder that this pizza has been the inspiration for Detroit pizza. Theres also the reverse toppings and a bountiful layer of cheese, making Mamas a go-to spot since opening in 1981.

You can also pick up a Neapolitan pie at Mamas or try the strombolis, calzones, pasta and desserts.

For Joe Spina, one of the owners of Mamas, its more than business.

(Sicilian pizza) is something that my grandmother would always make for us. She was Sicilian and we just started making it in the restaurants, he said. People who get this style love it and they think its the best, not only in Tucson but anywhere.

Mamas is open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Other Sicilian style pizzerias:

Squared Up, 5870 E. Broadway, squareduptucson.com

A taste of home: Tucson style

Zio Peppe

6502 E. Tanque Verde Road, ziopeppeaz.com

Or foodie city has its own unique style and has been the inspiration for a few pizza makers. At Zio Peppe, you can find Mexican-influenced pizza along with other scrumptious items on the menu.

Birria tacos are a hot food item that you can find throughout Tucson; however, Zio Peppe takes that a step further with its birria pizza.

Dubbed El Rustico Birria, the pizza is the result of a collaboration between chef-owner Devon Sanner and Chef Juan Almanza. It is made with Almanzas legendary beef birria, mozzarella, onion, cilantro and consomme.

We source the birria from Almanza and serve the pizza alongside consomme, Sanner said. We really wanted to capture the flavor, so we also add the grasa from the rendering of the beef over the pie to get the whole experience of a birria taco. The consomme is used as dunking with some lemon wedges also added on the side.

We had other ideas in mind. We tried first making it into a calzone, but it didnt get the magic because the caramelization of the cheese didnt really work so we transformed it into a pizza.

Sanner describes the Zio Peppe menu as a little love letter to the community.

The flavor profiles of our pastas as well and our other pizzas and sourcing locally from the refugee network and doing collaboration with other chefs is all part of our ethos, he said.

Other items on the menu include pasta, salads, desserts and charcuterie boards.

Zio Peppe is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

J

aimes Pizza Kitchen

312 E. Congress, tucsonjaimes.com

Working to make an entrance into Tucson-style pizza is Jaimes Pizza Kitchen, which is taking up residence downtown with plans to open its doors in August.

The style of Jaimes Pizza, which has been operating out of a ghost kitchen, is a hybrid that is most reminiscent of a New York style, but it also has some characteristics of a Neapolitan. Owner Gabriel Moreno says his one-of-a-kind dough cant be replicated.
Tucson police are looking for the driver of a vehicle involved in a deadly hit-and-run collision with a motorcycle early Monday. The crash killed the driver of the motorcycle and left the motorcycle's passenger with life-threatening injuries, police said.

The collision occurred shortly after 5 a.m. Monday at the intersection of East Valencia Road and South Craycroft Road.

The driver of the unknown vehicle, which struck a black 2005 Honda CBR600 motorcycle, fled the scene before police and Tucson Fire personnel arrived, police said.

The Tucson Police Department gave the following account in a news release:

The motorcycle driver, Eric Ray Martinez, 35, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing a helmet.

The passenger, a man, suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to Banner-University Medical Center.

Through interviews and roadway evidence, detectives determined a vehicle had attempted to make a left turn from eastbound Valencia onto northbound Craycroft, colliding with the westbound motorcycle.

Detectives learned Martinez had a suspended driver's license and lacked a proper motorcycle endorsement. Authorities found drugs and paraphernalia in his possession, police said.

The investigation is currently focused on trying to identify the vehicle driver who left the scene.

Police ask that anyone with information about the incident call 911 or 88-CRIME to provide tips anonymously.
Pima County sheriffs detectives are asking for the public's help in finding two burglars who stole from storage sheds.

Security footage from the scene shows two males breaking into Extra Space Storage at 1782 W. Ruthrauff Road on June 19, 2023, between midnight and 1:52 a.m.

They forcibly entered 30 individual units and made off with various items.

The sheriff's office is asking members of the public to look at the photos provided here from the footage. They said the burglars have distinctive tattoos but did not describe them in the news release.

Anyone with potential information on their identities or about the incident are asked to call 911, or 88-CRIME to remain anonymous.
Betty Villegas will replace state Rep. Andres Cano in the Arizona Legislature, the Pima County Board of Supervisors decided in a 3-1 vote Tuesday.

Villegas is director of South Tucsons Housing and Community Development department and formerly served as an interim county supervisor after the death of Richard Elias. Shell carry out the remainder of Canos term after the Tucson Democrat resigned on July 4 to attend Harvard Kennedy School to pursue his masters in public administration. The two-year term will end after the November 2024 election.

Board Chair Adelita Grijalva put forth the motion to appoint Villegas as the new Legislative District 20 house representative. Her leadership as a Pima County supervisor in 2020 for District 5 helped our community throughout the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, she said, adding that Villegas has extensive professional housing and community development experience.

Supervisor Steve Christy, the boards sole Republican, voted against the appointment, while Supervisor Sharon Bronson was absent from the meeting.

Supervisor Rex Scott said as a former county supervisor, Villegas knows the countys priorities in the Legislature, including its need for more affordable housing. Supervisor Matt Heinz also said hes encouraged by Villegas experience promoting affordable housing efforts.

When a vacancy occurs in the state Legislature, Arizona law holds that the precinct committeepersons of the same political party and legislative district of the resigned member must nominate three qualified replacements to transfer to the Board of Supervisors within five days of the resignation when the Legislature is in session. Supervisors then vote on a replacement.

Democratic precinct committee members in LD 20 had to ratify the vote they originally took on July 8 after the Tucson Sentinel reported LD 20 Chair Leslie Stalc initially refused to provide journalists the Zoom information to attend the meeting and that Pima County Democratic Party Chair Eric Robbins acknowledged that the meeting might have been held in violation of public meeting laws. The vote ratification took place on Monday, July 24, to comply with open meeting law.

There was an issue that was brought up about the posting of the meeting, we were assured that it was done in compliance. But just to make sure, we had another meeting, a hybrid meeting yesterday to ratify the votes with 51 votes, Grijalva said at the board meeting.

Democrats Sen. Sally Ann Gonzales and Rep. Alma Hernandez, the two other members of the state Legislature from that district, said in a letter that they want the candidate selection redone.

Villegas received about 26% of the 195 votes at the original July 8 meeting; Lourdes Escalante received about 18% and Elma Alvarez received about 17%.
The states top prosecutor is warning parents that pulling their children out of public schools to take advantage of the new universal voucher program could make them victims of bias with no legal recourse.

In a statement Monday, Attorney General Kris Mayes said various state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin and sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, may not apply in private and parochial schools. That would leave parents without legal recourse, she said.

Mayes, an opponent of universal vouchers, also made specific mention of federal laws that guarantee students with disabilities a free and appropriate education, as well as laws that ensure parents have access to their childrens educational records. She said these, too, do not protect students in private schools.

Its important for Arizona families to be aware of the rights they give up when they leave the public school system, said Mayes, a Democrat.

Her statement drew immediate fire from Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, a Republican, who said Mayes is misleading parents.

Horne defends system

Horne said the voucher system  formally known as empowerment scholarship accounts  provides private schools with the same amount of money for special education students and students with disabilities as they would get at a public school.

Horne acknowledged, however, that, unlike public schools, private schools are not required to accept those students in the first place. But if they do accept them, he said, they are making a commitment to meet their special needs.

In the meantime, he said, no ones rights are being trampled.

Its nonsense to say theyre giving up their rights because they may not be admitted, Horne said. In essence, he said, its a waiver of their rights under laws. Theyre not going to give up that right unless they are admitted, he said.

Asked what happens if the school doesnt live up to its promises, Horne said, The parents are the judges of whether a school is doing an appropriate job and retain their ability to move their child elsewhere.

As to broader issues of discrimination, Horne said Mayes may be correct. He said a religious school that is sponsored by a church cannot be made to teach beliefs that are contrary to its doctrine.

But Horne, himself a former state attorney general, said he believes that any school, private or otherwise, that refuses to admit students solely because of their race would still find itself in legal trouble.

Mayes release also drew derision from Republican Abe Hamadeh, who narrowly lost the race for attorney general last year and who still is trying to get a court to overturn the election results.

This is propaganda from the illegitimate Mayes who is trying to intimidate parents from participating in empowerment scholarship accounts, he said in a written statement.

But Richie Taylor, Mayes press aide, said it is simply an effort to inform parents who, until now, have had no reason to familiarize themselves with vouchers.

Vouchers expansion

The original program started out as a way to help students whose special needs could not be met in public schools.

A challenge to its legality was rejected by the Arizona Supreme Court in 2011. The justices said it does not violate constitutional provisions barring aid to private and parochial schools because the money goes not from the state to the schools but instead to the parents who choose how to spend it.

Since then, the Republican-controlled Legislature has enacted a series of expansions to vouchers availability, which included to foster children, children of those in the military, home-schooled students, students living on reservations, and students attending any school rated D or F.

Last year, Republicans in the Legislature and Gov. Doug Ducey opened the voucher program to any of the 1.1 million students in public schools.

That has led to claims by Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat who took office in January along with Mayes, and Democratic lawmakers that the program siphons off money from public education and will cost hundreds of millions of dollars more than estimated.

With GOP lawmakers unmoved and no apparent legal recourse, foes, including Mayes, have turned their attention to how the program is set up and how it is administered.

Students with special needs

Mayes news release Monday is designed to give parents some second thoughts before moving their children  particularly those with special needs  out of public schools.

Families should not be denied admission or kicked out of private schools because of a childs disability, Mayes said in her statement. To make matters worse, private schools often refuse to share the educational records behind those decisions.

Federal laws governing the rights of parents and children in these matters dont apply to private schools, she said.

Horne said that ignores the fact it was the students with special needs who became the first voucher recipients more than a decade ago. He said that shows private schools are willing and able to provide for their educational needs.

Still, Horne acknowledged, the law does allow private schools to cherry pick, deciding which students they want to accept and which they turn away, an option that does not exist for public schools. The schools chief sidestepped the question of whether that is proper.

Thats a legislative question, Horne said. My job is to implement what the Legislature did. And they decided to go the way they went.

Discrimination issues

The issue of whether, beyond a students disability, a school can discriminate is one that both Mayes and Horne conceded may not be clear-cut.

Students who face discrimination based on a protected class other than disability may be covered under state and federal public accommodation anti-discrimination laws, said Taylor, Mayes press aide. But he also said parochial schools and religious institutions may be exempt.

Protections under these circumstances are fact specific, based on the type of educational institution, the allegations of discrimination, and the specific protected class at issue, Taylor said.

Horne said it was a legislative decision to put language in the law saying schools that accept vouchers do not need to alter their creed, practices, admissions policy or curriculum. But he said he does not believe that gives these schools carte blanche to do what they want.
According to reports, Microsoft is gearing up to publicly roll out the Windows 11 23H2 (Moment 4) after its recent appearance in the July 2023 cumulative update for the operating system.

Several references were is suggested to be part of the Windows 11 23H2 inside the July 2023 Patch Tuesday update.

Windows Latest found that the company is working its the enablement packaged named as "Microsoft-Windows-23H2Enablement-Package."

Read Also: Microsoft Introduces Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25905

July 2023 Patch Tuesday Inclusions

The patch contains "Microsoft-Windows-UpdateTargeting-ClientOS-SV2Moment4-EKB" which bears similarity in the Windows 10 build 19045, with only a tiny enablement package needed to try the new features.

These hints further confirmed that Microsoft is already prepping the 22H2-version PCs for the upcoming update.

Since the new version requires only an enablement package, users are expected to update their Windows easily since the update is already laid out with just one click.

Windows 11 23H2 Possible Features

Microsoft reportedly added a thumbnail preview at the Start menu's recommended file section. This will allow any file to be viewed similar to File Explorer's thumbnail and detail pane.

Additionally, a new header, more Mica, Fluent Design, upgraded search, and more will be revealed soon. Others such as task bar ungrouping, native support for RAR and 7-Zip, and Windows Copilot introduction will also be included.

Microsoft is currently testing the fall 2023 update through its Dev and Beta channel of its Insider Program. Although Microsoft have confirmed the Windows 11 23H2 release, no further details has been said.

Related Article: Microsoft Preps for Window Updates, Hints Possible Windows 12 Release
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

Arizona is one of the fastest-growing states in the country. Over the past several years, population has steadily increased due to the states climate and culture, the business-friendly environment, and growing economic opportunity. Tourism, agriculture, and business operations all contribute to the states top industries, but nothing is bigger and more promising than Arizonas aerospace sector.

Arizona is currently No. 5 on the list of states with the largest aerospace and defense manufacturing employment base. In order to continue growing and expanding our dominance in the industry, state and local leaders must sustain investment and support for influential programs like the AH-64E Apache helicopter for the US Army and the 20 nations around the globe that operate the worlds best attack helicopter.

The Apache program has a reputation of being the worlds most advanced attack helicopter, and it is manufactured in Arizona. In fact, it has been built here for decades. It currently supports approximately 13,000 jobs and 49 state supplier companies across the state, bringing in an estimated $667 million in annual economic impact. The Apache also goes through extensive flight testing in our skies to ensure each helicopter is ready for its mission with the U.S. Army. Simply put, the Apache program is a significant contributor to our national defense and tremendous benefit for our Arizona aerospace industry.

Elite defense programs like Apache provide more than just jobs in the present; they provide Arizona with long-term economic opportunities. A report released by the United States Congress Joint Economic Committee found that college-educated adults frequently move for job-related reasons. While other states, including those in the Midwest and the Rust Belt, are trying to find solutions to the extensive brain drain occurring among their younger residents, Arizona has been building a business climate that incentivizes our talent to stay. The quality, career-building employment opportunities in our states aerospace sector gives young talent exciting career options that can grow with them.

Not only is Arizonas aerospace industry retaining young talent, its attracting it. A study by SmartAsset found that our state is attracting more talent than were losing. Based on recent census data, Arizona ranked in the top 10 states with a net gain of young professionals aged 35 and under.

The Mesa facility where the Apache is manufactured is a worldwide leader in military rotorcraft systems production. The jobs created and sustained at the site have been a significant contributor to the citys consistent growth over the past two decades. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Mesa is growing 63% faster than comparable cities across the country.

Arizona is rapidly becoming a top-tier professional destination for the next generation, but if we want to remain competitive with states like Texas and Florida, we must invest in the industries and programs that will attract and retain the best and brightest our nation has to offer.

The Apache will serve as the Armys attack helicopter for decades to come, however, modernization will be key to sustaining its ability to fulfill its mission. That critical service is performed here in Arizona, and it will help keep our aerospace industry thriving. Our state and congressional leaders must be vocal advocates for the Apache and ensure that it remains authorized in the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and funded in the FY24 Defense Appropriations Bill.

The Apache program is a long-term investment that will advance Arizonas place as an aerospace industry leader. It is also a surefire way to continue growing our aerospace workforce, recruit talented employees from competing states, and create opportunities long into the future for a sustainable and dynamic aerospace industry. Please join me in supporting this critical mission.






All-over-the-nation misinformation

COVID-19 was indeed

A tragedy new

So many died

How little we knew

And O those teachers

How they have lied

Telling the congress

Back to school they tried.

And January sixth

A sign of our times

And those who took part

Should pay for their crimes

Our gun cultures wrong

To that Ill agree

All I can say

No AR for me.

Drag shows are OK

For those of the cult

Not for our kids

Just for the adult.

That laptop from hell

Didnt have much appeal

It sure wasnt part

Of that sweetheart deal.

And so I agree

That all over the nation

Were stuck in the mud

With misinformation.

Thom McGorray

Northwest side

Dark money in Ward 1 primary

Dark money is awash in the Aug. 1 Ward 1 primary contest between incumbent Democrat Lane Santa Cruz and contender Miguel Ortega.

Mail flyers are landing in our mailboxes from organizations that have not registered with the City of Tucson, so we have no idea where the money is coming from.

One mailer criticizing Santa Cruz was particularly mysterious in its origin and was labeled as coming from the Arizona Prosperity Initiative PAC.

But the city has no record of this political action committee registering as required or of being sent notice of this expenditure as required.

Arizona Prosperity Initiatives statutory agent is Phoenix attorney Tim La Sota who apparently also represented the political campaigns of Donald Trump and disgraced Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake.

Additionally, candidate Ortega was late filing his campaign finance report and had not turned it in as of writing this. What is going on here? Where is the accountability?

Murray Hudson

West side

Justice for all

Americas justice system is in dire legal jeopardy. If Donald Trump, with his battalion of lawyers, his bullhorn, and his mindless army of allies, can blast and slither out of his many legal woes, it would mean that our system of laws, already skewed toward the wealthy, would be broken in shards.

It has always been thus, that with enough money and power, a person can hold sway in any courtroom. However, with Trump and his vast army of lawyers, it is on a whole new and alarming level. They are attacking the system with siege machines made of hubris, aiming to buckle the walls of justice and shatter them.

Thus, many rats could scamper free that would ordinarily be sent to prison, with the head rat, Trump, leading the sorry parade.

But, if the legal system holds with the scales of justice balanced, it can live another day and protect us all, fairly and squarely.

Ron Lancaster

North side

Ciscomani disappointing

I was so disappointed that Rep. Juan Ciscomani used his power on the appropriations committee to vote to cut off funding for three community projects just because they had the initials LGBT in their names. Dont our gay and trans brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers deserve community centers and senior housing services? From my point of view, the American Dream that you speak so fondly of does not exclude people because of who they love. All American citizens should be eligible for life-saving funding. Please, Rep. Ciscomani, show some respect and compassion for people who may be different than you.

Katie Maass

East side

Democracy and responsibility

Re: the July 22 article An open letter to all elected officials.

Tom Chester offers solid advice to our elected officials. Similar words can be spoken to we the people. Listen and speak up to those we elect. It is important to vote and follow up with those in office. In my volunteering with RESULTS (results.org), I have learned to visit my members of Congress and ask them to support equity initiatives like the expanded Child Tax Credit that reached 90% of families, no matter what party or religion. At the same time, it cut child poverty by 46%! The good news is in our democracy, we can continue to speak to the people we put in power and make requests, and vote accordingly. So lets all follow Mr. Chesters advice, and keep the communication channels open with each other and our representatives.

Willie Dickerson

Northwest side

Nutt for Ward 2

Are you as tired as I am with the current state of affairs in Ward 2? Our neighborhood streets are falling apart. Crime is at an all-time high. Police ignore open drug use. Dangerous drug paraphernalia can be found in any given wash or alley. Our taxes are higher than they have ever been. Our City Council strong-armed TEP into including a $100M dollar hidden tax in the recent failed special election to extend TEPs franchise agreement. Housing supply (resale, new, and rental housing) is woefully lacking because of bureaucracy and red tape. And our police force has been decimated (were at an all-time low of police officers as relates to population). Our quality of life has suffered far too long. Its time for change, and Lisa Nutt will bring change like a good monsoon brings water.

William Bill Arnold, Ward 2 resident 30-plus years

East side

Ortega for City Council

Another election year and the westside Joaquin Murietta Park is again discovered by City officials. In 1970, hundreds of west side residents fought to create Joaquin Murietta Park so that our kids would have somewhere to play and swim and families could gather. As Western Little League parents and officials in the 1980s-90s, we worked with many parents to make sure our park and swimming pool were maintained. We helped develop a Joaquin Murietta Master Plan.

Last election cycle, the Ward One Council office trotted out the Joaquin Murietta Master Plan. Once the election was over, Murietta Park was tossed aside. Another election year, and again, Murietta Park is discovered. The disrepair of Murietta Park is disgraceful. The beautiful green space of yesteryear is today a neglected brown space. A tree is growing in the long-shuttered swimming pool! We urge Ward One residents to vote for Miguel Ortega for City Council  he listens to and respects the people whose taxes sustain the city.

Salomon R. Baldenegro and Cecilia Cruz

West side

LD-17 representation

Re: the July 21 article LD 17 needs representation that prioritizes voters.

As a retired military officer, registered Independent, and a resident of Marana, I have been disheartened by the AZ Independent Redistricting Commissions creation of the LD-17 district and subsequent resultant cast of elected officials. As Mr. Abraham clearly stated, they do not work to solve problems, focusing instead on dog whistle issues that pander to their base. We need officials who value democracy and will work across party lines to solve pressing problems affecting us all. Although all the candidates for the 2024 elections are not fully defined yet, I definitely will not be voting for any current LD-17 official. Mr. Abraham, however, is a leading candidate for my vote and will await to see the other candidates for the state Senate and House races so I can vote for those who will, in Mr. Abrahams words, prioritize voters and not their political ambitions.

Peter Garcia

Marana

Drugs and homelessness

Re: the July 20 article Homeless encampment sweeps are harmful.

Look, I feel for some of the homeless, but a lot of the issues are self-induced. Drug addiction is a personal choice. No one forces anyone to start doing drugs. Has anyone thought that just maybe the legalization of pot might be a part of the homeless problem? I know for a fact that an individual who happens to be homeless has a serious addiction to drugs and has no drive to be clean. Furthermore, a large population that I have seen on the corners panhandling are of the young working age.

Jose Rendier

West side

Meaningless opinions

To every male who is against abortions. Until you can become pregnant, your opinion is meaningless.

Maureen Salz
DENVER (AP)  A Colorado police officer accused of putting a handcuffed woman in a parked police car that was hit by a freight train did not know the car was parked on the tracks, the officer's lawyer said in court Monday.

While evidence will show Officer Jordan Steinke stood on the railroad tracks during a night traffic stop on Sept. 16, 2022, she did not know that an officer she was assisting had parked his patrol car on the tracks, defense lawyer Mallory Revel said in opening statements in state court in Greeley. The woman inside, Yareni Rios-Gonzalez, suffered extensive injuries, including a traumatic brain injury.

The tracks were completely flush with the road, nothing to trip over, and there were no illuminated crossing signs or gates at the railroad crossing in the rural area, just two reflective signs on either side of the tracks, Revel said.

Prosecutors will not be able to prove that she acted recklessly by leaving the woman in the patrol car, Revel said.

You cannot disregard a risk of which you are unaware, no matter how obvious that risk may later seem, said Revel, who stressed the case hinged on what Steinke knew in the moment.

In her opening statement, Deputy District Attorney Lacy Wells noted Steinke had walked across the train tracks several times during the incident, including when she escorted Rios-Gonzalez to the patrol car after arresting her. She did not lay out exactly what Steinke knew, but she said prosecutors would present evidence about her state of mind.

The court will see and hear evidence from which the court can infer the defandents mental state at the time she elected to place Yareni Rios-Gonzalez in the Platteville patrol car parked on the railroad tracks, instead of her own patrol unit that was safely parked to the west of the railroad tracks, Wells said.

Previously released police video shows officers searching Rios-Gonzalezs truck as the train approaches with its horn is blaring. Other footage shows officers scrambling as the train approaches and slams into the vehicle.

Steinke, who was working for the Fort Lupton Police Department, was following her training, which taught her to focus on patting down the suspect, getting her in the nearest patrol car and then making sure there was no one else in Rios-Gonzalez's vehicle who could be waiting to ambush police, Revel said.

The officer from the nearby Platteville Police Department who parked the patrol car on the tracks is also being prosecuted for misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment. Steinke is being prosecuted for criminal attempt to commit manslaughter, a felony; reckless endangerment; and third-degree assault, both misdemeanors.

There is no jury for the trial, which is scheduled to end Friday. Testimony is being heard by Judge Timothy Kerns, who will issue a verdict.

Rios-Gonzalez is suing over her treatment, after being arrested when a driver reported she had pointed a gun at him during a road rage incident. The lawsuit accused three officers of acting recklessly and failing in their duty to take care of her while she was in their custody.
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Police say a man has turned himself in after three women were found dead and a baby wounded at an apartment complex in east Tulsa early Monday.

Officers responded to a shots-fired call from Wood Creek Apartments, on Garnett Road south of Interstate 244, around 6:30 a.m.

When we got here, we found this horrific scene, Tulsa Police Capt. Richard Meulenberg said.

In addition to the three women found slain, an infant was hospitalized in critical condition with a gunshot wound, he said. As of early Monday afternoon, police said the child was expected to survive following emergency surgery.

The suspect in the shooting, identified as Caleb Venson in a Tulsa Police Department social media post, reportedly gained access to the apartment by shooting out a sliding glass door.

A 13-year-old in the apartment was able to escape and called authorities, according to police.

We worked very swiftly on this, Meulenberg said. Its an absolutely horrific event.

Police said Venson, who initially fled, turned himself in around 8 a.m.

Detectives discovered that one of the three women was 38-year-old Ashley Atwell, the mother of Vensons infant child. The baby reportedly was in Atwells arms when the shooting began.

The other two victims were identified by police as Annaway Mackey, 20, and Sarah Gonzales, 19.

Venson, 29, remains held on complaints including first-degree murder and shooting with intent to kill.

The apparent domestic multiple homicide comes just four days after a woman fatally shot her three children and then herself at their home in Verdigris. In that situation, Brandy McCaslin, 39, and her children, a 10-month-old boy, a 6-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl all died on Thursday evening.

Tulsa World photojournalist Mike Simons contributed to this story.

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After recovering two bodies from inside a pickup truck submerged in Claremore Lake, police say it appears a 27-year-old man killed his ex-wife before turning the gun on himself late Monday.

Officers initially had been flagged down at 11:30 p.m. Monday by a person concerned about a possible homicide in the 700 block of Comet Street, Claremore police said in a social media post.

Evidence inside a house led investigators to believe someone had been injured, but the residence was unoccupied.

Around the same time, another concerned citizen reported witnessing a pickup sinking into Claremore Lake. Police said that when they arrived, officers saw the vehicle become submerged but that responders had to wait until early Tuesday to recover the truck.

The bodies of Candace Michelle Kehoe, 26, and George Dakota Gaddy Kehoe, 27, were found inside the pickup, police said.

The formerly married couple from Claremore had recently become involved in child-custody issues, according to investigators.

During this terrible event, the children involved were safe at a family members home, police said, adding that the Kehoes were connected to the house under investigation on Comet Street.

Evidence in the pickup and from inside the house led investigators to the conclusion that Candace Kehoe likely was killed in a violent encounter with (George Kehoe), who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.

An investigation into the murder-suicide remains ongoing.

One day earlier, a man turned himself in to police related to the deaths of his ex-girlfriend and two other young women who were fatally shot in an east Tulsa apartment. The infant of the man and his ex-girlfriend was also shot but has survived.

Late last week, authorities in Verdigris said a woman fatally shot her three children and then herself.

Oklahoma saw a 44% increase in domestic violence-related deaths in 2020, when the OSBI found that reports of domestic abuse were at a 20-year high.

According to the Violence Policy Center, Oklahoma ranks second in the nation for the rate at which women are murdered by men.



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Biden arrived in Paris early Monday, accompanied by her daughter, Ashley Biden, after flying overnight from Washington to join other VIPs and speak at a ceremony Tuesday at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The American flag will be raised to mark the U.S. return to UNESCO membership after a five-year absence.

UNESCO aims to foster global collaboration in education, science and culture. It also designates World Heritage sites, deeming them worthy of eternal preservation.

The agency on Sunday condemned Russias attack on a cathedral in Odesa and other heritage sites in Ukraine in recent days and said it will send a team to the Black Sea port city to assess damage.

In a statement, UNESCO noted that Odesas historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site earlier this year and said attacks by Russian forces contradict recent promises by Russian authorities to take precautions to spare such sites across the country.

Before returning to Washington on Wednesday, Biden will tour a historic venue in France, Mont-Saint-Michel, a 1,000-year-old Benedictine abbey that was listed as a World Heritage site in 1979. It sits on an island in Normandy, in the north of the country.

A daughter and mother of U.S. service members, the first lady will also visit Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial to pay respects to the more than 4,400 U.S. service members buried there, most of whom died in Normandy and Brittany during World War II.

She will also stop at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Tuesday to catch up with Brigitte Macron, a former teacher and the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron. The women have met several times over the past two years, including in Washington last December when Macron was on a state visit to the U.S.

Senior Biden administration officials said returning to UNESCO fits President Joe Bidens goal of strengthening global partnerships and recommitting to American leadership at the U.N. and other international organizations to serve as a counter to nations that do not share U.S. values.

Others said Jill Biden, who teaches English and writing at a Virginia community college, was best suited to represent the United States in Paris on Tuesday.

The first lady, as a lifelong educator and believer in the power of educational opportunity across the world, is honored to help celebrate this important milestone, said Elizabeth Alexander, a spokesperson. She looks forward to raising the flag for the United States once again at the UNESCO headquarters, showing our countrys commitment to international cooperation in education, science, and culture.

The U.S. pulled out of the Paris-based organization in 2018, under then-President Donald Trump, a Republican who claimed UNESCO was biased against Israel.

The administration of Biden, a Democrat, pushed to rejoin over concerns that China was filling the void in leadership created by the U.S. absence.

The administration announced in June that it would apply to rejoin the 193-member organization, which also plays a major role in setting international standards for artificial intelligence and technology education.

The organizations governing board voted earlier this month to approve the Biden plan to rejoin, and the U.S. delivered a document certifying that it would accept the invitation to become the 194th member of UNESCO.

Our organization is once again moving towards universality, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said at the time. She cast the U.S return as excellent news for multilateralism as a whole. If we want to meet the challenges of our century, there can only be a collective response.

The Trump administration in 2017 announced that the U.S. would withdraw from UNESCO, citing anti-Israel bias. That decision that took effect a year later.

The U.S. and Israel stopped financing UNESCO after it voted to include Palestine as a member state in 2011.

The Biden administration has requested $150 million for the 2024 budget to go toward UNESCO dues and arrears. The plan foresees similar requests for the ensuing years until the full debt of $619 million is repaid.

That makes up a big chunk of UNESCOs $534 million annual operating budget. Before leaving, the U.S. contributed 22% of the agencys overall funding.

The United States previously pulled out of UNESCO under the Reagan administration in 1984 because it viewed the agency as mismanaged, corrupt and used to advance Soviet interests. It rejoined in 2003 during George W. Bushs presidency. Bush's wife, Laura, a former elementary school teacher and librarian, spoke at that ceremony.

Standing in for the president at home and abroad has become a big part of a first lady's unofficial job description, and Jill Biden travels at least several times a week to promote administration initiatives.

The trip to Paris is her fourth solo international excursion this year.

She visited Namibia and Kenya in February, followed by a trip to London in May for the coronation of King Charles III. In June, she traveled to Jordan to attend the royal wedding of a son of King Abdullah II, followed by stops in Egypt, Morocco and Portugal.
A project to upgrade a 2.5-kilometer Luong Dinh Cua Street section in Thu Duc City under Ho Chi Minh City remains incomplete after eight years of construction and has been put on hold as three households have yet to hand over their land, the Transportation Works Construction Investment Project Management Authority of Ho Chi Minh City told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Monday.

The project carrying a price tag of VND826 billion (US$34.9 million) started in April 2015.

It was 60 percent complete as of December 2020 but was later suspended due to site clearance bottlenecks.

Work on a two-kilometer section from Tran Nao Street to Nguyen Hoang Street resumed in May last year.

The project is now around 85 percent complete, a representative of the authority said.

However, it has been at a standstill since June 15 due to obstacles in site clearance.

The administration of Thu Duc City has called on these households to hand over their land lots.

Meanwhile, the representative of the Transportation Works Construction Investment Project Management Authority of Ho Chi Minh City has suggested the Thu Duc City authorities hand over the remaining site late this month.

It is committed to accelerating the execution of the project as soon as receiving the cleared site.

A 500-meter section from Nguyen Hoang Street to Mai Chi Tho Boulevard will be conducted with the under-construction An Phu Intersection project as the intersection project includes a branch from the Ho Chi Minh City-Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway to Nguyen Hoang Street.

Once the project to upgrade the Luong Dinh Cua street section from Tran Nao Street to Mai Chi Tho Boulevard is in place, the street section will have six lanes measuring 30 meters wide, together with a wastewater drainage system, a median strip, sidewalks, trees, a lighting system, and other technical facilities.

An intersection with a diameter of over 100 meters of Luong Dinh Cua and Tran Nao Streets is basically completed, contributing to improving traffic in the area, according to the Transportation Works Construction Investment Project Management Authority of Ho Chi Minh City.

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Phuc Khang Corporation CEO Luu Thi Thanh Mau, a Vietnamese female entrepreneur - who won the Women in Green Building Leadership Award at the Asia Pacific Leadership in Green Building Awards hosted by the World Green Building Council (WGBC) in Indonesia in late 2022, visited Singapore to attend the International Green Building Conference (IGBC) held at Raffles City Convention Center in late June this year.

The Vietnamese entrepreneur at the event continued her journey of connecting with leading international experts and business partners, promoting her active and responsible role in enhancing sustainability in construction, and developing green buildings that contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.

Attending IGBC 2023 for exchange, connection, and learning

The IGBC 2023, held by the Singapore Green Building Council, is among the premier events for professionals, leaders, and policymakers in green building development.

The conference manifested Singapores efforts and achievements in developing a sustainable city in the tropics and highlighted the latest trends, growth, and technologies in terms of sustainability in the construction sector.

More than 800 conference delegates had the opportunity to network and mingle with property developers, asset owners and managers, architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, government agencies, solution providers and the academia in green building and built environment sustainability.

The International Green Building Conference 2023 attracted the participation of leading experts, leaders, and policymakers in green building development.

A Phuc Khang Corporation delegation led by Luu Thi Thanh Mau, dubbed Green CEO, joined the conference in a spirit of learning and networking.

The Phuc Khang leader also toured exhibition booths, met with international business partners and close strategic partners at the event.

The Phuc Khang CEO visited a booth run by AGC Asia Pacific as well as other booths showcasing green technology products, networked with potential business partners, the Singapore Green Building Council, and representatives of the Ho Chi Minh City Green Architecture Club at the conference.

She also met with representatives of ArcelorMittal, a global leading multinational steel corporation; SGP Farm Technology, an information technology consulting unit; and the New South Wales Government's economic development and attraction agency Investment NSW, among others.

Maintaining connection strategies for sustainable development

As a green building developer with over 14 years of establishment and development, Phuc Khang Corporation undertook its mission: Pioneer and promote the creation of a better lifestyle for public health and sustainable humanistic ecological environment in accordance with global green standards, and worked out a sustainable development strategy to develop green building products.

To implement the strategy, the companys management board, including the green CEO Luu Thi Thanh Mau, devised plans to connect with international friends who share the same mindset as the firm as well as leading experts in the field.

In September 2022, CEO Luu Thi Thanh Mau and a high-ranking delegation of Phuc Khang joined a business trip to Singapore. Experience and knowledge acquired during the business trip enabled the company leaders to come up with innovations to fulfill their goal of developing green buildings meeting international standards. The trip also laid a solid foundation for the companys connection strategy for sustainable development.

During her recent trip to the city-state last month, the Phuc Khang CEO continued to promote international cooperation and investment with major business partners in the world.

The head of Phuc Khang Corporation met with some WGBC representatives such as WGBC CEO Cristina Gamboa and Program Head for WGBCs Asia Pacific Region Joy Gai.

Corinna Choong, Senior Director for Sustainability at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) at the conference also invited CEO Luu Thi Thanh Mau to give inspiring talks to SUTD students every year.

CEO Luu Thi Thanh Mau (L, 2nd), WGBC CEO Cristina Gamboa (R, 2nd), and Program Head for WGBCs Asia Pacific Region Joy Gai (R, 1st) pose for a group photo.

In addition, CEO Luu Thi Thanh Mau visited and worked with architect Mun Summ, Co-founding Director at WOHA and Associate Professor, Dr. Nirmal Kishnani, former Head of the School of Design and Environment at National University of Singapore on Phuc Khang Corporations strategies to develop green urban areas.

Besides, the Vietnamese CEO and Nirmal Kishnani visited the latest green building project in this island nation.

CEO Luu Thi Thanh Mau (R, 1st) visited and worked with architect Mun Summ (L, 1st), Co-founding Director at WOHA and Associate Professor, Dr. Nirmal Kishnani (L, 2nd), former Head of the School of Design and Environment at National University of Singapore.

By attending the conference held by the Singapore Green Building Council, CEO Luu Thi Thanh Mau had many opportunities to fulfill her active and responsible role in green building development, contributing to climate change mitigation and carbon neutralization efforts. Through the event, she also made further headway for the companys connection strategy to develop sustainably toward a green future.

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Four Vietnamese companies are facing a risk of losing five shipments worth over US$500,000 exported to the UAE as the goods in four of the shipments have been taken out of the port of destination but no payment was made to the sellers, a Vietnamese trade association has warned, calling it a suspected fraud.

These companies, all members of the Vietnam Pepper and Spices Association (VPA), shipped a total of five containers, including two containers of pepper, one of cinnamon, one of star anise, and one of cashew, with a total value of $516,700, to the Jebel Ali port in the UAE, the VPA reported on Monday.

The buyer of all these shipments is Bab Al Rehab Foodstuff Trading LLC (BARFT) based in Dubai, and the importers bank is Ajman Bank PJSC.

The payment method for the goods is documents against payment, according to the VPA.

During the time the consignments were transported to the port, the exporters' Vietnamese banks delivered five sets of original documents for the shipments via DHL courier service to Ajman Bank PJSC and the bank's staff signed to acknowledge receipt of them.

After four out of the five containers arrived at the said port, the exporters banks asked Ajman Bank PJSC to pay for the exporters but no payment was made because all the five sets of documents were no longer at the bank for unknown reasons, the VPA said.

That means a total amount of nearly $400,000 worth of the four containers has not yet been paid to the Vietnamese exporters, whose names have yet to be announced.

By accessing the information system of the shipping line that transported the goods to the UAE, the exporters found that their shipments had been delivered to someone who possessed the original set of documents, according to the VPA.

When the incident occurred, the Vietnamese exporters could not get in contact with the buyer, BARFT, and this company later closed its registered office.

Meanwhile, Ajman Bank PJSC has failed to give a clear response to the exporters and their banks, saying it has transferred the issue to its head office for settlement.

Such a situation means the remaining container, for anise, worth $126,300, expected to arrive at the same port on Wednesday, may suffer the same fate due to the loss of documents.

The VPA has therefore requested the Jebel Ali port authority to keep that container when it comes, not allowing anyone to take it out of the port, pending a resolution from competent agencies, the Vietnam Government Portal (VGP) reported.

The VPA and the Vietnam Cashew Association (Vinacas) have reported the incident to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Vietnam Trade Office (VTO) and the Vietnamese Embassy in the UAE for help.

The embassy later sent a note to Ajman Bank PJSC and relevant UAE agencies including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Central Bank and Dubai police, asking for their assistance in dealing with the case.

On July 18, the VTO handed a note to Ajman Bank PJSC requesting an explanation but the bank said all related matters would be handled by its head office.

Two days later, the VTO worked with the Dubai police to request them to launch an investigation into the suspected fraud, according to VGP.

"This incident must be resolved soon to help recover money for the four businesses, and also to prevent similar cases, given that the remaining container is going to reach the port, the VPA said.

The association emphasized that the case is an organized fraud in which there might be collusion between the scammers and the UAE bank or its employees.

To avoid possible unfortunate damages, Vietnamese exporters must be cautious in dealing with foreign enterprises and carefully negotiate payment terms with them in every deal, the trade ministry advised.

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Over 100 Chinese tourists on board a Vietnam Airlines flight arrived in Phu Quoc, a popular island destination off southern Vietnam, on Tuesday morning, making them the first Chinese tour group, from Chinas Jilin Province, to travel to the Vietnamese island post-pandemic.

The Chinese tourist group will stay in Phu Quoc City, off Kien Giang Province, for five days and four nights and will visit some tourist attractions, such as the VinWonders Theme Park, Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc, Grand World Phu Quoc, a local night market, and take cable car rides to explore Hon Thom in the citys An Thoi Ward.

They will also visit other famous landmarks and historical relic sites to learn more about the local culture and daily life.

Huynh Quang Hung, chairman of the Phu Quoc administration, said that international flights to Phu Quoc encountered many obstacles after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Authorities have adopted various measures to help the islands tourism sector recover and make headway since last year.

International visitors now can book air services between Phu Quoc and five countries and territories including Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, and China, the chairman said.

He added that the arrival of the Chinese tourists mentioned above is upbeat news for the local tourism sector.

We asked local authorities to work closely with tour operators and tourism service providers to offer special deals to woo more international guests, Hung elaborated.

In addition, the citys administration is working with the Phu Quoc International Airport operator and others in Vietnam to introduce more incentives to international visitors.

During the pre-pandemic period in 2019, Kien Giang welcomed over 105,000 Chinese tourists.

The impact of the global health crisis then sent the number of Chinese visitors to this Mekong Delta province down to some 22,000 arrivals between 2020 and 2022.

The province has served close to 10,000 Chinese tourist arrivals so far this year.

China, which used to be the largest source of tourists in Southeast Asia before the pandemic hit, reopened its borders on January 8 this year after almost three years of sticking to its zero-COVID policy.

On February 16, China announced the first batch of 20 countries and territories, excluding Vietnam, where travel agencies were allowed to pilot the resumption of group tours for Chinese citizens.

Around one month later, the Chinese government launched the second phase of its pilot program on resuming outbound group tours.

Accordingly, it announced a list of 20 more nations and regions, including Vietnam, to which outbound group tours could be conducted starting from March 15, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

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Netflix is not planning for a native app for Apple's Vision Pro, as reported in Bloomberg's Power On newsletter.

As a result, Netflix will only allow the existing iPad app to run unmodified on the Vision Pro.

According to the Bloomberg's newsletter, developers will have two options: to let the iPad app run as is or modify it to fit the Vision Pro specifications.

Read Also: Netflix Removed Its Basic Ad-Free Plan in the US, UK

Netflix Rejects Apple's Efforts

Netflix is only one of the companies to reject Apple's in-app purchasing (IAP) system. Currently, the iOS and iPad apps do not support AirPlay.

Additionally, users cannot subscribe to Netflix through Apple TV channels.

Apple's main competitor for mixed reality gadgets, Meta, have also encountered the same problem from third-party applications.

Vision Pro Apps To Look Forward

During the WWDC, Disney Plus was featured as one of the expected apps to become native to Vision Pro. In addition, Zoom and Microsoft are also reported to have committed to develop a compatible software for it.

Vision Pro apps are speculated to be more expensive compared to their iPhone and iPad counterparts.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman states the possibility of professional apps will cost from $50 to $250.

As of writing, Netflix has yet to formally announced its plans moving forward with Vision Pro.

Related Article: Apple Plans to Sell Vision Pro via Appointment, May Require Face Scan
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will continue to enhance its cooperation with Vietnam and transfer technology to the Southeast Asian nation, IAEA acting director general Najat Mokhtar said at a meeting on Monday with Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong, who is in Austria for a state visit.

Mokhtar added that the IAEA was impressed by Vietnam's positive contributions to its activities serving atomic energy applications for peaceful purposes.

She affirmed that Vietnam has outstandingly performed its role as a member of the IAEA's board of governors in the 2021-23 tenure, adding that the cooperation with the country is an efficient and successful model.

Mokhtar wished that the Southeast Asian country would continue contributing to the agencys efforts in tackling common international issues, including nuclear security and safety, prevention of proliferation of nuclear weapons, nuclear technology development for peace, and responde to non-traditional security challenges.

Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong (C) poses for a photo with acting director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency Najat Mokhtar (L, 2nd) and leaders of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Austria, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization on July 24, 2023. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

State President Thuong expressed his gratitude to the IAEA for providing medical equipment and transferring COVID-19 testing technology to Vietnam.

He asserted that Vietnam would actively take part in and carry out technical cooperation projects initiated by the IAEA under a program for the two sides' cooperation in the development of atomic energy applications in 2022-27.

The Vietnamese state leader thanked the IAEA for supporting Vietnam in getting involved in the trilateral cooperation project between Vietnam, the IAEA, and Laos/Cambodia to help develop and apply atomic energy for peaceful purposes in the two neighboring countries.

He proposed the IAEA increase technical cooperation projects for the Asia-Pacific region so that Vietnam can participate in specific ones to enhance its human resource training and technology transfer.

State President Thuong also suggested the IAEA boost the cooperation with Vietnam in international programs, share experience, and provide technical support for the Southeast Asian country to strengthen its capability in nuclear security and safety.

The IAEA is supporting Vietnam in implementing projects within the framework of its technical cooperation program, such as those on addressing diseases stemming from animals and ocean plastic waste.

Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong (L) shakes hands with President of the Federal Council of Austria Claudia Arpa. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

On the same day, State President Thuong also met with President of the Federal Council of Austria Claudia Arpa, who hailed Vietnams active and responsible role at global and regional inter-parliamentary forums.

She expressed her wish that Vietnam would serve as a bridge to boost ties between the Austrian Parliament and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly.

The Vietnamese state leader threw his support behind Arpas proposal, expecting the two sides to continue cooperating closely and supporting each other at multilateral forums and international organizations for the sake of peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

Arpa accepted Vietnams invitation to send a delegation to the ninth Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in Vietnam in September.

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (R) shakes hands with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Accompanying State President Thuong to Austria, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son on Monday met with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg.

Schallenberg affirmed that Austria would soon ratify the European Union-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement, which will foster the economic and investment relations between the two countries.

The two sides had earlier inked a memorandum of understanding, witnessed by State President Thuong and Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen.

On the occasion, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang had a working session with Anna Joubin-Bret, secretary of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).

They concluded a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UNCITRAL secretariat in technical support.

State President Thuongs visit to Austria is his first official visit to an EU nation and the first to the European country by a Vietnamese state president in the past 15 years.

After the trip to Austria, he will pay a visit to Italy and another to the Vatican.

The visits are taking place from Sunday to Friday this week.

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Check out the latest news in Vietnam today:

Society

-- Police in Ho Chi Minh City have broken up a prostitution ring led by South Korean people in District 1 that provided sex services for foreigners only, detaining three South Koreans and four Vietnamese.

-- The U.S. is willing to join forces with Vietnam to investigate deadly armed attacks on the headquarters of two communes in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak last month, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper said on Monday. Vietnam had earlier declared the attacks as acts of organized terrorism and the arrested suspects included a member of a U.S.-based organization.

-- Police in Thong Nhat District, Dong Nai Province, a neighbor of Ho Chi Minh City, said on Monday that they had detained the driver of a sleeper bus which collided head-on with a motorbike, killing two siblings on the motorbike on Sunday.

-- A project to upgrade a 2.5-kilometer Luong Dinh Cua Street section in Thu Duc City under Ho Chi Minh City remains incomplete after eight years of construction and has been put on hold as three households have yet to hand over their land, the Transportation Works Construction Investment Project Management Authority of Ho Chi Minh City told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Monday.

Business

-- Deposits of individual customers at banks in Vietnam reached over VND6,300 trillion (US$266.7 billion) as of the end of May, the highest-ever, despite falling deposit rates, according to the State Bank of Vietnam.

-- The Southern Lottery Council has proposed issuing more lottery tickets due to the huge revenue and profit of 21 lottery companies in southern Vietnam in the first half of this year, reaching VND68.8 trillion ($2.9 billion) and nearly VND8.8 trillion ($372.8 million), respectively.

-- The Asian Development Bank on Monday appointed Shantanu Chakraborty as its new country director for Vietnam, succeeding Andrew Jeffries who ended his term on April 27, local media reported.

-- Foreign suppliers, such as Google, Apple, Meta (Facebook), Microsoft, Netflix and TikTok, paid VND3.94 trillion ($169 million) in taxes in the first half of 2023, the Vietnam News Agency cited the General Department of Taxation as saying.

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The administration in District 4, Ho Chi Minh City has proposed relevant municipal departments and agencies to give instructions to cope with a household that has bred 79 dogs as pets in a 2.6-meter-wide and 10-meter-long house, causing environmental and noise pollution.

N.T.M.T., residing at 190 Hoang Dieu Street, Ward 9, District 4, the owner of the 79 dogs, has discharged wastewater into the environment and left dogs unbridled, causing environmental pollution and danger for residents in the neighborhood.

The owner of the dogs previously had 82.

The Peoples Committee of District 4 has suggested the municipal Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ho Chi Minh City Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Agency, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development study and recommend solutions.

If there are no specific regulations, the district urged the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and the municipal Peoples Committee to propose the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and other ministries add rules to demand that households and individuals raising animals in residential areas to ensure safety and environmental protection.

Authorities in District 4, Ho Chi Minh City are unable to completely deal with the household raising 79 dogs in a narrow house.

The Peoples Committee of District 4 has received many complaints from households in T.'s neighborhood and directed the Peoples Committee of Ward 9 and relevant units to review regulations to respond to the complaints.

In July last year, local authorities visited the household and asked T. to ensure environmental hygiene and not to leave her dogs unbridled.

In April this year, the Peoples Committee of District 4 inspected T.s house again and fined her VND64 million (US$2,710) for discharging wastewater exceeding the criteria.

However, T. still maintained the same number of dogs as of June this year. Of the 79 dogs, nine have yet to be vaccinated.

The district has since required Ward 9 and other agencies to regularly inspect and keep a close watch on T.s compliance with regulations and encourage her to reduce the number of dogs raised at her house by relocating them to appropriate places.

An inspector of the municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development quoted the Veterinary Law to tell Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that households breeding dogs must not leave their pets unbridled on streets, and must chain and muzzle them.

The Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee also requested households raising dogs to make declarations.

Households breeding dogs as pets must not cause environmental pollution and noise, pursuant to the Law on Animal Husbandry.

In particular, the permitted noise level is no more than 70 decibels from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm. After 10:00 pm, dog raising households must not cause noise.

With 79 dogs, the noise level will definitely exceed 70 decibels and the released wastewater and emissions will surely surpass the allowed levels.

N.T.M.T., a resident in District 4, Ho Chi Minh City, raises 79 dogs (counted as of June 2023) in a 2.6-meter-wide and 10-meter-long house. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

The inspector said the city can use these regulations as a basis to deal with the household in District 4.

Raising 79 dogs in a 2.6m-wide and 10-meter-long house is terrible. However, Vietnam does not ban the act, according to the inspector.

The Department of Livestock Production under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is developing regulations to tighten the raising of dogs as pets in residential areas, the inspector added.

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Police in Ho Chi Minh City have cracked down on a prostitution ring led by South Korean people in District 1 that provided sex services for foreigners only.

The municipal police agency said on Monday that three South Koreans and four Vietnamese involved in the racket were detained for alleged prostitution brokerage and asset misappropriation.

The South Koreans were identified as Kim Tea Hyung, 48, Cha Jin Young, 46, and Lee Hyun Jun, 25, while the arrested Vietnamese are Nguyen Thi Ngoc Loan, Le Tan Thanh, Bui Thi Phuong Dung, and Bui Duy Ha, aged between 34 and 48.

Police officers discovered Gallery Restaurant located on Bui Thi Xuan Street in Pham Ngu Lao Ward offering prostitution brokerage to foreigners.

Kim and Cha owned and managed the restaurant, which started its operations in late June 2022.

The restaurant housed 30 unlicensed karaoke rooms and only served foreigners, mainly South Koreans.

Female employees at the restaurant were willing to provide sexual services at VND2.3-3.8 million (US$97-161) per client.

The restaurant employed some 80 female workers.

After clients asked for sexual services, Lee would direct his Vietnamese managers to dispatch female employees to hotels and high-end apartments where the clients live to serve them.

The restaurant was equipped with an alarm system to announce the presence of police officers.

At the entrance gate of the restaurant were three or four security guards and four drivers. These drivers were ready to transport female employees to the prostitution sites.

The owners and managers of the restaurant made illegal gains of billions of Vietnam dong from prostitution operations, while the restaurant achieved huge popularity among rich South Koreans.

After garnering all relevant evidence, police officers raided the facility, discovering Kim, Lee, Loan, 52 female employees, 20 workers, and several foreign guests eating and singing songs.

Thanh was found colluding with the restaurant to introduce guests to its prostitutes.

Examining a hotel on Mac Thi Buoi Street in Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, police discovered female employees offering sexual services to two pairs of South Koreans.

These South Koreans admitted to police officers that they were introduced to two female workers for sexual services at VND3.8 million each by Lee and Loan after having a meal at the restaurant.

Bui Thi Phuong Dung (R, 2nd) and Bui Duy Ha (R, 3rd) are involved in a prostitution racket led by South Koreans. Photo: Supplied

Investigation results showed that Kim and Cha financed the restaurant.

After police summoned Kim for a probe, Cha ran away.

Police officers arrested him and his girlfriend in Can Tho City in the Mekong Delta on his way to Cambodia.

These South Koreans confessed that they had run the prostitution ring to spur the revenue of the restaurant. They earned over VND4 trillion ($167,000) from prostitution activities monthly.

Kim and Cha also admitted that they paid VND120 million ($5,070) to Dung and Ha to keep the restaurants business operations smooth. Dung and Ha had to work with competent agencies to reduce unexpected inspections.

Security guards work in front of the entrance gate of the restaurant to signal to people inside the facility. Photo: Supplied

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Police in Da Lat City, a tourist hotspot in Vietnams Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, have put a smart camera system for traffic surveillance into operation in the downtown area.

The system consists of 35 high-quality cameras placed across major routes, intersections, and traffic lights in the citys urban area.

In addition, a number of surveillance cameras belonging to the provincial police department are also integrated into the system.

Officers observe a board of screens showing live surveillance footage from the streets in Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam. Photo: M.V. / Tuoi Tre

Images from the system will be sent to a server at the headquarters of the citys police department, where officers can monitor traffic in real time via a board of screens.

By utilizing images collected by the cameras, AI-powered automatic warnings will assist authorities in identifying and promptly addressing urban traffic incidents, such as congestion, and other social order issues.

Officers use a smart camera system to analyze movements of vehicles violating traffic laws in Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam. Photo: M.V./ Tuoi Tre

The camera network can keep track of other lawbreaking behaviors, such as lane crossing, wrong-way driving, as well as traffic light non-adherence, and can monitor vehicles in the blacklist.

In the coming time, the citys police department will further incorporate additional detection capabilities, such as identifying speeding, improper stopping and parking, and vehicles accessing restricted areas.

The cost of the system was not disclosed.

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New documentary film, The Pigeon Tunnel, pulls back the curtain on the storied life and career of former British spy David Cornwellbetter known as John le Carre (The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, The Night Manager).

The feature doco by Errol Morris (The Fog of War) and The Ink Factory (The Night Manager) will screen on Apple TV+ in October.

Set against the turbulent backdrop of the Cold War leading into present day, the film spans six decades as le Carre delivers his final and most candid interview, punctuated with rare archival footage and dramatised vignettes. Drawing on le Carres New York Times bestselling memoir The Pigeon Tunnel: Stories from My Life, the film is an unprecedented voyage into the lesser-known parts of the iconic and historically private authors formative experiences, set to an original score by Philip Glass in collaboration with Paul Leonard-Morgan.

Simon and Stephen Cornwell, co-CEOs and co-Founders at The Ink Factory, who are also Davids sons, said: Full of deep insight, and surprising, amusing and often profoundly moving anecdotes, The Pigeon Tunnel charts a conversation between two great minds, both consummate storytellers; one who wove extraordinary fiction from the events he experienced; the other whose interrogation of those events has led so often to a greater truth. Together, they explore the events of the Cold War, and of le Carres life, testing the boundaries of truth, memory and imagination. The layered and unorthodox film is a tete-a-tete between a filmmaker and a novelist  both masters of their craft  grappling with the roots of the creative process, the power of fiction and our responsibility to the truth.

The producers are BAFTA Award winner Dominic Crossley-Holland (All Watched Over By Machines of Loving Grace) and Steven Hathaway (Wormwood), Emmy Award nominees Simon Cornwell (The Night Manager) and Stephen Cornwell (The Night Manager). Executive producers are Academy Award nominee Hossein Amini (The Wings of the Dove), BAFTA Award nominee and Emmy Award winner P.J. van Sandwijk (The Rescue), Emmy Award winner Michael Lesslie (The Rescue), Joe Tsai (The Night Manager), Arthur Wang (The Night Manager), Michele Wolkoff (The Current War: Directors Cut) and Katherine Butler (American Animals). The Pigeon Tunnel is produced by The Ink Factory and Fourth Floor Productions, in association with Jago Films, Storyteller Productions and 127 Wall Productions.

The Pigeon Tunnel joins the award-winning, critically acclaimed slate of Apple TV+ documentary films, including this years most Emmy Award-nominated documentary feature STILL: A Michael J. Fox Movie; Stephen Curry: Underrated, the remarkable coming-of-age story of one of the most influential, dynamic and unexpected players in the history of basketball; NAACP Image Award-winning film Sidney, honouring the legendary Sidney Poitier and his legacy as an iconic actor, filmmaker and activist; Emmy Award-nominated film Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me, a uniquely raw and intimate documentary spanning her six-year journey into a new light; a new documentary film about the groundbreaking life and career of seven-time Formula One world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton; and many more.

Friday, 20 October on Apple TV+.
Media Diversity Australia is farewelling its co-founder and welcoming new non-executive board directors.

Founded in 2017, Media Diversity Australia is a national not-for-profit organisation which hosted an event with industry CEOs and execs earlier this month (pictured).

After more than six years, co-founder Antoinette Lattouf has stepped down from the board to focus on writing and broadcasting projects.

This is really bittersweet for me. I am tremendously proud that MDA has helped to slowly shift and change things in the industry, which will produce better journalism and better connections with audiences. Yet, its the sort of organisation that in an ideal world wouldnt need to exist if quality, fairness and inclusion prevailed, Lattouf said.

MDA provides paid fellowships for early career journalists, mentorships for women of colour with leadership aspirations, academic research, an award at the Mid-Year Walkleys, strategic industry memberships and partnerships that disrupt the status quo and pave pathways for diverse representation across Australian media.

Theres so much I am proud of, but the two things that stand out as I reflect on my time with MDA is the two iterations of the agenda-setting research, Who Gets to Tell Australian Stories? and the fact that what started as a volunteer organisation run by working journalists now has a passionate team of paid staff who will continue doing this important advocacy, Lattouf said.

MDA wouldnt be where it is today without Antoinettes courage, tenacity and advocacy. I am immensely proud of the work we have done together. Of course much work remains, which is why we are bringing on two additional non-executive board directors who will help us steer the ship, co-founder Isabel Lo said.

Proud Wiradjuri man Brendan Thomas has joined the Board as MDAs newest non-executive director with almost 30 years experience working in the criminal justice system. He has worked on a large number of significant legislative, program and service reforms for victims of crime, Aboriginal people, domestic violence and prosecution of serious crimes. He conceived and chaired the innovative Designing Out Crime Research Centre at the University of Technology Sydney and authored many innovative reforms to justice and human services in NSW.

Im really impressed with what Media Diversity Australia has achieved since its launch in 2017 and I am excited to support and guide their advocacy as the team seeks to speed up the pace of change in the media, he said.

Last month Sheryn Omeri KC was welcomed to the Board as non-executive director, joining Founder and Chair Isabel and Alvaro Rodas Fernandez, who has been serving on the Board since 2020.

I am honoured to accept this appointment to the Board of MDA. I look forward to contributing to its objective of encouraging the development of a more diverse media landscape in Australia, reflective of our modern multicultural society, in order to enhance news reporting and public debate on important issues, said Omeri.
Former political editor Peter van Onselen has been ordered to pay 10s legal bill after losing a case with his former broadcaster.

10 sued after he penned a scathing article for The Australian in June.

Justice David Hammerschlag, earlier this month, ruled that to be a breach of his exit contract.

Van Onselen submitted he should not have to pay legal costs (or, if forced to pay any costs, he would pay them in a lump sum of $50,000) because 10 didnt threaten him with litigation when he notified them of his intention to write the article.

The Australian reports Justice Hammerschlag sided with the broadcaster, stating: The fact that 10 did not warn Dr van Onselen that he would be in breach does not in any way assuage the fact that he breached.

After the proceedings commenced, Dr van Onselen continued to dispute that he was in breach, he wrote in his judgment. He went a step further and argued that (the disparagement clause) was void.

His lawyer Sue Chrysanthou SC, has argued the contract was over-bearing.

This summons is a lifetime order against a person whose profession it is to talk and to talk about politics and the media, she said.
Two reality shows wrapped last night, giving away big cash prizes, having struggled to attract viewers.

There were three finalists in the Million Dollar Island arena, after eliminating 97 other players across the series.

The finale required them to choose from up to 42 boxes which mostly contained $10,000 each -but the Beat-the-Bomb style jeopardy meant finding a booby trapped bomb eviscerated all their accrued cash.

Chelsea took home the biggest prize of $110,000 cash.

To come out on top, the winner of Million Dollar Island is the best feeling ever, she said. You work so hard to survive the conditions, smash the challenges, end up with all the friends that Ive met here. Its just the best feeling in the world.

Jordan won $70,000 and Brett won $10,000 (having risked and lost a further $90,000).

Meanwhile Rush finished in South Africa with a bungee jump and Table Mountain hike.

The trek involved two months of filming to nine countries, with the last three standing: Sophia, Hamish and CK.

The winner was the first person to arrive at Nobel Square and the Nelson Mandela statue.

Hamish was declared the winner, when a green flare confirmed his final position. He won $100,000 and 2 x first class round the world tickets.

Im very proud, of not just me but these guys as well, he said. Its been amazing. A bloody big Rush.

In Total TV numbers last week, Million Dollar Island drew up to 432,000 viewers with Rush at 403,000.
Wildfires raging across Algeria have killed more than 34 people in less than 24 hours, and forced mass evacuations, according to the government. The worst hit parts of the country are in the northeast, while there is also concern that the fires may spread to neighbouring Tunisia.

Temperatures rose to 48 degrees Celsius in parts of Algeria on Monday, with 97 blazes recorded across 16 provinces, fanned by strong winds.

The fires have already killed at least 34 people, the interior ministry said, revising an earlier estimate of 15 dead.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune offered his condolences to the families of the deceased, on Monday.

At least 26 other people were also said to be injured by mid-afternoon Monday, while some 1,500 people were evacuated from the provinces of Bouira, Bejaia and Jijel, in Kabylie, east of the capital Algiers.

In the northeastern province of Tizi Ouzou, 15 fires were also extinguished late on Sunday, according to civil protection officials.

Images shared by local media and on social media showed fields and forests blazing as well as charred vehicles and storefronts destroyed by the flames.

Extreme weather and climate change

The three provinces in Algeria's Mediterranean coastal region have seen the worst of the fires, but others have also ben touched as the whole country experiences an extreme heatwave.

The interior ministry said that 7,500 firefighters and 350 firetrucks had been mobilised along with aerial support to fight the flames.

"Civil protection services remain mobilised until the fires are completely extinguished," the ministry said.

Tunisia at risk

(with AFP)



Read more on RFI English



Read also:

Climate change and increased human presence are enabling Frances forest fires

Greek authorities evacuate thousands as fires scorch island of Rhodes

Latest: At least 69 people killed in wildfires in Algeria, authorities blame arson
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST or Webb) is getting another documentary.

IMAX recently announced that the most advanced space telescope in the world is getting featured in another documentary celebrating the first picture it ever took.

JWST is also being featured in Netflix's 64-minute documentary called Cosmic Time Machine, which focuses on the space telescope's journey from inception to its achievements post-commission.

JWST first Image Documentary Details

JWST's first anniversary is getting a lot of recognition in the scientific community worldwide. According to a Space.com article, IMAX is releasing a documentary about the space telescope called "Deep Sky" in 2023.

According to the announcement IMAX gave at the National Academy of Science in Washington, D.C., Deep Sky is a 40-minute short film focusing on its launch until the first full-color image it took to celebrate its first picture. To be specific, the documentary goes behind the scenes of JWST's journey from its construction, launch, and the release of its first full-cover image to the public on July 12.

July 12 is also the day it received its commission as a fully operational scientific instrument.

According to IMAX documentaries head John Turner, Deep Sky represents "an exciting return to form for IMAX documentaries and its long tradition of immersive space films."

Read More: Roblox Data Breach Puts 4,000 Employees at Risk

IMAX also revealed it has Oscar-nominated director Nathaniel Kahn who leads the documentary's production not just as its director, but also its producer and writer. Bonnie Hlinomaz of "White Gold" fame, is also co-producing Deep Sky.

Michelle Williams, who plays Anne Weying in "Venom: Let There Be Carnage," will be the documentary's narrator. She revealed that she's excited to work with Kahn and IMAX and narrate the story of JWST and the images it took.

"I've always been fascinated by the beauty and magnitude of space," Williams added.

Kahn, meanwhile, excitedly explained that JWST and the first pictures it took were a subject tailor-made for IMAX screens. He said that the IMAX format allows audiences to "appreciate the astonishing resolution of NASA's new telescope and to immerse yourself in cosmic landscapes that leave you filled with awe."

IMAX slated Deep Sky's release to theaters sometime in October 2023. The company may release more specific details as October approaches.

Global Appreciation For JWST

IMAX isn't the only company producing a documentary about JWST's journey. You may recall that Netflix recently released a teaser for its documentary "UNKNOWN: Cosmic Time Machine."

The documentary, which is the fourth part of the UNKNOWN documentary series, also covers the space telescope's development, construction, and achievements. It will also feature "unique access behind-the-scenes" to NASA's desire to launch the space telescope.

Interestingly, Netflix reportedly produced the four-part documentary to celebrate the space telescope's first anniversary of its first deep sky imagery. It will release its Webb documentary on July 24; people interested in watching it on its release day must get a Netflix subscription to do so.

Related Article: Netflix's Webb Telescope Documentary Teaser Shows Its Birth, Discoveries
Madagascar The Musical - photo by Mark Dawson Photography (Photo: Submitted)

Madagascar The Musical will be delighting local audiences when it takes to the Derngate stage from Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 July 2024.

Based on the smash DreamWorks animated motion picture, Madagascar The Musical follows all of your favourite crack-a-lackin friends as they escape from their home in New Yorks Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Juliens Madagascar.

Alex the lion is the king of the urban jungle, the main attraction at New Yorks Central Park Zoo.

Madagascar The Musical - photo by Mark Dawson Photography (Photo: Submitted)

He and his best friends  Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo  have spent their whole lives in blissful captivity before an admiring public and with regular meals provided for them.

Not content to leave well enough alone, Marty lets his curiosity get the better of him and makes his escape  with the help of some prodigious penguins  to explore the world.

This wacky adventure for the whole family is brought to life by Selladoor Worldwide, the producers behind Guess How Much I Love You, Mr Men and Little Miss, Footloose and Fame, who toured Madagascar the Musical to huge critical acclaim in 2018/2019 as a co-production with Theatre Royal Plymouth.

Opening at Theatre Royal Plymouth on 20 October 2023, the tour will go on to visit Cheltenham, Peterborough, Aylesbury and Sunderland in the Autumn and after an international visit to Monaco, Hong Kong and Singapore, will return to the UK in February to play Manchester, Bradford, Blackpool, Birmingham, Grimsby, Dublin, Oxford, Stoke, Dartford, Cardiff, Newcastle, Northampton, Nottingham, Southend, Glasgow and Aberdeen, with further venues and casting still to be announced.

Madagascar The Musical is directed by award-winning Kirk Jameson with choreography from Fabian Aloise with Musical Supervision from Mark Crossland, Puppet Design by Max Humphries and Puppet Direction from Emma Brunton.

Stuart Glover producer of Madagascar for Selladoor said Audiences have been going wild for Madagascar across the globe since we first toured in 2018 and were delighted to bring the musical back to the stage for audiences in the UK and Ireland. Its the perfect treat for the whole family!

Story continues

Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime. Filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat score, youll have no choice but to Move It, Move It!

Madagascar The Musical comes to Northamptons Royal & Derngate from Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 July.

For more information and times, and to book tickets, go to www.royalandderngate.co.uk.
Hollie Doyle riding Nashwa (green) to win The Qatar Nassau Stakes last year - this year Nashwa is set to go up against Blue Rose Cen | Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images

Based in Chantilly, 36-year-old Christopher Head is a fifth-generation French trainer from a family steeped in horse racing history. The son of legendary trainer Freddy Head and nephew of Criquette, Head is no stranger to equine superstars with the yard he now trains from the former home of Goldikova, Moonlight Cloud and Solow.

With father Freddy retiring last year, the Head dynasty has showed no sign of slowing down courtesy of star filly Blue Rose Cen completing a rare Group 1 treble  comprising France's premier prize for two-year-old fillies, the Prix Marcel Boussac, as well as the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (French 1000 Guineas) and the Prix de Diane (French Oaks).

Head now has set his sights on an ambitious raid over the channel in the Group 1 Qatar Nassau Stakes on Thursday, August 3, at Goodwood, setting up a tantalising clash with last years Prix de Diane and Nassau Stakes winner Nashwa.

Director of racing Ed Arkell previews Glorious Goodwood.

Head is relishing the challenge and he said: Its always been in my mind to go to another country at some point. With Blue Rose Cen, I really feel this is possible and I cant wait to go up against the best of the Irish and English in the Qatar Nassau Stakes.

Trained by Christophers father Freddy, Solow was the last French horse to win a Group 1 at the Qatar Goodwood Festival when he won the Qatar Sussex Stakes in 2015  and eight years on, Christopher is hoping to create history on what will be his ever trip to the track.

He added: Ive never been to Goodwood but Ive taken a lot of experience from various people who have been there. My father is part of it, of course, and we will be fully prepared for it.

Now rated as the highest-rated three-year-old middle distance filly in Europe, Head has paid tribute to Blue Rose Cens ability and temperament.

He said: She is a filly that has done everything weve asked of her. She had a brilliant two-year-old career. Since then she has been brilliant and resilient in her work and in her races. It is a challenge to make a two-year-old become a nice three-year-old but she has improved from each run this year and has really come on physically after the Prix de Diane.

Story continues

Blue Rose Cens jockey Aurelien Lemaitre has never ridden at Goodwood but Head is very confident in his ability and that of his filly to handle the track and the occasion of the Qatar Goodwood Festival.

Head said: Aurelien is a brilliant jockey. Its been a pleasure to work with him since the beginning. What I like most about him is he is a great judge of pace in races.

"Since we work a lot with that in our training, he is the perfect jockey for us. Im sure Blue Rose Cen can deal with the track at Goodwood. We know that she goes on any ground. If it happens to be soft ground that is even better, but we are relaxed.

Blue Rose Cen's 76-year-old owner-breeder Leopoldo Fernandez Pujals (Yeguada Centurion) is a Cuban-born Vietnam War veteran, who made his fortune in Spain in pizzas and telecommunications. He was a well-known breeder of Spanish horses but was convinced to take a chance on Head as a young trainer. Out of his five horses with Head, Blue Rose Cen is one and Big Rock is another who finished second in the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby).

Head has praised his owner for not shying away from any race or challenge and opened up the possibility of her running in the Qatar Prix de lArc de Triomphe in October.

He said: I think Leopoldo from Yeguada Centurion is a sportsman so he wants to get into challenges. There is still the possibility we could try her over further to see what she is capable of and test her limits.

"She is so relaxed during her races that you could expect her to stay further and still use her turn of foot. She will probably go to the Vermeille after the Nassau Stakes and then we will see if she stays. The Breeders Cup is a possibility too but its a bit further away in the programme book so we still need to discuss it with the owner.
Travel Live Teach

A company has launched in the North East, providing guaranteed English teaching jobs in bucket list destinations.

Travel Live Teach, which has been founded by Jamie Petterson, has been launched to create unique adventures while giving back.

The company provides Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL/TESOL) courses, with guaranteed job offers in various destinations upon completion of the course.

Founder Jamie, has travelled the world himself, alongside his Dutch wife who he met in Australia. Now living together in Newcastle, they decided to set up Travel Live Teach as a way to support those who wish to travel to bucket list destinations, while giving back to the communities of the places visited in the form of teaching.

Travel Live Teach offers job opportunities in many different locations, including Argentina, Bali, Costa Rica, Vietnam and Thailand.

To continue their mission of giving back, a portion of the profits made by Travel Live Teach will be donated to non-governmental organisation Children of the Mekong, which supports disadvantaged young people of Southeast Asia. The donations from Travel Live Teach are specifically going towards building an education centre in Samrong, Cambodia.

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While the company aims to train people to become English teachers, allowing those to visit beautiful countries, they also focus on improving childrens lives through education.

Those who study with Travel Live Teach and begin a job, are offered 24/7 support in doing so. Alongside this, the teachers are also provided with destination specific extras, in order to experience the true adventure of living abroad, including Beach Yoga, Salsa Dancing and more.

Founder of Travel Live Teach, Jamie said: I created Travel Live Teach after travelling the world and experiencing some amazing cultures, climates and people - including meeting my wife!

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Travel Live Teach was formed with two goals in mind. The first is to create amazing adventures, supporting you to travel and experience some of the best destinations the world has to offer. Secure in the knowledge that once your course is completed you have a guaranteed position teaching English alongside a lifetime job seeking assistance should you want to change destination at any time.

The second is to give back. Travel Live Teach donates a portion of our profits to Children of the Mekong. An amazing NGO supporting impoverished children in South East Asia.
Harrogate Odeon screening - David Lean's classic 1957 film The Bridge On The River Kwai shows British POWs in WW2 forced to build a railway bridge for their Japanese captors in Burma. (Picture contributed)

As part of The Cenotaph Centenary programme marking 100 years since Harrogates war memorial was unveiled by the 6th Earl of Harewood on 1st September 1923, the Academy Award-winning movie will be shown at the Harrogate Odeon on Wednesday, September 6.

David Lean's classic 1957 film shows British POWs in WW2 forced to build a railway bridge across the river Kwai for their Japanese captors in Burma, not knowing that allied forces are planning a daring raid to destroy it.

A number of names on Harrogate's war memorial off Parliament Street are those of soldiers who died in the construction of the railway.

The screening is in aid of SSAFA North Yorkshire - Armed Forces Charity for Veterans, Serving Soldiers and their Families.
University of North Georgia (UNG) President Michael Shannon has initiated a 45-day Listening Tour to learn more about UNG and the university's priorities and opportunities. The Listening Tour includes a wide variety of campus meetings and community events as UNG prepares for the beginning of the 2023-24 academic year, as well as the following one-hour meetings scheduled for August.

The focused sessions for students, faculty and staff are open to UNG community members and no registration is required. Alumni and community members will be invited to additional sessions scheduled for those stakeholder groups.

Aug. 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Dahlonega Campus, Library Technology Center, Room 382 (Archives & Special Collections), Staff.

Aug. 1, 4-5 p.m.: Dahlonega Campus, Library Technology Center, Room 382 (Archives & Special Collections), Faculty.

Aug. 2, 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Gainesville Campus, Martha T. Nesbitt Building, Room 3110-A, Staff.

Aug. 2, 4:30-5:30 p.m.: Gainesville Campus, Martha T. Nesbitt Building, Room 3110-A, Faculty.

Aug. 3, 2:30-3:30 p.m.: Oconee Campus, Student Resource Center, Room 581, Faculty.

Aug. 3, 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Oconee Campus, Student Resource Center, Room 581, Staff.

Aug. 22, 2:30-3:30 p.m.: Cumming Campus, Room 125, Students.

Aug. 22, 4-5 p.m.: Cumming Campus, Room 125, Faculty.

Aug. 23, 9:30-10:30 a.m.: Oconee Campus, Student Resource Center, Room 581, Staff.

Aug. 23, 1:30-2:30 p.m.: Oconee Campus, Student Resource Center, Room 581, Students.

Aug. 23, 3-4 p.m.: Oconee Campus, Student Resource Center, Room 581, Faculty.

Aug. 24, 2:30-3:30 p.m.: Gainesville Campus, Martha T. Nesbitt Building, Room 3110-A, Students.

Aug. 24, 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Gainesville Campus, Martha T. Nesbitt Building, Room 3110-A, Faculty.

Aug. 25, 8:30-9:30 a.m.: Cumming Campus, Room 125, Staff.

Aug. 29, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Dahlonega Campus, Library Technology Center, Room 382 (Archives & Special Collections), Staff.

Aug. 29, Noon to 1 p.m.: Dahlonega Campus, Library Technology Center, Room 382 (Archives & Special Collections), Students.

Aug. 29, 2-3 p.m.: Dahlonega Campus, Library Technology Center, Room 382 (Archives & Special Collections), Faculty.

Aug. 30, 8:30-9:30 a.m.: Blue Ridge Campus, Learning Commons, Room 101, Staff.

Aug. 30, 10-11 a.m.: Blue Ridge Campus, Learning Commons, Room 101, Faculty.

Aug. 30, 1:30-2:30 p.m.: Blue Ridge Campus, Learning Commons, Room 101, Students.

Shannon, a retired U.S. Army officer, became president of UNG on July 1, after serving as interim executive vice president for administration and finance and interim chief business officer at Georgia Tech. Prior to his interim role, Shannon served as Georgia Tech's vice president and deputy chief business officer.

A native of New Jersey, Shannon is a first-generation college graduate and was commissioned through Army ROTC. He holds a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering and a master's degree in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. He also holds a master's degree in health physics and a Ph.D. in nuclear and radiological engineering from Georgia Tech.

If you have any questions about President Shannon's Listening Tour, please email president@ung.edu.
The Greatest Gamer Philippines, the reality contest of TikTok presented by Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) in collaboration with Smart Omega and Mobile Legends: BangBang (MLBB), has reached its finale, with 16-year-old Ezequiel "Spidey" Cauilan emerging as the ultimate champion.

After three weeks of fierce competition and a display of exceptionalgaming skills, Spidey secured a place in the Smart Omega team's MLBB roster and cemented his status as "The Greatest Gamer" in the country.

The culmination of The Greatest Gamer Philippines witnessed intense battles, strategic gameplay, and heart-stopping moments. Throughout the competition, Spidey displayed unwavering determination, skill, and passion, standing out among the talented pool of finalists.Their performance showcased the qualities necessary to excel in professional Esports, inspiring gamers across the country.

What Spidey Wins from The Great Gamer Philippines

"Sobrang salamat sa mga sumosoporta sa akin, lalo na sa pamilya ko dahil di sila sumusuko sa akin. Lubos akong nagpapasalamat sa TikTok at Smart sa pagkakataong ito na maipakita ang husay ng mga Pinoy sa Esports. Sana maging inspirasyon ako sa mga kababayan natinggustong marating ang kanilang mga pangarap. Maraming salamat po." said Spidey.

["Thank you so much to those who support me, especially my family because they never give upon me. I am very grateful to TikTok and Smart for this opportunity to showcase the talent of Filipinos in Esports. I hope I can be an inspiration to our countrymen who want to achieve their dreams. Thank you very much," said Spidey.]

As the winner of The Greatest Gamer Philippines, Spidey received P250,000 cash prize, a one-year contract with Smart's professional esports team Smart Omega, and the opportunity to join Smart Omega's esteemed MLBB roster, offering him further opportunities for growth and success in his gaming career.

Inspiring Future Generations of Esports Athletes

"The Greatest Gamer Philippines has been a remarkable showcase of talent, passion, and the power of the Filipino gaming community. We extend our warmest congratulations to Spidey for his well-deserved victory and commend all the participants for their exceptional performances," said Vanessa Brown, Director, Business Development, APAC, TikTok.

"The competition has not only highlighted the incredible potential and dedication of Filipino gamers but also reinforced our commitment to supporting the growth of the gaming community in the Philippines," she added.

"We would like to extend our congratulations to Spidey, who emerged as the champion of thefirst ever The Greatest Gamer Philippines," said Lloyd R. Manaloto, First Vice President and Head of Prepaid and Content at Smart. "His performance is a testament to the immensetalent and skill of young Filipinos, who have the potential to dominate esports here and abroad. May his journey inspire more young Filipinos to pursue their passions and dreams."

As the official telco partner of The Greatest Gamer Philippines, Smart enabled seamless connectivity and uninterrupted gameplay of the finalists. From the auditions, which drew thousands of passionate gamers, to the exciting challenges in the villa, The Greatest Gamer Philippines garnered immense support with almost 550,000 unique viewers from TikTok users, Esports fans, and the Filipino gaming community across the ten live streams throughout the competition.

TikTok provided an immersive experience, offering behind-the-scenes, weekly tournaments, and engaging content that delved into the contestants' backstories, allowing Esports fans and viewers to follow their journeys closely. The impact and legacy of The Greatest Gamer Philippines will continue to resonate, inspiringfuture generations of Esports athletes to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence.

The competition's conclusion marks not only a thrilling achievement for Spidey but also a significantmilestone in the Esports landscape in the Philippines.
HA NOI  The Vietnamese stock market finished higher on Monday, bouyed by the improvement in risk appetite as liquidity remained above VN20 trillion (US$847 million).

On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE), the VN-Index inched closer to the threshold of 1,200 points on Monday. The index ended the session at 1,190.72 points, an increase of 4.82 points, or 0.41 per cent. This is the highest close in 10 months.

The breadth of the market was positive as gainers surpassed losers on the southern bourse. Particularly, 211 stocks rose while 117 inched down.

Liquidity stayed high, remaining at more than VN20 trillion, equivalent to a trading volume of 1.04 million shares.

The VN30-Index, tracking the 30 biggest stocks on HoSE, also increased 6.54 points, or 0.55 per cent, to 1,193.14 points.

Data compiled by financial website vietstock.vn showed that VPBank, Mobile World Investment Corporation (MWG) and Novaland (NVL) were the top three contributors to the market's rallies, with NVL shares hitting the maximum daily gain of 7 per cent.

Also supporting the bullish trend, Masan Group (MSN), Sahabank (SHB), Sabeco (SAB), Vietnam International Commercial Joint Stock Bank (VIB), and Khang Dien House Trading and Investment JSC (KDH) performed well. All the stocks rose a range of 1.2-4.3 per cent.

However, the market pared gains due to losses of some large-cap stocks, led by Vietcombank (VCB), down nearly 1 per cent. It was followed by PV Gas (GAS) and Hoa Phat Group (HPG), down 0.91 per cent and 0.53 per cent, respectively.

Analysts at Saigon - Hanoi Securities JSC (SHS) said the market's recovery momentum over the past two months is very positive as good internal strength is formed on an accumulation base.

"We expect the VN-Index is very likely to form a new uptrend after surpassing 1,150 points," said SHS.

The market benchmark surpassed the resistance level for the second week last week and could confirm that the market has turned into a medium-term uptrend. And there will be short-term corrections to consolidate the uptrend.

"Given the bullish trend, the medium-term target will be towards the area of 1,300 points," the securities firm added.

On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX), the HNX-Index extended its uptrend and marked its eighth straight winning day. The northern benchmark index rose 1.55 points, or 0.66 per cent, to 236.53 points.

During the session, nearly 128.8 million shares were traded on HNX, worth more than VN2.07 trillion.

Meanwhile, foreign investors were net sellers on the market today as they net sold VN330.64 billion on HoSE. On the other hand, they net bought VN24.15 billion on HNX.  VNS
HA NOI  Agencies from China will visit Viet Nam next month to inspect planting regions and packing facilities of fresh coconuts registering for export to China, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

MARD's Plant Protection Department has sent a document to the departments of agriculture and rural development in provinces and cities, saying that the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) will conduct a field inspection for these planting regions and packing facilities of fresh coconuts in Viet Nam to complete the assessment of pest risk as a basis for the signing of the protocol on importing fresh coconuts from Viet Nam to China.

GACC will inspect coconut pest control and prevention systems at planting sites and packing facilities, as well as the process of harvesting, transporting and packaging coconuts.

After the inspection, China will conduct a risk assessment and propose appropriate import requirements to develop a protocol on importing fresh coconuts from Viet Nam.

The Plant Protection Department has proposed the sub-department of cultivation and plant protection in the localities to support the planting regions and packing facilities of fresh coconuts during the inspection.

At the same time, they will prepare documents relating to the management and prevention of harmful coconut pests as required by GACC.

The localities review the planting regions and packaging facilities of fresh coconuts that register to export to China. Their authorities also guide the planting regions and packaging facilities to complete the relevant documents and prepare all conditions for this inspection.

In addition, the Plant Protection Department also said that it had received a draft of a report on import requirements for Vietnamese fresh passion fruit that has been sent by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to the Vietnamese side for comments.

Accordingly, fresh passion fruit harvested from planting regions in Viet Nam is allowed to be exported to Australia if it meets the biosecurity requirements of this market. The report has identified 11 pests that pose a biosecurity risk, including fruit flies, aphids, spider mites and thrips.

To reduce these risks, the draft proposes a number of risk management measures, including the establishment of pest-free production regions. The application of irradiation treatment is considered an effective measure in the management of fruit fly species.

The requirements to ensure biosecurity in the report will be the basis for developing import conditions for Viet Nam's fresh passion fruits to Australia.

Viet Nam needs to demonstrate its ability to manage those risks to ensure the safety for the fresh passion fruits exported from Viet Nam to Australia.

The Plant Protection Department has asked localities, enterprises and individuals producing and exporting passion fruit, as well as plant quarantine agencies, to have comments on the report on import requirements for Vietnamese passion fruit exported to Australia.

Meanwhile, the agriculture and rural development departments of localities need to review fresh passion fruit planting regions that register for export to Australia.

The enterprises and individuals actively prepare all conditions for the planting regions under Australian requirements to be ready to export to the Australian market.

In 2022, Viet Nam's passion fruit output was estimated at 135,000 tonnes, mainly planted in Gia Lai and ak Lak.

Viet Nam's passion fruits are now exported to many markets, including the EU and China.  VNS
Nguyen Khanh Chi

In 1969, when Viet Nam was fighting for national independence, the country received a great deal of assistance from socialist countries, mostly military goods, industrial machines and foodstuff. Among them, Poland presented the Asian nation with a 'bread-making plant' capable of producing 1,500 tonnes of bread annually. The facility was built in Nam inh Province.

The so-called banh my Ba Lan (Polish bread) quickly proved favourable after rice, and Nam inh became the key supplier of the "staff of life" for the whole northeastern region. And vendors selling hot, fresh baguettes were seen everywhere.

Gone are those days, but Polish bread still flourishes and is listed among the specialties of the locality.

Nowadays, storefront shops selling the bread can be found along major streets and roads in Nam inh City, and the most popular forms are small and medium-sized baguettes.

"Banh my is one of specialties of Viet Nam, and Nam inh in particular. Polish bread features a distinctive flavour and taste thanks to a special fermentation process, and salt and water sources in the locality," said Le Thi Thiet, chairperson of Nam inh Culinary and Cultural Association.

"Cream-coloured, the soft, dense inside of the baguettes makes their taste so unique and different from other types of bread. The bread can be frozen for 15 or 20 days and eaten with or without other stuff like pate, roasted meat, condensed milk or whatever."

Despite the development of commercial bakeries, the majority of Polish bread sold in the locality comes from the original plant, which is now owned by Ha Noi - Nam inh Brewery JSC.

Each year, the plant supplies about 700 tonnes of bread of various types, with bread baked from early morning until 4.30pm daily.

"Every day, we queue for the bread from the plant at around 4am so we can start selling hot loaves at 5am," said Hoang Thi Nhan, owner of a Banh My Ba Lan shop on Thai Binh Street, Nam inh City.

Nhan and her husband have been in business for over 30 years and the bread shop is still their family's economic mainstay. On weekdays, they sell between 200 and 300 loaves and 100 more at the weekend.

"The classic taste and texture of the white bread remain the same over the years," said Nhan's husband.

"Our customers are not only the locals. Sometimes we receive orders from even Son La and Quang Ninh provinces, some hundreds of kilometres away from Nam inh," he said.

"I do hope that Polish bread retains its taste and position, so our business will keep thriving."

Food connoisseur Thiet said like other specialties of Nam inh, she has always cared about the preservation and protection of the Polish bread brand so that many more people know about it and concurrently help the locals economically thrive from the business.

"There must be the joint efforts of all stakeholders to promote the bread beyond the locality," she said, adding that in any trips at home or abroad to promote Vietnamese and Nam inh cuisine, she put Polish bread on the menu to introduce it to people in other localities and countries.

As there was only one bread-making plant with tens of skilled workers, the capacity and human resources are limited, so ideally, potential investors chipped in to enable the business to develop, Thiet said.

"The first time I heard of Polish bread was when I visited the city, I saw many bread shops, thinking the baguettes are like the other types of bread I have tasted," said a Hanoian.

"But I knew I was wrong as soon as I had the first bite. Its unique taste and flavour are completely different," she said after paying VN120,000 (US$5) for a package of 10 medium-sized baguettes.

"Abroad Polish bread is praised for its diversity and unique taste, in Poland it has a special place not only on the table but also in the country's culture," a piece of writing titled Polish bread - eight centuries of taste and tradition on http://poland.pl in October 2018 wrote.

For the Nam inh people, Polish bread was also associated with memories of the past, Thiet said, stressing the necessity to preserve this 'precious gift'. VNS
HA NOI  Goodwill Ambassador of Japanese Cuisine Tomisawa Hirokazu is in Viet Nam to implement his mission to transmit the allures of Japanese food to Vietnamese people.

During his six-day visit, from July 24 to 29, through three cities  Ha Noi, Hai Phong, and Ha Long - Hirokazu, who is also President of the Association of Tokyo Chefs, has been conducting a series of culinary activities with the theme Taste of Japan.

Initiated in 2015 by Japans Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries with the purpose of promoting Japanese cuisine abroad, the Goodwill Ambassador's activities include providing consultation from the perspective of a professional chef to all those who enjoy Japanese food abroad.

Hirokazu is among nearly 200 people in more than 56 countries and territories receiving this title.

At a meeting with the media in Ha Noi on Monday, the Goodwill Ambassador said that he had a chance to taste some delicious Vietnamese dishes.

The spices and cooking techniques of those dishes have given me inspiration and ideas for new food creations that I will design after coming back to Japan, he said.

Japanese people have shown a great interest in flavourful yet healthy Vietnamese food, so I think they will also greet my new creations which will be a fusion between Japanese and Vietnamese, he added.

Hirokazu said that his mission assigned by the Japanese Government was to promote his mother countrys cuisine, but at the same time, he knew by himself that he would also have the duty to introduce Vietnamese to Japanese people.

Speaking at the launching ceremony of the Taste of Japan in Ha Noi on Monday, Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Yamada Takio said that in terms of specific diversity, Japanese and Vietnamese cuisines share many similarities such as ingredients receiving preferential treatment of nature, seasonal fruits, and events held throughout the year.

It can be said that gastronomical culture is one of the foundations of the developing Japan-Viet Nam relationship.

Today's event is among the activities held on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Viet Nam. As the Ambassador of Japan, I am very pleased that this event helps to promote further the Japanese culinary culture, he said.

Also at the launching ceremony, Head chef Kyo Nguyen of Japanese restaurant chain Hatoyama, an excellent student of Tomisawa, presented an amazing bluefin tuna cutting performance. The gigantic 111kg high-prized tuna was imported from Japan and cut into parts like otoro, known in English as fatty tuna, and chu-toro, semi-fatty tuna which is the most delicious part that ends up as sashimi.

Other special guests attending the ceremony include the Board Chairman of Miresto Culinary Company, Economics PhD inh Minh, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Ta Quang ong, and Chef Nguyen Ba Phuoc (aka Fuku Nguyen).

Phuoc is the first-ever Vietnamese and the ninth foreign chef in the world to be granted the gold Taste of Japan badge by the Japanese Government.

According to the Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Yamada Takio, a total number of 2,422 chefs around the world have been awarded the badge, of which, only 22 received gold ones.

This is a qualification exam for foreign chefs to cook traditional Japanese dishes organised by the Traditional Japanese Culinary Academy, under the Department of Traditional Cuisine Conservation and Development of the Japanese Government.

The gold badge that chef Nguyen Ba Phuoc received has proved the enthusiasm and efforts that Goodwill Ambassador Hirokazu has devoted to transmitting his knowledge to the young generations, he said.

A special kaiseki menu featuring intricate dishes prepared by Goodwill Ambassador Hirokazu will be presented during his visit to Viet Nam at the Hatoyama restaurant chain.  VNS
HA NOI  Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang paid visits to and inspected units of the Air Defence - Air Force and the Army Corps 2 High Command on Monday.

At Regiment 927 under Air Division 371, Giang emphasised the role and responsibility of ensuring safety in all tasks of the Air Defence - Air Force.

Schools must coordinate with the unit to adjust the plan, process and method of training pilots to use modern fighter jets, strictly maintain discipline and obey law, well protect internal politics, and propose and better implement policies for pilots.

Visiting Air Defence Division 365, the minister offered incense in tribute to 1,383 martyrs of the Division who sacrificed in the resistance wars to defend the Fatherland.

He requested Air Defence soldiers to always raise their vigilance, be ready to protect key targets and perform unexpected tasks; adding that training plans must be suitable to weather conditions and actual task requirements.

Inspecting Army Corps 2, Minister Giang asked the unit to improve political education, well implement mechanisms for policy beneficiaries, and strictly maintain the duty of combat readiness and response to natural disasters.  VNS
HA NOI  Defence cooperation between Viet Nam and India has been actively promoted, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam Peoples Army (VPA) and Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Tan Cuong said while receiving Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Indian Naval Staff, in Ha Noi on Monday.

Cuong affirmed that the ties have achieved solid and effective developments across various areas such as training, military cooperation, UN peacekeeping missions, and defence industry.

He said that leaders of Viet Nams Ministry of National Defence and the VPA General Staff always support and create favourable conditions for both navies to strengthen cooperation across fields.

In response, Kumar expressed his belief that the visit will further deepen the friendship, cooperation, mutual understanding, and trust between the two defence ministries in general and between their naval forces in particular.

He stressed that within the overall bilateral relations, defence ties play an important role, bringing the two nations closer together.

The officer also expressed his hope that in the future, the two defence ministries will continue to enhance their effective collaboration in areas of mutual interest.  VNS
HA NOI  National Assembly Chairman Vuong inh Hue commended outgoing French Ambassador to Viet Nam Nicolas Warnery for his contributions to bilateral cooperation activities while receiving the diplomat in Ha Noi on Monday.

Chairman Hue thanked France and the European community for offering timely support to Viet Nam in the fight against COVID-19, especially in vaccine supply.

Viet Nam wants to continue consolidating and strengthening the bilateral strategic partnership through all channels, including the Party, State, parliament, and people-to-people exchanges, he said.

He expected that France would continue further fostering economic, trade, investment and tourism cooperation with Viet Nam. Both sides should continue working closely together to expedite the construction, completion, and early operation of the Nhon-Ha Noi Station metro line; as well as step up the renovation of Long Bien Bridge into a pedestrian bridge in Ha Noi, he added.

As the approval of the Viet Nam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and the removal of the "yellow card" warning against Viet Nams aquatic products are urgent matters, the NA Chairman suggested the European Union (EU), the European Parliament, and the parliaments of member countries promptly work towards resolving these two issues, contributing to reinforcing cooperation between Viet Nam and the EU as a whole, and between Viet Nam and France in particular.

On the occasion, Chairman Hue reiterated his invitation to the French Senate and National Assembly to send a delegation to the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in Viet Nam in September.

Warnery, for his part, said as planned, a number of activities will be held in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue in December to celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties. Between now and the years end, various activities related to economic and research cooperation will also be scheduled.

He expressed his delight at recent joint work to realise the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), adding that the France-Viet Nam Friendship Parliamentarians Group in the French Senate will visit Viet Nam in the near future in order to nurture collaboration between the two countries parliamentary friendship groups and learn about Viet Nam and its people.  VNS
VIENNA  The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is impressed by Viet Nam's capabilities and active engagement regarding its positive contributions within the UN framework and IAEAs cooperative activities serving atomic energy applications for peaceful purposes, Acting Director General Najat Mokhtar affirmed at her Monday meeting with State President Vo Van Thuong in Austria.

Thuong, now on an official visit to the European nation, told Mokhtar that he appreciated IAEAs contributions in ensuring nuclear safety, security, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons; and in promoting nuclear technology development and applications for peaceful purposes and sustainable global development. He also expressed his gratitude to the agency for its provision of medical equipment and transfer of COVID-19 testing technology for Viet Nam.

Mokhtar stressed that cooperation with Viet Nam serves as a successful and effective model in various areas, including agriculture, health care, renewable energy, and climate change adaptation. She confirmed IAEA will continue to enhance its cooperation with and technology transfer for Viet Nam.

Both sides agreed that their teamwork is progressing well, with IAEA supporting Viet Nam in implementing projects within the framework of its technical cooperation programme, such as those on addressing diseases originating from animals (ZODIAC) and ocean plastic waste (NUTEC Plastics).

Thuong affirmed Viet Nam will actively participate in and carry out IAEA-initiated technical cooperation projects under the country programme framework for cooperation in the development of atomic energy applications for 2022-2027. He thanked IAEA for supporting the trilateral collaborative project between Viet Nam, IAEA, and Laos/Cambodia which promotes the application of atomic energy for peaceful purposes in the two neighbouring countries.

The leader proposed IAEA continue to increase technical cooperation projects for the Asia-Pacific region, enabling Viet Nam to participate in specific ones to enhance its human resources training and technology transfer. He also requested further engagement between the sides in international cooperation programmes as well as in experience sharing and technical support for Viet Nam to strengthen national capacity, particularly regarding nuclear security and safety.

Mokhtar praised Viet Nam's effective role as a member of the IAEA Board of Governors for the 2021-23 term and wished the Southeast Asian country will continue contributing to the agencys efforts in tackling common international concerns such as nuclear security and safety, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, nuclear technology development for peace, and non-traditional security challenges.

On the occasion, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang had a working session with Anna Joubin-Bret, Secretary of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). Both parties signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the Vietnamese ministry and UNCITRAL Secretariat in technical support and capacity building.  VNS
WASHINGTON  Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung believed the relationship between Viet Nam and the US will continue to reach new heights, serving the interests of their people and contributing to maintaining peace, stability, security, cooperation, and development in the Asia-Pacific region and the world.

Expressing the belief in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Viet Nam-US comprehensive partnership (July 25, 2013  July 25, 2023), the diplomat stated that the highlight of the past decade was the bilateral ties robust growth across all areas, including politics, diplomacy, economic and trade, culture, education, science-technology, health care, defence-security, and people-to-people exchanges. He said such growth truly reflects the meaning of a comprehensive partnership.

In politics and diplomacy, the most notable was the significant improvement in understanding and mutual respect. Both sides have shown respect for each other's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political systems. Viet Nam and the US have maintained regular high-level exchanges and contacts.

Meanwhile, economic and trade relations have been the fastest and strongest growing pillar, serving as the driving force for the overall relationship. The sides bilateral trade increased more than fivefold, from US$25 billion in 2012 to nearly $139 billion in 2022. Viet Nam has become the seventh-largest trading partner of the US worldwide.

Regarding people-to-people exchange, there are currently around 23,000 to 25,000 Vietnamese students studying in the US annually, ranking first in Southeast Asia and fifth globally in this regard. With an average of 800,000 US tourist arrivals to Viet Nam per year before the COVID-19 pandemic, the US has been consistently placed in the top five sources of visitors to the Southeast Asian nation.

Dung noted that addressing the aftermath of the war remains a high priority and has achieved many specific results. Both sides have devoted significant resources and efforts to the search for and identification of the remains of fallen Vietnamese soldiers, dioxin detoxification (completed at a Nang Airport and ongoing at Bien Hoa Airport), bomb and mine clearance, and support for people with disabilities and those affected by dioxin/Agent Orange. Vietnamese agencies have cooperated with the US to search for, identify, and repatriate the remains of 733 missing US soldiers.

The ambassador said he believes in the future, the shared priority is to further strengthen and deepen cooperation in all spheres.

First, in politics and diplomacy, it is necessary to reinforce mutual understanding, increase exchanges at all levels, especially high levels, and enhance the effectiveness of existing dialogue mechanisms.

The two sides should develop economic, trade, investment, and scientific and technological relations in a stable and sustainable manner, while minimising trade defence actions. Additionally, they need to focus on cooperation in emerging and high-tech areas, such as the digital, green, and circular economy, and maintain the sustainability of supply chains.

More attention should be paid to cultural and artistic exchanges as well as education and training in line with Viet Nam's needs for high-quality human resources improvement. Attracting more US tourists to Viet Nam and supporting Vietnamese and those with Vietnamese roots in the US is also important.

The countries also need to accelerate cooperation in addressing the war consequences because as time goes on, the conditions for remediation become more challenging.

Finally, both sides should enhance their collaboration at multilateral forums, especially within the framework of the ASEAN-US comprehensive strategic partnership and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). They should also team up in resolving global issues, particularly emerging ones like the environment, climate change response, and clean energy transition.

Dynamic relationship

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday delivered a recorded video statement highlighting the strong and growing relationship between the US and Viet Nam on the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Partnership between the two countries.

In his remarks, he underlined the breadth of cooperation between the two countries, spanning economic, environmental, and security issues.

"We built a relationship that's dynamic, consequential, and growing stronger every day," Blinken said. "Our countries are working together on an incredibly broad range of shared interests to the benefit of our peoples and people across the region and world."

Blinken also highlighted the partnerships between the two countries on economic issues, including promoting inclusive economic opportunity, resilient supply chains, and infrastructure.

He noted that the US is helping Viet Nam reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 while powering sustainable development and strengthening public health systems.

Blinken also emphasised the importance of people-to-people ties, which he called the "foundation of our relationship," commenting that the US and Viet Nam are working to enable more students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and tourists to collaborate and travel between the two countries.

Blinken also touched on the issue of addressing the legacies of the Viet Nam War, stating that the US remains committed to clearing unexploded ordnance, eliminating dioxin hot spots, accounting for the missing, and other joint efforts.

"For the United States, that's a matter of trust and a matter of duty," he said.

The US diplomat has expressed optimism about the future of the US-Viet Nam relationship in his address.

Recalling the breaking ground of a new, state-of-the-art US embassy in Ha Noi, which he had attended during his visit earlier this year, he expressed gratitude to all those working to make the partnership between the two countries a reality.

"I can't wait to see where the next 10 years take us together," Blinken said. VNS
VIENNA  Viet Nam always values the strengthening of ties with Austria, its important and reliable partner in Europe, State President Vo Van Thuong told President of the Federal Council of Austria Claudia Arpa during a meeting in Vienna on July 24 (local time).

The leader thanked the Federal Council for providing support to Viet Nam in socio-economic development and global integration, particularly during the difficult period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In order to reinforce inter-parliamentary cooperation, he suggested that both sides facilitate the exchange of delegations at all levels to increase political trust, create favourable conditions for bilateral ties, and work closely together at global and regional inter-parliamentary forums.

Viet Nam is ready to act as a bridge to step up cooperation between the Austrian Parliament and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, he said.

Arpa, for her part, committed her support to further bolster bilateral ties, especially in climate change response, renewable energy and vocational training.

She spoke highly of Viet Nams active and responsible role at global and regional inter-parliamentary forums, especially National Assembly Chairman Vuong inh Hues attendance at the World Conference of Speakers of Parliament hosted by Austria in September 2021.

The host wished that Viet Nam would serve as a bridge to boost ties between the Austrian Parliament and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly.

Both sides pledged to continue close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums and international organisations such as the United Nations, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), the ASEAN-EU framework, as well as the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting, for the sake of peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

They expressed belief that cooperative ties between the Vietnamese NA and the Austrian Parliament will grow further in the future, thus making positive contributions to traditional friendship and all-around cooperation between Viet Nam and Austria.

Accepting the Vietnamese NAs invitation, Arpa pledged to a send a delegation to the ninth Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in Viet Nam in September.  VNS
From the looks of it, Twitter might be in trouble for removing the letters on its headquarters sign in San Francisco. It's actually all just a misunderstanding, but that still resulted in unfinished work, so now it's just "er."

Why Were the Police There?

As part of its rebranding campaign, Twitter is making major changes with its headquarters, specifically the huge sign that shouts "We used to be called Twitter." All was going well until authorities showed upon the scene.

Twitter user Wayne Sutton claims that the process was halted due to the company not obtaining the proper permit for the equipment since they used a crane to reach the sign. That, however, was not the case.

The local police clarified that around 12:39 p.m., officers that were assigned to Tenderloin Station went to the area due to a report about a possible unpermitted street closure, as mentioned in The Verge. Ultimately, it was stated that there was no crime or violation.

They further explained that someone with Twitter had a work order for taking down the sign, but failed to inform security and the owner of the building. Even after the clarification, the workers did not continue the removal of the sign, leaving one side with "twitter" and the other side with "er."

It will probably be resumed to remove the remaining letters since it's unlikely that it will be left like that. They might even install a new sign to signify the major change in Twitter, which is now X, based on the new logo of the site.

Hopefully, the matter is already settled between Musk and the landlord, especially since both have already had past disputes, specifically due to the company not paying its rent. Although that's already resolved, it's likely that Musk is on thin ice.

Read Also: Twitter Will Soon Have Job Listings on Verified Organization Profiles

Twitter is Now X

Taking down the letters was part of Elon Musk's efforts to apparently erase the brand name that people have known for years, to replace it with the letter X. In fact, the logo was already projected on the building, as tweeted by the platform owner.

Our headquarters tonight pic.twitter.com/GO6yY8R7fO  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 24, 2023

The rebranding is probably part of Musk's plan to create the "everything app" he intended for Twitter from the start. Twitter CEO Linda Yaccarino says that "X is the future state of unlimited interactivity" as well as "centered in audio, video, messaging, payments/banking."

The Yaccarino also expressed that powered by AI, the platform will connect all its users in ways that "we're just beginning to imagine," as reported by CBS News, so we can expect other major changes to arrive in the coming years.

Musk himself wanted to create an app that will be used for everything, thus, the description "everything app." He likened his plans to WeChat, a popular messaging app in China which apparently the US doesn't have a version of.

The tech billionaire seems to be fond of X, as it also appears in his other companies like SpaceX and his AI company X.AI. It also happens to be the name of the parent company that hold Twitter before it was even called X.

Related: Elon Musk To Rebrand Twitter Logo, From Bird to X
HA NOI  The United States Ambassador to Viet Nam Marc Knapper on Tuesday visited the Centre for DNA Identification (CDI) under the Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST).

During his meeting with VAST President Prof. Acad. Chau Van Minh and Director of the Viet Nam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP) Le Cong Tien, Ambassador Knapper highlighted the productive cooperation between VAST, and the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) on improving Viet Nam's capability to identify remains from the war under the US Agency for International Developments (USAID) Identification of Human Remains project.

ICMP has been working on developing a modified nuclear-DNA extraction technology, as part of this US$7.4 million project, to address Viet Nam's challenges with heavily degraded remains samples.

On Monday, CDI and ICMP held a scientific workshop in Ha Noi, focused on DNA extraction capabilities of ICMPs technology and its suitability for subsequent applications.

The Ambassadors visit was part of the workshop and was joined by ICMP Director General Kathryne Bomberger, USAID/Viet Nam and VNOSMP leadership.

Through ICMP, USAID plans to equip a lab at CDI with advanced DNA equipment, techniques, and materials, enabling the centre to successfully extract usable DNA from highly degraded Vietnamese bone samples.

I am pleased to reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the United States in supporting Viet Nam's commendable efforts to identify human remains from the war and reuniting identified remains with their family members. We stand side by side with Viet Nam, acknowledging the profound importance of providing answers to families who have endured decades of uncertainty, Ambassador Marc Knapper said.

USAIDs Identification of Human Remains project aims to improve Viet Nam's DNA analysis capabilities and help the country develop a comprehensive system for matching DNA from highly degraded remains with the DNA from families searching for loved ones.

This is part of the US Governments Vietnamese Wartime Accounting Initiative, reciprocating over three decades of support from the Vietnamese side in finding and identifying the remains of more than 700 missing Americans in Viet Nam.

The US and Viet Nam are celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their Comprehensive Partnership this year.  VNS
HA NOI  National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong inh Hue on Tuesday hosted separate receptions in Ha Noi for Indonesian Ambassador Denny Abdi and Iranian Ambassador Ali Akbar Nazari.

At the meeting with Abdi, Hue spoke highly of Indonesia's role not only in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) but also in the region and the world, as a member of the G20.

Viet Nam is Indonesia's only strategic partner in Southeast Asia, he said.

During a State visit by the President of Viet Nam to Indonesia last year, the two countries completed negotiations on the delimitation of the two countries' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) boundary. The NA leader expressed his hope that the two sides will soon hasten respective legislatures to ratify an agreement on the EEZ delimitation for early enforcement.

For his part, Abdi said that Indonesia wishes to cooperate closely with Viet Nam not only for the benefits of each country but also for the common interests of the region and the world. Welcoming the positive collaboration results between the two countries in the field of trade, the ambassador underlined the need to promote growth in the region, especially in the current period.

The ambassador said the completion of EEZ delimination negotiations will help the two countries expand cooperation in the fields of aquatic farming and processing and fisheries, contributing to ensuring food security for the region.

According to Abdi, by implementing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), both Indonesia and Viet Nam want to receive support to make the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy and attract more foreign investment in this field.

On this occasion, the NA Chairman affirmed that Viet Nam will do its best to support Indonesia to successfully organise the upcoming ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) General Assembly, and hoped that Indonesia will assist the Vietnamese National Assembly in hosting the ninth Inter-Parliarmentary Union (IPU) Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians.

Receiving the Iranian ambassador, Hue said the friendship and cooperation between the two countries have developed fruitfully over the past time.

Viet Nam always attaches importance and wishes to maintain and promote the friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Iran, he said.

Nazari said that Viet Nam and Iran share many similarities, therefore, the two countries can jointly tap this potential for the benefits of their people.

Stressing the important role of parliamentary diplomacy, the ambassador welcomed the two countries' parliaments to discuss strengthening coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums such as the IPU.

On the ground of the 50-year relationship, Viet Nam wants to promote comprehensive relations with Iran across all channels of Party, National Assembly, Government, and people-to-people exchange, Hue said, suggesting the two countries share experience in national construction and development.  VNS
HA NOI  A series of homestays and farmstays have sprung up in many provinces and cities in recent years due to the increasing demand from domestic and foreign tourists.

However, there have also been numerous violations related to the construction and operation of this tourism model, causing headaches for local authorities.

Tien Phong (Vanguard) newspaper reported that there are about 37 homestays and farmstays in ak Nong Province. However, based on the report from the provincial People's Committee, only La homestay in ak Lao Commune, ak Mil District, has been assessed to meet all the necessary conditions for serving tourists.

In ak Nong, tourists are always impressed by the beautiful landscape of Ta ung Lake in ak Som Commune, ak Glong District, which has been likened to Ha Long Bay in the mountains.

However, this area is being invaded by homestays and farmstays, destroying the natural landscape.

Tran Nam Thuan, chairman of the People's Committee of ak Glong District, admitted that these establishments have been built on agricultural land since 2016. Until now, there has been no proper planning for these developments, leading to significant difficulties in management.

The results of last year's inspection revealed a total of 56 violations, including unauthorised construction on agricultural land, construction exceeding the permitted residential area, and other violations related to land management and construction in ak Som Commune from 2015 to 2021.

Ton Thi Ngoc Hanh, vice chairman of the provincial People's Committee, said that the rapid development of homestays is creating many difficulties for the management and handling of violations by local authorities.

"ak Nong Province authorities said there should be no tolerance or turning a blind eye to misbehaviour within the province."

In Kon Tum Province, Kon Tum Rubber One Member Limited Company was granted a permit to build an eco-tourism guesthouse area in Mang en town, Kon Plong District in 2006.

However, the company did not carry out the project as permitted and instead leased the land to another company.

This action violated the regulations of the land law.

Currently, many homestays have been built illegally on this land, the newspaper reported.

In the northwest region, besides well-planned community-based homestays that comply with regulations and legal requirements, there are also many places where various homestays are put into operation without completing their legal procedures.

According to statistics from the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Yen Bai province, there are currently more than 200 homestays, mainly in areas with strong tourism potential such as Nghia Lo township, Tram Tau, Mu Cang Chai and Yen Binh districts.

Trinh The Binh, the head of the Culture Division in Mu Cang Chai District, said there are 104 homestays in the district. More than 40 per cent of them have met the necessary conditions for operating accommodations. However, over 50 per cent of the remaining homestays have not yet completed the necessary procedures for land-use conversion, and fire prevention, but are still in operation.

According to Binh, these establishments are allowed to operate despite failing to meet all the conditions. This decision is made to accommodate the high demand during the tourist season.

The local authorities will continuously monitor, raise awareness, and provide guidance to homestay owners to promptly complete all the necessary legal procedures.

In the mountain district of Tram Tau, the statistics showed that there are currently 26 homestays operating, even though their legal documents are not yet fully completed.

Duong Phuong Thao, the Head of the Culture Division in Tram Tau District, community-based tourism has developed in recent years.

Some construction projects have not been converted according to the proper land-use purposes. However, the district still permits their operation to attract tourists.

As a famous tourist destination in the northwest region, Sa Pa in Lao Cai Province, has also witnessed a significant boom in homestay business.

There were 94 homestays in Sa Pa Township by 2010. The number soared to 108 by 2015 and reached 306 by 2019, and by 2022, it further increased to 364 establishments.

Due to construction violations and non-compliance with land laws, especially the uncontrolled proliferation of homestays, recently, the People's Committee of Sa Pa Township issued a plan to implement measures to re-establish discipline and order in land management, construction, and tourism service businesses in the locality.

Under this plan, the violating constructions will be required to be demolished.

On July 19, during the 15th Provincial People's Council's seventh sitting of Son La Province, Phung Kim Son, director of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, said that in Ta Xua Commune, Bac Yen District, and Moc Chau District, there is an issue where some households and individuals are arbitrarily changing the land-use purposes and constructing buildings on agricultural land without proper authorisation.

Many project owners are not fully complying with the obligations of land users as stipulated in the 2013 Land Law. They are not using the land for the intended purpose, failing to declare and register land-use rights, not fulfilling the financial obligations, and not completing the necessary land-use change procedures.

The department is actively coordinating with relevant agencies to conduct inspections of land management, Son said.

It also advises the chairman of the provincial People's Committee to propose that the chairmen of the People's Committees of the districts sign commitments to enhance their roles and responsibilities in resource management and environmental protection, including effective land management.  VNS
CENTRAL REGION  The central province of Quang Nam has proposed an urban railway route connecting Chu Lai Airport with a Nang International Airport and major eco-tourism destinations in the region.

Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Le Tri Thanh said the transport department has been assigned for building the plan.

He said the transit-oriented development (TOD) railway system will help promote smooth tourism traffic among hotspots in the province, including a Nang and two key airports in central Viet Nam.

Emerging tourist zones, including Duy Hai, Duy Nghia, Binh Minh, Nui Thanh and Tam Ky City will also benefit from the developments, as part of the 'Master Plan 2021-30, Vision 2050' with a focus on infrastructure in the central region.

The local authorities have planned a study on investment needs for a light rail transit (LRT) and mass rapid transport (MRT) system between the UNESCO-recognised world heritage site of Hoi An and a Nang to serve locals and tourists.

An expected fund of $596 million would be used to build the LRT/MRT project and mass transport infrastructure works from 2025.

Quang Nam and a Nang also began jointly building a bridge spanning the Yen River to serve the growing traffic between Hoa Vang District in a Nang and ien Ban Town in Quang Nam. An express network from a Nang to Thanh My Town (Quang Nam Province) and Bo Y border check-point in the Central Highlands Kon Tum province is also planned.

The two localities have been dredging a 28km section of the Co Co River to facilitate a waterway between Hoi An and a Nang.

It reported that around 10,000 vehicles travel from a Nang to Hoi An ancient town in Quang Nam each day during the high-season tourism time.

Quang Nam Province put a coastal road from Tam Ky City to Chu Lai Airport to Chu Lai Open Economic Zone into operation, creating an economic growth axis of the Chu Lai Economic Zone, the a Nang-Quang Ngai Expressway and the Dung Quat Economic Zone in neighbouring Quang Ngai Province.

Chu Lai Airport will be upgraded to host five million tourists and five million tonnes of cargo a year, while a Nang will increase the airports capacity to 28 million passengers and 200,000 tonnes of cargo by 2030.

Meanwhile, Thua Thien Hue Province has included a construction plan for a sea bridge over part of the Tam Giang Lagoon to be built in 2024-28.

The bridge and entrance lanes will offer better traffic connections from Phu a Town to Vinh Xuan Commune of Phu Vang District and Hue City.

Last year, the province began construction of another coastal road and sea bridge in Thuan An Township that promotes links between key provincial economic zones and the national coastal highways.

The coastal road will help create smooth traffic between Quang Tri, a Nang, Thua Thien Hue, and the East-West Economic Corridor that links Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Viet Nam.

The road will also help promote tourism, and seaport access, and help develop economic zones and industrial parks in the Chan May-Lang Co Economic Zone.

The province put into operation terminal No 2 at the provincial Phu Bai International Airport to increase capacity to up to five million passengers per year.  VNS
AMSTERDAM  The Vietnamese Embassy in the Netherlands has held an exchange with international students from The Hague Academy of International Law, introducing them to Viet Nams foreign policy and activities of its diplomatic representative agencies abroad.

Nearly 20 students of various nationalities  France, Senegal, Italy, Japan, and Viet Nam, among others  participated in the event. Most of them, including two from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam, were in the final year of their Master's or Ph.D. law programmes, with some already working in courts and foreign ministries.

Ambassador Pham Viet Anh had an open discussion with the students about Viet Nams key foreign policy principles and fundamental diplomatic pillars, as well as the basic functions and main activities of the country's diplomatic representation abroad.

The students showed their interest in and raised many questions about the international situation, the Southeast Asia region, Viet Nams perspectives, and its approach to current global issues.

Their queries were clearly answered, reflecting Viet Nams consistent position of respecting international law, supporting peace, cooperation, and reconciliation, and choosing what is right and just, as well as not taking sides.

They also expressed their appreciation of the nations foreign policy of independence, proactiveness, openness and active international integration that contributes to building a world of peace, justice, and prosperity based on international law.  VNS
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Loc, CEO of Mekong Logistics, said he would increase the number of trucks, apply technology, improve quality and operational efficiency, and expand services in Cambodia.

Why did the company decide to invest in buying 50 new trucks and tractors when the economy faced many obstacles and businesses, tightened spending?

- This is an approved investment in the 5-year business plan for 2020-2025 to become a leading logistics company in the Vietnam - Cambodia transport market by 2025. Despite the difficult situation, we still maintain a growth rate of 20% annually. The investment in new vehicles is within the ability and necessary to expand the scale of operations and develop the market.

Currently, the general situation of many Vietnamese enterprises is that they need help in export markets such as the US, Europe, Japan, and Korea... They are gradually changing direction, looking for opportunities in neighboring countries and more acceptable markets. Among them is Cambodia. Therefore, Mekong Logistics focuses on investment resources to prepare to serve this potential customer file.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Loc - CEO of Mekong Logistics (4th from the right) at the signing ceremony to order trucks and tractors. Photo: Mekong Logistics

- How will the new fleet of vehicles work?

- Mekong Logistics currently has 100 vehicles operating the service, including 50 old and 50 new. This resource helps the unit focus on B2B customer segments (factories, businesses) with large and regular monthly export volumes to Cambodia.

The company also exploits services at many border gates stretching from Binh Phuoc to the western provinces, transporting various products from retail goods, containers, food and foodstuffs, garments, leather shoes, machinery, super heavyweights... With a new fleet of vehicles, the operation will be quick, cost-optimized, and transport time.

Owning many vehicles of diverse types also helps us actively transport goods flexibly without restrictions on the volume and size of items, bring goods from the place of production to the warehouse to the place of consumption without much dependence on weather conditions, and quickly respond to customers' needs.

- Why does Mekong Logistics appreciate and focus on the Cambodian market?

Mr. Loc and his associates visited trucks and tractors. Photo: Mekong Logistics

- Vietnam is Cambodia's third-largest global trade partner and first among ASEAN countries. In 2022, bilateral trade increased by nearly 11% compared to 2021, reaching over 10.57 billion USD. Vietnam currently has 205 valid investment projects in Cambodia with a total registered capital of 2.94 billion USD, ranking first in ASEAN and the group of 5 countries with the largest direct investment in Cambodia. This is also the second country out of 79 countries and territories where Vietnam has invested abroad.

The trade scale between the two countries has continuously grown, promoting economic cooperation, trade and investment. We specialize in exporting to Cambodia all kinds of consumer goods, materials for production, importing agricultural products... Vietnamese people live and work in Cambodia, so the market easily accepts Vietnamese goods. Export transportation advantages when bordering roads, the border line is up to nearly 1,200 km extending from Kon Tum to Kien Giang.

Currently, the logistics market has much potential, so we decided to penetrate deeply and invest heavily in exploiting a variety of services on the Vietnam - Cambodia route to become a leading unit in this market.

- What strengths does the company have to exploit the Cambodian market?

- More than 10 years of experience in exploiting, operating and developing services helps us build a complete and large-scale operating system at both ends of Vietnam and Cambodia. Offices are located in both countries and border gates with local staff fluent in Vietnamese - English - Khmer languages, understanding the market practices of both sides.

The diverse warehousing system, such as trucks, container trailers, trailers, minivans, and practical experience in the transportation market create the basis for us to build flexible, cost-effective, and time-optimized solutions. With competitive prices, the company provides:

Various import and export services.

Door-to-door delivery.

Multi-modal transportation.

Various goods.

Mekong Logistics built a customs clearance agent capable of handling procedures at more than 15 pairs of border gates stretching from Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, Long An, and Dong Thap to An Giang and Kien Giang. The warehouse has full equipment for weighing, lifting and lowering goods. All these factors make it easy for customers to choose services, save time, and optimize logistics costs.

- What are the company's plans shortly?

- In the last 6 months of the year, Mekong Logistics focuses on exploiting a group of customers, including corporate customers, manufacturing plants providing necessities, food, FMCG, and garment materials, with large output, which are exported to Cambodia every month from Vietnam to Cambodia, factories in your country wishing to import goods from third countries transiting Vietnam.

We apply technology to optimize the distribution and control of stages, thereby improving operational efficiency, using software for order management, vehicle route monitoring, GPS and real-time vehicle management cameras. Upgrade the system and invest in facilities yearly to meet the service scale.

Mekong Logistics focuses on applying technology and digitization in businesses, aiming to dominate the Vietnam - Cambodia logistics market segment with various services, means of transport, and customer segments.

Also read: Lack of a regional logistics network hinders the Mekong Delta's sustainable growth

Transport infrastructure development key to Mekong Delta growth

Vietnam, Cambodia strengthen relations
The western region of Quang Tri has many untouched and impressive places with fresh air and pleasant weather, even in hot summer, for visitors to explore.

Many travelers do not view Quang Tri as a destination full of exciting new experiences. Historical locations, including Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, Hien Luong Bridge, and La Vang Sanctuary, are popular tourist destinations in this central province.

Also read: Nighttime spiritual tour of Quang Tri citadel



Quang Tri, however, is home to numerous stunning, striking, and unaltered natural landscapes.

"I was born and raised in Quang Tri; later, I came to live and work in Da Lat. On every trip back to my hometown, I spend some time discovering the beauty of my homeland, with the desire to spread the impressive landscapes of the heroic land to friends and tourists. And I am always surprised by the beauty of Quang Tri", said Tran Minh Hieu, a tourist guy.

Read more: Quang Tri  land of war memories with desire for peace

Hieu spent three days and two nights at the beginning of July, seeing the Dong Ha region and the western part of Quang Tri. This country has stunning terrain with lush woods, refreshing streams, waterfalls, and hospitable people. However, it needs to be better known to travelers. It is like a hidden gem. Social media users praised the boy's uploaded photos.

Schedule

In the early morning of the first day, Hieu moved from Dong Ha city center to Trieu Lang beach, An Luu village lotus pond, and Quang Tri ancient citadel. At noon, he returned to the motel in Dong Ha to rest. After that, he and his friends visited a lonely tree at Rao Quan hydroelectric lake. At the end of the afternoon, they went to camp overnight on Cu Vo Peak.



On day two, after successfully hunting rattan on Cu Vo Peak, Hieu went to Nam Mua Bungalows Resort, Sa Mu Pass, Ta Puong waterfall. On the second night, Hieu's group stayed at this resort. The cost is 800,000 VND/two-bedroom apartment.

The next day, he went to Homi Coffee, a spot popular with young people for its picturesque views of the mountains and lyrical rivers, before going back to Dong Ha.

"The timetable traveled through a few spots, but I set it up correctly on the same path because the places weren't too far apart. From Dong Ha to the sea route, it took about 30 minutes by car, and from Dong Ha to the western mountainous road of Quang Tri, the furthest point was about 50km," Hieu said.

Hieu's party (which consisted of 4 people) decided to rent a 4-seater automobile because Quang Tri's summers are extremely hot and sunny to travel fast and easily. Renting a motorcycle will cost you far less money.

Minh Hieu advised how to escape the hottest part of the day: "Visitors should get up early in the morning to see the sea or visit some places near the sea before the sun is too high."

Interesting experiences

The camping excursion and early morning cloud-spotting atop Cu Vo Peak with Hieu was the highlight of the vacation. Backpackers have long "classified" Cu Vo in Huong Linh commune (Huong Hoa, Quang Tri) as the location to: "Watch the most beautiful sunrise in Quang Tri province" and "The ideal place to hunt clouds in Quang Tri province." When looking down, tourists may see the Rao Quan hydroelectric lake bed and the wind farm located far away in the Huong Linh commune.

"In the evening, the weather on the top of the mountain is very pleasant; it will be cold like Da Lat, fresh, and there is a beautiful sunset. My friends and I grill BBQ, sit, sing, and talk. At night, the weather is even cold. I am subjective, so I don't bring a warm blanket," Minh Hieu said.

Hieu says tent rental and tour services are available at Cu Vo Peak. Newcomers can learn how to make reservations for services.

Hieu's party visited Ta Puong and Chenh Venh waterfalls while on the excursion.

The trekking route to the foot of the waterfall is close, a few hundred meters from Chenh Venh Waterfall and 1.5km from Ta Puong Waterfall. However, the scenery is beautiful, enough to make visitors go crazy.

Chenh Venh waterfall is in Huong Phung commune, Huong Hoa district, Quang Tri. If traveling from Dong Ha, travelers move along Highway 9 for about 60 km until they reach Khe Sanh, where they turn right and proceed along the Ho Chi Minh Road West branch. After passing Huong Phung commune (Huong Hoa), they travel another 40 km until they reach the base of Sa Mu pass, where Chenh Veh waterfall flows day and night. Mother Waterfall is located in the vicinity of the Chenh Venh Waterfall.

At the foot of Mother Waterfall is a large, deep blue lake.

Unlike Chenh Venh Huong Phung waterfall, Ta Puong waterfall in Huong Viet, in addition to the waterfall system, also has a small high cave about 10m wide and 200m deep into the mountain. Ta Puong Cave, Ta Puong 1, Ta Puong 2, and Ta Puong 3 waterfalls are the names locals give to the cave and three waterfalls in the Ta Puong picturesque region.

"Ta Puong" in Bru-Van Kieu means "Where there is a waterfall from the high mountain". Visitors may enjoy three magnificent waterfalls (over 35 meters high) from the summit.

The most exquisite and lyrical waterfall is Ta Puong 3; from a distance, it appears to be silky silver silk that shines out against the lush forest. Visitors would enjoy swimming in the tranquil lake at the waterfall's base because of the water's clarity and mild temperature.

"As a son of Quang Tri, I was very surprised by the natural landscape of my homeland," said Minh Hieu.

In addition to the places mentioned above, Hieu suggested that visitors can explore Cua Viet Beach, Vinh Moc tunnels, Con Co Island, Mui Treo, Ru Linh primeval forest, etc.,

Also read: Experience visiting the base area Con Tien  Doc Mieu Quang Tri
The UK is joining a select group of nations in the wide-ranging CPTPP

The UK formally signed a treaty to accede to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in New Zealand on July 16, kickstarting the UKs membership of a modern and ambitious trade deal spanning 12 economies across Asia-Pacific and now Europe.

The UK government will now seek to ratify the agreement, which will include parliamentary scrutiny, while other CPTPP countries complete their own legislative processes. It is expected that the deal will come into force next year.

The signing comes as a new government report revealed one in every 100 UK workers was employed by a business headquartered in a CPTPP member nation in 2019, equating to over 400,000 jobs across the country.

Membership of the trade group is expected to spark further investment in the UK by CPTPP countries, already worth over $238 billion in 2021, by guaranteeing protections for investors.

New driver

Accumulatively as of June 20, the UKs total registered investment capital in Vietnam was $4.26 billion for 530 valid projects, including $34.1 million worth of newly registered and newly added capital, and stake acquisitions and capital contributions for the January-June 20 period, up 59 per cent on-year, according to Vietnams Ministry of Planning and Investment.

British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew said, Total trade between the UK and Vietnam recently reached 6.9 billion ($8.87 billion), an increase of 29 per cent on last year, and Im confident that the UKs accession to the CPTPP will strengthen this even further.

This shows the UKs strategic commitment to the Indo-Pacific region. I am grateful to the Vietnamese government for their support and collaboration in accession, particularly meaningful as we celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between our countries. I look forward to working closely with the Vietnamese government, other partners and businesses to make the most of this new partnership.

UK membership could also benefit businesses and investors in Vietnam through modern rules that make it easier to establish, operate investments and do business in the UK, according to the British Embassy to Vietnam.

As for Vietnam, joining CPTPP will complement our existing UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA), upgrading our bilateral relationship with additional preferential tariffs, the embassy said in a statement. The removal of trade barriers will support our mutual economic security by deepening participation in each others supply chains and diversifying our trade. These benefits will increase opportunities for trade, supporting our economies and increasing opportunities for our businesses.

The UK will be the first European member and first new member since the CPTPP was created. With the UK as a member, the CPTPP will have a combined GDP of 12 trillion ($15.7 trillion) and account for 15 per cent of global GDP.

Being part of the CPTPP will mean that more than 99 per cent of current UK goods exports to CPTPP countries will be eligible for zero tariffs. Dairy farmers, for example, will benefit from reduced tariffs on cheese and butter exports to Canada, Chile, Japan, and Mexico. This builds on the 23.9 million ($30.72 million) worth of dairy products we exported to these countries in 2022.

Chris Jeffery, chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, said, We are excited about this further opening up of business opportunities for both Vietnam and the UK, with the existing UKVFTA and now the accession to the CPTPP, the opportunities availed to British business based in Vietnam are some of the best worldwide.

Our belief is that trade between Vietnam and the UK will continue its rapid growth, marking the start of our next 50 years of partnership and growing links between the two countries. The opportunity is now there for UK companies to fully benefit from the UKs focus on developing ties and links with Asia, Jeffery said.

Maintaining momentum

Currently, Vietnam-UK trade and investment ties are largely driven by the UKVFTA, which entered into force in May 2021, besides Vietnams improved investment and business climate. Once the CPTPP takes effect with tariff reductions and removal, businesses from the UK and Vietnam can select that or the UKVFTA to apply for their exports to their respective markets based on their own conditions and ability to meet requirements under each agreement.

If they fail to meet the requirements of both agreements, their exports will not be able to benefit from any incentives from the agreements and instead be subject to export conditions as usually applied in the past.

As part of the UKVFTA, 85.6 per cent of tariff lines for goods imported by the UK from Vietnam were eliminated in January 2021, and 99.2 per cent will be removed by January 2027, according to the UKs Department for International Trade.

The UKVFTA is on route to become a highway for businesses to reach to the other sides markets faster and stronger thanks to its extensive tariff reduction roadmap, said Nguyen Canh Cuong, trade counsellor at the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK.

This agreement creates advantages for many products of both sides to access the other sides markets such as telephone sets, ordinary machinery, textiles, footwear, seafood, furniture, iron and steel, coffee, and cashew nuts from Vietnam as well as modern machinery, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, leather and footwear materials, and cars from the UK, Cuong continued.

The UKVFTA has established a tax-free roadmap for almost all Vietnamese products exported into the UK and vice versa. As a result, many Vietnamese products have a superior competitive advantage in the UK market compared to similar products originating from countries that do not have FTAs with the UK such as China, India, Pakistan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, and South American countries.

Benefits of UK accession to CPTPP Boosting services: The UK is the worlds second-largest services provider, and services accounted for 43 per cent of our trade with CPTPP members last year. Joining the agreement can reduce red tape  British firms will not be required to establish a local office or be resident to supply a service, and will be able to operate on a par with local firms. Increased flexibility: Modern rules of origin (ROO) could make British businesses more competitive by allowing them to trade more freely across the trade area. For example, UK car manufacturers could sell engines tariff-free to a carmaker in the grouping who could then sell those cars tariff-free to any other member country, subject to meeting the ROO. This is currently not possible under all the bilateral trade agreements the UK has in place with CPTPP members, and will help exporters diversify their supply chains and create new export opportunities. Pro-investment: Investment between the UK and CPTPP countries is expected to increase, as the agreement contains provisions to limit barriers and encourage more inward investment. Cutting-edge: Remotely delivered services from the UK to the CPTPP were worth $30 billion in 2021. The CPTPP sets modern rules for digital trade across all sectors of the economy and will support UK businesses of all sizes to seek new opportunities in CPTPP markets. New markets: Joining means the UK will have a free trade agreement with Malaysia for the first time, giving businesses far more access to an economy worth $431.8 billion in GDP in 2022. Tariffs of around 80 per cent will be eliminated on British exports of whisky within 10 years and tariffs of 30 per cent on UK exports of cars will be eliminated within seven years. Cheaper consumer prices: Reduced tariffs on imported goods could also lead to cheaper prices for British consumers on high-quality products, like fruit juices from Chile and Peru and honey and chocolate from Mexico. Source: British Embassy to Vietnam

Members determined to smooth CPTPP path for UK Vietnam continues to back up Britains entry into a major trade pact, although the exact benefits for members are yet to be fully understood.

UK formally inks deal to join CPTPP The United Kingdom formally signed a treaty to accede to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade group in New Zealand on July 16, kickstarting its membership of a modern and ambitious trade deal spanning 12 economies across Asia, the Pacific, and now Europe.
Thai exporters concerned about price hikes after Indias rice export ban, Illustrative image (source: bangkokpost.com)

Bangkok - Thai rice exporters are concerned about India's announcement that it will ban the export of non-basmati white rice with immediate effect, saying the move could potentially impact Thailand's rice industry, leading to a possible 10 per cent increase in domestic prices.

Honorary President of the Thai Rice Exporters Association (TREA) Chookiat Ophaswongse said the ban is likely to prompt Thai rice mills and rice exporters to delay rice purchase orders in order to evaluate the impact, as India is the world's biggest rice exporter.



India, which accounts for 40 per cent of world rice exports, on July 20 ordered a halt to its largest rice export category to reduce domestic prices, which have climbed to multi-year highs in recent weeks as erratic weather threatens production.



Rice is a staple food for over 3 billion people, and nearly 90 per cent of the water-intensive crop is produced in Asia, where the dry El Nino weather pattern is likely to curb supplies.



He said that as a result of India's ban, Thai rice exports are expected to be significantly impacted, particularly with regard to the pricing of different varieties for which purchase contracts are still pending. Thai rice exporters and domestic traders may need to hold off on purchase contracts, as they expect India's move may drive global prices higher.



It is anticipated that domestic rice prices may need to be adjusted upwards by at least 10%, he said.



The cultivation of Thai rice itself is currently facing problems of drought in several areas, which raises concerns that the quantity of Thai rice this year might decrease. All parties involved will have to expedite finding ways to address these challenges, Chookiat added.



The Bangkok Post cited a Commerce Ministry source as saying that Minister of Commerce Jurin Laksanawisit is aware of India's problem and has instructed the private sector and Thai commercial attaches in India to investigate the details of the ban, particularly concerning the exemption of Basmati rice.



The Commerce Ministry is to hold a joint meeting with the private sector next week to prepare a plan to cope with the impact, if the ban is true, the source said.

Thai food groups set sights on fresh gains Dozens of small- and medium-sized Thai groups are looking for partners to spread their operations in terms of agriculture and food in Vietnam.

Thai airport upgrades demonstrate Vietnams future Major advancements have been made at Bangkoks Suvarnabhumi Airport. Seubpong Kumhong, deputy chairman at Thailand Public Co., Ltd. (AOT), provided VIRs Celine Luu insights into the forward-looking capabilities of Satellite Terminal 1, its integrated technology systems, and the challenges encountered during its construction.
Accordingly, the UK will not apply adverse regulations to products imported from Vietnam when investigating trade remedy cases. This means the export of Vietnamese goods to the UK will be treated more fairly and penetrate more deeply into the UK market.

Once such recognition is forthcoming, it will boost investment and trade activities between Vietnam and the UK, thereby contributing to economic development.

Vietnam was the UKs 40th largest trading partner in 2022, accounting for 0.4 per cent of total UK trade. Total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and Vietnam was 6.9 billion ($8.86 billion), an increase of 29.1 per cent or 1.6 billion ($2 billion) at the end of 2021.

Kenneth Atkinson, chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce Vietnam, is expecting continued growth in bilateral trade relationship and investments and the UK will continue with the UK's accession to CPTPP, which will be another major boost to UK-Vietnam trade. This will likely lead to high level bilateral visits both to Vietnam and the UK.

I expect to see continued visits by trade missions looking at sectors favoured by UK companies like energy, smart cities, education, healthcare, pharma, and fintech, Atkinson said. We expect a particularly exciting time for growth in renewable energy and sustainability linked trade too, following the agreement of the Just Energy Transition Partnership with Vietnam.

Currently, 71 countries and territories have recognised Vietnam in various forms as a market economy.

UK investors confident in Vietnams GMT response Many British investors in Vietnam are large multinational corporations, who view the country as an emerging market or an increasingly promising place for future investment. That said, Vietnam will find many of them to be in the scope of the global minimum tax (GMT) regime and Pillar 2 by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

UK formally inks deal to join CPTPP The United Kingdom formally signed a treaty to accede to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade group in New Zealand on July 16, kickstarting its membership of a modern and ambitious trade deal spanning 12 economies across Asia, the Pacific, and now Europe.
Actor-director Jung Woo-sung speaks during a press conference for the film "A Man of Reason" held at CGV Yongsan branch in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap



By Kwak Yeon-soo



Jung Woo-sung, whose acting credits include "Beat" (1997), "The Good, the Bad, the Weird" (2008) and "Hunt" (2022), said his feature directorial debut "A Man of Reason" is a familiar but riveting tale of a retired assassin whose plan to lead a normal life is cut short when he becomes targeted by other hitmen.



"'A Man of Reason' is an idea brought by film producer Song Dae-chan. He initially asked me to play the lead role in the action film. However, the director, who was supposed to helm the film, quit early in the production stage for personal reasons. So I said to Song: 'Maybe I should direct this film,'" he said during a press conference for the film, Monday.



Jung said he tried to revamp a familiar storyline by adding his own touch. "It's a very classic action genre, but as a filmmaker, I managed to add a cinematic twist to it," he said, adding that "A Man of Reason" is a character-driven film.



The lead cast includes Kim Nam-gil, who starred in "Closet" (2020) and "Emergency Declaration" (2022), Park Sung-woong, known for the films "New World" (2013) and "OK! Madam" (2020) and Kim Jun-han of the hit TV series "Hospital Playlist" (2020) and "Anna" (2022).





From left, actors Kim Jun-han, Park Sung-woong and Kim Nam-gil pose during a press conference for the film "A Man of Reason" held at CGV Yongsan branch in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap
A KIDO bakery in Hanoi. Photo: baotintuc.vn

Hanoi - The competition in the Vietnamese confectionery market has become fiercer with the return of KIDO Group (KDC) two years ago.

KIDO Group transferred its confectionery business to a foreign partner with a commitment to not participate in the sector for five years. After a six-year absence, it officially returned to the confectionery industry in October 2021. After heavy investment in the KIDO Bakery brand, the company now aims to be the No. 2 position in the bakery industry in Vietnam within the next three to five years.

KIDO this year is targeting its highest pre-tax profit since 2017. Accordingly, the company has set a net revenue goal of 15 trillion VND and a pre-tax profit of 900 billion VND for 2023, up 20 per cent and 76 per cent respectively compared to the previous year.

KIDO also carried out a strategy to restructure the business this year into four sub-groups focussing on cooking oil, ice cream, confectionery and fish sauce.

According to Tran Le Nguyen, general director of KIDO, the step is to create conditions for the company to link with multinational companies in each segment.

KIDO's products will not be only consumed domestically but also exported, which will help improve the companys profit margins. If the price of raw materials is stable, the profit will increase even more.

KIDOs board of directors has also submitted a plan to shareholders for approval to reduce the rate of special pidend in 2022 to 10 per cent in cash, instead of 50 per cent as previously approved. KIDO said the pidend reduction is based on the reality on the ground as well as new investment plans this year. KIDO has recently completed the acquisition of a 25 per cent stake in the Tho Phat Dumplings brand and plans to increase its ownership of Hung Vuong Plaza to 76 per cent.

According to the latest data from market research company Euromonitor, KIDO is currently the market leader in the ice cream industry with a share of 44.5 per cent, of which the Merino brand accounts for 24.2 per cent and the Celano brand accounts for 19.2 per cent.

KIDO is also leading the margarine industry in Vietnam with a market share of 74.9 per cent and ranks second in cooking oil with about 30 per cent of the market share.

PAN Group is another top confectionary brand in the country. At its annual general meeting of shareholders, Nguyen Duy Hung, chairman of PAN Groups board of directors, said the business plans of each member company and PAN Group itself have been developed under careful guidance.

Specifically, PAN Groups consolidated revenue and profit in 2023 will increase by 8 to 9 per cent compared to 2022 to more than 15.15 trillion VND and 991 billion VND.

PAN Groups leaders have identified food and confectionery as its core business segments with a revenue growth of 15 per cent thanks to the gradual recovery of domestic demand. Pre-tax profits from the companys core business activities are expected to double over 2022 (excluding extraordinary profits from plant transfer transactions).

PAN Group is considered a big player in the countrys agriculture, fishery, and confectionery industries with many big brands under its control. In particular, in the confectionery segment, it completed the acquisition of the famous Bibica in the middle of last year with ownership increasing to 98.3 per cent.

Besides KIDO and PAN Group, the countrys confectionery market also has the participation of other big names such as Mondelez Kinh Do (UK), Orion (the Republic of Korea), and domestic brands such as Huu Nghi and Hai Ha.

The race of big names in the confectionery industry is not only happening in the domestic market that has an average growth rate of only 5 to 8 per cent a year. For faster growth, many companies choose to find new markets through export.

Nguyen Quoc Hoang, general director of Bibica, told the companys investor conference last year that this was not the time for Bibica to be on the defensive.

The statement of the head of Bibica, as well as the market developments and the targets of remaining domestic confectionery companies, show giants in the local confectionery industry are considering long-term and sustainable plans to export.
Cameron Park Zoo officials are asking their peers at other accredited U.S. zoos to review the deaths last week of a giraffe and her newborn calf at the Waco zoo.

Penelope, a 10-year-old Masai giraffe, died of unknown causes last Wednesday, followed by her month-old calf, Zuri, on Saturday. Zoo officials are waiting on the results of necropsies, or animal autopsies, performed on both animals.

Acting Zoo Director Duane Hills has asked for help from members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that participate in the Species Survival Plan for Masai giraffes.

Were sharing results of the necropsies, Hills said. Well work together with them to answer any other requests and requirements they may ask for.

The Species Survival Plan network allows zoos to exchange and breed endangered animals to ensure genetically healthy offspring. Hills said the deaths of the giraffes have not delayed any transfers in and out of Cameron Park Zoo.

Hills said Cameron Park Zoo is following the example of the Dallas Zoo, which requested an outside inquiry after two giraffes died in summer 2021.

We want to have a second set of eyes review these two deaths, Hills said.

Hills expressed utmost confidence in all of his staff and the zoos veterinarian, Dr. James Kusmierczyk. Hills said the zoo wants to be fully transparent about the care and feeding as well as the health and behavior of the giraffes before their deaths.

After Penelope died July 19, Kusmierczyk consulted with other accredited zoos of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums about the care of the orphaned calf, Hills said. Cameron Park Zoo staff followed the recommendations. Baby giraffes are normally weaned at 6 months to a year.

Our zookeepers began to feed Zuri with bottles. And we were encouraged by success there, Hills said. Zuri had also bonded with Dane, her father, Penelopes breeding partner. We brought in Jenny, an unrelated female giraffe of a different subspecies, to give Zuri herd support.

Hills said that Zuri was bonding with Jenny as well up until the end.

Zuri took a sudden and acute turn, Hills said. We were all shocked and surprised.

Penelope had turned 10 in May and had lived at Cameron Park Zoo since a few weeks before her first birthday, Hills said. Two years ago Penelope gave birth to Zeke after breeding with Dane. Hill said zoo staff had every reason to believe that she would live after birthing Zuri.

The remaining giraffes, Dane and Jenny, are doing well, and Hills said his staff have no reason to believe at this point that anything communicable to other animals caused Penelope and Zuri to die.

A press release from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in January says 28 accredited North American zoos house 120 Masai giraffes.

About 70 miles away in Glen Rose, the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center has 11 giraffes, which are all healthy, Warren Lewis, a spokesperson for the wildlife center, said in a Monday email. The nonprofit wildlife center is also accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

We were sad to hear the news, too, Lewis said. According to our veterinarians there is no need for concern.
Police have charged an Oklahoma woman with murder in a Lacy Lakeview mans stabbing death in April.

Leah Cecelia Breuer, 36, was transferred to McLennan County Jail on Monday after remaining in custody in Oklahoma since her arrest May 17. Breuer is accused of killing David Ralph Peeler Jr., 44, who was found dead April 24 in his apartment with multiple stab wounds to his torso and sides.

Police responding to the Village Square apartments in Lacy Lakeview that afternoon found Peeler dead on a deflated air mattress and found blood smeared along the walls of the bedroom and a large amount of blood in the bathroom, according to Breuers arrest warrant affidavit.

A family member told detectives Peeler had an on-and-off relationship with Breuer and said she had punched him several times and stabbed him in the face with a car key in October, the affidavit says. Police found signs in the apartment that Peeler had recently company, including food prepared for three people, extra chairs set up and a womans jacket and a pair of womens shoes, the affidavit says.

Family members told police Peeler kept to himself and would only have set up the chairs if he was expecting company, according to the affidavit.

The next day, a neighbor told investigators they had heard a woman yelling into Peelers apartment and two men arguing inside, the affidavit says. A delivery driver who had delivered groceries several days earlier said a woman answered the door but refused to give ID, before Peeler came to the door and gave his information instead, police reported.

Police found Facebook posts from Oklahoma indicating Breuer had stolen her foster mothers SUV, and when contacted the foster mother confirmed Breuer and her boyfriend had taken the SUV April 19, the affidavit says.

Police conducted a license plate search and discovered the vehicle had been spotted twice at the same location in Waxahachie, the affidavit says. The vehicle was recovered by Waxahachie police and transported to Lacy Lakeview, where investigators discovered a large amount of blood in the vehicle and two receipts dated April 20 from Dollar General and Chicken Express in Durant, Oklahoma, the affidavit says.

Police received a search warrant for a phone found in Peelers apartment that revealed Peeler had been in contact with Breuer for several days before his death, the affidavit says. Text messages April 20 indicated Breuer would be visiting Peeler that weekend, and other messages indicated arguments between the two, the affidavit says.

Peelers emails also revealed Uber receipts for rides from Waxahachie to Peelers apartment April 21 and from Peelers apartment to a local Greyhound bus station at about 4 a.m. April 23. The Waxahachie driver told police he picked up two people, one matching Breuers description and the other matching her sisters description, according to the affidavit. The April 23 driver also said he picked up two people, matching Breuers and her sisters descriptions, and at their request took them to an apartment complex a few blocks from the bus station instead of the station.

Investigators later interviewed Breuers boyfriend, who reported he and Breuer obtained the stolen SUV on April 19 and picked up Breuers sister, the affidavit says. He reported Breuer became angry with him and cut him with a box cutter while in Kellyville, Oklahoma, explaining the blood found in the vehicle, the affidavit says. The boyfriend said he was kicked out of the vehicle at a gas station in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which the affidavit says indicates he never made it to Texas but Breuer and her sister did.

Lacy Lakeview police Detective Tyler Ziegler, who investigated the case, said Breuer was arrested May 17 in Oklahoma by a U.S. Marshals task force. He said the investigation is ongoing.

Breuer remained in jail Tuesday on $500,000 bond. The affidavit says detectives have not yet determined a motive for the killing.
DYSART  When Al Schafbuch cut back on plowing his Iowa fields decades ago and later began growing cover crops, he was out to save money on fertilizer and reduce erosion. He got those benefits and saw his soil change for the better, too: dark, chunky, richly organic matter that he said feels like chocolate cake."

There's one more big payoff that benefits everyone: tilling the soil less, and growing more cover crops, can help farmers store more planet-warming carbon in fields. More plants take in more carbon dioxide, and soil microbes breathe out less carbon when undisturbed. That can mean money for participating farmers in the form of carbon offsets  payments that companies can make that support carbon storage in farms and, in theory, balance out their emissions elsewhere.

The more carbon you store from the atmosphere with your crops, and the more crops grown throughout the year, you offset some of your waste, your wasted energy, said Shalamar Armstrong, an associate professor of agronomy at Purdue University. Because youve stored carbon that would have been emitted (into) the atmosphere.

It's an area getting more attention from lawmakers, researchers and industry professionals. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $300 million investment to monitor agricultural emissions, including by creating a research network to monitor carbon in soil. And U.S. Sens. Tina Smith, D-Minn., and Todd Young, R-Ind., introduced a bill that Smith said would support the research needed to properly credit soil carbon storage.

The USDA announcement and the legislation are both aimed at the difficult question of how to quantify carbon stored in soil. Its an obstacle to overcome if the young and booming soil carbon market is to avoid the scrutiny, and skepticism, directed at carbon credit markets.

The science piece (of carbon credits) has really lagged behind, particularly when it comes to things like monitoring, reporting and verification, said Cristel Zoebisch, deputy director of policy at climate organization Carbon180. These are huge obstacles for not just soil carbon sequestration, but really any land-based carbon removal solution.

Armstrong has been trying to help fix that problem. He runs a lab where researchers are investigating how farming management affects the amount of carbon in soil across different landscapes. He and others at Purdue have been studying soil samples that date back more than 40 years, comparing different types of tilling and cover crops to determine their long-term effects on carbon storage. It can take years of fieldwork, careful chemistry in the lab and lots of expensive equipment to puzzle that out.

He hopes his precise calculations will help farmers make decisions that allow them to receive worthwhile incentives for sequestering carbon while maintaining their existing profits.

But other academics worry that even if farmers do get paid for storing soil carbon, it won't solve a bigger problem: that carbon markets often don't work.

For offsets to be legitimate, they have to meet four criteria. They have to store carbon that would otherwise be emitted; they have to be verifiable in data; they have to be immediate (planting a tree that might grow up in 20 years doesn't cut it); and they have to be long-lasting, said John Sterman, a professor of management at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Better quantifying soil carbon storage through research might make the offsets more verifiable, but it doesn't address other factors. For example, many farmers rent the land they work, and can't guarantee that carbon stored on their land will stay put in several decades if someone else is working the land.

Barbara Haya, director of the Berkeley Carbon Trading Project at University of California, Berkeley, has worked on research that she said shows the effects of carbon offset projects are commonly overestimated, sometimes vastly so.

Carbon trading is a mechanism that has failed miserably over the last 20 years that we really need to be moving away from," Haya said.

U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., last month introduced a bipartisan bill to support farmers in improving soil health, with incentives that don't necessarily involve the carbon market. He said farmers in his district have also described the benefits of regenerative practices and that many would be interested in participating in carbon markets with robust accounting systems. But he added that those hoping for serious climate action shouldn't rely only on offsets.

In my opinion, its really not the silver bullet, Huffman said. I think offsets are inherently sketchy."

Some farmers are moving cautiously.

Brad Wetli, an Indiana farmer who collaborates with Armstrong, has been trying techniques that use less tilling and has been planting cover crops like rye for a few years now. He's happy with the way his current fields look  It feels like you're doing something to contribute to sustainability, he said  but he's still weighing his options with possible carbon credit contracts, doing the math and waiting to see whether the price will be right, since many offset agreements can last for several years.

Im going to do maybe a field or two at a time and, as I learn more, Ill hopefully incorporate the carbon or carbon credits more into the operation, he said.

Schafbuch, for his part, is skeptical of carbon credits but would have been enthusiastic about regenerative farming no matter the upfront costs. He said he was an early adopter in the face of neighbors who laughed and suggested he would end up being broke  but hes proved them wrong.

Im convinced that if you do it right, anybody can do it," he said.

Associated Press journalist Joshua Bickel contributed to this story from Fowler, Indiana.
A little more than 80 miles south of Davenport, the town of Danville, Iowa, population 905, is becoming a hub of education about the Holocaust with its Anne Frank connection.

Later this summer, hopefully by around the middle of August, museum director Janet Hesler said a rail car of the era, type and kind used to transport Jews to the work and death camps, will arrive in Danville as part of its growing Holocaust education program.

Housed in Danville Station, Danville's Museum with its Anne Frank Connection display has roots back to 1939, when, according to the town library's website, Danville teacher Miss Birdie Mathews initiated a pen pal exchange for her class.

Juanita Wagner, who was 10, picked the name of a girl from the list who was her own age and lived in Amsterdam. That girl Wagner chose was Anne Frank.

Danville is only one of two places in the world where letters between Wagner and Frank can be viewed.

Additionally, the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities has helped the school system and the museum with education about the Holocaust, providing speakers and other artifacts, said Allan Ross, Executive Director of the federation.

They have a really good schools system and weve provided Holocaust education and have found survivors to speak at the school, Ross said.

The Quad-City Jewish Federation also donated 30 reproduction prints of the original paintings done in hiding by Erich Geiringer and his son Heinz. The two had begun painting to occupy their time and were able to hide the paintings before the family was discovered and sent to Auschwitz. The father and son died but Erichs wife, Fritzi and daughter, Eva, survived and retrieved the paintings.

Fritzi Geiringer married Otto Frank, Anne Frank's father, in the 1950s. Otto Frank was the only member of his family who survived the war.

The 30 original paintings are in the Dutch Resistance Museum in Amsterdam. The Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities received permission by Eva Geiringer Schloss to have prints made. They first were displayed at Davenport's Putnam Museum to complement the 2012 exhibit Anne Frank: A History for Today.

Because of the donated print set, Ross said, They now have two major exhibits and other bits and pieces about the Holocaust.

Hesler said the idea for the rail car came when she and her husband were wondering how they were going to hold the 1.5 million postcards the Danville Museum is trying to collect from children all over the world in honor of Anne Frank. That project began in 2012.

We want to collect 1.5 million because thats the number of Jewish children who died in the Holocaust, Hesler said.

So far the museum has received 41,400 post cards.

It was on a trip to Whitwell, Tennessee, to see the Paper Clip Project at the Childrens Holocaust Memorial that museum staff saw that the paper clips, worn by Norwegians as a silent protest and a symbol of resistance to the Nazi occupation, were housed in a rail car.

Hesler said the goal of the Paper Clip Project was to collect 6 million paper clips for all those who died in the Holocaust, but the project eventually collected more than 30 million.

All of the post cards will not fit in our museum, she said.

But they could be housed in a rail car of the kind used to take Jews to the work and death camps. It was then in 2017 or 2018 that Hesler said she began thinking of a rail car exhibit.

Rail cars were found in Macedonia and Poland, but the deals for them fell through, Hesler said.

However, one was found in Moers, Germany, she said.

I want to say it was in November or December of 2021 that they found this car and we were wondering how we were going to pay for it, Hesler said.

In August of 2022, the museum received an economic development grant of $500,000 through Destination Iowa, a tourism grant from the state, she said. It took around $260,000 to purchase and refurbish the rail car.

In December of 2022, the car was moved from Moers to Duisburg, Germany, where it was refurbished by Die Schmiede, which also refurbished the rail car that is currently at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Poland.

Hopefully it will be on schedule and in Baltimore in early August, she said.

From there it will be put on a truck and brought to Bettendorf where the Quad City Jewish Federation will have it on display for a time before it goes on to Danville. Inside the car are refurbished railroad tracks on which it will sit.

The rest of the grant money will be used to build ramps to the rail car, as well as parking and making everything handicap accessible.

Our museum started in 2012, Hesler said. Its been open by appointment and each year wed get about 50 visitors and 48 of those were likely school children.

The current building that houses the museum was purchased in 2015 and at one time was the oldest building in Danville, being built in 1897 as a lumber yard.

Hesler said the museum will have a fundraiser to build a structure to house the rail car, but for now it can be open to the elements for a few years.

Ross said there is no way to know if any of the rail cars in Holocaust museums around the world were ever used to carry Jews to the ghettos and death camps. It is possible they were, but no one can say for certain.

What they try to do is make sure the cars are of the era and built before 1945, he said.

Hesler said the car coming to Danville was built between 1939 and 1943.

Still, Ross said, "the cars have a powerful effect" on people as they can envision the people packed into the cars.

With the news of the Anne Frank Connection exhibit, the Geiringer prints and now the rail car, Hesler said the museum is getting more attention.

We hope that people learn from this exhibit, Hesler said. We want the children to read and learn so something like the Holocaust will never happen again.
DES MOINES  Another dry but relatively cool week left Iowa farmers with 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sunday, according to the United States Department of Agricultures National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Despite dry conditions, the below-average temperatures over the past week provided moisture-stressed crops some relief, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said in a written statement. Though the entire state remains abnormally dry or in some level of drought, and the hottest stretch of July is forecasted this week, initial August outlooks are showing some chances for cooler and wetter conditions.

Field activities included cutting hay and harvesting oats. Reports were received of farmers applying insecticides and fungicides. Persistent dry weather has raised concerns regarding crop conditions.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 13% very short, 42% short, 43% adequate and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 17% very short, 46% short, 36% adequate and 1% surplus.

Corn silking hit 79% this week, six days ahead of last year and three days ahead of normal. Nineteen percent of the corn crop has reached the dough stage, five days ahead of last year and four days ahead of the five-year average. Some reports were received of corn starting to dent. Corn condition rated 63% good to excellent.

Eighty-one percent of soybeans were blooming, one week ahead of last year and five days ahead of the average. Soybeans setting pods reached 35%, two days ahead of last year and one day ahead of the five-year average. Soybean condition remained steady at 58% good to excellent.

Ninety-three percent of oats were turning color, 11 days ahead of last year and four days ahead of normal. Oats harvested for grain reached 36%, one day ahead of last year and one day ahead the five-year average. Oat condition remained 51% good to excellent.

The states second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 86% complete, six days ahead of both last year and the average. The states third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 20% complete, 12 days ahead of last year and 11 days ahead of the five-year average. Hay condition dropped to 37% good to excellent. Pasture condition fell to 24% good to excellent. Pasture and hay growth remain slow and below average, resulting in supplemental feeding of livestock.

Weather summary

Unseasonably cool conditions continued over Iowa through the reporting period, with negative temperature departures in the four to six-degree range across the state, according to Justin Glisan, state climatologist with Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

The statewide average temperature was 69.3 degrees, 5.5 degrees below normal. The southwest corner of Iowa experienced three days of widespread and near-normal rainfall with much of north-central and east-central Iowa reporting departures of an inch or more below average. Weekend storms also brought measurable totals to the northeast corner.

Weekly rain totals ranged from no accumulation across a large northwest-to-southeast swath of Iowa to 1.50 inches in Adair (Adair County). The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.18 inch; the normal is 0.99 inch. Sioux City Airport (Woodbury County) reported the weeks high temperature of 89 degrees on the 22nd, four degrees above normal. Fayette (Fayette County) and Vinton (Benton County) reported the weeks low temperature of 48 degrees on the 18th, on average 12 degrees below normal.
Our enemy is not successful in counter-offensive operations, so he needs information victories. Even if its a hollow and irrational one. Therefore, strikes on civilian objects are also acceptable to the Nazis and the population recruited by them. Many Ukroidiots are genuinely happy about them. Also, the degree of tension in Ukrainian society is growing. A part of the population, although frightened, has not yet lost the ability to think. And their masters in the West are impatient: where, at last, is your damn peremoga (victory)?

Thats why the Banderite bastards are increasingly choosing peaceful, civilian targets for their strikes. Everyone should be prepared for this.

And we need to choose unconventional targets for our strikes. Not just storage facilities, energy hubs and oil depots. There are other places where we are not yet expected, and where the effect will be very significant.

Medvedev
Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (24 July 2023)

The AFU continued unsuccessful attempts at offensive actions in Krasny Liman and Donetsk directions.

In Donetsk direction, as a result of coordinated and active actions by units of the Yug Group of Forces, aviation and artillery, six enemy attacks have been successfully repelled near Belogorovka (Lugansk Peoples Republic) and Kleshcheevka (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

In addition, enemy units have been hit close to Veseloye, Bogdanovka, Predtechino, Belaya Gora and Dyleevka (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

The enemy losses were up to 160 Ukrainian servicemen, one tank, two motor vehicles, one Polish-manufactured Krab self-propelled artillery system, one British-manufactured FH-70 howitzer, and one Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer.

One ammunition depot of the AFU 110th Mechanised Brigade has been destroyed near Avdeevka (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

In Krasny Liman direction, as a result of active actions by aviation, artillery, heavy flamethrower systems, and units the Tsentr Group of Forces, five enemy attacks have been repelled near Nevskoye (Lugansk Peoples Republic), and Serebryansky forestry.

In addition, AFU manpower and hardware have been hit close to Karmazinovka (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Yampolovka, Torskoye and Serebryanka (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

The activities of one Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group have been suppressed near Novolyubovka (Lugansk Peoples Republic).

The enemy losses were up to 195 Ukrainian servicemen, four infantry fighting vehicles, four armoured fighting vehicles, three pickup trucks, two Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, as well as D-20 and D-30 howitzers.

In South Donetsk direction, as a result of active actions by Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, and artillery of the Vostok Group of Forces, AFU manpower and hardware have been hit close to Makarovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic) and Levadnoye (Zaporozhye region).

In Zaporozhye direction, as a result of active actions by aviation and artillery, AFU units have been hit close to Malaya Tokmachka, Orekhov, and Pyatikhatki (Zaporozhye region).

The actions of one Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group have been disrupted close to Mirnoye (Zaporozhye region).

The enemy losses were up to 120 Ukrainian servicemen, three armoured fighting vehicles, two motor vehicles, one U.S.-manufactured M777 artillery system and one Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer.

In addition, one ammunition depot of the enemy 128th Mountain Assault Brigade has been destroyed near Kamenskoye (Zaporozhye region).

In Kupyansk direction, as a result of active actions by aviation, artillery, and units of the Zapad Group of Forces, AFU manpower and hardware have been hit close to Dvurechnaya, Sinkovka, Petropavlovka, Tabayevka and Peschanoye (Kharkov region).

The enemy losses were up to 95 Ukrainian servicemen, two armoured fighting vehicles, three pickup trucks, and one French-manufactured Caesar self-propelled artillery system.

In addition, one munition depot of the 103rd Territorial Defence Brigade has been destroyed near Krakhmalnoye (Kharkov region).

In Kherson direction, the enemy losses were up to 45 Ukrainian servicemen, two motor vehicles, and two D-30 howitzers.

In addition, one ammunition depot of an AFU unit has been destroyed close to Zmiyevka (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 137 areas.

One signal node of the AFU 24th Mechanised Brigade has been hit near Dzerzhinsk (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

In addition, a command post of the 65th Mechanised Brigade of the AFU and a fuel depot for military hardware of the enemy 33rd Mechanised Brigade have been hit close to Orekhov and Malaya Tokmachka (Zaporozhye region).

Air defence facilities have destroyed one HIMARS multiple-launch rocket system projectile.

In addition, 35 Ukrainian have been shot down close to Kolomyichikha, Kuzyomovka, Topolevka, Kremennaya, Kovalyovka (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Berezovoye, Belogorovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Zelenyi Gai, Pyatikhatki (Zaporozhye region), Novaya Kakhovka and Sagi (Kherson region).

In total, 457 airplanes, 243 helicopters, 5,236 unmanned aerial vehicles, 426 air defence missile systems, 10,868 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,139 fighting vehicles equipped with MLRS, 5,585 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 11,860 special military motor vehicles have been destroyed during the special military operation.

WtR
Feature: Xinjiang welcomes global dancers for int'l festival

Xinhua) 10:50, July 25, 2023

Members of Chinese and South African art troupes dance at Urumqi Airport in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

URUMQI, July 24 (Xinhua) -- As South African dancer Luyanda Mdingji stepped off the plane at Urumqi Airport in the capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region late Sunday, he was greeted with a heartfelt welcome. Caught up in the vibrant drum beats, he couldn't resist swaying his waist and hips while waving his arms in sync with the music.

"It was a touching welcome. I quickly got into the rhythm of Xinjiang dance," Mdingji said, expressing his delight in taking part in Meshrep, a traditional Xinjiang cultural activity, alongside local performer Razya Yasen.

This is his first visit to Xinjiang, as well as his maiden experience with Meshrep, which means gathering in Uygur and often includes poetry, music, dance and conversations.

Mdingji and other members of the dance troupe -- Elvis Sibeko Studios of South Africa -- are in Xinjiang to attend the 6th China Xinjiang International Dance Festival, being held from July 20 to Aug. 5.

Six artists from the Muqam Art Troupe of Xinjiang Art Theater put on a special welcome ceremony for them.

Donning a doppa with diversified patterns and a pink robe, Razya Yasen, a dancer from the troupe, presented a bouquet of colorful flowers to one of the South African dancers.

"I was moved when the South African girl hugged me as she received my flowers," Razya Yasen said.

Besides dancing, the Xinjiang artists also played the popular music "Xinjiang is a Good Place" with traditional instruments.

Exmetjan Arkin, who plays the traditional folk musical instrument Rewap, skillfully cradled the wooden body with his left hand while plucking its strings with his right hand.

As the music soared to its crescendo, Qeyserjan Kurban tapped the tambourine with rhythmic precision, his head swaying in harmony with the beat. When the music reached its peak, he seamlessly accelerated the drumbeat with effortless grace.

According to Exmetjan Arkin, the dance festival is not only a platform to display Xinjiang art but also a window to showcase Xinjiang's economic, social and cultural attributes.

"I am looking forward to treating our African friends with cuisines like latiaozi (pulled noodles), dapanji (big plate chicken) and pilaf," he said.

Nomthandazo Mlungwana, project manager of the South African dance troupe, said that she is looking forward to enjoying her time in Xinjiang.

"Xinjiang dance gives people a feeling of home, and we are fascinated by it," she said, adding that she hopes to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the region after the performance.

As the welcome ceremony drew to a close, the artists formed a circle, and Mdingji stepped into the center.

With fervor and passion, he raised his legs and stomped the ground, unleashing the captivating moves of the Zulu dance. His fellow performers joined in, swaying their bodies in sync with the rhythm. Chinese actors and audience members enthusiastically clapped their hands, with some even attempting to imitate the infectious dance.

According to Mdingji, the Zulu dance is a part of the drama "The Kingdom of Ubuntu" that the South African dance troupe will perform on Monday and Tuesday. The drama aims to display social cohesion and cultural diversity.

Over the past few days, dance groups from Russia, Kazakhstan, Thailand and other countries and regions have graced the dance festival with their mesmerizing performances.

Themed "Dreams of Dance, Harmony of Silk Road," the festival has attracted more than 1,000 artists from Asia, Europe and Africa.

After their vibrant dance, both Chinese and foreign artists gathered for a group photo, chanting in unison: "Xinjiang is a good place!"

A member of the Muqam Art Troupe of the Xinjiang Art Theater greets a South African dancer at Urumqi Airport in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Soldiers stand in formation during a ceremony to hand over Korean self-propelled K9 howitzers to the Polish Army in northern Poland in this December 2022 file photo. EPA-Yonhap



By Lee Yeon-woo



As markets are opening up for large-scale export deals, such as defense and nuclear power plants, concerns are growing that limited financial support from Korean export credit agencies (ECAs) could potentially hinder timely assistance to companies.



According to sources, Tuesday, Poland reportedly requested more than 20 trillion won ($15.6 billion) in financial support from Korea for the terms of their second defense contract.



Countries ordering large-scale projects often request financial loans to cover insufficient funds, which makes the scale of financial support key to the finalization of contracts. However, due to the limited support capacity of Korean ECAs, this year's negotiations are encountering difficulties.



The legal capital of the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank), one of the country's leading ECAs, has remained unchanged at 15 trillion won for nine years. The bank structures its lending and investment based on its capital size. The larger the capital, the more funds they can offer. Eximbank has already utilized 14.8 trillion won, representing 98.5 percent of its legal capital, with a surge in both the volume and price of exports following the pandemic.



The Korea Trade Insurance Corp., another ECA, is also struggling with the same issue. Last year, the corporation provided trade insurance exceeding its 230 trillion won limit for the first time since its establishment.





Korea's Land Minister Won Hee-ryong, front left, and Poland's Government Plenipotentiary for Polish-Ukrainian Development Cooperation Jadwiga Emilewicz, front right, shake hands after signing a memorandum of understanding on cooperation for Ukraine's post-war reconstruction, in Warsaw, July 13. The signing ceremony was joined by President Yoon Suk Yeol and Polish President Andrzej Duda. Newsis
A Winona delegation recently visited its sister city of Bytow, Poland, where Michelle Alexander received the Honorary Badge under the Polish flag.

Winonas Polish museum also donated several items to Bytows cultural center.

A Polish delegation visited Winona in June, when longtime sister-city relationship organizer Tim Breza received his award from the Polish government. The Winona delegations visit to Bytow in early July meant it was time for Michelle Alexander to receive her award.

The delegation was composed of Winona International Friendship Association Chair Michelle Alexander, Polish Cultural Institute & Museum Director Jeff Turkowski and Denise McDowell of Winona State University.

Alexander said her award ceremony, held in a castle, was formal  with formal music and elected officials  and is a memory shell remember forever.

In Europe, these are kind of more historically-based, and they have a lot of culture and ceremony around them, Alexander said. I just tried to soak it all in.

Four other people were honored by the city that night, Alexander said. She was the only American.

It was really special. I think Tim and I are the only Americans to ever receive this award, Alexander said. We were trying to make sure that Kashubian culture, the Polish culture and heritage, we have in Winona stays alive in future generations. I guess they found that worth awarding us this medal for.

Alexander said she didnt realize the impact her work  and that of the Winona International Friendship Association  had overseas until she went there. Nevertheless, shes honored and thankful for the accolade.

The Honorary Badge under the Polish flag is given to Polish citizens and for the first time in 2019 was awarded to people outside of Poland. Local elected officials can nominate someone for the award, which then has to be approved up the chain of command before being signed by the president of Poland.

Alexander said after her experience in Poland, shes only become more passionate about her sister-city work.

I think it just broadens your world experience when you go to other countries, Alexander said. It really does open your eyes and help you place yourself in the world. I was left with the idea that something I do here can have a ripple effect and an impact somewhere else in the world, it makes you feel small and big all at the same time.

The donations to Bytows cultural center included some original photos, a vintage Winona Hot Fish Shop button, and even a Bible that came to Winona from immigrants from the Kashubian region of Poland.

Turkowski said the donation would allow the Bytow cultural center to have an exhibit of Winona and created the relationship for more museum exchanges in the future.

They were pretty amazed and werent expecting it, Turkowski said. They opened up the Bible and saw where it was printed and were just amazed that we not only saved something like that but were able to bring it back and reintroduce it to where it belongs.

Turkowski said the trip left him overwhelmed with emotion. He said he was able to build relationships for the museum but also, personally, got to walk the footsteps of his Polish ancestors.

Having that experience and being able to share it when I got back to the museum, Im not even sure theres a word to describe it, Turkowski said.

Additionally, the Winona delegation was able to be a part of the opening of the Winona Roundabout  Bytows newest traffic intersection thats complete with Winona branding.

The trio was also able to visit the library of Bytows sister-city room, which is decorated with many of the gifts shared between sister-cities.
TOWN OF WAUPUN  Emergency workers were able to rescue two people from Texas on Saturday night after the plane that they were traveling in to the EAA Air Venture in Oshkosh crashed in a marsh outside of Waupun.

Fond du Lac County dispatchers took a report at 7:51 p.m. Saturday about a plane crash in the area of Highway 49 and Hemp Road, according to the Fond du Lac Sheriffs Office. The pilot of the plane called the dispatch center shortly after the initial report and provided an updated location.

Due to the large marsh area where the plane had crashed, it was difficult for rescue teams to locate the plane and then find a way to access it once it was located. The Alto Fire Department, Brandon Fire Department, and Waupun Fire Department all used UTVs in attempt to locate the plane.

The Alto UTV with the Lifestar EMS unit was the first to reach the crash site, according to a Facebook post on the Alto Fire Departments Facebook page.

The crews on the UTVs were driving through 8 to 10 tall cattails, stopping periodically to stand on top of the UTV to see where they were at, according to the post. They also used the GPS coordinates to help navigate their way to the crash site.

Once the plane was located, rescue teams were able to bring the two people out of the area.

The pair were headed to EAA in Oshkosh, according to the Fond du Lac Sheriffs Office. The plane last left an airport in Cedar Rapids approximately two hours before the crash. The pilot explained he was approximately 10 minutes from his destination when the engine suddenly lost power forcing him to make an emergency landing in a marshy area. The plane received damage to a wing and the pilot was treated for a possible shoulder injury by Lifestar Ambulance. The plane involved was a single engine ERCO Ercoupe.

The pilot was a 76-year-old male and the copilot was a 71-year-old male. The city of Fond du Lac Police Department assisted with a drone.

The crash is still under investigation.

The experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture convention is this week in Oshkosh which brings over 500,000 people and thousands of airplanes to Wittman Regional Airport each year.
A Madison father shot his 25-year-old son to death Saturday night during a fight that started with an argument over 25 cents the younger man demanded, after the father had given his son what he said was his last $2, according to a criminal complaint filed Tuesday.

John C. Shively, 65, told police he grabbed and fired the gun, which belonged to his son, Zachary S. Shively, so that the confrontation would finally end.

I foolishly thought that with a gun right at him that he would just finally give me respite, Shively told police after the shooting, which happened at the Shively home at 2849 Warner St. on Madisons South Side.

It was a big argument for (25 cents), is that insane or ... Shively said.

But Shively said it was not only the 25 cents but the culmination of a lot of bad decisions that had built up over time that caused him to shoot his son with a gun that Zachary Shively owned and had used earlier that night to fire gunshots from a moving car.

Could I have gotten help for him that I didnt? Shively asked a Madison police detective. Probably, but I didnt know what to do.

The complaint charged Shively with first-degree intentional homicide for his sons death, which according to the complaint was caused by a single gunshot wound to his heart and aorta. Medical Examiner Dr. Vincent Tranchida estimated the shot was fired from a distance of between 6 inches and 3 feet.

During a court appearance Tuesday, state assistant public defender Jacob Idlas said self-defense will almost certainly be a factor. He said Shively, who is widowed, has lived his entire life in the Madison area, and he and his wife raised two adopted sons, including Zachary.

It is clear from both the probable cause affidavit and an even clearer picture in the criminal complaint that self-defense will be a central issue in this case. Mr. Shively made admissions that he pulled the trigger of the gun, yes, Idlas said. But there were many other statements indicating self-defense, he said.

Shivelys other son, Robert Shively, appeared in court by video and asked that lesser bail be set for his father than the $1 million usually set in first-degree intentional homicide cases, and that the case be seen more as one of a reckless nature than intentional.

The reason Im here speaking today even though it may not be in the best interest of my father is my father is my best friend and I want to make sure he has adequate help and protection, Robert Shively said. He added later, Im a direct reflection of my dad, and hes a good guy. If you look at his kids and you look at his family, you dont see a bad egg. Even my brother wasnt a bad egg.

Court Commissioner Jason Hanson, recognizing that even though the case against Shively is strong, said its an emotional one involving members of the same family, and that a self-defense argument could be made. He set bail at $300,000, well under the $1 million sought by Assistant District Attorney Kali Zettle.

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According to the complaint:

A roommate of the father and son told police the Shivelys had gone to a family gathering late Saturday afternoon but came home after they had started arguing over money at the gathering.

The roommate said he was trying to leave the house and go to another house across the street when he heard one gunshot. After the shot, he heard John Shively say, Call 911. The man said he ran from the house and went across the street where he called 911.

The roommate said Zachary Shively had bought the gun recently from a gun shop in Oregon, south of Madison.

John Shively also called 911 and told a dispatcher he had shot his son and put the gun down on the floor.

When police arrived, John Shively came out of the house as ordered, with blood on his hands and clothing. In a squad car he told an officer, I pulled the trigger.

Officers found Zachary Shively in a living room type of area at the bottom of the stairs in the basement of the home. A .40-caliber Glock handgun was on the floor in a nearby bedroom. A single fired casing was also found.

Arguing about money

At the police station Downtown, John Shively told Detective Lisa Fahrenbruch that he shot his son after things built up and built up. He said Zachary Shively would not drop the subject of money and kept asking him for money, even though John Shively said he had none.

Shively said he had previously given his son and his sons friends post-dated checks, and that was what his son was demanding again.

He had only $2, which he didnt want to give his son, but he ended up giving it to him. But his son wanted $2.50. John Shively said he only had 30 cents and a few pennies, but his son kept hammering that he needed 25 cents more.

Shively said it wasnt unusual for his son to demand money. But he said he owes taxes on his house and hasnt paid the mortgage for the past two or three months and his credit cards are at their limits, so it was not just about the 25 cents but about a lot of bad decisions.

Fighting escalates

The argument lasted what seemed to Shively like a long time, and at one point before the shooting, Zachary Shively had gone upstairs and come back down to continue arguing. John Shively could have left then through a sliding door, he told police, but he didnt.

Zachary Shively hit his father on the upper arm with a closed fist, trying to intimidate him. Then he began pushing the older man. Shively said his son pushed him into the corner, where he landed in a chair and bumped his head on a wall, but he was not seriously hurt by that.

After being pushed into the chair, John Shively said, he was trying to go upstairs, but his son grabbed him from behind and pulled him backward and continued to hit him.

For reasons the elder Shively said he did not know, Zachary Shively had left the gun on a ledge at the bottom of the stairs.

I cant tell you how much I regret that I picked it up, thinking that he would finally back down, Shively told police, which he didnt do.

He said he pointed the gun at his son who was coming at him and fired point blank.

I wish I hadnt, he said. Im pretty sure I only pulled it once.

Although Zachary Shively was hurling a lot of insults, John Shively said, he didnt make any threats. His son was pushing him, the elder Shively said, but not verbally threatening him.

Asked by Fahrenbruch about his intent in firing the gun, Shively said there was no logical thought behind it, he just wanted the confrontation with his son to stop.
According to the complaint to the ethics commission, Lombardo used his position as Clark County Sheriff, along with government property, to significantly benefit himself.
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FILE - Police and rescue teams are pictured outside the metro station Maelbeek after an incident, in Brussels, Tuesday, March 22, 2016. A jury is expected to render its verdict Tuesday, July 25, 2023 over Belgiums deadliest peacetime attack. The suicide bombings at the Brussels airport and a busy subway station in 2016 killed 32 people in a wave of violence in Europe claimed by the Islamic State group. Among the 10 defendants is Salah Abdeslam, serving a life sentence in France over his role in 2015 Paris attacks. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)
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Excerpted from "YBOR CITY: Crucible of the Latina South" by Sarah McNamara. Copyright  2023 by Sarah McNamara. Reprinted with the permission of the University of North Carolina Press.Amelia Alvarez was born in Cuba when the island was a Spanish colony. Yet by Amelias ninth birthday, her home as she knew it no longer existed. The Cuban War for Independence, which U.S. imperial ambitions turned into the Cuban SpanishPuerto RicanFilipinoAmerican War, brought an end to Cubas colonial status as well as Cubans hopes for a truly independent island. When Amelia turned sixteen, U.S. troops occupied Cuba for the second time in her life. That year, 1906, she boarded the steamship Olivette and sailed 110 miles from the Port of Havana to Key West. Soft winds from the Florida Straits wrapped around Amelia as she passed through immigration and rested for a night. The next morning, she climbed aboard the same boat and journeyed another 250 miles northward through the warm waves of the Gulf of Mexico. Once the ship docked, Amelia descended the gang- way and walked into Tampa, Florida.At the turn of the twentieth century, Tampa brimmed with chaotic possibility. Sounds of Spanish and English hovered in the heavy, humid air as Amelia navigated the throngs of people who crowded the port. More than one hundred passengers charged forward with their luggage in hand, while stevedores unloaded bales of Cuban tobacco leaves from the ships hold. Thirty years earlier, this swampy town featured little more than an obscure military outpost and a settlement of sweaty Confederates. But by the time of Amelias arrival, the Cuban cigar industry had changed nearly everything. Black and white immigrants, primarily from Cuba, along with others from Spain, Italy, and Puerto Rico, collided in Tampa as they searched for work in the citys new cigar factories. Once hired, cigar workers stripped, sorted, and bunched [tobacco] leaves, then rolled, banded, and boxed cigars.The labor of these women and men transformed Tampa into the leading industrial center of the state, while their bodies, cultures, and politics created an international borderland in Jim Crow Florida. On the dock, Amelia stayed near her family, for she had not come alone. Her sister and brother-in-law, their two children, and three aunts arrived together with fifty-six dollars between them. As the family of eight emerged from the bustling masses, they likely boarded a streetcar to carry them six miles down the road to their new home in a neighborhood called Ybor City.To Amelia, Ybor must have felt familiar and foreign at the same time. Red-brick buildings with Moorish arches lined the streets, while ornate wrought iron twisted across glass windows and framed outdoor patios. Architectural remnants of colonial Spain seemed to echo through the streets, but it was the politics of Cuban independence that lived in peoples homes. Some of Amelias neighbors told tales of when JoseMart, the famed Cuban poet and revolutionary, organized and collaborated with cigar workers to bring an end to Spanish rule in Cuba. Although this fight ended in 1898, when Amelia was nine years old, the community she joined in Ybor remained unapologetically anticolonial, prolabor, and radically leftist in their self-proclaimed exile. From the perspective of Amelias neighbors, Ybor City served as their sanctuary from the restrictive imperialist agendas and the oppressive, anti-labor, antidemocratic conservative forces that lingered in their homeland even after the Spanish relinquished claim over the island. The two-story Centro Obrero (Labor Temple) stood at the helm of this neighborhood and operated as the space where women and men organized unions, planned strike actions, and created a culture of labor on their own terms. Cigar factories defined the city landscape and separated Ybors immigrants from Tampas Anglo residentsa racialized border that likely seemed uniquely American. De jure segregation generally did not exist in Cuba during Amelias lifetime, but de facto segregation did and Amelia likely recognized the practice. As a Cuban woman with white skin, however, being the subject of segregation would have been a new experience that made her acutely aware of her place within the Souths racial hierarchy.Inside Ybor City, Amelia found acceptance. The things that Anglos believed made her seem differenther appearance, her labor, her politics, her traditions, and her languagewere foundational elements that bonded this immigrant community. Despite living in a new country, Amelia never had a problem with communication because nearly everyone in Ybor spoke Spanish, and those who did not learned upon arrival. Sicilian grocers transformed their markets into hybrid bodegas as they sold Spanish chorizo alongside Italian pickled vegetables and elevated, what is now known as, the Cuban sandwich. The local version of this delicacy stacked layers of mojo marinated roasted pork, boiled ham, and hard salami on slices of Cuban bread dressed with a swipe of yellow mustard, a piece of Swiss cheese, and a sliver of crisp dill pickle. According to community lore, the last three ingredients reflected the food traditions of Jewish merchants who came to Tampa in search of refuge from the escalation of anti-Semitism in Romania and Germany. Many of these families sold fabrics, clothing, shoes, and auto parts in dry goods stores, while others used their profits to purchase cigar factories of their own.Spanish-language newspapers thrived in Ybor and reported daily news from Havana, Madrid, Key West, and Tampa. This vibrant print culture not only kept Amelia and her neighbors informed of global affairs and local events but made Ybor City an integral hub within a cross-national network of leftist activism and intellectualism that reached from the Caribbean to the Americas and across the Atlantic Ocean. As Amelia walked through the streets of Ybor City, she may have brushed shoulders with women such as Luisa Capetillo and Luisa MorenoLatina feminist labor organizers and leftist thinkersas well as Eugene V. Debs and Elizabeth Gurley Flynnleaders of the socialist and communist movementsall of whom visited, organized, or sought refuge from political persecution in Ybor City. Each Saturday, the Afro-Cuban rhythms of rumba and the melodies of danzon, once outlawed in Spanish-controlled Cuba, spilled out from the ballrooms of the centros (mutual aid societies) and filled the streets. Yet as Amelia twirled across the dance floor of the Crculo Cubano (Cuban Club), she would have noticed that the Black Cuban women and men who worked beside her in the cigar factory were absent from this space. According to her neighbors, when the city of Tampa annexed Ybor City and made it part of Hillsborough County in 1887, Anglo political powerholders mandated that the centros segregate their membership and create a separate club for Afro-Cubans. La Sociedad de la Union Mart-Maceo, the mutual aid society built by and for Black Cubans, emerged as a result of this moment. The Ybor City of Amelias youth was a place where multiracial, multiethnic Latina/o self-determination endured under the watchful eye of a reconstructed southern order.After nearly two years of living and working in Ybor, and shortly after celebrating her seventeenth birthday, Amelia met and married a Spanish im- migrant named Pedro Blanco. The young couple moved down the street and rented a house near their families. When Amelia looked out her front door she would have seen rows of identical, whitewashed, shotgun houses that sat on narrow lots and flanked Ybor Citys wide dirt roads. In many ways, Amelias neighborhood was the turn-of-the-century version of a cheap housing developmenta company town built for profit, not for comfort. In wintertime, families pasted old newspapers to the walls in hope of stopping cold air from seeping into the house. During summertime, the wooden planks expanded and softened from the inescapable humidity that penetrated the wood. Although the casitas were imperfect, people made do. These homes, flaws and all, were better than the lodgings most cigar workers could access in Cuba or in smaller cigar-working towns such as Key West. Amelia spent her days in the cigar factory and her nights gossiping on her front porch or gambling with other women in secret. Each night after dinner, her husband joined the men of Ybor at one of the local cantinas, where the sounds of clinking dominoes cut through the smoke-filled room and the scent of whiskey clashed with the smell of sweet tobacco and the bellows of masculine laughter. I imagine that, in the absence of men, Amelia and her friends talked about everything from politics and children to money and memories of Cuba, Spain, and Italy.Amelia created a life in Ybor City, but she never fully let go of the island. She and Pedro had four childrenDelia, Pedro, Margot, and Daliayet only the last three survived infancy. Her sister, Concepcon Camero, rented the house next door, until she and her three sons moved to Puerto Rico, where they stayed. Amelia visited her parents and siblings in Cuba roughly once a decade and always in July. At first, she traveled by water, retracing her original path to Tampa. By the 1940s, however, the steamships stopped sailing and Amelia flew Pan American Airways. Every time Amelia left Florida she used her Cuban passport because she never applied for U.S. citizenship. Perhaps U.S. citizenship seemed unnecessary, perhaps it seemed impossible to obtain, or perhaps Cuban citizenship was a part of herself she never wished to surrender. In 1952, at the age of sixty-three, Amelia passed away and was buried in Ybor City, Florida.I learned about Amelia when I was a teenager. My grandmother, Norma Alfonso, showed me an article she clipped from the Tampa Tribune in 1990, roughly twelve years earlier. Sarah, come look at this, she yelled, calling me over to her rose-colored kitchen island. On the counter my grandma placed a white, two-inch, three-ringed binder I had seen many times before. Norma, who was born in Ybor City in 1931, saved anything and everything she found about the old neighborhood. Placemats from lunch counters, pamphlets from museums, excerpts from books, and articles from newspapers all found their way into her portable archive. As I took a seat in the kitchen, my grandmother slipped the pristine clipping from its acetate sleeve, extended her finger, and pointed at two women in a reprinted photograph. This is Abuela Amelia, she said, and heres her daughter, your aunt Margot. The black-and-white image captured a sea of women linked arm in arm marching through what I recognized as La Avenida Septima (Seventh Avenue), the main thoroughfare of Ybor City. As I sat there gazing at the picture, Norma drew two arrows on the clipping and labeled the women in our family.For as long as I can remember, my grandmother was on a one-woman mission to be sure my sister and I never forgot Ybor City. She drove us through the neighborhood, told us stories of our families, and kept traditions alive. Even before I saw the clipping, I knew Amelia was my grandmothers favorite grandparent. Like Norma, she hated the beach but loved to read. Amelia had a talent for cigar making, a passion for bingo playing, and infectious joie de vivre. Those who knew her say she was loud and outspoken, a family trait that has survived generations. According to my grandfather, Gus Alfonso, Normas husband, Amelia was an activist who was always up to something and the foil to his self-proclaimed respectable, rule-abiding family. In reality, his father was a member and organizer of the Communist Party USA (CPUSA)a truth he once revealed with a whisper and a look that made clear we would never revisit the subject. Despite the many stories Norma shared, she never told me the context of the image. Instead, I had to search for this answer on my own. In the process, I found that there was much more to Ybor City and the women in my family than my grandma was willing to explain. After all, sometimes it is the stories we hold back, rather than the ones we share, that reveal the essence of who we are."Ybor City: Crucible of the Latina South" is available through major retailers and locally at Oxford Exchange, Tombolo Books, the Tampa Bay History Center and Bookends: Literature & LibationsTo read more about Sarah McNamara and "Ybor City: Crucible of the Latina South," go to Tampa native Sarah McNamara explores Ybor City, family history in her new book




North Korea fired two ballistic missiles into the East Sea late Monday, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said.







"Our military detected two ballistic missiles North Korea fired from areas near Pyongyang into the East Sea at 11:55 p.m. on the 24th and at midnight of the 25th," it said.







Both missiles flew about 400 kilometers before falling into the sea, it added.







The military is still analyzing the North's latest missile launch to determine the exact type of the missiles fired, according to the JCS.







The North's latest missile launch comes as a nuclear-powered U.S. submarine, USS Annapolis, arrived at a naval base in South Korea's southern island of Jeju as part of efforts to bolster joint deterrence against North Korea's evolving threats.







North Korea fired two ballistic missiles into the East Sea on Wednesday, followed by multiple cruise missile launches on Saturday. (Yonhap)


Matthew Washington and Tia Romano, both from Panama City, take a selfie after buying a cool beverage at the Ybor City Saturday Market.

ReUsin' By Susan sells earrings and jewelry made from reused and repurposed items.

Trina Thompson and Kai Walton, 6, had some hard choices to make but finally decided on a painting from Allen Pettigrew of AP Art Studio at the Ybor City Saturday Market.

Items that Handcrafts from Laos and Thailand have for sale at the Ybor City Saturday Market include small zippered pouches.

On a sweltering, sticky summer day, the Ybor City Saturday Market still draws a crowd to Centennial Park.Vendors are spread across the parks brick courtyard selling handmade jewelry, art, clothing, furniture, candles, soaps, lotions, banana bread, organic fruit drinks, iced coffees, dog treats and much more. The variety seems endless at this weekly showcase event for local artists, artisans and makers.I always say its an incubator without walls, says Lynn Kroesen, the markets long-time executive director. Thats the real goal of the market, to serve as a launching pad for a small business, or help others who want to supplement their income, or explore their hobby to see if they can make a business out of it.Now in its 24th year, the market has grown into an Ybor City institution and the longest-running outdoor market of its kind in the Tampa Bay region. Its reached its capacity of 75 vendors and has another 50 on a waiting list.Even in the heat and humidity of late June, theres a crowd. A pair of Ybor residents, Chris and Maria, walk their dog Francisco to the market regularly. They get banana bread from The Happy Baker, iced coffee from Pour Decisions Coffee and pick up dog treats for Francisco.You tend to see the same vendors and the same people, Chris says. And the same dogs. Honestly, I recognize the dogs more than the people.Tourists staying in Ybor also frequent the market. On a Saturday in late June, a couple of out-of-town visitors snapped photographs of the wild chickens that roam Centennial Park and the side streets of Ybor. Thanks to the TECO Line Streetcar, cruise passengers can also ride over from Port Tampa Bay. Kroesen says the growth of the streetcar and Tampas development and population boom have both benefitted the market.When our market launched we didnt have the streetcar, she says. So for our first few years, the only way to get there was by car or if you were a resident. And residents back then were few and far between in Ybor City. Now, with the continued growth of the area, with the residential base we are getting, and the streetcar traffic, its an all-day experience. Weve got the streetcar connecting the Sparkman Wharf area and the cruise port to Ybor City and they can ride it for free. Its a whole experience. They can come shop at the market, eat at restaurants in the community and support local businesses around us, the local coffee shops and cigar shops. It does become an entire experience during the daytime.The market also continues to attract local newcomers. Chrissy Larry and Tracy Apata, both of Tampa, saw a social media post about the market and decided to check it out. Larry says they initially expected a farmers market but were impressed by the variety of handmade crafts. Apata sipped a virgin pina colada from vendor Coconut Bar as she walked around.Its important to support small businesses, she says. Were going to walk around and try to support as many as we possibly can.Susan Hall has been selling handmade jewelry and accessories at the Ybor market for 19 years. With her business ReUsin' By Susan, she specializes in making necklaces, earrings, and bracelets out of recycled and repurposed materials like bottle caps, can tabs, wine corks, maps and nautical charts.I started off doing regular jewelry and I saw a story in a magazine about a lady who paid off all her credit cards and cut them up and made a necklace out of them, Hall recalls. I was like, Ohh, I can do that. Thats how it startedTodd Atkinson has only been at the market a few months, selling paintings and custom hand-painted t-shirts featuring geckos, sea turtles and, in a nod to Ybor City, roosters. Like ReUsin' By Susan, Atkinsons business, Raw Art Creations, focuses on reusing materials, specifically picture frames he finds at yard sales.Its harder to find frames to fit my artwork than to find really good frames and make artwork to fit the frame, he explains.Reusing or repurposing materials is a sustainable practice shared by many of the markets artisans. Joe LaFountain, of Tables by Joe, buys and repurposes furniture from Habitat for Humanity stores to use in his handmade furniture. LaFountain is also an example of another trend at the market, someone who turns their hobby or passion into a side business. Hes a Realtor who started building furniture to give to clients to celebrate a closing.I wanted to find a unique gift to give a client at closing and my hobby got out of hand, he says. Im having fun with it. And each week I bring different pieces.Allen Pettigrew worked in marketing and communications in the healthcare industry before he felt a calling to do something with his art skills. He started painting and has painted every day since March 2020. His business, AP Art Studio, has been at the Ybor market since May 2021 and specializes in paintings of Black cultural and historic figures.When I started I was looking for Black art for my house, Pettigrew says. I couldnt find any Black art. That made me say, Theres a need, so Im going to create my own.Kroesen estimates that 60 percent of the vendors at the market are age 55 and up.They are looking for ways to supplement their retirement, as well as ways to enjoy a hobby they werent able to do in the past, she says. On the other side, we have younger vendors who support their families doing this.The Happy Baker, for instance, has been a mainstay at the market for 13 years and the owners children have gotten into the business, Kroesen says. Multiple generations of a family from Thailand have operated Aquiser, selling handmade clothing at the market since 2010.Kroesen points to several more examples of the entrepreneurial spirit carrying on from generation to generation. A vendor sells homemade jellies while her daughter sells lemonade. A mother is an artisan who sells mostly crafts while her seven-year-old daughter sells support bracelets for kids going back to school.Then, there are businesses like Gulf Coast Sourdough in Seminole Heights, which launched and grew at the market before moving on to greater success at a brick-and-mortar location.The Ybor City Saturday Markets story starts in the late 1990s, when late former Hillsborough County Commissioner Jan Platt was impressed with an outdoor market she visited on a trip to Portland. Kroesen says Platt returned to Tampa and approached Art Keeble, the late former long-time executive director of the Arts Council of Hillsborough County, with the idea to start a similar market in Tampa. As it turned out, Keeble had once been a vendor at that market in Portland. He went for the idea and planning started in 1998.The market itself went through changes and struggles in its early years. It opened as the Ybor City Fresh Market in Centennial Park in April 2000. As the original name indicates, the initial vision was a farmers' market selling fresh produce. But Kroesen says that, for business reasons, farmers in the area preferred wholesale sales over selling out of the back of a truck at a local market.Kroesen has been with the market since that first year. She started as a vendor selling candles and a line of bath and body products and a member of the markets board of directors. The next year, she became executive director, a post she has held since 2001.The market shifted its focus to vendors selling locally produced crafts and gifts and changed its name to the Ybor City Saturday Market. But around 2004, there were struggles as a group of about 25 vendors dwindled down to 10 to 12. Kroesen says the market responded by launching a series of special events and festivals like Flan Fest and Festival del Sabor to draw people in. The strategy worked and, with the market again on solid ground attracting customers and vendors, the special events went away.When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the market closed for six months, shifting to a delivery service model to help its vendors generate business.When we relaunched after being shut down for six months, the vendors just came in flocks, Kroesen says. We have had a waiting list of 40 or more since then.Looking ahead, Kroesen says the City of Tampa and its Community Redevelopment Agency have started the planning process on the reconstruction and reimagination of Centennial Park. She expects construction to happen in 2025 and says the nonoprofit organization that runs the market will have a lot of communication with the city on that project.She also notes that more urban farmers and gourmet food vendors have set up shop at the market, fulfilling the original vision of Jan Platt and Art Keeble.I think they would both be happy if they were alive today to see it has become both a fresh market and a gift market, Kroesen says.For more information, go to Ybor City Saturday Market
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The emcee defends the 'Django Unchained' star against clone speculation after one Twitter user compares a photo of the actor from before and after his health scare.

Jul 25, 2023

AceShowbiz - Ice-T is tired of conspiracy theories about Jamie Foxx. Knowing that some people called the "Django Unchained" actor a clone, the rapper took to social media to slam those "weirdos."

The emcee offered his two cents after one Twitter user posted photos of Jamie. One snap showed him looking healthy before his hospitalization, while the other one was taken from his recent Instagram video in which he looked a bit different.

In his message, Ice-T wrote, "People would rather believe that Jamie is now a Clone or Ai, than the man was just seriously sick and damn near died." He added, "Cause he doesn't look EXACTLY the same??? YOU look different after a bad cold! Smh weirdos."

Jamie was rushed to the hospital in April amid his undisclosed health scare. It was not until Friday, July 21 that he addressed his hospitalization through an Instagram video.

"First of all I want to say thank you to everybody that's prayed, sent me messages. I cannot even begin to tell you how far it took me and how it brought me back," the 55-year-old kicked off the clip. "I went through something that I never thought I would go through."

"I know a lot of people were waiting or wanting to hear updates but to be honest with you, I just didn't want you to see me like that, man," he added. "I want you to see me laughing, having a good time, partying, cracking a joke, doing a movie, television show. I didn't want you to see me with tubes running out of me and trying to figure out if I was gonna make it through."

Jamie went on to credit his daughter and sister for saving his life. "My sister Deidra Dixon, my daughter [Corrine Foxx] really saved my life. To them, to God, to a lot of great medical people, I'm able to leave you this video," he stated. "I cannot tell you how great it feels to have your family kick in in such a way, and y'all know they kept it airtight, they didn't let nothing out, they protected me. And that's what I hope that everyone could have in moments like these."

The "Day Shift" star also shut down rumors regarding his medical condition. He explained, "By being quiet, sometimes things get out of hand. Some people said I was blind but as you can see my eyes are working just fine. Some said I was paralyzed, I am not but I did go to hell and back. My road to recovery had some potholes as well. But I am coming back, I am able to work, so I want to thank the people who let me work."

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The 'Big Energy' raptress looks upset after someone threw a phone onstage as she previously issued a stern warning about the matter when performing at Rolling Loud in Germany earlier this month.

Jul 25, 2023

AceShowbiz - The "throwing-object" trend at entertainers is not over just yet. Latto (formerly Mulatto) became the latest victim of the trend as someone hurled a phone at her during her set at the 2023 Rolling Loud Miami.

The 24-year-old, born Alyssa Michelle Stephens, was performing "Muwop" when the incident happened. In a video surfacing online, the femcee looked pretty upset as she stopped rapping.

However, it didn't take long for Latto to continue her performance. Instead of confronting the culprit, she adjusted her outfit and went on to show off her twerking skills.

The "Big Energy" raptress previously issued a stern warning about the matter when performing at Rolling Loud in Germany earlier this month. She told concertgoers in the middle of her performance, "I'ma beat your a**."

It apparently worked as no objects were seen being thrown at the direction of the raptress in the rest of the video. She then proceeded to entertain the crowd with her sexy dance move, shaking her booty before moving to another part of the stage.

Adele previously also warned her fans against throwing objects at her after Bebe Rexha got injured in the eye by a phone thrown at her during her concert in New York City back in June. "Have you noticed how people are, like, forgetting f**king show etiquette at the moment, people are throwing s**t on stage? Have you seen that?" the British songbird said during her Las Vegas residency at Caesar's Palace Hotel & Casino.

"F**king dare you. I dare you to throw something at me," she continued while striding across the stage holding a T-shirt gun. She then made a serious plea, "stop throwing things at the artist."

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly looking to settle down in Malibu as they are reported to want to leave their current house in Montecito, California.

Jul 25, 2023

AceShowbiz - Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex are rumored to want to leave Montecito. The 38-year-old royal married Meghan, 41, in 2018 and the pair stepped down from royal duties in 2020 in favour of a life in Montecito, California but are said to have found that the area is "too remote" and are eyeing a potential move to Malibu.

"They love their life there. But it feels a bit remote and removed from the city. She loves being by the beach, which is why she and Harry decided to move to Montecito. Nothing has been decided yet but moving to Malibu is definitely on their radar," a source told UsWeekly.

A second source claimed to the outlet that the former "Suits" actress and Harry - who have Archie, four, and two-year-old Lili together - "fell in love with the area" after staying in a friend's rental home over the last two summer seasons and are said to be "casually house hunting" in the area.

The comments come just weeks after it was confirmed that the royal couple had officially vacated Frogmore Cottage, five years after the late Queen Elizabeth gifted them the five-bedroom residence in the UK before they agreed to refund the 2.4 million taxpayers had spent on refurbishing the abode.

Speaking at the yearly Sovereign Grant account briefing on Royal finances, Sir Michael Stevens, Keeper of the Privy Purse, said, "We can confirm that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have vacated Frogmore Cottage.

We will not be going into any detail on those arrangements here. "Safe to say that, as has previously been stated, the Duke and Duchess have paid for the expenditure incurred by the Sovereign Grant in relation to the renovation of Frogmore Cottage, thus leaving the Crown with a greatly enhanced asset."

With regards to who will reside there next, the official said, "I have nothing to add. Any future occupancy will be determined and communicated in next year's report."

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Although it's been a month since his body was recovered after he went missing in the Mount Baldy area of California, the cause of Julian Sands' death is still 'undetermined.'

Jul 25, 2023

AceShowbiz - Julian Sands' cause of death has been "undetermined." The 65-year-old actor was last spotted in the Mount Baldy area of California in January, and civilian encounters found human remains later confirmed to be his at the site in June and now officials have also confirmed that an exact cause of death cannot be determined due to the "condition" his body was left in.

"The cause of death is undetermined due to the condition of the body and this is common when dealing with cases of this type," officials told People.

In June, officials confirmed that the body found was indeed that of the "Room with a View" star and thanked those who "worked tirelessly" to find him. The identification process for the body located on Mt. Baldy on June 24, 2023, has been completed, and was positively identified as 65-year-old Julian Sands of North Hollywood. The manner of death is still under investigation, pending further test results.

"We would like to extend our gratitude to all the volunteers that worked tirelessly to locate Mr. Sands."

Julian is survived by wife, Eugenia Citkowitz, and their daughters Imogen Morley, 26, and Natalya Morley, 23, and his 37-year-old son Henry from his marriage to Sarah Sands.

Julian, who was a keen hiker and mountaineer, was reported missing after he failed to return home from walking in the Mount Baldy area. Since then, eight searches by ground and air had taken place to look for the "Leaving Las Vegas" actor but were hindered by poor conditions in the area and were even halted in March due to the risk of avalanches.

In June, 80 search and rescue volunteers, deputies and staff, as well as two helicopters and drone crews, had set out to look for Julian.

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The former star of 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' reveals that her 33-year-old son has been 'in rehab for a couple of times and he still has come back out and relapsed.'

Jul 25, 2023

AceShowbiz - NeNe Leakes has broken her silence on his son's drug possession arrest. When addressing the matter, "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" alum said there's nothing she can do about Bryson's addiction because she's already tried her best to help him.

"He needs rehabilitation," the 55-year-old states on Carlos King's "Reality with the King" podcast, which preview was obtained by PEOPLE. "He needs a lot of counseling. Like many families out there, I have family members that are struggling with drugs and certain addictions. He has an addiction. He's been struggling with it for years. He's been in rehab for a couple of times and he still has come back out and relapsed."

NeNe admitted that it's been frustrating to see her son struggle, but there's nothing she can do until he's ready to help himself. "As a mom just to watch it, my hands are tied," she explains. "[There's] not much that I can do. For people who have had children or family members that have been on drugs, they know that they have to be ready. They have to simply be ready."

"I've spent so much money on trying to get Bryson where he needs to be," the former Bravo personality continues. "But every time I've sent him off is because I said, 'You are getting your a** up and we are sending you off.' But I learned through counseling myself that he has to say, 'I'm ready to go,' not me making him go. So until Bryson is ready to make a change, [there's] nothing I [can] do."

NeNe continues to elaborate, "He is [33] years old, he's an adult. He has three children - three beautiful children - who I adore. He has a wife. As a mother, I would never wash my hands of my child, right? But, I'm kind of numb to it because it's been happening for so many years. I'm just really kind of numb to the situation." She, however, reveals that she "spoke to him on the phone, I think he's doing OK."

Bryson was arrested on July 3 at around 1 A.M. at a home in Lawrenceville, Georgia for felony possession of Fentanyl, a Schedule II-controlled substance. In addition to the drug charge, he was hit with a misdemeanor "loitering/prowling" charge.

Bryson was booked into the Gwinnett County Jail at around 2:36 A.M. and his bond was set at $5,900. He was released at 12:20 P.M. During booking, he reportedly gave officers an address to a home that NeNe sold off years ago.

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The Migos rapper is aboard a yacht in Miami that is being investigated for an alleged strong-armed robbery during which two men allegedly make verbal threats toward the captain.

Jul 25, 2023

AceShowbiz - Quavo spent a night on a yacht which was under investigation for alleged strong-armed robbery. The rapper was confirmed among passengers on the boat on the Miami River on Sunday night, July 23 when police were called for an alleged robbery.

The Migos star was detained during the investigation. Footage obtained by TMZ showed him being handcuffed with zip ties as he sat on the boat deck and appeared to interact with at least three police officers.

Page Six reports that, according to the Miami Beach Police Department, the incident involved two men aboard the vessel, neither of whom were Quavo, who were accused of becoming "very aggressive" toward the captain when they were informed that the time on their boat rental was running out.

The two males, identified as Cornell A. Whitfield and Anteneh A. Workeneh, allegedly demanded a refund and began making verbal threats. One of the males threatened to "kill" the captain and "throw him off the boat" if he turned the boat around.

One crew member told police he saw a man take the captain's wallet and cell phone, but this statement was contradicted by other folks on the yacht. The owner of the boat notified law enforcement upon hearing the alleged incident.

After checking out the scene of the alleged crime, police said in the report that "several men were detained," though no one was eventually arrested due to conflicting statements. All subjects involved were released and left without incident.

A group of women were also seen sitting on the dock as police lights flashed and Quavo sat near officers with his hands behind his back. Police also said they found two firearms on the boat but noted that the guns weren't used in any alleged threats.

After video of the incident circulated online, Quavo's attorney Drew Findling set the record straight about his client's role in the alleged incident. "To be clear Quavo was NOT mentioned in the police report narrative. Not only was Quavo NOT arrested, he is not even listed as a witness to any alleged dispute," the attorney stated. "Ultimately, no one on the boat was arrested."

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Barack and Michelle Obama call Tafari Campbell, a former White House sous chef, 'a beloved part of our family' in a touching tribute after he drowned near the family's home.

Jul 25, 2023

AceShowbiz - The Obamas are grieving over the loss of their private chef. Barack and Michelle Obama have paid a touching tribute to Tafari Campbell, a former White House sous chef who later became the couple's personal chef, after he died on Monday, July 24 in a paddle boarding accident near the family's Katama estate in Martha's Vineyard.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Obamas called Campbell "a beloved part of our family." The statement read, "When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House - creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together. In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter."

The statement continued, "That's why, when we were getting ready to leave the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed. He's been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that he's gone." The couple added, "Today we join everyone who knew and loved Tafari - especially his wife Sherise and their twin boys, Xavier and Savin - in grieving the loss of a truly wonderful man."

According to reports, Campbell, who was employed by the Obamas, was visiting Martha's Vineyard. The former U.S. president and the former First Lady were not present at home at the time of the incident.

The chef was reported missing while paddle boarding on Sunday. The search started at 7:46 P.M. ET on Sunday when Martha's Vineyard police and fire agencies responded to a 911 call for "a male paddle boarder who had gone into the water, appeared to briefly struggle to stay on the surface, and then submerged and did not resurface."

Campbell, who was from Dumfries, Virginia, was recovered by divers from a pond on Edgartown Great Road on Monday shortly before 10 A.M. ET. "MSP Underwater Recovery Unit divers made the recovery after the victim's body was located by Massachusetts Environmental Police Officers deploying side-scan sonar from a boat," the department said in the release, noting the recovery was made "approximately 100 feet from shore at a depth of about eight feet."

Campbell was not wearing a life jacket, police said. He was 45 and is survived by his wife and their twin boys.

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State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller answers questions about a American solider detained in North Korea after he willfully crossed the border from South Korea during a news briefing at the State Department, July 18, in Washington. AP-Yonhap



The United States has not had any substantive response from North Korea about the safety of a U.S. service member who crossed the inter-Korean border into the reclusive state last week, a state department spokesperson said Monday.



Matthew Miller also said the North has not responded to any requests, including those from United Nations Command (UNC), to confirm the whereabouts or well-being of the U.S. soldier.



"It is my understanding that there have been no new communication since last week. communications that happened in the early days," the department spokesperson told a daily press briefing when asked if there has been any communication with North Korea.



The U.S. service member, identified as Pvt. 2nd Class Travis King, crossed the military demarcation line at the Joint Security Area in the demilitarized zone on Tuesday.



The deputy commander of the UNC was earlier reported as saying that a "conversation has commenced" with North Korea over Pvt. King.



Miller dismissed reports that the North has responded to UNC's messages.









"I think the reports may have resulted from a misinterpretation of the UN Command's original statement, but I will leave it to them to discuss the details of that. But I'm not aware of any new communications, other than those that happened in the very early hours or early days after he (King) went across the border," he said.



"On the UN side, my understanding is that the North Koreans acknowledged they received the message. I'll let you decide whether that constitutes an actual response or not," added Miller. "On our side, as I said last week, we have a number of channels through which we are able to send messages to them. We have delivered the messages to North Korea, but we have as yet not received a response."



Meanwhile, North Korea continued to make missile provocations, firing two ballistic missiles into the East Sea late Monday evening (Korea time).



Miller urged Pyongyang to refrain from further escalation and to engage in dialogue instead.



"We would once again urge the DPRK to refrain from escalatory actions," he said when asked about the North's latest missile launches, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.





U.S. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre holds the daily press briefing in a newly refurbished briefing room at the White House in Washington, U.S. July 24. Reuters-Yonhap
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The 'Good Will Hunting' star is left dismayed after a stranger allegedly starts masturbating near where she and her son are relaxing on the beach in Miami, before police get involved.

Jul 25, 2023

AceShowbiz - Minnie Driver's family day out turned NSFW when she caught a man allegedly performing a lewd act. The actress took her son to a beach in Malibu over the weekend, but the visit was cut short after a stranger reportedly started masturbating nearby.

According to TMZ, the "About a Boy" alum was at Paradise Cove Beach Cafe with her teen son on Sunday, July 23. Law enforcement sources say that sheriff's deputies were called to the scene for a report of a man pleasuring himself.

The guy who allegedly performed a lewd act has not been identified as the alleged masturbator was already gone by the time cops arrived. Meanwhile, Minnie and another woman spoke with the deputies. The 53-year-old actress was allegedly one of the witnesses who told the authorities that the guys was cranking out in a cabana.

In a photo obtained by the site, Minnie was seen already packing her belongings and taking her bag as well as her blanket as she was ready to leave. It's unclear where exactly the man did the lewd act, but there were other visitors who were seen lying down nearby and didn't seem to be distracted by the alleged incident.

Meanwhile, Minnie and other beachgoers who caught the man's inappropriate act decided not to press charges. They simply wanted to make police aware of the situation. As a result, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department beach team is aware and will be keeping an eye out for a similar incident in the future.

Minnie has been spending the summer by visiting some places she loves. On July 14, she posted a picture of her smiling brightly with the background of the ocean. "Nowhere better than by the sea with people I love. Salty face, salty chips, weird tan lines from my overly complicated swimsuit," she captioned it.

Last week, she also posted a video taken during her trip to Dalida in Portofino. She gushed in the caption, "Good Heavens, it's Heaven. #portofino per sempre #summerholiday."

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The director of the famous film is also urged to remove the sexual intercourse scene between Cillian Murphy and Florence Pugh featuring a Hindu holy scripture, 'Bhagwad Geeta.'

Jul 25, 2023

AceShowbiz - Christopher Nolan has found himself in hot water. The director of the "Oppenheimer" movie was slammed for allegedly making "a scathing attack on Hinduism" through a sex scene between Cillian Murphy and Florence Pugh in the film.

The 52-year-old filmmaker was called out by Indian officials, through a journalist and government-appointed information commissioner named Uday Mahurkar, via Twitter on Sunday, July 22. In a lengthy tweet, Uday wrote, "It has come to our notice that the movie Oppenheimer contains a scene which make a scathing attack on Hinduism."

The journalist explained, "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."

Noting that the holy book is an inspiration for Hindus, Uday went on to state, "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 agencies, media, politics and even your Hollywood film industry 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," the statement continued. "There is a term that has become popular for those who attempt to cross this red line - Islamophobia. Why should not the same courtesy be also extended to Hindus?"

Uday further asked, "We urge, on behalf of billion Hindus and timeless tradition of lives being transformed by revered Geeta, to do all that is needed to uphold dignity of their revered book and remove this scene from your film across world." He concluded, "Should you choose to ignore this appeal it would be deemed as a deliberate assault on Indian civilisation. Eagerly await needful action."

Christopher Nolan was slammed for allegedly making 'a scathing attack on Hinduism' with a sex scene on 'Oppenheimer'.

According to Variety, Uday's statement came after Indians complained about the use of the sacred book, which literally means word of God, during the sex scene. Following the protests, India's minister for information and broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, instructed the filmmaker to remove the scene featuring Hindu holy scripture in it.

The scene in question features Cillian, who depicts Robert Oppenheimer, and Florence as Jean Tatlock having sex. At one point, Jean stops to pick a copy of "Bhagavad Gita" from a bookshelf. She asks Robert to read the text. "I am become Death, destroyer of worlds," he could be heard saying.

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Mourners, including Meek Mill and Freeway, gather at the Met Philadelphia to bid farewell to the rapper/podcaster's son after he's killed in a triple shooting in Philadelphia last week.

Jul 25, 2023

AceShowbiz - Gillie Da Kid held a lavish funeral for his son YNG Cheese. Mourners gathered on Monday, July 24 at the Met Philadelphia to bid farewell to the rapper son of the rapper/podcaster following his death on Thursday.

Born Devin Spady, the late star was remembered by family members as "the life of the party." His aunt Shafeqah Tod said, "Devin was a joy. Always the life of the party, always wanting to bring the family together."

Wallo 267, Spady's uncle and Gillie Da King's podcast partner, took to Instagram to speak on behalf of the family. "It's a tragic situation but tomorrow is going to be better than yesterday and we never stop believing that, never. We're never going to abandon the mission God sent us to do," Wallo wrote.

Fellow rappers also showed support to the mourning dad by showing up at the funeral. Among them were Meek Mill, Freeway, Beanie Sigel and Mike Knox. Wallo made use of his Instagram account to share a picture featuring a slew of several prominent rappers and friends standing proudly with Gillie during his time of mourning. "Thank you everyone who came through these few days to show big cuzz love. The hugs, laughs, support means everything! [two heart emoji]," he wrote.

Mike also shared the picture on his page, writing in the caption, "Spent today showing our brother love." Meanwhile, Freeway noted, "S/O to everyone that pulled up today and showed my brother @gilliedaking some LOVE during these tough times." Additionally, Meek stated on Instagram Story that Gillie's son's death "will help bring the city back together."

YNG Cheese passed away after being involved in a triple shooting in Philadelphia on the 5800 block of Mascher Street at 8:24 P.M on Thursday. The police report stated that a 25-year-old man was shot once in the back and taken to the hospital by police. He was pronounced dead at 8:39 P.M.

Wallo confirmed YNG Cheese's death by writing on his Instagram account, "Lil Cuz usually when I talk to you, I got a lot to tell you. Tonight the pain in my heart & tears spoke to you. I love you beyond life Cheese. I got your father, Rest well!" He also added multiple broken heart emojis.

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The foundation's president Courtney B. Vance heaps praise on the 'Jumanji' actor for 'stepping up' and sending a huge message to other folks to do the same thing with his generous donation.

Jul 25, 2023

AceShowbiz - Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has donated a seven figure sum to help actors on strike. Due to the ongoing action, members of the SAG-AFTRA are without work, and the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, which is a non-profit organization connected to the union but not part of it, has called on 2,700 of the union's highest earning stars to help those in need.

The foundation's president Courtney B. Vance told Variety that Dwayne's team got in touch shortly after a letter was sent appealing for help. Vance said, "It was a love fest. It's like, 'Man, you're stepping up in a way that is allowing others to know the dire necessity of it.' "

The exact amount he's donating is confidential, but Vance was moved by the "Black Adam" star's generosity. He added, "This is him saying, 'In such a time as this, I'm here and I'm not going anywhere, whatever you need me to do.' And that sends a huge message to other folks to do the same thing."

The grand will deliver up to $1,500 per member, but under certain conditions, such as health issues or an actor being in serious jeopardy, a lifetime member is able to get $6,000 in financial assistant. Vance explained, "It is a call to arms for all of us to know that we just have to step up however you can. If your step up is $10, step up. Because that $10 is going to help somebody. If it's $10,000, if it's $10 million, step up, because we have to. Everyone knows what happens when you go on strike, when you stand for something - as the saying goes, if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for everything - you can't stand unless you have support underneath you, on the side, up top and up front. So Dwayne is letting everyone know, 'I'm here. What are you going to do?' "

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Anytime Fitness, a global leader in the fitness industry and the epitome of delivering premium experience, has been recently honoured with the prestigious "Franchisor of the Year" award in the fitness category at the 19th Edition of Franchise Award'23, held at The Lalit, New Delhi. Mr. Vishal Kwatra, Director  Anytime Fitness, Mr. Amit Nair, Manager - Marketing, Mr. Mayank Bhatia and Mr. Kunal Singh (Franchise Sales), jointly received the award.

The Franchise Award'23 recognizes excellence in franchising and business development, highlighting the achievements and contributions of outstanding franchises across various industries. Anytime Fitness captivated the attention for its exceptional performance and commitment to promoting a healthier lifestyle for its members nationwide.

Director of Anytime Fitness, Vishal Kwatra, expressed gratitude upon receiving this prestigious recognition, "We are incredibly honoured on receiving the 'Franchisor of the Year' Award in the fitness category. This accolade is a testament to our passionate franchisees, devoted staff, and the unwavering support of our members who have made Anytime Fitness a global success."

With over 127 gyms across countries, we have revolutionized the fitness industry by offering 24/7 access, state-of-the-art equipment, and a supportive community environment. Our franchise model has empowered entrepreneurs to make a positive impact in their communities while benefiting from a proven business model and ongoing support from the company further added Mr. Kwatra.

The 19th Edition of Franchise Award'23 Franchise Award'23 brought together esteemed industry leaders, influential personalities, and successful entrepreneurs, all celebrating the achievements and innovation in the franchising industry. Being recognised as the "Franchisor of the Year" highlights the brand's commitment to excellence and its relentless pursuit of providing exceptional fitness experiences to its members.
Pitchfork Partners Strategic Consulting LLP, a Mumbai-based firm with operations across India, has won the strategic communication mandate for Prisma AI, a global pioneer in visual artificial intelligence (AI)-based solutions.

The mandate followed a multi-agency pitch in which Pitchfork Partners was chosen owing to its profound expertise in managing strategic communication for Indian and global technology businesses. The consultancy aims to position Prisma AI as a leader in Computer Vision Technology.

Pitchfork Partners will work on Prisma AIs overall communication approach, from planning and formulation of key messaging to implementing effective campaign strategies, building and elevating brand awareness, and reaching out to relevant stakeholders to apprise them of the companys offerings.

Prisma AI specializes in cognitive & predictive information technologies, specifically visual-based AI applications to name a few body behavioral analysis, sentiment analysis, OCR, image, video, face, object recognition.

Pannkajj D Desai, Chief Operating Officer, Pitchfork Partners, said: Prisma AI has done some incredible, transformative work in AI and is a true pioneer in that space. While AI is still nascent, the impact it can have on the growth journey of organizations, individuals and society is tremendous. Pitchfork Partners and Prisma AI share a common belief system that has innovation at its core. We are confident of helping them realize their strategic communication goals.

Dr Shreeram Iyer, Chairman and Group CEO, Prisma AI, said: We are thrilled to collaborate with Pitchfork Partners. Considering their in-depth understanding along with capabilities and their work with notable technology companies, we believe that they are uniquely placed to assist us in building brand salience across India. We look forward to a rewarding partnership as we chart a course to transform the global landscape of AI-based technology.
In a bid to enhance user experiences and uphold ethical standards within the digital realm, the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) recently unveiled its latest set of guidelines, titled Online Deceptive Design Patterns in Advertising. This pioneering move aims to empower designers, businesses, and stakeholders to create user-centric experiences while fostering transparency and trust.

With an increasing number of consumers turning to digital platforms, marketing strategies have evolved to become more sophisticated and personalised. However, amidst this evolution, certain practices, which are not only misleading but also potentially predatory, have emerged. These practices, commonly known as Dark Patterns, hinder consumers ability to take informed decisions, and have caught the attention of ASCI.

The ASCI emphasises that such deceptive practices are intentionally designed to manipulate consumer choices, often compromising their best interests in favour of the advertisers agenda. As a result, it becomes imperative to address these issues and promote a fair and balanced digital landscape that prioritizes user welfare.

By introducing these new guidelines, ASCI aims to curb the prevalence of Dark Patterns in online advertising. These guidelines will serve as a framework to identify and eliminate deceptive design practices, ensuring that businesses and advertisers prioritise transparency and user satisfaction above all else.

By proactively combating deceptive design patterns, ASCI envisions a future where consumers can browse digital platforms with confidence, free from manipulative tactics and misleading practices. The guidelines will not only protect consumers, but also foster a sense of trust between businesses and their customers, ultimately creating a healthier and more responsible online advertising ecosystem. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, ASCIs efforts mark a significant step towards a more transparent and user-centric era of online advertising.

In this special report, Adgully seeks to assess the impact of ASCIs guidelines on deceptive design patterns in online advertising. Will they effectively address the issue and promote transparency in the digital advertising space?

The impact of ASCIs guidelines can be perceived as a positive step towards addressing the issue and promoting transparency in the digital advertising space, says Mansi Shah, Brand Planner and New Business Director at Famous Innovations.

She feels that these guidelines provide clear instructions and standards for advertisers to follow. The effectiveness of these guidelines will depend on their implementation and enforcement, ensuring that advertisers are aware of the guidelines and actively comply with them, she adds.

ASCIs new guidelines are much needed and certainly welcome, notes Hayden Scott, Creative Director at Virtue Worldwide, a creative agency powered by Vice Group. That said, how effective it is remains to be seen and in my opinion will depend on how strongly it is enforced. Also, the question remains  given how fragmented the Internet is, how will one keep a track of law-breakers? he asks.

Gautam Reddy, Co-founder & CEO, PAD Group, believes that these guidelines will motivate the digital advertising industry to course correct and ensure that stakeholder value and consumer value both go hand-in-hand.

As someone like me, who has always been a proponent of customer-centric advertising, the guidelines from ASCI are a welcome step. As per market research, the average Indian spends 7.3 hours on his phone and sees between 4,000 and 10,000 ads daily. Due to this dense population of ads, online advertising has become an extremely competitive realm. Unfortunately, to separate themselves from the crowd and get noticed from the crowd, marketers have had to resort to dark patterns, as the ASCI has described it. However, although I am positively hopeful, I am a bit sceptical regarding the impact of this move. Some might flout these guidelines in the interest of standing out, says Gautam Reddy.

Ethical advertising

Ethical advertising practices play a crucial role in building trust between advertisers and consumers. Adherence to ethical standards contributes to long-term brand reputation and customer loyalty.

Citing the example of the AIDA model, Reddy points out, Non-ethical advertising practices will definitely ensure that the consumer decision-making process will flow from A = Awareness to I = Interest, but in the D = Desire stage, which is a combination of both rationale and emotion, the consumer evaluates several brand alternatives. If the consumer experiences any of the dark patterns, the process of evaluation stops right there as they feel cheated. This breach of trust will lead to brand blacklisting in the consumers mind.

On the other hand, he adds, if the consumers have a WYSIWYG brand experience that matches the product expectations, it creates a positive brand image, better customer satisfaction and increased conversions.

Mansi Shah believes that ethical advertising practices play a crucial role in building trust between advertisers and consumers. When consumers perceive an advertisement as honest, respectful, and genuine, they are more likely to trust the brand behind it and develop a positive association.

A few things Famous Innovations does are:

Asking someone who is not working on the campaign to react to figure out if they think of the work as deceptive

Instead of seeing clients legal department as an enemy of the creative work, and showing them the work in the end just for approval, the agency collaborates with them at every stage and structure the campaign accordingly

A quick consumer dipstick to understand their reactions

Truly believing that creative and innovative campaigns can thrive within ethical boundaries

By understanding the guidelines thoroughly, collaborating closely with our clients, and encouraging open communication, we ensure that our campaigns are both captivating and compliant. Staying updated with industry trends and emerging formats help us strike the right balance between creativity and ethics, Shah adds.

She further says, These guidelines help us perceive online advertising as more trustworthy and informative. And when consumers see the ads they can trust, it improves their overall digital experience. It also helps brands achieving better results, which ultimately helps the whole category to grow.

Balancing creativity and innovation with ethical boundaries is a continuous challenge in the dynamic digital advertising landscape.

We ensure that our creative ideas align with ethical principles and are mindful of the potential impact on consumers. We often face challenges in maintaining this balance for some of our AlcoBev brands. However, by fostering a culture of ethics within our agency and collaborating closely with clients who share our values, we have overcome these challenges and created impactful campaigns within ethical boundaries, Shah adds.

She further says that the agency is already working with a lot of these guidelines for offline advertising. She requests representatives from ASCI to do a quick workshop for their team.

Advertising is having a crisis of trust, opines Hayden Scott. In fact, he adds, its a crisis that has been happening for a while now. Consumers are saying, You are selling me something, why should I trust you? We talk about things like creating content and making ads less like ads. All well and good; but if we are to repair that trust in a tangible way, we need to look at all our work through the strict lens of ethics. At Virtue, we firmly believe that ethical advertising practices are the cornerstone of building trust between advertisers and consumers. Experience tells us that when consumers perceive a brand as trustworthy and authentic, they are more likely to engage with it. The result? Happy brand, happy agency, and happy consumers. And that can only be a good thing, Scott adds.

Creative solutions

Deceptive design patterns in online advertising can often manipulate users and mislead them into taking unintended actions. It is important to ensure that the agencies creative solutions prioritise transparency and do not employ such deceptive practices. So, what are the specific strategies or best practices that agencies follow in this regard?

In todays world, says Gautam Reddy, anything that is perfect is viewed with an amplitude of scepticism. He elaborates, Brands that have exposed themselves in the most vulnerable ways possible have garnered both mind and market share. I think the best way to evade deceptive practices is to focus on the rational differentiators of the product and the emotional differentiators of the brand. This way, you creatively ensure that your advertising stands out from the crowd and the right audience is attracted to it. We at Hotcult religiously follow such practices to keep dark patterns at bay. Our one-of-a-kind offering to leverage Bharat for India-first brands allows us to craft a consumer-forward experience ensuring transparency, integrity, community connect and most importantly, brand affinity.

At Virtue Worldwide, we have always said that the consumer has to be at the heart of our work. Their needs, perceptions, expectations and world view have to be taken into consideration before any communication goes to them. In terms of best practices, we maintain open lines of communication with our clients and regularly review the work we put out to ensure our campaigns remain transparent and free from deceptive design patterns, explains Hayden Scott.

The digital advertising landscape is constantly evolving, with new design techniques and formats emerging. It is essential that agencies balance the need for creativity and innovation in their advertising campaigns while staying within the ethical boundaries outlined by ASCIs guidelines. What are the challenges that agencies face in maintaining this balance?

I always say that our business is two parts creativity and one part common sense. You dont need to be a genius to figure out that you can be creative without being deceptive or unethical. Its really not hard. And as a business we are masters of working within tight guidelines and even tighter briefs. I dont see how ethics and creativity are connected. You must be ethical if you want your creativity to be effective. And who doesnt want their work to be effective? points out Hayden Scott.

Some argue that stringent guidelines may stifle creativity and limit the potential of advertising campaigns. Can ethical advertising and innovative design coexist, and if so, how does one strike the right balance?

Don Norman, the grandfather of user-centred design, had famously said: We have to design for the way people are and not the way we want them to be. A strong commitment to not manipulating the consumer is hard-coded into that statement. If we talk about good design today we have to realise that it is synonymous with ethical design. Creativity in 2023 has to be ethical first. And if we are being really honest here, manipulation and deception is a very myopic approach to building a brand. Simply put, ethical advertising is good business. Period, stresses Hayden Scott.

In light of ASCIs guidelines, can we anticipate any significant changes or adaptations that creative agencies will need to make to their design and advertising strategies?

Agencies will certainly need to be careful, but Hayden Scott does not anticipate any major changes. Because as I mentioned, a lot of what we do is common sense  its not possible to design something and not be aware of the fact that it is unethical or deceptive. But if you keep ethics and best practices at the core of your work you will never have these issues. And this also includes firmly pushing back when a client suggests something of this sort. Ethics are a two-way street. Nothing goes out of an agencys door without it being approved first by a client. So, a mutual understanding and commitment to doing the right thing is important. For our part, we are going to start by familiarising all our teams with these new guidelines. Its important that the onus of ethical work rests on all parties involved, he concludes.
We, at Adgully, have always saluted and honoured women managers and leaders across diverse fields. W-SUITE is a special initiative from Adgully that has been turning the spotlight on some of the most remarkable women achievers in the M&E, Advertising, Marketing, PR and Communications industry. In the refurbished series, we seek to find out how women leaders have been managing their teams and work as well as how they have been navigating through the toughest and most challenging times brought about by the global pandemic.

In conversation with Adgully, Shivani Kamdar, Associate Creative Director, SoCheers, speaks about how women leaders are making positive strides in all sectors of the industry, the importance of Positive Communication in challenging times, her P2T2 formula for achieving successful work-life balance, and more.

How do you think the role and scope of women leaders have widened in the current market ecosystem?

The present market scenario is being redefined by more and more women leaders rising up to the top. Were seeing these multi-taskers make a positive stride in all sectors of the industry. I believe some of the factors that have impacted this growth in enhancing their role and scope, are inclusive opportunities that would include a hybrid working model and dynamic and flexible policies post pandemic; the budding content creator space that made it easy for women to put themselves out there, make their and their brand messages reach the right audience.

What has been your major learning from the pandemic period?

The whole work from home scenario that the pandemic brought with itself hit businesses across the globe, and ours was no exception. The new normal wasnt as easy to adapt to, but we eventually made it our routine. So for writers, one good thing was that we all could work and write at peace, but it was still no consolation for team ideations, meetings and presentations. So, I realised that well have to increase our communication amongst our team members, and that meant doing weekly catch-up calls, virtual meetings, hosting fun sessions to de-clutter our heads and also retain the team spirit in a way.

So, Positive Communication was my first major takeaway. Now, one can only communicate positively if you feel for the other person, can listen to their story and have an empathetic understanding. Everyone went through their own set of turmoil during those two years, having Empathy towards each other felt like the bare minimum we could do.

I feel so proud today that we tackled each obstacle as it came, managed to pull off some of the biggest campaigns, onboarded a volley of new clients, and continued to retain these two as core principles even today.

What is your mantra for maintaining a successful work-life balance in the new normal? According to you, what makes women the best in crisis management?

The key to having a successful work and life balance is in acing P2T2 (thats something Ive formed over the years) P2 stands for Prioritising & Planning, and T2 denotes  Task & Time. Four of these, as we can see, are co-related. Sticking to this has helped me, and still does fulfill my passion at work and also run a home. Of course, one cannot achieve this balance without support from both the ecosystems, so I have been lucky enough to have that going for me as I aspired.

Coming to Crisis Management, as women, we are more intuitive and hence, our decisions exhibit a more relational behaviour over a rational one, and most of the times its a better way to deal with sensitive issues. Apart from that, I think multitasking comes as second nature to us.

What are the five most effective leadership lessons that you have learned?

There are many lessons learnt in the due time. I am listing down the top 5 ones that have helped shape an effective leadership:

Listening - To understand someones problem or a clients brief, listening is the first and the most basic step. The teams and clients always appreciate a good listener.

To understand someones problem or a clients brief, listening is the first and the most basic step. The teams and clients always appreciate a good listener. Balance Appreciation & Criticism - To effectively manage a team, it is essential to strike a balance between playing the role of a supportive and encouraging good cop and a tough but fair bad cop. Additionally, it is important to be receptive to receiving feedback.

To effectively manage a team, it is essential to strike a balance between playing the role of a supportive and encouraging good cop and a tough but fair bad cop. Additionally, it is important to be receptive to receiving feedback. Transparency - Whether it concerns someones growth or just a day to day operational thing, maintaining transparency in your communication really puts in that level of trust.

Whether it concerns someones growth or just a day to day operational thing, maintaining transparency in your communication really puts in that level of trust. Approachable - When you inculcate the above three pointers, you automatically become an approachable figure for your team, making way for an open and flat leadership structure.

When you inculcate the above three pointers, you automatically become an approachable figure for your team, making way for an open and flat leadership structure. Be Hungry - As leaders, I believe its important to remain receptive to learning from others, as it can enhance our edge and bolster our credibility.

Gender sensitivity and inclusion in the new normal  how can organisations effectively encourage and groom women leaders in challenging times?

I support equal opportunities in all aspects of life, just like basic necessities of roti (food), kapda (clothing), and makaan (shelter). Therefore, organisations should implement fair policies that support equal opportunities for career advancement and leadership roles regardless of gender. It is also important to recognise and support personal life events such as weddings and parental leaves for both men and women. Additionally, providing period leaves for women can address their unique health needs and promote equality and inclusivity in the workplace. Therefore, advocating for policies that promote equal opportunities and inclusivity is crucial for creating a fair and inclusive society.
Ever since Elon Musk acquired Twitter in October 2022, the platform has been undergoing a series of transformative changes. Musks ambitious vision is to turn Twitter into an all-encompassing Everything App that goes beyond microblogging and incorporates a wide range of features, including shopping and banking services. With this transformative mission, Musk has been making significant changes to reshape Twitters identity and functionality.

Musks efforts to revamp Twitter have been comprehensive, here are some aspects of the platform:

Restructuring and Layoffs: Acknowledging the platforms financial struggles, Musk made the tough decision to cut thousands of jobs, reducing the workforce by approximately 80%. This was a necessary step to address the daily loss of $4 million and to bring the platform back on track.

Tweet Reading Limits: In an effort to encourage healthy engagement and reduce information overload, Musk imposed daily tweet reading limits. Verified users could read up to 10,000 posts per day, while unverified users had a limit of 1,000 posts per day. New unverified users were further restricted to 500 posts per day. This move aimed to improve user experience and curb spammy behaviour.

Enhanced User Privacy: Under Musks leadership, Twitter introduced a protective layer that requires users to log in before viewing other profiles or tweets. This step was taken to safeguard user data and protect the platform from potential data exploitation.

Video and Voice Calling: In a bid to compete with other social media platforms, Musk planned to incorporate video and voice calling features on Twitter, transforming it into an ultra app that rivals WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram.

Paid Blue Badge Subscription: The introduction of a paid subscription service for the coveted Blue Tick verification badge raised concerns among users. Previously authenticated users were upset to see the legacy Blue Ticks removed and replaced with a subscription-based model, offering premium features to badge holders.

Two-Factor Authentication: To enhance platform security and combat abuse, Twitter added two-factor authentication via text message. However, this feature became a paid option exclusively for Blue Badge users.

Publisher Monetisation: Musks focus on monetisation led to a feature allowing publishers to charge users on a per-article basis, providing an opportunity to generate revenue from the platform.

Open Source Approach: An important milestone in Twitters transformation was Musks announcement of adopting an open source approach. This shift towards greater transparency would allow the public to examine the companys proprietary software and even propose changes to the platforms code, fostering collaboration with the broader community.

Account Removal Policy: Twitter announced its intention to ban accounts that shared links to rival social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Mastodon, Truth Social, Tribal, Post, and Nostr. TikTok, however, was notably absent from this list.

Leadership Change and Rebranding: In June 2023, Musk stepped down as CEO, and Linda Yaccarino took over the role.

The platform has now undergone a rebranding, reflecting its transition into an Everything App under the umbrella of Musks other company, X Corp.

There have been myriad reactions to Twitter dropping its name as well as removing the iconic blue twitty bird logo. Sharing their reactions with Adgully on this Twitter rebranding, industry experts had several interesting observations to share.

Sunil Agarwal, Director, Vinod Cookware:

In a digital landscape where connections and conversations are the heart and soul of human interaction, Twitters new logo and name bring a breath of fresh air to the online realm. The revamped identity of Twitter captures the essence of seamless communication, inspiring users to share, and express themselves with ease. It symbolises a commitment to the same values that Vinod Cookware stands for. At the heart of Twitters transformation lies the belief that every individual has the power to make an impact through 280 characters or less. Just as each ingredient contributes to a flavourful dish, every tweet has the potential to inspire, inform, and ignite positive change.

Mitesh Kothari, Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer, White Rivers Media:

Although the transformation of Twitter into X has stirred up social media, Elon Musk had foreshadowed this change earlier. The envisioned X app aims to be a comprehensive platform offering unlimited interactivity, messaging, and mobile payments while preserving its core communication pathway. Musks visionary approach is evident as he strives to transform Twitter into a global marketplace, fueled by AI, catering to ideas, goods, and services. The potential for innovation in the social media landscape is boundless, and we stand poised to witness the platforms transformation as time goes by.

Manish Solanki, COO and Co-Founder, TheSmallBigIdea:

The platform has always set a benchmark with its trail-blazing innovations. With evolving times, Twitter is now ready to set the bird free. No frills or fancy designs, just a minimalist X is enough to rattle the many users. While this may divide the community, the timing of this rebranding is crucial. This could signify a significant departure from the platforms current identity and potentially pave the way for Twitters evolution into a more multifaceted and innovative digital space.

Tejas Rathod, Founder and COO, Mobavenue:

In the ever-changing world of social media, Twitters rebranding from the classic blue birdie to the nostalgic X.com is a significant move, especially with Elon Musks historical connection to X.com, the precursor to PayPal. Theres an added curiosity about the platforms future direction. This move could potentially broaden the platforms functionality and reach into an Everything App, signalling an exciting era for the social media giant.

Angad Singh Manchanda, CEO & Co-founder, Chimp&z Inc:

With the rebranding move that is breaking the Internet, it might look like Elon Musk is aiming to rebrand Twitter as X on the surface level. However, this move signifies more than what meets the eye. With the vision that Musk has for Twitter or X as it is known now, this change in brand implies that we are closer to a massive overhaul of the social media platform than ever before. Musks vision to have one social media platform for everything  be it socialising, voicing opinions, or even trading in cryptocurrency  might as well be the next big revolution that shapes the future of the Internet. It remains to be seen whether Musk will be able to achieve his ambitious goals for Twitter. However, his vision for the platform is certainly one that is worth keeping an eye on. Whats for sure is that this is not the last we are hearing of X, as we bid adieu to the iconic blue bird.

Shantanu Tripathi, AVP Strategist - Social Media, Auburn Digital Solutions:

Musk has long been fixated by the X symbol. He claimed that buying Twitter is an accelerant to creating X, the everything app in October of last year. Space Exploration Technologies Corp, also known as SpaceX, is Elon Musks rocket business. Musk also established X.com, an online financial services business that is now known as PayPal, in 1999. Now that we are aware of the cause, we can better comprehend why the new Twitter logo abruptly changed from a bird to the letter X.

Alin Choubey, Business Head - North, FoxyMoron, Zoo Media:

Twitters rebranding as X, the everything app certainly introduces a wave of anticipation, but I also recognise certain apprehensions surrounding this shift. While a logo change is just the surface, questions arise about how the platform will execute its vision and differentiate itself from competitors. WeChats success in China sets a high bar for X to deliver a seamless, comprehensive experience to users worldwide. As Twitter merges into X Corp, concerns arise about potential disruptions or challenges during the transition. However, I remain cautiously optimistic, ready to navigate these uncertainties and collaborate with X to harness its immense potential for reshaping digital communication and connections.

Anushree Jain, Co-founder, SocialTAG:

Twitters rebranding is likely to have a significant impact on the ecosystem. The new logo, typography, and colour scheme are designed to be more modern and inviting, which could make Twitter more appealing to a wider range of users. This could lead to an increase in brand awareness and engagement for businesses that use Twitter for marketing. With its new tagline, we believe Twitter is positioning itself as a platform for innovation and change. Along with this, we can also expect that the whole rebranding will bring new ways to run campaigns on the platform as the colours and logo might be easier to integrate.

Jinal Dedhia, Co-founder, Acadzo:

In the world of online learning and social connectivity, Twitters new name and logo symbolise an unwavering commitment to innovation and progress. As the co-founder of an EdTech platform, I am excited to see Twitter rebrand itself as X. I believe that this move reflects Twitters commitment to becoming a more open and inclusive platform for learning. Im particularly excited about the potential for X to become a more powerful tool for educational institutions like Acadzo to connect with students and teachers. We believe that X can be a valuable resource for sharing educational content, engaging in conversations about learning, and building connections with our community.

Meet Jatakia, Director of Branding and Marketing, Cossouq:

Cossouq is excited to see the new rebranding of Twitters logo and name. We believe that this change reflects Twitters commitment to becoming a more open and inclusive platform. The new name, X, is more versatile and can be used to represent a wider range of products and services. This rebranding is a sign that Twitter is ready for the future and is committed to innovation. We also have high expectations for Twitter to become a more powerful tool for businesses like Cossouq to connect with customers and build relationships with them. At Cossouq, we use Twitter to share product news, announce special offers, and launch our campaigns. We believe that Twitter is an essential platform for businesses like ours to connect with their target audience and build a meaningful rapport with them. We look forward to seeing how Twitter evolves in the years to come.

Dr Mohd Asif, Co-founder, Cara Clinic:

The new logo and name of Twitter reflect a remarkable evolution in the world of social media, embracing Elon Musks fresh vision to make it the digital town square of the future. The reimagined name echoes a sense of growth and evolution, illustrating Twitters desire to remain relevant in an ever-changing digital landscape. Just as Twitter has become an integral part of the online social fabric, the new name solidifies its place as a platform where voices unite, information flows, and connections thrive. The new logo and name of Twitter encapsulate the essence of a platform that empowers individuals to express themselves, share ideas, and form genuine bonds with others, reaffirming Twitters status as a driving force in the digital age of communication.

Dr. Somdutta Singh, Founder and CEO, Assiduus Global Inc, Angel LP Investor:

"Twitter's new logo gives its iconic bird a fresh and modern makeover! Twitter has always been the heartbeat of the digital world, capturing the essence of progress and evolution. The new logo, a cross mark symbolizes the platform's adaptability and exudes creativity, reflecting Twitter's commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation.As the world's go-to platform for real-time conversations, Twitter's refreshed logo is a symbol of its dedication to connecting people, and driving positive change. It will be interesting to witness the next chapter of Twitter's evolution."

Ajay Prashanth, Head - Ecosystem Growth at bitsCrunch:

"Elon Musk's recent unveiling of the new "X" logo for Twitter and his vision to transform it into an "everything app" could have significant implications for the finance industry. X aims to be a comprehensive platform centered around audio, video, messaging, payments/banking, and powered by AI. This suggests that X could offer a variety of financial features and capabilities, potentially disrupting the traditional finance landscape. For example, X could facilitate seamless financial transactions, including peer-to-peer payments, online banking services, and even cryptocurrency transactions. Additionally, X could provide a space for third-party fintech applications, fostering innovation in financial technology and introducing new products and services catering to diverse financial needs. With Musk's plans to monetize Twitter through premium subscriptions, similar premium financial services might be offered within X, providing additional benefits to paying users. Overall, Musk's ambitious plans for X hold the potential to disrupt and redefine the finance industry, offering new possibilities for users, businesses, and fintech companies. As X evolves and gains popularity, its financial offerings and capabilities could shape the future of financial services."

Malay Desai, Associate Director - Content Management of Sportz Interactive:

"I think it's less of just a logo revamp and more of step one of a Twitter overhaul. My immediate reaction was 'Wow, Musk killed the most visible brand identity of the platform, overnight!' Right now, it obviously feels like a loss for old-time users such as me, but we can just hope that he has a strategy, not a whim, to execute this 'everything app' plan. I'm sure of two things - if the 'X' ecosystem (social, messaging, payments) works out, it will care about only those who pay. The days of Twitter being a 'free, public town square' are now officially over."


Qatar Airways, British Airways and Iberia, the national carriers of Qatar, the UK and Spain are joining forces to significantly enhance connectivity for global travellers.

Courtesy Qatar Airways



Together, Qatar Airways and British Airways already operate the worlds largest airline joint business covering more than 60 countries. Beginning in July, Iberia is joining the partnership in a move that will transform connectivity for global travellers.



As a result of the joint business, Iberia will add a new daily service from its hub, Madrid Barajas International Airport, flights to Hamad International Airport (voted Best Airport in the Middle East for the 9th consecutive year by Skytrax), starting 11 December 2023.

Passengers will be able to connect to more than 200 destinations through the three global airlines. Together, Iberias and Qatar Airways expanded service will operate three times daily on the route, providing unrivalled connectivity between the Iberian Peninsula and key markets in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Australia.



Iberia will operate the Airbus A330-200, with 288 seats in Business and Economy cabins. The partnerships expansion provides customers with more options than ever from a wide geographic range of destinations, flight schedules, fares, and seamless connectivity via Doha, London, and Madrid, as well as a larger selection of award-winning products, including Qatar Airways Qsuite, Iberias Business Class, and British Airways Club Suite.



Whether for leisure or business, travellers from Spain and Portugal will be able to connect to a fantastic range of new destinations. Relaxing in the Maldives and Seychelles, adventuring in Tanzania and Nepal, cultural holidays in India and Oman, shopping in Singapore and Thailand, or visiting friends and family in Australia and Hong Kong, all become more reachable with more choices than ever.



Furthermore, customers from across the Middle-East, Africa, Asia and Australia can enjoy seamless travel to Madrid, Lisbon, Ibiza, Malaga, Gran Canaria and tens of other destinations across Spain and Portugal.



Marking a world first, members of British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, and Qatar Airways Privilege Club can collect and spend using their common currency, Avios. Loyalty members are able to transfer Avios between accounts and combine their balances to claim rewards offered by each programme.



Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker said: At Qatar Airways, we believe in connecting travellers to their destinations of choice and our recent enhancement to the highly successful joint business with British Airways, includes the addition of another oneworld member, Iberia.

"Our passengers will now have more opportunities than ever to connect to different destinations across the British Airways, Iberia, and Qatar Airways networks. This collaborative effort comes as part of our commitment to continuously improve the offerings available to our passengers and provide them with the best in the industry.



British Airways' Chairman and CEO, Sean Doyle, said: Last year we expanded our joint business partnership with Qatar Airways with the addition of 42 countries, and Im so pleased to see it growing even further as we welcome Iberia on board. Were committed to offering our customers as much choice as possible, and working so closely with our partners in Madrid and Doha connects British Airways to more than 200 destinations globally.



Iberia CEO, Fernando Candela, commented: Joining the QJB with Qatar Airways and British Airways is excellent news for our customers. We are really excited about the launch of our Madrid-Doha route. Through QJB hubs in London and Doha, we are building the much-desired bridge between Spain and more than 200 destinations in Asia, Australasia, the Middle-East, and Africa, and offering new opportunities for travelers in both directions. Our country is moving towards a new model of higher-quality tourism and, with the Madrid-Doha launching, we are making a breakthrough.
North Korean residents attend an event commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, which the North celebrates as Victory Day, in this July 21 photo carried by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency. Yonhap



North Korea said Tuesday it has invited a Russian military delegation for a ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the armistice of the 1950-53 Korean War this week in a rare invitation of foreign guests since the COVID-19 outbreak.



The announcement came a day after North Korea said a Chinese delegation will make a "congratulatory" visit on the occasion of the anniversary that falls on Thursday, celebrated as Victory Day in the North.



The Russian delegation led by Moscow's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu will visit the country in a move that will further develop their ties in "keeping with the demand of the times," according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).



The KCNA reported the previous day that a Chinese delegation led by Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, will visit the North to celebrate the anniversary.



The planned visits by the Chinese and Russian delegations mark rare cases of the secretive regime inviting foreign guests to the country since imposing rigid border lockdowns to protect against the pandemic.



Despite the partial resumption of cargo transportation between North Korea and China last year, Pyongyang has maintained strict control of people-to-people exchange across borders.



Prior to the Chinese delegation's invitation, the North had only allowed the entry of Ambassador Wang Yajun, Beijing's top envoy to Pyongyang, in March. Wang was appointed to the post in February 2021, but his arrival had been delayed due to the North's tight border control.



The visits also come as the North appears to have lifted its mask mandate this month.



An official at Seoul's unification ministry, which handles inter-Korean affairs, cautiously projected that the reclusive regime may be preparing to reopen its border after more than three years of lockdown.



"While it's too early to assess whether North Korea is fully reopening its border, there has been an overall easing of antivirus measures and signs of preparations to participate in an international sporting event," the official told reporters, speaking on condition of anonymity.



North Korea is set to take part in this year's Asian Games, scheduled to kick off in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, in late September.



The official said that the reopening of the North's border appears to be a matter of time, but stopped short of offering a clear time frame of when it might occur.



Observers speculate the North may utilize this year's celebrations, including a military parade, as a means to solidify domestic unity following a failed satellite launch in late May and continuing economic hardships.



Earlier in the day, the KCNA reported that celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of Victory Day will be held as a "grand political festival to be specially recorded in the history of the country." (Yonhap)


The Lok Sabha was adjourned several times amid sloganeering by the Opposition party members demanding a discussion on Manipur violence. The standoff over the crisis in Manipur continued between the Centre and Opposition since the session began this morning.

While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has said its ready for a short duration discussion on Manipur and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will make a statement, the Opposition has demanded a statement from the PM. Opposition leaders continued their protest on Parliament premises reiterating calls for debate on the Manipur crisis.

Members of the newly named INDIA have sought a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as the suspension of regular proceedings to discuss the ethnic clashes. The agitators have also opposed the suspension of Rajya Sabha MP and AAP leader Sanjay Singh on Monday afternoon.

Not only in India but foreign nations also taking contingence of Manipur horror. UK PM Rishi Sunaks special envoy raised Manipur violence in the House of Commons. British MP Fiona Bruce said that the Manipur violence is premeditated and systematic. Bruce claimed that hundreds of churches in Manipur have been destroyed. The British MP asserted that not much reporting has taken place on the issue. This comes after a video of women being paraded in the state went viral. The state has been rocked by strife between Kuki and Meitei communities since May.

Neha Bhagat, Joint General Secretary Best Worker Services told Afternoon Voice What has happened in Manipur in the last three to four months has not only affected Manipur but the entire society of India. It is necessary to take concrete action as soon as possible, otherwise North East India will be separated from India forever. Watching the video of Manipur, it was not just a womans naked burden but the entire system. In fact, the Hindu government should have immediately removed the responsibility of those who did this act and hanged them in Bhar Chowk. Why is justice not done as quickly as we have the process of fining? The fourth pillar of democracy has been undermined. In the current politics, the leaders are busy only in splitting the party.

Activist Medha Patkar said, Many incidents have happened in Manipur in the last few days, women are being targeted, women of this society should stop. We are protesting against the government and accordingly a letter has been given to the president saying that there should not have been such atrocities. We are constantly telling the government that such riots should not have happened.

Agatha Sangma a MP representing the Tura constituency of Meghalaya, told Afternoon Voice, Whenever there are riots in countries, women are the most targeted, it is not necessarily what caste a woman is, but the manner in which women are stripped naked and tortured should be stopped. The state government should take strict action on this. We are with the women of Manipur and we are providing medical treatment and support to those who have been rioted and injured in Manipur.

Dr. Sukeshni Khanderao (Katale) condemn the dehumanizing act that has happened in Manipur in last few days. She said Every time only women are victim ka still not one woman is safe in India? A woman who fulfils all the roles of a mother, sister, wife. If she is seen as a lower caste person, the entire country of India will feel insulted. I am also a schedule cast woman so am I not safe too? I mean nothing is achieved by just getting education, a person has to have morals which are not from small or big castes I have a question for the Prime Minister of the country that until all this happens, why will no police officer go and stop it? Why this matter came to peoples knowledge through media because she was a scheduled caste womanthat means that scheduled caste women have no respect in this country.
The northeastern states are like any other state in the rest of India, yet they are different from the rest of the India in many aspects. There is a huge disconnect, and the government never gave them that sense of belonging. Assamese is the only Indo-Aryan language in the north east, while the rest are Tibeto-Burman and Khasi is the lone Austro-Asiatic language. Since there has not been much interaction between the mainlanders or people of south Asian descent and the North Easterners for many centuries, differences will be there, and this is highly noticeable in terms of traditions, customs, food, and beliefs. Each of the northeastern states has different tribes.

Terrorist organizations exploit this, and hence multiple terrorist groups have been formed on the basis of tribal living. For example, Assam has Bodo (demanding Bodoland) and Karbi tribes; Meghalaya has Garo tribes (demanding Garo land), each wanting some kind of autonomy and even separation. Huge security presence, which is necessary to contain the insurgency; no concrete efforts from the government to develop the regions and bring economic prosperity, which has led to discontent among the people and kept the tensions simmering. There have been many accusations of human rights violations by the armed forces, too. Somewhere there is a lack of attention towards these states, there is always unrest. Recent Manipur horror has drawn worldwide attention to north-east India.

There is an urgent need for dialogue amongst the responsible representatives of the communities where the government presides unbiasedly. The state has been affected by insurgent groups for several decades, leading to violence, unrest, and loss of life. The government should continue to engage with these groups in peaceful dialogue and offer them a chance to participate in the democratic process. The states infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public transport, is inadequate and requires significant improvement. The government should invest in infrastructure development to support economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents.

The state has a high unemployment rate, which contributes to poverty and social unrest. The government should encourage investment in industries that can create jobs and provide vocational training to improve the employability of the workforce. Manipurs environment has been significantly impacted by deforestation, pollution, and climate change. The government should promote sustainable practices and enforce laws to protect the environment. The literacy rate in Manipur is below the national average, and many children do not have access to quality education. The government should prioritize education and increase funding for schools, especially in rural areas.

The total land area of Manipur is approx. 22,000 sq. km, where 10% of the valley area is surrounded by 90% hills from all sides. Manipur is inhabited by four major groups: the Meiteis, Nagas, Kukis, and Meitei Pangals. The valley Meiteis are Hindus, while the hill people Naga and Kuki are Christians, and the Meitei Pangals are Muslims. After Independence, the Meiteis were classified as Generals and the hill people as Scheduled Tribes. Manipur is a state in northeastern India that has faced several challenges in recent years. Manipur is a land of both hills and valleys. The Meitei mostly live in the valley, and the tribals of Manipur mostly live in the hills, yet some of them live together in the valley with other communities. The tribal communities are grouped into two sections: the Naga and the Kuki. As Manipur is a land of diverse states, a state that is far away from central India, which was also a once-princely state, merged into India. The merger uprooted the seeds of both armed and unarmed revolutionary activists, as the perspective of the vision was different from that of the then Indian government and the activists of Manipur.

Unfortunately, there has been a political crisis in the neighboring country of Myanmar, which shares the border with Manipur for a very long distance. This impacted Manipur so much, both demographically and politically. Suddenly, in these few years, there has been a huge surge in illegal poopy plantations and drug trafficking in the peripheral sites of the state. The poppy plantation is more in the hills, where the Kuki are in the majority. Some Myanmar people illegally immigrated to some of these areas of Manipur, where the main epicenter point is in the Churachandpur District. These people share a common religion, caste, and community, unfortunately, with most of the tribals of Churachandpur district, which gives a hard hand to the authority.

These illegal migrants are largely practicing deforestation on poppy plantations. So, the Biren Singh government has initiated the War against drugs, which is resulting in the destruction of these poopy plantations on a large scale. These migrants are jobless and living in poverty. Most of the hills where the Kukis are living have poppy plantations, and recently the government has been destroying poppy plantations, and the tribals are angry because its their livelihood.

The 90% land of the hills is protected by the MLR and LR Act and Article 371c (something similar to Article 370), as the hill people are Scheduled Tribes, and no one can buy land and settle in tribal land. So the population is sparsely populated in the hills. Rest in the 10% valley land, the land of the indigenous Meiteis, where Meiteis have settled since time immemorial and have more than 2,000 years of chronicled history. Since they are a general category, everyone comes and settles for business, work, buying land, and permanent settlement. The 90% land of the hills is protected by the MLR and LR Act and article 371c (something similar to article 370) as the hill people are Scheduled Tribes, and no one can buy land and settle in tribal land. Swelling Unemployment in Manipur added fuel to the fire of this violence. People are completely frustrated due to increasing unemployment.

People are not happy; corruption, lack of development, livelihood challenges, territorial issues, and the fight for pride and existence are other big issues. And fake news factories gave fuel to these mindless and jobless youth to commit horror.
His name is Connor. His name is every boy and girl name you can dream up. Grandmother feels "She is failing him..." She isn't. But we know who did. We know who continues to fail all the Connors of the world. Yesterday, I toured a group day program. If it was a kennel, you'd think twice. Dark secrets are everywhere. It's up to US to disinfect them with harsh light. This is why we exist. Anne Dachel immerses herself in this darkness EVERY DAY. It's like being an FBI profiler for the worse crimes. Kim



By Anne Dachel



A story from East Peoria, Illinois really impacted me recently. On July 19th I saw the headline, Family still faces tough choices to help 10-year-old boy with autism, self-harming

View the video here.

This is what the video said:

News 25: We told the Goodwin familys story back in April when 10 year old Connor started self-harming for reasons they cant understand. Theyre trying to chase down the cause of his behavior, trying different methods and medications to keep him safe.

Now they believe he needs a live-in care facility, and its another challenge to find one to fit his needs in the state of Illinois.

Grandmother: We just feel like we are failing him 100 percent, but we dont know what to do.

News 25: This has been Carol Goodwins life recently. Her 10 year old grandson Connor has autism. He was doing well for most of his life, even attending school .

In just over a year, he started hitting himself on the head leading to bruises and cuts on his face. 

Connor is essentially in need of 24/7 care. His family is looking for a facility that can take him in, but keep finding dead ends in Illinois.

Grandmother: Theyre full.

Chuck Hartseil, Consultant, Advocate: Central Illinois really does not have many residential facilities available within it.

News 25: Its at least a six month process to apply to a facility and a long road if you need to seek help outside Illinois. Options are limited in order to get that care funded by the state.

Grandmother: He cant be the first one. And if he is, lets do something to make sure hes the only one, because if theres more children out there doing this, then the parents are feeling what we are feeling, absolutely worthless to this child.

WHAT HAPPNED TO CONNOR?

He was doing well? He was attending school?

WHY did Connor suddenly reverse and can no longer go to school and is now continuously hitting himself?

With no answers, the parents only recourse is to institutionalize this little boy.

How is the medical community trying to help him? Were not told.

This is the tragedy of our time, and its only going to continue.



Anne Dachel is Media Editor for Age of Autism.

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An Alabama woman accused of killing her special needs daughter in a Pensacola, Fla., hospital room in 2021 is scheduled to stand trial this week for manslaughter and aggravated battery.

Bonifay resident Jessica Bortle, 36, is accused of killing her 14-year-old daughter, Jasmine Singletary, by slamming a hospital table into the girls abdomen out of anger after Singletary had broken and thrown crayons in the room at Sacred Heart Hospital in July 2021, according to the Pensacola News Journal.

Singletary had been admitted to the hospital on July 8, 2021, according to court records.

Five days later, Bortle reportedly admitted to slamming a hospital table into her daughters abdomen and then leaned her weight into the table, effectively crushing the childs liver, according to an autopsy report.

Medical examiner Dr. Deanna Oleske found Singletary had suffered internal injuries to her ribs and liver that did not exist when she was admitted to the hospital and were similar to those found in victims of traffic accidents.

If convicted, Bortle will face up to 45 years in prison.
Following reporting this month by AL.com, Etowah County in northeast Alabama ended a policy that often held women accused of drug use during pregnancy in jail for weeks or months before trial while pregnant or just after giving birth.

Attorneys for the National Advocates for Pregnant Women became aware of the situation this summer and said it has now stopped.

They first represented Hali Burns, a woman accused of illegal use of Subutex and methamphetamine during pregnancy. She was arrested at the hospital after the birth of her son and held in the jail in Etowah County for several months. Burns, who disputes the validity of the positive drug tests that led to her arrest, tried several times to pay bond and enter rehab but was instead held from July until Sept. 12, when she was released to community corrections.

The national organization also fought for the release of Ashley Banks, who was arrested for misdemeanor pot possession and having a pistol without a license to carry. When she admitted smoking pot on the same day she found out she was pregnant, officers added the felony charge of chemical endangerment that required release to rehab. Banks did not qualify for rehab, according to two evaluations conducted inside the jail, so she remained incarcerated for three months during a high-risk pregnancy.

Three other women were released on September 14, 15 and 16, according to a release from NAPW, which has been working with local attorneys in Alabama, including pro bono lawyers from Baker Donelson. Two other women not represented by the group have also been let out of jail, the release said. Attorneys argued the practice treated pregnant women and new mothers differently than anyone else, effectively denying release from jail until they could go straight to rehab.

NEW: NAPW & local partners have secured the release of 5 pregnant/postpartum women held indefinitely on unconstitutional bond conditions in Etowah Co., AL. A new policy is in effect, but their criminal and family court cases continue. Donate to help! https://t.co/cnbNTpHlRi  National Advocates for Pregnant Women (@NAPW) September 26, 2022

The new local policy requires women to pay a $2,500 property or surety bond so they can leave jail, which is in line with what happens to people facing similar felonies in Etowah County, according to statements made by local attorney Morgan Cunningham during a hearing for Burns. Thats down from the $10,000 cash bond previously required. The women will also have to pay for pretrial monitoring. Pregnant women will also be required to drug test every two to three days, according to NAPW.

Pregnant women and new mothers should never have been unconstitutionally detained in the Etowah County Jail for a single day, let alone for months on end, said Emma Roth, staff attorney with NAPW and lead attorney on the Etowah County cases, in a statement. While were thrilled theyre finally being released, the trauma inflicted on them and their young children from their prolonged separation can never be undone.

Etowah County District Attorney Jody Willoughby said in a email his office can only request bond conditions that must be approved by judges. One of the goals is to protect those who may be harmed by the defendant.

I have not met anyone involved in this process that didnt want to see safety of the child achieved, and reunification of the child with the mother, Willoughby wrote. I dont think you can honestly say that a mother that is so addicted to dangerous drugs and choosing to use them during pregnancy is overly concerned about her prenatal care.

Roth said drug use during pregnancy should not be addressed through arrest and incarceration.

Etowah Countys policy change is a meaningful first step, she said, but NAPW will not stop fighting until substance use and pregnancy is treated as a matter of public health, not a reason to put mothers behind bars.

Medical experts who submitted affidavits on behalf of the jailed women said the policy could increase stress and complications during pregnancy and harmed newborns by separating them from their parents. Banks, who was arrested for smoking marijuana, said she slept on the floor for three months and suffered bleeding linked to a subchorionic hematoma that increased the odds of miscarriage.

NAPW started a fund for the incarcerated women earlier this month to pay for supplies and legal representation. The organization, which tracks criminal cases against pregnant women, said at least 150 women have been arrested in Etowah County for drug use during pregnancy. The county leads the state in those arrests, according to the press release.

Willoughby said his office plans to continue to prosecute these cases. He said children born exposed to substances have no choice about their circumstances and often suffer due to the actions of their mother.

For us to do nothing, would make us an enabler of a deadly addiction, complicit in the abuse of a child, and ultimately lead to the death of a mother, Willoughby wrote. We chose to act. Certainly, every defendant is innocent until proven guilty. The newly imposed bond conditions now put EVERYTHING back in the mothers hands. The same individuals charged with choosing dangerous drugs over life.

This story was updated on Sept. 26 at 3:30 pm with response from the Etowah County district attorney. Below is the full, emailed response from District Attorney Jody Willoughby:

As District Attorney, foremost, I have a duty to protect a child victim as defined by Code of Alabama and Case law.

Any bond request by my office is just that. Its a request to the Court to impose certain bond conditions that help insure the safety of those who may be harmed by the defendant. Ultimately, that decision is left to the Courts to impose any, none, or all requested conditions. My Office has certainly supported the decision of our Courts to impose conditions that will assist in protection of the particular childs life.

I have not met anyone involved in this process that didnt want to see safety of the child achieved, and reunification of the child with the mother.

I dont think you can honestly say that a mother that is so addicted to dangerous drugs and choosing to use them during pregnancy is overly concerned about her prenatal care.

Have you seen a child born into addiction? Theres no way one could sit, watch, and listen to the screams of an addicted child who never once was asked if he/she wanted to absorb illegal substances, and then advocate for the position of zero accountability.

For us to do nothing, would make us an enabler of a deadly addiction, complicit in the abuse of a child, and ultimately lead to the death of a mother. We chose to act.

Certainly, every defendant is innocent until proven guilty. The newly imposed bond conditions now put EVERYTHING back in the mothers hands. The same individuals charged with choosing dangerous drugs over life.

Regardless, I can assure you I will continue to prosecute those who harm innocent life to the fullest extent of the law.
Police arrested Brooke Shoemaker at her parents home in east Alabama weeks before her 37th birthday. She had suffered a stillbirth two months earlier and suddenly found herself facing up to 99 years in prison.

Police contended drug use caused the loss of her baby. But Shoemaker thought she could beat the unusual charge of chemical endangerment causing death, a law unique to Alabama.

Toxicology tests found methamphetamine in the babys blood, but the medical examiner could not say whether the drug caused the stillbirth.

Certainly, people have stillborn infants, State Medical Examiner Dr. Stephen Boudreau testified at Shoemakers 2020 trial. We have spontaneous abortions. Did a certain drug cause that? It can. I mean, thats as far as I can get with it. It certainly can. But its  thats why my report says undetermined.

Still, a jury in Auburn found Shoemaker guilty. She is now serving 18 years in one of the nations most overcrowded prison systems.

Shoemaker is among at least 20 women in Alabama since 2006 who suffered miscarriage or stillbirth then faced the harshest possible criminal charges, with consequences as severe as those for murder, rape or kidnapping.

Alabama has long led the nation in arrests of women who use drugs during pregnancy, although reporting by The Marshall Project, The Frontier and AL.com finds similar approaches spreading to states including Oklahoma and South Carolina.

In Alabama, prosecutors rely on a law passed to protect children from the dangers of home meth labs. In 2013, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that those meth-lab protections also apply to fetuses, who qualify as people under the emerging personhood theory championed by anti-abortion activists.

That decision opened the floodgates for hundreds of cases in Alabama, most of which involved women arrested for drug use who gave birth to healthy babies.The stakes are much higher for the unlucky few who suffered pregnancy loss. Women who use drugs during pregnancy and deliver healthy babies face up to 10 years in prison, but those who miscarry or have a stillbirth can be sentenced to 99 years.

Shoemaker, a college graduate and mother of four, said she now regrets not taking the stand to tell her story. She received one of the longest prison sentences of any of the 20 women AL.com identified in Alabama who were charged with causing the deaths of their fetuses at some point over the last 20 years.

Miscarriages happen every day Its the natural process, Shoemaker said. Basically, the jury, by convicting me of this charge, said there is no reason other than meth use that I had that child early.

An unexpected delivery

Shoemaker had long struggled with methamphetamine addiction. She started experimenting with the drug in college at Auburn University, but then cleaned up for a while when she and her family moved north to Chicago.

A call from an ex-boyfriend lured her back down to Alabama, where she started using again.

It was an utterly lonely time in my life, she said.

In October 2015, Shoemaker had her first run-in with the police, who arrested her on drug possession charges. A judge dismissed the felony and Shoemaker pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors, possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. She received a 12-month suspended sentence.

By that time, she had three children  two from a relationship in her twenties and another from a brief marriage that ended in 2012. The third child lived with her ex-husband.

In 2016, Shoemaker got involved in a relationship and became unexpectedly pregnant. Her boyfriend suddenly began disappearing for long stretches of time, she said.

She signed up for Medicaid and got an ultrasound at a storefront that offered 3-D images. When she tried to make an appointment with the doctor who delivered her third child, she said, a member of the staff told her she owed $700 and turned her away.

She said she always planned to keep the baby.

I believe in the sanctity of life, she said. It wasnt going to be easy, but I knew we would find a way to take care of another child.

On March 8, 2017, Shoemaker was out with a friend and felt something wet running down her leg. She had used meth that day and at least one other time during the pregnancy.

When she came home, Shoemaker realized she hadnt wet her pants. It was amniotic fluid. Her water was leaking months earlier than expected.

I know it sounds uneducated, but I started looking up clear, odorless fluid on the internet, she said. And there was nothing on there that said to go to the hospital immediately.

As Shoemaker recalls it, the next day, she felt crampy and sick. She texted a friend who offered to take her to the hospital or call EMS. But Shoemaker hoped a soak in the bathtub would ease her symptoms.

She filled the tub after her children left the house with a grandparent. Soon, she felt pressure. With a shock, she realized it was the baby and willed herself to stay calm while she delivered the newborn and placenta.

The little boy, who weighed a bit more than two pounds according to the autopsy report, was stillborn.

Shoemaker said she was stunned. She texted a friend in Macon County who sent someone in a car to help. Another friend called 911.

A young fireman arrived at her parents house in an upscale Auburn neighborhood, but he soon called police. The scene wasnt what he expected, he would later say. The home births hed seen in the past were bloody and disordered, but this one was clean, he said.

Lee County Prosecutor Brandon Hughes claimed that Shoemaker wrapped the baby in a towel and tossed him in the corner while she scrubbed the scene.

Shoemaker disputed Hughes description of the bathroom. She said she wrapped her child, drained and rinsed the tub before the ambulance arrived, but never tried to hide anything. In fact, she admitted her meth use to doctors at the hospital, agreed to have her blood drawn and spoke to a detective who appeared at her bedside.

The pathologist found a tear to the fetuss liver that paramedics probably caused by attempts to resuscitate, and a small hemorrhage on the placenta, all documented in the autopsy report. Otherwise, the baby was healthy but premature, probably between 24- and 26-weeks gestation. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, that would classify him as extremely preterm  and at high risk of death or disability.

The pathologist ruled the manner and cause of death undetermined, but noted the presence of drugs in the autopsy report.

The coroner, an elected official with no medical degree, listed chemical endangerment and methamphetamine toxicity as the babys cause of death on the death certificate. Later he would say he arrived at that conclusion after speaking to a pathologist unconnected to the case who never examined the baby.

No clear answer

In other parts of the country, similar cases have received great scrutiny. Earlier this year, a judge in California vacated the conviction of a Kings County woman who suffered a stillbirth allegedly caused by drug use. Another woman from the same county had her case dismissed.

Hundreds of people have signed a petition to overturn the conviction of Brittany Poolaw of Oklahoma, who miscarried after using meth. Editorials and articles about her case have appeared in the New York Times, BBC and CBS News.

Yet the Shoemaker case  and her sentence  barely made waves in Alabama, where criminal cases against pregnant women are not uncommon. Chemical endangerment was the fourth-leading cause of incarceration for women in 2019, beating out credit card fraud and drug dealing, according to the Alabama Sentencing Commission.

Despite that, medical experts still cant say with certainty how drug use affects developing fetuses. Dire warnings about crack babies in the 1980s proved to be unfounded, later research showed.

That uncertainty extends to stillbirth, said Dr. Gregory G. Davis, chief coroner and medical examiner for Jefferson County.

Certain drugs can make that more likely, particularly the stimulants, cocaine and methamphetamine, Davis said. They could possibly play a role in that, but as I said, its really complicated. Smoking cigarettes can do the same sort of thing. So how to tease all of that apart is very difficult.

Others say its important to hold women accountable for drug use during pregnancy if theres a chance it could harm babies. Chris Connolly, district attorney for Lauderdale County in the northwest corner of the state, said his office usually tries to get women into treatment programs. But he said he deals more harshly with those who have used drugs in multiple pregnancies or had a stillbirth after using.

If you have a dead child, we dont automatically go out and charge that person with a Class A felony, Connolly said. We get an autopsy done and we get the medical examiners opinion of whether the drugs in the system caused the death or not.

If the medical examiner rules that drugs caused a stillbirth, Connolly said, he will go forward with the harshest charges.

Thats the same thing as murder, he said.

Parenting from prison

During the trial, prosecutors did not produce a witness who could conclusively say methamphetamine caused the babys death. About 30 percent of stillbirths are unexplained, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Shoemaker said her lawyer advised her not to testify. She said, Theyll rip you apart, Shoemaker told Al.com. But they already knew the worst of it. I was too honest. They know the worst of it and now theyve turned me into a monster who didnt get a chance to humanize herself.

Experts say women face a disadvantage at trial and most chemical endangerment cases in Alabama end in plea agreements. Sara Ainsworth, legal director of abortion rights group If/When/How, said there is a deep stigma about using drugs while pregnant.

Its not common to win in front of a jury, even when the law is on your side, she said.

Shoemakers 18-year sentence separated her from her four children, including the youngest, born after the arrest. The pandemic shut down in-person visits soon after she was imprisoned, but she speaks daily with her 4-year-old using a video app.

He said, Mommy, when are you coming home? Shoemaker said. I said, Little baby, I dont know. Mommy doesnt know. And he said, Can you come home tomorrow? And I said, No, mommy cant come home tomorrow. Well, what about after tomorrow? I said, Yeah, Mommy will come home after tomorrow.

Prison has been difficult, Shoemaker said. Drugs and violence are widespread in Alabama prisons, where conditions are so overcrowded and understaffed that federal authorities filed a lawsuit alleging the state system violates the Constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment.

Shoemaker, on the phone to Al.com, pointed out that the district attorney who prosecuted her is also serving time in the same prison system.

In 2021, Hughes was sentenced to 10 months for ethics violations. Prosecutors from the Alabama Attorney Generals Office said he used public money to pay for his familys legal expenses and abused his office by employing his children and issuing subpoenas for personal benefit. Co-workers also testified that the district attorneys office sometimes felt like a frat house, with video games and booze, according to coverage of the trial by WRBL News.

Shoemaker is fighting her sentence with a petition for post-conviction relief that claims her lawyer did not disclose a conflict of interest. In the petition, she says she found out the attorney had represented her ex-husband in a child custody dispute that hinged on allegations of her drug use.

Petitioner is entitled to a new trial or other relief where the Court allowed Petitioners Counsel of Record to represent her where Counsel had previously represented Petitioners Ex-Husband in a divorce/custody case, wherein Counsel argued that Petitioner (now her criminal client) had placed that child in danger due to drug use, according to the petition.

That attorney, Margaret Brown, denied any conflict in her representation of Shoemaker.

I represented her to the best of my ability and never had any complaints about my representation during that period of time, Brown said.

In less than four years, Shoemaker becomes eligible for parole. But last year, the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles denied 84 percent of applications, according to the ACLU. Her final release date is in 2038.

Staying clean in prison is harder than it was at home in Auburn, she said. Only her faith keeps her straight.

When the judge said 18 years, I couldnt believe it, Shoemaker said. He said, That should be enough time to get you the rehabilitation that you need. Little does this man know, even at home and doing what I wanted to do, I was never forced to be around people who were high and fiending all the time. Guess what? Here and at Tutwiler, I am.

Cary Aspinwall, a staff writer at the Marshall Project, contributed reporting for this article
This article was published in partnership with The Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system, The Washington Post and The Frontier. Sign up for The Marshall Projects newsletters, and follow them on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Some were already mothers, excited about having another baby. Others were upset or frightened to find themselves pregnant. All tested positive for drugs. And when these women lost their pregnancies, each ended up in jail.

More than 50 women have been prosecuted for child neglect or manslaughter in the United States since 1999 because they tested positive for drug use after a miscarriage or stillbirth, according to an investigation by The Marshall Project, The Frontier and AL.com that was co-edited and published in partnership with The Washington Post.

The medical community calls this legal approach harmful and counterproductive. But its a strategy many legal experts say is likely to become more common now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned, making it easier for states to pass laws that give fetuses and embryos the same rights as children or their mothers.

An analysis of court records and medical examiner data over the last 23 years found at least 20 felony cases in Alabama, 14 in South Carolina and 10 in Oklahoma, as well as nine in other states where prosecutors have embraced some form of fetal personhood in bringing criminal charges after miscarriage or stillbirth. Many of the prosecutions resulted in lengthy prison sentences and life-altering consequences for mostly poor women who were struggling with addiction.

In 20 additional cases, women in Alabama, Oklahoma and South Carolina were prosecuted after positive drug tests because their babies died shortly after birth.

Seven of the Oklahoma stillbirth and miscarriage cases were filed in the last two years. In many instances, the fetuses were not developed enough to be viable outside the womb. Sentences have ranged from probation to 20 years in prison. Women sent to prison after pregnancy loss are among the few Americans serving time for drug consumption; most laws criminalize drug possession and sales, not use.

Prosecutors who bring these cases say they see them as a deterrent, or a way to help women get drug treatment. It stops the cycle, it stops them getting pregnant again and using drugs and trying to get around it, said Brian Hermanson, district attorney for two small counties north of Oklahoma City.

But many medical experts say the causes of miscarriage and stillbirth are complex and often unclear, and there isnt scientific proof that using methamphetamine or other drugs causes pregnancy loss. Healthy babies are delivered every day to people who used drugs while pregnant.

Even in states with the strictest abortion bans, mainstream anti-abortion activists have largely discouraged criminal punishment for women, instead going after the medical providers through criminal or civil court penalties. The National Right to Life Committee says any measure seeking to criminalize or punish women is not pro-life.

Women prosecuted after pregnancy loss are often those least able to defend themselves, the investigation found. They typically work low-paying jobs, are often victims of domestic abuse, have little access to health care or drug treatment, and rely on court-appointed lawyers who advise them that pleading guilty is their best option. Frequently, the convictions strip them of voting rights, future housing and job prospects, and remove them from the lives of their other children.

The women include Ashley Traister, sentenced to probation for child neglect after a stillbirth in Oklahoma but facing potential prosecution on a more serious charge. And Brooke Shoemaker, an Alabama mother convicted by a jury and sentenced to 18 years in prison after she delivered a stillborn fetus at home. And Regina McKnight, who served eight years behind bars in South Carolina before the states Supreme Court reversed her conviction.

Ashley Traister taking a break at a gazebo after her workday has ended at the Port Ludlow Resort, in Port Ludlow, Wash., on June 28th, 2022. (Meron Menghistab for The Marshall Project)

Some legal experts say the trickle of cases could turn into a torrent because of the Supreme Courts June ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health, which is expected to encourage broader efforts in some states to establish and protect legal rights for the unborn. It allows states to decide what rights a fetus has, apart from or above the rights of its mother. The decision upended a key point of Roe, which treated fetuses as legally part of their mothers until they could live outside the womb.

While the repercussions of that decision are still unfolding, it gives states leeway to expand child endangerment and homicide laws to punish people for what happens during their pregnancies. At least nine states now have fetal personhood laws on the books. Some, like Georgia, had trigger laws that took effect once Roe was overturned.

The cases in Alabama, South Carolina and Oklahoma also foreshadow how prosecutions could play out if states move to punish people who seek an abortion, rather than going after abortion providers, experts said.

When the state and the courts begin to determine what you can and cannot do, and you have state control of the prenatal conduct of pregnant persons, you are opening the door for all kinds of potential criminal charges, said Civia Tamarkin, president of the National Council of Jewish Women Arizona, which joined other groups to block a state law giving full rights to fetuses too young to survive outside the womb.

Ashley Traister

Traister met her husband when he managed the apartment complex in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she lived right after high school. He was 24 years her senior; she said she didnt know he had an extensive record of arrests that included domestic violence. After they moved with their toddler daughter to Lawton, Oklahoma, he began gambling away their rent money and getting arrested for small crimes, court records show.

Traisters husband introduced her to meth, she said, and physically abused her, breaking two of her fingers. She called police but did not press charges. Her husband did not respond to multiple requests for comment made via phone, text, email and a letter sent by certified mail to his last known address.

It took several months for Traister to realize that she was pregnant in 2019, she said. She hadnt planned on becoming pregnant, but very much wanted her baby, she said. I had no reason to ever want to have an abortion.

About halfway into the pregnancy, bleeding started  and wouldnt stop. Traisters tiny stillborn son was delivered at the local medical center.

The hospital tested Traisters blood for drugs and found methamphetamine.

A state autopsy described the stillbirths cause as undetermined, saying meth was not the cause but likely contributed to the death. Citing the autopsy, police arrested Traister on charges of manslaughter and child neglect six months after she lost her son.

Association is not causation

Each year in the United States, there are nearly 5 million pregnancies. About 1 million end in miscarriage and 24,000 in stillbirth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Harvey Kliman, a doctor and research scientist at the Yale School of Medicine, studies placentas from both live births and stillbirths to understand why. In 90% of cases, he said, the cause of pregnancy loss is intrinsic genetic abnormalities.

Methamphetamine primarily affects the users brain and not the placenta, Kliman said. Kliman said there is no biological reason that methamphetamine should cause a pregnancy loss.

Doctors strongly discourage illicit drug use by pregnant people. But there are other risk factors, including smoking, diabetes and poor prenatal care.

That doesnt mean those things cause stillbirth or miscarriage, said Mishka Terplan, a doctor who studies substance use disorder and pregnancy, and serves on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists working group on addiction. The bottom line is association is not causation, he said.

Many medical groups say that criminal prosecutions discourage women from seeking prenatal care and could lead to more deaths  of pregnant patients and babies.

Thats what happened when Tennessee passed a fetal homicide law in 2014 to prosecute people who tested positive for narcotics after giving birth. Doctors reported a sharp increase in the number of women avoiding prenatal care for fear of getting arrested, while the number of babies born in withdrawal from narcotics did not drop. The law expired within two years.

A group of Oklahoma doctors signed a letter last year asking local officials to stop seeking criminal punishment for miscarriages and stillbirths: The prosecution of expecting and new mothers who use substances is terrible public policy for both babies and moms, they wrote. We are gravely concerned that prosecutors willfully ignore medical science in pursuit of these harmful prosecutions.

One doctor who signed the letter, Stephanie Pierce, is the medical director of a clinic for pregnant women with substance-use disorders at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

We know that, actually, these types of punitive measures dont improve outcomes, she said in an interview. So they dont make people less likely to use substances.

Ashley Traister works in the laundry room of the Port Ludlow Resort. (Meron Menghistab for The Marshall Project)

The first state

South Carolina was the first state to prosecute drug use by a woman who had a stillbirth, said Michele Goodwin, a law professor at the University of California, Irvine and author of Policing The Womb: Invisible Women and the Criminalization of Motherhood.

McKnight had a stillborn baby in 1999, tested positive for cocaine, and was convicted of homicide by child abuse. Appeals courts upheld that verdict, saying that using drugs while pregnant qualifies as extreme indifference to human life homicide.

After McKnight had served eight years, the state Supreme Court overturned her conviction, in part because her lawyer didnt present witnesses to challenge prosecutors claim that her drug use definitively caused the stillbirth.

Goodwin said she sees racial disparities in prosecutions of women like McKnight, who is Black. If you were wealthy and White and educated, and you were abusing cocktails of prescriptions, you were not being punished, she said. But if you had a low birth weight baby or a pregnancy loss and were a person of color, they would try to put you in prison.

District attorneys in other states  including Mississippi, Indiana, Missouri, Arkansas and Pennsylvania  have a long record of trying to prosecute women for pregnancy loss and drug use, though most of those cases have been dismissed or overturned. Until recently, higher courts generally rejected such cases, in part because they often treated embryos and fetuses as people separate from the women who carried them.

But that changed in the last decade. Prosecutors in Alabama started to use a statute designed to protect children from exposure to chemicals in home meth labs to prosecute women whose drug use exposed their fetuses in the womb. While lawmakers carved out an exemption for exposure to prescription drugs in 2016, Alabama continues to file charges in cases involving illegal drugs as a deterrent, some prosecutors said.

Some prosecutors filing such charges say theyre doing it to force women into drug treatment, or to deter pregnant women from using drugs.

The goal in those cases is not to prosecute those people, the goal is to get them help, said Chris Connolly, district attorney of Lauderdale County in Alabama. Our goal is not to make them convicted felons or put them in prison.

Under Connollys leadership, Lauderdale County has prosecuted two stillbirths; the defendants were sentenced to 10 years and 20 years in prison, respectively.

In 2015, Oklahoma lawmakers passed a bill called Ashlens Law to ensure grieving parents of a stillborn baby could get a death certificate if the fetus was 12 weeks or older. (Federal policy and many states dont consider a fetus stillborn unless it is at least 20 weeks along). The bills sponsor, Republican state Rep. Sean Roberts, said he didnt intend the law to aid criminal prosecutions or to establish fetal personhood. But that is what happened.

The Oklahoma Chief Medical Examiners Office began autopsying cases of fetal death that it had rarely looked at before, including fetuses that weighed less than 2 ounces. About 30% of the 300 stillborn autopsies involved meth, data shows, which led to most of the states 10 prosecutions.

In an emailed statement, Oklahoma Chief Medical Examiner Eric Pfeifer said his office makes decisions about cause of death independent of influence from law enforcement. He said in most cases, his office does not conduct genetic testing, which is expensive but could reveal other causes for pregnancy loss.

Not every prosecutor has pursued criminal charges after pregnancy losses. The district attorneys in the largest counties in Alabama and Oklahoma said theyve usually opted not to because of the complex causes of miscarriages and stillbirths  and concerns that criminalizing addiction puts the health of mothers and babies at further risk.

Theyre much more likely to get well themselves and much more likely to carry to full term if they can get medical help without fear of being prosecuted, said David Prater, the district attorney in Oklahoma City.

Before Dobbs, Mississippi had two prosecutions of women accused of stillbirths linked to drug use  one in 2006 and the other in 2010. Both were ultimately dismissed by the courts. Rob McDuff, a lawyer with the Mississippi Center for Justice who defended both women, said he worries there will be more cases now.

California doesnt have an explicit fetal personhood law. But in one county there, two women were charged with murder after they had stillborn babies and tested positive for meth. The prosecution of a 2019 stillbirth prompted the states attorney general to intervene; lawmakers are now considering a bill to ban such criminal cases. The other woman had served four years in prison for manslaughter before a judge overturned her conviction.

In Oklahoma, a handful of prosecutors brought nearly all of the cases against women for miscarriage or stillbirth, charging them with homicide, manslaughter or, more recently, felony child neglect. They have also levied child neglect charges against dozens of women whose pregnancies were successful but who tested positive for drugs afterward.

Cherie Mason, center, in orange and surrounded by family photos, pleaded guilty to manslaughter after a stillbirth in 2017. She is serving 12 years in prison. CHELSI LEBARRE FOR THE MARSHALL PROJECT

I cant take back the mistakes

Prosecutors who charge women for meth-related stillbirths have rarely had to prove their case in court. In almost every case reviewed for this article where district attorneys got a conviction, they did so through a guilty plea.

Cherie Mason pleaded guilty to manslaughter after the prosecutor in her rural Oklahoma county charged her with murder for a 2017 stillbirth, records show. Mason, who has four daughters, has served four years of a 12-year sentence. I cant take back the mistakes Ive made, but I hope that someday Ill be able to be close to my girls and my grandchildren, she said in an interview.

Many women said shame and fear convinced them a guilty plea was their only option. Thats what Traister agreed to, after her first lawyer told her it was her best shot at avoiding life in prison.

But before Traister was sentenced, Oklahomas highest court issued a ruling in a similar manslaughter case, finding that prosecutors hadnt sufficiently proven that meth caused that womans stillbirth. The court then took the unusual step of recommending the alternative charge of felony child neglect.

With the help of a legal group, National Advocates for Pregnant Women, Traister got a new lawyer who asked a judge to withdraw her guilty plea and dismiss the manslaughter charge, arguing the state also hadnt proved that meth caused her stillbirth.

One day in May, Traister sat quietly in a Comanche County courtroom, clenching her hands nervously as a room full of men decided her fate.

She had flown there from Washington state, where she moved after her arrest to get clean and be closer to her family. She lives in a house next door to her sisters, caring for their elderly grandfather, and works in the laundry room of a picturesque inn facing the Puget Sound. She is filing for divorce from the man who abused her, and trying to regain custody of her daughter, who lives with Traisters sister.

At the courthouse, she had her duffle bag packed, just in case the judge shipped her off to prison.

Instead, he allowed her to withdraw her manslaughter plea and sentenced her to probation for felony child neglect.

The manslaughter charge is still pending. At a hearing scheduled for Sept. 9, District Attorney Kyle Cabelka must show he has probable cause to proceed with the prosecution.

Cabelka declined repeated requests for comment. But in May, he told the judge that probation and a felony conviction were not enough punishment for Traister.

Since he began prosecuting her in February 2020, he has filed at least 17 other felony cases against women who gave birth and tested positive for drugs, including three who lost their pregnancies.

Data analysis by Andrew Rodriguez Calderon, computational journalist at The Marshall Project
Republican Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth is calling for a change of leadership at the Alabama Department of Transportation for what he says are misplaced priorities for major transportation projects.

Ainsworth, in a tweet Saturday, shared a picture of a congested Interstate 65 and said the interstates traffic conditions frustrates drivers, hurts tourism, and slows commerce.

Related content:

He then criticized ALDOT for prioritizing a project with less than 1/20th of the traffic count, referring to Gov. Kay Iveys administrations focus on adding lanes to U.S. 43 from Tuscaloosa to Mobile and through rural West Alabama.

Ainsworth, the states No. 2 elected official, elaborated his position with a statement late Monday to AL.com through Catherine Fuller, his deputy chief of staff.

Its time for new leadership at ALDOT that will stop turning a blind eye toward unsolved problems and start focusing on our most pressing needs, he said.

Changes?

John Cooper, State Transportation Director (Sarah Cole/al.com) al.comal.com

Neither Ainsworths statement nor his tweet specifically names John Cooper, the longtime director of the state agency.

Cooper, who became director of ALDOT in 2011, was arrested last month on a charge of harassment. In an unrelated matter, Coopers handling of a $120 million Gulf Shores bridge project is the subject of an ongoing lawsuit before the Alabama Supreme Court.

Few lawmakers, however, have publicly called for a change atop ALDOT.

I dont see any indication they will change what they are doing, said Alabama State Senator Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, who has praised Ainsworths embrace of prioritizing improvements to I-65 as a bold vision for Alabama.

Governors get to set transportation priorities and that is all there is to it, Elliott said. But you have to wonder, with the congestion that there is on I-65 to Huntsville, and along I-10 (in South Alabama), why would you think (a project through) West Alabama is a good idea?

Iveys office did not respond to requests for comment, and an ALDOT spokesman also did not provide a response.

Ivey, in May, said Ainsworth was seeking headlines.

This all makes for easy headlines, she said in a May 23 statement to AL.com. Who doesnt want to widen 65? The truth is, there are transportation infrastructure needs all over this state. Yes, we are addressing them quicker than ever, primarily because I championed the Rebuild Alabama Act, which by the way, has already led to needed 65 and other interstate improvements. So, yes, I agree that we should widen 65, but I operate in the bounds of reality, and I recognize needs in all parts of the state, including the county roads and city streets that Alabama citizens use everyday to get to work, to school and the grocery store.

Iveys Rebuild Alabama Act was the states major road plan created after the Alabama Legislature voted in a gradual 10-cent per-gallon increase in the states fuel tax in 2019.

I-65 priority

Construction views from I-65 traveling north through the interchange. (Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com).al.com

Ainsworth, a potential 2026 governors candidate, has raised concerns before over what he said is a lack of prioritizing a widening of I-65 from the Tennessee state line to Mobile. The most recent example came in May, when he said widening I-65 must be a top priority for Alabama officials.

His statements also come ahead of a joint transportation committee meeting of the Alabama Legislature on Wednesday, in which lawmakers are likely to express concerns over the prioritization of major projects in Alabama.

Since first raising the issue of traffic jams and bottlenecks on I-65, I am stopped multiple times a day by Alabamians who share my frustrations and want to tell me their stories, Ainsworth said in the email sent to AL.com. Tourists who come through our state are discouraged from returning, trucks are unable to transport goods in a timely manner and our residents are unable to go about their daily lives all because I-65 is on long parking lot.

I-65, which can draw more than 130,000 vehicles per day in Birmingham, is the main federal highway linking North Alabama to the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Literally every Alabamian uses I-65 at some point, so lets begin fixing the problems with our most heavily trafficked roadway before starting an entirely new project like the West Alabama Corridor, which will cost roughly $1 billion before completion and have a fraction of the travelers, he said.

Ainsworth, for years, has advocated for improving I-65. His latest push focuses on adding six lanes to the interstate for 366 miles  from the Alabama-Tennessee state line south to Mobile.

Its unclear how much a massive project like that would cost. The Alabama State Senate voted in May on a resolution urging ALDOT to study and prioritize improvements and additional capacity along I-65. The eventual goal, according to the resolution, is to have the appropriate number of lanes in each direction of all sections of the interstate.

U.S. 43 defense

Widening of U.S. 43 has been talked about and lobbied for by West Alabama officials for more than 30 years. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signaled hope for the future of this project when she mentioned it during her "State of the State" address. But residents, as well as local public officials, are still skeptical that this mostly rural road connecting Tuscaloosa to Thomasville, will actually be widened. The Alabama Department of Transportation has a plan they believe can deliver the project in a faster timeline, and should have more details available by April 1, 2021. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com).

State Rep. Curtis Travis, D-Tuscaloosa, said improvements to I-65 require federal dollars, which he believes should be Ainsworths focus.

He praised Ivey for focusing on the U.S. 43 project, a design-build project that he hopes is constructed within the next five years or wraps up shortly after the governors tenure in office concludes in January 2027. She is term limited from running again.

The governor has an aggressive timeline, Travis said. She has a five-year game plan to get this done. I hope by the end of her term, most of the work will be completed. I applaud her for those decisions and for ALDOT in getting this done.

U.S. 43, as proposed, will include new corridors through communities in Alabamas Black Belt region that has been besieged with declining populations.

The project, once completed, will provide a four-lane corridor that links Mobile to Tuscaloosa and toward Muscle Shoals. Officials throughout West Alabama praise the project for its economic impacts, including Mercedes-Benz in Tuscaloosa.

Thomasville Mayor Sheldon Day, in May, said that Ivey is the only Alabama governor since the late 1950s to tout West Alabama, and to commit toward building the new corridor.

Ivey, a native of Camden in Wilcox County, prioritized U.S. 43s widening during her 2021 State of the State address.

To have a four-lane that moves goods and services and people and meet the transportation needs (for West Alabama) is way beyond time, Travis said. I applaud her for the job shes done. We are thankful someone who is from a rural area is governor and willing to make commitments regardless of the political pressure.
A member of Sen. Tommy Tubervilles staff, who is also the president of the Marshall County Board of Education, has been subpoenaed in the harassment case of Alabamas Department of Transportation director.

Brian Naugher of Guntersville was listed on a subpoena filed today in Marshall County, according to court documents.

The subpoena was filed by the defense in the case of John Cooper, ALDOTs director since 2011, who was arrested June 12 on harassment/intimidation charges.

Naugher, retired after a 31-year career with the National Guard, is Tubervilles senior military analyst.

Attempts to reach Naugher for comment were not immediately successful.

Cooper, 75, was charged with harassment for allegedly telling a man that he would shoot him, then threatened to whoop the victims ass, according to court documents.

A trial date has been set for August 2.

Gerald Carter, a Scottsboro businessman, told AL.com he filed the charge after a heated exchange with Cooper over an easement regarding property he purchased this year.

Coopers attorney, George Barnett, earlier appeared to suggest the arrest stemmed from a land dispute between Cooper and his neighbor.

Mr. Cooper directed me to file a complaint for declaratory judgment cause of action in Marshall County Circuit Court regarding a neighbor who is falsely claiming an easement on Mr. Coopers property, said Barnett.

A suit was filed July 12 in Marshall County Circuit Court by the South Sauty Creek Resort against Carter and his wife, as well as the First Southern State Bank, which holds the mortgage on Carters property. According to court records, the suit alleges that there is no record of an easement prior to when the property was sold to Carter.

Naughers staff bio on Tubervilles Senate webpage states he served as the Commander of the 226 Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and Joint Task Force Tarpon. In his civilian capacity, he served as the Assistant Vice President of Department of Defense Business Development for Caelum Research Corporation.

It was not clear why Coopers attorney had Naugher subpoenaed.

This post was modified on July 26 to note that a lawsuit had been filed in the case.
A steady stream of mourners filed into a Birmingham funeral home midday Tuesday to begin to say their goodbyes to Firefighter Jordan Melton, who was killed while on duty nearly two weeks ago.

The 29-year-old Melton, who had been a firefighter for just several weeks, was shot July 12 at Birmingham Fire and Rescue Station 9. Firefighter Jamal Jones was also shot and seriously injured.

Melton died five days later at UAB Hospital.

With fire trucks and rescue units parked outside, visitation began at noon today at Smith & Gaston Funeral Home on Sixth Avenue Southwest.

The funeral for Melton will begin at 12:17 p.m. Wednesday at Faith Chapel Christian Center. That time was chosen because its the time that Melton was born on Feb. 28, 1994.

A procession will follow the service, taking the slain firefighters body from Faith Chapel to Elmwood Cemetery.

No arrests have been made in the shooting that killed Melton, and wounded Jones.

Reward money of at least $41,000 has been offered through the office of Gov. Kay Ivey, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama and individual donors.

The shooting happened about 8:20 a.m. that Wednesday at the fire station at 1228 27th St. North.

The initial police radio traffic indicated firefighters had been shot in the chest and legs, and at least one caller reported hearing shots and ran to take cover in the bathroom.

8 1 / 8 Birmingham Firefighter Jordan Melton

Police said the shooter entered the fire station through the open bay door, which typically remains open to be accessible to residents who need their blood pressure checked or other help or information.

The shooting happened shortly after Melton and Jones they started their shift. The chief said at least one other firefighter was inside the station when the shooting happened. That firefighter was not injured.

The early indication is that this was a targeted attack, police Chief Scott Thurmond said.

Several vigils have since been held to honor Melton, including a wreath laying ceremony last week outside Station 9, a balloon release Monday night at Railroad Park and another vigil held today, again at Station 9.

Anyone with information in the shooting is asked to call Birmingham police at 205-254-1764, Crime Stoppers at 205-254-777, the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-877-WANTED-2 or ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS. Tips may also be submitted via the USMS Tips App.
Vice Oceans Minister Park Sung-hoon, right, talks during a daily briefing on the Fukushima issue, July 25. Yonhap



The radiation level of all seafood imported from Japan this year is within the safe range, the government said Tuesday, amid persistent safety concerns over Tokyo's plan to discharge contaminated water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant.



As part of their routine radioactivity checks, the government has conducted measurements on 5,447 cases of seafood at the production level, and all of them had no traces of radiation, including 3,160 cases of Japanese imports, according to Vice Oceans Minister Park Sung-hoon.



"(Radiation) tests on 116 out of 127 cases of selected seafood were all within the safe range," Park told a daily briefing on the Fukushma issue. He referred to a random radiation test that was conducted for the first time this year for seafood products at the request of the public.



Emergency radiation tests were conducted on the water at 10 out of 20 major beaches ahead of the summer vacation season, and all results showed safe radiation levels.



The weekly inspection, which kicked off last week, will cover 20 beaches in the country, including Hamdeok Beach on Jeju Island and Gyeongpo Beach in the east coast city of Gangneung.



Korea and Japan were set to hold working-level consultations Tuesday to discuss Seoul's request regarding Tokyo's discharge plan, as part of follow-up measures to the results of a bilateral summit held on the sidelines of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, earlier this month. (Yonhap)


A three-judge federal district court is looking for a cartographer to possibly draw Alabamas new congressional districts.

Nathaniel Persily, a cartographer who the court had lined up for that possibility, withdrew on Monday, the court said in an order.

The court asked the parties in the case, the state of Alabama and the plaintiffs, to submit three to five names of cartographers by noon on Friday.

On Friday, the Legislature approved a new map intended to fix what the U.S. Supreme Court said was a likely violation of the Voting Rights Act on the map passed in 2021. The Supreme Courts ruling affirmed the three-judge courts decision from last year, sending the case back to that court.

The three-judge court gave the plaintiffs until Friday to file objections to the new map passed by the Legislature. The judges will begin a hearing on those objections on August 14.

Secretary of State Wes Allen has told the court a new map needs to be in place by October 1 to make preparations for next years elections.

The case concerns the racial makeup of the states congressional districts. Only one of the seven has a majority Black voting age population, even though one-fourth of the states residents are Black.

The Republican majority in the Legislature that approved the new map said they believed it addressed the likely Voting Rights Act violation. Democratic lawmakers staunchly opposed the map and said it did not.

District 7 in west Alabama remains the only majority Black district under the new map, as it has been since 1992, with a Black voting age population of 51%. The new map increased the Black voting age population in District 2, in southeast Alabama, from 30% to 40%. Republicans said that would provide a second district where Black voters have an opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice. Democrats disputed that and said they are relying on the court to fix the likely Voting Rights Act violation.
The male victim in a fatal shooting in Scottsboro Saturday has been identified.

Det. Sgt. Ryan Putman of Scottsboro said Angel Nicomedes Peralta, 34, of Panama City, Fla., was shot to death Saturday afternoon on Maple Avenue.

The incident happened at 1 p.m. Saturday in the 300 block of Maple Avenue, police said.

Peralta was transported to Highlands Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Police said the shooting stemmed from an argument between two neighbors.

Gerry Paul Kelly, 62, of Scottsboro, has been charged with murder.
A retired minister in Georgia has been charged with murder in the slaying of an 8-year-old girl whose remains were found in southeastern Pennsylvania almost a half-century ago.

David Zandstra, 83, of the Atlanta suburb of Marietta is charged with criminal homicide, first--, second- and third-degree murder, kidnapping of a minor and a related count in the 1975 death of Gretchen Harrington in Delaware County.

District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer told reporters Monday in the Delaware County seat of Media that the defendant was a monster and every parents worst nightmare.

This is a man who is a remorseless child predator who acted as if he was a friend, a neighbor and a man of God, and he killed this poor little girl, Stollsteimer said.

Having killed a child who knew and trusted him, he then acted as if he was their family friend, not only during her burial and the period after that but for years, the district attorney said.

Harrington, the daughter of a Presbyterian minister and his wife, disappeared in mid-August 1975 while walking from her Marple Township home to Bible camp at Trinity Church Chapel, where Zandstra was pastor. Her body was found two months later by a jogger in Ridley Creek State Park in Media.

Harrington, usually accompanied by her sisters but alone this day because of a recent birth in her family, was offered a ride by Zandstra, who was also the father of one of her best friends, Stollsteimer alleged.

So when he offered her a ride in his car, of course she got in the car, he said.

Zandstra took her to a wooded location and eventually struck her in the head, and believing her to be dead tried to cover her body, authorities said. Returning to his church, he tried to act like nothing had happened, and when her father, pastor of the nearby Reformed Presbyterian Church, called seeking to find her, Zandstra was the one to call police, Stollsteimer alleged.

Over ensuing days, hundreds of people searched nearby wooded areas, and authorities distributed more than 2,000 leaflets and set up a 24-hour hotline that took hundreds of calls, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. When the girls body was found in mid-October 1975, her clothing was folded and in a neat pile near her body with her underwear hanging from a tree branch like a flag ... as if to call attention to the place, the Inquirer reported at the time.

Stollsteimer said new information from an unnamed friend of the victim led state police to travel to Georgia and interview Zandstra, who authorities allege then confessed to the crime.

Trooper Eugene Tray said the defendants demeanor was relieved as if it was a weight off his shoulders. Stollsteimer said Zandstra, however, was fighting extradition from Georgia though the prosecutor vowed that he would be returned to face justice in Pennsylvania.

DNA from the defendant will be compared to material from open cases in Pennsylvania and elsewhere, authorities said. Zandstra lived in Texas and Georgia after leaving the commonwealth, they said. The Christian Reformed Church lists him as having ministered in New Jersey, California and Texas before retiring in 2005. Authorities said they were concerned that there may have been more victims and urged anyone with information to contact investigators.

Zandstra remained in custody in Georgia; a message was left Monday for a Pennsylvania attorney listed as representing him.

Gretchen Harringtons family asked for privacy but said in a statement that they were extremely hopeful that the person responsible would be held accountable for taking her away from them, which they said forever altered our family and we miss her every single day.

If you met Gretchen, you were instantly her friend. She exuded kindness to all and was sweet and gentle, the family said. Even now, when people share their memories of her, the first thing they talk about is how amazing she was and still is ... at just 8 years old, she had a lifelong impact on those around her.
Black women working in an assisted living facility in Alabama were called racial slurs, threatened and retaliated upon when reporting discrimination, according to a federal lawsuit filed today.

Nine women who are nurses and certified nursing assistants sued Florala Rehabilitation, an assisted living facility in Covington County, and NHS Management, LLC., the company that owns the Florala facility and other assisted care locations in four states.

Compounding the unequal treatment of black employees based on race, some Plaintiffs have witnessed abusive and unequal conditions directed at black patients at Florala Rehabilitation, some of whom are left to live in squalid and substandard conditions, the lawsuit states.

An attorney for NHS and Florala Rehabilitation did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday by time of publication. The company has not yet responded to the lawsuit in court records.

The lawsuit says the assisted living facility is a racially hostile and retaliatory hostile work environment, in violation of federal anti-discrimination laws.

The lawsuit alleges that one charge nurse, who is white, makes it a point to avoid referring to black nursing staff by name, instead calling them the N-word. Another white supervisor chooses the more genteel approach of referring to adult black female nursing professionals as the little black girls, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit also alleges that staffers at Florala Rehabilitation frequently make ridiculing comments about their African-American coworkers, including ugly remarks about their skin, hair texture, and supposed smell. The complaint says one white employee grabbed a Black employees hair and called her horsehead.

Racist attitudes and stereotypes are normalized, the lawsuit says. Some white managers and employees have expressed their view that it is the normal order of things that blacks perform the dirty work. The black nursing professionals have been overtly referred to by white staffers as slaves.

These comments were made in the presence of African Americans, to African Americans, with almost a sense of pride, said Artur Davis, an attorney for the nurses, in an interview with AL.com. It is chilling to see an environment where people feel comfortable expressing their racism.

Seven of the nine women say they faced retaliatory action when reporting discrimination. One was fired, according to the lawsuit. Another was left off the work schedule after requesting to go part time, the suit says. Six of the women still work at Florala Rehabilitation.

They went to the leadership of the organization on the ground. When that didnt work, they went to the national organization, NHS. None of those appeals worked, Davis said. When employees cant rely on their internal processes, they often have no choice but to go to court. Thats on the company and not them.

The employees named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit are Shekeya Thomas, Angelia Williams, Kierra Blue, Keonna Crittenden, Cassandra Westry, Chantel Mayes, Melissa Hobdy, Courtney Love and Michele Carswel.

The complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama. It was filed in federal court, not state court, because Alabama is one of just five states that does not have a civil rights law, according to Davis. The state also lacks other laws that protect employees from harm in the workplace, such as emotional distress, he said.

Thats the thing about living in Alabama, Davis said. They dont have access to remedies that their peers do in other states.
A federal court is making plans to possibly draw a new congressional map for Alabama, although it is not certain that will happen.

A three-judge district court has scheduled a hearing to start August 14 on challenges to the map passed by the Legislature last week.

If the court rules after the hearing that the Legislatures new map does not fix what the judges said last year was a likely violation of the Voting Rights Act, the expectation is the court will draw the map.

The judges did not specifically say that in a scheduling order they issued on June 20. But the court plans to have a cartographer in place for the possibility. And Secretary of State Wes Allen has told the court that a new map needs to be in place by October 1 to prepare for next years elections.

The court gave plaintiffs in the lawsuit until Friday to file their objections to the Legislatures map. Lawyers for the state will have a chance to respond by August 4, in preparation for the hearing starting August 14.

The dispute concerns the racial makeup of Alabamas congressional districts. One of the seven has a majority Black population, while one-fourth of Alabamas residents are Black.

The case started when Black voters and organizations sued to challenge the map the Legislature passed in 2021, which was similar to maps Alabama has had since 1992.

The three-judge court ruled in January 2022 that the map most likely violated the Voting Rights Act. The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that ruling in June. That sent the case back to the three-judge court, which gave the Legislature a chance to fix the map.

The map approved last week by the Republican majority in the Legislature left District 7 in west Alabama as the only majority Black district, with a Black voting age population, barely, at 51%, down from 56% on the 2021 map. It raised the Black voting age population in District 2 in southeast Alabama from 30% to 40%.

Republican lawmakers said District 2 would comply with the court mandate to create a second district where Black voters have an opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice.

Democrats opposed the plan and said the 40% Black voting age population in District 2 did not follow the court order to create a second majority Black district or something quite close to it.

The courts have said the Voting Rights Act does not guarantee Black voters a number of majority Black districts in proportion to their share of the population.

But the judges said considering other factors, including that Alabamas Black population is large enough and geographically compact enough for a reasonably drawn second majority district, the 2021 most likely violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits racial discrimination in voting practices and procedures.
How long can it last and how will it end?

Those questions are still unanswered five months into U.S. Sen. Tommy Tubervilles freeze on Defense Department leadership promotions and new appointees. The Alabama Republican is trying to stop taxpayer funding of travel and paid time off over and above what other servicemembers receive for the purpose of facilitating elective abortions, Tuberville Communications Director Steven Stafford said today.

Meanwhile, Tubervilles home state awaits announcement of the move of the relatively new U.S. Space Commands headquarters from Colorado to Alabama.

Alabama won a Pentagon base selection process, but Tubervilles freeze would mean base command families would be ordered to move from a state where abortion is legal at all stages of pregnancy to a state where it is illegal.

Tuberville said in a column for AL.com in May that since the Biden administration began illegally using tax dollars to facilitate elective abortion, Ive used my rightful authority as a United States senator to slow down their civilian nominations and promotions from being confirmed.

Stafford said today that the issue is unauthorized use of taxpayer dollars to facilitate elective abortions. No one is disputing servicemembers ability to take leave and get an elective abortion in another state (access). What is at dispute is taxpayer funding to facilitate this.

You can see the pressure starting to ramp up on him, Josh Huder of the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University said of Tuberville last week. The Executive Branch is saying, Look at what youre doing. Theyre making all sorts of hay out of it.

But hes also started getting it from his fellow partisans within Congress, Huder said. Alaska Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan is saying everyone just needs to get in a room. And you can sense the frustration of some of the other members.

Sullivan did defend Tubervilles right to place holds on nominees on an issue of policy importance on a recent Meet the Press.

Some conservative political columnists like Hugh Hewitt, however, are saying enough.

But until now, never in my memory have those down in the ranks been given reason to believe that the political leadership is intentionally fouling up the chain of command by ensuring the best people are kept out of the top jobs, Hewitt wrote in a July 19 Washington Post column. Or, rather, that a solitary individual on Capitol Hill is doing this to the U.S. military. That person is Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.)

The history of holding up votes didnt start with Tuberville, Sullivan said. What comes to mind is, actually, his fellow senator, maybe 10-plus years ago, holding up a whole slew of nominations, he said. It had something to do with Huntsville and NASA facilities. Something to do with aircraft carriers.

That was a reference to retired U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, an Alabama Republican known for seeing that federal money supported Alabama military installations. Shelby briefly froze all former President Barack Obamas appointees in a dispute of health care changes.

Illinois Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth also put a blanket hold on 1,100 military promotions in 2020 until Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper assured her in writing that impeachment witness Lt. Col. Alex Vindman will not be punished for his testimony.

Duckworth lifted her hold about two weeks later after Vindman was promoted to full colonel.

Holds are less formal than filibusters, the longest of which happened in 1964 over the Civil Rights Act and lasted 60 days. Holds are considered a preliminary move to a filibuster and traditionally honored by the majority leader in the Senate because they do not stop all legislating in the Senate.

Its not unusual for senators to go public with these holds to try to move the administration to get them to budge on something, Sullivan said. What does Sen. Tuberville want? What can he get away with? What is he looking for out of this exchange if he cant get exactly what hes looking for?

Its not just a policy of interest to the Pentagon, Dr. Sarah Binder said last week of Tubervilles hold. She is a senior fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution and professor of political science at George Washington University.

It touches on a pretty live wire issue for Democrats and Republicans  access to abortion, Binder said. What to do in the wake of the Supreme Court decision? Its harder for (the Biden administration) to give him something.

The Supreme Court ruled in June 2022 that the legal right to an abortion no longer exists. But the Pentagon said in February it will pay travel expenses and leave for medical care for military members and their families. Available in that health coverage is support for decisions to terminate a pregnancy.

Everybodys playing politics at this level, Huder said. Everybody is going back and forth trying to leverage the power they have at their disposal.

What the Biden administration is doing  he doesnt have the power to legalize abortion  is saying essentially you can use paid leave and time off to go and get services should you need that. Making it an official reason to take off and do these things, Huder said. The question is: Is that overreaching? Technically, this is right on the cusp of things like the Hyden Amendment, which is a provision in appropriations bills that says public funds cannot be used to procure abortions.

The question is: What does Congress do to respond to that? Theres always tension between the Legislative and Executive (branches), Huder said. The Legislative grants power to the Executive, its up to the Executive to interpret that and the Legislative holds the Executive accountable.

Thats essentially what Tuberville is doing, Huder said, using his authority to hold the Executive branch accountable.

Where Tuberville is out on a limb, Huder said, is the fact he doesnt have a Senate majority to back him and probably not one in the House. Hes simply blocking nominations to get attention and try to get the administration to come back. Hes really limited on what he can do.

The question is what Tuberville will take if he cant get exactly what hes looking for, Huder said.

Binder at the Brookings Institute agrees. Right now, Senate Democrats are trying to redirect Tuberville to, Well give you a vote (on the Biden policy).

Now, that might not seem like anything but in the Senate, they often dont vote on it, Binder said, but whether Tuberville will accept and up or down vote, and I would assume it would fail, is that sufficient?

(Updated Tuesday at 1 p.m CST to clarify Sen. Tubervilles position on abortion paid for with public funding.)
This article was published in partnership with AL.com, The Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system, The Frontier, Mississippi Today, The Post and Courier and The Guardian. Sign up for The Marshall Projects newsletters, and follow them on Instagram, TikTok, Reddit and Facebook.

When Quitney Armstead learned she was pregnant while locked up in a rural Alabama jail, she made a promise  to God and herself  to stay clean.

She had struggled with addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder for nearly a decade, since serving in the Iraq War. But when she found out she was pregnant with her third child, in October 2018, she resolved: I want to be a mama to my kids again.

Armstead says she did stay clean before delivering a baby girl in January 2019. Records show that hospital staff performed initial drug tests, and Armstead was negative.

Armstead didnt know that Decatur Morgan Hospital also sent her newborns meconium  the babys first bowel movement  to the Minnesota-based Mayo Clinic for more advanced testing. Those test results showed traces of methamphetamine  drugs Armstead says she took before she knew she was pregnant. Because meconium remains in the fetus throughout pregnancy, it can show residue of substances from many months before that are no longer in the system.

Child welfare workers barred Armstead from seeing her daughter, Aziyah, while they investigated, and Armsteads mother stepped in to care for the newborn.

The hospital shared the meconium test results with local police, who then combed through months of medical records for Armstead and her baby to build a criminal case. Prosecutors alleged that the drugs she had taken much earlier in the pregnancy could have put the fetus at risk. Nearly a year after shed delivered a healthy baby, Armstead was arrested and charged with chemical endangerment of a child.

She is one of hundreds of women prosecuted on similar charges in Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma and South Carolina. Law enforcement and prosecutors in those states have expanded their use of child abuse and neglect laws in recent years to police the conduct of pregnant women under the concept of fetal personhood, a tenet promoted by many anti-abortion groups that a fetus should be treated legally the same as a child.

These laws have been used to prosecute women who lose their pregnancies. But prosecutors are also targeting people who give birth and used drugs during their pregnancy. This tactic represents a significant shift toward criminalizing mothers: In most states, if a pregnant woman is suspected of using drugs, the case could be referred to a child welfare agency, but not police or prosecutors.

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Medical privacy laws have offered little protection. In many cases, health care providers granted law enforcement access to patients information, sometimes without a warrant. These women were prosecuted for child endangerment or neglect even when they delivered healthy babies, an investigation by The Marshall Project, AL.com, The Frontier, The Post & Courier and Mississippi Today found.

In these cases, whether a woman goes to prison often depends on where she lives, what hospital she goes to and how much money she has, our review of records found. Most women charged plead guilty and are separated from their children for months, years  or forever. The evidence and procedures are rarely challenged in court.

Prosecutors who pursue these criminal cases say theyre protecting babies from potential harm and trying to get the mothers help in some cases.

But medical experts warn that prosecuting pregnant people who seek health care could cause them to avoid going to a doctor or hospital altogether, which is dangerous for the mother and the developing fetus. Proper prenatal care and drug treatment should be the goal, they argue  not punishment.

Dr. Tony Scialli, an obstetrician/gynecologist who specializes in reproductive and developmental toxicology, said the prosecutions are an abuse of drug screenings and tests designed to assess the medical needs of the mother and infant. He said that drug use doesnt necessarily harm a fetus. Exposure does not equal toxicity, Scialli said.

But prosecutors in these states arent required to prove harm to the fetus or newborn  simply exposure at some point during the pregnancy.

Legal experts say that under this expanded use of child welfare laws, prosecutors could also pursue criminal charges for a pregnant person who drinks wine or uses recreational marijuana  even where its legal. Police could also comb through medical records to investigate whether a life-saving abortion was medically necessary or to allege that a miscarriage was actually the result of a self-managed abortion.

Because of concerns about people being criminally punished for seeking reproductive healthcare after last years reversal of Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is working to strengthen privacy rules under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA.

Scialli said the prosecutions ignore the effects of separating a newborn from a mother, which research has shown harms the child. Several studies have shown that even when newborns exhibit signs of drug withdrawal at birth, keeping them in hospital rooms with their mothers improves their health outcomes.

Just because a person struggles with addiction doesnt necessarily mean she is an unfit mother, Scialli said. Even women who are using illicit drugs, theyre usually highly motivated to take care of their children. Unless the mother is being neglectful, separating the baby and mother is not healthy for either of them.

Armstead is a veteran of the Iraq War who didnt use drugs until after she returned. She learned she was pregnant with her third daughter while in jail on a drug charge. (Photo by Sydney Foster for The Marshall Project)

Armstead grew up Quitney Butler in Town Creek, about two hours northwest of Birmingham. She watched as her town lost its Dairy Queen, grocery store, and eventually even the high school she graduated from in 2006.

She was deployed to Iraq in 2009, the same year her school closed. By then, she was 21 with one young daughter, Eva, with her boyfriend, Derry Armstead.

In Iraq, she drove trucks and made sure fellow soldiers got their mail. She was stationed at Forward Operating Base Hammer, in a stretch of desert east of Baghdad that was often the target of attacks.

Armstead came back from war in 2010 a completely different person, said her mother, Teresa Tippett. She was argumentative and temperamental.

Her family members all said I changed when I went over there, Armstead recalled. I was like, Mama, we were getting bombed all day, every day.

Armstead came home looking for an escape. She found drugs and trouble.

After her boyfriend returned from his deployment to Afghanistan, they married in 2012 and had a second daughter, Shelby. But their relationship became tumultuous, records show.

Both were arrested after a 2014 fight where he claimed she damaged his property, and she claimed he struck her on the leg, court records show. The following year, police records allege her husband drove his pickup past railroad barricades and into the side of a moving train, with his wife in the passenger seat.

Because of the couples fighting and arrests, her mother had custody of both Eva and Shelby. Quitney Armstead picked up two drug possession charges, and a misdemeanor charge for throwing a brick at the car her husband was in. Their divorce was granted in 2018, court records show.

In October 2018, she ended up back in jail after she was arrested on a drug possession charge during a police raid of a relatives house, according to court records.

Thats when she found out she was pregnant with Aziyah, and promised herself she would get clean.

Not long before Armsteads legal troubles began, some prosecutors in Alabama started to use a chemical endangerment statute  originally designed to protect children from chemical exposures in home meth labs  to punish women whose drug use potentially exposed their fetuses in the womb.

Prosecutions vary widely from county to county. In some areas, district attorneys choose not to pursue these charges, while one county has charged hundreds of women. In 2016, lawmakers carved out an exemption for exposure to prescription drugs, which can also be harmful to a fetus.

Morgan County District Attorney Scott Anderson said he does not discuss details and facts about pending cases.

However, I will tell you that my position of being willing to allow mothers charged with chemical endangerment into diversion programs has not changed. I am willing to do that and, if at all possible, I favor that approach in resolving these type cases, he wrote in an email. I think that Ms. Armstead needs treatment for drug dependency and am in favor of her getting it.

Some Alabama women we interviewed avoided a felony conviction and prison time by participating in pre-trial intervention programs run by prosecutors, which offer some treatment options. In some counties, the cost is $700 just to apply. Participants must keep making payments to remain enrolled. If they cant afford to keep up, they face an automatic guilty plea.

In his email, Anderson said poverty does not prevent a person from entering diversion programs in his county.

In several Alabama cases, the mother and her newborn initially tested negative for drugs  but the hospital sent the babys meconium to a lab for more extensive testing.

In Armsteads case, her drug tests were negative, but her infants initial urine screen showed a presumptive positive for methamphetamine, according to medical records. Urine screening can result in false positives, which is why hospitals sometimes use more definitive meconium testing. Armstead said she never granted permission specifically for the meconium test and had no idea her newborns sample was being sent to the Mayo Clinic.

A spokesperson for Decatur Morgan Hospital, where Armstead gave birth, wrote in an email statement that the hospital drug tests all mothers who are admitted to our hospital for labor and delivery. Our hospital follows Alabama law regarding any required reporting of test results to state authorities.

A federal law requires each state to have a policy on how to report and examine cases of drug-exposed newborns  but the federal statute doesnt require states to conduct criminal investigations. About half the states stipulate that healthcare providers report to child welfare agencies when a newborn or mother tests positive for drugs, but only a handful pursue criminal prosecutions of the mothers.

Some prosecutors in Alabama, South Carolina and Oklahoma have determined that under those states laws and court rulings establishing fetal personhood, child welfare statutes can apply to a fetus. Mississippi doesnt have a fetal personhood law, but that hasnt stopped prosecutors in at least two counties from filing criminal charges against women who tested positive for drugs while pregnant.

In northeast Mississippis Monroe County, Sheriffs Investigator Spencer Woods said he spearheaded the effort to begin prosecuting women under the concept of fetal personhood in 2019. Before that, Woods said, when the sheriffs office received a referral from Child Protection Services about a newborn testing positive for drugs, officers wouldnt investigate.

It wouldnt be handled because it did not fall under the statute. It still does not fall under the statute, he said. Because the state of Mississippi does not look at a child as being a child until it draws its first breath. Well, when that child tests positive when its born, the abuse has already happened, and it didnt happen to a child. So it was a crack in the system the way I looked at it. And thats where were kind of playing.

There are several ways law enforcement can learn of alleged drug use. Sometimes, child welfare workers inform police. Occasionally, women themselves admit drug use to an investigator; other times doctors, nurses or hospital staff pass test results to law enforcement or grant officers access to medical records without a warrant.

The cases demonstrate how existing privacy laws dont protect womens medical records from scrutiny by law enforcement, said Ji Seon Song, a law professor at the University of California, Irvine, who studies how law enforcement infringe on patients privacy.

Child abuse allegations shouldnt be a carte blanche to access someones private health information, but thats how its being used, Song said. When the loyalty to the patient completely disappears, thats an institutional problem the hospitals need to deal with.

Because this surveillance system could also be used to police women who seek abortions, federal authorities have proposed a privacy rule addition for HIPAA. Among other changes, it would prohibit disclosure of private health information for criminal, civil or administrative investigations against people seeking lawful reproductive health care. The agency sought public comment on the proposed rule through June 16, and is expected to complete the changes in coming months.

Medical groups supporting the changes argue that using private health information to punish people criminally harms the physician-patient relationship and results in substandard care. But several state attorneys general  including the AGs for Alabama, Mississippi and South Carolina  wrote a statement opposing the change.

As proposed, the HIPAA changes could require law enforcement to provide documentation, such as a search warrant or subpoena, when seeking records related to someones reproductive healthcare  and medical providers could still refuse, said Melanie Fontes Rainer, director of the Office for Civil Rights in the Department of Health and Human Services.

Its very much real that your information is being used inappropriately sometimes; and then that information is then being used to seek out criminal, civil and administrative prosecution of people, Fontes Rainer said. Were in this new era  of unfortunately targeting populations for the kinds of health care they seek.

Kearline Bishop works at a coffee shop in Claremore, Okla., one month after her release from prison in April 2023. (Photo by Shane Bevel for The Frontier)Shane Bevel/Shane Bevel Photogra

In some cases, women were arrested and prosecuted after being honest with their doctors about their struggles with substance abuse. At one South Carolina hospital, a new mother admitted to occasional drug use while pregnant, only to have hospital staff call police who arrested her after a nurse handed over her medical records.

A few women have even been prosecuted after seeking treatment.

In 2018, Kearline Bishop was pregnant and struggling with meth addiction. She said she checked herself into a rehab program in northeast Oklahoma because she knew she needed help.

When Bishop appeared to have contractions, the rehab transferred her to a local hospital. A doctor at Hillcrest Hospital Claremore determined that she wasnt yet in labor, and that despite her past drug use, her fetus was healthy.

Then two men Bishop didnt know walked in. They were police detectives in plain clothes, who demanded a hospital worker draw her blood for testing, according to court records. It turned out that an off-duty police officer working security at the hospital had called his police department supervisor because hed heard that a pregnant woman admitted to drug use.

The detectives didnt have a search warrant, so they handed Bishop a Consent to Search property form with blank spaces on it. The officers crossed out the line where they would normally list the property to be searched and instead simply wrote Blood Draw. Police testified later in court that they didnt advise Bishop she could talk to a lawyer first.

Bishop had told the cops she was in a dark place, and needed help, according to an affidavit.

The blood tests showed traces of drugs in her system. Officers handcuffed Bishop and took her from the hospital to jail. She stayed there until right before she delivered her baby, when she was allowed to go to a treatment house for pregnant women for a few days. When Bishops daughter was born, she was healthy. But child welfare workers took her from Bishop the next day.

The District Attorney in Rogers County, northeast of Tulsa, charged Bishop with child neglect. After an initial hearing, a county judge dismissed the charge, ruling the state couldnt apply its child welfare codes to a fetus.

But the district attorney appealed. Then a 2020 decision in a separate case by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals ruled that the states child neglect law could be applied to fetuses  even ones that didnt display harm from drug use. The court later ruled that the prosecutor could continue the case against Bishop.

District Attorney Matt Ballard celebrated on Twitter: My office scored a big victory today fighting for unborn children. Im proud of all the work that went into this. #ProtectingUnbornChildren

Through a spokeswoman, Ballard declined an interview request.

Bishop ultimately opted for a blind plea  a form of guilty plea that leaves the sentence entirely up to a judge  in January 2022. She was sentenced to three years in prison, plus five years of probation. A court terminated her parental rights to her youngest daughter.

Bishop did so well in prison that a judge reviewed her case and agreed to her release this past March, after just one year. Her daughter is now a healthy 4-year-old, adopted by a family member. Bishop has no contact with her youngest but saves up the money she makes working to buy clothes to send to her daughter.

Part of Bishops motivation to secure an early release, she said, was to prove that the prosecutors and judge who sent her to prison were wrong about her. She said that they never gave her a chance to show shed be a caring mother.

They looked at me like I wasnt even human, she said.

Dianne De La Rosa, 40, of Laceys Spring, Ala., faced charges of chemical endangerment following the birth of her youngest daughter. Her lawyers asked to have the evidence retested, but discovered it had been discarded, leading to the dismissal of her case. She and her three youngest children walk in a park in Huntsville in April 2023. (Joe Songer for AL.com)Joe Songer

The cloud of cigarette smoke in Kevin Teagues Decatur law office is almost as thick as his north Alabama accent. Teague is Armsteads court-appointed lawyer. He defends a number of women in Morgan County charged with chemical endangerment of a child.

Many of his clients  like most of the women charged in Alabama and other states  reach plea deals, rarely challenging the cases against them. Teague said he had intended to help Armstead plead guilty too, but something about her case gnawed at him.

Shes just had a hell of a life. I mean, she fought for her country, he said. I truly believe she has some serious PTSD.

Her country  and the state of Alabama  owed her something better, he said. It seems unfair that poor people who cant afford pre-trial diversion programs get felony convictions and prison time, while people who could afford thousands of dollars in fees can get different outcomes, Teague said.

Armstead missed an October 2022 court hearing  she said she didnt receive a notice or have transportation. The absence landed her back in jail in December, and, lacking the money for bail, shes remained behind bars since.

Meanwhile, Teague heard about a chemical endangerment case similar to Armsteads in which the defendant challenged the evidence and the charges were dismissed: Dianne De La Rosa.

Eight months after De La Rosas daughter was born in 2018 in Huntsville, she and her family woke to a knock at the door at 2 a.m. The police had a warrant for her arrest for chemical endangerment. A meconium test allegedly showed traces of marijuana from earlier in the pregnancy.

De La Rosa did something that many women in Morgan County couldnt afford. She scraped together thousands of dollars to hire her own attorney  John Brinkley.

Brinkley is a father of nine, with another on the way. He had waited in many delivery rooms over the years, and he remembered a key detail: The hospital doesnt preserve everything it collects when a baby is born.

So Brinkley and his law partner Justin Nance did something unusual: They asked to conduct their own independent drug tests of the meconium in De La Rosas case. Defendants in Alabama have the right to request independent testing of evidence. But since so many women plead guilty, it rarely happens.

Its unclear the criteria they have for when they do these tests, Nance said. They claim theyre doing them on everybody, but I dont think that is true.

Prosecutors admitted that the evidence wasnt preserved, and the charges against De La Rosa were dismissed. That took nearly three years.

Many women charged with chemical endangerment in Alabama cant afford their own lawyer to fight a criminal case for years, Brinkley said. They pick on these less fortunate women, and then they just railroad them.

After hearing about De La Rosas case, Teague filed a motion in late March to have the meconium evidence in Armsteads case independently tested. Prosecutors never responded in a written filing, nor they did not turn over the sample within 14 days, as the court had ordered, Teague said. Armsteads trial was set for August.

When Teague told Armstead about filing that motion  in hopes of getting her case dismissed  she broke down sobbing.

Teague reminded her it would be a long road, and she would need to work on her sobriety and fulfill the requirements for a veterans court program she was offered for a synthetic marijuana possession charge in a nearby county. But it was a glimmer of hope she could hold on to.

I am not the mistakes Ive made, Armstead said. My kids were my world.

Her incarceration has isolated her from family. Her jail doesnt allow in-person visits from anyone but her lawyer, and she barely has the funds to make phone calls.

Her daughter Aziyah is 4 years old now. She and her older sisters only see Armstead on occasional video calls from the county jail, when the family can afford to put money in her jail account.

Armstead recalled that during a recent video chat, Aziyah asked her: Mommy, can you just sneak out of jail for one night?

She explained to Aziyah that if she did, she would be there even longer.

It tore me up, Armstead said.

Last week, Teague visited her at the jail with news: Morgan County was now offering her a better plea deal. If she successfully completes veterans court in nearby Lauderdale County, both her drug possession charge and chemical endangerment charge will be dismissed, he told her. There would be no conviction for either felony, as long as she didnt screw up.

Armstead knew this meant the state probably didnt have the meconium evidence. But taking the plea deal meant getting out of jail sooner and hugging her girls. Maybe she would be home in time for back-to-school.

She couldnt afford to say no.

Tippett with her grandchildren in Town Creek, Ala. (Photo by Sydney Foster for The Marshall Project)

Additional reporting contributed by Amy Yurkanin, AL.com; Brianna Bailey, The Frontier; Anna Wolfe, Mississippi Today; and Jocelyn Grzeszczak, The Post and Courier.

Updated on July 27 at 11 a.m. to clarify details related to drug screens for Armstead and her newborn.
Hoover police on Monday afternoon read from a statement Carlee Russell gave to her attorney admitting she was never abducted from the side of Interstate 459.

There was no kidnapping on July 13, 2023. My client did not see a baby on the side of the road. My client did not leave the Hoover area when she was identified as a missing person. My client did not have any help in this incident, but this was a single act done by herself, the statement Emory Anthony provided read.

As with the press conference held by Hoover police this past Wednesday, the reading of the statement raised many questions.

Heres a look at what might come next in the case:

10 1 / 10 Carlee Russell

Will Russell be charged?

No charges have yet been filed against Russell.

Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis said they have a meeting scheduled with Anthony on Tuesday to further discuss the case.

Derzis said police are in discussions with the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office in the Bessemer Cutoff about possible criminal charges.

We will announce those charges when, and if, they are filed, the chief said.

What charges could she face? Could she go to jail?

It is unclear whether charges will be filed or what those charges would be.

Based on what has been said of the case, Russell could potentially be charged with false reporting to law enforcement authorities or falsely reporting an incident.

Under state law, one is guilty of the Class A misdemeanor of false reporting to law enforcement authorities if he or she knowingly makes a false report or causes the transmission of a false report to law enforcement authorities of a crime.

Under another section of Alabama law, a person commits the crime of falsely reporting an incident if he or she initiates or circulates a false report or warning of an alleged occurrence. Falsely reporting an incident is also a Class A misdemeanor.

Class A misdemeanor are punishable by not more than one year in a county jail or a year of labor in the county, according to state statutes.

Where was Russell during the 49 hours she was gone?

Anthony has not said where Russell spent the 48-plus hours she was gone.

Anthony told AL.com that Russell told him she was not at the Red Roof Inn, which has been widely reported on social media.

Derzis said he does not know why Russell fabricated the disappearance.

I wish I could tell you, he said. I think only Carlee knows, and maybe her attorney knows now.

Derzis said they will ask Anthony for an opportunity to interview Russell.

Did Russell have any help while she was missing?

My client was not with anyone or at any hotel during the time she was missing, Anthony said.

We still dont know what happened during those 49 hours, where she was, did she have any help, he said.

How much did the search for Russell cost?

Derzis said it was all hands on deck as they search began on July 13.

We dont have a dollar figure yet but were certainly working on getting one and not only ours, but the other agencies that gave us a lot of support, Derzis said.

This was an elaborate deal, Derzis said.

Where does Russell go from here?

We ask for your prayers for Carlee as she addresses her issues and intends to move understanding that she made a mistake, Anthony said. Carlee again asks for your forgiveness and prayers.

What those issues are, and where she will move, have not yet been revealed.
An inmate serving a 140-month sentence in a federal prison in Talladega died after being found unresponsive in the facility Sunday, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons announced Monday.

Kemond Fortson, 38, was in custody at the Federal Correctional Institution Talladega since March 30, 2021 after being convicted of drug- and gun-related charges.

He was found unresponsive at the prison around 8:05 p.m. Sunday.

Fortson was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The BOP did not release further details on the incident but said no staff or other inmates were injured and at no time was the public in danger.

Fortson was sentenced in the Middle District of Alabama to 140 months in federal prison on charges of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

FCI Talladega is a medium-level security prison and houses 909 male inmates.
A development on Monte Sano Mountain that faced stiff opposition already has about 25 potential owners for homes that will each cost upwards of $1.5 million, according to one of its developers.

A lot of them are downsizing professionals opening an office here, another medical practice, another law firm, another architecture firm, said See Forever Development Partners Chief Operating Officer Ben Jackson of the 64-lot Summit at Monte Sano that is under construction.

They want a place to live for their Huntsville location, Jackson said. Oddly enough, weve gotten calls from several large corporations to look at it for executive housing.

The property is located on the north and south side of Bankhead Parkway and east of Gaslight Way.

The Telluride, Colorado-based developer faced opposition from several Monte Sano residents who packed meetings of the Huntsville Planning Commission and City Council to voice their opposition to the development during the public hearing process.
Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin attends a meeting with foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, as well as from China and Japan, in Jakarta, July 13. Yonhap



Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin is scheduled to travel to Austria, Turkey, Italy and Vatican City starting this week for talks on bilateral cooperation, Seoul's foreign ministry said Tuesday.



Park will depart for Austria on Wednesday and meet with his Austrian counterpart, Alexander Schallenberg, the following day to discuss ways to step up partnerships in economic security, technology and cultural exchanges.



He will also seek Austria's support for Korea's bid to host the 2030 World Expo in the southeastern port city of Busan, Ahn Eun-ju, the ministry's deputy spokesperson, said in a regular press briefing.



On Saturday, Park is scheduled to meet Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Istanbul to discuss cooperation in areas of defense, infrastructure and power plants, and review progress in the construction of temporary homes Seoul has previously pledged to provide following a massive earthquake that struck Turkey in February.



He will later travel to Italy to discuss expanding economic cooperation in the fields of space and aviation with his Italian counterpart, Antonio Tajani, on Monday. Park will pay a courtesy call on Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and hold discussions with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's secretary for relations with states. (Yonhap)


Aaron Hernandezs brother, Dennis D.J. Hernandez, has been arrested for allegedly planning school shootings at University of Connecticut and Brown University, according to TMZ.

Documents obtained from the Bristol Police Department indicate police stated D.J. Hernandez showed signs of being gravely disabled and a danger to society and included threats to kill anyone who profited off of his brother Aaron.

RELATED: Aaron Hernandezs brother, D.J., arrested for throwing brick at ESPN building, left signed note

A woman, claiming to be D.J. Hernandezs ex, told police he was supposed to go to a court date on July 7. Instead, he drove to Brown University and UConn and went into a number of classrooms and buildings. Another person told police they believed he had traveled to the campuses in order to plan school shootings.

TMZ reports several people claimed in July he sent alarming texts, including, Were taking lives if (expletive) isnt paid up. Its been years in planning just taking notes, names and locations. They talked their way into this, and its almost point game.

Social media posts, police say, also seem to support the claims.

Will I kill? Absolutely, Ive warned my enemies so pay up front, he posted, per TMZ.

In March, he was arrested after police said he led officers on a wild car chase. Days later, he was arrested again for allegedly throwing a bag that contained a brick and a handwritten note at ESPNs campus. Earlier this month, he was arrested for missing a court date in that same case.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized the congressional map approved on Friday by the Alabama Legislature and signed by Gov. Kay Ivey as completely, totally ridiculous.

Pelosi, the California congresswoman who remains in the House but did not seek another term leading the Democrats, claimed the redistricting plan defied the U.S. Supreme Courts directive to establish two majority Black congressional districts or something quite close to it in Alabama.

Its ridiculous, Pelosi told Dana Bash during an appearance Sunday on CNNs State of the Union. That is so completely, totally ridiculous.

The former House speaker and longtime Democratic leader claimed the new map was indicative of something larger than the redistricting, referring to what she called blatant racism.

Pelosi noted that an earlier iteration of the redistricting proposal cut Selma and Montgomery out of the district currently represented by Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, the only Black member of Congress from Alabama.

Something is wrong with that picture, and its larger, Pelosi said.

You see the racism that is happening in our country, she continued, referencing the story in the Black Belt town of Newberry where a Black man was the only candidate to qualify for mayor but is not recognized as such by the town. Its getting to be pretty blatant.

Pelosi said the passage of Alabamas new map means Congress should restore sections of the Voting Rights Act that were gutted.

She noted that Congress used to reauthorize the VRA in bipartisan, noncontroversial votes.

What has happened to the republican party that theyve taken it to this? she said.










English News China finds solutions to parking problem via digital technologies

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 25 Juillet 2023



At the recent 23rd China International Urban Parking Industry Expo 2023, a batch of parking technologies and equipment were unveiled. Experts believe that the rapidly rising number of new energy vehicles and the market demand for urban renewal and renovation will drive the upgrading of parking facilities and create new opportunities for relevant industries. Besides, the application of big data, internet of things, artificial intelligence and other technologies will make parking smarter and cities more intelligent.

By Zhang Yiqi "Sometimes I want to drive, but I'm worried about the parking problem. It often happened that I couldn't find a parking space even after I drove around my destinations for half an hour," said a man surnamed Yang in Beijing.



This is something experienced by people in many Chinese cities. According to statistics, the number of motor vehicles in China reached 426 million as of the end of June this year, and that exceeded 1 million in 88 cities.



In particular, both Beijing and Chengdu have an automobile population of over 6 million, and that in Chongqing, Shanghai and Suzhou surpassed 5 million.



Apart from expanding the supply of parking space, cities across China are working to improve the efficiency of parking with digital technologies and thus alleviate the parking problem.



Many people in China have had this experience - driving around in the parking lot for a parking space, which is both time- and energy-consuming. Today, thanks to the application of digital and intelligent technologies, it's becoming more and more common that drivers are directly led to available parking spaces by navigation apps.



After a user selects a parking lot near his or her destination in a navigation app, the app will recommend the user the best parking spaces for the time being when the user drives near the entrance of the parking lot, and then guide the user to the designated parking space.



Yang recently found this function in the navigation app launched by Chinese tech giant Baidu and tried it when he drove to Beijing's Fengtai railway station to pick up a friend a few days ago. When he arrived at the parking lot, the app selected an available parking space for him and guided him there.



"It's so convenient that the app just led me to the parking space. I hope this function can be available in all parking lots," he said.



At present, technologies for this type of intelligent parking guidance are rapidly developing. More and more parking lots will see a higher efficiency because of them.



People often had to wait in line at the exit to pay before leaving a parking lot, which might took as long as more than 30 minutes in rush hours. Thanks to the popularization of mobile payment, the scan-and-pay service has significantly reduced the waiting time, and the waiting lines are becoming shorter and shorter.



In particular, the frictionless payment that is currently on the rise has enabled users to pay and leave without stopping at the exit, taking out their wallets, scanning the QR code or even rolling down the window. The payment system will automatically deduct money from users' bank accounts and open the barrier gate.



An insider told People's Daily that frictionless payment is a result of the combination between password-free payment and license plate recognition. It synchronizes license plate recognizing, gate opening and fee deduction. It is estimated that this method can save more than 80 percent of time compared with traditional ways.



It is learned that many other frontier technologies have been applied in the management of parking lots, too, such as the license plate scanning that helps people rapidly locate their parking locations. Besides, autonomous valet parking systems are also making parking easier, and they are expected to integrate with vehicle charging in the future for better parking experiences.



The parking problem concerns people's livelihood. Better parking facilities can improve people's sense of fulfillment. Multiple regions in China are working to promote the construction of intelligent parking facilities. This April, Beijing officially put into use a technical requirement for intelligent parking systems, which offers technical basis for the construction and upgrading of intelligent parking systems in the city's commercial parking lots. Shanghai plans to build more than 100 demonstration smart public parking lots and more than 100 demonstration smart roadside parking lots by 2025. Twenty demonstration smart parking lots will be in place in the city this year.



Li Liping, head of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Construction Industry Branch, noted that smart parking, as an important part of urban renewal, can not only accelerate industrial upgrading, but also help release consumption potential.



At the recent 23rd China International Urban Parking Industry Expo 2023, a batch of parking technologies and equipment were unveiled. Experts believe that the rapidly rising number of new energy vehicles and the market demand for urban renewal and renovation will drive the upgrading of parking facilities and create new opportunities for relevant industries. Besides, the application of big data, internet of things, artificial intelligence and other technologies will make parking smarter and cities more intelligent.



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The term technocracy is nothing new to our political lexicon. Its been around for decades and is commonly associated with totalitarian leftist regimes who appoint technical elitist experts to manage specialized sectors of their regimes military, economy, and other civil sectors. A technocracys effect is to nullify the will of the people.

The first of such modern regimes was arguably the National Socialist German Workers Party (aka the Nazi Party). Minister of Armaments Albert Speer was among Hitlers finest and most prized technocrats. In recent years, Speers role has been overshadowed by diabolical agents with more obvious blood on their hands, such as Adolf Eichman, Rudolph Hess, Hermann Goering, and others.

However, Speer was central to Hitlers vision for Germany. He laid out grandiose architectural plans for the Third Reichs capital and kept the bulk of the German armaments machine running, even as the lights dimmed around Hitlers failed vision of a thousand-year reign of unopposed power. He was no less diabolical than his peers.

Since WWII, people have pondered and debated how it was possible for Germans, considered among the worlds most cultured and educated people, to fall in line with the Nazi agenda. After the war, Speer offered insights that are also warnings to Democrats technocratic aspirations.

Image: An event at Speers Zeppelintribune, showing how mass communication and imagery worked. CC BY-SA 3.0 de.

When Germany surrendered, Speer was brought to the ancient German city of Nuremberg, where he was put on trial for crimes against humanity along with twenty-four others. After much deliberation between the tribunal, he was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment at Spandau prison in Berlin. It was a slap on the wrist sentence compared to other regime members who stood trial and received death sentences.

When Speers trial neared its conclusion, his final testimony included information explaining how the Nazi regime effectively won the hearts and minds of the bulk of the German population after the nations economic and cultural decline following WWI. He also issued a stern warning to the victorious democratic nations that were already building large bureaucratic departments that were overseen by the proto-technocrats of their day.

(Keep in mind that America had a head start on this project: During the 1930s, Roosevelts New Deal transformed the American federal government by adding nearly seventy megalithic bureaucracies to the Federal government, permanently transforming Americas governing system. This transformation began the process of convincing many well-meaning Americans that the bigger the government, the better, and conditioned Americans to embrace large bureaucratic agencies run by technocrats.)

Speer spoke the following:

Hitlers dictatorship was the first dictatorship of an industrial state in this age of modern technology, a dictatorship which employed to perfection the instruments of technology to dominate its own people By means of such instruments of technology as the radio and public-address systems, eighty million persons could be made subject to the will of one individual. Telephone, teletype, and radio made it possible to transmit the commands of the highest levels directly to the lowest organs where because of their high authority they were executed uncritically. Thus, many offices and squads received their evil commands in this direct manner. The instruments of technology made it possible to maintain a close watch over all citizens and to keep criminal operations shrouded in a high degree of secrecy. To the outsider this state apparatus may look like the seemingly wild tangle of cables in a telephone exchange; but like such an exchange it could be directed by a single will. Dictatorships of the past needed assistants of high quality in the lower ranks of the leadership also-men who could think and act independently. The authoritarian system in the age of technology can do without such men. The means of communication alone enable it to mechanize the work of the lower leadership. Thus, the type of uncritical receiver of orders is created.

Speer explained that, while Hitler was the first to employ the tools of authoritarian control to carry out his regimes crimes, as technology developed after the war, other technocratic dictatorships would pose an even greater threat to humanity:

The more technological the world becomes, the greater is the dangerAs the former minister in charge of a highly developed armaments economy it is my last duty to state: Every country in the world may be dominated by technology; but in a modern dictatorship this seems to me to be unavoidable. Therefore, the more technological the world becomes, the more essential will be the demand for individual freedom and the self-awareness of the individual human being as a counterpoise to technology.

In 2023, America is witnessing an ever-encroaching government composed of unelected and unrestricted technocrats who are increasingly running, or perhaps, ruining, ordinary Americans lives. Therefore, it pays to take a lesson from one of historys most evil technocratic regimes and its chief architect.

Speers words from his final testimony should chill any reader who favors a free society. We already see how the dozens of huge bureaucracies routinely roll over Americans constitutional rights, imposing their collective wills upon the people without regard to our ostensibly representational government.

Moreover, this rogue bureaucracy is allied with Big Techs spiderweb. Both big tech and the Deep State are composed of radical leftist ideological factions who believe in their absolute right to censor any view or opinion that runs contrary to a far-left narrative. No wonder, then, that we are witnessing a government, press corps, and common culture run amok with the Marxist-Woke mind virus.

The big question is whether there are enough freedom-loving Americans left to defeat this anti-freedom system of governing. After all, the bureaucratic state about which the evil Speer warned has already successfully entrenched itself into the fabric of the American way of life.

Its urgent that Americans understand that their liberties are being held hostage by technocratic elites. They must immediately begin the process of reclaiming their ancient rights before its too late. That means using all legal means possible to oppose the government and technological alliance that works to subvert the will of We, the People, Americas true rulers.

Reference: Speer, Albert. Inside the Third Reich, Memoirs. New York. 1970.
The GOP, as a political organization, stands for Grand Old Party. How does it live up to its name?

Its hardly grand; instead, it is a circular firing squad of squabbling principles and interests, with many GOPers sitting on their high horses arguing about the governments role, fiscal policy, or candidates temperaments. As for old, much of the elected GOP is young, although Senate Majority Mitch McConnell is 81 years old.

The current GOP now stands for gladly out of power as elected Republicans are doing everything they can to commit political suicide, becoming a permanent minority in national, and in many cases state and local, politics.

The GOPs behavior ever since Donald Trump transitioned from television and real estate impresario to presidential candidate, then president, ex-president and, now, a candidate once again suggests a death wish, leading conservatives and Republicans to wonder why we even bother voting.

YouTube screen grab

Trump was not the preferred GOP candidate in 2016. Instead, early on, it was Jeb! the would-be third president in the Bush family monarchy. We make fun of the British royals, but between the Clintons, Bushes, Bidens, and Obamas, we have our own ruling families. All we need now is a marriage between those families to cement the monarchy.

Trump was surprisingly elected in 2016, catching election riggers and cheaters flat-footed. They said, 'fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.' The ruling class made sure history didnt repeat itself in 2020 by guaranteeing that an old, cognitively impaired, creepy grifter received more votes than his young, charismatic, articulate and bright and clean running mate in 2008 and 2012.

During the 2016 presidential campaign, the weaponized law enforcement and intelligence agencies of the federal government spied on Trump and his associates. This continued during his transition and into his presidency, using everything from fabricated opposition from research from foreign sources to illegally obtain FISA warrants, a treasonous effort to bring down a duly elected government.

What did Republicans do? Nothing. So much for oversight by the House and Senate Intelligence committees. They said nothing and played along with the Democrat and administrative state efforts to thwart the leader of their party and the will of the people.

Did the intel community have dirt and leverage on influential Republicans or were Republicans part of the unipartys goal of self-preservation?

Trumps initiatives were mostly met with resistance, led by House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Leader Mitch McConnell. Trumps promised border wall was not funded by Congress, the GOP choosing to sell out American sovereignty to appease the big business donor class, telling their voters to pound sand.

Obamacare was not repealed, with a maverick GOP senator siding with Democrats and Big Pharma over Republican voters who wanted it repealed.

The 2020 election was rigged, much like past elections, with the federal government acting as candidate Bidens campaign arm, colluding with big tech and social media to promote anti-Trump propaganda and suppress anything potentially detrimental to the Biden campaign.

One in six Biden voters would have changed their 2020 vote if they had known the full Hunter laptop story. But 51 former intel officials, lied through their teeth, burying the story, and interfering in the election. Talk about sedition.

The corporate media barked and clapped along like trained seals, abandoning any pretense of journalism in favor of serving as state-run propaganda outlets.

When rigging alone didnt work, Democrats stole the election by shutting down election night vote counting, without precedent or scrutiny, only to find enough ballots overnight to flip a few counties in a few swing states, enough to turn the election from Trump to Biden.

Where were Republicans? Such vote shenanigans likely cost Republicans the Senate and almost the House. Yet any discussion of dodgy elections is labeled as hate speech or insurrection, with elected Republicans staying silent.

A majority of likely U.S. voters believe our elections are fraudulent, according to Rasmussen Reports, including most Republicans and a quarter of Democrats. What have Republicans done to correct either this real problem or the perception of one? Nothing.

Why not perform legitimate audits and scrutiny to fix the problem or reassure skeptical voters? Instead they quickly agreed to certify the 2020 election in the face of an insurrection, not of Trump supporters, but of the ruling class assisted by federal agents.

Republicans played along with theatrical January 6 committee hearings, offered minimal resistance to two Trumped-up impeachments of President Trump, seven Republican senators even voting to convict Trump and remove him from office.

Hows that for the GOP reflecting the will of the voters? Even so-called conservative pundits like Laura Ingraham want us all to stop talking about 2020. Why? So it can all happen again in 2024? No wonder Fox News ratings are in the toilet.

Now Trump is being prosecuted and persecuted by a rogue attorney general and special counsel, accusing Trump of nonsensical crimes while his political opponents get a pass for doing the same or worse.

Classified documents held by a former president with declassification authority, under Secret Service protection, is far different than two former vice presidents of both parties, without declassification authority, holding such documents under no security, and receiving a pass.

Where are Republicans? A few are making noise, but most are silent or complicit. Colorado Republican Rep. Ken Buck, supposedly a tea-party conservative, defends the political hatchet man FBI director Christopher Wray as just doing his very best.

How would Rep. Buck feel if he were indicted by his political opponents for nonsensical crimes? Remember how Special Counsel Ken Starr was vilified constantly by Democrats while he investigated then President Bill Clinton? That type of pushback is alien to Republicans. Instead, they heap praise on their political opponents.

Meanwhile the Biden family has been credibly accused by government whistleblowers of accepting foreign bribes in exchange for favorable treatment, treasonous and impeachable offenses, and other than some noisy Congressional hearings, Republicans are doing nothing.

Impeachment and defunding are two powers granted to the Republican majority House yet they only huff and puff. Where is the spirited opposition and defense of the Constitution, equal protection under the law, and common decency? Rep. Jim Jordan just cant seem to commit to impeachment of Biden or Garland. Instead, he will roll up his shirtsleeves and have more hearings.

Do not Republicans, including the numerous GOP presidential candidates, realize that they are next, depending on how much they advance toward the White House and how serious they are about challenging the deep state, versus going along to get along, managing the decline, sharing in the ruling class perks and power if they follow the playbook? We had two Bushes who played this role brilliantly, as would the non-Trump-like John McCain and Mitt Romney if they were elected.

The American economy is in freefall. Our borders are wide open to taxpayer-funded freeloaders and criminals, cities are ridden with crime, filth, drugs, and homelessness. America is needlessly pushing a hot war with the largest nuclear power in the world. Our children are being trafficked or indoctrinated with woke sexual and gender deviancy. Republicans are either silent or playing along.

There is little difference between the DNC and GOP on so many core issues, making the GOP increasingly irrelevant as a political party. Instead, we are ruled by a uniparty, unified in its goal of self-enrichment and power, with little regard to the well-being of America or the wishes of American voters.

Whats the solution? This election cycle is the perfect opportunity for a third-party challenge to the uniparty. Although an improbable alliance, think Donald Trump and RFK, Jr. Rasmussen Reports finds half of likely U.S. voters with a favorable impression of RFK, Jr. If he can peel off 20-30 percent of Democrats and Trump can keep his MAGA base, this is a third party that could win or at least throw the election into the U.S. House where the GOP may have one last chance to prove their relevancy to voters.

The voters are certainly long on Trump. According to a recent Harvard poll, Trump tops Biden by 5, DeSantis by 40. And further, independent voters favor Trump over Biden by 18 points.

The GOP has a death wish, a group of yapping dogs with no bite to back up their bark. From Trumps booming economy, energy independence, respect around the world, we have America collapsing on the verge of World War III, Republicans seemingly oblivious to it all, highlighting their ineptitude and irrelevance as a national political party representing the will of the people they supposedly represent.

They may have a death wish as a political party, but that doesnt mean we want to ride into the abyss along with them.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is learning that, as an enemy of the state, everything he says can and will be held against him. Democrats are learning, however, that RFK Jr., unlike most of their targets, is no punching bag. He can and will punch back.

During a press event at a New York City restaurant a week back, Kennedy introduced the concept of ethnically targeted bioweapons. He began this discussion with the phrase There is an argument that, thus distancing himself a bit from the validity of the claim to follow, namely that the Peoples Republic of China is developing bioweapons to target Blacks and Caucasians.

In this discussion Kennedy noted that the people seemingly most immune to the COVID-19 virus were Chinese and Ashkenazi Jews. Although he confessed his uncertainty about whether Blacks and Whites were deliberately targeted, he strongly suggested that China was capable of doing just that. He never implied that Ashkenazi Jews, who are uniformly Caucasian, were in any way involved in the plotting. Kennedy did say, however, that the United States has been doing similar experiments in regards to the Chinese, an assertion that should have taken race out of the conversation.

It did not. The Democrats have no other card to play. At the House hearing on government weaponization on Thursday, Debbie Wasserman Schultz accused Kennedy of making despicable antisemitic and anti-Asian comments. She was also behind the letter writing campaign urging Republican leaders to disinvite Kennedy from the hearing.

Kennedy, of course, never accused Jews of anything other than having good immune systems, and his remarks about Asians were directed at the Peoples Republic of China. By Democrat rules, one can accuse Russia and Russians of almost anything, but perversely, China remains off limits.

You are slandering me. This is dishonest, Kennedy shot back at Schultz after one of her many impressively cheap shots. Schultz seemed to forget that the person she was insulting was a Kennedy. The moral force that Schultz could muster as a member of a historically persecuted minority was usually enough to silence another white person, at least on things Jewish. Kennedy, however, is no ordinary White person.

He is the nephew of an assassinated president and the son of an assassinated senator. He pulled enough moral power from their martyrdom to confront even the Black ranking Democrat on the weaponization committee, Stacey Plaskett of the Virgin Islands. Like Schultz, Plaskett grotesquely misrepresented Kennedys comments and accused him, by inference, of hateful, abusive rhetoric.

Kennedy would have none of it. He put aside his prepared remarks. Ive spent my life in this party. Ive devoted my life to the values of this party, he reminded the Democrats on the committee. Waving the letter signed by 102 congressional Democrats demanding his exclusion, he said defiantly, This is an attempt to censor a censorship hearing.

Censorship, Kennedy argued, was appalling to my father, to my uncle, to FDR, to Harry Truman, to Thomas Jefferson. This, of course, was not entirely true. Among the more recent deviations from this rule was the lawless seizure of former U.S. Army General Edwin Walker by agents of Attorney General Robert Kennedy. Kennedy objected to Walkers speeches on the University of Mississippi campus during the protests and riots of 1962. Once snatched, Walker was committed against his will to 90 days in a psychiatric institution and effectively silenced. Democrats, knowing none of this, had to have been humbled by Kennedys evocation of the partys icons.

His claim that his uncle, Sen. Ted Kennedy, didnt deal in insults also played better with Democrats than it should have. Republicans remember Uncle Ted for his demagogic assault on Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork. "Robert Bork's America is a land in which women would be forced into back-alley abortions, said Kennedy, blacks would sit at segregated lunch counters, rogue police could break down citizens' doors in midnight raids" and on and on.

Not surprisingly, too, Kennedy has absorbed the orthodox narrative on the late Sen. Joe McCarthy. At Fridays hearing, he used it against his Democrat attackers, accusing them of smears, misinterpretations, guilt by association, and outright lies. This targeted propaganda, said Kennedy, is a tactic that we all thought had been discredited and dispensed with after the Army-McCarthy hearings in the 1950s.

That rare Democrat who knows history might have pointed out that Kennedys father served as counsel on Joe McCarthys Senate committee and honored McCarthy by having him serve as godfather to his first child, Kennedys sister, Kathleen. But to attack RFK Jr. on this point would be to risk fracturing one of the few remaining pillars in the Democrat pantheon.

To be sure, RFK Jr. has much history to unlearn. He has, however, learned a whole lot in a hurry about how the contemporary Democrat-media complex works. The only person in recent years who has endured more racially charged calumny is Donald Trump, but Trump is the classic other, the figure of scorn against whom all righteous Democrats can unite in their facsimile of good conscience.

For Democrats, Kennedy is the more troublesome of the two. He is the Thomas Becket to Bidens King Henry II, the vassal whose commitment to truth telling threatens the lies that sustain the power of the king. And for Democrats, no lie is more essential than that their enemies are racists.

If Democrats were wise, they would try to co-opt Kennedy and make him their nominee. Hed be hard to beat in the general election. Wisdom, however, is not the Democrats strong suit. For a generation, with the help of their media accomplices, they have gotten along just fine on character assassination.

Kennedy got a taste of it on Thursday. But try as hard as they might, his enemies have not rid themselves of RFK Jr. quite yet.

Jack Cashills new book, Untenable: The True Story of White Ethic Flight from Americas Cities, is now available in all formats.

Image: John S. Quarterman
Marxists in California must have missed CNN (Confederate Network News) on January 1, 1863, when Republican President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed all the slaves from Democrat southern states. Following the Union victory over the Confederacy at the Battle of Antietam, the executive order declared that any enslaved person in Confederate states would be set free.

However, there was no one to free in California since that state entered the union in 1849 as a free state. But today, the absurd California Reparations Task Force wants to give up to $1.2 million to each eligible resident who might have had an ancestor that was enslaved in another state before 1863.

That sounds so progressive: take money from people who were not slave owners and give it to people who were not slaves.

Image: Slavery in the American South.

Todays bizarre conversation about slave reparations could only have started in California, a state that leans so far left that pink vagina hats are probably considered conservative. The failing state is led by Democrat Governor Gavin Hair Gel Newsom.

Newsom thinks that ruining the nations largest state is a path to the presidency: rampant crime where perps are rarely arrested, much less prosecuted; record-breaking drug overdoses as fentanyl comes through the states open southern border; textbooks filled with graphic sexual material promoting questionable lifestyles; homeless tents littering once iconic streets; and stores and offices sitting empty as businesses and their employees relocate to thriving red states.

The ridiculous discussion about reparations makes us wonder what Jourdon Anderson would have thought about all this.

Until his emancipation during the Civil War, Jourdon Anderson belonged to Colonel P. H. Anderson of Big Spring, Tennessee. Like many slaves, Jourdons surname was the same as the family that kept him in bondage.

Upon being freed, Jourdon and his wife Mary moved to Ohio, where both Jourdons found work that supported their growing family, consisting of some children born into slavery and some born free.

While Jourdon was thriving as a freedman, his former owner in Tennessee, like many plantation slave owners, discovered that it wasnt easy running a farm when you had to pay your workers. Knowing where Jourdon had moved, Colonel Anderson wrote his former slave asking if he would return to the plantation and work for wages.

Unable to read or write, the letter was read to Jourdon, who dictated his response to his former master. That letter was published in the New York Daily Tribune on August 22, 1865, in a front-page article titled, Letter from a Freedman to His Old Master. In discussing the possibility of his returning to the plantation as a paid employee, the former slave Jourdon proposes reparations for him and his wife for the labor they performed under duress for their former owner. That is the definition of reparations!

As you read Jourdons letter, ask yourself if, today, Jourdon Anderson would follow the path of Dr. Martin Luther King, who believed the content of a persons character was more important than their race, or if he would have adhered to Al Sharpton/Black Lives Matter philosophy that promotes black victimhood.

Image: New York Daily Tribute front page, August 22, 1865 (transcript below).

Dayton, Ohio,



August 7, 1865



To My Old Master, Colonel P.H. Anderson, Big Spring, Tennessee



Sir: I got your letter, and was glad to find that you had not forgotten Jourdon, and that you wanted me to come back and live with you again, promising to do better for me than anybody else can. I have often felt uneasy about you. I thought the Yankees would have hung you long before this, for harboring Rebs they found at your house. I suppose they never heard about your going to Colonel Martin's to kill the Union soldier that was left by his company in their stable. Although you shot at me twice before I left you, I did not want to hear of your being hurt and am glad you are still living. It would do me good to go back to the dear old home again, and see Miss Mary and Miss Martha and Allen, Esther, Green, and Lee. Give my love to them all and tell them I hope we will meet in the better world, if not in this. I would have gone back to see you all when I was working in the Nashville Hospital, but one of the neighbors told me that Henry intended to shoot me if he ever got a chance.



I want to know particularly what the good chance is you propose to give me. I am doing tolerably well here. I get twenty-five dollars a month, with victuals and clothing; have a comfortable home for Mandy,the folks call her Mrs. Anderson,and the childrenMilly, Jane, and Grundygo to school and are learning well. The teacher says Grundy has a head for a preacher. They go to Sunday school, and Mandy and me attend church regularly. We are kindly treated. Sometimes we overhear others saying, "Them colored people were slaves" down in Tennessee. The children feel hurt when they hear such remarks; but I tell them it was no disgrace in Tennessee to belong to Colonel Anderson. Many darkeys would have been proud, as I used to be, to call you master. Now if you will write and say what wages you will give me, I will be better able to decide whether it would be to my advantage to move back again.



As to my freedom, which you say I can have, there is nothing to be gained on that score, as I got my free papers in 1864 from the Provost-Marshal-General of the Department of Nashville. Mandy says she would be afraid to go back without some proof that you were disposed to treat us justly and kindly; and we have concluded to test your sincerity by asking you to send us our wages for the time we served you. This will make us forget and forgive old scores and rely on your justice and friendship in the future. I served you faithfully for thirty-two years, and Mandy twenty years. At twenty-five dollars a month for me, and two dollars a week for Mandy, our earnings would amount to eleven thousand six hundred and eighty dollars. Add to this the interest for the time our wages have been kept back, and deduct what you paid for our clothing, and three doctor's visits to me, and pulling a tooth for Mandy, and the balance will show what we are in justice entitled to. Please send the money by Adams's Express, in care of V. Winters, Esq., Dayton, Ohio. If you fail to pay us for faithful labors in the past, we can have little faith in your promises in the future. We trust the good Maker has opened your eyes to the wrongs which you and your fathers have done to me and my fathers, in making us toil for you for generations without recompense. Here I draw my wages every Saturday night; but in Tennessee there was never any pay-day for the negroes any more than for the horses and cows. Surely there will be a day of reckoning for those who defraud the laborer of his hire.



In answering this letter, please state if there would be any safety for my Milly and Jane, who are now grown up, and both good-looking girls. You know how it was with poor Matilda and Catherine. I would rather stay here and starveand die, if it come to thatthan have my girls brought to shame by the violence and wickedness of their young masters. You will also please state if there has been any schools opened for the colored children in your neighborhood. The great desire of my life now is to give my children an education and have them form virtuous habits.



Say howdy to George Carter, and thank him for taking the pistol from you when you were shooting at me.



From your old servant,

Jourdon and his wife Mandy had 11 children (although not all survived to adulthood) and lived to their 70s. His biggest desire was for all his children to be educated and earn their way in life, which research shows was achieved.

Robin M. Itzler is a regular contributor to American Thinker. She can be reached at PatriotNeighbors@yahoo.com.
The tour narrowly avoided a serious pitfall a couple of weeks before, after a car cut her off in traffic on her motorcycle and she wiped out while trying to avoid it. Fortunately, nothing was broken, but for the "Tour Cheer Up Party" show at Club Steel Face on July 7, she performed most of the set while sitting down.

Christmas Kwon, the band's Korean vocalist and guitarist, has led the charge, showing up in England a week early so she can enjoy her first visit to the country. "It's my first time visiting the U.K., and I'm excited about everything!" she said. "Going to the U.K., the birthplace of punk, feels significant. I hope to make many good friends there!"

to play and got the invite just as COVID-19 was breaking," Mathew Nolan, the band's American bassist, told The Korea Times. "Needless to say, that year's Rebellion didn't happen but we didn't know that for a while so I was able to build a relationship with the organizers. By the time the pandemic cleared up I had moved on to a new band but they told me I was welcome when we were ready. And we are definitely ready now."

," and a new music video for the song "Gate Keeper." Also, its own beer, though that's unlikely to make the journey across the world.

who will play a few dates in Europe first. And 18Fevers also just released its latest album, "

The Seoul-based band is about to embark on its first U.K. tour, where it will play four cities  London, Brighton, Birmingham and Liverpool  before showing up at Rebellion Festival in Blackpool for a set on Friday. The band, which features both Korean members and Americans, is touring with

COVID-19 is fading into the background, but is the world ready for 18Fevers?





"Recently, I got a lot better with the cast being removed and my limp has improved significantly," she said, "so I don't think there will be a big problem in the U.K.!"



The band will be accompanying Rumkicks, the all-girl Korean punk band that played the festival last year.







"I've been a personal fan of Yeawon ever since she sang and played guitar in the band About Jane," Christmas said. "It feels like we're a perfect match as sister bands."







According to Nolan, Rumkicks frontwoman Yeawon played a big role in the formation of 18Fevers. "She actually encouraged me to meet with Christmas and encouraged YuHee to join the band when we needed a guitarist," he said. "We always joke that Yeawon created 18Fevers."







The band added YuHee, vocalist of the band Veins, as lead guitarist last September.







"She has changed us for the better," drummer Garik Luallin said. When she joined, her style and range fit perfectly with the sound we needed. Sometimes she plays straightforward and melodic, other times it's noisy and experimental. She's the great spice that rounds out the flavors of the 18Fevers pasta party platter."







"She's our darkness and our melody maker. She brings a bit more raunchy rock n roll influence to the table that I always wanted to have," Nolan said. "At our first rehearsal when we met her for the first time she introduced herself as a vampire. So we've called her our vampire since then. Actually I believe she said, 'I'm a vampire and I have a hangover.'"







When asked if she really claims to be a vampire, Nolan added, "I've seen her eat garlic."







Ahead of the tour, the band on July 13 released "Death Punk Disco," a five-song EP presenting a couple of updated recordings with the current lineup, and three more first recordings.







"The name 'Death Punk Disco' was coined among us as a half-joke, but now it seems to actually represent our musical style quite well," Christmas said.







"We wanted to differentiate ourselves from the usual bands here that just call themselves punk while only sharing minor aspects of the genre," Nolan said. "Also it's a notice that we want to explore many genres like postpunk, dance punk, disco, funk and maybe even hip-hop."







Nolan considers 18Fevers part of a new wave of punk bands in Korea, one that doesn't deliver vague messages or stick to sappy topics.







"Punk is about calling out the bullshit in life and society," he said. "If you aren't rustling jimmies can you call yourself a punk band?"







The first song on the album, "Save Your Venom," was originally recorded with Zhong from Sino Hearts while he was stranded outside his own home country due to pandemic rules. The new recording has been relabeled "Vampire Version" to note YuHee's contribution. According to Nolan, the song is "about how jealousy becomes so toxic and people feel like they have to inject you with it, maybe in a bid to make themselves feel better."







"Never Fall" has a similar theme, with Christmas wailing "We never fall" repeatedly. According to Christmas, Nolan gave her that line and she wrote the whole song around it. "We all felt that there was always someone trying to antagonize us or bring us down for no good reason," she said.







In "Let Me Live," she sings "I can drive a tank / I can shoot a gun / I can fight for my country / I can kill a man / I can throw a grenade / So why can't I fight for my country?"







The song is dedicated to a transgender soldier who took her own life in 2021 after being dishonorably discharged from the military.







"The song is dedicated to

, criticizing the ongoing discrimination in South Korea, a country still boiling with prejudice," said Christmas, who identifies as pansexual.







"'Let Me Live' is at its core an anti-transphobia song inspired by Byun Heesoo's tragic story but also commentary on how society tells us to be ourselves and chase our dreams but only in the way it sees fit," Nolan added.







The band also recently released a

filmed with a big crowd inside the pretty small Tom's Pizza near western Seoul's Hongik University.







It's not the band's only dive into the local F&B industry, as Chillhops Brewing has collaborated with the band to release two branded beers, both Triple New England hazy IPAs with an alcohol by volume of 10 percent.







Nolan said that collaboration came out of a conversation he had when meeting Chillhops head brewer Nick Lennan, when he was  unsurprisingly  drunk.







"We started talking about music and he mentioned he had wanted to do a collab with some underground musicians. I was pretty buzzed so I dove right in and mentioned my wife Jenikah is a fantastic designer. Chill Hops makes fantastic beer but they're also on the right side when it comes to social issues so it was a

moment," he said. "I always wanted to do something like this with my bands and we pulled it off. 18Fevers has been very good at pulling off my dreams."







Follow

on Instagram, or visit

for more information or

to hear the band's music.






I am a dog person. I adore dogs and consider both dogs and humans incredibly lucky that, about 40,000 years ago, they made a pact to look out for each other. Interestingly, when you match humans to their dogs, they tend to take on each others traits. This isnt just in looks but also in personality. Friendly people usually have friendly dogs, while nasty people have nasty dogs. And that brings me to the White House dogs.

Its amazing how often dogs and their owners look and act alike. (This funny site would match people and random dogs who looked surprisingly alike.) Videos show even more strongly how dogs want to ally themselves with their humans:

It's also no surprise when the mean neighbor has an aggressive dog that occasionally goes beyond barking and heads straight into biting territory.

In the White House, the mean neighbor is Joe Biden. After all, Democrats boast about how vicious he is, apparently to show that hes conscious and he cares:

Behind closed doors, Biden has such a quick-trigger temper that some aides try to avoid meeting alone with him. Some take a colleague, almost as a shield against a solo blast.

Biden has such a quick-trigger temper that some aides try to avoid meeting alone with him. Some take a colleague, almost as a shield against a solo blast. The president's admonitions include: "God dammit, how the f**k don't you know this?!," "Don't f**king bullsh*t me!" and "Get the f**k out of here!"  according to current and former Biden aides who have witnessed and been on the receiving end of such outbursts.

That nasty behavior, of course, has been on public display for decades:

Of course, as hes slipped into dementia, Bidens nastiness has gone into hyperdrive (and note how often he smiles before attacking, which is a weird tell):

And then there was this:

I cant believe this is a real photograph. It depicts the president of our nation, as he took to the airwaves and spoke about his fellow citizens as if they were sewer rats. pic.twitter.com/bWYxHJfqTa  J.D. Vance (@JDVance1) September 2, 2022

Recognizing that Biden is a truly mean person, it makes perfect sense that yet another White House dog is exceptionally vicious, to the point of biting people:

President Bidens nearly 2-year-old German shepherd Commander bit seven people in a four-month period after former first dog Major was ousted from the White House over similar aggressive behavior, according to internal Secret Service communications reviewed by The Post. The shocking spate of incidents involving Commander  none of them previously reported  mirrors attacks involving Major, who the White House says was given to family friends after biting many Secret Service members in 2021. In the most serious documented incident involving Commander, the White House physicians office on Nov. 3, 2022, referred a bitten Secret Service uniformed officer to a local hospital for treatment after the dog clamped down on their arm and thigh, according to emails released under the Freedom of Information Act to conservative legal group Judicial Watch.

German shepherds can be absolutely lovely and loving animals if they have an owner who trains them to be polite. But for the Biden family, nice and polite dont seem to be operative concepts. And so, we have a perfect case of like master, like dog.

Image YouTube screen grab (cropped)
This is not just a French story, though the catastrophe is probably most advanced in France because of large numbers and the Muslims (correct) perception of unique French weakness and cowardice. The rest of western Europe isnt far behind France. Nor are we.

Cal Thomas writes at Front Page Magazine:

Imagine the U.S. canceling the Fourth of July holiday due to high crime in our cities and you get a sense of what has occurred in France. Cities across France canceled Bastille Day observances July 14 because of rioting that ignited when a police officer shot and killed 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk, a French citizen of Algerian and Moroccan descent, during a traffic stop in Paris on June 27.

News reports said churches were burned to the ground and graffiti was scrawled in red paint on a church in Marseilles declaring: Mohammed was the last prophet. Bank branches were ransacked and ATMs opened with chainsaws. Some shouted death to the police, death to France, death to the Jews, and Hitler was right. A Holocaust memorial was defaced. Thousands have been arrested.

Kosher food restaurants and shops have been looted and burned during the rampage.

Ayat Oraby, a former Egyptian TV and Muslim Brotherhood affiliate, has contributed her dose of venom to the French riots: To where is France heading? To hell, God willing!

Is France now paying a heavy price for admitting so many radical Islamists into the country? As Sorbonne University Professor Bernard Rougier has written: Since the 1970s, France has welcomed an ever-increasing number of immigrants from the Muslim world.  Only a tiny minority have assimilated into French society. The others live as they lived in their countries of origin.

Guy Milliere, on his webpage for the Gatestone Institute International Policy Council, recently posted these various quotes on the subject: Radical imams came from the Muslim world and allege that France is guilty of having colonized their countries, that Muslims should continue to live according to the law of Islam and that, in the imams view, France should pay for its crimes. Many politicians have told the newcomers that France is racist and had exploited them.

Milliere also posted this one: Criminal gangs formed and began ruling these neighborhoods  French political leaders closed their eyes. Meanwhile, these Muslim neighborhoods have grown and crime from them increased.
In New York state, where locals pay some of the highest health care costs in the nation, hookers are about to get a free ride.

According to the New York Post:

Gov. Kathy Hochuls administration is going to bat for the worlds oldest profession by launching a free health care program for sex workers  a move critics are slamming as encouraging a campaign to decriminalize prostitution, The Post has learned. The state Health Department of Health has awarded $1 million in public funds combined over two years to two contractors as part of the new sex worker health pilot program. Under the initiative, sex workers in New York City and western New York will be provided with primary, sexual and behavioral health care, as well as dental care.

What a strange thing to subsidize, because when you subsidize something, you get more of it. Tax something, get less of it, subsidize something, get more of it, it's the law of economics.

Sure, there are pitiful cases in this subset of people. We all know that prostitutes are more subject to venereal diseases, drug abuse and certainly mental health problems given the demands of that lifestyle, meaning, their health care costs would be higher than average.

But New Yorkers, on average, pay some of the highest health care costs in the nation, clocking in at an average of $13,012 per person, according to Forbes, citing Forbes Advisor, and given the large numbers of indigents already getting a free ride in New York, that means anyone else is going to be paying a lot more than that based on how averages work. Illegals have just gotten a bill passed in the state Senate this past June for "free" health care, just for being here illegally. The homeless, too, have many resources for free health care. Now sex workers are about to get cut.

But as for the ordinary working-guy New Yorker, who pays some of the highest taxes and health care costs in the nation, they get nothing, except for but more bills, and even higher health care costs as state spending balloons on carve-outs like these.

It's pretty bizarre to be incentivizing prostittution through free health care, including even free dental care. Why should prostitutes get special treatment, as if they were a special voting bloc. Prostitution is closely linked to human trafficking, so this may be a witting or unwitting gift to human traffickers, whose "stock" of humans will be improved, and thus more profitable for their "businesses" to encourage expansion.

Critics cited by the New York Post said it appeared to be another step on the slippery slope of decriminalizing prostitution. With few people ever prosecuted for crime anymore owing to that state's Soros district attorneys, it seems that that barn door was left open long ago.

What seems unconscionable is that productive, taxpaying citizens are still paying full fare on health care, while people engaged in extremely self-destructive acts such as prostitution of their bodies and mental health (prostitute feel nothing on the love front) for money should be given special treatment.

If the state wants to decriminalize prostitution, fine and dandy, but let prostitutes pay full fare on health care same as other New Yorkers, with the costs of their lifestyle built in in a true equality measure. If the welder and the schoolteacher need to pay full fare on their health care by state mandate, make the prostitute pay full fare for health care, too. Better still, force convicted human traffickers to be held accountable for those unpaid health care costs and premiums of their human cargo, which of course, they are not.

Obviously, a bill like this will create more prostitution and more human trafficking as more costs are removed from those operations. That in turn will create mayhem in the cities as even more cheap hotels and apartments and other housing become late night mayhem zones as well as magnets for drug dealing, which always goes with more prostitution.

That in turn will drive more productive New Yorkers, including those trying to raise kids, out of state. They've already got a big problem with that in New York and New York's far-left governor, Kathy Hochul, has already stated good riddance before backtracking and trying to bring them back. But this measure will simply bring more flight, reducing their state tax base, and congressional representation. For the rest of us, the dynamic will be clear: Subsidize the destructive, penalize the productive, and watch the normal people flee.

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License
In San Francisco, the lockdown enthusiasts at the height of COVID pandemic had a great solution for all the businesses and people put out of work by their lockdowns: A government-run charity -- which solicited and took donations from the public.

Here's a call for it from state Sen. Scott Weiner's own website:

If you are able to donate - and particularly if you usually donate to non-profits at galas and events that they have canceled this year - we strongly encourage you to do so. Government-coordinated giving programs: San Francisco is coordinating giving through give2sf.org.

Heather Knight at the San Francisco Chronicle, (who just got hired by the New York Times), appealed to the public to donate, too, scolding the billionaires for not donating more.

But they raised $30 million from the public, with billionaires and tech bigs drawing lots of favorable press for their generosity to the pitiful casualties of the lockdowns, and drew much hailing from San Francisco's mayor, London Breed:

San Francisco, CA  Mayor London N. Breed today announced the City has identified three priority areas for the immediate use of the Give2SF COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund: food security; access to housing; and security for workers and small businesses. The Hellman Foundation will contribute $1 million, and Ann and Gordon Getty will contribute $1 million to the Give2SF Fund. Mayor Breed announced additional contributions to the Give2SF Fund from Crankstart Foundation, Stupski Foundation, Tom and Theresa Preston-Werner, Cruise cofounders Kyle Vogt and Dan Kan, and Mark Pincus. Salesforce and Wells Fargo previously announced contributions to the Fund. There are so many San Franciscans who are struggling to make rent, put food on the table, and keep their small business open, said Mayor Breed. Thats why we created the Give2SF Fund, which is collecting support for our small businesses and individuals who are dealing with the challenges of COVID-19. We are grateful for the generous contributions of private donors and philanthropic organizations who are supporting our efforts to take care of our residents during this incredibly difficult time.

According to the San Francisco Standard, there were a lot of little guys who donated to the fund, too -- the website for the program accepted donations as low as $1, and the website itself said "you can donate any amount." Breed didn't mention them in her laudatory press release, but little guys pitched in to do their part for COVID, too.

And after all that hoopla, and all those $30 millions rolling in ... the City doesn't know what it did with the money.

According to the San Francisco Standard, much of it was transferred into gift cards for big box retailers (who are not plentiful in San Francisco) and then distributed to the afflicted:

An audit completed this year found that San Franciscos Human Services Agency, which provides a range of welfare services including food and healthcare programs, ignored city rules when it came to distributing thousands of gift cards. Its uncertain if any of the gift cards were stolen or went to ineligible recipients, but a lack of oversight created a situation ripe for possible instances of fraud, theft, or abuse, auditors for the City Controllers Office wrote. The audit focused on the handling of $2.5 million in gift cards purchased by the Human Services Agency between August 2017 and March 2021. Specific issues noted in the audit included a failure by city staff to conduct verification checks of gift card inventory, require updated lists of eligible gift card recipients and make sure partner organizations were complying with city rules. All but one of the eight programs reviewed in the audit that received Human Services Agency gift cardsbroken up into prepaid Visa debit cards and gift cards to Safeway and Targetreceived money from Give2SFs COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund.

What a disgusting picture. They treated the public's hard-earned money like it was government money and then "lost" it.

Then they offered this ridiculous excuse:

It was not possible in the midst of the early part of the pandemic to get over 2,000 people to personally sign for the gift cards and verify identities, Human Services Agency officials said in an email. In addition, at that point in the pandemic, in-person contact for receipt of the gift cards was not recommended from a public health perspective.

Umm, if there's free money involved, it most certainly is possible.

Does this sound like a worthy charity to donate to after such a loud appeal and now such a result? The government at all levels spends oodles of money warning the public about private charity scams and ripoffs and sure enough, they missed this one. Meanwhile, the private sector has an entire cottage industry rating charities for overhead and accountability practices -- so how would this one rate?

The matter was made even worse by the fact that it was a government operation, which suggests the money would be handled properly. But neither the government agency, nor the eight NGOs they handed the cash to for distribution could properly account for where the cash went.

How hard is it to keep a $1.99 ledger book of who got what gift card and simply fill it in before handing it out? For them, it was too much to ask.

The city auditor made his recommendations that the agencies account for their handouts, but that seems a little elementary, given that that was what they should have done in the first place. The agencies here should be made to pay back any amounts they cannot account for, and their slovenly leaders fired, if not investigated for theft or creating the conditions for theft and fraud, given that that was what the city auditor said this situation was "ripe" for. If not that, they should be decommissioned as charity distributors. If they couldn't perform their jobs to just ordinary standards of accountability, why should the public ever trust the city again when a new appeal goes out? No wonder the billionaires, who tend to be savvier about these things, didn't donate as much as the city wanted. As for the members of the ordinary public who donated, they just got rolled.
The open letter to President Biden from Thomas L. Friedman that appeared in The New York Times, July 24, in the space usually reserved for editorials, was so filled with disinformation as to indicate that the paper has a two-tiered policy on disinformation, printing that from its own. This pull-quote appeared in the middle of Friedman's screed on the (ailing) Israeli prime minister:

"Netanyahu needs another dose of tough love about our shared interests."

What is the problem? Friedman opposes plans to reform the Israeli judiciary. Why? Friedman pontificates:

"It should be obvious to every U.S. policymaker by now that Netanyahu's cabinet, one that [President Biden] described as one of he most "extreme" you've ever encountered, has its mind set on two dismantling projects." Friedman's letter continues: "One is to dismantle the power of the Supreme Court to rein in this government's extreme agenda, and the other is to dismantle the Oslo peace process and its road map for a two-state solution...."

What is "this government's extreme agenda"? Friedman does not say. Nor does he point out that Palestinian recalcitrance put an end to "a two-state solution" years ago.

Throughout his implicit call on President Biden to go to political war against the Netanyahu government, the words "shared values" and "strategic interests". and "consensus" are sprinkled as warning to the Israeli prime minister to accept a diktat from the White House as if Israel were the 51st state. Friedman, however, cannot help but alert the reader to basic differences in governance structure and procedures not shared by Washington and Jerusalem.

Smack dab in the middle of his screed, Friedman acknowledged that the Knesset is about to vote on reform of Israels Supreme Court. Israel has a unicameral legislature and laws require a legislative majority, not "a semblance of national consensus" (based on street demonstrations) that Friedman would prefer. In his penultimate paragraph, Friedman asserts that "the high court in Israel is the only real check on executive overreach." What "executive" is he referring to? Israel has a parliamentary government, headed by a head of government -- the prime minister, not a chief executive with enumerated powers set forth in a constitution -- which Israel does not have.

And as Israel does not have a constitution, the Israel Supreme Court does not have a 14th Amendment's "due process" clause as basis to "rein in" Netanyahu's "extremism." Apparently, lacking a constitution, Israel's Supreme Court has come up with the term "unreasonableness" as key to its door of judicial review. A Wikipedia article on the subject of court reform in Israel includes the following cautionary words on judicial review in Israel from a former member of Israel's Supreme Court:

This expansive doctrine empowers the Supreme Court to strike down almost any administrative decision, even if it was taken by due legal authority. In an interview with Haaretz, former Supreme Court Justice Moshe Landau criticized the use of the "unreasonableness" doctrine:

The justices in the older court did not set themselves up as the teachers of the generation. We did not think that our task was to teach the public fundamental or deep values of private or public morality. This doesn't mean that we didn't pay attention to values. This doesn't mean that we didn't make value judgements. But we understood the limitations of the Court's jurisdiction. We made sure that what we ruled on regarding values flowed out of the issue brought before us [...] The judge is not the teacher of the generation and is not a philosopher-king. His task is much more modest: to be a faithful interpreter of the law. Of the public's will as expressed by the Knesset, as representative of the public. Therefore, I believe that the judge's wisdom requires him to be cautious, sensitive, with broad discretion and without hubris.[55]

To these words might be added that respect for the sovereignty of the State of Israel that shares values with America, but not governing procedures, would require a columnist, and, even more, the U.S. president not to interfere in the internal politics of a sister democracy.

By the way -- Friedman acknowledged, six paragraphs from the end of his public letter to President Biden, that the Democrats take a partisan, not principled, approach to foreign policy -- that is say, to our strategic interest. He points out that it would take a Democrat president to get Senate Democrats to support security guarantees for Saudi Arabia,

"because very few Democrats in the Senate would support [guarantees for the Saudis] if it was pushed by a Republican president."

Accordingly, it would seem to this observer that Friedman and Mr. Biden should be concerned about "shared strategic interests" at home, before they go about sticking their noses in foreign climes.

Photo credit: UTA Libraries Digital Gallery CC BY 4.0 license
Well, it happened.

The buyers of Hunter Biden's art "masterpieces," whose prices commanded would pin him for a boy-wonder art genius, have gotten out.

And it's not a pretty picture. Who's buying the Hunters?

According to the Daily Mail:

Hunter Biden 's artwork has brought in $1.3 million dollars, and it has been revealed that a top Democratic donor and Biden family friend who President Biden named to a prestigious commission was one of the top purchasers. Despite a promise that all purchasers' identities would be kept a secret, two names have been revealed: Los Angeles-based real estate investor and Democratic donor Elizabeth Hirsch Naftali and Hollywood attorney Kevin Morris.

Wow. So both are closely linked to Democrat politics, with one of them, Naftali, getting herself appointed to a Biden art commission and the other serving as Hunter Biden's lawyer, fixer, and bailout man for Hunter Biden's back taxes. He was last seen in public huffing a bong in Malibu.

It kind of contradicts what the White House said the Hunter painting sales operation would be:

When Hunter Biden first announced he would make a high-dollar foray into the art world, the Biden team promised the identities of those who purchased Hunter's art would remain anonymous. On the campaign trail, Joe Biden promised an 'absolute wall' between his duties as president and his family's business dealings. The White House said at the time the buyers had been vetted and their identity was only known to the gallery - suggesting Hunter's latest business venture would not become a way to sell White House influence.

The latest revelations from Congress about Biden's involvement in Hunter's business dealings pretty well puts paid to that claim about some kind of wall on Hunter's business dealings, while 60 Minutes's adoring 2021 profile of Hunter as the art world's hot new sensation now looks skeezy.

The art world itself and its major critics have basically called bee ess on the idea of these Hunter paintings being masterpieces.

The names of these buyers should have been revealed right from the beginning. According to the report, Hunter knew who they were and would have been at least theoretically in a position to respond to whatever it was they might have wanted in return for the purchases as a result. And if Hunter knew, you can bet others in the White House knew, too. The only people these buyers were being concealed from were the voters, who might just judge for themselves whether this was a pay-to-play operation.

These are far from the only buyers of Hunter's newfound talent as a creator of art at masterpiece prices, but they are indicative of what seems to be going on.

Where are the leaked out names of actual art collectors on this list, the kind of people who normally pay these kinds of prices for art on its merit to go into their collections that journalists write about and that the public wants to see? So far, we don't see any of those leaked out.

All we see now are just see a couple of politically connected characters who might have reasons other than a quest for the greatest art for their collections for their purchases. Morris's purchase, for instance, could probably go a ways towards repaying Hunter's debt to him for paying his taxes. Money in, money out.

As for the art commission appointment Naftali got, it's unknown whether the appointment was made before or after the purchase, according to the report, but that could still be pay-for-play either way -- either as a means of getting influence, or as a thank you purchase. The story says it was an unpaid appointment, but well, let's just say these commissions wield a lot of power and prestige for things art collectors care about. There's a reason the art world denizens angle to get on them.

It all suggests that the Biden way of doing business is carrying on the way it always carries on. There appears to be an art-selling operation that is targeted towards buyers for influence and the Bidens appear to be benefiting. As if there weren't enough things to investigate, this looks investigate-able, too. It's just so blatant, and carries so much potential for influence-peddling and conflicts of interest that it seems like an open ad for it. At a minimum, it's time to release the names of all the art buyers and find out if they had gotten political benefits a lot bigger than the benefits of Hunter's whiz-kid "talent."

Image: Screen shot from Fox News video, via YouTube
Far-left Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other House Democrats are saying Republicans are hypocrites for wanting to cut the IRS budget while supporting the two whistleblowers that are calling out the IRS for their special treatment of Hunter Biden.

Here is the news story:

In whistleblowers, Democrats see GOP hypocrisy on IRS House Democrats are blasting Republicans this week with charges of hypocrisy for lionizing a pair of IRS whistleblowers while fighting to defund the agency at large over allegations of corruption and bias against conservatives. The Democrats say Republicans have undermined the legitimacy of their own star witnesses through months of attacks on the agency they represent, diminishing the publics trust in the IRS and the agents who make it run. Its a very cherry-picked situation, said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). It is hypocritical to call on these folk while also stripping the resources they need to do their job.

That is pure ignorance. It would be hypocritical to throw massive amounts of money and more employees in an organization that has become so obviously politically biased.

My guess is many IRS employees would love to get tax cheats like Hunter charged with the felonies he deserves but do not want to suffer retribution from his Democrat masters.

They also do not want to be targeted for destruction by the media and other Democrats who do not care how much they have to lie when a whistleblower targets their chosen ones.

It's disgusting.

When a snake is devouring something, you cut off its head. You don't feed it.

Likewise, when the IRS masters are destroying their political opponents and protecting their chosen ones (Democrats), you don't feed such an outfit with massive amounts of money and 87,000 new servants, you must destroy it from the top.

The process must be repeated at the politicized Justice Department.

Since Democrats are so confused about what makes someone a hypocrite, here is a sample of where the media and other Democrats are hypocritical:

They always say they want to tax the rich, yet when the rich Hunter Biden evades taxes and commits fraud, they want to give him a small slap on the wrist.

They had continual witch hunts on Trump's tax returns yet little curiosity about where Joe Biden made his millions or the twenty shell corporations that gather kickbacks for the Bidens.

Democrats can challenge any election they want, but if Republicans challenge an election where many states violated their election laws, they are called 'deniers' who want to destroy democracy and should not be allowed to hold office.

They say they want all children to get a good education, but they routinely block poor and minority children from having the opportunity for school choice.

They say that women can do whatever they want with their bodies on the matter of abortion, yet they forced women, and others, to get shots at the penalty of being fired from jobs if they didn't, and they take away their choice of what kind of health insurance they can buy.

They say they are pro-women but what can be more anti-woman than intentionally destroying women's sports, by making women and girls share locker rooms with people with penises (men) while not even being able to define what a woman is.

They say they are against corruption but they impeached Trump when he wanted to look into the Biden family corruption in Ukraine, They don't care that Hunter got kickbacks and Joe bragged about blackmailing Ukraine with taxpayer money unless they fired a prosecutor.

They rail against abuse of power and violation of separation of powers unless it is Obama, or Biden abusing their power with DACA, Student loans and other things.

AOC and others were very worried about children at the border until Biden took office and then they have barely said a word about children who disappeared, died or were trafficked which means they never cared. It was all political rhetoric.

They say they want everyone to get health care but they vote against the "Born Alive" act to provide healthcare to the most vulnerable; a newborn child at an abortion clinic who survived when the abortion procedure failed.

They will properly charge a woman with murder if she has a baby at home and then just let it die yet if a doctor and mother let a baby die at an abortion mill, that is O.K.

I thought they believed in equal treatment under the law.

They lecture others about their carbon footprint but it is O.K. for Green czar John Kerry, former President Obama, and others to fly in private jets and live in multiple mansions.

They claim they want to get rid of all remnants of racism as they seek to take down statues of Washington, Jefferson and others, yet they don't go after Robert Byrd. a former KKK member who filibustered the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Biden, Obama and others eulogized Byrd as a great man but they target people like Tim Scott and Clarence Thomas for daring to be conservative.

The founder of Planned Parenthood was a eugenicist who wanted birth control to build a "cleaner" race.

Margaret Sanger was a eugenicist. Why are we still celebrating her?

Sanger believed that minorities, and the mentally and physically disabled, were inferior and shouldn't be born.

Democrats believe in quotas for everything so why do they spend so much money and effort supporting an organization that aborts black and brown babies at a rate so much higher than their percent of the population?

They claim they want to lift the poor, and minorities up, yet in their great society, anti-poverty programs essentially encourage the break-up of families and relegate many to generational poverty and dependence on the government. .

Why do Democrats continue to support prevailing wage laws, which were passed to block blacks from taking white workers' jobs, and which have oppressed minorities for over ninety years? Why do they support open borders, which achieves the same thing now?

If the media and other Democrats really care about the poor and minorities, why did they seek to destroy Trump everyday when his policies were lifting all boats?

Incomes Hit a Record High and Poverty Reached a Record Low in 2019

Democrats now claim the filibuster is racist, yet they used it over 300 times to block Trumps policies ion 2020 alone.

Democrats used filibuster 327 times, compared to only once by GOP in 2020: Report

AOC should go back to being a bartender since she and other Democrats have no business passing laws and regulations with no idea what a hypocrite is and they cant even tell the difference between a man and a woman. They should stop claiming they are the party of science and that their destructive policies are "progressive."

Image: Screen shot from Forbes Breaking News video, via YouTube
I wish the best for Senator Dick Durbin, who has just announced that he has come down with Covid for the third time in the space of a year. No schadenfreude here over the 78-year-olds latest bout with the illness. At his age, there is actually a realistic possibility of lethality, unlike healthy non-elderly people, who, nonetheless were locked down in the nations bungled response to the virus engineered in China.

Unfortunately, I tested positive for COVID-19 today. I'm disappointed to have to miss critical work on the Senate's NDAA this week in Washington.

Consistent with CDC guidelines, I'll quarantine at home and follow the advice of my doctor while I work remotely.  Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) July 24, 2023

National Archives (public domain photo)

However, these Ive got Covid tweets are getting repetitive:

This morning, I tested positive for COVID-19. Thankfully, I am fully vaccinated and boosted and only experiencing minor symptoms. I will quarantine consistent with CDC guidelines and follow advice from my doctor while I continue to work remotely.  Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) March 19, 2023

This morning, I tested positive for COVID-19. Thankfully, I am fully vaccinated and double boosted and only experiencing minor symptoms. Consistent with CDC guidelines, I will quarantine and follow advice from my doctor while I continue to work remotely.  Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) July 28, 2022

Remember when the liar Dr. Fauci kept telling is that if we are vaccinated, we are safe from Covid? Here is one example:

And yet, Senator Durbin still seems to be a true believer in the vaccines that he sought to mandate.

Rep. Nancy Mace, also vaxxed and a repeat Covid sufferer, has wised up a bit more, as The Blaze reported:

GOP Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina tested positive for a third time last week after having previously tested positive in June 2020 and January 2022. Earlier this year Mace, who had been fully vaccinated in 2021, said that she regretted getting the vaccination. The congresswoman indicated that after the second jab, she got asthma. She also said she has tremors in her left hand as well as occasional heart pain.

We have a long way to go before a true reckoning for the scams and incompetence that marked the nations response to Covid takes place. Incredibly powerful institutional forces, including most of the media, are dedicated to national amnesia about the way our economy was wrecked, a generation of children handicapped in their education and social development, and election was stolen, and hundreds of billions of dollars flowed into the hands of vaccine makers and various scammers of government spending.

Weve been had, and on a massive scale. Securing the future of the Republic demands that we hold accountable those responsible.
David Weiss, the US Attorney for the District of Delaware charged with investigating Biden, has a lot of explaining to do when he testifies before Congress in September or October. Thanks to the efforts of Senator Grassley, the public now has the FBI Form 1023, with the account of outright bribery of the Biden crime family following what sounds like a shakedown of Burisma. The 1023 account is based on a still-anonymous Confidential Human Source (CHS) who had previously proven reliable.

David Weiss

But now, thanks to the work of Professor Margot Cleveland, we learn that FBI agents from the Pittsburgh field office vetted the claims of the CHS and found support for them. More importantly, David Weiss, the US Attorney for Delaware, was briefed on the allegations and their corroboration on October 2020. Prof. Cleveland writes:

The Federalist has now learned that the Pittsburgh FBI office had corroborated several details contained in the FD-1023 as part of the intake process that former Attorney General William Barr established before the election under the leadership of the Western District of Pennsylvanias then-U.S. Attorney Scott Brady. Significantly, in briefing the Delaware U.S. attorney on the results of their offices screening of evidence related to Ukraine, the Pittsburgh FBI agents told the Delaware office they had corroborated multiple facts included in the FD-1023, an individual with knowledge of the briefing told The Federalist. Following the late June 2020 interview with the CHS, the Pittsburgh FBI office obtained travel records for the CHS, and those records confirmed the CHS had traveled to the locales detailed in the FD-1023 during the relevant time period. The trips included a late 2015 or early 2016 visit to Kiev, Ukraine; a trip a couple of months later to Vienna, Austria; and travel to London in 2019.

There is further corroboration offered in the article.

Keep in mind that the Pittsburgh FBI office was granted a very limited role by then-AG Barr:

As Barr previously made clear, the role of the Pittsburgh office was limited to providing a clearing-house function for information related to Ukraine to weed out any potential disinformation. The purpose of the intake process, Barr stressed, was to check[] out the source and credibility of evidence before assigning it to one of the ongoing investigations already pending in the Department, such as the Delaware investigation into Hunter Biden. As such, the Pittsburgh office lacked the authority to subpoena witnesses or records or to use grand jury proceedings to further corroborate the FD-1023. That responsibility fell with the Delaware office.

Weisss subsequent behavior raises a lot of questions for Congress to explore:

But not only did the Delaware office apparently ignore the allegations contained in the FD-1023, as well as the corroborating evidence already allegedly accumulated by the Pittsburgh FBI office, but U.S. Attorney David Weisss office allegedly secreted the very existence of the FD-1023 from the whistleblowers. Both IRS whistleblowers testified last week that they did not even learn of the existence of the FD-1023 until Barr publicly confirmed he had sent the information to Delaware for further investigation. Delaware Assistant U.S. Attorney Lesley Wolf also excluded the IRS agents working the Hunter Biden investigation from the meeting at which the Pittsburgh FBI agents briefed the office on the FD-1023 and the corroborating evidence they had already uncovered. The IRS whistleblowers further testified that portions of Hunter Bidens laptop were withheld from them and they were explicitly prohibited from taking any investigative steps connected to Joe Biden  or questioning anyone by using Joe Bidens name, Dad, or the Big Guy.

Assistant Us Attorney Lesly Wolf also behaved in other questionable was, as Prof Cleveland earlier wrote:

Grassley then highlighted the numerous ways Wolf appeared to have obstructed the investigation into Hunter Bidens potentially criminal business activities. IRS whistleblowers have affirmed that AUSA Wolf prevented investigators from seeking information about Joe Bidens involvement in Hunter Bidens criminal business arrangements, Grassley said, adding that she also frustrated investigative efforts by the IRS agents to question Hunter Bidens business partner, Rob Walker, about Joe Biden. Wolf also refused to allow agents to search Joe Bidens guest house, even though there was more than enough probable cause, and she prevented investigators from searching a storage unit used by the now-presidents son, the letter said. In fact, Grassley stressed, Wolf alerted Hunter Bidens lawyers to the investigators interest in the storage unit. Given what Grassley called Wolfs questionable and obstructive conduct, he asked Weiss whether Wolf had taken similar proactive measures to frustrate any investigation into the FD-1023. Grassley also probed Weisss knowledge of the accusations leveled against Wolf and how he has handled them. From Grassleys questions, he seems to believe Wolf knows whether the DOJ buried evidence that Joe and Hunter Biden received bribes from the Ukrainian oil and gas company Burisma.

AUSA Wolf should answer for these actions, but it appears that the Justice Department may be trying to obstruct testimony to Congress, as Debra Heine writes at American Greatness:

In their response, the Department said Weiss was the right person to address the allegations of the two IRS whistleblowers and the committees questions about the scope of his authority. The Department believes it is strongly in the public interest for the American people and for Congress to hear directly from U.S. Attorney Weiss on these assertions and questions about his authority at a public hearing, the letter to Jordan said. To address these issues, U.S. Attorney Weiss is available to appear at a public hearing before the Committee, consistent with the law and Department policy, after the House returns from its August district work period. But Uriarte added the Department was deeply concerned by the chairmens notification on Monday that the Committee had authorized deposition subpoenas for the other individuals identified in their June 29 letter. Any attempts at compulsory process are unjustified and premature, he wrote. The Committee authorized subpoenas less than a business day after your July 21 letter and before the stated deadline in that letter. It has been less than a month since the Committees original requests, and little more than a week since the Department responded to that letter on the date requested by the Committee. Uriarte said the Department would continue to discuss the matter with the Committee.

Those discussions should include Congresss constitutional duty to provide oversight for the executive branch. That duty entitles Congress to subpoena responsible employees of the Justice Department, like Wolf. Anything less smacks of conspiracy to obstruct Congress and cover up serious crimes.

Photo credit: Department of Justice
The story that follows supposedly happened more than a hundred years ago on the eve of New Year. It spanned two centuries, yet was over in a couple of seconds.

The story involves a passenger steamer named SS Warrimoo that was launched in 1892, originally to serve the Trans-Tasman route between Australia and New Zealand but later began ferrying passengers between Canada and Australia. The extraordinary event happened during one such trip.

In December 1899, SS Warrimoo (pictured above) was cruising through the calm waters of the mid-Pacific on its way from Vancouver to Australia. The navigator had just finished sighting the stars from which he calculated their position as 0 degrees, 31 minutes north, by 179 degrees, 30 minutes west. In other words, they were very close to the equator and very near the point where it meets the International Date Line. Upon hearing the report from the navigator, First Mate Payton noted the interesting nature of their position. Captain John Phillips realized that it was the night of 30th of December, and if he altered his course a little and timed his passage through the crossing, he could effect a neat trick that cant be repeated for a hundred years.

Captain Phillips had is navigator double check their position, and then adjusted the course and speed of the Warrimoo so that at exactly 12 a.m., the ship lay astride the Equator at exactly the point where it crossed the International Date Line.

The consequences of this bizarre position were many, noted The Ottawa Journal.

The forward part of the ship was in the Southern Hemisphere and in the middle of summer. The rear part of the ship was in the Northern Hemisphere and in the middle of winter. Half of the ship was on 30 December 1899, while the forward half skipped a day ahead and into 1 January 1900.

This ship was therefore not only in two different days, two different months, two different years, two different seasons and two different hemispheres but also in two different centuries all at the same time.

But what happened to 31 December 1899? You might ask. Recall that the ship was going from Canada to Australia, thus travelling west, and anytime you cross the International Date Line going west, you automatically move forward by 24 hours because the time zones on either side of the International Date Line have a difference of 24 hours.

So if its 9 a.m. on Monday when you cross the International Date Line, the time and date the next moment will be 9 a.m on Tuesday, and you lose 24 hours.

In the case of Warrimoo, however, the ship crossed the International Date Line at exactly 0 hours or midnight when the day itself was turning into a new one. So when the clock should have struck 0 hours 0 minutes and 1 second on 31 December 1899, the shipped moved into a new time zone and was instantly transported 24 hours into the future, that is, 0 hours 0 minutes and 1 second on 1 January 1900. For the passengers of the ship, 31 December existed for only a fraction of a second.

Whether or not the purported event actually occurred remains to be proven. The only account of this extraordinary episode comes from a Canadian newspaper called The Ottawa Journal. However, the fact that this story wasnt published until forty-two years later leaves plenty of room for doubt. Contemporary news report indicate that the Warrimoo did cross the equator on its way from Vancouver to Brisbane on Dec. 30 1899, so the ship was indeed at the right area at the right time for this account to be possibly true.

Even if Warrimoo did attempt to position itself at exactly the right spot, some question whether it could be accurately carried out given the limitation of navigation technology of the time.

Before satellite navigation, sailors used sextants to read angles between stars or the sun and the horizon, and then calculate the ships position. A measurement taken to an accuracy of 1 minute, or 60th of a degree, introduces an error of 1 nautical mile. An excellent sextant can narrow the window down to 0.1 minute, which is the best possible accuracy a sextant can achieve, but it is still off by 200 meters. Realistically, a highly skilled and experienced navigator can determine position to an accuracy of about 0.25-nautical-mile or about 460 meters.

Under these circumstances, it is unlikely that the Warrimoo was able to nail its position so accurately at exactly the right moment. Nevertheless, assuming that the Warrimoo did attempt the maneuver, its possible that the Captain genuinely believed the maneuver was successful, or he made it up. In any case, its fun to think that there is a spot on earth where all those conditions come together every one hundred years, even if for a split second in time.

Epilogue

SS Warrimoos later life was uneventful. After serving as a passenger ship for more than two decades, it was commissioned to carry troops fighting the Great War. While transporting troops across the Mediterranean on 17 May 1918, it collided with a French warship detonating the warship's depth charges. The explosion sunk both ships and many lives were lost.
Chun Young-hee, head of the ministry's Korean Peninsula Peace Regime Bureau, attends a session of the annual Northeast Asia Cooperation Dialogue (NEACD) held in California, U.S., July 24, in this photo provided by Seoul's foreign ministry. Yonhap



South Korea has deplored North Korea's ongoing missile provocation at a regional security conference that has served as a venue for dialogue among the members of the six-party talks on Pyongyang's nuclear program, Seoul's foreign ministry said Tuesday.



At a session of the annual Northeast Asia Cooperation Dialogue (NEACD) held in California on Monday, Chun Young-hee, head of the ministry's Korean Peninsula Peace Regime Bureau, deplored Pyongyang for threatening the international community with its ongoing nuclear and missile development, according to the ministry.



At the forum held at the University of California San Diego, Chun also stressed that the North was turning a blind eye to the dire humanitarian situation of its own people while pushing forward with its weapons programs.



The NEACD, commonly referred to as a Track 1.5 security forum, brings together government officials and civilian experts of the two Koreas, the United States, China, Japan and Russia.



North Korea did not attend this year's forum, according to the ministry. The reclusive country last attended the meeting in 2016, represented by Choe Son-hui, now serving as the North's foreign minister.



At the gathering, participants also exchanged their views on the security situation in Northeast Asia and discussed a wide range of issues, such as the U.S.-Sino rivalry and the Ukrainian war, according to the ministry. (Yonhap)


In January 1726, a British East India Company ship named James and Mary landed on Ascension Island. While exploring the island, the crew stumbled upon a tent containing belongings that suggested the presence of a castaway who had likely survived on the island for some time. Although no body or skeleton was found, the crew speculated that the man had perished due to thirst.

Inside the tent, the sailors made an intriguing discovery a diary belonging to the castaway, which explained how the castaway had found himself on the island. The diary revealed that he was a Dutch sailor who had been found guilty of sodomy and was marooned on the island as punishment. That same year, the translated diary was published under the title Sodomy Punish'd , of which only a single copy exist in the British Library today. This unique journal offers a rare and firsthand account of the challenges and experiences endured by a gay man during a period when same-sex relationships were punishable by death.

Marooned by Howard Pyle.

For nearly three centuries, the identity of the Dutch sailor remained a mystery. In the 1726 edition of the translated diary, he was referred to as Leondert Hussenlosch. However, in another version of the diary titled "An Authentick Relation," it was mentioned that the man's name was unknown. It wasn't until 2002 that Dutch historian Michiel Koolbergen positively identified the sailor as Leendert Hasenbosch.

Leendert Hasenbosch was born in The Hague, Holland in 1695. When he was 18, he became a soldier of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and was sent to Batavia, where he was posted to guard duty on the Castle of Batavia. While the life a soldier was tough and tedious, Leendert was lucky because his father and his three sisters were also living in Batavia, having moved there a few years earlier after his mothers death. His father was a sexton at a small church and his three sisters were married and settled in the town. Leendert frequently visited his family, and was present when the child of his youngest sister, Maria Elizabeth, was baptized.

One year after his arrival in Batavia, Leendert was sent to Fort Cochin in India, to fight the Calicut ruler Zamorin whose forces had launched an attack on Cochin country, an ally of the Dutch. Leendert stayed in Cochin for almost five years, after which he was returned to Batavia where he was promoted to a military clerk, responsible for bookkeeping at the VOC.

In December 1724, a fleet of ships led by Commodore Ewout van Dishoeck began their journey homeward. Among the crew was Leendert, who secured a position as a bookkeeper aboard one of the vessels named Prattenburg. The fleet arrived at Cape Town in March 1725, and after a prolonged stay of several weeks, the Prattenburg resumed its voyage in April. Shortly after departing from port, the commodore and captains of the entire fleet met and found Leendert guilty of sodomy.

During those times, sodomy was considered one of the most severe sins across Christian Europe. All forms of homosexual activities were labeled as sodomy and carried severe penalties, often including death. This was especially true in the Calvinist Netherlands, where punishments were enforced more rigorously than in England. Cape Town's court records for VOC ships indicate that from 1700 to 1794, there were 44 sodomy trials involving 150 individuals, most of whom were thrown overboard after being bound. Leendert managed to escape with banishment to Ascension Island. His partner, on the other hand, likely faced death. During the months Leendert spent on the island, the memories of his lost lover would often come to haunt him during the lonely nights.

Leendert was marooned on Ascension Island on 5 May 1725. They put ashore with me a Cask of Water, two Buckets, and an Old Frying-Pan, &c. I made my Tent on the Beach near a Rock, wherein I put some of my Clothes, Leendert wrote in his diary.

Leendert began exploring the island, and immediately fell into a state of despair when he found that the island had little to offer in terms of survival. I sincerely wished that some accident would befall me, to finish these miserable days, he wrote. In his diary, he repeatedly described his melancholic state and the death wish that gripped him. He managed to find some slow-moving birds known as boobies and tortoises on the beach, providing him with sustenance. While trying to transport the cask of water to his tent, he accidentally overturned it, resulting in a significant loss of water. This was a devastating setback as the island offered very few sources of water.

The only existing copy of Sodomy Punishd

Leendert kept watch for passing ships hoping for a rescue, but no vessel appeared on the horizon. To cure his loneliness, he attempted to keep a boobie as a pet, but it died within a few days. He also tried planting onions and peas, only to have them devoured by rodents. Throughout his time on the island, Leendert turned to reading his Bible, praying, and grappling with his misfortunes.

Water became a scarce commodity, and by mid-June, he had not a drop left. In desperation, he resorted to digging for water but to no avail. Eventually, he followed some goats to a source of trickling water in another part of the island. However, even that source dried up as the summer reached its peak. By this time, Leendert's mind began to play tricks on him, as he started hallucinating ghostly spirits and apparitions. One night, he saw the apparition of a soldier he had known in Batavia. He conversed with me like a human creature, and touched me so sensibly of the sins of my past life (of which I have sincere and hearty repentance), he wrote.

The apparition continued to visit him multiple times in the following days, and despite his disturbance, Leendert grew somewhat accustomed to its presence. To ease his anxiety during the nocturnal visits, he attempted to keep a light burning throughout the night, but it was accidentally knocked over and shattered. He was tormented by a sense of guilt: I hope this my punishment in this world may suffice for my most heinous crime of making use of my fellow creature to satisfy my lust, whom the Almighty creator had ordained another sex for.

Leendert kept hoping for rains but none came. By the end of August, he was resorting to drinking blood of turtles and boobies, and even his own urine. On 31 August he wrote: I was walking, or, more properly speaking, crawling on the sand, for I could not walk three steps together.

Then he saw a turtle. I  cut off his head with my razor, and lay all along and sucked his blood as it run out I got out some of its eggs, and carried them home, and fryd them, and afterwards drank some boild piss mixed with tea; which, though it was so nauseous, revived me much.

As the days passed, he became weaker still: I am so much decayd, that I am a perfect skeleton, and cannot write the particulars, my hand shakes so. He still kept the diary, but his entries became shorter.

October 7, a brief note appears on his diary: my woods all gone, so that I am forced to eat raw flesh and salted fowls. I cannot live long, and I hope the Lord will have mercy on my soul.

From October 8 till October 14, his entries consisted of only one word: ditto.

Leendert probably died on the same day or the day after. His diary was recovered by the crew of James and Mary three months later. Surprisingly, his body could not be found. Perhaps, using his last bits of strength, he dragged himself to the sea to cleanse himself of his sorrows and perceived sins. There is also a glimmer of hope that he was rescued by a passing ship and survived. We will never know.

References:

# Hell on Ascension, Himal

# Leendert Hasenboschs diary: the story of a gay soldier marooned on a desert island, British Library
We are now in that future that our ancestors imagined some decades ago  the future where businesses and many human activities are fully automated. The experiment began with the mechanization of farming, where the profession that used to employ about 70% of most countries workforce could no longer do so. Mechanization was only a prelude to machine learning and artificial intelligences possibilities. With AI, unsupervised learning and convolutional neural networks have become effortless.

Artificial intelligence has significantly enhanced the user experience on mobile-friendly casino sites with navigable features devices casino sites by enabling easy navigation and personalized interactions. Through AI-driven algorithms, these platforms can analyze user preferences and behavior to offer tailored game recommendations, promotions, and bonuses, resulting in a more engaging and enjoyable gambling experience. Moreover, AI-powered virtual assistants integrated into these casino sites can efficiently address user queries and provide real-time support, further contributing to seamless navigation and customer satisfaction.

This article will, among other things, focus on the pros and cons of artificial intelligence and how the many AI industries in Canada are now transforming our traditional views and use of online casinos.

Pros and Cons of Artificial Intelligence in Online Casinos

Pros

Many AI industries have developed algorithms that identify if and when a player is involved in collaboration, card counting, or any other unfair advantage. Thus, AI is helping to keep the gaming niche secure and fair through robust anomaly detection schemes.

Artificial intelligence companies have also developed ways to track fraud or cheating through their algorithms that detect betting patterns that are not natural.

AI also helps create a life-like feel in games, making them more fascinating to participants.

Artificial intelligence companies also mine players data or behavioural patterns using their engines or algorithms. So, technology has become a data science tool that uses predictive analytic tools for pattern recognition. From the information harvested, game studios and managers can recognise monetization opportunities and increase their ROI. They also use it to manage big data and computer vision that once required copious efforts.

Less human supervision is one of the most significant gains of AI in online casinos. With machine learning, chatbots, digital assistants, AI applications, and other AI tools, developers can go to sleep while machines continue to operate based on programmed commands.

Cons

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Being the machine that it is, AI is prone to mistakes, and it is not always correct.

Stability AI has high maintenance demands. Many brains must come together to make stability AI or develop an algorithm whose accuracy will stand the test of time.

Artificial intelligence companies and engines are prone to hacks and manipulations that can distort the betting game.

AIs full involvement in games and businesses has negative impacts on human jobs, countries employment rates, and economic stability. Lets be frank; it threatens job availability as much as it provides solutions to businesses growth and efficiency.

What About Artificial Intelligence in Business?

Of course, the benefits of AI go beyond transforming the online casino niche. Businesses and educational institutions have already started enjoying what innovation has to offer.

According to Michelle H. Thomas, an expert in AI business intelligence and marketing, innovation is now helping to cut the time and money businesses spend on improving employees productivity and customer service experience. She reiterates that many companies have become AI-centric in their customer service approaches, helping to cut costs.

Three Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Business in 2023

Please, note that AI offers more than three intuitive applications for businesses, but the scope of this article only covers three of the leading ones. Contrary to it being the privilege of a few tech gurus and software experts, many businesses and entrepreneurs with little or no tech background are now using AI to power their services in the following ways.

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Sales

A business review conducted by Harvard researchers shows that AI is helping many companies reduce their costs by 40-60%, leads by over 50%, and call time by between 60-70%. AI achieves this by automating business details like forecasting, lead prioritization, and monitoring outbound email campaigns. For instance, Levity now makes email categorisation, monitoring, and responses effortless based on users preferences.

Marketing

Businesses are also utilizing AI to balance their customer experience and operational efficiency. They use intelligent technology to perform market research, analyze competitors themes and trends, and achieve image recognition by categorizing and analyzing many social media pictures of competitors.

Besides, SEO through machine learning has become a tool to understand why people search for what they search for online. The understanding marketers get from this information helps formulate the best marketing strategy.

Customers Support

Customers determine a business profit trajectory. The account may become unbalanced if they dont feel important and company owners do not satisfactorily address their concerns. Granted, its possible to address complaints manually, but that will require more human and financial resources, which most companies will find significant.

AI solves the bottlenecks around customer service satisfaction by assessing and categorizing messages for the right team to address them. Some algorithms can also tag specific inquiries as urgent, needing immediate attention.

While one may want to agree with some clamoring for artificial intelligence law to regulate the activities of stakeholders, the benefits are too apparent to ignore. AI is here with us, and from online casinos to sequence learning and everyday business, we cannot deny its benefits. Artificial Intelligence law can help curb the identified setbacks of this innovation but shouldnt quench it.
Elon Musk kicked off the Twitter rebrand yesterday, changing the name of the social network and issuing a new logo. Twitter is set to wave goodbye, while X is set to take over. Theres just one problem, though, Microsoft, Meta, and hundreds of other companies own rights to Twitters new name.

Microsoft, Meta, and various other companies own rights to Twitters new name

This report comes from Reuters, and it could seriously mess up Elon Musks plans. It seems like X is widely used and cited in trademarks, which opens the door for various lawsuits down the road.

In fact, a trademark attorney, Josh Gerben, said the following: Theres a 100% chance that Twitter is going to get sued over this by somebody. Hes fully convinced the company will get sued if it proceeds down that road.

That same attorney counted almost 900 active US trademark registrations that cover the letter X. That goes for various industries, he noted, not just tech, of course.

As already mentioned, both Microsoft and Meta own this trademark. Microsoft has been in its possession since 2003, and its related to communications about its Xbox video-game system. Meta, on the other hand, owns a federal trademark registered in 2019. It covers a blue-and-white letter X for software and social media.

Using the X name opens the company for various lawsuits

The aforementioned attorney said that neither of those companies is likely to sue, unless their brand feels threatened directly. There are various other companies with similar ownerships out there, though, and the chances that some of them will sue are high.

Given the difficulty in protecting a single letter, especially one as popular commercially as X, Twitters protection is likely to be confined to very similar graphics to their X logo, said Douglas Masters, a trademark attorney. He also added: The logo does not have much distinctive about it, so the protection will be very narrow.

Things could get really messy for Elon Musk and Twitter aka X down the road.
Netflix is hoping youll forget about the password sharing crackdowns with the launch of its new feature called the My Netflix tab. Its a one-stop shop tailored to you with easy shortcuts to help you choose what you want to watch, the company says in a blog post.

Basically, the My Netflix tab is taking the place of downloads in the mobile app. Downloads will now be rolled into the new tab along with a handful of other features the service offers. Tapping on the new tab, you can find not only your downloads, but a host of content youve interacted with. Including shows and movies youve liked, things youve added to your list, and reminders.

It even contains a carousel of trailers youve watched on the platform. That last one could actually be quite useful. Had you watched any trailers for content you think you might be interested in. But forgot to add to your list.

The My Netflix tab rolls out to iOS users today, and Android soon

Netflix is rolling out this new feature beginning today, but only for iOS users. The company says iOS users can find the My Netflix tab in the app from today. But Android users wont have access to it until August.

The company doesnt mention a specific time for the Android arrival of the feature. So if youre looking forward to it, it might be best to just assume itll show up at the end of the month. That way if it shows up earlier you can be excited that its available sooner than you were expecting.

Netflix says the more you tell it what you like, the more youll see on this new tab. So think of it kind of like recommendations. Where the recommendations for content pop up the more you watch stuff on Netflix as it tries to learn what content to serve you. For now this seems to be an iOS and Android only feature. Which means you shouldnt expect it to show up on the website, or the apps for other platforms like consoles or smart TVs.
ChatGPT may have taken the world by storm, but until now the generative AI tool hasnt had an official app for Android devices. When OpenAI brought its services to iOS, Android users were left waiting  but the makers of ChatGPT promised them their own version of the app. Finally, that time has arrived, as the official ChatGPT app has landed in the Google Play Store.

Although OpenAI had teased us with plans to launch an official ChatGPT app for Android, no one knew when exactly the app would hit the Play Store. Registration for the app opened up several days ago. At that point, users were able to pre-register and receive a notification when the app would be available to install. Prior to today, OpenAIs listing for the app on the Play Store simply read coming soon.

The official ChatGPT app is available for download on Android devices in several countries.

But now  months after Apple users received their version of the ChatGPT app  Android users are able to download the app from the Play Store (via 9to5Google). Users can download the app for free and with the same features as its iOS counterpart. But right now the app is only available in the US, India, Bangladesh and Brazil.

Until now, the Play Store has been riddled with ChatGPT lookalikes. But this app is the real deal as it comes directly from OpenAI.

Open AI notes that the app syncs your user history across multiple devices and provides all the latest improvements from the AI makers, providing the same experience that web users get.

Once downloaded, the app  equipped with a simple and colorful UI  prompts users to sign in. At that point, a chat window appears where users can start a conversation or ask questions to the AI tool.

The AI makers plan to expand further over the next week. These are quick efforts by the company to make the official ChatGPT app publicly available.
Samsung is getting ready to announce a bunch of new products. The companys second Unpacked event is taking place on July 26, and you can tune in. Samsung will livestream the event, and you can watch the company unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 5, Flip 5, and more products.

You can watch Samsungs second Unpacked event live, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 & Flip 5 are coming

In addition to the two foldables weve already mentioned, Samsung is also planning to announce the Galaxy Tab S9 series. Three tablets will be included. On top of that, the Galaxy Watch 6 series will probably land as well.

The live stream link is embedded below the article, in case youre interested. Samsung will show us whats happening via YouTube, and the press event kicks off at 1 PM CET / noon BST / 7 AM EST / 4 AM PST, on July 26.

The companys foldables will take the spotlight, of course

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 will be the main devices that Samsung will announce, of course. The Fold 5 will be quite similar to its predecessor, but it will fold flat this time around, at least based on rumors.

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 will have a noticeably larger display than its predecessor, and thus look a bit more modern. Lets hope that Samsung will give us more functionality out of that cover display too.

Well also get some new tablets and smartwatches

The three tablets that are coming will likely differ in terms of size, and some other aspects, while were also getting some smartwatches to check out, at least based on rumors. This will be a huge event for Samsung.

Whats interesting, is that the event is taking place in Korea, Samsungs homeland. The company usually hosts these global press events in other countries, but this time around, it opted to do it from home.
(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 25 - God loves us just as we are, Pope Francis tells a young transgender person in a new podcast produced by Vatican Radio ahead of World Youth Day in Lisbon and released on Tuesday.

'The Lord always accompanies us, always. Even if we are sinners, He draws near to help us," said the pope after hearing the story of Giona, who spoke about the challenges of being a believer, while accepting the reality of having physical challenges and being transgender.

"God loves us just as we are," he added.

"Do not give up, keep striving ahead." In the Italian language 'popecast', Francis also had words of encouragement for Edward and Valerij, who are both serving time in a juvenile correctional community, and for Arianna who struggles with bipolar disorder.

World Youth Day 2023 will take place in the Portuguese capital from August 1-6. (ANSA).


(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 25 - Five homes threatened by a wildfire were evacuated near Messina on Tuesday.

Wildfires have swept Sicily amid Italy's latest heatwave and Palermo airport was briefly close to traffic amid an encroaching fire earlier Tuesday.

The five residences, surrounded by flames, were evacuated in a hamlet of Santo Stefano di Camastra.

The order was given by the mayor, Francesco Re, who urged the intervention of firefighting teams.

The flames developed between the hamlet of Canneto di Caronia and the Tudisca district of Santo Stefano di Camastra. Since the fire was not completely extinguished, five families had to leave their homes. (ANSA).


An Atlantic Ocean current that brings warmth north from the tropics could collapse much sooner than scientists have previously thought, a new study suggests.

Known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), this current prevents the UK and other countries in north-west Europe from having the same icy winters often experienced at the same latitudes in Canada.

As the warm water flows north it cools and evaporates, becoming saltier and denser, which makes it sink and head southwards before it is pulled to the surface and warmed again, repeating the cycle.

Greenhouse gases produced by people since the industrial revolution have been warming the ocean and melting ice in the polar regions, changing the temperature and the amount of freshwater in the Atlantic.

Many climate models show the Amoc is likely to weaken in future because of global warming and the Intergovernmental Panel On Climate Change has suggested it could lead to a collapse in the 22nd century.

This would have a disastrous effect for everyone on Earth, scientists have said, as within a few decades it would cause temperatures to plunge across the northern hemisphere and shift rainfall patterns southward, starving places like the UK of the freshwater needed for drinking and agriculture.

Another effect would be to increase the temperature of the tropics even faster than is happening currently as heat that would normally be brought north would remain there.

The new study, published in Nature Communications, suggests a full or partial collapse is most likely to occur between 2025-2095, describing a general weakening of the current as it approaches a tipping point.

Professor Peter Ditlevsen of the University of Copenhagen and lead author of the study said he was pretty alarmed by the results but that there is still a wide degree of uncertainty of when a collapse would occur and how fast its consequences would take hold.

Other scientists have questioned the accuracy of the findings, saying the studys reliance on using sea surface temperature data as an indirect measure of changes to the Atlantic current over the previous 70 years is not a reliable method for modelling the future.

Oceanographers have been directly measuring the AMOC only since 2004 and many of them say it is too soon to be able to confidently identify a long term trend.

The AMOC is a major climate system that transports heat around the planet as the temperature and salt content of the water changes (Henrik Egede-Lassen/Zoomedia/PA)

Prof Ditlevsen said a collapse in the AMOC has not happened for at least 12,000 years and the only available records for finding out what happened then are in ice core samples taken from glaciers.

These suggest that when the AMOC did collapse, it caused the average temperature around the North Atlantic to plummet by as much as 15C within a decade.

Asked if human-produced greenhouse gases were weakening the AMOC, Prof Ditlevsen said: It is very unlikely that wed see changes not seen for 12,000 years just by chance.

Were pretty sure that the perturbation we are doing with the emissions of greenhouse gasses is the single most important cause.

Professor Penny Holliday, head of marine physics and ocean circulation at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, described the AMOCs collapse as a high impact, low likelihood scenario and that decades worth of observations would be needed to identify a tipping point.

The North Atlantics temperature has been increasing as the oceans absorb excess heat produced by human-emitted greenhouse gases (University of Maine/PA)

Of its implications, she said: For people and governments this would lead to dramatic change in every nations ability to provide enough food and water for its population.

Energy supply and demand would change rapidly with new climate conditions and infrastructures would need heavy investment to adapt and cope.

The patterns of vector-borne disease and health (including mental health) would be profoundly affected.

Worldwide, many land and marine ecosystems would be unable to cope and adapt to such fast changing climate conditions and biodiversity would be severely impacted.

She said of the study: They describe the potential for Amoc collapse within a few years as worrisome and the evidence as something that we should not ignore.

Its hard to disagree with that.
Korean War veterans and their families from 21 countries wave hands during a welcome breakfast at Sofitel Ambassador Seoul in southern Seoul, Tuesday. The event, co-hosted by the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation, the Korea Defense Veterans Association and Yoido Full Gospel Church, was held ahead of Thursday's ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the Armistice Agreement. Yonhap



Veterans who fought for freedom under UN flag mark 70 years of armistice



By Jung Min-ho



Delegations from 22 countries that defended South Korea against communist forces during the 1950-53 Korean War gathered in Seoul on Tuesday to mark the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement on July 27, 1953.



The 200 delegates, including 64 war veterans, were welcomed by South Korean officials at a hotel, where they reflected on the meaning of their blood, sweat and tears shed on the battlefields of the peninsula and the legacy of their sacrifices.



Lee Young-hoon, senior pastor at Yoido Full Gospel Church, the host of a breakfast meeting there, honored both the living heroes and those fallen in the war, and attributed the success story of South Korea to their noble and brave efforts in that conflict.



"Thanks to the U.N. Command's sacrifice, devotion and support, South Korea has been able to emerge from the ashes of the war and eventually grow into one of the leading nations in the world," he said.



Invited by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs to mark the armistice day on July 27, the guests plan to visit some of their former battlefields and other symbolic places, including the inter-Korean truce village of Panmunjeom and the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan, over the next several days.











New Zealand Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro pays her respects in front of a monument set up at the War Memorial of Korea in central Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap



Following the breakfast meeting, co-hosted by the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation and the Korea Defense Veterans Association, the delegation from New Zealand, including Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, visited the War Memorial of Korea in central Seoul.



The guests included Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, Australia's Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel Matthew Keogh and France's Secretary of State for Veteran Affairs Patricia Miralles. South Korea's Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Min-shik will hold bilateral talks with each of the three between Wednesday and Thursday.



Also, there was Colin Thackery, 93, a British veteran who rose to fame after winning in the 13th series of Britain's Got Talent in 2019. He plans to sing "Arirang"  the Korean folk song that kept him and his fellow members of the 45th Field Royal Artillery united and motivated during the war  at Thursday's ceremony in Busan.



The veteran said the song always reminded him of South Korea. Park asked him to perform it for the ceremony during his visit to Britain in February. Thackery said this was his first visit to South Korea after seven decades.





The original Arirang scarf, left, and its 2023 edition / Courtesy of Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs
A group of bowel cancer patients have paid tribute to George Alagiah amid a campaign for better treatment options in the UK for a mutation of the disease.

The online group, named Breaking BRAF after the B-RAF V600E mutation of bowel cancer, said they were deeply saddened to hear about Alagiah amid their campaign for access to more treatments and clinical trials for patients with the mutation.

It was announced on Monday that the BBC newsreader had died at the age of 67 after he was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2014.

Dame Deborah James, who was diagnosed with the B-RAF mutation, died at the age of 40 in June last year.

Dame Deborah James (Sebastien Bowen/BBC/PA)

A spokeswoman for the Breaking BRAF group, Helen Canning, 40, told the PA news agency: The whole colorectal cancer (CRC) community was deeply saddened waking to the news of George Alagiahs passing yesterday morning.

He was an inspirational man who campaigned hard for more awareness of CRC and was able to help the campaign to lower the national screening age to 50  this is still not young enough though.

At Breaking BRAF we are all too aware that more and more people are being diagnosed in their 40s, 30s and 20s with late stage CRC due to not having the classic symptoms and being told youre too young by doctor after doctor.

Georges passing is yet another reminder this isnt an old, overweight, unhealthy persons disease.

Young people with it deserve access to treatments that will help them survive long after diagnosis.

An estimated 8% to 10% of bowel cancer patients will be diagnosed with the B-RAF mutation, which causes the cancer to be more aggressive and more resistant to chemotherapy and standard treatment drugs.

The Breaking BRAF support group on Facebook consists of around 150 patients and carers, and their Instagram page provides information about the mutation.

Clare Mariconda, 41, an admin team member for Breaking BRAF who was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2020, told PA: We are all just trying to do out bit.

Clare Mariconda with her daughter Bethan and husband Antonio (Clare Mariconda/PA)

It probably wont be soon enough to help any of us, but if we can do something that helps the future, thats why were all in it really.

Ms Mariconda said the group want the campaign to reach the UK Government and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) in terms of policy-making.

She said they are also aiming their message at researchers and oncologists to see them as younger individuals with a strong drive to live who are willing to try new drugs and treatments.

The mother-of-one from Cambridge said: Having this mutation means that you become more resistant to the drugs more quickly and its more aggressive.

So you try something, it might work for a while, but then all of a sudden one or two tumours stop responding, and youve got to pick something else to go and try.

She said a lack of treatment options means people can end up on some quite old chemo treatments that some may have already tried.

You can try this, but the chances of it being more effective are slim, she said.

So all of a sudden you just feel like youre on a very slippery slope of kind of deterioration, really.

Its pretty scary, and people seem to deteriorate sort of quite quick.

She said that one of the founders of the Breaking BRAF group, Clare Fowler, was still contributing to our group up until a week before she passed away in April.

Clare Fowler, pictured with husband Dave, was one of the founders of the Breaking BRAF group (Clare Fowler/PA)

Ms Mariconda said the group would like to set up their own charity, but added that at present we are just trying to make as much noise and raise as much awareness as we can about the situation.

Andrew Harrison, 38, who was one of the first people to establish the Breaking BRAF group in September 2022 alongside Ms Fowler, told PA: This illness has taken everything from me, including my independence and my role as head of my family.

Where once my family had a strong father figure watching over and protecting them, they now face an uncertain future which is hard for kids to deal with.

Mr Harrison, a father-of-four from Rochdale, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in September 2020, but said he was only told he had the B-RAF mutation over a year later, in December 2021.

Since then, he has undergone a series of treatments, including significant operations, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy and supplementation, saying: You name it, Ive probably tried it.

Andrew Harrison with his wife and four children (Andrew Harrison/PA)

By February this year, Mr Harrison said his cancer had progressed to the point where he was fully disabled and reliant on his wife.

He said: We need the group to carry on the message until a cure is found.

Richard Wilson, professor of gastrointestinal oncology at the University of Glasgow, and a medical adviser for Bowel Cancer UK, said: [The B-RAF mutation] makes the cells resistant to our standard treatments, our chemotherapy drugs and our radiotherapies.

More people who have the B-RAF mutation of bowel cancer, its not that their cancer presents differently, its more likely to have more difficult patterns of spread that have a worse overall outlook.

Prof Wilson said: Fifteen, 20 years ago when I started specialising in bowel cancer, bowel cancer in the under 50s was 5% of the total population. It is now, in that short period of time, 10%.

The prediction is that by 2040, it will be 40% to 50% in the under 50s, so bowel cancer in the under 50s is really increasing.

He said experimental clinical trials are taking place across the UK to develop better treatments and better predictors for people so we can get better outcomes.

This is the kind of story that Im hearing every day in my clinics, he said.

People whove looked after themselves, are getting on with life and then bang, theyve got this tumour and your life changes.

Were getting better overall at treating this, were getting better at curing more people, were getting better at people who cant be cured, having them live longer with better quality of life, but weve still got such a long way to go.

Patients and carers with the B-RAF mutation can visit the Breaking BRAF Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/breakingbraf/ or the Instagram page at instagram.com/breakingbraf_uk/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D
A British owner of a bar on Rhodes has told of her worry after opening the business just a few weeks before wildfires hit the Greek island.

Sarah George, 39, originally from Stockbridge in Edinburgh, opened La Presidenta in Lindos with her partner Dimitris Savvaidis in mid-July after a lot of setbacks.

After wildfires hit, the couple were forced to close the bar for two days and could see and smell smoke from where they are located.

Blazes have torn through parts of the Greek island (Sarah George/PA)

She told the PA news agency: Things were going beautifully and now this has all happened, weve been open two weeks so were already behind schedule in the holiday season, which begins around Easter time.

It was already going to be a tight season, we were going to have to work hard to make up some of the money we spent opening.

So obviously this is less than ideal, its a worry about whats going to happen in the years to come.

The bar was busy after it reopened on Monday evening despite a power cut, with British holidaymakers staying in the seaside town among the customers.

Ms George went on: From the bar, youd actually have to drive quite far inland to see any of the flames.

Yesterday when it was a bit windier, you could see a lot of the smoke and ash, you could smell it.

Some villages have been affected really badly, although Lindos has mostly avoided the worst of the flames, she said.

On Saturday, Ms George and her partner joined locals who have been fighting day and night to tackle the blazes.

Local people trying to put out the wildfires (Sarah George/PA)

She added: The fires have just been uncontrollable with the wind, we were metres away from fires which have just been engulfing trees.

A bird or an animal could catch fire and its horrific, that will cause it to spread and cause independent fires.

The other day we rushed with water to trees and cut them down to make sure it stops the spread.

Many of the locals are right in the face of the fire, some of the flames are dangerously close to houses.

Theyre breathing in the smoke, people cant see when theyre in the smoke for hours.
A man has been found guilty of sexually assaulting and murdering his 16-year-old sister.

Connor Gibson, 20, was convicted of attacking his sister Amber in woodland in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, on November 26 2021, removing her clothes, sexually assaulting with the intention of raping her, inflicting blunt force trauma to her head and body, and strangling her.

Gibson denied the charges against him but was found guilty after a 13-day trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

Judge Lord Mulholland told him: Your sister  the last person she saw was you strangling her. It was depraved and you will pay a heavy price for that.

He told Gibson he faces a mandatory life sentence with the punishment part to be decided after considering the plea in mitigation on his behalf and a criminal justice social work report.

Amber was reported missing on the evening of Friday November 26 and her body was discovered in Cadzow Glen at about 10.10am on November 28.

The scene at Cadzow Glen in Hamilton where Amber Gibsons body was discovered (Lucinda Cameron/PA)

Gibson was arrested three days later, on December 1, and, the day before his arrest, posted a chilling tribute to the sister he had murdered, writing on Facebook: Amber, you will fly high for the rest of time. We will all miss you. Especially me. I love you ginger midget. GBFN (goodbye for now) X.

The forensic pathologist who carried out the post-mortem examination on Ambers body told the court she was found covered in mud and the cause of death was compression of the neck.

Jurors also heard other forensic evidence that widespread blood staining on Gibsons jacket was compatible with Amber and his DNA was also found on her shorts, worn as underwear, which had been forcibly torn off.

The court heard that Gibson, also known by the surname Niven, did not seem emotional as he spoke to his and Ambers former foster father, Craig Niven, on the day Ambers body was found.

Giving evidence, Mr Niven had said he would not leave the siblings in each others company because they were not a good mix.

Mr Niven and his wife had fostered the siblings since Amber was three and her brother was five. The couple were granted permanent care of the pair a few years later.

At the time of Ambers murder, Connor was living at the Blue Triangle homeless hostel in Hamilton while Amber was at the towns Hillhouse childrens home.

Mr Niven told the court he had not heard from his former foster son during Ambers disappearance but, in a call on the day her body was discovered, Gibson told him the pair had fallen out when they saw each other two days previously.

Jurors also heard from Peter Benson, of Police Scotlands cyber crime group, who examined a phone found where Gibson was living.

It showed that on November 27 at about 12.34am, the phones user wrote to a Snapchat group with five recipients: Im really going to need you guys help with something when yous come back. Im being serious.

The court saw evidence that about 40 seconds later the user messaged Amber Gibson on the app: Are you ok?

The user then told the group chat at approximately 1.33am: nvm (never mind) its all good.

The search history obtained from the phone also showed the user searched How to get nosy police officers to stop monitoring your phone at 11.38pm.

Iain Currie, manager of Hillhouse childrens home, told the court he spoke to Gibson at about 9pm on November 26 after he called to speak with his sister, but noted him appearing sharp on the phone after making no greeting.

Also on trial was Stephen Corrigan, 45, who was found guilty of attempting to defeat the ends of justice and breach of the peace by intimately touching and concealing Ambers body after discovering her at some point in the following two days, instead of contacting the emergency services.

Corrigan, said in court not to be known to Gibson, also denied the charge and had lodged a special defence of alibi.

His father, William Corrigan, 79, told the court his son was at his home in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, that weekend after a fall on ice left his arm in a sling, and denied lying to protect him.

The court heard that Corrigan told police he was at a complete loss to explain why his DNA was found on 39 areas of Ambers body, including her breasts, buttocks and thighs.

Judge Mulholland told Corrigan he had been convicted of horrific crimes.

He said: Coming across a young girl who had been strangled to death, she was naked instead of alerting the authorities you decide  to handle her body all over from head to toe including areas that were intimate  private parts  and your DNA told the story.

He told Corrigan he faces a lengthy sentence.

The judge deferred sentence until September 4 at Livingston High Court for pleas in mitigation and background reports.
One of the UKs largest development charities has cut ties with Barclays over its financing of fossil fuels projects.

Christian Aid, which had an income of 78.4 million last year, said it was dropping the UK bank over its weak commitment to rolling back fossil fuel financing.

Christian Climate Action, a campaign group calling for charities to ditch Barclays, said the decision could further affect the reputation of the UK bank, which benefits from and publicises its relationships with ethical and sustainable clients.

The group is calling on Barclays to publish a policy to stop extending all types of financing  be it loans or underwriting  to coal, oil and gas clients who are still exploring and developing new projects.

Martin Birch, Christian Aids chief operating officer, said: Whilst Barclays was able to provide banking services to fragile contexts, their record on fossil fuel finance, and their weak commitment to future improvements in this area meant that we had to seek a more suitable provider.

Christian Aid has ambitious environmental commitments over the next few years, as set out in our recently launched Environmental Policy.

Christian Aid has severed ties with Barclays (Christian Aid)

Investors and campaigners have increasingly been targeting Barclays over its financing of new oil and gas.

The bank has provided 148 billion in fossil fuel financing, making it the worlds seventh largest funder of fossil fuels globally between 2016 and 2021, according to a Rainforest Action Network report released earlier this year.

It recently came under fire for its sponsorship deal with Wimbledon, facing accusations of sportswashing  the practice of investing in high-profile sporting events or teams to improve an organisations image despite harmful activities elsewhere.

Christian Climate Action said the bank has a lack of coherent policy to achieve its target to reduce real-world emissions by 40% by 2030 while competitors HSBC, Lloyds and NatWest have taken the step to stop direct project financing to new oil and gas.

However, it warned that banks all need to go much further and address their financing at the client level, through general purpose loans and underwriting of bonds.

Barclays is coming under pressure to do more to tackle climate change (PA)

The move was welcomed by former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams as well as other charity leaders, experts and campaigners, who called for other charities to follow suit.

Dr Williams, who is also the former chairman of Christian Aid, said: It is essential that banks like all public and corporate bodies be held accountable for the use of their resources in the context of our global emergency, and I welcome the clear stand that has been made by Christian Aid on this matter.

Meanwhile, Tony Burdon, executive director of Make My Money Matter, said: Christian Aids decision shows the power of making your money matter  and sends a clear signal to Barclays that its time to stop their dangerous practice of financing fossil fuel expansion.

We hope all organisations follow Christian Aids lead, and make sure their money is complementing their values, not contradicting them.

Rev Darrell Hannah, chairman of Operation Noah, a Christian climate charity said: As Barclays continues to fund fossil fuel companies exploration and development of new fields, it is imperative that Christians, and others, cease to do business with Barclays.

The recent deadly heatwaves across Europe and the breaking of global temperature records should serve as a reminder of the danger posed by Barclays and the companies they bankroll.

Christian Aid is to be congratulated for this momentous and, hopefully, trend-setting decision.

Rev Helen Burnett, a member of Christian Climate Action and volunteer fundraiser for Christian Aid, said: There are many other charities still banking with Barclays.

Its untenable that charities can say that they stand against climate change, and the suffering it means for vulnerable people around the world, while at the same time banking with the biggest funder of fossil fuels in Europe.

If you fund climate change, you fuel climate change. Charities and other organisations that choose Barclays are choosing to fund suffering.

Ruairidh Fraser, a researcher at Ethical Consumer said: While high street rivals like HSBC and NatWest have at least restricted some new oil & gas funding, Barclays remains free to finance fossil fuel expansion.

We are calling upon individuals and organisations to withdraw their money from Barclays until it withdraws its money from the most destructive industries on the planet.

A Barclays spokesperson said: As one of the first banks to set an ambition to become net zero by 2050, we are clear that addressing climate change is an urgent and complex challenge.

We are using our entire franchise to support new green technologies and infrastructure projects that will build up low-carbon capacity and capability, having provided over 87bn of green finance since 2018.

We have set a target to facilitate one trillion dollars in Sustainable and Transition financing between 2023 and 2030 and we have set a mandate to invest 500m of our own capital into global climate-tech start-ups by the end of 2027.
The City minister will be meeting with Britains largest banks on Wednesday to address concerns related to customers lawful freedom of expression after the recent closure of Nigel Farages bank account with Coutts.

Andrew Griffith wrote to the chief executives of 19 banks, building societies and digital challengers on Monday, asking for a roundtable discussion at the earliest opportunity and warning that regulations around politically exposed persons are being applied in a disproportionate manner by some financial institutions.

Writing on Twitter, Mr Griffith confirmed the meeting will happen on Wednesday morning.

He said people should be able to exercise lawful freedom of expression without the fear of having their bank accounts closed, adding: Tomorrow morning I will be meeting with bank leaders to discuss this important issue and make clear the Governments expectations.

His comments come after Mr Farage, the former Brexit Party leader, acquired dossiers indicating that his bank account was shut by private bank Coutts, owned by NatWest Group, because it found his public statements did not align with its values.

The ex-MEP turned broadcaster received an apology from NatWest chief executive Dame Alison Rose for deeply inappropriate comments about him in official papers.

Last week, the Treasury announced reforms designed to give customers greater protections against having accounts closed, changes that appeared to have been accelerated in response to Mr Farages experience.

The measures include making banks explain why they are shutting an account, which was not previously required, as well as extending the notice period for a forced account closure from 30 days to 90 days.

The Government said the extension should give customers more time to challenge a decision through the Financial Ombudsman Service or find a replacement bank.

Mr Griffiths letter, which was seen by PA, was sent to NatWest, Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group, HSBC, Nationwide Building Society, Santander, Virgin Money and Co-operative Bank.

Other chief executives expected to receive the invite include those at TSB, Metro, Allied Irish, Danske Bank and Bank of Ireland, while the heads of digital finance outfits at Monzo, Starling, Chase, PayPal, Revolut and Wise will also be called to the Treasury.

Mr Griffith said in the letter: The Government is unequivocal that banks and other payment service providers  which occupy a privileged place in society  should not be terminating contracts of payment account facilities on grounds relating to users exercising of their right to lawful freedom of expression.

The Government strongly supports this fundamental right afforded to all people in British society and will take the action necessary to protect it.

Treasury minister Andrew Griffith (Aaron Chown/PA)

I am calling a roundtable at the earliest opportunity to hear your views on how you and your firms will ensure that customers can access payment accounts without fear of being de-banked for their lawful expression, and necessary actions to be taken to implement the reforms announced.

The closure of Mr Farages account sparked outrage among senior Tory MPs and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said no-one should be barred from using basic services for their political views.

Speaking to Sky News on Tuesday, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said NatWest had further to go in resolving the matter.

It comes after Mr Farage won an apology from the BBC over an inaccurate story that suggested the closure of his account was not due to his political views but because he lacked the funds needed to hold an account at the high-net-worth bank.

The former MEP accepted the apology but shifted the focus back to NatWest, emphasising the need for an internal investigation into the leak, calling on NatWest Group chairman Sir Howard Davies to take action in this regard.
A Conservative MP has said she wants to use her remaining time in Parliament to help people get active outdoors.

Environment minister Trudy Harrison, who announced on Monday that she would leave Parliament at the next election, said she wanted to champion more outdoor exercise such as walking and cycling in the name of public health.

She said: We have the third most obese population in Europe with all the serious and life-limiting conditions and restrictions that brings, yet our countrys landscape is incredible and already quite accessible.

My priority is not just encouraging, but positively enabling more people to be more active in the, often low cost or no cost, Great British outdoors.

Ms Harrison, who was elected as Copelands first Conservative MP in 2017, said she would be embarking on a 182-mile coast-to-coast walk from St Bees, in her constituency, to Robin Hoods Bay in North Yorkshire to promote outdoor activity, with the route soon to be designated a National Trail.

Trudy Harrison on her first day in Parliament after winning the Copeland by-election in 2017, being welcomed by then-prime minister Theresa May (Yui Mok/PA)

She added: Perhaps ironically this was the very first conversation I had with our now Prime Minister, sometime in spring 2017, when we were both backbenchers.

As the new constituency MP for one end of the route, Rishi (Sunak) wanted to secure my support for the National Trail designation and now, as access minister in Defra it falls to me to ensure its completion before October 2024.

I therefore know that the Prime Minister values an active lifestyle and the great outdoors, as I do.

After six years in Parliament, Ms Harrison said she had decided to step down as her constituency was due to be abolished, and she wanted to return to focus on community activism in West Cumbria.

Prior to her time as environment minister, Ms Harrison served as parliamentary private secretary to Boris Johnson while he was prime minister, and as a minister at the Department for Transport.

Looking back on her time in Parliament, the former Sellafield technical clerk said she was most proud of securing greater support for the nuclear industry, including investment at Moorside in her constituency.

Sellafield nuclear power station, where Trudy Harrison began her career. As an MP, she was a keen champion of the civil nuclear industry (Peter Byrne/PA)

She said: By far the greatest priority to effect positive change in West Cumbria is civil nuclear.

If you remember in February 2017 the then-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn had been caught on camera, some years earlier, advocating the decommissioning of all existing nuclear power stations with firm instructions not to build any new facilities.

In 2017 the Conservative Party were also rather lukewarm on atomic energy with Hinckley Point C under question and Moorside looking unlikely.

Those were the old days and this is the turnaround Im most proud of.

Ms Harrison said she had advocated for nuclear power every day while assisting Mr Johnson, emphasising its ability to provide not just clean power but also good jobs outside South East England.

Mr Johnson was an enthusiastic supporter of nuclear power, and announced 700 million of funding for a new reactor at Sizewell, in Suffolk, during his final days in Downing Street.

After plans for the Moorside power plant fell through in 2018, focus has moved onto securing small modular reactors (SMRs), with Ms Harrison campaigning to bring the UKs first SMRs to Copeland.

Trudy Harrison said she advocated for nuclear power every day while serving as parliamentary aide to Boris Johnson (Chris Radburn/PA)

She was also a strong proponent of the plan to open a new coal mine in Copeland, which was finally approved by the Government earlier this year.

Now she plans to return to activism in her home area, saying: The Governments recent policies are what West Cumbria needs to thrive and Ill be able to use my policy knowledge, system thinking skills, national and international contacts and most importantly local connections to ensure we reap the benefits of those national changes.

Of course I still have much work to do, with potentially a further year to 18 months left before a general election.

I have every intention of working hard, both as a minister serving in Rishi Sunaks Government and Copelands MP until the very last day, my foot will remain firmly on the throttle.
First Minister Humza Yousaf has called on the UK Government to provide support for power storage as he visited the site of a potential new 500 million plant.

Energy firm Drax has been given permission to develop the new underground pumped storage hydro plant at Cruachan, Argyll and Bute  the site of a similar facility owned by the company  by the Scottish Government.

Bosses say the new centre would bring the sites generation capacity to more than one gigawatt and support 1,000 jobs across the supply chain.

Both Drax and the Scottish Government have called on the UK to introduce a cap and floor regime for such power stations, ensuring a minimum level of guaranteed revenue and thus certainty for projects to go ahead.

The firm, however, has said it will not begin development at Cruachan until a regulatory framework is put in place to support it.

The First Minister visited the site on Tuesday (Drax/PA)

Drax Group CEO Will Gardiner said: This is a major milestone in Draxs plans to build Britains first new pumped storage hydro plant in a generation.

These plants play a critical role in stabilising the electricity system, helping to balance supply and demand through storing excess power from the national grid.

When Scotlands wind turbines are generating more power than we need, Cruachan steps in to store the renewable electricity so it doesnt go to waste.

With the right support from the UK Government, Drax will invest c.500 million to more than double Cruachans generating capacity and support almost 1,000 jobs across the supply chain during construction.

Mr Yousaf said: Hydro power has real potential to play a greater role in our transition to net zero and to help ensure a resilient and secure electricity supply across the UK.

The expansion of Cruachan will help to strengthen our energy security by providing much-needed resilience in the system, supporting hundreds of jobs and providing a real boost to the Scottish economy.

However, we know that there remain a number of challenges in developing new hydro power projects in Scotland.

The Scottish Government will continue to urge the UK Government to provide an appropriate market mechanism for hydro power and other long duration energy storage technologies, to ensure that the potential for hydro power is fully realised.

The First Minister in May wrote to Rishi Sunak urging him to introduce a cap and floor mechanism for similar projects.
Police investigating the brutal murder of an elderly couple inside their Welsh farmhouse believe modern forensic techniques could be the key to unlocking the 30-year-old case.

Harry and Megan Tooze were shot and killed at their rural home in Llanharry, near Bridgend, South Wales, on July 26 1993 and their bloodied bodies later found hidden under hay bales in a cowshed.

Three decades on, the case remains unsolved and detectives are once again appealing for information, saying they hope to deliver justice for the couple and their family.

The forensic review, launched on the anniversary of their deaths, will be carried out alongside forensic scientist Dr Angela Gallop and focus on identifying exhibits where there is potential for further forensic testing.

The isolated farmhouse at Llanharry where the bodies of Harry and Megan Tooze were discovered in 1993 (PA)

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Mark Lewis said: We hope that by using the latest modern forensic techniques we can deliver justice for Harry and Megan.

As is usual in such reviews, no outcomes can ever be guaranteed.

This case has affected many people over the years and our aim is to find the answers to the unanswered questions which remain about their deaths 30 years on, he added.

Even with this passage of time I appeal to anyone who has any information about the murders to come forward and speak to police.

The couple were found dead with gunshot wounds at Ty Ar y Waun Farm.

That Monday morning Harry, 64, and Megan, 67, had left the farm to visit a Tesco supermarket in Llantrisant and collect their pensions and were seen arriving back home at 11am.

At around 1.30pm two gunshots were heard by neighbours, but this was not considered to be unusual due to it being a farm.

Police were called after a regular phone call from their only child, Cheryl Tooze, went unanswered.

Cheryl Tooze and her boyfriend Jonathan Jones at the funeral of her murdered parents Harry and Megan Tooze (PA)

Ms Tooze had first rung her parents neighbour Owen Hopkins to ask if he would check on them.

When Mr Hopkins phoned back to say they were not at home he suggested Ms Tooze call the police.

Ms Tooze told Mr Hopkins her partner Jonathan Jones was driving from their home in Kent and would be there shortly.

Mr Hopkins called 999 at around midnight prompting officers to attend the farmhouse and search the scene.

Mr Hopkins recalled first seeing Mr Jones a short time later inside the property.

Officers eventually discovered the bodies of Mr and Mrs Tooze in a cowshed adjoining the farmhouse.

Shotgun barrels that were found near to the murder scene of Harry and Megan Tooze (PA)

They had both been shot in the back of the head from about a metre away with a 12-bore double-barrelled shotgun.

They had been covered in carpet and hidden under hay bales.

Police believe they were not killed in the cowshed, but were likely to have been carried there after their deaths.

Items in the house, such as a teacup and saucer and a shirt laid out for Mr Tooze in the bedroom, led detectives to believe the suspect was someone known to the couple and that they had perhaps been expecting them.

Ms Tooze was at work during the killings but Mr Joness alibi was less ironclad and suspicion turned towards him.

Mr Jones, who was 35 at the time and a self-employed recruitment consultant, was convicted of the murders in April 1995 and released by the Court of Appeal a year later in April 1996.

After an independent review of the murders in 2000, a new team of detectives was brought in to reinvestigate the deaths in November 2001.

Jonathan Jones and his girlfriend Cheryl Tooze arrive at the High Court in London to hear the appeal court judges, who quashed his conviction for the murder of Ms Toozes parents and freed him on April 25 1996, make public their reasons for doing so. Mr Jones reiterated his belief that the police should reopen the case and follow up leads highlighted in the judges report (PA)

Between November 2001 and January 2003, officers from South Wales Polices Specialist Search Unit searched the area around Mr and Mrs Toozes farmhouse, including a nearby iron ore mine and a disused quarry.

In 2003 it was announced that the team of detectives, led by Detective Chief Inspector Brent Parry, who solved the murder of 20-year-old Lynette White in Butetown near Cardiffs docklands were joining the hunt for the killer.

Although a number of new leads were generated following the appeal, no-one was charged.

Information can be submitted to the investigation via this online public portal: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/62SWP19A24-PO1
A huge crowd has gathered in an Irish town for the funeral of a man and his young son who died while on holiday in Turkey.

Eoin Fitzpatrick, 35, and his 10-year-old son Dylan, from Portlaoise in Co Laois, died in a crash last Monday while on holiday in Alanya.

Hundreds of mourners gathered at St Peter and Pauls Church on Tuesday for the funeral of devoted father Eoin and treasured student Dylan.

Mourners walk beside the hearse as the cortege travels to the funeral (Niall Carson/PA)

Members from the Portlaoise GAA community formed a guard of honour and Dylans classmates held flowers outside the church as the two coffins were carried in.

Family members described Eoin as a gifted sportsman who wore the town and county GAA colours with pride, and who was the master of one-liners.

Dylan loved to let his imagination run wild and was a sweet child who was one of a kind, mourners were told.

The parish priest said the tragedy has left their families heartbroken and bewildered, and the whole community in shock and united in sympathy.

He expressed his condolences to Mr Fitzgeralds other son, Dylans older brother Cian, who had been on holiday with them in Turkey, and said Dylans mother Claire was heartbroken by the loss.

Claire described her beautiful son Dylan as special and witty, and said he loved the simple things in life.

The coffins of father and son Eoin and Dylan Fitzpatrick are carried into St Peter and Pauls Church in Portlaoise (Niall Carson/PA)

As my family would say, it was Dylans world and we were all just living in it, she told the congregation.

He loved to dance, he loved to colour, he loved to read, he loved to swim.

He loved trains, his favourite movies were Matilda and Paddington 2.

He always held my hand and I will forever hold him in my heart.

His best friend was his daddy, whom he loved so dearly because he was, and always will be, the most amazing father to him and Cian. I hope theyre holding each other so tight wherever they are.

Ill end this with saying something that Dylan and I would always say to each other: I love you, I love you more, I love you most.

Mr Fitzgeralds sisters Ciara, Maryse and Aideen, and his friend David, also addressed the congregation.

Ciara said her nephew Dylan loved both structure, order, routine, such as dependable, reliable trains, and free-spirited, untethered, fantastic art.

Dylan wasnt a carbon copy of his dad. He didnt like sports, certainly not team sports.

Mourners walk beside the hearse (Niall Carson/PA)

He had a special gift, Eoin saw that, he celebrated it, he nurtured it, and that is why they had such a unique bond. It was beautiful.

She described her brother as an extraordinary man, a devoted father, and an exceptional friend, who was the king of sarcasm and a joy to be around.

Maryse said the loss of these two beautiful boys was shattering for the family.

We grieve for them, but what is grief if not love persevering? she said.

We grieve because we love them.

Our hearts ache because we miss their smiles, we miss their laughter, quick wit and good humour. We miss the joy they brought into our life.

But that joy will remain because, while its coloured in sadness, the light Eoin and Dylan brought into the world is undimmed by their absence from it.

We will carry them with us in our thoughts, in our hearts and in our lives.

Bishop Denis Nulty expressed sympathy to Cian and Claire, Mr Fitzgeralds parents, and Dylans grandparents, Rita and Frank Fitzpatrick, Dylans maternal grandparents, Liz and Andy Dowling, and Mr Fitzgeralds partner Suzie and her family.

Items taken up to the altar to represent Dylans life included a model train, a book and a painting, as art was described as the gateway into his imagination and how he saw the world.

Items taken up to represent Mr Fitzgerald included a hurl, as he was a skilled and gifted player, and a Manchester United jersey.

The priest said the huge congregation, spilling out over the grounds of the church to attend the service, showed locals desire to embrace and support the family whose hearts had been truly broken by the loss, and also showed the popularity of both father and son.

The boys are deeply mourned by their utterly heartbroken families, he said.
The jury in the trial of a man accused of sexually assaulting and murdering his 16-year-old sister has been sent out to begin its deliberations.

Connor Gibson, 20, is accused of attacking his sister Amber in woodland in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, on November 26, 2021, removing her clothes, sexually assaulting with the intention of raping her, inflicting blunt force trauma to her head and body, and strangling her.

Gibson denies the charges against him and is on the thirteenth day of trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

Amber was reported missing on the evening of Friday November 26 and her body was discovered in Cadzow Glen at about 10.10am on November 28.

The forensic pathologist who carried out the post-mortem examination on Ambers body told the court she was found covered in mud and the cause of death was compression of the neck.

A police scene at Cadzow Glen park in Hamilton where the body of Amber Gibson was discovered (Lucinda Cameron/PA)

Jurors also heard other forensic evidence that widespread blood staining on Gibsons jacket was compatible with Amber and his DNA was also found on her shorts, worn as underwear, which had been forcibly torn off.

Giving evidence, Gibsons former foster father Craig Niven had said he would not leave the siblings in each others company because they were not a good mix.

Mr Niven and his wife had fostered the siblings since Amber was three and her brother was five. The couple were granted permanent care of the siblings a few years later.

Mr Niven told the court he had not heard from his former foster son during Ambers disappearance but, in a call on the day her body was discovered, Gibson told him the pair had fallen out when they saw each other two days previously.

Also on trial is Stephen Corrigan, 45, who is accused of attempting to defeat the ends of justice by inappropriately touching and concealing Ambers body instead of contacting the emergency services.

Corrigan, said in court not to be known to Gibson, also denies the charge and has lodged a special defence of alibi.

His father, William Corrigan, 79, told the court his son was at his home in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, that weekend after a fall on ice left his arm in a sling, and denied lying to protect him.

The court heard Corrigan told police he was at a complete loss to explain why his DNA was found on 39 areas of Ambers body, including her breasts, buttocks and thighs.

Giving evidence, forensic biologist Alana Gunn said she believed this was from direct contact but could not rule out secondary transfer, and could not say whether or not it was present before or after Ambers death.

Judge Lord Mulholland sent jurors out to consider their verdicts on Tuesday morning.
Korean War veterans raise their arms together during a joint interview with local media at a hotel in Seoul, Tuesday. From left are William Word from the United States, Edward Buckner from Canada and Colin Thackery from the United Kingdom. Yonhap



3 veterans from US, Canada, UK reflect on service with pride



By Lee Hyo-jin



William Word, a 91-year-old American, is among the tens of thousands of foreigners who answered South Korea's call for help when the Korean War broke out in 1950.



Word, who grew up on a farm in Booneville, Ark., joined the military after he graduated from high school. And after receiving basic military training, he was given a choice to be deployed either in Europe or the Far East.



Although he didn't even know where South Korea was, he volunteered to go there, a choice he does not regret seven decades later.



"If I had to do it again, I'll do it all over again. I would come over here again. I really would. It's so different here and the people are wonderful people," he said during a joint interview with local media at a hotel in Seoul, Tuesday.



The American veteran's most vivid memories in South Korea are the people he met in the villages. Of them, he is desperately looking for a man who he remembers as "Chang." The 12-year-old boy often came to Word's camp asking to do the soldiers' laundry and shine their shoes to support his own family.



"He didn't give in or give up. Up to this day, I've had thoughts and dreams and still think about himBy now, he should be in his 80s," said Word.




The Government should rethink the advice it is providing for people considering travelling to the Greek island of Rhodes, Labour has suggested, amid concerns cancellations may not be covered by insurers.

Labour leader in the Lords Baroness Smith of Basildon said the lack of advisory from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is not helpful.

Wildfires have seen thousands of people evacuated from the island.

The FCDO has not formally advised people not to travel to the island, and instead is advising those planning to travel to any areas affected by wildfires to check with their travel operator.

Speaking during a private notice question in the House of Lords, Tory former cabinet minister Lord Young of Cookham asked if the FCDO is really expecting families booked to go to Rhodes over the next few days to go ahead with their plans.

Speaking for the Government, Lords deputy chief whip the Earl of Courtown said: The FCDO travel advice should not impact peoples ability to claim insurance for things like cancelled hotel bookings or flight changes, depending on their policy and level of cover.

We recognise however there are some travel companies that do use FCDO advice as a reference point to policies.

Our travel advice is focused on ensuring the safety of British nationals and is designed to give people the detail they need to make an informed decision.

Lady Smith said the minister should rethink this matter.

A wildfire on the island of Rhodes, Greece (Sarah George/PA)

She said: When the minister at the FCDO (Andrew Mitchell) is asked if he would go to Rhodes on holiday he admitted he wouldnt travel there.

And yet the Governments advisory is not helpful  or lack of advisory  to those who are not sure if they should fly this week or not, or what the financial consequences could be.

With the cost-of-living crisis, many people make sacrifices for their annual holiday for a week, and I do ask the noble Lord to reconsider the reply he gave to the noble Lord Young.

Im not convinced he is entirely understanding the position of insurance companies and the struggle that many families face to pay for these holidays.

Lord Courtown responded: I quite understand the point The situation in Rhodes is stabilising at the moment. The vast majority of the island is not affected by these fires.

Our travel advice is kept under constant review. But I do understand, and of course I will take this back, he said.

The Liberal Democrats also said it wanted to see travel advice change and urged Rishi Sunak to call an emergency meeting.

The partys foreign affairs spokeswoman Layla Moran said: While thousands of British holidaymakers are impacted by the wildfires on Rhodes, Rishi Sunak has shown a failure of leadership.

The Prime Minister needs to take action and urgently convene an emergency Cobra meeting to help holidaymakers.

The Government must also immediately change the Foreign Office advice to essential travel only, which will enable the thousands of British tourists due to fly to Rhodes to safely cancel their holidays without being left out of pocket.

Holidaymakers are being let down by this Conservative Government and a Prime Minister who is missing in action when they need him.

Lord Courtown also told peers that when it comes to British nationals on the island, it was his understanding that all are in good health.

And he reiterated that it is for tour operators to return holidaymakers, saying: There are no plans for the UK Government to repatriate holidaymakers from Rhodes as Rhodes airport is operating normally.

The minister added that the situation is a wake-up call as far as climate change is concerned.
A man is facing a life sentence after being convicted of the sexual assault and murder of his 16-year-old sister in a depraved attack.

Connor Gibson, 20, was convicted of attacking his sister Amber in woodland in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, on November 26 2021, removing her clothes, sexually assaulting with the intention of raping her, inflicting blunt force trauma to her head and body, and strangling her.

Gibson had denied the charges against him but was found guilty after a 13-day trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

Judge Lord Mulholland told him: Your sister  the last person she saw was you strangling her. It was depraved and you will pay a heavy price for that.

Gibson captured on CCTV after sexually assaulting and murdering his sister (COPFS/PA)

He told Gibson he faces a mandatory life sentence with the punishment part to be decided after considering the plea in mitigation on his behalf and a criminal justice social work report.

The former foster family of both siblings said in a statement that Amber was the most giving, loving, supportive and admirable person, and their life will never be the same again.

The family said: She kept us on our toes and had the most amazing outlook on life consider the suffering she had experienced.

The statement continued: When they arrived at our home  Amber aged three and Connor aged five  Connor stated: We are safe now.

They were until he took her safety away.

The family said both siblings had been let down by the system, adding: As a family, we all feel this could have been prevented.

We now have one daughter buried in Larkhall Cemetery and another child in prison.

Amber was reported missing on the evening of Friday November 26 and her body was discovered in Cadzow Glen at about 10.10am on November 28.

Gibson was arrested three days later, on December 1, and, the day before his arrest, posted a chilling tribute to the sister he had murdered, writing on Facebook: Amber, you will fly high for the rest of time. We will all miss you. Especially me. I love you ginger midget. GBFN (goodbye for now) X.

The forensic pathologist who carried out the post-mortem examination on Ambers body told the court she was found covered in mud and the cause of death was compression of the neck.

Jurors also heard other forensic evidence that widespread blood staining on Gibsons jacket was compatible with Amber and his DNA was also found on her shorts, worn as underwear, which had been forcibly torn off.

The court heard that Gibson, also known by the surname Niven, did not seem emotional as he spoke to his and Ambers former foster father, Craig Niven, on the day Ambers body was found.

Giving evidence, Mr Niven had said he would not leave the siblings in each others company because they were not a good mix.

Mr Niven and his wife had fostered the siblings since Amber was three and her brother was five. The couple were granted permanent care of the pair a few years later.

At the time of Ambers murder, Connor was living at the Blue Triangle homeless hostel in Hamilton while Amber was at the towns Hillhouse childrens home.

Mr Niven told the court he had not heard from his former foster son during Ambers disappearance but, in a call on the day her body was discovered, Gibson told him the pair had fallen out when they saw each other two days previously.

Jurors also heard from Peter Benson, of Police Scotlands cyber crime group, who examined a phone found where Gibson was living.

It showed that on November 27 at about 12.34am, the phones user wrote to a Snapchat group with five recipients: Im really going to need you guys help with something when yous come back. Im being serious.

The court saw evidence that about 40 seconds later the user messaged Amber Gibson on the app: Are you ok?

The user then told the group chat at approximately 1.33am: nvm (never mind) its all good.

The scene at Cadzow Glen in Hamilton where Amber Gibsons body was discovered (Lucinda Cameron/PA)

The search history obtained from the phone also showed the user searched How to get nosy police officers to stop monitoring your phone at 11.38pm.

Iain Currie, manager of Hillhouse childrens home, told the court he spoke to Gibson at about 9pm on November 26 after he called to speak with his sister, but noted him appearing sharp on the phone after making no greeting.

Also on trial was Stephen Corrigan, 45, who was found guilty of attempting to defeat the ends of justice and breach of the peace by intimately touching and concealing Ambers body after discovering her at some point in the following two days, instead of contacting the emergency services.

Corrigan, said in court not to be known to Gibson, also denied the charge and had lodged a special defence of alibi.

His father, William Corrigan, 79, told the court his son was at his home in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, that weekend after a fall on ice left his arm in a sling, and denied lying to protect him.

The court heard that Corrigan told police he was at a complete loss to explain why his DNA was found on 39 areas of Ambers body, including her breasts, buttocks and thighs.

Judge Mulholland told Corrigan he had been convicted of horrific crimes.

He said: Coming across a young girl who had been strangled to death, she was naked instead of alerting the authorities you decide  to handle her body all over from head to toe including areas that were intimate  private parts  and your DNA told the story.

He told Corrigan he faces a lengthy sentence.

The judge deferred sentence until September 4 at the High Court in Livingston for pleas in mitigation and background reports.
Police treatment of a mother who was wrongly arrested for bus fare evasion in front of her tearful young son will be investigated by a watchdog.

Video footage of the woman shouting as two male Metropolitan Police officers hold her arms and handcuff her in Croydon, south London, on Friday July 21 has led to criticism.

She was arrested after being accused of failing to pay a bus fare.

Officers said she had refused to show her pass to a Transport for London (TfL) ticket inspector.

The woman was later de-arrested when it was confirmed she had paid the fare.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said a complaint had been made accusing police of racially profiling the woman, who is black.

She is also alleged to have been verbally abused by an officer.

The IOPC began assessing the footage on Monday and has launched a full investigation.

IOPC director Steve Noonan said: We know that footage of the womans arrest has been widely shared on social media and has caused significant community concern, with questions raised about the actions of the police officers involved.

We have decided that an independent investigation is required to establish the full circumstances, including the actions and decisions made by the MPS officers.

On Monday, Met Police Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: It is clear from the video that has been shared online that this incident was distressing for the woman involved and particularly for her child.

We understand why it has prompted significant public concern and we want to be transparent about our position and the role of our officers.

He said officers had been working with TfL ticket inspectors in Windmill Road, Croydon, and only became involved when customers without a valid ticket refused to provide personal details for a fine to be issued.

He added: The woman involved in this incident was asked to provide her ticket as she got off the bus, but did not do so.

She was spoken to by a TfL inspector, then by a police community support officer (PCSO), and finally by a police officer. She continued to try to walk away and did not provide her ticket for inspection.

She was arrested on suspicion of fare evasion and was handcuffed. When officers were able to take her ticket from her so that the TfL inspectors could check it, they were able to confirm it was valid.

She was immediately de-arrested and her handcuffs were removed.

Throughout the incident, the child was comforted by a PCSO who immediately recognised his distress.

Anyone seeing how upset he was would be moved by this, and we regret any impact it may have on him.

We recognise that the use of handcuffs can be a cause of concern, particularly given the context of this incident and the type of offence involved, but when a person is trying to physically leave an incident it is an option officers can consider.

LBC reported that a bus worker called Joe accused the arrested woman of being abusive to staff and police.

He told breakfast show host Nick Ferrari: The inspector told her to please show the pass and she started being abusive to the inspector.

And when the police asked her to show the pass, she started abusing the police as well. She could have just shown the pass and walked away and that would have been the end of the matter.

Footage posted online shows the woman shouting What the hell? and What the f*** is going on? while handcuffed, as two male officers hold her arms.

She repeatedly asks one of the officers to let go and says I havent done anything wrong, while a member of the public films what is happening and asks why she is being arrested.
Rishi Sunak is facing renewed pressure to stick to previous promises on net zero after a cross-party group of MPs and peers warned him that Britain was sending mixed signals on the environment.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, parliamentarians including Conservative former environment minister Lord Goldsmith and former Labour environment secretary Hilary Benn called on Mr Sunak to demonstrate climate leadership by rejecting new fossil fuel projects such as the Rosebank oil field and focus on green policies.

They said: The government should concentrate its efforts on making action on net zero easier, including by lifting the ban on onshore wind, embedding a net zero test across government and within the planning system, and accelerating the roll-out of energy efficiency measures which will bring bills down permanently.

The 23-strong group, organised by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Climate, also called for Mr Sunak to commit to attending the Cop28 summit in Dubai in November and join other countries such as Denmark, France and Germany in calling for an urgent phase-out of fossil fuels.

The letter comes as the Government considers watering down some of its environmental policies after Conservative opposition to the expansion of Londons ultra-low emissions zone (Ulez) was credited with securing the party a narrow victory in the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election.

Members of the Conservative right wing have seized on the result as an opportunity to push for a dilution of the Governments net zero commitments, with Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg claiming they were unpopular and expensive.

Mr Sunak, who was previously criticised by Lord Goldsmith for being uninterested in climate change, said on Monday he did not want to hassle families with extra costs and would pursue net zero policies that were proportionate and pragmatic.

Comments from Downing Street suggested that, while the Government was still committed to policies such as phasing out gas boilers and ending the sale of petrol-powered cars, it would keep those policies under review in light of costs and changing technology.

Rishi Sunak agreed to attend Cop27 in 2022, and is now being urged to go to Cop28 later this year (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

In their letter, the parliamentarians said: The Climate Change Committees recent 2023 Progress Report to Parliament is unequivocal that mixed signals on the UKs commitment to serious climate action is undermining this work, damaging our reputation, and risks us permanently surrendering our status as a world leader on climate action.

Now is a crucial moment for you to demonstrate to the world that the UK is not demoting itself to become a passive observer in international action on climate change, that we remain a trusted partner and committed to delivering on our promises.

Caroline Lucas, the Green Party MP and chair of the Climate APPG, said: The planet is burning, and Rishi Sunak is asleep at the wheel.

Hes been silent on global climate leadership and absent on domestic climate action for far too long. The bare minimum that the Prime Minister can do is agree to attend Cop28  we cant have a repeat of last years excruciating U-turn.

He must work with international allies in securing a global agreement to phase out fossil fuels, deliver the climate finance that those on the front line of this crisis desperately need, and finally get serious about delivering abundant and affordable clean energy here at home.

Other signatories include Conservative MP Pauline Latham, Labour MPs Olivia Blake, Zarah Sultana and Barry Gardiner, Liberal Democrats Daisy Cooper and Wera Hobhouse and the SNPs Tommy Sheppard and Martyn Day.
Sea ice surrounding Antarctica hasn't been reforming nearly as much as it should be this winter. (Getty Images)

The Antarctic is in the midst of a once in a 7.5-million-year winter, as sea ice surrounding the continent declines at a "concerning" rate which could have a "major impact" on the Earth's weather systems.

A scientist from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has told Yahoo News that such a steep deterioration could create a "feedback loop" - causing ocean temperatures to therefore get hotter and hotter.

Researchers have described the current situation the Antarctic Ocean as a "five-sigma" event  a significant deviation from normal conditions.

A sigma is a standard deviation  so when we talk about a five-sigma or five standard deviation event, were saying that its five standard deviations outside the norm," says Dr Caroline Holmes of the BAS.

Some things vary a lot naturally and others dont, so by using this standard deviation measure, youre taking account of that natural variability and saying how unusual something is.

Read more: Europe fires: Which countries have been hit by wildfires in the past week?

Even a two or a three-sigma event would be quite unusual, so a five-sigma event would be really remarkable."

Dr Holmes says that in the case of Antarctic sea ice  this form of measurement relies on 45 years worth of data due to the limited amount of time satellites have been measuring the entire continent to a reliable standard.

There are other methods to look back further in time, and although they are less accurate, Dr Holmes still says the longer-term records show that the current situation unfolding in the region is "concerning" and "very, very rare".

"It is obviously something that is a complete change from what we've seen before and it's something that is consistent with what we expect in a warming climate," she adds.

Read more: What is fire weather? Parts of Greece, Italy and Turkey face extreme risk in coming days, experts warn

A Professor of the British Antarctic Survey explains the deviating pattern. (Getty Images)

Every winter, ice in the Antarctic Sea replenishes as part of an annual cycle which affects both ocean temperatures and currents, which in turn affects weather patterns around the world and various ecosystems.

If this pattern continues to be disrupted, with less ice forming every year, then it could have a "major impact" down the line, says Dr Holmes.

"As Antarctic sea ice melts, you're taking away a reflective surface and replacing it with kind of a dark surface - the ocean's surface - which absorbs more heat," she says.

"This is what we call the albedo feedback effect, so as you melt the ice the ocean is exposed, it becomes warmer, it absorbs more heat from the sun and then that heats up the Earth more, which then means that it's harder for the ice to form."

Read more: Italy wildfires force airport to close as temperatures soar to 47C

Imagine what this graph might have looked like posted in 2016.



Now add on the years since then.



The long-term warming is obvious. Understanding internal climate variability is important too.



Arctic Data: GISTEMPv4 averaged over January to June for each year from 1979-2023 pic.twitter.com/ot38vWnVMl  Zack Labe (@ZLabe) July 24, 2023

Some scientists have suggested the Antarctic's sea ice may have progressed even further towards a six-sigma event, due to the rate of depletion in just the past few days. But Dr Holmes says the year-to-year data can vary slightly on different days of the year.

Asked if the overall change is down to human-driven carbon emissions, she said: "I think again we probably need a little bit more information before we can completely conclusively say that.

"But I think particularly now this kind of the slow rate that which it freezing this winter shows how much heat there is in the system that there wasn't before, so I think that definitely does point towards human influence."

Read more: Anger after tourists drive 4x4 onto protected beauty spot

Changing levels of sea ice will have long-term effects on weather patterns and ocean ecosystems. (Reuters)

She said researchers are further behind with Antarctica compared to other climate systems, but that they can still say that such a "sudden change" is "consistent with a warming climate and it's more in line with the kind of thing we expect to happen more in the future".

Ending with a glimmer of hope, the polar researcher said this decline is "not irreversible" because sea ice can in theory form back quite quickly.

However, it would take "a very long time" to get back to a level considered normal.

Earlier this month, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said sea ice levels in June were at their lowest since satellite observations began  at 17% below average.

Read more: The most polluted cities in Europe

"We're used to seeing these big reductions in sea ice in the Arctic, but not in the Antarctic. This is a massive decrease," Michael Sparrow, chief of the World Climate Research Programme, told reporters in Geneva.

"It is not only the surface temperature, but the whole ocean is becoming warmer and absorbing energy that will remain there for hundreds of years," the WMO said. "Alarm bells are ringing especially loudly because of the unprecedented sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic."

Dr Holmes also warned that it's a different story for the Antarctic ice sheet  the largest bock of ice on Earth  which is at greater risk of permanent damage.

"It looks like on a shorter time scale  a decade or so  we could be entering a lower state of sea ice," she adds. "But it's not one we couldn't reverse if we were to reduce emissions and the amount of heat we're bringing into the system."
Rishi Sunak said he was appalled by Russian strikes on Odesa, as he stressed UK efforts to restore the Black Sea Grain Initiative ended by Moscow in a phone call with the Ukrainian President.

The deal, brokered by Turkey and the United Nations, was broken off earlier this month by Russia in a move that sparked fresh concerns about global food security as the war drags on.

In recent days Russia has also fired dozens of missiles and drones at the Odesa region, a key Ukrainian hub for exporting grain.

In a phone call on Tuesday, the Prime Minister told Volodymyr Zelensky that the UK was working with Turkey to revive the initiative and was continuing to monitor the situation.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said: The leaders discussed recent developments on the battlefield and the continued progress by Ukrainian forces despite the challenging conditions. The Prime Minister added that he was appalled by the devastation caused by recent Russian attacks on Odesa.

Had a phone call with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom @RishiSunak. Spoke about Russia's daily attempts to destroy Odesa's historic center and port infrastructure. We must defend Odesa. Ukraine urgently needs to strengthen its air defense to protect its historical heritage    (@ZelenskyyUa) July 25, 2023

Discussing the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the leaders agreed on the importance of ensuring grain was able to be exported from Ukraine to reach international markets.

The Prime Minister said the UK was working closely with Turkey on restoring the grain deal, and we would continue to use our role as chair of the UN Security Council to further condemn Russias behaviour.

According to a read-out released by Downing Street, Mr Sunak said that Russia was increasingly looking to target merchant vessels in the Black Sea area and the UK was carefully monitoring the situation alongside our partners.

Mr Zelensky said that the pair spoke about Russias daily attempts to destroy Odesas historic centre and port infrastructure.

We must defend Odesa. Ukraine urgently needs to strengthen its air defence to protect its historical heritage and continue the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
Russia could target civilian ships in the Black Sea in a bid to destroy Ukraines exports following the collapse of a crucial grain deal, the Government has warned.

It comes as Rishi Sunak said he was appalled by Russian strikes on Odesa in a call with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as he stressed UK efforts to restore the Black Sea Grain Initiative ended by Moscow.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly warned: The UK believes that Russia may escalate its campaign to destroy Ukraines food exports by targeting civilian ships in the Black Sea.

He said that the Government would raise this unconscionable behaviour at the UN Security Council.

Russia should stop holding global food supplies hostage and return to the deal, Mr Cleverly said.

The UK believes that Russia may escalate its campaign to destroy Ukraines food exports by targeting civilian ships in the Black Sea. We will highlight this unconscionable behaviour at the UNSC. Russia should stop holding global food supplies hostage and return to the deal.  James Cleverly (@JamesCleverly) July 25, 2023

The deal, brokered by Turkey and the United Nations, was broken off earlier this month by Russia in a move that sparked fresh concerns about global food security as the war drags on.

In recent days Russia has also fired dozens of missiles and drones at the Odesa region, a key Ukrainian hub for exporting grain.

In a phone call on Tuesday, the Prime Minister told Mr Zelensky that the UK was working with Turkey to revive the initiative and was continuing to monitor the situation.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said: The leaders discussed recent developments on the battlefield and the continued progress by Ukrainian forces despite the challenging conditions.

The Prime Minister added that he was appalled by the devastation caused by recent Russian attacks on Odesa.

Had a phone call with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom @RishiSunak. Spoke about Russia's daily attempts to destroy Odesa's historic center and port infrastructure. We must defend Odesa. Ukraine urgently needs to strengthen its air defense to protect its historical heritage    (@ZelenskyyUa) July 25, 2023

Discussing the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the leaders agreed on the importance of ensuring grain was able to be exported from Ukraine to reach international markets.

The Prime Minister said the UK was working closely with Turkey on restoring the grain deal, and we would continue to use our role as chair of the UN Security Council to further condemn Russias behaviour.

According to a read-out released by Downing Street, Mr Sunak said that Russia was increasingly looking to target merchant vessels in the Black Sea area and the UK was carefully monitoring the situation alongside our partners.

Mr Zelensky said that the pair spoke about Russias daily attempts to destroy Odesas historic centre and port infrastructure.

We must defend Odesa. Ukraine urgently needs to strengthen its air defence to protect its historical heritage and continue the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
The UK has added its voice to international concerns about the situation in Israel, amid mass protests against prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus plan to overhaul the countrys judicial system.

A new wave of demonstrations have erupted after the Israeli parliament approved the first major law in the plan, which has proved highly contentious and prompted accusations that the government is drifting towards authoritarian rule.

The Foreign Office on Tuesday urged Israels leadership to build consensus and avoid division.

It comes after the White House, which has repeatedly urged Mr Netanyahu to pause his overhaul plan until he has a broad consensus, expressed regret that the votetook place with the slimmest possible majority.

In Mondays vote, parliamentarians approved a measure that prevents judges from striking down government decisions on the basis they are unreasonable.

Demonstrators on Whitehall in London, during Benjamin Netanyahu visit to Downing Street (Stefan Roussea/PA)

The governments critics say removing the standard of reasonability opens the door to corruption and improper appointments of unqualified cronies to important positions.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: As the Prime Minister discussed with prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this year, the UKs strong relationship with Israel has always been underpinned by our shared democratic values.

While Israels exact constitutional arrangements are a matter for Israelis, we urge the Israeli government to build consensus and avoid division, ensuring that a robust system of checks and balances and the independence of Israels judiciary are preserved.

Mr Netanyahu and his allies have also been accused of trying to erode the countrys checks and balances and consolidate power over the third, independent branch of government.

In a televised address on Monday night, Mr Netanyahu rejected such criticism.

Today we did a necessary democratic act, an act that is intended to return a measure of balance between the branches of government, he said.

Mr Netanyahu vowed to seek renewed dialogue with the political opposition and called for national unity.

Let us reach agreements, he said.

I extend my hand in a call for peace and mutual respect between us.
The UK and Europe are joining forces to build the largest ever solar telescope in Europe.

Construction of the telescope, designed to provide unparalleled insight into the phenomena of space weather, will be supported by the University of Sheffield.

Launched in 2008, the European Solar Telescope (EST) project aims to provide insights into the what is behind solar flares and coronal mass ejections  explosive outbursts of plasma from the sun.

These events determine space weather, which can lead to geomagnetic storms on earth  seen as the northern lights  and have a strong influence on our technological society.

Amongst other things, space weather has the potential to affect power grids and satellites orbiting Earth such as GPS.

Leading the United Kingdom Universities Consortium (UKUC), the University of Sheffield has signed an agreement that sees six UK universities, including: Aberystwyth, Queens University Belfast, Durham, Exeter and Glasgow; along with six European countries, commit to the construction of the telescope at El Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, at La Palma in Spain.

Professor Robert von Fay-Siebenburgen, from the University of Sheffields School of Mathematics and Statistics, will be a principal investigator for the UKUC project.

He said: The EST will be the biggest, ground-based, solar telescope constructed in Europe and will keep its European partners at the forefront of solar physics research, so its fantastic that so many UK partners have been able to come together to join the EST Canary Foundation today.

This kind of unrivalled research infrastructure will provide European astronomers and plasma-astrophysicists with an extraordinary tool for observing the sun and its space weather, one that will pave the way for scientific advancements in some of the worlds biggest and most important challenges, such as the development of green fusion energy.

By being able to study the physical processes happening in the solar chronosphere in such detail for the first time, we will gain new insight into how the heating mechanisms occur that underpin the plasma heating processes.

Learning from how nature does it, will help us explore how to replicate the process for the benefit of humankind.

The EST aims to improve understanding of the sun by observing its magnetic field.

The University of Sheffield will be developing designs for the project to process the vast amounts of data produced by the telescope.

It is estimated to produce a petabyte of data per day, roughly equivalent to the amount of data used to store more than 220,000 DVD films.

Sheffield will be responsible for how the project can handle and analyse some of this data.

The establishment of the EST Foundation marks a milestone in advancing the project towards the construction phase.

Professor Lyndsay Fletcher, of the University of Glasgows School of Physics and Astronomy, was part of the team responsible for defining the telescope requirements.

She said: Our research into solar flares and prominences stands to benefit enormously, since the innovative design of the telescope means that it is optimised for measuring the suns magnetic field, which governs these energetic phenomena.

Novel instrumentation, recording the suns structure and dynamics with four times the spatial detail of any existing solar telescope in Europe will lead to a step-change in understanding of energetic events on our nearest star.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into its eastern sea, South Koreas military said Tuesday, adding to a recent streak in weapons testing that is apparently in protest of the U.S. sending major naval assets to South Korea in a show of force.

In its third round of launches since last week, North Korea fired the missiles just before midnight from an area near its capital, Pyongyang, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said. It said both missiles traveled around 400 kilometers (248 miles) before landing in waters off the Korean Peninsulas eastern coast.

Its statement called North Koreas missile launches a grave provocation that threatens regional peace and stability. Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said his government lodged a protest to North Korea over the launches, which is usually conveyed through its embassy in Beijing. He said Tokyo was doing its utmost for surveillance while stepping up trilateral security cooperation with Washington and Seoul. No damage has been reported related to the missiles, which, according to Japan's Defense Ministry, fell outside the country's exclusive economic zone.

The launches came hours after South Koreas navy said a nuclear-propelled U.S. submarine  the USS Annapolis  arrived at a port on Jeju Island. That underscored the allies' efforts to boost the visibility of U.S. strategic assets in the region to intimidate the North.

Last week, the USS Kentucky became the first U.S. nuclear-armed submarine to come to South Korea since the 1980s. North Korea reacted to its arrival by test-firing ballistic and cruise missiles last week in apparent demonstrations that it could make nuclear strikes on South Korea and deployed U.S. naval vessels.

Also on Monday, the American-led U.N. Command said it has started a conversation with North Korea about a U.S. soldier who ran into the North last week across one of the worlds most heavily fortified borders.

Andrew Harrison, a British lieutenant general who is deputy commander at the U.N. Command, which oversees implementation of the 1953 armistice that ended fighting in the Korean War, declined to comment about the state of the inquiry to North Korea or say what the command knows about Pvt. Travis Kings condition.

I am in life an optimist, and I remain optimistic, Harrison said during a news conference in Seoul.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said North Korea had only acknowledged receiving the U.N. message last week and had not provided any information or commented further since then.

There have been no new contacts since last week, Miller said, adding that North Korea also had not responded to messages sent by U.S. civilian or military officials.

North Korea has remained publicly silent about King, who crossed the border during a tour of Panmunjom while he was supposed to be heading to Fort Bliss, Texas, following his release from prison in South Korea on an assault conviction.

The U.S. still has not been able to ascertain Kings condition, a senior administration official said Monday in Washington. Asked if U.S. officials had a better understanding of whether King intended to defect, the official said they still had no indication about what was going on in his mind that day. The official was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Analysts say North Korea may wait weeks or even months to provide meaningful information about King to maximize leverage and add urgency to U.S. efforts to secure his release. Some say North Korea may try to wrest concessions from Washington, such as tying his release to the United States cutting back its military activities with South Korea.

Kings crossing came at a time of high tensions in the Korean Peninsula, where the pace of both North Koreas weapons demonstrations and the United States combined military exercises have intensified in a tit-for-tat cycle.

In between the ballistic and cruise missile launches last week, North Koreas defense minister also issued a veiled threat, saying the Kentuckys docking in South Korea could be grounds for the North to use a nuclear weapon against it. North Korea has used similar rhetoric before, but the statement underscored how strained relations are now. Farhan Haq, U.N.'s deputy spokesperson, said the U.N. is concerned about the rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The DPRKs continued launches of missiles using ballistic missile technology are clear violations of relevant Security Council resolutions, and, of course, we reiterate the call for de-escalation and for full implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions, he said, invoking the North's formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The United States and South Korea have expanded their combined military exercises and increased regional deployments of U.S. aircraft and ships, including bombers, aircraft carriers and submarines to counter the nuclear threats posed by North Korea, which has test-fired around 100 missiles since the start of 2022.

The Annapolis, whose main mission is destroying enemy ships and submarines, is powered by a nuclear reactor but is armed with conventional weapons. The sub mainly docked at Jeju to load supplies, but Jang Do Young, a spokesperson for South Koreas navy, said the U.S. and South Korean militaries were discussing whether to arrange training involving the vessel.

The Koreas are still technically at war since a peace treaty was never signed.

Their armistice becomes 70 years old Thursday, an anniversary South Korea will mark with solemn ceremonies honoring the dead that will involve invited foreign war veterans.

North Korea, which celebrates the date as victory day for the great Fatherland Liberation War, plans huge festivities that will likely include a military parade in the capital, Pyongyang, where leader Kim Jong Un may showcase his nuclear-capable missiles designed to target regional rivals and the United States.

North Koreas state-run Korean Central News Agency said Monday that a Chinese delegation led by Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the standing committee of the countrys National Peoples Congress, would attend the celebrations.

Visits by foreign guests to North Korea have been extremely rare since the start of the pandemic, which prompted the North to seal its borders to protect its poor healthcare system. North Korea since last year has been gradually reopening trade with China in an apparent effort to salvage a crippled economy damaged further by the pandemic-related border controls.

___

Associated Press writers Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo, Matthew Lee and Aamer Madhani in Washington, and Edith M. Lederer in New York contributed to this report.
HKSAR chief executive meets with Singapore PM, pledging more cooperation

Xinhua) 13:11, July 25, 2023

SINGAPORE, July 24 (Xinhua) -- John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), met with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Monday.

Both sides reaffirmed the close and longstanding relations between Singapore and Hong Kong and discussed ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, arts and culture, innovation and research.

While meeting with the press, the chief executive said that he believed Hong Kong and Singapore will continue to be active partners in advancing both places and play a useful role in regional developments.

Hong Kong's bid to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is an important step in strengthening its relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the chief executive stated.

Expressing his gratitude to Singapore for supporting Hong Kong's accession to RCEP, the chief executive stressed that the HKSAR government stands ready to engage in exploratory discussions with RCEP members to deepen mutual understanding and lay the groundwork for the ensuing formal negotiations.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong expressed confidence in Hong Kong's continued development and prosperity under the "one country, two systems" framework, according to a statement by Singapore's foreign ministry.

John Lee also met with other Singaporean leaders, visited local enterprises, and introduced the unique advantages of Hong Kong under "one country, two systems" and the latest investment opportunities to representatives of the government and business leaders of Singapore.

During the visit, enterprises and institutions of Hong Kong and Singapore signed seven memoranda of understanding on areas including trade, financial services, fin-tech, innovation and technology, and research collaboration.

John Lee is leading a delegation to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia to further strengthen the cooperation between Hong Kong and ASEAN members.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)




Korea's Marine Corps plans to send dozens of its personnel to join its first allied drills on the U.S. mainland slated to kick off next month, its officials said Tuesday, amid the armed service's efforts to expand training opportunities overseas.







Some 50 Marines will participate in a U.S. Marine Corps training program set to take place in the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command in Twentynine Palms, California, from Aug. 2 through Aug. 29, according to the officials.







Korean Marines previously joined a multinational exercise in Hawaii, but next month's program would mark its first training on the mainland.







The combined training includes live-fire drills and urban combat training.







The Marine Corps has engaged in a set of overseas training events in recent years, including the ongoing Exercise Talisman Sabre biennially led by Australia and the United States. (Yonhap)


The UK and EU deal to reduce red tape on post-Brexit trade has improved the contentious Northern Ireland Protocol but problems remain, peers have concluded.

The House of Lords committee on the protocol has published a report on the economic, political, legal and constitutional impact of the Windsor Framework deal struck by London and Brussels earlier this year.

The framework sought to cut the bureaucracy on trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland created by the protocol.

It sought to achieve this by the creation of red and green lanes that differentiated between goods whose end destination was Northern Ireland and those due for onward transport into the EU single market over the Irish border.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak agreed the Windsor Framework (Alastair Grant/PA)

It also created a mechanism whereby a minority of Stormont MLAs could flag concerns about the implementation of new EU laws in Northern Ireland  a move that could lead to the UK government vetoing their introduction.

The DUP has been blocking devolution at Stormont for over a year in protest at the internal UK trade barriers created by the protocol.

The party says the Windsor Framework does not go far enough to address its concerns and has made clear it will not countenance a return to devolution until the Government provides further assurances, by way of legislation, over Northern Irelands place within the UK internal market.

The Lords report was informed by evidence from the UK government, EU Commission, business representatives, trade bodies, academic, legal and trade experts as well as community organisation representatives.

It found the frameworks benefits included the eased movement of retail goods; agri-food produce, including chilled meats; parcels; pets; and human medicines via the green lane.

However, peers cautioned that for some businesses the processes under the framework will be more burdensome than under the protocol as it is currently being implemented.

That is because the protocol, as it stands, is being operated with several grace periods and exemptions.

Goods arriving into Northern Ireland from Great Britain needed to undergo various checks under the protocol (Liam McBurney/PA)

The committee called on the Government to answer outstanding concerns highlighted by business and retailers, including around the movement of livestock from Northern Ireland to Great Britain and back.

Peers also urged ministers to provide urgently further clarity on the frameworks labelling requirements on businesses and to set out how it will support businesses in adapting to these changes.

Peers said there was significant concern over a lack of clarity about the frameworks operation ahead of tight deadlines for implementation.

Pointing to multiple documents and legal texts that form part of the framework, the committee members said there was confusion arising from the difference in emphasis between the UK and EU in their descriptions of some of the provisions.

They urged London and Brussels to explain clearly to stakeholders what the provisions mean in practice and to publish a comprehensive summary.

The committee said the issue of regulatory divergence remains the number one concern of business representatives.

Peers said there was an underlying fear that Northern Ireland will find itself in a no-mans land between Great Britain and the EU, a scenario that would place the competitiveness of Northern Ireland firms and their complex supply chains in jeopardy.

Lord Jay of Ewelme who chairs the committee on the Northern Ireland Protocol (UK Parliament/PA).

The peers expressed concern that a permanent solution to the movement of veterinary medicines from Great Britain to NI had not been achieved. Those medicines continue to flow into Northern Ireland from Great Britain due to a grace period that is set to run out at the end of 2025.

The committee noted the warnings it had received from industry representatives that, without a permanent solution, the supply of more than 50 per cent of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland may be discontinued, posing a risk both to animal and human health, and to agri-food supply chains.

On human medicines, which are included in the framework, the committee urged the Government to respond to the calls from industry representatives for clarity over labelling requirements, safety features, the supply of medical devices and concerns that Northern Ireland may get slower access to cutting-edge products than Ireland.

Lord Jay of Ewelme, who chairs the committee, said the framework was a distinct improvement on the original protocol.

But it does not solve all the problems which the Protocol raises, he added.

The benefits to business include easier movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland through the green lane.

For some businesses, however, processes will be more burdensome under the Windsor Framework than under the Protocol as it operates now.

And where there is uncertainty, the red lane, with its more complex procedures, may have to be used.

Though the Windsor Framework is a clear improvement over the original protocol, it is highly complex.

Businesses need clarity. The Government and the European Union both need urgently to explain what the Windsor Framework means in practice for businesses.

The Government and the European Union need to remain closely in touch with each other.

But they must also ensure that Northern Ireland stakeholders are closely engaged throughout.

Trade representative body Retail NI welcomed the report.

Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts, who gave evidence to the committee in May, said: This report sets out a fair estimation of the challenges which will be faced by the local business community with the implementation of the Windsor accord.

We agree with its main recommendation that it is an improvement on the NI Protocol.

It also rightly highlights issues around labelling requirements that impact on our members. Retail NI is disappointed at the lack of effective engagement on the labelling issue with only a few months to go before the new system is introduced.

We need to ensure this new scheme works for independent retailers and large supermarkets alike.

On the implementation of the Windsor accord, we need to see a more structured engagement with our local business sector, the EU and UK Government to address the opportunities and challenges ahead.
After paying $155 million in March for the Palm Beach, Florida, oceanfront estate of the late conservative firebrand Rush Limbaugh, cosmetics billionaire William P. Lauder is tearing it down.

Crews have been at work this week demolishing the estate at 1495 N. Ocean Blvd., which Lauder bought through an ownership company from Limbaughs widow, Kathryn Adams Limbaugh, in an off-market deal.

This isnt the first uber-pricey teardown Lauder has acquired in Palm Beach. Last year, he demolished a six-year-old beachfront mansion down the street after buying it in late 2021 for more than $110 million  a price cited by several people familiar with the private sale. Lauder combined that cleared land with an empty oceanside lot he owned next door and listed the resulting 2.34 acres for a combined $200 million, the most expensive vacant property ever listed for sale in Palm Beach. The two lots are about a mile south of the old Limbaugh estate.

The price Lauders company paid for the former Limbaugh estate briefly set a new sales record in Palm Beach.

Lauder is said to be planning a custom home on the old Limbaugh property, according to people familiar with it. But no plans have been submitted to Town Hall yet for officials to review.

The Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Network, was the first media outlet to report the demolition of the former Limbaugh estate.

Billionaire William Lauder has hired crews to demolish the former Palm Beach estate of the late conservative firebrand Rush Limbaugh at 1495 N. Ocean Blvd. Lauder used an ownership company to buy the oceanfront mansion and two adjacent houses for a recorded $155 million in March.

The 2.65-acre estate was home for more than two decades to Rush Limbaugh, who died there at age 70 in 2021. Facing about 250 feet of beachfront, the property is near the inlet at the north tip of the island. On the east side, it fronts an expansive parcel of federally protected dune vegetation leading to the beach. The beach parcel is not part of the estate but makes the property appear larger than the acreage listed in property records.

Limbaughs two-story house fronting the ocean was built in 1992 with five bedrooms and 21,487 square feet of living space, inside and out. Of that total square footage, 16,629 square feet was air-conditioned space, according to property records.

Limbaugh also had two smaller houses on the estate, immediately west of his main residence. One of those houses was built in 1951 with 2,590 square feet at 1501 N. Ocean Blvd., while the other  at 108 Mediterranean Road  was built in 1934 with four bedrooms and 3,870 square feet.

The late Rush Limbaugh owned this Palm Beach estate for years at 1495 N. Ocean Blvd., seen here in a file photo. The oceanfront estate is being demolished by cosmetics billionaire William P. Lauder, who bought it through an ownership company for a recorded $155 million in March from Limbaugh's widow, Kathryn Adams Limbaugh.

John O. Pickett III, president of the Palm Beach Board of Realtors, said he was not familiar with Lauders plans for the property.

But Pickett said oceanfront land in Palm Beach has always fetched high-dollar prices  and even higher ones over the past three years because of the real estate boom sparked by the coronavirus pandemic and fueled by Floridas favorable tax picture and other factors.

Premium land commands premium prices, and theyre not making any more of it in Palm Beach, said Pickett, a real estate agent at Brown Harris Stevens.

Pickett added: The cost to renovate can be just as much as much as the cost to build new. People will build what they want to build. Its just a matter of personal preference.

Limbaughs widow had the house homesteaded as her primary residence in the latest tax rolls before she sold it to Lauders limited liability company, 1495 N Ocean Blvd LLC.

More: Top 10 list of most affordable US beach towns for homebuyers in 2023

Lauders family has deep roots in Palm Beach. He is executive chairman of The Estee Lauder Cos., the cosmetics empire named for his grandmother. His net worth is estimated at $3.7 billion by Forbes.com.

His father, Leonard Lauder, has a home in Palm Beach and headed the cosmetics company for 17 years.

William Lauder reportedly has other homes in New York and Aspen, Colorado. He and a spokeswoman for The Estee Lauder Cos. could not be immediately reached for comment Friday.

William P. Lauder, executive chairman of The Estee Lauder Cos.

The old Limbaugh estate was never listed for sale in the multiple listing service but had been shopped quietly since for months before it sold last spring, according to those familiar with the property. The asking price was said to be between $150 million and $175 million.

It was unclear whether any real estate agents were involved in the sale. Premier Estate Properties real estate agent Jim McCann, who holds the $200-million listing for Lauder's vacant land at 1071 and 1063 N. Ocean Blvd., has declined to discuss the matter. But McCann has represented Lauder in other transactions, according to sales records and people familiar with those deals.

Housing market recession?: Not likely. Prepare for hot post-pandemic prices

With architecture influenced by buildings in the West Indies, the former Limbaugh mansion included a beachfront swimming pool along with multiple covered loggias, balconies, windows and glass doors facing the ocean.

Rush Limbaugh for more than three decades hosted the ultra-conservative talk radio program The Rush Limbaugh Show and also was a television pundit. At one point, he broadcast his radio program from his Palm Beach estate but later established a studio across town on Royal Palm Way.

Limbaugh died in February 2021, a little more than a year after revealing he had been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer.

The Palm Beach Daily News last fall was the first media outlet to report that Lauder had quietly bought the mansion on the lot at 1071 S. Ocean Blvd and planned to demolish it. Demolition there began in late October.

Darrell Hofheinz is a USA TODAY Network of Florida journalist who writes about Palm Beach real estate in his weekly Beyond the Hedges column. He welcomes tips about real estate news on the island. Email dhofheinz@pbdailynews.com, call 561-820-3831 or tweet @PBDN_Hofheinz.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Billionaire William P. Lauder razes old Rush Limbaugh Palm Beach home
Anthony Elanga had been in New Jersey for Manchester United's pre-season tour of the USA

Nottingham Forest have signed Sweden forward Anthony Elanga from Manchester United on a five-year deal.

The 21-year-old moves on from Old Trafford, with Forest believed to have paid United a fee of 15m.

Elanga had been with United since he was 12 and achieved a first-team breakthrough in 2021, reaching 55 appearances before Forest stepped in.

He said of his move: "It's a pleasure to be here. It's a proud moment, not only for me, but for my family as well.

"It's a big step and I'm really looking forward to playing in front of the Forest fans at the City Ground.

"I had interest from elsewhere, but for me, Nottingham Forest feels like the perfect place.

"I've been here with United. It's a special place, but being here with Forest, I feel like it will be even more special. I'm ready for the challenge."

Elanga had been on United's pre-season tour of the USA but travelled back to complete the move and become Forest's second summer signing after defender Ola Aina.

He joins Steve Cooper's side despite interest from clubs in Germany and Everton, whom Elanga was close to joining on loan in January.

Elanga registered four senior goals for United and although he failed to score from 26 games last season, he made just seven starts.

"Anthony had a number of excellent options in front of him to choose from so we are naturally delighted that from those he has chosen to become a Nottingham Forest player," said Forest's chief football officer Ross Wilson.
A 44-year-old Arkansas man who beat a police officer with a flagpole during the January 6 riot at the US Capitol was sentenced Monday to four years in prison.

Peter Stager pleaded guilty to assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers using a deadly or dangerous weapon, according to a release from the Department of Justice.

According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Stager was part of a large, armed mob that attacked police officers at the Lower West Terrace entrance of the U.S. Capitol building. At 4:27 p.m., police officers had been defending the archway opening to a corridor leading from the Lower West Terrace to the interior of the Capitol building for nearly two hours, advancing and retreating as rioters fought their way into the entrance, the release said.

CNN has reached out to Stagers attorney for comment.

In a criminal complaint, federal prosecutors say Peter Francis Stager is seen beating a Metro DC Police officer with an American flag during the riot and insurrection on Capitol Hill. - Pulaski County Sheriff's Office

The departments news release says Stager at the time was positioned toward the bottom of a set of steps that led to the archway, carrying a flagpole with an American flag affixed.

Stager watched as co-defendants attacked the police line and dragged a police officer, facedown and headfirst, out of the line and into the crowd of rioters. Once the others had dragged the officer into the crowd, Stager raised the flagpole that he was carrying and beat the downed police officer, striking him at least three times.

Court records showed that the officer, identified as B.M., lay on his stomach, surrounded, as Stager and other rioters beat him with an upside-down American flag on a flagpole and other objects. B.M. recalled being struck in the helmet multiple times with objects, and he believes the rioters had attempted to take him as deep into the crowd as possible, according to one of the judges opinions in the trial.

Following the attack, according to the Justice Department, Stager stood over the officer and yelled, F*** you! F***ing traitor! Later in the day, Stager was filmed pointing at the Capitol building and stating, Everybody in there is a disgrace. That entire building is filled with treasonous traitors. Death is the only remedy for whats in that building.

In addition to his 52-month sentence, he was also ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution and complete 36 months of supervised release.

Stager previously told an FBI tipster that he thought he was attacking a member of the violent left-wing group Antifa, even though photos from the scene clearly show the officer wearing a police vest.

He is one of the more than 1,000 individuals who have been arrested for crimes related to the January 6 riot, according to the Department of Justice.

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The Education Department and the Colorado attorney general on Tuesday announced $130 million in automatic debt discharge for 7,400 Colorado student loan borrowers who attended CollegeAmerica.

Based on evidence gathered by the Colorado attorney generals office, the Education Department found that CollegeAmericas parent company  the Center for Excellence in Higher Education (CEHE)  made misrepresentations about graduates salaries and employment rates, its programs, and the terms of private loans it offered borrowers.

The move is the latest effort from the Biden administration to provide relief to borrowers caught up in the wrongdoing by predatory schools and is a reversal of the steps taken by the previous administration.

Read more: Will I be taxed on student loan forgiveness?

This announcement means a clean slate for thousands of students hurt by CollegeAmericas widespread misconduct, Richard Cordray, chief of the Education Departments Federal Student Aid, said in a press release. We will continue to work to deliver targeted student loan relief to borrowers whose schools take advantage of them.

New graduates line up before the start of a commencement in East Rutherford, N.J., May 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

Eligible borrowers were enrolled at Colorado-based locations of CollegeAmerica from Jan. 1, 2006, to July 1, 2020. It doesnt apply to borrowers who attended CollegeAmerica campuses outside of Colorado, senior department officials said in a press call.

Discharge also only applies to federal student loans, not private loans or commercial FFEL loans.

Eligible borrowers will receive notification in August and will receive relief even if they have not filed a borrower defense application, a legal ground for discharging federal Direct Loans because a school engaged in certain misconduct related to the making of a federal loan or the educational services it provided, which caused harm, according to Federal Student Aid.

Remaining loan balances will be zeroed out, credit bureau trade lines deleted, and borrowers who made any payments will be refunded, according to the Department.

US President Joe Biden speaks about his plans for continued student debt relief after a US Supreme Court decision blocking his plan to cancel $430 billion in student loan debt. June 30, 2023. (REUTERS/Leah Millis)

The Colorado CollegeAmerica campuses stopped enrolling new students in 2019 and closed in September 2020 with all remaining CEHE campuses closing in August 2021.

The Colorado AGs investigation found that CEHEs advertisement materials included misleadingly high salaries when the average graduate earned $25,000 five years out of school, or less than the salaries of high school graduates publicized by the school, the press release stated. It also found that CEHE inflated and falsified job placement rates.

Additionally, CEHE told borrowers that its private loan product was affordable when it knew that 70% of Colorado CollegeAmerica borrowers had defaulted on their loans. It also claimed students would get certifications to become X-ray technicians, even though the school did not own any X-ray machines.

CollegeAmerica knowingly took advantage of students by luring them into high-priced, low-quality programs with promises of high-earning potential and job placement that it knew were not attainable, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said in a press release. Protecting borrowers from predatory lending and helping Coloradans navigate through student loan burdens will continue to be a priority for our office.

The Biden-Harris Administration has approved $14.7 billion in relief for 1.1 million borrowers whose colleges took advantage of them or closed abruptly. This includes giving hundreds of thousands of borrowers a fresh start from loans taken out at Corinthian Colleges and ITT Technical Institute.

Borrowers who were misled or whose school "engaged in other misconduct in violation of certain state laws can apply for loan discharge under the Borrower Defense Loan Discharge program.

Those applications surged after the Obama administration cracked down on predatory for-profit colleges in 2015 and created new regulations. But the mechanism for defrauded borrowers seeking debt relief broke down during the Trump administration under former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

That has changed under the Biden administration.

For instance, the Education Department discharged $1.5 billion in student loans for 79,000 former defrauded students who attended for-profit Westwood College. The department has previously announced loan discharges for former students at DeVry University, Corinthian College, and ITT Tech.

Overall, the Biden administration has approved $14.7 billion in relief for 1.1 million borrowers whose colleges took advantage of them or closed abruptly.

Borrowers who think they may qualify for this discharge or other borrower defense relief can call the Education Departments hotline at (855) 279-6207 if they have questions.

Ronda is a personal finance senior reporter for Yahoo Finance and attorney with experience in law, insurance, education, and government. Follow her on Twitter @writesronda.

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Carlee Russell, the Alabama woman who returned home on July 15 after she was reportedly missing for two days, was never missing, Hoover Police Department Chief Nicholas Derzis told reporters at a news conference Monday.

Derzis read a statement he said was provided to police by Russells attorney, Emory Anthony, acknowledging there was no kidnapping.

My client has given me permission to make the following statement on her behalf. There was no kidnapping on Thursday, July 13th 2023. My client did not see a baby on the side of the road. My client did not leave the Hoover area when she was identified as a missing person. My client did not have any help in this incident. This was [a] single act done by herself, the statement, as read by Derzis, said.

MORE: Alabama police locate missing woman who reported toddler walking on the highway

We ask for your prayers for Carlee as she addresses her issues and attempts to move forward. Understanding that she made a mistake in this matter, Carlee again asks for your forgiveness and prayers, the statement continued.

Derzis said police have a meeting with Anthony scheduled to discuss the case, and they are in discussions with the Jefferson County District Attorney's office over possible criminal charges related to this case. He said there is no meeting with Russell or her family at present.

Derzis added that police will announce potential charges when and if they are filed.

The press conference on Monday came after police told the public last Wednesday that Russell searched for Amber Alerts and the movie "Taken" on her phone before her disappearance.

Russell also made searches related to bus tickets in the hours before she went missing, Derzis said.

"There were other searches on Carlee's phone that appeared to shed some light on her mindset," Derzis said, adding he would not share them out of privacy.

"Taken," the 2008 movie starring Liam Neeson, centers around a young woman who is abducted and the quest to save her from her kidnappers.

ABC News has reached out to Anthony and Russell's family for comment.

MORE: US heat wave lingers in Southwest, intensifies in Midwest: Latest forecast

Russell told police that she was taken by a male and a female when she stopped to check on a toddler she saw on the highway, Derzis said last Wednesday.

"She stated when she got out of her vehicle to check on the child, a man came out of the trees and mumbled that he was checking on the baby. She claimed that the man then picked her up, and she screamed," he said at the time.

Asked if investigators saw a man abduct Russell in the surveillance video of the interstate, Derzis said that they did not.

Russell called 911 on July 12 at around 9:30 p.m. ET to report a toddler on Interstate 459 in Alabama before her disappearance, but the Hoover Police Department said in a press release last Tuesday that investigators did not find any evidence of a child walking on the side of the road.

"The Hoover Police Department has not located any evidence of a toddler walking down the interstate, nor did we receive any additional calls about a toddler walking down the interstate, despite numerous vehicles passing through that area as depicted by the traffic camera surveillance video," the press release said.

"People have to understand that when someone says something like this, we put every available resource -- everybody comes from a state, local, federal -- it's just a lot of work," he said last week.

Derzis was also asked last week if the next time a woman of color goes missing, the case may not be taken seriously. He replied: "We investigate every crime to the fullest just like we have this one."

ABC News' Nadine El-Bawab and Mariama Jalloh contributed to this report.

Carlee Russell's disappearance was 'hoax'; charges possible, police say originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A Connecticut mother has been arrested after officials said her 2-year-old son fell out of a third-story window and died on Monday.

Tabitha Frank, 34, was booked into jail and released on a $100,000 bond Monday morning after being charged with 10 counts of risk of injury to a child, the Hartford Police Department reported.

The charges came after Frank's toddler fell from a window of an apartment home in the city's West Boulevard Historic District neighborhood over the weekend, police Lt. Aaron Boisvert told USA TODAY on Tuesday.

Ex-preacher charged in girl's killing: Former pastor charged in 1975 murder of Gretchen Harrington, 8, who was walking to church

A fall from a third-floor window

Just before 3:40 p.m. on Saturday, officers responded to Frank's home for a report of a child falling from a third-floor window.

Arriving officers found a 2-year-old unresponsive male and transported him to a local hospital in critical condition, police reported.

An investigation revealed five juveniles were left unattended in the apartment, which was in "deplorable and uninhabitable condition," Boisvert said.

Police then arrested the child's mother on the child-neglect related charges. Her children, police said, were placed into custody of the state Department of Children and Families.

A mother's hit on her 3-year-old son: Florida woman used fake hitman site to try to kill 3-year-old son, police say

Child dies from injuries

The child remained in critical condition until Monday at 1:40 p.m., when he was pronounced dead at a hospital, police reported.

On Tuesday, Boisvert said detectives were working with prosecutors to decide whether to charge Frank in connection to her son's death.

Court records show Frank is due in court on Aug. 3 for a hearing on her 10 child-neglect related criminal charges.

The case remained under investigation by police Tuesday.

Natalie Neysa Alund covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund..

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Connecticut mother arrested after her toddler fell to his death
You may have heard of Sharknado. Now consider "Hurrishark."

But unlike in the popular sci-fi comedy film, where sharks fall from tornadoes in man-eating frenzies, researchers are finding a real-life stormy drama in which sharks' heightened senses at sea offer huge untapped potential to improve hurricane forecast models  a prospect far from science fiction.

As Discovery Channel'sShark Week taps primal fears this week, researchers point to mounting proof of the world's most-feared predator's seemingly limitless potential to save far more humans than they kill. One way: they can teach us how to stay out of harm's way during deadly hurricanes.

"This is an idea that's been out there for quite a while, using animals as oceanographers," said Michael Heithaus, a shark researcher and executive dean of the College of Arts, Sciences and Education at Florida International University.

Some sharks act like unflinching storm chasers, while others are storm duckers, diving to safer, deeper waters. Their movements before, during and after storms have tons to tell us about how hurricanes turn and intensify, researchers say. While we see five-day cone warnings, sharks sense dips in air pressure surrounding hurricanes as much as two weeks ahead of time and head for deeper water when the storm is still some 100 miles away.

We fly expensive planes and drones into hurricanes, deploy 16-inch tubes called dropsondes equipped to measure temperature, pressure and humidity or send underwater "glider" drones to try and keep up with or buck the storm's powerful currents. But sharks and other fish already in or around the storm can be tapped as sentinels of disaster. They can sense the danger and gather the data safer, cheaper and faster  in real-time via satellites, researchers say. And they can outswim the best of underwater weather drones.

These toothy beasts' super sensory powers could help find one of the holy grails in hurricane prediction: more precise predictions of storm severity.

Advancements in satellite tagging technology have thrust sharks and other animals closer to center stage in hurricane hunting and modeling.

"We have this kind of new capacity to put these smaller and smaller sensors, on a different suite of animals, including sharks, and then the data can get transmitted directly into the sort of oceanographic data pipeline and be available in the same places as the all those traditional datasets from from buoys and gliders," said Tobey Curtis, a fishery management specialist for NOAA Fisheries in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

"Animals that are instrumented with these kind of fancy new satellite tags," Curtis said. "They have the capability to capture these oceanographic data that can inform hurricane models, which is really cool. And some of the benefit is that they can be much less expensive than sending out an oceanographic survey vessel."

It began with seals

Pioneers of the concept tagged elephant seals in the 1980s to gather oceanographic and meteorological data in hard-to-reach polar regions. Other attempts have tagged whales, sea turtles and birds, which also sense dips in barometric pressure and electrical fields from hurricanes.

While most efforts to date have only included a dozen or so tagged sharks, scientists say the concept could be scaled up with a fleet of thousands of roving shark forecasters, with varying surfacing habits, to fill data gaps in places expensive planes and drones can't cover.

More: Are sharks feeding on drugs dumped off Florida coast? 'Cocaine Sharks' on Discovery investigates

In many instances sharks seem to know better where the hurricane is going well before the meteorologists do. So knowing sharks better means knowing storms better, scientists say.

Sharks have built in oceanographic sensors with the capacity to measure temperature and conductivity "with an accuracy comparable to ship-based conductivity-temperature-depth casts or autonomous drifters," according to one recent study by University of Delaware, Stanford University, and NOAA Fisheries.

Federal researcher began using underwater "glider" drones to measure ocean heat in 2012. But such expensive projects tend to find the gliders too slow and weak in currents. Sharks, some of the fastest swimmers around, can top 45 mph, putting drones to shame.

"One of the benefits to using sharks is that they swim across currents," said Curtis, a coauthor of the study. "They move kind of randomly. We can't make them swim in a grid pattern or something yet to accurately sample things. But they can move to places or sample parts of the ocean that are tough to get to by ship, or buoy or glider or these other typical traditional oceanographic data sources."

Sharks even seem to sense the difference between an approaching hurricane and a typical Florida storm.

"You can get big pressure drops with thunderstorms, and we don't see any evidence of them getting out of the system when the big thunderstorms come through," Heithaus said.

Shark Week: Here's how (and where) to watch

The Delaware, Stanford and NOAA researchers say sharks in the Mid-Atlantic Bight, which stretches from North Carolina to Massachusetts, have "enormous untapped potential" as harbingers of hurricanes to directly benefit coastal communities. Tagging more open-ocean shark species could generate high-quality information about the changes in conductivity, temperature and other data vital for predicting hurricane paths and intensity. This could "greatly improve regional oceanographic and hurricane models by providing real-time oceanographic data to the Integrated Oceanographic Observation System (IOOS)," the researchers wrote.

The IOOS is a national network that, among other ways, gathers ocean data via satellites, buoys, tide gauges, radar stations and underwater vehicles, and now increasingly, animals. "There's a lot of data coming off the backs of animals that are going to be a part of that," Heithaus, of FIU, said.

Early tries using animals to help predict hurricanes focused on marine mammals that regularly surface for air, such as whales. But Curtis and other researchers increasingly see significant unrealized potential for sharks, a non-air-breathing species that still surfaces regularly.

Researcher use battery-powered transmitters that send radio signals picked up by the Argos satellite system to analyze tag data.

Sensitive shark snouts sense storms' electrical fields from afar

Doug Adams, a researcher with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, releases a bull shark in the Indian River Lagoon.

A shark's ability to smell, feel or otherwise home in on targets from afar is unparalleled at sea. Through a series of sensory pores in their snouts, sharks can sense extremely weak electric fields, including those in prey used to move muscles or make hearts beat.

A 2007 Scientific American article likened this to sensing the field created by a 1.5-volt AA battery, with one pole dipped in waters off Jacksonville and the other into the Long Island Sound. A shark swimming between the two could, in theory, easily sense whether the battery was on or off. That super power enables them to sense the electrical fields created by hurricane winds and waves.

Should I stay or should I go now?

Like humans, sharks may weigh multiple risk-benefits of evacuation, research shows.

Millions of years of evolution showed them the way. They've been around way longer than us. Their environmental cues include perceived predation risk, size, shifting prey when making evacuation decisions during and after hurricanes.

Smaller sharks escape hurricane turbulence in coastal waters for deeper, calmer waters. If they stay, they can get pushed onto land. But larger sharks tap a different decision matrix.

A 2001 study by Mote Marine Marine Lab in Sarasota, Florida, found blacktip sharks, a breed on the smaller side, responding to pre-storm drops in air pressure, fled to deeper water before Tropical Storm Gabrielle hit the central Gulf Coast of Florida. The response was consistent for all the fish being studied, and all blacktips returned to shallow nursery areas after the storm, suggesting it was an innate behavior, the authors concluded.

In 2017, University of Miami and Canadian researchers tagged sharks with acoustic telemetry devices during Hurricane Irma. They found the sharks swam to deeper waters before Irma made landfall. As Irma passed Miami, most nurse sharks, bull sharks and great hammerheads evacuated the shallows of Biscayne Bay to deeper waters. Past studied observed small sharks doing the same.

Larger sharks, such as tiger sharks, use the opportunity for a feeding frenzy, scavenging the smaller, weaker and injured: fish, birds and invertebrates. battered by debris.

Some big sharks fear no cyclone. In September 2016, the UM and Canadian researchers found big tiger sharks stayed in shallow inshore waters in the Bahamas despite a direct hit from Hurricane Matthew, a Category 5 storm. Right after Matthew, tiger sharks doubled in those waters, ostensibly to feed off the dead, weak and injured marine life.

Tagging a shark to tell more about hurricanes has its limits. Researcher have yet to scale up shark and other marine animal tagging to collect enough information to predict storm patterns reliably. Thousands of sharks or other fish would have to be tagged.

Do sharks have bones?: Understanding the body composition of the ocean's apex predator

"You're still sort of rolling the dice on, 'are the animals in the area?' " Heithaus, of FIU, said. "You can't tell them where to go."

And if all the sharks and other tagged animals flee to the same spot, it might not necessarily be where hurricane models seek the most telling data. "It's more that it's a great accessory tool, potentially," Heithaus said.

"It would probably take quite a few animals moving around out there," he added. "It's good to have all the pieces of the puzzle you can have, even if they're small pieces."

Jim Waymer is an environment reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Waymer at 321-261-5903 or jwaymer@floridatoday.com. Or find him on Twitter: @JWayEnviro or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/jim.waymer

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Hurricane season: Can sharks predict power and path of storms?
"Shark Tank" investor Daymond John obtained a permanent restraining order against the contestants behind a business he invested in as part of the show a decade ago.

USA TODAY can confirm that a federal judge in the New Jersey District Court determined Friday that the fashion mogul suffered "irreparable" reputational harm at the hands of former NFL player Al "Bubba" Baker and his family after they alleged via social media posts and interviews that working with John was a "nightmare."

Baker and his daughter Brittani Bo Baker accused John and his associates "of misleading them, trying to take over their business and depriving them of the profits from potentially lucrative partnerships," according to a Los Angeles Times investigation published in May.

This was part of a "social media and news media war" the Bakers waged against John and the Bakers' business partners for Bubba's Q De-Boned Baby Back Rib Steak products, District Judge Robert B. Kugler wrote in court documents obtained by USA TODAY on Monday.

Daymond John tries to help Al "Bubba" Baker solve Deboned Baby Back Ribs' logistical problems in the series premiere of "Beyond the Tank," which aired in May 2015.

The ruling issued on July 21 prevents the Bakers, including Al Baker's wife Sabrina Baker, from making any further disparaging or defamatory comments about John and the company he formed to work with the Bakers' food company. They were also ordered to remove all of their social media posts regarding John and their business dealings.

Brittani and Al Baker declined to comment when reached by USA TODAY.

Judge says Daymond John experienced 'unmitigated, calculated and virulent' attacks

Al and Brittani Baker appeared on Season 5 of "Shark Tank" seeking a $300,000 investment in exchange for 15% equity in their company. In the episode, which aired December 2013, they demonstrated how their ribs could be eaten with a knife and fork due to their bones being removed.

John "offered to invest $300,000 for a 30% stake in the venture, contingent on securing a large meat processing company to license the patent. Such ownership was later reduced to 20%," according to the complaint John and his company filed against the Bakers in June.

The complaint, obtained by USA TODAY, said the Bakers breached the terms of the 2019 Settlement Agreement, which in part prevented them from disparaging or defaming any parties involved in their business venture. The judge noted that the Bakers posted written and video content on social media that was "negative, disparaging, or both."

In one TikTok video, Brittani Baker accused John of trying to push the family out of their business.

The judge wrote that the "unmitigated, calculated, and virulent attack on John and his reputation is, as we said in our original order granting temporary injunctive relief, unusual in its vehemence and persistence."

Daymond John says judge's ruling is 'moment of vindication'

"The largest harm John and DFV have suffered from Defendants' actions, though, is reputational harm," the judge wrote in his conclusion.

He continued: "The amount of reputational harm that Defendants' posts, which have received millions of views and include at least two interviews with major news outlets, have caused is incalculable.

"Defendants' comments and posts refer to John as a master manipulator and a thief, say that he is not to be trusted, say that working with him is a nightmare, that their business is not the only business John has negatively affected, and that John is trying to steal their business. These posts clearly caused reputational harm that John will now have to deal with and counter."

'Shark Tank' live: Kevin O'Leary 'nearly choked' on TV, Barbara Corcoran 'paid too much'

The "decision against the Bakers, their company, and their false statements is a moment of vindication," said Daymond John in a statement to USA TODAY.

"The actual facts, the record and the federal Judges opinion have confirmed that I did not  and could not have  committed any wrongdoing," John said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Shark Tank': Investor Daymond John obtains restraining order
A federal judge has sentenced three more men charged in connection with an alleged international fentanyl trafficking operation.

U.S. Chief District Court Judge Peter Welte on Tuesday sentenced Daniel Vivas Ceron, 42, of Colombia, to 27 years in prison. He was extradited from Panama to the U.S. in 2017. In 2019, he pleaded guilty to charges including drug conspiracy and money laundering.

On Monday, Welte sentenced Jason Joey Berry, 40 of Cornwall, Ontario, to 24 years in prison. Berry was extradited from Canada to the U.S. in 2021. Last year he pleaded guilty last year to a drug conspiracy charge.

Last week, Welte sentenced Xuan Cahn Nguyen, 43, of Point-Aux-Tremble, Quebec to 22 years in prison. He pleaded guilty in March to drug conspiracy and money laundering charges.

Authorities say Ceron and Berry used a cellphone from inside a Quebec prison to arrange shipments of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues from China to Canada and the U.S. as part of the alleged criminal enterprise. The trafficking led to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in North Dakota, Oregon, New Jersey and North Carolina, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in North Dakota.

The Justice Department will continue to hold accountable those like Ceron, Berry, Nguyen, and members of their network who injected fentanyl and fentanyl analogues into American society with deadly results. Concerted efforts like Operation Denial demonstrate the Justice Departments commitment to eliminating the influx of fentanyl into our communities at their points of origin," Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Departments Criminal Division said in a statement Tuesday.

The defendants are among more than 30 people charged in North Dakota and Oregon in connection with Operation Denial, the investigation begun in North Dakota in January 2015 following the overdose death of Bailey Henke, 18, of Grand Forks.

The investigation has resulted in two dozen sentencings and convictions and nearly $1 million in forfeitures of cash and property.

The U.S. State Department is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Jian Zhang, a fugitive in the investigation. Authorities also are seeking four other Chinese fugitives.
President Yoon Suk Yeol, right, guides Leon Moyen, center, a Luxembourgish Korean War veteran, after taking a photo at the presidential office in Seoul, Tuesday. On the left is Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel. Yonhap



President Yoon Suk Yeol met with a Luxembourgish veteran of the Korean War on Tuesday as part of commemorations for the 70th anniversary of the armistice signing.



Leon Moyen, a veteran who fought for South Korea under the U.N. flag during the 1950-53 conflict, was invited by the government ahead of the July 27 anniversary.



During their meeting at the presidential office, Yoon thanked Moyen for his dedication during the war, referring to the veteran's courage in returning to South Korea even after being transferred to a hospital in Japan after sustaining a penetrating injury to his left leg, presidential spokesperson Lee Do-woon said in a written briefing.



Moyen said he was belatedly visiting a country he had wished to return to, and had it not been for the pandemic, he would have been joined by several of his veteran friends who recently died, according to Lee.



Yoon later met with Luxembourgish Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and thanked the European country for deploying troops to help South Korea during the war.



The two discussed bilateral relations, and agreed to increase trade and investment while strengthening cooperation in space, and quantum science and technology, Lee said.



Bettel noted Luxembourg is preparing to open an embassy in South Korea this year, and Yoon expressed hope it will serve to increase communication between the countries.



Yoon stressed the need for the international community's united response to North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile threats, while Bettel expressed his agreement and promised to cooperate.



Bettel also noted the significance of Yoon's recent visit to Ukraine, saying their two countries should continue to band together and support the war-torn nation.





President Yoon Suk Yeol, right, poses for a photo with Cindy Kiro, governor-general of New Zealand, at the presidential office in Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap
Search crews in New York have found more than 200 guns "from a vault in the basement" of Gilgo Beach cold case murder suspect's Rex Heuermann home in Massapequa Park, New York on their quest for further evidence, according to Suffolk County police.

The New York architect is expected in court in early August to face charges in the decade-old killings of three women.

The discoveries come after Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon said last week that police officers were searching areas between his home and storage containers nearby following his arrest after obtaining a warrant. Drone footage from the Associated Press over the weekend shows a yellow excavator digging into dirt and authorities in hazmat suits with shovels in Heuermann's yard.

"We'rehoping to prosecute this individual," Toulon said in an interview with USA TODAY.

Police arrested and charged Heuermann on July 14 with the more murders of three women  Melissa Barthelemy, 24, Megan Waterman, 22, and Amber Costello, 27  who were sex workers before they were killed, and found wrapped in burlap near each other on Ocean Parkway in Gilgo Beach on Long Island in 2010. Heuermann is also a "prime suspect" in the death of Maureen Brainard-Barnes 25, who was also found in burlap at the time and complete the "Gilgo 4," as the woman are commonly identified. Police had found at least 10 sets of human remains during their investigation into the string of killings.

Heuermann pled not guilty to the charges the day of his arrest. He is currently being held without bail at the Riverhead Correctional Facility in Riverhead, New York.

Crime laboratory officers prepare to search the home of Gilgo Beach murders suspect Rex Heuermann in Massapequa Park, New York, on July 18, 2023.

What have police found?

Since Heuermann's arrest, search crews have been looking into the items in his home and nearby areas, and police had interviewed at least two women he was recently in contact with, Toulon said.

Upon the discovery of more than 200 firearms at his home, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison told Fox News that "anytime somebody has that type of arsenal, we have some concerns." Harrison told the news outlet that police are still looking into the guns were registered and legal.

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison told reporters during a news conference that the search of the property should be completed within the next two days, CBS news reported. He also denied claims circling the internet that they discovered a soundproof room.

Authorities also discovered that Heuermann had contacted two sex workers up to a week before his arrest, said Toulon last week. He said officers are "going to continue to seek out any particular victims engaged with this individual."

Authorities arrested a suspect accused in the Gilgo Beach murders.

How did police pin down Heuermann in the cold case?

Following a resurrected investigation into the case, police identified Heuermann as a person who could be a suspect in the case, tracked him down and found an abandoned pizza crust that he threw out in a Manhattan trash to obtain his DNA. The DNA on the food matched the DNA to a male hair found in the burlap that wrapped Waterman.

This use of "surreptitious DNA collection" is becoming more common among detectives on the hunt for serial killers, particularly in cold cases, yet has spurred controversy among criminal justice activists who say it violates Americans' fourth amendment rights.

"It's really incredible when you think about it viciousness of the crimes," said Toulon. "Clearly he has a double life between his Massapequa Park and his business in Manhattan, and the person he really is."

Gilgo Beach cold case NY architect charged in Long Island murders that sparked documentary

Discarded DNA The controversial clue in the trash that's bringing serial killers to justice

Contributing: Associated Press

Contact Kayla Jimenez at kjimenez@usatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter at @kaylajjimenez.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What's next in the Gilgo Beach murders case? Here's what we know
LOS ANGELES (AP)  A former dean at the University of Southern California was sentenced to 1 1/2 years of home confinement on Monday for bribing a Los Angeles County supervisor in exchange for renewal of a lucrative contract.

Marilyn Flynn also was ordered to pay $150,000. U.S. District Judge Dale S. Fischer said she considered sending Flynn to prison but decided instead on home confinement, noting that the former academic had quickly taken responsibility for her actions.

Flynn, 84, was dean of USCs School of Social Work from 1997 to 2018. She pleaded guilty last year to a federal bribery charge. Prosecutors said that in 2018, she concocted a scheme to funnel $100,000 that Mark Ridley-Thomas provided from campaign funds through the university to a nonprofit run by his son.

Ridley-Thomas offered to support county contracts for USCs School of Social Work that could potentially bring the institution millions of dollars in new revenue in return for helping his son, prosecutors said.

Sebastian Ridley-Thomas was a state assemblyman who resigned the last day of 2017 while facing allegations that he made an unwanted sexual advance toward a Capitol staffer. The $100,000 went to his organization, known as the Policy, Research & Practice Initiative, prosecutors said.

The son later received a $26,000 graduate scholarship for 2018 and was offered a paid teaching position with a $50,000 salary, even though being a student and a teacher would violate school policy, authorities said.

Mark Ridley-Thomas also has been a Los Angeles City Council member, a California State senator and a state Assembly member. In March, the then-councilman was convicted of federal corruption charges. He could face years in prison when he is sentenced next month.

At her sentencing hearing, Flynn said she was greatly embarrassed and deeply regretted the distress caused to USC by her "lapse in care.

I think I would never imagine that in a career of 50 years, the culmination point would be a judgment of wrongdoing, she said.

The judge agreed.

A lifetime of dedication and service is something courts dont often see, Fischer said, the Los Angeles Daily News reported. It is unfortunate that such an illustrious career comes to an end (in this way).
By David Morgan and Costas Pitas

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Republican U.S. Senator Rick Scott and Democrat Elizabeth Warren have asked for salary information from the Federal Reserve's inspector general, the central bank's watchdog, in a push to make the role independent, a letter seen by Reuters on Tuesday shows.

The IG's office said it was reviewing the letter and declined further comment.

Republicans and Democrats in Congress have pledged tighter oversight of banking regulators following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in March.

The Fed is responsible for supervising - monitoring, inspecting and examining - certain financial institutions to ensure compliance with rules and regulations, and safe and sound operations.

Some in Congress worry that Fed Inspector General Mark Bialek's role is not independent enough, because he reports directly to the Fed board.

Under the senators' plans, the IG would be appointed by the U.S. president and confirmed by the Senate.

Among their concerns, the senators wrote in the letter, is that the IG's compensation structure could result in potential conflicts of interest. His salary is tied to the compensation of Fed officials he is tasked with investigating.

"... Because the Fed Inspector General's salary is in part based on the bonuses earned by other Fed employees ... there is a structural, financial incentive for the IG to overlook or downplay wrongdoing by those Fed officials," Warren and Scott wrote in a letter to Bialek dated July 24, citing his previous testimony.

"These types of conflicts are why we have introduced legislation ...."

The letter detailed five questions, including what salary Bialek had received over the last five full calendar years, what percentage of his salary was based on the average bonus component of the pay formula, and whether he had conducted any inspections in connection with Fed bonuses in the last five years.

Bialek has faced criticism from Warren and other lawmakers for his handling of the securities trading scandal that caused two regional Fed bank presidents to step down in the fall of 2021.

At a hearing in May 2023, Warren blasted him for failing to produce a report on a matter that tarred the Fed's reputation when it was reported nearly two years ago.

Bialek defended his agency's independence and ability to conduct investigations.

"No Board Chair has resisted or objected to our oversight work since I have been the IG," he said at the time.

(Reporting by David Morgan and Costas Pitas; editing by Paul Thomasch, Stephen Coates and Richard Chang)
Their father died suddenly at 39. 4 years later, they heard his heartbeat again

In an inspiring story of the power of organ donation, three Connecticut sisters were able to hear their father's heartbeat four year's after his death and meet the man whose live he saved.

When Kisandra Santiago's father died in 2019 and she decided to donate his heart, she hoped she and her three siblings would be able to hear his heart beat again someday, NBC News Connecticut reported.

Since then, she has made it her mission to find the recipient of her father's donated heart  and over four years later, it happened.

This is something that my dad would be so happy to see, Santiago, a 22-year-old from Meriden, Connecticut, told NBC Connecticut.

In June 2019, her father, 39-year-old Esteban Santiago, suffered a medical emergency and was rushed to the hospital, where he fell into a coma. Kisandra Santiago, his oldest daughter and next of kin, made the difficult decision with her family to take her father off life support. Following Esteban Santiago's wishes, the family donated his organs, including his heart.

Heart Transplant (Courtesy Santiago family)

It was one the family's hardest days, Kianna Santiago, Kisandras younger sister, told NBC Connecticut.

However, it was a decision that ultimately saved the life of Peter Turzer. I wouldnt be here if it wasnt for him, Turzer told NBC Connecticut.

Turzer's health issues began in 2016, when he was in a car accident and suffered multiple cardiac arrests during surgery for his injuries. After undergoing open heart surgery and falling into a weeklong coma, where his life support was nearly terminated, Turzer miraculously woke up and recovered.

However, Turzer later suffered from additional health problems, eventually needing a leg amputation and becoming a candidate for a heart transplant. In July 2019, Turzer received Esteban Santiago's donated heart. The transplant surgery was a success.

Every day I wake up, and my hero is up above, Turzer told NBC Connecticut. Its such a loving, blessing thing that God has given us, and I dont take it for granted by any means.

Heart Transplant (NBC Connecticut)

Four years later, Turzer got to meet in person the family of the man whom he calls his hero.

Turzer and Kisandra Santiago first connected through organ donation services about a year and a half ago, she told NBC Connecticut.

The two families went on to text and call each other over the phone and even video chat, but they were not able to meet in person. Turzer, who is originally from Connecticut, had relocated with his wife to South Carolina.

This July, close to the fourth anniversary of Esteban Santiago's death and Turzer's heart transplant surgery, that changed.

Turzer made a special trip back to Connecticut, and Esteban Santiagos three daughters were able to hear their fathers heartbeat again. It was an emotional but joyful reunion full of hugs and plenty of tears.

To hear his heart, it is like he is here. Just to hug Peter, it felt so natural. It felt like I was hugging dad, Kianna Santiago told NBC Connecticut. It just felt like home.

Heart Transplant (NBC Connecticut)

Turzer reminded the Santiago sisters that their father is still with them. He is still part of us, and you can count on it. Im not going anywhere," said Turzer.

According to Kisandra Santiago, her father used to talk about being an organ donor and wanting his heart to be donated to someone who is caring and kind.

Clearly ... we met Peter, and he is exactly what my dad would have wanted, Kisandra Santiago told NBC Connecticut. I bet he is so happy to be saving someones life. I just know. I get that feeling.

Turzer said he's forever grateful to the Santiago family and that he will always be there for Esteban Santiagos three daughters. I have another family in my life now, he added.

The families hope to inspire others by sharing their story.

The survival rates after heart transplantation vary depending on a number of factors, but globally, for adults the overall survival rate is about 90% after one year and about 80% after five years, according to the Mayo Clinic.

In the United States, there are currently 104,234 people on the national transplant waiting list, and 17 people die every day waiting for an organ transplant, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

A organ donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of 75 or more people, per estimates from organdonor.gov.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Early last year, when Tabatha Curtis left her server job at Cracker Barrel to care for a daughter with health issues, her prospects for finding a position that would allow her to work from home seemed bleak.

There were plenty of remote job postings  for secretaries, tax preparers and customer service roles at communications and insurance companies.

But I didnt have the experience they were looking for, says Curtis, who is 46 and lives in Killeen, Texas.

Then she saw an Indeed ad for a remote restaurant order taker and wondered, How in the world is that going to work?

Now shes taking drive-thru orders for a fast-food chain called Baby Jacks in Memphis, Tennessee, 600 miles away. Its right up my alley, she says. Youre sitting at home in a T-shirt and sweats as a parade of drivers pop up on your laptop screen.

During slow periods, I can have conversations with my daughter, she adds. Plus, I dont have to pay for gas.

The tectonic work-from-home shift sparked by the pandemic wasnt confined to professional service workers, such as accountants, marketing specialists and human resources employees.

A smaller share of lower-paid service workers is also toiling remotely, including front desk receptionists, fast-food employees, laundry workers and tow truck dispatchers. The shift was triggered largely by the pandemics social distancing constraints and labor shortages, says Julia Pollak, chief economist of the job site ZipRecruiter.

And its made possible by videoconferencing software such as Zoom and other programs that connect workers to customers across the state or country, almost making them feel like theyre in the same room.

What is the labor force participation rate?

The newfound ability of lower-wage, blue-collar employees to work from home is one reason the share of adults working or looking for jobs hovered at 62.6% in June, up from 62.2% a year ago, though still below the 63.3% pre-pandemic level, Pollak says. Women age 25 to 54, including many with kids, have especially benefited, with their participation rate hitting a record 77.8% last month.

Employers experience a large boost in job applications when they convert positions into remote roles, she says.

A larger labor supply can curtail pay increases and inflation, giving the Federal Reserve another reason to halt its interest rate increases after an anticipated hike this week.

How many workers want remote work?

Overall, about 20% of active job seekers are looking only for remote work, Pollak says. And work-from-home setups reduce the number of employees who quit each year by 35%, according to Pollak and Nicholas Bloom, a Stanford University economics professor.

White-collar employees  who represent about 40% of total payrolls  still telework in far greater numbers than their blue-collar counterparts. Thirty-five percent of employees with jobs that can be done remotely (chiefly professionals and office staff) are working from home exclusively and 41% have a hybrid schedule, according to Pew Research Center. That's down from the pandemic's peak, but up from the 7% who worked from home all the time before the pandemic.

Yet blue-collar industries such as restaurants and retail may have the most to gain since theyve been plagued by the most severe labor crunches, Pollak says.

Nearly 14% of employees in the bottom fourth of wage earners worked at home on an average day last year, below the 15.4% peak in 2021 but above the 9.5% mark in 2019, according to Labor Department figures released last month. That group worked remotely an average of 5.4 hours a day, compared to 2.6 hours in 2019.

By contrast, 56% of workers in the top fourth of earners worked remotely on a typical day last year.

Not 'smelling like a French fry'

Baby Jacks, the Memphis restaurant chain that employs Curtis, decided to try remote drive-thru workers in January 2020, just before the pandemic began, as it struggled to find employees for its three locations, says Will Clem, owner of the barbeque chain. The health crisis intensified the need for a remote work option because labor shortages dramatically worsened even as customer demand at drive-thrus soared, he says.

After Clem ran online ads for remote drive-thru workers, applications swelled from one or two per opening to hundreds, he says.

Americans are working fewer hours: Hours have dropped since COVID. Here's why.

Do you want to do the same job but not have to put on a uniform (or commute) and not come home smelling like a French fry? he asks. Plus, Customers would have no idea Im not in the restaurant, though the service now includes a video so employees and drive-thru patrons can see each other.

Clem created a sister company, called Bite Ninja, which employs about 200 remote gig workers who serve Baby Jacks as well as a dozen fast-food chains in five other states  New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Oklahoma and California.

Bite Ninja employees can grab two-hour shifts from home, with their ranks waxing during the lunch rush and waning by midafternoon. A new feature lets remote workers toggle among a chains various locations. During lulls, three workers could handle nine or 10 restaurants from their homes, shifting among the outlets with the click of a mouse. Some eateries also allow remote gig workers to serve customers at kiosks inside the restaurants as well.

The streamlined staff, along with lower average wages of about $10 an hour for remote employees, have reduced labor costs.

The work-from-home option, meanwhile, has created new job opportunities for stay-at-home mothers, disabled people, rural areas with few restaurants, and college students who can snag a two-hour shift between classes, Clem says.

While her daughter was ill last year, Curtis, the Baby Jacks gig worker in Texas, was putting in 12-hour days, six days a week. Now that her daughter is better, Curtis has returned to working part time at Cracker Barrell and a few hours, several nights a week for Bite Ninja.

Tabatha Curtis greeting drive-thru customers

She says she loves helping customers and the gig often feels more like a sort of video game than a job.

Many people work during the day, come home, sit down and turn on the TV, Curtis says. I sit down and turn on the computer.

Can you get remote jobs without a degree?

Drive-thrus aren't the only blue-collar jobs going remote.

Some call center workers were already telecommuting before the pandemic but their ranks have swelled. Fourteen percent of ZipRecruiter job postings for call center reps were remote this month, up from 6% before the pandemic, though below the 39% peak in August 2021.

Remote job ads similarly grew from 2.7% to 6.8% for various kinds of dispatchers and from 1.6% to 3.9% for receptionists, ZipRecruiter figures show. Postings even rose from 0.5% to 5.2% for auto body jobs and 1.2% to 30% in pet care. Those likely represent back-office positions such as receptionists, schedulers and HR associates, Pollak says.

Initially, employers didnt trust that low-paid workers would be productive at home but that concern dissipated quickly, Pollok says.

In March 2020, Extra Space Storage of Salt Lake City moved most of its roughly 200 call-center employees to remote positions due to the pandemic. It has kept the setup because it attracts significantly more job candidates and allows the firm to hire reps in other states, says company spokeswoman McKall Morris. Performance metrics reveal no drop-off in productivity, she says.

In 2018, Mort Fertel and his teenage son, Nachson, launched a laundry service in Baltimore, now called Poplin, that was modeled after Uber and let gig workers use their own washers and dryers to do other peoples laundry. Customers leave their dirty clothes outside their door, Poplins laundry pros pick them up; wash, dry and fold them; and return the bundle to the doorstep.

The impetus was simple: The chore we hate the most is laundry, Fertel says.

But the pandemic turbocharged the service by leading millions of workers to seek remote jobs and millions of consumers to question how they spend their time.

People were asking, What is the meaning of life? he says. Do I really want to spend three hours a week doing laundry?

In 2021, the company expanded to 500 U.S. markets, and Poplins roughly 100,000 laundry pros serve more than 1 million customers.

The service charges a dollar per pound of laundry, with the average job costing $42. Some pros rake in more than $100,000 a year.

Women at work Post-pandemic, there's a record number of women in the workplace. Can the trend continue?

Leah Sage, of St. Louis, began working for Poplin after she was laid off from her day care center job early in the pandemic. She wanted to work from home to spend time with her newborn son, who had been in intensive care for three weeks.

The health crisis, she says, did show me how important it is for my son to have as much of my time as I can give him.

Initially, Sage, 28, logged 20 to 25 hours and brought in about $400 each week, more than she earned in two weeks working full-time at the day care center. Recently, she got a part-time job at a local gym and has trimmed her Poplin schedule to about 10 hours a week, mostly in the evenings.

Leah Sage

But she has no plans to give up the gig.

Noting her income supplements her husbands warehouse pay, she says that if she hadnt come across the Poplin ad on Facebook, I dont know what we would have done.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Work from home jobs becoming popular among blue-collar employees
BRUSSELS (AP)  A jury is expected to issue a verdict Tuesday over Belgiums deadliest peacetime attack, suicide bombings at the Brussels airport and a busy subway station in 2016 that killed 32 people in a wave of violence in Europe claimed by the Islamic State group.

Among the 10 defendants is Salah Abdeslam, who already is serving a life sentence without parole in France over his role in attacks that hit Paris cafes, the Bataclan theater and France's national stadium in 2015. The suspects in Brussels were tried on charges including murder, attempted murder and participation in the acts of a terrorist group.

The biggest trial in Belgium's judicial history unfolded over seven months in a special court to address the exceptional case. Survivors and families of victims hoped the trial and verdict would help them work through what happened and find closure.

The morning rush hour attacks on March 22, 2016 at Zavantem Airport and on the Brussels subways central commuter line deeply shook the city, which is home to the headquarters of the European Union and NATO, and put the country on edge. In addition to the 32 people killed, nearly 900 others were wounded or suffered serious mental trauma.

Jamila Adda, president of the Life4Bruxelles victims association, gathered a group of survivors at the special courthouse to hear Tuesday's verdict. Among them was a man named Frederic, who said the atrocious crimes'' of March 22 still haunt him.

We have been waiting for this for seven years, seven years that weighed heavily on the victims. ... We are waiting with impatience, and with some anguish for the verdict, he told The Associated Press. Frederic, among the commuters who survived the attack at the Maelbeek metro station, spoke on condition that his last name not be published to protect his identity as a victim of trauma.

Survivors have supported each other through the proceedings, some coming every day. It is important to be together, to hear the decision of justice,'' Frederic said. And then, they hope "to be able to turn the page.''

The 12 jurors have been deliberating since early July over some 300 questions the court asked them to consider before reaching a verdict. Tuesdays expected decision will address whether or not each of the suspects is guilty of various charges. and may take several hours to be read out.

Eventual sentencing will be decided in a separate process and not expected before September. If convicted, some could face up to 30 years in prison.

Abdeslam was the only survivor among the Islamic State extremists who struck Paris in November 2015 and were part of a Franco-Belgian network that went on to target Brussels four months later. After months on the run following the Paris attacks, Abdeslam was captured in Brussels on March 18, 2016, and his arrest may have prompted other members of the Islamic State group cell to rush ahead with attack plans on the Belgian capital.

Also on trial in Brussels is Mohamed Abrini, childhood friend of Abdeslam and a Brussels native who walked away from Zaventem airport after his explosives failed to detonate.

Oussama Atar, who has been identified as a possible organizer of the deadly attacks on both Paris and Brussels, was tried in absentia. He is believed to have died in the Islamic State group's final months of fighting in Iraq and Syria.

___

Angela Charlton in Paris contributed to this report.
An Ohio K-9 officer has been put on administrative leave, and his dog placed in a kennel, following an incident this month in which the animal was captured on body-camera footage attacking a truck driver as he was surrendering to state troopers with his hands up following a highway chase, an official told ABC News on Monday.

Circleville, Ohio, K-9 Officer Ryan Speakman was placed on leave as the city's five-member Use of Force Review Board investigates the circumstances of the incident that occurred on the Fourth of July on a highway outside Columbus, Circleville Mayor Donald McIlroy told ABC News.

"It's an unfortunate situation and we look to get it resolved very, very soon," McIlroy said.

McIlroy said he had viewed parts of the body-camera footage released by the Ohio State Highway Police that captured the police dog mauling the truck driver, 23-year-old Jadarrius Rose of Memphis, Tennessee.

PHOTO: Circleville, Ohio, Mayor Donald McIlroy, speaks with ABC News about a July 4, 2023, incident in which a police dog from his city police department attacked a truck driver. (ABC News)

"We have a use of force review board that is looking at it," McIlroy said. "Once that is completed and I get it, then I will be making some decisions on when we release that report to the media."

McIlroy said Speakman has been on paid administrative leave since at least Thursday, but could not say for sure when his leave started.

He said the dog involved in the arrest of Rose has been put in a kennel while the investigation unfolds.

PHOTO: Video showing a police dog attacking and biting a suspect who had his hands up and was on his knees during a July 4, 2023, incident was released on July 21, 2023, by the Ohio State Highway Police. (Ohio State Highway Police)

Rose was treated at a hospital following the K-9 attack and released into the custody of the state Highway Police. He was booked at the Ross County Jail on charges of failure to comply, a fourth-degree felony, according to the highway police.

A 911 call Rose made during the chase could shed some light on why he refused to pull over when troopers initially attempted to stop him.

"Right now, I have police officers following me for a long time and I am trying to figure out why they have their guns pulled out," Rose said in the 911 call released by Ross County, Ohio, authorities. "I am just a truck driver. I was about to comply with them, but they all had their guns drawn out. There are like 20 police cars behind me. And I dont feel safe."

According to online records, Rose has been released from the Ross County Jail. It is unclear if he has hired an attorney.

Efforts by ABC News to reach Rose and Speakman for comment were unsuccessful.

PHOTO: Video showing a police dog attacking and biting a suspect who had his hands up and was on his knees during a July 4, 2023, incident was released on July 21, 2023, by the Ohio State Highway Police. (Ohio State Highway Police)

McIlroy said he expects his city's Use of Force Review Board, which is comprised of community members, to complete its report by the end of this week or next Monday.

"This is the first time anything like this has happened. So, its new to us and this is why we have this review board," McIlroy said. "And once that review board is finished, well make some determinations where we'll go forward.

MORE: Video Texas police chase ends when suspect crashes into house

Asked if he is aware of any disciplinary action taken against Speakman in the past, McIlroy said, "Yes." When asked to provide details, he said, "That's in his file" and directed ABC News to the city's human resources department to file a public records request.

McIlroy said he is not sure if Speakman was wearing a body camera at the time of the incident, but added that if so, he would be open to releasing that footage to the public.

The incident unfolded in Ross County, Ohio, at about 9:30 a.m. on July 4, according to a police incident report. Troopers from the state Highway Police Department's Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspector unit attempted to pull Rose over for what they described as an alleged traffic defect violation, according to the incident report.

Rose allegedly refused to pull over and led troopers on a chase through three counties before police put stop sticks, or spike strips, in the roadway ahead of the chase and blew out Rose's tires, forcing him to stop on U.S. Route 23 in Pickaway County and surrender to troopers, according to the report.

The body-camera video released by the state Highway Police shows the Circleville police dog arriving at the scene and initially being held back by Speakman as troopers yelled to Rose, "Get on the ground or you're going to get bit."

PHOTO: Video showing a police dog attacking and biting a suspect who had his hands up and was on his knees during a July 4, 2023, incident was released on July 21, 2023, by the Ohio State Highway Police. (Ohio State Highway Police)

The footage shows Rose complying with orders to get on his knees with both hands in the air. A police trooper can be heard in the video repeatedly yelling, "Do not release the dog with his hands up."

The dog, however, was apparently let loose and attacked Rose, grabbing his arm as he screamed, "Get it off," and appeared to be in pain.

Other officers, including the dog's handler, rushed to Rose as he was being attacked in the grassy center median and pulled the animal off Rose, according to the video.

MORE: Video Officer clings to car during police chase

It is not clear in the footage why the dog was deployed to attack Rose.

Speakman, 29, was sworn in as a Circleville Police Department officer in February 2020, according to an article in the Circleville Herald. Prior to joining the Circleville police force, Speakman was a deputy for the Ross County Sheriffs Office, according to the article.

There are people out there that cant defend themselves and theres people out there that just need a friend, Speakman told the newspaper at the time. It may be just as simple as a handshake or a hug. Its not about writing tickets or arresting people. Its about doing police work and serving the community to build it up and reaching out to the people."

In February 2022, Speakman was featured in an article in The Scioto Post newspaper in Circleville, introducing the city's two newest police dogs, a Belgian Malinois Shepherd named "Serg" and a German Shepherd named "Dex." But it is unclear if either dog was the one who attacked Rose.

The union representing the Circleville police officers told WSYX that it is asking "everyone reserve judgment" and declined further comment.

K-9 officer put on leave after police dog attacks surrendering suspect originally appeared on abcnews.go.com




A person who recently posted an online message indicating a plan to kill people in southern Seoul was put under emergency detention on Tuesday, police said.







The suspect is accused of writing in an internet community Monday afternoon, "I'll kill 20 women at Sillim Station on the 26th day (of July)."







The post immediately caused strong fears among Seoul citizens, as a 33-year-old man went on a stabbing rampage near the Subway Line 2 station last Friday, killing one person and wounding three others.







The suspect called police at 1:44 a.m. Tuesday to express an intention to surrender, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. (Yonhap)


The U.S. Forest Service said Monday that the Cerro Pelado Fire which burned over 60 square miles in Sandoval County, New Mexico last year was caused by the agencys own prescribed burn.

The investigation found the wildfire in April of 2022 started from an escaped prescribed burn where piles were ignited earlier in February.

The National Park Service explains prescribed fires as a treatment for resource benefits or research, which include lighting a fire in an area for various purposes after careful planning and under controlled conditions.

According to a lengthy report from the Forest Service, investigators found an ash pit with burned woody material, in two, specific and adjacent origin areas. The report also found the ash pits were made after logging debris was either pushed into piles with the use of equipment or piled by hand and burned.

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Southwestern Regional Forester Michiko Martin said investigators determined the prescribed fire caused a holdover fire, which he described as a fire that smolders without detection.

Martin said the holdover fire was dormant for considerable time, without visible signs of smoke or heat.

This fire deeply affected our communities. Escaped prescribed fires in 2022 led the Forest Service to implement a 90-day national pause on prescribed fire and review required changes to the prescribed fire program, Martin said, noting the Santa Fe National Forest has implemented these changes.

Martin said the Forest Service will conduct an internal declared wildfire review to learn how to conduct prescribed fires more safely and reduce the risk of them escaping. He added that firefighters in the Southwestern Region are now using handheld thermal devices and drones to detect the presence of heat.

Mondays report sparked criticism from New Mexico leaders, including Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D), who said on Twitter she is outraged over the U.S. Forest Services negligence that caused this destruction.

While climate change and extreme drought continue to plague the Southwest, the Forest Service must abandon their business-as-usual approach to prescribed burns and forest management in our state, it read.

New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich (D) echoed these concerns, tweeting that the Forest Service needs to prioritize rebuilding the publics trust.

New Mexico suffered enormous loss during last years wildfire season, he wrote on Twitter. It is frustrating and deeply concerning to learn now that the Cerro Pelado Fire was also caused by an escaped prescribed fire.

The Forest Service previously said a prescribed burn was also responsible for the Calf Canyon Fire, which sparked just weeks before the Cerro Pelado Fire and is considered the largest fire in New Mexico history.

Shortly after both fires, the Forest Service announced it was pausing prescribed fire operations to conduct a 90-day review of protocols.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Miami-Dade Police Department Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez shot himself in the head on a Florida highway after an argument with his wife, authorities said Monday.

Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo Ramirez. (The Florida Department of Law Enforcement)

He had surgery Monday afternoon and was in stable condition, Miami-Dade police officials said Monday evening.

He probably has a long road ahead, a lot of surgeries, but he is going to survive, Hillsborough Country Sheriff Chad Chronister told reporters in Tampa.

Officers responded Sunday evening to the Florida Sheriffs Associations Summer Conference in Tampa where "a male had pointed a gun at himself," police said in a statement.

When officers arrived to the 12th floor of the Marriott Westside, Ramirez, 52, told them he was no danger to himself or others, and was then "released at the scene," Tampa police said.

The Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office described that encounter as a domestic dispute between Ramirez and his wife.

But shortly after that incident, Ramirez drove off and shot himself in the head, the sheriff said.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said the incident happened on I-75, south of Tampa.

Our hearts are with Chief of Public Safety Freddy Ramirez and his family during this difficult time, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said in a statement. All that matters right now is his well-being and we continue to pray for his speedy recovery.

Ramirez had announced his candidacy for sheriff of Miami-Dade County in 2024.

The law enforcement leader grew up in Hialeah and was raised by his grandparents who fled Cuba and the Castro regime, according to his campaign biography.

He graduated from the University of Miami, married his high school sweetheart and joined the Miami-Dade Police Department in 1995, his campaign said.

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., who is also attending the law enforcement conference in Tampa, praised Ramirez.

"You couldn't ask for a more respectful person, somebody that cares about others and wants to do a good job," said Scott, a former governor.

Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle called Sunday night's shooting "deeply saddening."

"An incident such as this is so deeply saddening, and I am praying and hoping for Chief Freddy Ramirez full recovery," she said. "We all know that we need many, many more individuals with the strength, courage and commitment he has exemplified throughout his career."

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
By Max Hunder and Jonathan Saul

KYIV (Reuters) - Russian air strikes on Ukrainian grain facilities on the Danube this week threaten a vital river route for Kyiv's exports, as Moscow seeks to tighten the noose around a key sector of the economy days after abandoning the Black Sea shipping deal.

Last week, air strikes caused tens of millions of dollars of damage to the grain sector in Odesa region, and Monday's strikes on infrastructure along the Danube brought back memories of the export gridlock that followed Russia's February 2022 invasion.

"Without the Danube, the export (situation) becomes critical. To do it with just land routes is a very small amount. We'd be going back to the beginning of the full-scale invasion," said Denys Marchuk, deputy head of the Ukrainian Agrarian Council.

"We have no other way to work. If the Black Sea is closed, the Danube is one of the main routes which we will need to use," he told Reuters by phone.

Police said Danube grain warehouses had been hit on Monday in a drone attack along with tanks for storing other cargo. Reuters verified video showing damaged grain warehouses at Reni, a transport hub on the Danube bordering NATO and EU member Romania.

Officials did not go into further detail for security reasons.

"The big question mark is whether Russia will continue to attack these ports in the near future and prevent exports," said Carlos Mera, head of Agri Commodities Markets Research at Rabobank.

Since Monday's air strikes, the Danube channel has seen shipping disruptions, although it was unclear why there was a slowdown of vessel traffic.

There continued to be a bottleneck, with a buildup of ships at anchor, queuing to take their turn in port, or moving slowly across the Danube channel on Tuesday, according to Reuters calculations based on ship tracking data from analytics company MarineTraffic.

Twenty vessels including cargo ships were at anchor close to the crucial Izmail port terminal. Just three vessels had been able to sail from Izmail and another three arrived since Monday, the data showed.

There was also congestion around Reni with seven vessels, mainly inland fuel tankers, anchored near to that port some 45 km (28 miles) from Izmail.

INSURANCE RATES RISE

Insurance sources have said war risk cover for Ukraine's ports that was part of the defunct Black Sea grain deal had been suspended with some insurance providers reviewing provisions for Danube ports.

Insurance industry sources said on Tuesday there were few requests to cover new charters for vessels looking to pick up cargoes from Ukraines Danube ports.

"Russia appears to be aiming to destroy infrastructure rather than intimidate shipping, although the latter is an effect," one insurance source said.

Another said: "Even with whatever cover is still being offered for Danube ports, rates are significantly up.

"All bets are off," the second source said.

The Danube corridor has grown in importance for Kyiv since the demise of the grain deal which Russia quit last week.

The route could export around 2.5 million tons of grain and oilseeds per month before the attacks, according to Mera.

Road and rail export routes would only be able to handle up to 2 million tons of produce per month, Marchuk said.

That is nowhere near enough to cover Ukraine's export potential. Ukraine expects to harvest 44 million tons of grain this year, down from a record 86 million-ton harvest in 2021 before the invasion. Ukraine traditionally exports most of the grain it harvests.

Some of Ukraine's western neighbours have also restricted imports of Ukrainian grain under pressure from their farmers, who said they were suffering from the added competition.

The attack on the Danube infrastructure followed a week of Russian strikes that hit grain-related infrastructure at Odesa's main ports.

Officials say the strikes damaged 60,000 tons of grain earmarked for supply to China, reservoirs and berths, and infrastructure owned by Kernel, Viterra and CMA CGM Group.

Kernel said it would take at least 12 months to repair facilities at Chornomorsk where Ukraine said damage was "considerable".

Marchuk said the lost grain was worth $8 million and that a "significant" number of elevators had been damaged.

"These are worth tens of millions of dollars," he said.

'BLACKMAIL'

Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, said the attacks sought to cut Ukraine off from the Black Sea and to elevate the importance of Russia as a global grain supplier.

The strikes, he said, indicated Russia was trying to "blackmail" the West to win a resumption of Russian ammonia exports and the lifting of some sanctions and restrictions.

Marchuk said the attacks also served to scare off commercial vessels.

The attacks lay bare the challenge to Ukrainian air defences of repelling attacks across a country double the size of Italy.

A local news report said Monday's attack on the Danube involved 15 drones with only three of them shot down, a much poorer ratio than in Kyiv where Western air defence systems have a very high success rate.

(Additional reporting by Olena Harmash in Kyiv and Sybille de La Hamaide in Paris; Writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by William Maclean)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden's administration will cancel $130 million in debt for 7,400 student borrowers who enrolled at the now-defunct CollegeAmerica in Colorado from 2006 through July 1, 2020, the Education Department said.

CollegeAmerica, a private institution, shut down in September 2020 after an investigation by Colorado's attorney general found it made widespread misrepresentations about the salaries and employment rates of its graduates, the department said in a statement.

Biden said in a statement that borrowers at CollegeAmerica "were lied to, ripped off, and saddled with mountains of debt." He said his administration has approved $14.7 billion in relief for 1.1 million borrowers "whose colleges took advantage of them or closed abruptly".

Biden has made addressing mounting U.S. student debt a top priority since taking office in January 2021, including by pursuing a plan to provide $430 billion in loan relief.

The Supreme Court blocked that plan in a June 30 ruling. Biden has vowed to pursue the relief through new measures.

(Reporting by Rami Ayyub; Editing by Chris Reese and Jonathan Oatis)
By Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The billionaire investor Leon Black was sued on Tuesday by an autistic woman who says he raped her in the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein's mansion in Manhattan in 2002, when she was 16.

In a complaint filed in Manhattan federal court, the woman, using the pseudonym Jane Doe, said that as she was preparing to give Black a massage, Black pinned her down and penetrated her with sex toys, causing her to bleed.

She said Epstein later found her crying, but refused to let her see a doctor and said longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell would take care of her.

Black's lawyer Susan Estrich called Doe's lawsuit frivolous.

"He never met this woman," Estrich said in an interview. "He doesn't know her at all. We're confident the lawsuit is totally uncorroborated by any evidence. It has nothing to do with Leon Black."

Born with Mosaic Down Syndrome, Doe said she was lured into Epstein's orbit from a summer program for cheerleaders, and gave him massages, with she and he naked, before being "shipped off" to Black.

She is seeking damages for Black's alleged violation of a New York City law against gender-motivated violence. Her lawyer Jeanne Christensen declined to say whether Doe tried to settle.

Black co-founded private equity firm Apollo Global Management, which he left in 2021. Forbes magazine said he is worth $10.1 billion.

The lawsuit was filed the same day the U.S. Senate's finance committee said it was examining Black's treatment of several trusts, and whether $158 million he paid Epstein for tax and estate planning was properly deemed income or gifts for tax purposes.

Epstein died by suicide in August 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking.

Black has denied other sexual abuse accusations, including in a dismissed lawsuit by former Russian model Guzel Ganieva, and a lawsuit by Cheri Pierson who also claimed he raped her in Epstein's home two decades ago.

The billionaire has also reached a $62.5 million settlement with the U.S. Virgin Islands, where Epstein had a home, to avoid a possible lawsuit.

The case is Doe v Black, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 23-06418.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Additional reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington, D.C.; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November, has declined to provide a pretrial alibi in response to the states demand.

Kohberger chose to exercise his right to remain silent on the issue and to possibly testify on his own behalf at trial, according to the filing signed by lead public defender Anne Taylor. The defense team continues investigating and preparing his case, she wrote.

Kohbergers murder trial is scheduled to start on Oct. 2 in Latah County Court. He is charged with murder in the deaths of U of I seniors Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, both 21, and junior Xana Kernodle and freshman Ethan Chapin, both 20, at an off-campus home on King Road in Moscow.

Offering an alibi is one form of criminal defense that argues the suspect was somewhere else at the time of the incident with evidence, including possible witness testimony. It indicates a line of proof by which the defendant attempts to show that he could not have committed the crime of which he is accused because he was elsewhere at the time, Taylor wrote, referencing a legal definition.

At the time of the homicides, Kohberger, 28, was a graduate student in the criminal justice and criminology department at Washington State University in Pullman, roughly 9 miles from the border of Idaho. He was arrested in late December in eastern Pennsylvania while visiting his parents home while on break from school.

Kohberger also previously chose to stand silent at his arraignment in May, which led Judge John Judge of Idahos 2nd Judicial District in Latah County to enter a plea of not guilty.

Kohbergers team of public defenders had until Monday to file the document. They issued the notice to the court near the close of business to meet the deadline.

Public defender Anne Taylor speaks with state prosecutors during a court hearing for Bryan Kohberger, who is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022, at Latah County District Court in Moscow, Idaho. (Zach Wilkinson/The Moscow-Pullman Daily News via AP, Pool) Zach Wilkinson/AP

Evidence corroborating Mr. Kohberger being at a location other than the King Road address will be disclosed pursuant to discovery and evidentiary rules as well as statutory requirements, Taylor wrote. It is anticipated this evidence may be offered by way of cross-examination of witnesses produced by the state as well as calling expert witnesses.

Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty if he is convicted.
By Yew Lun Tian and Laurie Chen

BEIJING (Reuters) -China named veteran diplomat Wang Yi its new foreign minister on Tuesday, removing former rising star Qin Gang after a mysterious one-month absence from duties barely half a year into the job.

Qin, 57, a former aide to President Xi Jinping and envoy to the United States, took over the ministry in December but has not been seen in public since June 25 when he met visiting diplomats in Beijing.

The ministry has said he was off work for health reasons but gave no details, sparking speculation and drawing attention to the secrecy often surrounding China's Communist leadership and decision making.

Qin's successor Wang, 69, was also his predecessor, holding the post from 2013-2022 as ties frayed with rival superpower the United States to a point Beijing described as an all-time low.

He has filled in for Qin during his absence and represented China at a national security advisers' meeting of BRICS countries in Johannesburg, South Africa this week.

State media did not report why Qin was removed from office and China's foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment. Xi signed a presidential order to make the decision effective, state news agency Xinhua reported.

"The lack of an explanation opens more questions than provides answers," said Ja Ian Chong, associate professor of political science at National University of Singapore.

"It also underscores the opacity and unpredictability, even arbitrariness in the current political system."

It is not the first time there has been an unexplained absence of officials in China.

Industry minister Xiao Yaqing disappeared from public view for nearly a month last year before it was revealed he was being investigated for corruption.

RATIONAL CHOICE

Qin was one of China's youngest foreign ministers, enjoying a meteoric ascent that analysts partly attributed to his closeness to Xi. He was twice foreign ministry spokesman, between 2006-2014, and chief protocol officer from 2014-2018, overseeing many of Xi's contacts with foreign leaders.

He headed to Washington as ambassador in July 2021, after a period of unusual public vitriol between U.S. and Chinese officials.

Wang was promoted to the politburo of the Chinese Communist Party, one of China's top leadership bodies.

He retakes the foreign ministry post as China seeks to re-engage with the world after years of COVID-induced isolation, as a mooted economic recovery fails to gain hold and the country spars with the United States over issues from Ukraine, Russia and Taiwan to trade and technology disputes.

"The choice of Wang Yi is rational," said Yun Sun, director of the China Program at the Stimson Center in Washington.

"To convey a sense of stability and credibility, China needs to select someone who is senior, authoritative and impeccable," she said.

Hours after news of his appointment broke, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari tweeted his congratulations, saying Wang was "an astute and seasoned diplomat".

As for Qin's political future, that remains unclear, say analysts, pointing out that there has not yet been any clarity over whether he will still hold his role as state councillor, a member of China's cabinet.

"Qins removal without explanation has left intact the rumors and speculation about his disappearance," Dali Yang, a political science professor at the University of Chicago.

"His fate is left hanging and is a glaring reminder of the opacity of the Chinese political system."

(Reporting by Yew Lun Tian, Laurie Chen and Martin Quin Pollard; Editing by John Geddie, Nick Macfie, Andrew Cawthorne and Bernadette Baum)
(Reuters) - Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has called for joint efforts to address global security challenges, Chinese state-run media agency Xinhua reported on Tuesday.

Wang made the remarks at the 13th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security in Johannesburg, South Africa, Xinhua said.

BRICS is an acronym for five emerging economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

China named the veteran diplomat its new foreign minister on Tuesday, removing former rising star Qin Gang after a mysterious one-month absence from his duties barely half a year into the job.

Qin's successor Wang was also his predecessor, holding the post from 2013-2022 as ties with the United States frayed to a point Beijing described as an all-time low.

Wang, who is also the director of the Office of the CPC Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, called to resist external intervention and safeguard political security.

He also highlighted the need to abide by the purposes and principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter, respecting all countries' legitimate security concerns and their right to choose their political systems and development paths, Xinhua reported.

Wang said efforts should be made to resolve disputes and differences through dialogue and consultation, while acts of "decoupling" and "double standards" should be opposed.

He also underlined common security and opposed zero-sum thinking and the Cold War mentality.

China is willing to work with its BRICS partners to carry out more practical cooperation in addressing international security challenges, Wang said, according to Xinhua.

At the meeting, member nations agreed to carry forward the BRICS spirit, support multilateralism, oppose unilateral sanctions and jointly cope with global challenges, including terrorism, extremism and cross-border crime, Xinhua added.

(Reporting by Roushni Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Pooja Desai)
Former Marine Daniel Duggan once flew Harrier jets for the United States, taking off and landing on Navy carriers during international missions as part of Marine Attack Squadron 214, based in Yuma, Arizona.

That was over 20 years ago, but his activity since leaving the service is now the subject of a US indictment that alleges he used his specialist skills to teach Chinese pilots how to land planes on aircraft carriers, claims he denies.

Since last October, Duggan, 54, has been held in a maximum-security prison in regional Australia as his lawyers fight an extradition order, approved by Australias attorney general, to return him to the US to face trial on charges including money laundering and conspiracy to export US defense services.

On Tuesday, Duggans lawyers argued for a stay of extradition while Australias Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) investigates claims of improper action by Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), including that Duggan was lured from China, where he was living, to Australia, where the US had legal reach to arrest him.

The case comes as the US and its allies seek to unite against China in the Indo-Pacific, where Beijing has been fortifying islands with military installations that they fear may one day be used in a regional conflict.

From Lithgow Correctional Centre, where hes being held, Duggan told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that he was living a nightmare. I strenuously reject the indictment in its entirety, he said.

Duggans wife Saffrine wants Australian officials to block his extradition, and on Tuesday she and some of their six children stood outside court, holding signs calling for him to be freed.

Were horrified that something like this could happen, not only to us, but to anyone, Saffrine Duggan told her supporters.

I would never have thought this could ever happen in Australia, let alone to our family. My family is brave and strong and so are our friends, and so is my husband, but we are all terribly torn apart.

Saffrine Duggan speaks to supporters outside a Sydney court on Tuesday, July 25, as lawyers argue her husband's case. - Paul Devitt/CNN

The allegations

After completing his final mission as a Major with the US Marines, Duggan moved to Australia in 2002. He met Saffrine in 2011, and a year later he became an Australian citizen, renounced his US citizenship, and the family moved to China.

Saffrine and the children moved back to Australia in 2018, and Duggan joined them in September 2022, after receiving Australian security clearance for an aviation licence, his supporters say.

But within weeks, that clearance was revoked and he was taken into custody.

The charges relate to a period between November 2009 and November 2012, when Duggan  then a US citizen  was alleged to have trained Chinese military pilots in China, according to a 2017 indictment that was unsealed last December.

The indictment said that as early as 2008, Duggan received an email from the US State Department telling him he was required to register with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls and apply for permission to train a foreign air force.

Instead, it claims he conspired with others  including the Test Flying Academy of South Africa (TFASA)  to export defense services in violation of an arms embargo on China.

An undated image of former US fighter pilot Daniel Duggan with his wife Saffrine in Tasmania. - Courtesy Saffrine Duggan

In a statement to CNN, TFASA said it complies with the laws of every jurisdiction in which it operates.

The statement said Duggan undertook one test pilot contract for the company in South Africa between November and December 2012, and never worked for TFASA on any of its training mandates in China.

The indictment alleges Duggan negotiated directly with a Chinese firm to provide other defense services for a fee, including the evaluation of pilot trainees, testing of naval aviation related equipment, instruction on tactics, techniques, and procedures for launching planes from, and landing on, a naval aircraft carrier.

Duggan told the ABC that none of the training involved the disclosure of secret or proprietary information. Its all public domain, open-source information that anybody, if theyre interested in, could Google it or look it up on Wikipedia, he said.

The training offered by TFASA allegedly involved the use of a T-2 Buckeye, a twin-engine, straight-wing airplane, purchased in the US and exported to South Africa, without authorization from the US.

In its statement to CNN, TFASA said it only leased the plane from a business associate in South Africa, and never attempted to purchase it. Duggan flew the T-2, among other planes, during his contract, but the company ceased using the aircraft when approached by officials from the US Embassy in South Africa, TFASA added.

Former US fighter pilot Daniel Duggan is in custody in Australia pending extradition to the US on charges including that he trained Chinese military pilots. - Courtesy Saffrine Duggan

Training Chinese pilots

Duggan doesnt deny training Chinese pilots, but he maintains they were civilians  plane enthusiasts seeking to improve their skills or prospective members of Chinas then rapidly expanding aviation industry.

Glenn Kolomeitz, a former member of the Australian Defence Force and lawyer, who is advocating for the family, told CNN that it is very, very common for people to leave the military and go work overseas.

Dan was just an instructor, just a pilot trainer. Thats it, he told CNN.

He wasnt a part of the company (TFASA), he wasnt in any way involved in any of the administration, the management, and how could he possibly have thought, or have even considered that there would be any illegality in this, when there are so many people, including high levels from the RAF, the British air force, involved in this training.

On October 18, three days before Duggan was arrested in Australia, the UK Defence Ministry issued a statement warning that it was taking decisive steps to stop Chinese recruitment schemes attempting to headhunt serving and former UK Armed Forces pilots.

The next day, Australias Defence Minister Richard Marles said he had asked his department to investigate reports that former Australian military pilots had also been recruited by TFASA to work in China. And a spokesperson for New Zealands Defence Force confirmed to Reuters that four of its former military pilots had been recruited by the company.

Two days after that, Duggan was taken into custody near his home in rural New South Wales, and only learned of the allegations against him 62 days later, Saffrine said. He faces up to 65 years in prison if found guilty.

It has been devastating. The kids and I distraught. Its just a struggle. Its a daily struggle. The kids have lots of questions. Constant tears. I mean, its horrific, she told CNN.

Daniel Duggan's children joined protesters on Sunday July 23, 2023 to call for their father's release. - Paul Devitt/CNN

Since Duggans arrest, the UK and Australia have moved to tighten laws for former service members who train foreign forces.

The new legislation being developed will remove any doubts about the application of these laws to the full breadth of our defence secrets, said a spokesperson for Marles.

In a speech in February, Mike Burgess, Australias director-general of security and the head of ASIO, said a small but concerning number of Australian veterans were willing to put cash before country.

These individuals are lackeys, more top tools than top guns. Selling our warfighting skills is no different to selling our secrets  especially when the training and tactics are being transferred to countries that will use them to close capability gaps, and could use them against us or our allies at some time in the future, he said.

The T-2 Buckeye

News of Duggans arrest has spread through the ranks of former US Marines, says Ben Hancock, a retired colonel who served a rank above Duggan in the late 90s when he was forward deployed on missions that took him to the Persian Gulf and around Asia, with a final stop in Townsville, Australia.

He was what we called a weapons and tactics instructor, which is the highest instructor qualification you can get in the Marine Corps, he said.

Its a very expensive course, you have to be hand-picked to be sent to it. And then once you return, you become the training guru for everybody else in the squadron, he said. He was top-notch. I trusted him with my life.

Hancock said Duggan left the service as an honorable Marine, and while he hadnt spoken to him since his arrest, they had kept in touch by email sporadically over the years.

Hancock said the T-2 Buckeye was used for many generations by US Navy and Marine Corps pilots to learn maneuvers on a ship  how to catapult off and trap aircraft as well as make arrested landings.

Aircraft from Training Squadron 86 mark the last training flight of the T-2 Buckeye, the Navy's longest-serving jet trainer, Pensacola, Fla., Aug. 8, 2008. - US Department of Defense

He said it was unusual to see a T-2 Buckeye at a civilian flight school, because most of them had been mothballed, but described it as a great introductory aircraft for military training.

Its great aerobatic airplane if you want to teach a guy to fly a twin-engine jet, how to handle jets, the speed of jet over propeller airplanes, and then do aerobatics and stall series  Its a great airplane to train anybody in extreme flying environments that allow you to recover the airplane safely, he said.

He said he hasnt seen the evidence against Duggan, but questions why no one else has been charged and says the vast majority of Duggans experience was piloting Harriers that take off and land vertically, which requires a different approach.

As Harrier pilots, all our time at sea, we did short takeoffs using the Harriers capability, not a catapult. Wed pick up under own power and then we did every landing was a vertical landing. And the Chinese dont have in those kinds of jets, he said. So Dan didnt have the expertise, in my opinion, to be training guys for that. Its the wrong type of approach and landing.

In its statement to CNN, TFASA denied teaching aircraft carrier approach and landing techniques to Chinese military pilots.

TFASA provides training to test pilots, flight test engineers, and basic operational instructor pilots under closely controlled security conditions. All training aspects and material are strictly unclassified, and provided either from open source or the clients themselves. No training involves classified tactics or other information, nor any frontline activities, the statement said.

Duggans supporters believe hes been caught up in a hardened approach by Western allies towards China under leader Xi Jinping, who in recent years has expanded the military and expressed his intention to reunify the democratic island of Taiwan with the mainland, despite never having controlled it.

US Vice President Joe Biden with Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping before talks at a hotel in Beijing on August 19, 2011. - Ng Han Guan/AFP/Getty Images/File

At the time Duggan was alleged to have been training Chinese military pilots, Xi was stepping out onto the international stage, visiting the US to meet then Vice President Joe Biden and proposing to strengthen their cooperation.

Several years later, under former President Donald Trump, relations deteriorated as both countries engaged in a trade war and ties remain deeply strained to this day.

Duggans arrest in 2022 came as the US, UK and Australia formed a stronger security bond under AUKUS, the deal they signed in 2021 to join forces in the Pacific to counter an increasingly assertive China.

Kolomeitz, the familys supporter, says Duggan is being used to send a message to Beijing to back off from hiring its former military personnel.

Dont be recruiting Western former military people  thats what its all about. Right? he said. Its sending a message to China, and its helping to push through the legislative agendas of these agencies.

The court was adjourned Tuesday with a date set of November 24 for Duggans extradition hearing. By then, pending any bail application, the former US pilot will have be detained for more than 12 months.

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Song Young-gil, left, a former leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, speaks to reporters after he filed a complaint against President Yoon Suk Yeol, accusing him of making false statements about a fraud case involving his mother-in-law during last year's presidential campaign in front of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office, July 25. Yonhap



Song Young-gil, a former leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), filed a complaint against President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday, accusing him of making false statements about a fraud case involving his mother-in-law during last year's presidential campaign.



The mother-in-law, Choi Eun-soon, was imprisoned Friday after an appeals court upheld her one-year prison sentence for forging a financial document used in a land purchase deal.



During the election campaign, Yoon publicly denied any wrongdoing on her part, asserting that she had been deceived by the other party for an amount of around 5 billion won ($3.91 million).



"As President Yoon's mother-in-law has been detained, it is common sense for the president to reflect on his lies and issue an apology," Song said in a news conference in front of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office.





Choi Eun-soon, second from left, the mother-in-law of President Yoon Suk Yeol, arrives at the Uijeongbu District Court, Gyeonggi Province, July 21. Yonhap
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said on Tuesday he was forced to cancel an official visit to China after enduring a minor head injury that required him to stay at home.

The visit was announced earlier on Tuesday by the Chinese embassy in Fiji, which said Rabuka would attend the opening of the World University Games in Chengdu, alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Rabuka, elected in December, said he had been forced to cancel the visit after tripping on the stairs while looking at this phone, resulting in an injury to his head.

"I've just come back from the hospital where I had a dressing put on my head for a small accident I had this morning," Rabuka said in a video message uploaded to Facebook, pointing to small blood splatters on his business shirt.

"I have had to inform China I will not be able to undertake the trip that was coming up tomorrow night," he continued, adding he hoped to accept future invitations to the country.

Rabuka's visit was planned as China ramps up its push for security and trade ties with the Pacific Islands to compete with the United States and its allies.

Rabuka has previously said he was reviewing a police cooperation agreement with China, signed a decade ago by the former government.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare signed a policing deal with China during a visit to the nation earlier this month, building on a security pact struck last year.

Australia's Pacific Minister Pat Conroy said on Tuesday Sogavare had reassured him during a visit to the country that Australia remains the Solomon Island's "primary security partner".

"Every single Pacific leader agreed that security should be driven by the Pacific, that if any country in the Pacific has a gap in their security, they should ask other members of the Pacific family to fill it first," Conroy told reporters.

(Reporting by Kirsty Needham; Editing by Emma Rumney)
PARIS (AP)  U.S. first lady Jill Biden attended a flag-raising ceremony at UNESCO in Paris on Tuesday, marking Washington's official reentry into the U.N. agency after a controversial five-year hiatus.

The Stars and Stripes was hoisted up outside UNESCO's headquarters with the Eiffel Tower on the skyline to rousing applause and a rendition of the national anthem. Before the flag-raising, Biden made remarks about the importance of American leadership in preserving cultural heritage and empowering education and science across the globe.

I was honored to join you today as we raise the flag of the Unites States, the symbol of our commitment to global collaboration and peace, Biden said. She said that this move was an example of President Joe Biden's pledge about restoring our leadership on the world stage.

We are so proud to rejoin UNESCO, she proclaimed, acknowledging that as a teacher Im a little biased.

The United States had announced its intention to rejoin UNESCO in June, and the organizations 193 member states earlier this month voted to approve the U.S. reentry. Tuesdays ceremony, which also featured a speech by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, formally signified the U.S. becoming the 194th member  and flag proprietor  at the agency.

We are putting the Star Spangled banner back where it belongs, Azoulay said.

In the time of divisions, rifts and and existential threats, we reaffirm our union here today," Azoulay also said, referring to current global political instabilities. Together we will be stronger."

"The return of the United States has a meaning that is bigger than UNESCO," she added.

Azoulay emphasized the significance of the move for multilateralism and universality as a whole  in a speech that name checked the war in Ukraine. She said the momentum of UNESCO will grow with the reintegration of the U.S., thereby strengthening the organizations initiatives throughout the world.

The U.N. agencys special envoy Forest Whitaker, the American actor, also gave a speech praising the spirit of peace through education that could not have been possible without UNESCO.

The U.S. decision to return to Paris-based UNESCO was based mainly on concerns that China has filled a leadership gap since Washington withdrew during the Trump administration. This development underscores the broader geopolitical dynamics at play, particularly the growing influence of China in international institutions.

The U.S. exit from UNESCO in 2017 cited an alleged anti-Israel bias within the organization. The decision followed a 2011 move by UNESCO to include Palestine as a member state, which led the U.S. and Israel to cease financing the agency. The U.S. withdrawal became official a year later in 2018.

In preparation for its return, the Biden administration requested $150 million for the 2024 budget to go toward UNESCO dues and arrears, with plans for similar requests in the ensuing years until the full debt of $619 million is paid off. This represents a significant portion of UNESCOs annual operating budget of $534 million, highlighting the substantial financial role the U.S. played in the agency before its departure.

Before its withdrawal, the U.S. was the single biggest funder of UNESCO, contributing 22% of the agencys overall funding.

This is the second time the U.S. has returned to UNESCO after a period of withdrawal. The country previously left the organization in 1984 under the Reagan administration, citing mismanagement, corruption and perceived advancement of Soviet interests. It rejoined in 2003 under George W. Bushs presidency.

Jill Biden, who teaches English and writing at a Virginia community college, brings with her a passion for education and personal experience in the field to represent the United States in Paris. In the following days, her visit will also serve to pay tribute to American history and cultural heritage in France.

On Wednesday, Biden will go to the Brittany American Cemetery to honor the U.S. soldiers who lost their lives during World War II. This tribute will serve as a solemn reminder of the shared history and sacrifices that bind the U.S. and France together.

She will conclude her trip to France at the renowned Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO world heritage site, to underscore the importance of preserving heritage locations around the world. Her visit to the iconic site will serve to highlight the shared global responsibility in safeguarding global cultural treasures, according to her program.
Former employees of Aritzia, the Canadian womens fashion company, have spoken candidly about their negative experiences working for the retailer, which they allege was exploitive and overly high-pressure.

In a 24 July article published by Insider, the outlet detailed the remarks of 53 individuals who either currently or previously worked for Aritzia, in which several of whom said that while the world of fashion is notoriously cutthroat, working at Aritzia was particularly gruelling.

Allegedly, the negative culture was linked to the founder of the clothing brand, Brian Hill. One employee who worked in the companys support office, and was close to Hill, said: I think a lot of people in that organisation feel worthless. They have been berated and degraded for so long.

Additionally, other employees reported having to sign confidentiality agreements and exit contracts, and requested they be anonymous in Insiders story, because they were afraid the company would retaliate. A few allegedly stated that working for the company was similar to being psychologically abused.

According to Insider, four ex-employees associated Hills leadership tactics with fear and intimidation. The individuals thought back to corporate meetings, recalling other coworkers losing sleep or feeling sick the night before. If you said so many or a lot, he would go off for five minutes about using facts, one individual alleged. It definitely came across as public humiliation.

Another former employee specifically referenced Hills tests. He once held up a pen and asked an employee: What is this? When she replied that it was a pen, he threw it, saying: Wrong, its a blue pen, the former employee recalled to Insider. However, an Aritzia spokesperson told the outlet that Hill has never thrown a pen, denying the claim.

He just wants to see you fail publicly, the previous support office worker alleged, claiming that Hills tactics were to essentially tear down somebodys self-confidence, to a point where he knew he had full control over that person.

Another former employee added: You cant throw things in a meeting or intimidate or harass people without everybody knowing. What I found unfortunate about it is that it becomes accepted.

Insider also referenced the comments of an individual who used to be a style advisor for the store. He definitely plays a bit of a hot-or-not game. We dont need to keep this girl; shes not cute. This girl can get promoted because she looks a certain way, they allegedly said. Two people who previously worked for the brand attested to this, claiming Hill would allegedly give raises to the employees he thought were attractive or embodied the Aritzia cool girl person.

Allegedly, employees were evaluated on a SMPS method: style, motivation, personality, and smarts, according to previous retail workers. Insiderreported: Five people who worked at retail stores in Ontario between 2005 and 2019 said they had to rate their own - or their colleagues - appearances out of 10 in daily huddles, addressing where they fell short. No one was allowed to be a 10.

One former employee who used to be a store manager in Canada purportedly admitted she gave another employee a low style rating for their outfit, but bumped the score up to an eight when her merchandise manager asked her to do so because the employee was skinny. Automatically, if youre skinny, youre not going to be below a seven, another past employee reported.

The Aritzia spokesperson denied the claim and said the brand has never directed its boutique employees or managers to do this and that this particular incident would be wildly out of sync with company policy and does not reflect the company values. They added that SMPS is no longer in place.

Two Black individuals who used to work for the brand as style advisors in Toronto discussed experiences with their managers asking them to grab coffee and add enough milk to it so the drink was the colour of their skin. The companys spokesperson said the company would never tolerate those actions and therefore arent aware that this has happened.

Daani Jetton quit her position as a style advisor in New York because she didnt feel the company substantially supported Black employees, according to Insider. Jessica Porter and Candace Jerry were allegedly forced to run clothes back to the sales floor, steam clothes, work the register, etc  all tasks white employees werent asked to do. Aritzias spokesperson denied Porter and Jerrys claims, adding the company has never assigned tasks to employees based on their race. All employees play a role in maintaining our boutiques, the spokesperson said.

Anyango Juma Miguna, a former worker in the Newmarket, Ontario, store sued her store manager in May. The filing alleged: She arrived for her shift on 28 March 2023 to find the manager waiting for her in front of the store. The manager blocked Miguna from entering, shoved her into a nearby hallway, and handed her a termination letter. The filing alleges that, as the manager did this, she called Miguna a dirty African who should not be working at Aritzia.

Insider also reported Aritzias style advisors tracked their sales per hour (SPH) to determine their shift schedules. Former style advisor in Toronto, Hannah, explained that all SPHs would be disclosed at the start of the day and the employee with the lowest would have try to increase their number even if that means cutting another girl down or forcing the customer to buy stuff that doesnt look good on them.

According to two previous employees, calling out for medical purposes wasnt easy. Kaycelyn Pascual allegedly quit the same day she called out sick because she couldnt hand in a doctors note to her manager in person like they wanted her to.

I always say if you make it long enough at Aritzia, you drank the jungle juice, and now youre serving it to other people, the Vancouver support office worker told Insider.

Nadia Mahammed, an individual who worked as a customer service representative, recalled the Toronto office having a crying corner and referred to management as abusive. The Aritzia spokesperson denied the claim that the company had a crying corner.

Speaking to Insider, one previous benefits coordinator said she filed a case with the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal for mental health discrimination. You dont dress the part, you dont look the part, you dont speak the part, her manager would allegedly tell her. She was fired in August 2021 after going on disability leave, but for restructuring reasons.

Following the murder of George Floyd in June 2020, Aritzia received complaints from two previous Black employees about experiences with racism in the workplace. Hill put out a statement and explained that the company would be investing in ourselves, holding ourselves accountable, condemning intolerance and injustice, and making sure that Aritzia is a place where all people can come and have successful careers. He also said Aritzia had spent more than $1m on a new diversity and inclusion program.

Insider looked at two anonymous complaint letters sent to the companys support office. The first was signed by P and referred to Hill as a bully and the primary abuser. According to the spokesperson, Aritzia strongly disputes the characterisations and allegations made in this letter. The company has since limited current employees access to Hill.

Since 1984, Brian has played a key role in building Aritzia from a small single retail location to a global fashion player that prioritises excellence and Everyday Luxury for its consumers. The companys success has been a direct result of its high-performance culture. Brian is an exacting CEO, just like that of any other highly profitable global company, but he is also notably devoted to fostering the careers and growth of his employees, an Aritzia spokesperson said in a statement to The Independent. Brian is committed to mentorship throughout the company at every level, and he is deeply appreciative of the contributions that every single one of the more than 60,000 team members who have walked through Aritzias doors over the past nearly 40 years have made. The allegations in this story are not representative of the company culture that Brian and his leadership team at Aritzia have fostered and built.

They added: At Aritzia, we pride ourselves on our inclusive culture, incredible diversity, and opportunities for professional growth, and we are committed to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment free from discrimination. We recognise that our customer base is an expansive and diverse community, and we strive to reflect that community in our boutiques through the brands we carry, the people we hire, and the self-expression we encourage through fashion. More than 250 of our current employees have had an incredibly rewarding career with Aritzia for 10 years or longer.

In the statement, the spokesperson added that Aritzia is proud that our global team, led by CEO Jennifer Wong, is 85 per cent women and 54 per cent identify as BIPOC and that the company continues to invest in and strengthen our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).

In recent years, we have hired a head of EDI and launched employee advocacy groups; implemented mandatory training and education on systematic racism, racial inequity and social injustice for all current and future members of our teams; and evaluated every area of our business to ensure equity, diversity and inclusion are representative of the communities where we work, the statement continued. We are committed to continuing this work and to providing resources for our employees to listen, learn and take action.
Trevor Reed, the former US Marine who was wrongfully detained in Russia for nearly three years before being released in a prisoner swap, was injured while fighting in Ukraine, a source familiar with the matter told CNN Tuesday.

Reed, who was freed in a prisoner swap in April 2022, was transported to a hospital in Kyiv and was evacuated to Germany for medical care, the source said.

The circumstances around Reeds injury in combat were not immediately clear.

The Messenger was first to report the news.

We are aware that Trevor Reed was injured while participating in fighting in Ukraine, State Department principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said at a briefing Tuesday, adding that Reed was evacuated to Germany with the support of an unnamed NGO.

A US official told CNN that Reed is being treated at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, a US military hospital near Ramstein Air Base.

Patel and another US administration official stressed that Reed was not engaged in any activities on behalf of the US government.

And as I indicated, we have been incredibly clear warning American citizens, American nationals not to travel to Ukraine, let alone participate in fighting, Patel added.

Since the beginning of this war, we have warned that US citizens who traveled to Ukraine, especially with the purpose of participating in fighting there, that they face significant risks including the risk of capture or death or physical harm, he said.

Patel did not provide details on when the US government became aware of Reeds injuries in conflict.

Jonathan Franks, a spokesperson for the Reed family, declined to comment.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken at a news conference Tuesday in Tonga said that Reeds fighting in Ukraine shouldnt have any effect on ongoing negotiations aimed at freeing two Americans who remain wrongfully detained in Russia: Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich.

As Ive noted before, even with countries where we have profound differences, and almost by definition, countries that are arbitrarily detaining or unlawfully detaining Americans are usually countries with which we have profound differences, we manage to find ways to bring Americans home, Blinken said.

Since the start of this administration, weve brought home 29 Americans who were being arbitrarily detained, he continued. So, my expectation is that even as were dealing with all sorts of other challenges in our relationship with Russia, we will and we are determined to continue to work to bring both Evan and Paul home.

While aware of reports that Reed was injured, Blinken did not have any additional information on his condition. The top US diplomat also said it underscored why the US warns Americans against traveling to Ukraine.

A US official said that of course they are concerned that the development with Reed will negatively impact efforts to negotiate the release of Whelan and Gershkovich.

However, this official stressed that the two issues are wholly separate.

This was something an individual did of their own volition and should be treated entirely separately from negotiations for the release of Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, the official told CNN.

Patel would not speculate on the impact Reeds fighting in Ukraine would have on negotiations, but said that as it relates to other American citizens who continue to be wrongfully detained in Russia, as I, as the Secretary, as Matt, as Ambassador Carstens and others have said, we will continue to engage directly with the Russian Federation calling for the release.

Youve seen us do so in the case of Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich, and will continue to remain deeply engaged on those issues, he said.

Reed was arrested in Moscow in the summer of 2019 for intoxication, and was sentenced to nine years in prison in July 2020 for endangering the life and health of Russian police officers in an altercation. Reed and his family denied the charges against him, and he was designated as wrongfully detained by the US State Department.

His release from Russian prison in April 2022 came after months of effort by the US government, officials said, and was particularly urgent given concerns about Reeds health. It was ultimately secured through a prisoner swap for Russian citizen Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian smuggler convicted of conspiring to import cocaine.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNNs Natasha Bertrand contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
PARIS (Reuters) -France's antitrust watchdog said on Tuesday it had issued a statement of objection against Apple, citing concerns the U.S. technology company could have breached regulations linked to the use of iPhone user data for advertising purposes.

The watchdog is concerned Apple might "abuse its dominant position by implementing discriminatory, non-objective and non-transparent conditions for the use of user data for advertising purposes", it said in a statement.

The statement triggers an antitrust procedure during which the company will be able to express its point of view, the watchdog said.

Apple denied the allegation. The mechanism "gives users more control by requiring all apps to ask permission before tracking them", the company said in an e-mailed statement, adding it will "continue to engage constructively" with the French regulator.

Four French online advertising industry groups filed an antitrust complaint in 2020 against Apple over changes the company made to privacy features when it started to ask iPhone owners whether they were ready to allow apps to gather data used to define and send targeted ads, called App Tracking Transparency (ATT).

The feature lead to revenue declines for publishers, industry lobby groups said.

The four associations - IAB France, MMAF, SRI and UDECAM - said the changes brought by Apple did not meet European Union privacy rules, citing the fact that while the opt-in mechanism applied for third-party developers, Apple's own apps did not include it.

"Apples apps do not show an ATT prompt because they do not track, meaning they do not link user or device data with user or device data collected from other companies apps, websites, or offline properties for targeted advertising or advertising measurement purposes, nor do they share user or device data with data brokers," Apple said.

"Apple holds its advertising business to a higher standard of privacy than it requires of any other developer," the company added.

(Reporting by Tassilo Hummel and Mathieu Rosemain; Editing by Susan Fenton, Mark Porter and Nick Macfie)
(Reuters) -Nearly 100 firefighters were using a helicopter to contain a wildfire in the French municipalities of Cagnes-sur-Mer and Villeneuve-Loubet, close to Nice international airport, officials said on Tuesday.

By late afternoon firefighters were about to contain the blaze near Cagnes-sur-Mer, a spokesperson for the local fire department told Reuters, adding that operations were expected to continue during the evening.

There were no victims or damage to housing, the spokesperson said. A spokesperson of France's civil aviation authority DGAC said there had been "no impact on air traffic for the time being".

The fire affected an uninhabited area close to a highway, a local town hall official said. Highway and rail traffic was interrupted, Nice police said on social media network X, formerly known as Twitter.

Extreme weather throughout July has caused havoc across the planet, with record temperatures in China, the United States and southern Europe sparking forest fires, evacuations, water shortages and a rise in heat-related hospital admissions.

The Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur region, home to large cities such as Marseille, Nice and Aix-en-Provence, was being closely watched amid the prevalence of high temperatures and strong winds in an area historically prone to wildfires.

The Bouches-du-Rhone department on Tuesday was placed under a "red alert", with authorities seeing a "very high risk" of wildfires. Over 300 firefighters were battling to contain fires near the city of Arles, police said.

There were several fire outbreaks in southeastern France on Tuesday afternoon, and authorities closed access to parks and markets to minimise the risks to residents, according to a report in Nice Matin newspaper.

(Reporting by Augustin Turpin, writing by Tassilo Hummel, editing by Bernadette Baum and Grant McCool)
A close-up of a bear's face staring at a camera.

Turns out bears have been just as vain as the rest of us, all along.

YouTuber Tom Scott recently paid a visit to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, Montana, where they test out "bear resistant" products  trash containers, for instance  by smearing them with tasty treats and placing them in a pen with real bears.

Scott previously filmed a test using two GoPro cameras, one of which was chomped on by a bear and carried off into a pond. The good news? The camera survived, and the footage shows some glorious close-ups of said bear's inquisitive face.
NEW YORK (AP)  A gynecologist who sexually abused vulnerable and trusting patients for over two decades at prestigious New York hospitals cried before he was sentenced Tuesday to 20 years in prison by a federal judge who called his crimes unprecedented.

The sentence for Robert Hadden, 64, was a measure of vindication for hundreds of former patients who accused the doctor of molesting them during examinations but saw an earlier prosecution end with a plea bargain that spared him from jail.

Given his chance to speak Tuesday, Hadden stood, his hands folded before him, as he said there was much Id like to say but that he had been advised by lawyers to keep his statement brief.

Im very sorry for all the pain that I have caused, the sobbing Hadden said before dropping his head down as he sat again. He then took off his glasses and wiped tears from his eyes.

In statements over the past two days, Judge Richard M. Berman said the case was like none hed seen before and involved outrageous, horrific, beyond extraordinary, depraved sexual abuse. He noted that at least 245 women Hadden treated said they were abused.

The federal trial involved a smaller number of victims. Hadden was convicted of four counts of enticing women to cross state lines so he could sexually abuse them.

Nine victims testified at the trial, describing how Hadden molested them during gynecology treatments, starting in the late 1980s, at prominent hospitals, including Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. The Associated Press does not typically name victims of sexual assault unless they come forward publicly.

Allegations of misconduct during examinations first surfaced in 2012. Hadden was indicted on state charges in 2014 as women  19 and counting  kept coming forward. But in 2016, the office of the Manhattan district attorney at the time, Cyrus Vance Jr., allowed Hadden to plead guilty to two low-level felonies and a misdemeanor in a deal that required him to give up his medical license but didn't require jail time and kept him out of the state's sex offender registry.

Some of the women who had gone to state prosecutors were outraged, but their stories didn't start receiving public attention until the #MeToo movement began gaining steam in 2017.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan got a grand jury indictment against Hadden in 2020, charges based on the fact that some patients at his New York offices had come into the city from other states. He was convicted in January.

Several dozen of Hadden's accusers were in the courtroom for his sentencing and some of them spoke outside the courthouse afterward, sharing their emotions with reporters and one another. Among them was Liz Hall, who said she found Hadden's expression of regret hollow.

That was not an apology. He has shown zero remorse or empathy. I think hes incapable, she said.

Hall said she hoped the sentence would give other victims of sexual abuse courage to speak out.

Some of the women abused by Hadden later pushed for a change to New York law that made it easier for survivors of sexual abuse to sue over allegations normally barred by the statute of limitations. Hospitals where Hadden worked have agreed to pay more than $236 million to settle civil claims by more than 200 former patients.

According to trial testimony, Hadden benefited from the prestige of the hospitals where he worked as he groomed his patients in a private office decorated with pictures of his children as he conversed with them about their personal lives.

But once he had isolated them after a chaperone or nurse left the treatment room, he fondled and probed them with gloveless fingers and sometimes orally.

The judge noted that many patients were particularly vulnerable because they were pregnant, had physical problems, or had never been to another gynecologist and trusted that Hadden was behaving properly. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jane Kim said Tuesday that Hadden still had not accepted responsibility for his crimes.

Outside the court, Dian Monson described writing a long letter to Columbia in early 1994 detailing abuse she suffered during an appointment with Hadden the previous year. She said Columbia responded with a letter and an official promised to ask Hadden about it and get back to her, but never did.

Over two decades later, Monson saw a television report in which abuse similar to what she endured was described by Evelyn Yang, whose husband Andrew Yang ran for president in 2020 and New York City mayor in 2022. Yang said Hadden sexually assaulted her years ago when she was seven months pregnant. She also said Columbia had denied knowing about Haddens abuse until 2012.

Monson said she recalled her 1994 complaint to Columbia and the hospitals response, and thought: Thats a total lie and I have the evidence that will prove thats a total lie.

Hall praised her, saying: I honestly think you are the only reason ... Columbia was forced to take accountability.

Monson smiled but only agreed to an extent, saying: I kind of caught him. We all kind of caught him.
If you want to visit the Mediterranean but long-haul flights arent your thing, Holland America Line has an alternative.

The cruise line is launching a new Legendary Voyage, the 42-day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage, that will take guests to 16 ports in nine countries in 2024 round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The itinerary, which includes stops in Portugal, Italy, Greece, Egypt, Spain and more, was inspired by a similar 1925 voyage on the lines Rotterdam IV ship. Paul Grigsby, Holland Americas vice president for deployment and itinerary planning, found a brochure for the cruise as he was rummaging around in his files.

It's an opportunity for North Americans to really see a full coverage of the Mediterranean in one cruise, Grigsby said.

Poster for the 1925 voyage on Holland America Lines Rotterdam IV ship.

When is the 42-day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage cruise?

The sailing on the lines 1,432-passenger Volendam ship will sail between Nov. 9 and Dec. 21, 2024.

Comic-Con at sea: New cruise will set sail in 2025 starting at $990

Where will the 42-day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage cruise sail?

The cruise will cross the Atlantic Ocean and make its first stops in Horta and Ponta Delgada in the Azores in Portugal. Those will be followed by visits to Tangier, Morocco, and overnight stays in Livorno and Civitavecchia in Italy, giving guests more time to explore and offering easy access to Florence or Pisa and Rome, respectively.

From there, the ship continues its tour of Italy, sailing to Naples and Catania before heading to Piraeus, Greece.

Holland America Line's Volendam ship.

Haifa, Israel; Alexandria, Egypt; and Cadiz, Spain  among other destinations  round out the trip before the ship returns to Florida. Holland America is still finalizing programming for the voyage, but plans on offer include a behind-the-scenes excursion at the Vatican and a late departure from Gibraltar, giving guests time for a concert at St. Michaels Cave.

How much does the 42-day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage cruise cost?

The sailing starts at $5,189 per person based on double occupancy for an inside stateroom. The fare includes most food on board, drinks such as regular coffee and tea and more.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cruise the Mediterranean for over a month for less than $5,200
Interior and Safety Minister Lee Sang-min, who was impeached by the parliament arrives at the Constitutional Court in Seoul to attend an initial hearing on his impeachment that has suspended his duties, May 9. Yonhap



The Constitutional Court on Tuesday unanimously rejected the National Assembly's impeachment of Interior Minister Lee Sang-min over last year's deadly crowd crush in Seoul, a decision that immediately reinstated him as minister.



The nine-member court reached the decision, 167 days after the opposition Democratic Party of Korea-controlled National Assembly passed the impeachment motion to hold him accountable for October's crowd crush that left 159 people dead in Seoul's Itaewon district.



Lee, whose duties were suspended following the Feb. 8 impeachment, was immediately put back into office.



The main focus of the court's deliberations on the case had been whether Lee fulfilled his duty as interior minister in charge of public safety to take steps to prevent the tragedy and whether the government's response was appropriate.









The court said it is impossible to conclude that Lee failed to fulfill his constitutional duties to protect people or violated the disaster and safety management act, adding the Itaewon tragedy was the result of many factors, not a specific one.



"The defendant's remarks, including those on the cause of the disaster, were inappropriate and enough to cause public misunderstanding ... (but) it is hard to conclude that they damaged the administrative function on disaster and safety management enough to warrant his dismissal," the court said.





Constitutional Court Chief Justice Yoo Nam-seok, third from left, enters the hearing on Interior and Safety Minister Lee Sang-min's parliamentary impeachment at the Constitutional Court in Seoul, July 25. Yonhap
NEW YORK (AP)  An intense police search of the Long Island home of Rex Heuermann is now complete, authorities said Tuesday as they ended a 12-day hunt for evidence that involved ripping up the yard and the discovery of a basement vault containing hundreds of weapons kept by the man accused of killing at least three women more than a decade ago.

At a press conference outside the Massapequa Park home where Heuermann lived with his wife and two kids, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said police had found a tremendous amount of information during their search.

He declined to describe the bulk of the material, but said there was not a singular piece of evidence that jumped out to him.

The search turned up at least 279 weapons kept inside a thick basement vault large enough for a person to walk into, Tierney said. Police took boxes of additional evidence from the house, which he described as a very cluttered environment.

An effort in recent days to dig up the backyard in search of possible clues about where the murders were committed did not yield any large items of evidence, he added.

A coalition of law enforcement agencies have been pouring over the property since July 14th, when Heuermann was arrested and charged with killing three women  Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Costello, and Megan Waterman  and dumping their bodies along a remote stretch of coastal highway near Long Island's Gilgo Beach more than a decade ago. Prosecutors identified him as the prime suspect in the death of a fourth woman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes.

Heuermann, who worked as an architect in Manhattan, has denied the charges through his lawyer.

The killings, all of which involved women engaged in sex work, happened while Heuermanns family members were out of town, according to court papers. There is no indication his wife or children had knowledge of the crimes, Tierney said.

During the search, police used a scanning technology to identify disturbances in the ground outside Heuermanns property, Tierney said. An excavator dug up the yard, and investigators with shovels could be seen scraping through freshly upturned earth.

There was nothing of note taken from the back yard, he said. As far as remains, there is a whole entire trace analysis we have to go through with the house with regard to hair fibers, DNA, blood, which well have to await the results of.

Police were also seen pulling a large doll encased in glass and a portrait of a woman with a bruise on her face from the house. Tierney said it would be quite some time before all of the evidence could be tested for forensics.

The end of the search comes as police in Las Vegas and South Carolina are beginning their own investigations into whether the suspect may have been connected to any unresolved cases. Heuermann owns a timeshare in Las Vegas and planned to retire in a remote area of South Carolina, where his brother currently lives.

Tierney declined to discuss specifics in the other cases on Tuesday, but noted the investigation is not limited to New York state.

Heuermann is due back in court on August 1st.
JERUSALEM (Reuters) -The Israeli military said soldiers "neutralized" three people on Tuesday who had opened fire at its forces from a car in the occupied West Bank city of Nablus.

The military, in a statement, did not specify what condition the three people were in but Israel's Army Radio said they were killed.

There was no immediate comment from Palestinian officials.

Palestine TV showed footage of a military vehicle blocking access to the area of the incident, including to an ambulance, as soldiers appeared to carry out an inspection.

Violence in the West Bank has surged for over a year, with increased Israeli raids, Palestinian street attacks and settler rampages in Palestinian villages.

The northern West Bank city of Nablus has been a traditional centre of Palestinian resistance to Israel's occupation.

The Palestinians want to establish an independent state in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza, territories Israel occupied in a 1967 Middle East war.

U.S.-sponsored statehood talks collapsed in 2014 and show no sign of revival while Israel has maintained military rule over millions of Palestinians and expanded West Bank settlements, which most countries deem illegal.

(Reporting by Henriette Chacar; Editing by James Mackenzie and Kim Coghill)
WASHINGTON (AP)  A former U.S. Marine who was released from Russia in a prisoner swap last year has been injured while fighting in Ukraine, the State Department said Tuesday.

Trevor Reed was wounded several weeks ago, according to a person familiar with the situation who was not authorized to discuss the matter by name and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. He has been taken to Germany for medical care, said State Department spokesman Vedant Patel.

U.S. officials said little about Reed's injury or presence in Ukraine beyond noting that his activities weren't on behalf of the U.S. government. But Reed's decision to take up arms during Russia's war with Ukraine potentially complicates U.S. efforts to win the release of two other Americans still detained by Moscow, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and corporate security executive Paul Whelan. His fighting also risked a potentially dire scenario if he'd been captured and returned to Russian custody after the U.S. had worked to get him home.

As I indicated, we have been incredibly clear warning American citizens, American nationals, not to travel to Ukraine, let alone participate in fighting," Patel said. "As you know, we are not in a place to provide assistance to evacuate private U.S. citizens from Ukraine, including those Americans who may decide to travel to Ukraine to participate in fighting.

The severity of Reed's injury was not immediately clear, but Patel said he was transported out of Ukraine by a non-governmental organization. He was taken to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, a level II trauma care center located near Ramstein Air Base, according to two U.S. officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

It's unclear how many Americans have volunteered to fight in Ukraine. But the conflict has attracted fighters from around the world, with Ukrainian authorities saying thousands of volunteers from dozens of countries have joined their cause. Ukraine established an international fighting force just days after Russia's February 2022 invasion.

Reed was released from Russian custody in an April 2022 prisoner swap in exchange for a Russian pilot, Konstantin Yaroshenko, whod been serving a 20-year federal sentence for conspiring to smuggle cocaine into the U.S.

Reed was arrested in the summer of 2019 after Russian authorities said he assaulted an officer while being driven by police to a police station following a night of heavy drinking. He was later sentenced to nine years in prison.

The U.S. government later designated him as unjustly detained and pressed for his release while his family has asserted his innocence. Relatives also were concerned about his deteriorating health. At one point he said he was coughing up blood while in custody. He also staged a hunger strike to protest the conditions under which he was held.

The Messenger was first to report Reed's injury.

_____

Associated Press writer Tara Copp in Washington and Yuras Karmanau in Tallinn, Estonia, contributed to this report.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  A man was ordered to go on trial in Mexico on suspicion of intentionally setting a fire at a border bar that killed 11 people last week, prosecutors said Tuesday.

Prosecutors in the state of Sonora said the Mexican suspect had been ejected from the bar in the border city of San Luis Rio Colorado because he was bothering women there.

They said he returned to the bar early Saturday and doused the place with a flammable liquid and set fire to it. The ensuing fire killed 10 Mexican citizens and one woman with American citizenship and injured six others.

He will be tried on 11 counts of homicide and six counts of attempted homicide, prosecutors said. If convicted on all counts, he could face life in prison.

In line with Mexican law, the name of the 28-year-old suspect was not given.

San Luis Rio Colorado is located across the border from Yuma, Arizona, and is best known for its numerous dental clinics and pharmacies serving visiting Americans.
Shark week is officially here, and there are plenty of shark-infested waters to wade through on all streaming platforms. But one shark show, National Geographic TVs SHARKFEST series, filmed an episode in Palm Beach County.

West Palm Beach-based environmental science nonprofit ANGARI foundation and shark scientists from FIU and FAU are featured in the Treasure Coast Terror! episode of SHARKFESTs When Sharks Attack and Why series.

Heres what the episode is about and where to watch it.

What is National Geographic SHARKFEST?

The rest of the country may only observe shark week, but National Geographic has been celebrating SHARKFEST since July 1 because one week is simply not enough, according to Nat Geos website.

National Geographics SHARKFEST library has myriad shark shows to choose from, with titles like Shark Below Zero, Bull Shark Bandits, When Sharks Attack 360, Sharkcano Hawaii, and When Sharks Attack and Why, which includes the episode with ANGARIs research team and South Florida shark scientists.

Shark trivia: Test your fintastic knowledge about great whites, hammerheads and others

Which episode of SHARKFEST is in West Palm Beach?

The third episode of When Sharks Attack and Why starts with a story from a St. Lucie County surfer, Jeremy Carr, who was a victim of a Bull Shark attack.

The entire episode focuses on a spike in shark attacks in the waters of the Treasure Coast and Palm Beach County during 2021 and investigates possible causes of the seven bites in the area that year.

In the episode, Toby Daly-Engel, director of the Florida Tech Shark Conservation Lab, explains why the area where Carr was bitten, the Indian River Lagoon, is a hotbed for Bull Sharks.

Stephen Kajiura, a biological sciences professor at Florida Atlantic University, appears on the episode to talk about sharks' ability to detect electric fields and rule out an increased use of metal detectors as a cause in the spike of Treasure Coast shark bites.

Florida International Universitys Laura Garcia Barcia, an environmental biologist and wildlife toxicologist, appears in the Treasure Coast Terror! episode aboard an ANGARI Foundation research boat. Garcia Barcia explains that pollutants entering the ocean can impact sharks and explores how they affect how sharks hunt for their prey.

The National Geographic film crew follows Garcia Barcia and her team as they take blood samples from sharks to test for contaminants.

Shark Week 2023: What sharks can you find on the Treasure Coast?

Where to watch SHARKFEST during shark week

If you want to discover what might have led to the spike in shark attacks off of Floridas Treasure Coast, you can stream the show in several different places.

You can watch When Sharks Attack and Why and other National Geographic SHARKFEST shows on National Geographic, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo Mundo, Disney+, Hulu and ESPN2.

Lianna Norman covers trending news in Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at lnorman@pbpost.com. You can follow her reporting on social media @LiannaNorman on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Shark Week includes National Geographic's South Florida SHARKFEST
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the infrastructure streamlining package July 10, accelerating construction timelines on the projects necessary to achieving the state's ambitious climate and clean energy goals. (Office of Gov. Gavin Newsom)

In a talk at a climate summit in New York, Gov. Gavin Newsom in September said he had to jam his own Democratic Legislature in order to pass a series of climate bills in the final days before lawmakers adjourned last year.

The comment frustrated his legislative allies back in California and prompted Newsom to embark on an apology tour to smooth things over.

Hes tried to ram major policy through the statehouse twice more since then.

Every governor employs different strategies when they step outside of their traditional powers in the executive branch and into the public policy making arena in Sacramento, where the state Legislature is responsible for introducing, debating and passing legislation.

Some governors limit their policy agenda, creating little need to bargain with lawmakers. Many tether their marquee proposals to the state budget process that begins and ends with the governor. Others use their celebrity, or the statewide ballot, to force lawmakers to cut deals.

Whether born from a lack of patience or hard-nosed intentionality, the policy trademark of Californias 40th governor has become increasingly apparent in his second term. Newsom has a penchant for publicly manufacturing a sense of urgency and giving lawmakers as little time as possible to act.

The process is always tough and I recognize I dont necessarily always make it easy, Newsom said at a news conference this month in Sacramento as he celebrated signing a series of infrastructure bills that he sprang on the Legislature in the 11th hour of the budget process.

You werent supposed to snicker, Newsom said to lawmakers standing next to him on stage.

Though said in jest, the governor was alluding to an uncomfortable reality. Despite coming together for a photo opportunity that day, the tactic isnt endearing Newsom to interest groups or his Democratic colleagues at the statehouse.

Gavin Newsom has correctly decided that he's willing to aggravate his allies because they need him more than he needs them, said Thad Kousser, a professor of political science at UC San Diego who wrote a book about how governors succeed in passing bills and budget proposals. Hes leveraging the publicity that every utterance that he makes creates in order to kind of create a political ultimatum when he wants the Legislature to do something.

Read more:Amid fight with oil industry, Newsom makes a last-minute pitch to harden California's climate goals

So far, its produced mixed results.

Though Newsom's tactic has helped him score some victories, it doesn't always deliver everything he set out to win. The Democratic governor announced a special session for lawmakers to pass a penalty on excessive oil industry profits last fall and just weeks after his mea culpa for suggesting lawmakers in Sacramento were beholden to the oil industry.

Feeling the political pressure of soaring gasoline prices, Newsom railed against Big Oil for price-gouging and taking advantage of Californians. Standing before television cameras in Sacramento, he said lawmakers had to pass a tax on oil industry profits in order to protect consumers now and get every dollar, every cent back in the pockets of those who were fleeced.

But the governors plan ran into problems from the jump.

No other state had successfully implemented a cap and penalty on oil profits. Without a blueprint to follow, lawmakers were worried a penalty could prompt the industry to continue to raise prices in California. Newsom acknowledged that navigating uncharted territory was a challenge.

The Legislature held its first public hearing on the proposal nearly five months after Newsom introduced the idea. By then, the governors office had presented only an outline of a plan to lawmakers with a yet-to-be-determined cap on profits as the administration struggled to figure out how to implement his idea.

Gas prices had also begun to drop, eliminating the governors urgency for lawmakers to act.

Newsom scrapped his original plan in March and instead settled on demanding more transparency from the oil industry in hopes of being better able to determine the cause of price spikes. Instead of lawmakers approving a cap on oil profits, the final law gave the California Energy Commission more authority to investigate gasoline prices and the option, through a public hearing process, to penalize oil companies.

Its the only thing you can do, said Susan Kennedy, a former chief of staff to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Every administration I've seen has dealt with gas prices through the roof and they do a study and they go after the oil companies and they do investigations on gas prices. I think I must have overseen five of them. That's what you do because you have no control over supply and demand of oil.

Despite falling short of his very public call for lawmakers to set a profits cap and penalty, Newsom cast his transparency bill as a major win against the oil industry.

Though Newsom presented his original penalty as imperative to protecting consumers, he acknowledged at the bill signing that "nothing is going to happen in the short term" and "prices are not going to drop immediately. Nor is there any requirement for oil companies to pay consumers back for price spikes over the summer.

Read more:Newsom gives up call for lawmakers to cap oil industry profits

Kousser said the governors declaration of victory in that instance reminded him of Schwarzenegger, who served two terms as California governor from 2003-11.

His problem, especially in his first year and a half, is he would come in with this thing... and the Legislature would just completely roll him and then he'd say, Fantastic,  Kousser said of Schwarzenegger. Hed get something done and declare victory. Then he got this reputation for being like, OK, he just wants to get something so we can do whatever we want, and help take credit and be happy and thatll all be fine.

He said thats also a danger for Newsom.

It creates a sense that the governor is really not interested in the policy change, Kousser said. The governor might be interested in the political win. Once you get that reputation, that can hurt you.

Newsom once again tried to jam lawmakers in May when he introduced a package of bills to speed up the process of building major infrastructure in California by limiting the opportunity for lengthy legal challenges to projects under the states marquee Environmental Quality Act.

Lawmakers and environmentalists criticized the late arrival of the package, the lack of time for sufficient public review of such a sweeping policy and the inclusion of Newsoms existing plan to construct a tunnel to transport water under the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to Southern California.

Kathryn Phillips, the former director of the Sierra Club California who publicly lambasted Newsoms plan during the negotiations, said the infrastructure fight speaks to the disdain he has for the environmental community.

The governor often points out that his father was an environmentalist as an example of his deep roots within the movement. But Newsom "wants to be hailed as a leader of something hes not exactly led," she said.

"You gotta have people following you if you're a leader," Phillips said. "And when you just spring stuff on people, and you don't talk to them, you're not really leading. Youre imposing.

Phillips also said Newsoms desire to ram policies through is an example of his impatience with the legislative process, and in turn, disregard for public transparency and the vetting of public policy.

The strategy does provide a major advantage for Newsom, however: It limits time for opposition to mount and for lawmakers to water down the proposal through public hearings or stall as a negotiating tactic to leverage their own priorities. Legislative leaders have similarly introduced and passed controversial bills in the final days of the session.

The governor is not interested in jamming the Legislature, said Angie Wei, Newsoms former legislative affairs secretary. Hes interested in solving the big problems facing California. When your policy is done, its time to go. You cant let the calendar hold you back.

The governor has repeatedly commented on the limited time he has left at the helm of California government and his concern about having regrets for not doing more when his term ends in 2026.

"I want to actually deliver, not just on goals and ambitions, but on projects," Newsom said when asked this month about shoehorning legislation. "And so I'm in a different mind-set. There's a sort of hard-headed pragmatism. You know, let's get moving."

Read more:Newsom and Democratic lawmakers remain divided on infrastructure plan

Negotiations over the infrastructure package held up a budget deal between Newsom and lawmakers for weeks in Sacramento.

The governor threatened to veto the Legislatures state budget unless lawmakers approved his infrastructure plan, an action that could have turned the Democratic infighting into a rare public spectacle.

Legislative leaders held out and ended up winning protections for disadvantaged communities. Newsom won many of the provisions he originally wanted to speed up projects, but dropped the Delta tunnel from the proposal.

Former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, who stepped down from his post leading the lower house this summer after the budget deal, said lawmakers are to blame for the way in which Newsom forces policies upon them. The Legislature created a power imbalance when they left the state Capitol during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said, and allowed Newsom to run state government and enact policy alone.

That carried over, said Rendon (D-Lakewood), who was worried at the time about relinquishing power to the governor. The Legislature weakened itself by not showing up and that relationship between the branches has never been the same. We love to piss on the administration and Gavin, but thats something that was our fault. It was never rectified.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Along with school breaks and toasty temperatures, June and July in State College, and much of Pennsylvania, also bring the bright white blooms of a dangerous weed.

Growing as tall as 6 feet, poison hemlock tends to display a spray of flowers around June and July, making it especially visible to property owners and others this time of year.

The hemlock population has been steadily increasing across Pennsylvania for several decades, according to Dwight Lingenfelter, senior extension associate of weed science with the Penn State Extension, though it may be more noticeable this year given its lifecycle.

The noxious weed, scientific name Conium maculatum, is a biennial plant, meaning it has a two-year lifecycle and blooms the second year.

As with many weeds, it may take years before people start to notice them taking over an area, Lingenfelter told the Centre Daily Times last month. Some weed scientists have described this as an explosion in slow motion.

Heres what to know about poison hemlock, including its dangers and how to safely remove it if you think it may be creeping across your property.

How to spot poison hemlock

Germinating from a seed, poison hemlock has a basal rosette leaf pattern (read: leaves radiating from the base of the stem) for its first year of life, according to Penn State Extension, the universitys science-based education outfit. After a winter, the stem will shoot up the following spring  growing from 2 to 6 feet  and will bloom umbels (or bundles) of what Ligenfelter describes as showy white flowers.

It will drop seeds, by which it reproduces, and the original plant will then die.

Poison hemlock is seen in bloom in this file photo.

While it has lookalikes, poison hemlock can be important to identify as it poses a danger to humans and animals if ingested.

All parts of the hemlock plant are toxic, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture highlights it is especially dangerous to cattle, sheep, pigs, horses and other types of wildlife.

Mature seeds are the most poisonous. Significant poisoning can result in muscle paralysis and suffocation, Ligenfelter wrote in an email. Especially in a drought year like we are currently experiencing, poison hemlock and other weeds may be the most prominent plants in the pasture if forage species are limited and livestock get curious.

The U.S. Drought Monitor reports as of July 18 some parts of Pennsylvania are experiencing moderate drought, though the state Department of Environmental Protection has the entire state under a drought watch.

In addition to the dangers if ingested, contact with poison hemlock may cause irritation to the skin.

Poison hemlock is listed with other class B noxious weeds by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, but Ligenfelter said limited resources may hamper management and enforcement.

Poison hemlock lookalikes

While poison hemlocks flowers are somewhat distinctive, there are several lookalikes.

Poison hemlock can resemble wild carrot, also called Queen Annes lace, and parsley, the extension notes. Unlike these lookalikes, however, the stem of the hemlock plant will have purple spots, which may help distinguish it as dangerous.

Ligenfelter said another lookalike and relative, wild chervil, is growing at Penn State Research Farms. Another member of the carrot family, wild chervil is also invasive and is typically shorter than hemlock, reaching 4 feet.

How to remove poison hemlock from your property

If you suspect you may have poison hemlock growing on your property, you should remove it, though summer might not be the most ideal time to do so.

Ligenfelter suggested looking for the rosettes in the fall or early spring, before the hemlock has hit its year-two vertical growth.

This is the best time (in the rosette stage) to control it with various tactics and not when it is large and has flowered and is setting seed, he wrote. Individual plants can be easily [dug] out with a shovel. Larger infestations can be cut with a mower or string trimmer or may require the use of a herbicide.

Poison Hemlock: Facts About this Early Season Weed. Learn how to identify and manage this poisonous weed from Penn State Extension's Dwight Lingenfelter. https://t.co/Udr7NfFgVD pic.twitter.com/vKbPhUeoW2  Penn State Crops (@PennStateCrops) April 24, 2021

If you opt to treat it with a herbicide, Ligenfelter recommends 2,4-D + dicamba, Crossbow (2,4-D+triclopyr) or glyphosate for spot treatment. Application of the herbicides is best done in the rosette stage in the fall or early in spring.

If trimming back or pulling hemlock, you should wear gloves and long sleeves and pants to prevent contact with your skin.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called for political consensus in Israel on Tuesday in a call with his Israeli counterpart, in the latest sign of strain between the allies over an Israeli judicial overhaul triggering major protests.

Israel's parliament ratified an initial bill aimed at curbing the Supreme Court's powers, despite months of internal unrest over the proposal and appeals from the U.S. and other countries to hold off and negotiate with the opposition.

The protests may be affecting the Israeli military. Protest leaders cite growing numbers of military reservists who say they would no longer report for duty if the government pressed ahead with its judicial reform plans.

Former Israeli top brass have warned that Israel's war-readiness, with Arab and Iranian enemies spread across the Middle East, could be at risk.

"Austin underscored the United States' belief that broad consensus through political dialogue, especially in the coming weeks and months, are critical elements of a resilient democracy," a Pentagon readout of the call said.

The readout did not directly address protests by Israeli reservists, and Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh declined to say during a news conference whether Austin raised any concerns he might have about impacts on Israeli military readiness in the call.

She also declined to elaborate on Austin's comments regarding settler violence in Israel.

A Pentagon readout said Austin urged Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant "to address extremist settler violence against Palestinian civilians."

The White House on Monday called it "unfortunate" that Israel's parliament ratified part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's contested judicial overhaul.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
Pete Davidson has been placed on an 18-month diversion programme after being charged with reckless driving last month.

In March, the Saturday Night Live alum, 29, was driving in Beverly Hills when his vehicle reportedly went over the curb, hitting a fire hydrant and crashed into the side of a house.

According to The Blast, Davidsons lawyers struck a deal with Los Angeles prosecutors last week ahead of his scheduled arraignment date on Thursday (27 July).

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles District Attorneys office confirmed to media on Monday (24 July) that Davidson must complete the programme as an alternative to prosecution.

According to NBC, the programme will require him to do 12 hours of traffic school and 50 hours of community service, which he can complete in his native home of New York City.

Davidsons counsel indicated [his community] service is likely to be completed at NYFD, NBC further reported.

Davidsons father, Scott, was an NYFD firefighter who died during the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center when the comedian was seven.

Pete Davidson (Getty Images)

Davidson must also pay restitution and obey all laws.

In a statement to People magazine, the NYFC said it would welcome Davidson to complete his community service with them.

As the son of a 9/11 hero, we would be happy to provide Mr Davidson an opportunity to do his required community service, the statement read.

The Independent has contacted Davidsons attorney for comment.

In a statement issued after Davidson was charged last month, the LA DAs office said: We believe that Mr Davidson engaged in reckless driving, which ultimately resulted in his involvement in a serious collision into a home. Luckily, no one was seriously injured as a result of this collision.

According to Lieutenant Moreno of the Beverly Hills Police, Davidson was travelling with a female passenger at the time of the accident. It was reported at the time he was in the car with his Bodies Bodies Bodies co-star and girlfriend Chase Sui Wonders, 27.

Pictures obtained by TMZ show exterior damage caused to the home and pictures published by Fox show major damage to the front of a dark Mercedes-Benz.

News of Davidsons court order comes weeks after his representatives confirmed he had checked into a rehabilitation facility for mental health issues.

Davidson has previously been open about his mental health struggles. In 2017, the King of Staten Island actor shared he had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) during an appearance on the WTF With Marc Maron podcast. He explained that he had checked into a rehabilitation center in December 2016 after struggling with symptoms of the disorder.

Speaking with Jon Bernthal on his Real Ones podcast last March, Davidson said that his fathers death had had an impact on his fear of abandonment as well as his PTSD.
White House criticism of Israel after its right-wing coalition embarked on a plan to target judicial power is bringing a new kind of turbulence to one of Americas oldest friendships.

On Monday, the Israeli parliament passed a controversial law stripping the Supreme Court of its power to block government decisions, sparking protests. The move  distinct from spats over settlement building or Iran that often rattle the US-Israeli alliance and which the Biden administration repeatedly spoke out against  is the first stage of a wider judicial reform driven by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government that critics fear could hand him unfettered power. It shows that Israel, like the United States, is experiencing an era of right-wing politicians seeking to aggressively flex power and test enshrined democratic constraints.

The drama is likely to further worsen the long-standing but increasingly brittle relationship between President Joe Biden and Netanyahu. The US leader has made safeguarding democracy in the US and abroad a core value of his presidency. The Israeli prime minister, by comparison, is instinctively and politically closer to the ideology of ex-President Donald Trump, Bidens once and possibly future rival for the White House who has subjected Americas own democratic institutions to their toughest challenge in generations.

But opponents of Netanyahus reforms warn that weakening the power of Israels Supreme Court will compromise checks on the authority of the most right-wing government in the countrys history, which would pave the way to extremist policies, raise questions about the fair conduct of future elections and ultimately erode its democracy. Similar fears that democratic guardrails are crumbling have shaped American politics ever since Trump swept into power in 2016, then used his station to try to overturn an election he lost in 2020. Now, Trump is targeting a return to the White House and promising retribution against judicial and political institutions that tempered his wish to wield strongman power. Like Trump, Netanyahu insists his actions are rooted in a desire to return power to citizens, arguing Monday that his efforts were a necessary democratic move.

Netanyahus actions send shockwaves to Washington

Netanyahus judicial reforms have widened a split between Republicans who largely back the Israeli prime minister and the Democratic-run White House, underscoring increasing political polarization buffeting US-Israel relations.

Still, theres no sense that the US alliance with Israel is under threat. Biden has long regarded it as unbreakable and has been far less interested in pressuring the Israeli government over dormant peace efforts with the Palestinians than his most recent Democratic predecessors. There is overwhelming support in Congress for US security assistance to Israel worth billions of dollars a year. While there is some debate in foreign policy circles over whether Israel should seek to satisfy more of its own defense needs, this view has nowhere near critical mass on Capitol Hill.

Yet there is deep concern in the White House about the implications of any successful attempt to subvert checks and balances in Israel. This might lead to increasingly extreme policies on the scope of settlement building in the West Bank that contradict US foreign policy goals and could ignite conflict and destabilize the region, causing issues for other US allies like Jordan. If the right-wing coalition in Israel finds it easier to implement policies curtailing the rights of LGBTQ people, Arab citizens or secular Israelis, it could trigger new tensions in US-Israeli relations and cause a political backlash in the US for Biden. And Washingtons national security interests could be harmed by chaos in Israeli society or any conditions that might create a political incentive for Netanyahu to embrace more aggressive policies abroad  possibly over Iran  that could trigger foreign policy crises.

Martin Indyk, a former US ambassador to Israel, voiced the fears of many longtime US supporters in Israel over an apparent crack in Israeli democracy.

Its a very dark day for Israel, Indyk told Lynda Kinkade on CNN International. In its 75-year history, it hasnt faced this kind of threat to its unity caused by an extremist government thats pushing an anti-democratic legislative agenda thats generating huge opposition  Its very dangerous not only for Israels internal cohesion, but for the message it sends its enemies.

Bidens advice was ignored by Netanyahu

The Biden administration has made no secret of its concern over Netanyahus renewed effort to push through judicial reforms, worries rendered more acute since the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, lacks an upper House  a constitutional device that many nations use as a way of checking the power of a radical executive. Biden raised the issue in a phone call with Netanyahu last week. He invited New York Times foreign affairs writer Thomas Friedman to the Oval Office to discuss the matter, which led to a strongly worded column. He also issued an unusually frank statement on Sunday, arguing that given the range of threats and challenges confronting Israel right now, it doesnt make sense for Israeli leaders to rush this  the focus should be on pulling people together and finding consensus. Bidens press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that Mondays Knesset vote was unfortunate and called for consensus.

So far, there are no signs that there will be any sanctions against Netanyahus government. However, a firm date for a visit to the White House by the Israeli prime minister  something yet to happen in Bidens term  may remain elusive. This omission is especially glaring since the US leader invited Israeli President Isaac Herzog to the Oval Office last week in a visit that allowed him to celebrate US-Israeli relations. But Biden has little to gain diplomatically or politically from open antagonism, however troubling he finds the behavior of his long-time acquaintance and the extreme forces in the coalition keeping him in power.

The president is trying to navigate a very fine line, Aaron David Miller, a long-time negotiator for both Democratic and Republican presidents, told Isa Soares on CNN International on Monday. American presidents dont like to fight and have open breaches with Israeli prime ministers. Its annoying, its distracting, its messy and politically problematic.  (Biden) has no desire, it seems to me, to impose any cost or consequences not just on the issue of Israeli internal politics, but on what the Israeli government is doing.

A political backlash for Biden as the 2024 campaign heats up

It is a measure of the increased politicization of the diplomatic relationship between Israeli and US leaders that criticisms of Netanyahu by a president who is as pro-Israel as Biden are causing an internal political storm.

Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said last week, Mr. President, nobody here in Congress seems to like it when foreign politicians weigh in on American domestic politics and tell us how to do our job, so I try to stay out of the domestic politics of fellow democracies.

The Trump-era Republican Party shares a temperamental and ideological outlook that mirrors Netanyahus strongman brand of conservatism. And the GOP empathizes with harder line policies toward the Palestinians perpetrated by the Netanyahu coalition. The Israeli leader, meanwhile, often seems to model some of his response to his own legal problems on the scandal response playbook of the scandal-prone former US president. Republican warnings for Biden to stay out of Israeli internal politics are ironic, however, given the Israeli leaders use of his own influence in the US to play politics in Washington. Netanyahu was viewed with great suspicion in the Obama administration for his efforts to undermine an Iran nuclear deal in Congress. And Netanyahu appeared to align himself politically with Trump while he was in the White House. As he seeks another term, Trump bills himself as the most pro-Israel president in history, noting especially his transfer of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Israel is also increasingly drawn into US presidential elections, since support for the kind of foreign and domestic policies pursued by Netanyahus Likud Party and his deeply conservative coalition align with the views of many evangelical Christians and some top donors who are important in GOP primary elections. Former Vice President Mike Pence was quick to rally to Netanyahus side Monday, saying on the Hugh Hewitt radio show that Democrats should stop trying to micromanage whats happening in the domestic politics in Israel, adding we ought to let Israel be Israel. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, another Republican seeking the votes of evangelical voters, also lashed out at the president last week, saying, Biden needs to butt out and let Israel govern itself.

Continuing political acrimony in Israel also subjects Biden to political irritants form the left of his own party. Earlier this month, Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal, a Washington state Democrat, blasted Israel as a racist state. She later apologized for the remark made to pro-Palestinian protestors, saying she didnt believe Israel as a nation was racist but that Netanyahus government had promoted racist policies.

Like the entire issue of Israeli judicial reform, the flap over Jayapal created a headache for the White House that it would prefer to avoid as Biden embarks on a reelection bid.

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Interior and Safety Minister Lee Sang-min, who was impeached by the parliament on Feb. 8, arrives at the Constitutional Court in Seoul to attend an initial hearing on his impeachment that has suspended his duties, May 9. Yonhap





The presidential office said Tuesday the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea's "abuse" of impeachment powers will be sternly judged by the people after the Constitutional Court rejected the impeachment of Interior Minister Lee Sang-min over last year's deadly crowd crush in Seoul.







The court's decision came nearly six months after the opposition-controlled National Assembly passed an impeachment motion against Lee to hold him accountable for the crowd crush that killed 159 people in Seoul's Itaewon neighborhood on Oct. 29.







"The impeachment system is aimed at defending the liberal democratic constitutional order," a senior presidential official told Yonhap News Agency after the ruling was announced. "This was an abuse of impeachment powers by the large opposition, which did not meet the purpose and conditions."







The official added, "Such anti-constitutional conduct will face the people's stern judgment."






The head of Russias space agency has extended an offer to Moscows partners in the BRICS group  Brazil, India, China and South Africa  to participate in the construction of a joint module for its planned orbital space station, state media reported Monday.

Construction of the planned space station follows Moscows decision last year to end its decades-long partnership with NASA and withdraw from the aging International Space Station  one of the last remaining channels of cooperation between Russia and the United States.

The first stage of the planned space station, known as the Russian Orbital System (ROS), is expected to be launched in 2027, with another four modules dispatched to orbit between 2028 and 2030, the programs leading designer Vladimir Kozhevnikov told Russian state media in February.

The offer to broaden cooperation on the project to include BRICs partner nations was made by Yuri Borisov, the director-general of Russias space agency Roscosmos, during a meeting Monday in Hermanus, South Africa.

I would like to propose that our partners in BRICS consider the opportunity to take part in this project and create a full-fledged module through joint efforts, state media quoted Borisov as telling the meeting.

The spacy agency chief was also reported as saying he had offered African nations an opportunity to create their own modules, and that Russia was open for cooperation with other countries.

The ROS is expected to initially include two astronauts, meaning that each crew member will have more duties and wider responsibility than on the ISS, Russian state media reported earlier this year, citing Roscosmos.

Russian authorities hope their new planned orbital station will help develop technologies for future space flights, including those to the moon and Mars.

Yuri Borisov, director-general of Russian space agency Roscosmos, on September 7, 2020. - Omar Sanadiki/Reuters/File

Russia, under the Soviet Union, operated several independent space stations, including the worlds first, Salyut 1, which ended tragically in 1971 with the death of its first three crew members on their return voyage to Earth.

A series of subsequent Salyut stations were launched in the 1970s and early 1980s. They were later replaced by Mir, which remained in low Earth orbit for more than 14 years, during which time it successfully hosted dozens of astronauts from multiple countries, including the US before its eventual retirement in 2001.

The International Space Station, which has been continuously occupied for more than 22 years, was originally a collaboration between the US, Russia, Japan, Canada and the European Space Agency. NASA said last year it intended to keep operating the space station until the end of 2030, after which it would be de-orbited and crashed into a remote part of the Pacific Ocean.

China, whose astronauts have long been excluded from the ISS, completed its own permanently crewed space station last year, with the first three astronauts docking in November.

The station is only the second operational orbital outpost alongside the ISS. And while not as large as the ISS, the Chinese space station is similar in module design and can accommodate up to six astronauts.

Earlier this month Chinese officials unveiled new details about their plans for a manned lunar mission, as China attempts to become only the second nation to put citizens on the moon.

Meanwhile, India is bidding to become only the fourth country after the US, Russia and China to execute a controlled landing on the moon with the successful launch earlier this month of its Chandrayaan-3 mission. The craft is expected to land on the moon on August 23.

CNNs Mitchell McCluskey and Mariya Knight contributed to this report.

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MOSCOW (AP)  Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to visit China in October, a top Kremlin official announced Tuesday.

Russian news agencies quoted Putins foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, as saying the trip will be timed to coincide with a One Belt, One Road forum in China. Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative involves infrastructure projects to connect Asia with European and African countries.

Ushakov said Putin also plans to travel to Turkey at some point to fulfill a promise to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, although the dates for that visit have not been decided yet.

In addition, the Kremin received an invitation for Putin to participate in a Group of 20 summit in India in September, he said. The Russian leader's in-person attendance has not been ruled out, although the format of Putin's participation is still unclear, Ushakov said.

The announcement of Putin's travel plans came days after South African officials said he had agreed to skip an economic summit in their country next month because of an arrest warrant the International Criminal Court issued against him. The ICC has accused Putin of personal responsibility for the abductions of children from Ukraine.

As a signatory to the treaty that established the international court, South Africa would either be obligated to arrest the Russian leader if he set foot there or put in a position of flouting its responsibility.

Staying away from the summit could be viewed as embarrassing for Putin, who is now expected to be the only leader of a country in the BRICS bloc of developing economies not to attend. Moscow has dismissed the warrant and said it doesnt recognize the ICCs jurisdiction.

China, Turkey and India are not signatories to the Rome Statute, so Putin can travel to those countries more easily.

An October visit would take Putin to China seven months after Chinese President Xi Jinping came to Moscow on a three-day visit. The two also met in person in September 2022 on the sidelines of a regional summit in Uzbekistan. Before that, Putin met with Xi while attending the opening of the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, weeks before he sent troops into Ukraine.

China has sought to project itself as neutral in the Ukraine conflict, even while it has refused to condemn Moscows actions and declared last year that it had a no-limits friendship with Russia. Beijing has denounced Western sanctions against Moscow, and accused NATO and the United States of provoking Putins military action.

China has also proposed a peace plan that was largely dismissed by Ukraines allies, who insisted that Moscow must withdraw its forces from the neighboring country as a condition for peace.
Smoke rises from the Burgess Creek wildfire located north of Gibraltar Mines near Kersley, British Columbia, Canada on July 22. - Wildfire Service/Reuters

Smoke from more than 1,000 wildfires burning across Canada has wafted over the northern US, bringing poor air quality and pollution that threaten residents health to northern US cities including Chicago, Illinois, and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Chicago, Minneapolis and Detroit, Michigan, were ranked among the most polluted cities in the world as of Tuesday evening, according to global pollution tracker IQAir.

The smoke has drifted over the Great Lakes region, in particular, as about 1,090 active fires blaze throughout Canada, more than 670 of which are considered out of control, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. Thats up from more than 880 fires there last week.

The bulk of the countrys wildfires are burning in British Columbia, where more than 460 fires are ongoing, the agency reports.

In the US, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued air quality alerts for millions of people across Michigan and parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana.

The blanket of hazy skies follows a belt of Canadian wildfire smoke which stretched across the US last week, triggering air quality alerts for more than a dozen states from Montana to Vermont, with some smoke reaching as far South as Alabama.

The smoke is expected to shift eastward through the Great Lakes region through Tuesday and disperse by Wednesday  just as the upper Midwest is forecast to see some of its hottest temperatures so far this year. Minneapolis could reach 100 and Chicago will be in the upper 90s.

The EPA in Illinois has declared an Air Pollution Action Day through Tuesday due to the persistent wildfire smoke causing elevated air pollution in the region. Similar advisories have been declares in Michigan and Wisconsin.

The city is recommending that those with chronic respiratory issues limit their activities outdoors and is advising against strenuous activity for children, teens, seniors, people with heart or lung disease, and pregnant people.

All Chicagoans may also consider wearing masks, limiting their outdoor exposure, moving activities indoors, running air purifiers, and closing windows, the city said in a release Monday.

Wildfire smoke is packed with tiny pollutants  known as particulate matter  that can infiltrate the lungs and blood stream if inhaled. Particulate matter can commonly cause difficulty breathing and eye and throat irritation, but has also been linked to more serious long-term health issues such as lung cancer, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Canada suffers worst fire season on record

The US is likely to see the downwind effects of Canadas prolonged wildfires as the country continues to experience its worst fire season on record.

Almost 29 million acres of Canadian land have been scorched so far this year, according to the national fire center. Smoke from the blazes this summer have so far touched the American South and traveled across the Atlantic and into Europe.

The crisis has elicited a flood of international support, as fire and emergency response personnel have deployed to the country from nations including the US, Australia and Brazil. At least two Canadian firefighters have died while battling the flames.

Hard-hit British Columbia will receive federal assistance from the Canadian Armed Forces, Public Safety Canada announced last week.

Hundreds of British Columbias fires have been ignited by lightning strikes from thunderstorms, according to the British Columbia Wildfire Service. Some of those thunderstorms were dry, producing insufficient amounts of rain to help quench any fires  a dangerous prospect in a province experiencing severe drought.

As the human-driven climate crisis intensifies, scientists expect wildfire seasons will increase in severity, especially as droughts and heat become more common and more severe across the world.

CNNs Caitlin Kaiser and Monica Garrett contributed to this report.

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Sweat covers the face of Juan Carlos Biseno after temperatures reached 115 degrees in Calexico, Calif., last week. A ridge of high pressure continues to trap a "heat dome" over Southern California this week. (Gregory Bull / Associated Press)

Southern California, as well as the southwestern U.S., are expected to see warmer-than-normal temperatures for the rest of the week, as a ridge of high pressure continues to trap a "heat dome" over the region, bringing risk of heat-related illness and wildfires.

Adding to the extreme weather is a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms Monday for the San Gabriel Mountains, portions of the Antelope Valley, as well as San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

The high pressure is expected to remain anchored over the southwestern U.S. on Monday before moving slightly east in the next few days, shutting off monsoonal moisture and resulting in warm temperatures lingering for the next week, according to the National Weather Service.

In Southern California, temperatures are expected to peak Tuesday and Wednesday, reaching in the 70s along the beaches and in the 80s in inland coastal areas, including downtown Los Angeles and the Long Beach region, said National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Kittell. The valleys could see temperatures between the mid-90s to 105 degrees.

Those temperatures are expected to stay fairly consistent throughout the week, possibly dropping by one to two degrees on Friday.

"The duration of the heat is pretty rare for us, to have a number of weeks in a row with well-above-normal temperatures," Kittell said. "That's the biggest highlight, not that any day is exceptionally hot, but it's been pretty warm for a while and it doesn't look like it's gonna let up at least this week."

Coastal areas can expect dense fog, which is likely to reduce visibility on local roads and even at Los Angeles International Airport.

"If you're looking for a cool spot, the beaches are still the place to go," Kittell added.

There's still elevated wildfire risk due to the persisting hot conditions, with vegetation and brush continuing to dry out Tuesday and inching toward moisture values that would be conducive to rapid wildfire growth, Kittell said. He recommended residents be careful with any ignition sources that could start a fire.

The high temperatures could contribute to establishing the hottest month ever recorded on the planet, in part because of climate change.

The heat wave has shattered records in Arizona, with Phoenix becoming the first U.S. city to chart 24 days in a row of temperatures reaching 110 degrees or higher and 13 days in a row of overnight lows of 90 degrees or higher.

An excessive heat warning is still in effect for South Central Arizona, including Phoenix until 8 p.m. Wednesday, with high temperatures forecast between 110 and 118 degrees.

Two female hikers were found dead in the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada on Saturday, when temperatures reached triple digits.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said a group of hikers saw two women go out to the trails that morning but not return.

The Nevada State Park Police found the body of one woman on a trail and the body of the other in a canyon later, after additional search and rescue help was requested.

Authorities did not specify how the women died. The investigation is ongoing.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Tiffany Haddish said she had "the healthiest, the funnest relationship" with Common. (Mark J. Terrill / Invision / Associated Press)

Emmy-winning actor Tiffany Haddish is opening up about her breakup with rapper Common  and, no, it wasn't mutual.

It was the healthiest, the funnest relationship Ive ever had, she told the Washington Post in a profile published last week. Haddish revealed that she felt her relationship with the rapper-turned-actor, whose real name is Lonnie Rashid Lynn, was the safest one she'd ever had.

The two met in 2018 when they were filming her movie The Kitchen and became friends, she said. Then, in May 2019, she joined Bumble and got into the dating thing, only to have the app approach her to do something for charity. She enlisted then-pal Common to join her on a virtual date in April 2020 to raise money for frontline workers during the pandemic.

Haddish confirmed the two were an item that summer and revealed they were isolating together during the COVID-19 pandemic. But after about a year of dating, Haddish said the "Silo" actor began to withdraw.

If there's quiet quitting a relationship, it appears that's what Common's approach was. Haddish said she didn't receive an invite to a concert in New York, for a birthday party for former President Obama, and for Commons own birthday before he ultimately broke the relationship off over the phone.

Read more:'I lost everything': Tiffany Haddish says child sex abuse lawsuit upended her career

It wasnt mutual, she told the Post. It was more him saying, I think this relationship has run its course. And I was like, OK. Like you gonna be a 50-year-old single man. OK?

Common did not immediately respond to The Times' request for comment Monday.

Im a pretty positive person, and Im here to have an experience, Haddish told the outlet. I would love to have a partner to experience it with. But also, I guess Ive been alone for so long. And so used to being abandoned, I expect it. Which is sad, right?

In January 2022, Haddish made a post-break-up virtual appearance on The Tonight Show, and the Girls Trip star addressed the matter by rolling it into a joke about her DUI arrest in Georgia earlier that month.

Read more:A high-profile breakup and a DUI arrest? Tiffany Haddish can't help but laugh

I can say this, Jimmy ... Ive been praying to God to send me a new man. A good man. And God went ahead and sent me four ... in uniform. I wasnt expecting it. I wasnt expecting that at all, she told host Jimmy Fallon.

And now I got a really great lawyer, and were going to work it out. Ive got to get my asking of things to God a little better! Haddish joked.

Haddish stars in Disney's "Haunted Mansion," a Justin Simien-directed film filled with grim, grinning ghosts that opens in theaters July 28.

In the movie, Rosario Dawson stars as Gabbie, a single mother who moves into a mansion with her son, played by Chase W. Dillon. Upon finding out the house is haunted, the two enlist the help of a psychic (Haddish), a priest (Owen Wilson), a paranormal tour guide (LaKeith Stanfield), a historian (Danny DeVito) and the clairvoyant Madame Leota (Jamie Lee Curtis) to cleanse their new abode of its cursed spirits.

Sign up for L.A. Goes Out, a weekly newsletter about exploring and experiencing Los Angeles from the L.A. Times.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
By Soo-hyang Choi and Josh Smith

SEOUL (Reuters) -Tourists should expect far stricter supervision if visits to the border between North and South Korea resume, analysts said, after U.S. soldier Travis King used an organised tour to get close enough to dash across to North Korea last week.

The U.S. Army private joined a tour party visiting the so-called truce village of Panmunjom on July 18, a day after he was supposed to have returned to the U.S. to face disciplinary action over charges brought while serving in South Korea.

Dressed in civvies, King broke off from a group of 40 tourists being guided around the Joint Security Area (JSA) inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), and sprinted across the border, landing Washington in more diplomatic botheration with the nuclear-armed North.

The U.S.-led United Nations Command (UNC), which oversees the area, has indefinitely suspended all JSA tours after King's unauthorised crossing. On Monday, Lieutenant General Andrew Harrison, the command's deputy commander, said when or how the tours would resume was yet to be decided.

"I've never been involved in a military inquiry that hasn't come up with a series of recommendations at the end, which may or may not change the processes that were in place beforehand," he told reporters in Seoul.

Going to the DMZ separating the two Koreas, which remain technically at war, is a popular trip for tourists looking to get a glimpse of the reclusive authoritarian state. Not all DMZ tours stop at the JSA, which is the only spot where visitors can step up to and even briefly over the border into the North.

For tour agencies, the JSA tour is one of the packages that sell with the highest margin in South Korea with "absolutely no cost involved to the tour companies, except for the bus and the driver," said Jacco Zwetsloot, a former JSA tour guide and now host of the NK News Podcast about North Korea.

Visiting JSA is free of charge for South Korean nationals, but the tour King was on started at $180, according to a Tripadvisor listing.

For the UNC, the tours are about educating people and raising awareness of the "frozen conflict" after the Korean War ended in a truce, not a peace treaty, Zwetsloot said.

Zwetsloot predicted changes could include making the tours even smaller, to as few as 10 people per group, or keeping groups behind glass or back away from the border where troops from both sides stand almost face to face.

"I expect that within a year, we'll see a redesigned orientation visit become possible once again, but it probably won't be as free and easy as they have been for the last 40 or so years," he said, noting that security should be the main consideration.

Lim Eul-chul, a professor of North Korean studies at Kyungnam University, said authorities should focus on how to better control tour groups while keeping the area open to the public.

"Banning access would only result in people losing sight of this grave reality that the Korean peninsula is facing," Lim said.

Despite its name, the DMZ, established after the 1950-53 war, is highly fortified with razor wire and minefields on either side of a 4-km (2.5-mile) wide buffer.

"It can never simply be a tourist destination, primarily because of the huge amounts of ordnance that still exist across the demilitarized zone since the end of the war," Harrison said.

"It's a constant balance between that value (of educating the public) and the risk to the individuals who are in the Demilitarized Zone."

King's case would be the first successful border crossing by a JSA tourist ever, Zwetsloot said. In 2001 a German doctor-turned-activist tried to cross in an effort to raise awareness about human rights issues, but was stopped by guards in the South.

On Tuesday, the Pentagon said it had not heard anything from North Korea on King's health or whereabouts.

"We have not received any communication back from the North Koreans," Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said.

(Reporting by Soo-hyang Choi and Josh Smith; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)
As Donald Trump looks to secure the Republican presidential nomination and win a second White House term, he will also have to navigate a legal minefield that could include as many as four criminal indictments and at least two civil cases.

While a losing verdict in the civil cases would mean Trump could be required to pay millions of dollars in damages, being found guilty in the coming criminal ones could result in jail time. That certainly could impact his ability to wage a campaign for president or to serve in that capacity for a second term.

Former President Donald Trump at the Turning Point Action Conference in West Palm Beach, Fla., on July 15. (Marco Bello/Reuters)

Here's where things stand:

Classified documents indictment

Aileen Cannon speaks remotely during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on her nomination as a U.S. District Court judge in July 2020. (U.S. Senate via AP)

Scheduled start date: May 20, 2024

In June, Trump was arraigned on 37 felony counts stemming from his handling of classified documents after leaving the White House. He pleaded not guilty.

If a Florida jury finds Trump guilty of the charges against him, he almost certainly will face the prospect of a prison sentence, but the duration of that will be decided by Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee who has issued rulings in the matter favorable to the former president. But Cannon also denied a motion by Trump's lawyers to move the trial until after the 2024 election.

New York hush money indictment

Stormy Daniels attends the Exxxotica Expo on April 22 in Rosemont, Ill. (Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Scheduled start date: March 25, 2024

In April, Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records stemming from a hush money payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign to keep her from revealing their alleged extramarital affair.

The felony charges brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg of falsifying business records carry a maximum prison sentence of four years, and if Trump is convicted of all 34 counts, he could, in theory, see as much as 136 years behind bars. Most legal experts say that even if he is found guilty of all the charges, such a sentence is unlikely.

Looming Jan. 6 indictment

Violent insurrectionists loyal to then-President Trump storm the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. (John Minchillo, File/AP)

Last week Trump revealed that he had been sent a "target letter" by special counsel Jack Smith notifying him that he was the subject of a possible criminal investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol and the efforts to illegally overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Target letters often indicate that criminal charges are imminent, and in this case they are likely to include obstruction of an official proceeding, conspiracy to defraud the United States and insurrection, all of which carry potentially hefty prison sentences upon conviction.

Possible Georgia election interference indictment

Fulton County, Ga., District Attorney Fani Willis on April 19 in Atlanta. (Brynn Anderson, File/AP)

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has indicated that criminal charges against Trump could be filed as soon as next month relating to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.

Willis is said to be readying racketeering charges against Trump that involve witness tampering and computer crimes in an effort to convince state election officials to flip the election results in the battleground state in his direction. Trump's lawyers have asked two Georgia courts to disqualify Willis's investigation prior to charges being filed. Last week Georgia's Supreme Court refused to do so. In Georgia, a conviction on racketeering charges carries a minimum prison sentence of five years and a maximum of 20.

E. Jean Carroll civil case

E. Jean Carroll walks out of federal court in Manhattan on May 9 in New York. (John Minchillo, File/AP)

Scheduled start date: Jan. 15, 2024

Last week a federal judge rejected Trump's request for a new trial in the sexual abuse and defamation case brought by writer E. Jean Carroll, and refused to lower the $5 million in damages awarded to Carroll by a jury.

Following the initial verdict in May in a case that centered around Trump's alleged sexual assault of Carroll in a New York department store, Trump appeared on a CNN town hall and promptly repeated many of the inflammatory claims he had made against Carroll. In response, Carroll added new defamation charges and is seeking another $10 million from the former president.

Trump Org. fraud civil case

New York Attorney General Letitia James at a ceremony in June 2022 in New York. (Mary Altaffer, File/AP)

Scheduled start date: Oct. 2, 2023

New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed suit against the Trump Organization, alleging that the company and members of the former president's family cooked the books, lying to lenders and insurers about the value of real estate assets in order to obtain favorable terms.

While Donald Trump, his sons Eric and Don Jr. and his daughter Ivanka were all named in James's $250 million suit, a judge dismissed the claims against Ivanka Trump in June.
By Ted Hesson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Justice intends to take legal action over floating barriers installed by the state of Texas in the Rio Grande River that blocks migrants crossing from Mexico, according to a DOJ letter to top Texas officials.

The letter sent on Thursday to Republican Governor Greg Abbott and Texas' interim attorney general, said large plastic buoys installed earlier this month near the city of Eagle Pass illegally obstruct navigation on the river.

"The State of Texas's actions violate federal law, raise humanitarian concerns, present serious risks to public safety and the environment, and may interfere with the federal governments ability to carry out its official duties," reads the letter from Jaime Esparza, the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Texas, which was reviewed by Reuters.

Abbott has taken steps in recent years to deter migrants from illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border under an initiative dubbed Operation Lone Star, including the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops and a campaign to bus migrants to Democratic cities further north.

Abbott's operation has been scrutinized this week after an internal trooper email surfaced alleging that Texas authorities had been ordered to push migrant children back into the Rio Grande and to deny water to migrants in extreme heat. The letter also alleged that barbed wire placed along the border lacerated people attempting to cross.

In response to the Justice Department's legal warning, Abbott tweeted on Friday that Texas has the "sovereign authority" to defend its border with Mexico, blaming Democratic President Joe Biden's policies for the record number of migrants caught crossing in recent years.

"We will continue to deploy every strategy to protect Texans and Americans  and the migrants risking their lives," Abbott wrote. "We will see you in court, Mr. President."

(Reporting by Ted Hesson in Washington; Editing by Mica Rosenberg and Aurora Ellis)
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP)  The University of Michigan's president has condemned antisemitic vandalism at two off-campus fraternity houses.

President Santa Ono sent an email to students saying the vandalism includes broken windows and vile, homophobic, and anti-semitic messages spray-painted onto both houses, including a swastika at one of the locations.

These types of incidents are in direct conflict with the universitys deeply held values of respect and inclusion and have no place within our campus community or in the broader Ann Arbor community, Ono wrote in the email.

Both houses are vacant for the summer.

The Ann Arbor Police Department is seeking tips about the vandalism. It said the vandalism is believed to have occurred early last week, news outlets reported.

Hate has no home in the City of Ann Arbor, the police department said in a news release.
Judges sit at the Constitutional Court in Seoul, Tuesday, during a trial on a motion to impeach Interior and Safety Minister Lee Sang-min. All nine judges of the court rejected the motion. Joint Press Corps



Minister returns to office immediately after ruling



By Nam Hyun-woo



The Constitutional Court on Tuesday ruled against a National Assembly vote to impeach Interior and Safety Minister Lee Sang-min, saying that he did not violate any laws in responding to a deadly crowd crush that killed 159 people who were enjoying Halloween festivities in Itaewon, Seoul, in October last year.



All nine constitutional court judges dismissed the National Assembly's motion to impeach the safety minister. Following the ruling, Lee, who was suspended from his job since the Assembly passed the impeachment motion in February, was reinstated.



In the ruling, the court said the emergency response system that was used to handle the incident was not significantly deficient, given the frequent communication and coordination between the ministry, police and Itaewon district office. The court also said the minister's disaster response approach was not evaluated as being deficient enough to seriously undermine public trust in the government's policies and administration.



"The court also sees that the post-disaster response measures did not violate the Constitution, the Disaster Safety Act, or the National Public Officials Act," the judges said.





Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min, center, puts on a safety helmet during a visit to a flood-damaged town in Cheongyang County, North Chungcheong Province, Tuesday, hours after the Constitutional Court rejected a motion to impeach him. Yonhap



The ruling came 167 days after the Assembly passed the impeachment motion and 269 days after the tragedy took place. It was the first case in Korea's Constitutional history that the Assembly passed an impeachment motion against a serving Cabinet member.



The motion was tabled by the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and two minor opposition parties  the Justice Party and the Basic Income Party  which claimed that Lee did not fulfill his duties as the minister of safety, while making comments denying his responsibility.



On Oct. 30, a day after the tragedy took place, Lee triggered public outrage while explaining to reporters why the government failed to preemptively dispatch safety personnel to the highly-crowded event. Lee said, "The incident could not have been resolved simply by deploying additional police or firefighting personnel in advance."



During an Assembly investigation into the tragedy in December, Lee also caused controversy by saying, "The case has already passed its golden time (which has the highest likelihood of prompt measures preventing deaths), and I wasn't idling that time."



The opposition saw this was an attempt to dodge his responsibility for the tragedy and showed Lee's serious misunderstanding and lack of awareness regarding the role of the safety minister.



However, the court did not find those remarks as justifying his impeachment.



"It was found that the remarks could not be considered serious enough to significantly undermine public trust or impair the function of disaster and safety management," the judges said. "Thus, the grounds for impeachment were not recognized."



The dismissal has been widely expected, because the Constitutional Court examines whether the respondent violated the Constitution or laws in the execution of their duties, and whether an act constitutes a serious violation of the law, when it comes to an impeachment case.



In 2004, the Constitutional Court dismissed an impeachment motion against former President Roh Moo-hyun, stating that while he violated the Public Official Election Act and other laws, the violations were not considered serious enough to strip him of the presidency.



In Lee's case, there have been lingering questions about whether there is objective evidence of illegalities he committed in relation to the Itaewon tragedy. In January, the National Police Agency concluded its own investigation into the Itaewon crowd crush and cleared Lee of charges, saying there was no evidence to support the allegations.



After the dismissal ruling, Lee issued a statement apologizing to the public for causing concerns and pledged to pursue "a fundamental change in the country's disaster response system."



A group representing the bereaved families of the Itaewon tragedy held a press conference after the ruling and denounced the Constitutional Court and the Yoon administration for "abandoning their responsibility."



"Despite being the highest authority responsible for the Itaewon tragedy, the court gave an amnesty to Minister Lee who has never acknowledged any accountability," a group of victim families said in a statement. "The court has undermined its own existence and denied the responsibilities, effectively confirming the country's status of being in a state of lawlessness."



They claimed any ranking public official who felt responsibility for the tragedy should have stepped down, and the public has already impeached the minister. They urged him to step down immediately.





Members of a group representing families of the Itaewon tragedy victims stage a protest at the Constitutional Court in Jongno District, Seoul, Tuesday, after the court dismissed a National Assembly vote to impeach Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min. Yonhap
Ukraines Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov says that Ukraine will continue carrying out attacks on Russian-occupied Crimea and the Kerch Bridge that connects it to the Russian mainland, while also admitting that Ukraines plan for its sluggish counteroffensive is behind schedule.

As Russia has pummeled the southern port city of Odesa and the surrounding region over the past week, Ukraine has continued to carry out strikes inside Crimea. On Tuesday, Ukrainian drones hit an ammunition depot, just a week after seaborne drones struck the Kerch bridge.

All these targets are official targets because it will reduce their capacity to fight against us (and) will help to save the lives of Ukrainians, Reznikov said in an interview with CNN.

Asked if Ukraines goal is to permanently disable the bridge, Reznikov responded: Its normal tactics to ruin the logistic lines of your enemy to stop the options to get more ammunition, to get more fuel, to get more food, etcetera. Thats why we will use these tactics against them.

Reznikov also accused Russia of operating as a terrorist state.

The fifth night of Russian strikes in Odesa badly damaged more than two dozen landmarks in the historic city center. Drones meanwhile pounded the regions port infrastructure, targeting crucial grain stocks days.

The barrage comes after Moscow withdrew from a crucial grain deal that allowed for the safe export of Ukrainian wheat to international markets, exacerbating a global food crisis.

This approach is absurd, but its real and thats why its new evidence they are a terrorist state, Reznikov told CNNs Alex Marquardt on Saturday.

Senior Russian officials have said the spike in attacks is a response to a deadly explosion on the strategic Kerch bridge in Russian-occupied Crimea earlier this month.

(Russia) tried to explain that its a response for some explosions in their territories, but they are fighting with the civilians, Reznikov said. Thats why I call them looters, rapists and murderers.

Asked if Ukraine plans to ramp up attacks against Russian ships in the Black Sea in retaliation, he said, We have capacity. We have weapons as we did with the cruiser Moskva and if they threaten us in the Black Sea, well have to respond.

The pride of Russias fleet, guided-missile cruiser Moskva, sank in the Black Sea in April, in an attack claimed by Ukrainian officials.

Counteroffensive is going to plan

Storage tanks damaged by a Russian drone strike are seen in a sea port in Odesa on Monday, amid Russia's attack on the southern Ukrainain city. - Ukrainian Armed Forces/Reuters

Moscow targeted Ukrainain grain stocks along the Danube River overnight, prompting widespread condemnation from Kyiv and its Western allies. - Ukrainian Armed Forces/Reuters

Ukrainian air defense forces have struggled to counter Russias renewed attacks on Odesa in recent weeks, as Kyiv attempts to break Moscows tight defenses in the southeastern regions.

But Ukraines grueling counteroffensive has not resulted in any significant breakthroughs, despite Western allies donating billions of dollars worth of aid to bolster Kyivs military might and putting hundreds of soldiers through training.

Reznikov however insisted the operation is going to plan, saying: Our generals, our commanders, they see the real situation on the battlefield. And again, I have to repeat the main value for us is life of for our soldiers.

But asked if the plan is behind schedule, he acknowledged that it is.

If Ukrainian forces can successfully puncture Moscows sizeable defense lines along Ukraine Sea of Azov coastline that links Crimea to Donbas, Reznikov said it would be a good result for Kyiv.

We have to do it thinking about the lives of our soldiers instead of Russians. Theyre using the soldiers as cannon fodder.

Its a war and I think that we will show to the world again that we will win this war, he said, referring to Ukraine taking back territory in the Kherson and Kharkiv regions.

Reznikov said that F-16 training for Ukrainian pilots will begin in August, adding that if Kyiv had the fighter jets now they would certainly have helped make more progress in the counteroffensive.

Reznikov also said he would share a report with the United States about the use of controversial US-supplied cluster munitions in Ukraine this week, probably Monday or Tuesday.

Highly destructive cluster munitions are outlawed by the UK, France, Germany and other key US allies, but the US and Ukraine are not signatories to the ban, nor is Russia.

We will win this war

Russias invasion of Ukraine has shifted the security landscape in Europe, triggering Western allies to rethink their national security strategy and reigniting calls from Kyiv to join NATO.

The NATO summit in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius in July kicked off with heightened pleas from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to invite Ukraine into the bloc, despite resistance from allies amid Kyivs war with Russia.

In his interview with CNN, Reznikov acknowledged that Ukraine will likely only be able to join the alliance once the war is over, referencing Article 5, which requires members to come to the defense of any fellow member under attack.

After the victory, after then, it will be in the interest of NATO because we became a real eastern shield of NATO or eastern shield of Europe, he said.

Ukraine has gained real combat experience  how to deter Russians, to defeat them, to beat them with using NATO standard weaponry, he added.

He predicted that Ukraines membership bid will be accepted in July 2024, when the NATO summit is scheduled to take place in Washington to mark the 75th anniversary of the alliance.

Asked if he thought the war would be over by next summer, he quickly answered, Yes. We will win this war.

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GENEVA (Reuters) - The U.N. human rights chief on Tuesday called for accountability for the deaths of at least 50 Ukrainian prisoners of war last year in an explosion in a Donetsk region detention facility, rejecting Moscow's claim that they were killed by a rocket.

The prisoners being held in a Russian-controlled detention facility in Olenivka, in the eastern Donetsk region, were killed by an apparent explosion July 28-29 2022. Unverified Russia media video footage showed the burned out remains of the prison and charred bodies.

Russia's defence ministry said at the time that a missile strike by a U.S.-made HIMARS rocket was responsible. Kyiv, which frequently raises the incident, has maintained that Russia conducted the explosion at the Olenivka prison in order to hide mistreatment of the Ukrainian captives held inside.

Russia's defence ministry did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Moscow has previously denied maltreating POWs.

"The prisoners of war who were injured or died at Olenivka, and their family members, deserve the truth to be known, and for those responsible for breaches of international law to be held accountable," said High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk in a statement sent to journalists.

The UN rights body, which said it has conducted extensive interviews with survivors and analysed additional information, added that the incident "was not caused by a HIMARS rocket".

It said that it has not identified the source of the explosion but would continue to follow up on the incident. Russia has not granted requests to access parts of Ukraine under temporary Russian control nor given the satisfactory safety assurances for a site visit, the statement added.

The U.N. rights office has previously said both Russia and Ukraine have abused prisoners of war during the conflict, although the former has done so on a bigger scale.

(Reporting by Emma Farge; additional reporting by Max Hunder in Kyiv; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
By Mike Stone and Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Department of Defense announced $400 million in additional security assistance for Ukraine on Tuesday, including air defense missiles, armored vehicles and small drones, as Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russia grinds on.

The new aid package, which was first reported by Reuters, will include for the first time U.S. furnished Black Hornet surveillance drones made by Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies.

The Norwegian-built Hornet is being used in Ukraine through donations by the British and Norwegian governments, the company said. FLIR Unmanned Aerial Systems was awarded a $93 million contract in April to provide the small reconnaissance drones to the U.S. Army.

In addition, the weapons aid package includes munitions for Patriot air defense systems and National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASMS), Stinger anti-aircraft systems, more ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), Stryker Armored Personnel Carriers and a variety of other missiles and rockets.

The assistance is funded using Presidential Drawdown Authority, or PDA, which authorizes the president to quickly transfer articles and services from U.S. stocks without congressional approval during an emergency. The material will come from U.S. excess inventory.

This is the 43rd security assistance package approved by the United States for Ukraine. More than $43 billion in U.S. military aid has been provided since Russia's invasion in 2022.

Commenting on the aid announcement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted Russia's attacks on Ukraine ports and Ukrainian infrastructure since withdrawing from the Black Sea Grain Initiative last week.

"Russia could end this war at any time by withdrawing its forces from Ukraine and stopping its brutal attacks against Ukraine's cities and people. Until it does, the United States and our allies and partners will stand united with Ukraine, for as long as it takes," Blinken said in a statement.

The Black Sea grain deal was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey a year ago to combat a global food crisis worsened by Russia's invasion. Ukraine and Russia are both leading grain exporters.

Russia, whose invasion of Ukraine has resulted in the deaths of thousands and the displacement of millions of civilians, denounced the new U.S. package.

"The actions by Washington ... are beyond morality and common sense," Russia's ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov said in a post on the embassy's Telegram messaging app.

Britain said on Tuesday it had information indicating Russia's military might start targeting civilian shipping in the Black Sea, while the European Union pledged to help Ukraine export almost all its farm produce via rail and road.

(Reporting by Mike Stone and Patricia Zengerle in Washington; Additional reporting by Ismail Shakil in Ottawa, Katharine Jackson in Washington and Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Grant McCool and Stephen Coates)
By Eric Beech and Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Justice Department on Monday sued Texas over floating barriers installed by the state in the Rio Grande river to block migrants crossing from Mexico.

Texas authorities began installing the string of buoys in the middle of the river near Eagle Pass, Texas, last week, part of Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott's initiative dubbed Operation Lone Star to deter migrants.

"We allege that Texas has flouted federal law by installing a barrier in the Rio Grande without obtaining the required federal authorization," Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said in a statement. "This floating barrier poses threats to navigation and public safety and presents humanitarian concerns."

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in the Western District of Texas, seeks "to remove all structures and obstructions, including a floating barrier and all infrastructure related to the floating barrier, in the Rio Grande," according to the court filing.

The U.S. attorney for the Western District of Texas, Jaime Esparza, had threatened to take legal action in a letter sent to Abbott last week.

In response to the Justice Department's legal warning, Abbott sent a letter on Monday to Democratic President Joe Biden, accusing him of failing to enforce immigration laws and causing a "record-breaking level of illegal immigration."

Abbott, in an interview on Fox News, said the barriers have potentially prevented hundreds of thousands of people from entering the country illegally and argued the Biden administration's lawsuit is based on an obscure statute.

"We believe we have the right to do so, and we will take this lawsuit all the way to the United States Supreme Court," he said.

Mexico has also complained about the barrier, saying it violates a water treaty and may encroach on Mexican territory.

In addition to the border barrier, Abbott's Operation Lone Star also has included the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops and a campaign to bus migrants to Democratic-led cities further north.

In recent months, National Guard troops have strung up razor wire to block migrants from crossing the Rio Grande.

The number of migrants caught crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally has dropped since Biden implemented a restrictive new asylum policy in May. Even so, roughly 100,000 were apprehended in June.

(Reporting by Eric Beech, Kanishka Singh and Tyler Clifford; Editing by Tim Ahmann, Bill Berkrot and Sonali Paul)
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Biden administration is sending up to $400 million in additional military aid to Ukraine, including a variety of munitions for advanced air defense systems and a number of small, surveillance Hornet drones, U.S. officials said Monday, as attacks in the war escalated to include strikes in Moscow and Crimea.

The package includes an array of ammunition  ranging from missiles for the High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) to Stingers and Javelins. The weapons are being provided through presidential drawdown authority, which allows the Pentagon to quickly take items from its own stocks and deliver them to Ukraine, often within days.

Officials said the U.S. is also sending howitzer artillery rounds and 32 Stryker armored vehicles, along with demolition equipment, mortars, Hydra-70 rockets and 28 million rounds of small arms ammunition. The Hornets are tiny nano-drones that are used largely for intelligence gathering. Ukraine has also gotten them in the past from other Western allies. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the aid package has not yet been announced.

Overall the U.S. has provided more than $41 billion in military aid to Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022. The latest package of weapons comes as a Ukrainian drone struck an ammunition depot in Russian-annexed Crimea and Russia accused Ukraine of launching a drone attack on Moscow. Russian media reported that one of the drones fell near the city center, not far from the towering Defense Ministry building.

Ukrainian authorities didnt immediately claim responsibility for the strike, which was the second drone attack on the Russian capital this month.

Russia's military, meanwhile, unleashed new strikes on port infrastructure in southern Ukraine with exploding drones. The strike was the latest in a barrage of attacks that has damaged portions of the port in the past week. The Kremlin has described the strikes as retribution for last weeks Ukrainian strike on the crucial Kerch Bridge linking Russia with Crimea.

____

Associated Press writer Tara Copp contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department has not had any substantive communication with North Korea since U.S. soldier Travis King crossed into the North last week, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters on Monday.

Miller said Washington has made outreach to ascertain the whereabouts of King and to ascertain information about his safety, but have not received any response.

King, a U.S. Army private serving in South Korea, sprinted into North Korea on July 18 while on a tour of the Demilitarized Zone on the inter-Korean border.

(Reporting by Simon Lewis, Jasper Ward and Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Chris Reese)
By Jeff Mason and Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House said it did not support Ukraine launching attacks inside Russia after two drones from Ukraine damaged buildings in Moscow earlier on Monday.

"As a general matter we do not support attacks inside of Russia," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters in a press briefing.

Russia vowed to take harsh retaliatory measures against Ukraine, calling the two drone strikes, including one close to the Defence Ministry's headquarters, a brazen act of terror.

"This is a war that Russia started. This is their war," Jean-Pierre said. "And they can end it at any time by withdrawing forces from Ukraine instead of launching brutal attacks on civilians."

Nobody was hurt in the attack in Moscow -- the most high-profile of its kind since two drones reached the Kremlin in May.

One drone struck close to Russia's defense headquarters in a symbolic blow that underscored the reach of such drones, and a senior Ukrainian official said there would be more attacks.

Meanwhile, Kyiv on Monday said a Russian drone attack destroyed Ukrainian grain warehouses on the Danube River and wounded seven people.

The Kremlin said it would press on with what it calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine. Kyiv and much of the West say is a brutal war of conquest.

A swarm of 17 drones also launched attacks overnight on Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, the Russian Defence Ministry said. They struck an ammunition warehouse and damaged a residential building, the Russian-installed head of Crimea said.

(Reporting by Jeff Mason in Washington; writing by Kanishka Singh; editing by Chris Reese and Susan Heavey)
ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish firefighters battled a wildfire near the resort of Kemer in the southern province of Antalya on Tuesday, tackling the blaze from land and air amid high temperatures across the region.

The blaze spread fast through woodland in the area as a result of strong winds and low humidity, the Antalya governor's office said in a statement.

Ten planes, 22 helicopters and more than 200 vehicles were deployed in the firefighting efforts, with some 120 hectares of woodland burned in the Kemer area, Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy told reporters.

The Turkish blaze spread as an intense summer heatwave scorched large areas of the Mediterranean, with wildfires killing 34 people in Algeria and forcing the evacuation of thousands of tourists from the Greek island of Rhodes.

Antalya Governor Ersin Yazici said local authorities had taken all necessary measures to prevent the fire spreading to residential areas.

Kemer State Hospital was evacuated as a precautionary measure and six people were hospitalized due to smoke inhalation, local authorities said.

(Reporting by Burcu Karakas; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
By Fedja Grulovic and Lamine Chikhi

RHODES/ALGIERS (Reuters) - Wildfires killed 34 people in Algeria and forced the evacuation of thousands of tourists from the Greek island of Rhodes as an intense summer heatwave scorched large areas of the Mediterranean.

Another blaze caused the temporary closure of Palermo airport on the southern Italian island of Sicily on Tuesday, while an overnight storm tore off roofs and brought down trees in the north of the country, killing two people.

Extreme weather throughout July has caused havoc across the planet, with temperatures breaking records in China, the United States and southern Europe, sparking forest fires, water shortages and a rise in heat-related hospital admissions.

Without human-induced climate change, the events this month would have been "extremely rare", according to a study by World Weather Attribution, a global team of scientists that examines the role played by climate change in extreme weather.

The heat, with temperatures topping 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), is well in excess of what usually attracts tourists who flock to southern European beaches.

In some parts of eastern Sicily, temperatures rose to 47.6 Celsius on Monday, close to a record European high of 48.8 Celsius recorded on the island two years ago.

It was even hotter in North Africa, with temperatures of 49 Celsius recorded in some cities in Tunisia.

Neighbouring Algeria deployed some 8,000 firefighters to bring its deadly fires under control, authorities said.

MASS EVACUATION

The fires burning on the island of Rhodes for the past week have forced the Greek authorities to carry out the largest evacuation ever undertaken in the country, with more than 20,000 people forced to leave homes and hotels.

"I will state the obvious: in the face of what the entire planet is facing, especially the Mediterranean which is a climate change hot-spot, there is no magical defence mechanism, if there was we would have implemented it," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Tuesday.

The fires will deal a blow to a tourism industry that is a mainstay of the Greek economy. It accounts for 18% of Greece's GDP and one in five jobs, with reliance on tourism even greater on islands such as Rhodes.

"It's very, very bad, the situation. We need help. Send us help from everywhere," said Lanai Karpataki, a local resident in Kiotari on the south of Rhodes.

Malta, another major Mediterranean holiday destination, suffered a raft of power cuts across the country, affecting its largest hospital, after a week-long heatwave.

'SILENT KILLER'

Scientists have described extreme heat as a "silent killer" taking a heavy toll on the poor, the elderly and those with existing medical conditions.

Research published this month said as many as 61,000 people may have died in Europe's sweltering heatwaves last summer, suggesting countries' heat preparedness efforts are falling fatally short.

The heat has caused large-scale crop damage and livestock losses, the World Weather Attribution scientists said, with U.S. corn and soybean crops, Mexican cattle, southern European olives as well as Chinese cotton all severely affected.

Responding to the damage caused by the storm in Milan, the mayor of Italy's financial capital said the cause was clear.

"I have been through 65 summers in my lifetime... and what I am seeing now is not normal, we can no longer deny it, climate change is changing our lives," Mayor Giuseppe Sala said on social media.

(Reporting by Angeliki Koutantou, Renee Maltezou, Federico Maccioni, Alvise Armellini, Lamine Chikhi, Jana Choukeir, and Nayera Abdalla and David Stanway; Writing by Keith Weir; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
In this photo released by Tokyo Electric Power, Korean experts inspect the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in the town of Futaba, northeastern Japan, May 24. Yonhap





Korea and Japan held working-level consultations on Tuesday to discuss Seoul's request regarding Tokyo's plan to discharge contaminated water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant.







The director-general-level talks were held in Japan, with the Korean side led by Yun Hyun-soo, head of the foreign ministry's bureau for climate change, energy, environment and scientific affairs, and the Japanese side headed by Atsushi Kaifu, director-general of the Japanese foreign ministry's disarmament, non-proliferation and science department.







The meeting came as part of follow-up measures to the results of a bilateral summit held on the sidelines of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, earlier this month.







During the summit between President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on July 12, Yoon asked Tokyo to include Korean experts in monitoring the planned release of the water.







Yoon also asked that the discharge be stopped immediately if the concentration of radioactive material in the water exceeds standard levels and that Japan promptly inform Korea, saying the health and safety of the people should be the top considerations in releasing the water into the sea.







The two countries previously held working-level discussions on the Fukushima water issue in Seoul in May.







The International Atomic Energy Agency has priority in deciding whether to include a Korean expert on the water monitoring team, but it will require cooperation from the Japanese authorities in making such a decision. (Yonhap)


GOLDENDALE, Wash.  Hot, dry and windy conditions are making firefighters' job even more difficult suppressing a wildfire burning thousands of acres in Washington State.

The Newell Road fire, which began last Friday, quickly became a hazard to homes, livestock, crops, the Williams natural gas pipeline and the Roosevelt Landfill, Klickitat County officials said Sunday.

"It's a wind-driven fire through wheat fields, pasture land, interspersed with a significant number of wind turbines and a solar farm," said Rich Elliott, an operation section chief for the Southeast Washington Type 3 Interagency Team during a prior update on the fire.

The fire is now burning just over 56,000 acres, according to Klickitat County Department of Emergency Management. The fire was 20% contained as of Monday evening. The cause is under investigation.

The fire forced the closure of Highway 14 in both directions between U.S. Highway 97 and Interstate 82, except for local residents.

"This closure is in place for the safety of local residents and to allow emergency responders access within the fire area. It will remain in effect until further notice," Klickitat County officials said Tuesday morning.

Evacuation levels were raised to a Level 2 out of 3 on Monday, warning residents of the significant danger and preparing them to leave at a moment's notice.

WHAT DO LEVEL 1, 2, AND 3 EVACUATIONS MEAN DURING WILDFIRES

A Fire Weather Warning will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. for high and gusty winds up to 40 mph.

Due to Monday's high winds, additional resources will be directed to the northwest corner of the fire to inspect and improve containment lines, the Klickitat County officials said.

Additionally, fire personnel will patrol and mop up along the other areas of the fire by physically checking for any heat along containment lines. Much of the same work will continue Tuesday, including suppression efforts along the entire perimeter of the fire.

WHAT SHOULD BE IN YOUR EVACUATION 'GO' BAG DURING WILDFIRE SEASON

FEMA has authorized federal funds to support 75% of the firefighting costs in the state, FOX 13 Seattle reports. An additional $1.2 million is also available to Washington State through a post-fire federal grant.

A community meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Goldendale Middle School. You can access the meeting virtually by clicking here.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  The yearslong legal fight over former President Donald Trump's decision to divert billions of dollars to build a U.S.-Mexico border wall formally ended on Tuesday.

Wisconsin became the last of 20 states to drop out of the two lawsuits, which were rendered all but moot when President Joe Biden issued an executive order in 2021 that halted wall construction using up to $6.7 billion intended for National Guard units, military construction projects and police.

Wisconsin stood to lose $8 million that was supposed to cover a new National Guard firing range. The federal government has since restored the money for the firing range, according to the Wisconsin Legislatures attorneys and the state Justice Department.

The 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals had ruled in favor of the states in October 2020, prompting the federal government to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review the cases. After Bidens executive order, the justices sent the cases back to a lower court.

A federal judge in Oakland, California, dismissed the other states, including California, New York, Colorado, Hawaii and Minnesota, from the lawsuits on July 17.

The Wisconsin Legislature's finance committee granted the state Justice Department permission to drop out of the lawsuit Tuesday. The Republican-controlled committee voted unanimously and without debate.

The state Justice Department made its formal request to exit the lawsuits on July 18, triggering Tuesdays meeting.

The department needed permission from legislators to get out of the cases because of a 2018 law that requires the agency to seek permission from the finance committee before settling lawsuits. Wisconsin Republicans passed the law to give themselves more oversight of Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul's activities after he defeated his Republican predecessor in the November 2018 elections.
Trevor Reed, a former U.S. Marine who spent nearly three years in a Russian prison before being freed in an inmate swap, was wounded while fighting in Ukraine, the State Department said Tuesday.

Department spokesman Vedant Patel said Reed was transported to Germany for medical care by a non-governmental organization and was not engaged in any activities on behalf of the U.S. government, likely indicating he was a volunteer fighter.

The U.S. has repeatedly discouraged Americans from traveling to Ukraine, "let alone participate in fighting, Patel said. We are not in a place to provide assistance to evacuate private U.S. citizens from Ukraine.''

The Biden administration has been trying to negotiate the release from Russian detainment of two other Americans, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and corporate security executive Paul Whelan.

Themessenger.com, citing two U.S military officials, said Reed was wounded after stepping on a land mine about two weeks ago. The officials, who spoke under condition of anonymity because of Defense Department regulations, said he suffered shrapnel wounds from the explosion.

Reed was arrested in summer 2019 after Russian authorities said he assaulted an officer following a night of heavy drinking. He was sentenced to nine years in prison, though his family has maintained his innocence and the U.S. government described him as unjustly detained.

The U.S. obtained Reed's release in April 2022 in exchange for Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian pilot who had been serving a 20-year federal prison sentence in Connecticut for conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the U.S. The Justice Department has described Yaroshenko as an experienced international drug trafficker."

Jonathan Franks, a spokesperson for the Reed family, told USA TODAY the family declined to comment.

Contributing: Chris Kenning

A man works on the rubble of an apartment building destroyed in Russian missile attacks in Odesa on July 23, 2023.

Developments:

 Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said on Telegram that Kyiv's forces reclaimed nearly 5 square miles of southern territory last week. She also noted Ukraine doesn't sacrifice nearly as many lives as Russia, with one military death for every eight Russian soldiers killed around Bakhmut and one for every 5.3 in Berdiansk and Mariupol. "This is despite the fact that usually the side that advances loses more,'' she said.

 Russian President Vladimir Putin was politically paralyzed and failed to act decisively in the first hours of last month's attempted mutiny by Wagner group mercenaries, The Washington Post reported Tuesday, citing Ukrainian and other security officials in Europe. No orders were issued for most of the day, the officials said. After negotiations, the coup was abandoned within 120 miles of Moscow.

 About 3,450 to 3,650 Wagner mercenaries have arrived at a camp in Belarus after their failed rebellion in Russia last month, according to the Belaruski Hajun military monitoring group.

 Putin plans to visit China in October, seven months after Chinese leader Xi Jinping traveled to Moscow for a three-day meeting, Kremlin official Yuri Ushakov said.

 Ukraine has received international pledges for $244 million worth of demining help, in addition to demining systems from Swiss and Croatian companies, according to Minister of Economic Development Yulia Svyrydenko.

Russia expands age eligibility, seeks to increase military ranks

The Russian parliament took the first step Tuesday toward expanding the military ranks amid the war in Ukraine as the lower house approved a bill extending the upper range of eligibility for mandatory service from 27 to 30 years of age.

The measure would go into effect Jan. 1 if supported by the upper house and signed by Putin. Currently, all Russian men from 18 to 27 are required to serve a year in the military, although many get deferrals.

Around 50,000 Russian soldiers have died in the Ukrainian invasion since it was launched in February 2022, according to a study released this month by two independent Russian media outlets. In early May, the White House estimated Russian casualties since December alone at more than 100,000, including 20,000 deaths.

Expanding military eligibility allows the Kremlin to boost its forces without declaring a partial mobilization as it did in September, prompting tens of thousands of men of service age to flee the country.

Russian lawmakers also approved legislation drastically increasing fines for draftees who fail to promptly report for service and banning them from leaving the country once a summons to report has been issued.

Can latest US aid package jump-start counteroffensive?

The latest U.S. military aid package bound for Ukraine includes armored vehicles, surveillance drones and ammunition Kyiv desperately needs for a counteroffensive against an entrenched Russian military that continues to pound Ukrainian cities.

The $400 million package comes as Ukraine endures a barrage of missiles targeting the port city of Odesa that has left part of the "Pearl by the Sea" in ruins.

"We must defend Odesa," Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tweeted Tuesday. "Ukraine urgently needs to strengthen its air defense to protect its historical heritage."

The package announced Tuesday includes dozens of Stryker armored vehicles and missiles for the High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), along with Stinger air defense missiles and anti-tank Javelin weapons, the Pentagon said. The weapons are being provided through presidential authority that allows the Pentagon to deliver items often within days.

Zelenskyy has conceded the counteroffensive was slower than desired." Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged this week that Ukraine faces a very hard fight and predicted the counteroffensive would continue for several months.

Days after the Russian invasion in February 2022, Tetiana Khlapova moved to Odesa to escape the bombings that battered the northeastern city of Kharkiv. Now she says she will ride out the war in Ireland.

I am a refugee from Kharkiv. I endured that hell and came to sunny Odesa," she said. In Ukraine, "we are not protected for a single second, in any city.

Russia's 'dysfunctional targeting process' adds to damage in Odesa

The Black Sea Grain Initiative had allowed crucial grain shipments from Odesa to sail through a Russian blockade bound for ports in Europe, Asia and Africa. But Russia, since pulling out of the deal a week ago, has battered the elegant city known for its history, art, architecture and beaches. Russia generally refrained from striking civilian infrastructure in Ukraine's southern ports for the year the agreement was in effect, the U.K. Defense Ministry said in its latest assessment of the war.

"Since Russia failed to renew the deal, the Kremlin likely feels less politically constrained, and is attempting to strike targets in Odesa because it believes Ukraine is storing military assets in these areas," the assessment says. Russias strike campaign has been characterized by poor intelligence and a "dysfunctional targeting process," the assessment says.

Audrey Azoulay, head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), said dozens of historical buildings have been damaged. The collateral damage includes the Transfiguration Cathedral, the city's first church, which dates to the 1790s, and marks an escalation of violence against Ukraine's heritage, Azoulay said.

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,

Azoulay said in a statement.

It's summer, but Ukraine already bracing for a cold winter

It's only the middle of summer, but authorities in Ukraine are already girding for winter. About 60% of restoration work has been completed on power grids damaged by massive Russian rocket attacks, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said. He urged Ukrainians to begin conserving power now and to be prepared for blackouts that could last for days when winter comes.

"We are continuing the campaign to restore the energy sector," he said. "Enhanced protection for energy facilities is being provided. At the same time, work is being carried out to prepare the thermal power industry for winter."

Ukraine drones batter Moscow: Moscow; Kremlin threatens 'tough retaliatory measures': Updates

International experts find land mines at Russian-held nuke plant

International Atomic Energy Agency experts discovered land mines around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Russian-occupied southeastern Ukraine, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said Tuesday. Grossi said the mines were found in a restricted "buffer zone" that plant personnel cannot access. The team did not observe any within the inner perimeter, he said, adding that detonation of the mines that were found should not affect the sites nuclear safety and security systems. Grossi said experts have not yet been provided access to some areas of the plant, which has not generated power for several months.

"Having such explosives on the site is inconsistent with the IAEA safety standards and nuclear security guidance and creates additional psychological pressure on plant staff," Grossi said. Our team has raised this specific finding with the (Russian plant operators), and they have been told that it is a military decision."

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ukraine Russia war live updates: Trevor Reed injured while fighting
WASHINGTON (AP)  A Russian fighter jet flew within a few meters of a U.S. drone over Syria and fired flares at it, striking the American aircraft and damaging it, the U.S. military said Tuesday, the latest in a string of aggressive intercepts by Russia in the region.

A senior Air Force commander said the move on Sunday was an attempt by the Russians to knock the MQ-9 Reaper drone out of the sky and came just a week after a Russian fighter jet flew dangerously close to a U.S. surveillance aircraft carrying a crew in the region, jeopardizing the lives of the four Americans on board.

One of the Russian flares struck the U.S. MQ-9, severely damaging its propeller, Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, the head of U.S. Air Forces Central, said in a statement describing the latest close call. "We call upon the Russian forces in Syria to put an immediate end to this reckless, unprovoked, and unprofessional behavior.

Grynkewich said one of the crew members operating the drone remotely kept it in the air and flew it back to its home base.

The Sunday incident is the latest in a series of encounters between Russian fighter jets and U.S. aircraft flying over Syria. U.S. leaders have noted the uptick and so far have discounted any connection to Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, where the U.S. and Western allies are actively supporting Kyiv's fight against Moscow.

Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said hes uncertain what triggered the increase. Weve got analysts trying to figure that out. I dont know if its connected to Ukraine or not. Right now, theres nothing to suggest that it is, he told reporters during a recent briefing.

Others have suggested that it stems from a growing coordination among Russia, Syria and Iran and is meant to persuade the U.S. to leave Syria, thus opening the door for more Iranian activity, particularly in the South.

Randa Slim, director of the Conflict Resolution and Track II Dialogues Program at the Washington-based Middle East Institute, said that before the war in Ukraine, Syria was seen by the Russians as an arena for competition as well as cooperation with U.S. Their shared interested in Syria included limiting Iran and Turkeys footprints, preventing a military escalation between Iran and Israel that could provoke a regional war, promoting a political solution to the war in Syria, and denying the Islamic State a safe haven.

However, since the war in Ukraine, Slim said there is an increasing convergence between the Russian and Iranian positions around an endgame that sees U.S. forces pushed out of Syria.

The U.S. and other allies of Ukraine have accused Iran of supplying hundreds of drones to Russia for its war effort, which Russia denies.

The Deir Ez-Zor province in eastern Syrian has been a particular area of tension among the U.S., Russia and Iran. Control of the oil-rich province is split between Syrian government forces and the U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, with a presence of both Iranian militias and U.S. troops. It was also the site of a confrontation between U.S. forces and Russian mercenaries from the Wagner private military company in 2018.

On Monday, Syrian state news agency SANA reported that residents protested in the town of al-Mayadeen, in Deir Ez-Zor province, in rejection of the American occupation of Syrian lands, calling for the withdrawal of American and allied SDF forces.

In all of the Russian air intercepts except the one instance a week ago, the U.S. aircraft were MQ-9 drones without crew members. On that Sunday, however, the Russian Su-35 jet few close to a U.S. MC-12 surveillance aircraft with a crew, forcing it to go through the turbulent wake.

U.S. officials at the time called it a significant escalation in the ongoing string of encounters between U.S. and Russian aircraft that could have resulted in an accident or loss of life. They said the Russian move hampered the crew members' ability to safely operate their plane.

In recent weeks, U.S. officials said, Russian fighter jets have repeatedly harassed U.S. MQ-9 drones, which are conducting anti-Islamic State group missions, largely in western Syria.

On multiple occasions in the past three weeks, the officials said, Russian fighter jets flew dangerously close to the U.S. Reapers, setting off flares and forcing the drones to take evasive maneuvers.

U.S. and Russian military officers communicate frequently over a deconfliction phone line during the encounters, protesting the other sides actions.

There are about 900 U.S. forces in Syria, and others move in and out to conduct missions targeting Islamic State group militants.

____

Associated Press writer Abby Sewell in Irbil, Iraq, contributed to this report from Iraq.
By Arriana McLymore

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shein, an online discount clothing retailer whose labor practices in China are being questioned by U.S. lawmakers, spent $600,000 in the second quarter in lobbying on Capitol Hill, its first filings of such registrations showed.

The outlay by Singapore-based Shein, launched in China in 2012, shows its moderate spending strategy to influence lawmakers on the Hill, said Daniel Auble, a senior researcher at the nonprofit Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks political giving and lobbying.

In May, a bipartisan group of two dozen U.S. representatives urged the Securities and Exchange Commission to halt Shein's potential initial public offering reported by Reuters, until the company verified it does not use forced labor or violate the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

Shein has denied using forced labor and that it was planning to go public in the U.S. this year.

U.S. lawmakers are also questioning Shein's data privacy and use of a U.S. duty exemption on low-priced direct shipments to consumers.

Shein's $600,000 lobbying outlay, filed on Friday, does not put it "among the biggest spenders," Auble said.

By contrast, U.S. retailers Walmart spent $1.62 million and Gap spent $140,000 in the second quarter, lobbying disclosures showed.

Since the 2022 third quarter, Shein has paid lobbying firms Hobart Hallaway & Quayle Ventures $500,000; and Akin, Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld $270,000, the firms' filings showed.

Neither firm was immediately available for comment.

A Shein spokesperson said on Friday the company will continue to "engage policymakers and participate in discussions that will help us continue to add value to the U.S. economy, support our American workers, and bring industry-wide benefits to consumers."

(Reporting by Arriana McLymore in New York City; Editing by Richard Chang)
The 360 shows you diverse perspectives on the days top stories and debates.

Illustration by Joanne Imperio for Yahoo News; photos: Getty Images

Whats happening

As some of his Republican rivals go to unprecedented lengths in hopes of qualifying for next months GOP presidential debate, former President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested he might choose to skip the event entirely.

When you have a big lead, you don't do it, Trump said during a recent interview with Fox News, citing his huge lead in primary polls. Its actually not fair. Why would you let somebody that's at zero or one or two or three [percent] be popping you with questions?

Trump and six other candidates have met the polling and donor thresholds set by the Republican National Committee to earn a place on the stage at the opening primary debate on Aug. 23 in Milwaukee.

Several of his challengers have publicly challenged him to participate. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called on Trump to step up and make his case to voters, adding that nobody's entitled to this nomination. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley suggested failing to appear would signal that Trump is scared and Ex-New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said bluntly If Trump doesnt want to debate then he doesnt want to be president.

Missing a debate would be nothing new for Trump. During the 2016 GOP primary, he skipped a Fox News debate shortly before the Iowa caucuses amid a public spat with the networks host Megyn Kelly, and a later debate was canceled after he said he would not attend. Four years later, Trumps refusal to debate remotely after testing positive for COVID-19 caused his second debate against Joe Biden to be canceled.

Why theres debate

Some political commentators think Trump would be making a mistake by skipping one or more of the upcoming debates. They argue that he has the chance to effectively seal the nomination by putting together a dominating performance against a group of rivals who are unlikely to be able hold their own in a verbal sparring match against him. Theres also risk, many add, that ceding the stage to his rivals could give one of them a rare chance to dominate the spotlight, potentially setting them up to cut into his polling lead.

But others say avoiding the debates is the best strategy for Trump. For one, it spares him the potential danger of making a major mistake during heated exchanges with opponents whose only goal will be to try to take him down. Trump's absence could also significantly reduce the number of primary voters who watch the debate, denying his challengers the chance to make their case to a large audience  especially if he holds a competing event at the same time.

Whats next

Uncertainty about Trumps presence at debates appears likely to be a story throughout the GOP primaries and into the general election if he wins the nomination. Trump recently said he and President Biden have to definitely debate. But last year the RNC voted to boycott the Commission on Presidential Debates  which has organized every presidential debate since the late 1980s  over complaints that the commission was biased against Trump.

Perspectives

Trump's absence could give another candidate the chance to break through

I think hes making a mistake because somebody else could do something extraordinary.  When somebody breaks through, you can get a snowball going.  Van Jones, CNN

He has too many vulnerabilities his opponents could seize on

Its also difficult to see the political upside for Trump of participating in primary debates. They open him up to criticism from his fellow Republicans, including some who would stand to gain a lot of electoral visibility from taking a stand against him. He would have to defend his record in front of a large audience and respond in the moment to attacks targeting his potential weak spots.  Joe Perticone, Bulwark

Republican primary voters may think hes running from a fight

If Mr. Trump refuses to debate in the primaries, voters will be entitled to wonder what the former President is afraid of.  Editorial, Wall Street Journal

DeSantis needs to land a knockout punch; Trump shouldnt give him the chance

A debate where [DeSantis] shows substance and strength against Trump could be that elusive game-changer his campaign has been seeking.  Editorial, Miami Herald

He shouldnt pass up a chance to end the primary race for good

He is a prizefighter. He belongs in the ring defending his title. Conventional wisdom might suggest staying away to protect his lead, but he has never been a conventional candidate. A strong performance by Mr. Trump in the first few debates could shore up the nomination for him.  Scott Walker, former Wisconsin governor, Washington Times

Theres no better way to make his challengers seem irrelevant than by refusing to face them

As conventional wisdom strategy, it makes sense, unlikely to undermine his base of support while portraying the debate as a group discussion of also-rans.  Carl Golden, Portland Press Herald

His rivals are no threat to him on the debate stage

There is a fantasy that underlies the ever-growing 2024 Republican presidential field: Governor X or Senator Y or Outsider Entrepreneur Z gets into a televised debate and tears Donald Trump a new one, becoming an overnight sensation awash in new donors, volunteers for Iowa and New Hampshire, and adulation in the mainstream media. Its very unlikely to happen.  Ed Kilgore, New York

Trump would be a fool to voluntarily step into Christies crosshairs

Christies particular brand of bombast, and his take-no-shit persona, makes for the sort of force-field that Trump, who is used to dominating any environment he enters, may find particularly difficult to navigate. Thats likely the real reason that Trump would absent himself from Milwaukee.  Sasha Abramsky, Truthout

Whether he debates or not, Trump is still in position to cruise to the nomination

Welcome to the new age of Republican presidential primary debates. Without Trump, the big audience disappears. With Trump, the audience disappears for any other candidate to offer a vision for the future of the party.  Juan Williams, The Hill
CANBERRA, Australia (AP)  A former United States military pilots Sydney extradition hearing on U.S. charges, including that he illegally trained Chinese aviators, was postponed Tuesday while authorities investigate the role of an Australian spy agency in his arrest.

Boston-born Dan Duggan, 54, was arrested by Australian police in October near his home, in Orange, New South Wales, and has been fighting extradition to the United States. The former U.S. Marine Corps major and flying instructor maintains he has done nothing wrong and is an innocent victim of a worsening power struggle between Washington and Beijing.

This is a signal, signal sending. It has nothing to do with me personally, Duggan told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. in a telephone call from maximum-security prison.

Its more to do with the signal that they want to send in a geopolitical sense, he added in an interview broadcast on Monday.

His lawyers successfully applied Tuesday in Sydneys Downing Centre Local Court for the extradition hearing to be delayed until Nov. 24 while they await findings about their allegation that Duggan, now an Australian citizen, was illegally lured from China back to Australia in 2022 to be arrested.

Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Christopher Jessup, the regulator of Australias six spy agencies, announced in March that he was investigating Duggans allegation that the Australian Security Intelligence Organization, known as ASIO, was part of a U.S. ploy to extradite him.

Duggan returned from China to work in Australia after he received an ASIO security clearance for an aviation license. A few days after his arrival, the ASIO clearance was removed, which his lawyers argue made the job opportunity an illegal lure to a U.S. extradition partner country. They expect Jessups findings will provide grounds to oppose extradition and apply for his release from prison on bail before the extradition question is resolved.

Duggan's grounds for resisting extradition include his claim that the prosecution is political and that the crime he is accused of does not exist under Australian law. The extradition treaty between the two countries that has existed since 1976 requires that a suspect can only be extradited for an allegation that is recognized by both countries as a crime.

The Australian government is reviewing laws to ensure former military personnel cannot sell their expertise to the Chinese military.

Saffrine Duggan, Duggans wife and mother of their six children, addressed more than 20 supporters who protested outside the court for his release.

I would never have thought this could ever happen in Australia, let alone to our family, she said. My family is brave and strong and so are our friends and so is my husband, but we are all terribly torn apart."

She complained in February that Australia was holding her husband in inhumane conditions.

Dan Duggan said the Chinese pilots he trained while he was contracted by flying school Test Flying Academy of South Africa in 2011 and 2012  the period covered by the charges  were civilians, and nothing he taught was classified.

His lawyer, Bernard Collaery, said the Australian and Chinese navies were involved in joint training exercises around the time Duggan was accused of consorting with the enemy.

Its a double standard, its hypocrisy, Collaery said.

If Australia does extradite him, were liable to see him become a pawn in this China game. It is very worrying, the lawyer added.
Twitter has a new look: The iconic Twitter bird logo  known as "Larry"  has been replaced by an illustration of the letter X.

Elon Musk teased the rebranding on Sunday, and the new logo, which Musk crowdsourced from his Twitter followers, went live on the app on Monday morning.

"Its an exceptionally rare thing  in life or in business  that you get a second chance to make another big impression," X Corp. CEO Linda Yaccarino shared in a thread on X, formerly Twitter. "Twitter made one massive impression and changed the way we communicate. Now, X will go further, transforming the global town square."

Twitter's makeover comes less than a year after Musk completed his $44 billion acquisition of the social media company last fall, which placed the business in one of Musk's holding companies, X Holdings II, Inc., where he is the president, treasurer, and secretary.

Our headquarters tonight pic.twitter.com/GO6yY8R7fO  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 24, 2023

The use of the letter X is a recurring theme in Elon Musk's companies. Before there was PayPal, there was X.com  a domain that now redirects to Twitter.com. Additionally, Tesla's first electric luxury crossover SUV was named the Model X. And Musk's aerospace company, SpaceX, also features the letter.

Meanwhile, Twitter faces more competition for users' screen time from new offerings such as Spill and Meta's Threads, which are growing at a rapid pace.

"I think its a sign of desperation," Marcus Collins, a marketing professor at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, told Yahoo Finance Live. "Theres not a lot to talk about other than things arent going so well, be it the launch of Threads, the launch of Spill ... So if you don't like what's being said, change the channel."

However, there are some business reasons why the change may make sense for the company, such as moving closer to Musk's goal of creating a super app and marking a shift for the company after a volatile year of layoffs, unpopular changes to the platform, and users and advertisers leaving the platform.

The new logo of Twitter is displayed on an iPhone in Galway, Ireland July 24, 2023. (REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne)

A move toward X, 'the everything app'

Elon Musk has been consistently vocal about creating an app experience that features multiple services, such as those offered by mega businesses like Alibaba and Tencent, the owner of WeChat, a super app for messaging, gaming, payments, and more. It also may be inspired by Apple's ecosystem.

According to Musk, rebranding Twitter to X initiates the next step toward creating X, "the everything app."

Buying Twitter is an accelerant to creating X, the everything app  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 4, 2022

Elon Musk has assembled a new regime at the social media company to bring his vision to life while also balancing the demands of advertisers and active users.

"X is the future state of unlimited interactivity  centered in audio, video, messaging, payments/banking  creating a global marketplace for ideas, goods, services, and opportunities. Powered by AI, X will connect us all in ways were just beginning to imagine," Yaccarino posted on X.

Twitter isn't the only social media company to pivot its brand at a timely moment.

In 2021, Facebook rebranded to Meta Platforms in order to communicate its focus on the metaverse and distance itself from controversies. Years prior, the Facebook name found itself embroiled in "Stop Hate for Profit" boycott campaigns in 2020 and a Cambridge Analytica data scandal in 2016 that rocked its stock price in the aftermath.

Similarly, Twitter's change to X may highlight another priority  to distance the new company and its goals from the company's recent challenges.

The rebranding comes roughly 16 months ahead of what executives believe will be a "vitriolic" 2024 presidential election in the United States, and social media companies have yet to determine what will be their policy on political ads.

If successful, X may be able to shed some of Twitter's baggage and retain advertisers with an app experience that provides a deeper reach with a family of services.

But the success of such a super app hinges on whether users trust Musk, especially with the uncertainty of surrendering personal data.

"Its a compelling proposition, but I dont think that the temperament of the United States will welcome a company to have that much of an aggregation of our information, of our stuff in our daily lives," Collins said. "Theres too much cynicism in the disposition of the United States for us to trust one company to have all of those things."

Brad Smith is an anchor at Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter @thebradsmith.

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By Kim Sun-ae



I twice watched the documentary "Sura: A Love Song" (2022). Sura in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, Korea, is the last remaining tidal flat in the Saemangeum reclamation project. Before the reclamation, people could see the magnificent dance of tens of thousands of great knots flying together in Saemangeum, swirling with the wind.



Many migratory birds come down to Korea from the tundra in spring and leave in summer to spend winter in Australia and New Zealand. Korean tidal flats are crucial stopovers for these birds that travel such long distances. The importance of Korean tidal flats and their high levels of biodiversity has been recognized internationally. Four have been listed as UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites.



Although many creatures died due to the Saemangeum reclamation project, various animals and plants still live in Sura, the only tidal flat left in Saemangeum. The documentary features beautiful birds of diverse colors and shapes living in Sura, including parent birds brooding their eggs, and tiny baby birds waiting for their mothers to return with food.



The existing airport in Gunsan displays chronic neglect. Nevertheless, the government plans to build a new airport by reclaiming the Sura Tidal Flat near Gunsan Airport.



"Birds come back to where they were born," says Oh Dong-pil, the head of the Saemangeum Citizens Ecological Group. "Birds born in Sura will return to the tidal flat someday. If their hometown disappears, where will they be able to rest when they come back? People who are trying to construct the new airport, too, might have heard the ocean while holding a conch shell to their ears when they were young."



As Hwang Yun, the film's director, says, "Tidal flats were made by the gravitation of the moon and Earth  Living creatures, countless like the stars, are born and grow in these areas." Tidal flats, created by the mystery of the universe, are precious homes to numerous plants and animals. Sura is home to milky fiddler crabs, a legally protected species, and Seoul pond frogs, an endangered species found only in Korea.



The director's narration of mysterious living creatures in Sura is like a poem. Maybe because few people read poetry these days, I was the only person in the theater when I first saw the film. After some time, I went to the theater again, with my family this time. Fortunately, that day, there were more people in the audience including parents who came with their young children.



This film is a love song sung by people who love the beautiful tidal flat. The ending credits include the names of various living creatures in Sura, such as Saunders's gulls and little terns. Sura residents in the film include a mother bird protecting her baby in the strong wind. The mother bird's love may be no different from that of our parents.





Kim Sun-ae (blog.naver.com/everythingchanges) is a writer and editor.


YEREVAN, JULY 25, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has commented on the probability of Russia withdrawing its peacekeeping troops from Nagorno Karabakh and the subsequent possible scenarios.

Speaking at a July 25 press conference, Pashinyan said that the Russian peacekeeping force in Nagorno Karabakh has a goal which is stipulated in the decision of the Russian parliament which authorized the deployment in 2020.

The decision says that the Russian Federation Council authorizes the Russian president to deploy a peacekeeping contingent to Nagorno Karabakh to prevent the massacre of the local population. Now, if Russia were to decide to withdraw, regardless of nuances, this would at least mean that theres no such threat in Nagorno Karabakh anymore, because if there is such a threat in Nagorno Karabakh its difficult to imagine a decision like that being made, Pashinyan said.

If a threat of massacres would no longer face the people of Nagorno Karabakh, it would mean that the Baku-Stepanakert dialogue under an international mechanism was effective and the sides decided that there is no longer a need for a peacekeeping presence.
YEREVAN, JULY 25, ARMENPRESS. On July 25, in Moscow, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov, ARMENPRESS was informed from MFA Armenia.

The interlocutors focused on issues of regional security and stability, the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and existing humanitarian problems.

Ararat Mirzoyan highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, which is deepening with every passing hour as a result of the illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor by Azerbaijan and the imperative to immediately lift the blockade of the Lachin corridor in accordance with the provisions of the Trilateral statement of November 9, 2020 and the Orders of the International Court of Justice. The need to take concrete steps by the signatories of the Trilateral statement and the possibility to use the existing international tools was emphasized.

During the meeting, the process of normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan was touched upon. In the context of delimitation and border security between the two countries, Minister Mirzoyan stressed the commitment to take the 1975 map as the basis for ensuring maximum clarity in the process of further border delimitation. In the context of unblocking all economic and transport communications in the region, the absence of an alternative to the functioning of the relevant communications under the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the countries was once again emphasized. Ararat Mirzoyan stressed the importance of addressing the issues of rights and security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh under an international mechanism.

In order to reach mutual agreement on the above-mentioned issues, Minister Mirzoyan emphasized the need for the constructive approach from the Azerbaijani side.

During the meeting issues of bilateral agenda between the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation were also touched upon.
The Prime Minister demoted the issue and signalled to the rest of the BJP and the pliant media not to speak about it.

What is gained when I avoid acknowledging that I have a problem? And what, if anything, is lost? The Prime Minister conceded there was violence in Manipur after 79 days of pretending that there wasnt.

A video that was two months old and produced outrage that returned Manipur to the public debate forced him to speak. The Chief Justice of India also said angry words and the police in Manipur, which had been dormant for all that period, immediately made arrests on a case it had ignored.

Why did it take all this time? It did because the Prime Minister demoted the issue and signalled to the rest of the BJP and the pliant media not to speak about it. When the incident, and others like it, were actually happening, he was in Bengaluru holding roadshows. He put off one roadshow, not because of Manipur but because it would clash with exams and he did not want to inconvenience students. He continued with the others.

After that, he went abroad a couple of times, attending parties and watching parades. Within India, he continued his routine of train flagging-off and inaugurations and felicitations of people on their birthdays and so on. He made not a single reference to Manipur.

The question is, again, what does one gain in not acknowledging that there is a problem even if the problem is obvious to everyone else?

The first thing is to signal that it is not my problem. If my house is on fire then I will rush to save it. If my family is under attack, I will hasten to protect it. If I not only do not act, but if I pretend as if nothing happened, then I do not concede that it is my problem. And therefore, I do not have to solve it.

That is the second advantage: I avoid having to deal with a difficult situation immediately and it is possible that it will go away on its own. In a previous column, I spoke about how this was the tack the Prime Minister used during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Normally visible every day at some event, whether physically or virtually, he disappeared for 20 days after cancelling his West Bengal rallies. While hundreds of thousands of people perished, desperate without oxygen and the crematoria overflowed, he was gone.

He returned three weeks later when things were better and fewer people were dying and made a show of having high-level meetings. A BJP resolution from earlier in the year that said India defeated the Covid-19 pandemic under Narendra Modi was removed from the partys website. Once the wave subsided, he moved on from the subject completely.

He also did the same thing after the Galwan incident. There has been no military briefing more than three years after the clash. The only brief statement he made on the issue came after days of silence and then he was silent about it again.

The third advantage that I have in not acknowledging a problem is that in some sense I can keep my image intact. My followers and devotees (who number many in the case of the Prime Minister) will not have to suffer the trauma of seeing me accept something wrong has happened under my watch. The other benefit of this is that because their devotion continues, I can also accept to myself that I have done nothing wrong. If so, many people continue to believe in me, then my actions are right and so are my acts of inaction.

What else? There may be some smaller benefits. Perhaps some people only remember the bluster of claims and not the avoidance of bad news. How many times have we heard that India is the fastest growing economy? Many continue to believe we are, but, as a newspaper reported on July 22: "India is no more the fastest-growing large economy. Saudi Arabia is with 8.7 per cent growth in 2022, followed by Vietnam at 8 per cent. In the first quarter of 2023, the Philippines bettered India, at 6.4 per cent.

If I avoid talking about the fastest growing at this point completely and surface again a few years later, then many will feel that I have always been on top.

Let us now turn to what is lost when I, as a leader, avoid acknowledging that there is a problem. The first is that the problem will continue and often, as was the case in Manipur, it will get worse. How many more people died, how many more women and girls were assaulted, how many more houses were burnt because the Government of India ignored the problem? Perhaps the historians will tell us because most of our media will not.

The second one is that people will take advantage. Why should the chief minister of Manipur resign when there is no problem, according to the Prime Minister himself? When there was some external pressure, he made a drama of resigning, but remained because he was smart enough to know that he could use the silence to his advantage, and he did.

The third one is that the nation, this nation, can continue in its stupor that it is marching towards greatness, and not be distracted by the fires that are burning inside. Perhaps this behaviour of avoidance comes from cold calculations made by the Prime Minister, or perhaps it comes from instinct. Whichever is true, there is sufficient evidence in Year 10 to show what its benefits to him are and what its damage to us.


By Chun In-bum



This year holds immense significance for the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United States as it marks the 70th anniversary of two pivotal events: the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement and the ROK-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty. These historical milestones have shaped the enduring alliance between the two nations and continue to influence their cooperation and shared interests in the present day.



South Korea, while opposing the idea of an armistice, aspired to unify the Korean Peninsula through military means. Although this goal proved unrealistic, it laid the groundwork for negotiating the ROK-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty, which provided the Republic of Korea with a secure environment conducive to gradual economic development. This paved the way for South Korea's transformation into a top-ten economic power and the establishment of a democratic system that upholds freedom of speech and human dignity.



Throughout the years, the evolving relationship between the United States and South Korea has navigated the realms of trade, politics and diplomacy, with the current consensus that this is an ironclad alliance. However, looking ahead, the alliance must mature and evolve further, and for that, understanding and trust must be enhanced.



First, Koreans must comprehend that the presence of the U.S. military on the Korean Peninsula is primarily to deter North Korean aggression. Yet, the United States Forces in Korea (USFK) remains a military asset that can and will be deployed to pursue broader U.S. national interests globally. This underscores the importance of acknowledging that nations prioritize their own interests, and Korea must be prepared for situations where U.S. priorities may shift.



South Korea's journey towards political democracy and industrialization was facilitated by various forms of assistance from the U.S., with American soldiers stationed in Korea playing a pivotal role in providing necessary stability for its democratic and economic development. However, over time, South Korean society has become overly reliant on U.S. military support, leading to concerns about indifference to security matters. For the alliance to remain robust, both Korea and the United States must address this issue and foster a balanced approach to security.



It's essential for Korean politicians to prioritize the security and defense of the country over political gain. When security issues are politicized, it can lead to decisions being made based on political considerations rather than what is best for the nation's security.



A notable example of this is the realistic training of Korean and U.S. troops charged with defending Korea. Given the complexity of modern military systems, constant proficiency is crucial, and live fire shooting exercises, especially at night, are vital for maintaining readiness. However, issues related to safety and noise have posed significant obstacles to conducting such training.



To address this, Korean society must be willing to make sacrifices and compensate those who live close to the training areas. Ensuring that Korean and U.S. troops can conduct day and night shooting exercises without hindrance is essential to their preparedness to execute their missions effectively.



By depoliticizing security matters and focusing on the practical needs of the military, the alliance between Korea and the U.S. can be strengthened, and both countries can better ensure the security and defense of the region. A collaborative and cooperative approach is necessary to overcome challenges and maintain the highest level of readiness for the troops involved.



For the United States, it should recognize the true value of the Republic of Korea, which has emerged as a symbol of U.S. foreign policy success and a valuable ally in the Indo-Pacific region. Korea's contributions in economics, information, military and space domains are increasingly critical to U.S. national interest, including supply chain, trade and new technologies.



In conclusion, the 70th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. alliance marks a momentous occasion that celebrates the triumphs and challenges faced by both nations over the years. As we commemorate the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement and the ROK-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty, we must recognize the profound historical significance of these events in shaping the enduring bond between our countries.



As we look to the future, it is essential for both the United States and South Korea to recommit ourselves to fostering a robust and healthy alliance. This endeavor requires a shared understanding, mutual trust and a dedication to addressing the challenges that lie ahead. We must recognize the sacrifices made on both sides to achieve this enduring relationship and appreciate the strategic significance of our partnership.



Moreover, acknowledging the responsibilities and contributions of each nation is vital. South Korea must strike a balance between self-reliance and continued cooperation, while the United States should value and support Korea's growing role as a critical partner in economics, technology and regional stability.



To ensure the longevity and strength of our alliance, we must confront the obstacles together, such as evolving security threats, changes in regional dynamics, and shifting geopolitical interests. By bolstering realistic training for our defense forces and addressing public perceptions, we can further solidify the foundations of our partnership.



The 70th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. alliance marks not only a time of reflection but also an opportunity to envision a brighter and more secure future for both our nations. With understanding, trust and cooperation as our guiding principles, this enduring alliance will undoubtedly continue to serve the national interests of both the United States and the Republic of Korea for generations to come.





Chun In-bum (truechun@naver.com) served as a lieutenant general of the ROK Army and commander of Special Forces Korea.


Pakistan has also enunciated a first-use nuclear option against India, that cannot be taken lightly

For the Indian Air Force to truly live up to live up to its motto of Touching the Skies with Glory, some critical transformational imperatives are needed. While the IAF is sincerely trying to move from air power to being an aerospace power, these imperatives have to be implemented with vision and alacrity. Faced with Chinas rapidly growing military assertiveness and its unbridled ambitions, supplanted by a traditionally hostile Pakistan, the challenge to the IAF by both nations, individually and collusively, in the aerospace domain are indeed formidable. Aerospace is unquestionably the domain of the future.

To successfully confront a two-front threat, the IAF needs a frugal 42-fighter squadron strength, if not more. Successive Air Chiefs have publicly lamented that they are down to a strength of 31-32 squadrons, which is woefully inadequate to meet the emerging challenges from the Chinese PLAAF (Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Air Force) and the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). Indias strategic area of interest spans the entire region from the Malacca Strait to Strait of Hormuz, where China is gradually expanding its naval footprint.

The Chinese, in recent years are threatening our territorial integrity in Arunachal Pradesh, in areas adjoining Bhutan and Sikkim, in the central sector and in the eastern Ladakh region. They are also endeavouring to link the Xinjiang region in western China with Gwadar port in Pakistan, near the Strait of Hormuz via the overly ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Meanwhile, Pakistan retains the ability to indulge in terrorist activities or provoke incidents, especially along the Line of Control in J&K.

Importantly, Pakistan has also enunciated a first-use nuclear option against India, that cannot be taken lightly. Meanwhile, the vast Indo-Pacific region is emerging as a major arena for military and economic contestation between the United States and China, where India will have a vital role to play, and apart from its maritime muscle, Indias air power will come into reckoning in furtherance of its strategic interests.

The global geopolitical trajectory in recent years has shown an intense competition between the US and China. The US desires a unipolar world but a bipolar Asia, whereas China is striving for a bipolar world but a unipolar Asia. Invariably, India is a principal player in this rivalry. India therefore has to ensure that its overall military preparedness at the desired levels is ensured across the entire spectrum of warfare, including in its air power. Also, it is well-known that aerospace systems comprising manned aircraft, micro-satellites, diverse forms of spacecraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and ballistic and cruise missiles are evolving at a rapid pace.

Technology applying stealth, Artificial Intelligence, hypersonic aerial systems, direct energy weapons, improving genres of platforms assuming very long range and lethal, accurate, non-detectable dimensions which any modern military would like to induct in its arsenals. Chinas advances in its aerospace capabilities is mind-boggling.

All governments are aware that the primacy, flexibility in and the speed of unleashing ones air power, whenever faced with a conflict or emergency situation, cannot be substituted. Barring nuclear exchanges, the effective employment of air power has become not only the dominant form of military power projection but in the restoration of an adverse situation for any country.

The IAFs retaliation at Balakot immediately after Pakistans terror strike in Pulwama in February 2019 did send an appropriate message to Pakistan, besides scoffing at their propaganda of nuclear retaliation. The IAF, a battle-hardened force, is gradually transforming itself from being a continental air power to one with a global reach.

The PLAAF has been working feverishly to augment its air power and aerospace capabilities, besides mentoring the PAF too. Currently enabling its fifth-generation fighter, the stealth capable Chengdu J-20, it is also developing the H-20 stealth bomber and the more modern J-31, besides a Chinese hybrid space plane and a variety of platforms. China, often dubbed as the Walmart of UAVs, is producing a fair variety of reconnaissance and armed drones while also assisting Pakistan in this field. Nevertheless, the US Air Force still remains miles ahead, both in overall capabilities and numbers of its modern aircraft like the F-22 Raptor/F-35A/ B 21 Raider (under induction). However, the race between these two nations is bound to get sharper by the day.

For India, faced with a formidable challenge from China, the yawning gap between the PLAAF and IAF needs to be bridged swiftly. The indigenisation in defence production is sine qua non to accord requisite numbers to the IAF, yet additional budgetary support for the acquisition of ultra-modern platforms from abroad is also essential. Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent visits to the United States and France are a step in this direction and hopefully the nations we are purchasing equipment from will readily agree to the transfer of technologies like manufacture of engines and critical avionics.

The IAF, besides getting requisite numbers of 4.5/5th generation aircraft, have to make up their minds for selection, ensuring cost-effectiveness, of the most suitable aircraft -- to choose from either the F-35A/Rafale/ Gripen /F-22/Russias Su-35 or Su-57. Our own Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas, may be a stopgap arrangement but is being also steadily improved which augurs well. The IAFs planners should be absolutely clear on their specific requirements for the impending Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, and then leave their clinically professional recommendations to the government to follow up.

As is well known, Comprehensive National Power and its multiple military constituents takes inordinately long to fructify. Thus, it will only be prudent for the nation to accord the necessary budgetary support and prioritisation in defence acquisitions to the IAF for enhancing its overall air power capabilities.
Today's headlines: Pyongyang launches two ballistic missiles; Seoul blocks impeachment over Halloween massacre of Itaewon; Vietnam wants to increase the production of rare earths; New arrest warrant for Imran Khan in Pakistan while MPs complain that they have not yet received a firearms licence; Dozens of Rohingya refugees arrested in India.

AFGHANISTAN  INDONESIA

A Taliban delegation has visited Indonesia in recent weeks "to improve relations" between Afghanistan and the world's most populous Muslim nation, Nikkei Asia has found. The visit, analysts say, is an attempt by the Taliban to gain greater international recognition and encourage foreign investment to support Afghanistan's economy, which is among the poorest in the world.

KOREA

North Korea launched two ballistic missiles off its east coast after the arrival of a US nuclear-powered submarine in South Korea. Meanwhile in Seoul, the Constitutional Court ruled against a parliamentary vote to impeach the interior minister, Lee Sang-min, for the government's response to last year's Halloween events when more than 150 people died in the Itaewon district in the crush.

VIETNAM

Vietnam aims to increase its production of rare earths to 2.02 million tons annually by 2030. According to the United States Geological Survey, the Southeast Asian country has the world's second-largest reserves of rare earths, after China, at around 22 million tons. Vietnam's rare earth production jumped from 400 tons in 2021 to 4,300 tons last year.

PAKISTAN

Three weeks before the end of the government, parliamentarians in Pakistan's National Assembly complained that they still had not obtained a license to own weapons. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif not only backed the deputies' request but said that every citizen would need weapons due to the deteriorating security situation in the country. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Electoral Commission has requested a new arrest of Prime Minister Imran Khan in one of the dozen cases in which he is indicted.

MYANMAR  INDIA

In India, police arrested 74 Rohingya refugees, including 10 minors, for living "illegally" in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. According to the UNHCR, in just over a month the number of internally displaced people in Myanmar due to the civil conflict has grown by almost 50 thousand people, especially in the Tanintharyi region. "Children and young people are targets of arrest and forced recruitment," the UN stressed.
Ignoring 29 weeks of street protests, the Israeli right passed the "law on reasonableness" to limit the High Court's room for manoeuvre. Now, however, he will discuss the appeals presented precisely against this provision, in all likelihood formally opening the clash of powers in a country that does not have a constitution. Israeli newspapers publish black front pages.

Tel Aviv (AsiaNews) - A deeply divided country. With an institutional clash that - despite the solid vote of the majority that supports Netanyahu - promises to be far from over. This summarizes the political situation in Israel in the aftermath of the Knesset approvalof the first important piece of the controversial justice reform desired by the government which sees Likud allied with religious parties and far-right nationalist movements.

Despite 29 weeks of street demonstrations (which continued tonight with police charges) and the concerns expressed by President Isaac Herzog, Washington and many Jewish communities in the diaspora who have repeatedly called for compromise, Netanyahu (recovering from surgery to install a by-pass) has opted for a battle in the courtroom.

Yesterday afternoon he received the approval of the so-called "law on reasonableness" with 64 votes in favor out of 120 (those of the majority) and all the oppositions who left the hall without voting in protest. Several Israeli newspapers chose to underline the standoff by coming out today with black front page and the headline "A black day for democracy".

The measure adopted directly affects the balance between state powers, limiting the possibility of intervention by the Supreme Court on the laws approved by the Knesset. The matter is very delicate because - due to the fierce opposition of religious parties, who do not want to contradict the Torah - Israel has never adopted its own constitution.

It has only 13 Basic Laws, rules approved by qualified majorities in the Israeli parliament, which dictate the electoral rules, the institutional set-up and some fundamental principles that every ordinary law must comply with. But these are very limited areas and for this reason - on several occasions - the Supreme Court in recent years has referred to the principle of "reasonableness" to stop rules which, while not going against any of the Basic Laws, had been deemed by the judges to be in contrast with the most elementary rules of fairness and justice.

Now the Knesset - under pressure above all from the extreme right-wing nationalist parties, which have repeatedly found in the Supreme Court at least a barrier to proposals that are openly racist or harmful to the rights recognized to Palestinians by other provisions of the Israeli legal system - with an ordinary law (therefore without the qualified majority required for a new Basic Law) has established that the judges will no longer be able to invoke the criterion of "reasonableness" to reject laws voted in parliament.

However, the match is far from over: as soon as the law was approved, an association of jurists - the Movement for Government Quality in Israel - filed a petition calling for the Supreme Court to intervene against the new law.

The president of the highest judicial body Esther Hayut, who was in Germany yesterday for an institutional appointment, immediately returned to Israel announcing that the appeal will be examined as soon as possible. It is very probable, therefore, that the Court will rule in the coming days against the "law on reasonableness" also officially opening the conflict between the judiciary and the legislative power.

Another heated issue also remains on the table: the position of the state attorney general, Galia Baharav-Miara, openly opposed to the justice policy of the Netanyahu government. She most certainly will not defend the rule in a Supreme Court hearing.

For this reason, the executive could invoke the law that has just been approved to assume the power to remove it. But it would be a further strain on the balance between the powers of the Israeli system.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

In the pro-Russian breakaway republic of Georgia proclaimed in 2008, there is a big debate about the need to write new textbooks on the contemporary history of the region. Former parliament speaker Kociev: "How can you rewrite it in the midst of a fist and knife fight?".

Tskhinvali (AsiaNews) - In Tskhinvali, the capital of the pro-Russian Georgian separatist republic of South Ossetia, a great debate is underway on the need to write new textbooks, and new more in-depth research, on the contemporary history of the region.

The deputies of the Supreme Council also discussed it, complaining that "the new generation of Ossetians does not know the historical facts, which led to the formation of our republic".

This ignorance, according to some participants, "opens up the possibility of spreading all kinds of insinuations and distortions of real events, which everyone feels entitled to comment on in their own way", also compromising the opinion and memory relating to the personalities who have made a decisive contribution to the cause of independence.

This is the post-Soviet period from 1998 to 2008, when the conflict between Russia and Georgia led to the proclamation of the autonomous republic of South Ossetia.

The former speaker of the parliament, the leader of the local communist party Stanislav Kociev, believes that the problem does not lie in the fact that most of the protagonists of those years are still alive, but that the same protagonists continue to offer different versions and interpretations of the facts, fueling the conflict within the country.

He opposes the new textbooks, which would be written by those who intend to take advantage of them, because everyone believes they are the first and only hero of our history how can history be written during a fist and knife fight?.

To avoid losing the memory of significant facts and people, according to Kociev, now everyone should "dedicate themselves to writing their own memoirs", which in the future will be studied by historians and neutral and competent researchers. "It is the historians who must write history, and those who are protagonists will remain in this history, with the positive or negative sign they deserved".

For the popular Ossetian blogger Alik Pukhat, post-Soviet history must instead be studied now, setting dates and events that would otherwise be forgotten, but before sitting down to write manuals, it is necessary to openly discuss the last twenty years, rediscovering links with previous history.

You can start afresh from the figure of Abdul Bekir Tautiev, the first head of South Ossetia, a descendant of the Ossetian mukhadzhiry, who believed in the revolution and returned to Tskhinvali from Turkey via Baku, recalls Pukhat, when North and South Ossetia united to form a single Soviet republic.

Tautiev was harshly repressed by Stalin, up to being shot, but "neither on the internet nor in books can you find information about him, he was erased from history", observes the blogger.

Before 1989, in his opinion, 1920 and 1937 should be remembered, years in which "the genocide of the Ossetians" took place due to the Soviets, who incited the locals to revolt while making agreements with the Georgian Mensheviks, for mutual recognition and the commitment to respect the borders. It was the stage when the Bolshevik power was establishing itself in Azerbaijan, and wanted to avoid problems in the neighboring areas of the Central Caucasus.

However, these events leave many traces of resentment in the local population, both towards the Russians and towards the Georgians.

Even after Stalin's death there were waves of repression, for example when a large group of students demanding to restore the study of the Ossetian language was imprisoned in the mid-1950s; some of them spent ten years in a concentration camp.

The Ossetians did not come out of nowhere like elves, after the end of the USSR, says Pukhat, otherwise instead of history we would only make neo-Soviet post-punk. Even the deputy David Sanakoev observes that "there is much discussion, because so much has happened", with great internal and external divisions, typical of a land full of contradictions and diversity like the whole Caucasus.

Sanakoev concludes with an invitation to look ahead: "to stop arguing about the past, we must start thinking about the future together".
Card Raphael Louis Sako, Patrairch of the Chaldean Church, issued his first statements from Erbil after he was compelled to leave Baghdad. In it he describes a situation in which too many political divisions are driving the country apart and undermining the Iraqi state. Experts note that ethnic militias are the result of repeated exclusions of various ethnic and religious groups by those in power over the years.

Erbil (AsiaNews)  Archbishop Raphael Louis Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldean Church, released a statement yesterday, his first from Erbil, capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, after he left the patriarchal see in Baghdad in protest against Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashids decision to withdraw recognition of the prelates status under pressure from the Babylon Brigades, a pro-Iranian Christian militia that seeks to seize the assets of the Chaldean Church.

For the patriarch, Amid Iraq's current difficult and complex circumstances, and the severe conflicts the world is witnessing, there is a need for cohesion, moral and national consensus, and the rejection of fanaticism and hatred, to save the country from escalation that is dragging it to an unfavourable end.

According to Card Sako, Iraqis must engage in a serious national debate to regain their lost harmony. This consensus requires serious dialogue among all parties, including the Sadrist movement, to put the public interest at the forefront. The goal is to achieve respect for human rights, justice, safety, and stability; provide services; develop education, health and the economy; in short, build a real state, abandoning individual and partisan interests, and ending the existence of incompatible states.

The patriarchs remarks describe well the current confrontation pitting Iraqs political forces against one another, above all pro-Iranian militias  not only Shia, as it is often reported, but also Sunni, Christian (like the Babylon Brigades) and Yazidi groups.

Known since 2014 as the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMFs), these groups started out as seven armed militias that emerged in the wake of the US invasion of 2003, taking on a major role between 2014 and 2017 fighting against the Islamic State (IS).

Afterwards, they became (in theory) paramilitary entities attached to Iraqs armed forces, reorganised under the then Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, only to become increasingly fragmented, fighting for power.

The main militias directly financed by Iran are Kataib Hezbollah, Asaib Ahl al-Haqq, and Haraka Hezbollah al-Nujaba, part of the original group; they claim to represent the "resistance" (Arabic: muqawama) against the United States and foreign forces targeting Iraq.

Another group that has played an important role in contemporary Iraq is the Badr Organisation. Set up in the 1980s as an armed wing of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, it had as a model Iran in the wake of the revolution of Ayatollah Khomeini, operating for decades along the border between the two countries.

After the US invasion, it moved at least 10,000 fighters to Iraq and over time, boosted by the power base it developed in the country, morphed into a political organisation.

Since mid-2019, the various have reportedly carried out at least 500 attacks against activities deemed unislamic, especially around Baghdad, as well as Turkish interests (Turkey is Iran's main rival for control of the oil and gas fields in Iraqi Kurdistan) and US interests, in particular after the assassination by the United States of Iranian General Qassem Suleimani and the Iraqi commander of the Badr Brigades, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

The aim of the violence is to increase pressure on foreign forces and gain support among certain sections of the Iraqi population, experts believe. Violent acts have been made easier since late last year, when the Sadrists - the followers of Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr - withdrew from the government and were replaced by pro-Iranian members.

Among Shia militias, some subgroups are not funded by Iran, such as the Saraya al-Salam led directly by al-Sadr, but also Shia armed groups loyal to Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, whose base is in Najaf, Iraqs main Shia centre.

Many of these groups left the PMFs in March 2020, placing themselves under the direct control of the Iraqi military, in open conflict with other Shias.

Some Sunni, Christian, Yazidi and Turkmen militias are pro-Iranian; Turkmen are the third largest ethnic group in Iraq after Arabs and Kurds. Some members of the Sinjar Resistance Forces joined the PMFs as the 80th Brigade.

Turkmen brigades, which seemingly recruit both Sunni and Shia, joined the other Iraqi militias in 2014. The Salah al-Din Brigade, the 51s , is the main Sunni group after fighting alongside the Shias against the terrorists of the Islamic State.

The best-known Christian militia is the Babylon Brigade under the command of Rayan the Chaldean", a group that is closely aligned with the Badr Organisation and Iran, and is directly funded by Iran and includes Shia Muslims from southern Iraq.

In the past, the brigade was accused of corruption and illegally seizing Assyrian Christian assets and land in the Nineveh Plain. In March of this year, the local population and the Nineveh Plains Protection Units drove out the Babylon Brigade,

The Quwat Sahl Ninawa, a militia composed of ethnic Shabak men, operates in the Nineveh Plain, particularly near the city of Bertella. The Shabak believe that their origins are different from the Arabs and the Kurds. They control the road between Mosul and Erbil.

According to analysts, the current situation is a direct consequence of the successive exclusions of ethnic and religious groups in Iraqs post-2003 political system.

In states with high levels of ethnic inclusion, if representatives of large or wealthy communities fail to acquire a due share of ministerial positions, higher levels of political violence are expected, writes scholar Clionadh Raleigh.

In Iraq, where sectarianism has been included in its 2005 constitution, the purpose (at least the stated one) of militias is to defend their group from domestic threats (other religious, ethnic or political groups) or external threats (foreign powers).

Despite the youth protests in 2019  and repeated appeals by the Chaldean Church  against the countrys sectarian political system, the militias are now an integral part of the Iraqi state, experts say, since the barrel of the gun seems to be the only way to be heard after repeated failures of the political process in the last 20 years.
Young people shine participating in construction of BRI in Cambodia

People's Daily Online) 13:31, July 25, 2023

After graduating from college, Yue Xiduo, a man born in the 1990s, joined a tire company in the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, Preah Sihanouk Province, Cambodia. The man said he chose to work here because the special economic zone is an important project for a country along the Belt and Road, and that he feels comfortable working here.

Workers commute to and from the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone on motorcycles. (China Daily/Lin Shujuan)

Wuxi city in east China's Jiangsu Province and Cambodia's Preah Sihanouk Province have long been committed to the construction of the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, trying to turn it into a platform of cross-border investment for enterprises from all over the world. Many Chinese companies have settled in the special economic zone, which is able to provide nearly 30,000 jobs. More than 1,000 Chinese work here.

The production base of Yue's company is able to produce 5 million tires for high-capacity passenger cars and 900,000 tires for trucks and passenger buses. After it enters full production, the production base is expected to help the company increase its sales by an estimated $350 million, use about 30,000 tonnes of natural rubber, and create 1,600 jobs for the local community.

Yue said the company's factory boasts of mature automation and information technologies, and his job is effectively facilitated by automated equipment. He is committed to researching relevant technologies and hopes that he can become a good technician.

Tian Haiyun, a woman born after 2000 in southwest China's Yunnan Province, graduated from college last year. Majoring in the Cambodian language, she is a translator in Cambodia who earns more than 10,000 yuan ($1,393.07) a month.

Tian's elder sister, who majored in the Myanmar language as an undergraduate student, told her younger sister that since the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was proposed, China has been engaged in cooperation with countries along the route, and Southeast Asian countries provide a broad employment prospect and many opportunities. She encouraged her younger sister to chase her dream by integrating in the construction of the BRI.

Students attend a language class at Sihanoukville Institute of Business and Technology located in the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone. (China Daily/Lin Shujuan)

The Sihanoukville Institute of Business and Technology, formerly a training center of the Vocational Institute of Commerce in Wuxi, was established four years ago. It is Cambodia's first higher education institution featuring Chinese.

Li Chuanbin, the executive dean of the institute, recalled that in the past, Cambodians mainly spoke the Cambodian language or English. After the BRI was proposed, Chinese companies started to settle in Cambodia and create jobs for the local community. Because of this, the Chinese language has been more and more used in Cambodia.

In 2021, the Vocational Institute of Commerce in Wuxi opened a training center in the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, providing training for Cambodian workers who were willing to learn the Chinese language and offering professional and technical guidance to Chinese staff members of companies in the zone.

Anna, a Cambodian woman studying at the institute, who is also a translator of a company in the special economic zone, comes to the institute to learn professional knowledge at night or on weekends. Her Chinese language proficiency has rapidly improved. Besides Chinese, Anna also takes up subjects related to computer science.

Over the past four years, the Sihanoukville Institute of Business and Technology has enrolled 112 students. The students could earn an average monthly salary of $200 in the first year of studies at the institute. As they improve their Chinese language proficiency and learn many other subjects, their average monthly salary doubles in the second year at the school. Some students could earn $800 a month.

The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone has gradually become a bridge for exchanges and cooperation between Jiangsu Province and Preah Sihanouk Province in many fields like economy and trade, education and culture.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)


War of words feared to fulfill self-prophecy



North Korea fired two ballistic missiles into the East Sea late Monday.



The North's latest missile launches come as a nuclear-powered U.S. submarine, the USS Annapolis, arrived at a naval base on Jeju Island.



However, few major Western media outlets published the news as of Tuesday morning (KST). Instead, their primary interest regarding North Korea remained a U.S. soldier, a seeming military misfit and/or petty offender, who willfully crossed the border to enter the North last week.



All this shows that Pyongyang's missile provocations no longer make news as inter-Korean accusations and threats escalate and become routine events. The North launched 65 missiles last year, more than once a week on average.



Still, a top U.S. military official went too far recently.



"I think that the Korean situation is an area that the United States could  I'm not saying it will, but 'could'  find itself in a state of war, you know, within a few days, with very little notice," Mark Milley, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during an interview with Japanese media outlets.



International politics experts here said Milley's intention was probably to highlight America's commitment to maintaining peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, according to a Korea Times story. We agree. But the same experts said he should have been "more prudent" with his words. We also agree with that view. Milley also described the North Korean leader as "unpredictable." We agree  again.



Now, put yourself in your opponent's shoes.



Would it be too far-fetched to imagine that some persecution maniacs in Pyongyang, including Kim Jong-un, interpret Milley's remarks as America saying it "could" strike them within a few days and with very little notice?



These maniacs have reasons to think so from at least two past episodes.



In 1994, the Bill Clinton administration planned to bomb the North's nuclear facilities but canceled it. Former President Kim Young-sam told Clinton he would "not send a single South Korean soldier" to a war between America and North Korea. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter later met with Kim Il-sung to defuse tensions.



In 2017, Donald Trump talked frequently, if privately, about preemptive attacks on the North while not ruling out the use of nuclear bombs, according to a New York Times report. His chief of staff, John Kelly, dissuaded his boss, citing economic reasons. Former President Moon Jae-in later arranged summits between Trump and Kim Jong-un.



In both cases, South Korea had not known about the U.S. schemes. Democrats or Republicans, the U.S. leaders "could" hit the North without consultations with Seoul. This divided peninsula managed to avoid catastrophe thanks to a few wise and reasonable figures on both sides of the Pacific.



What if a similar situation occurs now? Do Koreans and Americans have the likes of Kim Young-sam, Carter, Kelly or Moon?



Hardly. Instead, they have Joe Biden and Yoon Suk Yeol. Biden is not as "whimsical" as Trump but no less hostile  rather callous  toward Pyongyang. Yoon demonstrated last week he would back any U.S. move against the North on a nuclear-powered U.S. submarine, which can carry "1,600 atomic bombs" equivalent to those that hit Hiroshima and Nagasaki.



Yoon described the inter-Korean detente under his predecessor as based on "fake peace" depending on the North's goodwill. However, most Koreans, South and North, felt at ease at the time. Yoon believes only in peace based on absolute superiority of power as "genuine peace." But most South Koreans feel growing unease, as shown during a false alarm on May 31.



July 27 is the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement. Artists will issue a "peace declaration" near the inter-Korean border. About three weeks later, leaders of the U.S., Japan and South Korea will meet at Camp David. What Yoon should do at the meeting is not just discuss a trilateral strategy against Pyongyang but also initiate a peace process for this peninsula.



A president's first constitutional duty is to protect the people's safety and reunite the two Koreas "peacefully."










The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is one special breed that can't be tamed. But how will it behave on a no-speed limit sector of the German autobahn?

A Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 running free on the highway in a sector where there is no speed limit? The first question that pops to mind is: is that safe? We wouldn't bet on it and won't try to convince you to try it out for yourself. Better let those that have done it before do it again.And that is AutoTopNL, a Dutch team that takes cars to the German highway to test their top speed. That is exactly what they did with the Mustang.Max got his hands on the Shelby GT500 thanks to Blake, who imported the car from the United States to the Netherlands. Ford officially unveiled this car at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and it has been the enthusiasts' darling ever since.But the carmaker had to keep this Mustang away from the European market, since its engine would not comply with the emissions regulations set by the European Union.The car comes painted in Ford Performance Blue with the $10,000 optional stripes. The Shelby cobra grins from the radiator grille, flanked by the angry-looking LED headlights.Also optional are the Carbon Revolution carbon fiber 20-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Cup 2 tires, as part of the Track Pack, while the Brembo brakes come standard. The Track Pack also brings along an adjustable rear wing, and the rear diffuser integrates four massive tailpipes.The hood hides the Predator supercharged aluminum alloy Cross-Plane Crank 5.2-liter V8 engine with a 2.65-liter roots-type supercharger, mated to a Tremec seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with a lot of responsibility. It has to deal with the whole 760 horsepower (771 PS) and 625 lb-ft (847 Nm) of torque. Top speed is 195 mph (314 kph) in the Middle East, but American customers have to resort to 180 mph (290 kph).The sound of the Predator V8 is to die for. "It is louder than any car I think I have ever driven," Max labels the brutal V8 screaming behind the steering wheel so that he can hear himself.But is it really 180 mph where the needle of the odometer stops? Alternating driving modes and getting to Track, AutoTopNL eventually shows us different, taking it all the way to 190 mph. For the Europeans, that would be 306 kph! The car gathers momentum like no other and flashes past all others on the highway.Blake, the one who owns the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, is standing on top of a bridge during this test, watching his car going wild on the autobahn . He is planning on tuning it. So this Cobra is really getting venomous.
In the near future, we might see all kinds of vessels, including pleasure craft, sporting a sail wing that will help them burn less fuel and cruise more efficiently. This is no traditional sail wing but an innovative concept developed by Michelin through the Wisamo project.

In 2021, Michelin introduced the Wisamo project for green maritime transportation (the name is a combination between "Wing Sail" and "Mobility"). The basic concept seems deceptively simple  a modern sail wing that works automatically and is both inflatable and retractable.The outcome is more than impressive, as this simple sail wing could reduce fuel consumption by 20% for a single vessel. Even better, the Wisamo sailing concept is remarkably flexible and compatible with virtually any kind of vessel, even yachts.In the second half of 2021, the Wisamo team and Michelin engineers carried out the first testing campaign using a 100-square meter (1,076 square feet) prototype of the sail wing. The prototype was installed on the famous French sailor Michel Desjoyeaux's sailboat, and the initial tests took place on Lake Neuchatel in Switzerland. Using the same installation, the second phase took things further by testing the Wisamo sail wing in harsh winter conditions in the Bay of Biscay.Following the success of this first testing campaign that continued throughout the first months of 2022, Michelin initiated further testing onboard a commercial ship. It joined forces with Compagnie Maritime Nantaise, which provided the MN Pelican container ship. Another 100-square-meter wing prototype was installed on the ship, which became a floating laboratory for testing this innovative system.Since June, the MN Pelican has been covering its usual route in the Gulf of Gascogne, traveling from Poole (Great Britain) to Bilbao, Spain. The only difference is that it's equipped with a Wisamo wing prototype helping it burn less fuel. Experts from Wisamo and Michelin are traveling alongside the commercial vessel's crew to measure and test all the technical aspects of the sail wing.This extensive testing campaign at sea is an excellent opportunity to see what the Wisamo wing can do in real-life commercial navigation conditions. If things go as planned, the next step would be to start testing a full-size sail on a similar ship.The Wisamo wing sail design is fully-retractable, inflatable, and automated. It features a telescopic mast that can raise and lower automatically. This allows any kind of ship equipped with this wing to enter ports or pass under bridges easily. The automated process is based on a digital control panel with sensors for wind direction and force. Thanks to its optimized inflatable design, with an integrated fan system, this futuristic wing not only maintains its perfect shape even in rough conditions but can also absorb shocks for increased efficiency.
The global yachting community will always remember 2022 for the unprecedented hunt for Russian-owned superyachts. The invasion of Ukraine and the international sanctions that followed had an enormous impact on the pleasure craft owned by wealthy Russians with alleged connections to Kremlin. Things have simmered down this year, but the battle is far from over. The owner of one of these detained superyachts refuses to let go of his luxurious pleasure craft.

At the end of 2021, the acclaimed Royal Huisman builder proudly announced the delivery of one of its most spectacular superyachts so far, the stunning Phi. Pairing a 192-foot (58.5 meters) length with a volume under 500 GT, Phi claimed to be the world's longest motor yacht in this weight category.Some of the highlights of the freshly-launched vessel included a fuel-efficient fast displacement hull designed by the legendary Van Oosanen naval architects, a fabulous owner's penthouse covering an entire deck, a sustainable swimming pool (designed to turn into a sealed tank so that the water can be treated overnight with no other equipment), and a spectacular exterior lighting system based on laser (instead of LED).Nobody could have suspected that just a couple of months later, the opulent pleasure craft would be seized in London. The hunt for oligarch-owned vessels was in its early stages, and Phi became the first of its kind to be detained in British waters. UK officials linked it to the Russian tycoon Sergei Georgievich Naumenko, a property developed who wasn't featured on the official sanctions list.As it happened with several other infamous superyachts that were seized on similar grounds, Phi's actual ownership was carefully hidden behind a misleading paper trail. This sparked a long and complicated legal battle. Naumenko was one of the few targeted tycoons to officially deny any connections to Vladimir Putin and try to recover their seized assets.The ruling was, however, not in favor of the superyacht's original owner. London's High Court recently dismissed Naumenko's appeal, confirming that UK's anti-kleptocracy unit in the Canary Warf, East London was right to seize Phi due to its owner's "connection with Russia."Unlike other oligarchs who infamously tried to hide their superyachts from the authorities, literally running away towards potential safe havens, Naumenko had a double dose of bad luck.First, because Phi was detained in London just a few hours before it was supposed to depart. Secondly, because he'd only had it for a couple of months. This wasn't one of the famous Russian superyachts that were known all over the world for their incredible opulence and value. Phi was a young yacht that barely hit the water. Still, it was considered an immensely valuable asset, estimated at $48 million.Naumenko isn't giving up on his pleasure craft yet. Even after this unfavorable result, he is determined to continue the legal battle and file another appeal.
As you're well aware, BMW's go-faster division is currently pivoting to hybrid vehicles. It all started with the plug-in hybrid XM, whereas the X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition are mild hybrids. The M5 sedan is going plug-in hybrid as well in 2024, together with the M5 Touring.

Prior to revealing the G87, big kahuna Frank van Meel confirmed that the M2 is M's final purely internal combustion vehicle. It's also the final M vehicle to feature a manual transmission, with production expected to cease in July 2029.Speaking to Australia's Drive, the man in charge of BMW M let it slip that his team is weighing up the powertrain options for the next M3 and M4. The TL;DR version is that BMW M considers all-electric propulsion and internal combustion.Whether the M3 and M4 remain internal combustion or go fully electric, we don't know. Frank van Meel told the Australian publication that BMW M engineers are looking into purely internal combustion, plug-in hybrid, and electric solutions, but "we would like to offer just one."The M3 and M4 will need to exceed the output figures of the current generations, which bear the G80/G81 and G82/G83 codenames. All four body styles are powered by the S58 twin-turbo I6, a B58-derived lump that's good for up to 553 horsepower (560 ps) in the limited-run 3.0 CSL. As for torque, make that 479 pound-feet (650 Nm) for the Competition tune, M3 CS, and M4 CSL.That's a lot for 3.0 liters of displacement. With the G50/G51 3 Series expected to feature a development of the CLAR platform, the most likely outcome would be a plug-in hybrid I6 with all-wheel drive. With the G90/G99 M5 confirmed to feature the S68, a plug-in hybrid take on the S58 does make sense.BMW M could also surprise us by moving the M3 and M4 to the Neue Klasse platform, which is due to launch in 2025 with a 3 Series-like sedan and an X3-like utility vehicle. On the other hand, this would spell the end for the i4 M50, which is  believe it or not  M's best-selling vehicle today.Based on a derivative of the CLAR platform, the 4 Series Gran Coupe-twinned i4 belts out 536 horsepower (544 ps) and 586 pound-feet (795 Nm) in M50 flavor. We also have to remember that BMW M is also testing a quad-motor drivetrain in an i4 M50-based liftback sedan, which makes the switch to electric just as plausible as the plug-in hybrid twin-turbo I6 setup mentioned earlier.In related news, hearsay suggests the G80 will end production in June 2027. The G81 M3 Touring will follow in October 2027. Drive understands the next-gen M3 will drop in 2027, most likely for the 2028 model year. As for the M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible, the G82 and G83 will be allegedly retired in June 2028.
EV

SUV

ICE

AMG

Curiously, two weeks ago, we heard that electrics were not selling all too well in America with rising inventories  even though Tesla's Model Y approached the 200k delivery mark after the first six months of the year. Then the compactcrossoveralso snatched first place in Europe  irrespective of the powertrain!Sure, that was not all for EVs because, at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, there was one reveal that felt like it was aiming directly at the Model Y Performance  Hyundai's first-ever 641-hp Ioniq 5 N hot crossover SUV. No worries, the-powered vehicles are still around; note the Porsche 718 GT4 RS by Manthey, the bonkers V12-powered Aston Martin Valour, or the all-new Mercedes-GLC.Yikes, it seems that all of them are asking for six-figure bank accounts just to think about buying any. Well, again, no worries, as regular folks should eagerly wait for stuff like the upcoming 2024 Subaru BRZ tS or the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe.For me, the latter was the most significant novelty of the entire month of July to date, period. And, of course, it has been flipped on all CGI sides by everyone, including the imaginative realm of digital car content creators. Speaking of these dreamy fellas, it seems there are two main directions of virtual recognition  some of them love to make it even more rugged despite its unibody chassis and even envision it as a potential pickup truck. On the other hand, others want the boxy CUV to feel its street credibility going up like the thermometer's rating on a scorching summer day.If you are rooting for the tuning, personalization, and customization category, here's Nicolas Basilio, an Argentina-based virtual artist better known as nab.visualdesign on social media, who tries to mesmerize us with a bit of Hyundai tuning and Santa Fe personalization. This is all wishful thinking, but it can be viewed perhaps as a harbinger of things to be  a preview of the ample customization possibilities that open up for the fifth generation.For this design exercise, the author even selected a couple of well-known aftermarket houses  Toyo Tires and Bisi Ezerioha's Bisimoto  to make this hypothetical Hyundai Santa Fe a little more grounded toward reality. It's also quite unapologetically stanced on a nice set of concave aftermarket wheels, and the two-tone blue-gray appearance is contrasted by lots of black plastic body cladding.So, do you feel that Hyundai's Santa Fe works great as a slammed CUV, or do you think the South Koreans are better off considering the new model's design as a placeholder for outlandish off-road and workhorse adventures? If that's the case, then maybe KDesign AG drives a better point home with his interpretation of the mighty Santa Fe as a unibody mid-size pickup truck.
Our position is that Armenia cannot decide the fate of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and it follows the logic that Nagorno-Karabakhs representatives themselves must be a party to negotiations, dialogue [with Azerbaijan,] Pashinian told a news conference.

This is the agenda that we are furthering, bearing in mind that the rights and security of Nagorno-Karabakh should be discussed with the participation of Nagorno-Karabakhs representatives in the format of a Baku-Stepanakert dialogue and within the framework of an international mechanism. And I think that the people, the representatives, the government of Nagorno-Karabakh will have an opportunity to address all issues preoccupying them within the framework of this formula.

Pashinian sparked domestic uproar in May when he pledged to recognize Azerbaijani sovereignty over Karabakh through an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty. Members of his political team have linked the signing of such a treaty to an internationally mediated dialogue between Baku and Stepanakert on the rights and security of the Karabakh Armenians.

Karabakhs leadership and the Armenian opposition have denounced Pashinians stance. They say the restoration of Azerbaijani rule would only force the Karabakh Armenians to flee the territory.

Arayik Harutiunian, the Karabakh president, insisted late on Monday Armenias leaders refrain from making statements recognizing the region as part of Azerbaijan. Pointing to the Azerbaijani blockade of the Lachin corridor and the deepening humanitarian crisis in Karabakh, Harutiunian said Baku is keen to get rid of the people of Artsakh through the blockade and ethnic cleansing.

Saying that the Armenian government must be banned from recognizing Azerbaijans territorial integrity effectively means banning Azerbaijan from recognizing Armenias territorial integrity or  contributing to the Azerbaijani policy of not recognizing Armenias territorial integrity, Pashinian countered during his press conference.

I am the prime minister of 29,800 square kilometers, he said, referring to Armenias total area.

Speaking after Pashinians last meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev hosted by him on July 15, European Council President Charles Michel said the two leaders reaffirmed their earlier understanding that Armenias territory covers 29,800 square kilometers and Azerbaijans 86,600 square kilometers.

Azerbaijans total Soviet-era area cited by Michel includes Karabakh. Aliyev has not publicly confirmed recognizing Armenias existing borders.


By Deauwand Myers







There are a lot of things I like about Korean culture. Infrastructure, cuisine, dramas, K-pop music the list is quite extensive. But we're going to have to talk about the elephant in the room.







There's a dark and destructive underbelly within the nation: the need to be perfect in all things, and it is a huge social problem that society and the government need to tackle.







The tentacles of this obsession with perfection reach into many areas of Korean society.







Let's look at one example that's not as obvious as the others I'll cover later. Recently, a young teacher killed herself alleged because of the bullying of students and their parents. Why was she being bullied by parents?







These parents know the competition is stiff for Korean students. Standardized test scores throughout the students' academic career  secondary and tertiary  can and usually do affect their career and financial futures. The stress from all this is called toxic stress, and you experience everything as a blood sport competition.







It stresses the parents, so they put that stress on teachers. Worse, the stress for students is sometimes fatal. Korea has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, with students representing a high percentage of that.







Korean celebrities and just people who want better careers run in droves to cosmetic surgery clinics for leg sculpting, eyelid surgery, skin abrasion and on and on. One of the biggest places to get affordable, professional cosmetic surgery is in Korea. Cosmetic surgery is an industry unto itself.







There are some interesting correlations with the high suicide rates in Korea and Japan and their race to economic success. When Korea was poor, the suicide rates were lower and the birthrates were high. If you look at a chart comparing the time periods of poverty and then prosperity, the increase in suicide rates match, frighteningly so.







Why? Good medical care, abundant supply of food, excellent infrastructure, low crime, an increase in Korea's soft power why on earth would the suicide rate be so high?







A recent article in The Economist titled "

" states "We found that between 2018 and 2020 suicide rates across 17 countries, not including South Korea, rose slightly from an average of 4.6 to 4.7 per 100,000 people. But in South Korea it rose from 13.2 to 16. It is not clear exactly why the uptick occurred."







Being a wealthy nation with this obsession with perfection in looks, grades and even university admissions is devastating people. South Korea is the fourth in the world for suicide; Japan isn't in the top 10.







Some ways Japan's government tackled suicide were with ad campaigns, suicide help call centers and engaging the stigma attached with admitting mental health issues. They have also made policies to decrease work hours and made it easier to report labor abuses.







There's even a word in Japan for being worked to death, "karoshi," something Korean workers know all too well. But Korean society itself has to realize that perfection is unrealistic and subjective. Work-life balance needs to be more in parity, and employers need to be enforced to follow labor laws already in effect.







In a BBC article on labor and Japan by Danielle Demetriou, "How the Japanese are putting an end to extreme work weeks," the article states that "Employees in the country whose brutal office culture has led to several deaths are beginning to rethink the tradition."







Interestingly, both Korea and Japan have a work culture where employees are too afraid to look rude or lazy by sticking with their salaried or waged time of work and take their paid vacations. The same BBC article continues, "The main reason is guilt  a reflection of the pressures and expectations that weigh heavily on a workaholic society. The average worker still has dozens of untaken vacation days every year."







Perfection and compliance. All work and no play. Always in competition, it's no wonder too many Koreans are miserable. An odd trend has developed in Korea and China, though. Some of their younger populations are beginning to reject social stereotypes of marriage and a home and a job as the only way to conduct a meaningful and fulfilling life. I have to say that's a refreshing and maybe life-saving point of view.







The trauma of poverty in Korea has turned into a trauma of seeking out perfection without any regard to mental health. That really has to change.









Deauwand Myers (deauwand@hotmail.com) holds a master's degree in English literature and literary theory, and is an English professor outside of Seoul.


The civilian population [of Karabakh] is now facing a lack of life-saving medication and essentials like hygiene products and baby formula, the ICRC said in a statement. Fruits, vegetables, and bread are increasingly scarce and costly, while some other food items such as dairy products, sunflower oil, cereal, fish, and chicken are not available. The last time the ICRC was allowed [by Azerbaijan] to bring medical items and essential food items into the area was several weeks ago.

Our humanitarian aid convoys are a lifeline for the population in this area. With these convoys blocked, our concern is that the humanitarian situation will further deteriorate, the statement quoted the ICRCs regional director for Eurasia, Ariane Bauer, as saying.

This is life-saving work, and it must be allowed to continue, Bauer added, urging the conflicting sides to reach a humanitarian consensus for that purpose.

The Red Cross and Russian peacekeepers stationed in Karabakh began sending limited amounts of humanitarian aid to Karabakh after Azerbaijan blocked commercial traffic through the Lachin corridor last December. Baku halted those relief supplies as well on June 15, aggravating the humanitarian crisis in the region. The ICRC has since been intermittently allowed to only evacuate critically ill Karabakh patients to Armenian hospitals.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said it took note of the ICRC statement while warning the Geneva-based organization against abusing its mandate. It also said the Armenian side has rejected its offer to supply Karabakh with basic necessities from Azerbaijan proper and the town of Aghdam in particular.

Karabakhs leadership has described the offer as a cynical ploy designed to facilitate the restoration of Azerbaijani control over the Armenian-populated territory.

The ICRC noted in this regard that it is not currently able to bring humanitarian assistance to the civilian population through the Lachin corridor or through any other routes, including Aghdam.

Its statement came amid worsening food and fuel shortages that have brought economic life in Karabakh to a standstill. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said last week that the region is on the verge of starvation and called for stronger international pressure on Baku.
It also said that the Karabakh Armenians will not give up their right to self-determination despite Azerbaijans seven-month blockade of the Lachin corridor and the resulting crippling shortages of food, medicine, fuel and other essential items in the Armenian-populated region.

Artsakh and the people of Artsakh cannot be part of Azerbaijan, the Karabakh premier, Gurgen Nersisian, told thousands of people who again rallied in Stepanakerts central square in protest against the blockade.

Any oral or written statements by Armenia recognizing Artsakh and the people of Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan are unacceptable, Nersisian said. As the ongoing events show, they are destructive for Artsakh and encourage new criminal acts committed by Azerbaijan against the people of Artsakh. Azerbaijan is openly demonstrating what awaits Armenians under Azerbaijani rule.

We are demanding that the Republic of Armenia abandon its intention to recognize Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan and such an approach to normalizing relations, he went on. This approach cannot ensure peace in the region and a safe and dignified existence of the people of Artsakh. What is more, it cannot even guarantee Armenias existence because the target of the Turkish-Azerbaijani duo is not Artsakh but the Armenian people and statehood.

Nersisian clearly responded to Pashinians statements made at a news conference in Yerevan earlier in the day. The Armenian premier defended his policy on the conflict with Azerbaijan and said that Armenia cannot decide the fate of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. He chided the authorities in Stepanakert for their reluctance to embark on a dialogue with Baku on the rights and security of the Karabakh Armenians.

Nersisian claimed that most citizens of Armenia do not support Pashinians stance and are ready to declare that if need be. The restoration of Azerbaijani control over Karabakh would lead to a subjugation and extermination of its population, he said.

Pashinian already drew condemnation from Stepanakert as well as the Armenian opposition when he stated in May that he recognizes Azerbaijans territorial integrity.
Lavrov described the trilateral talks as useful but reported no concrete agreements reached by the three ministers.

He said he stressed the need to end a grave humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from Azerbaijans blockade of the Lachin corridor supposedly controlled by Russian peacekeepers. But he gave no indications that Baku agreed to unblock Armenias vital supplies of food, medicine, energy and other essential items to Karabakh.

In his opening remarks at the talks, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said the illegal blockade is complicating the negotiation process. Speaking at a separate meeting with Lavrov held earlier in the day, Mirzoyan expressed hope that some solutions to the crisis will be found during their discussion with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.

A peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan was also high on the agenda of the trilateral meeting.

The path is not easy, Lavrov said, commenting on prospects for its signing. There are quite a few complex and important issues to be resolved.

The most sensitive of them was and remains the problem of guaranteeing the rights and security of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh in the context of ensuring the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in full accordance with the 1991 Declaration signed by the leaders of the former Soviet republics in Almaty. Its validity is confirmed today by both the Azerbaijani and Armenian leadership.

The Armenian government, Lavrov went on, understands the need to convince the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh to meet as soon as possible with Azerbaijani representatives and ascertain their rights in accordance with international conventions designed to protect ethnic minorities.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has pledged to recognize Azerbaijani sovereignty over Karabakh during talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev mediated by the European Union. In a clear jibe at Yerevan, the Russian Foreign Ministry said earlier this month that Pashinians move radically changed negotiation process.

Lavrov indicated that Armenia and Azerbaijan are much closer to working out modalities of planned transport links between the two South Caucasus nations. But he did not say when such an agreement could be finalized by a Russian-Armenian-Azerbaijani task force dealing with the matter.

Mirzoyan and Bayramov held two rounds of intensive U.S.-mediated negotiations outside Washington in May and June. Meanwhile, the EUs top official, Charles Michel, hosted a series of fresh meetings between Aliyev and Pashinian in Brussels. Russia claims that the main aim of the Western powers if to drive it out of the South Caucasus.

Lavrov said on Tuesday that Moscow understands the conflicting sides interest in not only Russian but also Western mediation efforts.

But there should be no attempts to artificially impose certain agreements not in the interests of the Armenian and Azerbaijani peoples but for the sake of nice headlines in the media and geopolitical and domestic political considerations, he said.
25 July 2023 09:45 (UTC+04:00)

Rena Murshud Read more

Last day, the chairman of the Party of Democracy and Welfare of Azerbaijan, Gubad Ibadoghlu, was detained due to links with the FETO organization in Azerbaijan. This means that the representatives of this terrorist organization have not been silent yet, but continue to dream of capturing and poisoning not only Azerbaijan and Turkiye, but also the entire Turkic world.

"The Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) is an external intelligence organization that is dangerous not only for Turkiye and Azerbaijan, but for the entire Turkic world, for the universe. This organization has insidious plans for Turkiye and Azerbaijan, as well as all countries of the world. These plans are important from the viewpoint of revealing some dangerous plans and tricks of Western states in relation to Turkiye and Azerbaijan."

This was told by Turkish general Yucel Karauz in a commented on the issue for Azernews.

First up, Karauz told about the inception of this terrorist organization adding its method of influencing people both in Turkiye and Azerbaijan.

"FETO has been actived in Turkiye since the 1970s. Its penetration into Azerbaijan began in 1992. They implicitly reproduce religious feelings, feelings of quality education, feelings of technology, feelings of people, national and local characteristics. These people sent their students to these schools to give a good education and training to their children all over the Turkic world in order to get acquainted with technology and the world. Since 1992, especially after the December 17-25 operation in Turkiye, our countries began to work together against FETO in Azerbaijan and the Turkic world," the former general said.

According to the expert, Azerbaijani state was the most effective and the first initiator in the context of the fight against FETO. "After 17-25 December, attempts were made to influence the members of this terrorist organization, especially the educational institutions of the state bureaucracy. As a result of these efforts, and after a treacherous coup attempt after the 17-25 December operations in Turkiye, Azerbaijan carried out counter-operations against FETO. In this regard, about 17 schools and almost a hundred courses, the university were closed in Azerbaijan. Schools were placed under state control. FETO is active in Azerbaijan, as well as in about 170 countries around the world. But Azerbaijan felt it and immediately took measures after the operations on 17-25 December in Turkiye," the expert added.

Speaking about the existence of secret and inextinguishable FETO cells in Azerbaijan, Yucel Karauz also mentioned that members of the organization who came from Turkiye carry out their activities in secret. Among the structures that they have united and transformed since 1992, there are still Azerbaijanis and unidentified structures.

Fighting FETO is not just fighting a terrorist organization in Turkiye. The fight against FETO is a fight that every country must wage for the indivisible integrity and independence of the country. In this struggle, it is necessary to take into account the fact that this organization has secret cells with plans A, B, and C.

Calling the tactics of this terrorist organization chameleon tactics, he added that visually it is impossible to accurately identify them. They adapt to the place and environment, giving the appearance of a modern person, sometimes wearing earrings, sometimes growing a beard, sometimes wearing a tuxedo.

Further, Yucel Karauz spoke about the institutions targeted by FETO: "The state institutions targeted by them are primarily the presidential apparatus, ministries, especially the Ministry of Education, intelligence organizations, special forces, specially assigned units, military schools, police schools, judges and prosecutors, in other words, attempts to infiltrate the elements that make up the backbone of the state continue. For this, it is useful to study the situation of students who have gone to Turkiye to study: firstly, it is useful to study the criteria of students who have traveled to Turkiye to study since 1992, and secondly, it is useful to look at the situation of the staff, in addition to the sincerity of people who graduated from these schools.

It is necessary to pay attention to structures in technical intelligence, eavesdropping, bypass and intelligence services. In addition, personal servants, that is, personal servants next to commanders, military servants next to ministers, secretaries, clerks, assistants - they need to be well paid. Because FETO monitors, controls, listens and records the activities of high-ranking servicemen through the servants with whom he works. These points need to be taken into account. They need to be looked at from the point of view of "The ongoing struggle", and not "We fought, and it's over." There are extensions in every area. But it would be useful to look at the position of those who go to Pennsylvania and visit Fatullah, and those who write poetry to him, in order of praise. With regard to Turkiye's current fight against this terrorist organization, I think that Azerbaijan created science and the operations carried out on the last day were the result of this joint coordination. When creating a continuous mechanism, it is important that all elements, including students of the military, police colleges, universities preparing people for state institutions, are evaluated from a single point of view," Karauz told.

The expert noted that FETO is an organization that has more than one direction in politics, economics, budget, shopping centers and even in the cultivation of cherries. In addition to serving the national unity and solidarity of society and the state in front of the political decision-making mechanisms, the organization has used and continues to use the religious and humanitarian feelings of the members, supporting and assisting the staff with the mechanisms that control the society with these structures, using their good intentions. According to him, FETO is also an active mechanism in politics. In this case, FETO also reach out to people, draw them to themselves and recruit them.

In conclusion Yucel Karauz noted that Azerbaijan is tirelessly fighting against FETO. But what has been done is not enough, action must be taken.

"As I have just stated, all personnel in Turkiye, including those studying in Turkiye, personnel, graduates of this school, the judiciary, the armed forces, the police, intelligence agencies and organizations involved in wiretapping, must be screened according to criteria to be determined. These pests and parasites, who try to break off the unity and solidarity of the state and the well-being of the people, must be deprived of the opportunity to find a place in society.

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Rena Murshud is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @RenaTagiyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
25 July 2023 17:00 (UTC+04:00)

Rena Murshud Read more

Sometimes the battle takes place not only in the field, but also in political arena. However, what distinguishes the battle in the politics from other battles is its sharp expressions like a sword. The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, the victorious Commander-in-Chief, is the winner of the war in both fields. He literally proved the invincibility of our country to the world community both in the 44-day war and in the campaign of the world media launched against Azerbaijan.

On July 21-23, the "New Media in the 4th Industrial Revolution" Global Media Forum was held in the city of Shusha as part of the "Year of Heydar Aliyev" and in connection with the 148th anniversary of the Azerbaijan National Press, according to the order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. Many messages were given to the world at this event, which was attended by 150 foreign guests from 49 countries, including state information agencies of 34 countries, 12 international organizations and media organizations.

At the event, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev greeted everyone and answered the questions of correspondents representing different countries. In this regard, the correspondent of Iran's IRNA news agency, Mohammad Rezapour, addressed a question to the head of state among the media representatives.

It should be noted that the moment when the reporter asked the question was remembered as a very interesting moment.

Since Iranian reporter Rezapour's voice was not heard clearly when he first voiced his question, President Ilham Aliyev asked for the question to be voiced again. The tone of the reporter's voice also showed how excited he was.

In the second attempt, as the reporter could not express the question clearly, the head of state said, "Perhaps you are a little far from us, that's why we cannot hear your question completely. Please, tell your question to the moderator, and he will convey it to us".

Finally, the correspondent who repeated the question in the 3rd attempt, how will the start of activity of "IRNA Azeri" affect the strengthening of relations? President Ilham Aliyev answered the question of the reporter, who made a political mistake, by paraphrasing again to "IRNA Azerbaijan".

As mentioned earlier, politics is also a battlefield where values are measured by the power of words. President Ilham Aliyev uttered his words to the Iranian reporter both on the spot and in a diplomatic way, preventing his political maneuver, which is inherent to Iran. It is no secret that Iran has deliberately called Azerbaijan Azeri in public for centuries. However, "Azeri" is a name belonging to an Iranian tribe, and Persian-leaning forces tried to present the origin of the Azerbaijani people as Iranian, Persian origin. However, it is known to everyone that Azerbaijan is of Turkish origin in terms of ethnicity.

If we look at the history, the "Az" tribe also existed among the ancient Turkic tribes. Sometimes the etymology of the word "Azerbaijan" refers to the name "Azer" (meaning - brave knights). However, the Persian tribe called "Azeri" has no connection with the Azerbaijani people. Thus, the fact that Iran addresses us as "Azeris" can be considered a separate provocative propaganda.

Later, President Ilham Aliyev continued to answer the Iranian reporter's question and said that "Of course, it would be good if more people in Iran were informed about the Second Karabakh War and the post-war situation, in particular, the wider regional cooperation agenda of Azerbaijan."

Azerbaijani President's answer to the question in this way also sent a subliminal message to Iran. Because Iran has never spoken about the reality of Azerbaijan in its media. On the contrary, we have always come across provocations and bullying against the Turkish nation in the media. These provocations are mostly committed against our compatriots living in the north of Iran, and this struggle is still going on for more than 100 years.

It should be noted that some time ago, Iran came back with the proposal for the normalization of relations with Azerbaijan and the re-opening of the Azerbaijani embassy in Tehran. However, the Azerbaijani side has repeatedly encountered Iran's hostile policy. They openly promoted it on their TV, radio and social media. The biggest evidence was the terrorist attack against the Azerbaijani embassy in Tehran early this year.

However, Iran, which is worried about the loss of its influence in the South Caucasus, again strives to put forward the issue of the normalization of relations with Azerbaijan as an excuse. Because along with Iran, everyone is aware that Azerbaijan is becoming a driving force in the region.

In the end, President Ilham Aliyev told the reporter, "I wish you success in your activities. I am sure that you will play a positive role in the strengthening of relations". This was another diplomatic message to Iran.

In a nutshell, whatever Iran was 100 years ago, it is still progressing at its own pace. As the saying goes, Leopard cannot change its spot.

Generally, it was the first time that Azerbaijan organized an event in the city of Shusha that brought together the heads of the world's leading media and journalistic organizations, influential experts in the field of media, information and communication, and well-known journalists. The event Global Media Forum once again demonstrated the global reputation of Azerbaijan to the world with its many advantages.

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Rena Murshud is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @RenaTagiyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
25 July 2023 10:45 (UTC+04:00)

On July 25, the fourth meeting of ministers will be held in Bucharest, the capital of Romania, to implement the "Agreement on strategic partnership in the field of green energy development and transmission between the Governments of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Hungary, and Romania", Azernews reports.

The delegation led by Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov will represent our country at the event.

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25 July 2023 15:46 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan will set up a joint venture with three countries to transfer "green energy" from the Caspian Sea to Europe, Azernews reports.

Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan Parviz Shahbazov wrote about this on his Twitter.

In #Bucharest, we signed the #MoU with counterparts from #Georgia, #Romania and #Hungary on the establishment of a joint venture between 4 countries for the implementation of the project, which envisages the #GreenEnergy transmission from the #CaspianSea to #Europe. pic.twitter.com/lvlHbGfBOP  Parviz Shahbazov (@ParvizShahbazov) July 25, 2023

In Bucharest, we signed a memorandum of understanding with colleagues from Georgia, Romania and Hungary on the establishment of a joint venture between the four countries to implement a project involving the transfer of green energy from the Caspian Sea to Europe, the minister wrote.

The joint venture will involve a 1,100 km (685 mile), 1,000 MW cable running from Azerbaijan to Romania. The European Commission has earmarked 2.3 billion euros ($2.4 billion) to support the construction of the cable, which would be the longest of its kind in the world.

The project is part of the European Union's efforts to diversify energy resources away from Russia amid the Ukraine war. The cable is expected to be completed by the end of 2023 and will help to increase the capacity of the existing Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line.

In addition, the European Commission has signed a memorandum of understanding with Azerbaijan to double imports of Azeri natural gas to at least 20 billion cubic metres (bcm) a year by 2027. This will help to compensate for cuts in supplies of Russian gas and contribute significantly to Europe's security of supply.

The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which starts from Southeast Asia and China, runs through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, then Azerbaijan and Georgia and to further European countries. Georgia's Batumi and Poti Black Sea ports have been part of the regular feeder line of the route, while the state-run Georgian Railway has been a regular member of the route's coordinating committee.

The agreement between Azerbaijan and the other three countries is an important step in the effort to diversify energy resources away from Russia and ensure Europe's security of supply.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
25 July 2023 18:03 (UTC+04:00)

With the support of PASHA Holding, the main goal of the three-month multidisciplinary festival is to support sustainable initiatives and entrepreneurial activities of women, representing vulnerable groups such as bereaved, disabled, internally displaced, victims of domestic violence, etc., accelerate their reintegration into society, and promote the expansion of support mechanisms by increasing knowledge and skills to ensure the sustainability of current activities.



Based on the positive feedback, Woman Bazaar Sustainable Development Festival, which will be held for the third time, aims to support the activities of 80 women entrepreneurs aged 14-40 from any region of Azerbaijan.

Please note that you can view the Woman Bazaar review that took place in December 2022 by clicking here.

Unlike previous festivals, Woman Bazaar Sustainable Development Festival will cover three months - August, September, October and selected women entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to sequentially participate in the "Training", "Festival Days" and "Mentoring" stages.



For registration, please visit the following link.

Deadline: July 28, 2023, 23:59

Everyone who wants to support the development of women's entrepreneurship as a buyer (ordinary citizens, representatives of the community, social platforms and organizations focused on the Sustainable Development Goals, etc.) is invited to participate in the festival. Participation in the festival is free.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
25 July 2023 11:10 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

President of the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Gunay Afandiyeva has met with the Moldovan Ambassador to Azerbaijan Alexander Esaulenko.

The sides discussed the foundation's activities. aimed at protecting, promoting and passing the centuries-old values of the Turkish people to future generations, Azernews reports.

The organization attaches great importance to the establishment of relations with foreign countries.

Attention was drawn to projects implemented by the organization for the purpose of intensifying cultural exchanges between Turks and other peoples of the world.

Among the main priorities of the fund is the preservation of the heritage of peoples of Turkish ethnic origin living in different countries.

At the same time, it was emphasized that the organization is always open to cooperation in the direction of preserving the cultural and moral values of the Gagauz people of Turkish origin living in the Gagauzia Autonomous Region in the territory of the Republic of Moldova.

At the meeting, discussions were also held on future joint cooperation in the direction of strengthening partnership relations between the Fund and the Republic of Moldova.

Initiated in 2012, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation focuses on the preservation of the Turkic heritage in member countries as well as conducting projects in collaboration with partners in third nations.

The foundation provides assistance in the protection, study, and promotion of Turkic culture and heritage through supporting and funding various activities, projects, and programs.

The organization carries out its activities in cooperation with TURKSOY and the Turkic Academy.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
25 July 2023 15:27 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Azerbaijan's brilliant victory in the Second Karabakh War has inspired many cultural and art figures to create majestic art works.

Musicians, composers, poets and artists glorify the return of Azerbaijan's historical lands. Filled with a great pride for homeland, young composer Ilaha Qismat wrote the ballet "Iron Fist" devoted to Azerbaijan's victory in the Second Karabakh War.

The ballet was staged within the project "Victory Road of the Shusha Conquerors" (Susa fatehlrinin Zfr yolu).

Speaking about the ballet, Ilaha Qismat told AZERNEWS that patriotic themes have always taken a special part in the composer's life.

Q: What did inspire you to create "Iron Fist" ballet?

A: I would like to note that I developed a sense of patriotism in my early childhood. The patriotic theme has always taken a special part in my composing activity. Even the first music piece, composed by me in early childhood, was the military march. This composition is still included in the repertoire of the Defense Ministry's Military Orchestra. Despite the fact that Shusha was captured by Armenia long before my birth, I still felt sorrow and looked forward to the day when Shusha would be liberated. And that day has come! My heart was filled with endless joy, which I put in the ballet.

Q: What can you say about the ballet plot?

A: The duration of the ballet performance is 44 minutes, which symbolizes the 44-day Patriotic War. The image of Adil Ibrahimli, the First Lieutenant of the Special Forces, the Hero of the 44-day Patriotic War takes a central place in the ballet. During the First Karabakh War, when he was still a small child, his father was mercilessly killed before his eyes, leaving a deep traumatic mark on his heart. The time has passed and our hero says goodbye to the love of his life and goes to war with his brave friends. The mighty Azerbaijani Army constantly wins victories in the war, and the brave warrior waves our flag on the top of Shusha and raises his "Iron Fist" to the sky.

Q: Can you tell us about the process of working on the ballet?

A: First of all, I would like to note the author of the libretto is Yuri Lobachev, ballet masters are Y. Lobachev and Jeyhun Gubadov. The ballet artists were dressed in modern costumes, as well as in the style of the 90s. As for the music in the ballet, it is very simple and understandable, perfectly combining the national character.

Q: How was the ballet received by the public?

A: The play received positive feedback from the audience. Most of them thanked me for preserving the national spirit in the ballet music. The ballet was accompanied by a display of real battle scenes. Families of martyrs, war veterans, military personnel watched the ballet. Many public and cultural figures also attended the ballet show, including Chairman of the Azerbaijan Composers' Union, People's Artist Frangiz Alizade, Chairman of Composting Department at Baku Music Academy Aydin Azimov, professor, musicologist Zemfira Qafarova, Vice-Rector of Baku Music Academy Gulnaz Abdullazade and many others, whose presence was a great support to me.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong delivers an opening speech during a roadshow before the opening ceremony of NEOM's exhibition at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport



Naver, Hyundai Elevator, KT showcase technologies for Saudi Arabia's smart city



By Park Jae-hyuk



Korean companies of various industries appealed to NEOM's top executives, Tuesday, by introducing cutting-edge technologies that can contribute to the $500 billion project to build a smart city in northwest of Saudi Arabia.



At a roadshow held before the opening ceremony of NEOM's first Asian country exhibition in Seoul, Naver, Hyundai Elevator, KT and various other private and state-run enterprises in Korea delivered speeches on their technologies, for their potential participation in the Saudi smart city project.



They also displayed their respective technologies alongside the exhibition pavilion promoting NEOM.



A day before the roadshow, the NEOM project invited over 250 business leaders from more than 100 Korean firms to its private event, to introduce them to the project and hold one-on-one meetings. According to industry officials, companies that participated in the private session include Hyundai E&C, Naver, Yanolja and Flitto.





NEOM CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr, left, talks with Hyundai Group Chairwoman Hyun Jeong-eun, second from left, and Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong about Hyundai Elevator's verti-port infrastructure at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport



NEOM expressed gratitude for their keen interest, although it remained cautious about mentioning details about its partnership with Korean firms. At this moment, Hyundai E&C, Samsung C&T and HanmiGlobal are the only three Korean companies officially participating in the project.



The Saudi state-run company made it clear that it is not considering cooperation with nuclear power companies in Korea and other countries, as the smart city will be fully powered by renewable energies.



"I call on my team and also the Korean side of presenters today to really click with bridging these opportunities with the needs of NEOM," NEOM CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr said, stressing its vision to build a "city of future."



Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong, who co-hosted the roadshow, said the Korean government and companies are set to fully support the Saudi Vision 2030.



"We'll discover what NEOM is and where NEOM leaders are heading for. And I hope NEOM leaders will find who's the right partner," he said. "One Team Korea will fully stand for our shared dream."



The minister added that the government is talking with its Saudi counterpart about opening a liaison office for Korean companies to communicate more easily with NEOM leaders.



During the press conference following the roadshow, NEOM especially emphasized the smart city's feasibility and sustainability.



The company said business is underway in the city through its subsidiaries, such as Tonomous, Enowa and Oxagon. It also said it opened an international airport and port there, with a plan to begin accommodating guests at a hotel on Sindalah Island from the first half of next year.



Regarding the flagship project, THE LINE, NEOM said the vertical city will enable its residents to have access to all facilities within a five-minute walk.



In response to lingering doubts about the project, the NEOM CEO advised Korean company officials to come and visit the city in person to learn more about its environment.





A NEOM official introduces THE LINE project during the company's exhibition at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
25 July 2023 13:40 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Reading the interview of Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan with Agence France Presse (AFP), some could think that either Nikol Pashinyan suffers from amnesia or he wraps the world to his little finger. The interview can be commented on with one phrase  crossing a line. Pashinyans effrontery extended to such a degree that he dared to compare Azerbaijan with Nazis. It seems the PM forgot the atrocities and mass killings conducted by Armenians against local Azerbaijanis in Karabakh during the First Karabakh War. It should be mentioned that Armenians expelled over one million people from their hometowns, but the Nazis did not do it. Unlike the Armenian leader, Hitler never called locals a political tool that needed to get rid of. Strictly speaking, Armenian leaders are as evil as Hitler who committed a holocaust in the history. The Armenian leaders, who were not far behind the nazist Hitler, put the holocaust of the South Caucasus down in the history.

Armenian politicians and intellectuals shamelessly accuse Azerbaijan of ethnic cleansing by turning a blind eye to the fact that over 30,000 thousand Armenians, including the sister of former Armenian Defense Minister Harutyunyan, live in Azerbaijan. Besides, as is known, during the 44-day War all Armenians led by Arayik Harutyunyan, the leader of separatist clique in Khankendi, fled from Karabakh. However, Azerbaijan allowed these people to return to Karabakh. Moreover, Azerbaijan permitted the Armenian minority in Karabakh to visit the Khudavang monastery built by Albans in the middle ages. For comparison, Armenians expelled all people with different origins in Karabakh in the 1990s, never allowed them to return, systematically destroyed Azerbaijani cultural heritages, turned Azerbaijani mosques into animal stalls, and demolished the Russian Orthodox Church in the then-occupied territories.

Needless to say that if Azerbaijan ever intended to do ethnic cleansing, it would never allowed them to return back. So, the accusation of ethnic cleansing is a fairy tale made up by Armenians.

The brazenness of Nikol Pashinyan is not limited to the above-mentioned in the interview. He exaggerated the situation in Khankendi as if people are starving there. However, the leader of the separatists Arayik Harutyunyan suffers from overweight, and the so-called "minister of state" Gurgen Nersisyan suffers from obesity.

Besides, complying with the commitments of the 10 November Statement, after the 44-day war, Azerbaijan allowed Armenians to use the Lachin-Khankendi road for humanitarian purposes. It is worth noting that in accordance with the 9 November Statement, Armenia also took commitments to open Zangazur Road, but unlike Azerbaijan, it has never fulfilled this obligation. Over and above, the separatist clique tried to take advantage of Azerbaijans goodwill to smuggle lethal weapons. So, Azerbaijan was obliged to install a border checkpoint at the entrance of the Lachin-Khankendi road to control the freight transportation. It should be mentioned that Azerbaijan did not hinder any transportation and only checked the goods. Later, it found out that Armenians bribed the employees of the International Red Cross to smuggle forbidden products. As the saying goes, Azerbaijan closed the border checkpoint and offered to use an alternative road, the Agdam-Khankendi road. But as they cannot traffic ammunition through the Agdam-Khankendi road, they persistently refuse to use it and brazenly demand the Lachin-Khankendi road.

Another issue that Armenians manipulate very much is the security of the Armenian minority in Karabakh. In other words, after Azerbaijan's glorious victory in the 44-day war in 2020, Nikol Pashinyan does his best to create an illusion that he is eager to peace and ready to recognize Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, but he is worried about the security of the Armenian minority in Karabakh. Armenians, led by the PM, interpret Azerbaijan's integration policy as a guise for ethnic cleansing. They have propagandized and dinned in that integration will be tantamount to ethnic cleansing. They go the extra miles to saboteur the integration process, even they harshly punished a trader who sold products made in Azerbaijan.

It is crystal clear that neither Pashinyan nor other politicians are interested in lasting peace, they just intend to gain time through such tricky games. First and foremost, as I mentioned above, Azerbaijan has done its best to prove that no danger exists against the Armenian minority within the territory of the republic. Secondly, Armenians are the last nation in the world to request security for any minority from other countries, because they killed, expelled, tortured, and looted thousands of Azerbaijani and Muslim Kurdish minorities in Armenia in the 1980s and 1990s. If we are speaking about the rights of minorities, why does Armenia not try to compensate the violated rights of these minorities?

Accusations of other states and international organizations posed by Pashinyan, once again prove the imprudence of Armenians. First of all, Azerbaijan has never violated any international law or demonstrated aggression against any nation. So, no one can demand anything from Azerbaijan. Secondly, Armenia forgets that it had never fulfilled the 4 resolutions adopted by the UN regarding withdrawing its armed groups from Azerbaijan's former occupied territories and returning back these lands. Thus, how can a country, which is famous for violating the resolutions of international organizations, demand from the same organizations to protect the baseless and so-called rights made by Armenians?

Frankly saying, the peak of brazenness in the interview is threatening Azerbaijan with war. It is the most important proof that Pashinyan suffers from amnesia. Otherwise, he would not have forgotten the 44-day war and its circumstances. Needless to say that Armenia needs peace more than Azerbaijan. Armenia does not have any resources to wage war with Azerbaijan and any new war will mean the last nail to the coffin of Armenia.

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Qabil Ashirov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @g_Ashirov

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25 July 2023 12:09 (UTC+04:00)

The Minister of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan will have more deputies, Trend reports.

This is reflected in the decree on amendments to the "Regulations on the Ministry of Science and Education" signed by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev today.

To date, the Minister of Science and Education had three deputies to be appointed and dismissed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

According to the new regulation, the Minister of Science and Education will have four deputies appointed and dismissed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

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25 July 2023 11:51 (UTC+04:00)

The Shusha Global Media Forum "New Media in the Era of the 4th Industrial Revolution" held on 21-23 July 2023 became an important event in Azerbaijan, the South Caucasus region, and the world in general due to its wide audience and the variety of topics discussed. For two days, heads of influential media, journalistic organizations, and experts discussed in detail the topical issues of media and the information-communication sphere, Azernews reports.

Unfortunately, the vilification campaign carried out by Armenia, faithful to its tradition, against Azerbaijan made itself felt already during the event. 11 journalistic organisations of this country, displaying inappropriate collective sentimentality, addressed the Forum participants and condemned the representatives of foreign media, calling on them to leave Shusha. The allegations in the appeal that the Armenian population of Karabagh is allegedly in a "blockade" and the request to foreign journalists to put this issue on the agenda are nothing but an attempt to politicize this important event and squeeze possible dividends out of it.

The Armenian side addressed an appeal of the same content to international organizations. It also contains statements against the Forum, condemns the activities of foreign journalists participating in the event and expresses other unacceptable opinions. Moreover, threatening letters were sent to the e-mail addresses of these journalists, they were blackmailed and genuinely terrorized. Some participants even had to temporarily close their social media accounts.

The dissemination of false statements on behalf of the participants of the Shusha Forum, the claim that in these statements they voiced opinions on the necessity of lifting the "blockade" of Karabagh, does not fit into any boundaries.

The fact that persons claiming to be engaged in media activities in Armenia oppose the peace agenda in the South Caucasus region, their provocative actions are an abuse of journalism and a disregard for professional principles. The Press Council of Azerbaijan is concerned about this.

The Council believes that such cases aimed at misleading international public opinion, or threatening representatives of foreign media are absolutely unacceptable and require a decisive reaction. The structure calls on the international community, as well as the world's leading journalistic organisations to show solidarity in this matter and take appropriate measures.

At the same time, the Press Council deeply regrets the use of dirty political technologies by Armenian media. The Council believes that the media bodies of both Azerbaijan and Armenia should serve the normalization of relations between the countries, not their destruction.

Such speculative steps of Armenia, pro-Armenian circles will have no results. The Press Council is confident that the Shusha Global Media Forum, having acquired a permanent character, is becoming an authoritative platform where media problems in the world will be comprehensively discussed. It would be good for Armenian journalists not to become captives of adventurist tendencies, to be represented on this platform in the future, and to contribute to the defense of journalistic values.

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25 July 2023 11:30 (UTC+04:00)

The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov is paying a visit to fraternal Turkiye at the invitation of the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Turkiye, Mr. Yashar Guler in order to participate in the IDEF23 16th International Defence Industry Fair to be held in Istanbul, Azernews reports, citing the Defense Ministry.

The Minister of Defense will view the weapons, vehicles, and military equipment produced by various companies that will be displayed at the fair.

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25 July 2023 15:08 (UTC+04:00)

First Vice-President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva expressed condolences to the family of Vardis Vardinogiannis over the death of Marianna Vardinogiannis.

I was deeply shocked by the death of my sincere friend, dear and precious person Marianna. Nothing compares to the pain caused by the loss of a loved person.

It is difficult to find words expressing the feeling of sorrow, which fills our hearts.

Renowned public figure, faithful life partner, staunch friend Marianna was a symbol of kindness, generousness, graciousness, mercifulness.

She will live on in memories as a bright, hardworking, active, irreplaceable personality who was able to feel peoples pain deep inside.

Marianna Vardinoyannis was also a sincere friend of Azerbaijan. It is not a coincidence that the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan highly appreciated her contribution to development of friendly relations between Azerbaijani and Greek peoples by conferring a Dostlug (Friendship) order upon her.

Loving, kind and unforgettable memories created by our meetings with Marianna will always remain in my heart.

I share your grief, extend condolences and wish patience to all your family members.

Sincerely yours,

Mehriban Aliyeva

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25 July 2023 17:20 (UTC+04:00)

Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board (CMB) Sheikhul Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh met with the Chairman of the Central Council of Muslims of Germany Ayman Meisek on 25 July, Azernews reports, citing Azertac.

Sheikhul Islam spoke in detail about the high level of state-religious relations in Azerbaijan and the atmosphere of inter-religious harmony and inter-confessional understanding prevailing in our country. The CMI Chairman informed about the extensive restoration and reconstruction works carried out by the Azerbaijani state in Garabagh and East Zangezur after the 44-day Patriotic War and informed the guest that our religious and spiritual monuments, which were subjected to Armenian vandalism, have been restored with great care and attention.

The German guest said he was visiting Azerbaijan for the first time, but was well aware of the religious and ethnic tolerance existing here, and that he had made this visit to familiarise himself with the religious environment of Azerbaijan.

A.Pashazadeh informed the guest that the Religious Centre of Azerbaijan maintains active ties with European religious communities and centers, including Muslim communities of European countries, and meets with their representatives on all trips and international events. Stressing that cases of Islamophobia in European countries, including the organization of such actions as the burning of the Koran in some countries, have damaged the process of inter-civilization dialogue, Sheikh-ul-Islam stressed the need to respect the sacred symbols of religions in all religious platforms, of which he is a member and the inadmissibility of abuse of religion for political purposes. In this context, the PSC Chairman spoke about the slanderous campaigns of the Armenian Church against Azerbaijan, abuse of religious levels, particularly the rostrum of the World Council of Churches, for its revanchist purposes, and recalled the PSC's protest statement in this regard.

The German guest, in his turn, touched upon the cases of Quran burning in Europe and emphasized that European societies themselves, not Muslims, should be concerned about it. Ayman Mayzek said the experience of the multicultural, tolerant society of Azerbaijan is of great importance not only for Muslims but also for all other countries of the world.

Later, the German guest visited Tsapir Mosque and prayed there.

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25 July 2023 16:29 (UTC+04:00)

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz will visit Azerbaijan in September this year, Azernews reports.

This was told by the co-chairman of the inter-parliamentary friendship group Turkiye-Azerbaijan, deputy of the ruling party of Turkey ("Justice and Development Party") Shamil Ayrim.

Cevdet Yilmaz is the co-chairman of the joint intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation between Turkey and Azerbaijan. During the visit, a number of issues related to relations between the two countries will be discussed, Shamil Ayrim emphasized.

According to him, the first joint congress of inter-parliamentary friendship groups of the countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTG) will be held in Azerbaijan.

We discussed this issue with the Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova. She stated that she would inform the country's leadership about this. Most likely, the first congress will be held in Azerbaijan, Shamil Ayrim said.

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25 July 2023 18:51 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has expressed condolences to the family of Marianna Vardinogiannis on her death, Azernews reports.

The letter reads:

We were deeply saddened by the news of the death of a prominent public figure, an outstanding personality Marianna Vardinoyannis.

Marianna Vardinoyannis lived a deeply meaningful and honorable life, earned great reputation and respect in the world for her noble deeds for the sake of humanity and humankind, for the promotion of universal values, as well as for her multifaceted humanitarian and charitable activities.

Marianna Vardinoyannis, with high humane qualities, was also a true friend of Azerbaijan. She was awarded with a Dostlug (Friendship) order of the Republic of Azerbaijan for her significant contributions to the development of friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Greek peoples.

Bright memory of Marianna Vardinoyannis, a sincere and kind person who dedicated her entire life and activity to noble deeds, will always live in the hearts of those who knew her.

I share your grief over this heavy loss and extend my deepest condolences to all your family members.

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 25 July 2023

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25 July 2023 10:06 (UTC+04:00)

The Central Europe Report project (www.cereport.eu), which unites the leading European news agencies, was presented at the Shusha Global Media Forum, Azernews reports, citing Trend.

The project was presented by the director of the founder of the project - Festung News & Media GmbH (Austria) Altay Alasgarov, the Secretary General of the Alliance of European News Agencies (EANA) Alexandru Giboi and Member of Azerbaijani Parliament Sevil Mikayilova.

Speaking at the event, Altay Alasgarov noted that in line with news on EU politics, economics and culture, the CE-Report portal (www.cereport.eu) is also to broadcast some general news from Central and Eastern Europe.

"In addition, the aforesaid information portal will include multimedia content, press releases, and various analytical articles thereof. The creation of the web page was possible because of the availability of unique software for our company, which we used for the CE-Report. The web page will always be updated with newly developed upgrades and features using innovative media technologies. The good news is that we can provide software that can be used for the creation of various web pages for both news media agencies and for many other purposes," he said.

Alasgarov noted that only a small part of the news content is being uploaded and published on the CE-Report portal. The main news article is read and available on the original web page of the news provider, which is directly linked to the CE-Report.

"By this, we mean we generate traffic to the web pages of the participants in the project. We plan and have already implemented promotional activities for CE-Report through social networks. The project itself started approximately a month ago. Participation in the project will bring benefits to all its participants," he added.

The Secretary General of the Alliance of European News Agencies (EANA), Alexandru Giboi, in turn, noted that the concept of the platform is that it is designed to bring together leading information providers from Central Europe.

"I've been helping this project since its beginning, and I'm very happy to say that, in a way, I promoted news agencies as a source of information for this portal. The point is that we are trying to offer trustful content and quality news, and first of all, we are trying to prove that technologies that we innovate can help in the promotion of quality media," said Giboi.

He pointed out that the concept is to bring together leading information sources from Central Europe.

"Our main partners are the news agencies from Romania, Kosovo, Greece, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Ukraine. Also, we are trying to reach the countries of Central Europe. The goal is to gather all of these news agencies, help them create more reliable content, and promote its importance in these countries. CE-Report would become one of the main sources of trustworthy information about Central Europe. This will take time; it is not a prospect that we can have overnight, but I hope that with the help of providers and news agencies, at one point we will be exclusively recognized across Europe. Of course, the presence of social media is important; I am not saying that it is more important than investment in technology. I think the future of the platform is in innovation. I would like to suggest that we focus on democratizing media environments, not only tasks, but maybe improve some AI-generated or some other capacities so that we can make the content more available for the young generation in the future," he explained.

Giboi went on to add that the majority of news platforms have a traditional news environment at this moment, but the future of media and CE-Report is innovation.

"Thats why we can try to be as knowledgeable as possible. I think soon we will be part of this project; we will begin properly trying out some features and see how they are perceived by the public," he added.

MP Sevil Mikayilova, in turn, said that CE-Report will become a reliable source of news and open a new page in the process of media integration.

"I am really proud to be here for the presentation of the European media project. For two days we had fantastic discussions in Shusha over media, threats, and challenges that we meet in our everyday lives in media, and I think you all here are part of this life and are also concerned about what is going on. Security of information and security of life are of paramount importance. During the two days of the Shusha Global Media Forum, we tried to find solutions, and I think CE-Report is the best solution for the threats that we are facing today and are likely to face tomorrow. In fact, we are now speaking about the integration of information because news is under threat and providers, consumers, and producers are facing everyday challenges that they need to tackle. We are proud that CE-Report would unite the European news agencies, which are private and public but whose only aim is to provide unbiased news. And I believe that CE-Report will be the source of authentic information and will open up a new page of integration in the field of media. I wish all the success to the project," the MP said.

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25 July 2023 20:55 (UTC+04:00)

Armenia is preparing another provocation, Azernews reports, citing Day.az.

According to the information received, on July 26 from the side of Armenia, by organizing the accumulation of various vehicles at the entrance to the Lachin BCP across the state border from the opposite side, another provocative act is defiantly planned.

We call on the Armenian side to refrain from such actions that are aimed at provocation and serve to aggravate the situation.

We declare once again that all responsibility for possible provocative actions will fall entirely on the Armenian side," the State Border Service said in a statement.

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Russia said Monday that drone attacks in central Moscow and annexed Crimea could warrant a harsh response, after Ukraine claimed an attack on the capital.







"We regard what happened as yet another use of terrorist methods and intimidation of the civilian population by the military and political leadership of Ukraine," Russia's foreign ministry said.







"The Russian Federation reserves the right to take tough retaliatory measures," it added.







The ministry said the "West's focus on further aggravating the situation" in Ukraine was behind Kyiv's "brazen actions".







Russian officials said earlier that Ukrainian drones hit two buildings in Moscow and an ammunition depot in Crimea, the peninsula annexed by Russia from Ukraine in 2014.







A Ukrainian defense source told AFP the attack on Moscow was a "special operation" carried out by Kyiv's military intelligence.







The attack on Moscow, some 500 kilometers (310 miles) from Ukraine, comes after Kyiv vowed to retaliate for a Russian missile strike on the city of Odesa a day earlier.







The attack killed two people and damaged a historic cathedral in the UNESCO-protected city on the Black Sea. (AFP)


25 July 2023 14:23 (UTC+04:00)

Turkmenistan does not see any political, economic, or financial factors hindering the construction of the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline, which could make a tangible contribution to energy security in Eurasia, Azernews reports.

This was stated in a statement of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry in connection with publications in foreign media concerning the possibilities of implementing the project of Turkmen's natural gas supplies to European markets.

"The idea of building the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline initiated by Turkmenistan was initially considered by our country not just as an economically and commercially sound project, but also as an essential component of diversification of energy flows as a key condition for global energy security and sustainability on the basis of equal consideration of the interests and benefits of producers, consumers, and transit countries. By the way, all potential participants of the project agree with this," the Foreign Ministry said.

In parallel, Turkmenistan initiated a broadly interested dialogue on energy security within the UN, which resulted in the consensus adoption by the General Assembly in 2008 of the first resolution "Reliable and stable transit of energy carriers and its role in ensuring sustainable development and international cooperation," the Foreign Ministry recalled. It was co-sponsored by 71 states. In 2013, the UN General Assembly once again unanimously adopted Turkmenistan's draft of a similar resolution.

The statement stresses that Turkmenistan has made efforts to create the necessary political, financial, and organizational conditions that would allow the idea of building the Trans-Caspian Pipeline to be translated into practice. To this end, trilateral partnership mechanisms were formed between Turkmenistan, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the European Union, comprising the heads of the respective energy agencies.

"In general, cooperation on the construction of the Trans-Caspian Pipeline has progressed consistently and practically, receiving political and functional international support. The international legal validity of the project is also beyond doubt after the adoption in 2018 by the five littoral states of the fundamental document regulating the key principles of policy in the Caspian Sea - the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea," the statement said.

Turkmenistan's Foreign Ministry cites Article 14 of this document, which states that the parties may lay cables and pipelines on the bottom of the Caspian Sea, and the determination of the route for laying submarine cables and pipelines is carried out in agreement with the party through whose seabed sector the submarine cable or pipeline is to be laid.

"Thus, as of today, the construction of the Trans-Caspian pipeline is directly related to the demarcation of the seabed between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan. In addition, Turkmenistan is convinced that there are no political, economic, or financial factors hindering the implementation of the pipeline construction. On the contrary, the Trans-Caspian pipeline is an absolutely realistic project, justified from the economic point of view, capable of making a tangible contribution to ensuring energy security in Eurasia, providing long-term and uninterrupted access to sources of raw materials for European consumers, while respecting the obvious benefits and interests of the transit party. On this basis, Turkmenistan, being committed to the strategy of diversification of energy flows, expresses its readiness to continue co-operation with partners in the implementation of the Trans-Caspian pipeline project," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

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25 July 2023 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

The historical Hagia Sophia in Istanbul marked the third anniversary of its reopening as a mosque on Monday, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency.

Ali Erbas, the head of the Turkish Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), led the morning prayer at the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque.

Calling the reopening of Hagia Sophia as a mosque as one of the happiest days of his life, Erbas said: Three years ago, on July 24, 2020, 86 years of longing came to an end.

With the decision of our president, Hagia Sophia was reopened for worship, he recalled, adding that a total of 21 million people have visited the historical site ever since.

Noting that the place was inherited from Mehmed the Conqueror and is the most important symbol of the conquest of Istanbul, Erbas said he wishes that millions of people worship in Hagia Sophia until the end of time.

Fatih Sultan Mehmed, an Ottoman sultan, performed his first Friday prayer after conquering Istanbul in 1453.

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25 July 2023 21:10 (UTC+04:00)

Turkiye is making strides in its defense industry, with 850 projects implemented that will leave their mark in the country's defense industry, according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Erdogan made the announcement in a video address to the participants of the 16th International Defense Industry Exhibition IDEF-2023 in Istanbul, Azernews reports.

The Defense Industry of Turkiye

The projects are part of Turkish efforts to strengthen its defense industry, which has a long history dating back to the Ottoman Empire. The Republican Administration supported the State's guidance in industrialization and therefore the defense industry during the first planning period. In the post-World War II Period, activities in the defense industry initiated during the first years of the Republic were not sufficient due to lack of State support, which came to a halt as a result of the foreign military aid received upon promotion of bilateral relations with the United States and Turkish membership of NATO.

The Turkish Armed Forces Foundation was established in 1974 to address the regional problems Turkiye faced, such as the Cyprus crises in 1963 and 1967, and the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. The arms embargo following the invasion necessitated the development of a defense industry based on national resources.

The machinery, craftsmen, and workmen transferred discreetly from Istanbul and its surroundings at the end of the First World War and played a crucial role in winning the War of Independence. Small-scale and simple workshops in Ankara, Konya, Eskisehir, Keskin, and Erzurum not only provided light weapons and ammunition but also lay the foundation for a sound local defense industry infrastructure.

Erdogan reported the achievement of a record volume of export in the defense industry of almost $3 billion in six months of this year. "Our goal in 2023 is to achieve the indicator of $6 billion," the head of state said.

Turkiye is also looking to draw refugees back to Syria, with plans to build homes for 1 million refugees. The project will provide schools, hospitals, and all the needs of daily life and self-sufficient economic infrastructure, from agriculture to industry, Erdogan said.

Turkiye is making great strides in its defense industry, and the projects implemented will have a lasting impact on the country's defense industry.

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25 July 2023 22:15 (UTC+04:00)

Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman called on the international community to eradicate energy poverty faced by some countries. The issue is moral and affects more than one billion people who lack the simplest means of energy, Prince said. Azernews reports, citing Saudi Gazette.

The minister made the remarks while attending a dialogue session on the sidelines of the 14th Clean Energy Ministerial meeting and 8th Mission Innovation meeting held in the Indian state of Goa.

Saudi Arabia is one of the first countries to call on the international community to combat energy poverty around the world, specifically in 2007, when it drew attention to this problem that some countries suffer from, he said.

In February 2021, Prince Abdulaziz warned that sanctions and underinvestment in the energy sector could lead to a shortage of energy supplies. Prince noted that Saudi Arabia was working to send Ukraine liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is most commonly used as a cooking fuel and in heating.

At the Arab-China business conference in June 2021, Prince Abdulaziz said that the OPEC+ agreement involved comprehensive reform, but that the alliance was also working against "uncertainties and sentiment" within the market.

In May 2021, Prince Abdulaziz warned short sellers to watch out just days before a planned OPEC+ meeting to decide on future oil policy. He said that OPEC+ would continue to be proactive, preemptive and hedge against what may come in the future, regardless of any criticism.

In September 2021, Prince Abdulaziz remained Saudi Arabia's energy minister under a new cabinet headed by the kingdom's crown prince and de facto ruler Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the minister announced the signing of a cooperation agreement with the Clean Energy Forum (CEM) and the Innovation Mission Initiative (MI), which aims to address the challenges of global energy, economics, and sustainability issues.

Prince Abdulaziz and India's Minister of Power and Renewable Energy Raj Kumar Singh co-chaired a roundtable meeting on Green and Low-Carbon Hydrogen in addition to a dialogue session on reducing emissions from all sources.

It is noteworthy that Saudi Arabia is an active member of a number of international organizations and forums concerned with climate change, such as the Net Zero Neutral Producers Forum; the Global Methane, Climate and Clean Air Forum; the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum; and the Energy Innovation Mission.

These participations confirm the Kingdoms active role at the international level, in facing the effects of climate change and contributing to international efforts aimed at reducing emissions, by diversifying the energy mix used in the Kingdom and promoting the use of clean technologies for all energy sources, including renewables and hydrocarbons.

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25 July 2023 19:30 (UTC+04:00)

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Edil Baisalov held a meeting with Minister of Employment and Labor of the Republic of Korea Lee Jong-sik, the press service of the Cabinet reported, Azernews reports, citing Kabar.

During the meeting, the sides discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation, interaction in the field of labor migration and the possibility of increasing quotas to attract labor migrants from Kyrgyzstan to Korea.

The deputy chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers noted the importance of cooperation between countries in the field of labor migration, emphasizing the high professional potential of the citizens of Kyrgyzstan. He suggested to considerresuming the issuance of tourist visas and opening additional visa application centres.

In turn, the minister expressed interest in expanding bilateral cooperation, including within the framework of increasing the quota for labor migrants from the Kyrgyz Republic.

In conclusion, the sides expressed their readiness to make every effort to further strengthen and expand Kyrgyz-Korean relations.

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25 July 2023 20:05 (UTC+04:00)

The Spanish non-governmental organization Open Arms said Monday that a total of 73 irregular migrants who had set off from Libya on two boats were rescued a few days ago, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency.

"Now they are safe on board the #OpenArms, which is heading towards the port of Naples, designated by the Italian authorities for their disembarkation," it said in a statement on Twitter.

"The Mediterranean is in charge of reminding us that there is a reality a few kilometers from our homes that EU governments and institutions do not want to see: that of thousands of people who risk their lives at sea to flee violence, abuse and poverty," it added.

The number of irregular migrants who have reached Italy by sea since the beginning of the year has reached 86,132.

In the irregular migration flow towards Europe, the Central Mediterranean route has stood out as one of the heavily trafficked paths in recent years.

On this route, irregular migrants who send distress calls at sea are often rescued by European-based civil society organizations.

These NGOs sometimes face difficulties in disembarking the rescued migrants due to the refusal of European Union member states to provide a "safe harbor."

Usually, the first landfall in Europe for irregular migrants who manage to cross the Mediterranean or those who are rescued is Lampedusa Island, the closest land mass of Italy to North Africa.

Every year, a significant number of irregular migrants lose their lives while attempting to cross the Mediterranean due to their boats capsizing or being stranded in overcrowded boats without enough water.

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Bakersfield, CA (93308)

Today

Sunshine along with some cloudy intervals. High near 95F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear early, then a few clouds later on. Low 71F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin looks on during his meeting with Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko at the Constantine (Konstantinovsky) Palace in Strelna, outside Saint Petersburg, July 23. AFP-Yonhap



Russian President Vladimir Putin signed new legislation Monday which marked the final step in outlawing gender-affirming procedures, a crippling blow to Russia's already embattled LGBTQ+ community.



The bill, which was approved unanimously by both houses of parliament, bans any "medical interventions aimed at changing the sex of a person," as well as changing one's gender in official documents and public records. The only exception will be medical intervention to treat congenital anomalies.



It also annuls marriages in which one person has "changed gender" and bars transgender people from becoming foster or adoptive parents.



The ban is said to stem from the Kremlin's crusade to protect what it views as the country's "traditional values." Lawmakers say the legislation is to safeguard Russia against "Western anti-family ideology," with some describing gender transitioning as "pure satanism."



Russia's crackdown on LGBTQ+ people started a decade ago when Putin first proclaimed a focus on "traditional family values," supported by the Russian Orthodox Church.



In 2013, the Kremlin adopted legislation that banned any public endorsement of "nontraditional sexual relations" among minors. In 2020, Putin pushed through constitutional reform that outlawed same-sex marriage, and last year signed a law banning "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" among adults as well. (AP)


The N.C. Court of Appeals has dismissed the case of a former UNC Chapel Hill professor who has been challenging his dismissal since 2018. Professor Richard Semelka's latest legal action alleged that university officials violated the state Whistleblowers Act.wrote Judge John Arrowood for the unanimous appellate panel.Semelka was a tenured professor in the UNC medical school's radiology department in January 2016, when he sent a letter to the chancellorThe letter singled out his department chairman for criticism, according to Arrowood's opinion. Semelka's letter argued that the chairman retaliated against Semelka by not appointing him to lead a division within the department.University officials responded to the letter but took no further action. Semelka hired a law firm in February 2016 to help him present his concerns to the university's Board of Trustees.Problems arose when Semelka submitted an expense report in July 2016 for $30,000 in legal fees. University officials did not accept the professor's explanations about the reasons for the requested reimbursement. The university's chief audit officer eventually looked into Semelka's travel and business expenses from July 2010 through September 2016.according to Arrowood's opinion.As for the legal fees, the audit found that SemelkaThe university started the process of firing Semelka in January 2017. The university system's Board of Governors confirmed that decision in September 2018.State courts have upheld the decision, though Semelka was able to win back pay for the time between the discontinuation of his salary in August 2017 and the BOG's decision to uphold his dismissal a year later.In its latest decision, the Appeals Court determined that Semelka's whistleblower claims already had been addressed in earlier legal action. That included an earlier appearance before the Appeals Court dubbedArrowood wrote.Arrowood added.Arrowood wrote.Judges Toby Hampson and Jefferson Griffin joined Arrowood's opinion.
With the Midterm Elections less than one week away: What do you consider the top issues that you will be voting on to be corrected by your better representation? Education Crime Big Government getting Bigger Biden /Democrat controlled Spike in Energy Cost Inflation created by Legislation of Majority in Power Gender Reassignment Corrupted Bureaucratic /Service (DOJ, FBI, etc.) Institutions Abortion Discredited Legacy Media Ending the Corruption of Dishonest Politicians Corruptive Influence of Social Media Wide Open Southern Border 425 total vote(s) What's your Opinion?



This post appears here courtesy of the Carolina Journal . The author of this post is CJ Staff A Brunswick County charter school operator defending its dress code in a federal lawsuit is rebutting recent arguments from the U.S. solicitor general's office.Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar represents the federal government in court. She urged the U.S. Supreme Court in May to reject the case titled Charter Day School v. Peltier. A parent challenged the school's dress code requiring skirts for female students.Operators of the school, now known as Classical Charter Schools of Leland, have asked the nation's highest court to take the case. The charter defenders want the Supreme Court to reverse a federal Appeals Court decision.The full 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals split 10-6 in June 2022 when ruling against Charter Day School. The majority opinion labeled the charter operator ain the context of its dress code.Charter school operators are the petitioners in the case. Dress code challengers are the respondents.wrote Charter Day School's lawyers.a 1988 precedent,the brief continued.Charter school lawyers rebut Prelogar's argument that the school serves aOther appellate courts have taken a different stance than the 4th Circuit, the charter brief argued.A favorable Supreme Court decision would make a real difference for the charter school, according to the brief.school lawyers wrote.The 4th Circuit's ruling would have a negative impact if it stands, the charter brief added.charter lawyers wrote.the brief added.the brief warned.The John Locke Foundation filed an amicus, or friend-of-the-court, brief in October 2022 urging the Supreme Court to take the case. Locke's brief focuses on theissue.wrote attorney Dan Gibson, who filed the brief for Locke.The case started with a complaint from parent Bonnie Peltier. She objected to Charter Day School's dress code requiring female students to wear skirts. Peltier's attorneys argued in a federal lawsuit that a publicly funded school could not adopt that type of policy.With more than 3.4 million students attending nearly 7,700 charter schools nationwide, theissue has national importance, Gibson argued.he wrote.Regardless of the 10-6 split among 4th Circuit judges, the U.S. Supreme Court faces no obligation to take up Charter Day School v. Peltier. If the high court takes the case, justices would consider arguments in the term that starts next fall.
The N.C. Court of Appeals is considering a legal dispute between Roanoke Rapids and Halifax County over the city's role in funding a county 911 call center.Roanoke Rapids filed its brief in the case this week.Since 1998, county government has operated the only 911 call center within Halifax County. It's technically referred to as a public safety answering point. It takes emergency calls and dispatches law enforcement officers to address those calls.Roanoke Rapids and other municipalities have paid the county to cover a portion of the call center's costs. Problems with that arrangement started after a 2013 amendment to the funding formula, the city argued.wrote attorney Geoffrey Davis, representing Roanoke Rapids.The city's required payment jumped from $225,390 in 2015-16 to $356,394 in 2020-21.Davis wrote.regarding the call center, according to Roanoke Rapids' brief.A 2004 agreement between the county and municipalities created a Central Communications Advisory Board. It has representatives from affected public safety agencies.Roanoke Rapids tried to negotiate a new agreement with Halifax County in 2020-21, but no agreement was reached. The city terminated the deal in June 2021.As the two parties continued to discuss a new arrangement, Halifax County announced it would bill Roanoke Rapids $406,863 for the 2022-23 budget year. The county had billed the city for half that sum by the time the matter reached Superior Court.Davis wrote.Roanoke Rapids' brief continued.Superior Court Judge Jeffery Foster ruled in January that Halifax County must make its 911 center available to Roanoke Rapids and take calls on the city's behalf. But the judge also agreed with the county that Halifax wasfrom bearing the center's full costs.Foster determined that the city must bear some costs of operating the county 911 center. The judge set a formula for calculating Roanoke Rapids' cost:Roanoke Rapids appealed Foster's ruling. Halifax County will have a chance to respond to the city's latest arguments before the case heads to a three-judge Appeals Court panel.
Governor Offers Reward for Information on Guilford County Murder

Press Release:



RALEIGH Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that the State is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Leon Williams, age 30.



On October 27, 2020, at 7:12 p.m., officers with the Greensboro Police Department responded to a shooting in the 500 block of Andrew Street in Greensboro, North Carolina. Mr. Williams was located suffering from a gunshot wound. Mr. Williams later died from the injuries sustained in the shooting.



Anyone having information concerning this case should contact Greensboro Police Department at (336) 373-2450, Greensboro/Guilford Crime Stoppers (336) 373-1000 or the State Bureau of Investigation at (919) 662-4500.





Contact: Sam Chan



Phone: (919) 814-2100  Email: govpress@nc.gov


RINOs in the State Senate have added a provision to the state budget bill that would require tolls on all state ferries, including the one across the Pamlico River from Bayview to Aurora. The State House has not gone along with this measure, which would be harmful to eastern North Carolina. Hopefully, they will stand firm on leaving it out of the budget.

As to our local legislators, Rep. Keith Kidwell is actively opposing this provision, while RINO State Senator Jim Perry voted FOR it in the Senate.

http://compassnews360.com/2023/07/20/12882/#more-12882

Maybe we ought to demand tolls on all bridges in western North Carolina or if they want to toll our ferry, have them build us a free bridge to replace it!
Asylum-seeking migrants walk in the Rio Grande river between the floating fence and the river bank as they look for an opening on a concertina wire fence to land on the U.S. soil in Eagle Pass, Texas, U.S., July 24. Reuters-Yonhap



The U.S. Justice Department on Monday sued Texas over floating barriers installed by the state in the Rio Grande river to block migrants crossing from Mexico.



Texas authorities began installing the string of buoys in the middle of the river near Eagle Pass, Texas, last week, part of Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott's initiative dubbed Operation Lone Star to deter migrants.



"We allege that Texas has flouted federal law by installing a barrier in the Rio Grande without obtaining the required federal authorization," Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said in a statement. "This floating barrier poses threats to navigation and public safety and presents humanitarian concerns."



The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in the Western District of Texas, seeks "to remove all structures and obstructions, including a floating barrier and all infrastructure related to the floating barrier, in the Rio Grande," according to the court filing.



The U.S. attorney for the Western District of Texas, Jaime Esparza, had threatened to take legal action in a letter sent to Abbott last week.



In response to the Justice Department's legal warning, Abbott sent a letter on Monday to Democratic President Joe Biden, accusing him of failing to enforce immigration laws and causing a "record-breaking level of illegal immigration."



Abbott, in an interview on Fox News, said the barriers have potentially prevented hundreds of thousands of people from entering the country illegally and argued the Biden administration's lawsuit is based on an obscure statute.



"We believe we have the right to do so, and we will take this lawsuit all the way to the United States Supreme Court," he said.



Mexico has also complained about the barrier, saying it violates a water treaty and may encroach on Mexican territory.





Asylum-seeking migrants walk in the Rio Grande river between the floating fence and the river bank as they look for an opening on a concertina wire fence to land on the U.S. soil in Eagle Pass, Texas, U.S., July 24. Reuters-Yonhap
As ASCs compete with hospitals for talent and resources, offering physicians ownership is one way to come out on top.

Alejandro Fernandez, CEO of San Diego-based Synergy Orthopedic Specialists, joined Becker's to discuss the importance of physician ownership stake.

Editor's note: This interview was edited lightly for length and clarity.

Question: Why is physician ownership in an ASC so important?

Alejandro Fernandez: I would say that No. 1 and foremost is that physicians should have control because of patient care. Physicians need to be in the driver's seat when it comes to being able to offer patients the best alternatives for when a surgery is needed and for that service to be provided in the location or the place of service that provides greater value. That's first and foremost.

Additionally, for physicians that are able to participate in ownership of an ASC, the ASC has become a significant part of their compensation structure. Not necessarily their salary, but just the overall money that they make. Therefore, when it comes to recruiting new talent  particularly because there's a scarcity of new physicians coming out of programs  when you are trying to recruit somebody that's going to be doing total joints or spine, being able to provide that financial opportunity for new physicians is helpful. These physicians that are coming out of training have a vehicle where somewhere along the line they'll be able to have this revenue stream due to their ownership in an ASC. This is extremely important as private practice tries to remain competitive recruiting against hospitals.

Q: And are you seeing a lot of interest by new physicians?

AF: We're recruiting in a lot of different ways. We're recruiting people coming out of fellowships. We're recruiting physicians that are in hospital systems that they're not happy with. I'm also recruiting physicians that are retiring or have done their service and their time in the Navy; with us being in San Diego, there's a big presence with the Navy and Marines. We're able to recruit physicians that are finishing their tenure with the Navy, and they are looking at an opportunity to continue. We're also looking at opportunities to acquire practices as well or merge practices.
More than 600 rural hospitals across the U.S. are at risk of closure, and most of the proposed solutions aren't helping, according to a report from the Center for Healthcare Quality & Payment Reform.

Rural hospitals face increased labor and supply costs while losing money on patient services. Urban and large rural hospitals have seen losses from 2019 to 2022, but still have positive margins on patient services. By contrast, small rural hospitals had around -5 percent margin on patient services prior to the pandemic, which decreased to -7 percent margin last year.

Small rural hospitals received grants during the pandemic to stay afloat, but the funding has now ended and these hospitals face even bigger losses. Regional medical centers and health systems are stepping in to support small rural hospitals in some areas, while others are depending on the state and federal government for funding through the Rural Emergency Hospital program and Medicaid expansion. Those programs offer limited relief, as Medicaid is a small part of the issue for rural hospitals and the REH program requires them to forgo inpatient services to receive funding.

Another popular strategy to save rural healthcare is the "golden budget" solution, which reduces Medicare and Medicaid payments for rural hospitals but gives them more autonomy on how to use the funds. The CHQPR is also critical of this concept, pointing to Maryland's global budget program, which resulted in the smallest rural hospital in the state closing.

Earlier this year, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation supporting these efforts was terminated "after it became clear that it would harm small rural hospitals rather than help them."

"Hospitals in communities that are experiencing significant population losses or that deliver unnecessary services could benefit from a global budget program, at least in the short run, because revenues would no longer decrease when the volume of services decreases," according to a CHQPR report. "However, hospitals that experience higher costs or higher volumes of services due to circumstances beyond their control would likely be harmed, since their revenues would no longer increase to help cover the additional costs."

The report also noted other countries have modified or exited global hospital budgets after long wait times threatened access to care.
Preston Hollow Community Capital, a Dallas-based investment firm, has filed a petition to take over management of Mercy Hospital, a 234-bed facility in Iowa City, the Des Moines Register reported July 24.

The petition, which argues that Mercy Hospital is "in financial freefall," would place Mercy Hospital under a court-appointed receivership, enabling Preston Hollow to take over operations and address the hospital's ongoing financial challenges, according to the report.

Mercy Iowa City is reportedly battling unsustainable operating losses, and its liquid assets decreased by $40 million, more than 51 percent, in the past nine months, according to the Des Moines Register.

"If action is not taken immediately, the hospital may be forced to cease operations and shutter," Preston Hollow Community Capital wrote in the July 24 petition.

The investment firm reportedly invested $41.7 million into Mercy Hospital in 2018, but said the hospital is now unable to pay its debts, including $62 million in publicly issued bonds and $40 million in pension plans, according to the report.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends a news conference with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez (not pictured) at Diaoyutai state guesthouse in Beijing, in this May 29, 2019 file photo. Reuters-Yonhap



China on Tuesday removed outspoken Foreign Minister Qin Gang from office and replaced him with his predecessor, Wang Yi, in a move that has already fueled rumors over the personal lives and political rivalries of China's Communist Party elite.



In its announcement on the national evening news, state broadcaster CCTV on gave no reason for Qin's removal. Qin dropped out of sight almost a month ago and the Foreign Ministry has provided no information about his status.



That is in keeping with the ruling Communist Party's standard approach to personnel matters within a highly opaque political system where the media and free speech are severely restricted.



The ministry made no comment at its daily briefing on Tuesday. The move comes amid a foreign backlash against China's increasingly aggressive foreign policy, of which Qin was a chief proponent.



Adding to the mystery around Qin's removal, it was approved at a meeting of the Standing Committee of China's rubber stamp legislature, the National People's Congress, which usually gathers at the end of the month.



Wang had previously served as China's top diplomat in his capacity as head of the party's office of foreign affairs. It wasn't immediately clear if he would retain that commission.



The shakeup in China's diplomacy follows Washington sending U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other top serving and retired officials to Beijing in a bid to revive a relationship that's deeply riven over trade, human rights, technology, Taiwan and China's other territorial claims. (AP)




Rural Americans are the most likely to skip needed care and struggle with medical bills when compared with 10 other high-income countries, according to a July 24 report from the Commonwealth Fund.

The research is based on the Commonwealth Fund's 2020 International Health Policy Survey, which included responses from Americans as well as residents of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

The report said U.S. policymakers should look to other countries to "determine the factors that contribute to geographic health disparities and policies and practices to improve health equity." The report outlined four things the U.S. can learn:

1. Guarantee every person has access to health insurance: The U.S. was the only country surveyed without a universal healthcare system.

2. Location matters when talking about access to care: A study found that most rural residents in the U.K. have long commutes in physicians' offices, which resulted in the establishment of community pharmacies to allow patients to get same-day care for minor illnesses.

3. Use telehealth: Canada does not have significant disparities in health and healthcare between rural and urban residents. The country has used telehealth to reach its more remote populations.

4. Recruit and retain healthcare workers in rural areas: The Australian government created 19 clinical schools throughout the country over a 15-year period that require at least 25 percent of students to come from rural areas and at least 25 percent to practice in rural settings for a minimum of one year.

Read the full report here.
Edison, N.J.-based Hackensack Meridian Health has selected Gregory Rokosz, DO, as chief medical officer of Old Bridge (N.J.) Medical Center and Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy, N.J.

Dr. Rokosz joins Hackensack Meridian from West Orange, N.J.-based RWJBarnabas Health where he most recently served as chief academic officer and as the senior vice president for clinical affairs, research and education. Prior to this role, he spent 21 years as the CMO of Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, N.J.

Dr. Rokosz also chairs the Physician Executive Constituency Group of the New Jersey Hospital Association, a position he's held since 2003, according to a July 25 news release shared with Becker's.
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At San Diego-based Scripps Health, CEO Chris Van Gorder has stuck with a few leadership philosophies over the course of his 23-year tenure, including radical transparency with more than 2,500 physicians.

This spring, five-hospital Scripps clinched a spot on Fortune's annual list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, one of only three U.S. health systems to earn the recognition in 2023 compared to eight systems a year prior.

"I am most proud of this last one," Mr. Van Gorder said about the distinction, which Scripps has earned for 15 years now. "Life has been really hard on hospital workers. There are so many external factors that we can't manage, but we made the list."

When asked what helped buoy Scripps as a strong workplace throughout a tumultuous time for hospitals, Mr. Van Gorder pointed to two big contributing factors: transparency and managers.

'I don't sugarcoat anything'

Transparency can oftentimes be discussed as a fixed state, in which the leaders and organizations that most powerfully champion transparent communications have a track record of doing so for years. Mr. Van Gorder's perspective on the topic is a little different, in that his first impression of Scripps was when it was relatively opaque. Answers were harder to find, communication was less forthcoming and the same information was not accessible to all.

"When I came here almost 24 years ago, we were not a transparent organization," Mr. Van Gorder says. "We did not share financial information with anyone aside from the board of trustees. I came in as COO, and within six months there were votes of no confidence against the CEO, who was a physician and a brilliant strategic thinker but not transparent."

Mr. Van Gorder was appointed CEO in 2000 and set out to build a more open culture, starting with Scripps' physicians. The first structure he created, as interim CEO, was the Physician Leadership Cabinet, which is an advisory body made up of medical staff and physicians elected by their peers. Mr. Van Gorder sees it as the second most powerful body at Scripps Health, with the board of trustees first.

The physicians set the agenda for the group's monthly meetings. Three things are off limits: anything protected by HIPAA, personnel issues as they relate to individual people, and anything protected by a nondisclosure agreement.

"Beyond that, everything is fair game," says Mr. Van Gorder. "You want to ask about my compensation? I'll talk about how that is decided by the board of trustees and an outside consultant. When you're answering questions candidly, it is what it is  I don't sugarcoat anything."

The Physician Leadership Cabinet was established 23 years ago and continues to deliver strong cultural benefits to Scripps, which has more than 100 physicians in leadership positions. For one, Mr. Van Gorder says the cabinet helps close a gap of information that can widen and fuel speculation if not managed. When people have the same information available to them, they can better understand how decisions are reached and made. This is key to overcoming the divisions that have historically plagued hospital administrators, physicians and front-line staff.

"If we can find a way to fill the gap of information, people with the same information would very likely make the same decision," Mr. Van Gorder says. "I learned that as the vice president of a hospital. The physicians on the board would campaign against administration to get on the board, and then they'd agree with the board 100 percent of the time."

Throughout Scripps, Mr. Van Gorder upholds the same expectation from the workforce at large. Got a question? Ask away. And he doesn't want softballs, either. At a recent open forum, he encouraged employees to come with at least two questions.

"And I'd like you to hit me with the hard ones," he said.

Employees typically start off cautiously, but then someone will raise a hand and get a bit bolder. Instead of reluctance or surprise, they are met with praise.

"I say, 'That's what I want to hear from you  the questions that are really on your mind,'" says Mr. Van Gorder. "There is nothing more powerful than a colleague asking a question."

Strong support for middle management

The past few years have brought a variety of professional challenges for all levels of the workforce, but middle managers were often in a uniquely difficult position and underappreciated.

Middle managers are charged to uphold and carry out the vision and values of their senior leadership team while also championing the needs of direct reports. This can feel like a tightrope act, especially throughout the Great Resignation and the more palpable period of quiet quitting. Since the pandemic, numerous surveys have illustrated the middle manager bench as burnt out and struggling with workloads and demands, with many eager to quit.

At Scripps, Mr. Van Gorder is quick and adamant in crediting middle managers for the health system once again earning recognition as a great place to work. He was once a middle manager, too, and found the job extremely demanding.

"I was administrative manager of a clinical laboratory after I had been promoted from being a security officer. I had 17 people reporting to me, and I never really had any management training," he says. "I lasted a year. I never realized how many problems people brought to work with them, and I wasn't prepared for it."

Lessons learned firsthand informed Mr. Van Gorder's approach to supporting middle management and ensuring they have the tools, development and access to do their jobs well. The system has a program for first-time managers, which involves a year-long orientation that covers information big and small, from values to payroll. Mr. Van Gorder joins the classes throughout.

"I meet with them in the very first session, and the first thing I tell them is that I will never miss coming to that class," he says. "You represent me. To this entire organization, you are me. We are such a large organization that an employee may be here for years before I get the chance to meet them. The company is represented by that front-line supervisor. I need you to be successful."

He also ensures each middle manager has his contact information should a problem, question or predicament ever reach a point where his guidance is needed immediately.

"Use your chain of command, but if you have to, come to me," Mr. Van Gorder tells them. "If I have to move resources around to have you be successful, I will do that. Your job is to take care of your people. You need to be an advocate for your people, and if you are, you won't just join them and complain  you'll teach or run it up the chain of command and effect a change to help them.

"That's your job and you can come to me anytime you want. If you can't get an answer from anyone else, email me. If I have the answer, I'll give you the answer. If I don't have the answer, I'll find out and get you the answer."
Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems subsidiaries have signed a definitive agreement to sell three Florida hospitals to Tampa General Hospital.

The hospitals include the 120-bed Bravera Health Brooksville, 128-bed Bravera Health Seven Rivers in Crystal River and 124-bed Bravera Health Spring Hill and their associated assets.

Tampa General will acquire the hospitals for cash consideration of $280 million, excluding anticipated purchase price adjustments for net working capital and the amount of capital leases assumed by the buyer, CHS said in a July 24 news release. Total cash consideration is expected to be about $290 million.

The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close later this year.

CHS has struck agreements to sell four other hospitals across three states so far this year.
From a call center owner and employee pleading guilty to their roles in a $67 million scheme to a behavioral health provider agreeing to settle allegations it billed Virginia Medicaid for services that were not provided, here are 12 healthcare billing fraud cases Becker's has reported since July 5:

1. An Illinois physician agreed to pay $750,000 to settle allegations he submitted fraudulent claims to Medicare and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.

2. A prominent Arkansas psychiatrist is under federal investigation for alleged an Medicaid fraud scheme and false imprisonment.

3. A Fort Worth, Texas-based physician's assistant was charged with 11 counts of healthcare fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud.

4. A call center owner and employee pleaded guilty to their roles in a $67 million Medicare fraud scheme.

5. A Maryland mental health clinic owner pleaded guilty to a scheme to defraud Medicaid by paying Medicaid recipients to visit her clinic.

6. A Tennessee dermatologist and his practice will pay $6.6 million to settle allegations the practice improperly billed procedures to Medicare and Medicaid.

7. A Texas pharmacy owner was sentenced to 54 months in prison for operating a fraudulent pharmacy to bill private payers.

8. A California physician and the pain clinic chain he owned agreed to pay more than $11.3 million to settle allegations they submitted millions of dollars of false claims to Medicare, Medi-Cal and Oregon Medicaid for medically unnecessary services.

9. The owner and manager of a New York City pharmacy were charged in a Medicaid fraud scheme that billed a managed care provider for drugs illegally obtained or never purchased.

10. A Virginia woman was sentenced to 51 months in prison for housing Medicaid recipients in her personal home and billing Medicaid for care not provided to them.

11. Behavioral health provider Health Connect America agreed to pay $4.6 million to resolve allegations it billed Virginia Medicaid for services that were not provided.

12. The Lakewood, N.J.-based owner of a medical equipment company pleaded guilty to healthcare fraud for his role in a $21.7 million Medicare fraud scheme.
Police have confirmed the identity of the man suspected of fatally shooting a security guard July 22 at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, Ore., Fox affiliate KPTV reported.

At about 11 a.m., PoniaX Kane Calles, 33, shot the security guard, identified as Bobby Smallwood, 44, who was transferred to a level 1 Trauma Center, where he died despite treatment efforts, police said. No patients were hurt.

A second hospital employee was injured, according to a statement from Portland-based Legacy Health. The health system said the employee suffered a shrapnel injury, was treated at Good Samaritan and released to go home July 22.

Officers located Mr. Calles in a vehicle in Gresham, Ore. Mr. Calles is dead after an officer-involved shooting, police said. No officers were injured.

Mr. Calles previously went by the name Reginald Kane Jackson, according to KPTV.



He had threatened staff at the hospital in recent days, The Oregonian reported.
A Michigan nurse was trying to get a patient out of the road July 23 when a car struck and killed her, NBC affiliate WDIV reported July 24.

An elderly patient at Livonia, Mich.-based Majestic Care walked out of the facility around 9:40 p.m. and laid in the middle of the road, according to authorities. Nurses went to collect the patient and, after putting her in a wheelchair, they began pushing her back to the facility. A car swerved to avoid the wheelchair and struck the 42-year-old nurse and two other vehicles, police said.

She was pronounced dead at the hospital. Police did not say if others were injured.

"We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure work environment for all our Care Team members, and this accident has reminded us of the importance of workplace safety," a facility spokesperson said in a statement shared with WDIV. "Majestic Care is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident to understand what happened and to prevent similar occurrences in the future."
COVID-19-related hospitalizations nationwide are up this week by 10.3 percent, while the death rate continues to decline  down by 0.9 percent, according to CDC data.

The World Health Organization has also begun tracking the newest COVID-19 variant  EG.5  which currently makes up 11.4 percent of U.S. cases. However, at this time, the WHO reports that there is no evidence to suggest this variant is increasing hospitalizations or death rates, CIDRAP reported.

Here are four other recent COVID-19 updates:
Four spine and orthopedic surgeons discuss the top industry trends they're keeping an eye on in 2023.

Frank Cammisa Jr., MD. Hospital for Special Surgery (New York City): At least in the field of spine care, the focus is on evidence-based research, especially real-world outcomes utilizing big data platforms so that we truly understand if our surgical treatments are providing clinically important differences across a complex, highly variable patient population. Secondly, the trend towards more comprehensive multidisciplinary specialty interaction. Tearing down the barriers of compartmentalized medicine approaches, it is extremely important that spine surgeons work together closely with physiatry, neurology, anesthesia and pain management to really take global care of the patient. Finally, the world has changed post-COVID, and being able to interact with patients by new platform mediums like virtual appointments and interactive patient portals allows greater connectivity to your patients, which can only result in better care management.

John Dundon, MD. Morristown (N.J.) Medical Center: I really see artificial intelligence platforms as the wave of the future. The data we are getting from PersonaIQ, robotics, and other patient care management platforms, is helping us to see the data and further refine the way we do knee replacements. The hope is in the future we will be able to use AI and predictive analytics to look for patterns in certain patient populations and deformities to help predict and determine which alignment and orientation will produce the best results in each individual patient.

Deeptee Jain, MD. The Center for Bone & Joint Surgery of the Palm Beaches (Fla.): I have been paying close attention to new medical devices in the orthopedic and spine space broadly across the spectrum. From new interbodies to robotics, from small companies to larger companies. I think we, as surgeons, have a fundamental role in the development of new products to advance the field, and it is up to us to critically evaluate new devices.

Alex Vaccaro, MD, PhD. Rothman Orthopaedic Institute (Philadelphia): We are all watching the trend among insurance companies and healthcare centers to get bigger through mergers and acquisitions. This will only be successful if it decreases the cost of care and provides an improved quality of care. If the cost of care eventually increases due to these trends, what will the federal government's response be to that? At the end of the day, every move we make has to make it less expensive for families to access healthcare. If that does not occur, then we will see the regulators intervene on behalf of the patient.
Augmented reality in spine surgery is growing. Last year, several AR spine systems hit the market, and this year surgeons are continuing to adopt the technology.

In 2022, several spine-specific AR systems went to market. Surglasses' Caduceus S received FDA 510(k) clearance, Holo Portal debuted and Hoag's Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute and debuted SyncAR by Surgical Theater. VisAR, an augmented reality surgical guidance system, also received FDA approval for intraoperative spine surgery.

This year, AR tech is expanding among spine surgeons. This year, Augmedics reached its 4,000th total case with Xvision in June six months after surpassing 3,000 cases. The Holo Portal system, which was introduced in 2022, now has a next-generation upgrade and recently pushed into Virginia and Texas. Caduceus S, on the heels of its FDA clearance, debuted in the U.S. in March.

Looking ahead, many spine surgeons are excited about how AR technology will develop in the coming years. Safdar Khan, MD, who completed the 3,000th Xvision case, said he anticipates changes to AR hardware and developments in digital applications.

"The headsets will become a lot sleeker," he said. "The pixelation and depth of perception of the actual image is going to be a lot clearer, and we're going to be able to visualize the cervical spine and the lumbar spine with a lot more accuracy. I would like to see a lot of visual technology which can backfill blood vessels and nerve roots. Depending on firewall restrictions and digital compliance, it'd be great to do live teaching modules with trainees and at other sites by logging in remotely into the headset as we expand the digital footprint of augmented reality for spine surgery."
David Vecchione, MD, joined Spine & Orthopedic Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Dr. Vecchione specializes in minimally invasive and reconstructive spine surgery, according to a July 25 news release. He earned his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine in New York City, and he completed his residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.

Spine & Orthopedic Center has four locations in Florida.
All departments in Northern Ireland are having to identify savings after Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris announced reduced budget allocations for 2023/24.

All-age apprenticeships in Northern Ireland are to be preserved despite earlier facing the chop from the Department for the Economy as part of budget cuts.

But in its update on Tuesday, DfE confirmed that all other reductions would be going ahead.

That means less money for skills, higher education, for economic development agency Invest NI, NI Screen and Tourism NI.

All departments are having to identify savings after Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris announced reduced budget allocations for 2023/24.

DfE faces a 130m reduction in its spending power over the coming year.

It confirmed where the axe will fall after a four-week public consultation on the equality implications of its proposals.

It said: As a result of this assessment, to mitigate the impact of reductions in funding for skills and education, the department can confirm it will proceed with all age apprenticeships in the current financial year. Details will be announced in due course.

Launching all age apprenticeships will also benefit further education colleges, alongside the contracted training provider network, as they will be funded to provide training.

No other changes to the proposals presented in the consultation are being considered at this stage.

Under all-age apprenticeships, which were announced by former Economy Minister Gordon Lyons last year, the department will fully fund the off the job training element of an apprenticeship under the ApprenticeshipNI programme, regardless of age or sector.

The department confirmed its budget monitoring would continue, with a consultation open until August 30.

If easements emerge in any areas across the budget during the year, the responses to the consultation will inform the identification of further mitigation measures during in-year reallocations.

"If further reductions are required during the year, responses will also be used to help minimise impacts.
But politicians warn economic development agency still needs reform in the longer term

The under-fire organisation, which was the subject of a critical review in January, has published its end of year performance figures. Pic: Liam McBurney/PA Wire.

Economic development agency Invest NI has said its support for companies during 2022/23 will contribute to investment of 489m in the Northern Ireland economy.

The under-fire organisation, which was the subject of a critical review in January, has published its end of year performance figures.

Invest NI said that every 1 of its assistance contributed towards 7 of investment in the economy.

The agencys role is to help Northern Ireland companies grow and draw international businesses to set up and create employment here.

The organisation said that its support in both areas in 2022/23 would contribute towards 489m of investment in the Northern Ireland economy.

It said it had doled out 73m in assistance to nearly 1,100 businesses right across Northern Ireland over the year. It has also given expert advice to over 2,500 people through events and webinars and hosted 2.3 million visits to its business resource nibusinessinfo.co.uk.

Invest NI added: Our support helped companies export for the first time or reach new markets; invest in R&D and innovation; and invest in staff training and skills.

The review by former BBC chairman Sir Michael Lyons, published in January, criticised the leadership structure at Invest NI and called for profound change.

It highlighted 17 areas in which the agency needs to improve, including leadership, governance, sub-regional partnerships and its portfolio of programmes.

SDLP Stormont leader Matthew OToole praised Invest NIs achievements but said it still has a long way to go to target funding.

The creation of nearly 4,000 jobs across the north with millions of pounds in investment is to be welcomed and will make a real difference in the communities which will directly benefit from this funding.

However, its clear that Invest NI still have a long way to go when it comes to targeting funding to areas that need it most.

The SDLP has been highlighting issues around Invest NI and the way it operates for some time and were pivotal in securing an independent review of the organisation last year. We now need to see the recommendations of that review put in place so that Invest NI can move forward and deliver for areas across Northern Ireland.

Read more New 11m Hilton hotel set to open on Antrim coast

He contrasted Invest NI targets with those of its counterpart in the Republic, the IDA.

The SDLP Opposition at Stormont will be calling for the Department for the Economy to work with Invest NI to produce an action plan, including sub-regional targets as we have seen prove successful in the south with the IDA. This is the only way we will see the necessary funding introduced for all of our towns and cities to address long-running issues around infrastructure and investment.

But Caoimhe Archibald, Sinn Fein spokesperson for the Executive Office and East Derry MLA, said a change in political leadership was needed to rejuvenate Invest NI.

For 15 years, the DUP has held the department responsible for economic development and during that time we have seen persistently poor economic growth, with the north having the lowest productivity in these islands.

We need the Executive formed now to seize the huge economic opportunities available to us and to transform Invest NI to ensure it works more effectively.

There is a need for fresh political leadership within the Department for the Economy to reform Invest NI and deliver a new economic strategy that is focused on creating good jobs, helping to grow our small, medium and large businesses and prioritising regional balance to ensure areas get their fair share of inward investment.

An action plan laying out the way forward for Invest NI following Januarys review is to be published by the end of the summer.
Errigal Group has applied for planning permission to redevelop Enkalon Business Park in Antrim

A 150m business park redevelopment in Antrim with the potential to create 1,200 jobs has taken a step forward after a planning application was submitted.

Errigal Group, which is based in Co Monaghan, has formally applied for planning permission for its ambitious extension and revamp at Enkalon Business Park.

The company wants to build another 900,000 sq ft of warehouse and distribution space while redeveloping existing warehouses and adding a rooftop solar farm. If it goes ahead, the completed space would span 1.7 million sq ft.

Errigal Group hopes to be on site for phase 1 of the build early next year.

It said that the site next to retail park The Junction had the benefit of good transport links and would appeal to a wide variety of local and international businesses.

Read more More than 67,000 hospital appointments cancelled due to strike by consultants

The company carried out a consultation process before submitting the application to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

And it said that when fully let, the development had the potential to bring more than 1,000 jobs to the area, as well as supporting 200 jobs during construction.

Cormac McCloskey, joint managing director of Errigal Group, said: The consultation process for our proposed redevelopment and extension of Enkalon Business Park has been overwhelmingly positive, with meaningful engagement from local representatives, residents and businesses.

Following this engagement with key stakeholders, our team has refined and finalised our planning submission and were excited to take this project through the next stage.

Read more Rishi Sunak says he does not want to hassle families with net zero targets

Fellow managing director Damien Treanor added: The redevelopment of the business park will breathe new life into the existing park and surrounding land and has the potential to create 1,000 jobs in the local community.

The economic benefit of the project to the Antrim and Newtownabbey area and sub region will be considerable and we hope to be on site in early 2024.

Errigal Group has carried out 2m of upgrade works since acquiring the Enkalon site in 2019. At the moment, the park is full leased leased to tenants as warehousing, distribution and showroom space.

It employs over 400 people across all the business units with the number tipped to grow in 2023.

The company has also set up an off-site manufacturing unit for construction projects in Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe.
Neeson's film In the Land of Saints and Sinners will premiere at the Venice Film Festival

An Irish thriller starring Northern Ireland actors Liam Neeson and Ciaran Hinds will be a part of the line up at the prestigious Venice Film Festival which begins next month.

In the Land of Saints and Sinners which also stars Irish actors Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin) and Jack Gleeson (Game of Thrones) follows a newly-retired assassin (Neeson) as he finds himself drawn into a lethal game of cat and mouse with a trio of vengeful terrorists in a sleepy Irish village.

It also stars Antrim born actor Conor MacNeill who was recently seen in BBC Ones The Sixth Commandment and Colm Meane who jokingly referred to the film as Irish Avengers due to the amount of on-screen stars heralding from Ireland in the picture.

The movie was filmed primarily Co Donegal and marks Neesons second collaboration with director Robert Lorenz who previously directed him in 2021 action film The Marksman.

It will screen out of competition at the festival.

Read more Liam Neeson attends performance of Northern Irish play in New York

Academy award winner Hinds previously told the Belfast Telegraph he found working with his best mate Neeson on the film difficult because of the pairs closeness.

Weve only worked together once before, and we couldnt stop laughing but we filmed back in Donegal last year and it was great. Liam is my best mate, Hinds said.

The Venice Film Festival revealed its 80th editions full-line up on Tuesday morning. The festival takes place from August 30-September 9 and will now be opened by Italian WWII movie Comandante, which replaces Luca Guadagninos thriller Challengers.

The film which stars Spider-man star Zendaya and The Crowns Josh OConnor features costumes by Magherafelt born designer Jonathan Anderson.

Liam Neeson speaks of the important relationship the big screen played with him and his father growing up in Ireland

The movie has moved its release date from later this year due to both the ongoing Writers and SAG strikes in the United States, which prevents actors from taking part in promotional events for their films.

Actors involved in UK productions do not have to take part in strike action however it remains unclear if Neeson or Hinds will appear at the festival to promote the film.

Neeson will next be seen in Sky Original film Retribution which will be released next month.

In the Land of Saints and Sinners is due to be released on Netflix in the UK and Ireland next year.
Barbara Kingsolver said it was a bit surprising to be awarded the James Tait Black prize (University of Edinburgh/PA)

An American author has said it was a bit surprising for her to win the worlds oldest literary prize with a novel which reworks a Charles Dickens classic.

Barbara Kingsolver was named as one of the two winners of the James Tait Black Prize, taking the honours in the fiction section for her book Demon Copperhead.

She said the award was such a touching tribute to the novel, which is a reimagining of David Copperfield set in the Appalachian Mountains of the US in the late 1990s.

Kingsolver said: It feels a bit surprising for the very old and distinguished James Tait Black Prize to recognize the modern, working-class Appalachian voice of my novel.

But literature, after all, is meant for all readers, everywhere across all of time. Im deeply honoured by this award.

The winners of this years James Tait Black prizes have been announced by the University of Edinburgh (University of Edinburgh/PA)

Fellow American Darryl Pinckney was declared the winner in the biography section for his memoir Come Back in September: A Literary Education on West Sixty-Seventh Street, Manhattan.

The book tells the story of the New York writers apprenticeship with authors Elizabeth Hardwick and Barbara Epstein, and his introduction to the citys famous literary scene.

The literary honours, which both come with a 10,000 prize, have been presented by the University of Edinburgh since 1919 and are the only major British book prizes which are judged by literature scholars and students.

Darryl Pinckneys memoir was described as thoroughly absorbing by one judge (Dominique Nabokov/University of Edinburgh/PA)

Biography judge Dr Simon Cooke, of the University of Edinburgh, described Pinckneys winning book as thoroughly absorbing, adding it was a vivid, nuanced, and moving tribute to Elizabeth Hardwick, a fascinating portrait of a place, time and milieu, and a profound meditation on memory, friendship and the literary life.

Fiction judge Dr Benjamin Bateman, also of Edinburgh University, said Demon Copperhead was a captivating piece of realist literature which is exceptional across all of the dimensions we look for.
Cara Delevingne will be in the September issue of Elle UK (Elle UK/Quentin Jones/PA)

Cara Delevingne has described herself as stable and calmer since embracing sobriety, but noted how challenging the process has been.

The model and actress first spoke about her decision to go sober earlier this year, following a series of images that were taken of her at Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles last year.

The 30-year-old told Elle UK that she felt a weight was lifted after speaking about her struggles.

Cara Delevingne on the cover of the September issue of Elle UK (Elle UK/Quentin Jones/PA)

She said: For a long time, I felt like I was hiding a lot from people who looked up to me. I finally feel as though I can be free and myself, fully.

On embracing sobriety, she added: It hasnt (been easy), but there have never been moments when Im like, This isnt worth it.

Its been worth every second. I just dont know what it would take for me to give it up. I am stable. Im calmer.

Before, I didnt trust myself. I second-guessed myself constantly. There was a lot of anxiety involved. Now I just feel free of that.

Delevingne, who found fame as the face of luxury British fashion house Burberry in 2011, spoke about her struggle with the quick ascent to global stardom.

Cara Delevingne says her ascent to global fame didnt feel real (Elle UK/Quentin Jones/PA)

She told Elle UK: It didnt feel real. I didnt feel like I deserved it. I didnt feel worthy. I was still stuck in this mindset of not being good enough.

I was doing the best I could, but I wasnt really appreciating every moment. Inside, I felt very different to how I looked.

The model also praised her relationship with London musician Leah Mason, better known as her stage name Minke, in the process of becoming more secure.

She said: My girlfriend has been really wonderful in introducing me to a lot of things and people.

Being with my girlfriend, in this relationship, there are just so many things that came at once that have made me so happy and comfortable with who I am.

Cara Delevingne praised her relationships with girlfriend Leah Mason and friends Jourdan Dunn and Karlie Kloss (Elle UK/Quentin Jones/PA)

Delevingne also praised her close friendships within the fashion industry including with Jourdan Dunn and Karlie Kloss who taught her a lot about living.

Having found fame as a model, Delevingne branched into acting with a minor role in Joe Wrights 2012 adaptation of Anna Karenina.

She later went on to secure leading roles in Paper Towns and Suicide Squad.

On trying to live without expectations, she added: Its not easy. Like anything, its a practice.

Im just taking it day by day. The projects Im doing are things I really care about.

The September issue of Elle UK is on sale from July 27.
Entries now open with a September 7 deadline as ceremony at Crowne Plaza to honour winners in 18 categories

Entries have opened today for the 2023 Belfast Telegraph Property Awards in partnership with Openreach ahead of an awards ceremony on October 6.

Openreach Northern Ireland director Garret Kavanagh and Eoin Brannigan, editor-in-chief at the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life, launch the 2023 Property Awards

Entries have opened today for the 2023 Belfast Telegraph Property Awards in partnership with Openreach ahead of an awards ceremony on October 6.

Openreach, which builds and maintains the biggest broadband network in Northern Ireland, is the events new headline sponsor.

Entries are open across 18 categories, while a separate non-entry category of Property Personality of the Year will be awarded by the judges.

Garret Kavanagh, Openreach Northern Ireland director, said: Openreach is delighted to partner with the Belfast Telegraph as headline sponsor of the Property Awards for 2023.

The awards are a standout event in the Northern Ireland calendar each year and a chance to showcase the very best in the property industry; across 18 categories collectively, well celebrate the very best companies working within the property industry here.

At Openreach, we build and maintain the largest broadband network in Northern Ireland and are proud of the huge part we play in making Northern Ireland the most digitally connected region in the UK.

Our rapid build of ultrafast full fibre broadband means that more than 86% of premises here can now access the ultimate future proofed broadband network.

Im especially delighted that the award categories showcase companies, like ourselves, who strive to deliver for their customers in an inclusive and sustainable way.

Eoin Brannigan, editor-in-chief of the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life, said: We are proud to launch the 2023 Belfast Telegraph Property Awards in partnership with Openreach.

We are delighted that Openreach is joining us to hold the event as its headline sponsor and are grateful for their support.

The judging panel is led by Dr Sharon McClements, president of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Northern Ireland and a senior lecturer at Ulster University.

Entries have opened today for the 2023 Belfast Telegraph Property Awards in partnership with Openreach ahead of an awards ceremony on October 6.

Three new categories have been added this year: Mixed-Use Development of the Year, Developer of the Year and Young Property Professional of the Year.

The 18 category sponsors are Barrett Group, WH Stephens, Close Brothers, Carson McDowell, Radius Housing, Progressive Building Society, McQuillan Companies, Wilson Nesbitt, Fiduciam, Millar McCall Wylie, Mills Selig, RTU, Shoosmiths, A&L Goodbody, TLT, Propertynews.com and e.surv.

Meanwhile, law firm Tughans is sponsoring the wine on the table and WorkSpace is supporting the drinks reception.

The categories, entry forms and sponsors:

Enter by the closing date of Thursday, September 7. Winners will be announced at a gala lunch in the Crowne Plaza Belfast on Friday, October 6 at 12.30pm. For more information on The Belfast Telegraph Property Awards, contact Karen McGarvey at karen.mcgarvey@mediahuis.co.uk
As holidaymakers see their plans in ruins, travel expert Simon Calder gives his advice

A man walks next to the burnt sunbeds and umbrellas at a beach on the Greek island

A resident tries to extinguish the flames at the yard of a house in Rhodes

I am in Rhodes and want to leave as soon as possible. What are my options?

Many tourists are in that position. Jet2 and easyJet are operating special repatriation flights in addition to the normal schedule.

British Airways says passengers booked to fly from Rhodes to London can switch to earlier flights without penalty  though little space may be available. Other carriers may adopt a similar policy.

But availability is scarce, with no seats on easyJet flights to the London area until late tonight, and not before Wednesday to Manchester.

Most airlines are operating their normal schedules, and are likely to continue to do so from Rhodes  though more outbound flights may be empty, as Jet2 and Tui are doing.

A man walks next to the burnt sunbeds and umbrellas at a beach on the Greek island

Flights are full. Are there any other ways out from the island?

Yes. Dodekanisos Seaways sails once or twice a day from Rhodes Town to Kos, where there are fairly frequent flights to the UK.

The 8am sailing is usually the fastest and most reliable, taking around 2h30m. A taxi will take you from the port to the airport in about 30 minutes, with much cheaper but slower buses available.

Read more Rhodes: NI honeymoon couple describe fleeing burning hotel and walking miles on beach to rescue boat

I lost my travel documents in the scramble to leave the area. Can I leave the island?

Yes. To help tourists who were evacuated from their accommodation in a hurry and left their passports behind, the Greek authorities are issuing emergency and temporary identification to allow them to board their flights.

A resident tries to extinguish the flames at the yard of a house in Rhodes

If I am brought home early, will I get some or all of my money back?

People who are anxious about being on the island but whose holidays have not been directly affected are unlikely to be offered any recompense for the lost holiday times.

Package holidaymakers whose trips are curtailed because their accommodation cannot be used are due a partial refund under the Package Travel Regulations. But it may not be as much as the traveller might expect.

If a two-week holiday that cost 1,000 per person ends a week early, the refund will not simply be half the cost of the trip, ie 500.

The holiday company is entitled to subtract the value of the flights, which might be 400  meaning only half of the remainder will be refunded, ie 300.

If you make the decision to return ahead of schedule, no compensation is due. Travel insurance may help with extra costs if you can demonstrate you spent them reasonably.

I am booked to travel imminently to Rhodes. Can I cancel for a refund?

If the travel firm or airline cancels your trip you can expect a full refund within two weeks. If the flight is going ahead, then your rights depend on whether you are on a proper package holiday or have booked flights and accommodation separately.

Under the Package Travel Regulations, holidaymakers can cancel for a refund if unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occur at the place of destination or its immediate vicinity which significantly affect the performance of the package or the carriage of passengers to the destination.

In the case of key parts of Rhodes, this looks like reasonable grounds to cancel.

These are the companies policies for imminent departures as of 2pm on Sunday.

All easyJet Holidays packages up to and including today are cancelled, with full refunds offered.

Flight only passengers booked to travel to or from Rhodes until July 29, can transfer for free to another date or can request a flight voucher by calling easyJet Customer Services on 0330 551 5151.

I am booked to travel to Rhodes in August. Can I cancel?

Depending on events over the next few days, travel firms will make decisions on their plans for the peak summer month.
Two burglars held a knife to a womans hand and threatened to cut her fingers off in her house, a court heard today.

Armagh Magistrates Court, siting in Newry, was also told that as the men left the Moira home, they said they were LVF and that if she contacted police, they would return and burn the house down".

Appearing via video-link from police custody, 50-year-old Stephen McIlwaine confirmed he understood the charges of aggravated burglary of the property at Castlevue Park, where he was allegedly armed with a knife and stole cash, jewellery, watches, aftershave, perfume, nine pairs of Nike trainers, a body warmer, dog leads, an Xbox and a mobile phone.

McIlwaine, of Norglen Parade in west Belfast, was also charged with threatening to destroy the house on July 20 and two further charges of theft and criminal damage to an electronic monitoring tag between June 3 and July 24.

A detective constable told the court that he believed he could connect McIlwaine to the charges and police objected to bail due to concerns of further offences.

He outlined how the woman had been at home when the doorbell rang just after 7.30pm. Believing it was her partner, whom she was expecting, she called for the person to come in but was then allegedly confronted by McIlwaine who was demanding to know where the money was kept.

According to the woman, he was carrying a dog lead, wrapping it around his hands and when she told him there was no money, he began to ransack the property.

A second, younger male with his face covered then came in, also demanding to know where the money was kept.

The first male held down her arm and the second male took a knife and threatened to cut her fingers off, the detective constable said.

The following day, it was heard that the woman received a phone call from a lady with a Chinese accent and an abusive voicemail message. The numbers used led police to two properties at Norglen Parade  McIlwaines home and another house.

During searches, a body warmer, perfume and aftershave matching those taken from the Moira property were retrieved, as well as an army-style jacket allegedly worn by one of the burglars.

Arrested and interviewed, McIlwaine wouldnt answer police questions and also refused to take part in an identity parade.

Defence counsel Richard McConkey submitted that with the case likely to take upwards of a year to come to a conclusion, McIlwaine could be freed with strict conditions, but District Judge Anna Marshall said the risk of further offences was too great.

She remanded McIlwaine into custody and adjourned the case to August 21.
A thug who assaulted and racially abused a shopping mall security guard after defecating outside the premises was given a four-month jail term today, but freed on bail pending an appeal of the sentence.

At Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena, District Judge Nigel Broderick told 34-year-old Ciaran McCrory his behaviour had been traumatic and wholly unacceptable.

Individuals with this racist attitude must be dealt with severely by the courts and this court will not accept anyone being physically and or racially abused, he warned.

McCrory, from Barra Street in Antrim, had earlier entered guilty pleas to assault, indecent behaviour and disorderly behaviour at Castle Mall in the town.

A prosecuting lawyer told the court how police responded to a report of assault on February 19 this year. When officers arrived, the security guard told them he had allowed the defendant to use the toilet just before the mall closed.

Despite having just used the toilet, McCrory went outside and defecated against the wall, outside the door.

The lawyer added that when the security guard offered to allow him to use the toilet again, he refused.

McCrory then subjected him to racial abuse and physical assault, with the victim being punched to the back of his head.

The lawyer said McCrory asked him if he had the right to be in this country.

McCrory also threatened that black people would be dealt with one by one and that he called the security guard a black monkey.

Questioned by police, the defendant claimed he had no memory of the incident because he had been drinking in a local bar since lunch-time, but that he was ashamed and embarrassed.

Defence solicitor Stewart Ballentine reiterated this, outlining how McCrory cannot believe he would behave in this way.

District Judge Broderick said he was entirely satisfied that the custody threshold had been crossed, and although he imposed a jail sentence, McCrory was released on bail pending an appeal.

Freeing McCrory on his own bail of 500, the judge said the one reason he was being released was because there is no appeal court until next month.
A woman who stole more than 1,000 worth of stock during repeated raids on a Co Antrim homeware store has been jailed for nine months.

Belfast Magistrates Court heard Kelly Ann Bradley targeted The Range three times in less than a week as part of a stealing spree to fund her drug habit.

The 36-year-old, with an address on the citys Antrim Road, was convicted on three counts of theft.

Prosecutors said she was detained after leaving The Range in Glengormley on June 14.

On that occasion Bradley took 625 worth of household goods which were fit for resale.

Five days earlier she had stolen items with a total value of 340 which were never recovered.

In a third incident on June 13 a vacuum cleaner and air fryer worth a combined 150 were taken from the store.

She was also dealt with for the theft of three bottles of vodka from a Spar outlet in Belfast last September.

Defence barrister John OConnor said Bradley has been drying out and suggested she could get further help on probation.

She now looks more lucid and sober, he added.

But citing her previous record, District Judge Ted Magill decided that immediate custody was inevitable.

He told Bradley: This was a catalogue of offences, you were stealing in order to fund a drug habit.

Imposing three months for the latest thefts, Mr Magill also activated previous suspended terms to bring the total custodial sentence to nine months.

Bradley was granted bail pending an appeal against her sentence.
Warning follows case of Dr Anne McCloskey who claims the pandemic did not happen

Tom Blacks warning follows a series of high-profile cases of controversial and erroneous claims about the pandemic and Covid vaccines.

The latest case involves a podcast featuring Londonderry doctor Anne McCloskey.

Dr McCloskey was suspended in 2021 following comments about Covid vaccines. Earlier this month she told the High Court that she is a victim of a conspiracy to prevent her from working.

In a podcast appearance this week, Dr McCloskey has claimed the pandemic didnt happen and was concocted to spread fear and make people take vaccines to create a digital ID for individuals.

Dr Anne McCloskey

There has also been Covid misinformation spread by others, such as in the case of Gemma ODoherty, who is being sued by a Cavan mother for implying her son died as a result of a Covid vaccine.

Dr Tom Black, chair of the British Medical Association (BMA) NI, said he would not be drawn on any particular case, but said Covid misinformation in general can be harmful.

Dr Tom Black

We still have Covid cases appearing sporadically. I would still wear a mask in my surgery, as would others, he said.

There are also concerns that there could be another outbreak of Covid this winter. However, that may or may not happen, depending on the different variants that could emerge and other factors.

There is no doubt that misinformation about Covid does put people at risk, particularly our elderly and vulnerable. The Covid vaccine has been brilliant and saved a lot of lives. Anyone that says otherwise is simply in denial of the facts.

In late 2020, chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride branded misinformation regarding the pandemic an insult to health workers and those who died from Covid.

This is the first pandemic that we have tried to manage in a time of social media and I think that has been part of the challenge, he said. More so than ever before, the disinformation, the misinformation, those that portray themselves as experts, those who use the benefit of hindsight to say you should have done this. Its easy after the event when you know all of the characteristics of the virus you are dealing with. I think at times that has probably undermined public confidence.

Youre managing Covid and managing the response to it, but youre also trying to stop the false stories and baseless conspiracy theories from gaining traction.

Unfortunately some people are spreading dangerous untruths and encouraging others to ignore vital public health advice.

Im aware of some malicious and harmful claims and frankly these false narratives are an insult to our hard working and dedicated health and social care workers who are giving everything and more in the fight against Covid-19, as well as the all-too-many who have already lost their lives.

Its time for some who should know better to wise up, grow up and catch themselves on.
A strategic rail review has recommended new routes for passengers and freight, the minister for transport has said.

Eamon Ryan brought the draft report of the first all-island strategic rail review (AISRR) to Cabinet on Tuesday.

The review has 30 recommendations on developing a rail network for the benefit of commuters, businesses and communities.

It also looks at the impact on the environment and on the all-island economy.

The 25-year plan examines electrification of the rail network, faster and more frequent trains as well as new routes for people and freight.

The review has 30 recommendations on developing a rail network for the benefit of commuters (Brian Lawless/PA)

Short-term recommendations include at least hourly services between major cities and one train every two hours between other centres.

The plan calls for an increase to rail-freight capacity to take more trucks off roads.

It seeks to decarbonise the rail network with more electrification and the use of battery and hydrogen traction.

Speaking to reporters as he arrived for Cabinet, Mr Ryan said a new Atlantic rail corridor would bring low-carbon transport for businesses.

The Green Party leader said: Early parts of the last century, we probably had the best rail network in the world. Weve let it lapse.

Weve lost lines, weve given up on rail freight. We dont have connection to the northwest. And what the report says is: We bring back rail. We bring back rail as a way of getting better balanced regional development.

Mr Ryan said rail freight could be brought back relatively quickly.

Asked about timelines for improving rail infrastructure, Mr Ryan said new rail freight services could be running within the next year or two.

However, he said Government could reopen the Waterford-Rosslare and Claremorris-Athenry lines by the end of the decade.

He added: Theyre the missing pieces in the jigsaw.

It would also seek to reinstate the Antrim to Lisburn line with a station at Belfast International Airport.

The trade union Siptu said the project should be given maximum priority.

The unions division organiser for transport said new rail links proposed by Mr Ryan must be rolled out much more rapidly than in the timescale envisaged.

Adrian Kane said: This proposal is for one of the most significant investments in rail infrastructure in the history of the State.

However, the lengthy timescale for rolling out the project is unacceptable, particularly in light of the warnings contained in the annual review from the Climate Change Advisory Council concerning the likely failure of the Government to reach its carbon reduction targets.
The PSNI has appealed for information following an assault in Belfast (Niall Carson/PA)

A man and a woman who attempted to intervene during an attack on a teenage girl have been treated in hospital after they were assaulted.

Police are appealing for information following the incident in south Belfast in the early hours of July 12.

The PSNI said that approximately 12.20am, a man witnessed a teenage girl being assaulted by approximately four or five males in the Wellwood Street area.

The man intervened and was punched to the ground and further assaulted.

A woman who also intervened, was also knocked to the ground.

They both attended hospital where they received treatment for injuries.

Anyone who may have witnessed the assault or anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dash-cam footage that could assist with inquiries, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 989 of 24/07/23.
The tricolours have been placed at the entrance of a new housing development in Dungannon

A UUP MLA has hit out at the placement of two Irish tricolours near the site of a former Army base in Dungannon.

The flags have been placed at either side of the entrance to a new housing development on the Killymeal Road.

Tom Elliott suggested it was aimed at sending a message to unionists that they are not welcome in the area.

The Fermanagh and South Tyrone representative said: This new housing development is on the site of the former UDR base, Kilymeal House, in the town.

"A significant number of soldiers based at this location were murdered by IRA terrorists. Now it appears that the erection of these flags is saying to potential residents in the area that only Irish republicans are welcome.

This area of Dungannon has historically been a very mixed area in religion and cultural background, but obviously Irish republicans are putting down a marker at this new housing development to say that unionists are not welcome in the area.
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. Credit: Sunday World

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. Credit: Sunday World

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.

Read more Shankill Butcher Eddie McIlwaine spotted marching in Whiterock parade

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 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.
Funding allocated to Northern Ireland after the announcement of a 76m Government scheme to help vulnerable people cope with the cost of living crisis will be used to pay off Stormonts overspend.

The Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund was launched on Monday to provide grants of up to 75,000 to voluntary, community and social enterprise initiatives in England providing critical frontline services.

The Government said that the most vulnerable people in society would be protected from the soaring cost of living thanks to its support package.

It said the fund will support frontline charities and community organisations in England struggling to meet increased demand for their critical services, such as the provision of food, emergency provisions, shelter, safe spaces, warmth and financial or housing advice.

Northern Ireland is set to receive a proportional amount  a Barnett consequential  as a result of the additional funding in England.

SDLP MP Claire Hanna had warned the money could be swallowed up by the 297m black hole in Stormonts finances in line with fiscal measures set out by Chris Heaton-Harris earlier this year.

SDLP MP Claire Hanna

Northern Ireland cannot afford to miss out on cost of living funding, she said.

Community and voluntary organisations are playing a critical role in helping people with the cost of living crisis.

"My office is making an increasing amount of referrals to food banks and charities that help with fuel costs, yet these organisations are facing funding difficulties while trying to cope with increasing demand.

"The community, voluntary and charity sector has faced a consistent string of blows over the past few years via the loss of EU funding, a pandemic, an enforced austere budget and cuts and now they are unable to access support that other organisations in England will get because of the lack of an Executive.

Setting NIs budget back in April, Mr Heaton-Harris had warned that any in-year increases to the block grant under the Barnett formula would go towards paying down Stormonts overspend.

I am committing any future in-year Barnett consequentials for 2023-24 to repaying the reserve claim," he said at the time.

"Should this not amount to 297m, I will work with HM Treasury to reallocate funding from previously announced Northern Ireland funding packages, with the residual to be repaid in 2024-25.

Last night, a Government spokesperson confirmed that the money destined for Northern Ireland would be used to pay off the Stormont overspend, rather than help those in need.

A spokesperson said: "This funding is England only. The devolved administrations will receive Barnett consequentials which they could use to support their charitable sector should they wish to do so.

But they added: "Under agreement with the Treasury any future in-year Barnett consequentials for 2023-24 will be committed to repaying the Reserve claim. Therefore, any additional funding from Barnett consequentials as a result of this announcement would be used to repay the Reserve claim in the first instance."

Ms Hanna warned that residents here are facing a gruelling autumn and winter with many people more people being sucked into a poverty cycle.

The South Belfast representative said in the absence of any meaningful government support many people turn to charities and community and voluntary organisations.

"It is hard to see how that sector will be able to meet the rising challenge, she added.

"I am calling on the Secretary of State to stop this money being swallowed up by serving the Stormont overspend and to allow it to be used as originally intended.

"This funding should be ring-fenced and the national lottery delivery partner in the scheme instructed to work with officials in the Department of Communities to ensure that the sector here does not miss out.
Lord Nigel Dodds has said the Windsor Framework fails the DUP's seven tests

The Windsor Framework utterly fails the DUPs seven tests to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland, one of its most senior figures has said.

Lord Nigel Dodds, who is the leader of the DUP in the House of Lords, said a report from the Houses select committee published on Tuesday justifies the partys grave concerns about the Windsor Framework.

The framework was agreed by the UK Government and the EU in February in a bid to resolve issues around the Northern Ireland Protocol.

The Lords report determined the framework was an improvement on the Protocol, but problems remain.

Lord Dodds said the framework fails the partys seven tests, previously outlined by Sir Jeffrey Donaldson as key to securing their support for a return to Stormont.

The tests include fulfilling Article 6 of the Acts of Union, avoiding any diversion of trade and no checks on goods going from Northern Ireland to Great Britain or vice-versa.

"The report points out there are still many unresolved and outstanding problems that have not been settled by the Windsor Framework, said Lord Dodds.

It looks through the hype and spin around the government narrative on the Windsor Framework and objectively analyses the truth behind the propaganda.

It is clear that the Windsor Framework utterly fails the seven tests set by the DUP. It represents the embedding of the Irish Sea border to a greater extent than anything we have seen thus far.

The committee report found benefits of the provisions of the Windsor Framework included the movement from Great Britain to Northern Ireland via the green lane which will result in fewer checks and controls.

Read more Why Stormont will be in cold storage for foreseeable future

This includes the movement of retail goods, agri-food produce including chilled meats, parcels, pets and human medicines.

However, it found that some businesses may find the processes more burdensome than under the protocol as it has operated with grace periods and easements.

It also stated while the green lane will benefit large retailers in particular, some retailers, and some other sectors may have to use the red lane, therefore will bve subject to full controls and checks

"One key conclusion is that the Windsor Framework makes things worse for many businesses compared to what they have experienced up to now, continued Lord Dodds, who received a peerage in 2020.

"The original protocol was unworkable and could not be implemented without major damage to our economy. That led to grace periods and easements.

Now these are to be done away with and replaced with the more onerous and burdensome Windsor Framework provisions.

A UK Government spokesperson said: The Windsor Framework is the best deal for Northern Ireland - restoring the smooth flow of goods with Great Britain and protecting its place in the Union.

It cuts paperwork and checks compared to the old protocol, lifts the bans on products like seed potatoes and provides a durable, sustainable basis for the future.

The committee's report underlines the importance of restoring the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly  it sets out at length how restored institutions would give Northern Ireland a greater say over the new arrangements.

In March, Lord Dodds said the Windsor Framework keeps the reality of Irish Sea border. In June, the DUP said it had submitted a paper to the UK government with proposals on how to address key issues with the deal.
The UUPs deputy leader has absolutely ruled out a pact with the DUP ahead of the Westminster election.

Robbie Butler said the party would look at co-operation, but a pact was off the agenda.

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulsters The Nolan Show, Mr Butler said during a recent meeting he had with leader Doug Beattie alongside DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and deputy Gavin Robinson, it wasnt talked about.

"I dont know if there has been a question to my party leader, but no pacts were on the table or that were talked about. Its about finding political co-operation for the here and now, the Lagan Valley MLA said.

(Yes) Im ruling out pacts, absolutely...the UUP is in the business of maximising the seats, whether that is in council  that wasnt kind to us last time  or whether its in Stormont or politically in Westminster.

Nothing has changed in terms of the partys positions.

Mr Butler said he believes a pact between any unionist parties is not on the shelf.

"Politics is about maximising your own voice and we have a serious vision for Northern Ireland. That will include maximising representation at Westminster, he added.

When asked what the four men discussed during their meeting earlier this month, from which Mr Butler shared a photograph to his social media, the UUP politician said it focused on the health and wellbeing of the people of Northern Ireland at the moment.

"Without going into detail, it was a wide local context...as I said, it was primarily Windsor Framework. The DUP are keen to get the Government's response to their 18-page document, he said.

"We raised issues with them. As the education spokesperson, I raised the issue of education, but I am also talking to other parties, so that is the kind of issue which is discussed.

In June, the DUP submitted a document to the Government outlining their concerns regarding the Windsor Framework.

On Tuesday, senior DUP figure Lord Nigel Dodds said he utterly believes the deal does not meet the partys seven tests.

Obviously the Government is sitting in Westminster with the 18-page document the DUP has given them. I listened to the DUP pre-Brexit, and they had no tests before Brexit, they were just get Brexit done, said Mr Butler.

"Its a shame they didnt have tests for Brexit.

Asked if he believes Stormont will resume in autumn, the UUP MLA said: "That very much hinges on the response of the UK Government to the DUP, I do believe its possible, and not only possible, but the moral thing to do.

(The DUP) can speak for themselves but the Government has still yet to report on their document. The response we got from the Secretary of State was positive and his top line is he thinks (restoration of Stormont) will be in the autumn, but ultimately its in the hands of the DUP.

"Part of the talks we have had with them is that we think Stormont should be up and running to better unionism and were trying to convince them of that.
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The head of major crimes at Police Scotland has said time should be spent remembering Amber Gibson rather than the two men convicted.

Ambers brother, Connor Gibson, 20, was found guilty on Tuesday of sexually assaulting and murdering the 16-year-old, whose body was found at Cadzow Glen, Hamilton, on November 28 2021.

Stephen Corrigan, 45, was found to have inappropriately touched and concealed Ambers body after he discovered her, rather than alerting police.

Speaking to the PA news agency, Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Livingstone said: Id like to actually give them as little thought as possible, to be honest with you.

Theres not any other words that spring to mind that I would describe them (as) other than depraved.

I actually think that time should be spent more remembering Amber.

The senior officer said he hoped the convictions bring some degree of comfort to the people who knew and cared for Amber.

He added: The actions of both Corrigan and Gibson leave them both beneath contempt.

This was a challenging and complex investigation involving a range of specialist officers from within Police Scotland working closely with our partners in forensic services, all of whom I would pay tribute to for their professionalism and dedication whilst carrying out their work.

Asked how this has affected the officers and staff who worked on the probe, Mr Livingstone said: This will have had a profound impact on them but I think its a testament to their professionalism, their commitment, their dedication; theyre unwavering in their duties and what they do.

But, as an organisation, we make sure that we support them.

Weve got a range of support mechanisms we can put in place which, in inquiries like this, we routinely offer and we go back and we make sure our officers, as time goes on, theyre still OK.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit China in October, according to the Kremlin (Alexander Kazakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP/PA)

Russian news agencies quoted Mr Putins foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, as saying the trip will be timed to coincide with a One Belt, One Road forum in China.

Beijings Belt and Road Initiative involves infrastructure projects to connect Asia with European and African countries.

Mr Ushakov said Mr Putin also plans to travel to Turkey at some point to fulfil a promise to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, although the dates for that visit have not been decided yet.

In addition, the the Kremlin received an invitation for Mr Putin to participate in a Group of 20 summit in India in September, he said. The Russian leaders in-person attendance has not been ruled out, although the format of Mr Putins participation is still unclear, Mr Ushakov said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has visited Vladimir Putin in Russia (Ng Han Guan, Pool/AP/PA)

The announcement of Mr Putins travel plans came days after South African officials said he had agreed to miss an economic summit in their country next month because of an arrest warrant the International Criminal Court issued against him.

The ICC has accused Mr Putin of personal responsibility for the abductions of children from Ukraine.

As a signatory to the treaty that established the international court, South Africa would either be obligated to arrest the Russian leader if he set foot there or put in a position of flouting its responsibility.

Staying away from the summit could be viewed as embarrassing for Mr Putin, who is now expected to be the only leader of a country in the BRICS bloc of developing economies not to attend. Moscow has dismissed the warrant and said it does not recognise the ICCs jurisdiction.

China, Turkey and India are not signatories to the Rome Statute, so Mr Putin can travel to those countries more easily.

An October visit would take Mr Putin to China seven months after Chinese President Xi Jinping went to Moscow on a three-day visit.

The two also met in person in September 2022 on the sidelines of a regional summit in Uzbekistan. Before that, Mr Putin met Mr Xi while attending the opening of the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, weeks before he sent troops into Ukraine.

China has sought to project itself as neutral in the Ukraine conflict, even while it has refused to condemn Moscows actions and declared last year that it had a no-limits friendship with Russia.

Beijing has denounced Western sanctions against Moscow, and accused Nato and the US of provoking Putins military action.

China has also proposed a peace plan that was largely dismissed by Ukraines allies, who insisted that Moscow must withdraw its forces from the neighbouring country as a condition for peace.
An Indonesian couple takes part in an interfaith wedding ceremony sponsored by an organizer and the government, as more than 4,500 mostly low-income people participate in the biggest mass marriage event in Indonesia in order to obtain official marriage documents, in Jakarta, July 19, 2011.

When Eugenius Audax Aditya and Tegar Yudha Restuti decided to wed, they knew it wouldnt be easy.

Hes Catholic and shes Muslim. And in Islamic-majority Indonesia, interfaith marriage is a legal and social minefield.

So after they became wed in 2020 through separate Catholic and Islamic ceremonies, they recorded their Christian marriage at the civil registry office. That gave them legal status as husband and wife.

But a recent move by Indonesias Supreme Court may make it more difficult for such couples to legalize their unions, raising concerns for people like Aditya and Restuti as well, because some are now questioning the validity of their marriage.

The court this month instructed the lower courts to reject any request to legalize interfaith marriage as a requirement for registration.

The court[s] cant grant any request for registration of marriages between people of different religions and beliefs, the Supreme Court wrote in a letter circulated to the lower courts.

Some activists said the courts order was a clear violation of peoples constitutional rights, such as freedom of religion. Activists say the court ignored the reality of Indonesias diverse society  Christians make up more than 10% of Indonesias 270 million people.

But the court cited an article of the 1974 marriage law that stipulates a marriage is valid if it is performed according to the regulations of each religion and belief. This article is generally interpreted as prohibiting marriage between people of different religions.

It, however, doesnt categorically forbid marriage between people of different religions, so what the article means is a matter of interpretation, or of who is doing the interpreting  ergo its a minefield.

Legal loophole

Ahmad Nurcholis, a director at the Indonesia Conference on Religion and Peace (ICRP), said there was no article in the Marriage Law to explicitly prohibit interfaith marriage. ICRP has helped an estimated 1,660 couples register their interfaith marriages since 2005.

Many progressive judges across the country had granted requests for registration of interfaith marriages, Nurcholis said. His group advocates for interreligious dialogue and harmony.

Theres a problematic article [in the marriage] law which is often understood by state officials and civil registry officers as requiring couples to be of the same religion, he told BenarNews.

ICRP facilitates interfaith marriages by providing counseling, mentoring and legal assistance for couples who face difficulties in getting married and obtaining civil documents.

Before the Supreme Courts recent letter, couples took advantage of a legal loophole by registering their marriage according to one of their religions that allowed interfaith marriage, such as Catholicism or Hinduism.

The couples did not have to convert to that religion, but only perform a ceremony according to its rites. They could then obtain a marriage certificate from that religions court or institution, which they could then use to register their marriage at the civil registry office.

Eugenius Audax Aditya (third from left) and Tegar Yudha Restuti (fourth from left) pose for a wedding photo with their family members after their Catholic marriage ceremony at the Santo Leo Agung Church, Jakarta, Dec. 4, 2020. [Photo courtesy Eugenius Audax Aditya for BenarNews]

Aditya, 32, believes he and his wife Muslim wife Restuti, 30, should not be affected by the Supreme Courts order to the lower courts.

Our marriage is already officially registered and we have all the documents, so its not a problem, he told BenarNews.

But he said their neighbors and the chief of the Jakarta area they live in have questioned the validity of their marriage  again.

Misguided judges

Thats because some people, like parliamentarian Susanto, who precipitated the Supreme Court move, say Islamic law allows Muslim men  but not Muslim women  to marry outside the religion.

Susanto, a member of the National Mandate Party, had urged the Supreme Court to overturn a lower court ruling that allowed a Christian man and a Muslim woman to register their marriage.

He said the ruling went against a religious edict by Indonesias top Muslim clerical body, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). The 2005 edict said interfaith marriage was forbidden and invalid in Indonesia.

When the top court issued its order after Susantos initial urging, the MUI praised it.

The Supreme Court circular on the invalidity of interfaith marriage and the prohibition of registering invalid marriages is part of respect and tolerance for the teachings of religions, said Cholil Nafis, a deputy chairman at the MUI.

A politician from the Justice and Prosperity Party, Hidayat Nur Wahid, was also happy, saying it would stop misguided judges who exploited legal gaps to approve interfaith marriage registrations.

Meanwhile in January, the Constitutional Court said marriage involved state interests as well as religious ones, as it quashed any criticism that the government had no business getting involved in citizens personal lives.

The court made this comment while rejecting a suit against the marriage law filed by a Catholic man who wanted to marry a Muslim woman.

Problems arise when the government interferes

Interfaith couples in Indonesia face many hurdles, with the first one coming from the parents, Nurcholis, of Indonesia Conference on Religion and Peace, said.

Family members often dont want their child to marry someone from a different religion, he said.

If they can overcome this, the next hurdle is to face the court to register their interfaith marriage, he said.

Aditya and Restuti faced both difficulties.

Restutis family initially did not approve of our relationship. Thats why we dated for quite a long time, 10 years, he said, with a laugh.

Aryo Pradana, a 26-year-old Muslim man in Jakarta, broke up with his Catholic girlfriend because of such problems.

They had thought one of them would convert to the others religion so they could wed, and then return to their original religion after getting married.

That was a consideration, but finally we decided not to go ahead, Aryo told BenarNews.

But some, such as Aditya and Restuti, choose love over any obstacle. They are happy with their decision and dont regret it, they said.

Religious differences between me and my wife are not a problem, Aditya said.

Problems arise when the government interferes with things that are not its duty.
The families of seven Indigenous Orang Asli children, accompanied by their lawyers, celebrate after the government agreed to an out-of-court settlement at the High Court in Kota Bahru, Kelantan, Malaysia, July 24, 2023.

The families of seven children from the Orang Asli indigenous tribe who went missing for weeks in the jungle  with five later found dead  will receive the majority of a 1.41 million ringgit (U.S. $308,905) legal settlement from the government and a security company, their lawyer said Tuesday.

The out-of-court settlement was agreed to before a negligence lawsuit was to be heard on Monday in the Kota Bahru High Court in Kelantan, Malaysia, attorney Gurdial Singh Nijar said.

We held several negotiations before the hearing, Gurdial told BenarNews. All parties agreed that the government and the security company will pay the sum  to the families of the Orang Asli children.

In 2015, the students of SK Tohoi  between the ages of 7 and 12  disappeared after fleeing their boarding school in Gua Musang. The one boy and six girls apparently feared punishment for swimming in a nearby river without permission after some older students allegedly had been beaten by a teacher for doing the same thing.

After a 47-day search and rescue effort, Noreen Yaakob, 11, and Miksudiar Aluj, 12, were found weak and emaciated on a riverbank on Oct. 19, 2015. The five others died in the jungle but the remains of only four were recovered.

The case shocked Malaysia and highlighted what rights activists said is long-standing mistreatment of the indigenous community.

Orang Asli is a Malay term translating to original people, or native people of Peninsula Malaysia.

The families filed negligence suits in 2018 against the government, naming several government departments and the school as defendants, seeking justice for the loss of their children and the emotional trauma they endured.

The plaintiffs statement obtained by BenarNews alleges negligence on the part of the schools warden and other staff for failing to take necessary care to prevent the students from leaving the hostel.

Wardens were appointed to look after the safety and welfare of the student boarders, the statement said.

The defendants lawyers did not immediately reply to a BenarNews request for comment.

Definitely priceless

Siti Kasim, a lawyer and Orang Asli activist who was expected to be the first witness in the trial, said the settlement would provide closure for the families.

Life is definitely priceless, no matter what the compensation amount is, it will never be able to compensate for the death of their children, she told BenarNews. In a way, there is some justice done regarding the negligence toward the Orang Asli, committed by the authorities concerned.

Despite the government refusing to explicitly accept liability for the tragedy, the agreement to pay compensation signifies an acknowledgment of its mistake, Siti said.

The families are to equally share 1.2 million ringgit ($263,000) from the government. Gurdial said the agreement includes 60,000 ringgit ($13,155) for legal costs and 150,000 ringgit ($32,876) from the security company named in the lawsuit, bringing the total to 1.41 million ringgit.

Malaysian media reported that the government in its defense statement argued the children were partly responsible for their deaths, citing the legal maxim volenti non fit injuria, implying they had placed themselves in a dangerous situation.

In 2015, Kasthuri Patto, a member of parliament, questioned the governments handling of the incident.

She said the families were not officially informed by school authorities that their children were missing and instead found out from the security guards at the hostel, adding authorities would not allow them to conduct their own search efforts.

An estimated 178,197 Orang Asli lived in Peninsular Malaysia in 2021, according to the latest data from the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa).

Despite the settlement, Siti said the school system for Orang Asli children had not changed over the past eight years.

They still have to go to boarding school at 7 years old when recommendations have been made that they should be taught in their own village between the ages of 7 and 10, she said. Teachers should be knowledgeable about their language to facilitate better understanding for these children. Unfortunately, nothing has happened.

The biggest culprit here is the Jakoa  this department should be looking after the welfare of the Orang Asli, but instead, they have become an ally of the government and a vehicle for controlling them.

Jakoa Director Sapiah Mohd Nor said the department respects the courts decision without elaborating.
Students from Lycee Louis Antoine de Bougainville wait to perform at the 7th Melanesian Arts & Culture Festival in Port Vila, Vanuatu, July 24, 2023.

Melanesias distinctive cultures are being celebrated during a nearly two-week long festival in Vanuatu that organizers hope will be an antidote to outside influence brought by globalization and the internet.

In a raucous parade for the festivals opening ceremony last week, men from Vanuatus southernmost island carried their prime minister, Ishmael Kalsakau, through the capital on a high chiefs ceremonial platform made from logs and vegetation.

Crowds lined the pavement as Kalsakau, holding a traditional staff and a bible, led hundreds of festival participants 1 kilometer (0.62 miles) from the center of Port Vila to a park above the town. Behind him fluttered a West Papuan independence flag, the Morning Star, that is banned in the regions giant neighbor, Indonesia.

From a stage, emcees told attendees that black is beautiful, reminded people of the regions colonial past and exhorted everyone to have pride in Melanesian identity.

The Melanesian countries are the last frontier of culture and customs. The Melanesians are very special and unique in their customs and culture, said festival spokesman Ambong Thompson.

Due to outside influences that are coming to our countries, this type of influence is destroying our culture. That is why we want the Melanesian countries to come together to celebrate, he said.

A participant in the 7th Melanesian Arts & Culture Festival holds a mobile device as he waits for an opening ceremony parade to begin in Port Vila, Vanuatu, July 19, 2023. [Stephen Wright/BenarNews]

Melanesia encompasses Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, the giant island of New Guinea  which is divided between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea  and the Torres Strait Islands. Its a linguistically diverse region of more than 12 million people. Papua New Guinea alone has more than 800 languages.

Rule by outside powers is a common thread in the region, that for some continues in the present and for others ended in the past half century. Vanuatu, for example, gained its independence from joint British and French rule only in 1980.

The festival includes the Kanak people of New Caledonia, a French overseas territory, whose leaders campaign for independence, and Papuans who live under Indonesian rule.

Thompson said overseas popular culture is increasingly influential and copied in Vanuatu and other Melanesian countries such as in clothing and music. One of the festivals main goals is cultural preservation, he said. Performances were live streamed to maximize their impact.

Despite the concerns about erosion of culture, participation in the festival of the most populous Melanesian country, Papua New Guinea, remained uncertain until after it had begun.

Organizers at one point announced the country had pulled out because of financial considerations. In the end, Papua New Guinea sent about 100 people, making it the second largest group after Vanuatus 600-person contingent.

Indonesia, home to about 270 million people, mostly Southeast Asians, also claims to be the most populous Melanesian nation. Some researchers have said that is a spurious claim and part of the Indonesian governments strategy to stifle the Papuan independence movement in its easternmost provinces, which are often referred to as West Papua.

Kanak men from New Caledonia gesture in unison during a performance at the 7th Melanesian Arts & Culture Festival in Port Vila, Vanuatu, July 21, 2023. [Stephen Wright/BenarNews]

The festival in Vanuatu is the seventh time the Melanesian Arts & Culture Festival has been held since it began in 1998.

The smallest contingent at the festival was a family representing the Torres Strait Islands, which is part of Australian territory.

They captivated festival goers with a performance about a constellation in the shape of a shark. Family head Alick Tipoti said islanders knew the monsoon season was approaching when the constellation, known as Baidam, dipped into the horizon.

Were here representing the Torres Islands, actually we are just a family, he told the festival.

Performances, all outdoors, continued whether it was blazing hot or raining.

One member of a group from the north of Vanuatus Pentecost island fainted twice while furiously drumming in the midday heat.

The reason why we came down was that we wanted to show that us in north Pentecost, we have our custom and our culture thats alive and well and we wanted to display it to all of Vanuatu, said John Bogiri, the groups leader.

United Liberation Movement for West Papua chairman Benny Wenda (blue shirt) is pictured at the opening ceremony for the 7th Melanesian Arts & Culture Festival in Port Vila, Vanuatu, July 19, 2023. [Stephen Wright/BenarNews]

According to Thompson, the festival spokesman, there were two West Papua delegations. One was organized by Indonesian authorities, but was apparently small and kept a low profile.

The larger delegation was aligned with the independence movement and included Benny Wenda, chairman of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, an umbrella organization of pro-independence groups, who traveled from London where he lives in exile.

It was welcomed by Vanuatus high chiefs and assigned one of the countrys provinces, Shefa, as its official welcoming party and festival guardian, according it the same status as national delegations.

Still there was disappointment for Wenda, who had hoped the Melanesian Spearhead Group, a U.N.-recognized organization of Melanesian nations, would act on the liberation movements longstanding application for full membership.

A meeting of the leaders of the spearhead groups member nations was planned for during the festival, but was postponed.

The liberation movement has observer status at the spearhead group while the Kanak independence movement is a full member and Indonesia is an associate member.

Politically we are not a full member, Wenda said. But all the chiefs and Shefa province welcoming us as one family member of the MSG, this is the beginning of the recognition, he told BenarNews.
China, Brunei maintain friendly, cooperative military relations: Chinese defense attache

Xinhua) 13:38, July 25, 2023

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The militaries of China and Brunei have always maintained a friendly and cooperative relationship and have made great strides in their relations, Dai Qilin, defense attache of the Chinese embassy in Brunei, said here on Monday night.

Speaking at a reception celebrating the 96th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Dai said China has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of international order.

"China will continue to adhere to the path of peaceful development, pursue an independent foreign policy of peace and a national defense policy in defensive nature," Dai told guests at the reception.

Dai also said that China and Brunei are each other's close neighbors across the sea, trustworthy friends and partners of common development, and the two sides have set an example of large and small countries living together in harmony for mutual benefit and win-win situation.

"This year marks the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the China-Brunei strategic cooperative partnership, while the relations between the two militaries are an important part," Dai said.

About 300 guests from the Brunei government, armed forces, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of the Chinese societies in Brunei attended the reception.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Police officers stand in formation along the road leading to the House of Representatives, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was to deliver the State of the Nation Address, in Quezon City, Metro Manila, July 24, 2023.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sacked 18 high-ranking police officials for suspected ties to the illegal drug trade a day after he pledged to weed out unscrupulous law enforcers, his office said Tuesday.

Marcos accepted the officials courtesy resignations, which the government had called for in January, saying narcotics syndicates may have corrupted senior leaders of the police force.

The officers are allegedly involved in illegal drug activities and were on a list provided by the National Police Commission Ad Hoc Advisory Group, which investigated the matter, the presidential office said.

The 18 were among 935 police officers who had earlier tendered their resignations as part of the forces cleansing program, national police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda said. Among them are three police brigadier generals, while the rest are colonels.

They are being restricted to their barracks and continuously being monitored pending an investigation, Acorda added. The measure was to preclude them from exerting further influence and, or performing illegal activities using their positions.

He added that he recommended the non-acceptance of the resignations of the lower-ranking police officers.

Its a no-no that we get involved in it [illegal drugs] and lets take advantage of this as a mode of really coming up with a better image for the Filipinos, Acorda said.

Dirty cops have no place in the organization, he added.

In January, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. called for all full-fledged police colonels and generals to file courtesy resignations.

The call stemmed from the arrest of a police sergeant during a drug operation in Manila in October 2022 that yielded more than a ton of methamphetamine hydrochloride.

The request from Abalos came six years after Marcos predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, directed the national police to carry out a war on drugs that killed thousands of Filipinos, mostly from poor communities.

On Monday, Marcos told Congress that his administration would endeavor to put a new face to the anti-drug campaign started under Duterte.

It is now geared towards community-based treatment, rehabilitation, education, and reintegration, to curb drug dependence among our affected citizenry, the president said in his State of the Nation Address.

Unscrupulous law enforcers involved in drug trafficking had been identified, Marcos added.

I will be accepting their resignations.

Those who are sacked would be replaced by individuals with unquestionable integrity, and who will be effective and trustworthy in handling the task of eliminating this dreaded and corrosive social curse, he said.

Still, police were under orders to relentlessly continue our fight against drug syndicates, shutting down their illegal activities and dismantling their network of operations, Marcos said.

The Philippine president faces questions over justice related to Dutertes drug war, which left about 8,000 suspected drug addicts and dealers dead, activists have said.

Last week, the International Criminal Court turned down a Philippine appeal to block an ICC investigation into the drug war.

Reacting to that ruling, Marcos on Friday said that Manila would no longer deal with the ICC nor cooperate with it in any way, shape, or form.
Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat speaks at a rally at Jomtien Beach in Pattaya, Thailand, following his suspension as an MP, July 22, 2023.

The speaker of Thailands Parliament on Tuesday indefinitely postponed this weeks scheduled vote for the next prime minister, deepening a political limbo after a general election more than two months ago.

The vote set for Thursday had to be put off while the Constitutional Court considered a petition challenging the constitutionality of Parliaments blocking of a July 19 vote on Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat as a prime ministerial candidate, House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha said. The court has not set a date for a ruling.

In the event the house speaker cancels the July 27th meeting, it is appropriate to avoid conflict given the Office of Ombudsman had referred to the Constitutional Court to rule whether the parliament activation of Rule 41 was valid, Wan Noor said after discussions with legal counsel.

He was referring to a parliamentary rule that conservative and pro-royal members of the upper house Senate used last week to block a second vote on Pita in the bicameral legislature.

Therefore the house speaker agreed to postpone the July 27 indefinitely until the new date is set, the speaker said.

Pitas party was the biggest winner in the May 14 general election, where parties with ties to the military were crushed. Move Forward belongs to an eight-party alliance that is trying to form Thailands first pro-democracy government since a military coup in 2014. After he was blocked last week in his second try at being voted in as prime minister, Pita agreed to step aside so Pheu Thai, one of his allies, could nominate one of its leaders for PM.

Last week, the Constitutional Court also ordered that Pita be suspended as an MP. The court had reviewed a case from the Election Commission recommending he be disqualified as a lawmaker over a complaint that he had applied to run for office while owning shares of a now-defunct media company  a violation of election laws.

The court also said it had received a separate complaint filed by lawyer Teerayuth Suwanakesorn against Pita and Move Forwards plan to reform Article 112, the Lese-Majeste law that strictly guards against royal defamation.

Teerayuths petition alleges that the proposal could be deemed as an attempt to overthrow the constitutional monarchy or the democratic regime with the king as the head of the state.

In announcing the postponement of this weeks parliamentary vote, Wan Noor noted that many MPs would not be able to return to their homes on Friday to join ceremonies honoring King Maha Vajiralongkorn on his birthday.

Pracharat Party leader Wan Mohamad Noor Matha gestures as he arrives at the Thai Parliament in Bangkok ahead of the vote where he was elected house speaker, July 4, 2023. [Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP]

On July 21, an independent academic and a lecturer at Rangsit University lodged a petition with the Office of Ombudsman regarding the actions taken against Pita in Parliament on July 19. The office referred their petition to the Constitutional Court.

Pitas Move Forward Party won 151 seats, while Pheu Thai Party won 141, with the eight allies in the opposition coalition holding 312 seats.

He called on the Pheu Thai Party to canvass support from other parties and from senators to reach the 375 vote plateau needed to secure a majority in order to lead Thailands next government. Those efforts apparently failed to add to the count.

On Saturday, Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of Bhumjaithai Party led an entourage to meet with Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew, but they failed to reach an agreement.

I told the [Pheu Thai] partys leader and executives of Bhumjaithais limits and I have to tell them that I cannot participate if the Move Forward Party is in [the coalition], said Anutin, whose party holds 71 seats.

Other parties including the Palang Pracharath Party and United Thai Nation dismissed similar invitations. The ruling parties have expressed no interest in Move Forwards goal to reform the monarchy.

On Sunday, thousands of Move Forward supporters took to the streets of Bangkok to protest against the Senate, whose members were appointed by the junta in 2019.

Pro-democracy protesters rally in support of the Move Forward Party in Bangkok after Thailands parliament blocked party leader Pita Limjaroenrat's prime ministerial nomination, July 23, 2023. [Jack Taylor/AFP]

A professor at Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University said Move Forward could end up being an opposition party despite its strong showing in the general election.

The political turmoil was intentional. The conservatives created all those many conditions to disrupt the eight parties forming of government, professor Thannapat Jarernpanit told BenarNews.

She said Pheu Thai was slow walking a new vote  possibly waiting 10 months for the Senates term to expire, meaning 250 fewer votes would be counted.

A possible scenario could be highly likely that Pheu Thai shakes hands with Anutin and then lets him make a deal with others such as Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan who controls many senators, she said.

Srettha will then certainly be nominated as a prime minister and Anutin and Prawit will have key position in the cabinet for the sake of power balance, Thannapat said, referring to Srettha Thavisin, a property tycoon who is one of three Pheu Thai leaders.

The Move Forward may have to take a role as an opposition again and admit that Thailands establishments structure is hard to tear down, she said.
Bennington, VT (05201)

Today

Chance of a shower or two during the morning, followed by partly cloudy skies this afternoon. High 79F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

A few passing clouds. Low 58F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The Spanish early elections of 23 July produced unexpected results. The right wing PP and far-right VOX failed to get the overall majority which opinion polls predicted. A last minute mobilisation of the left vote to prevent the entry of the far right in the government for the first time meant the vote for the social-democratic PSOE held up better than anticipated, leading to a hung parliament. The formation of a new government will be complicated and might even lead to repeat elections, just at a time when the Spanish ruling class needs a strong government to face the oncoming recession. The article by the Spanish comrades of Lucha de Clases analyses the reasons for this scenario.

The so-called progressive bloc  composed of the Socialist Party (PSOE) and SUMAR (a coalition to the left of PSOE involving Unidas Podemos and led by Yolanda Diaz)  has withstood the onslaught of the right. The defeat of the latter has been made possible by an intense mobilisation of the left-wing vote in the last few days of the election campaign. The tight election result also sends a final warning to the government: its policy of managing the capitalist crisis is failing to solve the pressing problems of working-class families. Crying that the far-right wolf is coming may not be so effective next time.

There can be no real solution to the acute social and democratic problems in Spain within the narrow confines of backward Spanish capitalism, with its rapacious and parasitic bourgeoisie, its reactionary and vindictive state apparatus, in the context of a new global capitalist crisis. Solving the problem of housing, precarious employment, the cost of living, energy, the slave-like conditions of working-class youth and immigrant workers, the Catalan and Basque national question, the reactionary conspiracies of the judicial caste and police, or a corrupt monarchy that is above the government elected by the people, requires confronting the big capitalists and their neo-Francoist state apparatus with courageous socialist policies and popular mobilisation. But none of the forces that make up the so-called progressive bloc are willing to break with the capitalist regime and carry out a decisive struggle against it.

That said, we fully understand the feeling of relief felt by millions of honest workers and youth at seeing the reactionary right bite the dust. This will undoubtedly increase the confidence of those layers of the working class that have mobilised, who have felt their own strength, and in the short term it will inflict a demoralising blow on the dark forces of reaction.

But this feeling of confidence and strength must be directed, now more than ever, towards the fight against exploitation and towards the defence of the dignity of working-class neighbourhoods under attacks. It must be channelled into the struggle against the mistreatment and violence suffered by women.

And it must be directed against this governments own reactionary, pro-imperialist policies (its rearmament, its involvement in the war in Ukraine, its betrayal of the Saharawi people, etc.), and against the reactionary legislation that this progressive government left on the books, despite having an absolute majority in the last legislature, such as the labour reform and the repressive gag law introduced by the PP (the conservative Peoples Party).

A highly polarised outcome

So, what should we make of the 23 July election, and what perspectives does it open up?

PP, Vox (a far-right party) and their allies took 171 seats. Meanwhile, the so-called investiture bloc, which supported the PSOE-Unidas Podemos government in the last legislature, had 172 seats. The polarisation between the two blocs is extreme. The remaining seven seats, which round out the total 350 seats of Congress, belong to the Catalan pro-independence Junts per Catalunya party of Puigdemont, exiled in Belgium and wanted by the Spanish justice system.

It appears as though PSOE and SUMAR could easily renew their coalition government, much to the chagrin of the right. But such a possibility depends on the decision of the Catalan pro-independence party, Junts, who would only need to abstain in the investiture vote of the new government. This is something that is by no means certain at present.

It appears as though PSOE and SUMAR could easily renew their coalition government / Image: PSOE, Twitter

At this moment, as a condition for abstaining, Junts has demanded amnesty for all pro-independence activists convicted for participating in the mass movement around the Catalan independence referendum of 1 October 2017, and in the subsequent struggle against state repression. In addition, it has demanded a binding independence referendum for Catalonia. The latter is a red line that Sanchez will never cross as it would represent a direct challenge to the reactionary regime that underpins Spanish capitalism. We will see in the coming weeks how this plays out.

Voter turnout was considerably higher than expected, exceeding 70 percent. This percentage, although not historically high, stands out because these early elections were unexpected, the prior state of demoralisation of the left, and given many Spaniards would have been away on holiday. Given the circumstances, the turnout reflects the wide-scale mobilisation of the left unleashed in the last few days of the campaign, aimed at stopping a PP-Vox alliance coming to power, with all its ultra-reactionary policies.

The Spanish right-wing bloc (PP and Vox) with its regional allies (Coalicion Canaria from the Canary Islands and the UPN from Navarra) won 46.11 percent of the vote (11.29 million votes). The PSOE-SUMAR bloc got 44.01 percent (10.78 million votes). The allies of the latter in its investiture in the last parliament (essentially, the Catalan, Basque and Galician nationalists and pro-independence parties, with the exception of Junts) got 4.99 percent (1.22 million votes).

In total, this would give PSOE, SUMAR and its allies 49 percent of the vote, (12 million votes). Even if the PNV, the party of the Basque bourgeoisie, is removed from this bloc, the combined vote of the official Spanish (PSOE and SUMAR), Basque (EH Bildu), Catalan (ERC) and Galician (BNG) lefts adds up to 47.88 percent and 11.73 million votes, also beating the right-wing bloc.

In comparison with the previous general election in November 2019, the right-wing Spanish nationalist bloc has increased its votes by 700,000, while the government bloc and its allies have lost 140,000 votes. However, the gains for the Spanish nationalist right and its allies have to be put into context. In the April 2019 general election, the right took the same number of votes as at present, 11.3 million, and they lost the election then too.

In other words, the right wing is able to consistently mobilise its rank and file during elections, whereas the electoral base of the official left bloc is dented by a lack of motivation on account of the governments policies.

Results of the PSOE-SUMAR bloc and its allies

The progressive bloc as a whole, did not do as badly as expected, although a fairly sharp decline was experienced by SUMAR (which brings together the remnants of Unidas Podemos, Mas Pais, Compromis, parties to the left of PSOE). This left coalition obtained 3 million votes (12.31 percent) and 31 seats. This represents a loss of 700,000 votes (or 7 seats) compared to November 2019. In contrast, the PSOE actually increased its vote. It won 7.76 million votes (31.7 percent, or 122 seats), compared to 6.8 million (28 percent or 120 seats) in November 2019. We can therefore see who it is that has gained politically from the coalition government, and who managed to group around themselves the so-called useful vote against the right.

SUMAR paid dearly for its lack of political and programmatic independence, accepting all the betrayals of the governments original programme, which was already quite moderate to begin with, and every concession by PSOE to the ruling class and to EU and US imperialism in foreign affairs. SUMAR is left as a heterogeneous coalition of a dozen groups, almost all of them regional, with an almost non-existent rank and file, with the exception of the membership of Izquierda Unida. Podemos has been reduced to a marginal group within SUMAR, with just five of its outgoing MPs being reelected on SUMARs electoral list, confirming its irreversible decline.

In the Basque and Catalan nationalist camps, there have been significant shifts compared to November 2019. Catalonia was one of the few territories where abstention increased (with 350,000 fewer voters). This was particularly the case in the most nationalist and pro-independence areas, and expresses the discouragement in this camp in the face of what they consider a betrayal by ERC with its return to autonomism. It also reflects the lack of a real alternative by Junts and the CUP (a radical left Catalan independence party), which lost its two seats.

Thus, the pro-independence parties went from 1.67 million in November 2019 to just 954,000 votes now. A part of that vote, above all from ERC, was a workers vote that has returned to the PSC (PSOE in Catalonia), which has increased its votes in Catalonia by more than 400,000, receiving more votes than any other party there, with 1.21 million votes. It has also snatched almost 100,000 votes from Ada Colaus (the former Mayor of Barcelona) Comuns, which has also integrated into SUMAR.

In spite of the setback for pro-independence parties, Catalonia has been key, together with the Basque Country, in ensuring the rights defeat at the national level. Here, the parties that support the central government have won 33 seats compared to 8 for the Spanish right. Overall, the Spanish left (PSOE and SUMAR) and Catalan left (ERC and CUP) won 64.5 percent of the votes in Catalonia.

In the case of the Basque Country, the Basque left party EH Bildu overtook the Basque right party PNV, such that now the sum total for the Spanish (PSOE and SUMAR) and Basque (EH Bildu) lefts reached 60 percent of the votes in Euskadi and 56 percent in Navarre. Here, the parties that support the central government won 19 seats compared to 4 for the Spanish right.

It is important to highlight that, between Catalonia and the Basque Country, the so-called progressive bloc won a net total of 40 more seats than the PP-Vox bloc! Without the vital contribution of both territories, the PP-Vox bloc would have been victorious in Spain as a whole.

With the Spanish right wing having identified independence, and Catalan and Basque nationalism in general, as public enemy number one, there is no doubt that the national question has played a massive role in radicalising and mobilising the vote in both territories in the face of right-wing threats. Furthermore, both territories have a high proportion of industrial workers, and the workers vote is a major factor.

This demonstrates again the progressive, democratic and revolutionary character of the struggle for national-democratic rights, and in particular the right of self-determination in both areas, which must be defended unconditionally by the whole of the Spanish working class, as part of its struggle against the Francoist right, the corrupt monarchy, and the backward Spanish capitalist class.

The results of the right

Although the PP boasts of having won 3 million more votes (rising to 8 million), its point of departure was the historical low of the dismal results of the 2019 general elections. As expected, the PP absorbed the residual vote of Ciudadanos (a moderate right-wing party) from November 2019, just over 1.6 million votes. It also snatched another 600,000 votes from Vox, and recovered a further 800,000 votes from right-wingers who had abstained in the November 2019 elections.

The biggest loser of the elections was the far-right Vox. It lost 600,000 votes and 19 seats. Despite the decline of the forces that make up SUMAR, Vox barely pulled 19,000 votes away from it, in what was practically a tie for third place, at around 12.4 percent.

The clear retreat of Vox cuts through the discourse of certain sectors of the left who talk about the rise of fascism. The lunatic and crude positions of Vox will never be able to become a dominant stance in a society where the working class represents the overwhelming majority of the population. It has a very narrow social base: that of the hysterical and reactionary small and medium-sized landowners, and the neo-Francoist state apparatus of judges, police and military, which can occasionally drag in very backward, marginalised layers of the working class.

Undoubtedly, the right has suffered a major setback. Drunk with arrogance, it showed its true ultra-reactionary colours to society during the election campaign, with violent speeches and outright lies, threatening to repeal some of the progressive social reforms of the PSOE-Unidas Podemos government, joking about violence against women in the case of Vox, and even banning musical performances and plays for ideological reasons in some cities and towns where it recently won in municipal elections. This has awakened the class instincts and democratic sentiments of previously unmotivated layers of the left, which reacted at the last moment to prevent a PP and Vox victory.

In reality, the social base of the right is very heterogeneous. It ranges from crazed and brutalised petty-bourgeois reactionaries, insignificant privileged layers of workers possessing a petty-bourgeois mentality, backward and desperate layers of the working class, and even some honest but depoliticised layers of the population who, overwhelmed by instability and lack of alternatives, just want to try out new management, such is their desperation.

A left-wing government with a firm hand, seen to be tackling the problems they face in a radical way and with conviction, could separate the healthiest and most honest elements of the petty bourgeoisie and politically backward workers from the rest of the reactionary rabble, which would be reduced to impotent whining.

When working-class families have been reached, struggles around social issues have united hundreds of thousands on the streets, as we saw in the magnificent protests for public healthcare in Madrid. Meanwhile, shows of force by the Spanish right have struggled to bring together numbers even in the tens of thousands at best in the state capital. That tells us everything about the real correlation of forces in Spanish society today.

Another thing entirely, however, is the fact that these magnificent social forces of struggle that lie in reserve in our class are passive, unmotivated and frustrated because of the policies of the progressive government and of the major trade unions, both of which have ended up accepting the terms of the bosses and the rich and powerful on the decisive questions.

However, let us not fool ourselves. The right came very close to achieving a government majority. This was wholly the responsibility of the government, which failed to offer an alternative to capitalist chaos that has pushed the lower layers of the petty bourgeoisie and politically backward and desperate sections of the working class into the arms of the right.

Many honest people are beginning to question the role of PSOE. We see this with the incredibly cowardly and criminaly role of PSOE, and the complicit silence of SUMAR leader Yolanda Diaz, when PSOE lined up with the right on the question of the Only yes means yes law, on the question of sexual violence towards women. We saw it in the cowardly and apologetic way the government defended its pacts with the Catalan and Basque pro-independence parties. This only helped reactionary Spanish nationalism, and deepened among backward layers of workers.

This is not to say that we defend the content of these pacts which, in general, are composed of moderate, social-democratic policies and, in the best case, only snatch a few crumbs from the rich. Rather, we say this because the right wing used the fact to stigmatise the democratic and national rights of the Catalans and Basques in the eyes of the majority of the population. This added grist to their mill, as we saw in the election campaign.

Conclusions

As we said at the outset, Sanchez and Yolanda Diaz are wrong if they think that their nearly 11 million votes indicate an approval of their policies. The youth, above all, is completely sceptical towards this government.

Sanchez and Yolanda Diaz are wrong if they think that their nearly 11 million votes indicate an approval of their policies / Image: Arne Museler, Wikimedia Commons

There is dissatisfaction, impatience, and unease at declining purchasing power, at the impossibility of accessing decent housing and getting a stable and well-paid job, and in general about what the future brings. There is a grudging and gritted-teeth acceptance of the growing ties to the militaristic policies of NATO and US imperialism, or the betrayal of unfulfilled promises such as repealing the PPs labour reform and its gag law, as well as of the blackmail by reactionary judges, among other issues.

Hundreds of thousands of people, from the most advanced layers of the working class and the youth, were stirred by an acute class instinct that they must once again stop the Spanish reactionary right wing. But they have also issued a final warning to this government. Namely, if it does not make a clear turn in its policies, if it does not leave behind the small crumbs and gimmicky announcements and begin to seriously tackle the real problems that beset the youth and working class on a daily basis, that it cannot take the working masses support for granted indefinitely  they might not come to the rescue next time.

But this means courageously confronting the big capitalists, the reactionary state apparatus, and leaving behind the pro-imperialist policies pursued to date. This is precisely what the PSOE-SUMAR government has made clear that it will not do. In fact, in the face of the global capitalist recession that is once again looming, and the high public debt that is gripping all the national economies, the government will be forced to apply a policy of cuts and attacks against the working class, as the European Commission in Brussels is already demanding. That is why we are obliged to warn in advance. If the investiture of a new Sanchez government is successful, it will rest on a weaker and much more precarious majority than in its last term. It will inevitably frustrate popular expectations, and this will lead his government into crisis, instability and certain failure.

The Spanish ruling class is facing the worst possible situation. With stormy seas ahead, it needs a strong government that does not hesitate to apply the most favourable policy for its interests. It will not have that with a PSOE-SUMAR government. Nor would this be provided by a PP-Vox government should they win a repeat election in the coming months, where there would be a high abstention rate due to accumulated weariness and despondency, and they would get an unstable majority. In the latter case, a right-wing government would also be viewed, from the first minute, with enormous disgust, hatred and distrust by the masses of the working class.

All this heralds a time of instability, convulsions and a sharpening of the class struggle in the Spanish state. Faced with the failure of a social democracy in crisis, incapable of delivering significant reforms and yielding fundamentally to the interests of the ruling class, it is more necessary than ever to prepare a communist alternative, which unites the most advanced sectors of the working class and youth, active in the mass movements to bring these ideas to the broadest layers of the working class. Join the IMT to join us in this task!

Originally published in Spanish at luchadeclases.org
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CLARKSBURG  During the torrential rain earlier this month, part of West Road in Clarksburg was washed away.

Now concrete barriers on the side of the road block off a steep drop where the hillside along the road was severely eroded.

"We've got it band-aided, but good God we have to get something in place before winter," Town Administrator Carl McKinney said Monday afternoon standing at the site while showing U.S. Rep. Richard Neal the damage.

It will cost $844,000 to fix, McKinney said, quoting a recent assessment. A formal estimate will be key, Neal said. "Documentation is everything," he said.

West Road was one of several flood-damaged areas in the Northern Berkshires Neal toured Monday. His visit came about a week after Gov. Maura Healey visited the city to survey storm damage on a similar tour.

In total, damages in Clarksburg are roughly $1.8 million, a cost the town has applied to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency for help addressing, McKinney said.

In North Adams, city damage totals about $4.2 million, Mayor Jennifer Macksey said. That estimate has increased as more damage had been found, like deterioration of walls in Hillside Cemetery.

Minutes before Neal arrived at a section of State Street in North Adams that collapsed during the storm, it began to rain.

The spot on State Street is one of the worst areas in the city and has been difficult to repair because it keeps raining, Macksey told Neal while they stood behind orange barricades around the damaged area.

It's not yet clear how cities and towns will cover costs for these repairs. Statewide, damages need to reach at least $12.4 million to qualify for federal aid, according to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

The state assesses the damage and gives the information to the federal government, Neal said. "Once the documentation is assembled, we will get after it vigorously," he said.

When asked about the $12.4 million mark the state needed to meet to qualify, he did not seem worried. "They have some discretion, which is important," Neal said.

Neal, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Edward Markey and Rep. Jim McGovern all signed a recent letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture asking that the agency label the counties as disaster areas. That would open up more funding sources for them, the letter says. Neal said Monday he had not heard back yet, but was confident he would soon.

Climate change contributed to the heavy rain and flooding, Neal told reporters.

"It's pretty clear the harshness of the weather everywhere, whether it's the forest fires in Canada or the violent weather we've all witnessed, part of it is directly attributable to climate change."

To help with storm damage in North Adams, a group of volunteers from Team Rubicon, a nonprofit that sends people to help after natural disasters, traveled to the city. Fifteen to 20 people are helping residents with help from the city's fire department, Macksey said.

"They're not here to do work [the city], they're here to do work for the residents," she said. Volunteers will be staying at the city's former armory building on Ashland Street.

Several volunteers were at Michelle Groves' home on Church Street, where her driveway was totally destroyed by the storm  a several foot-deep driveway-shaped dirt hole remains.

Her insurance told her the flooding was not covered, she told Macksey and Neal on Monday while standing in her front lawn. She lives in the Adirondacks and has been using all her vacation time to come back to clean up her Church Street house, a family home she grew up in.
C beau chez nous: Clairmarais, un marche flottant sur l'eau

Cette semaine, BFM Grand Lille et BFM Grand Littoral vous emmenent dans les plus beaux marches de la region et vous propose de voter pour votre prefere. Ce mardi, direction Clairmarais, un marche flottant sur l'eau.
Christianity is full of mystery because Jesus came to Earth to save while revealing there is another, unseen world, the Kingdom of Heaven. His Gospel was centered around the mystery of this other, unseen realityrepent for the Kingdom of God is at hand (Matthew 4:17). Through parables and teaching, Jesus and the whole of Scripture is an exploration of the mystery of the unseen and a promise of more to discover.

There are several official mysteries spoken of in the New Testamentincluding the intriguing mystery of iniquity. How is iniquity a mystery? And what does God reveal to us about iniquity?

What Is the Biblical Context for the Mystery of Iniquity?

The concept of the mystery of iniquity is primarily discussed in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In 2 Thessalonians 2:7, he writes, For the mystery of iniquity is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way.

Here, Paul speaks of a hidden or veiled power of lawlessness already active in the world. It opposes Gods righteousness and seeks to undermine His purposes.

2 Thessalonians is the second letter to the church in Thessalonica, which Paul planted. Since Pauls first letter to this church, the beginnings of false doctrine have begun to influence the Thessalonians, causing them to waver in their faith. Throughout this letter, Paul affirms the church and reminds them of the truths he taught, challenging the false doctrines. To add to the context, the church had been dealing with persecution. Amid this oppression, Paul refers them to the ultimate reward of heaven for believers and justice for the oppressors when Jesus comes back.

Therefore, in the context of 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, Paul is writing about the coming Day of the Lord. This generally means the return of Christ, a future event when Jesus returns in judgment and ultimate restoration. One of the false ideas the church dealt with was teachers who tried to tell them this Day of the Lord would never come. Without this future reward, the disciples would lose heart and hope and fall away.

The Apostle Paul mentions how he taught persecution must come before Jesus returns, and a specific man would bring evil and falling away. Paul calls him the man of lawlessness or sin, likely referencing the future idea of the Antichrist.

Despite scholars debating who this Antichrist is, Paul connects this evil leader with a spiritual force behind him. This man of lawlessness (sin) is or will be empowered by a satanic force, which Paul calls the mystery of iniquity (lawlessness, sin).

Paul explains God is restraining this mystery of iniquity, the evil force of sin, until the appropriate time. This mystery of iniquity, therefore, is part of an epic spiritual struggle and story between God and Satan. However, Paul comforts the believers in Thessalonica. God is still in control. He restrains. He allows, and he will judge and restore.

Why is Iniquity a Mystery?

Iniquity and sin are spoken of as a mystery for several reasons.

Firstly, iniquity is a mystery because it involves a spiritual battle. Ephesians 6:12 states, For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. The struggle against iniquity is not merely a physical conflict but a spiritual one. It involves unseen forces and powers at work behind the scenes, opposing Gods righteousness and seeking to deceive humanity.

Secondly, iniquity operates through deception and falsehood. In John 8:44, Jesus refers to Satan as a liar and the father of lies. Iniquity works through falsehoods, distortions of truth, and cunning schemes to lead people astray. It often presents itself attractively, disguising its true nature and intent. This veiled nature of iniquity makes it difficult for people to recognize and discern its workings without spiritual discernment.

Thirdly, iniquity is a mystery because it is deeply rooted in the human heart. Jeremiah 17:9 states, The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? This verse highlights the inherent sinful nature of humanity. Iniquity finds fertile ground in the human heart, exploiting our sinful inclinations and desires. The mystery lies in the complexity and depth of human sinfulness, which often operates in ways that elude our understanding and self-awareness.

Another powerful passage about the human heart is Romans 7:7-25. Paul writes to the believers in Rome his experience with the Law and his own heart. The Law showed him what was good and evil, but he couldnt choose good, even though he wanted to. He didnt want to choose evil, but he would. This is part of the mystery: how we, in our own strength, cannot do the good we wish to do and instead, choose to do the evil we know will destroy ourselves and others.

Paul clearly shows the need for a deeper work in our hearts, a new spirit and new heart only available in the New Covenant through Christ.

Furthermore, iniquity opposes Gods righteousness while masquerading as something good. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 warns, For Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Iniquity often presents itself as morally acceptable or virtuous, leading people astray by distorting Gods truth.

Lastly, iniquitys ultimate defeat is only fully revealed in Gods plan of redemption. The Bible teaches that the power of sin and iniquity has been overcome through Jesus Christs life, death, and resurrection. Colossians 2:15 states, Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. The mystery of iniquity finds its resolution in Gods redemptive work, culminating in the final judgment and the establishment of Gods eternal kingdom.

What are Other Mysteries from the Writers of the New Testament?

The New Testament contains various mysteries besides the mystery of iniquity, each offering profound insights into Gods unseen, divine plan work of salvation.

Jesus frequently spoke in parables, and one recurring theme was the mystery of the Kingdom of God (Mark 4:11; Luke 8:10). The Kingdom of God represents Gods reign and rule in the hearts of believers and His ultimate reign over all creation. It highlights the tension between the present age and the age to come.

Ephesians 3:4-6 speaks of the mystery of Christ, stating, the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Gods holy apostles and prophets. This mystery refers to including both Jews and Gentiles in Gods redemptive plan through faith in Christ.

In 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, Paul describes the mystery of the resurrection: Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changedin a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. This mystery refers to the future event when believers will experience the transformation of their mortal bodies into glorified bodies, signaling the ultimate victory over death and the fulfillment of Gods promises.

Ephesians 1:9 speaks about the mystery of Gods will: having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself. This mystery pertains to Gods overarching plan and purpose for humanity and creation, reconciling all creation to himself through his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul refers to the mystery of the Gospel in Ephesians 6:19: that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel. This mystery reveals Gods plan of redemption and reconciliation, whereby through Christs death and resurrection, humanity can be forgiven, reconciled to God, and receive eternal life.

Colossians 1:27 speaks of the mystery of Christ in you, which it calls the hope of glory. This mystery emphasizes the transformative power of Christ within individuals, enabling them to live in a manner that reflects His character and experience the hope of eternal glory.

God is a good Father, revealing the mysteries of the unseen reality so we can live and walk in love and truth.

What Are Some Important Lessons About the Mystery of Iniquity for Christians Today?

The mystery of iniquity holds important lessons for Christians today, offering guidance and insights as they navigate the challenges of living in a fallen world. Let us explore some key lessons derived from the mystery of iniquity.

1. Vigilance and Discernment. The enemy seeks to deceive and lead astray, often disguising himself as an angel of light. We are called to test every spirit and hold fast to the truth of Gods Word (1 John 4:1). By cultivating a close relationship with God, studying His Word, and relying on the Holy Spirit for discernment, we can recognize and resist the deceitful schemes of the enemy.

2. The Power of Truth. Jesus declared Himself the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). We are called to anchor ourselves in the truth of Gods Word, allowing it to guide our thoughts, actions, and beliefs. The truth exposes the enemys lies and provides a solid foundation for discernment and spiritual warfare.

3. Overcoming Evil with Good. The mystery of iniquity can be disheartening, as it reveals the presence of evil in the world. However, we are reminded that we are called to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Rather than succumbing to the despair and hopelessness that iniquity may bring, we can resist it by living out the values of Gods kingdomshowing love, kindness, forgiveness, and extending grace to others.

4. Unity and Accountability. We are better equipped to resist the enemys wiles when we are united, standing firm in the truth, and supporting one another. Christians must encourage, exhort, and hold each other accountable, ensuring that none are led astray by the deceptive tactics of iniquity, as evidenced by Pauls writing to encourage the church in Thessalonica.

5. The Ultimate Victory. While iniquity may seem pervasive and powerful, we are reminded of the ultimate victory over evil that the Lord Jesus Christ has secured. The cross and the resurrection demonstrate Gods triumph over sin and death. It assures us that iniquitys defeat is certain. This knowledge instills hope, confidence, and perseverance, knowing that Gods plan of redemption will ultimately prevail.

The mystery of iniquity calls us to be vigilant, anchoring ourselves in Gods truth and ultimate victory. God helps us not be ignorant of our enemy and his plan. What a good Father!

Peace.

Photo Credit:  Getty Images/Vladislav Chorniy

Britt Mooney (with his amazing wife, Becca) has lived as a missionary in Korea, traveled for missions to several countries, and now lives in Suwanee GA as a church planter that works bi-vocationally with Phoenix Roasters, a missional coffee company. He has a podcast about the Kingdom of God called Kingdom Over Coffee and is a published author with Say Yes: How God-Sized Dreams Take Flight.

This article is part of our larger resource library of popular Bible verse phrases and quotes. We want to provide easy-to-read articles that answer your questions about the meaning, origin, and history of specific verses within Scripture's context. We hope that these will help you better understand the meaning and purpose of God's Word in your life today.

Listen to our Daily Bible Verse Podcast Now!




CCC has spurned slots allocated to them by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) in terms of the Electoral Act while the party has also made unrealistic expectations on their advertisements by demanding that the public broadcaster do commercial productions on their behalf.

This was said by Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Nick Mangwana, in a statement yesterday, while responding to a statement from CCC that had accused ZBC of not flighting their programmes and adverts.

The CCC went on to characterise ZBCs reports as unconstitutional and biased in favour of Zanu PF.

But Mr Mangwana said preliminary inquiries by the Government have shown that bickering and power struggles in CCC have seen the party failing to send representatives to take up their slots.

Mr Mangwana said while ZBC will substantially respond to the allegations by CCC, their role as the Government ends with providing policy direction and parliamentary accountability.

The public broadcaster is independent of Government and has its own board and management. We support them with policy directions, resource advocacy and parliamentary accountability, said Mr Mangwana.





We have since asked them to formally respond to the CCC public statement so as to correct any misunderstandings which may have arisen between the parties. The ZBC have assured us that they will issue a statement in the spirit of public institution accountability.

The position of Government is that the public broadcaster is there to serve all. This includes all political parties, all natural or juristic persons. From our preliminary inquiry, we have been made to understand that there are challenges with bringing CCC people on air as they either dont want to come to programmes or they have internal contradictions which give them a challenge on deciding who should moderate or appear on a programme and how the programme should be structured.

This sometimes leads to indecision on who should attend a programme on their behalf and the embargoing of others from attending. The public broadcaster tries to avoid getting involved in these internal contradictions which sometimes lead to the party not being represented at all in spite of ZBCs efforts to have equitable representation of all players.Regarding advertisements, Mr Mangwana said CCC declined to discharge its obligation by making its own commercial productions, and has, instead sought to have ZBC do so for them.

When it comes to the airing of CCC adverts, ZBC reports that CCC leadership has an unrealistic expectation that ZBC should do the commercial productions for them. This is a misunderstanding of the public broadcasters role.

The CCC party needs to have its own creatives to do its productions just like Zanu PF. The ZBC is a broadcaster and not an advertising agency and would appreciate completed productions and of course commensurate payment for the purchased airtime, said Mr Mangwana.

He said Zanu PF and the Government were paying for all their programmes including national events like galas if they are to be aired live on television.

Government pays for the National Heroes Galas when they are broadcast live on ZBC.

We call upon everyone to support our national institutions in their commercial efforts to avoid turning into fiscal burdens to the taxpayer, said Mr Mangwana.

In terms of the law, ZBC is obliged to allow all contesting political parties and candidates free broadcasting slots to air their views, and/or manifestos as well as submit paid for advertisements as part of creating a conducive environment for free and fair elections. Herald
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Tseliso Rangaka, chief creative officer of FCB Africa and Hellocomputer, takes us through his journey as jury president for the Radio & Audio Lions jury at Cannes Lions.

Rangaka, no stranger to winning awards such as Cannes Grand Prix, One Show and D&AD pencils says the use of technology and AI was a major theme seen in his category this year.

Tseliso Rangaka is chief creative officer of FCB Joburg and Hellocomputer. Source: Supplied.

What has your journey with Cannes Lions, as a creative and a member of the jury, been like over the years?

Cannes Lions will always be a special festival for me. As a junior starting out, this was the show to aspire to. Not only in-terms of ones standard of work, but also for a chance to actually go there.

This was the Mount Olympus of advertising and the Gods made proclamations that had a huge impact on peoples careers. Over the years its become even bigger, just as the Gods have become more human, and the festival itself relatively more accessible, thanks to an online presence.

How was your experience this year?

The experience was unlike any Ive ever had in Cannes. Radio and Audio is one of the first to be announced, so the jury typically arrives five days before most people even get there.

Its really crazy seeing the festival get scaffolded into place and quickly build up around you. The jury president responsibilities also gave the experience a different feel. The pressure of doing right by the entries, and the constant feeling that youre meant to be somewhere else that very minute, took getting used to. I had an amazing team of jurors and Cannes Lions facilitators who made every moment an absolute pleasure. Oh and standing behind that podium on the awards evening  nothing can describe that.

What were key themes in creative work you saw this year?

We saw some category staples like music themed campaigns and 60 second monologues. The really interesting discussions were around the role of technology in the work, particularly the use of generative AI and the ethical questions this raises.

I loved how audio was being used to solve multiple problems, from anxiety relief for cancer patients, to protest, and levelling the field for people with disabilities - it was all there, including a project aim at combatting the harmful effects of noise pollution.

The theme I welcome the most is the return of classic radio, albeit in an evolved guise. Watch the Radio and Audio Grand Prix winner if you havent. Breaking radio out of the recording booth and co-creating campaigns with our audience is where the best future work will emerge.

What are some of the positives that African, but particularly South African jurors bring to Cannes judging?

I think a diversity of backgrounds is always a great thing to cultivate. I was happy to see other African people on jury panels,it shows that the value of our contribution on global stages is finally getting acknowledged. I also hope it gives creative people on the continent more motivation to throw their unique perspectives into the ring.

With South African representation specifically I would say, given our contribution and our recognition at Cannes over the years, we have earned the right to participate in it.

In your opinion, how has advertising changed since you started in 1999?

The biggest change for me has been that, when done well, it has become more difficult to tell the difference between advertising and popular culture. It really pleases me when advertising gets that invisibility trick right.

What advice do you have for African creatives who want to win big at Cannes?

Really study what wins at Cannes and other shows. There are themes and patterns everywhere. Know your brand and audience intimately. Bring your client along with you on the journey. Get closer to the media and PR agencies, thats where results get unlocked. Then enter as many local award shows as you can. Dont be afraid to make the work reflect your personality. Thats the magic ingredient.



For more:

As media partner to the Creative Circle SA, were proud to publish exclusive daily snapshot updates from Cannes. Dont miss the first Diary of Creative Circle at Cannes from the SA cohort on the ground in Cannes, every day from 19-24 June! Also Book Now for The Full Circle event, brought to you by the Creative Circle - an inspiring showcase of the top trends, insights and award winning work from the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced that Manusha Sarawan has been promoted to managing director, Southern and East Africa.

Image supplied. Manusha Sarawan has been promoted to managing director, Southern and East Africa, UMG

In her new role, Manusha Sarawan will continue to work closely with Adam Granite, UMGs EVP, market development, to grow UMGs roster of artists, and help them achieve success both domestically and around the world.

I have known Sarawan since her days at Sony, and during her time at Universal she has repeatedly shown her leadership skills and strong business acumen, says Adam Granite, EVP, market development.

Manusha is ideally suited to developing the careers of our market-leading label roster  both regionally and internationally I cant wait to see her go from strength to strength, adds Granite.

Pioneer of the digital-first approach

Sarawan was UMG sub-Saharan Africas chief operating officer, where she oversaw the day-to-day operations of the music label.

At UMG South Africa, Sarawan pioneered a digital-first approach to business that has been integral to the companys success in the region as streaming has become more and more widespread.

In addition, she has played a key role in negotiating the contracts of some of the most successful African artists and helping platform African music on the global stage.

Experienced business leader

Sarawan is an experienced business leader, with decades of experience working at the intersection of business and creativity.

Throughout her career, she has held various roles across the music industry including several years at Sony Music in South Africa.

Exciting time for African music

This is an incredibly exciting time for African music, as it continues to build new audiences both here and across the world. We have an amazing roster of talent here, and its a huge privilege to get to work with our artists and our talented team to promote African music on the world stage, says Manusha Sarawan, managing director, Southern and East Africa.

UMG has a long history across the continent. It was the first major label to open offices in Kenya, Cote dIvoire, Senegal, Cameroon, and Morocco, alongside its established operations in Nigeria and South Africa.
The Big Tech and Journalism - Building a Sustainable Future for the Global South conference was held from 13 to 14 July 2023 at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (Gibs) in Johannesburg. Hosted by the Gibs Media Leadership Think Tank, the conference brought together over 70 journalists, news publishers, media organisations, scholars, activists, lawyers, and economists from 24 countries to discuss solutions to the crisis of the sustainability of journalism and its intersection with the role of major tech platforms.

Michael Markovitz, head: Gibs Media Leadership Think Tank, Gordon Institute of Business Science (Gibs), South Africa

The conference aimed to share lessons learned, and identify commonalities within and across regions with regard to media sustainability initiatives via legislation and competition authorities. Robust discussions were held on the experiences of countries which have already or are considering implementing such initiatives to sustain journalism, as well as the challenges of doing so in other countries with large media industries but severe sustainability challenges. The conference featured panel discussions focusing on South Africa, Australia, Latin America, Asia, and Africa, as well as a series of keynotes by distinguished speakers.

Video recordings of the conference can be viewed here.

The conference culminated in the adoption of Big tech and journalism: Principles for fair compensation (the principles). The principles are intended to be universal, serving as a framework for any country seeking to address media sustainability through competition or regulatory approaches, while enabling adaptation to the unique context. It is hoped that the principles will represent an important step forward in addressing news media sustainability in the tumultuous era of big tech.

This site includes downloads of the full conference report as well English, French, Spanish and Portuguese translations of the principles. Additional language versions of the principles and further endorsements will be added in due course. Here are the principles:

Big tech and journalism: Principles for fair compensation

These principles are intended to help in the design, implementation and evaluation of public policy mechanisms that oblige digital platforms and news publishers to engage with each other to develop fair economic terms.

The principles recognise freedom of expression as a foundational human right underpinning democracy and support public interest journalism as a public good that should be available to all. Any mechanisms pertaining to the principles must therefore be founded on the same commitment.

For the purposes of these principles, platforms mean social media, chat, search engines, generative artificial intelligence models and applications, and other such intermediaries. By publishers we mean providers of original print, digital, or broadcast news using any combination of text, audio and visual media.

Policymakers in different jurisdictions will use different policies to achieve similar aims, so we refer to these simply as mechanisms throughout. Rather than set detailed expectations for these different mechanisms, we propose overarching principles that should apply in a wide range of contexts, including between platforms and publishers

Public interest Mechanisms should support and invest in public interest journalism, by which we mean news and information produced to professional journalistic standards which informs the public about matters that are relevant to their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Mechanisms may also have the effect of supporting other forms of journalism, but  other things being equal  they should prioritise the support of public interest journalism. Plurality Mechanisms should support plurality in the platform and publishing markets. In particular, mechanisms should have a net positive impact on the plurality of publishers in a market. They should not create a bias in favour of incumbent publishers or platforms but should serve to mitigate any incumbency bias so that the public can  in the medium to long term  benefit from a greater range of platforms and publishers. Very small, medium and start-up publishers must be able to benefit. Diversity Mechanisms should support diversity in the news publishing market and should have a net positive impact on the range of content, voices and languages represented in the news market, including the voices of historically underrepresented and marginalised groups. They should not create a bias in favour of historically dominant voices. Sustainability Mechanisms should support sustainability in the news publishing market, for individual publishers and the sector as a whole, by ensuring they receive fair compensation for the use of their intellectual property and content. Mechanisms should adapt to evolving market conditions and enhance the likelihood that publishers can build diverse revenue streams. Fairness Mechanisms should ensure that terms of engagement between platforms and publishers are consistent across a market, and do not allow individual platforms or publishers to strike preferential arrangements. This does not mean that all platforms should give all publishers the same amount of money. But it does mean that the basis for payments and usage deals should be the same for all publishers in that market, and determined using objectively verifiable criteria. Platforms should not be able to favour certain publishers simply because those publishers have greater political influence or larger market capitalisation, for example. It also means that all deals between platforms and publishers should be agreed upon in a similarly timely manner and that neither party should be able to use their comparative bargaining power to drag out negotiations. Collectivity Small and medium-sized publishers should be allowed to coordinate their efforts, which may include collective bargaining with platforms. Transparency The highest possible degree of transparency should be adopted for both the process by which policy interventions are designed and implemented as well as the outcomes obtained. Both platforms and publishers should adopt the highest possible degree of transparency so that all parties can judge the fairness of any deal and so that third parties can assess and evaluate the impact of the mechanism as a whole. For example, mechanisms may require platforms and publishers to share data about the size and behaviour of their audiences and advertising placements. Considerations may still be given to competition concerns. Where personal or commercially sensitive data is involved, it may be shared only between the parties and with any enforcement body. All information should be shared with the public when suitably aggregated and anonymised. Accountability Mechanisms should not inhibit the freedom of publishers, through their journalism, to hold platforms accountable for their actions, or the freedom of platforms to criticise publishers. The terms of engagement between them should be openly published to ensure that all parties can be held accountable and to build confidence with the public. Third-party assessors that are independent of any enforcement body should be able to review these mechanisms and their outcomes. They must have the power to make recommendations to such a body and, where necessary and appropriate, legislatures. They should ensure a meaningful opportunity for public consultation on the performance of the mechanisms. Independence Mechanisms should be overseen and enforced by bodies that are demonstrably independent of both the platform and publishing industries. Whilst these bodies may, where appropriate, be established and funded by national or regional governments, they must be operationally independent of political influence and sufficiently well-funded to mitigate any risk of undue interference. Enforcement bodies should have clear aims and objectives to allow industry, researchers, civil society, and the public to determine whether or not they are meeting these aims and objectives. Outcomes Mechanisms should be outcomes-oriented, with the principles of public interest, plurality, diversity, and sustainability of the media at their heart. They should be assessed against these outcomes on a regular basis by independent third parties, who should be in a position to publish an honest and robust critique of the performance of the mechanisms.



Adopted on 14 July 2023

These principles were adopted by participants at Big tech and journalism  Building a sustainable future in the global south, a conference held at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (Gibs) in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 14 July 2023.

The principles have been endorsed by:

Alexis Johann, managing partner, FehrAdvice & Partners AG, Zurich, Switzerland

Anton Harber, director, Campaign for Free Expression, South Africa

Dr Anya Schiffrin, senior lecturer of Practice, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University, United States of America (U.S)

Bruce Mutsvairo, professor and Unesco chair on Disinformation, Data and Democracy, Utrecht University, Netherlands

Camille Grenier, operations director, Forum on Information and Democracy, France

Dr Chamil Wariya, chairman, Malaysian Press Institute (MPI), Cyberjaya, Malaysia

Churchill Otieno, executive director, Eastern Africa Editors Society, and chairman Africa Media Convention, Kenya

Dr Courtney Radsch, fellow UCLA Institute for Technology, Law and Policy and director, Center for Journalism and Liberty, US

Dr Dinesh Balliah, director, Wits Centre for Journalism, Wits University, South Africa

Edetaen Ojo, executive director, Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Nigeria

Emma McDonald, executive director, Impact Missions, Minderoo Foundation, Australia

Franz Kruger, associate professor, NLA Mediehgskolen, Kristiansand, Norway and associate researcher, Wits Centre of Journalism, South Africa

Hamadou Tidiane SY, journalist, founder of E-jicom and Ouestaf news, Senegal

Hani Barghouthi, campaigns manager, Public Interest News Foundation, United Kingdom

Izak Minnaar, independent journalism consultant and trainer, South Africa

Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, general secretary, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Nigeria

Jonathan Heawood, executive director, Public Interest News Foundation, United Kingdom

Jose Maria Leon-Cabrera, CEO, on behalf of GK Ecuador, Ecuador

Joseph E. Stiglitz, university professor, Columbia University, Nobel Laureate 2001, U.S

Justine Limpitlaw, honorary adjunct professor, LINK Centre, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

Kate Skinner, director, Association of Independent Publishers, South Africa

Lawrence Gibbons, publisher, Star Observer and City Hub, co-chair of Public Interest Publishers Alliance (PIPA), Australia

Michael Karanicolas, executive director, UCLA Institute for Technology, Law and Policy, US

Michael Markovitz, head: Gibs Media Leadership Think Tank, Gordon Institute of Business Science (Gibs), South Africa

Nancy Booker, associate professor and dean, Graduate School of Media and Communications, Aga Khan University, Kenya

Natalia Viana, executive director: Agencia Publica, and Havard Nieman Fellow 2022, Brazil

Nelson Yap, publisher of Australian Property Journal, co-chair of the Public Interest Publishers Alliance, Australia

Paul-Joel Kamtchang, founder-executive secretary, ADISI-Cameroun, Cameroon

Sasmito, president, Alliance of Independent Journalists, Indonesia

Sekoetlane Phamodi, director, New Economy Campaigns Hub, South Africa

Dr Selay Marius Kouassi, independent journalist, consultant and trainer, founder and executive director IRAF (Information Resilience Africa), Cote dIvoire

Sibusiso Ngalwa, chairperson, South African National Editors Forum (SANEF), South Africa

Tania L. Montalvo, independent journalist, Mexico

Uyanda Siyotula, national coordinator, SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition, South Africa

Wahyu Dhyatmika, secretary general, Indonesian Cyber Media Association (AMSI), Indonesia

Vibodh Parthasarathi, associate professor, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India (in personal capacity)

William Bird, director, Media Monitoring Africa, South Africa

Zoe Titus, director, Namibia Media Trust (NMT), Namibia

Organisations

BBC Media Action, United Kingdom

Digital Journalism Association (Ajor), Brazil

Campaign for Free Expression, South Africa

Eastern Africa Editors Society

Foro de Periodismo Argentino (FOPEA), Argentina

Media Monitoring Africa, South Africa

Nigerian Guild of Editors, Nigeria

Open Markets Institute, U.S

Ouestaf News, West African online news platform, Senegal

Publisher Interest Publishers Alliance (PIPA), Australia

Public Interest News Foundation, (PINF), United Kingdom

SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition, South Africa

South African National Editors Forum (SANEF), South Africa

Vladimir Herzog Institute, Brazil




Business Talk with Michael Avery is South Africa's leading business video podcast and the first choice for executives looking to stand out.

Business Talk with Michael Avery is the first choice for South African executives looking to share their insights with the business community.

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Andrew Golding  chief executive of the Pam Golding Property Group



 chief executive of the Pam Golding Property Group Dawie de Villiers  CEO of Alexforbes



 CEO of Alexforbes Jacques Celliers  CEO of First National Bank



 CEO of First National Bank Lana Ross  COO of Discovery Business Insurance



 COO of Discovery Business Insurance Lillian Barnard  president of Microsoft Africa



 president of Microsoft Africa Michael Jordaan  co-founder of Bank Zero



 co-founder of Bank Zero Sim Tshabalala  joint chief executive of the Standard Bank Group

These influential business leaders use the Business Talk podcast to provide valuable thought leadership  and your executives can be next in line to share their views and knowledge.

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A CHIVHU family has finally buried the body of its father which they exhumed last week amid a row over his burial place.

Shadreck Rwizi Muchenas body was exhumed on July 17 in Mhondoro where he died while staying with his second wife.

His burial was marred by controversy with his children, from the senior wife, claiming that he was haunting them, demanding to be reburied in the Njanja area of Chivhu, where he was from.

The re-burial was conducted in the absence of his second wife, who the older children, and his relatives, branded a small house despite her staying with Shadreck for more than 30 years.

After his exhumation, the family dug a grave to rebury him in Chivhu, but the local chief told them to wait and the body was taken to Harare.

A second grave was dug on a rocky surface when Shadrecks body returned from Harare, but it was abandoned for another site, where he was finally buried.

I am devastated that Shadrecks second wife is now being treated as an outcast after staying with him for more than 30 years in Mhondoro.

Its unacceptable behaviour. It is also being said they acquired a new burial order without involving her.

If, indeed, the Rwizi family knew where mudhara Mhofu was supposed to be buried, how come they dug three graves?

Its indeed questionable. Kwakauya chamupupuri musi wacho chakadira mavhu ndiro dzese vanhu vakasadya sadza, said the source.

A village head from the area Proud Shamhuyarira, said:

I cannot confirm what made them exhume Rwizi. They probably wanted to bury him among his relatives or they were being tormented by his spirit.

We are still investigating the case.

I am surprised that I was only approached by his first family over the exhumation.

Shadrecks UK-based son, Muchineripi, dismissed allegations that the reburial of his father was for ritual purposes.

When I come to Zimbabwe, take me wherever you wish, kuna godobori yemandiriri.

I dont even agree with people who said the surviving spouse to my father is a small house.

We had a meeting when our father was still admitted at Parirenyatwa.

Dare rakagarwa to find a way forward on where to bury our father. We agreed that he should be buried in Njanja, ndokumusha, ndokune dzinde redu tese.

Everything was done as per family agreement, said Muchineripi in an audio. H Metro
WindAc Africa 2023 has opened its entries, inviting leading renewable energy researchers and high potential young people from universities across the country to get involved in the dialogue that will unpack the role of wind power in the energy crisis. An initiative by the South African Wind Association (SAWEA), WindAc is making leaps in advancing wind energy research and progress.

Image supplied

Advancing wind energy research and progress, this sixth international annual conference will be held in Cape Town during the first week of October. It offers a special programme for leading academic voices and the countrys next generation of researchers, looking to break into the green sector.

This is especially relevant at a time that the country accelerates its transition to clean energy sources, whilst looking to renewables to drive new power generation.

Beyond the Turbines

Corresponding to Windabas overarching theme Beyond the Turbines, this conference will cover technical and policy elements, whilst incorporating socioeconomic, and environmental aspects of the wind industry. It will further emphasize academic interaction across disciplines and work towards establishing a clears roadmap towards achieving a successful power transition to a greater share of renewables, said Niveshen Govender, CEO of SAWEA, hosts of this conference.

The academic community in South Africa and in many parts of the globe, is being acknowledged for the role that it plays in clarifying and scrutinizing data and evidence across a myriad of disciplines, to support the success of the industry.

Organised by SAWEA, this international academic wind energy conference offers a special programme for high potential young people from universities across the country, and hopes to welcome 20 sponsored students at this years event. It is an ideal opportunity for the next generation to be part of the collaborative networking environment and dialogue, which is stimulated by experienced researchers and members of the wind industry.

Historically, attendees from South Africa, USA, Denmark, Germany, UK and France and students from leading South African universities participate in this annual conference. This not only demonstrates its significance, but the platforms ability to deliver a broad perspective on wind energy, as participants can share experiences and insights from various geographical contexts.

The exchange of information, together with a global perspective, offers an ideal opportunity to reflect on the current state of our energy landscape and unpack industrys readiness to meet our countrys energy needs head on, added Govender.

Speakers and presenters are judiciously selected to ensure the best content will drive the conversation, whilst the programme will be based on papers selected through rigorous peer review and final selection by a scientific advisory panel.

Abstracts may be submitted to Nontethelelo Zuma (nontethelelo@windac-africa.co.za), by the closing date, 28 July 2023, with full details on the WindAc Africa website.

The proposed topics of interest to focus on include, but are not limited to:

Unlocking grid capacity for integration of wind energy into the grid



Hybrid projects in the new energy paradigm



Wind energy policy and its impact on a clean energy transition



Wind energy and green hydrogen



Wind energys role in the new African market



The wind resources in Africa and SA



The future of public & private procurement and wind energy



The economics of wind energy



Wind energy and communities



Environmental planning for wind energy



The operation and maintenance of wind plants



Wind turbine technology for C&I and utility markets

WindAc Africa will be hosted by SAWEA, over two days, 3  5 October 2023, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
BET Software, one of the most diverse betting software providers in sub-Saharan Africa, with a rapidly growing international footprint, has officially launched its Cape Town office.

Michael Collins says BET Software takes its place in Cape Town as one of many successful tech titans occupying South Africas Silicon Valley.

BET Software started with tech people looking for solutions. The tenacity of its team of developers enabled them to build a cutting-edge betting software system for South Africas leading bookmaker, constructed from the ground up, along with a range of other solutions.

This formidable tech provider to betting operators, supplies all the back-end betting engines and customer relationship management (CRM) systems to the biggest operators, to use on all types of real-world events. This includes customisations into diverse marketplaces such as Mozambique - with Zimbabwe, Zambia and Kenya also gaining traction.

Michael Collins, BET Softwares general manager, says that as the company grows at an astounding rate, whilst driving recruitment in other major cities like Durban, Johannesburg and East London, his team is well positioned in the Mother City.

Cape Town has been described as Africas tech capital  brimming with entrepreneurs, innovative technology and diverse start-ups. Its a melting pot of tech businesses. Were excited to solidify our presence in this city, explains Collins.

The Western Capes tech sector has become a major investment hub, made up of a thriving digital economy, with aims to boost tech innovation in the city. This is in line with BET Softwares ethos of collaboration, diversity and empowerment.

Collins pinpoints the companys strategic partnerships with some major cloud service providers as a key differentiator for BET Software, and in particular the association it enjoys with Red Hat, whose portfolio encompasses hybrid cloud infrastructure, cloud-native application development, and management and automation solutions.

We havent quite gone about this in the traditional sense, he relays, as we do not use a traditional cloud provider like Azure or similar - we have actually built our own private cloud on the Red Hat backbone, buying all of the infrastructure and then having them install Red Hat directly onto, essentially, a piece of tin.

Effectively, we have thus built our own distributed cloud network across multiple data centres in South Africa, into which we are developing. That gives us a lot more control over costs, and the way in which we move data around distributed data centres, without it being a service that we are looking to other providers for, Collins explains.

At the heart of BET Software, is a spirit of Ubuntu.

When BET Software started, we found that some learners and schools in the Durban area lacked access to computer labs, or their computers were outdated or non-functional. This shortfall that schools were experiencing posed huge challenges, says Collins.

Thats where the company stepped in.

We assist in developing learners technological skills. We facilitate their growth by providing a solid foundation that allows them to excel in their future careers in a technologically driven world. We have seen a sustainable and meaningful impact as a result of our work. Learners have become more confident, Collins adds.

BET Softwares CSI initiatives also include a graduate and bursary programme. The companys Dare To Dream bursary programme provides funding to ICT students at accredited tertiary institutions around the country, and the graduate programme offers work experience to graduate trainees, with the goal of absorbing them into the company.




FlyNamibia is partnering with Airlink to promote its flights and services to travel agents worldwide. Through the Global Distribution System (GDS), Airlink has global reach and the ability to display and sell its inventory in many markets.

FlyNamibia will enjoy the same global access through this partnership. Simultaneously, FlyNamibia will launch a new website co-branded with Airlink. This website will be linked directly to the Amadeus Altea reservation portal, making the booking process simpler and more user-friendly.

This partnership will allow FlyNamibia to expand its reach and grow its business. It will also make it easier for travellers to book flights with FlyNamibia.

FlyNamibia CEO, Andre Compion says: "Joining the GDS is a major milestone for our growing airline and it will be a boost for Namibia because it makes our flights, network and schedule visible to customers in parts of the world that, until now, we have been unable to access. It also lets us provide customers with a convenient, user-friendly and seamless booking platform."

"This is one of the logical progressions we envisaged when Airlink invested in FlyNamibia last September. It will help us strengthen air services within Namibia and support the Namibia Airports Company in positioning Windhoeks Hosea Kutako International Airport as an alternative SADC region gateway hub.

"By building connectivity and extending FlyNamibias reach, we will unlock new markets and efficiencies for Namibias business, trade, travel and tourism sectors," explains Rodger Foster, Airlink CEO and managing director.

Last September Airlink acquired a 40% stake in FlyNamibia in an investment that signaled its confidence and faith in Namibia and its bright economic prospects.

"Namibias economic expansion is stimulating demand for travel to and from the country. FlyNamibias access to the GDS exponentially enhances and increases our ability to tap into this and open new markets. Whilst we are moving closer and deepening our relationship with Airlink, FlyNamibia will continue to operate its own flights and retain its own unique brand and image.

"This dovetails neatly with Namibias Harambee Prosperity Plan II and the National Transport Policy vision for efficient, world-class air transport services," explains Compion.

Although FlyNamibias inventory will be displayed on the GDS, all bookings for flights taking place up to and including 28 August, will be managed on FlyNamibias current reservation system.

Reservations for FlyNamibia flights from 29 August onwards will be processed on the GDS with customers able to follow instructions on the website which will be linked to the new booking portal.

FlyNamibia will maintain parallel systems for six weeks to ensure a smooth transition.
South Africa's manufacturing sector is one of several areas of interest, identified in the National Development Plan (NDP) as an industry poised for job creation and GDP growth. Despite several hurdles having thwarted the industry's progress over the past few years, efforts by the public and private sectors to revitalise and expand South Africa's manufacturing capabilities, present an encouraging prospect for small- and medium-sized (SMEs).

Last year saw South Africas manufacturing sector being put through its paces, with the industrys gross value showing a decline of 1.3 percentage points during the first six months of the year when compared to the same period in 2022. Persistent load shedding, input cost pressures and the Durban floods during April this year dealt deafening blows to the sectors progress in several key performance areas.

The industry did, however, show signs of recovery during the latter part of 2022, with an almost 3 percentage point year-on-year increase in September. Despite predictions by analysts that factory output would remain subdued, factory production rose by just under 5% month-on month over the same time period. Recently, the Absa Purchasing Managers Index rose to 49.8 index points in April 2023 from 48.1 in March showing some signs of recovery.

SMEs as vital cogs within the sectors growth engine

For Jeremy Lang, chief investment officer at Business Partners Limited, as sectors such as manufacturing seek to follow the countrys renewed impetus towards economic recovery, a vital component of the solution lies with small businesses.

As he asserts: Going forward, the strategic positioning of small businesses along the industrys supply and value chains will serve to unlock the sectors potential as a bolstered contributor to our countrys GDP, socioeconomic development and the broadening of the fiscal base.

Recent data presented by Stats SA saw South Africas manufacturing sector taking its place as the second highest contributor to total turnover (25%), after trade.

Now is the ideal opportunity for local entrepreneurs to seek out and harness the opportunities that exist within the manufacturing space, says Lang, who encourages SME owners to look into sub-sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and steel.

Opportunities within sub-sectors

A key example can be seen in the findings of a report by the Pan-African Investment and Research Services (PAIRS), which foregrounded the agro-processing sub-sector as one of the most crucial drivers of the manufacturing sector. Opportunities for SMEs in this arena sit within areas such as processing, logistics, training and skills development, quality assurance, and machinery.

As Lang explains, for SMEs who wish to take advantage of 'emerging trends' within these kinds of value chains, skills such as innovation, negotiation and collaboration will be significant determinants of enduring success.

It is also the ideal time to 'pool our resources' and 'optimise our existing strengths' as a country, as Lang advises, making reference to the fact that South Africa boasts some of the worlds largest automotive production plants.

Given that the automotive industry is undergoing an unprecedented period of transformation, driven by the global call for sustainability, SMEs now have the opportunity to position themselves into this pivotal change process in areas such as the production of parts for electric vehicles and cleaner energy innovations.

Intercontinental prospects for local SMEs

Contributing to the Pan-African outlook on manufacturing and what it means for South African SMEs, Lang encourages entrepreneurs to set their sights both on local prospects and those which lie within the African continent as a whole.

An important factor in the growth of the countrys intercontinental manufacturing capabilities is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). As Lang argues, the AfCFTA can provide local manufacturers with the exact momentum they need to expand into other African territories.

The greatest challenge for SMEs looking to take advantage of more harmonious intra-Africa trade lies within skills and the realm of transport and the ailing state of South African infrastructure. In light of the skills challenge, Lang encourages SMEs to seek support from the Business Partners Ltd technical assistance and mentorship programme sponsored by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). Through our technical assistance programme, we contract expert consultants to assist business owners in navigating the challenges they face in their business journey and close the skills gap that may exist within a business.

Lang is also in full support of the recent launch of the NEF-Transnet SMME Fund, purposed towards boosting localisation and South Africas manufacturing capabilities. The five-year partnership between Transnet, the National Empowerment Fund, the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (Naacam), plans to integrate SMEs into its related value chains and is expected to invest around R220m into the resurgence of the local manufacturing sector.

As Lang concludes: South African SMEs need to tap into developments on the local front, where government has committed to promoting localisation and industrial diversification as part of its NDP targets. As the future of the sector, driven by policy reform, begins to take shape, entrepreneurs should pay close attention to industry developments and consider that manufacturing may hold the key to long-term success.




I doubt there are many other countries in the world - even those who famously praise their own sense of humour - which could turn a national tragedy into a funny gag and then turn that into a marketing pitch.

Tough get going

When the going gets tough, the tough get going, I supposeAnd the going certainly gets tough in South Africa.

There can be few more torturous experiences, in a country where those are the default daily way of life, than going to the Department of Home Affairs to renew your passport or your ID.

I know there have been some attempts to streamline the system  and that you can even go through your bank (at least if youre born here  dont try that if youre a naturalised citizen and want to renew your passport). But mention Home Affairs to anyone and they will immediately conjure up a mental image of a queue moving at glacial speed, unhelpful employees who give the lie to both parts of their job purpose as civil servants and, of course, that reliable passion killer: Sorry, the system is down

Yet Switch energy drink has turned that into a marketing opportunity, putting out the message that this is the energy concoction that will fortify you to deal with anything life in SA throws at youincluding the DHA.

We see a man trying to renew his ID and he is put through the paces  photo, proof of residence, copy of photo, etc etc. The process takes so long that he has his next birthday  which requires starting the whole rigmarole again. And then another wait long enough for him to grow a beard.

When he finally gets back to the woman who has been torturing him, she says (you guessed it): Sorry, system is offline. Come back tomorrow.

Taking a swig of his Switch drink, he smiles and says: See you tomorrow. Now if it were only that simple to put our civil service inefficiency behind us.

Still, the ad does propose that Switch is the way to cope with those situations where you need that sort of extra strength. And if you smile, if not laugh, during the ad, well then, the message has got through.

And youve showed youre a South African. What doesnt kill amuses, apparently

Orchid to Switch. Long may you and others like you continue to lampoon our lazy and incompetent overlords  although soon, this might be regarded as a threat to state security.

Local accents

So, our minister of youth, women and those with disabilities, the anti-smoking superhero Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, believes that the Brics (Brazil, India. China, Russia and South Africa) bloc will be a way to accelerate the downfall of an unjust imperialist world order.

Given this countrys fascination with everything from the West  and especially its bling  she and the other ANC zealots living in the past of the Cold War and the Soviet state have a mountain to climb to change the perceptions of people.

And, in the minds of some mindless advertisers, the perception is that the best way to sell your products is to do it with a fake American accent.

The latest brand guilty of that is Homemark, promoting various home appliances with fake male and female Yank accents. Why do you need to do this? Do you think this is the Days of Our Lives? There is nothing wrong with local accentsand by using South African voices, you emphasise that you are South African and one of us.

As it is, Homemark, you are as fake as Hollywood and you get an Onion for being part of the shallow thinkers who believe the Stars and Stripes make everything better.

I hope I didnt just get myself on to Dlamini-Zumas Christmas card list.
Will Americans be duped again into complying with high-pressure masking, group-think, forced lockdowns, and repeated mRNA jabs?

Last week on Friday, July 21, the Biden administration quietly announced the creation of a new permanent office within the White House called the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy, or OPPR.

Joe Biden has named a military man, retired Air Force Maj. General Paul Friedrichs, to head up the new office.

Why now? I thought Covid was over. Biden said months ago Covid was over, totally conquered.

The only folks I know who are still getting Covid are the ones who got multiple mRNA Covid jabs, causing their immune-compromised bodies to continue to manufacture the toxic spike proteins, which then make them sick. We also continue to hear weekly of young healthy people who are dying suddenly with no warning.

By creating this new office and emphasizing that it will be permanent, this is a red flag that should have our keen attention. Is the government, still drunk with new powers gained from the last pandemic, telegraphing to us plebiscites that another pandemic is right around the corner?

The significance of this step by Biden last Friday cannot be fully and properly contextualized without going into a little history dating back to 2019 and 2020. We could go even further back to show how U.S. laws were changed in preparation for a massively hyped pandemic, but for the sake of space I will only go back a few years.

While the media and the entire globalist establishment did their best to hide it, the United States, in the spring of 2020, went into a form of medical martial law.

In a May 15, 2020, news release from the Department of Defense, the Trump administration announced the appointment of General Gustave F. Perna as chief operating officer of Operation Warp Speed, the administrations national program to accelerate the development, manufacturing, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics (medical countermeasures).

Below is Trump at the White House podium with General Perna as he announced the launch of Operation Warp Speed.

On May 14, 2020, Reuters reported as follows:

President Donald Trump is mobilizing the U.S. military to distribute a novel coronavirus vaccine when one becomes available and will focus first on older Americans.

You know its a massive job to give this vaccine, Trump said in an interview broadcast Thursday on Fox Business Network. Our military is now being mobilized so at the end of the year, were going to be able to give it to a lot of people very, very rapidly.

He said he believes there will be a vaccine by the end of the year and the United States is mobilizing our military and other forces on that assumption.

Where did that assumption come from? Who was Trump relying on for his information and guidance in placing a Covid vaccine, which we are told did not even exist at that point, let alone been tested for short, medium and long-term safety, under the U.S. military?

Im not sure if this had ever been done before, at least not in America.

Militaries are built to mobilize for war. And this was no different.

The war was about to be waged against the American people. The weapons of war in this case would be a fierce propaganda campaign to prepare the battlefield, followed by a massive effort to inject a bioweapon directly into the bodies of every man, woman and child, down to 6 months of age.

The establishment waged this war for two years. Get a shot. Get another shot, and another, and another. They paid you to get it. They threatened you with loss of job, loss of rights to travel and assemble, loss of healthcare, and loss of various benefits if you didnt get it. When has that ever happened before?

On September 1, 2022, Biden delivered his infamous red speech in which he threatened Americans who opposed his policies on Covid vaccines and other issues while flanked by two U.S. Marines. The symbolic message was unmistakable.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA  SEPTEMBER 01: U.S. President Joe Biden delivers a primetime speech at Independence National Historical Park September 1, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. President Biden spoke on the continued battle for the Soul of the Nation. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) " data-medium-file="https://leohohmann.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/biden-red-speech.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://leohohmann.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/biden-red-speech.jpg?w=660" /> PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA  SEPTEMBER 01: U.S. President Joe Biden delivers a primetime speech at Independence National Historical Park September 1, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. President Biden spoke on the continued battle for the Soul of the Nation. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

The leash of tyranny has been loosened over the last 10 to 12 months. Travel has returned to normal, most of the mandates have been dropped, but all of the unconstitutional laws, rules, logistical practices and executive orders remain in place and at the ready to once again ramp up the heat on Americans to comply with whatever new normal the globalists desire to impose next.

And Biden is getting ready for it by creating this new OPPR.

But before we get into Bidens latest government creation, we have to finish the story of what has led up to this point.

President Trump placed the distribution of an unproven, untested Covid vaccine under the U.S. military and engaged his White House Covid-19 Task Force, which was run by then-Vice President Mike Pence along with Dr. Deborah Birx.

Pence, a globalist neocon and an ex-Marine who comes across as almost robotic and soulless, was the perfect man for the job. He no doubt worked closely with the military-industrial complex to get this bioweapon offloaded into the civilian centers where it could be mass injected into the population.

The whole Covid response soon became all about vaccines. Every other treatment was demonized in the state-run media and on social media. Any counter messaging, any questioning of the vaccines safety or efficacy fell into what the government would call mis, dis, or mal information and had to be eradicated, just as the globalists had war-gamed during the Event 201 tabletop exercise on October 19, 2019, in New York City. It was here that CIA agent Avril Haines participated along with representatives of the CDC, the Chinese CDC, the United Nations World Health Organization, the Gates Foundation and other globalist entities would rehearse their response to the upcoming Covid biowarfare production.

The Covid vaccine program became the most intense marketing and propaganda operation in world history, with people from all ages and all walks of life pressured to comply. I can still hear Trump bragging about the medical miracle, followed up a few months later by Joe Biden whispering get the shot.

When criticized for his role in bringing out an unsafe and ineffective vaccine based on all-new mRNA technology, Trump doubled down.

In May 2021, Trump gave himself credit for the coronavirus vaccine rollout, calling it one of the greatest miracles of the ages.

Trump issued a statement saying that without his administrations help with the purchase and military distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, the U.S. wouldnt be where its at in terms of the number of vaccinated Americans, adding that it took his team just nine months to develop a vaccine while everybody was saying it would take at least 3-5 years.

These two men, Trump and Biden, are more alike than many of us are willing to admit, because when the chips were down, neither one was a true leader. They simply did what the same group of unelected experts told them to do.

The whole theater production remains to this day a largely military psychological operation based on fear and mass compliance.

After initially criticizing what Trump had done in terms of operation warp speed, Joe Biden, once he took office, continued the Trump policy of militarizing and pressurizing the vaccine rollout. Almost no American could honestly say they did not feel at least some pressure to submit to the shots. If you didnt then you live in a cocoon.

The declaration of a national emergency was the key component used to engage the military and shield the vaccine manufacturers from even rudimentary levels of accountability and liability for their products. Because the vaccine was presented under medical counter-measures and placed under the military, all national and international laws protecting the civilian population from harmful experimental medical treatments were waived. Tens of thousands of Americans have paid for this outrage with their lives. Others have been permanently harmed and placed on disability, no longer able to work.

Among the laws that were waived was the requirement that all people offered experimental treatments must be granted informed consent  a requirement thats embedded in both the U.S. Emergency Use Authorization laws as well as international law through the Nuremburg Code.

Physicians were allowed to violate informed consent, which requires full disclosure of all ingredients and all potential side effects, in the experimental treatment. Most doctors and nurses never even questioned what was in the vaccines, let alone advised their patients about potential adverse events. If they did, they risked losing their medical licenses. So, they just repeated the narrative sent to them by the narrative creators. It was safe and effective.

In doing this, the doctors also violated their medical oath to do no harm.

Only under a situation of medical martial law could all of the laws and procedures meant to protect people be waived as they were in 2021 onward.

Thats the back story.

Fast forward to July 21, 2023.

The aforementioned military operation was so successful that the Biden administration is now making it permanent and taking it to the next level.

On Friday, July 21, the White House announced in a press release the creation of a new permanent office called the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy, or OPPR with Maj. General Friedrichs at the helm.

Friedrichs has served as special assistant to the president as senior director of global health security and biodefense at the White House National Security Council. Hes also been in leadership positions with NATO.

So this is a man whos right up there with General Mark Milley and Lloyd Austin in terms of his ability to rise up the ranks of the U.S. military. Guys like Milley, Austin and Friedrichs are essentially globalist military bureaucrats who get promoted up the ladder by kissing the right backsides, not because they are particularly brilliant or wise. Thats how it works in Washington.

The July 21 White House press release states:

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.

I thought that was why we had the CDC, the HHS, and multiple other agencies. Why do we need another biomedical-security office run by the military?

The release further states that this new office will, Coordinate the Administrations domestic response to public health threats that have pandemic potential, or may cause significant disruption, and strengthen domestic pandemic preparedness. This includes ongoing work to address potential public health outbreaks and threats from COVID-19, Mpox, polio, avian and human influenza, and RSV.

Notice every one of the diseases listed has a vaccine ready and waiting.

But just in case you arent convinced that this new office will be all about getting more Americans injected with more of Big Pharmas new generation of mRNA vaccines, the very next paragraph of the news release spells it out, stating that the new office will:

Drive and coordinate federal science and technology efforts related to pandemic preparedness. Specifically, OPPR will oversee efforts to develop, manufacture, and procure the next generation of medical countermeasures, including leveraging emerging technologies and working with HHS on next generation vaccines and treatments for COVID-19 and other public health threats.

I suspect, after reading through this release, that the next big pandemic is already on the shelf and waiting to be released, to be followed by another vaccine rollout and mass-propaganda campaign.

In February 2022, Bill Gates told CNBC: Well have another pandemic. It will be a different pathogen next time.

How does Gates know this? It was 100 years between the Spanish Flu and Covid. Why is he so certain the next one is imminent and that it will be a different pathogen?

Its no coincidence most countries are rolling out digital IDs and central bank digital currencies with some, such as Ethiopia, spotlighting 2025 for when these changes will be fully operational and mandated. Think of the possibilities if the next pandemic were to hit in the summer or fall of 2024 and just gets worse into 2025 as a new president is taking office. The globalist elites will by then have a newly upgraded digital enforcement mechanism to lock people down that was not available to them at the peak of the Covid plandemic in 2020 or 2021.

Covid 2020-2021 was a valuable test run, launched by the globalists to see how many people would accept their new normal of 24/7 surveillance, mandated and repeated mRNA vaccines, restrictions on travel, speech, assembly, religious practices, and all purchases.

Wash, rinse, repeat. The first round was successful beyond the globalists wildest dreams in conditioning people for the coming beast system. They wont be able to resist a second round. The question is when, not if.

LeoHohmann.com is 100 percent reader-supported and funded, allowing me to be completely independent and free of corporate or government influence. If youd like to support my investigative reporting and analysis, you may send a contribution of any size c/o Leo Hohmann, P.O. Box 291, Newnan, GA 30264, or via credit card here.
[This article on the importance of WikiLeaks revelations related to Serbia and Kosovo comes as WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is facing extradition to the U.S. where the U.S. government is seeking to try him under the Espionage Act. If Assange is extradited and convicted in what would amount to a show trial, it would represent a major blow to freedom of the press and to attempts to hold powerful actors accountable for secret political manipulations like those described in this article, and war crimes.Editors]

Fears about a revival of the 1990s Balkans conflict have resulted from the flaring of renewed tensions between Serbia and Kosovo. Time magazine reported that, in May, Kosovo police raided Serb-dominated areas in the regions north and seized local municipal buildings. Further, Kosovos police and NATO-led peacekeepers engaged local Serbs in clashes that led to dozens of people being injured on both sides.

In this image made from video, a Kosovo police car burns in Zvecan, in northern Kosovo on May 26, 2023. Serbia put its troops on the border with Kosovo on the highest state of alert following clashes between ethnic Serbs and Kosovo police that left more than a dozen injured on both sides. [Source: time.com]

Traditionally, Kosovo was a province of Serbia but declared its illegal, unconstitutional, unilateral, pseudo independence in 2008 with U.S.-NATO backingnine years after a U.S.-NATO bombing campaign targeted the Serbs that helped establish ethnic Albanian rule in Kosovo.

American bombing of Serbian positions in Kosovo in 1999 during the NATO air campaign. [Source: nytimes.com]

New reports prepared by U.S. diplomats which were released by WikiLeaks and the British Guardian in 2010 uncovered the details of how the Western powers used all diplomatic ways and means to try to engineer the independence of Kosovo and get support for that from Russia. Certain cables by Western diplomats reveal how France and the U.S. had tried to maneuver so that Serbia could get the Agreement for Stabilization and EU Accession (SAA) as well as NATO membership in the Partnership for Peace.

The diplomatic correspondence cables by the U.S. Ambassador to France, Craig Stapleton, written on December 12, 2006, detail a conversation between Daniel Freed, the Assistant to the U.S. Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia with Maurice Gourdault-Montagne, foreign policy adviser to then-French President Jacques Chirac, held on December 7, 2006, in Paris, France.

Craig Stapleton [Source: blog.ctnews.com]

The French presidents adviser talked then about the plans by France to convince the EU to offer Serbia membership in SAA designed to get it into the EU, regardless of the unfinished obligation of full cooperation with The Hague Tribunal. They were worried about the explicit threats by then-Russian President Vladimir Putin that he would veto the UN Security Council resolution on the Kosovo issue.

In the cable, which was marked as secret, it is relayed that Freed said that the West should prepare themselves to act without the Russians, and that the U.S. decided to offer Serbia Partnership for Peace (prelude to NATO membership) as well as the support for democratic forces within the country on the eve of the elections and that President Boris Tadic created a good foundation for a Euro-Atlantic future for Serbia.

According to the WikiLeaks cables, the U.S. decided for the same reasons to support the postponement of Ahtisaari recommendations on the status of Kosovo (recommendations by President of Finland Martti Ahtisaari for Kosovos independence with supervision by the international community), after January 21, 2007, when extraordinary parliamentary elections were held in Serbia.

Daniel Freed [Source: atlanticcouncil.org]

What was certain was that the Russians were not to be allowed to believe that the veto threat would work because they would make use of it. The West thus should send a signal that they were ready to move without them if necessary, because the non-existence of a signal would be interpreted as a tacit agreement for Russia to raise their stake. That would be a horrible possibility, but the paralysis would be worse, Freed said.

Maurice Gourdault-Montagne said that President Chirac recommended to German Chancellor Angela Merkel that the EU offer to Serbia becoming part of the SAA even in the case of insufficient cooperation of Belgrade with The Hague.

Merkel first gave a negative response, stating Tadics failure to fulfill it, but France still considered that the offer of SSP could make a difference in the January elections. Gourdault-Montagne added that France would then offer SSP on its own.

However, in the WikiLeaks cables of other U.S. diplomats who discuss the issue of Kosovo, it is mentioned that the U.S. Ambassador to Italy communicated to the State Department in Washington that Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said, in November 2008, that the recognition of the independence of Kosovo represents a U.S. provocation against Russia.

Silvio Berlusconi [Source: wikipedia.org]

The Kosovo issue is mentioned in the WikiLeaks cables related to Georgia as well. In June 2007, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili expressed his concern that the independence of Kosovo could create a precedent and encourage the position of Russia in the breakaway Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

The State Department documents published by WikiLeaks emphasize that Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs (and future CIA Director) William J. Burns met with Saakashvili in June 2007 in order to confirm the intention of the U.S. to support the independence of Kosovo.

Mikheil Saakashvili [Source: wsj.com] William J. Burns [Source: 2001-2009.state.gov]

However, Saakashvili warned the U.S. on that occasion that Russia would use that precedent to recognize the independence of Abkhazia. This conclusion could be drawn from a confidential cable sent to the U.S. Embassy in Paris.

Burns responded that the recognition of Abkhazia would isolate Russia on the international stage and would call upon Georgia to refrain from opposing it. According to this cable, the U.S. diplomat told Mikheil Saakashvili that then-U.S. President George W. Bush, at the G8 summit, told Putin clearly that Kosovo would be independent.

Russian threats that they would recognize Abkhazia were evaluated by Burns as vacuous, adding that then-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice clearly told Putin and Sergey Lavrov that the recognition of Abkhazia would be a great mistake.

Condoleezza Rice [Source: businessinsider.com]

When asked by Saakashvili if there were anything else besides Abkhazia which Russia would accept in return for the independence of Kosovo, Burns responded that the U.S. was searching for a solution as to how to encourage the Russians to refrain from the Albanian negotiations for three to five months more.

In the cables which were published by WikiLeaks, separate meetings were mentioned with the then outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Russia, William Burns, in which opposition to Kosovos independence was voiced by Soviet dissident Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn and Patriarch Cyril.

Solzhenitsyn repeated his criticism to the Ambassador about the independence of Kosovo. Why would the Serbs, he asked, be responsible for the sins committed by Milosevic?

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn [Source: cbsnews.com]

As was detailed in the cables, Solzhenitsyn was also critical of that decision and plans about Ukraine getting closer to joining NATO.

Below is an interview carried out by Serbian TV on the talk show Govornica with Nikola Vrzic, who is author of the book WikiLeaks Serbia, which provides further details on the significance of the WikiLeaks Serbia documents.

Nikola Vrzic [Source: YouTube.com]

TV host: The exposure of the network of U.S. influence in Serbia, for which it seems to me that before you published your first book was merely guessed at by many locals, and that it may have been somewhat incidental, there have been mere suspicions of what may have been happening. And then we have the situation that in the year 2011 you obtain full access to.

NV: Not only me. All the reporters in the world. When WikiLeaks were released

TV host: In the autumn of 2010, WikiLeaks published diplomatic correspondence and I am interested to know who remembered to use the somewhat antiquated term depesa (cables). Yet, it is in fact diplomatic correspondence and cables sent by a telegraph. You selected 1,000 out of 250,000 diplomatic cables sent from Belgrade [Serbia] and several hundred sent by others which were related to Serbia.

NV: Yes, that is true.

TV host: You come to a conclusion, with which we shall wrap up this talk, that a very powerful and incredibly strong network of U.S. influencers in Serbia has been established, which penetrates almost all pores of a society, given that the U.S. has their own insiders not only in the government ministers, who duly report to them, and not only in the military where they assign generals, and not only within the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Serbian judicial system or the Public Prosecution and political parties but also they weigh in in the creation of the political coalitions. What we have today can be viewed as the result of the U.S. influence which anybody [can see] who takes a look at the book you wrote in 2011, published by PECAT in as few as a hundred pages, the title of which is

NV: WIKILEAKS: The Secrets of the Belgrade Political Correspondence

TV host: And I think there is an alternative title which you did not assign to it eventually. It sounded something like The chronicles of the occupation or something along those lines.

NV: Well, yes. In fact you have described it all fine. It seems that these cables are the reports which the U.S. diplomats sent off; these were the conversations with our politicians though retold.

TV host: The reports by ambassadors and diplomatic civil servants/officials from Belgrade sent to Washington, D.C.?

NV: Yes. That is true. Then there are reports about a set of counsel sessions of the U.S. diplomats with their allies related to Serbia. I used everything that would give me a broader picture of Serbia in that context.

TV host: So the time span it covered was from 2005 to 2010. Is that so? The U.S. ambassador at the time was

NV: There was Michael Polt, then Cameron Munter, then Jennifer Brush afterwardsI am not sure if I may have forgotten somebodySo, it was not only one U.S. ambassador [but a number of them in succession]. We also have the cables from Hillary Clinton who signed and sent them in her position as Secretary of State back then. Anywaysthe point of all this is, at the end of the day, the Americans at least in that period, the crux of the matter was/is Kosovo and Metohija and how to force Serbia into formally renouncing Kosovo and Metohija and how to find appropriately cooperative allies to help them with that. I asked Vojislav Kostunica to give a talk at my book promotion because he was our Prime Minister at the time. He has proven to be a man who can truly look us in the eyes because he never resorted to any falsehoods or lies and he never reneged on what he would pledge in public.

TV host: I am now chuckling because I remember your statement and I would like to ask you now to explain it to our TV viewers. It refers to Vojislav Kostunica. According to the secret reports from the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, only two Serbian politicians were considered to be truly consistent: Vojislav Kostunica and Cedomir Jovanovic.

Vojislav Kostunica [Source: wikipedia.org] Cedomir Jovanovic [Source: wikipedia.org]

NV: Yes, that is true.

TV host: Could you possibly explain?

NV: Vojislav Kostunica is consistent in his advocating for

TV host: How is it possible that all the others are believed to be dishonest, lying and conniving, yet only Cedomir Jovanovic and Kostunica are consistent in your opinion?

NV: Of course. I told this tongue-in-cheek. Kostunica has been consistent in his protecting or at least in his efforts to protect and defend [our sovereignty and Constitution, etc.]. He was consistent in that he never retreated an inch from the red lines drawn which were stipulated by our Constitution and Resolution 1244. Cedomir Jovanovic, on the other hand, of course, he has been consistent in a completely different way. We do not have to dwell on his personality for too long in vain.

TV host: Is that also consistency when we talk about Cedomir Jovanovic?

NV: If high treason were a matter of honesty, yes. Yes, it can be called consistency. There was an issue with Boris Tadic, Vuk Jeremic and Zdravko Ponos and their cronies all the time, according to the reports by U.S. diplomatsWhat I am doing in my book is making a cross-section of the information stated in public after a number of meetings in certain situations with what we found out from what was written in the U.S. WikiLeaks. So what we have here is Vuk Jeremic and Boris Tadic saying that Serbia is militarily neutral but they had just come out of the NATO meeting where, according to the U.S. diplomatic reports, both said: Our no. 1 priority is for Serbia to join NATO. Then in the WikiLeaks we can further follow their joint synchronized work on the proclamation of the quasi independence of Kosovo, i.e., you mean how can Kosovo proclaim independence unilaterally because it was not possible otherwise but to avert the political demise of Boris Tadic, though for that incident not to impede the ongoing election campaign?

NV: Yes, exactly that. For that reason, Vuk Jeremic facilitated the introduction of Hashim Thaci into the UN Security Council which had not been possible before.

Vuk Jeremic [Source: wikipedia.org] Hashim Thaci [Source: wikipedia.org]

NV: Yes, but because of the TV broadcast and Tadics speech in the UN Security Council, Vuk Jeremic did that.

TV host: I need to ask you this: Serbia had its (un)fair share in the declaration of Kosovo independence up to a point in such a way that it does not hinder President Tadics presidential elections

NV: Essentially yes. Some sort of a deal was along these lines: Could you please keep schtumm for now until the elections are finished for Boris Tadic to win in January 2008, and after that you declare independence and we shall do nothing that crucial, i.e., we shall reduce our reaction to mere cosmetics. So this was exactly what happened. In the meantime, we went through some rather nasty episodes. For instance, the Serbian governmentbecause we already knew what was being prepared in the pipeline, rejected the Ahtisaari plan. We did not want to take part in it. We did not have any mechanism to put a halt to it, i.e., to prevent the U.S. and those in Pristina from declaring independence but the Serbian government, the leader of which was Vojislav Kostunica, although DS had a parliamentary majority at the time, they prepared a plan of action then.

TV host: Yes, the famous secret measures.

NV: That plan was classified as a state secret. Then Borko Stefanovic goes to the U.S. Embassy and carelessly babbles out the details of that plan.


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Readers have the chance to win a fantastic night out in Dublin city with a trip to the Abbey Theatre to see Marina Carrs acclaimed Girl on an Altar, plus a delicious pre-show dinner and a bottle of house wine in Trocadero restaurant.

The critically acclaimed Girl on an Altar, which runs at the Abbey Theatre until August 19th, has been described as little short of a masterpiece (Sunday Independent) and a must-see (The Irish Post), with four-star reviews across the board.

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In this dramatically powerful portrait of a marriage ripped apart, writer Marina Carr weaves an intimate portrait of a once unbreakable couple who cant bring themselves to forgive the past, but cant live without each other.

Eileen Walsh stars in this thrilling new Abbey Theatre production about a royal couple bound together by love, desire, hate and resentment. They find themselves and their families caught in the consequences of a terrible act of sacrifice, and the inability of the heart to forgive.

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Co-produced with Londons Kiln Theatre, and directed by Annabelle Comyn, Girl on an Altar runs at the Abbey Theatre until 19th August 2023.

Trocadero restaurant is Dublins theatre restaurant, attracting stars of the stage and screen for over 65 years. Diners from Dublin and beyond are brought back to St. Andrew Street time and again by excellent food and a wonderful atmosphere.

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With a cooking style that is simple and meticulous, visitors are treated to wonderful fish dishes, excellent steak, lamb, and enticing desserts. Irish suppliers are encouraged and locally sourced food is favoured.

To win this top-class prize  four tickets to Girl on an Altar plus dinner for four with a bottle of house wine at Trocadero  answer the following question on the Breakingnews.ie Facebook page by 12pm Irish time on Friday, July 28th, 2023.

Who wrote Girl on an Altar?

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Marina Carr

Nancy Harris

Martyna Majok

Competition Terms & Conditions

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 The prize is four tickets to Marina Carrs Girl on an Altar plus three-course dinner for four in Trocadero with a bottle of house wine (58 set menu per person). The prize is available Tuesday  Thursday only and must be ordered by 5.15pm on the day. The tickets are valid up to August 19th, 2023, when the Girl on an Altar ends at the Abbey Theatre.

 Booking is subject to availability and the voucher cannot be refunded or redeemed for cash.

 The prize cannot be exchanged for monetary value or any other item. For the prize to be posted to the winner the promoter will require full addresses and cannot take re-sponsibility for any addresses supplied incorrectly.

 The closing date for entries is 12pm Irish time on Friday, July 28th, 2023. The winner will be contacted after this time by breakingnews.ie via our Facebook account (watch out for the blue tick verification on our account). Please be wary of fake ac-counts and don't trust any other suspicious messages.

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 The promoters decision is final and binding in all matters and no correspondence will be entered into.

 The promoters reserve the right to change any aspect of the prize.

 The closing date for entries is 12pm Irish time on Friday, July 28th, 2023.

 The prize will be subject to any additional terms and conditions of the suppliers of the prize.

 The promoters are excluded from liability for any loss, damage or injury which might occur to the winner arising from his or her acceptance of the prize.

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 The Promoter reserves the right to hold void, suspend, cancel or amend the Promotion where it becomes necessary to do so.
A suspension on the awarding of a new 800 million contract for Ireland's air search and rescue service has been lifted by the High Court.

Mr Justice Michael Twomey however placed a stay on his order, to allow the losing bidder and current incumbent to bring an appeal over his decision this Thursday.

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In May, the Minister for Transport announced Bristow Ireland, a subsidiary of the US-based Bristow group, was the preferred bidder for the new contract.

The current provider, CHC Ireland, then brought a legal challenge claiming there were a number of flaws in the conduct of the tender competition. As a result, an automatic suspension on the awarding of the new contract kicked in, but the minister then applied to the High Court to have it lifted. CHC opposed the application.

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CHC, which is one of the largest global operators of rotary wing aircraft, employs 141 in Ireland. It was awarded the current contract in 2012 for 10 years and has exercised options to extend up to July 2025.

Its proceedings are against the Minister for Transport with Bristow as a notice party.

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Unusual aspects

In arguments before Mr Justice Twomey earlier this month, Catherine Donnelly SC, for CHC, said the suspension should stay in place because of a number of striking or unusual aspects to the awarding of the contract.

These included that confidential information had been shared during the process and certain evaluators had previously worked for Bristow, she said.

Ms Donnelly also said it was not in the public interest that there was a race to sign this contract in circumstances where her side had raised serious doubts about the Bristow service where many of its claims have not been properly addressed.

Douglas Clarke SC, for the minister, and Johathan Newman SC, for Bristow, urged the court not to grant an injunction which would prevent the contract being awarded to the winning bidder.

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It was argued, among other things, that it was not simply a matter of "pulling down the lever and off goes the transition plan out of the traps", but something that required the two-year transition period so that the full new and improved service could be up and running.

On Tuesday, Mr Justice Twomey ruled the suspension should be lifted but agreed to stay his decision after he was told the Court of Appeal had listed any possible appeal of the decision for Thursday.
Updated: 2pm

Another gig, another raft of fans angered by the Ticketmaster system.

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Following the rush of gig-goers to the Ticketmaster website last week attempting to secure tickets for Taylor Swift's concerts next year, the website was again inundated on Tuesday morning, this time for the presale of Coldplay's 2024 Dublin dates.

The band announced last week they will play two nights at Croke Park as part of their Music of the Spheres world tour, set for August 29th and 30th, and following huge demand, have released two more Dublin dates, September 1st and 2nd.

The artist presale began at 10am on Tuesday, with people having to register on the band's website to receive a code in order to secure early access to tickets.

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As expected, demand was high, and the Ticketmaster website struggled under the pressure of thousands of fans vying to get their hands on tickets to see Chris Martin & Co's first return to Dublin since 2017.

Many of those on the hunt for tickets took to Twitter to debrief, with Ticketmaster and Coldplay both trending in Ireland.

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With many experiencing difficulty getting out of Ticketmaster's queueing system, one Twitter user tweeted: "Genuine question - has anyone actually managed to get #coldplaydublin tickets yet?

"I've been onto Ticketmaster to try and find out what's going on with the capacity issues on the platform. No word back yet."

Ticketmasters one purpose is to sell tickets. How does it not have a system that can cope with demand  #Coldplay pic.twitter.com/9CQRouUlTy  Amy Molloy (@AmyMolloyIndo) July 25, 2023

Others shared screenshots of error messages they were shown on the Ticketmaster website, with some stating they were kicked out of the queue.

"Ticketmaster's one purpose is to sell tickets. How does it not have a system that can cope with demand," another Twitter user wrote.

Many of those who made it to the queue were also left disheartened, with some sharing images showing there were hunderds of thousands of people in line ahead of them.

For those who did not get a presale code, or who missed out in the presale, there is still hope as tickets for the three Dublin dates go on general sale at 10am on Friday.
A 23-year-old Cork man has appeared before the Special Criminal Court charged with membership of the IRA and having hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

Daniel Sheehan appeared before the three-judge, non-jury court on Tuesday following his arrest in Cork this morning.

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Sheehan, of Churchfield Avenue, Churchfield, Cork is charged with the membership of an illegal organisation, namely the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, at a location within the State on June 3rd, 2022.

He is also accused of having in his possession 263 rounds of ammunition in such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable inference that he did not have it in his possession or under his control for a lawful purpose in a shed at Churchfield Avenue in Cork City on the same date.

Detective Garda Geraldine Daly gave evidence of arrest charge and caution.

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Det Gda Daly told the court she identified herself to Daniel Sheehan at 10.41am this morning on Anglesea Street in Cork.

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The Detective Garda said she arrested Mr Sheehan under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act on suspicion of having committed scheduled offences, namely membership of the IRA on June 3rd, 2022, and under section 27 (A) of the Firearms Act in relation to possession of 263 rounds of various ammunition in a shed at his home address.

Charge sheet

Det Gda Daly said she informed Mr Sheehan that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed that he be brought before the next sitting of the Special Criminal Court where he was to be charged with these offences. She said she then explained the charges to Mr Sheehan in ordinary language.

The detective said before he was brought before the court, she handed Mr Sheehan a true copy of the charge sheet.

After Mr Sheehan was formally charged before the court, Detective Garda Daly served the defendant with the Book of Evidence.

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Defence counsel Patrick McCullough BL said it was his understanding that bail conditions had been agreed. He also made an application for legal aid, which was granted by the court.

Solicitor Michael ODonovan, acting for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said there was consent to bail subject to a number of conditions.

Mr Justice Alexander Owens remanded Mr Sheehan in custody with consent to bail to appear again before the court on October 9th.
A Nigerian politician and his psychiatrist wife have resolved High Court proceedings they brought against an Irish-based woman alleged to have defamed them in videos posted by her on social media.

Oluseye Oladejo, a ranking member of the APC political party in Nigeria, and his wife Dr Oluwatoyin Oladejo had claimed that they were defamed in videos allegedly posted on Facebook by Kudirat Adunni Alowonle.

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The couple claimed that in the videos the defendant made several untrue and highly defamatory comments following their marriage in Lagos, Nigeria in June.

The plaintiffs, represented by Gerard Martin Byrne Bl instructed by Geoffery Nwadike of GN & Co Solicitors, had sought various orders against the defendant including an injunction directing her to take down the allegedly defamatory videos.

They also sought orders under the 2009 Defamation Act prohibiting the defendant from publishing any further defamatory material about them, that a correction be published by the defendant, and that she disclose who she shared the allegedly defamatory videos with.

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Last week Mr Justice Brian O'Moore granted the couple permission to serve short notice of the injunction proceedings on the defendant, with an address at Hillview, Sallins, Co Kildare.

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When the matter returned before the court on Tuesday, Mr Byrne said that the matter had been resolved.

The defendant, he said, had taken down the videos and had published an apology to his clients. As a result, counsel said the injunction proceedings could be struck out.

The defendant was not present in court and no representations were made on her behalf.

The court previously heard that 57-year-old Mr Oladeyo, aka 'Hon. Seye' is a spokesperson for his party in the Lagos area and has held several important administrative positions in Nigeria during his political career.

Dr. Oluwatoyin Oladejo, aka 'Dr Tee' is a Texas-based psychiatric medical practitioner, who holds both US and Nigerian citizenship.

Shortly after their marriage the couple claimed that the defendant defamed them in Live Shows broadcast on her Facebook Page, entitled "Yeye Kudi Court Room".

In a sworn statement to the court, Dr Oladejo said that in the broadcasts the defendant "published false statements and made serious allegations against us that are highly defamatory".

Dr Oladejo said all these false allegations had damaged her and her husband's good names and characters.
Lawyers for Gemma O'Doherty have told the High Court she is the controller of one of three Twitter accounts alleged to have breached a court order not to harass the mother of a young man who died by suicide.

At the High Court on Tuesday, Edel Campbell, who is suing Ms O'Doherty over the use of her son's image on a publication run by the defendant, secured orders directing Twitter to disclose the identities and contact details of the operators, controllers and owners of the other two accounts also alleged to have breached the injunction.

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Earlier this month, Ms Campbell sought various disclosure orders from Twitter and Ms O'Doherty in relation to three of the social media's accounts '@irishlightpaper', '@cavandrugwatch' and '@michaelmg3'.

When the matter returned before the High Court, Mr Justice Brian O'Moore was told by Gregory Murphy Bl, for the defendant, that she accepts she is the person in charge of the '@irishlightpaper' Twitter account.

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Counsel said his client denies any wrongdoing and said she intends to fully contest all the allegations against her. However, she has nothing to do with and no control over the two other accounts, counsel said.

David Kennedy SC, with Paul Comiskey O'Keeffe Bl instructed by solicitor Ciaran Mulholland for the plaintiff, said that in correspondence, Twitter had said it would not oppose, nor consent to, the orders being sought by his client.

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In light of the correspondence from Twitter, Mr JustiCce O'Moore said he was satisfied to grant the disclosure orders sought in respect of the '@cavandrugwatch' and '@michaelmg3' accounts.

The orders will allow Ms Campbell's team to determine who is behind those accounts. It will then be up to Ms Campbell if she wishes to bring a motion against those parties and the defendant for alleged contempt of court.

Previously, the court heard Ms Campbell claims she has been harassed by Ms O'Doherty because she has sued the defendant over the alleged unauthorised publication of the image of plaintiff's late son.

She claims Ms O'Doherty has wrongly and unlawfully used the image of plaintiff's son, Diego Gilsenan, in an article on media controlled by Ms O'Doherty, linking unexplained deaths to the Covid-19 vaccination.

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Ms Campbell secured an injunction restraining Ms O'Doherty from harassing the plaintiff, or from publishing Ms Campbell and her late son's images or any personal confidential material about them.

Ms ODoherty is also restrained from encouraging or inciting others to intimidate the plaintiff.

Removal

The court also ordered Ms ODoherty to take down and remove any image of the plaintiff and her late son from any form of media that she owns or operates.

The injunction is to remain in place pending the final outcome of Ms Campbell's action against Ms O'Doherty, trading as 'The Irish Light'.

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The plaintiff claims Ms O'Doherty is a journalist and the publisher of The Irish Light, a free periodical newspaper, and the publisher/editor of the www.irishlightpaper.com website.

Following Mr Gilsenan's death in August 2021, it is claimed that Ms O'Doherty used the image of the plaintiff's son in an article which it is claimed wrongly stated that he died as a result of the administration of the Covid vaccine.

Ms Campbell, from Kingscourt, Co Cavan, claims that despite making several pleas to Ms O'Doherty to cease using her son's image, the defendant refused to do so.

It is claimed that the picture was taken from RIP.ie and used without consent.

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Ms Campbell further claims that the unauthorised and repeated use of her son's image amounts to harassment and a breach of her constitutional rights, and has caused her emotional pain, suffering and harm.

Ms O'Doherty rejects all the allegations of wrongdoing made against her.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can freephone the Samaritans 24 hours a day for confidential support at 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.

You can also freephone the national Bereavement Support Line run by the HSE and Irish Hospice Foundation at 1800-80 70 77 (Monday-Friday 10am-1pm), and the contact information for a range of mental health supports is available at mentalhealthireland.ie/get-support/.

In the case of an emergency, or if you or someone you know is at risk of suicide or self-harm, dial 999/112.
Labour Senator Marie Sherlock has described the reported cut off criteria for publicly funded IVF treatment as crude.

Ms Sherlock told RTE radios Morning Ireland that while she welcomed the long awaited plans for publicly funded IVF treatment for couples dealing with infertility issues, there were some causes for concern.

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Ireland stands as one of a very tiny number of countries across the European Union that does not publicly fund fertility treatment.

The key question now was the criteria for who was eligible, she said.

I look forward to reading the experts recommendations and indeed then putting that alongside the government's criteria, because I think there are some causes for concern based on what has been reported this morning.

The cut-off age of 41 for the woman and the body mass index criteria were rather crude cut off criteria, she said.

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But I think what stands out most to me is the exclusion of those who have an unknown infertility or an unknown cause of infertility.

"We know that of the one in six couples who experience infertility in this country, about 25 per cent have an unknown cause.

In other countries, such as the UK, the clinical guidelines recommend that women with unexplained infertility who have not conceived after two years are then eligible for publicly funded IVF.

I don't understand why that cannot be included here. I think that would be very unfair to those with unexplained fertility causes.

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Another issue of concern to Ms Sherlock was that the programme will be delivered through private fertility clinics. There had been a Government commitment for a publicly funded IVF programme for over seven years, but the Government has not got its act together to ensure that that can be provided through our public hospitals".

This goes into the wider health debate about relying on private agencies and private clinics to deliver what are essentially public services. I'm certainly concerned, particularly because we still do not have the assisted human reproduction legislation that the Government have committed to, they started the legislative process at the start of last year and haven't made any progress since then.

There are a number of people who will be listening this morning, particularly women who would hope to either go it alone and would rely on donated sperm or indeed couples who rely on donated eggs that are excluded from the scheme to provide publicly funded IVF.

We need to see that regulatory framework put in place that the Government have committed to, but haven't yet delivered upon. And we need to ensure that all those wanting to seek publicly funded IVF actually get a chance of doing so.
Chinas outspoken foreign minister Qin Gang has been removed from office and replaced by his predecessor, Wang Yi.

In an announcement on Tuesday evening, state media gave no reason for Mr Qins removal but it comes after he dropped out of sight almost one month ago amid speculation over his personal affairs and political rivalries.

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The ministry has provided no information about Mr Qins status in keeping with the ruling Communist Partys standard approach to personnel matters within a highly opaque political system where the media and free speech are severely restricted.

The ministry made no comment at its daily briefing on Tuesday. The move comes amid a foreign backlash against Chinas increasingly aggressive foreign policy, of which Mr Qin was a chief proponent.



Wang Yi has returned as foreign minister (Tatan Syuflana/AP)

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Adding to the mystery around Mr Qins removal, it was approved at a meeting of the Standing Committee of Chinas rubber-stamp legislature, the National Peoples Congress, which usually gathers at the end of the month.

Mr Wang previously served as Chinas top diplomat in his capacity as head of the partys office of foreign affairs.

The shake-up in Chinas diplomacy follows Washington sending US secretary of state Antony Blinken and other top serving and retired officials to Beijing in a bid to revive a relationship that is deeply riven over trade, human rights, technology, Taiwan and Chinas other territorial claims.

Mr Qin last appeared on camera at a meeting with Sri Lankas foreign minister in Beijing on June 25.

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The Foreign Ministry at one point put his absence down to bad health but swiftly scrubbed the reference from its official news conference transcript and has since said only that it had no information to report.

Earlier in his career, Mr Qin had served as foreign ministry spokesperson, when he gained a reputation for criticism of the West and rejection of all accusations against China. That came to be known as wolf warrior diplomacy after the name of a nationalistic movie franchise.

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Qin Gang was ambassador to Washington from July 2021 to this January(Thomas Peter/Pool Photo via AP)

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He later headed the ministrys protocol department, during which he reportedly came to the attention of head of state and Communist Party chief Xi Jinping.

He was next appointed ambassador to Washington from July 2021 to this January, a relatively short term but which presaged his rise to the head of the Chinese diplomatic service.

Mr Qins previous tenure in the United States and his unexpected departure from the ministers office throws additional glare on the troubled relationship between Washington and Beijing.

The US has launched a flurry of diplomacy with China over recent weeks in hopes of reviving relations that have sunk to a historic low. Whether it will move the dial on ties between the worlds two largest economies and chief rivals for global influence remains an open question.

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Climate envoy John Kerry met officials, including Premier Li Qiang last week, following up on visits by Mr Blinken and Treasury secretary Janet Yellen.

Former top diplomat Henry Kissinger, 100, who is revered in China for helping break the ice in relations in the early 1970s, also made a trip and was granted a meeting with Mr Xi.

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We are working to put some stability into the relationship  to make sure that the competition that were in doesnt veer into conflict, Mr Blinken said in an interview with CNN broadcast on Sunday. We will continue to do and say things that China will not like just as theyre going to continue to do and say things we wont like.

Vedant Patel, US State Department deputy spokesman said: It is up to China to decide who their foreign minister is.

We will continue to engage with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other Chinese officials and continue to believe that keeping lines of communication open are incredibly important.

With its highly opaque political system abetted by strict controls over the media and civil society, it is difficult to gauge how Mr Xi and other Chinese leaders see the relationship at this point.

Mr Xi is the most authoritarian and nationalistic party head in decades and has taken a hard line on claims to sovereignty over the South China Sea and has made threats to attack the self-governing island democracy of Taiwan.

He has sternly rejected foreign criticism of Chinas crackdown on political and cultural expression against Muslim and Buddhist minorities and in the former British colony of Hong Kong.

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During his time as spokesperson and minister, Mr Qin defended those positions in terms that sometimes verged on the strident, saying in March that: If the United States does not hit the brake, but continues to speed down the wrong path, no amount of guardrails can prevent derailing and there surely will be conflict and confrontation.

Such competition is a reckless gamble, with the stakes being the fundamental interests of the two peoples and even the future of humanity.
Thousands of Israeli doctors walked out of work, union leaders threatened a general strike and senior judges rushed home from a trip abroad after the government approved a law weakening the countrys supreme court.

Four leading Israeli newspapers covered their front pages in black ink  an ominous image paid for by an alliance of hi-tech companies.

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The only words on the pages were in a line at the bottom: A black day for Israeli democracy.

Mondays vote  on the first of a series of measures that make up Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus divisive judicial overhaul  reverberated across the country.



Demonstrators lit a fire as they blocked the traffic during a protest (Oded Balilty/AP)

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It came despite seven months of fierce popular resistance, Mr Netanyahus promises of an eventual compromise and a rare warning against the overhaul from Israels closest ally, the United States.

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The Bill was unanimously passed by the governing coalition, which includes ultra-nationalist and ultra-religious parties, after the opposition stormed out of the hall shouting shame.

But opponents say they are not done fighting the plans. Civil rights groups submitted petitions to the Supreme Court, calling for the new law to be overturned, and protests occurred on the countrys streets overnight.

Hundreds of thousands of people fanned out in Tel Aviv, burning tyres, setting off fireworks and waving national flags.

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In central Jerusalem, police mounted on horses unleashed water cannons and a foul-smelling spray at protesters, arresting nearly 40 people. At least 10 officers were assaulted and injured, they said.

Israel is now hurtling into uncharted territory against the spectre of further social and political unrest.

Thousands of officers in the military reserves have announced they will no longer turn up for voluntary service  a blow that could undermine the countrys operational readiness. Hi-tech business leaders are considering relocation.

The overhaul also threatens to strain ties with the Biden administration, jeopardise the countrys new alliances with Arab states and deepen Israels conflict with the Palestinians, analysts say.

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Firemen try to put out burning debris in Tel Aviv (Oded Balilty/AP)

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I think this country is going to either split into two countries or be finished altogether, said Yossi Nissimov, a protester in a tent city set up by demonstrators outside the Knesset, or parliament, in Jerusalem.

The vote on the law came just hours after Mr Netanyahu was released from the hospital where he had a pacemaker implanted, adding another dizzying twist to an already dramatic series of events.

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The Israeli Medical Association, which represents nearly all of the countrys doctors, announced they would strike en masse on Tuesday across the country, with only emergencies and critical care in operation.

The vast majority of physicians know they will not be able to fulfil their oath to patients under a regime that does not accept the role of reason, said Hagai Levine, chairman of the Israeli Association of Public Health.

He was referring to the law passed on Monday that prevents the Supreme Court from using the standard of reasonableness to strike down government decisions.

This overhaul will damage the public health and the healthcare system in Israel, Mr Levine said, adding that already over 1,000 physician members have asked for relocation abroad since the law passed.

Israels largest union, the Histadrut, which represents some 800,000 workers, said on Tuesday that it would convene in the coming days to plan a nationwide general strike.

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Police uses a water canon against demonstrators during a protest (Ariel Schalit/AP)

The chief justice of the Supreme Court, Esther Hayut, along with five other senior justices, cut short a trip to Germany in order to deal with the crisis, the courts spokesperson said. The justices were expected to land on Tuesday night, a day earlier than expected, to discuss petitions against the overhaul.

But any move by the court to strike down Mr Netanyahus new law could lead to a constitutional crisis and put the justices on an unprecedented collision course with the Israeli government.

Supporters of the judicial overhaul say that the powers of unelected judges should be curbed to boost the powers of elected officials.

Opponents say that it will undermine Israeli democracy and erode the countrys only check on majority rule in a system where the prime minister governs through a coalition in parliament  in effect giving him control over the executive and legislative branches of government.

As a result, the Supreme Court plays a critical oversight role.

Protesters also fear that the overhaul is fuelled by the personal grievances of Mr Netanyahu, who is currently on trial on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

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While protesters represent a wide cross section of society, they come largely from the countrys secular middle class. Mr Netanyahus supporters tend to be poorer, more religious and live in West Bank settlements or outlying rural areas.

On Tuesday, credit rating company Moodys issued a report warning of significant risk if divisions within the country continue as Mr Netanyahus government presses ahead with the overhaul, with negative consequences for Israels economy and security situation.

Mr Netanyahu said the credit rating companys assessment was a momentary response, when the dust clears, it will be clear that the Israeli economy is very strong.
US first lady Jill Biden attended a flag-raising ceremony at Unesco in Paris on Tuesday, marking Washingtons official re-entry into the UN agency after a controversial five-year hiatus.

The Stars and Stripes was hoisted up outside Unescos headquarters with the Eiffel Tower on the skyline to rousing applause and a rendition of the national anthem.

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Before the flag-raising, Mrs Biden made remarks about the importance of American leadership in preserving cultural heritage and empowering education and science across the globe.

I was honoured to join you today as we raise the flag of the Unites States, the symbol of our commitment to global collaboration and peace, Mrs Biden said.

US first lady Jill Biden (right), and Unesco director-general Audrey Azoulay pose in front of flags during a ceremony at the Unesco headquarters in Paris (Bertrand Guay, Pool via AP/PA)

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She said that this move was an example of President Joe Bidens pledge about restoring our leadership on the world stage.

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We are so proud to rejoin Unesco, she proclaimed, acknowledging that as a teacher Im a little biased.

The US had announced its intention to rejoin Unesco in June, and the organisations 193 member states earlier this month voted to approve the US reentry.

Tuesdays ceremony, which also featured a speech by Unesco director-general Audrey Azoulay, formally signified the US becoming the 194th member  and flag proprietor  at the agency.

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We are putting the Star Spangled Banner back where it belongs, Ms Azoulay said.

In the time of divisions, rifts and existential threats, we reaffirm our union here today, Ms Azoulay also said, referring to current global political instabilities. Together we will be stronger.

The return of the United States has a meaning that is bigger than Unesco, she added.

Ms Azoulay emphasised the significance of the move for multilateralism and universality as a whole  in a speech that mentioned the war in Ukraine.

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She said the momentum of Unesco will grow with the reintegration of the US, thereby strengthening the organisations initiatives throughout the world.

The UN agencys special envoy, US actor Forest Whitaker, also gave a speech praising the spirit of peace through education that could not have been possible without Unesco.

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The US decision to return to Paris-based Unesco was based mainly on concerns that China has filled a leadership gap since Washington withdrew during the Trump administration.

The US exit from Unesco in 2017 cited an alleged anti-Israel bias within the organisation. The decision followed a 2011 move by Unesco to include Palestine as a member state, which led the US and Israel to cease financing the agency. The US withdrawal became official a year later in 2018.

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Actor Forest Whitaker speaks during the ceremony at the Unesco headquarters in Paris (Aurelien Morissard/AP/PA)

In preparation for its return, the Biden administration requested $150 million for the 2024 budget to go towards Unesco dues and arrears, with plans for similar requests in the ensuing years until the full debt of $619 million is paid off.

This represents a significant portion of Unescos annual operating budget of $534 million, highlighting the substantial financial role the US played in the agency before its departure.

Before its withdrawal, the US was the single biggest funder of Unesco, contributing 22 per cent of the agencys overall funding.

This is the second time the US has returned to Unesco after a period of withdrawal. The country previously left the organisation in 1984 under the Reagan administration, citing mismanagement, corruption and perceived advancement of Soviet interests. It rejoined in 2003 under George W Bushs presidency.
US President Joe Biden has signed a proclamation establishing a national monument honouring Emmett Till  the black teenager who was killed in 1955 after he was accused of whistling at a white woman in Mississippi  and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley.

It marked the fulfilment of a promise Tills relatives made after his death 68 years ago.

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The teenager from Chicago, whose abduction, torture and killing helped to propel the civil rights movement, will be seen as more than just a cause of that movement, said Tills cousin the Rev Wheeler Parker Jr.

We are resolute that it now becomes an American story and not just a civil rights story, Rev Parker told The Associated Press, ahead of the proclamation signing ceremony at the White House attended by other family members, members of Congress and civil rights leaders.



President Joe Biden shakes hands with Rev Wheeler Parker after Mr Biden signed a proclamation to establish the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument (Evan Vucci/AP/PA)

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With the stroke of Mr Bidens pen, the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument, located across three sites in two states, became federally protected places.

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But Tills family members, along with a national organisation seeking to preserve black cultural heritage sites, say their work protecting the Till legacy continues.

They hope to raise money to restore the sites and develop educational programming to support their inclusion in the National Park System.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Monday that the Till national monument will be the Biden-Harris administrations fourth designation that reflects their work to advance civil rights.

The move comes as conservative leaders, mostly at the state and local levels, push legislation that limits the teaching of slavery and black history in public schools.

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The Democratic presidents administration will continue to speak out against hateful attempts to rewrite our history and strongly oppose any actions that threaten to divide us and take our country backwards, Ms Jean-Pierre said.

Brent Leggs, executive director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a programme of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, said the federal designation is a milestone in a years-long effort to preserve and protect places tied to events that have shaped the nation and that symbolise national wounds.

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We believe that not until black history matters will black lives and black bodies matter, he said. Through reckoning with Americas racist past, we have the opportunity to heal.



Emmett Till, from Chicago, who was killed in Mississippi (AP/PA)

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The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund has provided 750,000 dollars (582,500) in grant funding since 2017 to help rescue sites important to the Till legacy.

With its partners, the Andrew Mellon Foundation and the Lilly Endowment Inc, Mr Leggs said an additional five million dollars (3.9 million) in funding has been secured for specialised preservation of the sites.

Mr Bidens proclamation protects places that are central to the story of Emmett Tills life and death at age 14, the acquittal of his white killers by an all-white jury and his late mothers activism.

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In the summer of 1955, Mamie Till-Mobley put her son Emmett on a train to her native Mississippi, where he was to spend time with his uncle and his cousins. Overnight on August 28, 1955, Emmett was taken from his uncles home at gunpoint by two white men.

Three days later, a fisherman on the Tallahatchie River discovered the teenagers bloated corpse  one of his eyes was detached, an ear was missing and he had been shot in the head.

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Two white men, Roy Bryant and his half-brother JW Milam, were tried on murder charges about a month after Emmett was killed, but an all-white Mississippi jury acquitted them.



A memorial sign at Graball Landing, the spot where Emmett Tills body was pulled from the Tallahatchie River in Mississippi (Rogelio V Solis/AP/PA)

Ms Till-Mobley demanded that Emmetts mutilated remains be taken back to Chicago for a public, open casket funeral that was attended by tens of thousands of people. Graphic images taken of Emmetts remains, sanctioned by his mother, were published by Jet magazine and propelled the civil rights movement.

The Till national monument will include 5.7 acres of land and two historic buildings. The Mississippi sites are Graball Landing, the spot where Emmetts body was pulled from the Tallahatchie River just outside Glendora, Mississippi, and the Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse in Sumner, Mississippi, where Emmetts killers were tried.

There is already the Emmett Till Interpretive Centre in Sumner, which received philanthropic funding to expand programming and pay staff.

The Illinois site is Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago, where Emmetts funeral was held in September 1955.





In a statement, Illinois Senator Dick Durbin saluted Mamie Till-Mobleys courage to have the nation and the world bear witness to the scourge of racial hatred. The monument, he said, helps ensure that Emmett Tills story is not forgotten.

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For Rev Parker, who was 16 years old when he witnessed Emmetts abduction, the Till monument proclamation begins to lift the weight of trauma that he has carried for most of his life. Tuesday is the anniversary of Emmetts birth in 1941. He would have been 82.

Ive been suffering for all these years of how theyve portrayed him  I still deal with that, Rev Parker, 84, said of his cousin.

The truth should carry itself, but it doesnt have wings. You have to put some wings on it.
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Fires raging through forests, mountain villages and towns in northern Algeria have left at least 34 people dead.

Among those killed were 10 soldiers encircled by flames during an evacuation, the Defence Ministry said.

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Bejaia, part of the Berber-speaking Kabyle region east of Algiers, was the hardest-hit area, with 23 deaths since Sunday, the local Soummam Radio reported on Tuesday. Another 197 people were injured.

The official APS news agency reported on Monday night that 34 people had died across several regions, or wilayas. Some 8,000 firefighters and 530 trucks, backed by military firefighting aircraft, fought the blazes in scorching heat, according to the latest update.



Homes were destroyed in Bouira, 100km from Algiers (AP)

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The Algerian Defence Ministry said on Monday night that 10 soldiers died in the hardest-hit region of Bejaia. It added that 25 people were injured and taken to hospitals.

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Summer wildfires in this North African nation have taken heavy tolls in recent years.

At least 37 people were killed last August after wildfires blazed near Algerias northern border with Tunisia.

A year earlier, at least 42 people were killed in blazes  including 25 soldiers called in to help fight the fires in the mountainous Kabyle region that is dotted with villages.

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Strong winds and successive heatwaves have fuelled vicious fires in Greece and elsewhere around the Mediterranean this summer.

The Algerian online news site TSA quoted the National Meteorological Office as saying that temperatures that soared to around 50C in some of the fire-hit regions were expected to drop from Tuesday.
Israeli security forces have shot dead three Palestinian gunmen in the northern occupied West Bank.

Soldiers said they opened fire at Palestinian militants who shot at them from a car in the West Bank city of Nablus, the territorys commercial capital and a major focus of the Israeli militarys recent raids.

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In the hilly neighbourhood of al-Tur shortly after the shooting, Israeli forces inspected a shattered black Skoda surrounded by spent bullet casings.

Palestinian media described the Israeli killing of the gunmen as an ambush following the militants attempted attack on Israeli forces near a Jewish settlement overlooking Nablus.



Israeli soldiers block the road after three alleged Palestinian gunmen were killed in Nablus (Majdi Mohammed/AP)

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The Israeli military said it confiscated three M-16 rifles and other equipment from their car.

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Palestinian health officials identified the men as Nur al-Ardah, 32, Montaser Salama, 33, and Saad Al-Kharraz, 43.

Hamas, the Islamic militant group, claimed all three gunmen as members. Al-Kharraz had served as head of the Hamas student bloc at the citys Al Najah University.

Israeli-Palestinian fighting has surged in the territory, which Israel captured from Jordan in the 1967 Middle East war. Palestinians seek the occupied West Bank, along with east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, for a hoped-for future state.

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In recent months, the West Bank has witnessed a volatile mix of the rise of local armed Palestinian groups carrying out frequent shooting attacks against Israelis and near-daily Israeli military raids that have increasingly turned deadly.

Earlier this month, Israels most forceful incursion into the West Bank in nearly two decades killed 12 Palestinians and one Israeli soldier.



Israeli soldiers stop Palestinian medics near the scene (Majdi Mohammed/AP)

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Heightening tensions, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus far-right, ultranationalist coalition has rejected talks with the Palestinian leadership, sought to expand Jewish settlements in the West Bank and pushed for a more aggressive response to Palestinian militant attacks.

Late on Monday, Palestinian militants said they opened fire on a bus carrying Israeli settlers near the Palestinian town of Hawara, just south of Nablus, without causing casualties.

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The Israeli military said it was setting up checkpoints to search for the suspects. A little-known armed group from the area calling itself the Dawn Brigade claimed responsibility for the shooting.

So far this year, over 150 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank  the highest death toll in over a decade. Nearly half of them were affiliated with militant groups and killed in fighting during Israeli military raids, but stone-throwing youths protesting against the incursions as well as innocent bystanders have also been killed.

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Palestinian attacks targeting Israelis have killed at least 25 people this year.
The informal dress code for Barbie (C8) is causing confusion. Our former Herald colleague David Dale of Woollahra noticed this scene at the weekend at the Verona cinema: Without looking at their tickets, the check-in chap tells three teenage girls dressed in pink that Barbie is on Screen 3. They scream: Oh no, were going to Oppenheimer. He apologises and directs them to Screen 2. I say to them: You should wear black if youre seeing Oppenheimer. The girls reply: We wore black to Barbie yesterday. David promises to stay in touch.

I really love you C8 except for sometimes, declares Ellen Kassel of Collaroy. Comfortable morning joy of cryptic (C8), now confounded by how long it took and the distracting reverence for Sue Dowd! Boo, hiss.

Not everyones convinced: I cannot accept Sue Dowds claim of three minutes, 17 seconds to complete a crossword (C8), says Murray Hutton of Mount Colah. The time needed just to read the clues and write the letters in the correct spaces would exceed that. I say: 1 down  bovine excrement (8).

Perhaps, Christo Curtis (C8), the town planners were using a set square to design their triangular spaces, offers David Oliver of Orange. With this in mind, Dave Horsfall of North Gosford would like to point out that the City Circle isnt.

Terry McGee of Malua Bay reports an unexpected and terrifying side effect of climate change  the urge to spring-clean coming earlier each year. Gratefully hes unaffected, so far.
One of Australias top barristers will seek to expand the legal definition of a political offence during a challenge to the extradition of Daniel Duggan, an Australian man accused of training Chinese military pilots overseas.

Duggan, 54, has been in custody since October last year after he was arrested at the request of the United States. An indictment in the US accuses him of training pilots when he was an instructor at a South African flight academy between 2010 and 2012.

Daniel Duggan was arrested at the request of the United States and has been in custody since October.

The father-of-six has denied the allegations, telling the ABCs 7.30 in an interview from Lithgow correctional centre: I strenuously reject the indictment in its entirety.

I went as an employee with other western pilots, including other Australians, and trained civilian Chinese test pilots, Duggan said. Now Im in prison, and no one else is.
Opinion

Recriminations over the conduct of the former Coalition government have mostly centred on Scott Morrison to date. The next inquiry will put Peter Dutton under scrutiny.
The $25 billion Metro West train line is hanging by a thread after NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed he is considering cancelling it altogether, saying the project had barely begun despite ground being cleared for stations and tunnel boring under way.

Nervous stakeholders in western Sydney  many of whom were braced for the worst following recent meetings with ministers  criticised the government for turning its back on the region and throwing into doubt its own housing strategy, which was partly based on higher density near metro stops.

Premier Chris Minns has not hosed down fears that Metro West could be axed altogether, while advocates say just get on with it. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer, James Brickwood

Asked four times if there would definitely be a metro train in some form between Sydney CBD and Parramatta, Minns said it was being reviewed, and he wanted to ensure it was still value for money and that we fully know what were getting.

Im not taking anything off the table, he said when asked if it might be axed. Im not announcing that were cancelling it, but I do need to make sure were having an independent look.
Public transport advocates and the rail union have questioned whether the Metro Tunnel will deliver a true turn-up-and-go service for Melbourne, as the first test trains make their way through the $12.6 billion infrastructure project.

With the tunnel due to open in just two years, experts say the Andrews government is yet to convince them that high-frequency trains will run in the outer suburbs off peak-hour and on weekends.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan inspecting one of the new trains set to run through the Metro Tunnel. Credit: Joe Armao

The Metro Tunnel, set to open in late 2025, consists of two nine-kilometre train tunnels under the CBD and five new underground stations. It will connect the Sunbury line, which runs through Melbournes fast-growing western suburbs, with the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines, along the citys busy southeastern corridor.

The first test train successfully entered the tunnels South Yarra entrance in the early hours of Tuesday morning, stopping at Anzac Station near the Shrine of Remembrance.
Seoul: South Koreas top court has ruled against a parliamentary vote to impeach the interior minister over what critics said was a botched response to a deadly Halloween crush in Seoul last year, provoking anger and dismay among victims relatives.

Some relatives at the hearing broke down in tears after the Constitutional Court ruling, with two mothers collapsing and taken away by an ambulance. There was a heavy police presence at the court.

Injured people are helped at a street near the scene of the crush in Seoul in October 2022. Credit: AP

Members of parliament in February voted to impeach Lee Sang-min, urging him to take responsibility for the failure of the response to a crowd surge that killed 159 people, most of them young people celebrating Halloween, in Seouls Itaewon nightlife district.

Two Australians, Justina Cho, 28, a social worker who dreamed of starting her own fashion label, and her 23-year-old film producer friend Grace Rached were among those killed.
Latest News Fifo Capital appoints new BDM Move aimed at boosting cash flow finance capabilities

The perils of "trusting armchair economists" Exposing the fallacies that make experts get it wrong

Sydney-based fintech company, LoanOptions.ai, has introduced a unique model that enables mortgage brokers to access home loan leads by investing in its asset and business finance offering.

Led by founder and CEO Julian Fayad (pictured above), the company's main product offering paves the way for mortgage brokers diversifying into commercial and asset finance. However, what sets it apart is its circular model of generating home loan leads, presenting new opportunities for brokers.

We have around 35,000 people a month visit our website so naturally there will be some people interested in home loans and we take those eight to 10 leads per day and circulate them through our network, Fayad said.

Equipped with AI technology and tracking systems akin to pizza delivery applications, LoanOptions.ai has established itself within the asset and commercial finance space since its 2020 launch.

But while it has dedicated team for writing these loans, Fayad has stayed away from the mortgage loan space, choosing to capture qualified leads for brokers instead.

The way this works begins with a customer clicking on the home loan function through the website.

After the client enters their details such as their phone and email details, a six-digit code is sent to the potential customers mobile number to ensure that its a verified lead. Once its entered, Fayad said LoanOptions.ai split the leads through its mortgage broker network.

We are giving them leads that our website generates organically, Fayad said. Its weighted by whos supporting us. The more the mortgage broker supports us with asset loans, the more mortgage leads we give them.

Developing new lead streams

In an increasingly competitive market, lead generation is often one of the top concerns for mortgage brokers. Some even resort to predatory lead generation operations that could land the broker in hot water.

Some mortgage lead providers sell their leads to multiple brokers at once or they market their own brand, create the lead, and give it to a broker, Fayad said. This is bad practice, but it exists and brokers who dont generate new leads organically may be tempted.

Most mortgage brokers have a very basic enquiry form. Their website is more or less just to show people that they exist, and they are not really prioritising it as a major source of generating leads.

The loan widget, a white-labelled technology developed by Fayads team, helps solve this problem by allowing brokers to embed a lead-generation tool on their website.

The technology can generate enquiries and collect full applications on cars, equipment, personal loans, business loans, motorcycles, caravans, and a variety of other custom products.

Fayad said many mortgage brokers were keen to diversify but might not be experts in asset finance. In this case, LoanOptions.ais asset finance team would write the loan.

Thats the stuff we specialise in. Our team facilitates it and gets the loan settled. The mortgage broker just basically has their asset finance on autopilot. They dont need to do anything, and they just get paid, Fayad said.

It offers a way financially viable way for mortgage brokers to diversify, as writing asset loans could often take a similar amount of time as a home loan, but with much less commission.

How does LoanOptions.ai get paid?

For those wondering how the company gets paid, LoanOptions.ai operates under two main models: a subscription-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) offering and a revenue-sharing model. Fayad said mortgage brokers can choose the model that best aligns with their business strategy and requirements.

For brokers who prefer to focus on their core expertise and leave asset finance to the experts, the revenue-sharing model is ideal.

In this arrangement, LoanOptions.ai handles all asset finance inquiries, provides expert support, and facilitates the loan process. The mortgage broker, in turn, receives a share of the revenue for any successful loan applications generated through the widget.

Fayad said it was this structure that the vast majority of brokers chose.

For asset or commercial finance brokers that want to write the loans themselves and not share the revenue, they can subscribe to the software and deploy it on their own website without the LoanOptions.ai being involved in the transaction at all.

We can make it so we dont even get access to the client data. So theres different ways we can operate.

Why doesnt LoanOptions.ai do mortgage broking?

The technology operates under two main models: a subscription-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) offering and a revenue-sharing model. Mortgage brokers can choose the model that best aligns with their business strategy and requirements.

Importantly for mortgage brokerages, this loan widget can also be used for residential home loans.

Fayad stated that with the AI-matching technology integrated into the widget, the standard mortgage broker site reduced the number of visitors needed to generate one enquiry from 300 to just 60.

But while brokers can choose to revenue share through LoanOptions.ais asset finance team, the company stays out of the mortgage space and only generates leads or sells its white label product.

We want to avoid channel conflict and not bite the hand that feeds us. We have hundreds of broker partners, and it continues to be a successful channel for us and we wouldnt want to jeopardise that by getting greedy, Fayad said.

Fayad said that his team were not experts in the mortgage space and it would take years to catch up on all the intricate details of mortgage broking.

We've completely invested our time, money, energy into understanding asset finance better than anybody else, Fayad said. If we were to take energy away from that to divert it to any other product, vertical home loans would not be one of them.

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Latest News Fifo Capital appoints new BDM Move aimed at boosting cash flow finance capabilities

The perils of "trusting armchair economists" Exposing the fallacies that make experts get it wrong

APRA has filed for an injunction in the Federal Court of Australia to prevent an individual from engaging in unauthorised banking activities and using the term bank without the appropriate licence.

The respondent in the case is Andrew Morton Garrett, who is allegedly associated with several purported businesses, including Dynamic Capital Bank, Banque de Capital Dynamique, and Banca di Como.

APRA alleged that Garrett operated and marketed these businesses in Australia as banks, despite lacking the necessary authorisation to conduct banking operations.

Despite a prior demand from APRA to cease referring to these entities as banks and to discontinue any unauthorised banking activities, Garrett has allegedly not complied, according to APRA which released a statement about the case on Wednesday.

Under the Banking Act 1959, only authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) licensed by APRA are legally permitted to carry on banking business in Australia, including referring to themselves as banks or describing their services as banking.

APRA deputy chair Margaret Cole (pictured above) said APRA urged consumers to do their research before handing money over to unfamiliar businesses describing themselves as banks.

APRAs licensing regime, prudential framework and supervision protect bank depositors by requiring any business wanting to conduct banking business to meet stringent standards and requirements in areas such as capital, liquidity, governance and risk management, Cole said.

Deposits in APRA-regulated banks are also protected by the Governments Financial Claims Scheme (FCS) up to $250,000 per account holder.

Cole said APRA had limited information about Garretts businesses, including how many customers they have, because we dont regulate them, and they dont report data to us.

However, we are taking action to help prevent Australians mistakenly believing they are depositing money with an APRA-regulated institution and receiving the same protections, Cole said.

On its website, Dynamic Capital Bank claimed it was a Private Investment and Trading Bank with global reach.

The website claimed the business was under a Banking License granted by the Crown Attorney General (the CAG) acting for the Liquidator and Managing Controller Appointed to the Liquidator and Managing Controller Appointed Crown Globally and the Secretariat of the Commonwealth of Nations (Liquidator and Managing Controller Appointed).

APRA said that if people were unsure whether a financial institution is a bank, they can check the list of all APRA-regulated ADIs at Register of authorised deposit-taking institutions or contact APRA.

More information about the FCS is available at Financial Claims Scheme.
Latest News Fifo Capital appoints new BDM Move aimed at boosting cash flow finance capabilities

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A national fund manager has welcomed a well-known industry figure into its team.

Steve Lawrence (pictured above left) has been appointed chief credit officer at Keystone Capital, to help the company to grow and scale its business operations, expand its loan book, and drive its push to bring greater certainty and reliability to the current lending market.

Lawrence brings to his new role four decades of experience in the banking, finance, and property industries, including executive positions at La Trobe Financial and Pallas Capital.

The appointment follows the recent acquisition of a 50% stake in the business by specialist financial services firm, KeyInvest  a development that will enable the company to expand its business strategy across Australia.

Tom Waltham (pictured above right) and Lachlan Perks, Keystone Capital co-founders and executive directors, welcomed Lawrences appointment.

Lawrence is a highly respected icon of the industry, and his vast executive experience will be vital in helping us extend our reach and establish Keystone Capital as one of the nations leading non-bank lenders and providers of alternative property-backed credit to Australians, Waltham said.

Lawrence said he clearly resonated with the corporate vision shared by Waltham and the Keystone team.

Im thrilled to be joining an organisation that, in its 10-year history, has built a team of highly regarded and relationship-driven professionals who have successfully concluded loans in excess of $850 million, he said.

Now, with KeyInvests investment giving Keystone Capital access to more funds, as well as a suite of borrower and investor products to distribute to its national investor, broker, and borrower networks, I look forward to working with the entire Keystone Capital team to help them achieve the ambitions and goals that have been set for the business.

Lawrence said nurturing the relationships at Keystone Capital will guide him in building on the companys competitive advantages of delivering a consistently high-quality service characterised by a speed-to-market commitment and greater flexibility when assessing and delivering loans to a growing client base of predominantly mortgage brokers.

Lawrence added that it was his aim to always meet  if not exceed  the expectations of these brokers, and to do that, he was looking forward to further developing his strong relationships with those in the broader Australian lending sector.

Got a new appointment in your own organisation? Share it with us in the comments section below.
UB launches graduate degree in global health and international development

Lack of sanitation and access to clean water, which is not only a barrier to health, but also educational and economic opportunity, demonstrates the complexity of global health challenges in low-resource settings around the world. (Photo: NEWAH WASH water project in Puware Shikhar, Udayapur District, Nepal, Source: WikimediaDownload jpg )

With this program, UB is reimagining the global health landscape, redefining the way we look at health inequities facing communities today, and the methods and partners we engage to address such inequities. 

BUFFALO, N.Y.  In a bid to support a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of achieving global health equity by 2030, the University at Buffalo has launched a first-of-its kind Master of Science in International Development and Global Health (MSIDGH).

The intensively interdisciplinary program is designed to address widening gaps in human health globally through the socioeconomic, environmental and geopolitical arenas of international development.

With this program, UB is reimagining the global health landscape, redefining the way we look at health inequities facing communities today, and the methods and partners we engage to address such inequities, says Emmanuel Frimpong Boamah, PhD, UB associate professor and interim chair in urban planning in the School of Architecture and Planning and director of the new program.

Through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, the MSIDGH will prepare students as agile problem-solvers attuned to the path-dependent, broken and unjust systems behind global health disparities.

From water stress and poor sanitation to inadequate housing for refugees, and from the looming crisis of drug-resistant pathogens to the rise of novel viruses, the factors behind global health inequity are highly complex, requiring coordinated action across sectors at every scale. At the root of the problem are legacies of political, legal and economic systems and social norms that exclude traditionally marginalized populations from power and resources. Indeed, the most glaring divides in health equity can be seen today in postcolonial and settler-colonial contexts throughout the Global South.

Tackling these vast and multifaceted challenges requires a new approach to education and training, according to leaders of UBs new program  one that breaks down disciplinary and industry silos and zeroes in on questions of social justice.

Jointly hosted by UBs schools of Public Health and Health Professions and Architecture and Planning, the MSIDGH combines coursework as diverse as refugee health, the politics of water, epidemiology and infectious disease, the built environment and health, and environmental planning. A signature of the 36-credit program is a semester-long field placement where students will conduct focused research through direct engagement with community stakeholders in diverse global settings.

Students from any undergraduate major are eligible to apply, particularly those with backgrounds in public health, environmental design and international development. The program also serves as a post-professional path of study for those working domestically or overseas in the global health and international development arena.

Launching in fall 2023, the MSIDGH is the curricular outgrowth of a nearly decade-long research, education and community engagement effort in global health equity at UB. Following the same transdisciplinary model, UBs Community for Global Health Equity (CGHE) convenes experts in the health sciences with architects, urban planners, engineers and social workers to develop innovative policy solutions and tools that improve global health equity.

Since its founding in 2015, the CGHE has mobilized internationally funded research on sustainable and equitable food systems, refugee health and housing, environmental health including safe and accessible water and sanitation, and child and adolescent health.

Frimpong Boamah, who is also co-director of the CGHE, says MSIDGH students will work closely with many of CGHEs affiliated faculty, with opportunities to align their field experience with ongoing research in settings as diverse as Ghana, Kashmir, Bangladesh, Uganda, Nepal, Jamaica and Colombia. The MSIDGH provides a key educational platform to translate UBs pioneering scholarship as training for tomorrows global health and development workforce, he said.

Emphasizing a model of collaborative learning, the programs field semester demonstrates the value of local knowledge to addressing global health inequity, adds Katarzyna Kordas, PhD, associate professor of epidemiology and environmental health in the School of Public Health and Health Professions and co-director of the MSIDGH.

Similar to CGHEs model of community-driven research, the MSIDGH field experience is about mutual learning and giving, said Kordas, whose research has taken her to communities in Uruguay to study the effects of environmental exposure in childrens health.

Program directors say the MSIDGH will focus heavily on the legacies of colonial policies as enduring structural precursors of privilege and bias as barriers to global health equity. This intentionality will be embedded throughout the curriculum and supported by lectures and visits from global practitioners, maintaining space for organic dialogue within each cohort. As faculty and students, we will explore how our own silos, disciplines and geographies impact our ability to frame problems, Frimpong Boamah said.

Prior to the field experience, students will spend a month studying their research question at the local scale in Buffalo.

The goal is to have students understand how to view problems in an interconnected way, said Frimpong Boamah, adding that COVID-19 was a wake-up call on the importance of local-to-global coordination. For example, students might trace how sanitation issues, such as electronic waste in Accra, Ghana, relate to our hyper techno-consumerist behavior in Western countries.

Upon completion of their field work, students will codify and present their findings for dissemination through academic and professional networks in global health and international development.

Graduates of the program will be well positioned to take on work with government agencies, think tanks and international and local nongovernmental organizations including the World Health Organization, U.S. Agency for International Development, United Nations and the World Bank.

The diversity of the incoming class to-date mirrors the programs inspiration. Current registrants include students with degrees in engineering, public health, sociology, international development, biology and global affairs. An international mix, the students hail from New York, Michigan, Washington, D.C., Ghana and Tanzania. Many already have international field experience.
The Vogue Singapore Innovation Prize returns for its third instalment, extending its distinguished legacy of recognising and celebrating outstanding talent. If you need a refresher, the revolutionary initiative springs from The Vogue Singapore Foundations commitment to breaking down barriers to creative education while uplifting the ASEAN fashion industry.

One of the remarkable awardees in 2021 is Claudia Poh of Werable, who addresses the limited accessibility of designer goods for those with mobility issues by offering innovative easy-to-wear styles. Meanwhile, Adrian Furstenburg and Viknish Krishnan-Kutty led the way last year with the invention of lab-grown exotic skins via ProjectEx to tackle the critical issue of the global luxury markets need for exotic animal leather such as crocodile skins. The purpose of the foundation is clearto empower budding designers and entrepreneurs so that they can leave an indelible mark on the global fashion landscape.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vogue Singapore (@voguesingapore)

If you make the cut, you will have the privilege to participate in a two-day boot camp with seminars delivered by laureate speakers curated by the publication and a four-week mentorship programme with global industry leaders. During this period, you are expected to present refined business models that exhibit innovation and solve a real-world problem to a final jury. Among the notable speakers and jury members this time are Mark Guiducci, Creative Editorial Director of Vogue US, Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council, and Sohee Park, Founder and Creative Director of Miss Sohee.

And now for the exciting partthe prize! The winner will be awarded a monetary prize of SGD 15,000, media support on Vogue, first-hand input from global industry professionals, and introductions to possible investors for funding. So, what are you waiting for? This is your moment to shine.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Werable (@werable.co)

This year is no exception, but with a twist as the Vogue Singapore Foundation teams up with BMW Group Asia, a pioneer in next-generation technologies. Through the Vogue Singapore x BMW Innovation Prize, we aim to drive change for good by investing in the visionaries who are reimagining the future of fashion and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurial talent in the ASEAN fashion industry, says Bettina von Schlippe, Publisher of Vogue Singapore. On this occasion, the leading partners are on the lookout for fashion entrepreneurs and businesses in three categoriesbusinesses that ignite change to address major global concerns, embrace digital innovation, or promote sustainability and/or a circular economy.

And, for the first time, the Vogue Singapore x BMW Innovation Prize welcomes applications from all over ASEAN! You will have until August 6, 2023, to turn in your application, and eligible businesses must meet at least one of the three criteria, be in operation for at least two years, and be based mainly in the 11 countries in ASEAN.

To apply and learn more about the Vogue Singapore x BMW Innovation Prize 2023, click here.

For more fashion reads, click here.
Mediawrkz, the specialist publisher division of Datawrkz - a Nazara company, proudly announces the launch of highR, the groundbreaking supply-side monetization application designed to revolutionize the independent publishing industry. highR has been designed from the ground up to provide a seamless solution for publishers to achieve higher revenue and unlock better advertising demand. With its innovative platform, highR enables publishers to effortlessly drive superior revenue from top-tier advertising sources while offering comprehensive monitoring of revenue growth through intelligent reporting and analytics.



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Researchers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University investigate the intricate interplay of risk management and opportunity management within ESG in their latest study. Co-led by Dr. Di Fan, the research offers valuable insights into the complex balance that companies grapple with during times of crisis.

Contrary to the popular belief that ESG directly correlates with firm performance, recent research suggests that risk management, a crucial aspect of ESG, might impede a firm's adaptability. This revelation brings attention to the intricate tension between risk management and opportunity management.

In the latest research to be published in Production and Operations Management, a team of researchers delves into this intriguing conflict. Dr. Di Fan, a key researcher from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, emphasizes the complexity of managing risks while seizing opportunities during a crisis. Companies must navigate safety standards while rapidly adapting to market changes.

The researchers examined data from 734 Chinese manufacturing firms during the COVID-19 pandemic and found that firms with OHSAS 18001 certification, an internationally recognized occupational health and safety management standard, faced challenges in quickly repurposing production. Dr. Yuxiao Ye, the lead researcher from Tianjin University, explains that while safety standards like OHSAS 18001 are crucial for employee safety, they may inadvertently limit a company's agility during a crisis.

However, the research also offers hope. Dr. Di Fan highlights that prior manufacturing experience with related products, lessons from the SARS epidemic, and geographic proximity to medical supply producers can help mitigate the rigidity induced by strict safety standards.

Dr. Di Fan emphasizes the importance of building a learning organization. Learning from past crises and diversifying production experiences can help firms become more agile, leveraging past knowledge to inform future actions.

According to Dr. Yuxiao Ye, the key to resolving the tension between risk management and opportunity management lies in organizational learning and adaptation. Organizations that continuously learn and adapt are better equipped to navigate the complexities of crises effectively.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/poms.14008

Amid rising ESG concerns, the study from Hong Kong Polytechnic University serves as a timely reminder for companies to carefully evaluate the interplay between their social commitments and adaptability. The research suggests that establishing a learning organization might be the key to achieving a delicate balance between risk and opportunity management, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and resilient business model.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725199843/en/
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Travel + Leisure India & South Asia returns with the Delicious Dining Awards, celebrating the best of Indias dining scene at the Le Meridien Hotel in New Delhi. The theme for this years award is Culinary Bazaar and in this exclusive event, the brand has unveiled the latest winnersshining a spotlight on restaurants, bars, spirits and people who mark the best in Indian F&B.
Wang Yi calls for efforts to improve China-India relations

Xinhua) 13:39, July 25, 2023

Wang Yi (2nd L), director of the Office of the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, meets with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval in Johannesburg, South Africa, July 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong)

JOHANNESBURG, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval here Monday.

During the meeting, Wang said China and India are the two major forces in the process of multi-polarization, and the two sides should follow the right direction in developing bilateral relations.

The two sides should enhance strategic mutual trust, focus on consensus and cooperation, overcome obstacles and bring bilateral relations back to the track of sound and stable development as soon as possible, Wang said.

Wang stressed that China will never seek hegemony, and stands ready to work with developing countries, including India, to support multilateralism and the democratization of international relations, and promote the more just and equitable development of international order.

Doval said as two ancient civilizations and the two most populous countries in the world, India and China share broad common interests.

India is willing to work with China, in the spirit of mutual understanding and mutual respect, to find a fundamental solution to the border issues and improve the bilateral relations in a timely manner, so as to make positive contributions to world peace and prosperity, Doval said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
According to the most recent AISHE 2020-21 data, enrolment of Muslim students has decreased by 8% in 2020-21 compared to 2019-20, and enrollment of Muslim students in Uttar Pradesh has decreased by 16%. However, Muslim student enrolment has expanded dramatically from 17,39,218 (as of AISHE 2016-17) to 19,21,713 (as of AISHE 2020-21), a 10.5% increase across the country. The fact that female Muslim students outnumber male Muslim students is notable.

The Muslim population in India is severely lagging behind other communities in terms of higher education enrollment, giving a grim picture of the Muslim community. While the COVID-19 pandemic is to blame for some of the falls, it also exposes the community's economic issues, which sometimes push outstanding children to choose employment after graduating from high school rather than pursue further education.

Uttar Pradesh, where Muslims make up around 20% of the population, fared the worst, with a 36% decrease. According to the research, this was followed by a 26% drop in Jammu and Kashmir, an 8.5% drop in Maharashtra, and an 8.1% drop in Tamil Nadu. Even though the state claimed considerable growth in the number of institutions during the year, Muslim enrollment in UP is only 4.5%.

The Union Minister said, "However, the enrolment of Muslim students has increased significantly from 17,39,218 to 19,21,713, an increase of 1,82,495 (10.5%) across the country. A notable feature is that Female Muslim students have outnumbered male Muslim students."

"The objective of the Schemes is to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the minority communities, increase their rate of attainment in higher education and enhance their employability, and to enable the poor and meritorious students to pursue Professional and Technical courses. These schemes have been instrumental in ameliorating the enrolment of minority students in educational institutes", he further added.

Minority students are encouraged by the government through the Ministry of Minority Affairs' Scholarship/Fellowship Schemes. The Ministry of Minority Affairs runs Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, and Merit-based Scholarship Schemes for students from six designated Minority communities: Buddhist, Christian, Jain, Muslim, Sikh, and Zoroastrian (Parsi).

These most recent modifications, together with the AISHE survey findings, underline the critical need for specific initiatives and policies to alleviate the educational gaps experienced by the Muslim population. It is critical to foster an environment that encourages and supports Muslim students in their pursuit of higher education. Measures should be undertaken to promote access to quality education, provide scholarships and financial aid, and raise Muslim community knowledge about higher education prospects. Furthermore, steps should be taken to address the community's economic issues, ensuring that talented children are not compelled to forsake further education owing to constraints on their finances.

The only way to halt the downward trend in Muslim enrollment in higher education in India is for the government to develop a positive discrimination policy for Muslims. The Sachar Committee Report and the Mishra Report both advocated for the implementation of a positive discrimination policy in favour of Muslims, which certain southern states have done successfully but not the states with a large Muslim population.
Scientists from the Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (RBC-DSAI) at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have created a computational method called "MultiCens" to comprehend the interactions between genes that are in charge of inter-organ communication in the body.

For multicellular life to exist, communication between cells in various tissues and organs is essential. Long-standing research has focused on the molecular underpinnings of such communication, but genome-wide searches for the genes and other macromolecules that regulate tissue-to-tissue transmission are still absent.

Researchers from IIT Madras created 'MultiCens' (Multilayer/Multi-tissue network Centrality measurements) to systematically discover inter-tissue mediators. All living things require communication between their organs and tissues in order to function properly and survive.

How Does It Work?

The inter-organ communication network (ICN) enables organisms to monitor their energy reserves, adjust to changes in their environment, and maintain overall wellbeing. This study marks a big step forward in the methodologies being developed to comprehend interorgan communication and its effects.Numerous substances, including as hormones and metabolites created by the gut microbiota, act as messengers during the ICN process. Important choices including development, survival, and controlled cell death are impacted. ICNs have been found to be incredibly complicated, according to earlier research, much of which was done on model species like fruit flies.

Researchers from IIT Madras, Dr. Tarun Kumar, Dr. Sanga Mitra, Prof. B. Ravindran, and Prof. Manikandan Narayanan, as well as Dr. Ramanathan Sethuraman of Intel Corporation, who closely and actively collaborated with the IIT Madras team on this research, all contributed to the paper. Professor B. Ravindran, Mindtree Faculty Fellow and Head of the RBC-DSAI at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, emphasised the significant applications of this research, saying, "Much of the research on the Inter-organ Communication Network (ICN) has primarily involved experiments on model organisms like the fruit fly, which may not directly apply to humans and other non-model organisms. Additionally, the multiple interactions between biomolecules in various tissues make the experimental methods time-consuming. As a result, we currently lack complete information about the ICN.

There is a need for other methods of evaluating ICNs in order to fully comprehend their role in promoting health and treating diseases, continued Professor B Ravindran, who is also a faculty member in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Madras. The IIT Madras researchers have developed a cutting-edge computational technique to investigate the relationships between the genes in charge of various organs and tissues. They created a technique known as "MultiCens" by utilising the genetic data that was available for multiple tissues. This tool can be used for many different types of study.

Aim Of This Research And Its Impact

Professor Manikandan Narayanan, a professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Madras, a DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance Fellow, and the study's corresponding author, explained the significance of the research in more detail.

Our MultiCens method's capacity to pinpoint the crucial ICN genes in a variety of healthy or disease-related conditions is what makes it so significant. Network science techniques at the core of MultiCens assess the significance of genes both inside and across tissues in a hierarchical manner. This strategy was created through a concerted team effort by all of the authors of the study, with close collaboration between those in my lab, Dr. Tarun's Bioinformatics and Integrative Data Science (BIRDS) group.

Dr. Tarun Kumar, who has extensive knowledge of algorithms for rich graph structures, continued, "Using algorithms for computing multi-layer network centrality measures, which are extended from traditional single-layer network centrality algorithms, we examined the relationships among genes that interact within and between tissues, and we identified the key genes involved in communication between different parts of the body."

"We explored applications of MultiCens in two diverse settings - in one setting, we predicted genes closely associated with hormones, which are essential for numerous bodily functions; in another, we unveiled changes in gene interactions within and across different brain regions affected by Alzheimer's disease," added Dr. Sanga Mitra, a seasoned researcher in applications of bioinformatics methods and biological interpretation of the resulting predictions. Since cancer starts in one organ and then spreads to others, the application can also be used to understand how cancer metastasizes.

In order to effectively manage any condition, it is crucial to comprehend the molecular pathway for disease manifestation and identify the primary targets, according to Dr. Ramanathan Sethuraman, Healthcare Architect and Principal Engineer at Intel and co-author of this study. A step in this direction of research is MultiCens. Other genetic contexts for health and disease can also be used with MultiCens. The source code for MultiCens is publicly accessible, and ongoing work on a web interface and experimental verification of its predictions can further advance our understanding of the ICN and its significance for general health and wellbeing.
Preeti Aghalyam, an IIT Madras alumni, has made history by becoming the first woman to lead an IIT, a remarkable accomplishment. It is a historic time for her and for women in engineering and academia that she has been named the director-in-charge of the new IIT in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

"To me, it's more significant that it's the first IIT campus outside of the United States than that I'm the first woman to lead an IIT. For me, it's not just about shattering the glass ceiling. Preeti Aghalyam stated, "It is more of 'once an IITian, always an IITian' for me.

Living The Iit Dream

Aghalayam's journey is about more than just breaking glass ceilings; it's also about valuing the IITian spirit. Her new position as the director in Zanzibar is a continuation of her passion for IITs and the principles they inculcate, having studied and worked at IIT Madras. "I went to IIT Madras to study. It is simply an extension of the kind of love and passion I have for how things function at an IIT because I had previously worked at IIT Bombay and have been a teacher at IIT Madras for 14 years," she said.

The History Of Preeti Aghalayam

Successful scholar Preeti Aghalayam received her BTech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Madras in 1995 before receiving her PhD from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2000. She eventually became a professor in the department of chemical engineering at IIT Madras, where she was named one of the 75 Women in STEM by the office of the Principal Scientific Adviser. She has made a significant contribution to the GATI project at IIT Madras, which works to advance gender equality and provide opportunity for all.

Women Form A Minority In IITs

Aghalayam recently acknowledged that women continue to be underrepresented on IIT campuses in a statement to PTI. Despite efforts to increase gender inclusion, the skewed ratio still exists, creating a problem that must be addressed at the student and faculty levels. "Women have historically been underrepresented in IITs. Although things have slightly improved in recent years, the issue still exists and affects everyone, including staff and students. The incoming director of IIT Zanzibar stated, "Around 12% of the faculty at IIT Madras are women.

India's engineering schools have made strides towards closing the gender pay gap. The enrollment ratio of men and women has greatly improved from a 10:1 ratio in the 1990s. The selection of Aghalayam sends a clear statement about female equality and gender balance on the new IIT campus. "As members of the IIT Madras delegation, we always observed that the representation of women on their side is rather significant. Therefore, it was crucial that we proceed with caution, and we would make an effort to ensure gender equality on the new campus, according to Aghalyam.

Zanzibar Campus Of IIT

The 1959-founded IIT Madras is making history by opening its first-ever foreign campus in Tanzania's Zanzibar. Tanzania and India are planning to collaborate on education at the international campus on the island of Zanzibar, which is off the coast of the east African continent. Tanzanian nationals may also apply for scholarships from India to study at IIT Madras in a variety of degree programmes. "I think that this educational connection will guarantee that we remain strong, and it's a very tactical step... The contributions made by IIT alumni to society and the global economy are immeasurable.

Preeti Aghalyam remarked, "We hope that this will occur here as well. There will be 70 new students enrolled at the IIT Zanzibar campus when classes start in October. To develop future leaders in technology, the new campus will provide full-time studies in data science and artificial intelligence. There will be a screening test and an interview as part of the admissions process. "The government has given us a temporary campus for the time being.

The rooms are all constructed with administrative-side classrooms, student housing, and communal housing in dorms. "We are facilitating a few changes to ensure that it will be completely ready by October, when we intend to begin. But in the upcoming years, we'll also evolve the academic schedule and introduce a lot more programmes, Preeti Aghalayam said. Preeti Aghalayam's historic selection as the first female IIT director provides a role model for aspirant female engineers and leaders around the world.
For students curious about investigating the convergence of Web 3.0, social media, and the Metaverse, IIT Delhi has announced an exciting possibility. The recently introduced six-month advanced certification programme aims to give participants important knowledge of the cutting-edge technologies reshaping the digital world.

Web 3.0, Social Media, And Metaverse Research

The certificate programme goes deeply into the realm of Web 3.0, which is revolutionising the internet by laying the groundwork for blockchain technology and decentralised systems, giving people control over their personal data, and spurring creativity. Through projects and case studies, participants will receive practical experience with important tools including WordPress, Google Analytics, PHP, and Orange. Learners will also develop their skills in e-commerce website building, social media analytics integration, and digital marketing tools.

Opportunities for employment in emerging domains

The programme, which is geared towards graduates from all backgrounds, provides doors to promising professions in Web 3.0, social media, and the Metaverse. Professionals in the software and IT industries who want to broaden their knowledge and use it well in their respective sectors can benefit equally from it.

Advice From IIT Delhi Faculty Experts

The students will participate in curriculum activities for 100 hours under the direction of IIT Delhi faculty. Over the course of six months, the programme will also include live sessions delivered Direct-to-Device (D2D), providing an immersive learning environment.

Look Up The Modules

Topics like Web Analytics and Machine Learning for E-commerce Sales and Revenue Management are covered in the Web 3.0 module. The Digital Influencer Management and an Overview of Artificial Intelligence for Web 3.0 are the main topics of the Social Media module.

The Metaverse module also looks at cases of metaverse applications in various industries and the technical architecture of virtual reality ecosystems. Understanding Web 3.0 is essential in today's cutthroat market to appreciate the future of the internet and its potential for blockchain and decentralised systems, according to Arpan Kumar Kar, Chair Professor and Professor at IIT Delhi.

Platforms for social media communication are essential for linking people and organisations. Understanding how they work increases one's influence both personally and professionally. By providing immersive experiences in the Metaverse and altering interactions and experiences, technologies like VR and AR have the ability to completely transform the digital world.
ATLANTA (July 25, 2023)  The Carter Center is gravely concerned over the Israeli Knessets vote to enact legislation that strips the Israeli Supreme Courts authority to override unreasonable government decisions. This legislation, known as the "reasonableness law," is the first step of an extensive agenda designed to eliminate judicial responsibility to act on the Israeli government's actions. It removes a critical line of defense for vital protections that are not explicitly outlined in the states Basic Law. As Israel lacks a constitution, the Basic Law and judiciary are important in maintaining the rule of law and protecting minority rights, including those of Israeli Arab citizens, as well as Muslim and Christian Palestinians living under Israeli occupation.

The Carter Center expresses its concern that the legislation, if applied, will undermine the necessary checks and balances essential to a well-functioning democratic society. Furthermore, the proliferation of hundreds of illegal settlements throughout Palestine has blurred the line between Israel and its occupied territories, increasing the risk that Israeli government rulings will endanger all individuals rights in Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territories.

In a democracy, the people's voices form the basis for elected government, and pivotal decisions impacting the nations destiny should hinge on extensive consensus.

The Carter Center urges the Israeli government to cease further judicial reforms and honor its peoples request to reevaluate its stance and protect the judiciary's independence. Furthermore, it urges international governments, particularly the U.S. administration and Congress, to review financial support for the current Israeli administration in light of the fact the aid could be used to support additional anti-democratic actions.

We urge a recommitment to democratic ideals, the rule of law, human rights, and respect for the will of the millions of Israelis who oppose this bill.

###

Contact: In Atlanta, Matthew De Galan, matthew.degalan@cartercenter.org





The Carter Center

Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope.



A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.
Ascension Lutheran Church of East Ridge announces the Installation of Deacon Ellen Koester this Sunday at 11 a.m. Evangelical Lutheran Church in American Southeastern Synod Bishop Kevin Strickland will preside over worship and the installation. A potluck lunch will follow the service.Deacon Ellen is a graduate of Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Oh. She was the CEO of Lutheran Services of Tennessee (now Inspiritus) from 2013-17. She created programs to help people with food insecurity, women in poverty and art programs to build resilience in low-income children.She has also worked in education ministry, worship and congregational care in ELCA Churches in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Illinois.I am looking forward to getting to know the Ascension congregation, said Deacon Koester. Moving back to the area is a great opportunity for me. I am excited to help Ascension clarify its vision and mission for the future and bring it into the community."Deacons in the ELCA serve at the intersection of church and world, bringing a sharper focus to how the church responds to the needs of the people," officials said.Congregational President Wanda Vipond said, We look forward to having her lead us into the next phase of our church mission here in East Ridge. Deacon Ellen has the education, skills and experience to create cross-generational worship experiences were looking to create.
The Hamilton County Health Department, WillowBend Farms and Vision Hospitality Group partner with local organizations to participate in the Red Sand Project during Human Trafficking Awareness Week, recognized July 23-29.Officials said, "The Red Sand Project uses sand artwork as a way for people to come together and connect, raising awareness about human trafficking, modern slavery and exploitation. The red sand symbolizes the human trafficking victims that fall through the cracks of our society every day.Although Hamilton County makes continuous efforts and improvements, human trafficking remains a significant public health concern within our community."The Health Departments Sexual Violence Prevention program uses a public health approach to prevent domestic and dating violence, sexual harassment, bullying and human trafficking. We must continue to raise awareness of human trafficking and learn how to recognize the signs of trafficking or exploitation. Demonstrations out in public, such as the red sand, cause residents to stop what they are doing and learn more about how human trafficking affects their community, says Monica Thompson, sexual violence prevention coordinator at the Hamilton County Health Department.It is critical that we all work together to end human trafficking. Vision Hospitality Group has been at the forefront of providing training and other resources to help play a role in putting a stop to human trafficking, said Jenelle Hawkins, director of engagement, innovation and wellbeing for Vision Hospitality Group. The Red Sand Project creates a new voice that publicly brings awareness. It has allowed us to create vital partnerships across Hamilton County with support groups, survivor services, and government agencies equally committed to this cause. We couldnt be prouder to help host this event and look forward to the day when it wont be needed.Officials said, "According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, human trafficking is a demand-driven crime that involves exploiting a person for labor, services or commercial sex acts, targeting men, women and children. Human trafficking is also one of the fastest-growing criminal industries in the country, with cases reported in all 50 states. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, in 2021, 217 victims in Tennessee were involved in 152 reported cases; cases can have multiple victims."As a survivor, I understand the importance of decreasing barriers to victims seeking services and that having a continuum of care would provide survivors with sustainable restoration. During the Red Sand event on Friday, July 28, we will launch 'One Voice Collective.' This collective comprises five local counter-trafficking agencies that serve the Chattanooga region; they come together as one unified voice with a mission to support survivors and prevent human trafficking, says Sarah McKinnis, co-founder and CEO of WillowBend Farms.If you know someone who needs help to escape trafficking, contact the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-558-6484. If you suspect you have encountered a victim of human trafficking, you may call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233722.As part of outreach efforts during Human Trafficking Awareness Week, a Red Sand Project event will be held this Friday at 10 a.m. at the Aloft Hotel. Due to limited space, RSVPing for this event is preferred. Event information and the RSVP link are available at https://bit.ly/44sDCEBRedSandProjectEvent The Health Departments Sexual Violence Prevention Program will continue to raise awareness about human trafficking and the Red Sand Project at Nightfall this Friday from 6-7:30 p.m. Nightfall is located in Downtown Chattanooga at Miller Park; everyone is welcome.Additional resources: For more information on human trafficking and the hotline, visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/ To learn more about the indicators of human trafficking, visit: https://bit.ly/3K1Vm1v For a complete list of resources, visit the Tennessee Department of Healths webpage To read this information in Spanish, visit the Health Departments Spanish Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SaludHamiltonTN
A woman on Talatha Trail told police that her nephew was upset about her taking butter from the freezer and putting it in the refrigerator. She said he then started to disrespect her and was calling her vile names. She said he went into the garage and she was unsure if he left or not. Police spoke to the nephew, who said he was cooking grits in the kitchen and she came in saying, "I said what I meant." He said they got into a verbal argument and he went to the garage. Both of them said nothing became physical and the woman just wanted her nephew to be respectful.



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A man on Chamberlain Avenue told police he was concerned about a vehicle he believed to be abandoned in front of another residence on his street. The vehicle is a white Cadillac DFW (TN tag) four door, with bricks on the trunk. The man said the vehicle has not moved and knows it is not able to move. The man has called many times on this matter and wished for the vehicle to be towed. Police told him they would not tow the vehicle that day, due to no visible sticker being on it and no report of it being stickered previously. The officer placed a sticker on the vehicle and will follow up on the matter to address the man's worries.

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While on routine patrol, police observed a parked gray SUV partially obstructing the SB lane of travel on S. Highland Park Avenue. Passing vehicles were forced to cross the solid double line into the opposing lane in order to get around. As this is generally a low traffic street at this time, the vehicle was given an improper parking sticker rather than towed.

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A woman told police she was parked at a friend's residence on Tunnel Boulevard between 6 p.m. and midnight, and when she came to her home on N. Holly Street, she noticed that her entire back windshield was broken. Police observed the damage. She told police she had no idea how the damage occurred. Police didn't observe any evident signs of how the back windshield was broken, and nothing appeared to be stolen. Police obtained her vehicle insurance information, a State Farm Policy Number. Police gave her a complaint for the incident and told her to contact State Farm in roughly three days to make a claim.

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A caller told police that a thin black male wearing a white shirt and black pants and carrying a cell phone was walking around in the 4600 block of Alabama Avenue looking into house and car windows. Police located a person matching that description sitting on the front porch of a residence in the 4600 block of Alabama Avenue, and identified him. He acknowledged walking down the street prior to police arrival, but denied any actions of looking into windows. The man's mother told police that her son had been sitting on the porch with her and he had done nothing wrong.

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An employee at the Walgreens, 2104 McCallie Ave., told police a black female in her 50s had stolen merchandise from the store. He said the woman came in a dark gray Nissan sedan. She went inside, and grabbed ice and other items, concealing them in her pink and white bag, then exited the store. The woman then left, headed east on McCallie. Police searched the area, but did not locate the woman. It is estimated she took $75 worth of merchandise.



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Loss prevention personnel at Walmart, 501 Signal Mountain Road, provided police video footage of a black male push out a buggy full of items, run to his vehicle and flee the scene. No further suspect information was available.

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A man on Cromwell Road told police he and his wife are going through a hardship involving their marriage. He said he is in the process of getting a divorce from his wife. He said she had been sending him a lot of texts regarding their marriage. Police told him about the options for divorce and other ideas involving their living situation.

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While working a crash on N. Terrace, police observed a white Chevrolet truck and a dark Ford Ranger truck blocking each other on the off ramp from I-24 westbound to N. Terrace. Both vehicles pulled off the ramp and proceeded to honk and flash lights to get police attention. The driver in the white truck denied a report, but said the other truck was road raging, then proceeded to leave. The driver in the Ford was calm and police informed him the other driver denied a report, but asked to be left alone. Police recommended that the Ford driver not drive in the same direction. The Ford driver confirmed they would not and left the area.

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The manager at Burlington, 2521 Lifestyle Way, told police a black male with blue plaid shirt and blue jeans stole a cart full of purses. She believes there were roughly worth $25 or more per purse. She said he walked into the parking lot and got into a black sedan. No other suspect information was known.
July 16 was the eighth anniversary of the terrorist act in Chattanooga that took the lives of five servicemen. Chief John Ross Chapter, NSDAR annually honors the Chattanooga Fallen Five at the Wreath of Honor off of Amnicola Hwy.This year chapter members and guests remembered each of the Fallen Five members by speaking their names, sharing about their service and placing a wreath at each of the five pillars of the memorial. Chapter members then met at the National Cemetery and placed a flag at the graves of Staff Sergeant David Wyatt and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Skip Wells.Continuing from last year, flags will be placed at the graves of Gunnery Sergeant Thomas Sullivan, Sergeant Carson Holmquist and Lance Corporal Skip Wells with assistance from the Mercy Warren Chapter, NSDAR in Ma., Foxhole American Legion in Wi.and Hightower Trails Chapter, NSDAR in Ga. These chapters have included these men in their annual programs and continue to bring community awareness to these heroes.Officials said, "Chief John Ross Chapter in Chattanooga has grown steadily in membership since its founding almost 100 years ago and is proud now to be the third largest chapter in the state of Tennessee with 185 members. Any female 18 years or older who can prove that a Revolutionary War patriot is in her direct line is eligible and welcome to join the Chief John Ross Chapter, NSDAR,"To learn more about DAR membership, visit www.tndar.org/-chiefjohnross/ or contact Jennifer Harvey, Regent, at jenniferharveydar@yahoo.com.
The Salvation Armys East Lake Corps is partnering with East Lake Manor Housing Property to host a Back to School Bash on Friday, Aug. 4, from 1-4 p.m. for youth ages 5  17.

The event will have school supplies, food, free haircuts, face painting, snow cones, popcorn, a bouncy house and a water slide. Haircuts will be provided by The Max Xperience. Additionally, Chattanooga Housing Authority and CADAS, Council for Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services, will be at the bash to assist families in need.

The Salvation Army is still in need of volunteers for the event. Join the Salvation Armys #FightforGood and visit csarmy.org/volunteer or call 756-1023 to volunteer.
Signal Mountains sewer system represents 8.2 percent of the entire system that the Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority maintains, yet 71 percent of overflows throughout the system occur on Signal Mountain, officials said at a meeting of the Signal Mountain Council. The WWTA presented a $40 million plan aimed at alleviating the problem.

The sewage overflows are visible at manholes but even worse, they occur in the middle of the many creeks and tributaries leading to them. That is because when the sewer system was built on Signal Mountain 50 years ago, pipes carrying the wastewater were often put in stream beds where gravity controls that water leading down the mountain. During periods of rain, heavy contamination of E Coli occurs in many of the creeks when there are overflows. Eric Brooks, WWTA chief engineer, said that the water clears itself after about 48 hours, and the tests become negative for E Coli. However, the contaminated water ends up in the Tennessee River.

Sewage has been a problem on Signal Mountain for 50 years, mainly because of where the pipes were located. And now many of those pipes in the streams and underground are cracked and broken. Remediation is complicated because of the underlying rock. WWTA is under a consent decree to eliminate contaminated water from getting in the Tennessee River. The target is to reduce inflow and infiltration and eliminate sanitary sewer overflows. If the WWTA does not take care of the problems, Mr. Brooks said the federal government would likely get involved and do the work. The city of Signal Mountain may not be able to have as much input if that happens versus letting WWTA do it. WWTA is holding public meetings for residents to hear the plans and make comments.

At the town council meeting Monday night, Mr. Brooks and Neeley Langham from Jacobs Engineering presented the plan that has been developed to clean up the water and to bring Signal Mountain into compliance with state and federal requirements.

A system has been designed to move sewage out of the pipes that are now in Shoal Creek, which is in Green Gorge Park, as well as other waterways. The wastewater will be moved to two pumping stations, both along the edges of the park. The locations were determined as the most effective places based on gravity and where there would be the least interruption to the park. A new Druid Road pump station will be on Green Gorge Road between Fern Trail and Druid Road. A Ravine Road pump station is planned on Ravine Road near Whippoorwill Drive. The property is owned by the town and WWTA must be given an easement to build there. There are no alternative places to put the stations, the council and public were told, because of the terrain, topography and the amount of rock. The old pipes and manholes will be abandoned.

The 50x70-foot facilities will be different than any others in the area, said WWTA Executive Director Mike Patrick. But this is because of aesthetics, not new technology. The difference is that these will be designed to fit into the appearance of the existing neighborhoods, with fencing or walls. The designs are not yet finalized.

Each of the two facilities will have a small building and submersible pumps that have electric motors that do not produce much noise, and are designed to have no odor. However, they are not completely sealed, said Mr. Brooks. There will be chemical tanks at the locations for odor control. There will also be a backup diesel-powered generator in each station so that if power is lost during times such as ice storms, the pumps will continue to operate. The plan is to place them 10 feet from the road and keep all the trees possible. Any trees removed will be replaced. And landscaping will be added around the perimeter. There is also the ability to move the stations back farther into the park, which would be less visible from the street, but would require more trees to be cut down. And it will be necessary to have a driveway leading to the stations because large machinery is used for maintenance.

The pump stations are the first phase of the project. Another part of the plan is low pressure pumps that will be needed in areas of high infiltration and inflow of ground water and stormwater entering the pipes. This part of the system puts a grinder pump at individual houses. They grind up the sewage and pump it to sewer mains in the street. This is the system that has been in use in Lookout Mountain, Georgia for many years. The grinder pumps would need to be installed at 37 houses in one neighborhood and at 208 homes in a second neighborhood. These pumps can be camouflaged with an artificial boulder to cover them or a green disk that lies flat on the ground. The WWTA would be responsible for maintaining this system.

A third phase of the plan will be to rehabilitate broken pipes using liners. The broken and cracked pipes are where the excess water enters and overwhelms the sewer system.

The town council room was not large enough to hold all the residents who came to the meeting. Around 15 residents who spoke were mostly property owners who lived near the proposed locations for the pumping stations, with homes on Fern Trail, Ravine Road and Druid Drive. Most people who came were aware of the problem with contaminated water on the mountain, but many told the council that they were not aware that the project was so far along, and they claimed a lack of communication between the town and the citizens.

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) put Signal Mountain under a building moratorium in 2007 due to the sewer problems. New construction has not been allowed to connect to the existing sewer system, but instead had to use septic systems. Some who spoke said they were glad to hear there is a plan to solve the problem. One speaker said her neighborhood that is currently on septic tanks would like to be connected to the sewer system. Another said that most residents were aware of the problems and that she had first heard of it in 2007. She said meetings had been held, including two planning commission meetings in July, prior to their recommendation to the council for approving the plan. She urged those who were unaware to listen to the meetings on the town website, or come to them, to know what is going on. She said that, although Green Gorge is a town park, the solution has to be where the problem is.

Of the residents who addressed the council, roughly half were opposed to the proposed plan, half wanted more information and several expressed support for the plan. Concerns about the impact of building the pump stations include the effect they will have on the nearby property values, and the threat of odor, noise and light pollution. The number of trees that will have to be removed is a concern and some questioned if it would be less noticeable to place them farther off the road, which would require cutting even more trees and a longer driveway. One resident said there were no signs warning of the pollution at the entrances to the park, which was disputed by Vice Mayor Elizabeth Baker. Several speakers wanted more studies done and to be shown alternative engineering plans for a solution. The pumps will need new sewer pipes that would go under the roads where there is rock and would need to be blasted, said one speaker. Others wanted to see more plans and for a decision to be slowed down.

Maintenance and repairs of the sewer system by WWTA is mostly done with money that comes from sewer bills. If WWTA does not take care of the problems, it will be fined and then will have to pass the charge onto its customers. For this project American Rescue Plan Act funds are available. That money is eligible to use for water and sewer infrastructure. There is a condition that it has to be obligated by the end of December 2024 and spent by Dec. 31, 2026. The town council does not want to miss the opportunity for a solution to the problem by the money being used elsewhere for other projects.

The council plans are to have a question and answer public meeting on Aug. 7. There will also be a special called council meeting to review the questions and any additional conditions presented to the WWTA before the regular council meeting that will take place on Monday, Aug. 14. A vote to approve granting easements for the two sewer pump stations is expected to take place at that meeting.
Can biosurfactants increase microbiological oil degradation in North Sea seawater? An international research team from the universities of Stuttgart und Tubingen, together with the China West Normal University and the University of Georgia, have been exploring this question and the results have revealed the potential for a more effective and environmentally friendly oil spill response.

Sampling on the ship to study seawater from the North Sea. The seawater is filled into large canisters and cooled and brought back to the lab where the microcosm experiments are conducted. Saskia Rughoft

Oil leaks into the oceans are estimated at approximately 1500 million liters annually worldwide. This leads to globally significant environmental pollution, as oil contains hazardous compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that can have toxic or mutagenic effects on organisms. Oil spills, particularly catastrophic ones resulting in the rapid release of large quantities of oil into the oceans, such as tanker accidents or incidents at oil drilling platforms like Deepwater Horizon in 2010, are especially devastating.

In such oil spill incidents, large quantities of chemical dispersants, ranging in the millions of liters depending on the amount of oil, are routinely applied to dissolve oil slicks, prevent oil from reaching coastlines, and enhance oil dispersion in the water. The hope is that microbial oil degradation will be enhanced as a result. This is because special microorganisms that are widespread in nature can feed on crude oil components and break them down into harmless substances. This special ability of microbes naturally cleans oil-contaminated areas.

"In a study from the USA published in 2015, we demonstrated that - contrary to expectation - chemical dispersants in deep-sea water from the Gulf of Mexico can slow down microbial oil degradation," says Prof. Sara Kleindienst, who worked at the University of Tubingen until 2022 and now works at the University of Stuttgart. Since then, the topic has been at the center of controversial discussions, and there is still no simple answer to how oil spills can be combated more effectively, emphasizes Prof. Sara Kleindienst.

In the search for more environmentally friendly methods for dealing with oil spills, biosurfactants could offer a promising alternative to chemical dispersants. Biosurfactants are produced by microorganisms and can increase the bioavailability of oil components. This can thus enhance microbial oil degradation, which is crucial for purification.

Experiments with seawater from the North Sea An international research team led by environmental microbiologist Professor Sara Kleindienst, with geomicrobiologist Professor Andreas Kappler (University of Tubingen) and biogeochemist Professor Samantha Joye (University of Georgia), compared the effects of biosurfactants and chemical dispersants. In the laboratory at the University of Tubingen, the researchers simulated oil spill conditions. For their experiment, they took over 100 liters of surface water from the North Sea close to the island of Helgoland. The seawater was treated with either the biosurfactant rhamnolipid or a dispersant (either Corexit 9500 or Slickgone NS), both in the presence and absence of oil. The research team used radioactive markers to track the degradation of the oil by the microorganisms in detail. Our investigations using radioactively labeled hydrocarbons or a radioactively labeled amino acid showed that the highest rates of microbial hydrocarbon oxidation and protein synthesis occurred in the oil microcosms treated with rhamnolipid, says Prof. Lu Lu, who previously worked at the University of Tubingen and now works at the China West Normal University.

The impact on the composition of microbial communities also differed significantly between the approaches using biosurfactants compared to chemical dispersants. "This result suggests that the use of biosurfactants may stimulate different microbial oil degraders, both in terms of growth and activity, which in turn can affect the cleanup process after oil spills," says Prof. Lu Lu.
Ilmac is bringing the chemical and life science industries together once again at the key location of Basel from 2628 September 2023. Trade visitors from Switzerland, Austria and Germany can expect to touch base with reputable companies from over 20 countries. At this years event, the most important industry meeting place will present promising new live formats and enhanced digital offerings.

ILMAC 2019 Sara Barth

This autumn, leading suppliers in the industry, such as Agilent, Endress+Hauser, Integra, Mettler Toledo, Metrohm, Siemens and Skan, as well as innovative start-ups, will come together at Ilmac in Basel to present their solutions, innovations and new products to the around 10,000 expected trade visitors from Switzerland, Austria and Germany. We expect around 400 exhibitors to attend. New additions such as the Startup Area, the Lab of the Future, the Job Connect area and the Speakers Corner will complement well-established formats such as the Ilmac Conference and Pharma Logistics Days, which are taking place in parallel for the third time, making Ilmac a highly efficient knowledge and networking platform for the chemical and life science industry. Basel is a world-leading hub for the life sciences. Our aim is to actively contribute to the growth and advancement of the location by offering the industrial sector the Ilmac platform, which will generate the necessary inspiration to improve and continuously innovate the healthcare ecosystem, says Roman Imgruth, CEO of MCH Exhibition & Events.

Ilmac Conference  the latest research and business insights The program of the scientifically driven Ilmac Conference will help prepare participants for the future. The three-day congress facilitates efficient knowledge sharing, covers a wide variety of topics and boasts top-class speakers. This years focus lies on important industry topics such as Lab Digitisation, Chemical Technologies and New Biotech Methods. The Ilmac Conference is organised in cooperation with the Swiss Chemical Society, the Swiss Biotech Association and the Swiss Association of Graduate Chemists FH (SVC). As a partner of Ilmac, SCS has been accompanying and supporting the event for over 60 years.

The city of Basel, a key location for laboratory-based research in Switzerland, offers the ideal conditions for a successful trade fair, says David Spichiger, Executive Director of the Swiss Chemical Society.

Smart and sustainable: the laboratory of the future Laboratory facilities are in a phase of transformation. In light of increasing digitisation, various processes and structures of the future laboratory will be subject to comprehensive re-examination. The Lab of the Future allows Ilmac participants to interactively experience a future laboratory, using augmented and virtual reality. As a partner of Ilmac, were letting this years participants delve into the laboratory of the future. Inspired by the collaboration in the Basel Life Science Cluster, were showing the benefits, technological advances and sustainability of a digital, integrated laboratory, says Dr Sadiya Raja, Arcondis. Laboratory buildings consume up to 10 times more energy than other buildings. Green Lab, a cluster run by the Green Building Schweiz association, initiates and moderates the collaboration between all participants and supports the dissemination of technical innovations as well as the use of new or little-known business models for Green Labs which are safe, sustainable and competitive.

The Green Lab Symposium is the only laboratory symposium in Switzerland. It hosts workshops that let participants exchange best-practice examples, bring together experts from a wide variety of disciplines and help search for solutions in individual projects. Green Lab has been supporting the development of sustainable laboratories as an innovation campaign in Switzerland for five years. 2023 will mark the fourth edition of the Green Lab Symposium, taking place during Ilmac for the first time to ensure that we can achieve maximum added value together, says Jens Feddern, Member of the Board of the Green Building Schweiz association.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has vetoed several legislative measures that called for cooperation or partnership between the state and the tribal nations. The Senate overrode two of his vetoes on July 24. The vetoes were against state-tribal compacts concerning vehicle registration fees and tobacco revenues.
Everyone knows the famous phrase, Let them eat cake.

Many of us know its a quote associated with French Queen Marie-Antionette, but theres a lot more history to the origin of this famous phrase, and its quite interesting.

The phrase in French is actually Quils mangent de la brioche. Its often believed that when Queen Marie-Antionette and her husband, King Louis XVI, ruled France during the French Revolution, Marie-Antionette said this in response to poor French peasants who could not afford bread.

In that context, it sounds like pure evil. But theres actually a good chance that Marie-Antionette never said this at all.

The alleged first person to ever write this phrase was French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau around 1767. In his writing, Jean-Jacques attributed this quote to a princess. While Marie-Antionette was a princess when the quote was written, she was likely too young to say such a thing.

So how did this quote get associated with her?

Well, it was most likely through some good old-fashioned gossip. If theres one thing most people know about Marie-Antionettes story, its that the people of France despised her. She and Louis XVI were only teenagers when they became the King and Queen of France in 1774.

Not long after they were crowned, France fell into a financial crisis. Before the French Revolution, there was the Flour War of 1775 which involved a series of riots in France due to the increase in prices for flour and bread.

Meanwhile, Marie-Antionette was spending a fortune at the Palace of Versailles, buying wigs, dresses, jewelry, gambling, and having parties at her retreats. She became known as Madame Deficit, and the people of France were very angry with her.

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Have you heard of Johnny Appleseed, the guy who traveled across the United States on foot planting apple seeds?

You may have thought he was a made-up character from a childrens storybook, but hes actually a real person, although some aspects of his life have been modified to reflect a more idealistic picture.

Legend has it that Johnny was a dreamy wanderer and lover of nature who planted apple seeds so people could have access to fresh fruit, bake the most delicious pies, and never go hungry. That was the portrayal of Johnny in the 1948 Disney film Melody Time.

In reality, Johnny Appleseed was a cunning businessman and did not plant apple seeds for the good of the people. Instead, it was for something much less wholesomeand that thing was alcohol.

Johnny Appleseeds real name is John Chapman. He was born in Massachusetts in 1774. Not much is known about his early life, but we do know that his mother died during childbirth when he was two-years-old and that his father fought in the Revolutionary War.

As America grew in size, so did Johnny. Pioneers were encouraged to move west to settle down in newly acquired land. Johnny hatched a plan to plant apples all through the West. He would create the apple orchards, then sell them to settlers.

The first seeds he sowed were in Pennsylvania in 1798. From there, he headed west through Ohio, planting as he traveled. Each day, he walked for miles, carrying not much more than a few tools and a leather bag filled to the brim with apple seeds, which he accumulated from cider mills.

He did not just fling the seeds across the land and hope for the best. Rather, he was very meticulous about where he planted them to ensure that they would grow.

Now, the apples that he planted were not the typical apples you see at the grocery store. These were cider apples, which are smaller than regular apples and not as tasty. They were not meant to be eaten and were instead used to produce hard cider, a beverage that was highly popular among the American pioneers at the time.

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You know how main character energy is a thing these days?

Well, Emma Hamilton, an English maid, model, dancer, and actress who lived quite the life throughout the late 1700s, certainly had main character energy, as she went from being a poor maid to a woman to capture the heart of one of Britains most notable naval heroes.

Emma was born in England in 1765. While not much is known about her childhood, she received no formal education and had to start working by the time she was 12.

Emma began working for various households as a maid and, when she was 17, became the mistress of British politician Charles Francis Greville and lived with him on his property. Around this time, Emma gave birth to a daughter whom she sent to live with her grandmother.

While living with Charles, Emma was sent to his friend, painter George Romney, who used her as a model for a few stunning portraits, and eventually, she became his muse.

By the 1780s, Charles began seeking a wealthier mistress and decided that Emma had to leave. So, he contacted his uncle, Sir William Hamilton, the British envoy to Naples, and asked him to take in Emma.

Emma and her mother were sent to Naples to stay with Sir William, under the impression that theyd only be staying there for a few months before Charles picked them up, but she was very upset when she found out he had dumped her there.

Over time, Emma eventually adjusted to life in Naples and fell in love with Sir William, who was enamored with her the moment she arrived to stay on his property. He would throw lavish parties, inviting guests over to watch her put on fun performances that left people fascinated by her. Despite their age difference, she married Sir William at 26 in 1791, making her Lady Hamilton. He was in his early 60s.

After their wedding, Emma was introduced to Sir Horatio Nelson, a famous British flag officer in the Royal Navy, when he arrived in Naples to gather reinforcements against the French in 1793. The two of them instantly hit it off, and although he wouldnt return to Naples for another five years, they kept in touch.

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TikToker Sam Hart (@thesam_show) is describing an embarrassing bathroom incident that occurred during her adolescent years while visiting Disney World.

So in 2011, fifteen-year-old Sam went on a trip to Disney World with her church youth group. On one of their days there, they headed to Hollywood Studios and stopped to grab some food for dinner.

After eating, they all decided to ride on the Friendship Boat to Epcot. One aspect of importance to note about the boats is that they do not contain bathrooms.

Additionally, the journey from Hollywood Studios to Epcot takes at least thirty minutes because the boat made a few stops at other resorts along the way.

Sam and her church group had been onboard the boat for about three minutes when Sam suddenly realized she was in deep trouble. Her stomach began roiling intensely, and she scanned the boat, looking for a bathroom.

However, there was not one to be found. Sam was shaking and sweating, trying with all her might to hold it in. The pain became excruciating, forcing her to rock back and forth. At that point, some of her friends were aware of the situation and tried their best to soothe her pain.

One friend was even rubbing her back lovingly. In a fit of desperation, Sam turned to her friend and told her she was going to hang off the side of the boat and pull her pants down because it wasnt looking like she would make it to Epcot before soiling her pants.

Her friend pointed out that if Sam did that, she would be forever banned from Disney World for public indecency. So, pooping off the side of the boat was not an option.

Eventually, Sam resorted to curling up in the fetal position on the floor of the boat and praying for the boat ride to come to an end. You might be wondering why Sam couldnt have just gotten off at one of the resort stops.

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In the last decade, our lives have become increasingly saturated with digital technology. Apps and platforms play outsized roles socially, professionally, casually, and corporately; in work, school, and church. It can be hard to remember how we used to carry on without the technological conveniences of modern life. Even many young adults feel a chasm between the tech norms they grew up with and the world they inhabit today.

This shift seems even starker when we try to map our day-to-day digital experiencesinstant news, AI chatbots, and the Metaverseonto those we read about in the Bible. In his latest book, God, Technology, and the Christian Life, Tony Reinke outlines an incisive theology of technology, grounded in Scripture, which draws a clear connection between our lived experiences and those of our Old Testament heroes. In so doing, he sets a helpful foundation for a biblically-aligned worldview on modern technology.

I read this book at a timely moment, while dealing with a bout of disillusionment over my career. Im a data scientist, a career technologist who spends his days writing algorithms that generate numbers and recommendations that populate the screens of millions of smartphones all over the world. My work involves the same techniques that large tech companies have exploited for more pernicious purposes, making them a focal point of cultural controversy.

I certainly appreciate the blessings that modern technology affords, and my tech-development day job brings real satisfaction. Yet I cant help maintaining a healthy dose of skepticism toward ubiquitous tech use. Its difficult to overstate the degree to which our daily habits have grown dependent on the platforms of big tech. Given their pervasiveness, its jarring to consider how many of them have vaulted to social prominence not through careful deliberation, but because of the revenue-seeking, data-hungry, often myopic actions of capital-heavy corporations. As a Christian, this reality has weighed heavily on my conscience and led to serious introspection over my vocational path.

Some may be surprised to find that such ambivalence is common among workers in tech-heavy fields. Their honest reflections wont be found in public-facing press releases or Tweet storms, but in the anonymous corners of online forums. Backed by one of Americas most exclusive and lucrative startup accelerators, Hacker News is the cool news curator frequented by founders, developers, and industry-insiders. Between IPO announcements and code-heavy how-tos, the site regularly features nervous posts by seasoned technologists, petitioning for help reconciling their disillusionment with technology, their careers, and their lack of happiness. A quick scroll through the responses confirms that there is no consensus on what the answers are, or even where to begin looking.

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New clarity on old priorities

This is the conundrum that Reinkes book steps into. He gives an end-to-end account of techs lifecycle, covering its inception by God, its inaugural biblical stewards, its growth and development in cities, its increasingly idolatrous pretensions, and its final judgment. When it comes to honoring God with our technology, Reinke asserts that contemporary innovations dont raise new questions so much as call for new clarity on old priorities. Its through this simple paradigm that he applies the Bibles ancient wisdom to our modern technological experiences.

Reinke begins his narrative in an unlikely place, with a substance that covers our driveways, streets, and playgrounds: tar. He uses tar (some Bible translations call it pitch or bitumen) as a common medium to connect the stories of Noahs ark (Gen. 6) and the Tower of Babel (Gen. 11).

This example points to one of the books prevailing themes: Technology can be used either to glorify God or humanity, yet God remains sovereign in either case. Noah faithfully obeyed Gods command to construct the greatest boat of his time, and dutifully waterproofed it with tar. Just a few generations later, the Babelites cleverly paired tar with baked bricks in a bid to build themselves up into heaven. The same technology led to two opposing outcomes, yet neither episode posed any threat to God or strayed outside his control.

This portion of the book calls into question whether we can assign sweeping moral labels to technology itself. Instead, Reinke emphasizes how God is more concerned about the motives we bring to technology and the spiritual consequences of employing it in self-exalting ways. The problem with the Tower of Babel, he writes, citing one Genesis commentary, is not that it makes God insecure, but that it sets man on a new path of self-confining self-destruction. Mans increasing ambition and power dont threaten God; they threaten man himself, because, the more power they are able to concentrate, the more harm they will be able to do to themselves and the world.

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Reinkes solution is not that technologists abandon their craft, but instead that tech producers and consumers alike learn to see God in their tech. As he explains, affirming God as the creator of all technology and the teacher of all innovation turns science and engineering into a divine game of question and answera sort of spiritualized Marco Polo. We ask God what is possible, and he answers through the material world. Further, these lessons are a gift he gives us to ameliorate the curse of sin on creation. Its through this lens that Reinke relates the God of Isaiah 28:2326, who mercifully doles out agricultural instruction, to the world of modern tech.

The books greatest contributions lie in the way it develops a vocabulary to reason about new innovations, and in a pithy phrasethe Gospel of Technologyused to set the good news of Jesus against the idolatrous tech propositions of our era. Most Christian discourse carries a latent uneasiness with the pervasiveness of technology, but it often fails to clearly articulate what were opposed to or why. Reinke gives a name to our unease and makes a strong case for a moderate, tempered, nuanced, faith-filled approach, which stands in stark contrast to the false promises of fulfillment, redemption, and control laid out by the Gospel of Technology.

Careful readers, whether weary of yet another tech book or dizzied by the endless supply of opinions on the topic, will appreciate that Reinkes book brings needed context to our current state of affairs by taking stock of ideas and events from across human history. Ultimately, he reminds us of the close and profound parallels between our modern tech tensions and the challenges faced by previous generations. This is the human dilemma, he writes. Human innovation is a wonderful gift but a disappointing god. We cannot save ourselves. In the end, our innovations leave hearts unsatisfied, souls lost, and bodies cold in the grave.

Gods sovereignty over innovation

Christians should walk away from this book assured that however technology may advance during our lifetimes, we ultimately have only God to fear (Matt. 10:28), because, as Reinke puts it, his sovereignty cradles our technological futures. Were reminded that no level of human innovation can satisfy the longings of mans heart, which transcend the constraints of our time (Ecc. 3:11) and find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

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Personally, the book left me feeling exhorted to press deeper into my search for God in data science. Reinkes description of the biblical precedent for understanding God through his creation, and thereby through our craft, has heightened my attention toward Gods place in my work. Further, it has given me a firm footing to evaluate my tech habits and to navigate the ethical quandaries that come with working in the tech industry. Reinkes insight that new technologies do not (and will not) stop to critique themselves offers fresh motivation to consider and communicates the risks of technology.

Thankfully, the book avoids and denounces the fear-stoking tone thats typically associated with Christian writing on the topic. Instead, it lays out a compelling argument that both tech optimists and pessimists tend to sell God short. Were not wrong, Reinke affirms, to have a low-grade discomfort with this age of innovation. But as we wait for Christs return, we can trust that our sovereign God reigns over even the most unsettling prospects we might face.

Collin Prather is a data scientist for iRobot, a firm based in Bedford, Massachusetts.
It started with an innocent-enough question: Have you ever heard of the expression speaking in tongues?

For the magazine editor who asked it, it was just a story idea. But it turned into a journalistic investigation that changed a reporters spiritual life, brought many Christians into a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit, and blew through evangelicalism with a strong charismatic wind. They Speak with Other Tongues, the compelling 1964 account of John Sherrills journey from skeptical reporter to ecstatic, tongues-speaking spiritual autobiographer, has had a profound impact.

As I have researched and written my new book, Age of the Spirit, Ive thought a lot about the kinds of people who brought charismatic renewal to Anglo-world Christianity. There were preachers, teachers, and evangelists; businessmen, hippies, and housewives; professors, faith healers, frauds, and lots of everyday people who just wanted more of whatever God had to give them. The vehicle for many of these people to experience the Spirit was through the personal witness story, and the authors of so many of these stories in the 1960s and 1970s were John and his wife, Elizabeth Tib Sherrill.

Its been almost 60 years since they wrote They Speak with Other Tongues, and both authors have now passedElizabeth died earlier this year. But for those of us who live in a world where people sometimes pray in a language they do not understand, where God still speaks to individuals, and where the faithful expect to see the Spirit at work in their daily lives, its the world the Sherrills built.

The Sherrills books provided a charismatic catechesis, preparing readers for life as Spirit-filled Christians. Their literature not only endorsed new experiencessuch as baptism in the Spiritbut also provided a relatable script for others to have the same. As CT news editor Daniel Silliman argued in his book, stories shape and organize modern Christianity. Its hard to think of a better charismatic example than the authors of They Speak with Other Tongues, The Cross and the Switchblade, Gods Smuggler, and The Hiding Place.

With the magazine editors question, the journalist John Sherrill in 1960 embarked on research into a phenomenon whichit was whisperedwas gaining ground in American churches. Sherrill chased the story enthusiastically. He visited Pentecostal congregations but, more surprisingly, also found people who had known the experience outside these churches. Sherrill became fixated on understanding tongues.

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The decade before the publication of Sherrills book was, on the face of it, a wildly successful time for American Christianity. The 1950s was a period of Christian boom: church building projects, marketed revival crusades, high ecumenical ambition, and grand contraction of religious institutions. Some critics, however, asked what had happened to what might be called enthusiasm: the mystical experiences, ecstatic encounters with the divine, or the kind of transcendent experiences that marked earlier eras of intense religiosity.

Missing from this thriving, flourishing Christianity seemed all talk about the Holy Spirit. As the Sherrills wrote, the Spirit was, in a sense, a ghostan aspect of God, the third member of the Trinity, a concept you acknowledged every Sunday in the Creed; but a ghost just the same, as if He were the featureless remnant of someone who at one time in the Churchs life had been very real indeed, but now was little more than a memory.

There had been, a little earlier, an explosive Christian movement to revive the spiritual gifts of the early church as recounted in Acts. These people were called Pentecostal, hearkening back to the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2, where Christs followers heard the sound of a violent wind, saw fire fall, and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

That movement, however, prompted what historian Grant Wacker described as a brawl fought without rules, in the mud. Pentecostals separated from other Christians and built their own institutions.

Meanwhile, evangelicals became increasingly suspicious of any contemporary supernaturalism (even while, in their own minds, they took bold stands against modernist materialism, specifically Christians who rejected biblical accounts of the supernatural). Princeton theologian Benjamin Warfield, for example, wrote Counterfeit Miracles, arguing that the early church received spiritual gifts for the authentication of the Apostles but the contemporary church did not. Warfields view, known as cessationism, was widely popular.

During the postWorld War II church boom, however, some Christians became restless. They were not convinced that Christian life in Americaeven with very high church attendance and broad cultural respect for ministers like Norman Vincent Peale and Billy Grahamwas as vibrant as it seemed. They were seeking something more.

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There was growing interest in inner healing, with mainline Protestants drawn to organizations such as Camps Farthest Out and authors such as Agnes Sanford. Small prayer groups, offering a great sense of intimacy and experimentalism, were quietly growing in various Christian communities. Catholics joined Cursillo discipleship groups. And then upwardly mobile Pentecostals started to be more ecumenical and less hostile, inviting everyone they met to groups such as the Full Gospel Business Mens Fellowship.

It was in this flux of piety that They Speak with Other Tongues became situated. The Sherrills book reported the experiences of Christians who had begun to find a new supernatural dimension in their lives. The book discussed, for example, Harald Bredesen, the minister of First Reformed Church, in Mount Vernon, New York, whose religious life had no vitality to it before a powerful experience of the Spirit.

It described the experience of Dennis Bennett, an Episcopalian priest whose resignation following a tongues controversy in his parish in Van Nuys, California, caused enough of an uproar to get reported in Time and Newsweek. It also included veterans of encounters with the Spirit, such as the Methodist missionary E. Stanley Jones, who was filled while at Asbury College, Wilmore, Kentucky. The Sherrills book was written on the cusp of a shift in American Christianity: Charismatic renewal was about to explode.

The Sherrills chased the story enthusiastically. Trying to make sense of glossolalia, they went so far as to make tape recordings of tongue speakers to submit them to language experts for scrutiny. John Sherrill, in particular, became fixated on understanding tongues. He learned from his interviewees that to understand tongues, he should really pursue the experience from which they (often) followed: the baptism or filling of the Holy Spirit.

Then at a prayer meeting in Atlantic City in December 1960, he decided he wanted to explore this experience of the Spirit from the inside. Opening himself to this possibility, Sherrill had an encounter, and something happened: From deep inside me, deeper than I knew voice could go, came a torrent of joyful sound.

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He became part of the story. The journalistic investigation blurred with spiritual autobiographic. The remarkable account of a spiritual movement became, at the same time, a personal narrative.

The Sherrills were, as a matter of fact, experts at these kinds of personal narratives, testimonies of religious experience, and the transformation wrought by faith. They honed the craft of these stories in their years at Guideposts, the magazine launched by The Power of Positive Thinking author Norman Vincent Peale. As I argue in Age of the Spirit, authors such as the Sherrills didnt just seek to capture the charismatic renewal with these narratives. At a deeper level, they were the charismatic renewal.

It seemed that the wind of the Spirit blew with these books across the face of American Christianity.

The year before they published They Speak with Other Tongues, the Sherrills related the personal witness story of a Pentecostal minister named David Wilkerson in The Cross and the Switchblade.

The book, cowritten with Wilkerson, was an account of a one-man mission to the asphalt jungle of New York City and the birth of Teen Challenge. The city described in the book is a scary placea city of darkness, a ghetto Gotham.

The enemy lurked in the social conditions that make up the slums of New York, the Sherrills wrote.

The book described how Wilkersonempowered by the Spiritoffered unconditional love to street gangs. When one gang member, Nicky Cruz, threatened to stab and kill Wilkerson, the minister replied, You could cut me in a thousand pieces and lay them out in the street and every piece would love you.

The line was destined to be repeated from a thousand pulpits. The book caught the imagination of so many Christians. A generation imagined themselves daring to go to the scene of the worst social problems and relay the love of Jesus. They thought about what it would be like if they too were baptized with that fire from Acts 2, started to speak in tongues, and as a result could fearlessly testify to Gods love.

The book was a bestseller, with millions of copies distributed worldwide. The Cross and the Switchblade owed its success in part to the power of the narrative and the Sherrills arresting storytelling. But more than this, it tapped into a changing spiritual mood in the early 1960s. Many Christians were seeking a reanimated, authentic version of the faith. And The Cross and the Switchblade told a story that readers could use as a script to achieve that Spirit-filled transformation.

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As one reviewer in England said, if you read the book, you could breathe the same atmosphere as exists in the New Testament.

Following the publication of The Cross and the Switchblade and They Speak with Other Tongues, the Sherrills rose a charismatic wave. They wrote Gods Smuggler, the story of the ministry of a Dutch Christian, Anne van der Bijl, or Brother Andrew, who snuck Bibles into Communist countries. It was an adventure story about someone moved to do great things by his faith.

Most who read Gods Smuggler probably did not think of it as a charismatic tale. Unlike Wilkerson, Brother Andrew did not speak in tongues at a hinge point in the plot or dwell much on the second blessing of the Spirit accompanied by a gift of supernatural power. But a charismatic message was there nonetheless. Brother Andrew prayed for modern-day miracles. They happened. And readers were told they could do that too, with a little faith.

Theres no big argument in the book about cessationism, whether Christians today live in the same kind of universe that the early Christians did, or if the world is somehow less supernatural. The Sherrills just matter-of-factly described God intervening at a Communist checkpointand like that, the evangelical imagination was transformed.

A few years later, the Sherrills came out with perhaps their best book, The Hiding Place. It tells the story of Corrie ten Boom, another Dutch Christian. She and her family defied the Nazis, hiding Jews to help them survive the Holocaust, but then were caught and sent to concentration camps themselves.

The Hiding Place is also not explicitly charismatic, but it presents ten Boom as a woman so transformed by the Spirit working in her that she can love not only her neighbors (Jews) but also her enemies (Nazis). The final challenge she faces in the story is forgiving one of the guards from the prison camp where her sister, Betsie, had died. This was a vision of spiritual life radically more vibrant than the 1950s picture of a big church with full pews.

The Sherrills stories dominated Christian reading lists in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, and American evangelicalism was extensively Pentecostalized. Even those who didnt get baptized in the Holy Spirit had their imaginations renewed by the charismatic renewal. The story of that transformation is, in a deep way, a story about imagination. And its a story about the impact, as my friend University of Exeter literary scholar David Parry recently put it, of the Holy Ghostwriters of the charismatic movement.

John Maiden is a senior lecturer in religious studies at The Open University and the author of Age of the Spirit: Charismatic Renewal, the Anglo-World and Global Christianity, 19451980.
Catholic abbot ordered to hide cross necklace near Western Wall in Jerusalem: 'It's inappropriate' Israeli ambassador to Holy See 'shocked and appalled' by viral video

A Roman Catholic abbot is lamenting the confrontational end to his tour of Jerusalem after he was ordered to remove his necklace with a cross pendant hanging from it during a visit to the Western Wall.

The July 19 confrontation was caught on video as Nikodemus Schnabel, abbot of the Old Citys Dormition Abbey, joined Germanys Minister of Education and Research, Bettina Stark-Watzinger, for a walking tour when he was stopped by a women reported to be an employee of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation (WWHF), an official Israeli governmental body.

In a viral video shared on social media, a WWHF usher tells Schnabel his pectoral cross was "really big and inappropriate for this place ... you need to respect it. Please put it inside [your clothing]."

Forschungsministerin @starkwatzinger erlebt am Mittwochmorgen in Jerusalem mit, wie Abt @PaterNikodemus auf dem Platz vor der Klagemauer (auerhalb der Gebetszone) aufgefordert wird, sein Kreuz abzunehmen. Die Offizielle sagt, es handele sich um eine neue Regelung. @derspiegelpic.twitter.com/Zy1GxBVCRP  Christoph Schult (@schultchristoph) July 19, 2023

"This is very harsh, Schnable responded. ... You're not respecting my religion. You're hindering me from my human right to ... no, this is not a provocation, I am an abbot. This is my dress. This is how I'm dressed.

The usher then clarified that her request was not about the abbots dress.

"I didn't tell you to do something with your dress. I told you to do something with your cross, she said.

The cross is part of my dress code, replied Schnable. I'm a Roman Catholic abbot. This is how I dress 

Following the incident, the abbot tweeted: The unfortunately not so nice end of a nice tour of the old town through the morning #Jerusalem. It is painful to see how the climate in this wonderful city is changing more and more for the worse under the new government. Jerusalem is big enough for everyone!

Schnable later told Arabic news outlet i24 he was very surprised by the ushers request.

I was not trying to provoke anybody, this was the end of a very long tour through the Old City, he said.

I believe that Jerusalem is an open city for anybody, and for me, the future of Jerusalem is people from Jewish, Muslim, and Christian religions coming to pray in this holy city. For me, it's not understandable that people don't accept me being here.

After the video went viral, Raphael Schutz, Israeli Ambassador to the Holy See, tweeted he was shocked and appalled by the incident, adding, We must prevent these unspeakable acts and we must ensure that they are not repeated. Freedom of religion and worship are guaranteed in Israel and so it must continue.

Officials with the Palestinian Mission to the United Kingdom called the incident an act of abhorrent discrimination against Palestinian Christians and Christian clergy in occupied #Jerusalem.

Rabbi Tuly Weisz of Israel365 told The Christian Post that, in his view, at least some of the tension can be attributed to the political turmoil in Israel.

Israel is in the midst of unprecedented tension between those on the Left who want a more democratic country and those on the Right who want a more Jewish state, he told CP via email Monday. Sadly, Christians are stuck in the middle of this tug of war and have borne some of the brunt of the growing civil unrest.

I pray that when calmer minds prevail, the situation for our Christian friends will improve and Jerusalem assumes its destined role as a House of prayer for all nations.

The WWHF did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In April, the head of the Roman Catholic Church in the Holy Land attributed the recent uptick in attacks in the Christian quarter on radical Jewish extremists feeling empowered and "protected" under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government.

Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa told The Associated Press that the Christian community in the region is experiencing heightened assaults from extremists, who he claims are gaining confidence from Israels most conservative government in recent history.

These extremists, he added, have been increasingly harassing clergy and damaging religious properties at a concerning pace.

The frequency of these attacks, the aggressions, has become something new, Pizzaballa was quoted as saying. These people feel they are protected  that the cultural and political atmosphere now can justify, or tolerate, actions against Christians.

During Easter Holy week, thousands of Christians from various denominations were dismayed by Israeli authorities' decision to reduce the number of people allowed to enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City from 10,000 to 1,800, citing safety and fire concerns.

Currently, there are about 15,000 Christians in Jerusalem, with the majority being Palestinians.

Yusef Daher from the Inter-Church Center told the AP that 2023 is shaping up to be the worst year for Christians in a decade. The center has documented at least seven serious instances of vandalism of church properties from January to mid-March, a sharp increase from six anti-Christian cases recorded in all of 2022, the newswire said.
Cause of fire at Rand Paul's office remains unknown as senator looks for answers

The cause of a fire at a building housing a Kentucky office of Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., remains unknown as investigators continue to search for answers as to what started the blaze that impacted a handful of buildings in downtown Bowling Green.

A Saturday Facebook post from the Bowling Green Fire Department provides a detailed account of a fire that engulfed the building located at 1029 State Street and nearby buildings early Friday morning. The office building houses Paul's local office and a local law firm.

A picture of the aftermath posted to the department's Facebook page Friday shows an upper story of the building, with the numbers "1029" visible at the front entrance, partially collapsed. The department elaborated on the extent of the damage in the Saturday Facebook post.

"Yesterday at 01:45, BGFD responded to multiple reports of smoke and fire coming from the Presbyterian Church on State Street. Soon after these calls, more units were dispatched for a fire alarm at 1025 State Street," the Saturday Facebook post stated.

"A two story commercial structure was found with heavy fire involvement and turbulent smoke. Due to the advanced stages of this fire and the type of occupancy, a second alarm was activated which put additional units on the incident."

A notice on Paul's website states that "My Bowling Green office is temporarily closed."

Shortly after arriving at the scene, fire officials discovered that "fire was involved beyond the address of the fire alarm, but also at 1029 and 1023 State Street." The intense, 17-hour effort to control the blaze resulted in the shutdown of the surrounding streets and more than six dozen Bowling Green Fire Department personnel responded to the scene.

"Portions of the building began to deteriorate, including collapse of the roof, weakened exterior walls, and collapse of portions of exterior walls. This caused the structure to be very unstable and forced crews to remain in a safe zone throughout the incident," the Facebook post reads.

"Once the fire was placed under control, it was determined that the structure was unsafe for any entry. A contractor was immediately notified to begin demolishment of the structure," the department added.

In an appearance on Fox News Monday, Paul said that local officials "haven't told us how the fire started or what they believe started the fire yet."

"This was a big fire. It consumed about a city block," he said. "It took 31 firefighters, six fire engines in order to contain the blaze. The hope was to not let the country courthouse [across a narrow alleyway] catch fire. Four buildings that are contiguous, that all abut each other, caught on fire."

Host Laura Ingraham opened her interview with Paul by noting that the senator has faced "many threats" over the years and that one of his staffers was stabbed earlier this year.

Paul said his office has turned over the video footage to investigators.

"Whether or not our footage will help in the investigation of this, there is some other commercial footage from around there as well. But I haven't heard any results from the investigation," he said.

Paul announced in a March 27 statement that one of his staff members was "brutally attacked" in broad daylight in Washington. He expressed gratitude that "the suspect has been arrested" while requesting "privacy so everyone can focus on healing and recovery."

The stabbing and office fire comes nearly six years after Paul was assaulted at his home in Bowling Green and less than three years after he was "attacked by an angry mob" following then-President Donald Trump's acceptance speech for the Republican Presidential nomination in 2020 at the White House.

The 2017 assault, which Paul described as an "unfortunate event," led to the senator suffering "six broken ribs" and a "pleural effusion."

The Bowling Green Fire Department indicated that "the investigation into the cause of Friday's fire remains ongoing by BGFD and [the Bowling Green Police Department]," adding, "We will be working alongside the [Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms] as they have [begun] their own investigation."
Retired pastor confesses to killing fellow pastors 8-year-old daughter nearly 50 years ago

David Zandstra, an 83-year-old retired pastor living in Marietta, Georgia, has confessed to kidnapping and killing a fellow pastors 8-year-old daughter, Gretchen Harrington, nearly 50 years ago as she walked to summer Bible camp, Delaware County District Attorney in Pennsylvania Jack Stollsteimer announced.

The murder of Gretchen Harrington has haunted members of law enforcement since that terrible day in August 1975. The families of victims often say that their lives are forever altered into the before time and the after time. Gretchens murder created a before time and an after time for an entire community  and for an entire county, Stollsteimer said in a press statement Monday.

This heinous act left a family and a community forever changed. At long last I can announce today that her killer  David Zandstra  has admitted to his crime. Justice has been a long time coming, but we are proud and grateful to finally be able to give the community an answer.

Zandstra was charged with criminal homicide, murder of the first, second and third degree, kidnapping of a minor and the possession of an instrument of crime, Stollsteimer said.

At the time of the murder, Zandstra was pastor at Trinity Church Chapel Christian Reform Church located at 140 Lawrence Road in Marple, Pennsylvania. Gretchens father was the pastor at The Reformed Presbyterian Church located at 144 Lawrence Road in Marple.

Gretchens father raised an alarm when his daughter failed to show up for a camp session at the Trinity Church property. Zandstra contacted the Marple Police Department at 11:23 a.m. that day to report Gretchen missing. About a month later, on Oct. 14, 1975, Gretchens skeletal remains were found in Ridley Creek State Park.

Among his roles at the camp, Zandstra was partly responsible for shuttling the campers between the two church properties. He was noted to use either a white or blue Volkswagen bus or his green Rambler station wagon.

Investigators said a witness reported during the initial investigation that they saw Gretchen talking with the driver of either a green station wagon or a two-tone Cadillac, but Zandstra denied seeing the girl on the day she disappeared.

A crack in the case eventually came on Jan. 2, when an individual only mentioned as CI#1 in a complaint, who was best friends with Zandstras daughter, alleged he would grope her in the groin area during sleepovers when she was 10.

When CI#1 told Zandstras daughter what happened, she acknowledged that her father did that sometimes. She further recalled that she had written in her diary in 1975 that another child from her class was almost kidnapped twice, and she believed Zandstra was likely the culprit.

Investigators found Zandstra in Marietta and confronted him with the sexual misconduct allegations on July 17. After initially denying his crimes, police say Zandstra admitted to killing Harrington.

He admitted to offering Gretchen a ride and taking her to a nearby wooded area. The defendant stated that he had parked the car and asked the victim to remove her clothing. When she refused, he struck her in the head with a fist. The victim was bleeding, and he believed her to be dead. He attempted to cover up her body and left the area, the release said.

Lieutenant Jonathan Sunderlin of the Pennsylvania State Police praised the generations of investigators that refused to give up on solving the murder.

Justice does not have an expiration date. Whether a crime happened 50 years ago or five minutes ago, the residents of the Commonwealth can have confidence that law enforcement will not rest until justice is served, he said. This case has been investigated by generations of detectives, and they all are owed a debt of gratitude for never giving up.
Correcting a flawed Christian analogy

If Ive heard it once Ive heard it a thousand times. Well, Im exaggerating; its more like 950 times. 975 max.

When discussing Gods plan of salvation with another Christian who believes that the ultimate decision of whether were saved or not rests with us, they at some point toss out the following illustration:

Imagine a person whos currently on death row, but suddenly the governor offers them a full pardon that allows them to be released. The person can either accept the governors pardon and go free or reject his offer, remain in prison, and be executed. Thats exactly how Gods offer of salvation works with us.

If youre someone who has that allegory in your back pocket to refute those ornery Calvinist sorts, please take my advice and bury it. Bury it with a shovel and then bury the shovel.

Its just wrong.

But why?

So why is the illustration incorrect? Let's start with the fact that the god of this analogy far more depicts a god like Allah than the God of the Bible.

Its in Islam that you find Allah dispensing pardons at the expense of his justice. Whether its through the concept of the good/bad scales or in various events contained in Islams eschatology, in the end, Allah overlooks a persons wrongs when delivering his rescue. In other words, justice is overlooked in Islam, which is precisely what you find in the prison analogy.

Next  and I really cant emphasize this enough  to make the illustration square with Christianity you must add a very important thing: the governor needs to execute a willing, innocent man in place of the guilty prisoner on death row. Only after that can the pardon be extended.

If you listen real closely you can now hear the sound of the prisoner analogys wheels falling off in spectacular fashion.

Even in our incredibly malfunctioning justice system, the concept of double jeopardy and/or the payment for a crime only occurring once applies. And if even we get that right, its a fair bet that God does.

Put another way: there are only two types of people  those with their judgment behind them (because Christ paid their penalty) and those with their judgment ahead of them. There is no free pass nor double-payment-for-sins concept in Christianity.

Lets now turn our attention to the governor. Ask yourself what kind of monster would he/she be to allow the execution of two people for the same individually committed crime. A pretty bad one in my opinion; they would be considered anything but just.

Last but not least  and this is where some of you will argue with me the most  the story has the criminal rejecting the governors offer of freedom. Yes, its true that people certainly refuse Christ every day in droves, but they do so only because God hasnt intervened in their lives so they see His light.

When Paul says, For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast (Eph. 2:8-9), to what does the term that refer? It can only point back to what preceded it, which is saving faith.

Prior to God doing that work in us, our free will was moving away from Him as fast as it could. The Bible says that the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so (Rom. 8:7) and a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised (1 Cor. 2:14).

That was/is every Christian whos ever lived or will live. If youre keeping score, that includes you and me. As Scripture says, There is none who seeks for God (Rom. 3:11).

So, if this is true (and it is), then how in the world does anyone become a Christian?

Answer: You and I didnt receive Christ because were more intelligent, better, more righteous, humble, good at figuring things out, etc. Jesus said, No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day (John 6:44; notice how that simple statement signifies a complete work of salvation).

Or go back to our analogy: all of us were criminals on death row who would have rejected the governors pardon had not the governor himself made us willing to receive it.

Its all His doing.

In the end, whether you sneer at reformed theology, throw darts at pictures of John Calvin, and go to the mat for our supposed free will where God is concerned, I hope you can at least see through the corrections of the flawed prisoner analogy why the teaching of definite atonement is reasonable and just, and why there is good biblical evidence for believing that no one for whom Christ died will ever reject Gods offer of salvation.

But if you're still shaking your head, at least dont use the prisoner/governor pardon analogy anymore to depict Gods offer of salvation. Its just all kinds of awful.
Bible verses to provide comfort and wisdom to broken families

Have you ever wondered about the untold stories behind broken families?

Those shattered dreams, lost connections, and the lasting impact they leave on individuals and society?

While we might often witness the surface-level effects of broken families, such as divorce rates or custody battles, the deeper emotional toll remains hidden, buried within the hearts of those affected.

Such a significant life event can have far-reaching consequences, especially for children caught in the crossfire of their parents' conflicts or adjusting to a new reality where their family unit is forever altered.

How do broken families affect children?

Children from broken families often face emotional challenges as they grapple with feelings of abandonment, confusion and insecurity.

The absence of a nurturing and stable home environment can lead to difficulties in developing healthy relationships, low self-esteem and even academic struggles.

They can become invisible wounds that can persist into adulthood, shaping individuals' perception of love, trust and the ability to form meaningful connections.

However, broken families impact the individuals involved and cast a shadow over society.

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The cumulative effects of broken families can contribute to various social issues, including poverty, crime rates and mental health challenges.

Without adequate support systems, individuals from broken families could struggle to navigate life's challenges and be caught in disadvantage cycles.

What does the Bible say about broken families?

The Bible has teachings and wisdom to guide and comfort individuals experiencing broken families.

While the Bible does not specifically mention the term "broken families," it does address various aspects related to family relationships, marriage, divorce and reconciliation.

God's design for families

The Bible emphasizes that God created families as a source of love, support and unity.

In the book of Genesis, it is described that God intended for a man and a woman to come together in marriage, forming a solid bond and becoming "one flesh."

Marriage and commitment

The Bible encourages the commitment and faithfulness of spouses in marriage.

Jesus taught that marriage is a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman, and divorce should only be considered in cases of marital unfaithfulness.

Honoring and cherishing one's spouse is emphasized throughout the scriptures.

Healing and restoration

While the Bible acknowledges the reality of brokenness and divorce, it also offers hope for healing and restoration.

God's love and grace extend to those who have experienced broken families, and there are examples of individuals and families being reconciled and restored in the Bible.

It emphasizes forgiveness, reconciliation, and working toward rebuilding relationships.

Support and compassion

The Bible calls upon believers to show compassion, support and care for those experiencing broken families.

It encourages the church community to provide love, understanding and practical help to individuals and families going through difficult times.

It teaches us to bear one another's burdens and to offer comfort and assistance to those in need.

Parental responsibilities

The Bible emphasizes the responsibilities of parents to nurture and raise their children in a loving and God-honoring manner.

It encourages parents to teach their children about God's ways, to provide guidance and discipline, and to be an example of love and righteousness.

20 Bible verses about broken families

Here are 20 Bible verses that provide guidance, comfort and wisdom regarding broken families:

1. Psalm 34:18 - "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

2. Matthew 19:6 - "So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate."

3. Malachi 2:16 - "For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless."

4. Matthew 5:4 - "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

5. Isaiah 41:10 - "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

6. 1 Corinthians 7:15 - "But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases, the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace."

7. Psalm 147:3 - "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

8. Mark 10:9 - "What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate."

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9. Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

10. Isaiah 54:10 - "For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

11. 1 Peter 5:7 - "Casting all your anxieties on him because he cares for you."

12. Psalm 51:17 - "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."

13. Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

14. Romans 15:13 - "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

15. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

16. Psalm 55:22 - "Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved."

17. Proverbs 18:10 - "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe."

18. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed."

19. Matthew 6:14-15 - "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

20. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Many Bible verses can offer solace, guidance, and encouragement for those facing broken families, reminding us of God's love, comfort, and the promise of restoration.

In summary, broken families can bring immense pain and challenges, affecting individuals emotionally, spiritually and socially.

However, the Bible provides guidance and comfort for those experiencing these difficulties.

It reminds us that God is near to the brokenhearted and offers healing for the wounded spirit.

Moreover, it assures us that God's love and compassion extend to those in broken families, offering comfort and solace in times of distress.

By embracing the teachings of the Bible and seeking God's guidance, individuals in broken families can find solace, restoration, and renewed hope for their future.

Originally published at Crossmap Read more at Crossmap Blogs
Corrie ten Boom story 'The Hiding Place' to hit theaters, tells profound story of forgiveness

A stage adaptation of "The Hiding Place," which tells the remarkable story of Corrie ten Boom and her courageous family during the horrors of World War II, will hit the big screen, reaching a nationwide audience with the message of hospitality, forgiveness and unwavering faith.

The play, adapted from ten Boom's memoir for the stage by A. S. Peterson and directed by Matt Logan, was filmed live for cinema audiences at the Soli Deo Center in Nashville, Tennessee, during a four-week run to sold-out audiences in 2022. And next month, it will hit theaters for three nights only.

"The Hiding Place" follows ten Boom (Nan Gurley) and her family, including her father, Casper, and her sister, Betsie, as they quietly resist the evils carried out by the Third Reich in 1940s Haarlem, Holland, fueled by their love of God and their neighbor.

In an interview with The Christian Post, Peterson said "The Hiding Place" is more than a historical tale set against the backdrop of World War II; it's a timely story that speaks to the human heart, encouraging viewers to confront their own choices, beliefs and capacity for love and forgiveness.

"One of the things that I think is so remarkable about the ten Booms is they were committed to fighting the war with hospitality," he said. "They were committed to kindness, to loving their neighbors at the risk of their own safety. They were willing to love people that believed other than they did, which is a really remarkable thing. The world needs more of that."

"As Christians, we're called to love our neighbors," he continued. "The Bible doesn't say, 'Love your neighbors if.' It just says, 'Love your neighbors.' The ten Booms are such a great example of how that works out and can actually change the world. If you followed the family trees of the refugees that they saved, there is a whole, exponentially growing section of the world that wouldn't exist without them. And that's thanks, exclusively, to their attempts to love their neighbor, without concern for their own safety."

The stage adaptation of "The Hiding Place" was initially commissioned by a theater company in Houston, honoring the memory of the late Jeannette Clift George, who founded the company and starred as ten Boom in the 1975 biographical film "The Hiding Place."

Peterson said he subsequently embarked on a journey to bring "The Hiding Place" to Nashville, where it became an even fuller realization of the story's power.

"What we've captured on film is actually 'The Hiding Place' 2.0," he said. "In a lot of ways, it's the same show, but it is an evolution of that show in ways that I'm really excited about. It's the fuller realization of the show."

A Christian herself, Gurley said bringing ten Boom to life had a "profound impact" on her. She delved into the life and writings of ten Boom and immersed herself in video footage of the late author speaking to capture her Dutch accent authentically.

"She's an icon of the faith," Gurley said. "It caused me to think, 'What would I do if I had to die on a hill, if my life was at stake? If I had that choice, be true to what I believe the Lord is calling me to do or compromise, what would I do? Which is very sobering."

She stressed that "The Hiding Place" seeks to tell the ten Booms' story honestly, highlighting how Corrie struggled to forgive and show mercy in the face of evil.

"Betsie kind of was more fully formed spiritually at the beginning than Corrie; Corrie struggled, as I would have struggled with, 'Why is this happening if God is sovereign? And truly He is, then why is He allowing this?' And then at the end, 'How in the world do I forgive?' We get to see Corrie do this in the play, and now thankfully, in the film, as well."

Just as Corrie ten Boom's journey unfolded through hidden obedience, the play urges viewers to find courage and faith in their own lives, ready to face any crossroads that may come their way. Viewers are confronted with a challenge: to be faithful and obedient, to make choices aligned with their beliefs and to embrace "long obedience" in the same direction.

Still, Logan stressed that "The Hiding Place" seeks to be art, not propaganda. Rather than dictating what audiences should think or feel, the play presents a true story that leaves space for personal interpretation.

"Propaganda is telling you what to think," he said. "Even if it's great, it's telling you what to draw from something, whereas art is leaving space for your interpretation, and bringing truth to the surface and allowing it to hit you and any realm of your life that it resonates."

Peterson expressed his desire for audiences to view the ten Booms as witnesses whose testimonies hold invaluable lessons. Rather than dismissing their experiences as unimaginable, he urged viewers to trust the testimony of those who have endured and let it impact their lives positively.

"I think one of my big takeaways from the show, and the thing that I hope a lot of people will take away is a new understanding of what a witness is," he said. "In the Church, we tend to hear words like 'witness' and 'testimony' a lot. And we assign them a sort of Christianese meaning. ... I spent a lot of time thinking about Corrie and Betsie, and they talk a lot about 'witness' and 'testimony.' And it forced me to recognize the fact that these are actually legal terms; a witness is a person who gets up on the stand, swears an oath on the Bible to tell the truth and then talks about the evidence that they've seen."

"When I encounter a story like the ten Booms, and I'm baffled by these people's ability to love one another in the context of a concentration camp, when I'm baffled by their gratitude for fleas, when I'm baffled by their ability to forgive Nazis  my real job is to trust the cloud of witnesses that surround me and listen to the witness on the stand who's given a testimony because they've been in a place that I have not."

"The Hiding Place" will show in select North American theaters Aug. 3 and Aug. 5 only before a one-day theatrical run in various international territories on Aug. 16. Tickets are available now at thehidingplacefilm.com.
Nick Vujicic co-founds pro-life bank to combat abortion crisis: 'God wants to take back His role'

GRAPEVINE, Texas  A few years ago, it came to the attention of evangelist Nick Vujicic that most major banks in the United States support Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the nation.

Most banks  90%, in fact  give philanthropically toward abortion, the 38-year-old Life Without Limbs founder told The Christian Post, adding that an unthinkable amount of Gods money has been used to fund the murder of pre-born children.

It was this sobering reality that prompted Vujicic to partner with Betsy Gray, his spiritual mother and the executive director of Network Medical Women's Center, a primary care medical clinic in Santa Barbara, California, to found ProLife Bank.

ProLife Bank, Vujicic said, is not a for-profit bank  its a for-giving bank. The bank will give 50% net profits to Judeo-Christian-aligned-nonprofit organizations to further the Kingdom of God, he explained.

Just like Noah's saved lives, so we're going to save lives with ProLife Bank, he shared. Its based on the understanding that God wants to take back His role and redistribute it through His faithful students.

Though the founder and CEO of a nonprofit ministry and a New York Times bestselling author, Vujicic said he considers himself a numbers guy.

The Dallas-based entrepreneur started trading options and stocks as a teenager and purchased his first home as an investment at 19 years old. He obtained a Bachelor of Commerce with a double major in financial planning and investments and accounting and graduated at age 21.

So when presented with the idea of a pro-life bank, he was intrigued  but asked Gray to give him three months to pray with his wife over the decision. During those three months, the father-of-four shared, he faced spiritual assault like never before.

My world turned upside down, he recalled. We had a grenade at our house; I had a false article published in a gay magazine that I fired someone from being gay. I had a lawsuit threat against me by somebody internationally. I had a spy drone above my house, and I got kicked out of a bank, all within a matter of 16 weeks after that prayer.

It was evident to me that this is an issue close to the Lord's heart, Vujicic added. The last 20 years of my life was sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to millions around the world. The next 20 years will be, preach where I can, but also bring change, tangibly.

Protecting the sanctity of life at all stages is an issue close to Vujicics heart. The Australian-American was born with tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by the absence of all four limbs. Living with a disability gives him a unique perspective on issues including abortion, adoption and the foster care system.



In America, there have been 77 million abortions  thats 23% of our population. And one in three Christians has had an abortion. Im doing my part to rattle the cages of the Church to say, You can't afford not to tell people that half the abortions in America are done by a Christian, he said.

Vujicic is also urging Christians to actively participate in city councils, school boards and other local political committees to use their voice in taking America back for God.

He expressed the belief that Roe v. Wade will be overturned  and pointed out there are already 12 sanctuary cities in the U.S. that do not allow abortions to happen. Christians, he said, have the power to bring that kind of change to all cities across the country.

We're not far from cities realizing that it's just enough of us to go on a school board and bring the Bible back to school systems, city per city, he stressed. That is how we take back America. The way that America has been stolen and the way that America will be, half of Americans will never agree with me. And we are being forced in this cancel culture to choose one side or the other."

We lost the war, and we're going to pay for it, Vujicic said, adding: But the remnant will hold.

The evangelist, who has shared the Gospel from over 3,500 stages in 74 countries, expressed concern that the Church in America is sleeping in the face of coming persecution. He challenged pastors to face the music and preach biblical truth from the pulpit, no matter how unpopular.

I think America is going to have a rude awakening, he said. "Those of us who don't face the music, who don't correct the unrighteousness  it's going along with the change of the tide since 2005 when churches changed their song and dance to bring the lost through the door by watering down the experience. Weve forgotten to teach them meat.

The COVID-19 pandemic, he posited, exposed the lack of commitment and spiritual discernment among many Christians. The speaker and author urged the next generation to stop basing their actions on feelings  Don't just share things or jump on things because you heard somebody else doing it, he advised  and rather on the Word of God.

So many people who are Christian have fallen into depression, thoughts of suicide, divorce, and all these things in the last 18 months like never before because they were never taught to memorize Scriptures, read the Bible on their own and understand that worship is between you and the Lord Jesus Christ without the structure of the church, Vujicic said.

We feel this is the time as Christians to come together and ask God to forgive us of the sins of our land.
Police investigating firebombing at Texas church

Police in Texas are investigating the firebombing of Community Unitarian Universalist Church of Plano, a congregation recognized by the Unitarian Universalist Association as a "Welcoming Congregation," because they include folks who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer at every level of congregational life.

Unitarian Universalism according to the Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria, is a liberal religion that encompasses many faith traditions. Unlike most religions, it is not centered on specific theological beliefs. Unitarian Universalists are free to search for truth on many paths.

Church officials announced in a statement on Facebook that the building was hit with an incendiary device between 12 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. Sunday. Hours later, they continued with their worship service under police protection.

An incendiary device with a chemical accelerant was thrown or placed at the front doors of the main church building. The fire and smoke caused the monitored fire alarm system for the building to go off, which notified church personnel, the statement said.

It was revealed that a passerby who was on the scene at the time of the attack saw the fire and contacted local police for help, which helped to limit the damage suffered by the building.

City of Plano Firefighters arrived on the scene and were able to extinguish the fire. Because of the quick action of Planos First Responders, the damage to the church property was limited to the front doors, the materials directly outside the front doors, and the entrance foyer, the religious group said.

Plano Police and Fire Department personnel did a thorough collection of evidence of the crime scene. They also interviewed multiple church personnel who arrived on-site to assess the incident, the statement added.

There were no injuries as a result of the attack.

No one was immediately available to discuss the attack when contacted by The Christian Post on Monday, but the religious group explained in its statement that it had been working on increasing security since one of its services was interrupted by what it described as a "hate group" last month.

Church officials have been reviewing building security and working with the Plano Police Department since the intrusion of a hate group in the church building during and after Worship Service on Sunday, June 25. That group has posted video of their activities inside the church on various social media sites, the statement reads. The church community asks for your support and prayers at this time as we deal with the impact of this incident.

It is not immediately clear what the name of the so-called hate group is and what acts they are accused of carrying out.

Arson investigators are looking into who is responsible for the attack and if more than one person is involved, a Plano Police Department spokesperson told The Dallas Morning News.

Despite the firebombing, members continued with their worship on Sunday under the watchful eyes of members of the Plano Police Department.

We are going forward with Worship Service this morning, the Community Unitarian Universalist Church said in its most recent statement since the firebombing on Sunday. The Plano Police Department is providing security and we are meeting. Worship at 10:30!
PureFlix romcom 'Learning to Love' proves God's presence amid loss, celebrates family: actress

The new PureFlix romcom Learning to Love highlights the reality of Gods presence amid loss and pain and the power of faith and positivity, making it the perfect feel-good movie for viewers of all ages, according to lead actress Ina Barron.

The film, now streaming on PureFlix, follows Steph (Barron), a successful ad executive who has recently moved to Miami following a breakup with her boyfriend and fellow advertising colleague. She finds herself in an unexpected job interview with Harry, a work-from-home architect seeking a live-in teacher for his two young daughters. As Steph introduces prayer and Bible stories into the girls' homeschool curriculum, the situation takes a transformative turn, leading to a heartwarming and redemptive experience for everyone involved.

In an interview with The Christian Post, Barron said that though the film is a romantic comedy on the surface, it also addresses deeper themes like loss, faith and maintaining a positive mindset in the face of adversity.

This film is fun, its dynamic, its a family movie, kids can watch it, she said. It has all these themes of relationships changing, trying to plan your life in certain ways, and letting go into what is and sort of allowing yourself to go along for the ride. There are matters of grief and loss, and trying to keep a positive frame of mind despite adversity. Its a very hopeful and fun story.

Through Steph's influence, faith in God is rekindled in a family that had been grappling with pain and loss. Love blossoms amid the growing bond between Steph and Harry, leading them toward a potential future together.

Yet, just as things appear to be falling into place, challenges arise when the young girls start to feel threatened by the possibility of Steph and their father's marriage. Amid the sabotage attempts, the family embarks on a journey of growth, healing and love.

The story, according to Barron, is buoyed by faith: Stephanie maintains a positive mindset; shes steeped in her faith, and she gets through situations because of her faith. Her positivity rubs off on Harry over time, and then they start kind of eyeing each other a little differently, and it goes from there.

The actress, who is actively involved in advocating for the Department of Peacebuilding, a bill in Congress that aims to create a cabinet-level department dedicated to promoting peace, expressed her pride in being part of movies that can be enjoyed by the whole family. She stressed that art, whether through music, film or television, sits in your mind and affects the way that you think or see the world.

In order to create a compelling story, it requires some intense drama, but its possible to do that in a beneficent way, she said.



Learning to Love also stars Philip Boyd, Caroline Skye, Zoe Willis, Brandi Huzzie, Debra Lee Lima, Joshua Smith, Tom Copland and Susan Kovi. Its one of the latest offerings from PureFlix, which recently announced it has joined forces with Great American Media, helmed by Bill Abbott, the former CEO of Crown Media Family Networks, the parent company of the Hallmark Channel.

Abbott recently told CP that through GAMs merger with Pure Flix, the media platform will stream content that honors "faith, family and country," rivals Netflix in quality and serves as a beacon of light in a world that is "very, very dark and people have strong agendas."

"We will be the leader in faith and family content, both in streaming and in linear," Abbott said. "When you think streaming, you think Netflix. When you think faith and family content, you'll think Great American Media, Great American Pure Flix; Great American as a brand that represents a high quality, that represents that focus on faith and family, that never disappoints."

Unlike other streaming services, Abbott said every project released through GAM undergoes rigorous scrutiny to ensure that it upholds the principles of family-friendliness and is respectful of viewers of all ages.

"As we look at every project that we air, [we look at it through the lens] of never presenting situations that are uncomfortable for the family, that are not appropriate for every member of the family, that are not supportive of faith and family, he said.

"We scrutinize every piece of content; we create every word, every sentence, every way in which a person either respects their family and their elders or interacts with them; those are very important elements for us that are supportive of an overall culture structure and belief system."
Satanic Temple lawsuit claiming Texas abortion laws violate religious freedom dismissed

The Satanic Temple's lawsuit against pro-life laws in Texas has been dismissed by a federal judge, calling the group's complaint "spare and unusually cryptic."

Judge Charles Eskridge of the Southern District Court of Texas ruled earlier this month that the plaintiffs  TST and an anonymous member identified as Ann Doe  did not have factual evidence to support claims that the state's abortion restrictions infringe on their freedom of religion under the First Amendment.

Cecile Young, Executive Commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, is listed as a defendant in the case. However, the Trump appointee argued that it's not clear what wrong she allegedly committed.

"The third amended complaint is willfully inadequate and deficient," Eskridge wrote in his ruling. "It fails for jurisdictional reasons and would also likely fail for insufficient pleading of the merits. Plaintiffs will not be given leave to replead."

In a Monday statement to The Christian Post, TST co-founder and spokesperson Lucien Greaves said that the judge's ruling was a "total abdication of his duties as a neutral adjudicator of Law."

"Essentially, Judge Eskridge ruled that because he doesn't understand our ritual, he refuses to approach the question of our right to perform it," Greaves stated.

"While some anti-abortion Christians might celebrate this, other Christians with higher concern for religious liberty should see this for what it is: a horrible precedent that opens the door for judges to insist that their perceptions of doctrinal legibility, and their own subjective evaluations of the importance of a religious practice, are of primary importance in determining the rights of a religious group to engage in that practice."

The group has filed an appeal, and Greaves is confident that "a higher court will see the judge's flagrant incompetence for what it is."

TST originally filed a suit in February 2021, amending the first complaint later that month. The group obtained leave to file a second complaint in May 2021 and a third complaint following the reversal of Roe v. Wade last summer.

The most recent complaint alleged that TST sent a letter to Young on behalf of one of its congregants, seeking an exception to the state's abortion ban. TST later sued the Health and Human Services commissioner.

In his ruling, the judge acknowledged that TST claims that it's a religion but wrote that the group did not thoroughly explain its belief structure and how Texas' laws interfere with the religion. As Eskride noted in his decision, TST stated that it follows the "Seven Tenets," which permits abortions and that its congregants engage in "ritual abortions."

TST accused Young and Texas legislators of interfering with the "ritual" by enforcing statutes from another religion, preventing congregants from engaging in the practice after Young enforced the statutes.

"The supposed 'religious statutes' aren't specified or explained in any way. Neither are 'the Seven Tenets' or 'the ritual,'" Eskridge wrote. "And no congregant is mentioned by name or description, including Ann Doe."

The judge argued in his ruling that TST's complaint did not show how the "unspecified religious statute" is directed at the group, nor does it prove how the group has been prevented from engaging in a specific sort of action.

"Instead, it asserts only that 'the congregants tried to engage in the ritual' but were 'unsuccessful,'" Eskridge wrote. "This serves only to focus inquiry on the circumstances of individual members."

"The motion by Defendant Cecile Young to dismiss is GRANTED," the judge concluded. "This civil action is DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICE. A final judgment will enter separately."

The case is not the first time that TST has argued that abortion bans violate religious freedom.

As CP reported in February, TST made a similar claim when it announced its plans to operate a telehealth abortion clinic in New Mexico. The group declared in a statement that its online clinic would protect the "bodily autonomy" of its members.

"TST Health's first telehealth clinic will provide medication for safe abortions through the mail for members and for those who wish to perform TST's Abortion Ritual," the statement read. "The goal of this first clinic is to allow our members to have access to safe and legal abortions, no matter where they live or what their financial situation may be."

TST affirmed its objection to what it views as the government interfering with abortion access, promising to contest laws that it believes "impede" its faith in bodily autonomy and the ability to perform its "Religious Abortion Ritual violate the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act."
3 times men allowed to be housed in women's prisons harmed, impregnated inmates Triple murderer of women and child moved to women's prison

Amid ongoing concerns about housing men with female inmates, reports have surfaced that a male triple murderer who identifies as a woman is threatening and harassing women at the prison where hes serving his sentence.

The 68-year-old inmate is a man named David Chester Warfield who goes by the name Dana Rivers. Last month, a judge sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Warfield was allowed to be incarcerated at the Central California Women's Facility in Chowchilla, California, following his conviction in the murder of Charlotte Reed and Patricia Wright, a lesbian couple, and their 19-year-old son, Benny Diambu-Wright.

As The Washington Free Beacon reported, female inmates have complained about how Warfield has treated them since his arrival. According to the Beacon, women in his housing unit allege that he stares at them in a way that makes them uncomfortable and talks to them in a demeaning manner. He also allegedly forces the women in his housing unit to push him around in his wheelchair.

"Rivers has been a problem since he rolled in the door," one inmate told the outlet. "He is trying to control the women, saying he gets to bypass everything  special treatment."

A former employee at the prison, Tomiekia Johnson, also told the Beacon that a fellow inmate had noticed Warfield leering at her. Johnson said she lost her job in the prison after filing a complaint in 2021 against a California law allowing men to be housed in womens prisons.

"I think its a slap in the face, because as much as they know Ive been vocal about being housed with predators, and how much they target me, and how much its a known fact that they harass me and provoke me, for them to put him in the building with me is beyond negligent," Johnson said. "I feel betrayed by the prison for doing this."

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation did not respond to The Christian Posts request for comment.

As The Berkeley Scanner reported in June regarding the male inmates crimes, Warfield was accused of shooting and stabbing Wright and Reed multiple times in the bedroom of their home. The couples son managed to run outside the house before being shot in the torso and collapsing in the street.

Judge Scott Patton oversaw the trial that resulted in Warfields conviction and called the murder the most depraved crime that Ive handled in the criminal justice field in 33 years." Patton sentenced Warfield to 150 years in prison without the possibility of parole.

The inmate previously made national headlines in 1999 after he was fired for openly discussing "sexuality and the importance of gender self-determination" with his students at Center High School in Sacramento County.

The Center Unified School Board maintained that the former teachers gender identity was not the reason for his dismissal. Several parents had objected to Warfield revealing to his class that he had been sodomized at a young age and that he was planning to undergo a sex change.

Due to Senate Bill 132 in California, which the state implemented in 2021, Warfield was able to request a transfer to a womens prison to serve his sentence because he identifies as female. Warfield is also not the only man who identifies as a woman who has been housed in a women's prison.

Here are three other cases where men who were allowed to be transferred to womens prisons harassed, beat or impregnated female inmates.

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2 Eritrean Christians mark 7,000 days in prison

In 2004, I had the privilege of meeting persecuted Christians in Eritrea on behalf of The Voice of the Martyrs. In the few days I was there, I fell in love with the country  the cool evening air in Asmara, the beautiful Red Sea beaches in Massawa, and the warmhearted, welcoming people.

Two years before my visit, Eritreas one-party government, led by President Isais Afwerki, had ordered leaders of nearly all Protestant churches to close their doors. Overnight, public worship services were restricted to Orthodox, Catholic and Lutheran churches only.

But while the government was able to lock the churches doors, it could not change their purpose or stop their work. Pastors and members of non-approved churches quickly transitioned from open, public services in church buildings to house groups and secret meetings.

Then, Eritrean authorities began arresting Christians and sending them to prison. Many were sent to military camps in the desert, while others were locked in metal shipping containers or held in dark underground cells. Biblical disciples were branded as unpatriotic traitors for putting obedience to God ahead of obedience to the government or to Afwerkis Peoples Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ).

One pastor I met in Eritrea said the first question Christian prisoners were asked was, Will you deny Christ? Another pastor showed me how he was bound in prison, lying on his stomach with his hands and feet tied together behind his back.

In meeting after meeting, I heard inspiring stories of how God had encouraged and empowered Eritreans who were arrested because of their Christian faith. Persecution is not sweet, one pastor said, but it is useful.

Affirming and expanding on that thought, another pastor said, Nothing comes to us without the will of God. Through persecution  I dont know why, but the church grows.

Just months after my visit to Eritrea, several of the pastors I had met were arrested. This past Saturday, July 22, marked the 7,000th night in prison for two of those pastors, Kiflu Gebremeskel and Haile Nayzgi. Like every other imprisoned Christian in Eritrea (currently estimated at nearly 400 people), they have been denied legal counsel and a trial. In fact, theyve never even been formally charged with a crime.

Seven thousand days in prison.

Please take a moment to think about that number. One thousand weeks away from their families. Children that were very young when their fathers were arrested are now college graduates and even parents themselves. How many family milestones have these two Christians missed over the past 7,000 days? As a father and a grandfather, I weep at the thought of all the significant moments they have sacrificed for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom.

I want to ask you to do something today on behalf of these men and all Christians imprisoned in Eritrea.

If you are a Christian, please pray for them. God has sustained persecuted Christians through many trials and long imprisonments; Ive heard amazing stories of how he has worked in prison cells in China, Iran and Sudan. Please pray that God is writing similar stories  even today  in the lives of Pastor Kiflu and Pastor Haile. Ask God to sustain, protect and provide for their wives, children and grandchildren, and pray that he will graciously reunite these families soon.

Whether you are a Christian or not, I ask all people of goodwill to contact the Eritrean Embassy in Washington, D.C. (or your home country), and respectfully urge the release of Kiflu, Pastor Haile and so many others who are locked in Eritrean prisons simply because of their religious beliefs.

Here is the contact information for the Eritrean Embassy in Washington, D.C.:

Phone: 202-319-1991

Fax: 1-202-319-1304

Email: embassyeritrea@embassyeritrea.org

Thinking about the suffering my Eritrean friends have endured over the past 7,000 days is heartbreaking. Please join me in speaking out on their behalf. As we raise our voices together, let us pray and hope that this will be the day of their release.

May it be so.



Add your voice to the petition: HERE
Christian charged with blasphemy under Pakistan's terrorism law

A judge is allowing a Catholic to be charged with blasphemy under Pakistan's anti-terrorism law, which his attorney said is "illegal and illogical."

Attorney Rana Abdul Hameed said Lahore Anti-Terrorism Judge Abher Gul Khan on July 6 rejected his application seeking the elimination of the terrorism charges against 32-year-old Imran Rehman, arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) from Lahore on Sept. 14, on allegations that he had shared a blasphemous message in a WhatsApp group. The First Information Report (FIR) was registered the same day.

The government is working on draft amendments to allow blasphemy cases to be tried under Pakistan's anti-terrorism laws, but at present they do not come under their purview, Hameed said.

"There's no legal provision yet for trying blasphemy accused under anti-terror laws," he told Morning Star News. "The FIA's act of including Anti-Terrorism Act sections in the FIR is completely illegal, yet the judge has denied our plea."

The charges against Rehman, who worked at a ticket office of the Lahore Metro Bus System, are baseless, he said. Rehman was charged under Sections 295-A, 295-B, 295-C and 298 of Pakistan's blasphemy statutes, Section 109/34 and Section 11 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, and sections 6(2)(1), 7, 8 and 9 of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997.

Rehman denies that he shared blasphemous content on social media. Calling the charges against him under the anti-terrorism act "illogical and illegal," Hameed said he will file a motion with the Lahore High Court to drop the terrorism charges.

Suspects accused of blasphemy under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), especially those belonging to vulnerable and marginalized groups, suffer severe trauma and are subjected to unfair trials, Hameed said.

"This unjust labeling of blasphemy accused as terrorists creates a perception that the accused poses a serious threat to society not only as a blasphemer but also as a terrorist," he said. "My client is under severe mental pressure as he is imprisoned in a barrack where four out of six prisoners suffer from mental illness. These false accusations and label of being a suspected terrorist are taking a toll on both his mental and physical health, and it's important that the courts realize the injustice being meted out to the poor man."

Joseph Jansen, an advocacy officer at the Jubilee Campaign, said Rehman was father to two minor girls and was the sole breadwinner for the family.

"His family is deeply distressed and concerned for his well-being," Jansen told Morning Star News. "They allege that Rehman was subjected to severe torture and forced to confess to a crime he did not commit."

The rights advocate said that police in Pakistan were continuing to register blasphemy cases under ATA in violation of the intended mandate of the law.

"Rehman's case underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive review of the laws and procedures related to blasphemy accusations to ensure fairness, protect the rights of the accused, and prevent potential abuses of power," Jansen said.

Moreover, Pakistan's blasphemy laws are incompatible with international human rights standards, he said.

"The accuser who levels blasphemy allegations against any person is bound to prove malicious intent, but this stipulation is missing in legislation and is not taken into account during blasphemy trials," Jansen said.

On June 17, Pakistan's Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and Economic Affairs Minister Sardar Ayaz Sadiq signed an agreement with leaders of the extremist Islamist party, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) that would allow blasphemy cases to be tried under the country's anti-terrorism law.

The agreement stipulates that punishment under Section 7 of the ATA would apply to suspects charged with committing blasphemy under the Pakistan Penal Code's Section 295-C against making derogatory remarks about Muhammad, the prophet of Islam.

The government also agreed to establish a "Counter Blasphemy Wing" under the FIA to take action against the dissemination of "blasphemous content" on the internet. In addition, the agreement calls for speedy trials of blasphemy suspects, as well as a swift appeals process.

A Muslim lawyer of the Supreme Court, Asad Jamal, told Morning Star News that derogatory remarks about Muhammad under Section 295-C do not fall under the definition of terrorism, and that the purpose of the ATA is to curb sectarianism.

"295-C relates to hurting of religious sentiments as a result of blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad, whereas Section 7 of ATA is specifically for acts wherein the general public feels terrorized by violence," Jamal previously told Morning Star News. "It warrants a question here of how can an accused instigate the masses and simultaneously also terrorize them? Going ahead with any move to amend the ATA to include Section 295-C will only worsen the human rights situation in Pakistan."

For the agreement to take effect, the government must amend the ATA through parliament.

Blasphemy against Muhammad is punishable by death under Pakistani law, and conviction requires little legal evidence.

As a result, the blasphemy laws are often used as a weapon of revenge against both Muslims and non-Muslims to settle personal scores or to resolve disputes over money, property, or business. In a religiously sensitive country, a mere allegation is enough to provoke a mob to riot and lynch those accused of blasphemy.

Blasphemy allegations have also led to mob attacks on Christian settlements, especially in Punjab Province.

On July 8, police arrested Zaki Masih after a Sargodha area Muslim accused him of insulting Islam in a Facebook post. On June 30, tension gripped Chak 49 Shumaali village of Sargodha after a Biblical verse posted on Facebook by Haroon Shahzad was deemed to liken Muslims to pagans and disrespect animal sacrifice.

Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors' 2023 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, up from eighth the previous year.

 2023 Morning Star News
Church delegation visits Manipur with calls for peace

In response to the escalating ethnic-religious crisis in Manipur, a delegation led by Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), undertook a solemn visit to some of the conflict-ridden areas of the state.

The delegation, which included Archbishop Dominic Lumon of the Archdiocese of Imphal in Manipur, Father Jervis D'Souza of the CBCI, and Father Dr Paul Moonjely of Caritas India, saw firsthand the widespread destruction of homes, places of worship, educational facilities, and the plight of displaced people.

During their visit, the delegation explored various affected regions, including Kakching, Sugnu, Pukhao, Canchipur, and Sangaiprou, among others.

The destruction in these areasmany houses and properties in ruins, churches and schools completely destroyedhad the Christian leaders greatly affected. Notably, the St Joseph's Higher Secondary School and Parish was among the destroyed structures. This institution has served as a model of educational, social, and developmental assistance to diverse communities.

The delegation expressed their sorrow and noted that these formerly thriving areas now "looked deserted and seemed like they will not be inhabited in the near future given the mutual mistrust and fear that continues to prevail," the CBCI said. They struggled to find solutions for how to reconstruct communities and institutions under such difficult conditions because of their deep concern for the welfare and future of the displaced families and their children.

Since the beginning of this exceptional catastrophe, Caritas India, the CBCI's humanitarian response organisation, has been at the forefront of finding solutions. Caritas India has already contributed substantial humanitarian aid in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the Diocesan Social Services Society (DSSS), the Social Service Wing of the Archdiocese of Imphal.

In response to the CBCI's call, the Church in India has actively mobilised support for people impacted by the violence through prayers, peace demonstrations, and resource mobilisation, ensuring that relief reaches all affected regions.

The delegation unequivocally condemned acts of violence, atrocities, and attacks, especially those directed at institutions, places of worship, and vulnerable members of society like women and children. They expressed their distress over the prolonged silence and apparent inaction of law enforcement agencies in curbing the violence.

The delegation made a fervent appeal for the governance system to uphold the secular structure of the country, reinforce constitutional values, and foster an environment of peaceful coexistence among diverse communities. In order to restore peace in Manipur and across India, they urged all stakeholders to engage in a meaningful dialogue aimed at the comprehensive development and harmony of all groups of people.

Different religious organisations and church fraternities have stepped up to give a variety of assistance, including financial support, medical treatment, and psycho-social support in the relief camps. The CBCI delegation's visit serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the essential need in Manipur for group efforts in mending the scars caused by violence and developing a way for the state's residents to find peace, harmony, and hope for the future.

 Christian Today India
Exhibitions in Asia, Africa, Australia and the Middle East: summer 2023 and beyond

The best shows to see wherever you happen to be  from Rashid Johnson in Jerusalem to Yves Saint Laurent in Tokyo

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Mary Evans: Gilt Until 29 October

Zeitz MOCAA, Cape Town British-Nigerian artist Mary Evans has made her name creating large-scale, site-specific works that explore Black experience, culture and histories such as slavery, colonialism and apartheid. Central to her practice is the life-sized silhouette, often made from brown paper and assembled in narrative form, which she uses to tell stories about the ability to endure in the face of adversity. This exhibition, whose title is a play on the words gilt and guilt, brings together works that use brown paper and gold life-sized silhouettes to examine different South African histories. Also on display is a new site-specific silhouette commissioned by Zeitz MOCAA, which was informed by a period of research in and exploration of Cape Town.

Open a larger version of this image Mary Evans (b. 1963), installation view of Gilt, 2023. Courtesy of the artist and Tiwani Contemporary. Commissioned by Zeitz MOCAA. Photo:  Dillon Marsh

Gilt is an important exhibition from an artist whose decades-long practice has been concerned with the imposition of oppressive systems of power on Black bodies, says exhibition curator Thato Mogotsi. At the same time, Evans contends with the specificity of Cape Town as a complex site of shared diasporas, migratory experiences and global exchange.

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Lamba Forever Mandrakizay Until 18 November

Hakanto Contemporary, Madagascar Launched in February 2020, Hakanto Contemporary is a non-profit gallery in Antananarivo, Madagascars capital city, which is dedicated to creating dialogues between the local and international art scenes. Support for the gallery comes from a fund established by the collector and businessman Hasnaine Yavarhoussen, which was also the main sponsor of Madagascars inaugural national pavilion at the 58th Venice Biennale in 2019. This featured the work of the Malagasy artist Joel Andrianomearisoa, who is Hakanto Contemporarys artistic director.

Open a larger version of this image Kevin Ramorehatra, Untitled, 2023.  Kevin Ramorehatra for Hakanto Contemporary

Hakanto Contemporarys new show is dedicated to the traditional Malagasy woven textile called a lamba. Much more than a garment, these brightly patterned rectangles of fabric vary throughout the country depending on location, function, and the age and gender of the wearer. They play an important role in social occasions, including weddings and funerals. The show features the work of 21 artists from across Madagascar, each interpreting the theme of the lamba as a living element in their own way.

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Yves Saint Laurent, Across the Style 20 September to 11 December

The National Art Centre, Tokyo Yves Saint Laurents bold experimentations with form, line and colour revolutionised womens fashion in the 1960s. Born in Algeria in 1936, he moved to Paris in his late teens to pursue a career in fashion. After the sudden death of his mentor Christian Dior in 1957, he became the head of the illustrious fashion house at the age of just 21. In 1962, he launched his own label, with which he was involved for 40 years until his retirement in 2002.

Open a larger version of this image Cocktail dress Homage to Piet Mondrian, Autumn-Winter 1965 haute couture collection, clients piece, Atelier Blanche, wool jersey.  Yves Saint Laurent / Alexandre Guirkinger

Landing at The National Art Centre, Tokyo this autumn is the first retrospective of the designers work ever to be staged in Japan. Conceived in collaboration with the Musee Yves Saint Laurent in Paris, it will examine the evolution of Saint Laurents design philosophy as well as his wide range of inspirations, from exotic places to artworks by the likes of Picasso, Warhol and Mondrian. The show brings together more than 110 ensembles, including looks from his debut at Dior and the first collection that appeared under his own brand, as well accessories, drawings and photographs from across his career.

Open a larger version of this image Maria Lassnig (1919-2014), Zwei Arten zu sein (Doppelselbstportrat) (Two Ways of Being (Double Self-Portrait)), 2000. Oil on canvas. 100 x 125 cm.  Maria Lassnig Foundation

Now UCCA Beijing is opening the first ever significant show of Lassnigs work in China. Organised in conjunction with the Albertina and the Maria Lassnig Foundation  which awards mid-career artists 50,000 and a solo show  the exhibition will focus on her daring self-portraits. These fusions of figuration, abstraction and realism are, as she put it, her attempts at painting how her body felt, not looked.

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Letters of Light 13 September 2023 to 14 January 2024

Louvre Abu Dhabi Drawn from the collections of the Bibliotheque Nationale de France, the Musee du Louvre and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Letters of Light examines the histories of the holy books of the three Abrahamic religions: the Quran, the Old and New Testaments, and the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh).

Open a larger version of this image A page from the Blue Quran, North Africa, circa 900 A.D. Gold on dyed parchment. Louvre Abu Dhabi

Organised in five parts, it focuses on the birth of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and the dissemination of their sacred writings across different languages and cultures. Shown alongside a selection of the most beautiful sacred books ever made will be artefacts and paintings, including Giovanni Bellinis Virgin and Child from 1480-85.

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Dan Flavin/Donald Judd: Doha 25 October 2023 to 24 February 2024

QM Gallery  Al Riwaq, Doha Donald Judd and Dan Flavin first met in an art gallery in Brooklyn in 1962. The two titans of American Minimalism remained confidants and sometime collaborators for the rest of their lives. The two became Flavin and Judd for a while, said their mutual friend, the artist John Wesley. The two names were together.

Open a larger version of this image Dan Flavin (1933-1996), Untitled, 1970. Blue and red fluorescent light. Modular units, each made of two 8 ft (244 cm) vertical fixtures and two 8 ft (244 cm) horizontal fixtures: length variable.  2023 Stephen Flavin/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Courtesy David Zwirner

The first major museum presentation to consider their artistic dialogue in nearly two decades will focus on their shared engagement with material, colour and form. Curated by Michael Govan and Jennifer King and organised by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in collaboration with Qatar Museums, it features works spanning the 1960s to the 1990s, with important loans from private collections, the Dan Flavin Estate and the Judd Foundation.

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The Shape of Time: Art and Ancestors of Oceania from The Metropolitan Museum of Art 24 October 2023 to 25 January 2024

National Museum of Qatar, Doha Currently, the Met Museums gallery of Oceanic art  housed in its Michael C. Rockefeller Wing  is closed for a major renovation. Instead of storing the collection until the works finish in 2025, the Met is loaning around 130 of the most important pieces from the 2,800 it houses to the National Museum of Qatar. It will be the first time many of these objects have left the building in nearly a century.

Open a larger version of this image Breastplate (Tema, Tambe or Tepatu), Santa Cruz Islands, Solomon Islands, late 19th/early 20th century. Tridacna shell, turtle shell, trade cloth, fibre. 7 in (19.1 cm) diam. The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979

The show, which is divided into themes of Voyaging, Ancestors and Time, explores the vast array of cultures and traditions that make up Oceania, an area that covers about a fifth of the Earths surface. One highlight is a breastplate from Nendo in the Solomon Islands. Around a century old, it is carved from turtle shell and the shell of a giant clam, and takes the shape of a stylised frigate bird and leaping dolphins. Such breastplates were once worn by warriors, and today are an important part of the islands ceremonial rituals.

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Madame Song: Pioneering Art and Fashion in China 29 July 2023 to 14 April 2024

M+, Hong Kong According to Suhanya Raffel, the director of Hong Kongs M+ museum, which opened to great fanfare in 2021, Everyone interested in the roots of contemporary Chinese visual culture needs to know Song Huai-Kuei. Also known as Madame Song, she was an artist, actor, socialite and entrepreneur who helped introduce European (in particular French) art, fashion and fine dining to China following the Cultural Revolution. This was largely thanks to her close relationship with the designer Pierre Cardin, whom she befriended while in Paris with her husband, the Bulgarian tapestry artist Marin Varbanov.

Open a larger version of this image Song Huai-Kuei in a Pierre Cardin evening dress at Maxims Beijing, 1985. Photo:  Yonfan

Using 320 objects, including outfits, artworks, photographs, films and installations, Madame Song: Pioneering Art and Fashion in China will tell her remarkable story. Its accompanied by a biography, Madame Song: A Life in Art and Fashion, which is published in conjunction with Thames & Hudson. The museums cinema, meanwhile, will run a programme of films relating to the exhibition. Among them is The Last Emperor (1987), which was the first Western movie ever to be filmed inside Beijings Forbidden City. The director, Bernardo Bertolucci, met Song while dining every night at Cardins Art Nouveau restaurant in Beijing, eventually casting her in his film as the last emperors mother.

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Emily Kam Kngwarray 2 December 2023 to 28 April 2024

National Gallery of Australia, Canberra The Australian Aboriginal artist Emily Kam Kngwarray only began painting in 1988, when she was in her late seventies. Over the next eight years she painted more than 3,000 canvases, averaging one painting a day. Her kaleidoscopic compositions, featuring stripes, blocky grids or layers of repeated dots across striations of colour, soon garnered critical attention, prompting global interest in contemporary Australian Indigenous art. This comprehensive exhibition will bring together important works from across her artistic practice, from early vibrant batiks to later monumental canvases. It will also include sculpture, works on paper and an audio-visual project created in collaboration with the artists desert community in Utopia, in central Australia.

Open a larger version of this image Emily Kam Kngwarray, Anmatyerre people, No title, 1991. National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 1991.  Emily Kame Kngwarreye/Copyright Agency

Although Kngwarrays work has often been compared stylistically to that of American abstract painters including Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning and Mark Rothko, its conceptual and aesthetic meaning will only ever be truly understood by those from her own culture. As an Anmatyerre elder, Kngwarray was a custodian of womens Dreaming sites (sacred locations) in Alhalkere country in the Utopia region of the Northern Territory. Inspired by the body markings used in the Anmatyerre womens ceremony called Awelye, her work celebrates her role and life experiences as well as the stories, rituals and spiritual and artistic traditions of the Anmatyerre people.

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Rashid Johnson: Broken Crowd 8 August to 2 December

The Israel Museum, Jerusalem Alongside its celebrated archaeological collection  including the 233,000-year-old Venus of Berekhat Ram, which is believed to be the oldest piece of representational art in existence  Jerusalems Israel Museum also hosts some of the regions best modern and contemporary art. Recent shows have been dedicated to the likes of Jasper Johns, Jim Dine, Eva Hesse, Paul Klee and Doug Aitken. In August the museum is unveiling an exhibition of work by the American mixed-media artist Rashid Johnson, who is best known for using art to address themes of race and discrimination, and to tell his experience of growing up as a Black man in modern America.

Open a larger version of this image Rashid Johnson (b. 1977), Untitled Broken Crowd, 2019. Ceramic tile, mirror tile, branded red oak flooring, bronze, spray enamel, oil stick, black soap, wax. 240 x 326.3 x 7.6 cm.  Rashid Johnson. Photo: courtesy the artist and Hauser & Wirth, by Martin Parsekian

Included in the show are Johnsons 2011 painting Cosmic Slop Grease, which contains liquefied black soap normally used to treat sensitive skin in West Africa, as well as his 2019 film The Hikers, in which two Black dancers wearing African masks meet and reveal themselves to one another over the course of seven minutes.

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Visible/Invisible Until 1 December 2025

MAP  Museum of Art & Photography, Bengaluru (Bangalore) The first public museum established in India in more than a decade opened this year to great acclaim. It houses more than 60,000 South Asian works of art, curated with a drive to democratise culture and make it more accessible to diverse audiences.

Open a larger version of this image Gauri Gill (b. 1970), Rampyari (Balika Mela series), Bikaner, Rajasthan, 2003-10. Archival pigment print, courtesy of MAP Museum of Art and Photography Open a larger version of this image Uknown artist, Woman Holding a Flower. Kolkata, West Bengal. Early 20th century. Oil on canvas, courtesy of MAP Museum of Art and Photography

Helping achieve that goal is the museums current exhibition, Visible/Invisible. It contains around 130 works that span the past millennium of human creativity, including sculptures, paintings, textiles and photography, and examines how womens lives have been represented throughout the Indian subcontinent by mostly male image-makers. The works on show are divided into four themes: goddess and mortal, sexuality and desire, power and violence and struggle and resistance. The exhibition is accompanied by a series of research papers, lectures and discussions on the same themes, which the museum hopes will engage multiple viewpoints and challenge the current gender status quo in Indian institutions.

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12

Chang Ucchin 14 September to 25 December

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea  MMCA Deoksugung, Seoul Despite remaining relatively little-known outside his native Korea, the painter Chang Ucchin is considered a pioneer of the countrys modern art movement. His work  mostly naive-style depictions of people, trees, moons and magpies  was the result of a progressive arts education in Tokyo and a fascination with Korean folk art and crafts, which Chang developed while working at the National Museum of Korea. In 2014, the Chang Ucchin Museum of Art opened in the city of Yangju, housing more than 350 of his works.

Open a larger version of this image Chang Ucchin (1917-1990), Self-portrait, 1951. Oil on paper. 14.8 x 10.8 cm. Private Collection
Chinese language learners among Kenyan school-going children increase to 300

Xinhua) 13:44, July 25, 2023

NAIROBI, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The number of Chinese language learners among Kenya's school-going children has risen to 300 amid growing Sino-Kenya ties, a government official said on Monday.

Charles Ong'ondo, director and chief executive officer of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), told Xinhua in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi that currently 10 primary schools are teaching Chinese as a foreign language.

"The Chinese language has been gaining popularity since it was introduced in the school curriculum about three years ago," Ong'ondo said on the sidelines of the fourth African Curriculum Association (ACA) conference.

He revealed that the Ministry of Education is training more teachers so that more learners can be taught the Chinese language and culture.

"The rising global influence of China is one of the factors that is driving demand for the Chinese language among Kenya's students," Ong'ondo said.

He noted that the government's target is to have about 600 Chinese language learners in schools in the next three years.

The KICD is a state agency under the Ministry of Education that is mandated to develop syllabi for early childhood, primary and secondary education in the country.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
After graduating from Universidad Politecnica de Puerto Rico with a degree in computer engineering, Alberto Lugo knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur, and he knew that he wanted to build his company on the island. A college internship in Puerto Rico with Microsoft gave him the spark of an idea, and after working for six months in IT for a bank, also located on the island, he saw his opportunity. There was a large gap between the capabilities of the software solutions that businesses could buy and the unique requirements that they had for automating key business processes.

Lugo founded Internet Vision Development (INVID) to fill this gap, customizing off-the-shelf software for customers. Business was good, and the company grew, mostly serving businesses located in Puerto Rico. But when Hurricane Maria, a devastating category-5 storm, struck the island in September 2017, Lugos business came to a standstill. He continued to pay his 25 staff members, but even if INVID had been able to marshal the resources it needed to resume coding, the companys customers were on pause.

Lugo knew he had to diversify his customer base. So, he traveled to DC, where he was able to secure contracts with companies that provided software to the U.S. Federal Government. Ultimately, Lugo diversified his business so that roughly 50% of the companys revenue comes from companies outside of Puerto Rico. But his intent was never to move his business to the continental United States. The advantages of Puerto Rico were just too great.

I always talk about the Puerto Rico advantage, Lugo said. Theres Act 60, which provides investors with a 100% tax exemption from Puerto Rico income taxes on dividends, capital gains, and interest. And as for talent, we have two of the best engineering schools in the United States right here. I have to compete with companies like Lockheed and Accenture to hire graduates.



But thats just the beginning. Labor is more cost-effective than it is on the mainland, plus the island is located in the Eastern Time Zone. And both customers and investors that are U.S. citizens can travel there without a passport. Additionally, any intellectual property developed in Puerto Rico is protected by U.S. laws and regulations. Its a very competitive environment in which to develop products and services for mainland customers.

The tax advantages are tremendous, our universities turn out top-notch engineers, and were protected by U.S. law. Plus, the weather sure beats the mainland in the winter, Lugo said. I cant imagine a better place to do business than Puerto Rico.

The island has also hardened its infrastructure substantially since 2017. Most companies now have redundant, resilient power, water, and other infrastructure. These days, if we saw another storm like Maria, I know that INVID would be back up and running within 24 hours, Lugo said.

And starting a business in Puerto Rico has gotten even easier in the last five years. Today, there are incubators and accelerators like Parallel 18 and Grupo Guayacan that provide enormous support to young companies that includes cash awards without giving up equity, assistance in validating the companys solution, mentoring, and connections to potential investors.

INVID is having its best year ever in 2023, and its future looks bright. The company started the year with 50 employees, has since grown to 75, and Lugo expects to be at 100 by December. His diverse customer base includes defense contractors, corporate clients in the banking industry, large software companies, and healthcare organizations.

To learn more about the Puerto Rico advantage, visit InvestPR here.
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Edel Harris has decided to step down as chief executive of Mencap after three and a half years in the role, the charity has announced.

Harris, who joined Mencap in January 2020, will remain in post until 21 August, and the charitys board will begin recruiting her permanent successor.

Jackie OSullivan, Mencaps executive director for communications, advocacy and activism, will become acting CEO when Harris leaves.

Harris said: I have loved working at Mencap, and I am particularly proud of leading the organisation during the pandemic, the launch of our ambitious and inspiring big plan, and of building a great executive team.

It has been my honour to work alongside so many committed and hardworking people.

I wish Mencap all the very best in their future endeavours for the UK to be the best place for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Mencap chair Carolyn Fairbairn said: We wish Edel all the very best in the future.

She has been fully committed to leading Mencap and improving the lives of people with a learning disability.

She leaves behind her a strong leadership team and an organisation determined to do its absolute best. We are very grateful to her for her contribution.

Harris spoke to Civil Society last year about her life and career including her upbringing on a prison officers estate, leading Mencap through the Covid-19 pandemic, and shifting the charitys focus after 76 years.

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Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has pledged collective change in its imagery use, following a preliminary review of its archive.

The charity filed a serious incident report with the Charity Commission last year, after facing criticism over its publication of problematic images.

MSF, also known as Doctors Without Borders, apologised for the decision to publish identifiable photographs of a 16-year-old girl who was the victim of rape in Democratic Republic of Congo.

In a blog , the charity said following widespread criticism, both within MSF and externally, we removed the images from all our platforms.

Were having an organisation-wide conversation

Last week, MSF International posted on Twitter : We were rightly the subject of controversy in 2022 after sharing photos of a 16-year-old girl who was the victim of rape in the DRC.

Now, were having an organisation-wide conversation about the protection and visual representation of people in our care, and how we circulate images for editorial, fundraising and commercial purposes.

We owe this collective change to the people we care for. More on our reflections and work on this important issue.

In 2021, the charity launched a project to investigate thousands of images in the MSF archive. By the end of 2022, this process had identified 10,000 potentially problematic images.

The blog reads: The most sensitive images are now hidden from the database for most users, while the remaining ones carry a specific warning in their captions.



In 2023, this work will be refined by a panel of internal and external advisors, comprising photography and child protection experts, curators, academics, ethicists, patient activists and first-line medical workers.

The panel will review a set of these problematic images and make recommendations, which the charity will apply to the full media database.

MSF added it is amending collaborations with some agencies and asking them to remove or restrict distribution of certain sensitive images.

We are also reviewing our standard contracts with external photographers, especially clauses related to reselling images taken during their assignments to external media, the blog states.

MSF has been called out

The blog states that the controversy sparked a wider conversation about the protection and visual representation of people in the care of MSF, and the circulation of such imagery for editorial, fundraising and commercial purposes.

This excessive display of suffering is both unjustifiable and unnecessary. As a global NGO, and as individuals, we must reflect on how our world view and choices are influenced by historical power dynamics, and to what extent they have created deep-rooted biases.

MSF has been called out on images of our patients on news and photo agency websites, for which we do not hold the copyright. When photos of our patients are taken during a media visit and posted on a news agency platform, both MSF and the agency instantly lose control over their circulation and use.

We must therefore acknowledge that, by prioritising high public visibility, in a context of increased marketisation of the news sector, we have contributed to the over-exposure of people in our care and facilitated the wide dissemination of sensitive, intrusive and sometimes disturbing images, it adds.

MSF added it is engaging with a wide variety of people within MSF through surveys and workshops  the notion of informed consent and agency will be at the core of these considerations.

Inevitably, there will be difficult conversations and disagreements. However, there is a consensus on the fact that the dignity and integrity of our patients should prevail over all other considerations. Even if it means snapping and sharing less often.

We owe this collective change to the people to whom we provide care.

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Last week, Travis King, a US Army private, signed up for a tourist trip to the Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ, on the border of North and South Korea. King had been stationed in the latter country, where he was recently jailed for assault; US military personnel subsequently escorted him to the airport to fly back to Fort Bliss, in Texas, for further disciplinary measures, but King left the airport and went to the DMZ instead. When he got there, he bought a souvenir hat, according to one eyewitness, then, suddenly, sprinted toward the border. The eyewitness thought he was recording a prank for TikTok, but King didnt stop. Soon, he was in North Korea and out of sight.

No one outside of that country seemed to know exactly what happened to King next. In the days that followed, North Korean officials and their state media apparatus stayed publicly silent, and the Biden administration said it was trying to determine Kings status; yesterday, an official with the United Nations Commanda US-led body that oversees the southern side of the DMZ and communicates with North Korea in the absence of diplomatic relations between that country and the USsaid that conversations over King had begun, but that he couldnt tell the press any more than that. As a result, we dont know why King defected, or if thats even the right word to describe his crossing. We know only that his fate has become entangled in growing tensions on the Korean peninsula. Since he fled, the US has docked nuclear-armed and -powered submarines in South Korea, while North Korea has conducted missile tests.

Below the toplines, some of the coverage of King has also pointed to a fascinating, largely forgotten chapter of the historical recordnamely, the tales of four US soldiers who fled to North Korea in the years after the end of the Korean War (the seventieth anniversary of which falls this week), and how the North Korean regime drafted them into propaganda campaigns, including literature and movies aimed variously at other potential defectors and North Korean citizens.

As Erik Scott, a historian who wrote a book about Cold War-era defectors, told NPR last week, the word defection tends to connote a principled ideological choice but the motivations for it are often personalagain, we dont yet know why King fled to North Korea, but the troubles he left behind are strikingly similar to those of some of his forebears. Whats remarkable about it is that through this act, although its a very dangerous one and has very serious consequences, theyre catapulted from relative unknowns into international celebrities of a sort that everyone is talking about, Scott said. Some of them have become stars, too, in North Korea, where the international conversation is shut out.



The first US military defection to North Korea came in 1962, when Larry Allen Abshier fled across the border. He was nineteen and reportedly faced disciplinary action for repeatedly smoking marijuana on duty. The same year, James Joseph Dresnok followed Abshier; he, too, was in hot water, after faking a superiors signature to leave his post, as well as being more broadly disillusioned with his life. (Both Abshier and Dresnok seem to have had difficult childhoods; Dresnoks marriage had recently collapsed.) In 1963, Jerry Wayne Parrish, also nineteen, crossed over. Two years after that, Charles Jenkins, a sergeant, joined them. He later said that he was drunk and scared of being sent to fight in Vietnam, and that he thought hed soon be returned to the US via a prisoner swap with North Koreas Soviet allies. He was wrong.

The four men would live together in North Korea, where officials sought to indoctrinate them into the local political system. After trying, and failing, to defect en masse to the Soviet Union via that countrys embassy, they were eventually offered North Korean citizenship and advised, on pain of death, to take it. They were also enlisted as information warriors. Dresnok was put to work addressing his former US comrades in the DMZ over a loudspeaker system, enticing them to follow him with the promise that North Korea would treat them like royalty. Their faces were plastered over leaflets that were also dropped into South Korea. According to a 2015 article by Simon Fowler for the BBC, the soldiers were beaten and psychologically tortured, but they were kept well-fed, so as to appear in rude health when their photos were taken.

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Then there were the movies. Kim Jong Il, then a scion of the ruling dynasty and later its head, was a cinema buff who saw film as a key tool of revolutionary consciousness-raising and played an important role in developing movies that would indoctrinate the populace. North Korea is a theater state, and cinema is the main driver of their visual language and cultural propaganda about the supremacy of the Kims and the country as a workers paradise, Paul Fischer, the author of a book about Kim Jong Il and cinema, told Vulture in 2014. According to Fischer, the state once made a biopic of Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Ils revered father. The actor who played him was given plastic surgery to enhance the likeness. When filming was complete, he was sent to a concentration camp. The thinking was, How do you have a guy play god? Fischer said.

In 1978, the four American defectors were cast in the first of a twenty-part series of movies about the Korean War, whose title has variously been translated to English as Unsung Heroes and Nameless Heroes. They played characters ranging from an evil American warlord (Jenkins) to a Northern Irish soldier who, inspired by his loathing of the British presence in his homeland, eventually joined the communist cause (Parrish). From the clips Ive seen (and what I can understand of them), the films have a melodramatic quality. In some of the clips, the Americans can be seen acting with gusto. Parrish and myself were the best two, Dresnok later said. Abshierhe freezes a little; hes a little stiff in his acting. Jenkinshe did a good job in the last part. They picked the right man: a cunning son of a bitch.

Several of the defectors would go on to star in other movies. Abshier died in 1983 after suffering a heart attack; Parrish died, also of health problems, in the late nineties. In the early 2000s, Jenkinss wifewho was Japanese, and had allegedly been kidnapped and brought to North Korea to teach the language to spieswas permitted to return to Japan; eventually, Jenkins was allowed to join her. His departure from North Korea and claimsin interviews and, later, a bookabout the brutality of life there attracted significant international media attention. He was incarcerated for a time in a US military jail as punishment for his original defection, but went on to become something of a celebrity in Japan, where The Atlantics Graeme Wood found him, in 2013, selling crackers and posing for photos with tourists. He died in 2017.

Jenkinss book is one key source of information on the defectors experience in North Korea. Another is Crossing the Line, a 2006 British-made documentary that followed Dresnok inside the country as he went fishing with friends (who called him Arthur, after his role in Unsung Heroes) and walked among the hulking monuments of Pyongyang, the capital. The filmmakers, Daniel Gordon and Nicholas Bonner, had filmed inside North Korea twice before; accessing Dresnok took years of negotiations with the regime, but when they got to him, no questions were off limits.

Among other things, Dresnok took strong exception to Jenkinss harsh account of their life together in North Korea, which he hadnt heard about until the filmmakers apprised him of it. We say in America, opinions are like assholes, everybodys got one, Dresnok said, bitterly. So, get the right opinion. Dresnok stayed in North Korea until his death in 2016, which came to light the following yearat another moment of heightened tension between that country and the USwhen his sons appeared in North Korean state media dressed in military uniforms. Our father asked us to render devoted service to our great leader Kim Jong Un, one of Dresnoks sons said, referring to Kim Jong Ils son and successor. In the event of war with America, he added, we will not miss the opportunity and wipe the land of the US from the earth forever.



After King fled into North Korea, some observers predicted that he, too, might soon find himself on the countrys silver screen. American defectors are very useful for North Korean filmmakers because no matter how hard they try to make Korean actors look like Americans, they dont look American, Ahn Chan Il, a North Korean defector, told the Times. Since North Korea is running out of Americans to cast for its movies, Private King could prove a valuable asset.

Others, however, suggested that King might not be weaponized in the same way as his forebears, for reasons ranging from racism (he is Black) to a desire, on the part of the regime, not to further escalate tensions with the US or encourage more defections to a country that is thought to remain very wary of importing COVID-19. And times, and modes of propaganda, have grown harsher. While a US soldier has not defected to North Korea since 1982, numerous American civilians have ended up in detention in the country in recent years, often charged with some attempt to undermine the regime and further US propaganda aims. Some have been swiftly released. In 2016, Otto Warmbier, a student at the University of Virginia, was paraded before a press conference to offer a tearful apology after he was accused of stealing a banner. The following year, he was returned to the US in a coma. He died soon afterward.

To return to Erik Scotts point, the idea of defection commands an almost mythic, Cold War-tinted place in the Western imagination, but the truth of any one defection is usually messier. This can hold true in any direction. Shortly before King fled, the Washington Posts Will Sommer published an in-depth profile of Yeonmi Park, a defector from North Korea who fled south and is now touring right-wing US media with dire warnings that America is becoming as authoritarian as her birthplace. She has become a star, but Sommer reported that various claims she has made about the poverty and brutality of her homeland seem inconsistent.

Rather than a sui generis character, various experts see Park as a product of a growing market for horror stories out of North Korea, one that could incentivize defectors, who are often in financially precarious positions, to exaggerate their stories. Christine Hong, a literature professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, who has studied defector narratives, told Sommer that if Parks claims are exaggerated, no one seems to care. The reason for that, Hong said, is that, when it comes to North Korea, its basically an informational free-for-all.



Other notable stories:

ICYMI: The Barbenheimer media bonanza

Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Review of Books, Foreign Policy, and The Nation, among other outlets. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop.
The public sector has typically been slower to adopt new technologies than the private sector, but automation is increasingly being deployed across a range of areas. For instance, replacing manual taskslike document scanning or toll collectingintegrating data systems and automating complex decision-making processes. A recent report from the University of California, Berkeleys Labor Center, however, has stressed how public sector automation is a high stakes challenge. Many government processes determine fundamental quality of life issues: liberty versus incarceration, essential financial assistance, public safety, and custody of children, the author Sara Hinkley writes. Its not just about getting automation right for the twenty million people in the US who work for the local, state or federal governmentfifteen percent of the workforceit also means adoption must work for the far greater number of people interacting with government services.

And in many instances, its not working. A rush to find economic efficiencies and a desire to be considered ahead of the curve have led to adoption of automated processes plagued with errors. Amos Toh, a senior researcher on artificial intelligence and human rights at Human Rights Watch, has investigated the use of automation in places including Jordan, Texas and the UK. His findings have highlighted the human costs of introducing automation that can be prone to glitches; or, in some cases, where errors are less glitches than features. The UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), for instance, has introduced an automated assessment period for its flagship Universal Credit welfare systemfive weeks of unpaid benefits while an automated system quantifies a persons incomethat has been criticized for incorrect measurement and for leaving families destitute. In that case, the government held up automation to be one of their main goals in and of itself, which was revealing in the sense it affirmed this ethos of techno-solutionism that is baked into the development of Universal Credit and the modernization of the countrys social security system, Toh told me. The toll of such tech-first thinking in government services, Tohs research has revealed, is that often people have to experience quite intense hardship.

The challenge is for reporters to be able to cover these systems in depthoften a struggle given their stubborn opaqueness and officials unwillingness to release the underlying data or codeas well as documenting the resulting human costs. Recently, I spoke to Toh over the phone about his work, the future of automation in the public and private sectors, and how journalists can hold algorithmsand the systems they are embedded into account. Our conversation has been edited for clarity and length.

JB: In Automated Neglect, you looked at the World Banks Unified Cash Transfer Program in Jordan, which applies an algorithm that uses fifty-seven socioeconomic indicators to establish income wealth, ranking households from least poor to poorest. But you found there were significant errors. Can you just summarize the problems that have led to people below the poverty line missing out on vital support?

AT: What we found is the algorithm simply is unable to capture and do justice to the economic complexity of peoples lives. Essentially, it tries to distill peoples financial hardships into a crude ranking system that pits one households needs against anothers for cash support. But the very nature of poverty and economic hardship is that it can be very cyclical and unpredictable. A ranking that the algorithm spits out only provides a snapshot in time. This has led to many people being excluded, even though they are suffering from very real poverty. And when we went deeper, we found the algorithm embraces fairly stereotypical and inaccurate notions of what poverty should and shouldnt look like. If you own a car that is less than five years of age, for example, youre automatically excluded from the program.

For this report you conducted seventy interviews. Are there people that particularly stood out and highlighted the human cost of this dysfunctional system?

A woman we spoke to, in one of Jordans poorest villages, gestured towards the car that her family owns and said, Look at this car. It has destroyed us. Even though they often dont have petrol, and they really just use it to transport water, firewood and other essentials in a rural area with no reliable public transport, it counts against their application. This is the multidimensional reality the algorithm is unable to capture.

You found a strong gendered element, with only heads of householdwho in Jordan tend to be menbeing awarded benefits. Can you say more about the discriminatory practices the system reproduces?

One of the algorithms indicators looks at household size. The more household members, the greater your need, so that seems fairly logical, right? But what we found is that its actually a proxy for gender and citizenship discrimination. Jordans citizenship law does not allow women to pass on citizenship to their spouse or children on an equal basis with Jordanian men. For example, if you are a family of five headed by a Jordanian woman and a non-Jordanian man, then under this indicator, because only one of you holds citizenship, you would be counted as a family of one. So these types of families end up finding it a lot more difficult to qualify for supportor they get a benefit payment that is unable to meet their needs.

In the UK, the DWP has also deployed automation. In your 2020 report Automated Hardship you found this led to systematic errors, one of which being its inability to accurately assess how often people are paid. Can you say more about the problems faced by this program?

Its first important to understand that, as the Jordan case, the UK program is means-tested. What the UK government automated was many parts of this means-testing system, including its ability to calculate how much income a claimant has coming in every year during whats known as the monthly assessment period. What we found is that the system was inaccurately taking into account peoples income, because their pay cycles would not align with the monthly period for which that benefit is assessed. One of the more egregious examplesthat was eventually addressed by and rectified by the Court of Appealwas people paid on a monthly basis ended up having two monthly paychecks taken into account during their monthly assessment period; this led to a drastic and inaccurate lowering of your benefit. Unfortunately, the Court of Appeal left intact other problems, such as for people on non-monthly pay cycles. The fundamental problem is a misalignment between how the system calculates your income and the income that people earn. And the burden of that misalignment ends up being placed on the claimant.

One thing that struck me was how automation was used by the UK government as a legitimization of the five-week wait for Universal Credit applicants. To me that seemed disingenuous, using the fact people dont understand these automated systems to justify what was quite an unpopular policy. Do you think thats fair?

The opacity as well as the rigid insistence on automation both go hand-in-hand with entrenching policy approaches that are deeply contested. In the Jordan context, the policy approach is whats known as poverty targeting, which is really a particular way of trying to target very specific support to specific groups of people that are living under the official poverty line. What automation ends up doing in those situations is to justify the approach, and policymakers hold onto automation as a way to address chronic problems with this policy approach. What automation did in the Jordan context is to divert conversations away from far more fundamental issueslike the fact the official poverty line is not an adequate measure of the number of people that are struggling to fulfill their economic and social rights.

The discussion around automation also distracts from the fact that the poverty rate, even by the government on official measurements (which we contest), has gone up. It was 15.7 percent in 2018; now its at 24.1 percent. What that shows is that this poverty-targeted approach has not been an adequate buffer against economic hardship. But you know, both the World Bank and Jordanian government are holding out better data and better technology as a way to address chronic flaws with poverty targeting, when its the very approach of poverty targeting that is flawed.

Earlier this year, WIRED and Lighthouse Reports investigated the use of algorithms in Rotterdam to assess who should be investigated for benefit fraud, finding the system was discriminatory on race and gender grounds. But WIRED had unprecedented access to the underlying data, whereas Jordans National Aid Fund refused to give you its fifty-seven indicators. When it comes to reporting on automation, how can journalists increase algorithmic accountability?

In algorithmic accountability reporting, there is a very justifiable desire to get hold of the code, to do testing and really pinpoint what is discriminatory or biased or flawed or abusive about an algorithm. But the question is: if you cant get hold of the algorithm, what can you do? There are two ways of approaching that question. One is, if we cant get hold of the algorithm, maybe theres nothing worth reporting. But there are ways to peel back the layers of a technological system that is abusive and problematic. An algorithm doesnt just exist on its own doing harm. An algorithm is in a system of large databases and a system of human beingsoffice workers and staff that are feeding in information or trying to make sense of the algorithm and its underlying data. In the Jordan case, that approach paid off, trying to piece together what we know about this policy and the system in order to see how it was affecting people on the ground. So there are many starting points for accessing a technological system other than obtaining the code of an algorithm.

Youve documented the impact on mental health, particularly around lack of human contact with these automated systems. What is the psychological cost on the people using them?

What we found [in the UK] is that the opacity of the system, as well as unpredictability, led to these huge variations in peoples benefit amounts, making it very difficult for people to budget. This created a lot of mental distress. Because youre already trying to make do with very little, and any change in your benefit amounts have an outsized impact on whether you can feed your children one day or whether you have to go to a food bank the next. That took a huge psychological toll on the people we interviewed.

Introducing automation has often gone hand-in-hand with austerity measures and cost-cutting, which raises the question of access to the internet, to public libraries and so on. Do these digital systems shut some people out?

Whenever there is automation of a system, its really helpful to look at how the system is digitizedhow applications move online, and what that actually means for vulnerable populations. In both Universal Credit as well as Jordans Unified Cash Transfer Program, both governments ultimately failed to take into account how moving systems online would disproportionately affect people in rural areas, older people, and people that dont have digital literacy. In Jordan, this created an informal economy of intermediaries. Where people who want to apply would go to stationery shops that have internet service, known as maktabehs, or go to mobile phone shops to cash out their e-wallets, and rely on them to apply. So people are traveling long distances and paying a number of fees that cut into their benefits. This is the hidden toll of digitization and the digital divide.

Automation is used in commercial settings, too, like Uber verifications, and Ive reported on how these systems can fail precarious workers in the gig economy. How should we think about automation in the private sector? Are we moving towards a system where people close to the bottom of society are going to have a digitally-mediated experience while those at the top can afford more human contact in their services?

Interesting, I think thats true. Its really about agency. People that are more privileged economically will be able to exercise more autonomy over whether they interact with automated systems. Whereas low income workers, for example, dont have nearly as much say. Two years ago, we were in Texas interviewing gig workers. There was a single mother in Houston, and we interviewed her about the precarity of gig work and how everything is mediated through an algorithm, which controls her wages. She travels long distances for unpredictable and sometimes very low pay. And in Texas at the time, there was a pandemic aid program for independent contractors. She had to verify her biometric identity, using the facial recognition software the Texas unemployment agency was using, but there was an error. The agency told her, Sorry, we cant verify you using the software, so she didnt get access. So both peoples wages and access to state supportthe right to social securitybeing dictated by an algorithm shows how low-income workers are particularly affected by the evolution towards automation, in the public and private sectors.

Its common for policymakers to praise these systems for their adaptability, speed, frictionless-ness. What do you see for where were heading on the balance between efficiency and error that policymakers are navigating?

I think efficiency is often a euphemism for cuts to social security programs. Its true that with automated systems theres always a risk of error. But I think a lot of the inefficiency of automated systems is actually by design, that it actually serves policy objectives. When you put an automated system between a person and the benefits theyre supposed to get, it creates an appearance of statistical objectivity, but can lead to very unjust outcomes. In Jordan, there is debate about people erroneously excluded by the algorithm. But that distracts from the broader problem: that this algorithm is simply unable and incapable of capturing the way people experience economic hardship.

In Jordans case, youve said Using better technology and data to try and fix poverty targeting is like trying to replace the hubcaps when the wheels are falling off, and you propose universalism of social services as a solution. Is universalism something youd also support beyond Jordan?

I would support universalism globally. And I encourage reporters to look at it. There is sometimes this wariness about reporting on policy solutions, because of a view that might cross the line of journalistic objectivity. But part of any reporting should look at alternatives. Our position is that universal social servicessuch as universal child benefit, universal unemployment benefits, universal maternity benefits and so onthese category-based schemes should really be the anchor of any social security system. The question for journalists is, if not automation, could universalismwhich many civil society organizations, policymakers and economists put forwardbe a meaningful alternative? I think thats a really good journalistic inquiry to pursue.

Header photo: A Department for Work and Pensions Jobcentre Plus. The UK deploys automation as part of its main welfare benefit, Universal Credit. Photo credit: Max. G. / Flickr
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (AP)  Four people are missing after intense thunderstorms dumped record amounts of rain across a wide swath of Canadas Atlantic-coast province of Nova Scotia over the past two days, causing flash flooding, road washouts and power outages.

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 unaccounted for as of Saturday morning.

The two children went missing after the vehicle they were traveling in got stuck underwater, Bayers said, noting the three other occupants were able to escape safely.

Two other individuals, who Bayers described as a youth and a man, remain unaccounted for following a separate vehicle submersion. Two other people in that vehicle were rescued, she said, adding police are actively searching for all four missing people.

Torrential downpours started on Friday afternoon across the Halifax region, dumping more than 200 millimeters of rain in some areas. The port city typically receives about 90-100 mm of rain during an average July.

Based on radar estimates and unofficial observations, Environment Canada said on Saturday that some areas may have received more than 300 mm in 24 hours. Radar maps show the heaviest rainfall extending along the provinces southwestern shore to a point north of Halifax.

Widespread flooding has also been reported in Lunenberg County, which is west of the Halifax region.

On Friday night, water levels rose so fast in the Bedford area that volunteers with Halifax Search and Rescue were using small boats to rescue people from inundated homes.

In the Hammonds Plains area, northwest of the city, flooding washed out driveways and the shoulders of many roads.

Thats 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 humidity  a rare event so close to the coast.

It was only last fall that post-tropical storm Fiona descended on the Atlantic region, killing three people, flattening scores of homes and knocking out power to more than 600,000 homes and businesses. Fiona was the most costly weather event in the regions history, causing more than 800 million Canadian dollars ($604 million) in insured damage.

Its pretty obvious that the climate is changing  from Fiona last year to the wildfires in the spring and now flooding in the summer, Halifax Mayor Mike Savage said.

Were getting storms that used to be considered one-in-50-year events  pretty regularly, he added.

While the official statistics have yet to be recorded, its believed the Halifax region has not seen this level of rainfall since Aug. 16, 1971, when hurricane Beth made landfall near the eastern tip of mainland Nova Scotia and then roared over Cape Breton. At that time, almost 250 mm of rain fell on the Halifax area, causing widespread flooding and damage.

Top photo: Buildings are seen upended on a riverbank as a man paddles a kayak through floodwater following a major rain event in Halifax on Saturday, July 22, 2023. A long procession of intense thunderstorms have dumped record amounts of rain across a wide swath of Nova Scotia, causing flash flooding, road washouts and power outages. (Darren Calabrese /The Canadian Press via AP)
Coverage from a commercial auto policy does not remain in effect after the policys expiration date merely because the insurer failed to give proper notice to the Department of Motor Vehicles that it was canceling a certificate of insurance, the California Supreme Court ruled Monday.

We hold that an uncanceled certificate of insurance that remains on file with the DMV does not cause the corresponding insurance policy to remain in effect in perpetuity, the courts unanimous opinion says.

The decision may save United Financial Casualty Co. from making a $500,000 equitable contribution toward the settlement of a wrongful death claim against independent trucker Jose Porras.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals asked Californias high court to answer a certified question about coverage as it considered Uniteds appeal of a US District Court decision that found it was jointly liable because it had not properly canceled coverage.

Porras purchased an insurance policy from United in May 2013. United filed a certificate of insurance with the DMV as required by the Motor Carriers of Property Permit Act. Porras renewed the policy in 2014 but purchased a new policy from Allied Premier Insurance Co. in April 2015 and stopped paying premiums to United.

United sent the DMV a cancellation notice in February 2015, but the DMV determined the notice was incomplete and allowed the certificate of insurance to remain active. Allied sent its own notice of insurance to the DMV, apparently unaware that the United certificate of insurance remained in effect.

On Sept. 1, 2015, Porras truck collided with a car driven by Jennifer Jones. She died in the accident. Jones parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Porras. Allied agreed to pay the policys $1 million limit to settle the claim.

Allied then filed a lawsuit seeking an equitable contribution from United. The carrier argued that because Uniteds cancellation notice was deemed to be incomplete, it continued to have an active certificate of insurance on file. That means Uniteds policy remained in effect at the time of the fatal crash, the insurer argued.

US District Court Jesus G. Bernal ruled that because United had failed to properly cancel the certificate of insurance, it must make an equitable contribution to the settlement because both insurers provided coverage. United appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The 9th Circuit sent a certified question to the California Supreme Court asking if Uniteds coverage was still in effect.

Allied relied on a 1995 California Supreme Court decision in Transamerica Insurance Co. v. Tab Transportation for its argument. At that time, insurance coverage for motor carriers was covered by the Highway Carriers Act of 1951.

The HCA required commercial carriers operating on California roads to obtain a permit from the California Public Utilities Commission. Trucking companies were required to show evidence of adequate insurance. The PUC adopted a rule that stated insurance is not cancelable without 30 written notice.

Tab Transportation sought coverage from Transamerica and other insurers in 1989 after one of its trucks collided with a train, causing multiple injuries and deaths. Transamerica argued that it was not liable because the policy it issued to Tab had expired. The insurer, however, had not given notice to the PUC that the coverage was being canceled. The Supreme Court ruled that Transamerica had to contribute along with the other insurers toward a $6 million settlement.

The Highway Carriers Act is no longer in effect. The California legislature passed a new law in 1996, the Motor Carriers of Property Permit Act, that transferred authority to verify insurance coverage for motor carriers to the DMV.

The Supreme Court said the two laws have different requirements. The HCA prohibited the cancellation of insurance policies without 30 days notice. The Motor Carriers of Property Permit Act, in contrast, prohibits the cancellation of certificates of insurance without 30 days notice.

Transamerica does not control here because it interpreted a different statutory scheme, the opinion says.

The high court said that under the new law, cancellation of a certificate trigger the DMVs obligation to suspend a motor carriers permit.

The statute does not say that the underlying policy remains active beyond the period called for in the contract between the parties, the opinion says. There is no language that converts the stated term of the policy.

The opinion said its answer to the certified question will not necessarily put an end to the litigation. Allied argued that even if the court were to decide that a policy does not remain in effect, a certificate of insurance that is not properly canceled acts as a surety bond that ensures some coverage remains available.

The court said the 9th Circuit did not ask it to address that question so it did not offer any opinion.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- At the request of the cities of Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights, a judge has dismissed taxpayer lawsuits filed by the Friends of Horseshoe Lake seeking to prevent the decommissioning of the failing dam and returning the lakebed to a confluence of streams.

Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Nancy Margaret Russo granted the cities joint motion to dismiss the lawsuit Sunday (July 23) -- the day before a pretrial conference scheduled with all parties in her court.

After reviewing the motion to dismiss and the briefs in opposition, Russo found that FOHSL failed to state a claim and that the court lacked subject matter jurisdiction to issue an injunction halting the removal of the dam.

On Monday (July 24), Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren and Shaker Heights Mayor David Weiss issued a joint statement in response to the ruling:

We are gratified to learn of Judge Nancy Margaret Russos decision to grant our motion to dismiss this lawsuit. Our focus has always been on safety, and the recent extreme storms and flash flooding remind us of the importance of good stormwater management.

As the landscape architects and engineers enter the detailed design phase for restoring the branches of the Doan Brook and constructing new trails, we look forward to enjoying these parklands in new ways, the mayors joint statement concluded.

Attorney Diane Calta, representing FOHSL along with co-council Anthony Coyne, said Tuesday that they were preparing an immediate appeal.

We are obviously very disappointed in the courts decision and its failure to move forward the well-founded public interest in preserving Horseshoe Lake for future generations, Calta said. We look forward to having the merits of our case heard.

In her ruling, Russo sided with the cities defense, as presented in the consolidated motion to dismiss by Akron attorney Stephen Funk.

Funk argued that the taxpayers could not bring the action on behalf of a third party -- the City of Cleveland -- which owns the parkland and leases it to Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights.

On the cities alleged failure to live up to the terms of their leases, Funk countered that the most recent dam safety inspection report by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, issued May 1, was completely ignored in the taxpayer lawsuits (filed May 31, with that ODNR report included as an exhibit in the case).

It was also not clear how much bearing more recent actions by both city councils and the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) Board of Trustees had on the case when, over a three-week period in June, all three bodies voted to amend their 2018 Shaker Lakes Dams Rehabilitation Project agreement.

Calta and Coyne, with the Mansour Gavin law firm, contended on behalf of the FOHSL that the 2018 agreement remained in effect at the time they filed the cases.

The lawsuits were filed on behalf of four taxpayers from Cleveland Heights (Penny Allen, William C. Barrow, Katherine Soltis and Michael Madorsky) and three from Shaker Heights (Gordon Friedman, Caydie Heller and Roger Heller).

In any event, Funk argued that earlier repair plans for Horseshoe Lake dam were superseded by the most recent ODNR inspection report, finding that they were no longer acceptable and if completed would not bring the dam into compliance.

NEORSD sued

Prior to Russo dismissing the cases against the cities, Calta and Coyne announced July 21 that FOHSL had filed a separate lawsuit against the sewer district.

That lawsuit seeks a series of declaratory judgments, an injunction against removing the old dam, as well as a court order to repair it.

In the new lawsuit, FOHSL argues that the estimated cost of repairing Horseshoe Lake dam arbitrarily jumped from $10 million to $20 million in a years time, between April 2020 and April 2021.

In contrast, the projected cost of removing the dam and restoring the streams -- funded by the district at no cost to either city, other than additional amenities -- has been set at $14 million.

The new lawsuit also contends that the sewer district is out of compliance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, among others.

Jennifer Elting, NEORSD business strategy program manager said Monday (July 24) that they are reviewing the litigation and will respond in court.

Safety is our top priority, and this is a failing Class I dam, Elting said. We have been working in partnership with our member communities -- with the input of many stakeholders throughout the pre-design process -- to alleviate this failing dam by removing it and restoring Doan Brook to a natural state.

The emergency breach (initially commissioned) by Shaker Heights last spring helps, but the earthen structure remains a risk to people and property, including a probable loss of life if the dam were to fail, Elting added.

Detailed information about the project can be found at neorsd.org/DoanBrook, including detailed FAQ documents and recordings of all the the sewer districts public meetings.

As the year-long detailed design phase commences on the Doan Brook restoration near Horseshoe Lake Park, stakeholder engagement for the companion $14 million upgrade of Lower Shaker Lake and dam -- including dredging -- is expected to begin in the fall.

Read more from the Sun Press.
VALLEY CITY, Ohio -- With an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 people attending and 740 frogs taking a leap or three across the ring, the 62nd annual Valley City Frog Jump Festival was another success, according to organizers and visitors alike.

These are family memories people will remember their whole lives, Liverpool Historical Society member Rod Knight said of Sundays event (July 23).

The Valley City Frog Jump Festivals origins go back to the early 1960s, when it was conceived as a childrens event at Valley Citys 150th anniversary celebration.

The Jakubowski/Reynolds family of Brunswick had a great time at this years festival.

Its the family atmosphere, getting everyone out here of all ages, said Rob Jakubowski, who attended the event with his wife, Lisa, his son, Ryan, and grandchildren Nolan and Hannah Jakubowski and Noah Reynolds, who jumped his frog, Smiley.

This was 5-year-old Noahs second appearance at the frog jump. Prior to entering the ring, he said he was confident Smiley would not only beat his previous frogs 5-foot jump, but also win Noah a trophy.

York Township residents Leighann, Chris, Wesley and Evelynn Garver were attending their first Valley City Frog Jump festival.

I grew up around here, but just never came, Leighann said.

Evelynn, 3, said her favorite part of being a frog jockey was holding her frog, which she named Princess Peaches.

Chris, a native of Georgia, said the family will definitely be back for the 63rd annual festival, adding that he was impressed with the number and the size of the frogs in the contest.

We have frogs (in Georgia), but not this big, he said. Youve got to go way back in the swamp to find those.

Knight said trophies were awarded for the longest jumpers in each of 37 flights -- a flight being made up of 20 frogs. A jump-off by those winners determined this years grand champion: Tanner Zieja of Medina and his frog, Peanut, with a length of 11 feet, 10 inches.

This years reserve champion was Rya Fitzgerald of Valley City and Slater, with a jump of 11 feet, 7 inches.

The longest jump of the day came in the 36th flight, when Jefferson Van Druska of Spencer Townships frog Buddy recorded a 13 foot, 6 inch leap. The shortest jump award went to Marcus Birch and his frog Wartz with a jump of  zero.

Wartz jumped out, turned around and came back right to where he started, said Knight. Weve never had that happen before.

The strategy did result in a trophy, however.

Yes, ol Wartz knew exactly what he was doing, Knight laughed.

Read more news from the Brunswick Sun.
WASHINGTON, D. C. - The Justice Department is eager for the U.S. attorney who handled Hunter Bidens tax case to testify before the House Judiciary Committee and is deeply concerned its work has been misrepresented, the agency said in a letter to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan.

The letter said that U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, David Weiss, is the most appropriate person to address questions regarding the scope of his authority that were raised during a congressional hearing last week by a pair of IRS agents who said the presidents son should have faced more serious charges.

We are deeply concerned by any misrepresentations about our workwhether deliberate or arising from misunderstandingsthat could unduly harm public confidence in the evenhanded administration of justice, to which we are dedicated, said the letter from Assistant Attorney General Carlos Felipe Uriarte. The Department, therefore, reaffirms U.S. Attorney Weisss commitment to providing public testimony, consistent with law and Department policy, to protect these principles.

IRS agents Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler told the House Oversight and Accountability Committee last week that federal prosecutors had a pattern of slow walking the probe into Hunter Biden, who last month agreed to plead guilty to two tax misdemeanors and admit to possession of a firearm while an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance.

Ziegler, a native of Kirtland, told the committee that if Weiss had followed Justice Department policy, Hunter Biden should have been charged with a tax felony, instead of misdemeanors.

We need to treat each taxpayer the same under the law, Ziegler said.

The undated Justice Department letter released Monday said Weiss would be available to appear at a public hearing on either September 27, September 28, October 18, or October 19.

To be clear, the most appropriate time for any testimony on these subjects is after the matter is closed, especially under the circumstances where the matter is pending before a court and subject to judicial supervision, not to mention legal and ethical bars that limit what the Department can say while the matter is pending in court, the letter says.

While testimony at this early juncture must be appropriately limited to protect the ongoing matter and important confidentiality interests, the Department acknowledges your stated interest in addressing aspects of this matter in the near term, such as U.S. Attorney Weisss authority and jurisdiction to bring charges wherever he deems appropriate, it continues.

Jordan has repeatedly said he wants answers about whether Weiss  a Trump appointee  was responsible for deciding what charges should be brought against Biden or whether it was decided by higher-ups at the Justice Department.

Initially everyone was pounding their chest, David Weiss has complete authority, Jordan told the IRS agents at last weeks Oversight hearing. Now, suddenly he doesnt. He doesnt, because you guys came forward and told the truth.

The top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, New Yorks Jerrold Nadler, said Weiss was able to operate free of interference and Republicans are trying to convince the public that Hunter Biden would have been charged with far more serious crimes if Weiss wasnt blocked by the Biden political machine.

They do not want to acknowledge that despite years of investigations, President Biden has not been found to have engaged in any wrongdoing, Nadler said of Jordan and his GOP colleagues.

Sabrina Eaton writes about the federal government and politics in Washington, D.C., for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.
COLUMBUS, OhioThe 2023 butter cow sculpture, an Ohio State Fair tradition, honors the cream of Ohios rich history of inventors.

The sculpture, unveiled Tuesday ahead of Wednesdays fair opening, uses more than 2,000 pounds of butter to depict Thomas Edison of Milan with a light bulb and a phonograph, Garrett Morgan of Cleveland with a traffic light, Josephine Cochrane of Ashtabula County with a hand-powered dishwasher and James Spangler of Akron and Stark County with a portable vacuum cleaner.

Of course, theres also the butter cow herself, along with her calf.

The exhibit includes some neat features, including running power cords through the butter to illuminate the light bulb and traffic light. Cochranes dishwasher also has a transparent door for visitors to peer inside  something that hasnt been tried in previous butter cow exhibits, according to a release from the American Dairy Association Mideast.

The exhibit will be on display at the fairs Dairy Products Building from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the fair, which runs through Aug. 4. About 500,000 people per year visit the display.

READ MORE: What happens to all the butter used in the Ohio State Fairs butter cow exhibit?

It took a team of Ohio-based sculptors about 450 hours to create the sculptures out of 55-pounds of butter, which are layered around steel frames, according to the release. About 360 of those hours were spent inside the 46-degree cooler that keeps the butter from melting in the summer heat.

The first butter cow and calf were featured at the Ohio State Fair in 1903. Past themes have included the Ohio State Universitys championship football team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, a space shuttle, and the movie A Christmas Story.

Jeremy Pelzer covers state politics and policy for Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.
Rotunda Rumblings

Code breaking: The root cause of a recent surge in unemployment fraud in Ohio is a flaw in the states computer code, which has resulted in scammers bilking the state out of more than $189,000, state officials revealed Monday. As Jeremy Pelzer reports, for weeks thousands of Ohioans have had to spend hours on the phone to unfreeze their accounts because of malicious activity. The flaw was in code that linked Ohios unemployment benefits system and the states OH|ID system, which state officials previously said would make the unemployment system more secure.

Study guide: Trying to make a well-informed decision in the Aug. 8 election over State Issue 1? Andrew Tobias offers this comprehensive recap of all our news coverage of the issue.

About face: Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced on Monday that he has endorsed ex-President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Sabrina Eaton reports on the about-face LaRose, Ohios top elections official, made in issuing the endorsement. As recently as 2019, LaRose, who has a history of publicly criticizing Trump, had refused to endorse in the presidential election, telling a group of elections officials at the time: Im not endorsing candidates or showing up at campaign rallies, because  when the eyes of the world are on Ohio next year, the people of Ohio need to know that their chief elections officer is calling balls and strikes, and running fair elections in partnership with each and every one of you. But on Monday, LaRose said, while he and Trump dont agree on everything, Im giving my full endorsement and support to his campaign for President of the United States, and I look forward to working with him as a United States Senator to make America great again.

Heated exchange: Citing record-breaking heat across the United States and world, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown on Monday asked the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to implement federal workplace heat standards as soon as possible, Eaton writes. Brown and U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, a Texas Democrat, led a group of Democratic U.S. Senate and House of Representatives members in a letter urging Acting U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Julie Su and Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Douglas L. Parker to establish an enforceable federal standard to ensure workers and employers can recognize and respond to the signs of heat stress.

Dubious distinction: Despite the recent boost in the Ohio budget to raise the states threshold for receiving child care subsidies from 142% to 145% of the federal poverty level, Ohio still ranks at or near the bottom nationally. Zachary Smith reports that only North Carolina has a lower threshold at 133% - or $33,063 for a family of three. But even in North Carolina, the state is more generous when it comes to caring for younger children, with the threshold at double the poverty level for children ages 0 to 5.

Pushing 60: Fifty-eight percent of Ohioans support the proposed November ballot issue that would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution, writes Jessie Balmert of the USA Today Network Ohio bureau in the latest story recapping the results of a USA Today Network / Suffolk University poll of Ohio voters. The results are similar to a finding last December from Baldwin-Wallace University, which tabbed the number at 59%.

$25 million: Protect Women Ohio, the campaign against the abortion rights amendment, told NBC News Adam Edelman last week that it has committed thus far to spending $25 million for ads, which began running in March, through Nov. 7, when the amendment campaign hopes to be on the ballot. Spending on both sides is expected to be high. Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights said it plans to raise and spend $35 million.

Knock, knock: Supporters and opposers of State Issue 1 are going door to door, doing the shoe leather campaign work ahead of the Aug. 8 election. Haley BeMiller of the USA TODAY Netowork Ohio Bureau takes a look at what theyre telling voters.

Build ye houses, and dwell in them: The Center for Christian Virtue, through an affiliated organization, has purchased the Capitol Square building recently vacated by The Columbus Dispatch for $1.1 million, according to a CCV release. The five-story building, at 62 E. Broad St., will house CCV initiatives such as the Ohio Christian Education Network, the Christian Business Partnership, and the Church Ambassador Network when the CCV moves in by the end of August. The CCV already owns the building next door, at 60 E. Broad St.; the release stated the group intends to place that property up for sale while remaining open to the possibility the Lord may provide other uses for the building.

Hitting the airwaves: Protect Our Constitution, the official campaign group backing State Issue 1, is up with its first major ad spending of the election. The group is spending more than $1 million to run this ad through July 30 at TV stations across the state.

Full Disclosure

Here are five things we learned from the May 15, 2023 financial disclosure of state Rep. Don Jones, a Freeport Republican.

1. Along with his legislative salary, he earned income as a parts salesman for D & J Sales & Service Inc. and other income for general labor with Jaybird Enterprises LLC

2. He receives royalty payments from Ascent Resources

3. He reported investments in two retirement funds, a deferred compensation account, a 457 plan, and common stock with Woodsfield Savings Bank.

4. He owed Farm Credit Services, Discover Card, Key Bank, and Ohio Valley Community Credit Union each at least $1,000 at some point during the year.

5. Hes licensed as a certified basic EMT

Tick-Tock

The countdown is on for the special election to decide State Issue 1, a state constitutional amendment that would make it harder to pass future amendments. Here are the key dates to remember.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot  7 days (Aug. 1)

Election Day... 14 days (Aug. 8)

Todays hours for in-person, early voting: 8 a.m to 5 p.m.

Birthdays

Kristin Harris, Ohio House payroll and benefits officer

Martin L. Davey, Ohios 53rd governor (1884-1946)

Straight From The Source

When you have three candidates, [where] anyone could win the general election, we dont stay up late at night worrying about that.

-National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Sen. Steve Daines, of Montana, to CBS News on Ohios looming 2024 Senate GOP primary to take on incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown.

Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. Subscribe to get Capitol Letter in your email box each weekday for free.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Its time for this weeks edition of the Terrys Talkin podcast with cleveland.com and Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto, and host David Campbell. On this episode, Terry shares his thoughts on what he saw at the first few days of Browns training camp in West Virginia.

We also brainstorm some possible moves by the Guardians.

Have a comment or question for next weeks podcast? Send it to us at sports@cleveland.com and just put Terrys Talkin in the subject line.

And be sure to sign up for Terrys new, free weekly newsletter.

Highlights:

Terrys impressions from Browns training camp at The Greenbrier in West Virginia;

Why the Haslams are being patient and not drawing a line in the sand with expectations;

Nick Chubb: The Browns player who is both great and underrated

Bubba Ventrone and Terry talked kickers: Heres what he said;

A sleeper Browns player to watch in preseason;

A listener question about whether Andrew Berrys front office is in need of a revamp;

Is Terry feeling better, worse or the same than a week ago about the Guardians division chances?

The market or Amed Rosario and what might happen if the Guardians do trade him;

Whos the next shortstop candidate;

SpongeBob held hostage ... the saga continues;

Why James Karinchak should get called up;

What MLBs next rule change should be ...

and Terry creates two new stats that could help fix the problem;

and Terry has an author recommendation for this week.

Click below to listen to this weeks podcast, or if the embed below is not working for you, you can click on this link.

You also can find Terrys Talkin on Apple podcasts; as well as on Spotify; Castbox and other pod catchers.

And read all of Terrys latest columns here.
A roundup of conversations we're having daily on the site. Subscribe to the Reckon Daily for stories centering marginalized communities and speaking to the under-covered issues of the moment.

Advocates working to help find missing young Black women say that their cases rarely get the amount of media attention they deserve, but Carlee Russells was the exception.

The 26-year-old called 911 claiming to have spotted a toddler walking along the highway July 13 in Alabama, authorities said. When she got off the line with a dispatcher, she spoke with her sister-in-law who heard Russell ask someone if they were OK and then heard her scream.

At that moment, Russell went missing and her story went viral. Advocates praised the Hoover Police Department and national media for immediately investigating and highlighting Carlees disappearance. According to the Black and Missing Foundation, people of color make up 39 percent of the missing people population, but only 13 percent of those are Black people.

In Russells case, the alleged kidnapping ultimately turned out to be a hoax. She returned home 49 hours after going missing. On Monday, Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis revealed that Russell made the whole thing up and read a statement provided by Russells attorney indicating as such.

There was no kidnapping, Derzis said during a press conference. The statement he read included an apology from Russell to this community, the volunteers who were searching for her, to the Hoover Police Department and other agencies, as well as to her friends and family.

Natalie Wilson, a co-founder of the Black and Missing Foundation, hopes communities turn their focus from Russells story to how they can help solve other cases. Approximately 30,000 Black people went unfound in 2022 alone, data from the National Crime Information Center shows.

I can only imagine how many more families we could help if we put the same energy into finding other missing people, Wilson said.

She pointed to the cases of Keeshae Jacobs and Tiffany Foster. Jacobs went missing in September 2016 and Foster disappeared March 2021.

The list goes on and on, Wilson said. But we need to remember their names too and their stories and keep their profiles in the forefront.

We know that not everyone will get the same level of media coverage or law enforcement resources, Wilson added. But if we can have more eyes on these cases, it can result in a recovery.

Benard Simelton, president of the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, reiterated some of Wilsons remarks, adding that he doesnt believe that the cases of missing young Black women are investigated as thoroughly as they should be.

A person of color should be given the same opportunity, he said.
8/13 
Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Seres Therapeutics' year-to-date stock performance.

Seres Therapeutics : "Because the stock is losing money hand over fist, and while I did introduce it and wrote an article about it several times when it came public, I have to admit that I am mystified by why it's not doing better, despite the fact that it has something interesting. And the answer is I do not think the company is all that well-run."

Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon AT&T's year-to-date stock performance.

AT&T : "Walk away from it. That company is as poorly managed as any company I've ever seen in my lifetime."

Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Centrus Energy's year-to-date stock performance.

Centrus Energy : "I'm not a believer in Uranium. I'm not a believer in Uranium because I still think that the stench of Three Mile Island and even what happened in, with Southern, is going to make it so anything is going to change. I do not want to be associated with Uranium because I just don't think it has any staying power given the fact that we're all scared of nuclear power even though we shouldn't be."

Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Genius Sports' year-to-date stock performance.

Genius Sports : "I've looked into this thing, and I've only been recommending Draft Kings because I want companies that make money now. When that company turns a profit, I'm willing to look at it, even if it might be higher than it is. Losing too much money."

Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Enovix's year-to-date stock performance.

Enovix : "How about the fact that it's losing money hand over fist. I mean, you see, one of these things that I've been trying to emphasize to people is that there are so many companies that are making so much money, including Magnificent Seven. You do not need to reach lower and decide on companies that are losing money, because that's not good."

Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Verizon's year-to-date stock performance.

Verizon : "I'm very tortured by Verizon, because it's one of those companies that's very good product, but is just not doing well enough and has no growth. That's why I like T-Mobile, even though it doesn't have any yield. Because yield is not protected people from a decline in the value of Verizon.

Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Schlumberger's year-to-date stock performance.

Schlumberger: "What a great company, SLB's terrific. Charitable trust owns Haliburton, that's also been very good. But there's no flies in SLB. It's really well run, and I would recommend the stock."

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U.S. Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the DOJ antitrust division told CNBC's Jim Cramer the government's latest draft of merger guidelines are meant to give businesses the chance to compete.

The new Department of Justice regulations are in line with the Biden administration's enforcement of antitrust laws and crackdown on mergers and acquisitions in numerous sectors including tech and labor.

"Businesses want the opportunity to compete," Kanter said. "They want the opportunity to compete based on the merits of their inventions and their innovations, and their pricing and their customer service. That's what we want, too. We don't want to pick winners and losers, we simply want to give businesses the opportunity."

Kanter said markets have transformed and evolved significantly in the past 15 years, and that the new guidelines are meant to keep up with those changes. He added that "more often than not," businesses tell him that they want antitrust enforcement.

Kanter said he thinks this kind of competition is essential to the American dream.

"It's not possible if there is no ability to enter a market and compete and build a business from the ground up," Kanter said. "And so we want to protect the competitive process so that businesses can realize those innovations."
At Bowery's indoor farms, arugula, baby butter and other leafy green varieties grow in stacked rows from floor to ceiling. The company also sells rotating offerings, called Farmer's Selection, based on the season.

Bowery, a vertical farming company that grows crops indoors, is getting more shelf space at Amazon 's Whole Foods, with a deal to triple the stores stocking its salad kits. Currently, Bowery's salad kits and a selection of greens are carried at 50 Whole Foods Market stores in the Northeast. The expansion will increase the store count to 150 Whole Foods Market locations in the North Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast.

Bowery first broke into the market with a variety of leafy greens, but in September of last year it began marketing ready-to-eat salad kits.

"Demand for ready-to-eat, planet-positive meals is booming," said Matt Williams, Bowery's chief sales officer in a statement announcing the deal.

Three flavors of salad kits including Zesty Caesar, Avocado Ranch, and Balsamic Vinaigrette, will be available. The company is adding a compostable fork to the salad kits, and the deal with Whole Foods includes an expanded presence of its core products, including basil, baby romaine lettuce, baby butter, crispy leaf and baby kale.

Bowery, which ranked No. 46 on the 2023 CNBC Disruptor 50 list, currently sells its greens and salad kits through e-commerce and at over 1,900 stores. It claims to be the largest U.S. vertical farming company and has distribution deals with national food retailers including Walmart, Giant, Albertsons, Shoprite and specialty independents like DeCicco & Sons, Westside Market and Brooklyn Fare. Its products are also sold through distributors like Baldor and Four Seasons, and e-commerce grocer FreshDirect.

Last week, Bowery announced an expansion for its salad kits with Amazon Fresh, the retail giant's online and physical grocery store (with operations in nine states) that offers same-day delivery and pickup in select locations for Prime members. According to a Bowery spokesperson, the Amazon Fresh deal will expand its product availability up and down the East Coast, including the Southeast and Florida, with distribution ramping up in the next few weeks from Virginia to Tennessee, North Carolina (including Charlotte), the Atlanta region, and within Florida, Jacksonville and Miami.

The deal comes amid challenges for both vertical farming and Amazon's efforts to expand its grocery footprint.

Amazon closed several of its Fresh supermarkets and Go convenience store locations identified as "low growth potential" earlier this year, and as part of a larger cost-cutting strategy by the company. The store closures resulted in a $720 million impairment charge. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said on a February earnings call that the retailer was pausing expansion of Fresh stores to examine the business, and as Amazon searched for a store format that resonated with customers and "where we like the economics."

"When we do find that equation, we will expand it more expansively," Jassy said.

The vertical farming industry, meanwhile, has been under pressure, like many formerly high-flying, heavily VC-funded startup niches. AeroFarms and Appharvest, companies in the indoor farming space, both recently filed for bankruptcy, the latter just on Monday. According to PitchBook, through the first quarter of 2023, vertical farming deals declined by 91% year-over-year.
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Nuclear energy has never been part of Australia's energy mix as it has abundant renewables, according to Australia's minister for climate change and energy. "I'm not here to tell other countries what to do. Nuclear plays a role in various countries' mix, but in Australia, it never has," Chris Bowen told CNBC on the sidelines of the G20 energy ministers meeting in Goa, India. "Wherever you look, there's issues from our point of view with nuclear energy," he said, outlining problems that can come from adopting nuclear energy. Apart from being extremely expensive, it generates large amounts of waste and is an inflexible energy source, he told CNBC's Sri Jegarajah on Saturday. Furthermore, Australia will be starting from "worse than scratch" since it never had a nuclear industry in the first place, he said.

Liddell Power Station, one of Australia's oldest coal-fired power plants, was shut down on 28 April, 2023, after 52 years in operation. Roni Bintang | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Australia is also on its way to reducing reliance on coal and increasing its dependence on gas instead. "Gas plays an important role in firming the grid as coal fired power leaves the grid  We have negative prices a lot during the day in Australia, and yet coal fired power stations are churning away," he said, highlighting that gas fired power stations are more flexible and can be turned on and off. The country shut down one of its oldest coal plants in April, and will be halting operations of another in 2025. "They're not going to be replaced with coal fired power, it's just not going to happen," Bowen said. "It's not economic, it's not in the future and the emissions are bad."

Renewable energy is the way to go

To keep the lights on, Australia will have to "double down" on its investments in renewable energy, storage and transmission, the Australian minister said. "We have such abundant renewables  Vladimir Putin can't turn off the sun or the wind, [but] he can turn off the gas pipeline," Bowen said referring to the Russian president, who has cut off gas supplies to Europe in retaliation against Western sanctions imposed as a result of the unprovoked war in Ukraine. "For those countries that are blessed with abundant renewables, harnessing those renewables, increasing their share of our energy mix, and then exporting as much as possible in due course, is vital for national security as well."

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Australia's renewable energy sector has made steady improvements in the last few years. Renewable energy accounted for 35.9% of the country's total electric generation in 2022, more than double from what it was in 2017 at 16.9%, according to a report by the country's Clean Energy Council. A greater push toward renewables has reduced coal demand. Share of coal generation fell from 59.1% in 2021 to 54.6% in 2022, but gas production increased by 1.2% in 2022 compared to the year before, the report said.

Wind turbines seen on hills surrounding Lake George, located near the Australian capital city of Canberra on May 30, 2023. David Gray | Getty Images News | Getty Images
The White House on Tuesday forgave $130 million in student debt for 7,400 borrowers who attended CollegeAmerica, a now-defunct institution in Colorado that officials said misled borrowers about their loans and career prospects.

These borrowers "were lied to, ripped off and saddled with mountains of debt," President Joe Biden said in a statement announcing the debt cancellation.

The action affects students who attended the school's Colorado-based locations between Jan. 1, 2006 and July 1, 2020, the year in which the school closed its campuses, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said. He had petitioned the Biden administration last year to erase CollegeAmerica student debt.

More from Personal Finance:

Is Biden's $39 billion student loan forgiveness action legal?

When student debt payments restart, your loan type will make a big difference

Can employers be a firewall for student loan borrowers?

The U.S. Department of Education found that CollegeAmerica's parent company  the Center for Excellence in Higher Education  "made widespread misrepresentations about the salaries and employment rates of its graduates, the programs it offered and the terms of a private loan product it offered," Weiser said in a statement Tuesday.

Biden's action follows a Supreme Court ruling last month that killed a White House plan to forgive up to $20,000 of student debt per borrower. Loan payments are slated to resume in October after a pause of more than three years.

The White House has approved $14.7 billion in debt relief for 1.1 million student loan borrowers "whose colleges took advantage of them or closed abruptly," like those at CollegeAmerica, Biden said. The relevant institutions include schools like Corinthian Colleges and DeVry University.
Florida Governor and 2024 Republican Presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis speaks during a news conference near the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass, Texas, on June 26, 2023.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was involved in a multi-car accident on Tuesday in Tennessee but was uninjured as he traveled in a motorcade to a campaign stop for his 2024 presidential bid.

The chain reaction crash happened before 8:15 a.m. when traffic slowed on Interstate 75 in Chattanooga, causing four cars in the motorcade to hit one another, police said. All the vehicles involved in the crash were government vehicles taking DeSantis and his team to his scheduled event, police said.

The Republican White House hopeful was not hurt, police and DeSantis campaign spokesperson Bryan Griffin said. A female DeSantis staff member suffered a minor injury and was later treated at the campaign event, police said.

Representatives for DeSantis' campaign did not answer questions about who was driving the governor or reveal details about the accident. DeSantis was continuing on to his event, spokesperson Andrew Romeo said. A spokesperson for the Florida governor's office deferred questions about the accident to the campaign.

Florida law says the Florida Department of Law Enforcement must provide security for the governor and his immediate family. It can include uniformed and nonuniformed officers.

DeSantis was scheduled to hold events throughout central and eastern Tennessee as he prioritizes Super Tuesday states in his campaigning. Super Tuesday, held on March 5 next year, is when the largest number of delegates are up for grabs of any day in the primary cycle.

Earlier this month, DeSantis addressed more than 1,800 attendees at a state GOP dinner in Nashville.

The Florida governor, who has trailed front-runner Donald Trump in the GOP presidential contest, was expected to be at a fundraiser at a private home in Chattanooga on Tuesday. Hosts for the fundraiser were to pay $10,000 per couple for the event, while co-hosts were paying $5,000 and other attendees were paying $2,000 each, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

DeSantis was expected to attend additional fundraisers on Tuesday in Knoxville and Franklin.

The Republican candidate has been attending a string of fundraisers lately as his campaign has faced some surprising financial pressures. He was in Utah over the weekend holding fundraisers and in New York last week for an event in the Hamptons.

Just two months after entering the race, DeSantis already has been cutting staff while facing new questions about his aggressive spending, his media strategy and his apparent willingness to brawl with any and all foes except for Trump, the one person he must defeat to claim the GOP's 2024 presidential nomination.

"The DeSantis campaign is recalibrating. It's clear it needs to," said Republican strategist Terry Sullivan, who managed Marco Rubio's 2016 presidential campaign. "But at the end of the day, they're still better positioned than any other challenger to Donald Trump, times 10."

DeSantis' team has quietly expressed confidence for months that voters would eventually tire of Trump's escalating legal troubles and personal baggage. But that baggage, playing out in the U.S. legal system just as the GOP primary intensifies, is leaving precious little oxygen for his rivals to break through. And Trump's standing with Republican primary voters seems to be growing stronger with every new legal challenge.

Still, DeSantis' team has raised a stunning $150 million for his presidential ambitions so far. The vast majority, $130 million, has gone to a super PAC run by allies who cannot legally coordinate with the campaign.

The DeSantis campaign itself raised more than $20 million in the first six weeks he was in the race, though recently released federal filings revealed that he and his team had burned through more than $8 million in a spending spree that included more than 100 paid staffers, a large security detail and luxury travel.

CORRECTION: This story has been corrected to show DeSantis was in Nashville earlier this month, not last week.
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Getting a foot in the door of a company is often a major hurdle for people with disabilities looking for employment, even 33 years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA is a federal law requiring employers to make "reasonable accommodations"  adjustments or modifications  for qualified job applicants or employees with a "known disability." "A lot of hiring managers typically like to hire people that are similar to them," noted Rob Koch, who is deaf and now works as a principal in data engineering at Seattle-based tech firm Slalom Build. "So that's the challenge that we have to overcome."

How companies can create 'a culture of inclusion'

Rob Koch speaks to CNBC on Zoom with ASL interpreter, Amelia Fruehsamer.

When a recruiter for Slalom Build asked Koch the type of accommodations he would need to be "successful" in interviews, he requested a sign language interpreter and closed captions for virtual conversations on Zoom and Microsoft Teams. The company provided those supports. After several rounds of interviews, he was hired. "I am currently moving up the ranks," Koch said through an interpreter. "But in the corporate world, there's not a whole lot of deaf and hard-of-hearing people." Yet, employees with disabilities make up a sizeable share of the global workforce, by some estimates. Some 25% of people say they have a disability or health condition that limits a major life activity, according to a recent survey from consulting firm Boston Consulting Group, which polled nearly 28,000 employees in 16 countries. In a July 2023 report by the nonprofit Disability:IN, fewer than 5% of U.S. employees voluntarily reported that they have a disability, although the vast majority of their employers (93%) encouraged them to self-identify. More from Personal Finance

Less than 5% of housing accessible to older, disabled Americans

Take these 3 actions now to start cleaning your financial house

Hybrid work is the new normal, as companies rethink work habits "Even though workplaces can focus on creating a culture of inclusion, there's that internal barrier that people still struggle with, because the world is telling them that disability is shameful, that disability is wrong, that their existence is somehow a mistake," said Emily Ladau, a disability rights advocate and author of "Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally." "And that is really, really difficult to overcome that narrative," she added.

Overcoming barriers to inclusion

Some employers  like PSEG, an energy company based in Newark, New Jersey  have launched initiatives to encourage people with disabilities to bring their full selves to work. PSEG held a yearlong campaign to try to build empathy and destigmatize what it means to have a disability. The company had employee leaders talk about their experience living with a disability or caring for someone with a disability, sent around education materials and brought in outside speakers. The aim was to bring understanding and make employees comfortable talking about disabilities. "We'd be excluding a huge pool of potential employees if we weren't focused on that population, and not just bringing them in the door, but making sure they had the resources and the comfort that they need to feel included and want to stay," said Steven Fleischer, a human resources executive who leads diversity, equity and inclusion at PSEG.

After its awareness campaign, PSEG found the percentage of people who identified as disabled in its workplace tripled. "I think there's a fear and a stigma that, if I raise my hand, I'm going to be perceived as weak or unable to take on a bigger role or a bigger assignment," said Fleischer, who helped lead the campaign. "So the work that we did, I think, helped to create that safety and have people feel comfortable raising their hands and saying 'I'm disabled.'"

Creating opportunities to connect
Traffic warden Rai Rogers mans his street corner during an 8-hour shift under the hot sun in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 12, 2023, where temperatures reached 106 degrees amid an ongoing heatwave. More than 50 million Americans are set to bake under dangerously high temperatures this week, from California to Texas to Florida, as a heat wave builds across the southern United States.

The heat waves stretching across North America and Europe this month would have been "virtually impossible" without the human-induced climate emergency, according to a new scientific study.

In China, meanwhile, an intense period of scorching heat  that saw temperatures soaring above 52 degrees Celsius (126 Fahrenheit) in mid-July  was roughly 50 times more likely as a result of global warming, the study found.

Published Tuesday by the World Weather Attribution group, the study said heat waves are among the deadliest natural hazards with thousands of people dying from heat-related causes each year.

Typically, however, these events had been "extremely rare," with the recent bouts of oppressive heat seen about once every 15 years in the U.S. and Mexico region, once every 15 years in southern Europe, and once every five years in China.

Ever-increasing greenhouse gas emissions mean these events are not rare anymore, the study said.

"Totally unsurprising but important result," Friederike Otto, a scientist and senior lecturer at the Grantham Institute for Climate Change in London, who contributed to the research, said via Twitter.

"This is what climate change looks & feels. We need to adapt, we need to stop making it worse."
Fish swim around a coral reef in Key West, Florida on July 14, 2023. The coral reef, the largest in the continental US, is considered a barrier reef and is around 350 miles (563.27 km) wide from the Dry Tortugas National Park to the St. Lucie Inlet in Martin County, Florida.

A buoy in Manatee Bay, Florida, showed an ocean temperature reading of over 101 degrees Fahrenheit on Monday evening, the latest sign of record heat in the coastal waters.

The buoy is owned and operated by the Everglades National Park, part of the National Park Service, and the data from that buoy is recorded and distributed by the National Data Buoy Center, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The temperature was recorded about five feet below the surface off South Florida's east coast.

"This data is consistent with high water temps seen across Florida Bay in recent weeks," Allyson Gantt, communications director for Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks, told CNBC. "This station is reporting one of the highest temperatures currently, but it's only a few degrees higher than water temperatures at nearby stations, so we have no reason to doubt the measurement."

It's a critically hot reading for an ocean, and is especially concerning for the coral reefs in the area, which typically thrive at temperatures between 73 and 84 degrees, according to NOAA. And while it may be an all-time high, the comparison to other top readings is tricky because of how it was recorded.

The existing record for the hottest ocean surface temperature is 99.7, which was reached in Kuwait Bay in the Persian Gulf. Jeff Berardelli, Florida WFLA News Channel 8's chief meteorologist and climate specialist, said it's unclear if Monday's reading will be counted as a world record.

"These buoys that are inside Florida Bay  so that's to the north of the Florida Keys and to the South Florida peninsula  they're all in very shallow, murky, dark water," Berardelli told CNBC. "Because it's murky, and because it's contaminated with sediment, the water temperatures are reflective of the fact that darker surfaces absorb more heat."

Berardelli said the unique qualities of the area mean that "it's not really comparable to most water measurements, which are in more clear water that may have a little bit more water movement  like tidal movement."
DETROIT  General Motors is raising its 2023 guidance for a second time this year after the automaker reported second-quarter results Tuesday that were up sharply year over year.

The Detroit automaker also said it is increasing cost-cutting measures through next year and now plans to reduce $3 billion in expenditures compared with previous guidance of $2 billion.

GM CFO Paul Jacobson said the reductions will include sales and marketing spending, salary employment, and other costs.

Shares of GM closed Tuesday at $37.92, down 3.5%. The stock was initially higher following the early morning results before Wall Street analysts questioned the company's rollout of new EVs amid a supplier issue.

Here's what GM reported for its second quarter:

Adjusted earnings per share: $1.91. (This is not comparable to $1.85 analysts expected due to one-time items.)

$1.91. (This is not comparable to $1.85 analysts expected due to one-time items.) Revenue: $44.75 billion vs. $42.64 billion expected, according to Refinitiv consensus estimates

GM's earnings included an unexpected $792 million charge for new commercial agreements between GM and LG Electronics and LG Energy Solution. The cost is a result of the automaker sharing expenses with the companies for a recall of its Chevrolet Bolt EV models in recent years, which were previously expected to be paid by the LG companies.

Taking that charge into account, the company reported adjusted earnings before interest and taxes of $3.23 billion.

On an unadjusted basis, the company reported net income attributable to stockholders of $2.57 billion, or $1.83 per share, up nearly 52% from a year earlier when it earned $1.69 billion, or $1.14 per share.

Revenue during the quarter jumped 25% compared with $35.76 billion a year earlier.

For the full year, GM is raising its adjusted earnings expectations to a range of $12 billion to $14 billion, up from a previous range of $11 billion to $13 billion. GM also increased expectations for adjusted automotive free cash flow to a range of $7 billion to $9 billion, up from $5.5 billion to $7.5 billion, and for net income attributable to stockholders of $9.3 billion to $10.7 billion, compared with the previous outlook of $8.4 billion to $9.9 billion.

Jacobson said the raise is a result of stronger-than-expected pricing, demand and capital discipline.

However, the guidance increase is contingent on GM successfully negotiating new labor agreements with the United Auto Workers and the Canadian Unifor unions this year without a work stoppage or strike. The UAW has new leadership that has publicly been far more confrontational than prior union officers. The current contracts covering roughly 150,000 union workers for the Detroit automakers are set to expire Sept. 14.

"We have a long history of negotiating fair contracts with both unions that reward our employees and support the long-term success of our business. Our goal this time will be no different," GM CEO Mary Barra said Tuesday in a shareholder letter. "That's the best possible outcome for all our key stakeholders, including our team, plant communities, dealers, suppliers and investors."

A work stoppage would add to the auto industry's yearslong production problems resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and significant supply chain constraints such as semiconductor chips.

During the last round of bargaining in 2019, a breakdown in negotiations between the Detroit automakers and the UAW led to a national 40-day strike against GM. The automaker has said the strike cost it about $3.6 billion that year.

For GM specifically, a work stoppage could cost it hundreds of millions of dollars a week and delay the production ramp-up of its new electric vehicles, which the automaker has already been slow to produce. Jacobson said GM achieved North American production of 50,000 EVs during the first half of the year, however acknowledged "it's been a little bit challenging."

Barra on Tuesday blamed a supplier of automation equipment for the slow ramp of its new electric vehicles, after Wall Street criticized the company's rollout of its newest EVs.
Leon Black, Chairman, CEO and Director, Apollo Global Management, LLC, speaks at the Milken Institute's 21st Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, May 1, 2018.

A federal lawsuit filed Tuesday accused Leon Black, the billionaire co-founder of Apollo Global Management, of raping a then-16-year-old girl with autism in 2002 at the Manhattan townhouse of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The lawsuit alleges the unidentified plaintiff had been trafficked to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, who in late 2021 was convicted of procuring underage girls for Epstein. The plaintiff, who is now in her late 30s, is described in the legal complaint as being born with mosaic Down syndrome and having a "developmental age" around 12 years old.

An attorney for Black denied the allegations and accused Wigdor LLP, the law firm behind the lawsuit, of pursuing a "vendetta" against the private equity investor through multiple cases  one of which was dismissed in May.

The latest civil lawsuit against Black was filed days after The New York Times reported that he had agreed in January to pay $62.5 million to the U.S. Virgin Islands to settle any potential claims from the territory's investigation of Epstein.

Earlier Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee unveiled details of its yearlong investigation into Black's ties to Epstein, including $158 million Black allegedly paid him for tax and estate planning services.

"Today, because of legislative initiatives in NYS granting sexual violence victims the right to file claims previously barred by the statute of limitations, we were able to commence a legal action against Leon Black for harms committed years ago against our client Jane Doe when she was a minor," Wigdor partner Jeanne Christensen said in a statement.

"This is significant for our client and for all sexual assault survivors. It is an honor to represent Jane Doe and we look forward to proceeding to discovery and trial on Jane Doe's claims," Christensen said.

Susan Estrich, an attorney for Black, in a statement called Tuesday's lawsuit "frivolous and sanctionable."

Estrich said Black has never met the plaintiff, who is referred to as Jane Doe in the legal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in lower Manhattan.

"These vicious and defamatory lies, masquerading as allegations, have been intentionally manufactured by the Wigdor law firm as part of the firm's vendetta against Mr. Black for vigorously and successfully defending himself over the past two years," Estrich said.

"Wigdor's prior case against Mr. Black was recently thrown out by the Court and this one will be too. These allegations  about an incident that supposedly took place 20 years ago  are totally made up, entirely uncorroborated and, as pleaded, squarely violate the statute of limitations."

"This sham proceeding will be promptly dismissed and will provide further ammunition for Mr. Black's pending sanctions motion against the Wigdor firm," the lawyer said.

That motion for sanctions was filed in December in New York Supreme Court in another case brought by Cheri Pierson, whose lawsuit accused Black of raping her in Epstein's Manhattan mansion in 2002. Pierson is described as a struggling single mother who had agreed to give Black a massage in a meeting arranged by Epstein.

Black's request to sanction Wigdor argued that the law firm has "repeatedly abused the court system to launder frivolous, unsubstantiated, and damaging accusations of sexual assault against Black across two lawsuits."

The bid for sanctions also references Guzel Ganieva, who was represented by Wigdor in a 2021 lawsuit accusing Black of sexual assault and defamation was dismissed in May. Ganieva reportedly fired Wigdor as her representative in March.
Starboard Value's Jeff Smith called artificial intelligence a key technological advance similar to the internet, and said many companies will benefit from the megatrend. "AI is an enormous opportunity," Smith said Tuesday on CNBC's " Squawk on the Street ." "There's been a few technology advancements over the last 20 plus years that have been able to do things like that. The internet was one to start with ... maybe you talk about cryptocurrency blockchain and then you might talk about AI." AI has been dominating headlines this year, creating a buying frenzy on Wall Street that pushed chipmaker Nvidia over a $1 trillion market cap. Buzzy chatbot ChatGPT, capable of taking written inputs from users and producing a human-like response, was an instant phenomenon globally, becoming the fastest-growing software in history. "I do believe that technology will continue to advance," Smith said. "I believe it will do two things. It will make companies more efficient. It will also increase demand for products for the companies that do it right." Smith said AI is an "enormous opportunity" for Salesforce , the software company that he took an activist stake in in 2022. Shares of Salesforce have rallied more than 70% this year. "What they've done is pretty dramatic. I mean, they've raised their margins by 800 basis points. Revenue growth did slow a little bit, which was expected," Smith said of Salesforce. The hedge fund manager said there's more room for Salesforce to grow and the stock can rally another 30%. "We think it's probably $15 a share in free cash flow in the next couple of years. We think that means the stock should be over $300 a share. It's still undervalued," Smith said. "There's still more to be done and I think they would agree." Smith said he's also bullish on software name Splunk , which he said is slightly behind Salesforce in terms of execution. "It's a similar opportunity as a company that was not focused on profit margins, but instead just focused on growth and now they're focused on a balance of revenue growth and profitability," Smith said. "With that focus, we actually think that they can almost double their free cash flow per share in the next couple of years." Shares of Splunk have risen more than 20% this year. Smith spun his New York-based hedge fund out of investment firm Ramius in 2011.
TSMC is the top producer of the world's most advanced processors, including the chips found in the latest iPhones, iPads and Macs.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company plans to invest nearly $90 billion New Taiwan dollars (about $2.87 billion) in an advanced chip packaging plant in Taiwan, the company told CNBC on Tuesday.

It comes as global chipmakers seek to capitalize on the artificial intelligence boom. TSMC acknowledged last week that there is a strong demand for AI chips.

TSMC is the top producer of the world's most advanced processors, which include chips found in the latest iPhones, iPads and Macs.

The investment was sparked by "the rapid growth of the AI market" which has "driven a surge in demand for TSMC's advanced packaging," according to a report from Taiwan's official Central News Agency.

The facility will be located in Tongluo Science Park in northern Taiwan, TSMC said, adding the investment is expected to create about 1,500 local jobs.

"For AI, right now, we see a very strong demand. For the front-end part, we don't have any problem to support," said TSMC's CEO C. C. Wei during the firm's second quarter earnings report last week.

However, on the advanced packaging side, Wei said TSMC is experiencing "some very tight capacity."

"We are increasing our capacity as quickly as possible and we expect that these tightenings will be released next year, but in between, we're still working closely with our customers to support their growth," he said Thursday.

Packaging is one of the final stages of semiconductor production. It involves putting chips into a protective case and creating the connections for it to be put into an electronics device.

The Central News Agency reported that TSMC's packaging production capacity "is in short supply" as Nvidia and AMD compete for capacity. U.S.-based chip giants Nvidia and AMD are two of TSMC's largest clients.
Mykola, 50, the deputy commander of a Ukrainian volunteer unit, poses with a night vision scope at a position used by the unit to counter threats during air raid sirens, in a suburb of Kyiv.

Kyiv faced its sixth air attack this month early Tuesday, the Kyiv City Military Administration wrote on Telegram, but all drones were detected and destroyed "in a timely manner," according to a Google translation.

There were no casualties and the city was not damaged, KCMA head Serhiy Popko wrote.

The attack follows a string of airstrikes on Ukraine, including the demolition of a significant cathedral in Odesa Sunday, which Russia attributed to Ukrainian rockets, and a four-hour Russian drone attack against port infrastructure along the Danube River early on Monday.

External forces have continued to urge Russia to return to the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which it abandoned on July 17, prompting a surge in wheat prices.

"With the termination of the Black Sea Initiative, the most vulnerable will pay the highest price," U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the U.N. food summit on Tuesday. "As food prices rise, the hopes of developing countries fall."

The Kremlin, meanwhile has said a return to the deal is currently impossible, according to Google-translated comments carried by Russian state news agency Tass on Telegram.
A view of high-rise buildings is seen along the Suzhou Creek in Shanghai, China on July 5, 2023. Ying Tang | NurPhoto | Getty Images

The Chinese economy could be facing a prolonged period of lower growth, a prospect which may have global ramifications after 45 years of rapid expansion and globalization. The Chinese government is ramping up a host of measures aimed at boosting the economy, with leaders on Monday pledging to "adjust and optimize policies in a timely manner" for its beleaguered property sector, while pushing stable employment towards a strategic goal. The Politburo also announced pledges to boost domestic consumption demand and resolve local debt risks. Chinese gross domestic product grew by 6.3% year-on-year in the second quarter, Beijing announced Monday, below market expectations for a 7.3% expansion after the world's second-largest economy emerged from strict Covid-19 lockdown measures. On a quarterly basis, economic output grew by 0.8%, slower than the 2.2% quarterly increase recorded in the first three months of the year. Meanwhile, youth unemployment hit a record high 21.3% in June. On a slightly more positive note, the pace of industrial production growth accelerated from 3.5% year-on-year in May to 4.4% in June, comfortably surpassing expectations. The ruling Chinese Communist Party has set a growth target of 5% for 2023, lower than usual and notably modest for a country that has averaged 9% annual GDP growth since opening up its economy in 1978. Over the past few weeks, authorities announced a series of pledges targeted at specific sectors or designed to reassure private and foreign investors of a more favorable investment environment on the horizon.

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However, these were largely broad measures lacking some major details, and the latest readout of the Politburo's quarterly meeting on economic affairs struck a dovish tone but fell short of major new announcements. Julian Evans-Pritchard, head of China economics at Capital Economics, said in a note Monday that the country's leadership is "clearly concerned," with the readout calling the economic trajectory "tortuous" and highlighting the "numerous challenges facing the economy." These include domestic demand, financial difficulties in key sectors such as property, and a bleak external environment. Evans-Pritchard noted that the latest readout mentions "risks" seven times, versus three times in the April readout, and that the leadership's priority appears to be to expand domestic demand. "All told, the Politburo meeting struck a dovish tone and made it clear the leadership feels more work needs to be done to get the recovery on track. This suggests that some further policy support will be rolled out over the coming months," Evans-Pritchard said. "But the absence of any major announcements or policy specifics does suggest a lack of urgency or that policymakers are struggling to come up with suitable measures to shore up growth. Either way, it's not particularly reassuring for the near-term outlook." Triple shock The Chinese economy is still suffering from the "triple shock" of Covid-19 and prolonged lockdown measures, its ailing property sector and a swathe of regulatory shifts associated with President Xi Jinping's "common prosperity" vision, according to Rory Green, head of China and Asia research at TS Lombard. As China is still within a year of reopening after the zero-Covid measures, much of the current weakness can still be attributed to that cycle, Green suggested, but he added that these could become entrenched without the appropriate policy response. "There is a chance that if Beijing doesn't step in, the cyclical part of the Covid cycle damage could align with some of the structural headwinds that China has  particularly around the size of the property sector, decoupling from global economy, demographics  and push China on to a much, much slower growth rate," he told CNBC on Friday.

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TS Lombard's base case is for a stabilization of the Chinese economy late in 2023, but that the economy is entering a longer-term structural slowdown, albeit not yet a Japan-style "stagflation" scenario, and is likely to average closer to 4% annual GDP growth due to these structural headwinds. Although the need for exposure to China will still be essential for international companies as it remains the largest consumer market in the world, Green said the slowdown could make it "slightly less enticing" and accelerate "decoupling" with the West in terms of investment flows and manufacturing. For the global economy, however, the most immediate spillover of a Chinese slowdown will likely come in commodities and the industrial cycle, as China reconfigures its economy to reduce its reliance on a property sector that has been "absorbing and driving commodity prices." "Those days are gone. China is still going to invest a lot, but it's going to be sort of more advanced manufacturing, tech hardware, like electric vehicles, solar panels, robotics, semiconductors, these types of areas," Green said. "The property driver  and with that, that pool of iron ore from Brazil and/or Australia and machines from Germany or appliances from all over the world  has gone, and China will be a much less important factor in the global industrial cycle." Second order impacts The recalibration of the economy away from property and toward more advanced manufacturing is evident in China's massive push into electric vehicles, which led to the country overtaking Japan earlier this year as the world's largest auto exporter. "This shift from a complementary economy, where Beijing and Berlin kind of benefit from each other, to now being competitors is another big consequence of the structural slowdown," Green said. He noted that beyond the immediate loss of demand for commodities, China's reaction to its shifting economic sands will also have "second order impacts" for the global economy. "China is still making a lot of stuff, and they can't consume it all at home. A lot of the stuff they're making now is much higher quality and that will continue, especially as there's less money going into real estate, and trillions of renminbi going into these advanced tech sectors," Green said.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 25)  The controversial Maharlika fund is expected to begin operation by early next year, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said Tuesday.

As work on the implementing rules and regulations immediately started after the bill hurdled Congress, Diokno said they would be ready for release within August.

We expect this to be organized, appoint the right people by September. We expect it to be off and running by early next year, he said at the post-SONA briefing.

This came less than two weeks after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the measure into law despite concerns raised by several groups and even economists.

RELATED: Maharlika fund defective, poses serious risks to economy  UPSE faculty members

Diokno, however, reiterated that the Maharlika fund would provide the needed support to pursue the governments target to build more infrastructure projects.

We need these projects done as soon as possible, so the Maharlika fund will be an additional avenue for funding these 194 projects and counting because we continue to build for the next 20 years, he said.

READ: NEDA Board OKs 9-T infra projects

Its no longer borrowing, would have less stress on the budget, Diokno added.
Chinese-sponsored technology contest for African youth launched in Kenya

Xinhua) 13:46, July 25, 2023

NAIROBI, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The eighth edition of Africa Tech Challenge (ATC), sponsored by AVIC International, a Chinese firm, was launched on Monday in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi amid the quest to enhance the technical and entrepreneurial skills of the continent's youth.

More than 70 youth from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, Egypt, Cote d'Ivoire, Zambia and Zimbabwe will participate in the month-long exercise to boost their competence in applying construction-related technologies.

Themed "Role of engineering in driving industrialization in Africa," this year's edition of the ATC will expose contestants to cutting-edge construction technologies like computer-aided design and lathe machines.

Winners of the technology contest, which will be hosted by the Technical University of Kenya, will receive cash prizes, certificates of recognition, and fully funded scholarships to study in Chinese universities.

Esther Muoria, principal secretary of the State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training, said the contest, which will run from July 24 to Aug. 25, will provide a platform for African youth to leverage technology to chart a sustainable and inclusive future for the continent.

"The Africa Tech Challenge will provide African youth with the skills required to reshape industries and become trailblazers in innovations that foster sustainable development," Muoria remarked.

She observed that China has been a dependable partner in Kenya's quest to improve the technical and vocational skills of local youth to hasten industrial growth and tackle unemployment.

According to Muoria, China has provided equipment for training youth who are pursuing engineering disciplines in publicly-funded mid-level colleges and universities.

The eighth edition of ATC will take the youthful participants through a process of self-discovery, improving their technical and entrepreneurial prowess, said Ma Changyuan, AVIC International representative in Kenya.

In addition, Ma said the contest will expose African youth to state-of-the-art technologies that are revolutionizing the construction sector besides preparing them for future jobs.

Paul Shiundu, acting vice chancellor at the Technical University of Kenya, said African youth stood to gain from mentorship as well as knowledge and experience sharing, which are major components of the ATC.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 24)  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. bared a number of measures he wants to enact and amend during his second State of the Nation Address on Monday.

Lets take a look at legislation his administration intends to prioritize in his second year in office.

Tax reforms:

Excise tax on single-use plastics

In 2022, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to impose excise tax on plastic bags.

House Bill 4102, or the Plastic Bags Tax Act, aims to impose a 100 excise tax per kilogram on plastic bags to urge companies to find other environment-friendly alternatives. The measure was a consolidation of two related bills authored by Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, Sultan Kudarat Rep. Horacio Suansing, and Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing.

Value-added tax on digital services

House Bill 4122, a measure seeking to impose a 12% value-added tax on non-resident digital service providers such as Spotify and Netflix were approved in the House in November last year.

The bill clarifies the imposition of VAT on electronic or digital services such as digital advertising, subscription-based services, and other services using information communication technology (ICT)-enabled infrastructure, among others.

Rationalization of mining fiscal regime

According to the Department of Finance, it will increase government share by imposing a fiscal regime applicable to all mining agreements.

The proposed legislation refiled by Joey Salceda in the 19th Congress also seeks to encourage full public disclosure on extractive industries.

Motor vehicle user charge

In 2019, a measure that would impose a yearly 33% percent increase in motor vehicle users charge for the next three years was filed by Salceda.

Salceda said the proceeds would be used to fund the Universal Health Care Law.

Military and uniformed personnel pension

President Marcos earlier said that he backs the proposal to reform the pension system for the military and other uniformed personnel.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the pension given to MUP retirees is around nine times higher than the amount given to those from the private sector.

Proposed amendments:

Fisheries Code

During his speech, Marcos urged Congress to amend the fisheries law to further protect fisherfolk and aquatic resources.

Marcos said the amendment must guarantee sustainable development of the fisheries sector in harmony with environmental balance.

Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act

Marcos, in his SONA, also warned agricultural smugglers and hoarders that their days are now numbered.

He attributed the rising commodity prices to smugglers and hoarders that are affecting the lives of both farmers and consumers.

He then urged Congress to amend the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act.

Cooperative Code

Marcos said amending the Cooperatives Code will have stronger production capacity and market force.

The president also urged lawmakers to pass two measures that involve procurement and auditing to be more attuned to these changing times.

Marcos priority bills also include anti-financial account scamming that will help deter cybercrime and other issues on phishing as well as the Tatak Pinoy law that will put emphasis on local enterprises.

The blue economy law, an economic model that seeks sustainable utilization of ocean resources, and the Philippine Immigration Act were also mentioned.

He also said income classification of local government units, a bill that is now up for debate on the Senate floor, was among his priority measures.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 24)  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday delivered his second State of the Nation Address (SONA). While the commander-in-chief discussed several key issues faced by his administration, he also remained mum on pressing subjects.

Here are some things that Marcos left out in his one hour and eleven-minute-long report to the country:

WPS, China, defense

Marcos did not mention Beijings harassment of Filipino vessels in the West Philippine Sea during his SONA, which was attended by China's Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian.

Though he promised to defend the countrys sovereignty, he did not condemn the global superpower and its continued disregard of the arbitral ruling which nullified its claim over the South China Sea.

READ: Marcos silent on Chinese harassment in WPS in 2nd SONA, vows to defend sovereignty

Marcos likewise did not mention the existing or pending defense agreements with countries such as the United States, Australia, and Japan.

This was criticized by fisherfolk group Pamalakaya.

President Marcos apparent silence on the issue of our national sovereignty reflects his administrations neglect to address the sea row, the group said.

We were expecting that this urgent matter that involves our national territory and integrity is at the centerstage of the state of the nation.

ICC probe

The president also did not mention the resumption of the International Criminal Courts (ICC) probe into the brutal drug war of the Duterte administration.

He earlier said the Philippines would no longer cooperate with the ICC, a move which other government officials supported.

READ: 'No appeals pending': Marcos refuses to cooperate with ICC on drug war probe

New agriculture secretary, rampant importation

Marcos, who is also the current agriculture secretary, did not name a successor despite calls for his replacement.

He also did not talk about his administrations tendency to import commodities, particularly sugar.

The Marcos administration has so far greenlit the importation of 740,000 metric tons of the product.

The administration has likewise drawn flak over its alleged illegal importation.

READ: SRA approves importation of another 150,000 MT of refined sugar

Love the Philippines tourism fiasco, government rebranding

Marcos did not address the Love the Philippines campaign fiasco where the Tourism departments third-party contractor used stock footage of foreign locations to promote the countrys tourism industry.

READ: Ad agency apologizes for using foreign stock footage for 'Love the Philippines' video

The countrys tourism campaign costs 49 million but the agency said it spent no public funds on the video.

Meanwhile, the national government and several of its agencies have also undergone rebranding during Marcos first year in office. Some of these attempts have drawn flak from the public.

Attacks on elected officials

It was during Marcos first year in office that Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo was assassinated.

While the commander-in-chief highlighted the strengthening of the police and military, he did not mention the spate of attacks against local elected officials.

According to the Commission on Human Rights, there were 34 attacks on local officials resulting in 38 deaths from June 2022 to June 2023.

READ: Culture of impunity: Attacks on local officials in first year of Marcos admin

Press freedom

Several journalists and media workers were killed and attacked during the first year of the Marcos government but the president failed to mention any of them in his speech.

Veteran broadcaster Percival Percy Lapid Mabasa was gunned down in October last year.

A radio journalist from Oriental Mindoro was shot dead in May 2023.

The following month, a photojournalist was ambushed. His four-year-old nephew was killed while three of his family members were injured.

Transport woes

While Marcos mentioned railway projects and road developments in his address, there was little mention of the controversial modernization of public utility vehicles and the impending jeepney phaseout.

READ: LTFRB: Jeepney phaseout will happen in 2-3 years

Dismayado kami kasi ni ha, ni ho hindi nabanggit ang transport sector at hinaing namin, Transport group Piston president Modesto Floranda told CNN Philippines in an interview.

[Translation: We are dismayed that the transport sector and its demands were not mentioned.]

Manibela suspended its planned three-day transport strike that began on July 24 to protest the administrations alleged failure to address the transport sectors needs.

Tinawagan po tayo ng mga ahensiya ng gobyerno upang mag-usap patungkol sa ating kilos protesta. Dahil alam nilang walang binanggit ang ating pangulo na kahit ano para sa transportasyon sa lahat po ng nagtatanong dismayado po tayo, Manibela said on Facebook.

[Translation: Government agencies have called us to talk about our strike. Because they knew Marcos said nothing about transportation to those asking, we are dismayed.]

Minimum wage

Even though the National Capital Region saw a minimum wage hike just this month, he didnt talk about further daily pay increases throughout the country.

For the second straight year nakabibingi ang katahimikan ni BBM hinggil sa maiinit na isyu ng manggagawa [BBM's silence on the issues of workers is deafening], the Federation of Free Workers said after the address.

The silence about the wage increase, ending contractualization and recognizing the right to organize are so deafening, workers can hear the silence with their empty stomachs and overworked bodies, it added.

Wage hikes are currently pending in only five regions outside of the recently enacted one in Metro Manila.

READ: NCR just saw a wage hike, what about the other regions?

Missing legislation

Political analyst Kristoffer Berse, during CNN Philippines special SONA coverage, highlighted key pieces of legislation which Marcos did not mention.

Hindi na nabanggit yung rightsizing ng bureaucracy. Isa yan sa mga naka-highlight last time. Hindi rin nabanggit yung [national] land use act, Berse said.

[Translation: Rightsizing the bureaucracy was not mentioned anymore. This was highlighted in his last SONA. The National Land Use Act was also not mentioned.]

Even yung modernization of the budget system, yung pag-adopt ng [Even the modernization of the budget system, the adoption of] cash-based budgeting. Yung [the] e-government  there was a lot of talk about digitalization partly on the side of the government, pero yung mismong government to proceed towards e-government hindi na yon naipresenta [but the governments move to proceed towards e-government wasnt presented], he added.

LIST: Mandatory ROTC among BBM's priority measures in SONA 2022

LIST: Priority measures of Marcos in his 2nd SONA
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 24)  Transport group Manibela announced on Monday that it is temporarily suspending its three-day transport strike amid the threat of heavy rains brought by Typhoon Egay.

Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena said the group is heeding commuters call for transportation amid heavy rain.

Temporarily suspended po ang tigil pasada dahil ang malakas na ulan tapos wala silang masakyan, Valbuena said in a Facebook live.

[Translation: The transport strike is temporarily suspended due to heavy rains and they dont have rides.]

Manibela staged the strike to protest the government's public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program and its alleged failure to address the sector's needs.

The transport group announced last week its plan to stage a three-day nationwide strike beginning July 24, coinciding with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s second State of the Nation Address (SONA).

READ: TIMELINE: The government's PUV phaseout program

In a separate Facebook post, Manibela warned the administration that the strike will continue if it still fails to address issues faced by the sector.

Valbuena also pointed out how the president stayed mum on transportation issues in his State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Galit ang pangulo sa DOTr (Department of Transportation). Kaya hindi binanggit ang DOTR, Valbuena said, citing an alleged source from the Palace.

Ang dami daming attached agencies ng DOTR, ni-isa walang binanggit. Walang pinagmamalaki ang pangulo, he added.

[Translation: The president is angry at DOTr. Its why he didnt mention the DOTr...It has so many attached agencies but none were mentioned. None were boasted of.]

During his SONA, Marcos addressed various issues including those related to the economy, education, health, and agriculture, but he did not touch on issues related to transportation.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 24)  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured Filipinos the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) will be free from political influence with a transparent management.

"To ensure sound financial management, a group of internationally recognized economic managers will oversee the operations of the fund, guided by the principles of transparency and accountability," he said in his State of the Nation Address.

"This guarantees investment decisions will be based on financial considerations alone, absent of any political influence," he added.

RELATED: The proposed Maharlika Investment Fund: What you need to know

In his speech which lasted more than an hour, Marcos said the MIF could be used for certain projects.

"The fund shall be used to make high-impact and profitable investments, such as the Build Better More program. The gains from the fund shall be reinvested into the country's economic well-being," he said.

Marcos said the fund could speed up the construction of 194 flagship projects approved by the National Economic and Development Authority Board.

The president enacted the MIF bill earlier this month, despite concerns it could put the country's economy at risk.

The new law states the initial capital will come from the investible funds of the Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines, declared dividends of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and other sources.

Marcos has constantly assured the public that the MIF is safe and would not be used to fund the supposedly ostentatious lifestyles of public officials.

RELATED: Zubiri wants Marcos to bare Maharlika-funded projects in SONA

"The funds for the social security and public health insurance of our people shall remain intact and separate," Marcos said in his SONA.

Marcos also mentioned the 3.9 trillion in investment pledges that the administration has secured.

According to Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, six of the investment leads mentioned by Marcos are already being implemented and operational, while five are already registered.

It indicates a long-term optimism about our country, Pascual told CNN Philippines The Final Word.

Pascual added that 180,000 jobs are expected to be made from the collected investment leads.

However, the Trade Secretary said all the capital investments will take months or years before they are fully realized and their impact in the country.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 24)  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asked government to create a new procurement law and auditing code during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday

"I urge the government to enact a new Government Procurement Law and a new Government Auditing Code. This to make government procurement and auditing more attuned to these changing times," said Marcos.

The president said making these changes would make government more efficient, as the administration streamlines processes related to public services.

RELATED: Marcos calls on Filipinos to 'embrace technology'

He added that collaboration between sectors is the key to success.

"This approach will be operationalized through inter-agency cooperation; as well as through coordinated efforts between and among the three branches of government, and the independent constitutional bodies. We have organized private sector advisory councils, and national-local mechanisms to establish the needed linkages," Marcos said in his speech.

The president also said each person has to do their part to make these efforts work, using resources already available to make the necessary changes.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 25)  Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the government is considering all actions available in the United Nations to address issues faced by Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea.

We are not ruling out anything because that is also part of our diplomatic tact, bringing this to the attention of the UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) or the Security Council. Nothing is given up there, nothing is abandoned. All these options are open to us, Bersamin told CNN Philippines The Source.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remained mum on some issues during his second state of the nation address, including the several reported instances of harassment by the Chinese Coast Guard against Filipinos in the disputed waters.

In his speech, the president promised to defend the country's sovereignty, but did not specifically take on the aggressions done by Beijing and its continued rejection of the 2016 The Hague ruling.

While the West Philippine Sea was not mentioned, Bersamin said Marcos remains firm in his commitment that he will not surrender any inch of our territory or sovereignty to any foreign power, but will maintain diplomacy in the process.

The executive secretary also said there have been closed door meetings to discuss these matters.

If the issue is brought to the UNGA or the UN Security Council, the most the Philippines can get is a resolution, which may still be ignored by China, Bersamin noted.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri earlier said that the upper chamber will pass a resolution urging the government to raise the issue of Beijings aggression to the UNGA in September.

Senator Risa Hontiveros backed this possible move.

Senator Francis Tolentino said he is also in favor of bringing the issue to the UNGA, but he noted preparations for this should have started early this year.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 25)  A day after his State of the Nation Address on Monday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. flew to Malaysia for a state visit upon the invitation of the neighboring country's king.

Marcos said the trip is an opportunity to harness the potentials of a revitalized relationship between the Philippines and Malaysia, adding that this builds on the visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Manila in March.

The Philippines and Malaysia have long enjoyed close economic ties, supported by strong bilateral trust stretching back for decades," he said in a speech before boarding his plane on Tuesday afternoon.

The presidents visit will end on July 27. He is scheduled to separately meet with King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and with Anwar to discuss areas of cooperation.

Marcos said he expects to focus on agriculture, food security, digital economy, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and possibly strengthen partnerships in the halal industry and Islamic banking.

The halal industry is expected to grow to a trillion-dollar industry in the international market as its global demand continues to expand. Malaysia is one of the global leaders in this sector, and this visit aims to forge synergies with Malaysia for the Philippines to enjoy a share of this market, he said.

The chief executive is also set to meet with Malaysian business leaders to discuss trade and investment opportunities, as well as the Filipino community there.

It is also my belief that through the investments we bring in from my various foreign visits, soon our kababayans [countrymen] will no longer be forced to work abroad but will have a choice to come home and find suitable work in the Philippines so that they may be reunited with their families, he said.

Earlier, Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said Marcos will likely mention the newly enacted Maharlika law and discuss economic cooperation with Malaysia.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 25)  Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin maintained that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte enjoy close personal ties even after the former seemed to have snubbed the other during his second state of the nation address (SONA).

I did not notice that actually but I will be surprised if that happened because they are really very close on a personal level, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin told CNN Philippines The Source on Tuesday.

Duterte was seated in between Audrey Tan-Zubiri, the wife of Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos during Marcos second SONA held at the Batasang Pambansa.

Prior to presenting his achievements and plans, Marcos walked through the plenary hall, greeting different government officials.

As the chief executive arrived at the area where Duterte was, he first shook hands with former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, then with Mrs. Zubiri. He skipped the vice president, and went straight to former President Joseph Estrada who was on the right side of the first lady.

Still, Marcos began his speech by recognizing his vice president.

According to Bersamin, he was in the same area where the vice president was seated, and admitted that even he did not recognize Duterte at first. He said he even asked Arroyo who the highly-placed Muslim lady was. Arroyo confirmed that the person being referred to was the vice president.

Duterte wore a traditional Maguindanaon dressa Bangala paired with a trouser and a flowing inaul or malong  to honor the Moro tribe of South Central Mindanao. She also had a headdress to match the outfit.

Maaaring ganyan ang napansin ninyo, pero (Maybe that's what you noticed, but) I dont think there was a snub, he noted.

Very, very fond sya kay (He is very, very fond of the) vice president, he said, referring to Marcos.

Prior to assuming office, the Marcos-Duterte tandem was a popular pair during the 2022 national elections as the two maintained their lead in surveys conducted for the May 9 polls.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 25)  Ombudsman Samuel Martires said there is a need to revisit the government procurement law.

He made the statement following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s second State of the Nation Address (SONA), where the chief executive asked lawmakers to create a new procurement law and auditing code.

In particular, Martires said bond requirements must be studied carefully as these increase the prices of supplies and equipment to the disadvantage of government.

"It increases the price of supplies and equipment to the prejudice of the government. For example a vehicle with an SRP of ()1M will possibly cost the government ()1.2M to ()1.4M to purchase. Isn't that insane?" Martires said in a text message to CNN Philippines on Tuesday.

"Worse, the procurement law is becoming a 'lucrative source of income' for corrupt government officials," he added.

Bond requirements under the procurement law include an advance payment and retention money bond.

Meanwhile, Martires said he has no complaints about the current auditing code.

However, the Ombudsman believes the law creating the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) must be repealed.

RELATED: Time to abolish PS-DBM? Gatchalian says better to let gov't agencies purchase own supplies

Martires earlier confirmed his office is investigating the Department of Education's purchase of overpriced and outdated laptops worth 2.4 billion. The transaction was coursed through the PS-DBM.

"This office is also becoming a source of creative government officials who want to increase their earnings. It is about time we abolish PS-DBM," Martires said.
Robert Koski, a retired law enforcement professional who owns Krav Maga of Southern Colorado, has taught the self-defense technique Krav Maga for 15 years. The technique was developed by Hungary-born Imi Lichtenfeld, who developed the Israeli martial art for the Israel Defense Forces in the '40s. The self-defense system combines elements of kickboxing, judo, wrestling and jiu jitsu.
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ChatGPT is the first artificial intelligence (AI) brand to go mainstream and it was the fastest-growing tech product ever. The brand returns more than three million results on Google News Search. Late-night TV talk show hosts mention ChatGPT by name  and their audiences know what theyre talking about.

In business and tech circles, as among the general public, ChatGPT is synonymous with Large Language Model (LLM)-based chatbots. But it's time to stop obsessing over ChatGPT and start discovering the world of powerful alternatives in this new world.

First, lets be clear about what were talking about.

LLMs, and the tools built on top of them

An LLM is a kind of AI system typically trained on petabytes of text data. It looks for patterns in all this data to predict the next word or sentence when queried, resulting in human-like interaction.

A chatbot is a tool that accesses an LLM. ChatGPT is a chatbot. The free version accesses an LLM called GPT-3.5 and the paid version GPT-4.0.

Those are just two LLMs, or two versions of the same LLM. But there are many comparable models out there. In fact, the number is astonishingly high.

Stanford scientists recently published their work taxonomizing LLMs. They identified  wait for it  15,821 currently available LLMs. And to help us understand and contextualize them, the researchers built a resource called Constellation, which is what they call an atlas of LLMs for visualizing them.

Moving beyong ChatGPT

LLM chatbots are fundamentally multipurpose. But that doesnt mean that you should use one tool like ChatGPT for everything. Besides, a controversial new report from Stanford and UC Berkeley suggests that for some uses, ChatGPT is actually getting dumber. (By the way, that links to a PDF. If you dont want to read through a long, academic PDF, you can load the PDF into an LLM site like Scholar Turbo and just ask the PDF questions.)

One of the newest LLM offerings comes from Microsoft and Meta; it's called LLaMA 2. (The companies claim LLaMA 2 is open source, but critics say its not. Still, its far more open than LLMs from Google or OpenAI.) There are many ways to try LLaMA 2.

You can try Llama 2 via a demo hosted by the venture firm Andreessen Horowitz. You can download the code from Meta or the AI sharing platform Hugging Face, access it through Microsoft Azure or try it on Amazon SageMaker JumpStart. Or you can check out a unique resource that combines LLaMA 2 and Perplexity.ai to give answers to queries.

Beyond that, there are many more LLMs coming soon. Even Apple has reportedly built one on top of the Google machine learning framework Jax, which runs on Google Cloud. Its codenamed "Ajax and unofficially referred to by some internal engineers as AppleGPT. Employees use it for product prototyping work and other uses.

(Apple famously banned employees from using ChatGPT out of concern that they might introduce Apple trade secrets into its dataset.)

Like smartphones, its apps that will change the world

One of the best ways for non-developers to use LLMs is through sites, apps, browser extensions, and services that access them.

Tech founder, angel investor, product designer and Product Hunt super-user, Chris Messina, told me on the This Week in Google podcast recently that the overwhelming majority of apps on Product Hunt are now based on AI  north of 80%. Just a year ago, AI-based apps on Product Hunt were rare.

With new tools coming online every day, and existing tools getting powerful updates, its a good idea to stay on the lookout for new products via curated search tools like Futurepedia and AI Top Tools.

For example, for search engine replacement work, I recommend a site called Phind; it's an LLM-based search engine that gives you both the LLM-derived result and the search engine links it used for the data. Its one of the many that is far superior to ChatGPT for current knowledge. In general, LLM-based chatbots are vastly inferior to search engines, and its best to combine search and AI.

For help writing emails or birthday cards, Anthropics Claude tends to write better prose. (Still, take it from a professional writer: No LLM-based chatbot is especially good at writing. More on that below.)

And given how quickly these tools evolve, it's important to remember that the best chatbots, browser plug-ins, websites, and apps for specific individual purposes next month, or even next week, might be completely different.

How to deal with errors and hallucinations

You cant really rely on LLM-based chatbots for accurate information. And you cant predict whether theyll give you a result thats incomplete, misdirected, totally erroneous, or perfect.

One nugget of advice for avoiding the pitfalls of errors and hallucinations is to get a second opinion  and a third and a fourth. Its easy to compare by loading a bookmarks folder on your browser with chatbots that use different LLMs. For example, you can load a folder with Phind, ChatGPT, Bard and Claude. Type in a prompt, copy and paste it into each of the chatbots, then compare the result. This is a very fast way to both make sure you have factual information, and you can comparison shop for the best result.

In my experience, if you get three or four of these services to agree with each other, its usually reliable information.

Another alternative is AI Playground, which lets you choose different models and try them side-by-side.

I warned just a few years ago that we shouldnt let AI write for us, lest our ability to write (and by extension, to think) atrophy. Now, I have a more nuanced recommendation. AI can erode our ability to write if we just put in prompts, then copy and paste the result for use as our own communication. Or, we can use AI as a writing partner to improve our ability to write and think.

The AI world is so varied and complex right now that the best advice I can give is to experiment like a mad scientist. Try as many new tools as you can. Experiment with integrating AI into your work. Run creative queries. And use AI as a brainstorm partner and sounding board.

The world of AI is changing incredibly fast  faster than any other category of technology in our lifetimes. And the promise and peril of the technology is overwhelming. All of us in the tech and business worlds need to approach it with a sense of adventure, learning, and experimentation. And dont just stick to ChatGPT out of habit.
Sari gets its day under the London sun, with a walkathon to celebrate Indias National Handloom Day

Style trends come and go, but the sari is forever. Still in excellent health well into the 21st century, and beloved of international celebrities as well as Indian stars, this nine-yard wonder lends itself to a variety of drapes and can be made out of just about any fabric.

Woman in a handloom sari with another icon of tradition, the Kolkata rickshaw. Photo courtesy: Instagram/kavana.in

Some of the best saris come from the handloom tradition of India and Bangladesh, and many new brands are working to support the craftsmanship and sustainability associated with handloom.

The lively Trafalgar Square in central London. Photo courtesy: Instagram/savilerowco

National Handloom Day in India is celebrated on August 7, and this year the handloom sari will get its day under the London sun, as a sari walkathon has been planned in central London, starting from the iconic Trafalgar Square.

Spearheaded by a womens organisation based in the United Kingdom, the sari walkathon is going to be a first-of-its-kind celebration of Indian weaves. However, this London event is planned on August 6, because that is a Sunday and the walkathon can proceed without causing any commuter inconvenience.

From Trafalgar Square, the sari walkathon will move towards Parliament Square. Participants will include around 500 women representing different states of India. Draped in colourful weaves, they are expected to walk past some of the UK capitals most famous landmarks.

Bollywood A-lister Vidya Balan is something of a global ambassador for the sari. Photo courtesy: Instagram/kavana.in

The modern Indian woman of today believes in traversing the world beyond her cocoon and she does all that and more in a sari, while redefining the codes of power dressing, said Dr Dipti Jain of the British Women in Sarees group, which is organising the walkathon with the backing of Inspiring Indian Women, in a statement to the Press Trust of India. Saree is the alternative spelling of sari.

The British Women in Sarees is a group of empowered women who take pride in flaunting handloom saris and representing the unique cultural melting pot that is India. It is a not-for-profit organisation which likes to organise events to promote our national heritage and make everyone around the world aware of the toil, handwork, and artistry which goes behind weaving each of these masterpieces, she told PTI.

The group organised a colourful sari event for Ladies Day at the Royal Ascot horse races in Berkshire, England, in June last year, when hundreds of women from the Indian subcontinent combined their colourful saris with the traditional English headgear associated with the event.

The Ascot is a symbol of fine British pageantry and elegance. As residents of the UK, we felt elated and proud of the inclusivity that the stage provided us to pay homage to our roots, India, added Jain.

A team from Kerala is being co-ordinated by Dr Deepa Hegde, Dr Hema Santhosh, and Shirley Gibson, alongside 30 other members. They plan to showcase the traditional handloom Settu Mundu and saris bought directly from the states weavers.

They also plan to perform a traditional dance from Kerala at Parliament Square, where the walkathon will conclude with a tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

National Handloom Day takes place annually as a tribute to the handloom-weaving community of India and highlights the contribution of this sector to the socio-economic development of the country.

The handloom sari is not only a tremendously versatile garment, but it is also a key element of the Indian economy, supporting the livelihood of a vast number of people. Photo courtesy: Instagram/kavana.in

The date of August 7 connects with the Independence struggle when Mahatma Gandhi launched the Swadeshi Movement in 1905 to encourage indigenous industries and in particular handloom weavers.

With inputs from the Press Trust of India
Teenagers generally get a bad rap, probably owing to the fact that judgment of them pretty much always comes from bitter, creaky-boned old men like myself. Theyre deciding whats cool and whats not, making frightening videos on TikTok and trying to convince us that 100 gecs is a real band, even though Im sure that if I actually google them, Ill discover theyre just an elaborate prank. So if examined through an unbiased lens, wed realize that were less mad at teens and more mad at the fact that we know and care what lumbar support is.

Throughout history, too, you can find teens who were intimidating not only on an emotional level, but on a very real one as well. They include some who were genuinely feared by people of all ages. If the success of young actors or business wunderkinds makes your skin bristle, the triumphs of these successful teens will send you sinking into a deep pit on ennui in your ergonomic office chair.

Here are four teens from history who even Boomers would be afraid to criticize.

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4 Joan of Arc Public Domain If you get paintings done of you that look like a Magic: The Gathering card, you did some cool shit. Maybe one of the most iconically badass teens in history is, of course, Joan of Arc. Look, if you get burned at the stake, its not because youre too average. It all started for her when Joan, a farmers daughter, began to hear voices that she believed were divine messages from God at the age of 13. Is that necessarily a good thing? Without a time machine and a reputable psychiatrist, its not worth trying to diagnose centuries in the future. Be it genuine divine communication or early-onset schizophrenia, it brought her to the attention of the forces of spurned heir Charles de Valois just three years later. Advertisement She explained to a magistrate named Robert de Baudricort that she had a holy destiny to bring the true king Charles to power. Backed by supporters who believed she was the virgin prophesied to save France, de Baudricort eventually threw up his hands and basically said, Fine, go fight then, assuming that she would find out quickly just how much divine protection she was under. She went on to speak to Charles himself and explained that she, like the Blues Brothers, was on a mission from God. She also, according to legend, shared some secret information that she should have had no way of knowing, which is unsettling, whatever the source of her power. With his blessing, Joan of Arc set off to lead an army at the Siege of Orleans, capturing an unlikely win. She continued cutting a swath through dissenters on the way to Reims, and Charles, as per prediction, was crowned King of France. Unfortunately for Baby J, now that people had started to believe they had a bona-fide Soldier of God in their midst, whether on their side or not, advisors to Charles felt she was becoming a threat, and when she was captured and charged with crimes religious and practical, Charles didnt attempt to negotiate her release, instead taking a stance of that crazy witch? I barely even know her. As such, at 19, she was burned at the stake in Rouen. Advertisement

3 Scipio Africanus Sergey Sosnovskiy Up there with the best sons of all time. Publius Cornelius Scipio was born in Rome in roughly 236 B.C. He was the son of Publius Cornelius, the commander of the Roman Army. He received all the military training you might expect for someone of such esteemed military pedigree, ensuring that if the army was going to be commanded by a military nepo baby, at least hed know what the fuck he was doing. What they might not have realized is just how soon he was going to need that training, and how well hed use it. Scipio was probably still stabbing strawmen in the yard when Hannibal (the general, not the controversial gourmand) would invade Italy and kick off the Second Punic War. Advertisement Advertisement Scipio found himself in an honest-to-god battle situation at Ticinius, and as things went from bad to shit, he saw his father surrounded by Hannibals troops. At that moment, at an age where most of us were screaming at our dad that they didnt understand us and punching holes in drywall, Scipio led a charge into overwhelming odds and saved his fathers life. Guess what Scipio: Youre getting that Xbox for Christmas. He would go on to wage a lifelong war against Hannibal, and though he suffered one of the greatest military defeats of all time at the Battle of Cannae, he would eventually defeat Hannibal and the Carthaginians on their home turf years later in 202 B.C., claiming victory in the war.

2 Galusha Pennypacker Public Domain Mom said it  s my turn to capture the fort. Advertisement First of all, well address the name. Its positively insane and completely awesome. It sounds like a guy who runs an antique bookstore with a secret arsenal of weapons to kill vampires in the back. In reality, Galusha did not pack pennies professionally, but became the youngest general of the Union Army during the Civil War. He first joined the fight as a private at the age of 16, and was made a captain only two years later. He and his regiment found no shortage of real action in no time at all, fighting in the Siege of Fort Wagner as well as other engagements. He quickly found himself promoted again at 19 to lieutenant colonel, a rank as impressive as it is nightmarish to spell. Advertisement Pennypacker, through skill, guts and an impressive knack for survival in an age of rampant infection, continued to rocket up the ranks. In 1864, he was made a colonel, commanding his own regiment, though he had now exited his teens. He then led his troops in an attack on Fort Fisher in 1865, being the one to personally plant the flag upon its capture. This, unsurprisingly, did not come without scars, and he was shot in the side, which put him in the hospital for 10 months. As a result, however, at an age when most of us were probably puking up flavored vodka on a college lawn, Pennypacker was made a brigadier general and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Advertisement That said, enough flavored vodka can feel a lot like getting shot in the side.
Hang Seng Index, HSI, China, CCP, US Dollar, Crude Oil, Gold - Talking Points

The Hang Seng Index responded to the possibility of more stimulus

Broader Chinese markets also bounced in anticipation of a business-friendly outlook

If the Fed is less hawkish tomorrow, will that further lift Hong Kongs HSI?

Recommended by Daniel McCarthy Traits of Successful Traders Get My Guide

The Hang Seng Index (HSI) roared more than 4% higher today after dipping almost 2% on Monday.

The rally comes in the aftermath of the Politburo gathering over the weekend. The details of which only came to light late yesterday and lifted Chinese-listed American Depository Receipts (ADR) in the New York session.

The main thrust of the Communist Party of Chinas Central Committee held symposium is that there has been an acknowledgement that more needs to be done to boost the economy.

However, there have not been any specific details on exactly what type of stimulus measures will be undertaken at this stage.

Nonetheless, all the mainland China and Hong Kong bourses swelled on the prospect with the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index leading the way, posting gains of over 5% on Tuesday.

Other APAC equity indices were mixed on smaller moves ahead of tomorrows Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.

Treasury yields have been mostly unchanged although the yield on the 2-year note slipped below 4.85% after trading at 4.92% yesterday.

The US dollar is slightly weaker across the board while the Australian Dollar has been the best-performing currency, encouraged by the news out of China.

EUR/USD has steadied after falling following weak PMI data in Europe compared to the US yesterday.

Crude oil has held onto overnight gains with the WTI futures contract is near US$ 79 bbl while the Brent contract is around US$ 83 bbl. Spot gold is oscillating around US$ 1,960 at the time of going to print

Looking ahead, after Germanys IFO business survey, the US will see the results of the Conference Board Consumer Confidence household survey.

The full economic calendar can be viewed here.

Recommended by Daniel McCarthy The Fundamentals of Range Trading Get My Guide

HANG SENG INDEX TECHNICAL ANALYSIS

Hong Kongs Hang Seng Index (HSI) made large gains today, but the overall picture is that of a narrowing range-trading environment.

Resistance could be at the nearby 100- and 260-day simple moving averages (SMA) currently in the 19390  19570 area, just ahead of the recent high near 19600.

On the downside, the prior lows of 18545, 18295 and 17948 may provide support.

Chart created in TradingView

--- Written by Daniel McCarthy, Strategist for DailyFX.com

Please contact Daniel via @DanMcCarthyFX on Twitter
GPs are playing a dangerous game. As the Mail reported yesterday, almost a third of family doctors are willing to shut their doors for a week, in a shameless bid to blackmail the Government into increasing their funding.

More than half would consider closing for a day and telling patients to go to A&E or call the 111 NHS hotline instead, according to the poll carried out last month by the doctors' magazine Pulse. What's more, 46 per cent agreed they might hand in undated letters of resignation.

Frankly, these are shameful avowals. Many GPs have become so arrogant, and the service they offer so diminished, that they don't realise how well off they really are.

If they carried out their threat and withdrew their services altogether, they might find that the privileges they've enjoyed for 75 years, since the inception of the NHS, could be withdrawn. Their comfortable double status, as private sub-contractors within the state health service could, deservedly, come to an end.

Almost a third of family doctors are willing to shut their doors for a week, in a shameless bid to blackmail the Government into increasing their funding

Privileges

Their pay, hours, conditions and options for earning extra income are generous, especially in comparison to the privations suffered by most working people and pensioners over the past year.

And even though I've benefited myself from those privileges throughout a long career in general practice, I'd welcome a shake-up. The country cannot go on being held to ransom by militant factions within the NHS.

In the decades since I qualified, the demands on GPs have become far less arduous. GPs no longer make endless home visits, work late into the evening, or face being called out in the small hours.

Few surgeries offer even a limited service at weekends. And many popular treatments have been withdrawn over the years: most GPs no longer offer to clear patients' ears of earwax, for instance.

Meanwhile, the waiting time for appointments has stretched from days to weeks. Instead of being able to see a doctor within a few hours or even days when an urgent problem crops up, patients are left with a choice of enduring an agonising delay, going to A&E, or simply ignoring the problem and hoping it gets better on its own. This is the dispiriting context behind the GPs' inflated pay demands.

And, of course, it's not just GPs. Too much suffering has been caused to patients by eight months of industrial action by workers across the NHS: wave after wave of junior doctors, nurses, consultants and others, with GPs the latest to issue threats 'in solidarity' with the strikers.

More than half would consider closing for a day and telling patients to go to A&E or call the 111 NHS hotline instead

Last week, specialists and hospital-based dentists staged a 48-hour walkout that ended on Saturday morning.

During that time, consultants offered what they called 'Christmas Day cover': all appointments were cancelled and only life-or-death emergencies were treated.

This followed disruption by junior doctors, during which 106,000 hospital appointments were 'disrupted'  that is, postponed or axed  over three days. The British Medical Association (BMA) regarded this such a 'success' that a further five-day strike is now planned.

From today, the Society of Radiographers joins the rolling strikes, staging 48-hour walk-outs at 40 trusts around the country. Many thousands of scans will be cancelled, meaning that countless cases of serious illness such as cancer and heart disease will take longer to diagnose, with treatment delayed in consequence.

It is an inevitability that people will die if GPs withdraw their labour  whatever the strikers may claim. Some patients who receive a dismissive text message suggesting they call 111 might have a problem demanding urgent treatment such as a heart attack or sepsis.

I'm convinced that most GPs fear for the welfare of their patients during strikes, and many oppose industrial action but feel afraid to speak out against the militants.

But when the NHS is on the brink of breakdown, the selfishness of GPs who threaten to join the strikes beggars belief.

The average salary for a GP last year was between 65,070 and 98,194, with the option of topping up their income or reducing their hours as it suited them.

Many people don't appreciate what a cushy deal GPs have always enjoyed. When the NHS was launched in 1948, it faced angry opposition from old-fashioned family doctors who feared becoming glorified civil servants.

They were unwilling to give up the freedom of their lucrative self-employed status, and pointed out that their duties often required them to work around the clock  doing late-night home visits, treating the sick on weekends as well as weekdays and so on.

Lucrative

Recognising that a health service without doctors was no service at all, Labour's minister of health Nye Bevan  the driving force behind the NHS  agreed that the GPs could keep their unique independent status. As Bevan infamously put it, he 'stuffed their mouths with gold' to silence their complaints.

READ MORE: Defiant doctors pledge to continue strikes with five-day walkout from all services set for Thursday Advertisement

Today, at around 7,000 GP practices across Britain, roughly 35,000 GP partners still enjoy that status as independent sub-contractors, albeit working for an employer, which more or less operates as a monopoly. About 90 per cent of GP income is from the NHS, although they can also work as advisers to private companies, as well as providing reports to insurance firms for lucrative fees.

They also have the luxury of setting their own hours  working a three-day week, for example, when that suits the demands of family life.

Perhaps the most financially rewarding source of extra cash comes from locum work. Barely a day goes by when I am not offered up to 1,000 a day to work a 12-hour shift at a surgery, slogging through a backlog of prescriptions and routine examinations.

That work isn't appealing to me, but I know of at least one former GP who has quit her surgery altogether to work as a full-time locum. And for others, it is an invaluable option when extra income is needed, for instance, to pay for a wedding or a new car.

Consequences

Despite being in my 70s, I am strongly considering going back to general practice in the NHS  though, absurdly, the training to do so, despite my decades of experience, could take up to a year following a long spell in private practice.

It is an inevitability that people will die if GPs withdraw their labour  whatever the strikers may claim (File image)

Like many doctors of my generation, I always saw my work as being rooted in the duty to look after patients. Which is why I find the endless strikes so unconscionable.

If GPs carry out their threat, they will lose the last vestiges of public sympathy and respect. They don't appear to care about that  but they will care if they also lose their coveted independent status.

Where surgeries face closure, as GPs retire or move away, it is increasingly common for hospital trusts to take over the business and run it directly, with doctors simply becoming salaried employees.

The Government has the option of extending that policy. I believe it should.

For three-quarters of a century, GPs have enjoyed remarkable privileges  but if they abuse their freedoms, they must face the consequences.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
Already, something doesn't quite add up about the Government's ambitious plans to speed up housebuilding.

In a speech yesterday in the recently regenerated area around King's Cross station in London, Michael Gove, the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Secretary, boldly spoke of a 'new inner-city renaissance' and promised not to 'concrete over the countryside'.

Instead, Gove wants to build over existing 'brownfield' sites in cities (rather than bulldozing the green belt, as Labour apparently prefers) to meet the Tories' 2019 manifesto pledge to build 300,000 homes each year.

Yet Gove hadn't even opened his mouth before one of his own MPs, South Cambridgeshire's Anthony Browne, was calling the same plans 'nonsense', adding that he would do 'everything he could' to stop new homes being built in his constituency.

Well, no one said housebuilding was easy in Britain: the country has gone through no fewer than 15 housing ministers since the Tories came to power in 2010.

In a speech yesterday Michael Gove (pictured) boldly spoke of a 'new inner-city renaissance' and promised not to 'concrete over the countryside'

I salute Gove's ambition. But Mr Browne's Cambridgeshire neatly encapsulates several of the problems that have long bedevilled housebuilding across the country  and have proved the graveyard of so many housing ministers' careers in recent years.

Gove has promised a 'new urban quarter' in and around Cambridge, featuring perhaps 50,000 new homes.

Well, I live ten miles outside Cambridge. It's not exactly post-industrial Teesside or London's Docklands circa 1978. If you think you can find enough brownfield land here to build 1,000 homes, let alone 50,000, I have a bridge to sell you. You would struggle to find space for 50,000 homes in Cambridge even if you demolished all the university's famous colleges and replaced them with tower blocks.

Cambridge currently has just over 57,000 homes, according to the Government's own figures. Gove's plans would vastly increase the size of this beautiful city.

So much for the planning, then. But look at the execution.

Anyone who lives here  like many of those who live around new housing sites across Britain  can tell you that houses are being built with scant consideration of the amenities those living in them will need.

Near where I live, several former arable fields are being prepared for 350 new homes. Originally this site was meant to include businesses as well  but the local council eventually agreed to 'zone' it exclusively for housing, with the result that rush-hour traffic into Cambridge will be far worse.

Gove wants to build over existing 'brownfield' sites in cities (rather than bulldozing the green belt, as Labour apparently prefers) to meet the Tories' 2019 manifesto pledge to build 300,000 homes each year. Pictured: An aerial view of houses over east London

Some 80 'park homes' for the over-55s are also being built on former arable land  effectively pre-fabricated mobile homes. The only shop to speak of is a tiny Co-op. And to make matters worse, there is a single lane out of the village, lacking a pavement. This ugly, car-dependent housing estate is for older people but it doesn't even have a proper road.

Fifteen miles away is a new town called Northstowe, which will eventually have 10,000 new homes. The plans, when they were first published 15 years ago, promised new shops, schools, community centres and GP surgeries. Yet with 1,200 homes already occupied, only the schools have materialised. Residents are still waiting for a single shop or surgery and make do with a series of Portakabins for community activities. (The developers blame the pandemic for holding back the other building.)

This is exactly the kind of inappropriate development the planning system was supposed to prevent when it was set up after World War II. In theory, there is nothing to stop us building shiny new towns with plenty of space, jobs and amenities. But it never seems to work that way.

Why not? Why does housebuilding in Britain so often go wrong? The answer is that the planning system has created an artificial shortage of housing, helping to push up prices to the point at which few young people can dream of affording their own home without family support.

Ironically, we are building just about enough new homes to cope with population growth, though still a long way short of the Government's 300,000-a-year manifesto pledge.

One of Mr Gove's own MPs, South Cambridgeshire's Anthony Browne, called the plans 'nonsense', adding that he would do 'everything he could' to stop new homes being built in his constituency. Pictured: An aerial View Photo Of Cambridge University And Colleges

In the year to March 2022, for example, just over 200,000 new homes were built in Britain. Population growth has averaged 370,000 a year over the past ten years, but since most homes are occupied by more than one person  the average household size in the UK is 2.4  we are more or less matching the increase.

The problem is not the number of new homes. It's that too many are of the wrong kind, in the wrong place and sold to the wrong people.

The problems started under Tony Blair, when environment secretary John Prescott decided that an ageing population would need more one-bedroom flats, as elderly people downsized. But in practice a lot of elderly people don't want to live in a small flat  and why should they?

READ MORE: Michael Gove set to unveil planning shake-up where Britons could gain new freedoms to extend their properties and turn empty shops into homes Advertisement

Many of Prescott's one-bedroom flats in cities such as Manchester and London ended up being sold to foreign speculators, who often left them empty.

Another of Prescott's failures was to fail to keep up with migration. Blair woefully underestimated the number of Eastern Europeans who would come to Britain after 2004, let alone the hundreds of thousands from other nations who have made this country their home since then.

The key to sorting out this mess is not new speeches or airy promises of building on underused land.

Of course it makes sense to build on brownfield sites where they are available, but that doesn't mean we should build massive housing estates outside post-industrial towns.

People need to live where they can find work  and a tech company deciding where to build its new European HQ won't go to, say, Middlesbrough just because the Government would like it to.

Instead, I have a different proposal. Michael Gove has mentioned plans for 'development corporations'. These, handled well, could be the answer.

Back in the late 1940s and 1970s, new corporations were given statutory powers to buy land cheaply at agricultural value. They were then able to grant planning permission and sell it on to developers who built 'new towns'. The corporations used the uplift in value to fund proper infrastructure including roads, schools and so on, before the houses were built.

True, the postwar new towns, such as Stevenage and Milton Keynes, did not always match the beauty of Paris or Rome. But they had and still have much to commend them, and design standards and urban-planning techniques have improved vastly in the intervening years.

A series of new 'new towns', built in this way in attractive places, could end the housing crisis for good.

The point of a planning system should not be to hold back development but to civilise it. At the moment, the system is failing on all fronts.
For years, successive Tory prime ministers have grappled in vain with the seemingly intractable issue of illegal immigration.

Any attempts to crack down on people entering the UK unfairly have been met with predictable wails from the Left  which would prefer us to have open borders.

Just look at recent attempts by the House of Lords  over-represented by Labour and Lib Dem appointees  to sabotage the Government's Illegal Migration Bill to see how desperate the liberal establishment is to thwart the Government's efforts.

But one of the biggest obstacles ministers have faced has been the swathes of human rights lawyers who, with the help of meddling judges in Strasbourg, have used every legal loophole in the book to help asylum seekers remain here indefinitely.

Today, our investigation lays bare the reality of these dishonest  not to say highly lucrative  practices, revealing widespread and blatant abuse of the rules by lawyers and legal representatives at registered solicitors' firms.

Any attempts to crack down on people entering the UK unfairly have been met with predictable wails from the Left  which would prefer us to have open borders

In one particularly shocking case, a legal adviser asked our undercover reporter for 10,000 to invent a horrific back-story for his asylum application, including claims of sexual torture, beatings, slave labour, false imprisonment and death threats which had left him suicidal, even providing him with anti-depressants from his office to use as 'evidence' of his psychological trauma.

Last week, a survey revealed that the Illegal Migration Bill enjoys majority support among every social and political group  including Labour voters.

Regulators must now urgently examine these rogue firms' sharp practices. Not only do they exploit the vulnerable  they're defying the will of the British people.

Come clean, Coutts

Ever since Nigel Farage announced last month that Coutts had closed his account due to his political views, intrigue has followed intrigue.

Firstly, the Remain-supporting BBC gleefully claimed the real reason was that the ex-Ukip leader wasn't rich enough.

Ever since Nigel Farage announced last month that Coutts had closed his account due to his political views, intrigue has followed intrigue

Days later we learned that this was nonsense when documents obtained by Mr Farage revealed he was cancelled by Coutts's reputational committee as a customer because 'his views do not align with ours'.

Now BBC business editor Simon Jack has apologised for the error, pointedly claiming his information had come from 'a trusted and senior source'.

Ordinarily, there the matter would rest, were it not for the fact Mr Jack was hugger-mugger with Dame Alison Rose, the boss of Coutts's owner NatWest, at a dinner the night before the story appeared.

NatWest must now come clean about where the BBC story came from. As Boris Johnson pointed out in his Mail column on Saturday, if Dame Alison is indeed responsible she really has to go.

Building for hope

Young people are statistically less likely to vote Conservative. Denying them an opportunity to get on the housing ladder provides them with even less incentive.

So it beggars belief that within minutes of Levelling-Up Secretary Michael Gove's announcement yesterday of plans to build more houses around Cambridge, local Tory MP Anthony Browne was already dismissing the proposals as 'nonsense'.

This is not only a betrayal of the party's commitment to build 300,000 homes a year, but also of the property-owning vision Margaret Thatcher fought for.

No one wants to concrete over fields. Priority should always go to brownfield sites crying out for regeneration. But if the Government surrenders to nimby activism, it will destroy the hopes of ordinary people who long for a home  as well the Tories' chances of winning the next election.
Yesterday's revelations  unearthed by the Mail's brilliant investigative team  that corrupt immigration lawyers are charging up to 10,000 to lodge fake asylum claims make for sobering reading.

One of the 'legal advisers' investigated, VP Lingajothy, explained how by concocting a horrifying tale of sexual torture, beatings, slave labour, false imprisonment and death threats, he would ensure his client's claim succeeded. He even offered to supply antidepressants and a friendly doctor to support evidence of 'psychological trauma'.

Another, as we reveal today, told our undercover reporter that the tedious process of claiming asylum would be much accelerated if he 'found a girl' and 'arranged a marriage'  even though getting married for immigration purposes is illegal when the relationship is bogus.

The investigation paints a dispiriting picture of greed and corruption that shames the legal profession. It also exposes the flaws in Britain's immigration system, which is making a mockery of our human rights legislation and inevitably makes it harder for those genuinely fleeing persecution to find sanctuary here, and to win the public round to their cause.

For let us not forget who the real victims are: the people who truly need our help but who  thanks to the work of rapacious vultures like Lingajothy clogging up the system with spurious asylum claims  may find their cases are left in limbo.

It is shameful that they should face uncertainty while others simply buy their way in thanks to crooked lawyers.

Image from undercover footage shows Vinnasythamby Lingajothy offering anti-depressant medication to an undercover reporter which he said the journalist could show the Home Office as evidence of his 'psychological trauma.'

Given all that, you might have thought these revelations would have caused national uproar. That the story might be popping up on news bulletins and discussion shows, that charities supporting refugees would be making statements, that the great and the good of the liberal elite would be fizzing with righteous indignation.

Well, in some respects they are. Only not as you might expect.

READ MORE: Special investigation exposes staff at immigration law firms briefing clients on how to LIE to the authorities to win the right to stay in Britain Advertisement

Yesterday evening, after almost an entire day of radio silence from the Bar Council, its Vice Chair Samuel Townend KC issued a statement in response to a tweet from Rishi Sunak praising this paper's investigation.

'The comments by the Prime Minister,' said Townend, 'are clearly an attempt to play politics with the legal profession. This damaging rhetoric undermines the rule of law, trust in lawyers and confidence in the UK legal system and is to be deplored.'

Er, no. What's actually 'undermining the rule of law, trust in lawyers and confidence in the UK legal system' is the scandalous behaviour of individuals such as Lingajothy. Indeed, the fact that Mr Townend even thinks such a statement might constitute an appropriate response only indicates the scale of the problem.

But elsewhere . . . tumbleweed. At the time of writing, the BBC was leading on Elon Musk's rebranding of Twitter.

And on that website, not a peep from the usual suspects.

Silent were Gary Lineker, who earlier this year was briefly suspended from his BBC presenting duties after he compared the Government's policy on asylum-seekers to Germany in the 1930s, as well as A.C. Grayling, that weird fox-killing Jolyon fellow, and all their cronies, normally so keen to unsheath their virtue-signalling swords in defence of asylum seekers.

SARAH VINE: 'Yesterday's revelations that corrupt immigration lawyers are charging up to 10,000 to lodge fake asylum claims make for sobering reading'

Why so? I mean, here we have a group of people growing rich (Lingajothy put his son through Eton) thanks to dodgy and possibly illegal asylum claims, thus making it harder for genuine refugees to start a new life in Britain. Isn't that about as low as is gets; arguably as low as the trafficking gangs who bring people to our shores in the first place?

Where is the howl of rage from the Left? Where are David Lammy, Diane Abbott, Keir Starmer? Surely they can't all be washing their hair?

READ MORE: The cynical story spun by a legal advisor to undercover reporters posing as an economic migrant who arrived on a small boat to help them beat the system Advertisement

The answer is simple. The liberal Left isn't interested in this sordid tale of corruption because it doesn't fit their narrative. The truth  that is to say the actual truth rather than the subjective, one-sided viewpoint that often passes for truth now  is what you might call 'inconvenient'.

It doesn't chime with their worldview  which is that anyone who believes in controlled immigration is a nutter or a Nazi, and that immigration lawyers are courageous saints saving people's lives in defiance of the evil Tories.

Instead, this story offers concrete proof of the opposite: that not all asylum-seekers are genuine; that corruption does exist; that people can and do lie and buy their way into Britain at the expense of real refugees; and that, as the Prime Minister himself has pointed out, ultimately the Government is right to try to crack down on illegal practices surrounding immigration.

It also shows that the public, and in particular those often-vilified people who dare to express their concerns about uncontrolled migration  and are characterised by lofty liberals as knuckle-dragging grunts and bigots  might just have a point.

Of course, there's nothing new in those who are driven by their own peculiar tribal ideologies turning a blind eye to awkward facts. Just look at the way Tom (now, preposterously, Lord) Watson persecuted the late Leon Brittan and Lord Bramall over ludicrous allegations of a Conservative 'paedophile ring' in Westminster.

Or consider how the Rotherham grooming gangs were allowed to operate unchecked for years because the authorities were paralysed by political correctness. Those are just two random examples: there are countless others.

People interpret the truth as it suits them, as we've seen with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex who, to garner sympathy for their cause, painted a picture of the Royal Family that may have been 'their' truth, but which certainly wasn't the whole truth.

Recollections may vary, as a wise Queen once said.

SARAH VINE: 'VP Lingajothy (pictured) explained how by concocting a horrifying tale of sexual torture, beatings, slave labour, false imprisonment and death threats, he would ensure his client's claim succeeded'

But whereas before there were limits to how far the facts could be distorted before someone sensible stepped in, in a world dominated by social media  where accusations rarely have consequences and where facts are often indistinguishable from opinion  truth is no longer empirical.

Reality is irrelevant: it's a matter of interpretation. We are, it seems, living in a post-truth world.

ASYLUM CLAIM Q&A Who is entitled to claim asylum in the UK? Those unable to live safely in any part of their own country because they fear persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other social, cultural, religious or political situation that puts them at risk. They must also have failed to get protection from authorities in their own country. Are solicitors allowed to submit an asylum claim they know to be false? No. The Solicitors Regulation Authority says its members must act with honesty and integrity and not mislead or attempt to mislead a court, tribunal or regulator. What are the legal penalties for fake asylum applications? Immigrants face two years in prison or being ordered out of the UK if they give false information on an asylum application. Solicitors do not face any criminal penalty but those found to be acting dishonestly could be struck off. Advertisement

Can a woman have a penis? Objectively, no. But if you're an opportunistic politician with all the backbone of a jellyfish (Starmer), then the answer is yes. It's also 'yes' if you're a convicted rapist who doesn't much fancy doing time in a man's prison: like 'Isla Bryson', aka Adam Graham, who was outrageously incarcerated for a time in a Scottish women's jail.

Similarly, according to the BBC, Nigel Farage had his Coutts bank account shut down because he was broke, not because his political views didn't match those of the bank's Department of Woke. (Auntie and NatWest have since apologised for this fantasy.)

Boris Johnson did not nearly die of Covid, despite ample evidence to the contrary and the testimony of the doctors and nurses who treated him, because it suits some people to believe it was all a stunt designed to manipulate the public. That's the claim of a documentary by arch-Remainer Marcus Ball, which also included an interview with Lineker.

When told that Ball made this allegation, Lineker was clear that he did not endorse it and quickly distanced himself from the film, but not before he appeared in a (truly terrible) trailer for it.

The issue applies to everything, from climate change to sex scandals. Are the wildfires in Rhodes the dawning of the Apocalypse  or did someone just fail to put out their barbecue? Your guess is as good as mine. These days, the right answer is whatever you believed already.

But truth is not just important, it's sacred. Without truth there can be no trust, and without trust we exist in a heightened state of paranoia and anxiety.

Which probably goes some way towards explaining the mental-health epidemic fuelled by social media. People no longer know who or what to believe, and it's slowly driving us all mad.

That's why it's so important for organisations and individuals in positions of authority to respect the truth, however unpalatable. And why it's so damaging when, as in the case of these lawyers, they don't.
A British family who left the UK for Bulgaria after realising they would never be able to buy a home say they saved 300,000 by snapping up a farm for just 7,000.

Lewis Vye and his wife, Jordan, both 31, left their two-bed rental house in Bournemouth, Dorset, and moved 1,788 miles to Haskovo Province, Bulgaria, in June 2022 - with their two children, Leo, 11, and Fae, two.

Jordan came up with the idea to emigrate after speaking to a friend of a friend who told her she had bought a house in the country for just 3,000.

After mulling over the idea and constantly checking Rightmove for properties, the pair bought a two-acre plot of land which included a three-bedroom house, a barn and outbuildings for 7,000 - cheaper than the 300,000 mortgage they were facing in the UK.

However, they suffered a small setback when the Covid pandemic hit, meaning they were unable to visit the property until May 2021.

Lewis Vye, and his wife, Jordan, both 31, left their two-bed rental house in Bournemouth, Dorset, and moved 1,788 miles to Haskovo Province, Bulgaria, in June 2022 with their two children, Leo, 11, and Fae, two

When they were finally ready to move in June 2022, Jordan and Lewis informed their family of the move, sold most of their belongings and packed up their caravan.

The couple say their quality of life has improved as they have more time to spend with their children and with each other.

Jordan, a freelance social media manager originally from Bournemouth, said: 'We were really struggling with the whole mortgage thing.

'We had our son at 19 and moved into a flat that we couldn't afford, it all started from there.

'It set our path for never being able to get a mortgage - it was a really big thing of owning our own home.

'Even with two wages, it wasn't something that seemed achievable for us in the UK.

'It hasn't been easy but there is such a great community here in Bulgaria.

'It reminds me of what my grandma would use to say when she lived in Bradford.

'It was a community, it was a village, everyone knew everybody, everyone helped.

The family left the UK for Bulgaria after realising they would never be able to buy a home - and saved 300,000 by snapping up a farm abroad for just 7,000

The couple said they had 'always wanted to live in the countryside' so the move was a perfect opportunity to start again

'We had so many people when we arrived offering to help us.'

Jordan was in Southampton, Hampshire, when she bumped into a friend of a friend who revealed she bought a house in Bulgaria.

Jordan said: 'I was talking to a friend of a friend, and she told me she bought a house in Bulgaria for 3,000. I asked her if I could have a look, I couldn't believe it.

'I went home and had a look for myself, I remember showing Lewis and I joked saying "should we start again?"

'We then looked, and we couldn't believe what we could get for that price. We had always liked the idea of doing something up.

'It was also the countryside element, we had always wanted to live in the countryside.

'In Bournemouth, if you want a house in the countryside, it was never going to happen for us.'

Jordan and Lewis then informed their family of the move, sold most of their belongings and packed up their caravan - arriving in Bulgaria in June 2022

After mulling over the idea and constantly checking Rightmove for properties, the pair bought a two-acre plot of land which included a three-bedroom house, a barn and outbuildings for 7,000

The couple say their quality of life has improved as they have more time to spend with their children and with each other

Although the couple have never looked back on their decision, their family was less sure about the move at first.

Jordan said: 'They feel like we sprung the news on them, but we have had it planned for a while.

'A couple who had moved out here told us to book the ticket because if we don't book it we will never leave.

'Neither of our families wanted us to go - part of that was I was a new mum.

'Our children were young, you have such a support network whether that be your mum, grandma or auntie - they were worried about what we will do.'

The couple explained that they sold most of their belongings to get to Bulgaria, which involved a ferry from Bournemouth and a lot of driving - taking 20 days in total.

Jordan said: 'We made sure we slimmed down everything, we were going to ship everything over, but the prices were extortionate.

Jordan, Lewis, Leo and Fae enjoyed a dinner outside in the good weather during a family holiday

Lewis and Jordan purchased the house in Bulgaria for 7,000 using their savings - it came with an out building

Lewis said he aims to have the whole project finished in ten years (pictured Inside the farm barn)

Since arriving in Bulgaria, the couple have been doing all the renovations themselves - spending around 5,000 so far

'We thought it wasn't worth it, so we sold everything - everything was for sale.

'We were stopping every day to pitch up the caravan somewhere and unload it as it was full of our belongings.

'We would unload our caravan every night and reload it again in the morning and head out.'

Since arriving in Bulgaria, the couple have been doing all the renovations themselves - spending around 5,000 so far.

Lewis said he aims to have the whole project finished in ten years. The former engineer, said: 'It is going really well.

'We got in the house pretty quickly from the caravan even though we weren't really expecting to.

'We have done a lot of work so far - we have redone all the plumbing and the electrics.

'We have patched up the roofs on three buildings, we have built a septic tank system, so we have all the sewage in place.

'I don't have a background in construction, but I do have a past of being good at DIY.

'I look at YouTube videos, but I have friends who work in the trade too so if I get really stuck, I will lean on them.'

The couple are documenting their renovation journey on their YouTube channel - @frombournemouthtobulgaria - and admit the journey hasn't been easy but it is worthwhile.

The couple are documenting their renovation journey on their YouTube channel - @frombournemouthtobulgaria - and admit the journey hasn't been easy but it is worthwhile

Jordan said: 'I remember pulling up in the caravan and we parked it in the middle of our land and we were unpacking.

'I remember looking at all of our stuff with flies all over the food and I thought "what are we doing".

'The number of times I have said that I want to go home but we are in such a different position now.

'When we arrived, people realised we were struggling so people would turn up with bags of vegetables.

'It was lovely, the day we pulled up, next door came round, and they were all helping to get us moved in.'
A dumpster diver has claimed she discovered tons of unexpired packaged food in Starbucks trash bags.

Anna Sacks - who goes by the handle @thetrashwalker on Instagram and TikTok - has been recording her 'trash walks,' where she roams Manhattan's streets in her puncture-proof gloves and sifts through garbage bags, since 2018.

Her most recent video has racked up more than 2.7 million views so far and shows mountains of garbage bags filled to the brim with unopened food, coffee beans, and unused cups outside what she claims is a New York City Starbucks.

She took to TikTok to document the moment her 'Spidey trash bag senses' went off at a now permanently closed shop - revealing all of the items that were allegedly thrown out that could've been donated.

Anna Sacks has been recording her 'trash walks,' where she roams Manhattan's streets in her puncture-proof gloves and sifts through garbage bags, since 2018

Her most recent video has racked up more than 2.7 million views so far, and shows mountains of garbage bags filled to the brim with unopened food

She took to TikTok to document the moment her 'Spidey trash bag senses' went off at a now permanently-closed coffee shop - revealing there were unused cups in the garbage

'So this used to be a Starbucks on the Upper West Side, [it's] closed. My Spidey trash bag senses were tingling,' Anna said as she dug through the garbage.

The dumpster diver showed a bag filled with unopened, packaged Starbucks Egg Bites that were still cold.

In the video, she shows a croissant that lists an expiration date as 'October 2023.'

She also showed footage of an entire bag filled with coffee grounds.

'Okay, a trash bag of unused Starbucks cups. This is why I think we need to have legislation for stores closing... because this entire trash bag shouldn't happen,' she said as she showed a bag filled with unused Starbucks paper and plastic cups.

She claimed that other trash bags were filled with napkins, gift cards, croissants, tea, brownies, bagels, Kind bars, and other pastries.

Anna accused Starbucks of being 'wasteful.'

'There's a church across the street from the Starbucks, and they probably would've taken everything,' she added.

'Starbucks needs to recognize that when they close stores, this wastefulness is not acceptable.'

Anna has previously called out the coffee giant for food waste back in 2021.

Other trash bags were filled with napkins, gift cards, croissants, tea, brownies, bagels, Kind bars, and other pastries

The dumpster diver showed the many pastries that were left in the trash bags

She also showed footage of an entire bag filled with coffee grounds

In 2016, Starbucks promised to donate '100 per cent' of its unsold food that was still safe to eat to other locations.

According to USA Today, the coffee chain estimated that it would reach a 100 per cent donation rate by 2021.

By 2020, only 60 per cent of locations were participating, the New York Post reported.

A spokesperson for Starbucks told DailyMail.com that what was depicted in Anna's video was an 'isolated' situation.

'In this video, Starbucks can confirm that the food pictured was no longer deemed safe to transfer or donate per food donation standards, and per policy were required to discard. The Starbucks FoodShare program was available at this store, and in partnership with Feeding America regular food donations went to the Food Bank for New York City,' the spokesperson said.

'Our partner-driven FoodShare program is backed by research and quality assurance testing to ensure Starbucks is safely donating nourishing, ready-to-eat meals to people who struggle with hunger.

'In instances when food is no longer deemed safe per Food Safety regulations, which designates "approved to donate food" as unopened or non-damaged packaged foods, ready-to-eat products, ready-to-drink products, or dairy, alternative milks or beverage components, and product has not passed shelf-life, as well as other factors.'

Despite the food in Anna's video being unopened, the spokesperson remained adamant the food thrown away didn't meet its Food Safety regulations.

Speaking on the coffee giant's food sharing program, they noted: 'Starbucks FoodShare program is available at all company-operated stores in the U.S and Canada. In every company-owned store in the U.S. or Canada, our standard nightly store closing guide includes instructions to prepare all approved to donate food for FoodShare donation.

'When a company-owned store in the U.S. or Canada relocates, our policy is that all product that is transferable should be transferred to a local neighboring store after closure.

Viewers flooded the comments section, demanding the coffee giant do something about the food waste

'In New York City through our partnership with Feeding America, Starbucks has donated 4,249,050 pounds of food, or 3,540,875 meals, to the Food Bank for New York City.'

The spokesperson concluded: 'At Starbucks, our goal is to donate 100 per cent of approved to donate food, furthering Starbucks resource positive commitment to reduce waste by 50 per cent by 2030.

'Starbucks has been committed to supporting hunger relief through our FoodShare food donation program in partnership with Feeding America, Second Harvest Canada and other hunger-relief organizations.

'To date, we've donated more than 50 million meals through the program, diverting more than 60 million pound of food from waste streams.'

Viewers flooded the comments section, demanding the coffee giant do something about the food waste.

One person commented: 'This is shocking, couldn't another Starbucks store that's like probably three blocks away use those cups and stuff.'

Another person added: 'I used to work at a Starbucks, we would toss so much food in the trash at the end of the day. I would take as much as I could home bc (because) it was insane.'

Someone else wrote: 'God this is depressing. Thanks for the work you do.'

'Just remember we could help others but corporate America literally refusesshameful,' another user added.

One comment read: 'So sad, could've donated it to people.'
Charity shops can be full of hidden treasures - be it charming home decor or a vintage dress that's perfect for your wardrobe.

But for every gem, there is also a uniquely bizarre item which anyone would be hard-pressed to believe would sell.

BoredPanda has collated a selection of thrift store finds that encapsulate the whacky and weird knick-knacks we give away.

One shopper from Glasgow came across an experimental, mixed-media portrait of the late Princess Diana.

Along with some blonde doll hair, the artist had also incorporated some real pearl earrings into their haunting portrait.

Lady Di's twin! One woman from Glasgow had stumbled upon this experimental portrait of the late Diana, Princess of Wales

Elsewhere, a man from Pennsylvania captured strange artwork made from severed Barbie and Ken heads.

The doll couple appear to be cradling a baby Barbie while most of their body is submerged in gold glittery liquid.

What's more, charity shop fan found a 'gum saver' on their travels.

The ceramic piece featured a hand-print on the top, which allows users to place their chewed up gum in the palm in case they need to come back to it later.

And other eclectic submissions included a record of 'Pizza Hut Hits', which featured a baffling illustration of a gramophone playing a pepperoni pizza.

In keeping with this theme, a second shopper was also delighted to find a 99c CD from an unknown woman called Audrey's 70th birthday celebrations.

Meanwhile, another shopper couldn't resist posting a photo of the hauntingly cinematic portrait of some cats they found while browsing a local store.

Here, FEMAIL looks at the most chaotic things to have graced thrift shop shelves...

Family portrait! A man from Pennsylvania spotted this uniquely harrowing artwork in a thrift store

Gum saver! One shopper from the US came across this unique home accessory with a very specific use

Cat collage! This adorable portrait showing two kittens in a bizarre setting looks to have been nestled in along other miscellaneous artworks

Pizza party! While this American chain isn't known for its records, one music fan's curiosity was piqued by the find

Surprise! Although Audrey, understood to be from the US, does appear startled, it would seem she had a good time opening her gifts

Preaching parrot! Coco, who looks to be a Senegal Parrot, looks excited to spread its message across

Fashion finds! This uniquely disparaging shirt, understood to have been found in a store in the US, makes a bold style statement

Unique decor! One shopper in Canada was delighted to see a bizarrely specific bit of homeware bling
A man has revealed how he lived every parents nightmare after he discovered his 10-year-old daughter had one of the rarest forms of cancer in the world.

George Ivanoff, from Florida, said it was a 'punch to the gut' when he discovered his daughter Mila had osteosarcoma, which only affects one or two people across the world every year.

The father explained he was sitting in his home office late one afternoon when he heard Mila shout 'ow'.

He rushed to see her, and Mila told him he had been jumping on her bed and fell.

She had hit her head, so George rushed her to urgent care to get checked out.

George Ivanoff, from Florida, said it was a 'punch to the gut' when he discovered his daughter Mila (pictured) had osteosarcoma, which only affects one or two people across the world every year

'They did X-rays and saw the swelling and noticed what was some calcification but none of the doctors had any idea it was what it was. They told us keep an eye on it and come back in two weeks. It was then we realized something was not right,' he told the Sun.

Worried about his little girl, George asked a friend who was an orthopaedist for a second opinion.

His friend spend around six months conferring with other doctors before giving the diagnosis no father wants to hear.

'They told us she has osteosarcoma which is a bone cancer. The rarity comes from her age and the location of her cancer,' George said.

The cancer usually presents in teenage boys and in larger bones such as legs - but in Mila's case it was in her arm

The cancer usually presents in teenage boys and in larger bones such as legs.

But in Mila's case, the cancer was in her arm, close to her wrist.

Doctors told George that cases like his only present about once or twice a year.

Once she was diagnosed, 'everything happened really fast'.

Little Mila quickly was put on an aggressive form of chemotherapy, which caused her to loose her hair.

Combined with a cocktail of aggressive drugs, Mila lost her appetite and needed an aggressive surgery on her arm to remove the tumor.

After the chemo and the surgery Mila remained cancer free for six months.

Mila has now started treatment in New York and is doing well, even managing to do some sight-seeing between hospital visits

But then it came back, and Mila's parents desperately started searching for a cure.

They found a treatment which, although commonplace in Europe, wasn't FDA-approved.

The only way she would be able to get it was to travel more than 1,000 miles to New York.

Determined to save Mila, the family up sticks and moved to New York but after spending thousands on their first round of treatment, they had no idea how to afford it.

Then their 'knight in shining armor' came along.

Their story had caught the attention of billionaire philanthropist Patrick Carroll, who decided to help them.

He put them up in a home close to the New York hospital leaving the family 'floored by his generosity'.

Mila has now started treatment in New York and is doing well, even managing to do some sight-seeing between hospital visits.
George Alagiah said Dame Deborah James brought 'joy' to people living with cancer in a clip that has resurfaced following his death aged 67.

The BBC newsreader and foreign correspondent, who passed away from bowel cancer, told BBC Radio 4 last year that Dame Deborah's journey with the same illness was just one way that people cope with cancer.

The clip, which was replayed on The Today Programme on Radio 4 this morning, was recorded last year following cancer campaigner Deborah's death at the age of 40.

He speaks to fellow BBC star Amol Rajan, who presents the Today Programme twice a week, about the influence the cancer campaigner had on him as someone living with cancer.

The father-of-two also drew attention to the cancer journeys of people who care for those living with cancer - in particular his wife, Frances Robothan.

BBC newsreader and foreign correspondent George Alagiah, who died from bowel cancer at the age of 67, paid tribute to Dame Deborah James following her death from the same illness last June in a resurfaced clip

Speaking to Amol, George said: 'I believe there are as many ways of dealing with cancer as there are people with cancer.

'Deborah had her own way, her very public way, my god, she's brought such joy and hope in equal measure to so many of us.'

Last year, in an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, George revealed how he sought solace in Dame Deborah's advice when he learnt the cancer had spread to his lungs.

He explained that she had learnt of the same development in her illness at the same time, and so a mutual friend put them in touch via a phone call.

'When I called her, she was walking out of the Marsden, having had her own regular scan to see if the cancer was spreading. That day, it was okay,' he recalled.

Despite telling her to end the call and tell her family immediately of the development, he said the campaigner insisted on chatting for another 30 minutes about living with bowel cancer.

However, as well as the people who are living with cancer, he added that people often forget the journeys of people who are caring for people with cancer.

Recalling an interview he once conducted with the wife of a cancer patient, he said: 'Not enough is talked about these people because my wife Fran - she's my wife, she's my carer, she's my lover, so many things.

'But she's got o move from one day when I'm saying, 'Hey I feel absolutely great, what about that weekend trip to Amsterdam'?

'And then the next day I get up and say, 'I feel absolutely rubbish' and she's got to go into 'maybe I'll get the spare room ready and make some soup'.

In the clip, from BBC Radio 4's Today programme, George praised Dame Deborah's public cancer journey for bringing 'such joy and hope' to people

'These things [carers] have to do at the flick of a switch and maintain their own emotional journey... watching the person they love.

'So I think it's really important to understand the role of carers.'

He concluded that both carers and the patients themselves had to be considered when it came to cancer journeys.

George revealed that, when he was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2014, it took him 'three to six months' to get his head around the fact he was now in 'sort your affairs out' territory.

Elsewhere in the interview, he spoke about his desire to continue working as a journalist while facing cancer and having treatment.

He praised the 'amazing, bright, young, energetic team' he worked with on BBC News at Six and BBC News at Ten for 'keeping me alive in my head' - although he admitted he was often 'knackered' after a day in the studio.

Amol responded by telling George the team 'adore' him - to which he bashfully laughed.

His admiration for the BBC team was emphasised by his friend and fellow newsreader Sophie Raworth during last night's BBC News at Six bulletin.

She revealed George's final wish had been to come back on air and bid farewell to his faithful audience - but he never had the chance to.

Instead, an emotional pre-recorded message from the broadcaster, who died 'peacefully' surrounded by his family yesterday aged 67, was played to BBC viewers where the much-loved presenter said he had 'gotten to a place to see life as a gift'.

It came moments after Sophie paid her own tribute, saying: 'I saw him just a few weeks ago. He told me he had hoped to come back to work one last time to say thank you and goodbye, right here, live on air in the studio.

'He didn't get the chance, so we have done it for him. I will leave you now with in his own words.'

The presenter appeared to pinch her hand as she read off the autocue, in what seemed to be an attempt not to become emotional during the segment as a video montage of Alagiah began to play.
The Belgian Royal Palace has released two new portraits of King Phillipe and his two oldest children, Princess Elisabeth and Prince Gabriel.

Each smiling confidently into the camera, the Belgium royal family looked majestic before attending the military parade at the Palace Square in Brussels.

The senior members of the family donned formal military uniforms before attending the parade in celebration of National Day on Friday 21 July.

Princess Elisabeth, 21, and Prince Gabriel, 19, sported matching black uniforms with red stripes and gold embellishments, echoing their countrys colours.

The Princess, also known as the Duchess of Brabant, also held a sword as part of her ensemble.

The Belgian Royal Palace shared two new portraits of King Phillipe, Princess Elisabeth, and Prince Gabriel before the National Day Parade in Belgium

Young Prince Gabriel looked smart as clutched onto the formal army hat, that featured lavish white feathers.

King Phillipe, 63, appeared dapper as he proudly stood between his two of his children.

The monarch wore traditional military uniform, which also featured a plush purple ribbon.

The Belgian Royal Palaces official Instagram account shared the portraits to its followers with the caption: We didnt want to withhold these photos from you!

The King, Princess Elisabeth, and Prince Gabriel before the parade on July 21.

In the second portrait, only featured the two eldest children of King Phillipe and Queen Mathilde.

While Princess Elisabeth and Prince Gabriel took part in the parade, other royal family members were still in attendance, including Queen Mathilde, 50, Prince Emmanuel, 17, and Princess Eleonore, 15.

The royals looked smart as they donned traditional military uniforms that echoed the country's national colours

The national holiday is celebrated annually on July 21, marking one of the countrys ten public holidays.

Independence Day celebrates the separation of Belgium from the Netherlands in 1831, as well as the formal establishment of the Kingdom.

The royals had a jam-packed day celebrating the festivities, and earlier that morning the family attended a traditional mass.

Queen Mathilde was a vision in pillar-box red for the patriotic celebration.

The 50-year-old monarch posed up a storm as she arrived at the 'Te Deum' mass at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels.

The mother-of three looked chic in a red long-sleeve dress with pleat detail at the waist, matching the look with a wide-brimmed hat, heels, leather gloves and a clutch bag - all in the same shade of vivid red.

A celebration! Crown Princess Elisabeth, Princess Eleonore and Queen Mathilde of Belgium pose before they attended the Te Deum mass, on the occasion of Belgian National Day, at The Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral on Friday 21 July

Alongside her was Princess Elisabeth who took inspiration from the Belgium flag in a bright yellow fit-and-flare dress.

She donned an over-sized straw hat with matching clutch for the ceremonial occasion.

Meanwhile, Princess Eleonore opted for low-key glamour in a shimmering gold tiered dress - the Belgian flag's yellow is also often portrayed as gold - wearing her blonde hair tied back loosely.

The day saw a varied programme of festivities, from the Place du Jeu de Balle to Brussels Park, taking in the various districts of Brussels for National Day.
When she married Edoardo Mappelli-Mozzi in 2020, Princess Beatrice became the first of Queen Elizabeth's descendants to become a step-mother.

And it's clear the royal, 34, is committed to being a blended family proudly watching as step-son Wolfie, seven, walk down the aisle as a pageboy at Edo's step-sister's wedding to Raoul de Lantsheere on Sunday.

Beatrice's 22-month-old daughter daughter, Sienna, was a flower girl to her step-aunt Phoebe Williams-Ellis, but the royal family were not the only very well-heeled guests at the Oswald's church in Kirkoswald, Cumbria.

Phoebe, is the daughter of Edo's mother's third husband David William-Ellis, a very accomplished sculptor.

But Beatrice isn't Phoebe's only tie to royalty, as she previously worked as a set designer on The Crown.

Phoebe, is the daughter of Edo's mother's third husband David William-Ellis, a very accomplished sculptor (pictured together)

Nikki with new husband sculptor David William-Ellis; she became engaged to the sculptor in 2016, with Edo congratulating the couple on social media, writing 'I'm over the moon for you both'

Family affair: Beatrice has known Edo's parents since childhood and is said to be comfortable in the company of her new in-laws

Pictured: Princess Beatrice, 34, seen attending the wedding of Phoebe Williams-Ellis, 29, and Raoul de Lantsheere in Cumbria over the weekend

The bride works also works as a costume and production designer and has worked on Netflix' Matilda and The King among many others.

But most notably she helped designed sets for drama about the Windsor dynasty, which has been less than favourable to her step-sister-in-law's family.

Meanwhile, David - who is 'Nikki' Williams-Ellis's third husband- has become the go-to sculptor for high society, with Tatler calling one of his pieces 'the ultimate marker of taste'.

The Northern Ireland born artist, who was educated at the Stowe School in Buckinghamshire, is also the great-nephew of Clough Williams-Ellis, the Welsh architect known chiefly as the creator of the Italianate village of Portmeirion in North Wales - famed as where The Prisoner was filmed.

An artistic flair clearly runs in the family - Phoebe's mother Serena Williams-Ellis is also a designer with her pieces beloved in aristocratic circles.

Meanwhile, Nikki's first husband, Edo's father, is a member of Italian nobility and former British Olympic skier his dual Italian and British citizenship.

Edo's stepfather and Nikki's second husband was Christopher Shale (pictured), a senior Tory and a close friend of former prime minister David Cameron. He died in 2011

Well-connected: Nikki was married to Christopher Shale, a senior Tory and a close friend of former Prime Minister David Cameron, before his death at Glastonbury Festival (pictured, Edo with Nikki and David Cameron in 2011 after the memorial service)

Christopher, who was the second husband of Edo's mother Nikki and a senior Conservative, died from heart disease at Glastonbury Festival in 2011

Beatrice and her Italian property developer husband, who tied the knot on 17 July last year, recently announced they were expecting their first baby together. Pictured, one of the photos shared by Edo

His former wife, three-times married Nikki, who mixes in English high society and gained an MBE for 'political service' when David Cameron announced his honours list after leaving Number 10 in 2016.

The couple divorced when their son and his sister Natalie were young, with Nikki now on her third marriage to sculptor David, following the tragic death of her second husband Christopher Shale in 2011 at the age of 56.

Edo's VERY high achieving family Mother: Nikki Williams-Ellis, a property developer with an MBE for political services Father: Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi, an Italian Count and Olympic skiier Late Stepfather: Christopher Shale, a senior member of the Conservative party Stepfather: David Williams-Ellis, an accomplished sculptor Stepsister: Phoebe Williams-Ellis, a set designer for The Crown Half-brother: Alby Shale, entrepreneur and founder of Life is Meeting Sister: Natalie Yeomans, an entrepreneur Great grandfather: Robert Burrows, a Liberal MP Ex-fiancee (and Wolfie's mother): Dara Huang, an architect Advertisement

Christopher was a senior Tory and a close friend of former prime minister David Cameron. He collapsed and died in 2011 at Glastonbury Festival, after going missing for about 18 hours before he was found in a cubicle in the VIP area.

An inquest subsequently found he had been suffering from undiagnosed heart disease resulting from high blood pressure.

So devoted was Edo to his stepfather that he named his son Christopher, with ex partner Dara Huang, after him.

At the time, a distraught then- Prime Minister David Cameron said: 'A big rock in my life has suddenly been rolled away.'

'Sam and I were devastated to hear the news about Christopher. He was a great friend and has been a huge support over the last decade.

'Christopher was one of the most truly generous people I've ever met  he was always giving to others, his time, his help, his enthusiasm and above all his love of life.'

Mr Cameron praised Mr Shale's 'massive contribution to the Conservative Party both locally and nationally'.

Taking to Instagram on the 10th anniversary of his stepfather's passing, Edo shared a collection of images - including one of his mother, Nikki, and Christopher on their wedding day, with Beatrice's mother Sarah Ferguson pictured alongside them.

Edo wrote in the emotional post: 'Chrisdog, Pups, I cant believe it has been 10 years. Not a day goes by without me thinking of you and leaning on all the lessons you taught me.

'You once said on my 18th birthday that being my stepfather was the greatest honour and privilege of your life. I echo this, being your stepson is the greatest honour of my life and I would never be standing here today without you.

'I know how proud you would be of us all today and so wish you had got to meet your three and soon-to-be four grandchildren. What joy they would have brought you.

'I was just Wolfies age when you came into my world and changed everything. You always believed in me, with unconditional love. You taught me honestly, laughter, hard work and empathy. I love you today and always,' he concluded.

Edo's mother Nikki Shale hosted the happy couple during lockdown at her 1.5 million home in Chipping Norton. A close friend of former PM David Cameron, she was awarded an MBE for 'political services' when Mr Cameron left Downing Street in 2016

Property developer Edoardo is the son of Alessandro Mapelli, a count and a former alpine skier, who competed for Team GB, and three-times-married Nikki.

Alessandro is an Italian count now 72 and known informally as Alex.

He skied for Great Britain at the 1972 Winter Olympics in Japan, and is a firm fixture in European high society. He was educated at Downside School in Somerset and is currently married to his third wife, Ebba; the couple live in a luxurious home in Provence.

Beatrice has long enjoyed a close relationship with her property developer husband's father.

Beatrice's new father-in-law holds both British and Italian citizenship and competed for Great Britain as a skier at the 1972 Winter Olympics. He resides mainly in Provence, with his third wife Ebba, but Edo stands to inherit his Italian palazzo, Villa Mapelli Mozzi, which is just outside of Milan

While Edo is descended from Italian nobility, he was born in London and is a British citizen. Their son Christopher Woolf - who goes by Wolfie, was also born in the UK

The count is keen for the Italian lineage to continue, it seems. He previously MailOnline: 'Edoardo is the only male descendant taking the family into the next generation. He is a count  his wife will be a countess automatically and any of their children will be counts or nobile donna.'

Edo stands to inherit his father's glamorous palazzo, Villa Mapelli Mozzi, which is a stone's throw from Milan in Northern Italy.

Beatrice's new husband also has a very close relationship with his mother, with the then soon-to-be-marrieds spending recent months at Shale's 1.5 million country house near Chipping Norton.

Nikki has been a friend of the Yorks - particularly Sarah Ferguson - for decades and is considered well connected in high society - she once owned a successful property company.

Edo's mother split from Alessandro when her son was young, keeping custody of Edo and his sister Natalia, while her former husband moved to France to live.
READ MORE: Oli London is transitioning from a Korean woman to a British man

Oli says he regrets many of his surgeries but is happy with his 'Ken look'

An influencer who once revealed he spent almost 250,000 on cosmetic surgeries to look like a Barbie doll, is now 'living as Ken'.

Oli London, 33, from Hertford, stunned the world in 2018 when he revealed he'd spent over 75,000 on surgeries to look like K-pop star, Jimin from South Korean boyband BTS.

Now the controversial star is back with another shocker - saying he's 'de-transitioned' his feminine appearance to look like Barbie's fictional boyfriend Ken, whilst his best friend Aliia Roza, 37, styles herself as Barbie.

He says he regrets undergoing some 32 cosmetic operations - including cat-eye surgery - which have left him with painful lock jaw as well as 'paralysed with facial muscle movements'.

He explains: 'I have changed my face so much I am pretty much paralysed with facial muscle movements.

Influencer Oli London (pictured), from Hertfordshire, says he's 'de-transitioned' his feminine appearance to look like Barbie's fictional boyfriend Ken

The 33-year-old once revealed he spent almost 250,000 on cosmetic surgeries to look like a Barbie doll

'I have six titanium brackets with 24 screws inside my chin and cheeks holding the bones together so sometimes I get jaw lock when I yawn and it's really painful.

'I regret a lot of it but I am happy with my Ken look and small nose and eyes'.

Oli says his exhaustive list of past surgeries were done to look like his idol Barbie.

His best friend Aliia, even styles herself as the real life doll, having spent 'millions' to achieve the look.

Oli and Aliia have been best friends since 2018 after he started work as her personal shopper, helping her find 'the most beautiful stuff'.

He added that the besties love going out dressed as Barbie and Ken.

He said: 'Last year I was living as a Barbie after I came out as trans but now I am back to living as Ken since de-transitioning and becoming a man again.

'I previously spent 233,000 plus on 32 plastic surgery procedures to obtain my doll like look.

His best friend Aliia Roza, 37, even styles herself as the real life doll, having spent 'millions' to achieve the look

Oli says the besties love going out dressed as Barbie and Ken, however they used to attend high profile events dressed as Barbie together

'Aliia has spent millions over the years to live her life as a real Barbie. We both attended the Cannes Film Festival last year as Barbies.

'But this year, since I de-transitioned to become a man again, we are like Barbie and Ken and had custom made matching outfits which we wear for red carpets at Cannes Film Festival and Venice Film Festival and any other special events'.

Although Oli has lavished hundreds of thousands of pounds on his outward appearance, he says he's in search of something 'missing inside'.

He speaks on the challenges he's faced along the journey of discovering himself, and realising he can be Ken without doing the 'harmful stuff'.

He said: 'When I transitioned to being a woman I had all of this praise and love but something was missing inside.

Pictured: Oli London before (left) and after (right): after splashing out hundreds and thousands of pounds on cosmetic operations including 'eye surgery'

Oli first hit headlines in October 2018 after news broke that he had spent over 75,000 on surgeries to look like K-pop star, Jimin from South Korean boyband BTS (Oli pictured during recovery from facial surgery)

'I thought all my personal struggles were because of my gender identity, but then I realised it wasn't.

'I had some therapy and went to church. Doing all this surgery doesn't make me happy.

'I needed to strip it back and realised I can still feel like a Ken doll without doing harmful stuff'.

Oli underwent his first surgical operation at age 23 in Korea, to change his nose shape.

He continued to have regular cosmetic surgery, including six nose jobs, jaw surgery, and even eye surgery to make his eyes more feminine.

WHAT SURGERIES HAS OLI HAD? Oli has spent 230,000 on surgeries, Botox and fillers over the past eight years. Six rhinoplasties

Five tip plasty and septoplasty

Canthoplasty

Anterior hairline lowering

Forehead shaving

Supraorbital rim shaving

Blepharoplasty/cat eye lift

Mid Face Lift

Neck Lift

Chin Shaving

Lip Lift

Buccal Fat Removal

Two x Nipple correction (areola correction)

Liposuction

Gynecomastia

Mandible angle reduction (jaw shaving)

Zygoma Reduction (cheek bone shaving)

Brow lift

Forehead lift

Cheek lift

Genioplasty with T-osteotomy (chin contouring) Advertisement

He has had three in the US - a 6th nose job and nipple correction surgery.

He has had 15 in Turkey - including an anterior hairline lowering, forehead shaving, eye socket shaving and chin shaving, as well as two sets of veneers put in.

He retreated to Armenia for male breast reduction surgery, areola surgery, and a nose job, while he went to Poland and China for two separate nose jobs.

He had further surgery In Korea including two more nose jobs, cheek bone reduction surgery and brow surgery.

Oli came out publicly as trans in April 2022 after initially coming out privately to his friends in December 2020.

And in mid 2022 he announced he was a gender fluid trans woman, inspired by Barbie.

'When I was Barbie I lived a glamorous lifestyle' Oli said.

'I was jet setting and always travelling to red carpet events and sat at the front row at fashion weeks.

'I went to exclusive parties always in heavy makeup, hair extensions and Barbie style gowns - always wearing pink - I acted like a ditzy blonde.

'She's blonde and she's beautiful and Ken is the perfect boyfriend to Barbie.

'They're both great role models for people, even though they're both plastic!

'They don't swear, and have good hearts.'

In October 2022, he said he decided to revert back to identifying as a cisgender man.

Oli now lives as Ken and this includes him continually bleaching his hair, doing his makeup, having special Ken-style outfits made as well as having 'constant facials' to help him have a 'Ken doll like glow'.

He added: 'I lost a lot of my friends after I de-transitioned.

'Lots of them thought I was transphobic for doing so, which is absolutely not the case.

'I just want every person to live authentically and be true to themselves'.
Christopher Nolan's latest blockbuster Oppenheimer has received rave reviews from critics and viewers alike, and made a huge $80 million in its opening weekend but not everyone is happy.

Cinema-goers from around the world who have seen the new film have taken to Twitter to blast how the movie's female characters were written and portrayed.

One viewer wrote: 'The women of Oppenheimer. Boobs, babies and a bit of booze. Bring the washing in dear. They may as well have been blow up dolls.'

Oppenheimer tells the complex story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, leader of the Manhattan Project, the team who built the world's first atomic bomb.

The film stars Cillian Murphy in the titular role alongside an ensemble cast include Robert Downey Jr, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon and Florence Pugh, and marks the first time director Christopher Nolan has ever included a sex scene in one his films.

Florence Pugh stars as Jean Tatlock, an American psychiatrist who has an affair with Cillian Murphys J. Robert Oppenheimer

Many people were left unhappy with how Oppenheimer portrayed the real women who helped influence the man that created the world's first atomic bomb

Nolan previously told that he was 'appropriately nervous and appropriately careful' filming the scenes which involve Pugh and Murphy.

One point that was noted by many social media users is that Oppenheimer fails the Bechdel test, which is used to measure the representation of women in film and other fiction.

To pass, it requires at least two women in a film, series etc to talk to each other about something other than a man. Often those women should also be named.

Taking to social media in their droves, many people lambasted the characters played by Emily Blunt and Florence Pugh, criticising Nolan's ability to develop female characters.

'Oppenheimer is largely told through an unreliable narrator. this narrator considered the women in his life to be nothing more than hysterical set dressings and only realized this wasnt the case until it was too late. As such, Kitty is the closest thing we have to a hero,' added another disgruntled viewer.

While someone else asked: 'Oppenheimer was so bad I walked out. Just go see Barbie I guess? Has anyone given Nolan s**t about the way women are portrayed in this movie?'

A fourth person joked: 'I dont know why people are complaining. Oppenheimer featured all three types of women! young lover whos an unstable communist, alcoholic wife with a sharp tongue, plucky lady scientist just trying to make a bomb but society is in the way.'

'The women in Oppenheimer were there to release Oppy's... tension. And that's about it,' wrote a fifth Twitter user.

However, not everyone was against it calling the backlash 'woke behaviour'.

One Oppenheimer defender wrote: 'A lady got mad after watching Oppenheimer just because there were no women for the first 15 mins of the movie, and there were not many diverse characters in the movie. I believe this is purely woke behavior, creating problems out of things that are not a problem in real life.'

Emily Blunt plays Kitty Oppenheimer, wife of J. Robert Oppenheimer, who has a troubled relationship with alcohol

Viewers of the film had some cutting remarks about how the women were portrayed but not everyone thought it was worthy of complaining

Earlier this week Dr Tanya Roth took to Twitter to criticise the film for its lack of female representation within the first twenty minutes.

The expert on woman's history, said: 'Fun fact: no women speak until 20 minutes into Oppenheimer and then within a minute theres a sex scene.'

She also followed this up with: 'To add to this: no people of color appear for at least 30 minutes, and I believe there are 2 black men in the entire movie.'

Christopher Nolan previously defended the film's sex scenes, telling Insider, that the intimate 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.

He said: 'When you look at Oppenheimer's 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, it's an essential part of his story.'
The New Mexico city where the first atomic bomb was tested looks set to see a huge influx of visitors following the release of blockbuster Oppenheimer.

Los Alamos, a remote settlement created to become the hub for the Manhattan Project, which developed the nuclear bombs that would kill more than 220,000 people in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, features heavily in Christopher Nolan's film about the life of American physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer.

Following global interest in the film since it opened on Friday, the city could become the latest 'morbid tourism' hotspot - places visited because they're associated with death or tragedy, with thousands likely to want to see first-hand the locations featured in Nolan's film.

The US Army has already warned fans that rare open days at another key location in the film, the Trinity Site, where the first test bomb was detonated, are likely to be vastly oversubscribed.

It lies some 250 miles away from Los Alamos in Southern New Mexico on the highly protected White Sands Missile Range.

The cast of Oppenheimer gathered at the London premiere on July 13. The film has generated huge interest in Los Alamos, New Mexico

Oppenheimer's actors, including Cillian Murphy and Matt Damon (left) travelled to Los Alamos in March 2022 for filming

Trinity Site, on the White Sands Missile Range, where the first nuclear arms were developed and detonated is opened just twice a year to the public by the U.S. Army

Annual access days - this year in October and April 2024 - have allowed visitors at the site where the test bomb 'Gadget', which carried a ball of plutonium the size of a grapefruit inside it, exploded at 5:29am on July 16th 1945.

However, a notice on the official Army website is already warning of long wait times being likely, saying: 'Due to the release of the movie, Oppenheimer in July, we are expecting a larger than normal crowd at the 21 October open house.

'If you are not one of the first 5,000 visitors, you might not get through the gate prior to its closure at 2pm.'

The Trinity test explosion was deemed 'brighter than a thousand suns' and gave the atomic age its unforgettable visual symbol of destruction: the mushroom cloud.

A monument is seen at the Trinity Site to mark the detonation of the first atomic bomb on July 16th 1945

The base camp at the Trinity nuclear test site pictured as the bomb was being developed

A photo taken five seconds after Gadget's detonation at 5:29am on July 16th shows the tremendous fireball erupting in the early morning sky in New Mexico

Bronze statues of Dr Oppenheimer and General Leslie Groves, played by Cillian Murphy and Matt Damon, stand in a park in the city, and tourists can still visit Los Alamos National Laboratory, which was established in 1943 as part of the Manhattan Project.

Other key sites that are likely to feature on tourists' wish-lists include the Los Alamos Ranch School, where children of the scientists involved were educated, and Fuller Lodge, the home that J. Robert Oppenheimer shared with his his wife Kitty, daughter Toni, and son Peter from 1943 to 1945.

Director Nolan and the cast, which includes Emily Blunt and Robert Downey Jr, visited the city in March 2022 to film at various locations including Fuller Lodge, the Civilian's Women's Dormitory and the United Church.

In 2023, Los Alamos has a population of 13,000 and was granted city status in 1969.
Whether it's after dining out or taxing a taxi, leaving a gratuity for good service is second nature to a lot of people, but it seems that not everyone has paused to consider where the term 'tip' comes from.

Twitter users from across the world have shared their disbelief amid claims that the four-letter word is an acronym for 'To Insure Prompt Service'.

One user based in Maryland, sparked a discussion by saying they had recently learned that tip is To Insure Promptness, with another from Lodon agreeing that they 'never knew', followed by the shock emoji.

A commenter from Toronto explained the background, saying: Back in the day they would provide a cash incentive to service industry workers BEFORE the service was rendered. Over time it came AFTER & now THIS is the service they provide.'

Twitter users from across the world have shared their disbelief amid claims that 'tips' is an acronym for 'To Insure Prompt Service' (stock image)

But another Twitter user, who is also based in Ontario, Canada, felt that this explanation fell short.

He responded: Back in what day?? Ive never heard of proactively providing $ in hopes of good service and Ive been tipping for far too many years.'

Similarly, users on Reddit have been debating the phrase as far back as 2012, when a Today I learned thread popped up.

Users of the popular American social news website argued back and forth, with some denying that the phrase is an acronym.

Reddit and Twitter users across the world are debating whether or not the term TIPS is an acronym for 'To Insure Prompt Service' - with some adamant it is and others less certain

No, it doesn't [mean to insure prompt service]. Read it again. (Biggest clue: The correct verb is ensure, not insure), explaining the confusion a single letter can create.

More doubt was added when a Reddit user wondered This acronym can't work, right? You aren't "insuring" prompt service. You're "ensuring" prompt service.

They went on to add: But we cannot jam the acronym through as TEPS. Side note: I know it isn't actually an acronym. But was whoever came up with the acronym grammatically correct?

The person who questioned the acronym was right to be cynical.

According to todayifoundout.com, the word is a form of slang dating back to the early 1600s.

It was used as a colloquialism by thieves, meaning 'to give or share', and over time the word became mainstream outside of criminal circles and referred to giving money as a bonus in return for a service.

The first recorded mention is in the play The Beaux Stratagem, written by George Farquhar, which includes the line: 'Then I, Sir, tips me the Verger with half a Crown.'
A woman who threw her 36G bra at Drake while he was performing on stage has revealed that she has now been contacted by Playboy.

Veronica Correia, 21, from Cumberland, Rhode Island, became a viral sensation after she tossed her undergarment on stage during the rapper's show at the Barclay's Center in Brooklyn, New York, last week.

Upon discovering the piece of clothing, the One Dance artist picked it up, checked the tag, and exclaimed: 'Damn. 36G? Locate this woman immediately.'

Now the woman who tossed her bra at the chart-topper has spoken out about what led up to the decision and what went through her mind when he grabbed it - as well as the aftermath of the now-viral incident.

A woman who threw her 36G bra at Drake while he was performing on stage has revealed that she has now been offered a modeling position with Playboy

Veronica Correia, 21, from Rhode Island, became a viral sensation after she tossed her undergarment on stage during the rapper's show at the Barclay's Center in Brooklyn last week

Upon discovering the piece of clothing, the One Dance artist picked it up, checked the tag, and exclaimed: 'Damn. 36G? Locate this woman immediately'

And according to Veronica, not only did she get a private message from Drake himself afterwards, but she's also been contacted by Playboy.

While chatting with TMZ, she explained that she went to the concert with 'no intention of throwing her bra.'

Now the woman who tossed her bra at the chart-topper has spoken out about what led up to the decision

'But then, I was having a little fun and he came past me to walk to the DJ booth. He was singing right in front of me, and I was like, "You know what. I'm gonna do it,"' she explained.

'He passed right by me and I just knew he was gonna pick it up because I threw it right by his feet. There was no way he was gonna walk by it.'

Veronica, a Portuguese mother-of-one who runs a coffee shop called Cafe La La, vowed that 36G was her 'true bra size' and that her chest was 'all natural,' explaining that being on the curvier side 'runs in her family.'

She said she 'lost her mind' when he 'reacted the way he did' - and that it felt like a 'full circle' moment for her after suffering from 'serious back and shoulder pain' for years.

The Rhode Island-native said that after she posted about it on her Instagram Stories and it went viral, Drake somehow found her account and reacted to her Stories by replying with a laughing emoji.

She also received a DM from Playboy, who told her: 'If you wanna apply, we'll accept you right away.'

According to Veronica, not only did she get a private message from Drake himself afterwards, but she's also been contacted by Playboy

Veronica, a Portuguese mother-of-one who runs a coffee shop called Cafe La La, told TMZ that 36G was her 'true bra size' and that her chest was 'all natural

She said she 'lost her mind' when Drake (seen with her bra) 'reacted the way he did' - and that it felt like a 'full circle' moment for her after suffering from 'serious back and shoulder pain'

The Rhode Island-native said that after she posted about it on her Instagram and it went viral, Drake found her account and reacted to her Stories by replying with a laughing emoji

'I did apply and they accepted me and they want to speak with me very soon,' she added.

Veronica (seen at the concert after throwing her bra) also received a DM from Playboy

While she's gotten a lot of requests to start an OnlyFans account after her now-viral interaction with the star, Veronica said it was not something that she was interested in.

'A lot of people have been messaging me saying, "Start it now, it would blow up, you would do so great, everyone would want to see an OnlyFans," but I don't really have that in mind,' she concluded.

Drake previously spoke out about 'not discriminating' against all types of bodies after someone else threw a 36DD bra at him during his Chicago tour earlier this month.

'36DD - some knocks, I'm not gonna lie. By the way, we don't discriminate, though,' he said.

'Shout out to the girls with the small titties. Shoutout to the girls with little booties, big booties, you know? All races, all faces, all places. Thank you, again, this is perfect.'
The Princess of Wales has been labelled a 'disappointment' in her approach to jewellery by a former Vogue editor.

Suzy Menkes, 79, from Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, made the scathing comment on the latest episode of her podcast Creative Conversations.

The prominent critic - who was awarded an OBE by the late Queen for her contribution to fashion journalism in 2014 - invited British Vogue's jewellery editor Carol Woolton onto the show, where they discussed the Princess of Wales' recent outfits.

The former Vogue International editor accused Kate, 41, of appearing indifferent to the collection of rare and precious jewels she is privileged to wear and said she doesn't seem as passionate about jewels as her mother-in-law Camilla, 75.

She said: 'The Princess of Wales is a bit of a disappointment about jewellery. She gives the impression that she only puts it on when she absolutely has to.

Kate Middleton, 41, wore a pair of diamond and emerald earrings at a state dinner during her tour of Jamaica last March

'I imagine her looking beautiful in one of those gowns behind the scenes and then pulling a face as if to say, Do I have to wear this?"

'She doesnt give any sense of adoring jewellery and being pleased to put it on.'

Furthermore, the fashion critic highlighted how Queen Camilla - who visited the Monica Vinader headquarters yesterday - seems much more interested in gems.

Suzy added: 'She doesnt seem to have Camillas joy at wearing jewellery.'

However, the critic remains on the fence about whether Kates attitude towards jewellery will change as she edges closer to the throne.

She continued: We now have a new Queen, so presumably she has a first opportunity to look at the jewels.

'We can imagine that the next in line to the thrones wife would be something that was very special, so will we see Catherine wearing jewellery that is more dramatic, that is more personal to her?

'I dont know. I cant help feeling with things of beauty, you either love it or you dont.

Suzy Menkes, 79, from Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, made the scathing comment on the latest episode of her podcast Creative Conversations

Left: Kate wearing Princess Diana's pearl earrings to attend her first state banquet at Buckingham Palace with her new title last November. Right: The mother-of-three wore a pair of 17.99 ZARA rose gold dangly earrings with pretty ornate leaves to the annual BAFTAs in London

Since marrying into the Royal Family, the Princess of Wales has worn a mixture of jewels from the Royal Collection and other items snapped up from the high street.

In November 2022, Kate wore a pair of Princess Diana's diamond and pearl drop earrings to attend her first state banquet at Buckingham Palace with her new title.

In March, the mother-of-three wore a pair of 17.99 ZARA rose gold dangly earrings with pretty ornate leaves to the annual BAFTAs in London.

Last December, it was reported that Prince William had bought Kate a pair of 100 earrings from high street brand Sezane - which she wore to attend the church service at Sandringham.

Suzys verdict may come as a shock to royals, as she was awarded an OBE by Queen Elizabeth in 2014.

She was editor at Vogue International until October 2020 and has defined her career by being frank and fearless.

Vogue has had close ties to the Royal Family for years - as the Princess of Wales famously appeared on the front cover of British Vogue in 2016 to mark the 100 year anniversary.

In July 2019, the Duchess of Sussex also guest-edited the September issue of Vogue and put 'trailblazers' on her front cover, including Greta Thunberg and Jane Fonda.

The Princess of Wales, 40, outside St Mary Magdalene church on Christmas Day wearing the 100 earrings her husband had bought her

The Queen admitted her grand-daughters were 'incredibly jealous' of her as she toured the headquarters of British design success Monica Vinader (left) yesterday

Suzy adds more salt to the wound by criticising the Royal Family for not being candid about how some of the jewels in the collection were acquired.

She added: Its one of these strange secrets. Its not discussed, and I can see why because some of the pieces are dubious. They came from India.

'I wont say they were stolen but they were perhaps given and taken by the British Royal Family, they werent stealing it but they were taking over a country at that time and taking jewels they thought were an attractive thing to take back to England with them.

Queen Camilla admitted her grand-daughters were 'incredibly jealous' of her as she toured the headquarters of British design success Monica Vinader yesterday.

Catherine, then Duchess of Cambridge, attends a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace for a visit from the Dutch royals in 2018. She is wearing the Lover's Knot tiara and the wedding necklace of Queen Alexandra, wife of Edward VII

Camilla, 76, visited the headquarters of the eponymous firm in Norfolk - where she had earlier stopped by a horse sanctuary - which was started by Ms Vinader and her sister in a converted forge next to her home just 15 years ago. It is now worth nearly 100 million.

The company prides itself on its green credentials and was last year awarded the prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development - the last in the late Queen Elizabeth's name.

Gushing about the brand, Camilla told the designer: 'My grandchildren - well my granddaughters - are incredibly jealous of me being here today.'

She added, laughing: 'They follow you [on social media]. When they found out that I was coming here they started dropping quite a lot of hints about things they would like for their birthdays.'
Gallery will display hundreds of pieces of artwork belonging to Spanish Crown

Queen Letizia of Spain exuded effortless glamour as she attended the opening of the new Royal Collections Gallery in Madrid this evening.

The European royal, 50, looked sensational in a black-and-white floral midi dress for the occasion.

The mother-of-two's stunning 1960s-style gown featured a silk black belt with an elegant bow detail.

Along with a full skirt, the elegant dress also had a fitted bodice and thick black straps.

The royal paired her show-stopping frock with some simple black high heels and a matching silk clutch bag.

Queen Letizia of Spain exuded Hollywood glamour this evening in a voluminous black floral dress

What's more, Letizia styled her shoulder-length brown hair in Hollywood-style waves to visit the Royal Collections Gallery.

The Queen opted for her signature bronzey makeup and brown smokey eye - which she paired with a nude lipstick.

The royal kept her jewellery to a minimum - opting for a pair of diamond-encrusted silver hoop earrings.

Meanwhile, King Felipe, 55, looked dapper in a navy pinstripe suit for the gallery opening.

The monarch styled his suit with a white shirt and a navy-and-red printed tie and black patent leather shoes.

The Royal Collections Gallery - which officially opens this evening - is now one of the largest museums in Europe and was designed by architects Emilio Tunon and Luis Moreno Mansilla.

It will display hundreds of pieces of artwork and artefacts dating back to the Middle Ages, which belong to the Spanish Crown.

The idea for the museum, which cost 170m, was first proposed in 1935 - but was postponed as a result of the Civil War.

Queen Letizia styled her shoulder-length brown hair in Hollywood waves and completed her outfit with a black silk bag and belt

King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain pose in front of a historic royal carriage at the opening of the new gallery in Madrid

King Felipe, 55, looked dapper in a navy pinstripe suit and printed tie for the gallery opening this evening

The Queen opted for her signature bronzey makeup and brown smokey eye - which she paired with a nude lipstick

The royal kept her jewellery to a minimum - opting for a pair of diamond-encrusted silver hoop earrings

The building boosts 8,000 square meters of space and six floors of exhibition space.

Earlier this month, King Felipe travelled to London to watch Spanish player Carlos Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon men's singles final.

The Spanish monarch, 55, looked delighted as the 20-year-old took Centre court by storm to win his maiden Wimbledon title and remain world number one.

After the match, Spaniard Alcaraz joked how King Felipe had been his lucky charm, saying: ''It's special to play in front of royalty.

'King Felipe, I am really proud that you are here supporting me.

'When I played in front of you twice, twice I won, I hope you are coming more! It is really special and I have to thank you for coming and supporting.'
He boasted about the store in a video

Foodie Adrian Widjy can't get enough of the discounted buys

A hidden Asian Grocery warehouse offering stacks of bulk buys for a cheap price.

SydWHsale in Alexandria, New South Wales, is a little-known discount store filled with Japanese products - from snacks to haircare products, drinks, chocolates and more.

Adrian Widjy, who runs the 'Places in Sydney' page, boasted about the secret store and paid a visit to pick up 2L bottles of tea drinks for $4.50 - elsewhere the products sell for $7 each.

'You must check out this secret warehouse sale! They are selling famous Asian products at a really amazing price,' he said in a video.

The store offers various two-for-one deals along with 'buy three get one free' deals and is located at 53 Huntley Street in Alexandria.

Scroll down for video

SydWHsale Asian Grocery Warehouse in Alexandria, New South Wales, is a little-known discount store filled with Japanese products - from snacks to haircare products and drinks

Adrian Widjy, who runs the 'Places in Sydney' page, boasted about the secret store and paid a visit to pick up 2L bottles of tea drinks for $4.50

In the short video, Adrian showed the wide variety of products available in store.

'This Hata Ramune is usually around $4 - this is five for $10 ($2 each). These Japanese drinks - usually around $4 to $5 each. Six for $16.50 ($2.75 each),' Adrian said.

During Adrian's visit to SydWHsale he found sick packs of Vita Japanese drinks for 12.50 for two. He claims one pack at the supermarket is usually $7.

'I'm here for these 2L teas - usually around $7-$12. It's around $4.50 here!' he said.

Huge packets of Samyang Buldak Ramyeon noodles are available for $15.80 for two, whereas elsewhere this product costs $10 each.

In the snack aisle there was a variety of Pepero chocolate sticks and Fit's grape lollies, which was featured in the 'buy three, get one free' deal.

'They have various children related items, cute bento boxes, then their beauty sale from Japanese hair dyes,' Adrian said.

'They have various Japanese skincare, teeth and mouthcare products.'

Huge packets of Samyang Buldak Ramyeon noodles are available for $15.80 for two (left). The store is also open seven days a week

Pictured: the 2L teas Adrian bought for $4.50 each

After seeing the short video, many shared their excitement and seemed eager to visit the store themselves.

'Didn't know this place,' one commented, another said: 'Omg I wish I was in Sydney!'

'Soo love Asian grocer stuff!' a third said.

'I literally just got back from Japan!!! I so needed this. Going there this week,' another added.

One person asked if the products are close to the expiry date and Adrian said: 'The ones I bought was not at all.'

The store is open seven days 11am to 4pm weekdays and 11am to 3pm weekends.
TikTok users have left cocktail fans divided after adding parmesan cheese to their espresso martinis - but mixologists insist it's 'wonderful'.

Jordan Hughes, from Massachusetts, took to his TikTok @highproofpreacher to give the trend a try.

The social media star - who is a self-confessed cocktail fan - said: 'A bartender friend of mine told me I had to make this espresso martini with parmesan cheese in it.'

'He could just be trolling me but we are going to try it anyway. Got some ice to chill the glass here.

'Got some fresh espresso from the local coffee shop an ounce of coffee liqueur, now do two ounces of vodka, a pinch of sea salt and shake.'

He continued: 'Now I should just garnish it with coffee beans and drink it like this, but instead we are going to grate some parmesan cheese over the top of it.

TikTok users started the craze of adding parmesan to the classic espresso martini cocktail. Jordan Hughes took to his TikTok @highproofpreacher to give the trend a try

'This feels crazy my goodness, ok let's taste it, I regret to inform you that was kind of awesome.'

The clip, which racked up over 300,000 views, was met with mixed views.

One person wrote: 'What?! I have to try this - it's like a coffee cheese I had in Europe.'

Another said: 'I tried it and I can report back that it's just crazy enough to work! It's wonderful!.'

While someone else wrote: 'This is easily the worst flavour combination I've ever seen on a drink.'

Abby Matthews, mixology expert and Director of The Cocktail Co told Metro: 'The idea of adding parmesan to an espresso martini might sound unusual at first.

'But it's a flavour combination that you're likely already familiar with from a lot of popular breakfast meals  take an egg and cheese omelette with a coffee for example.

The taste test videos that people have shared online have been surprisingly positive with many saying the flavours pair well together

The clip, which racked up over 300,000 views, was met with mixed views from TikTok users

How to make a parmesan espresso martini Ingredients (Serves 2): Ice 100ml vodka 50ml freshly brewed espresso coffee 50ml coffee liqueur Parmesan cheese Method: 1. Put two martini glasses in the fridge to chill. 2. Put handful of ice, the vodka, espresso and coffee liqueur in the cocktail shaker 3. Shake until the outside of the cocktail shaker feels icy cold. 4. Grate parmesan shavings directly on top. Advertisement

'And while the cocktail is perfectly delicious by itself, the addition of a salty, savoury flavour profile from the parmesan can balance nicely with the cocktail's sweet and bitter flavours, adding a unique depth that will leave your tastebuds pleasantly surprised.'

According to the expert, cheese and coffee are an unexpected delight because the tasting notes that we attribute to coffee  nuts, caramel, flowers and fruit  are often present in cheese.

The practice of putting cheese into coffee isn't a new concept - having originated from the Saami people of Scandinavian countries like Finland, Norway, and Sweden.

A northern Scandinavian tradition, Kaffeost, is a drink in which cubes of cheese are released into a cup of coffee.
Muller has delighted fans by bringing back a much-loved yogurt from the 1990s.

Mississippi Mud Pie flavour Muller Corners have relaunched in the UK, with delighted fans quickly rushing to their nearest Asda to pick up the sweet treat.

Muller Yogurt & Desserts say they had seen the petitions and read the tweets demanding a comeback, and now, after much anticipation, the public's call has been answered.

It delivers a deliciously creamy toffee and coffee flavour yogurt, with a chocolate sauce underlayer and a separate helping of chocolate crumble.

Toby Bevans, Strategy and Marketing Director at Muller Yogurt & Desserts told FEMAIL: 'We have seen an overwhelming demand to bring Muller Corner Mississippi Mud Pie Inspired back, so we're delighted to bring this iconic flavour back to fridges across the country.

Customers have already rushed to stores to get their hands on products

Fans have shared their sweet treat on Facebook

'We hope to bring people of all ages a taste of the 90s with this much-loved Muller Corner classic.'

The yogurt, which was discontinued in 2018, has been sorely missed by fans who have even set up a Facebook group demanding its return.

Posting online, one fan wrote: 'Is it actually back? what stores? is this true?'

Another wrote: 'I remember this 18 years ago it was my favourite.'

A third added: 'I've missed this yoghurt so much! Don't you ever discontinue again'

The yogurt, which was discontinued in 2018, has been sorely missed by fans who have even set up a Facebook group demanding its return

It comes as many 'nostalgic' foods have become popular in recent years.

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, nostalgic 1970s dishes made a comeback with sales of dinner party staples from the era including prawn cocktail, beef stroganoff and baked Alaska soaring in popularity.

Sales of 'old fashioned' sweets from people's childhoods, like cola cubes, rhubarb and custards, mint imperials, sherbet pips and other nostalgic products such as fudge, toffee and chocolate all soared in the UK.

The news also comes as Cadbury's discontinued Dairy Milk Treatsize Buttons - leaving some UK customers gutted.

The bitesize sweets have long been a favourite among buyers, but fans of the popular chocolate treat are set to be disappointed as they will no longer be available across the nation.

Cadburys Dairy Milk Treatsize buttons are often regarded as one of the companys most suitable options for children, but won't be an option to purchase individually for much longer.

While the change might come as a surprise, the confectionary company has said the shake-up is designed to meet the changing tastes of the population.

As the treatsize chocolate buttons disappear off our shelves, the Giant Buttons will be the closest alternative.

Muller Corner Mississippi Mud Pie Inspired is available now in Asda, with a wider rollout from September, in single packs for 90p.
Mexico continues lawsuit against U.S. gunmakers

Xinhua) 13:56, July 25, 2023

MEXICO CITY, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Mexican Foreign Affairs Ministry said Monday that the Mexican government hopes its lawsuit against gun manufacturers and distributors in the United States will proceed after it was initially dismissed.

"The Mexican government is confident that its arguments will be well received by the court," the ministry said in a press release.

In August 2021, Mexico filed a lawsuit in the United States against gunmakers and sellers, saying their negligent business practices have led to an influx of weapons into organized crime groups.

According to official estimates, more than 500,000 weapons are smuggled across the border each year, leading to violent crimes.

In September 2022, the suit was dismissed by the District Court of Massachusetts. Mexico appealed that decision and on Monday presented its oral arguments for the case to proceed.

"Mexico will continue its efforts and actions to combat the harm caused to the Mexican people by illicit arms trafficking," the ministry said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Better Dairy will be indistinguishable under a microscope from real cheese

A UK start-up is set to launch a cheese that's made from milk - without using any cows.

Better Dairy is making the snack that under the microscope will be indistinguishable from the real deal.

The new type of milk isn't produced from cows or goats but can have the same biochemical structure - and taste - thanks to an emerging field of biotechnology known as 'precision fermentation'.

Companies backing the new product say it is more sustainable and has less environmental impact when compared with traditional dairy farming.

Instead of the milk coming from a cow, it will grown from yeast.

The yeast will be fed sugar, which can then be converted into milk proteins, in a process that is similar to brewing beer, reports the Economist.

Better Dairy is making the snack that under the microscope will be indistinguishable from the real deal (pictured)

According to Better Dairy's website, the company will use precision fermentation to create a casein (the protein usually found in milk), that is completely animal free.

After brewing it, the casein will be added to plant-based fats, sugar and minerals.

Currently, the company is still using a bovine casein but is developing a synthetic version.

'Casein is the thing that gives cheese its melt, its stretch, its gooey-ness,' CEO Jevan Nagarajah told Sky News.

These say it has the taste and texture of traditional dairy - but is still environmentally friendly

'And so with just casein you are 90 per cent of the way towards traditional cheese.'

It is also currently very costly, one fermenter - which can produce around 30 litres of milk a day, cost 150,000 while a cow cost around 1,600.

Perfect Day, a company based in the United States, is already making the animal-free protein from microflora, which is being used in commercial products like ice cream, milk and protein powder.

Consumers have already embraced traditional plant alternatives to dairy milk in recent years with soy, almond, rice and oat milks taking up increasing shelf space.

What is precision fermentation? The new 'synthetic milk' is not a plant-based alternative like oat or almond milk but rather is chemically identical to regular dairy milk. Micro-organisms, such as the thread-like mycelium fibres of mushrooms, are programmed in a lab to produce specific complex molecules such as proteins at very cheap cost. The organisms are given nutrients such as sugar and then allowed to ferment where they produce the desired proteins. These proteins are then collected, purified, flavoured and packaged into food products. The end product's chemical composition is identical to traditional products. Any type of new food ingredient needs approval from Food Standards Australia New Zealand with no application as yet for this product. Advertisement

Oat milk, in particular, has skyrocketed in popularity across the globe with one of the biggest players, Swedish company Oatley, being valued at $13billion in May.

Currently, vegan alternatives are often made using plant oils that are high in saturated fat and bad cholesterol and void of any vitamins or minerals.

Eating too much could raise the risk of heart disease and other health problems, like weak bones, according to nutritionist Richard Hoffman, from Hertfordshire University.

He said many people expect the vegan substitute to be 'as nutritious as dairy cheese'.

'But because many manufacturers are focused on making the cheese taste, look and even melt like dairy cheese, this is rarely the case,' he warned.

The number of vegans in the UK quadrupled to 600,000 between 2014 and 2019, according to the Vegan Society.

Dozens of alternative cheeses are now available in supermarkets as a result, including those made by Applewood, Sheese, Vitalite, Violife and Ilchester Vegan.

They can cost more than twice as much as traditional versions.

Starch and vegetable oils  such as coconut oil and palm oil  are the main ingredients in vegan cheese and make them resemble the real thing.

But these have 'little nutritional value', Mr Hoffman said in The Conversation.

The gut breaks down starch into sugar, with too much leading to weight gain, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

And vegetable oils are 'even worse', as despite claims that coconut oil is healthy, it is 'almost entirely' saturated fat, he said.

Lauric acid, the main type of saturated fat in coconut oil, pushes up levels of 'bad cholesterol' known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This can increase the risk of heart disease.

Just one small 30g portion of coconut oil-based vegan cheese can contain a third of a person's daily saturated fat allowance.

However, vegans can fare slightly better by consuming plant-based cheddar that uses palm oil.

Around half of the fat in palm oil is saturated, compared to 90 per cent in coconut oil. But palmitic acid, the main saturated fat in palm oil, also drives up the risk of heart disease.

While the real thing is also high in saturated fat, it is not linked to a high risk of heart disease.

Scientists believe this may be down to the saturated fat occurring naturally in cheese not being absorbed by the body as much as those in oils and meats.

Those eating vegan cheese may also miss out on the nutritional benefits of dairy cheese, which naturally contains protein, calcium, iodine, vitamin B12 and vitamin D.
Her dad went with her on 'couples' holiday to Europe

When Emma Di Palma's ex broke up with her a week before their romantic holiday to Europe there was only one man she wanted to call.

Her dad.

The Canadian beauty has gone viral on TikTok after revealing she took her father on the dream getaway planned for her ex.

'POV: Your dad's fixing a heart he didn't break,' she wrote alongside a video of the pair in Portugal.

The 23-year-old's first Euro trip video showed her enjoying spritz, clear blue skies and laughs with her dear old dad.

Emma Di Palma took her dad on a trip to Euro after her ex dumped her a week before the holiday

Emma said it has been 'hard' to enjoy the trip - but was thankful to have her him there, and people were quick to support her.

'I am sobbing, this is so cute of your dad,' one woman wrote.

'You should thank your ex for giving you this trip with your dad,' one person said.

'If the relationship was almost done it wouldn't have been a good trip, you are lucky he pulled out,' agreed another.

And others insisted they would make memories to cherish for a lifetime.

The 23-year-old's first Euro trip video showed her enjoying spritz, clear blue skies and laughs with her dear old dad

'Your dad is probably thrilled to have this quality time with you and to make you happy,' one woman said.

'This holiday will be way better, promise,' one woman said.

'I did Europe with my mum last year and it's my favourite memories,' said another.

In a follow up video, Emma said her ex claimed he needed to 'work on himself' when he ended their relationship a week before the epic trip.

Just one week later, Emma said he was 'already in a relationship with a new girl'.

'I deserve so much better,' she said.

And other people agreed.

'You are amazing - don't let him get you down,' one woman said.

While others admitted they had seen him on dating apps.

'I took all of those pics for him,' she said back.

'You deserve so much better, and it gets better, I promise - my ex moved in with a new girl a month after we broke up. It hurt a lot but I'm okay now.'
Infant mortality spiked by up to a fifth in Texas in the year after the state enacted one of the strictest abortion bans in the United States.

Preliminary data shows roughly 2,200 infants died in Texas in 2022, an increase of 11.5 percent, or 227 deaths over the prior year.

And for the first time in decades, deaths caused by severe genetic and birth defects increased year-on-year by 21.6 percent.

Cleveland Clinic reports that 1 in 33 babies, or 120,000, are born with a birth defect in the US every year.

While the increase in infant mortality could partly be attributed to more babies being born in Texas, health experts say the abortion ban is likely another factor.

Demonstrators gather outside City Hall in Houston, Texas during a Bans Off Our Bodies rally in May

In September 2021, Texas passed a law banning abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, which typically occurs around six weeks, forcing women to carry nonviable pregnancies to term.

The only exception that allows for an abortion to be obtained after six weeks is if a doctor believes a medical emergency exists. The vague language of the law, however, leaves a lot of up to interpretation.

The preliminary mortality data - which was obtained by CNN - comes from preliminary infant mortality data from the Texas Department of State Health Services

Multiple obstetrician-gynecologists who focus on high-risk pregnancies told CNN they're not surprised of the rise in infant mortality because many of the pregnancies that would have been terminated, which are now forced to be carried to term, don't result in a healthy baby.

'We all knew the infant mortality rate would go up, because many of these terminations were for pregnancies that dont turn into healthy normal kids,' Dr. Erika Werner, the chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Tufts Medical Center, said.

'Its exactly what we all were concerned about.'

A separate study released recently in the journal JAMA found Texas' strict abortion rule may have led to 10,000 more births than expected in the last nine months of 2022.

Researchers analyzed monthly counts of live births in 50 states and Washington, DC from 2016 to 2022 to establish trends and understand how Texas' law may have affected local trends. Using the data from years prior to the new law, researchers were able to extrapolate a version of what birth trends in Texas would have looked like if the ban had not been enacted. They then compared that with the actual number of births the state reported.

The study stated: 'Many have speculated that as abortion becomes more difficult to access, people will be forced to carry pregnancies to term, thereby increasing births'.

The study showed that from April to December 2022, the first months that would have reflected the impacts of the abortion ban, there was approximately a 3% increase in total births.

Despite the higher birth rate, medical professionals who focus on high-risk pregnancies told CNN that the state's strict abortion laws are likely the cause of the increase in infant deaths.

The Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, eliminating federal protections for abortions in June 2022.

A group of pro-life demonstrators protest next to a pro-choice rally in Washington, DC

The court's decision set off a trigger ban in Texas, and several other states, that enforced prohibitions on all abortions unless the life of the mother is at risk.

Abortion is now illegal in 14 states, meaning states have banned abortion entirely and enforce the bans through criminal penalties.

Ten additional states have been deemed "hostile", meaning lawmakers have expressed a desire to prohibit abortion. In three others, abortion is not protected, meaning the procedure may continue to be accessible, but would be unprotected by state law.

In another 12 states, abortion is protected, meaning the right to an abortion is protected by state law but there are limitations on access.

And in a further 12 states, there is expanded access to abortion, meaning the right to an abortion is protected by state statutes or state constitutions and additional laws and policies have been created to allow for additional access to abortion care.

In 2020, the most recent year data is available, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported there were 620,327 abortions.

The Guttmacher Institute, a research and policy organization for sexual and reproductive rights, reported there were 930,160 abortions in 2020.

While the CDC's number shows a 1.5% decline in abortions across the US, the Guttmacher Institute's total represents a 1.5% increase.
A 14-year-old who spent most of his life blind can now see after an enterprising Miami doctor had the worlds first topical gene therapy reformulated as eye drops.

The medication was recently approved as a topical gel to be rubbed onto skin lesions caused by a sporadic disease that leaves behind severe wounds and scar tissue, sometimes resulting in the fusing together of fingers and toes.

The disease, which can also cause scar tissue buildup on eyeballs, belongs to a larger group of rare disorders called epidermolysis bullosa (EB) affecting about one in every 50,000 children.

The patient is Antonio Vento Carvajal who was born with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa causing flaws in the gene responsible for producing collagen 7, a protein that holds layers of the skin together. Scarring on his corneas had accumulated over time, causing his vision to deteriorate so much that he did not feel safe walking around.

Mr Carvajal participated in a clinical trial testing the topical gel for EB-related skin lesions with much success. His doctor Alfonso Sabater, encouraged by Antonios progress, posited that the gel which used a deactivated herpes virus to deliver working copies of a collagen-producing gene could be reconfigured as eye drops  and he was right.

Antonio Vento Carvajal came to the US with his family in 2012 from Cuba to seek special care for his genetic disorder. Several surgeries to remove scar tissue from his eyes proved unsuccessful, as the tissue always grew back

Mr Carvajal's doctor, Alfonso Sabater, saw how successful a topical gene therapy was for his patient's condition, and approached the drug maker about making a version to be applied to the eyes

The patients eyes recovered from the latest round of surgery and, with the help of the drops, his vision has been restored to near perfection.

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is one of the major forms of epidermolysis bullosa that hampers the production of collagen encoded in the COL7A1 gene. Roughly 3,000 people in the world have it.

Collagen makes up the skins anchoring fibrils, or special structures in the skin and other tissues that act like strong glue to hold the outer layer of the skin  the epidermis  together with the layer beneath called the dermis.

Without a fully functioning COL7A1 gene, the connection between both layers of the skin becomes weaker, making them exceedingly fragile to the point where the slightest bit of friction can lead to blisters and open sores vulnerable to infection.

Those same anchoring fibrils in the skin also reside in the cornea, the transparent part of the eyeball. People with DEB who have a faulty collagen-producing gene also lack that crucial connective tissue between layers of the cornea, making painful abrasions and a build-up of scar tissue more likely.

Mr Carvajal, who came with his family from Cuba in 2012 on a special visa to receive treatment for the rare disorder, was enrolled in a clinical trial for the therapy known as Vyjuvek, which uses an inactivated version of a herpes-simplex virus to deliver working copies of that gene to the patients body.

They used an inactive herpes-simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) as the viral vector - a genetically modified virus that is used to deliver therapeutic genes to the patient's cells - because it has more space on its genome compared to other vectors to ferry large DNA sequences.

HSV is also highly efficient at entering cells and delivering its genetic material.

Surgeries attempting to remove the build-up of scar tissue on the teens eyes and restore his vision at least partially had proven unsuccessful, with the tissue growing back every time.

But Mr Carvajals doctor Alfonso Sabater of the University of Miami Health Systems Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, impressed with the therapys ability to heal his patients skin, approached the medicines manufacturer Krystal Biotech about reconfiguring it in such as way as to be dispensed safely into the patients eyes.

Dr Sabater told Ophthalmology Times in May: We presented this case, and they were very interested in our patient and helped us develop the formulation for ocular treatment. So we approached the FDA, and in a few months, we were able to get approval for compassionate use of this medication on our patient.

Suma Krishnan, president of R&D at Krystal for his part said: It didnt hurt to try it.

Having spent most of his 14 years legally blind, Antonio is now able to play video games with his friends and feels safer walking around

Dr Sabaters dogged attempts to find a treatment for his patients eyes culminated in the drops that have proven so successful as of late.

Mr Carvajal underwent surgery on his right eye last summer, after which Dr Sabater began treating him with the drops, which use the same liquid as the skin version just without the added gel. The scar tissue has not grown back. Today, his vision in his right eye is nearly perfect at 20/25.

Dr Sabater recently began treating Mr Carvajals left eye, which had even more scar tissue than the right. The health of that eye is steadily improving, with vision power measuring close to 20/50.

The patient goes to see Dr Sabater for his monthly eye drops, all the while wearing long sleeves and pants to cover his vulnerable skin from assault. The slightest touch could wound him.

He still uses the topical gel for his skin sores, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in May.

After spending much of his young life legally blind, Antonio can now enjoy typical teen pasttimes such as playing videos with his friends. He is also more confident walking around in the world than before.

But just because people can technically access the medication to treat their EB, it does not mean they will necessarily be able to. Like most gene therapies, Vyjuvek is prohibitively expensive if youre not lucky enough to participate in a clinical trial with an annual cost of about $631,000 per patient. Insurance may not cover all or even part of that cost.

Price tag aside, the development of a gene therapy that addresses the root cause of a disease rather than just the symptoms by delivering a functional copy of the defective gene or modifying the patient's own genes is exciting, according to doctors.

And because gene therapies can be tailored to fit a particular patients physiology, the overall chances of success are greater while those of severe adverse effects are markedly lower.
Two deer were caught prancing down an empty hospital corridor after getting in through an open door.

The pair of fallow bucks  thought to weigh 15st 10lb (100kg) each  were filmed roaming through Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.

Footage of the deer casually trotting side-by-side went viral on social media.

Voices in the background of the ten-second clip could be heard laughing, with one asking: 'Are they going?'

Both deer left the building after roughly three minutes. Staff 'gently encouraged' them to leave.

The pair of fallow bucks  thought to weigh 15st 10lb (100kg) each  were filmed roaming through Derriford Hospital, Plymouth

Neither came into contact with any patients during their Monday morning visit, the hospital confirmed.

A spokesperson for the site said the deer broke into level five of the hospital via the back door.

This section of the hospital houses the neonatal intensive care unit  a department which provides around-the-clock care to sick or preterm babies.

Cleaning teams were called to sanitise the corridor after the deer were ushered out.

The incident prompted hospital bosses to issue a plea to staff and visitors to close all the doors behind them.

A University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust spokesperson said: 'Those who live near Derriford will know that deer are no strangers to the surrounding areas.

'The deer accessed via a door that had been left open.

Footage of the deer trotting casually, side-by-side, went viral on social media. Voices in the background of the ten-second clip could be heard laughing, with one asking: 'Are they going?'

'And we would remind staff and visitors to please close doors behind them and not to feed the deer as they are wild animals and shouldnt be encouraged within a busy hospital setting.

'We will be monitoring that entrance and increasing our security patrols at night to ensure the deer do not try and visit again.'

Twitter users were unsurprised by the unusual visit. Samantha Robinson said during appointments at the hospital, she has seen deer running around the site and car parks.

One local deer expert said the incident could have been 'dangerous'.

Paul James, who runs social media account Plymouth Deer, said: 'Fallow deer should be wild and running away from human activity.

'When you have a 100kg male buck in a ward of a hospital you have a safety issue, especially when they are rutting, which they will in a matter of weeks.

'They are dangerous.'

Fallow deer like the pair roaming Derriford Hospital can be 4ft tall when adults  but with their antlers, males can be up to 6ft in height.
When toddler Harper Walker developed a small bruise under her right eye, her parents thought she may simply have banged herself while playing.

The little girl was just 13 months old and becoming 'more mobile' at the time.

But months later, her family were plunged into a nightmare when the bruise turned out to be a rare and aggressive cancer.

In April, they received the devastating diagnosis that Harper had high-risk neuroblastoma, which affects the nervous system and has a 40-50 per cent chance of long-term survival.

Harper Walker, from Greater Manchester, had a small bruise under her right eye in February

The little girl was diagnosed with stage four, high-risk, neuroblastoma which spread through her body

WHAT IS NEUROBLASTOMA? Neuroblastoma is a rare cancer that affects children and usually starts in the abdomen. Around 100 children, who are typically under five, are diagnosed every year in the UK. The disease affects approximately 800 new children annually in the US. In around half of cases, neuroblastoma spreads to other parts of the body, particularly the liver and skin. Neuroblastoma's cause is unclear. There may be a family-history link. The main symptom is usually a lump in the abdomen, which may cause swelling, discomfort or pain. If the disease affects the spinal cord, it can lead to numbness, weakness and loss of movement in the lower part of the body. Treatment depends on how advanced the cancer is and the risk it will return after therapy. Surgery, and chemo and radiotherapy, are commonly used. Source: Cancer Research UK Advertisement

Parents Adam Walker, 37, and Jenny Huddart, 38, both teachers, described the news as a 'crushing' blow.

Harper, who has four half-siblings  Finnley, 14, Harry, 13, Dillan, 12, and Imogen, who turns 8 on Thursday  is now being treated on the NHS at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

But her parents hope to raise 300,000 to join a trial for pioneering treatment in the US which could boost her chances.

Ms Huddart said: 'I'm feeling numb and devastated. No baby deserves to go through this. I often find myself searching statistics, hoping I will find different results (but) I never do.

'Now the hope of Harper possibly getting treatment that may mean she is here to live the life she deserves is keeping me going.'

Supporters of the family, from Swinton, Greater Manchester, have set up a fundraising effort called Harper's Army.

So far, 75,000 has been raised from donations to a JustGiving online page and more events are planned over the coming weeks.

Mr Walker said they initially dismissed the bruise as Harper 'banging herself with a toy' as she became more mobile following treatment for hip dysplasia.

But after it began to grow and her eye changed shape, they took her to a GP and later to A&E, who referred her to the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.

The bruising was found to be the result of a tumour, and a biopsy revealed neuroblastoma, which affects around 100 children a year in the UK. Harper's cancer was Stage 4  in an advanced state.

Mr Walker added: 'The day we got the news was crushing. We felt dazed and confused. Harper had metastases in multiple locations across her body and skull.'

The family has been told she has a less than a 50 per cent chance of surviving five years and a 60 per cent chance of relapse.

The one-year-old's eye started to change shape and droop down her face but the GP turned her away

Unhappy with the response, Jenny called the GP surgery and asked to be referred to an eye specialist but she was soon rushed to A&E

The cancer spread from her adrenal gland on her kidney to her limbs, ribs, hips, skull and bone marrow

After finishing induction chemotherapy, the family awaits news on how she responds to treatment

Now aged 18 months, Harper  who loves pre-school cartoon series Bluey  recently completed an 80-day chemotherapy course. The family is now awaiting scans to see whether she is ready for surgery.

Harper now faces stem cell harvest and surgery coming up in August. This will be followed by high-dose chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy.

Mr Walker said: 'Once this is complete, there remains a risk that the cancer will return. We are raising money for Harper to receive revolutionary treatment which could improve her long-term survival.'

The trial at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, includes an experimental vaccine, Bivalent, which trains the body to make its own antibodies against the cancer.

Mr Walker added: 'We aim to raise 300,000 to cover treatment and travel. Any funds that remain will support other sufferers of neuroblastoma.'

Neuroblastoma mainly affects babies and young children. It develops from specialised nerve cells  neuroblasts  left behind from a baby's development in the womb.

Some 100 children in the UK and 800 youngsters in the US are diagnosed every year.

Around half of those diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma will live for five years after their diagnosis.
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Nationwide maps reveal how access to children's gender-affirming care is eroding across parts of America - as the issue becomes one of the key political battlegrounds heading into the 2024 Presidential Election.

The maps show how minors seeking this care, which can include hormone therapy, puberty blockers, and genital reconstruction, now have to travel as long as nine hours to receive the treatments.

Up until the wave of state bans began in 2020 and 2021, there were no restrictions at the federal level for access to these treatments, which in cases are irreversible.

As of May 2023, 20 states have enacted legislation, executive actions, or other policies that restrict or ban healthcare for transgender youths, and more than 100 additional bills are under consideration.

All of the states are Republican or Republican-leaning, and all but one voted for former President Donald Trump in the 2020 election.

The above map from a study published in JAMA shows the median travel time to the nearest gender-affirming clinic before various states enacted restrictions on medical care for transgender youth.

The above map from a study published in JAMA shows the median travel time to the nearest gender-affirming clinic after various states enacted restrictions on medical care for transgender youth

The new study published in JAMA used public directories, news articles, and archived clinical websites to identify clinics offering gender-affirming care for patients younger than 18 years old in the contiguous 48 US states and Washington, DC.

Data show that of 271 gender clinics, 70 were considered inactive under restrictions in 20 states.

Researchers calculated drive times from states where gender-affirming therapies are now prohibited to the nearest clinic that offers those medical services. They also calculated drive times to and from the same locations prior to prohibitions being enacted.

In states where no restrictions exist, the median drive time to clinics is 0.4 hours.

In states that currently have restrictions, the drive time to the nearest clinic before those restrictions were implemented was 0.8 hours. However, once the restrictions were put in place, the median travel time skyrocketed to 5.3 hours.

The states with bans, restrictions, or limitations on gender-affirming care include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia.

These states fall along party lines when it comes to the topic of transgender rights. Of the 25 states that went red in the 2020 election, 19 of them have enacted restrictions. Georgia is the only state that went blue in 2020, but has restrictions in place.

Approximately 89,100 transgender minors aged 13 to 17 years old live in states with restrictions, representing 30 percent of all transgender minors in the US, and one-in-four gender-affirming clinics are located in states with restrictions.

However, additional states are considering legislation that would implement limitations or bans, including states that, as of now, represent the closest clinic for neighboring states with restrictions.

Following the implementation of anti-transgender laws, the number of transgender minors between the ages of 10 and 17 years old who resided more than one hour away from a clinic that did not provide care nearly doubled from 27 percent prior to restrictions to 50 percent after restrictions.

Before limitations were enforced, 1.4 percent of minors lived more than a one-day drive, classified as eight hours round trip, away from a clinic. That number increased to 25 percent after limitations.

The biggest absolute increases in median drive times, according to the study, were in Florida, Texas, and Utah.

In Florida, drive time increased by 8.5 hours to a total of nine hours. In Texas, it increased 6.7 hours to a total travel time of 7.6 hours, and in Utah, an increase of five hours brought the median drive time in the state up to a total of 5.7 hours.

Pro-LGBT+ protesters hold signs in support of transgender Texans outside a federal courthouse in downtown Houston

An anti-LGBT+ demonstrator yells at pro-LGBT+ demonstrators in Glendale, California after a school board discussed recognizing June as Pride Month, which sparked violent protests

Gender-affirming care for minors has been at the center of political debate in recent years amid concerns that patients who get it are vulnerable and not fully aware of the risks.

For example, studies suggest those who are transgender are six times more likely to suffer from autism, and up to 70 percent of trans youths are depressed.

Other studies, including one by the National Institutes of Health, suggest patients are happier after the surgery, further complicating the issue.

There are concerns among Republican lawmakers about the lack of long-term safety data on puberty blockers and hormone drugs, which have seen other countries like the UK and Scandinavia restrict access in minors.

The Food and Drug Administration approved puberty blockers 30 years ago to treat children with precocious puberty - a condition that causes sexual development to begin much earlier than usual.

Sex hormones - synthetic forms of estrogen and testosterone - were approved decades ago to treat hormone disorders or as birth control pills.

The FDA has not approved the medications specifically to treat gender-questioning youth, but they have been used for many years for that purpose 'off label.'

Doctors who treat transgender patients say those decades of use are proof the treatments are not experimental.
They are stylish and extremely durable, making them the go-to choice for kitchen renovators and designers  but quartz countertops come at a deadly price.

Health experts at the University of California, San Francisco, say workers who make quartz countertops are dying of a vicious lung disease at a young age.

The ominously-named 'black lung' is caused by inhaling tiny fragments of dust which leads to tiny cuts forming on the lungs.

In their study, scientists found 52 cases diagnosed in California over the last decade  all in men in their 40s who worked with the countertops for about 15 years. Ten participants died before the end of the study.

Dr Sheiphali Gandhi, a lung expert and co-author of the study, said: 'If we dont stop it now, were going to have hundreds if not thousands of more cases.

'Even if we stopped it now, were going to be seeing these cases for the next decade because [silicosis] takes years to develop.'

Researchers warn that when quartz countertops are cut they release silica dust, which can damage people's lungs (stock)

Pictured above are X-rays of the lungs of workers who have developed silicosis

Silica dust is released by quartz stone when it is cut, leading to scarring in the lungs of workers, breathing problems and the condition silicosis, or 'black lung'.

The condition prevents oxygen from being absorbed in the body, leading to a host of health issues, including persistent coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue and weight loss.

There is little risk to homeowners, however, because the worktops rarely release the dust once they are installed.

Among the patients in the study was Leobardo Segura-Meza, a Mexican who immigrated to Los Angeles in 2012 and found work as a stone worker.

He was cutting and grinding quartz countertops from the age of 17 for a decade before being diagnosed with silicosis.

The 27-year-old must now rely on an oxygen tank to survive and can no longer support his wife and three young children. He has been approved for a lung transplant but is still on the waiting list for treatment.

'Every day, I hope that the phone rings telling me to come to the hospital to get my new lungs,' he said after being hospitalized last month with a collapsed lung.

He had taken precautions including wearing a face mask, but this had failed to stop the silica particles from entering his lungs.

In the study, published today in JAMA Network, scientists looked at data from the Californian Department of Public Health for cases of silicosis linked to quartz.

They found 52 cases, which were all among men aged 45 years old on average who had been working with quartz countertops for about a decade and a half.

Ten participants died during the study from silicosis, with an average age of 46 years.

Eleven were put forward for a lung transplant, of which seven were rejected  with six dying  and of the three that were accepted two are already dead.

Dr Jane Fazio, a pulmonary specialist at Olive View-UCLA who was also involved in the study, said: 'Increasing case counts of silicosis among stone fabricators over the last 10 years and accelerated progression of disease transforms the paradigm of an all-but-previously-forgotten disease in the US.

'Our study demonstrates severe morbidity and mortality among a particularly vulnerable group of young underinsured and likely undocumented Latino immigrant workers.'

Silicosis prompted concern in the United States during the 20th century when it was repeatedly diagnosed in coalminers who had breathed in dust from the stones they were excavating.

This shows the number of cases diagnosed by year from 2010 to 2022. There was an uptick over the last few years

Cases have since dropped off as mining became mechanized, but scientists now fear the disease could return among stone workers.

The first US case of silicosis linked to engineered stone was identified in Texas in 2015 and, since that time, more and more cases have been spotted. California is at the epicenter of the uptick.

Quartz countertops are made from a type of manufactured stone formed of crushed quartz crystals bound together with resin.

During the manufacturing process, the quartz releases silica dust that may be inhaled by workers and travel deep into their lungs.

This leads to scarring and inflammation, damaging tissue and making it less able to absorb oxygen from the air.

The damage triggers silicosis, or 'black lung', where the lungs are so damaged that they can no longer absorb enough oxygen for the body. The disease gets its name from coal mining where it was first reported among workers who had 'black' lungs.

Patients diagnosed with the disease are left with little option but to rely on an oxygen machine as they wait for a lung transplant. The damage is irreversible.

An estimated 100,000 people in the United States are at risk as they are employed as stone fabricators.

An Australian Government screening program found a silicosis rate of 19.5 percent among 1,053 workers who were screened for the disease.

A report published by Californian safety officials this year found that between 2019 and 2020 about 72 percent of the state's 800 stone fabricator warehouses were 'likely out of compliance with the existing silica standard'.

The state has now voted to fast-track new regulations on the production of quartz worktops.
When a car thought to be owned and used by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II comes up for auction, there's usually plenty of fanfare followed by competitive bidding among collectors trying to secure its keys.

But over the weekend a Range Rover that was once reportedly part of her fleet sold for a surprisingly low price when the hammer dropped.

The special order SUV is believed - though not confirmed - to have originally been delivered in 2004 to the Royal Estate for use by the Queen and Prince Phillip in London and Balmoral with plenty of unique features - though its owners ever since were said to be unaware of its not-so-humble beginnings.

The sale on Saturday saw the motor sell for under its higher estimated guide price... but well above the market value of the 4X4 without Royal connections.

A Royal ride or wishful thinking? This 2004 Range Rover sold at auction over the weekend, with the vendor adamant that it has a regal background

The seller believes this is one of the Range Rovers owned and driven by the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (pictured: a similar Range Rover with her Royal Highness at the wheel in 2017)

The Epson Green 4X4 had been tipped to make between 28,000 and 38,000 ahead of its appearance at Historics Auctioneers' Windsorview Lakes sale on Saturday.

The winning bid came to 33,002, with the buyer snapping up the vehicle for 5,000 less than what the auction house had predicted at the top end.

The Range Rover is a true one off, though its Royal provenance is not confirmed.

The Epson Green 4X4 had been tipped to make between 28,000 and 38,000 ahead of its appearance at Historics Auctioneers' Windsorview Lakes sale on Saturday

However, the winning bid came to just 33,002, with the buyer snapping up the vehicle for 5,000 less than what the auction house had predicted at the top end

While it has been confirmed this was a unique built by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, the vendor hasn't had concrete confirmation it was produced for Her Majesty

It was built to order and supplied by Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations under contract '34319'.

It has been confirmed by Jaguar Land Rover SVO that this example was specified with a modified front grille with covert blue lights, switch pack (to power said lights), front and rear seat covers, dog guard, load space mat, side steps and mudflaps.

These features are all in addition to the standard car options which are found with the Heritage Certificate and include heated front and rear seats and tinted glass all round to mention a few, while the Oxford leather interior specified in the regal tone of Sand.

Under the hood is Land Rover's tried-and-tested 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine that's been relatively well used with 109,000 miles on the clock - that's an average of just over 5,700 miles a year since it was first delivered.

Was it really the Queen's car? Here's the circumstantial evidence that makes the vendor believe it is. Queen Elizabeth II pictured in 2021 during Royal Windsor Horse Show

Was it really owned by the Queen?

The weekend's sale sees the Range Rover take on its fifth owner, though Historics claims some of its previous keepers were unaware of what it believes were illustrious beginnings.

The car was supplied by the special vehicles department at JLR to an unknown dealer code 'EXEL AMS', for whom the British Motor Heritage Trust themselves cannot track details for.

The only original ownership information available is a letter from JLR which identifies that in July 2004 the car was sent to Stratstone Land Rover, Mayfair, for a warranty recall before a second recall at Peter Vardy Land Rover, Aberdeen - which is the closest franchised Land Rover dealership to the Balmoral Estate.

'With the Royal Family traditionally frequenting Balmoral between July and September, the assumption being that the car was seen in Mayfair before being transported to Balmoral where it was again seen after the family left to return to London,' the auction house says.

Recall documentation suggests the in 2004 was recalled to a Mayfair dealer, which is less than a mile from Buckingham Palace. It then was recalled later that year and taken to an Aberdeen dealer, which is also the closest Land Rover site to the Balmoral Estate

The vendor has asked both JLR and the DVLA to confirm the first keeper, but has been denied on both occasions. It is very rare for an ex-Royal fleet vehicle to be sold on with this sort of information

But it believes there is further evidence to support this is a former Royal ride.

'Upon requesting details from the DVLA, the vendor has been refused any previous keepers details, a copy of the letter can be found in the history file alongside photographs of what is believed could be the car with the Queen driving, showing the colour,' it adds.

'The image shows the dog guard, and the seat covers but sadly as yet no image has been uncovered showing Queen Elizabeth and the cars registration number.

'Further possible telling indicators of the cars beginnings include duel rear window switches, these are not JLR standard parts but could be ordered and fitted by dealerships, this has been seen before with the Queens Daimler Majestic and enable the rear passenger (possibly the Queen) to control the other rear window thus stopping the wind blowing directly into her face or displacing one of those fabulous hats!

'Furthermore, keen eyes will spot on the door pillars there are rear climb handles to assist entry and departure from the car, this is something believed to be unique to the Queen's Range Rovers due to her insistence of no assistance from staff when entering and exiting the car thus the handles along with the side steps enabled comfortable entry for a lady who would have been in her late 70s at the time.'

The final piece of circumstantial evidence leading the vendor and the auction house to 'firmly believe' this was indeed her majestys car is the filler found on the bonnet and roof.

The vendor believes the filler in the bonnet (which you can just make out in this picture) covers the mount for where the Labrador motif would have been attached

Filler in the roof he believes is to cover the area where the comms aerial would have been attached

The motor does have a number of features that suggest it could have been part of the Royal fleet almost 20 years ago, though it will be difficult to confirm without photographic evidence

The former is believed to be where the Labrador mascot was mounted (as seen in photos) and the latter the radio communications aerial, which has since been removed.

The Range Rover was sold with a comprehensive service history dating back to its first scheduled check-up in April of 2005 with Stratstone Mayfair.

The vendor had confined it to a garage and used the 4X4 sparingly in the belief it has Royal provenance.

'The vendor is hoping that should someone have a photo of this car and her majesty driving or as passenger they will send to Historics auctions@historics.co.uk but regardless the circumstantial evidence is compelling and all signs certainly point toward this indeed being property of the late beloved Queen Elizabeth II,' Historics says.

For now, it is only speculation. Though the new owner must believe it is worth a punt, having paid well over market value.

A 109,000-mile example of the gas-guzzling Range Rover is today worth around 5,000 based on vehicles for sale on second-hand vehicle websites.
GlaxoSmithKline received a dose of good news after EU regulators recommended its HIV prevention treatment for approval.

The FTSE 100 firm - led by chief executive Emma Walmsley (pictured) - announced that its cabotegravir drug, which was developed by GSK-controlled ViiV Healthcare, had been recommended for sale by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Shot in the arm: GSK boss Emma Walmsley

The treatment, sold under the brand name Apretude, is approved in the US, Australia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi, Botswana and Brazil.

It is designed to act as long-standing protection from HIV infection, when administered as an injection.

The treatment needs to be taken just six times per year if patients receive a dose every two months.

This is massively less than current HIV prevention drugs, most of which require patients to take tablets every day to maintain a sufficient level of protection against the virus.

'The expansion of prevention options is critical if we are to end the HIV epidemic... We are hopeful that people in Europe will soon be able to benefit from greater choice, ' said Kimberly Smith, the head of research at ViiV.

Shares in GSK climbed by 0.6pc, or 7.6p, to 1395.8p.

Another of ViiV's HIV drugs, cabenuva, was also approved for use in the UK in 2021 by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

Cabenuva allows HIV-positive patients to take an injection every two months rather than daily tablets to suppress the virus.
Wickes shares rallied on Tuesday after the group revealed a 25million share buyback plan on the back of improved DIY sales.

The home improvement retailer posted a 3 per cent rise in like-for-like sales in the three months to the end of June, after suffering a 1.8 per cent fall in the first quarter, as comparable sales edged 0.7 per cent higher overall.

The group announced its intention on a share buyback plan of 25 million after an improvement in second quarter trading



Wickes also cited improved confidence in its balance sheet in its assessment that 'surplus cash currently exists' for shareholder payouts.

The group said: 'We plan therefore to start returning excess cash to shareholders and today announce an share buyback programme of 25m, which will commence as soon as practically possible.'

Core like-for-like sales were at 2.3 per cent over the reporting period with categories such as decorative and construction performing well.

Watford-based Wickes' click and collect sales were up by 5.6 per cent, 'reflecting the service improvement', the group said.

The group's Do It For Me (DIFM) business saw a like-for-like sales growth of 5.3 per cent, marking a slight decline quarter-on-quarter.

David Wood, chief executive of Wickes, said: 'This has been an encouraging first half where we have again seen the benefits of our uniquely balanced business model delivering well for customers.

'Our performance has been underpinned by further momentum in Trade, as local traders continue to turn to Wickes to save them time and money, an improving trend in DIY, and a good performance in Do-It-For-Me.

'As we continue to make progress across our strategic growth drivers, we are confident in the Group's prospects for both the remainder of this year and the longer term.'

Wickes achieved record turnover last year as soaring energy bills drove orders of energy-saving products.
For more than 12 years, Leigh Sales had one of the most high-profile jobs in Australian TV as host of the ABC's 7.30 program.

But after stepping away from her role last June, Sales has been keeping busy by spending more time with her two sons James and Daniel.

'They want me home with them before 8.30pm and I don't think that's too much for two little boys to ask and they're two beautiful little boys,' she said at the time of her resignation.

Sales had earlier taken a six-week break to homeschool her kids in 2021 during the Covid pandemic - highlighting the pressure she faced heading a national program and being a single mother.

'People have reported that I left because there was an interview with Scott Morrison and then I was abused.

'But I was abused all the time, so actually that had nothing to do with it.

'I just decided to jump off before the election because I thought the level of the trolling would ramp right up.

'The kids love sitting on the couch, cuddling and watching TV and arguing over what we're going to watch tonight and stuff like that. That to me seems like heaven to do that every night.

In her post-7:30 Report life, Sales has been hosting Australian Story and is up for a Logie on Sunday night for her work on 7:30 Report.

'It means a lot to me to host this program, mostly because I've always thought it's brilliant,' she told the ABC.

Leigh Sales (above) left one of the most high-profile jobs in Australian TV as host of the ABC's 7:30 Report last June

In addition to her television endeavours, Sales has embraced the world of podcasting with her show 'Chat 10 Looks 3', co-hosted alongside ABC journalist Annabel Crabb, that covers the world of literature.

'I also have a book coming out later this year that I started during lockdown. It's called Storytellers: Questions, Answers and the Craft of Journalism,' she told the ABC. 'It's a series of conversations with top journalists, breaking down the building blocks of the trade,

As for her love life, Sales says she prefers to 'keep it under the radar' following she split with her ex husband Phil Willis in 2016 after 20 years together.

'I do work pretty hard to not be seen with people,' she told Mamamia's Unfiltered podcast in June last year.

'To be honest, not that I date an endless parade of people but I don't want my kids ever Googling 'Oh, there's mum with that guy and that guy'. I would just rather keep all my private business private. I keep it under the radar.'

Sales said asking her out requires a reasonable level of confidence.

'I think you need to be reasonably confident to do that [ask me out] but I also think most people once they meet me and kind of get to know me realise very rapidly I'm not really intimidating,' she explained.

'I think what people find hard sometimes is the way other people interact with them.'

During a particular date with a man Sales recounted an incident where some individuals approached him and commented, 'Wow, you must have felt intimidated asking Leigh out.'

'So the message they're getting is 'you're punching above your weight' and I think that's a hard message for men to get. That's not the message I give people I'm in a relationship with or dating but sometimes you can feel very scrutinised,' Sales said.

Sales (pictured with one of her children) said she left the 7:30 Report to spend time with her two young sons, James and Daniel

Sales previously spoke out about her turbulent 40s, after a string of heart-wrenching events.

In 2016 she suffered a life-threatening uterine rupture after going into premature labour with her youngest son in 2014.

'It was a disastrous birth... I had a uterine rupture, luckily I was at the hospital at the time, I'd been feeling unwell and knew something was wrong,' she said in the Mamamia No Filter Podcast.

'I had a massive haemorrhage and emergency surgery and I woke up and he [James] was in neonatal intensive care and I was in high dependency unit and didn't even see him for a few days...we were both very, very sick.'

But despite the sickness and time apart, Sales said the pair were still able to bond like any other mother and newborn child.

'I tried to breastfeed...but my body wasn't making milk because I had lost so much blood,' she said.

'He was mostly bottle fed and I didn't hold him for three days but I still bonded with him... I wasn't even conscious when he was born but you still bond, you work it out.'

On top of the traumatic birth, James came down with viral meningitis at just five weeks old and Sales was still unwell and struggling with flashbacks from the dramatic labour experience.

'For me to be thrown into a circumstance where I had absolutely no control and was then at the other end of it incapable of looking after myself, incapable of looking after my three-year-old and after a newborn baby, it was very very confronting and hard for me to take,' Sales said.

After Sales' son's second hospitalization, another challenge arose when her older son, Daniel, then just two years old, displayed noticeable hand tremors while at day care.

Thus began a series of doctor visits, hospital stays and therapies, as he faced various medical difficulties that required frequent hospital visits and surgeries.

Sales (pictured with her children at The Little mermaid premier in May) has since given some insight into her notoriously private life, recounting the near-fatal birth of her second son and struggles with dating

Amidst these trying circumstances, her marriage of nearly 20 years fell apart. Then in 2018, her father Dale Sales suddenly died.

'It seemed things couldn't get any worse,'

Reflecting on her journey, Sales said: 'James' birth marked the first significant obstacle in my life and from there it felt like a relentless stream of challenges.

'Nothing felt secure anymore. I put on a brave face, telling everyone that I was fine but deep down, I was struggling.'

However, Sales says the traumatic times have made her appreciate life even more.

'I know this sounds trite, I do think that the thought of what can happen  that I'm not special and life is random and nobody is immune from terrible things  has made me appreciate everyday things much more,' she told the Sydney Morning Herald.

'People  including me  are far more resilient than we think. Almost everyone can cope with far more than they ever imagined they could. Now, I absolutely dread the next thing that goes wrong in my life. But I suspect I probably would endure.'
The aunt of a student left fighting for his life after ingesting rat poison in Taiwan said any extra cash raised from their $208,000 GoFundMe page would go to the medivac firm who flew him home.

However, Daily Mail Australia can reveal the chartered plane that evacuated 24-year-old Alex Shorey to Brisbane cost just a third of the total raised - $65,000  and no such donation has been made.

Instead, his aunt Lizzie Shorey-Kitson notified donors when the successful fundraiser closed that the funds would instead be used for the student's recovery and treatment.

Mr Shorey, from Toowoomba in southern Queensland, was studying in Taiwan on exchange when he fell ill in March this year.

At first, doctors could not establish what was wrong with him before toxicology tests later showed he had ingested the rat poison superwarfarin.

Taipei police are reportedly investigating the suspected deliberate poisoning.

Alex Shorey (left) had been fighting for his life at Taipei Medical University Hospital in Taiwan after unknowingly ingesting rat poison

A GoFundMe page, set-up on behalf of Mr Shorey's parents, Stephen and Julie (pictured), raised almost $210,000 in a matter of days

The student's family raised $208,662 through a widely publicised GoFundMe page set up by his aunt Ms Shorey-Kitson on April 26 to pay for his medical evacuation.

Ms Shorey-Kitson was widely quoted in the press at the time claiming the cost of the flight was quoted at around $172,000, adding that any excess funds would be donated to Medical Rescue, the company who eventually flew Alex home on 3 May.

Once we have Alex home, if there are any surplus funds from this GFM page, these will be paid forward via a donation to the Medical Rescue team to fund and support others who may need their urgent assistance and care,' wrote Ms Shorey-Kitson on the GoFundMe page on 29 April.

The GoFundMe page was set up by Mr Shorey's aunt, Lizzy Shorey-Kitson (pictured) who originally said any excess funds would be donated to Medical Rescue

However, Medical Rescue told Daily Mail Australia last week the cost of the flight was only $65,000 and a spokesperson confirmed the company has not received any donation.

'Medical Rescue was contacted and can confirm the air ambulance cost was $65,000, which was quoted and paid for in full on 28 April,' a spokesperson for the company said.

'No other payments of any kind have been made and the account is closed.'

The GoFundMe page was not closed until April 30, when the following message was added: Your generosity has helped fund the medical charter flight and will go towards the extensive medical rehabilitation Alex will require.'

Daily Mail Australia has asked Ms Shorey-Kitson and Alex's father Dr Stephen Shorey to account for the any subsequent costs but is yet to receive a response to detailed written questions, several days later.

Daily Mail Australia is not alleging any wrongdoing on behalf of the Shorey family or by Ms Shorey-Kitson.

Medical Rescue (pictured) flew Mr Shorey back from Taiwan to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Queensland. His father later said: 'I believe his medical repatriation actually saved his life'

Police in Taiwan are investigating a 45-year-old woman over the suspected poisoning

A spokesperson for GoFundMe said: 'I can confirm that our GoFundMe Trust & Safety team is liaising with the campaign organiser in relation to this fundraiser.'

The page has since been taken down following this publication's queries.

Alex, a University of Queensland exchange student, had been in Taiwan for a year and was weeks away from returning home to Australia when he started experiencing black skin spots and unusual bleeding.

TIMELINE OF TAIWAN POISONING Late March: Alex Shorey, 24, notices blood in his urine and experiences unusual bleeding. 7 April: Alex is in and out of hospital in Taiwan as doctors struggle to establish what is wrong with him. 18 April: He is admitted to the intensive care unit at Taipei Medical University Hospital after going into hypovolemic shock, an extreme condition where severe blood loss leads to the heart being unable to pump enough blood to the body. 24 April: The exchange student suffers a cardiorespiratory collapse following a severe reaction to a Vitamin K treatment. 26 April: Lizzy Shorey-Kitson, Alex's aunt, sets up a GoFundMe page to raise money for his medical evacuation. 28 April: Medical Rescue receives a payment for $65,000 to fly Alex home. 29 April: Almost 3,000 people donate over $200,000 to the GoFundMe page. It is updated to tell donors that their 'generosity' has allowed the family to book a flight with Medical Rescue. Ms Shorey-Kitson writes on the GoFundMe page: Once we have Alex home, if there are any surplus funds from this GFM page, these will be paid forward via a donation to the Medical Rescue team to fund and support others who may need their urgent assistance and care. 30 April: The GoFundMe page is updated with the message: Your generosity has helped fund the medical charter flight and will go towards the extensive medical rehabilitation Alex will require. 3 May: Mr Shorey is flown to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane by Medical Rescue. 3 May: The GoFundMe is updated to thank donors for their 'kindness, generosity and support'. No mention is made about what any excess funds will be used for. 5 May: Taipei City Police reveal Alex's 45-year-old 'female friend' - who local reports refer to as his girlfriend - is under investigation for allegedly poisoning him with superwarfarin, a powerful rodent killer. 6 May: Alex's father, Dr Stephen Shorey, tells the ABC: 'I believe his medical repatriation actually saved his life'. 21 July: Medical Rescue responds to Daily Mail Australia to reveal that the Medivac cost $65,000 and the company had received no donation. 22 July: The GoFundMe page is deleted after Daily Mail Australia approaches Ms Shorey-Kitson for comment. Advertisement

He was admitted to Taipei Medical University Hospital's intensive care on April 18.

After days of hemorrhaging Mr Shorey went into hypovolemic shock, meaning his organs were at risk of failing due to lack of blood.

A severe allergic reaction to a vitamin K treatment in hospital saw him go into cardiorespiratory collapse six days later.

His GP father, Dr Stephen Shorey, said his son had suffered another anaphylactic reaction shortly before leaving Taiwan.

'I believe his medical repatriation actually saved his life,' Dr Shorey told the ABC on 6 May.

His parents initially believed his ailment was the source of contaminated street food but Taipei police ruled this out.

It comes as police in Taiwan are investigating a 45-year-old woman - reported in local media as Mr Shorey's girlfriend - over the suspected deliberate positioning.

Local media has reported that rat poison was discovered at the woman's house, similar to that found in Mr Shorey's system.

The woman is now the sole suspect of a criminal investigation and is barred from leaving the country.

In early May, English teacher Elly Chen, a close friend of Mr Shorey's and an English-teaching colleague, said she suspected he was poisoned more than once in the period it took for doctors to work out what was wrong with him.

'If things were getting better, why are you getting worse?' Ms Chen told Sky News Australia.

'What happened between the end of March and early April?

'It doesn't make sense to me, because once they figure out it's rat poison, why do things go this way, right?'

She said she took Mr Shorey on his first visit to a Taipei hospital after he started urinating blood and experiencing black skin spots and in late March.

But doctors initially dismissed his case after suggesting it was a genetic issue.

Mr Shorey was then in and out of hospital for a month as doctors scrambled to work out what was wrong with him.

Ms Chen offered the exchange student the opportunity to stay with her when his condition deteriorated.

But Mr Shorey responded to say he was 'staying at a friend's place'.

That friend is reportedly the 45-year-old Taiwanese woman who is now under police investigation over the poisoning after officers found a 30ml bottle of rat poison at her Taipei home.

The woman has now allegedly admitted to poisoning Mr Shorey, according to local news reports.

She reportedly said that she had intended to drink the poison herself in a suicide attempt but Mr Shorey drank it by mistake.

Authorities suspect she tried to poison the Australian to stop him returning home, according to SET News.

In May, Dr Shorey said the family were 'aware that the Taiwanese authorities are looking closely at the circumstances surrounding Alex's illness'.

'We don't want to prejudice any police (investigation) by making any further comment in this matter, beyond saying that we are so grateful that our son is alive and we are eager to hear the outcome of the investigations,' he said.
The head of the Armed Forces had an extraordinary million-pound remuneration package last year after a huge pension pot hike and pay rise.

The scale of the boost for Admiral Sir Tony Radakin after he took on the military's top job in November 2021 has been laid out in the latest Ministry of Defence accounts.

Sir Tony's pay is listed as 275,000 to 280,000 in 2022-23, up from 265,000 to 270,000 the previous year. He did not receive any bonus.

However, the Chief of the Defence Staff - who has been overseeing the response to the Ukraine crisis - did get the equivalent of 96,700 in benefits, such as accommodation and an official car.

And there was a massive 740,000 upgrade to the valuation of the 57-year-old's pension pot, reflecting the future cost to the taxpayer of servicing his gold-plated retirement fund.

Sir Tony is now due an index-linked income of 150,000 to 155,000 a year when he retires, up around 35,000 in real terms from 2021-22.

The scale of the boost for Admiral Sir Tony Radakin after he took on the military's top job in November 2021 has been laid out in the latest Ministry of Defence accounts

Sir Tony is now due an index-linked income of 150,000 to 155,000 a year when he retires, up around 35,000 in real terms from 2021-22

That is comfortably enough to make him a top rate taxpayer.

He has also built up a lump sum payout of 435,000, up around 82,500 in a year.

In total the MoD accounts list his package as worth 1.1million in 2022-23. The pension pot's CETV - the estimated total cash valuation - is 3.8million.

The massive increase is down to Sir Tony's promotion from First Sea Lord - with his latest role attracting a salary around 90,000 higher.

His pension pot value had already been raised by 340,000 in 2021-22, partly reflecting his new status.

Sir Tony will not receive any immediate extra payment as a result of the higher CETV estimate.

But there have been mounting concerns about the sustainability of public sector pensions in the long term.

The latest Whole of Government Accounts show public sector pensions are the single largest liability on the balance sheet, worth around 2.3trillion in 2020-21. That was bigger than the national debt at the time.

Amid a wave of strikes, Tories have pointed out that the fact public sector pensions are so much more generous than the private sector needs to be taken into account when considering pay levels.

The latest Whole of Government Accounts show public sector pensions are the single largest liability on the balance sheet, worth around 2.3trillion in 2020-21. That was bigger than the national debt at the time

Under the Armed Forces Pension terms from the time Sir Tony joined, personnel can accrue a pension of up to four-sevenths of their highest annual salary in the final three years of service. There are no contributions and pensions can be taken from age 55, or deferred and actuarily increased.

They are also entitled to a tax-free lump sum worth three times that annual pension.

The scheme was revised and made less generous in 2015.

An MoD source insisted there had been 'no significant increase in pensions payments to the Chief of Defence Staff role'.

A spokesman for the department said: 'A number of factors impact on a pension value benefit, including time in post and a change in salary.

'All pay and pensions figures are subject to external audit before publication.'
Chris Christie is gambling his presidential campaign on New Hampshire's independent-minded Republican voters. And it looks like an uphill struggle according to a new DailyMail.com poll that shows 60 percent of primary voters want him to drop out of the race now.

Yet at the same time the former New Jersey governor has risen to joint third place behind Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis.

It all points to a love-him-or-hate-him, take-him-or-leave him candidate who polarizes voters like a mirror image of Trump, and casts him as a potential wild card.

'Chris Christie might come in third place in our poll of New Hampshire, but all signs are there is a firm limit on his vote,' said James Johnson, of J.L. Partners who conducted the poll.

'He is the most disliked person in the race, with half of primary voters in the state having an unfavorable view of him.

'Particularly brutal reading for the former New Jersey governor will be that six in ten think he should get out of the race.'

Our new poll shows the state of the Republican primary race in New Hampshire. It has a mixed message for former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, with six in 10 voters wanting him to quit

Christie is staking his campaign on a good showing in the first primary state of New Hampshire, where he hopes his ability to win over independents will prove decisive

Christie has branded himself the Trump slayer in the race, attacking the frontrunner  and his former ally  when the rest of the field plays safe so as not to alienate the former president's legion of fans.

And he believes his record as a Republican governor in a blue state positions him well in New Hampshire, where primary voters tend to skew less conservative than the next early state of Iowa.

He will find encouragement in the poll of 591 registered Republicans and others planning to request a primary ballot.

It shows him winning eight percent of the vote, up from one percent in April. That puts him in joint third with Sen. Tim Scott, numbers that have eaten into Trump and DeSantis's share.

At the same time however, 60 percent say they want Christie to exit the race now. That number rises to 80 percent among Trump voters.

And he has the worst favorability rating. Some 50 percent say they feel unfavorable towards him, with only 21 percent say they view him favorably.

Asked for reasons why they would hesitate to vote for Christie, the most popular answer is that he is not Trump. Others called him a Rino (Republican in name only) or made reference to the Bridgegate scandal, which cast a long shadow over his 2016 run for president.

'I worry about his weight,' said another respondent.

Question: 'What would be your biggest hesitation about voting for Chris Christie in the Republican presidential primaries?' He's not Trump was the most common response

Our new poll shows how the leading two candidates have seen their support share shrink as Christie and Scott in particular have gained momentum among New Hampshire voters

But in general the responses show how Trump and his message have captured voters' imagination. So Christie is considered 'part of the swamp,' or 'big government.'

For his part, Christie is playing down the results of early polls.

And commentators say his combative style means he could have a breakout moment in the first debate on August 23, like when he took down Sen. Marco Rubio during a viral moment in a 2016 debate..

'Christie might end up dominating the first primary debate  and stop other candidates from breaking through,' said Johnson.

'But the data say that he does not currently have the political steam to break into second place in the Granite State.'

Christie appeared frequently alongside Donald Trump in 2016 after dropping out of the race

Neil Levesque, director of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, said it was too early to make judgements. The state's knowledgeable voters liked to take their time before making their decision, he said.

'If he gets on the debate stage, or during the pivot points of the campaign he is able to show that he's a strong candidate for president and can create a contrast with Trump then that could be the moment,' he said.

'The challenge for these candidates is to some degree, you need to be able to challenge the former president.'

Christie has been the most outspoken of the candidates in attacking Trump.

'The reason Im going after Trump is twofold,' he said as he launched his campaign last month. 'One, he deserves it. And two, it's the way to win.'

He is hoping a strong showing in New Hampshire can knock out rivals and show that he is best placed to take down frontrunner Trump. But in 2016 he collected only seven percent of the primary vote and dropped out soon after.

Last week he played down the results of polls in New Hampshire.

'If you remember back to 2016, Trump was never ahead in a poll, ever. Until election night,' he told USA Today. 'People were reluctant to say they were for Trump when a pollster called because it wasn't really politically correct to say you're for Trump.

'Now, it is not politically correct to say you're against Donald Trump.'
At least one in six of winning Conservative candidates from Boris Johnson's landslide victory in 2019 won't be returning as Tory MPs after the next general election.

When the ex-prime minister secured an 80-seat majority in the House of Commons more than three-and-a-half years ago, a total of 365 Tory MPs were elected to Parliament.

But their numbers have since been whittled down through a series of resignations, suspensions, tragic deaths, a defection and an imprisonment.

There are now also 45 Tory MPs intending to stand down at the next general election, which is expected next year.

It means - in total, so far - 61 of those elected as Conservative MPs in 2019 (17 per cent) will not be returning to the Commons after the next time the country heads to the polls.

At least one in six of winning Conservative candidates from Boris Johnson's landslide victory in 2019 won't be returning as MPs after the next general election

When the ex-prime minister secured an 80-seat majority in the House of Commons more than three-and-a-half years ago, a total of 365 Tory MPs were elected to Parliament

But their numbers have since been whittled down through a series of resignations, suspensions, tragic deaths, a defection and an imprisonment

Ahead of the 2019 general election, a total of 74 MPs (including 32 Tories, 20 Labour, and 16 independents) said they would not seek re-election to the Commons

Environment minister Trudy Harrison on Monday became the latest Tory MP to announce she will leave the Commons at the next general election.

Her Copeland constituency is set to be abolished and Ms Harrison said she would not be seeking selection as a candidate in the replacement constituency of Whitehaven and Workington.

First elected at a by-election in 2017, Ms Harrison was Copeland's first female MP and its first Conservative MP.

Other senior Tories to announce they will stand down at the next general election include Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, his former Cabinet colleagues Dominic Raab and Sajid Javid, and Sir Graham Brady, the chair of the Tories' powerful 1922 Committee.

Douglas Ross, the leader of the Scottish Tories, is also due to leave the Commons after his election to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh in May 2021.

Five of the Tory MPs elected in 2019 have already resigned from the Commons, including Mr Johnson himself and his close ally Nigel Adams.

Owen Paterson quit in 2021 following a lobbying scandal, Neil Parish resigned in May last year after admitting to watching pornograpy in the Commons, and David Warburton left Parliament last month after admitting cocaine use and amid allegations of sexual harassment.

Six Tory MPs elected in 2019 have had the party whip withdrawn since the last general election and five currently sit as independent MPs.

Chris Pincher and Julian Knight have been suspended from the parliamentary party over complaints made against them, while Scott Benton had the whip withdrawn over lobbying allegations.

Ex-health secretary Matt Hancock lost the Tory whip over his stint on TV's I'm A Celebrity and will not seek to get it back.

Rob Roberts did not have the Tory whip restored after an independent investigation found he sexually harassed a junior member of staff.

Andrew Bridgen was expelled from the Conservative Party for comparing Covid-19 vaccines to the Holocaust and has since joined The Reclaim Party.

Three of the Tory MPs elected in 2019 have tragically died. Cheryl Gillan and James Brokenshire died after illness, while Sir David Amess was brutally murdered at a constituency surgery.

Christian Wakeford, elected in Bury South in 2019, won't be returning as a Tory MP after he defected to Labour in January last year.

Imran Ahmad Khan, who won the Wakefield constituency for the Tories at the last general election, was jailed in May last year for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy.

He was released in February after serving half of his sentence.

Ahead of the 2019 general election, a total of 74 MPs (including 32 Tories, 20 Labour, and 16 independents) said they would not seek re-election to the Commons.

The number who stood down in 2019 was higher than at the 2017 general election, but lower than at any other election since 1979.

According to research by the House of Commons Library, an average of 87 MPs stood down from the Commons at general elections between 1979 and 2010.
Her detractors call her 'Loose Cannon' and fear she will do anything in her power to ensure that Donald Trump wins the case brought by special prosecutor Jack Smith.

But Judge Aileen Cannon showed last week that  despite being appointed to the federal bench by the former president  she will not be a pushover for his lawyers.

She snapped at Trump's lawyers as they waffled when she asked them for an explanation. 'That's not my question,' she barked.

And her performance had even The New York Times forced to admit her decision to insist the trial starts before next year's election showed she is 'a level-headed and mostly ordinary conservative judge not beholden to the man who appointed her.'

So exactly who is the previously obscure 42-year-old jurist who when assigned the Trump case had presided over only four criminal cases that went to trial  and they were routine matters like a felon in possession of a gun and assault.

Now though, she will reign over one of the most consequential trials in American history  which could see a former president jailed for decades.

Judge Aileen Cannon was appointed to the federal bench by Donald Trump but last week showed the former president will be treated as anyone else

Judge Cannon is said to have fired back at Trump's legal team during a pretrial conference last week. If convicted of all 37 felony counts he faces decades in jail

Judge Cannon (pictured in green) is a registered Republican like her grandfather, who is said to have kept his family very close. She is seen with her family in a large group photo

Judge Cannon was raised by a family of Cuban exiles and a grandfather who became a Republican after feeling 'betrayed' by the Kennedy administration during the failed Bay of Pigs invasion.

That man, Jose Manuel Cubas, was forced to flee the Communist Cuban revolution in 1960 when Judge Cannon's mother Mercedes was just seven years old.

Fidel Castro used to intimidate staff at Cubas's advertising agency by making them step over his legs in the hallway  and then one day, without explanation, Cubas was replaced as director by a student doctor with no marketing experience.

Cannon's grandfather Jose Manuel Cubas was born in 1930 in Matanzas, a working-class industrial city in Cuba 70 miles East of the capital Havana

Cubas lost everything  and even some family turned against him  but he started again once in exile and built up one of the most influential Latin American advertising agencies in history.

He also funded anti-Castro groups. His daughter Mercedes was involved in helping them, former business colleagues told DailyMail.com.

It is unclear how much of Cubas's outlook Judge Cannon absorbed, but she is a registered Republican like her grandfather, who is said to have kept his family very close.

And given the nature of the Trump case, it may give some insight into how she will handle what the former President has repeatedly claimed is persecution by a different government.

Judge Cannon, who sits in Fort Pierce, Florida, was randomly assigned the Trump case by the judicial authorities after he was charged with retaining dozens of classified and Top Secret documents and trying to cover it up.

If convicted of all 37 felony counts he faces decades in jail.

The appointment of Judge Cannon sparked calls for her to recuse herself as she had already made controversial rulings related to the government's investigation into Trump.

She stunned court watchers in September when she agreed the Justice Department could not seize material from Mar-a-Lago.

Her decisions were later overturned on appeal by three Republican appeal court judges who said she had no authority to make her ruling.

Liberal commentators by then had already branded her 'Loose Cannon' and legal analysts called her rulings 'deeply problematic'.

At the time of her nomination by Trump  during his lame duck session after he had lost the 2020 election  Judge Cannon had only been an attorney for 12 years, the minimum required by the American Bar Association to be a federal judge.

She was also just 41, which is considered young for the position.

Yet in her first major ruling Judge Cannon rejected both prosecution requests to hold the trial in December and requests from Trump to delay it until after the election.

Instead the case is set to move ahead in May 2024, a compromise date, meaning that the jury's verdict should be in months before the November vote.

Judge Cannon sketched a brief story of her family history in her Senate confirmation hearing in 2020.

She hailed her paternal grandfather William P. Cannon, a former Navy Reserve Lieutenant, and his wife Raeburn for 'embodying the American dream'.

Through her family she learned of 'the blessing that is this country and the importance of securing the rule of law for generations to come'.

Judge Cannon said she will 'always be thankful for this country and to cherish our constitutional Democracy' thanks to her family story.

Cannon's grandfather Jose Manuel Cubas was forced to flee the Communist Cuban revolution in 1960. He's pictured with his wife Edith

Immigration paperwork obtained by DailyMail.com shows Judge Cannon's mother Mercedes entering the US aged seven

Cannon's grandfather's petition for naturalization in 1964 was obtained by DailyMail.com

Her paternal grandfather William P. Cannon, a former Navy Reserve Lieutenant who 'embodied the American dream' was killed by his son-in-law in 1984

Cannon's grandfather was born in 1930 in Matanzas, a working-class industrial city in Cuba 70 miles east of the capital Havana.

He studied at the University of Havana Law school before starting Siboney, an advertising and marketing company named after a tribal people in Cuba that quickly became one of the most successful in the country.

Sara Sunshine, a longtime Siboney executive who later founded her own pioneering advertising agency, said they were 'heavy on television' and that they produced many commercials shown during soap operas, which were shown every night.

She recalled how Cubas was 'very, very smart' and had a department of two psychologists interviewing prospective hires to ensure they had the right staff.

Ezequiel Cuevas, who worked for Siboney on and off for three decades, said: 'I haven't met another guy who has the capacity of sitting in a conference room and saying four words and you know exactly where the brand will be better positioned.

'That was a big part of his success.'

But everything began to change in 1953 as the Cuban revolution led by Fidel Castro against the Batista regime began.

Despite Siboney being run by Cubans, Castro apparently thought it was linked to the American government.

Tory Syvrud, who later helped expand Siboney's business in the US, said: 'He'd tell these stories to me about Fidel Castro coming into his advertising agency in Cuba.

'The art director was friends with Fidel and at the end of the day, Fidel came waiting for his friend to get off. Fidel would sit in the hallway with his legs across the hallway so everybody going past had to step over Fidel's legs'.

Such tactics grew as the Batista government was overthrown  until one day Cubas lost control of Siboney.

Sunshine said: 'Jose Manuel was threatened, he was kicked out.

'One day the government came headed by a medical student  a young fellow who was studying medicine and was taking over the agency. Right there they had to give this kid everything.

'There was no announcement. Nobody knew anything. I remember coming back from lunch at 2pm and what a different place it was. It was taken over. Jose Manuel wasn't there.'

In the months beforehand Cubas had tried to keep his business going by looking the other way even though there were revolutionaries in his office who were flushing documents down the toilet.

But he did not support Castro and was a 'capitalist', Sunshine said, adding that some of Cubas's own family supported the revolution.

She said: 'He saw the actions of the Castro government. I remember at the corner of our building there was a big Shell station and Castro gave a job to one of Jose Manuel's relatives'.

Sunshine left Cuba in 1960 and Cubas followed soon after with his wife and two young daughters went into exile.

Cubas is pictured with his daughter Mercedes  Aileen Cannon's mother. He came to the US with Mercedes when she was just seven

Cubas died in 2015, leaving an estate worth $1million, probate records show. He's pictured with his wife Edith

Immigration paperwork obtained by DailyMail.com shows Judge Cannon's mother Mercedes entering the US aged seven.

They went to Puerto Rico first where Cubas, his brother Gustavo and two friends reestablished Siboney.

From there it began to grow into one of the largest Hispanic advertising agencies in the Americas with offices in countries including Venezuela, Brazil and Colombia.

By 1984 it had an annual revenue of $54million, equivalent to $158million in today's dollars.

Clients would go on to include Polaroid, Pepsi, Kimberly-Clark, Coca-Cola, Payless Shoesource, Bristol Myers and HBO.

Siboney later opened offices in Miami, New York and Dallas and represented brands like Kellogg's and Blue Cross as they sought to expand into the Hispanic market.

Cubas's biggest and longest lasting client was Colgate which remained loyal to Siboney until the mid 2000s when the business wound down.

Sunshine said: 'Jose Manuel's big talent was making deals and making money.

'It's not bad mouthing but he was not free with money. I believe that at the very end the agency had to close because people started leaving. I was the last one to leave out of loyalty.

'Other agencies offered more money, better hours. At Siboney we worked like horses.'

Cubas died in 2015, leaving a relatively humble estate of $1million, probate records show.

After his death, he was inducted into the Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies Hall of Fame and given a lifetime achievement award in recognition of his 'visionary' contribution to the field.

Aileen Mercedes Cannon was born on February 6, 1981 in Cali, Colombia, where Siboney had an office as there was a Colgate factory there.

Her father Michael Cannon was recruited by Cubas out of Thunderbird University in Phoenix, Arizona, and worked his way up at Siboney.

A former French literature teacher who worked in Paris, former colleagues recalled him as a 'brilliant and talented' man.

Judge Cannon's mother Mercedes, who worked for a time as a journalist, met Michael Cannon while they were both working for Siboney in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela.

They were married in 1978 in Miami and stayed together until 1997 when they divorced and Michael Cannon stopped working for Siboney  friends said he became interested in motorbikes and began taking long rides.

Former Siboney executives described Cubas as 'paternalistic' and that applied to his family too.

Ezequiel Cuevas, who worked for Siboney off and on for 30 years, said: 'He put family first.

'The focus on his family and he told them, hey this is your business. He always saw the company as a family company'.

Gary McBride, who was also recruited out of Thunderbird University to Siboney, said the Cubas family had an 'intellectual curiosity' that impressed him.

He said: 'They are well studied, well read, and have embraced international experiences. The family is very talented at all levels'.

With the money he made from Siboney, Cubas supported anti-Castro groups, Cuevas said, especially in Puerto Rico and Venezuela.

Cuevas said: 'He didn't speak about Castro. He only spoke about what Cuba was and what they had made of his country.

'Anything that can provoke the overthrow of Fidel Castro, he was involved. He had meetings with people.

'He helped anti-Castro groups. He probably taught this in his house and Mercy (Mercedes, Judge Cannon's mother) knew a lot of people in Cuba involved in overthrowing Fidel Castro. Mercy may not remember because she was 18 or 19 years old'.

Syvrud said: 'Jose Manuel was conservative like many older Cubans and that resolved from the whole Communist revolution.

'The Bay of Pigs, that's what swung most of the older Republicans from Cuba like Jose Manuel who felt betrayed by (John F.) Kennedy.

'I knew he voted Republican but he never talked about it'.

Fide Castro's revolution forced Cannon's grandfather out of his advertising agency and ultimately out of Cuba

Cuban militiamen and members of the Revolutionary Army celebrate their victory over US mercenaries at Playa Giron, in what became known as the Bay of Pigs Invasion

Cubas became a Republican after feeling 'betrayed' by the Kennedy administration during the failed Bay of Pigs invasion

According to Sunshine, Judge Cannon's father was a 'man of law and order'.

She said: 'He spoke about the importance of being civic. He always wore a shirt and he had a statue of Jose Marti  the father of Cuba. How many Americans have a statue of Abraham Lincoln?'

While Judge Cannon has not publicly spoken about her political beliefs, one defense lawyer who worked in her courtroom came away with a strong impression of her that could raise eyebrows in the Trump trial.

In an interview with the New York Times, Valentin Rodriguez Jr, a defense lawyer based in West Palm Beach who worked opposite Judge Cannon, said she would often rule against the government just like she did in the Trump case.

He said: 'The general feeling that I've gotten from her is, ''I don't buy everything the government has to tell me.''

'You can't expect that if you and the government have some sort of agreement, over sentencing or a plea, that that's necessarily going to convince. In that sense, you could call her something of a freethinker.'

Rodriguez did not return calls asking for additional comment.

Judge Cannon has an eventful story on father's side too  her paternal grandfather William P. Cannon was killed by his son-in-law.

He had grown up in Olyphant, Pennsylvania, before attending Georgetown University before enlisting to the US Navy Reserve in 1943 during the Second World War.

He was a Supply Corps Officer who was stationed in Rhode Island and Louisiana and left active duty in December 1945, three months after the war ended.

A report by a senior officer from 1943 praised Lt Cannon as 'energetic and industrious' and 'of excellent military and personal character'

His other jobs before the military included lube oil salesman and a field investigator for the oil division of the Department of the interior.

Tragedy struck at his home in Elwood, Indiana, in 1984 when he was 74 after he was killed by his son-in-law Robert Goodknight, a former police officer.

Goodknight fatally shot Michael P. Cannon twice in the stomach after a domestic row with his wife, according to local reports at the time.

While growing up in Florida Judge Cannon attended the exclusive Ransom Everglades private school in Coconut Grove where she enjoyed playing water polo.

Former students have recalled her being 'incredibly dedicated and diligent' and a hard worker, a quality she appears to have inherited from her grandfather.

Judge Cannon was confirmed by the Senate in 2020 and one of the few publicly available photos of her came from her Senate confirmation, conducted over Zoom due to the coronavirus pandemic

Trump is pictured here in a courtroom sketch alongside his aide Walt Nauta and attorneys Chris Kise and Todd Blanche in Miami, last month

A photo of boxes of documents from the White House being stored in a bathroom at Mar-a-Lago that was formed the basis of part of Trump's federal indictment

She studied at Duke University, including spending a semester in Spain, and was briefly a journalist with the Spanish language Miami newspaper El Nuevo Herald where she wrote about flamenco and yoga during pregnancy.

She joined the conservative Federalist Society, which decades later would put her name on a shortlist for federal judges and hand it to Trump.

Her employment has included clerking for Judge Steven Colloton in Iowa and working at the corporate law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in Washington.

After that she returned home to become an assistant US attorney for the Southern District of Florida where she worked on immigration, narcotics, fraud and firearms cases.

Judge Cannon is married to restaurant industry executive Josh Lorence who she met on vacation in Greece  they live in Vero Beach.

She was confirmed by the Senate in 2020 and one of the few publicly available photos of her came from the Zoom meeting she dialed in to due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Judge Cannon will have significant leeway over how to run the trial and could decide to throw out certain key evidence or even grant a motion from Trump's attorneys to dismiss the case, which they are almost certain to make.

Federal judges also have discretion over the jury selection process, which is even more important than usual given the politicized nature of the case.

During the first pretrial hearing last week she seemed in command of the facts of the case and asked thorough questions of both sides.

Judge Cannon's decision to hold the trial next May makes it less likely that Special Counsel Jack Smith, who is bringing the case against Trump, will request her to be recused as had been speculated may happen.
Allan Little paid a heartfelt tribute to his close friend and former colleague George Alagiah after he died aged 67 following a 19-year battle with bowel cancer.

Mr Little hailed the BBC News at Six anchor on Monday as one of the broadcaster's 'most respected journalists' who exhibited 'great strength' and 'effortless warmth'.

'George wasn't just a good reporter; he was a good man. He was completely without malice,' Mr Little wrote in his tribute. 'He carried his profound decency very lightly without a hint of sanctimony. He seemed unaware of his own instinct for kindness.'

Mr Little said he viewed Mr Alagiah as 'something like an older brother' and 'someone I quietly looked up to, whose success I could admire and celebrate without envy'.

His tribute comes as BBC newsreaders Clive Myrie and Naga Munchetty fought back tears when they delivered the news that their former 'mentor, colleague and friend' had died, noting how he had 'touched all of us here in the newsroom with his kindness and generosity'.

Mr Alagiah joined the BBC in 1989 and was one of the corporation's leading foreign correspondents, filing dispatches on subjects ranging from the Rwandan genocide to civil wars across Africa.

Allan Little paid a heartfelt tribute to his close friend and former colleague George Alagiah (pictured in 2013) after he died aged 67 following a 19-year battle with bowel cancer

Allan Little (left) hailed News at Six anchor George Alagiah (right) as one of the BBC's 'most respected journalists' who exhibited 'great strength' and 'effortless warmth'

Mr Little and Mr Alagiah met in Johannesburg, South Africa during the Mandela years while the pair shared on office, according to the tribute.

He recalled how despite being in a war zone, Mr Alagiah was comfortable talking to anyone from 'heads of state to children in a refugee camp', adding that the late journalist 'radiated empathy' and 'everyone wanted to talk to him'.

'You saw him winning their trust, responding to his effortless warmth. He wanted to do well by all of them - to be true and honest and fair,' Mr Little penned.

He said the Mr Alagiah was truthful in his reporting, sharing an anecdote of how once when three bombs landed nearby the journalist said not to describe the incident as heavy shelling having 'rocked the city centre'.

Instead Mr Alagiah reportedly told his colleague to 'keep it in proportion', claiming that the bombs 'gave us a fright' because they fell nearby.

Mr Little added: 'George didn't want to be dramatic. He wanted to be true.'

He said Mr Alagiah exhibited 'profound decency', offered 'extraordinary wisdom' and was someone that others could turn to for guidance.

'I thought of him as something like an older brother - someone I quietly looked up to, whose success I could admire and celebrate without envy,' he wrote.

The journalist became one of the BBC's most renowned foreign correspondents. He is seen in 2009 during a visit to Kibera, Keyna - the largest slum in Africa

Alagiah in 2022 after returning to News At Six following months of treatment. In October he announced he was taking a break from the screen

The BBC newsreader, who died on Monday aged 67, previously said he hoped to hold the hand of his wife of nearly 40 years, Frances Robathan, until the very end

Mr Little also applauded Mr Alagiah's 'energetic hope' and 'infectious optimism'. He said that after spending time with his friend, people would end up 'liking the human race more' and 'feeling better about the world'.

He claimed that Mr Alagiah maintained his 'cheerful disposition' even after receiving his cancer diagnosis. The late journalist told Mr Little: 'I'm not afraid to die' and said what he found 'unbearably painful' was leaving his wife a widow.

BBC newsreader George Alagiah dies aged 67 after nine-year battle with bowel cancer: READ MORE Advertisement

He noted that Mr Alagiah always saw others before himself and even shortly before his death was grateful that he had the 'luxury' to say his goodbyes to his loved ones and take 'time to reflect on my life and make sense of it'.

Mr Little concluded: 'I was guided by him, taught by him, at a key time in my own life. I think I will be guided by him all my days. Becoming his friend, being exposed to his abundant affection, has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.'

The award-winning journalist, who presented the BBC News At Six for the past 20 years, died on Monday from bowel cancer after being first diagnosed in 2014.

Broadcaster Mr Myrie became emotional as he paid tribute to Mr Alagiah during the lunchtime BBC News broadcast, saying: 'On a personal note, George touched all of us here in the newsroom with his kindness and generosity, his warmth and good humour.'

He added: 'We loved him here at BBC News and I loved him as a mentor, colleague and friend. His spirit, strength and courage in the later years of his life is something his family can be so proud of. Journalism has lost a giant.'

Ms Munchetty also became choked up as she interrupted her live show on BBC Radio 5 Live around midday to deliver the news. As her voice broke, she said: 'Apologies for the emotion in my voice - he was so loved in our news room.'

A statement from his agent Mary Greenham announcing the news on Monday, said: 'George fought until the bitter end but sadly that battle ended earlier today.

'George was deeply loved by everybody who knew him, whether it was a friend, a colleague or a member of the public. He simply was a wonderful human being.'

Alagiah chats to Queen Camilla - then the Duchess of Cornwall - during a 2013 reception at Clarence House

The journalist is seen at Buckingham Palace with his wife Frances Robathan and sons Adam and Matt, 17, after collecting his OBE from the Queen in 2008

Mr Alagiah, who was born in Sri Lanka, continued to present for the BBC when he was not receiving treatment.

He joined the corporation in 1989 and spent many years as one of its leading foreign correspondents before moving to presenting.

He was often a specialist in Africa and covered the civil wars in Somalia and Liberia as well as the genocide in Rwanda 20 years ago.

Throughout his career he interviewed central political figures, among them former South African president Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and ex-Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe.

He was nominated for a Bafta in 1994 for his coverage of Saddam Hussein's genocidal campaign against the Kurds of northern Iraq and was named Amnesty International's journalist of the year in 1994 for reporting on the civil war in Burundi.

He first began hosting the 6pm news bulletin in early 2003, but stepped up to front it solo four years later following the departure of his co-host, Natasha Kaplinsky.

Ms Kaplinsky said it was a 'privilege' to be friends with Mr Alagiah as she paid tribute.

'Goodbye dearest George. I will miss you so very much. It was such a privilege to be your friend', she wrote on Instagram.

Alagiah with his co-presenter Natasha Kaplinsky on a News At Six bulletin in 2007 - the year he began presenting duties

Alagiah speaks to the audience during the 2009 reception at Clarence House, which brought together young people and policymakers

READ MORE: How fearless BBC stalwart George Alagiah became the reassuring voice of the nation Advertisement

BBC director-general Tim Davie said: 'Across the BBC, we are all incredibly sad to hear the news about George. We are thinking of his family at this time.

'George was one of the best and bravest journalists of his generation who reported fearlessly from across the world as well as presenting the news flawlessly.

'He was more than just an outstanding journalist, audiences could sense his kindness, empathy and wonderful humanity. He was loved by all and we will miss him enormously.'

Question Time presenter Fiona Bruce said Mr Alagiah was 'that rare thing - a first-rate journalist and an all round lovely human being.'

She added: 'Integrity and decency shone through him. That and a mischievous sense of humour with an endearing giggle.

'I remember his 60th birthday party, surrounded by his wonderful family and his glamorous sisters like so many birds of paradise.

'It was an intimate family affair and I know George counted his blessings to be there with the people he loved so much.

'He fought with all he had to stay with them as long as he could. We loved him in the newsroom and we - I - miss him so much.'

Nick Robinson, presenter of BBC Radio 4's Today programme, paid tribute saying: 'George was a brilliant journalist, a lovely man and an inspiring example to all fighting serious illness. His friends will miss him deeply.'

Broadcaster John Simpson said: 'A gentler, kinder, more insightful and braver friend and colleague it would be hard to find. I loved having his company in the BBC World Affairs Unit, and his progress after that was a pleasure to watch.'

Former BBC correspondent Jon Sopel added: 'Tributes will rightly be paid to a fantastic journalist and brilliant broadcaster - but George was the most decent, principled, kindest, most honourable man I have ever worked with. What a loss.'

He was made an OBE in the 2008 New Year Honours list for services to journalism

His thriller The Burning Land, about corruption and homicide in South Africa, was in the running for the Paul Torday memorial prize, which is awarded to a first novel by a writer over 60

After his diagnosis Mr Alagiah endured two rounds of chemotherapy and several operations, including the removal of most of his liver.

He returned to work after his treatment was over but the cancer came back and spread leading to breaks from the studio while he received treatment.

Before joining the BBC, Mr Alagiah worked as a print journalist and went on to write a number of books including A Home From Home, which looked at what it means to be British.

Throughout his illustrious career, he also presented other shows such as Mixed Britannia, looking at the UK's mixed-race population. He was made an OBE in the 2008 New Year Honours.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Frances Robathan, their two sons and three grandchildren.
Italian officials held crisis talks today on how to manage blackouts in Sicily as hundreds of thousands are without electricity or water during a scorching heatwave.

A temperatures soared to 47.6C, civil protection minister Nello Musumeci was forced to admit that the city of Catania had been 'brought to its knees' by power cuts.

Some half-a-million people have been affected by power cuts around Catania since Thursday, ostensibly caused by heat damage to underground cables.

The cuts have also stopped water pumps from operating, with between 200,000 and 300,000 people affected, although the issue was resolved on Monday morning.

Local authorities are now setting up air conditioned rooms for the elderly and other vulnerable people, including the homeless, as energy is carefully rationed.

Massimiliano Russo, a filmmaker in Catania, told MailOnline: 'The situation is very challenging. [...] 'The elderly are suffering a lot. Even the restaurateurs, forced to close due to lack of electricity. At present, no major action has been taken to help the city.'

Paola, a local, told MailOnline: 'We are in a critical situation. The temperatures are very high and there are no power and water services in many areas of the city.'

Catania cityscape with the view of Etna volcano at sunset in Sicily, Italy

Russo, who currently has water but no power, explained: 'The temperatures are very high.

'The electrical infrastructure cannot withstand the overload of the city's air conditioning.

'The electrical cables cannot withstand the high temperatures and melt.'

Commenting on the power cuts, supplier e-distribuzione said in a statement: 'We find ourselves operating in conditions of exceptional climatic emergency'.

The temperature of the asphalt on roads was recorded to have hit highs of 50 degrees.

'This, if added to the high humidity, does not allow the correct dissipation of heat with consequent damage to the underground cables.'

The company said it had deployed hundreds of technicians to address the issue.

Musumeci, leading the meeting in Catania today, blamed the crisis on climate change and poor investment in local infrastructure.

Italian news agencies reported him as having said: 'We are paying on the one hand for climate change, to which we should have been paying more attention for several years, and on the other for infrastructure that does not appear entirely adequate to the new context,'

Power cuts have been ongoing in Catania and the surrounding area since Thursday.

Traders, merchants, food shops and restaurants are among the worst affected, reliant on freezing food.

Separately, flights were grounded last week following a fire at the city's main airport.

The airport is Italy's fifth busiest, causing massive disruption to passengers.

On July 23, Ryanair and easyJet said that flights to Vincenzo Bellini Catania Airport (CTA) from UK destinations would remain cancelled until July 26.

The airport suffered a fire on July 16, requiring for terminal-wide repairs.

No injuries have been reported so far from the fire.

Sicily's civil protection agency said the temperature in some areas in eastern Sicily rose to 47 Celsius (116.6 Fahrenheit) on Sunday.

The temperature came close to a record European high of 48.8 Celsius recorded two years ago.

Separately, passengers were stranded after a fire that broke out at Catania airport on July 16

Italy is one of the European countries most affected by climate change and suffered deadly floods in May.

Parts of northern Italy have also seen intense hail storms. A packed jet was forced to make an emergency landing on Monday after being severely damaged during a hailstorm as freak weather hit northern Italy.

'The effects of our climate becoming more tropical are changing everything and have a direct impact on the economy,' Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin told La Repubblica newspaper on Sunday.

Francesca Tacchi, a 28-year-old writer from Bologna, told MailOnline the climate in northern Italy was equally unbearable.

'Surrounded by hills, the hot and humid air is trapped in the city, and there is no respite.

'But lately, the summers have become harsh beyond belief: 40+ C and long droughts have put both farmers and regular citizens on their knees.

'And when it does rain, it's in violent bursts, hailstorms or the "bomba d'acqua" that caused the recent devastating floods in the region.

'I personally am taking meds that make me prone to heatstrokes, and with these temperatures even walking 10 minutes causes me tachycardia, difficulty breathing and fainting.

'And I am 28 and in good physical health! Imagine what it does to the elderly!'

'Just yesterday, my mamma [further north] sent me a picture of hail as big as a ping pong ball, and every time we speak on the phone, she tells me about new disasters - trees that fell, roofs that broke, floods in the elementary school where she volunteers.

'She had to spend the last weekend pumping knee-high water out of a classroom!

'Each day I wake up and there is a new catastrophe unfolding in my country. And the worst part, the government doesn't care.

'I feel so angry at our spineless politicians, and so hopeless.

'My country is in so much pain, and we are helpless.'
Police believe Ingraham's vehicle actually sped up exponentially and Ingraham was told to brake as the 'tug' he was driving headed towards the bridge

An investigator hired by American Airlines initially suggested suicide as his cause of death

Michal Ingraham died after an aircraft towing vehicle he was driving crashed into a jet bridge on April 20 at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

The death of an American Airlines worker who was killed on a Texas tarmac has been ruled an accident caused by an out-of-control machine - and not suicide as first suggested by a cooperate investigator.

Michal Ingraham, 37, died on April 20 at the Austin-Bergstrom Airport in Austin, Texas, after a machine he was driving crashed into a jet bridge at Barbara Jordan Terminal.

Police believe the aircraft towing vehicle Ingraham rapidly sped up and veered off course - and that the accelerator appeared to be broken.

As police investigated his death, American Airlines hired its own corporate investigator who asserted Ingraham may have killed himself. A report obtained by the American-Statesman of Austin said Lynn Fast - the investigator - suggested he died by suicide a day after the death.

Fast, according to the report, had allegedly talked with Ingraham's father who apologized for the situation, which Fast found 'strange.'

Michal Ingraham (pictured) died on April 20 at the Austin-Bergstrom Airport in Texas after a machine he was driving crashed into a jet bridge at Barbara Jordan Terminal

As police investigated his death, American Airlines hired its own corporate investigator who asserted Ingraham may have killed himself after feeling suicidal

According to the report, Ingraham's towing vehicle crashed into jet bridge near Gate 24 and he was pronounced dead 15 minutes after police arrived.

During her initial investigation, Fast told cops Ingraham may have tried to kill himself after speaking with Ingraham's father who apologized for the ordeal.

Fast told police on April 21 that he had 'obtained information overnight indicating that the fatal incident was a suicide and not an accident,' according to a report.

Police ultimately dismissed the investigator's claims.

Witnesses had told cops Ingraham's vehicle had actually 'accelerated faster than normal and then veered to the right' before the fatal crash.

They said that agents nearby were yelling at him to brake, but the accelerator appeared to be stuck in the seconds leading to the collision.

As a result, Ingraham was pinned between the vehicle and the underside of the jet bridge, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

His cause of death was listed as blunt force injuries, the report stated.

At the time of the incident, Ingraham did not have any drugs or alcohol in his system, a toxicology report concluded.

According to the report, Ingraham's towing vehicle crashed into jet bridge near Gate 24 and he was pronounced dead 15 minutes after police arrived. Pictured: Ingraham in a tug

The incident happened at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (pictured) in Austin, Texas

Another shocking revelation came from the Austin paper, which shared that police had received anonymous tips after the collision regarding the safeness of the vehicle.

According to the report cited by the Statesman, the airline's vehicle he had been driving had been 'marked out of service numerous times for failed brakes.'

It goes on to assert the tug had 'several mechanical issues' leading up to the collision and was kept in circulation despite the mechanical failures.

The anonymous contributor said just 10 days before the crash, the same tug was in another collision due to brake failure.

DailyMail.com reached out to American Airlines for comment on the death and the subsequent investigation but did not receive a response.

Ingraham (was pinned between the vehicle and the underside of the jet bridge, the Austin American-Statesman reported

In a statement to another outlet, a spokesperson for the airline said they are 'fully cooperating.'

'We are focused on ensuring that all involved have the support they need during this difficult time,' an airline spokesperson told the American-Statesman.

According to the Statesman, the company responsible for the maintenance of the vehicles is UK-based Menzies Aviation.

The company has an office in Grapevine, Texas.

Menzies' role is currently under investigation by the Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Statesman reported.


Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh Amid criticism from the Opposition parties over the current crisis in the state, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said on Monday that his government is taking measures to restore peace in the northeastern state at the earliest. "We are working on different initiatives, both officially and unofficially, to restore peace in Manipur. Confidence building measures are ongoing with the help of religious leaders, traders' community and civil societies, Singh told IANS in response to a query on the initiatives taken by his government to restore peace in the strife-torn state.



Ethnic clashes erupted in Manipur on May 3, and since then scores of people have lost their lives while thousands have been forced to take refuge in the relief camps.



Singh, who has been blamed by the Congress and other Opposition parties for the prevailing situation in Manipur, said, We are indulging in a dialogue process. We are hopeful of restoring peace at the earliest.



Illegal migrants trickling into the state is the real reason behind this situation.It all started when the Manipur government officially started taking biometrics of the illegal immigrants in Manipur," the Chief Minister told IANS.



He said, "This was done on the directions of the Ministry of Home Affairs and was supposed to be completed by September. This is what triggered the crisis. Traditionally, all the Kukis and Meiteis and everyone else live peacefully in the state.



"The Government of India is aware of the ground realities in Manipur. On May 29, the MHA wrote to the Manipur government, instructing to continue capturing biometrics of the illegal immigrants. Meaning, this issue is not made up by the Manipur government nor there is any agenda of hatred towards the Kuki community.This move was solely directed towards controlling the influx," Singh said.



It is also natural to see the influx as there is a war going on in Myanmar, he asserted.



Asked about the ghastly incident of two women being stripped and paraded on May 4 in Thoubal district, the video of which had gone viral on social media, the Chief Minister said, It felt very bad seeing the video. We took action within 24 hours after the video surfaced.



Manipur Police have arrested six persons so far in connection with the horrific incident.



Meanwhile, the BJP on Monday slammed the Opposition parties after both Houses of the Parliament were adjourned for the day over the Manipur issue, accusing them of running away from discussion in the matter.




The manhunt continues for a thief who stole a car and drove off with a toddler in the backseat.

A frantic dad was reunited with his little boy found wandering around Woolworths at Ferntree Gully in Melbourne's south-east on Monday afternoon, 16km from where the car was stolen.

The man had pulled over his black Kia Carnival in Cleeland Street in Dandenong around 3.25pm to speak to the driver of another vehicle following a crash.

An 'opportunistic' thief jumped into the Kia and sped off with the owner's son still in the backseat.

The toddler was dumped 16km away at Woolworths in Ferntree Gully, where he was found wandering the aisles

The incident sparked massive an hour long police search involving multiple resources.

'Once police were notified, we had multiple units saturating the area and searching, including the airwing, dog squad, we had units all over the place searching for the vehicle,' Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Dean Hayes told reporters.

He added the father was 'hysterical' when he first contacted police.

'He was very concerned and it was difficult to get information out of him to start with, as you can appreciate,' Det Hayes said.

The unharmed but distressed boy was abandoned at Woolworths and was found wandering the aisles by shoppers.

The stolen car and abduction sparked a frantic hour long search by police (pictured where the boy was found)

'Police attended there and confirmed that was the toddler that we were looking for and he's been reunited with his father,' Det Hayes said.

'Thankfully it all ended well. The reunion was emotional.'

The black Kia Carnival with the registration the 1WU5QT remains missing.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers.
A series of abusive, foul-mouthed texts a NSW politician allegedly sent his ex-lover, a female federal MP, have been revealed for the first time.

Taylor Martin, 32, has temporarily stood aside from the Liberal Party room after it was revealed ex-federal MP Lucy Wicks, 50, complained about his alleged text campaign.

Mr Martin had previously worked as a staffer for Ms Wicks and was in a relationship with her before he won a seat in the NSW Parliament in 2017.

Their secret affair ended in 2019, allegedly triggering a series of furious expletive-laden text messages from Mr Martin to Ms Wicks.

In one text from Mr Martin in January 2021, he allegedly told her: 'Go stay in your world of f***ing make-believe, you f***ing pig ignorant b***h.'

Taylor Martin, 32, has stood down from the Liberal Party after it was revealed former Central Coast MP Lucy Wicks, 50, had complained about his alleged hate campaign

The texts were revealed by the Sydney Morning Herald on Monday after copies were passed on by a supporter of Ms Wicks.

Others branded her a 'f***ing idiot', 'a pig', a 'dumb s***', 'f***wit' and 'a sicko' among several abusive terms.

Mr Martin allegedly told her to 'shut up you dumb s***' and 'listen to yourself, you absolute c*** of a person'.

Others added: 'This s*** is why Im so angry at you stop talking to me like this while you kill me you f***wit.

'You bitch. You dont even try and get it. You f***ing bitch. Listen to yourself. Dont say such lies to me, you s***.'

Mr Martin has now stood aside from the Liberal party room while the claims are investigated by a senior counsel brought in by party bosses.

Mr Martin has denied any wrongdoing and said he will cooperate with the independent inquiry, but blamed the outbursts on his youth.

The NSW politician allegedly called his ex-lover a 'dumb c***' and a 'f***ing bitch' in a series of abusive foul-mouthed texts which have been revealed for the first time

'I was young and inexperienced and I found myself involved in a situation that was way beyond me,' he said in a statement.

'There were heated words during my attempts to go separate ways that I sincerely regret.

'It was an ugly and undignified parting of ways. If I could undo any hurt that has been caused I would do it in a heartbeat.

'I am so sorry and apologise unreservedly to everyone that has been caught up in it.'

His official Facebook profile has also been taken offline.

Ms Wicks hired Mr Martin eight years ago when he was 24 and he later became the youngest member in parliament when he took his NSW upper house seat from Mike Gallacher in 2017.

Their relationship ended in 2019 and Ms Wicks alleged that she has been abused by Mr Martin for five years.

Ms Wicks's supporter told the SMH the abuse had scared the MP into silence because 'he had such control over her.'

They added: 'She was terrified of his reaction.'

Lucy Wicks hired Mr Martin eight years ago when he was 24 and he later became the youngest member in parliament when he took his NSW upper house seat from Mike Gallacher in 2017

She finally made her confidential complaint to the Liberal Party in October 2021 before losing her seat Robertson in the May 2022 federal election. She had held the seat since September 2013.

Ms Wicks spoke out publicly about the abuse at the weekend after she was outed as the victim by Ben Fordham on 2GB on Friday without her permission.

'My complaint to the Liberal Party was in relation to serious concerns including behaviour in the workplace, in the party and in political interactions,' Ms Wicks said.

'It includes allegations that I was physically threatened and received hundreds of demeaning, degrading, and abusive texts.

'During that five-year period, I was continually exposed to highly aggressive barrages of verbal abuse, which included threats to destroy my reputation if I spoke up.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms Wicks and Mr Martin for comment.
A stay-at-home mother has fronted court charged with criminal neglect after police allegedly found maggots writhing in her 18-month-old daughter's overflowing nappy.

South Australian mum Shay Ellen Bilney, 24, reportedly appeared in the Whyalla Magistrates Court charged with one count each of aggravated criminal neglect and aggravated endangering life.

The court was told her daughter was found in an 'absolutely dire condition'.

'The baby was sat in its own urine and faeces, its nappy had overflown, there was live maggots in the nappy,' a police prosecutor reportedly told the court.

Mother-of-two Shay Ellen Bilney (pictured with her children), 24, appeared in the Whyalla Magistrates Court charged with one count each of aggravated criminal neglect and aggravated endangering life

The court heard she had previously been charged with assault

'When the nappy was taken off, skin was peeling, the genitals were sore, [she] had infected wounds where the Velcro had been on the nappy.'

According to The Advertiser, Timothy McGrath, who was representing Ms Bilney, told the court she was a woman in 'dire need' of assistance.

'She sounds like she's terribly isolated,' Mr McGrath said.

Ms Bilney (pictured) was remanded in custody until July 31 when she will appear at the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court

Mr McGrath said when he asked Ms Bilney about the alleged neglect of her own daughter, his client said in a 'very stressed and pitiful way' she hadn't changed her daughter's nappy.

'I took from her comments, and the level of her distress about this, that she's aware of the consequential injuries that this child has gained,' Mr McGrath said.

Magistrate Rodney Oates ordered a report to determine Ms Bilney's suitability for home detention bail, the Advertiser reported.

Ms Bilney was remanded in custody until July 31 when she will appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court.

A spokesperson for SA Police told Daily Mail Australia: 'Following an investigation, on Friday 21 July Whyalla police attended a Whyalla Norrie home and arrested a 24-year-old woman.

'Two children in her care were taken to hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.'
Union says the tax could remedy the housing crisis

One of Australia's most powerful unions wants a tax to be slapped on big businesses to pay for social and affordable housing.

The CFMEU has called for a super profits tax to bankroll construction and solve the country's housing crisis.

National secretary Zach Smith will outline the ambitious plan during a speech to the National Press Club on Tuesday, putting pressure on the governing Labor Party.

Mr Smith said more than 750,000 dwellings were desperately needed in Australia, and it would cost more than $500 billion to close the gap, which would be comfortably covered by a super profits tax.

'The money exists, the wealth exists, but it doesn't exist in ordinary Australian households,' he will say in Canberra on Tuesday.

Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining And Energy Union Zach Smith (pictured) will outline the ambitious plan for a super profits tax

'It exists in the profit columns of a very small and very elite group of corporations.'

Mr Smith said the government could and must step in to fix the housing problem.

'The state has a role to play, and Australians want the state to play it,' he said.

The union boss said the tax would only apply to 0.3 per cent of companies that were making the biggest profits.

Research conducted by Oxford Economics Australia, which was commissioned by the construction workers' union, said an economy-wide super profits tax would be able to fund the forecast $28 billion per year required to close the housing gap.

The research firm found a gap of 190,000 social dwellings and 559,000 affordable ones, an overall increase of 114,000 since 2014.

Mr Smith said the proposed tax would be a circuit breaker.

'We must first square up to an obvious truth: to fix a housing affordability crisis you must build more affordable houses,' he will say.

'We do need to move more boldly than we've done for a while.

'We need big structural reform aimed at a serious long-term fix.'

The policy follows the Labor government's proposed $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund, which has stalled in the Senate.

That fund would aim to build 30,000 social and affordable homes in the next five years.

The Oxford Economics research said the government's proposed 30,000 homes would be well shy of the number of homes needed to fix the problem.

Government Services Minister Bill Shorten said the future fund would be critical to ensuring more housing is built, while rejecting the plan for a super profits tax.

'Housing is a problem. There is no doubt that we need to develop more supply. There's no doubt that people are doing it tough in the rental market,' he told ABC TV on Tuesday.

'The government has no plans that I'm aware of to have any sort of super tax, so I think the government's got a strategy and I think we should stay the course and back in what we know.'

After Mr Smith launches the super profits tax campaign at the National Press Club, the CFMEU will take it to Labor's national conference next month, calling for it to be included in the party's policy platform.

'This reform could end homelessness in Australia, it could boost productivity, it could lift millions out of poverty and distress,' Mr Smith will say.

'I know we're not used to thinking this big anymore, but there's such a strong appetite out there for an idea like this one.'

Research found Australia is facing a current shortfall of 750,700 social and affordable dwellings. That gap is forecast to grow to 946,000 dwellings by 2041 (stock image)

Labor went to the last election promising to establish a $10bn housing fund  the Housing Australia Future Fund  to spend up to $500m per year to build 30,000 affordable homes over five years.

But the legislation has stalled in the Senate for months after the Greens stood firm on their demand for the government to spend closer to $5bn each year to address the social housing shortfall.

Mr Smith will use his speech to slam successive governments for suggesting 'only the market can be relied upon to create progress'.

'It is nonsense. Not only can government step in to fix big intractable national problems  it must,' the union boss will say.

'The state has a role to play and Australians want the state to play it.'
A brave surfer who was attacked by a shark at a popular beach managed to save his own life and swim 600m back to shore despite being badly bitten on the leg.

The man, aged in his twenties, was attacked by the great white shark at Gnarabup Beach in the Margaret River region, Western Australia, at 8.45am on Monday.

The shark bit the man on his leg before he managed to break free from its deathly grip and miraculously swim back to shore despite losing 'a lot of blood'.

A brave surfer who was attacked by a shark at a popular beach swam 600m back to shore after he was bitten on the leg

The surfer was attacked by a great white shark on a popular beach in Western Australia and fought his way to safety

The man was given first aid by an off-duty nurse after suffering a deep gash to his left leg.

He is currently in a stable condition after he was taken to Margaret River Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Terrifying footage that was captured from the shore showed dramatic scenes as the shark splashed it's way towards the victim while a surfboard was flung into the air

Beachgoers told 9News the man was incredibly brave and said he 'saved his own life'.

They also said he 'lost a lot of blood,' as he fought to escape from the animal before paddling back to the shoreline with the gruesome injury.

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River closed all beaches from Gas Bay to Margaret River Mouth on Monday until further notice.

'To ensure the safety of our community, please do not enter the water during this time,' the statement read.

Beaches from Gas Bay to Margaret River Mouth were closed on Monday until further notice following the latest shark attack

Western Australia's Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is investigating the attack.

Authorities have urged beachgoers to take extra care around the Gnarabup and Prevelly area.

The Sharksmart WA website put out an alert indicating that a shark had been spotted on the beach just after 9am.

The incident marks the seventh shark attack on beaches across Western Australia this year.
A trans woman who blasted a hotel spa for not giving her a key to a female changing room has sparked a furious row with critics including Sharron Davies.

Anne Coombes, 65, vented on Twitter that her day was 'spoilt' after finding she was unable to get her locker key to work in the female changing room of the four-star Mercure Hotel in Sheffield.

She alleged that a member of staff had 'assumed' that she wanted to use the unisex changing facilities and has since demanded that the worker is sent for gender sensitivity training.

Furious at being treated 'as if I am not a woman', she tweeted: 'I am so f*****g angry. I'm at the Mercure Hotel in Sheffield and I fancied using the swimming pool. I couldn't get my locker key to work on the ladies.

'Turns out the assistant had "assumed" I wanted the unisex changing room. With me dressed like this', sharing a picture of her in a blue skirt and top on Sunday.

She added: 'This is the first time anyone IRL (in real life) has treated me as if I am not a woman... decent people accept the rule of self identity. If in doubt then find a polite way to ask, don't assume'.

It is not clear whether Ms Coombes was staying as a guest at the hotel, but she said she later went back down to 'ask that the person in question is sent on a diversity, equality and inclusion course'.

Accor, the company which owns Mercure, has been approached for comment by MailOnline.

Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies, who is campaigning to keep biological men out of women's sports, responded to Ms Coombes' tweet, saying: 'Youre male, use the changing room with other males or at the very least the unisex changing room! Deciding you wanting to change where you want to change does NOT trump women & girls rights. Ps I dont know a single female that would subject that level of discomfort on others'.

Anne Coombes, 65, vented on Twitter after she was unable to get her locker key to work in the female changing room of the four-star Mercure Hotel in Sheffield

A trans woman has blasted a hotel who asked if she wanted to use the unisex changing rooms when she arrived to use the swimming pool, claiming the experience 'spoilt her day'

Twitter user Anne Coombes vented on social media after she was unable to get her locker key to work

Sharron Davies sided with the hotel

The trans woman replied: 'Sharron you know nothing about me, and all you know about the incident is what I have revealed. Don't presume to know things about me with no evidence. It shows an arrogance which is not becoming.'

TalkTV presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer also weighed in, tweeting: 'Yeah, sure, what all women and girls are looking for when they're naked in a changing room is a big angry man who demands to be in there with them because he's dressed as a woman. Uh huh.'

Ms Coombes tweets on Sunday went viral and the following day she said: 'I have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have gone out of their way to state their concern and offer their support whether virtual or real. Thank you to each and everyone of you, I value your standing up as an ally.

'And to all those people who weren't on my side, I'm sorry but I will continue to exist, I am not going away. It doesn't matter how much you lie about me I will still be here when you have run out of things to say'.

The response to her tweets have been mixed. One ally said: 'Sorry to hear this has happened to you Anne and also sorry for the abuse you have had to put up with. Standing with you'.

But one critic said: 'Why couldn't you use the unisex changing room if you know you make some women uncomfortable? How hard is that?'

It comes as womens rights campaigners, including author JK Rowling, desperately try to stop public bodies and businesses replacing separate male and female toilets with gender neutral ones which are more welcoming to trans people.

From the National Trust to UK theatres and even the Houses of Parliament, proposals to install gender neutral toilets have been blasted as woke and dangerous.

She wrote on Twitter that was she furious at being treated 'as if I am not a woman' by the hotel. Pictured: The Mercure Hotel in Sheffield

It comes as womens rights campaigners, including author JK Rowling, desperately try to stop public bodies and businesses replacing separate male and female toilets with gender neutral ones in an attempt to be more welcoming to trans people

In May, parents at Walsall Academy, near Wolverhampton, were left fearful that new gender neutral toilets would leave 11-year-olds sharing lavatories with 18-year-olds of the opposite gender.

There were reports of pupils recording each other in the toilets, while teenage girls were refusing to drink water because they were forced to wait until they were home before relieving themselves.

Meanwhile late last month, The Telegraph reported that a teenage boy was reportedly arrested over allegations that female pupils were sexually assaulted in the gender-neutral toilets at another secondary school in Essex.

In response, JK Rowling has warned that gender neutral toilets are sacrificing girls' 'safety, privacy and dignity'.
Forensic cops have dug up mysterious objects in the backyard of Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect Rex Heurmann's home.

Haunting images showed the officers crowded over a hole in the ground as they surveyed what appeared to be small fragments on a board in the soil.

Some experts speculated they could be human remains, while others warned they could be from animals or something else entirely.

Investigators have been carting out boxes of items from the house for the past week as they rigorously hunt for any evidence connected to the infamous killings.

They have discovered a huge gun cache and are probing the idea some of the victims could have been butchered at the house.

Heuermann, 59, was arrested on July 14 on suspicion of murdering three sex workers whose bodies were found on Gilgo Beach in 2010.

Forensic investigators are seen on Monday photographing objects found at Rex Heuermann's home on Long Island. Analysts told DailyMail.com they could be human remains, but would need further scrutiny

A forensic photographer is seen bending over the tray of objects found at Heuermann's house

Another member of the team is seen standing in the pit dug by the excavator, examining material found in the ground

Exclusive DailyMail.com photos from this week show investigators looking at a tray of objects, which experts said could be human remains.

Heuermann, 59, was arrested on July 14 in Manhattan, where he owned an architectural firm. he has been charged in connection to three murders along Gilgo Beach

The forensic cops could be seen surveying the items that had been laid out on a white board.

One stood close by with a large sack for the items to be hauled away in after they were photographed.

A doctor and a bone expert analyzed the photos for DailyMail.com and were split over the nature of the objects - but said 'human remains can't be ruled out'.

'Really from a distance they definitely could be human, or animal. But it's too far away to know for sure,' said one doctor.

'DNA testing is very necessary: we doctors are used to close-ups.'

Another expert, a forensic anthropologist, told DailyMail.com: 'From my experience, they look too rectangular to be human. I wouldn't recognize any of those objects immediately as human remains.

'But the dark stain to them suggests we are looking at organic material, and the context in which they were found means I wouldn't rule out human remains.'

The yellow excavator has been at the Long Island house since Sunday

The items dug up on Monday were placed in a brown bag and taken away for further analysis

Investigators have spent a significant amount of time looking inside Heuermann's basement, the door to which is seen open by his plants

Excavation of the site was being done by machines and by hand on Monday: men with spades are seen standing to the edge of the pit

The finds are recorded on a tablet after being photographed

The search of the site could be completed as soon as Tuesday

A yellow excavator is seen on Monday outside the Massapequa Park, Long Island home of Rex Heuermann

Rodney Harrison, commissioner of Suffolk County Police, told News 12 Long Island investigators could not confirm if any of the victims had ever visited the Heuermann home.

'We are doing a total investigation around the house to see if there is anything out there that we need to take a closer look at,' he said on Monday.

'Can we confirm that someone was killed inside the house? We can't confirm that at this time.'

Harrison said the room in Heuermann's basement was not soundproof but confirmed it had extremely thick walls.

Harrison said it might have been used to store his large collection of guns.

Over 200 firearms were found in his suburban Massapequa Park, Long Island, house - although he only had permits for 92 firearms, according to prosecutors.

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

The Heuermann-Ellerup home in Long Island is pictured Saturday, as investigators remove items from the house

Police said they believe the alleged killer may have murdered at least one of his victims inside the home

One of Heuermann's former co-workers told The New York Post the architect took time off to install the concrete-lined room.

'It's not just a hidden room  it's a serious vault,' the colleague said.

'It had a huge, heavy-duty safe door. He went and poured new concrete walls, massive amount of concrete to encase this room. It was maybe two or three feet thick.'

Police believe Heuermann's wife, Asa Ellerup, 59, and children had no involvement in the killings.

Analysis of phone records shows that Ellerup was out of town during the periods in 2009 and 2010 when Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello went missing.

She was in Iceland, where she was born, and visiting friends in New Jersey.

Heuermann is also a suspect in the 2007 death of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, but phone records from that era are no longer accessible.

Harrison said Heuermann's family was stunned when they were told of his alleged crimes.

'They were disgusted. They were embarrassed,' he said. 'So if you ask me, I don't believe they knew about this double life that Heuermann was living.'

Ellerup filed for divorce last week, and has not been back to the house, which remains sealed off.

Harrison said the search at the house could end as soon as Tuesday.

'I want to believe we will be finished up either some time tomorrow or later on this week,' he said.
Mike Cannon-Brookes shared countless loved-up tweets about his wife Annie - one of them in all capital letters - after he got down on one knee to propose more than a decade ago.

But the Atlassian co-founder's fairytale romance with a fashion designer he met in the Qantas lounge has since come crashing down with news breaking last week the pair had split up.

Annie Todd met Mr Cannon-Brookes in a chance encounter when she mistook him for someone else, but the future tech tycoon managed to charm her and the pair eventually tied the knot in 2010.

The couple's separation, first reported by the Australian Financial Review on Friday, now raises questions about how they will divvy up their estimated $19billion fortune, in addition to a $300million property empire.

Following their engagement in 2009, Mr Cannon-Brookes tweeted: 'GOT ENGAGED THIS WEEKEND! The gorgeous Miss Annie said yes!'

Mike and Annie Cannon-Brookes are seen on their wedding day

The Atlassian co-founder once shared loved-up tweets about his wife

That same month, he said he was looking forward to dinner with Ms Cannon-Brookes after a tough day in the office.

'Tough day at work and it's only Monday. People ain't easy. Annie's bday dinner will cheer me up. Tis what family's for right?' he said in another tweet.

In February, 2010, after their honeymoon, the businessman shared another loved-up post.

'Back at work after marrying the wonderful Mrs Annie C-B and six-week honeymoon. Woo!' he said.

A few months later he shared his hopes for their future together.

'Great read for anyone who likes to travel and has kids. I hope Annie and I are a cool travelling family in the future!' he tweeted.

The billionaire Atlassian co-founder had met his wife through a chance encounter in the Qantas lounge at Sydney Airport

Ms Cannon-Brookes was working as a fashion designer and had been on her way home to Michigan when she bumped into the Atlassian CEO in the Qantas lounge at Sydney Airport.

He wooed her by inviting her to an awards ceremony and they soon became a close part of one another's lives.

She now runs the House of Cannon label.

The couple married in January 2010 and went on to have four children together.

As Mr Cannon-Brookes climbed the Rich List ranks, the pair went on to amass an almost $300million property portfolio with mansions in Sydney's eastern suburbs, northern beaches and the Southern Highlands.

The couple's 1.1-hectare Fairwater home in Point Piper, where the late Lady Mary Fairfax lived, has been the most extravagant of their purchases.

They snapped it up in 2018 despite its intimidating $100million price tag, which made it the most expensive house in Australia at the time.

It's unclear what led to the couple's split. They share four children together

In June, Mr Cannon-Brookes and his wife forked out $14.25million to buy a home in Newport, on Sydney's northern beaches, neighbouring the $24.5million estate they purchased in 2020.

The five-bedroom home is set on a 3,000sqm block of land and features a 1,000sqm netted bathing area.

The home was also located three doors down from another of their properties, acquired for $2.35million in 2020.

The couple also spent $2.55million on a fisherman's cottage out at Great Mackerel Beach, on the northern beaches, which is accessible only by boat.

Ms Cannon-Brookes told a journalist in 2016 she and her husband were 'lucky' to share the same goals.

'One of our biggest is to provide as normal an existence for our kids as possible,' she said.

On their tenth anniversary, she shared an image from their wedding day and thanked her husband for being her 'forever partner in crime'.

The reasons behind the split are unclear.

'They're both focused on their children as their number one priority right now,' a family representative said. 'They ask that their privacy is respected.'
A leading No campaigner and critic of the proposed Voice to Parliament likened the fight to protect traditional Indigenous land to 'preserving things in zoos'.

Gary Johns delivered a speech for the Bennelong Society Conference in 2003 where he made the controversial remarks.

The onetime Labor MP and president of Recognise a Better Way - one of a number of groups campaigning against the Voice - has faced calls to resign over the 'outdated' views shared in historic interviews, books and speeches.

Dr Johns said there had been 'great strides' in Indigenous rights over four decades, referencing the successful referendum in 1967 which allowed for Indigenous Australians to be counted in the census and removed racial discrimination.

But he said discussions about Indigenous citizenship were 'hijacked because the obsession was with land'.

'It was as if it was a postcolonial situation where people had regained their land and were fighting to establish a nation.

'There was an obsession with preserving difference. It is what you do in zoos - preserve things and put them aside.'

Dr Johns said there had been 'great strides' in Indigenous rights over four decades, referencing the successful referendum in 1967 which allowed for Indigenous Australians to be counted in the census and removed racial discrimination

Dr Johns has rallied against a Voice and suggested Indigenous people should take a blood test to confirm their heritage before they receive any benefits.

'There is always something new in this game of Aboriginal separatism. A new product on the shelf,' he said in the 2003 speech.

He argued academics who live outside of and are removed from disadvantaged communities have 'taken power from those Aborigines and produced a whole new set of Aboriginal leaders'.

He said the new Aboriginal leaders 'knew that they would come to power by using western education to represent their people, and no longer seeking equal opportunity, but the right to be different in a very radical way'.

'The reason is that too much of Aboriginal life is politicised, and too much of Aboriginal life is lived in the government domain.'

Dr Johns suggested government bodies, like the now-defunct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC), served 'to keep too many Aboriginal people playing the one game of politics, in particular, the subvention of the public purse'.

Dr Johns has rallied against a Voice and suggested Indigenous people should take a blood test to confirm their heritage before they receive any benefits

He argued against rhetoric that 'Aboriginal culture must be preserved, and that somehow governments can preserve it'.

'Governments cannot preserve culture. Aboriginal people own their own culture, and every mother and father in this room knows that you can pass it on, but you cannot be assured that your sons and daughters will want to hear the message that you pass on,' he said.

'You just cannot control the next generation.'

His comments have sparked outrage from politicians and officials committed to the Yes vote.

Liberal MP Matt Kean demanded Mr Johns step down from the No campaign, describing his views as 'extreme' and 'beyond the pale'.

Teal independent MPs Allegra Spender and Monique Ryan also expressed concerns about his role in petitioning for a No vote.

But Indigenous Voice critic Warren Mundine, who is leading the Fair Australia No campaign, said calls for Dr Johns to step down were unwarranted.

His comments have sparked widespread outrage from politicians and officials committed to the Yes vote. Pictured: The public participating in 'The Long Walk' from Melbourne to Canberra to support a Yes vote

He does not agree with the comments Dr Johns has made, but thinks debate and diversity is healthy.

'That is why our polling is so good. We speak to every Australian,' he said.

Thomas Mayo, a Yes campaigner who has also historically shared divisive opinions about his vision for the future of Australia with a Voice to Parliament, remains part of the government's advisory body.

Mr Mayo envisioned reparations for Indigenous people, 'rent' being paid to live on Australian land and the abolishment of 'harmful colonial institutions'.

This vision for a Voice to Parliament appeared to directly contradict Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's hope for a 'modest' concession to assist the nation's most vulnerable.

Mr Mayo listed 'all the things we imagine when we demand' a Voice, including 'reparations, land back, abolishing harmful colonial institutions'.

Daily Mail Australia obtained a series of old tweets dating back to 2018 and published by Thomas Mayo, an architect of the Voice referendum question and signatory of the Uluru Statement of the Heart

Additionally, Mr Mayo said his sights were set on 'getting ALL our kids out of prisons & in to care... integration of our laws & lore, speaking language, wages back'.

Mr Mayo said a 'guaranteed representative body' was 'needed [to]... properly pursue the rent that is owed and an abolishment of systems that harm us'.

Since the comments came to light, Mr Mayo has embarked on a lengthy tour around Australia promoting the Voice alongside politicians and key Yes figures.

He also told Daily Mail Australia he is now of the understanding a Voice will 'focus on practical issues that matter to Indigenous communities such a s better employment outcomes and housing', acknowledging many of his comments were years old.

Daily Mail Australia has approached Dr Johns for comment.

The prominent 'Yes' campaigner described his vision for life with a Voice to Parliament - detailing ambitions for reparations to Indigenous people, 'rent' being paid to live on Australian land and the abolishment of 'harmful colonial institutions'
Three people who were rushed to hospital after being gunned down in their cars are the latest victims in a spate of stabbings and shootings to rock the neighbourhood.

Two men and a woman were sitting in two parked cars before they were shot on Mayvic Street at Greenacre, south-west Sydney, at 2.15am on Sunday.

Ahmad Al-Azzam, 25, is in an induced coma after he was shot multiple times in the head while he sat in his silver Toyota.

Couple Kaashif Richards, 22, and Achiraya Jantharat, 19, are also in hospital after they were shot in a Mazda parked 50metres away from Mr Al-Azzam.

Police have not found any links between the brazen shooting and organised crime.

But Sydney's inner-south-west, which includes Greenacre and surrounding suburbs, has been regularly featured in headlines for similar, violent incidents.

Ahmad Al-Azzam, 25, was shot multiple times including in the head while sitting in his silver Toyota (pictured) in Sydney's Greenacre is now fighting for life while couple Kaashif Richards, 22, and Achiraya Jantharat, 19, were gunned down in a Mazda parked nearby

Police have not found any links between the brazen triple shooting and organised crime

In February, a man was discovered at an industrial site in Greenacre with his pinky fingers and a toe cut off after a suspected kidnapping and torture.

He was also reportedly covered in acid.

Security guards were alerted to his presence when he stumbled into their booth bleeding from his injuries.

It is understood he was dumped at the location by a group of individuals after he was kidnapped earlier in the day.

In December, shots were fired into a car with a baby inside during a suspected criminal deal at Greenacre.

CCTV footage released by NSW police showed one man emerge from a black Toyota Camry while another gets out of a black Mazda 3 before shaking hands.

The two then open the boot of the Mazda as a gunman is seen walking towards the pair, checking his weapon, and then running to their location.

A passenger jumps out of the car before the driver accelerates towards the hooded gunman, who then shoots in the direction of the vehicle.

The armed man then returns to the Camry as another man in a purple singlet is seen gesturing on nearby Highview St.

Police outside the Greenacre warehouse where a man was found with missing fingers and a toe

Shots were fired into a car with a baby inside during a suspected criminal deal at Greenacre in December

In November, gunshots were fired at the family home of convicted rapists Bilal and Mohammed Skaf.

Underworld sources believe 23-year-old Hadi was the target of the shooting, however it is unknown if he was at home at the time

Hadi was arrested on charges involving conspiracy to kidnap when he and four other men were apprehended in a park in Sydney's southwest a month earlier. He was granted bail.

In April last year, crime figure Mahmoud 'Brownie' Ahmad was shot dead in the same suburb.

He was in a street visiting an associate and was gunned down by 'a large hail of bullets' while he was leaving.

Ahmad had walked free from jail six months before the shooting after serving a five-year jail sentence for killing a gangland rival.

Police say Ahmad was warned multiple times that he was a marked man and that his life was in imminent danger.

Police were called to the single-storey Skaf residence after reports of shots being fired at the property (above)

A harrowing picture shows Sydney underworld kingpin 'Mr Big' fighting for life after he was brazenly executed in a hail of bullets

Suburbs surrounding Greenacre have also been the setting for several high-profile crimes.

Nearby Belmore caught national media attention in March when Peter Vuong was found at a property by police who claimed he had been tortured for several days and had his teeth pulled out with a hammer and pliers.

Kidnappers allegedly abducted Mr Vuong from a house in Smithfield by men wearing face masks and wielding sledgehammers and guns before taking him to the squalid house.

Mr Vuong was rescued by dozens of heavily armed NSW Police tactical officers who used flash grenades before storming the rundown home.

Six men have been charged for the alleged abduction and torture.

In November, there was also the shooting of a man in Belmore, which occurred one street away from where Rami Iskander, 23, the nephew of Ahmad, was gunned down in May last year.

It is understood two gunmen had shot Mr Iskander dead, before two burnt-out vehicles were found in the nearby suburbs of Croydon Park and Bexley North.

Nearby Belmore caught national media attention when six men were arrested over the alleged abduction and torture of Peter Vuong

Rami Iskander, 23, the nephew of crime figure Mahmoud 'Brownie' Ahmad, was gunned down in Belmore in May

The inner-south-west had the most homicides in the state in the year leading up to March 2023, according to the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.

Six deaths were recorded with the area closely followed by Parramatta, in western Sydney, and the Richard-Tweed region, in far northern NSW, which both recorded five.

The inner-south-west also had the most domestic violence assaults with 2,184 incidents.

While Greenacre itself has a much lower crime rate than surrounding suburbs, burglary and theft in the area has increased.

Police are still on the lookout for the gunman from Sunday's shooting as footage has emerged of a car speeding away from the scene of the crime.

The vehicle captured on camera is believed to have been stolen in the city's eastern suburbs earlier this year.

It was found just five minutes after the shooting on Amy Street, two suburbs away in Regents Park, in a ball of flames - something that has become a trademark of Sydney's underworld hitmen.

Police are still on the lookout for the gunman from Sunday's triple shooting in Greenacre

The black BMW was found just five minutes after the shooting on Amy St, two suburbs away in Regents Park, in a ball of flames - something that has become a trademark of Sydney's underworld hitmen

Police believe Mr Al-Azzam was the intended target of the shooter due to the high number of bullets focused on the car he was sitting in.

But the motive remains a mystery as none of the three victims had criminal records or any known links to organised crime gangs.

Police officers who arrived on the bloody scene and performed CPR are credited with saving the victims' lives.

About 20 investigators under the newly formed Strike Force Aplina are working to find the perpetrators.

In the past three years, 18 people have been shot dead in the Harbour City.

Several more, including the latest three victims, have narrowly surviving shootings throughout Sydney.


BJP Parliamentary Board to meet to devise strategy for House proceedings Amidst the continuing tussle between the government and the Opposition, the BJP Parliamentary Board meeting is scheduled to be held on Tuesday. The meeting is slated to begin at 9:30 a.m. before the commencement of Parliament proceedings.



In the meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi can give important instructions to the party MPs regarding the strategy for the remaining days of the ongoing monsoon session and communication with the public after the session.



Besides Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President J.P. Nadda and all Union Ministers, party MPs from both the Houses -- Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha -- will be present in the meeting.



The ongoing deadlock in Parliament and counter-strategy to retaliate against the attacks of Opposition parties can also be discussed in the meeting.




For Sunday lunch afficionados, the traditional roast beef dinner wouldn't be complete without a Yorkshire pudding.

And the delicacy  made from a simple trio of milk, flour and eggs combined with meat dripping to produce a light and crisp batter - is something we can't get enough of, it seems.

The humble Yorkshire has beaten delights such as Bakewell tart, Scotch egg, haggis, jellied eels and Melton Mowbray pork pies to top a list of Britain's best-loved regional dishes.

When asked by pollsters to name their regional favourite, a staggering 44 per cent chose Yorkshire Puddings.

The delicacy was a country mile ahead of the nearest rivals, Cheddar cheese, and shortbread, both named by 36 percent, and Cornish pasties, picked by 34 per cent.

Yorkshire puddings have topped a list of Britain's best-loved regional dishes

Cheddar cheese, and shortbread, came joint second on the list, both named by 36 percent

The survey of 2,000 people was carried out on behalf of Playsee, a new social media platform which focuses on local neighbourhood happenings through video content.

Veronica Lin, head of user experiences at Playsee, said: 'It's great to see from the research that so many Brits see the value in supporting local businesses and are actively eating more locally since the pandemic, and admit that we could all do our part to help them more.'

Playsee compiled a list of 20 favourite regional delicacies named by people who participated in the survey.

Other foods scoring highly were Bakewell tart (26 per cent), Scotch eggs (25 per cent) - which are believed to have originated in Whitby, North Yorkshire, and pork pies (18 per cent), which were first invented in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

Also named were Stottie bread from the North East, Balti curries  originating in Birmingham  as well as Kendal Mint Cake and Newcastle Brown Ale. Cockney favourite jellied eels came 20th, cited by only two per cent,

Those surveyed also spoke highly of cuisine in their hometowns.

Cornish pasties were picked by 34 per cent of participants

Overall 74 per cent of people quizzed said they felt confident their hometown has some of the best regional cuisine in the UK, while 89 per cent love to enjoy local food from different parts of the UK.

On average Brits eat out at their favourite local places four times a month, with 20 per cent eating out more locally now than they did pre-pandemic, while 38 per cent praising independent restaurants and cafes for contributing to their neighbourhood.

Some 27 per cent said they think Brits have great taste in food, while 10 per cent couldn't live without their local cafe and the same number wished they had supported a local pub or restaurant more before it shut down.

And those who had found a venue serving mouthwatering delights were sometimes keen to keep it a secret, with 25 per cent admitting to keeping their knowledge of a foodie 'gem' to themselves.

When it comes to where we find the best places to eat and drink, 57 per cent rely on friends and family, while 20 per cent of Brits rely on their neighbours to uncover hidden gems, the study revealed.

Yorkshire puddings are believed to date back centuries, when frugal innkeepers and cooks made use of excess meat dripping to make a batter pudding which could be used to pad out the size of their roast dinners at little extra cost.

According to tourist body Welcome to Yorkshire: 'This method of cooking Yorkshire Puddings led to their original title  'Dripping Puddings', the recipe of which is first found in the 1737 guide The Whole Duty of Woman.

'Ten years later, Hannah Glasse coined the phrase 'Yorkshire pudding' as the title for her recipe in her new cookbook The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Simple and thus the Yorkshire Pudding was born.'
Hunter Biden's paintings have been bought by a top Democratic donor and the lawyer who has caught smoking a bong during a visit from the First Son last week, a bombshell new report has revealed.

Despite a White House promise that all purchasers' identities would be kept a secret, two names have been revealed: Los Angeles-based real estate investor and Democratic donor Elizabeth Hirsch Naftali and Hollywood attorney Kevin Morris.

In July 2022, eight months after Hunter's exhibition opened in New York City, Joe Biden appointed Naftali to the Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad. It's not clear whether she had already purchased the art at that time.

Hunter's Hollywood 'fixer' lawyer Morris was seen smoking on the balcony of his Malibu home last week and loaned the president's son $2million to help him pay back taxes.

When Hunter Biden first announced he would make a high-dollar foray into the art world, the Biden team promised the identities of those who purchased Hunter's art would remain anonymous. On the campaign trail, Joe Biden promised an 'absolute wall' between his duties as president and his family's business dealings.

In 2021, Hunter made his debut at a ritzy New York art gallery, where the sticker price clocked in on some of his amateur pieces at $500,000.

Hunter Biden's artwork has brought in $1.3 million dollars, and it has been revealed that a top Democratic donor and Biden family friend who President Biden named to a prestigious commission was one of the purchasers

Last Thursday Kevin Morris was seen smoking from a bong in public view. He has been revealed as one of the buyers of Hunter's artwork

The White House said at the time the buyers had been vetted and their identity was only known to the gallery - suggesting Hunter's latest business venture would not become a way to sell White House influence.

But Hunter Biden did in fact learn the identity of two of his collectors, according to an Insider report that cites three people with direct knowledge of Biden's art career.

Membership of the commission Naftali was appointed to is unpaid and often filled by friends and allies of the president, much like ambassadorships.

Naftali is prominent in California Democratic circles. She's given some $13,000 to the Biden campaign and has donated $29,700 to the Democratic National Campaign Committee this year.

Last year she hosted a fundraiser that was headlined by Vice President Kamala Harris.

It's also not clear how much Naftali spent on Hunter's art. One single purchaser spent $875,000 on 11 of Hunter's paintings- though the identity of that person is unclear.

The buyer apparently does not reside in New York and is listed as 'out of state' in purchasing documents obtained by Insider.

The gallery received a 40 to 45 percent commission on the total $1,379,000 in sales.

In 2021, Hunter made his debut at a ritzy New York art gallery, where the sticker price clocked in on some of his amateur pieces at $500,000

Despite a promise that all purchasers' identities would be kept a secret, two names have been revealed: Los Angeles-based real estate investor and Democratic donor Elizabeth Hirsch Naftali, above, and Hollywood attorney Kevin Morris

Morris, also an author, is a confidant and 'fixer' for Hunter Biden

Hunter Biden, gallerist Georges Berges and Beau Biden, Jr. arrive at the opening of Hunter's new show 'Haiku' at Georges Berges Gallery in New York City

A White House official told Insider that Naftali's appointment had been recommended by former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and there was no connection between her art purchase and her spot on the commission.

An email found on Hunter Biden's abandoned laptop suggests that he has helped people get a spot on the commission before. When a cousin wrote to Hunter asking for help in getting a similar appointment for their mother, Hunter wrote back: 'Eric asked me for one of these the day after the election in 2008.' He was referring to Eric Schwerin - a former business partner who President Obama appointed to the commission in 2015.

Morris, a confidant and 'fixer' for Hunter, has spent an undisclosed amount on the first son's art. The wealthy Los Angeles-based attorney has loaned Hunter some $2 million to pay the back taxes he owed and avoid felony charges. Hunter recently pleaded guilty two misdemeanor charges for his tax crimes.

Morris has at times paid Hunter's living expenses in Los Angeles, according. to the New York Times. He helped him find a high-powered literary agent for his memoir 'Beautiful Things' and helped him seal the art gallery deal.

Morris has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to Democratic causes.

Republicans have Hunter Biden in their sights for alleged influence-peddling schemes. Last week they released an unverified FBI form where a confidential human source detailed a conversation with a Burisma executive who claimed Hunter and Joe had been paid $5 million each in exchange for policy outcomes when he was vice president.
One of Australia's best-known restauranteurs has pleaded not to have a safe injecting room for drug addicts put directly opposite his famous eatery.

READ MORE: Shocking photos expose the Melbourne suburb where 'meth and heroin zombies' roam free - injecting, fornicating and fighting while innocent schoolkids watch on

Guy Grossi's restaurant Florentino is a venerable Melbourne culinary institution, but he fears for its future if the Victorian government places the injecting room at the suggested location of the Salvation Army building on Bourke Street.

Mr Grossi said placing the city's second injecting centre there 'will impact my business in many different ways'.

'Firstly, I'm deeply concerned for the safety of my team,' he told Sunrise presenter Matt Shirvington on Tuesday morning.

'I have pastry chefs and bakers come into the city very early in the morning, so they are still dealing with leftovers from the night before.

Melbourne restauranteur Guy Grossi has spoken out against the prospect of a safe drug injecting centre being placed opposite his central Melbourne restaurant

'We have people locking up very late at night. I am concerned for their safety and I'm concerned for the reputation of the area and our business.

'I'm also very, very deeply concerned for the guests that come along that have to commute to the restaurant to dine here and what they will see outside.

'It is certainly not going to be conducive to sitting outside on a beautiful day in Melbourne and having a cafe latte or some lovely pasta, is it?'

Mr Grossi said Melbourne's first Medically Supervised Injecting Room, located only two kilometres away from the CBD, had 'messed up' the North Richmond area and he feared a second one would do the same.

'This is a theatre district,' he said.

'There are restaurants, cafes, shops, young children get off the trams to go to the shops and theatres, and we believe that another injecting room across the road from here is just going to increase the problem with crime and bringing an unsavoury element and inappropriate behaviour to the area.'

He called on the state government to preserve the 'integrity of the precinct'.

Mr Grossi believes an injecting centre will 'mess up' the city as it has North Richmond (pictured a scene from near the North Richmond centre)

'We feel that having something like this virtually on the steps of [Victoria's] Parliament House is really not the right spot for it,' he said.

Mr Grossi and other local business people have written an open letter to Daniel Andrews' Labor government to state their opposition to a city injecting room.

'I think the consideration should be somewhere where there is very little impact to the wider community,' Mr Grossi said.

'We need to look after all of the community, not just part of it.'

Their stance has also been backed by Police Association Secretary Wayne Gatt.

'Police are on their knees in respect to resourcing,' he said.

'We are feeling that in the CBD. We have protests almost every week, we have to keep the community safe from violent incidents.

Daniel Andrews' government is deciding on the location for a second safe drug injecting room (pictured North Richmond room)

'There is a lot to do in the city. When you have tourists, visitors and residents, you don't need an additional drug facility in the city, which will tie up units for hours on end.'

The North Richmond Medically Supervised Injecting Room became a permanent service earlier this year despite it being located near a primary school and with much community opposition.

The state government has advised a decision on the location of a second injecting room will be made in the coming week.
Ousted CNN vice president Allison Gollust was spotted Monday for the first time since her beau Jeff Zucker was seen holding hands with another woman.

Photos obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com show the 49-year-old speaking with Don Lemon, his fiancee Tim Malone and an unidentified woman before they left her house.

Gollust remains in a relationship with Zucker, the former CNN chief.

But, over the weekend, Zucker was photographed exclusively by DailyMail.com holding hands with married CNN host Alisyn Camerota as they left a party at Lemon's home in Sag Harbor. Gollust was also at the party, but left alone five minutes later.

Allison Gollust, 49, was spotted Monday for the first time since her boyfriend Jeff Zucker was pictured holding hands with a CNN anchor as they left a party in the Hamptons

Gollust was seen speaking to ousted anchor Don Lemon's fiancee, Tim Malone

She wore a blue tank top and a pearl necklace as she spoke from her front door in the Hamptons

On Saturday, Zucker was pictured exclusively by DailyMail.com holding hands with married CNN host Alisyn Camerota, as they left a party at Lemon's home in Sag Harbor

News of Zucker and Gollust's relationship led to their ultimate dismissal from the news network last year.

The couple had claimed their romance started during the pandemic, but media sources told DailyMail.com it was an open secret in the CNN offices for years.

It eventually became so much of an issue that Warner Media separated Zucker and Gollust one year earlier, a source claimed.

Both Gollust and Zucker were previously married, and lived in the same apartment building with their respective families.

The two had worked together at NBC and then CNN for more than 20 years, and had what some called an 'uncomfortably cozy' rapport.

'Jeff took Allison to every job he had - after they left NBC, he tried to get her on Katie Couric's show which failed, then he placed her at his friend Governor Cuomo's office, then took her to CNN as soon as he was he got that job all while failing upward along the way,' a source said.

They are both now divorced, and one source told DailyMail.com their splits were due at least in part to their relationship.

Gollust left the Hamptons party just five minutes after Zucker and Camerota, and was alone

Disgraced former anchor Don Lemon and Tim Malone were seen leaving Gollust's home

The fired CNN anchor got into his vehicle on Monday as he and his fiancee left the premises

Lemon is pictured here driving away from Gollust's house. He has maintained a relationship with Zucker and Gollust despite their ousters from the cable news network

The couple is said to still be together and even visited the Amalfi Coast with each other three weeks before Zucker was snapped leaving Lemon's Hamptons party.

Sources later claimed to Page Six there is nothing to photos of Zucker and Camerota together, saying that Jeff and Alisyn are just 'old friends.'

According to Page Six's sources, he and Alisyn left the party hand-in-hand to go for coffee with his girlfriend in town.

They returned to Lemon's home later to retrieve their vehicles, but there was no sign of Gollust.

Network insiders today also told DailyMail.com that while that may be the case, it was an 'inappropriate' and 'disrespectful' stunt from Alisyn, especially given all of the turmoil at the flailing news brand over the last year.

'Yes, they are best friends, but staff members - especially women at CNN - think that her attention seeking actions were just tacky and quite disrespectful.

'Alisyn should know better especially after talking so much s**t about Fox over coworkers' inappropriate behavior there,' the source said, referring to Camerota's public criticism of Roger Ailes, the late Fox News chairman who sexually harassed staff.

'Her holding hands for clout with Jeff was inappropriate.

'She is well-respected at the network, but this was extremely fame-thirsty and knew damn well what she was doing would get people talking,' the source added.

Camerota still works at CNN and is happily married to Tim Lewis, her husband of 21 years.

Zucker and Gollust are shown together along the Amalfi Coast in a photo posted online by Lemon on July 3

Lemon, Zucker and Gollust enjoyed a dinner in Italy nearly a month ago

Sources told DailyMail.com on Monday it was 'inappropriate' and 'disrespectful' for Zucker and Camerota to hold hands. They are pictured together at the 2019 Mirror Awards

'Alisyn also knows how the company she works for feels about Jeff and his behavior that led to his exit but she had disregard for this,' the source added.

'She is happily married, as far as she says, and no one thinks that she would jeopardize her job or ruin her marriage for Jeff.

'It was most likely done as a slap in the face for Allison. Why? Nobody knows. The entire thing is just so strange with them all being there with Don.

'It was a CNN dejected soiree with Alisyn,' they said.

Alisyn's husband, Tim, has yet to comment on the photo from Saturday's soiree. He was not in attendance at the gathering.

Unlike Gollust and Zucker, Alisyn and her husband do not own property in the Hamptons.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams was involved in a bizarre exchange Monday when a protester shouted expletives at him for his treatment of the homeless population.

Adams was announcing his plan to get rid of sheds and scaffolding from the streets of the city when a protester confronted the first-term mayor.

'F*** you, Eric Adams! 'F*** you, a******! You're f****** homeless people!' the person screamed.

Adams' was taken off guard and tried to remain cool with his response but ended up suggesting he was being accused of wanting to sleep with homeless people.

'She said, 'I'm messing with homeless people. You know that? One should be happy if someone wants to make love to them,'' Adams said in response.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was involved in a bizarre exchange Monday when a protester shouted expletives at the Democrat for his treatment of the homeless population

The homeless population increased by 18 percent over the last year in New York City, according to the city's researchers.

Adams has dealt with problems involving the homeless and immigration over his first two years in office.

Adams declared a state of emergency in October 2022 and has called on President Joe Biden, a fellow Democrat, to provide more resources and to help migrants get work permits.

New York City officials said it has provided services to 90,000 migrants since last spring and that nearly 55,000 remain in its care.

Thousands of those migrants arrived on buses sent by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican who has tried to shift the burden of receiving them to Democratic strongholds.

Two groups advocating for New York City's homeless population - the Legal Aid Society and the Coalition for the Homeless - said in a joint statement they were reviewing the legality of the new 60-day shelter limit.

'This new policy raises many questions and concerns that the City has yet to address. It is also unclear whether State officials have provided any input on what the City proposes to implement.'

They added the state has a legal obligation to 'ensure that people who lack shelter are safe and secure, and protected from exposure to the elements.'

Asylum seekers are transferred via city bus from Port Authority bus terminal to housing facilities in the Bronx and Queens on May 15, 2023, in New York City

US military personnel keep watch as asylum seekers are transferred via city bus from Port Authority bus terminal to housing facilities in the Bronx and Queens on May 15, 2023, in New York City

A new flyer New York City plans to circulate at the border highlights the high cost of housing, food and other necessities that migrants will encounter if they travel to the U.S. financial center.

'Please consider another city as you make your decision about where to settle in the U.S.,' it reads in English and Spanish.

Last month, NYC officials warned of a 'tipping point' in the city's immigration crisis, with asylum seekers making up more than half of the record-breaking 100,000 people housed in the Big Apple's homeless shelters.

City Hall Press Secretary Fabien Levy called for more support from the state and federal government, saying it was 'now caring for more asylum seekers than long-time New Yorkers experiencing homelessness.'

Under Mayor Adams, the city has spent more than a billion dollars to shelter migrants since they started arriving in large numbers in early 2022.

The costs are set to reach $4.4 billion by next year.

The homeless population increased by 18 percent over the last year in New York City, according to the city's researchers

Adams has dealt with problems involving the homeless and immigration over his first two years in office

Earlier this year, Adams visited the U.S.-Mexico border and called the situation 'a disaster' that needed to be addressed at the federal level.

The visit came after governors from Republican-led states like Florida and Texas began busing and flying migrants in to New York City in 2022.

New York City has opened more than 188 sites to house migrants, including 18 humanitarian relief centers. Adams previously called for worship centers to help house migrants.

'It is my vision to take the next step to this faith-based locales and then move to a private residence... They have spare rooms,' Adams said.
A teenage girl was sexually assaulted and murdered by her 'trusted' brother, jurors were told yesterday.

Amber Gibson was found dead at Cadzow Glen in Hamilton, Lanarkshire, on November 28, 2021. Her brother, Connor Gibson, is on trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

Gibson, 20  who can now be pictured for the first time as the trial reaches its closing stages  denies attempting to rape his 16-year-old sister and strangling her.

Prosecutor Richard Goddard, KC, told jurors the combination of CCTV footage, DNA evidence and the fact Gibson had tried to dispose of his clothing meant they should convict him.

The court heard Gibson left his housing unit in Hamilton on the evening of Friday, November 26, to meet Amber.

Amber Gibson's brother Connor Gibson (pictured), now 20, is on trial at the High Court in Glasgow

Amber Gibson (pictured) was found dead at Cadzow Glen in Hamilton, Lanarkshire, on November 28, 2021

Raising 21 circumstances linking the accused to the crime, the lawyer pointed to evidence that a bandage with Gibson's DNA on it was found near her body.

He also said Amber was last seen on CCTV with Gibson heading to a park entrance.

Jurors were reminded that Gibson was not spotted on the same CCTV again until more than 90 minutes later.

Mr Goddard said: 'What was he doing in a dark, secluded place for all that time? The very same place Amber was later to be found.'

The KC claimed there was evidence of a struggle between the pair and both ended up muddy.

Mr Goddard stated Gibson was 'caught red handed' throwing out a T-shirt and shorts when he went home that night.

He said: 'Gibson knew his clothing would have compelling evidence.' He further recalled that Gibson's DNA was found on Amber's bra, jogging bottoms, underwear and body.

He noted how Gibson 'obstructed' all efforts to trace Amber and said: 'Why obstruct police finding your own sister? The obvious answer is he didn't want police finding her as he murdered her.'

He said Gibson 'disposed of evidence and told lie after lie about where he was and when he last saw his sister'. He added: 'We have listened to evidence of the appalling murder of a girl by a person she must have trusted.

'Taking all sources in combination, it paints a clear picture that Gibson sexually assaulted and murdered his sister.'

Tony Graham, KC, defending, told the jury there is not a specific time for Amber's death.

He said: 'Can you convict someone of murder when you don't know when the person dies?'

The advocate also stated Gibson did assault his sister but did not cause her death. He reminded jurors that Amber's cause of death was compression of the neck.

He said: 'Where does that take you in deciding Connor Gibson should be found guilty of murder? There is no evidence of contact with the neck.'

Co-accused Stephen Corrigan, 45, is charged with attempting to defeat the ends of justice. He has lodged a special defence of alibi.

It is claimed he found Amber's body, inappropriately touched her and hid her remains. His lawyer, Rhonda Anderson, said: 'Police trawled CCTV looking to place him in Cadzow Glen that weekend. What did they find? Nothing.'

The trial, before Lord Mulholland, continues.
A transgender man from South Carolina is alleged to have been murdered by a man he left home to meet for a first date at an amusement park.

The body of Jacob Williamson, 18, from Laurens, was found on July 4 by the side of the road in Pageland, some seven miles from where police believe he was killed.

Williamson had been writing to a man from North Carolina a month-and-a-half when the pair agreed to meet in person on June 30 - but Williamson never came home after leaving for the park along the border to North Carolina and South Carolina.

Authorities from Union County, North Carolina, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation have now arrested two suspects, Joshua Newton, 25, and his girlfriend Victoria Smith, 22, in connection to Williamson's death.

Newton has been charged with first-degree murder and obstruction of justice while Smith has been charged with obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact.

An 18-year-old transgender man from South Carolina, Jacob Williamson, was murdered after going on a date with a man he had been communicating with for just over a month

Police have arrested two suspects, Joshua Newton, 25, and his girlfriend Victoria Smith, 22, in connection to the killing

Williamson had arranged to meet Newton at a local Waffle House before heading to the Carowinds amusement park.

Newton is alleged to have driven more than 100 miles to pick up Williamson for their date but instead of heading to the amusement park, he brought Williamson back to his trailer park home in Monroe, North Carolina. where he allegedly killed the teen.

Newton did not give police a clear motive or manner of Williamson's murder.

A family friend, Promise Edwards, revealed to WHNS that Williamson had been living with her for a month-and-a-half after he left his family's home when some relatives were said to have difficultly accepting his transitioning.

He agreed to have his phone tracked while on the date but Edwards became concerned after the location was suddenly turned off.

Williamson's body was found on the side of the road after going on a date at an amusement park

Edwards said she was giving Williamson a safe space to be himself for the first time in his life and helped him get a job at Waffle House.

In what was to be their last phone call, Edwards called to tell Williamson to turn the location tracking app back on.

Edwards then called the police after Williamson stopped answering his phone or respond to her texts.

Union County Sheriff's Office officials have said there is no evidence to suggest Williamson was murdered and targeted because of his gender identity.

A family friend, Promise Edwards said Williamson had been living with her for a month-and-a-half after he left his family's home when some relatives were unable to accept his transitioning

Edwards had been helping Williamson get his life back on track, allowing him to live with her and helping to get him a job at Waffle House

In pictures posted to social media Edwards appeared so share a close bond with the teen

'My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the victim in this case as they begin to mourn this unimaginable loss,' Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey said in a statement.

A heartbroken Edwards told WBTV she hopes parents may learn lessons from Williamson's death and pay attention to whom their loved ones are talking to online.

'Please express to them how unsafe it is to go with people online, how unsafe it is to get in the car with anybody that you do not know because this is our reality now. Our reality is missing somebody that never deserved to go away like this,' she said.

'The last thing I told him is that I love you, see you in the morning. This world was so cruel to Jacob his entire life,' Edwards said. 'I find peace in knowing that in the last month and a half, he found peace.'

So far in 2023, at least 14 transgender or gender-nonconforming people in the US have been killed, according to Pink News.
A judge has said he plans to sentence a former gynecologist to 20 years in prison for the sexual abuse of dozens of patients over two decades.

Judge Richard M. Berman announced his intention at a sentencing hearing Monday for ex-Columbia doctor Robert Hadden. That hearing is expected to continue on Tuesday when the sentence is handed down.

Berman also suggested he would sentence the 64-year-old Hadden to a lifetime of supervision after his release.

He described the case as 'lewd, serious, out of control, depraved, extraordinary.'

Federal prosecutors Hadden leveraged his position of power for decades to sexually assault, rape and molest patients in fake and predatorial medical exams.

Robert Hadden, 64, made a career from the late 1980s until 2012 in prestigious New York hospitals and was convicted in January of sexually assaulting his patients

Sexual assault survivors Laurie Kanyok, second from right, and Amy Yoney, right, speak to members of the media during a break in sentencing proceedings for Hadden outside Federal Court on Monday in New York

Hadden has been in custody since his January conviction on four counts of enticing victims to cross state lines so he could sexually abuse them.

A 20-year sentence would be roughly four times the term federal sentencing guidelines recommended.

The guidelines are calculated for each case to ensure that people convicted of specific crimes are generally treated equally, and judges can go below or above guidelines but must explain why.

The judge said the crimes Hadden committed while working at hospitals, including Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, merited a longer sentence given that his acts likely began in the 1980s.

The judge said that patients were particularly vulnerable as most of them were pregnant, some of whom were experiencing serious medical issues.

Berman said the case was like none he'd seen before and involved 'outrageous, horrific, beyond extraordinary, depraved sexual abuse.' He noted that the government has reported that at least 245 women claimed they were abused by Hadden.

Hadden had a technique whereby he would appear as though he were wrapping up an examination only to say just as a nurse had left the room that he needed to check something else.

A federal judge says he plans to sentence the 64-year-old Hadden to 20 years in prison

He would then put his tongue or ungloved fingers into their vaginas or fondle their breasts all under the guise of performing an exam.

'I listened, I trusted him. I trusted him,' one patient said in court as she described how she was assaulted by the doctor who removed his rubber gloves and then used his hands and tongue to assault her.

'All I could think was, "How the hell do I get out of here? I have to get out of here,"' she said.

Hadden, who was wearing a beige jail uniform, watched victims speak during the almost four-hour sentencing hearing.

Some former patients were moved to tears as Judge Berman recounted the abuses, reports CBS News.

The judge's announcement of his sentencing plans drew a complaint from defense attorney Deirdre von Dornum who said the penalty was overly harsh.

'Here you have somebody who has already lost everything, and you're giving him effectively a life sentence,' Dornum said.

Von Dornum also argued prosecutors had ignored the opinion of a psychiatrist who told the court Hadden would be unable to reoffend because he is no longer a gynecologist.

She also said the Manhattan US attorney's office had disregarded Hadden's role as the primary caretaker of his disabled wife and son.

'The government's position is on one level understandable. The pain Mr. Hadden has caused is immeasurable - emotional harm always is - and there is a real need for punishment to recognize the harm caused,' his attorney wrote.

'It is for that reason that we do not ask for leniency for this 64-year-old first-time offender who has not committed a crime in over a decade and has extraordinarily compelling family circumstances, but instead ask for a Guidelines sentence.'

The lawyer said her client was enduring harsh jail conditions at a federal lockup in Brooklyn, where inmates make threats and extort him to turn over his commissary money.

Hadden has lost 35 pounds and has repeatedly been threatened with violence leading him to stay in his cell except to shower or call family members, his lawyers said.

Evelyn Yang, the wife of former presidential hopeful Andrew Yang, revealed in 2020 that she was preyed upon by Hadden eight years prior

Former Broadway dancer Kanyok was also among the accusers who brought a civil suit against trustees of Columbia University

Nine victims spoke at the first stage of the sentencing hearing late last month.

Four victims traveled to New York City for appointments from as far away as Nevada, while the jury heard from another five women who said they were abused by Hadden, as well as a nurse and former medical assistant who said they witnessed more assaults.

Several attended the proceeding on Monday but were not invited to speak again.

Among Hadden's accusers was Evelyn Yang, the wife of the former presidential and New York City mayoral candidate, Andrew Yang.

Former Broadway dancer Laurie Kanyok was also among the accusers who brought a civil suit against trustees of Columbia University and its affiliated College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York Presbyterian Hospital.

At trial, women testified in graphic detail how Hadden repeatedly forced them to submit to sexualized breast exams and touched their vaginas in ways that seemed sexual rather than for a medical purpose.

They urged the judge to give him the maximum prison sentence possible.

Yoney, right, and Kanyok, left, embrace after speaking to members of the media during a break in sentencing proceedings on Monday

Yoney, right, and Laurie Kanyok, left, speak to members of the media during a break in sentencing proceedings for convicted sex offender Robert Hadden

'Robert Hadden is a sexual predator disguised in a white coat,' said one woman, who spoke under the pseudonym Emily Anderson.

Amy Yoney, who was employed by Columbia as a research nurse in the Department of Cardiology, said outside the courthouse that she was a victim of Hadden herself for nearly 12 years and feels 'intense guilt' that she referred her best friend and others to Hadden, thinking he was a trusted physician.

'He walks into the courtroom and he acts like he's at happy hour. He waves, he looks around. I think he is a true sociopath,' she said.

Yoney said she blamed Columbia for not heeding complaints about Hadden and warning signs.

Attorney Anthony T. Dipietro, who represents numerous Hadden victims, said women continue to surface to say they too were victims of Hadden.

Trial evidence proved Hadden committed from 167 to 310 acts of sexual abuse or assault on dozens of patients as he honed his abuse techniques so the assaults would go undetected for over 20 years, prosecutors wrote

He said he believes Hadden treated between 6,000 and 8,000 women and that his victims number in the 'hundreds, if not thousands.'

'You've literally done for that institution something that they have proven over, and over again, that they were incapable of doing themselves: get rid of this serial sexual predator,' DiPietro said to the women who came forward.

'While I hope that today marks the end of a chapter for all of you who been exposed to this predatorif it hasn't happened alreadyI hope that today can be used to start the transition from surviving, to healing, and growth.'

In 1987, Hadden started working at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York, which later became New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

The institutions have agreed to pay more than $236 million to settle civil claims by more than 200 former patients.

'The prosecution of Hadden that led to his conviction of federal crimes showed how he purposely worked to evade our oversight and engineer situations to abuse his patients,' a spokesperson for Columbia said.

'We commend all the women who have come forward, especially those who shared their experiences so publicly during these judicial proceedings.'

At the trial, Hadden's lawyers did not dispute that he had molested patients, but they said he was already prosecuted for those crimes in state court where he pleaded guilty in 2016 to allegations that he had abused several women.

That plea required him to surrender his medical license, but he served no time behind bars.

Prosecutors said in their papers that Hadden's 'calculated career as a serial sexual predator' began soon after he started working in 1987 at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York, which later became New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

Once victim said she blamed Columbia University for not heeding complaints about Hadden and warning signs. Pictured is the university's New York City campus in upper Manhattan

Trial evidence proved Hadden committed from 167 to 310 acts of sexual abuse or assault on dozens of patients, including minors, as he honed his abuse techniques so the assaults would go undetected for over 20 years, prosecutors wrote.

They said he built rapport with victims in a private office decorated with pictures of his children and put them at ease by asking about their personal lives and talking about his family.

Eventually, he sought sexual gratification when he asked victims 'detailed, inappropriate, and medically unnecessary questions and provided unsolicited advice and commentary about their bodies, pubic hair, masturbation, sexual activity, sex toys, pornography, and sexual partners,' prosecutors said.

They said he devised ways to get nurses and medical assistants to leave him alone with patients in the examination room, where he pretended that he needed to 'conduct a fake second exam, during which time he sexually assaulted patients.'

He worked at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Hospital until complaints about his attacks ended his career.
Three convicted terrorists are up for parole this year, including Parviz Khan, 52, who was handed a life sentence in 2008 after plotting to behead a British Muslim soldier.

Khan, 52, from Birmingham, pleaded guilty to the plan and was sentenced to a minimum of 14 years behind bars, before being denied parole in early 2022.

The extremist, who planned to film himself killing his intended victim 'like a pig', has now been granted a Parole Board hearing date 'in the autumn'.

Jawad Akbar, who was also last year denied parole as the Home Office judged his release could be a risk to public safety, has a new hearing set for August.

Akbar was part of a plot to bomb the Bluewater shopping centre in Kent and London's Ministry of Sound nightclub in 2004.

Nazam Hussain, who was jailed in 2012 over a plan to bomb the London Stock Exchange, was judged 'suitable to be released' last month.

Hussain was initially freed from prison in 2019, but returned to prison within months after police found two knives taped together in a suitcase at his house.

Parviz Khan (pictured) plotted to kill a British soldier 'like a pig' before he was jailed in 2008

Jawad Akbar (pictured) also has a parole hearing date set for for later this year

Parvis Khan was the ringleader of a group which plotted to kidnap and behead a British soldier in 2008.

His gang was later reported to be inspired by Choudarys al-Muhajiroun network.

At trial, Mr Justice Henriques left the court in no doubt how dangerous he believed Khan to be.

He told him at Leicester crown court: You have been described by the Crown as a man who has the most violent and extreme Islamist views and as a fanatic.

Having studied over the last month, I unhesitatingly accept that description of you.

You not only plotted to kill a soldier, but you intended to film a most brutal killing.

The judge said Khan's aim was to deter any Muslim from joining the British Army.

This was not only a plot to kill a soldier but a plot to undermine the morale of the British Army and inhibit recruitment, he said.

Jawad Akbar, from Crawley, was a key member of a five-strong gang of terrorists who plotted to explode fertiliser-based bombs at high profile targets.

At trial in 2007, it was revealed some of the plotters were seen meeting two of the July 7 London suicide bombers.

Developing plans since 2004, they had acquired 600kg of ammonium nitrate fertiliser, which can be mixed with other substances to make a bomb.

Akbar, then 23, from West Sussex, was sentenced to life in April 2007 after being found guilty of conspiracy to cause explosions between 1 January 2003 and 31 March 2004.

Nazam Hussain, one of nine who admitted various terror charges at Woolwich Crown Court

Nazam Hussain was jailed in 2012 for his role in plans to blow up the London Stock Exchange.

He hatched the plot working alongside London Bridge attacker Usman Khan.

Hussain was released in 2019, but sent back to jail after police found knives taped together in a suitable in the wake of Khan's Fishmonger's Hall attack.

Nonetheless, he was judged suitable for release last month.

When he is released, Hussain will be 'closely involved with his family who appear able to serve as a strong protective factor'.

He will also be subject to a series of licence conditions, including being monitored by police and other public bodies.

Hussain will have to take lie detector tests and wear a GPS tag as well as live at a specified address, adhere to a curfew, disclose any developing relationships as well as face restrictions on who he contacts and what he does.
Best selling novelist Frederick Forsyth has accused the 'Stasi-like' Metropolitan Police of 'hounding an old codger' in indignant letter to the court after he was caught speeding.

Mr Forsyth, 84, was caught going seven miles an hour over the 30mph limit on the A40 near Paddington Green in October last year. He says he pleaded guilty to the offence and paid the fine with the time limit.

However, in a letter to the court, the writer claimed the force has now accused him of forgetting to include his driving license number on the forms which he says is 'not true'. The force allegedly claimed that due to this error his 'settlement was invalid' and his case has been referred to the magistrate.

Mr Forsyth, a former spy, slammed the force, arguing that the East German secret service would have 'salivated with envy' if it had the 'surveillance powers of the Met'.

He also questioned why officers were so focused on his speeding ticket when they police a 'capital with 500 unsolved burglaries'.

Frederick Forsyth (pictured in 2019) has accused the 'Stasi-like' Metropolitan Police of 'hounding an old codger' in indignant letter to the court after he was caught speeding

In a letter to the court, (pictured) he claimed the Met accused him of forgetting to include his driving license number on the forms which he says is 'not true'

The letter, dated May 3 this year, was addressed to 'Mr Stipendiary' - a term referring to a paid magistrate.

The journalist turned spy said 'regretted' taking up the official's 'valuable time' but was left with 'no choice' following the alleged actions of the Met, which he seemed to believe had too much surveillance power and misaligned priorities.

'Fifty years ago, being bilingual in German, I used to slip through the Berlin Wall on errands for the Firm,' Mr Forsyth penned in the letter which appeared to be written on a typewriter.

'The East German Stasis would salivate with envy if they had the surveillance powers of the Met today. So in a capital with 500 unsolved burglaries there are ample time, wherewithal and staff to hound an old codger driving at 7 mph over the limit. As Huxley remarked; Ah brave new world!!'

The author said he 'regretted' taking up the official's 'valuable time' but was left with 'no choice' following the actions of the Met.

He explained that he was 'unaware' that the speed rating had been dropped to 30mph when cameras caught him going 37mph on October 31 last year.

'Overhead gantry cameras spotted my little runabout pootling along an urban motorway at 37mph unaware speed reduction cameras had changed the rating from 40mph to 30mph. I had simply missed the sign.'

He admitted the offence but is now upset by the Met's allegations that he made a paperwork error.

Mr Forsyth was caught by a speed camera going seven miles an hour over the 30mph limit on the A40 near Paddington Green in October last year. He allegedly pleaded guilty to the offence and paid the fine with the time limit (stock photo)

'The Met has discovered an error which they say was mine. Not true - it was theirs. They claim my driving licence number was not on the forms. Not true,' he wrote.

The alleged 'administrative error' resulted in his settlement being cancelled and the case referred to the court.

Mr Forsyth, having allegedly included a photocopy of the form with his driving licence number present, requested the court to 'reimpose the original fine' - which he said he would pay immediately.

He added: 'But please with no court costs, because I have not imposed any; the error was the Met's, not mine.'

Mr Forsyth was prosecuted through a single justice procedure and sentenced last month without a court hearing, The Telegraph reported.

He was hit with a 60 fine, 24 victim surcharge and 16 in costs. He also received three penalty points on his driving licence.


Yamuna river water level rises further, reaches 206.04 metres The water level in the Yamuna River in Delhi, after crossing the danger level, has also crossed the evacuation level by reaching 206.04 metres. On Sunday, the level had crossed the danger mark, reaching 205.90 metres, which was around 57 centimeters above the danger mark of 205.33 metres.



At around 9 p.m. on Monday, the water level was recorded at 206.04 meters.



The Delhi government said that till Monday, they evacuated 27,389 persons out of which 15,756 were living in relief camps. Officials said that this happened as a result of the continuous release of a large amount of water from the Hathini Kund Barrage in Haryana and it was predicted that the water level of the Yamuna would reach up to 206.70 metres on Saturday.



A continuous discharge of over one lakh cubic meters of water per second is being released from the Hathini Kund Barrage. On Saturday, even more water, exceeding two lakh cubic meters per second, was released.



The Delhi government had said on Saturday 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 206.7 metres.




A transport company boss who is believed to have died while searching for drugs at a shipping yard could have been pressured into helping the Albanian mafia.

Victorian man Troy Kellett, 43, died after falling from a stack of shipping containers in Adelaide's Outer Harbour docklands at about 12.20am on July 9.

Police believe the death was an accident with questions raised why he was on top of the containers, with one source claiming he could have been searching for drugs.

Anonymous law enforcement agents have now revealed an investigation has been launched into whether his death is linked to the Albanian mafia.

The unnamed sources told The Age detectives are probing whether Mr Kellett was 'hired, directed or pressured' to assist the criminal organisation.

The news comes following revelations Mr Kellett had sold his business for $10million hours before his death.

Transport business owner Troy Kellett (above) died after falling from a stack of shipping containers in Adelaide's Harbour docklands at about 12.20am on July 9

Police are investigating whether Mr Kellett was trying to recover drugs from the Albanian mafia when he fell from a stack of shipping containers (above)

The Albanian mafia has reportedly set up a large cocaine market in Australia, its size challenging local gangs' supplies, by taking advantage of Australian border security.

The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission warned Home Affairs officials about the threat of Albanian organised crime in December 2020.

It said the mafia was able to exploit migration programs and emphasised the 'need to make Australia less palatable' to high-threat Albanian criminals.

The commission found the Albanian syndicate was well-versed in the 'exploitation of Australia's migration programs as a means to gain entry and remain onshore'.

Daily Mail Australia does not suggest Mr Kellett was involved in criminal activity - only that police are investigating possible links.

Friends and family have flagged strange behaviours from Mr Kellett in the lead-up to his death that make them believe there was more to his 'fall'.

Mr Kellett was the owner of logistics company Kellett Australia, which he took over from his brother Corey in 2003.

A close friend said the 43-year-old father had taken an 'urgent' call to Adelaide on July 8, which he thought was odd.

'He's got in the teens of drivers there that could do the run. I don't see why he'd be there,' he told the Adelaide Advertiser in the days after Mr Kellett's death.

'Why was he on top of a container? And why was he up on top of a container at 12.30 at night?

The Albanian mafia has established a large cocaine market in Australia, reportedly by taking advantage of border security laws (stock image)

Mr Kellett (above) rarely drove trucks and had $10million deposited in his bank account less than 48 hours before his death

'The only conclusion I can come up with is that he was hiding.'

Two men were arrested at the scene of Mr Kellett's death.

One was charged with a firearm offence after police allegedly found an unregistered gun at his property while the other was charged with giving a false address.

The arrests have not been linked to Mr Kellett's death.

Mr Kellett reportedly received $10million less than 48 hours before his death from an unnamed buyer of his business.

His friend told The Advertiser he found the timing of the deal suspicious.

'[Troy] said, "I'm sorted, I'm going to wind everything down, I'm going to enjoy retirement,"' he said.

'But he didn't have one day of retirement.

'The money, millions of dollars, was in his account. We've got no idea why he was there [Adelaide] in the first place.'
Penny Mordaunt yesterday insisted the Government remains determined to compensate victims of the infected blood scandal.

The Leader of the House of Commons told the Infected Blood Inquiry that resolving the ongoing payout issue is one of Rishi Sunak's priorities as Prime Minister.

Campaigners have spent years fighting for financial recompense and support after at least 2,900 NHS patients - including young children - died from being infected with HIV and hepatitis C through contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 1980s.

It has been described as the worst treatment scandal in the history of the health service, yet those infected and affected by it have been forced to fight for a compensation body to recognise their suffering and loss.

Inquiry chairman Sir Brian Langstaff announced in April that he was taking the unusual step of publishing a recommendation that bereaved parents and children of victims should receive immediate 100,000 interim compensation payments ahead of the publication of the full report into the scandal so victims would not face any more delays.

Penny Mordaunt (pictured) yesterday insisted the Government remains determined to compensate victims of the infected blood scandal

The inquiry has also recommended that the Government establishes an arms-length compensation body soon.

But campaigners fear the Government is dragging its feet over the issue by not yet establishing a full payout framework for all those affected.

Ms Mordaunt, the former Paymaster General who was the sponsoring minister for setting up the inquiry, insisted there was political will to ensure all victims were compensated properly.

She told the inquiry in London yesterday [mon]: 'I think there is a moral obligation to address the many issues that those affected by this have, and I am very conscious that that can't happen soon enough.

'I do not think there is any delay to moving as quickly as we can on these matters, and it would have been pointless to have set up this inquiry and the study [a review of compensation for those affected by the scandal] not to then proceed with making redress.

'In terms of this government and this Prime Minister... this is one of his priorities.'

The inquiry was shown a letter she wrote to then-Chancellor Mr Sunak in 2020 in which she said 'justice delayed is justice denied as the fallout from this tragedy continues to claim lives'.

The Leader of the Commons told the Infected Blood Inquiry resolving the payout issue is one of Rishi Sunak's priorities

Thousands of patients were infected with HIV and hepatitis C through contaminated blood transfusions in the 1970s and 1980s (File image)

She warned the Treasury that 'substantial compensation' was 'inevitable', and that it was both moral and pragmatic to deal with the issue swiftly and properly rather than risk legal action from campaigners.

But she also acknowledged the Government was dealing with the Covid pandemic at this time, which was an 'all-consuming' issue across Westminster.

She said that Oliver Dowden, her predecessor as Paymaster General, and Nadine Dorries, then a Parliamentary Under Secretary for Health, met with campaigners in January 2020 and clearly also felt that compensation issues needed to be resolved as soon as practicable.

Mr Sunak is due to give evidence to the inquiry tomorrow [weds].

Bereaved relatives of infected blood scandal victims delivered a letter to Number 10 yesterday calling for full compensation.

They included Jason Evans, 33, who was four when his father Jonathan, 31, a carpenter from Coventry, died after being infected with hepatitis C and HIV.

Mr Evans said: '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's final report is due to be published in the autumn.
The BBC has defended its round-the-clock coverage of the Huw Edward's controversy as 'proportionate'.

It had 'scrutinised' and 'investigated' all aspects of the story about Mr Edwards, according to the broadcaster.

It comes as the corporation reportedly received complaints from more than 100 people claiming it gave the story too much coverage.

Mr Edwards, who was paid up to 439,000 last year, was treated by BBC news coverage like he would have been if he worked anywhere else, according to the broadcaster.

He was accused of sending a young person 35,000 and receiving explicit images. But the individual said nothing unlawful happened and police found no evidence of criminal activity.

The BBC has defended its round-the-clock coverage of the Huw Edward's controversy as 'proportionate'

It comes as the corporation reportedly received complaints from more than 100 people claiming it gave the story too much coverage

The broadcaster told The Times: 'We scrutinised and investigated all aspects of the story, including other allegations against the presenter, the journalistic merit of the Sun's decision to publish, privacy law in the social media age and the reputational implications for the BBC.'

It added: 'We believe our coverage of this story was proportionate, reflecting the significance of the issues raised.

'However, we realise not everyone will agree with the stories we cover and the prominence we give them.'

At the time, it emerged that BBC journalists were working on more potential stories about Huw Edwards despite 'boiling fury' from some of the presenter's colleagues about a Newsnight probe, it is claimed.

Ms Maitlis, who worked for the BBC for decades and presented Newsnight before Ms Derbyshire, said some of the corporation's reporting of the scandal was 'a bit distasteful'.

In an apparent swipe at Ms Derbyshire and other reporters, Ms Maitlis said: 'There is something a bit distasteful I think, about, if you know this stuff about a colleague, why isn't your first duty to then go to HR? Or to go to a senior manager or to say "I think this is going on" rather than to turn it into a news story'.

The ex-BBC newsreader spoke out on her podcast The News Agents, which is alongside Huw Edwards' friend Jon Sopel, who has also been critical of the BBC and claims Huw is 'very angry' and upset by the coverage.

In a shock statement issued on Huw's behalf at the time, Vicky Flind said her husband, 61, was 'suffering from serious mental health issues' and is 'now receiving in-patient hospital care where he will stay for the foreseeable future' as she asked for privacy for her family.

She also added: 'In light of the recent reporting regarding the 'BBC Presenter' I am making this statement on behalf of my husband Huw Edwards, after what have been five extremely difficult days for our family.

'I know that Huw is deeply sorry that so many colleagues have been impacted by the recent media speculation.

'We hope this statement will bring that to an end. Once well enough to do so, he intends to respond to the stories that have been published'.

Ms Maitlis said BBC and The Sun's reporters were 'weirdly working, sort of competing, but working in the same circle together'.

'Now in one way we should be very pleased with that,' she said. 'We want to have Chinese walls between the editorial side and the management side', but then said that she thought BBC reporters should have gone straight to HR with what they knew.
Warren Mundine has lashed out at Victoria claiming he doesn't 'need' the support of the state in order for the Voice to Parliament referendum to fail.

The high-profile No campaigner made the swipe after it was revealed Victoria was only one of two states that still supported the Voice.

A Resolve Political Monitor survey showed the number of Yes voters are shrinking across most Australian states - with only Tasmania and Victoria having a majority.

The Yes campaign must secure a double majority of four out of six states and a majority in the national vote in order for the referendum to pass.

Mr Mundine said it would 'be nice' to sway Victorian voters but claimed he did not 'need' their support to tank the referendum.

'We were trying to campaign to get the three states, now it has gone to four states... after visiting Victoria [in the next week] I'm going to Tasmania', he told theSydney Morning Herald.

'I want to win that state as well'.

Mr Mundine has joined in on the pile-on against Victoria after Liberal senator Jacinta Price accused Melburnians of following 'ideology' rather than 'common sense'.

Indigenous leader and former politician Warren Mundine says the No campaign doesn't need the backing of Victoria to support their cause as the No camp ramps up it's efforts to get more Australians to ditch the voice

Mr Mundine said he doesn't want the polls being too close in order to give the No campaign a greater shot at emerging victorious in the referendum.

'I want a more united Australia,' he said.

Mr Mundine's comments come after he opened up about the abuse he had been receiving while campaigning against the Voice - admitting he attempted to take his own life twice.

He says the abuse is constant and frequently racial, with cruel trolls using terms such as 'coconut' and 'Uncle Tom'.

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.

'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'.

On Monday, Ms Price lashed out at Melburnians for supporting the upcoming referendum.

She told 3AW radio that Victoria was a state where 'everything is about ideology and not common sense', when it comes to understanding the Voice debate.

'You only have to look at who's running the show here in Victoria and the level of activism that takes place', she said.

'There's so many experts in Melbourne on the plight of Indigenous Australians from places that I come from and the communities that I come from,' she said.

Ms Price has been a vocal critic of the Voice and said it was unnecessary to wait for a referendum to bring in change to the Aboriginal community.

Support for the Voice in Victoria remains strong despite a growing number of Australians indicating they intend to vote No in the upcoming referendum

She previously called on the Indigenous Affairs minister Linda Burney to conduct a 'forensic audit' on government spending for First Nations people.

Ms Price said if she were in Ms Burney's place she would be conducting a 'forensic audit' to ensure every dollar has been allocated wisely.

According to figures from the Resolve Political Monitor, 52 per-cent of voters in the state support the Voice.

Tasmania enjoys the most support with 54 per-cent of voters likely to vote in favour of constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians.

However, more than half of voters across the country are likely to vote against the proposed change to the constitution.

The No side has succeeded in getting voters across NSW, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia to reject pro-Voice campaigns.

Despite conceding that support for the Voice is declining, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has refused to change the question that will be in the referendum.

He has also refused to say when the referendum will be held.
Tory MP pledged to write to the Commission for Racial Equality over the event

Top university King's College London faced backlash after white lecturers said they felt excluded from free tai chi classes put on to 'tackle chronic stress triggered by racism'.

Staff were invited to lessons last week 'aimed at combating chronic stress experienced in the body as a result of racism and systemic oppression'.

According to The Daily Telegraph, a memo advertised the event, as being 'for staff who identify as black/people of colour/global majority'.

A sign-up form reportedly looked to ensure 'the participants are all from global majority backgrounds', given their stated purpose of supporting those facing racism.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines global majority as 'the group of people in the world who do not consider themselves or are not considered to be white'.

In light of the event, Sir John Hayes, chair of the Common Sense Group of Tory MPs pledged to write to the Commission for Racial Equality to 'check whether the architects of this have broken the law.'

King's College London ran an event offering tai chi classes for those facing racism

On their website, King's College London states: 'As an employer and educator, King's recognises its legal duties as well as the moral imperative to promote diversity and inclusion within the campus community and to provide a safe and healthy environment for work and study where staff, students and other members of the King's community are treated with dignity, courtesy and respect.

'Our dedicated Diversity & Inclusion team not only ensures that King's meets and upholds its legal obligations in regard to equality and anti-discrimination law, but also makes positive interventions to embed the ethos diversity and inclusion into policy, processes and everyday practice, working to eliminate barriers to participation and success.'

A lecturer at the university said that it was not clear how 'segregated tai chi classes will help to achieve KCL's diversity goals'.

Last year, the University of Westminster's student union reserved events for Black students during Black History Month, prompting a similar response from critics.

Social anthropology lecturer at Edinburgh University Dr Neil Thin said the move was 'tragic', accusing the London university of segregation 'previously seen in South African and USA education systems'.

Sir John Hayes again called for an investigation to see if there was any potential discrimination.

The Westminster Students' Union declined to comment.

Meanwhile a spokesman for Westminster University said: 'One of the university's key Black Lives Matter commitments was to eliminate all gaps associated with success measures for all BME students.

'Black History Year Create, an intensive career-defining programme aimed at addressing disparities among black students, does exactly that.

People practice Tai Chi at the Bund in the morning on January 3, 2022 in Shanghai, China

'Equality of opportunity does not always mean giving everyone access to the same thing; it means creating a level playing field by offering some programmes to those who are underrepresented or those who have had less access to opportunity.'

A King's College London spokesperson said: 'We are proud to be a university which is committed to creating an inclusive environment.

This is strengthened by the work of our volunteer staff networks at King's who represent different communities among our staff, and help provide support for the challenges they experience through a variety of events, discussions and activities.'
The UKs biggest banks were likened to communist China yesterday after it emerged their privacy policies allow them to monitor customers social media.

The four largest high street lenders - NatWest, Lloyds Banking Group, HSBC and Barclays - have all refused to deny that they keep track of users activity.

The revelation came days after leading Brexiteer Nigel Farage disclosed an internal dossier from Coutts, in which staff justified his account closure by claiming his views do not align with the banks values.

In a 13-page privacy notice, Coutts parent company NatWest says it may gather information that you make public on social media.

Lloyds, which also owns Halifax and Bank of Scotland, can also collect any information from published media and social networks, The Daily Telegraph reported.

The UKs biggest banks were likened to communist China yesterday after it emerged their privacy policies allow them to monitor customers social media. File image

The revelation came days after leading Brexiteer Nigel Farage (left) disclosed an internal dossier from Coutts, in which staff justified his account closure by claiming his views do not align with the banks values

HSBCs privacy notice is able to monitor information that relates to your social interactions, such as your communications via social media, between individuals, organisations, prospects, while Barclays admits it can collect information about you, such as from your actions on our social media pages or through the social media.

Other major lenders - including Nationwide, Santander and Virgin Money - have also said they may check social media in special circumstances or certain situations.

Metro Bank, which Reform UK leader Richard Tice has accused of shutting down his account due to his pro-Brexit views, said it will occasionally obtain [information] from publicly available sources, such as social media sites.

Mr Farage said of the findings: I dont want to live in communist China, yet increasingly we are. The banks are out of control and need to be brought to heel. People will be horrified by this.

Tory former minister Gareth Johnson added: This smacks of a big brother approach from the banks. I cannot see what anybodys social media activities have to do with their bank.

Too often the banking sector seems to have lost its way recently which should worry us all.
Almost 600 burglaries are going unsolved every day, it has been claimed.

Some 213,279 police investigations into break-ins were closed last year without a suspect being identified, analysis of Home Office figures by the Liberal Democrats shows today.

This amounts to 76.8 per cent of all cases across England and Wales in 2022-23  an average of 584 a day, according to the Lib Dems.

South Yorkshire Police was said to have the worst clear-up rate with 84.4 per cent of all recorded burglaries unsolved, followed by Hampshire (83.1) and Scotland Yard (81.6).

The Lib Dems say the drop in neighbourhood policing teams and Police Community Support Officers is to blame.

* Are you a burglary victim who has been failed by police? Please send a short summary of your case to rory.tingle@mailonline.co.uk *

Some 213,279 police investigations into break-ins were closed last year without a suspect being identified. File image

The Lib Dems say the drop in neighbourhood policing teams and Police Community Support Officers is to blame. File image

They are also calling for a statutory guarantee that officers will investigate every domestic break-in, despite a voluntary pledge by chief constables to do so.

The party's home affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael said: 'Everyone deserves to feel safe and secure in their own homes.

'But knowing that so many burglars are getting off scot-free will bring little comfort to our communities.

'Make no mistake, these are the consequences of the Conservatives constantly sidelining frontline policing.

'Enough is enough. The Home Secretary must finally restore proper community policing and implement a burglary response guarantee. It's the only way to reverse these criminally bad figures.'

A Home Office spokesman said: 'Since 2010 our communities are safer, with neighbourhood crimes including burglary, robbery and theft down 51 per cent.

'The Home Secretary does expect to see forces getting the basics right - deterring crime but also catching more criminals.

'That's why she called for every force to send an officer to investigate the scene of every home burglary, which is now happening across the country.'

Are you a burglary victim who has been failed by police? Please send a short summary of your case to rory.tingle@mailonline.co.uk
The partial remains of Australian World War II soldiers have been recovered near the Kokoda Track in a grave site which has remained untouched for 80 years.

The grave site, located on the Templeton's Crossing off the Kokoda Track in Papa New Guinea, was found by a local landowner in 2018.

The landowner was terracing - a method of farming and soil conservation used on hills and sloped lands - when he came across what appeared to be human remains.

The Australian Army's Unrecovered War Casualties Team was notified of the discovery but, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing inclement weather were not able to reach the site until June this year.

A team of people trained in archaeological excavation, human skeletal anatomy and an officer specialising in crime scenes flew into the remote site and began the delicate dig process.

The grave site (pictured), located on the Templeton's Crossing off the Kokoda Track in Papa New Guinea, was found by a local landowner doing work on his property

Partial remains of 15 Australian World War II soldiers were recovered from 65 graves at along with personal items including a signet ring, pocketknives and part of a bayonet

Partial remains of 15 Australian World War II soldiers from 65 graves at Templeton's Crossing were recovered and sent to Port Moresby for forensic processing.

The local landowner told archeologists he believed the star pickets near the site were merely commemorative.

Archeologist Professor Marc Oxenham said his team initially agreed but discovered the star pickets were original after examining the site.

Professor Oxenham added archaeologists had no reason to believe a grave site would be found so close to the well-trodden Kokoda trail.

'When we investigated the site, we discovered they [star pickets] were actually original  they haven't been moved since they were placed to mark the graves,' Professor Oxenham told ABC News.

'We've had trekkers going through the region for years, there was no reason to dig on that particular river terrace and there was no real reason to believe we would have found anything there anyway.'

'[But] with that discovery, it sort of started to make sense  this is why we have people here, because no-one actually thought this was the actual cemetery.'

Archaeologists will now work to identify the remains so they can be transferred to their substantive grave

The team also recovered personal items including a signet ring, pocketknives and part of a bayonet in the graves.

Army's Unrecovered War Casualties Team Andrew Bernie said the items will help identify the fallen soldiers as their remains are anthropologically tested.

'[The remains] will be anthropologically analysed to confirm that their stature, age and similar features are consistent with who we should have expected to be coming across,' Mr Bernie told ABC News.

'Where possible, we'll also use DNA technology to try and confirm that we will get the right soldiers from their temporary cemetery location and marry them up with their substantive remains in their substantive grave.'

Templeton's Crossing, located off the well-trodden Kokoda Track, is an area marked by a series of battles fought between Australian and Japanese soldiers in October 1942 (pictured, team of local stretcher-bearers carrying a wounded Australian soldier)

Templeton's Crossing is only accessible either by a several days' walk or helicopter flight from Port Moresby.

In October 1942, a series of battles were fought in Templeton's Crossing while Japan withdrew along the Kokoda Track.

Templetons Crossing marked a series of battles between Australian troops and Japanese soldiers in October 1942.

More than 600 soldiers were killed during the Kokoda campaign, with 65 Australian troops buried in temporary graves at Templeton's Crossing.
Anthony Albanese has hit back at criticism of the 'Voice, Treaty, Truth' t-shirt he wore to a Midnight Oil concert.

The Prime Minister was accused of misleading the public about the role of treaty in his push for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

He told 2GB's Ben Fordham the Voice is 'not about a treaty', despite repeatedly vowing to support the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full - which explicitly calls for its three pillars to be upheld - a Voice, Treaty and Truth.

Speaking to Shoalhaven's Power FM on Tuesday morning, Mr Albanese said he was baffled by the criticism.

'Who knew someone would wear a Midnight Oil T-shirt at a Midnight Oil concert? I did see that and have a laugh,' he said.

'Frankly, it shows the desperation of people.'

He called on the No campaign to run a 'sensible' campaign and doubled down on his criticism of the camp, accusing them of being 'all about fear and raising issues designed to sow doubt'.

Mr Albanese compared the current movement to the apology to the Stolen Generations and 'when the Native Title happened'. 'All the scare campaigns don't really have substance to them,' he said.

'On a big scale, we need to listen to Indigenous Australians in order to get better outcomes to close the gap, and that's what it's about.

'The 'Yes' case is positive. It's about hope. The No camp is all about fear really and raising issues that are designed to sow doubt.'

Footage this week resurfaced of the PM donning a Midnight Oil T-shirt with the words 'Voice, Truth, Treaty' during a farewell gig in Sydney's Hordern Pavilion in October, just nine months ago.

Voice, Treaty and Truth are the three pillars of the Uluru Statement, which was released in May, 2017. Midnight Oil have been staunch supporters of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the establishment of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

A treaty with Aboriginal Australians is controversial as it is unclear what it could look like. Some activists have expressed hope it will lead to substantial financial compensation from taxpayers, private land being handed over, and the formal recognition of perceived historic wrongs.

Mr Albanese's partner, Jodie Haydon, also wrote about her support for the Uluru Statement in several now deleted posts on her LinkedIn account.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rocked out at the Midnight Oil farewell gig wearing the band's 'Voice, Treaty, Truth' T-shirt at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion last October. It was a band T-shirt

Ms Haydon argued in this LinkedIn post for the date of Australia Day to be changed. Mr Albanese does not support this view

In LinkedIn posts unearthed shortly after Mr Albanese's election last year, Ms Haydon wrote: 'For me this week I commit to reading again the 'Uluru Statement from the Heart' it has three themes: Voice. Treaty. Voice.'

READ MORE: DAILY MAIL'S EXCLUSIVE VIDEO OF ALBO DAD DANCING IN 'TREATY' T-SHIRT Anthony Albanese was caught on camera engaging in some dad dancing at the sensational Midnight Oil farewell gig in Sydney's Hordern Pavilion in September. The Oil's 'number one fan' was brought to his feet by 'Power and the Passion' and pursed his lips as he shuffled awkwardly from foot to foot to the beat of the 1982 rock anthem. Advertisement

'We so desperately need a First Nations voice to parliament ... it would become an institution of lasting significance for First Nations and all of Australia'.

In one post last year, she shared a cartoon of an Aboriginal rights protester with the caption: 'Sovereignty has never been ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land. #ulurustatementfromtheheart #treaty #changethedate', in which she appears to advocate for a treaty.

Ms Haydon deleted her LinkedIn profile when Daily Mail Australia published a story about her posts. She had previously declared she wanted to avoid making political commentary as the prime minister's partner.

In his interview with Fordham, Mr Albanese said the Voice was not about reparations and repeatedly 'this is not about a treaty'.

'I can't say it any clearer, compensation has nothing to do with what people will vote on later this year.'

Mr Fordham asked: 'I'm talking about after that (the Voice). There are three stages, after we go through the Voice is it natural to assume after we go through the Voice?'

Mr Albanese said: 'No, it's not natural.'

But Mr Albanese has agreed to executing the Uluru Statement from the Heart 'in the full' - which includes a Makarrata Commission with an end goal of moving toward a treaty between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.

Ms Haydon used her social media profile to write about the 'themes' of the Uluru Statement from the Heart last year

READ MORE: Three pillars of the Voice to Parliament - Voice, Truth and Treaty Polls show support for the Voice has remained just under 50 per cent, with recent surveys finding 48 per cent of voters would vote Yes and 52 per cent would vote No (pictured, Anthony Albanese is seen with First Nation caucus members (L-R) Malarndirri Mccarthy, Warren Snowdon, Linda Burney and Senator Pat Dodson at Parliament House) Advertisement

The Makarrata Commission would seek a treaty between the federal Government and the First Nations community.

It would have the 'authority to facilitate the process of treaty-making and truth telling' between the two groups, according to the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Mr Albanese outlined the responsibilities of such a future commission in a statement on November 15, 2021 . After winning the May 2022 federal election, he declared the new Labor government would adopt the Uluru Statement of the Heart 'in full'.

He said at the time: 'As called for in the Uluru Statement, the Makarrata Commission will have responsibilities for overseeing processes for Treaty-Making and Truth-Telling.

'The Makarrata Commission will be independent... and will work with a Voice to Parliament when it is established.'

Responsibilities of the commission would 'initially' include consulting with First Nations communities, recommending a 'framework for federal treaty-making' and, crucially, delivering a report within the first term of a Labor government.

By that schedule, the commission will have had to be established and had enough time to consult the community and deliberate by 2025, when the next election is due.

Mr Albanese said $26.5million would be allocated to the commission in the first two years to 'support truth-telling projects', and he hoped state, territory and local governments would match that funding.

This is in addition to the $364.6million set aside in the latest budget for delivering the Voice.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott on Monday slammed Mr Albanese for wearing the band T-shirt when he spoke with Radio 2GB about the referendum.

'I suppose this is the problem when you turn yourself into a billboard,' Mr Abbott said.

'I go back to that initial statement that he made as prime minister, ''The new government is committed to the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full''.

'In other words, Voice, Treaty, Truth ''in full''.'

The 'culmination of the agenda' is actually a 'Makarrata Commission' which would seek a treaty between the government and First Nations communities. Pictured: The Uluru Statement from the Heart

'That's why it was as I said a moment of amnesia for the prime minister to deny here in this chair last week that the Voice had anything to do with treaty, it has everything to do with treaty.'

'The whole point of having a Voice, if the activists are to be believed, is to start the treaty-making process. And government ministers have said as much.'

Australia is currently one of the only countries in the Commonwealth without a treaty with its First Nations peoples.

Mr Abbott, who has been one of the most outspoken critics of the Voice and arguably the most opposed to the proposal out of any former prime minister, told Fordham that he didn't want to see Australia split by race.

'I don't want to see our country divided by ancestry or by race,' he said.

'I don't want to see Indigenous separatism reinforced in out constitution and I don't want to see the business of government gummed-up even further.'

This claim from Mr Abbott comes despite the fact the Australian constitution already refers to race in section 51 and section 25.

Attorney general Mark Dreyfus has also rejected claims the Voice would inject race into the constitution.

Mr Abbott argued that he was supportive of 'Indigenous recognition' but claimed the Voice was purely a 'power grab by activists'.

In March, Mr Mayo stood shoulder to shoulder with a tearful Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as the official wording of the referendum question was announced

'We don't give old people their own voice, we don't give migrants a special voice, we don't give young people or people with disabilities a special voice,' he said.

'Everyone has the same voice in the national parliament, and now there are 11 Indigenous people in the national parliament.'

'That's a very good voice for Indigenous people and let's keep the national parliament as the one voice for all of us.'

It comes as polls show support for the Voice has remained just under 50 per cent, with Two Resolve Political Monitor surveys conducted for The Sydney Morning Herald finding 48 per cent of voters would vote Yes and 52 per cent would vote No.

The referendum for the Voice to Parliament is expected to be held sometime between October and December this year.
Two years ago, a selfless entrepreneur worked around the clock to secure a house and land package for three young children taken in by their aunt and her family after the loss of their mother in a tragedy that shocked Australia.

In April 2021, neighbours found the badly burnt body of Kelly Wilkinson, 27, in the backyard of her home in Arundel on the Gold Coast.

Her former partner, ex-US Marine Brian Earl Johnston, 35, had allegedly doused her in petrol and was found two blocks away on a front lawn in a 'semiconscious state'. He was was later charged with her murder.

Ms Wilkinson's three children aged between two and nine were at home at the time of the alleged attack.

As the grieving children moved in with Kelly's sister Danielle Carroll, her husband Rhys and their five cousins, construction entrepreneur Tamika Smith launched a community appeal to help build a new home to accommodate the family of 10.

On Tuesday night, Kelly's children and the family will move into their brand new, fully furnished seven bedroom home on the Gold Coast's outskirts.

Kelly Wilkinson's children and their cousins (pictured during construction) can finally move into their new home

Mother-of-three Kelly Wilkinson (pictured) was allegedly doused in petrol and burnt to death by her ex-husband

Until now, they've lived together in a crowded four bedroom home where sleeping arrangements spilled into the living areas.

'We sometimes end up with five in our bed,' Ms Carroll told A Current Affair ahead of Tuesday's unveiling.

Their new home was built by an army of local tradies and volunteers in a project spearheaded by Metricon Homes and My Bella Casa founder Tamika Smith, who is the stepsister of Ms Carroll's husband.

Just days after Kelly's death, Ms Smith launched the I Stand With Kelly campaign with a call-out to the Queensland construction sector to help build a new home for the family.

After fielding hundreds of calls, texts and emails within 48 hours, a generous Good Samaritan who wished to remain anonymous offered the block of land she needed.

'We need this family and our community to know that this is more than just a house,' Ms Smith said at the time.

'This home is a pillar of what we are capable of when we come together. And as an industry, we won't bury our heads in the sand when it's time to stand up.'

Kelly's husband ex-US Marine Brian Earl Johnston s charged with her murder. They are pictured on their wedding day

Danielle Carroll and her husband Rhys (pictured in 2021) took in her sister's three children after Kelly died

The first foundations were laid 18 months later with the home taking less than year to build, despite massive challenges facing the construction industry.

It's been more than two years of blood, sweat and tears for Ms Smith who led the project as a charitable endeavour and coordinated all donors and volunteers amid the worst housing and construction insolvency crisis in Australias history.

The house was built by Metricon house free of charge.

Ms Smith hopes the life-changing project will give the family a fresh start and new hope.

'You can't help but see these kids and just know that they deserve all the love in the world from everyone they meet  and that's a testament to the amount of people who have undeniably stood up without question to say, 'we're in,' she told The Gold Coast Bulletin.

'If you look at the impact of a safe, secure home, we're giving these kids hope, we're giving these kids such a longevity into their future and their kids' future in having a stable home.

'And with this home, it's not just 'here's a house'. You really hope to change the belief system in children who have had so much trauma.'

The family will move into their Gold Coast home less than a year after the first foundations (pictured) were laid in August 2022

The project was spearheaded by My Bella Casa founder, construction entrepreneur Tamika Smith (pictured)

Ms Carroll and her husband have set up the Kelly Wilkinson Foundation in Kelly's memory to support domestic violence victims.

Ms Smith has vowed to continue her mission to create a permanent change for future generations on the dire housing situation facing many vulnerable Australian families while calling on governments to do more.

'This family, like so many others deserve more, and this is our community standing up to say we arent ok with this and that people deserve so much more than to be a political statistic!' she said on Tuesday.

'Long term housing for vulnerable members of our community is what I have devoted my life to.

'People deserve more than short term strategies and this is us standing up to do, and be more to help these kids.'

Johnston remains in custody and is yet to plea.

The death of mother-of-three Kelly Wilkinson (pictured) shocked the nation in 2021

He appeared in Brisbane Supreme Court earlier this month for a brief hearing, which heard that Johnston recently hired a new legal team and that defence barrister Kim Bryson was yet to see the brief of evidence against her client.

Crown prosecutor Philip McCarthy KC told the court he expected the trial against Mr Johnston 'will take somewhere over three weeks'.

He told the court the Crown will be alleging Mr Johnston had a 'history of domestic violence ... that would include sexual violence towards' Ms Wilkinson during the trial.

Justice Callaghan said the closest available date for trial would be early February next year.

He adjourned the matter to September 11 to allow Ms Bryson to speak with her client about his defence case.

The matter was also listed for pre-trial discussion on November 17, where it's expected several applications will be made by both the defence and the prosecution as to how best to proceed with the trial.

Details: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).


A Delhi court on Tuesday acquitted Sirsa MLA and Haryana Lokhit Party leader Gopal Kanda in the abetment of suicide case of air hostess Geetika Sharma, who was found dead on August 5, 2012, at her Delhi residence. Special judge Vikas Dhull of Rouse Avenue Court after having adjourned the passing of order on July 20, acquitted Kanda in the case.



The court also acquitted Aruna Chadha, a senior manager in his MDLR company.



Sharma, who worked as an air hostess in Kanda's MLDR airlines, was found dead a day after writing a suicide note. In her August 4, 2012 suicide note, she had said she was ending her life due to the alleged harassment she was facing by Kanda and the other person.



During Sharma's stint with the airlines, she was promoted as a director of one of Kanda's companies in three years of her joining as a trainee. After the registration of the case, Kanda was asked to resign as minister.



Against Kanda, amid other charges under the Indian Penal Code, the trial court had also framed charges of Section 376 (rape) and 377 (unnatural sex) only for these to be quashed by the Delhi High Court later.



Kanda is facing charges under Sections 306 (abetment of suicide), 506 (criminal intimidation), 201 (distruction of evidence), 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 466 (forgery).



He had started MDLR Airlines from Gurugram in 2008, however, after being trapped in the controversies, the airlines ceased operations in 2009.






A transgender boy who took his life after being bullied at school shared disturbing posts on TikTok in the weeks leading up to his tragic death.

Onyx John, 13, uploaded his cartoon drawings on TikTok ten days before his body was found by his mother at the family home in Beaudesert, Queensland.

The Year 8 student shared a clip with the words, 'Please no hate because my body actually looks like this,' alongside cartoon figures covered in self-harm injuries.

Onyx's family said he had used social media as a 'safe space' away from bullies, but they nevertheless had concerns he was learning about self-harm methods online.

Daily Mail Australia has chosen not to publish the contents of Onyx's TikTok account, which is still online.

'Social media was a safe space for him to be himself,' Onyx's sister Ivy said.

'But I did worry it was a place he was researching and getting ideas to self-harm.'

Onyx John (pictured), a 13-year-old transgender boy who took his life after being bullied at school, shared disturbing posts on TikTok in the weeks leading up to his tragic death

Onyx's family said he had used social media as a 'safe space', but they nevertheless had concerns he was learning about self-harm methods online. (Pictured: Onyx with his sister Ivy)

Onyx had only recently begun identifying as a boy rather than as a girl named Rose.

Ivy says her family tried desperately to have him admitted to Logan Hospital emergency department on six occasions - the most recent time being three weeks before his death.

A discharge letter seen by Daily Mail Australia noted hospital staff had reviewed Onyx for suicidal ideation.

'Onyx was reviewed by the mental health team and discharged to continue with community support via the mental health care plan,' it said.

His family told Daily Mail Australia he had been viciously bullied by students at Beaudesert State High School, in the state's Scenic Rim region, after he started using he/him pronouns rather than she/her.

Onyx's bullying began in primary school but worsened once he began identifying as a boy earlier this year.

'The kids at school wouldn't accept it. The students would taunt him in front of everyone,' Ivy said.

'It got so bad he would be shaking if he was forced to go to school.'

The classroom taunts allegedly moved online with fake accounts that pretended to be Onyx emerging and harassing other students.

Onyx was found dead by his mother at the family home in Beaudesert on July 16

Onyx's family has accused the school of failing to stop the bullying

'They called her a weirdo and a goth-wannabe,' Ivy said.

The bullying escalated last August when a pack of girls allegedly confronted Onyx in the school bathrooms.

'The school said they would "handle it" but there's never been any consequences for the pack of girls who tried bashing him in the school toilets last year,' Ivy said.

'After that we were lucky if he went to school twice a week.'

The family is now seeking justice for what they claim was a lack of duty of care towards Onyx, who had wanted to become a vet when he grew up.

'We haven't received any support from the school... the teachers have been instructed not to discuss it with students either,' Ivy said.

'I got blocked when I contacted the school's official Facebook page.'

After being contacted by Daily Mail Australia, principal Grant Stephensen extended his support to the family and sent an email to Onyx's parents - backdated to just a few days after Onyx's death.

The family say Onyx would start shaking if he was forced to go to school

The Queensland teenager was allegedly set upon in the school toilets

'Please know that your family is in our thoughts at this time,' the letter to Ivy began.

'My staff and I have been deeply impacted by this.

'We have been given pause to reflect and want to ensure Beaudesert SHS is a safe place for students to learn. Your voice is an important part of our reflection.'

Mr Stephensen also contacted students' parents via email inviting the children to speak to counsellors about their feelings.

'The school has put in place a process that allows students an opportunity to talk about their thoughts and feelings with trained professional staff,' the email read.

'Guidance officers will be available in the school should your child require further advice or support.'

A Queensland Department of Education spokesperson confirmed allegations of bullying at Beaudesert State School were being looked into and that staff and students had been offered support.

'Staff and students close to the student were spoken to directly, while others were informed at assemblies or through information sent to parents,' the department said.

'The school has been in regular contact with the student's family and is also speaking with local elders.'

The department went on to say that guidance officers and support staff remain available through the school's wellbeing centre.

'Beaudesert State High School has extensive support measures in place to assist students and families and encourages anyone with concerns to contact the school leadership team,' it said.

In the days since Onyx's death, Ivy has launched a petition on Change.org drawing attention to schools that aren't doing enough to project students from bullies.

'Our children are committing suicide and drowning in mental health issues from bullying at school and on the internet,' the petition states.

'Once I have collected enough signatures, I will be forwarding to the Board of Education, parliament members, local schools and local members.

'If we all come together, we can change the way our children are treated in the future.'

She has also launched a GoFundMe to help her family raise funds for Onyx's funeral, which takes place this Saturday.

About $4,000 has been raised so far, above the $2,000 requested, with the money left over to be donated to Suicide Prevention Australia.

'Mum tried so hard to help [Onyx] with numerous counseling appointments, doctor's appointments, calling the school constantly,' Ivy said.

'I'm hoping to take as much stress off her as possible.'

For confidential support call Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14
This is the touching moment a Georgia couple gets married in the burn unit of a hospital after the groom suffered burns to 32 percent of his body.

Preston and Tanesha Cobb had been engaged to be married since September 2022 and had their July 22 wedding entirely planned.

Sadly, those were thrown into doubt when on June 30, Preston - a decorated Iraq War veteran - slipped and fell after a chemical spill at work.

The tragic incident caused Preston to lose nine toes and four fingers, with another four partially amputated as well.

That didn't stop the couple from saying their 'I do's' as the couple tied the knot in the hospital - thanks to helpful nurses - giving additional meaning to the 'in sickness and health' vows.

'There's nothing that would stop me from marrying him,' Tanesha Cobb said. 'Nothing. I knew that this day would come. I didn't think it would be like this.'

A pair of Georgia natives didn't let tragedy stop their wedding, exchanging vows after a chemical spill covered the groom in burns on 32 percent of his body

After the accident, Preston had to be airlifted to the JMS Burn Center at Doctors Hospital in Augusta, Georgia.

Preston had to have eight surgeries and still needs one per week to prepare him for skin graft surgery, according to a GoFundMe set up to help with medical bills.

'I literally watched the skin from my elbow like detach and literally just go to dust and crumble,' he said. 'I literally felt like that was going to be the end.'

Preston had his fiancee, mother, two children and one stepchild by his side the entire time he was in the hospital, but was determined to make sure the wedding still happened.

A nurse at the burn center, Mary Cook, heard Preston and Cobb discussing their wedding and thought she would help. She and her fellow nurses set up food, flowers, a DJ and a wedding venue at the hospital for the couple.

The pair were overjoyed and instantly said yes to the ceremony.

'She was like, 'I got good news for you,' Preston Cobb said. 'And I was like, 'What's that?' and she was like, 'You're getting married on the 22nd.'

Preston and Tanesha Cobb had been engaged to be married since September of 2022 and had their July 22 wedding entirely planned

On June 30, Preston - a decorated Iraq War veteran - slipped and fell after a chemical spill at work

He had to be airlifted to the JMS Burn Center at Doctors Hospital in Augusta after the spill caused the burns to cover nearly a third of his body

The tragic incident caused Cobb to lose nine toes and four fingers, with another four partially amputated as well

Preston was worried whether Tanesha would still marry him as the accident left him looking much different than the person who proposed.'

I was like, 'Man, she's not going to want to marry me,' Preston said. 'I'm not the same person that asked her to marry me.'

Tanesha, however, was more resolute than before to marry Preston.

'There's nothing that would stop me from marrying him,' she said. 'Nothing. I knew that this day would come. I didn't think it would be like this.'

He's had to had to have eight surgeries and still needs one per week to prepare him for skin graft surgery

A nurse at the burn center, Mary Cook, heard Preston and Taneesha discussing their wedding and thought she would help them out

Preston had his fiancee, mother, two children and one stepchild by his side the entire time he was in the hospital, but was determined to make sure the wedding still happened

Cook said once Tanesha said yes, Preston was determined to make their wedding day.

'I wanted to give him something positive out of all this negative,' she told Fox Carolina. 'Preston was adamant that he was not going to change his wedding date.'

The wedding ceremony went off without a hitch after nurses brought the Cobbs to the chapel.

'Even though my condition, it still didn't stop me from marrying the woman of my dreams,' Preston said.
It can be as simple as asking a question, but for many Australians sexual consent is confusing, misunderstood or completely ignored.

A parliamentary committee is examining inconsistencies in consent laws across jurisdictions, the effectiveness of directions to juries about consent, impacts of existing laws on the survivor experience of the justice system, and adequacy of education programs.

Investigative journalist Jess Hill said there was no point having consent education in schools if there were not also guidelines for how they responded to victims and perpetrators, particularly those who were in the same year group.

But Ms Hill also said improving consent laws and education across the country would make little difference unless the government also regulated pornography.

'You've got almost half of Australians between the ages of nine and 16 who are being regularly exposed to porn,' she said.

'It is hard to overstate just how damaging that is as a cultural education, particularly for young boys and men.'

Last May, the NSW government released a statewide campaign about sexual consent involving TV ads explaining the changes with the tag line Make No Doubt

Teach us Consent founder Chanel Contos said young people were learning about sex from pornography.

'It's like learning how to drive a car by watching Formula One,' she said.

'It's extremely unsafe, it's extremely dangerous and it is mainly young women who are being subjected to metaphorical car crashes.'

One in five Australian women and one in 16 men over the age of 15 will or have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime.

Boys aged between 15 and 19 have the highest rates of offending of any age group.

But the number of Australians who believe women lie or exaggerate reports of abuse and rape is the highest in any Western nation.

Teach us Consent founder Chanel Contos (pictured) said young people were learning about sex from pornography and that it was 'extremely dangerous'

Ms Hill advocated for young men to be included and encouraged to talk about sexual violence.

'There's a real risk at the moment where, in addressing consent and sexual violence, we end up stoking male resentment by not welcoming them into the conversation, in a way that they feel comfortable,' she said.

The award-winning journalist created an SBS documentary series called Asking For It, with director Tosca Looby. The committee was played a short compilation from the series.

Asking For It aimed to clarify what consent meant, what happened when it was ignored, and how all Australians could benefit when messages about consent were delivered clearly and early in life.

Experts featured in the documentary called for children to be introduced to concepts of consent before they learn to read and write, in an age-appropriate context.
Hundreds of young Aussies were spotted puffing on vapes at Splendour on the Grass - despite a ban on selling the highly-addictive devices.

Hundreds of festival goers at Splendour on the Grass were seen using the electronic cigarettes, despite growing evidence the mostly unregulated devices are potentially deadly.

Eager fans flocked to the Byron Bay parklands from Friday through to Sunday for a packed line-up including Lizzo, Flume and Mumford and Sons.

Attendees flooded social media with pictures and videos showing them dressed to the nines, many with a vape as an accessory of choice.

One photo shows three women enjoying the party atmosphere and dancing in front of the stage while sitting on the shoulders of three male festival goers.

Two of the women are seen holding their mobile phones in one hand and their vapes in the other.

Vaping has exploded in popularity in recent years - particularly among young Australians - as it doesn't carry the same stigma or price tag of cigarettes.

Revellers at Splendour on the Grass were photographed sitting on the shoulders of other attendees holding a phone in one hand and a vape in the other

Splendour on the Grass attendees were spotted using vapes as they enjoyed the three-day music and arts festival in Byron Bay

The federal government as announced new regulations on e-cigarettes which will see recreational vaping outlawed

Despite a looming national ban on the dangerous and highly addictive devices, young Aussies were seen using vapes

Chinese-made vapes can be bought for as little as $20 at most convenience stores and tobacconists compared to a packet of cigarettes for $50, despite it being illegal to sell the devices.

It was previously billed as a safer alternative to cigarettes, which dramatically raise the risk of lung cancer, heart disease and other chronic conditions.

But evidence in recent years suggest the electronic alternatives cause similar damage in the body.

Experts advise vaping can be particularly damaging for young people because it damages DNA, promotes tumours and can cause a number of respiratory issues.

Experts advise vaping can be particularly damaging for young people because it damages DNA, promotes tumours and can cause a number of respiratory issues

A study conducted by the Australian Drug and Alcohol Foundation found 20 per cent of non-smokers had tried vapes and two thirds who smoked cigarettes were also using the disposable devices.

The alarming stats come despite a study showing vapes can contain paint, disinfectant, crude oil and even a drug used to kill fish.

The findings come from an investigation into the contents of 50 over-the-counter vapes done by Curtin University.

More than half of the vapes tested contained chemicals toxic to humans if repeatedly inhaled and some were linked to lung cancer.

The study found the liquids used in 50 vapes bought without prescription included eugenol - which is used to euthanise fish - petroleum, household disinfectant, cosmetics and paint.

Many have completely 'unknown effects on respiratory health'.

Ewan Fisher, whose lungs failed aged 16 due to vaping, blamed the fruity flavours for his addiction, claiming they 'entice children'.

He has been left with the lungs of an 80-year-old lifelong smoker after vaping for just six months in an attempt to give up cigarette.

The young man spent weeks in intensive care after his lungs failed the night before he was due to start his exams. Aged 16, he needed an artificial lung to survive and spent 10 weeks in hospital as doctors fought to save his life.

He is believed to have suffered an exaggerated immune response to chemicals found in e-cigarette fluid. Despite eventually recovering enough to go home, the ordeal has left him with the lungs of someone more than four times his age.

Ewan spent weeks in intensive care (pictured) after his lungs failed the night before he was due to start his GCSE exams

Doctors have blamed the issue on his vaping - something the aspiring heavyweight boxer took up to help him stop smoking so he could improve his fitness with the ambition of turning professional.

But that is now a distant dream for the 19-year-old, who gets out of breath walking up stairs and admits his 65-year-old grandfather, who has smoked for 40 years, if fitter than him.

He has also put on five stone since going into hospital and suffers with mental health issues.

Ewan told Daily Mail: 'They tried telling me that I'd make a full recovery, but it's nearly four years on and I still really struggle.

'They said my lungs would make a full recovery within two years but it's been a lot longer and I wouldn't even say they're at 60 per cent.

'I used to be really healthy. I used to run every night and I can't do anything anymore. When it's hot it messes with my lungs. I'm on steroids to help them cope.

'I can't run, I really struggle up hills. It's ruined all my joints. My life's changed massively.

'My granddad is fitter than me and he's 65. When I was in hospital they said I had the lungs of an 80-year-old life-long smoker and I'd only vaped for five or six months.'
A run-down home with a broken awning and paint peeling off the walls has sold for $1.15million - due to the large plot of land it's sitting on.

The four-bedroom house on Grassmere Street at Guildford, in Sydney's west, went under the hammer over the weekend, with a large crowd turning out for the auction.

The one-storey home has two bathrooms, a laundry and a car spot.

LJ Hooker agent Paulette Ghaleb said the 739sqm block of land the house sits on - and the vacant 795sqm lot beside it - had been bought separately by a pair of friends.

The adjoining block of land sold for $1.27million.

The four-bedroom house on Grassmere Street at Guildford, in Sydney's west, went under the hammer over the weekend, with a large crowd turning out for the auction

Ms Ghaleb said the value was definitely in the land, noting the house would most likely be knocked down.

'It depends on the development but it could become a dual occupancy,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

She said the inside of the house was filled with the belongings of the previous owner, with the house a deceased estate.

'In one way I was surprised by the price but in another I wasn't - those types of blocks of land are scarce to come by nowadays,' Ms Ghaleb said.

The house had paint peeling off the walls along with a broken awning over the front door

'When they come up they're quite popular and it's a good location too.'

Footage of the auction was shared to TikTok with many Aussies shocked the property had received such a hefty price tag, considering the condition of the home.

'2 toilets???? The whole house looks like a toilet!!!' one person commented.

'Who has 1mil to just buy land in Guildford you still have to build the house,' said another.

'Makes sense, that's a lot of land - $1.15m would get you a 70sqm 2 bed 1 bath apartment in Sydney's east,' pointed out another.
An exasperated Anthony Albanese has been forced to shut down a reporter over a 'ridiculous' question about fears of looming summer bushfires.

The prime minister was asked to 'guarantee' the NSW South Coast community would not experience another devastating season of 'Black Summer' bushfires in the summer during a press conference on Tuesday.

'The horrific scenes from Europe are really triggering for people on the South Coast. What guarantee can you give to this community that they won't see a Black Summer this season?' the reporter asked.

'I think the community is sensible enough to know that that question is, quite frankly, asking me to defy science,' Mr Albanese hit back.

'No politician who's serious, will stand and say that they will guarantee there will never be a natural disaster.'

Mr Albanese tried to move on to another question but was interrupted by the reporter who asked him to comment on recent temperature increases.

'What are you expecting?' they asked the now-frustrated prime minister.

'I cannot answer, with respect... you're saying what will this summer look like?' Mr Albanese replied while shaking his head.

Anthony Albanese has brutally shut down a reporter after they asked if he could guarantee there would be no bushfires this summer (pictured at a press conference on Tuesday)

It has been over two years since the Black Summer of 2019-20 when horror bushfires ripped through Australia and razed thousands of homes to the ground.

Up to 24million hectares of land was burnt, 3000 homes destroyed, three billion animals killed or displaced and 33 people killed between June 2019 and May 2020.

He looked at her like shed vomited down her shirt

Twitter users were quick to slam the 'ridiculous' question posed by the reporter.

'How bad is Australia's media? In this clip a reporter is asking the Prime Minister to forecast the summer weather repeatedly!' one said.

'No one can predict,' a second tweeted.

'I like the way he looked at her like shed vomited down her shirt, then still respectfully answered the question,' a third wrote.

Mr Albanese visited the Milton Rural Landscape Nursery on Tuesday to learn about it's work to prevent natural disasters like the Black Summer bushfires.

The prime minister also paid a visit to Shoalhaven to see how the community is recovering from the effects of the megafire just a few years ago.

The area has on average 600 bush fires per year, of which 20 can be considered major fires requiring response by two or more fire authorities, according to the RFS.

Shoalhaven can experience significant fire activity at any time of the year and fires in isolated parts of the LGA may burn for several days.

It has been over two years since the 'Black Summer' of 2019-20 when horror bushfires ripped through Australia and burnt thousands of homes to the ground (pictured)

During the 'Black Summer' bushfires, Shoalhaven and NSW South Coast in general were devastated by the blazes. Bushfires in NSW killed a total of 25 people

During the Black Summer bushfires, Shoalhaven and NSW South Coast in general were devastated by the blazes.

One of the worst blazes was the Currowan fire, which burnt for 74 days from early December, 2019 to February 8, 2020.

It wreaked havoc across the South Coast between Batemans Bay in the south, Nowra in the north, and east of Braidwood in the west.

The Currowan bushfire burnt across 499,621 hectares, destroyed 312 homes and millions of native animals, although the exact number is unknown.

The bushfires in NSW burned across 5.4 million hectares in 2019, destroying a total of 2,439 homes and killing 25 people.

In Queensland, blazes burnt across 2,500,000 hectares and destroyed 48 home.

Meanwhile, Victorian bushfires blazed across 1.5 million hectares, destroyed 396 homes and claimed five lives.
Gretchen Harrington, 8, the daughter of a Presbyterian minister and his wife, disappeared in mid-August 1975 while walking from her Pennsylvania home

A retired minister in Georgia has been charged with murder in the slaying of an eight-year-old girl - who vanished while heading to Bible school in Pennsylvania nearly a half-century ago.

David Zandstra, 83, of the Atlanta suburb of Marietta, was charged Monday with criminal homicide, first, second- and third-degree murder, kidnapping of a minor and a related count in the 1975 death of Gretchen Harrington in Delaware County.

Harrington, the daughter of a Presbyterian minister and his wife, disappeared in mid-August 1975 while walking from her Marple Township home to Bible school at Trinity Church Chapel, where Zandstra was pastor.

District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer told reporters in Media, Pennsylvania, the defendant was 'a monster' and 'every parent's worst nightmare.'

'This is a man who is a remorseless child predator who acted as if he was a friend, a neighbor and a man of God, and he killed this poor little girl,' Stollsteimer said.

David Zandstra, 83, of the Atlanta suburb of Marietta, Georgia, was charged Monday with criminal homicide, first-, second- and third-degree murder, kidnapping of a minor and a related count in the 1975 death of Gretchen Harrington in Delaware County

Harrington, the daughter of a Presbyterian minister and his wife, disappeared in mid-August 1975 while walking from her Marple Township home to Bible school at Trinity Church Chapel, where Zandstra was pastor

After allegedly killing the child, he then 'acted as if he was their family friend, not only during her burial and the period after that but for years,' the district attorney said.

Harrington's body was found two months later by a jogger in Ridley Creek State Park in Media.

Harrington was usually accompanied by her sisters to Bible school but was alone on the fateful day because of a recent birth in her family.

She was offered a ride by Zandstra, who was also the father of one of her best friends, Stollsteimer alleged.

'So when he offered her a ride in his car, of course she got in the car,' he said.

Zandstra took her to a wooded location and eventually struck her in the head and, believing her to be dead, tried to cover her body, authorities said.

Returning to his church, he 'tried to act like nothing had happened,' and when her father, pastor of the nearby Reformed Presbyterian Church, called seeking to find her, Zandstra was the one to call police, Stollsteimer alleged.

Over ensuing days, hundreds of people searched nearby woods, and authorities distributed more than 2,000 leaflets and set up a 24-hour hotline, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

When the girl's body was found in mid-October 1975, her clothing was 'folded and in a neat pile' near her body with her underwear hanging from a tree branch 'like a flag ... as if to call attention to the place,' the Inquirer reported at the time.

Harrington's body was found two months later by a jogger in Ridley Creek State Park in Media, Pennsylvania

Returning to his church, Zandstra 'tried to act like nothing had happened,' and when her father, pastor of the nearby Reformed Presbyterian Church, called seeking to find her, Zandstra was the one to call police, Stollsteimer alleged

Stollsteimer said new information from an unnamed friend of the victim led State Police to travel to Georgia and interview Zandstra, who authorities allege then confessed to the crime.

Trooper Eugene Tray said the defendant's demeanor was 'relieved' as if it was 'a weight off his shoulders.'

Stollsteimer said Zandstra, however, was fighting extradition from Georgia - though the prosecutor vowed that he would be returned to face justice in Pennsylvania.

DNA from the defendant will be compared to material from open cases in Pennsylvania and elsewhere, authorities said.

Zandstra lived in Texas and Georgia after leaving the commonwealth, they said. The Christian Reformed Church lists him as having ministered in New Jersey, California and Texas before retiring in 2005.

Trooper Eugene Tray said the defendant's demeanor was 'relieved' as if it was 'a weight off his shoulders'

Trinity Church Chapel Christian Reform Church in Broomall

Authorities said they were concerned there may have been more victims and urged anyone with information to contact investigators.

Zandstra remained in custody in Georgia; a message was left Monday for a Pennsylvania attorney listed as representing him.

Harrington's family asked for privacy but said in a statement they were 'extremely hopeful' that the person responsible would be held accountable for taking her away from them, which they said 'forever altered our family and we miss her every single day.'

'If you met Gretchen, you were instantly her friend. She exuded kindness to all and was sweet and gentle,' the family said.

'Even now, when people share their memories of her, the first thing they talk about is how amazing she was and still is ... at just 8 years old, she had a lifelong impact on those around her.'
The man charged over the alleged stabbing murder of a Sydney nurse was the 'best mate' of her husband, who found her lying in their bedroom in a pool of blood.

Erin Gilbert, 42, was allegedly stabbed to death in the rental unit she shared with her husband Nicholas Gilbert, 38, in Merrylands in Sydney's west, before 11.30pm on Easter Sunday.

Mr Gilbert was arrested by police shortly after his wife's death and spent almost 24 hours in a police cell, covered in his wife's blood, and was told he could be charged over her death.

However he was released without charge and insists he had nothing to do with his wife's death.

On Tuesday afternoon, following a lengthy police investigation, it was confirmed Mr Gilbert's friend Morten Jensen, 32, has been charged with murder.

Daily Mail Australia can also reveal that Mr Gilbert - who had remained living in the same unit where she was killed - is now 'on the street with my clothes in a bag' as he is unable to pay the rent.

Erin Gilbert, 42, was allegedly stabbed to death in her Merrylands unit. She is pictured with her husband, Nicholas

Morten Jensen (pictured) has been charged over the alleged murder of Erin Gilbert

NSW Police will allege in court that Mr Jensen went to Ms Gilbert's apartment 'after a conflict had escalated' and 'attacked her with a bladed instrument'.

'It is further alleged the man fled the scene on foot, before getting on a black and red mountain bike,' a statement read.

Detectives believe Jensen 'discarded the clothes he was wearing' as he allegedly fled the scene, including a grew hooded jumper with a distinctive logo on the back.

Mr Jensen was remanded in custody and will appear in Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday.

Mr Gilbert told 9 News on Monday that he was in contact with Mr Jensen on the night of the alleged murder, but didn't hear from him in the following days.

'He was like a brother to me,' Mr Gilbert said.

'I thought it was strange he wasn't coming to see me, he's meant to be my best mate, he just disappeared.'

Ms Gilbert's body was allegedly discovered face down in a pool of blood inside a unit block (forensic police pictured)

Two weeks after Ms Gilbert's death, Mr Jensen was imprisoned for unrelated matters.

He is behind bars at Silverwater Correctional Facility, near Sydney's Olympic Park.

Daily Mail Australia previously revealed Mr Gilbert was still living in the unit he shared with his late wife, but was struggling to pay rent due to a brain injury sustained during a car accident a few years ago.

Earlier in July he revealed looking at the blood stains on the carpet of the home they once shared made him break down.

'I'll be on the street in the next few days,' he said at the time.

'But it's hard enough to stay there because of the (marks) in the carpet - I tear up every time I see them.'

'But then again, it's the only place I feel close to Erin.'

Nicholas Gilbert allegedly found his wife Erin Gilbert (pictured together) choking on her own blood.

The couple married in 2020 and, on their first wedding anniversary, she made him a box filled with photos and love letters.

One letter read: 'I don't want you in my life, I need you in my life. You're not my friend, you're my best friend. I don't like you, I love you and I'm glad I found you because I was absolutely lost without you.'

Another read: 'Because of you all of my other dreams gave changed, now everything I've ever wanted will be only complete [because] you're the one by my side.'

Mr Gilbert said he got goosebumps when he found the letters again.

'It gave me happy tears and I still smile just thinking about it,' he said.
A Toronto school principal has died by suicide after he was accused of supporting white supremacy for calling out a black instructor during anti-racism training.

Richard Bilkszto, 60, worked in the Toronto School District for 24 years and had been serving as fill-in principal at the Burnhamthorpe Collegiate Institute in Etobicoke where he faced workplace bullying as a result of the spat with an anti-racism trainer.

He filed a lawsuit earlier in the year, claiming his reputation was 'systematically demolished' and he was labeled a white supremacist for his remarks questioning racism in Canada.

But on July 13, his lawyer, Lisa Bildy announced on Twitter, Bilkszto took his own life.

'Unfortunately, the stress and effects of these incidents continued to plague Richard,' she wrote in a lengthy statement. 'Last week, he succumbed to this distress.

'His family and friends have been left feeling and wishing they could have had the chance to convince him that he was loved, respected and needed here.'

Richard Bilkszto, 60, died by suicide on July 13 after allegedly facing workplace harassment for comments he made at an anti-racism training in 2021

Bilkszto had worked for the Toronto District School Board for 24 years, and was serving as fill-in principal at the Burnhamthorpe Collegiate Institute in Etobicoke (pictured)

Bilkszto's problems started on April 26, 2021, when Toronto District School Board educators attended an anti-racism training led by Kike Ojo-Thompson, the founder of the KOJO Institute, a consulting firm.

In his lawsuit, the Toronto Star reported, Bilkszto claimed Ojo-Thompson told educators that Canada could be considered more racist than the US because it 'never reckoned with its anti-black history.'

The principal, who had previously taught high school in Buffalo, New York, disagreed with the sentiment.

He said it would be 'an incredible disservice to our learners' to suggest the US is a more just country than Canada, according to the lawsuit, which claims Ojo-Thompson reacted 'with vitriol.'

She allegedly lashed out at the principal for appearing to undermine a black woman.

'We are here to talk about anti-black racism, but you in your whiteness think that you can tell me what's really going on for black people,' Ojo-Thompson allegedly said.

The lawsuit added Bilkszto tried to de-escalate the situation, admitting that there was anti-black racism in Canada, but argued the evidence suggested 'we are a far more just society' than the US.

But at another session the following week , Ojo-Thompson allegedly brought up the argument again, describing it to Bilkszto and his colleagues as a 'real life' example of someone supporting white supremacy.

In April 2021, Toronto District School Board educators attended an anti-racism training led by Kike Ojo-Thompson (pictured) who allegedly claimed Canada is more racist than the US

In the aftermath, the lawsuit claims, Bilkszto suffered workplace bullying, which caused 'severe emotional distress,' and had to take a stress leave as a result.

He filed a 'mental stress injury' claim to Canada's Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, which provided him with two months of lost earnings.

The board investigated Bilkszto's claims and found that Ojo-Thompson's conduct was 'abusive, egregious and vexatious, and rises to the level of workplace harassment and bullying.'

But following his six-week medical leave, the Toronto school district refused to reinstate Bilkszto's contract  which he alleged was a result of either his tarnished reputation or for having the board investigate, he claimed.

Over the past few months, the Star reports, Bilkszto remained active in the community, often advocating against the school district's programs aimed at tackling inequity.

The school board has since acknowledged Bilkszto's untimely passing, without mentioning his lawsuit

The school board has since acknowledged Bilkszto's passing without mentioning his lawsuit - which has never gone to court.

It thanked the principal for his 24 years of service, and for returning as a fill-in principal after briefly retiring in 2021.

'Our hearts go out to Richard's family and loved ones,' Toronto District School Board spokesperson Ryan Bird said in a statement.

'He was a strong advocate for students  particularly those in adult and alternative education  and worked tirelessly to create an environment that fostered student success for students of all ages.'

KOJO also provided a written statement offering their condolences.

In that statement to the Star, the institute stated any interaction with individual employees was 'brief' and they had 'no involvement' in any investigation by the school board or WSIB.

The institute has previously disputed Bilkszto's allegations, saying the lawsuit paints 'an inaccurate and incomplete picture' of what happened at the training session.
He had returned to his home country of Saudi Arabia

An eerie video message has emerged of a university student before he mysteriously vanished overseas.

Graduate student Mohammed Matar Alshalawi went missing after flying from Australia to Saudi Arabia to see his family back in April.

Mohammed had been living and studying in Townsville, Queensland - recently graduating with a geology degree - after migrating to the coastal city in 2019.

Friends of the bright university student fear he has been detained and possibly killed by the Saudi Arabian secret police, the Mahabith, for expressing his opinions about the country's government.

James Cook University student Mohammed Matar Alshalawi (pictured) went missing after flying to Saudi Arabia back in April

Troubled by what might happen once he arrived back home, Mohammed had recorded a final video message before he left Australia.

'If you are watching this recording, then the Saudi authorities have arrested me two or three months ago for charges related to freedom of expression,' he is heard saying in the recently released clip.

'I want everyone to remember me as the simple guy who worked a lot to achieve his dream.'

After going through everything he 'liked', Mohammed explained that the thing he liked most of all was 'freedom'.

'Please remember me and pray for me,' he added.

Mohammed's former homestay host, Evan Player, said he hadn't heard from the student since that time.

'That would be the biggest fear, that Mohammed has been murdered by the Saudi Arabian government,' Mr Player told 7News.

'And that would be a terrible outcome because this is a gentle, peaceful man.'

Mohammed had expressed concerns to Mr Player about being arrested in Saudi Arabia in March.

The pair worked out a way Mohammed could communicate that he was safe in Saudi Arabia by sending photos to Mr Player through his Instagram account on specific dates in April.

None of the photos were sent.

Mohammed, who lived in Townsville, graduated with a Geology degree from James Cook University last December

Another former homestay host, Evan Michaels, was also messaged by Mohammed only months away from his trip.

He told Mr Michaels that he had to speak to him 'urgently' and explained that he was being asked by his family to return to Saudi Arabia.

'He was wondering if the Saudi secret police were speaking to them (family) and trying to make him come home,' Mr Michaels told The Townsville Bulletin.

Mohammed mentioned to his former homestay host that he had lost contact with his brother in February and hadn't heard from him since.

A friend who met Mohammed through university recalled him being 'a bit off' at a JCU event during the first semester of university this year.

'At the end of the night (of the event) he pulled five of us aside and just explained the situation,' the student told the publicaiton.

'He said that his brother had been arrested because of text messages that they'd been sending regarding their thoughts on the government.'

James Cook University said in a statement: 'James Cook University has been in contact with a friend of the former student.'

'JCU is concerned for the welfare of the former student, and hopes contact is made with him soon.'


Russian drones destroy grain warehouses at Ukraine ports. Russian drones reportedly have attacked Ukraines Danube ports of Reni and Izmail, destroying grain warehouses and other facilities. The attacks, using Iranian-supplied drones, follow Russias withdrawal this month from the Black Sea deal that allowed Ukraine to export its grain and threats by both Moscow and Kiev to target civilian carriers visiting ports, The Guardian reported.



"Russia hit another Ukrainian grain storage overnight. It tries to extract concessions by holding 400 million people hostage. I urge all nations, particularly those in Africa and Asia who are most affected by rising food prices, to mount a united global response to food terrorism," Ukraines Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, wrote on Twitter on Monday, without identifying the location of the target.



Warehouses where grain crops were stored were destroyed, tanks for storing other types of cargo were damaged. There was a fire in one of the production premises, which was promptly extinguished, local police were quoted as saying by the news outlet.



The facilities are just across the river from Nato-member Romania.



Officials say more than 60,000 tonnes of grain have been destroyed in the past week, the BBC reported.



Odesa head Oleh Kiper, whose region also covers the Danube ports of Reni and Izmail, said in his Telegram channel that Russia had attacked the infrastructure there for four hours with Iranian-made drones.



He said a grain hangar and tanks for storage were destroyed. Other local officials say three warehouses were bombed.



Three drones out of about 15 involved in the attack were destroyed by air defences, Kiper added.



At least four people were injured in the attack.




Now he's moving to QLD for better care

His cancer went from curable to stage four

A grandfather who was told his cancer was curable has since been informed that it is stage four and terminal after he spent months on a waitlist for follow-up scans.

Doctors discovered a treatable tumour in 67-year-old Billy Hassan's lung in January, but after spending seven months waiting for treatment, he has 12 months left to live.

The grandfather from Andrews Farm, 30kms north of Adelaide, is now blaming South Australia's 'broken' health system for not getting to the problem sooner.

With or without treatment Mr Hassan has been told that he only has 12 months left, but he's moving to Rockhampton, in Queensland, for a second opinion.

The cancer, which has now spread to his throat and lymph nodes, was deemed to be curable when it was first discovered.

Doctors discovered a treatable tumour in Billy Hassan's, 67, lung in January, but after spending seven months waiting for treatment, he has 12 months left to live

Instead of starting treatment immediately, doctors deferred him for further scans which Mr Hassan says was a careless mistake.

'If I would have been treated, it would have been good. Now we'll [have to] wait and see,' Mr Hassan told 7News.

After he had already organised the move to Rockhampton, where he has family, doctors advised Mr Hassan that they were ready for him to start his treatment at the end of July.

He has opted to continue on with the move however, believing Queensland's medical system will provide him better odds of success.

Mr Hassan's daughter, Trina Selleck, says the state and Health Minister Chris Picton failed her father.

'They've taken his life away,' Ms Selleck said.

'I wonder what his wait time could be if he got cancer,' she said of the minister.

Now the grandfather says the pain from his cancer is affecting his quality of life.

Since becoming aware of the situation, Mr Picton said he had asked the Department of Health to investigate the situation 'as a matter of urgency'.

'I was concerned to hear of Mr Hassan's case and I've asked the Lyell McEwin Hospital to look into this matter urgently and report back to my office,' Mr Picton told Daily Mail Australia.

'While I await the results of that full report, the early indications I have had from doctors in the hospital is that Mr Hassan's case was very complex and required multiple scans and investigations to determine the best treatment approach.

'I am happy to meet with Mr Hassan should he wish, to hear his concerns directly and follow them up with the doctors and nurses at the Lyell McEwin Hospital.'

Mr Hassan's daughter, Trina Selleck, says that the state and the Health Minister, Chris Picton, failed her father

Since becoming aware of the situation, Health Minister Chris Picton told 7news that he had asked the department of health to investigate the situation 'as a matter of urgency'

Mr Hassan's complaints come after another South Australian man said he was made to wait five months for treatment following a bowel cancer screening.

Mr Picton said this man has since been given an appointment for a colonoscopy, and that there were only four others in southern Adelaide with overdue gastroenterology appointments.

The public and private sectors are working together to try and get people off of overly long waitlists, according to Mr Picton.

Daily Mail Australia contacted Mr Picton for comment.
Mike Cannon-Brookes - seen behind the wheel of his Tesla previously - was reportedly involved in a serious smash

Mike Cannon-Brookes and his wife were involved in a terrifying car accident just months before their marriage split - with the billionaire hospitalised due to his injuries, it has been revealed.

The Atlassian co-founder and his fashion designer wife Annie were involved in a collision in the NSW Southern Highlands earlier this year. The couple own several properties in the area.

Mr Cannon-Brookes ended up in hospital after the accident, sources told the Australian Financial Review.

Both he and Mrs Cannon-Brookes made a full recovery. While details are scant, the car crash was not related to their recent split, which was announced last Friday evening.

Mr Cannon-Brookes' representatives were approached for comment.

The Atlassian co-founder and his wife Annie Todd, who it has now been revealed have separated, had been in the NSW Southern Highlands earlier this year when they were involved in the collision

Mike and Annie Cannon-Brookes are seen on their wedding day

Mr Cannon Brookes also owns $100million property and land in the Southern Highlands, 120km south of Sydney, including Rosehill Farm (pictured)

Mr Cannon-Brookes and his wife own more than $100million worth of real estate in the Southern Highlands.

Their property portfolio includes a $9.1million Mittagong home and the nearby Greyladyes Farm which they bought for $13million.

He and his wife's first buy in the Highlands was the Joadja Creek Farm for $3.3million in 2016.

It's estimated their properties in the rural area cover a total distance of 1005ha.

Mr Cannon-Brookes' fairytale romance with the fashion designer began when they met in the Qantas lounge at Sydney Airport. Ms Todd had mistook him for someone else, but the chance meeting led to the future tech tycoon marrying her in 2010.

Unearthed tweets showed that Mr Cannon-Brookes was bursting with excitement about his new love in the early days of their relationship.

Following their engagement in 2009, Mr Cannon-Brookes tweeted: 'GOT ENGAGED THIS WEEKEND! The gorgeous Miss Annie said yes!'

The Atlassian co-founder once shared loved-up tweets about his wife

That same month another tweet said he was looking forward to dinner with Ms Todd after a tough day in the office.

'Tough day at work and it's only Monday. People ain't easy. Annie's bday dinner will cheer me up. Tis what family's for right?' he wrote.

In February, 2010, after their honeymoon, the businessman shared another loved-up post.

'Back at work after marrying the wonderful Mrs Annie C-B and six-week honeymoon. Woo!' he said.

A few months later he shared his hopes for their future together.

'Great read for anyone who likes to travel and has kids. I hope Annie and I are a cool travelling family in the future!' he tweeted.

The couple's separation, announced last week, raises questions about how they will divide their estimated $19billion fortune, in addition to a $300million property empire.

The billionaire Atlassian co-founder had met his wife through a chance encounter in the Qantas lounge at Sydney Airport

The pair also own mansions in Sydney's eastern suburbs and northern beaches.

The couple's 1.1-hectare Fairwater home at Point Piper on Sydney Harbour, where the late Lady Mary Fairfax lived, has been the most extravagant of their purchases.

They snapped it up in 2018 despite its intimidating $100million price tag, which made it the most expensive house in Australia at the time.

In June, Mr Cannon-Brookes and his wife forked out $14.25million to buy a home in Newport, on Sydney's northern beaches, neighbouring the $24.5million estate they purchased in 2020.

The five-bedroom home is set on a 3,000sqm block of land and features a 1,000sqm netted bathing area.

Ms Todd told a journalist in 2016 she and her husband were 'lucky' to share the same goals

The home was also located three doors down from another of their properties, acquired for $2.35million in 2020.

The couple also spent $2.55million on a fisherman's cottage out at Great Mackerel Beach, on the northern beaches, which is accessible only by boat.

Ms Todd told a journalist in 2016 she and her husband were 'lucky' to share the same goals.

'One of our biggest is to provide as normal an existence for our kids as possible,' she said.

On their tenth anniversary, she shared an image from their wedding day and thanked her husband for being her 'forever partner in crime'.

The reasons behind the split are unclear.

'They're both focused on their children as their number one priority right now,' a family representative said. 'They ask that their privacy is respected.'
Shocking footage has captured the moment two brothers brutally bashed a complete stranger outside a Centrelink.

The unprovoked attack happened outside of the Centrelink on Station Road at Logan Central, in Brisbane's south, on May 24.

Brothers Jarrod Potts, 26 and Hayden, 28, have since been jailed after being ordered to serve 20 months prison at Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Friday.

A man was set upon by two brothers who bashed the victim senselessly outside of a Centrelink in Brisbane's south in May

CCTV footage showed a Centrelink customer in all grey clothing stepping out of the building before Hayden sprinted up the stairs to confront the man.

Seconds later, Hayden viciously grabs the man before putting him in a headlock as the man tries to escape.

He is seen clinging desperately to the nearby railing before Hayden is joined by his 26-year-old brother Jarrod.

Appearing shirtless and wearing a pair of black shorts, the younger sibling begins to kick the man in the stomach several times before kicking the man in the chest.

Hayden then starts throwing punches wildly at the man prompting the stranger to drop to the ground.

Jarrod then kicks the man under the ribs before the pair walk away.

Footage of the senseless act was played at Beenleigh Magistrates Court.

Magistrate Cameron McKenzie slammed the men's thoughtless actions as a 'cowardly, vicious, unprovoked attack on a defenceless stranger'.

The court also heard Hayden told the man before the attack, 'What are you looking at you f*****g piece of s**t'.

Jarrod pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm while armed in company, going armed as to cause fear and wilful damage.

Hayden also pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm while armed in company.

The 28-year-old was sentenced for the crime on Monday.

The pair punched and kicked the man several times leaving him slumped on the ground outside of a Centrelink in a sickening daylight attack

The pair also bashed another man on the same day they attacked the stranger outside Centrelink.

The ruthless brothers set upon another stranger on a street in Edens Landing in Logan.

The man was punched up to 20 times and suffered serious bruises and injuries and also popped his shoulder out.

Magistrate McKenzie told Jarrod Potts in court on Monday the attack was disturbing.

'This was a cowardly, unprovoked vicious attack,' he said.

'The victim was held by the co-accused (Hayden) and while in that defenceless position, you kicked him repeatedly.'

The brothers will each spend 30 months behind bars, to serve eight months in actual custody.

They are eligible for parole on February 24, 2024 and have been ordered to pay $2000 to the two victims of their attacks.
A senior constable who died after shooting herself inside a police station in the middle of the day has been identified as a loving mum and officer of more than 15 years.

The body of Kym Slade, 48, was found by her colleagues at Loganholme Police Station, south of Brisbane, at about midday on Thursday - after a police-issued firearm was used.

In a statement, Queensland Police said Senior Constable Slade passed away after a gun was discharged 'in non-suspicious circumstances'.

Friends and colleagues flooded social media with tributes - including one colleague who graduated from the police academy with her in 2007.

Senior Constable Kym Slade, 48, died after she shot herself with a firearm at the Loganholme Police Station, south of Brisbane, a Queensland Police Service statement said

Constable Slade has been remembered as a 'beautiful soul'. Commissioner Katarina Carroll confirmed the sad news in an email to staff on Thursday

The officer wrote: 'When we walked into those academy gates on December 3, 2007, never did any of us think that one day we'd have to say goodbye to one of our squad mates like this.'

'So heartbroken that your beautiful soul is no longer with us. May you now rest in peace. Forever in the hearts of Squad 395.'

Others remembered Senior Constable Slade as a 'beautiful soul' and were saddened by the fact that her life ended so abruptly.

Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll confirmed the sad news in an email to staff on Thursday evening.

'Just after midday today, Senior Constable Slade died following the discharge of a police issued firearm at Loganholme Police Station.

'I know you will all join me by keeping Kym's family, friends and colleagues in your thoughts at this extremely difficult time.

'I would also like to sincerely thank the police and first responders who assisted at the scene, my thoughts are also with you all.

'The coming days will be incredibly difficult for our organisation, so I urge you all to look out for each other.'

Police colleagues lay flowers at Loganholme Police Station where Senior Constable Slade died about midday last Thursday

Floral tributes piled up outside the station - many of them laid by police force colleagues past and present

Commissioner Carroll said the QPS had made support options available for officers and that psychologists, social workers, police chaplains and peer support officers were available.

'To all our members, I mourn with you tonight,' she said. 'With Honour She Served.'

Another one-time colleague was critical of the perceived way Constable Slade had been treated at work.

'She would have given the shirt off her back to anyone ... unsupported every where she went,' she said.

'What a waste of a lovely person. My thoughts are with her family at this horrible time.'

A third person spoke about the 'agony' Ms Slade went through in the weeks before her death. 'She is a sweetheart and will be remembered as such.'

'Did not deserve the agony she went through.'

Community members placed flowers outside the police station as a tribute.

Friends, family and colleagues of the officer are being offered immediate support by the QPS in the wake of the tragedy.

An investigation into the situation was launched by the Ethical Standards Command, with oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commissioner.

For confidential crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
Thousands flocked to Splendour in the Grass over the weekend with police making multiple arrests for drugs as well as two men for sexually touching festivalgoers.

Revellers turned up to the Byron Bay parklands from Friday through to Sunday for a packed festival line-up headlined by Lizzo, Flume and Mumford and Sons.

While police said the crowd were 'well behaved' overall, some ended up in handcuffs.

A 43-year-old Victorian man was charged with three counts of sexually touching another person without consent on Sunday, and a 40-year-old Surfers Paradise man was charged with one count of sexual touching without consent on Saturday.

Multiple people have been charged with drug offences at the Splendour in the Grass festival over the weekend, most notably two men were charged with sexually touching festivalgoers

Eager masses turned up to Splendour in the Grass from Friday through to Sunday for a packed festival line-up headlined by Lizzo (pictured), Flume and Mumford and Sons

Both men were granted conditional bail to appear before Byron Bay Local Court next month.

On Saturday, police also charged a 23-year-old Mooball woman following a search of a car at a campsite nearby where they allegedly located ketamine, cannabis, MDMA, scales, resealable bags and $6500 cash.

She was charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, and recklessly deal with proceeds of crime.

The 23-year-old was granted conditional bail and will appear before Byron Bay Local Court next month.

NSW Police say they detected and seized a range of drugs from festivalgoers with the assistance of the Dog Unit.

Drugs seized included cannabis, MDMA, psilocybin, ecstasy, methylamphetamine and white powder believed to be cocaine.

A 43-year-old Victorian man was charged with three counts of sexually touching another person without consent on Sunday and a 40-year-old Surfers Paradise man was charged with one count of sexual touching without consent on Saturday (pictured: Splendour 2023)

NSW Police say they detected and seized a range of drugs from festivalgoers with the assistance of the Dog Unit

In total police issued 42 court attendance notices, 36 criminal infringement notices and 31 cannabis cautions.

NSW Police say they 'make no apology' for cracking down on illicit drugs.

'While most of the attendees were compliant, it's disappointing that we continue to detect the possession and supply of prohibited drugs,' Tweed/Byron Police District Commander David Roptell said.

'The safety of music fans attending the festival is and continues to be our number one priority, and we make no apology for coming down hard on drug possession and supply.'

It wasn't the only bad behaviour at the trendy festival with one attendee revealing how she was 'fat-shamed'.

Shelbi Evans, from Grafton in northern New South Wales, headed to the event on Friday kitted out in a black and orange see-through midriff top and loose-fitting orange pants with her face adorned with jewels and crystals.

Shelbi Evans, from Grafton in northern New South Wales, travelled to sunny Byron Bay to attend Splendour in the Grass

But while at the festival, Ms Evans said 'two revolting men' made fatphobic comments about her outfit.

'To those that say fatphobia isn't real... on Friday night I had two revolting males dry-retch at me for wearing what I was wearing,' Ms Evans wrote on social media.

'Instead of seeing my smile or hair or anything else, they noticed my weight and decided to turn my smile to a frown. I will not let these fatphobic f**ks dull my shine.

'Fat people exist! Get over it! I am not here to make anyone comfortable but myself.'

The disability and aged care worker said it had taken years to build up her confidence, adding that the two men had made her even more confident despite their actions.

One of the men commented on Ms Evans' post and unapologetically confirmed he was responsible for body-shaming her.

In a since-deleted comment, the man wrote, 'Can confirm it was my mate and I,' along with a waving-hand emoji.

In a since-deleted comment (pictured), a man apparently confirmed he and his friend were responsible for body-shaming Ms Evans

Social media users rallied behind Ms Evans, with many complimenting her outfit and her positive outlook.

'I think you look fabulous. Screw those people. Good on you for just living your best life,' one person wrote.

'You look beautiful, you have the sweetest smile, I love your outfit and your hair is such a gorgeous colour! I don't know what these men look like but looks fade and once they do they will be left with nothing but their ugly hearts,' another wrote.

'You look stunning and so confident. A**holes, if you're reading this, GROW THE F UP!!!! Have some respect and stop being such a disappointment to your mothers,' a third chimed in.
A man accused of grooming a woman overseas into sexually exploiting her children has been refused bail.

Timothy John Lane, 51, faced Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney on Tuesday charged with using a carriage service to send indecent material to a person under 16, using a carriage service to transmit child abuse material, grooming and breaching bail.

The recluse was arrested at Sydney Airport on April 4 after child abuse material was allegedly found on his phone following a trip to South-east Asia.

Forensic analysis of Lane's phone revealed he had conversations with two adult women in the Philippines, expressing his alleged sexual interest in young children.

After his arrest, Lane was granted bail to live in his caravan on a property at Stanhope in rural NSW.

But in May, officers executed a search warrant on the caravan and allegedly found more child abuse material on another mobile phone.

Timothy John Lane (pictured) was arrested at Sydney Airport on April 4 after child abuse material was allegedly found on his phone after he returned from the Philippines

Magistrate Clare Farnan told the court there was a 'lengthy conversation' in November 2022 between Lane and a woman overseas about her 11-or-12-year-old child.

Police allege Lane encouraged the woman to produce child abuse material, news.com.au reported.

'Upon reading (the police) facts, it would appear Mr Lane, having been granted bail after being charged with an extremely serious allegation of importing child abuse material, is alleged to have essentially gone out of his way to  further access child abuse material from a device which he'd obtained, essentially in breach of bail,' Magistrate Farnan told the court.

Lane's lawyer, Rajiv Baldeo, asked that his client be released from the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre to live with his elderly mother and her partner at their home in Copacabana on the NSW Central Coast.

Mr Baldeo said Lane has mental health problems which had not been properly looked after while he has been in custody.

A child rescue operation in Manila, Philippines, related to allegations against Australian man Timothy John Lane, is pictured

He said Lane posed less risk of reoffending if bailed to live with his mother and her partner, who is a retired solicitor, than alone at his caravan.

The lawyer said Lane has no-one in his life besides his mother, rarely interacts with other people and has very little support.

But prosecutor Paayal Parshotam opposed bail, saying there was a previous apprehended violence order (AVO) taken out to protect his mother after Lane allegedly threatened her with a knife.

Upon hearing this, Lane, who was appeared by audiovisual link from prison, interrupted to say 'it was not true about a knife, it was a verbal disagreement'.

Lane was refused bail due to the 'exceptionally serious' charges, the fact they were committed while he was on bail for similar alleged offending and the AVO taken out to protect his mother.

After his arrest in April Lane was granted bail to live in his caravan (pictured) on a property at Stanhope in rural NSW

He is next due to face Downing Centre Local Court on September 6.

Australian Border Force Superintendent Phillip Anderson said the examination of electronic devices at the border was a critical function in protecting the community.

'Our goal is to protect our most precious national asset  the Australian border. This includes protecting it from people who choose to engage in the worst kind of abhorrent criminal activity,' he said.

'I congratulate the ABF officers on the front line who used their intuition to stop and question this man.'
A creepy school deputy principal sent texts to what he thought was a 14-year-old girl offering to pay her for sex and explicit images.

Damian Scott Wanstall, 49, is seeking to avoid a full-time jail sentence after pleading guilty to one charge of using a carriage service to procure a child under 16 for sexual activity.

He was sprung by undercover police on December 7, 2020, after posting an online classified advertisement under the heading: 'Any legal Indian or Filo teens want fun.'

The ad read: '40yo Aussie daddy seeking sexy play this weekend. Will reward. Can host discreetly Rouse Hill.'

A court has rejected a defence from former deputy principal Damian Wanstall (pictured) that argued he was messaging who he believed to be a 14-year-old to make his ex-girlfriend jealous

At a sentence hearing on Tuesday, defence barrister Nicholas Baltinos argued that Wanstall posted the ad in an 'irrational' attempt to get his ex-girlfriend back.

'In these courts we've seen it. Very smart people, highly intelligent people with high IQs, pillars of society, do ridiculous things,' he told the Parramatta District Court.

Judge Andrew Colefax wasn't convinced, calling Wanstall's explanation 'preposterous' and lamenting that in his 14 years' experience, individuals charged with child sex offences seldom admitted they were attracted to children.

'A recurring theme ... is these men are unable to face the truth in that they often come up with bizarre explanations to themselves as to why they've done what they've done,' he said.

Wanstall did more than just place the ad, the judge pointed out, saying that he also engaged in highly sexualised chats with someone he thought was 14 years old, arranged the meet-up and then drove there with $200 in his pocket.

'How does any of that sit with his explanation that he placed the ad to inflame the jealousy of the former partner?' he asked.

According to agreed facts seen by AAP, Wanstall chatted with the 'teen' about sexual activity, asked about her bra size, and offered $300 for a 'few hours of fun'.

'It will be fine. Better to explore with an experience (sic) guy,' he wrote.

Calling himself 'Mick' and describing himself as Richard Gere and Mark Harmon with a 'dad bod', the former Kellyville High School deputy principal suggested they meet in a quiet street in his 4WD which had tinted windows.

He also chatted about Disney Princesses and asked for 'raunchy' bathroom pictures of the purported teen.

'Think you should be in dress not (school) uniform,' he wrote.

'So it looks less suss. Maybe spare pair nickers (sic) too.'

Wanstall is aiming for a reduced sentence served outside of prison, saying extensive media coverage of the case served to embarrass him and denied him the presumption of innocence.

Judge Andrew Colefax described the attempted defence as 'preposterous', pointing out Wanstall (pictured) had driven to a meet-up point with $200 in his pocket

Mr Baltinos also pointed to his client's age, unblemished record and work ethic, saying that the chats were just an out-of-character 'one off' done at a time when the 49-year-old was drinking excessively.

Police had not found child abuse photos or videos on the ex-teacher's phone or computer and there was no evidence he was associated with criminal gangs who distributed this type of material.

Wanstall's mother, who sat in court for the hearing, would suffer hardship if her son was sent to prison, Mr Baltinos told the court.

'She was very proud of her son achieving what he had achieved in the span of about 20 years and he threw it all away,' he said.

The hearing continues.
A woman accused of murdering both of her parents with her own supply of insulin has suffered a diabetic attack in the cells just moments before she was due to appear in court.

An ambulance was called to the South Australian District Court on Tuesday for Raelene Polymiadis, 62, after she appeared to suffer a diabetic attack just as her bail hearing was due to start.

The woman from Craigmore in northern Adelaide is charged with two counts of murder over the deaths of her parents Brenda and Lynton Anderson, both 94, in 2022 and 2023.

The court has previously been told she allegedly used her own supply of insulin to commit the crimes.

Polymiadis reportedly collapsed in her cell while waiting for ambulance crews to arrive. At 3.36pm, paramedics arrived and transferred her to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

An ambulance was called to the South Australian District Court on Tuesday for Raelene Polymiadis (pictured on stretcher), 62, after she appeared to suffer a diabetic attack just as her bail hearing was due to start

Raelene Polymiadis (pictured) has been charged with allegedly poisoning her parents

The court heard she had suffered the medical emergency while in the court cells before her hearing, with a cell mate calling out for help.

Adam Spicer, nursing director at SA Prison Health told the court the Adelaide Women's Prison had been made aware of Polymiadis' condition upon her admission.

He said the prison had discussed with her the possibility of moving to a unit that would allow her to prepare her own meals, ultimately giving her more autonomy over he health, but she had declined the offer.

Polymiadis' lawyer Marie Shaw KC told the court her client had asked for the bail hearing to proceed in her absence.

She previously asked the court to grant her home detention bail on the basis she wasn't receiving adequate care for her diabetes while in custody.

Ms Shaw asked Mr Spicer why her client's health had deteriorated rapidly during her time in custody.

'She has been managing her diabetes in the community, successfully, for 40 years,' Ms Shaw said. 'Yet she has been unstable since coming into custody.'

Mr Spicer said that despite following all recommended processes for Polymiadis' care, the prison health system could not 'mirror the care in the community'.

Polymiadis' mother Brenda Anderson (pictured) died on March 16, 2022

Lynton Anderson (pictured) died at Flinders Medical Centre on May 1, 2023

Mrs Anderson died on March 16, 2022 after she was taken to hospital for the treatment of an undisclosed medical issue.

Mr Anderson died at Flinders Medical Centre on May 1, 2023, after he was found unconscious by his carer the day before.

In July, police said they would investigate whether the couple had been poisoned after noting abnormalities on their toxicology reports.

Authorities had already ruled out intervention from hospital or external carers involved with the couple.
Turkey, Algeria and Iraq have all condemned the burning of the Koran in Copenhagen while Danish embassy staff have reportedly been removed from Baghdad and mass protests have broken out across the Islamic world.

Turkey strongly condemned the 'despicable attack' on the Koran in front of Iraq's embassy in Copenhagen yesterday, where two protesters set fire to a copy of Islam's holy book in front of the Iraqi embassy.

The country also called on Denmark to take necessary measures to prevent this 'hate crime' against Islam, the foreign ministry said on Monday.

Algeria said yesterday that it had summoned the Danish and Swedish envoys to condemn recent desecrations of the Koran in Copenhagen and Stockholm.

The foreign ministry said it had 'summoned the Danish ambassador and the charge d'affaires at the Swedish embassy' yesterday to formally protest events in the two countries in which the Muslim holy book was burnt or stamped on.

The two protesters were from a group that calls itself 'Danish Patriots', which held a similar demonstration last week and livestreamed the events on Facebook

Protesters also took to the streets of Karachi, in Pakistan (pictured above on July 23), shortly after demonstrators angered by the planned Koran burning stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad

Algeria also said it 'firmly condemns these immoral and uncivil acts that target all that is sacred for Muslims the world over,' a foreign ministry statement said.

READ MORE: Protesters set fire to a copy of the Koran in front of Iraqi embassy in Denmark - days after similar stunt in Sweden triggered fury in Baghdad Advertisement

It said it did not accept the argument that such protests were permissible in the name of freedom of expression.

'These reprehensible acts run contrary to the values of tolerance and co-existence and only serve to revive hatred and Islamophobia,' it said.

Iraq also condemned the burning and people marched through Baghdad with copies of the Koran in protest on Saturday.

But demonstrations have raged across the Islamic world after the nordic countries allowed the burning of the Koran under rules protecting free speech.

Countries like Pakistan and Yemen have seen hundreds of protesters taking to the streets on July 23 and July 24 to show their anger over the burning and kicking of the Koran.

Protesters in Iraq even set the Swedish embassy in Baghdad alight on Thursday.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said he condemned the Koran burning.

'These provocative and shameful acts do not represent the views of the Danish government. Appeal to all to deescalate - violence must never be the response,' Rasmussen said in a tweet.

Iraq also condemned the burning and people marched through Baghdad with copies of the Koran in protest on Saturday, July 22 (pictured above)

This comes after hundreds of Iraqis stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad and set it on fire just four days ago in protest against another planned burning of the Koran in Sweden Supporters of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party burn the effigy of Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Karachi, Pakistan, on July 23

Countries like Pakistan and Yemen (pictured above, yesterday) have seen hundreds of protesters taking to the streets on July 23 and July 24 respectively to show their anger over the burning and kicking of the Koran

Yemenis participate in a protest denouncing the burning of Islam's holy book in Sana'a, Yemen

Men hold firearms as people demonstrate against the desecration of the Koran in Denmark, in Sanaa, Yemen, yesterday

The demonstration in Baghdad on Saturday saw hundreds of Iraqi protesters who attempted to storm the Green Zone, where foreign embassies and government officials are housed

Protesters gathered in Baghdad's Tahrir Square, carrying Iraqi flags and images of influential Iraqi Shiite cleric and political leader Muqtada al-Sadr, on Saturday, July 22, following reports of the burning of a Koran to be carried out by a ultranationalist group in front of the Iraqi Embassy in Copenhagen on the following Monday, July 23

Iraq's foreign ministry called on authorities of EU countries to 'quickly reconsider so-called freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate'.

Protesters gathered in Baghdad on Saturday amid heavy security, with bridges leading to the Green Zone that houses many foreign embassies shut after an attempt by demonstrators to get to the Danish Embassy.

An Iraqi foreign ministry spokesperson said Danish staff at the embassy had left Iraq two days ago. He did not elaborate on the reason or the exact timing.

A spokesperson for the Danish foreign ministry said the embassy in Baghdad had been closed for summer vacation since July 22. 'We have not withdrawn from Iraq,' they said.

Footage shows demonstrators waving flags and signs showing the influential Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada Sadr before they climbed over the fence and entered the embassy to set it alight

Protesters clash with security forces as they gather near the Swedish embassy in Baghdad hours after the embassy was stormed and set on fire on Thursday, July 20

The Iraqi immigrant's protest outside the embassy in Sweden sparked major backlash in Baghdad

Under a heavy police presence and in front of a crowd of 200, Salwan Momika, a 37-year-old who fled to Sweden several years ago, put bacon in the pages of a Koran before stomping on it and setting several pages alight

The spokesperson declined to comment on whether staff had left the country or not for the duration of the closure.

Five days ago, on July 20, hundreds of Iraqis stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad and set it on fire just four days ago in protest against Koran burnings.

On Thursday, hours after protesters stormed Sweden's embassy in Baghdad, Iraqi immigrant Salwan Momika, 37, kicked a copy of the Koran outside Iraq's embassy in Sweden after placing bacon between its pages but did not set it on fire.

A few weeks ago, Momika burned a Koran outside Stockholm's main mosque on June 28, during the Eid al-Adha holiday and the annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

This caused dozens of Iraqi protesters to storm the Swedish embassy in Baghdad a day later.
Michael Gove today insisted it is 'safe' for Brits to go on holiday to Rhodes if they follow official advice.

The Levelling Up Secretary said his 'heart goes out' to those affected by fires - but defended the Foreign Office stopping short of putting the destination on the travel 'red list'.

He also revealed that he personally is heading on a jaunt to Greece next week, although to another island.

Despite the fires raging on the island, the government's guidance merely urges Brits to check with airlines and hotels before setting off.

In a round of interviews this morning, Mr Gove denied the response has been too relaxed.

'In fact I'm due to go on holiday, God willing, to Greece in just over a week's time, not to Rhodes but to another island and I'm looking forward to going,' he added.

'Greece is a wonderful country, a wonderful place to holiday and we do need to support the Greek government in dealing with the situation in Rhodes. My heart goes out to those who are affected but the advice is clear, if you follow the Foreign Office advice it is safe.'

He told Sky News the island he was going to is Evia.

Rhodes burns for a seventh day. A weeklong wildfire on the Greek resort island has sparked mass evacuations with thousand of Brits abroad - but some are still attempting to get there

Brits have been warned not to travel to the burning island of Rhodes (pictured) - as an easyJet pilot even pleaded with passengers to disembark a flight there

Michael Gove today insisted it is 'safe' for Brits to go on holiday to Rhodes if they follow official advice

The Foreign Office advice is still that people can travel to Rhodes for holidays

He defence came despite calls in some quarters for the government to advise against all-but essential travel to the destination, which would allow people to decide not to go without suffering a big financial hit.

There has been criticism that Whitehall has been too slow to respond, in echoes of the bungled Afghanistan evacuation operation in the summer of 2021. Official figures show that the Foreign Office HQ was only 49 per cent full last week.

An estimated 10,000 Brits are on the Greek island with 30,000 due there over the coming weeks. Around 40 hotels are thought to have been affected.

Today it emerged that an easyJet pilot heading to Rhodes had issued a stern warning to Brits on his plane.

The pilot reportedly told passengers over the Tannoy before take-off: 'Travelling to Rhodes for a holiday at the moment is a terrible idea. As far as I'm concerned, this flight is being operated on an emergency basis. Return flights are now being managed by the military. If you want to get off flight, you are welcome to do so.

'I don't know in what capacity you are travelling, but if you are travelling for leisure, my sincere recommendation is it's a bad idea.'

Foreign Affairs Select Committee chair Alicia Kearns acknowledged that the government and other European countries were unwilling to block tourism and harm the Greek economy.

But the Tory MP told the i: 'My view is that the Government should update the travel advice for Rhodes to 'advise against all but essential travel'.

She also rebuked airlines, saying: 'Airlines are more than capable of deciding to stop flying.

'It is paradoxical that holiday package providers have cancelled, but airlines are not. Airlines should take the responsible decision to stop flying, and focus on repatriation flights.'

Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokeswoman Layla Moran said: 'It is staggering that the Foreign Ofice travel guidance for Rhodes does not advise against all but essential travel.'

The government has sent a team to Rhodes to assist Britons and liaise with the authorities.


North Korea fires two ballistic missiles North Korea fired two ballistic missiles into the East Sea, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said on Tuesday. "Our military detected two ballistic missiles North Korea fired from areas near Pyongyang into the East Sea at 11.55 p.m. on Monday and at midnight of Tuesday," it said.



Both missiles flew about 400 km before falling into the sea, Yonhap News Agency quoted the JCS as saying.



The military is still analysing the North's latest missile launch to determine the exact type of the missiles fired, according to the JCS.



The North's latest missile launch comes as a nuclear-powered American submarine, USS Annapolis, arrived at a naval base in South Korea's southern island of Jeju as part of efforts to bolster joint deterrence against North Korea's evolving threats.



North Korea fired two ballistic missiles into the East Sea on July 1, followed by multiple cruise missile launches on July 22.




They were a thorn in Ukraine's side in Bakhmut, and now the Wagner group is set to become a headache for NATO as the bloodthirsty paramilitaries threaten its eastern flank.

Having redeployed to Belarus in the wake of Yevgeny Prigozhin's failed coup, Putin's allies are now bragging that the mercenaries are eager to invade Poland.

Warsaw's army far outnumbers Wagner so threats to march on the Polish capital or a major military base have largely been dismissed, but a more-troubling notion is that they could attack a narrow strip of land known as the Suwalki Gap.

Even a small attack on the area - sandwiched between Poland, Lithuania, and Kaliningrad - could cause huge problems for NATO and potentially spiral into the Third World War.

Here, MailOnline tells you everything you need to know about the latest Wagner threat.

A fighter of private mercenary group Wagner stands guard in a street near the headquarters of the Southern Military District in the city of Rostov-on-Don, Russia, June 24, 2023

What is the Suwalki Gap?

The Suwalki Gap - sometimes called the Suwalki Corridor - is a 40-mile wide strip of territory along the Polish-Lithuanian border which is named for the largest city in the region.

Poland and Lithuania have fought for control of the region before, but today it is part of Poland and is the only land border between mainland Europe and the Baltic States.

Despite its strategic importance, the area is remote, with just one rail line and two major highways - one of which is single-lane - crossing through it.

It is largely made up of rolling hills which are covered by farmland, sparse woodland, and a few small villages.

That means the area is difficult to reach for any army that is not already based there, and equally difficult to defend, with little natural cover or choke-points.

Why would Russia attack it?

The Baltics have long been seen as NATO's Achilles' Heel - the region which it would be easiest for Putin to attack and most difficult for the alliance to defend.

Fears of a Baltic invasion have risen since the Ukraine war began, and if Putin were to attempt it then blocking the Suwalki Gap would likely be his first move.

Though thousands of NATO troops, including UK soldiers, are currently deployed to the Baltics, they are only intended as a 'tripwire' force.

Their role is to hold up any invading force until the main NATO army can arrive.

Russian success in the Baltics, therefore, depends on ensuring that army never arrives - or comes too late to make a difference.

Cutting the Suwalki Gap makes getting reinforcements from Poland and Germany - where NATO's largest bases are - into the Baltics much more difficult.

Conversely, it makes it much easier for Russian reinforcements to move around by creating a land bridge between Belarus and Kaliningrad - Putin's heavily militarised spit of land on the Baltic Sea.

Moscow knows this and, during the Zapad war games in 2021, is thought to have rehearsed closing the Suwalki Gap alongside Belarusian forces.

So crucial would the Suwalki Gap be to any Russian attack on the Baltics, that the sleepy countryside region has been dubbed 'the most dangerous place on Earth'.

Belarusian soldiers of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) and mercenary fighters from private military company Wagner pose for a photo

Is Wagner a serious threat?

While the odds of a Wagner attack on the region are low, it is technically possible - and is the exact kind of threat that experts have been warning about for years.

Ukraine believes that around 5,000 Wagner fighters are currently stationed in Belarus, and have been largely stripped of their heavy weapons and tanks by Russia.

They are vastly outnumbered by Polish, Lithuanian and NATO forces, which number more than 150,000 men with tanks, heavy artillery, attack jets and warships.

Attacking and holding the Suwalki Gap would therefore be all-but impossible.

But as Ben Hodges, former commander of NATO in Europe, suggested all the way back in 2018, that would not necessarily be the aim.

Rather than attacking and occupying the gap, Lieutenant-General Hodges warned Russia could deploy 'plausibly-deniable armed mercenaries' such as Wagner to carry out 'limited or temporary incursions.'

If Wagner were to begin skirmishing in the area - like the partisans fighting in Russia's own Belgorod region - then it would make the border much more difficult to use.

Damage to the highways or railway line could have the same effect as closing the border altogether even if Wagner did not occupy any territory.

Second, in the event of skirmishes Poland would likely invoke Article 5 and demand all NATO allies respond, which other Eastern European states would almost certainly back.

But Western allies, particularly France and Germany, may be reluctant given the potential for retaliation by Russia and the fact that any Wagner force is likely to be small.

That risks undermining NATO unity which has already frayed between East and West over Ukraine, and would strengthen Russia's position in Europe.

Third, an attack by Wagner would raise questions over how to respond.

Putin has admitted the Russian state used to fund the group but now claims to have cut them off, and would almost certainly deny responsibility for their actions in the future.

Though Wagner is based in Belarus, Lukashenko is not thought to have any influence over how or where the group operates and will probably distance himself as well.

NATO therefore risks looking like the aggressor if it responds by striking either Russia or Belarus, which both nations will almost certainly exploit for propaganda purposes.

A fighter from Russian Wagner mercenary group conducts training for Belarusian soldiers on a range near the town of Osipovichi, Belarus July 14, 2023

Fighters of Wagner private mercenary group pull out of the headquarters of the Southern Military District to return to base, in the city of Rostov-on-Don, Russia, June 24, 2023

But hitting back at Wagner whilst avoiding either country will be difficult - especially if fighters operate as guerillas based on their territory.

Lastly, such skirmishes could allow Russia to use the gap as a bargaining chip.

If NATO chose to respond with force, Putin could threaten to escalate under the guise of protecting Kaliningrad - where he is thought to have stationed nuclear weapons.

But he could also offer to 'mediate' and end any Wagner incursion, provided NATO helped pressure Ukraine into signing a generous peace deal.

Could it trigger World War Three?

In a word: Yes.

Any armed incursion by Wagner into Poland or Lithuania - both of whom are NATO members - would almost certainly prompt a military response.

That might not involve attacking Russia or Belarus to begin with, but the situation could easily escalate to the point where direct fighting breaks out.

Joe Biden has previously described that scenario as 'World War Three'.

UK troops are likely to be on the frontlines of that war as 800 of them are currently in Estonia - one of the three Baltic states - and dozens more are deployed in Poland.

While NATO would be expected to win that conflict, the devastation and death toll would likely be on a par with the bloodiest wars in history.

Particularly as both sides are armed with thousands of nuclear warheads.

Opening a second front against NATO while war is ongoing in Ukraine seems an unlikely move for Putin, but experts warn it cannot be disregarded.

As John R. Deni of the Atlantic Council think-tank warned last year: 'Some thought it was illogical for Putin to order the full-scale invasion of Ukraine

'The West cannot assume that Russia won't make a move against the Suwalki corridor just because it appears illogical.'
Police have arrested a doctor and his daughter after the decapitated body of a naked man was found in a notorious 'love hotel' in Japan.

The headless corpse of Hitoshi Ura, 62, was discovered by staff at the Let's Susukino Hotel in the Susukino district of Sapporo.

A worker stumbled across the shocking scene in a second floor room of the hotel on July 2 after Mr Ura had failed to check out of his room that afternoon.

His naked body was sprawled across the bathroom, with the victim's head was nowhere to be found.

Doctor Osamu Tamura, 59, and his daughter Runa, 29, have now been arrested on suspicion of being involved in his murder, per local news reports in Japan.

The headless corpse of Hitoshi Ura, 62, was discovered by staff at the Let's Susukino Hotel in the Susukino district of Sapporo

Doctor Osamu Tamura, 59, and his daughter Runa, 29, have now been arrested on suspicion of being involved in his murder, per local news reports in Japan

An autopsy on Ura's mutilated body found his cause of death was haemorrhagic shock as a result of blood loss from stab wounds.

His head was sawn off with a blade, after which it was taken from the scene of the crime.

Mr Tamura and his daughter were reportedly detained on Monday in connection with the savage beheading of Mr Ura.

Police are now working to establish if there is any relationship between the pair and Mr Ura, as well as any possible motive.

Police told Japanese newspaper The Mainichi that Mr Tamura's daughter may have been known by the victim prior to the horrific incident.

However, they have not yet revealed whether either of the arrested duo have pleaded guilty to any of the allegations.

Investigators claim Mr Ura and another individual - believed to be Runa - checked into the hotel at around 10.50pm local time on July 1.

Whilst the victim never emerged, his companion is said to have departed the 'love hotel' at 2am.

Police suspect that Mr Tamura dropped off and picked up his daughter, but say he did not enter the building.
Unexpectedly high sales of leftover Yeezy stock following Adidas' ill-fated and abandoned collaboration with Kanye West over his anti-Semitic outbursts has helped the sportswear company recoup huge losses.

The German sportswear brand has managed to reduce operating loss this year to 508 million euros ($498.56 million), the company said Monday, after it sold off swathes of West's - now known as Ye - shoes piled up in its warehouses following the severed collaboration.

Citing people familiar with the matter, the FT reported that four million pairs of Yeezy trainers were sold by Adidas for $562 million during an online sale of the stock in June - vastly more than expected.

Adidas initially stopped selling Yeezy sneakers in October after it terminated its lucrative partnership with the rapper turned fashion designer after a series of anti-Semitic outbursts.

But the company in May said it had decided to sell off the piles of its remaining Yeezy inventory as it would otherwise be forced to write off 500 million euros ($553 million) - adding to Adidas' financial woes.

Adidas said it would donate a significant proportion of the sales to charities tackling racism and anti-Semitism.

Kanye West is pictured leaving the Burberry 2022 Catwalk Show during London Fashion Week in September 2022

Adidas said it would donate a significant proportion of Yeezy sales to charities tackling racism and anti-Semitism. Yeezy shoes made by Adidas are displayed at Laced Up, a sneaker resale store, in Paramus, N.J.

Amid the sale of Yeezy stock in June, the FT reported that Adidas was unable to meet demand for orders.

Those wanting to purchase West's shoes were forced to register online in advance and submit their orders for the models they wanted.

The publication said that while the value or orders was more than 508 million euros ($562 million), the profit was lower.

The update from Adidas is likely to cheer investors betting that CEO Bjorn Gulden, at the helm since the beginning of the year, can turn Adidas' fortunes around. The German company had previously forecast a full-year operating loss of 700 million euros ($775 million).

Although group revenue in the second quarter fell by 5 percent to 5.3 billion euros ($5.9 billion), Adidas' gross margin rose 0.6 percentage point to 50.9 per cent, the company said on Monday in a preliminary release ahead of full second-quarter results expected on August 3.

Operating profit for the second quarter was 176 million euros ($194 million), down from 392 million ($434 million) a year earlier.

Adidas said the potential impact of a Yeezy stock write-off was now 400 million euros, down from 500 million euros expected previously. The company did not say exactly how much it sold of its Yeezy stock worth around 1.2 billion euros, but analysts estimate that around 15 percent of the stock has been liquidated.

Shares in Adidas have gained 37 per cent since the start of the year as investors hope Gulden can rebuild the brand after a chaotic break-up with Ye, or Kanye West, triggered by antisemitic comments he made in interviews and on social media.

Adidas CEO Bjoern Gulden attends the company's annual news conference in Herzogenaurach, Germany, March 8, 2023

Kanye West is seen on October 21, 2022 in Los Angeles, California

The company, which in May said it would donate proceeds from Yeezy stock sales to non-governmental organisations including the Anti-Defamation League, did not specify on Monday how much it plans to give to charity.

'If successful, potential future Yeezy drops would further improve the company's results,' Adidas said, referring to the term used for putting new products on the market.

The shoes' popularity has endured despite Ye's public pronouncements, with Yeezy shoes selling at high premiums on resale sites.

Adidas said the rest of its business also did 'slightly better than expected' in the second quarter.

Adidas' decision to drop West capped the rapper's fall from grace after following increasingly erratic behavior and anti-Semitic outbursts.

In October last year, West said in a social media post that he would go 'death con 3 on Jewish people', then doubled down in media interviews with comments that included vile remarks about Jewish people.

In a statement following their split with the rapper last year, the German sportswear company said: 'Adidas does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech.

'Ye's recent comments and actions have been unacceptable, hateful and dangerous, and they violate the company's values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness.'

The partnership between the German giant and West began in 2013, after he let a collaboration with Nike, and was expected to be a ten-year-long production. As part of the initial deal, Adidas payed West an annual royalty fee to sell the products, while the rapper still owned the Yeezy brand.

Kanye West speaks on stage at the 'Kanye West and Steven Smith in Conversation with Mark Wilson' event on November 7, 2019, in New York City

Kanye West attends the 'The Greatest Lie Ever Sold' Premiere Screening on October 12, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee

Adidas, whose founder Adi Dassler belonged to the Nazi Party, found themselves coming under increasing pressure to drop Kanye after the anti-Semitic comments.

Amid the erratic behavior before the severed deal, West also introduced a series of shirts branded with 'White Lives Matter' at Paris Fashion week.

During an episode of Drink Champs podcast with N.O.R.E, West also claimed that George Floyd died from taking fentanyl and that Derek Chauvin's knee 'wasn't even on his neck like that.'

Floyd's family later lodged a $250million lawsuit against West over the comments, calling them 'repugnant' and saying he used 'false statements' to 'promote his brands'.

Kanye also made the incorrect claim that he is the 'richest black man in American history' - a title that belongs to Vista Equity's Robert F. Smith.

He said: 'A lot of this stuff for me as the richest black man in American history, that put $140million in JP Morgan, and never even had a chance to... not even get to deal with them. We'll speak at a different time.'

In 2021, West was inaccurately described as the richest man in America after Bloomberg reported the valuations of his companies at $6.6billion.

Much of that figure came from sales that hadn't yet been realized and were never an indication of his personal wealth  with Forbes estimating his net worth at around $1.8billion.
A man who was caught driving down a motorway at nearly 100mph after a row with his boss has been spared jail by a judge who said prison is 'not an ideal place' for him.

Cameron Poole was at the wheel of his father's car on the M6 on the evening of January 21 when he was arrested after being clocked travelling at 98mph.

The 26-year-old, from Northwich, Cheshire, switched the lights of the Ford C-Max off and accelerated away in a bid to shake off officers, and was spotted undertaking other vehicles at around 9:10pm.

When questioned, the joiner said he had been 'agitated and frustrated' after a row with his employer and went into 'full panic mode' when he saw the police following him.

Sarah McInerny, prosecuting, told Warrington magistrates court: 'The incident takes place on the M6 northbound in Cheshire at approximately 9.10pm on the 21 January.

'PC Parr and PC Iddon were patrolling the North West motorway network. After junction 20 they witnessed a vehicle driven by the defendant travelling in excess of the 70mph speed limit in place.

'Officers activated the on-board camera. He then reached 98mph at which point the officers activated the emergency equipment.

Cameron Poole was at the wheel of his father's car on the M6 on the evening of January 21 when he was arrested after being clocked travelling at 98mph

'The defendant increased his speed considerably and moving towards lane one undertook several vehicles. He continued onto a section of roadworks where the speed limit was 50 mph. He continued to speed at 98 mph.'

Miss McInerny told the court he then reduced his speed and turned his lights off, while continuing to overtake other road users.

He then reduced his speed further until he was behind the police patrol. Officers led him off the motorway and onto a slip road, but he made off once again.

He then reduced his speed considerably until was behind the police patrol. Officers led him off the motorway and onto a slip road - but he made off again.

'He cut across the solid white line and continued on to the M6 Northwood,' Miss McInerny said. 'The police were not able to continue the pursuit. He deliberately ignored the rules of the road, disregarded the safety of other road users and the incident was prolonged, persistent and deliberate.

'It was obviously highly dangerous manoeuvres and involved evading police.'

Poole, who was traced by police later, had previous convictions for drug driving and careless driving following a separate police chase in 2016.

A probation report stated that he had ADHD, had been 'bullied' at work and was dealing with 'stress' from an ex-partner who was 'trying to get some money from him'.

On the night of the offence in January, he was on the way to Skelmersdale to visit his current partner.

A probation officer said: 'He'd had a bad time at work and his boss was giving him some grief at the end of the day. It was all about the working hours when he was already working long hours and the pressure was on.

The 26-year-old, from Northwich, Cheshire, switched the lights of the Ford C-Max off and accelerated away in a bid to shake off officers, and was spotted undertaking other vehicles at around 9:10pm

'He was on the way to Skelmersdale and had gone past Junction 20 on the M6 still feeling agitated and frustrated. Clearly, he was not thinking about his driving. He hit excessive speeds - then saw the police following him in his rear view mirror.

'He made a catalogue of appalling decisions, frankly. He said he was panicking, in full mode. He made a number of very poor decisions such as turning his lights off to try and avoid detection and overtaking on the inside lane.. It was shocking and he knows that.'

The probation worker said that when he was tracked down he was crying, and his mother came to take him to her home in Knutsford. His father picked up the car.

Poole's lawyer Melanie Winstanley added. 'He has shown remorse, he fully accepts responsibility and there are significant vulnerabilities.'

Poole admitted dangerous driving and was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison, suspended for two years. He was also banned from driving for four years, and ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work, and participate with up to 50 days of rehabilitation activity.

He will also pay 174 in costs and a victim surcharge.

JP Ian Williams told him: 'This is an extremely serious matter and clearly, your driving was totally unacceptable. You put a lot of people in danger including yourself but more importantly, innocent people.

'You were driving at 98 mph then increased your speed considerably because the police were there. You were undertaking, you continued at 98mph despite the speed limit being 50. You reduced to 50mph, then switched off the lights.

'You then made out you were stopping for the police and then made your escape. These are all very serious issues.

'You should thank your family, it's not easy for them but they have had the courage to come and support you.

'The reasons for suspending the sentence are that you are clearly a vulnerable young man, you have got issues.

'You have never had the intervention of the probation service in the past and we feel that there is a realistic chance of rehabilitation. You are a vulnerable young man and prison is not an ideal place for you.'
Google Doodle has decided to honour Dr Mohammed Helmy on his 122nd birthday.

Dr Helmy was among the 25,000 honoured by the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre, Yad Vashem, in a list of people crowned the 'Righteous among Nations'.

He also put himself in harm's way to save the lives of others in Nazi-occupied Berlin.

Who is the Egyptian doctor? What did he do during World War II? Read on to find out more about Dr Mohammed Helmy's incredible sacrifices.

Dr Mohammed Helmy (pictured) put his life on the line to save the lives of his Jewish friends whilst living in Nazi occupied Berlin

Also known as the 'Schindler of the surgery room', Dr Helmy has been honoured by Google Doodle on his 122nd birthday

Who is Dr Mohammed Helmy?

On July 25 1901, Mohammed Helmy was born to a German mother and an Egyptian army major in Khartoum, central Sudan.

In 1922, he made the 2,904 mile trip to his mother's homeland of Germany to study medicine.

Dr Helmy then went on to work at Robert Koch Hospital - also known as Krankenhaus Moabit - in Berlin, after completing his university studies.

The talented doctor quickly progressed to the head of the urology department - a part of medicine that focuses on medical issues that happen in the reproductive organs and urinary tract system.

Unfortunately, Dr Helmy's success was had a short shelf life, as Adolf Hitler quickly rose to power in 1933, changing life in Germany and the world forever.

In 1938, he was stripped of his medical licence and no longer allowed to work at the hospital.

As tensions continued to rise in Germany, he was no longer allowed to marry his German fiancee, Emmi Ernst, because of his race.

He was also barred from practising medicine but this did not stop him, as he opened his own practice and continued under the radar.

What happened to Dr Helmy when WW2 began?

As war broke out across Europe, chaos ensued in Germany and in October 1939 Arabic people across Germany, Austria and Poland were sent to Wulzburg camp in Southeast Germany near Nuremberg.

This included Dr Helmy, who was arrested on October 3 1939 and sent to Wulzburg for four weeks.

In December 1939, he alongside other Egyptians were let out, but the sweet taste of freedom was not experienced for long, as Reich Leader of the SS, Heinrich Himmler, ordered for all Egyptians men between 18 and 60 to be arrested, and Dr Helmy was jailed for a second time.

The incredible story of Anna & Dr Helmy

After his second release from Wulzburg in June 1941, he worked for Dr. Johannes Wedekind in Charlottenburg, Berlin.

At this practice, he began to write sick notes in a bid to help foreign workers go back home and avoid conscription into the Germany army.

But the selfless doctor did not stop here and when Berlin began to deport Jews, he put his own life on the line to save his friends', as detailed in the book about his life, carefully pieced together by Ronen Steinke, titled Anna & Dr Helmy.

Dr Helmy bravely spoke against antisemitic Nazi policies and gave his Jewish friend, Anna Boros (now Gutman) a place to hide in his cabin in the Buch area of Berlin.

The doctor would move Anna during police investigations so she would not be deported to a concentration camp.

Post-war Anna Boros wrote: 'He managed to evade all their interrogations. In such cases he would bring me to friends where I would stay for several days, introducing me as his cousin from Dresden.

'When the danger would pass, I would return to his cabin. Dr. Helmy did everything for me out of the generosity of his heart and I will be grateful to him for eternity.'

Anna was not the only person Dr Helmy sacrificed his own safety for, as he also helped her step father Gerog Wehr, her mother Julie, and grandmother Cecilie Rudnik.

He provided for the family of four and helped them with any medical issues that arose.

Anna's grandmother, Cecilie Rudnik, was later moved by Dr Helmy to his friend's' Frieda Szturmann's home, to share rations and hide.

Thanks to Ms Szturmann and Dr Helmy, the family of four survived the horrors of the Holocaust and later went on to live in the US post-war.

Dr Helmy was finally able to marry Emmi Ernst and lived out the rest of his life in Berlin

Dr Helmy was the first Arabic person to be awarded the title 'Righteous Among Nations' by the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre, Yad Vashem

What did he witness during WWII?

Dr Helmy witnessed first hand the persecution Jews faced during World War II.

While he worked at the Robert Koch Hospital located near one of the biggest synagogues in Berlin, many of his Jewish colleagues were dismissed.

Storm-troopers raided the Robert Koch hospital, taking Jewish doctors to a basement where they were severely physically abused.

The Jewish doctors who did not die from the beatings were never to be seen at work again.

Dr Helmy was not subjected to this abuse because he was not Jewish and was shortly thereafter promoted to run a department of Nazi surgeons.

However, Dr Helmy's promotion was short lived, because according to divisive Nazi racial laws he was a 'Hamite', an outdated term used to describe peoples from North or the Horn of Africa.

Although Dr Helmy was not a Jew, he was not privy to the privileges experienced by those categorised as 'Aryan' by backwards Nazi legislation.

In 1936, other members of staff banded together to create a petition to stop the talented physician working at the hospital because they thought he was treating Jewish patients outside of work.

He would experience daily abuse, with colleagues shouting 'Heil Hitler!' at him in the hospital halls.

But the gifted doctor managed to keep his job for another year, as the Reichstag did not want to create hostility with Egypt - who although were officially neutral during the war, provided facilities for the British during the war.

His lasting impact

Dr Helmy died at the age of 80, on January 10, 1982 in Berlin and is remembered for his heroic efforts during Nazi occupied Germany.

He was the first Arabic person to be awarded the title 'Righteous Among Nations' by the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre, Yad Vashem.

The medal and certificate was displayed at the Exhibitions Pavilion on the Mount of Remembrance - Mount Herzl, Jerusalem - in an exhibition titled 'I Am My Brothers Keeper', as the Holocaust memorial and Egyptian embassy continued their efforts to find his next of kin.

Happy 122nd birthday to Dr Mohammed Helmy.
Taiwan kicked off large-scale war games and held air raid drills simulating its response to Chinese missile attacks yesterday, just days after Beijing sent a contingent of fighter jets and bombers to encircle the island.

Self-ruled Taiwan has held the Han Kuang defence drills every year since 1984, but this year's war games are more intense than ever before in the face of increasing military and political pressures from China, which regards the island as its territory.

In a blatant show of force this past weekend ahead of the drills, China sent 37 aircraft and seven navy vessels around Taiwan on Friday and Saturday, according to Taiwan's defence ministry.

Among them were J-10 and J-16 fighters and H-6 bombers, and 22 of the detected warplanes crossed the midline of the Taiwan Strait - an unofficial boundary that had been considered a buffer between the island and mainland - or entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone.

Now, Taiwan's military and civilian protection organisations will conduct drills throughout the week as the self-governing island nation steels itself for invasion - but several of the planned war games will not go ahead as Typhoon Doksuri in Southeast Asia edges closer to the island.

China sent dozens of warplanes, including fighter jets and bombers, toward Taiwan, the island's Defence Ministry said Saturday, July 22, 2023 (FILE PHOTO: Chinese J-10 fighter jets)

A view of soldiers on top of M60A3 tanks during a drill rehearsal in New Taipei City, Taiwan July 20, 2023

A soldier rappels down a Black Hawk helicopter during a drill rehearsal in New Taipei City, Taiwan July 20, 2023

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) sees Taiwan as a renegade province to be brought back under Beijing's control - something the authoritarian president Xi Jinping has said he's willing to do by force.

But Taiwan's elected Democratic Progressive Party steadfastly argues it presides over a self-governing, democratic, capitalist society with overwhelming support from its people.

Self-ruled Taiwan holds frequent defence drills for its military, but the Han Kuang preparation efforts also extend to its civilian population, with authorities stepping up drills in cities, citing lessons learned from Russia's invasion of Ukraine where the street-to-street warfare appears to be part of the defence strategy playbook.

'Because of the ongoing Ukraine-Russian war, the importance of the drill is for our residents to know how to evacuate,' said Tsai Yin-fong, who organised Monday's evacuation in Taipei's Neihu district.

Residents in seven counties across northern Taiwan were subjected to emergency scenarios as part of Taiwan's 'Wan An' air defence exercises, which translates to 'everlasting peace'.

As the sirens sounded in Neihu to signal an incoming missile attack, volunteers guided residents to nearby underground evacuation shelters, where they crouched to the ground and covered their eyes and ears.

In Taipei's southeastern Nangang district, firefighters simulated putting out a blaze caused by a missile attack on a train station, aiming their hoses at the building, and then rescuing a civilian from it.

Government employee Wu Kai-te, who had hidden in an underground parking lot as part of the drill, said these exercises were necessary because of China's military threats.

In Taipei's southeastern Nangang district, firefighters simulated putting out a blaze caused by a missile attack on a train station

Rescue workers take part in an emergency response exercise for civilians, providing simulation capabilities at the tactical level of war on July 24, 2023 in Taipei, Taiwan

Taiwanese people take cover inside of a basement shelter during a Wanan air raid drill in Taipei, Taiwan, Monday, July 24, 2023

'Taiwan's international situation is more special because of the China factor,' the 37-year-old told AFP.

'It's very practical for the public and it teaches us the right poses to take to avoid more damage during a missile attack.'

The air raid drills will continue across Taiwan until Thursday.

Taiwan's army, navy and air force are among some of the most highly trained, technologically advanced and well equipped in the world.

But China's massive population and vast resources mean Beijing's military holds the advantage across every conceivable metric.

In terms of sheer numbers, China currently maintains a whopping 2 million active service personnel, far outnumbering Taiwan's comparatively paltry 170,000-180,000 troops, according to the latest 2023 figures published by Global Firepower.

Taipei does maintain a substantial reservist force, and in December president Tsai Ing Wen announced a revamp of her country's defence policies to extend mandatory national service and beef up military reserves amid Chinese aggression.

But Beijing's active service personnel still outnumber Taiwan's entire military and reserve forces combined. And of course, the CCP has more than 600 million citizens of military age, fit-for-service citizens from which it could theoretically source new troops endlessly.

In the air and sea, it's the same story.

China's fleet of military aircraft totals 3,166 of which more than 1,000 are dedicated fighter aircraft, while Taiwan can only muster 737 aircraft in total.

And Beijing can deploy 730 naval vessels, including two huge aircraft carriers from which they can launch aerial assaults, 78 submarines and 50 destroyers.

Taipei in comparison has just four destroyers and submarines.

A jet fighter takes off from China's Shandong aircraft carrier, over Pacific Ocean waters, south of Okinawa prefecture, Japan, in this handout released by the Joint Staff Office of the Defense Ministry of Japan April 10, 2023

Air Defense and Missile Command of Taiwan Air Force takes part in a military exercise, at an undisclosed location in Taiwan in this handout picture provided by Taiwan Defence Ministry and released on April 9, 2023

Beijing's incessant war games in the Taiwan Strait and Xi's recent declaration that 'China will never renounce the right to use force' to bring the island under the control of the mainland suggest the CCP is laying the groundwork for a military operation.

'The wheels of history are rolling toward China's reunification [with Taiwan]', Xi said in October at the Communist Party Congress.

And earlier this year Xi made perhaps his strongest statement yet, declaring his military must prepare for 'real combat' after it conducted war games in the seas around Taiwan.

China's leader said the People's Liberation Army, which is now the second largest force in the world, must conduct 'military struggles firmly and with flexibility'.

'You must strengthen real combat military training,' he said in a statement carried by state news agency Xinhua, adding that the military must 'resolutely defend China's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests, and strive to protect overall peripheral stability'.

Taiwanese and US defence officials have in recent months warned they expect the PLA to be ready to launch an attack on the island well before the end of the decade.

CIA Director William Burns in February claimed US intelligence suggests Xi has instructed his country's military to 'be ready by 2027' to invade Taiwan.

'We do know, as has been made public, that President Xi has instructed the PLA, the Chinese military leadership, to be ready by 2027 to invade Taiwan, but that doesn't mean that he's decided to invade in 2027 or any other year as well,' Burns told CBS' 'Face the Nation.'

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu have since concurred with the Director's assessment.

But for all of Xi's posturing and declarations that Beijing will not renounce the right to use force to 'reunite' the island with the mainland, China has shown in recent decades it is very reluctant to fight a war.

Beijing last engaged in a large-scale military operation in Vietnam in 1979 which failed just as the US effort had four years prior - and the CCP has plenty to lose in a war with Taiwan.

The conflict would be widely condemned by its Western trading partners, and Xi has the hindsight of watching the damaging economic response levied by Western powers on Russia following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.

And launching an invasion would run the risk of triggering a military response from the only world power whose armed forces have the might to overcome the sheer size of the People's Liberation Army - the United States.
Mother explains why she allegedly killed one of her twin girls first

A mother who smothered her three children told police she killed one of her twins first because she was the 'worst behaved', a court has heard.

Lauren Anne Dickason, 42, is on trial in the High Court in Christchurch charged with murdering her daughters - Liane, 6, and twins Maya and Karla, both 2.

The girls were found dead at their home in Timaru on New Zealand's South Island on September 16, 2021, by their father Graham Dickason after he returned home from a work function.

Dickason has admitted to killing her children but denies it was murder, with her defence claiming she is not guilty by reason of insanity.

In court on Tuesday, a video recording of an interview with detectives was played, in which Dickason said she had not 'felt normal' for months before 'something just snapped', the New Zealand Herald reported.

Lauren Dickason (pictured) told police the day after she killed her children that she had been thinking about doing it for some time

Dickason is on trial in the High Court in Christchurch charged with murdering her three young daughters - Liane, 6, and twins Maya and Karla, both 2 (family pictured together)

Dickason told police she started by killing Karla, 2, because she was being the worst behaved at the time.

'I did the twins first... The first one was being really, really, really horrible to me lately,' she explained.

'She has been biting me and hitting me and scratching me and throwing tantrums 24 hours a day - and I just don't know how to manage that. That is why I did her first.'

The officer who conducted the interview told the court Dickason was 'polite' and 'articulate' and willingly engaged with police throughout questioning.

During the interview, Dickason described her move from South Africa to New Zealand as 'overwhelming' and said how she had lost hope.

'I don't even know where to start... It just got too overwhelming - and with the new visa thing that came through yesterday I just see no hope for us here in the future,' Dickason said during the interview.

'Just getting on the aeroplane was enough of an effort, there was so much paperwork to be done and then there was the two weeks in MIQ which almost had us crazy. Something just snapped last night.'

Dickason has admitted to killing her children but denies it was murder, with her defence claiming she is not guilty by reason of insanity

The girls were found dead at their home in Timaru on New Zealand's South Island on September 16, 2021, by their father Graham Dickason after he had returned home from a work function

On the night of the alleged triple murder, Dickason smothered the girls around 20 minutes after her husband left for a work function.

She explained that the children were jumping on couches and not listening to what she was telling them and so she went to the garage, spotted some cable ties and thought, 'That could possibly work'.

In the interview she told police: 'I have been thinking about it for sure last night something just triggered me', and so she put them all together in a room before using the cable ties on them.

However, that attempt was unsuccessful, so she suffocated them.

Dickason told police she then tucked each of them into their beds, pulling the blankets over their heads fully aware that they were dead.

'Then I decided I had to do something with myself and I ran through the house and none of the knives were sharp and then I just started drinking my medication that I could find. I wanted to die.'

Dickason explained that in the lead-up to the alleged triple murder, she had been getting only two hours of sleep a night, was losing many kilos due to stress and had not felt normal for around nine or 10 weeks before the incident and moving to New Zealand had only exacerbated issues.

She described the day she killed the girls as her 'first day off' in four months telling police after killing them she just climbed into bed with a hot water bottle and processed everything that had happened.

The killings were described by the prosecutor as 'methodical, purposeful and perhaps clinical'

In the interview, Dickason said she had been diagnosed with major depressive disorder in 2015, had post-natal depression after the birth of both her older daughter and then the twins and had been medicated for years before stopping in early 2021.

She also admitted to having thoughts of harming her kids in the past and had told her husband on three occasions that she was scared as she had considered hurting their children.

Throughout the video interview being played in court Dickason sat with her head in her hands.

Earlier in the trial the jury heard Dickason had carried out several searches regarding how to overdose children and what the lethal or fatal qualities of specific drugs were for kids.

Last week, Crown Prosecutor Andrew McRae alleged Dickason was an angry and frustrated woman, who resented her children for standing in the way of her relationship with her husband.

Mr McRae alleges she was fully aware of what she was doing and described the killings as methodical, purposeful and perhaps clinical.

The defence, however, argues that Dickason was 'very unwell' and didn't recognise how unwell she was until it was 'too late'.

The trial will resume on Wednesday and is expected to run for at least another two weeks with experts to speak on whether they believe Dickason was insane.

For confidential 24-hour support in Australia call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Rishi Sunak is attempting to quell a Tory backlash against his new housebuilding drive with the Prime Minister vowing not to pursue 'uncontrolled development'.

In a newspaper article, Mr Sunak insisted that 'communities must have a say' on where new homes are built and said his approach would be 'targeted'.

The PM's pushback comes after the Government was criticised for new plans it announced yesterday - including for a 'new urban quarter' in Cambridge.

A local Conservative MP derided the proposals as 'nonsense' and highlighted issues with water scarcity in the university city.

Mr Sunak also suffered a fresh blow to his housebuilding plans as a new poll showed almost half of voters disapprove of the Government's performance on housing.

The Redfield & Wilton Strategies survey showed Labour leading the Tories among both homeowners and renters ahead of the general election, which is expected next year.

The Government has a net approval rating of -26 per cent on housing, according to a Redfield & Wilton Strategies poll

Among all voters, 38 per cent said they are most likely to trust Labour to manage housing, giving them an 18-point lead over the Conservatives (20 per cent)

When asked who they would vote for at a general election, 39 per cent of homeonwers backed Labour to give Sir Keir Starmer's party a six-point lead over the Tories (33 per cent)

More than half of renters plan to back Labour at a general election (59 per cent) compared to just 17 per cent who would support the Tories

According to the poll, conducted yesterday, half (48 per cent) of voters disapprove of the Governments performance on housing, while a quarter (23 per cent) approve.

The resulting net approval rating of -26 per cent is the joint-second lowest net approval rating for the Government amongst all policy areas, ahead of only the NHS (-30 per cent).

The survey also found that those who voted Tory at the 2019 general election were almost as likely to disapprove (32 per cent) of the Governments performance on housing as they were to approve (31 per cent).

Among all voters, 38 per cent said they are most likely to trust Labour to manage housing, giving them an 18-point lead over the Conservatives (20 per cent).

More homeowners also trust Labour (35 per cent) over the Conservatives (23 per cent) on housing.

When asked who they would vote for at a general election, 39 per cent of homeonwers backed Labour to give Sir Keir Starmer's party a six-point lead over the Tories (33 per cent).

More than half of renters plan to back Labour at a general election (59 per cent) compared to just 17 per cent who would support the Tories.

Michael Gove, the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Secretary, used a speech yesterday to outline a range of planning reforms, including on leasehold reform, simplifying planning procedures, expanding planning capacity, and regenerating and reviving inner cities.

He set out the Government's ambition to 'intensively' concentrate new housebuilding efforts in Britain's cities as part of a 'new inner city renaissance' rather than 'concreting over the countryside'.

Rishi Sunak, pictured on a visit to the West Midlands yesterday, is attempting to quell a Tory backlash against his new housebuilding drive

Michael Gove used a speech yesterday to outline his vision of a 'new inner city renaissance' rather than 'concreting over the countryside'

Ministers are promising 'new flexibilities' to allow shops, takeaways and betting shops to be converted into homes to help rejuvenate Britain's high streets.

This will come alongside the cutting of red tape to enable barn conversions and the repurposing of agricultural buildings and disused warehouses.

There will also be new freedoms for home extensions, loft conversions and renovations, while there will be a review into expanding the rights of homeowners to extend their properties.

A 'super squad' team of leading planners and other experts will be tasked with working across the planning system to unblock major housing developments.

They will initially be deployed to Cambridge with a promise to 'turbocharge' ministers' plans for the city.

But Anthony Browne, the Tory MP for South Cambridgeshire, attacked the 'nonsense' plans for a 'new urban quarter' in Cambridge.

He highlighted how all major developments in the university city were 'now blocked' because the local area had 'quite literally run out of water'.

Following the Tory backlash against the Government's new housebuilding drive, the PM penned an article for The Times in which he attempted to reassure backbenchers concerned over planning reform.

'This is not about uncontrolled development of the countryside,' Mr Sunak wrote.

'It is not just about more homes of any kind, anywhere, no matter what communities think.

'Homes must be built in the right places, where it makes sense. Communities must have a say.'

Downing Street said the PM remained committed to a Tory manifesto pledge to build 300,000 homes a year by the mid-2020s.

Mr Sunak added: 'Our approach is not protectionist, it's targeted. More homes in the places where people want and need them.'
Wildfire blazes have killed 25 people across Algeria, including 10 soldiers trying to get the flames under control.

At least 1,500 people have been evacuated, the Interior Ministry said, while it also confirmed 15 deaths and 24 injuries due to the fires.

Algeria's Defense Ministry later announced 10 soldiers were killed and 25 injured as they fought fires in the resort area of Beni Ksila, which is located to the east of the capital city Algiers.

The largest and deadliest fires hit Bejaia and Jijel  located in the Kabyle region east of Algiers - as well as Bouira, situated around 60 miles southeast of Algiers, the Interior Ministry said.

Support from emergency services included some 7,500 firefighters and 350 trucks on the ground as well as additional air support in an attempt to bring the fires under control.

A view of the forest fires that swept through Algeria, killing 25 people, including 10 soldiers

Support from emergency services included some 7,500 firefighters attempting to tackle the blazes

An aerial view of the burnt forestry field after wildfires as teams partially controlled the wildfires in Boumerdes

A fire engine moves along a road as a forest fire rages near the town of Melloula in northwestern Tunisia, which is located close to the border with Algeria

The exact timing of the casualties remains unclear, but the fires have been raging across the country for several days.

Wildfires, some spread by strong winds, swept across forests and farmland in 16 regions, causing 97 fires across Algeria.

Algeria has been hit by a number of wildfires in recent years, with at least 37 people killed in August 2022 after blazes near the border with Tunisia.

A year earlier, authorities said dozens of people were killed in blazes, including soldiers drafted in to help fight the fires in the mountainous Kabyle region, which has been badly affected by the most recent wildfires.

An Algerian court subsequently sentenced 49 people to death over the lynching of a man falsely accused of starting the deadly forest fires in 2021.

The blazes in Algeria come after wildfires have ripped through Greece, with as many as 10,000 Britons estimated to be on the island, according to the Foreign Office.
Police are appealing for help to track down thieves who posed as plumbers to steal an 'irreplaceable' locket from a 91-year-old woman in south east London.

The valuable keepsake was one of several items stolen from the pensioner's home in the Kelsey Park area of Beckenham on June 27, including a number of bracelets.

The elderly victim was gifted the locket by her parents on her 18th birthday. Inside, it held pictures of her late mother and father.

Metropolitan Police detectives have said the 'horrible ordeal' has left the victim feeling 'utterly helpless' and have issued e-fit images of the two suspects in a bid to track them down.

Police have said the victim was at home at around 2pm when the two men knocked on her front door, under the pretence they were there to repair a boiler leak.

While she was distracted, they rifled through her home before fleeing with the jewellery, which included the invaluable locket.

An e-fit of the two suspects has been released in a bid to track them down

The pair were posing as workers who were at the property to fix a boiler leak

The incident happened on June 27 at the pensioner's home in Kelsey Park

According to police, 'extensive' enquiries have been conducted but no arrests have been made so far.

Detective Sergeant Sarah Francis said: 'This horrible ordeal has left this elderly woman feeling utterly helpless.

'The stolen locket especially is of enormous and irreplaceable sentimental value.

'I urge any local people, or jewellers, who may have been offered such an item for sale, to please contact us immediately.'

Anyone who has any information that could help should call 101, reference CAD 5016/27JUN, or, to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Bronschhofen, July 25, 2023 - Cicor Group (SIX Swiss Exchange: CICN) continued on its growth path in the first half of 2023 and further increased its operating margin. Net sales grew by 26.2% year-on-year to CHF 199.2 million in the first half of 2023 (1st half 2022: CHF 157.7 million). EBITDA increased by 42% to CHF 21.3 million (1st half 2022: CHF 15.0 million), representing a margin of 10.7% (1st half 2022: 9.5%). The outlook for the second half of the year remains positive, supported by an order intake of CHF 221.4 million (1st half 2022: CHF 181.8 million), corresponding to a ratio of new orders to sales of 1.1.

Cicor's strategic focus on the markets of industrial electronics, medical technology and aerospace & defence continues to deliver results. Robust demand from customers supported Cicors growth in the reporting period. As a result, organic growth in local currencies was 9.5%. Acquisitions contributed with 20.2% to growth, while the continued appreciation of the Swiss franc had a negative impact of -3.4% on sales. Order intake increased significantly thanks to the demand of both existing and newly acquired customers. In the current economic environment, we consider the order growth of 21.8% and the book-to-bill ratio, which remains well above 1, as a clear sign of Cicor's strength in the market for sophisticated development and manufacturing services for high-end electronics.

The increase in the EBITDA margin by 1.2 percentage points year-on-year to 10.7% is also the result of the continued focus on the strategic markets, which contributed 84% to total revenue in the first half of the year (1st half 2022: 80%). The operating margin was also supported by a significant reduction in brokerage costs, which are passed on to customers without a significant mark-up. This impact had still diluted margins in the prior-year period. In line with its strategy, Cicor is growing in businesses with low asset intensity. This has led to a 1.5 percentage point increase in Core EBIT margin to 7.6% and Core EBIT growth of 57.5% to CHF 15.2 million (1st half 2022: CHF 9.7 million, 6.1% margin). Core net profit increased by 86.5% to CHF 9.2 million (1st half 2022: CHF 4.9 million).

The shortage in the supply of materials has partially eased, enabling a reduction in inventories. A key focus of Cicor's management is on reducing net working capital. As a result of the initial successes of these efforts, free cash flow (before acquisitions) improved to CHF 5.2 million in the reporting period (1st half of 2022: CHF -21.8 million).

EMS Division

With a sales growth of 32.5% to CHF 179.0 million (1st half 2022: CHF 135.1 million), Cicor continues to pursue its growth strategy. In addition to organic growth (13.0% adjusted for currency effects), the newly acquired companies in Germany contributed to this result. Both SMT Elektronik (now Cicor Deutschland), which was consolidated for only two months in the same period of 2022, and the EMS operations acquired from Phoenix Mecano (now Cicor Digital Elektronik) on January 1, 2023, performed very satisfactorily. On the other hand, the strong Swiss franc and lower brokerage costs, which were passed on to customers, had a slowing effect. In the previous year, broker costs had been more than CHF 1 million per month. This has fallen by around 60% in this reporting period.

The integration of the new Cicor companies in Germany is progressing as planned. Together with RHe Microsystems, Cicor has now created an EMS business in Germany with locally generated sales of around EUR 100 million annually. This makes Cicor one of the most important EMS providers in Europe's largest electronics market, with a clear focus on core markets.

The division's EBITDA margin reached a new record level of 11.4% (1st half 2022: 10.2%), driven by a further improved product mix, higher production capacity utilization, an underproportional increase in overhead costs and a reduction in the dilutive effect of passed on broker costs. As a result, EBITDA increased by 48% to CHF 20.4 million (1st half 2022: CHF 13.8 million).

In Vietnam, a newly acquired production building was opened in close proximity to the existing site. By doubling the floor space to around 12,000 square meters, adding a clean room for the production of miniaturized electronics and investing in a fourth automated PCB assembly line, Cicor is preparing for further growth. Customer commitments have been received for several important new ramp-ups, including the relocation of production volumes from China to Southeast Asia, which will increase Cicor's market share.

AS Division

The AS Division reported a 11.5% decline in sales to CHF 20.6 million in the first half of the year (1st half 2022: CHF 23.3 million), representing 10.4% of Group sales (1st half 2022: 14.8%). Reduced shipments of printed circuit boards to medical customers and the expiry of a multi-year order for hybrid circuits contributed to the decline in sales. The EBITDA margin decreased to 11.8% (1st half 2022: 13.2%) due to capacity utilization effects.

In the reporting period, Cicor completed the acquisition of the thin-film business of AFT microwave GmbH in Backnang, Germany, as part of an asset deal effective as of March 1, 2023. This acquisition strengthens Cicor's position as a leading supplier of thin-film substrates in the European market.

The AS Division business is expected to develop positively in the second half of the year, as demand for hybrid substrates from a customer in the medical technology sector is forecasted to increase significantly.

Outlook for the second semester and the full year 2023

The continued growth momentum in order intake and sales leads to higher expectations than previously communicated. Provided that there are no significant changes in the economic and geopolitical environment as well as in exchange rates, Cicor expects to achieve annual sales of CHF 380 to 410 million in 2023 (previous guidance: CHF 360 to 400 million) and an operating result at EBITDA level of CHF 40 to 45 million (previous guidance: EBITDA margin comparable with last year's figure of 10.3 percent).

Cicor intends to continue on its growth path. The focus will remain on the European market for sophisticated development and production services for high-end electronics. Supported by long-term market growth and Cicor's track record in integrating acquired companies, above-average growth rates in sales and operating profit should continue to be achieved in the future.

At the same time, Cicor is making significant efforts to achieve its ESG goals, for example by reducing the energy intensity of its business. To this end, Cicor's managers have included ESG objectives in their performance target agreements.
An injured man's ordeal in an emergency department, in which he had to sleep on the floor of the reception area as he awaited minor surgery, has sparked outrage at the state of the public health system.

Gary Radford was among dozens of people waiting many hours for treatment at Blacktown Hospital in Sydney's west on Monday night, with some sleeping on the floor and others seated beside a shackled prisoner in handcuffs and under armed guard.

Mr Radford, 57, was so disgusted with having to sleep on the cold, hard floor, he phoned 2GB on Tuesday morning - when he was still waiting to be seen - to voice his anger.

'I was lying down on the tiles because there is no bed. I got me own jumper and folded it up so that I had a pillow,' he told host Ben Fordham.

He said about 40 other people were also waiting. 'There's probably been 10 of us that have been here for a good 18 to 24 hours,' Mr Radford said.

Gary Radford (pictured) was among dozens of people waiting overnight in Blacktown Hospital , with some, such as him, sleeping on the floor

He had gone to his GP on Monday with a gash to his leg and was advised to go to the hospital, which is located 34km west of Sydney's CBD.

After an initial consultation and treatment, Mr Radford was told he would need minor surgery the following day but could go home in the meantime as there was no bed for him there.

But he decided to stay there as he said he was in severe pain.

NSW Health said he could have accessed a scheme called hospital in the home which is designed to prevent avoidable admissions.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park told 7News that Mr Radford 'was actually seen fairly quickly, he was then seen again in a couple of hours, then given pain medication'.

Other patients were forced to sit beside a prison inmate (pictured) in handcuffs and under armed guard

Gary Radford had gone to his GP on Monday with a gash to his leg (pictured) and was told to go to Blacktown Hospital

Another Blacktown Hospital emergency patient, Aiesha Sandis, said she had been waiting 12 hours with heart pain that was 'eight-out-of-10' in intensity.

'So it was pretty severe. I knew it was going to be a long wait, but I didn't expect that,' she told 9News.

'There was one (patient) that was speaking to me and he said he was here for 11 or 12 hours too.'

During the campaign for the NSW election in March, now Premier Chris Minns visited Blacktown Hospital in the middle of night to highlight the delays being experienced there.

Blacktown Hospital emergency patient, Aiesha Sandis (pictured), said she had been waiting 12 hours with heart pain that was 'eight-out-of-10' in intensity

Four months on from that election, the new government said it was still in the process of improving patient care at Blacktown.

'In terms of resourcing, it wasn't a focus and hadn't been enough of a focus over a decade. We're trying to turn that around,' Mr Park said.

But Opposition health spokesman Matt Kean said the situation there had deteriorated under the new government.

'Labor promised that none of these things would happen on their watch,' Mr Kean said.

'They promised that things would be better under Labor, and what we're seeing that things are far worse.'
An outdoor music festival which cost 20 to attend has been branded a wash-out after chaos from the weather.

Some of the revellers who went to the event at Victoria Park in Southport in the rain hit out that some of the acts did not play.

One blasted the gig and alleged that she was met by queues of soaking people and could smell cannabis was being smoked in the vicinity.

The lady  who would not be named - told local media: 'It was an absolute farce. Gates were delayed until 1.30pm forcing some to miss the tribute acts they came to see and hardly any acts were coming on because the stage was wet.

'I get it, but what about the public soaked to the bone?

'Listening to the radio DJ for two hours - I could've done that at home. The festival was supposed to start at 12pm but it was delayed by 1.5 hours, leaving lots in the rain.

The rain that fell onto the grass and soil made mud at the festival and displeased some there

It was a very wet affair at the festival which was due to lots of rain falling on the outdoor event

'The festival started when the gates were not even open meaning we missed the Adele tribute, something that I was wanting to watch,' she told the Lancashire Post.

The woman added that the Pink and Spice Girls tributes were only on for about 20 minutes.

She railed: 'The Elton John tribute did not appear with no explanation why. The Beatles, Abba and Queen tributes were also cancelled.

'The fields were like a swimming pool and you couldn't get anywhere near to the main stage because of flooding. 'Outside the toilets were ankle deep in water and the smaller stage was packed out to dangerous levels. People were smoking weed in the queues and people were cleaning up litter from the night before. I feel the organisers thought of the money before the public and delivering what they paid for.'

There were other people who went to the festival who also complained about it, but this time on Facebook.

People that attended bemoaned the queues to get into the site to see the bands play their sets

One sniped: 'We stood for nearly two hours waiting for Fleetwood Mac to start as the stage was dangerously wet. You needed a canoe for most of the field.'

A spokesman for the Look-A-Like Festival said they did what they could when faced with adverse weather conditions.

He said: 'As outdoor music festival organisers there is nothing more we wish for than warm summer days to enhance the festival experience. However, the UK weather is not always the brightest.

'We are pleased to see people embracing the weather and making the best of the weekend, we've ran amazing events at Victoria Park for multiple years. Thank you to everyone who attended over the weekend.

'On Sunday we faced adverse weather conditions. Our operations team alongside our health and safety personnel deemed the event safe to take place with certain areas restricted and against all odds we kept it rocking until 10pm.

'We would like to thank our operations team who worked endlessly to make sure we could open the site safely and we did.

'We continued combating the weather throughout the day. Unfortunately despite all our efforts we had to close one of our stages yesterday evening during the event. The rest of the festival remained open. We would also like to thank every single person who attended and danced with us in the rain! Despite the weather.'
Carlee Russell claimed to police that she was kidnapped after stopping on the side of a road to check on a toddler in the street at night.

A police search was mounted after Russell, 26, said she was abducted on July 13 before she turned up at her parents house three days later.

Now the student nurse has admitted that she faked the whole episode including elaborate lies about how she fought for freedom.

But how exactly did the elaborate hoax unfold and will she face charges after her admission?

Read on below for everything you need to know about the gripping case involving Carlee Russell.

Russell vanished from a highway and sparked a nationwide manhunt that ended 49 hours later when she returned alone to her parents' home

Russell was reported missing on July 13, after making a bizarre phone call to 911 where she claimed she found a toddler on the side of a highway

When did Carlee Russell go missing and when was she found?

Ms Russell had claimed she was kidnapped on Thursday July 13 after she stopped to check on a toddler at 9:30pm local time.

Having dialled 911 shortly before her disappearance, a nationwide search was initiated after her call in an attempt to find her.

She subsequently phoned her brother's girlfriend to say she was stopping to check on the child, after which time she lost contact with the relative, despite the phone line remaining open.

Police say that traffic cameras saw Ms Russell stop on the side of the road, with the child not seen on any footage on the night of July 13.

The toddler's disappearance was also made up by Ms Russell, in spite of her initial claims.

It took police officers just five minutes to arrive, during which time Ms Russell had seemingly disappeared, with her car engine still running and the toddler nowhere to be found.

Her family pleaded desperately for help, with Russell's mother, Talitha Robinson-Russell, seeking help via social media to ensure the safe return of her daughter.

The concerned mother said that Russell had been on the phone to someone when they heard a blood curdling scream from the other end of the phone before Russell went quiet only to return 48 hours later.

Posting pictures to her Facebook her mother wrote: 'Whatever city you're in within 4-5 from Birmingham will you please go it and help search for our daughter???

'She's about 5'5 and 150 lbs last known to be on Hwy 459 in Hoover.

'She stopped because a baby was on the side of the Hwy and the person she was on the phone with heard a scream.'

At a press conference on Wednesday July 19, Hoover police chief Nicholas Derzis said detectives conducted a brief interview with Ms Russell in hospital, which saw her claim that she was kidnapped.

Police in Hoover, Alabama, said on July 19 they had not found evidence to back those claims

Russell, 25, claimed she was abducted on July 13, and then escaped and returned home 49 hours later. She later admitted to making up the claims

She claimed to have been abducted by a man with orange hair 'who came out of the trees' and forced her into a car, which she alleged she was able to escape from.

The 26-year-old said she was recaptured and taken to a house, where she was forced to undress and pose for photographs.

She told detectives she was placed in a car, but was able to escape and flee into woodlands to return home.

After initially disappearing on July 13, Ms Russell was found 49 hours later, at 10:44pm on July 15, having returned to her family's house and ending the frenzied two-day search for the 26-year-old.

How did Carlee Russell's story unravel?

Russell stopped co-operating with police after returning home, but initially told police she was taken by a white man with 'orange hair' who appeared from the trees on the side of Interstate 459.

Investigators also determined Russell researched the Liam Neeson movie 'Taken', the plot of which is centred around an abduction.

She was also found to have searched the query: 'Do you have to pay for amber alert or search', as well as looking for a one-way bus ticket to Nashville.

'There were other searches on Carlee's phone that appear to shed some light on her mindset, but out of respect to her privacy we will not be releasing the content of those searches at this time,' Mr Derzis said.

On Monday July 24, Ms Russell's lawyer released the following statement:

'There was no kidnapping on July 13, 2023. My client did not see a baby on the side of the road. My client did not leave the Hoover area when she was identified as a missing person. My client did not have any help in this incident, but this was a single act done by herself.

'My client was not with anyone or at any hotel during the time she was missing.'

What criminal charges could Carlee Russell face?

Section 13A-10-9 of the Alabama criminal code states that making a false report to law enforcement, knowingly, is a Class A misdemeanour.

'This was an elaborate deal. When you talk about calling 911,' Chief Derzis said at a press conference on 24 July.

Nick Dervis, the Hoover police chief, revealed that Russell has confessed to inventing her abduction story

'The sad thing is there were so many people involved and took this thing very, very seriously and, again, we wanted the focus to be to bring her home and she got home ... It is what it is. We know that it was a hoax.', Mr Derzis added.

The Alabama official said that Ms Russell could be charged, adding that Hoover Police are in talks with the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office about potential criminal charges.

Former Clarke County District Attorney Spencer Walker stated: 'The reason to charge in this case would be to deter someone from doing something similar.'

Walker said the District Attorney's office may charge Carlee with one to three misdemeanors: Rendering a false alarm, false reporting to a law enforcement authority and falsely reporting an incident.

All three of the above offences are Class A misdemeanours, which carry up to a year in jail for each offence.

What other penalties could Carlee Russell face?

Although Ms Russell has not yet been charged with any criminal offences, she could also face potential fines or other civil charges.

'The real concern Miss Russell may have in this case at least, is the amount of restitution she could be taxed with in the event she's convicted.

Russell reappeared on Saturday night at her parents' home. It remains a mystery what happened to her

Russell worked at The Woodhouse, in Birmingham. She was fired as the case unfolded

'I would think there would be a lot of man hours put into this case. Lot of overtime on these detectives and patrol officers and certainly that could be taxed to her if convicted as part of the restitution,' Mr Walker added.

Mr Walker also said that Ms Russell's attorney could cite their client's mental health issues in order to discourage any charges being pressed against her.

However, Mr Derzis was unable to say how much the 49-hour search operation cost, or whether she would be forced to repay the money.

Aside from any legal charges or fines, Ms Russell, who worked at The Woodhouse Day Spa in Birmingham, Alabama was fired from her job as the case unfolded.
Tech giant Apple is facing a $1 billion class action lawsuit brought by more than 1,500 app developers in the UK over what they describe as 'unfair' App Store fees.

The app makers have claimed that commissions of 15 to 30 per cent that the company can charge them for using in-app payment systems can amount to 'abusive pricing'.

App developers have taken issue with these costs and say they have been targeted by antitrust regulators in several countries.

Apple has previously said that 85 per cent of developers on the App Store do not pay any commission and that it helps European developers to access markets and customers in 175 countries around the world.

Apple's services business, which includes the App Store, has seen its revenues rocket in recent years and now hovers around $20 billion per quarter.

Apple's services business, which includes the App Store, has seen revenues grow at a rapid pace in the last few years and now hovers around $20 billion per quarter

The lawsuit at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London is being brought by Sean Ennis, a professor at the Centre for Competition Policy at the University of East Anglia on behalf of 1,566 app developers.

He is a former economist at the OECD and is being advised by law firm Geradin Partners.

'Apple's charges to app developers are excessive, and only possible due to its monopoly on the distribution of apps onto iPhones and iPads,' Ennis said in a statement.

'The charges are unfair in their own right, and constitute abusive pricing. They harm app developers and also app buyers.'

It comes after Spain last week fined Apple $159 million and Amazon over $55 million for colluding to limit the number of sellers of Apple products on Amazon there.
Singapore is set to hang the first woman to be sent to the gallows in nearly 20 years, rights groups said Tuesday, while urging the executions be halted.

Local rights organisation Transformative Justice Collective (TJC) said a 45-year-old woman convict who TJC identified as Saridewi Djamani is set to be sent to the gallows on Friday.

She was sentenced to death in 2018 for trafficking around 30 grams of heroin.

If carried out, she would be the first woman to be executed in Singapore since 2004 when 36-year-old hairdresser Yen May Woen was hanged for drug trafficking, said TJC activist Kokila Annamalai.

A 56-year-old man convicted of trafficking 50 grams of heroin is also scheduled to be hanged on Wednesday at the Southeast Asian city-state's Changi Prison.

Local rights organisation Transformative Justice Collective (TJC) said a 56-year-old man convicted of trafficking 50 grams of heroin is scheduled to be hanged on Wednesday at the Southeast Asian city-state's Changi Prison (file image of an activist protesting an executionin Singapore in 2021)

At least 13 people have been hanged so far since the government resumed executions following a two-year hiatus in place during the Covid-19 pandemic. One of them is Nazeri Lajim, who was executed for drugs trafficking on July 22, 2022 (pictured: his sister putting flowers on his grave at a cemetery in Singapore)

TJC said the two prisoners are Singaporeans and their families have received notices setting the dates of their executions.

Prison officials have not yet confirmed TJC's claim of the two upcoming executions.

READ MORE: Singapore hangs prisoner for trafficking 2lbs of cannabis despite Sir Richard Branson joining international pleas for city state to call off execution Advertisement

Singapore imposes the death penalty for certain crimes, including murder and some forms of kidnapping.

It also has some of the world's toughest anti-drug laws: trafficking more than 500 grams of cannabis and 15 grams of heroin can result in the death penalty.

At least 13 people have been hanged so far since the government resumed executions following a two-year hiatus in place during the Covid-19 pandemic.

One of them is 64-year-old Nazeri Lajim, who was executed for drugs trafficking on July 22, 2022.

Rights watchdog Amnesty International today urged Singapore to halt the impending executions.

'It is unconscionable that authorities in Singapore continue to cruelly pursue more executions in the name of drug control,' Amnesty's death penalty expert Chiara Sangiorgio said in a statement.

'There is no evidence that the death penalty has a unique deterrent effect or that it has any impact on the use and availability of drugs.

'As countries around the world do away with the death penalty and embrace drug policy reform, Singapore's authorities are doing neither,' Sangiorgio added.

Singapore insists that the death penalty is an effective crime deterrent.

Back in April, Tangaraju Suppiah was hanged in defiance of a plea by the United Nations Human Rights Office for Singapore to 'urgently reconsider'.

'Singaporean Tangaraju Suppiah, 46, had his capital sentence carried out today, April 26, at Changi Prison Complex,' a spokesman for the Singapore Prison Service said.

Tangaraju was convicted in 2017 of 'abetting by engaging in a conspiracy to traffic' 2.24 pounds of cannabis, twice the minimum volume required for a death sentence in Singapore, the spokesman said.
Michael Gove today warned that NatWest still has 'further to go' to fix the Nigel Farage row.

The Levelling Up Secretary welcomed the bank's apology for the 'big mistake' of shutting the former Ukip leader's Coutts account.

But he insisted that there is still a need for the matter to 'end appropriately', in an apparent hint that Mr Farage should have his arrangements restored.

The comments came after the BBC apologised for a story suggesting that the ex-MEP was cut adrift by Coutts because he did not have enough money - rather than over his political views.

Mr Farage exposed the reality of the situation by making a 'subject access request'  a demand for copies of personal information about you that an organisation holds  to the bank.

A 40-page dossier, handed to MailOnline, showed that the bank's staff branded him a 'disingenous grifter' and took issue with his views on Brexit and climate change.

NatWest chief executive Dame Alison Rose has apologised to Mr Farage for the 'deeply inappropriate comments' made by staff. But she is under pressure amid claims she was the 'senior source' who briefed BBC business editor Simon Jack about Mr Farage's personal finances.

The bosses of 19 banks and financial services firms are being hauled in by City minister Andrew Griffith this week to be warned about 'de-banking' customers over their political views.

It is not yet clear whether Dame Alison will be attending the meeting.

Michael Gove today warned that NatWest still has 'further to go' to fix the Nigel Farage (pictured) row

Mr Gove insisted that there is still a need for the matter to 'end appropriately', in an apparent hint that Mr Farage should have his arrangements restored

Mr Gove told Sky News: 'I have a lot of sympathy for the position Nigel Farage has found himself in.

'As far as I can tell the decision that was taken to deprive him of banking facilities was a big mistake, something done for the wrong reasons.

'But it's not for me to determine what the company should do but I definitely think he was owed an apology, he's got one, but I think the company has further to go in order to make sure this matter ends appropriately.'

Mr Farage has accepted the BBC's apology, acknowledging that the journalists were reporting what they were told. He said there was 'no fault or no blame on the BBC' and that the 'spotlight' should now return to NatWest.

Mr Jack said the reporting had been based on information from a 'trusted and senior source' but 'turned out to be incomplete and inaccurate'.

The broadcaster said it 'went back to the source to check they were happy for us to publish the information'.

The BBC's business editor Simon Jack was accused of regurgitating a briefing from Dame Alison Rose (pictured), the chief executive of NatWest  which owns Coutts  to play down Mr Farage's complaint

Simon Jack (pictured) had cited a senior source at Coutts saying the former Ukip leader's account was shut because he had 'fallen below the wealth threshold'

Mr Farage has called on Howard Davies, chairman of NatWest Group, to confirm whether he had launched an internal investigation into the 'leaking' of details about his banking status.

Following Mr Jack's original report on July 4, it emerged that the journalist had sat next to Dame Alison at a charity dinner the night before.

That prompted Mr Farage to accuse the NatWest boss of briefing the BBC about his personal banking details.
Elon Musk has explained his reasoning for the dramatic rebrand of Twitter, telling users he plans to turn the social network and messaging application into an 'everything app'.

The billionaire said it was time to 'bid adieu' to the old logo, and told a user on his platform: 'Twitter was acquired by X Corp both to ensure freedom of speech and as an accelerant for X, the everything app.'

Promising that the Twitter rebrand will be more than just a logo change, but a complete overhaul of the app, he added: 'This is not simply a company renaming itself but doing the same thing.'

It comes as experts have warned that other companies, including Twitter competitor Meta, could take issue with the rebrand, with X already widely used and cited in hundreds of trademarks.

Twitter users have also been left shocked by the rename and sweeping changes to the popular site. Musk is promising to turn it into a one-stop-shop for social media and financial services - which he says means the old name no longer makes sense.

A worker removes letters from the Twitter sign that is posted on the exterior of Twitter headquarters in San Francisco on July 24

A pile of characters removed from a sign on the Twitter headquarters building are seen in San Francisco on Monday afternoon

'The Twitter name made sense when it was just 140 character messages going back and forth  like birds tweeting  but now you can post almost anything, including several hours of video,' he said.

'In the months to come, we will add comprehensive communications and the ability to conduct your entire financial world.

'The Twitter name does not make sense in that context, so we must bid adieu to the bird.'

Apps which work as a one-stop-shop, for everything from messaging to banking and shopping, are nothing new.

They are popular across Asia, with China's WeChat offering social media and payment services.

As part of this image change, Musk has decided to rename the company - titling it simply with the letter X.

Back in October 2022, Musk made his intentions with his new acquisition known, tweeting, 'Buying Twitter is an accelerant to creating X, the everything app.'

He renamed Twitter as X on Monday and unveiled a new logo for the social media platform, a stylized black-and-white version of the letter.

Musk has had a career-long obsession with the letter, incorporating it into his SpaceX brand and with his first venture being named X.com - which later merged with PayPal.

But now lawyers and brand experts are warning that the change could be a bad idea and complicated legally.

Companies including Meta and Microsoft already have intellectual property rights to the same letter, experts have pointed out.

X is so widely used and cited in trademarks that it is a candidate for legal challenges - and the company formerly known as Twitter could face its own issues defending its use in the future.

'There's a 100 per cent chance that Twitter is going to get sued over this by somebody,' said trademark attorney Josh Gerben, who said he counted nearly 900 active US trademark registrations that already cover the letter X in a wide range of industries.

Owners of trademarks - which protect things like brand names, logos and slogans that identify sources of goods - can claim infringement if other branding would cause consumer confusion.

Remedies range from monetary damages to blocking use.

Microsoft since 2003 has owned an X trademark related to communications about its Xbox video-game system.

Meta Platforms - whose Threads platform is a new Twitter rival - owns a federal trademark registered in 2019 covering a blue-and-white letter 'X' for fields including software and social media.

Meta and Microsoft likely would not sue unless they feel threatened that Twitter's X encroaches on brand equity they built in the letter, Gerben said.

The three companies did not respond to requests for comment.

Musk does not yet seem deterred. Yesterday, the iconic blue bird logo and text were dramatically torn off the side of the tech firm's headquarters to be replaced with X.

Crowds gathered and took photos of the sign's dismantlement, which seems to signal the elimination of an internet brand that for nearly a decade and a half changed the way people around the world communicated.

Twitter's new logo is seen projected on the corporate headquarters building in downtown San Francisco, California, late Sunday night

Inside the building, Musk also started renaming conference rooms to incorporate the letter X, using names such as 'eXposure,' 'eXult' and even 's3Xy,' photos seen by The New York Times show.

The alteration to the company's Market Street signage comes around a day after Musk announced he was totally rebranding the platform he bought last year and doing away with its bird logo.

Late on Sunday night the letter X was projected onto the building and shortly after traffic to the website X.com was being rerouted to Twitter's own website.
Kemi Badenoch has torn into Labour's 'bare-faced hypocrisy' on transgender issues as she attacked the opposition's latest attempt to set out its stance.

The Women and Equalities minister claimed Sir Keir Starmer's party were 'embarrassed at being on the wrong side of history' as she accused Labour of trying to 'fool people and hide what they really think'.

Ms Badenoch used a series of Twitter posts to respond to a newspaper article by Labour chair Anneliese Dodds, who is also the party's shadow women and equalities minister.

Writing in the Guardian, Ms Dodds had hit out at the 'calculating cynicism' of 'desperate' Conservatives as she claimed the Tories were trying to 'descend into the gutter' over transgender issues.

She said Labour was committed to 'modernising' the Gender Recognition Act if her party entered government after the next general election.

But Ms Dodds stressed 'the requirement to obtain a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria' remained an 'important part' of someone having their new gender legally recognised.

In her response on social media, Ms Badenoch highlighted how Sir Keir had previously backed the 'complete opposite' and supported the introduction of self-identification for transgender people.

Kemi Badenoch has torn into Labour's 'bare-faced hypocrisy' on transgender issues as she attacked the opposition's latest attempt to set out its stance

In 2021, Sir Keir Starmer used a video marking Pride to say Labour was 'committed to updating the GRA (Gender Recognition Act) to introduce self-declaration for trans people'

'How can anyone trust Labour on these issues?,' the Cabinet minister tweeted.

'Today Dodds says a medical diagnosis is 'important'. Yet here's Keir Starmer two years ago announcing the complete opposite.

'Will he tell us why he has changed his mind? Will he admit that he was wrong?'

Ms Badenoch also called on Sir Keir and Labour to 'apologise' after his party's MPs previously 'insulted' the Tories over the Government's approach to trans issues.

She added: 'Make no mistake. Labour are embarrassed at being on the wrong side of history with numerous court cases on this issue and scandals like at the Tavistock.

'They want to fool people and hide what they really think. They want you to think they have changed. They haven't.'

The Cabinet minister claimed Ms Dodds' promise to 'modernise' the 2004 Gender Recognition Act was work that had already been conducted by the Tory Government.

'In 2020, Labour MPs claimed the Government's policy on self-ID was 'prejudiced',' Ms Badenoch tweeted.

'Today Dodds has announced the same policy, pretending it's new thinking - we announced improvements to modernise 3 years ago and finished them last year!

'This is bare-faced hypocrisy from Labour.'

Ms Badenoch used a series of Twitter posts to respond to a newspaper article by Labour chair Anneliese Dodds, who is also the party's shadow women and equalities minister

The Cabinet minister claimed Ms Dodds' promise to 'modernise' the 2004 Gender Recognition Act was work that had already been conducted by the Tory Government

Ms Badenoch also called on Sir Keir and Labour to 'apologise' after his party's MPs previously 'insulted' the Tories over the Government's approach to trans issues

In her newspaper article, Ms Dodds had pointed to the SNP's 'cavalier approach' to reforming gender recognition laws in Scotland.

'The safeguards that were proposed to protect women and girls from predators who might abuse the system were simply not up to scratch,' she wrote.

'As a result, the Scottish Government is still picking up the pieces, with trans rights no further forward.

'We will not make the same mistakes. The requirement to obtain a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria remains an important part of accessing a gender recognition certificate.

'Thats especially the case now that gender dysphoria is no longer classified  and stigmatised  as a psychiatric disorder.'

Ms Dodds' comments contrasted with Sir Keir's past promise on self-identification for transgender people.

In 2021, the Labour leader used a video marking Pride to say his party was 'committed to updating the GRA to introduce self-declaration for trans people'.
The British family of a renowned Turkish economist who seemingly disappeared without a trace while walking his dogs in the forest are begging for help after large-scale search efforts turned up no leads.

Korhan Berzeg, 83, vanished on Saturday, June 17, while walking in the woods in Armutlu, close to the Gonen district of his hometown Balikesir, where the family was visiting from their regular home - a stunning villa on an island close to the capital Istanbul.

His Doberman pinscher Tina also disappeared, with his second dog - an adopted stray named Esmeralda - only alerting the family when she turned up at the house alone.

Grandfather-of-three Berzeg had recently retired after a long and storied career as a world-renowned economist which included stints as the Asia Director at the World Bank in the US, advisory roles in the US and Saudi governments, and various teaching positions at respected universities.

But now his wife Angela, 80, and daughters Sibel and Nisa, both of whom are in their 50s, have pleaded with anyone that has information on the whereabouts of their father to get in touch after sniffer dog patrols and drone searches failed to find a trace of Korhan's presence.

Korhan Berzeg, 83, vanished on Saturday, June 17, while walking in the woods in Armutlu, close to the Gonen district of his hometown Balikesir

Korhan is seen alongside wife Angela in this picture shared on social media calling for help in solving his disappearance

'If anyone has even the slightest inkling of information  if you have seen or heard anything that could shed light on my husband's disappearance  I beg you to come forward,' Angela said in comments carried by The Sun.

'No detail is too small, every piece of information could hold the key to unravelling this bewildering mystery and restoring hope to our shattered lives.

'Korhan, if you can hear my plea, know that your absence is felt deeply by all who love you. We will never stop searching, and we will never give up hope.'

Nisa, 50, added: 'None of it makes sense. My dad went off on his regular morning walk and never came back.

'It's incredible that nothing  no clothing, a shoe, his glasses, a dog collar, nothing  has turned up.

'It's upsetting to think of it but perhaps my dad and Tina have been taken somewhere by someone and that someone may have harmed them.

'But why? Why would anyone hurt my elderly father years after his retirement? It just doesn't add up.'

In the past month since Korhan's disappearance, police have canvassed an area of 200 square kilometres (77 square miles) in and around Balikesir.

Search teams have deployed sniffer and cadaver dogs in an attempt to find clues or a body, and used infrared cameras mounted to fleets of drones to scour the area from above.

The search operation extended through 22 rural neighbourhoods, 10 wells, 60 abandoned buildings and various forested areas, pathways, swamps, fields and a stream, according to authorities.

More than 300 officers took part in the search operation, but more than five weeks on from Korhan's ill-fated stroll, the cops have nothing to show for it.

Korhan's daughters believe he may have been kidnapped, arguing that had he suffered an accident or been injured, Tina the Doberman would have remained by his side or gone to call for help.

Tina's disappearance alongside her owner suggests that 'they may have both been taken somewhere' and that 'if Tina had been unharmed she would've been found by now', according to Nisa.

Gonen's public prosecutor's office is continuing the investigation into Korhan's disappearance.
Sexual assault survivor advocates have strongly condemned suggestions it should be illegal not to report a rape to police.

Greens senator Larissa Waters asked experts about the proposed change during a public hearing into Australia's consent laws.

She referenced a submission Liberal senator Linda Reynolds made to an investigation into how Bruce Lehrmann's rape trial was handled.

Senator Reynolds called for amendments to the ACT Crimes Act to deter individuals from using the media or parliamentary forums in relation to an alleged criminal offence that should be the subject of the criminal justice processes.

Liberal senator Linda Reynolds (pictured) has been comdemned by sexual assault survivor advocates for submitting a proposed law that would make it illegal to not report rape to police

She also pointed to a section of NSW law that made it an offence for anyone who knew or believed a serious, indictable offence had been committed and failed to report it to police.

Consent advocate Saxon Mullins said the former minister's comments were unbelievable.

'Survivors have lots of different experiences when they go through the justice system, and they'll have lots of different takeaways from it,' she told the parliamentary committee on Tuesday.

'But the one thing that will always stay the same is that your agency has been taken away.

'To suggest that that should be done on your behalf and of some perverted view of what justice looks like is disgusting.'

Advocates asked to give their opinion by Greens MP Larissa Waters (pictured) have told a parliamentary committee the proposed law would hinder the agency of survivors

The head of Rape and Sexual Assault Research and Advocacy condemned the senator for making a 'completely ridiculous' assertion.

'It's a gruelling and difficult thing to report sexual violence to anyone in your life, to your most trusted confidant, let alone to a police organisation that historically doesn't have a great track record,' Rachael Burgin said.

'We strongly condemn those comments and question the ethos that got the senator to the point to make that statement.'

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Since the end of World War II in 1945, the United States has been the largest and most capable military force in what came to be known as the Western alliance. This group consisted of the industrialized nations of Europe and North America. The United States has always had the largest military and the one with many specialist capabilities European nations lacked. For example, the U.S. had the largest fleet of military air transports and these were backed up by large numbers of cargo and passenger aircraft owned by American airlines and available to the military in an emergency. The American army, navy and air force possessed special aviation capabilities no other NATO nation could muster. For example, when NATO nations were called on to operate in some distant area they depend on the large American fleet of aerial refueling aircraft and specialized aerial surveillance and electronic warfare aircraft. English has become the common language between the air forces of nearly every nation. When a NATO member requires specialized aircraft support; a French, Italian or German pilot can talk to the American aerial tanker or air traffic control aircraft in English and quickly get what they need. This capability has enabled European nations to send aircraft of ground forces long distances on short notice because the specialized American support aircraft are always available. Some European nations have a few of these support aircraft that handle most peacetime needs. But in a military crisis, like supporting Ukraine against the invading Russians, the Americans not only supply most of the military aid, but also make U.S. transportation and communications capabilities available to their NATO allies. Unless there is some major political dispute between the U.S. and European nations, this support is made available quickly and in whatever quantities are required. This makes the military forces of the entire NATO alliance more flexible and effective. In military terms these American logistic and specialist capabilities are a force multiplier for the troops, ships and aircraft of NATO allies.

This dependence on American resources has been criticized since NATO was founded, but none of the nations depending on that support have come up with an alternative. There were some efforts in that direction. NATO nations have a joint force of AWACS (air traffic control) aircraft and a pool arrangement for medium range air transports. European nations can gather a larger number of commercial ships for an emergency than the United States itself can. All this complements similar American support and is considered an example of how beneficial NATO cooperation is. Ukraine has benefited from this since 2022 and that is one reason Ukraine wants to join NATO as soon as the war with Russia is over. NATO policy does not allow a new member to join if they are currently involved in a war.

Russia claims it invaded Ukraine to prevent the expansion of NATO rather than seeking to rebuild the Russian Empire. The lost empire was a common complaint made by Russian leaders. Ukraine realized NATO membership would keep the Russians out. By invading Ukraine, Russia triggered substantial economic sanctions on Russia and huge NATO support for the Ukrainian military. Russian leader Vladimir Putin insists that Russian forces will keep fighting even if the Ukrainians push all the Russians out of Ukraine. Putin believes NATO countries will soon tire of spending all this money on Ukraine and reduce support. At that point Putin believes Russia will have a better chance of taking Ukraine. This is an endurance contest. Can Russia keep fighting while its economy is starved for resources by the sanctions? Can Putin survive long enough to keep Russia fighting? Will NATO nations keep spending a lot of money on military support for Ukraine? The Ukrainians have made it clear that they will keep fighting because to surrender means the end of Ukraine as an independent country and the return of Russian rule.

While NATO remains dependent on the Americans when large amounts of military and economic support are needed, the NATO members adjacent to Ukraine or Russia are not without resources and are spending a lot more on weapons and military equipment since the Russians invaded Ukraine. This invasion was a clear example of why NATO was needed. The Russians admit that they dont want to fight NATO directly and are dismayed at how enormous NATO contributions of military material, but not troops, to Ukraine caused the Russian invasion to fail, with huge military and economic losses for Russia. The NATO alliance worked and Russian aggression was halted without triggering a nuclear war.

The NATO alliance worked because its members, collectively, constitute the largest economic and military capabilities on the planet. Russia, especially leader Vladimir Putin, feared that NATO would somehow become a military threat. That was never NATOs intention and the coalition has lasted so long because it stuck to its role as a defensive alliance. Some Russians, like Putin, see NATOs ability to constrain Russian attack options as a form of coercion and hostility towards Russia. Similar misconceptions are common throughout history and often a cause of war. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Russian justification for that is one such example of this perverse logic. The expansion of NATO membership after the Cold War ended was seen as essential for nations near Russia to survive and that assessment proved correct. Thats why long-time neutrals like Sweden and Finland suddenly sought to join NATO. Collectively, NATO is a huge organization in terms of population and military capabilities and becomes more useful the larger it becomes. As a defensive organization it reduces military spending for members and increases national security. The cost of running NATO is miniscule, as is the annual cost to members. Efforts to establish a similar defensive organization in East Asia have increased as the Chinese military threat grows. China is not seen as unstable and prone to aggression as Russia, but neighbors of China detect ominous changing attitudes inside China that warrant considering an Asian version of NATO.
A letter written by her father now key piece of evidence

Australia's richest person Gina Rinehart was aware an iron ore-rich tenement from which her company has made billions was jointly owned by another company before she signed a deal with Rio Tinto to mine it, a court has been told.

The heirs of Lang Hancock's former business partner, Peter Wright, are fighting in the West Australian Supreme Court for multibillion-dollar stakes in a series of Hope Downs assets he and Mrs Rinehart's late father discovered in the 1950s.

Their lawyer Julie Taylor said dozens of letters penned by Mr Hancock in the decades after showed he worked on behalf of the men's partnership agreement to secure the tenements for the areas and open them up for mining.

One written to Mrs Rinehart on February 20, 1986 discusses Mr Hancock's attempts to divide up some of Hancock Prospecting's assets between himself and his daughter.

It details a series of tenements, some of which Mrs Rinehart is fighting to retain, including East Angelas now known as Hope Downs Four, that were jointly held by the Hancock and Wright business partnership.

Australia's richest person Gina Rinehart was aware an iron ore-rich tenement from which her company has made billions was jointly owned by another company before she signed a deal with Rio Tinto to mine it, a court has been told

'This is very significant evidence that both Lang and also Mrs Rinehart knew and understood that all of those areas were held jointly for the partnership,' Ms Taylor said on Tuesday.

'(Hancock Prospecting) was only entitled at most to a half (share).

'Mrs Rinehart has known at least since February 1986 that the position with these assets is that they are held jointly with the partnership.'

Ms Taylor told Justice Jennifer Smith the letter came from discovery documents provided by Mrs Rinehart's two eldest children, John Hancock and Bianca Rinehart, not Hancock Prospecting.

The pair are also involved in the complex case, claiming they are entitled to a hefty share in the Hope Downs operation as assets their grandfather left them.

The court heard Mr Hancock summoned Mr Wright's children to a meeting soon after their father died in 1985 and told them he was managing assets on behalf of the partnership.

He told them about the men's jointly-held tenements, including East Angelas, saying 'that is Hope Downs, it's Hancock and Wright' as he referred to a map and these are 'areas that belong to us both'.

'Lang is indicating that the areas are the subject of the entitlement of both partners,' Ms Taylor said.

About two dozen lawyers have packed the Perth court for the trial since it started on Monday but neither Mrs Rinehart, her children nor Mr Wright's surviving heirs have been spotted.

The heirs of Lang Hancock's former business partner, Peter Wright, are fighting in the West Australian Supreme Court for multibillion-dollar stakes in a series of Hope Downs (pictured) assets he and Mrs Rinehart's late father discovered in the 1950s

Deceased prospector Don Rhodes' family company DFD Rhodes was also represented in court and claims a 1.25 per cent royalty share of Hope Downs' production over a deal with Mr Hancock and Mr Wright that saw it hand over tenements in the 1960s.

The trial is expected to run until November, with any judgment potentially superseded by the looming outcome of Federal Court arbitration between Hancock Prospecting and Mrs Rinehart's children concerning the same issues.

Mrs Rinehart inherited her father's iron ore discovery in WA's Pilbara region and forged a mining empire after he died in 1992.

She developed mines from the tenements Mr Hancock and Mr Wright discovered at Hope Downs, signing a deal in 2005 with Rio Tinto, which has a 50 per cent stake in the project.

Peter Wright's daughter, Angela Bennett (pictured), could be set for compensation from the legal action involving one of the nation's most successful iron ore projects

Her wealth is estimated to be about $36 billion and she is executive chair of Hancock Prospecting.

The Hope Downs iron ore mining complex is made up of four open-pit mines near Newman.

It produces more than 45 million tonnes each year and is one of Australia's largest and most successful iron ore projects.

Wright Prospecting has demanded a share of unmined and mined Hope Downs tenements and royalties.

Hancock Prospecting maintains it undertook all the work, bore the financial risk involved in the development and is the legitimate owner of the assets.
Former intelligence chief Christopher Mellon has said he believes the US has recovered technology that 'did not originate on this earth'.

Ahead of a scheduled Congress hearing about UFOs on Wednesday, Mellon said America 'may have in our possession off-world technology recovered from someone else's space program'.

The 65-year-old served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intelligence in the Clinton and Bush administrations, and he now works as a private equity investor.

In 2020, he admitted he was the secret source who provided the New York Times with the three UFO videos it famously published in 2017.

Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intelligence Christopher Mellon said he believes the US has recovered technology that 'did not originate on this earth'. Pictured: Mellon making the claim while speaking with News Nation's Chris Cuomo Monday night

The US Department of Defense released three declassified videos of 'unexplained aerial phenomena' in April 2020 of leaked videos, including the infamous 'tictac' UFO video published by the New York Times in 2017

Mellon said he expects some 'new information' will surface at the House Oversight Committee hearing on unidentified aerial phenomena - or UFOs - which will also be attended by Air Force and intelligence agency veteran David Grusch on Wednesday.

'I expect Dave will provide some new information that we have not heard before,' Mellon told NewsNation's Chris Cuomo on Monday evening.

'The objective here, I think, and the opportunity, is for the American people to come to better understand why it is that so many in Congress actually takes seriously the idea that there are UFOs, UAP (unexplained aerial phenomenon) that are violating U.S. airspace and the associated rumor, allegation, that we may have in our possession off-world technology recovered from someone else's space program.

'I've been told that we have recovered technology that did not originate on this Earth, by officials in the Department of Defense and by former intelligence officials,' he added.

Government officials have disputed this - in April, Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick of DOD's All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) told the Senate Armed Services Committee there is 'no credible evidence thus far of extraterrestrial activity' or 'off-world technology'.

But Mellon said there are 'credible witnesses' who are in 'direct conflict between what Dr Kirkpatrick is saying'

'Congress is in the middle and they've got to sort it out,' he told Cuomo.

In 2020, Mellon admitted he was the secret source who provided the New York Times with the three ufo videos it famously published in 2017

Air Force and intelligence agency veteran David Grusch  who in June made jaw-dropping claims of an illegal UFO crash retrieval program operating within the classified world - is one of the 'dynamite three witnesses' due to appear at Wednesday's Congressional UFO hearing

Mellon suggested that AARO was not best-suited to investigating the issue of recovered technology.

'This is like asking the Reagan administration to investigate the Iran-Contra affair,' he said.

'I think (AARO) can serve a very important purpose in terms of investigating, getting the agencies to share information, collating it, developing collection strategies - but when you're talking about investigating this allegation of recovered materials, that's a different matter.

'I think Congress has to drive that investigation itself.'

Chris Mellon served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intelligence under the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush administrations

This will begin with Wednesday's hearing involving three military witnesses, who Congressman Tim Burchett described as 'dynamite witnesses'.

'They're professionals. They're military,' the Tennessee Republican said. 'They're people that were there and saw what they saw.'

The first is Air Force and intelligence agency veteran David Grusch  whose jaw-dropping claims of an illegal UFO crash retrieval program operating within the classified world were made public this June.

The other two witnesses, announced via press release last week, will be retired US Navy veteran fighter pilots Commander David Fravor, witness to the 2004 Nimitz 'Tic Tac' UFO; and Lieutenant Ryan Graves, whose Naval squadron captured the infamous GIMBAL and GOFAST UFOs on infra-red video in 2015.

In April 2020, the Pentagon officially released three videos taken by US Navy pilots that reportedly show 'unexplained aerial phenomena'.

The footage that had been previously acknowledged as real by the Navy, capture what pilots recorded on their video sensors during training flights in 2004 and 2015.

Two of the clips were those given by Mellon to the New York Times, and the third was leaked via To The Stars Academy in 2018 - a group founded by Blink-182 guitarist Tom DeLonge which specializes in unexplained phenomenon.

Tennessee Republican Congressman Tim Burchett, who serves on the House Oversight committee, will lead next week's open UFO hearing, July 26th, which he said had been undermined by Pentagon and US Intelligence Community efforts to 'continuously block things'

Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, Chris Mellon, revealed in 2020 documentary The Phenomenon that he was the source who provided the New York Times with three now-infamous videos of UFOs the outlet published in 2017

One of the clips shows the notorious 2004 'Tic Tac' incident that was recorded over the Pacific Ocean. A second video was captured off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, in 2015.

Several months after those videos were published, To The Stars Academy released an additional video from the 2015 incident, which features a navy pilot remarking: 'What the f**k is that thing?'

DOD officials said they released the videos 'in order to clear up any misconceptions by the public on whether or not the footage that has been circulating was real, or whether or not there is more to the videos'.
A hospital is being sued by a nurse who saw a patient's face catch fire during a surgical procedure, leaving the elderly woman with 'charred black' skin and severe burns to her hands and airway.

Nurse Marilyn Espinola was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder, major depression and panic attacks after witnessing the horror incident on March 2, 2020.

It happened during a procedure to remove a section of an artery for testing at Sunshine Hospital in St Albans, in Melbourne's north-west.

Ms Espinola heard 'fire, fire' being shouted during the bilateral temporal arterial biopsy, and then saw the patient's face ablaze.

She then saw garments that had been covering the woman burst into flames before being thrown to the floor.

The fire was later found to have been caused by oxygen ignited by a tool used in the procedure.

Nurse Marilyn Espinola (pictured) was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder, major depression and panic attacks after seeing a patient's face catch fire during a procedure

'I followed the flame and I stomped on it. It was like a dancing fire up to my knees,' Ms Espinola told news.com.au.

She said there was screaming and shouting as the patient cried out in pain and medical staff told her help was coming.

Ms Espinola said everyone was screaming to turn the oxygen off and that she thought everyone in the room was going to die in an explosion.

Her life flashed before her eyes.

She managed to put out the fire, stopping the disaster from getting any worse, but couldn't understand why help had not arrived.

The nurse later thought it may have been because the emergency button was only pushed twice and could have been mistaken as an accident.

Ms Espinola said the patient was in agony and was falling from the bed before the anaesthetist caught her.

'Her face was just charred black, and the smell ' she said.

Ms Espinola fell and injured her ankle while rushing to get water, but didn't realise how much damage had been done until after the adrenaline wore off later that day.

She said that injury was not handled properly by her employer, nor was it included in WorkSafe Victoria's initial investigation of the incident.

It took 18 months later before her injury was reported to WorkSafe, she said, despite her submitting several claim forms.

The initial WorkSafe report said the fire was caused by oxygen leaking from the 'Hudson mask' providing oxygen to the patient.

A tool being used to remove lesions from the patient's face and neck was found to have ignited the oxygen, causing burns to her face, hands and airway.

She was taken to the Alfred Hospital's burns unit and subsequently had surgeries to her face, neck, jaw and one of her hands.

The horror incident happened during a procedure to remove a section of an artery for testing at Sunshine Hospital (pictured) in St Albans, in Melbourne's north-west

Suffering from PTSD and having panic attacks three to four times a week, Ms Espinola has been unable to return to work, though she has made many attempts to do so.

She said she has been left practically housebound and reliant on her husband, who retired a year ago to take care of her.

'I cannot be alone anywhere, I'm only safe here at home. I don't drive anymore because triggers are everywhere. I get triggered every day just by watching TV,' she said.

Erin Jobling of Shine Lawyers, which is representing Ms Espinola, said Sunshine Hospital should have known there was a higher than usual risk of surgical fire with the bilateral temporal arterial biopsy procedure.

She said the use of supplemental oxygen in close proximity to the equipment used created 'an elevated fire hazard that could have been prevented'.

'As a result of witnessing this incident, our client is unable to return to her career as a nurse, and her trauma symptoms continue to impact on her daily life.'

Ms Espinola is seeking compensation for her past and future loss of income and for her pain and suffering.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Western Health, which runs Sunshine Hospital, for comment.
The two first ladies, who have both worked as teachers, shared a warm welcome

Jill Biden has met with French First Lady Brigitte Macron at the Elysee Palace after jetting into Paris with her daughter Ashley yesterday, while President Biden remains stateside.

Biden took her daughter, 42, to France, where she today spoke at a ceremony to mark the return of the US to UNESCO membership after a five-year absence under the Trump presidency.

Ahead of the American flag raising and address by Biden to the world heritage agency this afternoon, the mother and daughter dropped in on the presidential palace.

The trio looked at ease and suitably patriotic, together wearing the colours of the tricolor and the American flag as they posed for photos on the steps of the palace.

The two first ladies, who have both worked as teachers, shared a friendly reunion as Macron welcomed her counterpart to the official residence by kissing her on the cheeks.

US First Lady Jill Biden, France's first lady Brigitte Macron, and daughter of the Bidens Ashley Biden, pose for photographers as they meet at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris

Mrs Macron welcomed her counterpart to the official residence by kissing her on the cheeks

The trio looked at ease and suitably patriotic, together wearing the colours of the tricolor and the American flag as they posed for photos on the steps of the palace

First Lady Jill Biden jets into Paris on July 24 for a three day visit to France

The women have met several times over the past two years, including in Washington last December when Macron was on a state visit to the US.

During their last meeting, Biden said she and Emmanuel Macron's wife 'instantly, you know, knew that we liked each other,' when they met.

Macron returned the warm gesture, describing them as 'friends' and holding the First Lady's hand.

During Macron's first visit stateside since the start of the Biden presidency, she read from a piece of paper - in English - and thanked Biden.

Returning the favor by hosting Biden and Ashley, the group appeared in good spirits as they spent part of the busy day together.

Ashley has previously worked as a social worker and in fashion, and now often joins her mother on official occasions.

However, she previously told Elle magazine that becoming the First Daughter did not come naturally to her.

'It took about two years to get into the groove of being in this position,' she told Elle. magazine.

'I'm doing my work as I always have been, but kind of figuring out the role as First Daughter, and how can I use it in the most positive way, where it's not about me, it's about Americans.

First Lady Jill Biden, left, shakes hands with Unesco Director General Audrey Azoulay at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris,

US First Lady Jill Biden speaks during a flag raising ceremony for the return of the United States to UNESCO after an over half decade absence

'And what I've learned is, I want to tell the story of othersI want to lift up organizations and share this information.'

Jill has made clear her desire to have her own projects and is often escorted on foreign visits by family members other than her husband Joe.

For King Charles III's coronation, she brought along her granddaughter Finnegan to the UK, with the pair meeting with the Prime Minister's wife Akshata Murthy.

Finnegan, who is the daughter of President Biden's scandal-ridden son Hunter, traveled to London with her grandmother as the First Lady's official plus one for King Charles' coronation ceremony on Saturday.

Jill, 71, and her granddaughter Finnegan, 24, are due to attend King Charles' coronation on Saturday, after President Joe Biden sparked controversy by opting to skip the historic event

Last month, the First Lady and her daughter attended the wedding of the King Abdullah II and Queen Rania's son Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Princess Rajwa held at Zahran Palace in Amman, Jordan.

Now the mom and daughter are abroad together again, this time exploring France and attending official events.

Discussing her ambassadorial visit to the UNSESCO headquarters today, a Biden spokesperson said: 'The first lady, as a lifelong educator and believer in the power of educational opportunity across the world, is honored to help celebrate this important milestone.

First Lady Jill Biden holding hands with her daughter, Ashley Biden as they attend the dinner banquet of Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Princess Rajwa on Thursday

'She looks forward to raising the flag for the United States once again at the UNESCO headquarters, showing our country's commitment to international cooperation in education, science, and culture.'

Senior Biden administration officials said returning to UNESCO fits President Joe Biden's goal of strengthening global partnerships and recommitting to American leadership at the UN and other international organizations to serve as a counter to nations that do not share U.S. values.

First Lady Jill Biden, left, and Unesco Director General Audrey Azoulay attend a ceremony at the UNESCO headquarters

Others said Biden, who teaches English and writing at a Virginia community college, was best suited to represent the United States in Paris on Tuesday.

Before returning to Washington on Wednesday, Biden will tour a historic venue in France, Mont-Saint-Michel, a 1,000-year-old Benedictine abbey that was listed as a World Heritage site in 1979. It sits on an island in Normandy, in the north of the country.

A daughter and mother of U.S. service members, the first lady will also visit Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial to pay respects to the more than 4,400 U.S. service members buried there, most of whom died in Normandy and Brittany during World War II.
An Army musician tried to rape a female colleague by forcing her to perform a sex act she hated, a court martial heard today.

Lance Corporal William Porter had been drinking with his fellow musicians and other colleagues late at night in a barracks' common room.

The court heard she and the talented tuba player, of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, had an 'informal arrangement' to have casual sex and that night he turned up at her room.

After having consensual sex, he did an act on her she did not consent to and she 'pushed' him away before telling him to leave, the trial heard.

She claims LCpl Porter, a musician in the HCAV band, then said he would only leave if she performed a different sex act on him, despite knowing she didn't like it, and grabbed her head before she fought him off.

Lance Corporal William Porter drank with his fellow musicians, court hears

He denies assault by penetration and attempted rape.

Rupert Gregory, prosecuting, today told Bulford Military Court, Wilts: 'The complainant was with some others having a few drinks and was socialising in the common room before she went to bed around midnight.

'She heard a fellow musician knocking on a door down the hall, and he came into her room to have a conversation. When she was trying to get him to leave, Porter came into the room and stayed.

'At that time, Porter and the complainant had an informal arrangement, and it wasn't the first time they had sex.

'They were having normal intercourse, and Porter moved her around the bed and asked her for sex but she wasn't interested.

'He then asked her to perform a sex act on him many, many times, and she said no. She was getting fed up with him.

Lance Corporal William Porter at Bulford Military Court Centre, an army musician who allegedly tried to rape a female colleague

'She pushed him away. She told him to leave.

'He took her head and pushed her head down under the covers. She jumped out and told him to leave.

'This is a case where the defendant vehemently denied both incidents but accepted they were having casual sex.'

In a video interview shown to the court as evidence, the woman said: 'We just chatted for a bit and started having sex, and I consented. About five minutes in, he moved me around the bed. He was behind me.

'I kept saying no. I wasn't interested in that whatsoever.

'He pushed my head under the covers. I told him to leave.

'It felt like forever, but he did leave.

'I think he felt like he would change my mind.'

LCpl Porter, who also plays for the Army's rugby team and is based in Windsor, Berks, denies the incidents took place.

Trevor Wright, defending, said: 'Our case is there was a party and there was drinking. There were two people in [the woman's] room and took their time to leave.

'One of these was [LCpl Porter]. There was intimacy and there was consensual sex. He didn't force her'

The trial continues.
John Howard has predicted the upcoming referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament will not only fail, but will 'go down significantly'.

The former prime minister in an interview to mark his 84th birthday on Wednesday, said the Yes campaign has failed to explain how it will lead to better lives for Indigenous people.

He slammed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for using 'banal generalisations' rather than 'rational' arguments, and said Indigenous Minister Linda Burney is 'ineffectual'.

'I am affronted that there's such deceit and there's such an unwillingness to roll up your sleeves and explain what's involved,' Mr Howard told The Australian.

The nation's second longest serving prime minister, who held office from 1996 to 2007, said major changes to the Constitution shouldn't be attempted until a large majority is assured.

Former prime minister John Howard (pictured centre) has predicted the upcoming referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament will be an absolute failure

He believes that if the Voice did pass, it would just lead to stand-offs between the government of the day over policies affecting Indigenous Australians.

'We must remain one people, living in one nation under one law which applies with equal force to all of us. If any proposal to amend the Constitution goes against this principle, it will not have my support.

'I'm probably expressing the views of a lot of ordinary Australians in asking: why are we doing this to ourselves?'

The man who won four elections said that instead of, as he sees it, wasting millions of dollars on a referendum that won't pass, both sides should be talking to each other to improve the lives of Indigenous people and putting them in the mainstream of society.

For Mr Howard, the greatest weakness in the Yes case is that people are not being told why an Indigenous Voice to Parliament is needed.

Mr Albanese got into an on-air row with 2GB's Ben Fordham last week over whether the Voice would lead to a treaty and reparations, saying that is not what it is about.

John Howard slammed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured centre) for using 'banal generalisations' rather than 'rational' arguments about the Indigenous Voice to Parliament

But the Uluru Statement from the Heart - which the Prime Minister has vowed to support 'in full' - includes what is called the Makarrata Commission, which many fear could lead to reparations being negotiated.

Mr Howard believes that talk of a treaty and reparations are being kept from public view through 'deception'.

He said treaties are made between sovereign states, not between a sovereign state and parts of that state.

The Liberal Party hero is also vehemently opposed to reparations and defended his position by saying colonisation was good for Australia.

'You have to understand that in the 17th, 18th century, colonisation of the land mass of Australia was next to inevitable ... the luckiest thing that happened to this country was being colonised by the British,' he said.

A date for the referendum is yet to be set but it's expected to be held between October and December this year.

Australians will be asked to vote 'Yes' or 'No' on whether to enshrine First Nation's People into the Constitution and establish a body that would advice Parliament on matters concerning Indigenous Australians.
She said a Xanax addiction was behind her seemingly calm demeanor on the now-infamous mugshots

An ex-Kentucky college student dubbed the 'Queen of Chaos' has revealed the tragic context behind her 11 viral mugshots.

Rayanna Brock, who has become notorious online for her various arrests since 2018, opened up about a childhood spent around homelessness, drug use, and parents in jail.

While the 23-year-old Kentucky native showed off big smiles in her now-infamous mugshots, she revealed a Xanax addiction was behind her calm demeanor.

'I think why I smiled is, honestly, because I was just high, and I just really didn't care about anything,' she told The Messenger.

This attitude led Rayanna to be arrested multiple times in just five years, on charges including probation violations, stalking, harassment, shoplifting, wanton endangerment, and evading police.

Rayanna Brock, known as the Queen of Chaos, has revealed the context behind her 11 viral mugshots, including an expulsion from Eastern Kentucky University

Rayanna is pictured on January 7, 2019, after she was arrested in Fayette, KY, for violating the terms of her probation for the first offenses

Her March 9 2021 mugshot was taken in Hustonville, KY, after her arrest for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and criminal mischief in the first degree

Rayanna shared that her parents could not take care of her while she was growing up because they were often in jail or homeless.

She was raised by her grandparents but her life was uprooted after they died within months of each other when she was 17.

Then a high school student, Rayanna said she became homeless and ended up 'couch hopping.' Because she was often staying far from her high school, she had a hard time keeping up attendance.

'Where I was living was so far that the buses didn't reach the house, and I didn't know where I was staying half the time,' she explained.

Despite this, Rayanna was accepted into a private Christian college in Kentucky, Georgetown College, with help from her high school teachers.

But she was kicked out after she was caught with LSD.

Over the next years Rayanna was also expelled from Western Kentucky University and Eastern Kentucky University.

She told The Messenger she overdosed on heroin months before she was kicked out of EKU in 2021.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the three schools for comment on this story.

After years of turbulent behavior, Rayanna now says she has turned her life around. She told The Messenger she has found a support system in her boyfriend, stepfather and other friends.

She said she wants to return to school and will be telling her story on TikTok soon.

In a June 13 Facebook post, she credited her 'homie' Bernard Hoskins with taking her in and saving her from taking her own life

Rayanna's first mugshot was snapped on March 6 2018 in Boyle County KY, after she was arrested for wanton endangerment of a police officer, evading cops, and shoplifting items costing less than $500

Her second mugshot came just hours later, at 1am on March 7 2018 in Boyle County, KY, seemingly for the same offenses as the day before

She had yet another mugshot snapped at Boyle County Detention Center on July 19 2020, accused of terroristic threatening and stalking and with a bond set at $2000

She wrote on Facebook: 'I was raised to embrace my mistakes so that I can learn from them. I strive to be a better version of myself every single day.

'I will never forget where Ive been nor will I ever forget where Ive come from! Those wrong paths I took lead me to the right ones! Everyone makes mistakes! We are all human!!!

'Trust me I have made a ton but those same mistakes have taught me many valuable lessons and shaped me into the person I am today and I wouldnt trade her for nothing!'

DailyMail.com has reached out to Rayanna for comment on this story.

Rayanna has been arrested at least 11 times for offenses ranging from shoplifting in March 2018, to terror-related crimes in 2020, and stealing a firearm in January 2023.

However, in her most recent posts she has shared uplifting quotes about God and paid tribute to her friend, Bernard Hoskins, who she said saved her from sleeping on the street at her lowest points.

In a June 13 Facebook post, she credited her 'homie' Bernard Hoskins with saving her from taking her own life and thanked 'the Lord' they were 'both doing so good' after opting for sobriety.

Rayanna was pictured September 16 2020 with greased back blond hair after being arrested for contempt of court/ libel - an image she described on Instagram as her 'favorite mugshot'

On November 26, 2021, Rayanna has her mugshot taken for failure to appear at a police station or courthouse as required under the conditions of previous arrests

Rayanna's latest mugshot was taken on January 16 this year following her arrest for theft of a firearm

'This man took me in when I was literally at rock bottom and he honestly saved me from taking my own life.

'I had burnt about every bridge I ever had but he was still there for me.

'If it wasnt for him I wouldve been sleeping on the streets many times but he never turned me away and always did what he could for me whether that was feeding my little ass, letting me take a shower, or just crashing at his place cause I had no where to go. I am so proud of him.

'We are both sober now and doing so good and I just have to thank the Lord for that cause only God knows what weve both been through but we never let it break us!'

Meanwhile, her Instagram stories reel titled 'mugshawty' - named after the popular account which posts mugshots from across America - details her 11-strong collection of custody headshots.

Her latest mugshot post shows her grinning widely with dyed blond hair while wearing an orange prison jumpsuit after being arrested in July 2020 for terroristic threatening in the 3rd degree and stalking in the 2nd second degree.

The former student has seemingly been enjoying her time in the spotlight, and has been sharing news reports covering her mugshots over the past week.

Rayanna's criminal activities have made local news before, with the Richmond Register reporting her 2021 arrest for allegedly stealing a state trooper's hat and taser from his vehicle.

On December 7 that year, Brock was charged with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and third-degree possession of an unspecified drug.
A brick wall with no land attached to it in an upmarket Washington DC neighborhood has gone on the market for $50,000 - causing a social media frenzy.

The advert for the decrepit red brick wall simply reads: 'Own a piece of Georgetown. This wall located at 30 and M NW. The opportunities are limitless.'

The structure was originally bought by a man for $2.14 in the 1960s, but now its current owner has put it on the market for $50,000 after having a dispute with the adjacent homeowner.

Robert Morris, a real estate agent selling the wall on behalf of its owner, Allan Berger, said: 'Its crumbling.'

The advert for the red brick wall, with paint peeling off, simply reads: 'Own a piece of Georgetown. This wall located at 30 and M NW. The opportunities are limitless'

The structure was originally bought by a man for $2.14 in the 1960s, but now its current owner has put it on the market for $50,000 after having a dispute with the adjacent homeowner

According to the Washington Post, the original owner sold it to Allan Bergers father, who got it at an auction because he wanted to own property in Georgetown. After his death, it got passed down to him.

It's understood that the wall may have been previously attached to something, which has since been lost. It currently backs on to a car park.

Berger has kept the wall for years, and saw it as a gimmick in his portfolio.

But the 64-year-old and the adjacent homeowner, Daniela Walls, have had a fraught relationship over the $50,000 wall.

Walls said its deteriorating structural integrity directly impacts her house - and because she doesn't own the 12 inches of exterior walling, she can't do anything about its wet beams that are causing leaks inside her home.

Through her insurance company, she filed an issue saying that there would be 'imminent structural effects' if something wasn't done about Berger's wall.

After a series of legal back and forths, Walls' attorney Eric Rome offered to buy the wall from Berger for $600, which is its tax assessed value.

The listing has since gone viral - bringing a swell of different opinions on the wall's value. One person wrote: 'Not bad for a lifetime of advertisement in DC'

It's understood that the wall may have been previously attached to something, which has since been lost. It currently backs on to a car park

Robert Morris, a real estate agent selling the wall on behalf of its owner, Allan Berger, said: 'Its crumbling'

But that is when the owner decided to get creative.

He told the Washington Post: 'Thats when I came up with $50,000, without any research, without any great thought. For better or for worse.'

The listing has since gone viral - bringing a swell of different opinions on the wall's value. One person wrote: 'Not bad for a lifetime of advertisement in DC.'

Another added: 'The opportunities are limitless, they say. Isnt that antithetical to the purpose of a wall?' And a third said: 'I think the opportunities are pretty limited to the wall.'

One person on Instagram said: 'This seems like a cruel concocted boomer prank to excite us poor millennials into thinking we can *actually* afford something and then crush our dreams with endless possibilities'

Berger has kept the wall for years, and saw it as a gimmick in his portfolio

But others saw the potential: 'TBH [to be honest] thats not a bad idea. Its a public-facing wall and can be used for advertising or for a mural.'

While another said: 'Yup, its a revenue-generating vehicle. You can charge companies to put their ads there.'

A third added: 'Great Wall for art, or ad! World make money back if commercial use is the goal!'

Real estate agent Morris said that a buyer would have to get approval from the Old Georgetown Board if they wanted to paint a mural or post advertisements on the wall.

The wall is yet to be snapped up by a buyer.
Bodycam footage has been shown to a Wisconsin jury revealing the horrifying moment police found a man's decapitated head in a bucket.

Taylor Denise Schabusiness, 25, is on trial for the murder and mutilation of her 25-year-old lover Shad Thyrion, who was killed and dismembered in his mother's basement in February 2022.

Authorities say she strangled Thyrion at the Green Bay home he shared with his mother, sexually abused him and dismembered his body, leaving parts of it throughout the house and in a vehicle. His head and penis were found in a bucket.

Grisly crime scene photos of blood-soaked bags and a bloody mattress were also shown in court on Monday, the first day of Schabusiness' trial.

Schabusiness was charged with first degree homicide, mutilating a corpse and third-degree sexual assault after the victim's own mother discovered her son's severed head in a bucket, covered with a towel, in her home.

Taylor Schabusiness, 25, is on trial in Wisconsin for the murder and mutilation of 25-year-old Shad Thyrion, who was killed and dismembered in his mother's basement in February 2022

Authorities say she strangled Thyrion at the Green Bay home he shared with his mother, sexually abused him and dismembered his body, leaving parts of it throughout the house

In the body camera footage shown in court on Monday, cops were shown to the basement where they made the gruesome discovery in the bucket

Schabusiness is accused of taking advantage of Thyrion during rough sex and choking him to death with a chain. She then allegedly had sex with his corpse before dismembering him and leaving his body parts in various places.

His head and what police have described as a 'male organ' were left for his mother Tara Pakanich, and her boyfriend, Steve Hendricks, to find.

Hendricks called 911 that night and told the dispatcher that his girlfriend 'swears that she found the severed head of her son in the basement.'

Body cam footage that was shown in court on Monday shows Pakanich telling police something about a 'severed head' and points to the basement of their home.

'I opened the towel,' Hendricks is heard telling police. 'I picked up the towel and dropped it because I don't know what the f*** it is, man. I have bad vision and she's like: 'Is that what I think it is?' I don't f****** know.'

Thyrion's penis was found in the same bucket as his head while other body parts were found in a variety of bags in the basement including plastic shopping bags

Taylor Schabusiness, pictured in a mugshot last year, is accused of decapitating her lover after choking him during drug-fueled sex

Other body parts were found in bags in the basement including plastic shopping bags

One of the responding Green Bay officers took the stand on Monday and described what happened when they arrived on the scene.

'I went downstairs. At the bottom of the stairs, to the right, there was a green bucket with a shower towel on top of it,' Officer Alex Wanish testified. 'Just to verify we had an actual head in the bucket, lifted the towel off and there was in fact a human head severed head in the bucket.'

Police found Thyrion's severed head along with his penis in the bucket.

'If we could get more units sooner rather than later that would be appreciated,' the officer said. 'We've got quite a bit of blood down here.'

Other body parts were found in various bags in the basement including plastic shopping bags. His upper torso was found in a storage tote along with a carving knife and several internal organs.

His upper torso was found in a storage tote with a carving knife and several internal organs

Pakinich called authorities to her home in Green Bay shortly after 3am, and she revealed that she was woken at the time by the storm door slamming and the sound of a vehicle driving away

A blood stained mattress was part of the crime scene

Schabusiness told detectives that she had planned to take all the body parts with her when she left in her minivan, but that she had 'got lazy' and was ill-prepared because the murder was random and not planned.

Police records show Pakinich called authorities to her home in Green Bay shortly after 3am, and she revealed that she was woken at the time by the storm door slamming and the sound of a vehicle driving away.

She then noticed that the basement light was on and went to see if her son was there, assuming that it was Schabusiness  with whom Thyrion had spent the day  that she had heard leaving.

Criminal complaint filings said that after the victim's mother didn't see anyone in the basement, she spotted a bucket at the bottom of the stairs after turning to leave.

After removing a blanket covering the top of the bucket, she 'discovered the head of the victim', according to the complaint documents obtained by DailyMail.com.

Photos of knives found at the scene were shown to the jury in court on Monday

Green Bay Police Officer Alex Wanish reported how he found a plastic bucket on the floor. The officer 'lifted the towel and observed a human head inside the bucket

Arriving on the scene, Green Bay Police Officer Alex Wanish reported how he had 'observed the plastic bucket on the floor...[with] a shower/beach towel over the bucket.' The officer 'lifted the towel and observed a human head inside the bucket.'

He also noted 'what appeared to be dried blood on a nearby mattress.'

Law enforcement quickly caught up to Schabusiness after the find, and she was discovered while still with blood on her sweatshirt and sweatpants, alongside scratches on her arms, a cut on her left thumb and what appeared to be blood on her hands.

When questioned over the incident, Schabusiness, who has a husband and recently became mother to a son, admitted that she and Thyrion had been doing drugs - including smoking methamphetamine - earlier in the day.

She said she had also shot herself and Thyrion up with Trazadone, a powerful sedative. Police recovered evidence of drug-taking, including a glass pipe and bag containing light colored powder, from the scene.

Schabusiness initially claimed to have blacked out during the attack, and when asked about why the head was in a bucket, she responded 'that is pretty f****d up'.

She allegedly went on to tell police that she and Thyrion had been going to have sex and that he had produced two metal chains, one for him and one for her.

She said he put his chain around his own neck as strangulation was something they had used during intercourse before.

Schabusiness said he put his chain around his own neck as strangulation was something they had used during intercourse before

Police records show Pakinich called authorities to her home in Green Bay shortly after 3am, and she revealed that she was woken at the time by the storm door slamming and the sound of a vehicle driving away

But she then shocked investigators with her next comment, as she blurted out 'Damn the head. I can't believe I left the head though.'

According to the complaint filing, she then told officers they were 'going to have fun trying to find all of the organs as she had dismembered the body.'

Remaining calm, Schabusiness allegedly told detectives that after Thyrion put the chain around his neck  which she compared to a dog choke collar  she just went 'crazy' strangling him.

She said that she could feel his heart beating, 'so she kept pulling and choking him harder,' claiming that he would not die as he just kept 'rebuilding into muscle.'

Schabusiness was charged with first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse and third-degree sexual assault.

Since her arrest, Schabusiness has had not guilty pleas entered on her behalf by the court and a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity entered by her former attorney.

Brown County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Walsh had ruled in March that Schabusiness was competent to stand trial.

In February, Schabusiness attacked her previous attorney during a court hearing before a deputy wrestled her to the courtroom floor.

Taylor Schabusiness, 25, is seen attacking her attorney, Quinn Jolly, in court on February 14

Schabusiness is pictured returning to a Brown County courtroom earlier this month, where she violently assaulted her own defense lawyer

Prior to the start of her trial, Schabusiness had a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity entered by her former attorney  who was eventually allowed to quit the case after she attacked him in an infamous courtroom contretemps caught on camera.

In a defense motion, Schabusiness' attorney argued that the sexual assault charge should be dropped because such a crime was factually and legally impossible due to Thyrion already being dead.

'The defense asserts and argues that it would be unlikely and almost impossible for any sexual assault to occur with how the dismembered body was found by law enforcement,' the motion reads.

'The appendage (penis) was not attached to the body when it was found and the appendage was unable to function due to its condition.'
The six children were beaten, scarred and emaciated after enduring unimaginable abuse from their father, authorities said

This is the moment Las Vegas Metro police discovered 'the worst' case of child abuse they have seen, with six horrifically abused children, including two locked in a cage.

Officers responding to a domestic violence callout on June 11 found two children, aged nine and eleven, locked in a dog cage and another four severely beaten in an apartment near Flamingo Road and Valley View Boulevard.

One of the children had 'two black eyes that were swollen shut, multiple marks and bruises all over his body, and he was emaciated,' police said. The child was in such a state that his father thought he had beaten him to death.

Married couple Travis Doss, 31, and Amanda Stamper, 33, shared the one-bedroom, apartment with seven children under the age of 11, all of whom are fathered by Doss.

A seventh child, a two-year-old girl, the only biological child he shares with Stamper does not appear to have been present at the time.

Las Vegas Police discovered six severely abused children including two locked in a dog cage in a one-bedroom apartment last month

Amanda Stamper, 33, (left) and Travis Doss, 31, (right) have been indicted on child abuse charges and have both pled not guilty

Doss has been charged with more than 40 offenses, including several counts of child abuse, and for sex trafficking his wife.

Stamper is facing seven charges of child abuse, one for each child.

The disturbing footage, first obtained by 8NewsNow, shows officers attempting to enter the bolted apartment before discovering the dreadful conditions within.

Once officers had entered their flashlights revealed children locked in cages while a pitbull roamed free.

The officers led the children out of the apartment into the daylight where they began to detail their abuse, including being beaten by their father with belts, cords and even a frying pan.

The emaciated child in the cage said he was not given sufficient food despite being a 'big boy now' and would have to share 'one large fry from McDonalds' with his siblings or eat food 'in the trash'.

'He hit my face in the cage because I was squished up trying to get out of the cage because I didnt do anything and I was freaking out,' the child tells officers in the video.

The horrifying discovery occurred after police were called to a Walgreens store across the road from the apartment where Stamper was hiding from her husband because 'he threatened to kill her', 8News Now reported.

Stamper told officers that Doss had shown her a picture of the child from the cage and said he had kicked the child in the head so hard he thought he was dead.

One of the children in the cage had 'two black eyes that were swollen shut, multiple marks and bruises all over his body, and he was emaciated,'

Travis Doss allegedly said he had beaten one child so badly he thought he was dead inside the cage

Amanda Stamper alleges she was sex trafficked and violently abused by Doss

Travis Doss faces more than 40 charges including for child abuse and sex trafficking his wife

Stamper told 8 News Now she wishes she had got help sooner, but was a victim of abuse and afraid of her husband

The couple (pictured) share one biological child, a two-year-old daughter

Stamper reportedly told police she believed the child 'looked dead for the last five days.'

She then told the officers what they would find in the couple's apartment.

Stamper told 8 News Now that she was the victim of severe domestic abuse and was not able to seek help because she was scared of Doss and his retaliation if she did.

'I was abused as well, not just them. He would use my children and my family if I was ever to call the police like he would go find my family and my kids, he's just a really violent person' she later told the outlet.

'I know they were terrified,' Stamper, who is currently pregnant, said.

She said she eventually managed to call the police because she wanted them to be safe. 'I'm sorry I didn't do it sooner' she added.

Stamper's public defender said that she had not beaten the children herself, as 'if she had done anything, she would have been subjected to serious, serious abuse.'

Prosecutors said they were aware that Stamper worked as a sex worker at Doss direction but that she was aware of the alleged abuse.

Both Doss and Stamper appeared in court on Tuesday, and have pled not guilty.
China congratulates Cambodian People's Party on winning seventh general election

(People's Daily App) 14:41, July 25, 2023

As a good neighbor and good friend, China extended wram congratulations on the smoothly held seventh general election in Cambodia and congratulated the Cambodian People's Party on winning the election under the leadership of its President Samdech Hun Sen, the foreign ministry said on Monday.

Mao Ning, spokesperson of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a routine press briefing in Beijing that China hopes Cambodia will smoothly form a new national assembly and a new government.

"We believe Cambodia will make even greater achievements in its national development and bring more benefits to its people," Mao said.

The spokesperson said that under the strategic guidance of the heads of states, the China-Cambodia relationship have enjoyed strong momentum.

"Our ties are marked by a high degree of mutual trust, close cooperation and mutual support," she said.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cambodia and the China-Cambodia Friendship Year. "China is willing to work with Cambodia to continue the friendship across generations and accelerate efforts to build the high-quality, high-level and high-standard China-Cambodia community with a shared future for the new era and deliver more benefits to both peoples," she said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Western economic sanctions on Russia since the 2014 seizure of some Ukrainian territory and especially since the 2022 invasions of Ukraine have crippled Russian efforts to increase or even sustain production of weapons and military equipment. Despite that, Russia ordered major increases in weapons production at the same time they declared details of the process a state secret. The real reason for this extra secrecy is that production is not going very well. Too many key components are not available from the usual foreign suppliers because of the sanctions. Efforts to find other suppliers or setting up production inside Russia take time and is often not possible. Even relatively low-tech weapons, like guided artillery rocket systems, have encountered the component shortage. While the details are secret, similar problems with production of high-tech civilian equipment are not secret.

Such is the case with the Russian commercial aircraft production. This involves production of MC-21 and Tu-204 medium-range jet transports. Both these aircraft are similar to the Boeing 737 and compete internationally by selling for less than similar Boeing or AirBus models. The economic sanctions have made these aircraft, and tie Russian engines, more expensive while also slowing production. Military equipment has similar problems but the details are secret. The problems with production of similar Russian civilian aircraft are not.

The recently ordered Russian weapons have not been showing up in combat and the Russian military is not even receiving them. The reason is production problems. Additional costs for these new weapons is not a crucial problem, but obtaining key components is. Russian troops in Ukraine openly complain about the shortage of weapons and equipment and they seem aware of the reason for it. The Russian military has long suffered from corrupt procurement officials and all manner of front line shortages can be traced back to that. Ukraine was, until 1991, part of the Soviet Union and there are still memories of the epic inefficiency and corruption that crippled the Soviet economy. Ukraine has since shed most of that while Russia has not and Russian soldiers are paying for that.

Russia suffered similar producing problems during World War Two (1939-45), but most of those were resolved by Western Lend-Lease aid, particularly items which Russia could not produce in adequate quantity such as aviation fuel additives, radios, waterproof communications cables, special metals for alloys and, most famously, military trucks. The latter made it possible for Russian production to specialize in those items it made most efficiently compared to the West, notably ammunition, artillery and tanks. Russian military production was not at all self-sufficient in Worlds War Two, a problem solved by huge quantities of Western aid. The aid was never available during the Ukraine War because Western threats of economic retaliation prevented Russia from obtaining essential items from other sources and impact of the shortages is very visible.

Russian military production was not at all self-sufficient in World War Two, and is not self-sufficient now, but this is only apparent now due to its lack of access to Western manufactures.
Longshot 2024 candidate Doug Burgum met the requirements this week to participate in the first Republican presidential primary debate next month.

Burgum, a former software executive, set up a fundraising scheme to help launch him to the debate stage. Donors who gave just $1 were provided with a $20 gift card in exchange.

The North Dakota Governor is calling the voucher the 'Biden Economic Relief Card.'

With Burgum, there are now seven candidates who meet the fundraising and polling qualifications set by the Republican National Committee (RNC) to appear on the debate stage in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 23.

There are still questions over whether all seven will participate  especially as former President Donald Trump continues to brush-off questions about debating his 2024 rivals who are all far behind him in national and state-wide polling.

Longshot 2024 hopeful and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum met the polling threshold needed to participate in the first Republican primary debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 23

One strategy Burgum used to reach the polling threshold was offering a $20 gift card to the first 50,000 donors that gave $1 to the campaign and called it the 'Biden Economic Relief Card.' In order to debate, candidates need 40,000 unique donors with 200 from 20 different states or territories

Burgum, who sold his company to Microsoft for $1.1 billion in 2001, has poured millions of his own money into his campaign.

But the strategy that helped him get to the debate stage was giving the first 50,000 people who donated at least $1 to his campaign a $20 gift card. The RNC requires candidates to have 40,000 unique donors with at least 200 in 20 different states or U.S. territories.

The scheme Burgum's campaign set up worked.

His website prompting donors to receive the gift card notes that the $20 is to help with 'the burden on American families caused by the Democrats.'

'Joe Biden is doing nothing to fix it,' it continued. 'We want to help, so we're offering YOU a $20 gift card, and all YOU have to do is contribute $1 to claim it.'

He then crossed the polling threshold needed to debate on Tuesday when he earned 1 percent support from voters in a new national survey by Morning Consult. The RNC requires candidates to poll above 1 percent in three national polls  or in two national polls and two separate early primary state polls.

Previously, Burgum reached the 1 percent threshold in a national survey from Louisiana-based JMC Analytics and Polling. He also got 6 percent in a University of New Hampshire Granite State poll and 3 percent in a Fox Business poll in the first-in-the-nation caucus state of Iowa.

The RNC has not yet said whether it has taken the Morning Consult poll into account and if Burgum now qualifies for the debate stage.

So far, seven candidates have met the polling and donor qualifications to reach the first debate stage in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 23

Burgum spokesperson Lance Trover is taking the latest as a win, and said in a statement: 'Governor Burgum is looking forward to sharing his focus on the economy, energy and national security at the August debate.'

'In less than 7 weeks, Governor Burgum has exceeded all the requirements for the debate,' Trover added.

Candidates are also required to sign a pledge saying that they will support whoever becomes the GOP nominee  and vowing not to participate in any other debates not run by the RNC.

Some longshot candidates, like former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, claims that the pledge to support the eventual nominee is catering to Trump.

The RNC set some pretty stringent requirements for the debates this year  including needing to sign a pledge to support whoever becomes the 2024 nominee in order to participate in the debates

Meanwhile, Trump has repeatedly shed doubt on whether he will even participate in the debate. Some close aids say the former president feels it is beneath him to debate with candidates so far behind him in the polls.

Candidates who qualified to debate so far are Trump, Burgum, Christie, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, biotech millionaire Vivek Ramaswamy and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.

Roughly half of the crowded field of 15 GOP candidates has made the debate stage so far.

Notably, former Vice President Mike Pence has not yet qualified, but assured on Sunday that he 'will get there.'

Both Pence and Hutchinson have hit the polling threshold, but neither has hit 40,000 donors requirement.
A Moroccan man twice snatched a two-year-old girl on a beach in Ibiza before being arrested by an off-duty cop who heard the child's mother screaming, cops have revealed.

The suspect made two attempts at taking the girl after kissing her on the cheek on Wednesday last week at Talamanca beach, near to the capital Ibiza town.

Detectives have not yet revealed the nationality of the mother and her little girl involved in the attempted kidnapping ordeal, but said the suspect put up resistance before his arrest.

A spokesman for the National Police in the Balearic Islands said: 'Officers have arrested a Moroccan man as the suspected author of a crime of unlawful detention, sexual assault, resisting arrest and disobedience after he tried to take a two-year-old girl on a beach in Ibiza who he kissed on the face.

Saying the incident occurred last Wednesday at 12.30pm, he added: 'The man, without apparent motive, grabbed hold of the girl and started kissing her on the cheek and stopping her from escaping.

'At that moment the girl's mum grabbed hold of her daughter and freed her from the man's grip.

Police have arrested a man who tried to snatch a toddler on a beach in Ibiza

'She went to another spot on the beach which was a fair distance from where they had been sitting and the man came up to them and grabbed hold of the girl again and went into the sea with her.

'The youngster's mum started yelling because the man was ignoring her and wouldn't let go of her daughter.

'At that point an off-duty police officer who was on the beach and heard the mum's screams came to help and managed to reunite the mum with her daughter.

'He ordered the man to move away several times but the man adopted a violent attitude and threw himself on the off-duty police officer who had to retain him until more police help arrived.

'The suspect was arrested for alleged unlawful detention of a minor as well as for crimes of sexual assault, resistance and disobedience.'

It was not immediately clear today if he has already appeared before a judge and been bailed or remanded in custody.

Talamanca is a long, curved beach with soft sand and shallow waters, making it excellent for safe bathing.

The beach is popular with tourists from all parts of the world as well as locals.

It is backed by hotels including four and five-star establishments with plenty of self-catering villas nearby.

A well-known travel website named it this year as one of the seven best beaches to visit in Ibiza.
The Scottish offshoot of Just Stop Oil blocked the access road to Scotland's only oil refinery by sticking themselves to the ground using concrete and superglue in yet another stunt today.

This is Rigged claimed responsibility for the action close to the Ineos refinery at Grangemouth, near Falkirk.

The climate activists said four of their number used concrete to secure themselves to the road and delay their removal by police, while a further two used glue to stick themselves to their compatriots.

This is Rigged, which has demanded the Scottish Government vocally oppose new licences for fossil fuel developments and 'and create a fair and fully funded transition for oil workers', claimed the action has effectively halted the transportation of oil tankers from the facility.

Activists from This Is Rigged glued themselves to the road to the tanker depot at Grangemouth refinery today

Police took several hours to remove them. They were arrested once they were removed

Direct action protest group 'This is Rigged' blocked Powdrake Road, the sole entry to Grangemouth oil terminal

Pictures shared by the group appear to show protesters laying across the road with their arms outstretched and their hands in buckets.

Pictures shared by the group appear to show protesters laying across the road with their arms outstretched and their hands in buckets.

A 25-year-old member of the group of protesters, known only as Jamie, said: 'We can no longer stand by while we head into a climate disaster.

'We must put an end to the growth of oil and gas to secure a safe future for everyone and not just line the pockets of the rich.'

Another protester, known only as Xander, said: 'Every moment this road to Ineos is open propels us further and further into climate collapse.

'It serves only the profits of Jim Ratcliffe, the UK's second richest man, at the expense of ordinary people.

'We can't allow it to go on any longer. We need a fair transition for workers to renewable energy.'

A protester is pictured with their hand attach to a bucket as they lie on the ground as part of the demonstration

Activists from This Is Rigged glued themselves to the road to the tanker depot at Grangemouth refinery today

The protesters were seen lining up along the wrong with their hands attached to buckets, blocking traffic

Police took several hours to remove them. They were arrested once they were removed

Officers stood by as protesters lay on the ground, before the demonstrators were removed and arrested

Police examine one of the lock on devices. Activists from This Is Rigged glued themselves to the road to the tanker depot at Grangemouth refinery today

Scottish direct action protest group 'This is Rigged' blocked Powdrake Road, the sole entry to Grangemouth oil terminal

A protester is seen on the floor surrounded by police officers as the group blocked the road to an oil terminal

Police cars and officers are dotted around the area as a protester sits on the ground

The same road was blocked last Wednesday by The is Rigged protesters, who attached themselves to an oil tanker

Police remove protesters (in yellow helmets) from This Is Rigged as they sit on top of an oil tanker at the Ineos refinery last Wednesday

Police prepare to remove protesters from This Is Rigged as they sit on top of an oil tanker at the Ineos refinery on July 19

This action is the latest in an apparent escalation by the group in the past week, with another blockade of the same road taking place last week, along with similar action at the Nustar terminal in Clydebank and two This is Rigged members scaling the Kelpies sculpture near Grangemouth on Sunday.

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: 'We are aware of protesters at the Ineos site in Grangemouth.

'A number of arrests have been made and officers remain in attendance.'
A father's two-year-old son was inadvertently taken by an opportunistic thief who stole his car as he argued with another driver during a road rage row.

Massoud Massoud was on his way to Dandenong Plaza in Melbourne's southeast with his son Mohammad on Monday afternoon when he was cut off by another driver.

Moments later the motorist nearly crashed into the father-of-five again before giving him the middle finger.

Mr Massoud got out of his Kia Carnival to confront the other driver and within just 20 seconds, a man crossing the street can be seen getting into the vehicle and speeding off.

Victoria Police later arrested Kyle Bell, 24.

He has been charged with child stealing, theft of a motor vehicle, unlicensed driving and committing an indictable offence whilst on bail.

Massoud Massoud was on his way to Dandenong Plaza in Melbourne's southeast with his son Mohammad (pictured together) on Monday afternoon when he was cut off by another driver. Seconds later his car with his son inside was stolen

Mr Massoud told 9News he was thankful to the driver he was arguing with, as they swiftly put their clash aside to join forces and hunt down the thief who had accidentally taken his son.

'I pulled over to talk to the guy and we got out of (our cars) for 20 seconds,' the 40-year-old said.

'I looked back at my car and it was gone.'

They both chased after the thief before the Kia Carnival gave them the slip near Dandenong Hospital.

Mr Massoud said he then reported the incident to police, stunned about what had just unfolded.

'I was really shocked ... I (didn't) know what to do.. 'I even forgot my registration ... I just lost all like my memory (of) like what to say,' he said.

'I was just screaming, and I couldn't hear what the police (were) asking me.'

Mr Massoud (pictured) said he and the driver he was beefing with quickly settled their differences and swiftly joined forces once he informed him that his toddler had been taken

About an hour later he was told a child matching his son's description had been found in an aisle at Woolworths in Ferntree Gully  around 15km from where the car was stolen.

Mr Massoud said he was shown a photo and felt relieved when he knew his second-youngest child was safe.

Mohammad told him he wasn't even scared and didn't cry as they embraced, with the relieved dad thankful for the help of the police and the community.

'I just got a new life. He hugged me very hard,' Mr Massoud said speaking about being reunited with his son.

'I really appreciate it from my heart.'

The toddler was dumped 15km away at Woolworths in Ferntree Gully (pictured), where he was found wandering the aisles

The original warring drivers had well and truly settled their differences by the time the father and son were reunited, staying together throughout the ordeal.

Mr Massoud's vehicle was found abandoned by a local in Coldstream about 7pm on Monday.

Bell was held on remand overnight and is due to appear in Dandenong Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.
Cops will slap grief tourists seen lingering outside the Long Island home of suspected serial killer Rex Heuermann with a $150 fine.

The 59-year-old architect was taken into custody July 13 in connection to the grisly murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Costello whose remains were found in Gilgo Beach in 2010. He has pleaded not guilty.

Since his bombshell arrest in Manhattan, the once quiet block where the married father-of-two lived, has become the scene of a media circus and a popular destination for crime junkies.

Dozens of people from all parts of Long Island and further abroad have been seen stopping to catch a glimpse of the active crime scene, as forensic teams comb the Massapequa Park home for evidence.

But locals say the influx of visitors has made their lives hell, and they're fearful of how much worse it'll get when police conclude their investigation at the property this week.

Nassau County Police will slap grief tourists seen lingering outside the Long Island home of suspected serial killer Rex Heuermann with a $150 fine

Residents gathered at the Massapequa Park Village Hall on Monday night and were promised by Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder that they'd get their community back.

Ryder spoke to 25 to 30 people who were there to find out what to expect as the Gilgo Beach investigation at Heuermann's house comes to a close later this week.

'The county executive has made it very clear that we are protecting the neighborhood and we are not allowing this to turn into a side-show,' he said.

'If you don't live on that street or visiting someone on that street and are there to stop and take pictures and break the law you will be issued a summons no questions asked.'

He gave out a number residents should call if they are expecting visitors to the block and stressed that those that do not belong will be issued a fine of $150.

'I am going to trust my professional police officers to make that decision,' he said. It's unclear if those on foot will be targeted, or if the fines will be aimed mainly at drivers.

They also plan to keep traffic moving. 'This is a community where there are a lot of kids playing. We gotta give them back their streets,' he said.

Some residents shared their angst about the daily chaos that has invaded their lives.

They said their driveways have been blocked, their lawns trampled and trash carelessly left behind.

One neighbor was outraged when they discovered a bottle filled with what appeared to be urine left near their property.

Heuermann was taken into custody July 13 in connection to the grisly murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Costello whose remains were found in Gilgo Beach in 2010. He has pleaded not guilty

Since Heuermann's bombshell arrest in Manhattan, the once quiet block where the married father-of-two lived, has become the scene of a media circus and a popular destination for crime junkies

Others have tried to take the law into their own hands - one person going as far as to put up her own crime tape.

While others have turned up their sprinklers or placed metal barricades in front of their homes.

Among the throng of visitors to the macabre location was Mackenzie Richards, 29, who was on her way with her pet pig to visit her mom in New York when she heard about Heuermann's arrest.

'Next thing you know, here we are,' she said while dozens of beer-swigging true crime fans partied on the street around her.

Many also said the house he shared with his wife and daughter was 'terrifying', with one local feeling the derelict property resembles a 'dungeon'.

Cameras will be placed on the block and there will be vehicle and traffic enforcement to ensure the chaos is minimized, Ryder reassured the residents.

The cameras will be hung from poles and placed there indefinitely he added saying: 'They are not covert cameras, they are overt. We want the world to see [them].'

He cautioned: 'We will be watching the street to make sure kids are not climbing through yards and taking pictures of the property.

'That is private property. If you walk on their [the residents] property you will get a criminal summons for criminal trespassing. Be prepared it is zero tolerance.'

Residents gathered at the Massapequa Park Village Hall on Monday night and were promised by Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder that they'd get their community back

He also encouraged the public to be mindful of taking pictures or videos of the active crime scene.

'We are going to ask people not to get involved and take pictures. There is plenty of pictures from the internet you do not have to stand in front of the house,' he added.

'We are going to give the community back their neighborhood that has been under siege for the last several days.

'We want people to go back and have their quality of life that they have here in Massapequa Park.'

Though he commended the press for being cooperative, as well as the Massapequa Park residents, he noted that the rules also apply to media.

News crews and reporters will have access for up to one hour for any photo or video shots that need to be taken.

The sleepy neighborhood was turned upside down after Heuermann - who is currently being held at a Suffolk county jail - was charged with the murders of the three escorts. He is scheduled to appear in court on August 1.

Heuermann is also the lead suspect in the 2007 disappearance and subsequent murder of the fourth woman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, though he has not yet been charged.

He is also being investigated for the murders of six others whose bodies were found in Gilgo Beach in 2011.

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

Investigators revealed on July 14 that they moved to arrest Heuermann over fears that the suspected murderer could strike again.

Cops had Heuermann under surveillance since last year, and had planned to continue to follow him as they built their case.

They decided to make the arrest in the interest of 'public safety,' Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney.

Tierney cited that Heuermann 'continued to patronize sex workers,' was using false IDs and burner phones, and had permits for an astonishing 92 firearms.

'Which of course made us very nervous,' said Tierney, who has led a secret investigative task force focused on Heuermann since spring 2022.

Flanked by family members of the victims as he addressed reporters, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison delivered a grim assessment of the suspect, saying: 'Rex Heuermann is a demon that walks among us, a predator that ruined families.'

Questions have been raised over why it took investigators so long to finally snare the alleged killer after over a decade at large.

Ahead of his appearance, prosecutors released their bombshell evidence against him that includes:

 His wife's DNA was found on three of the victims' bodies

 One of his own hairs was found on one of the victims' bodies

 Cell phone calls made from a burner phone to the victims were traced to his office

 A call made to one of the victims' sisters after she died was traced to his office

 His Tinder profile with photos of him was linked to the burner phone

 His Chevrolet pick-up truck was seen by witness to one victim's disappearance

 He matches description of 'ogre' like man seen with one victim before she vanished

 Heuermann conducted graphic searches for child porn and images of women being sexually abused

 He also searched Google for updates on the case, searching 'why could law enforcement not trace the calls made by the long island serial killer'

Cameras will be placed on the block and there will be vehicle and traffic enforcement to ensure the chaos is minimized, Ryder reassured the residents

The cameras will be hung from poles and placed there as the investigation continues

News crews and reporters will have access for up to one hour for any photo or video shots that need to be taken

As forensic cops continue to comb through Hueramann's home, mysterious objects have been dug up in the 59-year-old's backyard.

Haunting images showed the officers crowded over a hole in the ground as they surveyed small fragments on a board.

Some experts have speculated that they could be human remains, while others warned they could be from animals or something else entirely.

Investigators have been carting out boxes of items from the house for the past week as they rigorously hunt for any evidence connected to the infamous killings.

They have discovered a huge gun cache and are probing the idea some of the victims could have been butchered at the house.

A doctor and a bone expert analyzed the photos for DailyMail.com and were split over the nature of the objects - but said 'human remains can't be ruled out.'

'Really from a distance they definitely could be human, or animal. But it's too far away to know for sure,' said one doctor.

'DNA testing is very necessary: we doctors are used to close-ups.'

Another expert, a forensic anthropologist, told DailyMail.com: 'From my experience, they look too rectangular to be human. I wouldn't recognize any of those objects immediately as human remains.

'But the dark stain to them suggests we are looking at organic material, and the context in which they were found means I wouldn't rule out human remains.'

A forensic photographer is seen bending over the tray of objects found at Heuermann's house

The yellow excavator has been at the Long Island house since Sunday

Suffolk County Police commissioner Rodney Harrison said investigators could not confirm if any of the victims had ever visited the Heuermann home.

'We are doing a total investigation around the house to see if there is anything out there that we need to take a closer look at,' he said.

'Can we confirm that someone was killed inside the house? We can't confirm that at this time.'

Police believe Heuermann's wife, Asa Ellerup, 59, and children had no involvement in the killings.

Analysis of phone records shows that Ellerup was out of town during the periods in 2009 and 2010 when Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello went missing.

She was in Iceland, where she was born, and visiting friends in New Jersey.

Ellerup filed for divorce last week, and has not been back to the house, which remains sealed off.
Pope Francis, 86, has told a young transgender worshipper that 'God loves us as we are' in his latest outreach gesture towards the LGBT community.

His comments were part of a podcast in which Francis listened and responded to audio messages from young people ahead of a Catholic youth festival which he will attend in Portugal next week.

One of the young people was Giona, an Italian in their early 20s who said they were 'torn by the dichotomy between (their Catholic) faith and transgender identity'.

Francis replied that 'the Lord always walks with us ... Even if we are sinners, he draws near to help us. The Lord loves us as we are, this is God's crazy love.'

The Catholic Church teaches that members of the LGBT community should be treated with respect, compassion and sensitivity, and their human rights respected.

Francis' (pictured here) comments, released by Vatican media today, were in a podcast in which Francis listened and responded to audio messages from young people ahead of a Catholic youth festival which he will attend in Portugal next week

Francis has famously said 'who am I to judge' in an answer to a question specifically about homosexuals, and has condemned laws criminalising members of the LGBT community as a sin and an injustice (pictured: Francis greeting worshippers in Vatican City in 2020)

Whether the Church can and should be more welcoming towards LGBT people, for example by offering blessings for same-sex unions, is a particularly sensitive topic.

Francis has famously said 'who am I to judge' in an answer to a question specifically about homosexuals, and has condemned laws criminalising members of the LGBT community as a sin and an injustice.

At the same time, the 86-year-old pontiff has reaffirmed that marriage can only be understood as a life-long union between a man and a woman.

He backs civil laws giving same-sex couples rights in bureaucratic matters such as pensions and health care.

Conservatives have contested Francis' more welcoming and less judgmental attitude towards the LGBT community, although he consistently refers to traditional Catholic teaching that says same-sex attraction is not sinful but same-sex acts are.

An upcoming world summit of bishops, due to convene this October and in 2024, is expected to discuss the Church's stance towards LGBT people, women and Catholics who have divorced and remarried outside the Church.
He was spotted retweeting his favorable statistics on Twitter after they were shared by controversial conservative account 'End Wokeness'

The 42-year-old has enjoyed sky-high approval ratings as a result of the crackdown

The hardline president has imprisoned almost 70,000 gang members since March 2022

El Salvador's popular hardline president boasted over his soaring approval ratings on social media following his government's strict crime crackdown.

Nayib Bukele has imprisoned over 65,000 gang members since he introduced an 'iron fist' approach to the country's rampant cartel activity in March 2022.

Varying polls have seen the 42-year-old's support rocket to around 90 percent as a result, with Bukele retweeting favorable statistics about his tenure on Tuesday after they were posted by controversial conservative Twitter account 'End Wokeness'.

Bukele shared the account, which boasts 1.4 million followers, to highlight how record incarceration levels and intractable policing have essentially put an end to cartel dominance in the nation.

'He took one of the deadliest countries and made it the safest in Latin America,' the account said. 'How did he do it? He jailed the criminals.'

Nayib Bukele took an 'iron fist' approach to El Salvador's crimewave, which has led to sweeping arrests while his popularity ratings have soared

Bukele has imprisoned over 65,000 gang members since March 2022, and opened maximum-security prison CECOT 'Terrorism Confinement Center' in February (pictured) to house the influx of criminals

Bukele's tough-on-crime approach was evident as soon as he was elected president over four years ago, when he announced a 'territorial control plan' to target gang activity.

El Salvador was still reeling from one of the worst crime waves in recent memory, reaching a staggering 107 homicides per 100,000 people in 2015, according to data from the World Bank.

More than 4,000 people were arrested in the first few weeks of his tenure, and the widespread arrests saw murder rates plummet to just 18 per 100,000 by 2021.

Although crime rates improved, Bukele clearly wasn't satisfied, and he stepped up his administration's focus on gangs last year amid an increase in activity, particularly from infamous cartel MS-13.

Bukele's extensive targeting of cartel activity has led El Salvador to hold the highest incarceration levels in the world

On March 26, 2022, El Salvador recorded its deadliest day since the end of its civil war 30 years ago, with 62 murders in a 24-hour period. In response, Bukele announced a state of emergency, which suspended civil liberties and dramatically increased police powers.

The 'state of exception' was initially only meant to last 30 days, but in the year-and-a-half since almost 70,000 suspected gang members have been locked up.

The arrests have led El Salvador to own the world's highest incarceration rate in the world, according to Unherd.

The outlet calculated that the homicide rate through the first six-months of 2023 is around 2.3 per 100,000, a dramatic fall since the 2015 peak.

El Salvador's homicide rate reached a peak of 107 per 100,000 people in 2015, before Bukele's hardline policing saw the figure fall to just 2.3 in 2023

While some have criticized Bukele for the extensive arrests, he has been widely praised by those happy to see a pause on untamed cartel activity.

The 'End Wokeness' Twitter account, which regularly posts about the effects of soft Democrat policies on failing cities such as San Francisco, lauded the president's success as a result of 'jailing the criminals.'

'El Salvador's homicide rate is down 92%,' the account said in a separate post, which was also retweeted by Bukele.

'How did President Bukele do it? By addressing the root causes? By tackling "systemic inequities"? Nope. He cracked down on the gangs and jailed 65k criminals. And now he has 90% approval rating.'

The account added that 'our cities need someone like him', drawing comparisons between Bukele's strict policing to the unbridled shoplifting, open-air drug taking, and low arrest rates seen in many Blue-run cities.

While some have criticized the hardline stance for allegedly violating civil rights, the lack of crime has led Bukele to enjoy a period of sky-high popularity, as he even jokingly labeled himself as 'the word's coolest dictator.'

Until now, successive governments have struggled to deal with violence spilling across El Salvador. One of Nayib Bukele's hardline solutions was the opening of a mega-prison in February (pictured)

The first group of 2,000 inmates arrived at the new CECOT mega-prison on 24 February 2023. It comes after El Salvador rounded up more than 64,000 alleged gang members in the country's crackdown on violent crime in the murder capital of the world

Notably, allegations have swirled that Bukele made backdoor agreements with cartel leaders to reduce the number of gang killings in exchange for improved prison conditions.

The spike in homicides came as Bukele allegedly reneged on the deals, including opening hellhole mega-prison CECOT 'Terrorism Confinement Centre' in February, which houses over 100 inmates per cell.

Conditions in the prison have been compared to concentration camps by civil rights groups, as the cells come with 1 meter of space, no mattresses and no outdoors.

The prison's opening comes as part of Bukele's brutal crackdown on two of North and Central America's most feared gangs - MS-13 and Calle 18 - with members of the rival cartels ominously packed in together.

It comes as a result of the president's severe efforts, as a tradeoff for sending homicide rates plummeting is an overcrowded 40,000-capacity prison full of the country's most dangerous criminals, many of whom are on opposite sides of a decades-long feud.
2024 presidential hopeful Gov. Ron DeSantis has been involved in a car crash in Tennessee while traveling to a fundraiser, his campaign confirmed to DailyMail.com.

'This morning, the governor was in a car accident while traveling to an event in Chattanooga, Tennessee,' DeSantis campaign press secretary Bryan Griffin told DailyMail.com on Tuesday.

'He and his team are uninjured,' continued Griffin. 'We appreciate the prayers and well wishes of the nation for his continued protection while on the campaign trail.'

A Chattanooga Police spokesperson confirmed that a DeSantis staff member suffered minor injuries after four cars in the motorcade escorting the governor collided following a traffic slow down. The governor and his team continued on to their campaign fundraiser after the crash that occurred on the I-75 South near the 2.8 mile marker.

According to a campaign aide, a staffer was assessed on-site by medical personnel and cleared to depart. She told staff she is uninjured.

The crash occurred on the I-75 South near the 2.8 mile marker

Ron DeSantis has been involved in a car crash in Tennessee

The Florida governor and his team were involved in the crash while traveling to an event in Chattanooga, Tennessee. DeSantis is expected to hold three fundraisers throughout the state this morning and into the evening.

It was not immediately clear how many staff were traveling with the governor or whether his wife, Casey, was with him.

DeSantis is hitting the campaign trail hard since shaking up his staff and overall media strategy in recent weeks.

The governor has conducted multiple fundraising events in Tennessee in July so far and participated in the Tennessee GOP Statesman Dinner last week.

He is doing a swing through southern states this week, and then is heading back up to Iowa to continue his 'Never Back Down' bus tour throughout the early voting state.

Iowa is the first stop the governor will make as he ramps up his bus tour to New Hampshire, South Carolina and other early voting states.

DeSantis is also expected to deliver a speech at the Iowa Republican Lincoln Day Dinner in Des Moines on Friday.

He received the endorsement from the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA) Monday, an organization that had previously endorsed his opponent - former President Donald Trump.

According to a DailyMail.com poll, Trump is still the clear primary frontrunner in a survey of Republicans in New Hampshire.

Florida Governor and Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference at the Celebrate Freedom Foundation Hangar in West Columbia, S.C. Tuesday, July 18

Trump has seen his lead over DeSantis slip in a head-to-head matchup

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

Although DeSantis remains in second place, he has dropped from 18 percent in April to 15 percent in July, 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.

However, 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.
Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss - who is the lead criminal investigator into Hunter Biden's gun and tax crimes - is set to testify before the House of Representatives in September or October.

The Department of Justice has accepted an invitation from House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan for Weiss to testify at a 'public hearing' in the coming months.

'The Department is ready to offer U.S. Attorney Weiss to testify shortly after Congress returns from the August district work period,' says a letter obtained by DailyMail.com from Assistant Attorney General Carlos Felipe Uriarte to Jordan, R-Ohio.

Uriarte writes that DOJ is concerned about 'misrepresentations' about its work on the Hunter Biden investigation following new testimony from IRS whistleblowers who allege the department engaged in preferential treatment for the president's son.

Last week, two IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler testified under oath that Hunter Biden received 'special' treatment in the investigation into his financial dealings led by Weiss. They said that Hunter's tax charges should have been a felony, but that political pressures led to the first son's 'sweetheart deal' instead.

U.S. Attorney Weiss will be available to testify on September 27, September 28, October 18 and October 19

Hunter Biden is expected in court Wednesday for the plea deal to be made official

'We are deeply concerned by any misrepresentations about our workwhether deliberate or arising from misunderstandingsthat could unduly harm public confidence in the evenhanded administration of justice, to which we are dedicated,' DOJ says in the letter.

'The Department, therefore, reaffirms U.S. Attorney Weisss commitment to providing public testimony, consistent with law and Department policy, to protect these principles.'

According to the letter, Weiss will be available to testify on September 27, September 28, October 18 and October 19.

Republicans including Jordan have pointed out discrepancies between Attorney General Merrick Garland and U.S. Attorney Weiss' public statements on the Hunter Biden case and who had 'full authority' to charge the president's son.

Ziegler and Shapley testified last week that Weiss asked U.S. Attorney for D.C. Matthew Graves to bring 'felony and misdemeanor tax' charges agains the president's son.

But after Graves refused, Weiss threw out the potential felony charges and struck a plea deal with the president's son that did not include any jail time. Hunter is expected in court Wednesday for the plea deal to be made official.

'I watched U.S. Attorney [David] Weiss tell a room full of senior FBI and IRS senior leaders on October 7, 2022, that he was not the deciding person on whether charges were filed,' Shapley said, contradicting Weiss' previous public statements.

'If the Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss followed DOJ policy as he stated in his most recent letter, Hunter Biden should have been charged with a tax felony, and not only the tax misdemeanor charge,' said Ziegler.

'We need to treat each taxpayer the same under the law.'

Their testimony comes after Weiss recently sent a letter to the House Judiciary Committee attempting to clarify his role in the probe and insisted that he actually holds the 'ultimate authority' in the criminal gun and tax case against the president's son.

He explained that as the U.S. attorney for Delaware, his charging authority is normally 'geographically limited' to that district - but said that Attorney General Merrick Garland had promised to grant him special attorney status to bring charges anywhere.

Chairman Jordan threatened last week to use subpoenas to compel testimony by Weiss and other associates linked to the Hunter Biden investigation

However, Garland said last month that Weiss was free 'to make a decision to prosecute any way in which he wanted to and in any district in which he wanted to.'

DOJ attempted to clear up the discrepancies in the letter to Jordan.

'While testimony at this early juncture must be appropriately limited to protect the ongoing matter and important confidentiality interests, the Department acknowledges your stated interest in addressing aspects of this matter in the near term, such as U.S. Attorney Weisss authority and jurisdiction to bring charges wherever he deems appropriate.'

Chairman Jordan threatened last week to use subpoenas to compel testimony by Weiss and other associates linked to the Hunter Biden investigation.

DOJ said that the subpoena threat is 'unjustified and premature' at this juncture.

'We are, therefore, deeply concerned by your notification today that the Committee has authorized deposition subpoenas for the individuals identified in your letter. Any attempts at compulsory process are unjustified and premature.'
Indigenous Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has broken down while revealing the moment that cemented her stance on the Voice.

The prominent No campaigner has been vocal about how she doesn't believe the Constitution should be amended to recognise Indigenous Australians as the nation's First Peoples and enshrine a permanent, independent Aboriginal and Torres Strait advisory body, or 'Voice', to parliament and the executive government.

In a tearful interview aired as part of the Sky News documentary The Voice: Australia Decides, Senator Price revealed the devastating effects the campaign has had on her own family, including a horrific attack on her grandmother.

Indigenous Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price (pictured) has revealed why she doesn't believe the Constitution should be amended and Australia should vote No for the Voice

In an emotional interview aired as part of the Sky News documentary The Voice: Australia Decides , Senator Price revealed the devastating effects the campaign has had on her own family (Senator Price with Sky News' Matt Cunningham)

After travelling 300km with reporter Matt Cunningham from Alice Springs to her family's property in Yuendumu, the pair said they weren't welcome in the community.

The senator said she was 'disappointed, disrespected and completely disregarded' after arriving to speak with her grandmother, who was later violently beaten in front of her.

'I should have been able to come in and talk directly to my family members about their thoughts as Australian citizens and individuals in their own right about what they do know and don't know about the referendum,' Ms Price said.

'Without fear of backlash, they should have the freedom to have their voice heard, ultimately.'

The senator said she was 'disappointed, disrespected and completely disregarded' after not being welcomed at the family's property of Yuendumu due to her stance. Her grandmother Tess Napaljarri Ros (pictured) was later violently beaten in front of her

When Ms Price and Mr Cunningham arrived, they attended a land council royalties meeting, where the politician claims she witnessed her grandmother 'being punched'.

Through tears, Ms Price said she witnessed her grandmother being threatened and attacked so badly that now she 'can't even talk'.

'Now her voice is not being heard,' she said, explaining she posted a graphic image of her grandmother's injuries on social media to show the blood streaming down the elderly woman's face.

Ms Price said it's hard for people to understand what it's like when they don't live in remote communities, explaining she has had multiple family members die, including two uncles, as a result of alcohol and an aunt who was stabbed to death in an alcohol-fuelled attack.

She said the relative was stabbed and 'drowned in her own blood' because her 'ex didn't want her to live in New South Wales and have an opportunity at life'.

'I'm a tough person, but there's kids living in this and this is normalised to them,' she said.

Ms Price argued that Indigenous communities are 'simply not respected' as individual people and are instead treated as a 'collective' which is controlled by 'the powerful'.

Ms Price (pictured) said it's hard for people to understand what it's like when they don't live in remote communities, explaining she has had multiple family members die, including two uncles, as a result of alcohol and an aunt who was stabbed to death in an alcohol-fuelled attack

While she stands firmly on the No side of the campaign, the senator said she went into politics because of the need in Canberra for an understanding of traditional culture.

She said she has wanted to use her role to save lives and stop burying loved ones.

But she claims those in the Yes camp of the campaign are missing the point; saying campaign director Dean Parkin spoke 'nonsense' when he said a gap exists generally between Indigenous Australians and non-Indigenous people.

'The Gap exists between (those who are) marginalised and those who aren't,' Ms Price said.

'Dean Parkin is not marginalised but he's Indigenous, but the proponents of the Voice are suggesting that as a race of Australians we are inherently disadvantaged.

'I'm not disadvantaged, Dean Parkin isn't disadvantaged, Noel Pearson certainly isn't disadvantaged, he lives in Noosa, but the truth of the situation is the gap exists between the marginalised and those who aren't.'

'Fact not opinion'

For the Voice to be enshrined it requires the support of the majority of Australians as well as the majority of states. None of the previous 44 referendums have been successful without bipartisan support.

Louise Clegg, a barrister specialising in constitutional law (who is married to Coalition frontbencher Angus Taylor), said that while everyone working on it has 'the very best intentions, the plan needs to be thought through some more.

Yes campaign director Dean Parkin also appeared on the Sky News documentary

Ms Price argued that Indigenous communities are 'simply not respected' as individual people and are instead treated as a 'collective' which is controlled by 'the powerful'

'They have conceptualised this idea of Indigenous people being heard as a right in the Constitution, and that I understand,' she said.

'There have been so many people who are so well intentioned ... and we all want reconciliation and Indigenous recognition in the Constitution.

'But there are very many ways to skin this cat and this is a really, really radical and experimental way to do it.'

Australians will be asked to vote on the following question: 'A proposed law: to alter the constitution to recognise the first peoples of Australia by establishing a Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice, do you approve of this proposed alteration?'

The proposed law that Australians will be asked to vote on at the referendum would insert the following lines into the Constitution:

In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:

1. There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;

2. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;

3. The parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.

When she first saw how the questions were phrased, Ms Clegg said the wording would be code for an 'entrenched political right in the Constitution on everything'.

She said it would allow the Voice to parliament to have an 'additional say' and the power to advise the government on any matter.

'That's not my opinion, that's fact,' she said.

'The proponents, they say openly they need a Voice that goes beyond Indigenous affairs and extends to things like climate change, taxation, welfare and tourism.'

Yes vs. No

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had met seven times with Peter Dutton, and on no occasion did the opposition leader put forward any proposed wording change before ultimately deciding the Coalition would vote no.

He said the Voice is 'simple' - an advisory group to the government on matters which affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, which is not a funding body and that will give advice in order to close the gap on health, education, housing and incarceration rates.

Mr Dutton has said the Prime Minister is 'being tricky and dividing the country'.

'I don't believe a body of 24 elites with a Canberra-based voice is going to make a difference for Indigenous people in regional and remote areas,' Mr Dutton said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has faced criticism for the lack of information about what the Voice will mean as he calls on the country to unify and vote Yes

'We've proposed a local and regional voice ... if they are given a voice, they should be given ample resources.'

The Prime Minister said in the documentary that the coming months should be a time for the country to unify, but his counterpart said Mr Albanese was counting on the referendum passing 'on the vibe'.

'This will get through on the vibe and he doesn't need to explain it,' Mr Dutton said.

'It's a fatal error of judgment ... if the Prime Minister is after his moment in history, that's fine, but it's not going to serve Indigenous communities or the broader public.'

Mr Dutton argued the decision to withhold details undermined the democracy, and claimed it was a deliberate strategy of Mr Albanese to keep details from the Australian public.

Peter Dutton (pictured) has argued the decision to withhold details undermines the democracy, and claimed it was a deliberate strategy of Mr Albanese to keep details from the Australian public so they would vote on the 'vibe'

Mr Dutton said: 'It will set back reconciliation and frankly I think it's why the Prime Minister should delay the vote.'

But Mr Albanese said once the vote passes, and he is confident it will, things will begin to come together.

'I'm being optimistic, going forward I think that obviously it will be disappointing if that (successful referendum) doesn't occur, but we know that constitutional change is hard in this country,' Mr Albanese said.

Ms Price said whatever the result of the vote, there will have to be 'a lot of work' to fix the fractures which have taken place as a result.

'I can only see despair'

Cape York Partnership founder Noel Pearson has acknowledged more work needs to be done to convince Australians to vote yes, but said a failed referendum would be catastrophic.

Mr Pearson has been a key architect of the campaign and said the simplification of the wording was to 'make it clear it was not a structure of parliament'.

'You could not get a more safe and more thoroughly examined proposition than the one the government adopted,' he said.

However, he conceded it was reasonable for people to ask for more detail, saying it's understandable for people to want to 'interrogate' the wording.

Cape York Partnership founder Noel Pearson says more work needs to be done to convince Australians to vote yes, but said a failed referendum would be catastrophic

The last referendum in Australia was held in 1999 and was a proposed law to establish Australia as a republic with the Queen and Governor-General being replaced by a President.

The vote failed and there has been no push for another one in the 24 years since, which is why people like Mr Pearson are pushing for success on the first try.

Mr Pearson said people needed to be listening to the solutions and be willing to understand.

He issued a dire warning that if the vote isn't successful: 'I can only see despair.'

'I cannot see any good flowing from a no vote,' Mr Pearson said.

Yes23 campaign director Dean Parkin, who is deeply proud of his Indigenous culture, said the referendum could be a 'signifying moment' for the country.

'Heated and divisive'

A staunch supporter of the no campaign, Warren Mundine, believes the debate is putting 'race back into the Constitution', saying the whole thing is built 'on a falsehood'.

He claims there are already many Indigenous voices in parliament and the money could be better spent elsewhere.

'I go to Canberra and I'm tripping over Aboriginals ... we're going to spend $380 million on a referendum,' he said.

'Why are we spending that amount of money when we can be spending that money better?'

Staunch supporter of the no campaign, Warren Mundine (pictured), believes the debate is putting 'race back into the Constitution' and says the whole thing is built 'on a falsehood'

Mr Mundine is worried that the decision won't be made by the people it affects. He argued the majority of Indigenous people don't know there is a Voice, and the politicians can't be trusted.

His campaign has started to become personal, with Mr Mundine claiming he has become a target for online abuse due to his support of the No campaign.

'You only have to look at my Twitter, I've been called everything under the sun,' he said.

While he isn't concerned about the words turning into actions, Mr Mundine made a shocking revelation that he had tried to take his own life.

'I tried to commit suicide twice, so it does have an affect on you,' he said.

'It's becoming heated and divisive.'

Mr Mundine has since begun therapy and said he has also tried to laugh off the hate as a way of coping.

The Voice: Australia Decides will be available on demand on Sky News (channel 103 and 600) and Sky News The Voice Debate (channel 603) on Foxtel. It will also be available on Skynews.com.au
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the term Western Europe'' has come to mean all European countries west of Russia. This newly expanded western Europe saw enormous economic growth in the formerly Russian (Soviet) dominated states of what was once considered eastern Europe, not just because it was dominated by Russia, but because the east European economies and armed forces were controlled by the Soviets. After 1991 this control was gone and what was once East Europe integrated its economies with the rest of Europe to create a new economic superpower. By 2008 the new Europe had a combined economy worth $16.2 trillion versus $14.7 trillion for the United States. After that American economic growth accelerated at a faster pace than the new Europe so that by 2022 the U.S. economy was worth $25 trillion compared to $19.8 trillion for the European economies.

This sort of thing was nothing new. Over a century ago European nations were surprised to discover that the American economy was growing at a much faster rate than Europes and that disparity kept growing, helped by the self-inflicted setbacks caused by two World Wars that both began in Europe and didnt end until the Americans got involved. After World War II (1939-45) the United States made an enormous and highly successful effort to help European nations rebuild their shattered economies. This played a major role in the combined European economies briefly overtaking the Americans for a few years after 2008. The Americans soon recovered the lead and the main reason for that was the United States was a single country and economy while in Europe the total economy was a combination of many countries.

Europe realized this was a problem many years earlier and after decades of effort created the economic EU (European Union) to give Europe more of a single market. This was a big help but the American economy was always a singular operation with a common language and political system. The member states of the EU, and their major companies, are unable to coordinate their economic decisions as effectively as the United States. The EU made European economies more prosperous and more cooperative with each other and for a while that put the combined EU economies ahead of the United States. That didnt last because the economic unity found within the United States was still stronger than that of the EU.

The larger American economy depends on foreign trade with customers worldwide. The United States has no common borders with most of its trading partners and developed large armed forces, especially after World War II, to safeguard naval access with distant trading partners. This meant American military spending was the largest in the world. Most foreign trading partners were fine with that because the Americans were defending two-way trade routes.

Currently American military spending is about $800 billion a year compared to about $330 billion for all European nations. Since the end of World War II in 1945, the Americans have had the largest fleet and the best trained and equipped air and ground forces in the world. All the American forces are volunteers and they have regularly demonstrated their effectiveness in numerous small conflicts, some only requiring the use of air power. The American navy ensures that the ground and air forces can reach distant combat zones safely, along with a steady stream of supplies.

American allies in Europe, the Middle East and Far East benefit from this because they can always depend on the Americans to deliver aid when needed. This is one reason why most nations of the world consider themselves American allies or at least reliable trading partners. The Americans are not seeking to dominate foreign countries, but to keep the trade going, The Americans have learned that getting involved with distant wars is a losing proposition and try to avoid it as much as possible. Such involvement is often difficult to avoid, especially in Europe where American allies assume that they can always rely on American support. This is what is happening in Ukraine, where most of the foreign aid is coming from the United States. Being the largest economic and military power in the world makes these foreign efforts unavoidable.
Children from America's wealthiest families are more than twice as likely to attend an elite university as middle-class kids with the same grades, new research has revealed.

A paper from Opportunity Insights, a group of Harvard researchers and analysts, showed the advantages enjoyed by the top 1 percent of Americans with incomes of more than $611,000.

They studied the eight Ivy League institutions, as well as the University of Chicago, Stanford, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Duke.

They used anonymized admissions data for hundreds of thousands of students, income tax records and SAT and ACT test scores from 1999 to 2015.

America's wealthiest students are more than twice as likely to attend an elite school than their middle-class counterparts

Students on Libe Slope at the campus of Cornell University, an Ivy League institution in Ithaca, New York

The data show that children from families in the top 1 percent were 34 percent more likely to be admitted to elite schools than the average applicant.

Meanwhile, at the country's top public universities, rich kids don't enjoy the same advantages, and were just as likely to get a spot as a poorer candidate with the same grades.

The study comes after the Supreme Court this month struck down race-based admissions, but colleges can still give preference to legacy students, athletes, and others.

'The stark difference in admissions gradients by parental income between selective public and private institutions suggests that highly selective private colleges may have the capacity to change the composition of their student bodies,' researchers said.

They could achieve this 'by changing their admissions practices to emulate those used by highly selective public colleges,' they added in their five-page report.

Rich kids had better chances of getting into elite schools because admissions tutors there favored legacy candidates, athletes and were guided by other nonacademic credentials.

Students at Georgia Tech, a respected public school, where students from lower incomes have better chances of success

Attending a top school helped set up graduates for life, the researchers found.

Graduates of elite schools had twice the chance of getting into a prestigious graduate school, triple the chance of joining an elite firm, and a 60 percent greater chance of becoming a top earner.

The 12 elite colleges account for more than a tenth of Fortune 500 CEOs, a quarter of US Senators, half of all Rhodes scholars, and most Supreme Court justices, said the report.

The researchers said that a better admissions system at elite schools would trickle down to make the country fairer.

'We conclude that even though they educate a small share of students overall and therefore cannot change rates of social mobility by themselves, Ivy-Plus colleges could meaningfully
The latest technology boom in generative artificial intelligence (AI) is highly concentrated, with 60 percent of job postings in just 15 metropolitan hubs, a Brookings Institution study shows.

San Francisco, long a center for innovation and startups, tops the list, and is a home for 20 of the best-funded AI companies  more than the rest of America combined.

Nearly half of the postings for jobs in generative AI  the technology behind chatbots  are in San Francisco, San Jose, New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and Seattle.

That puts California at the forefront of America's engagement with the new technology.

California has the headquarters of 35 of the 43 US-based firms on the Forbes AI 50 list, a showcase of leading firms in the sector

Viv Labs employees work at their desks in San Jose, California, which is emerging as a center for artificial intelligence work

The Golden State has the headquarters of 35 of the 43 US-based firms on the Forbes AI 50 list, a showcase of leading firms in the sector.

New York has four firms, Texas has two, Massachusetts one, and another company is fully remote.

None are in the Rust Belt, Midwest, or the South.

As well as giants like Google and Meta, California boast such cutting edge firms as OpenAI, Scale AI, Anthropic, Inflection AI, Databricks, and Cerebras.

Researchers called the emergence of AI hubs a 'winner takes most' situation.

The report may dispel the idea that emerging tech hubs, such as Austin, Texas, and Miami, Florida, are not getting a look-in.

Indeed, it looks like the Bay Area's hold on tech is growing stronger.

Mark Muro, an author of the report and a senior fellow at Brookings, said the AI sector could spur growth in other parts of the country.

'This exciting new technology may drive more clustering, and that is a problem economically, demographically and for society,' Muro told The New York Times.

The Brookings researchers studied US job listings data gathered by Lightcast, an analytics firm.

They focussed on postings that included such terms as 'generative AI', 'ChatGPT' or 'large language models', which are used to build AI software.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is deploying new language distancing President Biden from his son's business in advance of potentially damaging testimony by Hunter's friend and former partner.

Rather than saying the father and son never discussed Hunter's array of international business deals  language Biden himself has used  Jean-Pierre said the two were never 'in business' together.

The latest denial, which she put forward at a Monday briefing when pressed about scheduled testimony by Hunter friend Devon Archer to House Republicans, is pared back from earlier comments, as she said the two had never opened up shop.

Jean-Pierre was asked about House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer's repeated claims that he has evidence of President Biden's involvement in his son's business dealings.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden is not 'in business' with his son Hunter. Back in 2019 Joe Biden said he had 'never spoken' to his son about his business deals

'I've been asked this question a million times. The answer is not going to change. The answer remains the same: The President was never in business with his son. I just don't have anything else to add,' she said.

Her answer diverged from earlier responses, including a flat-out denial by President Biden back in 2019 when he was seeking the presidency. It drew blasts online as a less categorical denial of being in the loop about his son's dealings, which took Hunter to locales including Ukraine and China.

'I've never spoken to my son about his overseas business dealings,' Biden told reporters on the campaign trail in 2019, while accusing then-President Donald Trump of attacking him as a diversion.

Last month, Jean-Pierre responded to claims Hunter Biden got preferential treatment after arranging a guilty plea on two federal tax charges that is expected to allow him to avoid prison time.

'Nothing has changed,' she said, when asked about claims Biden never discussed overseas business dealings with his son. 'What I can tell you is I know that my colleague has dealt with this. I just dont have anything else to share,' she said in June.

Joe Biden said he had 'never' discussed his son's business dealings

'The President was never in business with his son,' White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters

Hunter Biden friend Devon Archer has once again rescheduled testimony to the House Oversight Committee

Another White House spokesman, Ian Sams, had said in an earlier statement: 'As we have said many times before, the President was not in business with his son. As we have also said many times before, the Justice Department makes decisions in its criminal investigations independently, and in this case, the White House has not been involved.

'As the President has said, he loves his son and is proud of him accepting responsibility for his actions and is proud of what he is doing to rebuild his life,' he said, in reference to Hunter's plea deal and battle with drug addiction.

In 2021, Jean-Pierre's predecessor Jen Psaki told reporters: 'The president does not discuss business dealings with family members and otherwise Im not going to respond to Rudy Giulianis lawyer.'

Her comments came hours before House Speaker Kevin McCarthy told Fox News opinion host Sean Hannity 'this is rising to the level of impeachment inquiry' and after the House Judiciary Committee said Archer was scheduled to testify Monday. He is expected to discuss multiple times Hunter put his father on speakerphone while meeting with business associates.

On Wednesday, Hunter Biden is set to appear in federal court in Wilmington, Delaware to offer his guilty plea.
China has removed foreign minister Qin Gang from office a month after he vanished amid rumours of him having an affair with a well-known TV presenter.

Beijing replaced Qin with his predecessor Wang Yi, but state broadcaster CCTV gave no reason for his removal in the announcement on the national evening news.

The former minister had dropped out of sight almost a month ago and China's foreign ministry has provided no information about his status.

It came amid rumours Qin may have fallen foul of the communist state's leadership due to an alleged affair with Fu, 40, who has also not been seen for some time after a flirtatious interview between them resurfaced.

Cambridge-educated presenter Fu frequently interviews China's top officials and since a video of her interview with Qin in Washington DC in March 2022 went viral on social media, users noted the 'affectionate flirting' between the two.

China replaced Qin (pictured) with his predecessor, Wang Yi, in a move that has already fueled rumours over the personal lives and political rivalries of China's Communist Party elite

Qin vanished amid rumours he may have fallen foul of the communist state's leadership due to an alleged affair with Chinese TV presenter Fu Xiaotian, 40, who has also not been seen for some time after a flirtatious interview (pictured above) between them resurfaced

The Cambridge-educated presenter Fu (pictured) frequently interviews China's top officials and since a video of her interview with Qin in Washington DC in March 2022 went viral on social media, users noted the 'affectionate flirting' between the two

This has caused rumours to circulate, especially in the Taiwan and Hong Kong press, that Qin and Fu may have engaged in an affair.

Chinese human rights activist Lin Shengliang noted Qin became China's ambassador to the US in 2021. The supposedly 'flirty' interview took place in March 2022.

READ MORE: Top Chinese envoy vanishes amid rumours of an affair with well-known TV presenter Advertisement

Fu then gave birth to her son in November of that year, who has also not been seen since his mother's disappearance.

In her last social media post before she disappeared from public appearance, Fu shared pictures of a jet, a screenshot of the interview with Qin, and a picture of her with her son.

Engaging in affairs is not unusual for China's top officials, but can be used as a pretext to remove those who have fallen foul of the leadership.

But not giving a reason for an official's removal is in keeping with the ruling Communist Party's standard approach to personal matters within a highly opaque political system where the media and free speech are severely restricted.

The move comes amid a backlash against China's increasingly aggressive foreign policy, of which Qin was a chief proponent.

Adding to the mystery around Qin's removal, it was approved at an unusually scheduled meeting of the Standing Committee of China's rubber stamp legislature, the National People's Congress, which normally gathers at the end of the month.

Qin last appeared on camera at a meeting with Sri Lanka's foreign minister in Beijing on June 25.

The Foreign Ministry at one point put his absence down to bad health, but swiftly scrubbed the reference from its official news conference transcript and has since said only that it had no information to report.

Qin's previous tenure in the United States and his unexpected departure from the minister's office throws additional glare on the troubled relationship between Washington and Beijing (pictured: Qin, right, meeting US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Beijing last month)

Social media users pointed towards 'affectionate flirting' that was seen between Qin and Fu in an interview in Washington DC in March last year

Wang previously served as China's top diplomat in his capacity as head of the party's office of foreign affairs. Without other strong contenders, it appeared likely he would retain that position, at least in the short term.

The shakeup in China's diplomatic lineup does not immediately indicate a change in foreign policy, including continued support for Russia's war against Ukraine.

Earlier in his career, Qin had served as ministry spokesperson, during which he gained a reputation for criticism of the West and rejection of all accusations against China.

That came to be known as 'wolf warrior' diplomacy, after the name of a nationalistic movie franchise.

He later headed the ministry's protocol department, during which he reportedly came to the attention of head of state and Communist Party chief Xi Jinping.

He was next appointed ambassador to Washington from July 2021 to this January, a relatively short term but which presaged his rise to the head of the Chinese diplomatic service.

Qin's previous tenure in the United States and his unexpected departure from the minister's office throws additional glare on the troubled relationship between Washington and Beijing.

Xi is the most authoritarian and nationalistic party head in decades and has taken a hard line on claims to sovereignty over the South China Sea and threats to attack the self-governing island democracy of Taiwan.

He has also sternly rejected foreign criticism of China's crackdown on political and cultural expression against Muslim and Buddhist minorities and in the former British colony of Hong Kong.

During his time as spokesperson and minister, Qin defended those positions in terms that sometimes verged on the strident.

He said in March that 'if the United States does not hit the brake, but continues to speed down the wrong path, no amount of guardrails can prevent derailing and there surely will be conflict and confrontation'.

He added: 'Such competition is a reckless gamble, with the stakes being the fundamental interests of the two peoples and even the future of humanity.'
A beauty salon franchise looks set to shuts its doors after its owner announced the closure of another of its outlets.

The Ella Bache salon in the Hyperdome shopping centre in Logan, Queensland, has closed for good after 19 years, its owner Roslyn Rudd announced.

Ms Rudd blamed the closure on the impact of the Covid pandemic.

Her company, EBQ Nominees, ran three Ella Bache salons, however one of those in Toowong, Brisbane, closed in 2021 for similar reasons.

It remains to be seen what will happen to Ms Rudd's third and final Ella Bache salon, which is located in Westfield Chermside in Brisbane.

A winding-up notice published by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission said a liquidator had been appointed for Ms Rudd's company - and that notice named the Chermside store.

The Ella Bache salon in the Hyperdome shopping centre in Logan, Queensland, has closed for good after 19 years, its owner Roslyn Rudd announced

'To all our valued clients, we are sadly advising that as our lease has finished we had faced a terrible decision from the shopping centre to relocate or leave,' Ms Rudd wrote on Instagram.

'Financially, after all of the COVD impacts to our business these past years, we are unable to reinvest in a new salon.

'So we have finished at the Logan Hyperdome with the salon now closed.

'Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives these past 19-plus years.

'Our staff and I will always remember our shared memories of your visits some for so many, many years.'

She added that any Ella Bache gift vouchers could be used in other outlets.

The Franchisee of the store, Roslyn Rudd (pictured), blamed turbulent years during the Covid-19 epidemic as the reason behind the store's closure in a post to social media

Loyal customers expressed their disappointment at the salon closing.

'Roslyn so sad to hear this about your store, you and your staff are definitely the best and I'll miss you all,' one user wrote.

'I'm so sad, I just went to ring and book in then googled ... I've been going to you for years now,' a second wrote.

'This is sad news , all the best for what the future may hold for each of you,' a third wrote.

One user however was upset at the store's quick closure that left her without an appointment she had booked over a month prior.

'That's sad news but would have been nice to know before I turned up for my appointment I booked 6 weeks ago,' she wrote.
It's an island just three miles across with few vehicles, minimal pollution and where puffins outnumber the human population by 15 to one.

But Lundy, described in travel reviews as being 'untouched by the modern world', has now joined the digital revolution.

High-speed internet has come to the island, in the Bristol Channel between England and Wales, for the first time.

The service is being provided by satellite link, meaning the 28 permanent residents and hundreds of weekly visitors, who travel by ferry from Devon, will now be able to connect properly with the rest of the country  and wider world.

The improved connection will also support credit and debit card payments for visitors to the Marisco Tavern  the island's only pub  and the general stores, as well as help conservation workers.

The tiny island of Lundy is located in the Bristol Channel between England and Wales

High speed internet has come to Lundy in a new service being provided by satellite link

The link will support card payments for visitors to the Marisco Tavern - Lundy's only pub

Lundy, which means 'Puffin Island' in Old Norse and is owned by the National Trust, is now connected through a small outdoor antenna system linking to 630 satellites in space 1,200km above Earth.

Rosemary Ellis, warden of Lundy Island, said the high-speed internet connection is 'already delivering fantastic benefits, speeding up frustrating jobs that used to take hours'.

She said: 'I was able to upload an hour-long talk on our conservation success stories in just a few minutes, when it had previously failed to send multiple times.

'This frees me up to get out of the office to focus on surveying our wildlife, and I can much more easily engage with researchers and students.

Lundy North Lighthouse, constructed in 1897, is one of three lighthouses on the island

Lundy means 'Puffin Island' in Old Norse - and the island is owned by the National Trust

'As a resident of the island, Coastguard Rescue officer and Community First Responder, it also gives me peace of mind that if we need any mainland medical advice, we can easily video-call from the village.'

Technology minister Sir John Whittingdale said: 'The island will now have access to high-speed, reliable connectivity delivered by satellite which will not only unlock new opportunities for residents, but also support ongoing conservation efforts.'

Greg McCall, chief networks officer at BT Group, which has provided the connection, said: 'It's brilliant to be bringing high-speed connectivity to Lundy Island in partnership with OneWeb and DSIT.

'The installation will not only have a transformative impact on the island and its residents but is also a significant milestone in demonstrating the value of satellite communications.'

Lundy is now connected through an outdoor antenna system linking to 630 satellites in space

A cottage in Lundy, with a landing jetty and the Lundy South Lighthouse seen in the distance

Lundy's tiny stone village is home to island nature staff and visitor accommodation, the pub, shop and a 19th-century Anglican church.

It also has an old castle, a former naval signal station and the ruins of a Victorian quarry - but the rest of the island is mostly just peaceful wilderness.

Stephen Beynon, chief commercial officer at OneWeb, said: 'We are excited to be working with BT and DSIT across Lundy Island, as we deliver consistent and stable connectivity to its community.

'This project illustrates the importance of collaboration to maximise the benefits for rural and hard-to-reach areas.

'We look forward to continuing our partnership with government and the telecoms industry to improve access to connectivity services globally.'
The largest ever office building has just been unveiled, knocking the iconic Pentagon building off the top spot for largest workplace - which it has held for 80 years.

Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), a diamond trade centre located in Surat, northwestern India, boasts 7.1 million sq ft of floor space compared to the United States Department of Defense headquarters' 6.7 million sq ft.

The bourse reportedly cost 32-billion-rupees ($388 million) to build and comprises nine towers of 15 floors interconnected along a central spine and serviced by 131 lifts.

Not only is the luxurious building the biggest in the world, it will also be filled with diamonds, accommodating 4,500 diamond merchant offices ranging from 300 to 75,000 sq ft.

The extensive building is necessary to house the booming diamond trade in Gujarat state - with over 90 per cent of the worlds diamonds said to be cut in Surat.

The bourse reportedly cost 32-billion-rupees ($388 million) to build

The huge building and comprises nine towers of 15 floors

Views of the lofty interiors show it is near completion - with developers saying it will be open in November

The building will accommodate 4,500 diamond merchant offices ranging from 300 to 75,000 sq ft

The development provides amenities such as conference halls, multi-purpose halls, restaurants, banks, and retail shops

Before SBD was built, The Pentagon was the world's largest office building at 6.7 million sq ft

SBD has been billed as a 'one-stop destination' for over 65,000 diamond professionals, including cutters, polishers and traders, CNN reports.

The development provides amenities such as conference halls, multi-purpose halls, restaurants, banks, and retail shops, along with heightened security one might expect.

There is also a dedicated custom house with a national diamond research institute, an international convention centre and international education facilities.

If that wasn't enough, the complex also houses five-star hotels, allowing it to host traders from around the globe in-house.

After four years of construction work, partly hindered by Covid-related delays, SBD will officially open its doors to occupants from November 21, 2023.

SBD has been billed as a 'one-stop destination' for over 65,000 diamond professionals, including cutters, polishers and traders

The building was designed by Indian architecture company Morphogenesis following an international competition

The building is located around 150 miles of Mumbai, and all of its facilities will mean traders will not have to travel daily between the hub and Surat

Pictures of the new development, which has been built over four years, show its sleek interiors

The complex is also set to house five-star hotels to host traders from all around the world

'These spaces have been designed to foster social cohesion and community engagement,' the developers said

It is expected to be opened in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was born in the state and was previously its chief minister.

The building was designed by Indian architecture company Morphogenesis following an international competition.

They explain: 'The central spine is used for interconnection between towers on every level. The design enhances users' spatial and transitional experience across the building without highlighting the expanse of the structure.

'The central axis connecting all the offices is designed as an interactive hub comprising of break-out spaces, green atriums and a host of visual experiences.

'These spaces have been designed to foster social cohesion and community engagement.'

The building is located around 150 miles of Mumbai, and all of its facilities will mean traders will not have to travel daily between the hub and Surat.
This is the chilling moment an older brother led his 16-year-old sister to a woodland before trying to rape her and then strangling her to death.

Connor Gibson, 19, attacked his younger sibling Amber in a park in Hamilton on the outskirts of Glasgow. He removed her clothes before sexually assaulting her and hitting her on the head, then fatally strangled her.

Jurors heard the siblings had been in foster care together, but had latterly been living apart.

Amber had been 'excited' to catch-up with her older brother on the night of November 26, 2021, and sent a selfie to a friend captioned 'my big bro' hours before he fatally attacked her following a row.

CCTV from before the killing shows Connor, now 20, walking side by side with Amber down a pavement. Footage from later on catches Connor walking home alone before stooping over for several seconds by a fence - apparently exhausted.

He is later filmed tiptoeing out of his sheltered accommodation before disposing of items he wore during the attack, including a bloodstained coat that later helped convict him.

Today, the siblings' foster parents, Carol and Craig Niven, recalled how Connor had said 'we are safe' when they first took him and Amber into their care, before adding: 'They were until he took that safety away,'

Connor Gibson is seen walking with his sister Amber to a patch of woodland where he murdered her

Connor Gibson, 20, (pictured) was convicted of attacking his sister Amber in woodland in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, on November 26 2021, removing her clothes, sexually assaulting with the intention of raping her, inflicting blunt force trauma to her head and body, and strangling her. Gibson had denied the charges against him but was found guilty after a 13-day trial at the High Court in Glasgow

Amber (pictured) was found dead at Cadzow Glen in Hamilton, Lanarkshire, on November 28, 2021

Connor and Amber with their foster parents, Carol and Craig Niven

Amber was reported missing on the evening of Friday November 26 and her body was discovered in Cadzow Glen at about 10.10am on November 28

Amber was reported missing on the evening of Friday, November 26 and her body discovered in Cadzow Glen at 10.10am on November 28.

Before then, local man Stephen Corrigan, 45, had come across the lifeless teenager during a walk. But instead of alerting police the pervert touched her inappropriately and then hid her body from view.

'They were safe until he took her safety away': Foster family's full statement In a statement, the former foster family of Connor Gibson and his sister Amber said: 'Amber was a much-loved daughter, sister, auntie and friend. 'She was the most giving, loving, supportive and admirable person. 'She kept us on our toes and had the most amazing outlook on life considering the suffering she had experienced.' They continued: 'When they arrived at our home - Amber aged three and Connor aged five - Connor stated: 'We are safe now.' 'They were until he took her safety away.' The family said both siblings had been 'let down by the system', adding: 'As a family we all feel this could have been prevented. 'We now have one daughter buried in Larkhall Cemetery and another child in prison.' Advertisement

Connor was arrested on December 1 and - the day before his arrest - posted a fake Facebook tribute to his sister, writing: 'Amber, you will fly high for the rest of time. We will all miss you. Especially me. I love you ginger midget. GBFN (goodbye for now) x'.

He denied sexually assaulting and murdering Amber but was convicted following a 13-day trial based on a combination of CCTV footage and DNA evidence, including his bloodstained jacket.

Connor now faces a life sentence after being convicted of murder and attempted rape. Corrigan was convicted of a breach of the peace and attempting to defeat the ends of justice. They will be jailed in Livingston on September 4.

Amber was last heard from at 9:51pm on the night of her murder. She sent an apparently cheeky selfie with Gibson to a friend over Snapchat with the caption 'my big bro'.

The friend, Angel McKean, described Amber as her 'wee sister' and recalled seeing her just hours before she was murdered.

'She said that she was going to meet her brother and seemed quite excited about it,' the 19-year-old remembered.

At the time of Amber's murder, Connor was living at the Blue Triangle homeless hostel in Hamilton, while she was at the Hillhouse children's home.

Earlier this month, Jamie Starrs, 20, was convicted of raping Amber five months before her death at his home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire. He is yet to be sentenced.

Meanwhile, Connor's paternal father, Peter Gibson, was jailed for 10 years for physical and sexual abuse as his son awaited trial for murder.

The 62 year-old raped a woman in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire, which included him tying her up and blindfolding her.

Reporting of his case was delayed until the end of the murder trial.

Gibson ambushed his sister Amber in a park in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire

CCTV shows Connor Gibson and his sister Amber Gibson walking on a bridge in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire at 9.57pm

CCTV from after the murder shows Gibson walking down a darkened pavement before stooping over for several seconds by a fence

CCTV shows Connor Gibson walking alone on a bridge in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire at 11.42pm

CCTV shows Connor Gibson walking alone on a street in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire at 11.44pm

Local man Stephen Corrigan, 45, came across the lifeless teenager during a walk. But instead of alerting police the pervert touched her inappropriately and then hid her body from view

On the night of Amber's murder, Connor returned to his hostel at around midnight and slumped into an office where project worker Suzanne Duddy was sitting.

Miss Duddy, 55, said it appeared like he had 'fallen into a ditch'.

She added: 'He looked very dishevelled, out of breath. His hands were very, very dirty up to his wrist. I asked was he okay, but he did not answer.'

Connor went on to ask to make a phone call.

Miss Duddy said: 'He explained to me that he had family issues and had an argument with his sister. That was why he wanted to use the phone to see if she returned home safely..'

The court heard Connor did not seem emotional as he spoke to his and Amber's former foster father, Craig Niven, on the day Amber's body was found two days after the killing.

Giving evidence, Mr Niven had said he would not leave the siblings in each other's company because they were 'not a good mix'.

Mr Niven and his wife had fostered the siblings since Amber was three and her brother was five. The couple were granted permanent care of the siblings a few years later.

He told the court he had not heard from his former foster son during Amber's disappearance but, in a call on the day her body was discovered, Connor told him the pair had 'fallen out' when they saw each other two days previously.

Amber was last heard from at 9:51pm on the night of her murder. She sent an apparently cheeky selfie with Gibson to a friend over Snapchat with the caption 'my big bro'

Connor Gibson, who was previously living with his sister in foster care

Earlier this month, Jamie Starrs, 20, was convicted of raping Amber five months before her death at his home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire. He is yet to be sentenced

The forensic pathologist who carried out the post-mortem examination on Amber's body told the court she was found covered in mud and the cause of death was 'compression of the neck'.

Jurors also heard other forensic evidence that 'widespread blood staining' on Connor's jacket was compatible with Amber and his DNA was also found on her shorts, worn as underwear, which had been 'forcibly torn' off.

The court also heard from Peter Benson, of Police Scotland's cyber crime group, who examined a phone found where Connor was living.

It showed that on November 27 at about 12.34am, the phone's user wrote to a Snapchat group with five recipients: 'I'm really going to need you guys help with something when yous come back. I'm being serious.'

The court saw evidence that about 40 seconds later the user messaged Amber on the app: 'Are you ok?'

The user then told the group chat at approximately 1.33am: 'nvm (never mind) it's all good.'

The search history obtained from the phone also showed the user searched 'How to get nosy police officers to stop monitoring your phone' at 11.38pm.

Amber had been living at Hillhouse children's home in Hamilton before her death

Amber was reported missing on the evening of Friday November 26 and her body was discovered in Cadzow Glen at about 10.10am on November 28

Iain Currie, manager of Hillhouse children's home, told the court he spoke to Connor at about 9pm on November 26 after he called to speak with his sister, but noted him appearing 'sharp' on the phone after making no greeting.

Also on trial was Stephen Corrigan, 45, who was found guilty of attempting to defeat the ends of justice by intimately touching and concealing Amber's body after discovering her at some point in the following two days, instead of contacting the emergency services.

Corrigan, said in court not to be known to Connor, also denied the charge and had lodged a special defence of alibi.

His father, William Corrigan, 79, told the court his son was at his home in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, that weekend after a fall on ice left his arm in a sling, and denied lying to protect him.

The court heard Corrigan told police he was at a 'complete loss' to explain why his DNA was found on 39 areas of Amber's body, including her breasts, buttocks and thighs.

Today, Lord Mulholland remanded Gibson and Corrigan in custody after the jury returned its verdicts.

Foster parents Carol and Craig Niven after Connor Gibson's conviction today

Turning to Gibson first, he said: 'Your sister - the last person she saw was you strangling her. It was depraved. You will pay a heavy price for that.'

The judge then told Corrigan: 'You have been convicted of two horrific crimes. You came across a young girl who had been strangled to death and was naked.

'Instead of altering the authorities, you handled her body and your DNA told the story. Be under no illusion what is also coming your way.'

Neither showed any emotion as they were taken handcuffed to the cells.

The children's foster parents, Craig and Carol Niven, were in court to hear the verdicts. In an emotional statement, they said: 'When they arrived at our home, Amber was three and Connor aged five.

'Connor stated: ''We are safe'' - they were until he took the safety away. Amber deserved to live a life of hope and opportunities. As a family, we will never be able to get over how this was taken from her.

'We are relieved the people involved in what happened to her are now behind bars. However, no amount of time will be justice enough for such a young innocent life.'

Amber was reported missing on the evening of Friday, November 26 and her body discovered in Cadzow Glen (where forensic officers are pictured) at about 10.10am on November 28
A New Mexico cop has been fired and criminally charged after 'roughing up' a mentally disabled man who was struggling to use a self-checkout counter at Target.

Officer Kenneth Skeens, 28, hauled the man out of the store on Coors and Paseo in Albuquerque and arrested him while he was trying to buy a bike in August 2022.

The shopper, who was disabled and struggling to complete his purchase, was at the checkout with his dollars at the ready when he was approached by cops. The charges lodged against him were later dropped after he was deemed incompetent.

Skeens, who worked at the police department since June 2018, was fired in February when his superiors decided the arrest was unlawful and he abused his power.

He was also one of the trio of cops who shot dead a drunk man in his car - in a separate instance of alleged police brutality in Albuquerque.

Officer Kenneth Skeens, 28, who worked at the police department since June 2018, was fired in February when his superiors decided the arrest was unlawful and he abused his power. He now faces charges of false imprisonment, filing a false police report, perjury and battery

The shopper, who was disabled and struggling to complete his purchase, was at the checkout with his dollars at the ready when he was approached by cops at the store on Coors and Paseo in Albuquerque

He now faces charges of false imprisonment, filing a false police report, perjury and battery.

In bodycam footage, Skeens is seen dragging him from the store by his arms after the man tries to explain that his purchase has taken him a while to complete.

'Take your money out, you're coming with us now, ok?' he is heard saying.

He tells the shopper: 'Took too long. Go ahead and pick your money up.'

The man apologizes to the officer - but to no avail. As he's being dragged out, he falls to his knees before being placed on the ground outside the Target.

The shopper refused to give his name, at which point Skeens said: 'Just go ahead and put him in handcuffs, guys, he's refusing to identify himself.'

As he's cuffed, he screams out as he still seems to be confused at whether the officers are real cops. The individual then tries to call 911 while surrounded by several officers.

The man apologizes to the officer - but with no avail. As he's being dragged out, he falls to his knees before being placed on the ground outside the Target

Skeens said: 'We're all in uniform. That's your own fault. So now you're going to be charged, ok, with concealing identity, resisting officers, ok?'

In bodycam footage, Skeens is seen dragging him from the store by his arms after the man tries to explain that his purchase has taken him a while to complete

Police then forcefully take the phone from the man, while pressing down on him as he's handcuffed.

Skeens said: 'We're all in uniform. That's your own fault. So now you're going to be charged, ok, with concealing identity, resisting officers, ok?'

The man said: 'That's not right. I was just paying my things... I didn't know you were police officers  I didn't see your badges.'

Skeens was charged earlier this month.

Attorney General Raul Torrez said: 'Today my office filed charges against former APD Officer Kenneth Skeens for his role in the unlawful arrest of a customer with disabilities who was struggling to complete his purchase at a Target located in Albuquerque in August of 2022.

'Rather than acting as a professional public servant and a guardian of vulnerable members of this community, Mr. Skeens engaged in abusive and unlawful behavior that undermined public safety and violated his oath as a peace officer in the State of New Mexico.'

The AG accused the officer of abusing his power and using excessive force.

Attorney General Raul Torrez said about the shopper: 'He clearly hadn't committed a crime'

He added: 'I think it's just outrageous that a police officer who should be in a position to try and help someone who is clearly struggling and is clearly dealing with some challenges, you know as a customer in that store, would end up in a position really abusing their power.

'And using, you know, just really excessive force.'

The AG's office also claims that on the same day, Skeens made a false statement under oath related to the event and committed battery by unlawfully handling the man.

Torrez said about the shopper: 'He clearly hadn't committed a crime.

'And, in the absence of criminal activity, there was simply no justification for the officer to engage with him in the way he that he did and to escalate the situation in the way that he did.

This is not the first time Kenneth Skeens has been the face of alleged police brutality during his time as a police officer in Albuquerque. He was one of three officers who shot dead a black man who was in his car at a gas station last August . Keshawn Thomas was killed after the cops said they saw him with a weapon

'I think the Albuquerque Police Department deserves great credit for alerting us.

'They actually brought this to our attention when I was still at the District Attorney's office.

'They identified this incident as something that fell below their professional standards and their ethical standards and I think ultimately ended with Mr. Skeens termination from the Albuquerque Police Department.'

Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina said: 'We took immediate action when we learned about the allegations of unacceptable behavior by this individual who abused his oath as a police officer.

'Our officers work hard every day to earn the trust of the people they serve.

'We appreciate the work of the Attorney General's Office to hold this person accountable and ensure that no one is above the law.'

This is not the first time Kenneth Skeens has been the face of alleged police brutality during his time as a police officer in Albuquerque.

He was one of three officers who shot dead a black man who was in his car at a gas station last August. Keshawn Thomas was killed after the cops said they saw him with a weapon.

Thomas' family sued the Albuquerque Police Department over Skeens and the other officers' roles in the man's death.

APD said in a release: 'All three officers said they saw Thomas produce the gun and start to point it toward them, prompting them to shoot him and stop his actions.'

Officers Marcos Flores, Dustin Ketchum and Kenneth Skeens swiftly fired a total of 16 rounds at Thomas, who lay still in the drivers seat of the Camaro, with the door ajar.

'A loaded handgun, believed to be owned by Thomas, was recovered in the drivers area of the vehicle,' the press release said.

At the time, Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina said: 'We can be better at controlling our frustrations and the way we communicate with individuals.'

He said that in recent years 'the mixture of firearms and alcohol have led to tragic results for the community'.
President Biden's beloved German Shepherd Commander has bitten and threatened multiple staff and sent at least one Secret Service agent to hospital, according to damning new emails.

The White House is now giving Biden's younger dog extra training after being involved in 10 White House and Delaware attacks going back to last year.

Emails obtained by Judicial Watch show Secret Service agents discussing the incidents - including Commander biting seven people in the last four months.

One agent was sent to a local hospital after the 22-month-old Commander bit them on the arm and leg, and one was attacked when Biden let him off his leash.

The agent also had to use a steel shield to fend him off from another attack.

Officers called the dog 'freaking crazy', argued he would have been 'put down' if he didn't belong to the Bidens and said he needed a muzzle.

On November 10, 2022, Jill Biden 'couldn't regain control' of Commander as the dog charged another member of the Secret Service.

President Biden's German Shepherd Commander has bitten multiple staff and sent at least one Secret Service agent to hospital, according to damning new emails

The same month, the German Shepherd clamped down on an agent's arm, resulting in him needing to seek medical treatment.

Other scary incidents detailed in the emails were when Commander was off of his leash roaming the White House grounds.

The Bidens welcomed Commander to the executive residence as a puppy in December 2021. He was a birthday gift to President Biden from his brother James and sister-in-law Sara.

Revelations of the German Shepherd's behavior issues and aggression isn't the first time a White House pet has sparked safety concerns.

Another one of the Bidens' German Shepherds, Major, who also bit staff and Secret Service agents, was moved out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in 2021 and re-homed with 'family friends'.

A November 10, 2022 incident report from a USSS White House Division Officer notes that Commander 'bit me on my left thigh and then ran back toward the First Lady.'

'I went to the White House Medical Unit to get the injury examined by a professional,' they added in the redacted email obtained by JW. 'I am currently experiencing bruising, tenderness, and pain in the bite area.'

According to another email sent on November 3, 2022, a Secret Service agent wrote to colleagues: 'Commander bite [sic] UD [Uniform Division] officer [redacted] at post [redacted] two times, one time in the upper right arm and a second bite on the officer's thigh. WH [White House] medical treated the officer and made the decision to have [redacted] transported to [redacted] Hospital'.

Later that day, a Uniform Division captain said Commander was up to date on all its vaccines.

The next day another email elaborated on what happened: 'Officer [redacted] advised that 'Commander' came down the stairs and walked toward [redacted].

'Officer [redacted] advised [redacted] was sitting with [redacted] arms crossed and Commander bite [sic] [redacted] arm (tricep area) then when [redacted] stood up Commander bite [sic] in the leg (quad area).

'Officer [redacted] stated that the usher did not control the dog and was telling Officer [redacted] to not back up.

'Officer [redacted] advised that Commander came after [redacted] again and [redacted] had to use a steel cart to sheild [sic] [redacted] self from another attack. Officer [redacted] advised [redacted] was in a considerable amount of pain.'

The agent was then put on restricted duty for three days on advice from doctors.

The White House is now giving Biden's younger dog extra training after being involved in 10 White House and Delaware attacks in recent months

Biden has now had three German Shepherds as first pets during his presidency. Champ, whom Biden is petting above, passed in June 2021. Major (on left) also bit staff and Secret Service agents and re-homed with 'family friends' in 2021. The Bidens then adopted Commander, another German Shepherd

A Uniformed Division officer then emailed the attack victim on November 5, 2022, to ask how he was doing and called Commander 'stupid'.

'Doing alright [redacted]? That's freaking crazy that stupid dog  rolling my eyes [redacted].'

The victim replies: 'My leg and arm still hurts. He bit me twice and ran at me twice.'

One month later, an officer with the Uniformed Division sent an email with the subject line: 'Matters of Extreme Concern,' and noted that the group of those attacked or feeling threatened by Commander needed to 'address the issue ASAP collectively.'

In October 2022, a Uniformed Division officer wrote to colleagues: 'Commander has been exhibiting extremely aggressive behavior.

'Today, while posted, he came charging at me. The First Lady couldn't regain control of commander [sic] and he continued to circle me. I believe it's only a matter of time before an agent/officer is attacked or bit.'

He would have bit me today if I didn't step towards him a couple different times. It was bad enough that the agent on the detail asked if I got bit  just so you're aware.

The colleague says: 'What a joke [redacted]  if it wasn't their dog he would already have been put down  freaking clown needs a muzzle  hope you get to feeling better [redacted].'

Then on December 11, 2022, a Secret Service Special Agent in the Presidential Protective Division was attacked after Biden apparently let the dog off the leash.

'The injuries included a bite to the left forearm resulting in bruising and approximately a 1  cm cut and a bite to the right hand on the thumb resulting a 1 cm cut. I received treatment from White House Medical from LTC [redacted]. The injuries were [redacted] and I returned to work the rest of my shift.'

The first couple welcomed Commander to the White House as a puppy in December 2021

Anthony Guglielmi, Secret Service chief of communications, told DailyMail.com: 'For the past several Presidential administrations, the Secret Services has navigated how to best operate around family pets and these incidents are no exception.

'We take the safety and wellbeing of our employees extremely seriously. Agency employees are encouraged to report any job-related injuries to their immediate supervisors for appropriate documentation. As such, we are aware of past incidents involving first-family pets. These instances were treated similarly to comparable workplace injuries, including relevant notifications and reporting procedures followed.'

'While special agents and officers neither care for nor handle the first family's pets, we continuously work with all applicable entities to minimize adverse impacts in an environment that includes pets.'

In a statement on the incident, first lady Jill Biden's communications director Elizabeth Alexander said: 'The White House complex is a unique and often stressful environment for family pets, and the First Family is working through ways to make this situation better for everyone.

'They have been partnering with the Secret Service and Executive Residence staff on additional leashing protocols and training, as well as establishing designated areas for Commander to run and exercise,' she added.

'According to the Secret Service, each incident referenced was treated similarly to comparable workplace injuries, with relevant notifications and reporting procedures followed.

'The President and First Lady are incredibly grateful to the Secret Service and Executive Residence staff for all they do to keep them, their family, and the country safe.'
 ....     -   6   China International Import Expo
The combination of celebrity endorsements, growing infertility, and the increased number of fertility clinics has all led to a staggering boom for the commercial surrogacy industry.

As a whole the surrogacy industry is now expected to reach $129 billion by 2023, vastly higher than the estimated $14 billion value of the industry in 2022, according to Global Market Insights.

With the likes of Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, Paris Hilton and husband Carter Reum, and Kim Kardashian all opting to take the surrogacy path, an increased number of same-sex couples have become aware of the reproductive option.

Such celebrities have also chosen to be incredibly open about the process - by which another woman carries and births a child on behalf of another individual - further adding to demand.

Though some have raised ethical concerns over paying another woman to have a child, with particular concern over the potential for exploitation by the rich, the process has become increasingly popular.

Chrissy Teigen has opened up about surrogacy following the birth of her fourth child with John Legend

Kim Kardashian is pictured in a family photo with daughters North, Chicago and sons Saint and Psalm

Naturally increased cases of infertility and more options for couples looking to have children by alternative means has aligned with advancements in medical technology.

There has also been a change in social attitudes towards non-traditional families, according to IMARC, which in turn has fuelled the industry from a value of $6 billion in 2018 to around $17.9 billion in 2023.

Swathes of celebrities have been particularly supportive of the process, citing multiple reasons for making their choice.

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend have been one such couple advocating the process after welcoming their fourth child via surrogacy last month.

Teigen had previously explained not wanting to carry another child after losing her son Jack 20 weeks into her pregnancy.

She described undergoing IVF again and becoming pregnant with Esti, the couple's third child.

Teigen described Wren's birth and profusely thanked Alexandra for carrying their little boy. His middle name, Alexander, was inspired by his surrogate's name.

In a lengthy post following the birth last month, Teigen described the surrogacy process and watching surrogate Alexandra, 'the most beautiful woman', give birth to her child.

Paris Hilton is pictured with husband Carter Reum. The couple welcomed a child via surrogacy earlier this year

Earlier this year Paris Hilton said she decided to use a surrogate as she has always been 'scared' of childbirth after welcoming her son Phoenix.

She also said she had previously had her eggs frozen on the advice of Kim Kardashian, and had been planning to have a child on her own before she and Carter met.

But when she and Carter met and tied the knot, they decided to start a family, and during the Covid lockdown they had embryos frozen, and they still have enough to have numerous children in the future.

Kim Kardashian used a surrogate to have two of her four children with Kanye West: children Chicago and Psalm.

She has previously opened up about her during her first two pregnancies.

But she said it was not all smooth sailing and said her she and her then-husband Kanye West, and the surrogate had a therapist to help them through the process.
Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh has been voted the greatest artwork of all time ahead of pieces by Banksy and Monet, according to a survey.

Van Gogh, considered one of the most popular of the post-Impressionist artists, painted Starry Night in 1889 during his stay at the asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole near Saint-Remy-de-Provence. It came top of the poll with 44 per cent of the vote.

Banksy's Girl with Balloon was in second place, with 42 per cent of the vote. Arguably the illusive artist's most iconic series of murals, they depict a young girl reaching for a heart-shaped balloon just out of her grasp - an allegory of hope, love, and freedom. First appearing around London in 2002, the image has become an icon of 21st century art.

In third place comes French sculptor Augustine Rodin's most famous work, The Thinker. Created in 1904, the bronze sculpture depicts a nude male figure sitting on a rock, with his right elbow placed on his left thigh, holding the weight of his chin on the back of his right hand.

The top 20 list also includes classic paintings and sculptures, such as The Scream by Edvard Munch and The Night Watch by Rembrandt, alongside more contemporary works like The Splash by David Hockney and the Louise Bourgeois Maman series, which can be found in Japan, the US, Canada, the UAE and Europe.

See the full list below.

Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh has been voted the greatest artwork of all time, according to a new survey (number one)

Banksy's Girl with Balloon came in second place, getting 42 per cent of the vote (number 2)

French sculptor, Augustine Rodin's most famous work, The Thinker (number 3)

The Scream by the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, Number 4

A visitor views Water Lilies by Claude Monet (number 5) at the Art Institute of Chicago

THE 20 GREATEST ARTWORKS, ACCORDING TO BRITS 1. The Starry Night by Van Gogh - 44% 2. Girl with Balloon by Banksy - 42% 3. The Thinker by Augustine Rodin - 36% 4. The Scream by Edvard Munch - 35% 5. Water Lilies by Claude Monet - 33% 6. Venus de Milo by Alexandros of Antioch - 32% 7. The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusa - 27% 8. Going to the Match by L.S.Lowry - 25% 9. Whistlers Mother by James McNeill Whistler - 24% 10. Angel of the North by Anthony Gormley - 24% 11. The Night Watch by Rembrandt - 22% 12. The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dali - 22% 13. Fearless Girl by Kristen Visbal - 18% 14. Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird by Frida Kahlo - 17% 15. Guernica by Picasso - 15% 16, The Kiss by Gustav Klimt - 15% 17. Jimson Weed by Georgia OKeefe - 12% 18. Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor - 12% 19. The Splash by David Hockney - 12% 20. Maman by Louise Bourgeois - 9% Advertisement

The survey found that two thirds (68 per cent) of Brits consider themselves to be art lovers, with 20 per cent of the 2,000 polled admitting that they love exploring their creative side through art, music and drama.

93 per cent go so far as to say that having the space and freedom to be creative is important to their wellbeing.

The survey was conducted by Jacksons of Yorkshire, who have teamed up with charity Create to launch their Feeding Creativity campaign, aiming to help people facing challenges through creative art projects.

Half (49 per cent) of the nation say they are inspired by both classic and contemporary art works, with a quarter (28 per cent) preferring classic pieces. One in four (23 per cent) turn to contemporary art for a creative boost.

But despite being an art loving nation, 84 per cent wish they were more artistic with one in three (30 per cent) keen to develop their creative side further, but unsure how to go about it.

Nicky Goulder, CEO of Create, which runs creative arts programmes across the UK to connect, empower and upskill people who don't normally get the chance to be creative, said: 'It is clear from the research that Brits not only love great art but also understand the value of creativity.

'People need to create. Creativity impacts wellbeing, emotional and mental health. It builds skills, brings joy and reduces isolation. It allows us to think differently, to express ourselves, and to be heard. It raises aspirations and - according to industry leaders including the World Economic Forum - is a core skill for business.

'There is significant evidence for the role that arts and cultural engagement play in improving health throughout life. It is shocking to think that many don't have the opportunity to explore their creativity and create their own masterpieces whether it be through writing, painting, drawing or the performing arts.

'Too many are denied the vital benefits provided by the creative arts, and it is often the most disadvantaged children and adults in society who are the most excluded. We need to ensure that everyone has access to the life-enriching power of creativity.'

Venus de Milo by Alexandros of Antioch - 32% (number 6)

The Great Wave Off Kanagawa by Hokusai Katsushika (number 7)

Going to the Match by L.S.Lowry - 25% - came in at number 8

Whistlers Mother by James McNeill Whistler - 24% (number 9)

The famous Angel of the North sculpture by Anthony Gormley (number 10)

'The Night Watch' by Rembrandt came in at number 11

A visitor looks at Salvador Dali's Persistence of Memory (number 12) during a 2019 exhibition devoted to his work

The Fearless Girl Statue in front of the New York Stock Exchange in Wall Street (number 13)

Self-portrait with with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo ranked in at number 14

The study found that half (50 per cent) of us feel happy and relaxed (49 per cent) when being creative, with a third (31 per cent) feeling content and free (30 per cent).

And the average Brit undertakes a creative pursuit - such as writing, drawing, photography or dancing - three times a week.

Despite 31 per cent agreeing that creativity is a crucial skill in life and a quarter (25 per cent) claiming to be at their happiest when they are being creative, one in four (26 per cent) say they haven't had the opportunity to do anything in the creative arts space since they left school.

A third (30 per cent) say they simply don't have the imagination, while 28 per cent don't have the time to explore their creative side. A lack of inspiration (28 per cent) and money (27 per cent) are also barriers when it comes to being more imaginative.

The study also found that the average Brit visits an art gallery three times a year.

When the nation does manage to visit a gallery, a third (32 per cent) say they feel inspired when looking at a piece of art, with a further 17 per cent saying it makes them feel amazed and creative. One in ten (11 per cent) feel excited when viewing an artwork.

Feeding Creativity is Jacksons of Yorkshire's pledge to support all things creative. Working with Create, the bakery brand is sponsoring creative projects for young people across the school holidays.

Jacksons of Yorkshire's Feeding Creativity loaves are on shelves in supermarkets now, giving brand fans the opportunity to win a family art trip to London and art kits for their local school.

Spanish painter Pablo Picasso's master piece Guernica came in at number 15

The Kiss by Gustav Klimt, Number 16

A journalists views Jimson Weed/White Flower No.1 (number 17) by American artist Georgia O'Keeffe at the Tate Modern in London in July 2016

Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor, commonly known as The Bean, ranked at number 18

Ranking in at number 19 was The Splash by David Hockney, as seen on display at the Tate Britain in February 2017
Beaches have been packed with families enjoying the start of the summer holidays amid cloudy skies, while downpours are seen across the country ahead of further showers set to blight the UK until next month.

Images show busy beaches up and down the British coast, including sandy spots in Lyme Regis, Dorset, where hundreds gathered armed with pop up tents and deck chairs in spite of the overcast weather.

Temperatures remained in the high teens, and the clouds didn't deter beachgoers from having a paddle in the sea before the weather becomes wet again.

Elsewhere, storm clouds were spotted gathering in Whitley Bay, on the north east coast of England, while showers were seen in other parts of the country.

According to the Met Office, most places will remain dry with some sunny spells breaking through for the rest of today, but the UK will soon face another bought of wet weather.

While it will remain warm tomorrow, with temperatures set to hit the low 20s in some parts of the country, clouds are expected to take over in the west, causing rainfall in some areas.

Images show busy beaches up and down the British coast, including sandy spots in Lyme Regis, Dorset, where hundreds gathered armed with pop up tents and deck chairs in spite of the overcast weather

People are seen taking a dip and paddling in the sea in spite of the gloomy weather above

Elsewhere, storm clouds were spotted gathering in Whitley Bay, on the north east coast of England, while showers were seen in other parts of the country

The best of the sunny weather will remain in the east.

The weather will remain a mixture of sunshine and showers on Thursday, before briefly brightening up for a drier day on Friday.

But heavy showers are expected to kick in over the weekend, ending the month wet weather and with spells of thunder predicted in the north.

'The end of July is likely to remain unsettled with showers, perhaps heavy and thundery, especially in the north, giving way to longer spells of rain'. the Met Office said.

'Often quite windy as well, especially for the time of year, with southern areas probably seeing the strongest winds.

'Temperatures are expected to remain below normal, and it is likely to feel especially cool in areas of more persistent rain or stronger winds.'

Headed into August, the weather is expected to remain unsettled, with spells of sunshine and longer periods of rain, mostly in western areas. It's also likely that there will be strong winds, and temperatures will feel unseasonably cool.

Met Office meterologist Stephen Dixon told the Evening Standard the wet weather will remain in the beginning of next month, but by the second week of August, 'we start to see something in some of the long range forecasts which show some warmer weather on the way'.

The overcast weather didn't deter beachgoers from hitting their favourite sandy spots

The beach at Lyme Regis was packed with families as the summer holidays kick off

'But at this range it's too early to say where exactly, although there's a slightly greater chance of more settled weather in the south-east', he added.

The latest predictions come after a washout weekend across most of the country, including Manchester where heavy rain postponed the start of Day Four action of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford.

Around 13 flood alerts were in place across parts of the country yesterday amid fears that rivers in Merseyside, South Yorkshire, Tarleton, West Yorkshire, Leicester, East Anglia, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire, the Black Country, South Staffordshire, and Cumbria would break their banks.

It appears that Britain will continue largely to dodge the extreme heat seen in other parts of Europe.

As temperatures remain in the 20s this week, much of Europe will continue to see temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s. The highest temperatures will be seen in southern Europe before shifting further east.
Discount store B&M has announced it will open nine new branches across the UK in the coming months.

As well as brand new stores, some branches will be relocating to bigger premises and relaunching, The Sun reports.

The Reading store will be relocating to a much bigger store and by no means downsizing. Towns such as Irvine and Southport, will also be getting brand new stores.

Will your area be getting one?

New B&M stores will be opening in Irvine, Southport, Eastbourne, Stockton and Newbury. Stores will be relaunched in Reading, Glasgow, Liverpool and Gateshead

The new openings come after a string of seven closures of the bargain stores earlier in the year

New stores and when they're opening

Irvine, Scotland - August 12th

Southport - August 16th

Eastbourne - September 14th

Stockton - September 14th

Newbury - October 7th

Relaunches and when they're opening

Reading - August 28th

Glasgow - August 26th

Switch Island, Liverpool - September 9th

Gateshead - October 28th

Previous closures

This comes after the bargain retailer suffered a string of seven closures earlier in the year.

The store in Maesglas Retail Park in Newport was one of the first to shut, to make way for the demolition of the shopping center.

Stockton's store in Castlegate shopping center closed back in February, however it will be a new store opening in the town on September 14th.

The full list of previous closures includes:

Castlegate Shopping Centre, Stockton - February 25th

Maesglas Retail Park, Newport, Wales - March 4th

Boucher Road, Belfast - March 26th

Queens Drive Retail Park, Kilmarnock - March 26th

Broadwalk Shopping Centre, Bristol - March 29th

Bishop Auckland, County Durham - May 5th

Widnes, Cheshire - May 17th

Burden Retail Park, Bolton - May 24th

Other retailers are expanding

Poundland is set to open 15 new stores as the retailer expands

B&M is not the only retailer with new openings planned.

Poundland will be opening 15 new stores in the coming weeks, as the retailer plans to expand across the country and according to The Evening Standard, TK Maxx is also eyeing up an expansion.
Barbie-core has officially swept the globe as Greta Gerwig's long-awaited Margot Robbie vehicle grossed $337million on its first weekend out - proving its enormous $150million marketing budget was money well spent.

Warner Bros. reportedly pumped $5million more than the film's entire $145million production budget to make sure everybody, everywhere, was thinking pink - a figure which was already been recouped more than two times over.

The marketing juggernaut spanned everything from a real life Malibu Barbie DreamHouse Airbnb, so obnoxiously pink it can be seen 10 miles away, to a HGTV (owned by Warner Bros.) airing a full four part Barbie DreamHouse Challenge special - with more than 100 clothing, lifestyle brands cashing in.

They also made sure Barbie fans of all backgrounds could get their hands on themed outfits ready for the movie: Forever 21 and Gap both released collections, while pricey Balmain unveiled a hoody with a Barbie pink twist and a $1,350 price tag.

Unaffiliated companies also grappled for their moment in the limelight: one Dubai-based media company's video of a gigantic 3D doll breaking free from her box and stepping out in front of the Burj Khalifa got more than 3million views since Friday.

Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in Greta Gerwig's Barbie movie which raked in $377million around the globe in its opening weekend

The traveling exhibit is in LA. Pictured: Inside Barbie's Interstellar Rocket

Eye Studio based in Dubai released a viral video of a CGI Barbie kicking her way through the plastic and stepping out of her box in front of the Burj Khalifa

Barbies opening weekend was $337M. Thats nearly 2x Oppenheimers $174M.



Warner Brother's insane Operation Barbie Summer is a big part of that success.



These are 50 of the team's most amazing marketing stunts:



1. 3D ad in front of Burj Khalifapic.twitter.com/MJAUVSGSa5  Aakash Gupta  Product Growth Guy (@aakashg0) July 25, 2023

Online, the Barbie x Crocs collaboration is entirely sold out, though the Ruggable x Barbie products remain available for purchase, for those in search of a more permanent pink-inspired home accessory.

If you've Googled the names of the stars of the film, or director Greta Gerwig in recent days, the search engine flashes several seconds of pink light bursts over the results.

Brands that are not such obvious franchise partners like Progressive Insurance and General Motors created custom Barbie TV and digital ads. Progressive's always smiling spokeswoman - Flo - even walked the Barbie pink carpet at its premiere.

Bloomingdale's flagship NYC store has devoted its entire front window display to a Barbie DreamHouse installation, while big box stores like Target and Walmart have Barbie pool floats, bedding, and of course dolls adorning their aisles.

For a more fully-immersed experience, the traveling World of Barbie exhibit offers fans a chance to experience life-sized versions of the toys they used to love - including Barbie's DreamCamper van and her Interstellar Rocket for $34.50.

Some of the pre-opening obsession with the movie is of course due the dozens and dozens of interviews Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling have provided.

The two stars sat for interviews that included Gosling telling GQ how to dress like Ken, Robbie taking Architecture Digest on a tour of the DreamHouse, and the pair showing off friendship and chemistry in conversation after conversation, while still partially inhabiting their characters.

Mattel, which owns the Barbie brand, as well as Hot Wheels, American Girl Doll and Fisher-Price, sees the movie marketing's cultural resonance as an excellent opportunity to capitalize on growth potential.

Margot Robbie attends the European premiere of Barbie in London July 12, 2023

The global Barbie marketing campaign is one of the most extensive commercial creative efforts in recent memory - its budget was reportedly more than the entire budget of the film itself

Various campaign efforts for the summer blockbuster have sprung up all over the world. A Barbie DreamHouse exhibit shown here was installed in Berlin

The Barbie x Crocs collaboration is entirely sold out. The warm-weather shoe is perfect for the July release of the film

Inside the World of Barbie exhibit in which fans can pose for photos inside booths featuring Barbie's tagline 'You Can Be Anything'

The traveling World of Barbie exhibit, where fans can experience life inside various Barbie settings - the DreamHouse, the DreamCamper, and the Barbie Interstellar Rocket

The film's stars, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, sat for dozens and dozens of interviews to relentlessly promote the film - mostly given halfway in character

If you Google Greta Gerwig - the film's director - the search engine flashes several seconds of pink light bursts over the results

Ashley Graham presenting HGTV's Barbie DreamHouse Challenge

Ashley Graham hosted a four-part Barbie DreamHouse Challenge, in which teams of HGTV stars transform a southern California home into a real-life DreamHouse

'The bigger opportunity for us is going to be outside the toy aisle,' the brand's chief operating office Richard Dickson told the Wall Street Journal. 'That is the drive for where we see the monetization of the brand going forward.'

According to the Journal, Mattel has been approached by a seemingly infinite number of brands looking to partner with the film.

In some of those agreements, a brand pays Mattel a flat licensing fee, while others will give Mattel a five to fifteen percent cut of sales.

It's not clear whether Mattel has a back-end deal with Warner Bros. for the film, but Jefferies estimates that the studio paid Mattel between $25 and $50million to make the movie.

The man behind the hardest working team in Hollywood, Josh Goldstine, Warner Bros.' president of global marketing, said that some brands were incredibly eager to jump on the Barbie bandwagon and capitalize on the buzz the movie was generating.

'Brands wanted to become part of this because they saw the film was finding its way into culture in such a dynamic way,' he told Variety. 'It stopped becoming a marketing campaign and took on the quality of a movement.'

In Australia, a makeover of Sydney's iconic Bondi Iceberg's Swimming Club ensured that the club and pool were Barbie ready

Other Mattel brands, such as Little People and Uno, are also ready for Barbie summer, as the brand releases versions of the toys dressed as characters from the film and Barbie card decks

'The reason people think we spent so much is that its so ubiquitous. Thats a combination of paid media and how many partners came to play with us,' he continued.

'Because it pierced the zeitgeist, it has the impression that we spend so much. In fact, we spent responsibly for an event movie.'

Goldstine added that the ongoing praise and awe over his team's work is something he's enjoyed, particularly when it crosses into the realm of poking some fun at the mammoth effort.

'Someone took a picture of a pink sunset and thanked the work of the Warner Bros. marketing department. I thought that was pretty amusing,' he said.
The tragic death of the Obamas' private chef Tafari Campbell has left family and friends reeling in shock and struggling to understand how he came into trouble on a seemingly calm body of water.

Campbell, 45, was a competent swimmer who drowned on Sunday night while paddle boarding on the pond next to the Obamas' $12million home. The couple were not in the house at the time but were elsewhere on the island, their office confirmed today.

Police do not suspect foul play, but many questions surrounding the accident remain unanswered.

The Massachusetts State Police are leading the investigation but are yet to provide answers to the following questions.

Tafari Campbell died in an as yet unexplained accident on the pond behind the Obamas' home. He had gone out paddle boarding on the calm water last night, and was seen falling off the board

1) Why couldn't Tafari Campbell bring himself back to water surface after he fell off board?

A 911 call described Tafari Campbell falling from his paddle board into the water then briefly struggling to remain on the surface before becoming completely submerged.

A married father-of-two, Tafari was a competent swimmer and the wind was mild when he was on the water.

Locals in the area say it's possible he became stuck in marsh mud and was unable to free himself.

Dr Edward Dow, who has lived in the area for more than 40 years, told DailyMail.com that the water in Edgartown Great Pond could be deceptive.

The keen rower, who regularly goes out on the water, said: 'There are three things which could have happened. The police report states that he went down once and came up before getting into trouble.

Pictured: Edgartown Great Pond. The scene of the desperate search for Campbell was launched after he went missing in the water off Martha's Vineyard on Sunday

'Either he's not a strong swimmer, he might have had a medical event like a heart attack of a pulmonary embolism or he might have been impaired in some way,' he said.

An autopsy is scheduled to be taking place today.

'Drowning at 100ft out, that's a very swimmable distance, the water is probably just a little over two feet over his head. It's in a protected and calm body of water, you have to respect nature and the water and the element and paddle boards are deceiving.

They look easy, but theyre unstable. You have to practice getting back onto the board from the water as they are low to the ground.

He wasnt wearing a life jacket or a flotation device, and he was wearing dark clothing at night. It took them almost 18 hours to recover him when he wasnt that far out,' Dr. Dow said.

He added that the pond can become 'quite choppy'.

It can be quite choppy, but the headwind when the poor man perished was quite gentle. But paddle boards are light so its like a leaf being blown in the wind.

Ive had to rescue kids from there on little floats with paddles who thought they could get back in but they cant.

A view of Obama's house from Turkeyland Cove where Campbell worked as the family's personal chef

Campbell's body was recovered at around 10am on Monday, as the Obamas' office confirmed to The Boston Globe that they had been 'elsewhere on the island' when the chef was on the water.

Locals have not spotted the former president and First Lady on the island since the incident, with staff at a local farm shop telling DailyMail.com that father-of-two Campbell had been staying on the luxury island since last week.

Paddleboarder Peter Welch added that the beach close to the former First Familys home is deceptive and looks closer than it is.

He told DailyMail.com: Its a lot of work. You get to one point and say youll go further but then its challenging.

With the wind it is hard, its good workout. For me the water is familiar and Ill jump in on purpose and the bay itself is closed.

Paddle boarding is extremely safe and predictable and stable, if you know what youre doing. I imagine the guy had a heart attack, or a medical incident which caused this.

This water to me is safe, but when you get in the middle there is a swell.

'And if you dont have good balance you could fall off and get into trouble if youre not used to paddle boarding.

2) Who was Tafari Campbell paddle boarding with?

There was at least one other paddle boarder on the water at the same time as Tafari, but it's unclear if they'd ventured out together or if they had both gone out alone.

It's also unclear how far away that person was from him when he drowned, and why they weren't able to help.

They have not yet been identified.

3) Why did it take police hours to find and retrieve his body?

Tafari entered the water shortly before 7.50pm on Sunday night but his remains were not retrieved until Monday morning.

He was eventually found 100ft from the shore, 8ft underwater. The search was suspended on Sunday night to allow 'dive teams to reassess'.

He was wearing dark clothing and was not in a life jacket at the time.

4) Where were the Obamas?

Tafari worked for the couple at their $12million estate. The couple were on the island at the time of the accident, but were not at their home.

It's unclear if they'd ventured out for the night for dinner, giving Tafari a night off.

5) Who called 911?

Police have released the dispatch audio in which emergency teams were sent to the pond to try to rescue Tafari, but it's unclear who called them in the first place.
One boat sank, four lost their masts and 30 were rescued by emergency services

Rolex Fastnet Race off Isle of Wight saw 142 of 430 yachts retire in bad weather

A famous yacht race was left in chaos after brutal 12ft waves and 46mph led to a 130,000 boat sinking and sparked multiple rescue missions, raising questions as to why it was allowed to start.

A staggering 142 yachts out of 430 have had to retire from the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race which started at the weekend in horrendous conditions which meant multiple rescues were done by overworked lifeboat and coastguard crews.

The brutal conditions caused one yacht to sink, while four lost their masts and almost 30 had to be rescued or assisted by emergency services and the RNLI.

Two stranded and injured sailors were rescued from their life raft by the Yarmouth RNLI lifeboat after their 130,000 yacht sunk west of The Needles on the Isle of Wight.

Another sailor suffered a serious head injury when he was struck by a beam and knocked overboard before being rescued by his crew mates.

A staggering 142 yachts out of 430 have had to retire from the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race which started at the weekend in 46mph winds and 12ft waves (a yacht pictured sailing at the Rolex Fastnet Race)

Brutal weather conditions at the start of the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race where winds reached 46mph and waves were 12ft high

The brutal conditions resulted in one yacht to sink, while four lost their masts and almost 30 had to be rescued or assisted by the emergency services and the RNLI

A coastguard helicopter winchman made repeated attempts to land on the vessel in order to evacuate the casualty but was prevented by the strong winds and the heavy sea swell.

The Swanage RNLI lifeboat arrived on the scene and two volunteers jumped onto the yacht to assess the man, who was drifting in and out of consciousness.

The yacht was guided into calmer waters before the casualty could be stretchered off and taken back to land where an ambulance was waiting.

The Swanage lifeboat also came to the rescue of another yacht whose steering had failed, causing them to lose control in gale force winds.

The carnage also saw multiple 'man overboard' beacons wash into the sea, resulting in some of them activating triggering lifeboat searches.

The multiple incidents involved the use of two coastguard helicopters, lifeboats crews from Yarmouth, Poole, Swanage and Weymouth and coastguard crews from Wyke Regis and Portland.

Howard Lester, Yarmouth RNLI coxswain said: 'This weekend's Fastnet race was the busiest one for Yarmouth lifeboat, responding to six incidents in some very challenging conditions.'

The famous race, being held for the 50th time, sees competitors race 600 miles from Cowes on the Isle of Wight, the spiritual home of British yachting, to Cherbourg, France, via the Fastnet Rock off the southern tip of Ireland.

The event started on Saturday afternoon and is due to finish on Friday.

The race experienced tragedy in 1979 when 18 people - 15 yachtsmen and three rescuers - were killed in horrific conditions which saw five yachts sink.

Although there have been no fatalities since people took to social media to raise concerns about it going ahead.

Some people have called on the event organisers to make a donation to the lifeboat and coastguard crews who came to the competitors' aid while others questioned if it should have started in the first place.

James Churchill said: 'I hope the operators of the race make a significant donation.'

Damian Lockie said: 'Complete madness that the race was even started in such conditions and with the forecast.'

Two stranded and injured sailors were rescued from their life raft by the Yarmouth RNLI lifeboat after their 130,000 yacht sunk west of The Needles on the Isle of Wight

RNLI teams working to rescue a yacht at its seamen during the Rolex Fastnet Race

Some people have called on the event organisers to make a donation to the lifeboat and coastguard crews who came to the competitors' aid while others questioned if it should have started in the first place (RNLI pictured rescuing stranded racers)

Hilary Drewer-Trump added: 'Well done to everyone involved on rescues in very challenging and dangerous conditions.

'Why did the race even start in those conditions?'

But the organisers today defended the decision to go ahead with racing. They said conditions had markedly improved since the first day of the competition.

In fact, they say a lack of wind is now hampering competitors as they approach the Fastnet rock.

Race director Steve Cole told Yachting Monthly they considered postponing the event but decided to go ahead as the expected bad weather

across the seven days was for when the boats would have been close to the English coast, where there are places to shelter.

He said: 'The strong winds were forecast well in advance.

'The club would like to thank HM Coastguard and the RNLI for their assistance.

'It is thanks to their effort and skill that the incidents were dealt with professionally and those who required assistance were recovered safely.

'Now the front has passed the wind and sea state have dropped.'
A family vacation turned deadly after a 26-year-old upstate New York woman ran over and killed her own mother while allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

Lindsay Naab has been charged with second-degree manslaughter, first-degree vehicular manslaughter, and a felony DWI (Driving While Intoxicated).

Police said Naab was heard arguing with her mother Annette, 57, at about 1am on Sunday morning just before Annette was run over and died at the scene.

About five hours before her death, the 57-year-old mother-of-two shared a haunting post to Facebook updating her followers about how much she was enjoying the trip.

A family vacation turned deadly after Lindsay Naab, 26, ran over and killed her own mother, Annette, 57, while allegedly under the influence of alcohol. Linday and Annette are pictured in a snap uploaded to Annette's Facebook profile

Police said Naab was heard arguing with her mother Annette, 57, at about 1am on Sunday morning just before she was run over and died at the scene

'Family is everything! Enjoying the weekend with 3 very very special people!!!' she wrote posting sunset pictures by the water and snaps from a local music gig.

'The 4 of us can climb any mountain and get through any earthquake together!'

Police are yet to reveal the full details of what led to Annette's death, however the campground's owner, Steve Lader (pictured), believes the death was an accident

Pictures in the post included a sign which read, 'I hate alcohol, oh look, alcohol' with an arrow appearing to indicate where the local pub at the campground is.

Other pictures showed the sun setting at a location tagged as Pier Fifty-Three Brick Oven, a campground in Wolcott, about five hours north-west of New York City.

Police are yet to reveal the full details of what led to Annette's death, however the campground's owner, Steve Lader, told 13Wham he was shocked by the death.

'They were here for a day and a half, and I probably had five or six conversations with them, and there wasn't anything that would have led to anything of that magnitude,' he said.

'I know there was arguing going on because some of the neighboring campers heard it.

About five hours before her death, the 57-year-old mother-of-two shared a haunting post to Facebook updating her followers about how much she was enjoying the trip

Pictures in the post included a snap along a wooden boardwalk in a thick forest and a snap of the sun setting over the water with boats lining the shore

It also included a picture of a sign that read: 'I hate alcohol, oh look, alcohol' - with an arrow appearing to indicate where the local pub at the campground is

'They were becoming concerned and were starting to come out [but] it'd already unfolded. It was just a tragedy.'

Campers and emergency services tried to save Annette who also previously wrote that she is 'thankful for two great daughters. Lindsay, 26 a Behavioral Tech & Kelsey, 24 a Vet Tech' on social media.

The 57-year-old died at the scene. Police are still investigating the incident but Lader told the outlet he wants to believe the whole thing was an accident.

'The conversations I had, there was nothing that would lead me to believe there was anything vicious in these people,' Lader said. 'They just weren't that type of people.'

Tributes for Annette poured out on Facebook with one friend speaking of her heartbreak after hearing the news

Tributes for Annette poured out on Facebook with one friend speaking of her heartbreak after hearing the news.

'I am heartbroken after my dear friend Annette Naab passed away this weekend,' said Denise Gregory.

'I am a better person just for knowing you. You are a beautiful person inside and out and I'm truly gonna miss our talks and our good morning memes.

'You lived life to the fullest so adventurous and all about your family. Thank you for being my friend I will always cherish our friendship, love you.'

Shanon Kole wrote: 'My heart weeps for her family. She was so full of kindness, love and positive vibes.

Lindsay turned 26 in January. Her mother Annette posted several pictures of the pair together and with family and friends describing her as 'caring and compassionate'

Not a lot is known about the 26-year-old except that she was working as a registered autism behavioral technician according to her Facebook

The post included pictures of Annette (right) and Lindsay (center) as well as Kelsey (left) - Annette's youngest daughter

On Annette's Facebook she dotes over her two daughter's Kelsey and Lindsay

'Heaven gained a beautiful soul. May her family be covered with Amazing grace and peace during this difficult time.'

According to the Wayne County Sheriff's Office jail inmate roster, Lindsay has been released from custody.

Lindsay Naab has been charged with second-degree manslaughter, first-degree vehicular manslaughter, and a felony DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). She has been released from custody

Not a lot is known about the 26-year-old except that she was working as a registered autism behavioral technician according to her Facebook.

Lindsay turned 26 in January. Her mother Annette posted several pictures of the pair together and with family and friends describing her as 'caring and compassionate.'

'How is it possible that it's been 26 years since the first time I held this beautiful girl!' wrote Annette on January 26 for Lindsay's birthday.

'Happy birthday. I'm so proud of the caring, compassionate, wonderful young lady you became.

'I hope you have the best day ever! I love you very much, my angel! Enjoy your day, Lindsay Naab.'

The post included pictures of Annette and Lindsay as well as Kelsey. A few pictures showed the mother and daughter drinking.

DailyMail.com has contacted Wayne County Sheriff's office and Naab family members but did not immediately hear back.
The mesmerizing effect is due to a water draining system in the lake's dam

A mesmerizing whirlpool has opened up in California's Lake Berryessa as the state's battle against devastating droughts has finally cooled.

Officially named the 'Morning Glory Spillway', the bizarre effect is due to a water-draining system that was installed when the body of water was dammed in 1953.

It is essentially a giant concrete funnel, 75-ft wide at the top and 28-ft at the base, which stands just below the brink of the dam's walls at 440-ft to prevent it from overflowing.

The hypnotic spiral is rare due to California's scorching climate, and it has only been open around two dozen times since it was built over seven decades ago.

But the flute's emergence will be a welcome sight to state officials as it spells the end of an extended 'megadrought' that saw over 1,200 wells run dry and half a million acres of farmland become barren at its peak last year.

The bizarre whirlpool effect is a result of a large cement funnel constructed to stop Lake Beryessa's dam from overflowing

The huge spillway was conceived by engineers as authorities looked to build a dam on Lake Berryessa to provide electricity and water to the northern Bay Area.

When water levels in the region increase, the giant bell-mouth draws thousands of people as they gather to catch a glimpse of the unorthodox tourist attraction.

'It really is dramatic to watch,' said Kevin Slang, a Solano Irrigation District operations manager, to the New York Times.

'I went up there the other day and there were about 15 drones flying around and people taking videos,' he told the outlet in February 2017, at a time when the glory hole was open.

While the water current is known not to be strong, local swimmers and sailors are warned to avoid the spillway when it opens up due to the tremendous water pressure within the waterfall's epicenter.

In 1997, a woman fell to her death after plummeting down the several-hundred-foot drop, at the bottom of which is an 8ft-wide pipe that routes water down a creek.

The mesmerizing spiral is rare due to California's scorching climate, and it has only emerged around two dozen times in the last seven decades. The funnel can be seen in this image (left)

In 2019, striking footage captured the moment a cormorant was swept into the depths of Lake Berryessa when the whirlpool opened up

Striking footage caught another victim being pulled into the depths by the whirlpool in 2019, when a cormorant was swept up by the high tide.

Brionna Ruff, the spokesperson for the Bureau of Reclamation, which owns the spillway, said it is unlikely the cormorant could have survived the perilous fall.

From what I understand that water is going down really fast and when things come out the other side... I don't want to get really graphic, Ruff told SFGate.com.

When the funnel opened up that year, it was just the second time in 12 years that water levels had been high enough for the effect to occur.

The emergence of the glory hole comes after the ongoing drought that devastated California last year was brought to an end by heavy rainfall and even high levels of snowfall in some areas.

At its peak in August, the severe drought had left more than 531,000 acres of farmland unplanted, which was a 36 percent hike from the same time in 2022.

California endured an extensive 'megadrought' that scorched the state's resources, leaving thousands of acres of farmland barren and evaporating its water reservoir levels> Pictured: An aerial view of the Pit River Bridge stretches over drought-stricken Lake Shasta on July 5, 2022

Residents in some areas of California were warned to conserve water due to the ongoing drought. Pictured: Dried up Horseshoe Lake near Mammoth Lakes, California on July 28, 2022

Residents in the small town of Coalinga were warned they were within months of running out of water, as water capacity in reservoirs across the state also reached dangerously low levels.

Around 85 percent of the state was under a severe drought in January 2023, according to US Drought Monitor. As of July 2023, this figure stood at just 19 percent.

The variability of California's climate is a frequent issue for state officials, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing legislation in 2021 to pour $536 million into drought and fire prevention policies.

Karla Nemeth, director of the Department of Water Resources, noted the challenge at a press conference in March, where she said: 'Water management in California is complicated.'

'It is made even more complex during these challenging climate conditions where we see swings between very very, dry, to very very wet, back to dry,' she continued. 'We're now back into wet.'
Shocking before and after pictures have shown the sheer scale of destruction in Rhodes after terrifying wildfires ripped through luxury hotels, shops and homes on the packed Greek island resort.

The endless blazes have forced thousands to flee their resorts, with some facing 12-hour walks to safety as they were chased by roaring flames and thick black smoke in the scorching heat.

The wildfires, branded as a 'wake-up call' to climate change by deputy chief whip of the House of Lords Patrick Courtown, have triggered the largest evacuation ever in Greece - as thousands of Brits desperately try to get home.

Temperatures have risen above 40C again in parts of Greece today following more night-time evacuations from fires that have raged out of control for days.

But while holidaymakers have fled, those living and working in Rhodes will face a mammoth battle to get the tourist hotspot back to its former self.

 Slide me  Shocking before and after pictures have shown the sheer scale of destruction in Rhodes after terrifying wildfires ripped through luxury hotels, shops and homes on the packed Greek island resort. Pictured: The Gre Cafe has been burned in Kiotari

The four-star Princess Sun hotel has also fallen victim to the destructive wildfires in Greece

This is what the Princess Sun Hotel looked like before it became ravaged by destructive flames

 Slide me  Satellite views of Kiotari, Rhodes show the sheer level of damage from the wildfires this month

Many hotels are set to be closed for at least the next fortnight - some all summer - leaving an estimated 30,000 Brits in limbo who are set to descend on the Greek island in the coming weeks.

READ MORE: Before and after satellite photos show shocking effects of Rhodes wildfires with green rolling fields and mountains reduced to charred scorched earth Advertisement

Astonishing before and after photos highlight the scale of damage caused by the inferno - especially in Kiotari, a tranquil beach resort known for its all-inclusive hotels.

The stunning four-star Princess Sun Hotel in Kiotari has been transformed into a blackened shell of its former beauty.

Just a week ago, holidaymakers were basking in sunshine and relaxing across the three swimming pools and spa.

The hotel, which has 214 newly revamped rooms, describes itself as a resort that 'welcomes guests in a warm and friendly ambience, ideal for families and couples'.

In stark contrast today, the hotel has been reduced to charred scorched remains as wildfires swept down from the mountains and engulfed large parts of the island.

Left behind is melted furniture, a scorched playground and burnt luggage which was left behind amid the frenzy of evacuations.

The Gre Cafe, also in Kiotari, has also been devastated by the roaring flames and black smoke. What was once a classic Greek pristine white cafe with wooden tables and chairs outside now looks completely derelict.

 Slide me  This row of shops in Kiotari has also been destroyed by the wildfires which have relentlessly engulfed Rhodes for more than a week

The idylic coastline is popular for many tourists who are used to seeing sun loungers in front of the crystal clear waters

But now the sand has changed colour, sun loungers have been destroyed and buildings need urgent repair

Chairs have been burned and discarded on the floor, while the building itself has been covered in black ash and smoke.

Lindos Imperial Resort and Spa, in Kiotari, was another one of the hotels evacuated when wildfires swept through the Greek island. A video shared on TikTok showed the resort's scorched poolside area and charred sun loungers.

Lindos Imperial said it is 'temporarily out of operation until further notice' as a result of the ongoing wildfires.

The resort-studded coastline, known for its crystal waters and clear blue skies above, is now a ghost town. The beaches have been left deserted - the sand blackened by the ash and the boardwalks destroyed.

It's not just hotels that have suffered. People's livelihoods have been devastated by the fires, with many homes burned to a cinder.

Cars parked outside the Kiotari shopping mall have also been completely ripped apart by the terrifying flames that have forced 30,000 to flee the resort island by sea, land and air.

Desperate residents, many with wet towels around their necks to stave off the scorching heat, used shovels to beat back flames approaching their homes on Sunday, while firefighting planes and helicopters resumed water drops at first light.

Kiotari shopping mall before wildfires (left) and now (right). Two cars have been completely incinerated

The European Union has sent 500 firefighters, 100 vehicles and seven planes from 10 member states, while Turkey, Israel, Egypt and other countries have also sent help

A burnt beach bar can be seen near the village of Kiotari. The boardwalk along the beach is completely destroyed

Vassilis Kikilias, the minister for climate crisis and civil protection, said: 'For the 12th day, under extreme conditions of heat and strong winds, we are fighting non-stop on dozens of forest fire fronts... The Greek Fire Service has battled more than 500 fires - more than 50 a day.'

Tragically, a Greek air force water-dropping plane crashed while diving into a wildfire in southern Greece on Tuesday, killing both pilots.

The crash occurred on the island of Evia, and was aired in a state television broadcast that showed the low-flying CL-215 aircraft disappearing into a canyon before a fireball was seen moments later.

The air force said the pilots, aged 34 and 27, both died in the crash. The plane had no ejection system.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis cancelled a planned visit to Cyprus for Wednesday, and three days of mourning were called for Greece's armed forces.

'They offered their lives to save lives,' Mitsotakis said of the pilots.

The European Union has sent 500 firefighters, 100 vehicles and seven planes from 10 member states, while Turkey, Israel, Egypt and other countries have also sent help.

Contributing nations included Italy which was dealing with its own fires and extreme weather at home.

On the island of Sicily, Palermo's international airport temporarily shut down as flames from a wildfire approached.
MBABANE  Renowned for the alleged capture of incarcerated self-confessed commander of the Swaziland Solidarity Forces, Thabo Kunene and his co-accused Sibusiso Nkomonye, traditional healer Andile Nkomonye has been charged with rape.

Andile, popuparly known as Dr Mkhulu, appeared at the Rustenburg Magistrates Court yesterday, facing a charge of rape and was remanded in custody until August 1, 2023 for the hearing and determination of his bail. The court process is said to have lasted hardly five minutes. He was arrested on Saturday by the Boitekong police in Rustenburg. Details pertaining to the alleged rape could not be obtained at the time of going to print.

appearance

Present during Dr Mkhulus court appearance were some members of the countrys political formations, including Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO), United Eswatini Diaspora (UED) and Peoples United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO). Others were EFF Swaziland and Lubumbano Lwenkhululeko yemaSwati. UED Convenor Bonginkosi IB Dlamini said they were at the court premises to assist South African Police Services (SAPS) investigation officers, who were working on another case involving Dr Mkhulu. Dlamini stated that they had been engaging with SAPS to arrest the traditional healer on his involvement in the capture of Kunene and his co-accused and had done everything required of them to provide the necessary information.

He said all along, they wanted information on where Dr Mkhulu lived as they had no idea as requested by the investigating team. The UED convenor said they had been informed that Dr Mkhulu was in Mozambique and recently in Botswana. This, he said, worried them as they were of the idea that the investigation could take long. God has handed him to us on a silver platter, making our job easy following his arrest, said Dlamini. He said the moment they heard that he was arrested, they informed the investigating team who were also present during his court appearance. Dlamini said they were happy about the arrest as they had not been sleeping well ever since Kunene was arrested in Eswatini but would now sleep peacefully.
Video taken in Southern California shows a sea lion attacking tourists at a crowded beach who got a little too close despite being warned to keep their distance.

The footage was taken at La Jolla Cove in San Diego and shows the animal racing out of the water and storming the packed beach where visitors retreat in fear.

Signs posted around the cove tell visitors not to touch or get too close to the animals but there is little regulation or fines for those who do not adhere.

'People get bit here every summer, people get charged every summer and for us locals, it's annoying because we like and respect the wildlife here,' said Japhet Perez Estrada, the La Jolla native who took the video.

'I understand their excitement and they want to get close, but it's nature. You got to give a distance,' Perez Estrada added.

In early July, a sea lion possibly sick from toxic red algae attacked a 14-year-old boy in the water off the coast of San Diego's Del Mar area.

Video taken in Southern California shows a sea lion attacking tourists at a crowded beach who got a little too close despite being warned to keep their distance

On Monday, tourists were right back at the cove getting within feet of sea lions in the area

At La Jolla Cove, there are no regulations or fines for those who disrupt the animals in their natural habitat and there is little enforcement.

Lifeguards remind visitors to try and stay 10 feet away at minimum but according to FOX 5 San Diego, many of those who visit the beach do not understand English.

In the video, the animal is seen quickly moving through the shallow water as tourists wade mere feet away and begin to notice the animals erratic movements.

The sea lion continues to move toward the beach as beachgoers on the shore begin to see the animal heading directly at them at a rapid pace.

Visitors on the sand immediately begin to flee as the sea lion hits the shore and heads directly to the rocks where another sea lion is resting.

The people run from the two animals as they meet on a rock and the tourists continue to run from the animals.

Perez Estrada said he is tired of seeing this type of interaction happen every year as tourists get too close to the native wildlife and then risk their own safety.

'People get bit here every summer, people get charged every summer and for us locals, it's annoying because we like and respect the wildlife here,' he said.

'I understand their excitement and they want to get close, but it's nature. You got to give a distance,' Perez Estrada added.

The sea lion (far right) can be seen moving quickly through the water towards the shore

'People get bit here every summer, people get charged every summer and for us locals, it's annoying because we like and respect the wildlife here,' said Japhet Perez Estrada (pictured)

The sea lion charged the beach as visitors were out the sand Sunday in La Jolla, California

Perez Estrada - a local business owner who said he swims at the cove every day - said he just wishes people coming to the area would do a better job of preparing themselves when coming to the tourist hot spot.

'I feel like people should educate themselves a little bit about the marine life here  what to do, what not to do, respect the sea lions, don't touch them, don't get in their space,' he said.

While visiting La Jolla Cove on Monday for the story, FOX 5 reporter Misha Dibono said she saw dozens of people getting dangerously close to the animals.

At one point, some individuals were climbing rocks and entering a cave where sea lions and their pups rest while one father and his kids tried to feed the animal.

'We can see that right here there's a sea lion, it's obviously being a little aggressive, being territorial, and we have little kids standing maybe five feet away from it,' he said.

'Parents should be more aware of the sea lion barking and that's just a recipe for disaster,' the native said.

Another woman told FOX 5 she no longer goes down onto the sand at the cove because she once was charged and is still terrified by the interaction.

'I guess I got a little too close, not as close as these guys. He was really big and surprisingly fast. It's one of those things, you're just like, "oh my God." I got to get away from him. I kind of tripped up the stairs. The terror was there,' she said.

At one point, some individuals were climbing rocks and entering a cave where sea lions and their pups rest while one father and his kids tried to feed the animal

The animals are native to the area and visitors are warned to keep away from them

These types of interactions are not uncommon in the area.

Earlier this month, a 14-year-old boy was bitten in the buttocks and leg by a sea lion at Del Mar beach, located nearby the La Jolla Cove.

Dane Blair, 14, was swimming on July 4 when the animal made eye contact with him, dove underwater then took a bite of his knee.

It then latched on to his buttocks, forcing Dane to swim back to shore with the animal still 'attached to his backside'. He finally shook it loose when he made it back to the beach.

Wildlife experts say the animal, which lay prone on the sand after the attack, may have been affected by the red algae currently blooming in the Pacific Ocean.

It has killed more than 200 dolphins and sea lions in California in recent weeks - and sickened hundreds more, overwhelming marine rescue who say they're handling up to 60 calls an hour.

The 'red tide' phenomena is caused by demonic acid, a neurotoxin transferred up the food chain via fish to larger mammals, causing mass mortalities and sometimes coloring the water crimson. Ingesting the acid causes neurological issues that makes the animals behave 'like they're on a bad acid trip'.
Santa Monica officials will move a crumbling portion of a cliff above the Pacific Coast Highway after 'Weird Al' Yankovic's wife spotted a crack and alerted authorities.

The city will close lanes of the iconic highway this week and make emergency repairs to the section of the cracking cliffside that is in danger of crashing down onto the roadway below.

Engineers and geologists will stabilize and remove the issue area - which is 4,000 cubic feet of dirt that has been compounding for thousands of years.

The giant crack is on the bluffs near Santa Monica Veterans Memorial and the Arizona Avenue Pedestrian Bridge.

The city will close lanes of the iconic highway this week and make emergency repairs to the section of the cracking cliffside (pictured) that is in danger of crashing down onto the roadway below

The issue was first brought to light by photographer and studio executive Suzanne Yankovic. She shared a video of the fault on Instagram, with the caption: '@cityofsantamonica I noticed this crack from the bluffs, seems precarious fyi'

It's believed the fissure was caused in part by the historic storms which have been passing through Southern California this year.

The issue was first brought to light by photographer and studio executive Suzanne Yankovic, 61.

She shared a video of the fault on Instagram, with the caption: '@cityofsantamonica I noticed this crack from the bluffs, seems precarious fyi.'

She is married to 'Weird Al' Yankovic.

Yankovic was standing on a cliff, overlooking the highway and the coastline, when she zoomed into the crack and informed her followers.

The bluff that seemed to be cracking away from the rest was the closest to the highway - which vehicles pass through daily.

It's believed the fissure was caused in part by the historic storms which have been passing through Southern California this year

The giant crack is on the bluffs near Santa Monica Veterans Memorial and the Arizona Avenue Pedestrian Bridge

Engineers and geologists will stabilize and remove the issue area - which is 4,000 cubic feet of dirt that has been compounding for thousands of years

Yankovic, with friend Sean James, then contacted the Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath - who moved the issue along.

James wrote following the news that the cliff would be sorted: 'Thanks to her vigilance, we took action and contacted the city leaders, and Im thrilled to announce that the danger is finally going to be removed!

'Safety first, always! Big thanks to everyone involved in making our coastal road safer for everyone.'

Santa Monica Public Works director Rick Valte said: 'We can't really pinpoint whether that will break off in a year, in 10 years, in a month or tomorrow.

'We've had an exceptionally wet winter season and we've noticed that quite a bit of the bluff has sloughed off during the very wet winter season.

'If this column were to find separation from the rest of the bluffs it's highly likely that much of it would fall onto PCH, and that could be a safety concern for passengers.'
A Russian fighter jet fired flares at an American MQ-9 Reaper drone whilst it was flying over Syria on Sunday, the US military has confirmed.

The incident, which damaged the drone's propeller, has been denounced as the latest in a series of risky and provocative acts from the Russian military, the US said.

The drone was on a counter-terrorism mission against the Islamic State group when one of the flares hit the drone, 'severely damaging its propeller,' Air Forces Central Commander Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich said.

'On 23 July, 2023 at 12:23 a.m. (EST) Russian fighter aircraft flew dangerously close to a U.S. MQ-9 drone on a defeat-ISIS mission, harassing the MQ-9 and deploying flares from a position directly overhead, with only a few meters of separation between aircraft,' Grynkewich explained.

Adding: 'The Russian fighter's blatant disregard for flight safety detracts from our mission to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. We call upon the Russian forces in Syria to put an immediate end to this reckless, unprovoked, and unprofessional behavior.'

A Russian fighter jet fired flares at an American drone whilst it was flying over Syria on Sunday, the US military has said

The incident damaged the MQ-9 Reaper drone's propeller and has been denounced as the latest in a series of risky and provocative acts

Also last week a separate incident occurred when a Russian Su-35 fighter endangered the crew of a manned U.S. MC-12 by forcing it to fly through its wake turbulence, Air Forces Central claimed in a release.

'This reduced the crew's ability to safely operate the aircraft and put the four crewmembers' lives at risk,' the statement read.

Earlier in July Russian pilots dropped parachute flares into the paths of U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones on two days in a row, the US said.

Although these drones were able to take evasive maneuvers to avoid damage they form part of the pattern.

In response Russia said the drones had entered airspace designated for a Russian-Syrian counter-drone exercise, ABC News reported.

'It's just an excuse to go after our MQ-9's and try to intercept' a senior US defense official told the outlet.

The Russian and US military have long used a 'deconfliction hotline' to keep each other informed of missions to avoid potentially dangerous misunderstandings.

The defense official told ABC that the hotline was still used but 'sometimes gets very heated' with back and forth encounters.

'Russian fighter aircraft flew dangerously close to a U.S. MQ-9 drone on a defeat-ISIS mission,' the Air Force said in a statement

The US has accused the Russian military of 'harassing the MQ-9 and deploying flares from a position directly overhead, with only a few meters of separation between aircraft'

Visible damage can be seen on the drone's propeller in images released by the Air Force

US military footage shows the incident which took place on 23 July, 2023 at 12:23 a.m. (EST)

The US currently has around 900 troops in eastern Syria assisting in the fight against IS.

Russia has a military presence in northwestern Syria as part of its mission to support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Similar incidents have occurred between the powers in other parts of the world recently.

A Russian fighter collided with a US drone over the Black Sea in March.

The drone was forced to land off to coast of Ukraine as a result the defense official told ABC.
Vladimir Putin's parliament today massively widened the age at which men can be conscripted to cope with the 'big war looming against the West'.

The top age for compulsory military service was raised from 27 to 30 coupled with a warning that 'general mobilisation' may be on the way.

A plan to simultaneously raise the lower level from 18 has been ditched, widening the group vulnerable to conscription.

Tough new controls will also stop evasion of the draft, with men once on a conscription list banned from fleeing abroad, as many have done since the war.

Col-Gen Andrey Kartapolov, an MP and loyalist parliamentary defence committee chairman, told the legislature: 'This law was written for a big war, for general mobilisation. And now this already smells like a big war.'

Col-Gen Andrey Kartapolov, an MP and loyalist parliamentary defence committee chairman

Kartapolov slammed MPs for looking to exempt certain groups, or make it easier to evade the draft - as the children of many politicians do.

'We all continue to look for whom we should remove from [mobilisation], who we should protect,' he said.

But he warned: 'Later there will be no-one to protect.'

He taunted MPs 'who vote for the preservation of a comfortable life for draft dodgers' by enabling them to flee abroad.

It remains to be seen if the Kremlin will face a backlash from the families of those caught by the new rules which come into effect in January 2024.

Putin previously baulked at such changes to the conscription rules.

Now, new laws will also formalise the creation of militias - including by governors of regions close to Ukraine.

Until now groups like the Wagner private army have been illegal - although strongly backed by the Russian government.

Men in their 60s will face being called up as will foreign nationals.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulates officers of investigation agencies on their professional holiday at the Kremlin in Moscow on July 25, 2023

The conscription changes apply to compulsory military training, long a feature of Russian life.

It is legally separate from the partial mobilisation of military-age men which Putin has also ordered to fight his war in Ukraine.

In theory, conscripts may not be sent to fight abroad.

However, Putin now defines invaded areas of Ukraine as now being part of Russia.
READ MORE: US citizens traveling to Europe must pay for VISAS from 2024

The average weeklong stay in beachfront accommodation in the US will set you back $3,353

Cedar Key, Florida, was ranked the least expensive beach town in the US

Booking a beach vacation which does not break the bank has become increasingly difficult, with rising costs crunching travelers' budgets.

But a new study by travel site Upgraded Points has revealed the most affordable beach towns in the US - and the little-known Florida destination which it claims offers the cheapest oceanfront accommodation in the country.

The study ranked Cedar Key, Florida, as the least expensive beach town in the US, where accommodation for a week will set you back just $1,330.

Upgraded Points analyzed the average nightly and weekly cost of hotels and vacation rental homes across 75 popular towns. It found that on average a weeklong stay in beachfront accommodation in the US costs $3,353.

A vacation in Southampton, New York, meanwhile, costs an average of $6,391 per week, while a seven-day stay in East Hampton, a popular spot around 100 miles from New York City, typically has a price tag of $6,178.

A new study by travel site Upgraded Points has revealed the most affordable beach towns in the US

The study ranked Cedar Key, Florida, as the least expensive beach town in the US, where accommodation will set you back just $1,330

In Cedar Key, which only has around 800 full time residents and just one road into town, however, you can expect to pay an average $189 per night for a vacation rental home, or $191 per night for a hotel, the study found.

Other popular vacation destinations in Florida, such as Key West, will set you back $607 a night for an Airbnb rental or $692 per night for a hotel room, the study found.

This totals an average of $4,547 for a seven-day stay - over three times the cost of vacation accommodation in Cedar Key, which is located about three miles off the West Coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico.

Ocean Springs, Mississippi, ranked second on the list as one of the most affordable beach towns with an average stay of $1,491 per week.

Claiming the third spot on the list for the least expensive beachfront stay is Ocean Shores, Washington, with an average cost of $1,995 per week.

Port Aransas, Texas, follows closely behind in fourth place, with an average price of $2,048 per week, and Galveston, Texas, ranked fifth with a weekly average cost of $2,058.

On the other hand, New York is home to the most expensive beach towns, according to the study.

A one-week oceanfront stay in celebrity haunt Montauk will set you back $6,454, with home rentals averaging $1,205 per night and beachfront hotels averaging $639 per night.

You would also have to pay a premium if you wanted to stay in Malibu, California, where the average price of a weeklong stay is $6,150, or Folly Beach in South Carolina which typically costs $5,943 a week for accommodation.

Cedar Key only has around 800 full time residents and just one road into town

Ocean Springs, Mississippi, ranked second on the list as one of the most affordable beach towns with an average beachfront stay of $1,491 per week

A one-week oceanfront stay in celebrity haunt Montauk will set you back $6,454, according to the study by Upgraded Points

It comes after booking app Hopper revealed at the start of this summer that hotel prices were up 11 percent from last year.

It is not all bad news, however, as the cost of flights have dropped considerably since 2022. According to the latest Consumer Price Index released earlier this month by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, airline fares decreased by 18.9 percent in the last 12 months.

If you plan on booking a last minute summer getaway, be sure to check the reviews before booking a hotel.

Earlier this month, analysis of TripAdvisor reviews by travel guide company PlanetWare revealed that Myrtle Beach was ranked as the city with the worst hotel reviews in the country.

According to the analysis, one in five people who visited the South Carolina beach-side city left a one or two-star review.

Atlantic City and Virginia Beach ranked in second place with 19 percent bad reviews, followed by San Jose, California and South Padre Island, Texas.

The most common gripe was the smell of smoke in rooms, while a lack of toilet paper, bed bugs and thin walls were also frequent complaints waged against hotels across the country.
Joe Biden focused the event to designate monuments for Emmett Till and his mother Mamie Till-Mobley on tearing into Republican 2024 rivals who he claims are trying to 'bury history' and 'ban books.'

The president, who was 12 when Emmett Till was lynched, raised his voice several times during the remarks Tuesday after admitting he was 'angry' when writing what he wanted to say and commiserated with the Till family over having toi 'relive' the horrible incident year after year.

He made the argument that Democrats are working toward progress for minority Americans and says Republicans' goal is to rewrite history by outlawing Critical Race Theory and removing from schools books deemed inappropriate for children.

'Did you ever think we'd be talking about banning books in America? Banning history? I'm serious!' the president shouted into the microphone of the Indian Treaty Room on Tuesday afternoon.

President Joe Biden was impassioned during remarks Tuesday as he claimed Republican rivals are trying to 'bury history' of racism in America and 'ban books'

Remarks came during an event Tuesday designating national monuments for Emmett Till (left) and his mother Mamie Till-Mobley (right)

'At the time when there are those who seek to ban books, bury history, we're making it clear  crystal, crystal clear,' he added, 'while darkness and nihilism can hide much, they erase nothing.'

'They can hide, but they erase nothing,' the president said. 'We can't just choose 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 of who we are as a nation. That's what great nations do.

Biden said that the U.S. has 'a hell of a long way to go toward forming a more perfect union.'

The event Tuesday was for Biden to sign a proclamation establishing the Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley National Monuments in Illinois and Mississippi.

Noticing that he was going a bit off topic, Biden said: 'Before I say even more of what's on my mind  I'm now going to leave this podium. It's just barbaric  barbaric what happened. Seriously.'

'It's now my honor to sign this declaration,' he said.

The brutal kidnapping, torture and murder of Emmett Till in Mississippi in 1955, when he was 14-years-old, has led him to posthumously become an icon within the Civil Rights Movement.

Till was only in Mississippi that summer on vacation to see family. He was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. The lynching happened after a 21-year-old white woman accused Till of offending her at her family's grocery store by either whistling, touching or flirting with her.

Biden signed the proclamation Tuesday while surrounded by members of Till's family and lawmakers who have helped progress Civil Rights

Till was kidnapped, tortured and lynched in Mississippi in 1955 when he was visiting family for the summer at 14-years-old. The murder happened after a white woman accused his of offending her and committing a Jim Crow-era crime. His killers were acquitted

It appears Till unwittingly violated Jim Crow-era laws in the South on black men interacting with white women.

Till's killers were ultimately acquitted.

His mother Mamie Till-Bradley insisted on a public funeral with an open casket in Chicago to 'expose the world' to the barbarism and limitations of American democracy. Images of Till's mutilated body were published in black-oriented magazines and newspapers and tens of thousands viewed his open casket.

Ahead of Biden's remarks on Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris repeated her claim made last week that Republicans are trying to 'gaslight' the public into thinking that slavery was somehow beneficial for black Americans.

Specifically, Harris took aim last week at Florida's new Black History curriculum, saying that the Sunshine State, led by 2024 hopeful Gov. Ron DeSantis, is trying to 'replace history with lies.'

Harris made remarks at the top of the event where she repeated claims that Republicans are 'gaslighting' the public by allegedly teaching school kids that slavery was good for America

'Middle school students in Florida to be told that enslaved people benefited from slavery,' Harris said at the Ritz Theatre and Museum in Jacksonville on Friday.

But critics are accusing the VP of misrepresenting the new curriculum standards in Florida.

'Today there are those in our nation who would prefer to erase, or even rewrite, the ugly parts of our past,' Harris said during the White House event honoring Emmett Till on Tuesday. '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.'

'Let us not be seduced into believing that somehow we would be better if we forget,' she continued before Biden took to the mic. 'We will be better if we remember. We will be stronger if we remember.'
It is now five years since the founding of the so-called 'Royal NHS', the integrated Health and Wellbeing Centre at Dumfries House, King Charles's cultural institute in Scotland.

Offering a range of holistic approaches, including cooking lessons, yoga, planting and harvesting, sewing and 'mindful walking', it is said to have produced remarkable results .

Last weekend, The Mail on Sunday reported that half the couples attending the Dumfries House fertility clinic were able to conceive, while the average birth rate for IVF patients in the United Kingdom is only 20 per cent.

Most of the patients there have exhausted the help available on the actual National Health Service.

Who, then, is paying? Not for the first time, the King has sought help from foreign donors.

But in the case of the Dumfries House health centre, the backers are colourful even by Charles's standards, as Caroline Graham reported in 2021.

Meet the Chius - the millionaire plastic surgery moguls who starred in the Netflix reality series Bling Empire - and have funnelled the money they've made from boob jobs and butt lifts into helping couples from Ayreshire to conceive...

Flamboyant Christine Chiu appeared in the Netflix reality show Bling Empire. She is also a major backer of King Charles's Health and Wellbeing Centre at Dumfries House

Charles, Christine Chiu and her husband Dr Gabriel Chiu at the unveiling of a plaque acknowledging their donation. The Chius have made millions from their plastic surgery practice

Dumfries House in Ayreshire is a Palladian mansion saved for the nation by Charles and now established as a cultural and health centre, part of the Prince's Foundation

With its range of holistic therapies, the Prince's Foundation Health and Wellbeing Centre has been hailed as a 'passion project' for the Prince of Wales.

Acupuncture, reflexology and hypnotherapy are just some of the treatments on offer at the clinic, which is part of the 2,000-acre estate of Dumfries House, the 18th Century Palladian mansion in Ayrshire saved for the nation and lovingly restored by Prince Charles.

The Wellbeing Centre was dismissed as 'new age hippy nonsense' when it first opened 2019. But no longer.

These days it is known as The Royal NHS by grateful GPs, who have praised it for transforming the lives of more than 200 local patients referred for its pioneering approach to obesity, diabetes and infertility.

At the heart of the multi-million-pound project sits the glamorous figure of Taiwanese businesswoman Christine Chiu.

Gabriel and Christine Chiu attend a children's hospital party in Santa Monica in 2022

Prince Charles - or the Duke of Rothesay as he was known in Scotland - discusses allergies and the environment at Dumfries house in September 2022, shortly before his accession to the throne

The centre, and its undoubted success, would never have been possible without her support, including a vast donation.

Charles appears alongside Christine  and her plunging neckline  in numerous photographs on her popular Instagram account and the warm regard is mutual. As she told Netflix viewers, the Prince of Wales is a 'really cool guy'.

But what, you must wonder, does Charles make of his friend's appearance in the hit Netflix reality show so gaudy that even the title, Bling Empire, does scarce justice to the exuberant vulgarity on display?

A cross between the movie Crazy Rich Asians and the reality series Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Bling Empire revolves around the social lives of a group of extraordinarily wealthy Asians in Hollywood and their jaw-dropping consumption.

And whether she is wearing Dolce & Gabbana or latex fetish gear, Christine is the breakout star.

The Netflix series Bling Empire was based on a circle of wealthy Asians in Hollywood. Christine Chiu, 40, was a breakout star

So who are Christine and her 55-year-old husband Dr Gabriel Chiu? The short answer is they are self-made millionaires with a reported 50 million fortune thanks to Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Inc, one of the biggest clinics in Los Angeles.

Dr Chiu specialises in nose jobs and his trademark 'Mommy makeover' (a combination of tummy-tuck and breast lift), procedures unlikely to be offered any time soon at Dumfries House.

When the series was filmed in pre-Covid 2019 (the year Prince Charles's Scottish Health and Wellbeing Centre opened), Christine revelled in showing off her opulent lifestyle.

It included shutting down the Beverly Hills shopping mecca of Rodeo Drive for a Chinese New Year party which, she quipped, 'cost more than an average home in the US but less than a rare Bugatti'.

In one episode of Bling Empire, the Chius host a 'leather party', called Keep It Tight, to promote their clinic's new 'ab and buttocks' tightening machine.

There's a Botox bar at the party where Dr Gabriel is injecting guests for free, as well as a curious vibrating device apparently used to strengthen the pelvic floor.

Attired in pink latex with matching gloves and headband, Christine tells her guests that 'Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery is here to keep you keep it tight. Tight abs, tight butts. Yes, front and backside!'

For the first birthday of her son Gabriel, nicknamed Baby G, she hosted a $1 million party at an LA children's museum complete with Ferris wheel, carnival games, pony rides, a live band and a fairground-style 'grab claw' machine filled with Gucci handbags.

Christine drew gasps from the crowd when she announced that, instead of party bags, the couple would donate a million dollars to the museum to provide free admission to children from poor communities.

And sharp-eyed observers will note that the Dumfries House health centre boasts a plaque in honour of Gabriel Christian Chiu III, their tuxedo-wearing toddler.

Dumfries House is an 18th Century Palladian mansion in Ayrshire saved for the nation and restored by Prince Charles. It's health and wellness centre offers yoga, hypnotherapy, harvesting and mindful walking among other treatments - with a good record of success

The series features other super-rich members of the Asian 'bling set' including Anna Shay (daughter of a defence contractor worth a reported 88 billion); Kane Lim (son of a billionaire Singaporean shipping magnate); and Jaime Xie (whose Silicon Valley father Ken sold his business NetScreen, an anti-hacking system, for 3 billion in 2004).

But it is Christine who steals the show. With her love of outlandish couture and ostentatious displays of wealth, she has become such a sensation that her publicist tells The Mail on Sunday she has been 'swamped' with interview requests from all over the globe.

When she makes the social faux pas of wearing a Louis Vuitton diamond and pink sapphire necklace identical to the one worn by her hostess Shay, she is 'punished' by being placed in 'social Siberia' and bemoans her plight saying: 'I was seated to the left of Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace, why am I all the way down here?'

The daughter of a Taiwanese businessman who came to the US at 18 to attend Pepperdine University in Malibu, Christine brags about her royal connections on screen.

But not, as may be expected, her links to Prince Charles. Instead she tells the viewers her Chinese husband Gabriel is from the 24th generation of the Song Imperial dynasty, which ruled China from 960 to 1279AD.

Christine spoke about her 'fascinating' experience sitting next to the Prince at a fundraising gala, saying: 'I was told about ten minutes prior to the dinner that I would be seated next to him, which is such a great honour. But there is a lot of etiquette that goes with it.

'So I had to do a crash course of the etiquette rules. There are certain times when he stands up and you have to stand up, or he leaves first. Then you're supposed to face one way if he faces one way.

It's a lot to think about when you're trying to have dinner. He's incredibly charming and he's got a wicked sense of humour. He's a really cool guy.'

In a gushing post on Instagram to celebrate the Prince's birthday last year, she posted four photographs of herself meeting him (on separate occasions), writing: 'Happy Birthday HRH Prince Charles! What an honour and pleasure it has been to support your vision and philanthropic efforts.

'Looking forward to visiting with you and to check on the progress of The Prince's Foundation Chiu Health and Wellness Programmes and Centre soon.'

There are rare moments in Bling Empire where the socialite's mask slips and moments of humanity peek through. She describes her son as her 'miracle baby', conceived through IVF after ten years of trying.

Christine Chiu at the Chanel Ready to Wear show in Los Angeles, 2023

Born in Taiwan, Mrs Chiu was brought up in Hollywood. She has spoken about her 'fascinating' experience sitting next to Charles at a fundraising gala

Later she breaks down and cries as she says she 'assumed the guilt' of infertility in the eyes of her husband's traditional Chinese family even though, in fact, the 'issue' lay with him.

The Dumfries House clinic treated more than 200 people in 2019. And although it was forced to close its doors for most of last year because of the pandemic, and remains shut to the public, it has continued to offer virtual health and wellbeing courses.

Just before lockdown in March, a baby was born to a couple who took part in the 'fertility wellbeing course' and had struggled for two years to get pregnant. Colin and Stacey Forrest were 'overjoyed' to welcome baby Calvin.

Stacey signed up for the centre's fertility course but admitted: 'Colin was a bit sceptical. I wanted to try anything by that stage. All tests carried out by the NHS showed that there was apparently nothing wrong with either of us, so everyone kept telling us, 'Just be patient, it will happen when it happens.' '

The couple registered for fertility treatment through the NHS and were on the 18-month waiting list for IUI (intrauterine insemination) when they decided to spend three months of their wait 'trying something different'.

Stacey, a childminder, said: 'The course helped me as a person and taught me to be less stressed and just generally to calm down.'

Charles and Camilla on their way to unveil a knitted installation at Dumfries House in September - shortly before the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth

Christine Chiu in a revealing display at an LA film gala in 2022

As the first series of Bling Empire ends, Christine is shown arguing with her husband about whether to try for another IVF baby.

As for the Prince of Wales, a spokesman for Clarence House declined to comment but a Palace insider said it was 'highly unlikely' that he would watch the show.

A source praised the Chius' philanthropic contribution to the clinic at Dumfries House, saying that they had been 'enormously helpful' when it came to 'realising the vision' for the Wellbeing Centre. While it has yet to be announced, sources say that the surprise success of the show makes a second series inevitable.

And, who knows, perhaps viewers will be treated to the sight of Christine visiting 'her' Scottish clinic  although how well her Manolo Blahnik stilettos will cope with the damp turf at Dumfries House remains to be seen.
The social media phenomenon known as the Queen of Chaos has revealed how her life spiraled after she became addicted to drugs - and spent 10 months on the streets doing meth and heroin before she cleaned up her act.

Rayanna Brock, 23, went viral online after her 11 mugshots were posted on Instagram, highlighting her various grins following arrests for offenses that range from shoplifting to grand theft auto and terror-related crimes.

Speaking to DailyMail.com on Tuesday, she opened up about her RAP sheet, and shared how she ended up with that many mugshots in the span of just five years.

She explained how her addiction to Xanax was behind both her crimes and the relaxed attitude she showed off in the now-famous mugshots that followed.

Rayanna's list of crimes includes a July, 2020, charge for 'making terroristic threats.'

Rayanna Brock, 23, went viral online after her 11 mugshots were posted on Instagram. She spoke with DailyMail.com about how she ended up with so many arrests in just five years

The former student lived with he older half brother, left, and her grandparents growing up, as her parents were in and out of jail (her grandmother is pictured right

Rayanna became addicted to Xanax after her grandparents died within months of each other in 2017 when she was 17 years old. She is pictured with her brother and step-grandfather

Rayanna shared that it was her grandparents' death in 2017 that sent her on a spiral that culminated last January, when she got sober

The Stanford, Kentucky, native explained she was arrested after threatening to beat up her then-boyfriend's ex-girlfriend when she was charged with making terroristic threats.

'I was dating this guy for a long time... He ended up going to prison,' she recalled.

'The mother of his kid and I had been getting into it for months on end and I ended up threatening her. I can't even really remember what I said -I was on Xanax really bad at the time... I threatened to come to her house .. her parents' house.

'So she ended up calling an EPO out with me, which is an emergency protective order... So, yeah, a lot of people thought I was a terrorist, but it was really just me and this girl were into it. And I basically threatened to like fight her.'

When speaking about her latest arrest involving the theft of a police car, she told DailyMail.com: 'I was on Xanax. Honestly, every time I've been to jail, its Xanax.

'They just make me do crazy things. Like stealing troopers' hats and cars.'

Rayanna shared that it was her grandparents' death in 2017 that sent her on a spiral that culminated last January, when she got sober.

The former college student recalled being happy and well taken care of while growing up with her older half-brother and grandparents, who took her in because both of her parents had issues with drugs and were in and out of jail.

'I did not grow up rough with [my grandparents], but obviously I still tried to have a relationship with my mom and dad growing up, and anytime I was around them, I had to be my rough side,' she said.

Rayanna's parents are still serving time - her mother has been in jail for four months after spending nine months in rehab, and her father has been in prison since 2017 for multiple felony offenses.

In March of 2021, she was expelled from Eastern Kentucky University after she stole a car and parked it in front of her dorm

Rayanna's first mugshot was snapped on March 6 2018 in Boyle County KY, after she was arrested for wanton endangerment of a police officer, evading cops, and shoplifting

Her second mugshot came just hours later, at 1am on March 7 2018 in Boyle County, KY, seemingly for the same offenses as the day before

Rayanna was pictured by police on January 7, 2019, after she was arrested in Fayette, KY, for violating the terms of her probation for the first offenses

But growing up in her grandparents house, Rayanna was a 'goody two shoes,' she said, but still tried to keep in touch with her parents, which would at times drag her into a world of drugs and violence.

'I didn't really understand why they weren't in my life until I got a little bit more grown up and I realized how bad off they were.

'But I mean, my entire life, I know what my dad's like. He would absolutely beat the s*** out of my mom any time I went over there.

'They've always been on and off my entire life, but they've always been in the same kind of lifestyle. Drugs, homelessness. Just honestly having nothing to their name. They've never had a job. They've never had really a house.'

Despite growing up in proximity to her parents' issues, Rayanna's troubles with drugs and the law did not start until both her grandparents died in 2017 and she became effectively homeless.

'It definitely broke me, my grandparents were my world,' she said.

Rayanna came across her grandmother's Xanax prescription bottle while cleaning out her things, and before she knew it she had become addicted to the anxiety medication, she said.

'Once [my grandmother's prescription] ran out, I started reaching out to people that I knew and trying to find more because I was already addicted to them,' she recalled.

Everything 'went downhill' from there, Rayanna explained.

'It wasn't long before I was into the other hard stuff.'

While Rayanna was able to get into college thanks to a high school counselor who helped her get full scholarships based on her experience with homelessness and sexual assault as a child.

But unfortunately the legal troubles did not stop with her admission into Georgetown college in Kentucky; she was suspended after she was caught with LSD.

She then was accepted to Western Kentucky University but was kicked out for stealing around her dorm.

In March of 2021, she was expelled from Eastern Kentucky University after she stole a car and parked it in front of her dorm. When the cops showed up, they found shrooms and weed in her dorm.

Rayanna was pictured September 16 2020 with greased back blond hair after being arrested for contempt of court/ libel - an image she described on Instagram as her 'favorite mugshot'

EIght days after her first December 2021 arrest - on the 15th - Brock's photograph was taken by police again with the note 'serving time' listed under her charges

On November 26, 2021, Rayanna has her mugshot taken for failure to appear at a police station or courthouse as required under the conditions of previous arrests

Rayanna's latest mugshot was taken on January 16 this year following her arrest for theft of a firearm

Despite her lengthy criminal past, Rayanna has been able to keep most of her record clean, she said, and is currently only dealing with probation stemming her latest charge for a firearm theft.

Rayanna's drug addiction intensified after she was kicked out of EKU, and she spent 10 months doing meth and heroin while homeless. However, her life changed when her stepfather introduced her to her current boyfriend, who has given her stability, she said.

She said she gets drug tested every month, and has been sober since January.

She now hopes to go back to school, but has abandoned her childhood dream of being a lawyer after her long experience with the law.

'My whole life I wanted to be a lawyer.... everyone thinks that's funny. But now that I've gotten so many cases and have gotten in courtrooms so much, being a lawyer is the last thing I want to be.'

Instead, Rayanna, who is currently working as a waitress, would like to serve her hometown community and help young adults who don't have a support circle and end up in bad situations like she did.

She said: 'I would really like to do something with youth counseling, mental health counseling. My high school counselor really saved my life and helped me get into school. If it wasn't for her, I don't even know where I'd be now.

'I really would like to do a career that, you know, pushes me into the school to help these kids that grew up the way that I did. A lot of people don't realize, but personally, in my town where I'm from, most everybody in this town is a drug addict.

'So these kids, you know, they're going to school and everyone just expects them to do well, Right? And that's great. But no one really cares about what they're doing.'
A Somalian man has denied murdering a Christian woman who was stabbed to death near Brixton's O2 Academy in an unprovoked attack.

Charity founder Johanita Dogbey, 31, was attacked from behind and stabbed in the neck in a random assault at 4.30pm on May 1. She was tragically killed on her way home from buying a birthday present for her mother.

Her devastated family later revealed she had been on the phone to her grandmother when she was killed.

Mohamed Nur, 33, appeared at the Old Bailey via video-link from HMP Belmarsh today and denied murdering Ms Dogbey - and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon.

He also denied three counts of unlawful wounding in incidents against two other women and a man.

Johanita Dogbey (pictured), 31, was attacked from behind and stabbed in the neck in a random assault at 4.30pm on May 1

Ms Dogbey's (pictured) devastated family later revealed she had been on the phone to her grandmother when she was killed

The victims suffered slash injuries in Town Hall Parade, Brixton Road and Acre Lane on April 29 - two days before the death of Ms Dogbey.

They were attacked in quick succession in random, separate incidents at around 11.30pm, the court heard.

Nur was arrested after being stopped by police in Brixton High Street allegedly in possession of a weapon fashioned from a piece of broken mirror.

Ms Dogbey was the founder of a charity that helped people suffering with sickle cell disease and a devout Christian who 'wanted to make the world a better place'.

Fighting back the tears, her father Yao told MailOnline after his daughter's death: 'We have no words at this moment.

'My daughter was beautiful and kind-hearted. I'm sorry, I can't say anything more.'

Johanita's younger brother Maurice said: 'We are trying to understand what has happened and are completely broken.'

A family friend said: 'She was a genuinely good person who loved God and just wanted to make the world a better place. It's tragic that somebody who did so much good was killed like this.'

Ms Dogbey was a regular visitor to the two West African countries as part of her charity work and also helped organise fundraising events in the UK.

Ms Dogbey (pictured) was the founder of a charity that helped people suffering with sickle cell disease and a devout Christian who 'wanted to make the world a better place'

The 31-year-old was stabbed to death in broad daylight in London while 'on the phone to her grandmother'

Officers, paramedics and an air ambulance attended, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Met Police officers are pictured at the scene on May 1

She helped establish the organisation with her friend Naya Faya, who posted a number of moving social media tributes to her.

In one she writes: 'God is within her she will not fall.'

Away from her charity work, Ms Dogbey, a devout Christian regularly attended a church close to her Brixton home with her parents, with friends describing them as 'God fearing people.'

She originated from Ghana and lived with her family only around 300 yards from where she was attacked, and they rushed to the scene within moments of it taking place.

Prosecutor Julian Evans, KC, earlier said: 'Johanita Dogbey was attacked in broad daylight on the afternoon of 1 May in the area of Stockwell Park Walk in Brixton.

'She died from injuries which were a result of a completely unprovoked attack on her.

'She was walking on her own along a residential street having been shopping in the central London area.

'There is no suggestion she and the defendant were known to one an other. She was attacked from behind by a man wearing all dark clothing. She was stabbed.'

Ms Dogbey was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem gave the cause of death as sharp force trauma to the neck.

A three-week trial is set for 29 April 2024. Nur will next appear for a hearing on 17 November.

Nur, of no fixed address, denies murder, three counts of unlawful wounding, and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon.
Cornish locals celebrated today after raising more than 1million to buy their hospital from the NHS to stop it being turned into holiday flats.

Residents in the seaside resort of St Ives were concerned their only hospital would be turned into flats and used for holiday accommodation - but after raising the funds to purchase it they hope to keep it as a health and wellbeing centre.

Councillor Kirsty Arthur, Mayor of St Ives, described it as a 'fairytale ending' for the community, adding: 'So often we see valuable facilities disappearing in our towns but this time, the community has won out.

'I cannot speak highly enough of the Friends' determination to carry on in the face of such a challenge. But in the end, this all comes down to partnership.

With an incredible fundraising campaign and community backing, locals have managed to raise the NHS Property Services price of 1,020,000

Pictured: St Ives residents rejoice after successfully purchasing their only hospital

READ MORE: Cornish coastal town St Ives is the happiest place to live in Great Britain, study shows Advertisement

'This is truly a great example of where the local council and the community can work together to achieve great things.

'We are so proud to have been able to play our part and all parties, the Friends, the Town Council, the NHS and our local MP, Derek Thomas (who was incredibly active behind the scenes) have got this to work,' she added.

Prospects for the Edward Hain Memorial Hospital looked bleak following the NHS decision to close it three years ago and sell it on the open market.

As a public body the NHS is required to get the best possible price to re-invest in services.

Because property is so expensive in Cornwall the community feared their beloved facility would be redeveloped into holiday accommodation.

However, campaign group The Friends of the Former Edward Hain asked the Town Council to step in and negotiate directly with the NHS, which it was able to do as a public body.

Using these powers it enabled the Friends to buy the site direct rather than it go to the highest bidder.

Pictured: Joyful resident after 'saving' their only hospital. St Ives' Mayor said: 'So often we see valuable facilities disappearing in our towns but this time, the community has won out'

Prospects for the Edward Hain Memorial Hospital looked bleak following the NHS decision to close it three years ago and sell it on the open market

Cornish residents achieve 'fairytale ending' after securing their only hospital which closed three years ago

Pictured: Emotional resident of St Ives who was part of the campaign group which secured the future of its only hospital

Campaigner raised 1,020,000 to buy the site in the Cornish seaside town

With an incredible fundraising campaign and community backing, the friends have managed to raise the NHS Property Services price of 1,020,000 to buy the site and the terms of the purchase have now been agreed.

Councillor Steve Hynes said: 'The council supports them all the way. It's brilliant that the community have gotten together and done this.

'It's a fantastically well organised group. To raise a million pounds is unbelievable in a small town.

'We'd of course have preferred the hospital to have stayed open but this is a great alternative.

'The efforts show that if you come together as a community and never give up great things can be achieved.'
MANZINI  SNAT President Mbongwa Dlamini has not been paid his salary for July and the teachers union leadership will deliver a petition to the Ministry of Education and Training tomorrow.

This is according to a statement issued by the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) Secretary General (SG), Lot Vilakati yesterday. The unionist said their president was again not paid for the month of July 2023, despite the fact that he was going to school religiously. He said numerous meetings with their line ministry over the matter were held, but they (meettings) were bearing no fruits. What we have observed in the meetings is what is termed as meetings management and professional delaying tactics by the senior management team of the Ministry of Education and Training, the SG said.

He said despite the promise that their president would be paid and subsequent encouragement to continue going to work, the administration continued to withhold his salary. He said by so doing, the employer was depriving him of his livelihood. This is the worst form of violation of workers rights - to deprive a worker his salary after diligently performing his duties as an employee, Vilakati said. He highlighted that their president was last paid his salary in September 2022. He said the national executive committee (NEC) of the teachers association had continually asked the Ministry of Education and Training if withholding the presidents salary was for political or professional reasons, because the courts ruled on the matter in favour of the president.

However, he said government decided to undermine the court ruling as to date, the presidents salary had not been released. Vilakati said on Wednesday July 19, 2023, the ministrys officials told the SNAT NEC that instructions were given to the Ministry of Public Services to open the salary. However, this did not happen, Vilakati said. Therefore, he said according to their analysis, it was now clear that reinstatement of the presidents salary needed them to gear up for mass action as an alternative. In that regard, he said the leadership of the union would deliver the petition tomorrow to the Ministry of Education and Training at 10:30am. He said the leaders would include general council members, NEC members and 15 branch executive committee members.

He said this decision was taken by the general council in its last meeting  that if government would not release their presidents salary, they would stage a leadership petition delivery at the Ministry of Education and Training. The unionist added that this activity would be followed by petition deliveries to all regional education offices (REOs) across the country. He said the petition deliveries would be done by branches and schedules would be communicated by his office in due course.
President Joe Biden's doctor is watching him 'like a hawk,' he's using extra-large font on the teleprompter and has more than doubled his use of Air Force One's shorter staircase after stumbling over a sandbag in June in Colorado.

Aides and allies of the 80-year-old president are trying to protect him from more age-related mishaps as he runs for reelection as the oldest person to ever hold the office.

NBC reported new details Monday, including that Biden is using exra-large font in the teleprompter. The network also crunched the numbers on Biden's use of the shorter, retractable stairs to board the presidential aircraft.

Before Biden tripped onstage at the U.S. Air Force Academy commencement, he was using the shorter set of stairs to get on and off Air Force One 37 percent of the time.

In the past seven weeks he's used the shorter staircase 84 percent of the time - 31 out of the 37 times he's gotten on or off the plane, NBC counted.

The June 1 incident of President Joe Biden tripping over a sandbag at the U.S. Air Force Academy's commencement ceremony prompted him doubling how often he uses Air Force One's shorter staircase

President Joe Biden is now using Air Force One's shorter staircase 84 percent of the time (pictured), up from 37 percent of the time before the sandbag tripping incident in June

Presidents have the option of using a staircase on wheels - with 26 steps to climb - or a shorter, 14-step staircase that folds into the plane.

The White House won't officially say accommodations are being made.

But last week, Politico reported that two Biden advisers privately acknowledged that the president's now-frequent use of the shorter staircase was intentional to ensure easier travel and minimize the chances of him taking another spill.

The president first lost the battle against Air Force One's rickety exterior staircase just two months into his tenure, in March 2021, as he headed to Atlanta, Georgia.

Then in February, as he left Warsaw, Poland - after his secret 10-hour each way train trip into Ukraine - he briefly tripped up the steps again.

It happened a third time in early March, as the president briefly stumbled as he boarded his plane en route to Selma, Alabama.

Last June he got his foot stuck in his bike's toe clamp, falling over sideways in front of a crowd of onlookers and reporters.

President Joe Biden is now almost exclusively boarding Air Force One using the shorter, retractable stairs (left, pictured on Thursday), after falling up the stairs three times. He stumbled up the stairs in March 2021 (right)

Another angle of President Joe Biden's March 2021 fall as he boarded Air Force One using the taller, grander staircase at Joint Base Andrews

President Biden also famously fell off his bike near his Delaware beach house after he had trouble removing his feet from the toe clips last June

But his biggest stumble of late happened on June 1 with the sandbag.

One senior aide told NBC that the sandbag had been camouflaged, making it hard to see, but across the administration and the Democratic Party, aides and allies knew the optics were bad.

'It happened in seconds,' one aide told the network, 'but it's going to be in front of us for months and maybe years.'

That sentiment was echoed by a Congressional Democrat, who was granted anonymity by NBC to talk about the president's fitness.

'The number of text messages that I got after the president fell ... I mean, my phone was blowing up. People are like, "Oh, this is so bad."'

The Hill Democrat added that the party 'needs to be responsive to what people are saying about Biden and their concerns that they have with his age.'

President Joe Biden briefly fell as he walked up the stairs to board Air Force One as he departed Warsaw after a three-day trip to Kyiv and the Polish capital in February 2023

President Joe Biden once again had trouble navigating Air Force One's stairs - briefly stumbling as he boarded the presidential aircraft as he departed from Selma, Alabama, in March 2023

For the NBC story, several current and former aides went on-the-record and gave testimonials about his vigor.

Former Labor Secretary Marty Walsh recalled traveling with Biden in 2021 to a Hummer plant in Michigan.

Biden, Walsh recalled, was dictating revisions to his speech off the top of his head.

'I thought to myself, "Wow, I wish more people could see this,"' Walsh told NBC. 'The president isn't falling down every day, for crying out loud. If you've ever given him a hug, you're going to feel the man is solid. He's in good shape.'

Stefanie Feldman, the White House staff secretary, recalled to the network a time when Biden was returning from a NATO trip when he unexpectedly turned up in the staff cabin of Air Force One.

Feldman recalled that aides were 'passed out from exhaustion,' and 'the president came out and wanted to thank everyone for their work. I was kicking people to wake them up and engage with the president, who wanted to engage with his staff.'

'If only I had the energy of an 80-year-old President Biden,' she remarked.

An aide told NBC that the sandbag had been camouflaged, making it harder for the 80-year-old president to see when he tripped on June 1 at the commencement ceremony for the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado

The 80-year-old president also has the benefit of around-the-clock medical care.

White House Physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, is always observing Biden 'like a hawk, whether he wants it or not,' a close adviser told NBC.

Dan Coats, the former director of national intelligence in the Trump administration and served alongside Biden in the U.S. Senate, said that nobody at that age is up to the job.

'As someone who just turned 80, I strongly believe that we need someone younger, whether it's on the Democratic side or the Republican side,' Coats told the network.

Trump, who's leading the pack for the 2024 GOP nomination, is not much younger than Biden, at 77.

'The weight of the world falls on the shoulders of the president, and right now, we have two disabled presidents,' Coats continued. 'Age plays a major factor in this, and people have to think about what the next generation will provide.'
Malia and Sasha Obama were spotted flying off of Martha's Vineyard on Tuesday after the tragic death of the family's private chef, Tafari Campbell.

Campbell, 45, died on Sunday in an accident on Great Edgartown Pond, a large but calm body of water that the Obamas' luxury pad sits on.

It remains unclear how exactly Tafari came to drown. He was a competent swimmer and the water where he was paddle boarding is mostly calm, though neighbors say it can be deceptive.

There was another paddle boarder on the water at the time, but they have not yet been identified.

Sasha, 22, and Malia, 25, were spotted leaving Martha's Vineyard today after the death of the family's private chef

The two sisters kept a low profile as they made their way through the small airport

Today, Malia and Sasha were quiet and polite towards airline staff as they made their way through the small island's airport. They have not yet commented on Tafari's tragic death.

The married father-of-two spent 14 years working for the Obama family, first in the White House and then privately.

In a statement, Barack and Michelle Obama said he was a 'beloved' member of the family.

Earlier today, his wife Sherise posted on Instagram that she would be 'heartbroken forever'.

'My heart is broken. My life and our familys life is forever changed.

'Please pray for me and our families as I deal with the loss of my husband,' she said.

The sisters are shown checking in for their flight this afternoon

The two sisters flew commercial out of Martha's Vineyard today. There was no sign of their parents

Sasha was lugging a large red leather tote bag and wearing leather flip flops

Malia was dressed in jeans, boots, a green hoodie and a tank top

Tarif Campbell died in an as yet unexplained accident on the pond behind the Obamas' home. He had gone out paddle boarding on the calm water last night, and was seen falling off the board

Mitch Rubin, who lives across the pond from the Obamas, told DailyMail.com that he saw Sasha, 22, and a group of friends enjoying a beach day on Saturday - the day before the tragedy.

He said: 'We saw their youngest daughter on a private beach near the home on Saturday, she was with friends and who we assumed were Secret Service. You can only access that area by a boat.

'We assumed that Michelle and Barack were also around because she was there, we didn't see them but secret service and their daughters being around usually means that they are here on a family vacation.

'I've never seen any of the Obamas paddleboard on the pond. I've seen them in motor boats. I've seen them kayak on the pond.

'The search and the helicopters at the time made our house shake. We were shocked by it because we actually went to the beach that day on the pond.

'We had our motorboat and kayaks, it was calm and I know that because I wasn't able to bring my sailboat out. So it was a very mellow, quiet day on the pond.

'The pond is a very safe place typically to do all sorts of watersports and people do that. And it's usually not a problem.'

In their statement yesterday, the Obamas - who were on the island but not at home at the time of the accident - said: 'When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House  creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together.

'In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter.'

'That's why, when we were getting ready to leave the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed.

'He's been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that he's gone.'

Malia carted her own large suitcase into the airport before her flight
First son Hunter Biden faced some sneering reviews from Republicans after two well-heeled purchasers of his modern art projects were unmasked.

'Lets call the Hunter Biden art scam what it is: bribes for the Biden family, approved by the president,' wrote Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, following reports that one of the buyers was real estate investor and Democratic donor Elizabeth Hirsch Naftali.

Republicans, who had already pounced on information gleaned from Hunter's infamous laptop to probe his business deals and accuse the first family of corruption, are now armed with new information from the art world.

The White House had previously announced that a team of lawyers had reviewed sales and kept purchasers anonymous as a way to avoid potential conflicts of interest when buyers handed hefty sales prices to the president's son.

'Corruption at every turn with this administration. It makes you wonder, what else is going on?' tweeted Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.).

In 2021, Hunter made his debut at a ritzy New York art gallery, where the sticker price clocked in on some of his amateur pieces at $500,000. Republicans penned scathing reviews of the practice after the identities of two of his purchasers were revealed

Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), who is already probing Hunter's business deals, has accused the Biden family of bribery

Scott himself has admitted 'mistakes' as the CEO of the Columbia/HCA hospital company, which paid a $1.7 billion settlement in 2000 and 2002 for alleged Medicare fraud.

House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer once again accused the Biden family of a scheme involving 'bribes' in an appearance on Sean Hannity's program on Fox News.

'Well, we've got already proven over $10 million, and we're sitting on a lot more bank records. We're gonna bring people in now to try to explain where this money came from,' he said.

He spoke after the testimony of IRS 'whistleblowers' who claimed the first son got preferential treatment in a probe of his taxes. He will plead guilty in federal court Wednesday to two misdemeanor tax counts.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) called Hunter's art career a 'scam'

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) said there was 'corruption' at every turn

Comer connected the art sales to a probe of his international business efforts

'I think all roads point to Joe Biden I think any reasonable American would see that, but for this mainstream media, Sean, we have to have a whole lot more evidence than Adam Schiff or Jamie Raskin did when they were going after Trump,' he said, mentioning two Trump impeachment managers for House Democrats.

'But we're going to provide the evidence and I think we're making progress every day,' he said.

Biden has not been charged or convicted of bribery and Republicans have yet to provide evidence he was offered one.

The White House had defended the art sales against charges of a conflict back in 2021.

'After careful consideration, a system has been established that allows for Hunter Biden to work in his profession within reasonable safeguards,' said White House press secretary Jen Psaki when the art sales were being criticized.

'Of course, he has the right to pursue an artistic career just like any child of a president has the right to pursue a career, but all interactions regarding the selling of art and the setting of prices will be handled by a professional gallerist adhering to the highest industry standards, and any offer out of the normal, of course, would be rejected out of hand,' she said.

Hunter Biden lawyer Abbe Lowell told Business Insider, 'The gallery sets the pricing and handles all sales based on the highest ethical standards of the industry and does not disclose the names of any purchasers to Mr. Biden.'

Hunter Biden's transition from international wheeler-dealer to L.A.-based artist raised immediate concern from ethics experts, even after his works drew positive reviews.

Hunter Biden's paintings have been bought by a top Democratic donor and the lawyer who has caught smoking a bong during a visit from the First Son last week, a bombshell new report has revealed.

Despite a White House promise that all purchasers' identities would be kept a secret, two names have been revealed: Los Angeles-based real estate investor and Democratic donor Elizabeth Hirsch Naftali and Hollywood attorney Kevin Morris.

In July 2022, eight months after Hunter's exhibition opened in New York City, Joe Biden appointed Naftali to the Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad. It's not clear whether she had already purchased the art at that time.

Hunter's Hollywood 'fixer' lawyer Morris was seen smoking on the balcony of his Malibu home last week and loaned the president's son $2million to help him pay back taxes.

When Hunter Biden first announced he would make a high-dollar foray into the art world, the Biden team promised the identities of those who purchased Hunter's art would remain anonymous. On the campaign trail, Joe Biden promised an 'absolute wall' between his duties as president and his family's business dealings.

In 2021, Hunter made his debut at a ritzy New York art gallery, where the sticker price clocked in on some of his amateur pieces at $500,000.

Hunter Biden's artwork has brought in $1.3 million dollars, and it has been revealed that a top Democratic donor and Biden family friend who President Biden named to a prestigious commission was one of the purchasers

Last Thursday Kevin Morris was seen smoking from a bong in public view. He has been revealed as one of the buyers of Hunter's artwork

The White House said at the time the buyers had been vetted and their identity was only known to the gallery - suggesting Hunter's latest business venture would not become a way to sell White House influence.

But Hunter Biden did in fact learn the identity of two of his collectors, according to an Insider report that cites three people with direct knowledge of Biden's art career.

Membership of the commission Naftali was appointed to is unpaid and often filled by friends and allies of the president, much like ambassadorships.

Naftali is prominent in California Democratic circles. She's given some $13,000 to the Biden campaign and has donated $29,700 to the Democratic National Campaign Committee this year.

Last year she hosted a fundraiser that was headlined by Vice President Kamala Harris.

It's also not clear how much Naftali spent on Hunter's art. One single purchaser spent $875,000 on 11 of Hunter's paintings- though the identity of that person is unclear.

The buyer apparently does not reside in New York and is listed as 'out of state' in purchasing documents obtained by Insider.

The gallery received a 40 to 45 percent commission on the total $1,379,000 in sales.

Despite a promise that all purchasers' identities would be kept a secret, two names have been revealed: Los Angeles-based real estate investor and Democratic donor Elizabeth Hirsch Naftali, above, and Hollywood attorney Kevin Morris

Morris, also an author, is a confidant and 'fixer' for Hunter Biden

Hunter Biden, gallerist Georges Berges and Beau Biden, Jr. arrive at the opening of Hunter's new show 'Haiku' at Georges Berges Gallery in New York City

A White House official told Insider that Naftali's appointment had been recommended by former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and there was no connection between her art purchase and her spot on the commission.

An email found on Hunter Biden's abandoned laptop suggests that he has helped people get a spot on the commission before. When a cousin wrote to Hunter asking for help in getting a similar appointment for their mother, Hunter wrote back: 'Eric asked me for one of these the day after the election in 2008.' He was referring to Eric Schwerin - a former business partner who President Obama appointed to the commission in 2015.

Morris, a confidant and 'fixer' for Hunter, has spent an undisclosed amount on the first son's art. The wealthy Los Angeles-based attorney has loaned Hunter some $2 million to pay the back taxes he owed and avoid felony charges. Hunter recently pleaded guilty two misdemeanor charges for his tax crimes.

Morris has at times paid Hunter's living expenses in Los Angeles, according. to the New York Times. He helped him find a high-powered literary agent for his memoir 'Beautiful Things' and helped him seal the art gallery deal.

Morris has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to Democratic causes.

Republicans have Hunter Biden in their sights for alleged influence-peddling schemes. Last week they released an unverified FBI form where a confidential human source detailed a conversation with a Burisma executive who claimed Hunter and Joe had been paid $5 million each in exchange for policy outcomes when he was vice president.
Former US Marine Trevor Reed has been injured while fighting in Ukraine, just 15 months after he was sprung from a Russian jail in a prisoner swap.

Reed was rushed to a hospital in Kyiv and has since been evacuated to Germany for specialist treatment.

Two anonymous U.S. military officials, who had been briefed on the events, told The Messenger that Reed was wounded two weeks ago after stepping on a landmine.

The officials said they do not know the extent to which Reed was injured but claimed he'd suffered shrapnel wounds from the explosion.

The sources expressed frustration over Reed's case because of warnings to American citizens against travel to Ukraine and the lengths to which the U.S. went in order to free him in April 2022.

Reed was arrested in the summer of 2019 after Russian authorities said he assaulted an officer while being driven to a police station following a night of heavy drinking.

He was later sentenced to nine years in prison, though his family maintained his innocence - and the U.S. government described him as being unjustly detained.

Former US Marine Trevor Reed has been injured while fighting in Ukraine, just 15 months after he was sprung from a Russian jail in a prisoner swap in April 2022

'Since the beginning of the war, we have warned that U.S. citizens who travel to Ukraine, especially with the purpose of participating in fighting there, that they face significant risks, including the very real risk of capture or death,' the source explained to the outlet.

The official stressed that Reed 'was not engaged in any activities on behalf of the U.S. Government, and... the U.S. Government has been extraordinarily explicit in warning Americans not to travel to Ukraine, let alone to participate in fighting there.'

It has been claimed that Reed had joined a group of guerilla fighters on the side of Ukraine in the resistance against Russian forces, according to The Messenger.

Thousands of Americans are believed to have made the journey to Ukraine to fight, though the full extent of numbers remains unclear.

Reed had pleaded to return to the U.S. after his injury, but the officials said an 'issue involving his contract with Ukrainian forces' prevented that.

Officials also told the outlet that Reed hoped to take his story to the press as a way to 'complain about his treatment in Ukraine' and 'advocate for the U.S. government to help in his evacuation.'

'[Reed] had to be talked off a ledge about going to the media,' said one of the U.S. military officials.

Reed, who had previously been in a Russian prison since 2019 (pictured), was rushed to a hospital in Kyiv and has since been evacuated to Germany for specialist treatment

The US and Russia were seen doing the swap on a runway in Turkey in 2022

The threat to go public is believed to have led the State Department to begin efforts to coordinate his evacuation with a non-governmental organization, the officials said however they didn't know which NGO was involved.

'My own interpretation is that he got what he wanted, he wanted help out of Ukraine, the [Biden] administration doesn't want negative Ukraine press, so he got help,' one official claimed.

State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told Associate Press that Reed's decision to take up arms has potentially complicated U.S. efforts to win the release of two other Americans still detained in Moscow - Wall Street Journal reporter, Evan Gershkovich, and corporate security executive, Paul Whelan.

His fighting also risked a potentially dire scenario if he'd been captured and returned to Russian custody after the U.S. had worked to get him home.

'As I indicated, we have been incredibly clear warning American citizens, American nationals, not to travel to Ukraine, let alone participate in fighting,' Patel said.

'As you know, we are not in a place to provide assistance to evacuate private U.S. citizens from Ukraine, including those Americans who may decide to travel to Ukraine to participate in fighting.'

The nature of Reed's injury was not immediately clear, but Patel confirmed that he was transported out of Ukraine by a non-governmental organization.

Reed had been in Russia visiting his girlfriend and learning Russian at the time. He is pictured in 2018 in Red Square in Moscow

Reed had reportedly been celebrating with his girlfriend, Alina Tsybulnik, and some of her co-workers the night he was arrested in the summer of 2019

Reed was released from Russian custody in an April 2022 prisoner swap in exchange for a Russian pilot, Konstantin Yaroshenko, who'd been serving a 20-year federal sentence for conspiring to smuggle cocaine into the U.S.

Reed was arrested in the summer of 2019 after Russian authorities said he assaulted an officer while being driven by police to a police station following a night of heavy drinking. He was later sentenced to nine years in prison.

The U.S. government described him as unjustly detained and pressed for his release while his family has asserted his innocence.

Relatives also were concerned about his deteriorating health. At one point he said he was coughing up blood while in custody.

He also staged a hunger strike to protest the conditions under which he was held.

Footage taken by Russian state media of Reed's historic prisoner exchange showed Russian forces in camouflage and neck garters escorting him out of a dark-colored van.

The U.S. government described Reed as unjustly detained and pressed for his release while his family has asserted his innocence

Reed was released as part of a prisoner exchange, in which US officials agreed to return Konstantin Yaroshenko - a Russian pilot serving a 20-year federal prison sentence in Connecticut for conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the U.S. after he was arrested in Liberia in 2010 and extradited to the U.S.

Reed was then led by his arms to a private plane nearby as he held a large, dark duffel bag.

In the video, Reed appeared to be much thinner in the video than he was in photos taken before his arrest - which may have been the result of the hunger strike.

Reed was released as part of a prisoner exchange, in which US officials agreed to return Konstantin Yaroshenko.

Yaroshenko was a Russian pilot serving a 20-year federal prison sentence in Connecticut for conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the U.S. after he was arrested in Liberia in 2010 and extradited to the U.S.
A federal judge on Tuesday blocked President Joe Biden's new border policy which tightened restrictions on migrants claiming asylum.

It had been credited with slashing the number of illegal crossings.

And it marks a bitter blow to Biden. The White House quickly said the Department of Justice would appeal the ruling.

Biden came to power promising to reverse many of Donald Trump's most hardline measures.

But his administration introduced a fresh series of asylum restrictions earlier this year as Title 42, a pandemic-era measure that allowed many migrants to be immediately expelled, expired.

President Joe Biden on Tuesday suffered a setback as border restrictions introduced with the expiration of Title 42 were blocked by a California judge

Asylum-seeking migrants sit by a wire fence while waiting to be transported by U.S. law enforcement officers after crossing the Rio Grande river into U.S. from Mexico in Eagle Pass

It triggered multiple lawsuits by Republican states as well as refugee advocacy groups.

In bringing the case, the A.C.L.U. accused the Biden administration of following the Trump playbook by denying asylum to people who had traveled through a third country to reach the border without applying for sanctuary there.

'Despite the administration's efforts to distinguish its proposal from Trump's, they share a common core, which is to punish people for not requesting asylum in the countries they must travel through to reach the U.S., like Mexico and Guatemala,' it said.

'This ignores the obvious reason why so many do not seek asylum there: These countries do not offer real sanctuary for migrants fleeing persecution.'

Judge Jon Tigar of the California Northern District Court sided with their argument in his decision but put the bar on hold for 14 days to allow a possible appeal.

The A.C.L.U. welcomed the ruling.

'The administration now faces a choice: Follow the law, or try to block the ruling from taking effect in 14 days, leaving people seeking safety in grave danger,' the group tweeted.

And Melissa Crow, director of litigation at the Center for Gender & Refugee Studies, said: 'The court got it right.

'We urge the administration to stop defending this illegal policy.'

A group of around 60 Venezuelan migrants turn themselves in to the Border Patrol after crossing the Rio Grande in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico on July 20

The A.C.L.U. called on the Biden administration to follow the law after the ruling

In his 35-page ruling, Tigar said U.S. law specifically states that crossing the border illegally should not be a bar to asylum.

And it only allowed migrants to be rejected if they had traveled through a country that 'presents a safe option.'

'The rule  which has been in effect for two months  cannot remain in place,' he concluded.

Tigar was nominated to the bench by President Barack Obama and was responsible for repeatedly blocking similar restrictions imposed by the Trump administration.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre responded during her daily briefing.

'Nothing has changed. There's a stay, which means that our border enforcement plan remains in full effect,' she said.

'The Department of Justice will appeal the decision and seek to extend the stay.

'And as we have said multiple times, our border enforcement plan works. It is deterrence, it's diplomacy and enforcement.'

The Biden administration has struggled to control crossings.

Under Operation Lone Star, Texas has deployed thousands of National Guard troops to the border and installed a floating barrier in the Rio Grande River

However, the most recent data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection suggests the new measures were working. Border agents encountered about 144,000 people trying to cross in June, 30 percent down on the month of May.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has launched legal action against Texas to remove barriers installed in the Rio Grande River.

An administration official accused Gov. Greg Abbott of playing dangerous 'political games' with the lives of people trying to reach safety.

Abbott appeared to relish the action, saying in a statement just before the Department of Justice made its move: 'Texas will see you in court, Mr. President.'

He had large plastic buoys installed in the river earlier this month near the city of Eagle Pass, amid a series of measures designed to deter people from crossing.

The Biden administration says he had no right to take such action.
A jury has found six people guilty of terrorist murder for extremist attacks in 2016 that killed 32 people, Belgium's worst peacetime violence, according to Belgian media.

Among those convicted was Salah Abdeslam, 33, who already is serving a life sentence without parole in France over his role in attacks that hit Paris cafes, the Bataclan theatre and France's national stadium in 2015.

The verdict was reported by public broadcaster RTBF, newspaper Le Soir and news websites HLN and Nieuwsblad.

Abdeslam was the only survivor among the Islamic State extremists who struck Paris in November 2015 and were part of a Franco-Belgian network that went on to target Brussels four months later.

After months on the run following the Paris attacks, Abdeslam was captured in Brussels on March 18, 2016, and his arrest may have prompted other members of the Islamic State group cell to rush ahead with attack plans on the Belgian capital.

In this Friday March 18, 2016 file framegrab taken from VTM, Salah Abdeslam, centre, is arrested by police and bundled into a police vehicle during a raid in the Molenbeek neighbourhood of Brussels

People gather at a makeshift memorial on the Place de la Bourse (Beursplein) in Brussels on March 23, 2016, a day after a triple bomb attack

Belgian-Moroccan Mohamed Abrini was found guilty of being one of the teams of suicide bombers who targeted Brussels' airport and a metro station.

He testified that he decided at the last-minute not to blow himself up at the airport - as did another defendant, Osama Krayem, a Swede of Syrian descent.

Krayem was also found guilty of murder, along with defendants Ali El Haddad Asufi and Bilal El Makhoukhi.

Oussama Atar, identified as a possible organiser of the deadly attacks on both Paris and Brussels, was convicted of terrorist murder in absentia.

He is believed to have died in the Islamic State group's final months of fighting in Iraq and Syria.

Two other suspects - Tunisian Sofien Ayari and Rwandan Herve Bayingana Muhirwa - were acquitted of murder but found guilty of participating in a terrorist group.

Two brothers Smail and Ibrahim Farisi were acquitted on the charges they faced.

The chief judge read out the verdict and explanations by the 12-person jury, who made a clear connection to IS and its extremist ideology.

The reading of the verdict was expected to take several hours.

Terrorist murder was among various charges suspects were facing.

Sentencing will be decided in a separate process, not before September.

The biggest trial in Belgium's judicial history unfolded over seven months in a special court to address the exceptional case.

The morning rush hour attacks on March 22, 2016 at Zavantem Airport and on the Brussels subway's central commuter line deeply shook the city, home to the headquarters of the European Union and NATO, and put the country on edge.

In addition to the 32 people killed, nearly 900 others were wounded or suffered serious mental trauma.

Jamila Adda, president of the Life4Bruxelles victims' association, gathered a group of survivors at the special courthouse to hear Tuesday's verdict.

Police and rescue teams are pictured outside the metro station Maelbeek after an incident, in Brussels, on March 22, 2016

This file image grab made on March 22, 2016, from a video by RTL TVI shows people inside Brussels airport in Zaventem after a blast

Among them was a man named Frederic, who said the 'atrocious crimes' of March 22 still haunt him.

'We have been waiting for this for seven years, seven years that weighed heavily on the victims ... We are waiting with impatience, and with some anguish' for the verdict, he told The Associated Press.

Frederic, among the commuters who survived the attack at the Maelbeek metro station, spoke on condition that his last name not be published to protect his identity.

Survivors have supported each other through the proceedings, with some coming every day.

'It is important to be together, to hear the decision of justice,' Frederic said.

The 12 jurors have been deliberating since early July over some 300 questions the court asked them to consider before reaching a verdict.

Those convicted could face up to 30 years in prison.

The trial, which started at the end of last year, was held under tight security at the converted former headquarters of the NATO military alliance.

The court on Tuesday formally boosted the death toll from the attacks from 32 to 35 after finding a link between the trauma suffered and the deaths of three more people subsequently.

One of those included a 23-year-old woman, present at the airport, who decided to end her life through euthanasia due to the mental suffering inflicted.
There have been 'no new communications' from North Korea about US soldier Travis King who bolted across the country's heavily fortified border last week.

US State Department spokesperson Matt Miller said they have not received a response from North Korea after the American-led UN Command announced on Monday that it had started talks with the country following the incident.

Miller said it was his understanding 'that there have been no new communications since last week,' but added that the 'North Koreans acknowledge they received the message.'

US Army Pvt. King, 23, has not been publicly seen or heard from since he made the mad dash across the border after skipping his flight back to the US, where he was facing disciplinary action.

Travis King bolted into North Korea while on a tour of the Demilitarized Zone Tuesday - a day after he was supposed to travel to a base in the US

King, circled, is pictured during the tour moments before his dash across the border into North Korea

'I saw the reports about contact between the U.N. Command and North Korea. It is my understanding that there have been no new communications since last week - communications that happened in the early days,' Miller said Monday during a State Department briefing.

'I think the reports may have resulted from a misinterpretation of the U.N. Command's original statement, but I will leave it to them to discuss the details of that,' Miller added. 'But I'm not aware of any new communications other than those that happened in the very early hours or early days after he went across the border.

'They acknowledged that they received the message,' he continued. 'On our side, as I said last week, we have a number of channels through which we're able to send messages to them,' Miller also said.

'We've delivered the messages to North Korea, but we have as yet not received a response.'

It comes after Gen. Andrew Harrison, the deputy commander of the United Nations Command (UNC) said that a 'conversation has commenced' with North Korea over the incident.

King was expected to board an American Airlines flight back home last Tuesday from Incheon International Airport outside of Seoul.

The border between North Korea and South Korea is heavily guarded

King had been scheduled to board a flight back to the United States to face a disciplinary hearing for a series of offenses he committed while stationed in South Korea, but instead crossed one of the world's most heavily fortified borders into perhaps its most isolated nation

He would have then been administratively separated from the service when he returned to Fort Bliss in Texas, a US Army official told CNN.

'He passed through all the security points up to the boarding gate but he told the airline staff that his passport was missing,' an official at the Incheon airport told CNN.

King was then escorted back outside to the departure side, the official said.

The next day, King joined other tourists as they went into the DMZ and the Joint Security Area, where he then bolted across the border and into North Korea.

King is believed to be the first US soldier to cross into North Korea since 1982.

Video shows the private crossing the border during a tour of Panmunjom while he was supposed to be heading to Fort Bliss, Texas, following his release from prison in South Korea on an assault conviction.

North Korea has still not produced the 23-year-old King or acknowledged his arrest

King crossed the border at Panmunjom, during a tour of the Joint Security Area of the Demilitarized Zone

US officials and family members have since expressed concern about the soldier's wellbeing and mental state, with the Army adding that North Korea had ignored requests for information about him.

Analysts say North Korea may wait weeks or even months to provide meaningful information about King to maximize leverage and add urgency to US efforts to secure his release.

Others say the country may try to wrest concessions from Washington, such as tying his release to the United States cutting back its military activities with South Korea, as it looks to perform a victory laps nearly 70 years to the day removed from the end of the Korean War - which the Kims famously claim the North won.

King's crossing came at a time of high tensions in the Korean Peninsula, where the pace of both North Koreas weapons demonstrations and the United States combined military exercises have intensified in a tit-for-tat cycle.

King's crossing came at a time of high tensions in the Korean Peninsula, where the pace of both North Koreas weapons demonstrations and the United States combined military exercises have intensified in a tit-for-tat cycle. Ex- President Donald Trump met North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un at Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone, South Korea on June 30, 2019

On Monday, South Korea's military said a nuclear-propelled US submarine arrived at a port on Jeju Island. The arrival of the USS Annapolis adds to the allies' show of force to counter North Korean nuclear threats.

North Korea reacted to its arrival by test-firing ballistic and cruise missiles in apparent demonstrations that it could make nuclear strikes against South Korea and deployed US naval vessels.

North Korea's defense minister also issued a veiled threat, saying the Kentuckys docking in South Korea could be grounds for the North to use a nuclear weapon against it.

North Korea has used similar rhetoric before, but the statement underscored how strained relations are now.

The United States and South Korea have expanded their combined military exercises and increased regional deployments of US aircraft and ships, including 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.

Tensions eased slightly during Donald Trump's presidency, when he met with Kim Jong-Un at the demilitarized zone where King crossed the border.

King had been acting 'reckless and crazy' for several months before the incident, following the tragic death of his seven-year-old cousin from a rare genetic disorder, a relative said.

He suffered a breakdown after King'Nazir Gates passed away in February 2023 and family members believe this also contributed to his issues with South Korean authorities.

'I can't see him doing that intentionally if he was in his right mind,' King's maternal grandfather, Carl Gates, told The Associated Press from his Kenosha, Wisconsin, home

King suffered a breakdown after King'Nazir Gates (pictured) passed away in February

King's mother, Claudine Gates, just wants her son to return to their Wisconsin home (pictured)

Before the border dash, King had also been jailed in South Korea for two months after attacking a man in a night club and damaging a police car. He was also facing disciplinary action from his Army superiors.

King'Nazir's father, Carl Gates, who is the brother of Travis King's mom, said it seemed like the soldier was 'breaking down' as his cousin's condition deteriorated.

'It affected Travis a lot because he couldn't be here. He was in the Army, overseas,' said Gates.

When my son was on life support, and when my son passed away Travis started [being] reckless [and] crazy when he knew my son was about to die,' he told the Daily Beast .

'I know it was related to what he did.'

King'Nazir suffered from an extremely rare disorder called SPTLC-2, which caused his muscles to deteriorate. The little boy went through extensive treatment for the condition, but he deteriorated rapidly several weeks before his death.

His family said he was 'always in good spirits' despite his illness and described him as an 'animal lover' and 'outdoor lover'.

Gates said King 'loved and cherished' his cousin, adding: 'Picture yourself being in the Army and your baby cousin from your favorite, my only child, he's struggling and going through pain.

'And he's crying like a baby, and now you're in the service and you can't do nothing about it. And then you're crying like a baby. The pain came from my son, and it escalated to this s***.'
The White House has slammed Greg Gutfeld over his 'dangerous and extreme lie' after he claimed some Jewish people survived Nazi camps by being 'useful'.

The Fox News host's incendiary comment came during a panel discussion in defense of the controversial new Florida slavery curriculum - also sparking rebukes from the Auschwitz Museum, and mass outrage online as he was branded a 'scumbag'.

Middle school students in Florida will be taught that slavery gave black people 'skills' which could be 'used for their personal benefit', under the new curriculum approved by the state's Board of Education.

A 216-page document by the board includes new instructions for middle school teachers, including how students should be taught 'how slaves developed skills, which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit'.

Speaking about this new curriculum during Monday's edition of Fox News Channel's The Five, hosts including Jesse Watters, 45, and Gutfeld, 58, were involved in a stunning exchange caught on clips which have since gone viral.

The White House has slammed Fox News host Greg Gutfeld over his 'dangerous and extreme Holocaust lie' after he claimed some Jewish people survived Nazi camps by being 'useful'

It began with Watters defending the curriculum, which has been imposed by Florida governor and White House hopeful Ron DeSantis' administration.

'This is historical fact that slaves did develop skills while they were enslaved and then used those skills as blacksmiths, as in agriculture, tailoring, in the shipping business, to then use to benefit themselves and their families once they were freed,' Watters said.

'That's not controversial. It actually speaks to the resilience and the aptitude of the enslaved African Americans who were at the time, able to better themselves and able to improve their situation.

'Despite brutal, brutal conditions, horrific and abhorrent conditions.'

At this point, Fox News' liberal co-host Jessica Tarlov, 39, mentioned she is Jewish, and posed the hypothetical question: 'Would someone say about the Holocaust, for instance, that there were some benefits for Jews?

'Right while they were hanging out in concentration camps - "you learned a strong work ethic, right? Maybe you learned a new skill."'

Gutfeld essentially answered yes with his response.

'Did you ever read "Man's Search for Meaning?"' he asked.

'Viktor Frankl talks about how you had to survive in a concentration camp by having skills. You had to be useful  utility  utility kept you alive,' Gutfeld declared.

Jesse Watters, 45, also made a similar comparison about Black Americans who were subjected to slavery

This comes after viewing figures for Jesse Watters Primetime tanked by 800,000 after he replaced Tucker Carlson. The show aired with Watters for the first time on July 17, attracting 2.4 million viewers compared to Carlson's usual 3.2 million

The White House weighed in the next day, slamming the right-wing channel over its silence on the controversial comment.

'What Fox News allowed to be said on their air yesterday - and has so far failed to condemn - is an obscenity,' Andrew Bates, deputy White House press secretary, said in a statement to CNN.

'In defending a horrid, dangerous, extreme lie that insults the memory of the millions of Americans who suffered from the evil of enslavement, a Fox News host told another horrid, dangerous and extreme lie that insults the memory of the millions of people who suffered from the evils of the Holocaust.

'Let's get something straight that the American people understand full well and that is not complicated: there was nothing good about slavery; there was nothing good about the Holocaust. Full stop.

'Americans deserve to be brought together, not torn apart with poison. And they deserve the truth and the freedom to learn, not book bans and lies.'

Officials at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in Poland also criticized their comments in a lengthy six paragraph Twitter post.

'While it is true that some Jews may have used their skills or usefulness to increase their chances of survival during the Holocaust, it is essential to contextualize this statement properly and understand that it does not represent the complex history of the genocide perpetrated by Nazi Germany,' they said.

Gutfeld's incendiary comment came during a panel discussion in defense of the controversial new Florida slavery curriculum - also sparking rebukes from the Auschwitz Museum

'While it is accurate to acknowledge that some Jews may have survived temporarily due to their perceived usefulness, it is crucial to remember that the Holocaust was a systematic genocide with the ultimate aim of exterminating the entire Jewish population.

'It would be more appropriate to say that some Jews survived the Holocaust because they were considered temporarily useful, and the circumstances of the Nazi regime's collapse prevented their murder.'

'We should avoid such oversimplifications in talking about this complex tragic story,' they concluded.

The museum also addressed Gutfeld's reference to Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl's 1946 autobiography which chronicles his experiences and how they shaped his view of the world.

'Viktor Frankl's observation about the specific situation in Auschwitz, which at some point became a camp that connected the functions of a concentration camp and extermination center and where deported Jews went through the selection process, highlights how some Jews became registered prisoners and might have used their skills to gain favor or prolong their lives in that particular setting,' they said.

'Yet, it never gave them complete protection.'

Known for his provocative rhetoric, Gutfeld, who has been a fixture of the Fox News lineup for more than 15 years after joining in 2007, received much more brazen criticism from viewers online.

Jewish academic Shaiel Ben-Ephraim, who describes himself as a Zionist, asked Gutfeld whether he considered his family members who died in the Holocaust as 'just not useful enough to live'.

'In an effort to explain how slavery benefitted African Americans, Greg Gutfeld of Fox News explains that the Jews who were useful survived the Holocaust,' Ben-Ephraim said.

'My family members who didn't survive Auschwitz were just not useful enough to live. Right, Greg?'

Gutfeld's Holocaust comment sparked outrage on Twitter, among both the Jewish community and horrified viewers

A woman named Marlene Robertson on Twitter also weighed in, branding Gutfeld a 'scumbag'.

'Scumbag Greg Gutfeld says that the Holocaust wasn't all that bad because some Jews with skills survived,' Robertson said.

'He doesn't mention what happened to the six million Jews who did not have skills.

'How the f*** do advertisers, who keep Fox afloat, sleep at night?'

This comes after viewing figures for Jesse Watters Primetime tanked by 800,000 after he replaced Tucker Carlson.

The show aired with Watters for the first time on July 17, attracting 2.4 million viewers compared to Carlson's usual 3.2 million.

It was Watters' first 8pm show since Carlson, 54, was fired by the network in April, days after Fox settled its legal fight with Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 million over defamation allegations related to the 2020 presidential election.

Despite Carlson's loyal following not all tuning in to Watters' show, his figures easily bested his rivals on CNN and MSNBC, according to the ratings data compiled by Nielsen.

MSNBC's All In with Chris Hayes had 1.222 million viewers on the same night, and CNN's Anderson Cooper 360 had 668,222 viewers.
Marjorie Taylor Greene is brushing off a freshman Democrat's resolution to censure the controversial Republican for holding up posters of Hunter Biden's nudes during an Oversight hearing last week.

Rep. Greene, R-Ga., suggested that Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt., must have 'really bad' fundraising figures to pull the censure stunt.

Balint introduced the resolution on Tuesday in response to Greene showing censored images of the president's 52-year-old son engaged in sex acts with what is presumed to be paid escorts. The House Oversight hearing where the images were displayed included testimony from two whistleblowers claiming Hunter Biden received preferential treatment in the tax fraud case against him.

This just adds to the laundry list of approximately 40 grievances against the Georgia lawmaker.

In addition to the images of Hunter, Balint's resolution also makes reference to Greene visiting inmates at Washington jail who are incarcerated for their involvement in the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack as well as calling progressive members of Congress, some who are Muslim, part of the 'Jihad squad.'

Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt., introduced a privileged resolution on Tuesday to censure controversial Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene  adding to the laundry list of grievances against the congresswoman

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene held up posters at an Oversight hearing on Wednesday showing explicit images of hunter Biden from his laptop allegedly with prostitutes

Balint also takes issue with Greene comparing COVID-19 vaccinations to Nazis forcing Jewish people to wear a star on their arm during the Holocaust.

'Geez fundraising must be really bad,' Greene said in response to the resolution.

The act was introduced as a privileged resolution, meaning Balint has motion in the future to force floor action on the measure.

'For me, censuring Rep. Taylor Greene is about the health of our democracy and faith in government. Her antisemitic, racist, transphobic rhetoric has no place in the House of Representatives,' Balint said in a statement on the resolution.

'I ran for Congress after watching on January 6th that anti-democratic messages and fear-mongering have real consequences for our democracy. Unserious elected officials like Taylor Greene make a mockery of our democratic institutions and derail us from the urgent work we've been tasked with,' she continued.

'This job is about alleviating suffering and supporting our communities, and instead Taylor Greene uses her position as a megaphone for conspiracy theories and hate speech. There must be a counterforce that comes from within Congress. It begins with principled members standing up and saying we have had enough.'

Greene shared explicit images of Hunter Biden with prostitutes during the Oversight Committee hearing last Wednesday and warned those watching at home that 'parental discretion is advised.'

The shocking moment went out on the C-SPAN live stream as well as other cable network channels airing the hearing, including Fox News .

'Should we be displaying this?' Democratic Ranking Member Jaime Raskin questioned at one point during crosstalk with other members of the panel.

Greene's posters showed tickets that Hunter Biden bought for at least one escort to fly her out from Los Angeles, California, to Washington, D.C. in June 2018. Hunter wrote-off the tickets as travel for a 'west coast assistant,' Green claimed

There are a slew of damning images from Hunter Biden's laptop that show him naked or shirtless, doing drugs and engaging in sex acts with what are allegedly escorts

The images from Hunter's laptop hard drive were printed on poster board that Rep. Greene held up at the hearing that showcased President Joe Biden's son engaged in sex acts with prostitutes.

The reason for showing the images, other than to shock viewers, was for Greene to ask the IRS investigator witnesses about Hunter writing off taxes for costs related to escorts, prostitutes and sex clubs.

She also presented evidence that the president's son paid for tickets for the escort to come out from Los Angeles to meet him in Washington, D.C. in June 2018.

'If he was purchasing her a plane ticket for sex and traveling across state lines, do you believe that is a violation [of law]?' Greene questioned the two IRS whistleblowers on Wednesday.

She added that the 'west coast assistant' noted in Hunter Biden's tax filings was likely this person he allegedly flew out from Los Angeles for prostitution purposes.

'That's not what paralegals do,' Greene said to laughter from those watching the hearing in the room.
A former Southern California politician who promised a half a million dollar donation to the Girl Scouts of San Diego never delivered the check to help the group.

The organization was forced to find other ways to pay for necessary background checks after assembly member Randy Voepel reneged on the $500,000 donation.

Girl Scouts San Diego's CEO Carol Dedrich said after a child abuse law passed in California made the cost of background checks skyrocket, the money was critical.

'Safety is paramount to everything we do because we work with youth,' she said.

In July 2022, Voepel said the money was coming from taxes and a rep said in November that they 'waiting for a more definite timeline' on when it would come.

'There were some last-minute changes to the budget and that pushed things out a bit,' she said before Voepel lost a re-election bid and the money never arrived.

Former Southern California politician Randy Voepel (pictured) who promised a half a million dollar donation to the Girl Scouts of San Diego never delivered the check to help the group

Voepel (far right) in 2022 at a ceremony where he handed a $500,000 check to the Girl Scouts

'Not to follow through is terrible press. It's a good thing he's a former legislator because he would be in deep trouble I would think,' political expert Bob Stern (pictured) said

Political expert Bob Stern said he doesn't see any major repercussions for Voepel going forward.

'Politicians love to do this because they get great press,' the expert argued.

'Not to follow through is terrible press. It's a good thing he's a former legislator because he would be in deep trouble I would think,' he continued.

Dedrich said the money would have gone straight to covering the expenses of the background checks - which cost an estimated $40 per volunteer.

'It's critical,' she said of the money for the checks, which are required for all volunteers and staff working with youth groups in California.

The deeper background checks used to cost less than $10 but the new ones are more expensive because they include live scan fingerprinting.

'In the past, the background check was $6.25. Now they're over $40, and that doesn't include all the administrative costs that falls on us to not only track the information but to market it to our volunteers to make sure they get the screening done,' Dedrich said.

Girl Scouts covers the costs in an effort to entice more volunteers. Currently, the San Diego sector has an estimated 9,000 volunteers.

'We're trying to make it easier on the volunteer to be a part of us this because the more volunteers we have, the more girls we can reach,' she said.

Girl Scouts San Diego's CEO Carol Dedrich (pictured) said the money is critical after a child abuse law passed in California made the cost of background checks skyrocket

'Remember now, this check I'm presenting is not my money. It's your tax money,' Voepel (pictured) said during the presentation in July 2022

After reaching out to politicians last year to ask for help covering the costs, Voepel - the then assembly member for California's 71st District - responded.

He later held a ceremony and handed over a ceremonial $500,000 check to the organization with Dedrich and members present.

'Remember now, this check I'm presenting is not my money. It's your tax money,' Voepel said during the presentation.

A full year later, however, the organization has still yet to see a penny of that money.

His former Chief of Staff told ABC 10 in November that they were still waiting on the updated timeline and mentioned that the money was being moved around.

Days later, Voepel lost his seat and his term officially ended in December.

Shockingly, it doesn't seem as though Voepel will face any other consequences.

'It's extraordinary. Absolutely unbelievable this has happened,' Stern told the San Diego TV station.

He said there is no criminal or civil liability for the former politician.

The only downside, Stern said, is the optics of the situation.

Dedrich (pictured) said she is just glad they were able to make it work without Voepel and that she hopes the girls in the program take it as a lesson

'When we see a challenge, we come together to figure out how to solve that challenge,' Dedrich said of the Girl Scouts Organization

DailyMail.com reached out to Voepel but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

Luckily, Dedrich said since the money did not come through, she said they worked together with other Girl Scout councils throughout California.

'By working together, we delayed the time when everything needed to be implemented and we also secured funding from the Department of of Justice,' she said.

Dedrich said she is just glad they were able to make it work without Voepel and that she hopes the girls in the program take it as a lesson.

'When we see a challenge, we come together to figure out how to solve that challenge,' she said.
MBABANE  Jealousy, frustration and serving multiple terms were some of the reasons given by the Members of Parliament (MPs) who did not stand for elections.

Mbabane West MP Musa Zwane, popularly known as ZZ, was one of the legislators who opted not to stand for the 2023 General Elections. Zwane gave multiple reasons for his decision, one of them being that elements of jealousy started creeping in among some of the residents of the constituency, who were constantly frustrating him by posing questions on what he had done for them while in Parliament. Zwane shared that he was open to people of his constituency, and he would engage with them from time to time, noting areas of concern and addressing them the best way he could.

appreciate

However, his observation was that some people simply did not appreciate him and his efforts and they did everything they could to frustrate him. For someone to ask what you have done for them, they should have requested you to do something and it is failure to deliver on that task that you expect questions on. However, some of the residents would frequently accuse me of doing nothing for them and it was astonishing because they were only good at pointing fingers, not contributing to the tasks to be carried out, he shared. The outgoing MP said on the day of the nominations, he was at home, which is a stones throw from the nomination centre, and he had no intentions of participating in the national event. The nominations were held at Mahwalala Red Cross this past Saturday, where over 500 residents were in attendence.

The businessman, who is in the logistics industry, said it was his personal decision not to participate based on the aforementioned elements and others. Meanwhile, outgoing Timphisini MP Nelson Mamba, who also chose not to participate in the elections, said in the build-up to the nominations, he could overhear some of the conversations of the residents and one thing he picked was that they wanted a new face to represent them in Parliament. Mamba said he also noted that the people were speaking on his prolonged period in office, first as indvuna yenkhundla for two consecutive terms between the year 2008 and 2018 and then being an MP for the last five years. The people interpreted it as three consecutive terms in office and said they wanted new blood to take over and I had to give in to their wishes. They never told me in the face but I could pick it as they spoke in the build up to the nominations. Clinging on to power would not have helped me in any way, especially having picked up on what the people wanted, he said.

break

Mamba said he would try again in the 2028 election year, but he opted to take a break this time. He shared that he did go to the nomination centre in the morning on the nominations day, greeted the electorate and the areas authorities and then left before the national event commenced. Other MPs who opted not to be part of this years elections include outgoing Mbabane East MP Harries Madze Bulunga, who is also the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, as well as outgoing Manzini North MP Macford Sibandze. The latter, when interviewed by our sister publication Times SUNDAY, shared that he was out of the country on the nominations day. He stated that it was not an easy decision to take because it involved people, some of whom were emotionally attached to him and the job at hand. He said he took the decision after doing an introspection, evaluation, analysis and a series of meetings with different stakeholders. A comment could not be drawn from Bulunga as his phone was not available on the network.
Three US marines have been found dead in a gas station car park in North Carolina, the Marine Corps said in a statement.

The military has named the young men as Tanner J. Kaltenberg, 19, of Madison, Wisconsin; Merax C. Dockery, 23, of Pottawatomie, Oklahoma; and Ivan R. Garcia, 23, of Naples, Florida.

The three lance corporals were found non responsive in a privately owned four-door sedan at the Speedway gas station on the U.S. Highway 17 in Hampstead, roughly 40 minutes from where they were stationed at Camp Lejeune.

They were pronounced dead on the same day, and an investigation into the circumstances is ongoing, authorities confirmed.

The awful discovery was made just after 9am on Sunday after Pender County Sheriffs Department responded to a missing persons call relating to one of the men.

Lance Corporal Merax Dockery entered active duty in June 2020 and like his comrades proudly posted pictures to social media of himself in uniform

Tanner Kaltenberg recently posted on social media about enjoying a 'fun' deployment to Setermoen Leir

Ivan Garcia, was among the deceased the military confirmed on Tuesday. He held the same position as the other two men in the same regiment

'Theres nothing to believe it to be foul play or anything' Sargent Chester Ward of the Pender County Sheriffs Department said on Tuesday.

'Were waiting for an autopsy report, but we have an idea of probably what happened' he said, but would not yet elaborate on the suspected cause.

There is not believed to be any threat to the community related to the incident.

All three Marines were motor vehicle operators with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group.

'My deepest sympathy and condolences are extended to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lance Cpl. Kaltenberg, Lance Cpl. Dockery and Lance Cpl. Garcia,' Brigadier General Michael E. McWilliams, the men's commanding general said in a statement.

Adding: 'Our focus is providing the necessary resources and support to those impacted by their tragic loss as they navigate this extremely difficult time.'

Lance Corporal Tanner Kaltenberg entered active duty in May 2021 and recently posted on social media about enjoying a 'fun' deployment to Setermoen Leir in Norway.

Alongside pictures of himself in military gear against the backdrop of the Northern Lights and snowy mountains the teenager wrote: 'I couldnt really post these in Setermoen Leir cause I wouldve gotten in trouble but we are coming down to the last days of deployment and it has been a blast.

The men were found at the Speedway gas station on the U.S. Highway 17 in Hampstead, roughly 40 minutes from where they were stationed at Camp Lejeune

Kaltenberg posted recent pictures of himself in military gear against the backdrop of the Northern Lights and snowy mountains of Norway

Max Dockery also posted pictures of himself with a weapon while on deployment

Garcia uploaded this image of himself with a Tucker Sno-Cat military vehicle

The men were found 40 minutes from where they were stationed at Camp Lejeune

Ivan made several social media posts about his vehicle, showing off its uniquely modified interior

Merax Dockery appears to be pictured inside the bejeweled vehicle from Ivan's posts

He described how despite the cold he enjoyed taking part in the training exercise including conducting 'the longest convoy in marine corps history across borders'. Adding: 'All in all it was a fun a** deployment.'

Kaltenberg's heartbroken sister Brianna Windisch wrote on Facebook on Tuesday: 'Our whole world is flipped upside down right now. I miss you fiercely bro its never goodbye, its see you later. I love you so much' alongside a sweet picture with her brother's arm around her.

Lance Corporal Merax Dockery entered active duty in June 2020 and like his comrades proudly posted pictures of himself in uniform, some while holding weapons, others in what appears to be on duty in a desert.

Other pictures show his interests outside the military, including playing guitar and skateboarding.

Following the announcement Dockery's mother, Heather Glass, wrote on Facebook next to a picture of her son wearing a Stetson style hat: 'My favorite picture of Merax... I will forever love you son'.

Kaltenberg's heartbroken sister Brianna Windisch wrote a heartbreaking tribute to her brother on Tuesday

Happier times: Brianna and her brother Tanner Kaltenberg on her wedding day

Heather Glass wrote 'I will forever love you son' accompanied by her favorite photo of Merax Dockery

Ivan Garcia, held the same position as the other two deceased men in the same regiment, and began active service in July 2019.

Garcia also posted pictures of himself in military gear, including in a recent post where he posed on a Tucker Sno-Cat.

The young Lance Corporal also posted several pictures of himself with a silver four door car with distinct interior moderations.

Dockery's cover photo on Facebook appears to show him inside the unique purple bejeweled interior of the car posted to Ivan's social media.

On Tuesday Garcia's aunt Rosely posted a collection of sweet photos with her nephew with the devastating caption, translated from Spanish: 'My boy, my love, what a void you have left, and look how you came without knowing it was the last trip I would see you.'

His bereaved aunt added: 'Now who will I fight with? Who will I scold? Today I cant believe he is not here, oh my god, how painful my beautiful boy, why did you leave me'.

The Sheriff's Department said they will release further information when it is available, but it is not yet known how long the autopsy will take to establish a cause of death.
Attorneys for Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger have claimed he was not at the students' house on the night of the murders but declined to submit an alibi to the court before the deadline on Monday.

Instead, they suggested in a filing that his presence elsewhere will be proven later during the cross examination of witnesses at his upcoming trial in October.

The state has claimed Kohberger's DNA was recovered from a knife sheath left behind at the scene of the murders and that a white Hyundai owned by him was seen nearby at around the same time.

The 28-year-old is accused of fatally stabbing students Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, at their home in Moscow, Idaho, in the early hours of November 13.

His trial is currently set for October and in June prosecutors said they would be seeking the death penalty.

Attorneys for Bryan Kohberger (pictured in June) have claimed he was not at the students' house on the night of the murders

The infamous murder house in Moscow where Bryan Kohberger allegedly slaughtered four University of Idaho students

Idaho law stipulates that defendants must submit an alibi defense to the court within ten days of a written demand from the prosecuting attorney.

When the Latah County prosecutor in this case made that request in May, Kohberger's defense team appealed for an extension on the grounds they had not had enough time to review the prosecution's evidence.

A new deadline was granted and set for July 24.

In a notice filed on Monday evening, his attorney, Anne Taylor, wrote that her client would be invoking his constitutional right to silence and would not be submitting an alibi defense.

'Mr. Kohbergers defense team continues investigating and preparaing [sic] his case,' she wrote.

'Evidence corroborating Mr. Kohberger being at a location other than the King Road address will be disclosed pursuant to discovery and evidentiary rules as well as statutory requirements,' she added.

There is a suggestion therefore that Kohberger's team may have additional evidence that has not yet been provided to the court.

'It is anticipated this evidence may be offered by way of cross-examination of witnesses produced by the State as well as calling expert witnesses,' wrote Taylor.

Last week, Kohberger's team filed a separate defense suggesting that DNA linking him to the knife sheath may have been planted.

'What the State's argument asks this Court and Mr. Kohberger to assume is that the DNA on the sheath was placed there by Mr. Kohberger, and not someone else during an investigation that spans hundreds of members of law enforcement and apparently at least one lab the State refuses to name,' they wrote.

The defense also wanted more information on how the FBI used the DNA to create family trees that led them to Kohberger to begin with.

Kohberger is accused of fatally stabbing students Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, at their home in Moscow, Idaho

Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for a hearing at the Latah County Courthouse on June 27 in Moscow

When DNA is found at the scene of the crime that does not belong to victims, the first thing police do is run it through their own database to check if it matches the DNA of any previous offenders.

This process is referred to as a short tandem repeat (STR) comparison and tests the sample against 20 DNA markers - enough to identify the person if their own DNA is already in the system, or, in some cases, if the DNA of an immediate relative is in the system (eg. a parent or a sibling).

A criminal affidavit that was filed in January, shortly after Kohberger was arrested, says that DNA matching the suspect's was found on a knife sheath recovered at the crime scene close to the bodies of Mogen and Goncalves.

Investigators later closely matched the DNA on the sheath to DNA found in trash taken from Kohberger's parents' home in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested in December.

'A traditional STR DNA comparison was done between the STR profile found on the Ka-Bar knife sheath and Defendant's DNA. The comparison showed a statistical match,' a filing read.

Ka-Bar, the company that made the knife believed to have been used in the slayings, has said it has no record that anyone named Kohberger bought such an item from them, but it sells to both retailers and directly to consumers.

Sources say the sheath found at the scene belonged to a seven-inch utility knife, which is traditionally used as a hunting tool for chopping firewood or cutting wire and rope. That knife has not been found.

Kohberger is scheduled to stand trial on October 2.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has now let go of 38 campaign staffers, representing more than a third of those hired for his 2024 presidential campaign, as it goes through an urgent reset.

Campaign finance reports from the first quarter showed that the DeSantis campaign had hired as many as 92 people.

That meant that despite the campaign raising $20 million in just six weeks, about 40 percent of the money had gone toward salaries, NBC reported last week.

'Following a top-to-bottom review of our organization, we have taken additional, aggressive steps to steamline operations and put Ron DeSantis in the strongest position to win this primary and defeat Joe Biden,' campaign manager Gererra Peck told DailyMail.com in a statement. 'Governor DeSantis is going to lead the Great American Comeback and we're ready to hit the ground running as we head into an important month of the campaign.'

The full extent of the staff cuts were reported by Politico Tuesday afternoon, hours after DeSantis and several aides were involved in a car crash en route a fundraiser in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (left) has now let go of 38 campaign staffers, representing more than a third of those hired for his 2024 presidential campaign, as it goes through an urgent reset

The Florida governor's four-car motorcade was involved in a traffic accident Tuesday morning en route a fundraiser in Chattanooga, Tennessee. One female staffer sustained a minor injury

The 2024 hopeful was unhurt and a female staffer sustained a minor injury, police told the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

They had been driving in a four-car motorcade, with DeSantis continuing on to the fundraising event.

News of the DeSantis campaign in shambles delighted the Trump campaign, with the Florida governor long considered the ex-president's biggest 2024 rival in the GOP primary race.

However, since DeSantis entered the race in May, he's remained a far off second place - with entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswany and Sen. Tim Scott encroaching on him in recent polls nationally and in Iowa, respectively.

The latest Morning Consult survey has Trump running 43 points ahead.

'President Trump will be staffing up as he moves toward the Repubican nomination, and we would never rule out the possibility of some of these folks joining our team,' one Trump aide told ABC News.

The Trump campaign also put out a transcript of a segment on Fox News entitled, 'Fox News Mourns the Loss of DeSantis 2024 Bid.'

Anchors Bret Baier and John Roberts were discussing whether DeSantis would meet the same political fate as Republicans Jeb Bush, Tim Pawlenty and Scott Walker.

All three had been considered presidential material until they launched their failed campaigns.

A woman gives a thumbs down as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis marches in a Fourth of July parade earlier this month in New Hampshire. DeSantis hasn't been able to shake the reputation that he's awkward in person

'He is trailing in every poll by 20, 30, sometimes 40 points, depending on the poll, depending on the state. And you just haven't seen the traction for the guy that was supposed to be "the guy,"' Baier said.

'Yeah, it was just wait until Ron DeSantis gets in the race and Trump's gonna be in trouble. It's not the case,' Roberts added.

DeSantis will dip back into Iowa later this week, a state that could make or break his presidential ambitions.

As part of the campaign 'reboot,' DeSantis will do fewer speeches and instead will participate in town halls and meet-and-greets through his Never Back Down political action committee.

DeSantis will also appear at the same event as Trump, the Republican Party of Iowa's 2023 Lincoln Dinner, which will take place Friday night.

He also announced a New Hampshire press conference, after taking flack for not being press-friendly.

Part of DeSantis' problem is that he was getting branded as awkward on the stump.

Prior to his announcement, The Daily Beast came out with a piece that depicted DeSantis as aloof and someone who sometimes engaged in odd behavior.

The memorable anecdote from the piece was a story about DeSantis eating chocolate pudding out of a plastic cup with three fingers while on a private plane flying between Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.
Elise Stefanik sent a letter White House Counsel Stuart Delery demanding answers, to no response she tells DailyMail.com

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is now saying that Joe and Hunter were never 'in business' together

Biden said in 2019: 'I've never spoken to my son about his overseas business dealings'

Top Republicans are accusing the White House of 'desperately' attempting to distance Joe Biden from his son Hunter's shady business dealings with a new language shift - calling it evidence of the administration's 'lies.'

On Monday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre deployed new language when pressed to respond to a report that Hunter's ex-business partner Devon Archer plans to reveal that Joe was on 24 of his son's business calls in testimony to the House Oversight Committee next week.

Rather than saying the father and son never discussed Hunter's array of international business deals  language Biden himself used in 2019  Jean-Pierre responded that the two were never 'in business' together.

House GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik tells DailyMail.com that Jean-Pierre's recent rhetoric switch is a 'desperate' attempt by the White House to distance Joe from Hunter.

'The White House has desperately tried to change their language surrounding Joe Biden's knowledge and involvement in Hunter Biden's foreign business dealings,' Stefanik told DailyMail.com

'The White House has desperately tried to change their language surrounding Joe Biden's knowledge and involvement in Hunter Biden's foreign business dealings,' Stefanik told DailyMail.com in an exclusive statement Tuesday.

Stefanik led a letter last week obtained by DailyMail.com - along with top Republicans Jim Jordan, James Comer and Jason Smith - to White House Counsel Stuart Delery demanding answers 'about why this shift occurred.'

'Instead of responding to my request, the White House has thus far refused to address my questions surrounding their new position and why they lied to the American people,' Stefanik said Tuesday.

In the letter, the Republicans reference a June 29 statement from White House spokesperson Ian Sams, who said the president 'was not in business with his son.'

'This statement deviates from previous White House statements and brings forward concerns that the President knew of his son's foreign business deals,' the GOP leaders wrote to Delery.

Ian Sams and Jean-Pierre's latest denials have diverged from earlier White House responses, including a flat-out denial by President Biden back in 2019 when he was seeking the presidency.

'I've been asked this question a million times,' Jean-Pierre responded Monday. 'The answer is not going to change. The answer remains the same: The President was never in business with his son. I just don't have anything else to add,' she continued.

Biden told reporters on the campaign trail in 2019 that he had never talked to his son about his business.

'I've never spoken to my son about his overseas business dealings,' Biden said in 2019.

Two IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler testified under oath that the uncovered WhatsApp messages between Hunter and a Chinese energy official appear to be evidence of a 'direct contradiction to what President Biden was saying about not being involved in Hunter's overseas business dealings.'

The president's son was staying at the guest house of Biden's Delaware home when he wrote to Communist Party official Henry Zhao on July 30, 2017 on WhatsApp, threatening him to follow his 'orders'.

'I am sitting here with my father and we would like to understand why the commitment made has not been fulfilled.' Hunter wrote in 2017 according to testimony by IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley released by the GOP.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden is not 'in business' with his son Hunter. Back in 2019 Joe Biden said he had 'never spoken' to his son about his business deals

Hunter's ex-partner Devon Archer plans to say that Joe spoke to Hunter's business associates, including those at Burisma, at least 24 times

Hunter then said, according to the testimony: 'Tell the director that I would like to resolve this now before it gets out of hand, and now means tonight.

According to the conversation from 2017, Zang also said he 'wants to convey 'his best regards to you, Jim and VP.''

The Republicans say that based on the WhatsApp messages and the 'clear shift in response from the White House,' they need more information.

But Stefanik told DailyMail.com they are still waiting on a response.

Hunter's ex-partner Devon Archer plans to say that Joe spoke to Hunter's business associates, including those at Burisma, at least 24 times directly contradicting the White House's insistence that Joe Biden never had any knowledge of or involvement in his wayward son's business affairs.

Archer and another business associate, Tony Bobulinski, have both said Joe Biden offered brief greetings and platitudes rather than concrete agreements to Hunter's business partners.

'We look forward to speaking soon with Devon Archer about Joe Biden's involvement in his family's business affairs,' House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said in a statement to DailyMail.com on Monday.

Republicans have been laser-focused on churning out evidence to prove that Hunter Biden used his father's status to profit off his last name - and Joe Biden was complicit in the deals.

Last week, Sen. Chuck Grassley released an unverified FBI document where a confidential human source recounted a conversation with Mykola Zlochevsky, the CEO of Ukrainian energy company Burisma, who claimed Joe and Hunter had each been paid $5 million when Joe was vice president in exchange for policy outcomes.

The document accuses then-VP Joe Biden of pressurring Ukraine to fire prosecutor Viktor Shokin for corruption as Shokin was investigating Burisma.
Former Kentucky college student Rayanna Brock is being called the 'Queen of Chaos' after a string of at least 11 arrests - but questions remain as to who exactly she is.

The 23-year-old has gained notoriety in recent weeks - thanks to a series of mugshot that laid bare her various arrests, the first of which occurred when she was just 18.

The offenses range from shoplifting to terrorism - as well theft of a firearm in January 2023. Her latest mugshot - as they all do - shows her grinning widely after being cuffed in 2020 for making terror-related threats.

Seemingly enjoying her time in the spotlight - as the smiles on the booking photos suggest the Kentucky native has been sharing reports covering her portfolio of mugshots over the past week.

In interviews, she blamed the steady stream of arrests on a combination of drugs and her upbringing, during which she saw firsthand the horrors of homelessness, drug use, and her own parents' repeated arrests.

Over time, her exploits saw her expelled from three different schools, and booked several times. Here's what we know thus far:

Rayanna Brock, known as the Queen of Chaos, has revealed the context behind her 11 viral mugshots, including an expulsion from Eastern Kentucky University

The 23-year-old has gained notoriety in recent weeks - thanks to a series of mugshot that laid bare her various arrests, the first of which occurred when she was just 18. Rayanna's latest mugshot, taken on January 16 this year following her arrest for theft of a firearm, is seen here

Who is Rayanna Brock - and why is she in the news?

Born in the Blue Grass State, Brock was raised by her grandparents in Stanford, and both of her parents are currently behind bars.

In 2017, when she was 17, her life was further uprooted after her guardians died suddenly within months of each other.

The development left Brock, then just a high schooler, on the streets, and forced to 'couch hop' in order to survive.

She explained to The Messenger how the tenuous arrangement hurt her academically, and how she repeatedly miss school.

'Where I was living was so far that the buses didn't reach the house, and I didn't know where I was staying half the time,' she explained.

Despite this, Rayanna was accepted into her first college - a private Christian university in Kentucky, Georgetown College - with help from her teachers.

It was there that her shady track record began - with the then-teen quickly expelled after being caught with LSD.

Rayanna's first mugshot was snapped on March 6 2018 in Boyle County KY, after she was arrested for wanton endangerment of a police officer, evading cops, and shoplifting

Rayanna was pictured by police on January 7, 2019, after she was arrested in Fayette, KY, for violating the terms of her probation for the first offenses

Her second mugshot came just hours later, at 1am on March 7 2018 in Boyle County, KY, seemingly for the same offenses as the day before

Brocks mugshot from Sept. 16, 2020, for contempt of court and libel

Rayanna was pictured September 16 2020 with greased back blond hair after being arrested for contempt of court/ libel - an image she described on Instagram as her 'favorite mugshot'

Later that year, Brock experienced her first arrest - this time for wanton endangerment of a police officer, evading cops, and shoplifting items costing less than $500.

The events would serve as pseudo catalysts for her behavior in the years to follow, which resulted in at least ten more arrests and two more expulsions.

After that initial bust, Brock began collecting her mug shots, following arrests for offenses that range from more shoplifting to grand theft auto.

That chronicle of 'chaos' appeared last week on a widely viewed Instagram reel- thrusting the easy on the eyes wrongdoer into internet stardom.

The photos show her various grins after each arrest, with Brock - who goes by 'thequeenofchaos23' on TikTok - picking one of them as her 'favorites.'

On Tuesday, as onlookers online continued to be captivated by a combination of her crimes and good looks, she opened up about her RAP sheet, and shared how she ended up with that many arrests in the span of just five years.

Why was she arrested so many times?

Speaking to DailyMail.com, Brock explained how her addiction to Xanax played a part in her repeated crimes - as well as the relaxed attitude she exuded in the mugshots that eventually ensued.

'I was on Xanax,' she said, mentioning her latest arrest involving the theft of a police car -before crashing it and returning it to her dormitory.

'Honestly, every time I've been to jail, its Xanax,' she added of the popular prescription drug, which is used to treat anxiety but is often abused.

'They just make me do crazy things. Like stealing troopers' hats and cars.'

The Stanford native also explained how she was arrested after threatening to beat up her then-boyfriend's ex in July 0f 2020 - when she was charged with stalking and making terroristic threats.

Brock is seen in a mugshot on March 9, 2021, after being charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and criminal mischief

EIght days after her first December 2021 arrest - on the 15th - Brock's photograph was taken by police again with the note 'serving time' listed under her charges

On November 26, 2021, Rayanna has her mugshot taken for failure to appear at a police station or courthouse as required under the conditions of previous arrests

'I was dating this guy for a long time... He ended up going to prison,' she recalled in a phone interview.

'The mother of his kid and I had been getting into it for months on end and I ended up threatening her. I can't even really remember what I said -I was on Xanax really bad at the time... I threatened to come to her house .. her parents' house.

She continued: 'She ended up calling an EPO [Emergency Protection Order] out with me, ... So, yeah, a lot of people thought I was a terrorist, but it was really just me and this girl were into it.

She clarified: 'I basically threatened to like fight her.'

Brock also claimed it was her grandparents' deaths in 2017 that sent her on the downward spiral - which she said finished back in January, after another arrest for a firearm theft charge.

She has since gotten sober, and blamed that slip-up - as well as others including the theft of a Kentucky trooper's hat and taser in December 2021 - on drugs.

She added that her grandparents took her in as a child before her parents' arrests, and that they were a source of happiness for her amid an otherwise dismal upbringing. Her incarcerated parents, she said, had issues with drugs and are in and out of jail.

'I did not grow up rough with [my grandparents], but obviously I still tried to have a relationship with my mom and dad growing up,' she told DailyMail.com of what she believed spurred her questionable behavior.

'Anytime I was around them, I had to be my rough side.'

In the years that followed, the legal troubles did not stop with her admission into Georgetown college in Kentucky; she was suspended after she was caught with LSD.

She then was accepted to Western Kentucky University - but was kicked out for stealing around her dorm.

In March of 2021, she was expelled from Eastern Kentucky University after she stole a car and parked it in front of her dorm. When the cops showed up, they found shrooms and weed in her dorm.

The one-woman crime waves other offenses would also include 'wanton endangerment of a police officer,' stealing a firearm, and several more drug offenses.

Has she been convicted, and what's her excuse for her behavior?

After years of turbulent behavior, Rayanna now says she has turned her life around, telling DailyMail.com Tuesday she has found a support system in her boyfriend, stepfather and other friends.

After blaming her run-ins with the law on a fatal cocktail of drugs, bad parenting, and post traumatic stress, she said she plans to return to school and will be telling her story on her now booming TikTok in the weeks to come.

In regard to her litany of offenses - and any prevailing charges associated with them - she revealed Tuesday that despite her lengthy criminal past, Rayanna has been able to keep most of her record clean.

Speaking to DailyMail.com, she claimed the only infraction she is still facing stems from a violation of her probation after her latest charge for a firearm theft.

She added her addiction addiction intensified after she was kicked out of EKU, and that she spent 10 months doing meth and heroin while homeless.

Now sober, she said she gets drug tested every month, and has done since that arrest January.

After blaming her run-ins with the law on a fatal cocktail of drugs, bad parenting, and post traumatic stress, she said she plans to return to school and will be telling her story on her now booming TikTok in the weeks to come. A mugshot for allegedly disposing of a firearm on July 19, 2022, is seen here

She aired her hopes to go back to school, and eventually serve her hometown community and help young adults who don't have a support circle avoid a fate like her own.

'I would really like to do something with youth counseling, mental health counseling,' Brock said, adding, 'My high school counselor really saved my life and helped me get into school. If it wasn't for her, I don't even know where I'd be now.'

Now working as a waitress, she added of how she came to live a life of crime: 'A lot of people don't realize, but personally, in my town where I'm from, most everybody in this town is a drug addict.

'So these kids, you know, they're going to school and everyone just expects them to do well, Right? And that's great. But no one really cares about what they're doing.'

After being expelled from Western Kentucky University and Eastern Kentucky University, she hopes to reenroll in another college in the fall.
A video showing a trio of female shoplifters targeting a Burlington store in California is gaining attention after highlighting their slow-motion getaway.

The brazen heist unfolded on Saturday at the discount retailer's North Freeway Boulevard location in Sacramento, where the three women were caught on camera trudging away with shopping carts loaded with stolen goods.

'D**n look at these people stealing! Say hi to the camera!' the bystander filming the incident can be heard saying, as alarms blared and the shoplifters piled mounds of clothing and shoes into the trunk of a red Dodge Charger.

The Sacramento Police Department told DailyMail.com in a statement that it is investigating the audacious caper.

'We are aware of the incident. Officers responded, a police report was generated and it is an active investigation,' the department said.

Brazen female shoplifters trudged slowly across the parking lot of a Burlington store in Sacramento on Saturday, as they made off with carts filled with stolen booty

Investigators should have solid clues to propel their investigation, as the bystander video clearly shows the face of the getaway driver and the license plate of the car.

A copy of the video clip was shared by the Instagram account @ppv_tahoe on Monday, where it has already received more than 16,000 likes and hundreds of comments.

The @ppv_tahoe account noted that in addition to audaciously looting the Burlington store, the three shoplifters had parked in a handicap spot without displaying a placard.

An employee at the Burlington store in Sacramento acknowledged awareness of the incident to DailyMail.com, but referred all questions to the company's corporate press department.

'We are aware of this incident,' a Burlington spokeswoman said in a statement. 'This is an ongoing investigation, and we are partnering with the local authorities.'

Headquartered in New Jersey, Burlington Stores operates more than 900 off-price retail locations across the country, and recorded $8.7 billion in net sales last year.

Like other retailers, the chain has contended with a disturbing increase in organized shoplifting carried out by criminal gangs with varying levels of sophistication.

According to the National Retail Federation, 'shrinkage' cost retailers $94.5 billion nationwide in 2021, up from $90.8 billion from 2020. Shrink includes loss from theft, fraud or employee error.

The brazen heist unfolded on Saturday at the discount retailer's North Freeway Boulevard location in Sacramento

The shoplifters piled mounds of clothing and shoes into the trunk of a red Dodge Charger

Investigators should have solid clues to propel their investigation, as the bystander video clearly shows the face of the getaway driver and the license plate of the car

Although California has been one of the epicenters of organized retail crime, state lawmakers there are considering legislation that would ban store employees from confronting thieves.

Senate Bill 553 was passed by the state Senate last month and is currently in committee in the state Assembly.

Already, many US stores prohibit employees from stopping shoplifters as a matter of policy, fearing any confrontation could turn violent.

In April, Home Depot employee Blake Mohs, 26, was shot and killed while trying to stop an alleged thief and her boyfriend at the store he worked at in Pleasanton, California.

According to an online job posting, the Burlington store in Sacramento is seeking a 'shortage control associate' who would be tasked with 'maintaining a professional loss prevention presence at the store entrance.'

'Are you a people-person with keen attention to detail? Do you hold yourself to the highest ethical and professional standards? Can you remain calm and professional in stressful situations? Are you an expert multitasker who would thrive in a high-energy retail environment?' the job posting asks.

'If so, this may be the right role for you!'
Donald Trump on Tuesday condemned the European Union's new rule forcing US citizens to pay $8 each for visas from next year, and insisted he would block it.

The new measure was announced by the European Union on Monday, with the system called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).

Travelers wanting to visit one of 30 EU nations must submit their passport information, as well as details on their job, travel itinerary, and past criminal convictions.

Trump said it was an outrage - despite foreign visitors to the US having to pay $21 for their similar visa, an ESTA.

'Wow! U.S. CITIZENS WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR A VISA TO TRAVEL TO EUROPE STARTING IN 2024. Think of this. We give them everything, including military protection and trade, and now we have to pay them to go there,' he wrote on his Truth Social platform.

'NO RESPECT FOR THE UNITED STATES. I WILL, AS PRESIDENT, NOT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN. IT WILL END VERY QUICKLY!!!'

He did not detail how he intended to overturn the EU rule.

Donald Trump, seen arriving in New Orleans on Tuesday, vowed to overturn the EU rule

US citizens traveling to European destinations like Barcelona (pictured) will have to pay $8 each for visas from next year - including those just heading off on vacation

Processing should only take a matter of minutes, but EU officials have advised Americans to apply up to 30 days before their trip in case of any issues

People wanting to spend their summers swanning around in the Spanish sunshine or visiting museums in Greece will now have to get authorization before jetting off on holiday

The 30 European counties requiring ETIAS from US passport holders Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Advertisement

The new rules will not apply to the UK, because they are no longer part of the European Union after voting to leave in 2016.

Americans can also continue to visit Ireland without needing authorization, since the country is not on the list.

But those people wanting to spend their summers swanning around in the Spanish sunshine or visiting museums in Greece will now have to get authorization before jetting off on holiday.

Processing should only take a matter of minutes, but EU officials have advised Americans to apply up to 30 days before their trip in case of any issues.

The system is similar to the ESTA visa waiver system currently in place for travelers visiting the United States.

Once authorization is secured, the visa is valid for up to three years or until the person's passport expires.

The visa is for short-term stays. A valid ETIAS travel authorization entitles you to stay in the European countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

And the ETIAS travel authorization, once approved, will be automatically linked to your passport.

Travelers must make sure to carry the same document which they used in their ETIAS application.

The European Union ETIAS website page reads: 'ETIAS travel authorization is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries.

'It is linked to a traveler's passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

'If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization.

'With a valid ETIAS travel authorization, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

'However, it does not guarantee entry.

'When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.'

The cost is 7 euros - roughly equivalent to $8. Applicants who are under 18 or above 70 years of age are exempt from this payment.

US citizens visiting the financial capitals in Germany and Switzerland will also need validation.
Mexican activist Delia Quiroa recalls her early childhood days when she would take on challenges from her grandmother to dress up her Barbie dolls.

As Barbiemania was ready to conquer the globe ahead of last week's premiere of Greta Gerwig's comedy film on the iconic doll, Quiroa thought of ways to address Mexico's ongoing epidemic of missing persons and decided to outfit the doll with a t-shirt featuring a picture of her brother, Roberto Quiroa, who disappeared in 2014.

The doll recently went on sale online for 500 Mexican pesos, about $29, to raise funds for a chapter of the Searching Mothers Collective in the northeastern state of Tamaulipas.

Delia Quiroa volunteers for the group and hopes that Mattel, the toy manufacturer, will come forward with some help that they feel the government has denied them, according to Mexican newspaper El Universal.

'When I was a child I liked it a lot, I made clothes for them. My grandmother used to give me pieces, I have a girl and she has Barbies, seeing so much that everyone is in this frenzy, it occurred to me to dress a searcher Barbie to ask the Mattel company to see if they can help us with a donation,' she said.

A collective of families searching for their missing loved ones is selling a Barbie that features the image of Roberto Quiroa, who was kidnapped in 2014 in Tamaulipas, Mexico. The doll is selling for about $29 to raise funds so that the Searching Mothers Collective can purchase two vehicles to transport remains that are dug out from mass graves. Quiroa's sister, Delia Quiroa, hopes Mattel will come forward and help the group with funding

Roberto Quiroa has not been seen since he was kidnapped from his mother's restaurant in March 2014 by members of the Gulf Cartel in Reynosa, Mexico

Quiroa said the group desperately needs help in purchasing two vehicles that are necessary to transport body parts that are dug out from mass gravesites.

The collective currently has two vans that have broken down due to batteries that no longer function and tires that have been severely punctured.

She alleges that the Tamaulipas anti kidnapping agency does not provide funding for the vehicles that are used in missions to find missing persons.

'When remains are found, they have to be processed and the experts are in the sun and we are next to them watching. We already asked the Attorney General's Office to send tents and they don't want to, we asked the Search Commission and they didn't do it either, so we opted to call on the Mattel brand,' Quiroa said.

Delia, who founded the 10th of March Searching Mother's Collective, said Roberto was first kidnapped in 2013 after members of the Gulf Cartel sought extortion payments to allow her mother, Maria Valdez, to continue to operate her own restaurant in the Tamaulipas city of Reynosa.

The family fled the town and her mother returned to sell all of her belongings.

The Barbie doll is being sold online for 500 Mexican pesos, about $29, with all profits being set aside to purchase two vehicles, tents and tables that are used in operations to search for missing people in the northeastern Mexico state of Tamaulipas

Delia Quiroa holds a Barbie doll that is outfitted with a t-shirt that shows the image of her brother, Roberto Quiroa, who was kidnapped in 2014

On September 18, 2013, Roberto was kidnapped and was released three days later after the family paid a ransom of 300,000 Mexican pesos (now about $17,700). He remained working in the restaurant despite the extortion demands from the cartel and was kidnapped again along with his mother on March 10, 2014.

While Valdez was freed after 40 days, Roberto remained in captivity.

Delia joined the police in a search mission for her brother and discovered a secret grave behind a house where bodies had been dumped.

In an August 2022 interview with Radio Formula, she and her mother said that there was a chance that Roberto's body had been dumped in a grave site at a cemetery in the north side of Reynosa or on the grounds of a wasteland for construction materials in the southern or eastern side of the city.

Roberto, whose remains have yet to been found, is among more than 100,000 who have been abducted in Mexico since the government starting keeping stats in 1964.

Most of the kidnapping have come since the administration of former President Felipe Calderon declared war on drug cartel and organized criminal organizations in 2006.

According to non-profit organization Alto al Secuestro (Stop Kidnapping), 7,954 people have been kidnapped since President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador took office in December 2018.

'I feel sad because I never imagined that something nice from my childhood, which was dressing my dolls, would be used to dress a doll and make it different,' Delia told El Universal.
A gynecologist who sexually abused vulnerable and trusting patients for over two decades at prestigious New York hospitals cried before he was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a federal judge who called his crimes unprecedented.

The sentence for Robert Hadden, 64, was a measure of vindication for hundreds of former patients who accused the doctor of molesting them during examinations but saw an earlier prosecution end with a plea bargain that spared him from jail.

Given his chance to speak Tuesday, Hadden stood with his hands folded before him to say that there was 'much I'd like to say' but that he had been advised by his lawyers to keep his statement brief.

'I'm very sorry for all the pain that I have caused,' a sobbing Hadden said before dropping his head down as he sat again. He then took off his glasses and wiped tears from his eyes.

Hadden has been in custody since his January conviction on four counts of enticing victims to cross state lines so he could sexually abuse them.

Robert Hadden, 64, made a career from the late 1980s until 2012 in prestigious New York hospitals and was convicted in January of sexually assaulting his patients

Sexual assault survivors embrace following the sentencing of former gynecologist Robert Hadden, outside the Manhattan federal court in New York City on Tuesday

In statements over the past two days, U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman said the case was like none he'd seen before and involved 'outrageous, horrific, beyond extraordinary, depraved sexual abuse.'

He said that at least 245 women Hadden treated said they were abused.

The federal trial involved a smaller number of victims. Hadden was convicted of four counts of enticing women to cross state lines so he could sexually abuse them.

Nine victims testified at the trial, describing how Hadden molested them during gynecology treatments, starting in the late 1980s, at prominent hospitals, including Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

Allegations of misconduct during examinations first surfaced in 2012. Hadden was indicted on state charges in 2014 as women - 19 and counting - kept coming forward.

Nine victims testified at the trial, describing how Hadden molested them during gynecology treatments, starting in the late 1980s, at prominent hospitals

Several dozen of Hadden's accusers were in the courtroom for Hadden's sentencing

Sexual assault survivor Marissa Hoechstetter speaks out after the sentencing on Tuesday

But in 2016, the office of the Manhattan district attorney at the time, Cyrus Vance Jr., allowed Hadden to plead guilty to two low-level felonies and a misdemeanor in a deal that required him to give up his medical license but didn't require jail time and kept him out of the state's sex offender registry.

Some of the women who had gone to state prosecutors were outraged, but their stories didn't start receiving public attention until the #MeToo movement began gaining steam in 2017.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan got a grand jury indictment against Hadden in 2020, charges based on the fact that some patients at his New York offices had come into the city from suburbs in other states. He was convicted in January.

Liz Hall said she found Hadden's expression of regret hollow: 'That was not an apology'

Sexual assault victims embrace as their compatriots speak to members of the media after sentencing proceedings concluded for convicted sex offender Robert Hadden

Several dozen of Hadden's accusers were in the courtroom for his sentencing. Among them was Liz Hall, who said she found Hadden's expression of regret hollow.

'That was not an apology. He has shown zero remorse or empathy. I think hes incapable,' she said.

Hall said she hoped the sentence would give other victims of sexual abuse courage to speak out.

'It's the first time ever that the justice system did what it was supposed to do: take it seriously,' she said.

A federal judge says he plans to sentence the 64-year-old Hadden to 20 years in prison

Once victim said she blamed Columbia for not heeding complaints about Hadden and warning signs. Pictured is the university's New York City campus

According to trial testimony, Hadden benefited from the prestige of the hospitals where he worked as he groomed his patients in a private office decorated with pictures of his children as he conversed with them about their personal lives.

But once he had isolated them after a chaperone or nurse left the treatment room, he fondled and probed them with gloveless fingers and sometimes orally.

The judge noted that many patients were particularly vulnerable because they were pregnant, had physical problems, or had never been to another gynecologist and trusted that Hadden was behaving properly.

One of his accusers was Evelyn Yang, whose husband, Andrew Yang, ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat for president in 2020 and for New York City mayor in 2022. She said Hadden sexually assaulted her years ago when she was seven months pregnant.

Evelyn Yang, the wife of former presidential hopeful Andrew Yang, revealed in 2020 that she was preyed upon by Hadden eight years prior

Former Broadway dancer Kanyok was also among the accusers who brought a civil suit against trustees of Columbia University

Sexual assault survivors Amy Yoney, right, and Laurie Kanyok, left, embrace

Some women abused by Hadden later pushed for a change to state law that made it easier for survivors of sexual abuse to sue over allegations normally barred by the statute of limitations. Hospitals where Hadden worked have agreed to pay more than $236 million to settle civil claims by more than 200 former patients.

Hadden's lawyer, Deirdre von Dornum, asked the judge Tuesday to credit her client for his efforts to reform himself and his devotion to his family.

A day earlier, when the judge announced that he planned to impose a 20-year sentence, she had complained that Berman was being too harsh.

'Here you have somebody who has already lost everything, and youre giving him effectively a life sentence,' she said.

The lawyer said her client was enduring harsh jail conditions at a federal lockup in Brooklyn, where inmates make threats and extort him to turn over his commissary money.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jane Kim said Tuesday that Hadden still had not accepted responsibility for his crimes.

She said he 'still has the same sexual disorders he had as he carried out his career of sexual abuse.'
Jeffrey Epstein arranged a meeting between the head of a major US bank and Prince Andrew at Buckingham Palace, court documents have suggested.

The legal papers appear to allege the paedophile set up the dinner between Jamie Dimon, chief executive of JPMorgan, and the Duke of York in 2013.

The two men enjoyed performances by the Royal Philharmonic and the English National Ballet at a dinner which sparked concerns over commercialisation of Buckingham Palace.

At the time Epstein was a registered sex offender and had served 15 months in jail for soliciting underage girls for sex, completing his house arrest in July 2010.

The new messages revealed in the court action raise further questions over Andrews ties to Epstein  the duke claimed to have broken off their friendship in 2010.

The court filings were revealed as part of a case brought against Epstein by the government of the US Virgin Islands, where he maintained a private island.

Jeffrey Epstein arranged a meeting between the head of a major US bank and Prince Andrew at Buckingham Palace, court documents have suggested. Prince Andrew and Epstein are pictured taking a stroll in New York's Central Park in December 2010

The legal papers appear to allege the paedophile set up the dinner between Jamie Dimon, chief executive of JPMorgan, and the Duke of York in 2013. Mr Dimon is pictured with his wife Judith at the White House State Dinner for China in January 2011

The USVI alleges that JPMorgan ignored red flags about the financier and enabled his sex trafficking operation  allegations the bank denies. The documents claim: Epstein facilitated meetings between JPMorgan employees and Prince Andrew.

The file includes messages between Epstein and Andrew about meeting Jes Staley, the former boss of JPMorgan, in April 2010.

The Palace previously said that the dinner with Mr Dimon in October 2013 was a chance for Andrew to engage with international chief executives about what Britain has to offer.

JPMorgan said it had made charitable donations to the orchestra and ballet company. When reports about the event emerged and sparked a row about the use of the Palace, it led to frustration among the banks executives.

The documents show head of international public affairs Richard Kaye wrote in an email: The fact is that the duke and palace officials went into this entirely with their eyes open.

Our name was deliberately not used in respect of the event or invitations and we suggested the involvement of organisations of which the duke is a patron.

A source at JPMorgan said that a Financial Times report from the time said an organiser of the event was a veteran City of London dealmaker who is a friend of Andrew.

The court filings were revealed as part of a case brought against Jeffrey Epstein (pictured in 2017) by the government of the US Virgin Islands, where he maintained a private island

Buckingham Palace previously said that the dinner with Mr Dimon in October 2013 was a chance for Andrew to engage with international chief executives about what Britain has to offer (Stock photo of Buckingham Palace)

JPMorgan exec Jes Staley 'knew about Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking', lawsuit claims: READ MORE Jes Staley, 66, led JPMorgan's asset management business from 2001 to 2009, and its corporate and investment bank from 2009 to 2013 Advertisement

Speaking to the BBC's Emily Maitlis in 2019, Andrew, 63, said he cut contact with Epstein after visiting him only once after his jail release in New York in December 2010.

Asked: 'Did you see him or speak to him again?' The Duke said: 'No.'

But court documents last week revealed that in an email sent on June 14 that year, Epstein told Mr Staley, then CEO of JPMorgan, that he had lunch with the royal and they had kept in touch, adding: 'Andrew just sat next to me at dinner.'

The court papers state: 'On April 15, 2010, Epstein wrote to Prince Andrew the Duke of York [redacted word] "jes staley will be in London on Thurs the 22. I think you should meet if you are in town".

'Prince Andrew replies that he is unavailable but will look to visit New York in the near future,' according to reports.

It comes as last month a message written by the billionaire paedophile and released as part of a court case in the US showed he was presenting Andrew as a potential investor in 2011.

Epstein's victims then called on the duke to speak to the FBI, which he has so far refused to do.

It is not known if Andrew knew Epstein had mentioned him in the email exchange.

Pictured left to right: Unknown man with black top hat, Prince Andrew, Ghislaine Maxwell (in green dress), unknown lady (in pink dress) and Jeffrey Epstein (black top hat) at the Royal Ascot in Berkshire, UK in June 2000

The bombshell new court filing alleges that Epstein was a source of 'many other ultra-wealthy clients and connections' for JPMorgan, including Bill Gates, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, the sultan of Dubai, and billionaire hedge funder Glenn Dubin, among others. Pictured left to right: Former JPMorgan exec Jes Staley, former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, Jeffrey Epstein, Bill Gates and Gate's trusted lieutenant Boris Nikolic

The victims' representative, US attorney Spencer Kuvin, told the Mirror that if the emails revealed in the court case are correct: 'It appears that either Epstein was highly overselling his relationship with Prince Andrew or that the duke may not have been entirely truthful about when his friendship ended.'

One victim, who was awarded compensation under the Epstein victims' compensation program, said: 'The emails raise serious questions. Why would Jeffrey be lauding him as an investor if he was no longer in contact?'

An email written by Epstein to JP Morgan on August 31, 2011, that was included in the court documents, suggested Andrew as a possible investment partner because 'he is now allowed to make money'.

Among the other revelations in the new documents was the claim that Epstein introduced Mr Staley to Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page in 2011. By that year Epstein became the biggest revenue producer for JPMorgans private bank, the documents state.

They also claim that, in the eyes of JPMorgan, Epstein was too big to fail so continued working with him despite major concerns about his pursuit of underage girls.

The bank also held accounts for all of Epsteins alleged co-conspirators including Ghislaine Maxwell. Mr Staley has denied any wrongdoing. Andrews lawyer did not return requests for comment.

A spokesman for JPMorgan cited one of its own legal filings which said: USVI blames a third-party bank that did not have USVIs authority to enforce any law, nor USVIs knowledge of Epsteins crimes in USVIs territory.

Andrew pictured waving goodbye to a friend at Jeffrey Epstein's New York home in 2010

The USVI claims that Epstein in July 2006 confessed to Mr Staley that he'd had sex with multiple young women for money, only denying the 'ages' of the women in question.

The filing states that Mr Staley communicated the exchange to another senior JPMorgan executive the following day, saying: 'I went and saw him last night. I've never seen him so shaken. He also adamantly denies the ages.'

Emails say Prince Andrew met Jeffrey Epstein while the financier was still under house arrest: READ MORE HERE Advertisement

'Many e-mails over JPMorgan e-mail between Mr Staley and Epstein demonstrate that Staley had personal knowledge of Epstein's sex-trafficking,' the filing claims.

Mr Staley, 66, led JPMorgan's asset management business from 2001 to 2009, and its corporate and investment bank from 2009 to 2013. He later spent six years as Barclays Plc's chief executive.

JPMorgan is separately suing Mr Staley to cover its losses in the lawsuits filed by the USVI and Epstein's victims, claiming he concealed what he knew about the disgraced financier and internally vouched for him.

Mr Staley has acknowledged being friendly with Epstein, but denied knowing about his sex trafficking, accusing JPMorgan of using him as a 'public relations shield' to deflect blame for its own failures in working with Epstein.

Epstein had been a JPMorgan client from 1998 until the bank terminated him in 2013, years after his 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for sex in the Florida state case.

He died of an apparent suicide in August 2019 in a Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial on federal charges of sex trafficking dozens of girls as young 14.

The bombshell new filing also alleges that Epstein was a source of 'many other ultra-wealthy clients and connections' for JPMorgan, including Bill Gates, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, the sultan of Dubai, and billionaire hedge funder Glenn Dubin, among others.

A spokesperson for Mr Gates told MailOnline today that he was never a client of JPMorgan. The billionaire has also previously stated that he regrets ever meeting with Epstein.

Epstein made $25million (approx. 19.3M) in transfers to Ghislaine Maxwell, including $7million (approx. 5.4M) for the purchase of a helicopter, the filing says. The pair are pictured together

In its own court filing, JPMorgan countered that the USVI itself was to blame for Epstein's sexual abuse of young women and teenage girls, saying the territory used its powers to enable these crimes.

The bank accused the territory of facilitating visas that allowed Epstein to bring victims, and of 'looking the other way' whenever Epstein arrived at local airports accompanied by young women and girls.

Both sets of accusations were made in duelling Monday night filings in Manhattan federal court.

Ahead of a scheduled October 23 trial, the USVI is seeking a court ruling that JPMorgan participated in Epstein's sex trafficking and obstructed law enforcement.

The USVI also alleged that Epstein was the largest revenue generator at JPMorgan's private bank.

On the other side, JPMorgan wants the judge to declare that the US Virgin Islands should not be able to seek monetary relief, and that the territory's claim the bank obstructed law enforcement be denied.

Epstein had owned two private islands within the US Virgin islands, including Little St. James (above) where he infamously brought many young women and girls

JPMorgan countered that the US Virgin Islands itself was to blame for Epstein's sexual abuse of young women and teenage girls, saying the territory used its powers to enable these crimes

The bank has already faulted the USVI for having a cosy relationship with Epstein, alleging top officials there gave him tax breaks and waived sex-offender monitoring requirements in exchange for cash and gifts.

Epstein had owned two private islands within the territory, and allegedly bought the second to keep people from spying on his sexual abuses on the first.

The USVI has already received more than $105million (approximately 81.3million) from Epstein's estate, and reached a settlement with billionaire Leon Black, a former Epstein friend.

JPMorgan agreed last month to pay $290million (approximately 224.8million) to settle a separate lawsuit by dozens of Epstein accusers.
The Bar Council came under fire last night after it attacked Rishi Sunak for criticising bent migration lawyers exposed by the Mail.

The Prime Minister yesterday seized on our damning undercover investigation into the activities of unscrupulous individuals charging thousands of pounds to submit false asylum claims for illegal immigrants.

'This is what we're up against,' he said. 'The Labour Party, a subset of lawyers, criminal gangs  they're all on the same side, propping up a system of exploitation that profits from getting people to the UK illegally. I have a plan to stop it.'

His intervention drew angry responses from both Labour and the Bar Council, which represents barristers. The legal body, which opposed the Government's Illegal Migration Bill, acknowledged that 'all professions have individuals who commit misconduct and are dishonest'.

But vice-chairman Sam Townend KC accused the PM of 'playing politics with the legal profession'. He added: 'This damaging rhetoric undermines the rule of law, trust in lawyers and confidence in the legal system and is to be deplored.'

Legal loopholes: Muhammad Azfar Ahmad - 'Arrange a marriage to stay in Britain'

It emerged last night that Mr Townend is a former Labour councillor in Lambeth, south London, and has twice stood unsuccessfully to be a Labour MP.

Tory former minister Jonathan Gullis said the 'Lefty lawyers' should focus on wrongdoing in their own profession rather than 'getting their knickers in a twist'.

'The truth is dodgy lawyers, exposed by the Mail, are helping illegal migrants falsely claim asylum,' he said. 'The Bar Council would do better calling out these rogue lawyers rather than getting pathetically triggered by a tweet.'

In other developments:

Our investigation reveals today that lawyers helping conjure up fake asylum claims are telling migrants to find themselves a wife as a loophole around immigration controls;

Writing in the Mail, Home Secretary Suella Braverman warns that some of the practices go beyond professional sanctions and are 'potentially criminal';

Labour's shadow attorney general Emily Thornberry said any evidence the law firms had facilitated real-life fraudulent claims would be 'a matter for immediate investigation by the police';

The Solicitors Regulation Authority said it was looking into the Mail's findings.

The Mail reported yesterday that some law firms are charging up to 10,000 to invent stories of torture, death threats and slavery to aid applicants claim refugee status. Our investigation found legal staff readily agreed to help submit false claims for an undercover reporter posing as an illegal migrant.

Marco Longhi, a Tory member of the Commons home affairs committee, urged the Bar Council to reflect on the 'appalling' conduct exposed by the Mail instead of criticising the Government. He said: 'Attacking the PM for stating the facts as they are, does show that the council is more interested in reputation management rather than the potential crimes being committed.'

Fellow Tory Brendan Clarke-Smith said the PM had 'hit the nail on the head' and pointed out that Mr Sunak had referred only to a 'subset of lawyers'. He added: 'The Bar Council should be supporting him in challenging this immoral and in some cases illegal behaviour, not criticising him for standing up for the British people and the integrity of our legal system.'

A No 10 source said last night: 'The PM is not afraid to say it as it is. And unlike Keir Starmer, he's not afraid to do so in his own voice. Labour have voted time and again to frustrate every effort to strengthen our borders.'

The Prime Minister (pictured) yesterday seized on our damning undercover investigation into the activities of unscrupulous individuals charging thousands of pounds to submit false asylum claims for illegal immigrants

Stephen Kinnock, Labour's immigration spokesman, described Mr Sunak's intervention as 'desperate' and insisted his party was also appalled by the 'absolutely disgraceful' conduct exposed by the Mail.

Anna Firth, a former barrister who is Tory MP for Southend West, called for clarity in the law to crack down on rogue lawyers. 'We absolutely need tough action to be taken against any unscrupulous lawyers who are seeking to get round our asylum system,' she said. 'I would welcome tough action being taken under existing laws such as perverting the course of justice, and a review of the law to ensure the law covers this.'

Steven Woolfe, an immigration barrister and director of the Centre for Migration and Economic Prosperity, called for rogue lawyers to be brought to justice.

He said: 'I am surprised that there are still solicitors out there who are willing to breach not only their professional conduct under the Solicitors Regulation Authority  but also that of the law  by trying to encourage people to come to this country and make money from it as well.

'I've heard lots of rumours about it from people who are saying it's not just solicitors' firms but non-governmental organisations and charities who are encouraging and advising people to lie to the Home Office.'
I spent several years as a barrister defending the Home Office, often against spurious claims from migrants.

The rule of law depends upon lawyers representing their clients robustly and to the best of their ability.

Lawyers are entitled  indeed obliged  to find any credible legal angle that gets the best result for their client. But they are not allowed to lie. Nor are they allowed to encourage others to lie.

That's why this hugely important investigation by the Mail is extremely shocking. The alleged behaviour this paper's reporters have uncovered is not only appalling and irresponsible, but potentially criminal. It shows why it has been so hard for the Government to remove people with no right to be here  and why we were right to change the law to curb spurious challenges to removal.

We know that the majority of lawyers are professional practitioners, but we also know there are some lawyers who are ideologically opposed to illegal-migration controls. They have said so, proudly.

'I spent several years as a barrister defending the Home Office, often against spurious claims from migrants,' writes Home Secretary Suella Braverman (pictured)

Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) has even argued that there is a 'racist undercurrent' which 'permeates all immigration law'

They've gone to town in using domestic law, international law and other conventions to prevent the removal of small-boat entrants and even foreigners convicted of heinous crimes including murder and rape. And they've been cheered on by the Government's political opponents.

Indeed, Sir Keir Starmer has even argued that there is a 'racist undercurrent' which 'permeates all immigration law'. To howls of protest, we have changed the law  through the Nationality and Borders Act and the new Illegal Migration Act  to close loopholes, stop people exploiting modern slavery laws, make it easier to remove foreign criminals and deprive those who come here illegally of any right to stay. And the Labour Party has tried to block us at every turn.

The British people want us to stop the boats and remove foreign criminals. They're right and should feel no shame. Time and again the public have proven how generous they are to Syrians, Afghans, Hong Kongers, Ukrainians and others who need refuge.

However, our local communities are being overwhelmed by migrants who paid people-smuggling gangsters to bring them here from safe countries such as France. Some 45,000 people arrived by small boats in the last year. The majority were adult males under the age of 40 and we are now spending more than 6million a day on hotels alone to house migrants in this country. Illegal migration makes us less safe, is unfair on taxpayers, supports organised crime, has led to thousands of people perishing needlessly at sea and disadvantaged the genuinely vulnerable who play by the rules. Nobody sane wants foreign rapists, paedophiles or murderers on our streets.

Staff at solicitors firms readily agreed to help an undercover Mail reporter posing as an economic migrant get refugee status - despite being told he had no legitimate reason to stay in the UK after arriving on a small boat. VP Lingajothy (pictured) asked for 10,000 to invent a horrific back story to use in the asylum application

Yet so-called progressives on the Left have utter contempt for public opinion and instead want to open our borders to any and everyone. I am shocked by what the Mail's brilliant journalists have uncovered, but I can't say I'm wholly surprised. I fear it may well be the tip of the iceberg. A good, honourable lawyer makes the most of the law. A dodgy lawyer will cheat and lie.

That's why I am doing everything I can to work with our authorities to track down and punish any lawyers or firms found to be engaging in these kinds of practices. Either way, the law had to change. It contained too many loopholes for people to block or frustrate their removal. Now we have evidence that some lawyers would stop at nothing, including lying.

I've been called a lot of ridiculous names for my tough stance. Well, every opponent of immigration controls should be eating their words today. I am very grateful to the Mail for showing why the Government, and the vast majority of the public, are on the right side when pushing for tougher action to stop the boats.
Police should probe the Mails expose of lawyers making false asylum claims, ministers and leading opposition MPs said last night.

Rishi Sunak led criticism of rogue solicitors and legal advisers after our undercover investigation.

The Prime Minister retweeted a link to the Mails investigation, saying: This is what were up against.

'The Labour Party, a subset of lawyers, criminal gangs  theyre all on the same side, propping up a system of exploitation that profits from getting people to the UK illegally.

Writing in the Mail today, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said the probe was hugely important and warned some of the practices were potentially criminal.

Image from undercover footage shows Vinnasythamby Lingajothy offering anti-depressant medication to an undercover reporter which he said the journalist could show the Home Office as evidence of his 'psychological trauma.'

Immigration minister Robert Jenrick tweeted: These individuals have no place in the legal profession.

Swift action must be taken to remove from the roll all those who so egregiously abuse our laws.

Questions surround what law could be used to prosecute solicitors and legal advisers who concoct fake stories for asylum seekers or who submit knowingly false claims.

Immigrants who submit false asylum claims can face two years in jail, but there is no specific law covering the solicitors who cash in by helping them.

Labours shadow attorney general Emily Thornberry said: What has been recorded in these conversations is absolutely disgraceful, and it is appalling to think that the same advice may also have been given in numerous real-life cases that we do not know about.

'It is vital that we have a credible asylum process in our country, and it is disgusting to see any legal professional actively working to undermine it.

If there is evidence that they have facilitated fraudulent asylum claims in real-life cases, and made financial gains from doing so, then that should rightly be a matter for immediate investigation by the police.

Alistair Carmichael, Lib Dem home affairs spokesman, added: These reports are extremely concerning and need to be looked into.

'The Governments approach is failing to tackle the trafficking gangs and all those who profit from this trade in human misery.

Gareth Johnson, a Tory MP who also works as a solicitor, said: This sort of despicable behaviour brings the whole profession into disrepute.

'If this goes unchecked if this goes it brings the whole profession down, so we need sanctions taken against these people.

Legal authorities suggested those exposed by the Mails investigation could fall foul of section 25 of the 1971 Immigration Act, which prohibits facilitating illegal migration.

'But this is thought to apply only to those who help the act of unlawful entry, not helping the illegal immigrants after they have arrived.

Alternatively, if they were knowingly helping people smuggler or crime gangs from the UK they could be in breach of this law.

'There is no suggestion the lawyers featured in the Mails investigation were doing do.

There has been at least one conviction of a British-based lawyer under such law.

On social media, senior lawyers discussing our story debated alternative grounds for a prosecution.

'Dinah Rose, a barrister and president of Magdalen College, Oxford, suggested that if lawyers encouraged clients to lie it could constitute conspiracy to pervert the course of justice  a view supported by fellow barrister Adam Wagner.

Among the rogue legal advisers we exposed was VP Lingajothy, who asked for 10,000 to invent a horrific back story to use in the asylum application, including claims of sexual torture, slave labour and imprisonment.

After the Mail approached the south London firm he was representing, he was promptly sacked.
Lawyers helping conjure up fake asylum claims are telling migrants to find themselves a wife as a loophole around immigration controls, the Mail investigation uncovered.

Solicitors told an undercover reporter posing as an economic migrant to apply for asylum and then 'find a girl, arrange a marriage' to 'anyone who has permanent residence here'.

One even offered to play matchmaker, mentioning a client who had two daughters that could be prospective spouses.

Getting married would mean 'the whole route is changed' and the small boat arrival could apply to stay in the UK as a spouse regardless of his original asylum application, lawyers said. One solicitor advised getting his potential wife to call utility providers and 'put his name on the bills' to give the impression the couple lived together.

Asylum seekers are allowed to wed in the UK but getting married for immigration purposes when not in a genuine relationship is illegal and the Home Office receives thousands of reports a year of suspicious nuptials.

Muhammad Azfar Ahmad (pictured in office), a lawyer at Kingswright Solicitors in Birmingham, warned that while he could 'fight' for an asylum case, such claims for Indians were 'very weak' and suggested another possibility

VP Lingajothy was sacked following the Mail investigation. He asked for 10,000 to invent a horrific backstory to use in the asylum application, including claims of sexual torture, slave labour and imprisonment

According to figures obtained by the Mail, 21,638 reports of dodgy marriages have been received by the Home Office since 2015.

The number of reports peaked in 2019, when 2,648 suspicious marriages were flagged to officials, and more than 1,000 reports have been received from January to May this year alone.

Our revelations come as part of an investigation into abuses of Britain's asylum system by immigration solicitors who are making thousands of pounds making fabricated claims to the Home Office.

The Mail covertly visited a string of firms with a reporter posing as an Indian national who had arrived in the UK illegally on a small boat to look for work. Muhammad Azfar Ahmad, a lawyer at Kingswright Solicitors in Birmingham, warned that while he could 'fight' for an asylum case, such claims for Indians were 'very weak' and suggested another possibility.

'If he can get married then we can, while asylum claim is pending, we go to the other route,' Mr Ahmad said. He said if he can offer proof he has lived with a person who has settled status for two years he could apply as 'unmarried partners'.

He added: 'On the other hand, once he claimed asylum he will be able to register a marriage in a marriage office.

Once the marriage is registered he can apply any time as a spouse of a British national or whatever the position will be with the British settled person.'

He said it must be either a British citizen or someone with indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

Mr Ahmad (pictured in office) said if he can offer proof he has lived with a person who has settled status for two years he could apply as 'unmarried partners'

There were 74,751 asylum applications, relating to nearly 90,000 people, in 2022  more than twice the number of applications in 2019  with just under half from people who arrived by small boat

During the Mail's investigation, Rashid Ahmad Khan (pictured) told our covert reporter he can't help him apply for asylum if he doesn't say 'his life is in danger back home' and told him to lie to the Home Office

Malik Nazar Hayat (pictured) told our reporter the whole process would cost 5,500 in cash, a price he insists is a steal from his usual fees of 12,000 to 15,000 for similar cases

Later he said: 'Wedding, yes that is better thing. As soon as you find someone who is ready to get married to him, put his name on the bills. Just tell utility provider to add his name. She can call them.'

Mr Ahmad said this was to show that they were living together.

Asked if he knew of a 'matchmaker', the lawyer suggested a Punjabi couple in Walsall with two daughters who were his clients and said he could get their number. As the meeting came to an end, Mr Ahmad said: 'We will make some story. But do something to get him married, that's better.'

Mr Ahmad said it would cost 2,000 for the asylum claim and more to submit a marriage application to the Home Office.

A solicitor at another firm in south London told an undercover reporter to marry 'anyone who has permanent residence here' telling him to 'find a girl, arrange a marriage. 'Nothing stops you from doing that. The moment he applies for asylum he can legally get married,' he added.

Kingswright Solicitors said: 'We entirely refute the allegations. However, we have commenced an internal investigation concerning the same. It would therefore be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.'
The billionaire investor Leon Black was sued on Tuesday by an autistic woman who says he raped her in the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein's mansion in Manhattan in 2002, when she was 16.

In a complaint filed in Manhattan federal court, the woman, using the pseudonym Jane Doe, said that as she was preparing to give Black a massage, Black pinned her down and penetrated her with sex toys, causing her to bleed.

She said Epstein later found her crying, but refused to let her see a doctor and said longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell would take care of her.

The plaintiff, who is now in her late 30s, is described in the legal complaint as being born with mosaic Down syndrome and having a 'developmental age' around 12 years old.

Black's lawyer Susan Estrich called Doe's lawsuit frivolous.

Jeffrey Epstein (left), Pepe Fanjul (center) and Leon Black (right) in 2005 in New York City. Black and Epstein have deep ties that led to Black's resignation from his financial firm in 2021. DailyMail.com is informed that Mr Fanjul only met Epstein on one occasion and before Epstein was charged

Leon Black, 71, was accused on Tuesday of raping an autistic woman at Jeffrey Epstein's Manhattan townhouse

Epstein died by suicide in August 2019 age 66, while awaiting trial for sex trafficking

'He never met this woman,' Estrich told Reuters.

'He doesn't know her at all. We're confident the lawsuit is totally uncorroborated by any evidence. It has nothing to do with Leon Black.'

Estrich told The Messenger that Black believed the case was filed as revenge by the woman's lawyers, Wigdor, for Black 'vigorously and successfully defending himself over the past two years.'

Black has filed a motion to impose sanctions against Wigdor in December for filing frivolous claims against the financier on behalf of Epstein's victims.

Black's name has been repeatedly tied to Epstein's.

Black has denied other sexual abuse accusations, including in a dismissed lawsuit by former Russian model Guzel Ganieva, and a lawsuit by Cheri Pierson who also claimed he raped her in Epstein's home two decades ago.

The billionaire has also reached a $62.5 million settlement with the U.S. Virgin Islands, where Epstein had a home, to avoid a possible lawsuit.

Estrich added: 'These allegations  about an incident that supposedly took place 20 years ago  are totally made up, entirely uncorroborated.'

She called the complaint 'vicious and defamatory lies, masquerading as allegations.'

Epstein's Manhattan townhouse, where he entertained the rich and famous, and abused young women

Epstein is seen with his 'fixer' Ghislaine Maxwell, who in June 2022 was sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role assisting Epstein with his sex trafficking scheme

The accuser said she was lured into Epstein's orbit from a summer program for cheerleaders, and gave him massages, with she and he naked, before being 'shipped off' to Black.

She is seeking damages for Black's alleged violation of a New York City law against gender-motivated violence.

Her lawyer Jeanne Christensen declined to say whether Doe tried to settle.

She said the suit was brought thanks to a change in law, which removed the barrier of the statute of limitations.

'Today, because of legislative initiatives in NYS granting sexual violence victims the right to file claims previously barred by the statute of limitations, we were able to commence a legal action against Leon Black for harms committed years ago against our client Jane Doe when she was a minor,' she said.

'This is significant for our client and for all sexual assault survivors.

'It is an honor to represent Jane Doe and we look forward to proceeding to discovery and trial on Jane Doe's claims.'

Black co-founded private equity firm Apollo Global Management, which he left in 2021.

Forbes magazine said he is worth $10.1 billion.

The lawsuit was filed the same day the U.S. Senate's finance committee said it was examining Black's treatment of several trusts, and whether $158 million he paid Epstein for tax and estate planning was properly deemed income or gifts for tax purposes.

Epstein died by suicide in August 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking.
The family of a Marine who was killed during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 had to pay $60,000 to fly her body from California to Arlington to bury her.

Nicole Gee, 23, was one of 13 service members who died in a suicide blast at Kabul Airport in 2021 alongside 170 desperate Afghans seeking to leave the beleaguered country.

The terror attack, which ISIS claimed responsibility for, occurred in the early morning hours of August 26, during the frenzied evacuation near the US embassy.

Republican lawmaker and Army veteran Cory Mills last week met with the families of the 13 service members killed on duty and was told one was forced to pay to move the body of their loved one.

He claimed Marine Gee's family were forced to find 'a staggering $60,000' worth of funding to move her body to its final resting place.

The family of Marine Nicole Gee, 23, who was killed during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 had to pay $60,000 to fly her body from California to Arlington to bury her

She was one of 13 service members who died in a suicide blast at Kabul Airport in 2021 and her family were allegedly forced to find $60,000 to move her body to its final resting place

Republican politician and Army veteran Cory Mills' office said the option for the defense department to decline to pay for the transportation of her body was allowed by a change to last year's National Defense Authorization Act

A nonprofit organization eventually stepped in and secured a flight in a private aircraft to move her body to Arlington, which was donated by a veteran to honor Gee.

Her body was first flown to her hometown of Roseville, California for a ceremony.

But her family was told they would be responsible for taking her body to her final resting place at Arlington National Cemetery, Florida Representative Mills claimed.

Honoring Our Fallen, a nonprofit which helps the families of fallen American service members, secured the donation of a private aircraft flight to move Gee's remains to Virginia.

Mills' office said the option for the defense department to decline to pay for the transportation of her body was allowed by a change to last year's National Defense Authorization Act.

It states the secretary of Defense may provide a fallen service member's family 'a commercial air travel use waiver for the transportation of deceased remains of [a] military member who dies inside a theater of combat operations.'

Republican politician Mills said the Defense Department should pay for transporting the bodies of those who have died serving their countries and not their families.

'Typically, our fallen heroes are flown back home for a solemn service and then laid to a final rest at Arlington Cemetery with the utmost respect and honor,' he told Fox News.

'It is an egregious injustice that grieving families were burdened to shoulder the financial strain of honoring their loved ones.

Republican politician Mills said the Defense Department should pay for transporting the bodies of those who have died serving their countries and not their families

Honoring Our Fallen, a nonprofit which helps the families of fallen American service members, stepped in and paid to move Gee's remains to Virginia using a private jet. Pictured: Gee with her husband Marine Jarod Gee

Her older sister Misty Fuoco (left) said her sister would text her regularly from Kabul to tell her how amazing her job was, and described her as fearless'

'This is an unacceptable situation that demands immediate rectification.'

Gee was one of two female Marines who died in the Kabul blast nearly two years ago.

Her older sister Misty Fuoco, said her sister would text her regularly from Kabul to tell her how amazing her job was, and described her as fearless.

'She was a big advocate of positive mental health and helping others and she was just absolutely thrilled with the work she was doing in Afghanistan,' she said.

'She and I didnt get to communicate as much as we did before she was deployed but when she did, she would let me know [she was safe].

Her words were, I love it. Im so amazed by everything here. She couldnt wait to tell me more about it. There was so much happiness and passion in what she was doing.

In a message sent to Misty on August 14, less than two weeks before she was killed, Nicole wrote: Dont be scared either! Theres a lot in the news lately But theres a LOT of Marines and soldiers going to provide security.

Weve been training for this evacuation and its actually happening so Im excited for it. Hopefully its successful and safe. I love you!!!

She added of the moment she learned Nicole was dead: I just stood still, speechless, processing. Thinking, no way. Thats not what you just said. Then you think, well he wouldnt just say that as a joke or just to say that.

You wait for the second phone call that says so sorry for the terrible mix up but there isnt any mix up and what happened, happened.

Still, its been a little over 24 hours now and its still just as hard to understand as it was yesterday morning. You take it one moment at a time, one thought at a time.

Marine Nicole Gee (left and right) sent a series of texts to her sister before deploying to Afghanistan telling her not to worry - and saying she hoped the mission would be successful and safe'

In a message sent to Misty on August 14, less than two weeks before she was killed, Nicole wrote: Dont be scared either! Theres a lot in the news lately But theres a LOT of Marines and soldiers going to provide security.

Gee (second from left) grew up in Roseville, California  a small commuter city just outside Sacramento where her father Richard, 56, still lives

Nicole and Misty grew up in nearby Roseville, California  a small commuter city just outside Sacramento where their father Richard, 56, still lives.

Misty describes a happy childhood that came to an abrupt end when their mother Rebecca died at the age of 46 in 2019.

By then, Nicole had moved across the country to be with her husband Jarod Gee, who was a stationed Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and had joined the Marines herself.

The other Marines killed in the blast were Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20.

The Army lost Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, while the Navy lost Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak, 22 in the terrorist attack.

Dailymail.com has contacted The Pentagon for comment.
Campaigners have accused Unilever of descending into a 'vortex of immorality' by continuing to operate in Russia.

The food and toiletries giant, whose brands include Dove, Ben & Jerry's and Marmite, made around 556million in the war-mongering country last year, it has been estimated.

But Unilever's new chief executive insisted that the 'least bad' option was for the company to continue to operate in 'a highly constrained manner' in Russia.

The company  which also owns Hellmann's mayonnaise  was one of the first big European brands to halt Russian imports and exports following the invasion last year.

But it has continued to sell everyday essential food and hygiene items  which it insists it will not profit from.

However, the company sparked outrage after confirming it would still sell ice creams, including Cornettos and Magnums, to Russian-based stores.

Protesters wearing balaclavas hold placards outside Unilever's London HQ in March, demanding the company stops doing business in Russia

The food and toiletries giant, whose brands include Dove, Ben & Jerry's and Marmite, made around 556million in the war-mongering country last year, it has been estimated

Labour MP Chris Bryant said last night: 'Is it the least bad option for people in the UK who use Unilever products but don't want to dip their hands in Ukrainian blood?

'The idea of Unilever making money out of selling Magnums to Russians, as essential items apparently, it angers me beyond belief.'

READ MORE: Unilever will let its Russian staff join Putin's forces if they are conscripted amid mounting pressure to pull out of the country as they wage war on Ukraine Advertisement

The Moral Rating Agency, a lobby group which monitors Western firms operating in Russia, estimated the company made 556million in sales in Russia last year.

'Its spokesman Mark Dixon said: 'Unilever has done nothing but wriggle with excuses in response to our year-long demands for it to leave Russia.

'Unilever has descended into a vortex of immorality.'

Conservative MP Bob Seely said: 'I understand it's difficult for them but they are effectively paying millions in taxes supporting the Russian war economy when Russia is doing something fundamentally, incredibly, evil.

'The question is why should we support Unilever when Unilever is supporting the Russian war economy?'

He also blasted Unilever for 'ethically confused behaviour' at the same time as 'shallow virtue signalling' from brands like Ben & Jerry's, which runs campaigns about social and political issues.

It came as Unilever warned it could increase the prices of dozens of household favourites despite a 20 per cent boost in profits. Price hikes and cutting pack sizes have helped the firm grow despite the squeeze on customers.

Unilever said there was 9 per cent growth in the value of its underlying sales over the six months to the end of June, largely due to price rises. It reported a turnover of 26.2billion over the period with operating profit surging by around 21 per cent to 4.7billion  figures which will fuel suspicions of 'greedflation'.

Bob Seely also blasted Unilever for 'ethically confused behaviour' at the same time as 'shallow virtue signalling' from (separate) brands like Ben & Jerry's, which runs campaigns about social and political issues

Although the business has come under intense pressure to close or sell its operations in Russia, boss Hein Schumacher doubled down on its stance yesterday.

He told reporters: 'None of the options are good, but the final option of operating our business in a constrained manner is the least bad.'

Abandoning the business 'could result in it being nationalised,' Mr Schumacher said, pointing to the takeover of French yoghurt maker Danone's Russian subsidiary earlier this month.

Unilever also came under fire this week when it said it would comply with conscription laws that mean its 3,000 Russian employees could be sent to fight in Ukraine.

In a letter to campaign group B4Ukraine, it said it would accept the Russian law but it 'condemns the war in Ukraine'.
Hunter Biden's legal team is accused of lying to the clerk in his criminal case

Hunter Biden's lawyers have responded to allegations that they conspired to lie to a court clerk in the First Son's criminal case in Delaware by saying the incident was simply an 'unfortunate misunderstanding.'

Delaware Judge Maryellen Noreika had ordered the First Son's attorneys to explain themselves by 9pm Tuesday or be sanctioned.

Just before the deadline, Hunter's Latham & Watkins lawyer Matthew Salerno filed a response claiming the incident was down to 'an unfortunate and unintentional miscommunication.'

It was alleged that Hunter's lawyers sought to remove testimony from IRS whistleblowers about the Justice Department's lackluster criminal investigation into his tax offenses from the court docket.

'The matter under consideration appears to stem from an unfortunate and unintentional miscommunication between a staff member at our firm and employees of the Court. We have no idea how the misunderstanding occurred, but our understanding is there was no misrepresentation,' Salerno wrote to Judge Noreika on Tuesday evening.

He claimed that Jessica Bengels, the Latham staffer accused of pretending to be from another law firm, has a phone number which should show up as 'LATHAM' on the clerk's caller ID.

Hunter Biden's legal team is accused of lying to the clerk in his criminal case

A staffer in the office of Hunter's attorney Chris Clark (left) is accused of calling the Delaware clerk pretending to be from Kittila's office, and asked the clerk to remove his original filing. The alleged trickster is New York-based Latham & Watkins litigation services director Jessica Bengels (right)

Salerno attached an affidavit from Bengels, in which she claimed she initially called a different court clerk, Julia, from her Latham phone, identified herself truthfully, but was later called back by the first clerk, Samantha.

At around 11.54am, another Court employee called my Latham & Watkins phone number (which I believe she knew through caller ID) to let me know she would be removing the material from the docket, Bengels wrote. She did not ask which law firm I was affiliated with, and at no time during this call did I mention anything about my law firm affiliation.

I believe there may have been some confusion when Julia passed the information on to the other Court employee, resulting in a mistaken understanding that I had called from Mr. Kittilas firm.

I am completely confident that I never indicated that I was calling from Mr. Kittilas firm or that I worked with him in any way.

Earlier today, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith filed a brief to Judge Noreika, suggesting that she toss Hunter's 'sweetheart' plea deal with Delaware prosecutors due to claims they gave the President's son preferential treatment.

It is claimed that someone from Hunter's attorney Chris Clark's former law firm later called the Delaware clerk  pretending to be from the office of Smith's attorney, Theodore Kittila  asking them to remove the original filing and, with it, 448 pages of Congressional testimony from the two IRS investigators who worked on the case.

The documents were then taken down and sealed.

Delaware Judge Maryellen Noreika ordered the First Son's attorneys to explain themselves by 9pm today or be sanctioned

Kittila, quickly filed a second outraged letter to the judge.

'We promptly contacted the clerk's office, and we were advised that someone contacted the court representing that they worked with my office and that they were asking the court to remove this from the docket,' Kittila wrote to the judge.

'We immediately advised that this was inaccurate.'

In a fiery email exchange with Kittila about the apparent skullduggery, Hunter's lawyer Clark hit back, denying any improper conduct and claiming 'the clerk took the filing down on their own accord'.

But the top Republican's lawyer included in his filing a copy of an email from the Delaware clerk, backing up his claims.

'The woman who called was a Jessica Bengels,' he wrote adding her phone number.

'She said she worked with Theodore Kittila and it was important the document was removed immediately,' the clerk, Sam Grimes, wrote to Kittila.

According to Grimes's email, the alleged trickster is New York-based Latham & Watkins litigation services director Jessica Bengels.

Bengels' LinkedIn page says she has been 'litigation services counsel' at the firm since January 2023, and has worked there since 2006. She went to Brown University then Fordham law school.

Clark worked for Latham & Watkins up until April this year.

A top Republican's lawyer included in his filing a copy of an email from the Delaware clerk Sam Grimes, backing up his claims. 'The woman who called was a Jessica Bengels,' he wrote adding her phone number

In a fiery email exchange with Kittila about the apparent skullduggery, Hunter's lawyer Clark hit back, denying any improper conduct and claiming 'the clerk took the filing down on their own accord'

Hunter's lawyers claim that the filing contained 'personal tax information' and should be sealed, despite the same documents being publicly released online by the House Ways and Means Committee a month ago.

'Your attempts to publicly file my client's personal financial information with no protections are improper, illegal and in violation of applicable rules,' Clark wrote to Kittila. 'I stand by all of my statements.'

Judge Noreika appeared displeased, issuing an order on Tuesday afternoon over the alleged dirty trick giving Hunter's lawyers just hours to justify themselves.

'It appears that the caller misrepresented her identity and who she worked for in an attempt to improperly convince the clerk's office to remove the amicus materials from the docket,' the order said.

'Therefore, it is hereby ordered that, on or before 9pm today on July 25, 2023, counsel for defendant shall show cause as to why sanctions should not be considered for misrepresentations to the court.'

However, Noreika also placed a temporary seal on Chairman Smith's filing, meaning it will not be public until after Hunter's plea hearing on Wednesday.

Earlier today, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith filed a brief to Judge Noreika, suggesting that she toss Hunter's 'sweetheart' plea deal with Delaware prosecutors due to claims they gave the President's son preferential treatment

They claim Hunter's team pretended to be from the office of Smith's attorney, Theodore Kittila (pictured) Kittila, quickly filed a second outraged letter to the judge

Mike Howell, director of conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation's Oversight Project, told DailyMail.com that the latest twist in the courtroom saga was 'crazy' and the alleged actions of Clark's firm 'reek of desperation'.

'Something crazy is happening right now in the Hunter Biden case,' he said. 'The judge ordered the sealing of transcripts that have been publicly available on the House website for over a month and which a House Committee voted to release in compliance with applicable rules.

Mike Howell, director of conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation's Oversight Project, told DailyMail.com that the latest twist in the courtroom saga was 'crazy' and the alleged actions of Clark's firm 'reek of desperation'

'The courageous whistleblowers did the right thing in the right way  they provided sworn testimony protected under U.S. law.

'If anyone lied to the court, they need to be punished. Otherwise, we can only expect the same behavior in the future. It is unbelievable that we are dealing with these 11th-hour procedural shenanigans that reek of desperation.

'Heritage Oversight will be there in person to observe these proceedings on behalf of the American people,' Howell vowed.

Clark has previously engaged in unusual methods for a high-powered lawyer  including in responses to DailyMail.com.

In August last year, before publishing a story about Joe Biden meeting in the White House with two Chinese energy executives, as well as 14 other meetings with business partners and associates of Hunter, we contacted Clark for comment.

He responded shortly after 9pm that evening with a near-unintelligible email.

'Please quote me,' he wrote. 'Josh you are a parasite who lives of other peoples difficulties. Your parents won't mount you.

'Pls include an explaination from 'news corp' lawyers of you exclude this comment this from your as to why you have done so after asking. Me fo my comment. Please'

Clark, who has previously specialized in media industry cases, appeared to be under the mistaken impression that DailyMail.com is a News Corp company, owned by media mogul Rupert Murdoch. DailyMail.com is in fact owned by the Daily Mail and General Trust.
A former White House sous chef who drowned just meters from ex-President Obama's $12million Martha's Vineyard property was not attached to his paddleboard at the time of his death.

Massachusetts State Police confirmed that Tafari Campbell, 45, lost his balance while carrying out the water sport on Edgartown's Great Pond and fell into the water.

He had been accompanied by another person, who has not been identified in anyway, attempted to swim to Campbell and save him but 'did not reach him in time'.

In a statement the Massachusetts State Police said: 'The investigation into the death of Tafari Campbell, 45, of Virginia, who was recovered from Edgartown Great Pond on Monday, as well as an initial post-mortem examination by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, found no evidence that the death was suspicious.

'The on-scene observation of the victim by State Police personnel and the post-mortem examination by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner revealed no external trauma or injuries.

Tafari Campbell died in an as yet unexplained accident on the pond behind the Obamas' home. He had gone out paddle boarding on the calm water last night, and was seen falling off the board

Malia and Sasha Obama were seen leaving Martha's Vineyard for the mainland on Tuesday, hours after Campbell's death was confirmed

Pictured: Edgartown Great Pond. The scene of the desperate search for Campbell was launched after he went missing in the water off Martha's Vineyard on Sunday

'An interview of the paddle boarder who was with Mr Campbell indicates that Mr Campbell was standing on his paddle board, lost his balance and fell into the water, then struggled to stay afloat but could not do so.

'He was not wearing a personal flotation device and was not leashed to the paddle board. The fellow paddle boarder tried to swim to Mr. Campbell's location but did not reach him in time.

'The other paddle boarder then swam to shore and notified a person on shore of what had happened.

'That person placed a 911 call to the Dukes County Regional Emergency Communications Center, which initiated an immediate emergency search and rescue response by numerous public safety agencies.

'The police investigation and post-mortem examination is completed except for receipt of toxicology results, which is a standard procedure in all autopsies that generally takes several weeks to complete.

'Barring any further significant developments, which are not expected at this time, the State Police will provide no further updates on Mr. Campbell's tragic passing.'

It comes after DailyMail.com obtained exclusive pictures of the First Daughters leaving the property to return to the mainland.

Malia and Sasha were seen smiling as they entered Martha's Vineyard Airport, without their parents. It is unknown if they were present at the time of the tragedy.

The office of Barack and Michelle confirmed that they had been on the island on Sunday night, but were not at their home when Campbell vanished.

Campbell is seen preparing food in the background as the Today Show's Savannah Guthrie interviewed then-President Obama from the White House

A view of Obama's house from Turkeyland Cove where Campbell worked as the family's personal chef

In a statement, the former president and his wife, Michelle Obama, called Campbell a 'beloved part of our family.'

'When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House  creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together,' the couple said. 'In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter.'

'That's why, when we were getting ready to leave the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed. He's been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that he's gone.'

The search for the missing paddleboarder started Sunday after reports from a fellow paddleboarder that he had struggled on the surface, went under and didnt resurface.

The search was paused late Sunday but on Monday state police said sonar from a boat located the body about 100 feet from shore at a depth of about 8 feet. . Campbell was not wearing a life jacket, police said.

The Obamas said Campbell is survived by his wife and their twin boys.
One man is dead after a massive fire broke out at a retirement village north of Melbourne, forcing elderly residents to flee for their lives.

Firefighters and CFA crews were called to the Kingsgate Village in Kilmore shortly after 6am on Wednesday morning.

'Multiple' properties were affected by the blaze. Around 40 residents had evacuated by the time fire crews arrived.

The body of a man, 78, was later found in one of the damaged units.

Police are treating the blaze as suspicious.

Multiple emergency vehicles remain on scene after a fire broke out at Kingsgate Village

It's understood at least two units have been damaged in the blaze.

It took more than 80 firefighters an hour to get the fire under control.

Fire crews remain at the scene working on blacking out any hot spots.

Multiple police and ambulance vehicles also remain on scene with Royal Parade cordoned off from the public.

Victoria Police is treating the fire as suspicious.

'The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and a crime scene has been established,' a spokesperson said.

'It is expected detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad and an arson chemist will attend the property this morning.'

Police have confirmed one resident remains unaccounted for following the blaze (pictured)

Authorities have assured there's no threat to the community.

A 'stay informed' direction has been issued for nearby residents, who were warned that 'smoke will be visible.

Located 75km north of Melbourne, Kingsgate Village is described on its website as a leading edge designed, five-star quality, gated, residential development for over-55s.

'This is quite a little community, a tight-knit community, being a retirement village, I'm sure they will all gather around each other to get themselves through and solve the situation.' Benalla Acting Inspector Jaymee Cutler told reporters.

She added the wife of the victim is in shock.

'Its an awful experience for anybody to go through. Our police members have been sitting very closely with her and helping her get through this,' she said.
It is important to build resilient trade frameworks to tackle todays challenging landscape, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Economy, has said.

In his first address to the General Council after being elected as the Chair of WTOs 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13), Al Zeyoudi called for focused and decisive deliberations amongst WTO members ahead of MC13.

He said: Trade policy extends far beyond the scope of trade itself; it is about shaping our common future. It is our collective responsibility to contribute to a predictable, rules-based, and open trade and investment environment that creates prosperity for all  and this is precisely why the success of MC13 is so imperative.

Critical time

MC13 comes at a critical time for world trade, and the conference will build on the outcomes of MC12, review the performance of the multilateral trading system, make decisions on the future work of the WTO, and set up the roadmap for MC14.

This is a pivotal moment for world trade, commented Al Zeyoudi. As a Ministerial Conference, we have to tackle pressing issues and challenges, consider all the forces shaping the future of trade and come up with clear solutions, and challenge ourselves to take actionable decisions that move the needle on making trade more efficient, inclusive and sustainable.

At the heart of all of this is the need to modernise trade and embed technology across supply chains, and we look forward to working closely with all the members of the WTO to make real progress at MC13. Our goal must be driving forward momentum for more change at the conference in Abu Dhabi next year, but also in the years to come, and I have the utmost confidence in our collective ability to make this happen.

Ministerial Conference

The Ministerial Conference, attended by leading representatives from the 164 countries and customs blocs that make up the WTO, will take place in Abu Dhabi in February 2024.

Al Zeyoudis election was announced at the WTO General Council in Geneva, Switzerland, where the Minister met the WTO Director General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. During their meeting they discussed the preparations for MC13, in addition to the landmark inclusion of trade as a thematic day at COP28, which is set to take place in Dubai later this year.-- TradeArabia News Service
The L.A. real estate developer who paid big bucks for one of Hunter Biden's paintings has been no stranger to the White House, visiting more than a dozen times, visitor logs reveal.

Democratic donor Elizabeth Hirsch Naftali has been revealed to be one of the purchasers of artwork by the president's son, amid concerns by ethics experts that difficult to value art purchases could raise conflict of interest concerns.

President Joe Biden appointed her to the Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad, an obscure but prestigious board.

In addition to having a colorful Biden painting she can hang on her wall, Naftali has made repeated trips to the seat of executive power.

Access: Elizabeth Hirsh Naftali, who is revealed to have purchased a Hunter Biden painting, visited the White House more than a dozen times, visitor logs reveal

She has been there at least 13 times since December 2021, the Washington Free Beacon reported.

That includes a March 22 meeting with White House senior adviser Neera Tanden, a key policy maker in the White House. She is now domestic policy advisor but previously served as Biden's staff secretary, a key gatekeeper.

Naftali is also a Democratic donor. She also met twice with White House policy adviser Richard Figueroa, in December and September of last year.

Logs show she was with 40 people inside the East Wing on Sept. 17, 2022. Her events with the president were large events with hundreds of people in attendance.

Hunter Biden, who on Wednesday is set to appear in federal court to plead guilty to to tax misdemeanors, has made art throughout his life, and turned to the craft after his battles with addiction.

According to the Georges Berges gallery, which features his work in New York, he produces 'powerful and impactful paintings ranging from photogenic to mixed media to the abstract, using mediums from wood to metal and canvas.

Nevertheless, the president's son faced some sneering reviews from Republicans after two well-heeled purchasers of his modern art projects were unmasked.

'Lets call the Hunter Biden art scam what it is: bribes for the Biden family, approved by the president,' wrote Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, following reports that one of the buyers was real estate investor and Democratic donor Elizabeth Hirsch Naftali.

Republicans, who had already pounced on information gleaned from Hunter's infamous laptop to probe his business deals and accuse the first family of corruption, are now armed with new information from the art world.

The White House had previously announced that a team of lawyers had reviewed sales and kept purchasers anonymous as a way to avoid potential conflicts of interest when buyers handed hefty sales prices to the president's son.

'Corruption at every turn with this administration. It makes you wonder, what else is going on?' tweeted Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.).

In 2021, Hunter made his debut at a ritzy New York art gallery, where the sticker price clocked in on some of his amateur pieces at $500,000. Republicans penned scathing reviews of the practice after the identities of two of his purchasers were revealed

Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), who is already probing Hunter's business deals, has accused the Biden family of bribery

Scott himself has admitted 'mistakes' as the CEO of the Columbia/HCA hospital company, which paid a $1.7 billion settlement in 2000 and 2002 for alleged Medicare fraud.

House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer once again accused the Biden family of a scheme involving 'bribes' in an appearance on Sean Hannity's program on Fox News.

'Well, we've got already proven over $10 million, and we're sitting on a lot more bank records. We're gonna bring people in now to try to explain where this money came from,' he said.

He spoke after the testimony of IRS 'whistleblowers' who claimed the first son got preferential treatment in a probe of his taxes. He will plead guilty in federal court Wednesday to two misdemeanor tax counts.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) called Hunter's art career a 'scam'

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) said there was 'corruption' at every turn

Comer connected the art sales to a probe of his international business efforts

'I think all roads point to Joe Biden I think any reasonable American would see that, but for this mainstream media, Sean, we have to have a whole lot more evidence than Adam Schiff or Jamie Raskin did when they were going after Trump,' he said, mentioning two Trump impeachment managers for House Democrats.

'But we're going to provide the evidence and I think we're making progress every day,' he said.

Biden has not been charged or convicted of bribery and Republicans have yet to provide evidence he was offered one.

The White House had defended the art sales against charges of a conflict back in 2021.

'After careful consideration, a system has been established that allows for Hunter Biden to work in his profession within reasonable safeguards,' said White House press secretary Jen Psaki when the art sales were being criticized.

'Of course, he has the right to pursue an artistic career just like any child of a president has the right to pursue a career, but all interactions regarding the selling of art and the setting of prices will be handled by a professional gallerist adhering to the highest industry standards, and any offer out of the normal, of course, would be rejected out of hand,' she said.

Hunter Biden lawyer Abbe Lowell told Business Insider, 'The gallery sets the pricing and handles all sales based on the highest ethical standards of the industry and does not disclose the names of any purchasers to Mr. Biden.'

Hunter Biden's transition from international wheeler-dealer to L.A.-based artist raised immediate concern from ethics experts, even after his works drew positive reviews.

Hunter Biden's paintings have been bought by a top Democratic donor and the lawyer who has caught smoking a bong during a visit from the First Son last week, a bombshell new report has revealed.

Despite a White House promise that all purchasers' identities would be kept a secret, two names have been revealed: Los Angeles-based real estate investor and Democratic donor Elizabeth Hirsch Naftali and Hollywood attorney Kevin Morris.

In July 2022, eight months after Hunter's exhibition opened in New York City, Joe Biden appointed Naftali to the Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad. It's not clear whether she had already purchased the art at that time.

Hunter's Hollywood 'fixer' lawyer Morris was seen smoking on the balcony of his Malibu home last week and loaned the president's son $2million to help him pay back taxes.

When Hunter Biden first announced he would make a high-dollar foray into the art world, the Biden team promised the identities of those who purchased Hunter's art would remain anonymous. On the campaign trail, Joe Biden promised an 'absolute wall' between his duties as president and his family's business dealings.

In 2021, Hunter made his debut at a ritzy New York art gallery, where the sticker price clocked in on some of his amateur pieces at $500,000.

Hunter Biden's artwork has brought in $1.3 million dollars, and it has been revealed that a top Democratic donor and Biden family friend who President Biden named to a prestigious commission was one of the purchasers

Last Thursday Kevin Morris was seen smoking from a bong in public view. He has been revealed as one of the buyers of Hunter's artwork

The White House said at the time the buyers had been vetted and their identity was only known to the gallery - suggesting Hunter's latest business venture would not become a way to sell White House influence.

But Hunter Biden did in fact learn the identity of two of his collectors, according to an Insider report that cites three people with direct knowledge of Biden's art career.

Membership of the commission Naftali was appointed to is unpaid and often filled by friends and allies of the president, much like ambassadorships.

Naftali is prominent in California Democratic circles. She's given some $13,000 to the Biden campaign and has donated $29,700 to the Democratic National Campaign Committee this year.

Last year she hosted a fundraiser that was headlined by Vice President Kamala Harris.

It's also not clear how much Naftali spent on Hunter's art. One single purchaser spent $875,000 on 11 of Hunter's paintings- though the identity of that person is unclear.

The buyer apparently does not reside in New York and is listed as 'out of state' in purchasing documents obtained by Insider.

The gallery received a 40 to 45 percent commission on the total $1,379,000 in sales.

Morris, also an author, is a confidant and 'fixer' for Hunter Biden

Hunter Biden, gallerist Georges Berges and Beau Biden, Jr. arrive at the opening of Hunter's new show 'Haiku' at Georges Berges Gallery in New York City

A White House official told Insider that Naftali's appointment had been recommended by former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and there was no connection between her art purchase and her spot on the commission.

An email found on Hunter Biden's abandoned laptop suggests that he has helped people get a spot on the commission before. When a cousin wrote to Hunter asking for help in getting a similar appointment for their mother, Hunter wrote back: 'Eric asked me for one of these the day after the election in 2008.' He was referring to Eric Schwerin - a former business partner who President Obama appointed to the commission in 2015.

Morris, a confidant and 'fixer' for Hunter, has spent an undisclosed amount on the first son's art. The wealthy Los Angeles-based attorney has loaned Hunter some $2 million to pay the back taxes he owed and avoid felony charges. Hunter recently pleaded guilty two misdemeanor charges for his tax crimes.

Morris has at times paid Hunter's living expenses in Los Angeles, according. to the New York Times. He helped him find a high-powered literary agent for his memoir 'Beautiful Things' and helped him seal the art gallery deal.

Morris has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to Democratic causes.

Republicans have Hunter Biden in their sights for alleged influence-peddling schemes. Last week they released an unverified FBI form where a confidential human source detailed a conversation with a Burisma executive who claimed Hunter and Joe had been paid $5 million each in exchange for policy outcomes when he was vice president.
Britain's Foreign Secretary fears Russia could attack any vessels carrying Ukrainian grain in a desperate bid to weaponise food supplies.

James Cleverly said the UK will 'highlight this unconscionable behaviour' at the United Nations Security Council.

He was speaking after Russian drones attacked Ukrainian ports on the River Danube, destroying grain storage infrastructure.

The facilities were just across the river from Romania, which is a UK-ally and a NATO member.

The Danube is a key export route for Ukrainian grain since Russia pulled out of a deal allowing the country to ship wheat and other products via the Black Sea.

James Cleverly tweeted: 'Russia should stop holding global food supplies hostage and return to the deal' (File Photo)

A damaged port infrastructure on the Danube River in the Odesa region, southern Ukraine, on July 24, 2023

Mr Cleverly tweeted: 'The UK believes Russia may escalate its campaign to destroy Ukraine's food exports by targeting civilian ships in the Black Sea.

'Russia should stop holding global food supplies hostage and return to the deal.'

Russia also destroyed a grain depot in the Black Sea port city of Odesa.

At least 60,000 tonnes of Ukrainian grain have been destroyed in recent attacks.

Officials say more than 60,000 tonnes of grain have been destroyed in the past week.

Exporting grain is a major revenue contributor to the Ukrainian economy, which has collapsed since the Russian invasion.
Climate change could even be 'beneficial' for Britain, Lord Frost said yesterday, amid growing signs of a Cabinet rift over the cost of green policies.

In a high-profile intervention, the Tory peer said it was time to 'move away' from 'high cost' policies designed to halt climate change and focus on cheaper measures that will reduce the impact of events such as flooding.

The ex-Cabinet minister praised Rishi Sunak for softening his line on the green agenda in light of the cost of living crisis.

And he predicted that the impact of climate change on the UK is likely to be far less severe than some experts have suggested, with milder winters saving thousands of lives each year.

His comments came as the Government's approach to costly green policies became mired in confusion.

Lord Frost (pictured), the UK's former chief Brexit negotiator, praised Rishi Sunak for softening his line on the green agenda in light of the cost of living crisis

New cars that fill up with petrol and diesel are due to be phased out in 2030

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove tried to shut down debate about the controversial target to ban sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, describing the timetable as 'immovable'.

But a Government source confirmed the PM is 'open' to reviewing the policy after warning this week that net zero ambitions must be pursued in a 'proportionate and pragmatic way that doesn't unnecessarily give people more hassle and more costs in their lives'.

The confusion was criticised by some in the car industry. The RAC warned delaying the target 'would simply be kicking the can further down the road while potentially harming electric vehicle sales and slowing down the roll-out of much-needed additional charging infrastructure'.

Mr Gove's intervention was viewed with suspicion by Tory MPs who believe he is permanently 'on manoeuvres'.

Speaking in a Lords debate on climate change, Lord Frost acknowledged that 'more will need to be spent on things like flood protection and reservoirs', but added: 'Digging deeper, what are those consequences of the hotter, warmer summers and warmer, wetter winters?

'At the moment, seven times as many people die from cold as from heat in Britain. Rising temperatures are likely to be beneficial.'

Lord Frost cited official studies showing that the UK's net zero policies could cost the economy 50billion a year.

But he said they would have 'precisely zero effect' on the global economy 'unless everyone else in the world is willing to bear the same costs'.

By contrast, he said measures to mitigate the worst effects were likely to cost only around 8billion a year by 2050.

Rishi Sunak delivered a strong hint at a rethink by dodging explicitly committing to the 2030 timeframe

Minister for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove pictured on Monday July 24, announcing plans to prioritise house building in inner city areas

'I suggest that the rational thing to do is to move away from the current high-cost mitigation efforts, efforts which also involve massive investments in unproductive renewables, huge changes in lifestyles as well as crushing economic growth, and pursue mitigation in a different way,' he added.

He said the UK should invest in 'effective' energy production such as nuclear and gas while spending 'manageable' sums on adaptation as the country adjusts to rising temperatures.

Lord Deben, former chairman of the independent Climate Change Committee, hit back, saying: 'I don't think the families of people who died because of heat are very much cheered by the fact that there are fewer people dying because of cold. The fact of the matter is we have to deal with these problems.'

Meanwhile, ex-business secretary Sir Alok Sharma, who was president of the UN's Cop 26 climate summit in Glasgow, warned the Government against backsliding on its commitments. He said dropping some green targets would mean introducing more in other areas in order to meet the UK's legally binding net zero targets.
Sir Keir Starmer failed to raise any objections to the rollout of the controversial Ulez clean air charge, it has emerged.

The Labour leader last week blamed his partys failure in the Uxbridge by-election on the plans of London Mayor Sadiq Khan to expand the zone in the capital. It will mean more hard-up motorists with older vehicles have to pay a 12.50 daily fee.

Records show that Sir Keir, whose Holborn and St Pancras constituency is within the current Ulez boundaries, was one of dozens of London MPs invited to take part in Transport for London consultations in 2016 and 2017, but he did not lodge any input.

There is also no record of him responding to a subsequent fact-finding exercise last year on the Labour mayors plan to expand the controversial ultra low emission zone to cover all London boroughs.

This expansion is now set to go ahead next month, although Tory mayoral candidate Susan Hall last week said she would reverse it on her first day in office if she defeats Mr Khan in next years contest.

Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) has admitted Ulez was a significant factor in the Uxbridge by-election

Labour is at war over its green policies after Sadiq Khans (pictured) tax on drivers helped cost the party Boris Johnsons coveted seat

A Conservative source said: It comes as no surprise that Sir Keir Starmer has never raised objections to the Ulez.

Labours war on motorists shows no sign of slowing... Instead of wasting time reflecting, slippery Starmer should listen to voters and tell Sadiq Khan to can the Ulez expansion straight away.

Sir Keir has admitted Ulez was a significant factor in the Uxbridge by-election, saying: We are doing something very wrong if policies put forward by the Labour Party end up on each and every Tory leaflet.

He urged Mr Khan to reflect on the expansion. However, the mayor is believed to be determined to go ahead with it.

Labour declined to comment further last night.
A scientist claims that finding an eel over one metre long is virtually impossible

The Folk Zoology Society has debunked the idea that Nessie was a giant eel

It was a story destined for the headlines  a reclusive beast lurking in the waters of a picturesque Scottish lake.

Was it a crocodile, a fish or even a dinosaur? Nobody knew for sure, though many disregarded the Loch Ness Monster as just an exceptionally large eel.

But now one scientist claims to have debunked the 'eel hypothesis' with a new theory that heightens the decades-old mystery.

While it's commonly believed Nessie was around one metre long, new analysis shows there is just a one in 50,000 chance of encountering an eel this size.

'In this new work from the Folk Zoology Society, a much-needed level of scientific rigour and data are brought to a topic that is otherwise as slippery as an eel,' author Floe Foxon said.

Sturgeon's Photograph: For 60 years this celebrated photograph of a long necked creature helped keep afloat the legend of the Loch Ness Monster

WHAT IS SURGEON'S PHOTOGRAPH? In 1934, The Daily Mail published a picture by Lieutenant Colonel Robert Kenneth Wilson of what appeared to be a sighting of the Loch Ness Monster. For 60 years this celebrated photograph of a long necked creature helped keep afloat the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. It became known as the 'Surgeon's Photograph' as Lieutenant Wilson was a Harley Street gynaecologist. However, this photograph was actually of a modified toy submarine. Now it's alleged he was part of a plot to perpetuate the myth of the monster which began as a joke. Advertisement

'Contrary to popular conception, the intersection between folklore and zoology is amenable to scientific analysis and has the potential to provide valuable insights into anthrozoological phenomena.

'This work also champions open access science and nontraditional publishing the future of scientific publication.'

As part of Foxon's analysis, freshwater data was not only gathered from Loch Ness but a range of other freshwater bodies across Europe.

This encompassed the size of 129 eels caught between 1970 and 1971 - nearly 40 years after the infamous black-and-white photograph of Nessie was snapped.

While the 'Surgeon's Photograph' is widely known as a hoax, estimates suggest the monster in this image was sized between 0.6 to 2.4 metres long.

Foxon acknowledges that it isn't impossible for a one metre-long eel to have existed in the loch.

For example, a 1.05 metre-long eel was found in another lake by scientists at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute.

However, she claims it would take a Scottish eel almost 30 years to reach the one-metre point - providing it was growing at an unrealistic steady rate.

And to reach six metres-long, an eel would need to grow rapidly for nearly 200 years - an age close to the longest-living fish - the Greenland shark.

The new research provides game-changing evidence that contrasts to the beliefs of previous studies, including one published by the University of Otago in New Zealand in 2019.

Over generations, Ms Foxon believes there is a small chance that a one-meter-sized eel may have existed in the loch at some point. She points to a 1.05-metre eel as an example of this, found in another Scottish loch by scientists at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute

Ms Foxon's study analysed the size of eels caught between 1970 and 1971 - nearly 40 years after the infamous black-and-white photograph of Nessie was snapped (Pictured: European eel)

The scientist claims that finding an eel sized above one metre is virtually impossible

The latest study believes Nessie may actually be a 'wave phenomena', the 'occasional stray mammal' or something else

While geneticist Professor Neil Gemmell could not verify their size, he said the possibility of 'giant eels in Loch Ness' couldn't be discounted.

Scotland's freshwater lake southwest of Inverness

He also added that catfish and Greenland shark may be the cause of past Nessie sightings, but uncertainty was raised with this.

Though Ms Foxon acknowledges Nessie may have been an eel, she claimed it was 'not a very large one'.

Instead, it's believed Nessie may have been a 'wave phenomena', the 'occasional stray mammal' or something else.

'Though one European eel reportedly (unverified) lived to the grand age of 155 years, that specimen did not grow to a remarkable size because eel growth is nonlinear, slowing in older ages,' Ms Foxon said.

'Furthermore, the "breaching" behaviour attributed to unknown Loch Ness animals (swimming upward and out of the water) is not a behavior that is characteristic of eels during migration or otherwise, especially as such behavior would represent unnecessary energy expenditure in a cold environment with relatively little food.

'It could be an eel, but not a very large one.'
Ferocious wildfires have inflicted devastating damage across southern Europe and forced thousands of people to flee for their lives.

But just how bad are they in comparison to previous years?

It's important to point out that this is 'prime fire season' for the Mediterranean and that such natural disasters are not unusual because of its 'especially flammable' landscape.

The region's climate is the only one in the world with mild wet winters which allow vegetation to grow, and dry, hot summers that dry it out and make it a tinderbox.

In Greece, for example, wildfires have blighted communities for centuries.

Raging: Ferocious wildfires have inflicted devastating damage across southern Europe and forced thousands of people to flee for their lives

Ablaze: But just how bad are they in comparison to recent years? MailOnline looks at the data

Not only that, but as terrifying as the current blazes tearing across the islands of Rhodes and Corfu might be, experts say the country has been 'devastated by much more severe fire events in recent years'.

One example is August 2007, when more than 250,000 hectares of forests, olive groves and other land were charred.

But what makes the current wildfires so scary is the power of them.

Why this is Greece's worst July on record for wildfires

The intensity of this month's blazes has meant it has been the worst July since satellite monitoring began in 2003.

Almost 800,000 tonnes of carbon have been released into the atmosphere this month so far, eclipsing the previous high for July in Greece which was 470,000 tonnes in 2007.

Most years the the number is below 200,000.

The data comes from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), which relies on the beady eyes of two Earth-observing satellites in space.

With the wildfires still raging, attention has now turned to whether July and August combined will eclipse the worst carbon emissions in Greece's recent history.

That title currently belongs to the fires which broke out as a result of a heatwave in summer 2021, but experts say 2023 could yet beat that record if the scorching temperatures continue.

Pollutants: The intensity of this month's blazes has meant it has been the worst July since satellite monitoring began in 2003. This graph shows how much carbon dioxide has been released into the atmosphere from Greece's wildfires, compared to the average in July

Stats: Almost 800,000 tonnes of carbon have been released into the atmosphere this month so far, eclipsing the previous high for July in Greece which was 470,000 tonnes in 2007

Dr Douglas Kelley, a land surface modeller at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, said that the intensity and speed at which the Rhodes wildfires have spread is what have caught a lot of scientists off guard.

In a dire warning for the future, he added: 'We predict there will be a global increase in these extreme fires of up 50 per cent by the end of the century. '

What does this mean for people's health?

A concerning thing to note is the danger these wildfires pose to humans. Not only in terms of burn risk, but also by inhaling the smoke and toxic particles of scorched matter that can be carried by the wind.

These wildfire-related PM2.5  particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometres in diameter  are linked to asthma, lung disease and premature death.

Toxic: A concerning thing to note is the danger these wildfires pose to humans. Not only in terms of burn risk, but also by inhaling the smoke and toxic particles of scorched matter that can be carried by the wind. Pictured is British expat Sarah George helping to put out the fires

Wildfire-related PM2.5  particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometres in diameter  are linked to asthma, lung disease and premature death. Pictured is the cumulative weekly PM2.5 emissions generated by wildfires in Greece

They can also cause problems to a person's cardiovascular system when they pass into the bloodstream.

Signs of high carbon monoxide levels in the blood include headaches, dizziness, nausea and decreased mental functioning.

'Smoke particles are one of the most toxic forms of particles we can generate,' said Athanasios Nenes, an atmospheric chemist at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne.

'When you breathe them, they increase your chance of getting all kinds of cancers.'

How much of the landscape has been burned?

Intensity is one measure of the scale of a fire. Another is burn area.

The total area of Greece that has been scorched is well above the norm for the past 16 years.

Scorched: This satellite image shows the area of Greek island Rhodes that has been burnt

The total area of Greece that has been scorched is well above the norm for the past 16 years

For Europe as a whole, wildfires have sparked a burn area of more than 173,000 hectares  yet again higher than the average of 128,000

More than 35,000 hectares have gone up in smoke, according to the latest data from July 22.

This compares to the average of 6,600 hectares for this time of year.

For Europe as a whole, wildfires have sparked a burn area of more than 173,000 hectares  yet again higher than the average of 128,000.

Is climate change to blame?

The elephant in the room of course is climate change. How much effect has that had on the wildfires?

It's too early to say exactly - experts need to carry out an attribution study first - but there is no doubt that heat-induced fire weather will become more prevalent as our planet continues to warm.

Guillermo Rein, a professor of fire science at Imperial College London, said wildfires in southern Europe are nothing new, but that 'climate change is making them larger, faster, and harder to stop'.

The reason for this is that searing heat creates dry conditions that make it easier for fires to take hold and spread.

Europe has been in the grip of a 40C record-breaking heatwave for the best part of July, while another one now waits in the wings.

This map shows the burn areas for wildfires across Europe, as captured by satellites in space

Sweltering: Europe has been in the grip of a 40C record-breaking heatwave for the best part of July, while another one now waits in the wings

As Cerberus dies out, Italian weather forecasters are warning that the next heatwave - dubbed Charon after the ferryman who delivered souls to the underworld in Greek mythology - will push temperatures even higher.

A newly-released scientific study has said such heatwaves would have been 'virtually impossible' without human-induced climate change.

It also concluded that global warming has made the Cerberus heatwave in southern Europe 2.5C hotter.

'Human-driven climate change is increasing the likelihood and intensity of heatwaves.' said Dr Thomas Smith, of the London School of Economics and Political Science.

'This is the second major heatwave in the Mediterranean this year.

'The first heatwave was found to have been made 100-times more likely due to the human impact on climate change, and at least 2C hotter.

'I expect there will be a similar finding for the current situation, which is ultimately responsible for the wildfires we've been seeing over the past week.'

Dr Kelley stressed that it was 'too early to say if climate change has caused these wildfires'.

However, he added that 'the fact there are now so many across the world, most recently in Greece and Canada, is a clear sign that climate change is causing an increase in the number of severe wildfires globally'.

How do the evacuations compare to past years?

The Greek government says the mass exodus of more than 20,000 people from the islands of Rhodes and Corfu has been the 'largest ever' wildfire evacuation in the country's history.

'It's a testament to the Greek authorities that the evacuation was swift and effective,' said Dr Smith.

Fleeing: Joanna Hughes, her husband Jon Hughes and their daughter Emilia, from Murton, County Durham, had to walk four miles to escape the wildfires in Rhodes

Great escape: Some families said that they were told to stay put where they were in Rhodes but decided to flee on foot amid the terrifying fires

Stranded: Families sleep and play on the floor of Rhodes airport as they wait for a rescue flight

'Greece has been devastated by much more severe fire events in recent years, and they were clearly very well prepared for this fire.'

The blazes have destroyed locals' homes and businesses in some areas, while tourists in Rhodes have had to flee hotels as flames sweep towards resorts on the eastern coast.

Up to 10,000 Britons are believed to be staying on the island, with repatriation flights home continuing throughout the week for those caught up in the drama.

Where could wildfires strike next?

As well as Rhodes, parts of Sardinia, Crete, Sicily and southwestern Turkey all have extreme fire weather outlooks for the coming days.

That is according to Europe's Copernicus Emergency Management Service, which produces a map of wildfires and a 'fire danger forecast'.

The programme's 'fire danger forecast', which is based on the Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index (FWI) System, has six different levels: very low, low, moderate, high, very high and extreme.

MailOnline takes a look at where more wildfires could start with the help of Europe's 'eyes on Earth' satellite programme, Copernicus. On the map above, a very low risk is green, low is greenish yellow, moderate is yellow, high is orange, very high red and dark brown extreme

It involves coming up with a numeric FWI rating after calculating daily observations of temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and 24-hour precipitation.

On the map, very low is shown as green, low as greenish yellow, moderate as yellow, high as orange, very high as red and dark brown as extreme.

To be forecast as extreme, the FWI rating must be greater than 50.

Much of the central and southeastern part of inland Spain has received that classification over the coming days, along with the Italian islands of Sicily and Sardinia and the Greek island of Rhodes.

There is also a risk of less intense wildfires in parts of southeastern France, the north-east of Austria, eastern Germany, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia.

How you can stay safe

The British Red Cross has issued the following guidance for people caught up in wildfires.

If you see one, you should:

Stay calm

Ensure you are in a safe location away from vegetation and smoke

If you are in a car, close all windows and vents

If you are at home, keep doors and windows closed but unlocked

Call the emergency services immediately

Provide information on the location and size of the wildfire, as well as any other relevant details such as a What3Words address

Wear sturdy shoes, long cotton or woollen trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and gloves

Carry a damp handkerchief to protect your face

Carry wet towels to cover your head or bare skin or to wrap your feet, in case you need to run through a small area of fire
In the Hollywood blockbuster 'The Day After Tomorrow', ocean currents around the world stop as a result of global warming, triggering a new Ice Age on Earth.

That may have been science fiction but scientists say the terrifying prophecy could soon become a reality.

That's because new research warns that the Atlantic Ocean current which drives the Gulf Stream could collapse at 'any time' from 2025 thanks to climate change.

Known formally as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), the current is the driving force which brings warm water from the Gulf of Mexico up to the UK and is responsible for mild winters in Western Europe.

If it collapsed, however, the impact would be devastating.

Europe would be plunged into a deep freeze, while most of Africa, the Caribbean, and South American countries such as Colombia, Peru and Bolivia would experience rocketing temperatures.

Fears: New research warns that the Atlantic Ocean current which drives the Gulf Stream (pictured) could collapse at 'any time' from 2025 thanks to climate change

WHAT IS THE AMOC? The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is an important component of the Earths climate system. The pattern carries warm, salty water in the upper layers of the Atlantic northward, and colder fresh water in the deep Atlantic southward. This ocean circulation system transports a substantial amount of heat from the Tropics and Southern Hemisphere toward the North Atlantic, where the heat is transferred to the atmosphere. High levels in carbon dioxide would cause Arctic and Greenland ice melt, increasing the amount of freshwater run-off into the ocean. This increase in freshwater would dirupt the AMOC, which relies on a balance between fresh and salt water. Advertisement

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen say such a scenario is '95 per cent certain' by the end of this century if current greenhouse gas emissions persist.

More likely is that without significant action to tackle climate change it will happen in 2057, the experts added, although there is a chance the collapse could come as early as two years' time.

The ocean currents play a vital role in Earth's current climate because they redistribute heat, cold and rainfall between the tropics and the northernmost parts of the Atlantic region.

'Shutting down the AMOC can have very serious consequences for Earth's climate, for example, by changing how heat and precipitation are distributed globally,' said Professor Peter Ditlevsen, from the University of Copenhagen's Niels Bohr Institute.

'While a cooling of Europe may seem less severe as the globe as a whole becomes warmer and heat waves occur more frequently, this shutdown will contribute to an increased warming of the tropics, where rising temperatures have already given rise to challenging living conditions.'

He added: 'Our result underscores the importance of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible.'

The researchers used ocean temperature data from the last 150 years and combined it with innovative new statistical tools to come to their conclusion.

However, it is at odds with the latest report by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which cited climate model simulations suggesting such change to the AMOC was very unlikely this century.

The Danish researchers' prediction is based on the monitoring of early warning signals which ocean currents exhibit as they become unstable.

Although these have been reported previously, the experts say only now has the development of advanced statistical methods made it possible to predict just when a collapse will occur.

Analysis: The researchers used ocean temperature data from the last 150 years and combined it with innovative new statistical tools to come to their conclusion

Science fiction: In the Hollywood blockbuster 'The Day After Tomorrow' (pictured), ocean currents around the world stop as a result of global warming, triggering a new Ice Age on Earth

The researchers analysed sea surface temperatures in a specific area of the North Atlantic from 1870 to today.

They referred to these as 'fingerprints' which give an indication to the strength of the AMOC, or Thermohaline Circulation  which has only been properly measured for the past 15 years.

'Using new and improved statistical tools, we've made calculations that provide a more robust estimate of when a collapse of the Thermohaline Circulation is most likely to occur, something we had not been able to do before,' said Professor Susanne Ditlevsen, of the University of Copenhagen.

Until the 1800s, the AMOC was relatively stable. However, the current declined after the so-called 'Little Ice Age' ended in 1850.

This saw temperatures drop so low that the River Thames completely froze over, enabling Londoners to cross the waterway on foot.

The last total shutdown of the AMOC is believed to have occurred at the end of the last proper Ice Age around 12,000 years ago, where temperatures in western Europe plummeted by up to 10C.

The new research has been published in the journal Nature Communications.
Ryan Graves, a former F-18 pilot with over a decade of service in the U.S. Navy, will testify that his squadron regularly detected unidentified craft while they were stationed off the coast of Virginia in 2014

Unidentified flying objects are being seen so often they are an 'open secret' among US fighter pilots, whistleblowers will tell Congress tomorrow.

Three high-ranking Air Force and intelligence veterans will testify, under oath, about their first-hand knowledge about UFOs in a first-of-its-kind hearing in DC.

Lieutenant Ryan Graves, a former F-18 pilot with over a decade of service in the U.S. Navy, will testify that his squadron regularly detected unidentified craft while they were stationed off the coast of Virginia in 2014.

In his opening remarks, Graves will say that while most of the craft were detected on radar, they were also witnessed by pilots 'occasionally up close' with their own eyes. Lt Graves will say these became so common that, 'over time, UAP sightings became an open secret among our aircrew.'

In one close-call encounter, two jets were forced to swerve out of the way to avoid hitting an object that looked like a 'dark gray cube inside of a clear sphere,' which stood 'motionless against the wind.'

Along with the testimony from Graves, Congress will hear firsthand accounts from US Navy veteran fighter pilot Commander David Fravor, witness to the 2004 Nimitz 'Tic Tac' UFO.

Air Force and intelligence agency veteran David Grusch  whose jaw-dropping claims of an illegal UFO crash retrieval program operating within the classified world were made public this June - will also testify under oath.

The House Oversight Committee is overseeing the hearing set for 10 am ET.

Air Force and intelligence agency veteran David Grusch  whose jaw-dropping claims of an illegal UFO crash retrieval program operating within the classified world were made public this June - will also testify under oath

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn), who is part of the committee, said: 'The Pentagon and Washington bureaucrats have kept this information hidden for decades, and were finally going to shed some light on it.

'Were bringing in credible witnesses who can provide public testimony because the American people deserve the truth. Were done with the cover-ups.'

The congressman told the Event Horizon podcast this month that 'we've been dealing [with government coverups] since 1947, probably since about 1897 in what was the Aurora Texas UFO crash.

'They [extraterrestrial craft] can travel light years or at the speeds that we've seen defy physics as we know it,' Burchett said during the podcast.

'They can fly underwater and don't show a heat trail.'

He continued to explain that if these otherworldly beings have technology unlike anything we know on Earth, then 'they' could 'turn us into a charcoal briquette.'

'We are out of our league,' the congressman continued. 'We couldn't fight them off if we wanted to. That's why I don't think they're a threat to us, or they would already have been.'

The statements appear to piggyback on those made by Grusch's claims that the US had run a top-secret UFO retrieval program for decades - and some of the 'non-human intelligence' discovered are malevolent and have even killed humans.

Grusch served 14 years in the Air Force, where he said he was told about the program by others involved.

David Fravor is set to discuss the Tic Tac-shaped object seen in the sky over California on November 10, 2004

Video of what the Navy could trace of the object was leaked in 2017, and the Pentagon declassified the case in 2020

Grusch is a decorated Afghanistan combat officer who went on to work for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).

In interviews and classified briefings on Capitol Hill, Grusch has said that the US and other nations are also engaged in a top-secret '80-year arms race' to weaponize the crashed UFOs.

'The existence of complex historical programs involving the coordinated retrieval and study of exotic materials, dating back to the early 20th century, should no longer remain a secret,' in Grusch's view.

Fravor, who kept his silence for more than a decade, is set to discuss the Tic Tac-shaped object in the sky of California on November 10, 2004.

'This is not like we saw it and it was gone or I saw lights in the sky and it's gone  we watched this thing on a crystal clear day with four trained observers,' Fravor said in a sit-down with Russian-American YouTuber and MIT researcher Lex Fridman.

Video of what the Navy could trace of the object was leaked in 2017, and the Pentagon declassified the case in 2020.

Burchett will lead the open UFO hearing Wednesday, which he said has been actively undermined by both Pentagon and US Intelligence Community efforts to 'continuously block things.'

'It's gonna be the biggest show in town, though,' Burchett said.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), also with the Oversight Committee, said: 'The status quo on the part of the U.S. government has been to leave the American public in the dark regarding information about UAPs, refuse to answer questions posed by whistleblowers, avoid the concerns Americans have about the possible threats UAPs pose to our national security and public safety, and default to extreme and unnecessary over-classification.

'If the last few months have taught me anything, it is that this is an issue that matters to Americans.

It also impacts the transparency and accountability our government is supposed to grant to the people who it serves. I look forward to bringing this topic to light.'
The scenes of tourists fleeing for their lives on a normally tranquil Greek island suddenly engulfed by flames could be from an over-the-top primetime television movie.

But this is real life.

Rhodes is famed for the ancient architectural treasures of its Old Town, skirted by rocky coves and beautiful sandy beaches.

But today, as fires continue to rage there and the sea turns black with soot, it's the British Government and travel companies that are feeling the heat over their response to the crisis.

There is justified anger that some travel companies were flying people to the island as late as Saturday night.

As fires continue to rage in Rhodes, it is the British Government and travel companies that are feeling the heat over their response to the crisis, writes Mark Palmer

Travel companies have been playing catch-up ever since.

Inevitably, a blame game has begun. One executive of a well-known travel company told me yesterday: 'It's not helpful to anybody that the Foreign Office is not regularly updating its advice about the areas affected by the fire.

'It seems clear that holidays to those areas aren't advisable but everyone, including insurance companies, is stuck without any change in advice.'

The truth is that the Foreign Office had downed tools for the weekend just as this crisis began. British citizens' lives were in danger but the Government did not  and still has not  changed its advice about travel to Rhodes and other Greek islands where fires have broken out.

The scenes of tourists fleeing for their lives on a normally tranquil Greek island suddenly engulfed by flames could be from an over-the-top primetime television movie

There is justified anger that some travel companies were flying people to the island as late as Saturday night

READ MORE HERE: Nightmare blazes ravaging Rhodes spark the largest evacuation of its kind in Greek history with 19,000 fleeing from villages and hotels Advertisement

Its advice about visiting certain countries almost always errs on the side of extreme caution and yet on this occasion, it's the complete opposite. The Government claims that it is exerting pressure on travel companies to look after their customers - but that isn't a concrete policy.

The result? Uncertainty, chaos and confusion. It's all very well for Rishi Sunak and his Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to tell people that they should keep in touch with their travel companies.

But even at the best of times it's hard to get through to an airline or tour operator. Now, it's almost impossible.

If the Government had advised people against travel to Rhodes on Saturday, at least those with travel insurance would have been reassured that they would be looked after financially should they cancel.

Perhaps Mr Cleverly and his work-from-home mandarins have been too busy planning their own summer holidays now that parliament is in recess.

Over the next few days, the Government has a chance to show some real leadership and, perhaps more importantly, genuine concern about thousands of its traumatised citizens stranded overseas.
The View host Whoopi Goldberg branded Ron DeSantis 'a disgrace' after the Florida governor defended the state's new school curriculum that suggests slaves benefited from forced labor.

Goldberg, 67, was absolutely fuming on Monday's ABC show as her co-host, Alyssa Farah Griffin, admitted that she 'misses' the DeSantis she knew from her time working in The White House.

The Oscar-winning actress almost cursed live on air as she blasted the 'stupidity' of Florida schools making the decision to embrace a curriculum that shies away from discussing the evils of slavery - and accused DeSantis of 'ignoring the fact that it happened.'

Another of her fellow panelists, Ana Navarro, backed her and admitted she was 'spitting mad about the culture wars that Florida Governor DeSantis has been creating' in a rather impassioned speech live on air.

'He has minions that put that legislation into effect,' she claimed after the 44-year-old Republican said he 'didn't do it.'

Not happy: The View host Whoopi Goldberg branded Ron DeSantis 'a disgrace' during Monday's episode

Having her say: Alyssa Farah Griffin admitted 'I miss the Ron DeSantis I knew in the House'

Speaking out: DeSantis defended the new Florida school curriculum that suggests slaves benefited from forced labor

Starting the discussion, Goldberg announced: 'We're still without writers and stuff, and so trying to get through everything that's happened over the weekend and what's all the insanity going on in the world, like, Wednesday, Florida's board of education approved what they're calling standards for African American history.

'I feel like they didn't talk to any African Americans because we could have told them about the history, and nor has anyone seemingly gone to the Smithsonian to find out anything.

'You know, there are all of these former slaves who have given their testimony,' she continued.

'You can go to the Smithsonian and hear them, but they must think it's a lie. The board defended the standards,' she laughed, before adding: 'I'm sorry for laughing because it's so shocking.'

The show then played a clip of Vice-President Kamala Harris speaking about it in Jacksonville over the weekend, and DeSantis discussing it.

'I didn't do it. I wasn't involved in it, but I think what they're doing is I think they're probably going to show some of the folks that eventually parlayed, you know, being a blacksmith, into doing things later in life,' he said.

As the show cut back to the studio, Goldberg was absolutely furious as she addressed DeSantis directly: 'What are you talking about? Parlayed? What? Did you not see Roots? Did you not read it? What the... okay! Let me throw it to y'all before I get in trouble again.'

Navarro was quick to share her thoughts and said: 'I live in Florida. I have been spitting mad about the culture wars that Ron DeSantis has been creating.

'When he says he has nothing to do with it, he has minions that put that legislation into effect. He has created the environment that has led to this.'

Whoopi's wrath: The actress referred to the new curriculum as 'shocking' and 'stupid'

Fuming: Ana Navarro said she was 'spitting mad' and claimed DeSantis is creating 'culture wars'

She continued: 'Slavery was the darkest moment of American history. Our biggest shame. People got torn from their homelands. Men, women, newborns, put in the bowels of ships, shackled, made to row from Africa to America, then brought here and sold off like cattle, separated from thinker children, beat, whipped, worked to death, raped. How dare you!

'Shame on you people in Florida. How dare you try to whitewash slavery? When you don't have freedom, you don't have anything, and for this man, Ron DeSantis... apparently his only skill that he has acquired is lying and creating culture wars that he thinks are going to make him President, they're not, buddy. That's why you're 30 points down!' she shouted as the live studio audience applauded her.

Griffin, 34, then revealed: 'I reached out to DeSantis' team this weekend. Honestly in hopes that there was some decent explanation here, and basically what I got from them was, well, there were some black educators and scholars who contributed to this and it's been on the books for over a decade.

'I wanted to think there was better to him, but I'm realizing there's not. What he's doing is trying to stoke these rage things that the media's going to cover, and then his core base is going to come out and defend him.

'His poll numbers are precipitously dropping. I mean, people like me, college-educated Republican voters are running away from him because he is trying to take us so far backward.'

She then admitted: 'I miss the Ron DeSantis I knew in the House. He was not this kind of culture warrior, but this is horrible.'

Her comment was welcomed with a deafening silence which led Griffin to laugh nervously while saying, 'I guess we're coming back,' as she referred to a commercial break.

With a disgusted look on her face, Goldberg replied bluntly: 'Yeah, we're going to talk more when we come back.'

Looking into it: Alyssa revealed that she had 'reached out' to DeSantis' people regarding the comments

Stunned: Whoopi accused the politician of 'ignoring the fact' that slavery happened

When the show returned from a commercial break, the Sister Act star told viewers: 'We're talking about the stupidity of this new approved, shocking standard for teaching African American history.

'Don't tell us that Rosewood [massacre] didn't happen, that it was our fault... no black people were involved. That was a white mob that went in and did exactly what they did at Oklahoma City.'

She continued: 'We know we can make a change. We can't make a change if we're ignoring the fact that it happened. If you are worried about your kids feeling bad, then you're worried that your teachers are not good enough because your teachers don't let your kids feel bad. They explain.

'We're telling you this history. It's our American history because you need to know so we don't repeat it, and here you come, DeSantis, trying to repeat it.

'Well, you know what? As long as the Smithsonian is standing, as long as there are books, as long as there are families, because remember, we didn't have books... all of these stories come to us from our families. You don't call our families liars! They know what happened because their grandma's grandma's grandma's grandma told them.'

Addressing him directly again, she fumed: 'You, sir, are... I can't even say the word. You're a disgrace!'
Sandra Bernhard and other striking actors were joined by a high profile politician as they walked the picket line Monday in New York.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez showed up to march with a large group who were carrying signs and chanting.

Sandra, 68, looked comfortable in a white SAG AFTRA T-shirt and lightweight navy blue pants.

The American Horror Story actress wore natural looking makeup and styled her red hair in loose waves.

The Pose star wore dark sunglasses.

Picket line: Sandra Bernhard, 68, and other striking actors were joined on the picket line Monday in New York by representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D) NY

The democratic lawmaker who represents The Bronx, donned black T-shirt with SAG AFTRA Strong written on it.

Her dark hair was styled in a half ponytail and she wore natural looking makeup with her trademark red lip.

The Member of the US House, who is in her second term, joined with other protestors as they shouted 'Get up, get down, New York is a Union town,' in a video shared on Sandra's Instagram page.

'Honey Miss @aoc showed up for us today!,' the Roseanne actress wrote next to the video.

'Never forget where our allys (sic) stand. Of course she wants @sagaftra members to be protected because she is pro union!' the comedian said.

'Shes a @thedemocrats, she cares deeply about the working class as we all must.' Sandra continued.

'It was a great day on the picket line made new friends deepened my respect for my fellow actors good people caring solid kind support them & all union workers!'

AOC, 33, was just as enthusiastic about walking the picket line.

Chanting: The lawmaker, 33, joined the strikers chanting 'Get up, get down, New York is a Union town,' in a video shared on Sandra's Instagram page

Never forget: 'Honey Miss @aoc showed up for us today!,' the Roseanne actress wrote on Instagram. 'Never forget where our allys (sic) stand. Of course she wants @sagaftra members to be protected because she is pro union!' the comedian said

Solidarity: 'At the end of the day we are all confronting the same challenge, which is an unacceptable, unprecedented concentration of wealth and corporate greed in America. But we know that the way that we bust that up is by standing together in solidarity,' AOC said

'Our solidarity is stronger than their greed,' she wrote next her own video post on social media.

In the video, the former bartender and waitress explained, 'We have workers all across the country either currently on strike or gearing up to be on strike,' she said referring not only to the current writes and actors strikes, but a pending strike that could put some 340,000 UPS employees on the picket line August 1 if the union and management can't come to an agreement.

'At the end of the day we are all confronting the same challenge, which is an unacceptable, unprecedented concentration of wealth and corporate greed in America. But we know that the way that we bust that up is by standing together in solidarity,' the policymaker said.

'Frankly, while this is a fight against AI, more than AI,' she said referring to concerns that actors' images and performances could be digitally manipulated, or that studios could us artificial intelligence instead of humans to write scripts, 'this is a fight against greed, she said.

Showing his support: Jack Black was another actor who joined picketers in Los Angeles on Monday

Joining others: He was seen holding a sign in his hand as he marched along with other SAG-AFTRA and WGA members on a crowded sidewalk

Staying 'strong': The School Of Rock actor was seen sporting a SAG-AFTRA Strong T-shirt along with a pair of colorful shorts

Staying cool: He also added a hat on top of his head as well as black shades to protect his eyes from the hot summer sun

Fan service: While the star joined other strikers outside of Paramount Studios, Jack was seen taking selfies with fans who were also showing their support

Staying hydrated: The actor also stayed hydrated during the day by taking a cup of cool lemonade that was offered to picketers

Under the hot sun: The actor was seen supporting other strikers in sunny Los Angeles amid the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike

'How many private jets does David Zaslav need?' she asked referring to the current CEO and president of Warner/Discovery. One of Monday's picket lines was in front of the media company's offices.

'For real? How many private jets do these CEOs need?'

'It is insatiable. It is unacceptable and I do not know how any person can say "I need another hundred million dollars before another person can have healthcare." Who does that?' she asked.

The chief global strategist at the Milliken Institute told Yahoo Finance, the combined writers and actors strikes could result in a $4 billion hit to the US economy.

If UPS workers walk, The Anderson Economic Group estimated 'a 10-day walkout would cost the U.S. economy some $7 billion, with workers racking up $1.1 billion in lost wages and UPS seeing $816 million in losses.'

Jack Black was another actor who joined picketers in Los Angeles on Monday. He was seen holding a sign in his hand as he marched along with other SAG-AFTRA and WGA members on a crowded sidewalk.

The School Of Rock actor was seen sporting a SAG-AFTRA Strong T-shirt along with a pair of colorful shorts. He also added a hat on top of his head as well as black shades to protect his eyes from the hot summer sun.

While the star joined other strikers outside of Paramount Studios, Jack was seen taking selfies with fans who were also showing their support. The actor also stayed hydrated during the day by taking a cup of cool lemonade that was offered to picketers.

Orphan Black actress, Tatiana Maslany, was seen joining picketers on the other side of the country in New York City on Monday. She was also seen sporting a SAG-AFTRA Strong shirt along with eye-catching leggings as stood on a crowded sidewalk in the Big Apple.

Supportive: Orphan Black actress, Tatiana Maslany, was seen joining picketers on the other side of the country in New York City on Monday

Holding a sign: She was also seen sporting a SAG-AFTRA Strong shirt along with eye-catching leggings as stood on a crowded sidewalk in the Big Apple

Ready for the day: A pair of white headphones were slung around her neck while a fanny pack was wrapped around her waist

Marching: The Perry Mason star later was seen joining others as they strolled in downtown Manhattan to show their support for other strikers

Standing with other picketers: Thor: The Dark World actress, Jaime Alexander, was also seen in New York City

For a change: She added a SAG-AFTRA Strong button on her shirt and held a picket sign in her right hand to show support

Another picket line: Similar to Tatiana, the actress was seen walking down a sidewalk and later joined a picket line outside of Warner Bros. Discovery Headquarters

Staying strong: Matilda star, Mara Wilson, was also seen showing support in Burbank, California in front of Netflix headquarters

Showing up for the cause: Kiernan Shipka showed her support as she marched

Breather: Cara Santana helped a dog replenish with water while protesting at Paramount Studios

Stylish: Rainn Wilson showed up to march wearing a fedora and sunglasses

Ready to go: Kate Flannery was all smiles as she arrived to protest in a large sun hat and white bermuda shorts

A pair of white headphones were slung around her neck while a fanny pack was wrapped around her waist. The Perry Mason star later was seen joining others as they strolled in downtown Manhattan to show their support with other strikers.

Thor: The Dark World actress, Jaime Alexander, was also seen in New York City. She added a SAG-AFTRA Strong button on her shirt and held a picket sign in her right hand to show support.

Similar to Tatiana, the actress was seen walking down a sidewalk and later joined a picket line outside of Warner Bros. Discovery Headquarters.

Matilda star, Mara Wilson, was also seen showing support in Burbank, California in front of Netflix headquarters.
Brooke Pitt (nee Hogan) and her husband Myles have welcomed their first child together.

The Australia's Next Top Model star, 30, announced the happy news in an Instagram post, revealing she's given birth to a son on July 17 and his classic name - Billy John Pitt.

'Our whole world,' she wrote in the caption.

The two photos featured the newborn sleeping in a baby bouncer, while a second picture showed Billy's adorable smile.

Friends and fans of the influencer flooded the comments to congratulate the new parents.

Brooke Pitt (nee Hogan) and her husband Myles have welcomed their first child together

The Australia's Next Top Model star, 30, announced the happy news in an Instagram post, revealing she's given birth to a son on July 17 and his classic name - Billy John Pitt

'Congratulations. Billy is beautiful,' former Miss Universe Australia Olivia Molly Rogers wrote.

'Omg congratulations hes perfect!' MAFS star Martha Kalifatidis said.

'Ohhhhhh welcome little man! How divine. Congratulations guys x,' AFL WAG Bec Judd commented, while Nadia Bartel added, 'Cutest little muffin!! Congrats x.'

Brooke and Myles are thrilled to have welcomed their son into the world, but it hasn't all been sunshine and rainbows for the couple.

The two photos featured the newborn sleeping while wrapped up in a baby bouncer, while the second picture showed Billy's adorable smile

The star opened up to Steph Claire Smith in March about the difficulty of her first failed IVF attempt.

Speaking on the KICPOD podcast, she said the process took a huge physical and emotional toll her, but the 'hardest part' was getting the negative test result.

'I was very naive on my first time because we had twelve eggs and I thought, "I'm gonna get seven or eight embryos." We ended up getting to day five and we had five,' she said.

It was at this point, after going through the brutal process of medical injections and egg collection, the influencer had her first egg transfer.

Brooke (right) and her husband Myles (left) are thrilled to have welcomed their son into the world, but it hasn't all been sunshine and rainbows for the couple

Brooke went on to explain she had to wait 12 days before she could get a blood test to see if she was pregnant.

During this time, she 'over-analysed all [her] symptoms' in the hopes the embryo took and she was pregnant, even going to far as to take an at home pregnancy test because she couldn't wait for the results.

Unfortunately, Brooke's first transfer was a failure and was forced to go back through the process of egg collection after losing the rest of her embryos.

The star opened up to Steph Claire Smith about the difficulty of her first failed IVF attempt. Speaking on the KICPOD podcast, she said the process took a huge physical and emotional toll her, but the 'hardest part' was getting the negative test result

'That's the hardest part. That's the hard part about IVF because you think this has to work because you're throwing everything at it. And then you're back at square one,' she said.

Thankfully, the Pitt family's IVF journey had a happy ending as the second egg collection and embryo transfer worked.

The model announced on Instagram in January she and husband were expecting a child later this year.

'Baby Pitt due July. Myles and I are so excited to be welcoming a little bebe into the world,' she wrote.
Tough talking TV judge Monica Galetti was forced to leave MasterChef The Professionals last year amid a personal mental health battle.

During her time away from the BBC cookery contest, the Samoan-born chef and author reveals she sought the help of a counsellor.

I saw a therapist, she told The Mid-Point podcast, adding, Ive never done that before.

Monica, who owns her own eaterie, Mere, revealed: Ive never had so many things happening at the same time, I needed to reach out to outside help  someone just to talk to with everything. That was one of the best things I did.

Galetti, 47, said shes looking forward to returning to the new series of the show, which starts in November.

Opening up: Tough talking TV judge Monica Galetti was forced to leave MasterChef The Professionals last year amid a personal mental health battle

I feel more energetic, more excited to be back in it this year having had that time out,' she told fans.

In May, a cheery Monica, who was a fan favourite on MasterChef: The Professionals before stepping down last year after her nephew was diagnosed with cancer, left MasterChef contestants star-struck after stepping in for the absent Gregg Wallace.

The chef announced last April that she was leaving MasterChef Professionals after 14 years because she felt like 'she needed to be split into four people' to cope with the demands of raising her daughter and running her restaurant.

As Episode 17 kicked off, with the seven home cooks all vying for a place in the show's semi-final, Galetti's guest arrival sparked gasps in the studio and a flurry of delighted tweets on social media.

'I miss Monica! Bring her back to professionals', gushed one, another added: 'Ah, Monica Galetti back on #MasterChef - all is well with the world again. For an hour, at least, anyway.'

One person suggested: 'Monica IS the Beyonce of MasterChef'.

Contestant Chariya, a coffee roaster from Hampshire, admitted 'I almost passed out when I saw her', later saying the star, who trained at Le Gavroche and now runs Mere restaurant in central London, was her 'idol'.

After quitting the show in 2022, she told Good Housekeeping she was struggling to juggle her work and family commitments - before deciding to quit MasterChef.

Reaching out: During her time away from the BBC cookery contest, the Samoan-born chef and author reveals she sought the help of a counsellor

Sad news: Galetti previously admitted that being on MasterChef was 'taking me to a very dark place', after her nephew was diagnosed with cancer (pictured together in April)

And in a candid interview she explained how she was being pulled in various different directions to due wanting to spend time with her teenage daughter, looking after her ill nephew who has cancer, running her restaurant and doing the show.

She said of her heavy workload: 'I freaked out at the thought of filming starting again because I didn't have enough staff [at the restaurant, Mere], I was already going three days a week without seeing my daughter and I had a very ill nephew.'

The star delighted fans earlier this year by saying she'll soon return to MasterChef: The Professionals.

She posted: 'A year ago I made the tough call to take a break from MasterChef The Professionals, she said via Instagram. Im so grateful for everyones support that allowed me time out to get back on top of managing business and family commitments.

'I'm delighted to say that I am able to come back to MasterChef: The Professionals this year and I'm super thrilled to see what new talent is out there & to be back with my buddies @greggawallace and @marcuswareing.'
Naomi Watts has revealed she went through early menopause at the age of 36.

Menopause is when a woman stops having periods, and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally. It usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55.

The British-Australian actress, 54, spoke about her struggle with menopause to Hello Magazine this week.

Naomi, who shares two children with her ex-partner Liev Schreiber, said she suffered hot flashes, mood swings and felt like she was 'spiraling out of control'.

'Going through menopause at such a young age was not easy, especially during a time when there was so little information available about it,' she explained.

Naomi Watts has revealed she went through early menopause at the age of 36

'Mood swings, night sweats, and migrainesI was feeling like I was spiraling out of control.'

The mother-of-two said she found a 'deeper understanding of herself' after ending her monthly periods at a young age.

'I had those voices in the back of my mind reminding me how old women are let out to pasture, but there was a lure to this desire to be authentic, to crawl from behind the invisible wall and just acknowledge for myself something that everyone could have probably guessed,' she said.

The Impossible star is partnering with Mariella Frostrup's campaign group Menopause Mandate to help better support women in the UK and US.

Naomi, who shares two children with her ex-partner Liev Schreiber, said she suffered hot flashes, mood swings and felt like she was 'spiraling out of control'

WHAT IS THE MENOPAUSE? Menopause is when a woman stops having periods, and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally. It usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55. It is a normal part of ageing and caused by levels of the sex hormone oestrogen dropping. Some women go through this time with few, if any, symptoms. Others suffer from hot flushes, sleeping difficulties, mood swings and brain fog, which can last for months or years and might change over time. HRT replaces the hormones and is the main treatment used to treat symptoms  which can be severe and disrupt day-to-day life. Menopause happens when your ovaries stop producing as much of the hormone oestrogen and no longer release an egg each month. Advertisement

She aims to eradicate the stigma that is often associated with menopause.

Naomi previously spoke about her experience with menopause on Instagram and said that at the time that no one was willing to talk about it as there was such a stigma.

'When I was in my late 30s, I was finally ready to start thinking about creating a family. Then the M word swiftly blew my doors down, it felt like a head-on collision with a Mack truck,' she explained.

'How could I figure this out when no one was talking? I was earlier to it than my peers. My mentors and mum didn't seem up for discussing it, I didn't know how to ask for help and they didn't know how to provide. even doctors had little to say. It's oddly like an unwritten code of silence: women should suck it up and cope, because that's how generations passed have done it.'

'Let's conquer the stigma and address the secrecy and shame we've felt and help create a healthier foundation for future generations.'

'Getting older is a privilege and a time for us to feel proud of our cumulative experiences  to feel empowered, unapologetically so. I think being part of a change-maker generation is exciting. No more walking through this alone.'

Naomi, who recently married actor Billy Crudup, previously told The Sunday Times: 'Menopause should not be a dirty word.'

'It's such a shame society has made it so. We need support from each other, and to not be made to feel like unsexy, infertile, crabby old ladies that should be sent out to pasture.'

She added: 'We actually have wisdom and compassion that far outweighs youthful arrogance. Along with some mood swings and floods of tears on the side.'

The mother-of-two said she found a 'deeper understanding of herself' after ending her monthly periods at a young age
Sue Jenkins has spoken of her devastation at the 'heartbreaking' news of her former Coronation Street co-star Julie Goodyear's dementia diagnosis.

Actress Julie's husband Scott Brand revealed last month his 'darling wife' is living with the brain condition which causes a decline in a sufferer's cognitive abilities.

Screen star Sue, 64, played Rovers Return barmaid Gloria Todd on ITV soap Corrie alongside Julie, 81, who portrayed Bet Lynch, from 1985 to 1988.

TV star Sue said she has 'such great memories' of working with Julie on the serial and has 'touched base' with her over the years.

Sue said of Julie's diagnosis: 'Its the saddest thing, but unfortunately, it just seems so common now.

Sad news: Sue Jenkins, 61, has spoken of her devastation at the 'heartbreaking' news of her former Coronation Street co-star Julie Goodyear's dementia diagnosis (pictured in 2015)

Soap stars: Screen star Sue, 64 (left), played Rovers Return barmaid Gloria Todd on ITV soap Corrie alongside Julie, 81 (centre), who portrayed Bet Lynch, from 1985 to 1988 (pictured with Sally Dynevor, who plays Sally Metcalfe, on the soap in 1986)

'Its heartbreaking how many people are suffering - we really have got to get to the bottom of why and fight it.

'There are so many theories out there on what causes dementia; its frightening, it seems out of our control.'

Julie's husband Scott announced his wife had been diagnosed with dementia last month.

In a statement, Scott said: 'My darling wife and I have had to come to terms with this heart-breaking diagnosis.

'Unfortunately, Julie has been suffering forgetfulness for some time and we have been seeking medical advice and assistance, but we now know that there is no hope of a reversal in the situation  and that her condition will get progressively, and perhaps speedily, worse.'

Scott and Julie took the decision to go public with her diagnosis so that any fans who meet her when she is out will understand if she seems 'confused'.

He added: 'We have taken the decision to publicly announce the diagnosis as Julie still loves visiting friends and eating out. Inevitably she is recognised, and fans love to meet her - and she them - but she can get confused particularly if she is tired. I hope people will understand.'

Julie - who remains a patron of Willow Wood Hospice in Greater Manchester - became a national treasure in the UK due to her role as Rovers Return landlady Bet Lynch in Corrie.

Her love: Julie's fourth husband Scott Brand, 55, released a statement about her dementia diagnosis on Julie's behalf last month - the couple pictured in 2004

Heartbreaking: Scott released this statement on behalf of his wife

The larger-than-life star first joined the ITV soap in 1966 as barmaid Bet, but left after being advised by senior cast member Pat Phoenix - who played Elsie Tanner - to get some more acting training.

After joining Oldham's Repertory Theatre, Julie returned in 1970 and was a permanent fixture on the cobbles for 25 years until she left in 1995.

Julie made three returns as Bet, firstly in 1999 for the home video spin-off The Rover Returns and then again in 2002 and in 2003 for scenes shot in Blackpool as part of a storyline focusing on Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) and her husband Jim (Charles Lawson), who had recently escaped from prison.

Once she was done with Corrie several reality TV appearances followed and Julie made a memorable appearance on Celebrity Big Brother in 2012 alongside housemates that included Julian Clary, MC Harvey, Martin Kemp and Coleen Nolan.
ITV2's Big Brother reboot will feature some of the reality show's most iconic former housemates.

According to The Sun 'Nasty Nick' Bateman, Chanelle Hayes and Nadia Almada are just some of the names producers are hoping will return to 'recapture the magic' of the original series.

A source told the publication:'It won't be a reboot full of old faces, it's likely to be a smattering rather than a deluge of BB veterans'.

'The one thing [producers] don't want to do is deliver a show which is essentially a Love Island-style contest full of beautiful people.

Before adding: 'They actually want the quirky, often controversial characters that are going to stir things up and make things interesting  and many of the names in the frame have proven track records in that respect.'

Back for more? ITV2's Big Brother reboot will feature some of the reality show's most iconic former housemates

Shock return! According to reports 'Nasty Nick' Bateman (pictured) Chanelle Hayes and Nadia Almada are just some of the names producers are hoping will return to 'recapture the magic' of the original series

Fan favourite: A source said:'It won't be a reboot full of old faces, it's likely to be a smattering rather than a deluge of BB veterans' (Chanelle Hayes pictured)

Nick, now 55, made headlines during the show's first season in 2000 when he slyly attempted to turn his fellow housemates against each other, before being caught and booted from the show.

Meanwhile Chanette, 35, appeared on the show in 2007 where she struck up a romance with fellow housemate Ziggy, and Nadia, 46, won the 2004 series.

Other possible returnees include Makosi Musambasi, who famously claimed to have fallen pregnant in the house, despite not having sex in 2005.

As well as Kinga Karolczak who drunkenly showed viewers at home an X-rated party trick with a wine bottle.

MailOnline have contacted ITV for comment.

It comes after the legendary narrator of Big Brother Marcus Bentley reportedly signed up for the job once again on the upcoming reboot of the show.

Gateshead-born voice-over artist Marcus, 55, became synonymous with the programme after it launched on Channel 4 in 2000 and he stayed with the reality series up until its last run on Channel 5 in 2018.

Booming 'day one in the Big Brother house' at the start of each series, Marcus would describe the action as it played out on screen for viewers, and he is set to do the same when it makes a comeback on ITV2 later this year.

It has also emerged the famous live feed will return after it previously enabled viewers to watch the housemates 24 hours a day from the first series in 2000 before it was stopped in 2009.

Can't wait: Meanwhile Chanette, 35, appeared on the show in 2007 where she struck up a romance with fellow housemate Ziggy and Nadia, 46 (pictured) won the 2004 series

Back? Other possible returnees include Makosi Musambasi, who famously claimed to have been fallen pregnant in the house, despite not having sex in 2005

Another go: As well as Kinga Karolczak who drunkenly showed viewers at home an X-rated party trick with a wine bottle

It was brought back the following year for a fee but it was dropped again when Big Brother moved to Channel 5 in 2011, before it was once again brought back in 2013 for two hours a night.

It comes after AJ Odudu and Will Best were announced as the hosts of the brand new Big Brother reboot in April.

Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant AJ 35, and ex T4 presenter Will, 38, who is known for his role on Dance Dance Dance, will front the reality show when it returns to screens on ITV2 this Autumn.

They will share the iconic main role as well as an additional nightly live show, debating all the hot topics inside the house.

A source told MailOnline: 'They have genuine real chemistry and it was an absolute no brainer when they screen tested.
MasterChef Australia came to a close earlier this month as tradie Brent Draper was crowned the winner and walked away with $250,000 in prize money.

And now the reality hit is calling for contestants for next season with applications set to close on October 16.

Foodies keen to prove themselves in the MasterChef kitchen must be over 18, and professional chefs need not not apply.

Former MasterChef star Reece Hignell, 33, took to Instagram to announce that casting for the new season was open.

The fan favourite included a throwback picture of himself posing with pop star Katy Perry and fellow contestant Poh Ling Yeow during the 2020 season in his share.

Former MasterChef star Reece Hignell, 33, took to Instagram to announce that casting for the new season of the hit cooking show was open. He included a throwback picture of himself posing with pop star Katy Perry and fellow contestant Poh Ling Yeow during the 2020 season

Applications for contestants are set to close on October 16

'If you love cooking please apply. You never know, you may meet Katy Perry,' Reece said in the caption.

Reece rose to fame in season 10 of the hit cooking show and later returned for the Back to Win season in 2020.

Application for the next season of MasterChef Australia requires a photo of yourself and a 'minimum' of three dishes you've cooked yourself, however 'more are encouraged'.

It also encourages applicants to 'upload a 1-3 minute video of yourself displaying your skills in the kitchen as well as introducing to us who you are and what food/cooking means to you.'

MasterChef Australia 2023 came to a close earlier this month as tradie Brent Draper was crowned the winner and walked away with $250,000 in prize money

However, professional chefs need not apply, with the rules stressing 'Your main source of income cannot come from preparing and cooking fresh food in a professional environment'.

Those interested in competing in the 2024 MasterChef season can apply here.

The news comes as rumours swirl about whether Andy Allen and Melissa Leong will be returning to the cooking show next year in the wake of co-star Jock Zonfrillo's shock death.

MasterChef hopefuls need to share photos and video showing off their skills

According to Woman's Day, the judges could both walk away as they are a 'package deal'.

Andy and Melissa are still in negotiations about the next season of the show and will either stay or leave together.

'Andy and Mel are still in negotiations at the moment and they come as a two package deal so if they both decide to walk, theyll need some big names to fill in,' a source said.

'And rather than getting a traditional line-up of three judges, execs are looking at having a pool of superstar names to judge each week.'

The publication claimed Jamie Oliver, Curtis Stone, Shannon Bennett, Poh Ling Yeow and Julie Goodwin have been approached to appear on the next season.
Molly-Mae Hague has given fans another glimpse at her stunning engagement ring after accepting Tommy Fury's marriage proposal on Sunday.

The influencer, 24, shared a gorgeous black and white video of the proposal that took place on a picturesque cliffside in Ibiza.

She has since posted a further image on the couple's joint Instagram account, in which the diamond encrusted ring - believed to be worth as much as 1million - is clearly visible as she shares a kiss with her fiance while cradling their baby daughter Bambi.

Captioning the shot, Tommy, also 24, wrote: 'To my perfect fiance forever wouldnt be long enough to call you mine.'

In her engagement video, Molly-Mae - who met her now fiance during 2019's Love Island - looked gorgeous in an ivory jumpsuit as she tearfully made her way towards Tommy who stood cradling their six-month-old daughter Bambi.

Stunning: Molly-Mae Hague has given fans another glimpse at her stunning engagement ring after accepting Tommy Fury 's marriage proposal on Sunday

There it is: The diamond encrusted ring is clearly visible in her latest Instagram post

Big news! Molly-Mae took to her Instagram to announce her engagement to Tommy on Sunday

Love: Molly-Mae captioned the post: 'Forever. 23/07/23'

The area had been decorated with lavish roses and petals covering the ground where Tommy knelt down on one knee as he popped the question with a diamond ring.

She captioned the post: 'Forever. 23/07/23'.

The couple beamed as Molly-Mae said yes and they embraced before taking in the spectacular views.

The couple's famous friends were quick to share their congratulations with Love Island host Maya Jama writing: 'WE LOVE TO SEE IT! Congratulations you cuteys'.

While Gemma Collins added: 'So happy for you congratulations'.

Reality star Georgia Kousoulou said: 'Awwww congratulations you two'.

Olivia Attwood commented: 'Congratulations !!!!'.

While Olivia Bowen said: 'Ahhhh my goodness, congratulations gorgeous people'.

Fellow Islander Molly Smith added: 'Congratulations!!!!!'.

And Phoebe Tomlinson shared a string of heart emojis while her sister Lottie wrote: 'Congratulations'.

Memories made: The influencer, 24, shared a gorgeous black and white video of the surprise proposal that took place on a picturesque cliffside

So happy! Famous friends were quick to share their congratulations with the happy couple

Islander Leah Taylor added: 'Omg, congratulations to you both' and Samie Elishi and Gabby Allen both echoed the sentiments with: 'Congratulations'.

Tanyel Revan added: 'So sweet'.

Molly-Mae looked ravishing with her hair styled into loose curls and glamorous make-up courtesy of MUI Hollie Flynn.

Taking to Instagram she numerous luxury products to achieve the influencer's flawless bronzed palette including ICONIC London's Super Smoother Blurring Skin Tint and illuminator.

Glam: Make-up artist Hollie Flynn revealed the secrets to Molly-Mae's glam engagement look with products from ICONIC London

It comes just over a week since the couple sparked engagement rumours sharing their plans for a fairy-tale themed wedding.

The former Love Island star and her boxer boyfriend enjoyed a trip to Disneyland Paris after the sportsman surprised the influencer while she was in France for a work trip.

And fans were convinced they were at the theme park to get engaged or for source inspiration for their 'extravagant Disney' nuptials.

Sharing photos for their trip to Instagram, Molly-Mae wrote: 'When you wish upon a star.'

One follower commented: 'Where is the proposal I was sure when he arrived in Paris it was happening.'

'I thought the same,' another added, while someone else commented: 'They're both wearing rings though.'

Molly-Mae and Tommy met in the Love Island villa in 2019, finishing as runner-up in that series.

The couple revealed last year that they were expecting their first child, and welcomed their baby daughter Bambi in January.

Cute: It comes just over a week since the couple parked engagement rumours sharing their plans for a fairy-tale themed wedding

Adorable: The former Love Island star and her boxer boyfriend enjoyed a trip to Disneyland Paris after the sportsman surprised the influencer while she was in France for a work trip

It was previously reported that Molly-Mae and Tommy are planning 'an extravagant Disney themed wedding within the grounds of a British castle' - with baby daughter Bambi playing a key role.

Friends now claim the Manchester-based pair are keen on ensuring their wedding will be a magical experience, when it happens.

A source told The Sun: 'Molly wants to book a castle somewhere in the UK, where they'd have a banquet from a Michelin-star chef, performances from famous musicians and a spectacular fireworks display.

'They also want it to be about their fairy-tale love story with Bambi playing a big part of the ceremony.'

The source added: 'They're huge fans of Disney, so Molly will be wearing a princess gown and arrive in a horse-drawn carriage. She wants the full Cinderella experience.'
Radio queen Jackie 'O' Henderson has revealed what it was like to have dinner with Hollywood superstar Gwyneth Paltrow, ahead of the Hollywood star's visit to Australia.

Paltrow, 50, will be visiting Down Under in October to help launch Henderson's new venture Besties, an events business that aims to help women celebrate their close female friends.

Clearly excited for Paltrow's visit, Henderson, 48, took to Instagram on Monday to share a photo of herself meeting the Goop founder for the first time in New York 10 years ago.

Henderson, a long-time fan of Paltrow, was lucky enough to have dinner with the wellness guru in 2013 while travelling in the US with her radio co-host Kyle Sandilands.

The throwback photo, likely taken by Sandilands, showed Henderson looking elated as she cuddled up to Paltrow at a restaurant.

Radio queen Jackie 'O' Henderson, 48, (left) has revealed what it was like to have dinner with Hollywood superstar Gwyneth Paltrow, 50, (right) in New York 10 years ago. She shared this throwback photo of their meeting to Instagram on Tuesday

'[Paltrow] was everything I hoped for and so much more, it was one of my most memorable moments. I could have listened to her for hours, I was like a sponge,' Henderson wrote in her caption.

'She is so gracious, funny, smart and so much fun and just when I thought it was impossible, I fell in love with her even more!'

Henderson then expressed her excitement at nabbing Paltrow as the celebrity guest at her Besties launch event, before giving attendees a glimpse at what to expect.

'[Paltrow] was everything I hoped for and so much more, it was one of my most memorable moments. I could have listened to her for hours, I was like a sponge,' Henderson wrote in her caption

'She is so gracious, funny, smart and so much fun and just when I thought it was impossible, I fell in love with her even more!' gushed Henderson

The event will take place on Friday, October 27 and pre-sale tickets will be available from Thursday, July 27

'We'll be on stage chatting all things life, work, leadership, love, parenting, sex, and so much more,' she wrote.

'So grab your bestie and come along for a night of fun and insight into this icon. I can't wait to see you there!!!'

The event will take place on Friday, October 27 and pre-sale tickets will be available from Thursday, July 27.

Henderson launched Besties with her close friend of 20 years Gemma O'Neill.
Social media influencer and author Jenny Mollen took to Instagram on Monday to share a cheeky photo with her 428,000 followers.

The 44-year-old City of Likes writer - who is married to Orange Is The New Black actor Jason Biggs, 45 - posted a throwback photo in which she posed nude while pretending to hitchhike on a road.

In the caption, she joked, 'My past is packed with fashion blunders and wardrobe malfunctions, most of which were my fault. This scuba fin was one of my best.'

The scuba fin mentioned was used to protect her modesty as she carefully positioned it over her torso.

The photo also showed the mother-of-two donning a sun hat and sunglasses as she stood barefoot.

New post: Jason Biggs' wife Jenny Mollen took to Instagram on Monday to share a cheeky photo with her 428,000 followers

Jenny's blonde hair was windblown in the photo, and a small hip tattoo was visible in the photo.

Elsewhere on social media in recent days, the actress has shared tidbits from a family vacation.

Ahead of the trip, Mollen uploaded a lighthearted video clip in which she tried on a pair of tiny denim shorts.

She wrote in the caption of the reel, 'Packing for a family vacation with my in-laws. (also, thank u @melaniecmusic for the best shirt ever!).'

In the clip, she wore a black short-sleeved T-shirt that read, 'It's a book tour, hun,' in large blue letters.

It was apparently gifted to her by Spice Girls member Melanie C., who left a crying laughing emoji in the comments section of the post.

As she prepared to pack for the getaway, Jason joined his wife in the snippet, pointing out an issue with the shorts.

'You know what's interesting?' he asked. 'Usually shorts that are too short have this issue in the butt [where] you could see some of your butt cheek hanging out - which these shorts do...'

Marriage: The 44-year-old writer married the Orange Is The New Black actor, 45, in 2008; pictured in 2019

'They also happen to have an issue in the front. Literally, your vagina's hanging out,' he then said to his wife.

The couple eventually made it on the trip, and Jenny used her Instagram Stories to share outtakes on Sunday.

In one photo featuring her husband and his parents, she wrote, 'My in-laws are here too.

'If you aren't following my Substack, you are missing out on some juicy material coming soon.'

She then included a link to the site where her followers can check out her literary work.

Also shared to her Stories, was a photo with her husband and their two kids, whose faces were obscured by two purple heart animations.

The parents donned his and hers sunglasses and each wore hats as they smiled with scenic lush greenery in the background.

Parenthood: The couple shares two children whose identities they've chosen to keep private

Family trip: Jenny promoted her Substack as she teased forthcoming content

Mollen's Substack website is where she published an article about a 2020 sexual assault incident earlier this year.

She revealed she was assaulted while receiving a massage at a spa in New York City with her mother.

In the essay, she said she suffered a 'slow and subtle assault' at the hands of a massage therapist.

The actress said she left the appointment feeling 'sick,' but ultimately decided not to press charges against the male masseuse.
Ariana Madix has confirmed she'll be appearing on an episode of the hit Peacock reality series Love Island USA on Tuesday.

The 38-year-old reality star previously teased her appearance on the series earlier this month with a TikTok video of her lip-syncing the show's catch phrase: 'This week, a hot new bombshell enters the villa.'

Now Madix has taken to Instagram with a new snap of her sitting around the iconic fire pit on the set, confirming she'll be appearing on an episode this week, with a teaser video posted on Peacock's Instagram confirms the episode airs on Tuesday.

'I cant believe im popping in the @loveislandusa villa this week! like.. i am GATHERED around the fire pit! You can watch the fun on @Peacock,' she said.

The new appearance also comes on the heels of the announcement that she will be taking part in the new season of ABC's Dancing With the Stars, paired with Derek Hough.

Confirmed: Ariana Madix has confirmed she'll be appearing on an episode of the hit Peacock reality series Love Island USA on Tuesday

Previous tease: The 38-year-old reality star previously teased her appearance on the series earlier this month with a TikTok video of her lip-syncing the show's catch phras e: 'This week, a hot new bombshell enters the villa'

Confirmed: Now Madix has taken to Instagram with a new snap of her sitting around the iconic fire pit on the set, confirming she'll be appearing on an episode this week, with a teaser video posted on Peacock's Instagram confirms the episode airs on Tuesday

Madix was wearing a stunning white cutout dress with a strand of pearls and silver heels in the new snap, sitting behind a neon sign that said, 'It was always you.'

There is no indication yet what Madix will be actually doing on the reality dating series - where young singles vie for love in a majestic villa - but she also shared a promo of the appearance on her Instagram story.

The video showed Madix in the same white dress laying on a deck chair, when her phone vibrates and she utters the show's other iconic catch phrase: 'I got a text!'

'You could say there's a hot new bombshell entering the villa. Me! Don't miss me drop into the villa in an all new episode of Love Island USA tomorrow, only on Peacock.'

She teased in the original TikTok video caption, 'Islanders: ready to shake things up? Dont worry, I dont bite.'

She confirmed she would be competing on the show last week on Good Morning America, in a brief clip featuring pro dancer and current judge Derek Hough.

'This season on Dancing With the Stars, we are going absolutely mad  mad for Madix,' Hough said in the clip.

Then Ariana playfully jumped into the frame and added, 'I will be joining the cast of Dancing With the Stars this season!'

Text: The video showed Madix in the same white dress laying on a deck chair, when her phone vibrates and she utters the show's other iconic catch phrase: 'I got a text!'

Bombshell: 'You could say there's a hot new bombshell entering the villa. Me! Don't miss me drop into the villa in an all new episode of Love Island USA tomorrow, only on Peacock'

Don't bite: She teased in the original TikTok video caption, 'Islanders: ready to shake things up? Dont worry, I dont bite'

The announcement makes Ariana the first contestant who has been confirmed for the upcoming DWTS season.

Madix made headlines when her longtime boyfriend and Vanderpump Rules co-star Tom Sandoval was caught cheating with her former best friend Raquel Leviss.

They had been dating since 2013, when Madix joined the Vanderpump Rules cast as a full-time cast member.

The exes squared off in a heated exchange during the Vanderpump Rules reunion special, where Leviss opened up and confirmed they had been together multiple times throughout the previous season.
Former Sunrise host David 'Kochie' Koch could be in for a rough ride during Sunday night's Logie Awards.

Sam Pang, 49, who will be hosting TV's night of nights, has revealed the Channel Seven star will be on the receiving end of his quit wit during his opening monologue.

Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake and the cast of Channel Nine's controversial reality hit Married at First Sight will also be in the firing line.

'Theyll be respectfully acknowledged,' Sam said of the MAFS cast in an interview with News.com.

As for Kochie, who left Sunrise last month, Sam joked: 'He's just retired after 21 years, so Id like to pay a proper tribute to him.'

Former Sunrise host David 'Kochie' Koch could be in for a rough ride during Sunday night's Logie awards

Sam Pang, 49, who will be hosting TV's night of nights, has revealed the Channel Seven star will be on the receiving end of his quit wit during his opening monologue

'He's the reigning Gold Logie winner, so hell probably get a mention,' he added of Hamish.

Elsewhere in the chat, Sam revealed a number of his showbiz mates told him to turn down the Logies hosting gig, which he accepted officially last month.

'I sought the counsel of some very close confidants,' he said.

'I spoke to Santo Cilauro, I spoke to Glenn Robbins, Rob Sitch, Kitty Flanagan  and they all said, "dont do it!'" But I ran my own race and decided to do it anyway.'

Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake will also be in the firing line

Known for his sharp tongue, Pang also revealed he was working with a team of comedy writers for his Logies appearance.

Pang was chosen as this year's host after he made a surprise on-stage appearance at last year's ceremony to accept Logie award for Most Popular Actress on behalf of his friend Flanagan, who could not attend.

'Kitty would be mortified she's won this award considering all the nominees, she'll be happy to know it wasn't a very popular win in the room,' he said during his speech.

The funnyman confirmed that the cast of Married At First Sight will also feature in his opening monologue

Pang was chosen as this year's host after he made a surprise on-stage appearance at last year's ceremony to accept Logie award for Most Popular Actress on behalf of his friend Flanagan, who could not attend

'Firstly I just wanted to say I had a small part in season one of Fisk, this will be the first time a speech was longer than the role. Not invited back for season two, but that doesn't matter.'

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.
A fan of Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury has pointed out how the couple's relationship mirrored the challenges in the Love Island villa in a viral tweet.

The pair, both 24, met on the show in 2019 and finished in second place but are the only couple to have stayed together.

During their time in the villa, the pair took part in the baby challenge - which sees the couples pretend to be parents for the day - and 'proposed' to each other when playing Snog, Marry, Pie.

Now four years on from their time in the show, the pair have taken on these milestones for real, welcoming baby Bambi in January while Tommy proposed to Molly last week.

Sharing pictures from the villa alongside pictures of the couple now, one fan noted: 'Molly Mae and Tommy Fury: how it started how its going #loveisland', in a tweet that has now gone viral.

Sweet: A fan of Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury has pointed out how the couple's relationship mirrored the challenges in the Love Island villa in a viral tweet

Tommy and Molly announced their engagement on Sunday as they shared a black and white video of the romantic moment that took place on a picturesque cliffside in Ibiza.

The pair later posted a further image, in which Molly-Mae's diamond encrusted ring - believed to be worth as much as 1million - is clearly visible as she shares a kiss with her fiance while cradling their baby daughter Bambi.

Captioning the shot, Tommy wrote: 'To my perfect fiance forever wouldnt be long enough to call you mine.'

In her engagement video, Molly-Mae looked gorgeous in an ivory jumpsuit as she tearfully made her way towards Tommy who stood cradling their six-month-old daughter Bambi.

The area had been decorated with lavish roses and petals covering the ground where Tommy knelt down on one knee as he popped the question with a diamond ring.

She captioned the post: 'Forever. 23/07/23'.

The couple beamed as Molly-Mae said yes and they embraced before taking in the spectacular views.

It comes just over a week since the couple sparked engagement rumours sharing their plans for a fairy-tale themed wedding.

Then and now: During their time in the villa, Tommy 'proposed' to Molly when playing Snog, Marry, Pie (left) something he has now done for real

The former Love Island star and her boxer boyfriend enjoyed a trip to Disneyland Paris after the sportsman surprised the influencer while she was in France for a work trip.

And fans were convinced they were at the theme park to get engaged or for source inspiration for their 'extravagant Disney' nuptials.

Molly-Mae and Tommy met in the Love Island villa in 2019, finishing as runner-up in that series.

The couple revealed last year that they were expecting their first child, and welcomed their baby daughter Bambi in January.

It was previously reported that Molly-Mae and Tommy are planning 'an extravagant Disney themed wedding within the grounds of a British castle' - with baby daughter Bambi playing a key role.

Friends now claim the Manchester-based pair are keen on ensuring their wedding will be a magical experience, when it happens.

A source told The Sun: 'Molly wants to book a castle somewhere in the UK, where they'd have a banquet from a Michelin-star chef, performances from famous musicians and a spectacular fireworks display.

'They also want it to be about their fairy-tale love story with Bambi playing a big part of the ceremony.'

The source added: 'They're huge fans of Disney, so Molly will be wearing a princess gown and arrive in a horse-drawn carriage. She wants the full Cinderella experience.'

Stunning: Molly-Mae gave fans another glimpse at her stunning engagement ring on Monday after accepting Tommy's marriage proposal on Sunday
Kourtney Kardashian didn't disappoint with her pink-themed maternity outfit she wore to watch the new Barbie movie in a new selfie shared to her Instagram stories on Monday.

The TV personality, 44, who is currently expecting her first child with Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, gave her 223 million followers a glimpse of her growing baby bump as she showed off her look for the outing.

The beauty quickly took the selfie in the reflection of a mirror inside of a very spacious walk-in closet.

She donned a pair of unbuttoned jorts that contained pockets on the sides, as well as a matching, oversized pink leather jacket on top.

The reality star chose to leave the outer piece unzipped to show off a black shirt underneath and proudly gave a glimpse of her burgeoning stomach.

Stylish mama: Kourtney Kardashian, 44, didn't disappoint with her pink-themed maternity outfit she wore to watch the new Barbie movie in a new selfie shared to her Instagram stories on Monday

Kourtney slipped into a pair of black, leather knee-high boots with a small heel on the back.

The businesswoman parted her dark locks in the middle, and swept her hair into a chic up do. She accessorized her look with a pair of black shades which coincided with the color scheme of her outfit.

In text added on the side of the image, the media personality penned, 'took the girls to see Barbie, had very strict instructions to wear my pink jorts.'

The star has been embracing her inner Barbie and recently shared a snap earlier on Sunday wearing pastel pink pajamas while enjoying a pilates session.

She took the mirror selfie in the midst of the workout and typed out to her fans, 'prenatal pilates in pajamas.'

Kourtney announced that she was expecting her fourth child, and first with husband Travis, at a Blink-182 concert in LA last month. The beauty already shares sons Mason, 13, and Reign, eight, as well as daughter Penelope, 11, with ex, Scott Disick.

Barker is also father to son Landon, 19, and daughter Alabama, 17, whom he shares with ex-wife, Shanna Moakler. He has also been a father figure to Moakler's daughter, Atiana De La Hoya, 24, whom she welcomed with ex Oscar De La Hoya.

The star, who has been feuding with sister Kim Kardashian on Hulu's The Kardashians, notably revealed that she had stopped her IVF journey last year in September.

Staying healthy: The star has been embracing her inner Barbie and recently shared a snap earlier on Sunday wearing pastel pink pajamas while enjoying a pilates session

Thrilled: Kourtney announced that she was expecting her fourth child, and first with husband Travis, at a Blink-182 concert in LA last month

While talking to the Wall Street Journal at the time, she explained, 'We started an IVF journey, but I stopped. It was a lot. I took a break to just focus on our wedding and getting married.'

During the concert reveal last month, the reality star held up a handwritten sign that read, 'Travis I'm pregnant,' referencing to the band's 1999 music video titled, All The Small Things.

And also last month, the two lovebirds - who celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary in May - held a lavish gender reveal party to announce that they were expecting a baby boy.

In regards to a possible name that the lovebirds have chosen for their little one, a source told Us Weekly earlier last week that the pair are 'having their kids contribute to the list' of potential baby names.

The insider added that the two stars are 'including [their kids] in the baby journey whenever possible,' because the new addition is 'a celebration for the whole family.'

During a recent interview with Complex where he was joined by daughter, Alabama, the musician hinted at one name that he believed was the 'greatest.'

'I like Rocky 13,' Barker admitted, with the 17-year-old quickly shooting down the name by stating, 'That is so bad.'

Travis explained that the unique name, 'just keeps going through my head,' and later added that, 'Rocky George played guitar for [band] Suicidal Tendencies and 13 is just the greatest number of all time.'

Following the baby announcement, a source told People, 'Kourtney is just beyond excited. She had happy tears when she told her family. They have all known for a while.'

Baby boy on the way: Last month in June, the two lovebirds held a lavish gender reveal party to announce that they were expecting a baby boy

Memorable moment! During the concert, the reality star held up a handwritten sign that read, 'Travis I'm pregnant,' referencing to the band's 1999 music video titled, All The Small Things

Very thrilled: Following the baby announcement, a source told People , 'Kourtney is just beyond excited. She had happy tears when she told her family. They have all known for a while'

Pregnancy journey: The reality star has been keeping her fans updated with her pregnancy journey by often sharing snaps on her social media of her growing baby bump

Recent celebration: She also recently enjoyed a tropical getaway to Hawaii in celebration of her daughter, Penelope's, 11th birthday

The insider added, 'Everyone is so happy for her. Kourtney cant wait to be a mom again. Her older kids are excited about the baby too.'

'Kourtney has been praying for this. She has wanted a baby with Travis since they first started dating. They have been trying to get pregnant for almost two years. Its been grueling.'

The reality star has been keeping her fans updated with her pregnancy journey by often sharing snaps on social media of her growing baby bump.

She also recently enjoyed a tropical getaway to Hawaii in celebration of her daughter, Penelope's, 11th birthday. During the trip, she proudly flaunted her burgeoning bump in stylish bikinis.
Claudia Schiffer looked in high spirits on Monday as she soaked in the sunshine while on holiday in Greece.

The 52-year-old supermodel put on an stylish display in a multi-coloured floral maxi dress.

She added a matching belt around her middle to cinch her in at her svelte waist and a pair of brown strappy sandals.

Claudia kept her jewellery simple, opting for a pendant necklace and coordinating bangle.

She wore her blonde tresses in beachy waves and hid her eyes behind a pair of white sunglasses.

Having a blast: Claudia Schiffer looked in high spirits on Monday as she soaked in the sunshine while on holiday in Greece

Looking good: The 52-year-old supermodel put on an stylish display in a multi-coloured floral maxi dress with a matching belt around her middle to cinch her in at her svelte waist

The actress was seen laughing as she took a trip on a water taxi to Spetses Island and went shopping.

Claudia has spoken about ageing in the past, insisting that it's 'natural' to get older, and saying she doesn't feel 'envious or jealous' of younger models.

She told Elle UK: 'I've had many wonderful compliments in my time. But then you get to the next stage and you move on.

'You don't have to be called beautiful your entire life. It's a nice memory, but then the next generation starts. For me, it's a natural thing to do, to hand over, to not be envious or jealous.

'I can't think of anything worse than if you said, "There's a magic pill and it's going to make you look 20 again".'

Although she's happy to let the next generation of models take to the runway in her place, she credits her career with helping her break out of her shell.

She said: 'I'd probably still be a very shy person who had no idea I could overcome that by experiencing many things.

'I would probably be in a job where you can be in the background, in a bank or behind the scenes. Modelling was my therapy. I learned how to communicate.'

The King's Man star is a mother of three children she shares with her husband Matthew Vaughn  who she married in 2002.

The German model and the English filmmaker, 52, share one son  Caspar, 20  and two daughters  Clementine, 18, and Cosima, 12.

Longtime couple: The King's Man star is a mother of three children she shares with her husband Matthew Vaughn  who she married in 2002

The couple originally met at a dinner party in Los Angeles when she was still engaged to the magician David Copperfield.

In 2002, the pair exchanged vows at a lavish and star-studded wedding at Skibo Castle in Scotland.

Shortly after tying the knot, the '90s fashion icon welcomed their first child  son Caspar  in 2003.

Two years later, they had their daughter Clementine and their third child six years later in 2012.
She instantly became a pop culture icon after bursting into the public eye as loudmouthed Page 3 girl, Jordan.

Having tried her hand at modelling, singing, presenting, campaigning and reality TV, the glamour model quickly became a household name in Britain.

Yet while Katie Price's moniker will ring a bell for both young and old, you would be forgiven for not recognising the star on sight alone, with Katie famously undergoing numerous cosmetic procedures over the years.

After two decades in the spotlight, Katie is almost unrecognisable from the naturally pretty teenager who burst on to the modelling scene at the age of 16, with her natural curls and fresh-faced beauty winning her an army of fans.

Katie, now 45, has undergone an array of procedures over the years, including rhinoplasty, a silhouette facelift, 3D, veneers, lip fillers and Botox, culminating in her first facelift in 2017.

Now, after two decades under the surgeon's scalpel, MailOnline takes a look at the many faces of Katie Price.

The many faces of Katie Price: MailOnline takes a look at the star's changing look after two decades of boob jobs, Botox and face lifts

1995 - Barefaced beauty

At the age of 17, Katie Price was a fresh-faced natural beauty looking to make it into the world of glamour modelling.

At a friend's suggestion, the teenager had professional photographs taken and was quickly snapped up by a modelling agency who landed her a Page 3 slot in The Sun newspaper the following year, sparking the creation of her glamour model alter ego, Jordan.

Speaking last year, Katie revealed she was glad that she wasn't exposed to social media at the time as she had 'no idea what Botox was or fillers', otherwise she may have started her tweaks and enhancements at an even earlier age.

1995: At the age of 17, Katie Price was a fresh-faced natural beauty looking to make it into the world of glamour modelling

1998 - First boob job

Having just turned 20, the rising glamour model experienced her first taste of cosmetic surgery, boosting her 32B cup breasts to a 32C.

The procedure cost 4,500 and it's thought her mum Amy and stepdad Paul helped pay for her to have the procedure.

Katie has since spoken out about her decision to go under the knife, admitting she was 'too young' and that she feels sorry for young girls growing up these days in a world of social media and filters.

1998: Having just turned 20, Katie experienced her first taste of cosmetic surgery, boosting her 32B cup breasts to a 32C

1999 - Second and third boob job

Despite having only just increased her breast size, Katie opted to have two more procedures the following year at the age of 21.

Katie boosted her bust from a C cup to a D cup and just a few months later went up again to a F cup.

Katie has previously claimed that she has only paid for two of her boob jobs over the course of her career - it is not known if these were the ones.

1999: Despite having only just increased her breast size, Katie opted to have two more procedures at the age of 21

2001 - Lip fillers

At the age of 21, Katie had her first cosmetic procedure on her face, opting for lip fillers.

While the glamour model did not confirm the rumours at the time, she was seen sporting a noticeably fuller pout while out enjoying the party scene.

Her overall look had also started drastically transforming, with the model sporting dramatic false lashes, bright lipstick and pale hair extensions.

2001: At the age of 21, Katie had her first cosmetic procedure on her face, opting for lip fillers

2004 - Botox

Aged 26, Katie began to experiment with Botox injections that relax the muscles in your face to smooth out lines and wrinkles.

She made no secret of her love of the procedure, announcing at the time: 'I get my forehead and around my eyes Botoxed every six months and I love it. You can't beat it. It just freezes all the wrinkles and that's what you want.'

At the time, Katie insisted she would never take things further and have a facelift, explaining: 'I'd never have a full facelift. I've seen what they can do to people and I don't want to go through that.'

2004: Aged 26, Katie began to experiment with Botox injections that relax the muscles in your face to smooth out lines

2006 - Fourth boob job

Katie went under the knife yet again to take her F cup breasts up to a G cup.

The glamour model also played around with her overall look and embraced her dark side with a new brunette hairstyle.

She also continued to dabble with fillers and Botox.

2006: Katie went under the knife yet again to take her F cup breasts up to a G cup

2007 - First nose job and veneers

At the age of 29, Katie took her love of surgery to the next level, undergoing rhinoplasty, a chemical peel and treating herself to a 25,000 set of new veneers.

'Oh my God, it burned like hell!' she said at the time. 'The next day I had this hideous red rash on my chin but two days later there wasn't a single spot left.'

Speaking about her nose job at the time, she admitted to liking her original nose, explaining: 'I liked my nose before and now. If I had a cupboard with both noses, I would alternate between them!'

2007:Katie took her love of surgery to the next level, undergoing rhinoplasty, a chemical peel and a 25,000 set of veneers

2008 - Fifth boob job

Despite gradually increasingly her bust size over the year, Katie fancied a change on her 30th and brought her bra size back down from an F cup to a C cup.

The procedure meant that Katie had returned to the size of her first boob job 10 years prior.

Katie's changing shape also coincided with the launch of her first clothing line - an equestrian range.

2008: Despite gradually increasingly her bust size, Katie fancied a change and brought her bra size back down to a C cup

2011 - Sixth boob job

Katie's smaller chest didn't last long, and at age 33 she went back under the knife again to boost her bust to an F cup.

Katie also underwent body-contouring treatment and cheek and lip fillers.

The Loose Women panelist admitted that she loved having her cheeks filled to give her a 'plumper, more youthful look'.

2011: Katie's smaller chest didn't last long, and at age 33 she went back under the knife again to boost her bust to an F cup

2015 - Seventh and eighth boob job

Just before appearing on Celebrity Big Brother, the reality star had a botched boob reduction that left her with a hole in her breast and an implant protruding from her flesh.

Katie told her shocked housemates: 'Ive got no tits anymore. Theyve gone. Theres not even anything there. If you saw what Im like underneath. The scars gone septic. My whole implant was hanging out on New Years Day.'

Shortly after leaving the Big Brother house she underwent corrective surgery and had her implants swapped for a D-cup.

2015: Just before Celebrity Big Brother, the star had a botched boob reduction that left her with a hole in her breast

2016 - Ninth boob job and tattooed makeup

Despite her surgery horror the year before, Katie was undeterred and flew to a Brussels clinic to go under the knife yet again, this time settling on a 32GG bust.

The reality star also had her eyebrows and lips tattooed, also known as 'permanent make-up', explaining that she prefers to go make-up free on a day-to-day basis.

Additionally the star has regular facial treatments, last year sharing a bloodied selfie after having a dermal roller micro-needling treatment, which sees a dermaroller with many tiny needles rolled across into the skin - designed to stimulate cells into regeneration.

2016: Despite her surgery horror the year before, Katie flew to a Brussels clinic to get another boob job, this time a 32GG cup

2017 - First face lift, new veneers and 10th boob job

Despite insisting she would never have a face lift and could rely on Botox, Katie went back on her word undergoing a 'Silhouette' face lift.

The procedure is designed to lift a sagging cheeks and blurred jawline, using 'sutures' implanted under the skin to sculpt features.

However, Katie was soon spotted with puffy features, revealing that she suffered an allergic reaction to anesthetic penicillin after having further work on her veneers. She also had her breast implants reduced from 1000ml implants to 795ml.

2017: Despite insisting she would never have a face lift and could rely on Botox, Katie went back on her word

2018 - Second face lift

Katie claimed her first face lift had been a botched job and went back under the knife the following year aged 40 to correct it.

She said at the time 'I need to get my face re-corrected after surgeon has totally f**ked my face up', admitting it had

He agent added: 'She had the thread and it really quite distorted her look. She got a lot of backlash, a lot of negative press, a lot of trolling, everyone saying shed taken it too far, when actually it was a job that had not gone to plan.'

2018: Katie claimed her first face lift had been a botched job and went back under the knife the following year aged 40

2019 - Third face lift, boob job first Brazilian bum lift and 11th boob job

Katie jetted to Turkey to overhaul her entire look with a full body transformation.

The reality star opted for a face, eye and eyelid lift, Brazilian bum lift along with a tummy tuck.

Just three months later she returned to the clinic and opted for another boob job, going back down to a D cup.

2019: Katie jetted to Turkey to overhaul her look with a face, eye and eyelid lift, Brazilian bum lift along with a tummy tuck

2020 - 12th boob job and another set of veneers

Katie returned to Turkey to have another set of veneers and revealed her real teeth had been reduced to stubs as she flashed a smile on her YouTube channel.

The mother-of-five then jetted to Belgium to correct botched surgery on her breasts, saying her surgeon was utterly shocked by the 'awful' previous procedure.

Katie said: 'They looked deformed, they were absolutely awful. That's the first time I've gone to a different surgeon. I had to go back to Frank with my head down, ashamed that I'd been to another clinic.'

2020: Katie returned to Turkey to have another set of veneers then jetted to Belgium to correct a botched boob job

2021 - Liposuction, eye and lid lifts and 13th boob job

Amid the Covid pandemic, Katie jetted off to then red-list Turkey for a complete cosmetic surgery overhaul, undergoing full body liposuction, eye and lip lifts, liposuction under her chin, and fat injected into her bum.

The reality star also visited Belgium to have her 13th boob job as well as full body liposuction with bum fat removal.

The plastic surgery - performed by Dr Frank Plovier - came just five days ahead of the glamour model's sentencing for her shocking drink-drive crash.

2021: Katie jetted to Turkey for a complete cosmetic surgery overhaul, undergoing full body liposuction, eye and lip lifts

2022 - Another brow and eye lift

Katie secretly jetted back to Belgium at the beginning of 2022 for an eye and brow lift and had been concealing her new look with her head in a bandage.

Dr Judy Todd, an aesthetic doctor at Clinica Medica in Glasgow, said: 'It appears like she's had a face lift, temporal brow lift, and possibly an upper blepharoplasty.'

It was reported last month that Katie plans to travel to Turkey imminently for yet more plastic surgery, amid claims she wanted to get some tweaks in after being unhappy with her latest work.

Sian Dellar, Brow Specialist and Founder of Sian Dellar Permanent Makeup Clinic, added: 'Katie's eyebrows, like the rest of her, have changed lots over the years!

'Back in the 90s she had a very thin over plucked brow which was the fashion at the time, and today she has an extremely thick and unnatural looking brow.

'Currently it seems the face or eye lift that shes had have pulled her brows outward which looks unnatural and makes the brows appear almost stretched.

'Of course, as with any enhancement, its personal preference but we recommend not going too many shades darker, and keeping the shape as natural looking as possible and work to create or enhance brows to frame the face.

'Katies choice to have them so thick and dark and in that unusual positioning means they dominate her face and are the first thing the eye is drawn to. I would love to see Katie take her brows back to 2015/2016 when the fuller brow became a big trend. She got it right then and they framed her face well.'

2022: Katie secretly jetted back to Belgium for an eye and brow lift and is planning to to travel to Turkey for more surgery

2023 - 16th and 'biggest ever' boob job

It's not clear if Katie lost track of the number of breast augmentations or opted to keep some of her surgery private but by 2023 it emerged she'd undergone her 16th boob job, two years after claiming to be on her 13th.

The star went under the knife in a bid to have the 'biggest in Britain' and was subsequently pictured being wheeled into surgery at the Be Clinic in Belgium.

She is said to have wanted even bigger breasts, opting for 2120 CC implants in a bid to boost her already large bust size.

Katie told OK! magazine of her boobs: 'I love them. They healed really quickly and they didn't hurt at all. That probably doesn't help. Because I heal quickly, it doesn't put me off and I have more.

'I would go bigger as well  and I will eventually. I just love having big boobs and a small body. I've always loved that look. In my eyes, if I'm having a boob job, I want them to look fake, I don't want them to look natural. I don't like the natural look.

'I just like that old-school American Playboy pin-up look. When I have surgery, that is what I'm striving for. If I could look like my airbrushed pictures, that would be amazing. But that's impossible to achieve.'
Sam Faiers looked effortlessly chic in a variety of swimwear ensembles including a white swimsuit and blue bikini on Instagram on Tuesday.

Her luxury holiday with boyfriend Paul Knightley, 35, and their three children at an undisclosed location comes after she recently jetted off to Los Angeles on a trip for her cosmetic brand Revive Collagen.

The former TOWIE star, 32, who shares baby Paul, seven, Rosie, five and Edward, one, posed in a plunging white swimsuit as she pushed her baby in his pram.

In one photo she put on a leggy display in a strapless blue bikini which she teamed with a matching sarong by Dolce And Gabbana.

Sam upped up the ante in an evening attire as she donned a blue and white patterned playsuit.

Chic: Mother-of-three Sam Faiers looked incredible in a white swimsuit as she shared her incredible holiday snaps on Instagram on Tuesday

Stunning: The Mummy Diaries star also wore this amazing strapless blue bikini and a Dolce And Gabbana sarong

She accessorised with Hermes as she opted for a tan Birkin bag with matching sandals.

And she looked nothing short of sensational in a plunging knitted tan top and a statement starfish necklace from Zara as she posed a smoldering look in a glamorous selfie.

She sat elegantly wearing a pair of black sunglasses and wore a silver necklace to jazz up her beachwear.

The sister of Billie Faiers, 33, shared another sweet snap of her boyfriend larking around in the swimming pool and later posed with son Paul.

Sam recently spent time away in America to focus on the future of her beauty brand which lived out her 'dreams'.

She took to Instagram to express her gratitude and wrote: 'With a heart filled with gratitude this morning before I head home to my family Im taking this moment to reflect on the past couple of days.

'The support from my loved ones, family, friends, my amazing team at Revive and of course my wonderful followers brings me so much joy and strength on my journey. Words cant describe how thankful I am.

'Pursuing my dreams over here in Los Angeles has been a memorable trip, heres to a new chapter for my business.'

Gorgeous: Sam looked great in a plunging knitted top worn with a starfish necklace

Leggy: Sam upped up the ante in an evening attire as she donned a blue and white patterned playsuit

Family: Sam and her boyfriend Paul Knightley, 35, share baby Paul, seven, Rosie, five and Edward, one.

Loved-up: The reality star shared a cute snap of her and Paul, who appeared to be in great spirits
Melissa Doyle made an incredible family announcement on Saturday when her son Nick Dunlop won gold in an international regatta in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

The former Sunrise host, 53, could hardly wipe the smile off her face as she shared a series of happy snaps from the celebratory occasion to Instagram.

Her 21-year-old son, who is part of the Australian Rowing Team, did his famous mother proud as he represented Down Under as a coxswain.

'Really trying hard not to be an embarrassing mum, but failing. Bawling like a baby. Gold! World Champions! Back-to-back gold!' Melissa captioned her post.

Nick clutched the gold medal around his neck and sported a huge grin as he posed in his green and gold uniform.

Melissa Doyle, 53, (pictured) made an incredible family announcement on Saturday when her son Nick Dunlop, 21, won gold in an international regatta in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Later in the reel, he was seen at the front of his team's boat during the race, steering and coordinating his crew, before they all posed for a group photo.

Melissa's television friends flocked to the comments section to congratulate her son on his big win.

'So amazing Mel. Huge congratulations Nick for all your hard work,' wrote Sunrise co-host Natalie Barr.

The former Sunrise host could hardly wipe the smile off her face as she shared a series of happy snaps from the celebratory occasion to Instagram

Melissa's television friends flocked to the comments section to congratulate her son

'Amazing!!!!! Congrats Nick,' wrote Gold Logie nominee Sonia Kruger.

'Amazing. Congrats to Nick and the whole crew,' said The Morning Show's Kylie Gillies.

Dancing With the Stars judge Todd McKenney added: 'Amazing! Congratulations to Nick and the whole crew!'

Melissa shares her son Nick and 20-year-old daughter Natalia with husband John Dunlop.
Heartbroken Lorraine Kelly has rushed to hospital to be by her elderly mother's bedside, it has been revealed.

She told her followers that her 81-year-old mother Anne has been admitted into University Hospital Monklands, in Lanarkshire, Scotland.

Lorraine, 63, tweeted on Monday night: 'Having spent a lot of time over the past few days with my mum in @UHMonklands hospital Ive seen again just how kind, caring, hard working, funny and downright fabulous our NHS workers are.

'Thank you doesnt begin to cover it.'

She did not go into further detail about her mum's condition.

Sad news: Lorraine Kelly has been left heartbroken as her elderly mother Anne, 81, is rushed to hospital in Scotland, (stock image)

Family: Lorraine is very close to her mother Anne - pictured on the show in 2020

Saying thank you: Lorraine shared this post on Twitter on Monday night

But Anne was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome in February, a condition that stops the kidneys functioning properly which also saw her hospitalised.

Christine Lampard is currently covering for Lorraine who is currently on her summer break from the show.

Lorraine moved to London to be close to work, but her parents and her husband Steve live in her hometown of Glasgow.

Back in December 2020, Lorraine was surprised on the show with a moving message from her mum during the pandemic, moving the broadcaster to tears.

She told Dr Hilary Jones and fashion expert Mark Heyes: 'I wish I could see them, it's terrible isn't it? I haven't seen her for ages.

'Everybody is the same though. Zoom calls galore today. We will see each other. It's like we keep saying. We have to scale it down for this year but wow are we going to make up for it next year? My wee mum, that was so lovely.'

In October, Lorraine gushed about how youthful her mother looks during an interview with Woman & Home.

She said: 'I'm lucky. My mum [Anne Kelly] looks incredible and I've inherited her skin and cheekbones.

Memories: Lorraine pictured with her mother and father John in a throwback snap

Apart: Lorraine missed her mother terribly during the pandemic when like most families, she wasn't able to see her very often

'I've got wee patches of grey but I've never done anything to my face. I'm too scared to do Botox. I've heard too many stories over the years where people have ended up looking like Klingons.'

She added: 'After gaining weight in lockdown, I'd become very unhappy with my size. Like most of the nation, I had been comfort-eating, not doing as much exercise as normal and my husband has no conception of portion.'
Hong Kong: Young astronauts headed to Beijing

Thirty selected secondary students taking part in the Young Astronaut Training Camp 2023 will set off for Beijing on July 29 for an eight-day space training programme.

They will visit key science research and education facilities, learn about the motherlands development and achievements in the exploration of the Moon and Mars, and meet aerospace experts.

The activities aim to broaden their knowledge of national technological development as well as nurture research and development talent for Hong Kong, the Leisure & Cultural Services Department explained.

Addressing the send-off ceremony, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki said the Government is fully committed to implementing the strategy of invigorating the country through science and education. More internship and training opportunities are provided to help youngsters learn and take part in the field of innovation and technology, so that they can unleash their potential to make contributions to Hong Kong as well as to the nation.

The training camp is jointly presented by the Leisure & Cultural Services Department and the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, and implemented by the Space Museum. Following a quiz, pre-camp training and an interview, 30 Secondary 2 to 6 students were selected out of more than 160 applicants from around 100 local secondary schools.

This story has been published on: 2023-07-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
To boost cultural exchange, fantastic works from Italy exhibited in Beijing

Xinhua) 14:55, July 25, 2023

BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- "Monet, Van Gogh and the masters of modernism  Masterpieces from the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea di Roma" was open to the public on July 16 in a venu of the Meet You Museum in Beijing, with 47 authentic works from 36 masters of modernism displayed.

The works of the exhibition span from the 1860s to the 1970s, and serve as a bridge for cultural exchange and mutual learning, allowing viewers to explore the century-long development path of Western art.

Standing in front of Van Gogh's canvas painting "L'Arlesienne (Portrait of Mme Ginoux)," Wang Chunyuan, the doctor from the Central Academy of Fine Arts, was deeply touched by the "vigorous vitality" contained in the seemingly calm picture.

The figure in the picture is Van Gogh's former landlord. Van Gogh took her as a prototype to create his last group of six works before he died. Currently on display is one of the works drawing on Gauguin's pastel painting, which Van Gogh mentioned multiple times in his letters.

With beautiful water lilies spreading out across the lake and their forms blending into the misty reflection, the entire picture creates a hazy and poetic atmosphere. French painter Monet's "Pink Water Lilies" undoubtedly became the most popular work at the exhibition site.

As one of the most important representatives of Impressionism, Claude Monet left more than 2,000 oil paintings in his life. The "Water Lilies" series is one of Monet's most representative paintings, showcasing perfectly the beauty of light, shadow, and color in the water. The "Pink Water Lilies" is an early work in the series, where Monet focused on a small scene of the pond.

What impressed Stefano Silvani, director of the Asian exhibition business of Mondo Mostre in Italy, was the hydropaint on canvas with cut work "Spatial Concept, Waiting." The work of art reminds Stefano Silvani of Chinese calligraphy.

Lucio Fontana drew a very simple line on the painting with a knife, while Chinese calligraphy also uses very simple strokes to display strong power, he said.

Stefano Silvani believes that many of the works exhibited can provide a glimpse into the century-long development history of Western art.

"The artist performs only one part of the creative process. The onlooker completes it, and it is the onlooker who has the last word." The saying from Marcel Duchamp quoted in the exhibition tells the mission of exhibitors.

Not only do we need artists to create, but we also need to present the works created by artists to more audiences, said Stefano Silvani, who hoped that the audience could enjoy this exhibition.

At the exhibition site, modernist artists broke through the limitations of media and actively tried various types of painting, sculpture, and photography, among others, presenting diverse styles.

Duchamp's work "Porte chapeau" attracted many viewers' gaze. The ordinary hat stand used in daily life is hung in the air, casting a shadow like an octopus in the light. Duchamp attempted to bring art to the level of ordinary life and to raise the discussion of "what is art" from a cognitive perspective.

"People may go abroad to appreciate arts and cultures around the world, but the most convenient way is to introduce overseas works to the domestic communities. However, some collections and works cannot be moved, so it is not easy for an important artwork to be exhibited in another city or country. We should cherish this opportunity," said Wang Chunchen, professor of the Central Academy of Fine Arts and curator of the Meet You Museum.

The Meet You Museum brand has set up six venues in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Nanjing, and Hangzhou since 2021. It has also established cooperation with hundreds of domestic and overseas cultural institutions, including several well-known Italian museums and art galleries.

The exhibition is expected to close on Oct.22 of this year.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Gregg Wallace has addressed his fans on Instagram, after his new Channel 4 show was blasted by viewers.

The MasterChef judge, 58, appeared on The British Miracle Meat on Monday night, a satirical documentary about a factory which manufactured engineered human meat.

The show is understood to be a take on satirist Jonathan Swifts 1729 essay A Modest Proposal - which suggests that poor Irish families donate their children to rich English landlords for food.

However, there was no warning given ahead or during the broadcast to reassure viewers that it was fictional.

Confused and 'disgusted' viewers took to Twitter as the programme debuted, criticising Channel 4 for airing a show in such 'very poor taste'.

Speaking up: Gregg Wallace has addressed his fans on Instagram, after his new Channel 4 show was blasted by viewers

Spoof: The MasterChef judge, 58, appeared on The British Miracle Meat on Monday night, a satirical documentary about a factory which manufactured engineered human meat

'Are you watching the British miracle meat on channel 4...it's got to be a joke?! Human meat,' one tweeted.

'Who is watching Gregg Wallace, The British Miracle Meat, I feel sick.' another echoed.

One viewer added: 'What the fresh h**l are we being subjected to on @Channel4 now?'

Others - in an apparent joking manner - claimed that 'if enough people vote Tory' they will end up selling their flesh for money. And some even pointed to Brexit as the reason a 'process banned in the EU' would be allowed permitted in the UK.

One wrote: 'I hope they start putting disclaimers on this satirical cannibalism show before eating the poor ends up in the governments next election manifesto.'

However, Gregg took to his Instagram Stories to subtly address the backlash by posting a promo picture from the show.

Emphasizing the fictional aspect of the programme, he wrote: 'Thank you for watching. I really enjoyed my first ever acting job!'

He also hinted viewers should lighten up about the show, by posting another photo with the simple caption: 'Satire'.

Unimpressed: Confused and 'disgusted' viewers took to Twitter as the programme debuted, criticising Channel 4 for airing a show in such 'very poor taste'

Having his say: Emphasizing the fictional aspect of the programme, he wrote: 'Thank you for watching. I really enjoyed my first ever acting job!'

Pointing out the obvious: He also hinted viewers should lighten up about the show, by posting another photo with the simple caption: 'Satire'

Showing he was unbothered by the criticism, Gregg then shared a video on Tuesday morning detailing his plans for the day, including a gym session and going out for dinner in London.

The show saw Gregg interviewing donors who were selling their flesh to fictional firm Good Harvest as a solution for cash-strapped families.

The human tissue was then seen growing in labs into larger slabs of meat - which could be used to make steaks, burgers and sausages.

But MPs slammed the show as a bad taste take on the cost-of-living crisis and criticised Channel 4 bosses for failing to warn audiences its subject was not real.

Viewers followed Gregg as he visited Good Harvests HQ where staff explained how pieces of flesh was harvested from humans and grown into edible meat.

The TV star was then seen visiting donors including a 67-year-old retired receptionist who agreed to have flesh taken from her buttock and thigh in order to fund two weeks energy bills.

Good Harvests chief executive later revealed the firms premium range comes from the flesh of children aged six and below - with a promotional video which billed the womb as natures oven.

Billed as a solution for cash-strapped families, MasterChef host Gregg Wallace interviewed donors who were selling their flesh to fictional firm Good Harvest. The human tissue was then seen growing in labs into larger slabs of meat - which could be used to make steaks, burgers and sausages

At one point in the show Gregg and Roux Jr were seen tasting the steaks

Gregg, who previously fronted BBC 2s Inside the Factory, is well known for presenting documentaries about how food and products are made.

At one point in the show Gregg and chef Michel Roux Jr were seen tasting the steaks and the two Michelin-starred chef licked his fingers as he cooked.

The programme also included thinly-veiled jibes at the Government - with a Good Harvest employee member remarking that the machine used to grow the meat would have been banned under EU laws.

Gregg also said the new food source might be the only attempt seen to take the British cost-of- living crisis seriously.

Other viewers were kick to identify the programme was a spoof documentary, with several alleging the criticisms of the Government and Brexit were an obvious giveaway.

'I started watching this thinking was genuine, quickly became a spoof. Feel connned by C4,' one viewer wrote.

Another added: 'This #miraclemeat programme on @Channel4 is such a spoof it's laughable. No trace of business online. The Brexit comment a few mins in was enough of a clue.'

'A rather tasteless spoof thats rather sick making. Supposedly it was a completely insane stunt by Channel 4 that makes a strong case over government inaction, spiralling energy costs and unsustainable food. I think not,' one viewer wrote.

'Completely unfunny spoof report. I can't see what it's trying to achieve,' added another. 'It's only going to upset the gullible and make it harder to convince people to non-meat alternatives.'

Some viewers have indicated they have already issued complaints to Ofcom about the programme.

One tweeted: 'I hope Ofcom have some extra staff on tonight.'

Another penned: 'Ive just watched less that 10 minutes of the British miracle meat whether this is satire or not it is abhorrent @Ofcom @Channel4.'

'A rather tasteless spoof thats rather sick making. Supposedly it was a completely insane stunt by Channel 4 that makes a strong case over government inaction, spiralling energy costs and unsustainable food. I think not,' one viewer wrote.

Another added: 'This #miraclemeat programme on @Channel4 is such a spoof it's laughable. No trace of business online. The Brexit comment a few mins in was enough of a clue.'

Not happy: Some viewers have indicated they have already issued complaints to Ofcom about the programme

'A rather tasteless spoof thats rather sick making. Supposedly it was a completely insane stunt by Channel 4 that makes a strong case over government inaction, spiralling energy costs and unsustainable food. I think not,' one viewer wrote.

It is not the first time Channel 4 has sparked outrage with its programmes.

In 2020 the broadcaster was heavily criticised for creating a deepfake version of the late Queens Christmas speech.

And earlier this year Naked Education - a programme in which adults stripped off in front of teenagers to promote body positivity - amassed more than 1,200 Ofcom complaints.

Speaking ahead of the broadcast today, Lee Anderson, deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, said: Channel 4 has gone beyond the pale.

Brits struggling with the cost of living will no doubt find this attempt at humour in bad taste.

Meanwhile Tory MP Giles Watling, who sits on the Culture, Media and Sport select Committee, said: Something like this should have come with a health warning so that people are aware it is not factual and can make a choice on whether to watch it or not.

I am certainly not in favour of censorship and I think its wonderful that artists and comedians have the freedom to express themselves - but there are certain sensitives broadcasters need to be aware of. Wallace also referenced food bank charity Trussell Trust as the programme concluded.

The programme also included thinly-veiled jibes at the Government - with a Good Harvest employee member remarking that the machine used to grow the meat would have been banned under EU laws. Wallace also said the new food source might be the only attempt seen to take the British cost-of- living crisis seriously

The Trussell Trust says a future without food banks requires a benefits system that works for all and secure incomes so people can afford essentials, he said.

So its no surprise that eating children seems a more likely path for our country.

A spokesman for the charity said: While referenced in it, the Trussell Trust had no involvement in the production of Gregg Wallace: The British Miracle Meat.

A Channel 4 spokesman said: This mockumentary is a witty yet thought-provoking commentary on the extreme measures many people are being forced to take to stay afloat in our society during the cost-of-living crisis.

Channel 4 has a long and rich history of satire and has often used humour as an accessible way to highlight societys most important issues.
Reynold Poernomo has come under fire after sharing an Italian meal he didn't enjoy.

The MasterChef Australia star is currently on holiday in Italy and was attending a friend's wedding in the Lake Como area.

During his trip, the 30-year-old shared a pasta dish to Instagram Stories with some harsh words.

'These raviolis. No no no no How am I the only one that feels like this is wrongly done. As a non-Italian,' he wrote.

There was backlash from his fans, forcing the chef to post something of a retraction.

Reynold Poernomo (pictured) has come under fire after sharing an Italian meal he didn't enjoy. The MasterChef Australia star is currently on holiday in Italy and was attending a friend's wedding in the Lake Como area

'OK I got some angry responses with my pasta post,' he wrote in a post to Instagram Stories.

'For context, yes, they are tortellini, exactly. On the menu it said 'Ravioli'. Plus! The sage wasn't even cooked.

'The intensity of the raw sage was too pungent. I'm YET to have an amazing pasta experience here in Italy. '

It seems Reynold found a more satisfactory meal, later sharing an image of two delicious pasta dishes that he did enjoy.

During his trip, the 30-year-old shared a pasta dish to Instagram Stories with some harsh words. 'These raviolis. No no no no How am I the only one that feels like this is wrongly done. As a non-Italian,' he wrote

There was backlash from his fans, forcing the chef to post something of a retraction

'Finally! Wow actually perfecto,' he wrote in the caption on the Instagram Stories post.

Reynold rose to fame appearing on MasterChef Australia in 2015, where he was dubbed the 'Dessert King'.

He runs the KOI Dessert Bar chain along with his brother with locations in Sydney's Chippendale and Ryde.
Lauren Goodger engaged in a serious workout last Tuesday as her ex-boyfriend Charles Drury appeared in court.

The former TOWIE star, 36, looked incredible in a pair of tight-fitted black leggings that hugged her curves.

She added a pink long-sleeved crop top that showed off her ample cleavage and a pair of black trainers.

Lauren swept her brunette tresses back from her face in a claw clip and as she showed off her flexibility while stretching.

She appeared to be relaxed despite her ex Charles being in court that day denying assaulting her.

Exercise: Lauren Goodger engaged in a serious workout last Tuesday as her ex-boyfriend Charles Drury appeared in court

Looking good: The former TOWIE star, 36, looked incredible in a pair of tight-fitted black leggings that hugged her curves

Lauren shares daughter Larose, two, with Charles, who was also dad to their late daughter Lorena who died shortly after her birth in July last year after her umbilical cord knotted twice around her neck.

He is accused of carrying out the attack on Lauren the day after they buried Lorena last year.

Charles, who was dressed in smart suit and tie for his court date, is charged with inflicting actual bodily harm on Lauren on August 4, 2022, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard .

The 26-year-old is also charged with engaging in 'controlling or coercive behaviour' against the 36-year-old between August 1, 2020 and August 5, 2022.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges during a brief preliminary hearing at the court in the east London borough of Redbridge on Tuesday.

While 'personally connected' to her, the indictment claims he 'engaged in behaviour towards Lauren Goodger that was controlling or coercive which had a serious effect' on her.

It alleges he 'caused Lauren Goodger to fear, on at least two occasions, that violence will be used against' her, 'at a time when he knew or ought to have known that the behaviour' would have a 'serious effect' on her.

Sporty: She added a pink long-sleeved crop top that showed off her ample cleavage and a pair of black trainers

Working up a sweat! Lauren swept her brunette tresses back from her face in a claw clip and as she showed off her flexibility while stretching

Ex: A court heard on Tuesday that Lauren's ex-boyfriend Charles Drury denied assaulting her (Charles is pictured outside court)

The second charge states that he 'assaulted Lauren Goodger thereby occasioning her actual bodily harm' on August 4 2022. It was the day after the couple buried their daughter Lorena.

In court, Charles spoke to confirm his name and enter his pleas.

Judge Oscar Del Fabbro adjourned the case ahead of a further pre-trial hearing at the same court on February 12 2024, followed by a trial, listed for five days, starting on March 18 2024.

He released Drury on unconditional bail.
Joanne Froggatt is set to play an NHS doctor tacking the Covid-19 pandemic in a new hard-hitting Jed Mercurio-written ITV drama called Breathtaking.

The actress, 42, will star as frontline hospital consultant Abbey Henderson in the series which the channel promise will be a 'thought-provoking and poignant' account of working in the eye of the storm during the early days of coronavirus.

Filming of the three-part series - which is set in a fictional big-city hospital - was completed in Northern Ireland earlier this year and it will air in 2023.

Breathtaking is based on doctor and writer Rachel Clarke's unflinching personal memoir of the greatest public health crisis in living memory.

It was adapted for television by Rachel and former junior hospital doctors Jed Mercurio - who created Line Of Duty - and Prasanna Puwanarajah.

Upcoming: Joanne Froggatt is set to play an NHS doctor tacking the Covid-19 pandemic in new hard-hitting Jed Mercurio-written ITV drama called Breathtaking (still from the series above)

Ideas: It was created by former junior hospital doctors Jed Mercurio (pictured) - who is best known for Line Of Duty - and Prasanna Puwanarajah

A mother of two small children and known for her calm approach in a crisis, Abbey witnesses first-hand the virus begin to take hold, overwhelming the NHS and creating conditions of unprecedented adversity.

The drama is based on Rachel's own experiences as a doctor working on the NHS frontline during the pandemic.

Against a backdrop of news footage from the early months of 2020, the drama will follow Abbey in her daily work.

It will weave together the stories of her fellow doctors, nurses, patients and the paramedics whose ambulances were queued outside hospitals as the NHS tried to cope with a tsunami of devastating cases.

On completion of filming in May Joanne said: 'I feel truly honoured to be playing Dr Abbey Henderson in Breathtaking, based on Dr Rachel Clarke's beautifully written, poignant and shocking book of the same name.

'When I first read the incredible scripts they moved me to tears on many occasions. I felt so passionately that I had to be a part of telling this story, the real story, of what was really happening behind the closed doors of the hospitals during the pandemic.'

'Our NHS staff are nothing less than absolute heroes in my eyes, and I hope telling this story goes a little way towards us understanding their truth, their lived experience and honoring their unbelievable commitment and sacrifice on behalf of us all.'

Jed commented during filming: 'Everyone at HTM Television has felt privileged to dramatize Rachel Clarke's hauntingly illuminating memoir of health workers struggling to cope with the extraordinary challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

New ITV drama: The actress, 42, will star as frontline hospital consultant Abbey Henderson in the series

Hard-hitting: Breathtaking is based on doctor and writer Rachel Clarke's (pictured) unflinching personal memoir of the greatest public health crisis in living memory

Material: The drama is based on Rachel's own experiences as a doctor working on the NHS frontline during the pandemic which she told in her book (above)

Pandemic: Against a backdrop of news footage from the early months of 2020, the drama will follow Abbey in her daily work (stock image)

'I'm honoured to have collaborated with Rachel and Prasanna on this important drama, and thrilled to be working with a cast led by Joanne Froggatt and crew led by director Craig Viveiros.'

The drama is produced in association with Northern Ireland Screen and filming took place in Belfast from April to May of this year.

Breathtaking is produced in association with and distributed internationally by ITV Studios.

Craig Viveiros also said: 'I'm honoured to be working with Jed, Rachel and Prasanna on this timely, important project. After reading the first few pages of the script, I knew this was a project I wanted to be involved with.

'Its unique, bold and unflinching take on life on the front line during the pandemic was immediately captivating.

'I'm delighted to once again be working with Joanne Froggatt, her ability to effortlessly bring the humanity and empathy to any character she portrays meant she was the perfect performer to bring Abbey to life.'
She's rumoured to have rekindled her romance with Davide Sanclimenti.

And Ekin-Su Culculoglu couldn't keep the smile off her face as she stepped out in Essex on Monday.

Despite battling against strong winds on the outing, the Love Island star, 28, beamed broadly as she strutted down the street and into a taxi.

She donned a crochet crop top flashed her abs, paired with black trousers that skimmed over flip flops.

The Turkish actress slung a denim jacket over her arm and completed the look with a black Louis Vuitton handbag and delicate gold necklace.

Someone making you smile? She's rumoured to have rekindled her romance with Davide Sanclimenti and Ekin-Su Culculoglu couldn't keep the smile off her face in Essex on Monday

Windswept: Despite battling against strong winds on the outing, the Love Island star, 28, beamed broadly as she strutted down the street and into a taxi

The outing comes after she sparked speculation she's patched things up with ex-boyfriend Davide, 27.

The Love Island couple, who won last year's series, announced they had split last month following an 11 month romance, but were seen in the back of a cab after the ITV summer party last week.

After jetting on separate holidays to Turkey and Ibiza, the former couple have a number of awkward run-ins before both receiving invites to the ITV bash.

But far from giving each other the cold shoulder, Davide was seen as he sneakily hopped into the taxi with Ekin-Su.

The two looked a little bleary-eyed after spending the night partying with a whole host of ITV stars including AJ Odudu, Charlotte Hawkins and Olivia Attwood.

Following their breakup, which Davide announced on Instagram last month, the Italian was captured on video 'sniffing a white suspicious powder' in Ibiza, later telling his fanbase that the past few weeks have been 'difficult'.

A source told MailOnline: 'Davide spent the beginning of the week moving out of the London flat he shared with Ekin.

'He's had a terrible time since their split from having to find a new place to live back in Manchester and the added stress of being betrayed by someone he trusted while on holiday.

'Davide and Ekin have always loved the excitement of film premieres and attending them together, so it was a sad moment to be at the Barbie opening but not as a couple.

'He's now gone home to Italy to spend some much-needed time with his family.'

Top of the crops: She donned a crochet crop top flashed her abs, paired with black trousers that skimmed over flip flops

Looking good: The Turkish actress slung a denim jacket over her arm and completed the look with a small black handbag and delicate gold necklace

Out and about: The reality star seemed in good spirits as she strutted her stuff down the street

Keeping a smile on her face? The outing comes after she sparked speculation she's patched things up with ex-boyfriend Davide, 27

The former couple were repeatedly rocked by rumours that Davide was unfaithful, but Ekin stood by him until the bitter end when he allegedly 'blindsided' her by announcing their breakup on social media.

Following their separation, Davide jetted to Ibiza on holiday, where he was filmed 'sniffing a suspicious white powder'.

Last week, Davide released a statement admitting that he found himself in an 'awkward situation' and a 'vulnerable state'.

He said: 'You have seen some stories about me over my trip in Ibiza. It was no secret that the last few weeks have been difficult for me.

'There was speculation about my behaviour and a video which was questionable. However, below the surface of this I did something that's not nice to see and was not acting like myself.'

Ekin-Su returned to Instagram last week where she addressed the end of their 11-month romance.

She penned: 'Hi everyone, I thought it was time to come back online to thank you so much for all of your messages over the past 2-weeks.

'It has shown me what a kind, supportive, strong community I have behind me. I took some much needed time away with my family which has been really special but now it's time to realign & get back to work.

'I have such an exciting year ahead & I want to fully focus on that. I really appreciate your ongoing support. Thank you for cheering me on. Ekin x'
Wiz Khalifa's guards foiled a home invasion at his Los Angeles mansion on Sunday evening.

The rapper was not home as he was onstage during his tour with Snoop Dogg in Michigan.

At roughly 6:83pm three men attempted to make their way through his side gate.

Luckily his security caught wind of the trouble and dashed to the gate, prompting the potential intruders to leave the scene.

The Los Angeles Police Department informed TMZ Hip Hop that by the time the police got to Wiz's sprawling $7.6 million house, the suspects had vanished.

However, the authorities noted that an investigation has been opened and an attempted burglary report has been filed.

Close shave: Wiz Khalifa's guards foiled a home invasion at his Los Angeles spread Sunday night - while the rapper was onstage in Michigan (pictured)

Going for it: At roughly 6:83pm, with Wiz several states away in Michigan, three men attempted to make their way through his side gate

That night Wiz fired up his account on the newly renamed X, formerly known as Twitter, to share the news with his fans.

'[Three] n****s wit Pooh shiesty masks tried to run in my crib while i was on stage,' he disdainfully told his more than 36 million followers.

Wiz and Snoop kicked off their High School Reunion Tour on July 7 in Vancouver, and on Sunday night were playing the Pine Knob Music Theatre in the Detroit suburbs.

They have been accompanied onstage by Berner, Too $hort and Warren G, as well as by DJ Drama in the capacity of 'special guest.'

So far their tour has whisked them through a variety of North American stops ranging from Salt Lake City and Denver to St. Louis and Chicago.

Their next gig is scheduled to take place Wednesday on the Budweiser Stage in Toronto, before they make their way down the American east coast.

Wiz previously suffered a home invasion in 2018, when two men wearing hoodies smashed through glass to enter his San Fernando Valley home.

In that case a house-sitter was on the premises and headed downstairs upon hearing the commotion, which sent the intruders fleeing.

Sharing the news: '[Three] n****s wit Pooh shiesty masks tried to run in my crib while i was on stage,' he disdainfully told his more than 36 million followers

Details: Wiz and Snoop Dogg kicked off their High School Reunion Tour on July 7 in Vancouver, and on Sunday were playing the Pine Knob Music Theatre in the Detroit suburbs (pictured)

Insiders in law enforcement assured TMZ that they did not believe the suspects had been able to steal any of Wiz' belongings before being frightened off.

Wiz paid $7.6 million last year to purchase his current mansion in Encino, a six-bedroom property described by Dirt as a 'modern-farmhouse style estate.'

He lives there with his 10-year-old son Sebastian 'Bash' Taylor Thomaz, whom he shares custody of with his ex-wife Amber Rose.

Amber, whose dating history includes Kanye West, Val Chmerkovskiy and music executive AE Edwards, enjoys an amicable relationship with Wiz.
Actress Jenna Dewan shared new bikini photos to Instagram on Monday.

The Step Up veteran looked toned in a very tiny white string bikini when at home.

The 42-year-old started her career as a dancer and has continued to stay in great shape.

In her caption she wrote, 'Its giving heat wave,' as she shared a photo of the temperature on her phone: 81C degrees.

There were also photos of her two children, her dog, tarot cards - with one saying healing - and the star in a dark face mask.

Her Hollywood pals LeAnn Rimes and Amanda Kloots hit the like button.

Fine form: Actress Jenna Dewan shared new bikini photos to Instagram on Monday. The Step Up veteran looked toned in a very tiny white string bikini when at home

The star pushed one leg out for a photogenic silhouette.

She had on full makeup and her hair was worn down as she added hoop earrings.

The star was in the closet of her mansion in Los Angeles which had gray cabinets and a marble floor.

Earlier this month she shared snaps from her getaway to paradise.

Dewan posted a slew of shots from her idyllic trip to Punta Mita, Mexico onto her Instagram Stories - including a few sizzling bikini snaps.

Jenna wowed in a sexy hot pink swim suit as she enjoyed a virgin daiquiri in her relaxing lounge area.

She still had sand on her body as she kicked back in the shaded accommodations with her pink sunglasses shielding her eyes.

In another snap, she displayed her svelte body as she displayed her radiant, makeup-free complexion for the camera.

Dancing queen: The 42-year-old started her career as a dancer and has continued to stay in great shape. In her caption she wrote, 'Its giving heat wave,' as she shared a photo of the temperature on her phone: 81C degrees

What a view! She showed off the lush palm trees that could be seen from her balcony

The Rookie actress sported a stylish wide-brim straw hat, a delicate gold choker necklace, and a tote slung over her shoulder.

She gave a shout-out to Khloe Kardashian's line Good American for the swimsuit and FARM Rio for their trousers.

Jenna also shared snaps of her posing in a sexy black swimsuit with a cut-out displaying her gym-honed body.

The snaps appeared to be throwback photos, as she was seen enjoying a trip to Puerto Vallarta several weeks ago with her daughter Everly, whom she shares with ex-husband Channing Tatum.

At 10, Everly, whom the family call Evie, is nearly as tall as her mother.

She has followed in her parents' footsteps, and has developed a love for Irish Dancing.

In an April interview with Access Hollywood, the Soundtrack star described the fifth grader's affinity for the art.

'I know it sounds bizarre, but as a little kid, she loved Irish folklore,' the proud mom revealed.

Beach babe! Dewan shared several bikini snaps from her getaway to Mexico earlier this month

Toned and terrific! She displayed her svelte abs as she posed with a smile on her face

Simply stunning! Jenna also shared snaps of her posing in a sexy black swimsuit with a cut-out displaying her gym-honed body

'And Chan [Channing] is Irish, but it wasn't like a big thing in our house.'

Jenna explained Evie wanted to start learning Irish dancing after watching the movie Riverdance.

'So we found a dance class and it just took off, she loves it.' the doting mama said.

'She's winning medals and I'm back there cheering her, wearing a shirt that says Irish Dance Mom.'

Strike a pose: She displayed her sexy swimsuit as she posed before a mirror

'I was like, "I'm officially a dance mom. It happened."'

Jenna's hit show, The Rookie, has been renewed for a sixth season.

However, due to the ongoing writers strike which began May 2, it's unclear when any new scripts will be ready, or when the show will go back into production.

In terms of her personal life, Jenna is engaged to actor Steve Kazee. They share three-year-old son Callum together.
Heartstopper's Elle Argent and Tao Xu's romance is set to blossom in the show's second series, with new stills giving an insight into their romance.

New pictures from the second series show how teenagers Elle (Yasmin Finney) and Tao's (William Gao) close friendship will finally turn into a relationship.

The stills also give an insight into Isaac Henderson (Tobie Donovan)'s asexuality storyline as well as Nick Nelson (Kit Connor), Charlie Spring's (Joe Locke) romance.

The first series saw Elle admit to her close friends Tara (Corinna Brown) and Darcy (Kizzy Edgell) that she had a crush on her best friend Tao, but did not tell him.

And their friendship is set to blossom into something more in the second series of the LGBTQ+ coming-of-age drama, slated for release on Netflix on August 3.

Holding hands: Heartstopper's Elle Argent and Tao Xu's (far right) romance is set to blossom in the show's second series, with new stills giving an insight into their romance

Sweet: Other stills from the show also show how Charlie and Nick's relationship develops, after they officially became boyfriends during the show's first series

Pictures from the series show the pair sweetly holding hands as they stand in the middle of what appears to be a school hall, with decorations strewn on the floor.

They are joined by their friends Nick, Charlie and Isaac as they all look on in shock at something, with mystery surrounding what the drama is.

In the snap, Isaac is reading Summer Bird Blue, a book which features themes of asexuality - a hint at Isaac's own storyline after creator Alice Oseman told how the second series would explore Isaac's asexuality and aromanticism.

Asexuality refers to someone who doesn't experience sexual attraction to others while an aromantic is a person who experiences little or no romantic attraction.

Other stills from the show also give an insight into how Charlie and Nick's relationship develops, after they officially became boyfriends during the first series.

The debut series followed Charlie as he developed a crush on his rugby-playing classmate at Truham Grammar School for Boys, Nick.

The pair became friends before it blossomed into something more, with Nick grappling with his sexuality before coming out to his mother (Olivia Colman) in the final episode.

They then officially became boyfriends and their relationship appears to still be going strong in season two, as a sweet new picture shows them sharing a kiss.

Getting closer: Other stills from the show also show how Charlie and Nick's relationship develops, after they officially became boyfriends during the show's first series

Quality time: Another snap sweetly shows Charlie and Nick smiling as they both lie down and scroll through their phones

Another snap shows Charlie and Nick smiling as they both lie down and scroll through their phones, while a final snap sees them eat ice creams together.

The new stills come after Netflix released the first teaser trailer for the second season of Heartstopper, showing Nick, Charlie and their pals going to Paris.

The first series adaptation of Alice Oseman's webcomic was a massive hit last year and has already been commissioned for both a second and third series.

Earlier this month, Netflix bosses released the first trailer for the second series ahead of its August 3 release, with the promo airing on screen during Pride in London.

The trailer opens with Charlie gently touching Nick's hand as they stand together in the sun in Paris.

Animated sparks fly between their fingers as Charlie looks lovingly at Nick before a the Eiffel Tower appears on screen.

The group of friends can then be seen running around the streets, museums and galleries of Paris as they take in the sights as the words 'show the world what love is made of' move across the screen.

Charlie is then heard saying: 'Everything is going to be perfect,' to which Nick whispers: 'Yeah...'

After the group of school friends are seen enjoying themselves at a birthday party, the released date of August 3 is shown on screen, when eight episodes will be available to stream.

First look: The new stills come after Netflix released the first teaser trailer for the second season of Heartstopper, showing Nick, Charlie and their pals going to Paris

Hit: Alice Oseman's webcomic adaptation tells the story of gay secondary school student Charlie Spring (Joe Locke, right) who falls in love with his friend Nick Nelson (Kit Connor, left)

The official synopsis for the jam-packed new season reads: 'Nick and Charlie navigate their new relationship; Tara and Darcy face unforeseen challenges and Tao and Elle work out if they can ever be more than just friends.

'With exams on the horizon, a school trip to Paris and a prom to plan, the gang has a lot to juggle as they journey through the next stages of life, love and friendship.'

Author Alice Oseman previously spoke to Radio Times about season two, revealing: 'This season, Nick wants to come out to the world, but faced with his nasty brother, his mostly absent father, and his laddy mates, soon finds that it's not as easy as he initially thought.'

Previously, Alice - who is asexual and aromantic herself - revealed that the show would focus on asexuality in season two.

She told Attitude magazine: 'I am both Ace and Aro. Those words mean little-to-no sexual attraction or little-to-no romantic attraction.

'Netflix will hate me for spilling but, yes, asexuality will be discussed in a really big way. I'm excited. I hope it will change the world. It's a complicated thing to understand about yourself. People are asking the wrong questions.'

As well as themes of asexuality being explored, the second series is also set to focus on Charlie's struggles with an eating disorder.

Joining the cast for the second series are TikTok's Bel Priestley as Naomi, Ash Self as Felix, as well as Thibault de Montalembert as Stephane.

Leila Khan will join as student Sahar Zahid, Jack Barton as Nick's older brother David, Bradley Riches as student James McEwan, and Nima Taleghani as teacher Mr Farouk.

Budding romance: The second series will also see Tao and Elle take strides in their relationship as they go on an outing to the cinema, which could potentially be a date

'Unforeseen challenges': And Tara (Corinna Brown) and Darcy (Kizzy Edgell), who went from strength to strength in season one, may face new tensions in their relationship

Plot: As well as themes of Isaac's asexuality being explored, the second series is also set to focus on Charlie's struggles with an eating disorder

All the leading cast from the first series are also returning, including appearances by Olivia Coleman and Stephen Fry, who featured in a voiceover as the headmaster of Truham Grammar.

Executive producer Patrick Walkers said: 'Continuing the story of Nick, Charlie and the rest of the Heartstopper gang for Season 2 has been an absolute privilege.

'Alice Oseman and I have been able to watch the actors evolve their performances in every way, and this season is so emotional because of their amazing work. Get ready!'

Season two of Heartstopper premieres on Netflix on August 3.
She is no stranger to flash cars, holidays and jewellery.

Yet Katie Price has now admitted her most extravagant purchase ever was none of these things, as she revealed the incredible cost of the most expensive thing she's ever bought.

The glamour model, 45, said that the most thing she has ever bought is her 20-year-old horse Wallace, who set her back 250,000.

Katie, who was declared bankrupt in 2019, revealed that while she loves designer bags and shoes her biggest purchase ever was Wallace.

The mother of five made the revelation during an appearance on Grace Eleanor Keeling's popular podcast, Saving Grace.

Wow! Katie Price has revealed the incredible cost of the most expensive thing she's ever bought

Omg: The glamour model, 45, said that the most thing she has ever bought is her 20-year-old horse Wallace (pictured), who set her back 250,000

When asked what the most expensive thing she's bought was, Katie said: 'A horse. One of my horses was 250,000. I've still got him, he's 20. Ah Wallace init!

'250 grand he was, he's 20 years old.'

Grace joked: 'He's eating diamonds for breakfast lunch and dinner!

Katie replied: 'He is like that, I love him. But yeah, horses diamonds and cars, or a house.

'I'm not really a designer label person, I am with shoes, and bags. But I can't find designers to fit me because of my boobs. Unless it's a tracksuit.'

Katie bought dressage horse Wallace in 2009 during her divorce from ex-husband Peter Andre.

Katie bought the horse when he was six years old from the Netherlands.

Shortly after buying Wallace, Katie told Horse & Hound: 'I'm banned from buying any more horses now  my brother [who handles Katie's finances] won't allow it!'

The revelation comes after Katie showed off the her new look on Monday after undergoing a nose job, lip lift and anti-wrinkle injections.

Expensive! Katie, who was declared bankrupt in 2019, revealed that while she loves designer bags and shoes her biggest purchase ever was Wallace

'Refreshed: Katie showed off her new look on Monday after undergoing a nose job, lip lift and anti-wrinkle injections

Katie said she was feeling 'refreshed' despite her mother Amy pleading with her to stop going under the knife.

Sharing an update to Instagram, Katie has removed the bandages from her recent nose surgery and underwent some more procedures.

Laying back at a clinic, she was joined by an aesthetician who could be seen injecting her lips with filler and administering botox.

Katie explained: 'Oh my god I've just had my anti-wrinkles done. My new lips done, and I've got my new nose. I'm feeling refreshed. Not bad for 45.'

Katie's mother recently pleaded with her daughter to stop going under the knife as she fears she'll end up looking like 'the Bride of Frankenstein'.

After two decades in the spotlight, Katie is almost unrecognisable from the naturally pretty teenager who burst on to the modelling scene at the age of 16.

Katie has undergone an array of procedures over the years, including rhinoplasty, veneers, facelifts and 16 boob jobs.

Writing in her upcoming autobiography, The Last Word, Amy Price, 71, expressed her fears over the 'ridiculous and dangerous' procedures that Katie has undergone.

She went on to note that while Katie doesn't change her appearance to attract men, there is a pattern of going under the knife when her relationships are in crisis.

An extract of Amy's book published in The Sun read: 'When most people have an off day or are feeling a bit down, they change the colour of their nails or dye their hair, but Kate changes the shape of her body.

'Over the years, we have all come to accept it as part of Kates personality, but we have also seen a pattern emerging  relationship difficulties correlate with an urge to change things on the outside, even though it is her inner thoughts and feelings that need attention.

'Ive begun to warn her that if shes not careful, she will end up looking like the Bride of Frankenstein, but she tells me not to waste my breath.'

Ouch: Sharing an update to Instagram, Katie has removed the bandages from her recent nose surgery and underwent some more procedures

'New face': Laying back at a clinic, she was joined by an aesthetician who could be seen injecting her lips with filler and administering botox

She went on to note that she can 'barely recognise' Katie's body anymore and that the 'worst' thing for her was when Katie decided to have surgery on her 'beautiful face.'

Last year, Katie unveiled her 'biggest ever' boob job. It's not clear if Katie lost track of the number of breast augmentations or opted to keep some of her surgery private but by 2023 it emerged she'd undergone her 16th boob job, two years after claiming to be on her 13th.

The star went under the knife in a bid to have the 'biggest in Britain' and was subsequently pictured being wheeled into surgery at the Be Clinic in Belgium.

She is said to have wanted even bigger breasts, opting for 2120 CC implants in a bid to boost her already large bust size.

Katie told OK! magazine of her boobs: 'I love them. They healed really quickly and they didn't hurt at all. That probably doesn't help. Because I heal quickly, it doesn't put me off and I have more.

'I would go bigger as well  and I will eventually. I just love having big boobs and a small body. I've always loved that look. In my eyes, if I'm having a boob job, I want them to look fake, I don't want them to look natural. I don't like the natural look.

'I just like that old-school American Playboy pin-up look. When I have surgery, that is what I'm striving for. If I could look like my airbrushed pictures, that would be amazing. But that's impossible to achieve.'
Amber Turner showed off her toned torso in a tiny black crop top as she rounded off her sunny getaway in Ibiza on Monday.

The TOWIE star, who recently celebrated her 30th birthday on the Balearic Island, stunned in a skimpy top that showcased her washboard abs in a pair of snaps she shared with her followers on Instagram.

For the final night of her Spanish break, Amber headed out for sushi at Zuma and donned a pair of Louis Vuitton shorts with trendy knee-high boots.

She accessorised with Dolce & Gabbana earrings, Van Cleef bracelets and a Chanel crossbody bag.

The influencer, who has documented her lavish holiday for her 850,000 Instagram followers, recently split with TOWIE star Dan Edgar over cheating rumours.

Stunning: Amber Turner, 30, showed off her toned torso in a tiny black crop top as she rounded off her sunny getaway in Ibiza on Monday

Gorgeous: The TOWIE star, who recently celebrated her birthday on the Balearic Island, stunned in a skimpy top that peaked her washboard abs

Her lavish girls holiday has kept her mind at bay as she has been enjoying a fun-filled trip of sunbathing and partying.

The reality TV star was joined by co-stars Chloe Meadows, Courtney Green and fitness fanatic Courtney Black.

Amber looked nothing short of sensational is she displayed her post-breakup body and appeared to be in great spirits on her sunny trip.

On her trip showed off her washboard abs in a black co-ord after heading out for a lavish lunch at Cala Gracioneta restaurant.

She has made fans question 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.

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.

Sizzling: Hours earlier, Amber appeared to be in good spirits as she beamed a smile with her designer Christian Dior handbag at the beach club

Accusations: TOWIE's Dan Edgar and Amber have reportedly been embroiled in a huge showdown in Cyprus which will be shown in the new series after their recent split

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.'
Kenya Moore from Real Housewives of Atlanta and Sai De Silva from Real Housewives Of New York were both seen heading into a taping of Watch What Happens Live in New York City on Monday.

And the ladies had contrasting looks.

While Kenya, 52, was cute in Barbie pink, Sai went with black leather. Both ladies looked sensational before their sit down with Andy Cohen.

Moore channeled her inner-Barbie for her latest visit to Andy's set. The reality TV dynamo showcased her curves in a bright pink sequined mini dress.

The star's frock featured a halter top and cut outs at the waist. The former beauty queen stepped out in open toe silver high heels with a crossover strap at the ankles.

Day and night: Kenya Moore and Sai De Silva were both seen heading into a taping of Watch What Happens Live in New York City on Monday. And the ladies had contrasting looks. While Kenya was cute in Barbie pink, Sai went with black leather. Both ladies looked sensational before their sit down with Andy Cohen

Her long, dark locks were styled in a high half-ponytail with loose curls cascading down the Family Reunion actress' back and around her shoulders.

She accessorized with large bejeweled earrings.

Kenya wore large diamond encrusted rings on each hand.

Joining her for the conversation was a counterpart from the North.

Sai De Silva, 42, looked sleek in a curve clinging leather midi dress.

A black bra peaked from beneath the low cut bodice of the strappy dress, adding a bit of coverage and sexiness.

The Real Housewives Of New York cast member wore natural looking makeup. Her dark curls were pulled back into a sleek, low chignon.

She carried a large black leather purse.

Cut outs: Kenya's sexy frock featured a halter top and cut outs at the waist. The former beauty queen stepped out in open toe silver high heels with a crossover strap at the ankles

Jewels: Kenya's long, dark locks were styled in a high half-ponytail with loose curls cascading down the Family Reunion actress' back and around her shoulders. She accessorized with large bejeweled earrings. Kenya wore large diamond encrusted rings on each hand

Slit: The back of the dress featured a low square back and an adjustable zip slit. Sai completed her look with high heel sandals with straps that wrapped around her ankles

Dapper: Andy Cohen, 55, was his usual dapper self. The WWHL host greeted the ladies wearing a gray suit and navy blue T-shirt and white sneakers

Sai accessorized with large hoop earrings and a thick gold braided bracelet.

The digital marketing expert completed her look with high heel sandals with straps that wrapped around her ankles.

The Scout the City blogger added a gold ankle bracelet with a round medallion to her left leg.

The back of the dress featured a low square back and an adjustable zip slit.

Andy Cohen, 55, was his usual dapper self.

The WWHL host greeted the ladies wearing a gray suit and navy blue T-shirt and white sneakers.
Jessie Wynter put on a very busty display in a very daring cut-out black catsuit while posing for a series of sizzling photos on Tuesday.

The former Love Island star, 26, showcased her sensational figure and took to Instagram to display the raunchy snaps, showing off her toned midriff in the revealing cut-out ensemble.

Jessie showed off her surgically enhanced breasts in the sexy snaps as she posed up a storm on the white sofa.

Captioning her post, she joked: 'Find friends you can trust as much as I trust this jumpsuit.'

Sensational: Love Island's Jessie Wynter put on a very busty display in a skimpy black catsuit while posing for a series of sizzling photos on Instagram on Tuesday

Sizzling: The former Love Island star, 26, showcased her sensational figure in the sexy get-up

She paired her racy outfit with gold hooped earrings and added height to her frame with a pair of perspective high heels.

In another snap, Jessie laid on her stomach with her legs in the air and poked her tongue out for the cheeky snap.

Last month Jessie detailed her scary incident of getting spiked while she was in Chicago on holiday.

Jessie wrote: 'I wasn't sure if I should post this as I felt so embarrassed but the other night I was unfortunately rushed to hospital after my drink was spiked.

'I was so lucky that I was with Will and he looked after me throughout the whole time especially because it was so scary.

'It was such an awful and scary situation to be in and it breaks my heart that this is something people need to look out for.

'If you're out drinking please always make sure you're with someone who you trust and please be careful when sitting your drinks down or accepting drinks off others.

'It's so sad that this even has to be a reminder but unfortunately it's the harsh reality. I'm so grateful to have been around so many supportive people who got me safely to hospital.

Sexy: In another snap, Jessie laid on her stomach with her legs in the air and poked her tongue out for the cheeky snap

Racy: She took to Instagram to display the raunchy snaps and showed off her toned midriff in the revealing cut-out ensemble

Terrifying: Jessie revealed she was rushed to hospital in Chicago after her drink was spiked last month

Candid: The reality star detailed the 'scary' incident with her followers on Instagram a day after sharing that she'd been hospitalised while on holiday in the US

'It was so scary, in the hospital there were other girls arriving in the exact same condition I was in and the nurses said we had all tested with the same thing in our system.

'I felt so embarrassed that this had happened to me and felt like this was all my fault and I can imagine others have been in the same position may feel the same but this is your reminder that this is not at all your fault and it's nothing to be embarrassed about.'

Jessie, who starred on Love Island Australia in 2019 before appearing on the UK version of the show this year, has been travelling around America with boyfriend Will Young.

Their relationship has been going from strength-to-strength after leaving the Love Island villa in South Africa.

The couple narrowly missed out on making it to the final and came in fifth place after they were voted out by their fellow Islanders.

'The people that should feel embarrassed and ashamed are the awful people who choose to spike other peoples drinks, not the victim.

'Thanks for all the lovely messages and I pray that this doesn't happen to any of you out there. I also send love to anyone else who has been put in the same or worse situations.'
Chloe Grace Moretz was among a cavalcade of boldface names attending a SAG-AFTRA strike event in Times Square in New York City on Tuesday.

Entitled Rock The City For A Fair Contract, the demonstration welcomed an array of recognizable faces including Jessica Chastain and Brendan Fraser.

The SAG-AFTRA strike began on July 14 against the backdrop of the ongoing Hollywood writers' strike, which has been rumbling on since May.

On the actors' side, some of the sticking points include the pay structure of the streaming era and the looming specter of AI.

Thursday's event comes amid mounting pressure on A-listers like Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence who have yet to publicly join the picket line.

However, there are a number of different ways to support the guild, including donations like the one recently given by Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson.

Taking a stand: Chloe Grace Moretz was among a cavalcade of boldface names attending a SAG-AFTRA strike event in Times Square in NYC on Tuesday

Gear: The actress showed up in a pair of black biker shorts and a SAG-AFTRA on strike T-shirt

Simple look: Chloe went makeup-free as she hit the pavement in the Big Apple with her fellow strikers

Place to be: Entitled Rock The City For A Fair Contract, the demonstration welcomed an array of recognizable faces including (from left) Brendan Fraser, Stephen Lang and Jessica Chastain

Top-flight: Tuesday's event comes amid mounting pressure on A-listers like Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence who have yet to publicly join the picket line; Seen in 2021

A number of acclaimed actors did, however, make their way to Times Square, including Laura Linney and a peace-sign-flashing Alan Cumming.

Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston could be spotted mingling with Ellen Burstyn, the renowned actress of stage and screen.

Rachel Zegler, who shot to stardom as Maria in Steven Spielberg's new film of West Side Story, cheerfully raised a power fist.

Chloe meanwhile could be spotted posing for the cameras with Steve Buscemi - a decade after they guest-starred on the same episode of 30 Rock.

Multiple actors gave speeches to the crowd, including Cybill alumna Christine Baranski and Succession heartthrob Arian Moayed.

Offstage, Arian gathered for a group shot with Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star Michelle Hurd.

Lea DeLaria, the comic who coined the classic joke: 'What does a lesbian bring on a second date? A U-Haul,' was among the picketers as well.

Showgirls icon Gina Gershon, coffee in hand, sidled up for a picture to Mickey Sumner, her co-star in the anthology film With/In: Volume 2.

There they are: A number of acclaimed actors did, however, make their way to Times Square, including Laura Linney ((left) and a peace-sign-flashing Alan Cumming (right)

Side by side: Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston could be spotted mingling with Ellen Burstyn, the renowned actress of stage and screen

Solidarity: Rachel Zegler, who shot to stardom as Maria in Steven Spielberg's new film of West Side Story, cheerfully raised a power fist

Reunion: Chloe meanwhile could be spotted posing for the cameras with Steve Buscemi - a decade after they guest-starred on the same episode of 30 Rock

Being heard: Multiple actors gave speeches to the crowd, including Cybill alumna Christine Baranski (left) and Succession heartthrob Arian Moayed (right)

Quartet: Offstage, Arian gathered for a group shot with Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star Michelle Hurd

Fist up: Lea DeLaria, the comic who coined the classic joke: 'What does a lesbian bring on a second date? A U-Haul,' was among the picketers as well

Dynamic duo: Showgirls icon Gina Gershon (left), coffee in hand, sidled up for a picture to Mickey Sumner (right), her co-star in the anthology film With/In: Volume 2.

What a day: The Times Square event, with attendees like Christian Slater, took place after a SAG-AFTRA member remarked on the 'palpable' absence of A-listers on the picket line

Octavia Spencer, Stephanie Kluft and Brian Clisham proudly walked the picket line on Tuesday

Aisha Tyler smiled for photographers while holding up a large sign

Megalyn Echikunwoke threw up a peace sign

Jane Curtin spoke to DailyMail.com as she took to the picket line on Tuesday

Vanessa Williams rocked an 'On Strike' tee

The Times Square event, with attendees like Christian Slater, took place after a SAG-AFTRA member remarked on the 'palpable' absence of A-listers on the picket line.

'If our stars were all out there in force advocating for us, wed know it,' the eminent union member anonymously told Variety.

The trade publication noted that Leonardo DiCaprio neglected to picket in public, despite posting in support of the strike on social media.

Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep and Rami Malek were also singled out for signing a letter in June declaring their willingness to strike, then not picketing this month.

One demonstrator was seen early in the strike holding up a sign that read: 'Where the f*** is Ben Affleck?,' while another told Variety that the appearance of top-flight celebs would be significant because 'the cameras follow them everywhere.'

However there are alternative views within SAG-AFTRA, one of whose members argued: 'Its not necessarily to our advantage for the people who are the most successful, wealthy and visible to be taking up space right now.'

That member pointed out: 'We already have a perception problem where people say: "These are just a bunch of rich actors." Those stars don't work for scale pay; they dont need the protection of a better contract. If Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston show up, they look like they're crying poor.'

One celebrity representative had to admonish clients that the strike was a 'very serious matter, not a red carpet opportunity,' after the talent wondered whether they should have their hair and makeup professionally done for the picket line.
Candice Brown has been praised by followers for showing off her 'real' bikini body.

In an Instagram video posted on Tuesday, the Bake Off star, 38, showed off her tanned physique in a halterneck blue bikini as she tried out a selection of crisps.

Candice admitted she 'hated nearly everything about this video' due to body insecurities, but her fans flooded the comment section with praise to give her a boost in confidence.

After giving her crisp taste test verdict in the caption, Candice wrote: 'Also I hate everything about this video - not a good angle, belly, lines all sorts but here we are - its me at the mo and thats that (plus the vote was unanimous for crisp reviews and who am I to deny that just coz Im having both a body and mind wobble!)' (sic).

The baker's followers told her she looked 'gorgeous' and said how refreshing it was to see an unedited video on the picture perfect platform.

Gorgeous: Candice Brown has been praised by followers for showing off her 'real' bikini body

Snacks: In an Instagram video posted on Tuesday, the Bake Off star, 38, showed off her tanned physique in a halterneck blue bikini as she tried out a selection of crisps

One follower wrote: 'Real bodies, real women you look f**king gorgeous!'

'Thank god! A real woman on Insta, totally gorgeous', said another.

Giovanna Fletcher found the video amusing and wrote: 'I'm here for the seriousness of your face. This power is not to be taken lightly. We look to you for snack guidance!'

Others typed: 'Body positivity love it! It's the way it should be' and 'You look amazing, keep being you.'

Candice rose to fame back in 2016 when she was crowned the winner of the Great British Bake Off.

Last week, the television star warned viewers may switch off if the show continues to stray from its 'traditional format', amid claims tasks have become 'too complicated.'

Richard McKerrow, Chief Executive of Love Productions who make the show, admitted the recent series 'was not our strongest' as the Channel 4 favourite was accused of 'cultural appropriation' after a Mexican-themed episode.

Plus, some viewers complained judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith had become 'too harsh' with their feedback.

'Real bodies, real women': Candice admitted she 'hated nearly everything about this video' due to body insecurities, but her fans flooded the comment section with praise

Praise: One follower wrote: 'Real bodies, real women you look f**king gorgeous!' 'Thank god! A real woman on Insta, totally gorgeous', said another

Champion: Candice rose to fame back in 2016 when she was crowned the winner of the Great British Bake Off

Honest: Chief Executive of Love Productions Richard McKerrow admitted the series 'was not our strongest' after it was accused of 'cultural appropriation' after a Mexican-themed episode

Candice told MailOnline diehard fans tune into see 'real home style baking' and producers should avoid 'deviating' from the classic challenges that are synonymous with the show.

She said: 'The show can't stray too far from traditional baking.

'Bake Off is like a warm hug, people are staunch followers and staunch fans and when you start to change things too much that's when people start to worry and people love the traditional side of things.

'They need to try not to lose that real home baking style of things because that's what people love and that's what makes the show so special.

'The show is special because of that complete and utter love of baking and everything surrounding that.

'I'd like to think it will keep its innocence with regards to that and not deviate too much from the traditional format.'

The Mexican-themed episode saw hosts Noel Fielding, 50, and Matt Lucas, 49, wear sombreros and contestants relied on cuisine cliches such as tacos and tequila, sparking complaints for being culturally insensitive.

But despite many being offended, Candice believes it's still positive viewers were engaging in conversation about the show.

She added: 'Of course, it is important to mess it up a bit and throw a curve ball and I know everyone had a bit of a moan about Mexican week last year, but it meant that everyone was talking about it people might not have agreed with Mexican week, but it got people talking.'
Ellen Burstyn has officially returned as Chris MacNeil in The Exorcist: Believer, the terrifying sequel to one of the greatest horror films of all time.

A new trailer for the film shows Ellen, 90, reprising her role as the woman whose daughter was possessed in the 1973 horror classic The Exorcist.

The upcoming sequel shows two young girls fall under possession after they mysteriously disappear for three days.

In a last-ditch effort, Chris' expertise is sought out after medical interventions fail.

The film begins with Victor Fielding (Leslie Odom Jr.), a father dropping off his daughter and her friend at school before they vanish.

Spooky! A new trailer for The Exorcist: Believer has been released

She's back! Ellen Burstyn, who starred in the original Exorcist film, has returned as Chris MacNeil

The girls return three days later and things quickly begin to take a darker tone as they begin to exhibit bizarre behavior.

'Wherever those girls went they brought something back with them,' one man remarks.

In one chilling scene, one of the girls walks down the aisle of a church chanting 'The body and the blood!'

A doctor treating the girls then sends Victor to Chris.

'Have you ever seen anything like this?' he asks her. 'No,' she replies. 'But there are people who have.'

Finally, they meet.

'You have some experience with possession?' Victor asks her.

'Yes,' she admits solemnly. 'More than I'd like.'

Whoa: The chilling film shows two girls under possession

Missing: The trailer begins with the disappearance of the two young girls

Bizarre: They begin to act bizarrely after they return home

Scary: 'Wherever those girls went they brought something back with them,' one man remarks

Mystery: Their ailments baffle doctors

'Exorcism is a ritual,' she explains. 'Every culture, every religion, they all use different methods. It's going to take all of them.'

She comes face to face with one of the possessed young girls, and says, 'We've met before.'

'Mother,' the child hisses.

Fans are then given a glimpse at all the terrifying moments awaiting them as the trailer ends with a montage of the possession, the sound of chilling laughter, and the young girls saying in a creepy voice, 'God played a trick on you.'

Freaky: One of the girls enters a church disheveled

Scary: She chants 'the body and the blood' as she walks down the aisle

Last-ditch resort: Chris' expertise is sought out after medical interventions fail

Lending a hand: 'Exorcism is a ritual,' Chris explains. 'Every culture, every religion, they all use different methods. It's going to take all of them'

The film's synopsis reads: 'Since the death of his pregnant wife in a Haitian earthquake 12 years ago, Victor Fielding (Leslie Odom, Jr.) has raised their daughter, Angela (Lidya Jewett) on his own.

'But when Angela and her friend Katherine (Olivia Marcum), disappear in the woods, only to return three days later with no memory of what happened to them, it unleashes a chain of events that will force Victor to confront the nadir of evil and, in his terror and desperation, seek out the only person alive who has witnessed anything like it before.

The Exorcist: Believer is set for release on October 13, 2023.

It comes exactly 50 years after the release of the original film which has continued to terrify viewers all around the world.

Last year Ellen revealed she refused to return for the sequel unless future generations of actors were provided for.

The Academy Award winner shared with The Hollywood Reporter that she initially turned down a 'whole bunch of money' at the start of negotiations to appear in an untitled Exorcist sequel.

Coming soon: The horror film is set for release on the fitting date of Friday the 13th in October

The young girls are played by Lidya Jewett and Olivia Marcum

Hair-raising: Fans are then given a glimpse at all the terrifying moments awaiting them as the trailer ends with a montage of the possession, the sound of chilling laughter, and the young girls saying in a creepy voice, 'God played a trick on you'

It was only after she convinced producers to create a scholarship fund for rising actors that she was willing to return to the iconic horror franchise.

Burstyn clarified that she had 'turned down' a return to the franchise going back to the first sequel, 1977's Exorcist II: The Heretic, which was lambasted by critics at the time but has since developed a cult following.

'I've said no every time,' she declared. 'This time they offered me a whole bunch of money and I still said no.'

The filmmakers were keen on finally getting her back into the fold, though.

'And then they surprised me and they came back and said, "We doubled the offer." I said, OK, let me think about this," Burstyn recounted. 'I thought, "Thats a lot of money. Let me think about it."'

'I've got a scholarship program': Last year Ellen revealed she refused to return for the sequel unless future generations of actors were provided for

But the Requiem For A Dream star worried that she was being tested by the back-and-forth on her fee.

'The next thought that came to mind was: "I feel like the devil is asking my price,"' she admitted.

To assuage those fears, she decided to convert her fee into something that could help a new generation of devoted actors to find their footing in the industry.

'My price is a scholarship program for talented students at our masters degree program at Pace University. Thats my price,' she recalled thinking. 'So I then went back and upped their up and ended up getting what I want. And Ive got a scholarship program for young actors.'
And Just Like That... star Bobby Lee has revealed he was 'so high and drunk' on the show's set that he couldn't understand the script - as he opened up about his sobriety journey.

The actor, 51, who plays podcast co-host Jackie Nee on the Sex and the City reboot, said his battle with drugs and alcohol could have been a 'career ender' and admitted the show was one of the reasons he has now been sober for 18 months.

Speaking on the Broad Ideas With Rachel Bilson podcast, he said: 'When I was using... this was the most horrifying thing... I was in Hawaii and I was blackout drunk and my agent calls and said: "They need you in New York."

'This is one of the reasons why I'm sober... I remember going [to set on And Just Like That ] and being so high and drunk and when I was reading the script I couldnt even understand what they were saying.'

'It was a nightmare. I remember saying this is never going to happen again. It's insane how our disease gets, you know. That couldve been a career ender.'

Candid: And Just Like That... star Bobby Lee has revealed he was 'so high and drunk' on the show's set that he couldn't understand the script - as he opened up about his sobriety journey (pictured as Jackie Nee on the show)_

Bilson then asked if Carrie Bradshaw actress Sarah Jessica Parker knew about his addiction struggles during filming, with Lee saying: 'No... She was leaving to France the next day so I had to [keep filming.]'

Lee has previously spoken openly about his battle with drugs and alcoholism. He began taking methamphetamine and marijuana around age 12, as well as heroin by age 15, and went through three drug-rehabilitation attempts before becoming sober when he was 17.

Lee then relapsed on Vicodin and ended 12 years of sobriety after receiving negative feedback from a producer. He got sober again before relapsing after his father's death from Parkinson's disease in 2019. A stint in rehab followed and he is now sober.

The second season of the reboot is currently airing with Kim Cattrall set to make a shock return as Samantha Jones after years of feuding with SJP.

The actress, 66, who played the iconic man-hungry publicist in six seasons of the show and two movies, detailed how a groveling call from network Max (formerly HBO) and her demand to bring back designer Patricia Field sealed the deal for her return.

Speaking on The View, the giddy star said: 'It's very interesting to get a call from the head of HBO saying, "What can we do?" and I went "hmmm, let me get creative".

'And one of those things was to get Patricia Field back and I thought if I'm gonna come back, I gotta come back with that kind of Samantha style, I gotta push it, and we did!'

Field, who was responsible for the many boundary-breaking outfits on the original show run, was unable to return as costume designer for AJLT due to her commitments on Emily In Paris, with Molly Rogers and Danny Santiago dressing the stars for the reboot.

According to Variety, Cattrall will return for only one 'cliffhanger' scene, which she shot on March 22 in New York City, without seeing or speaking with stars SJP, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis. The scene was also shot without AJLT showrunner Michael Patrick King.

In the scene, Samantha, who has moved to London, will have a phone conversation with Parker's Carrie Bradshaw.

Co-star: The actor, 51 said his battle with drugs and alcohol could have been a 'career ender' and admitted the show was one of the reasons he has now been sober for 18 months (pictured with Sarah Jessica Parker on the show set in 2021)

She's back! Kim Cattrall will make a shock return as Sex And The City's Samantha Jones for the second season of spin-off And Just Like That

It's back: Season 2 of And Just Like That... is currently airing on HBO Max

The New York Post also revealed that Cattrall's cameo was so secretive that her name did not even appear on the call sheet for the day, leaving people stunned at her presence.

An insider said show staffers were 'definitely shocked, very intrigued on how theyre gonna write this in - and very excited. She said shed never do it! She said shed never come back!'

It was claimed her scene was filmed in a town car in a parking garage near Silvercup Studios in Queens.

Sex And The City designer Patricia Field returned to dress Cattrall for the scene. AJLT's second season premiered on June 22 on Max.

Samantha did feature in AJLT season one - but only over text message as Carrie repeatedly tried to repair their friendship. AJLT saw Carrie claim Samantha had cut her off and moved to London - due to fury at the writer firing her as a publicist - in a storyline Cattrall slammed for being inauthentic to the character.
Sheryl Lee Ralph talked about past heartache when it comes to her son Etienne.

The Abbott Elementary star, 66, shared with AARP Magazine's August/September issue that her 31-year-old boy suffered a lot in his youth.

First he was in a car accident which caused a concussion that 'changed his whole brain.'

Then he was shot three times during a mugging. When the star learned the news, she collapsed.

Ralph has been in the news this month for being nominated for an Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in Abbot Elementary.

News: Sheryl Lee Ralph talked about past heartache when it comes to her son Etienne. The Abbott Elementary star, 66, shared with AARP Magazine's August/September issue that her 31-year-old boy suffered a lot in his youth. Seen in June

Her boy: First he was in a car accident which caused a concussion that 'changed his whole brain.' Then he was shot three times during a mugging. When the star learned the news, she collapsed. Seen in January

In an interview the Christmas In My Heart star recalled the moment she learned her son Etienne had been in a bad car accident.

'When Etienne was in college, he had a car accident and suffered a concussion. It changed his whole brain,' the Tony nominee said.

The challenges didn't end there.

'Then he got mugged, and they shot him three times,' she explained about the brutal attack.

'He woke up in the hospital with two bullets in his leg and a wound in his forehead where a bullet had grazed him.'

Hearing the news was traumatic for the devoted mother.

'When I heard hed been shot, I collapsed and dropped the phone. I didnt even listen to the rest. But they didnt kill him, thank God.'

The Dream Girls star shares him and younger sister, Ivy-Victoria, 28, whom the family calls Coco, with her first husband, Eric Maurice.

Etienne recovered and has gone on to found a production company and the non-profit organization WalkGoodLA, which focuses on mental health and all around well-being.

The effort is a family affair, with Coco and cousin Marley Ralph joining the board.

Cover model: The Abbot Elementary star is the cover model for the August/September 2023 issue of AARP Magazine

Greatest gift: The devoted mom calls her children her 'greatest gift.' She shares Etienne and younger sister, Ivy-Victoria, 28, whom the family calls Coco, with her first husband, Eric Maurice (Pictured in Beverly Hills in January)

Sheryl has called her children her 'greatest gift.'

'I knew I was going to be somebodys mother,' the Ray Donovan actress explained.

'When I met their father, my first husband, I could see my children just as clearly as they are in life right now, and I said, Oh, I know the assignment right here.

'We got married and had our son, Etienne, and our daughter, Coco.'

Emmy: Sheryl won her first Emmy last year for her role as veteran teacher Barbara Howard on Abbot Elementary. She has been nominated for a best supporting actress award this year as well

Bi-coastal marriage: Sheryl has been married to Pennsylvania state senator Vincent Hughes, 66, for 20 years. They share a bi-coastal relationship, with Sheryl headquartered in Hollywood and the lawmaker in Philadelphia (Pictured in Philadelphia July 20)

'The marriage lasted almost 10 years. If I had a regret in life, it would be that I didnt have more children. But I have two beautiful children.'

Sheryl has been married to Pennsylvania state senator Vincent Hughes, 66, for 20 years.

They share a bi-coastal relationship, with Sheryl headquartered in Hollywood and the lawmaker in Philadelphia.

She says to make that kind of separation work, 'You have to have an incredible amount of trust in that other person.'

'We spend a lot of time talking to each other. But if he doesnt see me every two weeks, he gets a little nervous. I married the man who has become my best friend.'
Alessandra Ambrosio has opened up about her dreams and the ways they've changed since she first entered the modeling world.

The supermodel, 42, who has been enjoying a family trip to Ibiza, spoke about her career with Vogue Mexico.

The Brazilian beauty knew from an early age what she wanted to do and enrolled in her first modeling class at 12.

She became a Victoria's Secret Angel when she was only 20-years-old.

'I started my career as an ambitious teenager and have had the privilege of working with so many incredible designers, photographers and brands, I have learned so much,' she told the outlet.

As she gained experience in front of the camera and on the runway she became more comfortable speaking up about her ideas.

Cover model: Alessandro Ambrosio revealed that achieving her dream of becoming a model has allowed her to find her own voice; seen on the cover of Vogue Mexico

She can talk: 'I think as I learned more about modeling, I felt more comfortable using my voice,' she said; seen on Instagram this summer

'I think as I learned more about modeling, I felt more comfortable using my voice and collaborating more with the people I work with,' she added.

This confidence and the ability to travel the world for various shoots has allowed her to speak out on causes that are important to her.

'Being a model has given me a platform to champion causes I'm passionate about, like environmental sustainability and women's empowerment.

'It means using my voice and my influence to have a positive impact, to uplift and inspire others,' she asserted.

To that end, the beach enthusiast co-founded the swimsuit company Gal Floripa in 2019 with her sister, Aline, and their friend Gisele Coria.

The company website indicates the swimwear is designed by women for women and manufactured in their native Brazil.

The pieces are created from sustainable materials, such as recycled polyester, to reduce environmental impact.

The mother of two, who shares daughter Anja, 14, and son Noah, 10, with her former fiance Jamie Mazur, explained having kids changed her focus.

Swimwear: Alessandra co-founded the swimsuit company Gal Floripa in 2019 with her sister, Aline (left). The company website indicates the swimwear is designed by women for women and manufactured in their native Brazil (seen with friend Matheus Mazzafera)

Motherhood: The mother of two, who shares daughter Anja, 14, and son Noah,10, with her former fiance Jamie Mazur. 'Being a mother has been the most satisfying and rewarding role I have taken on in my life,' she said

Balance: Alessandra, like many moms, needed some help finding time for her career and her kids.'With the help of my family, I was able to find a balance between work and my personal life so that I could spend as much time as possible with my children'

'Being a mother has been the most satisfying and rewarding role I have taken on in my life,' she said.

She, like many moms, needed some help finding time for her career and her kids.

'With the help of my family, I was able to find a balance between work and my personal life so that I could spend as much time as possible with my children.'

'My current life is a beautiful mix of family and career, and I am very happy with it.'

For now, the runway veteran is devoted to living each day to the fullest.

'I love devoting time to personal care and spending as much time as possible surrounded by the people I love. To keep my feet on the ground, I like to be in nature, write in my journal, exercise and meditate.'
Michelle Heaton looked nothing short of sensational as she took to the Haunted Mansion UK premiere's spooky black carpet in London on Tuesday.

The former Liberty X star, 44, showcased her jaw-dropping figure in the strapless purple mini dress with ruched detailing.

Michelle was joined by handsome husband Hugh Hanley as they treated their children Faith, 10, and AJ, eight, to a fun night at the cinema.

The stunner completed the look with quirky embellished heels and diamond jewellery while tying her brunette locks into a high ponytail.

Personal trainer Hugh opted for a powder blue shirt and jeans while the kids donned colourful co-ords.

Leggy lady: Michelle Heaton, 44, looked nothing short of sensational as she took to the Haunted Mansion UK premiere's spooky black carpet in London on Tuesday

Family: Michelle was joined by handsome husband Hugh Hanley and their children Faith, 10, and AJ, eight

Haunted Mansion is inspired by Disneyland's famous theme park ride of the same name, and stars Hollywood heavyweights Tiffany Haddish, Rosario Dawson and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Star Wars star Rosario plays single mother Gabbie who moves into a stunning New Orleans mansion. She is joined by her nine-year-old son played by Chase Dillon.

But then they soon realise that the massive home is filled with spooky ghosts so they call in a team of experts to help them get rid of the zany spirits.

The ghosts cause all kinds of havoc in the old home, just like in the famed Disneyland ride. The team of experts that help her get rid of the spirits are quite the motley crew.

There is a paranormal expert (played by LaKeith Stanfield), a psychic (Toffiany Haddish), a priest (Owen Wilson) and a historian (Danny DeVito) for assistance.

In the poster they are seen carefully walking up a flight of stairs in the large home as someone carries a lit lantern.

The online synopsis reads: 'A priest, a professor and a paranormal investigator try to help a woman and her family after they unwittingly move into a haunted mansion in New Orleans.'

And the clever tag line is, 'Home is where the haunt is,' a play on 'Home is where the heart is.'

Figure: The former Liberty X star showcased her jaw-dropping figure in the strapless purple mini dress with ruched detailing

Model credentials: The stunner completed the look with quirky embellished heels and diamond jewellery while tying her brunette locks into a high ponytail

Family time: Personal trainer Hugh opted for a powder blue shirt and jeans while the kids donned colourful co-ords

Spooky: They posed with suits of armor before heading to enjoy the film

Expecting: Neil Jones loving cradled fiancee Chyna Mills' blossoming baby bump as they prepare to welcome their first child

Chic: Love Island Chyna glowed in a gorgeous white Grecian frock which she teamed with matching heels

Smiles: Neil beamed as he proudly posed with his future wife

Fun times: The couple couldn't contain their giggles

Labels: She toted her essentials for the evening in a chic YSL clutch

Legs 11: Love Island's Cara De La Hoyde-Massey put on a leggy display in a green tweed mini dress

Picture perfect: She was joined by husband Nathan Massey and five-year-old son Freddie-George

Haunted Mansion will premiere in cinemas on August 11.

Justin Simien directs the comedy with a script by Katie Dippold.

Justin previously revealed at the D23 exhibit that he used to work at the Walt Disney theme park. And he would ride the Haunted Mansion on breaks.

He shared: 'For me, there was something about that ride I felt was there in the script.

'It was funny and full of interesting characters, but with a dark edge to it. I just related to it. It felt I knew how to make it,' he said.

'I love New Orleans and I felt I had a responsibility here to make sure all the little Easter eggs are there,' continued Simeon, according to Deadline.

Head honcho: Director Justin Simien (pictured) previously revealed at the D23 exhibit that he used to work at the Walt Disney theme park. And he would ride the Haunted Mansion on breaks

Best foot forward: Steph McGovern opted for a black and silver suit but added a pop of colour with neon green heels

Dapper Dan: TV's Dan Walker looked smart in a tailored blue suit which he layered over a burgundy polar necked sweater

Turning heads: Keith Lemon AKA Leigh Francis showcased his unique sense of style in a monochrome ensemble

Smart: He wore a black jacket over a graphic T-shirt which he teamed with striped boots

Scared stiff: Gaby Roslin collapsed into giggles after the suits of armor came to life and she realised there were men hiding inside

Think pink! She teamed her black jumpsuit with hot pink heels

Glamorous: TV presenter Ellie Phillips got into the spooky spirit of things in a semi-sheer embellished Superdry dress and snake jewellery

Funky: I'm A Celeb's Geroge Shelley cut a cool figure in black leather trousers

Pose: Chris Kowalski (R) and Victoria Brown (L) made stylish appearances

Cool: Chris kept it stylish in a semi sheer white shirt and black trousers

Gorgeous: Victoria sizzled in a sequin baroque jumpsuit

Mother: Radio host Lucy Horobin showcased her blossoming baby bump in a tight black dress

Sportsman: Footballer Jermaine Pennant also attended the star-studded event

Red hot: Megan Bolton flaunted her curves in a skin tight red dress which matched her dyed her hair

Stunner: Jess Impiazzi looked gorgeous in a black leather mini skirt and sheer top

Glam: She sported a radiant palette of make-up with her hair styled in loose curls

Suited and booted: Love Island's Mike Boateng was dressed to impress

Say Cheese: (L-R) Alex Murphy and Paul Klein

Looking good: Ex On The Beach star Declan Doyle donned a pink crop top and blue jeans at the star-studded premiere

Looking good: TV presenter Naomi Isted put on a glamorous display in a black velvet gown which she teamed with a dazzling matching jacket

Space age: Actor Ramzan Miah showcased his futuristic sense of style

Sparkle: Amber Doig-Thorne put on a busty display in a glamorous gown with fitted corset

Meanwhile, a lot of fuss has been made about Curtis' character.

She takes on the role of psychic medium Madame Leota.

Hollywood legend Jamie shared the news last year as she simply captioned the Instagram post with the emoji for a crystal ball, appearing to confirm the casting.

Production got underway in Atlanta and New Orleans in 2021, and the latter city hints at the original attraction which is set in New Orleans Square.

While Jamie's character requires her to look into a crystal ball, the 'Freaky Friday' star recently revealed she avoids looking in the mirror.

The movie star checks her reflection when she's carrying out tasks that require her to do so, but she doesn't spend a lot of time scrutinizing her appearance because she doesn't want to be critical of herself.

She said in 2022: 'When I brush my teeth, of course, I look in the mirror. When I pluck my eyebrows, of course, I look in a mirror. But when I get out of a shower, I just dont stare at my body in the mirror. Im not denying what I look like, of course Ive seen what I look like. I am trying to live in acceptance. If I look in the mirror, its harder for me to be in acceptance. Im more critical. Whereas, if I just dont look, Im not so worried about it'.
Heidi Klum's model daughter Leni shared with fans a glimpse of her red roar sunburn on Monday.

Taking to Instagram the stunner, 19, laid on her bed topless in nothing but a thong as she displayed her stunning yet badly burnt figure.

Having removed her bikini top it left behind bright white tan lines as she wrote: 'Obviously didn't use enough sunscreen'.

Last year Leni appeared to make the same mistake as she shared a similar snap from a sun bed.

Posing in a skimpy brown bikini she once again displayed a painful looking sunburn and said: 'It's a little past sun-kissed'.

Burnt to a crisp: Heidi Klum's model daughter Leni, 19, shared with fans a glimpse of her red roar sunburn on Monday

Painful: Last year Leni appeared to make the same mistake as she shared a similar snap from a sun bed (pictured last July)

Ouch! Posing in a skimpy brown bikini she once again displayed a painful looking sunburn and said: 'It's a little past sun-kissed'

Last week the beauty shared a look into her summer getaway by posting an image on her Instagram Story.

The fashion industry figure posed for a photo while on a boating trip, during which she proudly held a fish for the cameras.

Leni showed off her svelte thighs in a skimpy brown bikini during her time on the water.

The model wore a pair of goggles with an attached snorkel, and had her blonde locks cascading down her back.

The media personality is no stranger to publicly showing off her toned form, as she has embarked on a modeling career over the past few years.

Leni made her debut as a model in 2020, when she appeared alongside her mother on the cover of Vogue Germany at the age of 16.

She has since appeared in promotional campaigns for various brands, including Dior Beauty, Fila and Intimissi, among others.

The fashion industry personality's mother previously spoke to People and voiced her approval of her child's career choice.

On the water: Last week the beauty shared a look into her summer getaway by posting an image on her Instagram Story

Starting off strong: Leni made her debut as a model in 2020, when she appeared alongside her mother on the cover of Vogue Germany at the age of 16

The America's Got Talent Judge told the media outlet that 'I'm very proud of my daughter and her modeling' during her sit-down.

Leni's stepfather Seal has also expressed his support for his stepdaughter and recently told E! News that he was 'so proud of everything that Leni has done.'

The media figure spoke about her first modeling gig during an interview with People, where she discussed her introduction to the fashion world.

'I've always gone to work with my mom and thought, "This looks so fun. She looks so happy while she's working,"' she said.

Working hard: She has since appeared in promotional campaigns for various brands, including Dior Beauty, Fila and Intimissi, among others

Speaking her mind: The media figure spoke about her first modeling gig during an interview with People, where she discussed her introduction to the fashion world; she is seen in 2021

Three beauties: Last month Leni was pictured with Heidi and her grandmother Erna in a snap shared by her supermodel mom to Instagram

Leni then spoke about her time on set with her mother and told the media outlet that she thoroughly enjoyed her time in front of the cameras.

'It was just such a good day. I wasn't nervous at all. I was just so excited,' she recalled.

The social media personality also expressed that she was happy to have her mother with her during her modeling debut.

'My mom and I are just completely comfortable around each other and we were dancing around the whole day,' she said.
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It's a role that propelled James Norton to heartthrob status nearly a decade ago.

Now former Hollyoaks actor Rishi Nair hopes some of the shine will rub off on him as he becomes the latest star stepping in to play a dishy vicar in ITV drama Grantchester.

Nair, spotted on set for the first time wearing clerical clothing and a dog collar, was seen walking in Cambridge with Robson Green, who plays DI Geordie Keating.

The 32-year-old is playing new character Alphy Kotteram, who will take over from the departing Will Davenport, played by Tom Brittney.

The 32-year-old (left) is playing new character Alphy Kotteram, who will take over from the departing Will Davenport, played by Tom Brittney

Rishi (left), who is best known for his role as Sami Maalik in Hollyoaks, will star alongside Robson Green (right), who plays Inspector Geordie Keeting in the 1950s detective drama as they were both spotted filming in Cambridge on Monday

Pictured: Departing Tom Brittney (left) as Rev Will Davenport and James Norton as Sidney Chambers

READ MORE: Tom Brittney leaves Grantchester after four years as popular soap star gets set to join the series Advertisement

Happy Valley actor Norton, 38, was the original sleuthing vicar when he joined the ITV drama on its launch in 2014.

He handed over the reins to Brittney, 32, four years later.

Earlier this month, Brittney announced that the current series would be his last after appearing in 30 episodes.

Nair said: 'The welcome and support I've received from everyone has been overwhelming.

'The success of the show and the reason we are here for a ninth season is a testament to all the people that have previously worked on it.

'I'm really excited to get started.'

Based on the Grantchester Mysteries novels by James Runcie, the series has become a hit on both sides of the Atlantic.

Nair (left), spotted on set for the first time wearing clerical clothing and a dog collar, was seen walking in Cambridge with Robson Green (right), who plays DI Geordie Keating
Vicky Pattison displayed her 'period bloat' while discussing the 'emotional' time of the month in a candid social media post on Tuesday.

The TV personality, 35, shared an image to Instagram showing off her bare stomach before detailing how emotional she has felt over the past week.

In another snap, Vicky broke down in tears during an outing, explaining all of the reasons she has cried this week in a length post.

She penned: 'I haven't really spoken much about my periods recently- not on here anyway. Don't get me wrong, @ercan_ram still has to listen to me whinge 24/7. My favourite thing he says is when I tell him I'm on my period he goes AGAIN?!

'Yes babe, again.. it's kind of monthly thing, like a really shit direct debit but instead of taking your money it takes your sanity & ability to form a sentence. Dreamy.

Opening up: Vicky Pattison displayed her 'period bloat' while discussing the 'emotional' time of the month in a candid social media post on Tuesday

The Geordie Shore star penned: 'I don't know about you but when I'm going through all of that I think we deserve a little whinge'

'I think the polarised reaction I got to my decision to freeze my eggs left me feeling a little bit fragile & I sort of resolved to stop exposing myself to nasty comments for a while.

'Just protect myself for a bit & post the fluffy stuff- the puppies, the holidays, work bits etc. But the thing is, life isn't just the fluffy bits is it? And once a month whether you choose to ignore it or not, a huge amount of women, have a really rough time...'

Vicky continued: 'We bleed, we ache, we cry, we want to chin our partners, we're exhausted, we struggle to articulate ourselves, we want consume all of the calories all of the time & then we hate ourselves for it.. And I don't know about you but when I'm going through all of that I think we deserve a little whinge.

'I'm sorry if you don't like my period posts, or if you don't understand my decision to freeze my eggs & I'm sorry if my ever fluctuating accent annoys you. But I've realised I will never please everyone - I am not a jar of Nutella.'

Vicky then listed several reasons she has cried this week including the Barbie film, a video of a raccoon being rescued from the sea and because she ate the wrong cheese.

It comes days after Vicky spoke candidly about her body insecurities as she encouraged women to embrace their figures.

The reality star, who has become an outspoken advocate for body confidence in recent years, detailed her own struggles in a bid to help others.

While promoting her latest wellness retreat she confessed in an Instagram post on Monday: 'I spent years hating myself- for everything I was- too curvy, too deprived.. Neither extreme brought me happiness.

'Learning to see self care, moving my body and accepting myself as non-negotiables in my life was a turning point for me and I want to pay what I've learnt forward.'

Candid: The TV personality, 35, shared an imagine to Instagram showing off her bare stomach before detailing how emotional she has felt over the past week

Emotional: In another snap, Vicky broke down in tears during an outing, explaining all of the reasons she has cried this week in a length post

Proving she was at peace with her body, the reality star later shared a slew of bikini snaps from her holiday in Jamaica.

Vicky looked incredible in a white bikini as she posed makeup-free to showcase her stunning natural beauty.

Another snap saw the star posing up a storm in a purple halter neck swimsuit while she also modelled a black cut away one-piece.

Yet earlier in the day she gave fans a more candid glimpse at her 'real body' as she shared snaps from different angles and posted an empowering message.

In her words she encouraged women that 'every body is beautiful' and that tummies 'change, move, grow and squish'.

She looked great in a busty leopard print two piece before changing into a flattering red number.

She penned: 'Let's talk tummy's... Every time I go on holiday my DM's are flooded with women asking "how did you lose weight?!" Or "how did you get your tummy so flat?!"

'And I get it.. I'm out here splashing bikini pics all over the gram with a seemingly taut tum tum all day long.. but I would just like to be the first to call BULLS***TTTT!!!

'Tummy's move, Tummy's change, Tummy's grow and Tummy's squish!! And that is perfectly normal! That's exactly what tummy's and body's in general are meant to do! And it is most definitely what mine does!!

She continued: 'Just over the course of the day I can have about 10 different body shapes.. awww the joys of being a woman!

'So next time you're beating yourself up because you don't look like your favourite influencer or you're about to ask your favourite celeb for her workout routine, take a minute and first of remind yourself that every body is beautiful and deserving of love and celebration.

Speaking out: It comes after Vicky spoke candidly about her body insecurities in an Instagram post as she encouraged women to embrace their figures

Looking good: Proving she was at peace with her body, the reality star later shared a slew of bikini snaps from her holiday in Jamaica

'Don't forget that! But secondly, know that she doesn't probably doesn't even look like that.. Not all day, not all the time anyway!

'Because she's human too.. and no one can escape the post pasta pot belly (unless you can say no to pasta.. but then honestly I just have to assume you're a sociopath).

'Stop letting these tiny little squares control how you see yourself.. We're worth so much more than apps, likes and how we look in a bikini.

'So have the pizza, take the picture, let your hair down once in awhile, champion all different tummy's, but most of all stop wasting your life hating yourself...

'You and your body are amazing - just as they are.'
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Andrew Leland at Literary Hub:

The Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges lost his visionwhat he called his readers and writers sightaround the same time that he became the director of the National Library of Argentina. This put him in charge of nearly a million books, he observed, at the very moment he could no longer read them.

Borges, who went blind after a long decline in vision when he was fifty-five, never learned braille. Instead, like Milton, he memorized long passages of literature (his own, and those of the writers he loved), and had companions who read to him and to whom he dictated his writing.

Much of this workhe published nearly forty books after he went blindwas done by his elderly mother, Leonor, with whom he lived until her death at ninety-nine, and who had done the same work for Borgess father, Jorge Guillermo Borges, a writer who also went blind in middle age.

More here.
Jacob Mchangama in Persuasion:

In 1950, Eleanor Roosevelt, serving as the first Chairperson of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, was involved in a bitter dispute about the limits of free speech. Stalins Soviet Union fought tooth and nail to ensure that states should not only be permitted, but obliged to prohibit hate speech under international human rights law. Roosevelt issued a stark warning, as she found the Soviet proposal extremely dangerous. It would only encourage Governments to punish all criticisms in the name of protection against religious or national hostility, and she warned the commission not to include any provision likely to be exploited by totalitarian States for the purpose of rendering the other articles null and void.

Fast forward to July 12, 2023, and a majority of the United Nations Human Rights Council proved Roosevelt prophetic. It did so by adopting a resolution that drives a stake through Roosevelts vision of an international human rights system that protects oppressed citizens against their oppressive governments.

More here.
Benj Edwards in Ars Technica:

If you feed Americas most important legal documentthe US Constitutioninto a tool designed to detect text written by AI models like ChatGPT, it will tell you that the document was almost certainly written by AI. But unless James Madison was a time traveler, that cant be the case. Why do AI writing detection tools give false positives? We spoke to several expertsand the creator of AI writing detector GPTZeroto find out.

Among news stories of overzealous professors flunking an entire class due to the suspicion of AI writing tool use and kids falsely accused of using ChatGPT, generative AI has education in a tizzy. Some think it represents an existential crisis. Teachers relying on educational methods developed over the past century have been scrambling for ways to keep the status quothe tradition of relying on the essay as a tool to gauge student mastery of a topic.

More here.
Agnico Eagle Mines (TSE:AEM  Get Free Report) (NYSE:AEM) is set to post its quarterly earnings results after the market closes on Wednesday, July 26th. Analysts expect Agnico Eagle Mines to post earnings of C$0.69 per share for the quarter.

Agnico Eagle Mines (TSE:AEM  Get Free Report) (NYSE:AEM) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported C$0.77 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of C$0.68 by C$0.09. The business had revenue of C$2.04 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$1.76 billion. Agnico Eagle Mines had a net margin of 39.97% and a return on equity of 13.14%.

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Agnico Eagle Mines Stock Performance

Shares of Agnico Eagle Mines stock opened at C$68.26 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of C$33.75 billion, a PE ratio of 10.16, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.64 and a beta of 0.80. Agnico Eagle Mines has a 1 year low of C$48.88 and a 1 year high of C$82.90. The firms 50-day simple moving average is C$68.18 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$70.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 12.70, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a current ratio of 2.32.

Agnico Eagle Mines Increases Dividend

Analysts Set New Price Targets

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th were paid a dividend of $0.541 per share. This is a positive change from Agnico Eagle Miness previous quarterly dividend of $0.53. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, May 31st. This represents a $2.16 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.17%. Agnico Eagle Miness dividend payout ratio is 31.85%.

Several research analysts have commented on AEM shares. National Bank Financial decreased their target price on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from C$98.00 to C$92.00 in a research report on Friday. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from C$89.00 to C$91.00 in a report on Thursday, April 20th. Raymond James increased their price objective on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from C$65.00 to C$66.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, April 20th. Canaccord Genuity Group decreased their price objective on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from C$99.00 to C$91.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday. Finally, National Bankshares decreased their price objective on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from C$98.00 to C$92.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday. Six analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of C$79.28.

About Agnico Eagle Mines

(Get 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.

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CAVA Groups (NYSE:CAVA  Get Free Report) quiet period is set to end on Tuesday, July 25th. CAVA Group had issued 14,444,444 shares in its public offering on June 15th. The total size of the offering was $317,777,768 based on an initial share price of $22.00. During CAVA Groups quiet period, insiders and underwriters that worked on the IPO are restricted from issuing any research reports for the company because of regulations issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Following the expiration of the companys quiet period, the brokerages that served as underwriters will likely initiate research coverage on the company.

Analyst Ratings Changes

CAVA has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on shares of CAVA Group in a research note on Monday, July 10th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $43.00 target price on the stock. William Blair assumed coverage on shares of CAVA Group in a research note on Monday, July 10th. They set an outperform rating on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on shares of CAVA Group in a research note on Monday, July 10th. They set a buy rating and a $48.00 price target on the stock. Piper Sandler assumed coverage on shares of CAVA Group in a research note on Monday, July 10th. They set an overweight rating and a $45.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Citigroup assumed coverage on shares of CAVA Group in a research note on Monday, July 10th. They set a neutral rating and a $42.00 price target on the stock. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $45.86.

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CAVA Group Stock Up 9.2 %

CAVA Group stock opened at $53.26 on Tuesday. CAVA Group has a 1-year low of $36.45 and a 1-year high of $54.86.

Insider Buying and Selling

Hedge Funds Weigh In On CAVA Group

In other news, CFO Tricia K. Tolivar bought 2,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 20th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $22.00 per share, with a total value of $55,000.00. Following the acquisition, the chief financial officer now owns 2,500 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $55,000. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink . In related news, insider Kenneth Robert Bertram purchased 2,295 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 20th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $22.00 per share, with a total value of $50,490.00. Following the acquisition, the insider now directly owns 1,500 shares of the companys stock, valued at $33,000. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink . Also, CFO Tricia K. Tolivar bought 2,500 shares of CAVA Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 20th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $22.00 per share, for a total transaction of $55,000.00. Following the acquisition, the chief financial officer now owns 2,500 shares in the company, valued at approximately $55,000. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here . In the last 90 days, insiders have bought 9,295 shares of company stock valued at $204,490.

A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in CAVA Group stock. Cypress Wealth Services LLC purchased a new stake in shares of CAVA Group, Inc. (NYSE:CAVA  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 4,235 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $202,000.

CAVA Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

CAVA Group, Inc owns and operates a chain of Mediterranean restaurants. The company offers salads, dips, spreads, toppings, and dressings. It sells its products through whole food markets and grocery stores. The company also provides online food ordering services. Cava Group, Inc was founded in 2006 and is based in Washington, District of Columbia.

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The Chiba Bank, Ltd. (OTCMKTS:CHBAY  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $37.38 and last traded at $37.38, with a volume of 0 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $37.38.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Daiwa Capital Markets cut Chiba Bank from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 5th.

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Chiba Bank Price Performance

The stock has a 50 day moving average of $37.38 and a 200 day moving average of $36.74. The company has a market capitalization of $5.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.22 and a beta of 0.64.

Chiba Bank Company Profile

Chiba Bank ( OTCMKTS:CHBAY Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Sunday, May 14th. The company reported $0.63 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $534.93 million during the quarter.

(Get Free Report)

The Chiba Bank, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides banking products and services in Japan and internationally. It offers various deposit products; and various loans and bills discounting products, as well as investment management and investment advisory services. The company also engages in securities, leasing, credit card, and credit guarantee business; management and collection of claims; and outsourcing of operational business.

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Gravitas Education (NYSE:GEHI  Get Free Report) and CIBT Education Group (OTCMKTS:MBAIF  Get Free Report) are both small-cap consumer discretionary companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, risk, analyst recommendations, dividends, institutional ownership, valuation and profitability.

Volatility and Risk

Gravitas Education has a beta of 1.34, indicating that its share price is 34% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, CIBT Education Group has a beta of 1.1, indicating that its share price is 10% more volatile than the S&P 500.

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Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Gravitas Education and CIBT Education Group, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Gravitas Education 0 0 0 0 N/A CIBT Education Group 0 0 0 0 N/A

Profitability

This table compares Gravitas Education and CIBT Education Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Gravitas Education N/A N/A N/A CIBT Education Group -23.03% 12.06% 4.39%

Institutional and Insider Ownership

8.6% of Gravitas Education shares are owned by institutional investors. 64.1% of Gravitas Education shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 22.3% of CIBT Education Group shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Gravitas Education and CIBT Education Groups top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Gravitas Education $50.01 million 0.37 -$41.37 million N/A N/A CIBT Education Group $56.14 million 0.35 -$12.06 million ($0.21) -1.41

CIBT Education Group has higher revenue and earnings than Gravitas Education.

Summary

Gravitas Education beats CIBT Education Group on 5 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Gravitas Education

(Get Free Report)

Gravitas Education Holdings, Inc. provides early childhood education services in the People's Republic of China. It operates play-and-learn centers that offer services for the joint participation of 0-6-year-old children and their adult family members to promote children's development, foster bonding with family, and prepare them for their entry into kindergartens and primary schools. The company also operates student care centers; teaching facilities; and provides course content, training, support and guidance, and other services to franchisees and licensees. In addition, it develops and sells educational products and services; and distributes merchandise, such as teaching aids, educational toys, at-home educational products, and school uniforms through franchisees and other business partners, as well as directly to a market of families. Further, the company operates Qingtian Youpin, an e-commerce platform for maternity and children's products. The company was formerly known as RYB Education, Inc. and changed its name to Gravitas Education Holdings, Inc. in May 2022. Gravitas Education Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1998 and is based in Beijing, China.

About CIBT Education Group

(Get Free Report)

CIBT Education Group Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates as an education and student housing investment company in Canada and internationally. The company engages in education and real estate development businesses. It offers English as second language accredited programs, such as general English, college preparation/pathway, business English, medical English, English language test preparation, vacation English, online English; Career training college accredited programs in the fields of business management, customer service, TESOL teacher training, Interpreting and translation for Koreans, and online English teacher training. The company also provides private career and technical training diplomas and certificates in health care, tourism, hospitality, business, administrative, technical trades, and international studies. In addition, it recruits international students and provides on-ground concierge services for kindergarten, primary, secondary schools, and universities in North America; and offers web design and advertising services to the real estate industry. Further, the company invests in, develops, and manages education related real estate projects; and offers serviced apartments and a hotel for domestic and international students as well as working professionals in Canada. The company was formerly known as Capital Alliance Group Inc. and changed its name to CIBT Education Group Inc. in November 2007. CIBT Education Group Inc. was incorporated in 1986 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

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Henderson European Focus Trust plc (LON:HEFT  Get Free Report)s stock price fell 0.9% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as GBX 161 ($2.06) and last traded at GBX 161 ($2.06). 154,335 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 26% from the average session volume of 208,900 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 162.50 ($2.08).

Henderson European Focus Trust Stock Performance

The firm has a market cap of 342.56 million, a PE ratio of -731.82 and a beta of 0.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 9.72, a quick ratio of 6.48 and a current ratio of 7.25. The firms 50 day moving average price is GBX 157.08 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 156.73.

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Henderson European Focus Trust Cuts Dividend

The company also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 27th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 1st were issued a dividend of GBX 1.30 ($0.02) per share. This represents a yield of 0.82%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 1st. Henderson European Focus Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -1,818.18%.

Henderson European Focus Trust Company Profile

Henderson European Focus Trust plc is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Henderson Investment Funds Limited. It is co-managed by Henderson Global Investors Limited. The fund invests in public equity markets of Continental Europe. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors.

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PIMCO 25+ Year Zero Coupon U.S. Treasury Index Exchange-Traded Fund (NYSEARCA:ZROZ  Get Free Report) shares dropped 0.5% on Monday . The stock traded as low as $89.24 and last traded at $89.35. Approximately 61,348 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 73% from the average daily volume of 230,905 shares. The stock had previously closed at $89.81.

PIMCO 25+ Year Zero Coupon U.S. Treasury Index Exchange-Traded Fund Trading Down 0.5 %

The companys 50-day simple moving average is $89.72 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $92.42.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On PIMCO 25+ Year Zero Coupon U.S. Treasury Index Exchange-Traded Fund

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of ZROZ. AdvisorNet Financial Inc purchased a new stake in shares of PIMCO 25+ Year Zero Coupon U.S. Treasury Index Exchange-Traded Fund in the 2nd quarter worth about $28,000. FNY Investment Advisers LLC purchased a new position in shares of PIMCO 25+ Year Zero Coupon U.S. Treasury Index Exchange-Traded Fund in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $46,000. OLD Mission Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of PIMCO 25+ Year Zero Coupon U.S. Treasury Index Exchange-Traded Fund in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $62,000. Main Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of PIMCO 25+ Year Zero Coupon U.S. Treasury Index Exchange-Traded Fund in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $87,000. Finally, Private Trust Co. NA lifted its stake in shares of PIMCO 25+ Year Zero Coupon U.S. Treasury Index Exchange-Traded Fund by 259.1% in the 4th quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 1,149 shares of the companys stock valued at $100,000 after purchasing an additional 829 shares during the period.

About PIMCO 25+ Year Zero Coupon U.S. Treasury Index Exchange-Traded Fund

PIMCO 25+ Year Zero Coupon U.S. Treasury Index ETF, formerly PIMCO 25+ Year Zero Coupon U.S. Treasury Index Fund ETF, is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to provide total return that closely corresponds to the total return of The BofA Merrill Lynch Long US Treasury Principal STRIPS Index (the Index) by investing at least 80% of its total assets (exclusive of collateral held from securities lending) in the component securities of the Index.

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Range Resources (NYSE:RRC  Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday. The oil and gas exploration company reported $0.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.22 by $0.08, Briefing.com reports. Range Resources had a net margin of 41.18% and a return on equity of 45.55%. The business had revenue of $637.00 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $567.67 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.23 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was down 48.0% on a year-over-year basis.

Range Resources Stock Up 0.6 %

RRC traded up $0.19 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $30.19. 3,037,497 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,471,924. Range Resources has a 1 year low of $22.61 and a 1 year high of $36.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a current ratio of 0.92. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.28 billion, a PE ratio of 3.51, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.55 and a beta of 2.10. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $28.61 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $26.57.

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Range Resources Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 16th were paid a dividend of $0.08 per share. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.06%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 15th. Range Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 3.76%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Insider Activity

RRC has been the subject of several analyst reports. Benchmark raised their price target on shares of Range Resources from $32.00 to $39.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, July 14th. UBS Group began coverage on Range Resources in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. They set a sell rating and a $24.00 target price on the stock. Morgan Stanley reissued an underweight rating and issued a $20.00 price target on shares of Range Resources in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded Range Resources from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and upped their target price for the company from $30.00 to $31.00 in a report on Tuesday, April 11th. Finally, Truist Financial lowered their price target on shares of Range Resources from $30.00 to $29.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Monday. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and twelve have assigned 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 $32.95.

In related news, Director Greg G. Maxwell sold 24,675 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $27.39, for a total transaction of $675,848.25. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 57,192 shares in the company, valued at $1,566,488.88. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Range Resources news, Director Greg G. Maxwell sold 24,675 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, May 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.39, for a total value of $675,848.25. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 57,192 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,566,488.88. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, SVP Erin W. Mcdowell sold 36,419 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $27.39, for a total value of $997,516.41. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 98,899 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,708,843.61. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 387,044 shares of company stock worth $10,674,385 over the last quarter. Insiders own 1.57% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Range Resources

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Toroso Investments LLC lifted its holdings in Range Resources by 115.3% during the 1st quarter. Toroso Investments LLC now owns 28,517 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $755,000 after purchasing an additional 15,274 shares in the last quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund lifted its holdings in Range Resources by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 382,679 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $10,130,000 after purchasing an additional 6,172 shares in the last quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC lifted its holdings in Range Resources by 864.0% during the 1st quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 3,856 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $102,000 after purchasing an additional 3,456 shares in the last quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. raised its holdings in shares of Range Resources by 46.1% in the 1st quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 12,946 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $342,000 after acquiring an additional 4,086 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sunbelt Securities Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Range Resources in the 1st quarter valued at about $126,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.85% of the companys stock.

About Range Resources

(Get Free Report)

Range Resources Corporation operates as an independent natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and oil company in the United States. The company engages in the exploration, development, and acquisition of natural gas and oil properties. It markets and sells natural gas and NGLs to utilities, marketing and midstream companies, and industrial users; petrochemical end users, marketers/traders, and natural gas processors; and oil and condensate to crude oil processors, transporters, and refining and marketing companies.

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Shares of Rogers Communications Inc. (TSE:RCI.B  Get Free Report) (NYSE:RCI) have received a consensus recommendation of Buy from the six analysts that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, three have given a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average 12-month price target among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is C$75.98.

Several brokerages have weighed in on RCI.B. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on Rogers Communications from C$68.00 to C$70.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, April 27th. CIBC increased their price objective on shares of Rogers Communications from C$75.00 to C$76.00 in a report on Thursday, April 27th. TD Securities lifted their target price on shares of Rogers Communications from C$80.00 to C$83.00 and gave the stock an action list buy rating in a report on Thursday, April 27th. National Bankshares increased their price target on Rogers Communications from C$76.00 to C$79.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, June 28th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on Rogers Communications from C$74.00 to C$90.00 in a research report on Monday, April 10th.

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Rogers Communications Trading Up 0.3 %

RCI.B opened at C$59.44 on Thursday. Rogers Communications has a 1-year low of C$50.53 and a 1-year high of C$67.67. The stock has a market capitalization of C$24.81 billion, a PE ratio of 16.79, a PEG ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 0.43. The company has a current ratio of 1.91, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 364.52. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of C$60.17 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$63.05.

Rogers Communications Company Profile

Rogers Communications Inc operates as a communications and media company in Canada. It operates through three segments: Wireless, Cable, and Media. The Wireless segment offers wireless voice and data communication services to individual consumers, businesses, governments, and other telecommunications service providers; postpaid and prepaid wireless services under the Rogers, Fido, and chatr brands; and wireless devices, services, and applications to consumers and businesses.

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Yamana Gold Inc. (TSE:YRI  Get Free Report) (NYSE:AUY) rose 0.1% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as C$8.07 and last traded at C$7.89. Approximately 23,617,782 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 1,101% from the average daily volume of 1,967,190 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$7.88.

Yamana Gold Stock Performance

The company has a market capitalization of C$7.59 billion, a PE ratio of -5.72, a PEG ratio of -0.78 and a beta of 1.29. The businesss 50-day moving average is C$7.65 and its 200-day moving average is C$7.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 23.61, a quick ratio of 1.25 and a current ratio of 1.44.

About Yamana Gold

(Get Free Report)

Yamana Gold Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a precious metal producer. It has gold and silver production, development-stage properties, exploration properties, and land positions throughout the Americas, including Canada, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina. The company was formerly known as Yamana Resources Inc and changed its name to Yamana Gold Inc in August 2003.

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Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE:ALK  Get Free Report) gapped down before the market opened on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $53.33, but opened at $50.36. Alaska Air Group shares last traded at $47.91, with a volume of 2,067,101 shares traded.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms recently weighed in on ALK. StockNews.com began coverage on Alaska Air Group in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Raymond James upgraded Alaska Air Group from an outperform rating to a strong-buy rating and increased their target price for the stock from $60.00 to $68.00 in a research report on Monday, April 3rd. Barclays increased their target price on Alaska Air Group from $62.00 to $66.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 13th. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on Alaska Air Group from $71.00 to $75.00 in a research report on Monday, April 24th. Finally, Bank of America raised their price objective on Alaska Air Group from $58.00 to $62.00 in a report on Monday, June 26th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Alaska Air Group has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $65.43.

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Alaska Air Group Trading Down 12.2 %

The firm has a market capitalization of $5.99 billion, a PE ratio of 102.74, a P/E/G ratio of 0.35 and a beta of 1.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a current ratio of 0.64. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $49.79 and a 200 day moving average of $47.16.

Insider Buying and Selling at Alaska Air Group

Alaska Air Group ( NYSE:ALK Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 25th. The transportation company reported $3.00 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.71 by $0.29. Alaska Air Group had a return on equity of 17.03% and a net margin of 0.58%. The firm had revenue of $2.84 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.77 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $2.19 EPS. Alaska Air Groups quarterly revenue was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts expect that Alaska Air Group, Inc. will post 6.53 EPS for the current year.

In other Alaska Air Group news, CEO Benito Minicucci sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $48.73, for a total transaction of $243,650.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 114,506 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,579,877.38. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 0.40% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in ALK. Private Advisor Group LLC grew its position in shares of Alaska Air Group by 78.2% in the 1st quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 9,980 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $579,000 after acquiring an additional 4,379 shares in the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Alaska Air Group by 23.6% in the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 34,204 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $1,984,000 after purchasing an additional 6,520 shares during the last quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS lifted its holdings in shares of Alaska Air Group by 7.1% in the 1st quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 16,847 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $977,000 after purchasing an additional 1,119 shares during the last quarter. APG Asset Management N.V. bought a new stake in shares of Alaska Air Group in the 1st quarter worth approximately $980,000. Finally, Great West Life Assurance Co. Can lifted its holdings in shares of Alaska Air Group by 3.4% in the 1st quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 17,972 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $1,077,000 after purchasing an additional 592 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.04% of the companys stock.

About Alaska Air Group

(Get Free Report)

Alaska Air Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operated airlines. The company operates through three segments: Mainline, Regional, and Horizon. The company offers scheduled air transportation services on Boeing and Airbus jet aircraft for passengers and cargo throughout the United States, and in parts of Mexico, Costa Rica, and Belize; and for passengers across a shorter distance network within the United States and Canada.

Further Reading

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Insight Advisors LLC PA cut its holdings in shares of American Express (NYSE:AXP) by 2.4% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 7,088 shares of the payment services companys stock after selling 176 shares during the quarter. Insight Advisors LLC PAs holdings in American Express were worth $1,169,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of American Express by 118,198.3% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 13,732,068 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $2,028,913,000 after purchasing an additional 13,720,460 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley lifted its position in shares of American Express by 0.3% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 12,503,902 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $1,847,452,000 after purchasing an additional 35,760 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of American Express by 1.7% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 10,458,404 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $1,541,863,000 after purchasing an additional 177,635 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of American Express during the 4th quarter worth $911,554,000. Finally, Lazard Asset Management LLC lifted its position in shares of American Express by 7.5% during the 4th quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 5,802,341 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $857,293,000 after purchasing an additional 405,975 shares during the last quarter. 82.84% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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American Express Trading Down 0.1 %

Shares of AXP traded down $0.14 on Tuesday, hitting $167.65. 1,528,347 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,323,466. The firm has a market capitalization of $124.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.07, a P/E/G ratio of 1.07 and a beta of 1.19. The stocks 50 day moving average is $167.61 and its two-hundred day moving average is $165.12. American Express has a 1 year low of $130.65 and a 1 year high of $182.15. The company has a quick ratio of 1.55, a current ratio of 1.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.74.

American Express Announces Dividend

American Express ( NYSE:AXP Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 21st. The payment services company reported $2.89 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.81 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $15.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $15.41 billion. American Express had a net margin of 12.99% and a return on equity of 29.17%. American Expresss revenue for the quarter was up 12.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $2.57 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that American Express will post 11.14 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 7th will be paid a $0.60 dividend. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.43%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 6th. American Expresss dividend payout ratio is presently 24.42%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on AXP shares. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of American Express in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Redburn Partners cut shares of American Express from a neutral rating to a sell rating and set a $125.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Thursday, May 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on shares of American Express from $179.00 to $167.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, April 17th. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and issued a $188.00 price objective on shares of American Express in a research note on Monday. Finally, Stephens restated an underweight rating and issued a $146.00 price objective on shares of American Express in a research note on Tuesday, July 18th. Five equities research 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. According to data from MarketBeat.com, American Express currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $172.88.

American Express Company Profile

(Free Report)

American Express Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides charge and credit payment card products, and travel-related services worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Global Consumer Services Group, Global Commercial Services, and Global Merchant and Network Services. Its products and services include payment and financing products; network services; accounts payable expense management products and services; and travel and lifestyle services.

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Bank of Montreal (TSE:BMO  Get Free Report) (NYSE:BMO) announced a quarterly dividend on Thursday, July 27th, Zacks reports. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 28th will be paid a dividend of 1.47 per share by the bank on Monday, August 28th. This represents a $5.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.76%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 27th. This is a boost from Bank of Montreals previous quarterly dividend of $1.43.

Bank of Montreal Stock Performance

BMO opened at C$123.42 on Tuesday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is C$118.33 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$123.18. Bank of Montreal has a 1 year low of C$111.88 and a 1 year high of C$137.64. The stock has a market capitalization of C$88.00 billion, a PE ratio of 12.29, a P/E/G ratio of 1.49 and a beta of 1.15.

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Bank of Montreal (TSE:BMO  Get Free Report) (NYSE:BMO) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, May 24th. The bank reported C$2.93 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$3.15 by C($0.22). Bank of Montreal had a return on equity of 10.10% and a net margin of 23.87%. The company had revenue of C$8.44 billion during the quarter. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Bank of Montreal will post 13.2820237 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Insider Buying and Selling at Bank of Montreal

BMO has been the subject of several recent research reports. Fundamental Research set a C$144.25 target price on shares of Bank of Montreal and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 6th. Canaccord Genuity Group upped their price target on shares of Bank of Montreal from C$121.50 to C$130.50 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price objective on Bank of Montreal from C$121.50 to C$130.50 in a report on Monday. Cormark dropped their target price on Bank of Montreal from C$140.00 to C$131.00 in a report on Thursday, May 25th. Finally, TD Securities dropped their price objective on Bank of Montreal from C$130.00 to C$126.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, May 25th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Bank of Montreal currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$135.23.

In other news, Director Linda Susan Huber sold 500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$87.56, for a total transaction of C$43,780.00. Corporate insiders own 0.03% of the companys stock.

About Bank of Montreal

(Get Free Report)

Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. The company's personal banking products and services include checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and financial and investment advice services; and commercial banking products and services comprise business deposit accounts, commercial credit cards, business loans and commercial mortgages, cash management solutions, foreign exchange, specialized banking programs, treasury and payment solutions, and risk management products for small business and commercial banking customers.

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Barnett & Company Inc. raised its stake in shares of Antero Midstream Co. (NYSE:AM  Free Report) by 4.0% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 93,000 shares of the pipeline companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,600 shares during the period. Barnett & Company Inc.s holdings in Antero Midstream were worth $976,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Covestor Ltd raised its stake in shares of Antero Midstream by 2,155.9% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 2,301 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 2,199 shares in the last quarter. Machina Capital S.A.S. purchased a new position in shares of Antero Midstream during the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. TCI Wealth Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of Antero Midstream by 257.5% during the 4th quarter. TCI Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 2,849 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 2,052 shares in the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC increased its stake in Antero Midstream by 666.7% in the 4th quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 5,160 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $56,000 after purchasing an additional 4,487 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Signaturefd LLC purchased a new position in Antero Midstream in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $59,000. 51.00% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Antero Midstream Price Performance

NYSE:AM traded down $0.27 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $11.76. 715,808 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,620,824. The firms 50-day moving average is $11.09 and its 200-day moving average is $10.76. The stock has a market cap of $5.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.43 and a beta of 2.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.53, a current ratio of 1.02 and a quick ratio of 1.02. Antero Midstream Co. has a 1-year low of $8.80 and a 1-year high of $12.13.

Antero Midstream Announces Dividend

Antero Midstream ( NYSE:AM Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The pipeline company reported $0.21 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.19 by $0.02. Antero Midstream had a return on equity of 17.56% and a net margin of 34.62%. The firm had revenue of $259.48 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $249.58 million. Equities research analysts expect that Antero Midstream Co. will post 0.81 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, August 9th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, July 26th will be issued a dividend of $0.225 per share. This represents a $0.90 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.65%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, July 25th. Antero Midstreams dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 130.43%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

AM has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on Antero Midstream from $12.00 to $13.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. StockNews.com downgraded Antero Midstream from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 4th. UBS Group initiated coverage on Antero Midstream in a research note on Wednesday, May 10th. They issued a buy rating and a $14.00 price objective for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on Antero Midstream from $12.00 to $11.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday. Finally, Capital One Financial reiterated an equal weight rating on shares of Antero Midstream in a report on Thursday, April 20th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Antero Midstream presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $12.25.

Insider Transactions at Antero Midstream

In other news, insider Michael N. Kennedy sold 300,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, May 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.47, for a total transaction of $3,141,000.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 1,060,730 shares in the company, valued at $11,105,843.10. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, insider Michael N. Kennedy sold 300,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, May 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.47, for a total value of $3,141,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 1,060,730 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,105,843.10. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, insider Sheri Pearce sold 19,600 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.25, for a total value of $200,900.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 155,267 shares in the company, valued at $1,591,486.75. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.52% of the companys stock.

Antero Midstream Profile

(Free Report)

Antero Midstream Corporation owns, operates, and develops midstream energy infrastructure in the Appalachian Basin. It operates through Gathering and Processing, and Water Handling segments. The Gathering and Processing segment includes a network of gathering pipelines and compressor stations that collects and processes production from Antero Resources' wells in West Virginia and Ohio.

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Barnett & Company Inc. trimmed its stake in Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR  Free Report) by 7.1% in the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 39,500 shares of the companys stock after selling 3,000 shares during the quarter. Barnett & Company Inc.s holdings in Amcor were worth $450,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Amcor in the first quarter worth approximately $601,000. Quantinno Capital Management LP raised its position in Amcor by 30.7% during the first quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP now owns 28,963 shares of the companys stock valued at $330,000 after acquiring an additional 6,799 shares in the last quarter. Smith Salley & Associates raised its position in Amcor by 2.4% during the first quarter. Smith Salley & Associates now owns 168,203 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,914,000 after acquiring an additional 3,916 shares in the last quarter. Security Financial Services INC. raised its position in Amcor by 12.4% during the first quarter. Security Financial Services INC. now owns 12,892 shares of the companys stock valued at $147,000 after acquiring an additional 1,421 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Park Place Capital Corp raised its position in Amcor by 19.0% during the first quarter. Park Place Capital Corp now owns 50,242 shares of the companys stock valued at $572,000 after acquiring an additional 8,021 shares in the last quarter. 49.37% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms have recently commented on AMCR. Bank of America lowered shares of Amcor from a buy rating to an underperform rating in a research report on Monday, July 10th. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of Amcor from an underperform rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Amcor from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and dropped their price target for the company from $11.60 to $10.80 in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $10.80.

Amcor Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:AMCR traded up $0.05 during trading on Tuesday, reaching $10.16. The stock had a trading volume of 2,809,607 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,791,526. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $10.00 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $10.81. The firm has a market capitalization of $14.95 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.33 and a beta of 0.81. The company has a quick ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 1.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.58. Amcor plc has a 52 week low of $9.40 and a 52 week high of $13.37.

Amcor (NYSE:AMCR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 2nd. The company reported $0.18 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.18. The business had revenue of $3.67 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.69 billion. Amcor had a net margin of 6.54% and a return on equity of 27.94%. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.21 earnings per share. As a group, analysts anticipate that Amcor plc will post 0.72 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Amcor Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 20th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, May 24th were paid a $0.1225 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, May 23rd. This represents a $0.49 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.82%. Amcors payout ratio is 74.24%.

Amcor Profile

(Free Report)

Amcor plc develops, produces, and sells packaging products in Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, and the Asia Pacific regions. The company operates through two segments, Flexibles and Rigid Packaging. The Flexibles segment provides flexible and film packaging products in the food and beverage, medical and pharmaceutical, fresh produce, snack food, personal care, and other industries.

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Clarivate Plc (NYSE:CLVT  Get Free Report) has been assigned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the six ratings firms that are covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month target price among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $13.30.

A number of analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Oppenheimer assumed coverage on shares of Clarivate in a report on Monday, June 12th. They issued an outperform rating and a $11.00 price target for the company. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $14.00 price target on shares of Clarivate in a report on Monday, April 17th.

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Institutional Trading of Clarivate

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of CLVT. US Bancorp DE grew its holdings in Clarivate by 5.6% during the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 14,343 shares of the companys stock worth $240,000 after acquiring an additional 765 shares during the period. HighTower Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Clarivate by 19.1% in the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 98,518 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,656,000 after buying an additional 15,785 shares during the period. Private Advisor Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Clarivate in the 1st quarter valued at $191,000. AlphaCrest Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Clarivate by 47.7% in the 1st quarter. AlphaCrest Capital Management LLC now owns 25,536 shares of the companys stock valued at $428,000 after buying an additional 8,243 shares during the period. Finally, Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund acquired a new position in shares of Clarivate in the 1st quarter valued at $204,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.80% of the companys stock.

Clarivate Stock Down 1.1 %

Shares of CLVT opened at $9.50 on Tuesday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $8.74 and a 200-day simple moving average of $9.43. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.42 billion, a P/E ratio of -1.56, a P/E/G ratio of 1.14 and a beta of 1.12. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 0.90. Clarivate has a 52 week low of $7.16 and a 52 week high of $14.99.

Clarivate (NYSE:CLVT  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The company reported $0.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.11 by $0.04. Clarivate had a negative net margin of 151.76% and a positive return on equity of 8.39%. The firm had revenue of $629.10 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $626.31 million. On average, equities research analysts expect that Clarivate will post 0.64 earnings per share for the current year.

Clarivate Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Clarivate Plc, an information, analytics, and workflow company, provides structured information and analytics for discovery, development, protection, commercialization, and measurement of scientific research, innovations, and brands. The company operates through three segments: Academia and Government, Life Sciences and Healthcare, and Intellectual Property.

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CFO4Life Group LLC raised its position in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) by 2.8% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 8,793 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 238 shares during the period. CFO4Life Group LLCs holdings in Altria Group were worth $392,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Sei Investments Co. grew its stake in shares of Altria Group by 1.6% during the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 404,894 shares of the companys stock valued at $21,248,000 after purchasing an additional 6,324 shares during the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Altria Group by 5.2% during the first quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 18,647 shares of the companys stock valued at $974,000 after purchasing an additional 929 shares during the last quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P bought a new stake in shares of Altria Group during the first quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Mackenzie Financial Corp grew its stake in shares of Altria Group by 3.4% during the first quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 2,711,773 shares of the companys stock valued at $141,690,000 after purchasing an additional 89,334 shares during the last quarter. Finally, First Western Trust Bank bought a new position in Altria Group in the first quarter valued at approximately $498,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.38% of the companys stock.

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Altria Group Price Performance

Shares of NYSE MO traded down $0.19 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $45.41. 2,792,394 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 7,757,156. Altria Group, Inc. has a 12 month low of $40.35 and a 12 month high of $51.57. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $44.98 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $45.63. The company has a market capitalization of $81.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.64, a P/E/G ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 0.59.

Altria Group Dividend Announcement

Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $1.18 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates 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 company had revenue of $4.76 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.89 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.12 earnings per share. The companys revenue was down 1.2% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 4.98 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 15th were paid a $0.94 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $3.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 8.28%. Altria Groups payout ratio is currently 120.90%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

MO has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Stifel Nicolaus initiated coverage on shares of Altria Group in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. They issued a buy rating and a $52.00 price objective on the stock. StockNews.com raised shares of Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 4th. Finally, Citigroup reduced 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. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $46.00.

Altria Group Company 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.

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StockNews.com upgraded shares of Chunghwa Telecom (NYSE:CHT  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report sent to investors on Friday.

Chunghwa Telecom Price Performance

NYSE:CHT opened at $36.79 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.59, a current ratio of 1.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08. The firm has a market cap of $28.54 billion, a PE ratio of 23.28 and a beta of 0.11. Chunghwa Telecom has a 12 month low of $32.90 and a 12 month high of $41.69. The companys 50-day moving average price is $39.27 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $39.07.

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Chunghwa Telecom (NYSE:CHT  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The utilities provider reported $0.41 EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $1.78 billion for the quarter. Chunghwa Telecom had a return on equity of 9.54% and a net margin of 16.92%.

Chunghwa Telecom Cuts Dividend

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Chunghwa Telecom

The business also recently declared an annual dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 11th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 29th will be given a dividend of $1.5291 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, June 28th. This represents a yield of 2.9%. Chunghwa Telecoms dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 75.32%.

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its holdings in Chunghwa Telecom by 21.0% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 94,112 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $4,184,000 after acquiring an additional 16,332 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. grew its holdings in Chunghwa Telecom by 26.2% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 54,968 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,443,000 after acquiring an additional 11,399 shares during the period. HighTower Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Chunghwa Telecom by 5.0% during the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 6,665 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $296,000 after acquiring an additional 317 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can raised its position in shares of Chunghwa Telecom by 1.9% during the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 21,093 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $943,000 after acquiring an additional 394 shares during the last quarter. Finally, BlackRock Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Chunghwa Telecom by 4.5% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 2,776,762 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $123,426,000 after purchasing an additional 120,199 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 2.45% of the companys stock.

Chunghwa Telecom Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Chunghwa Telecom Co, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides telecommunication services in Taiwan and internationally. It operates through Consumer Business, Enterprise Business, International Business, and Others segments. The company offers local long distance services comprising of local calls, cloud switchboard, and value-added local calls.

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Citizens National Bank Trust Department bought a new position in The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor bought 11,680 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $612,000.

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Toronto Dominion Bank increased its position in Charles Schwab by 32,224.4% during the 4th quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 225,994,826 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $18,816,289,000 after buying an additional 225,295,680 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in Charles Schwab during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $1,325,555,000. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC increased its position in Charles Schwab by 107.1% during the 4th quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 16,784,516 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,399,817,000 after buying an additional 8,680,289 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley increased its position in Charles Schwab by 62.5% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 22,255,649 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,853,005,000 after buying an additional 8,563,389 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Flossbach Von Storch AG increased its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 48.7% in the 1st quarter. Flossbach Von Storch AG now owns 16,619,849 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $870,548,000 after purchasing an additional 5,445,011 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 82.77% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 77,640 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $51.76, for a total value of $4,018,646.40. Following the transaction, the chairman now directly owns 59,771,278 shares in the company, valued at $3,093,761,349.28. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 6.60% of the companys stock.

Charles Schwab Stock Performance

NYSE SCHW traded down $0.60 on Tuesday, hitting $65.96. 1,386,040 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 18,926,336. The company has a market capitalization of $116.69 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.31, a P/E/G ratio of 3.84 and a beta of 0.88. The company has a current ratio of 0.38, a quick ratio of 0.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $56.02 and its 200-day moving average price is $62.17. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 52-week low of $45.00 and a 52-week high of $86.63.

Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.75 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.71 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $4.66 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.61 billion. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 27.81% and a net margin of 33.15%. Charles Schwabs quarterly revenue was down 8.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.97 earnings per share. Equities analysts expect that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.26 earnings per share for the current year.

Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 12th were given a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 11th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.52%. Charles Schwabs payout ratio is 29.15%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts have commented on SCHW shares. Wolfe Research reduced their target price on Charles Schwab from $62.00 to $60.00 in a report on Monday, June 26th. Citigroup lifted their target price on Charles Schwab from $65.00 to $75.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Argus lifted their target price on Charles Schwab from $70.00 to $81.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their target price on Charles Schwab from $70.00 to $74.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Finally, Raymond James raised Charles Schwab from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $63.00 target price for the company in a report on Monday, May 15th. 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 MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $71.91.

About Charles Schwab

(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.

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Citizens National Bank Trust Department lessened its stake in shares of iShares International Equity Factor ETF (NYSEARCA:INTF  Free Report) by 1.6% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 154,783 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,440 shares during the period. iShares International Equity Factor ETF comprises approximately 1.1% of Citizens National Bank Trust Departments holdings, making the stock its 29th largest position. Citizens National Bank Trust Departments holdings in iShares International Equity Factor ETF were worth $4,100,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of INTF. Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new stake in iShares International Equity Factor ETF during the 1st quarter worth about $29,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. acquired a new stake in iShares International Equity Factor ETF during the 1st quarter worth about $71,000. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. acquired a new stake in iShares International Equity Factor ETF during the 4th quarter worth about $200,000. Cetera Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in iShares International Equity Factor ETF during the 4th quarter worth about $204,000. Finally, CX Institutional acquired a new stake in iShares International Equity Factor ETF during the 4th quarter worth about $205,000.

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iShares International Equity Factor ETF Price Performance

INTF traded up $0.06 on Tuesday, reaching $27.46. 9,656 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 133,131. The companys 50-day moving average price is $26.75 and its 200 day moving average price is $26.50. iShares International Equity Factor ETF has a fifty-two week low of $20.47 and a fifty-two week high of $27.59. The firm has a market capitalization of $958.35 million, a PE ratio of 10.65 and a beta of 0.87.

iShares International Equity Factor ETF Company Profile

The iShares International Equity Factor ETF (INTF) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the STOXX International Equity Factor index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap equities in developed markets outside the US. Stocks are selected and weighted to maximize exposure to five factors: momentum, quality, value, low volatility, and size.

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Crane (NYSE:CR  Get Free Report) updated its FY23 earnings guidance on Tuesday. The company provided earnings per share guidance of $3.80-$4.10 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of $3.88.

Crane Stock Up 0.3 %

Shares of CR stock traded up $0.30 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $91.33. 393,723 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 415,293. The business has a 50 day moving average of $82.35 and a two-hundred day moving average of $95.00. Crane has a 52 week low of $67.28 and a 52 week high of $94.39. The company has a market capitalization of $5.18 billion, a PE ratio of 12.06, a PEG ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 1.49. The company has a current ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29.

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Crane (NYSE:CR  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, May 10th. The conglomerate reported $1.25 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.84 by $0.41. Crane had a return on equity of 24.45% and a net margin of 13.10%. The business had revenue of $513.80 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $483.80 million. Analysts anticipate that Crane will post 7.87 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Crane Cuts Dividend

Analysts Set New Price Targets

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 8th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, May 31st were issued a $0.18 dividend. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.79%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, May 30th. Cranes dividend payout ratio is currently 9.54%.

Several equities analysts have weighed in on the company. UBS Group reduced their price objective on Crane from $120.00 to $82.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 5th. DA Davidson boosted their price objective on shares of Crane from $90.00 to $92.00 in a research report on Friday, May 12th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on shares of Crane from $87.00 to $101.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 19th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on Crane in a research note on Tuesday, June 6th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $101.00.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Crane news, CEO Max H. Mitchell sold 37,495 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $76.48, for a total transaction of $2,867,617.60. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 322,628 shares in the company, valued at $24,674,589.44. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 2.40% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Crane

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in CR. Pathstone Family Office LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Crane during the 4th quarter valued at about $217,000. D.A. Davidson & CO. bought a new position in Crane during the first quarter worth about $217,000. Panagora Asset Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Crane in the first quarter valued at $200,000. Captrust Financial Advisors boosted its position in Crane by 22.7% during the first quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 1,743 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $189,000 after purchasing an additional 322 shares during the period. Finally, Covestor Ltd raised its position in shares of Crane by 92.5% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,511 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $164,000 after purchasing an additional 726 shares during the last quarter. 26.26% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Crane Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Crane Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells engineered industrial products in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. The company has four business segments: Aerospace & Electronics, Process Flow Technologies, Payment & Merchandising Technologies, and Engineered Materials.

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Crescent Grove Advisors LLC trimmed its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL  Free Report) by 18.0% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 19,979 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,385 shares during the quarter. Crescent Grove Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF were worth $2,479,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bank of Montreal Can raised its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 16.3% during the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 15,119 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,064,000 after buying an additional 2,119 shares during the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL raised its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 143.9% during the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 10,830 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,458,000 after buying an additional 6,389 shares during the last quarter. Mather Group LLC. bought a new stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $397,000. Prudential Financial Inc. raised its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 8.4% during the 1st quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 49,277 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,634,000 after buying an additional 3,812 shares during the last quarter. Finally, AJ Wealth Strategies LLC raised its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 4.2% in the 1st quarter. AJ Wealth Strategies LLC now owns 465,618 shares of the companys stock worth $62,686,000 after purchasing an additional 18,557 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Trading Up 0.4 %

BATS QUAL traded up $0.61 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $138.53. The company had a trading volume of 1,466,876 shares. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF has a one year low of $71.96 and a one year high of $88.63. The company has a market cap of $31.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.30 and a beta of 1.03. The companys fifty day moving average is $131.87 and its 200-day moving average is $125.31.

iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Company Profile

The iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality index. The fund tracks an index of US large- and mid-cap stocks, selected and weighted by high ROE, stable earnings growth and low debt\u002Fequity, relative to peers in each sector.

Further Reading

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DoubleVerify (NYSE:DV  Free Report) had its price objective boosted by Stifel Nicolaus from $35.00 to $44.00 in a research report report published on Friday morning, Marketbeat reports. Stifel Nicolaus currently has a buy rating on the stock.

Other analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Needham & Company LLC lifted their price objective on DoubleVerify from $35.00 to $45.00 in a report on Friday, June 16th. 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. Stephens initiated coverage on shares of DoubleVerify in a report on Tuesday, July 11th. They issued an overweight rating and a $47.00 target price for the company. Piper Sandler boosted their target price on shares of DoubleVerify from $36.00 to $45.00 in a report on Friday, July 14th. Finally, JMP Securities boosted their target price on shares of DoubleVerify from $35.00 to $45.00 in a report on Monday, July 17th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, DoubleVerify has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $41.79.

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DoubleVerify Trading Down 2.0 %

NYSE:DV opened at $40.36 on Friday. DoubleVerify has a twelve month low of $20.38 and a twelve month high of $41.91. The company has a market cap of $6.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 139.18 and a beta of 0.87. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $36.54 and a 200-day simple moving average of $30.62.

Insider Activity 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 firm had revenue of $122.59 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $117.93 million. DoubleVerify had a return on equity of 5.91% and a net margin of 10.64%. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.03 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts predict that DoubleVerify will post 0.35 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In other DoubleVerify news, Director Laura Desmond sold 11,003 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.08, for a total value of $297,961.24. Following the sale, the director now owns 179,071 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,849,242.68. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, CFO Nicola T. Allais sold 9,231 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $39.87, for a total transaction of $368,039.97. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 59,674 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,379,202.38. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, Director Laura Desmond sold 11,003 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $27.08, for a total value of $297,961.24. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 179,071 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,849,242.68. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 129,203 shares of company stock worth $4,725,310 over the last quarter. Insiders own 3.27% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC raised its stake in DoubleVerify by 118.2% in the 2nd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 302,987 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,792,000 after purchasing an additional 164,125 shares during the last quarter. SkyOak Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in DoubleVerify in the 2nd quarter valued at $307,000. Chicago Capital LLC grew its holdings in DoubleVerify by 6.1% in the 2nd quarter. Chicago Capital LLC now owns 1,886,632 shares of the companys stock valued at $73,428,000 after buying an additional 108,976 shares in the last quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas grew its holdings in DoubleVerify by 245.2% in the 2nd quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 23,354 shares of the companys stock valued at $909,000 after buying an additional 16,588 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Louisiana State Employees Retirement System grew its holdings in DoubleVerify by 33.8% in the 2nd quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 46,300 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,802,000 after buying an additional 11,700 shares in the last quarter. 94.42% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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.

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Morgan Stanley reiterated their equal weight rating on shares of Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK  Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Friday morning, Benzinga reports. They currently have a $102.00 target price on the utilities providers stock.

A number of other analysts have also weighed in on the stock. Guggenheim lowered their price objective on shares of Duke Energy from $114.00 to $102.00 in a research note on Friday, July 7th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $102.00 to $101.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 6th. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on shares of Duke Energy in a research report on Wednesday, June 7th. They set a neutral rating and a $99.00 price target for the company. Mizuho decreased their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $107.00 to $92.00 in a research report on Tuesday, June 13th. Finally, Bank of America decreased their price target on shares of 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 assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Duke Energy has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $101.82.

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Duke Energy Price Performance

Shares of DUK opened at $94.78 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $73.04 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.16, a P/E/G ratio of 2.76 and a beta of 0.43. Duke Energy has a 12-month low of $83.76 and a 12-month high of $113.67. The company has a current ratio of 0.77, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.38. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $91.05 and a 200-day moving average price of $95.91.

Duke Energy Increases Dividend

Duke Energy ( NYSE:DUK Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 9th. The utilities provider reported $1.20 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.40 by ($0.20). Duke Energy had a return on equity of 8.39% and a net margin of 8.89%. The business had revenue of $7.28 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.26 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.30 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 2.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts expect that Duke Energy will post 5.61 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 18th. Investors of record on Friday, August 18th will be issued a $1.025 dividend. This represents a $4.10 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.33%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 17th. This is an increase from Duke Energys previous quarterly dividend of $1.01. Duke Energys dividend payout ratio is 126.15%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Duke Energy

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of DUK. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new position in Duke Energy in the 1st quarter worth approximately $40,000. Cibc World Market Inc. grew its stake in shares of Duke Energy by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 47,250 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $5,276,000 after purchasing an additional 581 shares during the period. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Duke Energy by 29.5% during the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 9,751 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,089,000 after purchasing an additional 2,223 shares during the period. Covestor Ltd grew its stake in shares of Duke Energy by 447.8% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,260 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $141,000 after purchasing an additional 1,030 shares during the period. Finally, Mather Group LLC. grew its stake in shares of Duke Energy by 5.2% during the 1st quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 6,505 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $726,000 after purchasing an additional 322 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 63.13% of the companys stock.

Duke Energy Company Profile

(Get 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.

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Citizens National Bank Trust Department decreased its stake in Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX  Free Report) by 3.3% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 64,773 shares of the natural resource companys stock after selling 2,200 shares during the period. Citizens National Bank Trust Departments holdings in Freeport-McMoRan were worth $2,650,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of FCX. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new stake in Freeport-McMoRan during the 1st quarter worth $26,000. Synovus Financial Corp boosted its stake in Freeport-McMoRan by 15.2% during the 1st quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 11,101 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $553,000 after purchasing an additional 1,468 shares during the period. Blair William & Co. IL boosted its stake in Freeport-McMoRan by 40.8% during the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 112,066 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $5,574,000 after purchasing an additional 32,474 shares during the period. Sei Investments Co. boosted its stake in Freeport-McMoRan by 73.6% during the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 132,043 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $6,624,000 after purchasing an additional 55,987 shares during the period. Finally, Baird Financial Group Inc. boosted its stake in Freeport-McMoRan by 22.0% during the 1st quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 79,686 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $3,964,000 after purchasing an additional 14,388 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.35% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director Sara Grootwassink Lewis purchased 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, May 12th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $34.90 per share, with a total value of $139,600.00. Following the purchase, the director now directly owns 17,800 shares of the companys stock, valued at $621,220. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.78% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Freeport-McMoRan Price Performance

FCX has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Sanford C. Bernstein initiated coverage on shares of Freeport-McMoRan in a research note on Thursday, June 29th. They issued a market perform rating and a $41.00 target price for the company. Raymond James raised 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. 3M restated an initiates rating on shares of Freeport-McMoRan in a research note on Thursday, June 29th. Morgan Stanley restated an equal weight rating and issued a $38.50 target price on shares of Freeport-McMoRan in a research note on Friday. Finally, Scotiabank reduced their target price on shares of Freeport-McMoRan from $49.00 to $48.00 in a research note on Tuesday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $39.29.

NYSE:FCX traded up $1.78 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $43.88. 7,537,060 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 12,656,685. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a quick ratio of 1.72 and a current ratio of 2.94. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $38.35 and its 200 day simple moving average is $39.95. Freeport-McMoRan Inc. has a 1 year low of $26.03 and a 1 year high of $46.73. The company has a market cap of $62.89 billion, a PE ratio of 29.04 and a beta of 2.01.

Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The natural resource company reported $0.35 earnings per share 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 analysts expectations of $5.61 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.58 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts expect that Freeport-McMoRan Inc. will post 1.53 EPS for the current year.

Freeport-McMoRan Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 14th will be issued a dividend of $0.15 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 13th. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.37%. Freeport-McMoRans dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 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.

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GATX (NYSE:GATX  Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2023 earnings guidance on Tuesday morning. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of $6.90- for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.87. The company issued revenue guidance of -.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have commented on GATX. StockNews.com raised shares of GATX from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 4th. Susquehanna increased their price target on shares of GATX from $115.00 to $118.00 in a report on Wednesday, April 26th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, GATX currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $121.50.

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GATX Stock Down 0.9 %

GATX traded down $1.24 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $131.46. The stock had a trading volume of 13,383 shares, compared to its average volume of 145,237. GATX has a twelve month low of $84.96 and a twelve month high of $133.01. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $124.29 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $115.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.04, a quick ratio of 2.05 and a current ratio of 2.05. The company has a market capitalization of $4.64 billion, a PE ratio of 30.16 and a beta of 1.05.

GATX Dividend Announcement

GATX ( NYSE:GATX Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 25th. The transportation company reported $2.20 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.44 by $0.76. The company had revenue of $338.90 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $353.98 million. GATX had a net margin of 12.16% and a return on equity of 10.53%. On average, research analysts predict that GATX will post 6.88 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 30th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th were paid a dividend of $0.55 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.67%. GATXs dividend payout ratio is presently 50.00%.

Insider Activity

In related news, EVP Paul F. Titterton sold 8,100 shares of GATX stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $119.84, for a total value of $970,704.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 11,373 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,362,940.32. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, EVP Paul F. Titterton sold 8,100 shares of GATX stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $119.84, for a total value of $970,704.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 11,373 shares in the company, valued at $1,362,940.32. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, VP Jennifer Mcmanus sold 1,000 shares of GATX stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $120.61, for a total value of $120,610.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 1,582 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $190,805.02. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 11,700 shares of company stock valued at $1,414,832 in the last 90 days. Company insiders own 1.80% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On GATX

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of GATX. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio acquired a new stake in shares of GATX during the 1st quarter worth about $89,000. Advisory Services Network LLC raised its position in GATX by 125.7% in the 1st quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 844 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $93,000 after purchasing an additional 470 shares during the last quarter. First Manhattan CO. LLC. acquired a new position in GATX in the first quarter valued at $132,000. Quantamental Technologies LLC purchased a new stake in shares of GATX in the first quarter valued at about $203,000. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of GATX during the first quarter worth about $219,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.87% of the companys stock.

About GATX

(Get Free Report)

GATX Corporation, together its subsidiaries, operates as railcar leasing company in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and India. It operates through three segments: Rail North America, Rail International, and Portfolio Management. The company leases tank and freight railcars, and locomotives for petroleum, chemical, food/agriculture, and transportation industries.

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Great Valley Advisor Group Inc. reduced its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (BATS:EFG  Free Report) by 2.6% in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 27,531 shares of the companys stock after selling 725 shares during the quarter. Great Valley Advisor Group Inc.s holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF were worth $2,579,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Harbor Group Inc. lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 1.0% in the 1st quarter. Harbor Group Inc. now owns 11,802 shares of the companys stock worth $1,106,000 after buying an additional 120 shares during the period. Benedetti & Gucer Inc. lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 1.0% in the 1st quarter. Benedetti & Gucer Inc. now owns 12,114 shares of the companys stock worth $1,135,000 after buying an additional 120 shares during the period. Montecito Bank & Trust lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 2.8% in the 1st quarter. Montecito Bank & Trust now owns 4,476 shares of the companys stock worth $419,000 after buying an additional 124 shares during the period. Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 3.8% in the 4th quarter. Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. now owns 3,894 shares of the companys stock worth $326,000 after buying an additional 144 shares during the period. Finally, American Trust raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 3.1% in the 4th quarter. American Trust now owns 4,996 shares of the companys stock worth $318,000 after acquiring an additional 151 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Stock Performance

Shares of BATS:EFG opened at $95.54 on Tuesday. iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF has a 52-week low of $67.58 and a 52-week high of $85.81. The firm has a market capitalization of $13.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.69 and a beta of 0.89. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $95.11 and a 200-day moving average price of $93.03.

iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Profile

iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Growth 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 Growth Index (the 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.

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Hamilton Capital LLC raised its position in shares of Infosys Limited (NYSE:INFY  Free Report) by 13.9% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 15,763 shares of the technology companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,919 shares during the quarter. Hamilton Capital LLCs holdings in Infosys were worth $275,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Infosys by 29.8% in the first quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 474,300 shares of the technology companys stock worth $8,272,000 after acquiring an additional 108,800 shares during the period. Victory Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in Infosys by 18.7% in the 1st quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 2,679,138 shares of the technology companys stock worth $46,724,000 after purchasing an additional 422,520 shares during the period. Waldron Private Wealth LLC bought a new stake in shares of Infosys during the first quarter valued at approximately $182,000. C WorldWide Group Holding A S raised its position in shares of Infosys by 1.2% during the first quarter. C WorldWide Group Holding A S now owns 1,026,083 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $17,895,000 after buying an additional 11,812 shares during the last quarter. Finally, PDS Planning Inc boosted its position in shares of Infosys by 67.1% during the first quarter. PDS Planning Inc now owns 24,943 shares of the technology companys stock worth $435,000 after acquiring an additional 10,014 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 12.16% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages have commented on INFY. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Infosys in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Macquarie downgraded Infosys from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Sunday, April 16th. BMO Capital Markets lowered their target price on Infosys from $21.00 to $18.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, April 14th. Credit Suisse Group cut shares of Infosys from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, April 14th. Finally, Citigroup downgraded shares of Infosys from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, April 13th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have given a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Infosys has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $18.57.

Infosys Trading Up 0.7 %

Infosys Increases Dividend

Shares of NYSE INFY traded up $0.12 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $16.34. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,264,482 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,156,150. The businesss 50 day moving average is $15.91 and its two-hundred day moving average is $16.86. Infosys Limited has a 12-month low of $14.71 and a 12-month high of $20.60. The firm has a market cap of $67.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 0.98.

The firm also recently announced a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 3rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 2nd were given a dividend of $0.2134 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 1.5%. This is an increase from Infosyss previous semi-annual dividend of $0.17. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, June 1st. Infosyss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 50.00%.

Infosys Company Profile

(Free Report)

Infosys Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides consulting, technology, outsourcing, and next-generation digital services in North America, Europe, India, and internationally. It provides application management and application development services, independent validation solutions, product engineering and management, infrastructure management services, traditional enterprise application implementation, support, and integration services.

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press release

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank has approved a $1 billion exposure exchange with the Asian Development Bank. The transaction will support its efforts to unlock additional sovereign lending headroom. It will also bolster continued efforts to create buffers within the African Development Bank's capital adequacy metrics.

This new exposure exchange agreement is the second transaction that the African Development Bank has executed following the success of the first agreement finalized in 2015 with the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank Group's International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Exposure exchanges between multilateral development banks involve a synthetic exchange of sovereign exposures in a risk-neutral manner to help address single obligor constraints and portfolio concentration.

This new exposure exchange allows the African Development Bank to continue supporting its regional member countries, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic, combined with the spillover effects of the Russian-Ukraine war, which affected most African countries.

The exposure exchange with the Asian Development Bank is a continued step in implementing the G20 Action Plan to optimize balance sheets of multilateral development banks without substantially increasing risk or adversely affecting their credit ratings.

Although the African Development Bank's current prudential ratios are compliant with their statutory limits and S&P Global Ratings has confirmed its credit rating at AAA, this second exposure exchange will allow the Bank to provide African countries with additional financing, particularly those where it is necessary to increase countercyclical lending, while complying with its internal single obligor limits and concentration ratios.

Commenting on the transaction, Max Ndiaye, Director of the Syndications, Co-financing and Client Solutions Department at the African Development Bank, said: "This operation demonstrates the relevance of the African Development Bank and its peer institutions in adhering to the G20 call on the multilateral development bank community to collaborate in adopting innovative approaches and initiatives. This includes risk transfers to maximize capital for increased development lending."

Contact:

Amba Mpoke-Bigg, Communication and External Relations Department, [email protected]
Shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF (NYSEARCA:BKLN  Get Free Report) saw strong trading volume on Tuesday . 5,495,291 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 28% from the previous sessions volume of 7,676,177 shares.The stock last traded at $20.96 and had previously closed at $20.95.

Invesco Senior Loan ETF Trading Up 0.0 %

The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $20.88 and its 200 day simple moving average is $20.91.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Invesco Senior Loan ETF

Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Covestor Ltd raised its position in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 186.1% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,156 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 752 shares during the period. Cambridge Trust Co. raised its position in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 85.5% in the 1st quarter. Cambridge Trust Co. now owns 1,206 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 556 shares during the period. Ahrens Investment Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $26,000. AdvisorNet Financial Inc acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Finally, FSC Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 201.2% in the 2nd quarter. FSC Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,548 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 1,034 shares during the period.

About Invesco Senior Loan ETF

The Invesco Senior Loan ETF (BKLN) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in high yield fixed income. The fund tracks a market-value-weighted index of senior loans issued by banks to corporations. BKLN was launched on Mar 3, 2011 and is managed by Invesco.

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OLD Second National Bank of Aurora boosted its position in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (NYSEARCA:EWZ  Free Report) by 11.0% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 201,724 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 20,050 shares during the period. iShares MSCI Brazil ETF comprises approximately 1.6% of OLD Second National Bank of Auroras holdings, making the stock its 13th largest position. OLD Second National Bank of Aurora owned about 0.13% of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF worth $5,523,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Cheyne Capital Management UK LLP acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF in the first quarter valued at about $753,000. Family Firm Inc. lifted its position in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 14.2% in the first quarter. Family Firm Inc. now owns 27,397 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $750,000 after purchasing an additional 3,403 shares during the period. Affinity Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF in the first quarter valued at about $5,458,000. Banque Pictet & Cie SA lifted its position in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 5.3% in the first quarter. Banque Pictet & Cie SA now owns 232,664 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $6,370,000 after purchasing an additional 11,615 shares during the period. Finally, Smart Portfolios LLC lifted its position in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 2.3% in the first quarter. Smart Portfolios LLC now owns 35,708 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $978,000 after purchasing an additional 800 shares during the period.

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iShares MSCI Brazil ETF Price Performance

Shares of EWZ stock traded up $0.14 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $33.83. 7,504,161 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 25,788,695. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $31.50 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $29.35. iShares MSCI Brazil ETF has a 1-year low of $25.00 and a 1-year high of $34.59. The firm has a market cap of $5.37 billion, a PE ratio of 5.86 and a beta of 0.97.

iShares MSCI Brazil ETF Profile

iShares MSCI Brazil Capped Index Fund (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI Brazil Index Fund, seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Brazilian market, as measured by the MSCI Brazil Index (the Index).

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Shoker Investment Counsel Inc. lowered its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Sweden ETF (NYSEARCA:EWD  Free Report) by 4.0% in the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 46,325 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,940 shares during the quarter. Shoker Investment Counsel Inc.s holdings in iShares MSCI Sweden ETF were worth $1,646,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI Sweden ETF during the 4th quarter worth approximately $103,000. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its holdings in iShares MSCI Sweden ETF by 43.6% in the 4th quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 3,440 shares of the companys stock worth $112,000 after acquiring an additional 1,045 shares during the period. Credit Suisse AG purchased a new position in iShares MSCI Sweden ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $123,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in iShares MSCI Sweden ETF in the 4th quarter worth approximately $211,000. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP purchased a new position in iShares MSCI Sweden ETF in the 4th quarter worth approximately $226,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 42.09% of the companys stock.

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iShares MSCI Sweden ETF Stock Performance

Shares of iShares MSCI Sweden ETF stock traded up $0.36 on Tuesday, hitting $36.30. 9,157 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 277,826. The firms 50-day moving average is $35.33 and its 200 day moving average is $35.40. iShares MSCI Sweden ETF has a 52-week low of $26.01 and a 52-week high of $37.33.

iShares MSCI Sweden ETF Company Profile

Ishares

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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH  Get Free Report) has been assigned an average rating of Hold from the twelve brokerages that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average 1 year price objective among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $17.96.

NCLH has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Truist Financial cut shares of Norwegian Cruise Line from a buy rating to a hold rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $17.00 to $23.00 in a research report on Tuesday, July 18th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price objective on shares of Norwegian Cruise Line from $21.00 to $22.00 in a research report on Tuesday, May 2nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of Norwegian Cruise Line from $15.00 to $16.00 in a research report on Monday, June 12th. Bank of America upped their target price on shares of Norwegian Cruise Line from $17.00 to $19.00 in a research report on Monday, June 12th. Finally, Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of Norwegian Cruise Line from $12.00 to $14.50 in a research report on Thursday, July 6th.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Stock Down 1.0 %

Shares of NCLH opened at $20.81 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $8.83 billion, a P/E ratio of -6.05 and a beta of 2.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 184.14, a current ratio of 0.29 and a quick ratio of 0.26. Norwegian Cruise Line has a one year low of $10.83 and a one year high of $22.75. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $18.52 and its 200-day simple moving average is $15.30.

Insider Activity

Norwegian Cruise Line ( NYSE:NCLH Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, May 1st. The company reported ($0.30) earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.51) by $0.21. Norwegian Cruise Line had a negative net margin of 23.54% and a negative return on equity of 448.59%. The firm had revenue of $1.82 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.74 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted ($1.90) EPS. Norwegian Cruise Lines revenue was up 249.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Norwegian Cruise Line will post 0.56 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In related news, CFO Mark Kempa sold 4,700 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, June 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.04, for a total value of $75,388.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 241,021 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,865,976.84. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, CFO Mark Kempa sold 4,700 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, June 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.04, for a total value of $75,388.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 241,021 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,865,976.84. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Daniel S. Farkas sold 38,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $19.46, for a total transaction of $739,480.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 244,261 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,753,319.06. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 358,511 shares of company stock valued at $6,654,392 in the last quarter. Company insiders own 0.87% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Norwegian Cruise Line

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line by 115.4% in the 2nd quarter. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 1,148 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 615 shares during the period. Covestor Ltd raised its holdings in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line by 5,020.8% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,229 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 1,205 shares during the period. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust raised its holdings in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line by 272.7% in the 1st quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 1,856 shares of the companys stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 1,358 shares during the period. Quent Capital LLC raised its holdings in Norwegian Cruise Line by 66.5% in the 4th quarter. Quent Capital LLC now owns 2,064 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 824 shares during the period. Finally, Private Trust Co. NA raised its holdings in Norwegian Cruise Line by 658.2% in the 1st quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 2,358 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 2,047 shares during the period. 57.22% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Norwegian Cruise Line Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a cruise company in North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. It offers itineraries ranging from three days to a 180-days calling on various locations, including destinations in Scandinavia, Russia, the Mediterranean, the Greek Isles, Alaska, Canada and New England, Hawaii, Asia, Tahiti and the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, Africa, India, South America, the Panama Canal, and the Caribbean.

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OLD Second National Bank of Aurora trimmed its holdings in shares of Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT  Free Report) by 1.1% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 40,356 shares of the medical technology companys stock after selling 435 shares during the quarter. OLD Second National Bank of Auroras holdings in Medtronic were worth $3,254,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Community Bank & Trust Waco Texas boosted its stake in shares of Medtronic by 65.4% in the 1st quarter. Community Bank & Trust Waco Texas now owns 13,140 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $1,059,000 after purchasing an additional 5,196 shares during the last quarter. Centerpoint Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Medtronic by 25.6% in the 1st quarter. Centerpoint Advisors LLC now owns 2,032 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $164,000 after purchasing an additional 414 shares during the last quarter. DT Investment Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of Medtronic by 27.7% in the 1st quarter. DT Investment Partners LLC now owns 11,952 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $1,084,000 after purchasing an additional 2,595 shares during the last quarter. Syverson Strege & Co boosted its stake in shares of Medtronic by 39.0% in the 1st quarter. Syverson Strege & Co now owns 474 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 133 shares during the last quarter. Finally, FirstPurpose Wealth LLC boosted its stake in shares of Medtronic by 28.8% in the 1st quarter. FirstPurpose Wealth LLC now owns 8,491 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $685,000 after purchasing an additional 1,901 shares during the last quarter. 80.48% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Medtronic Stock Up 0.2 %

Shares of MDT stock traded up $0.19 on Tuesday, hitting $88.95. The stock had a trading volume of 1,285,108 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,887,951. The business has a 50 day moving average of $86.48 and a 200 day moving average of $84.26. The stock has a market cap of $118.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.48, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.87 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 2.39 and a quick ratio of 1.81. Medtronic plc has a 12-month low of $75.76 and a 12-month high of $95.60.

Medtronic Increases Dividend

Medtronic ( NYSE:MDT Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 25th. The medical technology company reported $1.57 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.56 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $8.54 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.25 billion. Medtronic had a net margin of 12.03% and a return on equity of 13.54%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.52 earnings per share. As a group, analysts expect that Medtronic plc will post 5.04 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 14th. Investors of record on Friday, June 23rd were given a dividend of $0.69 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, June 22nd. This represents a $2.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.10%. This is a positive change from Medtronics previous quarterly dividend of $0.68. Medtronics dividend payout ratio is presently 97.87%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms have recently commented on MDT. UBS Group lowered shares of Medtronic from a buy rating to a sell rating and reduced their price objective for the company from $127.00 to $79.00 in a research note on Wednesday, March 29th. Truist Financial reduced their price objective on shares of Medtronic from $93.00 to $90.00 in a research note on Friday, May 26th. Robert W. Baird began coverage on shares of Medtronic in a research note on Tuesday, July 18th. They set a neutral rating and a $90.00 target price on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company raised shares of Medtronic from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and increased their target price for the stock from $77.00 to $100.00 in a research note on Monday, April 24th. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised shares of Medtronic from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and set a $104.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, May 30th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $90.72.

Insider Activity at Medtronic

In related news, EVP Brett A. Wall sold 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $87.97, for a total transaction of $175,940.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 23,948 shares in the company, valued at $2,106,705.56. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other Medtronic news, EVP Brett A. Wall sold 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $87.97, for a total transaction of $175,940.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 23,948 shares in the company, valued at $2,106,705.56. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Hoedt Rob Ten sold 5,514 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $86.58, for a total transaction of $477,402.12. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 43,802 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,792,377.16. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.29% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Medtronic Company Profile

(Free Report)

Medtronic plc develops, manufactures, and sells device-based medical therapies to healthcare systems, physicians, clinicians, and patients worldwide. Its Cardiovascular Portfolio segment offers implantable cardiac pacemakers, cardioverter defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices; cardiac ablation products; insertable cardiac monitor systems; TYRX products; and remote monitoring and patient-centered software.

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Rebalance LLC lessened its stake in shares of SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD  Free Report) by 11.5% during the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 5,875 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 766 shares during the quarter. Rebalance LLCs holdings in SPDR Gold Shares were worth $1,076,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of GLD. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 67,584.6% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 3,037,008 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $515,198,000 after acquiring an additional 3,032,521 shares during the period. State Street Corp increased its stake in SPDR Gold Shares by 256.0% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 1,142,717 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $206,432,000 after purchasing an additional 821,773 shares in the last quarter. Fullerton Fund Management Co Ltd. increased its stake in SPDR Gold Shares by 4,847.1% during the 4th quarter. Fullerton Fund Management Co Ltd. now owns 622,043 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $105,523,000 after purchasing an additional 609,469 shares in the last quarter. Virtu Financial LLC bought a new stake in SPDR Gold Shares during the 1st quarter valued at $100,880,000. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP increased its stake in SPDR Gold Shares by 134.7% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 934,636 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $168,842,000 after purchasing an additional 536,327 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 38.86% of the companys stock.

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SPDR Gold Shares Stock Performance

GLD stock traded up $0.41 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $181.81. 1,019,349 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 7,251,019. The firms fifty day moving average price is $180.91 and its 200-day moving average price is $180.11. SPDR Gold Shares has a 52 week low of $150.57 and a 52 week high of $191.36.

SPDR Gold Shares 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).

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Several brokerages have updated their recommendations and price targets on shares of Boston Beer (NYSE: SAM) in the last few weeks:

7/21/2023  Boston Beer had its neutral rating reaffirmed by analysts at Wedbush. They now have a $325.00 price target on the stock.

7/21/2023  Boston Beer had its price target lowered by analysts at Evercore ISI from $330.00 to $320.00. They now have an in-line rating on the stock.

7/19/2023  Boston Beer had its price target lowered by analysts at TD Cowen from $350.00 to $300.00. They now have a market perform rating on the stock.

7/17/2023  Boston Beer had its price target lowered by analysts at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from $297.00 to $276.00.

5/30/2023  Boston Beer was upgraded by analysts at Roth Capital from a neutral rating to a buy rating.

5/30/2023  Boston Beer was upgraded by analysts at Roth Mkm from a neutral rating to a buy rating. They now have a $386.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $274.00.

Boston Beer Price Performance

SAM stock traded up $3.62 on Tuesday, reaching $310.02. The companys stock had a trading volume of 75,821 shares, compared to its average volume of 134,712. The Boston Beer Company, Inc. has a 52 week low of $296.27 and a 52 week high of $422.75. The company has a market capitalization of $3.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 63.79 and a beta of 1.03. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $319.61 and a two-hundred day moving average of $329.75.

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Boston Beer (NYSE:SAM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported ($0.73) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.32) by ($0.41). The firm had revenue of $410.00 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $412.47 million. Boston Beer had a net margin of 2.82% and a return on equity of 7.58%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 4.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned ($0.16) EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that The Boston Beer Company, Inc. will post 7 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at Boston Beer

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

In related news, insider John C. Geist sold 10,000 shares of Boston Beer stock in a transaction on Monday, June 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $341.35, for a total transaction of $3,413,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 5,573 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,902,343.55. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . In related news, insider John C. Geist sold 10,000 shares of Boston Beer stock in a transaction on Monday, June 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $341.35, for a total transaction of $3,413,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 5,573 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,902,343.55. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . Also, CEO David A. Burwick sold 1,644 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $326.38, for a total value of $536,568.72. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 47,910 shares in the company, valued at approximately $15,636,865.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . 23.50% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. bought a new stake in shares of Boston Beer in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $702,000. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its holdings in Boston Beer by 8.5% during the second quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 29,024 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,952,000 after purchasing an additional 2,269 shares in the last quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System boosted its stake in Boston Beer by 8.0% in the 2nd quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 2,700 shares of the companys stock valued at $833,000 after buying an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board grew its position in Boston Beer by 11.8% in the second quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board now owns 1,900 shares of the companys stock valued at $586,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares during the period. Finally, Pacer Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in Boston Beer during the second quarter worth $622,000. 65.46% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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.

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Reynders McVeigh Capital Management LLC lowered its position in AptarGroup, Inc. (NYSE:ATR  Free Report) by 0.9% in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 295,248 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 2,652 shares during the quarter. AptarGroup comprises about 2.4% of Reynders McVeigh Capital Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 13th biggest holding. Reynders McVeigh Capital Management LLCs holdings in AptarGroup were worth $34,895,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Quantinno Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in shares of AptarGroup in the first quarter valued at about $396,000. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board grew its holdings in shares of AptarGroup by 14.6% in the first quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board now owns 11,800 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,395,000 after purchasing an additional 1,500 shares during the period. Victory Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of AptarGroup by 0.4% in the first quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 2,993,109 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $353,756,000 after purchasing an additional 12,274 shares during the period. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of AptarGroup by 1,055.6% in the first quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,144 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $135,000 after purchasing an additional 1,045 shares during the period. Finally, Fisher Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in AptarGroup by 0.3% during the first quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 34,083 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $4,028,000 after buying an additional 92 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.40% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on ATR shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price target on shares of AptarGroup from $130.00 to $134.00 in a research report on Monday, May 1st. Robert W. Baird lifted their price target on shares of AptarGroup from $115.00 to $125.00 in a research report on Monday, May 1st. Bank of America dropped their price target on shares of AptarGroup from $152.00 to $149.00 in a research report on Monday, July 10th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of AptarGroup in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating for the company. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $130.83.

Insiders Place Their Bets

AptarGroup Stock Up 1.0 %

In other AptarGroup news, insider Marc Prieur sold 6,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, May 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $119.00, for a total transaction of $714,000.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 25,028 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,978,332. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website . Insiders own 1.20% of the companys stock.

ATR stock traded up $1.23 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $120.96. 28,286 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 232,304. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a current ratio of 1.42. AptarGroup, Inc. has a 1-year low of $90.23 and a 1-year high of $122.50. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $115.78 and its 200 day simple moving average is $115.74. The company has a market cap of $7.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.47, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.10 and a beta of 0.64.

AptarGroup (NYSE:ATR  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, April 28th. The industrial products company reported $0.95 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.90 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $860.07 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $829.92 million. AptarGroup had a net margin of 6.94% and a return on equity of 12.53%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 1.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.96 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that AptarGroup, Inc. will post 4.17 earnings per share for the current year.

AptarGroup Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 17th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 27th will be paid a $0.41 dividend. This is a boost from AptarGroups previous quarterly dividend of $0.38. This represents a $1.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.36%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, July 26th. AptarGroups payout ratio is currently 43.80%.

AptarGroup Company Profile

(Free Report)

AptarGroup, Inc designs and manufactures a range of drug delivery, consumer product dispensing, and active material science solutions and services for the pharmaceutical, beauty, personal care, home care, and food and beverage markets. The company operates through three segments: Aptar Pharma, Aptar Beauty, and Aptar Closures.

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Smith Salley & Associates decreased its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR  Free Report) by 76.0% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 7,092 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 22,484 shares during the period. Smith Salley & Associates holdings in Digital Realty Trust were worth $697,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of DLR. Concord Wealth Partners bought a new position in shares of Digital Realty Trust in the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust in the 1st quarter worth approximately $29,000. Clear Street Markets LLC grew its stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 28,900.0% in the 4th quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 290 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 289 shares during the last quarter. Affiance Financial LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust in the 4th quarter worth approximately $34,000. Finally, Lindbrook Capital LLC grew its stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 97.3% in the 1st quarter. Lindbrook Capital LLC now owns 432 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 213 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 97.76% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

DLR has been the topic of several recent research reports. Barclays upped their price target on Digital Realty Trust from $79.00 to $80.00 in a research note on Monday, May 1st. Truist Financial cut their price target on Digital Realty Trust from $175.00 to $130.00 in a research note on Tuesday. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Digital Realty Trust in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a sell rating on the stock. BMO Capital Markets downgraded Digital Realty Trust from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and cut their target price for the company from $121.00 to $100.00 in a research note on Monday, March 27th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on Digital Realty Trust from $115.00 to $105.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, April 21st. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $114.62.

Insider Buying and Selling

Digital Realty Trust Price Performance

In related news, Director Jean F. H. P. Mandeville sold 1,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, May 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $97.47, for a total transaction of $146,205.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 10,176 shares in the company, valued at $991,854.72. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink . In other Digital Realty Trust news, Director Jean F. H. P. Mandeville sold 1,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, May 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $97.47, for a total transaction of $146,205.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 10,176 shares in the company, valued at $991,854.72. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website . Also, CAO Peter C. Olson sold 700 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.67, for a total value of $73,969.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 7,134 shares in the company, valued at approximately $753,849.78. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . 0.39% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Shares of NYSE:DLR opened at $123.19 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 0.62 and a quick ratio of 0.62. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $106.96 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $103.91. The company has a market capitalization of $36.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 110.98, a P/E/G ratio of 2.86 and a beta of 0.55. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a 1-year low of $85.76 and a 1-year high of $138.09.

Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.19 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.65 by ($1.46). Digital Realty Trust had a return on equity of 2.34% and a net margin of 7.61%. The company had revenue of $1.34 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.41 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.67 EPS. Digital Realty Trusts revenue was up 18.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts expect that Digital Realty Trust, Inc. will post 6.67 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Digital Realty Trust Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, May 30th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th were given a dividend of $1.22 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $4.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.96%. Digital Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio is 439.64%.

Digital Realty Trust Profile

(Free Report)

Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data "meeting place" and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges.

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State Street Co. (NYSE:STT  Get Free Report) has been given a consensus rating of Hold by the twelve ratings firms that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12-month price target among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $76.17.

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Citigroup cut their price objective on State Street from $82.00 to $72.00 in a report on Monday, July 17th. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on State Street from $91.00 to $81.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, July 18th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut State Street from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and cut their price objective for the stock from $78.50 to $71.00 in a report on Monday, July 17th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on State Street from $92.00 to $83.00 in a report on Monday, July 17th. Finally, Barclays cut their price objective on State Street from $100.00 to $87.00 in a report on Sunday, July 16th.

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Insider Buying and Selling at State Street

In other State Street news, CFO Eric W. Aboaf sold 11,899 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $68.28, for a total transaction of $812,463.72. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 157,860 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,778,680.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, EVP Michael L. Richards sold 1,814 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $68.17, for a total value of $123,660.38. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 33,197 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,263,039.49. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Eric W. Aboaf sold 11,899 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $68.28, for a total value of $812,463.72. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 157,860 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,778,680.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.25% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

State Street Price Performance

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. SVB Wealth LLC raised its position in shares of State Street by 3.5% in the 2nd quarter. SVB Wealth LLC now owns 27,368 shares of the asset managers stock worth $2,003,000 after acquiring an additional 915 shares in the last quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. raised its position in shares of State Street by 2.2% in the 2nd quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 582,154 shares of the asset managers stock worth $42,602,000 after acquiring an additional 12,618 shares in the last quarter. Benin Management CORP raised its position in shares of State Street by 13.3% in the 2nd quarter. Benin Management CORP now owns 21,344 shares of the asset managers stock worth $1,562,000 after acquiring an additional 2,500 shares in the last quarter. Achmea Investment Management B.V. increased its position in State Street by 145.0% during the 2nd quarter. Achmea Investment Management B.V. now owns 182,220 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $13,335,000 after buying an additional 107,830 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Creative Planning increased its position in State Street by 3.3% during the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 15,586 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $1,141,000 after buying an additional 501 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 89.39% of the companys stock.

State Street stock opened at $71.24 on Thursday. State Street has a 52 week low of $58.62 and a 52 week high of $94.74. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $71.56 and a 200 day simple moving average of $77.41. The company has a quick ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77. The stock has a market cap of $23.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.63, a PEG ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 1.56.

State Street (NYSE:STT  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, July 14th. The asset manager reported $2.17 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.08 by $0.09. State Street had a return on equity of 12.20% and a net margin of 16.99%. The business had revenue of $3.11 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.14 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.94 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 5.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts forecast that State Street will post 7.28 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

State Street Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 12th. Shareholders of record on Monday, October 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.69 per share. This is a positive change from State Streets previous quarterly dividend of $0.63. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 29th. This represents a $2.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.87%. State Streets dividend payout ratio is presently 37.30%.

About State Street

(Get Free Report

State Street Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of financial products and services to institutional investors worldwide. The company offers investment servicing products and services, including custody, accounting, regulatory reporting, investor, and performance and analytics; middle office products, such as IBOR, transaction management, loans, cash, derivatives and collateral, record keeping, and client reporting and investment analytics; foreign exchange, and brokerage and other trading services; securities finance and enhanced custody products; deposit and short-term investment facilities; loans and lease financing; investment manager and alternative investment manager operations outsourcing; performance, risk, and compliance analytics; and financial data management to support institutional investors.

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Xi extends congratulations to Cambodia's Hun Sen on election victory

Xinhua) 15:21, July 25, 2023

BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Tuesday extended congratulations to Samdech Techo Hun Sen, president of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP), on the CPP's victory in Cambodia's 7th general election.

It is good to see that Cambodia, under the correct leadership of the royal government headed by Hun Sen, has achieved political stability, economic development and better living standards, while the country's international and regional status has been continuously promoted, said Xi.

The Chinese side will, as always, support Cambodia in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, Xi said.

He also said that under the strong leadership of Hun Sen, the CPP will make new and greater contributions to national prosperity and people's happiness as well as peace, stability, development and prosperity of the region.

Xi stressed that China and Cambodia belong to one community with a shared future, and the CPC highly regards its friendly cooperation with the CPP.

He also expressed his willingness to work with Hun Sen to strengthen political guidance for bilateral relations, deepen exchanges and cooperation between the two parties and in other areas, and jointly build a high-quality, high-level and high-standard China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era to better benefit the two countries and their people.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang also sent a congratulatory message to Hun Sen on Tuesday.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Responding to a leaked government memo dated 19 July 2023, which was addressed to the Lagos State Ministry of Health and indicated that the state government had approved more than N61 million Naira for the mass burial of 103 persons identified as victims of the #EndSARS protests in October 2020, Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, said:

"The Nigerian authorities must urgently halt their plans to carry out a secret mass burial of #EndSARS victims and instead carry out a thorough and independent investigation into the killings and ensure that those suspected to be responsible are brought to justice in fair trials. They must also carry out transparent coroner inquests and autopsies on the 103 #EndSARS victims and publish their identities and the circumstances of their deaths.

"It is appalling that the Lagos state government has not even mentioned that it has held the bodies of 103 #EndSARS victims in its custody since October 2020.

"All those detained because of their role in the #EndSARS protests must be immediately released. The Nigerian authorities must also ensure that victims and their families are provided with access to justice and effective remedies, including adequate compensation."

Background

Amnesty International has been monitoring developments across Nigeria since the #EndSARS protests began on 8 October 2020.

In October 2020, an on-the-ground investigation by Amnesty International confirmed that Nigerian security forces opened fire on thousands of peaceful protesters, who were peacefully calling for good governance and an end to police brutality, killing at least 12 protesters at Lekki toll gate and in Alausa.

Amnesty International was able to establish that pro-government supporters instigated violence at many of the demonstrations, providing cover for the police to use lethal force against peaceful protesters.

On 16 November 2020, a Judicial Panel of Inquiry set up to investigate the Lekki toll gate killings submitted its report, which indicted the military and the police for killing unarmed protesters, who were sitting on the floor and waving Nigerian flags and singing.
Syverson Strege & Co purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF (BATS:FLOT  Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 1,308 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $66,000.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in FLOT. Wells Fargo & Company MN raised its holdings in iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 4.8% in the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 4,404,196 shares of the companys stock worth $221,663,000 after purchasing an additional 202,349 shares during the period. Franklin Resources Inc. grew its stake in iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 7.0% in the 4th quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 3,586,597 shares of the companys stock valued at $180,513,000 after acquiring an additional 234,085 shares during the period. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its stake in iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 18.1% in the 4th quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 3,127,833 shares of the companys stock valued at $157,424,000 after acquiring an additional 478,850 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 11.4% in the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 2,876,329 shares of the companys stock valued at $144,766,000 after acquiring an additional 293,833 shares during the period. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada grew its stake in iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 24.1% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 2,495,722 shares of the companys stock valued at $126,084,000 after acquiring an additional 484,663 shares during the period.

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iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF Stock Up 0.0 %

Shares of FLOT traded up $0.02 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $50.78. 792,214 shares of the company were exchanged. iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF has a 1-year low of $50.76 and a 1-year high of $51.10. The company has a 50 day moving average of $50.66 and a 200-day moving average of $50.52.

iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF Announces Dividend

iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF Profile

The business also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 10th. Investors of record on Wednesday, July 5th were given a dividend of $0.2341 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, July 3rd.

(Free Report)

The iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF (FLOT) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund tracks a market value-weighted index of USD-denominated, investment-grade floating rate notes with maturities of 0-5 years. FLOT was launched on Jun 14, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock.

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The annual Dayton Holiday Festival Grande Illumination and Childrens Parade will return to downtown Dayton in 2023 with increased safety and security protocols.

Dayton Holiday Festival returns for 51st season this November

The 51st annual Dayton Holiday Festival Grande Illumination and Childrens Parade will return to downtown Daytons Courthouse Square on Friday, November 24, 2023. Event organizers have been working extensively with the Dayton Police Department and other community partners on a comprehensive analysis of the event. While guests favorite activities will return and remain unchanged, recommended logistical and security enhancements have been made to the 2023 kickoff event.

Safety continues to be a top priority following the 2022 Grande Illumination and Childrens Parade. Near the end of last years kickoff event, a disturbance between juveniles occurred and a single gunshot was fired into the air. The Dayton Police Department quickly responded to ensure no one was injured and that there was no further danger to attendees. The DPD investigation is ongoing.

In the days immediately following the incident, event organizers, Dayton Police, and other key community members held a comprehensive and thorough review of the event. Meetings and discussions have continued in the months since to further examine event programming, operations, timing, location, and safety protocols.

To ensure the safety of all participants and attendees of this long-standing community event, several recommendations have been made for the 2023 Grande Illumination and Childrens Parade:

Reposition and better disperse on-duty officers around the event footprint to create better coverage and visibility at the event, including the addition of bike patrol officers

Use supplemental security resources to increase the safety presence at the event

Move the event start and end time one hour earlier (3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)

Continuing this beloved holiday tradition is important to our community. In doing so, the comfort and safety of our guests at the Dayton Holiday Festival remains our highest priority, said Sandra K. Gudorf, president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership. It is our obligation to carefully examine all aspects of the event to ensure we do all we can to keep this downtown tradition of 50 years a safe and welcoming place for all.

The 2023 Dayton Holiday Festival and Grande Illumination are presented by AES Ohio and the Downtown Dayton Partnership. Additional support comes from the Mrs. Virginia W. Kettering Dayton Holiday Festival Fund, Montgomery County and the City of Dayton.

Details about this years Dayton Holiday Festival will be made available in the coming months.
press release

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia  14 new reports published provide a detailed account of drug resistance surveillance capacity across the continent to reduce AMR burden

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) with the support of the UK Aid Fleming Fund, have published 14 new individual African Union (AU) Member States reports providing a detailed study representation of the AMR situation across the continent. The reports were published as part of the Mapping antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial use (AMU) Partnership (MAAP) consortium's efforts.

The fourteen (14) Member States in the first phase of MAAP at the end of 2022, include Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Eswatini, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Containing over 819,500 AMR data records, between 2016 to 2019, from 205 laboratories, the AMR surveillance data analysed for the new reports from each Member State provides a unique source of information to feed into the national AMR action plan, national laboratory strategic plan, and other relevant policies in Africa.

"MAAP has collaborated with African Union Member States and put AMR on the map of Africa for the first time. A critical step to address the threat of AMR on the continent," said Dr Yewande Alimi, Africa CDC AMR Programme Coordinator.

The study's findings from the 14 Member States in the first phase of MAAP indicate that only five (5) out of the 15 antibiotic pathogens combinations prioritized by the WHO (GLASS) are being consistently tested and demonstrate a high rate of AMR.

Researchers also found that most laboratories across Africa are not ready for AMR testing. Just over 1% of the 50,000 medical laboratories forming the tiered laboratory networks of the 14 participating Member States conduct bacteriology testing and even fewer are capable of conducting the scientific process of determining AMR. This underlies the importance of further investment in laboratory capacity, including microbial systems, equipment and training - supported by the Fleming Fund, working with grantees and national partners.

"The lack of bacteriology and AMR testing capacity documented by MAAP has been an eye-opener. The reports published today constitute a unique resource for national, regional and global stakeholders working at reducing the burden of AMR," said Pascale Ondoa, Director of Science and New Initiatives at ASLM.

MAAP also documented an alarming picture of antimicrobial consumption (AMC) with a combined lack of access and erratic use of antimicrobials. Only four (4) drugs comprised more than two-thirds (67%) of all the antibiotics used in the healthcare setting, while reserve-category antibiotics were found in only six of the 14 MAAP Member States. Unregulated antibiotic fixed combinations represented 3.4% of all consumed antibiotics.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Africa Health By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

AMR stands as one of the leading public health challenges of the 21st century, with Africa having the world's highest mortality rate from AMR infections, resulting in over 27 deaths per 100,000.

Without data information on the rates, drivers, and trends of AMR on both antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial consumption (AMC), health experts are 'flying blind' and cannot develop and deploy policies to limit or curtail AMR. Interventions in Africa mostly remain generic since no baseline information on the magnitude of the problem is available at national or regional levels.

Given the threat of the rise of drug-resistant organisms, AU Heads of State and Government have committed to urgently addressing the threat of AMR across multiple sectors, especially human health, animal health, and agriculture.

The Africa Union Framework for Antimicrobial Resistance Control, 2020-2025 details strategies for Africa CDC to improve data surveillance, delay AMR emergence, limit transmission and mitigate harm from resistant pathogens.

Based on the findings, Africa CDC and ASLM will continue to engage Member States on AMR surveillance and increase the quality and quantity of AMR and AMC data being collected across Africa, along with revised AMR control strategies and research priorities.

Visit the Africa CDC and ASLM websites to access the reports.
The court was responding to a petition filed by Ajay Agarwal and Sulochana Agarwal, directors of Fenestration Systems Pvt Ltd, located in Survey No.s 33/8 33/9 in Jeedimetla. (File Photo: PTI)

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Monday issued notices to ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLA Arekapudi Gandhi who has been accused of attempting to grab prime land in the city by intimidating the owners.

The court was responding to a petition filed by Ajay Agarwal and Sulochana Agarwal, directors of Fenestration Systems Pvt Ltd, located in Survey No.s 33/8 33/9 in Jeedimetla.

The HC also issued notices the Telangana police, which includes the DGP, the Cyberabad police Commissioner, the DCP of Medchal, Pet Basheerabad circle inspector and sub-inspector, directing them to reply to allegations that they favoured the MLA and his henchmen by not registering the crime they allegedly committed.

According to the petitioners, about 100 armed persons, who they said were followers of the MLA, forcibly entry their premises, demolished sheds with excavators and took away valuable machinery and material on June 25. Several factory employees suffered injuries in the incident, they said. The MLAs henchmen threatened to even murder those come in the way of demolition, the petitioners said.

The HC wanted to know why police did not act on the complaint for a week and diluted the gravity of the offence by clamping sections of less seriousness.

The petitioners informed the court that the factory of 70,000 square feet was built in six acres and 15 guntas and a civil dispute was underway over the property. "The MLA intervened in the civil dispute and tried to dispossess us with an intent to grab the land," the petitioners alleged.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah (ANI)

BENGALURU: As many as 30 MLAs of the ruling Congress party have reportedly written a letter to the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressing displeasure over the attitude of some ministers, who are allegedly not responding positively to their pleas and not helping them in getting their work done.

Senior MLAs of the party such as B.R. Patil and Basavaraja Rayareddy  backed by party MLAs M. Krishnappa, Priya Krishna, Vijayanand Kashappanavar, Narendera Swamy among others  have dashed off a letter asking for holding Congress Legislature Party meeting immediately.

To address the problems of MLAs, if any, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the MLAs had asked for the CLP meet. Though a meeting has been convened, he denied that MLAs have lodged a complaint against the ministers. "We will lend a patient hearing to the MLAs," he said.

The meeting is said to have been convened on the direction of president of All India Congress Committee (AICC) Mallikarjuna Kharge. CLP secretary and MLA E. Tukaram intimated the MLAs about the CLP meeting.

It is said that some MLAs were keen on transfer of officials concerned in their Assembly seats and their demands have not been conceded yet leading to displeasure among the MLAs.

Regarding the CLP meeting, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday stated that some of the ruling party MLAs have put forth demand for initiating works in their constituencies and they were asked to put on hold the demands for the year since the state government had to fulfill five-guarantees assured to the voters before coming to power in Karnataka.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Union Ministers Arjun Ram Meghwal and Pralhad Joshi arrives for the BJP parliamentary party meeting, in New Delhi, (PTI)

Hitting out at the opposition over the ensuing logjam in the Parliament since the start of the Monsoon Session, PM Modi remarked, while addressing the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting, that we have never witnessed such a directionless opposition. As per the sources, taking a swipe at the opposition he said that in its frustration and disappointment it is conducting itself in a manner that clearly indicates that it has made up its mind to remain in opposition.

Mocking opposition alliance  INDIA, he compared it with examples of infamous names having India in them such as East India Company and Popular Front of India and stressed on the fact that people wont be misled by this tactic of merely integrating the countrys name in their alliance name.

He stated that he is confident that BJP will retain power after 2024 elections, an encore of its performance in 2014 and 2019 with peoples unflinching support and India will become the third largest economy.

Meanwhile, opposition parties are considering moving no confidence motion against the government in Lok Sabha as per the sources.

Monsoon session has been marred by frequent interruptions of its proceedings by the members of the freshly minted opposition alliance INDIAs members who are demanding the PM to make a statement on the Manipur ethnic violence which has continued unabated for more than two months.
Zhou was found to have personally or through his relatives taken bribes in cities and counties in Zhejiang province between 2001 and 2021 in return for aiding deals such as one related to construction and land acquisition. CCTV did not name any other parties involved.
China has been investing heavily in various infrastructural projects in Nepal, leading to the Himalayan nation's growing reliance on Chinese financing. These actions are consistent with Beijing's debt-trap diplomacy, as seen in other countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Francis replied that "the Lord always walks with us ... Even if we are sinners, he draws near to help us. The Lord loves us as we are, this is God's crazy love."
A local official in Plateau State in Nigeria's restive north has said that at least 80,000 people have been displaced in the past three months by intercommunal violence. Attacks have been mounting since May. The army has reinforced security to end the clashes.

"There are an estimated of 80,000 internally displaced persons, within 11 various camps in the local government area," said Markus Artu, a top official in Mangu district.

Mangu district, in Plateau State, has been one of the epicentres of the recent violence with villages ransacked and farmland destroyed.

Since May, the region in central Nigeria has seen 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,on Saturday to mark the start of special operations to "stamp out" the violence.

Mangu, Are you ready?Nigeria's Army Chief of Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, has launched Operation Hakorin Damisa Special Forces to restore normalcy across crisis Communities in Plateau State. Three hundred special troops are deployed to the Mangu local government pic.twitter.com/6Acqh7AWGk-- Nifemi Oguntoye (@nifemioguntoye) July 22, 2023

Sheltering the displaced

Camps situated at a primary school in Mangu shelter about 18,000 of the displaced, according to one of the camp coordinators Yamput Daniel.

The State emergency response agency has delivered aid.

The victims are mostly local cattle herders.

"The crisis has rendered us homeless," Grace Emmanuel, one of the displaced told French news agency AFP.

"Our farmland has been destroyed and we are left to manage our lives here in this primary school."

Most of the displaced people have no food, and must fetch water from the well, which doesnt provide enough water for everyone.

"We are tired of being here, we appreciate the security coming, but it would be best if the government would deploy most of the security to the villages, so that we can get back," said Mary Ishaya, a displaced woman in Mangu district.

"But we are left here, with our children, no food, no medicine and the children are not going to school."

Security problems

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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 armoured vehicles.

"The people's army, when communities make distress calls, must respond as soon as possible," army chief of staff General Lagbaja told troops.

The clashes are just one of the major security challenges faced by new President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Nigeria.

Honoured to address the dedicated graduates of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Senior Course 45. Your commitment to security is commendable. Together, let's lead our nation towards peace, prosperity, and justice. pic.twitter.com/uIhFbFaqhJ-- Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) July 21, 2023

Plateau State 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.

The trigger of the most recent attacks in Plateau remain unclear. 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.

(with AFP)
A Court of Inquiry proceeding has been initiated against the head constable who belongs to the number 100 battalion of the force that was sent to the state as an ad-hoc unit for security duties in the wake of the ethnic violence in the northeastern state, the officer said.
"The state government views the fresh illegal entry of 718 refugees very seriously with utmost sensitivity as the same may have international ramifications, more particularly in view of the ongoing law and order issues. In view of above, state government has sought detailed report from Assam Rifles authority to clarify on the facts and compelling circumstances/reasons, as to why and how these 718 Myanmar nationals were allowed to enter into India in Chandel district without proper travel documents; along with strict advice to push back those illegal Myanmar nationals immediately," said the statement.
Thousands in Mizoram demand restoration of peace and end to attacks on Kukis in Manipur

Mizoram CM also took part in the rally
Congress General Secretary (Organisation) Jairam Ramesh claimed that the prime minister is "very rattled" by the 26-party I.N.D.I.A bloc and "not only is he trying to give new life to the almost-dead NDA but has also given it a new meaning through his vile abuses this morning -- the National Defamation Alliance. When he is cornered, this is what Modi does all the time -- deny, divert, distort, deflect and defame".
These suspected PIOs are calling and sending messages by initially giving reference to something known to the students to convince them that it is their teachers who are contacting them, the sources said.
"There are several important bills and we do not want them to be passed without discussion. We want constructive discussion. We urged them with folded hands to participate in the discussion," he told reporters.
"There was some issue in authentication of transaction between banks and IRCTC in train ticket booking. When the issue was noticed in the morning, the expert team put all the efforts to resume the online IRCTC website and Mobile app ticketing service. By afternoon the issue was resolved and website first and later on the Mobile app for online ticket booking was started working," the spokesperson of Indian Railways said.
In a bid to overcome shortage of constables in the Mumbai Police force, the state government has given the nod to outsource 3,000 personnel from the Maharashtra State Security Corporation (MSSC), an official said on Tuesday.
A 35-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly raping a 33-year-old woman on the pretext of marriage after they became friends while playing the PUBG game and later started working together at an event management company in Mumbai, police said on Tuesday.
Signaturefd LLC cut its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE  Free Report) by 29.3% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 1,164 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 482 shares during the period. Signaturefd LLCs holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities were worth $146,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of ARE. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV lifted its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 2.5% in the 4th quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 2,512 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $366,000 after acquiring an additional 62 shares in the last quarter. Great Valley Advisor Group Inc. lifted its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 3.7% in the 4th quarter. Great Valley Advisor Group Inc. now owns 1,841 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $268,000 after acquiring an additional 66 shares in the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. lifted its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 2.3% in the 4th quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 3,083 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $449,000 after acquiring an additional 70 shares in the last quarter. Seaport Global Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 7.5% in the 4th quarter. Seaport Global Advisors LLC now owns 1,047 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $153,000 after acquiring an additional 73 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC raised its stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 7.3% during the 1st quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 1,086 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $219,000 after purchasing an additional 74 shares in the last quarter. 85.60% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on ARE. StockNews.com cut Alexandria Real Estate Equities from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Wednesday, June 14th. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price objective on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $198.00 to $166.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 4th. Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. They set a buy rating and a $142.00 price objective on the stock. Mizuho dropped their price objective on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $180.00 to $145.00 in a research note on Monday, April 24th. Finally, Evercore ISI dropped their price target on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $141.00 to $137.00 in a research note on Monday, July 3rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Alexandria Real Estate Equities has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $163.38.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Stock Down 0.1 %

ARE opened at $123.08 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.53, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $116.67 and its 200 day simple moving average is $131.12. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. has a 1-year low of $108.81 and a 1-year high of $172.65. The stock has a market cap of $21.29 billion, a PE ratio of 27.17, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.42 and a beta of 0.92.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 25th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.44 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.15 by ($1.71). Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a net margin of 28.01% and a return on equity of 3.77%. The firm had revenue of $700.80 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $686.70 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $2.05 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 13.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts expect that Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. will post 8.95 earnings per share for the current year.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 30th were issued a dividend of $1.24 per share. This is a positive change from Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess previous quarterly dividend of $1.21. This represents a $4.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.03%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, June 29th. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess dividend payout ratio is 109.49%.

Insider Transactions at Alexandria Real Estate Equities

In other news, Chairman Joel S. Marcus sold 7,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $122.20, for a total transaction of $916,500.00. Following the sale, the chairman now directly owns 351,354 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $42,935,458.80. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.96% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Profile

(Free Report)

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc (NYSE: ARE), an S&P 500 company, is a best-in-class, mission-driven life science REIT making a positive and lasting impact on the world. As the pioneer of the life science real estate niche since its founding in 1994, Alexandria is the preeminent and longest-tenured owner, operator, and developer of collaborative life science, agtech, and advanced technology campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, including Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle.

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The Boko Haram insurgency has had a significant and far-reaching impact on healthcare in northeastern states like Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa. The insurgency disrupted health service delivery, particularly for pregnant women, newborns, and children. For example, in Damaturu Local Government Area (LGA) in Yobe State, although there was an increase in antenatal care (ANC) visits between 2013 and 2014, only 33% of pregnant women received ANC from skilled providers in the state in 2013. This number dropped to 19%, according to the Nigeria Demographic Health Survey 2018 (NDHS 2018).

To bridge the healthcare delivery gap, in 2020, the Yobe State Government and its partners collaborated with Plan International, German Cooperation (GIZ), the World Bank's Saving One Million Lives Project, and other partners to construct, refurbish, and equip PHCs in the state. Dr Babagana Kundi Machina, Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Primary Health Care Development Board (YSPHCDB), said the objective was to establish at least one PHC in the one hundred and seventy-eight wards by 2023 to increase access to essential services.

According to Dr Muhammad Lawan Gana, the State Commissioner for Health, 138 PHCs have either been built, upgraded or rehabilitated as of May 2023. However, they were only able to achieve 78% of the target due to funding challenges. "We realised that the initial bill of quantities and contract sum were insufficient," he said. So far, four general hospitals have been upgraded to specialist facilities, and eight PHCs to general hospitals.

Building resilient health infrastructure

Gwange Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Njiwaju Gwange Ward, Damaturu LGA was rehabilitated and commissioned in December 2022. The facility now has separate male and female wards, a laboratory, spacious antenatal care (ANC) and immunisation rooms, and additional staff quarters. It offers maternity care services to pregnant and breastfeeding women, including antenatal and postnatal care and delivery and child health services like immunisation. It also provides 24-hour services for women in labour and out-patient care.

After its renovation, the Gwange PHC is now bustling with activity, and among those benefiting from the improved facility are expectant mothers receiving ANC. Photo credit: Nigeria Health Watch

Esther Salihu, officer-in-charge (OIC) of Gwange PHC, said that before the renovation, the facility could accommodate 20 to 30 pregnant women monthly for ANC and a little less than 20 deliveries due to limited space and resources. Currently, about 100 women access ANC services on each ANC day and deliveries have risen to 60-70 monthly. Amina Sherrif, the family planning focal person at the PHC, also reported an increase in women accessing family planning services from less than 100 to about 300 monthly. Fannah Mohammed, a 32-year-old mother of ten, has visited Gwange PHC for 13 years. Reacting to its transformation, she said, "In the past, we only came here for immunisation, but now the hospital has grown big".

Image credit: Nigeria Health Watch

However, Salihu revealed that the PHC is grappling with multiple issues, including a shortage of staff and power challenges due to reliance on a single solar panel for electricity. Moreover, during the rainy season, the clinic's compound becomes flooded with water, posing significant challenges for patients and healthcare workers attempting to access the facility.

Expanding social equity

Beyond just rehabilitating and upgrading the health facilities to ensure that the residents of the state use the facilities, in June 2022, the State Government launched a programme called the 'Buni Expanded Free Healthcare Scheme' -- a fully funded social equity programme to cover basic healthcare needs. Beneficiaries include older people, people living with disabilities (PLWDs), children under-five, people with sickle cell, and pregnant women. The state has 187 wards, and at least 187 beneficiaries are selected from each ward -- prioritising 100 pregnant women -- to participate in the programme. Once a woman gives birth, she exits the programme, making space for others. Children under five, older people, and PLWDs participate for two years without enrolment. However, people with sickle cell are allowed to renew enrolment due to their specific medical condition. The programme currently has about 42,000 participants.

Mohammed, also a programme beneficiary, said that services are not entirely free as pregnant women must pay an "affordable amount" during delivery. The OIC explained that the affordable amount was only 10% of medication costs, saying the programme covers all other expenses.

In January 2023, the Yobe State Primary Health Care Development Board (YSPHCDB) partnered with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to enrol an additional 2,500 beneficiaries into the scheme in 10 health facilities across 10 LGAs. The intervention is projected to span three years.

Bulama Lawan Kurma, chairman Njiwaju Gwange ward development committee (WDC), voluntarily ensures immunisation adherence, organises monthly meetings with health workers, and skillfully monitors defaulters using registers to maintain up-to-date vaccinations for all. Photo credit: Nigeria Health Watch

There is also the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), a federal government-funded scheme which provides free minimum basic healthcare to the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians through accredited PHCs to reduce maternal, newborn, and under-5 deaths. Thirty-two thousand beneficiaries across the 17 LGAs in the state are registered in the scheme. "The two financial interventions in the state were designed to be mutually exclusive such that no beneficiary is duplicated simultaneously," said Dr Machina. However, several communities are not benefiting from either of the social equity programmes.

Fostering progress

According to Shettima Mukhtar, the Director of Planning Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the YSPHCDB, the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) revealed an increase in immunisation coverage within the state. Between 2017 and 2021, the percentage of fully immunised children rose from six per cent to 49%. Furthermore, the first and last ANC visits experienced growth, with a 1.7% and 49% increase, respectively. The report also showed a 77% improvement in family planning service uptake between 2017 and 2021. Additionally, the state's coverage of the Penta3 vaccine for 14-week-old babies rose from 9% in 2015 to 65% in 2021, earning Yobe State recognition as the "most improved state in immunisation by the NPHCDA," said Dr Gana.

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Image credit: Nigeria Health Watch

Though challenges persist, such as the need to address staff shortages and ensure equitable access to social equity programmes for all communities in the state, Yobe State's commitment to expanding healthcare access and providing free basic healthcare to vulnerable populations demonstrates a dedicated approach to improving the well-being of its people. However, the true measure of success for interventions like these will be evident when reduced maternal and neonatal mortality rates are reported, along with improvements in other health indicators in the state.

.

It is, therefore, critical to ensure the sustainability and long-term effectiveness of these interventions. This can be achieved through fostering collaborative partnerships, implementing continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and making strategic resource allocations to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure and overcome current challenges.
Retirement Systems of Alabama lessened its position in shares of HP Inc. (NYSE:HPQ  Free Report) by 9.9% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 255,459 shares of the computer makers stock after selling 28,133 shares during the period. Retirement Systems of Alabamas holdings in HP were worth $7,498,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in HPQ. Cantor Fitzgerald Investment Advisor L.P boosted its stake in shares of HP by 89.9% during the 1st quarter. Cantor Fitzgerald Investment Advisor L.P now owns 873,243 shares of the computer makers stock worth $31,698,000 after buying an additional 413,491 shares during the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board boosted its stake in shares of HP by 46.6% during the 1st quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 305,877 shares of the computer makers stock worth $11,103,000 after buying an additional 97,178 shares during the last quarter. Prudential PLC acquired a new position in shares of HP during the 1st quarter worth about $892,000. Cetera Investment Advisers boosted its stake in shares of HP by 6.8% during the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 17,651 shares of the computer makers stock worth $641,000 after buying an additional 1,121 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of HP during the 1st quarter worth about $309,000. Institutional investors own 76.18% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at HP

In related news, CEO Enrique Lores sold 156,976 shares of HP stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $30.69, for a total value of $4,817,593.44. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 766,268 shares of the companys stock, valued at $23,516,764.92. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other HP news, Director Subra Suresh sold 6,659 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $33.00, for a total value of $219,747.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 59,533 shares in the company, valued at $1,964,589. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Enrique Lores sold 156,976 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $30.69, for a total transaction of $4,817,593.44. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 766,268 shares in the company, valued at approximately $23,516,764.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 198,620 shares of company stock valued at $6,097,594 over the last three months. 0.32% of the stock is owned by insiders.

HP Trading Up 0.6 %

Shares of HPQ opened at $32.43 on Tuesday. HP Inc. has a 12 month low of $24.08 and a 12 month high of $35.32. The firms 50 day moving average is $30.89 and its 200-day moving average is $29.74. The stock has a market capitalization of $31.97 billion, a PE ratio of 12.28, a P/E/G ratio of 2.41 and a beta of 1.00.

HP (NYSE:HPQ  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, May 30th. The computer maker reported $0.80 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.76 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $12.91 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.07 billion. HP had a net margin of 4.75% and a negative return on equity of 121.57%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 21.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.08 earnings per share. Equities research analysts predict that HP Inc. will post 3.35 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

HP Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, October 4th. Investors of record on Wednesday, September 13th will be paid a $0.2625 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 12th. This represents a $1.05 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.24%. HPs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 39.77%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts have recently commented on HPQ shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of HP from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $30.00 to $35.00 in a research note on Monday, April 17th. Citigroup started coverage on shares of HP in a research note on Thursday, June 29th. They issued a neutral rating and a $32.00 target price for the company. Bank of America raised their target price on shares of HP from $26.00 to $27.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 31st. StockNews.com downgraded shares of HP from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Finally, UBS Group raised their target price on shares of HP from $30.00 to $31.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 31st. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $29.88.

HP Profile

(Free Report)

HP Inc provides products, technologies, software, solutions, and services to individual consumers, small- and medium-sized businesses, and large enterprises, including customers in the government, health, and education sectors worldwide. It operates through Personal Systems and Printing segments. The Personal Systems segment offers commercial personal computers (PCs), consumer PCs, workstations, thin clients, commercial tablets and mobility devices, retail point-of-sale systems, displays and other related accessories, software, support, and services for the commercial and consumer markets.

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Retirement Systems of Alabama cut its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM  Free Report) by 5.5% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,249,333 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 72,713 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. comprises 0.7% of Retirement Systems of Alabamas holdings, making the stock its 21st largest holding. Retirement Systems of Alabamas holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. were worth $162,801,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Retirement Financial Solutions LLC bought a new position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. Adirondack Retirement Specialists Inc. grew its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 510.8% during the 1st quarter. Adirondack Retirement Specialists Inc. now owns 226 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 189 shares during the last quarter. Boulder Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the 4th quarter valued at about $43,000. Capital Directions Investment Advisors LLC bought a new position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the 4th quarter valued at about $44,000. Finally, VitalStone Financial LLC bought a new position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the 4th quarter valued at about $58,000. 70.10% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling at JPMorgan Chase & Co.

In other JPMorgan Chase & Co. news, CEO Daniel E. Pinto sold 113,640 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $135.93, for a total value of $15,447,085.20. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 566,665 shares in the company, valued at $77,026,773.45. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Daniel E. Pinto sold 113,640 shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $135.93, for a total transaction of $15,447,085.20. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 566,665 shares in the company, valued at $77,026,773.45. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Douglas B. Petno sold 4,932 shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. stock in a transaction on Monday, May 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $134.90, for a total transaction of $665,326.80. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 282,091 shares of the companys stock, valued at $38,054,075.90. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 145,861 shares of company stock worth $19,858,275 over the last three months. Corporate insiders own 0.79% of the companys stock.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Price Performance

Shares of JPM opened at $158.00 on Tuesday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a fifty-two week low of $101.28 and a fifty-two week high of $158.79. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $142.83 and a 200-day moving average price of $138.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 0.90. The stock has a market capitalization of $461.72 billion, a PE ratio of 10.17, a PEG ratio of 2.05 and a beta of 1.10.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, July 14th. The financial services provider reported $4.37 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.62 by $0.75. The company had revenue of $42.40 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $38.66 billion. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a net margin of 23.45% and a return on equity of 17.29%. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s revenue was up 34.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.76 earnings per share. Equities analysts predict that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 15.15 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 31st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 6th will be paid a $1.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, July 5th. This represents a $4.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.53%. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 25.74%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts recently commented on the stock. Piper Sandler upped their price target on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $158.00 to $168.00 in a report on Monday, July 17th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $174.00 to $180.00 in a research report on Monday, July 17th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price objective on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $169.00 to $170.00 in a research report on Tuesday, May 2nd. Wolfe Research raised shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $170.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Friday, July 7th. Finally, Oppenheimer boosted their price objective on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $157.00 to $192.00 and gave the company an outperformer rating in a research report on Monday, April 17th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $164.65.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Profile

(Free Report)

JPMorgan Chase & Co operates as a financial services company worldwide. It operates through four segments: Consumer & Community Banking (CCB), Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB), Commercial Banking (CB), and Asset & Wealth Management (AWM). The CCB segment offers deposit, investment and lending products, cash management, and payments and services to consumers and small businesses; mortgage origination and servicing activities; residential mortgages and home equity loans; and credit cards, auto loans, leases, and travel services.

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SG Americas Securities LLC boosted its stake in AECOM (NYSE:ACM  Free Report) by 30.4% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 16,145 shares of the construction companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,765 shares during the quarter. SG Americas Securities LLCs holdings in AECOM were worth $1,361,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in ACM. Delta Asset Management LLC TN acquired a new stake in AECOM in the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new stake in AECOM during the 1st quarter worth $25,000. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV boosted its stake in AECOM by 80.9% during the 1st quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 360 shares of the construction companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 161 shares during the last quarter. MCF Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in AECOM during the 1st quarter worth $30,000. Finally, Laffer Tengler Investments acquired a new stake in AECOM during the 4th quarter worth $36,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.49% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages have issued reports on ACM. StockNews.com raised shares of AECOM from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday. Robert W. Baird lowered their price target on shares of AECOM from $103.00 to $100.00 in a research report on Tuesday, May 9th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, AECOM has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $99.00.

AECOM Stock Down 0.7 %

Shares of NYSE:ACM opened at $87.86 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 1.09 and a quick ratio of 1.09. The firm has a market capitalization of $12.21 billion, a PE ratio of 33.15, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.16 and a beta of 1.29. The firms 50-day moving average is $83.71 and its two-hundred day moving average is $84.45. AECOM has a 1 year low of $66.47 and a 1 year high of $92.16.

AECOM (NYSE:ACM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The construction company reported $0.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.88 by $0.04. AECOM had a net margin of 2.75% and a return on equity of 18.72%. The company had revenue of $3.49 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.38 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.83 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 8.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts predict that AECOM will post 3.71 EPS for the current year.

AECOM Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 21st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, July 6th were given a dividend of $0.18 per share. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.82%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, July 5th. AECOMs dividend payout ratio is presently 27.17%.

AECOM Profile

(Free Report)

AECOM, together with its subsidiaries, provides professional infrastructure consulting services worldwide. It operates in three segments: Americas, International, and AECOM Capital. The company offers planning, consulting, architectural and engineering design, construction and program management, and investment and development services to commercial and government clients.

See Also

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Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) is inviting local businesspeople to attend its next regional networking event in County Derry.

Delivered in partnership with NIE Networks, it will take place on Tuesday, August 22 at 9.30am in Roe Park Resort, Limavady.

Delegates will have the opportunity to meet like-minded businesspeople, make connections and create new business opportunities through networking.

They will also learn about the importance of promoting and improving their personal brand from Louise Brogan. Louise specialises in LinkedIn training, working with companies and individuals to help them grow their presence on the social media platform.

At this event, she will help attendees understand how to use LinkedIn to generate new business leads and sales by focusing on key pillars including profile, contacts, content and community.

Inviting people to attend, Christopher Morrow. Acting Chief Executive, NI Chamber said: We are delighted to bring NI Chambers Regional Networking Series to Limavady.

The event is a fantastic opportunity for people working in every sector to learn from others and make new connections. It is an ideal chance for people at all stages of their career to raise their profile and learn new skills - Louise Brogans insights will be of interest to anyone who is keen to learn more about both personal branding and sales.

We encourage businesspeople in the area to make the most of the opportunity and look forward to meeting them on the day.

This event is free for NI Chamber members and costs 50 for non-members to attend. To register, visit the NI Chamber website.
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Stephen Callaghan, has selected the RNLI as his official charity for the year ahead.

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea and on inland waters and has a vision to save every one.

Due to an increasing number of visitors around the UK and Irish waters, the charitys work has never been more important.

Since it was founded in 1824, RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews and seasonal lifeguards have saved over 144,000 lives, with its volunteers providing a 24-hour search and rescue service. The charity believes that even one life lost at sea is too many.

Last year, RNLI lifeguards along the Causeway Coast and in County Down saved 13 lives, aided over 450 people and responded to over 300 incidents.

Meanwhile, lifeboats at RNLI stations across Northern Ireland launched 265 times in 2022, coming to the aid of many people and saving 17 lives.

Speaking about his decision to select the RNLI as his charity for his term in office, Councillor Callaghan said: The RNLI is a charity which I deeply respect and value. Its volunteers are incredibly dedicated, putting their lives at risk to save others. They are ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

The RNLI operates 10 lifeboat stations in Northern Ireland and have 11 lifeguarded beaches, eight of which are located along our beautiful Causeway Coast at Benone, Downhill, Castlerock, Portrush East, Portrush West, Ballycastle, Whiterocks and Portstewart.

"The RNLI also has lifeboat stations at Portrush and Red Bay, with both operating an all-weather and inshore lifeboat, all powered by a team of volunteers.

Next year, the RNLI will celebrate its milestone 200th anniversary, so I felt that there was no better time for the Council to lend its support to this fantastic lifesaving organisation.

Neal Somerville, a fundraising manager at the RNLI added: "This is a wonderful opportunity for the RNLI. We are so grateful to the Mayor and all at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for choosing us as their charity partner for the year ahead.

"As a charity, the RNLI relies on the kindness and generosity of people to power our lifesaving work and any funds raised through this partnership will help us to do just that. We wish all involved the best of luck with what is planned for the year ahead."

For more information about the charity and its work, please visit the RNLI at rnli.org
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When a Co Down fisherman hauled in a rare blue lobster earlier this year in Belfast Lough, he described it as the catch of a lifetime.

So, when Stuart Brown landed the remarkable crustacean for a second time in the same spot several months later, he was left lost for words.

Some marine biologists have estimated the odds of catching a blue lobster at about 2,000,000 to one.

Mr Brown, 28, from Bangor, said he believed the second catch was even more unlikely because lobsters do not usually remain in the same area.

He had been fishing in the waters close to Blackhead Lighthouse on the northern shores of Belfast Lough when he landed the same lobster on his boat, the Huntress, this week.

He said: What was really unusual was that I caught it in almost exactly the same spot as the last time in February.

I was shocked, a bit lost for words to be honest.

I was really surprised that it was still in the area. We are more used to them moving off to a different part of the lough, but it has come back again.

They usually pass through. Normally when they change their shell they move on.

This one has changed its shell, but it is still as blue as the last time.

Mr Brown said the lobster was now large enough to be legally caught, but he intends to return it to the water because it is so rare.

He said: We can now mark it with a V in its tail, which protects it and put it back again because it is so rare.

That makes it illegal for anyone else to land it.

The cause of the blue hue is a rare genetic defect which means some lobsters create too much of a pigment in their shells.

Mr Brown, who has been fishing since the age of 11, is a shareholder in Co Down seafood wholesaling business Seafresh, which sells crabs and lobsters throughout the UK and continental Europe.
German officials eye bilateral cooperation in semiconductors as Germany reportedly readies subsidy for TSMC

A senior official at the German Institute Taipei disclosed that the German government is helping TSMC set up a manufacturing facility in Germany, as Bloomberg reported that the German government is in the final stage of negotiations with TSMC.

Dr. Jorg Polster, the director general of the German Institute Taipei, attended an awarding ceremony held by the National Science and Technology Council of Taiwan, where he said Germany and Taiwan have collaborative projects in semiconductors, EVs, and satellites, adding that the office will have a lot of things to do, including assisting TSMC in investing and building a factory in Germany, implying that TSMC may be making progressing in its wafer fab in Europe.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg quoted sources saying that the German government is looking to use funds worth EUR20 billion (US$22 billion) from the Climate and Transformation Fund to subsidize chip projects of Intel, TSMC, Infineon, and ZF/Wolfspeed. People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that the German government is in the final stage of negotiations with TSMC to invest in a plant in Dresden, and the government may offer up to EUR5 billion in subsidies to TSMC's estimated EUR10 billion investment.

Unnamed officials at the German Institute Taipei told DIGITIMES that they will be very busy in the coming months, promoting bilateral cooperation in education, technology, and economy. Technische Universitat Dresden signed with Taiwan-based National Taiwan University, Tsinghua University, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, and National Taiwan University of Science and Technology to promote academic exchanges, visits of scholars, talent training, and joint degrees.

German officials told DIGITIMES that they highly appreciate Taiwan's talents in semiconductors and hope to strengthen bilateral cooperation and exchanges. The Ministry of Education of Taiwan will promote exchanges in semiconductors between universities from Taiwan and Germany by establishing a working group to implement related projects.

According to data from the ministry, there are 554 MoUs of inter-institutional projects signed between Taiwan and Germany, focusing on mechanical engineering, business management, humanities, and social sciences.

Recepient of Germany's subsidies (EUR) Company Location Subsidy Total Investment Intel Magdeburg 10 billion 30 billion TSMC Dresden up to 5 billion 10 billion (e) Infineon Dresden 1 billion 5 billion ZF/Wolfspeed Saarland 750 million 3 billion

Source: Bloomberg, July 2023
Huawei, TSMC, Intel turn to big data and AI to optimize advanced manufacturing

With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data, an increasing number of major companies have started showcasing their data processing capabilities and AI integration technologies for applications in advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes. Considering the demand for computing chips impacting the semiconductor manufacturing process, the 2023 World Semiconductor Conference Expo held in Nanjing recently saw Huawei, TSMC, and Intel emphasizing the application of AI and Big Data at the process level.

According to a report by Chinese media outlet Sci-Tech Innovation Board Daily, under the current AI trend, Huawei, TSMC, and Intel have each presented solutions for semiconductor manufacturing, demonstrated their Big Data platforms, and advocated for investments in computational power.

Interestingly, at the 2023 World Semiconductor Conference Expo, while TSMC's exhibition area was undoubtedly focused on the semiconductor manufacturing segment, Huawei was also allocated a spot in the manufacturing zone, presenting EDA tool solutions related to the development of computing chips.

Industry insiders cited in the report pointed out that, due to ChatGPT's heavy reliance on computing power, the complexity and quantity of computing chips have rapidly increased, subsequently increasing the demand for EDA tools.

They explained that in the current stage of chip development and simulation, large files ranging from kilobytes (KB) to terabytes (TB) need to be processed, and the read/write functionality of these files in memory affects the computing speed. As chip development and simulation require higher computing power and DRAM demands, specialized software like EDA increasingly requires support for cluster computing capabilities. Therefore, Huawei focused on showcasing its research and production solutions in EDA simulation.

At the conference, Su Hua, a manager in TSMC Nanjing responsible for lithography, mentioned that due to TSMC's gigafab with a monthly production capacity of up to 100,000 wafers and generating approximately 70 billion pieces of data per day, coupled its global expansion, TSMC relies on its big data platform to achieve high levels of productivity and quality standardization.

TSMC stated that each wafer is thoroughly planned before production, including determining the process flow, process parameters, and optimization strategies. During the production process, dynamic corrections can be made based on deviations from the previous steps, establishing the relations between various steps at the big data level to the process flow to ensure dynamic stability in the production line. This is a key aspect of TSMC's quality control.

As for Intel, China media reports suggest that its AI deployment in semiconductor manufacturing involves defect detection on production lines, tool/equipment/wafer fab matching, and multivariate process control. It is believed that AI will bring transformative changes to semiconductor manufacturing.
Stellantis, Samsung SDI to build second EV battery plant in the US

Stellantis and its battery partner Samsung SDI will build a second plant in the US to support the carmaker's EV ramp-up. The facility is expected to begin production in 2027. In addition, BYD is poised to commission a joint battery factory with automaker FAW in China.

Stellantis and Samsung SDI said on July 24 that they have signed an MoU to construct another battery plant in the US without revealing the location. The pair said the initial annual production capacity will be 34GWh. The facility will be Stellantis' sixth battery manufacturing base.

The automaker is building a plant with Samsung SDI in Indiana, the US. The facility ultimately targets an annual production capacity of 33GWh and will be launched in the first quarter of 2025.

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said in a statement that the latest battery plant will support the company in rolling out at least 25 battery EV models in the North American market by the end of 2030.

With its Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, Stellantis plans to reach 100% of passenger BEV sales mix in Europe and half of electric passenger and light-duty truck sales mix in the US by the end of the decade. The company said it is securing close to 400GWh of battery capacity.

On the other hand, China-based BYD's joint battery plant with FAW is on track to start production in September. The two company's joint venture FAW-FinDreams saw its first battery pack roll off the production line on July 21, according to China-based CnEVPost.

The manufacturing facility is located in Changchun, China, with an investment of CNY13.5 billion (US$1.87 billion). It aims to reach 45GWh in annual production capacity and support about one million EVs.

Construction at the plant is close to the end. CnEVPost reported that FAW-FinDreams had said it wants to build a strategic base of EV batteries in northeast China to accelerate green technology adoption in the area.
The 1999 Constitution gives President Tinubu until Friday to appoint his ministers.

President Bola Tinubu has up till 28 July to send his ministerial nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation in accordance with the provision of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The constitution stipulates that the president and governors have a 60-day window to appoint ministers and commissioners from the date they are sworn in.

Section 42 of this Constitution as amended states that - (a) the nomination of any person to the office of a Minister for confirmation by the Senate shall be done within sixty days after the date the President has taken the oath of office;

(b) not less than ten per cent of persons appointed as Ministers shall be women:

Provided that the President may appoint a Minister at any other time during his tenure and such appointment shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate".

The document also provides that the president shall appoint at least a minister from each of the 36 states of the federation.

Mr Tinubu, inaugurated on 29 May, has yet to appoint the cabinet ministers 56 days after.

Speculations

However, there are speculations that Mr Tinubu may have submitted the ministerial list to the Senate last week, but the upper chamber is delaying the announcement because of some changes being effected on the list.

Reports say that one of the changes made was that of the former governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, who was originally on the list but is now being considered for the chairmanship of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Ganduje is being tipped to replace Abdullahi Adamu, who resigned last week alongside the party's National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore.

The president reportedly favours the former Kano governor over a former governor of Nasarawa State, Tanko Al-Makura, who had been positioned to take over from Mr Adamu. Mr Al-Makura was one of the party's chairmanship aspirants last year.

PREMIUM TIMES could not reach the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, Minority Leader, Oyewunmi Olalere, and the spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, for comments as their mobile telephone lines did not connect.

However, a senator from one of the South-west states, who does not want his name mentioned because he was not authorised to speak, told this newspaper on Monday that Mr Tinubu had earlier concluded drawing up the list of ministers and was at the point of sending the list when some senior members of the APC intervened and urged the president to drop and replace some nominees with their choices.

"It is the politics of APC. You know everybody will want to contribute one way or the other," the senator said.

"The list had already been compiled, we had sat down to deliberate on the modalities of the screening, but some stakeholders rejected some people on the list, which the president is still trying to amend. That is why the list is yet to be submitted."

The lawmaker, however, said he was "sure the Senate will conclude the screening and confirmation before going on vacation. Even if it requires extending the date, the Senate will do that."

Meanwhile, Mr Adaramodu told journalists last week that the president had not forwarded the list of the ministerial nominees to the Senate.

The Senate spokesperson spoke amidst concerns that the upper chamber may not have the time to screen the nominees before embarking on recess this week, thereby extending the period Nigerians will wait before ministers assume duty if cleared.

"No date has been announced for the commencement of the legislative annual recess, so the question of a shift does not arise. There is still ample time to present and screen ministerial nominees," Mr Adaramodu said.

"Let us be patient with the government so Nigerians can have the best. The National Assembly shall surely do the needful as appropriate, and Nigerians won't be disappointed."

Should the list arrive at the Senate this week, the upper chamber, which sits a week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) three times, may shift its recess and take some days off to screen the nominees before embarking on a vacation.

Chairman of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, is worried that with the delay in appointing ministers, Mr Tinubu may not, after all, be different from his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

"Initially, many Nigerians thought there would be a departure from the past administration in putting a competent team, not political patronage, to be able to provide the needed leadership.

"But the problem is that the Tinubu administration is still looking at its cabinet based on politics of survival instead of a cabinet that will bring the needed development in Nigeria. That is why he is having political massage and political compromise, and that is not what Nigerians are looking for. They are looking for quality governance," he said.

Government of National Competence

About two weeks after his declaration as president-elect, Mr Tinubu had given insight into what his cabinet will look like.

In a statement on 16 March, the former Lagos State governor said he would form a "government of national competence," an indication that the cabinet would comprise mainly people who are competent to help him deliver his election promises. It also indicated that he would not restrict the appointment of cabinet ministers to political consideration, as was the practice by his predecessors.

"There has been talk of a government of national unity. My aim is higher than that. I seek a government of national competence. In selecting my government, I shall not be weighed down by considerations extraneous to ability and performance," Mr Tinubu said at the time.

The delay in announcing the cabinet ministers has led to the emergence of several lists of ministers, which the government itself disowned.

In the last few weeks, several lists of nominees have surfaced in the media. In some lists, names of political allies of the president and former governors featured prominently.

For instance, a list containing about 64 nominees that went viral in early July had Hassan Liman (SAN) as the attorney general, Augustine Avuru as petroleum minister, Aisha Ahmad as finance minister and Dapo Okubanjo as minister of state for finance.

Others listed are a former Edo governor and sitting senator, Adams Oshiomhole (Works), former NUC Executive Secretary, Peter Okebukola (Education), former Plateau governor, Simon Lalong (Transportation), former Kaduna governor, Nasir El-Rufai (Interior), former Rivers governor Nyesom Wike (Police Affairs), former Kano governor, Abdullahi Ganduje (Agriculture and Rural Development), former Ekiti governor, Kayode Fayemi (Foreign Affairs), Bankole Johnson (Health), and former Enugu governor, Chimaroke Nnamani (Science and Technology).

Also on the list are former Cross River governor (Environment), Festus Keyamo (Labour and Employment), former Osun governor, Gboyega Oyetola (Trade and Investments), Tanko Al-Makura (FCT), Bayo Onanuga (Information) and former Ebonyi governor, Martin Elechi (Commerce and Industry).

Apparently disturbed by the speculations, the president's spokesperson, Dele Alake, in a press briefing, urged Nigerians to disregard the lists.

"There is no iota of truth in all those things. When the President is good and ready, you will be the first to know his intentions," Mr Alake said earlier this month.

Toeing Buhari's path?

Upon assuming office in 2015, Mr Tinubu's predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, appointed his ministers about six months after he was inaugurated.

On 6 October that year, the then Senate President, Bukola Saraki, read out a list of 21 ministerial nominees sent by the former president for confirmation.

However, Mr Buhari adjusted a little after his re-election in 2019 when he appointed his ministers about two months after. On 23 July 2019, the Senate, under the leadership of Ahmad Lawan, unveiled a list of 44 ministerial nominees comprising many of those in the previous cabinet. They were subsequently inaugurated on 21 August.

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The other appointments

Mr Tinubu has made some appointments since his inauguration, with the latest being that of 20 aides earlier this month.

Before then, he had made other appointments, including that of the secretary to the government of the federation, chief of staff and deputy chief of staff, on 2 June.

On 15 June, he appointed eight advisers, including Dele Alake, as special adviser on special duties, communications and strategy and Wale Edun as special adviser on monetary policies.

He, after that, on 19 June, appointed another set of people comprising the national security adviser, service chiefs, the inspector general of police and others.

Mr Tinubu also set up a committee on tax reforms headed by Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader at PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC), Taiwo Oyedele.

A toll on governance and economy

Mr Tinubu's delay in appointing his ministers has arguably taken a toll on governance and progress of the country's economy.

Mr Musa, the executive director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), says it is already affecting the nation's economy.

"Two months after, the Tinubu administration cannot assemble an economic management team, and so the economy is not looking good. So, what is the difference between Buhari and Tinubu? He has shown clearly that he is not different. It would have taken him more months to assemble his cabinet if the Constitution did not give him 60 days to do so.

"It is not the removal of the CBN Governor that is the issue. He may be seen to be dealing with perceived enemies. Let there be an economic management team in place to tackle the economic challenges. That is what Nigerians want."
Protesters at an #EndSARS protest in Lagos in mid-October, 2020.

Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International's director, says the planned mass burial of 103 Endsars victims must be stopped and an investigation into the killings be carried out to prosecute the perpetrators.

Lagos state authorities must disclose identities of Endsars victims scheduled for mass burial, Amnesty International, an organisation focused on human rights, has said.

Isa Sanusi, the organisation's director, in a statement on Monday, said the planned mass burial of 103 endsars victims must be stopped, and an investigation into the killings be carried out to prosecute the perpetrators.

The organisation is responding to a leaked government memo dated 19 July, which was addressed to the Lagos State Ministry of Health by the state's procurement agency.

Leaked memo

On Sunday, 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 circulated on the internet for several hours, sparking outrage.

The letter revealed that the state government engaged the services of Messrs Tos Funeral Ltd, a private firm, at the cost of N61,285,000 to bury 103 bodies tagged as "Endsars victims."

The Lagos State Government, however, confirmed the leaked memo and maintained that the victims to be buried are not from the controversial Lekki Tollgate shooting.

The shooting of unarmed protesters by soldiers on 20 October 2020 generated controversies, including the number of people killed and injured during the incident.

Although the Nigerian Army initially denied its soldiers shot at the unarmed protesters, the evidence presented by witnesses, including videos, showed that soldiers shot and killed protesters.

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AI

"The Nigerian authorities must urgently halt their plans to carry out a secret mass burial of #EndSARS victims and instead carry out a thorough and independent investigation into the killings and ensure that those suspected to be responsible are brought to justice in fair trials," Mr Sanusi said.

"They must also carry out transparent coroner inquests and autopsies on the 103 #EndSARS victims and publish their identities and the circumstances of their deaths.

"It is appalling that the Lagos state government has not even mentioned that it has held the bodies of 103 #EndSARS victims in its custody since October 2020."

Mr Sanusi further said that all those detained because of their role in the #EndSARS protests must be released immediately.

"The Nigerian authorities must also ensure that victims and their families are provided with access to justice and effective remedies, including adequate compensation," he said.
Banks sank Rs. 2.09 lakh crore of bad loans in 2022-23

By Cygnus

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) admitted that, during financial year 2022-23 the countrys banks wrote off bad loans amounting to Rs 2.09 lakh crore. This revelation followed a recent Right to Information (RTI) inquiry filed by The Indian Express.

If that sound like a big figure, hang on. The total write-off by the banking sector over the past five years now works out to a staggering Rs 10.57 lakh crore. The latest write-off followed a bad loan write-off of Rs 1.75 lakh crore in 2021-22, and Rs 2.03 lakh crore in 2020-2021.

This seemed to have been the governments attempt to sweep the danger signs under the carpet. Banks now showed that they had reduced gross non-performing assets, or defaulted loans, to a 10-year low of 3.9% of advances. Banks gross NPAs were down to Rs 5.55 lakh crore in end-March 2023 from Rs 10.21 lakh crore in end-March 2018.

Indias banks have written off a total of Rs 15.31 lakh crore since the year ended 2013, according to RBI data.

In the last three years banks could recover just Rs 1.09 lakh crore from the Rs 5.87 lakh crore of loans written off in the last three years. In other words, they showed a recovery rate of just 18.60% during this period.

What is unfortunate is that the names of the defaulters, who have really benefited from the exercise, is shrouded in secrecy. Neither the banks nor the RBI disclose the identity of such defaulting borrowers.

So what happens when debts are written off from a banks balance-sheet? Quite simple. In one sweep these assets disappear from the balance sheet, ostensibly because the bank does not expect to recover its money.

Economists criticize this practice. But banks justify it as a means to clean up their books. They may retain a portion of the value as assets because they still anticipate some recovery. But, overall, its a disaster.

Who benefits? Usually, prominent industrialist defaulters.

Who loses? Millions of bank depositors, whose money the banks have played with.

Who should lose face? The government, which claims it has employed robust recovery efforts.

The report further mentions that individual banks such as Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Punjab and Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India, UCO Bank, and Union Bank of India, experienced reductions in NPAs due to write-offs.
An all-island rail review represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to restore the rail infrastructure in Northern Ireland, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has said.

Among the recommendations of the 25-year plan published by the Department of Transport in Ireland and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland are decarbonisation of the rail network across the island, new and enhanced routes, greater regional balance and improved speeds and frequency.

The plan proposes enchancing the intercity railway network between Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford to top speeds of 200km/h, ensuring that train journeys are faster than the car.

It also recommends extending the railway from Portadown to Dungannon, Omagh, Strabane, Derry, and on to Donegal.

The plan also recommends connecting Belfast International Airport to the rail network.

For Northern Ireland, the total capital cost estimate in 2023 prices is 7.7 billion, which is approximately 0.31 billion per annum over a 25-year period.

The review was first established in 2021 by Irelands Environment Minister Eamon Ryan and former SDLP Stormont Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon.

However, with the powersharing institutions at Stormont currently not operating, there are no ministers in Northern Ireland to sign off on any recommendations.

Mr Eastwood said the rail review was one of the significant achievements of his party from the last term of devolved government.

He said: Commissioning the review in co-operation with the Irish Government, we understood the immense practical benefits that investing in rail will have for people in the north and across our island.

We now have a 30 billion rail restoration plan that will help decarbonise transport across Ireland, connect people and opportunities in communities that have been severed from economic investment for far too long and bring people across our island closer together.

Mr Eastwood added: I am particularly glad that the restoration of rail from Letterkenny to Derry and on to Portadown is a key recommendation of the review.

The withdrawal of rail services in the west has left substantial scars on communities here that have never healed because the promised investment in roads infrastructure was abandoned for decades.

This plan is a rededication to people in the west.

Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts said the report showed the need for long overdue investment in the rail network.

He added: A high-speed rail service connecting Belfast, Dublin, Cork and other cities on the island would be a significant game changer for our transport infrastructure and economy.

Extending rail networks to towns like Dungannon, Omagh and Strabane will be a much-needed boost to their local retail sectors by providing consumers with other transport options other than the car or bus.

The Into the West lobby group welcomed the proposals, but said it had concerns over whether Stormont politicians would prioritise the plan.

Campaigner Steve Bradley told the BBC: It is unacceptable that in 2023 there is such a large gap on the islands rail network, especially involving such a significant regional city like Derry.

If we are serious about the climate crisis, regional development and social justice  both north and south  then we really need to look at providing mass transport alternatives to the car.

It will all come down to whether our elected politicians and the civil servants in Stormont feel strongly enough about rail  and thats where we would have concerns.
"I am glad to report that the printing of all sensitive and non-sensitive materials for the 2023 General Election was entirely done in Nigeria. This is the first time in 44 years since the transition to democratic rule in 1979 that this great step was taken and achieved."

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, says all sensitive and non-sensitive materials used for the 2023 general election were printed in Nigeria.

Mr Yakubu stated this on Monday in Abuja during the commission's quarterly consultative meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the ongoing review of the elections.

"I am glad to report that the printing of all sensitive and non-sensitive materials for the 2023 General Election was entirely done in Nigeria.

"This is the first time in 44 years since the transition to democratic rule in 1979 that this great step was taken and achieved.

"This is in spite of the record number of 93.4 million registered voters and over 500 million ballot papers, result sheets and other documents for the five categories of the main elections and supplementary polls.

"For this reason, the 2023 General Election was held as scheduled for the first time in the last four electoral cycles without a postponement arising from the non-arrival of materials," Mr Yakubu said.

He added that other recorded positive development in the election include the repeal and re-enactment of the Electoral Act 2010 into the Electoral Act 2022, which allowed INEC to prepare on time.

The chairman said the new act provides 180 days for political parties to conclude their primaries and submit the names of candidates and the political parties for the elections.

This, according to him, also helped INEC to commence the process of producing the election materials in good time.

"Furthermore, we were also able to expand voter access to polling units for the first time since the initial delimitation exercise in 1996.

"Similarly, we introduced many technology-based innovations, including the physical registration and online pre-registration of voters using the INEC Voter Enrollment Device (IVED), the various portals for nominating candidates, party agents and the accreditation of observers and the media.

"We also collected and published data on the distribution of voters not only by age and occupation but also by disability.

"Within the limits of available resources, we also tried to provide such inclusivity materials as braille jackets and magnifying glasses for some categories of voters with disabilities," he said.

Mr Yakubu said that, nevertheless, there were many challenges encountered before and during the elections, including severe cash and fuel situations as well as the perennial insecurity nationwide.

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"Their impact on our deployment plans, compounded by the behaviour of some of our own officials in the field, made logistics management particularly challenging.

"The deployment of thugs by some political actors made election day administration difficult in a number of places," he said.

The chairman said that while voter accreditation using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was very successful, the uploading of results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), especially for the presidential election, encountered a glitch.

Mr Yakubu said this was explained in the commission's statement released on 26 February, adding that INEC is aware that the matter is currently the subject of litigation; hence the commission would reserve its comments for now.

"Nevertheless, the performance of the technology deployed for the election is part of the ongoing review of the 2023 general election.

"It will form an integral part of the comprehensive report that will serve as a basis for further engagement with stakeholders focusing on specific actions necessary for the improvement of future elections and electoral activities in Nigeria," he said.

(NAN)
Cllrs at the Louth County Council July meeting, passed an amended motion supporting victims of child sexual abuse and condeming the litigation strategy of the Christian Brother Order, but referred the decision on rescinding of the Freedom of Drogheda bestowed on the former head of the Christian Brothers Order in Ireland, to the Borough District of Drogheda.

Cllr Maeve Yore's motion stated: That Louth County Council supports all victims of child sexual abuse and condemns the current litigation strategy chosen by the Christian Brother Order as illustrated on RTE Prime Time 7 February 2023.

Furthermore that this Council writes to the Christian Brother leadership team condeming this litigation strategy.

Furthermore that this Council calls upon our members in the Borough District of Drogheda to rescind the Freedom of Drogheda bestowed on the former leader of the Christian Brothers, Edmund Garvey.

At the meeting, Cllr Kevin Callan said that he fully agreed with the first two paragraphs of the motion, in that it was a matter for the members of the County Council, but that the third paragraph related to a matter that was for the Borough District of Drogheda to decide.

Cllr Callan proposed that the meeting debated the first two paragraphs, and if it agreed, that the third paragraph be left for the Drogheda members to deal with.

A vote was put to the members on amending the motion as put forward by Cllr Callan, which was passed overwhelmingly, with just three councillors voting against doing so.

Following the vote a number of councillors spoke on the matter, in what was a highly charged debate. Cllr Paddy McQuillan who had spoken ahead of the vote, said he fully supported the motion and that rescinding the Freedom of Drogheda was the right thing to do.

Cllr Keelan said that the motion had been submitted for a previous meeting but was not heard for fear of defamation. Cllr Keelan enquired as to who decided that it was once defamatory but now wasn't. He added that the members should be voting that day to remove the Freedom of Drogheda from Brother Garvey.

Cllr Yore said she was disappointed in how the motion was proceeding and asked for confirmation that the Drogheda Borough would be dealing with rescinding of the Freedom of Drogheda at its September meeting.

Cllr Yore said the motion was about the survivors of sexual abuse and that victims had contacted them asking for their support.

Cllr Kevin Meenan said that the Sinn Fein party was fully behind the first two paragraphs of the motion and fully supported the victims of abuse.

Cllr Eileen Tully told the meeting that in the past while working as a nurse, she came across unspeakable trauma and added that as Mayor of Drogheda, I guarantee that this will be on the agenda, for the September meeting
Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann will honour Dr Daithi Kearney, a Music lecturer in DkIT, at a ceremony during Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in August.

Every year, Comhaltas recognise individuals who have made a significant contribution to traditional Irish culture.

Daithi is a well-known performer, composer and teacher of Irish traditional music and has published widely on various aspects of Irish music, theatre and tourism.

Daithi was to the fore when Drogheda hosted Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in 2018 and 2019 and continues to be involved with the organisation.

He is delighted to be receiving the award. Dr Kearney Said:

Its a huge honour and humbling to be recognised by an organisation such as Comhaltas who play such a huge role in promoting Irish culture around the world.

He added: I have been very fortunate to have been helped by wonderful people in Comhaltas on my musical journey. Growing up in Kerry, I was a member of the local branch, where I made great friends and gained experiences at fleadhs and other events.

When he went to study at University College Cork he taught with the Douglas branch, joining the local committee and later County Board. He subsequently taught for the Comhaltas branch in Youghal, producing their summer performances for several years.

After gaining a PhD on the geography of Irish traditional music, Daithi moved to Louth to take up a position at DkIT, where he is now co-director of the Creative Arts Research Centre.

When I came to Dundalk, Irish traditional music gave me a pathway into local life and helped me settle here. I joined the Dundalk branch and helped out with the underage groups, before becoming more involved with the Drogheda branch," Daithi stated.

Daithi is widely published in academic books and journals, as well as being a published poet and songwriter, commissioned composer and experienced performer.

He has featured on recordings including Midleton Rare (2012) with accordion player John Cronin and A Louth Lilt (2017), an album of new compositions with his wife Dr Adele Commins, who is Head of Department of Creative Arts, Media and Music at DkIT.

Daithi supervises research projects at DkIT that examine music, song and dance traditions, he is a Musical Director of the Oriel Traditional Orchestra and former chair of the International Council for Traditional Music (Ireland).

He facilitates workshops internationally, including at Scoil Eigse, and regularly adjudicates at Fleadhanna Cheoil.

He will receive the Ceannrodaithe award with five other Comhaltas veterans  Joe Connaire, Westmeath; Tom Doherty, Mayo; Grainne Hambly, Mayo; Pamela Schweblin, Argentina; and Martin Gaffney, Cavan/ Dublin.

The Ceannrodaithe Awards Gala Dinner will be held in Bloomfield Hotel on 8th August. The event promises to be a musical delight and will include performances by the awardees, who are all accomplished performers, and many of them are bringing family and friends to perform alongside them.
XOCEAN, the ocean data company based in Rathcor, Carlingford, on Thursday announced the creation of 300 new jobs as part of its strategic growth plan.

The jobs announcement comes as the XOCEAN team welcomed Minister of State for Trade Promotion and Digital Transformation, Dara Calleary, to mark the official opening of its new Technical Centre.

From this facility, XOCEAN serves a growing list of international customers, primarily in the rapidly growing offshore wind market.

XOCEAN says it is transforming how ocean data is delivered, using innovative marine robotics known as Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs). This innovative technology is designed and manufactured by the company in Ireland.

The new Technical Centre, located at Rathcor, provides an operational hub for the companys growing fleet with a team of highly qualified engineers and robotic experts ensuring that the vessels are serviced on returning from offshore missions all over the world.

The company has doubled its headcount to over 200 over the past 12 months and plans to grow it further to 500 over the next two years, with roles available in all areas of the business including engineers, technicians, field operatives, data analysts, qualified mariners, geophysicists and project managers.

Welcoming the announcement at their new site in Louth, Minister Dara Calleary said::

Im delighted to officially open XOCEANs new marine robotics Technical Centre which will result in the creation of 300 new jobs in the coming years.

Ireland is one of the largest maritime states in Europe and has become a global leader in the USV market and marine-tech sector. Supported by the Government through Enterprise Ireland, XOCEAN is a young, but truly innovative company which is offering a safe and efficient USV service with both economic and environmental efficiencies.

This is a fitting example of a highly innovative Irish company based in the region, providing a jobs boost in the local area while also making an impact in the global marine-tech sector.

James Ives, CEO, XOCEAN said:

Were delighted to welcome Minister Calleary to open our new Technical Centre. XOCEAN continues to experience rapid growth, driven largely by the major expansion of the international offshore wind market and the need for clean, renewable energy globally. XOCEAN is delighted to be supporting many of the worlds largest energy companies through the delivery of safe, cost-effective and ultra-low-impact ocean data.

The future looks set to be an exciting time for XOCEAN as we continue to grow our brilliant team and our fleet of USVs to meet growing market demands.

Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland added:

Enterprise Ireland works closely with Irish companies to help them build scale and expand their reach in overseas markets. XOCEAN is a fast-growing company in the marine-tech space and is a perfect example of an Irish technology company with global ambition.

With plans to continue to roll out USVs in multiple sectors and markets, Enterprise Ireland looks forward to continuing to work with the XOCEAN team as it grows and expands internationally while creating jobs at home in the local region.
The suspects allegedly confessed to plotting an attack on Atiku and his organisations.

The police in Adamawa State, North-east Nigeria on Sunday arrested four people suspected to be members of Boko Haram, over an alleged plot to attack a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

The Atiku Media Office in a statement on Monday claimed the police arrested a suspect identified as Jubrila Mohammed, 29, who confessed to being a Boko Haram member from Damboa in Borno State. A police spokesperson also confirmed the arrest.

The arrest of the suspect at the residence of the former vice president led to the arrest of his three other alleged accomplices who confessed that they were planning an attack on Atiku and his organisations, the statement claimed.

"We wish to alert the Nigerian public that at about 9:44 p.m. on Sunday, 23 July 2023, a man seeking to confirm the residence of His Excellency Atiku Abubakar in Yola was apprehended at the gate of the residence.

"The man who was apprehended by security operatives at the residence of Atiku Abubakar was later handed over to the police.

"Upon further interrogation by the police, the suspect identified himself as a 29-year-old Jubrila Mohammed and confessed to being a Boko Haram member from Damboa in Borno State.

"The suspect also informed the police that he and his colleagues, who were later arrested too, intended to attack organisations associated with Atiku Abubakar and some other sensitive locations in Yola.

"All four suspects have been handed over to military authorities.

"We commend the police for the work that they continue to do in this particular investigation.

"We further ask that other relevant security agencies remain on top of their brief," the statement said.

The police spokesperson in the state, Suleiman Nguroje, confirmed the arrests of the suspects when reached by our reporter for comment.

Mr Nguroje said the police handed over the suspects to the military for investigation because it (alleged crime) involved terrorism.
Cybersecurity company Rubrik has officially opened its new office in Cork as they continue to invest in the region.

The companys chief customer officer, Giri Iyer, was joined by Minister of Finance Michael McGrath for the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday.

The depth of talent we are able to access in Ireland has driven significant local growth, said Mr Iyer.

When we originally announced expansion to the region in 2018, we had plans for 50 new jobs in Cork.

Since then, we have nearly doubled this headcount across engineering, customer support, and sales.

The expansion of our customer services hub and other critical functions means we can help even more enterprises in EMEA [Europe, the Middle East and Africa] tackle the ongoing threat of ransomware, Mr Iyer said.

Rubrik left its previous office in Bishopstown and moved to a 220 sq ft premises in Ballincollig.

The company says it plans to scale up investment in the region through local university partnerships.

The California-based firm has already established graduate programmes with local universities, including UCC and MTU.

Dr Patrick McCarthy, programme director, MTU, said:

We are extremely focused on closing the cybersecurity and multi-cloud skills gaps.

Our collaboration with an industry-leading organisation, like Rubrik, in achieving these objectives and developing the next generation of local talent in these areas is critical, both within the region and beyond.

Minister McGrath commended Rubriks commitment to bridging the gap between the education sector and the world of work.

I dont think I have seen a better example than what I witnessed here at Rubrik whereby the information and the market intelligence that Rubrik provides to the colleges has helped to change the curriculum and the nature of some of those courses and make sure that the graduates are equipped with the skills that are necessary to the rapidly changing area, he said.
101 previous convictions were clocked up by a 51-year-old man before he got drunk and clocked up two more public order convictions.

At the height of the most recent incident the accused shouted at gardai, dont f***ing touch me. Ill puck you across the street.

Sergeant John Kelleher said Patrick Fennellys list of previous convictions included being drunk and a source of danger to himself or others 31 times and engaging in threatening and abusive words or behaviour likely to lead to a breach of the peace on 22 occasions.

Now at Cork District Court Patrick Fennelly who lives in an apartment at Charlemont Terrace, Wellington Road, Cork, has pleaded guilty to being drunk and a danger and engaging in threatening behaviour during the incident on July 6.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said the record of previous convictions was older and that the accused had not been coming to the attention of the gardai for about ten years.

He cleaned up his act completely until the last few weeks. He is now having a difficulty with alcohol again. He has contacted St. Helens in Blarney and Bruree (treatment centre in Limerick). He will get off alcohol  he has the capacity to do so, Mr Buttimer said.

Judge Olann Kelleher said: He has a remarkable record for Sec 6 (the section of the public order act related to threatening behaviour) but I have to take into consideration his circumstances and that it is a slip.

The judge imposed a two-month suspended sentence on the threatening charge and fined him 200 for the drunkenness.

Sergeant John Kelleher said the incident happed after 4am on Thursday, July 6, when he was found lying on the street.

Sgt Kelleher said: He was helped to his feet but he got aggressive with Garda Paraic OConnor. He shouted, Dont f***ing touch me. Ill puck you across the street.

The judge said he would deal with the case on a non-custodial basis. He imposed a two-month suspended jail term on the accused for the threatening behaviour and fined him 200 for being drunk and a danger to himself or others.
Nairobi  Opposition coalition Azimio has called off the protests set for Wednesday.

The coalition announced Monday that the planned protests will not take place, but urged supporters to hold solidarity parades and vigils for victims of last week's police brutality.

"We have today (Monday) made a decision that on Wednesday, 26th July 2023, we will hold a different kind of protest. The peaceful protests will take the form of solidarity parades and vigil for victims of police brutality in various locations in all parts of the country," Azimio leader Raila Odinga tweeted.

Azimio claimed more than 50 people were killed by police during the three-day protests against the high cost of living.

The protests, outlawed by the government, were held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday but it was only more active on the first day when demonstrators engaged police in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Kisii, Nakuru among other towns.

While Azimio accuses police of killing protesters arbitrarily while suppressing the demonstrations, the government insists police acted professionally.

On Monday, the Odinga-led coalition asked religious leaders to dedicate Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for prayers in remembrance of the victims of police brutality during the opposition demonstrations.

The coalition lamented that the police brutality meted on them during the protests has reached unprecedented levels.

"Some have been shot in the back as they were fleeing or in a position of surrender. The shots have been aimed at the vital organs and delicate parts of the victims like the abdomen, the spine, the chest and the head," it said.

The Opposition Coalition called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to open investigations on the conduct of police officers during the protests.

"We ask Kenyans to pray also that the International Criminal Court takes up the matter based on an expanded list of perpetrators that we intend to furnish with the court in due course," Azimio said.
The National Lottery is appealing to Telly Bingo players in the Ballyvolane area of Cork city to urgently check their tickets as a top prize worth 27,505 from the draw on Friday, May 26 remains unclaimed.

The winning ticket was purchased at Dunnes Stores in Ballyvolane Shopping Centre.

Ticketholders have 90 days from the date of the draw to claim their prize which means that the Cork winner has just four weeks left to claim their prize.

A National Lottery spokesperson has called on all Telly Bingo players in Cork to carefully check their old tickets from May to ensure that they do not miss out on claiming their prize.

We are hoping to hear from a Telly Bingo player in Ballyvolane who scooped their share of a Snowball prize worth 27,505 in the Telly Bingo draw on the 26th of May.

The winner purchased their ticket in Dunnes Stores in Ballyvolane Shopping Centre, Cork city.

As ticketholders have 90 days from the date of the draw to claim their prize, the last date to claim this prize is Thursday 24th of August, so we are encouraging all our players who purchased their ticket in the Dunnes Stores to check their old tickets very carefully, they said.

The winner is asked to sign the back of their winning ticket and immediately contact the National Lotterys prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie to make arrangements to claim the prize.
ARDU Street Art Ltd and Pat McDonnell Paints have been shortlisted for the Business to Arts Awards, in the Jim McNaughton Perpetual Award for Best Commissioning Practice category for Ardu Street Art Project.

The Business to Arts Awards recognise excellence in creative partnerships, where a business, philanthropic organisation, or individual has supported the arts in an outstanding or compelling way.

The awards feature a range of categories that celebrate arts sponsorship, commissioning, philanthropy, staff engagement programmes, corporate social responsibility, access programmes, and creative community initiatives.

Rose-Anne Kidney, Project Manager of Ardu said they are delighted to have been shortlisted.

Ardu is delighted to have been shortlisted in the Jim McNaughton Perpetual Award for Best Commissioning Practice category."

"We are a proud team who have enjoyed curating an ambitious catalogue of striking artworks throughout Cork City since 2020 and look forward to continuing this work with the support of Pat Mc Donnell Paints in Cork.

Bernadette Boyle, Pat McDonnell Paints added:

We are proud to be in a position to play a part sharing in, and supporting, the Ardu vision of transforming previously anonymous corners of Cork City into truly memorable encounters.

Ardu was born in Leeside in October 2020, originally bringing seven of Irelands most renowned street artists - Deirdre Breen, Maser, James Earley, Peter Martin, Shane ODriscoll, Aches, and Garreth Joyce to create large-scale murals at key Cork city-centre locations.

The event returned in 2021 with four more walls unveiled by Shane OMalley, Friz, Conor Harrington, and Asbestos. It returned once again in 2022, with artists Claire Prouvost, Kitsune Jolene, and VENTS137.

These fourteen inspiring pieces of work dotted across the city add greatly to the cultural landscape of the city centre.

Ardu Street Art Project is the brainchild of visual artist and designer Shane ODriscoll, muralist, stained-glass artist and secondary school teacher Peter Martin, and organiser of the annual Cork Graffiti Jam, Paul Gleeson.

Project managed by Rose-Anne Kidney of Goldiefish Events and made possible with generous support from Cork City Council and Creative Ireland.

The Business to Arts Awards will take place on Tuesday, September 12 in the National Concert Hall, Dublin.
A 43-year-old man walked into Holy Trinity Church and used the candles to light some material to start a small fire.

Inspector James Hallahan said at Cork District Court that fortunately the arson was spotted very quickly and the fire extinguished.

Ronan Ruane of St Vincents Hostel, Anglesea Terrace, Cork, pleaded guilty to the charge of causing criminal damaged by fire at Holy Trinity on Father Mathew Quay in Cork back on September 28 2021.

Inspector Hallahan said the fire was started on a candle stand where the accused man lit a small piece of fabric and the criminal damage caused was limited to approximately 30.

The incident occurred shortly after 6pm on the evening in question.

He had a small number of previous convictions including one other count of causing criminal damage. That offence occurred in July 2020 and he was sentenced in October 2022 to five months imprisonment suspended on condition that he would keep the peace for the following two years.

So the present case of arson occurred after that offence but before the suspended jail term was imposed.

William Bulman defence barrister said:

The situation is that he did not set out deliberately to set any fire. He had a handkerchief in his hand and he was intoxicated when he went into the church.

An elderly priest who witnessed the offence was present for the hearing of the case but the plea of guilty was indicated at the beginning of the day in court and the witness left. Mr Bulman said the defendant had been hoping to apologise to him in person for what happened.

In response to a question from Judge Marian OLeary, Mr Bulman said the accused man had not brought the 30 to court to pay for the criminal damage but would do so if given a chance.

The judge remarked that he had two years to do so.

However, she put sentencing back until September 5 so that he could pay for the damage eventually.
The new X brand, revealed as Twitter's new identity in a bold move by Elon Musk, echoes a drastic departure from the iconic blue bird emblem.

The new X brand, revealed as Twitter's new identity in a bold move by Elon Musk, echoes a drastic departure from the iconic blue bird emblem.

In a drastic rebranding move, Elon Musk scrapped the perky blue bird that symbolized Twitter for more than a decade and replaced it with an enigmatic X.

Musk made the branding announcement early Sunday morning, and by the following day, the blue bird was gone, although everything else on the Twitter site appeared unchanged.

Usually, people want to take the positive equity they have in a brand and bring it to the new brand. This move by Musk is what people do when they want to get rid of the old brand completely, observed Patricia Hambrick, master lecturer in marketing at the Questrom School of Business at Boston University.

This is much more drastic than a typical brand name change, she told TechNewsWorld. Brands do this when they have no positive equity left. You usually dont see something this drastic.

From a business strategy standpoint, though, Musk needs to do something drastic to get what he bought back on track, she added. This could be something that could help him, or it could take him down, but its a pretty drastic move.

Musk bought Twitter for US$44 billion in October 2022. Since then, hes reduced the workforce at the company by 70%. However, that hasnt stopped the company from losing almost two-thirds of its value with Musk at the helm, according to a report in The Guardian, nor has it halted an exodus of advertisers and users.

The Brands They Are A-Changin

Companies typically change their branding to stay relevant in a dynamic market, attract new customers, and differentiate from competitors, explained Mark N. Vena, president and principal analyst at SmartTech Research in San Jose, Calif.

Branding updates can also reflect a shift in company values, products, or target audience, he told TechNewsWorld. A fresh brand image can reinvigorate public interest and build stronger emotional connections with consumers, driving business growth.

Companies also rebrand to get away from negative associations made with an old brand, or to position themselves for more changes, added Jessica Melugin, director of the Center for Technology and Innovation at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a public policy organization in Washington, D.C.

Since Musk has talked about the idea of a platform that does many things beyond just microblogging for some time, Id guess its the latter that were seeing here, she told TechNewsWorld.

Oftentimes rebranding goes hand-in-hand with business transformation, but thats not the case yet with the X brand. This rebranding is a little different because Twitter really hasnt changed the product its offering, asserted Mike Horning, an associate professor of multimedia journalism at Virginia Tech.

That means Musk is going to have a small window to prove this is a new company with a new vision, he told TechNewsWorld.

Benefits of Rebranding

Rebranding Twitter could help the company in a number of ways. It could, for example, make Twitter less politically polarizing, Melugin maintained.

Some people who were happy with the platform before Musks purchase almost seem to take the changes hes made personally, she said. This might be an opportunity to start fresh with both sides of the aisle. That idea could apply to advertisers, too.

Greg Sterling, co-founder of Near Media, a news, commentary and analysis website, noted that rebranding could be valuable for Twitters future plans. If Twitter is indeed pursuing its WeChat-like super app vision, a new brand could better facilitate it, he told TechNewsWorld.

There may be short-term benefits to rebranding, as well. Its going to generate attention from the media and put Musks company back in the spotlight, Horning said.

As we all know, he added, Twitter has had a pretty rough year with advertisers, and the brand has had some damage to it. Rebranding may be a way to attract advertising in the future.

Greater Relevance

It may also be a way for Twitter to gain more relevance. Twitters current branding has been around for over 15 years, and its starting to feel a bit dated, Vena said. A new logo and branding could help Twitter to feel more modern and relevant to a younger audience.

Rebranding could also help Twitter differentiate itself from its competitors. There are a number of other social media platforms out there, and Twitter needs to find a way to stand out from the crowd. A new logo and branding could help Twitter to do this, Vena noted.

He pointed out that the fresh look of a new logo might also help attract new users. Thats important, as Twitters user growth has been slowing down in recent years., he explained.

Another positive from rebranding cited by Vena is greater brand awareness. That, too, could lead to more people using the platform, which would ultimately benefit Twitters bottom line, he said.

Of course, there are potential pitfalls to Musks rebranding gambit, too.

As a rule, people dont like change, Melugin explained. That might work against the rebranding strategy  a new Coke situation for the digital age or a re-do of Facebooks shift to Meta.

Thats a risk, she continued, but Musk is a true entrepreneur in the sense that he doesnt mind trying, failing, and being better off for what he learns in the process.

If hes not afraid to blow up rockets, hes not afraid to change a name, she added.

X-Rated X-Brand

Sterling contends that there are more disadvantages than advantages to the name change. The X brand is harsh and not brand-friendly. Its not particularly consumer-friendly either, he said.

It also walks away from whatever remaining goodwill and brand equity Twitter had, he added.

Could the X brand be confused with adult content?

Given the time I take every morning to block or report posts that are graphic and inappropriate, some might say regardless of branding, Twitter already is an X-rated site now that certain content and quality controls have been abandoned, observed Liz Miller, vice president and a principal analyst with Constellation Research, a technology research and advisory firm, in Cupertino, Calif.

The real risk this move takes is further alienating advertisers and users with a lack of substance and real business direction, she told TechNewsWorld. Shouting into the ether that you are a public town square and that this town square is awesome is very different than building a trusted brand that people want to invest in and continuously trust.

Changing Twitters name to X was stupid on Musks part, driven by ego and from being disconnected from his customers, added Dan Kennedy, a professor of journalism at Northeastern University.

When Google and Facebook changed their corporate names to Alphabet and Meta, they still kept the branding of their signature products, he told TechNewsWorld. Twitter is one of the most recognizable names in technology. Musk may have trashed the brand, but entering the equivalent of the witness protection program isnt going to help.
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

A new charging park for electric cars at the Lillebaelt Syd rest area on the highway near Middelfart, Denmark, on March 27, 2023. MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP via Getty Images

The Council of the EU has passed a new law to add more fast-charging stations and alternative fuel stations throughout the EU. As part of the new regulations, the EU will require fast-charging stations, with a total output of 400 kW for cars and vans and 600 kW for heavy-duty vehicles, to be installed every 60 kilometers (about 37 miles) along highways by the end of 2025.

The new law on alternative fuels infrastructure is meant to greatly reduce the carbon footprint of transportation in Europe and contributes to the Fit for 55 goal to reduce emissions in the EU by 55% or more by 2030. As The Verge reported, transportation makes up about 25% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the EU.

The new law is a milestone of our Fit for 55 policy providing for more public recharging capacity on the streets in cities and along the motorways across Europe, Raquel Sanchez Jimenez, Spanish Minister of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda, said in a statement. We are optimistic that in the near future, citizens will be able to charge their electric cars as easily as they do today in traditional petrol stations.

The law requires fast-charging stations for electric vehicles along main highways that are part of the the trans-European transport (TEN-T) network by 2025, and these stations should have at least one fast-charger with 150 kW or greater output.

Recharging stations with a total output of 600 kW, including at least one charger with a minimum 150kW output, for heavy-duty EVs must be placed every 60 kilometers in the core network of TEN-T and every 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) in the larger TEN-T network by 2025. The charging stations should cover the complete TEN-T network by 2030, according to the law.

By 2030, hydrogen fuel stations will need to be installed every 200 kilometers (about 124 miles) along the TEN-T core network and in all urban nodes, or urban areas that include parts of the TEN-T networks transportation infrastructure.

The charging and alternative fuel stations should offer easy payment options, such as contactless payments or payment by card, without requiring subscriptions. Transparency is a key component of the law, with pricing, availability and wait times made clear to customers under the new rules.

In addition to the rules on recharging and refueling stations for cars, vans and heavy-duty vehicles, the law requires some maritime ports, depending on whether they meet a minimum number of large passenger or container vessels, to offer shore-side electricity by 2030. It also mandates that airports must offer electricity for stationary aircraft at all gates by the 2025 deadline and at remote stands by 2030.

The EU already offers a significant number of fast-charging stations, with more than 70,000 stations as of 2022, a 55% increase from 2021, according to the International Energy Agency. Germany, France and Norway lead the charge with the highest numbers of fast chargers. With the new legislation, added fast chargers with transparency on pricing and availability could help reduce range anxiety and encourage more people to switch to electric vehicles.




Croatia allocates US$8.4 million to help farmers affected by ASF

Croatia has set aside 7.5 million (US$8.4 million) to support farmers impacted by African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks, the agriculture ministry said.

ASF is currently confirmed on 112 farms in the country. The most affected farms are in three municipalities in the Vukovar-Srijem county, eastern Croatia, the ministry said in a press release on July 18.

At the end of June, the ministry said it detected an outbreak of ASF, the first case of the disease on record in the country.

- SeeNews




Phileo symposium in Italy looks at role of probiotics in sustainable poultry production





The vital role played by probiotics in maintaining an optimum poultry microbiome balance and the beneficial impact of the patented GO Technology powered probiotic, Microsaf, on the successful development of sustainable poultry production were some of the highlights presented to around 100 poultry professionals during a satellite symposium at the 23rd European Symposium on Poultry Nutrition (ESPN) in Italy.

Organised by Phileo by Lesaffre, the event featured presentations by Dr. Ralph Rosenbaum, from IRTA Spain, Professor Todd Applegate from University of Georgia (US), Dr. Rober Kemperman from Lesaffre Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) and Dr. Alain Riggi, Phileo's global poultry manager.

A keynote message from Dr. Rosenbaum centred on the application of a shared holistic strategy and action plan, designed in relation to the pursuit of sustainable poultry production.

Addressing the need to identify the right pathways to achieve a sustainable poultry industry, Dr. Rosenbaum took his audience through a series of scenarios based on where to start, if they were to achieve a big impact. Feed materials, nutritional solutions, manure management and energy were mentioned, with a clear focus placed on how making good choices in these areas might yield improvements in feed composition, daily growth rates, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality.

Major take-home messages included the need for poultry producers and their industry partners to be wholly science-based in their decision-making and to continuously adapt to advances in knowledge. A caution was also conveyed to stakeholders that nobody can do sustainability on their own and that the best return on investment will be found where the big impacts are. The challenge is to find those impacts.

Professor Applegate followed with a review of the latest research outcomes on poultry microbiome balance, as studied in relation to the use of current turbulent feed materials.

Exploring the macro effects of microbial metabolites in broiler nutrition, the effect of indigestibility on intestinal and microbial response and the impact and role of probiotics in the sector, Professor Applegate drew particular attention to the vital relationship that exists between the maintenance of a balanced microbiome and successful poultry production.

In looking at the role of probiotics within production, meanwhile, he pointed out several proven benefits, including trial evidence that probiotic supplementation has been shown to reduce the cost of securing an immune response in poultry by 40%.

"Probiotics today, however, are not a commodity," he said, adding that all products are unique based on their selection criteria. Here again, the challenge for farmers and industry partners is to find the probiotics that work best within their own systems.

Dr. Kemperman explained the features and benefits of Phileo by Lesaffre's exclusive three-patent Germination Optimisation Technology (GO Technology), a state-of-the-art process designed to promote faster and stronger Bacillus spore germination. He explained that the GO Technology maximises the impact of Microsaf within a short transit time of four to six hours, a time frame which has been proven to apply to most chickens.

The session concluded with a review by Dr. Riggi of an extensive range of trial results focusing on the effect of Microsaf on sustainable poultry production and emphasising the efficacy of probiotics across such systems.

Explaining that some selected spore-forming bacteria probiotics boost resistance to the demands of today's production processes, while also delivering proven benefits after germination, he posed the key question of how poultry producers might deal with the fact that the average transition time within the poultry gut is just four to six hours. The challenge is to achieve maximum impact from spore-forming bacteria probiotics in the poultry gut during a short transition time, a task for which Microsaf was developed, based on a unique association of three different Bacillus species, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus pumilus, all carefully selected to deliver improvements in feed efficiency, gut function, and microbiota, and overall growth performance in birds.

Session delegates included poultry professionals from several countries, including India, China, Vietnam, the United States, Brazil, Argentina and EU nations.

- Phileo




Company tests biomass-based solution in Cavite, Philippines poultry farm

WasteX, a climate-tech company operating in the Philippines and Indonesia, said it rolled out a biochar' solution in a poultry farm in Cavite, the Philippines.

The company said it pilot tested biochar, a charcoal-like and carbon-rich substance derived from biomass, which can boost the performance of the poultry industry and help achieve sustainable farming techniques.

"The outcomes of our solution implementation at the poultry farm have exceeded our initial expectations," said Pawel Kuznicki, founder and chief executive officer of WasteX. "While we anticipated operational improvements and benefits from the generation and sale of carbon credits, the additional income and savings resulting from decreased mortality rates and reduced bedding use will far surpass the carbon credit proceeds.

"We are currently working with several other poultry farms in the Philippines and Indonesia to expand the implementation of our solution."

While still nascent in the Philippines, the company said biochar technology has already received positive reception and full support from the Philippines government. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), for instance, has expressed eagerness to promote biochar as a green alternative to chemical fertiliser.

It also said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is still looking at ways to widely promote the use of biochar among farmers.

Citing data from the Bureau of Animal Industry, WasteX said there are 1,593 registered poultry farms in the Philippines.

Biochar is produced from rice husk and poultry litter using WasteX's proprietary equipment at one of Pitik's farms. The biochar was then incorporated into the farm's operations in two ways: as a bedding additive of up to 10% of the total bedding and as a feed supplement of up to 2% of the feed.

The supplementation of bedding with up to 10% biochar led to substantial improvements in the farm's broiler chicken production.

"The results were impressive, with a 25% reduction in chicken mortality rate, a 30% decrease in overall bedding use and the farm achieving the highest ever recorded value in its Performance Index," Kuznicki added. "Furthermore, there was a slight decrease in the feed conversion ratio or FCR (feed conversion ratio)."

Additionally, by supplementing the feed with up to 2% biochar, the poultry farm experienced a near-complete eradication of the E. coli population, contributing to enhanced biosecurity measures and healthier poultry, according to the company.

WasteX's pilot findings revealed that total benefits for a 20,000-chicken farm would amount to more than 275,000 (US$5,000) annually in additional savings and income.

"Given the slim margins of a typical poultry farm, adopting this new practice could significantly improve farmers' profits and livelihood," Kuznicki said.

Furthermore, WasteX guarantees carbon credits to its clients for the entire biochar production and application, amounting to US$50 per tonne of biochar. This could translate to up to US$2,000 per farm per year, incentivising farms to adopt this innovative solution.

Biochar is entitled to carbon credits, as it captures and stores carbon for extended periods to help mitigate climate change. If applied at full scale, biochar could transform the agricultural industry into a carbon-negative and climate-positive sector.

- Business Mirror




US universities in partnership to drive recruitment in livestock production and management

Researchers from Prairie View A&M University and Texas A&M University in the United States are partnering on a project that will offer an "Experiential Approach to Beef Cattle Production Feedlots for Undergraduate Students."

The partnership aims to boost recruitment efforts and student interest in livestock production and management.

The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded the multi-institutional team of researchers US$299,999 in support of the project, which will offer undergraduate students an opportunity to participate in running a feedlot on the PVAMU farm, thus gaining hands-on animal husbandry, livestock management, and decision-making skills.

The project's principal investigator (PI), Tamra N. Tolen, PhD, assistant professor in PVAMU's Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Human Ecology, will collaborate with co-PIs Lea Ann Kinman, PhD, research associate professor in PVAMU's Cooperative Agricultural Research Center; Milton B. Daley, PhD, assistant professor in PVAMU's College of Agriculture and Human Sciences; and Andy D. Herring, PhD, professor of animal science in TAMU's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

"The USDA and this talented team of researchers from within the Texas A&M University System recognise the importance of providing students with experiential learning opportunities that will allow them to thrive as future leaders dedicated to serving a global society," said PVAMU vice president of research and innovation Magesh Rajan.

The project plans include bringing steers into the feedlot to be fed to market weight and harvested, during which students and local producers will attend workshops focused on the proper health and care of the steers and the impacts of managerial decisions.

"My hope for this project is to not only provide a hands-on experience for our students but also to provide engagement opportunities for our local producers to come on campus to partake in this experience," said Dr. Tolen.

Project participants will acquire essential knowledge on managing and maintaining a herd and assessing meat yield and quality grade. As a result, students and local producers will learn practical livestock management skills and best practices to meet consumer expectations and excel in the beef industry.

- Prairie View A&M University




US Senator visits Kingfish's aquaculture research facility in Maine, US.



US Senator Angus King recently paid a visit to Kingfish's recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) research facility in Maine state, US right after the company celebrated its successful first harvest of yellowtail kingfish, Seafood Source reported.

Operating a small farm at the Centre of Cooperative Aquaculture Research, Kingfish Maine is progressing with its plan to establish a larger RAS facility in Jonesport, Maine. The company received a favourable decision when the Jonesport Board of Appeals upheld the town planning board's granting of a building permit for its proposed facility.

During his visit, Senator King observed the company's broodstock operations as it advances through the pre-design phase for the Jonesport facility.

Kingfish Maine's recent harvest of yellowtail kingfish was successfully sold through collaborations with two Maine-based companies, Bristol Seafood and Wheeler Seafood. All 8,000 pounds of the initial harvest were distributed to restaurants in Maine, Boston, Washington DC, and California, eliciting a "phenomenal public response," according to Kingfish Maine.

Kingfish Maine operates under The Kingfish Company, which runs a successful yellowtail RAS in the Netherlands. The company recently secured EUR 32 million (~US$35 million; EUR 1 = US$1.11) through an unsecured convertible loan to finance the second phase of its facility.

With construction already underway for the second phase, one of its grow-out facilities is already operational, as confirmed by Vincent Erenst, chief executive officer of Kingfish in early July.

- Seafood Source
Nairobi  Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya today presided over the planting of 10,000 trees in Mt Elgon forest in Bungoma County to mark her birthday.

The indigenous tree species were planted at the Cheptais Forest Station in Chepyuk by area residents led by CS Tuya in a day-long exercise that was attended by tens of Bungoma County leaders led by Deputy Governor Janepher Chemutai Mbatiany.

Speaking to Chepyuk residents at the event organised by Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), CS Tuya urged Kenyans to make tree growing a lifestyle activity by taking advantage of every opportunity to plant trees.

"When you celebrate your birthday or any of your important days, please mark it with tree growing. Here we've planted 10,000 trees," CS Tuya said, adding jokingly that it would be difficult for those trying to guess her new age to decipher based on the number of seedlings planted.

She said aggressive greening of the country in line with the 15 billion tree growing and ecosystem restoration programme that seeks to raise Kenya's tree cover to 30 percent by 2032 would help mitigate against adverse effects of climate change.

CS Tuya said climate change was one of the greatest challenges facing the country, ranking second to terrorism, and urged residents of Mt Elgon and the Western Kenya belt to take advantage of the high rainfall received in the region to intensify tree growing.

"Because of climate change, our water sources dry out. We suffer shortage of food. Our environment gets destroyed," the CS said, noting that human activities were largely responsible for climate change.

CS Tuya said Western Kenya forests including Mt Elgon and Kakamega were facing a myriad of challenges including encroachment noting that she had a meeting with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to find lasting solutions.

Once again, CS Tuya instructed KFS to involve forest adjacent communities through their community forest associations in conservation activities saying host communities were the first line of defence against forest degradation.

At the same time, CS Tuya urged forest adjacent communities to be responsible custodians of forest resources by not involving themselves in outlawed activities.

She promised to host a meeting of Bungoma County leaders including Prime Cabinet Secretary to discuss the conservation of Mt Elgon forest and other ecosystems in Western Kenya.

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CS Tuya said the 15 billion national tree growing programme had been expanded to include a food security component assuring that seedlings being propagated by Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and KFS will include fruit tree species as part of a deliberate government effort to promote agro-forestry.

"We don't want to ask Kenyans to plant trees while they're afflicted by hunger. The seedlings we're propagating through KEFRI and KFS, atleast 30 percent will be fruit seedlings. We will make sure they're available across the country," CS Tuya said.

The CS, who was accompanied by several senior ministry officials including Director General of NEMA Mr Mamo Mamo and KFS board chairman Mr Job Chirchir, outlined several other measures the Government was taking to accelerate the attainment of the 15 billion trees target including the ongoing recruitment of 4,000 youth into the green army initiative.

On her part, Deputy Governor Janepher Mbatiany said Bungoma County was on course to achieving its forest cover target of 36 percent, and urged the CS to give preference to forest host counties when recruiting staff into the sector including rangers.

"I also request CS Soipan Tuya to consider residents from forest growing regions in their recruitments because they are the ones who will take care of the trees as they border the forests," Ms Mbatiany said.

Ends...




Malaysian poultry industry players call on government to end chicken export ban

Malaysia's poultry industry players have recently urged the government to lift the chicken export ban, or they will lose out on the Singapore market.

They also stressed that supply in the domestic market has already stabilised.

Federation of Livestock Farmers' Associations of Malaysia (FLFAM) advisor Jeffry Ng said they are in talks with the government about ending the export ban, which took effect from June 1.

He said many farmers are pressuring the association as they have ongoing contracts with Singapore customers, whom they have cultivated a relationship with for many years.

"We should continue to provide the service. That is a market that we had for a long time," he told Channel NewsAsia. "Some of the farms are solely catering to the export market and not the local market. If they cannot export, then their operations will have to change."

The export ban of up to 3.6 million chickens a month was introduced following supply and pricing issues in Malaysia, with some chicken traders selling whole chickens above the price ceiling to cover their costs.

Rising production costs, disease infection and weather conditions were among the factors affecting the operations of chicken farms.

In response to the export ban, Singapore, which imported about one-third of its chicken supply from Malaysia, announced that it will buy chickens from Indonesia.

Johor Poultry Breeders Association secretary Lau Ka Leng said that farmers are worried about losing their customers in Singapore if the export ban is not lifted in time.

"Most of the chickens exported to Singapore are from farms in Johor," he said.

He said while breeders can cope with the situation now, there is a worry that they will not be allowed into the Singapore market once the Indonesian exports start.

"Once you lose a market, it won't be easy to get it back," he said, adding that there are about 700 chicken farms in the state.

Lau said the supply of chicken in Johor is back to normal and he hoped that the export ban would be overturned soon. He added that Malaysia is 114% self-sufficient in chicken production.

The lack of supply a few months ago was due to high demand, said Ng of the national federation.



"After almost two years of lockdown, everyone had kenduri (feasts), weddings and open houses at almost the same time. We had never seen this kind of demand before. It wasn't really a supply issue," he said.

If the ban is not lifted, there will be a surplus of chicken in the market, he added.

Ng said during the federation's discussions to end the export ban, the Malaysian government had asked the breeders to ensure domestic supply.

"We are talking to the government now. They are asking us for a plan. The issue now is whether we can maintain the supply and, at the same time, export," he said. "The government is asking us to assure a sufficient supply. We are working on the process."

- Channel NewsAsia




Brazilian supplies and high prices cast doubt on US corn and soybean

As the new marketing year approaches on September 1, US corn and soybean export potential is facing doubt due to abundant Brazilian supplies, high prices, and uncertainties about US crops, Reuters' analyst Karen Braun reported.

Typically, new-crop US corn and soybean export sales pick up in July, especially into August. While there has been some progress in the past month, total bookings for both commodities remain at four-year lows.

Data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) on July 13 indicated that US exporters had sold 4.5 million tonnes of corn and 4.9 million tonnes of soybeans for delivery in 2023/24. These figures are the lowest for this date since 2019, just ahead of the 2019/20 season.

The current sales cover only 8% of the USDA's 2023/24 US corn export forecast of 53.3 million tonnes (2.1 billion bushels), falling below the five-year average of 13%. Notably, the average is influenced by the past three years, including China's significant purchases, accounting for 25% of coverage by this date in 2021.

Regarding new-crop soybean sales, they represent 10% of USDA's 2023/24 export target of 50.35 million tonnes (1.85 billion bushels). The five-year average is 16%, driven by last year's 24% as buyers rushed to secure U.S. supply amid Brazil's drought-related losses.

Some analysts consider both export outlooks, particularly for corn, to be overly optimistic, given that cheaper Brazilian supplies are increasingly taking a share of the US export market. But the focus should be on the US crop, as it will determine price direction and overall demand.

USDA's projections indicate a record US corn crop for this year, leading to an 11% increase in overall U.S. corn supplies, the largest annual growth in a decade. This allows for healthy but not excessive growth in corn exports on the balance sheet.

On the other hand, US soybean supply is expected to remain steady into 2023-24, but USDA predicts a nearly 7% decline in U.S. exports for the year. Notably, the agency maintains China's soy imports for 2023-24 at 99 million tonnes, consistent with the previous year.

Last week, new-crop corn and soybean commitments were significantly influenced by sales to Mexico. The U.S. corn bookings to Mexico, totalling 2.8 million tonnes, set a record for this date. Similarly, new soy sales to Mexico reached 884,000 tonnes, the second-highest total for this date after 2018.

While Mexico remains a top buyer of US corn and soybeans, China, the primary soy customer, has been slow in its purchases, as Brazil continues to deliver a record soy harvest to Chinese ports.

China's reduced participation in US corn trade is not surprising, considering its late entry into Brazil's corn market last year. Presently, China has booked 272,000 tonnes of new-crop U.S. corn for 2023-24, significantly lower than the same dates in previous years.

Apart from Mexico and Japan, whose corn purchases remain near the recent average for this date, standard customers Colombia and South Korea have not made any new-crop corn purchases. Interestingly, Canada has already bought nearly 300,000 tonnes of new-crop US corn, setting a record for mid-July.

- Reuters




Yogyakarta, Indonesia, to get more than 10,000 anthrax vaccines

The Agriculture and Food Security Service (DPKP) of Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia, said this month it will receive more than 10,000 anthrax vaccine doses from Indonesia's Ministry of Agriculture.

"The assistance will reach more than 10,000, but we do not know the exact number yet," said the head of DPKP, Sugeng Purwanto. According to Purwanto, Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo will hand over the vaccines to Gunungkidul district on July 13.

"If all goes according to plan, Minister Limpo will hand over the vaccine assistance directly to Gunungkidul," he added.

Meanwhile, the DPKP's veterinary medicine associate for animal husbandry and animal health, Agung Ludiro, said that earlier, the province had requested an additional 10,200 doses of the anthrax vaccine from the Agriculture Ministry. The request was based on the total vaccine needs mapped out for each district in Yogyakarta, excluding the stock of anthrax vaccine, which is currently pegged at 2,600 doses, Ludiro said.

"The ministry informed that they could prepare the number we requested, but there was a possibility for them to provide more," he added.

All vaccine doses received from the ministry will need to be used within six months, before the next batch of vaccines arrives, he higlighted.

He said the provision has been applied considering the previously confirmed cases of anthrax in Yogyakarta Province, namely in Jati Village, Semanu Sub-district, Gunungkidul District.

"Because anthrax cases have been discovered, vaccinations must be carried out every six months or twice a year," he explained.

To prevent anthrax cases from spreading, the vaccine doses received from the Ministry of Agriculture will be distributed to all districts in Yogyakarta province, Ludiro said.

"For Yogyakarta city, we are still discussing the number because the livestock in that area is not a lot," he stated.

According to Ludiro, particularly in Gunungkidul, the administration of the vaccine will be divided into three zones, namely, the red zone in Semanu sub-district, the yellow zone comprising sub-districts that are directly adjacent to the red zone and the green zone comprising sub-districts that are not directly adjacent.

"In the red zone, 100% of all livestock will be vaccinated; then in the second and third zones, at least 80% of livestock," Ludiro said.

Based on data from DPKP, a total of 12 livestock have died from anthrax in Jati Village, consisting of six cows and six goats since April 2023.



- ANTARA
Governor visits Post Office

Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO) hosted an official visit from His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer KCB DSO MBE and Lady Lorimer MBE to Postal Headquarters.

The visit coincided with the IOMPO celebrating its 50th anniversary of postal independence since 1973.

During the visit, His Excellency and Lady Lorimer undertook a tour of the mail centre including seeing the new parcel automation machine in operation, met the Customer Services and Vehicle and Driving Licensing teams, as well as visited the Stamps and Coins and Business Solutions divisions.

They also received an overview of the business by Chief Executive Simon Kneen, and were presented with a folder of Isle of Man Stamps presentation packs since His Excellency was sworn in as Lieutenant Governor in September 2021.

As part of the visit, His Excellency unveiled a significant piece of artwork dating back to 1983 which had been in storage since IOMPO moved from its previous headquarters in Circular Road, Douglas to its current premises in Spring Valley in 1999. The mosaic, created by artist George Dereford, was derived from the Viking stamp designed by John Nicholson in 1973 and in recent years it has been restored to its former glory by Chris Weeks of Manx National Heritage.

Stu Peters MHK, Chairman of IOMPO said: We were delighted to host His Excellency and Lady Lorimer for a tour of our business and we thank them for their time and keen interest in learning about IOMPO and the many facets it has to offer as the leading trusted parcel provider on the Island. We were particularly pleased that His Excellency unveiled the restored Viking mosaic which is now proudly on display at Postal Headquarters.

His Excellency said: We very much enjoyed visiting the Isle of Man Post Office as they celebrated their 50th anniversary of postal independence. It was wonderful to meet so many staff and to unveil the spectacular Viking mosaic based on a 1973 stamp, which has been beautifully restored.
Criminology Psychology Lecturer appointed at UCM

University College Isle of Man (UCM) has made a new appointment in Carol Ann Kinley-Smith as Criminology Psychology Lecturer.

Kinley-Smith, the latest addition to the Forensic Science offering at UCM, hails from the Isle of Man and returned back to the Island in 2021 after working as Head of Corporate Security and Investigations for the BBC.

Before taking on the BBC role, Carol Ann served as a senior detective within the Metropolitan Police Service, which culminated in her leading the Royalty Protection Command Team holding responsibility for the personal security of the British Royal Family and on-site security of all residential royal palaces.

Prior to this she headed the National Fixated Threat Assessment Centre, a team of psychiatrists, psychologists and detectives assessing the risks and potential threat from those fixated on high profile figures including the Royal Family, politicians and visiting dignitaries, which is where her interest in criminal psychology was crystallised.

Having recently undertaken a MSc in Legal and Criminological Psychology at Cumbria University, Carol Ann graduated with distinction last year, further strengthening her expertise and knowledge. In July this year her dissertation on Exploring the experiences of policewomen working through the menopause was published.

Head of the Wellbeing Faculty, Karen Davies, said: Were delighted to welcome Carol Ann to UCM; her knowledge and experience is seriously impressive and will be of huge benefit to our students.

We have no doubt that the insights she has and the areas that shes worked in will inspire our students to go on to have incredibly fascinating careers once they complete their studies.

Speaking on her new role, Kinley Smith said that she is very pleased to be joining UCM as a sessional lecturer.

I feel it is important that industry professionals share the knowledge theyve built up. As well as helping students learn all about this topic, I also hope to show the wide range of career paths available and how fascinating working in these industries can be, she added.
Southeast Asia warms to spicy Chinese food amid expanding regional trade

Xinhua) 15:25, July 25, 2023

NANNING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A packet of spicy hotpot flavoring printed in both Chinese and the Myanmar language attracted attention at the 5th Lancang-Mekong Business Forum, which was held in early July in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

The raw materials for the condiment are imported from southwest China's Chongqing Municipality and processed in Myanmar's Yangon to suit the tastes of Myanmar people.

"Spicy Chinese food began to appear in Myanmar 10 years ago," said Sean Yann, 37, a Chinese-Myanmar manufacturer of the spicy hotpot flavoring who is fluent in Mandarin.

Yann said spicy Chinese hot pot was introduced into high-end restaurants in Myanmar after spicy mixed vegetables sold by Chinese people became popular in the local area.

In recent years, Chinese foods with spicy and mouth-numbing flavor known as "mala" have gained ground in Southeast Asia.

This trend was also confirmed by Li Jing, a young man from Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, who went to Yangon University of Foreign Languages to study Myanmar language three years ago. He said Chinese hot pot is very popular in Yangon, with many shops in high streets selling malatang (hot spicy soup) and spicy hot pot.

"Many Myanmar people can say 'hot pot,' 'mala' and other Chinese words, which are also indispensable topics in our conversations with Myanmar friends," Li said.

As Myanmar consumers' love for the "mala" flavor continues to grow, Yann's company is working with the local supermarkets to introduce its spicy hotpot flavoring. Although the products cost 1.5 times the price of local ones, they still sell 20,000 to 30,000 packets a month. Yann said a dozen similar spicy products from other brands are also selling well in the local supermarkets.

According to data from China's e-commerce platforms Meituan and Dianping at the beginning of this year, the searches for "mala" and "hot pot" in Thailand had increased by 700 percent year on year. More and more restaurants featuring mala barbecue and hot pot have sprung up in the popular resorts of Bangkok and Phuket.

Zhuo Bingyue, who runs a Thai restaurant in Nanning, said that compared with the spicy Thai food, the "mala" flavor in Chinese food is more complex and rich, a feature that is attractive to young Thais.

Driven by policies such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the scope of cooperation between China and ASEAN countries has been expanding, with no impediments to trade and logistics. Foods with Chinese flavors such as "mala" are entering Southeast Asia in more diverse and efficient ways.

Infused with a rich aroma, the Yulin International Spice Trading Market in the city of Yulin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, sees an endless stream of trucks loaded with spices such as star anise and cinnamon. The annual trading volume of spices in Yulin is about 800,000 tonnes, and the related industry chain employs more than 100,000 people.

Yulin has grasped the opportunity of the implementation of the RCEP, and continuously expanded its trade with ASEAN countries in the field of spices, exporting more and more Chinese seasoning to Southeast Asia to satisfy the taste buds of local people.

At the 5th Lancang-Mekong Business Forum, more than 100 industry representatives from the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) countries, including China, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, discussed the cooperation opportunities in the agricultural and food processing industries.

Suriyan Vichitlekarn, executive director of the Mekong Institute, said at the forum that in recent years, as infrastructure connectivity among the LMC countries has accelerated and logistics systems have improved, combined with surging food demand, changing consumption patterns and technological advances in food processing and packaging, the market and trade of the LMC countries in the food processing industry has continued to expand, bringing broad room for future cooperation.

"China is a big market with unlimited opportunities, and we look forward to further exchanges and cooperation with Chinese enterprises in the future," said Kitti Supchukun, president of Thailand's agricultural corporation Grenades Biotech Co., Ltd.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A map showing South Africa, eSwatini and Mozambique, with the border between the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal and Mozambique, close to the Mozambican capital Maputo.

The fight against cross-border crime on the troubled KwaZulu-Natal/Mozambique border has been intensified with the partial construction of a high concrete barricade and the deployment of over 140 police officers.

At an imbizo on Monday in Mhlabuyalingana, Police Minister Bheki Cele announced the arrest of notorious criminals who were terrorising communities in the far north of KZN and were involved in hijacking vehicles in various parts of the province.

Brigadier Madlela Gwebu Mashamba, brought from Cape Town in March, has been instrumental in the arrest of 103 criminals to date.

KZN Premier Nomusa MaDube Ncube introduced the plan to use New Jersey Barrier elements to build a high concrete wall spanning eight kilometres, aimed at curbing the rampant carjacking crimes in the area.

The community of Mhlabuyalingana has suffered significantly from ruthless border crimes, leading to the loss of many crime fighters in the region.

The carjackings have become so severe that vehicles are even being hijacked from police stations, clinics, and hospitals, leading to protests by the people who suspect collusion between some police officers and criminals.

The new concrete wall is part of the authorities' efforts to crack down on this dangerous and persistent issue.
Elon Musk is taking his battle with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to the highest court in the country. Attorney Alex Spiro has confirmed that Musk will ask the Supreme Court to decide whether the SEC went too far with a consent decree determining what Musk can say about Tesla's financials on Twitter (now X). He's challenging a May 15th appeals court decision dismissing allegations the SEC abused the decree to harass him with investigations over Twitter usage.

The new appeal comes a day after a judicial panel denied Musk's request that judges reexamine the case. The entrepreneur previously claimed he was pushed into the decree, and had to give up his right to contest the constitutionality of the SEC's terms if he wanted to pursue the eventual settlement. The truce saw a total of $40 million in fines between Musk and Tesla, and required that Musk both step down as board chairman and seek legal approval when posting about company financials.

Musk drew the SEC's attention in August 2018, when he tweeted that he was considering taking Tesla private and had "funding secured" with "investor support." The deal never went through, and shareholders pinned ensuing losses on Musk's posts. The Commission sued Musk over the tweets, arguing that they could be considered fraud.

During a shareholder trial, Musk contended that people didn't necessarily believe or respond to his tweets the way you'd expect. He pointed to one example where Tesla's stock price surged despite a tweet saying the value was too high. At the same time, he acknowledged that he has ignored requests to stop tweeting over delicate subjects, such as when he accused a Thai cave rescue diver of being a "pedo guy."

There's no certainty the Supreme Court will take the case or overturn the outcome. Either way, the court's response should have a significant impact on Musk's social media posting, either forcing him to honor the SEC's decisions or giving him more flexibility in what he says online.
A Congressional subcommittee is set to hold a hearing into UFOs, which are also referred to as unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP). The panel will hear "firsthand accounts" of UAP and "assess the federal governments transparency and accountability" regarding possible threats to national security. You'll be able to watch the hearing below on July 26th at 10AM ET.

The hearing  conducted by the Subcommittee on National Security, the Border and Foreign Affairs  will also focus on drives for legislation to "bring transparency to UAPs." The subcommittee wants to force the federal government to provide US residents with "information about potential risks to public safety and national security" as well. According to Rep. Tim Burchett, The Pentagon and Washington bureaucrats have kept this information hidden for decades and were finally going to shed some light on it."

The federal government has placed more of an onus on UAPs over the last few years (publicly, at least). In 2021, the Pentagon set up a task force to look into UAP sightings while NASA has established a separate panel to investigate the phenomena. The Department of Defense also created its own UAP investigative body, the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), in 2022.

Among the three witnesses who will testify during the hearing is David Grusch. The former intelligence official recently claimed that the US government has been recovering alien spacecraft and the bodies of UAP pilots for decades. Grusch, who until July 2022 was the co-lead for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's UAP analysis, also said there was evidence of "malevolent activity" by UFOs. His claims, for which he has not provided any physical evidence, led to the hearing.
Nutricion

Advierten de los danos ocasionados en la salud bucodental por el abuso de bebidas carbonatadas y energeticas
The Inkatha Freedom Party has confirmed that its founder, Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi, has been readmitted to hospital.

Buthelezi's spokesperson, Liezl van der Merwe, said Buthelezi was initially "admitted for routine tests and treatment for prolonged back pain, and underwent a small procedure for back pain management.

"It has come to my attention that rumours are circulating regarding the ill health of HRH Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. In the interest of allaying fears, I wish to confirm that Prince Buthelezi has been hospitalised, but is not critically ill," said Van der Merwe.

She said although Buthelezi was discharged "he unfortunately had to be readmitted for further treatment and recovery".

Last year in August, Buthelezi was admitted to hospital after it was reported that he fell sick while at his home of KwaPhindangene in Nkonjeni.

He was rushed to a Durban hospital and treated for hypertension.

UMntwana waKwaPhindangene (Prince of KwaPhindangene Palace) will turn 95 on 27 August.

King Misuzulu kaZwelithini's spokesperson, Prince Afrika Zulu, said the king wished Prince Buthelezi a speedy recovery.

He said His Majesty was informed by Buthelezi's office that uMntwana waKwaPhindangene has been admitted to hospital for a normal check-up.

DA leader John Steenhuisen was also quick to issue get-well wishes to Buthelezi.

The party has formed a partnership with the resurgent IFP in KwaZulu-Natal to unseat the ANC during the 2024 national general elections.

Already the IFP and DA coalition has won dozens of wards in areas previously regarded as ANC strongholds.

The IFP runs 29 municipalities in the province and is expected to fight for a takeover of Nongoma Local Municipality in upcoming by-elections.

Buthelezi's role as the traditional prime minister of the Zulu nation and monarch has endeared him to the hearts of Zulu traditionalists.

Shenge, as he is affectionately known, is expected to lead future campaigns alongside current IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa ahead of next year's election.

His health will be critical to the future of the IFP and the governance of KZN.
(Informacion remitida por la empresa firmante)

STOCKHOLM, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Medius, a leading provider of accounts payable (AP) automation, has today announced that the acquisition of expense management software company Expensya is complete.

Now that the acquisition of Expensya has been wrapped up, Medius can bank on the Tunisian startup's powerful AI-enabled, mobile-first, employee spend management capabilities that complement Medius's strengths in areas such as autonomous AP, payments, procurement, sourcing, contracts and supplier onboarding.

By taking Expensya under its fold, Medius forms a one-stop shop for CFOs as they look to gain a holistic viewpoint on their financial performance. The acquisition is also a further step-forward in Medius's strategy to be the leading provider of AP automation with robust payment capabilities and industry-leading control and fraud detection.

Not only that, but the acquisition of Expensya has taken Medius to new geographical frontiers adding product strengths that accelerate the ability to grow and cross-sell in highly competitive business application markets like France, where Expensya has developed a leading employee spend management solution. Medius can also capitalize on the French e-invoicing mandate, which is due to come into effect on July 1st 2024.

The acquisition represents a landmark moment for fintech advancement in North Africa, and gives an essential boost to the Tunisian fintech sector.

Jim Lucier, CEO of Medius, comments: "Expensysa's growth has been astronomical over the last two years - and why wouldn't it be - as the founders, Karim and Jihed, have built powerful AI-innovation that will take us to new heights in spend management. This partnership already puts us in and amongst the biggest players within the spend management space and together we can offer CFOs solutions that can help them transform finance while empowering their teams. We are delighted to have the team on board, and have already started working with them to amplify the Medius offering."

Karim Jouini, CEO of Expensya, comments: "In a sector as quick-footed as expense management, you can either wait for disruption to attack your business, or you can be the disruptor. With this acquisition, both Expensya and Medius come as disruptive forces ready to revolutionize the industry. Expensya's AI capabilities, employee spend management solution, and payment cards, with Medius's AP automation platform, means we can now cover the whole indirect spend of companies and can apply the power of AI to help finance teams to optimize cost and processes across the board."

Press contacts:

Dan Bird Fight or Flight for Medius medius@fightorflight.com EMEA: +44 330 133 0985 USA: +1 646-693-0221

View original content: https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/medius-completes-acquisition-of-expense-management-firm-expensya-301885140.html
Patrick Asare Author Interview

The Boy from Boadua shares your journey from a remote Ghanaian village to studying in the Soviet Union and eventually to living in America, teaching at inner-city high schools and helping others. Why was this an important book for you to write?

I grew up in a general environment that was completely hopeless. Children born in that village were not expected to be educated beyond middle school. Living in permanent poverty in adulthood as a subsistence farmer was the default expectation for pretty much everyone. As one of 14 children born to my two illiterate parents, my prospects were even dimmer than the average child in the village. There was never enough food to feed all those mouths at home, meaning that I always went to school hungry. There was no such thing as free school lunch for needy children in Ghanawe didnt have cafeterias in our schools.

My love of reading, which began when I was a young boy in primary school, led to a series of discoveries that charted the path along which I traveled from the village to secondary schools in different parts of Ghana, to college in the Soviet Union, and ultimately to America. Due to my familys poverty, I encountered monumental obstacles, mostly financial, at numerous stages along the journey. But somehow, I always found the strength I needed to keep going.

I arrived in America from the Soviet Union in 1992, and was hired to teach Russian and math in an inner-city K-12 public school district shortly thereafter. Weeks later, I walked into my first math classroom and had a rude awakening. The class was filled with young boys and girls, mostly minorities, who showed a complete lack of interest in education. Because of disciplinary issues, the classroom was so chaotic that I hardly did any teaching. That was bad enough, but I was even more horrified to find out in the subsequent days that the classroom picture I saw on that first day was the norm in most of Americas urban public schools, not an exception.

As a new immigrant, I had little understanding of the myriad socio-economic, racial, cultural, and other factors that combined to inspire those student behaviors. Compared to the primary and middle schools I attended in my village, the classrooms where I taught in America were state-of-the-art. The schools here had cafeterias and libraries. But the students were squandering those golden opportunities to receive the basic education that had made such a crucial difference in my life.

Confounded by that experience, I embarked on an entirely new journey to try to understand the causes of the dysfunction in the urban K-12 education system. The more I learned, the more I was haunted by the fact that given the disruptive classroom environments in urban America, had I grown up as a young Black boy in one of Americas inner cities, I perhaps could not have been able to learn and go on to do what I have been able achieve in my life.

In my students eyes I saw total hopelessness, which I later learned was the primary driver of those destructive classroom behaviors. That hopelessness was not that different from what was present in my village when I was growing up there. In my journey of discovery, I also became aware that this disengagement from education is the leading cause of many of the problems we find in our urban areas todaymass poverty, gang violence, broken homes, mass incarceration, and others. I was motivated to write this book to share the story of my personal journey to use it to inspire the types of children I taught in that inner-city school district. I strongly believe that the lessons and hopeful messages I share in the book can be helpful to some of those children.

I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?

That has to be my fathers untimely death, and how it led to my decision to come to America. All along, the plan had been to return to Ghana after my graduation from college in the Soviet Union. At the time of my fathers death, my fiancee, who lived in Ghana, and I were just about to welcome our first child. We planned to wed shortly after our daughters birth. My father had sacrificed so much for me and my siblings, and my other big dream then was to get him to retire from the backbreaking farm work that he had done for several decades to feed and take care of his large family. He was 81 years old at the time, and I wanted to do that to allow him to get some rest for the remainder of his life. His death robbed me of that opportunity, and the most painful part of it all was that I didnt even get to pay my last respects to him. I didnt learn about his death until I arrived in Ghana from the Soviet Union on a short visit in the spring of 1991. He had been buried 48 hours earlier.

Those were some very dark days for me. I suffered from a severe bout of depression, and coming to America was meant to be a healing mission. In writing that part of the story, it was extremely difficult for me to find the words to convey to readers exactly how I was feeling when I made the decision to leave Ghana, and how that meant I would effectively be abandoning, even if for a short period of time, my fiancee and newborn daughter.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

I learned many important lessons along this journey. Three in particular stand out for me. One, most disadvantages should not be seen as permanent conditions. Few people are born with silver spoons in their mouths, so most of us have to start from very basic beginnings. It is not what you have at the start of your journey that matters, but what you choose to do with whatever little tools you have. You have no idea what you can achieve with scant resources until you try working with them. Two, embrace competition. Put yourself in environments where you will be challenged. Healthy competition unearths capabilities within us that we otherwise wouldnt know exist. If you give average effort in anything, you will get average results. Three, believe in yourself. There are naysayers everywhere in this world who will always try to discourage you from doing things. One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that in general, no one knows anything. Life is unpredictable; what someone might consider to be impossible can actually be possible. Again, you never know what is achievable until you put your very best effort into something.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?

My entire journey began with the accidental discovery of a piece of crucial information on a piece of paper that was lying on the ground in my village one morning. Curiosity was what caused me to pick up that paper and read what was on it. There is so much valuable information out there in the world, a lot of it often hiding in plain sight. So be deeply curious. A lot of what we do in this world is based on information. If you develop a strong sense of curiosity, you will keep learning things that will tremendously help in your personal development.

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, in white shirt, arriving at Pukolvo Airport in St Petersburg, Russia for the Russia-Africa Summit 2023

The publication's accreditation to cover the Summit in St Petersburg this week, was rescinded without explanation on the eve of departure.

Russian authorities on Monday revoked Daily Maverick foreign policy specialist Peter Fabricius' accreditation to cover the Russia-Africa Summit in St Petersburg this week.

This was after Fabricius was previously granted accreditation to travel to Russia for the second Russia-Africa Summit on 27 and 28 July. He was informed in writing that he had received accreditation for the event on Tuesday, 18 July.

However, on Monday, 24 July, Fabricius was informed that the Summit's Organising Committee had cancelled his accreditation for the 2023 Summit. When Daily Maverick requested the Organising Committee reconsider the decision, it was told that "revision is not possible."

No explanation was given for reversal. Fabricius, who attended the inaugural Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi in 2019, was scheduled to depart South Africa for Russia on Tuesday.

African leaders will this week travel to St Petersburg for the second Russia-Africa Summit which begins on Thursday.

On 21 June, the Presidency shared a media invitation for the summit in St Petersburg, requesting that media who wished to attend and cover the event apply for accreditation by 5 July.

The presidency has said that Cyril Ramaphosa will be at the summit. He will be accompanied by International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor...
(The Center Square)  The U.S. House Oversight Committee announced Monday that Biden family business associate Devon Archer will testify before the committee about allegations that the presidential family engaged in an international bribery scheme.

Archer, who is expected to meet with the committee in the next week, is a friend and business partner of Hunter Biden and will likely conduct a transcribed interview behind closed doors.

The development comes on the heels of hearings last week in which IRS whistleblowers testified that the Biden family and associates received about $17 million from Ukrainian, Romanian and Chinese entities.

Joe Biden lied to the American people when he said he knew nothing about his sons business dealings, House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., said. Evidence continues to be revealed that Joe Biden was very much involved in his familys corrupt influence peddling schemes and he likely benefited financially. This includes deals with a corrupt Ukrainian oligarch and a CCP-linked energy company that generated millions for the Bidens and undermined American interests.

Biden has repeatedly brushed off allegations related to the international payments.

As The Center Square previously reported, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, also released what appears to be an FBI Confidential Human Source document last week. In that document, an FBI informant lays out conversations he had with Ukrainian executives at Burisma, the Ukrainian energy company where Hunter Biden served on the board.

In the document, the source alleges that one executive said the company hired Hunter Biden to "protect us, through his dad, from all kinds of problems.

Grassley released a copy of the FD-1023 document, saying it shows an alleged criminal bribe between a Ukrainian energy company executive and President Joe Biden, who was vice president at the time.

It certainly appears that Joe Biden and his family put themselves first and Americans last, but corporate media and the Justice Department continue to cover up for the Bidens, Comer said. We look forward to speaking soon with Devon Archer about Joe Bidens involvement in his familys business affairs.
Browning, Montana on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation (Photo by Tony Bynum | Kaiser Health News).

A federal judge has approved a $9 million class action settlement involving a nonprofit telecommunications co-op that will pay back millions in capital credits to several hundred tribal members of the former Browning Exchange who alleged discrimination when the company withheld the credits after a 2020 sale.

The final approval of the settlement on July 14 means that the five plaintiffs who sued 3 Rivers Telephone Cooperative, and around 1,800 members of the class in the settlement, are likely to receive their payouts from the settlement in the next few weeks, attorneys for the plaintiffs said, adding that it will be much-welcomed money for members of the Blackfeet Nation.

A U.S. District Court of Montana judge in February granted preliminary approval to the $9 million settlement reached between Fairfield-based 3 Rivers, the plaintiffs who were members of the Browning Exchange, and 1,863 class members who were also Browning Exchange customers.

The 3 Rivers co-op sold the Browning Exchange to Siyeh Communications on the last day of 2020. The lawsuit claimed that 3 Rivers and its board had unfairly discriminated against Native American members of the Browning Exchange by withholding payment of the capital credits from the exchange members when it sold the Browning Exchange.

The lawsuit also claimed that 3 Rivers had treated Native American customers of the telecommunications company differently than non-Native members  saying it was the companys policy and practice to do so in violation of the Federal Communications Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Montana Consumer Protection Act.

Four of the five plaintiffs in the case were enrolled members of the Blackfeet Tribe, while the fifth lives on the reservation but was not an enrolled member. All previously received telephone service from 3 Rivers and owned capital credits in the company but were no longer customers after the company sold the Browning Exchange.

The capital credits are allocated to customers of the co-op based on 3 Rivers annual earnings. The company said on its website the credits are allocated when it makes a profit the money is returned to our members through capital credits because it operates as a nonprofit.

According to the suit, when 3 Rivers sold the Browning Exchange, its board did not include the Browning Exchange members capital credits in the sale because Siyeh Communications said it could not afford the sale if they were included.

The suit says instead of retiring the approximately $8.8 million capital credits, the company retained them and planned to retire them instead during a period of 25 years and pay the credits out at that pace.

But attorneys Jeffrey Winter and Terryl Matt argued 3 Rivers had shown withholding capital credits and other patterns  including failing to upgrade Browning Exchange customers services from copper cables to fiber optic cables while most of 3 Rivers other exchanges had received the upgrades  demonstrated the company was discriminating against its Native American customers.

Nearly all of the Browning Exchange customers were Native American and had their home telephone and internet service run through decades-old infrastructure, according to the suit, which one of the plaintiffs told the Daily Montanan was extremely unreliable.

Further, the lead plaintiff in the case, former tribal chairman Harry Barnes, had been a member of the 3 Rivers board of trustees  the only Native American member of the board and the only representing Browning Exchange members  and had pushed for the capital credits to be retired and paid back to exchange members as part of the sale.

But the board voted to remove Barnes as a board member before the sale of the exchange, then voted afterward to retain the capital credits, according to the lawsuit. Winter and Matt argued that also violated the boards bylaws.

We felt very strongly that it was a matter of discrimination, Winter said in an interview. I dont think they would have necessarily treated another exchange the same way as they did.

Robert DeRosier, one of the named plaintiffs in the suit, said Barnes called him and asked him to join the lawsuit when it was first under consideration, which he quickly agreed to when learning the full capital credits would not be paid out in a lump sum but rather year after year.

A lot of us couldnt wait for that on their schedule. I mean, how many of our 3 Rivers subscribers would be dead and gone to the Great Here and After without getting what they were owed? DeRosier said in an interview. So, I gladly joined in that lawsuit.

3 Rivers initially asked the judge to dismiss the case in its entirety, but the judge only agreed to dismiss some of the claims. But last September, the two sides met in a settlement conference in Butte, and the judge recommended a settlement that would later be approved by an independent fiduciary judge.

The settlement estimated the class members could recoup about 75% to 80% of the $8.3 million capital credit balance with 3 Rivers, which Winter and Matt said was more than the company would have originally had to pay out if it had done so when it sold the exchange.

After the preliminary settlement was reached in February, it had to go through a class-notice period, a fairness hearing to see if any class members objected to the settlement, and a comment period under the Class Action Fairness Act before it could be formally approved this month. But no federal or state official objected, clearing the way for the final approval of the settlement on July 14.

The order said 3 Rivers would have to deposit the full settlement payment into a fund by July 28  the end of this week.

The judge awarded the attorneys for the class  Winter and Matt  $2.25 million to be paid out of the fund. They also awarded the lead plaintiff, Barnes, $50,000 and the other four named plaintiffs $5,000 each. The administrator of the claim and settlement fund was ordered to calculate the share distributed to the rest of the class, which will be paid out in coming weeks.

Don Serido, a spokesperson for 3 Rivers, said in a statement that it had agreed to retire and pay back the capital credits.

As part of an agreement to resolve a class action lawsuit, 3 Rivers agreed to pay off capital credits, usually paid back over time per Montana cooperative law, of the former telephone members who were affected by the sale, Serido said in a statement.

Attorneys, plaintiff call settlement a victory for tribal members

Winter said in an interview that the settlement was a major victory for the Browning Exchange members, most of whom are Blackfeet tribal members, because state law gives co-ops a lot of discretion on how to handle capital credits and pay them back.

That was kind of a key of our argument, that technically the law may say that this is OK, but arent you really hiding behind the letter of the law to accomplish something that really isnt fair and appropriate and is discriminatory? Winter said.  3 Rivers had the law on their side. Our argument was equitable; theirs was legal. And thats tough. Given that situation especially, I think it was a really, really good outcome.

DeRosier, one of the plaintiffs, said he believes the money will greatly benefit the reservation  especially elder members of the tribe who are on fixed incomes and whom he said made up most of the Browning Exchange users. He said he believes the money would have a three-fold benefit as it exchanges hands in the Blackfeet communities.

Thats just what the community needs. People are broke. We need economic development here and anytime we can get that positive funding to come in here, thats a good thing for us and our membership, he said. A lot of the older Blackfeet had that account, and theyre the ones that need it the most. So, Im just ecstatic.

Winter and Matt, the co-counsel on the case, both praised the plaintiffs and class members for stepping up against what they said were long odds. Winter said it was his first class-action case.

Were extremely grateful for the outcome, Winter said. Were very proud of our class representatives and every class member. This has taken a lot of guts to put together and the class representatives stepped up and did what they felt was right, even though the odds were against them.

Both said when it came time for possible class members to get in contact and join the class, there was an overwhelming response from the community that they plan to hear more about once the checks arrive in coming weeks.

So, I think this was good; this was a good outcome for them, and I think most of the members are pretty happy, Matt said.

DeRosier said while the reservation still needs significant telecommunications upgrades, he hopes that the tribal nation can become energy independent and provide members and residents with internet service in the long term.

The post Judge approves $9M settlement for Blackfeet telecomms customers who alleged discrimination appeared first on Daily Montanan.
Fairfield, MT (59436)

Today

Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will become overcast in the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 84F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy early with partial clearing expected late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 56F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph.
Farmers have been told to brace for changes in the law which will require them to provide photo ID when purchasing ammonium nitrate (AN) fertilisers from October.

Tens of thousands of farming customers could be barred from placing orders of AN as of 1 October 2023 unless they can first submit photo ID to the retailer.

The Home Office has amended the Control of Poisons and Explosives Precursors Regulations 2023 to introduce new substances to the lists of regulated explosives precursors and poisons, including AN with a nitrogen content of 16% or more.

This applies to compounds, blends and mixtures such as NPK fertiliser containing ammonium nitrate above the nitrogen content threshold.

The new rules mean businesses supplying regulated explosives precursors to professional users and other businesses will need to take additional steps to verify the legitimacy of the individual or business.

The photo ID provided can be for anyone working for the farm business who is authorised to make the purchase.

The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC), the UKs agri supply chain trade association, has raised concerns over the implications of the new rule.

Jo Gilbertson, AICs head of fertiliser, said: The government has failed to understand how ammonium nitrate products are bought and sold within agriculture.

Fertiliser orders are often made by farmers over the phone, not over a shop counter, making it impractical to meet the new requirement to show a passport, driving licence or other photo ID."

She added: AIC is concerned that unless farming customers can show distributors their photo ID, they legally will not be able to place an order and we may see a situation where there is a de facto ban on AN fertiliser sales from October.

AIC will be working with farming unions to ensure that the practicalities of this new legislation is better understood by farmers across the UK, making sure that they are well prepared for the changes.
With the Basic Payment Scheme on its way out for farmers  how many have truly prepared for life after the scheme disappears for good?

Ian McKenzie, associate partner at property consultancy Fisher German, explains the post-BPS landscape and what options are out there.

BPS was an important subsidy for many farmers in England for a number of years, but the payment is now being phased out following Brexit.

A typical 100-ha farm has already lost 35 percent of its BPS income since payments started decreasing in 2020, and a 500-ha farm has lost 44 percent.

With payments set to reduce further, farmers need to take the initiative and find new ways to fund their enterprises.

A direct replacement for BPS has not emerged, instead, there is a patchwork of grants and other strategies that can help farmers with their bottom line.

In the main, the bulk of government grants out there tend to be awarded to farms that prioritise environmental benefits.

For example, the Countryside Stewardship (CS) scheme provides financial incentives for farmers to conserve and restore wildlife habitats, create new woodland, improve flood risk management, and more.

In addition, the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) pays out per hectare to farmers that undertake sustainable soil management plans.

While these are useful new sources of income, government grants are not the only way to monetise environmental credentials.

A private market is also emerging for sequestered carbon in soil on farms that companies can purchase to offset their emissions, with similar markets already available for woodland and peatland.

However, not every farm has the capability to make changes like this to the extent that their farm becomes profitable.

Another solution that we expect to see more of in the near future is contract farming  where the farmer essentially hires in labour and machinery but still plays a role in farm management.

This is different from simply letting a farm out to a tenant. For starters, a farmer can sell his working capital as machinery is provided by the contractor and removes the burden of finding and maintaining employment. Indeed, tenant farmers can also enter into contract agreements.

And there are benefits from a tax point of view, as HMRC views the farmer as active which means tax relief can be applied for.

With farming being an increasingly ageing occupation, contract farming could be a smart solution for many looking to save money in the long term.

It is important to stress that every farm is different and that no one-size-fits-all solution exists, so farmers need to do their research before committing to anything.

Farmers need to assess where they want to be in two years, five years, and a decade, and what would be the best ways for them to get there.

The issue for farmers is that legislation and grant schemes have been rapidly changing of late and it can be difficult for many - especially those who have farmed for a long time - to get their heads around the various options.

There are likely to be a handful of farms that struggle to adapt as BPS winds down, but the sooner farms create a clear plan for their futures, the easier it will be to navigate.
Scotlands rural and farming communities will have a chance to have their voices heard in decision-making as part of the UKs only rural parliament.

The Scottish government has unveiled 80,000 in new funding to help deliver the next Scottish Rural and Islands Parliament  a grassroots democratic assembly  which will take place in the autumn.

The devolved government has supported voluntary organisation Scottish Rural Action (SRA) to set up four Scottish Rural Parliaments since 2014.

The event is supported by a partnership of over 40 organisations, coordinated by SRA and the Scottish Islands Federation, and more than 400 people have taken part in each event.

The outcomes of discussions from the next parliament will be presented to the Scottish government, and will be considered as part of work to develop the Rural Delivery Plan and review the National Islands Plan.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: It is vital that rural and island communities and businesses have a say in decisions that affect them.

The Scottish Rural and Islands Parliament  the only rural parliament in the UK  provides an important opportunity for people who work and live in these areas to have their voices heard.

The discussions and views aired will help to inform Scottish government policy-making.

The most recent Scottish Rural Parliament in 2021 hosted a democratic assembly of over 600 participants from across rural Scotland.

The Scottish Rural Parliament is a member of the European-wide network of Rural Parliaments.

Each event is hosted by a different rural community - Oban in 2014, Brechin in 2016, Stranraer in 2018 and virtually in 2021.

The programme is shaped by a wide range of rural and island organisations.

Chair of Scottish Rural Action Theona Morrison said: Rural and island places make up 98% of our countrys landmass.

They are the locus of our natural assets, of our capacity to produce food and generate energy, and of a rich, enterprising, cultural and linguistic tapestry.

We have an opportunity now to shine a light on the solutions that rural and islands communities offer to global challenges, including climate change.
The value of Welsh food exports hit a new record last year, reaching nearly 800 million, figures show.

The industrys exports increased by 157m between 2021 and 2022, representing a 24.5% rise.

This is a larger percentage increase than the UK as a whole, which grew by 21.6%.

The highest value export categories for Welsh food in 2022 were meat and meat products at 265m, a 42% increase from 2021, and cereal which rose 16% to 160m.

The value of the sectors exports to the EU reached 594m, a 130m increase from 2021.

The industrys export to non-EU countries were worth 203m in 2022, a large growth from 176m in 2021.

France is now the highest value destination for Welsh food and drink exports at 150m.

Other top destinations include the Republic of Ireland (145m), Belgium (78m), Netherlands (52m), and Germany (51m).

Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths said: Welsh food and drink exports continue to go from strength to strength, ensuring people in many countries abroad can enjoy high-quality products from Wales.

The sectors skills, drive for innovation and passion to provide the best possible produce is clear from todays results.

The Minister has also announced a new scheme, the Strategic Innovation Scheme, to provide business support services to food and drink businesses across Wales.

As part of this, Project Helix, which offers technical and commercial support to the Welsh food and drink industry, will continue until March 2025.
There Was No Assault, Presidential Protection Officer Testifies

Shadrack Molekatlane Kojoana, one of the eight Presidential Protection Services (PPS) officers accused of assaulting people on the N1 highway in Gauteng, has testified in court, reports News24. He said that he was the one who pulled a motorist out of a blue Volkswagen Polo after the vehicle was stopped by the PPS convoy. Kojoana denied that there was any assault, and said that the officers were simply trying to control the situation and assess the threat posed by the occupants of the Polo. He also said that the matter was reported to the commander when they arrived at Mashatile's home in Midrand shortly after the incident. The case was postponed to Wednesday July 26.

Sugar Prices to Remain High Until December, Uncertainties Loom

Sugar prices in South Africa have been rising sharply in recent months due to a combination of factors, including drought in key producer Brazil, higher global crude oil prices, load shedding in South Africa, and the impact of Tongaat Hulett's business rescue, reports News24. Analysts expect some softening in pricing by the end of the year but warn that this could be temporary. The potential impact of the El Nino weather pattern, the strengthening of the Brazilian real against the U.S. dollar, and possible sugar tax hikes in South Africa could all limit declines in world sugar prices. The South African sugar industry is also in flux due to Tongaat Hulett's business rescue, which could exert upward pressure on sugar prices in the short to medium term. One positive development is that Tongaat Hulett has announced a preferred strategic equity partner, Kagera Sugar, which could help to improve the pricing pressure in the local industry.

Police Make Progress in Cracking Down on Cross-Border Crime

Police have confiscated more than 120 vehicles and arrested more than 103 people linked to cross-border crimes in uMkhanyakude in northern KwaZulu-Natal, reports TimesLIve. Sixty-three of the vehicles have been returned to their rightful owners, while 61 are the subject of court litigation. 26 vehicles could not be traced, and 42 had been used to commit a crime. Police also confiscated 29 illegal firearms and 382 rounds of ammunition. Of the 103 suspects arrested, 48 are on trial. A contractor has been appointed to oversee the construction and repair of a buffer zone on the border with Mozambique. Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube called on the community to work with the police to fight crime.

More South African news
Alison Moyet is celebrating graduating with a top degree in fine art.

Alison Moyet is celebrating graduating with a top degree in fine art

The 1980s pop sensation, 62, landed a First in printmaking from Brighton University and the achievement was announced on her official Instagram on Tuesday (25.07.23) by posing beside one of her black and white prints showing a womans bonnet-clad head.

Her account said: Please join us in congratulating @alisonmoyetofficial on graduating with a First in Fine Art Printmaking BA (Hons) from Brighton University today.

What an achievement! #alisonmoyet #graduation#printmaking #fineart#finartprintmaking#brightonuniversity.

Alison  born Genevieve Alison Jane Moyet and best known for hits including Love Resurrection, All Cried Out and Is This Love?  has sold more than 20 million albums and has a net worth of around 14 million, but has previously admitted she dressed so scruffily while attending a separate art course she got mistaken for a tramp.

She said in 2017 while studying sculpture at a college when asked on the BBCs The Graham Norton Show if she gets recognised commuting back from college in London to her home in Brighton: I get the late train and no one recognises me  I look a sight and am as rough as you like.

I actually think people avoid me because I look like a bag lady! I was on the train the other night and managed to get seat  there were two businessmen opposite me and a smart young lady next to me and I was crammed in with all my bags and covered in plaster and clay and as she was leaving she pushed over her leftovers and said, Would you like my food?.

Alison also said she wasnt surprised to be good at art, adding: I knew I would be good with my hands  I am really good at wallpaper hanging and I liked the idea of doing something dexterous.

But she said about the prospect of ever exhibiting her work: I havent thought that far, I just like doing stuff and participating.

Its a weird thing  I do music but dont listen to music and I write poetry but I dont read and I do art but I know nothing about artists.
Barack and Michelle Obama's personal chef has died in a paddle boarding accident.

Barack and Michelle Obama have paid tribute to their chef

The former United States President and his former First Lady have paid tribute to Tafari Campbell  who was their sous chef at the White House before he joined their own personal staff  died aged 45 on Monday (24.07.23) near their Martha's Vineyard home.

In a news release, Massachusetts State Police, said: "Mr. Campbell was visiting Marthas Vineyard at the time of his passing. President and Mrs. Obama were not present at the residence at the time of the accident."

Campbell was recovered by divers from a pond, with the search beginning later on Sunday (23.07.23) evening.

Police and fire agencies responded to a 911 call for "a male paddle boarder who had gone into the water, appeared to briefly struggle to stay on the surface, and then submerged and did not resurface".

In a joint statement, Barack and Michelle hailed Tafari as "a beloved part of our family".

They said: "When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House  creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together.

"In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter.

"Thats why, when we were getting ready to leave the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed. Hes been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that hes gone."

The State Police Detective Unit for the Cape and Islands District and Edgartown Police are conducting an investigation into his death, while Tafarai's loved ones are mourning his passing.

The Obama's added: "Today we join everyone who knew and loved Tafari  especially his wife Sherise and their twin boys, Xavier and Savin  in grieving the loss of a truly wonderful man."
The Emir of Katsina, His Royal Highness, Abdulmumini Kabir Usman has expressed concern over the high rate of drug abuse experienced in Katsina State lately.

According to the revered monarch, last week alone, over 74 cases of drug abuse and addiction were reported to his palace.

Among those reported, Emir Kabir said is a drug barron and he has since been handed over to the NDLEA and he is still in their custody.

The Katsina Royal Father raised the alarm when a delegation of Save the Children International SCI led by its Turkey Head of Advocacy, Mr Vahir kutluer and his counterpart from Abuja, Ms

Edith Gumut, paid him a courtesy visit at his palace on Monday.

According to the Royal Father, a lot still needs to be done to restore the state's lost glory, urging Save the Children International SCI to wade in and help salvage the state.

"I know you are doing a lot already but I must say that instilling discipline and integrity in our children should be given top priority. Children nowadays are highly corrupt. This issue of drug abuse is our main problem. You can help us more by including war against drug abuse in your activities and campaigns. It is one of the major reasons for the prevailing insecurity in the state. So, you see, we need your likes to help salvage the situation. Don't shy away please."

While assuring them of his support, Emir Kabir urged SCI to keep the emirate abreast of their activities and of any challenge they encounter in the process.

"I will listen to you and then we will act and solve your problem easily but if you act contrary you may encounter stumbling blocks," the Emir advised.

Speaking earlier, SCI Turkey Head of Advocacy, Vahir kutluer who led the delegation said they were at the Emir's palace to seek the royal father's blessings over the implementation of the child protection bill in Katsina State.

"Our specific focus here is more about the implementation side of the Child Protection Bill and its impact since its assent in December 2020. what are the key challenges and what are some of the lessons learned and out of this and how to better make this happen for the children," Vahir said.
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson surprised a young fan battling cancer by working as her waiter.

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson surprised a young fan battling cancer by working as her waiter

The Hollywood megastar and WWE legend, 51, wanted to give Luna Perrone an experience she would never forget, having followed her for a couple of years on social media amid her heartbreaking health struggles.

As revealed on Twitter, The Rock invited Luna  whose cancer has spread  and her family to the Hotel Bel-Air for a meal on him.

What Luna didn't know was the 'Black Adam' actor had arranged to be to one bringing out her chicken fingers, fries and ketchup.

Dwayne said in the video: "She has no idea Im gonna surprise her. I told her family, 'Tell Luna that Im setting up a lunch for you guys at my favourite hotel, Im sorry I cant be there.' "

Luna was in awe when she saw The Rock walk into the restaurant with her plate in his hand, and after she sheepishly said "hi", he called her up for a hug.

He told her: "You know what I need? Get in here! I cant believe Im finally meeting you!"

As he wrote on Twitter alongside the emotional clip, The Rock described Luna as a "very special and strong young girl".

He said: "Ive had some super cool jobs in my life  but being Lunas waiter just might be the coolest... She was in total shock and awe.

"What a cool moment and Im honored to finally have met Luna!"

He described moments liks this as the "best part of fame", and insisted he wasn't let down meeting his "hero".

He continued: "They say, dont meet ever meet your heroes, because youll be disappointed  well I got to meet my hero and she was AWESOME (sic)"
To address energy demand fueled by heatwaves, state-owned China Energy Investment Corporation recently announced generating 571.1 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity in the first half (H1) this year, marking the highest output ever recorded for this period in history.

Its coal-fired power generation also reached a record level for the same periodup by 8.4 per cent year on year, it said.

The company produced over 300 million tonnes of coal during the period, with monthly coal production hitting 51.7 million tonnes on average, company spokesperson Huang Qing told a press conference.

China Energy Investment Corporation has announced generating 571.1 billion kWh of electricity in 2023 first half, marking the highest output ever recorded for this period in history. The company produced over 300 million tonnes of coal during the period, in which its coal-fired power generation also reached a record levelup by 8.4 per cent year on year.

The company's self-produced coal has remained at the peak level of 50 million tonnes for 21 consecutive months since October 2021, and its coal production in March this year hit a monthly historic high of 53.74 million tonnes, a state-controlled news agency reported.

It has continued robust electricity generation, setting a daily record of 4.19 billion kWh output on July 11.

Power generation from sustainable new energy sources saw a year-on-year increase of 24.3 per cent during the first half of the year. It has begun constructing 8.54 million kilowatts worth new energy projects and put into operation 5.52 million kilowatts in H1 2023.

Its installed capacity of photovoltaic power exceeded 20 million kilowatts for the first time, and that of wind power reached 54.91 million kilowatts in the period, solidifying its position as the world's largest wind power generator, the company claimed.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
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In the first half (H1) of 2023, China experienced a 13.3 per cent year-on-year (YoY) rise in its fiscal revenue, as per recently released official data. The countrys ministry of finance reported that the fiscal revenue during this period exceeded 11.9 trillion yuan (around $1.66 trillion).

The central government amassed about 5.39 trillion yuan in fiscal revenue, marking a 13.1 per cent YoY increase. In contrast, local governments collected approximately 6.53 trillion yuan, up 13.5 per cent from the previous year. Furthermore, tax revenue soared to over 9.9 trillion yuan from January to June, exhibiting a 16.5 per cent YoY rise.

China's fiscal revenue surged by 13.3 per cent YoY in H1 2023, surpassing 11.9 trillion yuan, according to official data. The central and local governments collected about 5.39 trillion and 6.53 trillion yuan respectively, showing a marked increase. Xue Xiaoqian, a finance ministry official, warned of a gradual slowdown in growth as tax refunds normalise.

Finance ministry official Xue Xiaoqian credited the countrys robust economic recovery and the large-scale roll-out of tax refund policies since April the previous year for this rapid fiscal revenue growth, according to local media reports.

Looking ahead, Xue acknowledged the significant role Chinas rebounding economy would play in driving future fiscal revenue increases. However, he also warned of a gradual slowdown in monthly growth as tax refunds revert to normal levels in the latter half of 2022, aligning more closely with the growth of the economic sources of taxation.

In addition to revenue gains, fiscal spending increased by 3.9 per cent YoY to 13.39 trillion yuan over the six-month period.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)
The United Kingdom recently decided to recognise Vietnam's manufacturing industries operating under market economic conditions within the framework of the former joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

It will not apply adverse regulations to goods imported from Vietnam in investigating trade remedy cases, the Vietnamese ministry of industry and trade said.

The United Kingdom will now consider Vietnam's manufacturing industries operating under market economic conditions within the framework of the former joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). It will not apply adverse regulations to goods imported from Vietnam in investigating trade remedy cases.

Vietnam has been recognised as a market economy in various forms by 71 nations and territories till now.

The decision will make it convenient for Vietnam's export items to be treated fairly and it will have more opportunities to expand its export markets.

The two countries target $10 billion worth bilateral trade riding on the CPTPP, according to Vietnamese media report.

With the United Kingdom recently signing the protocol on accession to the CPTPP, the number of CPTPP member states has increased to 12.

The addition of the new member is likely to raise the bloc's gross domestic product to nearly 16 per cent of the world's total from 12 per cent.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Back to the Future

Interstellar

Tenet

Bill and Teds Excellent Adventure

Looper

Terminator 2: Judgement Day

About Time

Predestination

Donnie Darko

Edge of Tomorrow

Time travel is arguably one of the most difficult movie genres to master. It cannot be an easy task for filmmakers to research the science behind the workings of time and come up with a viable fictional version that is convincing for viewers. And yet, there are countless movies that have pushed the envelope to give audiences some great time travel movies over the years. While some go in wild directions, others have stood the test of, well, time.From the oft-cited classics to the lesser-known gems, heres looking back at some movies that use time travel as a device to reflect on human experiences.Any list that involves time travel movies is incomplete without the mention of the classic Back to the Future and its sequels. The 1984 film is the best out of a trilogy thatof Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) who travels back to the 50s in a car when his experiment with scientist Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) goes wrong. Here, he must make sure that his parents meet and fall in love or else he wont exist in the future. The film series has its faults, but it broke down time travel for a whole generation of movie-goers in a popcorn sci-fi flick and thats saying something.Christopher Nolans Interstellar is a staggering achievement. The film starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain and others revolves around astronauts who travel through a wormhole in search of a new habitable planet. While the films scale and sci-fi concept are commendable, it's central messaging about the power of love and human bonds shines through and makes for a wholesome watch. And it has some quotable lines that are nearly impossible to forget.This list expectedly has more than one. Tenet starring John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki and others is the directors most ambitious work ahead of Oppenheimer. The film isnt everyones cup of tea but its sheer scope needs to be applauded. It follows two operatives, the protagonist (played by Washington) and Neil (played by Robert Pattinson) as they fight to protect the world from mass destruction.Starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, the cult classic Bill and Teds Excellent Adventure sees two high school best friends embark on a time travel journey across history to enlist historical figures to help them complete their history presentation. If they fail, they risk Ted being sent to military school. Its as fun as it sounds.In Rian Johnsons, starring Bruce Willis, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emily Blunt and others, time travel has become a luxury for those who can manage to pay for it illegally. People known as loopers are hired as hitmen to eliminate people by travelling into the past. The film follows a man whose employers call a hit on him and send his future self to be killed in the past.Director James Camerons Terminator 2 isnt just one of the greatest action films of all time, its also a great time travel movie. After the first installment opens up questions about time travel, the second film digs into it. The film sees Terminator T-800 tasked with protecting John Connor from T-1000 who is sent to kill him from the future. With its groundbreaking concept and its wildly entertaining action, the film which is the best of the franchise makes for an essentialThe only emotional drama on the list, About Time is a time travel story from the director of Love Actually. Starring Rachel McAdams, Domhnall Gleeson and Bill Nighy, the film tells the story of a time-traveling father and son duo. Tim Lake discovers he can time travel just like his father. He wins over a girl using his time-travel abilities. However, as most films warn, one of the pitfalls of time travel is that it rarely makes your problems go away. While the romance in the film is emotional, the father and son bits will leave you reaching out for tissues.Predestination starring Ethan Hawke and Succession star Sarah Snook is one of the most mind-boggling films on the list. It sees an agent who after failing to stop a bombing in New York City in the 70s, uses time travel to stop the bomber. While the plot is rather complicated, chances are you wont see the ending coming as long as it hasnt been spoiled already. Its a plot twist worth sticking around for.It can be said that the genre-bending Donnie Darko isnt an out-and-out time-travel movie. But it has one of the most fascinating time travel arcs. The 80s-set classic starring a young Jake Gyllenhaal revolves around a teenager who sleepwalks, escaping an accident. He gets home to find a jet engine crashed in his bedroom. The trippy film explores time travel theories, parallel universes and wormholes as Donnies grip on reality seemingly loosens. With a memorable performance by Gyllenhaal and a haunting cover of Mad World, the film is one of the best science fiction thrillers.Watching Tom Cruise in action is endlessly satisfying, a fact that the actor has proved time and again through his many roles including his recent Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning. In Edge of Tomorrow, Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt are soldiers who are up against a deadly time loop. Cruise plays a civilian who is thrown into a war against aliens invading Earth in the near future. He soon finds himself living the same day and the same fight over and over again. With a little help from Blunts character, he gets better at being a soldier and the culmination of the action is pretty good if you stick around till the ending.
analysis

The SA Police Service has confirmed that an inquest to determine liability for the deaths of 21 young people at the Enyobeni Tavern in Scenery Park, East London, will be held from 30 August.

Police have confirmed that an inquest to determine who is legally responsible for the deaths of 21 young people in the Enyobeni Tavern in East London on 26 June 2022 will begin at the end of August.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana said the police had immediately assembled a team of investigators after the tragedy in 2022.

"In concert with other government departments, the SAPS worked closely to ensure that progress is made and the affected families find closure," he said.

"On the day, the children unfortunately died from an unknown cause and police detectives had to scratch for clues and gather all evidence which could possibly provide answers to the bereaved families and the public as well."

Kinana said the Department of Health had released the post-mortem results for the deceased and that these had been handed to the National Prosecuting Authority.

"After the docket with the post-mortem results was taken to the director of Public Prosecutions for a decision, it was then decided that the docket be taken to the inquest court proceeding for a formal hearing," he said.

Kinana added that prosecutors were "currently preparing subpoenas for all witnesses to attend the hearing on 30 August 2023...
Dileep's Allegations of Trial Prolongation in 2017 Actress Assault Case: Malayalam cinema actor Dileep has raised serious allegations, stating that there is an attempt to prolong the trial in the 2017 actress assault case, in which he is a defendant.

Mammootty's Prosperous Reign: Revealing His 2023 Net Worth, Car Collection, And Remuneration!

Appearing before the Kerala High Court, Dileep expressed his distress, asserting that the protracted trial has ruined his life.

Crucial Evidence Probe: Memory Card At Center Of Controversy

The actor's claims came amidst the prosecution's demand for a probe into the examination of a crucial piece of evidence in the case-the memory card containing recordings of the assault. Dileep argued that this demand was a deliberate move to extend the trial indefinitely, further adding to his woes.

The 2017 incident involved the sexual assault of the actress by criminals in a moving car, with the act being recorded on their phone. The memory card later became vital evidence in the case, but a report from the State Forensic Laboratory raised concerns, stating that it was accessed multiple times while in the court's custody.

During the hearing, Dileep's lawyer, B. Raman Pillai, presented the allegations when the court was considering a petition filed by the survivor, urging an investigation into the unauthorized opening of the memory card while in court custody. The defence emphasised that prolonging the trial without valid reasons should not be allowed.

Mammootty To Team Up With Vysakh And Midhun Manuel Thomas For Mass Comedy Entertainer?

In response, the High Court inquired about the validity of any concerns arising from the checking of the memory card. The Director General of Prosecutions (DGP), T. A. Shaji, stressed the need to ensure the integrity of the footage on the memory card. The plea, in consideration of Supreme Court advocate Gaurav Aggarwal's convenience-who is appearing for the survivor-was adjourned to the 31st.
How To Watch Kurukkan On OTT platform

1. Visit the official website of 'Disney+Hotstar' to watch the movie on a digital platform or Download the app 'Disney+Hotstar' from Google Play with a minimum subscription.





2. Login with a user ID and password/ If you are a new one in this area, create a user ID and password with your email ID or phone number





3. After the login with App, you can choose the movies list to find out which are streaming or trending on the OTT platform.





4. Click the search tab and type the movie name 'Kurukkan', which helps to find the movie list.





5. Now you can enjoy watching the movie and have the option to select your language and press the 'Play Button'.


BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - German sportswear brand Adidas (ADDDF.PK) reported that its preliminary operating profit for the second quarter of 2023 declined to 176 million euros from 392 million euros in the prior year.



In the second quarter, currency-neutral revenues were flat versus the prior year level. In euro terms, the company's revenues declined 5% to 5.343 billion euros from the previous year.



The company noted that its top- and bottom-line development in the quarter was positively impacted by the first sale of some of its Yeezy inventory as announced at the end of May. In addition, the underlying adidas business also developed slightly better than expected.



Therefore, the company has updated its full year guidance. It now expects currency-neutral revenues to decline at a mid-single-digit rate in 2023. Previously it was expected to decline at a high-single-digit rate.



At the same time, the company's underlying operating profit - excluding any one-offs related to Yeezy and the ongoing strategic review - is still anticipated to be around the break-even level.



Including the positive impact from the first Yeezy drop, the potential write-off of the remaining Yeezy inventory of now 400 million euros and one-off costs related to the strategic review of up to 200 million euros, the company now expects to report an operating loss of 450 million euros in 2023 compared to the prior outlook of loss 700 million euros.



If successful, potential future Yeezy drops would further improve the company's results, Adidas said.



For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com



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MANILA, July 25, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - Philippines, the third-largest contact center outsourcing destination, is gearing up to host the 11th edition of the World CX Summit, organized by Trescon. The premier customer experience event brings together leading CX professionals and experts to help businesses and brands provide a seamless customer experience journey using the latest trends and technologies that dominate the market.After successfully hosting over 15,000 CX thought leaders, innovators, specialists and key stakeholders in over 10 editions, the World CX Summit has established itself as a premier knowledge sharing platform to share actionable insights about the latest trends and technologies in delivering a memorable customer experience. At the event, attendees will engage in insightful sessions, listen to captivating keynotes, and draw inspiration from successful use-cases to transform their CX strategies.At the 11th global edition of the World CX Summit, the attendees will witness the fusion of cutting-edge technologies and customer insights while helping them focus on how to amplify customer experience, pioneering personalization at scale, cracking the code of CX ROI along with other key topics. Fostering a spirit of knowledge-sharing and innovation, the event facilitates networking opportunities and forge impactful relationship to accelerate the adoption of the latest technologies to optimize customer experience strategies.The notable speakers attending the event include:- Venn Jude Francisco, Chief Experience Officer, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, Philippines- Sam Tolentino, Assistant Vice President - Client Engagement & Solutions Group, Union Bank, Philippines- Melody Lim, Head of Customer Experience, Aboitiz Power Philippines- Hazel Montano-Zamora, CX Design Head, AIA Philippines, Philippines- Godfrey Santos, Assistant Vice President- Customer Experience, PETNET Inc.- Tara Cabullo, Head of Customer and Investments Digital Experience, GCash, Philippines- Samuel Powell, CEO, HMR Philippines, Philippines- Warren Ilustre, Head of Customer Experience, East West Bank, Philippines- Dan Ramirez, SVP and Head of Transformation, ING, Philippines- Jonas R. De Los Reyes, First Vice President, Head of Digital Marketing and Omnichannel, Metrobank and Trust Company (Metrobank), PhilippinesNaveen Bharadwaj, Group CEO, Trescon shared his excitement about the upcoming event stating, "The Philippines' expanding CX market and economic growth made it an ideal choice to host the latest edition of the World CX Summit. We are committed to supporting the continued digital transformation of the market by undertaking the mandates and requirements of local government and enterprise stakeholders and facilitating their introductions to the world's leading solution and service providers."On being a part of the Summit, one of the key speakers, Venn Jude Francisco said, "The World CX Summit provides a venue that will foster much needed collaborations which can hopefully spark meaningful innovation in customer experience across regions."Sam Tolentino, AVP- Client Engagement & Solutions Group, Union Bank expressed his excitement about the Summit saying, "The World CX Summit will play a pivotal role in elevating local CX to exceed global standards."About TresconTrescon is a pioneering force in the global business events and services sector, driving the adoption of emerging technologies while promoting sustainability and inclusive leadership. Its summits, expos, and conferences create real economic impact by connecting and empowering key stakeholders, including government organizations, regulators, enterprises, corporates, and more. With a team of over 250 employees across offices in 6 countries, Trescon has helped clients achieve exponential growth, accelerate market entry, and build valuable partnerships. For more information about Trescon, visit: www.tresconglobal.comTrescon is glad to announce a new mega tech show called Digital Acceleration and Transformation Expo (DATE) scheduled to take place in Delhi in November 2023 and Jakarta in 2024. For further information about DATE, visit: www.datewithtech.comFor media inquiries, please contact:Nupur AswaniHead - Media, PR and Corporate Communications, Trescon+91 95559 15156 | media@tresconglobal.comSource: tresconCopyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
SINGAPORE, July 25, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - The Board of Directors of Kitchen Culture Holdings Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of new Directors to the Board to move the Company forward from its recent troubled history. This is in line with the Board's objective to usher in a new era of transparency, accountability and business expertise.The Board is pleased to announce the significant progress in resolving some of these issues.The Company had received a letter of demand on 14 March 2023 from CDL Properties Ltd in relation to the Company's alleged default of the lease agreement between the Company and CDL. The Company was subsequently evicted from its premises by CDL on 16 March 2023. The Board is pleased to announce that the Company has reached a settlement with CDL on 21 July 2023 to fully settle rental arrears and reinstate the office in Republic Plaza.The Board's priority has been to resolve outstanding legacy issues, including negotiating with creditors to resolve all long overdue liabilities, engaging an external auditor to audit the FY2022 financial statements, working with the special auditor to complete the special audit, and strengthening the Company's internal controls.In addition, the Board received a letter of demand from Mr Tan Gin Tat on 17 July 2023 for the S$1.5 million loan extended to the Company in the year 2022, as this is one of the legacy issues requiring resolution. The Board is currently seeking legal advice on this matter and will update shareholders in due course.The Board had on 21 July 2023 announced that the Special Audit in relation to the Payroll Matter and the Transaction as announced by the Company on 29 September 2021, as agreed under the scope of work of the Special Auditors, has now been completed. The Board will now engage with relevant professionals to address the issues and recommendations raised from the Special Audit. In relation to the appointment of a new external auditor, the Board has identified a suitable external auditor and will be seeking shareholders' approval for the appointment in due course.The Board is also focused on fundraising and evaluating sustainable business opportunities to ensure the Company's future success. As part of these efforts, the Company will be releasing a detailed business update as soon as practicable."We understand that the Company has faced significant challenges in the past, and we are committed to addressing these issues and moving forward." said Mdm Hao Dongting, Non-Executive Chairperson of the Board. "We are confident that with the right strategies and execution, Kitchen Culture will be able to create sustainable growth and long-term shareholder value. Meanwhile, the Board will be conducting a thorough review of the Company's operational and financial procedures and implement policies and procedures that ensure the Company is run in a transparent, responsible and efficient manner.""On behalf of the Board, we would like to express our gratitude to the Company's employees, customers, and partners for their continued support during this transition period. We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a successful future for the Company", added Mdm Hao.Reference 1:https://links.sgx.com/1.0.0/corporate-announcements/WNQSOC0ID4TO935Y/f4d36cf0925be5e34e49c820ebdeddb24fbb7cdd3559ef696d5b6967e350d058Reference 2:https://links.sgx.com/FileOpen/KC%20Annct%20-%20Update%20on%20Letter%20of%20Demand.ashx?App=Announcement&FileID=766248For media queries, please reach out to:Waterbrooks ConsultantsWayne Koo - wayne.koo@waterbrooks.com.sg +65 9338-8166Derek Yeo - derek@waterbrooks.com.sg +65 9791-4707Proud Investor Relations partner: https://www.waterbrooks.com.sg/ and https://www.shareinvestorholdings.com/This media release has been reviewed by the Company's sponsor, SAC Capital Private Limited (the "Sponsor"). This media release has not been examined or approved by the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited ("SGX-ST") and the SGX-ST assumes no responsibility for the contents of this media release, including the correctness of any of the statements or opinions made or reports contained in this media release.The contact person for the Sponsor is Ms Lee Khai Yinn (Telephone: +65 6232 3210) at 1 Robinson Road, #21-00 AIA Tower, Singapore 048542.Source: Kitchen Culture Holdings LtdCopyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
RESTON, Va., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Internet Society Foundation has launched a new round of grants through its Resiliency program, which aims to help communities enhance preparedness and build Internet resiliency when faced with adverse events. This funding will support projects that increase network resiliency in communities prone to natural and climate-related disasters, ensuring these communities can prepare for and withstand the effects of a disaster on Internet connectivity.

"Internet connectivity becomes a vital tool when disaster strikes, both for people in need and those responding to the emergency," noted Sarah Armstrong, Executive Director of the Internet Society Foundation. "These grants will support communities to re-establish Internet connectivity when needed, as well as enhance preparedness and build the capacity and resilience to navigate future emergencies."

Examples of the types of projects the Foundation will support include: supporting development of community networks, protecting data centers and Internet exchange points (IXPs) against environmental threats, fortifying sub-sea cables and/or stations, and supporting Internet service providers (ISPs) to upgrade infrastructure.

Organizations currently implementing projects around the world through our Resiliency grant program include: Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (US), Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (India), Help.NGO (US), Research Education Network Uganda (RENU) and Telecoms Sans Frontieres (TSF).

The Resiliency program will open for applications between 20 July 2023 and 15 September 2023. Grants of $250,000 to $500,000 USD will be awarded for projects lasting up to 12 months.

More information on the grant including the application process can be found at: https://www.isocfoundation.org/grant-programme/resiliency-grant-program/.

About The Internet Society Foundation:

The Internet Society Foundation was established in 2019 to support the positive difference the Internet can make to people everywhere. Guided by our vision of an Internet for Everyone, the Foundation champions ideas and enables communities to unlock the Internet's potential to tackle the world's evolving challenges. Through a variety of funding areas, the Foundation awards grants to Internet Society Chapters as well as non-profit organizations and individuals dedicated to providing meaningful access to an open, globally connected, secure and trustworthy Internet for everyone.

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He-Sen Liu wins with his signature dish 'Homemade oyster sauce with Shandong wagyu, which emphasises the gastronomic heritage of Chinese food culture whilst looking to the future.

MILAN, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As preparations continue for the long-awaited Grand Finale of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2022-23 - set to take place inMilan on 4 and 5 October 2023 - the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy announces the winner of the Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award: He-Sen Liu of the LINGLONG restaurant, representing the Mainland China competition area.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:

https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/9188251-spellegrino-young-chef-he-sen-liu-winner-of-gastronomy-award/

The prize, one of three collateral awards of the Competition, is awarded to the chef who best reflects the balance between the past and the future in their signature dish whilst expressing the traditional gastronomic heritage of their home country.

Voted for by the Competition mentors, Liu emerged as the global winner ahead of 14 other finalists competing as winners from their respective regions, ultimately triumphing with his signature dish, 'Homemade oyster sauce with Shandong wagyu', conceived with the help of his mentor, Wu Rong.

"It's the first time a young chef from China has received this significant award. It means a lot to me," said Liu. "All my efforts over the past years, combined with my painstaking work at my restaurant LINGLONG are inspired by the rich geography, abundant ingredients and traditional cooking techniques of Chinese cuisine. I aim to trace its historical diversity while exploring worldwide fusion with integration and innovation. I firmly believe in the power of food and remain committed to honouring my culture while evolving my cooking style with an open mind and a heart that cherishes tradition."

Stefano Bolognese, Sanpellegrino International Business Unit Director added: "Cultural heritage is the foundation of gastronomy and we believe it's so important to be able to enhance our origins, showing the best our homelands have to offer. At the same time there can be no progress without the influence of foreign elements and the beauty of different cultures coming together to create something new. He-Sen Liu embodies the perfect combination between tradition and evolution, never forgetting his origins but bringing an innovative touch to it and expressing it in his signature dish. We're honoured to assign this edition's title to him."

As the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy paves the way for some of the most talented young chefs in the world, personal and professional growth is one of its main purposes. With this in mind, the Academy has provided a series of inspiring workshops related to relevant topics for the industry, dedicated to all regional finalists. Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award finalists took part in the 'Cultural guardianship' workshop, moderated by Tom Jenkins, Fine Dining Lovers journalist and Academy spokesperson, which explored the role chefs play in celebrating and amplifying culture whilst creating something new with familiar flavours. The workshop gave participants the chance to listen to and exchange views with chefs such as Debora Fadul, Jessica Rosval, David Martin and Stefan Stiller and journalists Andrew Friedman and Evelyn Chen.

About this undeniable connection between cuisine and culture, Tom Jenkins said: "These workshops framed the impact of food on culture at large. As one guest put it, 'Everything flows through food'. We looked at how the fusion of cultures and cuisines over the centuries has created the food culture we know today and on a more personal level, we heard beautiful stories from our chefs and experts about how food has allowed them not only to discover other cultures but reconnect with their own cultures and even their own families."

To learn more about the initiative please visit: www.sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com .

About S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy

Gastronomy has the potential to transform society, shaping a more inclusive, more sustainable future. But doing requires talent. That's why S.Pellegrino has created S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, a platform to attract, connect and nurture the next generation of culinary talents. An environment that will empower them through education, mentoring and experience opportunities, as well as through the renowned global competition.

The Academy opens its doors to members from over 70 different countries, ensuring that talent is not constrained by geography, ethnicity, or gender. This is a place where passionate young chefs interact with the most influential players in global gastronomy, and where together they cultivate an inspiring culinary community.

To discover more please visit: https://www.sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com/

About S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna

S.Pellegrino, Acqua Panna and Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks are international trademarks of Sanpellegrino S.p.A., which is based in Milan, Italy. Distributed in over 150 countries through branches and distributors on all five continents, these products represent quality, excellence by virtue of their origins and perfectly interpret Italian style worldwide as a synthesis of pleasure, health and well-being. Founded in 1899, Sanpellegrino S.p.A. is the leading company in the beverage sector in Italy with its range of mineral waters, non-alcoholic aperitifs and drinks.

Sanpellegrino has always been committed to enhancing this primary good for the planet and works responsibly and passionately to ensure that this resource has a secure future.

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Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

Allschwil, Switzerland - July 25, 2023



Idorsia Ltd (SIX: IDIA) today announced its financial results for the first half of 2023.

Business highlights

Transaction with Sosei Heptares : Idorsia sells its Asia Pacific (ex-China) operations - including selected license rights to products - for a total consideration of CHF 400 million.

Idorsia sells its Asia Pacific (ex-China) operations - including selected license rights to products - for a total consideration of CHF 400 million. Cost reduction initiative with the target of a reduction in cash-burn at headquarters by approximately 50% expected to become fully effective in early 2024.

Commercial highlights

QUVIVIQ ( daridorexant) : Total net sales of CHF 11.8 million in the first half 2023.

Total net sales of CHF 11.8 million in the first half 2023. QUVIVIQ in the US : CVS coverage secured in July 2023 - with Express Scripts QUVIVIQ is now covered by two of the largest insurance plans in the commercial space. Bids submitted for Medicare Part-D with expected coverage in the new year. Team now focused on converting strong demand into sales.

CVS coverage secured in July 2023 - with Express Scripts QUVIVIQ is now covered by two of the largest insurance plans in the commercial space. Bids submitted for Medicare Part-D with expected coverage in the new year. Team now focused on converting strong demand into sales. QUVIVIQ in Europe : Demand continues to grow in Germany and Italy. Promising launch in Switzerland in June 2023.

Demand continues to grow in Germany and Italy. Promising launch in Switzerland in June 2023. PIVLAZ (clazosentan) in Japan: Net sales of CHF 32.4 million in the first half 2023. As a result of the Sosei Heptares deal, Idorsia will no longer report sales of PIVLAZ in Japan and territories granted to Sosei Heptares.

Pipeline highlights

Daridorexant - Approved by Health Canada for the management of adult patients with insomnia under the tradename QUVIVIQ.

- Approved by Health Canada for the management of adult patients with insomnia under the tradename QUVIVIQ. Aprocitentan - New Phase 3 data presented at the European Society of Hypertension Annual Meeting 2023 - NDA under review with the US FDA - PDUFA December 19, 2023 - and MAA under review with the European Medicines Agency.

- New Phase 3 data presented at the European Society of Hypertension Annual Meeting 2023 - NDA under review with the US FDA - PDUFA December 19, 2023 - and MAA under review with the European Medicines Agency. Portfolio review initiated - Objective to prioritize assets that can be advanced rapidly and with reasonable financial investment.





Financial highlights

Net revenue HY 2023 at CHF 51 million.

HY 2023 at CHF 51 million. US GAAP operating expenses HY 2023 at CHF 426 million and non-GAAP operating expenses HY 2023 at CHF 393 million.

HY 2023 at CHF 426 million and HY 2023 at CHF 393 million. US GAAP operating loss HY 2023 of CHF 375 million and n on-GAAP operating loss of CHF 342 million.

HY 2023 of CHF 375 million and of CHF 342 million. Guidance for 2023 : The company is committed to manage operating expenses to deliver

US GAAP operating loss of around CHF 735 million and non-GAAP operating loss of around CHF 650 million - unforeseen events excluded.

The company is committed to manage operating expenses to deliver US GAAP operating loss of around CHF 735 million and non-GAAP operating loss of around CHF 650 million - unforeseen events excluded. Profitability target: Suspended - target to be provided again during 2024.





Jean-Paul Clozel, MD and Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"I maintain our ambition to become a mid-sized biopharmaceutical leader, and I believe in our innovative portfolio as well as the science upon which it is built. With aprocitentan currently advancing in the registration process, we are well on track to have the third drug from our pipeline available for patients. Capitalizing on this clinical success to make Idorsia profitable has been more challenging than I had hoped. As a result, adaptations must be made to reduce our global cash-burn. The sale of our affiliates in Japan and South Korea has given us some breathing space to make those adaptations. As announced last week, the cost reduction initiative, including a full portfolio review, combined with potential collaborations, will extend the time we have to create sustainable value. I'm grateful to all those who continue to support us in our purpose to help more patients."

Financial results

US GAAP results First Half Second Quarter in CHF millions, except EPS (CHF) and number of shares (millions) 2023 2022 2023 2022 Net revenues 51 22 30 5 Operating expenses (426) (427) (207) (229) Operating income (loss) (375) (405) (177) (212) Net income (loss) (405) (419) (193) (222) Basic EPS (2.28) (2.36) (1.08) (1.25) Basic weighted average number of shares 178.1 177.3 178.3 177.5 Diluted EPS (2.28) (2.36) (1.08) (1.25) Diluted weighted average number of shares 178.1 177.3 178.3 177.5

US GAAP net revenue of CHF 51 million in the first half of 2023 (CHF 22 million in the first half of 2022) consisted of product sales of QUVIVIQ (CHF 12 million) and PIVLAZ (CHF 32 million), contract revenue recognized in connection with Mochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (CHF 3 million) and Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (CHF 2 million), and revenue share from Johnson & Johnson (CHF 2 million).

US GAAP operating expenses in the first half of 2023 amounted to CHF 426 million (CHF 427 million in the first half of 2022), of which CHF 5 million related to cost of sales (CHF 1 million in the first half of 2022), CHF 172 million to R&D expenses (CHF 192 million in the first half of 2022) and CHF 249 million to SG&A expenses (CHF 234 million in the first half of 2022).

US GAAP net loss in the first half of 2023 amounted to CHF 405 million (CHF 419 million in the first half of 2022). The decrease of the net loss was driven by higher net revenues and lower operating expenses, largely in the R&D functions, which was partially offset by higher financial expenses.

The US GAAP net loss resulted in a net loss per share of CHF 2.28 (basic and diluted) in the first half of 2023, compared to a net loss per share of CHF 2.36 (basic and diluted) in the first half of 2022.

Non-GAAP* measures First Half Second Quarter in CHF millions, except EPS (CHF) and number of shares (millions) 2023 2022 2023 2022 Net revenues 51 22 30 5 Operating expenses (393) (407) (191) (219) Operating income (loss) (342) (384) (161) (202) Net income (loss) (369) (395) (180) (206) Basic EPS (2.07) (2.23) (1.01) (1.16) Basic weighted average number of shares 178.1 177.3 178.3 177.5 Diluted EPS (2.07) (2.23) (1.01) (1.16) Diluted weighted average number of shares 178.1 177.3 178.3 177.5

* Idorsia measures, reports and issues guidance on non-GAAP operating performance. Idorsia believes that these non-GAAP financial measurements more accurately reflect the underlying business performance and therefore provide useful supplementary information to investors. These non-GAAP measures are reported in addition to, not as a substitute for, US GAAP financial performance.

Non-GAAP net loss in the first half of 2023 amounted to CHF 369 million: the CHF 36 million difference versus US GAAP net loss was mainly due to depreciation and amortization (CHF 8 million), share-based compensation (CHF 24 million), and a loss on marketable securities (CHF 5 million).

The non-GAAP net loss resulted in a net loss per share of CHF 2.07 (basic and diluted) in the first half of 2023, compared to a net loss per share of CHF 2.23 (basic and diluted) in the first half of 2022.

Transaction with Sosei Heptares

On July 20, 2023, Idorsia sold its operating businesses in the Asia Pacific (ex-China) region to Sosei Heptares for a total consideration of CHF 400 million.

The territories within the scope of the transaction are Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

The transaction includes the acquisition by Sosei Heptares of Idorsia's affiliates in Japan and South Korea, the assignment of the license for PIVLAZ (clazosentan) for the Asia Pacific (ex-China) region, the co-exclusive license for daridorexant for the Asia Pacific (ex-China) region and the assignment of all potential milestones in connection with the co-exclusive license of daridorexant granted to Mochida Pharmaceutical. The transaction also includes an option for Sosei Heptares - upon payment of separate option fees - to license cenerimod and lucerastat for the development and commercialization in the territories.

With the completion of the transaction with Sosei Heptares on July 20, 2023, the full-year financial operating results of Idorsia will no longer include details from the operations in Japan and South Korea. The net sales, operating expenses and other financial and tax expenses incurred in the first 6.5 months, as well as the gain from the sale will be recorded on separate line items "results of discontinued operations" and "gain from sale of discontinued operations" recorded below the line item "net income (loss) from continuing operations".

Bridge loan

In order to bridge the completion of the transaction with Sosei Heptares, Idorsia secured a loan with Jean-Paul Clozel, CEO, Member of the Board of Directors and Idorsia's largest shareholder, for up to CHF 75 million. Idorsia drew down a first tranche of CHF 20 million in June and an additional tranche of CHF 30 million in July. The loan was fully repaid on July 21, 2023.

Cost reduction initiative

On July 21, 2023, Idorsia announced that it has launched a cost reduction initiative with the target to reduce cash-burn at headquarters by approximately 50%. The company will review the research and development pipeline and product portfolio with the objective to prioritize assets that can be advanced rapidly and with reasonable financial investment. Following the portfolio review, those projects not aligned to the company priorities will be either paused or prepared for partnership or out-licensing.

Up to 500 positions could become redundant, mainly in Research & Development and the associated support functions, at headquarters in Allschwil, Switzerland. A consultation process with employee representatives at headquarters has been initiated. Upon completion of the consultation process, Idorsia intends to conclude the initiative before the end of 2023 with the reduction of costs becoming fully effective early in 2024.

Consequently, a one-off charge - the size of which is still to be determined, in part, upon conclusion of employee representative consultations - will be included in the 2023 financial statements.

Profitability Target

Idorsia had set a target to become profitable in 2025 with global revenue above CHF 1 billion. With the transaction with Sosei Heptares in the APAC (ex-China) region, a slower than expected ramp up of QUVIVIQ sales, a portfolio review and ongoing discussions with potential partners, together with the announced cost reduction initiative, there are many moving parts, and the company has therefore suspended its 2025 profitability target.

Financial outlook 2023

The 2023 financial outlook is calculated on the basis of QUVIVIQ (daridorexant) being available in the US, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland with additional launches anticipated in the UK and Spain in the second half of 2023; Regulatory applications for aprocitentan being under review by the US FDA and the EMA; and the Phase 3 studies with selatogrel and cenerimod expected to continue to actively recruit in the second half of 2023.

The company re-issues its full year 2023 financial guidance and expects a US GAAP operating loss of around CHF 735 million and a non-GAAP operating loss of around CHF 650 million for 2023 - unforeseen events excluded and taking into account the ongoing cost reduction initiative in connection with the review of the research and development pipeline and product portfolio. In addition, following the completion of the transaction with Sosei Heptares, Idorsia will no longer include the operations in Japan and South Korea in its financial operating result as explained above.

Andre C. Muller, Chief Financial Officer, commented:

"The transaction completed with Sosei Heptares brought much-needed cash to Idorsia, creating value for both companies, while maintaining our ability to develop our drugs for patients in the region. This 400 million Swiss francs deal, of which 396 million are already paid, allows us to extend the cash runway to early 2024. We are working on several initiatives to secure additional funding in the second half of 2023 and, in parallel, we launched a cost reduction initiative that is expected to have full effect by early 2024. However, we can re-issue our 2023 financial guidance unforeseen events excluded. With many moving parts expected to fall into place in the next few quarters, this should allow us to provide a new profitability target again during 2024."

Liquidity and indebtedness

At the end of the first half of 2023, Idorsia's liquidity amounted to CHF 33 million.

(in CHF millions) Jun 30, 2023 Mar 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Liquidity Cash and cash equivalents 33 212 146 Short-term deposits - - 320 Long-term deposits - - - Total liquidity* 33 212 466 Indebtedness Convertible loan 335 335 335 Convertible bond 796 795 795 Other financial debt 192 162 162 Total indebtedness 1,322 1,292 1,292

*rounding differences may occur

The liquidity of CHF 33 million includes the proceeds of Sosei Heptares (CHF 10 million) and the bridge loan (CHF 20 million), but excludes the cash held by the Japanese and Korean affiliates (CHF 11 million) included in a separate line item "Assets held for sale".

Commercial operations

In the first half of 2023, QUVIVIQ (daridorexant) in the US, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, and PIVLAZ (clazosentan) in Japan, generated total product sales of CHF 44.2 million.

United States

Product Mechanism of action Indication Commercially available since Dual orexin receptor antagonist Treatment of adult patients with insomnia, characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance May 2022

QUVIVIQ (daridorexant) net sales in the first half of 2023 reached CHF 8.8 million in the US. This net sales number encompasses the QUVIVIQ copay program aimed at driving demand and product uptake, and thus does not reflect the actual dispensed prescriptions and product demand.

QUVIVIQ continues to show a solid upward trajectory in product demand and writer base. In the first half of 2023, more than 125,000 prescriptions were dispensed - an increase of more than 85% as compared to the approximately 65,000 dispensed prescriptions in the entire eight months that QUVIVIQ was on the market in 2022. Additionally, refills continue to rise week-on-week, reflecting the efficacy and safety of QUVIVIQ and its adoption by both the patient and physician.

Regarding insurance coverage, in July, QUVIVIQ was added to the CVS national formulary which covers 20 million lives. Additionally, the company anticipates Medicare Part D coverage to begin in the new year 2024, potentially opening an entirely new channel which would substantially improve product access and paid prescriptions.

Importantly, going into the second half of 2023, the increased insurance coverage of QUVIVIQ will enable a shift from Idorsia-paid consignment to insurance-paid prescriptions.

For more information about QUVIVIQ in the US, see the Full Prescribing Information (https://www.idorsia.us/documents/us/label/Quviviq_PI.pdf) (PI and Medication Guide).

Patricia Torr, President and General Manager of Idorsia US, commented:

"Since launch, our strategy in the US has been to drive demand and product adoption in order to secure reimbursement from payers. This has resulted in strong brand recognition, positive experiences and feedback from both clinicians and patients, as well as enhanced insurance coverage. Our focus now is on converting the strong demand we have created into sales. In line with our strategy, we are starting to see this reflected in a shift from a consignment model we've used to drive demand, to a retail model as our market access positions continue to grow. As we move forward in the second half of 2023, we expect to see an increasing number of insurance -paid prescriptions coming through the retail channel."

Europe and Canada

Product Mechanism of action Indication Commercially available Dual orexin receptor antagonist Treatment of adult patients with insomnia characterised by symptoms present for at least three months and considerable impact on daytime functioning Switzerland: Jun 2023



Germany: Nov 2022



Italy: Nov 2022





In April 2022, marketing authorization for QUVIVIQ for the treatment of adult patients with insomnia characterised by symptoms present for at least three months and considerable impact on daytime functioning, was granted by the European Commission and subsequently by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in Great Britain. In November 2022, QUVIVIQ was launched in Italy and Germany. Launch preparations are underway in the UK and Spain, with a target launch in the second half of 2023, followed by France in the first half of 2024. For more information about QUVIVIQ in the EU, see the Summary of Product Characteristics (https://www.idorsia.com/documents/com/label/quviviq-smpc.pdf).

Marketing authorization for QUVIVIQ for the treatment of adult patients with insomnia characterized by symptoms present for at least three months and considerable impact on daytime functioning, was also granted by Swissmedic in December 2022, and the company made QUVIVIQ available to patients in Switzerland in June 2023. For more information about QUVIVIQ in Switzerland, see the Patient Information (https://www.idorsia.ch/documents/com/label/quviviq-ch-patient-info.pdf) and Information for Healthcare Professionals (https://www.idorsia.ch/documents/com/label/quviviq-ch-info-for-hcp.pdf).

Health Canada granted market authorization for QUVIVIQ for the management of adult patients with insomnia, characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance in April 2023, and the company aims to make it available to patients in Canada in the first half of 2024. For more information on the marketing authorization of QUVIVIQ in Canada, see the Product Monograph (https://www.idorsia.com/documents/com/label/quviviq-product-monograph.pdf).

The launches in Germany, Italy, and Switzerland are progressing well with increasing volumes and continued positive feedback from physicians and patients on the differentiated profile of QUVIVIQ. Net sales in the first half of 2023 in Germany, Italy, and Switzerland were CHF 3 million.

Pricing and reimbursement processes are underway in key European markets to secure access to QUVIVIQ for chronic insomnia patients.

Jean-Yves Chatelan, President of Europe and Canada region, commented:

"Our teams across Europe and Canada are making great progress with the launch of QUVIVIQ and with securing access and reimbursement. We are getting great feedback from physicians and patients where QUVIVIQ is available. QUVIVIQ is the first and only dual orexin receptor antagonist available in Europe and is specifically approved for adult patients suffering from chronic insomnia disorder. Chronic insomnia is a 24-hour disorder, with significant negative impact on patients at night and during the day. Making QUVIVIQ available to the millions of patients suffering from chronic insomnia and impacting so many lives is incredibly rewarding."

Japan

Product Mechanism of action Indication Commercially available since Endothelin receptor antagonist Prevention of cerebral vasospasm, vasospasm-related cerebral infarction, and cerebral ischemic symptoms after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage securing April 2022





PIVLAZ (clazosentan) was launched in Japan in April 2022 for the prevention of cerebral vasospasm, vasospasm-related cerebral infarction and cerebral ischemic symptoms in patients suffering from aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Net sales in the first half of 2023 were CHF 32.4 million.

In July 2023, Idorsia and Sosei Heptares completed a transaction for Idorsia's operating businesses in the Asia Pacific (ex-China) region, including assignment of the license for PIVLAZ (clazosentan). As a result, Idorsia will no longer report sales of PIVLAZ in Japan and territories granted to Sosei Heptares.

Clinical development

Idorsia's has a diversified and balanced clinical development pipeline - covering multiple therapeutic areas, including CNS, cardiovascular and immunological disorders, as well as orphan diseases.

As part of the cost reduction initiative announced on July 21, 2023, and expected to be implemented by the end of 2023, Idorsia will review the research and development pipeline and product portfolio with the objective to prioritize assets that can be advanced rapidly and with reasonable financial investment. Following the portfolio review, those projects not aligned to the company priorities will be either paused or prepared for partnership or out-licensing.

Idorsia's portfolio



Product / compound Mechanism of action Therapeutic area Status QUVIVIQ (daridorexant) Dual orexin receptor

antagonist Insomnia Commercially available in the US Germany, Italy, and Switzerland;



Approved in the EU, UK, and Canada;



Filing in Japan expected in H2 2023;



Phase 2 in pediatric insomnia - recruiting Aprocitentan* Dual endothelin receptor antagonist Difficult-to-control (resistant) hypertension NDA under review in the US,

MAA under review in the EU, other filings in preparation Lucerastat Glucosylceramide synthase

inhibitor Fabry disease Phase 3 primary endpoint not met, open-label extension study ongoing Selatogrel P2Y 12 inhibitor Suspected acute myocardial infarction Phase 3 recruiting Cenerimod S1P 1 receptor modulator Systemic lupus erythematosus Phase 3 recruiting ACT-1004-1239 ACKR3 / CXCR7 antagonist Multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases Phase 2 in preparation Sinbaglustat GBA2/GCS inhibitor Rare lysosomal storage

disorders Phase 1 complete ACT-1014-6470 C5aR1 antagonist Immune-mediated disorders Phase 1 ACT-777991 CXCR3 antagonist Recent-onset Type 1 diabetes Phase 1 IDOR-1117-2520 Undisclosed Immune-mediated disorders Phase 1

* In collaboration with Janssen Biotech to jointly develop aprocitentan, Janssen Biotech has sole commercialization rights worldwide

Neurocrine Biosciences has a global license to develop and commercialize ACT-709478 (NBI-827104), Idorsia's novel T-type calcium channel blocker. ACT-709478 was investigated in a Phase 2 study for the treatment of a rare form of pediatric epilepsy. The study did not meet the primary endpoint. ACT-709478 was generally well tolerated. Neurocrine continues to analyze the data generated in the study.

On July 20, 2023, Idorsia sold its operating businesses in the Asia Pacific (ex-China) region to Sosei Heptares, including the assignment of the license for PIVLAZ (clazosentan) for the Asia Pacific (ex-China) region. Idorsia retains the rights to clazosentan in the rest of the world.

Further details including the current status of each project in our portfolio can be found in our innovation fact sheet (https://www.idorsia.com/documents/com/fact-sheets-presentations/fs-innovation-portfolio.pdf).

Half Year Financial Report

A full financial update is available in Idorsia's 2023 Half Year Financial Report, at www.idorsia.com/investors/corporate-reports (http://www.idorsia.com/investors/corporate-reports).

Results Day Center

Investor community: To make your job easier, we provide all relevant documentation via the Results Day Center on our corporate website: www.idorsia.com/results-day-center (http://www.idorsia.com/results-day-center).

Upcoming Financial Updates

Nine-Months 2023 Financial Results reporting on October 24, 2023

Full-Year 2023 Financial Results reporting on February 6, 2024

First Quarter 2024 Financial Results reporting on April 25, 2024





Notes to the editor

About Idorsia

Idorsia Ltd is reaching out for more - We have more ideas, we see more opportunities and we want to help more patients. In order to achieve this, we will develop Idorsia into a leading biopharmaceutical company, with a strong scientific core.

Headquartered near Basel, Switzerland - a European biotech-hub - Idorsia is specialized in the discovery, development and commercialization of small molecules to transform the horizon of therapeutic options. Idorsia has a 20-year heritage of drug discovery, a broad portfolio of innovative drugs in the pipeline, an experienced team of professionals covering all disciplines from bench to bedside, and commercial operations in Europe and North America - the ideal constellation for bringing innovative medicines to patients.

Idorsia was listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ticker symbol: IDIA) in June 2017 and has over 1,200 highly qualified specialists dedicated to realizing our ambitious targets.

For further information, please contact

Andrew C. Weiss

Senior Vice President, Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications

Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Hegenheimermattweg 91, CH-4123 Allschwil

+41 58 844 10 10

investor.relations@idorsia.com

media.relations@idorsia.com

www.idorsia.com (http://www.idorsia.com)

The above information contains certain "forward-looking statements", relating to the company's business, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "estimates", "believes", "expects", "may", "are expected to", "will", "will continue", "should", "would be", "seeks", "pending" or "anticipates" or similar expressions, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Such statements include descriptions of the company's investment and research and development programs and anticipated expenditures in connection therewith, descriptions of new products expected to be introduced by the company and anticipated customer demand for such products and products in the company's existing portfolio. Such statements reflect the current views of the company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.

Attachment
Geneva, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Investor group NewGAMe and Bruellan requests TOB intervention to stop GAM spreading misinformation about NewGAMe's offer

Geneva, 25 July 2023 - The investor group comprised of NewGAMe SA and Bruellan SA, which controls approximately 9.6% of the issued share capital of GAM Holding AG (GAM), has requested the Swiss Takeover Board (TOB) to intervene to prevent GAM from spreading misleading information about the merits of NewGAMe's partial cash tender offer.

On 24 July 2023, Liontrust announced a three-day extension of its all-share offer. GAM's board issued a press release in the wake of this announcement, in which it tries to gather support for Liontrust's offer and to discredit NewGAMe's partial offer.

In doing so, GAM misrepresents several elements of NewGAMe's offer:

GAM states that the NewGAMe offer includes "a highly questionable condition that NewGAMegets full control of the GAM Board" and "requires change of control approvals from various regulators". What GAM does not say is that the Liontrust offer is subject to similar conditions.





GAM also alleges that the TOB will need to rule on whether NewGAMe's offer complies with the Swiss takeover rules and that the timeline for doing so is unknown. This statement is deceptive. Its purpose is to instill doubt about the legality of NewGAMe's offer, even though there is no basis for such a claim. The TOB will have to rule on the conformity of the NewGAMe offer, just as it would for any tender offer for a Swiss listed company. To date, Liontrust, GAM and the TOB have not raised questions about the legality of the NewGAMe offer. There is also no reason why such questions would be raised for a relatively simple and straightforward transaction.





The investor group is of the view that the TOB must step in to guarantee a fair and undistorted decision-making process for shareholders.

With its significant investment in GAM, its cash partial offer, and its planned convertible issue, NewGAMe is showing the depth of its commitment to secure GAM's future while also providing an alternative cash exit at a substantial premium to Liontrust's offer for shareholders who wish to cash-out.

Shareholders must now resist GAM's fearmongering and assess their options with a cool head. These options include:

1) Tender to the Liontrust offer. This does not make sense knowing that - per Liontrust itself - this offer will not be increased and that GAM shares closed on 24 July 2023 13% above the GAM share price implied by the Liontrust offer. We note that GAM shares have, on average, been trading at a substantial premium since the deal was agreed on May 4th, indicating that the market is effectively saying "no deal".





2) Not tender to the Liontrust offer and participate in the turnaround led by NewGAMe. In our view, this presents the best long-term prospects for shareholders.





3) Not tender to the Liontrust offer and accept NewGAMe's partial cash offer, which offers the possibility of a partial exit in cash at significantly more attractive conditions than the Liontrust offer.





NewGAMe strongly believes that it is in the interest of shareholders not to tender to the Liontrust offer and to remain invested in GAM with a new team on board who can successfully turnaround the company and return it to profitability and growth.

NewGAMe's letter to the TOB can be found here:

https://newgam.ch/assets/downloads/Letter_to_TOB_24_July_2023.pdf

Media contacts

Sasha Johnson - FinElk

newgam@finelk.eu

info@newgam.ch

www.newgam.ch

Investor contacts

Okapi Partners LLC

North America: +1 212 297 0720

Europe: + 44 7597 370570

info@okapipartners.com

About NewGAMe

NewGAMe SA is a Geneva-based company owned by a number of investors with experience in the financial sector. It is controlled by Rock Investment, a French-incorporated entity that is owned by NJJ Holding, the personal holding company of Xavier Niel. Albert Saporta, a hedge fund industry veteran with 40 years' experience in global financial markets, serves as the director of NewGAMe SA.

About Bruellan

Bruellan SA is an independent provider of global wealth management solutions. The company was founded in 1991 and is located in Geneva, Lausanne, Crans-Montana and Verbier.

https://www.bruellan.ch/
Duopharma Biotech is a worldwide pioneer in the research and development of halal pharmaceuticals.

SAN ANTONIO, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan recently researched the Malaysian halal pharmaceutical industry and, based on its findings, recognizes Duopharma Biotech Berhad (Duopharma Biotech) with the 2022 Malaysian Company of the Year Award. Duopharma Biotech aims to produce safe, effective, and high-quality Halal products for all consumers and set the standard for the Malaysian pharmaceutical industry.

Halal is an Arabic word that describes lawful or permissible products targeted at Muslim consumers. According to the State of Global Islamic Economy Report 2022, the Halal pharmaceutical market was valued at $100 billion in 2021 and is likely to reach $129 billion by 2025. As a result, Duopharma Biotech can benefit from the growing demand and is in a privileged position to fulfill the need for Halal pharmaceutical products.

The company is expanding and improving its Halal portfolio to differentiate itself from competitors. It is the first pharmaceutical company to market a biosimilar erythropoietin, branded as ERYSAA, a biosimilar product for treating anemia in chronic kidney disease. Duopharma Biotech designed this product to meet the health and wellness needs of the Malaysian population in a cost-effective manner that also complies with medical and Muslim standards.

"As the world's first halal biosimilar, ERYSAA secures Duopharma Biotech's leadership in the Halal pharmaceutical industry. In 2021, as physicians prescribed ERYSAA to more dialysis patients, product sales grew by 52%. Despite the fierce competition from short and long-acting erythropoietin stimulating agents, ERYSAA expanded into the dialysis market, with approximately 49% of dialysis centers and hospitals prescribing it to their renal anemia patients," said Dr. Maeirah Ashaie, Best Practices Research Consultant at Frost & Sullivan.

Part of Duopharma Biotech Biotech's initiatives includes leading halal pharmaceutical awareness campaigns and exploring international collaborations to share halal-certified products. The company is building partnerships with international organizations to raise awareness of the importance of halal products to the Muslim population and is planning to expand to other markets, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Duopharma Biotech regularly conducts online surveys to ensure high customer service and quality standards and support its continued growth. As a result, the company scored 98% on the customer satisfaction index, higher than its previous two years' figures.

"In 2021, the Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) introduced a Sectoral Roadmap for halal pharmaceuticals to promote industry development. Duopharma Biotech is a member of the Sectoral Working Group, whose mission is to review and monitor the implementation of established measures. The company seeks to establish itself as a global thought leader in halal pharmaceuticals," noted Ashaie.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents a Company of the Year award to the organization demonstrating excellence in growth strategy and implementation in its field. The award recognizes a high degree of innovation with products and technologies and the resulting leadership in customer value and market penetration.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in various regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

About Frost & Sullivan

For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion .

Contact:

Tammy Chan

tammy.chan@frost.com

About Duopharma

Duopharma Biotech Group ("Duopharma Biotech" or "the Company") began with the establishment of Duopharma (M) Sendirian Berhad in 1978. Duopharma Biotech was incorporated in 2000 and is today one of Malaysia's leading pharmaceutical companies listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Berhad.

Duopharma Biotech has core competencies in the pharmaceutical industry inclusive of Manufacturing, Research & Development, and Commercialization & Marketing of over 300 generic drugs such as Crystorvas, Prelica, and Omesec as well as Consumer Healthcare ("CHC") products including CHAMPS, FLAVETTES, PROVITON, and Uphamol, which are well-recognized and accepted by consumers in Malaysia, regionally and globally. The Company has also diversified into the biosimilars space with technology and commercialization collaborations with credible and strong international partners. ERYSAA, Basalog One, and Zuhera are a few commercialized biosimilar brands.

Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Duopharma Biotech owns and operates three manufacturing plants in Klang, Bangi, and Glenmarie, Selangor. Duopharma Biotech also has subsidiary companies in the Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia.

Website: www.duopharmabiotech.com

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The Financial Sector Conduct Authority is conducting an investigation into United African Stokvel, reviewing evidence obtained in a raid and interviewing relevant parties.

Almost 100,000 people appear to have fallen victim to what seems to be a scam run by the Facebook-based United African Stokvel, which was the subject of a search-and-seizure raid by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) towards the end of June.

The FSCA investigation, which is ongoing, followed a whistle-blower report and complaints from investors.

The FSCA statement notes that the stokvel had claimed to have applied for a financial service provider's licence, but has no record of any such application.

"The FSCA suspects United African of conducting unauthorised business and breaching certain financial sector laws. United African is not authorised to provide any financial products or financial services."

The industry regulator also warns that although the social media pages of United African indicate it is a digital stokvel that invests clients' funds in property and telecommunications, various complaints indicate clients have not been receiving promised returns. The returns were supposedly from said investments in property and telecommunications.

One investor told Daily Maverick that he had lost R152,000. He was initially promised that he could triple his money within six months.

"The money was for my children's education fees. Now I am battling to make ends meet and to...
Spire will provide a system design and in-orbit technology demonstrator for a satellite constellation to monitor flights globally in real time, developing the most advanced independent civilian aviation surveillance system

The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded Spire Global, Inc. (NYSE: SPIR) ("Spire" or "the Company"), a global provider of space-based data, analytics and space services, a 16 million phased contract for the EURIALO project, which will develop the preliminary design and demonstrator for a global space-based independent aircraft surveillance system. The project framework is part of ESA's programme of Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) in its Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

The EURIALO project intends to design and demonstrate the viability of a novel system that uses a satellite constellation to track aircraft by determining their exact position based on different times of arrivals of radio frequency (RF) signals, a technology known in the aviation industry as multilateration (MLAT). Spire will develop the mission and system design for a satellite constellation in low Earth orbit (LEO) and then design, deploy and operate a demonstrator mission that proves the performance of the system and its critical technologies. Following the initial design and demonstrator phases, there is a potential opportunity to be selected to build out the full constellation, which would foresee a large number of satellites.

The Company will lead a consortium of major industry players for the contract, including ESSP (European Satellite Services Provider), a leading space-based Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) services provider.

Today, surveillance systems often rely on self-reported positions of aircraft, which are derived from GNSS satellites. The need for an additional complementary space solution will provide a fully reliable and resilient surveillance solution completing the European CNS infrastructure. By independently verifying the location of a plane through geolocation MLAT technology, the EURIALO project will provide the most advanced and reliable system for aircraft surveillance, with the ability to track a plane in real time from takeoff to landing anywhere in the world. The project aligns with the forward-look strategy of the European Air Traffic Management (ATM) Master Plan, which outlines the need for resilient, space-based infrastructure to support safe, sustainable and efficient air travel.

"Space-based aircraft tracking and geolocation is the future of air traffic management to ensure safe, secure and sustainable air travel at a global scale," said Peter Platzer, CEO, Spire Global. "We are honored to be selected by ESA to lead the development of this first-of-its-kind aviation surveillance system demonstrator, leveraging our more than 500 years of flight heritage operating satellites in space and expertise in radio frequency technology."

"ESA has a long track record of supporting companies that use satellites to improve aviation safety, security and sustainability, ensuring European autonomy and improving the lives of European citizens by creating jobs and prosperity," said Javier Benedicto, acting director of Connectivity and Secure Communications at ESA. "We are proud to partner with Spire Global with its strong heritage to develop a best-in-class satellite system design to demonstrate a system that will revolutionise air traffic management and surveillance for safer skies."

The EURIALO project is mainly funded through the German Space Agency at DLR. Spire, through its newly established German subsidiary, will open an office in Munich, strengthening the small satellite segment in Germany. The office will expand the Company's geographic footprint to nine offices across six countries.

"This project will contribute to safer, and more efficient and sustainable air traffic. Addressing the small satellite market will further boost our industrial base in Germany. Small satellites in near Earth orbit offer a wealth of opportunities for innovative solutions to our real-world needs," said Fabienne Spreen, German Space Agency at DLR, advisor to the German ESA delegation.

About Spire Global, Inc.

Spire (NYSE: SPIR) is a global provider of space-based data, analytics and space services, offering unique datasets and powerful insights about Earth so that organizations can make decisions with confidence in a rapidly changing world. Spire builds, owns, and operates a fully deployed satellite constellation that observes the Earth in real time using radio frequency technology. The data acquired by Spire's satellites provides global weather intelligence, ship and plane movements, and spoofing and jamming detection to better predict how their patterns impact economies, global security, business operations, and the environment. Spire also offers Space as a Service solutions that empower customers to leverage its established infrastructure to put their business in space. Spire has eight offices across the U.S., Canada, UK, Luxembourg and Singapore. To learn more, visit spire.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725128285/en/

Contacts:

For Media:

Kristina Spychalski

Director of Communications

kristina.spychalski@spire.com

For Investors:

Benjamin Hackman

Head of Investor Relations

Benjamin.Hackman@spire.com
TRIESEN, Liechtenstein, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- EdHeroes, a global network of education operators dedicated to improving access to quality education, proudly announces its latest initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration and addressing challenges in education globally. Started from family during the pandemic, expanded to various educational sectors: early childhood, literacy in rural sectors, ed-tech, innovation and more.



In a momentous development, EdHeroes is delighted to participate at the AVPN Conference held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 21st 2023. Along with other participants, EdHeroes CEO Alina Baimen, who recently listed as Forbes Kazakhstan 30 under 30, speaks about the importance of collaborative philanthropy efforts to find solutions in tackling various challenges in education as well as to learn from collaborative philanthropy practitioners in Asia. "When collaborating, we are able to pull resources that otherwise wouldn't be available to only one person or one organization and we can amplify our impact significantly" Baimen said.

One of the highlights of this conference is a roundtable discussion that explored existing methods in catalyzing collaborative philanthropy efforts in the education sector across Asian countries. By delving into the power of collaboration and its role in addressing the scale and complexity of various issues, EdHeroes showcase the significance of collaboration in achieving holistic societal development. Furthermore, EdHeroes also explores existing solutions and novel approaches for organizations to work together.

Additionally, EdHeroes continues to expand its reach globally, recently establishing four new hubs in Nepal , Peru , Kazakhstan , and Cameroon . Previously, EdHeroes successfully established Indonesia and Myanmar hubs. These hubs serve as essential centers for educational initiatives, facilitating the delivery of quality education to underserved communities and contributing to the organization's mission of improving access to education worldwide.

EdHeroes remains dedicated to its core values of collaboration, personalized approaches, and equitable access to quality education. With a focus on opening access to quality education, the network strives to bring together stakeholders from various backgrounds to create a brighter future for all.

About EdHeroes: EdHeroes is a global network that committed to improving access to and the quality education for people of all ages, aims to create an equitable future for everyone.

As the world envisions progress, EdHeroes serve as catalysts to empower individuals through education, connecting the dots of knowledge and igniting a light that fosters positive change.

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Liverpool Women's has become the first NHS Foundation Trust to go-live on MEDITECH Expanse, and CereCore International provided expertise during the planning stages, go-live support, and optimisation.

LONDON, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CereCore International today announced Liverpool Women's is the first National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust to go-live on MEDITECH Expanse and has become the first NHS organisation in the UK to achieve this milestone. Since January 2023 CereCore International has been working with Liverpool Women's on their effort to transition from MEDITECH Magic to MEDITECH Expanse.

"Liverpool Women's Hospital has undertaken a significant programme of work replacing the Trust's legacy Patient Administration System (PAS) with a modern electronic patient records (EPR) solution. The size of the task was increased due to the age of the system as it had originally been implemented in 1996," said Matt Connor, Chief Information Officer for Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust.

"The scale of digital transformation was seismic," said Connor. "To help us we worked closely with CereCore who had proven expertise in the system we were deploying. We were able to work with them to enhance the configuration and build of the system. Together with our EPR vendor [MEDITECH] and CereCore we were able to deliver our go-live successfully and on time."

"We are excited for the new ways of working this 'first' brings to Liverpool Women's staff. A successful EPR implementation like this shows what's possible when you have the right expertise working toward a common goal. We believe this 'first' for Liverpool will be a springboard for other Trusts as they look to implement MEDITECH Expanse or other integrated EPRs," said Curtis Watkins, president and CEO, CereCore.

Working in tandem with hospital teams, CereCore International brings decades of MEDITECH platform and EPR experience and offers end-to-end healthcare IT services through the various phases of EPR implementation, including ongoing application support and maintenance.

"In both the U.S. and the U.K., many healthcare organizations are deciding to move to MEDITECH Expanse," said Watkins. "Today, healthcare demands more from an EPR - more efficient ways of working and delivering care, more data standardization, more mobile access and the list goes on."

"The go-live at Liverpool Women's is the dawn of the next era for healthcare technology in the U.K. Getting an EPR into the hands of staff so they have the clinical information they need is the heart of what we do at CereCore," said Watkins.

CereCore and CereCore International continue to expand their services to meet the needs of healthcare and are actively recruiting for healthcare operations, clinical informatics or EPR platform, project management and consulting expertise. CereCore is a multi-year winner of workplace, staffing and talent awards from Modern Healthcare and ClearlyRated respectively.

Learn more about CereCore International.

https://cerecoreinternational.net/

About CereCore International

CereCore International provides IT services that make it easier for you to focus on supporting hospital operations and transforming healthcare through technology. With a heritage rooted in top-performing hospitals, we serve as leaders and experts in technology, operations, data security, and clinical applications. We partner with clients to become an extension of the team through comprehensive IT and application support, technical professional and managed services, IT advisory services, and EPR consulting, because we know first-hand the power that integrated technology has on patient care and communities.

CereCore Media Contact

Laura Liles

Media Relations

Laura.Liles@cerecore.net

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LEIDEN, Netherlands and MONTREAL, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Enerkem, the first company in the world to produce bio-methanol from mixed waste at commercial scale, and Dimeta, a joint venture between the two of the largest off-grid energy suppliers, have announced they that are initiating feasibility studies for the development of two large scale projects that will convert waste into renewable and recycled carbon dimethyl ether (DME).

DME is a clean-burning fuel that can support decarbonisation of the off-grid energy sector, including heating, cooking, transport and industrial applications. As DME is chemically similar to Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), it can be blended with it up to 20% and 'dropped-in' to existing LPG supply chains, providing a seamless pathway to reducing emissions from the over 200 million tonnes of LPG used for energy each year globally.

The projects are expected to be located in Northwest Europe and in the Gulf Coast of the United States, with each project anticipated to produce approximately 165,000 tonnes of renewable and recycled carbon DME per year from mixed residual waste. The impact of the DME produced from the two projects combined would be the equivalent of significantly reducing the carbon footprint of over one million LPG heated homes, when it is blended in with LPG.

In recent months, Dimeta and Enerkem successfully completed pre-feasibility studies for these projects and are now moving into the feasibility phase - targeting the start of Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) next year.

In addition to its commercial demonstration scale facility in operation in Alberta, Canada, Enerkem is currently involved in the development and building of new commercial scale waste-to-methanol facilities in both Canada and Europe. Enerkem will use the design and development of these facilities as the basis for the design of these new projects, combined with an additional methanol-to-DME synthesis step integrated at the end of the process.

The two DME projects with Enerkem build upon the announcement of the first of a kind waste-to-DME plant spearheaded by Dimeta in the United Kingdom, which is set to be operational in 2025. The projects with Enerkem are a key part of achieving Dimeta's goal of creating over 300,000 tonnes of sustainable DME production capacity by 2027.

"We are excited to collaborate with Enerkem to transform large volumes of non-recyclable waste into renewable & recycled carbon DME on a global scale. This partnership is another significant milestone in Dimeta's journey. Enerkem has vast experience in the development of renewable solutions, and I look forward to seeing how we continue to revolutionize DME to deliver a greener future for off-grid communities." says Frankie Ugboma, Chief Executive Officer of Dimeta.

"We are committed to supporting Dimeta in achieving their decarbonization goals. This development is an example of our technological platform's flexibility as a key enabler for hard-to-abate sectors. Our joint projects can form the basis for further project developments globally within the off-grid energy market and are an opportunity to expand Enerkem's waste-to-methanol platform," adds Dominique Boies, Chief Executive Officer of Enerkem.

Established in February 2022, Dimeta is a joint venture between SHV Energy and UGI International, developed to further the production and use of renewable & recycled carbon dimethyl ether (DME) a low-carbon sustainable liquid gas. The organisation has a goal to create 300,000 tonnes of renewable & recycled carbon DME production capacity by 2027.

Headquartered in Leiden, Netherlands, Dimeta is committed to pioneering the advancement of renewable and recycled carbon DME technologies that accelerate the off-grid energy market's transition to sustainable, low carbon energy and contribute to the establishment of a net-zero carbon economy.

In 2022, Dimeta announced its first commercial production plant, a first of a kind waste-to-DME facility in the United Kingdom, which will be operational in 2025 and producing over 50,000 tonnes of sustainable DME made from waste. Subsequent plants are in development in Europe and the United States.

For more information, please visit www.dimeta.nl

Founded in 2000, Enerkem develops and commercializes its ground-breaking gasification technology transforming non-recyclable waste into biofuels, low-carbon fuels and circular chemicals for hard-to-abate sectors, including sustainable aviation and marine fuels. Its solution tackles both challenges of waste management and dependency on fossil fuel products while contributing to the development of a circular economy for a sustainable, net-zero-carbon future.

Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Enerkem employs close to 300 employees including in the United States, Europe and the UK, and has various projects worldwide, including the world's first commercial scale biorefinery producing advanced bio-methanol and circular methanol from non-recyclable waste in Alberta, Canada. A large-scale facility based on Enerkem's waste-to-methanol platform is under construction in Quebec, Canada, and is scheduled to start operations in 2025. In Tarragona, Spain, Enerkem's technology is at the heart of the Ecoplanta project which will produce biomethanol and circular methanol from non-recyclable waste.

For more information, please visit www.enerkem.com

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MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. and MUMBAI, India, July 25, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - CleverTap, the all-in-one engagement platform, announced its partnership with SpiceJet, one of India's premier airlines. This strategic collaboration will empower SpiceJet to enhance its customer experience by leveraging CleverTap's advanced technology to deliver personalized and contextual communication across its web and mobile channels.As a prominent player in the airline industry, SpiceJet is dedicated to providing exceptional services and experiences to its customers. With CleverTap onboard, SpiceJet aims to take its customer engagement to new heights, ensuring every interaction is meaningful and tailored to individual preferences.CleverTap's robust platform offers an array of cutting-edge features designed to optimize customer engagement. By harnessing CleverTap's capabilities, SpiceJet will be able to analyze customer data, create comprehensive user profiles, and deliver engaging experiences thus maximizing the lifetime value of their customers. This personalized approach will not only enhance customer satisfaction but also foster long-term loyalty."At SpiceJet, our foremost commitment is to provide our customers with the finest personalized experience," said Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer at SpiceJet. "Our collaboration with CleverTap will further enhance this objective. By joining forces, we take a remarkable stride forward in enhancing customer engagement and retention. With CleverTap's assistance, we can now deliver timely and precisely targeted communication to our passengers, ensuring that their journey with us remains seamless and unforgettable."CleverTap's advanced customer analytics, personalization and orchestration capabilities will enable SpiceJet to send passengers personalized notifications, updates, and offers, keeping them informed and engaged at every stage. Whether it's flight information, exclusive promotions, or personalized recommendations, customers can expect a truly meaningful experience that caters to their unique preferences and needs."We are thrilled to be partnering with SpiceJet, a leading airline that shares our commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences," said Sidharth Malik, CEO at CleverTap. "Our platform will help SpiceJet deliver personalized and contextual communication, ultimately maximizing the brand's customer lifetime value. Our AI-driven hyper-personalized insights will help SpiceJet gain a deeper understanding of their user base, further solidifying their brand-to-customer relationship."The partnership between CleverTap and SpiceJet signifies a significant step forward in revolutionizing customer engagement within the airline industry. By leveraging CleverTap's state-of-the-art technology, SpiceJet will deliver seamless, personalized, and contextual communication, setting new standards for customer experiences in the aviation sector.About CleverTapCleverTap is the all-in-one customer engagement platform that helps brands personalize and optimize all consumer touch points to improve user engagement, retention, and lifetime value. It's the only solution built to address the needs of retention and growth teams, with audience analytics, deep-segmentation, multi-channel engagement, product recommendations, and automation in one unified product.The platform is powered by TesseractDB - the world's first purpose-built database for customer engagement, offering both speed and economies of scale.CleverTap is trusted by 2000 customers, including Electronic Arts, TiltingPoint, Gamebasics, Big Fish, MobilityWare, TED, English Premier League, TD Bank, Carousell, AirAsia, Papa John's, and Tesco.Backed by leading investors such as Peak XV Partners, Tiger Global, Accel, and CDPQ the company is headquartered in Mountain View, California, with presence in San Francisco, New York, Sao Paulo, Bogota, London, Amsterdam, Sofia, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, and Jakarta.For more information, visit clevertap.com or follow on LinkedIn and Twitter.Forward-Looking StatementsSome of the statements in this press release may represent CleverTap's belief in connection with future events and may be forward-looking statements, or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. CleverTap cautions that such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties that could result in the actual outcome being absolutely different from the results anticipated by the statements mentioned in the press release.Factors such as the development of general economic conditions affecting our business, future market conditions, our ability to maintain cost advantages, uncertainty with respect to earnings, corporate actions, client concentration, reduced demand, liability or damages in our service contracts, unusual catastrophic loss events, war, political instability, changes in government policies or laws, legal restrictions impacting our business, impact of pandemic, epidemic, any natural calamity and other factors that are naturally beyond our control, changes in the capital markets and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different, from those anticipated by such statements. CleverTap does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or updated or revised status of such statements. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will CleverTap and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction.For more information:SONY SHETTYDirector, Public Relations, CleverTap+91 9820900036sony@clevertap.comIPSHITA BALUConsultant Archetype+91 95901 11798ipshita.balu@archetype.coSource: CleverTapCopyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2023) - Goldstone Financial Group's recently announced Individual Retirement Account (IRA) consultancy services that have been tailored specifically for freelancers, contract workers, and small business owners. Goldstone Financial Group's IRA service has been developed to provide a flexible and comprehensive retirement planning solution that caters to the unique financial needs of individuals in the gig economy and self-employment sector.

More information is available at https://goldstonefinancialgroup.com/



IRA Financial Advice Announced By Goldstone Financial Group In Nashville

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Goldstone Financial Group understands that as the workforce landscape continues to evolve, more and more professionals are embracing freelance work, contract opportunities, and entrepreneurship. However, traditional retirement planning options - like 401(k)s and pensions - have often failed to address the specific challenges faced by these individuals. As such, Goldstone Financial Group has attempted to address this growing demand for personalized retirement solutions with their newly available IRA-focused retirement planning services.

They believe their IRA advisory service can help to accommodate the fluctuating income streams and diverse financial goals of freelancers, contract workers, and small business owners. As Anthony Pellegrino , the Founder and CEO of Goldstone Financial Group, explained, because clients can contribute to their IRAs at their own pace, it makes it easier for them to manage variable income and prioritize other financial obligations.

The financial advisors at Goldstone Financial Group also offer IRA consultations because they want to offer freelancers, contract workers, and small business owners the same tax benefits that a standard 401(k) would offer a conventional employee. Depending on the specific needs of their client, Goldstone can help them establish either a Traditional or Roth IRA. Using a metaphor, Liz Esarey, the Director Of Tax Planning for Goldstone Financial Group, explained the difference between the two as: "A Roth IRA is like taxing the little seed you plant, and reaping the reward later, whereas the traditional IRA is like planting the seed for free but paying tax on the whole bounty of the harvest."

As part its IRA advisory services, Goldstone Financial Group will look at a client's full financial picture to help them use one or both of these account types and take advantage of rolling over funds between accounts to create better tax advantages.

Liz Esarey added, "By properly strategizing which years you contribute to and withdraw from your Roth and Traditional IRAs, even so far as to roll over funds from one to another, we can help you pay in tax only what you should."

Goldstone Financial Group is confident that their service will benefit anyone in the gig economy and self-employment sector who is looking to secure a stable financial future for their retirement.

Interested readers can find out more at https://goldstonefinancialgroup.com/contact-us/

Contact Info:

Name: Anthony Pellegrino

Email: contactus@goldstonefinancialgroup.com

Phone: (630-620-9300)

Organization: Goldstone Financial Group

Address: 18W140 Butterfield Road 16th Floor, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181, United States

Phone: +1-630-620-9300

Website: https://goldstonefinancialgroup.com/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/174765
VikingCloud,a leading global provider of cybersecurity and compliance solutions has announced a new client partnership for its Web Risk Monitoring solution with PAYSTRAX, a European payment processor and principal member of Visa and Mastercard.

Global merchant fraud is estimated to drive losses of $41 billion dollars in 2023 with 29% or nearly $12 billion dollars in Europe. While cyber fraud and social engineering present the highest risk, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) research estimates that fraud by vendors and sellers is also increasing globally as high as 69% annually driven in large part by the continued post-pandemic surge in e-commerce. To fulfil its commitment to combat the increased trend of fraud risk, PAYSTRAX selected VikingCloud for its patented and unique ability to swiftly detect illegal online sales and marketing activities across its European merchant portfolio.

With VikingCloud's managed monitoring service, PAYSTRAX and other acquirers can ensure everything marketed and sold by their merchants complies with local laws, regulations, and card brand requirements, such as MasterCard's Business Risk Assessment and Mitigation (BRAM) and Visa's Integrity Risk Program (VIRP), formerly the Global Brand Protection Program (GBPP). VikingCloud's risk and compliance experts also keep acquirers updated on changing rules and regulations as part of the managed solution.

With VikingCloud's Web Risk Monitoring, PAYSTRAX will be able to regularly scan each merchant's website(s), identify illegal products, and discover merchants hiding illegal transactions in otherwise legitimate businesses. It will also detect web-based malware card skimming attacks, and find merchants that violate PAYSTRAX's terms of service, all in real time using VikingCloud's custom dashboard.

This regular scanning process is designed to effectively mitigate PAYSTRAX's risk of incurring fines and increased fees associated with illegal marketing and sales practices across their European merchant client portfolio.

Jim Burke, Chief Executive Officer at VikingCloud, said: "The PAYSTRAX team has decades of experience in the financial transaction industry and is leading the way in Lithuania's fintech market one of the fastest growing and most respected in Europe. Our unique Web Risk Monitoring tool provides PAYSTRAX with a quick and easy way to monitor and report on risks, providing valuable insights through a customisable and intuitive dashboard. We're confident that the tool will play a pivotal role in the company's growth and we are excited to being part of their journey."

Johannes Ingi Kolbeinsson, Chief Executive Officer at PAYSTRAX, added:"As soon as we identified the need for a global solution to detect non-compliance issues promptly and prevent them going forward, there was no question about who our partner should be. We've seen first-hand why VikingCloud earned its reputation as the 'go-to' partner for payment processors with its Web Risk Monitoring tool that's genuinely unrivalled. It offers the exact capabilities we needed and provides invaluable access to additional risk reduction expert solutions in the future."

About VikingCloud

VikingCloud provides end-to-end cybersecurity and compliance solutions to 4.5+ million businesses around the world. The company maintains long-term partnerships with the majority of the world's leading acquirers and payment service providers. VikingCloud also works with many of world's largest brands helping them proactively mitigate evolving cyber threats and business compliance risk. VikingCloud's Asgard Platform, powered by VikingCloud patented technology, processes billions of security events daily, and is designed to provide real-time intelligence access to an organisation's cyber risk landscape. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with operations in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Mexico, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, VikingCloud has clients in more than 70 countries and a global team of more than 1,000 professionals.

www.vikingcloud.com

About PAYSTRAX

PAYSTRAX is an innovative Financial Technology company which provides European merchants with state-of-the-art solutions for all their payment transaction needs, creating customised solutions and add-ons tailored to the specific needs of users. The company was established in 2018 and operates four offices Vilnius (LT), Klaipeda (LT), Brighton (UK) and Reykjavik (IS). PAYSTRAX holds a Principal Membership license with Mastercard and VISA and is an authorised Payment Institution that holds PI licenses in EU and UK.

www.paystrax.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230719908626/en/

Contacts:

Media

Claire Holden, SkyParlour

claire@skyparlour.com

+44 (0)330 043 1315
ProLogium and MAHLE will conduct cell tests for the development of innovative thermal management system.

The two companies will enter into discussion on building a prototype of "ProLogium- MAHLE" solid-state battery pack.

The joint efforts will contribute to the development of commercially viable solid-state battery solutions with enhanced safety, energy density and lifespan.

TAIPEI, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ProLogium and MAHLE have signed an MOU for the development of the first thermal management system tailored for ProLogium's next generation solid-state batteries. The collaborative efforts will contribute to the rollout of commercially viable solid-state battery solutions that offer improved safety, energy density, and lifespan.

Under the MoU, both parties will collaborate on cell tests focusing on thermal properties to facilitate the development of innovative thermal management for solid-state batteries. This is the first time MAHLE, a leading century-old automotive supplier, has tapped into the solid-state battery industry. After a series of evaluations on ProLogium's solid-state batteries with 100% SiOx anode, the two companies will enter into discussion regarding building prototypes for "ProLogium- MAHLE" solid-state cell modules and battery pack.

"The shared goal that unifies ProLogium and MAHLE is to speed up clean transportation with innovations," said Vincent Yang, CEO and founder of ProLogium Technology. "We are also excited about potential collaborations in manufacturing and supply chain. The partnership between two pioneering companies in the next-generation battery and engineering fields signifies a leap forward in shaping a revolutionary battery value chain, which is crucial for advancing the industrialization of solid-state batteries."

"The cooperation with ProLogium is an absolute win-win situation. With the combined expertise of the two groups, we will shape future battery technologies with superior properties", said Arnd Franz, Chairman of the MAHLE Management Board and CEO.

ProLogium adopts oxide ceramic electrolytes, featuring higher heat conductivity and thermal stability. Therefore, the innovation necessitates a distinct approach to heat dissipation and thermal management in the design process. "A well-designed thermal management system is one of the keys to further strengthening ProLogium batteries' advantages in performance and lifespan. Leveraging MAHLE's deep expertise in developing advanced thermal management system, we look forward to creating EV battery solutions that provide increased energy density and chargeability while demonstrating excellent safety, stability and life performance," remarked Polun Cheng, Global Project Management AVP of ProLogium Technology.

About MAHLE

MAHLE is a leading international development partner and supplier to the automotive industry with customers in both passenger car and commercial vehicle sectors. Founded in 1920, the technology group is working on the climate-neutral mobility of tomorrow, with a focus on the strategic areas of electrification and thermal management as well as further technology fields to reduce CO2 emissions, such as fuel cells or highly efficient combustion engines that also run on hydrogen or synthetic fuels. Today, one in every two vehicles globally is equipped with MAHLE components.

MAHLE generated sales of more than EUR 12 billion in 2022. The company is represented with approx. 72,000 employees at 152 production locations and 12 major research and development centers in more than 30 countries. (as of 31.12.2022)

weshapefuturemobility

About ProLogium

Founded in 2006, ProLogium is an energy innovation firm focused on the R&D and manufacturing of next-generation battery solutions for EV, consumer, and industrial applications. Its proprietary technologies cover more than 650 (applied and awarded) patents globally.

ProLogium has demonstrated its commercial capabilities through its automated pilot production line, with which it has shipped nearly 8,000 solid-state battery sample cells to international automotive OEMs for testing and module development. Its first giga-scale production line in Taoyuan, Taiwan will start operations by the end of 2023, which will help accelerate the company's capacity expansion in major global markets.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/prologium-and-mahle-sign-mou-to-roll-out-solid-state-battery-solutions-for-evs-301883903.html
SEOUL, South Korea, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Jong Gye Shin, the Technology Advisor of HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering, was recently appointed as the Chairman of the Committee for Expertise of Shipbuilding Specifics (CESS). He was elected as the chairman with the support of all member countries.

CESS is an international professional committee representing the shipbuilding industry, with five member countries, including Korea, Europe, the United States, Japan, and China. Established in 1994, CESS has served as a platform for influencing important agendas and raising awareness related to the shipbuilding industry.

Dr. Shin's appointment as the chairman of CESS is expected to provide an opportunity to expand Korea's influence in the global shipbuilding and maritime industry. He will serve as the chairman for a three-year term.

Dr. Shin earned a Ph.D. in Ocean Engineering from MIT in the United States in 1989. He has worked as a professor in the Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering at Seoul National University, collaborating with major research institutes around the world for over 30 years.

Acknowledged for his remarkable academic achievements, Dr. Shin has received international recognition, earning the prestigious Elmer L. Hann Award, also known as the "Nobel Prize of Shipbuilding Academia," on three occasions (2001, 2014, and 2019).

Currently, he serves as an honorary professor in the Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering at Seoul National University. Since 2020, he has been actively contributing to the design of the next-generation ship and the construction of smart yards as a technology advisor for HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering.

As the chairman, Dr. Shin will prioritize addressing key challenges that the global shipbuilding industry is facing, including the imperative transition to environmentally friendly solutions, the integration of cutting-edge technologies, and the alleviation of the skilled personnel shortage, while actively listening to the members' concerns.

Dr. Shin emphasized, "The primary objective of CESS is for members to encourage collaborative discovery of future agendas in the shipbuilding industry and foster communication for collective advancement." He added, "As the chairman, I am committed to making diverse efforts that ensure seamless collaboration within the global shipbuilding industry."

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2160754/Jong_Gye_Shin__the_Technology_Advisor_of_HD_Korea_Shipbuilding_and_Offshore_Engineering.jpg

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MANCHESTER, England, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Warehouse Project - the iconic Manchester music institution famous for huge, diverse line-ups, has announced its 2023 season.

Since its inception in 2006, The Warehouse Project has continuously pushed boundaries in unique lost spaces around the city; from the early days at Boddingtons Brewery to today's industrial rave powerhouse, Depot Mayfield, The Warehouse Project leads like no other.

The Warehouse Project will deliver a stellar 2023, promising to uphold its reputation as the world's biggest and best*. Following massive success in Rotterdam earlier this year, the 2023 season also sees WHP head to pastures new with a debut one-night-only event in Antwerp, Belgium.

DJ Tech Reviews named The Warehouse Project the world's most loved club; 2023 shows listed on www.thewarehouseproject.com .

Grammy-award-winning producer Black Coffee takes over the stage in Concourse on Friday 22nd September, for a memorable and intimate evening; fresh off his Hi Ibiza residency, Black Coffee breaks down musical boundaries and brings his South African roots to the dancefloor.

Taking over Depot Mayfield, Gorgon City presents a unique showcase on Friday 6th October as part of their Salvation tour.

Continuing the run in Autumn, the Grammy-nominated producer, Fisher, returns to The Warehouse Project for a headline show on Friday 13th October; the surfer-turned-DJ star brings his infamously high energy to Depot Mayfield.

Boiler Room on Saturday 14th October will mark its biggest Manchester show with a unique line-up including Overmono who will be broadcasted live, plus Moodymann, Joy Orbison, VTSS, Barry Can't Swim and more.

The following week, Camelphat, fresh from their Pacha residency on Saturday 21st October, are in Manchester for their only Northern headline show for 2023.

London label FUSE heads north on Friday 27th October with Enzo Siragusa, Apollonia, ARPIAR; this marks their biggest-ever showcase in the UK and their annual Halloween special.

Returning for another year, Halloween at The Warehouse Project takes place on Saturday 28th October, with Annie Mac, Chaos In The CBD, Dan Shake, Sarah Story and more.

Over in Belgium and new for the 2023 season, The Warehouse Project expands its in-season run with an international debut show in Antwerp, Belgium. The Antwerp show takes over the riverside industrial complex, Waagnatie, on Saturday 28th October and welcomes heavyweight headliners, including Bicep, TSHA, KI/KI.

Link to full shows: www.thewarehouseproject.com

Images:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XaPYjkbxZZfGUaNqpLYxGP1blP21NHhr?usp=drive_link

Press Contact: kezia@weareindigopr.com, 0161 843 9001

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2160197/The_Warehouse_Project.jpg

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analysis

Students protesting in support of the LGBTQI+ community against Kenyan Professor Patrick Lumumba's lecture at an EFF 10th anniversary event on Monday clashed with supporters of the party.

On Monday evening, the EFF held its 10th anniversary celebrations at the University of Cape Town's Sarah Baartman Hall, where Professor Patrick Lumumba - a Pan-Africanist scholar from Kenya - was the keynote speaker.

Students, staff and community members protested against Lumumba's attendance. He is outspoken against the LGBTQI+ community and has openly supported Uganda's anti-homosexuality bill.

Ruth Dube, a student present at the protest said, "It's important to protest for what is literally our lives at stake. We heard about our brothers and sisters being murdered for existing as queer, in a country with the 'most advanced' Constitution. It is terrifying having to look in the face of people who believe I don't deserve to live."

The LGBTQI+ protesters demonstrated by playing music popular in the queer community while carrying posters and placards condemning the EFF and Lumumba. EFF supporters demonstrated in support of Lumumba.

Lusanda Ngidi, a final-year commerce student, said: "I was just busy peacefully protesting. Yes, I was shouting. Yes, I was loud. I wanted the cause to be heard.

"Then EFF members joined and they started barricading us, trying to get us to move. They were running at us full force and knocked me over...
Black Foodie Finder features over 10,000 black-owned restaurants across the United States, countless recipes, and an online community for like-minded foodies

MEMPHIS, TN / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Black Foodie Finder is proud to announce the release of its new app designed to help foodies connect with black-owned businesses and restaurants across the United States. The unique and innovative app-based platform features an expansive directory of over 10,000 black-owned restaurants, a search function to find restaurants by location or type, behind-the-scenes content and creator profiles of local Chefs, recipe sharing, community forums, event listings, and much more.

Every culture and community cherishes sacred recipes to pass down from generation to generation, making modern cuisine what it is today. Black Foodie Finder is on a mission to give people a taste of the diverse foods of the diaspora that many black cultures have to offer while creating a tight-knit community dedicated to supporting black-owned businesses.

Black Foodie Finder was created to equip and empower black-owned businesses while simultaneously educating and connecting foodies from around the country on the bevy of foods offered within Black culture. The app's easy-to-use interface allows users the ability to share recipes, connect with other foodies, and attend food events to strengthen the growing community among black foodies and support the growth of black food culture.

"We believe that food is a powerful force for good. It can bring people together, build communities, and create economic opportunities. We also believe that the diaspora of black food culture is one of the most vibrant influential cultures in the world. We want to share that culture with the world and help black-owned food and beverage businesses to succeed." -Founder

Through proof of concept, dedication to innovation, and unwavering commitment to the community, Black Foodie Finder's purpose-driven vision has come to fruition as the new app is launched to the public.

To learn more about Black Foodie Finder, please visit: https://blackfoodiefinder.com/

About Black Foodie Finder

Black Foodie Finder is a platform that supports black entrepreneurs and businesses within the food and beverage industries. Founded in 2020, Black Foodie Finder was created as a hub to empower, connect, and celebrate the diversity and creativity of the Black foodie community. Known for its extensive directory of black-owned restaurants, chefs, and catering services throughout the United States, Black Foodie Finder has become a trusted resource and tight-knit community for like-minded people. Built on the belief that food is a powerful force for good, Black Foodie Finder is on a mission to give people a taste of the diverse foods of the diaspora that many black cultures have to offer while connecting communities and empowering black-owned businesses.

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Media Contact

Company Name: Black Foodie Finder

Contact Person: Aaliyah Sherie

Website: https://blackfoodiefinder.com

Email: pr@blackfoodiefinder.com

City: Memphis

State: Tennessee

Country: United States

SOURCE: Black Foodie Finder

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770114/Taste-Connect-Empower--Black-Foodie-Finder-Launches-New-App-to-Help-Foodies-Find-Black-Owned-Businesses
BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - European stocks were flat to slightly higher on Tuesday after Chinese authorities pledged more support measures to boost growth in the world's second-largest economy. Sentiment was also underpinned by hopes for an end to the United States' aggressive monetary tightening as a two-day meeting of the Federal Reserve gets underway later today. Meanwhile, German business confidence deteriorated for the third straight month in July, a monthly survey conducted by the ifo institute showed today. The business climate index fell to 87.3 in July from 88.6 in the previous month. The expected score was 88.0. The pan European STOXX 600 inched up 0.2 percent to 466.63 after ending flat with a positive bias on Monday. The German DAX and France's CAC 40 were marginally higher, while the U.K.'s FTSE 100 was up 0.2 percent, led by miners. Anglo American jumped 4.5 percent, Antofagasta rallied 4.3 percent and Glencore added 2.6 percent as metal prices advanced after China's pledge to step up support for its sputtering economy. Swiss banking major UBS Group AG rose about 1 percent after it has been fined $400 million by U.S., Swiss and U.K. banking authorities for misconduct by Credit Suisse, which UBS acquired in June 2023. British consumer goods giant Unilever soared 5 percent after Q2 sales beat estimates. Ashtead Group dropped 1.2 percent after pricing its $750 million offering in the U.S. of 5.950 percent senior notes due 2033. French software maker Dassault Systemes SE slumped 3.7 percent after posting muted revenue growth in the second quarter. Spirits group Remy Cointreau rallied 3.6 percent after backing its FY24 view. Defense electronics and cybersecurity company Thales dropped 1 percent after it agreed to buy U.S. cybersecurity company Imperva in a deal worth $3.6 billion. Catering group Sodexo fell 2.7 percent after expanding its footprint in Brazil with a strategic partnership. Bayer Group added 1.7 percent despite the German company cutting its fiscal year 2023 outlook, citing further deterioration in demand for glyphosate-based products. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
CHANGZHOU, China, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Trina Solar has been ranked in the top AAA category for the fifth consecutive quarter in PV Tech's PV ModuleTech Bankability Ratings for Q2'2023, underlining the company's leadership status in high reliability, advanced technology, shipments and sound financial performance.

Trina has now been recognized as an 'Overall High Achiever' by RETC for three consecutive years and ranked 'Top Performer' for nine years in a row by PVEL. The company's Vertex modules have also recently been certified by TUV Rheinland for their performance in harsh marine environments, while its 700W series modules passing the RETC thresher test.

Trina Solar invests heavily in technological innovation. Combining 210mm technology and n-type i-TOPCon Advanced technology, mass-produced modules power output is forecast to exceed 700W next year.

The company's cumulative shipments of 210mm modules have reached 65GW+, giving it top ranking in 210mm module shipments worldwide. Customers have continued to demonstrate their trust in Trina Solar with their orders, recent ones including an agreement to supply 800MW Vertex modules to Aquila Clean Energy EMEA.

Trina Solar spares no effort in providing worry-free delivery of n-type modules. By the end of this year, its module production capacity is forecast to reach 95GW and its cell production capacity 75GW, with 40GW dedicated to n-type cells.

In July Trina Solar, with eight other module manufacturers, reached a consensus on standardizing dimensions, delivering high customer value, moving the industry a step further toward adopting 210mm technology.

Trina Solar is committed to delivering low-carbon products to its customers. Its Yiwu factory in China's Zhejiang province has become the PV industry's first to be officially certified as 'zero carbon'.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/trina-solar-again-ranked-in-top-aaa-category-in-pv-moduletech-bankability-ratings-301884983.html
NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE (dpa-AFX) - Thales (THLEF.PK), a French technology major, said on Tuesday that it has reached a deal with software investor, Thoma Bravo, to buy data and cyber-security firm, Imperva, for $3.6 billion. Patrice Caine, CEO of Thales, said: '.With this acquisition, we are seizing a unique opportunity to accelerate our cybersecurity capabilities and are taking an important step towards our ambition to build a world-class global cybersecurity integrated player, providing a comprehensive portfolio of products and services.' The transaction, expected to be closed by the beginning of 2024, will help Thales to record a significant medium-term adjusted earnings per share accretion. With this, the Group will add around $500 million of revenue and significantly expand its data and application security offering. In the coming years, the acquirer estimates that the combination will generate circa $110 million of pre-tax run-rate synergies, including $50 million of cost synergies, and $60 million linked to revenue synergies. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
EQS-News: ADM Energy PLC / Key word(s): AGM/EGM

ADM Energy PLC: Result of Annual General Meeting



25.07.2023 / 11:45 GMT/BST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF EU REGULATION 596/2014 (WHICH FORMS PART OF DOMESTIC UK LAW PURSUANT TO THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018). UPON THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, THIS INSIDE INFORMATION IS NOW CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.

25 July 2023

ADM Energy PLC

("ADM" or the "Company")

Result of Annual General Meeting

ADM Energy PLC (AIM: ADME; BER and FSE: P4JC), a natural resources investing company, announces that at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held earlier today, all resolutions were duly passed.

Enquiries:

ADM Energy plc +44 20 7459 4718 Oliver Andrews, Chairman www.admenergyplc.com Cairn Financial Advisers LLP +44 20 7213 0880 (Nominated Adviser) Jo Turner, James Caithie Hybridan LLP +44 20 3764 2341 (Broker) Claire Louise Noyce

ODDO BHF Corporates & Markets AG

+49 69 920540 (Designated Sponsor) Michael B. Thiriot Gracechurch Group +44 20 4582 3500 (Financial PR) Harry Chathli, Alexis Gore, Henry Gamble

About ADM Energy PLC

ADM Energy is a natural resources investing company with oil and gas assets in West Africa and the US. We hold a 9.2% profit interest in the Aje Field, part of OML 113 in Nigeria. We also hold a portfolio of interests in oil and gas projects, the primary focus of which is a 70.0% working interest participation in an initial three well drilling programme to target shallow oil production on the Altoona Lease, in the Midway-Sunset Oilfield, California, the third largest oil field in the US.

We are seeking to build on our existing asset base and target other investment opportunities in the oil and gas sector. Our strategy is to identify and invest in high-impact, near-term producing assets that can deliver significant value. These will be based on attractive risk reward profiles such as proven nature of reserves, level of historic investment, established infrastructure, route to early cash flow and exploration upside.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com .

25.07.2023 GMT/BST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com




WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Alaska Air Group (ALK) said the company expects fiscal 2023 total revenue growth in a range of 8% to 10%. Capacity measured in ASMs are projected to rise 11% to 13%. The company expects earnings per share in a range of $5.50 to $7.50. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect the company to report profit per share of $6.60. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.



For the third-quarter, total revenue are projected to increase from 0% to 3%. Capacity measured in ASMs are expected to increase 10% to 13%.



Reported net income for the second quarter was $240 million, or $1.86 per share, compared to a net income of $139 million, or $1.09 per share, prior year. Reported net income, excluding special items and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments, was $387 million, or $3.00 per share, compared to $280 million, or $2.19 per share, a year ago. Analysts on average had expected the company to earn $2.70 per share, according to figures compiled by Thomson Reuters.



The company recorded $2.8 billion in operating revenue for the second quarter, the highest quarterly total in company history.



Alaska Air Group ended the quarter with a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 48%, within the target range of 40% to 50%. The company held $2.4 billion in unrestricted cash and marketable securities as of June 30, 2023.



Shares of Alaska Air are down 3% in pre-market trade on Tuesday.



For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com.



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Kolibri Global Energy Inc. (the "Company" or "KEI") (TSX: KEI, OTCQX: KGEIF) is pleased to provide an operations update for its Tishomingo field in Oklahoma.

Barnes 8-1H and 8-2H Caney Wells

The Barnes 8-2H well had a thirty-day production rate of 476 barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOEPD), with 80% being oil. The Barnes 8-1H had a thirty-day production rate of 390 BOEPD, with 81% being oil. The Company attributes the higher production rate of the Barnes 8-2H well to it being in the Lower part of the Caney formation but believes both are economic wells at their forecasted decline curves. The data collected to date indicates that the optimum development of the Caney, at six well spacing, should be with all six wells placed in the lower Caney, which will access the Upper and Lower Caney reserves.

Barnes 8-3H, T-zone Well

The Barnes 8-3H well, which is the first T-zone well that utilized the Company's latest fracture stimulation technique, is performing better than previous T-zone wells. The well had a thirty-day production rate of 480 BOEPD, with 68% being oil. The Barnes 8-3H is producing at a 20% higher oil rate than our previous best performing T-zone well.

Additional Wells and Drilling Program Expansion

Drilling is underway on the Barnes 7-5H well, which will be followed by the Barnes 7-4H well. Both wells are targeting the Lower Caney formation, and both will be fracture stimulated simultaneously after the drilling is complete.

The Company now plans to drill another three well pad immediately after the Barnes 7-4H is finished drilling. The three well pad is planned to consist of two Lower Caney formation wells and one T-zone well. This will expand our 2023 drilling program to eight wells from the previous forecast of 6-7 wells for the year.

The Company plans to release earnings after market close on August 3, 2023, and has also uploaded a new investor presentation to its website.

Wolf Regener, President, and CEO commented, "We are pleased with the first three wells in our 2023 program as we continue to fine-tune our development program to maximize the value of the field. The Barnes 8-1H and 8-2H wells are on track to confirm our belief that the downspacing of the Caney is economic, which should enable much more production from this field.

"We continue to monitor the Barnes 8-3H T-zone well, and we believe that the early results indicate that T-zone wells will be economic. Achieving commercial rates from the T-zone could add many additional well locations and reserves that are not currently reflected in our reserve estimates. The T-zone formation is present over our entire acreage block and is thus potentially very significant to the Company.

"Our confidence in the early results from these wells has led us to increase the number of wells we plan to drill this year.

"It is important to note that while we often speak of average production rates, wells vary in productivity, as is typical and to be expected when developing oil fields. Based on our analysis, we anticipate the next sets of Caney downspaced wells to have higher initial production rates.

"We are also very pleased that the wells we drilled in 2022 are doing so well. In our updated investor presentation, the individual production rates of these wells are now shown."

About Kolibri Global Energy Inc.

Kolibri Global Energy Inc. is a North American energy company focused on finding and exploiting energy projects in oil, gas, and clean and sustainable energy. Through various subsidiaries, the Company owns and operates energy properties in the United States. The Company continues to utilize its technical and operational expertise to identify and acquire additional projects. The Company's shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the stock symbol KEI and on the OTCQX under the stock symbol KGEIF.

Cautionary Statements

In this news release and the Company's other public disclosure: The references to barrels of oil equivalent ("Boes") reflect natural gas, natural gas liquids and oil. Boes may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A Boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf:1 Bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given that the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value. Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves. There is a 10% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of proved plus probable plus possible reserves.

Readers should be aware that references to initial production rates and other short-term production rates are preliminary in nature and are not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. Readers are referred to the full description of the results of the Company's December 31, 2022 independent reserves evaluation and other oil and gas information contained in its Form 51-101F1 Statement of Reserves Data and Other Oil and Gas Information for the year ended December 31, 2022, which the Company filed on SEDAR on March 13, 2023.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of United States securities laws (collectively, "forward looking information"), including statements regarding the timing of and expected results from planned wells development. Forward-looking information is based on plans and estimates of management and interpretations of data by the Company's technical team at the date the data is provided and is subject to several factors and assumptions of management, including that indications of early results are reasonably accurate predictors of the prospectiveness of the shale intervals, that required regulatory approvals will be available when required, that no unforeseen delays, unexpected geological or other effects, including flooding and extended interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions, equipment failures, permitting delays or labor or contract disputes are encountered, that the necessary labor and equipment will be obtained, that the development plans of the Company and its co-venturers will not change, that the offset operator's operations will proceed as expected by management, that the demand for oil and gas will be sustained, that the price of oil will be sustained or increase, that the Company will continue to be able to access sufficient capital through cash flow, debt, financings, farm-ins or other participation arrangements to maintain its projects, and that global economic conditions will not deteriorate in a manner that has an adverse impact on the Company's business, its ability to advance its business strategy and the industry as a whole. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause the forward-looking information in this news release to change or to be inaccurate include, but are not limited to, the risk that any of the assumptions on which such forward looking information is based vary or prove to be invalid, including that the Company or its subsidiaries is not able for any reason to obtain and provide the information necessary to secure required approvals or that required regulatory approvals are otherwise not available when required, that unexpected geological results are encountered, that equipment failures, permitting delays, labor or contract disputes or shortages of equipment, labor or materials are encountered, the risks associated with the oil and gas industry (e.g. operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration and development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, and health, safety and environmental risks, including flooding and extended interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions), the risk of commodity price and foreign exchange rate fluctuations, that the offset operator's operations have unexpected adverse effects on the Company's operations, that completion techniques require further optimization, that production rates do not match the Company's assumptions, that very low or no production rates are achieved, that the price of oil will decline, that the Company is unable to access required capital, that occurrences such as those that are assumed will not occur, do in fact occur, and those conditions that are assumed will continue or improve, do not continue or improve, and the other risks and uncertainties applicable to exploration and development activities and the Company's business as set forth in the Company's management discussion and analysis and its annual information form, both of which are available for viewing under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com, any of which could result in delays, cessation in planned work or loss of one or more concessions and have an adverse effect on the Company and its financial condition. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725956856/en/

Contacts:

Wolf E. Regener +1 (805) 484-3613

Email: wregener@kolibrienergy.com

Website: www.kolibrienergy.com
HALIFAX, NS / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Silver Tiger Metals Inc. (TSXV:SLVR) and (OTCQX:SLVTF) ("Silver Tiger" or the "Corporation") has intersected 1,268.6 g/t total silver equivalent over 2.7 meters in the Sulphide Zone in Drill Hole ET-23-463 from 466.1 meters to 468.8 meters, consisting of 1,089.2 g/t silver, 0.14 g/t gold, 1.01% copper, 0.96% lead and 1.47% zinc within 9.9 meters grading 711.2 g/t total silver equivalent from 461.0 meters to 470.9 meters consisting of 609.7 g/t silver, 0.13 g/t gold, 0.61% copper, 0.41% lead and 0.70% zinc in the Sulphide Zone.

Highlights from the drilling program include the following:

? Hole ET-23-464: 6.7 meters grading 495.9 g/t total silver equivalent from 541.5 meters to 548.2 meters, consisting of 43.1 g/t silver, 0.33 g/t gold, 0.03% copper, 1.72% lead and 11.61% zinc within 13.9 meters grading 280.5 g/t total silver equivalent from 538.0 meters to 551.9 meters consisting of 27.4 g/t silver, 0.23 g/t gold, 0.02% copper, 1.16% lead and 6.22% zinc in the Sulphide Zone.

Drill Hole ResultsTable

Hole ID Comment From m To m Length (1) m Gold g/t Silver g/t Copper % Lead % Zinc % AgEq Total (2) g/t ET-23-463 Open Pit Gold Zone 83.0 119.0 36.0 0.95 1.7 0.00 0.01 0.01 73.4 including 84.1 90.5 6.4 2.79 1.9 0.00 0.01 0.01 211.8 including 89.0 90.5 1.5 7.18 4.8 0.01 0.01 0.01 544.2 Sulphide Zone 461.0 470.9 9.9 0.13 609.7 0.61 0.41 0.70 711.2 including 462.6 468.8 6.2 0.18 827.3 0.83 0.56 0.87 962.8 including 462.6 463.3 0.7 0.19 1,431.0 2.08 0.48 1.69 1,712.7 including 466.1 468.8 2.7 0.14 1,089.2 1.01 0.96 1.47 1,268.6 including 466.1 468.1 2.0 0.14 1,165.6 1.04 0.85 0.51 1,313.3 El Tigre Vein Zone 482.6 486.6 4.0 0.17 212.7 0.24 1.70 1.40 334.8 including 482.6 485.8 3.2 0.18 243.3 0.27 2.02 1.63 385.2 ET-23-464 HW Gold Zone 487.0 490.0 3.0 0.04 63.1 0.08 0.24 0.03 80.5 including 488.3 489.0 0.7 0.04 167.0 0.18 0.62 0.06 204.0 HW Gold Zone 497.0 509.0 12.0 0.07 31.1 0.13 0.48 0.37 72.4 including 497.0 500.0 3.0 0.08 69.2 0.09 0.73 1.16 139.9 Sulphide Zone 538.0 551.9 13.9 0.23 27.4 0.02 1.16 6.22 280.5 including 541.5 548.2 6.7 0.33 43.1 0.03 1.72 11.61 495.9 including 547.0 547.7 0.7 0.21 38.9 0.04 2.55 24.64 936.4 and 565.1 568.2 3.1 0.26 14.4 0.02 0.18 0.71 63.8

Notes: 1. Not true width.

2. Silver Equivalent ("EqAg") ratios are based on a silverto gold priceratio of 75:1 (Au:Ag). Copper,lead and zinc are converted using $3.66/lb copper, $0.90/lb lead, $1.26/lb zinc at 100% metal recoveries based on a silver price of $26.00/oz.

Silver Tiger's CEO, Glenn Jessome, stated, "This drilling indicates that the Sulphide Zone continues to extend along strike with an increase of 50 meters to the south. The high-grade Sulphide Zone now has a total strike length of over 250 meters and is open in all directions. Further drilling to the north and south of the Sulphide Zone should continue to expand this area of known mineralization."

Drill Holes Previously Released from the Sulphide Zone.

Hole ID Comment From To Length(1) Gold Silver Copper Lead Zinc AgEq Total (2) m m m g/t g/t % % % g/t ET-22-443 Sulphide Zone 362.8 367.5 4.7 0.11 419.8 0.45 0.26 0.42 491.4 including 365.2 366.3 1.1 0.29 901.0 1.00 0.84 1.05 1,073.3 Sulphide Zone 418.6 456.4 37.8 0.19 171.7 0.39 1.85 3.67 388.8 including 441.0 444.3 3.3 0.19 633.8 1.04 4.80 11.38 1,239.0 including 443.2 444.3 1.1 0.18 977.0 1.65 4.79 12.32 1,671.5 ET-22-441 Sulphide Zone 415.3 435.3 20.0 0.35 369.0 0.85 4.11 8.15 845.1 including 432.5 434.5 2.0 0.20 1,255.7 2.02 12.67 26.87 2,656.0 including 432.5 433.8 1.3 0.21 1,484.1 2.71 14.67 29.82 3,097.9 ET-22-440 Sulphide Zone 377.1 434.3 57.2 0.20 231.5 0.41 0.71 1.02 336.2 Sulphide Zone 397.9 434.3 36.4 0.25 314.6 0.58 0.90 1.40 457.2 including 421.7 424.5 2.8 0.21 1,986.3 4.02 3.94 5.64 2,668.8 including 421.7 423.2 1.5 0.25 2,714.0 5.41 0.08 1.04 3,289.9 including 422.5 423.2 0.7 0.26 3,054.0 7.28 0.09 1.37 3,822.4 ET-22-438 HW Gold Zone 9.2 52.7 43.5 0.16 18.7 0.00 0.01 0.01 31.3 including 29.0 29.6 0.6 2.26 566.0 0.02 0.02 0.02 739.5 Sooy Vein Zone 321.3 324.5 3.2 0.52 300.5 0.18 0.73 0.33 384.8 including 322.1 323.0 0.9 1.51 773.0 0.48 2.08 0.77 1,006.7 Sulphide Zone 393.5 413.0 19.5 0.27 408.4 0.53 0.88 0.83 527.5 including 394.8 398.5 3.7 0.24 879.4 0.76 0.86 1.36 1,035.8 including 396.0 396.5 0.5 0.62 2,796.0 1.75 1.85 4.16 3,193.1 including 403.8 411.8 8.0 0.51 564.3 0.90 1.68 1.31 771.9 including 406.3 407.0 0.7 1.47 1,148.0 1.40 1.52 0.71 1,452.3 ET-22-434 HW Gold Zone 6.5 15.0 8.5 0.39 96.7 0.01 0.08 0.01 129.8 including 10.1 11.6 1.5 2.04 336.0 0.02 0.17 0.04 496.6 Sooy Vein Zone 184.6 197.6 13.0 0.16 172.5 0.36 2.08 2.56 354.0 including 190.6 195.8 5.2 0.19 326.4 0.84 4.89 5.97 734.8 including 192.3 194.4 2.1 0.24 496.1 1.76 7.17 8.62 1,139.2 Sulphide Zone 306.7 313.3 6.6 0.11 376.8 0.32 0.14 0.09 421.9 including 311.3 313.3 2.0 0.20 1,116.5 0.89 0.20 0.11 1,225.9 including 312.3 313.3 1.0 0.25 1,859.0 1.44 0.33 0.19 2,030.4 Sulphide Zone 361.7 381.6 19.9 0.22 605.6 1.13 4.04 7.43 1,072.9 including 370.1 380.6 10.5 0.20 914.0 1.68 5.92 12.42 1,642.4 including 359.0 360.2 1.2 0.19 1,345.0 1.57 2.10 0.83 1,587.4 ET-22-433 HW Gold Zone 0.0 14.2 14.2 0.10 56.9 0.01 0.04 0.01 66.8 Sooy Vein Zone 190.9 201.9 11.0 0.29 165.4 0.16 1.43 4.42 382.5 including 193.6 198.4 4.8 0.41 369.9 0.35 3.19 9.96 840.2 including 194.7 195.8 1.1 0.12 634.5 0.57 4.68 18.48 1,422.5 Sulphide Zone 330.5 374.9 44.4 0.16 508.2 0.55 1.76 3.17 720.5 including 332.9 337.9 5.0 0.17 1,431.8 1.41 2.47 6.27 1,846.8 including 335.5 336.1 0.6 0.18 3,225.0 4.19 5.34 15.59 4,285.5 including 364.5 370.5 6.0 0.20 1,354.4 1.57 6.10 10.86 2,025.5 including 366.8 367.8 1.0 0.19 2,371.5 3.07 10.00 17.81 3,508.8 ET-22-432 HW Gold Zone 4.6 14.0 9.4 0.10 39.0 0.01 0.02 0.02 48.5 Sooy Vein Zone 191.2 201.6 10.4 0.16 399.0 0.43 2.84 5.16 690.6 including 195.6 197.7 2.1 0.24 1,153.6 1.29 9.76 16.82 2,084.8 Sulphide Zone 348.4 383.2 34.8 0.13 257.4 0.47 1.18 2.02 407.4 including 372.4 380.6 8.2 0.13 956.6 1.69 3.58 7.01 1,446.2 including 378.5 380.6 2.1 0.17 1,663.5 4.32 6.28 11.50 2,622.5 ET-22-431 HW Gold Zone 10.1 46.5 36.4 0.13 41.9 0.00 0.01 0.01 52.6 including 10.1 11.6 1.5 0.11 731.0 0.00 0.05 0.00 740.9 SooyVein Zone 83.9 86.7 2.8 0.59 137.4 0.03 0.19 0.24 196.5 339.5 342.6 3.1 0.06 211.5 0.08 0.02 0.03 225.2 El Tigre Vein 409.1 418.5 9.4 0.19 641.3 0.65 3.32 6.51 1,013.3 including 413.5 415.6 2.1 0.19 1,536.1 1.62 7.71 13.66 2,341.9 ET-23-445 Sulphide Zone 397.7 400.8 3.1 0.24 129.6 0.16 0.81 1.97 246.8 including 399.1 399.9 0.8 0.17 305.0 0.31 1.69 4.83 547.5 Sulphide Zone 465.0 474.6 9.6 0.24 115.1 0.58 1.98 3.88 364.6 including 467.0 468.6 1.6 0.59 441.7 2.14 7.58 12.00 1,269.6 including 468.1 468.6 0.5 0.52 857.0 1.74 6.44 14.60 1,700.0 ET-23-446 Sulphide Zone 382.8 400.7 17.9 0.19 200.7 0.42 2.23 3.55 425.9 including 390.5 392.5 2.0 0.17 666.2 0.93 4.26 8.67 1,156.4 including 394.6 397.0 2.4 0.31 427.6 0.66 4.03 5.05 777.4 including 394.6 395.1 0.5 0.48 804.0 1.22 3.99 0.57 1,071.5 ET-23-447 Sooy Vein Zone 237.5 240.1 2.6 0.02 264.7 0.16 0.01 0.03 282.4 including 237.5 238.5 1.0 0.02 573.0 0.35 0.01 0.07 610.5 El Tigre Vein Zone 311.0 312.0 1.0 0.08 1,689.2 0.80 0.08 0.18 1,780.2 including 311.5 312.0 0.5 0.16 3,351.0 1.59 0.13 0.33 3,530.4 ET-23-448 El Tigre Vein Zone 253.0 257.9 4.9 0.03 484.8 0.33 0.01 0.08 521.7 including 254.9 255.9 1.0 0.04 1,194.5 0.84 0.03 0.19 1,285.5 including 254.9 255.4 0.5 0.05 1,560.0 1.14 0.04 0.27 1,683.6 ET-23-449 Sooy Vein Zone 305.7 306.6 0.9 0.01 345.0 0.18 0.00 0.12 367.6 El Tigre Vein Zone 451.5 452.1 0.6 0.05 18.6 0.03 0.80 1.53 95.3 ET-23-450 El Tigre Vein Zone 267.4 268.5 1.1 0.20 135.0 0.49 0.19 1.37 246.5 ET-23-455 Sooy Vein 272.0 273.5 1.5 0.04 147.0 0.07 0.01 0.04 158.4 Sulphide Zone 468.8 481.2 12.4 0.14 97.8 0.13 0.93 1.78 201.9 including 468.8 474.7 5.9 0.12 201.1 0.24 1.92 3.69 401.5 including 470.3 474.1 3.8 0.10 292.5 0.34 2.70 5.26 570.8 including 472.3 473.5 1.2 0.12 436.4 0.50 3.32 6.66 792.7 ET-23-457 Sulphide Zone 441.0 479.7 38.7 0.11 297.5 0.28 1.42 2.19 438.9 including 441.0 456.8 15.8 0.17 692.6 0.60 2.99 4.61 986.8 including 445.0 451.3 6.3 0.15 1,100.1 0.87 5.10 8.01 1,581.4 including 445.0 448.4 3.4 0.13 1,245.7 1.00 6.38 13.43 1,948.8 including 447.8 448.4 0.6 0.15 1,943.0 1.58 7.29 10.95 2,642.2

Notes: 1. Not true width.

2. Silver Equivalent ("AgEq") ratios are based on a silverto gold priceratio of 75:1 (Au:Ag). Copper,lead and zinc are converted using $3.66/lb copper, $0.90/lb lead, $1.26/lb zinc at 100% metal recoveries based on a silver price of $26.00/oz.

Attached as illustrations are the Sulphide Zone Plan, Sulphide Zone-Cross Section 4770N, Sulphide Zone-Cross Section 4790N, El Tigre - Conceptual Cross Section, El Tigre-Conceptual Long Section, and El Tigre Long Section Showing Exploration Potential.

Sulphide Zone Plan

Sulphide Zone-Cross Section 4770N

Sulphide Zone - Cross Section 4790N

El Tigre - Conceptual Cross Section Showing Mineralization Styles

El Tigre-Conceptual Long Section Showing Mineralization Styles

El Tigre-Long Section Showing Exploration Potential

Drill Hole LocationTable

Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation (m) Azimuth Dip Length (m) ET-23-463 670968 3384780 1953.8 285 -80.5 584.0 ET-23-464 670968 3384780 1953.6 260 -81.5 599.0

El Tigre Resource Estimate

After acquiring El Tigre, Silver Tiger drilled 12,500 meters to define the wide halo of near surface gold mineralization around the mined high-grade veins of the historic El Tigre Mine. This allowed Silver Tiger to deliver a maiden resource estimate for the El Tigre Property to a depth of 150 meters containing indicated resources of 661,000 gold equivalent ounces at 0.77 g/t (21 g/t silver and 0.51 g/t gold) and inferred resources of 341,000 gold equivalent ounces at 1.59 g/t (88 g/t silver and 0.52 g/t gold). The National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate on the El Tigre Project, Sonora, Mexico" effective as of September 7, 2017 and dated October 26, 2017 prepared by David Burga, P.Geo., Yungang Wu, P.Geo., Fred Brown, P.Geo., Jarita Barry, P.Geo., Eugene Puritch, P.Eng., FEC, CET, Alfred Hayden, P.Eng. and Richard H. Sutcliffe, Ph.D., P.Geo. of P&E Mining Consultants Inc. is available on the Corporation's website at www.silvertigermetals.com and on www.sedar.com under the Corporation's profile.

Corporate Updates

Wade Anderson has resigned as a director of the Corporation to pursue other business interests. The Corporation would like to thank Mr. Anderson for his contribution to the Corporation during his time as a director.

About Silver Tiger and the El Tigre Historic Mine District

Silver Tiger Metals Inc. is a Canadian company whose management has more than 25 years' experience discovering, financing and building large hydrothermal silver projects in Mexico. Silver Tiger's 100% owned 28,414 hectare Historic El Tigre Mining District is located in Sonora, Mexico. Principled environmental, social and governance practices are core priorities at Silver Tiger.

The El Tigre historic mine district is located in Sonora, Mexico and lies at the northern end of the Sierra Madre silver and gold belt which hosts many epithermal silver and gold deposits, including Dolores, Santa Elena and Las Chispas at the northern end. In 1896, gold was first discovered on the property in the Gold Hill area and mining started with the Brown Shaft in 1903. The focus soon changed to mining high-grade silver veins in the area with production coming from 3 parallel veins the El Tigre Vein, the Seitz Kelley Vein and the Sooy Vein. Underground mining on the middle El Tigre vein extended 1,450 meters along strike and was mined on 14 levels to a depth of approximately 450 meters. The Seitz Kelley Vein was mined along strike for 1 kilometer to a depth of approximately 200 meters. The Sooy Vein was only mined along strike for 250 meters to a depth of approximately 150 meters. Mining abruptly stopped on all 3 of these veins when the price of silver collapsed to less than 20 per ounce with the onset of the Great Depression. By the time the mine closed in 1930, it is reported to have produced a total of 353,000 ounces of gold and 67.4 million ounces of silver from 1.87 million tons (Craig, 2012). The average grade mined during this period was over 2 kilograms silver equivalent per ton.

The El Tigre silver and gold deposit is related to a series of high-grade epithermal veins controlled by a north-south trending structure cutting across the andesitic and rhyolitic tuffs of the Sierra Madre Volcanic Complex within a broad silver and gold mineralized prophylitic alteration zone developed in the El Tigre Formation that can be up to 150 meters wide. The veins dip steeply to the west and are typically 0.5 meter wide but locally can be up to 5 meters in width. The veins, structures and mineralized zones outcrop on surface and have been traced for 5.3 kilometers along strike in our brownfield exploration area. Historical mining and exploration activities focused on a 1.6 kilometer portion of the southern end of the deposits, principally on the El Tigre, Seitz Kelly and Sooy veins. The under explored Caleigh, Benjamin, Protectora and the Fundadora exposed veins continue north for more than 3 kilometers. Silver Tiger has delivered its maiden 43-101 compliant resource estimate and is currently drilling to update its resource estimate and publish a PEA.

VRIFY Slide Deck and 3D Presentation - Silver Tiger's El Tigre Project

VRIFY is a platform being used by companies to communicate with investors using 360 virtual tours of remote mining assets, 3D models and interactive presentations. VRIFY can be accessed by website and with the VRIFY iOS and Android apps.

Access the Silver Tiger Metals Inc. Company Profile on VRIFY at: https://vrify.com

The VRIFY Slide Deck and 3D Presentation for Silver Tiger Metals Inc. can be viewed at: https://vrify.com/explore/decks/492 and on the Corporation's website at: www.silvertigermetals.com.

Procedure, Quality Assurance / Quality Control and Data Verification

The diamond drill core (HQ size) is geologically logged, photographed and marked for sampling. When the sample lengths are determined, the full core is sawn with a diamond blade core saw with one half of the core being bagged and tagged for assay. The remaining half portion is returned to the core trays for storage and/or for metallurgical test work.

The sealed and tagged sample bags are transported to the Bureau Veritas facility in Hermosillo, Mexico. Bureau Veritas crushes the samples (Code PRP70-250) and prepares 200-300 gram pulp samples with ninety percent passing Tyler 200 mesh (Code PUL85). The pulps are assayed for gold using a 30-gram charge by fire assay (Code FA630) and over limits greater than 10 grams per tonne are re-assayed using a gravimetric finish (Code FA530). Silver and multi-element analysis is completed using total digestion (Code MA200 Total Digestion ICP). Over limits greater than 100 grams per tonne silver are re-assayed using a gravimetric finish (Code FA530).

Quality assurance and quality control ("QA/QC") procedures monitor the chain-of-custody of the samples and includes the systematic insertion and monitoring of appropriate reference materials (certified standards, blanks and duplicates) into the sample strings. The results of the assaying of the QA/QC material included in each batch are tracked to ensure the integrity of the assay data. All results stated in this announcement have passed Silver Tiger's QA/QC protocols.

Qualified Person

David R. Duncan, P. Geo., V.P. Exploration of the Corporation, is the Qualified Person for Silver Tiger as defined under National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Duncan has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release.

For further information, please contact:

Glenn Jessome

President and CEO

902 492 0298

jessome@silvertigermetals.com

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT:

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, resources and reserves, the ability to convert inferred resources to indicated resources, the ability to complete future drilling programs and infill sampling, the ability to extend resource blocks, the similarity of mineralization at El Tigre to Delores, Santa Elena and Chispas, exploration results, and future plans and objectives of Silver Tiger, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "may", "is expected to", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans", "projection", "could", "vision", "goals", "objective" and "outlook" and other similar words. Although Silver Tiger believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Silver Tiger's expectations include risks and uncertainties related to exploration, development, operations, commodity prices and global financial volatility, risk and uncertainties of operating in a foreign jurisdiction as well as additional risks described from time to time in the filings made by Silver Tiger with securities regulators.

SOURCE: Silver Tiger Metals Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770024/Silver-Tiger-Intersects-27-meters-of-12686-gt-silver-Equivalent-within-99-meters-of-7112-gt-silver-Equivalent-at-the-Southern-End-of-the-Sulphide-Zone
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Joseph Guinan, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Advantage Futures, said: "I've had great respect for Eventus CEO Travis Schwab for more than 15 years. The company has thrived under his leadership, and its Validus trade surveillance platform is now an important component of the Advantage surveillance program."

Guinan said the firm chose Validus for its strong machine learning capabilities, customizable features that allow users to change parameters from one exchange to another, ease of use and knowledgeable, responsive team.

The Validus platform is used widely throughout the futures industry and other asset classes. The software solution and expertise within the firm have earned the company more than 30 global and regional awards in the past five years.

Validus' use of automation, including machine learning, speeds up alert triage and ensures the most actionable alerts are escalated for further investigation. The platform handles alert generation covering billions of messages per day, around the clock, providing comprehensive coverage across trading flows. Validus is uniquely able to ingest data in any format from any source, streamlining the ability to onboard without tying up the clients' resources.

About Eventus

Eventus is a leading global provider of multi-asset class trade surveillance, market risk and algo monitoring solutions. Its powerful, award-winning Validus platform is easy to deploy, customize and operate across equities, options, futures, foreign exchange (FX), fixed income and digital asset markets.

Validus is proven in the most complex, high-volume and real-time environments of tier-1 banks, broker-dealers, futures commission merchants (FCMs), proprietary trading groups, market centers, buy-side institutions, energy and commodity trading firms, and regulators. The company's rapidly growing client base relies on Validus and Eventus' responsive support and product development teams to overcome its most pressing regulatory challenges. For more, visit www.eventus.com .

About Advantage Futures

Advantage Futures is among the highest volume clearing firms in the futures industry with a diverse and expanding client base including professional traders, proprietary trading firms, institutional clients, exchange-traded funds, foreign and domestic non-clearing futures brokers, hedge funds, and individuals. The Chicago-based firm processed well over 5 billion contracts during more than 20 years registered as a futures commission merchant with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Advantage clients are domiciled in 65 countries, territories, and jurisdictions across the globe and can access over 20 global futures exchanges.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/advantage-futures-deploys-eventus-validus-platform-for-trade-surveillance-301884496.html
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2023) - Deveron Corp. (TSXV: FARM) ("Deveron" or the "Company"), a leading agriculture data company in North America, is pleased to provide an update on recent corporate developments and the Company's spring volume numbers.

Deveron experienced record spring fertility sampling and testing volumes across our US and Canada lab networks between January 1st, 2023 and June 30th, 2023. Soil fertility acres collected increased by 24% to 355,866 from 268,800 in the first half of 2022. Fertility samples analyzed in the United States grew by 12% year-over-year to 53,204 from 46,844 in 2022. In Canada, the company analyzed 125,201 samples. The Company expects an increase in lab volumes in the second half of the year.

In addition, the Company announces that, further to its press release of May 2nd, 2022, it has achieved an additional $1.5 million in annualized cost synergies. These cost savings have been achieved by centralizing the Company's procurement process and leveraging its network's increased buying power for consumable raw materials used in the lab process.

"Spring continues to be a strong leading indicator for the Company, and Deveron has had a very impressive spring season," said David MacMillan, President and CEO of Deveron Corp. "Our operations teams in collection and lab analysis executed our aggressive growth plans and achieved exceptional results within the short spring window. As we continue to grow organically through our regional sales flow, we see great opportunities to analyze our internally collected samples, increase the number of locations we service, and boost revenue per location. Additionally, as we execute our inorganic growth strategies, we discover larger cost synergies across the lab network by centralizing functions to operate at peak efficiency. Our ultimate goal is to become the leader in soil data."

Further to its press release of June 30, 2023, the Company has issued an aggregate of 220,916 common shares ("Common Shares") at a deemed price of $0.30 per Common Share in settlement of a one-time payment of US$50,000 (CAD$66,275), pursuant to its acquisition of Stealth Ag, Inc. ("Stealth"), as set out in press releases of May 27, 2021 and August 30, 2021. All Common Shares issued will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation.

About Deveron: Deveron is an agriculture technology company that uses data and insights to help farmers and large agriculture enterprises increase yields, reduce costs, and improve farm outcomes. The company employs a digital process that leverages data collected on farms across North America to drive unbiased interpretation of production decisions, ultimately recommending how to optimize input use. Our team of agronomists and data scientists build products that recommend ways to manage fertilizer, seed, fungicide and other farm inputs better. Additionally, we have a national network of data technicians that are deployed to collect various types of farm data, from soil to drone, that build a basis of our best-in-class data layers. Our focus is the US and Canada where 1 billion acres are actively farmed annually.

For more information and to join our community, please visit www.deveron.com/investors or reach us on Twitter @Deveron .

Philip Linton

VP Corporate Development

Deveron Corp.

plinton@deveron.com

tel: 647-622-0076

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of that phrase under Canadian securities laws. Without limitation, statements regarding future plans and objectives of the Company are forward looking statements that involve various degrees of risk. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current views with respect to possible future events and conditions and, by their nature, are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific to the Company. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements. The following are important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements: changes in the world-wide price of agricultural commodities, general market conditions, risks inherent in agriculture, the uncertainty of future profitability and the uncertainty of access to additional capital. Additional information regarding the material factors and assumptions that were applied in making these forward looking statements as well as the various risks and uncertainties we face are described in greater detail in the "Risk Factors" section of our annual and interim Management's Discussion and Analysis of our financial results and other continuous disclosure documents and financial statements we file with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which are available at www.sedar.com. The Company undertakes no obligation to update this forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. The Company relies on litigation protection for forward looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/174688
Eight VIP protection unit officers charged with assaulting four people on the N1 in Johannesburg appeared in the Randburg Magistrates' Court on Monday. One of the accused claimed they were protecting 'South Africa's second [most] important citizen'.

Eight Presidential Protection Service officers attached to Deputy President Paul Mashatile's security unit appeared in the Randburg Magistrates' Court on Monday for a bail application after handing themselves over to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) on Sunday afternoon.

They face 12 charges that include malicious damage to property, assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, pointing a firearm, reckless or negligent driving and an attempt to defeat or obstruct the administration of justice.

They were caught on camera allegedly punching and kicking four military trainees who appeared to have been dragged out of a Polo Vivo while travelling on the N1 highway in Johannesburg.

The eight accused are Shadrack Molekatlane Kojana, Johannes Matome Mampuru, Posmo Joseph Mofokeng, Harmans Madumetja Ramokhonami, Phineas Molefo Boshielo, Churchill Mpakamaseni Mkhize, Lesiba Aggrie Ramabu and Moses Fhatuwani Tshidada.

During the court appearance, magistrate Hlengiwe Mkhabisi expressed concern that the complainants had not clearly identified the roles of the accused, indicating that an identification parade had not been conducted.

However, State advocate Elize le Roux told the court that the State relied heavily on statements taken from the complainants and the officers, which were made soon after the incident had occurred, as...
Company Intends to Continue to Import Ammonia to Produce Ammonium Nitrate Fertiliser and Nitric Acid at Billingham Site for U.K. Customers

CF Fertilisers UK Limited, a subsidiary of CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CF), today announced a proposal to permanently close the ammonia plant at its Billingham Complex in order to secure the long-term sustainability of its business in the United Kingdom (U.K.) and more efficiently serve its customers in the country. The Company intends to continue to produce ammonium nitrate (AN) fertiliser and nitric acid at the Billingham site using imported ammonia, as it has for the last 10 months following its decision to temporarily idle the plant in August 2022.

CF Fertilisers UK has made this proposal due to its forecast that producing ammonia at Billingham will not be cost-competitive for the long-term compared to importing ammonia due primarily to projected high natural gas prices in the United Kingdom relative to other regions and the impact of carbon costs. Additionally, shutdowns in recent years of industrial customers' U.K. operations that had consumed significant ammonia volumes for their businesses have created a supply-demand imbalance for ammonia production at the Billingham Complex. The Company believes that ample global availability of ammonia for import, including from CF Industries' North American production network, will enable more cost-competitive and efficient production and sales of ammonium nitrate fertiliser and nitric acid for its U.K. agriculture and chemicals customers moving forward.

The Company's proposal to permanently close the ammonia plant at its Billingham Complex could result in up to 38 redundancies at the site, in relation to which it will be entering into the required collective redundancy consultation process with its recognised union, Unite, and elected employee representatives. The Company anticipates that some of the proposed redundancies might be avoided by redeployment opportunities.

About CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

At CF Industries, our mission is to provide clean energy to feed and fuel the world sustainably. With our employees focused on safe and reliable operations, environmental stewardship, and disciplined capital and corporate management, we are on a path to decarbonize our ammonia production network the world's largest to enable green and blue hydrogen and nitrogen products for energy, fertilizer, emissions abatement and other industrial activities. Our manufacturing complexes in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, an unparalleled storage, transportation and distribution network in North America, and logistics capabilities enabling a global reach underpin our strategy to leverage our unique capabilities to accelerate the world's transition to clean energy. CF Industries routinely posts investor announcements and additional information on the Company's website at www.cfindustries.com and encourages those interested in the Company to check there frequently.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230724225994/en/

Contacts:

Media

Chris Close

Senior Director, Corporate Communications

847-405-2542 cclose@cfindustries.com



Investors

Darla Rivera

Director, Investor Relations

847-405-2045 darla.rivera@cfindustries.com
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Forward Water Technologies Corp. (TSXV:FWTC) (the "Company") is pleased to announce it has signed a Heads of Agreement with a leading developer of battery grade lithium sourced from aquifers using direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology (the "Lithium Developer"). This is a clear milestone towards completing a definitive agreement for the utilization of on-site forward osmosis equipment via a lease-to-own model.

The Heads of Agreement outlines the key terms and conditions of the proposed transaction between Forward Water and the Lithium Developer and forms the framework needed to complete the definitive agreement. The Heads of Agreement sets out the specific commercial terms that aim to achieve mutual growth and success in the sustainable aquafer-based lithium sector. The proposed lease-to-own model presents an innovative solution designed to address water reusability, foster long-term sustainability and value for all stakeholders.

"We are delighted to have received approval for the Heads of Agreement with the Lithium Developer," comments, Forward Water's CEO and President, C. Howie Honeyman. "Reaching a mutually acceptable set of commercial terms represents a strategic step forward for both organizations and potentially opens up new opportunities for us to expand our market presence and deliver enhanced value to our stakeholders."

By formalizing the Heads of Agreement, both parties express their commitment to furthering the collaborative efforts, engaging in comprehensive discussions, and conducting due diligence to shape the forthcoming definitive agreement. This definitive agreement will define the complete and binding terms, responsibilities, and benefits of leveraging the lease-to-own delivery model.

The proposed definitive agreement will be subject to receipt of all necessary approvals, completion of due diligence, and agreement on definitive terms. Forward Water and the Lithium Developer are determined to undertake these processes with diligence, aiming for a swift finalization in the near future..

About Forward Water Technologies Corp.

Forward Water Technologies Corp. is a publicly traded Canadian company dedicated to saving the earth's water supply using its patented Forward Osmosis technology. The Company was founded by GreenCentre Canada, a leading technology innovation centre supported by the government of Canada. The Company's technology allows for the reduction of challenging waste streams simultaneously returning fresh water for re-use or surface release. The Company's mandate is to focus on the large-scale implementation of its technology in multiple sectors, including industrial wastewater, oil and gas, mining, agriculture and ultimately municipal water supply and re-use market sectors. In addition, the Company has initiated early-stage R&D for the treatment of food and beverage process streams.

For more information, please visit www.forwardwater.com.

Contact Information

For more information or interview requests, please contact:

C. Howie Honeyman - Chief Executive Officer

howie.honeyman@forwardwater.com

416-451-8155

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws including statements regarding expansion and uptake of the Company's technology and the ability for the Company to achieve its growth strategy and business plan. Forward-looking information is based on plans, expectations, and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to certain factors and assumptions, including, the ability to scale the technology and the adoption of the technology by potential customers.

Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding the ability and timing to enter into a definitive agreement. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the ability for the parties to complete satisfactory diligence, obtain required approvals and reach agreement on definitive terms; the impacts from the coronavirus or other epidemics, general economic conditions in Canada, the United States and globally; unanticipated operating events; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; stock market volatility as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company as set forth in the Company's continuous disclosure filings filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

SOURCE: Forward Water Technologies Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/769988/Forward-Water-Technologies-and-a-Leading-Lithium-Resource-Developer-Sign-Heads-of-Agreement
New Hire Will Accelerate Subscriber Growth & SaaS Revenue

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Toggle3D.ai (the "Company") (CSE:TGGL)(OTC PINK:TGGLF), a revolutionary SaaS solution harnessing the power of generative AI to convert CAD files, apply stunning 4K texturing, and seamlessly publish superior 4K 3D models, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Anita Matte as the Company's new Director of Growth Marketing. With an impressive background in B2B subscription business models and a proven track record of success, Anita joins Toggle3D.ai from Amazon, where she played a key role in driving marketing strategies for one of the world's largest corporations. Her new role at Toggle3D.ai will be to drive subscriber growth and to drive SaaS revenue.

Anita brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Toggle3D.ai, having held positions at enterprise companies including Air Canada, Marriott International, Moneris, and Amazon. Anita's 10+ years of experience have demonstrated a deep understanding of the B2B market and its unique challenges. Her familiarity with the pain points and value propositions within varied markets, along with her comprehensive understanding of the B2B industry, aligns perfectly with Toggle3D.ai's strategic goals.

Toggle3D.ai CEO Evan Gappelberg commented, "We are excited to welcome Anita Matte to the Toggle3D.ai family as our new Director of Growth Marketing. Her experience and achievements in the B2B space, along with her innovative marketing strategies, make her the perfect fit for Toggle3D.ai as the Company enters its rapid growth stage." He continued, "We are confident that Anita's appointment will contribute significantly to the Company's mission of transforming the CAD-3D and 3D texturing experience for businesses, as well as drive even faster user adoption, and importantly drive SaaS revenue".

Toggle3D.ai Chief Product Officer Dasha Vdovina commented, "We are excited for Anita to join our marketing team at Toggle3D as we continue to intensify our growth strategy. We just launched out of Beta last month and are only getting started. Our goal has always been to establish a harmonious collaboration between the product and marketing teams, effectively fueling organic subscription growth, and we are excited to bring on senior talent that will contribute to realizing this vision. We have some very exciting features on our roadmap and are looking forward to spreading the word, increasing conversions, and continuing to generate more user signups."

As the Director of Growth Marketing, Anita will spearhead two key objectives to fuel Toggle3D.ai's expansion:

Increasing Brand Presence: Anita will leverage her digital marketing acumen to elevate Toggle3D.ai's brand presence in the industry. By implementing comprehensive digital marketing strategies, she aims to foster engagement and grow the company's user community. Through targeted campaigns and initiatives, Toggle3D.ai will connect with its audience on a deeper level, enhancing brand awareness and loyalty. Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO): Recognizing the significance of converting free subscribers into premium users, Anita will focus on optimizing the conversion rate. By enhancing both the quantity and quality of visitors to the platform, Toggle3D.ai aims to increase the adoption of its Pro subscription. With Anita at the helm, the marketing team will refine strategies to attract more businesses and professionals seeking to harness the full potential of 3D visualization technology.

Recent Toggle3D.ai News

Toggle3D.ai Announces +125% Jump in New Users Crossing 6000+ In First Month After IPO

Toggle3D.ai Unveils Revolutionary AI-Powered Image Analysis and 3D Texturing Tools

Toggle3D.ai - the Generative AI CAD-3D Model SaaS Studio Begins Trading in the USA Under the Stock Symbol: TGGLF

Toggle3D.ai Begins Trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE: TGGL)

About Toggle3D.ai

Toggle3D.ai (CSE:TGGL) (OTC:TGGLF) is a groundbreaking SaaS solution that utilizes generative AI to convert CAD files, apply stunning 4K texturing, and enable seamless publishing of superior 4K 3D models, serving various industries within the $160 billion CGI market. With its Augmented Reality-based rapid prototyping web app, Toggle3D empowers designers, artists, marketers, and eCommerce owners to effortlessly convert, texture, customize, and publish high-quality 3D models and experiences, regardless of technical or 3D design expertise.

Toggle3D.ai Benefits Over 3D Legacy Software

NO Learning Curve

Toggle3D.ai stands out from legacy 3D design software by eliminating the learning curve and making 3D design accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical background. Unlike traditional systems that require months of learning, Toggle3D.ai simplifies the process by humanizing design terminology, providing guided templates, and using machine learning to make the tools user-friendly.

Web-based Collaboration

Being web-based, users can access Toggle3D.ai instantly on their browsers without the need for downloads, updates, or system compatibility concerns. Additionally, the platform will offer advanced in-app collaboration features, enabling multiple users to work together on the same project in real-time, facilitating quick feedback, decision-making, and cross-department collaboration.

These collaborative tools empower businesses to adopt 3D design organization-wide, enhancing workflow efficiency and unleashing the potential of group iteration.

Toggle3D.ai Investor Relations

Visit the Toggle3D Investor Relations website and sign up for the investor mailing list to receive the latest news, press releases, investor presentations, CEO interviews, financial information and more.

Sign up for the investor mailing list -click here

Follow Toggle3D.ai on Social Media

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Toggle3D

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/toggle3d.ai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Toggle3D

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/toggle3d-ai/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Toggle3Dai

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations Contact(s)

Julia Viola, Lindsay Betts

investor.relations@toggle3D.ai

Toggle3D.ai

Evan Gappelberg

CEO and Director

866-ARITIZE (274-8493)

Forward-looking Statements

The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, "will be" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements regarding the completion of the transaction are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Nextech will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE: Toggle3D.ai

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770012/Toggle3Dai-Announces-New-Key-Hire-of-Anita-Matte-as-Director-of-Growth-Marketing
DFI loan expected in Q3 2023.

Outlook for 2024 and 2025 estimates over 2,500 towers, revenue over US$50 million and EBITDA US$25 million

Negotiating non-dilutive financing options at the NuRAN Africa level

Management salary reductions and other initiatives to preserve cash for tower deployment.

QUEBEC, QC / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / NuRAN Wireless Inc. ("NuRAN" or the "Company") (CSE NUR)(OTC:NRRWF)(FSE:1RN), a leading supplier of mobile and broadband wireless infrastructure solutions, is pleased to provide the following corporate update on operations:

DFI Status.

The Company is continuing to advance on signing and closing its previously announced definitive loan agreements with both developmental finance institutions ("DFIs") and is in the process of completing the due diligence review by the lenders of all suppliers. This process includes completion of the review of one of the key suppliers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo ("DRC") that recently completed a change of control transaction and final review of all authorizations and licenses required to operate DRC and Cameroon. Due to the holiday schedule in Europe during the month of August, the Company anticipates that the due diligence of the supplier, confirmation of licencing and final approval of the definitive loan agreement will occur in September.

2024 and 2025 Outlook.

Subject to closing the DFI loans, the Company is providing the following guidance for 2024 and 2025 based on internal forecasting:

Expecting a minimum of 1,500 towers to be live in 2024 and 2,500 towers to be live by the end of 2025.

Expected consolidated gross revenue of approximately US$20 million for 2024 and approximately US$50 million for 2025.

The Company expects to achieve positive EBITDA 1 as early as Q2 2024.

as early as Q2 2024. The Company expects to achieve EBITDA of US$6 million for 2024 and US$25 million for 2025.

1Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA") does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Non-IFRS measures provide investors with a supplemental measure of the Company's operating performance and therefore highlight trends in Company's core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS measures. Management uses non-IFRS measures in measuring the financial performance of the Company.

NuRAN's CEO, Francis Letourneau stated: "Our internal forecasting has been reviewed and vetted by the DFIs and other strategic institutions and demonstrates a validation of our business model. Based on our latest expectation in terms of timeline, the execution of the loan agreement with the DFIs will propel NuRAN to build towers at an aggressive pace and fulfil our 2024 and 2025 expectations".

Financing Options.

The Company has resumed discussions for alternative non-dilutive financing at the NuRAN Africa level through the Mauritius entity that owns the African subsidiaries of the Company. Management believes that this option, which is being negotiated with strategic international institutions and companies, assists in mitigating the need for additional funding at the parent level until the DFI loans are completed, while avoiding a dilutive equity financing by the Company. The Company's objective is to secure sufficient financing to accelerate the deployment of its backlog of contracted towers, which once deployed are expected to generate returns to the Company as soon as 2024. This is expected to allow the Company to repay debt and accelerate the deployment of additional towers, all while remaining cash-flow positive. Financing at the NuRAN Africa level is intended to be complementary to the DFI loans and if completed is intended be used to accelerate growth in other markets, including recent contracts signed in Ivory Coast and Madagascar. There is no assurance this alternative financing will be completed as planned or at all.

'With 4,642 sites in backlog in 7 countries, the diversification of risk, as well as the fact that we retain tower asset ownership make our business model that much more attractive to equity investors.' stated Francis Letourneau, CEO of NuRAN Wireless Inc.

Ongoing Build and Upgrade.

The Company resumed the deployment of sites in DRC and Cameroon in May. The objective is to convert sites in inventory to live sites as the Company secures additional financing to support the conversion. The operations teams are also progressing on site acquisition, site maintenance and site upgrade to support increased demand, especially in Cameroon.

Cost Reduction.

Over the last nine months, as a response to delays in DFI funding, the Company has taken steps to reduce costs including salary reductions and deferrals by the management team. Management is looking at options to settle this accrued debt which now surpasses CA$300,000, with over CA$175,000 from Francis Letourneau, into shares.In addition, management, led by the CEO, have personally funded over $125,000 to cover ongoing expenses to support operations and R&D.

Debt Restructuring.

NuRAN is currently in negotiations for the extension of maturity dates with short-term bridge lenders, with its satellite equipment partner and long-term debenture holders. The Company continues to rely on the strong support of its short term and long-term lenders and expects to extend maturity dates and draw on additional bridge loans as the Company awaits conclusion of the DFI loan process. The Company is also finalizing a proposed factoring arrangement that will allow the Company to settle certain short-term bridge promissory notes and provide working capital for the coming months. The results of these discussions are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

About NuRAN Wireless:

NuRAN Wireless is a leading rural telecommunications company that meets the growing demand for wireless network coverage in remote and rural regions around the globe. With its affordable and innovative scalable solutions of 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies, NuRAN Wireless offers a new possibility for more than one billion people to communicate effectively over long distances efficiently and affordably. "Bridging the Digital Divide, One Connection at a Time."

Additional Information:

For further information about NuRAN Wireless: www.nuranwireless.com

Francis Letourneau,

Director and CEO

Francis.letourneau@nuranwireless.com

Tel: (418) 264-1337

Frank Candido

Investor relations

Frank.candido@nuranwireless.com

Tel: (514) 969-5530

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as, "expects", "is expected", "anticipates", "intends", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements include those relating to the signing and closing of the DFI loans, statements with respect to the number of live towers to be installed and proposed revenues over 2023, 2024 and 2025, statements with respect to financing at the NuRAN Africa intended to be complementary to the DFI loans and if completed is intended be used to accelerate growth in other markets, including recent contracts signed in Ivory Coast and Madagascar, statements with respect to the future conversion of sites in inventory to live sites as the Company secures additional financing to support the conversion, statements with respect to proposed debt settlements with management and short term and long term lenders including any potential restructuring of debt and that the execution of the loan agreement with the DFIs will propel NuRAN to build towers at an aggressive pace and fulfil our 2024 and 2025 expectation. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements, such as the uncertainties regarding include risks such as the uncertainties regarding the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, and measures to prevent its spread, risks relating to NuRAN's business and the economy generally; NuRAN's ability to refinance its long term and short term debt; NuRAN's ability to adequately restructure its operations with respect to its new model of NaaS service contracts; NuRAN's ability to complete the DFI financings, our ability to collect fees from our telecommunication providers and reliance on the network of our telecommunications providers, the capacity of the Company to deliver in a technical capacity and to import inventory to Africa at a reasonable cost; NuRAN's ability to obtain project financing for the proposed site build out under its NaaS agreements with Orange, MTN and other telecommunication providers, the loss of one or more significant suppliers or a reduction in significant volume from such suppliers; NuRAN's ability to meet or exceed customers' demand and expectations; significant current competition and the introduction of new competitors or other disruptive entrants in the Company's industry; effects of the global supply shortage affecting parts needed for NuRAN's sites and site installations; NuRAN's ability to retain key employees and protect its intellectual property; compliance with local laws and regulations and ability to obtain all required permits for our operations, access to the credit and capital markets, changes in applicable telecommunications laws or regulations or changes in license and regulatory fees, downturns in customers' business cycles; and insurance prices and insurance coverage availability, the Company's ability to effectively maintain or update information and technology systems; our ability to implement and maintain measures to protect against cyberattacks and comply with applicable privacy and data security requirements; the Company's ability to successfully implement its business strategies or realize expected cost savings and revenue enhancements; business development activities, including acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses; the Company's expansion into markets outside of Canada and the operational, competitive and regulatory risks facing the Company's non-Canadian based operations. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company's most recent annual management's discussion and analysis that is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

The estimates included in this news release relating to the calculation of the gross revenue of the agreements with Orange and MTN are based on multiplying an average population per site by the expected penetration rate which yields the number of mobile customers. This is then multiplied by the average revenue per customer per month (ARPU) to derive total revenue. Orange and MTN's direct costs associated with this revenue are deducted and the resulting amount is shared by both parties. The revenue share only applies to revenue in excess of a guaranteed amount which is the minimum paid to NuRAN. A penetration rate reduction factor has been used to mitigate risk. The base data used to calculate the total potential revenue of this agreement was provided by Orange and MTN based on average population, penetration rate and ARPU. Management of the Company believes that the estimates have been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting best estimates and judgments, and based on a number of assumptions management believes are reasonable as well as information provided to the Company by Orange and MTN. However, because this information is highly subjective and subject to numerous risks, including the risks discussed above, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the estimates prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FUTURE ORIENTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

This press release may contain future oriented financial information ("FOFI") within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, about prospective results of operations including projected revenue, financial position or cash flows, based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action, which FOFI is not presented in the format of a historical balance sheet, income statement or cash flow statement. The FOFI has been prepared by management to provide an outlook of the Company's activities and results and has been prepared based on a number of assumptions including the assumptions discussed under the heading above entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" and assumptions with respect to the costs and expenditures to be incurred by the Company, capital expenditures and operating costs, taxation rates for the Company and general and administrative expenses. Management does not have, or may not have had at the relevant date, firm commitments for all of the costs, expenditures, prices or other financial assumptions which may have been used to prepare the FOFI or assurance that such operating results will be achieved and, accordingly, the complete financial effects of all of those costs, expenditures, prices and operating results are not, or may not have been at the relevant date of the FOFI, objectively determinable.

The FOFI contained in this press release are, or may be, based upon certain additional assumptions that management believes to be reasonable based on the information currently available to management, including, but not limited to, assumptions about: (i) the future installation and funding of towers under the Company's NAAS agreements in Africa, (ii) continued revenue generation by the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) over our NAAS infrastructure in line with our projections as well as the continued viability of these MNOs given the concentration of our operations on few key customers, (iii) no adverse changes in exchange rates our the ability to transfer currency in countries with foreign currency denominated NAAS contracts or economies, (iv) the future viability and competitiveness of our RAN solutions which are sold under traditional equipment sale contracts and provide a source of additional cashflow, (v) the future market demand and trends within the jurisdictions in which the Company may from time to time conduct the Company's business, (vi) the continuation of our NAAS agreements beyond their current contractual minimum periods to assure long term revenue, (vii) on-going costs of operating our NAAS towers including maintenance, repair, replacement of damaged or stolen equipment as well as VSAT and other input costs in line with our expectations, (viii) the Company's ongoing inventory levels, build and other operating cost estimates, (ix) no adverse factors in the political and regulatory regimes in which the Company operates, (x) no significant competitive threat from alternative rural connectivity solutions such as low-earth orbit or other technologies as well as alternative NAAS providers, (xi) availability and net proceeds from the Company's proposed loans with DFIs and other alternative financings, including, without limitation the equity financing of the parent company and the Company's subsidiaries; (xii) the ability to successfully extend maturity dates and obtain bridge capital when needed for working capital purposes, (xiii) the ability to continue to source products and services from critical outsourced providers including producers of its Radio-Access Network (RAN) equipment and construction and maintenance of NAAS sites, (xiv) assurance of supply from critical third party providers of technical equipment for our NAAS sites including solar and satellite equipment and terminals, (xv) access to qualified staff in new markets we are entering and in markets where we are growing, and (xvi) risks from the COVID-19 pandemic or other public health epidemics which could affect our staff but especially in African countries which are more vulnerable to these outbreaks. The FOFI or financial outlook contained in this press release do not purport to present the Company's financial condition in accordance with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and there can be no assurance that the assumptions made in preparing the FOFI will prove accurate. The actual results of operations of the Company and the resulting financial results will likely vary from the amounts set forth in the analysis presented in any such document, and such variation may be material (including due to the occurrence of unforeseen events occurring subsequent to the preparation of the FOFI). The Company and management believe that the FOFI has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management's best estimates and judgments as at the applicable date. However, because this information is highly subjective and subject to numerous risks including the risks discussed under the heading above entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" and under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's public disclosures, FOFI or financial outlook within this press release should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the FOFI, or financial outlook contained in this press release. Except as required by Canadian securities laws, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update such FOFI.

SOURCE: NuRAN Wireless Inc.

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Kingston University, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, and City of Potsdam Accelerate Digital Transformation with VMware Cloud

PALO ALTO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / VMware, Inc. (NYSE:VMW) today announced that customers across Europe are adopting VMware Cloud to support the broad and diverse higher education requirements of students and citizens. With VMware Cloud, customers across Europe can take a more cloud smart approach to building their digital strategies by investing in cloud-based growth initiatives while optimizing costs and increasing resiliency.

"Time and again it's been proven that VMware Cloud empowers customers to adopt a cloud-smart approach," said Prashanth Shenoy, vice president, Product Marketing, Cloud Infrastructure Business Group at VMware. "By working with VMware Cloud, customers can invest in app and infrastructure modernization that fuels digital transformation and growth while optimizing cloud spend and improving business resiliency."

Kingston University: Zero Downtime Migration and a Massively Reduced Data Center Footprint (link)

Kingston University is a prestigious higher education institution based in London that supports and educates more than 19,000 students from the UK and abroad each year. To achieve its ambitions of delivering a more progressive model of higher education, Kingston University required flexible and agile technology that enables a fast response to changing requirements. The IT team sought to reduce the cost and complex maintenance requirements of the university's on-premises data centers and transition to more sustainable and energy efficient solutions. The University migrated 90 percent of its workloads to VMware Cloud on AWS and modernized the remaining data center infrastructure to support applications that needed to remain in-house. With VMware NSX Distributed Firewall and VMware Aria Operations for Networks, the University created a more modern approach to application and workload-level security.

"We had a choice between investing in upgrading our physical infrastructure or moving most workloads to VMware Cloud on AWS while retaining a small percentage of workloads on prem. With a hybrid cloud strategy built on VMware, we can consciously decide where to host applications to help ensure the best performance and cost benefits," said Daniel Bolton, head of technical services, Kingston University. "Working with VMware and our partner Xtravirt, we developed a cloud smart approach that dramatically modernized and simplified our environment and helped improve our overall security posture. VMware Cloud enables us to use our existing skills to pivot quickly to changing requirements while giving us a wider choice of cloud services across both the VMware and AWS ecosystems."

EPFL: Delivering a Modern Cloud That Enables Research Ingenuity (link)

The Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) is a research institute based in Lausanne, Switzerland. EPFL comprises 11,000 students, 350 faculty and 6,000 staff. From an IT infrastructure perspective, EPFL required infrastructure to be flexible and secure as well as fast and easy to access. EPFL also needs to keep its research community close and ensure high-value projects remain in the school environment. Unfortunately, researchers were stepping outside of the university's IT infrastructure, posing potential data security, legal, reputational risks due to Switzerland's stringent data sovereignty regulations. Using VMware Cloud, the IT team developed a private cloud and self-service portal as a more secure alternative to public cloud. VMware Cloud Foundation combined with VMware Aria Automation, VMware Cloud on AWS and VMware NSX Distributed IDS/IPS has delivered a public cloud-like user experience while enabling better security, compliance, and control.

"The researchers love the VMware Cloud environment we've created for them. VMware Cloud enables EPFL to deliver a public cloud-like experience on prem and offer anything as a service to our community," said Philippe Morel, director of IT operations and infrastructure, EPFL. "With VMware Cloud we don't have to sacrifice speed and agility for security. We've met our goal of 15-minute provisioning which has enabled us to nearly double the number of VMs while reducing the amount of shadow cloud use we're finding across the community. VMware Cloud has given us better control over our IT environment and governance of our sensitive research data."

City of Potsdam: Accelerating Cloud Transformation for a Digitized Education System (link)

Potsdam, Germany is home to more than 180,000 residents. One of the city's most important missions is to provide a modern education experience-including digital services-for 25,000 students and 5,000 educators. As part of a federal government funding program to advance the digital infrastructure of the German school system, the City of Potsdam bought a fleet of 3,000 iPads for its students and teachers. The local municipality worked with PROFI AG to implement VMware Workspace ONE Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) on VMware Cloud on AWS to unify the management of the devices to help ensure compliance with GDPR and German data privacy laws.

"VMware Cloud has been instrumental in providing a digital foundation to accelerate our development of a modern, connected and digitized educational system," said Mathias Horezky, head of IT infrastructure and service, City of Potsdam. "With VMware Cloud on AWS and Workspace ONE UEM, our small IT staff can support a growing community of users with a modern digital learning platform that meets today's hybrid learning environment. VMware Cloud on AWS provides us with a modern GDPR-compliant hybrid cloud infrastructure that has lowered our costs and overall risk while streamlining IT operations. Resources that were previously managed on local servers in schools are now hosted in the cloud and managed remotely, providing our IT team with the ability to provision IT resources and additional mobile devices quickly."

About VMware

VMware is a leading provider of multi-cloud services for all apps, enabling digital innovation with enterprise control. As a trusted foundation to accelerate innovation, VMware software gives businesses the flexibility and choice they need to build the future. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, VMware is committed to building a better future through the company's 2030 Agenda. For more information, please visit www.vmware.com/company.

VMware, NSX, Aria, and Workspace ONE are trademarks or registered trademarks of VMware, Inc. in the United States, and other jurisdictions. This article may contain hyperlinks to non-VMware websites that are created and maintained by third parties who are solely responsible for the content on such websites.

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rfortier@vmware.com

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The World's 50 Best Hotels, the 50 Best brand's first global launch since 2009, announces the special awards which will complement the upcoming ranking

LONDON, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alongside the inaugural list of The World's 50 Best Hotels, which will be announced at a ceremony at the Guildhall, London on 19 September, 50 Best will reveal the winners of a series of award categories designed to highlight outstanding properties and individuals across the travel industry.

The awards will reflect the best travel experiences collated from 580 anonymous voters - a mix of hoteliers, journalists and seasoned travellers - headed up by a group of Academy Chairs across nine regions globally.

Mark Sansom, Director of Content for The World's 50 Best Hotels, says: "These additional awards are designed to complement the 50 Best list and celebrate properties and people who are delivering industry-leading experiences."

Continental Awards - The highest-ranked hotel in each continent (Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania) will, by default, be named The Best Hotel in that continent.

Nikka Best New Hotel: The highest-ranked hotel that has opened during the two-year voting window: May 2021 - May 2023. Nikka Whisky is the official partner of this award.

Flor de Cana Eco Hotel: Champions one hotel's outstanding efforts towards sustainability. The award is independently audited by the Sustainable Restaurant Association.

The Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel: This is given to the hotel placed highest on the list that is within 20 metres of a beach.

Carlo Alberto Vermouth Best Boutique Hotel: Awarded to the hotel placed highest on the list that fits all the criteria of a boutique property with fewer than 50 rooms and not part of a large group.

SevenRooms Icon Award: Celebrates a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the hotel industry over the course of their career.

Art of Hospitality Award: All 580 voters are asked to name a property where they have received the single-best hospitality experience within the voting period. The winner will be announced on 22 August.

Lavazza One To Watch Award: Granted to a hotel that currently sits just outside the top 50 list, but which 50 Best believes has the potential to break into the ranking. The winner will be announced on 5 September.

More information: theworlds50best.com/hotels

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Foxit's customers can now effortlessly generate, sign, and track documents within the platform, accelerating deal closures and agreement completions.

FREMONT, Calif., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Foxit today announced it has launched Foxit eSign eSignature on Salesforce AppExchange, to easily create and sign digital contracts, agreements, and forms to expedite business in a digital world. Foxit is a leading provider of innovative PDF and eSignature products and services, helping knowledge workers to increase their productivity and do more with documents, ranging from SMBs to global enterprises, located in more than 200 countries.

Foxit eSign eSignature is currently available on AppExchange at https://appexchange.salesforce.com/appxListingDetail?listingId=a0N4V00000JChbkUAD

Foxit eSign eSignature empowers users to effortlessly generate, sign, and send documents for signature while conveniently tracking the entire process within the Salesforce platform. With Foxit eSign eSignature, organizations can streamline client onboarding and enhance the customer signing experience through automated reminders, real-time document updates, seamless collaboration for quick changes, and a visually cohesive signing interface customized to reflect each organization's brand identity.

Foxit upholds high security standards for global business transactions, employing superior encryption and authentication methods to ensure the protection of sensitive information and prevent tampering and unauthorized access. The user-friendly interface, combined with a mobile-first approach, enables signing on the go from any operating system, including iOS and Android. Additionally, Foxit Sign includes built-in tools to convert popular eSign templates from various vendors and provides multiple authentication methods to ensure legally binding signatures worldwide, surpassing the capabilities of simple sign solutions.

Susana De Abrew, Chief Strategy Officer at Foxit, expressed the company's dedication to fostering the growth and expansion of our ecosystem. "Our primary goal is to improve and streamline workflow automation solutions that contribute to our customers' and partners' success." De Abrew highlighted. "Foxit's renowned experience in providing secure trusted document solutions provides capabilities and expertise from a single eSign solution is unapparelled. Organizations can now quickly deploy the most compliant, secure, trusted eSign to complete the digital transformation in support of the way workers engage with their employers, customers and partners to get work done, signing employment agreements, sales contracts and onboarding new business partners."

"We are delighted to welcome Foxit eSign eSignature to AppExchange, as it enables customers to conduct business seamlessly and securely," said Alice Steinglass, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Platform, of AppExchange. "AppExchange is constantly evolving to connect customers with the right apps and experts for their business needs."

About Salesforce AppExchange

Salesforce AppExchange, the world's leading enterprise cloud marketplace, empowers companies, developers and entrepreneurs to build, market and grow in entirely new ways. With more than 7,000 listings, 11 million customer installs and 117,000 peer reviews, AppExchange connects customers of all sizes and across industries to ready-to-install or customizable apps and Salesforce-certified consultants to solve any business challenge.

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Salesforce, AppExchange and others are among the trademarks of salesforce.com, inc.

About Foxit

Foxit is a leading provider of innovative PDF and eSignature products and services, helping knowledge workers to increase their productivity and do more with documents. Foxit delivers easy-to-use desktop software, mobile apps, and cloud services that allow users to create, edit, fill, and sign documents through their integrated PDF Editor and eSign offerings. Foxit enables software developers to incorporate innovative PDF technology into their applications via powerful, multi-platform Software Developer Kits (SDK).

Foxit has sold to over 485,000 customers, ranging from SMBs to global enterprises, located in more than 200 countries. The company has offices all over the world, including locations in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Asia. For more information, please visit https://foxit.com.

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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / AllianceBernstein:



Gayle Baldwin| Senior Research Analyst and Portfolio Manager-Equities

Vivian Lubrano| Portfolio Manager-Equities

Recruiting talent is a basic ingredient for business success. Companies that are more inclusive in their recruiting will discover better-qualified employees, which can bolster competitive advantages and help deliver better outcomes for investors.

More companies are discovering that policies promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are good for business. Increasing evidence shows how companies that score high on measures of ethnic, cultural and gender diversity have delivered stronger profitability than lower-ranked peers.

But what's the best way to create a diverse workforce? Many companies focus on meeting defined diversity quotas. That may not be the best approach, in our view. In the race to add more women or minorities to the payroll, human resources (HR) departments won't necessarily get the right people for the job.

Instead, we think the key is to develop more creative methods to identify the most talented people for positions, by neutralizing biases that may prevent getting diverse talent on board. Even though many employers say they strive to make their recruiting processes fairer, most don't do this systematically, according to a survey by the HR Research Institute (Display).

Investors should look for three types of inclusive recruitment tactics that signal a strategic fusion of forward-looking hiring and a diversity-driven mindset.

Redefining Qualifications: Behaviors, Not Pedigrees

Recruiters are easily swayed by flashy resumes. Degrees from top universities or professional experience at well-known companies can flatter a candidate. Yet many softer skills don't show up on a CV and can make the difference between success or failure in a new hire.

Does the candidate have the creativity needed for the role? Is she comfortable questioning conventional wisdom? What about problem solving and intellectual curiosity? If a company could test for these aptitudes, it might find highly qualified workers that don't meet the standard template for a given job.

Infosys, an Indian IT services company, did just that. The company wanted to expand its roster of US-based client-facing staff and identified critical thinking as a more important success factor for entry-level positions than an engineering degree. So, it partnered with community and liberal arts colleges in the US to identify students with critical-thinking skills who could then be taught how to code. These colleges tend to have proportionally more female and minority students. Tapping this pool of students enabled Infosys to grow and diversify its US employee base, better reflecting the diversity of its clients.

Diversity isn't typically found behind the wheel of a delivery truck-widely seen as a man's job. But SG Holdings, a Japanese trucking and logistics company, broke that mold. As it struggled to find enough male drivers in Japan's aging population, SG invested in technology that helped redefine what capacities are required for roles that historically were more physically demanding. For example, investing in swap body trucks with interchangeable containers allowed the company to separate the tasks of loading trucks from driving them. As a result, SG now has more women, elderly and even disabled drivers steering its fleet.

Turning to Nontraditional Talent

HR departments often get stuck in familiar hiring patterns. Candidates are selected from similar types of colleges and companies, which limits diversity. Creative recruitment processes should be open to searching for pools of suitable talent in atypical places.

Consider the military, where safety and procedural compliance are paramount. Those are perfect attributes for a company like Herc Holdings, which rents heavy equipment for construction. Herc looked to US military veterans, reservists and National Guard members for new employees, and found what they were looking for in a very diverse pool of trained soldiers.

In Europe, refugees from the war in Ukraine and other hotspots might not seem like an obvious place to hire employees. Yet refugees are highly motivated people looking to rebuild their lives after fleeing home. Capgemini, the France-based IT company, launched a program in the UK to train and place refugees in digital jobs, helping to address a huge skills shortage in the sector. French cosmetics group L'Oreal also started to integrate refugees into its workforce in 2022. "The goal is to shift mentalities on migration and turn the challenge of integrating refugees and exiled people into an opportunity for businesses and the economy," L'Oreal said at the time.

Reducing Bias from the Recruitment Process

Biases are perhaps one of the biggest obstacles to building a diverse workforce. Growing awareness of the issues has led to the creation of various tools that can help reduce bias and drive inclusivity.

Thermo Fisher Scientific, a US supplier of scientific instruments, scores all job postings with a tool that helps reduce language bias-words that might unintentionally inhibit potential candidates from applying. In the UK, industrial company IMI offers training in unconscious biases and requires headhunters to deliver gender-balanced slates of candidates; for three years in a row, half of the engineering graduates hired by IMI have been female.

Getting recruitment right is perhaps one of the most undervalued components of business health. We think investors with a diversity focus should pay closer attention to how companies find the right talent. Those that crack the recruitment formula will naturally diversify their staff base with employees who are a better fit for their jobs-and can help propel a company toward a more profitable future.

The views expressed herein do not constitute research, investment advice or trade recommendations and do not necessarily represent the views of all AB portfolio-management teams and are subject to revision over time.

References to specific securities are presented to illustrate the application of our investment philosophy only and are not to be considered recommendations by AB. The specific securities identified and described do not represent all of the securities purchased, sold or recommended for the portfolio, and it should not be assumed that investments in the securities identified were or will be profitable.

Learn more about AB's approach to responsibility here

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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - While reporting financial results for the second quarter on Tuesday, paint and coating manufacturer Sherwin-Williams Co. (SHW) raised its earnings, adjusted earnings and sales growth guidance for the full-year 2023. The company also provided sales growth guidance for the third quarter. For fiscal 2023, the company now projects earnings in a range of $8.46 to $8.86 per share and adjusted earnings in a range of $9.30 to $9.70 per share on consolidated net sales growth in low-single digit percentage. Previously, the company expected earnings in a range of $6.79 to $7.59 per share and adjusted earnings in a range of $7.95 to $8.65 per share on consolidated net sales between down in mid-single digit percentage and flat. On average, analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect the company to report earnings of $8.82 per share on net sales decline of 0.6 percent to $22.02 billion for the year. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. For the third quarter, the company anticipates consolidated net sales to be up or down in low-single digits from last year, while analysts are looking for a decline of 5.6 percent to $5.71 billion. For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
STAMFORD, CT / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Webster Bank has been recognized by the Connecticut Green Bank for its outstanding partnership and support of Green Bank initiatives and their impact on the green economy in our communities.

Webster was cited for its support of residential and commercial solar photovoltaic (PV), Green Liberty Bonds, and the Green Bank's Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy efforts. (C-PACE).

"Webster is proud to be recognized by Connecticut Green Bank for the initiatives that are designed to reduce our impact on the environment and to promote environmentally friendly projects and practices throughout our communities," said Marissa Weidner, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at Webster. She added, "By financing loans for renewable energy, energy efficient components and environmental remediation, we further extend our commitment to the communities we serve."

The 2022 Awards recognize key partners in the Green Bank's dedicated network of contractors, developers, lending partners, community leaders, and home and building owners across the state. As a result of projects and partnerships like these, the Green Bank has helped create 66,000 clean energy projects since 2011.

"We are excited to honor this comprehensive group of our community members, and we are proud of their continued leadership and support," said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Green Bank. "Webster Bank has been a long-term partner of the Connecticut Green Bank bringing wind, solar, and fuel cell deployment in communities across the state."

About Webster

Webster Bank ("Webster") is a leading commercial bank in the Northeast that provides a wide range of digital and traditional financial solutions across three differentiated lines of business: Commercial Banking, Consumer Banking and its HSA Bank division, one of the country's largest providers of employee benefits solutions. Headquartered in Stamford, CT, Webster is a values-driven organization with $75 billion in assets. Its core footprint spans the northeastern U.S. from New York to Massachusetts, with certain businesses operating in extended geographies. Webster Bank is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. For more information about Webster, including our latest annual report, please visit our About page. To find our latest press releases, visit the Webster Newsroom.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead the South African delegation to the second Russia-Africa Summit to be held at St Petersburg in the Eastern European country on Thursday and Friday.

According to a statement by The Presidency, he will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor and Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

"This second summit is expected to consider four declarations and a three-year Action Plan, which will be presented for consideration. These submissions will focus on strengthening cooperation between Russia and African States in politics, security, trade, science, IT, humanitarian support, education, culture, sports, youth and the environment.

"The declarations also seek to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism, the prevention of an arms race in outer space, and in information security," the President's office said in a statement.

The Presidency said talks about the upcoming BRICS summit will also be held.

"The summit background will also offer an opportunity to African Heads of State who are part of the African Leaders Peace Mission to continue talks with President Putin on the confidence-building measures that will create conducive conditions for a path to peace between Russia and Ukraine.

"South Africa will use the summit backdrop to further engage Russia at a bilateral level to finalise the contents and substance of the upcoming BRICS summit," the Presidency said.

Side events, including an exhibition to showcase investment opportunities in Russia and Africa, an innovation space to demonstrate new technologies, and a Business Development and Social Partnership Zone for networking will also be held.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2023) - Red Light Holland Corp. (CSE: TRIP) (FSE: 4YX) (OTCQB: TRUFF) ("Red Light Holland" or the "Company"), an Ontario-based corporation engaged in the production, growth and sale of functional (e.g. shiitake, lion's mane) mushroom home grow kits worldwide, and a premium brand of magic truffles to the legal, recreational market within the Netherlands, is pleased to announced its partnership with Mistercap, LLC is officially launching today, July 25, 2023 as www.mistercap.com is now live for global consumers and tomorrow, concertgoers in Toronto, Ontario, Canada can purchase MISTERCAP's merchandise at Wiz Khalifa's 'High School Reunion' Concert at Budweiser stage.





www.mistercap.com



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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The partnership created by Red Light Holland and Mistercap, LLC for the mushrooms and wellness brand called MISTERCAP, will build on the Summer 2023 launch with a functional mushroom home grow kit, allowing customers to grow their own legal, non-psychedelic mushrooms in the comfort of their own homes, expected to be sold late August 2023 across North America and in October 2023 in Europe.

MISTERCAP will receive marketing advisory services from the multi-platinum-selling, GRAMMY and Golden Globe Award-nominated recording artist Wiz Khalifa.

The MISTERCAP brand, in conjunction with Red Light Holland, is also committed to creating educational and responsible use messaging in relation to the use of any products made available by the brand. Red Light Holland and Mistercap, LLC will share further details on the MISTERCAP products, team, and vision in the weeks to come. MISTERCAP products will be intended to help promote a healthy lifestyle. No MISTERCAP products are intended to treat or cure any medical conditions and are in no event a substitute for professional medical care. No statements made by Red Light Holland, Mistercap, LLC or Wiz Khalifa have been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration or any other similar body of another jurisdiction, and are in no event a substitute for professional medical care. Red Light Holland, Mistercap, LLC and Wiz Khalifa encourage all consumers to speak with their doctors and professional medical advisors for any solutions that may be appropriate for each individual.

About MISTERCAP

MISTERCAP is a mushroom wellness brand founded in 2022 to create innovative functional mushroom wellness products and is affiliated with multi-platinum-selling, GRAMMY and Golden Globe Award-nominated recording artist Wiz Khalifa, who provides marketing advisory services to the company. More information will be made available in the coming weeks on MISTERCAP.COM and INSTAGRAM.COM/MISTERCAP.

About Red Light Holland

The Company is an Ontario-based corporation that specializes in the mushroom industry, and specifically home grow kits for functional natural mushrooms, while positioning itself to engage in the production, growth and sale (through existing Smart Shops operators and an advanced e-commerce platform) of a premium brand of magic truffles to the legal, recreational market within the Netherlands, in accordance with the highest standards, in compliance with all applicable laws.

For additional information:

Todd Shapiro

Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, and Director

Tel: 647-643-TRIP (8747)

Email: todd@redlight.co

Website: www.RedLight.co



Mistercap, LLC

The Lede Company / Chris Iacullo < Chris.Iacullo@ledecompany.com>

The Lede Company / Hannah Haines < Hannah. Haines@ledecompany.com >

The Lede Company / Sami Brensilber < Samantha.Brensilber@ledecompany.com>

Website: www.mistercap.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company or its respective subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained in this news release. Examples of such information include statements with respect to: the plans and goals of the Company and MISTERCAP, including the launch of the MISTERCAP website and associated merchandise; future product offerings of the Company under the MISTERCAP brand; the timelines and markets associated with launching products under the MISTERCAP brand; the future marketing and advertising campaigns of the Company, MISTERCAP and Wiz Khalifa; the focus of the Company and MISTERCAP brand; the Company and MISTERCAP creating educational and responsible use messaging for their products; the Company and Mistercap, LLC providing further details on the MISTERCAP products, team, and vision in the weeks to come; and the anticipated benefits and terms of the Company's partnerships with Mistercap, LLC.

Forward-looking information in this news release are based on certain assumptions and expected future events, namely: continued approval of the Company's activities by the relevant governmental and/or regulatory authorities; the continued growth of the Company; the Company meeting their anticipated timeline and process for growth, sales, production and commercialization; the Company's products being safe and providing their anticipated benefits; the Company and MISTERCAP fulfilling their future plans and goals, including the launch of the MISTERCAP website and associated merchandise; the MISTERCAP brand and future product offerings of the Company under the MISTERCAP brand succeeding; the Company launching products under the MISTERCAP brand upon the timelines and in the markets disclosed herein; the Company, MISTERCAP and Wiz Khalifa launching future marketing and advertising campaigns; additional jurisdictions permitting sales of the MISTERCAP brand products in the future; and future changes in legislation; current and future regulations not impacting the Company's ability to fulfil its plans and goals, including the ability to sell the Company's products in new markets; the Company and MISTERCAP will create educational and responsible use messaging for their products; the Company and Mistercap, LLC providing further details on the MISTERCAP products, team, and vision in the weeks to come; and the Company and Mistercap, LLC's partnership having its anticipated benefits on the Company.

Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, expectations regarding future growth, expansion, production, sales and commercialization of the operations of the business; regulatory and licensing risks; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial and stock markets; risks related to infectious diseases, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; legal and regulatory risks inherent in the industry, including the global regulatory landscape and enforcement related to the Company's products; political risks and risks relating to regulatory change; risks relating to anti-money laundering laws; compliance with extensive government regulation and the interpretation of various laws regulations and policies; public opinion and perception of the industry; risk that the Company's products will be unsafe for personal consumption and/or not provide their anticipated benefits; risk that there may not be continued demand for the Company's products and/or demand will plateau; risk that the Company and MISTERCAP may be unable to fulfill their future plans and goals, including the launch of the MISTERCAP website and associated merchandise; risk that the MISTERCAP brand and/or the product offered under the brand will be unsuccessful and/or will not sell; risk that the Company will be unable to offer products under the MISTERCAP brand; risks that the Company will be unable to meet the timelines and/or sell in the markets outlined herein; risks surrounding future marketing and advertising campaigns of the Company, MISTERCAP and Wiz Khalifa; risks surrounding additional jurisdictions not permitting sales of the brand's products in the future; risk of future changes to regulations surrounding the brand's products and/or to the Company's business which may hinder the ability of the Company to attain its goals and/or pursue its plans and/or sell its products in additional markets; risks that the Company and MISTERCAP will not create educational and responsible use messaging for their products; risk that the Company and Mistercap LLC will not provide further details on the MISTERCAP products, team, and vision in the weeks to come; risks that the Company's partnerships with Mistercap, LLC will not have its anticipated benefits; and such other risks contained in the public filings of the Company filed with Canadian securities regulators and available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/174768
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Golden Lake Exploration Inc. (CSE:GLM)(OTCQB:GOLXF) ("GLM' or the "Company") is pleased to announce that a property-wide Magnetotelluric (MT) survey has commenced on its flagship Jewel Ridge property (the "Property"), located in the prolific Battle Mountain-Eureka gold belt of central Nevada. The Property is located along structural and stratigraphic trend from i-80 Gold's Ruby Hill property, situated immediately to the north and contiguous with the Company's Jewel Ridge property.

Magnetotelluric (MT) Survey:

In view of the relatively shallow depths of diamond drilling completed by Golden Lake to date at Jewel Ridge, coupled with the depths of carbonate replacement deposit (CRD) mineralization encountered at the neighbouring FAD, Ruby Deeps, Black Jack and Lower Hilltop deposits (500 to 600 metres below surface), MT is thought to be the optimal geophysical method for detecting deep and conductive bodies of mineralization, in this part of the South Eureka gold belt.

MT is a frequency-based electromagnetic survey (EM) that utilizes electric and magnetic field measurements to calculate resistivity. Resistivity lows (or conductors) respond to and reflect the presence of metallic sulphide deposits, including semi-massive to massive CRD deposits. Resistivity highs, assist in mapping out alteration such as silicification and jasperoid, common alteration styles associated with CRD and Carlin-type gold deposits. MT surveys are capable of detecting sulphide bodies to depths of at least 1 kilometer, ensuring that the survey is seeing through and beyond the depths of oxidation, that persist to depths of 250 to 300 metres below surface, in this part of the district.

Such surveys have proven to be successful in detecting CRD mineralization in the district, in particular at the neighboring Upper Hilltop zone, currently being explored by i-80 Gold. MT conductors at this locale are known to be intimately associated with high-grade CRD mineralization, yielding drill intercepts of 28.9% Pb, 18.5% Zn, 515 g/t Ag and 0.9 g/t Au over 28.3 metres (see i-80 Gold news release dated December 19, 2022 & i-80 Gold pers. comm.)

The MT survey at Jewel Ridge comprises 40 line kilometres of detailed survey work and is anticipated to take 4 weeks to complete. Preliminary results will be released as they become available.

Jewel Ridge and the South Eureka Gold Belt:

District-scale structures at Jewel Ridge (Jackson Fault & parallel faults) are part of a 10 kilometre-long, north-south trending structural corridor, closely associated with neighboring intrusion-related deposits to the north at Ruby Hill, namely the FAD, historic Ruby Hill, Ruby Deeps, Hilltop, 426, Blackjack and Archimedes deposits. North Peak's Prospect Mountain property is situated on the same structural corridor to the immediate west of Jewel Ridge, at the Diamond mine.

At Jewel Ridge, historic shallow intercepts of CRD mineralization occur at the Hamburg mine, returning 10.7 g/t Au, 9.3 g/t Ag over 8.6 metres as well as at the Eureka Tunnel mine, yielding 9.2 g/t Au, 65.8 g/t Ag, 1.0% Pb & 1.9% Zn over 24.5 metres (Figure 1). These CRD occurrences together with the numerous other historic mines at Jewel Ridge comprise a two kilometer-wide, north-trending corridor, transecting the entire length of the Jewel Ridge property. Such mineral occurrences are the surface manifestation of a wide-spread high-grade CRD mineralizing system thought to be at depth on the Property. The deeper bonanza-grade intercepts over significant widths obtained by i-80 Gold immediately to the north, occur at depths of 500 metres and greater, underscoring a real need for deeper exploration methodology and subsequent deeper drilling at Jewel Ridge.

Michael England, CEO of Golden Lake Exploration stated: "We are excited to be getting this long-awaited geophysical program started. The MT results coupled with the recently completed drone magnetic survey supplemented by Golden Lake's historic drill results, will generate numerous quality intrusion-related targets, for an early fall diamond drilling program at Jewel Ridge."

Qualified Person:

Golden Lake Explorations' disclosure of a technical or scientific nature in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Donald Hoy, M. Sc., P. Geo., who serves as a Qualified Person under the definition of National Instrument 43-101.

About Golden Lake Exploration Inc.

Golden Lake Exploration is a junior public mining exploration company engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets. Its objective is to acquire, explore and develop economic precious and base metal properties of merit and to aggressively advance its exploration program on the Jewel Ridge property.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Mike England"

Mike England, CEO & DIRECTOR

FOR FURTHER INFORATION PLEASE CONTACT

Telephone: 1-604-683-3995

Toll-Free: 1-888-945-4770

Neither the Canadian Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR in Canada (available at WWW.SEDAR.COM).

https://www.goldenlakex.com/images/gallery/GLM_Jewel-Ridge_News_72.jpg

SOURCE: Golden Lake Exploration Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770119/Golden-Lake-Commences-Property-Wide-Magnetotelluric-MT-Survey-on-Its-Jewel-Ridge-Property-in-The-South-Eureka-Gold-Belt-Eureka-County-Nevada
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / MetLife, Inc.

Read the full MetLife 2022 Sustainability Report

MetLife For the Environment

Our Approach

MetLife's commitment to environmental stewardship has been a cornerstone of our 155-year history. As a purpose-driven company, we believe it is our responsibility to adapt to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world. This includes addressing climate change and enabling a just transition to a low-carbon economy that will require collective action from diverse stakeholders. We aim to reduce the environmental impacts associated with our business while developing solutions to help positively contribute to a more sustainable future for all.

Our approach to environment, health and safety is built on collaboration with our colleagues and business partners on environmental stewardship, engagement in community service and environmental awareness activities, and upholding standards and procedures designed to prioritize our colleagues' health and safety while at work.

We manage and monitor climate and other environmental risks and opportunities while leveraging our people, products, services, investments and position as a Fortune 50 company to support a resilient economy and environment. We support climate projects throughout the markets we operate in and partner with organizations that are focused on diverse and equitable solutions. Please see For Our Communities to learn more.

We support the intentions of the Paris Agreement for managing and reducing GHG emissions, collaborating on climate action and supporting communities facing the effects of climate change. In June 2022, we announced our Net Zero GHG emissions goal for our global operations and General Account investment portfolio by 2050 or sooner.1 We have reoriented our previous climate commitments to advance this goal. Please see Our Commitments to learn more.

MetLife Highlights Critical Role of Insurers in Addressing Climate Change

The annual United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties aims to renew solidarity between countries to deliver the landmark Paris Agreement to limit global warming. Held at the Egyptian city of Sharm El Sheikh, MetLife participated in a panel "The Role of Insurance in Increasing Climate Resilience," featuring MetLife's EMEA Regional President, Nuria Garcia, alongside leaders from Allianz and Swiss Re.

Garcia highlighted MetLife's green investments, including solar arrays and wind farms globally, as well as MetLife's climate commitments. She also discussed how being investors makes insurers critical players in driving climate resilience and action, emphasizing that investing for the long term means we must often consider how climate change may impact MetLife's portfolio.

In a separate session, Haitham Taher, General Manager, MetLife Egypt, hosted a panel that explored the need for resilience around critical infrastructure.

Governance

The MetLife Board of Directors' Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee oversees our environmental strategy and implementation. This responsibility includes reviewing our climate goals and metrics associated with those goals. MetLife's Chief Sustainability Officer and other senior leaders report progress on commitments and programs to the Board multiple times per year. Please see Responsible Governance to learn more.

Read MetLife's Environmental Policy >

1 The Net Zero commitment applies to GHG emissions from MetLife, Inc.'s global owned and leased offices and vehicle fleets, employee business travel, supply chain and assets in MetLife's General Account investment portfolio, which includes the general accounts of MetLife, Inc.'s wholly owned insurance company subsidiaries, where reliable data and methodologies are available. While reliable methodologies and data sets pertaining to certain GHG emissions are not available at this time, MetLife is committed to identifying and measuring relevant climate data as methodologies and standards evolve. Emissions are tracked in accordance with the GHG Protocol, unless otherwise directed by regulators. Additional information about MetLife's General Account investment portfolio is available here.

2 Engaged via CDP's Supply Chain Program on disclosing climate risks, GHG emissions and other environmental data in 2022, an increase from 123 suppliers in 2021.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from MetLife, Inc. on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: MetLife, Inc.

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/metlife-inc

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: MetLife, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770146/MetLife-2022-Sustainability-Report-For-the-Environment
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2023) - ArcWest Exploration Inc. (TSXV: AWX) ("ArcWest") is pleased to announce that partner funded exploration drilling has intersected porphyry-style copper-gold-molybdenum ("Cu-Au-Mo") mineralization on its Oxide Peak project, situated in British Columbia's Toodoggone District, northern B.C. The project is being advanced by partner TDG Gold as part of an Earn-In Agreement (see ArcWest news release December 23, 2019). The Toodoggone region hosts extensive Early Jurassic porphyry Cu-Au and epithermal gold-silver (Au-Ag) mineralization including several past producing Au-Ag mines (Baker, Lawyers, Shasta) and the Kemess Au-Cu porphyry deposits (Centerra Gold). The southern half of the Oxide Peak project adjoins Benchmark Metals, which recently completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Lawyers gold-silver deposit (Benchmark Metals News Release August 16, 2022). Historical production in the district exceeds 3.2 million ounces of gold and 360,000 tonnes of copper.

Highlights

Partner funded exploration at Oxide Peak in 2022 included 1021.5 meters of drilling from two drill holes collared at -45 and -60 inclination from the same drill site, located 500 meters southwest of and 240 meters elevation above outcropping chalcopyrite mineralization in Oxide Creek.

Drilling intersected broad intervals of intensely quartz-sericite-pyrite (QSP) altered volcanic rocks cut by multistage quartz, sulfide and gypsum veins and stockworks. Core sampling returning assay values up to 0.33 grams per tonne (g/t) Au and 0.23% Cu over 13 meters (see Table 2).

The more steeply inclined drill hole OP22-002 begins to transition to K-feldspar-magnetite-chlorite (possible relict potassic) alteration at around 414-432 meters downhole depth. This suggests potential for increasing Cu-Au-Mo grades with depth, as the system transitions from QSP to potassic alteration.

TDG is operator for exploration at Oxide Peak and is responsible for the design and implementation of exploration programs on the property.

Tyler Ruks, President and CEO of ArcWest commented, "ArcWest thanks our partner TDG Gold for advancing the Oxide Peak project. The 2022 drill program was the first ever drill test of the Oxide Peak porphyry Cu-Au system. Drilling indicates that Oxide Peak is underlain by intensely QSP altered volcanic rocks with local zones of strongly anomalous Cu-Mo-Au mineralization. Potential relict potassic alteration was intersected at approximately 400 m depth in hole 2, suggesting potential for increasing Cu-Au-Mo grades with depth as the system transitions from QSP to potassic alteration. At approximately 500 m northeast of and 240 m below the 2022 drilling, an outcropping zone of chalcopyrite mineralized, chlorite-epidote-pyrite/QSP altered monzodiorite hosted hydrothermal-magmatic breccias with relict potassic alteration remains untested by drilling. TDG's 2022 drill program further bolsters our thesis that the Oxide Peak target area is host to a large and highly underexplored porphyry Cu-Au system that is deserving of additional work."

Table 1: Oxide Peak 2022 drill hole locations

DDH UTME_NAD83 UTMN_NAD83 Elevation Azimuth Dip Length meters OP22-001 611546 6372427 1710 255 -45 480 OP22-002 611546 6372427 1710 255 -60 541.5

Table 2: Oxide Peak 2022 drill results (from TDG Gold Corp. news release dated June 1, 2023).

Hole ID From To Length Au Cu Mo

(m) (m) (m) (g/t) (ppm) (ppm) OP22-001 19.0 116.0 97.0 0.063 233 9 incl 90.0 104.0 14.0 0.100 637 14 and 135.0 169.4 34.4 0.021 453 13 incl 139.0 164.0 25.0 0.024 534 14 and 231.0 242.8 11.8 0.037 359 25 and 283.3 295.6 12.3 0.012 191 4 and 415.0 463.5 48.5 0.013 333 19 incl 416.0 428.0 12.0 0.035 608 9 OP22-002 34.5 49.5 15.0 0.034 292 6 and 61.5 100.5 39.0 0.073 244 15 and 109.5 139.5 30.0 0.030 211 7 and 222.3 294.3 72.1 0.083 819 12 incl 236.0 249.0 13.0 0.328 2324 10 incl 264.0 276.0 12.0 0.032 565 11 incl 285.0 294.3 9.3 0.036 841 15 and 328.0 352.6 24.6 0.019 399 28 incl 337.0 347.5 10.5 0.030 529 18 and 357.9 361.5 3.6 0.011 281 36 and 390.8 423.0 32.2 0.020 658 37 incl 414.0 423.0 9.1 0.035 1648 37 and 440.7 444.6 3.8 0.014 1035 43 and 476.9 511.5 34.6 0.013 465 12 incl 490.0 500.9 10.9 0.022 846 21 and 529.0 532.0 3.0 0.024 211 4

Previous exploration at Oxide Peak in 2020 outlined a 1.5 by 0.6 kilometer chargeability high partly co-extensive with a multi-element (gold, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, silver, arsenic, bismuth, tellurium) soil anomaly within an extensive zone of quartz-sericite-pyrite (QSP) and advanced argillic alteration surrounded by sericite-chlorite and propylitic alteration. Gold-arsenic-tellurium is anomalous at higher elevations, with copper-molybdenum generally lower, reflecting a vertical transition from epithermal to porphyry environments. At lower elevations along the northern periphery of the soil anomaly, copper values over 0.1% occur in multiple grab samples (outcrops) over 200 meters in Oxide Creek. Chalcopyrite mineralization is associated with multistage quartz-sulfide veining and relict K-feldspar-biotite-magnetite alteration hosted in variably brecciated, porphyritic monzodioritic intrusions. The initial drill test consisted of two drill holes from the same drill site, located 500 meters southwest of the Oxide Creek zone of porphyry-style copper mineralization. Outcropping porphyry Cu mineralization in Oxide Creek remains untested by drilling.

The 2022 Oxide Peak drill program intersected a sequence of highly altered volcanic rocks, cut by multiple plagioclase-biotite(-quartz) porphyry postmineral dykes. The volcanics are described as mainly rhyolite at shallow depths (including flow-banded rhyolite) and "undifferentiated" volcanics at deeper levels, with small intervals of dacite and ash tuff. In some cases, texturally destructive alteration has made it difficult to characterize the lithology.

Alteration of the volcanic rocks consists of variable silicification and sericite alteration at shallow depths to intense QSP alteration at depth. Intense QSP alteration is dominant in the volcanics from 283 meters to the end of the hole in OP22-001 and between 224 and 423 meters in OP22-022, and includes the intervals containing the strongest Cu-Au-Mo mineralization. The most strongly altered and mineralized zones contain multistage quartz, quartz-sulfide, and sulfide veining, with broad zones of intense gypsum stockwork logged below 434 meters in OP22-001, and below 320 meters in OP22-002. Strong K-feldspar, chlorite (possibly after biotite) and magnetite alteration was logged in OP22-002 below 414 meters downhole, variably overprinted by QSP alteration.

The style of alteration and veining, and association with Cu-Au-Mo mineralization at Oxide Peak is consistent with porphyry copper systems found elsewhere in the Toodoggone district. The dominance of QSP alteration associated with Cu-Au-Mo in these drill holes demonstrates that the potassic core was not tested by the 2022 drill program, and further drill testing along strike and at depth is required to adequately evaluate the system. Further, it is not clear that the causative intrusion generating the porphyry system was intersected, since the porphyry intrusions logged all appear to be post-mineral. At approximately 500 m northeast of and 240 m below the 2022 drilling, an outcropping zone of chalcopyrite mineralized, chlorite-epidote-pyrite/QSP altered monzodiorite hosted hydrothermal-magmatic breccias with relict potassic alteration remains untested by drilling.

Other early stage targets on the Oxide Peak project include the Falcon porphyry copper-gold target as well as several grassroots high grade gold-copper targets with gold values in grab samples up to 46.1 grams per tonne (see Oxide Peak presentation on ArcWest's web site for details).

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Assay results from the 2022 drill program at Oxide Peak are from TDG Gold's news release dated June 1, 2023. A summary report, including drill logs, has been provided to ArcWest for review. ArcWest has reviewed neither the core, nor the final assays, and descriptions and interpretations of drill core as well as drilling and sampling methods provided in this news release are based solely on core logs and other documentation in Dorion (2022).

Drilling was completed between September 8th and October 13th, 2022 by Konaleen Drilling Ltd. Drill core was transported from the drill rig to TDG's Baker Camp core logging facility where recovery, recovery quality designation (RQD) and geological data including lithology, texture, alteration, mineralization, and structure were logged. Core samples were taken at average 1.8 meter intervals according to industry standard procedures. Sample bags were sealed with security numbered zip-ties and set aside for bagging in sealed polyfiber (rice) bags. These rice bags were taken by a TDG contractor to Bandstra Transportation systems (Prince George) and delivered to the laboratory preparation facility.

TDG verified the core sample results using a QA/QC program that involved inserting Certified Reference Materials ("CRM"), blank material ('Blanks') and field duplicates, as detailed in Dorion (2022). ArcWest has not verified these procedures, but believes that they are industry standard, and that the drilling results have been verified by a Qualified Person, as defined by NI 43-101, and are acceptable from a QA/QC perspective.

For the 2022 Oxide Peak drill core, TDG used SGS Canada's laboratory ("SGS") in Burnaby, British Columbia. SGS's quality system is accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 which includes ISO 9001:2015. Drill core samples were prepped using standard procedures, and analyzed using the following SGS analytical methods:

Au: 50g, fire assay, ICP-OES finish (GE_FAI50V5)

34 elements: two acid, aqua regia digestion, ICP-OES package (GE_ICP21B20)

34 elements: two acid, aqua regia digestion, ICP-MS package (GE_IMS21B20)

29 elements: sodium peroxide fusion, ICP-OES package (GE_ICP90A50)

29 elements: sodium peroxide fusion, combined ICP-OES and ICP-MS package (GE_IMS90A50)

Sulfur (S): IR combustion (GE_CSA06V)

References

Dorion, S. (2022). 2022 Annual Report on the Oxide Peak Property Located in the Omineca Mining District, British Columbia.

About ArcWest Exploration Inc.

ArcWest Exploration is a project generator focused on porphyry copper-gold exploration opportunities throughout western North America. The company is in possession of seven 100% owned copper-gold projects throughout BC's premier porphyry copper-gold districts. These include ArcWest's Todd Creek and Oweegee Dome projects, which are two of the largest and most prospective land positions for copper-gold exploration in BC's prolific Golden Triangle. Oweegee Dome neighbours Seabridge Gold's supergiant KSM-Iron Cap-Snowfield porphyry copper-gold deposit and Todd Creek adjoins Newcrest Mining's Brucejack mine property. In March of 2022, Newcrest completed the acquisition of Pretium Resources and its high grade Brucejack gold-silver mine in a transaction valued at $3.5 billion. On May 14th, 2023, Newmont announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire Newcrest in a $19 billion transaction, resulting in the creation of the world's largest gold miner. Several ArcWest projects are currently being advanced through earn-in and joint venture agreements; this includes an agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Mineral Properties Canada Inc. to advance ArcWest's 100% owned Todd Creek copper-gold project. The project generator model allows ArcWest to advance multiple exploration projects simultaneously; enhancing its chances of discovery while minimizing shareholder dilution. The company is managed by an experienced technical team with a track record of discovery and a reputation for attracting well-funded parties, including Freeport-McMoRan, Robert Friedland group companies, ITOCHU, Antofagasta and Teck.

Qualified Person

ArcWest's disclosure of a technical or scientific nature in this news release has been reviewed and approved by John Bradford, PGeo, Technical Advisor, who serves as a Qualified Person under the definition of National Instrument 43-101.

For further information please contact: Tyler Ruks, President and CEO at +1 (604) 638 3695.

Investors are cautioned that ArcWest Exploration Inc. has not verified the data from the Kemess, Baker-Shasta and Lawyers deposits. Further, the presence and style of mineralization on these properties is not necessarily indicative of similar mineralization on the ArcWest Exploration Inc. property. Historical assays from exploration programs on its properties have not been verified by ArcWest but have been cited from sources believed to be reliable.

This news release contains statements about ArcWest's expectations and are forward-looking in nature. As a result, they are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Although ArcWest believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them as actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and ArcWest undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/174731


BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - Unless substantial reforms are made to global tax rules, countries around the world are on course to lose $4.7 trillion in tax revenue over the next 10 years as multinational corporations and wealthy individuals use tax havens to underpay tax, an international tax fairness advocacy group estimates.



The Tax Justice Network made this warning in its annual State of Tax Justice report, published on Tuesday.



The future losses of public money would be equivalent to losing a year of worldwide spending on public health, according to the UK-based advocacy group.



The estimated shortfall in tax revenue is based on an analysis of data for 47 member states of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).



Campaigners are urging countries to vote this winter in favour of beginning negotiations on a UN tax convention at the UN General Assembly to avert the huge losses.



'Countries have a choice to make at the UN this year end. Forfeit our future now by staying the course, or democratise global tax rules so we can hold on to the public money we need for the challenges ahead,' said Alex Cobham, chief executive at the Tax Justice Network.



The State of Tax Justice 2023 reports that countries are losing $472 billion in tax a year to global tax abuse. Of this annual loss, $301 billion is lost to multinational corporations shifting profit into tax havens and $171 billion is lost to wealthy individuals hiding wealth offshore.



Most annual tax losses are suffered by higher income countries - $426 billion, which is equivalent to 9 per cent of their public health budgets.



Lower income countries are the worst affected by global tax abuse, as tax losses are equivalent to more than half of their public health budgets, Tax Justice Network estimates.



The 10-year projection is based on the impact of the OECD's efforts to reform international tax architecture and curb losses to global tax abuse, which began 10 years ago.



Its second reform process to set global tax rules has so far only produced drafts of policy proposals.



The Tax Justice Network is urging countries to support moving leadership on global tax from the OECD to the UN.



The UN Secretary General will present a report in September on possible options for a UN tax convention which the UN General Assembly will debate and vote on later this year, it says.



Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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Outreach campaign features transgender veteran, tribal veteran and other underserved veterans

LANSING, MI / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Michigan is launching an outreach and advertising campaign for military veterans and their dependents that will document individual stories and connect veterans to the benefits they earned for their service.





Sapphire Pates

Air Force veteran Sapphire Pates served in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan before transitioning to a woman.





The campaign - "I Served. I Am a Veteran" - highlights the adversities and triumphs of veterans from all eras and backgrounds as they move through each chapter of their lives. By engaging more veterans, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) aims to link them to the benefits that will help them thrive and avoid the issues that can lead to suicidal ideation.

Funded by the State of Michigan, the campaign is part of a larger effort to prevent veteran suicide by Governor Gretchen Whitmer's administration. The governor's budget includes $1.2 million in veteran suicide prevention funding.

"Veteran suicide remains a persistent problem in Michigan and across the nation," said Whitmer. "Together, we must have our veterans' backs and address the issues that can lead to suicidal ideation, including homelessness, unemployment, PTSD, and lack of quality health care. By engaging our veterans and sharing their stories, we can get them the care and services they need."

Veterans' stories are being shared at michigan.gov/IAmAVeteran, in TV and radio advertising and on social media. Among the veterans featured: a Latino combat veteran who survived a suicide attempt and a Marine veteran who advocates for his fellow tribal veterans in the Upper Peninsula.

Another veteran, Sapphire Pates, flew dozens of combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan as a man before transitioning to a woman. At age 54, Pates is just now signing up for VA health care, proving it's never too late for veterans to acquire benefits.

"I think a lot of people don't know exactly what to do when it comes to signing up for benefits," Pates said. "I'm hoping to help other people through my role in this campaign."

MVAA Director Adam Hollier said the campaign supports the agency's mission of serving all veterans, by recognizing how age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or other diverse backgrounds impacted their service. Veterans can inquire about their earned benefits by calling the MVAA at 1-800-MICH-VET.

"Our military members have not always been treated fairly while serving their country or as veterans afterward," said Hollier, who's also a captain and a paratrooper in the Army Reserve. "My grandfather was accepted into the Army pilot program during World War II because they thought he was white. When they realized he was a Black man, he was summarily dismissed. My promise to Michigan's 530,000-plus veterans and their families is that the MVAA will work hard to connect each and every one of you to your earned benefits regardless of your background."

Veterans of all backgrounds and eras are encouraged to tell their stories. Dependents of veterans are also encouraged to tell their loved one's story. To submit a story, fill out this nomination form and send it to MVAA-Newsroom@michigan.gov.

Contact Information

Andrew Henion

MVAA Communications Manager

heniona@michigan.gov

5172901602

Related Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yIbhsutBUE

SOURCE: Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/769799/Michigan-Veterans-From-All-Backgrounds-Tell-Their-Stories
LoopMe advances company vision and impact as sustainability evangelist

LoopMe, a leading technology company that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to improve brand advertising performance, today announced that it has joined Ad Net Zero, the climate action programme to help advertising tackle the climate emergency by decarbonizing ad operations and accurately promote sustainable products and services. LoopMe will be a "Supporter" alongside a diverse range of companies, including tech giants such as Amazon, Google and Meta; agencies such as dentsu, Publicis Groupe, and Omnicom Group; adtech companies like PubMatic; and industry associations, such as ANA and IAB; and more.

"We are delighted to have LoopMe amongst our supporters, especially given their recent stated contributions to advertising sustainability, both within their own business operations by achieving carbon neutrality and by enabling more sustainable practices industry-wide with their marketplace that reduces carbon emissions for partners," said John Osborn, Ad Net Zero US Director. "LoopMe embodies the Ad Net Zero mission of modeling and empowering advertising sustainability practices through decarbonisation."

By joining Ad Net Zero, LoopMe is committing to following the group's five-step plan:

Reduce emissions from advertising business operations

Reduce emissions from advertising production

Reduce emissions from media planning and buying

Reduce advertising emissions through awards and from events

Harness advertising's power to support behavior change

"We have worked arduously to prioritize sustainability as a tenet of our business and to offer more sustainable technology options to our advertising industry partners," said Stephen Upstone, CEO and founder of LoopMe. "We are thrilled to have achieved significant momentum with our advertising sustainability initiatives, and are looking forward to leveraging Ad Net Zero's guidance to further elevate our impact as an evangelist for doing right by our planet."

LoopMe's dedication to Ad Net Zero comes on the heels of another sustainability milestone announced in May 2023 in which the company achieved carbon neutrality seven years ahead of schedule. This was accomplished through a combination of internal carbon footprint reduction efforts, such as maximizing cloud efficiencies through migration of data centers to renewable-powered sites, including Google Cloud; reducing electricity consumption; establishing environmentally-geared HR policies; and investing in high-quality carbon removal projects.

LoopMe also recently launched its sustainable Intelligent Marketplace, delivering a fully certified, green-by-design supply path for its global partners. The sustainable marketplace personalizes demand-side traffic shaping, thereby dynamically filtering out 98% of supply that won't receive a bid. This creates a 40x increase in DSP buying efficiency and dramatically reduces carbon emissions for partners.

As the business community prepares for the rollout of global business sustainability disclosure standards in 2024, LoopMe will continue to enable the advertising ecosystem to meet objectives through a sustainable lens with additional sustainability initiatives to be announced throughout 2023. For more information, please visit https://loopme.com/sustainability/.

About LoopMe

LoopMe is a technology company that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to improve brand advertising performance and outcomes. LoopMe was the first to apply AI to brand advertising and its Intelligent Marketplace, finding solutions to industry challenges that haven't previously been solved. With consumer insights and AI at its core, LoopMe makes brand advertising better, outperforming industry benchmarks for leading global brands. Our vision is to change advertising for the better, by building technology that will redefine brand advertising. LoopMe was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in London with global offices across New York, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Dnipro, Hong Kong, Kansas City, Krakow, Los Angeles, Nashville, Manchester, Miami, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, and Toronto. For more information, please visit www.loopme.com.

About Ad Net Zero

Ad Net Zero is a climate action programme to help the advertising industry tackle the climate emergency by decarbonizing ad operations and supporting every industry to accurately promote sustainable products and services. Originally founded by the UK Advertising Association in partnership with the IPA and ISBA, Ad Net Zero launched its 5-point action plan in the UK in November 2020 and has since gained over 100 UK supporters. The action plan aims to achieve net zero emissions in ad development, production, and media placement, as well as use advertising's positive influence to help shift consumers towards more sustainable behavior. Its first non-UK territory launched in Ireland in June 2022, followed by a global roll-out at Cannes LIONS 2022. In February 2023, Ad Net Zero launched in the US, supported by the 4A's, ANA and IAB, where it now counts over 70 supporters. Ad Net Zero has widespread backing from across the industry and proudly counts support from the world's six biggest agency holding groups, media owners, tech companies, advertisers, and independent creative and production agencies. For more information, please visit www.adnetzero.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725440660/en/

Contacts:

Rachel Conforti

rachelc@loopme.com
NEW YORK, and PARIS, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pasteur Foundation US and the Institut Pasteur are pleased to announce that the 2023 cohort of Lady Mireille and Sir Dennis Gillings Global Public Health Fellowships have been conferred. Those excelling in science will have a rare opportunity to acquire business and financial acumen and will emerge with the skills required to become successful entrepreneurs in the public health environment, influencing future generations.

The fellowships, the vision of Lady Mireille Gillings, are curated by an unprecedented group of international partners made up of the University of Cambridge, the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health and Concordia University, Montreal. This collaboration, anchored by France-based Institut Pasteur, ensures a diverse and well-represented grouping of academic resources, faculty leadership, and expertise, along with unrivalled opportunity.

"Future leaders in public health must have skills across what I call the 3Ms: management, money and medicine," said Lady Mireille Gillings, "The fellowships are designed to build business acumen on top of scientific experience, which is critical for the next generation of global scientists."

The two-year post-doctoral fellowships aim to instill financial understanding and business entrepreneurship against a backdrop of research excellence, equipping participants with the skills to be successful in the public health environment. Applicants must either be graduating or have graduated with a PhD in the previous two years from the University of Cambridge, the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, or Concordia University.

"With COVID-19 we have seen that science must cross all frontiers. We have also seen how critical it is to blend science and business skills. The fellowships represent a unique cross border, multi-disciplinary collaboration," according to Professor Sir Stewart Cole, KCMG, FRS, President, Institut Pasteur.

"The Lady Mireille and Sir Dennis Gillings Global Public Health Fellowships are funded and supported by visionary leadership from Lady Mireille Gillings. They present an exciting opportunity to establish an explicit link between scientific and business leadership that puts next generation public health leaders on a solid foundation for improving lives," according to Greg Corsico, Director of the Pasteur Foundation US.

The Pasteur Foundation US

The Pasteur Foundation supports American scientific exchange through post-doctoral fellowships, undergraduate summer internships, and related programs that advance scientific discovery. Since 2001, thanks to the generous support of our friends and other supporters, the Pasteur Foundation US has sponsored over 200 postdoctoral fellows to work at Institut Pasteur.

Institut Pasteur

Since its creation on June 4, 1887, the Institut Pasteur has been at the forefront of infectious disease research, the neurosciences and related basic research. For over 128 years, the institut has devoted itself to the prevention and treatment of disease through research, teaching and public health initiatives. Around the globe, thousands of Pasteur-trained researchers share the values that form the core of the Institut Pasteur's community:

An originality of scientific approach;

A dedication to the applications of research;

A humanist approach to global public health needs; and

A commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise with the international community.

The Institut Pasteur is a nonprofit organization and relies on the generosity and support of the public to carry out its research programs. In addition to its 130+ laboratories, the Institut houses facilities for state-of-the-art technological platforms, a teaching center, and Biobank. A unique asset, the Institut Pasteur's International Network is a global complex of 33 research and public health labs on five continents. Each site contributes substantially to local public health surveillance and treatment, as well as to global health monitoring.

With its unique structure and its prestigious history as the cradle of microbiology, the Institut Pasteur has long been in the vanguard of innovation, adapting to the rapidly developing world of biological research and its applications.

The current priorities of the Institut include:

A strategic focus on infectious diseases, microbiology, virology, immunology and neurology;

A commitment to the investigation of new and emerging diseases;

A global perspective in furtherance of the Institut's 128-year history of working on 5 continents with major public health organizations and health ministries.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lady-mireille-and-sir-dennis-gillings-global-public-health-fellowships-advance-the-next-generation-of-leaders-301883105.html
Brigitte Sollie Joins the Company to Introduce Cloud Migration Efficiencies to Banks, Insurers, Manufacturers and Private Equity Firms

Cloud-based infrastructures represent clear opportunities for companies to outpace the rest of their industries with increased speed to market, scalability, resilience and sustainability in their digital offerings. For many, the question remains how to get there. Global digital transformation company GFT is expanding its Amazon Web Services (AWS) business division with the appointment of Brigitte Sollie as SVP, Global Head AWS Sales and Strategy to deliver on these ambitions.

Sollie will play a critical role in GFT's global AWS strategy as it delivers cloud infrastructure to meet growing global demand. With more than 950 AWS-specific experts, GFT is a leading implementation partner of AWS, ranking as the top provider in Latin America and the third-largest provider of AWS migrations worldwide.

"When implemented effectively, digital transformation can revolutionize customer engagement, fuel innovation, and disrupt entire industries," says Brigitte Sollie. "Joining GFT provides a distinct opportunity to enrich my journey with AWS, while preserving my role as a trusted thought leader and advisor. Through expanding the GFT/AWS partnership, I look forward to fostering strategic alliances with our clients that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital transformation and elevating client engagement."

"Cloud computing is no longer a niche topic, but a necessity for companies to compete in their industries. We've been guiding companies through their cloud journeys since the time when most still raised their eyebrows at the idea," said Marika Lulay, CEO of GFT. "The addition of AWS expert Brigitte Sollie to our team is a natural next step as we scale our AWS offering to meet the ambitions of organisations worldwide."

GFT's AWS Division Features More Than 950 Experts and 650 Certifications

In expanding its dedicated AWS practice, GFT is investing in growing its deep technical expertise and partnerships with AWS-powered technologies. Under Sollie's leadership, the company will build upon its proven track record of accelerating speed to market and operational productivity through the more than 100 client projects it has completed on AWS.

GFT is an AWS Advanced Tier Service Partner with more than 650 certifications for cloud-based services including coding, database management and cybersecurity. It additionally achieved:

AWS Financial Services Competency status last year, complementing previous achievements including its

status last year, complementing previous achievements including its AWS Migration Competency and

and AWS DevOps Competency

Former AWS Executive to Grow GFT's AWS Team and Partnership

Sollie formerly served as Enterprise Executive Strategic Advisor at AWS. In her new role at GFT, she will specifically oversee GFT's global AWS strategy, manage its multi-year partnership with AWS, and further cultivate executive relationships with AWS clients.

GFT is a partner to some of the world's leading AWS-based solution providers. In the banking and finance industry, GFT developed BankLiteX in collaboration with Thought Machine. Running on AWS, the solution enables banks to introduce cloud-based, digital entities, such as Standard Chartered's Mox, in as little as three months. In the insurance industry, GFT is an implementation partner to Guidewire, an AWS-powered core system provider for property and casualty insurers. In the private equity space, GFT partners with cloud-based provider LemonEdge

"The digital opportunities available to companies once they migrate to the cloud are too large to ignore, but so are the risks of going through it alone," said Marco Santos, CEO Americas at GFT. "As we partner with companies throughout their digital journeys, from ideation to implementation, we prioritize their ability to scale efficiently by scaling our own expertise alongside them."

GFT in a Strong Position to Exponentially Scale Global Digitalisation

Sollie has more than 25 years of experience in the IT industry, having represented various lines of business and overseen vendor sales, as well as in her capacity as a technology entrepreneur. Prior to AWS, she served as IBM's strategic digital transformation advisor, specialising in cloud, security and analytics. Sollie additionally held dCIO and CISO roles at the Ohio Department of Public Safety, where she successfully led the organisation's enterprise Agile transformation, mainframe retirement and data center modernisation.

Sollie's appointment marks an important milestone in GFT's journey to transform companies' digital visions into tangible realities. Her leadership, paired with GFT's global expertise, puts the company in a strong position to exponentially scale its clients' ability to innovate and compete in the digital landscape.

This press release is also available for download via the GFT newsroom

About GFT Shaping the future of digital business.

GFT is a digital transformation pioneer that develops sustainable solutions based on new technologies including artificial intelligence and blockchain/DLT. Services range from core system modernisation and migration to open cloud platforms, as well as the introduction of carbon conscious coding.

GFT's strengths include deep technical expertise, strong partnerships and comprehensive market insights. The company uses them to design digital transformation for clients from the finance and insurance sectors as well as the manufacturing industry. Through the intelligent use of technology it adds value and increases productivity for clients. GFT talents create and implement scalable software applications that make access to innovative business models safe and easy.

With locations in more than 15 markets around the globe, GFT ensures proximity to its clients. The company draws on over 35 years of experience and a global team of over 10,000 determined talents. GFT provides them with career opportunities in the most innovative areas of software engineering. The GFT Technologies SE share is listed in the SDAX index of the German Stock Exchange (ticker: GFT-XE).

www.gft.com

www.blog.gft.com

www.linkedin.com/company/gft-group

www.twitter.com/gft_en

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725522894/en/

Contacts:

Kieran Powell

kieran@channelvmedia.com




DUBAI, July 25, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - The Blockchain Economy Summit, recognized as the world's largest blockchain conference network, is set to redefine the future of finance by bringing together key players and experts from the crypto industry. The highly anticipated 8th edition of the summit will take place over two days in Dubai on October 4-5, 2023, in Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Center, attracting the world's top crypto companies, blockchain entrepreneurs and AI innovators.Solidifying its position as a premier event in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space, the Blockchain Economy Summit has achieved remarkable success with previous editions held in London and Istanbul earlier this year. These highly acclaimed summits have further established the event's global reputation. Notably, OKX, the World's second-largest crypto exchange, proudly serves as the Exclusive Title sponsor for all of Blockchain Economy's 2023 Summits.As Dubai rapidly emerges as a global crypto hub, the Blockchain Economy Dubai Summit will serve as the region's premier gathering, representing the world of blockchain, cryptocurrency and AI. With participants from over 85 countries, this prestigious event offers a comprehensive program focused on the future of financial technologies, providing extensive networking opportunities for attendees."We are thrilled to be back in Dubai, a city at the forefront of embracing blockchain technology," said Servi Aman, General Manager of the Blockchain Economy Summit. "Dubai's strategic vision and commitment to innovation perfectly align with our mission to shape the future of finance. This event will spark collaboration and exploration of groundbreaking ideas, driving the crypto industry forward."The Blockchain Economy Dubai Summit will feature renowned speakers from various sectors of the tech industry. The first lineup of notable speakers joining the event this year includes:1. Martin Hanzl - Head of New Technologies at EY Law2. Lennix Lai - Global Chief Commercial Officer at OKX3. Fred Sun - Head of Strategy at Tencent Cloud International4. Matthew Sigel - Head of Digital Assets Research at VanEck5. Michael van de Poppe - Crypto Investor, Technical Analyst and CEO of MN Trading6. Charles Cheng - Ph.D, Forbes China 607. Sam Blatteis - CEO of The MENA Catalysts8. Alex Fazel - Chief Partnership Officer at SwissBorgThese influential speakers, along with many others, will share their expertise and insights, contributing to the vibrant discussions and knowledge exchange at the summit.The summit will delve into the latest developments and trends within the blockchain, cryptocurrency and AI space, featuring industry leaders, engaging panel discussions, and opportunities for growth and investment. With top crypto companies and tech entrepreneurs converging in Dubai, the event will serve as an unparalleled platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and fostering strategic partnerships.Dubai's dynamic ecosystem, progressive regulatory framework, and thriving crypto community provide the ideal backdrop for the Blockchain Economy Dubai Summit. The event aims to solidify Dubai's position as a global leader in blockchain innovation and accelerate its journey towards becoming a prominent crypto hub.For more information about the Blockchain Economy Dubai Summit and to secure your participation, please visit the below links:Tickets: https://beconomydubai.com/ticketsSponsorships: https://beconomydubai.com/why-sponsorDiscounted Hotel Booking: https://beconomydubai.com/venueName: Blockchain Economy Dubai Summit 2023Date: October 04-05, 2023Venue: Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference CenterEvent Hashtag: BESUMMITContact address: contact@teklip.orgSource: TeklipCopyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Investigator seen on TV "singing and clapping his hands" at march

South African Revenue Service (SARS) investigator Benneth Mathebula was spotted on TV by his supervisor at an EFF march while he was booked off sick.

He was fired but took his case to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration which ordered he be reinstated.

Labour Court Judge Graham Moshoana has set aside the CCMA decision.

"If he was able to clap his hands and sing, it must follow that he would have been able to perform his contractual duties," said the judge.

A SARS employee, who was spotted "singing and clapping his hands" at an EFF protest march in 2020 when he was booked off sick, has been dismissed.

Johannesburg Labour Court Judge Graham Moshoana has set aside a previous ruling by a Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) commissioner that the dismissal of junior investigator Benneth Mathebula was substantially unfair and that he must be reinstated and get back pay.

Judge Moshoana said: "When he faked illness he must have intended to mislead SARS," and ruled that Mathebula's dismissal was fair.

Evidence in the matter was that Mathebula sent a text message to his supervisor Pule Mantso on 7 September 2020, saying he was not feeling well. He sent another message the following day, saying the same thing.

On 9 September, he consulted a doctor and was booked off from that day to 11 September "due to a medical condition".

Whilst watching the news on television, Mantso spotted Mathebula participating in a protest march called by the EFF against retail group Clicks, on 7 September.

He was seen "singing and clapping his hands".

Mantso confronted Mathebula in writing. In response Mathebula asked how it had come to Mantso's attention and who had complained.

Mantso responded: "It came to my attention when I saw you on the 19:00 news, while I was expecting you to be off due to illness."

Ultimately, Mathebula responded that he had taken medication on that day and had "become a bit better". He said a friend had come to check on him and asked if he could accompany him to Sandton.

"I did not see anything wrong with that, actually I thought maybe it is good to go out and stretch a bit, as I was not bedridden...So it is true that you might have seen me. Unfortunately the following day I got worse and I did let you know."

In November, he was charged with dishonesty. In March 2021, he was found guilty and dismissed.

He referred an unfair dismissal dispute to the CCMA where Commissioner Faizel Mooi found in his favour.

SARS then approached the Labour Court to review and set aside Mooi's ruling.

Judge Moshoana said it was common cause that Mathebula had participated in the protest on a day in which he "unashamedly and audaciously" indicated to SARS that he was not feeling well.

While he was not well enough to go to work, he was well enough to participate in protest action.

"It must be so that when he represented to his supervisor that he was not feeling well.....he was not being truthful," the judge said.

"Had he indicated to his supervisor that he seeks to be excused from work to participate in protest action, he would not have been excused."

The judge said Mathebula had only sought medical attention two days later and the doctor's certificate "did not remotely suggest that the medical condition he diagnosed presented itself earlier than the examination date".

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It seemed Mathebula had taken advantage of the SARS policy that an employee who is off sick for two days or less does not have to produce a medical certificate, he said.

The judge said Commissioner Mooi had relied on speculative evidence that Mathebula had not intended to deceive his employer.

"The probabilities were overwhelming that he was not sick. If he was able to clap his hands and sing, it must follow that he would have been able to perform his contractual duties."

"His first reaction when confronted was not one of an honest employee...and his attempts to further explain himself were feeble."

Judge Moshoana said the CCMA award did not pass Constitutional muster and set it aside.
STOCKHOLM, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Medius, a leading provider of accounts payable (AP) automation, has today announced that the acquisition of expense management software company Expensya is complete.

Now that the acquisition of Expensya has been wrapped up, Medius can bank on the Tunisian startup's powerful AI-enabled, mobile-first, employee spend management capabilities that complement Medius's strengths in areas such as autonomous AP, payments, procurement, sourcing, contracts and supplier onboarding.

By taking Expensya under its fold, Medius forms a one-stop shop for CFOs as they look to gain a holistic viewpoint on their financial performance. The acquisition is also a further step-forward in Medius's strategy to be the leading provider of AP automation with robust payment capabilities and industry-leading control and fraud detection.

Not only that, but the acquisition of Expensya has taken Medius to new geographical frontiers adding product strengths that accelerate the ability to grow and cross-sell in highly competitive business application markets like France, where Expensya has developed a leading employee spend management solution. Medius can also capitalize on the French e-invoicing mandate, which is due to come into effect on July 1st 2024.

The acquisition represents a landmark moment for fintech advancement in North Africa, and gives an essential boost to the Tunisian fintech sector.

Jim Lucier, CEO of Medius, comments: "Expensysa's growth has been astronomical over the last two years - and why wouldn't it be - as the founders, Karim and Jihed, have built powerful AI-innovation that will take us to new heights in spend management. This partnership already puts us in and amongst the biggest players within the spend management space and together we can offer CFOs solutions that can help them transform finance while empowering their teams. We are delighted to have the team on board, and have already started working with them to amplify the Medius offering."

Karim Jouini, CEO of Expensya, comments: "In a sector as quick-footed as expense management, you can either wait for disruption to attack your business, or you can be the disruptor. With this acquisition, both Expensya and Medius come as disruptive forces ready to revolutionize the industry. Expensya's AI capabilities, employee spend management solution, and payment cards, with Medius's AP automation platform, means we can now cover the whole indirect spend of companies and can apply the power of AI to help finance teams to optimize cost and processes across the board."

Press contacts:

Dan Bird

Fight or Flight for Medius

medius@fightorflight.com

EMEA: +44 330 133 0985

USA: +1 646-693-0221

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/medius-completes-acquisition-of-expense-management-firm-expensya-301885140.html
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2023) - Finery Markets has announced the appointment of Tom Gould as the Company's new Director of Strategic Partnerships as part of an ongoing effort to build the company's senior leadership team.

Tom Gould, Director of Strategic Partnerships



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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With over 25 years of experience in the financial industry, Tom brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.

Prior to joining Finery Markets, Tom served as the Head of North American Sales at OKGroup, the second-largest crypto group in the world. During his tenure, he successfully led the sales effort, increasing market share fourfold, and played a key role in the business growth led by hedge fund and commodity trader advisors, as well as the introduction of new products such as OKX options and block trading.

Before his time at OKGroup, Tom held the position of Head of North American Sales at LMAX Exchange, a UK-regulated exchange for spot FX trading and digital assets. Under his leadership, LMAX Exchange experienced significant growth, with volumes increasing over 50% year over year, surpassing the competition. Tom also played a pivotal role in expanding the client base and enhancing the LMAX brand in both the FX and digital markets.

Tom's impressive career also includes senior roles at Bank of America, Credit Suisse, and ABN Amro, among others. Throughout his career, he has consistently achieved outstanding results, exceeding targets and driving substantial growth.

In his new role at Finery Markets, Tom will be responsible for leading Strategic Partnerships and driving the Company's growth strategy. With his extensive industry knowledge and proven track record of success, Tom is well-positioned to contribute to the continued success of Finery Markets.

Konstantin Shulga, CEO of Finery Markets, said, "We are delighted to welcome Tom to Finery Markets as our new Director of Strategic Partnerships. With his outstanding background and prosperous track record in both traditional financial markets and digital assets, Tom brings valuable knowledge that will play a crucial role in propelling our growth strategy through partnerships. We are thrilled to leverage his achievements to attain exceptional results and strengthen Finery Markets' standing as a prominent frontrunner in the digital assets industry."

Commenting on his appointment, Tom Gould said, "I am honored to be a part of the Finery Markets team, where I can utilize my extensive expertise to forge impactful alliances and lead the charge in sales. Collaborating with the talented team at Finery Markets, I am eager to employ my skills, professional network, and expertise to achieve extraordinary outcomes."

About Finery Markets

Finery Markets is a leading OTC multi-dealer electronic marketplace for crypto businesses & institutions and a trading solutions provider for crypto markets.

Serving clients since 2019, Finery Markets provides solutions throughout the whole trade lifecycle:

High-performance execution venue with deep institutional liquidity and firm quotes

Price intelligence and pre-trade risk management tools

Position management, risk controls, reporting tools, and cost analysis, as well as flexible settlement based on a non-custodial model

Single entry point to aggregated liquidity from global liquidity providers via API and GUI

Robust infrastructure: 99.99+% uptime and full automation

The Finery Markets platform is also available as a white-label solution for prime brokers, OTC desks, and exchanges that are looking to develop and expand client business.

For additional information, please visit https://finerymarkets.com/.

Contact details:

Sergey Klinkov

info@finerymarkets.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/174778
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Yum China, the operator of KFC and Pizza Hut brands in China, has recently launched a new pasta dish featuring citron daylily sourced from Shanxi province, as part of its Grow Local initiative that promotes the use of locally sourced produce in its menu offerings. The citron daylily is known for its unique taste and comes from the city of Datong, which is one of the top producers of this crop in China. The new pasta dish is now available as a limited time offering in over 130 Pizza Hut restaurants in Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces.

Over many years, Yum China has leveraged its expertise in supply chain management and product R&D to support local development. Since the launch of the Grow Local Initiative in 2018, Pizza Hut has introduced high-quality products such as Yunnan truffles, Guizhou dragon fruits, and Shaanxi apples, which have become delicacies on its menu. Meanwhile, in 2022, KFC added Dark Soy Milk made with Tartary buckwheat grown in the remote Liangshan region of Sichuan province to its offerings.

To promote local agricultural products, Yum China has also utilized its e-commerce platforms to sell pomegranates from Yunnan province, Zigui oranges from Hubei province, and lemons from Sichuan province. Through its strong supply chain management and practices, Yum China is committed to developing the Grow Local initiative into a sustainable agriculture program by providing technical support and training to farmers. Since 2018, the Grow Local initiative has conducted hundreds of online and offline training sessions to teach farmers about crop rotation, soil health, pest management etc.

Yum China's commitment to rural revitalization extends beyond the Grow Local initiative. Through programs like One Yuan Donation, Digital Classroom, and Grow Local, the company aims to empower rural communities, boost local economies, and improve the lives of rural children. Yum China's ongoing efforts to drive the revitalization and growth of rural areas throughout China demonstrates its steadfast commitment to empowering local communities and creating a more sustainable future for all.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Yum China on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Yum China

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/yum-china

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Yum China

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770151/Yum-China-Introduces-New-Local-Ingredients-in-Grow-Local-CSR-Project
The project aims to support selected companies as they go from major players to global powerhouses.

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / AlayaCare , an end-to-end platform for home-based care, today announced it was selected as one of 8 companies to lead Canadian innovation as part of the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP). The project is committed to creating the best conditions to foster and grow more Canadian trailblazing companies-helping to ensure that our economy is strong here at home, but also that our businesses grow into leaders around the world.

"Canada wins when cutting-edge companies keep operations, profits, and jobs here at home. And when they scale up around the world, they signal that Canada is open for business," said Minister Ng. "With the Global Hypergrowth Project, we're doubling down on Canada's most promising firms, to help them scale up, from here."

Since launching AlayaCare in 2014, Adrian Schauer recognized the need to move care into the home as hospitals faced staffing shortages and overcrowding, which later intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, AlayaCare works with provincial health authorities across Canada and private homecare agencies to deliver the best end-to-end platform that leverages the most advanced technologies to make home care more available to our aging population and improve patient outcomes.

"We look forward to working with the Canadian Ministry of International Trade to create a long-lasting impact on our technology and healthcare industries," said Adrian Schauer, Founder and CEO of AlayaCare. "We are honoured to be one of only 8 companies selected for the program. Having the support of the Canadian Government to accelerate our growth will help us ensure we create a future of better patient outcomes and allow our loved ones to receive the care they need from the comfort of their homes."

Companies were selected after an initial public callout and a rigorous and independent evaluation process. A private sector panel of experienced business leaders, including BDC's Deep Tech Venture Fund lead Thomas Park and Maverix Private Equity's John Ruffolo, The51's co-CEO Judy Fairburn, and Knix CEO Joanna Griffiths-among others-supported the process by reviewing submissions and offering recommendations.

About AlayaCare

AlayaCare is an end-to-end software platform for public, private, non-profit, and community home-based care organizations that manages the entire client lifecycle, including needs assessments, care plans, scheduling, visit and route optimization, and visit verification. Founded in 2014 with over 600 employees, AlayaCare combines traditional in-home and virtual care solutions that enable care providers to lower the cost of care and achieve better outcomes for their clients. For more information, visit: AlayaCare.com

Media Contact:

Hannah Cameron

Director, Content, and Communications

Hannah.cameron@alayacare.com

SOURCE: AlayaCare

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770019/AlayaCare-Selected-for-the-Global-Hypergrowth-Project-by-Canadian-Ministry-of-International-Trade
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2023) - Rome Resources Ltd. (TSXV: RMR) (FSE: 33R) ("Rome" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has posted an updated investor presentation on its website, which provides an overview of the Company and its Bisie North Tin Project in eastern DRC.

The investor presentation can be viewed at:

https://romeresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/20230725_Rome-Investor-Presentation_FINAL.pdf.

About Rome Resources

Rome Resources Ltd. is a mineral exploration company that has entered into two option agreements and a binding term sheet to acquire direct and indirect interests in two contiguous properties situated in the Walikale District of the North Kivu Province in eastern DRC, which are collectively referred to as the "Bisie North Tin Project." Rome intends to fund exploration on the project up to the completion of a definitive feasibility study.

Contacts

Investors / Shareholders

Mark Gasson

President, CEO & Director

P: (604) 687-6140

Media

E: info@romeresources.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this news release may include certain information and statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward-looking statements. Although Rome Resources Ltd believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, Rome Resources Ltd disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/174783
CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Entara, a security-first eXtended Service Provider, has been named as one of the world's premier managed service providers in the 2023 Channel Futures MSP 501 rankings. In addition to being listed in the top 50 overall, Entara is also the highest-ranked service provider headquartered in the city of Chicago.



Pam Diaz, CEO & President



The Channel Futures MSP 501 survey examines the technology industry's top-performing providers of managed services and reviews their organizational performance based on innovation, technology solutions supported, sales, recurring revenue, profit margins, revenue mix, growth opportunities, and company and customer demographics. Organizations that qualify for the list pass a rigorous review conducted by the research team and editors of Channel Futures. The review process ranks applicants using a methodology that weighs financial performance according to long-term health and viability, commitment to recurring revenue, and operational efficiency.

"We are excited to be recognized by Channel Partners in the top 50 and even more honored to be the highest-ranked service provider in the city of Chicago," said Entara CEO and President, Pamela Diaz. "Chicago is a hub for technology and innovation. This year, we have continued to focus on serving our community by providing proactive security services, including the release of our IR retainer and vulnerability management service. We're proud to be listed alongside other leaders in our industry and will continue to live out our passion statement to create a more secure future for all."

Entara has served the Chicago community for over 20 years, beginning its story in the city supporting organizations in highly regulated industries, like financial institutions. Since its inception, Entara has been focused on evolving its business in response to changes in both the technology and cyber threat landscape. In response to the needs of clients, it developed a new type of service provider - an eXtended Service Provider, or XSP. As an XSP, Entara provides security-first services that keep businesses, their customers, their employees, and their greater communities more secure from growing threats like ransomware.

With many organizations shifting to work in a remote or hybrid environment, cybersecurity and IT solution providers have become an even more vital part of the success of businesses worldwide. Channel Partner's MSP 501 list is a vital resource for organizations seeking technology partners that support their core business goals.

View the full list here.

About Entara

Entara sets the standard as the world's first eXtended Service Provider (XSP) and delivers exceptional, security-first IT solutions for its clients, including IT managed services, security integration, and incident response. Founded in 2001, the organization has evolved to provide the strategic vision, platforms, processes, and people to travel with their clients on the path to their best IT future. As a core values-focused organization, Entara has proudly been recognized as one of Chicago's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For since 2017. For more information, visit https://www.entaracorp.com/.

Contact Information

Claire Sullivan

Director of Marketing & Internal Sales

claire.sullivan@entaracorp.com

SOURCE: Entara

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/769759/Entara-Ranks-as-the-1-MSP-Based-in-the-City-of-Chicago-on-the-2023-Channel-Futures-MSP-501-List
TEMPE, Ariz., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Galtronics, the company that combines technology innovation with customer driven collaboration to solve the world's most complex wireless connectivity challenges, announced it has expanded into the European market with multiple deals with in-region wireless carriers and systems integrators for its patented multibeam antennas in advance of a jam-packed concert and event season.

Large events require technologies capable of handling high capacity and high data throughput in dense customer environments. Galtronics' patented multibeam antennas are unique in their ability to handle large scale scenarios in a cost-effective manner for wireless carriers.

Galtronics' multibeam technology overcomes the legacy beam squint issues which have been a persistent problem preventing widespread adoption of other multibeam antenna solutions. As wireless carriers and systems integrators across Europe prepared their networks in advance of highly anticipated summer events, they chose Galtronics multibeam antennas. The Galtronics multibeam portfolio offers comparable performance to lens type technology at a more economical price point. Additionally, Galtronics multibeam antennas provide beam stability across frequency bands to ensure a better end user experience.

Intended for stadium, venue, and special event applications, Galtronics' multibeam antennas, with patent pending UL/DL frequency beam stabilizing technology, were installed:

Throughout Lisbon, in advance of the Pope's upcoming visit to Portugal for World Youth Day, August 2 - 6, where 400,000 are expected to gather.

At Phoenix Park in Dublin, in advance of the Bord Bia Bloom festival, June 1-5, one of Ireland's largest events with 120,000 attendees.

At Slane Castle, just north of Dublin, in advance of the Harry Styles concert on June 10 to support the additional wireless traffic generated from the 80,000 concert goers in attendance.

By an Italian wireless carrier to provide enhanced capacity, coverage, and throughput to the large crowds at various concerts in Rome and Milan.

Several customers have since ordered additional multibeam antennas from Galtronics after realizing their value and benefits during their initial deployments.

"Based on the performance of our multibeam antennas across the US and Canada, we've seen strong demand from European wireless carriers and systems integrators who are embracing our technology," said Whit Martin, Galtronics Wireless Infrastructure VP. "Our innovative and cost-effective multibeam antennas are a unique technology, which has opened doors into the densely populated European market. We look forward to providing our patented technologies and market leading products to many new customers."

About Galtronics

Galtronics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Baylin Technologies, designs and manufactures the most complex wireless antennas for the world's leading service providers and wireless device OEMs. The company combines customer collaboration with technology innovation to fundamentally advance the mobility ecosystem with engineering-based solutions for its customers to deliver critical, quality connections. For more information, please visit www.galtronics.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/galtronics-expands-into-european-market-with-growing-demand-for-its-patented-multibeam-antennas-301885020.html
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Roads are like a circulatory system for cities, moving people and goods, ideally by the most efficient means available. Unfortunately, as cities grow, streets can clog quickly with cars and trucks, impacting lives and pocketbooks.

Take the story of Suvarna Reddy, a 58-year-old grandmother in Bengaluru, India who shares a home with her son and his family. Every day, she cooks before taking her grandson to school. She then catches a bus to work, first to the main market, followed by three households where she then cooks for her living.

"It used to take over 40 minutes to get from one home to another," she recalls. "I had to wait for a long time before I got the bus and  always feared falling when I had to stand, because the buses were unstable."

More than 5 million passengers ride Bengaluru's transit system daily. For people like Reddy, the bus is a lifeline.

Reimagining how megacities move

In 2010, FedEx and WRI teamed up to create what is now the Mobility and Accessibility Program (MAP). MAP's goal is to transform major public transportation systems across the world, making them safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. MAP leverages FedEx expertise in areas like vehicles, customer experience, and driver safety and merges it with WRI's innovative research and global network.

MAP helped Bengaluru's transit agency improve the public bus network along high-demand corridors, adding routes, services, and nearly a thousand new low-emissions vehicles.

"The new buses come every five to ten minutes," marvels Reddy. "I don't have to wait a long time before I get a bus to get to any of my workplaces  I get there much more comfortably and a lot faster. And that gives me more time to spend with my family."

MAP teams are active throughout cities across Mexico, Brazil, India, and China. To date, the program has impacted more than 18 million people.

Building local expertise

WRI accomplishes its mission to create systemic change by building the expertise of transportation planners. To date, MAP has trained and engaged more than 57,000 professionals in transportation and safety, including 10,000 bus operators on "Safety First" principles to reduce accidents.

In India, MAP started Bus Karo, a peer-to-peer group sharing best practices among 63 member cities, from fleet operations to finance. In 2022, building on coordination through Bus Karo and other efforts, officials announced the procurement of more than 5,400 electric buses in Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Surat. The new e-buses are expected to reduce emissions and create an estimated 25,000 new jobs.

"FedEx support, knowledge, and guidance have played a big role in our success," says Madhav Pai, CEO of WRI India. "Their enthusiasm has kept the flame alive in our teams. It couldn't be more crucial at this moment when cities across India are making a major transition to electric fleets."

Another prime example is the Mexican city of Guadalajara, which opened its newest bus rapid transit (BRT) line in 2022, serving 320,000 people a day. The MAP team was closely involved in creating this new 28-km network of bus-only lanes. With success throughout Mexico, MAP is now helping the federal government create new technical and financial support programs for mass transit. WRI has also helped establish national road safety and public transport policies while promoting better management, operation, and financing of transit systems across the country.

"We chose to work with WRI because they're more than a think tank," said FedEx Chief Sustainability Officer Mitch Jackson. "WRI offers not only analysis, but boots on the ground. It's a proving ground for ideas that then get expanded-a chance to translate thought into action."

Emerging leaders

Once every few years, WRI's emerging transportation professionals visit FedEx's Memphis headquarters for an intensive week of learning. The FedEx Fellows program gives these young leaders access to experts across the company and to one another. One seminar focuses on improving the customer experience through the FedEx Quality Driven Management program (QDM).

WRI's Cristina Albuquerque was one of the very first to complete the program. She saw how QDM tools could be applied to transit systems across Brazil where buses account for 90% of public transport. Successfully improving the riders' experience meant more people would choose this lower-emissions transportation option.

Led by Albuquerque, the WRI Brazil team issued their first customer surveys in 2013. Bus service now has improved across the country, boosting ridership, increasing revenue, and expanding economic opportunity. Surveys are now mandated in Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre, and Salvador, benefiting 3.8 million daily riders.

Lu Lu, a 2017 FedEx Fellow, remembered the tour of e-buses during her visit to Memphis. She applied this knowledge to Shenzhen, a Chinese city preparing to launch a BRT line. After working with the MAP team for more than three years, Shenzhen electrified 100% of its bus fleet in 2019. Today, Shenzhen's system is providing faster, cheaper, and more efficient bus service for 3.1 million riders daily and avoiding nearly 200,000 tons of CO2 annually

"Thanks to what we learned from FedEx, we are developing a thorough review of e-bus asset management and operations," said Lu, a transport analyst for WRI China. "We're giving cities the facts they need to give citizens the best possible transport options."

Looking ahead at a sustainable future

Across the world, cities and nations are seizing the moment and focusing on transportation as an essential component of sustainable growth. MAP's success during the next decade will depend on their ability to catalyze change in a risk-averse industry, and they are well-placed to do so. MAP provides a laboratory for innovation, applying research to real-world problems and sharing the results with a global network. With FedEx support, WRI is committed to transforming public transport and moving the planet toward a more sustainable future.

Learn more about the FedEx-WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities partnership and its accomplishments over 10 years as depicted in FedEx's 10-year report: https://www.wri.org/initiatives/mobility-and-accessibility-program





View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from FedEx Corporation on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: FedEx Corporation

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/fedex-corporation

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: FedEx Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770168/Moving-Packages-and-People-More-Sustainably
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Franklin Templeton

June Impact Days, the firm's global month of service, is an opportunity to demonstrate those values and make a tangible impact by volunteering.

This June, Franklin Templeton celebrated its 17th year of Impact Days. The company hosted a variety of local and global volunteering events in June designed to make a difference in the lives of those in need, while giving employees a chance to make meaningful connections with each other.

Globally, employees participated in the firm's two long-running projects: Missing Maps and the CAN Competition, a food drive with a structure build contest. Employee volunteers partnered with the Pride business resource group and joined their Live. Love. Be. diversity team's activity challenge on the Virgin Pulse platform. The month of service officially wrapped up with Global Involved Day on June 27.

Building Maps to Help with Disaster Relief

For the seventh year, Franklin Templeton participated in Missing Maps, a global, virtual volunteer project. Volunteers went online to track satellite imagery for unmapped locations to help humanitarian organizations during emergencies. The firm donated $100 for each employee who recorded at least 60 minutes of mapping. Based on employee votes, Save the Children was selected as the recipient of these contributions, supporting its mission of improving the lives of children worldwide.

Global CAN Competition

Employees competed in the CAN Competition, celebrating the firm's 10th annual global food drive this year. Seven teams participated in the CAN construction build competition. The winning team will be recognized with a donation to their local food bank or other hunger organization of choice.

Live. Love. Be. Challenge

The Live. Love. Be. challenge combined Be Well's five pillars of well-being (physical, emotional, financial, social, purpose) and the firm's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and volunteerism. For two weeks in June, employees virtually teamed up to "move" across five stages to unlock a $5,000 firm sponsored donation to the National Black Justice Coalition. Participants from Franklin Templeton and Western Asset Management moved a collective 31.3 million steps.

Global Involved Day

June 27 marked Global Involved Day to celebrate and officially close out Impact Days 2023. On this day, employees wore Involved program t-shirts, took group photos and used a special Impact Days virtual background to show their volunteering spirit in meetings and video calls.

About Franklin Templeton

Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 countries. Franklin Templeton's mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in fixed income, equity, alternatives and multi-asset solutions. With more than 1,300 investment professionals, and offices in major financial markets around the world, the California-based company has over 75 years of investment experience and over $1.4 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 2023. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Hong Kong CAN structure

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Franklin Templeton on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Franklin Templeton

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/franklin-templeton

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Franklin Templeton

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770169/Franklin-Templeton-Employees-Celebrate-Global-Month-of-Service-and-Make-a-Difference-in-the-Global-Community
SHENZHEN, China, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the China People's Daily Online report, Shenzhen Han's Robot Co., Ltd. has independently developed and achieved large-scale production of the first intelligent maintenance robot for vehicle roofs in China. The R&D team stated that the creation of this robot represents a significant breakthrough in the maintenance and inspection of rail transit vehicles, and it is also a typical solution of artificial intelligence empowering robotics development.

Generally, engineers are required to make daily safety inspections on vehicles to ensure their safe operation. During vehicle roof maintenance, the inspector faces various high-risk situations, including electric shock, falling from heights, the risks of leaving tools behind, and equipment inspection oversights. Han's intelligent maintenance robot is mainly applied for rail transit maintenance. It provides highly stable and precise performance, enabling frequent routine inspections of vehicle roof electrification equipment and ensuring vehicle operation safety.

Moreover, the robot can intelligently and automatically clean the equipment on the vehicle roofs. It has the capability to automatically replace air conditioner filters and detect the pantograph and air conditioning status. Compared to manual work, the unmanned maintenance robot possesses several advantages, such as strong stability, high precision, and long-term continuous operation. Additionally, the robot eliminates the need for maintenance personnel to expose themselves to dangerous environments, thus enhancing maintenance efficiency.





Unlike traditional robots, Han's intelligent maintenance robot does not just simply execute program instructions. Instead, it incorporates artificial intelligence technology to autonomously learn various related data of the vehicle roof maintenance, and finally achieves automatic perception of the environment, identification of problems, and active selection of the optimal solution for flexible handling of malfunctions.

About Han's Robot

Han's Robot is the leading company in the field of collaborative robots in China, with strong independent research and development capabilities. Currently, Han's Robot's products have been deployed in over 100 countries and regions worldwide, catering to the needs of customers in automobile manufacturing, 3C electronics, healthcare, logistics, and education. Please click the YouTube link below for more information about Han's intelligent maintenance robot.

Media Contact

Company Name: Shenzhen Han's Robot Co., Ltd.

Website: https://www.hansrobot.net/

Telephone: 400-852-9898

Email: hansrobot_international@hanslaser.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=12rClTG8Cc8&feature=youtu.be

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2a0cac4b-9019-4f78-8267-5dd05b838041
Achmat accused Sfiso Buthelezi of benefitting from corruption at PRASA

Zackie Achmat and #UniteBehind are refusing to heed to a letter of demand by former PRASA chairperson and member of parliament, Sfiso Buthelezi.

In the letter, Buthelezi threatens to sue Achmat for defamation if he does not make a written retraction and pay a R2-million damages claim for "reputational harm".

This comes after Achmat, during a radio interview on 18 April, stated that Buthelezi "benefited personally, and his companies linked to him benefited personally, from corruption to the tune of at least R120-million" at PRASA.

Former PRASA chairperson and member of parliament, Sfiso Buthelezi, is threatening to sue Zackie Achmat, director of commuter activist group #UniteBehind, for defamation. This after Achmat made statements during a radio interview in which he accused Buthelezi of corruption during his time at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).

Buthelezi, through his lawyers, sent a letter of demand to Achmat on 6 July, demanding a written retraction and public apology in "prominent media outlets" as well as a damages payment of R2-million for "reputational harm".

During Achmat's interview on Radio 702 on 18 April, he stated that Buthelezi "benefited personally, and his companies linked to him benefited personally, from corruption to the tune of at least R120-million and I believe much more" and that "[National] Treasury investigations found that he should be charged, and I know that charges have been laid against him, but nothing has come of it".

Buthelezi's lawyers, RMT Attorneys, wrote that the radio interview contained "false" statements which were "damaging and defamatory to his personal and professional reputation" and that the "claims are entirely without merit and lack any supporting evidence". The letter also states that Buthelezi would initiate legal proceedings if the damages are not paid within two weeks.

#UniteBehind responded to this with a statement on Monday, 24 July -- the deadline for the payment of R2 million in damages. The organisation said that Achmat and #UniteBehind refuse to be "intimidated by Buthelezi's threats and will vehemently defend the right to freedom of speech". The organisation said it was now the target of a strategic litigation against public participation (SLAPP) suit.

"PRASA's destruction has undermined the rights to life, food, safety, education, employment, equality and dignity of working class people," #UniteBehind's statement read.

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Buthelezi is currently a member of parliament and chairperson of the Standing Committee on Appropriations (SCOA). #UniteBehind, in the statement, demanded that the Speaker of Parliament immediately remove Buthelezi as SCOA chair, that the ANC remove Buthelezi as an MP, and that the NPA prosecute Buthelezi "diligently and without delay".

#UniteBehind said that the PRASA Board, under Buthelezi's leadership, "maintained almost no oversight of the many unlawful contracts concluded during this period; instead it facilitated corruption". It refers to several reports detailing corruption at PRASA, including former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela's Derailed report, findings from the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, the Auditor-General's report from 2022, and #PRASALeaks, among others.

Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo told GroundUp that they were not aware of correspondence between the Speaker and Achmat on the matter. "However, according to procedure, any allegations of wrongdoing on the side of a member of the public against a member of parliament must be filed as a complaint with the ethics committee. The Speaker does not have the authority to arbitrarily investigate or dismiss Members of Parliament."

But #UniteBehind laid complaints against six MPs last year, including Buthelezi, hoping that Parliament's Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests would hold the MPs accountable for their involvement in corruption at PRASA. "These MPs have been party to the destruction of commuter rail services in our country," #UniteBehind said in its statement.

#UniteBehind also launched court action against the parliamentary committee in April this year for failing to act on its complaints.

Buthelezi's legal representative Gcwali Makhathini said that Buthelezi "has no comment on the matter at this stage".
SOHM Inc. Secures Funding for Its Diverse Projects.

CHINO HILLS, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / SOHM, Inc. (OTC PINK:SHMN), a company that manufactures and markets generic drugs, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals for various treatment categories, announces today that it has closed the financing-funding for its various ongoing and future projects.

The company's CEO, Mr. Baron Night, announced that they have secured the necessary funding for their San Diego pharmaceutical plant, which includes Phase 1 and Phase 2. He said the remaining funds will be used for future projects that will take the company to new levels. The company has secured up to $ 5 million in financing and has already received the first installment through financial note.

Mr. Night also said that the company would receive the funding in stages over a year as it completes different projects. Most of the funds are from Preferred Series A shares and the rest are from financial notes.

This funding is vital for the company to achieve its goals and vision of "Adds Life to Lives," said Mr. Baron Night, CEO. He added that the company will be able to speed up its phase 1 and 2 plant operations without any delay or reliance on its current revenues.

This step supports the company's long-term growth strategy in organic, inorganic, and vertical integration action plan. The company will continue to pursue better opportunities aligned with its vision and goals and foster growth for all stakeholders.

Mr. Night said that more updates will follow soon, and they will be communicated to all stakeholders as they unfold.

About SOHM, Inc.

SOHM, Inc. is a growing generic pharmaceutical manufacturing and marketing company with a vision of "Globale Prospero" that tries to build continuous growth. SOHM manufacturing and marketing targets the rapidly growing healthcare segments, such as nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and other major therapeutic segments. SOHM is headquartered in North America, with manufacturing alliances in India and strategic partnerships/alliances with U.S. manufacturing facilities. Although SOHM's generic pharmaceuticals are exported globally and were introduced to the USA in early 2013, SOHM continues its focus on distribution to emerging markets in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.

To learn more about SOHM, Inc., visit www.SOHM.com.

Safe Harbor Statement:

This news release contains "forward-looking statements," which are statements that are not purely historical and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the development, costs and results of new business opportunities. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with new projects and development-stage companies. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report for the most recent fiscal year and our quarterly reports uploaded from time to time on OTCMarkets.com.

For more information, please contact:

SOHM, Inc.

714-522-6700

SOURCE: SOHM, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770109/SOHM-Inc-Announces-the-Closure-of-Finances-Funding-for-its-Various-Projects
Menier Brings Proven Technology Leadership and a Passion for Helping Companies Accelerate Innovation

WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Transifex, a leading SaaS digital translation and localization management platform, announced today the appointment of Chris Menier as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Chris Menier

Photo of Chris Menier, Transifex's New CEO

Menier is a technology and industry veteran who brings more than 20 years of experience driving growth. After an extensive global search, Menier's proven track record of leading product innovation, corporate go-to-market strategy, and business development initiatives was aligned to Transifex's vision for global growth.

"Transifex has been a leader and innovator in the translation management systems category for years. I am joining at an exciting time and look forward to helping this talented team navigate the next growth phase," said Menier. "We plan to accelerate our trajectory for product innovation, customer value and market position by exploring areas where AI can optimize the user experience, and continue expanding the rich set of pre-built system integrations that ensure Transifex works seamlessly across customers' full technology stack."

Prior to joining Transifex, Menier served as President of the VIA AIOps business unit for Vitria Technology, a leader in the AIOps and analytics space. He has previously held C- and executive-level product, marketing, sales and business development roles with companies like Guavus, Netezza and Genband, and is a recognized thought leader and visionary in the enterprise software and AI/ML spaces.

"It is our pleasure to welcome Chris Menier to the Transifex team," said Dennis Dresser, Transifex Board Member and Operating Advisor at JMI Equity. "Chris has successfully built team cultures, delivered innovation, and scaled successful companies. His leadership and expertise give Transifex an edge in further strengthening our market position and delivering exceptional value to our customers."

About Transifex

Transifex, a global leader in localization management software, enables businesses large and small to reach their customers globally in their native language. The Transifex translation management hub aligns cross-functional teams and maximizes their effectiveness, accelerating global engagement and reducing scale-up costs. Thousands of customers across industries like HubSpot, Vodafone, Waze, Eventbrite and Datadog rely on the Transifex platform to eliminate manual processes, provide continuous and effortless localization, and measure their impact. For more information, visit www.transifex.com.

Contact Information

Chris Becwar

Head of Marketing

cbecwar@transifex.com

855-418-5000

SOURCE: Transifex

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770099/Transifex-Welcomes-Chris-Menier-as-New-CEO
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / U.S. Bank



Photo: Alicia Lopez is based in Los Angeles.

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

Imagine logging on to your mobile banking app to find a nearby branch and seeing the list described as tree branches. When language translations aren't done with the proper nuance, some phrases can potentially confuse customers, and that's something that Alicia Lopez and the translation team she leads work to avoid.

"Our team helps customers learn about things they may not have ever experienced before, like the mortgage application process, what a down payment is or what escrow means," Lopez said. "We want to make sure we never mislead our customers, and we also need to make sure our work follows all UDAAP (Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts or Practices) laws and regulations."

After English, the most common language of preference among U.S. Bank customers is Spanish, but people from different places often speak different Spanish dialects.

"The Hispanic segment in the United States is such a melting pot of cultures," Lopez said. "People here can have Mexican heritage, like me, or El Salvador, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Spain, you name it."

Because of that, the team focuses on what it has labeled as Spanish for the U.S., which takes different nuances into account.

"It's a more universal vocabulary that's not specific to one country, and sometimes there's some liberty to have English words in parentheses," she said.

The second most common non-English language of preference among U.S. Bank customers is Chinese. Because of the December 2022 acquisition of MUFG Union Bank, which was owned by Japan-based MUFG, Japanese has become the third most common, followed by Vietnamese, Lopez said.

While those languages make up the bulk of the translation team's work, the team translates some 3,000 pieces a year spanning numerous languages.

"Some of the requests we get include Somali, Hmong, Korean, Haitian Creole, Polish, Ukrainian and Marshallese, which is spoken in the Marshall Islands," she said.

The team has in-house expertise in Spanish, Chinese and Japanese, and relies on vendors to manage translations for other languages.

Every translation project goes through a rigorous compliance review process to ensure that it provides accurate and properly nuanced information before it is certified, she said.

That process can include a "back translation" review where, for example, a piece that is translated from English to Haitian Creole will be given to another Haitian Creole translation expert to translate back to English without seeing the original version. Then the two English versions are compared for accuracy.

"If you end up with something that's very close to the original English but doesn't have all the right nuances, the translation can be rejected," Lopez said. "When that happens, we go back to the drawing board. We're passionate about what we do, and we believe it's important to provide customers with high-quality translations."

As someone who focuses on translations in her job, Lopez said she was interested in seeing the new, U.S. Bank-funded Translators documentary , which focuses on children who translate bills, medical advice and more for their parents.

"When my mom was a child and my grandfather had an accident at work, she lost a year of high school to serve as his translator for medical appointments and important documents," Lopez said. "The documentary really hit home on how at a young age some people are put into more adult situations and sometimes have to make sacrifices to help their family."

Providing translations for the bank's customers gives Lopez and her team great satisfaction, she said.

"We take a lot of pride in the work we do," she said. "There's more to accomplish but it's been so rewarding to use some of the products ourselves and to hear from bankers, customers, and family and friends that they think the quality is top-notch."

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from U.S. Bank on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: U.S. Bank

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/us-bank

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: U.S. Bank

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770176/Making-Sure-Language-Translations-Are-Clear-and-Nuanced-for-Customers
Set your last-minute gift-giving worries free with Wine and Champagne Gifts' same-day delivery in prominent Northern Virginia cities, backed by their warehouse facility.

VIENNA, VA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 -- Wine and Champagne Gifts, a reputable retailer specializing in wine, champagne and gift baskets in the United States, has recently revealed the expansion of its same-day delivery service to encompass over 15 Northern Virginia Cities.

To access the advantage of the same-day delivery service in Northern Virginia , all a guest needs to do is add their favorite gift item to the cart before 2 p.m., right from the comfort of their home or office. For a nominal fee of $50, they will enjoy prompt delivery accompanied by thorough email assistance.

With their warehouse facility located in Virginia, this initiative has become achievable, aiming to enrich the gift-giving experience for the customers, whether it involves planning special occasions or sending last-minute greetings to loved ones or business associates in Northern Virginia.

In a conversation with the product manager, they said, "We always intend to make gift-giving a convenient and memorable experience for our customers. We really hope that this initiative of expanding same-day delivery in Northern Virginia will weave their upcoming celebrations in elegance, be it intimate wishes, birthday greetings, or fostered corporate ties."

They further added, "To eliminate any doubt, we would like to mention the list of Northern Virginia cities where we are offering same-day delivery, and any customer can easily access it on our website too. Those cities are Ashburn, Sterling, Herndon, Reston, Tysons, Falls Church, Arlington, Leesburg, Potomac, McLean, Vienna, Oakton, Fairfax, Great Falls, Pimmit Hills, Clifton, Chantilly, Centreville, and Annandale."

About Wine and Champagne Gifts

Wine and Champagne Gifts, a renowned online gift retailer, specializes in graceful offerings like champagnes, wines, and gift baskets. With their rich experience in the gift industry, they curate elegant selections, ensuring prompt delivery and fostering enduring connections among family, friends, and business associates in the United States.

For more information, visit https://www.wineandchampagnegifts.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wineandchampagnegifts

Instagram: https://instagram.com/wineandchampagne_gifts

Company Contact number: +1 2024598489

Email: contact@wineandchampagnegifts.com

SOURCE: Wine and Champagne Gifts

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/769845/Wine-and-Champagne-Gifts-Expands-Same-Day-Delivery-To-15-Northern-VA-Cities
Small rooms. Big ideas. Coming to the northern Rocky Mountains from Oct. 13 to 22.

Jasper, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2023) - For the thirteenth year in a row, astronauts, aurora chasers, and space enthusiasts from across North America will gather in the Canadian Rockies for the Jasper Dark Sky Festival. Happening October 13 to 22, this one-of-a-kind annual event promises cosmic concerts, fascinating speakers, and supernova-sized experiences.

Located within the world's largest accessible dark sky preserve, stargazers will find plenty to dazzle their telescopes at the 2023 festival. But science enthusiasts of all types will also find events to light up their frontal lobe. The Jasper Dark Sky Festival invites everyone to immerse themselves in the wonder of the universe with an array of things to do for all ages. Highlights of this year's festival include:

Amazing Speakers: Renowned speakers like retired astronaut Marc Garneau, award-winning spaceflight history writer Emily Carney and NASA scientist Dr. Kartik Sheth will gather to share their knowledge and insights about everything from space funerals to cosmic weather trackers. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions, get inspired, and connect with like-minded enthusiasts in small group settings.

Drone Light Show: Now with two hundred choreographed drones to light up the sky, this jaw-dropping audience-favourite show must be seen to be believed.

New events: The ever-popular Science for Breakfast series will be joined by new events: Talk Nerdy to Me, the Science of Brewing, and more.

Stargazing Sessions: With guides on hand from the Jasper Planetarium, experience the thrill of observing distant galaxies through the biggest telescopes in the Rockies.

Family-Friendly Activities: The festival caters to all ages, with activities designed to spark curiosity and wonder in young minds. Kids can enjoy rocketry demonstrations, geocaching adventures, and interactive exhibits from TELUS World of Science - Edmonton.

Cosmic Concerts: Feel the vastness of the universe as talented musicians take the stage at Symphony Under the Stars, hosted at the luxurious Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Hear the drumbeat of the mountains at pahkisimon, an Indigenous sunset ceremony at Annette Lake. Rock out to the fun, futuristic songs performed by Jay Ingram and the Dark Sky Band.

Night Sky Photography: Calling all astrophotography enthusiasts. Beginners to advanced levels can learn from local experts and capture the beauty of Jasper's dark skies.





Jasper SkyTram Star Sessions



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Photo credit: Jack Fusco



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Pahkisimon



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For more information, ticket purchases, and a detailed schedule of events, please visit the official Jasper Dark Sky Festival website at jasperdarksky.travel. Join us and discover the magic that lies above.

Media Contact

Emily Van Tighem

Specialist, Earned & Social Media | Tourism Jasper

1.780.931.9000

emily@jasper.travel

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/174709
The digital transformation is changing every job profile at Mercedes-Benz

More than 600 employees are qualified as data and AI specialists as part of two pilot programs

First group of graduates receives their certificates

Mercedes-Benz is further expanding the existing programs

Between now and 2030, Mercedes-Benz will be investing more than 2 billion worldwide in ongoing employee development, as part of the training initiative Turn2Learn

With digitalization and the increasing use of powerful artificial intelligence (AI) systems, every job profile at Mercedes-Benz is changing. As part of the Turn2Learn qualification initiative, Mercedes-Benz is investing more than 2 billion in the qualification of its global workforce until 2030. The Turn2Learn initiative focuses specifically on digitalization and AI. For example, in the two pilot programs D.SHIFT and Data Worker, more than 600 employees from production, production-related areas and administration are currently undergoing dedicated qualification to become data and AI specialists. The first graduates, including team members from Mercedes-Benz USA in Atlanta, GA, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Tuscaloosa, AL, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA in Farmington Hills, MI, Mercedes-Benz Vans in North Charleston, SC and multiple locations of Mercedes-Benz Research Development North America, will receive their certificates in the next few days. Due to the strong employee interest in this area, Mercedes-Benz is now expanding these programs.

"To successfully shape the company's transformation, we don't just need to have the right digital tools and generative AI applications in place within the company. Of far greater importance is a team that both embraces change and constantly expands its digital skills. The huge interest in courses offered by our Turn2Learn qualification initiative proves that we've got exactly this kind of team at Mercedes-Benz. To successfully master the process of change, courage and commitment are necessary. We can see both of these attributes demonstrated by the colleagues who are currently taking part in the D.SHIFT and Data Worker programs as they continue to invest a great deal of time and energy in retraining and further education. As the world of work continues its massive transformation, lifelong learning will remain the key to success for us as a company as well as for our employees."

Sabine Kohleisen, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG responsible for Human Resources, and Director of Labor Relations

"Electrification, digitalization and rapid developments in artificial intelligence are fundamentally changing the working environment. That goes for production, too. Which is why we urgently need more data specialists who are familiar with the production environment and furthermore have a strong grasp of digital tools and their interfaces. And this is exactly where D.SHIFT, the qualification program for our production employees, comes in. It allows us to provide targeted support to digitally savvy people who have a high willingness to learn and change, and who are also familiar with our production processes.

Following the success of D.SHIFT in Berlin and Unterturkheim, we plan to expand this unique initiative in the coming months."

Jorg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Production Supply Chain Management

"Lifelong learning isn't something new but the speed at which technologies and the world of work are changing is. This is why ongoing training and education are a fundamental cornerstone for employment, the future viability of the company as well as for the personal development of each individual. As the works council, it's our aim to ensure that the transformation of our company is fair, socially responsible and just. To accomplish this, it's crucial to involve employees in the process. As the General Works Council, we have had a longstanding commitment to qualification training. It is right and proper that the company invests accordingly and sets the course for the effective and continuous qualification. But it also takes a strong will and courage on everyone's part. I am impressed by the enthusiasm and motivation with which our colleagues have completed their training."

Ergun Lumali, Chairman of the General Works Council of Mercedes-Benz Group AG

Turn2Learn as a systematic continuation of our approach to employee qualification

Under the roof of the Turn2Learn qualification initiative, Mercedes-Benz offers its employees a comprehensive range of opportunities to learn in a self-determined and flexible manner for their current job or in preparation for their future dream job.

These range from short courses to learning paths and academic degrees. All qualification offered is aligned with the Group's strategic goals, for example with qualification available in areas including "data science for beginners"; "cloud solution architect"; "hybrid working"; "developing learning routines" and "project management", through to sustainability topics. The external learning platforms introduced last year are also being widely used: With around 100,000 licenses made available companywide for various external learning platforms, learning opportunities have already been accessed more than one million times since the launch.

Investments are being made in the development of digital skills in all areas of the company. In 2022, there were around 120,000 participations in training courses that were related to digitalization, such as software, coding and IT at Mercedes-Benz Group AG worldwide. In addition, there were more than 77,000 participations in training courses on topics relating to electric mobility at our MB Tech Academies in Germany. Since the beginning of this year, Mercedes-Benz employees worldwide have invested a total of more than 900,000 hours in professional and personal training.

D.SHIFT: Training of talented employees from production for defined target positions in the digital job environment

To actively promote the digital transformation in production, the in-service training program, D.SHIFT, was launched at the Berlin site in 2021. Employees from production who are interested in data and AI are selected as part of a so-called "Digital Challenge" and retrained as data specialists. Throughout the program, these employees receive intensive support and guidance and additionally get hands-on work experience with specific practical projects and job shadowing. At the end of the program, they move into their target positions that were defined and set at the beginning.

After eleven employees successfully completed their retraining in Berlin as part of the pilot project, the D.SHIFT program was extended to the powertrain site in Stuttgart-Unterturkheim. There, too, 22 Stuttgart colleagues from the area of production have now completed their retraining and moved into their previously defined target positions as data specialists at the Sindelfingen site. The training scheme enables these digital pioneers to qualify for new employment opportunities in areas such as data analysis, artificial intelligence or software programming for electric mobility.

Thanks to D.SHIFT, employees in production can expand their skills, contribute their knowledge of the production environment and align themselves with future-proof job profiles. The response has been enormous across the production site: several hundred employees have applied for the 22 spots in Unterturkheim. Thanks to the success of this program, D.SHIFT will be further expanded in the coming months.

Data Worker: Selected learning paths for data science and artificial intelligence available to the global workforce

The digital transformation of Mercedes-Benz is being driven forward by data. The goals of a data-driven organization can only be met if relevant data can be located, accessed, interoperated with and reused in high quality throughout the company. To ensure this in the future and enable data-driven decisions in all specialist areas of the company, there is a need for employees who are responsible for the preparation, analysis and operationalization of data. Mercedes-Benz has therefore defined specific Data Worker profiles for strategically important data and use cases. In addition to external new hires, the company has been specifically ensuring an increase in qualified specialists through internal retraining as part of the companywide Data Worker pilot program since 2022. Employees can choose between four special learning paths: Data Product Owner, Data Engineer, Data Analyst and Data Scientist. Depending on the learning path, the training takes between 60 and 400 hours.

"Data plays a key role in the transformation process towards becoming a digital company. Opinions become facts. This is the only way we can create first-class customer experiences and innovative solutions. Qualified specialists such as our Data Workers are the foundation for this. Their expertise makes it possible for us to fully tap the potential from data in a dynamic environment. They also show that the transformation to a data-driven organization not only creates entirely new roles, but also promotes personal and professional development."

Jan Brecht, Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Mercedes-Benz Group AG

The initial program proved very successful. It was not only the participants who learned a great deal: the company did as well. The insights gained have been directly incorporated into the further development of the learning paths. In view of the strategic importance of digital skills, essential modules of the Data Worker learning paths can be booked by all employees. In addition, key content has also been adapted to other qualifications, and further learning paths on the topics of data and AI have also been developed.

"Working directly with our EV customers, I have witnessed Mercedes-Benz's progressive and innovative approach in the realm of data and digitization. The Turn2Learn initiative provides easy access to a plethora of learning opportunities, making it simple to select a pathway that allowed me to develop my expertise. The accessibility, quality of learning products, flexible learning pace, and the support provided by Mercedes-Benz played a crucial role in my successful completion of the data analyst program, contributing to the advancement of my career at Mercedes-Benz, USA. Mercedes Benz's focus on 'EV only' by 2039 means my learning journey does not end here."

Tai Isha Camon, Sr Associate, Premier Vehicle Support EQ Maybach at Mercedes-Benz USA

Data and AI at Mercedes-Benz

Generative AI applications already are being employed in many areas of the company. As recently as mid-June, the company announced plans to integrate AI into the voice control system of its vehicles. By adding ChatGPT, voice control via the MBUX Voice Assistant's Hey Mercedes will become even more intuitive. In mid-June 2023, an optional beta program was launched for customers in the USA whose model series are equipped with the MBUX infotainment system.

Mercedes-Benz is also testing ChatGPT in production, accelerating the use of intelligent tools in the MO360 digital production ecosystem, which was first introduced in 2020. With the aim of optimizing the analysis of production data, for example from quality management, ChatGPT will support production employees as a universal, voice-based interface.

Further information on Mercedes-Benz Group AG is available at: media.mercedes-benz.com and group.mercedes-benz.com

Mercedes-Benz Group at a glance

Mercedes-Benz Group AG is one of the world's most successful automotive companies. With Mercedes-Benz AG, the Group is one of the leading global suppliers of high-end passenger cars and premium vans. Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG offers financing, leasing, car subscription and car rental, fleet management, digital services for charging and payment, insurance brokerage, as well as innovative mobility services. The company founders, Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz, made history by inventing the automobile in 1886. As a pioneer of automotive engineering, Mercedes-Benz sees shaping the future of mobility in a safe and sustainable way as both a motivation and obligation. The company's focus therefore remains on innovative and green technologies as well as on safe and superior vehicles that both captivate and inspire. Mercedes-Benz continues to invest systematically in the development of efficient powertrains and sets the course for an all-electric future: The brand with the three-pointed star pursues the goal to go all-electric by 2030, where market conditions allow. Shifting from electric-first to electric-only, the world's pre-eminent car company is accelerating toward a fully electric and software-driven future. The company's efforts are also focused on the intelligent connectivity of its vehicles, autonomous driving and new mobility concepts as Mercedes-Benz regards it as its aspiration and obligation to live up to its responsibility to society and the environment. Mercedes-Benz sells its vehicles and services in nearly every country of the world and has production facilities in Europe, North and Latin America, Asia and Africa. In addition to Mercedes-Benz, the world's most valuable luxury automotive brand (source: Interbrand study, 03 Nov. 2022), Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-EQ and Mercedes me as well as the brands of Mercedes-Benz Mobility: Mercedes-Benz Bank, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services and Athlon. The company is listed on the Frankfurt and Stuttgart stock exchanges (ticker symbol MBG). In 2022, the Group had a workforce of around 170,000 and sold around 2.5 million vehicles. Group revenues amounted to 150.0 billion and Group EBIT to 20.5 billion.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725229210/en/

Contacts:

Andrea Berg, phone +1 917 667 2391, andrea.a.berg@mercedes-benz.com

Heike Rombach (HR), phone +49 176 309 225 05, heike.rombach@mercedes-benz.com

Katrin Dannenmann (Works Council), phone +49 160 860 25 01, katrin.dannenmann@mercedes-benz.com

Birgit Zaiser (Production), phone +49 160 861 47 53, birgit.zaiser@mercedes-benz.com

Katja Liesenfeld (IT), phone +49 160 862 14 88, katja.liesenfeld@mercedes-benz.com
GRAPEVINE, TX / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / The United States Air Force is expanding the use of 3D interactive instructions to support the Air Combat Command. AFWERX is awarding BILT Incorporated more than $1.1M in a Direct-to-Phase II contract, furthering its investment in Intelligent Instructions. The innovation will increase Air Force readiness by speeding sustainment efforts and reducing rework.

BILT addresses a critical need to standardize operational instructions to enable a more scalable transfer of knowledge across bases worldwide. BILT recently completed a study testing 3D instructions against paper technical orders. Results indicate the app more than doubles efficiency. A task that takes two technicians more than two hours with an instruction manual can be accomplished in less than 90 minutes by a single BILT user.

"Speed and productivity are paramount to readiness," says BILT President & COO Ahmed Qureshi. "BILT's goal is to create multi-capable Airmen prepared to work in a contested logistics environment." The company works with Air Force leaders to continually test user performance and gather feedback. The 3D solution is proven to decrease error rates and increase safety and precision. It is accessible, sustainable, and efficient.

The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX are partnering to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) process by accelerating the proposal-to-award timeline, eliminating bureaucratic overhead, and continually improving contract execution. Mandatory Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the US government.

About BILT:

The award-winning BILT app revolutionizes training with interactive Intelligent Instructions for assembly, installation, maintenance, and repair. Zoom in and rotate 3D animations for optimum perspective. Download projects to access off the grid. BILT gathers data on user performance to improve and update instructions in near-real time. BILT is accessible, sustainable, and efficient. Download BILT on iOS or Android or go to BILTapp.com.

About AFWERX:

The innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and a directorate within Air Force Research Laboratory. Brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. Employs approximately 215 military, civilian and contractor personnel at five hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4B budget. Since 2019, has executed 4,671 contracts worth more than $2B to strengthen the US defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: www.afwerx.com.

Press Contacts:

Juliette Qureshi

VP, PR & Media Comms

Juliette@BILTcorp.com

703-554-3020

SOURCE: BILT Incorporated

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770101/Air-Force-Reinvests-in-3D-Instructions-to-Increase-Readiness-Efficiency-BILT-Wins-8th-DoD-Contract-a-11M-SBIR


BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - Human-induced climate change contributed to the intensity of the extreme July heat across three continents in the Northern Hemisphere, according to a new analysis released Tuesday.



Unless the world rapidly stops burning fossil fuels, these events will become even more common and the world will experience heatwaves that are even hotter and longer-lasting, the World Weather Attribution initiative warned in its report.



Following a record hot June, large areas of the United States, Mexico, Southern Europe and China experienced extreme heat this month, breaking many local high temperature records.



As temperatures are still blazing in these three regions, a group of international scientists from the World Weather Attribution initiative collaborated to assess to what extent human-induced climate change altered the likelihood and intensity of the extreme July heat.



North America, Europe and China have experienced heatwaves increasingly frequently over the last years as a result of warming caused by human activities. Hence an event like the current heat waves are expected to occur approximately once every 15 years in the US/Mexico region, once every 10 years in Southern Europe, and once in 5 years for China, the study found.



'Without human induced climate change these heat events would however have been extremely rare. In China it would have been about a 1 in 250 year event while maximum heat like in July 2023 would have been virtually impossible to occur in the US/Mexico region and Southern Europe if humans had not warmed the planet by burning fossil fuels,' the report says.



The study found that the heatwaves defined above are 2.5C warmer in Southern Europe, 2C warmer in North America and about 1C in China in today's climate than they would have been if it was not for human-induced climate change.



The group of scientists called for an urgent need for 'an accelerated roll-out of heat action plans in light of increasing vulnerability driven by the intersecting trends of climate change, population ageing, and urbanisation'.



July 2023 saw extreme heatwaves in several parts of the Northern Hemisphere, including the Southwest of the U.S. and Mexico, Southern Europe and China. Temperatures exceeded 50C on July 16 in Death Valley in the U.S. as well as in Northwest China. Records were also reached in many other weather stations in China and the all-China heat record was broken in Sanbao on the same day.



In Europe, the hottest ever day in Catalunya was recorded and highest-ever records of daily minimum temperature were broken in other parts of Spain.



In the U.S., parts of Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico tied their all time high. Parts of Arizona and Cayman Islands recorded their highest ever night time temperatures. Phoenix had its record for longest time without falling below 90F/32.2C.



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Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Top 3 Energie-Dividendenaktien Im neuen Energieboom von kontinuierlichen Ertragen profitieren. Wir zeigen hier, von welche drei Aktien Sie profitieren konnen. Hier klicken
Bunzz PTE LTD, a Singapore-based tech company, is thrilled to announce the successful release of "DeCipher", a revolutionary AI-powered tool designed to transform the process of generating smart contract documentation.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230726287553/en/

DeCipher Product Page (Photo: Business Wire)

Users can create documents from nearly all smart contracts existing on each blockchain with a single click. This is a powerful tool that strongly supports developers who want to develop new DApps based on existing contracts, traders and investors who want to understand complex DeFi protocols, and business owners of web3 products.

Product Page: https://www.bunzz.dev/decipher

Chrome Extension: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/bunzz-decipher/ekkgjdbkmlcaepohenggjpfadklklpaj?hl=en&auth

DeCipher's unique data processing algorithm

DeCipher leverages advanced AI models, ChatGPT3.5 and 4, specifically optimized for analyzing smart contracts. The resulting "smart contract-specialized GPT" is an incredibly precise tool that has even impressed the Bunzz team. The unique fine-tuning approach employed by DeCipher is currently undergoing patent processing, showcasing Bunzz's commitment to cutting-edge technology.

DeCipher's Chrome Extension Dramatically Enhances Block Explorer UX

Surprisingly, DeCipher has also launched a Chrome Extension simultaneously. By installing this, users can view documents just by clicking the generate button while keeping the contract page they want to analyze open in Block Explorer. This is similar to Etherscan's new feature, "Code Reader," but differs in the following points:

DeCipher is free. Code Reader effectively requires payment as it requires the Open AI API. DeCipher's Chrome Extension can be used not only on Etherscan but also on other major Block Explorers. The accuracy of DeCipher's documentation.

The Block Explorers supported by DeCipher are as follows:

Ethereum Mainnet Polygon Mainnet BSC Mainnet Arbitrum One Mainnet Avalanche Mainnet Optimism Mainnet Moonbeam Mainnet Moonriver Mainnet Fantom Opera Mainnet

Not Just Accurate Documentation Generation, also Editing and Deployment Capabilities

Using DeCipher is incredibly simple: developers can effortlessly generate documentation by copying and pasting the contract's URL. For those seeking continuous accessibility, DeCipher can be conveniently accessed through the Bunzz Chrome Extension, available on popular Block Explorers like Etherscan.

DeCipher's advantages are not limited to just smart contract analysis. By using the Bunzz CLI, developers can edit and deploy contracts after they've been analyzed. Moreover, it's a comprehensive solution that allows deployment to all EVM-compatible blockchains. These features hold substantial value for developers intending to create new applications by forking existing DApps, dramatically enhancing the efficiency of their product development process.

Extra Benefits of Bunzz DeCipher

The Bunzz ecosystem offers additional benefits. Deploying forked smart contracts across all EVM-compatible chains becomes effortless with the Bunzz interface. These contracts are cataloged as new modules in the public Bunzz repository, providing a valuable resource for other DApp developers.

In an exciting future development, Bunzz plans to implement a tokenomics system where module creators will receive reward tokens based on the frequency of usage, resembling a web3 version of Docker Hub.

Introducing Bunzz Eco-System

Introducing Bunzz v2, a state-of-the-art DApp development environment that includes DeCipher, Bunzz CLI, a repository, and a deployment environment. This breakthrough offering allows easy modularization and editing of all blockchain-deployed contracts using the Bunzz CLI, while securely deploying them with Metamask a first in web3 history.

The Bunzz team eagerly awaits feedback and interest from developers interested in exploring and using Bunzz v2. Web3 developers are encouraged to try out DeCipher, an innovative tool with powerful features.

For inquiries or feedback, please reach out to us at info@bunzz.dev. We are more than happy to provide visuals and product demonstrations upon request.

DeCipher's Data Layer: A Bridge Connecting web3<>AI

DeCipher is not just a development tool, it envisions something bigger. By providing the vast amount of contract data generated from document creation in a data structure that is easy for AI to read, it aims to create an ecosystem where various AI services can connect on top of its "Machine-Readable Contract Layer". Progress on this vision will be shared via Bunzz's Twitter.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230726287553/en/

Contacts:

Kenta Akutsu (CEO)

info@bunzz.dev

Tel: +81 50-1743-6844
AUSTIN, TX / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Everyware, a trusted name in customer engagement, billing, and payments, announces the appointment of David Rodriguez as its Vice President of Marketing. A creative force with an extensive background in product-led growth and driving revenue, Rodriguez utilizes his strategic vision paired with exceptional communication abilities to deliver impactful go-to-market strategies that accelerate growth. The Forbes Communication Council member is regularly published in the American Business Magazine sharing his expertise on marketing strategies, industry conversations, and novel approaches to sales.

In his role, Rodriguez will continue to expand Everyware's payment and communications solutions which accelerate the movement of money and enable businesses to offer elevated customer service. He brings two decades of marketing and sales success to the company, and will apply proven results in data-driven marketing and profit-driven campaigns to integrate Everyware's solution for various industries.

"Everyware has announced partnerships with major payment brands recently, with even larger announcements coming soon, and David's experience with partner collaboration and brand development will play a crucial role in ensuring our growth is strategically aligned," said Everyware Founder and CEO Austin Talley. "His capabilities will empower our company and clients to continue to grow and embrace the future of payments and communications."

Before joining Everyware, Rodriguez held pivotal roles spearheading both the marketing and sales departments at a number of multinational corporations. His influential tenure includes successful stints at Bitcoin Depot, The Advisory Board, GreenRoad, and Tractmanager. In these positions, Rodriguez was instrumental in driving significant growth, ultimately leading these companies towards acquisition or public market listings. This was achieved through his innovative go-to-market strategies that underscored his business acumen. Moreover, Rodriguez is also an accomplished entrepreneur. He co-founded IntellaTriage, a healthcare technology firm, and led it to a successful exit, further testifying to his exceptional leadership and strategic capabilities.

"Everyware is poised for remarkable expansions in a variety of industry verticals with its forward-thinking solutions and I look forward to bringing value and being an integral part of the future of how all payments will happen," adds Rodriguez.

For more information, visit Everyware at Everyware.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

# # #

ABOUT EVERYWARE

Everyware is a leading customer engagement, billing, and payments company based in Austin, Texas. Launched in 2015, the company provides services to more than 9,000 merchants across multiple verticals including healthcare, travel, utilities, not-for-profit, and automotive. The platform provides a simple, fast, and secure way to move money while enhancing the ability for merchants to communicate with their customers in real-time with text messaging. It saves them money by improving cash flow and reducing paper billing costs, chargebacks, and fraud. Additionally, Everyware works alongside existing systems for easy integration. For more information, visit Everyware.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS FOR EVERYWARE:

Jessica Wade Pfeffer | 305-804-8424 | jessica@jwipr.com

Tyler Sminkey | 786-390-8510 | tyler@jwipr.com

SOURCE: Everyware

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770210/Everyware-Announces-Marketing-and-Brand-Strategy-Visionary-David-Rodriguez-as-Vice-President-of-Marketing
Gay students and supporters at UCT protested on campus before the lecture by Patrick Lumumba, who was the keynote speaker on July 24, 2023.

Tensions ahead of lecture by controversial Kenyan professor

Tensions ran high at the University of Cape Town on Monday evening as supporters of gay rights confronted members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) ahead of a lecture by Kenyan professor Patrick Lumumba.

Lumumba, who has been reported as supporting repression of gay people in Uganda, was invited by the EFF for the party's ten-year birthday celebration.

The two groups confronted each other outside the Sarah Baartman Hall, each trying to out-sing the other. Protesters from the LGBT community waved rainbow flags and posters saying "Queer lives matter", "Lumumba uyabhora" (Lumumba you are annoying) and "Education cures homophobia".

Micha Cerf, vice chairperson of Rainbow UCT, said "Professor Lumumba has expressed, quite explicitly, that he is a self proclaimed homophobe. He has also called queerness and homosexuality unAfrican and has expressed the fact that he believes what is happening in Uganda is good."

"The queer community at UCT find it completely unacceptable that someone like that is allowed to speak on our grounds, our university where we come to feel safe," said Cerf.

Cerf said the message they were trying to get across by doing the protest was that queerness is African and homophobia is unAfrican.

Triangle Project's Ling Sheperd said: "UCT prides itself on being the top university in Africa and they always remind us that they are inclusive and diverse and are committed to transformation, so we find it quite hypocritical that they would have a platform for a known homophobic person."

"Professor Lumumba is very open about his homophobia and bigotry in general. And then the EFF leader Julius Malema was draped in a pride flag in solidarity with the Ugandans not so long ago, it's just really baffling."

An EFF protester who did not want to give his name said the event was just a celebration and the focus should be on that.

Professor Lumumba, an outspoken Pan-Africanist, delivered a fiery 40-minute speech which was well received by the audience. He mainly spoke about the need for African unity to respond to the oppression of African people across the continent in the past, and the continued oppression of African people by the large powers today. He did not bring up the issue of homosexuality or Ugandan laws criminalising homosexuality.

Provincial EFF spokesperson Wandile Kasibe was unavailable for comment.
Originally published on Built From Scratch

ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / The Home Depot The Home Depot, the world's largest home improvement retailer, launched the first online guided version of MISSION TRANSITION, a series of courses aimed at providing U.S. service men and women with knowledge and resources to help them successfully transition into the civilian workforce.

About 200,000 service members leave the military each year. But according to Pew Research Center, only one-in-four veterans say they had a civilian job lined up after they left the military.

MISSION TRANSITION's three self-paced, online courses can be completed in less than an hour and are filled with content, templates, scenarios and language specific to experience from a military career. Courses include Optimize Your Resume, Build Your Personal Brand and What to Expect While Interviewing. This program is available at no cost to the public and can be found on The Home Depot's career website at thd.co/missiontransition.

MISSION TRANSITION

3 Self-paced, online, & free courses

OPTIMIZE YOUR RESUME

??BUILD YOUR PERSONAL BRAND

??INTERVIEWING - WHAT TO EXPECT

"Supporting the military community is a priority for our company" said Tim Hourigan, executive vice president of Human Resources. "We're proud to launch MISSION TRANSITION online and provide transitioning service members with a convenient tool to help them confidently take the next step in their careers."

The Home Depot employs over 470,000 associates, including tens of thousands of veterans and military spouses. Since 2011, The Home Depot Foundation has invested more than $475 million in veteran causes and improved more than 55,000 veteran housing facilities. The Foundation and its nonprofit partners are working to end veteran homelessness through several key strategies. This includes funding programs to help more veterans access housing. Learn more about The Home Depot and The Home Depot Foundation's investments in military families and veterans at www.homedepot.com/military.

Keep up with all the latest Home Depot news! Subscribe to our bi-weekly news update and get the top Built from Scratch stories delivered straight to your inbox.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from The Home Depot on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: The Home Depot

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/home-depot

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: The Home Depot

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770239/The-Home-Depot-Launches-Online-Career-Assistance-Program-To-Support-Transitioning-Military-Service-Members
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Employee wellbeing was a prominent topic of discussion at The Consumer Goods Forum's (CGF) prestigious Global Summit held in Kyoto, Japan. CGF's new Co-Chairs, Board Members and member companies of the Collaboration for Healthier Lives Coalition of Action (CHL) advocated for the physical and mental health of the over 10 million employees estimated to be working for CGF member companies.

This comes at the halfway mark of the CGF's 2023 to be the Year of Employee Wellbeing, bringing together leaders in the FMCG industry and external stakeholders to advocate for the importance of building impactful and enduring employee wellbeing strategies and policies.

New leadership at the CGF, Co-Chairs Frans Muller, President and CEO of Ahold Delhaize, and Dirk Van de Put, Chairman and CEO of Mondelez International, will focus on mobilising members and the wider FMCG community to prioritise their own employee's physical and mental health alongside the health and wellbeing of global customers. This is part of the Co-Chairs' Ambition 2025, where increased focus will be given to five initiatives that aim to deliver a major positive impact, namely Employee Mental & Physical Health, Human Rights Due Diligence, Forest Positive Supplier Approach, Plastic Golden Design Rules and Emissions Reduction from the eight critical coalitions.

The CGF will continue to take stock of progress on employee wellbeing including at milestone events such as the Sustainable Retail Summit, which will be held the same month as WHO World Mental Health Day.

Gen Z enthusiasm around employee wellbeing was brought to the attention of participants by 16-year-old Midori Watanabe, a Chief Future Officer with the algae-based biotechnology company Euglena Co. She said, "If we can create a workplace that has acceptance and mutual respect between people, then I feel that will be a place where wellbeing for mental and physical health will be ensured."

Employee wellbeing and Workforce Nutrition played a key role in CHL's in-person Steering Committee meeting on the 5th July 2023 in Kyoto where the participants reviewed global progress and local deep dives notably from China and Japan.

At this meeting, a playbook on Winning Behaviour Change: A Toolkit for Building Impactful Initiatives was released. Partnering with Bain & Company, the report showcases the most recent data and key learnings from CHL's global initiatives, and provides a prescriptive view on how businesses can establish and execute impactful projects and strategies, to shift towards healthier and more sustainable consumption.

People spend around one-third of their time at work, so every company has a responsibility to positively shape the wellbeing of their workforce. At the CGF we encourage all our member companies to engage with the #wellbeingatwork campaign and share their commitment to and best practices on employee wellbeing.

-End-

About CGF's 2023 Year of Employee Wellbeing Campaign:

The CGF Collaboration for Healthier Lives Coalition of Action has launched its WellbeingAtWork campaign to raise awareness around the issue of employee health and to provide a call to action for companies to create a workplace culture which actively promotes and supports wellbeing. Every month we publish relevant content and share best practices in the form of a CEO video series, blogs, podcasts and more. Topics include Employee Physical and Mental Health and Workforce Nutrition Programmes, which include Healthier Food at Work, Breastfeeding Support Programmes, Health Checks, Nutrition Education.

Contact the Health & Wellness team to participate and share your journey with your peers.

Follow the WellbeingAtWork campaign on social media.





View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from The Consumer Goods Forum on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: The Consumer Goods Forum

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/consumer-goods-forum

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: The Consumer Goods Forum

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770180/Healthier-Lives-Leaders-and-CGF-Board-Members-Champion-Employee-Wellbeing-at-Global-Summit-in-Japan
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Leidos

Fine motor skills, the precise movement of small muscles in the hands and fingers, are impaired when humans transition from microgravity to a planetary surface according to a multi-year study led by Leidos scientist Dr. Kritina Holden.

The study, part of NASA's Human Research Program, won best publication in its category in the 2023 Leidos Technical Publication Awards which recognize excellence in scientific research.

Why you should know: Precise hand-eye coordination is required to operate next-generation space technology including touchscreens, small vehicle controls, spacesuits, robotic arms and more. As NASA plans for deep space missions, these findings will inform how to engineer equipment that accounts for impaired dexterity.

Holden's team studied performance before, during and after missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS) over the course of several years using a touchscreen app that measured response time and accuracy on tasks like pointing, dragging and tracing shapes.

Results suggest gravitational transitions could negatively impact fine motor skills for extended periods of time and up to one month after returning to Earth.

Overall, this means astronauts may not be immediately capable of performing at their best after long journeys in space.

From the source: "We know that the human body is impacted by the deleterious effects of spaceflight," writes Holden. "Space travelers will endure many challenges as they embark on future long-duration missions beyond low Earth orbit including isolation, confinement, a closed environment, space radiation and long-duration microgravity."

Holden said the study will help NASA better understand the unique effects of microgravity on the central nervous system and opens the door for further investigation and countermeasures.

Holden, a Leidos Technical Fellow in Human Factors, conducted the study in support of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Please contact the Leidos media relations team for more information.

Related:

Human factors from desktop to Deep Space

What is space archaeology?

Leidos stows cargo for first all-private space mission

Illustration: Getty Images

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Leidos on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Leidos

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/leidos

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Leidos

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770295/What-Happens-To-Fine-Motor-Skills-in-Space
Proton Green Adds David Hobbs and Peter Wagner to Board

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Proton Green, LLC ("Proton Green" or the "Company"), a leading operator of one of the largest Helium and beverage grade CO2 hubs in North America, today announced the appointment of two new members to its board of directors.

David A. Hobbs will serve as Executive Chairman. Mr. Hobbs is an expert in energy industry structure and strategies with nearly 40 years of experience, currently as Executive Chairman of Pantheon Resources Plc and, before that, as Head of Research at The King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) where he helped establish a world leading think tank in Saudi Arabia. Mr. Hobbs has also served as Chief Energy Strategist at IHS (now S&P Global) and as Co-Chair of CERAWEEK, providing insight to governments and major energy companies around the world. Prior to CERA, Mr. Hobbs was Head of Business Development with Monument Oil & Gas and managed the North American and Asian businesses of Hardy Oil & Gas.

Peter Wagner will serve as a Non-Executive Director. Mr. Wagner is a leader in the industrial gas industry and has served as Vice President, Business Development, Gas and Process Division, Atlas Copco Energas GmbH (in Germany), General Manager, Atlas Copco Comptec LLC (America), Divisional President, Atlas Copco Gas and Process Division, General Manager of Atlas Copco Energas GmbH (in Germany). Mr. Wagner was CEO and Managing Director of LEWA GmbH (in Germany) and is currently CEO and Director, Cryogenic Industries, Inc. (the Company's consolidated subsidiary in America/CEO of Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group). In addition, he serves as Director on the Board of Nikkiso Co. Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan.

Steve Looper, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Green, LLC commented, "Proton Green is honored to have David Hobbs and Peter Wagner join our board of directors. Both are well recognized leaders in the energy transition space and will offer sound advice on our company's direction."

About Proton Green, LLC

Proton Green LLC is a leading operator of one of the largest Helium and beverage grade CO2 hubs in North America. The Company maintains exclusive production rights to St. Johns Field, a 176,500 acre property in Arizona with a 33 billion cubic feet helium reservoir, 9 trillion cubic feet CO2 reservoir and a basin with the potential to store 1 billion metric tons of CO2. The Company is currently a top 10 producer of Helium in North America - a high-demand gas in both consumer and critical technology applications - leveraging strategic offtake partners with fixed-price agreements to drive a predictable revenue stream. Notably, both Helium and CO2 produced at St. John's Field contain no hydrocarbon component. To learn more, please visit our website at https://www.protongreen.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "will" and similar references to future periods. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: our limited operating history; our dependence on third parties for many aspects of our business; general market and economic conditions; technical factors; the availability of outside capital; our receipt of revenues; legislative developments; changes in our expenditures and other uses of cash; our ability to find, recruit and retain personnel in sufficient numbers to support our growth; our ability to manage growth; and general market, economic and business conditions. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by our forward-looking statements are under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our most recent Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement made in this press release is based only on information currently available to the Company and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Media & Investor Relations Contact:

Lucas A. Zimmerman

Director

MZ Group - MZ North America

(949) 259-4987

PGRN@mzgroup.us

www.mzgroup.us

SOURCE: Proton Green, LLC

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770235/CORRECT-AND-REPLACE-Proton-Green-Announces-Appointment-of-Directors
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2023) - Lorne Park Capital Partners Inc. (TSXV: LPC) ("LPCP" or the "Company") today announced its results for the six month and three month periods ended June 30, 2023.

Revenue for the six month period ended June 30, 2023 ("YTD 2023") was $14.5 million, an increase of $1.2 million or 9.4%, compared to $13.3 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2022 ("YTD 2022"). Revenue for the three month period ended June 30, 2023 ("Q2 2023") was $7.3 million, an increase of $0.7 million or 10.2%, compared to $6.6 million for the three month period ended June 30, 2022 ("Q2 2022").

Assets under management was $2.68 billion on June 30, 2023, compared to $2.58 billion on December 31, 2022 and to $1.96 billion on June 30, 2022. On December 30, 2022, the Company acquired an 80% membership interest of Promus Asset Management, LLC ("Promus"). During YTD 2023, the Company added $48 million in net new assets and had foreign exchange and market appreciation of $50 million.

Net earnings for YTD 2023 was $161 thousand, a decrease of $447 thousand or 73.6%, compared to $608 thousand during YTD 2022, and for Q2 2023 was $127 thousand, a decrease of $248 thousand or 66.1%, compared to $375 thousand during Q2 2022. Adjusted EBITDA1, a non-IFRS measure, for YTD 2023 was $3.3 million, an increase of $0.2 million or 7.7%, compared to $3.1 million during YTD 2022, and for Q2 2023 was $1.7 million, an increase of $0.1 million or 5.8%, compared to $1.6 million during Q2 2022.

These results are not a comprehensive statement of the Company's financial results for YTD 2023 and Q2 2023. They should not be viewed as a substitute for financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and are not necessarily indicative of the Company's results for any future period.

About Lorne Park Capital Partners Inc.

LPCP was created to bring together boutique investment management and wealth advisory firms in order to deliver robust, cost effective investment solutions to affluent investors, foundations, estates and trusts. LPCP's unique strategy creates better alignment between investment managers and wealth advisors while providing them with additional resources to accelerate their growth.

About Bellwether Investment Management Inc.

Bellwether is a boutique investment manager that offers tailored investment solutions for affluent investors, foundations, estates and trusts utilizing its proprietary "Disciplined Dividend Growth" Investment Process. Bellwether provides discretionary investment management focused on North American Dividend Growth investing and is dedicated to serving the distinct needs of affluent families. Bellwether's suite of investment solutions includes Canadian, US and global equity and fixed income strategies. Bellwether is a subsidiary of LPCP, and is registered as a portfolio manager in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan, an exempt market dealer in Alberta, Ontario and Quebec, and an investment fund manager in Ontario and Quebec.

About Promus Asset Management, LLC

Promus is an award-winning wealth management firm based in Dallas, Texas and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment advisor.

For further information, please contact:

Robert Sewell

Chief Executive Officer

Lorne Park Capital Partners Inc.

investor.relations@lpcp.ca

(905) 337-2227

Non-IFRS Measures

LPCP's annual consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. The information presented in this press release includes non-IFRS financial measures, namely EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. These measures are not recognized measures under IFRS and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to a similar measure presented by other companies. Rather, these measures are provided as additional information to complement IFRS measures by providing further understanding of the Company's results of operations from management's perspective. Accordingly, these measures should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of the Company's financial information reported under IFRS. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is used to provide investors with supplemental measures of the Company's operating performance and thus highlight trends in LPCP's core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS measures. The Company's management also believes that securities analysts, investors and other interested parties frequently use non-IFRS measures in the evaluation of issuers. LPCP's management also uses non-IFRS measures in order to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period, to prepare annual operating budgets and forecasts and to determine components of management compensation. The Company's management believes EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are an important supplemental measure of LPCP's performance, primarily because they and similar measures are used widely among others in the investment management industry as a means of evaluating a company's underlying operating performance. EBITDA is defined as net earnings before financing costs, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA, adjusted for acquisition, restructuring, integration, and share-based compensation expenses.

The following table outlines how EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA was determined:





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5983/174823_a9dfc1c5a4d91aaa_001full.jpg

Cautionary Notes

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", "plan", and other similar expressions. Forward looking information in this news release includes, without limitation, LPCP's objectives, goals and future plans. Forward-looking information addresses possible future events, conditions and financial performance based upon management's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. In particular, the forward-looking information contained in this news release reflects assumptions about the timing and results of the amalgamation and regulatory approvals. Management of LPCP considers the assumptions on which the forward-looking information contained herein are based to be reasonable. However, by its very nature, forward-looking information inherently involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such information. Such risks include, without limitation, changes in economic conditions, applicable laws or regulations. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. LPCP disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.





/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES LAW/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/174823
BROOKLYN, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / IEH Corporation (OTC:IEHC) announced today that in the past week it has booked over $2 million in new orders for its hyperboloid connectors in support of the US military's Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System ("APKWS") program.

Dave Offerman, President and CEO of IEH Corporation commented, "APKWS is a US defense program that has been enormously successful for the military for the last several years. Originally conceived as an anti-terror weapon, this laser-guided munition has been repurposed to suit today's potential conflicts, enabling the program's longevity. IEH's hyperboloid connectors were specified for this ruggedized application nearly two decades ago, as the design engineers recognized the need for a highly durable connector solution that would be immune to the extreme shock and vibration of an aerial, rocket-propelled munition. We are incredibly proud to be an essential part of this critical program, and are excited for its continued deployment and success."

About IEH Corporation

For 80 years and 4 generations of family-run management, IEH Corporation has designed, developed, and manufactured printed circuit board (PCB) connectors, custom interconnects and contacts for high performance applications. With its signature Hyperboloid technology, IEH supplies the most durable, reliable connectors for the most demanding environments. The company markets primarily to companies in defense, aerospace, space and industrial applications, in the United States, Canada, Europe, Southeast and Central Asia and the Mideast. The company was founded in 1941 and is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Certain statements contained in this press release, and in related comments by the Company's management, include "forward-looking statements." All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including, without limitation, statements or expectations regarding our financial condition, statements or expectations regarding our revenues, cash and backlog, expectations regarding future cash requirements, revenue and revenue recovery, including for fiscal year 2024, projected timelines for making our SEC filings or successfully preventing our registration from suspension or revocation and expectations regarding our efforts and ability to resolve our inventory accounting issues are forward-looking statements. These statements often include words such as "believe," "expect," "estimate," "plan," "will," "may," "would," "should," "could," or similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These statements are based on certain assumptions that the Company has made on its current expectations and projections about future events. The Company believes these judgments are reasonable, but you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results, and you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The Company's actual performance or results could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of important factors, both positive and negative, as they will depend on many factors about which we are unsure, including many factors beyond our control. Among other items, such factors could include: any claims, investigations or proceedings arising as a result of our past due Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") periodic reports, including changes in the proceedings related to the SEC's Order Instituting Administrative Proceedings and Notice of Hearing pursuant to Section 12(j) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; our ability to remediate our inventory accounting issue; our ability to reduce costs or increase revenue; changes in the macroeconomic environment or in the finances of our customers; changes in accounting principles, or their application or interpretation, and our ability to make accurate estimates and the assumptions underlying the estimates; our ability to attract and retain key employees and key resources; and other risk factors discussed from time to time in our filings with the SEC, including those factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on June 22, 2023, and in subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the SEC. Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in our filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. Except as may be required by applicable law, we do not undertake or intend to update or revise our forward-looking statements, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information or future events or developments. Thus, you should not assume that our silence over time means that actual events are bearing out as expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. You should carefully review and consider the various disclosures we make in our filings with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect our business.

Contact:

Dave Offerman

IEH Corporation

dave@iehcorp.com

718-492-4448

SOURCE: IEH Corporation

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Financial close automation leader bolsters capabilities for an additional 400 blue-chip clients to drive ROI for the Office of the CFO

DALLAS, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Trintech, a leading global provider of cloud-based financial close solutions for the Office of the CFO, today announced its acquisition of Frontier Reconciliation and Accurate Reconciliation from Fiserv (NYSE: FI), a leading global provider of fintech and payments solutions. Serving customers across multiple verticals including financial services, telecommunications, retail, insurance and utilities, the acquired reconciliation business will act as a springboard for innovation, expanding Trintech's accounting automation platform.

Through the acquisition, Trintech gains two leading reconciliation solutions, further enhancing the company's portfolio of capabilities. Trintech brings over 35 years of global innovation in automation, reconciliations and financial close processes. The addition of Frontier Reconciliation and Accurate Reconciliation, used by more than 400 blue-chip clients across the globe, including eight of the top ten banks and two of the top three insurance companies in the United States, enables these newly acquired clients to benefit from complementary product offerings and differentiated solutions across key U.S. and international markets. Fiserv will continue to deliver solutions and services to many of these clients.

"In this era of intense digital transformation, accounting automation, reconciliations and financial close represent a significant market opportunity. This acquisition positions Trintech to provide even more compelling financial close capabilities, broaden the reach of our partner ecosystem and drive impressive ROI for our customers," said Darren Heffernan, CEO of Trintech. "It's also the latest illustration of our holistic growth strategy - one which places a dual mandate on rapid expansion into key verticals and the prioritization of continuous innovation and talent recruitment. We are thrilled to add this powerful complement to Trintech's market-leading portfolio."

The acquisition also includes the addition of key employees with technical expertise supporting these solutions across North America, EMEA and APAC, bringing Trintech's global headcount to nearly 700. New and existing customers benefit not only from expanded technical talent and capabilities but also by gaining access to Trintech's partner ecosystem of leading technology and service providers. Additionally, as part of an exclusive referral agreement with Fiserv, Trintech expands its global presence and capabilities into new international markets.

"Trintech is well-positioned to guide the Frontier and Accurate reconciliation business through its next chapter, and we are confident they will provide excellent service to our clients and support for their businesses," said Whitney Stewart Russell, President of Digital Solutions, Fiserv. "We are excited about the partnership we have built with Trintech and look forward to serving clients through our future relationship as a referral partner."

About Trintech

Trintech, a leading global provider of cloud-based, integrated reconciliation and financial close solutions for Finance & Accounting departments. From high volume transaction matching, to automating and managing balance sheet reconciliations, intercompany accounting, journal entries, close management tasks, to governance, risk and compliance - Trintech's portfolio of financial solutions, including its Cadency Platform (for large enterprises) and Adra Suite (for mid-market organizations), help manage all aspects of the reconciliation and financial close processes. Trintech's excellence in both innovation and client support have been recognized with a variety of awards over the years including most recently "Easiest to Do Business With" and "Fastest Implementation" in G2's Fall 2022 Report. Over 4,200 clients worldwide - including the majority of the Fortune 100 - rely on Trintech's solutions to enable their F&A operation to become a strategic partner to the business by optimizing data, controlling risk, driving efficiencies, and providing strategic insights.

Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Trintech has offices located across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the Nordics, as well as strategic partners in South Africa, Latin America, and the Asia Pacific. To learn more about Trintech, visit www.trintech.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Fiserv

Fiserv, Inc. (NYSE: FI) aspires to move money and information in a way that moves the world. As a global leader in payments and financial technology, the company helps clients achieve best-in-class results through a commitment to innovation and excellence in areas including account processing and digital banking solutions; card issuer processing and network services; payments; e-commerce; merchant acquiring and processing; and the Clover cloud-based point-of-sale and business management platform. Fiserv is a member of the S&P 500 Index and one of Fortune World's Most Admired Companies. Visit fiserv.com and follow on social media for more information and the latest company news.

Media Contact:

Kelli Shoevlin

Director, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications

kelli.shoevlin@trintech.com

Media Contact:

Britt Zarling

SVP, Corporate Communications

Britt.Zarling@Fiserv.com

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(In United States dollars, except where noted otherwise)

TORONTO, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Quantum Minerals Ltd. ("First Quantum" or "the Company") (TSX: FM) today reports results for the three months ended June 30, 2023 ("Q2 2023" or the "second quarter") of net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company of $93 million ($0.13 earnings per share) and adjusted earnings1 of $85 million ($0.12 adjusted earnings per share2).

"After a challenging start to the year, it is pleasing to see the improvements at our three largest operations. During the second quarter, Sentinel achieved its highest monthly production for the year in May and Cobre Panama and Kansanshi achieved the same records in June. We remain well on track for a stronger performance in the second half of the year. Our brownfield projects achieved important milestones during the quarter with the Enterprise project producing first nickel concentrate and both Enterprise and the CP100 Expansion periodically demonstrating nameplate capacity," commented Tristan Pascall, Chief Executive Officer. "While we expect the positive operational momentum to continue into the second half of the year, we are cognizant of the global economic slowdown. I believe that we are well-positioned to navigate through the near-term challenges with our focus on improving productivity and unit costs."

Q2 2023 SUMMARY

In Q2 2023, First Quantum reported gross profit of $265 million, EBITDA1 of $568 million, net earnings attributable to shareholders of $0.13 per share, and adjusted earnings of $0.12 per share2. Relative to the first quarter of this year ("Q1 2023"), second quarter financial results benefitted from higher copper sales volumes and lower input costs, which was partially offset by lower realized copper and nickel prices.

Total copper production for the second quarter was 187,175 tonnes, a 35% increase from Q1 2023. The quarter-over-quarter increase in production was attributable to an improvement in grades at Cobre Panama, Kansanshi and Sentinel and higher throughput at Cobre Panama and Sentinel.

Copper C1 cash cost2 of $1.98 per lb for Q2 2023 was $0.26 per lb lower than Q1 2023. The improvement in copper C1 cash costs2 was related to improved production volumes and lower fuel and explosive costs.

Production at the three major copper operations is expected to be higher in the second half of the year. Guidance for copper, gold and nickel production remains unchanged, however full year production for each metal is expected to be towards the lower end of guidance to reflect year-to-date production. C1 cash cost2 and AISC2 for both copper and nickel remains unchanged. Unit cash costs2 are expected to decrease in the second half of the year with higher production and are expected to be towards the upper end of guidance for the full year.

__________________

1 EBITDA and adjusted earnings are non-GAAP financial measures. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See "Regulatory Disclosures".

2 Adjusted earnings per share, copper C1 cash cost (copper C1), and all-in sustaining costs (AISC) are non-GAAP ratios which do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See "Regulatory Disclosures".

Q2 2023 OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Total copper production for Q2 2023 was 187,175 tonnes, up from the 138,753 tonnes reported in Q1 2023 as each of the Company's three largest operations reported improved grades during the period. Copper sales volumes in Q2 2023 totalled 177,362 tonnes, 9,813 tonnes lower than production.

Cobre Panama produced 90,086 tonnes of copper in Q2 2023, an increase of 24,659 tonnes from the previous quarter as the current quarter saw improved grades and higher tonnes milled from the continued successful ramp-up of the CP 100 Expansion project. Copper C1 cash cost 3 of $1.71 per lb was $0.06 per lb higher than the previous quarter due lower gold by-product credits. 2023 Production guidance for Cobre Panama remains unchanged at 350,000 to 380,000 tonnes of copper and 140,000 to 160,000 ounces of gold. For the full year 2023, grades and recoveries are expected to be broadly consistent with 2022 regardless of the increased processing throughput, with some fluctuation from quarter to quarter. Ramp-up of the CP100 Expansion continues, with the expansion facilities periodically demonstrating nameplate capacity during the second quarter, and the expansion to 100 million tonnes per annum ("Mtpa") remains on schedule for the end of 2023. Significant progress has been made on the pre-strip work for the Colina pit and earthworks for the associated overland conveyor and in-pit crushing facility. The first crusher at Colina is expected to be commissioned in 2024. Construction of the molybdenum recovery circuit is progressing well with completion of construction and commencement of commissioning expected by the end of 2023 with first molybdenum concentrate production to commence in the first quarter of 2024.

of $1.71 per lb was $0.06 per lb higher than the previous quarter due lower gold by-product credits. 2023 Production guidance for Cobre Panama remains unchanged at 350,000 to 380,000 tonnes of copper and 140,000 to 160,000 ounces of gold. For the full year 2023, grades and recoveries are expected to be broadly consistent with 2022 regardless of the increased processing throughput, with some fluctuation from quarter to quarter. Ramp-up of the CP100 Expansion continues, with the expansion facilities periodically demonstrating nameplate capacity during the second quarter, and the expansion to 100 million tonnes per annum ("Mtpa") remains on schedule for the end of 2023. Significant progress has been made on the pre-strip work for the Colina pit and earthworks for the associated overland conveyor and in-pit crushing facility. The first crusher at Colina is expected to be commissioned in 2024. Construction of the molybdenum recovery circuit is progressing well with completion of construction and commencement of commissioning expected by the end of 2023 with first molybdenum concentrate production to commence in the first quarter of 2024. Kansanshi's copper production of 34,657 tonnes in Q2 2023 was 5,974 tonnes higher than the previous quarter. Kansanshi production improved in the second quarter with mining cutbacks at elevated benches with historically higher grades, which will continue to be the focus for the remainder of the year. Copper C1 cash cost1 of $2.36 per lb was $0.52 lower than Q1 2023 mainly due to lower fuel costs and improved production volumes. Production in 2023 is expected to be at the lower end of the guidance range of 130,000 to 150,000 tonnes of copper and 95,000 to 105,000 ounces of gold. Mining fleet deployment changes over the past six months have enabled the operation to open up mining areas, placing less reliance on low-grade ore stockpiles. Additionally, mining will focus on cutbacks M15 and M17 at upper elevations in the main pit, where mineralization is predominantly disseminated in stratigraphy and with wider veins, and therefore higher grades. This will continue to be a focus for the remainder of the year, which will benefit production through the rest of 2023.

Sentinel reported copper production of 54,045 tonnes in Q2 2023, 17,813 tonnes higher than the previous quarter as the operation saw steady improvement after the impact of record heavy rains experienced in the first quarter. Mining activities continued to be impacted by excess water in the pit until mid-May when dewatering activities reduced water levels in the pit, allowing operations to regain access to higher-grade ore. Copper C1 cash cost 1 of $2.04 per lb was $0.66 per lb lower than the preceding quarter, reflecting lower fuel costs and higher production volumes. As a result of the challenges encountered at the start of the year, copper production for 2023 is expected to be toward the lower end of guidance of 260,000 to 280,000 tonnes. A drilling contractor will be deployed from July alongside the Company's own drill rigs to increase stocks of broken material. The focus will remain on blast quality to improve fragmentation and mine-to-mill optimization. Production is expected to continue to improve in the second half of the year with improved milling rates in line with the comparable period in 2022 and with ground water now under control, providing full access to high-grade ore. Grade improvement is expected to continue for the rest of the year.

of $2.04 per lb was $0.66 per lb lower than the preceding quarter, reflecting lower fuel costs and higher production volumes. As a result of the challenges encountered at the start of the year, copper production for 2023 is expected to be toward the lower end of guidance of 260,000 to 280,000 tonnes. A drilling contractor will be deployed from July alongside the Company's own drill rigs to increase stocks of broken material. The focus will remain on blast quality to improve fragmentation and mine-to-mill optimization. Production is expected to continue to improve in the second half of the year with improved milling rates in line with the comparable period in 2022 and with ground water now under control, providing full access to high-grade ore. Grade improvement is expected to continue for the rest of the year. At Enterprise, first production of nickel concentrate was achieved in the second quarter, with nameplate capacity of the process plant temporarily demonstrated during the second quarter, and first concentrate sale is expected in the third quarter of 2023. The ramp-up continues to commercial production and full plant throughput in 2024. Oxide material is impacting recoveries of the plant and the ore profile has been updated to reflect the classification of material. 2023 production for Enterprise is expected to be at the lower end of guidance of 5,000 - 10,000 contained tonnes of nickel.

__________________

1 C1 cash costs (C1) is a non-GAAP ratio which does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See "Regulatory Disclosures".

COBRE PANAMA UPDATE

On March 8, 2023, the Company and the Government of Panama (the "GOP") reached an agreement in respect of the terms and conditions for a Refreshed Concession Contract, which is subject to approval by law. The Refreshed Concession Contract provides for an initial 20-year term with a 20-year extension option and possible additional extensions for life of mine. The Refreshed Concession Contract has been signed by the GOP and the Company on June 26, 2023, having completed the public consultation process, and is currently under the ordinary course of business review by the National Comptroller prior to its countersignature. Once counter signed by the Comptroller, it is expected to be presented before the National Assembly of Panama during the current legislative term that commenced on July 1, 2023.

Once the agreement is signed and passed into law as expected, payments to cover taxes and royalties up to the year-end 2022 of approximately $395 million are expected to be made within 30 days of the Refreshed Concession Contract being enacted into law. In addition, past due amounts payable for 2023 corporate tax instalments, withholding taxes and quarterly royalty payments will also be due 30 days after being enacted, without penalty or interest. It is intended that the charge relating to taxes and royalties up to the year-end 2022 be excluded from 2023 adjusted earnings. The expected taxes and royalties to the GOP relating to 2023 is $375 million.

BROWNFIELD PROJECTS

Construction work for the CP100 Expansion project was completed and commissioned in the first quarter. With the expansion facilities periodically demonstrating nameplate capacity in the second quarter, the ramp up to a throughput rate of 100 Mtpa remains on schedule for the end of 2023.

At the S3 Expansion, detailed design is progressing well. Long-lead mining fleet and long-lead process plant equipment have been ordered with deliveries expected to commence in the second half of 2023. Overall project procurement is approximately 33% committed as at the end of the quarter. The majority of the capital spend on the S3 Expansion is expected in late-2023 and 2024.

At Enterprise, nameplate capacity of the process plant was temporarily demonstrated during the second quarter. First production of nickel concentrate was achieved in the second quarter and first concentrate sale is expected in the third quarter of 2023. The ramp-up continues to commercial production and full plant throughput in 2024.

At the Las Cruces Underground Project, work continues to advance with the release of the NI 43-101 Technical Report on Reserves and Resources expected later in the year. The proposed underground project involves supplementing the existing copper facilities at Las Cruces with additional processing capacity for zinc, silver and lead. The Las Cruces Underground Project is awaiting Board approval, which is not expected before the end of 2023 and will take into consideration prevailing economic conditions and the Company's debt reduction objectives.

GREENFIELD PROJECTS

The primary Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ("ESIA") for Taca Taca was submitted to the Secretariat of Mining of Salta Province in 2019 and supplementary information on tailings and waste management were filed to the authority during 2022. As a part of the revision process, in June 2023, the Company received a second set of observations to the ESIA and is currently working to provide the requested information. Approval of the ESIA is expected in 2023. The Phase III groundwater exploration campaign successfully concluded during the second quarter of 2023, with eighteen pumping wells constructed and tested, obtaining positive results. The initial water use permit applications were submitted during the second quarter of 2023 and the remaining will be submitted progressively in 2023.

At Haquira, negotiations for land access to support a drill program were resumed during the second quarter and agreements were reached with three local communities. The Company is working on upgrading camp facilities, preparing required logistics including local suppliers and workers, renewing and/or progressing applicable environmental permits, and formalizing access contracts, with the aim of starting an in-fill drilling campaign at Haquira East deposit during the second half of 2023. The Company hopes to resume land access discussions with the remaining communities to extend the drilling program into Haquira West and other targets in the area of the project.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Gross profit for the second quarter of $265 million was 5% lower than Q1 2023 due to higher depreciation, while EBITDA 4 of $568 million for the same period was 10% higher due to higher sales volumes, partially offset by lower realized metal prices.

of $568 million for the same period was 10% higher due to higher sales volumes, partially offset by lower realized metal prices. Cash flows from operating activities of $719 million ($1.04 per share 5 ) for the quarter were $420 million higher than Q1 2023 due mainly to working capital movements related to trade and other receivables and trade and other payables.

) for the quarter were $420 million higher than Q1 2023 due mainly to working capital movements related to trade and other receivables and trade and other payables. Net debt 1 decreased by $130 million during the quarter, taking the net debt 1 balance to $5,650 million as at June 30, 2023. As at June 30, 2023, total debt was $6,528 million (March 31, 2023, total debt was $6,878 million). The decrease in net debt 1 and total debt 1 was attributable to the favourable timing of working capital cash flows.

decreased by $130 million during the quarter, taking the net debt balance to $5,650 million as at June 30, 2023. As at June 30, 2023, total debt was $6,528 million (March 31, 2023, total debt was $6,878 million). The decrease in net debt and total debt was attributable to the favourable timing of working capital cash flows. On May 17, the Company announced an offering of $1.3 billion of Senior Notes due 2031. Proceeds from the offering was used towards the repayment of $970 million of the Company's existing revolving credit facility and a $300 million redemption of the Company's outstanding Senior Notes due 2025.

On July 25, the Company announced an interim dividend of CDN$0.08 per share, in respect of the financial year ended December 31, 2023 (July 26, 2022: CDN$0.16 per share), to be paid on September 19, 2023 to shareholders of record on August 28, 2023.

__________________

1 EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measures and net debt is a supplementary financial measure. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See "Regulatory Disclosures"

2 Cash flows from operating activities per share, copper C1 cash cost (copper C1), and copper all-in sustaining cost (copper AISC) are non-GAAP ratios which do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See "Regulatory Disclosures".

CONSOLIDATED OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS

QUARTERLY Q2 2023 Q1 2023 Q2 2022 Copper production (tonnes)1 187,175 138,753 192,668 Cobre Panama 90,086 65,427 90,778 Kansanshi 34,657 28,683 39,719 Sentinel 54,045 36,232 52,447 Other Sites 8,387 8,411 9,724 Copper sales (tonnes) 177,362 150,287 187,642 Cobre Panama 86,964 70,028 90,568 Kansanshi2 30,732 31,538 35,966 Sentinel 51,135 40,313 50,912 Other Sites 8,531 8,408 10,196 Gold production (ounces) 52,561 47,874 74,959 Cobre Panama 28,994 23,878 36,931 Kansanshi 16,346 15,960 27,937 Guelb Moghrein 6,686 7,585 9,060 Other sites 535 451 1,031 Gold sales (ounces)3 48,640 51,941 69,998 Cobre Panama 26,881 28,853 35,251 Kansanshi 15,825 17,244 26,775 Guelb Moghrein 5,233 5,482 6,974 Other sites 701 362 998 Nickel production (contained tonnes)4 5,976 5,917 4,853 Nickel sales (contained tonnes) 5,906 5,846 2,892 Cash cost of copper production (C1) (per lb)5,6 $ 1.98 $ 2.24 $ 1.74 Total cost of copper production (C3) (per lb)5,6,7 $ 2.92 $ 3.30 $ 2.73 Copper all-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb)5,6,7 $ 2.64 $ 2.87 $ 2.37

1 Production is presented on a contained basis, and is presented prior to processing through the Kansanshi smelter.

2 Sales include third-party sales of concentrate, cathode and anode attributable to Kansanshi. Sales exclude the sale of copper anode produced from third-party concentrate purchased at Kansanshi. Sales of copper anode attributable to third party concentrate purchases were 8,821 tonnes for the three months ended June 30, 2023 (580 tonnes for the three months ended June 30, 2022).

3 Excludes refinery-backed gold credits purchased and delivered under the precious metal streaming arrangement (see "Precious Metal Stream Arrangement").

4 Nickel production includes 220 tonnes of pre-commercial production from Enterprise, which is not included in earnings or C1, C3 and AISC calculations.

5 Copper all-in sustaining cost (copper AISC), copper C1 cash cost (copper C1), and total cost of copper (copper C3) are non-GAAP ratios, which do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See "Regulatory Disclosures".

6 Excludes the sale of copper anode produced from third-party concentrate purchased at Kansanshi. Sales of copper anode attributable to third party concentrate purchases were 8,821 tonnes for the three months ended June 30, 2023 (580 tonnes for the three months ended June 30, 2022).

7 Copper C3 and AISC for the three months ended June 30, 2023 exclude $18 million royalty attributable to ZCCM-IH relating to the year ended December 31, 2022.

REALIZED METAL PRICES1

QUARTERLY Q2 2023 Q1 2023 Q2 2022 Average LME copper cash price (per lb) $ 3.84 $ 4.05 $ 4.31 Realized copper price (per lb) $ 3.75 $ 3.95 $ 4.19 Treatment/refining charges ("TC/RC") (per lb) $ (0.15 ) $ (0.14 ) $ (0.14 ) Freight charges (per lb) $ (0.03 ) $ (0.02 ) $ (0.03 ) Net realized copper price1 (per lb) $ 3.57 $ 3.79 $ 4.02 Average LBMA cash price (per oz) $ 1,976 $ 1,890 $ 1,872 Net realized gold price1,2 (per oz) $ 1,797 $ 1,766 $ 1,736 Average LME nickel cash price $ 10.12 $ 11.79 $ 13.13 Net realized nickel price1 $ 9.50 $ 10.25 $ 10.09

1 Realized metal prices are a non-GAAP ratio, do not have standardized meanings under IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See "Regulatory Disclosures" for further information. 2 Excludes gold revenues recognized under the precious metal stream arrangement.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

QUARTERLY Q2 2023 Q1 2023 Q2 2022 Sales revenues 1,651 1,558 1,904 Gross profit 265 280 629 Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company 93 75 419 Basic earnings per share $ 0.13 $ 0.11 $ 0.61 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.13 $ 0.11 $ 0.60 Cash flows from operating activities 719 299 904 Net debt1 5,650 5,780 5,339 EBITDA2,3 568 518 906 Adjusted earnings2 85 76 337 Adjusted earnings per share4 $ 0.12 $ 0.11 $ 0.49 Realized copper price (per lb)4 $ 3.75 $ 3.95 $ 4.19 Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company 93 75 419 Adjustments attributable to shareholders of the Company: Adjustment for expected phasing of Zambian value-added tax ("VAT") receipts (31 ) (23 ) 106 Total adjustments to EBITDA2 excluding depreciation 15 22 (238 ) Tax and minority interest adjustments 8 2 50 Adjusted earnings2 85 76 337

1 Net debt is a supplementary financial measure which does not have a standardized meaning under IFRS, and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See "Regulatory Disclosures.

2 EBITDA and adjusted earnings are non-GAAP financial measures, which do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. Adjusted earnings have been adjusted to exclude items from the corresponding IFRS measure, net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company, which are not considered by management to be reflective of underlying performance. The Company has disclosed these measures to assist with the understanding of results and to provide further financial information about the results to investors and may not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. The use of adjusted earnings and EBITDA represents the Company's adjusted earnings metrics. See "Regulatory Disclosures".

3 Adjustments to EBITDA in 2023 relate principally to royalties payable to ZCCM-IH for the year ended December 31, 2022, and foreign exchange revaluations (2022 - foreign exchange revaluations).

4 Adjusted earnings per share, realized metal prices, copper all-in sustaining cost (copper AISC), copper C1 cash cost (copper C1), and total cost of copper (copper C3) are non-GAAP ratios which do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See "Regulatory Disclosures".

2023 GUIDANCE

Production at the three major copper operations is expected to be higher in the second half of the year following a challenging start to the year. Guidance for copper, gold and nickel production remains unchanged, however, full year production for each metal is expected to be towards the lower end of guidance to reflect year-to-date production.

C1 cash cost1 and AISC1 for both copper and nickel remains unchanged, however, full year costs are expected to be towards the upper end of guidance. Unit cash costs1 are expected to decrease in the second half of the year with higher production.

Any non-profit based top-up tax to meet the minimum contribution at Cobre Panama is expected to be recognized within operating profit and AISC1. The AISC1 range remains unchanged and is able to accommodate the expected impact of between $0.00 per lb to $0.05 per lb.

Guidance for total capital expenditure remains unchanged at $1,600 million. Guidance excludes any capitalized pre-commercial production costs. Capital expenditure for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 was $321 million and $586 million, respectively. Expenditure on the S3 Expansion project to date is approximately $76 million, with $35 million spent this year.

Interest expense on debt for the full year 2023 is expected to be approximately $510 million and excludes interest accrued on related party loans to Cobre Panama and Ravensthorpe, a finance cost accreted on the precious metal streaming arrangement, capitalized interest expense and accretion on asset retirement obligation ("ARO"). Cash outflow on interest paid is expected to be approximately $505 million for the full year 2023.

The full year 2023 depreciation expense is expected to be between $1,250 million to $1,275 million.

At current consensus pricing, the adjusted effective tax rate for the Company for the full year 2023 is expected to be between 35% and 40%. It is anticipated that the effective tax rate for the Group in the second half of the year will be higher than this rate as the income tax expense is adjusted to the full year rate under the Refreshed Concession Contract when the agreement is passed into law, rather than the Law 9 basis used in the current quarter.

PRODUCTION GUIDANCE

000's 2023 Copper (tonnes) 770 - 840 Gold (ounces) 265 - 295 Nickel (contained tonnes) 28 - 38

PRODUCTION GUIDANCE BY OPERATION2

Copper production guidance (000's tonnes) 2023 Cobre Panama 350 - 380 Kansanshi 130 - 150 Sentinel 260 - 280 Other sites 30 Gold production guidance (000's ounces) Cobre Panama 140 - 160 Kansanshi 95 - 105 Other sites 30 Nickel production guidance (000's contained tonnes) Ravensthorpe 23 - 28 Enterprise 5 - 10

1 C1 cash cost (C1), and all-in sustaining cost (AISC) are non-GAAP ratios, and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See "Regulatory Disclosures"

2 Production is stated on a 100% basis as the Company consolidates all operations.



CASH COST AND ALL-IN SUSTAINING COST1

Copper 2023 C11 (per lb) $1.65 - $1.85 AISC1 (per lb) $2.25 - $2.45 Ravensthorpe Nickel 2023 C11 (per lb) $7.00 - $8.50 AISC1 (per lb) $9.00 - $10.50

1 C1 cash cost (C1), and all-in sustaining cost (AISC) are non-GAAP ratios, and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See "Regulatory Disclosures"

ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE ("ESG")

The Company published its primary sustainability report, the 2022 ESG Report, as well as the 2022 Tax Transparency and Contributions to Governments Report, in May 2023. The latest reports can be found in the ESG Analyst Centre on the Company's website: https://www.first-quantum.com/English/sustainability/esg-analyst-centre/default.aspx (https://www.first-quantum.com/English/sustainability/esg-analyst-centre/default.aspx). These include the TCFD-aligned Climate Change Reports, ESG Reports, Tax Transparency and Contributions to Government Reports, as well as the Company's sustainability policies. Following the publication of the 2022 ESG Report, the Company hosted its inaugural virtual ESG Day in June 2023. A replay of the webcast can be found on the Presentations and Events page of the Company's website: https://first-quantum.com/English/investors/presentations-and-events/default.aspx. (https://first-quantum.com/English/investors/presentations-and-events/default.aspx)

COMPLETE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The complete Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 are available at www.first-quantum.com (http://www.first-quantum.com) and at www.sedar.com (https://www.sedar.com) and should be read in conjunction with this news release.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

The Company will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the results on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 9:00 am (ET).

Conference call and webcast details:

Toll-free North America: 1-800-319-4610

Toll-free International: +1-604-638-5340

Webcast: Direct link (https://www.gowebcasting.com/events/first-quantum/2023/07/26/second-quarter-2023-results/play) or on our website (https://www.first-quantum.com/English/investors/presentations-and-events/default.aspx)

A replay of the webcast will be available on the First Quantum website.

For further information, visit our website at www.first-quantum.com (http://www.first-quantum.com) or contact:

Bonita To, Director, Investor Relations

(416) 361-6400 Toll-free: 1 (888) 688-6577

E-Mail: info@fqml.com (mailto:info@fqml.com)

REGULATORY DISCLOSURES

Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures

EBITDA, ADJUSTED EARNINGS AND ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

EBITDA, adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share exclude certain impacts which the Company believes are not reflective of the Company's underlying performance for the reporting period. These include impairment and related charges, foreign exchange revaluation gains and losses, gains and losses on disposal of assets and liabilities, one-time costs related to acquisitions, dispositions, restructuring and other transactions, revisions in estimates of restoration provisions at closed sites, debt extinguishment and modification gains and losses, the tax effect on unrealized movements in the fair value of derivatives designated as hedged instruments, and adjustments for expected phasing of Zambian VAT receipts.



QUARTERLY Q2 2023 Q1 2023 Q2 2022 Operating profit 252 225 856 Depreciation 301 271 288 Other adjustments: Foreign exchange loss (gain) (15 ) 16 (239 ) Royalty payable to ZCCM-IH1 18 - - Other expense 3 6 2 Revisions in estimates of restoration provisions at closed sites 9 - (1 ) Total adjustments excluding depreciation 15 22 (238 ) EBITDA 568 518 906

1 The three months ended June 30, 2023, include royalty attributable due to ZCCM-IH of $18 million relating to the year ended December 31, 2022.

QUARTERLY Q2 2023 Q1 2023 Q2 2022 Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company 93 75 419 Adjustments attributable to shareholders of the Company: Adjustment for expected phasing of Zambian VAT (31 ) (23 ) 106 Total adjustments to EBITDA excluding depreciation 15 22 (238 ) Tax and minority interest adjustments 8 2 50 Adjusted earnings 85 76 337 Basic earnings per share as reported $ 0.13 $ 0.11 $ 0.61 Adjusted earnings per share $ 0.12 $ 0.11 $ 0.49

REALIZED METAL PRICES

Realized metal prices are used by the Company to enable management to better evaluate sales revenues in each reporting period. Realized metal prices are calculated as gross metal sales revenues divided by the volume of metal sold in lbs. Net realized metal price is inclusive of the treatment and refining charges (TC/RC) and freight charges per lb.

OPERATING CASHFLOW PER SHARE

In calculating the operating cash flow per share, the operating cash flow calculated for IFRS purposes is divided by the basic weighted average common shares outstanding for the respective period.

NET DEBT

Net debt is comprised of bank overdrafts and total debt less unrestricted cash and cash equivalents.

CASH COST, ALL-IN SUSTAINING COST, TOTAL COST

The consolidated cash cost (C1), all-in sustaining cost (AISC) and total cost (C3) presented by the Company are measures that are prepared on a basis consistent with the industry standard definitions by the World Gold Council and Brook Hunt cost guidelines but are not measures recognized under IFRS. In calculating the C1 cash cost, AISC and C3, total cost for each segment, the costs are measured on the same basis as the segmented financial information that is contained in the financial statements.

C1 cash cost includes all mining and processing costs less any profits from by-products such as gold, silver, zinc, pyrite, cobalt, sulphuric acid, or iron magnetite and is used by management to evaluate operating performance. TC/RC and freight deductions on metal sales, which are typically recognized as a component of sales revenues, are added to C1 cash cost to arrive at an approximate cost of finished metal.

AISC is defined as cash cost (C1) plus general and administrative expenses, sustaining capital expenditure, deferred stripping, royalties and lease payments and is used by management to evaluate performance inclusive of sustaining expenditure required to maintain current production levels.

C3 total cost is defined as AISC less sustaining capital expenditure, deferred stripping and general and administrative expenses net of insurance, plus depreciation and exploration. This metric is used by management to evaluate the operating performance inclusive of costs not classified as sustaining in nature such as exploration and depreciation.

For the three months ended June 30, 2023 Cobre Panama



Kansanshi Sentinel Guelb Moghrein Las Cruces Cayeli Pyhasalmi Copper Corporate & other Ravensthorpe Total Cost of sales1 (469 ) (374 ) (334 ) (41 ) (23 ) (19 ) (5 ) (1,265 ) (1 ) (120 ) (1,386 ) Adjustments: Depreciation 149 56 74 2 - 4 1 286 - 15 301 By-product credits 32 30 - 26 - 3 5 96 - 3 99 Royalties 13 55 26 1 1 2 - 98 - 5 103 Treatment and refining charges (45 ) (5 ) (11 ) (2 ) - (3 ) - (66 ) - - (66 ) Freight costs - - (6 ) - - (2 ) - (8 ) - - (8 ) Finished goods (5 ) (8 ) 13 (5 ) (1 ) 3 (1 ) (4 ) - 5 1 Other4 2 69 5 (1 ) 3 1 - 79 1 3 83 Cash cost (C1)2,4 (323 ) (177 ) (233 ) (20 ) (20 ) (11 ) - (784 ) - (89 ) (873 ) Adjustments: Depreciation (excluding depreciation in finished goods) (148 ) (55 ) (70 ) (3 ) - (4 ) (1 ) (281 ) (1 ) (14 ) (296 ) Royalties5 (13 ) (37 ) (26 ) (1 ) (1 ) (2 ) - (80 ) - (5 ) (85 ) Other (6 ) (2 ) (3 ) 1 - - - (10 ) - (1 ) (11 ) Total cost (C3)2,4 (490 ) (271 ) (332 ) (23 ) (21 ) (17 ) (1 ) (1,155 ) (1 ) (109 ) (1,265 ) Cash cost (C1)2,4 (323 ) (177 ) (233 ) (20 ) (20 ) (11 ) - (784 ) - (89 ) (873 ) Adjustments: General and administrative expenses (12 ) (7 ) (10 ) (1 ) - - - (30 ) - (3 ) (33 ) Sustaining capital expenditure and deferred stripping3 (61 ) (45 ) (40 ) (1 ) - (1 ) - (148 ) - (7 ) (155 ) Royalties5 (13 ) (37 ) (26 ) (1 ) (1 ) (2 ) - (80 ) - (5 ) (85 ) Lease payments (1 ) - - - (1 ) - - (2 ) - (1 ) (3 ) AISC2,4 (410 ) (266 ) (309 ) (23 ) (22 ) (14 ) - (1,044 ) - (105 ) (1,149 ) AISC (per lb)2,4 $ 2.16 $ 3.60 $ 2.71 $ 2.92 $ 5.49 $ 2.16 - $ 2.64 - $ 11.17 Cash cost - (C1)

(per lb)2,4 $ 1.71 $ 2.36 $ 2.04 $ 2.30 $ 5.13 $ 1.72 - $ 1.98 - $ 9.58 Total cost - (C3)

(per lb)2,4 $ 2.59 $ 3.68 $ 2.91 $ 2.83 $ 5.23 $ 2.59 - $ 2.92 - $ 11.76

1 Total cost of sales per the Consolidated Statement of Earnings in the Company's unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

2 C1 cash cost (C1), total costs (C3), and all-in sustaining costs (AISC) are non-GAAP ratios which do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See "Regulatory Disclosures".

3 Sustaining capital and deferred stripping are non-GAAP financial measures which do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See "Regulatory Disclosures".

4 Excludes purchases of copper concentrate from third parties treated through the Kansanshi Smelter.

5 Royalties in C3 and AISC costs exclude the 2022 impact of $18 million attributable to the 3.1% sale of a gross royalty interest in Kansanshi Mining Plc to ZCCM-IH.



For the three months ended June 30, 2022 Cobre Panama



Kansanshi Sentinel Guelb Moghrein Las Cruces Cayeli Pyhasalmi Copper Corporate & other Ravensthorpe Total Cost of sales1 (478 ) (274 ) (293 ) (48 ) (30 ) (13 ) (7 ) (1,143 ) (36 ) (96 ) (1,275 ) Adjustments: Depreciation 155 48 66 3 - 4 1 277 1 10 288 By-product credits 49 55 - 31 - 1 7 143 - 5 148 Royalties 16 38 47 2 1 3 - 107 - 3 110 Treatment and refining charges (34 ) (6 ) (12 ) (2 ) - (1 ) - (55 ) - - (55 ) Freight costs - 1 (10 ) - - (2 ) - (11 ) - - (11 ) Finished goods (3 ) (32 ) (15 ) 1 3 (3 ) (2 ) (51 ) - (25 ) (76 ) Other 3 13 7 (1 ) 5 (1 ) (1 ) 25 35 4 64 Cash cost (C1)2 (292 ) (157 ) (210 ) (14 ) (21 ) (12 ) (2 ) (708 ) - (99 ) (807 ) Adjustments: Depreciation (excluding depreciation in finished goods) (156 ) (56 ) (68 ) (3 ) - (4 ) (1 ) (288 ) - (12 ) (300 ) Royalties (16 ) (38 ) (47 ) (2 ) (1 ) (3 ) - (107 ) - (3 ) (110 ) Other (3 ) (4 ) (2 ) (1 ) 1 - - (9 ) - (1 ) (10 ) Total cost (C3)2 (467 ) (255 ) (327 ) (20 ) (21 ) (19 ) (3 ) (1,112 ) - (115 ) (1,227 ) Cash cost (C1)2 (292 ) (157 ) (210 ) (14 ) (21 ) (12 ) (2 ) (708 ) - (99 ) (807 ) Adjustments: - General and administrative expenses (11 ) (6 ) (8 ) - - (1 ) - (26 ) - (3 ) (29 ) Sustaining capital expenditure and deferred stripping3 (38 ) (41 ) (42 ) (1 ) - - - (122 ) - (7 ) (129 ) Royalties (16 ) (38 ) (47 ) (2 ) (1 ) (3 ) - (107 ) - (3 ) (110 ) Lease payments (1 ) - - - - - - (1 ) - - (1 ) AISC2 (358 ) (242 ) (307 ) (17 ) (22 ) (16 ) (2 ) (964 ) - (112 ) (1,076 ) AISC (per lb)2 $ 1.88 $ 2.85 $ 2.76 $ 2.49 $ 3.78 $ 2.46 $ 0.74 $ 2.37 - $ 11.78 Cash cost - (C1)

(per lb)2 $ 1.54 $ 1.83 $ 1.88 $ 2.02 $ 3.53 $ 1.86 $ 0.81 $ 1.74 - $ 10.08 Total cost - (C3)

(per lb)2 $ 2.46 $ 3.00 $ 2.94 $ 2.81 $ 3.61 $ 2.96 $ 1.25 $ 2.73 - $ 12.05

1 Total cost of sales per the Consolidated Statement of Earnings in the Company's unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

2 C1 cash cost (C1), total costs (C3) and all-in sustaining costs (AISC) are non-GAAP ratios which do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See "Regulatory Disclosures".

3 Sustaining capital and deferred stripping are non-GAAP financial measures which do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See "Regulatory Disclosures".

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements include estimates, forecasts and statements as to the Company's expectations of production and sales volumes, the Company's agreement with the Government of Panama regarding the long term future of Cobre Panama and approval of the same by the National Assembly of Panama, expected timing of completion of project development at Enterprise and post-completion construction activity at Cobre Panama and are subject to the impact of ore grades on future production, the potential of production disruptions, potential production, operational, labour or marketing disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, capital expenditure and mine production costs, the outcome of mine permitting, other required permitting, the outcome of legal proceedings which involve the Company, information with respect to the future price of copper, gold, nickel, silver, iron, cobalt, pyrite, zinc and sulphuric acid, estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources, First Quantum's exploration and development program, estimated future expenses, exploration and development capital requirements, the Company's hedging policy, and goals and strategies; plans, targets and commitments regarding climate change-related physical and transition risks and opportunities (including intended actions to address such risks and opportunities), greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency and carbon intensity, use of renewable energy sources, design, development and operation of the Company's projects and future reporting regarding climate change and environmental matters; the Company's expectations regarding increased demand for copper; the Company's project pipeline and development and growth plans. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, the Company has made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about continuing production at all operating facilities, the price of copper, gold, nickel, silver, iron, cobalt, pyrite, zinc and sulphuric acid, anticipated costs and expenditures, the success of Company's actions and plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and carbon intensity of its operations, and the ability to achieve the Company's goals. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to, future production volumes and costs, the temporary or permanent closure of uneconomic operations, costs for inputs such as oil, power and sulphur, political stability in Panama, Zambia, Peru, Mauritania, Finland, Spain, Turkey, Argentina and Australia, adverse weather conditions in Panama, Zambia, Finland, Spain, Turkey, Mauritania, and Australia, labour disruptions, potential social and environmental challenges (including the impact of climate change), power supply, mechanical failures, water supply, procurement and delivery of parts and supplies to the operations, the production of off-spec material and events generally impacting global economic, political and social stability. For mineral resource and mineral reserve figures appearing or referred to herein, varying cut-off grades have been used depending on the mine, method of extraction and type of ore contained in the orebody.

See the Company's Annual Information Form for additional information on risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to the forward-looking statements and information. Although the Company has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause actual results, performances, achievements or events not as anticipated, estimated or intended. Also, many of these factors are beyond First Quantum's control. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to reissue or update forward-looking statements or information as a result of new information or events after the date hereof except as may be required by law. All forward-looking statements made and information contained herein are qualified by this cautionary statement.
Results significantly impacted by the continuing shutdown of the Kurdistan Oil Export Pipeline; production operations partially restarted in July to support local oil sales

Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2023) - Forza Petroleum Limited (TSX: FORZ) ("Forza Petroleum" or the "Corporation") today announces its financial and operational results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. All dollar amounts set forth in this news release are in United States dollars.

Financial Highlights:

Revenue of $1.3 million for Q2 2023, consisting of an average realized sales price of $28.28/barrel of oil ("bbl") on working interest oil sales of 39,300 bbl and $0.2 million in recovery of carried costs. The Corporation has received full payment in accordance with production sharing contract entitlements for all oil sales into the Kurdistan Oil Export Pipeline through September 2022, with a $63 million balance outstanding for oil sales from October 2022 through March 2023. Payment for local oil sales completed during the quarter were settled by buyers in advance.



Field operating costs, representing the Corporation's working interest share of operating expenses, of $4.4 million for Q2 2023 versus $6.0 million for Q2 2022. Field operating costs decreased versus the comparable period because of decreases in facilities, security, diesel and equipment costs resulting primarily from reduced operations.



Loss of $131.3 million ($0.22 per common share) in Q2 2023 versus profit of $31.5 million ($0.05 per common share) in Q2 2022 primarily the result of impairment expense and a decrease in net revenue.

Net cash used in operating activities was $5.8 million in Q2 2023 versus net cash generated from operating activities of $45.6 million in Q2 2022.

Net cash used in investing activities during Q2 2023 was $2.6 million, primarily consisting of costs related to drilling commitments, versus $18.7 million in Q2 2022.

$71.2 million of cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2023.

Operations Update:

Average gross (100%) oil production of 605 bbl/d (working interest 400 bbl/d) in Q2 2023, exclusively from the Banan-4 well in the Banan West fault block which was being produced at a restricted rate rather than shut-in to minimize risk of damage to well facilities.

Given the previously announced suspension of the Corporation's work program for the balance of 2023, activity was limited during the second quarter of 2023.

Installation of a pipeline connecting the Banan field to the Hawler production facilities at the Demir Dagh field is nearing completion with commissioning expected during the third quarter of 2023.

The Corporation's work program for the balance of 2023 remains suspended pending reopening of the Kurdistan Oil Export Pipeline and clarity regarding collection of overdue payments for oil sales and the terms applicable for future oil sales.

Liquidity Outlook:

The Corporation expects cash on hand as of June 30, 2023, cash receipts from oil sales, and, if required, up to $15 million in funding from the Corporation's principal shareholder, will fund its forecasted capital expenditures and operating and administrative costs through the end of September 2024 and the $76.2 million in deferred purchase consideration due and payable in connection with the original acquisition of the Hawler license area.

CEO's Comment

Commenting today, Forza Petroleum's Chief Executive Officer, Shane Cloninger, stated:

"With the Kurdistan Oil Export Pipeline (KOEP) closed for the entire second quarter, production from the Hawler license area remained substantially shut-in. The Corporation was limited in its ability to generate revenue, primarily from the sale of oil-in-inventory to the local market.

Concerning the reopening of the KOEP, there continues to be a lack of clarity surrounding the steps towards a resolution among the Kurdistan Regional Government, the Federal Government of Iraq and officials in the Republic of Turkey. No timeline has been provided to the Corporation regarding when exports will resume.

Due to the above and the ongoing delay in collection of overdue payments for oil sales, Forza Petroleum's work program for the balance of 2023 remains suspended. Additional efforts have been made to reduce operating and administrative costs, as well as renegotiating facilities, equipment, and security expenditures. Further cost cutting will be required in the event the export pipeline does not reopen in the near-term.

In the meantime, the Corporation has pursued oil sales to the local market to cover necessary costs. In early July, OP Hawler Kurdistan Limited, the Corporation's operating subsidiary in the Kurdistan Region, entered a 31-day contract to sell gross (100%) 8,000 bbl/d at $29/bbl. Full payment in accordance with production sharing contract entitlements was received from the buyer in advance.

A strong balance sheet, lean cost structure, and a supportive principal shareholder enable Forza Petroleum to endure an extended closure of the KOEP. We remain hopeful that meetings between the relevant governments will result in a prompt reopening of exports and resolution of all matters relating to the sale of oil produced from the Kurdistan Region."

Selected Financial Results

Financial results are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and the reporting currency is US dollars. The following table summarizes selected financial highlights for Forza Petroleum for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022, as well as the year ended December 31, 2022.





Three Months Ended June 30



Six Months

Ended June 30



Year Ended

December 31 ($ in millions unless otherwise indicated)

2023



2022



2023



2022



2022































Revenue

1.3



98.8



49.1



181.1



323.8





















Working Interest Production (bbl)

35,800



873,200



783,400



1,725,800



3,442,000 Average WI Production per day (bbl/d)

400



9,600



4,300



9,500



9,400 Working Interest Oil Sales (bbl)

39,300



877,500



777,400



1,728,500



3,445,400 Average Realized Sales Price ($/bbl)

28.28



94.28



52.88



87.77



78.71



















Operating Expense

6.7



9.3



15.2



17.9



37.2 Field Operating Costs ($/bbl)(1)

111.07



6.85



12.71



6.75



7.02 Operating Expense ($/bbl)

170.87



10.54



19.55



10.38



10.80





















(Loss) / Profit

(131.3 )

31.5



(133.1 )

53.8



(138.0 ) Basic and Diluted (Loss) / Profit

per Share ($/sh)

(0.22 )

0.05



(0.22 )

0.09



(0.23 )





















Net Cash (used in) / generated from

Operating Activities

(5.8 )

45.6



12.8



58.2



112.0 Net Cash used in Investing Activities

(2.6 )

(18.7 )

(12.7 )

(39.4 )

(65.5 ) Capital Additions(2)

2.2



10.3



16.4



29.3



58.9





















Cash and Cash Equivalents

71.2



43.5



71.2



43.5



71.1 Total Assets

322.0



633.9



322.0



633.9



448.2 Total Liabilities

124.1



112.9



124.1



112.9



117.4 Total Equity

197.9



521.1



197.9



521.1



330.7

(1)Field operating costs represent Forza Petroleum's working interest share of gross operating costs and exclude the partner share of operating costs carried by Forza Petroleum.

(2)Excludes non-cash changes to the decommissioning obligation.

Revenue decreased to $1.3 million in Q2 2023 versus $98.8 million in Q2 2022 due primarily to a 70% decrease in realized average oil sales prices and a 96% decrease in oil sales volumes. Gross (working interest) production and sales of oil in Q2 2023 were 35,800 barrels and 39,300 barrels, respectively, versus 873,200 barrels and 877,500 barrels, respectively, for Q2 2022. Sales volumes in Q2 2023 were significantly impacted by the shutdown of the Kurdistan Oil Export Pipeline. The average oil sales price realized in Q2 2023 was $28.28 per barrel versus $94.28 for Q2 2022. In addition to oil sales, revenue for Q2 2023 includes the recovery of $0.2 million of carried costs, versus the recovery of $16.0 million of carried costs in Q2 2022.

Operating expense, which includes the Corporation's carry of partner costs, decreased to $6.7 million in Q2 2023 versus $9.3 million in Q2 2022 and is primarily attributable to decreases in facilities, diesel, security and equipment costs. Costs were lower on decreased activity, including production operations that were substantially shut-in. Operating expenses on a per barrel basis were significantly impacted by the shutdown of the Kurdistan Oil Export Pipeline and substantial shut-in of production from the Hawler license area.

General and administration expense of $1.4 million in Q2 2023 was comparable to $1.4 million in Q2 2022 with reduced accruals for discretionary compensation in Q2 2023 offset by decreased time-writing to projects. Of general and administration expense, 65% is forecast to be cost recoverable from the Corporation's oil and gas operations.

Loss for the three months ended June 30, 2023 was $131.3 million compared to profit of $31.5 million for Q2 2022. The weakened result is primarily attributable to an $121.4 million impairment expense relating to the Hawler license area and a $57.5 million decrease in net revenue resulting from decreases in both realized average oil sales prices and oil sales volumes.

Sales volumes were 96% lower in Q2 2023 versus Q2 2022, due primarily to the shutdown of the Kurdistan Oil Export Pipeline, and 95% lower versus Q1 2023.

Cash used in operating activities was $5.8 million in Q2 2023 compared to cash generated from operating activities of $45.6 million in Q2 2022. The decrease mainly relates to lower crude oil sales revenue payments received, with the Ministry of Natural Resources settling no outstanding sales invoices during Q2 2023.

Cash used in investing activities was $2.6 million in Q2 2023 compared to $18.7 million in Q2 2022.

Capital additions in Q2 2023, which excludes non-cash changes to the decommissioning obligation, totalled $2.2 million compared to $10.3 million in Q2 2022. Spending was limited, consisting of $2.0 million of drilling costs that were previously committed to and could not be deferred or avoided. Capital expenditures during the quarter also included $0.2 million of facilities expenditures and $0.1 million of directly attributable support costs.

Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $71.2 million at June 30, 2023 from $79.6 million at March 31, 2023 reflecting $5.8 million used in operating activities and $2.6 million used in investing activities.

The Corporation is obligated to make a further payment to the seller of the Hawler license area in the amount of $76.2 million. Any settlement of the amount, due and payable as of March 31, 2023, is subject to receipt of a payment direction and appropriate documentation to comply with settlement regulations. Once that is satisfactorily received, based on historical experience with the counterparty, it is expected that agreement could be reached for payments to be scheduled to align with the Corporation's cash resources, if necessary.

As at July 25, 2023, there are outstanding: (i) 600,306,357 common shares, and (ii) unvested Long Term Incentive Plan awards which are expected to result in the issuance of up to an additional 13,629,978 common shares upon vesting.

Regulatory Filings

This announcement coincides with the filing with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities of Forza Petroleum's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and the related management's discussion and analysis thereon. Copies of these documents filed by Forza Petroleum may be obtained via www.sedar.com and the Corporation's website, www.forzapetroleum.com.

ABOUT FORZA PETROLEUM LIMITED

Forza Petroleum Limited is an international oil exploration, development and production company. The Corporation's shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol "FORZ". Forza Petroleum has a 65% working interest in and operates the Hawler license area in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, which has yielded oil discoveries in four areas. Further information about Forza Petroleum is available at www.forzapetroleum.com or under Forza Petroleum's profile at www.sedar.com.

For additional information about Forza Petroleum, please contact:

Kevin McPhee

General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Tel.: +41 (0) 58 702 93 00

info@forzapetroleum.com

Reader Advisory Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking information", including statements related to forecast work program and capital expenditure, drilling and well workover plans, development plans and schedules and chance of success, future drilling of wells and the reservoirs to be targeted, future facilities work, ultimate recoverability of current and long-term assets, possible commerciality of our projects, future expenditures and sources of financing for such expenditures, expectations that cash on hand as of June 30, 2023, cash receipts from oil sales and, if required, up to $15 million in funding from the Corporation's principal shareholder, will fund the Corporation's forecasted capital expenditures and operating and administrative costs through the end of September 2024 and the $76.2 million in deferred purchase consideration owing in connection with the original acquisition of the Hawler license area, the issuance of shares as a result of the vesting of Long Term Incentive Plan awards, future requirements for additional funding, the expected timing for settlement of liabilities including the deferred purchase consideration arising from the acquisition of OP Hawler Kurdistan Limited in 2011, cost recoverability of general and administration expense, and statements that contain words such as "may", "will", "could", "should", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "expect", "plan", "estimate", "potentially", "project", or the negative of such expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical fact, constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation.

Although Forza Petroleum believes these statements to be reasonable, the assumptions upon which they are based may prove to be incorrect. For more information about these assumptions and risks facing the Corporation, refer to the Corporation's Annual Information Form dated March 23, 2023 available at www.sedar.com and the Corporation's website at www.forzapetroleum.com. Further, statements including forward-looking information in this news release are made as at the date they are given and, except as required by applicable law, Forza Petroleum does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update any forward-looking information, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise. If the Corporation does update one or more statements containing forward-looking information, it is not obligated to, and no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Reader Advisory Regarding Certain Figures

Unless provided otherwise, all production and capacity figures and volumes cited in this news release are gross (100%) values, indicating that figures (i) have not been adjusted for deductions specified in the production sharing contract applicable to the Hawler license area, and (ii) are attributed to the license area as a whole and do not represent Forza Petroleum's working interest in such production, capacity or volumes.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/174875
Kandle.xyz, a Singapore-based crypto fantasy GameFi project, raised USD 1.7m in seed funding.

The round was led by Saama, with participation from PointOne Capital, Cloud Capital, Good Capital, Founders Room, Seeders Fund, and Mr. Sumit Gupta (CEO- CoinDCX), amongst other individual investors in the gaming and financial services industry.

The company intends to use the funds to develop the platform further and expand its user base.

Led by Jaideep Yadav, Kandle has developed Crypto Fantasy Leagues  a game that allows players to choose crypto coins as their battle tokens and face off against other players in a battle of the portfolios. The company plans to release its project roadmap on token issuance, token utility, and a Play-and-Win model. Over the past months, the platform completed beta testing, attracting 80,000+ players during its soft launch. Kandle has established its presence in Indonesia, Vietnam, Nigeria, and India and plans to expand its footprint across Asia and North America.

FinSMEs

25/07/2023
The ward councillor took refuge in a house and refused to come out, fearing for his life.

On Monday, over 300 residents from Kgabalatsane, Itireleng, Kagisanong, and Nkandla, under the Madibeng Local Municipality, North West, near the Gauteng border, took to the streets in protest over electricity and water outages, and the terrible condition of their roads.

Protesters marched towards the home of Ward 10 Councillor Fenky Phaloane (ANC) demanding he address them. Others said he should step down. When they were told he was hiding in a nearby house, the councillor refused to come out, saying, "I am afraid for my life." The protesters hurled insults and eventually left.

Itireleng Village has had a spate of electricity blackouts since last year in addition to load shedding, and the village has been without tap water for almost three months.

Last year more than 200 people from Itireleng and surrounding areas blocked roads with burning tyres and rubble in protest over water outages.

Itireleng resident Gift Boswa said: "A week ago, we spent over six days without electricity and without any explanation. That is why we decided to come and block the roads."

Business owner Dikeledi Taunyane said: "I sell chicken and pork meat at home and also have a baking business. I have not managed to work for the past four days ... I had to throw away my stock worth R3,500."

Kagisanong informal settlement, with over 400 households, was established in 2006.

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"This has come to a boiling point now," said Kagisanong resident Senzeni Dlamini. "In 2015, we paid someone who works for Eskom to steal power for us from Kgabalatsane Village."

"We know that this power is not safe but we don't have any options, since the government doesn't care about us. It is the only way to survive. "

Edward Baloyi, who has lived in Kagisanong for 15 years, said: "Sometimes we go for weeks without a drop of water in Kagisanong."

"We want the truth, no cooked lies. We want to know when we will get electricity and water formally. We don't have a clinic here, the roads are a nightmare to navigate. We are asking the municipality to think of us as human beings as well."

Mayco member for infrastructure Moses Molekoa addressed the residents. He said Eskom was responsible for the ward's power and the City of Tshwane for water. He said the municipality was engaging with the entities.
Panlin Capital, a Shangai, China-based venture capital firm focusing on Chinese technological innovation, closed its 12th RMB-denominated main fund.

Chengdu Panlin Xiangxu Fund is the first established by Panlin Capital in Chengdu, and it is another institutionalized RMB fund established by Panlin Capital after its Shanghai Science and Technology Innovation Flagship Fund.

Panlin Chengdu Xiangxu Fund is a strategic move made by Panlin Capital in Chengdu against market trends, with the support of both new and old investors. In addition to reinvestments from entrepreneur-represented veteran investors, the fund has also received support from institutional investors such as government-guided funds, national master funds, market-based financial institutions, and listed companies. These include local Chengdu institutions such as the Chengdu Productivity Promotion Center, which is a municipal-level science and technology startup angel investment guidance fund, Chengdu Science Service Group, as well as CICC Genesis, a national emerging industry venture capital fund. Listed companies like Luzhou Laojiao (000568) and Eurocrane (603966) are also among the supporters.

Panlin Chengdu Fund focuses on To B and technology fields, guided by demand and technology. It mainly invests in To B companies (software, intelligent equipment, industrial aggregation platforms) that meet the demand for cost reduction, efficiency improvement and quality enhancement of B-end, as well as hard technology enterprises that have autonomous control over domestic replacement or key technology (critical components, equipment category). As of now, the fund has completed investments in several tech projects including Percipio.XYZ, Chipanalog, Terapark, AIPlanck, Easylogic, Ruiyun Cold Chain, Ele007.com and O-cubes.

Based on their early experience in Chengdu, Panlin Capital is planning a new comprehensive fund in Chengdu in conjunction with industries and listed companies. The main investment direction will cover Panlins two major areas: Healthcare and To B and Technology.

FinSMEs

25/07/2023
Trintech, a Plano, Texas-based global provider of cloud-based financial close solutions for the Office of the CFO, acquired Frontier Reconciliation and Accurate Reconciliation from Fiserv (NYSE: FI), a global provider of fintech and payments solutions.

Serving customers across multiple verticals including financial services, telecommunications, retail, insurance and utilities, the acquired reconciliation business will expand Trintechs accounting automation platform.

Through the acquisition, Trintech gains two reconciliation solutions, further enhancing the companys portfolio of capabilities. The addition of Frontier Reconciliation and Accurate Reconciliation, used by more than 400 blue-chip clients across the globe, including eight of the top ten banks and two of the top three insurance companies in the United States, enables these newly acquired clients to benefit from complementary product offerings and differentiated solutions across key U.S. and international markets.

The acquisition also includes the addition of key employees with technical expertise supporting these solutions across North America, EMEA and APAC, bringing Trintechs global headcount to nearly 700. New and existing customers benefit not only from expanded technical talent and capabilities but also by gaining access to Trintechs partner ecosystem of leading technology and service providers. Additionally, as part of an exclusive referral agreement with Fiserv, Trintech expands its global presence and capabilities into new international markets.

Led by Darren Heffernan, CEO, Trintech is a global provider of cloud-based, integrated reconciliation and financial close solutions for Finance & Accounting departments. From high volume transaction matching, to automating and managing balance sheet reconciliations, intercompany accounting, journal entries, close management tasks, to governance, risk and compliance  Trintechs portfolio of financial solutions, including its Cadency Platform (for large enterprises) and Adra Suite (for mid-market organizations), help manage all aspects of the reconciliation and financial close processes. Over 4,200 clients worldwide  including the majority of the Fortune 100  use its solutions to enable their F&A operation to become a strategic partner to the business by optimizing data, controlling risk, driving efficiencies, and providing strategic insights.

Trintech has offices located across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the Nordics, as well as strategic partners in South Africa, Latin America, and the Asia Pacific.

FinSMEs

25/07/2023
Keeping in line with the trend of creating a suspenseful drama-laden reality show, the latest exit from the Bigg Boss house has shifted the audiences attention to who will win the show. In a shocking turn of events, actress-filmmaker Pooja Bhatt temporarily exited the BB house due to health issues. Although not much has been disclosed yet, several media sources suggest an expected comeback by the 51-year-old actress once all the medical tests are carried out successfully. However, according to The Siasat Daily, no official statement has been received from the makers as of now.

Pooja Bhatt is one of the strongest and highest-paid contestants on the show and if her journey ends here, something remarkable will definitely be amiss in the race to the finals. The news was shared on Instagram by one of the popular pages which posts regularly about updates from the show.

Check out the post:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bigg Boss OTT 2 Khabri (@kkk13_biggbossott2.tazakhabar)

Most controversial contestant

In addition to being one of the strongest participants on Bigg Boss OTT 2, Bhatt has also hit the headlines for her schooling, slamming and conflicts with the other house members. May it be her clash with ex-contestants Palak Purswani and Aaliya or in-house contestants Jiya Shankar and Bebika Dhurve, Bhatt has remained in the headlines for her conflict with people. This is one of the prime reasons why people call her the most negative force inside the house.

Personal revelations

Not just for locking horns with others, the Sadak actress stayed in the news for revealing a lot about her personal life on the show. During one such conversation, she disclosed how she quit alcohol. Bhatt explained how her father, director Mahesh Bhatt said that if you genuinely love me, you should first love yourself. This is because, he said, I live inside you. She described how that was a wake-up call for her.

Speaking about her marriage and divorce with VJ Manish Makhija, Bhatt said how she was okay with getting out of her 11 years of marriage. She also clarified how they mutually decided that something was not right and not working out.

In one of the latest revelations, the actress while disclosing her familys educational qualifications claimed that both she and her father are school dropouts. Shedding light on it further, she said she didnt even take her 12th board exams because she didnt feel like it, and her mom was angry and shocked at this.

An ETimes report lists Pooja Bhatts net worth at Rs 47 crore. The veteran actress owns several luxury cars and houses in Mumbai.

The recent Weekend ka Vaar episode saw Falaq Naazz exit the show due to votes received from other contestants for being the least involved on the show.

Bigg Boss OTT 2 streams on Jio Cinema and Voot.
After acting in Maine Pyar Kiya in 1989, actress Pervien Dastur was supposed to star in two more films, one with Salman Khan and the other with Aamir Khan, but fate had other plans. In an interview with a channel called Bollywood Thikana, she revealed she was not getting many exciting roles and offers. Maybe I was spoiled by Rajshri, she was quoted saying.

The two films of Aamir and Salman she was supposed to do were Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke and Sooryavanshi. She built a career in the airline industry as an air hostess and bid adieu to Bollywood.

About Maine Pyar Kiya

Also, much before Salman Khan was called Sultan or Bhaijaan, the superstar was known as Prem, a popular screen name given by filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya, who says, its origins, just like his films, stem from the family. He said in an interview that Salmans character could even have been called Raj, before Prem came about in Barjatyas directorial debut with 1989s Maine Pyar Kiya.

For Barjatya, the journey to arrive at the name which would later become a signature mark for all his films, was a thought-out process. In an interview with Press Trust of India, Barjatya said the name encapsulates everything he wants to say through his films.

When we were working on the script of Maine Pyaar Kiya, we were thinking about the name we should give to the hero. There were options like Gaurav, Pratap and even Raj. This is before Shah Rukh Khan came. So, Raj was also there as an option, he revealed.

The director said there was a lot of deliberation on the name until he realised what he was looking for was within the family.

That time our Rajshri Productions biggest hit was Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaye (1977). Prem Krishen ji was the hero and his name was Prem in that film.

So we all thought if that became a hit, lets use the name for this film too in the hope that this would become a hit too. So thats how this name started and has stayed till now, he added.
Amid the controversy that has erupted over the reference of the Bhagavad Geeta in Christopher Nolans Oppenheimer, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has heaped praises on the film and also reacted to that very controversial scene. He tweeted- Irony is that an American nuclear scientist Oppenheimer read the BhagwadGeeta which I doubt even 0.0000001 % of Indians read.

Irony is that an American nuclear scientist Oppenheimer read the BhagwadGeeta which I doubt even 0.0000001 % of Indians read  Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) July 24, 2023

His next tweet read- If you havent seen #Oppenheimer you havent seen neither LIFE nor CINEMA.

If you havent seen #Oppenheimer you havent seen neither LIFE nor CINEMA  Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) July 23, 2023

His tweet number three- Nolan is the only director who searches for the Intelligence in the audiences minds whereas we all film makers cater to their presumed dumbness.

Nolan is the only director who searches for the Intelligence in the audiences minds whereas we all film makers cater to their presumed dumbness  Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) July 23, 2023

About the scene

Government of Indias Information Commissioner Uday Mahurkar tweeted, sharing a statement from Save Culture Save India Foundation, which read, One is perplexed as to how the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) could approve the movie with this scene. 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.

The statement further read, We do not know the motivation and logic behind this unnecessary scene on life of a scientist. A scene in the movie shows a woman makes a man read Bhagwad Geeta aloud while getting over him and doing sexual intercourse.
The clock is ticking. One of the largest strikes in US history is brewing at United Parcel Service (UPS). As the date for a new contract approach, a potential UPS strike feels closer than ever.

Negotiations broke down earlier this month, prompting unionised UPS workers to take to the streets in rallies and practice pickets across the nation. With less than a week remaining before the current contract expires on Monday, 31 July, the Teamsters, representing more than half of UPSs workforce, will resume talks with the company on today.

The union has authorised a strike and Sean M OBrien, a fiery leader elected last year to lead the union, has vowed to do so if their demands arent met.

Were sending a message all 340,000 of our members are united and ready to fight, OBrien told The Associated Press at a practice picket Friday in Atlanta, where UPS is based.

UPSs unionised workers still seethe about a contract they feel was forced on them in 2018, and say that the company delivers millions more packages every day than it did just five years ago. The Teamsters are calling for better pay, particularly for part-time employees, and improved working conditions.

UPS has maintained that it already offers industry-leading pay and benefits, but says its prepared to increase that compensation. In a Friday update, the company said it aimed quickly to finalise a fair deal that provides certainty for our customers, our employees and businesses across the country.

If negotiations are unsuccessful the deliveries that Americans have come to rely on, particularly since the pandemic began in 2020, could be vastly disrupted. Such an impasse hasnt been seen since 1997, well before delivery of everyday items from dog food to prescription drugs became the norm, when a walkout by 185,000 workers crippled UPS.

Heres a closer look at the brewing storm and whats at stake.

What are the Teamsters asking for?

Much on the unions demands comes down to better pay and improved working conditions.

Annual profits at UPS in the past two years are close to three times what they were before the pandemic. The company returned about $8.6 billion (Rs 70,305,860 crore) to shareholders in the form of dividends and stock buybacks in 2022, and forecast another $8.4 billion (Rs 68,644,800 crore) for shareholders this year.

The Teamsters say frontline UPS workers deserve some of that windfall. A sticking point in negotiations has been wage increases for part-time workers, who make a minimum of $16.20 (Rs 1,324) an hour.

People want their packages yesterday with the emergence of the e-commerce. So, its a very demanding job, OBrien said, pushing back on the salary statistics that UPS shares. Everybody doesnt realise what it takes to get these packages on the truck. And a lot of our part timers work for poverty wages.

In addition to addressing part-time pay, the union wants to eliminate a contract provision that created two separate hierarchies of workers with different pay scales, hours and benefits. Driver safety, particularly the lack of air conditioning in delivery trucks, is also in the mix.

Has UPS agreed to any demands?

Before contract talks broke down on 5 July, with both sides blaming each other for walking away from the bargaining table, tentative agreements were made on several issues  including installing air conditioning in more trucks. UPS said it would add air conditioning to US small delivery vehicles purchased after 1 January, 2024. Existing vehicles wouldnt get that upgrade, but the union said they will have other additions like fans and air vents.

The union also said it has reached tentative agreements to establish Martin Luther King Jr Day as a full holiday for the first time, end unwanted overtime on drivers days off and get rid of the two-tier wage system for drivers who work weekends and earn less money.

Could a strike be avoided? Can the government intervene?

The strike can be avoided if UPS and the Teamsters agree to a new contract before the 31 July deadline. Theres also a possibility of government intervention.

OBrien said Sunday that he has asked the White House on numerous occasions not to intervene if workers end up going on strike. Last year, President Joe Biden intervened to avert a railroad strike to avoid disrupting the nations supply chain, and workers had accept an agreement that wasnt broadly supported by union members.

What impact would a strike have?

The 24 million packages UPS ships on an average day amount to about a quarter of all US parcel volume, according to the global shipping and logistics firm Pitney Bowes. As UPS puts it, thats the equivalent of about six per cent of nations gross domestic product.

Higher prices and long wait times are all but certain if there is an impasse. A strike also threatens to extend lingering supply chain troubles.

Somethings got to give, Thomas Goldsby, logistics chairman in the Supply Chain Management Department at the University of Tennessee, told The Associated Press. The python cant swallow the alligator, and thats going to be felt by all of us.

UPS said this month that it will temporarily begin training non-union employees in the US to step in should there be a strike.

Beyond shipping and supply implications, a union win at UPS could have significance for organised labour across industries. UPSs contract talks arrive amid other prominent labour campaigns at Apple, Starbucks, Trader Joes and other companies  as well as the current writers and actors strikes seen in Hollywood.

With inputs from AP
Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has rebuffed speculations of Ajit Pawar replacing Eknath Shinde as the chief minister. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders clarification came after senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan on Monday (24 July) reiterated his claim of junior Pawar taking over Shindes post, which he said would happen around the second week of August.

Rumours of a possible change at the helm have been rife ever since Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar broke away from his uncle and party supremo Sharad Pawar to join the Maharashtra government in early July.

What did Prithviraj Chavan say and how has Devendra Fadnavis responded? Why have speculations of a change of guard continued? Lets take a closer look.

Ajit Pawar will be next chief minister

Former Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan claimed that the BJP top brass had decided to make Ajit Pawar the next chief minister as it could not fight the 2024 Lok Sabha election with current chief minister Shinde.

The extremely crucial 2024 Lok Sabha contest will decide whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will remain in power or not. It is my opinion as a political analyst and on the basis of information whose source I cannot reveal, that the BJP high command thinks the party will not be able to face the election with Eknath Shinde. Hence, a decision has been taken to hand over the reins of the state to Ajit Pawar, who is already part of the government, Chavan said, as per The Hindu.

Ajit Pawar took oath as the deputy chief minister on 2 July, while eight other rebel NCP MLAs were sworn in as ministers. The junior Pawar currently holds the finance and planning portfolio.

Chavan further claimed that the saffron party believes it is better to go into the next elections with Pawar at the helm in Maharashtra. He said that use and throw was Prime Minister Modis style.

This is the fate of Shinde. The understanding of top BJP leadership indicates they want to make Ajit Pawar the chief minister and face elections, he said, as per Hindustan Times (HT).

It is my thinking that Shinde and his MLAs will be disqualified by the Speaker [Rahul Narwekar] before 10 August or even sooner as per the Supreme Courts judgment on the disqualification petition of the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs, The Hindu quoted the Congress leader as saying.

Eknath Shinde will remain CM

Snubbing Chavans claims as absolutely baseless, BJP leader Fadnavis accused him of spreading canards.

Eknath Shinde will remain the chief minister and this is clear to all the three leaders of Mahayuti (grand alliance), the deputy chief minister told reporters on the Vidhan Bhawan premises on Monday.

As a leader of the single largest party in Mahayuti, I am officially telling you that Ajit Pawar will not become the chief minister of Maharashtra, news agency PTI quoted Fadnavis as saying.

VIDEO | It is pretty much clear among the BJP, NCP (Ajit Pawar) and Shiv Sena (Shinde) that Eknath Shinde is the CM of Mahayuti and he will remain the CM. There will not be any change, says Maharashtra Deputy CM @Dev_Fadnavis. pic.twitter.com/iImEDJRUvs  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 24, 2023

The BJP leader stated that ahead of Pawars induction on 2 July, it was communicated to him that he would not get the top post. Fadnavis said a power-sharing formula was discussed with Pawar, which he had accepted.

There is no ambiguity among the leaders. When the alliance was formed, Ajit Pawar was appraised about all the aspects. And he accepted them. Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar has also made it clear that there was no reason for any change of chief minister, he added, as per Indian Express.

Urging people to end speculations on the matter, Fadnavis, as per PTI, said: They should stop confusing people about Mahayuti. Leaders are not confused but party workers do get perplexed. People like Prithviraj Chavan are spreading rumours. If something is going to happen by 10 August, it would be the expansion of the state Cabinet. The chief minister will take a call on it.

Why have rumours refused to die down?

Since the NCP split, Congress Chavan and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut have frequently claimed that Ajit Pawar was inducted by the BJP in the government to replace Shinde as the chief minister.

On 6 July, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction had dismissed the rumours, saying they were planted by the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA coalition) out of despair.

This negativity is deliberately being createdThe Shinde camp MLAs are not upset on Ajit Pawars NCP faction joining the ruling BJP-Shinde Sena government, Maharashtra industries minister and Shinde camps Uday Samant had said in Mumbai, as per The Hindu.

Shinde himself has said that Ajit Pawars entry into the government did not pose a threat to his post. Earlier in July, he had called the speculations of his resignation baseless, saying that the higher ups will take an appropriate decision, reported PTI.

However, Shindes two visits to Delhi in less than a week have further fuelled the speculations, noted The Hindu.

Conjectures also rose when NCP workers put up huge banners on Ajit Pawars birthday on 22 July, claiming he will be the next chief minister. As per Indian Express, these posters were showcased on the route between Devgiri  Ajit Pawars official residence  to Varsha at Malabar Hills, Shindes official residence.

NCP MLC Amol Mitkari, a close aide of junior Pawar, recent tweet that the Ajit era had begun also intensified the rumours, according to The Hindu.

Meanwhile, an NCP source told The New Indian Express, a new formula is in the works between Sharad Pawars camp and his nephews faction to keep the party intact. To get the senior Pawar on board, the BJP has to make Ajit Pawar the chief minister, Supriya Sule has to be accommodated at the Centre, while Jayant Patil  Maharashtra president of Sharad Pawar-led NCP  has to be given a berth in the state Cabinet.

With inputs from agencies
Another dangerous health trend has gone viral on TikTok where people consume borax, a salt used in laundry detergent. The bizarre trend has many jumping on the borax train by putting a spoonful of the cleaning product in water or their coffees.

Health experts have warned against this new online trend, urging TikTokers not to consume borax.

What is borax and why is it dangerous? Why are people participating in this deadly trend? We explain.

What is borax?

Borax is a powdery white substance usually found in dry lake beds. Also known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate, borax is a combination of boron, sodium, and oxygen, according to the WebMD article.

Borax is sold as a household cleaning product. It can also be found in herbicides, paint, ceramic glaze, lotions, skin creams as well as specialty toothpastes and mouthwashes, the article added.

Boric acid, made from the same chemical compound as borax  boron  is mostly used as a pesticide.

Harmful effects of borax

Borax can cause a number of health issues if swallowed, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

As per WebMD, an overdose can lead to shock and kidney failure.

Dr Kelly Johnson-Arbor, a toxicology physician, told NBC News that borax can cause anaemia and seizures over time. Soaking in borax can develop rashes on the skin.

Theres really nothing to support the use of borax in humans for inflammation or reduction of oxidative stress or anything like that, Johnson-Arbor added.

Speaking to The Messenger, Ryan Feldman, a clinical toxicologist at the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, said toxicologists call substances like borax Christmas toxins, as consuming a large amount can cause blue-green vomit and turn skin red.

He cautioned that borax is not a harmless substance and can be poisonous.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned borax as a food additive.

Why are TikTokers drinking borax?

Some on TikTok are claiming that consuming borax can help with myriad health issues, such as joint pain, eye and mouth swelling, menstrual cramps and even cancer. Others claim soaking in borax could detoxify the body.

Carlo Ledesma, a medical laboratory professional, told NBC News that he started coming across videos of people drinking borax on TikTok earlier this year.

While how the trend gained traction on TikTok remains unclear, some are citing the work of researcher Rex Newnham, who, as per NBC News, claimed that boron is an essential nutrient for healthy bones and joints.

As Forbes noted, studies have been conducted on the use of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) against rheumatoid arthritis and some cancers. Boron is also present in fruits, vegetables and nuts.

However, taking borax is not the same as eating boron-rich fruits and vegetables.

Also, more research is needed in the area and borax has not been recommended for medical treatment.

According to the National Institution of Health, boron is not classified as an essential nutrient for humans because research has not yet identified a clear biological function for boron.

Many have taken to TikTok to warn against the harmful effects of borax.



A video by a chemist working on his PhD in organic chemistry has garnered 1.8 million views on TikTok, reported New York Post.

Dont eat sh*t out of the f***ing laundry box, people, he urged. This is patently dangerous, a video posted by the handle Chem Thug said.

Borax is actually really not good for you. According to the literature, it can cause kidney failure. It can cause reproductive harm. It also can cause developmental issues, he added.

Johnson-Arbor, co-director at the US National Capital Poison Center, told Yahoo In the Know, Borax consumption has been recently popularised on TikTok as a way to treat inflammation, but  there is no evidence that swallowing borax has any human health benefits.

ALSO READ: What is berberine, the weight loss supplement TikTokers are calling natures Ozempic?

Why do people fall for health fads?

Experts say it might be because some people are seeking alternative treatments, especially for chronic health conditions, reported The Messenger.

Prescription medications can be expensive or in short supply and people cant always get appointments with doctors right away, so many look for quick, easy fixes, Wendy Stephan, an epidemiologist at the Florida Poison Information Center, told NBC News.

Moreover, Stephan said content creators advice, accompanied by fun visuals, seems credible.

The people who are making these statements often have no liability and no responsibility to the person theyre making the statements to, Felman, a toxicologist, was quoted as saying by The Messenger.

In 2018, people attempted Tide Pod Challenge by putting Tide Pods in their mouths. It had resulted in several deaths, as per New York Post.

Experts have cautioned social media users against believing everything they see online.

With inputs from agencies
Manipur, Mizoram and now Meghalaya. Violence was witnessed in the northeastern state of Meghalaya on Monday night when an agitated crowd attacked the chief ministers secretariat in the western town of Tura.

Five police personnel have been injured in the incident, which has also led to an immediate imposition of night curfew in the area.

What happened today was very unfortunate. We have the entire video recording of the people who instigated the violence and necessary action will be taken according to the law, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said of the incident.

But why did a mob attack the CMO and what exactly happened on Monday evening? What are the demands of those protesting?

What happened on Monday?

While Chief Minister Sangma was at the Mini Secretariat in Meghalayas Tura holding discussions with representatives of the Achik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK) and the Garo Hills State Movement Committee (GHSMC) on Monday night, an agitated crowd collected outside the office and began pelting stones at the premises.

The authorities claim that the mob was at least 200-300-people strong and were angry and began pelting stones at the premises. In the ensuing violence, they injured five police officials, set a police vehicle on fire and damaged two other fire tenders.

#WATCH | Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma was having discussions with agitating organisations based in Garo-Hills who are on a hunger strike for a winter capital in Tura: CMO PRO Meanwhile, a crowd (other than agitating groups) gathered at the CMO in Tura and started pelting stones. pic.twitter.com/EqUhQDwjtl  ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2023

In an attempt to quell the violence, the authorities then used tear gas and lathi-charged the demonstrators.

An NDTV report had CM Sangma quoted as saying, I believe that dialogue is important. After the discussion was almost over, we heard sloganeering from outside. I asked them not to create any scene out here. Their leaders (of the NGOs in talks) went outside to speak to the people. They came back and said they did not know who these people were. He added that the representatives themselves had to take refuge in the office with him, as they were unable to leave.

In the aftermath of the incident, a night curfew has been imposed in the area. Additionally, the chief minister has announced Rs 50,000 as ex-gratia payment for the injured personnel and said their medical expenses will also be borne by the state government.

Why the protest though?

Monday nights protest stems from the demand by the ACHIK  a social organisation from Garo Hills  to establish Tura, the headquarters of the Garo Hills region in Meghalaya, as the winter capital of the state.

The leaders of ACHIK also have gone on an indefinite hunger strike over the issue since 11 July, demanding that Tura be made into the winter capital for six months  from October to March.

Earlier in April, they had petitioned the chief minister to declare Tura as the capital in keeping with the long-cherished dream and the promise of the government since statehood. The petition, duly signed by ACHIK president Thomas M Marak, vice-president Greneth M Sangma and general secretary advocate Bernita R Marak, stated: The delay in implementing this proposal would further delay the success and achievement of good governance that the NDA government, of which the present MDA 2.0 government is an ally, has been advocating for years and has been doing well in practice too. The decentralisation and devolution of power would also ensure that the government is more accessible to the people and their needs can be addressed more effectively.

In the petition, they stated that the establishment of a winter capital would ensure equitable distribution of development and administration across the state. This would lead to the overall upliftment of the people of Meghalaya, and not just a particular region.

It further added that a second capital in Tura will reduce the geo-physical barrier, adding that it will take more time to reach Shillong from Garo Hills. Moreover, Tura experiences relatively mild weather conditions during the winter months, which makes it an ideal location for the winter capital.

The creation of a winter capital in Tura can be the greatest avenue that a state government can create for the Khasi-Jaintia brethren to explore Garo Hills. This can significantly improve the communication and relationship between the two ethnic groups and promote mutual understanding and respect besides communal harmony, it had underscored.

ACHIK also pointed out that other states have different capitals, for example Andhra Pradesh with three capitals, Himachal Pradesh with two, Jammu and Kashmir having two, among others.

President of ACHIK Krima Council, Thomas M Marak, was quoted as by The Meghalayan as saying, It is tragic to know that although the winter capital or second capital in Tura had been an agreed policy of the pioneers of the Meghalaya state, yet, it has just remained a distant dream with no actual policy for implementation even after 51 years of Meghalayas statehood.

Just hours before Sangma met with the representatives from ACHIK, BJP leader Bernard N Marak had said that the chief minister should declare Tura as the winter capital.

However, not everyone is on board with ACHIKs demand for a winter capital. Ampareen Lyngdoh, who serves as the states health minister, has rejected the demand for Tura as a winter capital. When asked about the hunger strike, she had been quoted as saying, It would not be correct to consider any kind of a capital anywhere else. We are in Shillong, it is the capital and we hope that these demands should not be entertained. That is my personal view because we will be in trouble if every district starts saying bring this to my district bring that to my district it will be difficult for us to administrate.

Will Mondays violence spur authorities into granting the demand of a winter capital or will it push back the situation? Only time will tell.

With inputs from agencies
In Greece, thousands of tourists are fleeing fires in Rhodes and Corfu.

Monday saw authorities evacuate nearly 2,500 people from the Greek island of Corfu.

This, after tens of thousands of people had already fled blazes on the island of Rhodes with many frightened tourists scrambling to get home on evacuation flights.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis warned that Greece is at war with the flames.

But how did the Greece fires start? And where are they spreading?

Lets take a closer look:

What happened?

As of Monday, 82 fires are burning across Greece  which has been gripped by a heatwave that has seen temperatures soaring above 40C  including in Rhodes, Corfu and Evia.

Meteorologists have warned it could be the longest hot spell the country has ever seen

Of these, 64 began on Monday  the hottest day of the summer so far.

The most serious fire was on the island of Rhodes  one of the most popular vacation spots.

Greek fire service spokesman Vassilis Varthakogiannis told Skai TV: This is not a fire that will be over tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. Itll be troubling us for days.

More than 260 firefighters were still battling flames for an eighth consecutive day on Rhodes, supported by two helicopters and two planes.

British citizen Cathy Holloway told BBC she has been evacuated three separate times.

Speaking to BBC, Holloway, who has a flat in Rhodes said, I had to get out in a hurry yesterday afternoon and as I drove up the hill away from my apartment, I could see the flames in the distance.

The family Im staying with [have] taken me into their home, theyve made me one of their family.

How did the fires start?

The cause of the fires is yet to be determined.

Inews quoted fire service spokesperson Yiannis Artopios as saying that some suspected arsonists are being questioned.

Fires are not sparked on their own, Artopios said. They are triggered by the human hand, be it intentionally or not. We currently have several people being questioned in connection with their probable involvement.

But 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.

Dr Thomas Smith told BBC extreme weather is responsible for making wildfires far more likely.

Wildfires are becoming more intense and more frequent, ravaging communities and ecosystems in their path. Recent years have seen record-breaking wildfire seasons across the world from Australia to the Arctic to North and South America. With global temperatures on the rise, the need to reduce wildfire risk is more critical than ever, a report published by the United Nations last year stated.

Where are they spreading?

Hundreds of firefighters, helped by forces from Turkey and Slovakia, battled to tame the blazes close to the villages of Gennadi and Vati in the southeast of Rhodes.

Officials have said the threat of further fires was high in almost every region of the country.

Emergency services were also dealing with fires on the island of Evia, east of Athens, and Aigio, southwest of Athens.

In Evia, Greeces second largest island, civil protection authorities issued an overnight evacuation order in one northern locality.

Northern Evia was devastated by wildfires in August 2021.

A wildfire west of Athens has been burning since 17 July. More than 100 houses and businesses have been damaged by this fire and another near Athens that was put out last week. Flames were supported by strong wind and heat waves, several media reported.

In the village of Vati, in the southeast of the island, local mayor Vassilis Kalabodakis said that the impact on the region was tragic.

The village has been ordered to evacuate but we cant abandon it, he said.

We are leading the fight to protect our home.

Greece is just one of many countries battling a prolonged spell of extreme heat around the globe in recent days.

Other countries battling blazes

Italy

Fires were burning in woods and vegetation in various parts of Calabria, the southernmost part of the Italian mainland, while Palermos airport reopened on Tuesday after wildfires in Sicily forced its closure for a few hours.

On Tuesday, Italy put 16 cities on red alert because of the high temperatures. These include Palermo and Catania, where power and water supply cuts that local officials blamed in part on the heat have been frequent in recent days.

In Palermo, holidaymaker Jonas Roggan told BBC he woke up to a wildfire near their hotel.

As my three friends and I woke up at our B&B the fire was on the hill above us, Roggan told BBC.

Its not unusual for that region in this time of the year, so we started breakfast. But then the fire came down the hill and was directly at the road where we were staying.

Sicilys civil protection agency said the temperature in some areas in eastern Sicily rose to 47 Celsius (116.6 Fahrenheit) on Sunday, close to the record European high of 48.8 Celsius from two years ago. Properties on the island suffered blackouts because of the heat wave.

Turkey

Wildfires started in Turkeys southeastern Hatay and Mersin provinces and Canakkale province in the northwest on 16 July, the Turkish General Directorate of Forestry said on its Twitter account.

Croatia

A bushfire near the coastal town of Sibenik quickly spread on 13 July, fuelled by strong southerly winds. The fire was difficult to control, despite the efforts of 56 firefighters, along with 20 vehicles and three aircraft. The village of Grebastica suffered significant damage, including the destruction of cars and homes.

France

About six small-scale blazes have been recorded in the regions of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie, Grand Est, Bouches-Du-Rhone and Corsica island. Mid-April, the French geological service BRGM said that very low groundwater levels had put France on course for a worse summer drought than last year, mainly in the southern part of the country.

Malta

Malta has been suffering from a week-long heat wave that has caused widespread power cuts across the island. State-owned power company Enemalta said near record temperatures of between 40 and 42.7 degrees Celsius made underground distribution cables overheat and fail while electricity demand spiked.

Malta Airports meteorological office said it expected the heatwave to break by Wednesday morning when a north-westerly wind would bring down the temperature to around 34 degrees.

Portugal

Portugal has requested help in the management of wildfires from the European Union civil protection mechanism, Finlands Interior ministry said on Tuesday, adding the country would send 48 rescue workers to help Portugal.

Mainland Portugal is facing widespread drought, with some 90 per cent of the country affected. The drought expanded during an abnormally hot and dry April, as reported by the meteorology agency IPMA in May.

Russia

In central Russias Urals region, in the small village of Shaidurikha near Yekaterinburg, wildfires spread on 12 July and caused significant damage. One woman died, two people were hospitalised with burns and 41 houses were burned down as the fire rapidly spread. Dry and windy weather conditions contributed to the fires intensity.

Spain

A wildfire started on 15 July on the island of La Palma, leading to the evacuation of more than 4,000 people. The fire has been contained, Spanish newspaper El Pais reported on 19 July, after burning 2,900 hectares of the island, including 200 hectares of the Caldera de Taburiente National Park.

Spain has been enduring a prolonged period of drought, with the first four months of 2023 being the driest on record.

Switzerland

Swiss police issued evacuation orders on 17 July for several mountain villages due to the spread of a fire on the forested flank of a mountain in Bitsch in the Valais canton near the Italian border. More than 200 people were forced to evacuate. Although the situation was stable, the fires were still not completely under control on 22 July, a local official said according to Swiss media RTS.

With inputs from agencies
The Nigerian army recently resumed an onslaught against suspected IPOB members in the South-south and South-east regions of the country.

Troops of the Nigerian army have again destroyed some camps of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN) in various parts of Anambra State, South-east Nigeria.

The army spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Monday, in Abuja, said the troops killed one IPOB fighter and captured another during separate operations in the state.

Mr Nwachukwu, a brigadier-general, said the operations were carried out by troops of 302 Regiment operating under 82 Division of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with Anambra Vigilante Group.

The army spokesperson said the combined team destroyed some of the IPOB and ESN camps in Oroma and Umuewelum Anam, two communities in Anambra West Local Government Area of the state.

"The troops raided the identified camps on Sunday 23 July 2023, in an effort to curb the illicit activities of the fighters in the communities," Mr Nwachukwu said, adding that eight brigands were arrested during the operations.

One AK-47 rifle, one AKMS rifle, three Lexus SUVs and two motorcycles were recovered during the operation, according to the army.

Killing, capturing of suspected IPOB members

Mr Nwachukwu said, in a separate operation, the troops raided another IPOB camp at Mmiata Anam, a community in the same Anambra West Local Government Area.

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The army spokesperson said the troops "neutralised one IPOB fighter, while another was captured alive."

"The troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle, one dane gun and police uniforms," he said.

The army has enjoined the residents of the South-east to continue to support and cooperate with the troops and other security agencies in their fight against insecurity in the region.

Resumed onslaught

The Nigerian army recently resumed onslaught against suspected IPOB members in the South-south and South-east regions of the country.

The latest operation occurred about two days after the troops destroyed another IPOB camp and captured a suspected member in Asaba, Delta, South-south Nigeria.

The troops, six days ago, also killed two suspected IPOB fighters during a shootout with the separatist group, which took place at Fuji Junction in the state.

IPOB, a group seeking the independence State of Biafra, has been linked to some deadly attacks in the two regions.

The separatist group has, however, denied any involvement in the attacks.
The Indian Armed Forces is struggling. Not with the lack of weaponry, but owing to a shortage of manpower. The Ministry of Defence has revealed that the military is facing a significant dearth of young officers in its ranks  11,266 to be precise. This is much more than the shortfall of 9,797 that was reported in 2022.

The shortfall, according to Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt is affecting all three services  the Army, Navy, and the Air Force  and is mainly at the Major and Captain-level ranks and their equivalents in the other branches.

Heres a closer look at just how severe is the shortage of manpower in the military. We also examine what could be the causes for this scarcity and what could be the consequences of this situation.

Where are the men?

As the Monsoon Session of Parliament began, a written query was raised over the strength of the Indian Armed Forces. Responding to this, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt revealed that there was a shortage of officers at the major and captain levels in the Army with over 6,800 vacancies.

He provided a break-up of the shortages  2,094 (for major rank) and 4,734 (for captain rank) in the Indian Army. In the Navy, the figures are  2,617 (for Lt Commander), while in the Air Force, the figures are  881 (for squadron leader rank) and 940 for (flight lieutenant rank).

But its not just about officers at the major and captain level. The minister has also revealed that theres a shortage of medical staff for the military. Elaborating further, he said that the Army, Navy and the Air Force were short of 630 doctors, 73 dentists and 701 nurses.

The Army had the most vacancies  598 doctors, 56 dentists and 528 nurses. In comparison, the Navy was short of 20 doctors, 11 dentists and 86 nurses, while the Air Force was short of 12 doctors, six dentists and 87 nurses.

The doctor-patient ratio in the three services is 0.64 per 1,000  one doctor per 1,563 patients, while the nurse-patient ratio is 0.42 per 1,000, which translates to one nurse per 2,381 patients, the minister mentioned in his reply, according to an Indian Express report.

This isnt the first time a shortage of men in the Armed Forces. In March, the government had stated there was a deficiency of around 1.55 lakh personnel within the three branches of the military, with the Army accounting for the maximum  1.36 lakh vacancies.

Also read: No Nepali Gorkhas recruited to Indian Army for a year: How forces are being affected

Why the shortage?

The ministry has attributed the shortfall of officers to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recruitment rallies were suspended owing to the pandemic. In fact, the minister had revealed earlier that of the 97 planned recruitment rallies during 2020-21, only 47 were held. Similarly, in 2021-22, 87 recruitment rallies were scheduled across the country, of which only four took place. Moreover, training camps were also affected owing to the pandemic.

But, other defence experts argue that the shortage of men in the forces is because they are paid lesser than corporate jobs. Despite the significant hikes in salaries, the remuneration is still lower than that of a corporate job.

As Lt General Rameshwar Yadav explained to Financial Express, Harsh service conditions and everyday risk to life in the line of duty, pay and perks in the military and avenues for promotion are not as attractive as is the case with civil services and the third thing is the very attractive pay and package available in the corporate sector; these are the main reasons behind the shortage of officers.

Besides this, the Ministry of Defence has also attributed the shortfall to low intake in all support cadre entries mainly consisting of Short Service Commission and other service entries. For the unaware, the Short Service Commission is a type of service in the Indian Army where an officer is commissioned for a limited period, usually between 10-14 years. It offers an opportunity to serve the nation for a short period of time and then return to civilian life.

What is being done to plug the gap?

Recognising the shortages in officers, the defence ministry has said that they are considering to make the Short Service Entry More Attractive. However, no additional clarification was given on how this would be done.

Earlier, there were reports that the Army was planning to reduce the posting of staff officers at various headquarters to overcome their shortage in units. Staff appointments are a precursor to subsequent command appointments as officers climb the ranks.

The minister, however, clarified that they had not received any proposal on the same and furthermore, there wasnt any mention of re-employment of officers to the vacant posts.

The mention of re-employment was made as the Indian Express had reported that the Army was mulling posting re-employed officers. Re-employed officers are those who serve in the Army for two to four years after their retirement from the service and are in the ranks of Brigadier and Colonels.

Also read: Jetpacks, robot mules, drones: How Indian Army is set to go hi-tech

Is this of any concern?

The answer depends on who you ask. The minister has stated clearly that the available strength is adequate to meet current operational requirements and that the operational readiness and effectiveness of Army units is being maintained with organisational resources.

However, the shortage in the officer cadre is worrying. This is because these officers, such as Majors and Captains, actually lead troops into battle. This is particularly worrying when India shares shares long boundaries with hostile neighbours. Since May 2020, the Army has been locked in a faceoff with Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) along the line of actual control in Eastern Ladakh that shows no sign of easing.

Tensions also persist with Pakistan, along the Line of Control in Kashmir and in nearby Siachen. Military experts describe it as a no-peace-no-war situation.

Apart from this, there are also the internal threats to security that the military has to contend with.

Hence, it is of utmost importance that the vacancies are filled and that muscle power is added to the forces.

With inputs from agencies
Israel is facing its biggest domestic crisis in recent years. Unprecedented protests have gripped the nation after the Parliament passed a controversial reform that alters the working of the judicial system.

The reasonableness bill adopted on Monday is just the first major legislation in the Israeli governments plan to overhaul the judiciary. It comes after six months of protests and strong criticism from the White House.

Passed by a vote of 64-0 in the Knesset (Israeli parliament), the reform is considered a big victory for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his hard-right government.

What is the reasonableness bill?

The law passed on Monday is the first change to the countrys judiciary. Called the reasonableness bill, it limits the role of the Supreme Court. The top court no longer has the power to cancel decisions taken by the government on the grounds of being unreasonable.

A report in The New York Times describes reasonableness as a legal standard used by many judicial systems, including Australia, Britain and Canada. A decision is deemed unreasonable if a court rules that it was made without considering all relevant factors or without giving relevant weight to each factor, or by giving irrelevant factors too much weight.

While members of the governing coalition voted in favour of the bill, the opposition staged a walkout. Netanyahu and his right-wing allies believe that the law will help democracy as it gives more powers to legislators, who are elected, against unelected judges.

What are the other reforms?

Apart from the reasonableness law, the other changes could give the right-wing government more control over the appointment of judges by increasing its representation on the committee which appoints them. The government wants to further weaken the Supreme Court to review laws, enabling a simple majority of one in the Knesset (parliament) to overrule such decisions, reports the BBC.

The third measure would allow ministers to pick their legal advisors instead of using independent professionals. These bills have not advanced in the legislative process like the reasonableness bill.

According to Netanyahu and his supporters, the Supreme Court has become an elitist group that does not represent the people of Israel. It has overstepped its role by getting involved in issues that do not concern it, reports CNN.

The PM, who was hospitalised, was discharged on Monday, after having been fitted with a pacemaker. Addressing the nation later, he said the passage of the law was a necessary democratic move and he was fulfilling the will of the voter.

Why is there such strong opposition to the reforms?

Critics say that the reforms are a threat to democracy in the country. Israel has no written constitution but a set of quasi-constitutional basic laws.

The Supreme Court is the only check on the power of the parliament and the government. According to critics, the new reforms will destroy the only avenue available to provide checks and balances in the governing of the country. They also warn it will harm the independence of the Israeli judiciary and will hurt rights not enshrined in Israels basic laws, like minority rights and freedom of expression, reports CNN.

Those opposing the law say the judicial overhaul will help protect Netanyahu, who is on trial for alleged corruption. However, the PM denies the charges.

The law weakens and eliminates any form of supervision that the Supreme Court has over the decisions of the government, Ahmad Tibi, a Palestinian member of the Knesset, told Al Jazeera. This is especially the case when it comes to decisions that have to do with official appointments and other major decisions, Tibi said.

These appointments include decisions on senior positions in the army, police, and financial institutions, among others.

According to Amjad Iraqi, senior editor of +972 Magazine, these appointments could affect Palestinian citizens of Isreal, removing the potential for them to challenge these choices legally and administratively. He told Al Jazeera that the government can now implement its policies much quicker.

What are Israels allies saying?

The United States and other allies have expressed concerns about the reforms.

US president Joe Biden urged Israel on Sunday not to rush increasingly divisive judicial reforms.

In a statement first published by news site Axios and later shared with AFP by the White House, Biden said, It doesnt make sense for Israeli leaders to rush this  the focus should be on pulling people together and finding consensus.

From the perspective of Israels friends in the United States, it looks like the current judicial reform proposal is becoming more divisive, not less, he said.

What happens next?

The reforms have left the country divided. Protesters have been demonstrating for months demanding that the overhaul be stopped and Netanyahu resign. They have the backing of the PMs political rivals, former top officials in the military, former chief justices, prominent legal figures and businessmen, reports BBC.

Israels trade union confederation has warned of a strike. Doctors across the country are set to hold a 24-hour protest. Military reservists including air force pilots are threatening not to report to duty, raising concerns about Israels security.

The Movement for Quality Government, an NGO, on Monday, petitioned the Supreme Court against the reduction of the reasonableness standard. According to it, the reduction gives unlimited power to the executive branch of Israels government and is a misuse of authority.

Former PM and Opposition leader Yair Lapid also plans to petition the Supreme Court to annul the new law. The Israel Bar Association will also petition the Israeli Supreme Court to cancel the Knessets decision. The Bar warned that it will shut down as an act of protest against the anti-democratic legislative process, the statement said.

The petitions for the Supreme Court to stop the implementation of the law are expected to be filed on Tuesday, reports CNN. If the SC rules the law invalid, it could trigger a constitutional crisis with the government and the court at loggerheads.

With inputs from agencies
The Israeli Knesset has passed an essential part of the governments contentious judiciary overhaul. After seven months of turmoil, the government was able to repeal the reasonableness clause, which empowers Israels unelected Supreme Court to override government decisions, with a final vote of 64-0 on Monday. Every coalition member voted in support, as Opposition legislators walked out of the Knesset plenum in protest.

Israels contentious judicial reform plan has provoked some of the countrys largest rallies in its history. Legal action, a national strike, and a probable refusal to report for duty by up to 10,000 military reservists are now on the table as Israels largest-ever domestic crisis enters a new chapter.

Heres a look back at the seven-months-old battle between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus hard-right government and the demonstrators warning of a grave threat to Israels democracy.

Govt unveils reforms

Israels justice minister Yariv Levin in early January unveils the reforms designed to rein in what the government portrays as a politically-biased and leftist Supreme Court.

Also Read: Protests in Israel grow: What to know about Netanyahus judicial overhaul

The overhaul would give parliament the power to overrule some of the highest courts decisions, and grant the executive a greater say in the appointment of judges.

Centrist Opposition leader Yair Lapid, a former premier, warns that the sweeping package endangers the entire legal system of the State of Israel.

Mass protests begin

Opponents of the proposed package take to the streets for a mass protest in Tel Aviv on 7 January, the first of what will become weekly demonstrations.

On 22 January, some 100,000 people take part, according to media estimates.

The protest movement spreads to Jerusalem and Haifa.

Tech sector workers warn the legislation will drive away investors by undermining the rule of law.

President Isaac Herzog, who as head of state has a largely ceremonial role, first attempts to mediate in the standoff.

Police crackdown

Police in Tel Aviv on 1 March use stun grenades, water cannon and officers on horseback to disperse protesters who attempt to block roads and railways.

Netanyahu accuses the demonstrators of crossing a red line.

US president Joe Biden urges Netanyahu to strike a compromise.

On 14 March, the Knesset approves in a first reading a clause in the reform package to limit the Supreme Courts ability to overturn laws it deems unconstitutional.

Reforms paused

In March, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant breaks rank with Netanyahu, calling the legislation a clear, immediate and tangible threat to Israels security as the unrest spreads to security agencies.

Netanyahu fires him but, with a general strike looming on 27 March, decides to pause the legislation to allow for cross-party talks.

The protests continue regardless, with opponents demanding the reforms be ditched altogether.

Override clause scrapped

On 14 June, Israels two main Opposition leaders, Lapid and Benny Gantz, pull out of talks with the government.

Two weeks later Netanyahu announces that he has scrapped a divisive clause which would allow parliament to override Supreme Court rulings with a simple majority  the most contested element of the bill.

Govt passes key bill

On 10 July, parliament adopts in a first reading a key clause that would curb judges right to rule on whether a government decision is reasonable.

More than 1,100 air force reservists, including many pilots, threaten to suspend volunteer service if parliament adopts the clause.

On 23 July, Biden again urges Israel not to rush the increasingly divisive reforms.

Herzog, just back from Washington, attempts to broker a compromise in talks with Netanyahu, who is in hospital after having a pacemaker installed.

On 24 July, as protests flare again, Netanyahu returns to the Knesset and the government pushes through the key reform clause in a vote boycotted by the Opposition.

With inputs from AFP
Former Haryana minister Gopal Goyal Kanda was acquitted on Tuesday by Delhis Rouse Avenue court in a case of abetment of suicide of air hostess Geetika Sharma.

Aruna Chadha, a co-accused in the case, was also cleared by Special Judge Vikas Dhull after he ruled that the prosecution had not proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Kanda told reporters outside of the court following his acquittal that there was no evidence against him, this case was made against him, and today the court has given its verdict.

The case

Gopal Kanda was detained in 2012 for allegedly abetting Geetika Sharmas suicide, a worker at his aircraft company MDLR Airlines. She began her career as an air hostess and ultimately rose to the position of director at one of Kandas corporate offices in Gurgaon.

Sharma committed suicide on 5 August 2012 by hanging herself from a fan in her fathers Ashok Vihar residence in northwest Delhi. Kanda, who was then managing director of the company and the then-minister of state for home affairs in the Haryana government, was accused of harassing her mentally.

Sharma wrote a two-page suicide note in which she claimed Gopal Kanda and his HR manager named Aruna Chadha, who was detained on 8 August, had harassed her and that this was the reason she was taking her own life.

On 16 February, six months after Geetikas passing, her mother Anuradha Sharma allegedly killed herself as well, and Kanda was once more charged with abetment of suicide. In May 2013, Kanda and his alleged employee Chadha began their trial.

A number of sections, including 306 (abetting suicide), 506 (criminal intimidation), 201 (destroying evidence), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and 466 (forgery), were among the allegations brought against the accused, according to India Today.

In addition, Kanda was charged by the trial court with rape (376) and unnatural sex (377). However, the charges levelled under sections 376 and 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) were later dismissed by the Delhi High Court.

The trial court issued a new order on December 6th for a trial of Kanda and Chadha for abetment to suicide.

However, Kanda has maintained his innocence.

Also read: Geetika suicide case: Key points of chargesheet against Kanda

Gopal Kandas entry into politics

According to The Indian Express, before entering politics, Kanda had tried his hands in small businesses like a radio repair, shoe store by acquiring the trust of dealers and businessmen, and even politicians. To achieve his political goals, he grew close to former state Chief Minister Bansi Lal of the Congress.

Nevertheless, after Bansi Lals government crumbled, Kanda sided with the Chautalas (whose Indian National Lok Dal supported the NDA).

His firm was able to grow thanks to his close ties with a top IAS officer from the Haryana cadre. He later moved his base from Sirsa to Gurgaon and began conducting real estate business.

Kanda established MDLR Airlines, named after his father Murli Dhar Lakh Ram (a well-known attorney in Sirsa who had joined the RSS in 1926), in 2007. The company survived for two years  a period during which it only had one brief flight.

Currently, Kanda is a representative of the Haryana Lokhit Party in the Haryana Legislative Assembly from the Sirsa constituency. He and his brother Govind Kanda launched the party in May 2014, which later in 2019 would aid the BJP in putting together a new state government.

His rise to prominence

When Congress leader Bhupinder Hooda ran for re-election as chief minister in 2009, Kanda initially tried to contest elections using INLDs ticket, but he was denied. He later competed as a candidate from Sirsa and won a seat.

Hooda had arranged for Kanda to be airlifted from Sirsa after Congress was unable to muster a majority. Kanda however did not settle for anything less than a ministerial position and obtained the Home Ministry, explained Indian Express.

By this time, Gopal and his brother Govind had become close aids of the Chautala brothers and up until 2005, Gopal was seen as a crucial figure in the INLD campaign. However, things grew bitter when Chautalas stopped him from competing in their constituency.

Kanda resigned from his position after being arrested in the Geetika Sharma suicide case. After he was granted bail in 2013, the Kanda brothers faced charges of illegally constructing a property in Sirsa. The case had been under investigation since 2009.

Later in 2020, a Delhi court overturned a magistrates summons order calling Kanda and his aide Aruna Chadha by observing that there is not even a single complaint or report regarding any threats extended by the petitioners in the entire record file.

According to ThePrint, Kandas name reappeared earlier this month when the list of 38 parties that make up the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) included his party, the Haryana Lokhit Party (HLP). The saffron party had released the list to the media prior to a meeting of NDA allies held in New Delhi on 18 July. However, Kanda and none of the other members of his party were not seen attending the meeting.

When asked about their absence, Govind Kanda told ThePrint that while his party is a member of the NDA, he was unable to attend the conference due to some important work.

A collection of Suicide prevention helpline numbers are available here. Please reach out if you or anyone you know is in need of support. The All-India helpline number is: 022-27546669

(With inputs from agencies)
As Manipur continues to witness tension due to ethnic clashes between Kuki and Meitei communities for over two months, the state is now facing a new issue  the illegal entry of 718 Myanmar nationals via the Indo-Myanmar border. The N Biren Singh-led government in the north-east state has asked the Assam Rifles to immediately push them back.

The Manipur government has also sought a detailed report from the border guarding force on how the refugees were permitted to enter illegally in the state.

The 718 Myanmar nationals  209 males, 208 females and 301 children  were allowed to enter India between 23 and 24 July without proper travel documents.

The influx is said to be due to the intensified crackdowns by Junta on resistance forces hideouts along India-Myanmar Border with airstrikes

The Assam Rifles had informed the Deputy Commissioner of Chandel district that due to ongoing clashes at Khampat in the Chin State of Myanmar, a total of 718 fresh refugees had entered the New Lajang area in Chandel on July 22-23 and sought the presence of a representative for joint verification of the illegal migrants.

Raising the issue of illegal entry of Myanmar nationals, Lieutenant Col Venkata Ravi Kiran J in a letter to the Deputy Commissioner of Chandel district in Manipur said that due to ongoing clashes at Khampat in Chin State of Myanmar, a total of 718 fresh refugees have entered the general area of New Lajang of Chandel district on 22 and 23 July.

An Army officer said on 22 July, 13 illegal immigrants  2 males, 3 females and 8 children  arrived at New Lajang, while on the next day (23 July) the district saw a massive influx of Myanmar nationals with as many as 301 people entering India.

Tension escalates for Manipur

The Manipur government is now said to be concerned about whether arms and ammunition may have been brought along by the group of Myanmar nationals who crossed over to India.

In a communication to the Assam Rifles late on Monday, Manipur chief secretary Vineet Joshi said, Manipur chief secretary Vineet Joshi said: In connection with similar issues in the past, the State government had clearly informed the Assam Rifles, being border guarding force, to take strict action to prevent entry of Myanmar nationals into Manipur on any ground without valid visa/travel documents as per the instruction of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

The state government views the fresh illegal entry of 718 refugees very seriously with utmost sensitivity as the same may have international ramifications more particularly in view of the ongoing law and order issues, the Manipur government said in a statement.

The Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police of Chandel District had been advised to oversee the implementation of the push-back and record biometrics and photographs of all such people.
A parliamentary party meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to chalk out the strategy for the Monsoon Session of the Lok Sabha is currently underway in the national capital.

#WATCH | BJP Parliamentary party meeting is underway at Parliament. pic.twitter.com/BJk69aVdxj  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishanaw among others were seen arriving for the meeting that began at 9:30 am.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the Parliament for the BJP Parliamentary party meeting. The meeting is underway. (Earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/rqNlhLUeUq  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2023

The meeting had been convened to discuss crucial organisational matters with the party MPs.

According to an NDTV report, citing sources, the government is not expecting the Opposition to back down from its demand that Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak in Parliament on the Manipur issue. On its part, the government is firm on its refusal, assuming that the Oppositions demand is powered by electoral compulsions.

This is why the government will now insist on settling its legislative work, sources said. If a bill has to be passed amid uproar, it will be done, added the report.

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned on Monday amid uproar with the Opposition demanding a statement by PM Modi on the Manipur issue.

The first two days of the Monsoon Session last week saw a similar ruckus leading to nearly zero functioning of Parliament.

Meanwhile, the meeting of the members of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A) is also underway at the office of Congress national president and the Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge to chalk out a floor management strategy before the Upper House goes into session.

#WATCH | Meeting of like-minded Opposition floor leaders underway at the Rajya Sabha LoP chamber in Parliament to discuss the strategy for the floor of the House. pic.twitter.com/cnfIt8XJRr  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2023

Sources said I.N.D.I.A alliance parties discussed a proposal to move a no-confidence motion against the government.

The Monsoon Session, which began on 20 July, with a long list of legislative businesses on the agenda, has seen repeated adjournments in the face of Opposition protests, sloganeering, and ruckus by members of the fledgling grand Opposition alliance over its demand for a statement from PM Modi on the Manipur situation.

On Monday, the Lok Sabha was adjourned till Tuesday after Union Home Minister Amit Shah faced constant disturbance and heckling from the Opposition benches even as he insisted that the Centre was ready for a discussion on Manipur.

Meanwhile, the Upper House, too, witnessed stormy scenes after Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh was suspended for the entire session for repeatedly violating the Chairs directives.

The Chairman first named Singh for interrupting the proceedings of the House when it had taken up the Question Hour amid protests by the Opposition over its demand for a statement from Prime Minister on the Manipur violence and a detailed discussion on the issue.

However, following the AAP senior leaders suspension, the Opposition parties sat on a night-long protest on Parliament premises. Amid persistent disruptions from the Opposition, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday said no country or system could flourish or blossom without discipline or decorum, adding that the moment discipline and decorum are compromised, institutions suffer.

Addressing a group of Indian Forest Service probationers at Parliament House on Monday, he said, As Chairman of Rajya Sabha, I am working in a manner, using everything under my command to ensure the temple of democracy, in the largest democracy, has decorum and discipline.

Earlier, Union Minister Rajnath Singh had a telephone conversation with senior Opposition leaders over the repeated disruptions over their demand for a discussion on the Manipur situation, urging them to ensure smooth functioning of the Parliament.

BJP sources said the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay were among the leaders the Defence Minister reached out to end the logjam in Parliament.

With inputs from agencies
Shortly after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi remarked we are INDIA and will rebuild the idea of India in Manipur in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modis criticism of Opposition alliance, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday hit back at the Gandhi scion saying that this inherent bias is precisely the problem of I.N.D.I.A which wants to speak only for Manipur and punish those who speak for others.

Taking to twitter, Sarma said, Mr Gandhi, this inherent bias is precisely the problem of I.N.D.I.A . Speak only against Manipur and punish those who speak for others.

In BHARAT , our allegiance is towards each and every citizen  be it Manipur, or Rajasthan or West Bengal or in Assam, he said, adding, BHARAT will win, BHARAT has to win

On Tuesday, Modi slammed the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) as the most directionless the country has ever seen and cited reviled names, such as East India Company and Indian Mujahideen, to assert that people cannot be misled merely by the use of the countrys name.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Prime Minister told a BJP Parliamentary Party meeting that the conduct of the opposition has been such that as if it has decided to stay in the Opposition for long.

#WATCH | Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi speaks on the BJP Parliamentary party meeting, says, In the meeting PM Modi said that behaviour of the opposition shows that they permanently want to remain in the opposition for coming yearsIt is a matter of pride for us pic.twitter.com/cKCf1tVv95  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2023

Hitting back at PM Modi, Gandhi tweeted: Call us whatever you want, Mr Modi. We are INDIA. We will help heal Manipur and wipe the tears of every woman and child. We will bring back love and peace for all her people.

We will rebuild the idea of India in Manipur, the former Congress chief said.

Call us whatever you want, Mr. Modi. We are INDIA. We will help heal Manipur and wipe the tears of every woman and child. We will bring back love and peace for all her people. We will rebuild the idea of India in Manipur.  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 25, 2023

This triggered a sharp reaction from the Assam Chief Minister who targeted the Opposition alliance for inherent bias as it only wants to talk for Manipur and not the Congress-ruled states like Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh where crimes against women are on the rise.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had sacked Rajendra Gudha as minister on Friday after he cornered his own government in Rajasthan on the issue of women safety in the state.

Since the Monsoon Session of Parliament began on 20 July, little work has been done in Parliament.

Opposition members have seized on the viral video of two women stripped and paraded by a mob from another community in the violence-hit state of Manipur to corner the government.

While the government has expressed its willingness to a debate on the situation in the BJP-ruled state, the opposition has made a statement from PM Modi a precondition for any discussion on the issue, accusing him of insulting Parliament by speaking to the media on the matter and not in either of the Houses.

Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ramesh Bidhuri said the prime minister said even those with a design to divide the country had names like East India Company and Indian Mujahideen, but people will not be misled by these gimmicks.

Former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said Modi told the BJP leaders that Indian National Congress and the East India Company were founded by foreigners.

#WATCH | BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, says We are proud of our PM. We are coming back to power in 2024. PM Modi has given a statement that Indian National Congress, East India Company was founded by a foreign national. Today people are using names like Indian Mujahideen and pic.twitter.com/XRpkEXl0eF  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2023

He said people were also using names, such as Indian Mujahideen and Popular Front of India, and their realities were quite different from what they tried to project.

With inputs from agencies
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Tuesday said the BRICS group could work together on listing terrorists and their proxies under the UN counter-terrorism sanctions regime and underlined that the process should be free from politics and double standards.

During the meeting of BRICS National Security Advisors, Chinas representative was Wang Yi, a member of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) Political Bureau and Director of the Office of the CPC Foreign Affairs Commission, who was also reappointed as Chinas Foreign Minister on the same day.

China has consistently obstructed efforts at the United Nations Security Council to designate Lashkar-e-Taiba and other Pakistan-based operatives as international terrorists.

Doval asserted that tackling terrorism is crucial for national peace and security. He highlighted the continued operation of terror organizations in the Af-Pak region with impunity.

It is important that the decision-making of the UNSC sanctions committee is free from politicisation and double standards, he said without naming any country.

The BRICS bloc comprises of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

At the 13th BRICS NSAs meeting, Doval said that terrorism remains one of the key threats to national peace and security. Terror organisations in the Af-Pak region continue to operate with impunity, he said.

Doval mentioned that the BRICS NSAs meeting was being held at a time of great churn in the international security environment.

The global security situation is marked by uncertainty and rising tensions and the global economy is still recovering from the aftereffects of the pandemic, he said.

Doval said the global commons of cyber, maritime and space are contested.

He said non-traditional challenges of food, water, and energy security are witnessing stress and the inclusion of these topics by South Africa in the BRICS NSAs Meeting reflects a clear understanding of the broader dimensions of security.

He appreciated the cooperation extended by South Africa for the ongoing G20 Presidency of India and assured Indias continued support for South Africas BRICS chairship this year.

Doval pitched for the utilisation of regional mechanisms to advance common goals and address emerging challenges.

All efforts need to be made to ensure equitable and fair access to global commons in line with international laws, he said.

He said water security is a major global issue and its prudent usage and conservation is a shared responsibility.

Doval mentioned instances of weaponisation of water and stressed the need for complete transparency and unhindered information sharing with respect to shared cross-border water resources.

The politicisation of water needs to be countered, he said.

With inputs from PTI.
Former Haryana minister Gopal Kanda who was acquitted in air hostess Geetika Sharma suicide case on Tuesday said that he was wrongly framed in the case.

The entire thing was made up against me. Court order is in front of you, read it and you will understand, said Kanda on Tuesday.

VIDEO | The entire thing was made up. Court order is in front of you, read it and you will understand, says former Haryana minister Gopal Kanda after being acquitted in a case of abetment of suicide of air hostess Geetika Sharma. pic.twitter.com/qjHkqs0HJS  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 25, 2023

Special Judge Vikas Dhull also acquitted co-accused Aruna Chadha in the case, saying the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond all reasonable doubts.

The accused were facing charges under various sections, including 306 (abetment of suicide), 506 (criminal intimidation), 201 (destruction of evidence), 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 466 (forgery).

The trial court had also framed charges of rape (376) and 377 (unnatural sex) against Kanda.

The Delhi High Court, however, later quashed the charges under 376 and 377 of the IPC.

Talking about the judgment, Kandas lawyer said that the prosecution failed to prove circumstantial charges against his client.

VIDEO | The court had cited some circumstances while framing charges against us. The prosecution failed to prove those circumstances, says lawyer of former Haryana minister Gopal Kanda, who was acquitted in a case of abetment of the suicide of former air hostess Geetika Sharma pic.twitter.com/Pcxhr6xzb2  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 25, 2023

The court had cited some circumstances while framing charges against us. The prosecution failed to prove those circumstances, he said.

Sharma, who was earlier employed with Kandas MLDR airlines, was found dead on 5 August, 2012 at her Ashok Vihar residence in North West Delhi.

In her 4 August suicide note, Sharma had said she was ending her life due to harassment by Kanda and Chadha.

Kanda was forced to resign from his post of minister of state for home following the registration of the case.

With inputs from agencies
IRCTC LIVE Updates

IRCTC website, mobile app down for hours due to 'technical reasons'; restored

Due to "technical reasons," the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation's (IRCTC) website and mobile apps were down for many hours on Tuesday.

They stated that the booking issue was later fixed.

To make matters worse for passengers, the unreserved ticketing system (UTS) utilised for purchasing tickets from Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) developed an unknown fault.

Several folks have been having trouble booking tickets since the morning. Some users also reported having problems reserving tickets through the IRCTC's ticketing partners.
Kampala  Uganda's Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) has come out to allay the fears of some Ugandans who in recent weeks have shared their frustration via social media about their struggle to exchange money while on their travels within the European Union.

One Ugandan who recently travelled to Norway said their transaction had been rejected the moment they presented their passport while another one who attempted to exchange money in Budapest, Hungary, reported similar treatment.

Although these are isolated incidents and in fact, other Ugandans in Norway said they had not experienced such frustration, some financial intelligence experts think Ugandans could continue facing such treatment because of the country's continued "Grey List" status by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)--the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog.

Uganda has been on FATF's "Grey List" since September 2016. Countries on this list have been noted to have deficiencies in their Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) controls.

Lazarus Mukasa, the Director Analysis and Monitoring at the Financial Intelligence Authority, the government agency that is tasked with detecting and deterring money laundering and terrorist financing in Uganda, recently told The Independent that the Ugandans' experiences could be "isolated actions."

"The government has not received any official communication from any country that they are taking counter action against Uganda," Mukasa told The Independent recently.

"I want to believe these are actions of individual financial institutions. There are no restrictions on transactions from Uganda and indeed like you have seen on social media, there are Ugandans who have been able to exchange in the same country. That shows that there is no limitation in inter-continental or inter-regional transactions; it's individual institutions which are taking action in line with their state's risk appetite."

However, Mukasa said, when the EU notices a jurisdiction that is on the FATF's "Grey List," it automatically puts it on its "Black List." "So, because of the perceived risk of a country, European financial institutions tend to come up with such restrictions," he told The Independent on July 13.

"There are those financial institutions which will heighten their due diligence on transactions in their countries; there are those which will reduce the threshold within the risk and there are those which will just refuse to do transactions."

Peter Wandera, the executive director of the Uganda Chapter of Transparency International agreed with FIA saying it is possible these are isolated cases.

Citing his own experience from his past travels, he told The Independent that there are indeed instances where one financial institution has demanded a list of documentation before a financial transaction (exchange of U.S. dollars to South African Rands) while another institution in the same country has made the same process less cumbersome.

The EU's 'Black List'

On May 17, this year, the European Commission adopted a "new delegated regulation" in relation to third countries perceived to have strategic deficiencies in their Anti-Money Laundering/Countering Financing Terrorism (AML/CFT) regimes that pose significant threats to the financial system of the European Union.

The Commission notes on its website that the identification of such countries is a legal requirement stemming from Article 9 of the Directive (EU) 2015/849 (4th anti-money laundering Directive) and is aimed at protecting the Union financial system and the proper functioning of its internal market.

The Commission says its revised methodology for the identification of these high-risk third countries is "robust, objective and transparent."

"The objective is to identify jurisdictions which have strategic deficiencies in their national AML/CFT regimes which pose significant threats to the financial systems of the Union and hence proper functioning of the internal market," the statement on the EU Commission's website reads in part.

Uganda is on this list which also includes; Afghanistan, Barbados, Burkina Faso, Cayman Islands, DR Congo, North Korea, Gibraltar, Haiti, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Mali, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, Panama, Philippines, Senegal, South Africa, South Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Trinidad & Tobago, the United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu and Yemen.

Uganda determined to get off "Grey List"

Even though Uganda has recently made efforts to tighten its anti-money laundering and terrorist financing laws, financial experts say the fact that Uganda is still listed on the FATF's "Grey List" and the EU's "Black List" shows its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regimes have not successfully put the FATF's recommendations into practice.

This explains why Uganda is now under more scrutiny from global financial institutions. On June 17, this year, the FATF said Uganda would remain on the grey list that captures countries with deficiencies in their Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism controls.

Early this year, the FIA said Uganda had been given until the end of June to make improvements or else more action would be taken against Uganda. The next action, FIA noted, would mean Uganda being put on the "Black List" where countries such as North Korea and Iran are.

The FATF expressed its concern that Uganda had failed to complete its action plan which included up to 22 action points, which expired in May 2022. However, the country got applauded for making progress in its evaluation of efforts to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.

It was noted that the country had established and put into practice policies and procedures for identifying, tracking, seizing and confiscating criminal proceeds and tools, as well as for showing that law enforcement and judicial authorities apply the money laundering offence in a way that is consistent with the risks that have been identified.

Still, the FATF wants Uganda to continue working on implementing its action plan to address its strategic inadequacies, including creating and implementing risk-based supervision of financial institutions and designated non-financial firms and professions.

Uganda has also been tasked with addressing technical flaws in the legal framework and ensuring that competent authorities have timely access to accurate and beneficial ownership information for legal entities in order to implement targeted financial sanctions related to proliferation financing.

Mukasa told The Independent that the government is determined to get off the "Grey List" this year. He said were it not for COVID-19 which ravaged the country between 2020 and 2021, Uganda would have got struck off the list by now.

"COVID-19 played a role in delaying Uganda's implementation of the action plan agreed upon between the government and FATF," he said, "Some of the actions required convening meetings, amending laws and even conducting inspections which we were not able to do. We failed to do so and Uganda was put on the grey list."

"The action plan had 22 items which we were supposed to implement and post progress reports every four months to FATF." However, Mukasa noted that, according to the last progress report, 20 of the 22 items had been addressed by the end of last year.

"Another one is supposed to have been addressed so we effectively have one item remaining for us to get off the Grey List," he said.

"The remaining item is about our ability to access beneficial ownership information. Even if the country has a law on beneficial ownership following the recent amendment of the Companies Act, FATF is not convinced; the portion of entities that have submitted beneficial ownership information to URSB is still small."

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"We are required to increase the number of entities on the URSB platform but also improve accessibility of this data in a timely manner. Once we demonstrate that to FATF, we hope Uganda will be struck off the Grey List before the end of this year."

Mukasa also told The Independent that there is still limited availability of beneficial ownership information which obscures transparency and there are also glaring gaps when it comes to Know Your Customer protocols in some financial institutions and mobile money service providers.

Mukasa was speaking on July 13 to a group of journalists during a training in Kampala on illicit financial flows which was organised by the Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE), a Kampala-based public policy think tank.

Illicit financial flows are broadly defined as the movement of money and value from one country to another that are illicitly earned, illicitly transferred, and/or illicitly utilized. Money being transferred is considered illicit when the method of transferring it across countries is illegal (cash smuggling) or if it is the result of an illegal act (bribery, illegal logging of timber), organised crime, syndicated corruption, tax evasion, or illegal wildlife trade or if it is also used to finance an illegal activity such as terrorism.

Dr. Arthur Bainomugisha, the executive director of ACODE noted during the training that illicit financial flows cost Uganda about Shs 2 trillion annually and they occur via tax evasion, trade-based money laundering, smuggling, aggressive tax planning, transfer pricing, criminal activities such as poaching, illegal mineral trade, human trafficking and arms smuggling.

Financial intelligence experts say illicit financial flows are notoriously known for being a global challenge and if left unchecked, they have devastating effects on the economy including weakening governance, hampering domestic revenue mobilization efforts and impeding economic growth and development.
Union Civil Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, highlighted the exponential growth of the aviation sector in recent years, with the fleet size expanding from 400 aircraft in 2013 to 700 now and this number is likely to rise up to 1,500 in the next five years.

Aimed at enhancing air connectivity to remote areas of the country, and a mobile application for chopper operators to seek approvals from government authorities, Scindia launched UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) 5.2 programme for small aircraft during attending a summit in Khajuraho.

These initiatives are part of the governments efforts to strengthen air infrastructure and accessibility, enhancing transportation options for citizens and promoting regional connectivity.

We today started UDAN 5.2 programme for small aircraft. We have awarded 22 routes, which underlines the fact that air travel facilities are being made available to citizens living in remote areas under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Scindia said at the event.

Speaking about HeliSewa, the minister said it is a single window service platform for helicopter operators who will be able to get all approvals from ATC (air traffic control) on mobile phone.

HeliSewa is an initiative of the Ministry of Civil Aviation under Digital India to create an ecosystem between helicopter operators and district authorities.

The mobile application will make it more convenient to use in terms of user experience, loading content, and usability of functions, said officials.

The Heli Summit 2023 was jointly organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, in association with the Government of Madhya Pradesh, Pawan Hans Ltd and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The theme of the event was Reaching the Last Mile: Regional Connectivity through Helicopters & Small Aircraft.

On the occasion, Scindia also inaugurated three FTOs in Khajuraho, a popular tourist town.

With this, the number of FTOs in Madhya Pradesh has gone up to six  three in Khajuraho and one each in Indore, Sagar, and Guna.

Scindia, on the occasion, announced that a flight between Khajuraho and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh using a wide body aircraft will be launched soon.

Khajuraho has a rich cultural heritage and it is our resolve to expand its air connectivity, he said.

The minister said in the last nine years of the Modi government, the aviation sector has seen an exponential growth and it has also been democratised.

He said 148 airports, including nine heliports and two water aerodromes, have been developed during this period and this number will go up to 200 in the next four years.

The fleet size has also registered a 75 per cent growth, from 400 aeroplanes in 2013 to 700 now. We are committed to increase this number to between 1,200 and 1,500 in the coming 4 to 5 years, he stated.

There were only 28 flying organizations in 2016, but their count has now increased to 57, said the minister.

Scindia said 1,135 commercial pilot licences were issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) which is a record in itself. Of these, 731 were issued in just five months of 2023.

At the summit, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Pawan Hans and Jetserve for advancing the helicopter and small aircraft sector in India.

With inputs from PTI.
A 35-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly raping a 33-year-old woman on the pretext of marriage after they became friends while playing the PUBG game and later started working together at an event management company in Mumbai, police said on Tuesday.

The accused and the woman met online at the end of 2020 and later she joined the event management firm.

The accused established physical relations with the woman after promising marriage. As per the complainant, the man raped her multiple times at various hotels till January 2023 and also shot videos of the act, the official said.

He threatened the woman that he would release the video clips on social media if she refused to maintain physical relations.

As he refused to marry her, the woman approached the police following which an FIR was registered under sections 376 (Punishment for rape), 376 (n) (2) (physical relations on promise to marry), and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal code, the official added.
As rains continue to lash parts of Hyderabad, city life has come to an eerie standstill. People are experiencing severe problems with waterlogged streets affecting traffic movement in several areas of the city. Amid incessant rainfall, as thunder and lightning affect the region, a shocking video showing a mans narrow escape from a near-death collision with lightning is making rounds on the internet. The horrifying incident was captured on a CCTV camera in Hyderabads Rajendra Nagar area.

The video was shared by the official Twitter account of Doordarshan News, Andhra Pradesh. The news organisation captioned the post: CCTV footage of a lightning strike in Attapur, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad yesterday.

Check out the post:

The post garnered over 2600 views.

As per an AIR News report, heavy rains continue to lash Telangana after a brief respite. The rains threw normal life out of gear as Vailpur in the Nizamabad district recorded 461.5 mm of rain and the Charminar region in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation limits recorded 78 mm of rainfall in less than 24 hours. Some parts witnessed over 40 cm of rainfall within one hour.

The news broadcast also warned that the catchment areas of the River Godavari and River Krishna are experiencing heavy inflows.

What is the cause behind such unprecedented rains?

A Low-Pressure area near the Northwest Bay of Bengal off the north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coast is being reasoned as the main cause behind such unprecedented rains, as per Hyderabad Meteorological Centre. It is likely to develop into a depression over the region by 26 July.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Telangana and warned residents of the possibility of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in parts of the state for the next three days, until 28 July.

Advisory

As per an advisory issued by the Hyderabad weather department, heavy waterlogging issues are likely to occur along with traffic congestion and drainage clogging. The advisory also stated that trees and electrical poles are likely to uproot amid heavy downpours.

A detailed account can be viewed here.

As rains have been disrupting normalcy across the country, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and even parts of Delhi-NCR recently witnessed a flood-like situation. Now, the active southwest monsoon has created a flood scare in Karnataka with many small streams overflowing. The Meteorological Department has sounded a red alert in all three coastal districts of Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Uttara Kannada.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused an urgent hearing on a batch of pleas against a ban imposed on the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).

A bench of Justices S K Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia asked the lawyer who sought the listing of the matter to approach the court once the hearing on the issue of Article 370 of the Constitution is over.

The lawyer told the bench that the matter came up for hearing on January 18 and has not been listed since then.

The bench then said, Next week, hearing in the Constitution bench (on Article 370) is starting. Mention it after it is over.

The Centre had earlier told the apex court that the SIMIs objective to establish Islamic rule in India cannot be allowed to subsist and that the activists of the banned outfit are still indulging in disruptive activities that are capable of threatening the countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a counter-affidavit filed in the apex court, which is hearing a batch of pleas on the ban imposed on the SIMI, the Centre had said the activists of the organisation are in regular touch with their associates and masters based in other countries and their actions could disrupt peace and communal harmony in India.

It had also said the SIMI aims to mobilise students and youngsters for the propagation of Islam and obtaining support for jihad (religious war).

The affidavit said the evidence brought on record clearly establishes that despite being banned since September 27, 2001, except for a brief period in between, the SIMI activists are associating, meeting, conspiring, acquiring arms and ammunition, and indulging in activities, which are disruptive in character and capable of threatening the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India.

It said the SIMI, through its members, has contacts in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh and Nepal and, being an organisation of students and youngsters, it is influenced and used by various fundamentalist Islamic terrorist organisations operating from Jammu and Kashmir.

The government said the SIMI came into existence on April 25, 1977 in Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh as an organisation of youngsters and students who have faith in the Jamaat-e-Islami-Hind (JEIH) and, in 1993, it declared itself independent.

The Centre said the petitioner, on whose plea the counter-affidavit was filed, has challenged a July 29, 2019 order passed by the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal, which had confirmed the declaration of the SIMI as an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in a notification dated January 31, 2019, extended the ban imposed on the organisation by five years.

The SIMI was first banned in 2001. Since then, the ban has been extended regularly. This was the eighth time that the ban was extended.
Aizawl: Thousands of people demonstrated across Mizoram on Tuesday to express solidarity with the Zo people in ethnic strife-torn Manipur.

NGO Co-ordination Committee, a conglomerate of five major civil society organisations including the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) and Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), organised the rallies in different parts of the state, including capital Aizawl.

Chief Minister Zoramthanga, Deputy CM Tawnluia, ministers, and MLAs of the state cutting across party lines took part in the massive protest rally in Aizawl.

Thousands of common people joined them in the peaceful protest with placards and posters, decrying the violence in the neighbouring state.

#WATCH | Mizoram | Locals in Aizawl protest over the Manipur issue. pic.twitter.com/0WfPWm5PMl  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2023



The gathering in Aizawl was so huge that the city came to a standstill with participants claiming that the state has not seen such a large demonstration in recent years.

The offices of the ruling MNF were closed to extend support to the programme. The opposition BJP, Congress and Zoram Peoples Movement (ZPM) also kept their offices shut in support of the solidarity rallies.

From the rally, NGO Co-ordination Committee chairman R Lalngheta urged the Centre to end the violence in Manipur.

If India considers us as Indian, it should take immediate steps to address the sufferings of the Zo people in Manipur, he said.

The protesters also adopted resolutions, urging the Centre to compensate the victims of the ethnic clash and ensure stringent punishment to those involved in parading the two women naked.

Mizos of Mizoram share ethnic ties with Kukis of Manipur, Kuki-Chins of Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh and Chins of Myanmar. They are collectively identified as Zos.

Security was beefed up across Mizoram in view of the demonstrations.

Heavy deployment of police, patrolling, and strict vigilance were ensured in all districts, especially in the vulnerable areas, to prevent any untoward incident, officials said.

A viral video from May 4 of two women being paraded naked by a mob in Manipur renewed the national attention on Manipur, where violence broke out nearly three months ago, killing over 160 people since then, and injuring hundreds.

The violence erupted on May 3 after a Tribal Solidarity March was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei communitys demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipurs population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mainly in the hill districts.
Two terrorists linked to banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), who were out to execute targeted killings in Baramulla, were arrested along with arms and fake IDs from Jammu and Kashmirs Chak Tapper Kreeri on Tuesday.

Two terrorist associates of the LeT outfit with arms ammunition were arrested at Chak Tapper Kreeri and their case was registered under UA(P)Act & Arms Act. Two Chinese pistols, two pistol magazines, 14 live pistol rounds, 1 ID card & 1 xerox copy of Aadhar Card were recovered pic.twitter.com/rpYziShqGU  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2023

Police said two Chinese pistols, two pistol magazines, 14 live pistol rounds, one ID card and a photocopy of Aadhar Card were recovered from them.

We have registered a case against the two under UA(P)Act and Arms Act, said Baramulla Police.

During a preliminary investigation both the terrorist confessed that they are affiliated to banned terrorist organisation LeT and had collected the arms and ammunition for target killings in Baramulla district, added the police.

With inputs from agencies
In Madhya Pradeshs Katni, an official working for the revenue department faced an accusation of accepting a bribe. The official, identified as Gajendra Singh, stationed in Katni district, had demanded a bribe of Rs 5,000 in relation to a land case from a complainant named Chandan Singh Lodhi. In response, Lodhi reported the matter to Lokayukta Jabalpur.

After a thorough investigation, the Lokayukta Jabalpur team arrested Gajendra Singh while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000 at his private office in Bilhari.

Upon his arrest, the official swallowed the bribe money, attempting to hide the evidence. He was subsequently taken to the district hospital, where efforts were made to recover the money.

Watch:

Superintendent of Police Sanjay Sahu said that a complaint had been received from a man in Barkheda village, alleging that Singh was soliciting a bribe. Upon receiving the money, the official noticed the SPE team and resorted to swallowing the bribe. Despite this incident, the official was reported to be in good health according to the doctors at the hospital.

A case was registered against him, and an investigation is underway.

With inputs from agencies
Someone working as a delivery agent can truly describe the sweat and effort it takes to rush all day long from one place to another with extended work hours and low-paying wages. Such a dire financial situation makes it difficult to support ones own needs, let alone take on the familys responsibilities. In such a scenario, a Zomato delivery agent named Vignesh has set an extraordinary example by clearing one of the toughest exams in India. He was applauded for his unshakeable determination and fruitful efforts in achieving a rank in the exam.

While according to Zomatos post, he had cleared the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission exam, the delivery agent corrected the food aggregator saying he had cleared the New India assurance AO (Administrative officer) exam and not TNPSC. The score was obtained while fulfilling his professional duties as a delivery partner with Zomato.

The aggregator and food delivery company, celebrating the achievement, wrote: Drop a like for Vignesh, who just cleared the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission Exam while working as a Zomato delivery partner, along with a heart.

Check out Zomatos post:

The picture shows Vignesh standing on a stage with his family.

Uploaded just a day ago, the post has over 86,000 views. It has amassed 3,800 likes.

Check out some of the responses below:

Vignesh corrected the authorities saying: Hi @zomato I have cleared New India assurance AO (Administrative officer) not TNPSC.

Hi @zomato I have cleared New India assurance AO(Administrative officer) not TNPSC  Vigneesh.. (@vigneesh1104) July 24, 2023

A user wrote: Congratulations. The fruit of hard work is sweeter than the sweetest of nectars.

Congratulations. The fruit of hard work is sweeter than the sweetest of nectars.  Rajni Kant Verma (@rajni64) July 24, 2023

The struggle of these boys working round the clock in an unimaginable amount of time then competing with those who are sitting at home and fully focusing on their studies is unimaginable, said another user.

Struggle of these kind of boys life

Working round the clock n simultaneously competing with who are sitting in home and fully focused on studies

His grit is unimaginable  Puthiabala (@puthiabala) July 24, 2023

The efforts of Mr. Vignesh are admirable. This shows that success follows hard work, added another.

Truly commendable efforts by Mr.Vignesh. This proves that success will follow the hard work  Parval Mishra (@ParvalM) July 24, 2023

An Administrative Officer is a First Level Officer and needs to handle administrative and authoritative work that revolves around checking insurance policies, authorising insurance claims and filing official returns.

On 10 July, Gurgaon-based Zomato turned 15. The food company celebrated the occasion with the team by cutting not just one, but two cakes, at their office. While social media users wished Zomato with heartwarming comments, rival Swiggy made their day even more special by sending a cake to their office. Zomato replied with a Thank you.
The new world order is splitting into three axes. The first is the United States-led Western alliance of democracies. The second is the China-Russia axis of autocratic, predatory powers. The third is the independent Global South led by India and comprising a raft of diverse nations across Asia, Africa and South America.

Europe represents the past, America the present and Africa the future. A continent of 55 sovereign nations and 1.25 billion people, Africa is the birthplace of humankind.

Homo Sapiens originated here 70,000 years ago and began a global migration to Europe, Asia and other continents. Every race today  Caucasoid, Negroid, Mongoloid and Australoid, to give them their technical anthropological nomenclature  originated in Africa.

Enslaved and colonised by Europeans for centuries, Africa is finally on the cusp of its own tryst with destiny. According to the United Nations, Nigeria in West Africa will be the worlds third most populous nation after India and China by the end of this century.

Spotting Africas potential early, China has been investing heavily in the continent. India is catching up. The Bharti Airtel group, for instance, operates mobile telecom services in 14 African countries. Its net profit from its African operations at $750 million (Rs 6,050 crore) has risen steadily.

A free trade agreement (FTA) with the South African Customs Union (SACU) is on the cards. The expansion of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to African countries as in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Singapore and France could establish India as a global technology leader.

India has an added advantage over China. Indian migrants who came to Africa to live and work centuries ago form a bridge between Indian and Africans. The Chinese in contrast are insular: their workers on infrastructure projects have been accused of racism

The African Union (AU) comprises all 55 African countries. Its voice is increasingly heard in global forums. South Africa will host the BRICS summit in August. Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the summit in person but will take part virtually. Western media had asked the South African government to arrest him against the warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.

In an interview with the BBC last month, an African National Congress leader asked the interviewer whether former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former US President George W Bush, who ordered the illegal bombing and invasion of Iraq that killed several thousand civilians, had been arrested?

Apart from the geopolitics of Africas growing importance, it is unconscionable that nearly one-sixth of humanity  roughly the same as Indias population  has a marginal voice in global affairs. Indias move to make the African Union a permanent member of the G20 is therefore both right and timely.

Indias G20 sherpa Amitabh Kant, in an interview with a business daily, noted: Global leaders have also been expressing their support for the inclusion of AU in the G20, in various other international fora. With the Global South bearing the brunt of todays intertwined challenges, enhancing their voice in a forum such as the G20 was a must. Africa must have a voice in addressing issues directly affecting them. By adding the AU, the G20 would come to represent 80% of the global population, up from the current 60%. This was our thinking in inviting the African Union to be part of the G20.

Africa is a complex and diverse continent. Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt in North Africa are Arabic. West Africa, from where Britain, France, Spain and Portugal shipped slaves to the Americas for over 300 years, is rich in oil. East Africa is home to a large Indian diaspora, including the ancestors of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Home Minister Suella Braverman. South Africa was devastated by apartheid under Dutch and British colonial rule but it is, along with Nigeria, Africas largest economy. Central Africa though is torn by war and poverty.

Indians came to Africa both as voluntary migrants seeking work and trade and as indentured labourers shipped during British colonial rule.

The next wave of Indians is different. Apart from Indian business enterprises investing in mining, oil exploration, infrastructure and technology, educational institutes are opening campuses in Africa. The first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus outside India will be established in Tanzania by IIT-Madras.

V Kamakoti, director of IIT-M is upbeat. AT IIT-M, we are very keen on bringing women into leadership roles, he says. We are following sustainable development goals and one of the important goals suggested is that we need to bring in gender balance. Professor Preeti Aghalayam will be the first ever woman to be an IIT director.

To begin operations in October 2023 in the Tanzanian city of Zanzibar, the IIT-M campus will empower women both in Africa and India. According to director Preeti Aghalayam, an IIT-M alumnus herself, During our visits to Zanzibar as an IIT-M contingent we had noticed that the representation of women from their side was quite significant. The minister of education in Zanzibar is a woman, their permanent secretary who is a part of our steering committee is a woman, and of course, the President of Tanzania herself is a woman.

Once the African Union joins the G20, not only will the voice of Africa be heard globally but Indias leadership of the independent axis of the Global South will play an even greater pivotal role in the new world order.

The writer is an editor, author and publisher. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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The horrific video emerging from troubled Manipur, where two women were stripped, paraded, and molested by a mob in an incident that took place on 4 May but came to light much later in July, has created a tsunami of outrage and made a nation angry with pain and disgust.

The administration, both at the state and the Centre, has come under searing criticism. Many are questioning the validity of the Biren Singh government and calling for the ouster of the chief minister who has, quite simply, failed in his job. This rightful demand has emerged not just from the Opposition or those who dislike the BJP, but even from those who are sympathetic to it.

The video has also triggered a mendacious debate where selective moral outrage is used as a political weapon and womens bodies become staging grounds for pitched political battles.

Before we proceed, there must be absolute clarity on a few issues. The administration at all levels is culpable for failing over several months to bring the ethnic clashes in Manipur under control that has so far resulted in retributive violence, numerous deaths, arson, destruction of livelihoods and properties, heinous crimes against women and political dislocation.

The situation is complex, as I have explained in a recent piece but the government has been voted in power to do its job. That requires, among other things, to govern. To have a veto over violence.

It didnt require a video showing disrobed, distraught women being heckled and groped by a pack of molesters to shake the conscience of those in power. That fact that things came to such a pass is desperately unfortunate. Accountability must be fixed, the violence must be brought immediately under control and those responsible for the monstrosity must face severe punishment. There is no space for compromise on these rules.

Some rules of governance are universal. These include the maintenance of law and order. When administrators and administrations falter in executing their primary duties, they are answerable to the public and liable to face criticism and scrutiny from the Opposition, media, and civil society.

Instances of sexual assault, acts of political vendetta or retributive violence by means of violating the bodies of women, and the states inaction during such acts of criminality are legitimate causes of moral outrage. Here, criticisms and moral outrage perform a critical function in society. It focuses attention on horrendous deeds, increases public awareness and forces those in power to act and address lapses in their actions. In short, it facilitates accountability.

However, for such moral affront and indignation to cause the desired effect, it must be seen to be based on fairness and universal applicability of law where the lives and dignity of all women matter, and victimhood does not depend on political affiliation.

If outrage is selective, then the rhetoric of outrage loses its moral force, and ultimately its value. It becomes political skullduggery. The actor or actors expressing such selective outrage reveals moral hypocrisy instead of moral integrity. And moral integrity is the whole deal. The only deal.

Pointing out that selectivity and moral discrepancy in arguments and debates around the heinous crime in Manipur, and drawing attention to the fact that incidents of such nature (and administrative lapses or worse) do not always receive adequate attention or trigger moral outrage if these do not fit a certain political or identity profile, is not whataboutery. It is a necessary, corrective conversation that impacts and shapes public discourse.

Exposing this hypocrisy is imperative not just for the immorality and deception at work, but also because tactical silence may sometimes mean complicity.

At one level, the feint that goes by the name of whataboutism can be used to escape accountability by those in power. Equally, those that demand accountability and claim to speak truth to power, may use whataboutism as a label to deflect questions that expose their lack of moral integrity and selective outrage. It is a devious, two-way game that has no winners.

We have come to accept a rather unfortunate truism in democracies. Political parties will be opportunistic. No one expects political parties to not be opportunistic, and therefore, the statements of party-appointed spokespersons are interpreted through appropriate filters. This holds true for all political parties, whether or not they are in power.

The class that seeks accountability from those in power  the thick middle of media, activists, intellectuals, commentariat, academia or civil society  do not have that luxury. Hypocrisy might be a feature, not a bug when it comes to political parties. It is a significant lapse for those who claim moral superiority and seek accountability from the political class for their real or perceived lapses, or else the criticism in the absence of fairness or neutrality becomes an extension of the cut and thrust of political discourse.

In a recent piece on this issue, one columnist accused the prime minister of whataboutery because Narendra Modi referred to the incident in Manipur in the same breath as he mentioned similar crimes against women in other states.

The columns core argument is that the situation in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh or West Bengal is not the same as in Manipur, and the prime minister is guilty of moral evasion for his mendacious reaction, and this morally callous regime that peddles absurdities and revels in atrocity must be thrown out.

The columnist is obviously entitled to a particular opinion, however out of sync it is with public mood. It interests me, however, to point out moral inconsistencies in arguments that substitute logic with hysteria.

Coincidentally, on the very day the column in question was published, National Commission for Women (NCW) took suo motu cognisance of a video emerging from Malda in West Bengal that showed two women stripped naked and being brutally assaulted.

Speaking to the media Saturday, NCW chief Rekha Sharma said nobody knows where the two women are. The medical examination has not been done, there are no arrest warrants issued, and no FIRs have been done. The family members of the women are worried, adding that NCW is sending a team to Malda.

Despite being stripped and beaten up, both women were arrested by police after the incident on accusations of theft. According to a report in The Wire, The incident took place near Ratuachak in Pakuahat of Malda, last Tuesday, but only came to public attention on Saturday, July 22, after the video started being circulated on social media. Footage captures how the two women were mercilessly beaten and humiliated by their attackers in front of civic volunteers, a group of contractual staff assisting the police. The report adds that police did not arrive at the scene in spite of the fact that a police post was 15 minutes away from the site.

What was the administrations reaction? West Bengal women and child development minister Shashi Panja said: There is absolutely no need to politicise the Malda incident. It was a case of theft, where the two ladies tried to steal something from the market. A group of women tried to take law & order into their hands and started beating them.

The citing of the Malda incident in no way absolves the administration in Manipur that has let the crime happen under its watch and failed to act for months until the video emerged on social media. It does point, however, to a pattern in India of violence against women, that is often used as a tool for political persecution. These incidents also point to an acute lack of state capacity, coupled with insufficient political will and, worse, state complicity in some cases.

While these are chronic issues plaguing the Indian state, the level of civic outrage in each of these cases are not the same, and therein lies the rub. Morality is a set of values and principles that are not politically expedient, but in many cases, victims of sexual violence are dehumanised and their ordeals dismissed as not worthy of attention.

That is unbelievable moral depravity.

One hasnt seen, for instance, expressions of similar hysteria from liberal quarters when in 2021, in a stupor of post-poll triumphalism, goons from the ruling TMC allegedly gang-raped multiple women, including a 60-year-old senior citizen as well as a minor in West Bengal. Their ordeal came to light and the horrific details emerged only when they moved the Supreme Court seeking a court-monitored CBI/SIT investigation into their cases  so low is their confidence in the states law and order machinery.

The incidents that came to light make our stomachs churn in disgust, but our so-called liberals did not find it politically expedient to express similar indignation, anger or outrage.

In one plea, as reported by India Today, a 60-year-old woman from Bengal alleged that she was gang-raped in front of her six-year-old grandson, while her daughter-in-law was beaten up.

On May 4 around midnight at 12.30 am, five persons who were party workers of the Trinamool Congress came to the applicants house and forced their way inThe applicant was slapped, beaten, handcuffed and tied to her bed, as the criminals forced themselves on her, the application stated. She claimed that despite the horrific attack, the police initially refused to register an FIR ostensibly her family members supported a different political party.

In another plea, as reported by Times of India, a 17-year-old minor girl from the scheduled caste community in West Bengal alleged that she was gang raped by TMC workers on May 9 and sought a shifting of the trial outside the state. She said that not only was she gangraped and left to die in the jungle after being dragged in there by TMC supporters, the very next day a TMC local leader Bahadur SK came to her house and threatened the family members against lodging a complaint. He threatened to burn their house and kill them if they did so.

The government at the Centre and the state of Manipur must face up to their failures, and they will be punished at the electoral hustings if they lose the voters confidence. That is the feature of democracy. Liberal ventriloquism by political operatives through mendacious arguments wont cut any ice.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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Nairobi  Former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga and two other suspects have been charged with the illegal possession of offensive weapons.

According to a charge sheet, Maina is alleged to be in possession of 14 machetes, 24 Maasai swords, 46 rungus, and three plows.

Njenga was arrested on Wednesday last week alongside his two brothers and his personal assistant Ole Lekishe.

The DCI Serious Crime Unit alleges that they have reasonable presumption that the said offensive weapons were intended to be used in a manner prejudicial to public order.
As Indias Chandrayaan 3 sets its course for the moon, it marks another step towards harnessing space for the benefit of mankind. Space, the ultimate vantage point, has become a facilitator of all forms of activities on planet Earth. Satellites support economic activities, communications, navigation, surveys, and enhance the quality of life and livelihood. Militaries around the world utilise space to support air, surface, and sub-surface operations. Consequently, there is a need to secure our own assets and interests in space. In effect, this also implies some form of militarisation of space, involving the placement and development of military resources in outer space. In the mid-20th century, the United States and the Soviet Union initiated this process by developing space-based offensive technologies and ballistic missiles. Since then, outer space has been utilized for various military applications.

Evolution of space weapons

In the early 1960s, the United States and the Soviet Union began developing anti-satellite weapons. These weapons took the form of directed-energy lasers for satellite decapitation or kamikaze satellites for hard-kill purposes. The Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM), with their very long range, spent significant time in sub-orbital flight and were best intercepted in space. The initial US Nike-Zeus programme envisioned firing Nike nuclear missiles against incoming ICBMs, while Project Defender aimed to destroy Soviet ICBMs at launch with satellite weapon platforms orbiting over Russia. However, both programmes were later abandoned.

The Sentinel and Safeguard programs sought to use Anti-Ballistic Missiles (ABM) to shoot down incoming ICBMs. Initially, the plan was to use a nuclear-tipped interceptor missile, but as accuracy improved, hit-to-kill ABMs evolved. In 1983, US President Reagan proposed a space based Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI) to protect the United States from attack by strategic nuclear missiles.

In the 1960s, the Soviets developed a co-orbital system, which approached space targets using radar guidance and then exploded a shrapnel warhead close enough to destroy them. They also evolved a low-earth orbit Fractional Orbital Bombardment System (FOBS) for targeting Earth-based objectives, which would de-orbit for the attack. However, the SALT II agreement of 1979 prohibited the deployment of FOBS systems. The Polyus orbital weapons system was an anti-satellite weapon equipped with nuclear space mines and a self-defence cannon. The Soviets also considered the space shuttle as a single-orbit weapon that could evade existing anti-ballistic missile sites, attack targets, and return to Earth.

Additionally, the Soviets experimented with large, ground-based Anti-Satellite (ASAT) lasers, which reportedly temporarily blinded several US spy satellites. They also utilized a modified MiG-31 as an ASAT launch platform. With the end of the Cold War, new players like China, Japan, the European Union, and India developed their own space systems. Spy satellites continue to perform C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions. They provide early warning of missile launches, detect nuclear detonations, and observe preparations for clandestine or surprise nuclear tests. In Operation Desert Storm, early-warning satellites were used to detect tactical missile launches.

Weaponisation of space

Space weapons can be classified into those that attack targets in space (anti-satellite), attack ground targets from space, or attack targets passing through space (anti-ballistic missile). It is technically possible to position conventional or nuclear missiles in space to reach ground targets, but such an approach could be expensive, difficult to maintain and service, and have limited advantages over aircraft and submarine-launched weapons.

Russia has reportedly resumed ASAT research under President Putin to counter the renewed US strategic defence efforts following the ABM Treatys termination. Russia has also tested space-to-space kinetic weapons. In late 2017, a Russian satellite demonstrated the ability to approach another satellite closely and fire a high-velocity projectile. In March 2018, Russian President Vladimir Putin showed a graphic of the RS-28 Sarmat heavy ICBM placing a nuclear warhead on an orbital trajectory and descending towards Florida. In late 2019, a similar Russian satellite manoeuvred provocatively close to a US government satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), and in July 2020, the same satellite was observed firing a projectile.

The NASA-Boeing X-37, known as the Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), is a reusable robotic spacecraft, akin to a space version of an Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle, and is operated by the United States Space Force. Its mission durations have been increasing, with the most recent mission launched on an Atlas V on 17 May 2020 and concluded on 12 November 2022, spending a total of 908 days in orbit.

The PLAs 2013 Science of Military Strategy publications suggest that China has conducted the intellectual groundwork for deploying space-to-Earth weapons to gain asymmetric advantages. International space treaties limit or regulate the positioning of weapons or conflicts in space. So far, no human casualties have resulted from conflicts in space, and no ground target has been successfully neutralized from orbit.

Earth-based space weapons

Research is ongoing into directed energy weapons, including a nuclear-explosion-powered X-ray laser. The AGM-69 SRAM carried on a modified F-15 Eagle, was successfully tested in September 1985, targeting a satellite orbiting at 555 km. In February 2008, the US Navy fired a standard ABM to act as an ASAT weapon to destroy an ageing hydrazine-laden US satellite. Russia has reportedly restarted the development of a prototype laser system called Sokol Exhelon. Israels Arrow 3 (Hetz 3) anti-ballistic missile, equipped with an exo-atmospheric interceptor, has been repeatedly tested and has a range of 2,400 km. Russia has also deployed Earth-to-space weapons, such as communication, radar, and GPS jammers. In April 2020, Russia tested a direct ascent ASAT.

Furthermore, in 2018, Russia began fielding a mobile ground-based laser weapon. In January 2007, China successfully destroyed a defunct Chinese weather satellite in polar orbit at an altitude of about 865 km using a kinetic warhead of the SC-19 Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile. The warhead destroyed the satellite in a head-on collision at an extremely high relative velocity. The US National Missile Defence (NMD) program does not have weapon stations in space but is designed to intercept incoming warheads at a very high altitude, where the interceptor travels into space to achieve the intercept. The US is also working on Earth-to-space weapons that could rapidly reach Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to defend US satellites or threaten adversary satellites there. However, space-based weapons would be required to defend assets in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) and other orbits.

Chinas space programme

Once shrouded in secrecy, it is now a well-publicised space programme. It includes lunar and Mars missions, a permanent space station, and ASAT capabilities. China has launched an increasing number of rockets in recent years. The Long March series of launchers can carry heavy loads and are continuously improving. The Long March 5 (LM-5) can place 25,000 kg in LEO and approximately 14,000 kg to GEO. When it flies for the first time around 2030, the Long March 9 will have a payload capacity to LEO of around 140,000 to 150,000 kg. China is also working on hack-proof satellites.

Chinas BeiDou Navigation Satellite System is fully operational with 35 satellites. China claims that it is more accurate with millimetre-level precision through post-processing. The system boasts the largest fleet of satellites, compared to the US GPS (31), Russian GlOSNASS (26), European Galileo (26), and Indias NaviC (planned 11) satellites. China claims to have shipped millions of BeiDou receivers to nearly 120 countries.

China is estimated to spend around $11.94 billion in 2022 on its space program, albeit still a fraction of the American US$ 61.97 billion, but many-fold more than Indias US$ 1.93 billion. The large manned space station, Tiangong, is in place and will be completed by 2024. In December 2015, China launched the Dark Matter Particle Explorer. In 2017, it launched the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope to search for black holes. Eighteen Chinese astronauts have now been into space, including a woman. The Chinese Satellite Aolong 1 (Roaming Dragon) has a robotic arm that can grab another satellite and guide it to burn up in Earths atmosphere. Officially, it is to remove space debris from orbit, but it could be used as a weapon, bringing down a rivals satellite. China could very well be in a position to land astronauts on the moon by 2030.

Indias space capabilities

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has the worlds largest constellation of remote-sensing satellites and operates the GAGAN and IRNSS (NavIC) satellite navigation systems. It has sent three missions to the Moon and one to Mars. The Mars orbiter mission successfully entered Mars orbit on 24 September 2014, making India the first nation to succeed on its first attempt. The Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), equipped with a cryogenic engine and boosters, is the heaviest rocket in operational service with ISRO. It can put a payload of 8,000 kg in LEO (Low Earth Orbit). LVM3 is expected to carry Indias first crewed mission to space and will be the testbed for the SCE-200 engine, which will power Indias heavy-lift rockets in the future. ISRO is actively expanding its satellite fleet, aiming to land a rover on the Moon, send humans into space, develop a semi-cryogenic engine, conduct more uncrewed missions to the Moon, Mars, Venus, and the Sun, and deploy more space telescopes. Also in the plans are the development of reusable launchers, heavy and super heavy launch vehicles, deployment of a space station, exploration missions to planets like Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, and asteroids, and crewed missions to moons and planets.

On 15 February 2017, ISRO launched 104 satellites in a single rocket, PSLV C-37, creating a world record. India has a fast-evolving Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) program to launch small satellites at much lower costs and short notice. ISROs launch and satellite systems remain at least cost to orbit.

Indias space-based military applications

Indias space programme, aimed at peaceful exploitation of space, has military offshoots. These include remote sensing satellites of the IRS series, with some having a spatial resolution of one meter or below. There are others equipped with panchromatic cameras, synthetic aperture radars, and satellites providing scene-specific spot imagery for cartographic and military applications. Additionally, satellites support military communications, networks, navigation, and targeting, among other functions.

Indias nearly 15 operational satellites include at least five dedicated to military use (GSAT-7, GSAT-6, GSAT-7A, GSAT-7B, EMISAT). The HySIS and Microsat-R satellites are dual-use satellites. All the IRS satellites are placed in polar sun-synchronous orbit, providing data in various spatial, spectral, and temporal resolutions.

The Radar Imaging Satellite 2 (RISAT-2) has an Israeli synthetic aperture radar (SAR), providing a day-night, all-weather monitoring capability with a resolution of one meter. The CARTOSAT-2 carries a state-of-the-art panchromatic (PAN) camera. The highly agile CARTOSAT-2A is a dedicated satellite for the Indian Armed Forces, while CARTOSAT-2B offers multiple spot scene imagery. CARTOSAT-2E was launched in June 2017.

In the aftermath of the 2020 China-India skirmishes, the Indian security establishment has been working on an additional four to six satellites with high-resolution sensors and cameras to monitor individuals and small objects on and across the Line of Actual Control.

Indias ASAT and Ballistic Missile Defence Programme

On 27 March 2019, India conducted a test of an anti-satellite weapon (ASAT) operation code-named Mission Shakti. It successfully targeted a satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) using the kinetic kill vehicle, Prithvi Defence Vehicle Mark-II. This test positioned India as the fourth country, after the United States, Russia, and China, to have demonstrated an ASAT capability. Additionally, this test showcased Indias capability to intercept an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

Indias ballistic defence program comprises a multi-layered system, incorporating two interceptor missiles: the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) missile for high-altitude interception and the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) missile for lower-altitude interception. These missiles have the capability to intercept incoming missiles launched up to 5,000 kilometres away. PAD was successfully tested in November 2006, while AAD achieved success in December 2007. Consequently, India became the fifth country to possess an Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) system, joining the ranks of the United States, Russia, China, and Israel.

On 6 March 2009, India successfully tested its missile defence shield by intercepting an incoming missile at an altitude of 75 km. The Swordfish radar used in the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system has a range of 1,500-2,000 km. Moreover, India is currently developing two new anti-ballistic missiles to intercept Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs), with a coverage range of up to 5,000 km. In addition, India is also planning to deploy a laser-based weapon system to destroy ballistic missiles during their boost phase.

Space situational awareness

As of May 2023, there were 7,702 active satellites in space. Of these, 12 per cent were in Geostationary Orbit (GEO), 3 per cent in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and 84 per cent in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Out of the total, 3,135 satellites are used for communications, 1,052 for earth observation, and the rest serve various purposes, including navigation, among others. The United States leads the way with 2,926 satellites, followed by China in second place with 493 satellites, while India lags further behind with 58 satellites. Almost 72 per cent of active satellites fall into the small satellite category. Additionally, an estimated 130 million objects smaller than 1cm and 34,000 objects larger than 10cm are traversing in orbit at speeds of thousands of kilometres per hour. This includes a significant number of defunct satellites and debris still present in orbit. The tracking and management of all these objects are crucial for collision avoidance. In response to this challenge, India has established a Directorate of Space Situational Awareness and Management, and it closely collaborates with other space agencies, particularly the USA.

Defence Space Agency

The Defence Space Agency (DSA) is a tri-service agency of the Indian Armed Forces, headquartered in New Delhi. Its primary role is to operate Indias space warfare and satellite intelligence assets. The agency is envisaged to be transformed into a full-fledged tri-service military command in the future. Under the DSA, both the Defence Imagery Processing and Analysis Centre in Delhi and the Defence Satellite Control Centre in Bhopal operate. The DSA collaborates closely with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and private industry to enhance its capabilities. It conducts realistic space-related exercises and is actively involved in the development of a joint space warfare doctrine. The agencys main responsibility is to craft a space warfare strategy.

The Defence Space Research Agency (DSRA) is the scientific organization tasked with developing space-warfare systems and technologies for the DSA. Comprised of scientists, the DSRA conducts research and development in close coordination with the Integrated Defence Staff.

Aerospace commands

The US Air Force Space Command was established in September 1982, encompassing all operational space assets. In December 2019, the newly created United States Space Force (USSF) merged with its sister branch, the U.S. Air Force, and became part of the Department of the Air Force. They collaborate closely for technology development and command and control of the domains. The United Kingdom Space Command (UKSC) was founded in April 2021, functioning as a joint command organized under the Royal Air Force, and led by an RAF officer. The French Air Force transitioned into the French Air and Space Force in September 2020, and the French Space Command is now an integral part of it. On August 1, 2015, the Russian Air Force and the Russian Aerospace Defence Forces amalgamated, forming the Russian Aerospace Forces.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) outlined the Defence Space Vision 2020, further expanded upon in the IAF Doctrine 2022, with the aim to utilize satellite resources to significantly enhance Indias defence preparedness. To turn this space vision into practical operational outcomes, an Aerospace Command with the required space expertise and authority is imperative. The impressive capabilities developed by ISRO need seamless integration with the air, surface, and sea-based systems of the Armed Forces. Early establishment of an Aerospace Command is necessary to achieve space deterrence and safeguard space assets, offering significant potential to leverage space as both a weapon and a shield.

Way forward for India

Indias economic progress has accelerated the space programme. Conversely, the satellites have greatly supported the economy due to better communications and imaging. Space exploration has also brought national pride and self-confidence. For some years now, India has been offering space launches to other countries. ISRO is getting ready for the first manned space flight, and the nation is eagerly looking forward to the operationalization of Indias satellite navigation system.

Future plans include the development of The Unified Launch Vehicle (ULV), whose core objective is to design a modular architecture that could eventually replace the PSLV and GSLV with a single family of launchers. Additionally, there are plans for developing a reusable launch vehicle. India has a nearly ready-to-deploy Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system and all the building blocks necessary to integrate an anti-satellite weapon.

Noted strategist Guilio Douhet once said, Victory smiles upon those who anticipate the changes in the character of war, not upon those who wait to adapt themselves after the changes occur. The Air Force Counter-space Operations Doctrine proposes the concept of space campaigns, covering offensive and defence actions. India needs early warning satellites to monitor ICBM launches and even for tactical airspace as an important military asset. Ground/space-based lasers to disable enemy satellites or destroy/degrade attacking ICBMs are part of the ASAT capability. There is also a need to develop Directed Energy Weapons. India requires a permanent space station and must gradually move towards having tri-services Space Command. Space is the future for all action and capabilities, the real force multiplier. The time to invest and prepare is now.

The writer is Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed are personal. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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Well, packaging the same old wine in a new bottle is an embodiment of what the UPA did recently, if euphemism is to be applied correctly. The cohort of Opposition parties emerged from their two-day huddle in Bengaluru all puffed up and preening over their new alliance  I.N.D.I.A., an acronym for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance  which they claim will unseat the BJP in 2024. But a closer look reveals that this is nothing but a half-baked attempt to repackage the failed UPA era into a grand alliance that exists only on paper.

This merry band of contradictions, comprising 26 motley and congeries of regional parties led by the incessantly fading Congress, is hoping to snowball its incoherent coalition into a giant killer that can halt the Modi juggernaut gearing for a historic third term. The very name I.N.D.I.A. is a crude grab at nationalism, attempting to usurp the BJPs platform that has deeply resonated with citizens. Do they take the public for simpletons who cannot see through this lacklustre plan that reeks of desperation?

Let us examine the key constituents of this dysfunctional alliance:

The Congress remains the biggest stakeholder. Yet, it is a pale shadow of its former self, lurching from crisis to crisis under the Gandhis, whose authority has been openly challenged by the G-23 mutineers, many of whom have disembarked the sinking ship. The Grand Old Party has been reduced to desperately clutching at straws to remain relevant. What can it offer the country when it cannot even put its house in order?

Mamata Banerjees TMC, which played a prominent role in crafting the alliance, is steeped in the politics of Muslim appeasement and intimidation, as per myriad startling observations made by various courts at various points in time. Under Didi, West Bengal has seen an alarming spike in political violence and communal tensions. Is this the brand of secularism that India as a nation would want to propagate?

Then, theres Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). In Delhi, his party is mired in corruption scandals even as he dreams of going national. What administrative acumen can he bring to the table? That is the cogent and pertinent question that needs to be asked, putting aside the political rhetoric.

It is claimed that Sharad Pawars NCP has been involved in various scandals and is accused of engaging in corrupt practices, including alleged black money transactions. However, it currently asserts its commitment to transparency and accountability.

The list goes on  from the Samajwadi Party with its abysmal track record in Uttar Pradesh to the Left parties that remain oblivious to ground realities. This ragtag group has been woven together solely by its shared disapproval of Modi and hunger for power. They have no coherent vision or agenda for the country, as evident from their inability to decide on fundamentals like leadership. Their only glue is a desperate desire to pull Modi down.

In contrast, the NDA led by the BJP now comprises 38 parties united by their faith in Prime Minister Modis vision for India. The recent NDA meeting displayed the spirit of progressive politics based on development and national interest. The BJP has expanded its national footprint while continuing to empower its regional allies. The NDAs positive politics of hope has trumped the petty politicking of parties like I.N.D.I.A. Despite tall claims of being secular, inclusive, and progressive, the united oppositions previous UPA regime was marked by corruption scams, poor governance and minimal development. What do they plan to do differently this time? Where is the roadmap for Indias future?

The nation sees through these political stunts camouflaged as pro-people and ideological alliances. I.N.D.I.A. is nothing but the same, old UPA in a new bottle, the same old strain of self-serving politics in new packaging.

Theres no denying that a good democracy needs a strong Opposition, which can keep the government in check. That way, the role of the Opposition is as important as that of the government. I.N.D.I.A., unfortunately, doesnt hold that promise. There cant be shortcuts in life, more so in politics.

The author is an independent journalist and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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Days after Janata Dal (Secular) hinted at a possible alliance with BJP in Karnataka, chief HD Devegowda, cleared the air by saying that there is no question of aligning with anybody.

The former prime minister said on Tuesday, Let me be very clear. There is no question of aligning with anybody. We will fight the battle independently on our own.

#WATCH | Bengaluru: On alleged alliance between JDS and BJP in Karnataka, JDS chief HD Devegowda says, Let me be very clear. There is no question of aligning with anybody, we will fight the battle independently on our own. pic.twitter.com/ok1lxJivzl  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2023

Last week, JD(S) leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said that his party has decided to work together with BJP as an opposition to strengthen the interest of the state.

Operation Singapore

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and his party have claimed that JD(S) and BJP are hatching a ploy to topple the Congress-ruled government in the southern state.

He further claimed that leaders from both parties are meeting in Singapore to plan their roadmap for the future.

#WATCH | Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar says, They (BJP and JDS) cannot destabilise our government, they are making some political strategy for their political gains but nothing will work. Our government is strong and stable. pic.twitter.com/dxh3sCDeqS  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2023

BJP and JD(S) leaders are trying to have a pact. They could not have a meeting here or in New Delhi therefore they have booked tickets to Singapore. Our enemies have become friends now. I dont know whether it will go on or not. The Congress party is watching everyone, Shivakumar said.

They (BJP and JDS) cannot destabilise our government. They are making some political strategy for their political gains but nothing will work, he added.

Congress backs DKS

Colleagues of the deputy chief minister have backed DK Shivakumars claims saying that the BJP has experience in toppling governments in the past.

Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda told Republic, The BJP party is an expert in toppling governments across the country. They have misused the power of the Centre and have brought down elected governments. They are not afraid of anything but we are on our guard.

The BJP itself has said that government will topple after the parliamentary elections. They may be preparing, right? I dont know if HD Kumaraswamy has gone to Singapore but we have faith in our MLAs. You just have to be careful, he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a swipe at the Opposition for continuously disrupting the monsoon session of the Parliament and said, We have never seen such a directionless Opposition.

Addressing the BJP Parliamentary meeting in the national capital, PM Modi spoke about the Opposition unitys name I.N.D.I.A and said merely adding the name doesnt bring any difference.

The Prime Minister compared the I.N.D.I.A alliance with the British-era East India Company. He said the job of the current Opposition in the Parliament is to protest as he asked his party leaders to focus on work.

 As the Britishers came and named themselves East India Company, in the same way, the Opposition is presenting itself in the name of India, PM Modi said, adding India was also in the name of Indian Mujahideen and PFI.

PM Shri @narendramodi and other senior leaders arrive for the BJP Parliamentary Party Meeting in New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/3Hk6q5wlwa  BJP (@BJP4India) July 25, 2023

"PM Modi said at BJP meet that those wanting to rule, break country had names like 'East India Company', Indian Mujahideen; people won't be misled," BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri told media.

The Prime Minister also said the Opposition is scattered and desperate.

PM Modi further said that the attitude of the Opposition seems to be such that they do not have the desire to remain in power for a long time.

'BJP coming back to power in 2024'

"We are proud of our Prime Minister. We are coming back to power in 2024. PM Modi has given a statement that Indian National Congress, East India Company was founded by a foreign national. Today people are using names like Indian Mujahideen and Indian People's Front. Something on face value could be different from something that is really true," BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

#WATCH | BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, says "We are proud of our PM. We are coming back to power in 2024. PM Modi has given a statement that Indian National Congress, East India Company was founded by a foreign national. Today people are using names like Indian Mujahideen and pic.twitter.com/XRpkEXl0eF  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2023

'Fashionable to add India to the name'

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey said, "Indian National Congress was founded by AO Hume, a foreign national. Mujahideen call themselves Indian Mujahideen. PFI also calls itself 'Popular Front of India'. It has become fashionable to add India to the name. They (opposition parties) are urban Naxalites and are adding India to legitimise themselves."

#WATCH | BJP MP Nishikant Dubey says, "Indian National Congress was founded by AO Hume, a foreign national. Mujahideen call themselves Indian Mujahideen. PFI also calls itself 'Popular Front of India'. It has become fashionable to add India to the name. They (opposition parties) pic.twitter.com/pt4EZ2te15  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2023

Parliament's Monsoon Session began on 20 July but it has been marked by frequent interruptions due to protests, sloganeering, and disruptions by members of the Opposition alliance I.N.D.I.A.

Their primary demand is a statement from Prime Minister Modi regarding the situation in Manipur, leading to a long list of pending legislative matters on the agenda.

On Tuesday, the fourth day of the monsoon session started as opposition MPs of the Rajya Sabha continued their sit-in protest over the suspension of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh for the current session of the Parliament as well as the Manipur issue.

Both the houses - Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha - were adjourned for the day on Monday amid sloganeering by opposition MPs on the Manipur issue.
The Chinese government has made an appeal to Japan, asking them not to disrupt the semiconductor industry following the implementation of restrictions on exports of Japanese chip-making technology.

These restrictions add to the technology limitations that Washington and its allies have already imposed on China for security reasons.

The recently implemented Japanese restrictions limit Chinas access to tools used for etching microscopically small circuits on advanced chips, which are crucial components for smartphones, artificial intelligence, and other applications.

The Netherlands has also joined the United States in restricting access to chipmaking tools, citing concerns that these tools could potentially be used for the development of weapons.

A spokesperson from Chinas foreign ministry, Mao Ning, expressed deep dissatisfaction and regret over Japans actions. The spokesperson urged Japan to avoid allowing these measures to interfere with the normal cooperation between the two countries in the semiconductor industry.

The appeal comes as the global semiconductor supply chain faces increasing geopolitical tensions and technology-related trade restrictions.

The Chinese Communist Party has made substantial investments, amounting to billions of dollars, in building Chinese chip foundries. However, despite these efforts, China still relies on Western and Japanese technology to manufacture the most advanced chips.

This dependence on foreign technology poses a significant challenge to Beijings goal of developing its tech industries.

The United States initiated restrictions on Chinese access to chips and chipmaking technology during the presidency of Donald Trump in 2019. The Biden administration subsequently expanded these controls to include blocking access to chip design and manufacturing tools.

In response, the Chinese government, led by Xi Jinping, has been cautious and deliberate in its actions, possibly to avoid disrupting its emerging tech industries.

However, last month, Beijing caused concern among Japanese and Korean chip manufacturers by announcing an export review process that could potentially lead to restrictions on gallium and germanium, two metals crucial in semiconductor production.

This situation highlights the complex dynamics and tensions surrounding the global semiconductor industry, with geopolitical factors influencing technology access and trade relationships.

Chinas ambitions to develop and enhance its tech industries face challenges due to the need for advanced chip technology from Western and Japanese sources and the restrictions imposed by the United States and its allies.
Around two decades following Concordes final flight, the aviation industry is on the brink of a new era in ultrafast air travel. The X-59 Son of Concorde, an experimental supersonic aircraft developed by NASA, is now gearing up for its maiden test flight, as reported by the New York Post.

Although smaller and slower than its predecessor, Concorde, the X-59 boasts a top speed of approximately 1,500 kilometres per hour. This advancement holds the promise of reducing the travel time from New York to London by an impressive 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Further exciting developments are also on the horizon. The Civil Aviation Authority of Britain recently published research suggesting that by 2033, a flight from London to Sydney, currently spanning 22 hours, could be cut down to an astonishing two hours.

Notably, suborbital flights akin to those pioneered by Jeff Bezos Blue Origin and Richard Bransons Virgin Galactic jet program are redefining the possibilities of air travel. Operating at an incredible speed of 3,500 miles per hour (equivalent to 5,632 kilometres per hour), these flights offer unparalleled time-saving opportunities. Imagine travelling from New York to Shanghai in a mere 39 minutes, a journey that currently takes 15 hours by conventional means. Similarly, a trip from New York to London, which usually could be completed in less than an hour.

The X-59 incorporates a groundbreaking feature known as Quiet Supersonic Technology, aimed at mitigating the disruptive sonic boom typically produced when an aircraft breaks the sound barrier.

NASA explains that the X-59s unique design prevents shockwaves from merging, resulting in a more subdued sonic thump rather than the traditional loud sonic boom generated by other supersonic aircraft. This innovation represents a significant step forward in making supersonic travel more socially acceptable due to its reduced noise impact.
On July 28 in Gandhinagar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be inaugurating Semicon India 2023, a prominent exhibition showcasing Indias semiconductor capabilities and chip design advancements. The event will feature renowned companies such as Foxconn, Micron, AMD, IBM, Marvell, Vedanta, LAM Research, NXP Semiconductors, and STMicroelectronics, illuminating Indias impressive progress in fostering a global semiconductor manufacturing and design ecosystem.

This mega event will provide a comprehensive understanding of cutting-edge technologies and innovations in chip-making, bringing together the most prominent players in the semiconductor and technology industry.

VIDEO | I am very happy that the SemiconIndia 2023 exhibition was inaugurated today in Gandhinagar. PM Modi will arrive here on July 28 to inaugurate (the main event), says Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar. pic.twitter.com/VpDmyQsrhx  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 25, 2023



According to an official statement, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is on the brink of revolutionizing the semiconductor landscape in India, and the inauguration of Semicon India 2023 in Gandhinagar by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 28, 2023, will be a significant milestone in this endeavour.

I am very happy that SemiconIndia 2023 exhibition is being inaugurated in Gandhinagar. The event exhibition is scheduled to take place across three days 28, 29 and 30 July. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the exhibition on the 28th, said IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

Semicon India in of the most important event in our countrys technology annual calendar. Fifteen months ago, in 2022, Indias first Semicon exhibition was organised in Bengaluru. It was conceptualised, visualised and executed because, in December of 2021, PM Modi presented his vision and his goal to the people of India, of making this country into a major semiconductor nation, he added.

SemiconIndia 2023 is set to witness the enthusiastic participation of major semiconductor giants, including Micron Technology and Applied Materials. These companies have recently pledged significant investments in Indias semiconductor ecosystem. Micron Technology, for instance, has committed a staggering $825 million towards a semiconductor assembly and test plant in Gujarat, while Applied Materials plans to invest $400 million in their Engineering Collaborative Centre.

The exhibition will be a grand affair with a lineup of 150 stalls representing 80 leading companies. These diverse participants cover the entire spectrum of semiconductors, encompassing the supply chain, global Integrated Device Manufacturers, and domestic majors.

Beyond the established companies, SemiconIndia 2023 will also be a platform for 25 startups to showcase their innovations and network with industry leaders, providing them with valuable exposure and opportunities.

The international appeal of the event is evident with participation from 23 countries and the presence of multiple states, such as Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, which will showcase their collective efforts in supporting the growth of the semiconductor industry.

Notably, the exhibition will also include showcases from renowned institutions like SCL, ISRO, and the Space Application Centre, emphasizing their contributions to the field. Additionally, esteemed educational institutes like IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, BITS Pilani, Ganpat University, and Nirma University will actively participate, highlighting academias vital role in driving Indias semiconductor advancements.

SemiconIndia 2023 stands as a testament to Indias strong commitment to establishing a robust semiconductor ecosystem. Through its grand scale and innovative showcases, the exhibition proudly demonstrates Indias potential as an emerging global hub for semiconductor excellence.
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has said that he is finding it extremely difficult to contain Wagner mercenaries from attacking Poland.

During a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, Lukashenko said, The Wagnerites are beginning to stretch us. I ask: Why do you need to go to the West? [They reply:] We want to go on an excursion to Warsaw, to Rzeszow.

The Belarusian leader also provided his Russian counterpart with a map of Polands plan to attack Belarus. Also, Putin said earlier this week that an attack on Belarus equates to an attack on Russia.

As we can see that, the ground is being prepared, Lukashenko said.

Wagner mercenaries arrive in Belarus

On Monday, Belarus witnessed the entry of thousands of Wagner Group mercenaries, the biggest exodus since their failed rebellion in Russia last month.

Between 3,450 and 3,650 soldiers have travelled to a camp close to Asipovichy, a town 230 kilometres north of the Ukrainian border, according to Belaruski Hajun, an activist group that tracks troop movements within the country.

Wagner fighters who have really been in the heat of combat are passing on valuable information and experience to our servicemen, the Belarusian Defense Ministry said in a statement as Lukashenko welcomed them into the country.

Poland strengthens border

In a bid to safeguard its national security, Poland has decided to send over 500 police officers to its border with Belarus.

The police officials will join the ranks of 5,000 border guards and 2,000 soldiers in securing the frontiers from Wagner mercenaries.

Polands interior minister Mariusz Kaminski said, Due to the tense situation on the border with Belarus, I have decided to bolster our forces with 500 Polish police officers from preventive and counter-terrorism units.

Stanislaw Zaryn, Polands deputy minister co-ordinator of special services, said, It is still a matter of analysis and hypotheses whether the Wagner group will engage in destabilising Poland and will also be active in co-ordinating the migration route.

He added, We assume the Wagners arent going to Belarus to recuperate, but to carry out a mission. This mission could be aimed at Poland, but also against Lithuania or Ukraine.
Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang, who has not been seen in public for over a month, was removed from his post on Tuesday.

According to a report by state broadcaster CCTV, Wang Yi, the diplomat who serves as President Xi Jinpings foreign policy aide, has replaced Gang as the new foreign minister.

The decision to sack Qin Gang was made at a special session of the National Peoples Congress Standing Committee.

Qin Gang went MIA in June. His disappearance triggered large-scale public discussions that eventually evolved into one of the biggest crises for Xi Jinping.

According to South China Morning Post, Qin was removed from office on the basis of rules mentioned in the Organic Law of the National Peoples Congress that empowers the Standing Committee to appoint or remove officials.

Meanwhile, Qin was last seen in public on June 25 during a public meeting with senior diplomats of Russia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

What all did Qin Gang miss during his disappearance?

During his month-long disappearance, Qin missed some key international gatherings like a meeting with former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte in Beijing. He was also absent when US climate envoy John Kerry visited China and was instead received by Wang Yi.

He also missed an event of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) held in Jakarta.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin claimed that Qin was unable to attend the event due to health issues.

Paying for having an affair with journalist?

According to a report by New York Times, rumours about Qin Gangs alleged affair with a journalist named Fu Xiaotian led to his disappearance.

The countrys ruling Communist Party condemns cadres from involving in extramarital affairs. The ban is so deeply castigated that senior officials found to be in illicit relationships are often charged with corruption.

Qin was initially appointed as Chinas ambassador to the US in July 2021. Seventeen months later he was elevated to the post of foreign minister.
Russia launched a nighttime drone attack on Kyiv, local authorities said on Tuesday, adding all incoming drones had been shot down and early information indicated no damage or casualties.

The reported attack comes a day after Russia warned of tough retaliatory measures after a drone attack on Moscow, some 500 kilometres (300 miles) from Ukraine.

Russia attacked Kyiv with strike UAVs, Sergiy Popko, head of the Kyiv city military administration, said on Telegram, without specifying how many or where they had been launched from.

The air alert lasted for 3 hours All air targets were detected and destroyed on the approach to Kyiv, it said.

According to the information at this moment, there were no victims or destruction in the capital.

The Kyiv regional military administration had earlier issued an alert for drone attacks and warned residents to stay in shelters.

The air force also issued an alert for drone strikes on the southern Odesa and Mykolayiv regions, which share part of Ukraines Black Sea coast.

The regions are home to port infrastructure that Moscow has battered regularly with attack drones and missiles since exiting a deal facilitating the safe shipment of grain from Ukraine last week.
Rome  Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for a relook at existing financial systems for the agricultural sector saying they were disadvantageous to African countries yet they needed better funding.

While addressing a High-Level Session on Financing Food Systems Transformation during the ongoing United Nations Food Systems Summit+2 in Rome, Italy on Monday, the Deputy President said the continent continued to face challenges frustrating agricultural production calling for favourable funding systems for the sector.

"We call upon our partners to look at African issues differently and finance food systems for more production of food and ensure there is surplus," said Mr Gachagua.

The Summit is being held at the Food and Agriculture Organization headquarters in Rome.

The DP said Kenya is working closely with partners to improve food production amid the emerging challenges, including the recent prolonged drought, pressing for reconsideration of financial assistance for the continent.

"We are in partnership with global partners to enhance food production. But there must be a different financial architecture for African countries because the present structure has been disadvantageous to the African continent.
A man in his late 20s has tested positive for the potentially fatal Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in a city in Abu Dhabi, the World Health Organisation said on Monday.

The patient, 28, was detected with the disease in the city of Al Ain and was admitted to a hospital last month. Health officials had checked 108 people that he was in contact with, but no secondary infections had turned up so far.

The health body said that there is no record of the man coming in contact with dromedary camels, which spread the disease that is separate from COVID-19. It gave no more details on his current condition.

The United Arab Emirates health ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the case.

What is MERS-CoV?

First identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a respiratory disease caused by the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERSCoV).

Over 35 per cent of MERS-CoV cases have resulted in death, according to WHO.

It is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can be easily transmitted between animals and people. MERS-CoV has been identified and linked to human infections in dromedary camels in several Member States in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.

Symptoms of MERS-CoV

MERS-CoV is both symptomatic and asymptomatic. Symptoms include mild respiratory issues to acute respiratory disease and even death.

A typical presentation of MERS is fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, have also been reported.

Older people, people with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic diseases such as renal disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes appear to be at greater risk of developing severe disease, according to WHO.

Treatment of MERS-CoV

Although no vaccine or specific treatment is yet available to cure the disease, they are in clinical development.

In the absence of MERS-specific therapeutics, treatment of MERS patients is supportive and based on the patients clinical condition, according to WHO.
National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi to discuss bilateral relations between India and China.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Friends of BRICS meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa on Monday.

The meeting came days after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Wang, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in the Indonesian capital Jakarta, and discussed outstanding issues relating to peace and tranquillity in border areas.

India is currently engaged in a military standoff with China with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar describing the situation as the most complex challenge in his career.

India has maintained that the bilateral relationship cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border area.

During the meeting with Doval, Wang said the two sides should enhance strategic mutual trust, focus on consensus and cooperation, overcome obstacles and bring bilateral relations back on track for sound and stable development as soon as possible, Chinas state-run news agency Xinhua reported.

Meanwhile, Wang stressed that China will never seek hegemony and is ready to work with developing countries like India in an effort to support multilateralism and the democratisation of international relations and promote the more just and equitable development of international order.

Earlier on Monday, Doval called for collective efforts to deal with challenges emanating from cybersecurity at the Friends of BRICS meeting.

With inputs from PTI
A sad incident occurred over the weekend near the former president Barack Obamas residence on Marthas Vineyard, as his personal chef lost his life while paddleboarding.

The Massachusetts state police confirmed on Monday.

The deceased, identified as Tafari Campbell, aged 45 and hailing from Dumfries, Virginia, was found in the Edgartown Great Pond on Monday, following a search that began on Sunday evening.

A concerned citizen had alerted the authorities after witnessing Campbells struggles in the water, leading to his disappearance beneath the surface.

Campbell was a dedicated employee of the Obamas and was visiting Marthas Vineyard during this incident.

According to reports, the Obamas were not present at the residence when the accident took place.

In a statement, the former president and his wife, Michelle Obama, expressed their deep sorrow at the loss of Campbell, who had been an integral part of their family. The couple recounted their first encounter with him during his tenure as a talented sous chef at the White House, praising his culinary skills and his ability to bring people together through food.

They fondly remembered him as a warm, fun, and exceptionally kind individual who brightened their lives.

After the Obamas left the White House, Campbell continued to work with the family, and they valued his presence immensely.

The search for Campbell began on Sunday evening, around 8 pm, after a fellow paddleboarder reported his disappearance in the waters of Edgartown Great Pond.

Although the search was suspended late on Sunday, it resumed on Monday, aided by sonar technology from a boat.

The search team successfully located Campbells body at 10 am, approximately 100 feet (30 meters) from the shore, at a depth of about 8 feet (2.4 meters). He was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.

Campbell leaves behind his grieving wife, Sherise, and their twin boys, Xavier and Savin, whom the Obamas extended their heartfelt condolences to.
Pakistans Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari discussed Americas support for cash-strapped Pakistans economic recovery and shared regional concerns, including Afghanistan in a phone call with Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The two leaders on Monday discussed various issues and agreed to strengthen ties and continue to work together to promote peace and development, the foreign office said.

In a tweet last night, Blinken said that the US supports a productive, democratic, and prosperous partnership with Pakistan adding that he exchanged thoughts with Bilawal on supporting the countrys economic recovery and our shared regional concerns, including Afghanistan.

Reiterating Americas commitment to the people of Pakistan, Blinken said that Pakistans economic development is one of the United Statess top priorities, the foreign office said.

Pakistan has been facing rising incidents of terrorism, with local authorities blaming Kabul for harbouring terrorists especially the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The secretary noted the Pakistani people have suffered tremendously from terrorist attacks and affirmed the United States commitment to continued partnership with Pakistan on counterterrorism.

Apart from the regional security situation, matters of mutual interest and defence cooperation were also discussed, the militarys media wing mentioned in a statement.

Both countries have called on war-torn Afghanistan to ensure that its soil isnt used as a safe haven by terrorists.

Thanking the US for its support, Bilawal said that the standby arrangement between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would provide impetus to Pakistans economic and development imperatives and that Pakistan was committed to bringing structural reforms in its economy to make it more competitive and attractive for business and foreign investment, the statement added.

Separately, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement that Blinken spoke on the phone with Bilawal to reaffirm a productive US-Pakistan partnership.

Secretary Blinken underscored the United States steadfast commitment to the people of Pakistan, highlighting that the economic success of Pakistan remains a top priority for the US, Miller said.

He further said that Blinken noted that the US would continue to engage with Pakistan through technical and development initiatives and through robust trade and investment ties.

Blinken also welcomed the IMF arrangement with Islamabad and encouraged continued reforms to promote economic recovery and prosperity, he said.

Secretary Blinken stressed that democratic principles and respect for the rule of law are central to the US-Pakistan relationship and these values will continue to guide this partnership forward, Miller said.

Blinken and Bilawal also discussed the destabilising effects of Russias war against Ukraine as well as the US and Pakistans shared interest in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, Miller added.
Pakistan Army Chief Syed Asim Munir underlined the need to make the country self-reliant to end the dependency on foreign loans, which the cash-strapped nation recently secured with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Geo News reported.

While addressing the opening ceremony of Khanewal Model Agriculture Farm on Monday, the Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan said, Pakistanis are a proud, zealous and talented nation. All Pakistanis must throw out the beggars bowl.

Notably, Pakistan is set to receive another loan from China. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently said that Pakistan has received a rollover of an additional USD 600 million loan from its all-weather ally China to help shore up the countrys foreign exchange reserves on the back of an IMF deal.

In July, the Pakistan governments debt swelled to USD 2.44 billion, including USD 2.07 billion in non-guaranteed debt owed to China, as per Geo News.

The army chief also said Allah has blessed Pakistan with all blessings and no power in the world can stop the countrys progress.

General Munir said a state is like a mother and the relationship between the people and the state is of love and respect. He said security and the economy are interlinked and indispensable to each other.

The Army chief also stated that the Pakistan Army is proud to serve its nation, adding that the military drew its strength from the people and vice-versa.

General Munir promised that the military would not rest until Pakistan is steered out of the prevailing crisis.

He added that model farms will be established across the country in line with modern standards to benefit small farmers and spread the scope of green initiatives.
Russia has recently given approval to a new law that deals a heavy blow to the LGBTQ+ community in the country.

This legislation, passed with unanimous support from both houses of parliament, prohibits any form of medical or official gender change.

Under this law, all medical procedures aimed at altering a persons sex are strictly forbidden.

Additionally, changing gender details on official documents and public records is now prohibited, except in cases where medical intervention is required to treat congenital anomalies.

The law goes even further by annulling marriages where one partner has undergone a gender change. Furthermore, transgender individuals are now barred from becoming foster or adoptive parents.

The motivation behind this ban seems to be the Kremlins dedication to preserving what it perceives as Russias traditional values. Lawmakers argue that this legislation is necessary to protect the nation from what they term western anti-family ideology. Some even go so far as to label gender transitioning as pure satanism.

It is important to note that this is not the first instance of Russia tightening its grip on LGBTQ+ rights. The crackdown on this community began approximately ten years ago, when the president initially emphasized the importance of upholding traditional family values, a stance supported by the Russian Orthodox church.

In 2013, Russia enacted a law that prohibited any public support or promotion of nontraditional sexual relations among minors. Then, in 2020, Putin managed to pass constitutional reforms that explicitly outlawed same-sex marriage. Finally, just last year, a law was signed to ban the dissemination of propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations among adults.

This new legislation has sparked international concern and condemnation, as it infringes upon the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community in Russia, raising further questions about human rights and equality in the country.
As the tech industry gets ready to see Samsung launch the Galaxy Flip 5 and the Galaxy Fold 5, and setting yet another benchmark as to how foldable devices ought to be in 2023, I cant help but look back at the outgoing Galaxy Flip 4 and what a cracker of device it was.

There is no doubt in my mind that the Galaxy Flip 5 will be an even better phone  afterall, Samsung has had some pretty tough competition from smartphone makers like Oppo and Motorolla and the only way to stay relevant in todays market is to bring meaningful upgrades with each product cycle. However, even after almost a year, the Galaxy Flip 4, remains to be a cracker of a phone, in every single way.

The design of the Galaxy Flip 4 in itself is a great conversation starter, particularly if you owned the Bora Purple variant. Not many people have adopted the return of foldable phones, mainly because of the price, perhaps. But people who have been using foldable devices for some time now will probably find it extremely difficult to return to slab, non-foldable devices.

Whether smartphone makers had planned this or not, foldable devices like the Galaxy Flip 4 were a huge blessing for women. Womens clothing has a very fatal flaw  most of them dont have any usable pockets. Even in their jeans and pantsuits, the pockets are designed just for the sake of it  rarely do they have any functional value.

My mom for example has been using a Galaxy Flip 4 for almost 6 months now and she swears that the compact like clamshell design of the Flip 4 just works seamlessly for her. She doesnt need to carry her phone in her hand, she can simply slip it into the pockets of her blazer or her clutch bag and she is good to go. She says she loves it as much as her original Moto Razr from 2006 and her Nokia 6350, a flip phone that wasnt available in India, which she had to get it sent over from the US. Coming from her, this is as high as praise can get.

Recently, the CEO of an up-and-coming smartphone company made some comments on the foldable concept as to how foldable devices are something that people dont necessarily need but they are being pushed upon the consumers by smartphone makers.

While it is an interesting take, anyone who has spent a week with a foldable device would tell the CEO that he is wrong. Smartphone makers wouldnt pump the sort of money they do to develop their own foldable displays and hinges, just to go for a fad. Foldable smartphones are set to become the mainstay, at least in the flagship category for some years now, in one way or the other.

And besides, I would rather have a phone that opens up and doubles the display size, or that folds away and can be tucked nicely away, over a phone that has glorified unicoloured disco lights, any day of the week.

The Galaxy Flip 4 particularly stands out among other flip phones because of its performance. Yes, it may not beat some of the more recent flip phones in synthetic benchmarks but it always performed better in real-life scenarios. Thats because the software was optimised really well. I have spent some time with a few flip phones from Oppo and Motorolla and both of them used to glitch out in a couple of scenarios. The new Moto Razr and the Razr+ has shown none of these issues, but because I am not reviewing them, I cant say for sure just how good they are.

The Galaxy Flip 4, during my usage rarely glitched out in any way. Yes, there are a few issues with a couple of apps, mainly, because they are yet to be optimised. Were looking at you Google for this one.

Even otherwise, The Galaxy Z Flip 4 delivers exceptional performance, all thanks to the powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC. It ensures that apps open up instantly, menu scrolling is seamless, and gameplay is smoothie even with graphically intensive games. Although the phone may experience some heating during resource-heavy tasks like extended gaming or prolonged hotspot use, it never becomes uncomfortably hot to handle. Considering its slim design as a foldable phone, the Z Flip 4s performance is truly impressive.

Alongside the standard set of Samsung features, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 also had some unique functionalities that are specific to its foldable form factor, with the most noteworthy one being the Flex mode panel. By enabling Flex mode for a particular app and opening it while the Z Flip 4 is propped upright, the app automatically moves to the top portion of the screen, leaving the bottom half available for a range of controls and interactions.

From the bottom half of the screen, users can conveniently access the notification panel, take screenshots, adjust brightness and volume settings, and utilize the lower part of the display as a trackpad for seamless navigation within the app displayed above. This innovative Flex mode offers a versatile and efficient way to interact with apps and multitask on the Galaxy Z Flip 4.

Then, there are the cameras. The camera setup of the Galaxy Z Flip 4 may appear modest with its 12MP primary camera, 12MP ultrawide camera, and 10MP selfie camera, but it is a reliable package that should satisfy most users. Following the typical Samsung style, the photos taken directly from the Z Flip 4 exhibit bold and vibrant colors, though they might not always be entirely true-to-life. Nonetheless, these visually striking images are perfect for sharing on social media without requiring any additional editing. The phone also handles nighttime photography commendably.

The 10MP selfie camera performs adequately for self-portraits and video calls. However, most people who I know using the device generally lean towards the 12MP primary camera, thanks to the Z Flip 4s folding design and cover screen.

Given these unique and practical use cases, some of the cameras technical limitations become less bothersome. While it may not be the absolute best camera on the market, the Z Flip 4 produces attractive images, handles lowlight situations impressively, and offers distinctive shooting modes not found in other phones tested throughout the year.

All in all, The Galaxy Flip 4 was a cracker of phone when it was launched last year, and continues to be one. I wouldnt be surprised if people actually go for the Flip 4, if Samsung or one of Indias e-commerce platforms decides to cut back on the prices when Samsung launched the Flip 5 series.
A 13-year-old girl in Taiwan was sexually abused after two cops who had engaged her in a sting operation to catch the offender, lost her location in the middle of the act.

According to reports, the incident occurred in November 2020 in the northern Taiwan city of Taoyuan when the victim, then 13 years old, reported to the police that she was being threatened by an individual on a dating app.

The man, identified as Mr. Chang, allegedly attempted to force her into a sexual encounter by threatening to release explicit photos of her online. Chang was subsequently sentenced to eight years in jail for sexual assault.

During the trial, it came to light that the young girl had cooperated with the polices request to participate in an undercover operation.

She pretended to agree to meet with Chang for a sexual encounter as part of the operation.

The officers accompanying her followed her to a McDonalds restaurant where the meeting was arranged.

Unfortunately, the situation took a tragic turn when they lost sight of her after she got into Changs vehicle, and they were unable to chase on foot.

Chang took advantage of the situation and subjected the girl to a harrowing ordeal of sexual assault.

Afterward, he returned to the McDonalds where he was subsequently arrested by the police.

During the operation, the girl did not inform the officers about the assault, which only came to light during Changs trial.

Local media reported that she had agreed to participate in the sting operation based on assurances of her safety.

The police response and handling of the case have caused widespread outrage among Taiwanese citizens.

Many took to social media, flooding the Zhongli police stations pages, expressing anger and accusing the officers of jeopardizing the girls well-being.

In response to the public outcry, a spokesperson from the police appeared to shift responsibility onto the teenager, stating that she had been repeatedly instructed not to enter the suspects car and to remain within sight of the officers.

The Taoyuan police department has since issued an apology, and the two officers involved in the operation have been placed on administrative duties with demerits.

Additionally, two other senior officers involved in the initial investigation have also received demerits for damaging the reputation of the police.

The incident has sparked discussions about the absence of specific laws in Taiwan governing the inclusion of minors in undercover police operations.

According to Taiwanese lawyer Fan Kang-shyang, individuals intentionally or negligently infringing upon the rights of others may be liable for damages under the civil code.
Ukraine is fueling its tanks with Russian oil, the German newspaper Handelsblatt reported on Monday.

Russian oil that is refined in Hungary and Turkey is being used to power Ukraines Western-supplied tanks as well as diesel generators.

The German newspaper, quoting Ukrainian customs officials, said that the Hungarian oil and gas giant MOL has doubled its sales to Ukraine in the past six months.

Since MOL sources a large proportion of oil from Russia, Ukraines war machine should now be primarily fueled with it, it added.

How is Hungary supplying Russian oil to Ukraine?

Explaining the mechanism of how Kyiv is still able to use Russian oil, Handelsblatt said that despite Hungarys EU membership, the country has secured a special waiver to import crude oil via Russian pipelines.

Therefore, unaffected by the unions sanctions on Moscow, MOL is able to supply oil to Ukraine at lower prices.

The German newspaper also noted that Ukraine has not yet run short of oil even though it largely depends on outside imports.

Fuel deliveries are mainly made by rail via Poland, Michal Paszkowski, an analyst at the Institute of Central Europe (IES) in Lublin, told the German newspaper.

He added, The fuel comes from Slovakia and Hungary by pipeline, while from Romania the diesel is first shipped and then transported by rail.

Kyiv gets Russian oil from Bulgaria

An investigation by EURACTIV Bulgaria shows that in 2022, Kyiv was provided with huge amounts of fuel from Bulgaria made of Russian oil.

According to data from the Bulgarian National Statistical Institute, between January and November 2022, the country exported 700 million worth of fuels to Ukraine.

The year also saw Ukraine be Bulgarias third-biggest oil trading partner, leaving behind the US.

The refinery in Burgas can afford to export fuel at significantly lower prices because it works with its own raw material. Last year, because of Western sanctions, Russian oil prices on world markets were on average $20-30 per barrel lower than stock market prices, the website noted.
Following his visit to China, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will be on a five-day visit to India from 25 to 29 July to discuss climate and clean energy.

During his visit, Kerry will visit Delhi and Chennai.

In Delhi, Secretary Kerry will meet with senior government officials and will attend the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministers Meeting in Chennai, the US State Department said in a statement.

The purpose of the presidential envoys visit is to advance shared objectives on climate and clean energy, including mutual efforts to build a platform for investments in renewable energy and storage solutions, support the deployment of zero-emission buses, and diversify clean energy supply chains, the statement added.

Notably, the G-20s environment and climate sustainability ministers will meet on 28 July in Chennai.

Kerrys visit to India came at a time when New Delhi is focussing more on sustainable energy.

Recently, on Saturday, in a video message to the G20 Energy Ministerial Meeting in Goa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India now plans to achieve 50 per cent non-fossil installed capacity by the year 2030.

No talk about the future, sustainability or growth and development can be complete without energy. It impacts development at all levels, from individuals to nations, the Prime Minister said at the meeting that brought together ministers from the countries in the G20 grouping.

He pointed out that India is among the global leaders in solar and wind power and is making great efforts in green growth and energy transition.

Earlier, US climate envoy John Kerry ended his four-day visit to China on 19 July without any new agreements. In fact, the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, insisted in a speech that China would pursue its goals to phase out carbon dioxide pollution at its own pace and in its own way.

Still, Kerry appeared buoyed that the worlds two biggest polluters had restarted discussions, which had been frozen for a year because of strained relations over Taiwan, trade and other issues. He insisted he was not disappointed in the outcome, noting that just talking marked progress, according to the Washington Post.

We had very frank conversations but we came here to break new ground, Kerry said, adding, It is clear that we are going to need a little more work.

With inputs from agencies
Nairobi  The IGAD region has lost a whooping 2 billion US dollars over the last two years from the death of more than 9 million livestock due inadequate feed and fodder.

Animal Health Expert at IGAD Dr Wamalwa Kinyanjui says the situation has been aggravated further due to the current shortage of feed and fodder, due to climate change, COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Kenya has a 60 percent feed shortage.

He was speaking during the Resilient African Feed Systems Stakeholder workshop, planned by the African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Dr Wamalwa said there is need for countries like Kenya and others within the IGAD region to carry an, "estimation of feed resources to meet increasing demand of animal products."

"If feed is in excess, develop and use feed conservation approaches."

During the five-day workshop that kicked off on Monday, the AU-IBAR said women in rural areas and informal sectors are more vulnerable to the increased prices and unavailability of livestock-sourced foods in Kenya due to the crisis.

Kenya alone has lost more than 2 million livestock due to drought, for the last 2 years.

The bureau said this means many families had their livelihoods eroded and loss of their income.

According to AU-IBAR Ag Director Dr Nick Mwankpa, the crisis has been occasioned by climate change, the global COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

"Feeds constitute 60-70 percent of the total cost of animal production: the crises have exposed the significant weaknesses and vulnerabilities in the African feed and fodder input and supply chains," AU-IBAR Ag Director Dr Nick Mwankpa said.

Mwankpa noted that," addressing feed and fodder shortages in the short-term protects livelihoods and ensures business continuity and sustainable livelihoods."

AU-IBAR Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems Project proposes strengthening analytical capacity for evidence based decision making and attracting investment, identifying and upscaling viable existing approaches in addressing the crisis.

"The multiplicity and increasing frequency and severity of shocks and their complex and interlocking effects demands an approach that will also strengthen resilience in feed and fodder systems," Dr Mwankpa said.

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AU-IBAR is mandated to lead and support livestock development across the continent.

The workshop was attended by among others Dr. Christopher Wanga, Director of Livestock Policy Research and Regulations, State Department for livestock Ministry of agriculture Livestock and Fisheries.

"Mostly, the farmer has been left to deal with the feed and fodder production. The government provides an enabling environment for them to do well. They, however, need more support," Wanga said during the workshop.

He revealed that in Kenya, over 2.5 million livestock was lost in the recent drought that ravaged the Horn of Africa.

To address the crisis, he said the Kenya Development Corporation is giving loans to farmers to support the feed and fodder productions, saying, " more farmers can access loans which is a step in the right direction.
As attacks in the conflict intensified to include strikes in Moscow and Crimea, US officials announced Monday that the Biden administration is sending up to $400 million in additional military aid to Ukraine, including a variety of munitions for advanced air defence systems and a number of small, surveillance Hornet drones.

The package includes a variety of ammunition, including Stingers, Javelins, and missiles for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), according to the The Associated Press

The Pentagon can quickly pull goods from its own stocks and transport them to Ukraine, frequently within days, thanks to the presidential drawdown authority that is enabling the provision of the weaponry.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February, 2022, the US has sent more than $30 billion worth of gear to Ukraine. This is the 33rd time the Biden administration has invoked the drawdown authority for Ukraine.

Officials said the US is also sending howitzer artillery rounds and 32 Stryker armored vehicles, along with demolition equipment, mortars, Hydra-70 rockets and 28 million rounds of small arms ammunition.

The Hornets are tiny nano-drones that are used largely for intelligence gathering. Ukraine has also gotten them in the past from other Western allies. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the aid package has not yet been announced.

Overall the US has provided more than $41 billion in military aid to Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022. The latest package of weapons comes as a Ukrainian drone struck an ammunition depot in Russian-annexed Crimea and Russia accused Ukraine of launching a drone attack on Moscow. Russian media reported that one of the drones fell near the city center, not far from the towering Defense Ministry building.

Ukrainian authorities didnt immediately claim responsibility for the strike, which was the second drone attack on the Russian capital this month.

Russias military, meanwhile, unleashed new strikes on port infrastructure in southern Ukraine with exploding drones. The strike was the latest in a barrage of attacks that has damaged portions of the port in the past week. The Kremlin has described the strikes as retribution for last weeks Ukrainian strike on the crucial Kerch Bridge linking Russia with Crimea.

With inputs from agencies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday branded as unacceptable any move by the European Union to extend curbs on Ukrainian grain to protect local farmers who fear being undercut.

Any extension of restrictions is absolutely unacceptable and frankly anti-European. Europe has the institutional capacity to react more rationally than to close its borders to a particular good, he said on social media.

Zelensky said he hoped Europe will fulfil its obligations after the current restrictions on Ukrainian grain lapse on September 15.

Last week, Ukraines European neighbours urged the EU to extend a grain import ban until the end of the year, amid fears local farmers would suffer due to diverted Ukrainian supplies.

In June, Brussels agreed to allow Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia and Romania to restrict imports of grain from Ukraine through September.

Zelenksys statement came after Russia refused to renew a deal allowing the safe passage of grain from Ukrainian ports throught the Black Sea, saying that its exports were being hampered by Western sanctions in violation of the agreement brokered by the United Nations and Turkey.
Japan is known globally for its technological advancements. Exemplifying the same, the East Asian country has now come up with another creative discovery to fight summers rising temperatures. Presenting an exceptional escape to heat, an X  formerly knows as Twitter  user shared the clip on the microblogging site. The post shows Japans rapid spread of work clothes in its market. In addition to protecting people from heat, the clothings fan also cools them. The mechanism at work is that the fan sucks outside air, evaporates sweat, releasing heat through vaporisation and producing a cooling effect.

Check out the post:

Japan is seeing the rapid spread of work clothes that aim to protect against heat. The fans attached to the clothes suck outside air, evaporating sweat, thereby releasing heat through vaporization and cooling the body [read more: https://t.co/ghiuoqcqOs]pic.twitter.com/CgH31dV2fQ  Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) July 23, 2023

The post was originally uploaded by Trendingful, a page that updates users with the latest happenings around the world. They captioned the post: Japan has jackets with fans.

The shared post garnered over 61 lakh views. It amassed over 37,000 views.

Check out some of the responses below:

One user wrote: Side effect: Possible appearance of cutness or overweight. Results may vary.

Doesnt spread enough fear and panic, said another.

Doesn't spread enough fear and panic.  Myles (@BipedalMyles) July 23, 2023

A third user responded: Wow, thats cool. Is it rechargeable? Is it detachable? Coz Im wondering how theyll wash it.

Wow cool Is it rechargeable? Is it detachable? Coz I'm wondering how are they going to wash it.  Alma (@AlmaB80) July 23, 2023

The fourth said, Somehow Im not surprised  they always live in the future..

Somehow I am not surprised -> they always live in future  Nikhil Kumar (@nikstosucess) July 23, 2023

Shedding light on creative production further, the Public Relations Office of the Government of Japan reported that with successive years causing severe heatwaves in the country, a danger of heatstroke looms for people working in factories and outdoors. This has led to the extensive use of Kuchofuku, a type of work cloth spread in such workplaces. Briefly describing the clothes brand, the agency said that they came with fans installed behind the heads. The clothing was developed by Ichigaya Hiroshi, a former Sony engineer and the founder and chairman of Kuchofuku Co. Ltd.

In 2017, the cloth material was recognised for its power-saving and CO2 emission-reducing effects as heat protection. Kuchofuku was also awarded the Minister of the Environments Commendation for Global Warming Prevention Activity.

However, this is not the first time that the nation has hit the headlines for its creative production of materials providing ease in everyday life. Earlier, a video featuring a vending machine that offers hot pizza and transportation comprising small boats moving across narrow canals under a bridge also gained traction.
Palermo Airport in the picturesque Italian holiday destination faced a compulsory Tuesday as wildfires posed a significant threat to its runways.

The region of Sicily experienced raging wildfires, with extreme weather conditions continuing to pummel the country. The northern part of Italy has also witnessed severe storms that resulted in damage and claimed two lives.

In response to the major blaze encroaching upon the airport in Sicilian capital, authorities decided to halt all operations until 11 a.m. local time.

Numerous flights to and from the airport were canceled, amounting to over 70 wildfires reported in the region within the last 24 hours. Some flights were redirected to Trapani Airport, while others experienced delays until further notice.

A sigh of relief swept through the air when the airport announced its reopening shortly before 11 a.m., albeit operating with a limited departure service.

A Twitter update read, The airport in Palermo has reopened. Currently, only a limited number of departing flights will be allowed. For arrivals, weather conditions are being monitored.

The wildfires are transpiring amidst a severe heatwave engulfing southern Europe, elevating the risk of fires and fatalities.

According to reports, certain areas in eastern Sicily experienced scorching temperatures of up to 47.6C, nearing the European record of 48.8C set on the island two years ago.

In response to the soaring temperatures, Italy has placed 16 cities, including Palermo and Catania, on red alert.

Officials have attributed power and water supply cuts in these cities partly to the extreme heat.

In addition to the challenges posed by wildfires, the aviation industry also faced setbacks, with a Delta flight traveling from Milans Malpensa Airport to New York significantly damaged by a hailstorm, forcing an emergency landing in Rome.

While travelers encountered flight disruptions, many passengers remain unaware of their rights and how to claim refunds when faced with cancellations or delays.
Netflix, the popular streaming platform, is launching a new feature called My Netflix in its mobile apps to improve content discovery for users. This tab comes in the wake of Netflixs global crackdown on password-sharing, including India, which took place last week.

Replacing Downloads Tab

The My Netflix tab will replace the existing Downloads tab located in the bottom-right corner of the screen. The purpose of this new feature is to present users with titles they have displayed some interest in, aiding them in making a decision on what to watch.

What My Netflix Offers

The My Netflix will showcase various categories of content, including titles that users have downloaded, recently watched, are currently in progress, saved to their My List, and have given a thumbs-up to.

Additionally, trailers previously viewed will also be displayed. However, users can still explore the platforms full range of series and films by visiting the Home tab and other sections of the app.

Netflix emphasizes that the more users interact with the platform and provide feedback on their preferences, such as saving action-thrillers like Extraction 2 to My List or liking every season of Bridgerton, the more personalized content they will see in the My Netflix tab.

Availability

The My Netflix feature is currently available on iOS, starting today. For Android users, it will be rolled out in early August.

On the announcement, Netflix posted:
Update: Samsung has confirmed the launch of Galaxy M34 5G in India on August 7th priced under Rs. 17,000. It will get four generations of OS upgrades and up to five years of security updates, said the company.

After the launch of Galaxy M34 5G in India earlier this month, Samsung has confirmed the launch of Galaxy F34 5G in the country soon. This shows a similar design with a notch, triple rear cameras, but comes in Electric Black and Mystic Green colours.

Samsung has confirmed that the phone will come with 6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED Infinity-U Display with 120Hz refresh rate, Up to 1000 nits peak brightness, 50MP rear camera with OIS, Fun Mode, which has 16 different inbuilt lens effects, Single Take and more.

Samsung says that the Galaxy F34 5G will come with a segment-leading, 6000mAh battery that promises up to 2 days.

The Samsung Galaxy F34 5G should be a cheaper version of the Galaxy M34 5G, but in different RAM and storage versions, but Samsung India support page shows 6GB RAM version. To remind you, the Galaxy M34 5G starts at Rs. 18,999 for the 6GB + 128GB model and is already on sale on Amazon.in.

The Galaxy F34 5G will be sold on Flipkart after the launch, in addition to Samsung.com and offline stores. It is expected to launch sometime in early August.
opinion

New York  How do you get a seat at the table when you can't even access the building? This question loomed as activists, faith-based leaders, and NGO representatives gathered at the NY Ford Foundation. They discussed how to amplify the voice of civil society organizations at the UN Headquarters across the street.

"How to UNMute" was hosted on July 20, 2023, as a side event during the ongoing 2023 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). The event kicked off the creation of a manual to break down barriers to civil society engagement as the first step towards turning ideas into action.

Maithili Pai, the UN advocate for the International Service for Human Rights, illustrated the divide between the UN's verbal commitments and its actual practices. Sometimes, Pai said, civil society representatives could not enter UN meeting rooms or waited years for UN accreditation. According to Pai, some representatives even faced retaliation for trying to interact with UN bodies.

"We understand very well that civil society is under attack and that there are people pushing you back," Costa Rica's Ambassador to the UN, Maritza Chan, told the audience.

Chan stressed that meeting the UN's 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) required empowering civil society organizations that provide critical insight.

"We need a civil society in the room at all times, providing advice, supporting states, and also calling us when we are not doing things right," Chan said.

Recommendations for the manual on 'unmuting' civil society were developed at a recent workshop. They include better-resourced UN NGO support offices, increased financing for participation in UN events, and more supportive visa processes, especially for delegates from the global south who have been historically excluded. Advocates also called for more systematic flows of information, methods of participation, and pathways into the UN.

Arelys Bellorini, the senior UN representative from World Vision, said she has to go to friendly missions to facilitate youth access to the UN.

Nelya Rakhimova, a sustainable development specialist, said she was asked to pay $1,500 for using basic equipment in conference rooms when organising offline side events.

Carmen Capriles, an environmental policy expert at the United Nations Environment Program, said she could not attend meetings on climate change because they were closed.

The Ambassador to the UN from Denmark, Martin Bille Hermann, pushed these advocates to present specific action items. "You're not giving me easy avenues to deliver," Hermann said. "Develop a toolbox that would allow us to continue to live in an old house."

"We cannot expect different results by doing the same things," Chan added.

This is not the first time these issues have been raised.

On the 75th anniversary of the UN in 2020, the General Assembly committed to making the UN more inclusive to respond to common challenges. The following year, a set of steps to strengthen the meaningful participation of stakeholders across the UN was presented to the secretary general by a group of civil society organizations and the permanent missions of Denmark and Costa Rica. The recommendations were endorsed by 52 member states and 327 civil society organizations.

The 2021 letter focused on the use of technology to make UN meetings more accessible. It cited an evaluation survey that found 50 percent of participants during the virtual 2020 HLPF joined for the first time. Most of these new participants represented civil societies in developing countries.

One suggestion for bridging digital divides and incorporating a more diverse range of participants was to host hybrid events and offer internet connection at UN country-based offices. However, Rakhimova pointed out that some events still do not have hybrid options.

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The 2021 letter also called for a civil society envoy to the UN and an official civil society day. Neither recommendation has been formally implemented yet.

Mandeep Tiwana, chief officer of CIVICUS, a global alliance of civil society organizations with a strong presence in the global south, addressed inequalities in who influences international decision-making. Tiwana expressed concern that wealthy members of the private sector can "come in through the backdoor." Meanwhile, activists already facing restrictions on their work wait outside.

"The time to open the doors to the UN virtually, online, and in person has come," Chan said.

IPS UN Bureau Report

Follow @IPSNewsUNBureau
Sony has announced a new firmware update for its flagship WH-1000XM5 wireless noise-canceling headphones, launched in India in September 2022. These updates aim to further enhance the already highly praised user experience and audio capabilities of the headphones.

The firmware update adds LDAC support during multipoint connections, enabling users to enjoy high-quality audio on multiple devices simultaneously. Additionally, the update expands app compatibility, making it easier for users to connect with popular apps such as Locatone, endel, Auto Play, and Spotify.

A standout feature of the update is Head Tracking support, designed to enhance the sound experience by enabling users to perceive changes in sound direction when they move their heads. This feature promises a more immersive and realistic audio experience.

The WH-1000XM5 headphones are already known for their exceptional noise-canceling performance, thanks to the Integrated Processor V1, fully unlocking the potential of Sonys HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1.

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Nairobi  Former President Uhuru Kenyatta says his two sons own six firearms which are duly licensed.

Speaking during a roundtable meeting with the Editors from various news outlets, the fourth head of State explained that his sons had to acquire the firearms for self-protection after the State withdrew security officers attached to them.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki over the weekend confirmed a security operation targeting three homesteads within the Karen area where a total of 23 firearms, some of which are suspected to have been used in illegal activities are kept.

However, former President Uhuru has termed the raid a farce saying it was suspect claiming the security officials were out to fabricate charges against his eldest son.

The move follows a directive issued by the Firearms Licensing Board on Friday that the family surrender 28 firearms they are currently holding.

Officers allegedly said to be from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had on Friday night raided the home of his son Jomo in Karen, Nairobi to allegedly search for weapons.

Speaking after the raid, Uhuru faulted the government for attacking his family members, including the withdrawal of security of his mother former, First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta.

He vowed to defend his family against any onslaught and dared the government to face him head-on instead of going after his family.

Uhuru has further called for evidence from those linking him to the demonstrations called by the Azimio-One Kenya Coalition to protest the escalating cost of living.

He stressed he is no longer in active politics and is enjoying his retirement having handed over power to the sitting government.

An article on the national broadcaster, KBC's website states that former President Uhuru Kenyatta confirmed holding talks with Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya Coalition Leader Raila Odinga, who assured him that the third wave of the protest which began July 7, are aimed pressuring the government cushion Kenyans and institute measures to lower the cost of living.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said yesterday, that Nigerian political leaders have disappointed Nigerians, Africa, the Black race and the world for failing to make the nation the giant that everyone expected her to be.

He spoke at the public presentation of a book, titled "Reclaiming the Jewel of Africa." written by Dr. Olusegun Aganga, a former Minister of Finance, under former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Chief Obasanjo said: "Not long ago, I decided to have on record the experiences of some Nigerian ambassadors from independence to date.

"One of the first set of ambassadors, Ambassador Ogunsulire, during the interview recollected that at the first meeting of the United Nations General Assembly attended by Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa for the admission of Nigeria as a member of the United Nations on October 7, 1960, Nigeria was referred to as Giant in the sun.

"As at that time, the expectation of Africa and the world was for Nigeria to be a giant in the world. But over the last sixty-three years, we have not lived up to expectations. We have disappointed ourselves; we have disappointed Africa; we have disappointed the black race; and we have disappointed the world.

"What Segun has tried to identify, itemize and recommend in his book is the way forward. But the beginning of charting a new course for ourselves is to admit our failure because we have not always put the round peg in the round hole.

"We are carried along by ego and emotion of self, selfishness and self-centeredness, ethnic and religious jingoism with total lack of understanding of the world we live in and a gross misunderstanding of what development entails and how to move fast and continuously on the trajectory of development."

What I looked for in my appointees

The former president disclosed that his choice of appointees was guided by love for Nigeria and humanity, fear of God and track record of performance.

His words: "Let me make a point here. I always look in and look out for men and women of intelligence, track record of performance, ability, love of Nigeria and humanity and love and fear of God and courage with humility and integrity to serve Nigeria.

"None of them is perfect nor a saint but all those that I have so recruited particularly from the diaspora have performed creditably well in government. Segun Aganga is one of them.

"So is Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Lesley Obiora, Akin Adesina, Rilwanu Lukman and Bayo Ogunlesi. There are others who secured international appointments after their services at the national level under my watch.

"Among such distinguished ones are: Amina Mohammed, Babatunde Osotimehin, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Oby Ezekwesili and Akin Adesina after he had initially been encouraged by me to serve at home.

" The point I am making is that we have, both at home and in the diaspora, Nigerians who have attained world and best standard in their character, professions, attributes, performance and reputation in all walks of life."

Need for peace and security

Chief Obasanjo pointed out that peace and security must be addressed for the nation to make progress.

"In these connections, let me identify two of the major issues which are interrelated on the factors for all-round development.

"These are peace and security which we cannot achieve without justice, equity and inclusive society. And telling ourselves the truth, we have not done well on these scores in the recent past - in the last decade and a half."

Out of school children, Boko Haram & banditary

The former president said that there was a direct link between out-of-school children and Boko Haram terrorists and bandits, that have been killing innocent Nigerians in the last 14 years.

According to him "I will also point at the issue of education where over twenty million children that should be in school are not in school.

"We do not need an oracle to tell us the consequences of that for tomorrow. The skill acquisition, empowerment and employment of youth would seem to be ignored or not to be appreciated.

"We do not need to look far for the remote causes of banditry, Boko Haram, kidnapping and other organized crimes. We are living dangerously on a keg of gunpowder, driving more people into poverty through good policies poorly and thoughtlessly implemented or bad policies and no policy at all.

"Our population is made up of men and women almost in equal numbers. We have not given enough, appropriate and adequate attention to all aspects of preparing women for all-around development programmes for a community, a state, a nation, the continent of Africa and the whole world.

"If we fail to get all hands on deck, we will be diminished in all our instruments and capacity for development."

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Empty leaders

He regretted that many Nigerian leaders were empty and had no idea about what development entailed.

The former president said, "If you ask most of our leaders why they want to be in the position they are craving for, you will weep for your nation over their level of emptiness as far as development issues are concerned.

"What do they understand for peace, security, stability, predictability, development, growth and progress to be actualised?

"I believe that peace, security, democracy and prosperity must be taken together. Any leader that fails to understand any of these and fails to bring them together to deliver good governance for the welfare and well-being of the people - all the people - cannot contribute anything significant to claiming Nigeria as a jewel of Africa let alone the Jewel of Africa and definitely will be far from contributing to Nigeria being the Giant in the Sun."

Chief Obasanjo urged policy consistency in order to attain development while advising the government to appoint the brains into strategic positions in. order to accelerate the development of the nation.
Shinyanga  AUTHORITIES in Shinyanga have compiled a database for hawkers (Machinga), enabling the region to establish the number of hawkers it has for proper planning on marketplaces for their goods.

The database, which was launched in Kahama District over the weekend, is part of the region's efforts in creating good environment for them to conduct businesses.

Shinyanga Regional Commissioner Christine Mndeme said the database will store information of hawkers, something which would simplify an exercise of allocating areas for them to conduct their activities without interferences.

"The government in collaboration with Tiva Insurance Company carried out a study on how to get hawkers information and feed them into the database, something which help us to make decisions on the allocation and construction of markets for them, involve them in health insurance and other development activities," she said.

She admitted that previously they had no idea over the number of petty traders, but the newly introduced database would now help the region to reach them, including building friendly infrastructure for them to conduct their businesses.

The Regional Commissioner further assured that the government will continue collaborating with the private sector in order to stimulate economic activities in urban and rural areas, hence boosting the country's economic growth.

The Regional Commissioner used the occasion to ask residents to ignore the misleading statements from some people over planned investments in the country's ports.

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She said such misleading statements had evil l intention of demoralizing President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan from thinking on how best to chart out strategies that could spur the country's economic growth.

'The government cooperates with various stakeholders, including the private sector players to bring development," he argued.

On his part, Tiva's Director of Financial Services and Marketing, Mr Mark Irunde, said the company did a study and established that several groups were not yet reached for health insurance coverage because of lack of database.

"We have started this initiative with the hawkers. We have prepared the database for them in partnership with telecommunication companies so as to obtain their information easily," Mr Irunde explained.

Remarking, Chairperson of hawkers' associations' federation (SHIUMA), Mr Ernest Masaju, stressed the importance of having a database to simplify provision of services to petty traders, including simplifying engagements with them.
The President of the Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), Denis Sassou N'guesso, concluded a three-day State Visit to Rwanda from July 21 to 23, aimed at bolstering the bilateral relations between the two nations.

During the visit, both President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President N'guesso engaged in fruitful discussions and issued a joint communique summarizing the significant outcomes of their meetings.

Here are the five key highlights from President N'guesso's visit to Rwanda:

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

The primary objective of the visit was to assess the current state of bilateral relations between Rwanda and Congo-Brazzaville following President Kagame's visit to the Republic of Congo last year. The leaders also explored areas of mutual interest and benefit for the people of both countries. A high-level delegation, comprising government officials and members of the private sector, accompanied President N'guesso during the visit.

Address to joint session of Parliament

On July 21, President N'guesso delivered a compelling speech to Members of both Chambers of the Rwandan Parliament. In his address, he emphasized the importance of harmonizing efforts to achieve lasting peace and security in Africa and sustainable development for the continent's citizens. He also highlighted the need to protect and preserve Africa's ecosystems, particularly rainforests that play a vital role in mitigating climate change.

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Enhancing Political, Economic, and Social Cooperation

During high-level talks held in Kigali on July 22, Presidents N'guesso and Kagame acknowledged the historical and strong relations between their respective governments and peoples. They expressed their commitment to further strengthening political, economic, and social cooperation between Rwanda and Congo-Brazzaville. The leaders emphasized the need to expedite the implementation of signed agreements and ongoing economic projects and directed their respective ministers to ensure timely execution.

Memorandum of Understanding on AfCFTA

To boost trade and investment ties, both Heads of State presided over the signing of the "Memorandum of Understanding on Accelerating the Implementation of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Rwanda and the Government of the Republic of Congo." This agreement is expected to facilitate increased trade not only between Rwanda and Congo-Brazzaville but also among countries in the region and beyond.

Visa Exemption Progress

President N'guesso and President Kagame noted significant progress in the process of ratifying the "Agreement on Visa Exemption for Holders of Ordinary Passports" by the Government of the Republic of Congo. This development is expected to further ease travel and strengthen people-to-people connections between the two countries.

President Kagame expressed his gratitude to President N'guesso for his visit to Rwanda and reiterated their commitment to continued collaboration in enhancing bilateral relations. The State Visit concluded with a renewed sense of cooperation and shared vision for a prosperous and interconnected Africa in line with Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.
amasan1 at 25-07-2023 09:02 PM (2 weeks ago) (m)

A man who was accused of impregnating a woman with autism has been exonerated after a conclusive DNA test.

A man who was accused of impregnating a woman with autism has been exonerated after a conclusive DNA test.



The emotionally charged incident came to light when it was discovered that Joy, who is physically challenged, had become pregnant after allegedly being taken advantage of in undisclosed circumstances.

The accusations led to considerable distress and uncertainty for both families involved.



However, the situation took a positive turn as @Ifieminewton95 revealed that a DNA test was conducted at a hospital, which ultimately vindicated the accused man.



According to her, the test results conclusively proved that the accused was not responsible for the pregnancy. The families of both parties reportedly settled the matter in a peaceful manner, seeking closure and understanding.



In her video, @Ifieminewton95 expressed gratitude that the issue was handled in a respectful and compassionate manner. She shared footage of her family, Joy, the baby, and other relatives visiting the hospital for the DNA test result, showcasing the emotional rollercoaster they had been through.



She wrote;



The emotionally charged incident came to light when it was discovered that Joy, who is physically challenged, had become pregnant after allegedly being taken advantage of in undisclosed circumstances.The accusations led to considerable distress and uncertainty for both families involved.However, the situation took a positive turn as @Ifieminewton95 revealed that a DNA test was conducted at a hospital, which ultimately vindicated the accused man.According to her, the test results conclusively proved that the accused was not responsible for the pregnancy. The families of both parties reportedly settled the matter in a peaceful manner, seeking closure and understanding.In her video, @Ifieminewton95 expressed gratitude that the issue was handled in a respectful and compassionate manner. She shared footage of her family, Joy, the baby, and other relatives visiting the hospital for the DNA test result, showcasing the emotional rollercoaster they had been through.She wrote; Quote If there was DNA database in Nigeria, it would have been way easy for us. Were glad that this phase has passed. We know how truamatic it must have been for the alleged person. We issued an apology to him and his family. Thank you all for your love.

In the video, @Ifieminewton95 further revealed that her family had issued an apology to the accused and his family, acknowledging the trauma they might have experienced throughout the ordeal.



To support their efforts, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to provide assistance and aid for Joy during this period of transition.

Netizens Reactions

In the video, @Ifieminewton95 further revealed that her family had issued an apology to the accused and his family, acknowledging the trauma they might have experienced throughout the ordeal.To support their efforts, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to provide assistance and aid for Joy during this period of transition. Quote @classic bae said; No p,all is well,it happened to one of my mad relative,shes dead now but her girl is 23yrs old now and married,God will turn tinx around.



@acquosuahmonigram said; Please pamper her and sit her down and ask her questions very politely because the father of the baby is not far from the family.



@QueenAde said; For her to point hand at the person means hes somehow involved just lucky hes not the father but keep eyes down it could be a close person to family.



@RichAnti said; Here in the US, they will screen all family members and close friends plus neighbors. Its never far fetched. We still give thanks to God.



@Quin Lurel said; I dont know what happened but I think you guys should go and do the DNA in a secret hospital again someone could have bribe the doctor.



@Leoliciousebabe said; The responsible person would be right under your noseMay God lead you to your closure.



@Christiana Sam said; Please sit her down and ask her questions very gently, it might be your family member. The father of that child is not far from your family.

See below;

#autism #autismmum #autismacceptance original sound - Yinka okeleye @ifieminewton95 If there was DNA data base in Nigeria, it would have been way easy for us. Were glad that this phase has passed. We know how truamatic it must have been for the allerged person. We issued an apology to him and his family. Thank you all for your love. #autismawareness #pregnanttiktok #child #birth original sound - tiktokworship @ifieminewton95 My story!! #pregant See below;

Post Reply I am an investigative reporter at Gistmania, I conduct fact-finding investigative journalism. Posted: at 25-07-2023 09:02 PM (2 weeks ago) | Hero
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After 100 days of fighting in Sudan, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported on Monday that at least 435 children have been killed and more than 2,000 injured.

The UN agency added that there have been more than 2,500 severe violations of children's rights - an average of more than one an hour - in a country where 14 million youngsters need aid relief.

"As we reach more than 100 days since the conflict in Sudan escalated, we know that it is taking an absolutely horrific toll on children and on families," UNICEF spokesperson Joe English told UN News.

Deadly health concerns

Echoing those concerns, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) reported that nearly 300 displaced children have died from measles and malnutrition in White Nile State.

"It is time for all parties to this conflict to immediately end this tragic war," said High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, amid rising concern for the more than 740,000 refugees who have now fled Sudan to neighbouring countries.

According to UNHCR, conditions are "harrowing" for those reaching shelter in neighbouring countries, where displacement camps are overcrowded and the rainy season has made relocation and aid deliveries harder.

Children fend for themselves

To date, more than 3.3 million people have been displaced within Sudan and across its borders, including to Egypt, where UNHCR said that most children continue to arrive without their parents.

"For every child killed or injured we know that many more have been displaced from their homes, their lacking access to essential services," UNICEF said in a statement, which underscored the need for safe, unimpeded access to children and families so that they can receive the support they need.

Despite intense diplomatic efforts to end the fighting - notably by the African Union, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) regional body, the League of Arab States and the UN - clashes involving the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) milita have continued across multiple fronts.

Lending his support for much-needed peaceful dialogue, UNHCR chief Grandi said that people must be allowed to leave conflict areas to find safety, whether within or outside the country, and be protected "from all forms of violence".

To date, the UN response inside Sudan is only 23 per cent funded. Both UNHCR and UNICEF have urgently appealed for more donor support to assist vulnerable populations who have endured three months of fighting, concentrated around the capital Khartoum, but spreading far into restive Darfur and other regions.
China vows to take 'all necessary measures' against US spies

Iran Press TV

Monday, 24 July 2023 6:31 PM

China says it will "take all necessary measures to safeguard national security" against US spy networks after a recent confession by the CIA chief that its agents were currently active in the Asia-Pacific country.

"The US on the one hand keeps spreading disinformation on so-called Chinese spying and cyber attacks and on the other hand tells the public about its large-scale intelligence activities targeting China," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in a press briefing in Beijing on Monday.

"This in itself is quite revealing. China will take all measures necessary to safeguard national security."

CIA Director William Burns recently revealed the agency was rebuilding its clandestine networks in China.

Burns told attendees of a security conference in Colorado that the CIA was currently running agents in China. "We've made progress and we're working very hard to make sure we have a very strong human intelligence capability to complement what we can acquire through other methods."

The US spy agency suffered a devastating blow to its intelligence-gathering capabilities in 2010, when Chinese authorities began identifying, arresting, and reportedly executing CIA agents across the country.

An investigation by the New York Times put the number of spies killed or imprisoned at 20, while the Foreign Policy magazine claimed at least 30 agents were executed between 2010 and 2012.

A joint CIA/FBI commission concluded that the agency's communications equipment had likely been hacked, and that a mole had given the spies' identities to China's Ministry of State Security (MSS).

In 2018, a former CIA officer named Jerry Chun Shing Lee was arrested in the US and admitted to passing on the identities of American agents and their informants to the MSS. He was sentenced to 19 years in prison in 2019.

Ties between Washington and Beijing remain strained over a range of issues, including US non-adherence to the internationally-confirmed "One China" principle, trade wars, territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas, and US President Joe Biden's restrictions on semiconductor chip exports, among other issues.

In January, a Chinese surveillance balloon entered US airspace, traveling across the Americas as it flew over sensitive US nuclear weapons sites before crashing off the coast of South Carolina on February 4.

China back then hit back at US accusations over the balloon, saying it was a civilian meteorological "airship" used for scientific research purposes.

By way of background, China has repeatedly warned the US about its military and spying activities, including its deployment of ships or planes near the region where China conducts military exercises.

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Iranian Intelligence Uncovers Massive Terror Network Plotting Attacks Across Country

Sputnik News

20230724

Ilya Tsukanov

Iran has battled against domestic terrorism ever since its creation, foiling plots by domestic and foreign adversaries aimed at overthrowing the Islamic Republican form of government established in 1979.

Iran's security forces have uncovered and disbanded an "extensive" underground terror network said to be linked with Israeli intelligence, and whose ringleaders reportedly reside in Denmark and the Netherlands.

In a statement released Monday, the Ministry of Intelligence said a series of arrests had been carried out across multiple provinces, including Tehran, leading to the seizure of 43 remote-controlled bombs, bomb-making equipment and precursors, firearms and cold weapons.

The extremists were reportedly plotting to carry out terrorist and sabotage attacks on the eve of the holy month of Muharram (the start of the Muslim lunar calendar, which began this year on July 19), and planned to target public gathering places, electricity transmission lines, gas stations, and the tomb of the late Islamic Revolutionary Guard Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani.

Members of the terror cells were said to have carried out several 'test operations' to prove their capabilities, and to have sent photo and video evidence of their activities to handlers in Europe and the United States. They reportedly attacked government buildings with Molotov cocktails, targeted the security forces, set fire to banks, ATM machines, and telecommunications antennas, and unfurled the flags of Iran's enemies and royalist groups in various public places.

"The Ministry of Intelligence reserves the right to pursue terrorist proxies outside the country's borders, and will continue to take appropriate measures against supporters of terrorism. It also warns countries which have consciously become the base and official refuge of terrorism under the guise of protecting human rights that terrorists never remain loyal to those who support them, and hosting them always comes at great cost," the ministry said.

The ministry accompanied the press release with footage of members of terrorist cells being apprehended, as well as some of the bombs, firearms and other paraphernalia that were seized.

Iran's security forces have waged battles with a multitude of terrorist and extremist groups going back to the Islamic Republic's founding in 1979, with the largest terror group calling itself the 'People's Mojahedin Organization, a CIA and Mossad-sponsored and affiliated terror group which has killed thousands of Iranian officials, clerics, judges, police officers and civilians over the past 40+ years.

A Sputnik

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Beijing Concerned About US Push to Bolster Spying Efforts in China

Sputnik News

20230724

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - China is alarmed by US intelligence chief William Burns' admission that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is actively rebuilding spy networks in China, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Monday.

Mao said Burns' admission was in itself quite revealing. She vowed that China would take "all measures necessary" to safeguard national security.

"This is rather concerning. The US on the one hand keeps spreading disinformation on so-called 'Chinese spying and cyber-attacks,' and on the other hand tells the public about its large-scale intelligence activities targeting China," she told a daily news briefing.

Burns made the surprise revelation while attending the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado last week. He said the CIA was "working very hard to make sure we have a very strong human intelligence capability to complement what we can acquire through other methods."

The CIA suffered a crushing blow more than a decade ago when it lost many of its assets in China to a combination of betrayal by a CIA officer and a breakdown in a secret communications system, American media reported.

A Sputnik

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July 24, 2023

By Joseph Clark , DOD News

'We Go Together:' U.S., South Korea Mark 70-Year Alliance

Three words are often used to succinctly describe the tight bond between the U.S. and South Korea: We go together.

The phrase has long held special meaning on the Korean Peninsula, where more than 28,000 U.S. service members currently serve alongside their Korean allies.

Now, seven decades into the alliance, the three words carry added significance. "We go together" denotes a durable partnership between the two nations and a pledge to continue to stand together in the face of pressing challenges.

"[O]ver the past seven decades, our alliance has grown stronger and more capable, and the cooperation between our people, our commitment to one another has grown deeper across every aspect of our partnership," President Joe Biden said in April as he welcomed South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to the White House for an official state visit marking the 70th anniversary of the alliance.

Biden said the tried-and-true partnership offers proof of a "future filled with unimaginable opportunity and endless possibility."

"Nothing  nothing  is beyond our ability to reach when our nations and our people stand united," he said. "We have proven that time and again over the last 70 years."

The alliance traces its roots to the devastation caused by the Korean War.

On June 25,1950, North Korean troops, backed by China and the Soviet Union, stormed across the 38th parallel, the line of demarcation separating Republic of Korea to the South and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the North.

Concerned by the brazen communist aggression, the United Nations Security Council authorized, for the first time, the formation of a multi-national force to repel further invasion from the north.

The U.S. provided most of the troops that made up the multinational U.N. Command. The U.S. Army deployed a total of eight divisions to the peninsula throughout the 37-month war.

More than 33,000 U.S. troops were killed and 103,000 wounded in fighting that lasted until the July 27, 1953, Korean Armistice, which ceased hostilities and established a Demilitarized Zone along the 38th parallel.

Yoon honored those American's who sacrificed their lives in defense of the Korean people as he spoke on the sun-drenched South Lawn in April during his official arrival ceremony at the White House.

"Why did they sacrifice their lives for this faraway country and for the people they never met? That was for one noble cause: to defend freedom," Yoon said.

"The ROK-U.S. alliance was forged in blood as a result of our fight for freedom," he said. "The ROK-U.S. alliance is not a transactional relationship; it does not operate for the sake of mere interest. The ROK-U.S. alliance is an alliance of values, standing together to safeguard the universal value of freedom."

Despite the cessation of hostilities between North and South Korea brought on by the 1953 armistice, a peace treaty has never been signed.

Following the armistice, the U.S. and South Korea signed a Mutual Defense Treaty which, to this day, underpins the alliance between the two countries.

Under the treaty, the U.S. committed to aiding South Korea in the event of an attack and has maintained a continuous presence of land, air and sea forces on the peninsula capable of responding to North Korean aggression.

To date, the U.S. remains as South Korea's foremost defense partner and the two countries have for years completed large-scale, combined exercises aimed at enhancing joint operability and deterring provocation in the region.

South Korea has also been a key U.S. partner in conflicts abroad, deploying troops in support of U.S.-led efforts in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.

South Korea holds Major Non-NATO Ally status with the U.S., entitling them certain benefits in terms of trade and security cooperation.

In 1978, the two countries formed the Combined Forces Command which formalized the U.S. and South Korean joint planning staff developed in the late 1960s as an adjunct to the United Nations Command and United States Forces Korea.

The CFC serves as the warfighting headquarters with operational control over more than 600,000 servicemembers representing both nations. The command stands ready to provide coordinated defense through combined air, ground and naval forces on the peninsula should it come under attack from the north.

Since its formation, CFC has conducted major field training and command post exercises including Ulchi Freedom Guardian, an annual drill that trains CFC personnel through state-of-the-art wargame simulations.

The U.S. and South Korean joint drills have also included combined live-fire exercises that mobilize thousands of U.S. and South Korean troops and hundreds of weapons systems.

In a joint communique issued by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and South Korean Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-Sup following the 54th Security Consultative Meeting between the U.S. and South Korea, the two sides pledged to continue enhancing their combined exercises to strengthen the alliance's readiness in the face of increasing provocation by North Korea.

"We still face ongoing challenges from North Korea, including its dangerous and destabilizing missile testing program, and from others who would undermine the rules-based international order," Austin said in April as he welcomed Yoon to the Pentagon during his visit to Washington.

Austin underscored that the U.S. commitment to South Korea remains "ironclad."

"The ROK and the United States have a shared vision rooted in freedom, democracy and the rule of law," he said. "Our alliance stands as a pillar of a free and open Indo-Pacific and I'm confident that we will move forward together, and I look forward to charting an ambitious path to advance our shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific."

During, Yoon's latest visit to Washington, the two countries outlined new steps aimed at bolstering the longstanding U.S.-South Korean defense alliance in the face of growing nuclear threats posed by North Korea.

Under the newly unveiled "Washington Declaration," the two countries have committed to engaging in deeper dialogue and information sharing efforts and announced the establishment of a nuclear consultative group to strengthen nuclear deterrence efforts on the Korean Peninsula.

Biden called the declaration a "prudent step" toward deterrence and in response to North Korea's advancing nuclear threat and a symbol of the U.S. unwavering commitment to South Korea.

"As our troops say, who still proudly serve together in the ROK to this day: 'We go together'," Biden said on the South Lawn. "May we continue that refrain of the Republic of Korea and the United States for all the days ahead."

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July 24, 2023

By David Vergun , DOD News

Long Diplomatic Wrangling Finally Led to Korean Armistice 70 Years Ago

The Korean Armistice Agreement, signed on July 27, 1953, was the culmination of many months of bickering between officials from the United States, North Korea, South Korea, China, the former Soviet Union and United Nations forces.

The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when communist North Korean troops invaded South Korea. The U.S. and U.N. quickly moved troops and equipment into South Korea to prevent the country from being overrun.

"We could not stand idly by and allow the communist imperialists to assume that they were free to go into Korea or elsewhere. This challenge had to be met  and it was met. It had to be met without plunging the world into general war," wrote former President Harry S. Truman in his 1956 book "Memoirs."

The fighting over the next few months or so was fluid, with large swaths of the Korean peninsula being overrun first by North Korean forces, then by U.N. forces and later by North Korean and Chinese forces who crossed into Korea in the fall of 1950.

By the late spring of 1951, the battle lines had stabilized around the area of the 38th Parallel, which had previously divided the two Koreas prior to the invasion.

On June 23, 1951, with no further progress in sight for communist forces, the Soviet Union, which backed North Korea, called for armistice talks.

The U.S. and U.N. were amenable, and armistice talks began July 10, 1951, at Kaesong, which is in the southern part of North Korea near today's demilitarized zone.

However, there were some major sticking points that the two sides could not agree on.

First and foremost was the prisoner exchange policy. U.S. diplomats, led by Secretary of State Dean Acheson, and U.N diplomats wanted a exchange that allowed the prisoners to decide if they wanted to be exchanged.

The communists demurred on this point, desiring all prisoners to be returned, even if it meant involuntarily repatriation.

"It was here that the most serious wrangling began, and it was here also that I insisted that we could not give ground," Truman wrote in his book.

"Communism is a system that has no regard for human dignity or human freedom, and no right-thinking government can give its consent to the forcible return to such a system of men or women who would rather remain free." Truman wrote.

This sticking point resulted in the communists breaking off negotiations on Aug. 23, 1951.

Another roadblock to an armistice was South Korea's President Syngman Rhee wanting U.N. forces to help South Korea take over the entire peninsula.

U.N. forces continued to put pressure on communist forces, leading the communists to resume talks Oct. 25, 1951, at Panmunjom, which now straddles the Demilitarized Zone.

After lengthy haggling with no lack of progress, the U.N. delegation declared an indefinite recess to armistice talks on Oct. 8, 1952.

On Jan. 20, 1953, Dwight D. Eisenhower was sworn in as U.S. president. Like Truman, he hoped for a diplomatic solution, and, once again, armistice talks began on April 26, 1953.

Three months later, all sides  except for South Korea  agreed to the armistice.

The armistice was signed by U.S. Army Lt. Gen. William Harrison Jr. and U.S. Army Gen. Mark W. Clark, representing the United Nations Command; North Korean leader Kim Il Sung and Gen. Nam Il, representing the Korean army; and Peng Dehuai, representing the China's People's Volunteer Army.

The armistice established the DMZ, put into force a cease-fire, and finalized the repatriation of POWs who wished to be repatriated.

About 82,500 Chinese and North Korean POWs chose to go home, while 50,000 decided to stay in South Korea or go to other democratic nations.

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July 24, 2023

By David Vergun , DOD News

America Marks 70th Anniversary of End of Korean War

On June 25, 1950, North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel and attacked South Korea. Three days later, North Korean forces captured South Korea's capital, Seoul.

The following week on July 1, the first U.S. ground troops, arrived in Korea to support South Korea.

The decision to aid South Korea was made by President Harry S. Truman. In his "Memoirs," published in 1956, Truman states: "If South Korea fell, the communists would attack other nations, resulting in World War III."

The communists he referred to, were the former World War II U.S. allies China and the Soviet Union, which now supported North Korea.

By early August 1950, the North Korean army had overrun most of South Korea except for a small pocket in the far southeast known as the Pusan Perimeter.

During the months of August and September, U.S. Soldiers and Marines, along with United Nations forces, landed in Korea to bolster South Korea's defense.

U.N. forces besides the U.S., were the United Kingdom, Canada, Turkey, Australia, Philippines, New Zealand, Thailand, Ethiopia, Greece, France, Colombia, Belgium, South Africa, Netherlands and Luxembourg.

U.S. forces landed on the western port city of Inchon Sept. 15, and two weeks later, U.N. forces captured Seoul.

The following month saw U.N. forces crossing the 38th parallel into North Korea, capturing Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, and advancing to the Yalu River, the northern boundary of North Korea and China.

In late October 1950, Chinese forces crossed into North Korea to aid their ally. By January 1951, Chinese and North Korean forces recaptured Seoul.

By March 1951, U.N. troops recaptured Seoul.

On April 11, 1951, Truman relieved MacArthur, who had led the U.N. Command. MacArthur had wanted to expand the war into China, which was against the directives of the president, who didn't want a wider conflict, which would likely involve the Soviet Union.

"We were in Korea in the name and on behalf of the United Nations. This 'unified command' which I had entrusted to [U.S. Army Gen.] Douglas MacArthur, was a United Nations Command, and neither he nor I would have been justified if we had gone beyond the mission that the United Nations General Assembly had given us," Truman states in "Memoirs," an account of his presidency.

By the latter part of 1951,1952 and 1953, heavy fighting continued, with the front line stabilizing in a stalemate in the vicinity of the 38th parallel.

Dwight D. Eisenhower became president Jan. 20, 1953, and on July 27, 1953, the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed, ending the fighting. Prisoners were exchanged and South Korea gained a bit of territory northeast of the 38th parallel.

About 37,000 Americans lost their lives during the Korean War and over 92,000 were wounded and 8,000 were missing.

South Korea sustained 1.3 million casualties, including 415,000 dead. Casualties among other U.N. forces totaled 16,500, including 3,100 dead.

No peace treaty was ever signed between North and South Korea and in the decades since the Korean War, North Korean forces have conducted numerous cross-border incursions and other acts of aggression.

U.S. forces and U.N. representatives are still in South Korea with the goal of preventing another war.

U.S. Forces Korea is responsible for supporting and training joint South Korea-U.S. forces and United Nations Command multinational forces.

The Korean War Veterans Memorial at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., honors those who served and sacrificed.

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The EU Foreign Affairs Council discussed support for Ukraine and relations between Europe and Turkiye

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

24.07.2023

Yesterday, on 20 July, the European Union Foreign Affairs Council met in Brussels, focusing mainly on support for Ukraine, including on how to ensure long-term and sustainable aid for ensuring the security of Ukraine. In addition, EU-Turkiye relations were discussed, and a video meeting was held with the US Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken. Estonia was represented by Aivo Orav, Permanent Representative of Estonia to the EU.

Orav stressed Estonia's comprehensive support to Ukraine, including the use of frozen Russian assets and sustainable support to the security of Ukraine. 'We are also stressing the need to establish a special tribunal to hold the Russian leadership accountable for the war crimes and crimes of aggression committed in Ukraine,' said Orav.

Relations between the European Union and Turkiye following the recent elections in Turkiye were also discussed. 'Estonia will continue to support the dialogue between the European Union and Turkiye, as the latter has an important role to play in ensuring the security of its region,' Orav said.

In a video meeting with the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, the international situation in general was discussed, including support for Ukraine, opposition to the Russian aggression, transatlantic relations, and relations with China. 'Estonia highly appreciates the support of the US to Ukraine and the cooperation between the European Union and the US. In addition, it is important to coordinate foreign policy towards China with the US,' said Orav.

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Germany Federal Foreign Office

24.07.2023 - Press release

A Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson issued the following statement today (24 July) on the national elections in Cambodia:

We take note of the results of the elections in Cambodia on July 23. These elections took place in a restrictive political environment, which left Cambodian voters with little space to express dissent and without a genuine choice at the ballot box. We regret that the largest opposition party was not allowed to register for the elections. We were deeply disappointed by the verdict against Kem Sokha earlier this year on charges related to his political activities, as well as by criminal charges and convictions brought against other members of the opposition. Excessive restrictions on the right of all citizens to stand for elections and the closure of the media outlet "Voice of Democracy" have further curtailed civic and political space ahead of the vote.


Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on July 17-23, 2023

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2023-07-24

International cooperation

On July 17-23 fighter aircraft conducting the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states were scrambled once to identify and escort aircraft of the Russian Federation flying in violation of flight rules in international airspace over the Baltic Sea.

On July 22 aircraft of the NATO Air Policing Detachment intercepted one TU-134 flying from mainland Russia to Kaliningrad and two SU-27s flying from and back to Kaliningrad through international airspace.

The TU-134 was flying with its onboard transponder switched on, maintained radio communication with the regional air traffic control centre but had not pre-filed the flight plan. The SU-27 had no flight plans, no radio communication and no onboard transponder signal.

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Strengthening Bilateral Ties: MRF-D participates in Philippine Marine Aviation Support Activity 23 for the first time

US Marine Corps News

24 Jul 2023 | 1st Lt. Ramarro Lamar 1st Marine Division

PUERTO PRINCESA, PHILIPPINES -- In the pursuit of enhancing security and defense capabilities, the Philippines and the United States armed forces have developed longstanding partnerships characterized by trust and cooperation. These partnerships, based upon the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty and subsequent agreements, have enabled numerous joint exercises across all service components, including Marine Aviation Support Activity 23. During MASA, U.S. Marines exercised with Philippine counterparts to increase military preparedness and interoperability, contributing to regional stability.

This year was the first time Marine Rotational Force - Darwin participated in MASA. The command element of the Marine Air Ground Task Force deployed forward to command and control forces operating across the country.

"The continued cooperation of U.S. and Philippine Marines through exercises like MASA is a sign of the ironclad U.S.-Philippine alliance. We are committed to enhancing the combined and joint interoperability between our two nations in conducting tactical and heliborne operations," said Colonel Brendan Sullivan, commanding officer, Marine Rotational Force - Darwin.

MASA 23 is an annual bilateral event that joins together the Philippine Marine Corps and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) in a series of joint training exercises. Taking place in various locations across the Philippines, the exercise aims to enhance interoperability, promote shared learning, and build a more cohesive response to regional security challenges. This year's training events featured a coastal defense and stressed traditional means of command and control. The primary objectives of MASA 23 are to improve the tactical capabilities of both the Philippine and U.S. Marines, and to strengthen the bonds of friendship and trust between the two forces.

MRF-D Marines and Sailors benefited from the expertise of Philippine Marine Subject Matter Experts, who provided insights into the unique challenges and operating environments in the Philippine archipelago. As a region of strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific, the Philippines presents distinct conditions that necessitate adaptive approaches to military operations. This mutual learning fosters a spirit of cooperation and strengthens the ability of both forces to address shared security concerns effectively.

MASA 23 is closely tied to the implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Philippines and the United States. Signed in 2014, the EDCA improves the capabilities of Philippine Armed Forces through U.S.-funded infrastructure improvements at Philippine military locations. Improvements funded by the EDCA allowed for U.S. and Philippine Marines to expand locations used during MASA.

The Marine Aviation Support Activity exercise in the Philippines serves as a powerful symbol of the strong and enduring partnership between the Philippine and U.S. Marines. Through MASA, both forces enhance their tactical capabilities, learn from each other's expertise, and deepen their understanding of the unique challenges posed by the Philippine archipelago. As the MASA exercise continues to evolve, the exercise ensures that the Philippines and the United States stand united in the face of shared security challenges.

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The Chief Prosecutor of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), Serge Brammertz, is scheduled to visit Rwanda from 24 to 28 July 2023 to provide a comprehensive update on the trial of Fulgence Kayishema.

Kayishema, a fugitive accused of orchestrating the massacre of 2,000 people at Nyange church during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, was arrested in Paarl, South Africa, in May after evading justice for over 25 years.

During his visit, Prosecutor Brammertz will hold crucial discussions with survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi, local officials, and representatives of IBUKA in Kigali.

The focal point of these meetings is to update victims and survivors on the progress of Kayishema's trial, shed light on the ongoing Kabuga case, and underscore the Office of the Prosecutor's unwavering commitment to ensuring accountability for the atrocities committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Among the highlights of his visit, Brammertz will pay homage to the memory of the victims at the Nyange Parish Genocide Memorial, where he will meet with survivors, victims, and local dignitaries.

Furthermore, he will engage in high-level discussions with key Rwandan officials, including the Minister of Justice, Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Jean-Damascene Bizimana, the Prosecutor General, Aimable Havugiyaremye, and the Inspector General of Police, Felix Namuhoranye.

The discussions will revolve around fostering robust cooperation between the Office of the Prosecutor and the Government of Rwanda.

Through this visit, the IRMCT reaffirms its dedication to seeking justice for the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi and bringing those responsible for such heinous crimes to face the consequences of their actions.
Right-wing party wins Spanish general elections but fails to garner parliamentary majority

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:39, July 24, 2023

MADRID, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Spain's opposition right-wing People's Party (PP) has won Sunday's general elections with 99.79 percent of the votes counted, while no single party garnered enough parliamentary seats to form a government.

The results showed that the PP had won 136 seats in the 350-seat Congress of Deputies, the lower house of the Spanish parliament. The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez won 122 seats.

Vox won 33 seats, which means that a coalition with the PP would fall well short of the 176 seats needed for a majority in the lower chamber to form a government. Meanwhile, the left-wing Sumar won 31 seats, meaning that a PSOE-Sumar coalition would also fall short of a majority.

Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of the PP, said that he would start conversations to form a government.

"I will open a dialogue and try to govern our country in accord with the results," said Feijoo from the balcony of the PP headquarters in Madrid.

The Basque nationalist parties Bildu and PNV won 6 and 5 seats respectively and the Catalan parties JuntsXCat and Ezquerra Republicana (ERC) took 7 seats each. None of them are likely to lend their support to a possible PP/Vox coalition. Prospects for a coalition government now remain uncertain.

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Over 19 million Sudanese face food insecurity due to armed conflict: WFP

Iran Press TV

Monday, 24 July 2023 7:11 PM

An official with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has warned that more than 19 million Sudanese people are facing food insecurity as the ongoing armed conflict worsens the humanitarian crisis in the African country.

Mohamed Gamal, communication officer of the WFP, raised the alarm on Sunday as the months-long heavy fighting between the warring sides in Sudan has led to the disruption of water, electricity and gas supplies and severe shortages of food and medicine in many areas.

"The humanitarian situation is really dire in Sudan. Currently, there are over 19 million people who are food insecure and this situation is expected to get worse as the war continues," Gamal said in interview with China Media Group (CMG).

"WFP is highly concerned especially for areas like West Darfur where it's currently inaccessible for our humanitarian services to reach the people who need it the most."

According to UN data, roughly half of the Sudanese population, which accounts for 24.7 million people, including 13 million children, needs humanitarian aid.

Since the fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Response Forces (RSF) broke out on April 15, almost 2.8 million people have fled Sudan, including an estimated 230,000 people who arrived in Chad.

Stressing that the WFP has been providing treatment for the wounded who entered Chad from Sudan, Gamal said, "WFP has reached over 150,000 people with its aid and established two units that are serving as hospitals to provide medical services to the ones that are affected by the war in Sudan."

He said the WFP has brought food aid to over 1.4 million people in Sudan and aims to provide aid for 5.9 million conflict-affected people across the country this year.

The WFP officer, however, said the organization's humanitarian relief efforts have been hindered as the warring parties have failed to fully ensure safety of humanitarian staff and a number of WFP warehouses have been looted.

"We urge the conflicting parties to facilitate humanitarian corridors for WFP to reach people who need its services the most," Gamal underlined.

The fighting in Sudan began in mid-April over a power struggle between army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who commands the RSF.

The clashes in Sudan have caused over 3,000 deaths and more than 6,000 injuries, according to figures released by the Sudanese Health Ministry.

The United Nations, the Arab League as well as many countries in the world have already urged the opposing sides to show restraint and engage in dialog to end the hostilities.

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Sustainable peace, security in Caucasus serves regional states' interests: Iran FM

Iran Press TV

Monday, 24 July 2023 2:39 PM

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has reaffirmed Tehran's call for comprehensive and sustainable peace in the Caucasus region and warned against foreign exploitation of the situation there.

Addressing a joint press conference with Armenia's Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in Tehran on Monday, Amir-Abdollahian said Iran focuses on the establishment of peace in the Caucasus region and welcomes progress in peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"We believe that enhanced peace and security among the neighbors can serve the common interests of regional countries," Amir-Abdollahian added.

Tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan remain relatively high nearly two years after the arch-foes fought a war over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. The six-week conflict, which claimed more than 6,500 lives on both sides, ended in November 2020 with a Russian-brokered deal.

Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but has been populated by ethnic Armenians. Russia has deployed 1,960 peacekeepers to the region for an initial five-year period. Since the truce, the two sides have accused each other of breaching the peace deal.

Back in July, Mirzoyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov, held their first talks in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi since the deadly 2020 war.

Amir-Abdollahian further said the Caucasus region should not turn into a conflict zone and a battlefield among powers because it would postpone the establishment of regional peace.

The top Iranian diplomat acknowledged that the world order based on war has come to an end, and peace has been established in the Caucasus region.

"This sustainable peace requires the language of friendship and good neighborliness among governments and nations," he added.

He said Iran attaches great importance to the South Caucasus and welcomes convergence among the countries in the region.

The Iranian foreign minister added that any negotiations should be conducted in a balanced atmosphere, have tangible results and serve the interests of both sides.

He warned of certain foreign sides' plots to exploit some conflicts in the Caucasus and said Iran backs the 3+3 format cooperation mechanism and is ready to host it in the presence of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The 3+3 format cooperation mechanism features the three South Caucasus countries of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan plus Russia, Turkey, and Iran.

Elsewhere in the presser, Amir-Abdollahian hailed the development of Iran-Armenia relations over the past year but said there is still more room for the expansion of ties, including in transportation, energy, agriculture and industry.

The top Iranian diplomat added that the two sides aim to increase their trade volume to one billion dollars initially and three billion dollars in the next step and have so far taken good strides in this regard.

The Armenian foreign minister, for his part, hailed his country's historical and cordial ties with Iran and described Tehran as a unique friend of Yerevan which plays an active role in solving the existing challenges between the two sides.

Mirzoyan said Armenia would host a trilateral meeting in the presence of Iran and India in 2023.

He noted that the promotion of stability in the South Caucasus region was among the issues discussed during his talks with the Iranian foreign minister.

This is Mirzoyan's second visit to Iran as he traveled to Tehran in October 2021 and attended a joint press conference with the Iranian foreign minister.

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US deploys 2nd nuclear-armed submarine to South Korea amid surging tensions with North

Iran Press TV

Monday, 24 July 2023 6:23 AM

The US has deployed a second nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) to a port in South Korea, as part of a recent agreement between the two allies to purportedly deter North Korea's growing military might.

According to a statement issued by South Korea's Navy, the USS Annapolis arrived at a naval base in southern island of Jeju on Monday, to load military supplies while on an unspecified operational mission.

"The two countries' navies plan to strengthen the combined defense posture with the arrival of the USS Annapolis, and conduct exchange activities to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the alliance," it further added.

The latest development comes almost a week after the US military deployed its first SSBN to South Korea amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

The USS Kentucky, an Ohio-class submarine, arrived in the port of Busan on Tuesday, marking the first visit by a US SSBN to the country in almost 44 years.

Back in April, US President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol agreed on the periodic deployment of American nuclear assets to the Korean Peninsula. They also agreed to establish a bilateral NCG and to expand military exercises.

North Korea has strongly condemned the agreement to deploy US nuclear assets in South Korea, vowing to respond proportionally to the deal.

North Korea has been under harsh sanctions by the United States and the United Nations Security Council for years over its deterrent nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Pyongyang has ramped up its missile tests in response to persisting joint war games by US and South Korean military forces near its territorial waters. In 2022, it launched an unprecedented number of missiles, including its most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile ever.

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Embassies find fault with Cambodia's lopsided election

However, China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman offered 'warm congratulations' for Sunday's vote.

By RFA Khmer 2023.07.24 -- France, the United Kingdom and Australia on Monday criticized Cambodia's one-sided parliamentary election, while China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman congratulated Cambodia for the "smoothly held" vote.

Preliminary results from Sunday's election show the Prime Minister Hun Sen's ruling Cambodian People's Party winning 120 of 125 seats in the National Assembly.

But the election has been criticized as neither free nor fair because of the exclusion of the main opposition Candlelight Party, as well as for efforts to neutralize the political opposition through threats, arrests and other means.

The estimated 84 percent turnout was "a clear demonstration of the vibrancy of the Kingdom's democracy" and "a rejection of the calls for electoral boycotts and smear campaigns orchestrated by extremist opposition factions," Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The voting process was witnessed by 422 international observers, representing 65 nationalities from 61 institutions, according to the ministry's statement, which did not specify the institutions.

The United States, the European Union, France and Japan said in March that they had no plans to send electoral observers or to provide assistance to Cambodia's election committee, citing arrests of opposition activists and other actions intended to silence and intimidate opposition figures.

A statement from the Australian Embassy on Monday condemned the pressure brought to bear on media outlets and civil society groups in recent months, as well as the National Election Committee's decision in May to disqualify the Candlelight Party.

"Australia has been a partner for decades supporting Cambodia's aspiration for peace, development, democracy and human rights," the embassy statement said. "We express our concerns as a longstanding friend and renew our desire to work with Cambodia towards these aspirations."

France's statement cited the 1991 Paris Peace Agreement, which ended decades of war in Cambodia and set the stage for UN-sponsored elections in 1993 and the writing of a new Constitution.

"We call for the release of the detained opposition members, and urge the Cambodian authorities to respect the fundamental rights necessary for the restoration of democracy," a Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement said.

Additionally, the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights called on the international community to not recognize or legitimize Sunday's "farcical elections." Canada and the European Union also released statements on Monday that were critical of the election.

Official election results are expected to be announced between Aug. 9 and Sept. 4.

'Strong momentum' with China

At the Chinese Foreign Ministry's regular news conference on Monday, spokeswoman Mao Ning wished Hun Sen and the CPP success in forming a new government.

"In recent years, under the strategic guidance of Chinese and Cambodian leaders, China-Cambodia relations have enjoyed strong momentum," she said. "Our two countries contribute to regional cooperation and international equity and justice."

Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia since 1985, told a Chinese television station last week that his eldest son, Hun Manet, could succeed him as prime minister within weeks.

Hun Manet was listed as the CPP's top candidate from Phnom Penh. In February, he traveled with his father to Beijing to attend meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang.

U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller declined to comment on Monday on the possibility of Hun Manet taking control of the government soon.

On Sunday, he said in a statement that the United States was troubled that the elections were "neither free nor fair."

The statement also said that the United States would pause some foreign assistance programs and has taken steps "to impose visa restrictions on individuals who undermined democracy" in Cambodia ahead of the elections.

"We do not make those designations public," Miller said at the State Department's regular briefing on Monday. "We make public that we have designated officials, but we do not make the names public as a matter of policy."

He added that $18 million in foreign aid programs will be put on hold this year, and restrictions will extend into future fiscal years. He did not detail the specific programs that were no longer being funded.

Translated by Sok Ry Sum. Edited by Matt Reed.

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Hun Sen will rule but not reign in Cambodia

Generational succession in the ruling party will see almost the entire cabinet replaced, many by their relatives.

A commentary by David Hutt 2023.07.24 -- In his memorable evocation of the role of a constitutional monarch, the 19th-century historian Thomas Macaulay intoned that a sovereign reigns but does not rule. After Hun Sen resigns as Cambodia's prime minister and hands over the position to his eldest son, the self-styled "peasant king" will achieve the opposite: he will rule but not reign.

Hun Sen has insinuated that he will hand over the premiership to Hun Manet, a former military chief and four-star general, sometime next month. The long-anticipated power transfer is part of a vast generational succession in the ruling party.

According to leaked official lists seen by this writer and now circulating among political observers, the reshuffle will see almost the entire cabinet replaced by younger officials, many of whom are the children or relatives of other aging party grandees. Interior Minister Sar Kheng and Defence Minister Tea Banh are slated to hand over their offices to their sons, too, according to the lists, on which the government has yet to comment.

Yet, Hun Sen won't quit politics. He has confirmed he will stay on as president of the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP), which clinched a landslide victory at Sunday's general election, an expected outcome after it had disqualified its only viable opponent from competing.

From that position, Hun Sen will still dictate party policy and appointees. It now has more authority to hire and fire after the National Assembly's authority to censure ministers was weakened by constitutional changes last year. He will likely keep his other titles.

He was, for instance, made honorary president of a recently-created forum of the country's business tycoons. One imagines he will still accompany Manet on visits to Beijing, Cambodia's main benefactor.

It's possible that Hun Sen will also create a new cabinet post for himself (perhaps "Mentor Minister") or seek to take the presidency of the National Assembly or Senate, the latter of which will allow him to be acting head of state when the King is out of the country, which he frequently is. Doing so would give him additional powers. It would also prolong his diplomatic immunity. Last year, the French government invoked that immunity to prevent a French court from summoning him to a case involving a 1997 grenade attack on opposition figure Sam Rainsy, which Hun Sen's bodyguard unit is accused of conducting.

All in the clan

Hun Sen has carved out a "personalist" rule for his family, now the most important political clan. Hun Many, his youngest son, is expected to become the next Minister of Civil Service, in charge of the sprawling bureaucracy. Hun Manith, another son, will remain as military intelligence chief and was recently made a deputy army commander. Mao Sophan, a close Hun Sen loyalist and head of Brigade 70, has taken over as army chief from Manet. Vongsey Vissoth, one of Hun Sen's closest assistants, is tipped to become the next head of the Council of Ministers, so in charge of cabinet affairs. Neth Savoeun, the national police chief, who is married to Hun Sen's niece, is expected to become a deputy prime minister. Hun Sen's daughters control a vast media and business empire.

In many ways, Hun Sen will depart the premiership after 38 years as the "strongman" he purports to be. His family's power is secure. He has acolytes in important government and military posts. His narrative that only the CPP (read: his family) can ensure peace and stability is often employed for cynical reasons but there is no doubt that it appeals to many Cambodian voters, especially those old enough to remember the genocide Khmer Rouge era. Something akin to "Hun Sen Thought" could become official dogma. His party maintains dominance of the National Assembly, winning all but five seats at last weekend's election, according to unofficial results.

The opposition movement that traces a lineage back to the 1990s looks all but a spent force. The economy is in okay-ish health, although structural debts in the property market might bite soon. Cambodia is a trusted, "ironclad" friend of Beijing's, while Western democracies seem to have lost interest in trying to roll back the tide of authoritarianism.

Democratic states will likely see an inchoate Manet administration as one they can work with, although their belief that he will be more democratic and tolerant is a result of them predicting his actions by his reputation as a Western-educated, somewhat cosmopolitan figure.

Yet, power can be tenuous. And rarely do dynastic successions happen as smoothly as imagined in dictatorships. Hun Sen may prove history wrong. With him still in charge behind the scenes, no one will move against his son. But one might question why he felt the need for his eldest son to succeed him. Maybe it speaks to his obsession with framing himself as the "peasant king" Sdach Kan, a 16th-century usurper. Maybe it is because he sees a dearth of other competent hands to take over the premiership.

More probable, Hun Sen wants to keep Cambodian politics a family business because that's the only way to protect his family. Cambodian politics is a complex web of patronage networks, resembling a past-century court where the Hun family sits at the top and the other baron families (the Tea's, the Sar's, the Sok's) accept the hierarchy but only if they get their cut of the spoils.

Family fiefdoms

The important families have their own ministerial and provincial fiefdoms, in which they can give lucrative state contracts and concessions to their favorites and enrich themselves. All that requires careful handling. If the equilibrium is disrupted, even slightly, if one family feels its interests are threatened, that destabilizes the entire system.

On the one hand, the settlement Hun Sen has fleshed out, in which children of party grandees will now inherit their parents' positions and patronage networks, ensures continuity. On the other hand, it's a sign of the inherent weakness of the system.

A Hun had to inherit the prime ministership to ensure the family's interests remained intact. A party-wide inheritance scheme had to be conducted to ensure stability, but many of the successors aren't experienced. Not only has Manet never held an elected office nor held a governmental office, raising questions about his experience, but he will also become prime minister without the express mandate of voters. Tea Seiha has little experience in defense.

This sets up a stunted succession process. The party's current aging grandees will resign but they'll still rule. If done properly, the princelings will be given more and more independence over time. If performed badly, however, it will be a succession in all but name, with the new generation of leaders never able to stand on their own two feet, increasing the risks of what happens when their fathers are no longer around.

As such, the transfer of the prime ministership (likely next month) will only signify the midway point of the entire succession process. That will only be completed when Hun Sen no longer has any way back to being prime minister. But for as long as he remains the powerbroker, Manet will never be his own man. His inchoate administration will be dictated to by Hun Sen, and his own legitimacy will always be tied to his father's. He'll remain "the son."

If this goes on for too long and Manet isn't given the leeway to make a crack at forming his own reputation and associations, the danger grows over what happens when Hun Sen, who turns 71 next month, actually departs the political scene.

David Hutt is a research fellow at the Central European Institute of Asian Studies (CEIAS) and the Southeast Asia Columnist at the Diplomat. As a journalist, he has covered Southeast Asian politics since 2014. The views expressed here are his own and do not reflect the position of RFA.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content July not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Dozens Killed As Floods Rage Across Afghanistan

By RFE/RL's Radio Azadi July 24, 2023

The Taliban-led government says at least 38 people have been killed and 57 injured in floods that have raged across Afghanistan in recent days.

Government spokesman Shafiullah Rahimi told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi on July 24 that the casualty figures were likely to rise and that thousands of acres of agricultural land and at least 900 houses have been destroyed.

Rahimi said the floods have affected eight of Afghanistan's 34 provinces, although he warned that heavy rains and high waters could hit a further 13 provinces in the coming days.

In a statement on July 23, the Taliban called on international aid agencies to provide emergency support to the tens of thousands of people affected by the floods.

The worst affected areas were in the central province of Maidan Wardak, where at least 12 people have been killed.

Gol Nabi, a farmer in the province's Joghtoi district, said the floods have destroyed two acres of his land.

"Our wheat yield has been completely ruined," he told Radio Azadi, adding that locals have received no help from the authorities or foreign NGOs.

Wahid Aqmal, a resident of the neighboring province of Ghazni, said the floods have destroyed the main bridge and water canals in the district of Rashidan.

"Almost all the agricultural lands in Rashidan have been flooded," the 25-year-old told Radio Azadi. "The floods have come during harvest season and destroyed all the crops."

The recent floods are likely to exacerbate the devastating economic and humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

The United Nations estimates that some 28 million Afghans, or more than two-thirds of the country's population of around 40 million, need humanitarian assistance. Six million Afghans are on the brink of starvation.

Hundreds of Afghans are killed every year in torrential rains, landslides, and floods, particularly in rural areas where poorly built homes are often at risk of collapse.

The UN has said that decades of war, environmental degradation, and climate change have made a growing number of Afghans vulnerable to natural disasters.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan- floods-dozens-killed-damage/32516945.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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'Out Of Thin Air': Turkmen Unconvinced By New Census Results Amid Severe Population Decline

By RFE/RL's Turkmen Service July 24, 2023

Turkmenistan's population increased to slightly over 7 million people, according to the results of a new census conducted by the authorities in the tightly controlled country.

But many Turkmen have rejected the official data, accusing the government of covering up an unprecedented population decline in recent years.

The demographic crisis in the Central Asian nation has been driven by the exodus of millions of people due to widespread poverty, unemployment, government corruption, and political repression.

Conducted in December 2022, the nationwide census found that Turkmenistan has a population of 7,057,841 people, the government announced on July 14. That was an increase from the 6.7 million recorded during the census in 2006, the last to be made public.

But in 2021, sources close to the Turkmen government told RFE/RL on condition of anonymity that the results of a preliminary survey conducted earlier that year -- ahead of the 2022 census -- found that the population actually numbered fewer than 2.8 million.

The Turkmen authorities did not respond to RFE/RL's request for comment.

Several sources with knowledge of the matter, who spoke to RFE/RL on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, said the official census results have been deliberately overstated.

"The reality is that Turkmenistan's population doesn't even reach 4 million, even including citizens who are still registered in their old addresses in Turkmenistan but have left the country many years ago -- mostly as migrants to Turkey and Russia," said one source.

The source said that the "official census figures were just made up" by the authorities. The source claimed that Turkmen President Serdar Berdymukhammedov "is aware of the real situation."

"The government came up with that figure [of 7 million] out of thin air," the source said.

Another source familiar with the matter also accused the authorities of falsifying the census figures and said there had been irregularities in the process. RFE/RL could not independently verify the claims.

Absent Residents

The census is only supposed to count citizens who reside inside the country or are outside the country temporarily, not those who have immigrated permanently or obtained the citizenship of another country.

But several Turkmen living abroad told RFE/RL that they found out from relatives that census workers registered them as current residents of Turkmenistan.

Among them are a father and son who moved to Russia in 2019 and have since received Russian citizenship. The pair have no intention of going back to Turkmenistan.

"My wife and two daughters still live in Turkmenistan. They said that during the census in December, officials recorded that five people live in our household. They registered me and my son as currently residing in Turkmenistan, although they were told that we have left years ago," the man told RFE/RL.

"But to be fair, we haven't officially applied to de-register from our Turkmen address and haven't abandoned our Turkmen citizenship," he added.

Turkmen authorities have never publicly acknowledged that the country has experienced a sharp population decline.

"But there are many official indicators that indirectly demonstrate that the population has shrunk in recent years," said Serdar Aitakov, a Turkmen political analyst who lives abroad.

"For example, according to recent official statistics, about 80,000 students graduate from schools in Turkmenistan every year. For comparison, the number of graduates was about 115,000 in 2009," he told RFE/RL.

"Also, the government forcibly enlists young men into the army without even giving them a chance to finish their school exams. It also is another example of a shortage of people to fill the ranks of the army."

Shrinking populations are a major problem in many developed nations, where it is mostly attributed to low birth rates. But in Turkmenistan, the population decline is linked to the mass exodus of people over the past decade.

Ashgabat conducted a nationwide census in 2012, but the results of that survey have never been made public. Sources close to the government have said that the authorities were unwilling to acknowledge the population drop that the census revealed.

The government went on to conduct at least two other surveys -- in 2019 and 2021 -- both of which showed the population receding, several officials close to the matter told RFE/RL at the time.

The 2019 survey that was said to cover the period between 2008 to 2018 showed that nearly 2 million people left the country, the sources said on condition of anonymity.

"They left either for permanent residency abroad or for permanent work outside the country," one of the sources said. That number did not include Turkmen migrants and students abroad, the sources said.

In the lead up to the 2022 census, the Turkmen authorities prevented people from leaving the country. There were reports of students being removed en masse from foreign-bound flights.

Hundreds of Turkmen workers who had returned from abroad to visit their families or renew their passports in Turkmenistan in 2022 were not able to go back, despite having foreign residency permits.

The move was seen by many Turkmen as a desperate effort by the authorities to boost the number of people in the country during the census.

Written by Farangis Najibullah based on reporting by RFE/RL's Turkmen Service

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/turkmenistan-census- fake-numbers-population-decline/32516559.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Another US Nuclear Submarine Arrives in South Korea - ROK Navy

Sputnik News

20230724

SEOUL, July 24 (Sputnik) - The US Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine USS Annapolis arrived in South Korea on Monday, docking at the naval base on Jeju Island, the South Korean (ROK) Navy has announced.

The submarine entered the port to replenish supplies during an operational deployment, with the port call coming against the backdrop of increased military coordination between the United States and South Korea, the ROK Navy said.

"With the visit of USS Annapolis, the navies of South Korea and the US plan to strengthen joint defense and hold exchange activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of South Korean-American alliance," the South Korean Navy said.

The USS Annapolis arrived in South Korea just days after another US nuclear submarine left the Port of Busan.

Last week, the USS Kentucky, an Ohio-class nuclear ballistic missile submarine, made port in Busan in southeastern South Korea. The same day, the meeting of the two countries' Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) was held, where South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and US President Joe Biden reaffirmed their commitment to "deter" North Korea.

North Korean Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam slammed the USS Kentucky's deployment, saying that Pyongyang could potentially consider it a sufficient basis for the use of nuclear arms for self-defense.

Washington and Seoul agreed on the deployment of nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed US submarines in South Korea in April, during President's Yoon's visit to the US. Before this year, US ballistic missile submarines armed with nuclear weapons hadn't visited South Korea since 1991.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have ramped up dramatically over the past two years, with carefully-arranged agreements between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his South Korean and US counterparts Moon Jae-in and Donald Trump on easing regional tensions collapsing dramatically under the latter two leaders' successors, Yoon and Biden.

The ramping up of US-South Korean drills has prompted North Korea to dramatically escalate its long-range ballistic and cruise missile testing, and to unveil a new nuclear doctrine last fall in which Pyongyang officially declared itself a nuclear power. The Pentagon has recognized the growing power of North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities. Last week, US Indo-Pacific Command chief Admiral John Aquilino said Pyongyang has missiles which the US assesses "could reach the United States."

 Sputnik

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken and OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid before Their Meeting

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Treaty Room

Washington, D.C.

July 24, 2023

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good afternoon, everyone. It's a great pleasure to have the secretary general of the OSCE here, a longtime colleague and someone who's doing an extraordinary job leading what has been, for nearly 50 years - a vital institution for all of Eurasia, one the United States strongly supports. And we see the incredible work the OSCE is doing under very difficult circumstances in so many different countries, with field missions that are making a real difference in people's lives in terms of security, in terms of their economic well-being, dealing with the environment, in so many other areas.

It's vitally important that the OSCE be able to continue all of its work and all of its missions. Unfortunately, it's been on the receiving end of considerable obstructionism from Russia in trying to prevent it from moving forward. But despite that, thanks to the very good work of the secretary general and the team, it's found ways to continue to do its work. And it's vital that that remain the case.

I look forward to discussing the vital work the OSCE is doing, the support the United States has for it, and in particular, in this moment, the work that it's doing to show unified support for Ukraine as it continues to face this egregious Russian aggression. So, lots to discuss, but Helga, it's very good to have you here. Welcome.

SECRETARY GENERAL SCHMID: Mr. Secretary, Tony, thanks so much. The U.S. is really crucial to the work we do, has always been right from the start. So, thanks for your excellent support. Thanks for your leadership. We have a lot of things on our agenda, lots of challenges, and with all the challenges to security we're facing, I think we have to work together.

And this is what we do also in the OSCE when we support Ukraine - you mentioned it - Moldova - when we compare the threats such as climate change or human trafficking, where the OSCE really delivers unique added value, I would say real value for money. We are delivering for 1.3 billion citizens across the OSCE area from Kansas to Kyiv to Kazakhstan. But there's even more mission we should do, we could do. And this is why I'm here, and this is what I'm looking forward to discussing. So, thanks so much.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. Great to have you. Thanks, everyone. Come on back.

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The Federal Government yesterday officially confirmed the first case of anthrax in the country.

A statement by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, signed by Dr Columba Vakuru, Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, said animals showing signs of a possible case of anthrax on a farm in Suleja, Niger State, were reported to the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria on July 14.

The ministry said the case was in a multi-specie animal farm comprising cattle, sheep and goats located at Gajiri, along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, where some of the animals had symptoms including oozing of blood from their body openings like anus, nose, eyes and ears.

It said a rapid response team comprising federal and state health professional team visited the farm to conduct preliminary investigations and collected samples from the sick animals.

The ministry said subsequent laboratory tests by the National Veterinary Research Institute's laboratory confirmed the diagnosis, "marking the first recorded case of anthrax in Nigeria in recent years".

It noted that the federal government issued a warning to Nigerians weeks ago after learning of an anthrax outbreak in Northern Ghana where all infected animals had died.

"Anthrax is caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus, which mostly affects livestock like cattle, sheep, and goats. However, it can also infect people who come into contact with infected people or contaminated animal products like meat, wool, or skins.

"Anthrax that spreads via the skin might result through open wounds or contact with contaminated objects, while anthrax that spreads through the air can happen when spores are inhaled," it stated.

The ministry said the federal government appealed to Nigerians to immediately report cases of animals bleeding from body openings to veterinary authorities or agriculture extension workers.

"The blood of an anthrax-infected animal does not clot. Do not process or move the dead or sick animal, quickly report to your veterinary doctor or veterinary authorities at the ministry of agriculture in your state," the statement added.
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Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Mori and Republic of Korea First Vice Foreign Minister Chang

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

July 24, 2023

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Deputy Secretary of State Sherman spoke with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Mori Takeo and Republic of Korea (ROK) First Vice Foreign Minister Chang Ho-jin to discuss efforts to expand trilateral partnership and bolster regional and global cooperation.

The Deputy Secretary and her Japanese and ROK counterparts reflected on the remarkable progress the U.S.-ROK-Japan trilateral partnership has achieved over the last year, via multiple levels of engagement, and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate further on economic security, development assistance, and democratic resilience. They welcomed the upcoming first-ever standalone trilateral leaders' summit.

Deputy Secretary Sherman, Vice Minister Mori, and Vice Minister Chang reiterated their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and continued trilateral cooperation in the face of the DPRK's continued provocations. They discussed their strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion, including in the Indo-Pacific, and emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity for the international community.

The Deputy Secretary thanked Japan and the ROK for their continued collaboration on tackling regional and global challenges and expressed her heartfelt hope that the trilateral framework will continue to positively influence the stability, prosperity, and security of the Indo-Pacific region and the world.

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Treasury Targets Malian Officials Facilitating Wagner Group

U.S. Department of the Treasury

July 24, 2023

WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned three Malian transition government and military officials for facilitating the deployment and expansion of the Private Military Company 'Wagner''s (Wagner Group) activities in Mali. The United States took this step based on evidence showing that these Malian officials have contributed to the Wagner Group's malicious activities in Mali.

Today's sanctions respond to the actions of three specific individuals and are not directed against the people of Mali. As the largest bilateral donor of development and humanitarian assistance to Mali, the United States continues to support the Malian people in their pursuit of peace, prosperity, and democracy.

"Today's action exposes the principal Malian officials who have been instrumental in facilitating the Wagner Group's entrenchment in Mali over the past two years," said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. "These officials have made their people vulnerable to the Wagner Group's destabilizing activities and human rights abuses while paving the way for the exploitation of their country's sovereign resources to the benefit of the Wagner Group's operations in Ukraine."

WAGNER GROUP FACILITATORS IN MALI

Colonel Sadio Camara (Camara), a Malian national, is Mali's Minister of Defense. Colonel Camara planned and organized the deployment of the Wagner Group in Mali. In 2021, Camara made several trips to Russia to solidify the agreement between the Wagner Group and the Malian transition government to deploy the Wagner Group to Mali.

Colonel Alou Boi Diarra (Diarra), a Malian national, is Mali's Chief of Staff of the Air Force. In his previous role as Air Logistics Chief, Diarra significantly contributed to the logistical movement of Russian entities in Mali. Together, Camara and Diarra formulated and executed the plan that ultimately ushered the Wagner Group into Mali. On several occasions, Diarra accompanied Camara on trips to Russia to cement the deployment agreement between the Wagner Group and the Malian transition government. Diarra is a promoter of the Wagner Group within the Malian Armed Forces, and he has collaborated with Ivan Aleksandrovich Maslov (Maslov), the U.S.-sanctioned head of the Wagner Group in Mali. In consultation with Diarra, Maslov continues to manage the Wagner Group contingents in Mali.

Lieutenant Colonel Adama Bagayoko (Bagayoko), a Malian national, is the Malian Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff. Bagayoko serves as an advocate for the Wagner Group to the Burkinabe transition government, working to secure the Wagner Group's deployment to Burkina Faso. Additionally, Bagayoko is also reportedly seeking to facilitate the Wagner Group's access to gold mining in Mali.

OFAC designated Camara, Diarra, and Bagayoko pursuant to E.O. 14024 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, the Wagner Group.

THE WAGNER GROUP

The United States has sanctioned the Wagner Group and numerous entities and individuals globally that support its destabilizing activities. The Wagner Group has committed widespread human rights abuses and has exploited and appropriated natural resources across multiple countries in Africa. While acting as a proxy military force of the Kremlin, the Wagner Group has carried out combat operations around the world, including in Russia's brutal war against Ukraine. The Wagner Group has reportedly sought to transit material acquisitions to aid Russia's war against Ukraine through Mali, and was willing to use false paperwork for these transactions.

On June 20, 2017, OFAC designated the Wagner Group pursuant to E.O. 13660 for being responsible for or complicit in, or for having engaged in, directly or indirectly, actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, stability, sovereignty, or territorial integrity of Ukraine, and on November 15, 2022, the Department of State redesignated the Wagner Group pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy. The Wagner Group also has been sanctioned by Australia, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.

On January 26, 2023, OFAC redesignated the Wagner Group pursuant to E.O. 13581, as amended by E.O. 13863, for being a foreign person that constitutes a significant transnational criminal organization. Wagner Group personnel have engaged in an ongoing pattern of serious criminal activity, including mass executions, rape, child abductions, and other brutalities in the Central African Republic (CAR) and Mali. On the same day, OFAC designated the Wagner Group pursuant to E.O. 13667 for being responsible for or complicit in, or for having engaged in, the targeting of women, children, or any civilians through the commission of acts of violence, or abduction, forced displacement, or attacks on schools, hospitals, religious sites, or locations where civilians are seeking refuge, or through conduct that would constitute a serious abuse or violation of human rights or a violation of international humanitarian law in relation to the CAR.

Since the arrival of the Wagner Group in Mali in December 2021, the number of civilian casualties in that country have surged by 278 percent. Many of those civilian deaths were the result of operations conducted by Malian Armed Forces alongside members of the Wagner Group.

On June 27, six agencies of the U.S. government issued a business risk advisory related to the sub-Saharan African gold sector, which discussed, among other things, concerns related to the Wagner Group's exploitation and profiteering from gold in Mali and other countries.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list.

Click here for more information on the individuals designated today.

###

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Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York

24 July 2023

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

** Italy

Good afternoon, everyone. In Rome, the Secretary-General participated in the UN Food Systems Summit+2 Stocktaking Moment. The high-level event is meant to build on the momentum of the 2021 Food Systems Summit. The meeting is being hosted by the Government of Italy, in collaboration with the Rome-based UN agencies, the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and the wider UN system. In his remarks at the event's opening ceremony, the Secretary-General underscored that global food systems are broken, and billions of people are paying the price. He highlighted that broken food systems are not inevitable; rather, they are the result of choices we have made. In a world of plenty, it is outrageous that people continue to suffer and die from hunger, Mr. [Antonio] Guterres told the delegates.

Commenting on the recent decision by the Russian Federation on the termination of the Black Sea Initiative, the Secretary-General said the picture had grown bleaker, given that the initiative had enabled the safe export of more than 32 million metric tons of food from Ukrainian ports. The Initiative and the Memorandum of Understanding with the Russian Federation to facilitate Russian food and fertilizer exports have been lifelines for global food security and global food price stability. The Secretary-General reiterated his commitment to facilitating the unimpeded access to global markets for food products and fertilizers from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation.

He also called on the Russian Federation to return to the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, along the lines of the Secretary-General's proposals. He urged the global community to stand united for immediate solutions in this essential effort. He also had bilateral meetings with the Presidents of Sierra Leone, Nepal and Armenia. And while in Rome, the Secretary-General will also meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and he just met the President of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Italy, Giorgia Meloni. The Secretary-General is expected to be back in New York on Tuesday.

** Ukraine

In a statement we issued yesterday, the Secretary-General strongly condemned the Russian missile attack on Odesa that resulted in civilian casualties, and which damaged the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)-protected Transfiguration Cathedral and other historical buildings in the Historic Centre of Odesa, a World Heritage site. In addition to the appalling toll the war is taking on civilian lives, this is yet another attack in an area protected under the World Heritage Convention in violation of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. The Secretary-General is concerned about the threat that this war increasingly poses to Ukrainian culture and heritage. Since 24 February 2022, UNESCO has verified damage to 270 cultural sites in Ukraine, including 116 religious sites. The Secretary-General urges the Russian Federation to immediately cease attacks against cultural property protected by widely ratified international normative instruments. The Secretary-General also continues to urge immediate cessation of all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. UNESCO also issued a condemnation of the attacks.

And staying in Ukraine, the Humanitarian Coordinator there, Denise Brown, is in Odesa today. Right now, she is wrapping up a visit to the World Heritage Historic Centre and the Transfiguration Cathedral, joined by Odesa's Mayor and the Governor of the Odesa Region. Ms. Brown regrets that the number of attacks directly impacting civilians and infrastructure in Ukraine appears to be increasing again, adding to the massive destruction already caused by the war. This escalation is also hindering humanitarian assistance, particularly in areas close to the front line. Yesterday, another strike damaged a cultural centre that had been serving as a humanitarian facility in Chasiv Yar, in the Donetsk region. No one was injured but the facility is now inoperable and vital relief items and medical supplies have been destroyed. Civilian infrastructure, including humanitarian facilities, is protected under international humanitarian law and must be respected.

** Noon Briefing Guest

Tomorrow, my guest will be in fact, Denise Brown, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, who will join us virtually to give an update on the humanitarian situation in the country, including in Odesa.

** Syria

Geir Pedersen, the Special Envoy for Syria, told the Security Council today that so far, months of potentially significant diplomacy have not translated into concrete outcomes for Syrians on the ground  at home or abroad  or real moves in the political process. If that does not happen, he warned, it will be another missed opportunity to help the Syrian conflict to come to a negotiated end, at a time when the impact of the crisis is deepening. Mr. Pedersen appealed to the Syrian Government to work proactively with the United Nations in pursuit of a political path out of this conflict. He said he will also continue to work with the Syrian Negotiations Commission, whom Deputy Special Envoy Najat Rochdi met this month in Geneva.

Ramesh Rajasingham, the Director of the Coordination Division of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, added that, as the Secretary-General has said, it was deeply disappointing when the Security Council was not able to reach an agreement on extending the authorization of UN cross-border relief operations in Syria. He said that we have taken note of the letter from the Government of Syria granting the United Nations permission to use the Bab al-Hawa crossing to deliver humanitarian aid in north-west Syria. We continue to engage on the terms outlined in that letter and the modalities that are fundamental to our principled operations.

** Afghanistan

Turning to Afghanistan: The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is responding to massive flash flooding in the central and eastern regions of the country. During a field mission to the affected area today, Office staff met with authorities and partners to coordinate assessments and mobilize the humanitarian response. The floods have reportedly killed at least 37 people, with as many injured, in Kabul and Maidan Wardak provinces. Provincial authorities say dozens of homes are damaged, and some 500 acres of agricultural land have been washed away in Nangarhar and Kunar Provinces.

** Sudan

Turning to Sudan, today marks another grim milestone in the conflict there: It has been 100 days since the fighting erupted  unleashing nightmarish violence that has killed and injured thousands of civilians and displaced millions more. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) says that, on average, more than one child has been killed or injured every hour since fighting began. That's based on credible reports that at least 435 children have been killed and more than 2,000 injured in the past 100 days. As these are just the numbers reported to UNICEF sources, the true figure is likely to be far higher.

Meanwhile, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is sounding the alarm about the rapidly escalating numbers of displaced people in Sudan who are fleeing in search of safety. UNHCR is also warning of a serious health and nutrition crisis unfolding in White Nile State - where their teams on the ground say that nearly 300 South Sudanese refugee children have died from suspected measles and malnutrition since the conflict began. Sudan is one of the most complicated humanitarian responses in the world right now. Still, we and our humanitarian partners are doing everything we can to respond to the crisis  despite the continued fighting and access restrictions.

For their part, the World Food Programme (WFP) has supported more than 1.4 million people across Sudan with food and nutrition assistance so far, but hopes to scale up assistance to support 5.9 million conflict-affected people in Sudan by the end of this year. WFP warned that over 40 per cent of Sudan's population  that's more than 19 million people  are now facing hunger due to the conflict. This is the highest number ever recorded in Sudan.

** Democratic Republic of the Congo

Our peacekeeping colleagues in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are telling us that Bintou Keita, the head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), is wrapping up her visit to the country's east this week. Over the past few days, she has continued to meet with representatives of displaced communities, civil society, and the local community in Bukavu, South Kivu, to discuss ways to strengthen partnerships to support provincial peace and security efforts. In her meetings, Ms. Keita emphasized the importance of ensuring that no one is left behind in efforts to protect civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Ms. Keita also visited the Mission's Temporary Operating Base in Mikenge, Uvira Territory, and engaged with peacekeepers, as well as the Congolese army general in charge of the province. Over the years, the Mission's presence in the area has helped alleviate humanitarian concerns, as well as protect thousands of civilians, many of whom have sought refuge around the base following community-level conflicts and abuses by armed groups in the region.

** Gambia

I have an update from the Gambia where our team, led by Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana, is supporting authorities to tackle food insecurity, in view of a spike in food prices after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the impacts of natural disasters and conflicts. Our team projects that during this lean season, which runs from now until September, nearly 320,000 people  which is 13 per cent of the population  will face food insecurity. Over the past two months, our team along with the UN Capital Development Fund and the International Trade Centre have trained 270 individuals in entrepreneurial skills and sustainable agricultural practices. The focus is on heads of household, over half of them women who have started their own agri-business or joined the labour market. Our team is also providing Gambians with equipment, including milling machines, groundnut processing materials, and other farming inputs to start climate-resilient agri-businesses.

** Guatemala

You will have seen that, over the weekend, we sent a note saying that the Secretary-General is following with great concern the situation surrounding the elections in Guatemala. He recalled that Member States are responsible for ensuring transparent, free and fair elections, free of intimidation and coercion. And he 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. He also recalled that voters should be protected from any form of coercion and from any unlawful or arbitrary interference with the voting process, and that electoral institutions should be able to undertake their work in an independent manner.

** Ecuador

And last, in Ecuador, our country team there issued a statement yesterday expressing concern about the growing wave of violence in the country, resulting in the assassination of the Mayor of Manta, Agustin Intriago, and a bystander, Ariana Estefania Chancay. Our team has called for a swift investigation. And that's it from me. Are there any questions? Yes, Edie?

** Questions and Answers

Question : Thank you, Farhan. A couple of questions. First, the Israeli parliament today approved a key part of the country's judicial reform over massive protests in the country. Does the Secretary-General have any comment?

Deputy Spokesman : I think we're monitoring the situation. Obviously, in any country, we want to make sure that the rule of law and respect for all the institutions of government continue. And of course, we again call on everyone to respect the right to people inside any country to peaceful protest.

Question : And a follow-up on Sudan. Can you tell us what Volker Perthes is doing and if there is any attempt at diplomatic engagement to try and end this conflict?

Deputy Spokesman : We continue to work with our colleagues on the ground, including through Mr. Perthes, but also through the staff who are in Port Sudan right now to try to see what can be done to support any diplomatic solutions. We're supportive also of the efforts, as you know, of the African Union and of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). And so, we're working together with those bodies to make sure that we can try to get a cessation of fighting. Unfortunately, as you see, and as I just pointed out, we've now entered the 100th day of this conflict. And so, we again call on the parties themselves to show the necessary political will to go back to the table. Ibtisam?

Question : Hi, Farhan. Thank you. Just first follow-up on Syria. If you could clarify regarding the crossing points of Al-Ra'ee, Bab al-Ra'ee and Bab al-Salam, whether the Syrian Government there is having any conditions? Why are you able to get aid there, according to your...?

Deputy Spokesman : We have with the Government of Syria reached agreements on how to use Bab al-Salam and Al-Ra'ee within our principles, in terms of how we provide humanitarian assistance. So, those crossing points are in fact working right now. In fact, what I can tell you is that today, there were two interagency missions from southern Turkiye to north-west Syria via the Bab al-Salam crossing. And that included a monitoring visit by the World Health Organization (WHO) to mental health facilities. And WHO also held discussions with health workers at a general hospital there.

Question : To clarify, you are still in negotiation with the regime regarding Bab al-Hawa. And the second thing that it's not clear to me, Steph [Dujarric] and you mentioned in the past that 85 per cent of the aid that you provide to northwest Syria goes through Bab al-Hawa. Why aren't you able to get that aid through the other two crossing points?

Deputy Spokesman : It's a question of basic logistics. As you know, we'll try to use the other crossing points more, but the population in need is best served if we can have access through the Bab al-Hawa crossing point. And regarding where we stand, it's like what I said at the start of this briefing, Ramesh Rajasingham reported about how we're continuing our discussions on the Bab al-Hawa crossing point again, within the parameters of our principles.

Question : Can I ask one more on Syria on the Constitutional Committee? Why are you insisting on having the meetings in Geneva, despite the fact that the Russians are opposing and it's not going forward? What is...?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, I just refer you to what Geir Pedersen said. He presented his proposals to the Security Council, and I'd just refer you to his presentation from a couple of hours ago.

Correspondent : Yeah. I heard it, but his presentation doesn't explain why you want to have it only in Geneva.

Deputy Spokesman : That's felt as the best neutral facility in which to bring all of the interlocutors that need to be there for constitutional talks. Yes, Maggie?

Question : Farhan, sorry. I walked in a minute late, so I don't know if you already hit it at the top. But, is there any reaction to this Russian drone strike on the port of Reni on the Danube and how it'll also impact the grain?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, you heard what the Secretary-General had to say about all of the various attacks, including those that attack infrastructure that's necessary for the transit of goods, including of grain. And so, our concerns apply to all such attacks and that's the case with this latest one. We want to make sure that we can continue to support the transit of grains, of fertilizer and other exports from Ukraine and the Russian Federation and want to make sure that there are no actions taken that hinder that, such as this attack.

Question : A follow-up. The port is very close to Romania, which is a NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organization] member. Is the Secretary-General concerned that we could have some sort of accident, incident, spillover when these sorts of things are happening?

Deputy Spokesman : The Secretary-General has made clear throughout that he wants to make sure that no actions are taken that escalate the conflict. He's warned over and over again of the potential that this conflict could have of spiralling out of control, and so everyone has to take extra caution to make sure that doesn't happen. I see some signs from our colleagues... oh, okay, that they had lost audio, but now it's back. Okay. Great. Nabil?

Question : Follow-ups on Syria. Any updates on the new UN body that was decided by the General Assembly on the detainees in Syria?

Deputy Spokesman : No. The updates we have are what Mr. Pedersen briefed the Security Council on. So, again, I would just refer you to his briefing to the Security Council.

Question : Also on Bab al-Salam, are you negotiating with the Syrian Government through OCHA [Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs] on the terms of references on...?

Deputy Spokesman : You mean on Bab al-Hawa?

Correspondent : Bab al-Hawa. I'm sorry.

Deputy Spokesman : Yes. Yes. That is the case. OCHA is the lead agency dealing with this. Again, this is something that Ramesh Rajasingham, our Director of Operations for OCHA, spoke at the Security Council about earlier today. Benno?

Question : Thank you. Just one follow-up to Israel. You said we want to make sure that the rule of law and the respect for all institutions of government continue. To be a bit more clear, does the Secretary-General think this law is contradicting the rule of law in respect for all the institutions?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, we don't comment on ongoing domestic legislative processes as a matter of principle. But, certainly, we want to make sure that all of those who are engaged in this process understand the importance of upholding the institutions underpinning rule of law in the country. Yes, Dezhi?

Question : Last Saturday, a Russian correspondent died because of what the Russia claimed the attack of cluster bombs. And today, an AFP correspondent also got injured in Bakhmut, also in Ukraine. What does the Secretary-General have to say about these two incidents?

Deputy Spokesman : We're opposed to any attacks on the press, wherever they may be. And certainly, as Stephane said last week, we opposed the attack in which the Russian correspondent was killed, and the same applies to today's incident.

Question : I have another topic to ask on Yemen. Can you update us about the transfer of the oil from the Safer tanker to Yemen?

Deputy Spokesman : What I can say is we're getting very close to an announcement. I would have liked to have been able to say something more about it today itself.

Question : What I heard is it should have happened on Sunday. And it was postponed to today, but it's not obviously happening today. What happened?

Deputy Spokesman : What happened is ultimately that our salvage team there encountered difficulty that had to do with connecting hoses to the Safer that would carry the oil safely. As far as I know, over the last hour, I've been in touch with our team there and that problem seems to have been resolved, and we'll see; but out of an abundance of caution, the team is waiting until tomorrow morning to start the transfer of oil. We'll see whether that works or not. If it does, we will let you know as soon as we can. Yes, Alan?

Question : Thank you so much, Farhan. What's your comment regarding the drone attack on Moscow which occurred early today?

Deputy Spokesman : Again, we want all sides to avoid anything that further escalates this conflict. And we call on all of them to take further care to ensure that does not happen. Linda?

Question : Thank you, Farhan. Regarding Afghanistan, I was wondering if you had an update on the situation in terms of the Taliban banning the Afghan women from working with the UN. Is that the status quo?

Deputy Spokesman : There's no change in the situation as we've been telling it to you for the last few months.

Question : What about the men? What's the status of the male staff? They're still not...?

Deputy Spokesman : Out of solidarity, we abide, as you know, to a principle of non-discrimination amongst all our staff. So... and if there's obstacles placed in the way of some of our staff, those will apply to all of our staff. Edie?

Question : A follow-up on Afghanistan. First, I believe today is the first day that all the beauty salons have been ordered closed in Afghanistan. Does the Secretary-General have a comment on that first?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, yes, the Secretary-General supports the efforts by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which has called on the de facto authorities to halt the edict closing beauty salons. UNAMA has said that this restriction on women's rights will impact negatively on the economy and contradicts support for women's entrepreneurship, and we're seeking a reversal of the bans.

Question : And secondly, the DPRK [Democratic People's Republic of Korea] has launched a ballistic-missile attack today, apparently in response to a nuclear submarine being docked in South Korea.

Deputy Spokesman : Well, on this, we remain concerned about the rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The DPRK's continued launches of missiles using ballistic missile technology are clear violations of relevant Security Council resolutions, and of course, we reiterate the call for de-escalation and for full implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions. Dulcie, and then Ibtisam again.

Question : Okay. Thanks very much. Has the UN, Rebeca Grynspan, Martin Griffiths or the Secretary-General, or anyone else been in touch with Russia regarding the grain deal and its status?

Deputy Spokesman : We continue our contacts at a variety of different levels to do what we can to see whether Russia can continue with the support for the exports from Ukraine and the Russian Federation. It's along the lines that we've been saying in recent days, and Mr. Griffiths, Rebeca Grynspan and other interlocutors are continuing to try to work with our various contacts to see what can be done to keep the exports going.

Question : So, are they talking to Deputy Foreign Minister [Sergey] Vershinin regarding this proposal with Russia, Turkiye and Qatar to free up grain from Russia to Africa?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, I don't have any specific details to tell you beyond what the Secretary-General said in Rome today, where he made it very clear, as I said at the start of the briefing, that he has reiterated his commitment to facilitating the unimpeded access to global markets for food products and fertilizers from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation, and that he has called on the Russian Federation to return to the implementation of the Black Sea [Grain] Initiative, along the lines of his proposals.

Question : Can I ask you just a follow-up on the Food Summit? What does the UN mean by broken food systems? What does that actually mean?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, the basic problem is making sure that food can be made available to people at an affordable price. There are many different obstacles about that. But, of course, one of the efforts that we've made, as you know, was through the Black Sea Initiative itself. There are other problems involved in making sure that food prices are not beyond the grasp of people around the world, and the Secretary-General goes into this at length in his presentations to the Food Summit. Ibtisam?

Question : Farhan, on Israel and Palestine. Overnight, the Israeli forces attacked Nur Shams refugee camp near the city of Tulkarm. This comes also after... and they left six people injured, according to local media reports. And this comes after several other attacks that happened last week near Nablus, and I think that happened this week. Any comments on that? And do you have any updates on Jenin and the rebuilding efforts? Do you have any estimation on this regard?

Deputy Spokesman : On the latter, we're continuing with our work assessing damages and we'll try to see what can be done in terms of how much is needed for the rebuilding of Jenin, but those assessment efforts are ongoing. And regarding the incursion, obviously, we have concerns about any such actions taking place in Palestinian camps, along the lines of what we've been saying in the past. Yes, Maggie?

Question : Farhan, can you just remind us where Mr. Perthes is these days? Like, where is he being based from?

Deputy Spokesman : He's been in the region. Sometimes he's been working out of Nairobi, but he is not, as you know, he has not been able to return into Sudan. We do have a team still inside Port Sudan.

Question : So, if he's PNG'd [persona non grata] and can't really talk to any of the parties, is he useful?

Deputy Spokesman : He's been dealing with a number of interlocutors, including with the African leaders and others in the region. Regarding the status of persona non grata, as you know, again, the United Nations is not a state, and therefore, the doctrine of persona non grata should not apply to any of our personnel.

Question : Right. I realize you don't recognize it, but if the parties that he sent there to deal with are recognizing it, then it poses a problem in terms of efficiency.

Deputy Spokesman : We are aware of the problem it poses. Yes, Ibtisam?

Question : Can I just quickly follow-up on Maggie's? So, who's in touch with the two fighting parties in Sudan from the UN?

Deputy Spokesman : His deputy is the Officer-in-Charge in Port Sudan and continues to be in touch with the Sudanese officials from there. Yes, Benno?

Question : And I wanted to follow-up on Maggie, as well. Does the problem reach further than the Special Representative? Are both parties speaking with everybody else? Is there problems for UN staff getting visa, et cetera?

Deputy Spokesman : There are separate problems in terms of dealing with the parties. But, the main problem with the political parties is one of political will. And we're trying to push them, including through our contacts with other countries in the region, and again, with the African Union and with IGAD to make sure that they come back to the peace table. And with that, I'll turn you over to Paulina Kubiak.

Question : Farhan, I put my name twice to ask you a question and yet, I was ignored. I don't know why.

Deputy Spokesman : I did not see your name. What's your question, Abdelhamid?

Question : I have, in fact, three follow-up questions, or three questions. First, in Denmark today, another person burned a copy of the Qur'an in front of the Iraqi embassy. This is getting out of hand now. It's becoming like a phenomena in Europe to burn the copies of the Quran. Do you have any comment on that?

Deputy Spokesman : You've heard our comments. Both the High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations and the Secretary-General have spoken out against the idea of desecrating the Quran or any other religious object for the purposes of any sort of provocation.

Question : The second, the new legal reform in Israel would affect the occupied territories, including annexing the Area C. Is the Secretary-General aware of the ramification of the legal reform, what is called legal reform on the occupied Palestinian territories?

Deputy Spokesman : The process of legal reform is still happening. So it's not complete yet, but we're monitoring what the situation is. Yeah.

Correspondent : I lost the audio.

Deputy Spokesman : Can you hear us now?

Correspondent : I'm sorry. We lost the audio.

Deputy Spokesman : Are we working? I don't know what to tell you. You can't hear me? If you can't hear me... Can you hear me?

Correspondent : Yeah. Alright. Yes.

Deputy Spokesman : Okay. So I said, yes, we're... Yeah. We're monitoring the situation. What's your next question?

Question : My last question is about the last statement issued by Tor Wennesland on the Occupied Palestinian. That was on 3 July. So, from that day, until today, many Palestinians were killed, including a child who was murdered last Friday. His name is Muhammad al-Bayed. He was killed in Umm Safa. And the settlers also attacked an area called Joseph's Tomb near Nablus, killing one Palestinian and wounding three. Yet, we didn't hear any statement about these developments from anyone from the UN.

Deputy Spokesman : Well, all I can tell you is we are opposed to the killings of any civilians by any of the parties and we'll stand opposed to them. I expect Mr. Wennesland to report on all of these when he briefs the Security Council. Alright, Paulina, up to you.

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Severe violations of children's rights an 'hourly occurrence' in Sudan, warns UNICEF

UNICEF

UNICEF has received credible reports that at least 435 children killed and 2025 injured in past 100 days - an average of more than one an hour

24 July 2023

PORT SUDAN/NEW YORK, 24 July 2023 -- As the brutal conflict in Sudan hits 100 days, UNICEF has received reports of a staggering 2,500 severe violations of children's rights an average of at least one an hour. As these are just the numbers reported to UNICEF sources, the true figure is likely to be far higher, and a grim reminder of the day-to-day impact of the crisis on the most vulnerable, in a country where almost 14 million children need humanitarian support.

"The scale of the impact that this conflict has had on children in Sudan in the past 100 days is almost beyond comprehension," said Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director for Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations, who is in Sudan this week. "Parents and grandparents who lived through previous cycles of violence are now having to watch their children and grandchildren experience similar horrific experiences. Each and every day, children are being killed, injured, abducted, and seeing the schools, hospitals and the vital infrastructure and life-saving supplies they rely on damaged, destroyed or looted."

At least 435 children have been reported killed in the conflict, and at least 2,025 children injured.

In addition to those reportedly killed and injured, UNICEF has received alarming reports of escalating attacks against health facilities in parts of Sudan. An estimated 68 per cent of hospitals in the worst-affected areas have had to suspend service and at least 17 hospitals have reportedly been bombed.

Several more hospitals are believed to have been turned into military bases, and there have been repeated reports of ambulances coming under attack.

Over three months into the conflict, millions of families have been uprooted from their homes by the violence. Before the crisis, nearly 3.8 million people were internally displaced in Sudan, 1.9 million of whom were children. 1.7 million additional children have been driven from their homes and are now on the move within Sudan and crossing its borders, vulnerable to hunger, disease, violence, and separation from their families. Reports of abductions, recruitment of children into armed groups, ethnically targeted violence, and gender-based violence against women and girls are also on the rise, with 4.2 million women and girls at risk of Gender-Based Violence.

Restricted movement due to the security situation, administrative barriers and bureaucratic impediments and the denial of humanitarian access, remain key obstacles to delivering much-needed aid to those in desperate need and pose a threat to aid workers. Combined with the destruction and looting of critical supplies and facilities, this has left at least 690,000 children exposed to severe acute malnutrition and 1.7 million children under the age of one at risk of missing critical vaccinations, raising the risk of disease outbreaks.

"The past 100 days have shown thatas in any conflictthe direct and indirect impacts for children and families are devastating, and without concerted action, including the commitment of the parties to the conflict to stop the fighting and uphold international law, severe violations of children's rights will only worsen," said Chaiban. "Without guaranteed, safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian workers, and life-saving supplies, along with urgently needed additional funding, the futures of millions of children will remain in the balance."

Despite the challenges, over the past 100 days UNICEF, with partners, has reached over 3 million children and women with health supplies, 1.4 million people with safe drinking water, and 1.7 million children with screening for malnutritionof which 82,000 received life-saving treatment. In addition, almost 100,000 children and caregivers are benefitting from psycho-social counselling and protection support, including through over 400 safe spaces established across the country.

To date, UNICEF delivered over 5,500 metric tons of life-saving supplies across Sudan, including in hotspot areas in Darfur, Kordofan, and Khartoum. However, while fighting continues, needs will only increase, with many vulnerable communities remaining out of reach of humanitarian support.

As of mid-July, the UNICEF appeal for US$838 million to reach almost 10 million of the most vulnerable children in Sudan is only 9 per cent funded. UNICEF urgently needs $400 million to sustain and scale up critical life-saving health, nutrition, water, sanitation, learning and protection assistance to the most vulnerable children caught in this crisis over the next 100 days.

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AMC's largest global exercise proves success in Indo-Pacific theater

Published July 24, 2023

Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- Air Mobility Command concluded exercise Mobility Guardian 23, the largest iteration of the Air Force's premier multinational mobility exercise to date, July 21.

The debut of the exercise in the Indo-Pacific saw 70 mobility aircraft with more than 3,000 service members from Australia, Canada, France, Japan, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S. surge across an exercise area spanning 13 million square miles. The integration of Mobility Guardian in the Pacific enabled the maneuver of more than 15,000 joint forces associated with other exercises also in theater.

The exercise demonstrated the interoperability of combined forces and advanced a shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region while honing readiness objectives from each country.

"The relationships and integration with our allies and partners as well as the joint force was paramount. We experienced the geography together, we learned together," said Gen. Mike Minihan, AMC commander. "Our combined ability to project into theater, line up on priorities and to achieve unity of effort and action were proven here."

Mobility Excellence

One of the key highlights of MG23 was the integration of forces, allowing for the application of many new concepts, including the Air Force Force Generation model and Agile Combat Employment. The exercise featured a wide range of refueling and transport aircraft working with thousands of joint service members and international allies and partners to practice interoperability across all five core capabilities across the fly, fix and support functions. These include airlift, air refueling, aeromedical evacuation, air mobility ground support operations [Global Air Mobility Support System], and command and control in contested, degraded and operationally limited environments.

"Mobility Guardian was specifically designed to challenge our readiness, to get after our tactics, techniques and procedures, as well as develop our capabilities, so that we are ready to face whatever it is our nation calls on us to do.," said Maj. Gen. Darren Cole, AMC Operations, Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration director.

Aeromedical evacuation, a core mission set provided to the joint force by AMC, was widely exercised across MG23, culminating in Japan hosting its first large-scale multinational AE military training event. The AE event hosted a pivotal demonstration of AE capabilities, including the successful deployment of three specialized and modular AE teams deployed forward to handle the movement of 48 unregulated patients across six missions in austere and degraded conditions.

Aerial refueling, the cornerstone of rapid global mobility and global power projection, served as a critical solution in a theater where the ability to land and refuel is far more limited. Long-duration endurance sorties, such as the record-setting 20+ hour UK A400M non-stop flight from RAF Brize Norton, U.K., to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, demonstrated the ability to not only cover challenging distances, but also the flexibility of aerial refueling to remain airborne for prolonged periods, creating more options for air commanders orchestrating complex and dynamic air movements across the theater.

"Our KC-135 [Stratotanker] and KC-46 [Pegasus] crews conducted sorties executed over consecutive Air Tasking Order days, including a 35-hour long KC-46 sortie and KC-135 sorties lasting beyond 48 hours by utilizing new hot pit refueling techniques," explained Lt. Col. Jake Parker, Exercise Mobility Guardian 23 director. "Air refueling is king in this theater and these TTPs demonstrate we can keep our capabilities airborne when it matters. We're taking the time to learn how to do this now, safely, in a more controlled manner rather than be forced to learn it later out of necessity when the consequences are potentially more severe."

AMC also exercised long mission durations across the airlift community as well, with 40+ hour C-130J Super Hercules missions to achieve tactical objectives at some locations.

The airlift mission was widely applied across MG23, including a real-world rescue mission supported by a French A400M and Canadian CC-130J. The airlift community provided the maneuver of thousands of joint forces, the integration of multilateral AE training events and demonstrated its airdrop capabilities across a complex seven-nation coalition airdrop event based out of Guam and a maritime resupply mission in partnership with U.S. Strategic Command and the U.S. Navy.

GAMSS widely flexed its adaptability in MG23, with Contingency Response forces and newly-developed airlift operations support crews, called Air Mobility Teams, opening more than 13 primary and supplemental operating locations. CR forces were also responsible for establishing and handing over operations of two air expeditionary wings to units at Andersen AFB, Guam, and RAAF Darwin, Australia, demonstrating the AFFORGEN deployment model.

AMC CR forces also partnered with Japanese Air Self Defense Forces Contingency Response teams to complete the first bilateral U.S.-Japan contingency response interoperability event.

Command and control played a unique role in MG23, with AMC exercising a new structure known as a "Mobility Task Force" to deliver dynamic C2 support to mobility forces in theater in conjunction with both the 613th Air Operations Center and 618th AOC. Importantly, MG23 also demonstrated robust interoperability through its Combined Mission Planning Cell at Andersen AFB where the seven partner nations planned and executed all coalition activities from a centralized location, integrated but decentralized from other C2.

"When we talk about contested environments, we need to increase our agility and confidence in flexible command and control," Cole said. "There are times for centralized, decentralized, and disaggregated C2. There are times when we'll need to flex across all options available to us. There are times when we need to fully entrust our tactical level Airmen who have the ground-truth and commander's intent, as we do with our Mission Type Orders."

Closing the Gaps

The challenges of time and distance reinforce areas the command has focused on for the last year: command and control, navigation, and maneuver at the tempo required to win anytime, anywhere. The unique design of this exercise explored both maximizing existing capabilities and new capabilities tested in theater against key problem sets.

"The tyranny of distance focuses on the vast area and challenges that this theater presents," Parker said. "To put it into perspective, when we look at the distance between the locations that we operated in through this exercise, it equates to width of the United States. To even get into theater, we had to move three-times that distance. It's a lot of ocean. We've shown that we can overcome that distance by executing this exercise, and we can tackle our most challenging gaps by putting our Airmen in this theater shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners to apply their first-hand problem-solving and innovation."

Interoperability initiatives unlocked new levels of synergy across the seven nations participating in MG23. Combined planning efforts led to interfly agreements allowing mixed aircrews on airlift missions, blended multi-nation AE teams, new aerial refueling validations, and integrated maintenance support that allowed maintainers from different nations to fix one another's aircraft and source shared parts.

Experimentation also played a key role in exploring new capabilities and solutions for the Mobility Air Forces.

"MG23 is an amazing opportunity for experiments simply due to its scope," said Lt. Col. Matthew Novotney, MG23 Exercise Control Group experiment lead. "We empowered our Airmen, allies and partners to try new things and possibly fail. The things we've learned from this exercise will help us overcome tomorrow's challenges."

Two of the many experiments explored in MG23 included fielding the Agile Communications Systems, which provides necessary Wi-Fi capabilities to the forces by combining Wi-Fi routers, solar panels, batteries, and an internet connection into a Wi-Fi mesh network that can be used anywhere globally, and Magnetic Navigation, also known as MagNav, which improves positioning, navigation and timing for personnel and aircraft in the Pacific.

"Experimenting in the Pacific is important because we've spent the last 20 years focused elsewhere in the world," Novotney said. "When we have an entire generation of Air Force Airmen who are used to operating in Middle East, we need to actively look at the current environment and adjust procedures to future operating needs."

Planners attributed the success of MG23 to the dedication and professionalism of the Mobility Airmen who participated in the exercise, including not only those exercising in the Indo-Pacific theater, but also those supporting the exercise from the U.S. and other global operating locations while sustaining daily mobility commitments around the world without impact.

"No one else can do this," Minihan said. "No one can maneuver at the speed and tempo with the capabilities and talent, and most importantly, with the integrated allies and partners that this team provides to the joint force and the world."

Planners say that while Mobility Guardian 23 has concluded, the assessments and insights learned from the exercise will drive tactical to strategic level impacts that will be felt across the joint force for years to come.

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12th ACCS flies last mission with KOMODO 1 crew

Published July 24, 2023

By 1st Lt Elliot Cofer

728th Battle Management Control Squadron

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS) -- After 27 years of decorated and dedicated service, the 12th Airborne Command and Control Squadron flew its last operational flight as KOMODO 1 at Robins Air Force Base, July 12.

For nearly three decades, the 12th ACCS has been flying missions across the country and the world on the E-8C Joint Surveillance Targeting and Attack Radar System aircraft. The 12th ACCS is the last JSTARS squadron to take flight as part of the 461st Air Control Wing. With the Air Force decision to divest and retire the aircraft, this flight is another signal that the JSTARS is in its twilight months.

KOMODO 1, members of the 12th ACCS and total force maintainers from the 116th Air Control Wing and 461st Maintenance Group, take pride in carrying out and supporting each sortie. While there was an emphasis on treating this final mission as any other flight, the members also recognized they played a role in the final chapter of the decorated history of the squadron and the greater JSTARS enterprise.

Lt. Col. Gerry Thompson, the 15th and final 12th ACCS commander, shared what he is most proud of.

"In the midst of all the changes inside of the 461st Air Control Wing, our Airmen could have easily let that distract them and forget about addressing concerns or helping one anotherthat has not been the case," he said. "Our Airmen have done a remarkable job taking care of each other and that's what I'm most proud of."

In his 27-year career, Thompson has spent a significant amount of time as a member of the 12th ACCS. He was the chief of weapons and tactics from December 2011 to June 2013, and served as the commander since March 2022. While he is always quick to put his Airmen first, he took time to reflect on his role in the JSTARS community and 12th ACCS history.

"For my final stint in the 12th, to be serving as the commander is the absolute highlight of my 27-year Air Force career," he said. "The men and women of this squadron have done some amazing things, and I'm just so happy to be a part of such an outstanding organization," he said.

Lt. Col. Nathan Anderson, 12th ACCS director of operations, agreed.

"The jobs our Airmen do is nothing short of miraculous," Anderson said. "It takes a special kind of team to keep these old airplanes not only flying, but relevant in an ever-changing battlespace. Even more surprising, however, is the demand for what we provide."

Anderson added, "It will be a sad day to close the doors one final time, but seeing our Airmen off to their new assignments with a smile on their faces reminds me that the 12th ACCS legacy will live on with lessons learned spread to every corner of the Air Force. The command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance career field can be a thankless one at times. Success is often determined not by headlines that make the papers, but rather by the events that never come to fruition in the first place, thanks to the efforts which take place in the shadows. I'm proud to say the men and women of the 12th ACCS, and indeed the whole JSTARS enterprise, make a difference every day."

Senior Master Sgt. Dustin Chapman, 461st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron senior enlisted leader, expressed his gratitude for JSTARS maintainers.

"We're continually impressed by the remarkable work our maintainers accomplish to uphold the strength and readiness of our JSTARS fleet," Chapman said. "It is their tireless efforts behind the scenes that allow our aircrew to soar through the skies with confidence and protect our homeland. Their expertise, attention to detail and technical prowess contribute significantly to the safety and operational effectiveness of our wing."

While the 12th ACCS has called Robins AFB home for the last 27 years, it traces its history to 1942 during World War II as the 2nd Antisubmarine Squadron and, later, during the Vietnam War as the 12th Special Operations Squadron. It would not be until January 29, 1996, that the 12 ACCS was reactivated.

A few months after activation, the 12th ACCS supported the transition of forces from Operation JOINT ENDEAVOR to Operation JOINT GUARD (Bosnia) from October 1996 to January 1997. Then, the squadron was called to support Operation ALLIED FORCE (Kosovo) in 1999. After the terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., on September 11, 2001, the 12th ACCS proceeded to have crews continuously deployed in support of the various operations within the Global War on Terror within the United States Central Command's area of responsibility.

The squadron has also flown countless homeland defense missions in support of United States Southern Command and Northern Command, in addition to deploying in support of the Combatant Commanders' objectives in United States European Command and United States Indo-Pacific Command. In recognition of their service, the 12th ACCS has earned six Meritorious Unit Awards, six Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards and one Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award.

Across the globe, the 12th ACCS flew 4,463 deployed sorties, totaling 44,517.9 hours, averaging nearly 10 hours per sortie.

Yet, for its final logged hours at home station, the flight was like any other 12th ACCS sortie: well-prepared, well-rehearsed and exceedingly well-performed, while ensuring safe and disciplined execution of the mission.

When KOMODO 1 landed at Robins AFB for the last time, the sun officially set on 12th ACCS' mission operations. The legacy of the squadron and the JSTARS are cemented into historic lore but paved the way for the bright future of Robins AFB as the starting point of Battle Management transformation within the United States Air Force.

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Taliban Persistently Refute al-Zawahiri's Death By US Drone Strike, One Year On

By Ayaz Gul July 24, 2023

Nearly a year after the United States killed al-Qaida chief Ayman al-Zawahiri in a drone strike in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, the country's Taliban leaders continue to make conflicting claims about the circumstances around the death of the world's most wanted man, raising doubts about their counterterrorism pledges.

"We had no information about Ayman al-Zawahiri, and we had nothing to do with his killing," Taliban Defense Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob told Saudi-based Al Arabia television channel on Friday.

On Saturday, the Taliban governor of Kabul was quoted by an Afghan mainstream television channel as outrightly denying the presence of the al-Qaida chief in the city. "There is no evidence to prove Zawahiri was killed in Kabul," Mohammad Qassim Khalid told TOLO news.

The latest Taliban claims come days after U.S. President Joe Biden stated that Washington and the Taliban were cooperating to push out al-Qaida terrorists from the war-torn country.

"Remember what I said about Afghanistan? I said al-Qaida would not be there. I said it wouldn't be there. I said we'd get help from the Taliban," Biden told reporters at the White House earlier this month without elaborating.

The Taliban Foreign Minister swiftly responded to Biden's remarks by describing them as an "acknowledgment of reality" about non-existence of armed groups in Afghanistan, but it did not categorically refute Biden's assertions about counterterrorism cooperation between the two former adversaries.

"The Islamic Emirate maintains the policy of not allowing anyone to use the soil of Afghanistan to harm others. Our actions in this regard are not due to the requests or support of anyone, including America," the ministry said in its statement, using the official name of the Taliban government, which the world has not recognized yet.

The 71-year-old Egyptian jihadist leader was on the balcony of a three-story house in Kabul's upscale Sherpur area when two Hellfire missiles fired from an unmanned aircraft struck al-Zawahiri on July 31, 2022, U.S. officials told reporters hours later.

"He had moved to downtown Kabul to reunite with members of his immediate family. After carefully considering the clear and convincing evidence of his location, I authorized a precision strike," Biden said while announcing the news of the death of the terror mastermind to the American nation a day after the missile attack.

Taliban authorities at the time claimed that they had "no knowledge" the al-Qaida leader was residing in Kabul. They said a "serious and comprehensive" investigation had been ordered into the incident. But the de facto Afghan rulers have since been silent about the probe's outcome and continue to make contradictory statements or remain in denial.

Nearly two months after the deadly strike, chief Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told VOA that their ongoing investigation into the incident was making progress.

"It will produce an outcome over time. But we still treat it as a claim (by the U.S.)," Mujahid said in the interview VOA conducted in his Kabul office last September.

"When security has newly returned to a country and the government is also new, taking advantage of the situation is entirely possible. But this does not mean that the Islamic Emirate was behind it. The Emirate did not know about it. America also knows that the Islamic Emirate will not do it," Mujahid said.

U.S. officials said that al-Zawahiri was sheltered in the Kabul safe house by subordinates of Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani and "acted quickly to remove Zawahiri's wife, his daughter and her children to another location, consistent with a broader effort to cover up that they had been living in the safe house."

The slain al-Qaida terror leader carried a $25 million U.S. bounty on his head.

Taliban security forces swiftly blocked media access to the multi-story building and briefly detained some journalists who had attempted to go near the site. The restriction remains in place to date.

Critics say the Taliban's refusal to admit al-Zawahiri's presence in Kabul raises doubt about their commitments to combat terrorism on Afghan soil.

In recent days, neighboring Pakistan has repeatedly complained that a surge in terrorist attacks in the country is being orchestrated by Afghanistan-based fugitive leaders of the outlawed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, which the U.S. also lists as a global terrorist organization.

Pakistani officials say the militants have enjoyed "greater operational freedom" since the Taliban took control of the neighboring country in August 2021, when all the U.S.-led NATO troops withdrew from Afghanistan after two decades of involvement in the war.

The Taliban deny the allegations, saying neither TTP, nor any other foreign terrorist groups are operating inside Afghanistan. The Taliban confirmed early last year that they had hosted and mediated peace talks between Pakistani officials and TTP leaders. The dialogue produced a temporary cease-fire, which collapsed last November.

The militant group, an offshoot and close ally of the Afghan Taliban, has killed hundreds of Pakistanis in recent months, mostly security forces.

Last month, the United Nations Security Council's Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team estimated in a new report that more than 4,000 TTP leaders, commanders and fighters are sheltering in Afghanistan under the protection of the country's Taliban authorities.

The Taliban foreign ministry rejected the U.N. findings as baseless.

U.S.-led international forces withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021, in line with the February 2020 agreement with the Taliban in return for assurances by the then-insurgent group that it would not allow transnational groups to use Afghan soil to threaten the security of the United States and its allies.

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PRESIDENTIAL aspirant, Saviour Kasukuwere is breathing a sigh of relief after High Court struck off the roll a matter in which Zanu PF activist, Lovedale Mangwana, was seeking the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to forge ahead and print the ballot paper without the latter.

Justice Mangota ruled that the matter be struck off the roll with both parties footing their own costs.

In his ruling, Mangota said there is no judicial economy at all for the High Court to hear the matter as that will be dealt with on Thursday.

The application is the latest move by Mangwana who last month sought the court's favour to bar Kasukuwere from contesting in this year's general election.

With the High Court ruling in favor of Mangwana, Kasukuwere has since filed an appeal at the Supreme Court challenging the judgment.

The appeal temporarily sets aside the High Court judgment paving way for Kasukuwere to campaign as a Presidential candidate.

In his papers, Mangwana argued that the matter might be concluded after the elections with Kasukuwere's name on the ballot.

"Whereupon after reading the papers filed of record and/or hearing counsel, it is ordered that leave be and is hereby granted to execute the order granted by this court in case number HC/EC10/23 under judgement number HH-418-23 pending the determination of the appeal in case number SC/387/23. Each party shall bear its own costs.

"I submit that the preponderance of equities is in favour of the relief sought being granted to the extent that: the election is less than two months away and massive expenditure of public resources will soon be underway on the strength of the decision of the Nomination Court 18/66 21.2 the ballot papers for the election will be prepared and printed any time from now, meaning that first respondent's name will be made part of the election process; the normal procedure for the hearing of appeals is such that it is highly likely that the appeal will be heard and determined after the election and first respondent has participated in it.

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"I disclose the fact that I have simultaneously asked the Supreme Court for an order setting down the appeal on an urgent basis. I do not know whether this relief will be granted but even if it is, that would not undermine the fact that the appeal is frivolous and meant simply to result in an election whose result may be constitutionally invalid on account of first respondent having partaken in it. I submit in the circumstances that the court may properly exercise discretion in favour of granting me the relief I seek," said Mangwana.

Kasukuwere's chief election officer Jaqueline Sande in a tweet said following Justice Mangota's there is nothing standing in the way of ZEC to print ballot paper.

"The matter in which Lovedale Mangwana was seeking execution pending appeal was removed from the roll with no order as to cost. @ZECzim there is nothing at this particular moment preventing you from printing the ballot with @Hon_Kasukuwere as presidential candidate," she said.
Activists Want Egypt to Ease Entry for Refugees from Sudan Conflict

By Nike Ching July 24, 2023

With Sudan's conflict now at the 100-day mark, advocacy groups are calling on Sudan's neighbor Egypt to ease entry requirements for refugees, saying displaced Sudanese face a dire situation.

Meanwhile, United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) said Monday it has received credible reports that at least 435 Sudanese children have been killed, and at least 2,025 have been injured in the past 100 days, which means that on average, more than one child is killed or injured each hour.

The Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, have been fighting each other since April 15, triggering a humanitarian crisis inside Sudan and neighboring countries.

The U.S. State Department said it stands ready to reconvene formal talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to end the fighting  but only if the warring parties demonstrate their commitment to uphold a May 11 Jeddah Declaration to protect Sudanese civilians and subsequent cease-fires.

The Jeddah talks refer to the U.S.-Saudi-mediated negotiations that started in early May with the goal of stopping the armed conflicts in Sudan. The United States adjourned the talks on June 21 as senior officials acknowledged, "The format is not succeeding."

An estimated 3 million Sudanese have been displaced by the fighting, almost 2.5 million internally. The rest have fled to surrounding countries. At least 250,000 people have sought refuge in Egypt, and another 120,000 are stuck on Sudan's side of the border awaiting entry, according to a report that advocacy organization Refugees International released Monday.

"Instead of facilitating their entry, Egypt disregards refugee law and the Four Freedoms Agreement it signed with Sudan and has erected various entry barriers," said Abdullahi Halakhe, Refugees International's senior advocate for East and Southern Africa.

The Four Freedoms Agreement, signed in August 2004 between Egypt and Sudan, covers matters related to freedom of movement along with working, property ownership and living arrangements.

Halakhe cited new regulations by Egypt on June 10 requiring all Sudanese citizens to obtain visas from the Egyptian consular office in Wadi Halfa or Port Sudan before crossing the border. Previously, women, children, and elderly members of families were allowed to enter Egypt without a visa.

Egyptian authorities said the move was to counter the forgery of visas and better manage Sudanese refugees' entry into Egypt.

Refugees International called on Egypt "to lift requirements currently in place for Sudanese seeking entry, waive requirements for those who remain in Egypt, and expedite granting refugee status to those who wish to have it."

The Egyptian Embassy in the United States has not responded to VOA's request for comment.

Sudan's warring parties continue to violate cease-fires as diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict through negotiations have not yielded fruit. More Sudanese are predicted to flee to neighboring countries for their safety.

"The SAF and RSF have not observed their commitments under the Jeddah Declaration, which played a large part in our decision to adjourn the talks in Jeddah," a State Department spokesperson told VOA.

"We are continuing to closely monitor the conflict and any violations of the Jeddah Declaration throughout Sudan," said the spokesperson.

Monday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) called for an end to the fighting in Sudan amid serious concerns about the rapidly escalating numbers of displaced people.

"These figures are staggering; civilians who have nothing to do with this conflict are sadly uprooted from their homes and livelihoods on a daily basis," said Filippo Grandi, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. "This has to stop. It is time for all parties to this conflict to immediately end this tragic war. Pending this much needed peaceful dialogue, people must be allowed to leave conflict areas to find safety, whether within or outside the country, and be protected from all forms of violence."

As more people continue to flee, displacement sites within the country and in neighboring countries are rapidly becoming overcrowded, UNHCR said.

The U.S. Embassy in Khartoum suspended its operations on April 22, and the Department of State ordered the departure of U.S. direct hire employees and eligible family members from the diplomatic mission.

While Secretary of State Antony Blinken later said the U.S. is exploring ways to return a diplomatic and consular presence to the African country as soon as possible, the State Department has said it cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Sudan due to the current security situation.

A State Department spokesperson said U.S. Ambassador to Sudan John Godfrey and his team, now based in Washington and other African countries, continue their diplomatic engagements with regional and international partners to work toward a cease-fire and humanitarian access.

The United States remains the largest single donor of humanitarian assistance to the people of Sudan.

On June 20, Secretary Blinken announced nearly $172 million in additional humanitarian aid for the people of Sudan and those in neighboring countries who suffer from the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The U.S. has provided more than $550 million in humanitarian assistance this fiscal year for Sudan and other countries such as Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic to facilitate the needs of refugees and people affected by conflicts in the region.

United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed reporting.

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Suicide Bomber Targets Somali Soldiers in Mogadishu

By Harun Maruf July 24, 2023

Heavy casualties have been reported after a suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest at Mogadishu's Jaalle Siyaad Military Academy early Monday, sources said.

The bomber targeted military personnel as they lined up after breakfast.

Two Somali military officers who asked not to be identified as they are not authorized to speak publicly to the media, told VOA that at least 25 soldiers were killed, and more than 70 others were injured in the attack. According to one of the officers, 24 of them have sustained serious injuries, he said.

The al-Shabab militant group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement via Telegram Messenger, the group claimed that one of its suicide bombers targeted the troops. Al-Shabab claimed the explosion killed 73 soldiers and injured 124 others, a figure that has not been independently verified.

The bomber was wearing a military uniform, according to the officer.

It is not clear how the bomber managed to enter one of the most secure military bases in the capital.

Many of the soldiers belong to the 14th October Brigade, created in commemoration for the victims of the single deadliest terrorist attack in Africa at Mogadishu's Zobe junction, which killed nearly 600 people on October 14, 2017.

Somali troops and local fighters have been conducting operations against al-Shabab since August. The Somali government vowed to continue the operation into a second phase to further remove the group from more territories in the countryside.

The militant group has been carrying out retaliatory attacks against government as well as civilian sites.

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Cambodia's Fate Mapped Out by Hun Sen's Victory

By Luke Hunt July 24, 2023

A transfer of power from father to son is expected by the end of next month after Prime Minister Hun Sen and his long-ruling Cambodian People's Party, or CPP, lived up to expectations and extended its grip on power by winning 120 of the 125 seats contested in this past Sunday's elections.

It was an inevitable result for a national election described by the U.S. Department of State as "neither free nor fair" following the disqualification of the opposition Candlelight Party, or CLP, and a crackdown on the independent media and dissenters opposed to autocratic rulers.

It also said the U.S. had taken steps to impose visa restrictions "on individuals who undermined democracy" and had "implemented a pause of certain foreign assistance programs." Other countries, including Australia and those in the European Union, have also criticized the electoral process.

Sources said Hun Sen's eldest son, Hun Manet, would be sworn in as prime minister on August 29, when the National Assembly is scheduled to meet, after Hun Sen, 70, ended speculation about when he would step aside.

"I believe that Manet is more competent than me," Hun Sen told China's Phoenix TV on Thursday. "I am the one who makes the biggest sacrifice. Right now, I have an absolute power, but in about a month, I won't have the power to sign any bills the same way as I do today."

The royalist Funcinpec party did improve its standing and ended this country's status as a one-party-state. But with just five seats in the National Assembly, its influence will be minimal, while each of the 16 other minor parties could perhaps muster about one percent of the overall vote.

"Since the 1998 election it's just been the beat down of the opposition and then it's just intensified. So, this election is just replicating the last, I call it a cakewalk," said Carl Thayer, emeritus professor at Australia's University of New South Wales.

Thayer said life in Cambodia and antagonized relations with the West and the United States were not expected to improve with Hun Manet, 45, at the helm, despite his background. Hun Manet is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and holds a PhD from Britain's University of Bristol.

Hun Sen is expected to remain a significant player in Cambodian politics and continue to exert his influence through his senior position in the politburo and as CPP president. Hun Sen has also said he wants to see his grandson become prime minister in the 2030s.

Senior Cabinet ministers are also expected to hand control of their portfolios to their sons, ensuring Cambodia's political class, ruling business elites and Phnom Penh's tight relationship with Beijing remain unchanged.

"If Hun Sen is 90 percent pro-China, then Hun Manet might be around 85 percent," Thayer said.

Bradley Murg, distinguished senior research fellow with the Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace, echoed Thayer's sentiments. Murg said little will change under Hun Manet, who is also a four-star general and chief of the Royal Cambodian Army.

"Barring an act of God, Hun Manet will become prime minister in the next few weeks and with that comes a generational change in leadership and expected improvements in governance in certain ministries that will be quite positive," he told VOA.

"At the same time the challenges and the concerns of various civil society actors - there is no reason to expect any change in the status quo."

That also means issues ranging from Chinese construction of a naval base at Ream on the south coast, and the jailing of political activists including former opposition leader Kem Sokha, trade unionist Chhim Sithar and American-Khmer lawyer Theary Seng, will remain.

The United States has called for their release and on July 13, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention found Theary Seng - convicted of treason and jailed for six years for two Facebook posts - had been "arbitrarily detained in violation of international law."

"You've got Americans being held illegally in Russia; North Korea - that American serviceman who's crossed the border - and now this Cambodian case," Thayer said. "It's not going to be an easy ride for Cambodia. This is not the time to keep an American illegally detained."

Election Day passed quietly after lackluster campaigning bereft of the CLP. A 29-year-old Phnom Penh-based writer said, "It is not as exciting as the election a decade ago when we had an opposition running their campaign and there were a lot of people joining in."

"Whether there is a new prime minister or we keep the old one, there will be no difference," he said.

A 27-year-old clerk added, "There was no trouble at my polling station... I think Hun Manet has been given a hot stone task, with leadership being passed to the next generation and it might not be easy to hold, but I believe he can do it. It might take a long time to navigate."

Security was tight with 100,000 police and security personnel deployed across the country amid government fears of an opposition-inspired boycott and protest vote through spoiled ballot papers.

By early Monday, the National Election Committee claimed 440,000 invalid ballots had been counted, compared with 590,000 in 2018. Voter turnout reached 84.58 percent, slightly higher than 83.2 percent of registered voters five years ago, it said.

Astrid Noren-Nilsson is a senior lecturer for the Center for East and South-East Asian Studies at Sweden's Lund University. Noren-Nilsson told VOA that Hun Manet had maintained a low profile throughout the campaign and would now work to maintain continuity.

"I think that Cambodia is gradually becoming habituated to elections without competition and disciplined, really, into a new normal that is taking hold for the foreseeable future," she said. "The election is all about sanctifying this generational transition with a popular vote."

Sreynat Sarum contributed to this report.

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Lagos State to Bury More Than 100 Killed in Anti-Police Brutality Protests

By Timothy Obiezu July 24, 2023

Authorities in Nigeria's Lagos state have acknowledged that at least 103 protesters died in clashes with security forces during 2020 protests over police brutality, a higher figure than previously given.

State officials also said they will conduct a mass burial for the bodies, which they say haven't been claimed by relatives despite public announcements.

Survivors and rights groups accuse authorities of trying to cover up the true extent of the casualties and crimes committed by security forces and are calling for an investigation.

Human rights group Amnesty International is among those calling for a new probe into the October 2020 deaths of protesters and told VOA Monday that it is investigating the government's claims.

On Sunday, the Lagos state government said it plans to bury 103 people who died in the state during the various protests and relieve overcrowding in the morgue.

The official statement came after a memo about the planned mass burial was leaked to the media. Activists are now accusing authorities of trying to cover up the extent of the casualties at the Lekki toll gate, the site of a heated clash between protesters and military forces.

Authorities say bodies unclaimed

In response to critics, Nigerian government officials said Monday the bodies to be buried were rounded up from various clashes that erupted across the state, not solely at the toll gate.

Lagos state officials said critics are trying to "misinform the public, stir sentiment and cause disaffection against the Lagos State government."

Authorities said the measure was a routine exercise to decongest the public morgue and that the bodies remained unclaimed for nearly three years after being deposited there despite public notices. Authorities added that none of the bodies were retrieved from the Lekki toll gate incident.

Aminu Hayatu is Amnesty International's lead conflict and crises researcher in Nigeria.

"The leaked memo has really triggered our intention to revisit this case of police brutality, especially [given] the fact that we're the first that came out to expose during the End SARS [protests] the nature of [the] army's assault on protesters and the eventual killing of some of them which was denied by the Nigerian government," said Hayatu. "We have just been vindicated by the leaked memo."

Lekki toll gate protest

In October 2020, thousands of young Nigerians poured onto the streets for two weeks to demand an end to what they called "systemic police brutality" and the notorious SARS unit of the police.

The protests climaxed at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos on October 20 before security forces arrived and opened fire on protesters.

In late 2020, during a hearing of an independent panel of inquiry, the military initially denied being at the toll gate, then later admitted soldiers were deployed  who fired blanks in the air to disperse the crowd.

End SARS activist Obianuju Iloanya cast doubt on authorities' claim that the newly discovered victims were not from the toll gate shooting.

"All of this is a cover up, if we check we might even see bullet wounds on them proving that they were victims of [the] 2020 massacre," said Illoanya. "So this is a clear case of covering up for the police and inadequacies of the government. This was a figure not made public for a long time, it is unfair, it is unjust."

Hayatu said human rights must always be respected by authorities.

"Amnesty is insisting that human rights must be respected in all the ramifications whenever the government has a business to engage the civilians," said Hayatu.

Nigerian officials had previously said 51 civilians and 18 security personnel were killed during the unrest in Lagos and other parts of the country.

The government officially disbanded the SARS police unit in 2020  but activists say the unit continues to operate in secret, a claim that VOA could not independently confirm.

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Funding crunch forces WFP to halve food rations for refugees amidst worsening hunger in Malawi

World Food Programme

24 July 2023

LILONGWE -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has been forced to cut assistance to more than 51,000 vulnerable refugees by 50 percent as hunger levels deepen at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi.

The refugees, who are mainly from the Great Lakes region, receive monthly WFP cash assistance at the camp - where they face several challenges, including insufficient shelter and inadequate health, water, and sanitation services.

The assistance provided was designed to meet the minimum recommended energy needs of 2,100 kilocalories. However, due to chronic funding shortfalls, WFP has been forced to provide reduced rations since 2020. With severe funding challenges persisting, WFP has no choice but to reduce assistance further, potentially leaving thousands of refugees struggling to meet their nutritional needs.

As a result, refugees will now receive a cash allowance of US$ 5.90 (MK 6,300) per person per month. Unfortunately, this amount is barely enough to cover an individual's monthly food requirements. These food ration cuts come when hunger in Malawi is worsening.

WFP is appealing for US$6.3 million to reinstate the food rations to current levels until June 2024.

"We are worried that the reduction in food rations will exacerbate an already dire food security situation and increase hardships among refugees residing in Dzaleka camp," said Simon Denhere, the acting Country Director of WFP in Malawi. "These cuts will particularly affect the most vulnerable, including malnourished children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with underlying health conditions."

The overall state of food security and nutrition has been steadily deteriorating, primarily due to soaring food prices, a surge in the number of refugees entering the country, and the return of refugees to the camp under the Government's encampment policy.

The latest food security assessments, conducted in January, found that nine out of every ten refugees surveyed in the camp - an equivalent of 45,000 people - are food insecure and need urgent assistance. Over two decades, these refugees fled political instability and social unrest in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa regions. They have limited access to alternative sources of livelihood and largely depend on WFP food assistance.

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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 24 July 2023 - Day 516

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 all Russian school children are to be taught the basics of operating combat drones. Russian Senator Artem Sheikin announced that the lessons will include how to conduct terrain reconnaissance and ways to counter enemy uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The UAV lessons join assault rifle training, hand grenade skills and combat first aid in the revised 'Basics of Life Safety' syllabus for year 10 and 11 students, due to be mandated from 1 September 2023.

Russia's renewed emphasis on military induction for children is largely an effort to cultivate a culture of militarised patriotism rather than develop genuine capability. However, the addition of UAV skills does highlight how Russia has identified the use of tactical UAVs in Ukraine as an enduring component of contemporary war.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day, Russian forces launched 1 missile and 58 air strikes, carrying out more than 26 fire from jet fire systems at the positions of our troops and settlements. Unfortunately, there are deaths and injured among children and civilians, port infrastructure and grain storage points in southern Ukraine, residential buildings and other infrastructure have suffered destruction and damage.

The probability of missile and air strikes throughout Ukraine remains high.

During the day, there were 23 combat clashes.

In the Volyn and Polish directions there is an operational environment without significant changes. The sign of the formation of progressive groups was not detected.

Russia maintains a military presence in the Siver and Slobozhansky directions. Gave aviacijnih strikes in the areas of poptia gur'iv kozachok and piscneka kharkiv region. Areas of more than 15 settlements were fired with mortars and artillery, including: northeast Leonivka Chernihiv region; eastern Boyaro-Lezhachiv, Ugroids, Southeast Popivka Sumy region and Bassov, Guriev Kozachok, Graniv, Piscccceka, Kozacha Lopan, Gatysche Kharkiv region.

In the kupans komu direction air strikes fixed near terniv, vil 'sanoi, kislivki kharkiv region. Artillery and mortar fire of the opponent suffered red first, figolivka, dvorichna, western, kupiansk, odradne kharkiv region.

In the Lyman direction, Russian forces carried out air strikes in the areas of Bilogorivka Luhansk region and Lyman, Yampol, Siverny, Spirny, Rozdolivki Donetsk region. Artillery shelling suffered the settlements of nevs ke, bilogorivka luhans ko region and tors ke, verhnyokamans ke, spirne, rozdolivka donetsk region.

In the Bakhmut direction, Ukrainian defenders have successfully repelled the Russian forces' attacks in the areas of northwestern Orikhovo-Vasilivka, southern Ivanivsky and western Klishyivka of Donetsk region. Russian forces inflicted aviation strikes in the areas of diliiivka and the Baptist donetsk region. More than 10 settlements were affected by Russian artillery shelling, among them Vasyukivka, Orikhovo-Vasilivka, Markove, Bogdanivka, Ivanivske, Chasiv Yar Donetsk region.

In the Avdiiv direction, under the dense fire of the Russian forces' aviation and artillery, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled the attacks of Russian troops in the area of the Pervomaysk Donetsk region. Russian forces caused aviation strikes near novokalinovogo, avdiivki, nevel s kogo donets koi region. At the same time, carried out artillery shelling over 10 settlements, including avdiivka, lastockine, vodane, pervomayske and karlivka donetsk region.

In the Maryinsky direction, the Defense Forces continue to suppress the advance of Russian troops in the areas of Krasnogorivka and Maryinka of Donetsk region. Russian forces carried out shelling at more than 10 settlements, among them Krasnogorivka, Maryinka, Pobeda, Georgiyivka, Maksimilianivka of Donetsk region.

In the Shakhtars komu direction, Russian forces led unsuccessful offensive actions in the area of Rivnopil Donetsk region. Carried out shelling over 10 settlements, including Paraskoviyivka, Novomykhajlivka, Vogledar, Blogodatne Donetsk region.

In the Zaporozhye and Kherson directions, Russian forces focuses the main efforts on preventing further promotion of Ukrainian troops.

Gave aviacijnih strikes in the areas of small tokmachki, orihova, lobkovogo zaporizhzhia region. Artillery shelling was reported by more than 30 settlements, among them Gulyajpole, Novoandriyivka, Mali Shcherbaky, Stepnogrisk of Zaporizhzhia region; Zolota Balka, Mihajlivka, Kachkarivka, Cossack of Kherson region and the city of Kherson.

At the same time, the Defense Forces of Ukraine continue to conduct an offensive operation in the melitopol and berdans komu directions, strengthen on the reached borders, exert fire impact with artillery on identified Russian targets, carry out counterbattery resistance measures.

Russian zarbniki continue to loot the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine. In particular, in the settlement of Myronivsky Donetsk region, since July 10, the arrival of occupants from the "Akhmat" Russian Guard unit has been set to force local civilians from their homes to the street and move into their homes. Also, the above-mentioned representatives of Russian occupation troops are en masse engaged in looting, causing a wave of discontent among civilians.

Meanwhile, Russian occupants continue to use the civilian medical infrastructure of temporarily seized settlements to provide medical care to their wounded soldiers. In the settlement of Radensk Kherson region, Russian soldiers arranged the territory of the local kindergarten under the field hospital. There are dozens of injured occupants under treatment.

The Defense Forces a day struck 8 strikes in the areas of focus of personnel, weapons and military equipment and 4 - on the Russian forces' air missile complexes. During the day, Ukrainian defenders destroyed 3 striking bpla opponent of the type "Shahed-136".

During the day, the Rocket and Artillery units hit 4 control points, 3 anti-aircraft devices, 9 artillery devices at fire positions and 4 RF stations.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the AFU continued unsuccessful attempts at offensive actions in Krasny Liman and Donetsk directions.

In Donetsk direction, as a result of coordinated and active actions by units of the Yug Group of Forces, aviation and artillery, six enemy attacks have been successfully repelled near Belogorovka (Lugansk People's Republic) and Kleshcheevka (Donetsk People's Republic).

In addition, enemy units have been hit close to Veseloye, Bogdanovka, Predtechino, Belaya Gora and Dyleevka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy losses were up to 160 Ukrainian servicemen, one tank, two motor vehicles, one Polish-manufactured Krab self-propelled artillery system, one British-manufactured FH-70 howitzer, and one Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer.

One ammunition depot of the AFU 110th Mechanised Brigade has been destroyed near Avdeevka (Donetsk People's Republic).

In Krasny Liman direction, as a result of active actions by aviation, artillery, heavy flamethrower systems, and units the Tsentr Group of Forces, five enemy attacks have been repelled near Nevskoye (Lugansk People's Republic), and Serebryansky forestry.

In addition, AFU manpower and hardware have been hit close to Karmazinovka (Lugansk People's Republic), Yampolovka, Torskoye and Serebryanka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The activities of one Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group have been suppressed near Novolyubovka (Lugansk People's Republic).

The enemy losses were up to 195 Ukrainian servicemen, four infantry fighting vehicles, four armoured fighting vehicles, three pickup trucks, two Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, as well as D-20 and D-30 howitzers.

In South Donetsk direction, as a result of active actions by Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, and artillery of the Vostok Group of Forces, AFU manpower and hardware have been hit close to Makarovka (Donetsk People's Republic) and Levadnoye (Zaporozhye region).

In Zaporozhye direction, as a result of active actions by aviation and artillery, AFU units have been hit close to Malaya Tokmachka, Orekhov, and Pyatikhatki (Zaporozhye region).

The actions of one Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group have been disrupted close to Mirnoye (Zaporozhye region).

The enemy losses were up to 120 Ukrainian servicemen, three armoured fighting vehicles, two motor vehicles, one U.S.-manufactured M777 artillery system and one Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer.

In addition, one ammunition depot of the enemy 128th Mountain Assault Brigade has been destroyed near Kamenskoye (Zaporozhye region).

In Kupyansk direction, as a result of active actions by aviation, artillery, and units of the Zapad Group of Forces, AFU manpower and hardware have been hit close to Dvurechnaya, Sinkovka, Petropavlovka, Tabayevka and Peschanoye (Kharkov region).

The enemy losses were up to 95 Ukrainian servicemen, two armoured fighting vehicles, three pickup trucks, and one French-manufactured Caesar self-propelled artillery system.

In addition, one munition depot of the 103rd Territorial Defence Brigade has been destroyed near Krakhmalnoye (Kharkov region).

In Kherson direction, the enemy losses were up to 45 Ukrainian servicemen, two motor vehicles, and two D-30 howitzers.

In addition, one ammunition depot of an AFU unit has been destroyed close to Zmiyevka (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 137 areas.

One signal node of the AFU 24th Mechanised Brigade has been hit near Dzerzhinsk (Donetsk People's Republic).

In addition, a command post of the 65th Mechanised Brigade of the AFU and a fuel depot for military hardware of the enemy 33rd Mechanised Brigade have been hit close to Orekhov and Malaya Tokmachka (Zaporozhye region).

Air defence facilities have destroyed one HIMARS multiple-launch rocket system projectile.

In addition, 35 Ukrainian have been shot down close to Kolomyichikha, Kuzyomovka, Topolevka, Kremennaya, Kovalyovka (Lugansk People's Republic), Berezovoye, Belogorovka (Donetsk People's Republic), Zelenyi Gai, Pyatikhatki (Zaporozhye region), Novaya Kakhovka and Sagi (Kherson region).

In total, 457 airplanes, 243 helicopters, 5,236 unmanned aerial vehicles, 426 air defence missile systems, 10,868 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,139 fighting vehicles equipped with MLRS, 5,585 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 11,860 special military motor vehicles have been destroyed during the special military operation.

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Second Meeting of Maldives-India Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, Countering Violent Extremism and De-radicalisation

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

July 24, 2023

The Second Meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, Countering Violent Extremism and De-Radicalisation between Maldives and India was held in Male' on July 24, 2023. The Maldivian delegation was led by Foreign Secretary, His Excellency Ahmed Latheef, and the Indian delegation was led by Secretary (West) His Excellency Sanjay Verma, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The meeting was held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere that symbolises the time-tested and good neighbourly ties between Maldives and India, and the energy, ambition and scale acquired by our bilateral relations under the leadership of His Excellency President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and His Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

2. Maldives and India strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border terrorism. Emphasising the need for strengthening international cooperation to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner both countries reaffirmed counter-terrorism cooperation as an important aspect of maintaining security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Both sides reviewed threats posed by terrorist entities that are under UN sanctions and emphasised the need for concerted action against all terrorist networks. They underlined the urgent need for all countries to take immediate, sustained, verifiable, and irreversible action to ensure that no territory under their control is used for terrorist attacks on others and to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of such attacks.

3. Both sides shared their experiences in combating terrorism and extremism, and exchanged views on various areas of cooperation including countering radicalisation and violent extremism, combating financing of terrorism, preventing exploitation of the internet and cyberspace for terrorism and violent extremism, mutual information sharing, capacity building and establishing institutional linkages between law enforcement agencies, security forces, customs, immigration and other relevant agencies. Further, the two sides exchanged views on enhancing bilateral cooperation against organised crime and narcotics, repatriation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of returnees.

4. Both sides pledged to further strengthen cooperation that will include further assistance and capacity building for the security and law enforcement agencies and other relevant agencies of the Maldives as well as collaboration and the exchange of best practices in the areas of counter-terrorism, preventing and countering of violent extremism including strategic communication, and de-radicalisation. The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation and enhancing dialogues in multilateral fora through United Nations and at other global and regional platforms such as the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC).

5. The Indian delegation will also visit the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) during their stay in Male'.

Male'

July 24, 2023

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Russia May Build Station for Receiving Satellite Data in South Africa

Sputnik News

20230724

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia may build a new station for receiving information from Earth remote sensing satellites in South Africa or modernize existing ones, which will contribute to the development of common BRICS infrastructure, Yuri Borisov, the head of Russia's state space corporation Roscosmos, said on Monday.

Russian companies could deliver a full set of receiving and data storage equipment to receive, process and store the data from Earth remote sensing satellites, the official added.

"Roscosmos invites the South African Space Agency to consider the deployment of a Russian receiving station on the South African territory that would receive information from Russian and foreign Earth sensing satellites, including the ones that would appear in the future," Borisov stated at a meeting of the joint committee on space cooperation of the BRICS countries.

Russia could also modernize the already existing South African stations, which would make an additional contribution to the South African Space Agency's efforts to develop the ground-based space infrastructure of the BRICS countries, he mentioned.

Borisov also offered to provide access to national remote sensing data geoportals for ordering archival data for the development of a BRICS joint satellite cluster. At first, professionals could get access to this data by logging in to another country's geoportal, and later, a common portal interface could be arranged at a program level, the official explained.

"This will expand the range of potential users and contribute to the development of new technologies for processing and interpreting satellite observation results," Borisov said.

In addition, direct data transfer from cluster satellites to national receiving stations could be arranged to speed up the provision of images to consumers, according to the official.

The agreement on the creation of a joint satellite orbital cluster was signed by BRICS member states in 2021. The project includes five satellites, one from each of the member states: Russia's Kanopus-V, China's GF-6, India's Resourcesat-2/2A, South Africa's ZY-3/02 and Brazil's CBERS-04, which was built with the assistance of China.

In each of the countries, certain regions have been selected to be photographed by the devices from space. In Russia, this area is about 14,000 square kilometers (5,405 square miles) and is located in the Altai-Sayan region, in India, it is the Nilgiri biosphere reserve, in Brazil, the Matopiba region, and in China, Hainan Island. The BRICS member states exchange information obtained from the satellites and jointly process it.

A Sputnik

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Australia to purchase military transport planes from US, amid tensions with China

Iran Press TV

Monday, 24 July 2023 9:17 AM

Australia has announced plans to purchase 20 C-130J Hercules military transport planes from the US amid rising tensions with China in the Indo-pacific region.

The aircraft are to be procured as part of a deal worth $6.6 billion between the US and Australia while the two allies are currently engaged in their biennial Talisman Sabre war games along the Australian coast that involves 13 nations and more than 30,000 personnel.

The announcement follows the U.S. Congress' approval last year of a larger sale of 24 of the Lockheed Martin-manufactured propellor-driven aircraft.

According to Australia Defense Industry Minister, the first of the new four-engine Hercules is expected to be delivered in 2027.

The purchase "will almost double the fleet and represents a massive uplift in capability, in mobility and transport for the Royal Australian Air Force," Conroy claimed.

The announcement was confirmed ahead of planned meetings by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken with their Australian counterparts for annual talks later this week in the Australian city of Brisbane.

It is Blinken's third visit to Asia in less than two months, as tensions with China continues to deteriorate.

Washington and Canberra rehearsed precision missile strikes during war games on Saturday.

It came as Canberra overhauls its military strategy, focusing on long-range firepower in a bid to keep the potential adversaries at arm's length.

According to Australian Army Major Tony Purdy the US-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), which was recently sold to the Australian Defense Force, was also tested in the drill.

China has repeatedly warned against the establishment of an "Asia-Pacific version of NATO" and made clear its opposition to any foreign military involvement in the region.

Earlier this month, Beijing categorically opposed NATO's eastward movement into the Asia-Pacific region, warning that it will respond firmly to any threat against its legitimate rights.

The warning came in reaction to a communiquA made at a NATO summit in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on July 12, alleging that China's "malicious hybrid and cyber operations and its confrontational rhetoric and disinformation target Allies and harm Alliance security."

China said the NATO communiquA distorts China's position and policies, adding that the Western military alliance's activities "will inevitably undermine regional peace and stability and stoke camp competition."

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China-Russia joint drills wrap up in Sea of Japan, to be followed by joint naval, air patrols in Pacific Ocean

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun Published: Jul 24, 2023 11:15 PM

China and Russia successfully wrapped up the four-day Northern/Interaction-2023 joint exercises in the Sea of Japan on Sunday and are expected to switch to the next phase of joint naval and air patrols in the Pacific Ocean.

Highly combat-oriented and practical, the drills displayed the two countries' high level of military cooperation in the face of security threats, experts said on Monday.

A closing ceremony was held on board the Type 052D destroyer Qiqihar of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, which served as the command ship for the drills, the PLA Navy said in a press release on Monday.

In the four days of intense joint military exercises, the naval and air forces from both countries completed multiple training objectives including sea-air integrated escort and deterrence expulsion, as they switched between joint formations and combat groups and practiced live fire surface-to-air shooting with ship-borne weapons systems, according to the press release.

The drills met the expected goals of deepening mutual trust, enhancing friendship and boosting capabilities, the PLA Navy said.

"The exercises marked a major China-Russia joint combat operation in safeguarding the security of strategic maritime routes, as well as an important move in implementing the two militaries' sea-air integrated joint capabilities," said Rear Admiral Qiu Wensheng, the commander of the Northern/Interaction-2023 exercise.

The drills promoted the two countries' strategic cooperation as well as the safeguarding of stability in Northeast Asia, Qiu said.

Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times on Monday that the exercises practiced anti-sea mine, anti-aircraft, anti-ship and anti-submarine operations, which closely matched the theme of safeguarding strategic maritime routes.

The Sea of Japan features key strategic channels including the Soya Strait, the Tsugaru Strait and the Tsushima Strait.

While the exercise did not target any third party, Song pointed out that it came at a time when some major geopolitical powers are creating huge security threats in the region.

It also reflected a high level of mutual trust between the Chinese and Russian militaries, Song said.

According to official releases and media reports, the Chinese side sent the Type 052D guided missile destroyers Qiqihar and Guiyang, the Type 054A guided missile frigates Zaozhuang and Rizhao, and the Type 903 comprehensive replenishment ship Taihu at sea, and the Y-20 large transport aircraft, the KJ-500 early warning aircraft, the J-16 fighter jet and the Z-20 helicopter in the air, while the Russian side sent the large anti-submarine ships Admiral Tribunts and Admiral Panteleev as well as the corvettes Gremyashy and Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov in addition to different types of aircraft.

Both China and Russia deployed their main combat weapons and equipment to the exercise, and the training courses were designed to be complex and combat oriented, another Chinese military expert, who requested anonymity, told the Global Times on Monday.

The fleet of around 10 vessels and 30 aircraft demonstrated capabilities in safeguarding peace and stability in the region amid a deterioration in the global security situation, the expert said.

With the end of the Northern/Interaction-2023 joint exercise, the Chinese and Russian naval and aviation forces are scheduled to go on and hold joint patrols in Pacific waters, according to a PLA Navy announcement on July 15, when the Chinese vessels set out for the exercise.

This could be the first time that the two countries hold a joint naval and air patrol, Song said.

China and Russia have had two joint naval patrols. One came after the Joint Sea-2021 naval drills in 2021, which saw Chinese and Russian navies form a joint flotilla and sail across the Sea of Japan, the West Pacific and the East China Sea in seven days in their first joint naval patrol, marking a circumnavigation around Japan. The other came after the Russia-led Vostok-2022 strategic drills in 2022, also in the Pacific Ocean.

The two countries also regularly hold joint aerial strategic patrols. The sixth patrol was held in June this year.

The upcoming joint naval and air patrol will be another manifestation of the increasingly enhanced strategic cooperation between China and Russia, analysts said.

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Douala, Cameroon  Cameroon's President Paul Biya has ordered the demolition of poorly constructed, illegal houses in the port city of Douala, the country's largest city and economic hub. The order came after a four-story building collapsed onto a smaller one Sunday killing at least 33 people, including four children. Rescue workers are still digging through the rubble in hopes of finding survivors.

Scores of rescue workers and military troops use spades to dig through the wreckage of a collapsed structure Monday.

Military bulldozers move and dump scattered pieces of the building onto an empty area near scores of onlookers.

Lieutenant Colonel Abdel Kadrey is one of the commanders of the Fire Fighting Department of Cameroon's military. He's supervising operations for what is hoped for will be rescues and not just the recovery of bodies.

Kadrey said the building was in an advanced state of degradation before it collapsed Sunday at about 1:00 am local time. He said the collapsed building no longer constitutes a threat to its surroundings.

The apartment building, which authorities estimate housed 160 people, collapsed onto a two-story one next to it that housed another 60.

Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua, the governor of Cameroon's Littoral region, where Douala is located, said the hope of finding survivors is lessening by the hour.

"We want to tell the population that 31 people are in hospitals and the military and also gendarmes are working to make sure that there is no body remaining inside [the wreckage]," he said. "So, the military, they are still working, and we are sure that they are going to make efforts to finish the work today or tomorrow."

Diboua said the injured are being treated at Douala's Laquintinie and Dieudo hospitals.

On Monday, the government said President Biya dispatched a delegation led by Cameroon's Housing and Urban Development minister to Douala to oversee demolition of unsafe housing.

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Sunday's collapse came as Douala's city council has been trying to demolish unsafe buildings in high-risk zones for floods or landslides.

The council and Cameroon's housing ministry last year reported more than 500 buildings in high-risk zones were in danger of collapse.

Authorities ordered owners to either reinforce or demolish the buildings, but Douala's city council reports fewer than 40 were repaired and none have been demolished.

Council officials say the building that collapsed early Sunday was not one of those marked for demolition.

Edward Nfor, a member of the Cameroon Civil Society Group and a building contractor, blamed what he described as a lack of respect by authorities for building safety standards.

"A city like Douala is supposed to be well planned so that each one knows that this area is good to construct or not or these are areas where we have floods or landslides," he said. "That information is not available. Normally, there are supposed to be some geotechnical surveys approved by the state before you carry out (construct) (multi-)story buildings. That is not done. Everybody is just doing what he or she wants to do and then these are the resultant effects like what just happened."

Cameroon's government has not responded to allegations that it does a poor job of policing standards in building construction.

In June, the government issued a public warning to beware of poor-quality cement and iron rods being sold in the country.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on July 24, 2023

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

CCTV: The Cambodian People's Party has declared victory in the country's seventh national election. What's China's comment? Could you share China's expectations for the future development of China-Cambodia relations?

Mao Ning: As a good neighbor and good friend, we extend warm congratulations on the smoothly held seventh general election in Cambodia. We congratulate the Cambodian People's Party on winning the election under the leadership of its President Samdech Hun Sen and wish Cambodia success in forming a new National Assembly and government. We believe Cambodia will make even greater achievements in its national development and bring more benefits to its people.

In recent years, under the strategic guidance of Chinese and Cambodian leaders, China-Cambodia relations have enjoyed strong momentum.a Our ties are marked by a high degree of mutual trust, close cooperation and mutual support. Our two countries contribute to regional cooperation and international equity and justice. We are a fine example of friendship and mutual benefit between countries. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between our two countries and the Year of China-Cambodia Friendship. We will work with Cambodia to carry forward our long-standing friendship and accelerate efforts to build a high-quality, high-level and high-standard China-Cambodia community with a shared future for the new era to deliver more benefits to both peoples.

Yonhap News Agency: Recently, many suspicious international packages have been found across the ROK. The Taiwan authorities claim that the packages were from China's mainland and reached the ROK via Taiwan. The ROK foreign ministry said it has asked China for confirmation. Has China launched an investigation into this?a

Mao Ning: We have received the ROK's request for assistance in the investigation. The matter is being looked into. We will stay in touch with the ROK.

Kyodo News: Japan's export curbs on semiconductor equipment took effect on July 23. What's China's comment?

Mao Ning: Despite China's serious concerns, Japan went ahead with its export restrictions that explicitly target China. China is deeply dissatisfied and finds Japan's action regrettable. We have made serious dAmarches to Japan at various levels.

In recent years, certain countries have been politicizing economic and trade issues, overstretching the concept of security and frequently resorting to administrative measures, including abusing export controls, to push for decoupling and disrupt industrial and supply chains in the high-tech sector. These practices are wrong and against the law of the market economy, the principle of free trade and international economic and trade rules. They not only hurt relevant companies but also affect the security and stability of the industrial and supply chains of semiconductors in the region and the wider world.

China urges Japan to keep in mind the larger picture of China-Japan economic and trade cooperation and Japan's long-term interests, abide by international economic and trade rules, not to abuse export controls and make sure its action does not disrupt normal semiconductor cooperation between our two countries. We will closely follow the impact of the restrictions and resolutely protect our own interests.a

Beijing Youth Daily: The Chinese embassies in Singapore and Brunei have announced that China will resume unilateral visa-free entry for Singaporean and Bruneian citizens. What's China's consideration?

Mao Ning: To facilitate the travel of Singaporean and Bruneian citizens to China, we have decided to resume the 15-day visa-free entry policy for Singaporean and Bruneian citizens holding ordinary passport who enter China for business, tourism, family visit and transit purposes starting from July 26. We hope that Singapore and Brunei will work with China to better facilitate personnel exchanges.

AFP: The diplomatic advisor of the French president said last week that China was delivering items to Russia, items that could be used as military equipment in Ukraine. Is that true?

Mao Ning: China is neither the one that created the Ukraine crisis nor a party to it. Our position has been objective and just. We are committed to facilitating talks for peace. China always handles export of military items in a prudent and responsible manner and acts in strict accordance with domestic laws and regulations and our due international obligations. This stands in sharp contrast with the acts of certain NATO countries that keep adding fuel to the fire.a

Xinhua News Agency: It is reported that Director-Generals of Asian affairs of Chinese and Japanese foreign ministries held consultations on July 22 in Tokyo. Can you give us more details?

Mao Ning: As you said, on July 22 or last Saturday, Liu Jinsong, Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China held the third consultation of this year in Tokyo with Takehiro Funakoshi, Director-General of Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. During the candid and in-depth consultation, the two sides had a sharp exchange on some issues and found common ground on others. The Chinese side stated strong position on and firm opposition to Japan's pushing for the discharge of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean and urged the Japanese side not to act hastily and stubbornly. Both sides believe that we should take the 45th anniversary of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between China and Japan as an opportunity to maintain engagement at all levels and enhance practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of shared interest and agreed to continue this institutional consultation in the future.

Dragon TV: According to reports, on July 20, CIA Director William Burns while attending the Aspen Security Forum said that progress has been made in rebuilding the US spy networks in China and they are working hard to build a very strong human intelligence capability to complement what they can acquire through other methods. What's China's comment?

Mao Ning: We've noted the reports. This is rather concerning. The US on the one hand keeps spreading disinformation on so-called "Chinese spying and cyber attacks", and on the other hand tells the public about its large-scale intelligence activities targeting China. This in itself is quite revealing. China will take all measures necessary to safeguard national security.

RIA Novosti: The Russian Defense Ministry said earlier that Russian journalists suffered wounds on Saturday as a result of a Ukrainian cluster munitions strike against a group of reporters from the Izvestia Information Center and RIA Novosti news agency. RIA Novosti journalist Rostislav Zhuravlev died from his wounds during evacuation. Do you have any comment on this? What's the foreign ministry's position on Ukraine's use of cluster munitions?

Mao Ning: Soon after the US announced that it would send cluster munitions to Ukraine, we stated clearly that the irresponsible provision of cluster munitions could easily entail humanitarian problems. We urge relevant parties to observe international humanitarian law and protect the safety of journalists and other civilians.

China believes that dialogue and negotiations are the only viable way out for the Ukraine crisis. We hope all parties will work for a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and jointly deescalate the situation.a

Bloomberg: Secretary of State Antony Blinken said over the weekend that the rest of the world is eager to see a responsibly-managed US-China relationship and he urged Beijing to do its part in accomplishing that. Would the foreign ministry like to respond to what Blinken said?

Mao Ning: China views and grows its relations with the US in accordance with the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. We hope the US will work with China to bring bilateral relations back to the right track of sound and steady growth. This not only serves the interests of both peoples but is also the shared expectation of the international community.

AFP: The G7, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand and the ROK jointly appealed to China for help to stop the DPRK evading United Nations sanctions by using Chinese territorial waters. "We have concerns regarding the continuing presence of multiple oil tankers ... that use your territorial waters," said the letter to be sent to China's Ambassador to the UN Zhang Jun. What's your response?

Mao Ning: When it comes to the implementation of the Security Council's resolutions, China has always earnestly fulfilled its international obligations.

Ukrainian News Agency: From July 17, after Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea grain agreement, Russian military are attacking the Ukrainian port city of Odessa with missiles and drones every day. On Sunday night, the Russian military attacked the historic center of Odessa, protected under the World Heritage Convention, and damaged 29 historical sites. Several international organizations and countries strongly condemned Russia for such attacks. In particular, UNESCO said the intentional destruction of cultural sites may amount to a war crime, according to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2347. China is one of the founding countries of UNESCO and calls for the preservation of world cultural heritage. What is your comment and has China contacted or plans to contact the Russian side on this matter?

Mao Ning: China's position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear-cut. We hope that parties concerned will seek a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and jointly work for deescalation.aa

AFP: Director Wang Yi will attend the BRICS meeting today in South Africa. What are China's expectations for this meeting?

Mao Ning: We will release timely information on Director Wang Yi's participation in the Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security. Please check back for updates.

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China, Russia conclude drills as US, Japan, South Korea expand military co-op

Iran Press TV

Monday, 24 July 2023 10:18 AM

China and Russia have concluded a 4-day joint aerial and naval exercise as the US, Japan and South Korea continue to expand their military ties.

Chinese Defense Ministry said on Sunday that the two countries wrapped up their joint air and naval drills in the Sea of Japan aimed at safeguarding security in the international waterways.

Chinese and Russian military forces took part in the drills with the participation of more than 10 warships and over 30 aircraft from both sides in the joint drills code-named "Northern/Interaction-2023".

During the maneuvers, Chinese and Russian navies and air forces jointly conducted planning and commanding of the drills, which included naval and aerial escorts, deterrence and repelling exercises. The drills marked the latest effort by the two countries to enhance military cooperation.

The joint exercise was "a major move" in safeguarding the security of strategic waterways, said Chinese director of the exercise Qiu Wensheng. Deputy director of the exercise, Russian Rear Admiral Calery Kazkov, further described the drills as a move that had strengthened the abilities of both countries to handle military threats, according to a statement released by Beijing.

The drills came amid reports that the US is further expanding its military ties with Japan and South Korea while the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is looking to bolster its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

China warns Japan on NATO

The joint drills by China a Russia also came shortly after Washington declared last month the national security advisers for the US, Japan and South Korea had discussed ways to expand trilateral security cooperation to maintain order and stability in the Taiwan Strait and coordination over the East China and South China Seas.

This is while Beijing warned Tokyo on Monday against joining the expansion of the US-led NATO military alliance into the Asia-Pacific.

China expressed hope that Japan will refrain from taking measures that would undermine mutual trust and stability in the region.

However, Japan and NATO agreed on a new partnership program earlier this month, sparking China's ire. Adding insult to injury, the US Navy also deployed a nuclear-armed submarine to the South Korean port city of Busan.

NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg claimed, meanwhile, that China's military clout had become a source of concern, prompting Tokyo to call for NATO's eastward expansion.

Beijing and Moscow, however, are strongly opposed to NATO's eastward expansion, insisting that it would undermine peace and security in the region.

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Hong Kong government to axe flagship LGBTQ+ radio show after 17 years

The move comes amid a changing climate for equal rights amid a citywide crackdown on dissent, political opposition.

By Siyan Cheung for RFA Cantonese 2023.07.24 -- Hong Kong's government broadcaster has announced it will axe an LGBTQ+ radio show after 17 years on air, according to the show's anchor and producers.

"I received personal notice at the beginning of July from the director of Radio Television Hong Kong's Chinese channel that 'We Are Family,' which started up in 2006, is being officially terminated in August," the show's anchor Brian Leung said in a July 22 post on his Facebook page.

"In Hong Kong, we are mentally prepared, as a lot of things seem to be a matter of sooner or later," Leung wrote in an apparent reference to an ongoing crackdown on liberal media and political opposition.

"There's little we can do. What can be done has been done."

Activists told Radio Free Asia that the move comes as Beijing continues to tighten its grip on public speech in Hong Kong, in a bid to make the city more patriotically Chinese.

Leung thanked his listeners and said it was "dark times" for equal rights, rather than the end of the road.

The show's producers said on its official Facebook page that it had started in 2006 on the back of a wave of regional interest in LGBTQ+ culture sparked by Taiwanese director Ang Lee's film "Brokeback Mountain."

It quoted host and drag queen Coco Pop as saying that the show had been a forum for the LGBTQ+ community to share their views.

"Slowly I realized that this community isn't indifferent, and that we're not alone," Coco Pop wrote in comments cited in the "We Are Family" Facebook post. "It may have only been for a couple of hours a week, but it was a counterbalance to the arrogance and hegemony of this era."

"Today, we can retire in the knowledge that we have successfully completed the gayest mission ever!"

'Harsh winter for equal rights'

The show has hosted debates with exiled former pro-democracy lawmaker Nathan Law and sociologist and opposition activist Lau Siu-lai on LGBTQ+ rights, and last year covered a struggle by high-school student Nathan Lam for the right of boys to wear their hair long in school.

"Why do they want to axe this show? The official reason they gave was 'program rescheduling'," Leung told Radio Free Asia in an interview on Monday. "I wasn't very surprised by this decision, but it's a shame that we are now in a harsh winter for equal rights [here in Hong Kong]."

"It's a shame we can't share the same hearth to warm ourselves through these difficult times."

LGBTQ+ activist Kenneth Cheung, who founded the group Rainbow, said the show once served as a platform to educate people about sexual minority rights.

"Through 'We Are Family' we came to understand the different situations in different parts of the world, and Hong Kong's place in that," Cheung said. "We're no worse off than other developing countries, but we were a long way from advanced equality, human rights and democracy."

"There is still a lot of room for progress and improvement," he said. "'We Are Family' encouraged that progress and was a platform for public education."

Constantly shifting speech curbs

Cheung said there has been a change in the political atmosphere for LGBTQ+ rights in Hong Kong.

"It's becoming more and more obvious that equal rights is now about ideology, and could be linked to relations with China and the United States," he said, adding that funding for an LGBTQ+ equal opportunities program was recently transferred from the Civil Affairs Bureau to the Constitutional Affairs bureau, suggesting that it has become more heavily politicized.

He cited constantly shifting controls on public speech since the ruling Chinese Communist Party imposed a draconian national security law on Hong Kong in 2020.

"It's hard to tell under the national security law," Cheung said. "We don't know if we were treading on red lines when we talked about LGBTQ+ issues, or about Taiwan, or about the United States."

"I don't know if the show was axed because somebody said something wrong that we're not aware of," he said.

The show's axing comes after RTHK removed thousands of episodes of old shows from its podcast platform in recent months, and as the authorities removed hundreds of "politically sensitive" books from the shelves of the city's public libraries in recent weeks.

Last month, detained Hong Kong civil rights activist Jimmy Sham took a bid for equal recognition for his same-sex marriage to the city's final appeals court.

In the judicial review filed in late June, Sham argued that the government has a positive duty to protect the core rights of married couples, regardless of their sexual orientation, including the right to inheritance.

The Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal in February recognized pre-operative transexual citizens' right to have their gender marker on their official ID cards recorded according to their acquired gender.

A few other cases on the marital rights of same-sex couples are also pending judgments at the Court of Appeal, including the right of inheritance and the right to apply for public housing as a married couple, legal newspaper The Jurist reported on June 30.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content July not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Hong Kong national security police question family of US-based activist Elmer Yuen

Yuen's daughter-in-law Eunice Yung says she 'fulfilled her civic responsibilities' by telling police what she knew.

By Gigi Lee for RFA Cantonese 2023.07.24 -- National security police in Hong Kong on Monday took away three more family members of exiled pro-democracy activists wanted for "collusion with foreign forces" for campaigning against an ongoing crackdown on dissent in the city.

Police raided the homes of U.S.-based businessman Elmer Yuen's son, daughter-in-law and daughter on Monday, taking them away for questioning on suspicion of "assisting fugitives in continuing to engage in acts that endanger national security."

The raids came after similar actions against the family members of two other exiled pro-democracy activists who, like Yuen, are on a wanted list of eight prominent overseas activists with bounties on their heads.

Police confirmed to Radio Free Asia that they had taken away a man and two women for questioning on Hong Kong Island, but typically don't name those they detain or question.

Later in the day, pro-China lawmaker Eunice Yung told reporters in the Legislative Council that she and her husband Derek Yuen had been taken away for questioning by national security police, who searched their apartment and took away mobile phones and laptops.

"This morning, officers from the National Security Department produced a warrant and searched my home," Yung said. "My husband Derek Yuen and I were taken to the police station for questioning at 7.00 a.m."

While Yung was released after an interrogation that lasted nearly three hours, she said her husband "is still under investigation and I don't know his situation."

Asked if she had told police where to find Elmer Yuen, Yung, who cut off ties with her father-in-law last year, said she didn't know his whereabouts.

"I can say frankly that I don't have any of his details, such as residential address, phone number or any of it," she said. "I fulfilled my civic responsibilities, and I support the national security law."

"I believe I am innocent," she said, adding that she believes her husband will also cooperate with the investigation.

Home raids and bounties

Derek Yuen was later released after around 10 hours of questioning.

Earlier this month, national security police raided the home of trade unionist Mung Siu-tat's brother, taking away him, his wife and son for questioning -- also on suspicion of "assisting fugitives to continue to engage in acts that endanger national security."

Police also took away the parents, brother and sister-in-law of exiled former pro-democracy lawmaker Dennis Kwok and questioned them on suspicion of the same offense. No arrests were made, and all of the activists' family members were released after questioning.

On July 3, national security police issued arrest warrants and offered bounties for U.K.-based Mung, Kwok, Law and five other exiled campaigners, saying they are wanted in connection with "serious crimes" under Hong Kong's national security law.

U.K.-based Finn Lau, Australia-based Ted Hui and Kevin Yam and U.S.-based Anna Kwok and Elmer Yuen are also on the wanted list, with bounties of HK$1 million (US$127,700) offered for information that might lead to an arrest.

The city's leader John Lee has vowed to pursue them "for life."

Executive Council member and barrister Ronny Tong said claims by activists that they have severed ties with family members back home were unlikely to offer much protection from national security police investigations.

"The relationship between you and the wanted suspect has to be investigated - the police aren't going to just take your word for it if you claim [you have severed ties]," Tong said. "A simple claim like that has no effect in law."

Escalation in use of law

But he added that being taken away for questioning doesn't mean somebody broke the law, and is part of a person's civic responsibilities, not an indicator that they have committed any crime.

He said police have a responsibility to fully investigate the cases of the eight overseas activists and try to bring them back to Hong Kong.

The London-based rights group Hong Kong Watch said police also questioned Yuen's daughter Mimi on Monday.

Elmer Yuen is accused of having encouraged foreign countries to impose sanctions on Hong Kong officials and judges, online from the US, and promoting Hong Kong's self-determination, the group said.

"This is the latest escalation in the application of the Hong Kong National Security Law against opposition figures, in particular since the announcement of arrest warrants and bounties against the eight activists in exile," the group said in a statement in response to Monday's police action.

"This is a drastic escalation since the arrest warrants and bounties against the eight activists and the threats against the families of Nathan [Law], Christopher [Mung] and Dennis [Kwok], which were already outrageous and completely unacceptable," its chief executive Benedict Rogers said.

"The Hong Kong government is openly and increasingly threatening activists abroad, in an attempt to silence them and spread fear among the community. This situation is increasingly similar to that in Mainland China, and we are seeing Hong Kong plummet to this level in terms of human rights, particularly civil and political rights."

Rogers called on governments to protect the rights and freedoms of activists in exile.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content July not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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US Mulls Lifting Some Sanctions on China to Restart Cooperation on Fentanyl - Reports

Sputnik News

20230724

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The Biden Administration is considering lifting some sanctions on China to restart the bilateral cooperation on combating the fentanyl crisis that claimed more than 105,000 lives in the US in 2022, an American newspaper reported on Monday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

During his meetings in Beijing in June, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken proposed creating a working group with China to start discussions on a potential deal, the report said.

The deal would entail lifting sanctions on a Chinese police forensics institute that is accused by Washington of human rights abuses.

The State Department, however, has recently denied media reports that any offers to lift sanctions were made during Blinken's recent trip to China.

According to the media, Chinese officials "haven't agreed to anything yet," and the Biden administration is "stalled on where to go."

China continues to stand firm that any dialogue on drugs will be possible only after the sanctions are lifted and the police institute removed from the US export blacklist, the report stated.

Beijing abandoned cooperation with the United States on narcotics a year ago due to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's controversial trip to Taiwan, which brought bilateral relations to an all-time low.

A Sputnik

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Whether China, India support or exhaust each other will directly affect their development processes, global landscape: China's senior diplomat

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jul 25, 2023 01:49 AM

Whether China and India support or exhaust each other will directly affect the two countries' respective development processes and the global landscape, China's senior diplomat Wang Yi told India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval in Johannesburg on Monday.

A major trend in the world today is the successive rise of developing countries, including China and India, which is an unprecedented phenomenon in centuries and will undoubtedly impact and shape the world's future, said Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

According to Chinese Foreign Ministry, Wang will attend the 13th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security in Johannesburg from Monday to Wednesday, and visit Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and TArkiye before and after the meeting.

"China will never tread the old path of seeking hegemony taken by some countries. It is willing to work together with a vast number of developing countries, including India, to support multilateralism and democratization of international relations," Wang emphasized.

Wang Yi said that China and India should adhere to the strategic judgment that the two countries are not threats to each other but opportunities for each other's development. They should truly implement the consensus on stabilizing bilateral relations into specific policies, transform it into coordinated actions across departments and fields, and push China-India relations back onto a track of healthy and stable development at an early date.

Doval said that India and China, as two ancient civilizations, two neighboring countries, and the world's two most populous nations, are two major forces that influence the evolution of the world's pattern. Both countries share many common views on the future of humanity and the world with extensive mutual interests.

BRICS National Security Advisors are meeting from Monday to Wednesday in the host country of South Africa as part of the build-up to the highly anticipated summit of the bloc next month. Political and security cooperation is one of the original objectives of BRICS cooperation, and it is also one of the pillars of the current BRICS agenda.

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North Korea fires ballistic missiles after 2nd US sub arrives in South

Iran Press TV

Monday, 24 July 2023 6:05 PM

North Korea fired two ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast early on Tuesday, Seoul local time, the South Korean military said.

The launch was after a US nuclear-powered submarine arrived at a naval base in South Korea.

Japan also reported the launch. Japanese media cited a government source as saying there may have been multiple missiles launched.

Circumstances have been tense on the Korean Peninsula.

South Korea and the United States keep holding joint drills, flexing military muscles in the region. North Korea says the United States' deployment of military assets on the peninsula is provocative.

Pyongyang fired a barrage of cruise missiles into the sea off its west coast over the weekend.

The nuclear-powered submarine was the second of its kind to enter South Korea in a time span of one week. It arrived at the base on the southern island of Jeju. The sub was to load military supplies while on an unspecified operational mission, the South Korean Navy said.

The USS Kentucky, an Ohio-class submarine, arrived in the port of Busan on July 18, marking the first visit by a US ballistic missile submarine to the country in almost 44 years.

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South Korean Military: North Korea Fired 2 Ballistic Missiles Into Sea of Japan

Sputnik News

20230724

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed on Monday Tokyo's suggestion that North Korea test-fired two ballistic missiles in the direction of the Sea of Japan.

Earlier, the office of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Pyongyang was thought to have fired a ballistic missile. Japanese media later reported, citing the country's Coast Guard, a North Korean projectile had fallen outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.

"Our military detected two ballistic missiles North Korea fired from areas near Pyongyang into the East Sea at 11:55 p.m. [14:55 GMT] on the 24th and at midnight of the 25th [15:00 GMT, July 24]," the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff was quoted as saying by South Korean media.

Both missiles flew about 250 miles before falling into the sea, the military said.

The latest comes as the US Indo-Pacific Command on Monday detailed US officials were aware of North Korea's recent missile launches, having assessed they do not pose an immediate threat.

"We are aware of the DPRK missile launches and are consulting closely with our allies and partners. While we have assessed that these events do not pose an immediate threat to US personnel or territory, or to our allies, the missile launches highlight the destabilizing impact of the DPRK's illicit weapons program," the statement said.

Washington confirmed its ironclad commitment to the defense of its allies in the Republic of Korea and Japan, it added.

Last week, Pyongyang also fired two ballistic missiles, which fell into Japan's exclusive economic zone. On Saturday, North Korea reportedly launched several cruise missiles toward the Yellow Sea.

North Korea's missile tests took place against the backdrop visits of US nuclear-powered submarines to South Korea's ports as part of efforts aimed to reaffirm joint deterrence against Pyongyang.

A Sputnik

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UN Command Begins Talks With North Korea Over US Soldier

Sputnik News

20230724

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United Nations Command said on Monday that it had begun discussions with North Korea regarding Travis King, the US soldier who ran into the country from the inter-Korea demilitarized zone last week.

"The conversation has commenced with the KPA through the mechanisms of the armistice agreement," Lt. Gen. Andrew Harrison, deputy commander of the UN Command, said during a press conference.

Harrison added that "the primary concern for us is Private King's welfare."

King was serving with the US Army in South Korea and had recently completed a two-month prison sentence for assault and destroying public property. He had been due to return to Texas for further disciplinary action. At Seoul airport, he instead somehow managed to join a tour to the DMZ, where he unexpectedly ran across the border into North Korea.

Harrison noted that tours in the Joint Security Area now had been suspended.

A Sputnik

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German Army chief's close-up with a Boxer

24 July 2023

Chief of the German Army Lieutenant General Alfons Mais has observed the capabilities of the Australian-made Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle (CRV) during a visit to German troops participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre.

Lieutenant General Mais headed a German delegation that visited parts of the Townsville Field Training Area, where about 210 German troops are taking part in Talisman Sabre for the first time.

Following a tour of the surrounding bush in the Army Boxer, he said getting used to the Australian conditions was one of the challenges for the German military personnel taking part in the exercise.

"The distances, the terrain and the climate are completely different than in Central Europe," Lieutenant General Mais said.

As well as experiencing the Australian conditions, he said one of the key objectives for the German personnel would be to build relationships while on Talisman Sabre.

"This exercise is very exciting for our personnel and, as well as testing our preparedness and procedures, I want our personnel to gain experience of the country and build relationships," Lieutenant General Mais said.

"We share a lot in common with Australia and the region and we want to portray ourselves as a reliable partner."

Officer Commanding of A Squadron 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment Queensland Mounted Infantry Major Katherine Clarkson said Australia was fortunate to receive a visit from the German Chief of Army.

"This gave us a chance to demonstrate how the Boxer is being utilised here so that we can continue to develop as two nations on this platform and make it a highly lethal reconnaissance and infantry support, fire support vehicle to go against our mutual enemies," Major Clarkson said.

"Our primary responsibility and role is the reconnaissance of enemy forces forward of the two combat brigades. The Boxer CRV is an excellent vehicle to enable us to achieve that reconnaissance in deep."

That partnership could extend to providing Australian-made Boxer vehicles for the German Army.

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The government on Monday, July 24, launched a comprehensive vaccination campaign against Polio 2, following reported cases of the disease in neighboring African countries, including Burundi.

Type 2 poliovirus had been declared eradicated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in September 2015, leading to the removal of its vaccine from international vaccination programs in 2016.

Previously, the last reported case of the virus dated back to 1999 in India. However, in 2022, Malawi reported a resurgence, and in 2023, Burundi also witnessed some cases.

In response, Rwanda's Ministry of Health, in collaboration with UNICEF and WHO, has launched a 5-day vaccination campaign targeting children below the age of 7 years, as they were born after the Polio 2 vaccine had been removed from the regular vaccination schedule.

Hassan Sibomana, the Acting Division Manager for Maternal, Child, and Community Health at Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), emphasized the importance of the campaign in preventing a potential epidemic. He said that the aim is to reach out to more than 2.7 million children in Rwanda within the designated 5-day period.

"Vaccination is of utmost importance in preventing polio. Rwanda has been fortunate to be free from polio cases for over 30 years, thanks to the effectiveness of vaccines," Sibomana explained.

Solange Nzayisenga, a parent whose children received vaccinations on the campaign's first day in Nyanza district, expressed gratitude for the outreach effort.

"We are extremely grateful for this initiative. I understand the severity of polio and how it can disable children," she said.

Polio, an infectious disease primarily affecting young children, targets the nervous system and can result in spinal and respiratory paralysis, and in severe cases, death.

The origins of polio can be traced back to prehistoric times, as evident from ancient Egyptian depictions of children with withered limbs characteristic of the disease.

Although polio has afflicted children worldwide for centuries, the first clinical description of the disease was documented by British doctor Michael Underwood in 1789, and it was officially recognized as a medical condition in 1840 by German physician Jakob Heine.
Top general lauds security of Iran's airspace

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 24, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces hails Iran's air defense, noting that with this level of preparedness, no country will dare to violate the country's airspace.

Major General Mohammad Baqeri made the remarks speaking on the sidelines of the Velayat aerial drills on Monday.

Noting that the maneuver has reached its goals, Baqeri said that drones and fighter jets, as well as the transport, support, refueling and air ambulance aircraft successfully carried out their missions in the drills.

The wargames began across Iran on Sunday.

Brigadier General Alireza Roudbari, the spokesman for the drills said earlier on Monday that during the maneuver, a versatile fleet of 92 aircraft will carry out an array of aerial operations, including reconnaissance missions, bombing of air and ground targets, psychological warfare tactics, and electronic warfare simulations.

9341**2050

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Iran opposes any geopolitical change, supports integrity of regional states: President Raeisi

Iran Press TV

Monday, 24 July 2023 4:09 PM

Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi has said that Tehran supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all regional countries and firmly opposes any geopolitical change in the region.

In a meeting with Armenia's Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in Tehran on Monday, Raeisi said regional issues should be settled by the countries in the region.

"Any foreign intervention will only complicate issues. The Islamic Republic of Iran supports the peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan and hopes that these talks will [help] establish and strengthen peace and security in the region as much as possible," he added.

He once again reiterated Iran's stance on opposing any geopolitical change and manipulation of the regional countries' borders.

"Iran supports the right of sovereignty and territorial integrity of all regional countries," Raeisi emphasized.

The Iranian president also stressed the importance of improving ties with Armenia and said no obstacle can hinder the expansion of mutual relations.

The Armenian foreign minister, for his part, commended Iran's positions regarding the developments in the Caucasus region.

Mirzoyan said his country would never be used as a platform for measures against Iran and has always supported the development of regional security and peace.

He added that Yerevan attaches great significance to the expansion of ties with Tehran and stressed the need to boost mutual diplomatic relations.

The Armenian foreign minister arrived in Tehran at the head of a delegation on Monday. Earlier in the day, he held talks and attended a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

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Iran's bomber, kamikaze drones destroy targets on 2nd day of aerial drills

Iran Press TV

Monday, 24 July 2023 10:47 AM

The Iranian Air Force's bomber and kamikaze drones have successfully hit and destroyed mock enemy targets on the second day of large-scale military drills in the central province of Isfahan.

Speaking on Monday, Brigadier General Alireza Rudbari, the spokesman of the exercises, said 500-pound bombs were previously carried by F-4 and F-5 fighter jets, but during the maneuvers, Karrar drones dropped them on ground targets and obliterated them.

Arash kamikaze drones, which are equipped with warheads, also hit "important and vital" positions of hypothetical enemy and destroyed them, he added.

The operation was carried out after an RF-4 plane, as well as Mohajer-6 and Kaman-12 reconnaissance drones photographed the targets, he said.

Sending images online, Mohajer-6 drone targeted mock enemy equipment using smart, precision-strike and upgraded Qaem bombs, Rudbari said.

The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) has launched the 11th edition of the drills, code-named Devotees of Velayat Sanctuary, in Anarak District of Na'een County on Sunday.

The Islamic Republic military forces hold routine exercises according to a detailed schedule in various parts of the country in order to test their weaponry and equipment and evaluate their combat preparedness.

Iranian military experts and technicians have in recent years made substantial headway in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient.

Homegrown Iranian military products have also found many clients in the world.

Iranian officials have repeatedly warned that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, which are entirely meant for defense.

Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani said on Wednesday that Iran has achieved a level of power that no one can threaten it.

Also in his remarks, he announced that the Defense Ministry is cooperating with knowledge-based companies in an attempt to equip the Iranian Armed Forces with new weapons and upgrade their existing equipment in the areas of ground combat, as well as vessels, helicopters, and drones.

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Iran to run 6 more uranium mines as reserves greater than estimated: AEOI chief

Iran Press TV

Monday, 24 July 2023 10:28 AM

The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says the Islamic Republic's uranium reserves are much larger than previous estimates, and that the country plans to operate six more uranium mines by the end of the current Iranian calendar year (which concludes on March 20, 2024).

Mohammad Eslami said on Sunday that currently eight uranium mines are operating in the country.

"Our uranium reserves in the country now exceed the previous estimates. We are currently operating eight mines, and six more mines are planned to come on stream by the end of the [Iranian calendar] year," he said.

He added that over the past year and a half, they have located and run several mines to complete the nuclear fuel chain.

Eslami further said that the extraction of uranium ore from mines and its process through the heap leaching method greatly benefits the chain of valuable elements.

"The AEOI has drawn up and compiled a 20-year perspective plan to pave the way to attain Iran's nuclear industry objectives," he added.

Eslami said thanks to the plan, the agency has a proper understanding of the path ahead both at national and international levels and is moving forward with a viable strategy.

The AEOI chief also said that the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has offered solid support to the expansion of the civilian nuclear industry.

"The Leader's guidelines have helped the agency to operate more strongly and determinedly," he said.

He added that the production of about 20,000 megawatts of nuclear-generated electricity was among the main topics discussed during a recent meeting with Ayatollah Khamenei.

Elsewhere in his remarks, he said that threats, assassinations, sanctions, and pressures did not shake Iranian nuclear scientists' confidence.

Elsmai stated that Iran has held negotiations with different countries to carry out joint work on the construction of power plants, saying that the supply of fuel for small nuclear power plants was another measure taken in this regard.

He said the AEOI registered 159 scientific, technological, and industrial achievements throughout the previous Iranian calendar year (which ended on March 20, 2023).

Earlier this month Eslami announced that Iran has for the first time manufactured a nuclear reactor simulator, applauding the feat as a monumental achievement in the field of high tech.

He said the simulator plays an "effective" part in a power plant and a power reactor.

The simulator is designed to manage the control chamber temperature and has a thermal capacity of 100 megawatts.

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Iran's security chief sets off for BRICS summit in South Africa

Iran Press TV

Monday, 24 July 2023 8:53 AM

The secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) has traveled to South Africa to attend a meeting of top security officials of the BRICS group of emerging economies.

Heading a delegation, Ali-Akbar Ahmadian left Tehran on Monday for Johannesburg, where he will deliver a speech at the 13th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security and hold talks with some of his counterparts.

He was invited to the meeting, scheduled for July 24-25, by the South African Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

The BRICS group of fast-developing economies a Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa a is often seen as an alternative to the Western economic and political hegemony.

The five-nation bloc accounts for 42 percent of the global population and about 26 percent of the world's economy, according to the South Africa-based Institute for Security Studies.

Iran is among dozens of countries that seek membership in the BRICS and has submitted a formal application to join the body.

Russia and China have welcomed Iran's application and the group's expansion to include international powerhouses.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Tuesday that the Islamic Republic's potential accession to the BRICS will promote multilateralism and counter unilateral policies, including sanctions.

"The world today is not a world of unilateralism. A new international order is shaping the world. One of the features of this new order is the countries' focus and attempts to move from unilateralism to multilateralism," the Iranian foreign minister said.

He added that Iran's potential membership in the five-state bloc would provide the country with an opportunity to make use of great capacities from Africa to Asia, Latin America, and other countries.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi has been officially invited to take part in the 15th summit of BRICS heads of state in South Africa on August 22-24.

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MKO-linked terror group disbanded in southwestern Iran

Iran Press TV

Monday, 24 July 2023 6:12 AM

Iranian forces have busted a four-member group affiliated with the terrorist Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO) in the southwestern province of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad.

Ali Malek Hosseini, the prosecutor general of Yasuj, the capital of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, said that members of the terrorist team intended to conduct spoiling attacks in the province, as well as in Khuzestan and Fars governorates, but they were arrested by Iranian forces, Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday.

He further noted that those detained had joined terrorist cells after being identified by the MKO through cyberspace.

"After contacts with the MKO ringleaders, all the [members] had learned how to make hand grenades and small homemade bombs and received money to buy equipment and pay for team houses and vehicles," Malek Hosseini added.

"Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad is one of the country's safe provinces, but the group tried to endanger its security through cunning schemes."

The MKO has carried out numerous terrorist attacks against Iranian civilians and government officials since the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Out of the nearly 17,000 Iranians killed in terrorist attacks over the past four decades, about 12,000 have fallen victim to the MKO's acts of terror.

Members of the notorious anti-Iran cult enjoy freedom of activity in the US and European countries.

The MKO was viewed by the European Union as a terrorist organization until January 2009, when the EU Council lifted the designation under immense pressure from political lobbies. The decision was followed by the United States in September 2012.

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Iranian Online Retailer Building, Famed Tehran Cafe Closed Amid Reports Of Hijab Infractions

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda July 24, 2023

The administrative building of prominent Iranian online retailer Digikala was closed by law enforcement officers on July 23 after images showing Digikala's female employees without their mandatory hijabs circulated on social media, another sign of the government's tighter regulation of the compulsory head-scarf law.

The images were shared by a group of pro-government social media users, who subsequently called on government agencies to take action against the company and its female employees. The judiciary-affiliated Mizan News Agency reported afterward that a legal case has been initiated against Digikala's female employees.

In a simultaneous development, the renowned Tehran cafe France Pastry announced its closure, adding that it will announce its reopening when possible. It gave no details for the closure, but reports speculated it was also shut due to hijab violations.

Despite the sealing of Digikala's main administrative building, the company's public relations department announced that its online store remains operational, with all departments continuing to provide services and fulfil their commitments to customers and sellers.

In recent days, law enforcement forces of the Islamic republic have shut dozens of cafes and restaurants in Tehran, Mashhad, and other Iranian cities due to "noncompliance with Islamic norms."

The closing of commercial and trade places has been extended beyond large cities and metropolises to include smaller towns. Mohammad Rostami, the law enforcement commander of the northern Iranian county of Talesh, said 24 business units there have been shut as part of "preventive actions to confront social abnormalities."

Anger over the suppression of human rights, and women's rights in particular, has boiled over since last September when 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died while in police custody. She was being held for an alleged violation of the hijab law, which makes it compulsory for women and girls over the age of 9 to cover their heads when out in public.

While the protests appear to have waned slightly in recent months, resistance to the hijab remains strong as it is seen now as a symbol of the state's repression of women and the deadly crackdown on society.

The wave of government intervention against those violating the law has been met with stiff resistance from women.

The campaign against the compulsory hijab has grown so widespread that Abdolhossein Khosropanah, the secretary of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, conceded in June that while women defying the hijab law should technically be arrested, the large numbers of women involved made such mass detentions unfeasible.

In recent weeks, authorities have broadened their crackdown on the issue, shutting down businesses, restaurants, cafes, and in some cases pharmacies due to the failure of owners or managers to enforce Islamic laws and hijab rules.

In the face of the unrest, some religious and government figures have repeatedly advocated a tougher stance by the government against offenders.

Written by Ardeshir Tayebi based on an original story in Persian by RFE/RL's Radio Farda

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-business-cafe-closed- hijab-crackdown/32517023.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Senior cleric Sadr lashes out at US meddlesome policies in Iraq

Iran Press TV

Monday, 24 July 2023 8:34 AM

Prominent Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has strongly decried Washington over its malicious intentions concerning Iraq and its nation, describing the United States as the enemy of peace and democracy.

In a statement posted on Twitter on Sunday, Muqtada al-Sadr hit out at the inappropriate role the US ambassador to Baghdad, Alina Romanowski, plays in Iraq.

"We see the foolish US ambassador to Iraq acts as she pleases and doesn't care about anyone."

He stressed "I swear to God, she and her country harbor ill intentions towards us and our religion," referring to the US support for the repeated desecration of the Muslim holy book of Qur'an that provokes Muslims across the world.

"Are we going to let the enemies of peace, democracy, and God rule over [our country]?"

Sadr also noted that Romanowski seeks to "turn Iraq into a subordinate to the US", and subsequently "spreads obscenity" in the Muslim country. He, however, stressed that Baghdad will foil their plot.

"No, a thousand times No, the Iraqi nation will be nothing but the nation of justice, and the nation of right, righteousness, and virtue," Sadr said.

Sadr said the US claims to be a democracy, but Biden "did not give any importance to the [American] people and their opinion."

He added that the previous US administrations also used to turn a blind eye to the American people's demands, noting that most Americans were opposing the occupation of Iraq that lasted until 2011.

On March 20, 2003, the US and Britain invaded Iraq in a blatant violation of international law and under the pretext of finding weapons of mass destruction (WMDs); but no such weapons were ever discovered in Iraq.

More than one million Iraqis were killed as a result of the US-led invasion, and subsequent occupation of the country, according to the California-based investigative organization Project Censored.

"Thus, the US is the enemy of democracy and the enemy of peace as it is an occupying [country], and the enemy of sky [God] as it supports obscenity."

Last Wednesday, Baghdad announced that the US ambassador will be summoned over remarks made by State Department spokesman Matthew Miller about the removal of the head of the Christian Church in Iraq. Miller had described the treatment of the US-backed Cardinal Louis Sako as harassment.

Baghdad said Iraq's President Abdul Latif Rashid's decision to revoke a decree recognizing the patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church as head of the country's Christian Church was "aimed at correcting a constitutional anomaly."

Rashid's office said the president was "disappointed by accusations leveled against the Iraqi government" by Miller.

Recently, hundreds of Iraqis have also staged a protest demanding an end to the interventionist acts of the US ambassador.

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Israeli Knesset Approves First Bill of Controversial Judicial Reform

Sputnik News

20230724

TEL AVIV (Sputnik) - The Israeli Knesset on Monday approved the controversial draft law which abolishes the power of the Supreme Court to override government actions it considers unreasonable within the framework of the judicial reform.

According to the live broadcast on the Knesset's website, 64 lawmakers from the ruling coalition voted for the adoption of the bill, while all opposition lawmakers boycotted the voting.

The judicial reform also seeks to limit the Supreme Court's powers and give the government more say in appointing judges, which the right-wing government says will restore the balance of power, while critics argue it will undermine democracy.

Since January 2023, Israel has been gripped by mass protests sparked by the judicial reform proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet.

In January, Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin rolled out a legal reform package that would weaken the power of the Supreme Court by giving the cabinet control over the selection of new judges, as well as allowing the Knesset to override the court's rulings with an absolute majority. The reform's opponents argue it will undermine democracy in Israel and put the country on the verge of a social and constitutional crisis. The protesters believe that the reform will turn Israel into a dictatorship by removing vital checks on government actions.

In March, several Israeli politicians, including the mayors of Kfar Saba and Herzliya, the heads of the Upper Galilee and Shaar Hanegev regional councils and the head of the Zichron Yaakov local council have announced a hunger strike, according to an Israeli news agency.

A Sputnik

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Village raid by Myanmar forces leaves 14 civilians, resistance fighters dead

The northwestern region is an anti-junta stronghold and cradle of armed opposition.

By RFA Burmese 2023.07.24 -- More than a dozen civilians were killed by Myanmar junta forces, with some brutally tortured before being executed, during a six-hour raid on a village in northwestern Sagaing region on July 21, residents said on Monday.

In all, 14 people, including four teenagers and six members of an anti-junta People's Defense Force, lost their lives during the assault in Yinmarbin township, leaving residents who witnessed the murders in deep distress, the sources said.

The killings occurred when a 100-strong army column raided Sone Chaung village at 2 a.m. on July 21. Among the minors killed were Lwin Moe Tun, Sai Htoo Hseng, Nay Min Tun and Pho Chit, residents said.

Myanmar soldiers also killed four civilians in their 30s a Naing Min, Myo Myint Swe, Pho Aung and Kyaw Zin Tun. The six PDF members executed were Myo Myint Oo, Kyaw Soe, Yan Naing Soe, Htay Zaw, Aung Win Swe and Zaw Win.

The victims were tortured before being killed, said a village resident who found the bodies and who spoke to Radio Free Asia on condition of anonymity, citing security concerns.

The 10 adults were tied in pairs and shot dead in the southern part of the village, he said.

"It was a horrible scene," the local said. "Faces were disfigured, and their [chests] were covered in blood."

The villager went on to say that soldiers had torn off the skin on one of the PDF member's legs, hit him in the chest with rifle butts, and appeared to have shot him in the temple at point-blank range.

Myanmar has been wracked by violence since the military overthrew the elected civilian-led government in a February 2021 coup.

Sagaing region has been an anti-junta stronghold and cradle of resistance for local PDFs a civilians who have taken up arms to fight the military's brutal rule. Junta forces have swept through villages across the region to find and punish suspected resistance fighters and their civilian supporters.

Sone Chaung has four communities with more than 2,000 houses and over 7,000 residents who mostly farm to make a living.

'We are inconsolable'

The military column entered Sone Chaung village from the south and left around 8 a.m., residents said.

Villager Phyu Nu said she believed soldiers were firing into the air when she heard gunshots from the south end around 6:30 a.m.

"Later, we found dead bodies," she told RFA. "They didn't fire into the air, but they killed the youths. It's too cruel. And it's even more painful because the people who were not involved in the revolution were also killed. The victims were not simply shot dead. We are inconsolable since they were horribly disfigured."

The villagers said they buried the bodies of eight civilians, who were Sone Chaung residents, near Kyauk Hmaw village to the north on the same day.

Following the raid, junta-controlled state media reported that Myanmar forces killed seven, not six, PDF members and seized weapons during the village raid.

Villager Tin Oo told RFA that the junta forces made a false accusation about the presence of a PDF camp in Sone Chaung.

"They did this because it is likely that someone such as an informant told them about the village," he said. "People are frustrated because [the military] did such a thing though there is no PDF."

The State Administration Council, as the junta regime is known, has not issued a statement on the raid.

RFA could not reach junta spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun for comment.

A member of the Chindwin PDF who survived the raid said junta forces intercepted PDF communication signals and were waiting to shoot at them.

"After being shot and arrested, four of our members were left behind, and the other four escaped with chest wounds," he said.

The PDF members did not have time to fight back as they tried to move residents to a safe place amid continuous fire by junta troops.

More than 30 residents who could not escape and were detained by the soldiers were later released when the military column left, villagers said.

Some Sone Chaung residents who successfully fled have not yet returned because of the killings, they said.

More than 3,800 civilians have been killed across Myanmar since the military coup, according to the Association for the Assistance of Political Prisoners, a Thailand-based rights group.

Translated by Htin Aung Kyaw for RFA Burmese. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Matt Reed.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content July not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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With its abundant natural resources, youthful population, and favourable climate, Africa stands at the threshold of a transformative opportunity to become the next global manufacturing hub.

The continent's riches are undeniable, from arable land to mineral reserves. About 30 percent of the world's mineral reserves are in Africa. Eight percent of its world's natural gas, 12 percent of oil reserves, an impressive 40 percent of the world's gold and a whopping 90 percent of chromium and platinum are here. It has the largest cobalt reserves, diamonds, platinum, and uranium.

In addition, 65 percent of the world's arable land and 10 percent of the planet's renewable fresh water are all in Africa. This unparalleled endowment gives Africa immense potential to drive industrial growth and economic prosperity.

Yet, Africa is also the poorest continent on Earth. Economic insecurity, political instability and corruption, civil wars, and terrorist insurrections have left millions of Africans impoverished. But what can the continent do to realise its potential?

Leveraging Africa's Youthful Population for Manufacturing Growth

With its vibrant and youthful population, Africa holds a priceless demographic advantage that sets it apart. As the continent boasts the youngest population worldwide, Africa stands at the forefront of this remarkable trend. As of 2022, 40 percent of its people were aged 15 years and younger, surpassing the global average by 25 percent.

The benefits of this youthful population are abundant and crucial for Africa's development. Firstly, it provides a robust and cost-effective labour force, a key catalyst for economic progress and prosperity.

With a vast pool of young talent, the continent can tap into a wellspring of potential and unleash its productivity to propel growth. Furthermore, the energy and creativity of Africa's young minds fuel innovation and invention, paving the way for novel solutions to pressing challenges. Embracing this spirit of ingenuity can foster technological advancements and further enhance Africa's global standing.

Africa's youthful demographics create a robust market for products and services that cater to the preferences and needs of the younger generation. It opens up exciting business opportunities to innovate and thrive, nurturing a dynamic and thriving economy.

Moreover, the large proportion of the population in their productive years translates to a broader tax base, supplying governments with the resources needed to invest in vital infrastructure, education, and healthcare, ultimately uplifting communities and improving livelihoods.

The composition of Africa's population fosters a mobile and adaptable workforce capable of seizing opportunities and contributing to diverse sectors across the continent. This mobility enhances labour market flexibility and drives economic efficiency.

Africa's youthful advantage is a beacon of hope and promise, offering unparalleled prospects for growth and development. By harnessing the potential of its energetic and vibrant youth, the continent can build a brighter future and rise to new heights on the world stage.

Harnessing this youthful population, and favourable climate, Africa can position itself as a prominent player in the global manufacturing landscape. So, by prioritising investments in education, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships, the continent can unlock its full manufacturing potential, paving the way for sustainable growth and progress.

Shift from Low Productivity to High Productivity Area

There's no doubt that a country's ability to improve its standard of living depends largely on its ability to raise its production levels or produce more goods and services for a given number of hours of work. That's the only way for Africa.

With Africa focused on low-productivity sectors, such as agriculture, most households are generally poor. It's time to shift towards higher-productivity sectors such as manufacturing. Increasing firms' productivity within the manufacturing sector will also play a key role in job creation and more inclusive growth.

A productivity agenda that focuses on enhancing competition in the domestic economy, increasing openness to foreign direct investments and promoting an ecosystem for firm innovation are the answers. More importantly, there should be a higher focus on skills development to meet the needs of an innovative knowledge-based economy. Africa's journey toward becoming the next manufacturing hub is a remarkable opportunity that, with focused efforts and visionary policies, can bring about enduring economic transformation and prosperity for the continent and its people.

Manufacturing exports offer several advantages that contribute to sustained economic growth. Increased stability, both macroeconomic and political, along with market liberalisation in many African countries, create opportunities for private sector-led economic development.

The potential of manufacturing exports to foster economic growth has been observed in regions like Southeast Asia and countries like Mauritius and Tunisia. Manufacturing exports bring spillover effects, such as competitive pressure, economies of scale, and technology transfer.

Several empirical and theoretical studies indicate that manufacturing exports positively impact total factor productivity (TFP), enhancing growth prospects. Manufacturing competitiveness is critical for sustained economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa. By addressing the structural factors influencing productivity, these countries can unlock their full potential and achieve economic development driven by a competitive manufacturing sector.

Higher Income Elasticity of Demand for Manufactured Goods

Manufactured goods generally have a higher income elasticity of demand than primary goods. Countries specialising in manufacturing can expect higher growth when foreign income increases, as opposed to countries predominantly reliant on primary goods exports. Additionally, the price elasticity of demand and supply is higher for manufactured goods, stabilising volatility in terms of trade--an essential aspect for African nations heavily dependent on primary product exports.

Addressing Productivity Growth and Competitiveness

African entrepreneurs must compete internationally to integrate into the global economy. However, sub-Saharan Africa's productivity growth and competitiveness have been lower than expected, given their levels of human capital, GDP per capita, and political stability. The World Economic Forum's Africa Competitiveness Report highlights structural policies necessary to promote competitiveness, including trade openness, human development, and infrastructure investment.

Examining the manufacturing sectors of the four countries reveals similarities and differences. Food processing dominates manufacturing value-added in Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal, while it is also significant in Cameroon but less so in Nigeria.

The food industry transforms or packages locally produced agricultural products with relatively low value added. The textile industry was essential in Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, and Senegal but declined during the 1980s. Wood processing is significant in all countries except Senegal, where it has declined, posing challenges to the industry's future.

Determinants of Total Factor Productivity (TFP)

Competitiveness depends on factors influencing TFP, including human capital development, external trade, and infrastructure. Human capital accumulation is crucial for productivity growth, facilitating technology transfer and adaptation to new technology. Studies show a positive impact of skilled labour on TFP growth in the four countries under study.

Commercial openness and exports have a significant influence on TFP growth. Trade restrictions hinder productivity growth, while exports positively impact productivity.

Additionally, import liberalisation facilitates access to capital goods and non-substitutable intermediate inputs, enhancing productivity gains.

The Role of Infrastructure in Enhancing Competitiveness

Physical infrastructure, such as roads, ports, energy facilities, and communication networks, enhances productivity and competitiveness. Well-functioning infrastructure improves communication and production efficiency and reduces costs, promoting competitiveness. Deficient infrastructure hampers exports, as it increases shipment costs and impedes access to markets.

Policy Implications for Enhancing Manufacturing Competitiveness

To enhance manufacturing competitiveness, governments must focus on the following policy implications:

Promote trade liberalisation and market deregulation to eliminate price distortions between tradable and non-tradable goods.

Invest in infrastructure development to improve communication and production efficiency.

Prioritise investment in human capital and vocational training to equip the workforce with essential skills for productivity gains.

Encourage exports to boost productivity and create a positive feedback loop between exports and competitiveness.

Africa's Manufacturing Competitiveness

Recent research by the Center for Global Development reveals that Africa's manufacturing costs tend to be higher than those in similar countries outside the continent. This disparity makes it difficult for African industries to compete in the global market.

Factors such as high labour costs, restrictive labour laws, and inadequate infrastructure contribute to the overall cost of manufacturing, hindering competitiveness.

Opportunities in Ethiopia

Despite the challenges, Ethiopia is emerging as a promising exception in Africa's manufacturing landscape. Positioned as Africa's 21st-century centre for manufacturing, Ethiopia has the potential to become the "New China." With rising labour costs in traditional manufacturing powerhouses and concerns over social issues in some Asian countries, Ethiopia's competitive labour costs make it an attractive destination for global fashion brands.

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Trader skills encompass a range of essential abilities utilised by financial traders, stock traders, investment traders, and securities traders in their daily operations. These proficiencies equip them to navigate high-pressure and fiercely competitive environments, setting them apart from their peers in the field.

It is crucial to address the challenges and capitalise on the opportunities the youthful population presents to transform Africa into a thriving manufacturing hub.

Governments and development partners must prioritise the following key areas:

Investment in Education and Skills: Enhancing access to quality education, vocational training, and trading skills is essential to equip the workforce with the necessary skills for the manufacturing sector. It will enhance workforce productivity and efficiency, contributing to overall industry growth. These skills are not only limited to manufacturing but equally valuable for business, trade and investment. And talking about trade and investment, if you are looking for the best Stock Brokers in the UK, always check the Trading Guide.

Infrastructure Development: Strengthening transport networks and ensuring a stable electricity supply will reduce logistical challenges and enhance Africa's manufacturing capabilities, making it more competitive globally.

Labour Market Reforms: Reevaluating labour laws and minimum wage regulations will balance protecting workers' rights and fostering industrial growth. It will attract foreign investments and create a conducive business environment.

Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration with the private sector and international partners will provide valuable expertise, knowledge-sharing, and access to international markets, driving the expansion of African manufacturing.

Africa is ripe for industrialization, driven by its abundant natural resources and a youthful workforce. The continent can unlock its potential to become the next manufacturing hub by addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities presented. With careful investment in education, infrastructure, and labour market reforms, Africa can leverage its demographic advantage and position itself as a formidable player in the global manufacturing landscape. By nurturing the potential of the youth and fostering strategic partnerships, Africa can pave the way for sustainable economic development and prosperity. With a unified vision and commitment to industrialization, Africa's journey toward becoming a manufacturing powerhouse is within reach.
Annual Staff Talks held between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Naval Headquarters

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Annual Staff Talks between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Naval Headquarters were held today at the Foreign Office. The Foreign Secretary Dr. Asad Majeed Khan and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) Vice Admiral Ovais A Bilgrami led the respective sides for the talks. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ms Hina Rabbani Khar presided the meeting. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs was also represented in the meeting.

The meeting provided an opportunity for a comprehensive overview of Pakistan's maritime interests including in the domain of maritime security, blue economy, disaster management, environmental protection and climate change imperatives. Pakistan's participation in various regional and international forums dealing with maritime issues and opportunities for international collaboration and capacity-building in various fields were also discussed.

The participants of the meeting were unanimous on the need for early finalization of a comprehensive national maritime policy framework to synergise the efforts of all relevant stakeholders in the maritime domain for a holistic pursuit of the maritime interests of Pakistan.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs underscored the need for developing an enabling domestic ecosystem for the realization of the maritime and blue economy potential of Pakistan and the proactive pursuit of effective international partnerships in the maritime domain.

The participants pledged to deepen their interaction and coordination and work with the relevant stakeholders for the achievement of this objective.

Islamabad

24 July 2023

148/2023

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Greetings to President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev

Vladimir Putin sent birthday greetings to President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

July 24, 2023

09:00

The message reads, in part:

"You are highly regarded by citizens of Uzbekistan, as was fully proved in the recent presidential election. Under your leadership, the country is confidently advancing along the path of economic and social development, effectively defending its interests on the global arena.

You make an immense personal contribution to enhancing the strategic partnership and alliance between our countries and well as efficient bilateral cooperation in many spheres.

I highly appreciate our good, friendly relations. We will continue to take joint efforts to solve pressing issues on the bilateral, regional and international agendas."

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Russian Industry Minister: Monthly Munition Production Exceeds Volumes for the Whole of 2022

Sputnik News

20230724

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Monthly production of munitions by Russia's defense industry has exceeded production volumes for entire 2022, Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov said on Monday.

Manturov also said that almost all defense firms are meeting deadlines to implement defense orders.

"You know that since the start of the current year, the volume of production of numerous weapons, special military equipment has exceeded the volumes for the entire past year. If we talk about means of destruction, we are now entering a level where a monthly production rate exceeds the overall production volume of the past year," the minister stated.

In January, President Vladimir Putin said that the productivity of Russia's defense industry is key to victory in the special military operation.

"For example, we produce air defense missiles three times more per year than in the United States. And, in general, our defense industry produces about the same amount of air defense missiles for various purposes per year as all the military-industrial enterprises of the world produce," Putin said during a visit to the Obukhov State Plant, a northwestern branch of Almaz-Antey Aerospace Defense Concern.

A Sputnik

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Putin Signs Law on Digital Ruble

Sputnik News

20230724

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed a law on digital ruble in Russia a the third form of the national currency.

The relevant document is published on the official legal information portal.

The document introduces the basic concepts necessary for the introduction of the digital ruble. The Bank of Russia Board of Directors will set the tariffs on digital currency transactions.

Earlier it was reported that the Bank of Russia was planning to issue a digital ruble as an additional form of Russia's national currency. It can be used offline and for online payments. The regulator will grant access to the digital ruble to all economic agents, including individuals, businesses and the government.

The Bank of Russia stated there will be no obligatory transfer of salaries and pensions to digital rubles. Similar to its two existing equivalents a cash and non-cash rubles a the digital ruble will have no expiry date.

A Sputnik

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Iran committed to supporting Syria's anti-terror fight, territorial integrity: UN envoy

Iran Press TV

Monday, 24 July 2023 9:55 PM

Iran's permanent ambassador to the United Nations has reiterated the Islamic Republic's commitment to supporting Syria in its fight against threats posed by terrorist groups, and preserving its territorial integrity.

Amir Saeid Iravani made the remarks while addressing a UN Security Council briefing on the political and humanitarian situation in Syria on Monday.

"Iran reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting the people and government of Syria in overcoming the threats of terrorism. We stand ready to assist in rebuilding their country, ensuring its unity, and preserving its territorial integrity," he said.

The envoy also slammed the continuation of the West's unilateral sanctions against Syria, which impede efforts made to improve the war-ravaged country's "humanitarian and economic plight."

The Iranian diplomat stressed the importance of putting an immediate end to the "illegal and cruel" sanctions against Syria, saying they "have damaged the [Syrian] economy and people's daily lives while limiting the government's ability to provide essential services."

Syria has been the target of US sanctions since 1979. Washington and its Western allies have dramatically tightened their restrictive measures against Damascus since 2011, when the Arab country found itself in the grip of foreign-backed militancy and terrorism.

Washington's coercive measures intensified even further with the passing of the Caesar Act in 2019, which targeted any individual and business that participated either directly or indirectly in Syria's reconstruction efforts.

Elsewhere in his address, the Iranian ambassador to the UN once again lashed out at the Israeli regime for its aggression and military attacks against Syria -- particularly those that target civilian infrastructure -- and continued occupation of the Golan Heights.

He urged the UN Security Council to address Israel's malicious activities and acts of aggression, which are conducted in clear violation of international law and international humanitarian law, and also violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.

Iravani emphasized that Israel's "malign activities not only destabilize the region, but also exacerbate tensions."

Israel has frequently attacked the positions of Syria's military and its allies since 2011, following the start of foreign-backed militancy and terrorism in the country.

Damascus has repeatedly complained to the United Nations and its Security Council over the Israeli assaults, but the world body has failed to take action against the regime, thus emboldening it to conduct more airstrikes on Syria.

Iravani emphasized that respecting Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity plays a "crucial" role in addressing the humanitarian crisis in the country in an effective manner.

"As such, preventing aid diversion to terrorist organizations in the northwest region [of Syria] and ensuring transparent and non-discriminatory distribution of aid are essential aspects that need careful consideration," he said.

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Without a mandate 4.1 million people in north-west Syria are living in limbo not knowing if food and medicines will reach them: UK statement at the Security Council

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

24 July 2023



I'd like to start by thanking Special Envoy Pedersen for your briefing and also Director Rajasingham for your briefing and for the work of your teams on the ground.

Two weeks ago, Russia vetoed the nine-year old UN mandate to provide humanitarian assistance to the 4.1 million people in need in north-west Syria.

Those 4.1 million people are now living in a limbo, not knowing if food and medicines will reach them in the coming weeks and months. In those two weeks, as we've heard, not a single truck has crossed the Bab Al-Hawa crossing, where 85% of UN assistance previously transited. Not one truck.

Because, although Syria says they have given the UN permission, the conditions that Assad has set out make it unsafe to do so. And the UN has been clear that the conditions Syria has set out are inoperable and unworkable.

They also undermine OCHA's neutrality, impartiality and independence. The crossings the UN now has to use instead at Bab Al-Salam and Bab Al Ra'ee are currently open only for another 21 days and not set up for the capacity that was crossing at Bab al-Hawa.

I myself saw on the 8th of June when I was there 60 trucks crossing and that contrasts to the 18 trucks that the UN has managed to get across in the last week.

So Russia and Syria's claims that they are driven purely by humanitarian considerations is simply not supported by the facts on the ground.

The north-west of Syria is an active conflict zone where all parties, including the Regime and Russia, continue to launch attacks with civilians caught in the crossfire.

The United Kingdom supports the ongoing discussions between the UN and Syria to lift its conditions and let the aid flow.

It's critical that humanitarian access is negotiated with all conflict actors and that aid reaches the most vulnerable according to humanitarian principles. The lack of a Council mandate affects longer-term early recovery work as well that this Council has agreed is essential across Syria.

So we continue to believe that action by this Council, with politics set aside, is the best way to ensure access continues to those who need it. In the meantime, we urge Syria to live up to its obligations under international law and engage with the UN in good faith.

Ultimately, the people of Syria and the wider region need a sustainable end to this conflict in line with Security Council Resolution 2254. So we encourage a resumption of constitutional committee talks in Geneva without further delay and without further excuses.

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Nine injured in explosion at Keelung military base (update)

ROC Central News Agency

07/24/2023 06:49 PM

Taipei, July 24 (CNA) Nine people were injured, two seriously, on Monday after an explosion at an ammunition depot at the Hsiang Feng military base in Keelung, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND).

The blast occurred at around 3 p.m., when a 120-millimeter mortar round exploded during an inspection by technical personnel, the MND said, adding that the cause of the explosion is under investigation.

Emergency services said that after arriving at the scene, they transported six of the injured soldiers to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Keelung, and five of them were treated for scrapes, ringing ears and dizziness.

The other soldier, a staff sergeant surnamed Hung (), had his right thigh and left arm severely disfigured in the blast and arrived at the hospital without vital signs but was successfully revived, the hospital said.

The other soldier seriously injured in the blast was a 34-year-old sergeant surnamed Yin (a), who suffered second- and third-degree burns on his arms and face and extensive damage to his left arm, and was taken to Keelung's Tri Service General Hospital.

Although Yin was able to respond to doctors' questions upon arriving at the hospital, he was later intubated and transferred to the Tri Service General Hospital branch in Taipei's Neihu District for further treatment, the hospital's deputy superintendent Liu Jui-meng (aSczcY) told reporters.

The other two soldiers sought medical attention on their own, the military said.

The ammunition depot where the explosion occurred is operated by the Third Branch of the 6th Army Command. The base is located on the east side of Keelung's inner harbor, northeast of the city's downtown area.

The MND has yet to say whether the accident was related to the annual Han Kuang military exercises, which kicked off Monday in northern Taiwan and run through Friday.

(By Wang Chao-yu, Chen Chieh-ling and Matthew Mazzeta)

Enditem/ls





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Military cancels Taitung civilian airport drill due to approaching typhoon

ROC Central News Agency

07/24/2023 05:58 PM

Taipei, July 24 (CNA) Taiwan's military announced Monday it had canceled an emergency landing and takeoff drill at the civilian Taitung Fengnian Airport planned for Tuesday due to the approaching Typhoon Doksuri.

With Doksuri continuing to strengthen, military spokesman Sun Li-fang (ac) said that the Ministry of National Defense (MND) had called off the drill, part of the live-fire component of this year's Han Kuang military exercises, on safety grounds.

The planned drill at Fengnian, the first of its kind since the airport opened in 1981, would have involved F-16 fighter jets and C-130H Hercules transport aircraft, according to the MND.

As part of the live-fire component of this year's Han Kuang exercises, which run from Monday to Friday, the MND has also scheduled an anti-takeover drill for Wednesday at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, the country's primary international gateway.

Should the drill in Taoyuan go ahead as planned, it will be the first time such an exercise will have been held at Taiwan's busiest civilian airport.

However, Sun hinted that the MND could cancel other parts of the Han Kuang exercises due to Typhoon Doksuri, which Taiwan is expected to feel the most apparent impact on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the Central Weather Bureau (CWB).

The live-fire component of this year's Han Kuang military exercises kicked off early Monday with the focus of the first-day drills on testing the military's preservation and maintenance of combat capabilities in the event of a full-scale Chinese invasion.

The annual Han Kuang exercises, which have served as Taiwan's major war games since 1984, consist of live-fire drills and computerized war games and are meant to test Taiwan's combat readiness in the face of a possible Chinese invasion.

This year's tabletop exercises were staged in May.

(By Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/ASG

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Taiwan's 1st group of volunteer female reservists report for military exercises

ROC Central News Agency

07/24/2023 02:02 PM

Taoyuan, July 24 (CNA) A group of 19 female veterans reported to a location in northern Taoyuan City to start five days of volunteer reservist training on Monday morning, which coincides with the ongoing five-day live-fire part of the annual Han Kuang series of military exercises.

This makes them the first female reservists to undergo reservist training during Han Kuang, the nation's largest annual wargames that involve all military branches.

The 19 reservists reported to Yang Mei Junior High School in Taoyuan's Yangmei District on Monday morning.

The highest-ranking reservists among them are discharged Army's lieutenants and sergeant majors, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND).

They specialized in transportation, personnel, intelligence, communications, political warfare, automobile driving, missile launching, radar operation, replenishment and food service, while they were on active duty, the MND said.

These female reservists will be trained to be responsible for logistics, resupply and administration missions during wartime, it added.

The 19 women are among a total of 120-plus reservists that will report to the Yang Mei Junior High School on Monday for the five-day reservist training.

The women will undergo the same training as their male counterparts during the five-day program, according to the MND.

Taiwan's military announced in January that it would start asking female reservists to volunteer for the same reservist training as their male counterparts later this year.

The first group of 14 female veterans underwent such training this May.

Previously, Taiwan's military said it only trained male reservists because it did not have sufficient capacity to accommodate both men and women.

Participants in reservist training have complained for decades that this is a form of gender discrimination.

While men in Taiwan are subject to compulsory military conscription and reservist training, women are not, but they can join the armed forces voluntarily to serve as soldiers and officers.

The MND did not say it is now requiring military training for female reservists because of an increased risk of war with China, but rather that it is doing so because all veterans regardless of gender should have the same responsibility.

As of 2021, a total of 8,915 women were listed as reservists. In addition to the reservists, 15 percent of Taiwan's 180,000 active military personnel are women, according to military figures.

The MND said that a total of 220 female reservists have volunteered to undergo required reservists training this year.

The live-fire component of this year's Han Kuang military exercises kicked off early Monday with the focus of the first day drills on testing the military's preservation and maintenance of combat capabilities in the event of a full-scale Chinese invasion.

The annual Han Kuang exercises, which have served as Taiwan's major war games since 1984, consist of live-fire drills and computerized war games and are meant to test Taiwan's combat readiness in the face of a possible Chinese invasion.

This year's tabletop exercises were staged in May.

(By Matt Yu and Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/cs

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Mogadishu, Somalia  A suicide bomber targeted a military camp in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu early on Monday morning, killing or wounding several people.

Security officials, who spoke to Radio Shabelle, said the attack took place inside Jaalle Siyaad military facility in Hodon district and that military recruits were among the dead.

Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack, saying its suicide bomber killed many soldiers. Some reports said about 20 people were killed.

The suicide bomber had disguised himself as a regular soldier and joined others as they filed into a military base early in the morning before he detonated the explosive.

Somalia has been grappling with security threats for years, with al-Shabab Islamists being one of the main threats in the country.

The militants have increased their attacks since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took office in May 2022 and vowed an "all-out war" against al-Shabab.
Annual Wanan air raid drill starts in northern Taiwan

ROC Central News Agency

07/24/2023 01:31 PM

Taipei, July 24 (CNA) The annual Wanan air raid drill began in northern Taiwan on Monday, with traffic ground to a halt and civilians required to shelter in place and follow police instructions.

The half-hour drill began at 1:30 p.m. with air raid sirens going off across Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Yilan, where residents also received a text message from the government on their mobile phone notifying them about an air attack drill.

Road traffic and pedestrian movement, meanwhile, are being halted until 2 p.m.

In addition to the air raid exercise, local governments this year are also required to stage another half-hour of drills to test shelter operations, and to check if utilities are working and if there are enough supplies, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND).

Motorists are reminded to follow police instructions and not to violate traffic rules during the exercise period, or be subject to a fine ranging from NT$30,000 (US$956) to NT$150,000 under Article 25 of the Civil Defense Act, the MND warned.

The 30-minute drill will be carried out at the same time on Tuesday in southern Taiwan, Wednesday in eastern Taiwan and outlying counties, and Thursday in central Taiwan, the ministry said.

The air defense exercise this year is aimed at raising public awareness about emergency warnings, in order to reduce the possibility of casualties and damage if an attack occurs.

(By Matt Yu, Lee Hsin-Yin and Ko Lin)

Enditem/cs

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Taiwan kicks off annual Han Kuang live-fire drills

ROC Central News Agency

07/24/2023 11:06 AM

Taipei, July 24 (CNA) The live-fire component of the annual Han Kuang military exercises, Taiwan's major war games involving all military branches, kicked off early Monday with the focus of the first day's drills on testing the military's preservation and maintenance of combat capabilities in the event of a full-scale Chinese invasion.

The 39th edition of the annual event officially began at 6 a.m. after the Ministry of National Defense's (MND) Joint Operations Command Center, also known as the Hengshan Command Center, announced the initiation of the five-day live-fire drills to test the Taiwanese military's capability to fend off a Chinese invasion.

As part of the drills, Air Force fighter jets that were originally deployed in the western part of Taiwan were dispatched to Hualien Air Base in the east early Monday in a simulation of an invasion, according to the MND.

This was done to make sure the main backbones of the nation's fighter jets in the west side of the island that is closer to the Chinese mainland will be able to preserve their combat readiness in the eastern part of Taiwan, it said.

Meanwhile, all of the nation's major naval vessels left their home ports early Monday and sailed to designated locations off the coast in preparation for confronting enemy forces and to deploy naval mines to slow down enemy invasion, the MND said.

Also, Taiwanese reservists have been simultaneously called up by the military and asked to report to designated locations as a preventive measure in anticipation of enemy invasion of the island, it added.

The annual Han Kuang exercises, which have served as Taiwan's major war games since 1984, consist of live-fire drills and computerized war games and are meant to test Taiwan's combat readiness in the face of a possible Chinese invasion.

This year's tabletop exercises were staged in May.

The five-day island-wide live-fire exercises portion, meanwhile, is scheduled from Monday through Friday.

Earlier this year, Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong had been detected conducting drills in the West Pacific at seas off eastern Taiwan, raising concerns that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is now capable of launching attacks directly at the eastern part of Taiwan that used to be a safe haven for Taiwanese military forces during an Chinese invasion.

Some observers, therefore, questioned if it is still feasible to conduct drills during Han Kuang to simulate moving military assets from the west to east as the military has done on Monday.

Two military experts CNA talked to, namely, Lin Ying-yu (), an assistant professor at Tamkang University's Institute of Strategic Studies, and Chieh Chung (), an associate research fellow with the National Policy Foundation in Taipei, however, both said it is still of primary importance to test the military's redeployment capabilities during Han Kuang.

In the event of a Chinese invasion, local warships and warplanes are still facing much greater direct threat if they are deployed in the west side of Taiwan than moving to the east, given the fact that PLA currently still does not have enough long-range precision strike capability targeting eastern Taiwan, according to both Lin and Chieh.

(By Matt Yu and Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/cs

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VP Lai urges closer ties with France in meeting with visiting lawmakers

ROC Central News Agency

07/24/2023 08:47 PM

Taipei, July 24 (CNA) Vice President Lai Ching-te () on Monday called for closer bilateral ties between Taiwan and France, during a meeting with a delegation of visiting French lawmakers at the Presidential Office in Taipei.

The delegation was led by French Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and the Armed Forces Senator Andre Gattolin, with members including Andre Vallini, vice president of the French Senate's Taiwan Friendship Group, and senators Etienne Blanc and Annick Jacquemet.

In addition to Lai, who is also the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) presidential nominee, the delegation, which arrived on Sunday, will visit Legislative Speaker You Si-kun (), National Security Council Secretary-General Wellington Koo () and Foreign Minister Joseph Wu ().

Lai described a Gattolin-led effort to have 110 French lawmakers sign a letter backing Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA) in March 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as evidence of concrete support from the senator.

While Taiwan was ultimately barred from the WHA in 2020 and all subsequent editions of the World Health Organization's (WHO) annual decision-making meeting, Lai noted that the letter had led to the French Senate and National Assembly passing a resolution in 2021 calling for Taiwan's inclusion in world bodies.

Lai also called for closer cooperation between France and Taiwan, making note of a recent decision of Taiwan-based ProLogium Technology to build a 5.2 billion euro battery factory in Dunkirk as an example.

The vice president said that as like-minded countries pursuing freedom and universal values, Taiwan, France and all democratic countries should align themselves to counter challenges from dictatorial regimes, like in the case of the Russian-Ukraine war.

Lai made note of a pledge by Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) last week to donate US$2.5 million to the construction of a bridge in Kyiv, a project to which the Greater Paris metropole has also contributed US$1 million.

The vice president also thanked departing French Office in Taipei Director Jean-Francois Casabonne-Masonnave for his efforts in enhancing Taiwan-France ties.

For his part, Gattolin, a co-chair of the multinational Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), said the 2020 letter campaign had been very successful.

According to Gattolin, the campaign resulted in an open letter voicing support for Taiwan from the IPAC, an international cross-party coalition of parliamentarians focused on creating a coordinated response to global security, human rights and trade issues, which was signed by 300 lawmakers from 30 countries

Gattolin said a united alignment of lawmakers would create pressure on European governments, which are often divided with regard to Taiwan and China policy.

For instance, Gattolin said, membership of the French Senate's pro-China group had dropped to 40 senators from the previous 50 to 70, while membership of the pro-Taiwan group had grown from 15 to 42.

As Taiwan has opened a second Taipei Representative Office in Aix-en-Provence, Taiwan's representative to France, Wu Chih-chung (), must be credited for his contribution to promoting bilateral links, Gattolin said.

Through Wu's efforts, more French lawmakers have gained a better understanding of Taiwan while more Taiwanese entrepreneurs have visited France to gain first-hand information, Gattolin added.

(By Flor and Wen Kuei-hsiang)

Enditem/ASG



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China fumes over Taiwan presidential hopeful

Vice President Lai Ching-te is polling higher than his rivals ahead of elections but he's reviled by China.

Chris Taylor for RFA 2023.07.24 -- The recent flurry of diplomatic overtures toward China by the United States has done little to placate a perennially irate Beijing.

The latest object of its ire is Democratic Progressive Party vice president and presidential hopeful Lai Ching-te, who will transit - official parlance for a stopover by a senior Taiwanese official - the U.S. en-route to Paraguay next month.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken - one of three high-level U.S. officials to visit China in the past month - confirmed last week that Lai would touch down in the U.S. but not in Washington.

Washington is typically off-limits to top Taiwan officials due to the U.S.'s "one China" policy, which acknowledges, without endorsing, Beijing's position that Taiwan is part of China - favoring maintenance of the status quo, which amounts to a tense standoff in the Taiwan Strait.

It's as yet unknown whether Lai will meet with any official U.S. representatives, but it's customary for Taiwan-friendly members of Congress to meet senior Taiwanese politicians when they touch down in the U.S.

Under President Tsai Ing-wen, a quiet but resolute pragmatist, Taiwan's relations with the U.S. have never been better. Its relations with neighboring China, which claims the democratically governed state as its own, are arguably plumbing new depths.

Tsai's second term will end ahead of elections in January next year. Her vice president, Lai, is currently leading the polls in an election that sees the opposition divided between the Kuomintang's Hou You-yi and the former mayor of Taipei, Ko Wen-je, who has been polling ahead of the KMT's candidate.

Lai, a former health worker, has enjoyed political success in Taiwan - he was reelected as mayor of Tainan in 2014 with a record 72.9% of the vote - and is considered likely to take the Democratic Progressive Party to victory in 2024, which if it happens would mark the first time a political party has won three terms in Taiwan since democratic elections began in 1996.

It would be Beijing's most dreaded outcome.

Lai is perceived by both Washington and Beijing as more unpredictable than Tsai. He has described himself as a "pragmatic worker for Taiwan independence," but publicly cleaves to Tsai's formulation that Taiwan is already a sovereign nation with no need to declare independence.

Tsai has privately described her role in navigating relations with Beijing as "walking a tightrope," and some fear that Lai will be less deft-footed than his predecessor if he is elected.

At a recent campaign event, Lai said that "when Taiwan's president can enter the White House, the political goal that we're pursuing will have been achieved," according to reports.

Beijing backlash

"I think the provocative adventurist moves by the Taiwan separatists should be contained," said Chinese ambassador to the U.S., Xie Feng, adding, "The priority for us is to stop Lai Ching-te from visiting the United States, which is like a rhino charging at us," a reference to the gray rhino, a highly probable, but neglected, high impact event.

"Mr. Lai proposes to 'build up Taiwan's deterrence,'" the Chinese Embassy in Washington wrote in the Wall Street Journal. "His true agenda is to resist by force the motherland's reunification. A 'military threat' from China's mainland is the DPP's pretext for purchasing over $4 billion in U.S. weaponry in two years alone. Squandering 2.6% of local GDP, the DPP is turning the island into a powder keg."

The last time China's hostile propaganda machine got so riled up about a democratically elected leader in Taiwan was during the tenure of Chen Shui-bian between 2000-2008.

Chen came to power on an anti-China crusade and vowed to deliver a new constitution to Taiwan, leading Washington to regard him as an unpredictable provocateur and China to label him as a "separatist" as it does Lai as well.

Lai told supporters on July 10 that the upcoming election is a choice between Zhongnanhai - China's equivalent to the White House - or Washington, adding that his political party, the DPP, embraces the latter.

It is uncertain whether the U.S. has quietly voiced any concerns about what might be considered Lai's gaffe, although his aides said Lai was simply pointing out that Taiwan had to be clear about who its friends are.

"The administration has to be crystal clear with candidates in Taiwan about U.S. interests and red lines while also demonstrating that the U.S. is not favoring any party in Taiwan's democratic election," Zack Cooper, an Asia expert at the American Enterprise Institute, told the Financial Times. "We will see the administration engage privately with candidates when they have concerns, rather than airing them in public."

Lai's rivals in the 2024 presidential election are campaigning on a platform of peace versus war, arguing that Lai's election will be a red line for Beijing and will plunge the Taiwan Strait into conflict, an apocalyptic scenario for the region.

Chinese ambassador Xie said at the Aspen Security Forum that "Taiwan is China's Taiwan" and that the country wanted a peaceful "reunification," but Taiwanese "separatists" were advancing their agenda, seeking U.S. support, Reuters reported last week.

The U.S. is calling Lai's scheduled transit in the U.S. "routine" but China can be expected to respond with military drills around Taiwan, as it did during former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan last year and in April, when Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen met current House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles.

Edited by Mike Firn.

This story has been updated with edits.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content July not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Mainland official meets Taiwan guests attending cross-Strait event

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:10, July 25, 2023

NANJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Song Tao, the mainland's senior Taiwan affairs official, on Monday met with representatives of Taiwan guests who will attend a cross-Strait exchange event, including Hung Hsiu-chu, former chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang party, in Nanjing of east China's Jiangsu Province.

Song, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, conveyed the cordial greetings of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, to the Taiwan guests.

Song reiterated that only by upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" can the cross-Strait relations return to the right path of peaceful development.

He called for resolute opposition against separatist activities seeking "Taiwan independence" and external interference, and taking the future and destiny firmly in the hands of Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Hung and other guests noted that Taiwan should uphold the 1992 Consensus, which is the anchor for cross-Strait peace and stability, explore the ways and plans for realizing peaceful reunification, and work with the mainland towards Chinese modernization and national rejuvenation.

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Update 175 - IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

International Atomic Energy Agency

74/2023

Vienna, Austria

24 Jul 2023

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts have observed directional anti-personnel mines on the periphery of the site of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

During a walkdown on 23 July, the IAEA team saw some mines located in a buffer zone between the site's internal and external perimeter barriers. The experts reported that they were situated in a restricted area that operating plant personnel cannot access and were facing away from the site. The team did not observe any within the inner site perimeter during the walkdown.

"As I have reported earlier, the IAEA has been aware of the previous placement of mines outside the site perimeter and also at particular places inside. Our team has raised this specific finding with the plant and they have been told that it is a military decision, and in an area controlled by military," Director General Grossi said.

"But having such explosives on the site is inconsistent with the IAEA safety standards and nuclear security guidance and creates additional psychological pressure on plant staff - even if the IAEA's initial assessment based on its own observations and the plant's clarifications is that any detonation of these mines should not affect the site's nuclear safety and security systems. The team will continue its interactions with the plant," he added.

In recent days and weeks, the IAEA experts present at the ZNPP have carried out inspections and regular walkdowns across the site, without seeing any heavy military equipment. The IAEA is also continuing to request access to the roofs of the ZNPP's reactors and their turbine halls, including units 3 and 4 which are of particular interest.

Earlier today, the experts visited the reactor unit 6 main control room, emergency control room, the rooms where electrical cabinets of the safety systems are located, and parts of the turbine hall where they saw the main feedwater pumps, main turbine oil tank and main condenser. While the team was not able to visit all areas in the turbine hall, they did not observe any mines or explosives.

In the evening of 22 July, the IAEA team heard several detonations some distance away from the plant.

Also over the weekend, the ZNPP temporarily lost its connection to the main 750 kilovolt (kV) power line and relied on a single 330 kV back-up line for off-site electricity for some eight hours on Saturday, without any consequences to nuclear safety and security on site. The cause was a technical failure in one of the switchyards some distance away from the site, the ZNPP informed the IAEA. The event once again highlighted the site's fragile external power situation during the military conflict. Nuclear power plants need power for reactor cooling and other essential nuclear safety and security functions.

The plant has begun its planned transition of reactor unit 4 from cold to hot shutdown, informing the IAEA experts that the relevant tests were carried out and that the unit is heating up. Unit 4 is expected to reach hot shutdown status on 25 July. Once that is done, reactor unit 5 - now in hot shutdown - will be placed in cold shutdown in order to carry out preventive maintenance activities that are only possible in cold shutdown. The other units remain in cold shutdown. As reported previously the Ukraine national regulator - SNRIU - has issued regulatory orders to limit the operation of all six units to a cold shutdown state.

The IAEA experts are continuing to closely monitor the situation regarding the availability of water for cooling the ZNPP's six reactors and other essential nuclear safety and security functions, following the destruction of the downstream Kakhovka dam in early June and the subsequent depletion of the huge reservoir near the plant. The IAEA team reported that the available water supply remains relatively stable, with the water level decreasing by around 1 centimetre per day due to usage and evaporation. The site continues to have sufficient water for some months.

A new team of IAEA experts arrived at the Rivne NPP today and new teams at the Khmelnitsky and South Ukraine sites will also arrive this week to replace the current IAEA teams there.

The IAEA Support and Assistance Mission on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources in Ukraine - ISAMRAD - arrived in Kyiv today as part of a mission to assess the radiation safety and nuclear security situation regarding radioactive sources in the country and also to identify equipment needs and other requirements. The team will also visit institutes and facilities in Kharkiv during the week to assess the nuclear safety and security situation there.

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Russia warns of 'harsh retaliation' after drone strikes

Iran Press TV

Monday, 24 July 2023 2:21 PM

Russia has warned of tough retaliation against the backdrop of drone strikes on the capital Moscow and Crimea.

One drone on Monday struck close to the Russian Defense Ministry premises. A second drone targeted an area in the vicinity.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that a third "helicopter-type drone" which was not carrying explosives fell on a cemetery in a town outside Moscow.

Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry said 17 drones also attacked the Russian-controlled territory of Crimea overnight. The ministry said it had used anti-drone equipment and air defenses to bring them down.

"We regard what happened as yet another use of terrorist methods and intimidation of the civilian population by the military and political leadership of Ukraine," the foreign ministry said of the drone attacks.

"The Russian Federation reserves the right to take harsh retaliatory measures."

Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council who also formerly served as Russia's president, said it was essential that Moscow broaden the range of targets it struck in Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had already said on Sunday that Ukraine's military would retaliate Russian missile strikes on the port city of Odessa.

Russia began its "special military operation" in Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

The objective was to defend the pro-Russian population in Donetsk and Luhansk, eastern Ukrainian regions, against what Moscow said was persecution by the government in Kiev.

Kiev and its Western allies accuse Moscow of seizing those territories by force. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian regions voted in separate referendums in favor of joining the Russian Federation.

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Russia blames Ukraine for 'terrorist' drone attack on Moscow

Iran Press TV

Monday, 24 July 2023 6:47 AM

Russia has blamed Ukraine for a fresh "terrorist" drone attack against targets in the Russian capital.

The Mayor of Moscow Sergei Sobyanin said in the early hours of Monday morning that at about 4:00 am local time (01:00 GMT), drone strikes on two non-residential buildings were recorded in the Russian capital.

The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed on Monday a Ukrainian drone attack damaged at least two buildings in the capital city Moscow. There were no casualties.

The Ministry said two Ukrainian drones were suppressed and crashed in the early hours of the morning.

"A Kiev regime attempt to carry out a terrorist act using two drones on objects on the territory of the city of Moscow was stopped," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement posted to Telegram.

"On the morning of July 24, an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack using two unmanned aerial vehicles [UAVs] on objects in the city of Moscow was thwarted.

"Two Ukrainian UAVs were suppressed by means of electronic warfare and crashed," the Russian Defense Ministry said.

The Ministry added that "as a result of the suppressed terrorist attack of the Kiev regime, there were no victims."

The Russian military's Zvezda TV channel released footage showing missing windows at the top of the building.

Tass news agency reported that drone debris was also found along the city's Komsomolsky Avenue.

Moscow's Transport Department wrote on Telegram that traffic along the route was blocked and photos showed emergency services working at the scene.

Ukraine has launched numerous drone attacks against Russian targets in recent months.

In May, Kiev denied carrying out a drone attack on the Kremlin, which Russia said amounted to an attempt on President Vladimir Putin's life.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's southern military command claimed on Monday that a Russian overnight drone strike on port infrastructure in Ukraine's Odesa region port infrastructure of the Danube had destroyed a grain hangar.

Ukraine's southern military command said on Telegram, "As a result of the strikes, a grain hangar was destroyed, tanks for storing other types of cargo were damaged."

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to retaliate Russian attacks.

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Moscow Hit By Drones As Russia Strikes Key Ukrainian Export Route On Danube Near Romania

By Current Time, RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service July 24, 2023

Two drones were reported to have hit buildings in Moscow early on July 24, according to the mayor of the Russian capital, with media reports saying debris was found not far from Defense Ministry headquarters.

The Russian Defense Ministry said on Telegram that two drones "were suppressed and crashed," and blamed the Ukrainian military.

Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Telegram that two nonresidential buildings were struck at around 4 a.m. He said there was no "serious damage or casualties."

Meanwhile, late on July 24, Ukrainian authorities said one child was killed and six other people injured in a Russian strike on the city of Kostyantynivka in eastern Ukraine.

Among the injured were four children: three girls aged 5, 11, and 12, and an 11-year-old boy, said regional Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko.

Kyrylenko said Smerch self-propelled grenade launchers with cluster munitions were used. The report could not immediately be verified.

The reports come a day after at least one person was killed, 22 wounded, and a historic Orthodox cathedral seriously damaged in a Russian missile attack on the Ukrainian Black Sea port city of Odesa.

It also comes amid a report on July 24 of a Russian drone attack on a key Danube River grain export route for Ukraine very close to the border with NATO and EU member Romania.

Russia's military has launched military strikes on Odesa and other Ukrainian food-export facilities in recent days 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.

The Ukrainian military has not commented on the reported drone strikes in Moscow on July 24. Ukraine almost never publicly claims responsibility for attacks inside Russia or on Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine.

However, AFP later quoted a Ukrainian defense source as saying the attack was a "special operation" by Ukrainian military intelligence, although the claim could not be independently verified.

The Russian state-run TASS news agency, citing emergency services, said that drone fragments were found near a building on Komsomolsky Avenue in central Moscow. The site is about 2 kilometers from the Defense Ministry's buildings.

State-run media also reported that a high-rise office building was damaged on Likhachev Avenue in the south of the Russian capital.

Both streets were closed to traffic, Russian state-run media reported.

Russian Telegram channels posted videos and photos of what they said was the damaged buildings.

Elsewhere, Russian forces struck port infrastructure on the Danube River in southern Ukraine with exploding drones early on July 24, wounding seven workers and destroying a grain hangar and storage for other cargo, the Ukrainian military said. It said that Ukrainian forces downed three of the drones.

"The Russian terrorists have again attacked the Odesa region overnight. Port infrastructure on the Danube River is the target this time," regional Governor Oleh Kiper wrote on Telegram.

Citing a local official, news website Reni-Odesa said three grain warehouses had been destroyed in the Danube port city of Reni in an attack involving about 15 drones.

Reni lies just across the Danube from NATO and European Union member Romania.

That proximity was noted by Romanian President Klaus Iohannis in a post on Twitter condemning the Danube attack.

Meanwhile, Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar said on July 24 that the Ukrainian military had retaken over 12 square kilometers of territory in southern Ukraine in the past week in the counteroffensive against Russian invading forces.

Malyar said Ukrainian forces had recaptured a total of more than 192 square kilometers in the southern sector since the counteroffensive began in early June.

Malyar said Ukrainian forces were continuing to advance in several areas toward Melitopol and Berdyansk in the southern region of Zaporizhzhya.

In Crimea, a Russian-installed official in Crimea said an ammunition depot was hit during what he said was a Ukraine drone attack on Dzhankoy.

Sergei Aksyonov, the Kremlin-installed leader of Crimea, which Moscow seized control of in 2014, said a residential building was also damaged in the area.

Aksyonov also said on Telegram that "for safety reasons" railway and road traffic in the area had been suspended.

Late on July 24, Russia-installed authorities said road traffic on the Crimea Bridge connecting Russia with the occupied peninsula had been temporarily halted, without giving a reason.

Russia has a military air base near Dzhankoy. Ukrainian officials have long said the city and surrounding areas have been turned into Moscow's largest military base in Crimea.

The Russian Defense Ministry later claimed that Ukraine tried to attack Crimea overnight using 17 drones, but that the attack was foiled and that there were no casualties.

It said 11 of the drones crashed into the Black Sea after being repressed by anti-drone equipment, three fell on Crimean territory, and three were destroyed by air defenses.

With reporting from Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-drone-strikes- ukraine/32516251.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Foreign Ministry statement on the Ukrainian attacks on Moscow and Crimea

24 July 2023 14:25

1488-24-07-2023

According to the Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation, two Ukrainian unmanned combat aerial vehicles were used to attack facilities in Moscow early in the morning of July 24. All of them were suppressed by radio-electronic warfare systems and crashed. There were no casualties or substantial damage, though two non-residential buildings were struck.

On July 24, a helicopter-type drone with no explosives aboard fell in the Central Cemetery of Moscow's Zelenograd Administrative Area.

In the early hours of July 24, an attempt by the Kiev regime to attack facilities in Crimea was also thwarted. In all, 17 drones were launched. Fourteen were suppressed using radio-electronic warfare systems, 11 of them crashed in the Black Sea and three fell on the territory of the peninsula. Three more drones were destroyed by air-defence forces. There were no casualties. According to Head of the Republic of Crimea Sergey Aksyonov, an ammunition depot was hit in the Dzhankoi District. Drone fragments damaged a private home in the Kirovsky District.

Ukraine has already claimed responsibility for these attacks. Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Mikhail Fyodorov openly confirmed the complicity of the Zelensky regime in the attacks and noted that Kiev would continue these incursions, and that their number will increase.

The military and political leadership of Ukraine has yet again resorted to terrorist methods to intimidate the civilian population. These attacks had no military significance. We strongly condemn this new crime of the Kiev regime, and we urge international organisations to duly evaluate them.

The brazen actions of Ukrainian neo-Nazis highlight the intent of the West to continue aggravating the situation.

The Investigative Committee of Russia has opened criminal proceedings in connection with the attacks. All culprits will be found and punished.

The Russian side reserves the right to take tough retaliatory measures.

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Heavy casualties have been reported after a suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest at Mogadishu's Jaalle Siyaad Military Academy early Monday, sources said.

The bomber targeted military personnel as they lined up after breakfast.

A military officer who asked not to be identified as he was not authorized to speak publicly to the media, told VOA that at least 20 soldiers were killed and dozens of others were injured in the attack. Some of the wounded sustained life-threatening injuries, he said.

The al-Shabab militant group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement via Telegram Messenger, the group claimed that one of its suicide bombers targeted the troops. Al-Shabab claimed the explosion killed 73 soldiers and injured 124 others, a figure that has not been independently verified.

The bomber was wearing a military uniform, according to the officer.

It is not clear how the bomber managed to enter one of the most secure military bases in the capital.

Many of the soldiers belong to the 14th October Brigade, created in commemoration for the victims of the single deadliest terrorist attack in Africa at Mogadishu's Zobe junction, which killed nearly 600 people on October 14, 2017.

Somali troops and local fighters have been conducting operations against al-Shabab since August last year. The Somali government vowed to continue the operation into a second phase to further remove the group from more territories in the countryside.

The militant group has been carrying out retaliatory attacks against government as well as civilian sites.
Ukrainian Casualties During Offensive Amount to Over 350 Soldiers in Past Day - Russian MoD

Sputnik News

20230724

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Ukrainian armed forces lost more than 350 soldiers over the past 24 hours during offensive attempts, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday, adding that 11 Ukrainian attacks have been repelled.

According to the ministry, the Ukrainian military continued to make attempts to attack in Donetsk and Krasny Liman directions.

"Enemy losses amounted to over 160 Ukrainian servicemen [in the Donetsk direction], one tank, two vehicles, a Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery mount, a UK-made FH-70 howitzer, and a Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer. An ammunition depot of the 110th mechanized brigade of the armed forces of Ukraine was destroyed near the settlement of Avdeyevka in the Donetsk People's Republic," the ministry said in a statement.

The Russian forces repelled five attacks in Liman direction and six attacks in Donetsk direction, according to the ministry.

"Enemy losses [in the Liman direction] amounted to 195 Ukrainian servicemen, four infantry fighting vehicles, four armored fighting vehicles, three pickup trucks, two Gvozdika self-propelled artillery mounts, as well as D-20 and D-30 howitzers," the ministry said.

Moreover, the ministry said that Ukraine lost 120 soldiers in South Donetsk and Zaporozhye directions in the past 24 hours.

The ministry also said that Russian air defense forces have shot down 35 Ukrainian drones and intercepted one HIMARS long-range guided missile in Donbas, the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions over past 24 hours.

A Sputnik

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Ukrainian Pilots to Begin F-16 Training in August - Defense Minister

Sputnik News

20230724

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said Monday that Ukrainian pilots would begin training on US-made F-16 fighter jets in August.

In an interview with US media, Reznikov said that the training would last at least six months and would likely take place in Denmark and the Netherlands, as well as the United Kingdom or Poland. The minister added that by the spring of 2024, pilots would be able to fly F-16s in the skies above Ukraine.

Reznikov said that the training could be divided between countries, but that the final plans are still being finalized.

Last Friday, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that F-16 training for Ukrainian pilots would begin in the coming weeks, adding that the United States was currently working with its European allies to determine the location and dates of the training.

F-16 training marks another step up the escalation ladder of NATO's proxy war with Russia in Ukraine. Earlier this month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that the delivery of F-16 fighters to Ukraine would lead to a further escalation of the Ukraine conflict because the jets have a modification that makes them nuclear-capable.

Both Russian and foreign observers have questioned the utility of deploying F-16 fighters to Ukraine, citing the lengthy training time required to create ace pilots, and pointing to Russian air superiority and its vast, dense network of air defenses, which were designed specifically to target large combat aircraft like fighter jets.

A Sputnik

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Russia Repels Ukraine's Drone Attack Over Crimea

Sputnik News

20230724

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday that it had repelled a Ukrainian drone attack against objects in Crimea, shooting down and suppressing all 17 drones.

"During the night, on July 24, an attempted terrorist attack by the Kiev regime against objects on the territory of Crimea using 17 unmanned aerial vehicles was repelled. 14 Ukrainian drones were suppressed by means of electronic warfare, 11 of them crashing in the Black Sea and three more crashing on the territory of the peninsula," the ministry said.

It also stated that air defense forces had shot down three more drones, adding that there had been no casualties as result of the attempted attack.

Earlier in the day, the head of the Republic of Crimea Sergey Aksyonov said that in the skies over Crimea, 11 enemy UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles] were shot down by air defense systems and suppressed by electronic warfare.

"An ammunition depot in the Dzhankoy district was hit. Also, a private house in the Kirovsky district was damaged by UAV fragments," Aksyonov added.

A Sputnik

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Ukraine's Attempted Drone Attack in Moscow Suppressed - Russian Defense Ministry

Sputnik News

20230724

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian Defense Ministry has confirmed that a Ukrainian drone attack on objects in Moscow was thwarted in the early hours of Monday, there were no casualties.

"On the morning of July 24, an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack using two unmanned aerial vehicles [UAVs] on objects in the city of Moscow was thwarted. Two Ukrainian UAVs were suppressed by means of electronic warfare and crashed," the Russian defense ministry said.

The ministry added that "as a result of the suppressed terrorist attack of the Kiev regime, there were no victims."

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Telegram in the early hours of Monday that at about 4:00 a.m. local time (01:00 GMT), drone strikes on two non-residential buildings were recorded in the Russian capital; there was no serious damage or casualties.

The Moscow transport department said on Telegram that traffic along Komsomolsky Prospekt was blocked starting from the center of Moscow towards the region. Later in the morning, the city transport department said that traffic was also blocked along Prospekt Likhachova.

A Sputnik

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Massive Russian missile strikes on Ukraine's port infrastructure imperil global food security - Ihor Zhovkva in a conversation with the Advisor to the President of Portugal

President of Ukraine

24 July 2023 - 21:35

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva held an online conversation with the Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the Portuguese Republic Maria AmAlia Paiva.

The parties discussed the security situation in Ukraine and the recent massive missile attacks on our country's territory by Russia, as well as the devastating consequences of these attacks for infrastructure and civilians.

In this regard, Ihor Zhovkva thanked the Portuguese side for providing defense, financial and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and temporary shelter for nearly 60,000 Ukrainian citizens.

The interlocutors also discussed the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the Grain from Ukraine program.

"Russia's massive missile attacks on Ukraine's port infrastructure directly imperil global food security. The consequences of Russia's terrorist actions in countries that are particularly dependent on Ukrainian agricultural products are already tangible. Russia must receive a consolidated tough response from the international community," the Deputy Head of the Presidential Office emphasized.

Ihor Zhovkva thanked Portugal for supporting Ukraine's movement towards EU and NATO membership, as well as for the accession of the Portuguese Republic to the Joint Declaration on security guarantees.

"Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO is the best guarantee of security for the European continent and the eastern flank of the North Atlantic Alliance. We count on Portugal's support for decisions on Ukraine's progress towards membership in both organizations," he said.

The parties separately discussed Portugal's participation in the implementation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Peace Formula and the modalities of the Global Peace Summit.

In addition, the schedule of high-level contacts for the near future was coordinated.

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Russia must lose every day - that's fair - address by the President of Ukraine

President of Ukraine

24 July 2023 - 21:22

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

A brief report on this day.

I held a special format of the Staff meeting. We focused mostly on frontline issues.

There were reports from the Commander-in-Chief, the commanders of the main directions, and the Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate. Maximum attention is paid to those areas where we are moving forward and those where Ukrainian forces are on the defensive. In all areas, the first task is to destroy the occupiers, their equipment, supplies, warehouses, and headquarters as much as possible. Russia must lose every day - that's fair. And I thank all our warriors who ensure this: all our soldiers, sailors, petty officers, sergeants, officers and generals. It is very important that our defense and security forces, our entire state, work as a single team for the sake of defense.

At the Staff meeting, of course, we also thoroughly discuss all issues related to protection against Russian missile and drone terror. Protection of our people, our cities, our ports, the Black Sea grain corridor. We are preparing powerful responses to Russian terrorists' attacks.

I also held several political meetings, in particular on the European Union and our integration. This year we are to start negotiations on membership. Ukraine is fully prepared for this - we are doing what is necessary on our part. And we are doing everything possible to ensure that the EU is also fully prepared. Exactly this year.

I also held a major meeting with government officials and our experts on international relations on the export of Ukrainian agricultural products through the territory of European countries. There is a very important agreement with the European Commission regarding September 15, which is the last day of restrictions on our grain exports, and we believe that the European side will fulfill its obligations on this date, when the temporary restrictions will cease to be in effect. Any extension of the restrictions is absolutely unacceptable and outright non-European. Europe has the institutional capacity to act more rationally than to close a border for a particular product. We are working very actively with everyone to find a solution that is in line with the spirit of our Europe.

And one more thing.

Occasionally, once a month, I send a special letter of gratitude to those warriors who have distinguished themselves on the frontline. Last week, I sent such a written gratitude to our glorious 56th Mariupol separate motorized infantry brigade. To all its warriors and brigade commanders. And today I received the chevron of the 56th brigade - it is already here in my office, on the board with other chevrons. And a flag signed by the guys.

Thank you very much, warriors! Thank you very much, heroes!

Glory to all who fight for Ukraine! Thank you to everyone who makes Ukraine stronger!

Glory to Ukraine!

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Latest in Ukraine: US Envoy Heads to Africa to Address Russia's Grain Deal Exit

By VOA News July 24, 2023

Latest developments

Between 3,450 and 3,650 Wagner group mercenaries have arrived in Belarus since the group's short-lived rebellion, a military monitoring group said Monday. The fighters are camped close to Asipovichy, a town 230 kilometers (140 miles) north of the Ukrainian border. The Wagner mercenaries are training Belarusian troops as part of an agreement to end the Wagner revolt brokered by the Belarusian president between the Kremlin and Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country can replace Ukrainian grain exports to Africa after Moscow left a deal allowing for safe shipments from Ukraine through the Black Sea amid Russia's invasion.

The Russian defense industry says it is now producing more munitions per month than it did in the whole of 2022, the RIA news agency reported.



During a visit to Kenya and Somalia, a top U.S. Treasury official will address how Moscow's exit from the Black Sea grain deal will hurt African states.

U.S. Treasury Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson will travel to Africa this week and will also argue that Russia abandoned the grain deal despite Washington's efforts to facilitate the flow of Russian grain and fertilizer exports, according to a Treasury spokesperson.

"He will highlight the exemptions in U.S. sanctions that have always allowed the continued flow of food and agriculture transactions," the spokesperson said of Nelson's trip.

Russia withdrew from the grain deal last week, arguing that it was not benefiting enough from a parallel initiative that allowed for Moscow to ship food and fertilizer throughout the world despite Western sanctions.

Nelson's visit comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to host African leaders in St. Petersburg on Thursday and Friday promising them free Russian grain "to replace Ukrainian grain."

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to Russia to revive the U.N. brokered Black Sea grain deal to allow the flow of grain exports from Ukraine's Black Sea ports.

During his speech at the opening of a three-day food summit in Rome, Guterres lamented that the world's hungry will be the most adversely affected if the deal is not renewed.

"The most vulnerable will pay the highest price," he said.

The grain deal had been keeping grain exports flowing to developing countries, especially in Africa and the Middle East since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Wheat prices have risen more than 14% since Monday, when Russia pulled out of the grain deal, and corn prices are up more than 10%.

Russia refuses to renew the accord until sanctions on Russian exports of food and fertilizer are lifted.

Earlier Monday, Russian airstrikes hit Ukrainian grain warehouses on the Danube River impairing the alternative shipping route of Ukrainian grain there and wounding seven people. Almost 30 ships are stranded near Ukraine's crucial Izmail port terminal.

"Russia is trying to fully block the export of our grain and make the world starve," Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper said on Ukrainian television.

The Danube has been a key alternative export route for Kyiv since Russia pulled out of the Black Sea grain deal.

On Monday, the Ukrainian grain traders' union, known as UGA, urged the European Union to increase the capacity of so-called solidarity lanes to allow the flow of Ukraine grain exports and other agricultural products by providing alternative transit routes via rail, road and inland waterways after the collapse of the Black Sea grain deal.

"This will lead to a significant reduction in the cost of grain transportation and will enable Ukrainian farmers to export surplus grain without losses to countries that need Ukrainian grain and stabilize global food security," the UGA said.

Five central European countries want the EU to extend the ban of Ukraine imports after its expiration on September 15, claiming that such imports are hurting their local farmers. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called such a request "unacceptable."

Last week, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal urged Kyiv's partners and the executive European Commission to ensure the unimpeded export of all Ukrainian agricultural products to the EU.

Drones over Moscow



White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said in a news briefing Monday that the White House does not support attacks inside Russia. She was responding to questions about two drones from Ukraine that hit buildings in Moscow early Monday.

Russia said it will take harsh retaliatory measures against Ukraine's attack on the Russian city calling it a brazen act of terror. Russia's military said it downed the two drones while Moscow mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, said two nonresidential buildings were damaged, but that there were no reports of casualties. According to Russian news agencies, one of the drones hit close to the Defense Ministry's headquarters.

Some information was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rover Metals Corp. (TSXV: ROVR) (OTCQB: ROVMF) (FSE:4XO) (Rover or the Company) has been notified by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management that it must complete a plan of operations prior to commencing any exploration drilling at its Lets Go Lithium (LGL) project in rural Nevada.



Starting this week, the Company will begin to interview suitable environmental consulting firms to assist the Company with its Plan of Operations For Exploration and any necessary environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The NEPA process will include public engagement. The Company will provide an updating release once it has engaged an environmental consulting firm.

Lets Go Lithium Underlying Option Agreement

The vendor of the LGL project, GenGold2, LLC, has agreed to give certain concessions with regards to the timing and the amounts of future option payments as a result of the BLM requirement. An updating news release will be provided once the company has amended its Option Agreement for the LGL project.

Judson Culter, CEO at Rover Metals, states the LGL claims adjoin Lhoist North Americas (Lhoists) Amargosa Valley Specialty Clays Mine. Lhoists mining activity in the area dates back to 1972. To the best of managements knowledge, there have been no negative environmental impacts from over 50 years of specialty clay mining in the area. Our management team, including myself, will be planning townhalls and community engagement sessions as we progress through the NEPA process.

About Rover Metals

Rover is a publicly traded junior mining company that trades on the TSXV under symbol ROVR, on the OTCQB under symbol ROVMF, and on the FSE under symbol 4XO. The Company has a diverse portfolio of mining resource development projects with varying exploration timelines. Its critical mineral projects include lithium, zinc, and copper. Its precious metals projects include gold and silver. The Company is exclusive to the mining jurisdictions of the U.S. and Canada.

You can follow Rover on its social media channels:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rovermetals

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rover-metals/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoverMetals/

for daily company updates and industry news, and

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJsHsfag1GFyp4aLW5Ye-YQ?view_as=subscriber

for corporate videos.

Website: https://www.rovermetals.com/

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Judson Culter

Chief Executive Officer and Director

For further information, please contact:

Email: info@rovermetals.com

Phone: +1 (778) 754-2617

Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Rover's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. There can be no assurance that such statements prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Any factor could cause actual results to differ materially from Rovers expectations. Rover undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE.
Westford, USA, July 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to SkyQuest, the demand for mixed xylene market is likely driven by the construction industry's growth and the automobile industry's development. In addition, the ortho-xylene is expected to rise in the coming years as the paints and adhesives industry expands.

Browse in-depth TOC on the "Mixed Xylene Market"

Pages - 272

Tables - 71

Figures  75

The mixed xylene market for solvents is poised for significant growth, driven by the increasing array of applications in various end-use industries. One of the key factors fueling this expansion is the growing demand for PET (polyethylene terephthalate) manufacturing. Solvents play a crucial role in producing PET, a widely used material for bottles, containers, and other packaging applications in the packaging industry.

Get a sample copy of this report:

https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/mixed-xylene-market

Report Scope & Segmentation:

Attributes Details Market Size in 2022 USD 44.6 Million 2030 Value Projection USD 76.5 Million CAGR 6.18% Forecast Period 2023-2030 Segments Covered End-User

Application Regions Covered North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East and Africa

Prominent Players in the Mixed Xylene Market

Royal Dutch Shell Plc

China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec Group)

ExxonMobil Corporation

BP plc

Chevron Corporation

Reliance Industries Limited

Total S.A.

LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V.

Phillips 66 Company

SK Innovation Co., Ltd.

Indian Oil Corporation Limited

LOTTE Chemical CORPORATION

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.

GS Caltex Corporation

Flint Hills Resources

Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corporation

PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited

CNOOC and Shell Petrochemicals Company Limited (CSPC)

PT Pertamina (Persero)

BASF SE

Browse summary of the report and Complete Table of Contents (ToC):

https://www.skyquestt.com/report/mixed-xylene-market

Isomer Grade Segment is Expected to Grow in the Market Due to the Production of P-Xylene

The isomer-grade mixed xylene segment is projected to be the leading player in the global mixed xylene market, holding a significant market share. This isomer grade of mixed xylene is particularly crucial for producing p-xylene. P-xylene is obtained by processing mixed xylenes and is widely used in various applications, especially in gasoline blending, to enhance the octane rating.

The markets in the North America secured the second-largest share in the global mixed xylene market. One of the key driving factors for this market in the North America region is the heightened gasoline consumption in the United States.

Raw Material Segment is Expected to Dominate the Market Due to the Widespread Utilization of Mixed Xylene

The raw material segment in the mixed xylene market is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. In 2022, the application of mixed xylene as a raw material dominated the market, capturing an impressive 83.4% market share. This highlights the widespread utilization of mixed xylene as a versatile raw material across various industries.

Regional markets in the Asia-Pacific are expected to experience robust growth in the mixed xylene market throughout the forecast period, owing to its extensive usage in various end-use application segments. Industries such as plastics, polymers, paints and coatings, and adhesives heavily rely on xylene due to its desirable properties. Xylene is a crucial raw material in producing plastics and polymers, contributing to the region's booming manufacturing sector.

A comprehensive analysis of the major players in the mixed xylene market has been recently conducted in a report. The report encompasses various aspects, including collaborations, mergers, innovative business policies, and strategies, providing valuable insights into key trends and breakthroughs in the market. Furthermore, the report scrutinizes the market share of the top segments and presents a detailed geographic analysis. Lastly, the report highlights the major players in the industry and their endeavours to develop innovative solutions to cater to the growing demand.

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Key Developments in the Mixed Xylene Market

INEOS recently invested by acquiring BP's global aromatics and acetyls division for US$ 5 billion. This strategic move allowed INEOS to broaden its product portfolio and strengthen its position in the petrochemical industry.

In 2021, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) awarded Tecnimont Private Limited an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning (EPCC) contract worth US$ 450 million. The agreement entails the construction of an integrated paraxylene (PX) and purified terephthalic acid (PTA) facility in Paradip, Odisha.

Key Questions Answered in Mixed Xylene Market Report

What specific growth drivers are projected to impact the market during the forecast period?

List the top companies in the market and explain how they have achieved their positions of influence.

In what ways do regional trends and patterns differ within the global market, and how these differences shape the market's future growth?

Related Reports in SkyQuests Library:

Global Hydrazine Hydrate Market

Global Advanced Polymer Composites Market

Global Naphthalene Market

Global Silicone Film Market

Global Propylene Oxide Market

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Pune, India, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global unmanned ground vehicles market size was valued at USD 2.66 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to expand from USD 3.07 billion in 2023 to USD 5.26 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.0% over the study period. The surge is on account of the growing product adoption in carrying supplies, assisting in explosive deactivation, and in the defense sector.

Fortune Business Insights provides this information in its research report, titled Unmanned Ground Vehicles Market, 2023-2030.

Get a Free Sample Research Report:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/unmanned-ground-vehicles-market-102525

List of Key Players Mentioned in the Unmanned Ground Vehicles Market Report:

BAE Systems (U.K.)

Aselsan A.S. (Turkey)

Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.)

General Dynamics Corporation (U.S.)

L3 Harris Technology, Inc (U.S.)

Oshkosh Defense LLC (An Oshkosh Corporation Company) (U.S.)

Rheinmetall AG (Germany)

Teledyne FLIR LLC. (U.S.)

QinetiQ (U.K.)

Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S.)

Report Scope & Segmentation:



Attributes Details Forecast Period 2023-2030 Forecast CAGR 8.0% 2030 Value Projection USD 5.26 Billion Market Size in 2023 USD 3.07 Billion Historical Data 2019-2021 No. of Pages 200 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Company Profiles, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Latest Trends Segments Covered By Platform

By Solution

By Application Regions Covered North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East and Africa Unmanned Ground Vehicles Market Growth Drivers Growing Demand for Autonomous Systems for Defense and Commercial Applications to Propel Market Development

Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/unmanned-ground-vehicles-market-102525

Russia-Ukraine War Impact:

Market Growth Propelled by Soaring Investments in Strengthening Armed Forces

The Russia-Ukraine war led various countries to strengthen their defense forces. Several countries in Europe enhanced their defense expenditure. The war also recorded an upsurge in the deliveries of next-generation remote control UGVs to Ukraine from NATO countries. These factors are expected to augur well for the market, propelling industry expansion over the forthcoming years.

Segments:

EOD UGVs Segment to Register Notable Upsurge Considering Rising Product Deployment

Based on type, the market is categorized into combat UGV, combat support UGV, reconnaissance UGV, ISR UGV, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) UGV. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) UGV segment is estimated to register a dominating share, exhibiting substantial expansion over the study period. The surge is impelled by the increasing explosive disposal demand across various regions.

Tracked UGVs Segment to Record Considerable Expansion Owing to Growing Number of Procurement Contracts

By mobility, the market for unmanned ground vehicles is fragmented into wheeled, legged, tracked, and hybrid. The tracked segment is poised to register appreciable expansion over the study period. The upsurge is credited to the soaring defense expenditure and procurement of next-generation tracked UGVs.

Small (10-200 lbs) Segment to Depict Substantial Surge Driven by Soaring Product Demand

On the basis of size, the market is subdivided into small (10-200 lbs), medium (200 - 500 lbs), large (500 - 1000 lbs), very large (1000- 2000 lbs), and extremely large (>2000 lbs). The small (10-200 lbs) segment is estimated to register considerable expansion over the projected period. The surge is driven by the escalating demand for small and lightweight robots for commercial and military applications.

Based on geography, the market for unmanned ground vehicles is segmented into Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, and the rest of the world.

Get a Quote Now:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/get-a-quote/unmanned-ground-vehicles-market-102525

Report Coverage:

The report gives an analysis of the vital trends driving the global business scenario over the forecast period. It further provides an insight into the major drivers augmenting the market share over the coming years. In addition, the report gives an overview of the key strategies adopted by leading companies for establishing a strong market footing.

Drivers and Restraints:

Soaring Autonomous Systems Demand for Commercial and Defense Applications

One of the major factors boosting the unmanned ground vehicles market growth is the soaring product demand from the commercial and defense sectors. Autonomous vehicles are deployed in the agriculture sector for irrigation management, mechanical weeding, soil sampling, precision spraying, and crop harvesting.

However, reliability and bandwidth-related issues and reductions in the defense budgets of some countries could hamper market growth to a considerable extent.

Regional Insights:



North America to Ace the Market Impelled by Rising Military Spending

North America accounted for a dominating share in the market. The region has recorded the highest defense budget, owing to which the North America unmanned ground vehicles market share is expected to exhibit lucrative expansion over the projected period.

The Asia Pacific market is poised to grow at a commendable rate over the study period. The upsurge is due to an escalation in the defense budgets of China and India.

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Detailed Table of Content:

Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities

Key Insights Key Industry Developments  Key Contracts & Agreements, Mergers, Acquisitions and Partnerships Latest technological Advancements Porters Five Forces Analysis Supply Chain Analysis

Qualitative Insights-Impact of Russia/Ukraine War on Global Unmanned Ground Vehicles Impact of Russia/Ukraine War on Global Unmanned Ground Vehicles

Global Unmanned Ground Vehicles Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2030 Key Findings / Segmental Definitions Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Type Combat UAGV Combat Support UAGV Reconnaissance UAGV ISR UAGV Explosive Ordnance Disposal UAGV Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Mobility Wheeled Tracked Hybrid Legged Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Size Small (10-200 lbs) Medium (200-500 lbs) Large (500-1000 lbs) Very Large (1000-2000 lbs) Extremely Large (> 2000 lbs) Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Mode of Operation Tethered Teleoperated Autonomous Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By System Payload Controller System Navigation System Power System Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Application Military Commercial Law Enforcement Federal Law Enforcement Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Rest of the World



TOC Continued...!



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Competitive Landscape:

Major Market Players Formulate New Strategies to Gain Strong Footing

Eminent market participants are devising new strategies for establishing a strong foothold in the industry. Some of the adopted initiatives comprise merger agreements, collaborations, and the formation of alliances. Besides, companies are also keen to invest in research and development activities for securing a competitive edge in the market.

Key Industry Development:

January 2022  QinetiQ signed a five-year sales agreement with Velodyne Lidar, Inc. for its sensors. QinetiQ selected Velodynes sensors to provide perception and mapping capabilities across its Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) portfolio. QinetiQ will use Velodyne Lidars next-generation sensors as part of its open architecture approach to unmanned systems.

Read Related Insights:

LiDAR Drone Market is projected to grow USD 455.0 million by 2028, at a CAGR of 17.98%

Helicopter Market Size & Share | Forecast Report [2023-2030]

Business Jet Market Size, Share, Growth | Industry Trends [2029]

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State Department  With Sudan's conflict now at the 100-day mark, advocacy groups are calling on Sudan's neighbor Egypt to ease entry requirements for refugees, saying displaced Sudanese face a dire situation.

The Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, have been fighting each other since April 15, triggering a humanitarian crisis inside Sudan and neighboring countries.

The U.S. State Department said it stands ready to reconvene formal talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to end the fighting -- but only if the warring parties demonstrate their commitment to uphold a May 11 Jeddah Declaration to protect Sudanese civilians and subsequent cease-fires.

The Jeddah talks refer to the U.S.-Saudi-mediated negotiations that started in early May with the goal of stopping the armed conflicts in Sudan. The United States adjourned the talks on June 21 as senior officials acknowledged, "The format is not succeeding."

An estimated 3 million Sudanese have been displaced by the fighting, almost 2.5 million internally. The rest have fled to surrounding countries. At least 250,000 people have sought refuge in Egypt, and another 120,000 are stuck on Sudan's side of the border awaiting entry, according to a report that advocacy organization Refugees International released on Monday.

"Instead of facilitating their entry, Egypt disregards refugee law and the Four Freedoms Agreement it signed with Sudan and has erected various entry barriers," said Abdullahi Halakhe, Refugees International's senior advocate for East and Southern Africa.

The Four Freedoms Agreement, signed in August 2004 between Egypt and Sudan, covers matters related to freedom of movement along with working, property ownership and living arrangements.

Halakhe cited new regulations by Egypt on June 10 requiring all Sudanese citizens to obtain visas from the Egyptian consular office in Wadi Halfa or Port Sudan before crossing the border. Previously, women, children, and elderly members of families were allowed to enter Egypt without a visa.

Egyptian authorities said the move was to counter the forgery of visas and better manage Sudanese refugees' entry into Egypt.

Refugees International called on Egypt "to lift requirements currently in place for Sudanese seeking entry, waive requirements for those who remain in Egypt, and expedite granting refugee status to those who wish to have it."

The Egyptian Embassy in the United States has not responded to VOA's request for comment.

Sudan's warring parties continue to violate cease-fires as diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict through negotiations have not yielded fruit. More Sudanese are predicted to flee to neighboring countries for their safety.

"The SAF and RSF have not observed their commitments under the Jeddah Declaration, which played a large part in our decision to adjourn the talks in Jeddah," a State Department spokesperson told VOA.

"We are continuing to closely monitor the conflict and any violations of the Jeddah Declaration throughout Sudan," said the spokesperson.

Monday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) called for an end to the fighting in Sudan amid serious concerns about the rapidly escalating numbers of displaced people.

"These figures are staggering; civilians who have nothing to do with this conflict are sadly uprooted from their homes and livelihoods on a daily basis," said Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees. "This has to stop. It is time for all parties to this conflict to immediately end this tragic war. Pending this much needed peaceful dialogue, people must be allowed to leave conflict areas to find safety, whether within or outside the country, and be protected from all forms of violence."

As more people continue to flee, displacement sites within the country and in neighboring countries are rapidly becoming overcrowded, UNHCR said.

The U.S. Embassy in Khartoum suspended its operations on April 22, and the Department of State ordered the departure of U.S. direct hire employees and eligible family members from the diplomatic mission.

While Secretary of State Antony Blinken later said the U.S. is exploring ways to return a diplomatic and consular presence to the African country as soon as possible, the State Department has said it cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Sudan due to the current security situation.

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A State Department spokesperson said U.S. Ambassador to Sudan John Godfrey and his team, now based in Washington and other African countries, continue their diplomatic engagements with regional and international partners to work toward a cease-fire and humanitarian access.

The United States remains the largest single donor of humanitarian assistance to the people of Sudan.

On June 20, Secretary Blinken announced nearly $172 million in additional humanitarian aid for the people of Sudan and those in neighboring countries who suffer from the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The U.S. has provided more than $550 million in humanitarian assistance this fiscal year for Sudan and other countries such as Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic to facilitate the needs of refugees and people affected by conflicts in the region.
San Antonio, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Texas Fertility Center (TFC) is pleased to announce that reproductive endocrinologist Eric Han, M.D., is joining its San Antonio office. Dr. Han is dedicated to bringing comprehensive fertility care to patients in the San Antonio area, and to those who visit the clinic from around the United States and international locations.

According to Texas Fertility Center Medical Director Kaylen Silverberg, M.D., We are proud to serve the women and men who come to see us from the San Antonio area, from throughout the United States, and from countries around the world. Every Texas Fertility Center patient from each of our seven locations is important to us, and each person receives our finest personalized care. Dr. Han provides compassionate, skilled fertility care, and he will make a great addition to our highly professional San Antonio team.

Eric Han, M.D., attended the University of Connecticut School of Medicine for his medical training. He completed his internship and residency at Yale School of Medicine. There, he served as chief resident and received the Yale School of Medicine Society of Laparoscopic Surgeons Outstanding Resident Award for his expertise in minimally invasive surgery. He stayed at Yale School of Medicine to complete his fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

While at Yale, Dr. Han performed a variety of research projects and published several journal articles and book chapters. His research and writing encompassed an array of medical topics, including many vital areas of fertility care such as oocyte preservation and endometriosis.

The problems that cause infertility in men and women are varied and complex. As a highly trained reproductive endocrinologist, Eric Han, M.D., provides patients with all the comprehensive services that Texas Fertility Center San Antonio offers, helping people move beyond the frustration of infertility to the joy of parenthood. As with all TFC physicians, Dr. Hans clinical work will be supported by TFCs partner IVF lab services company, Ovation Fertility.

Dr. Han is proud to join the Texas Fertility Center team. He says, Im looking forward to working with the tremendous staff, including the physicians, nurses and support staff, at Texas Fertility Center San Antonio. Together, we can add to the more than 25,000 babies that the practice has already brought into the world. Its an honor and a privilege to work with this great group of people to provide the finest fertility care.

Eric Han, M.D., is now accepting new patients at Texas Fertility Center San Antonio.

_________________________________________________________________________

About Texas Fertility Center

Texas Fertility Center (TFC), one of the nations leading full-service infertility practices, provides advanced infertility and reproductive endocrinology services to patients throughout Texas, the southwestern United States and the Americas. Since 1980, TFC has been recognized nationally for outstanding pregnancy rates, leading-edge laboratory procedures and innovative research programs. For more information, please visit www.txfertility.com .

Attachment
CHICAGO, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Released today, the TELUS Mental Health Index revealed that organizations in the US providing time off to allow employees to volunteer garner a much more positive perception among their employees than companies that do not prioritize giving back. Of those workers surveyed, 37 percent report a more positive perception of their employer; and workers who volunteered their time have a mental health score of 73.8, compared 68.7 for those who do not volunteer - a 5.1 margin.



This months Mental Health Index score is 71.1 out of 100, remaining unchanged from May 2023.

More than one in five workers (21 percent) are aware their mental health is having a negative impact on their work productivity.

Volunteerism supports improved mental health

Nearly half (47 percent) of workers have volunteered their time or finances in the last two years; this group had a mental health score of 73.8, more than 2 points above the national average, and an optimism score of 74.8 compared to the national optimism average of 72.

The mental health score of workers with a positive perception of their employer as a result of offered time off to volunteer is 75.9, nearly five points higher than the national average.

Those who have not volunteered their time or finances in the last two years had a mental health score of 68.7, more than two points below the national average, and an optimism score of 69.5.



Support for volunteering leads to improved wellbeing

More than half (53 percent) of workers who said they dont volunteer cited time as the main inhibitor. This group had a mental health score of 69.3.

Only 29 percent of workers who volunteer said their organization offers time off to support their volunteer activity.

Workers who dont volunteer and cited not knowing what volunteer opportunities exist had a mental health score of 68.8.

Seven percent of workers reported they didn't have anything to offer when it comes to volunteering; and four percent said they were intimidated by the process. These groups had the lowest mental health scores (57.0 and 51.2 respectively) and are more likely to be at high mental health risk.

Workers under 40 years old were nearly four times more likely than workers over 50 to feel intimidated by the process of volunteering.



Comments from TELUS Health Chief Growth Officer, Juggy Sihota

"When an organization prioritizes giving back as a team, the impact goes beyond improving mental health. It also leads to a remarkable increase in loyalty, retention, and productivity. Since 2000, TELUS team members, including TELUS Health, retirees, and their families, have dedicated an astounding two million days to global volunteerism. In just the past year, we collectively volunteered over 1.5 million hours worldwide, contributing to an impressive engagement score of 83 percent for TELUS and 80 percent for TELUS International. These remarkable results truly showcase the unwavering passion our team members possess for their work and their unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in communities beyond their daily job responsibilities."

Comments from TELUS Health Global Leader, Research & Client Insights, Paula Allen

The stark mental health difference between employees who volunteer compared to others clearly shows how much of an effect participating in community service can have on wellbeing. When employers make time for their workforce to pursue passion projects and provide support both inside and outside the office, it reinforces their value and helps avoid isolation and burnout. Given the high proportion of workers who indicate that their mental health negatively impacts their work productivity, support for volunteering is valued now more than ever.

The full U.S. Mental Health Index report can be found here . This report includes additional insights on savings accumulation during the pandemic, gig workers, and more.

About the Mental Health Index

The survey by TELUS Health was conducted through an online survey from June 5 to June 16, 2023, with 5,000 respondents in the US who were employed within the last six months. The data has been statistically weighted to ensure the regional and gender composition of the sample reflect this population.

The Mental Health Index is based on a response scoring system that then turns individual responses into point values. Higher point values are associated with better mental health and less mental health risk. Scores between 0 to 49 correspond with distress levels, scores between 50 to 79 correspond with strain levels and scores between 80 to 100 correspond with optimal levels of mental health.

About TELUS Health

TELUS Health is a global health care leader serving people in more than 160 countries delivering both digital innovation and clinical services to improve total physical, mental and financial health and wellness across the full spectrum of primary and preventive care. By leveraging the power of technology to deliver connected solutions and services both in-person and virtually, TELUS Health is improving access to care and revolutionizing the flow of information while facilitating collaboration, efficiency, and productivity for physicians, pharmacists, health authorities, allied health care professionals, insurers, employers and people globally, progressing its vision of transforming health care and empowering people to live healthier lives.

Our clinical team is composed of renowned and passionate health professionals around the world delivering best-in-class people-centric care to hundreds of thousands of employers, professionals and their families.

For more information, please visit: www.telushealth.com .

Media contact:

Marielle Hossack

TELUS Media Relations

marielle.hossack@telus.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/da9056b1-addb-4786-a8e3-0ab9dbe35be5
TORONTO, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TELUS Health today released its monthly Mental Health Index, revealing organizations that provide time off to volunteer are perceived much more favourably by their employees than organizations that do not include this benefit as part of its culture. The Index also showed that workers who volunteer their time or have the ability to donate money have higher mental health and optimism scores than workers who do not.



The mental health of workers in Canada persists at the same level as pandemic-era scores, with the Mental Health Index score remaining at 64.6.

Nearly three in 10 workers (27 per cent) report they are aware that their mental health impacts their productivity at work

The industries where this is most likely  with 30 to 35 per cent of workers indicating their mental health has a negative impact on their productivity  is varied, with 53 per cent reporting work in a service or labour environment and 47 per cent work in an office environment.



Employees who volunteer have a definite improvement in mental health compared to those who do not:

More than three in five (61 per cent) workers surveyed report volunteering their time or finances in the last two years; this group has the most favourable mental health score (65.6) and optimism score (69.0).

The worst mental health score (50.2) is seen among the four per cent of workers who feel intimidated by the process of volunteering, more than 14 points below the national average (64.6).

More than one-third (36 per cent) of workers surveyed report a positive perception of their employer for offering time off for volunteering; among this group, 19 per cent report a very positive perception.

Among those who volunteer, 31 per cent report the support of their organization by offering time off to do so.

Comments from TELUS Health Chief Growth Officer, Juggy Sihota

"When an organization prioritizes giving back as a team, the impact goes beyond improving mental health. It also leads to a remarkable increase in loyalty, retention, and productivity. Since 2000, TELUS team members, including TELUS Health, retirees, and their families, have dedicated an astounding two million days to global volunteerism. In just the past year, we collectively volunteered over 1.5 million hours worldwide, contributing to an impressive engagement score of 83 per cent for TELUS and 80 per cent for TELUS International. These remarkable results truly showcase the unwavering passion our team members possess for their work and their unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in communities beyond their daily job responsibilities."

Comments from TELUS Health Global Leader, Research & Client Insights, Paula Allen

The stark mental health difference between employees who volunteer compared to others clearly shows how much of an effect participating in community service can have on wellbeing. When employers make time for their workforce to pursue passion projects and provide support both inside and outside the office, it reinforces their value and helps avoid isolation and burnout. Given the high proportion of workers who indicate that their mental health negatively impacts their work productivity, support for volunteering is valued now more than ever.

The full Canadian Mental Health Index report can be found here . This report includes additional insights on isolation, anxiety and volunteer time off amongst industries, age demographics and employment levels.

About the Mental Health Index

The survey by TELUS Health was conducted through an online survey in English and French from June 5 to 19, 2023 with 3,000 respondents in Canada. All respondents reside in Canada and were employed within the last six months. The data has been statistically weighted to ensure the regional and gender composition of the sample reflects this population.

The Mental Health Index is based on a response scoring system that then turns individual responses into point values. Higher point values are associated with better mental health and less mental health risk. Scores between 0 to 49 correspond with distress levels, scores between 50 to 79 correspond with strain levels and scores between 80 to 100 correspond with optimal levels of mental health.

About TELUS Health

TELUS Health is a global health care leader serving people in more than 160 countries delivering both digital innovation and clinical services to improve total physical, mental and financial health and wellness across the full spectrum of primary and preventive care. By leveraging the power of technology to deliver connected solutions and services both in-person and virtually, TELUS Health is improving access to care and revolutionizing the flow of information while facilitating collaboration, efficiency, and productivity for physicians, pharmacists, health authorities, allied health care professionals, insurers, employers and people globally, progressing its vision of transforming health care and empowering people to live healthier lives.

Our clinical team is composed of renowned and passionate health professionals around the world delivering best-in-class people-centric care to hundreds of thousands of employers, professionals and their families.

For more information, please visit: www.telushealth.com .

Media contact:

Marielle Hossack

TELUS Media Relations

marielle.hossack@telus.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/18f595b8-196c-472c-86c4-df481f225239
Dr. Gregory Falco, Assistant Professor at Cornell University, commented about the challenges of communication ambiguity and data ownership



SANTA BARBARA, CA, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Digital Locations, Inc. (OTCMKTS: DLOC), the developer of a disruptive technology that will deliver high-speed Internet from satellites directly to smartphones all over the world, today announced that in a recent podcast, its CEO, Rich Berliner, spoke with Dr. Gregory Falco, Assistant Prof at Cornell University. During the conversation, Dr. Falco commented about the challenges of communication ambiguity and data ownership

The area that we are really excited about now is multi agent architectures and LEO constellations, said Dr. Falco. We are interested in RPO missions (Rendezvous and Proximity Operations), where you have two assets that are coming close in proximity to each other and by doing so they need to communicate and interact and sometimes physically talk which requires security to be built into these systems.

Talking about the potential of satellite to mobile communication, Dr. Falco stated, When you have the capability to do sat to cell communication, you need to choose which satellite is talking to which, especially if you have a proliferated constellation in a Leo environment.

Dr. Falco added, Another area thats very interesting is on the end-user standpoint on the cell side because that becomes the user segment of the space system.

Dr. Gregory Falco, an Assistant Professor at the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and the Systems Engineering Program at Cornell University, is widely recognized for his ground breaking contributions in the field of mission-resilient autonomy for Aerospace Systems. He received his PhD from MIT, where NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory funded his doctoral research in Cybersecurity at MITs Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL). Prior to joining Cornell University, he was an Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins Universitys Institute for Assured Autonomy and completed postdoctoral research at Stanford Universitys Freeman Spogli Institute and MIT CSAIL.

He is the director of the Aerospace ADVERSARY Laboratory, which designs and develops next-generation autonomous, secure and resilient space infrastructure. As a hacker, he exploits physics and modern computing systems to achieve missions previously thought to be infeasible. His space technology research is policy-relevant and advances standards and national security conversations relating to space supremacy and cybersecurity. DARPA, the US Space Force, AFRL, NIST and NASA have funded his lab.

He was listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 for Enterprise Technology, named a DARPA RISER, and received the DARPA Young Faculty Award for his disruptive security and space technology research. His research and patents have been spun out into startups that have achieved international impact and recognition, resulting in acquisition. He consults for a range of big technology companies, space systems and defense contractors including Johns Hopkins Universitys Applied Physics Laboratory. Prior to completing his PhD, he was an executive at Accenture.

This podcast can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOA5fs9PSi4

About Digital Locations, Inc.

Digital Locations, Inc., is the developer of a disruptive technology that will deliver high-speed Internet from satellites directly to smartphones all over the world. Today, high-speed Internet (also known as broadband Internet) is only available in densely populated areas around the world. The rest of the world is still waiting. Elon Musk (SpaceX), Jeff Bezos (Blue Origin) and others are launching thousands of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. Unfortunately, without the use of additional equipment, the technology does not yet exist that will allow these satellites to deliver high-speed Internet directly to smartphones. Solving this problem represents an extraordinary business opportunity. Working with a research team from Florida International University, we are developing a truly disruptive technology that will finally make it possible for the wireless industry to offer high-speed Internet service from satellites directly to smartphones anywhere in the world, indoors and outdoors with no dead zones and no cell towers. Anyone, anywhere, regardless of location, economic status, race or gender will be able to access high-speed Internet service and benefit from remote learning, health care, government services, telework, participation in public affairs and even Netflix, Amazon and much, much more.

To learn more about Digital Locations please visit www.digitallocations.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable law.

Press Contact:

communications@digitallocations.com

(805) 456-7000
San Francisco, California, USA, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- US Capital Global has supported Red Coast Industries Limited, a UK-based industrial investment firm, as debt advisor in its multi-million-pound acquisition of Premier Sealant. Founded in 1994, Premier Sealant is a leading national manufacturer of profiled foam fillers and supplier of core sealing products used in the roofing, cladding, glazing, cold-store, and maintenance sectors.

With global headquartered in San Francisco and principal offices in Dallas, Philadelphia, Miami, New York, London, and Dubai, US Capital Global is a full-service global private financial group with an established track record in corporate finance, asset management, and capital formation services. All private placements, securities, and other related services are offered by the groups FINRA-member broker-dealer affiliate, US Capital Global Securities LLC.

We greatly appreciate US Capital Global assisting us as our debt advisor for our recent UK company acquisition, said Yossuf and Omar Albanawi, founders and Directors of Red Coast Industries. Prodi Bhattacharya and the London team have a hands-on approach and have been with us from day one through to closing, and we feel we have really been through this exciting adventure together. We look forward to keeping in touch as we continue to pursue our buy-and-build strategy across the UK and the European industrial space.

Acting as debt advisor, US Capital Global facilitated the acquisition by Red Coast Industries and sourced Shawbrook Bank as the debt provider for the transaction. Shawbrook Bank structured a multi-million-pound flexible funding package, enabling the acquisition and the continued growth of the portfolio company.

Yossuf and Omar Albanawi are pursuing a buy-and-build acquisition strategy in the UK and EU, and we are extremely pleased to have supported them in this acquisition of Premier Sealant, said Prodi Bhattacharya, Managing Director of US Capital Globals European office. Premier Sealant is the UKs leading supplier of core sealing products. Red Coast Industries recognized the growth potential in this sector, and we are delighted to have supported them in this successful portfolio acquisition.



About US Capital Global

Established in 1998, US Capital Global leverages the latest FinTech and RegTech innovation to provide sophisticated debt, equity, and investment products to middle-market companies and investors. The US Capital Global group manages direct investment funds and provides wealth management and capital raise services through its affiliates, including US Capital Global Investment Management LLC, US Capital Global Wealth Management LLC, and its FINRA-member broker-dealer, US Capital Global Securities LLC. The group collaborates closely with its peers in professional banking and investment advisory. www.uscapital.com

To learn more about US Capital Global, email Jeffrey Sweeney, Chairman and CEO, at jsweeney@uscapglobal.com or call +1 415-889-1010.

Attachment
ROUYN-NORANDA, Quebec, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Radisson Mining Resources Inc. (TSX-V: RDS, OTCQB: RMRDF) (Radisson or the Corporation) is pleased to announce that it has completed the first phase of an extensive glacial till survey on the southern sector ("New Alger") of the O'Brien project, where it has identified a geological context similar to that of Agnico Eagles Canadian-Malartic Complex (See Figure 1).



Why Pontiac Group sediments (Pontiac Group) located south of the prolific Larder-Lake-Cadillac break could host significant deposits?

Near the O'Brien project, the Canadian-Malartic Complex, which is largely hosted by Pontiac Group sediments, is one of the worlds largest gold mining operations having produced close to 13.7 million ounces of gold, to date. Gold mineralization is represented by a large volume of disseminated gold, spatially associated with intermediate to felsic porphyry intrusions and dykes (See figure 2), as well as shear zones. This mining complex highlights the Pontiac Group's high gold potential.

Why does the New Alger area have so much potential?

New Alger covers an area of more than 50 square kilometers and is located close to numerous geological structures with strong gold potential.

A sample grading 7.33 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) was collected during the 2022 prospecting campaign, demonstrating the presence of at least one gold-rich zone in the area.

With the presence of intermediate intrusions and felsic dykes, the geological characteristics of New Alger are very similar to those of historical and operating mines in the area (see Figure 2).

The area is a continuation of the Amm Mine, from which 83,475 tonnes of gold, grading 4.54 g/t were extracted between 1939 and 1942, and which had estimated reserves of 219,000 tonnes grading 4.46 g/t Au.

"We are pleased to have completed the first phase of this important till sampling program, which we see as an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the strong gold potential of the New Alger area and we look forward to receiving the first results in the coming months. In parallel, our team is preparing for a 10,000-meter drill program scheduled to start in later this summer, commented Radissons Geology Director, Vivien Janvier. It's important to note that Radisson has taken every precaution during our summer exploration and prospecting work to preserve our forests and minimize the risk of fire.



Phase 1 Sampling Program

During Phase 1, the team visited all 139 targets in the field. Out of these targets, 115 were sampled successfully, while 24 could not be sampled due to the presence of thick fluvio-lacustrine sediment. All samples taken were sent to the laboratory for analysis. The results of Phase 1 samples are expected to be obtained by the end of the Q3, or early Q4.





Figure 1: Geological map of Abitibi illustrating the gold potential of Pontiac Group sediments





Figure 2: Planned glacial till sampling grid





Figure 3: Location of the O'Brien project

Qualified Person

Vivien Janvier, P.Geo, Ph.D., Director Geology for Radisson is the Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. The Company's Qualified Person has reviewed and approved the technical content of this press release.

Radisson Mining Resources Inc.

Radisson is a gold exploration company focused on its 100% owned OBrien project, located in the Bousquet-Cadillac mining camp along the world-renowned Larder-Lake-Cadillac Break in Abitibi, Quebec. The Bousquet-Cadillac mining camp has produced over 25,000,000 ounces of gold over the last 100 years. The project hosts the former OBrien Mine, considered to have been Quebecs highest-grade gold producer during its production.

For more information on Radisson, visit our website at www.radissonmining.com or contact:

Denis V. Lachance

Chairman, Interim President and CEO

819-806-3340

dlachance@radissonmining.com

Kristina Pillon

Manager, Investor Relations

604.908.1695

kpillon@radissonmining.com

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release including, but not limited to, those relating to the intended use of proceeds of the Offering, the development of the OBrien project and generally, the above About Radisson Mining Resources Inc. paragraph which essentially describes the Corporations outlook, constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the time of this press release. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Corporation as of the time of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. These estimates and assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can directly or indirectly affect, and could cause, actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements and future events, could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. A description of assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information and a description of risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward looking information can be found in Radissons disclosure documents on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.

By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved or that assumptions do not reflect future experience. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about managements endeavours to develop the OBrien project and, more generally, its expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as a number of important risk factors and future events could cause the actual outcomes to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates, assumptions and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those made in our other filings with the securities regulators of Canada. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law.
OCALA, Fla., July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LGI Homes, Inc., a renowned national homebuilder, proudly announces its first-ever venture into the Ocala, Florida area with the opening of its Marion Oaks location. This milestone marks an exciting chapter for the Company as it expands its presence in Florida and brings its exceptional housing options to homebuyers in the area.



Located in the heart of Florida's horse country, Marion Oaks offers a picturesque and welcoming environment for residents. With its close proximity to Ocala's renowned equestrian industry, abundant outdoor recreational activities, and a growing list of amenities, Marion Oaks has become a highly desirable destination for individuals and families seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

"We are thrilled to introduce LGI Homes to the Ocala area in Marion Oaks," said Dale VanWagenen, VP of Operations for LGI Homes. "Marion Oaks offers a remarkable lifestyle, and we are excited to provide homebuyers with the opportunity to experience our top-quality homes and exceptional customer service. Not only will homebuyers experience LGIs streamlined process, receiving all the information up front, but they will also benefit from extremely competitive pricing. Our team consists of experts on the area, the product and the process. Were ready to help our customers find the right home, at the right price, to fit their needs.

LGI Homes' entry into Marion Oaks presents an unprecedented opportunity for homebuyers in the Ocala area. Renowned for delivering top-quality, affordably priced homes, LGI Homes has garnered a strong reputation within the industry. The Company's commitment to excellence, craftsmanship and customer satisfaction positions it as a trusted choice for those seeking their dream home.

Homebuyers in Marion Oaks will have the privilege of choosing from a wide range of thoughtfully designed floor plans tailored to various lifestyles and preferences. LGI Homes offers spacious single-family homes boasting open-concept layouts, modern features, and an array of already-included upgrades as part of the CompleteHome interior package. Each home is meticulously crafted to embrace the latest trends in home design, enhancing both functionality and comfort.

Homes in Marion Oaks start from the $250s. Prospective homebuyers are encouraged to visit LGIHomes.com/MarionOaks or call (855) 703-2250 ext 476 to learn more about available floor plans, pricing, and the unique homebuying experience that LGI Homes provides.

About LGI Homes, Inc.

Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, LGI Homes, Inc. is a pioneer in the homebuilding industry, successfully applying an innovative and systematic approach to the design, construction and sale of homes across 35 markets in 20 states. As one of Americas fastest growing companies, LGI Homes has closed over 64,000 homes since its founding in 2003 and has delivered profitable financial results every year. Nationally recognized for its quality construction and exceptional customer service, LGI Homes was named to Newsweeks list of Americas Most Trustworthy Companies for the second consecutive year. LGI Homes commitment to excellence extends to its more than 1,000 employees, earning the Company numerous workplace awards at the local, state and national level, including the Top Workplaces USA 2023 Award. For more information about LGI Homes and its unique operating model focused on making the dream of homeownership a reality for families across the nation, please visit the Companys website at www.lgihomes.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Rachel Eaton

(281) 362-8998 ext. 2560

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/81bf7092-68bb-49b5-b4b2-842063db9bbd
ISELIN, N.J., July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Provident Bank, a leading New Jersey-based financial institution, is pleased to announce the addition of two talented and experienced leaders to the organization.



Diane Gigliotti has joined the bank as Senior Vice President, Controller. Ms. Gigliotti is responsible for managing the accounting, controls and financial operations as required by accounting and regulatory requirements. Additionally, she leads the budgeting, forecasting, long-term planning, and strategic business planning of the financial team. Ms. Gigliotti is also responsible for preparing financial analysis, modeling, and reporting and directing the preparation of the annual business plan for submission to the board of directors.

I am thrilled to welcome someone with Dianes depth of experience to the accounting team, said Adriano Duarte, Executive Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer. She brings great attention to detail and sound business judgment to her work and analysis. I look forward to working with her and the insight she will provide, added Mr. Duarte.

Ms. Gigliotti has more than 20 years experience in accounting and finance in leadership positions of increasing responsibility. Prior to joining Provident, she was Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director with the BBVA New York Branch. Before that, she was responsible for regulatory reporting, financial statements and coordination with auditors as the CFO of BBVA Securities Inc., a subsidiary of BBVA.

Ms. Gigliotti holds a Master of Business Administration with specializations in Finance and International Business from New York University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting with a minor in English from Rutgers University. She is a Certified Public Accountant in New York.

The Bank also announced that Mary Brown has been appointed to the position of Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer. Ms. Brown is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive compliance program to ensure effective compliance risk management across all areas of the bank, while providing regular reporting to the management governance committees and the board of directors, as necessary. In addition, as the banks Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Officer, she is responsible for assisting management with the implementation of strategies to support Provident's community reinvestment goals of promoting affordable housing initiatives and making a positive impact on underserved communities within Provident's market.

I am delighted to welcome Mary to this important role on our Risk leadership team," said James Christy, Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer. Her record of success at a range of financial institutions makes her a valuable contributor towards the success of Provident, while we maintain our high standards in risk management, regulatory compliance, and community service, added Mr. Christy.

Ms. Brown has more than 25 years experience in the financial services industry in leadership roles of increasing responsibility, with a successful record of providing sound advice and risk stewardship, while building, leading, assessing, and enhancing risk management programs. Most recently she served as Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer for HSBC, where she provided strategic leadership for regulatory and financial crime compliance, risk stewardship, and advisory support to the U.S. retail bank, including areas of Wealth Management, Private Bank, Asset Management, Retail Consumer, CRA and Fair Lending, and Small Business.

Ms. Brown attended Hunter College in New York and the National Compliance School at Purdue University, where she completed courses in the Graduate School of Compliance. She holds a post graduate diploma in International Governance, Risk and Compliance from the Alliance Manchester Business School and holds certificates from Wharton Business School.

About Provident Bank

Provident Bank, a community-oriented financial institution offering Commitment you can count on since 1839, is the wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFS), which reported assets of $13.78 billion as of March 31, 2023. With $10.30 billion in deposits, Provident Bank provides a comprehensive suite of financial products and services through its network of branches throughout northern and central New Jersey, as well as Bucks, Lehigh and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania and Nassau and Queens Counties in New York. The Bank also provides fiduciary and wealth management services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Beacon

Trust Company and insurance services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Provident Protection Plus, Inc. For more information about Provident Bank, visit www.provident.bank or join the conversations on Facebook (ProvidentBank) and Twitter (@ProvidentBank).

CONTACT:

Keith Buscio

732-504-9407

Keith.buscio@provident.bank

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6128d2e4-cb64-4ce7-b07c-e5db9893aa37

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/50aa2f27-c6dc-4a2f-96ef-40015380c4d5
Burlingame, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coherent Market Insights published a report, titled, Medical Drying Cabinets Market, By Product Type (Single door, Double door, Glass door, and Vacuumed), By Application (Surgical Instruments, Glassware, Lab Clothes, Endoscopes, and Others), By Material Type (Stainless Steel and Seawater Resistant Steel), By End User (Hospitals, Pharmaceutical Industries, and National Laboratories) - Size, Share, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2023  2030 According to the report, global medical drying cabinets market is estimated to be valued at US$ 324.5 million in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period (2023-2030).



Analysts Views on Global Medical Drying Cabinets Market:

Rising demand for medical drying cabinets for sterilization of endoscopes due to increased endoscopy operations is expected to drive the market growth over the forecast period. For instance, in August 2022, according to a report published by BMJ Publishing Group Ltd, a scientific journal, a total of 1,533,737 endoscopic procedures were performed in 2020, in U.S.

Request Sample copy of this Report @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/5820

Key Trends and Analysis of the Global Medical Drying Cabinets Market:

Increasing inorganic growth strategies such as acquisition by key market players in order to expand their product portfolio is expected to drive the market growth over the forecast period. For instance, in August 2022, SDI Group, a company that designs and manufactures scientific and technology products, announced the acquisition of LTE Scientific Ltd, a leading manufacturer and supplier of laboratory and medical equipment, to further expand the product portfolio of SDI Group.

Global Medical Drying Cabinets Market- Drivers

Increased risk of healthcare acquired infections

Healthcare acquired infections, also known as nosocomial infections are infections that patients get while receiving treatment for medical or surgical conditions. These are increasing day-by-day, and this is expected to drive market growth over the forecast period. For instance, in December 2022, according to an article published by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each day approximately one in 31 U.S. patients and 1 in 43 nursing home residents, contracts at least one infection associated with their healthcare, indicating the need for improvements in patient care practices in U.S. healthcare facilities.

Increasing adoption of organic strategies such as product launches

Increasing adoption of organic strategies such as product launches by key market players in order to expand their product portfolio is expected to drive market growth over the forecast period. For instance, in February 2021, Mobile Aspects, a global healthcare software company, announced the launch of RFID Drying Cabinets with Ultraviolet-C (UVC) light to aid in decontamination with the help of Ultraviolet-C light.

Medical Drying Cabinets Market Report Coverage

Report Coverage Details Base Year: 2022 Market Size in 2023: US$ 324.5 Mn Historical Data for: 2017 to 2021 Forecast Period: 2023 to 2030 Forecast Period 2023 to 2030 CAGR: 8.9 % 2030 Value Projection: US$ 589.4 Mn Geographies covered: North America: U.S. and Canada

U.S. and Canada Latin America: Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America

Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America Europe: Germany, U.K., Spain, France, Italy, Russia, and Rest of Europe

Germany, U.K., Spain, France, Italy, Russia, and Rest of Europe Asia Pacific: China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, ASEAN, and Rest of Asia Pacific

China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, ASEAN, and Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East: GCC Countries, Israel, and Rest of Middle East

GCC Countries, Israel, and Rest of Middle East Africa: South Africa, North Africa, and Central Africa Segments covered: By Product Type: Single Door, Double Door, Glass Door, Vacuumed

Single Door, Double Door, Glass Door, Vacuumed By Application: Surgical Instruments, Glassware, Lab Clothes, Endoscopes, Others

Surgical Instruments, Glassware, Lab Clothes, Endoscopes, Others By Material Type: Stainless Steel, Seawater Resistant Steel

Stainless Steel, Seawater Resistant Steel By End User: Hospitals, Pharmaceutical Industries, National Laboratories Companies covered: SHINVA MEDICAL INSTRUMENT CO., LTD., Steelco S.p.A., STERIS, Rhima, Steridium, A. E. ATHERTON & SONS. ABN, LEEC Limited, KWC Nordics Oy, Suzhou NaMeiRui, Staber Industries, Inc., PINK GmbH, SDI Group, BINDER GmbH, Hettich Benelux, Labtron Equipment Ltd, Smartline Medical, Scientific Laboratory Supplies Ltd, Totech Canada Inc., Memmert GmbH + Co.KG, Getinge AB, Harloff, Olympus Corporation, ECOLAB Growth Drivers: Increased risk of healthcare acquired infections

Increasing prevalence of gastro esophageal reflux disease Restraints & Challenges: Disadvantages of medical drying cabinets

Global Medical Drying Cabinets Market- Restraint

Disadvantages of medical drying cabinets

The major factor that can hamper the growth of the global medical drying cabinets market over the forecast period include disadvantages associated with the usage of medical drying cabinets. For instance, in October 2022, according to an article published by Microbe online, an online guidebook on medical microbiology, the major disadvantage of using medical drying cabinets is that it is a time-consuming method due to slow rate of heat penetration and microbial killing.

Global Medical Drying Cabinets Market- Opportunity

Increasing product launches by key market players

Increasing product launches by key market players is expected to drive the global medical drying cabinets market growth in the forecast period. For instance, in June 2021, Olympus Corporation, a leading supplier of optical and digital microscope systems for life science solutions, announced the launch of its new product ScopeLocker with HEPA hinged door for endoscope storage.

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Global Medical Drying Cabinets Market- Cross Sectional Analysis:

In application, endoscope segment is dominant during forecast period in North America region due to increasing product launches by key market players in order to expand their product portfolio is expected to drive segment growth over the forecast period. For instance, in October 2021, Solaire Medical InnerSpace, a company specialized in the manufacturing and sales of healthcare storage solutions, announced the launch of its new product Ventaire Scope Drying and Tracking Cabinet that provides real-time tracking capabilities, online endoscope monitoring, and an automated system that provides high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)-filtered pressurized air into endoscope channels to keep scopes dry and to avoid reprocessing.

Global Medical Drying Cabinets Market- Segmentation:

The global medical drying cabinets market report is segmented into Product Type, Application, Material, End User and Region

Based on Product Type, the market is segmented into single door, double door, glass door, and vacuumed. Out of which, double door segment is expected to dominate in the medical drying cabinets market during the forecast period, due to increasing product launches by key market players.

Based on Application, the medical drying cabinets market is segmented into surgical instruments, glassware, lab clothes, endoscopes, and others. Endoscopes segment is expected to dominate in the market over the forecast period, due to increasing usage of endoscopes to diagnosis diseases.

Based on Material Type, the medical drying cabinets market is segmented into stainless steel and seawater resistant steel. Out of which, stainless steel segment is expected to dominate in the market over the forecast period, due to increasing product launches by key market players.

Based on End User, the medical drying cabinets market is segmented into hospitals, pharmaceutical industries, and national laboratories. Out of which, Hospitals segment is expected to dominant in the market over the forecast period, due to increasing usage of medical drying cabinets for sanitizing of medical instruments.

Among all segmentation, Product Type segment has the highest potential due to increasing adoption of organic growth strategies such as product launches by key players in the market in order to expand their product portfolio. For instance, in May 2020, CS Medical LLC, a leader in developing, manufacturing, and marketing medical devices, announced the launch of CleanShield TEE probe Storage Cabinet to effectively and securely store disinfected TEE probes.

Global Medical Drying Cabinets Market: Key Developments

In October 2020, Medline Scientific Limited, a distributor of laboratory products, announced the launch of its new product Genlab E3 Insulated, Natural Convection Drying & Warming Cabinet that is a glassware drying cabinet.

In September 2021, Terra Universal. Inc, a manufacturer of comprehensive lines of critical environment solutions including modular cleanrooms, glove boxes, laminar flow benches, and furniture, announced the launch of its new product ultraviolet-c (UVC) cabinets with HEPA filtration with increased storage capacity and improved contamination control for large items and bulk garments.

The increasing product launch by key market players is expected to create new opportunities in the global medical drying cabinets market.

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Key Market Takeaways:

Global medical drying cabinets market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period due to increasing adoption of organic growth strategies such as product launches by key players in the market in order to increase their product portfolio and presence in the market. For instance, in December 2022, PENTAX Medical, a company that provides endo-imaging solutions, announced the launch of its new product PlasmaTYPHOONdry that is a new fast endoscope drying solution.

Among application, endoscopy segment is dominant due to increasing usage of endoscopes for the diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease. For instance, in August 2022, according to a report published by National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) affects four million people worldwide annually and has an estimated lifetime prevalence of 510% in the population.

On the basis of end user, Hospitals segment is expected to hold a dominant position over the forecast period, owing to increasing incidence of surgical operations that requires usage of drying cabinets in order to sterilize the surgical instruments. For instance, in August 2022, a report published by Eurostat, a statistical data providing company, stated that in 2020, 1,461.0 surgeries were performed per 1, 00,000 individuals in Latvia, Europe.

Competitive Landscape:

Key players operating in the global medical drying cabinets market include SHINVA MEDICAL INSTRUMENT CO., LTD., Steelco S.p.A., STERIS, Rhima, Steridium, A. E. ATHERTON & SONS. ABN, LEEC Limited, KWC Nordics Oy, Suzhou NaMeiRui, Staber Industries, Inc., PINK GmbH, SDI Group, BINDER GmbH, Hettich Benelux, Labtron Equipment Ltd, Smartline Medical, Scientific Laboratory Supplies Ltd, Totech Canada Inc., Memmert GmbH + Co.KG, Getinge AB, Harloff, Olympus Corporation, and ECOLAB

Market Segmentation:

Global Medical Drying Cabinets Market, By Product Type: Single Door Double Door Glass Door Vacuumed

Global Medical Drying Cabinets Market, By Application: Surgical Instruments Glassware Lab Clothes Endoscopes Others

Global Medical Drying Cabinets Market, By Material Type: Stainless Steel Seawater Resistant Steel

Global Medical Drying Cabinets Market, By End User: Hospitals Pharmaceutical Industries National Laboratories

Global Medical Drying Cabinets Market, By Region: North America

U.S. Canada Latin America

Brazil Mexico Argentina Rest of Latin America Europe

Germany U.K. France Italy Spain Russia Rest of Europe Asia Pacific

China India Japan Australia South Korea ASEAN Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East

GCC Israel Rest of Middle East Africa

South Africa Central Africa North Africa







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Coherent Market Insights is a global market intelligence and consulting organization focused on assisting our plethora of clients achieve transformational growth by helping them make critical business decisions. We are headquartered in India, having sales office at global financial capital in the U.S. and sales consultants in United Kingdom and Japan. Our client base includes players from across various business verticals in over 57 countries worldwide. We create value for clients through our highly reliable and accurate reports. We are also committed in playing a leading role in offering insights in various sectors post-COVID-19 and continue to deliver measurable, sustainable results for our clients.

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TORONTO, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chartwells Canada, the countrys leading educational foodservice provider, today announced their participation in the United Nations Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+2) in Rome, Italy from July 24 to 26, 2023. In partnership with Simon Fraser University (SFU)where Chartwells is the on-campus food service providerthe Canadian contingent will showcase their successful local food sourcing model.



Together, Chartwells and SFU will engage with attendees from around the world, as they share their pioneering journey towards making meaningful impact on the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs) and achieving industry-leading local food targets.

In this critical conversation, we aim to stimulate fresh perspectives and inspire comprehensive action towards transforming our food systems, said Sid Mehta, senior director of ancillary services at SFU. SFUs food programs are focused on responsible consumption, production and sustainability. Our commitment to supporting a robust food ecosystem allows us to contribute towards the UN SDGs and to make a tangible difference in peoples lives, starting in our local communities and extending across the globe."

Through the Chartwells and SFU partnership, the teams have made progress towards a number of SDGs including most recently, achieving up to 40 per cent of food supplied being from local sources, with a stretch goal of 50 per cent. The teams have developed their local-food program through relationships with local farmers, supporting up and coming local suppliers and regularly adding new local products to their offerings. A driving force behind the success of these goals has also been the increased demand from the community.

Our research has shown that 75 per cent of Canadians are more likely to purchase food that is locally sourced. Weve made local food a priority in our service because its what our guests are looking for and because its the right thing to do, said Kevin Booth, executive vice president, Chartwells Canada. As a company that serves 45 million meals to over 1.2 million post-secondary students a year, we understand that our actions have a unique opportunity to have meaningful impact at scale in Canada. We are excited to share the success of our local food partnership with SFU at the UN Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment and hope it inspires similar change globally.

Chartwells Canada and SFU have taken significant strides in food system transformation as both organizations focus on how they can support the UN SDGs throughout their operations. Notably, in the 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankingsmeasuring universities strengths in advancing the SDGsSFU was ranked number one for its global impact on sustainable cities and communities and fifth in the world for its response on climate action.

Together, Chartwells Canada and SFU have demonstrated a strong commitment towards sustainable consumption and production through several initiatives, including:

Setting a stretch goal of 50 per cent local food sourcing at SFU;

Using their Farm to Fork program at SFU to share information with students about new, local farmers;

Achieving LEED Gold Certification at the SFU Dining Commons (LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement in building design);

Using Spotlight opportunities to highlight local vendors and their products, through inclusion in weekly menu items and on-campus activations;

Banning single-use plastics on campus under the SFU RE-Use For Good initiative, as well as launching a reusable program with Reuseables, a company supported by the universitys business accelerator, SFU VentureLabs;

Creating a variety of programs to combat food insecurity among students, including the Connecting Through Food campaign, hosted by Chartwells this past year; and

Piloting programs on campus aimed at minimizing food waste.



Joining Chartwells and SFU at the UN summit is B.C Ministry of Food and Agriculture program Feed BC, Indigenous Culinary Innovators and Goodly Foods, showcasing how these local partnerships are being leveraged together, as they work to achieve common sustainability goals.

To watch the United Nations Food Systems Summit virtually, visit HERE to register.

Visit www.sfu.ca/sustainability to learn more about SFUs Strategic Sustainability and Climate Action Plan and www.sfu.ca/sdgs to learn how SFU is making an impact on the UN SDGs.

To learn more about Chartwells sustainability work, led by their parent company Compass Group Canadas Planet Promise commitments, visit https://www.compass-group.com/en/sustainability/planet.html

About Simon Fraser University

As Canadas engaged university, SFU works with communities, organizations and partners to create, share and embrace knowledge that improves life and generates real change. We deliver a world-class education with lifelong value that shapes change-makers, visionaries and problem-solvers. We connect research and innovation to entrepreneurship and industry to deliver sustainable, relevant solutions to todays problems. With campuses in British Columbias three largest citiesVancouver, Burnaby and SurreySFU has eight faculties that deliver 364 undergraduate degree programs and 149 graduate degree programs to more than 37,000 students. The university now boasts more than 180,000 alumni residing in 145+ countries.

About Chartwells Canada

Chartwells Canada is the educational sector of Compass Group Canada, serving around 45 million meals to over 1.2 million students a year in post-secondary schools across Canada. Chartwells has been providing food services to higher education in the areas of retail, residence dining, and catering for more than 20 years in Canada and for more than a quarter of a century across the globe. With over 50 post-secondary partnerships, Chartwells employs approximately 7,900 associates. The educational hospitality team is known for their high level of innovation, education-specific technology, diverse culinary and beverage concepts, janitorial services, and the friendly professionalism of their associates.

Media Contacts

Simon Fraser University

Melissa Shaw  Communications and Marketing

melissa_shaw@sfu.ca

236-880-3297

Chartwells Canada

Courtney Gardner  Director, Corporate Communications

courtney.gardner@compass-canada.com

647-633-5420

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/93862f06-3000-44b3-887a-2afc410710b3
Amnesty International and some activists have challenged the Lagos State government to disclose the identities of the 103 #ENDSARS victims billed for mass burial.

Daily Trust, on Monday, reported that in a letter dated July 19 by the Lagos State Government Public Procurement Agency titled: Letter of No Objection - Mass Burial for the 103, the Year 2020 ENDSARS victims, the state government engaged the service of a private firm, Messrs Tos Funeral Ltd, at the cost of N61,285,000 to bury 103 victims of the protest.

"Following review of your request and based on the information provided therein, the agency has "No Objection" to the award of contract to MESSRS TOS FUNERALS LIMITED at a total cost of N61,285,000 (Sixty-one million, two hundred and eighty-five thousand Naira only) for the mass burial for the 103, the year 2020 Endsars victims," noted the Director- General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr Onafowote Idowu in the letter addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health.

Provide Identities of victims

Responding to the leaked document, the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said the Nigerian authorities must urgently halt the plans to carry out a secret mass burial of the victims.

It demanded a thorough and independent investigation into the killings and ensure that those suspected to be responsible were brought to justice in fair trials.

"They must also carry out transparent coroner inquests and autopsies on the 103 #EndSARS victims and publish their identities and the circumstances of their deaths," Sanusi.

Sanusi, who said it was appalling that the state government had never mentioned that it had held the bodies of 103 EndSARS victims in its custody since October 2020, called for the release of protesters who are still in detention.

"Nigerian authorities must also ensure that victims and their families are provided with access to justice and effective remedies, including adequate compensation," he added.

AI noted that during an on-the-ground investigation in 2020, it confirmed that security forces opened fire on thousands of peaceful protesters, who were peacefully calling for good governance and an end to police brutality, killing at least 12 protesters at Lekki toll gate and in Alausa.

It added that the group established that pro-government supporters instigated violence at many of the demonstrations, providing cover for the police to use lethal force against peaceful protesters.

A prominent ENDSARS promoter, Akin Olaoye, in an interview with a national TV, said it was disheartening that 103 Nigerians killed and left in morgues for almost three years were billed for mass burial.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

While faulting the claims by the government that relatives didn't show up to claim the bodies, Akin, whose group maintained one of the safe houses for ENDSARS victims, said the group presented some of the relatives at the judicial panel which admitted that there was a massacre at Lekki Toll gate when members of the Nigerian Army on October 20, 2020 opened fire on unarmed protesters.

He said the government should seek truth and reconciliation instead of asking people 'to snap out' of the unfortunate incident.

We've not received approval for mass burial yet - Funeral firm

Daily Trust also learnt that no date has been fixed for the burial as the funeral firm, TOS Funerals Limited, said it had yet to receive approval from the government to carry out the mass burial.

A staff of the firm who identified himself as Dele in an interview with Daily Trust, said, the firm has not received the letter which was leaked on social media.

"We have not received it. So we can't speak about it because we don't have the letter. There is no approval yet," he said.
New York, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Enzyme Replacement Therapy Global Market Report 2023" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06479974/?utm_source=GNW

, Amicus Therapeutics Inc., Johnson & Johnson Services Inc., Digestive Care Inc., Nestle Health Science, Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Allergan Plc., Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd., CANbridge Life Sciences Ltd., Chiesi Farmaceutici S.P.A., Astrazeneca Plc., Genzyme Corporation, and JCR Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.



The global enzyme replacement therapy market is expected to grow from $10.03 billion in 2022 to $10.85 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1%. The Russia-Ukraine war disrupted the chances of global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, at least in the short term. The war between these two countries has led to economic sanctions on multiple countries, a surge in commodity prices, and supply chain disruptions and affecting many markets across the globe. The market is expected to reach $14.79 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of 8.1%.



The enzyme replacement therapy market includes revenues earned by entities by providing Sebelipase alfa, Elosulfase alfa, Idursulfase, AL glucosidase alfa and Alpha1-Proteinase inhibitor enzyme replacement therapies.The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering.



Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.



Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) refers to a sort of medical treatment in which patients with chronic disorders brought on by insufficient or failing enzymes are given alternative enzymes.The body can complete the processes inhibited by the deficit by getting enzyme replacements.



It is particularly effective at returning urinary GAG levels to normal and boosting liver and spleen development.



North America was the largest region in the enzyme replacement therapy market in 2022.Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period.



The regions covered in the enzyme replacement therapy market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.



The main types of enzymes used in enzyme replacement therapy include agalsidase alfa, agalsidase beta, galsulfase, other enzyme types that are used in gaucher disease, pompe disease, fabry disease, others.Agalsidase alfa refers to a recombinant human alpha-galactosidase that is used in the treatment of fabrys disease as an enzyme replacement therapy.



It has a long half-life and a broad therapeutic spectrum.Patients should be advised about the possibility of infusion-related symptoms and sensitivity.



Agalsidase alfa is beneficial to enzyme replacement therapy because it aids in the treatment of Fabry disease. The enzyme replacement therapy is used by hospitals, infusion centers and others that is administered through oral and parenteral route.



The rising prevalence of rare, chronic, and inherited disorders is expected to propel the growth of the enzyme replacement therapy market going forward.Chronic disease refers to a form of illness that lasts for three months or more and can deteriorate with time.



Chronic diseases are more common in elderly people and typically can be controlled but not eradicated. For instance, in January 2023, according to a report issued by the US-based National Library of Medicine, which is operated by the federal government, the number of people in the USA aged 50 and older who have at least one chronic condition will increase by 99.5%, from 71.522 million in 2020 to 142.66 million by 2050. Therefore, the rising prevalence of rare, chronic, and inherited disorders will drive the growth of the enzyme replacement therapy market going forward.



Product approvals have emerged as the key trend gaining popularity in the enzyme replacement therapy market.Several enzyme replacement therapy medications introduced by large players are getting approvals in the market.



For instance, in February 2023, the Food and Drug Administration, a US-based federal agency of the Department of Health, approved Lamzede (velmanase alfa), the first enzyme replacement therapy approved in the United States for the treatment of non-central neurological indications of alpha-mannosidosis, a rare genetic disorder characterized by an absence of the alpha-mannosidase enzyme in the body.Lamzede helps patients regain normal cellular function by acting similarly to the alpha-mannosidase enzyme in their bodies, restoring healthy cellular functioning in patients.



Lamzede is administered to patients once a week as a 10mg injection.



In November 2020, Retrophin Inc., a US-based biopharmaceutical company, acquired Orphan Technologies Ltd for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Retrophin Inc. will expand its pipeline of potential first-in-class therapies targeting rare diseases. Orphan Technologies Limited is a Switzerland-based biopharmaceutical company that operates in enzyme replacement therapy.



The countries covered in the enzyme replacement therapy market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA.



The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).



The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.



The enzyme replacement therapy market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides enzyme replacement therapy market statistics, including enzyme replacement therapy industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with enzyme replacement therapy market share, detailed enzyme replacement therapy market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the enzyme replacement therapy industry. This enzyme replacement therapy market research report deliver a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06479974/?utm_source=GNW



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



__________________________
OCEAN TOWNSHIP, N.J., July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via InvestorWire  Advisors Mortgage Group (Advisors or the Company), based in Ocean Township, New Jersey, announces recognition by NJBIZ as one of this years best places to work in New Jersey. This is the 11th consecutive year Advisors has received this accolade.

The results, according to NJBIZ, are based upon the results of a survey conducted by BridgeTower Medias Best Companies Group, the 2023 honorees across small (15  49 employees), medium (50  249 employees) and large (more than 250 employees) employers are determined from none other than their own employees. The program confidentially collects data, allowing workers to share feedback about their employers, and for those companies to learn from and act on that knowledge.

The Company ensures that its family-oriented culture is always enriched and stays at the forefront of the Companys day-to-day interactions. According to Advisors President Steven Meyer: We never forget where we came from and how we started as a small business with family ideals where everyone has an important role and their contributions matter. Our Company slogan Family. Customers. Community. means just as much to us today as it did when we started the company in 1999.

The Advisors family hosts employee appreciation events throughout the year. Starting in January, the Company throws a holiday gala where employees and their guests are invited to a sit-down formal dinner and live music. Every summer, Advisors puts on its annual Day at the Races at Monmouth Racetrack where employees and their families attend a fun-filled day. At the end of the year, the national sales conference highlights the Companys achievements and goals. Finally, in December, a gift swap takes place with coveted prizes thrown in to make the day extra special. Throughout the year, branch family dinners are also an important part of the Companys endeavors to stay in touch and connect with its branch employees throughout the country.

Advisors mantra is: We take care of our family, who helps us take care of our customers, which allows us to give back to our community. The Company takes pride in the fact that its successes lead to helping local communities. Advisors is a major supporter of Free Wheelchair Mission, and its Lake Forest branch donates enough money for one wheelchair for every loan that they close. Another non-profit organization that is near and dear to the Advisors Family is NEADS World Class Service Dogs. Each year Advisors adopts puppies that are then trained to become service dogs to U.S. veterans.

To learn more about Advisors Mortgage Group, visit its website at: https://advisorsmortgage.com/ or call 1-855-LOANS-USA.

About Advisors Mortgage Group

With big dreams and even bigger determination, Advisors Mortgage Group, LLC was founded in October 1999 by a single loan officer in a 400-square-foot office in Shrewsbury, New Jersey. In the years since its formation, Advisors has grown to serve not only the greater New Jersey area but also a vast portion of the United States. With branch offices up and down the East Coast and its corporate office in Ocean Township, New Jersey, Advisors Mortgage has established itself as a pillar of excellence in the mortgage industry. Our immense experience is our greatest asset and is the foundation of the success of the Company and every Advisors branch and loan officer.

In 2005, Advisors Mortgage Group was designated by the Federal Housing Authority as a Full Eagle FHA Underwriter. As a Full Eagle, Advisors has been able to expand its loan volume by approving loans, which a majority of the competition could not dream of. We have built a platform for a seamless and stress-free mortgage process for all of our customers, and we have that same mission throughout all of our offices. We understand that success cannot be attained without teamwork and communication, two of our most important strengths.

Wire Service Contact:

InvestorWire (IW)

Los Angeles, California

www.InvestorWire.com

212.418.1217 Office

Editor@InvestorWire.com

Attachment
Burlingame, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coherent Market Insights published a report, titled, Digital Pathology Market, by Product Type (Image Analysis Software, Scanner {Bright Field Scanner, Fluorescence Scanner}, Services {Installation & Integration, Maintenance Services, Consulting Services}), by Therapeutic Area (Oncology, Hematology, Autoimmune Disorder, Dermatology and Others), by Technology (Immunohistochemistry, ISH & FISH, Immunofluorescence and others) End User (Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies, Diagnostic Labs, Hospital Laboratories, and Others) - Size, Share, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2023  2030 According to the report, Global Digital Pathology industry is estimated to be valued at US$ 884.4 million in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 12.2% during the forecast period (2023-2030).



Analysts Views on Global Digital Pathology Market:

Pathologist are increasing the use of digital pathology in laboratories as digital pathology is becoming a mainstream option for repetitive diagnostics and is expected to propel the market growth over the forecast period. For instance, according to an article published in January 2021, by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, pathologists are integrating digital pathology into clinical practice because of its potential benefits; digital images are stored on secure servers and can be viewed on computer monitors, enabling pathologists to work remotely and collaborate with other pathologists.

Request Sample copy of this Report @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/379

Key Trends and Analysis of the Global Digital Pathology Market:

Increasing number of strategies such as collaborations between key players in the market is expected to drive the market growth over the forecast period. For instance, on March 9, 2022, Proscia, a software company, and Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., a provider of whole slide imaging systems, announced a collaboration to accelerate the adoption of digital pathology at the corporate level. By combining the Concentriq platform from Proscia and the NanoZoomer family of whole slide scanners from Hamamatsu, integrated solution expands its marketability and helps laboratories understand the full potential of pathology's digital transformation.

Global Digital Pathology Market- Drivers

Increasing incidence of the grave disease, an autoimmune disorder

Increasing number of grave disease cases, an autoimmune disorder is expected to drive market growth over the forecast period. For instance, in March 2022, according to the data published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, it was found that the prevalence of the Grave disease and thyroiditis in the year 2021 was more than 500 per 100,000 people globally, out of which 85% were female patients.

Increasing number of partnerships between market players

Increasing number of partnerships between key players operating in the market is expected to drive the market growth over forecast period. For instance, on April 11, 2022, Crosscope, a provider of AI-enabled digital pathology software, announced a partnership agreement with Waleed Pharmacy & Stores LLC, a pharmacy store, to deliver Crosscopes AI-enabled Digital Pathology platform in Oman. Together, they aim to reduce the cancer burden in Oman by bringing cutting-edge technology advancements to the country and enabling their commercialization to provide complete cancer care.

Digital Pathology Market Report Coverage

Report Coverage Details Base Year: 2022 Market Size in 2023: US$ 884.4 Mn Historical Data for: 2017 to 2021 Forecast Period: 2023 to 2030 Forecast Period 2023 to 2030 CAGR: 12.2% 2030 Value Projection: US$ 1,977.9 Mn Geographies covered: North America: U.S. and Canada

U.S. and Canada Latin America: Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America

Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America Europe: Germany, U.K., Spain, France, Italy, Russia, and Rest of Europe

Germany, U.K., Spain, France, Italy, Russia, and Rest of Europe Asia Pacific: China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, ASEAN, and Rest of Asia Pacific

China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, ASEAN, and Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East: GCC Countries, Israel, and Rest of Middle East

GCC Countries, Israel, and Rest of Middle East Africa: South Africa, North Africa, and Central Africa Segments covered: By Product Type: Image Analysis Software, Scanner (Bright Field Scanner, Fluorescence Scanner), Services (Installation and Integration, Maintenance Services, Consulting Services)

Image Analysis Software, Scanner (Bright Field Scanner, Fluorescence Scanner), Services (Installation and Integration, Maintenance Services, Consulting Services) By Therapeutic Area: Oncology, Hematology, Autoimmune Disorders, Dermatology, Others

Oncology, Hematology, Autoimmune Disorders, Dermatology, Others By Technology: Immunohistochemistry, ISH & FISH, Immunofluorescence, Others

Immunohistochemistry, ISH & FISH, Immunofluorescence, Others By End User: Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies, Diagnostic Labs, Hospital Laboratories, Others Companies covered: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH, Olympus Corporation, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Merck KGaA, GE Healthcare, Mikroscan Technologies, Inc., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Sectra AB, Propath UK Limited, Inspirata, Inc., Hamamatsu Photonics, Inc., OracleBio Limited, MD Biosciences, Aiforia, Xybion Digital Inc., Nucleai, Inc Growth Drivers: Increasing product launches and product approval by key players in the market

The increasing collaboration, agreements between market players Restraints & Challenges: The high cost of digital pathology system

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Global Digital Pathology Market- Restraint

Lack of Skilled Pathologists

Over the forecast period, the digital pathology industry is anticipated to face difficulties due to a lack of skilled pathologists. According to an article published in July 2022 by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, low- and middle-income nations struggle with a lack of skilled pathologists who frequently prefer to operate in urban groups despite the fact that a sizable portion of the population lives in rural areas.

Global High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Market- Opportunity

Increasing number of product launches

Increasing product launches by key market players is expected to drive the global digital pathology market growth over the forecast period. For instance, in September 2021, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., a pharmaceutical industry, launched its Digital Pathology Open Environment that allows software developers to integrate their image analysis tools for tumor tissue with Roches uPath enterprise software, an application for pathologists' workflow.

Global Digital Pathology Market Cross Sectional Analysis:

Among product type, scanner segment is dominant in U.S. region due to increasing number of product launches. For instance, in April 2021, OptraSCAN, a company that provides digital pathology solutions, announced the launch of the new OS-Ultra 320 highspeed digital pathology scanner.

Global Digital Pathology Market Segmentation:

The Global Digital Pathology Market report is segmented into Product Type, Therapeutic Area, Technology, Application, End User and Region.

Based on Product Type, the market is segmented into Image Analysis Software, Scanner and services. Out of which, scanner segment is expected to dominate in the Digital Pathology Market during the forecast period and this is due to the increase in the product launches by key market players.

Based on Therapeutic Area, the market is segmented into Oncology, Hematology, Autoimmune Disorders, Dermatology and others. Out of which, oncology segment is expected to dominate in the market over the forecast period and this is a due to increase in number of collaborations between market players.

Based on Technology, the market is segmented into Immunohistochemistry, ISH & FISH, Immunofluorescence and Others. Out of which, Immunofluorescence segment is expected to dominate the market over the forecast period and this is attributed due to increasing research and development activities.

Based on End User, the Digital Pathology Market is segmented into Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies, Diagnostic Labs, Hospital Laboratories and Others. Hospital laboratories segment is expected to dominate the market over the forecast period and this is attributed to the increasing adoption of digital pathology in hospital laboratories.

Among all segmentation, End User segment has the highest potential due to increasing adoption of digital pathology in hospital laboratories. For instance, in March 2020, Geneva University Hospital, Switzerland, signed a contract for the usage of Sectras digital pathology solution for full-scale primary diagnostics in its laboratory under Swiss eHealth Strategy 2.0 that intends to enhance the promotion of digitization in the healthcare sector all over Switzerland.

Global Digital Pathology Market: Key Developments

In 2020, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, a Switzerland-based multinational healthcare company, launched its digital pathology platform in Brazil. The platform aims to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment in the country.

In 2020, the Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKTK) also known as the German Cancer Consortium launched a Joint Imaging Platform (JIP) in the radiology and nuclear medicine departments of 10 university hospitals in Germany for feasible and shared analysis of pathological images.

In August 2022, Indica Labs, a biotechnology company, collaborated with iCAIRD, the industrial center for artificial intelligence research in digital diagnostics, for development of an AI-based digital pathology solution for the diagnosis of cancer within lymph nodes in colorectal surgery cases.

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Key Market Takeaways:

The Global Digital Pathalogy Market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 12.2% during the forecast period, due to increasing launch of image analysis software for diagnosis of cancer. For instance, in November 2020, Visiopharm A/S, an image analysis tools providing company, introduced AI-powered image analysis software that was selected by the Joint Pathology Center (JPC), the pathology reference center for the U.S. federal government, and part of the U.S. Defense Health Agency, to support an important initiative to modernize the largest collection of human pathology specimens in the world.

Among Therapeutic Area, oncology segment is dominant due to increasing launch of image analysis software for diagnosis of cancer. For instance, in January 2021, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., a pharmaceutical company, announced the CE-IVD (Conformite Europeenne marked - in vitro diagnostic (IVD) device) launch of its automated digital pathology algorithms, uPath HER2 Dual ISH image analysis, and uPath HER2 (4B5) image analysis for breast cancer, to help determine the best treatment strategy for each patient. Artificial intelligence is used in the uPath HER2 Dual ISH image analysis and uPath HER2 (4B5) image analysis algorithms, which assist pathologists in providing rapid and precise patient diagnosis for breast cancer.

On the basis of technology, Immunofluorescence segment is expected to hold a dominant position over the forecast period. Digitalization has long invaded the field of immunofluorescence microscopy. With applications in deciphering protein-protein and DNA protein interactions, immunofluorescence imaging is an ever-growing technology. The emergence of biological therapies for cancer treatment has further broadened this scope. For instance, a study published in the Cancer Communications journal in April 2020, emphasizes the potential of the multiplex immunofluorescence imaging technique, an immunofluorescence technology that allows the simultaneous detection of multiple markers on a single tissue section, for clinical and translational research in the era of cancer immunotherapy.

Competitive Landscape:

Key players operating in the Global Digital Pathalogy Market include Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH, Olympus Corporation, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Merck KGaA, GE Healthcare, Mikroscan Technologies, Inc., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Sectra AB, Propath UK Limited, Inspirata, Inc., Hamamatsu Photonics, Inc., OracleBio Limited, MD Biosciences, Aiforia, Xybion Digital Inc.

Market Segmentation:

Global Digital Pathology Market , By Product Type: Image Analysis Software Scanner Bright Field Scanner Fluorescence Scanner Services Installation and Integration Maintenance Services Consulting Services

Global Digital Pathology Market, By Therapeutic Area: Oncology Hematology Autoimmune Disorders Dermatology Others

Global Digital Pathology Market, By Technology: Immunohistochemistry ISH & FISH Immunofluorescence Others

Global Digital Pathology Market, By End User: Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies Diagnostic Labs Hospital Laboratories Others

Global Digital Pathology Market , By Region: North America

U.S. Canada Latin America

Brazil Mexico Argentina Rest of Latin America Europe

Germany U.K. France Italy Spain Russia Rest of Europe Asia Pacific

GCC Israel Rest of Middle East Middle East

South Africa Central Africa North Africa Africa

South Africa Central Africa North Africa



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Cerebral Angiography Market, By Procedure Type (Diagnostic Cerebral Angiography, Therapeutic Cerebral Angiography), By Imaging Technique (Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA), Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA), Catheter Angiography, Intraoperative Angiography, Other advanced imaging, techniques), By Indication (Intracranial Aneurysms, Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs), Stroke, Cerebral Tumors, Cerebrovascular Disease, Others), By End-User (Hospitals, Diagnostic Imaging Centers, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Academic and Research Institutions), By Product Type (Angiography Systems, Catheters, Guidewires, Contrast Media, Accessories and Consumables), By Application (Neurology, Neurosurgery, Interventional Radiology, Others), By Patient Age (Adult Patients, Pediatric Patients), By Imaging Modality (X-ray-based Angiography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-based Angiography, Computed Tomography (CT)-based Angiography), By Procedure Setting (Conventional Angiography Suite, Interventional Radiology Suite, Operating Room), and By Geography (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa)- Size, Share, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2023 - 2030

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About Us:

Coherent Market Insights is a global market intelligence and consulting organization focused on assisting our plethora of clients achieve transformational growth by helping them make critical business decisions. We are headquartered in India, having sales office at global financial capital in the U.S. and sales consultants in United Kingdom and Japan. Our client base includes players from across various business verticals in over 57 countries worldwide. We create value for clients through our highly reliable and accurate reports. We are also committed in playing a leading role in offering insights in various sectors post-COVID-19 and continue to deliver measurable, sustainable results for our clients.

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Burlingame, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coherent Market Insights published a report, titled, Leptospirosis Market, by Drug (Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, Cefixime, Doxycycline, Others (Ceftriaxone,Penicillin among others)), by Diagnosis (Complete Blood Count (CBC), Creatine Kinase, Liver Enzymes, Urinalysis, Others (Lumbar puncture, Microscopic agglutination test among others)), by Route of Administration (Oral, Parenteral, Intravenous), by Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, and Online Pharmacies) - Size, Share, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2023 - 2030 According to the report, Global Leptospirosis Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 496.8 million in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period (2023-2030).



Request Sample copy of this Report @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/5761

Analysts Views on Global Leptospirosis Market:

Increasing number of patients affected with Leptospirosis is expected to rise the demand for treatment options which can be a driving factor for the growth of Global Leptospirosis Market in near future. For instance, data published by The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control stated that in the year 2020- 21 EU/EEA countries reported 907 leptospirosis cases of which 565 (62%) were classified as confirmed. The remaining 342 cases (38%) were reported as probable. France reported 323 (94%) of the 342 probable cases. Four countries (France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Portugal) accounted for 66% of all notified cases, although their combined populations only represent approximately 34% of the total population of the EU/EEA. Thus this is expected to rise the demand for drugs for treatment of Leptospirosis in the near future which can drive the growth of the market.

Global Leptospirosis Market Segmentation:

The Global Leptospirosis Market report is segmented into Drug, Diagnosis, Route of Administration and Distribution Channel

Based on Drug, the market is segmented into Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, Cefixime, Doxycycline, Others (Ceftriaxone, Penicillin among Others). Out of which Amoxicillin segment is expected to dominant position in Leptospirosis Market during the forecast period and this is attributed due to increase in use of Amoxicillin for the treatment of Leptospirosis, as Amoxicillin drug is the used as off label treatment option by various government authorities

Based on Diagnosis, the market is segmented into Complete Blood Count (CBC) , Creatine Kinase.Liver Enzymes, Urinalysis, Others (Lumbar puncture, Microscopic agglutination test among others)). Out of which Complete Blood Count (CBC) segment is expected to dominant position in Leptospirosis Market during the forecast period and this is attributed due to increase in use for the Complete Blood Count (CBC) as diagnosis option for Leptospirosis by various hospitals, diagnosis centrs and others

Based on Route of Administration, the market is segmented into Oral, Parenteral, Intravenous. Out of which, hospital pharmacies segment is expected to dominate the market over the forecast period and this is attributed to the increase in the use of Oral medicines as treatment option for Leptospirosis

Based on Distribution Channel, the market is segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. Out of which, hospital pharmacies segment is expected to dominate the market over the forecast period and this is attributed to the increase in the number of hospital pharmacies.

Among all segmentation, drug segment has the highest potential due to the increasing demand for drugs for the treatment of Leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis Market Report Coverage

Report Coverage Details Base Year: 2022 Market Size in 2023: US$ 496.8 Mn Historical Data for: 2017 to 2021 Forecast Period: 2023 to 2030 Forecast Period 2023 to 2030 CAGR: 5.8% 2030 Value Projection: US$ 739.6 Mn Geographies covered: North America: U.S. and Canada

U.S. and Canada Latin America: Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America

Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America Europe: Germany, U.K., Spain, France, Italy, Russia, and Rest of Europe

Germany, U.K., Spain, France, Italy, Russia, and Rest of Europe Asia Pacific: China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, ASEAN, and Rest of Asia Pacific

China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, ASEAN, and Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East: GCC Countries, Israel, and Rest of Middle East

GCC Countries, Israel, and Rest of Middle East Africa: South Africa, North Africa, and Central Africa Segments covered: By Drug: Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, Cefixime, Doxycycline, Others (Ceftriaxone, Penicillin Among Others)

Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, Cefixime, Doxycycline, Others (Ceftriaxone, Penicillin Among Others) By Diagnosis: Complete Blood Count (CBC), Creatine Kinase, Liver Enzymes, Urinalysis, Others (Lumbar puncture, Microscopic agglutination test among others)

Complete Blood Count (CBC), Creatine Kinase, Liver Enzymes, Urinalysis, Others (Lumbar puncture, Microscopic agglutination test among others) By Route of Administration: Oral, Parenteral, Intravenous

Oral, Parenteral, Intravenous By Distribution Channel: Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies Companies covered: USAntibiotics, Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd., Century Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Mayne Pharma Group Limited, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc., Ralington Pharma, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Pfizer Inc., Sandoz International GmbH, ISKON REMEDIES & GMT, Haustus Biotech Pvt. Ltd., and Aden Healthcare Growth Drivers: Ongoing research and development by key market players Restraints & Challenges: Lack of standardization of diagnostic testing and treatment alternatives for the prevention and control of Leptospirosis

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Cross Sectional Analysis of Global Leptospirosis Market:

Among drug, the amoxicillin segment is dominant in Europe due to increasing demand for amoxicillin for the treatment of leptospirosis over the forecast period. For instance, In October 2022, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), an international independent medical humanitarian organization, that provides medical assistance to people affected by epidemics issued guidelines for treatment options such as amoxicillin PO for 7 days, children: 25 mg/kg (max. 1 g) 2 times daily, adults: 1 g 2 times daily

Key Market Takeaways:

The Global Leptospirosis Market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period due to the increasing awareness campaign by the key market players to raise awareness. For instance, on April 13, 2022, the health department launched a campaign, in Kerala, India, to promote awareness of leptospirosis. The government suggested that people engaged in farming and cleaning activities should necessarily wear safety gloves and boots.

Competitive Landscape:

Key players operating in the Global Leptospirosis Market include USAntibiotics, Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd., Century Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Mayne Pharma Group Limited, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc., Ralington Pharma, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Pfizer Inc., Sandoz International GmbH, ISKON REMEDIES & GMT, Haustus Biotech Pvt. Ltd., and Aden Healthcare

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Market Segmentation:

Global Leptospirosis Market, By Drug: Amoxicillin Azithromycin Cefixime Doxycycline Others (Ceftriaxone,Penicillin among others)

Global Leptospirosis Market, By Diagnosis: Complete Blood Count (CBC) Creatine Kinase Liver Enzymes Urinalysis Others (Lumbar puncture, Microscopic agglutination test among others)

Global Leptospirosis Market, By Route of Administration: Oral Parenteral Intravenous

Global Leptospirosis Market, By Distribution Channel: Hospital Pharmacies Retail Pharmacies Online Pharmacies

Global Leptospirosis Market, By Region: North America U.S. Canada Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Rest of Latin America Europe Germany U.K. France Italy Spain Russia Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China India Japan Australia South Korea ASEAN Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East GCC Israel Rest of Middle East Africa South Africa Central Africa North Africa







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WAWA, Pa., July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Its official  Wawa has completed the launch of Wawa Pizza, adding to its rapidly growing dinner menu. After years of perfecting the recipe, Wawa started rolling out pizza to select stores in early June. As of last week, Wawa has completed the launch in more than 900 of its locations across the Mid-Atlantic and Florida. Wawa Pizza comes in two size options  14 inches or 16 inches  and can be ordered in store via Wawas touchscreens or through the Wawa app. While the vast majority of Wawa stores are offering full-size pizzas, a select number of stores are offering only a special, personal-size pizza.



All Wawa Pizza is built to order in store using Wawas freshly made dough, proprietary pizza sauce, whole milk mozzarella, and more. The pizzas are then baked in dedicated pizza ovens that have been added to most Wawa locations. Currently, Wawa is offering several pizza varieties, including plain, pepperoni, sausage, mushroom, and veggie  with expanded options to come in the future.

Wawa Pizza will be available from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. in stores that are open 24 hours. Customers can order in store via touchscreen kiosks or in advance via the Wawa mobile app.

We are absolutely thrilled to launch Wawa Pizza and give our customers another delicious dinner meal option to pair with our expansive selection of other fresh-to-order foods, snacks, drinks, and more, said Mary-Rose Hannum, Vice President of Fresh Food & Beverages for Wawa. Pizza is one of the most beloved foods in America, so we couldnt be more excited to make it a part of Wawas fast-casual-to-go offering and create a restaurant-like experience with our high-quality ingredients, great value, and the convenience were known for. Its officially a pizza night at Wawa!

In 2022, Wawa launched a new, enhanced dinner platform with the debut of the Wawa burger and fries. Since then, Wawa has continued to expand the platform with dinner salads, crispy chicken, dinner sides, and more. With the addition of pizza to Wawas dinner menu, customers can order this shareable crowd-pleaser any day of the week, along with the convenience of pairing it with Wawas range of food and beverage options. Prices for Wawa Pizza start at $12.99 per pie.

About Wawa, Inc.

Wawa, Inc., a privately held company, began in 1803 as an iron foundry in New Jersey. Toward the end of the 19th Century, owner George Wood took an interest in dairy farming and the family began a small processing plant in Wawa, PA in 1902. The milk business was a huge success, due to its quality, cleanliness and certified process. As home delivery of milk declined in the early 1960s, Grahame Wood, Georges grandson, opened the first Wawa Food Market in 1964 in Pennsylvania as an outlet for dairy products. Today, Wawa is your all day, every day stop for freshly prepared foods, beverages, coffee, fuel services and surcharge-free ATMs. Wawa stores are located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida and Washington, D.C. with more than 1,000 locations to date. The stores offer a large fresh foodservice selection, including Wawa brands such as custom prepared hoagies, freshly-brewed coffee, hot breakfast sandwiches, hand-crafted specialty beverages, a dinner menu including burgers and an assortment of soups, sides and snacks. Forbes.com Ranks Wawa as #24 of Americas Largest Private Companies in 2022, #12 on Forbes 100 Halo List in 2022 and one of Forbes 2022 Americas Best Employers for Veterans and Women. For more information, visit us on www.wawa.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram at @wawa.

CONTACT: public.relations@wawa.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c1aaedd2-c779-49fb-b4f1-95f5a0ea1b2e
Dallas, Texas, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Briggs Industrial Solutions, a Sammons Industrial company, announced Mark Piccirillo as the new Chief Financial Officer. A proven strategic leader, with more than 25 years of experience, Piccirillo has held roles with responsibilities in the US and abroad that included mergers & acquisitions, P&L ownership, growth initiatives, and profitability improvements. Piccirillo has a proven record in leading complex finance organizations across multiple industries and driving change.

I am excited to have Mark join our executive team and bring his breadth of experience to our organization. Marks approach to leadership and team development and strong values aligns with our company values and will help us to continue to grow in the future. Dan Lister, President, Briggs Industrial Solutions.

Piccirillo joins Briggs from Lennox International, where he most recently served as Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer for Lennox Commercial HVAC and Refrigeration businesses. During his nearly 12 years with Lennox, Mark served as the CFO for four different business segments guiding the U.S. and Internationally based businesses through various stages of turn-around, growth and expansion.

Mark is a Certified Public Accountant and graduated cum laude from Babson College.

About Briggs Industrial Solutions

Briggs Industrial Solutions sits under the umbrella of Sammons Industrial, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sammons Enterprises, Inc. Briggs Industrial Solutions has a comprehensive offering of equipment, rental, service, and design products to provide complete business solutions for our customers with 21 locations in six states through four distinct business units: Briggs Equipment, Briggs Truck & Rail, Briggs Earth & Ag, and Briggs Warehouse Solutions. Briggs Industrial was created from the original Briggs Equipment business which has been in business for more than 125 years.

For more information, please visit: BriggsIndustrialSolutions.com

About Sammons Enterprises Inc.

Sammons Enterprises, Inc., is a diverse holding corporation that owns and operates companies in five core business sectors: financial services, industrial, infrastructure, real estate, and investments. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas with operations in four countries, Sammons was established in 1938. With over $7 Billion in annual revenues and over $123 Billion in assets, Sammons is one of the largest privately-held companies in the United States.

For more information, visit sammonsenterprises.com

Attachment
SARASOTA, Fla., July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IPG (Intertape Polymer Group) a leading manufacturer of packaging and protective solutions, has issued its 2022 sustainability report, unveiling the companys achievements and reinforcing its future commitments to create a positive impact through materials and manufacturing. The report, titled 'Safe, Circular and Responsible,' underscores IPG's unwavering dedication to responsible manufacturing, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of its workforce by providing a detailed account of IPGs sustainability efforts and areas for improvement.





"We are proud to reflect on the transformative year of 2022, which marked a significant milestone for IPG as we transitioned from a publicly traded to a privately held company through a strategic acquisition led by an affiliate of Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. in June 2022. This shift set the stage for a new chapter of growth and opportunity. I joined IPG in November, as the new CEO, and renewed our commitment to sustainability including the CEO Water Mandate, CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion, and our steadfast support for the United Nations Global Compact," said Pete Durette, CEO of IPG. "Our resolve remains unyielding in our pursuit to minimize our environmental footprint, nurture the well-being of our valued employees and communities, and deliver sustainable products that seamlessly align with the evolving needs of our esteemed customers."

In 2022, IPG demonstrated a heightened dedication to customer-centricity and sustainability, upholding its commitment to ethical conduct. By prioritizing tangible actions instead of mere promises, the company bolstered its position as an industry leader through active pursuit of the Cradle to Cradle Certified Products Program. IPG's dedication to accountability and ambitious objectives were evident in its participation as a signatory to various agreements, which included the pursuit of zero waste manufacturing and the attainment of a net zero carbon footprint. These resolute endeavors solidify IPG's prominent standing at the forefront of sustainable practices.

"IPG takes immense pride in the significant strides made towards our commitments in product sustainability, fostering an inclusive workforce, and driving environmental stewardship throughout the past year," said Jay Bolus, VP of Sustainability at IPG. "Our dedication to tackling challenging goals has propelled us to not only advance existing initiatives but also embrace new endeavors in 2022. We recognize the demanding nature of these commitments and continuously explore innovative strategies to achieve them. At IPG, we firmly believe in maximizing the potential of every resource, optimizing clean and renewable energy utilization, and fostering a culture that celebrates diversity. These guiding principles underpin our actions as we persistently pursue a sustainable and inclusive future."

Highlights from the 2022 IPG Sustainability Report include:

IPG significantly expanded its Cradle to Cradle Certified product lines, increasing from eight to twelve, which is by far the most in the industry.

IPGs Cradle to Cradle Certified products accounted for 58% of total sales in 2022, demonstrating a notable increase from 50% in 2021.

IPG achieved the prestigious ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year: Sustained Excellence award for the eighth consecutive year, recognizing its unwavering commitment to excellence.

Through various energy efficiency projects, IPG successfully reduced its collective Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon footprint, demonstrating its dedication to mitigating environmental impact.

IPG's proactive reporting to CDP Climate resulted in a strong score of B, surpassing both the global average and the specific industry average.

IPG significantly improved its waste diversion rate from 41% in 2021 to an impressive 59% in 2022, further enhancing its sustainable practices.

In 2022, 65% of packaging products manufactured by IPG, based on revenue, were recyclable, reusable, or compostable.

IPG prioritized safety with around 15,000 safety contacts conducted and implemented daily formal safety walks at each site. These collective efforts resulted in a notable decrease in the total case incident rate from 1.8 in 2021 to 1.7 in 2022.

By signing the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion in 2022, IPG's CEO reaffirmed the company's unwavering dedication to fostering inclusivity and diversity within the workplace. This commitment, as the largest CEO-driven business initiative for promoting diversity and inclusion, showcases IPG's ongoing efforts to cultivate an inclusive and equitable environment.

IPG made substantial progress in renewable energy utilization, with renewable energy accounting for 3.1% of total energy use. Moreover, energy intensity decreased from 6.02 in 2021 to an improved rate of 5.87 in 2022.

About IPG

Headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, IPG is a global provider of packaging and protective solutions across a diversified set of geographies and end-markets. The Company develops, manufactures, and sells a variety of solutions including paper and film-based pressure-sensitive and water-activated tapes, stretch and shrink films, protective packaging, woven and non-woven products and packaging machinery.

For information about the Company, visit www.itape.com.

IPGs full 2022 Sustainability Report is available at https://www.itape.com/sustainability

Cradle to Cradle Certified is a registered trademark of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Jay Bolus

Vice President Sustainability

jbolus@itape.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/507dffc3-11b6-46e4-aef3-cdffd6c3600c
RALEIGH, N.C., July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Highwoods Properties, Inc. (NYSE:HIW) has released its second quarter 2023 results. To view the release, please visit the investors section of our website at www.highwoods.com or click on the following link:

HIW Reports Second Quarter 2023 Results

About Highwoods

Highwoods Properties, Inc., headquartered in Raleigh, is a publicly-traded (NYSE:HIW) real estate investment trust (REIT) and a member of the S&P MidCap 400 Index. The Company is a fully-integrated office REIT that owns, develops, acquires, leases and manages properties primarily in the best business districts (BBDs) of Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Nashville, Orlando, Raleigh, Richmond and Tampa. For more information about Highwoods, please visit our website at www.highwoods.com.
CHICAGO, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is pleased to announce that the FSR Sarcoidosis Research Fellowship for 2023-2025 is being awarded to Dr. Christen Vagts from FSR Global Sarcoidosis Clinic Alliance Founding Member, University of Illinois Hospital and Clinic, for her outstanding proposal, Immune Mediators of Active Advanced Pulmonary Sarcoidosis.



FSR has awarded over $1.2 million through the FSR Sarcoidosis Research Fellowship Grant program and is thrilled to award Dr. Vagts a fellowship in the amount of $150,000 over two-years to continue FSR's investment in support of promising early career investigators. FSR's Sarcoidosis Research Fellowship program was initiated in 2018 and has helped to support the research of eight fellows to build the pipeline for the next generation of sarcoidosis researchers. The FSR Fellowship Grant provides an opportunity for early-stage investigators to develop specialized skills and gain direct experience within the field of sarcoidosis.

I am so honored to be the recipient of the FSR Fellowship grant, said Dr. Vagts. Improved understanding of how sarcoidosis-related inflammation drives pulmonary fibrosis is critical for new drug development and the creation of clinical strategies to help mitigate the risk of advance lung fibrosis.

Dr. Vagts is an early career pulmonary and critical care physician scientist at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) who has a passion for immunology as it pertains to sarcoidosis and other autoimmune diseases. Her research initiatives stem directly from clinical experiences managing patients with sarcoidosis at UICs Bernie Mac Sarcoidosis Translational Advanced Research (STAR) Center. As she embarked on her research career at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she evaluated the causes of sarcoidosis by focusing her attention on immunology. Advanced pulmonary sarcoidosis-related fibrosis (APSF) occurs in up to 30% of those with pulmonary sarcoidosis and carries significant morbidity and mortality. Dr. Vagts project will seek to identify potential genetic factors and inflammatory biomarkers that increase the risk of the potential development of advanced lung disease in sarcoidosis patients.

Dr. Vagts plans to apply gene sequencing techniques and a strategy that uses advanced software to understand and analyze complex data sets, called bioinformatics, to explore how changes in the immunological systems and cells may lead to sarcoidosis-related pulmonary fibrosis.

It is with great enthusiasm that FSR grants Dr. Vagts the esteemed 2023-2025 FSR Sarcoidosis Research Fellowship. We are sure that her innovative research will yield significant findings and create fresh opportunities for the diagnosis, prevention, and the advancement of better patient outcomes for those impacted by sarcoidosis, declared Mary McGowan, FSR's Chief Executive Officer.

To learn more about FSR's Fellowship and research programs, please visit: https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/fsr-grants/.

About Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a rare inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of granulomastiny clumps of inflammatory cellsin one or more organs of the body. Despite increasing advances in research, sarcoidosis remains difficult to diagnose with limited treatment options and no known cure. Approximately 175,000 people live with sarcoidosis in the United States.

About the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research

The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is the leading international organization dedicated to finding a cure for sarcoidosis and to improving care for sarcoidosis patients through research, education, and support. Since its establishment in 2000, FSR has fostered over $6 million in sarcoidosis-specific research efforts. For more information about FSR and to join our community, visit: stopsarcoidosis.org.

Contact:

Cathi Davis

cathi@stopsarcoidosis.org

312-341-0500

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/230cfa6d-fba8-409e-aca9-79f84c61431f
SAN FRANCISCO, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hagens Berman urges RTX Corporation (NYSE: RTX) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now. The Firm also encourages persons with knowledge that might assist the investigation to contact its attorneys.



Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/rtx

Contact An Attorney Now: RTX@hbsslaw.com

844-916-0895

RTX Corporation (RTX) Investigation:

The investigation focuses on RTXs disclosures about its manufacturing quality controls.

More specifically, on July 25, 2023 RTX reported its Q2 2023 financial results, reduced its 2023 free cash flow guidance by about $500 million (or about 10%), and blamed this on recent findings of contamination in the metal used to make its Pratt & Whitney engine parts that would require potentially hundreds of accelerated engine inspections. During the earnings call, management revealed [i]ts going to be expensive and [t]his is an issue that we first uncovered back in 2020 when we had an incident with the V2500 turbine disc.

This news sent the price of RTX shares sharply lower that day.

Were focused on investors losses and whether RTX misled investors about its manufacturing quality controls and, recently, its claim to have remediated the contamination issue in 2021, said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.

If you invested in RTX Corporation and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firms investigation, click here to discuss your legal rights with Hagens Berman.

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding RTX Corporation should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email RTX@hbsslaw.com.

About Hagens Berman

Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.
AS the Africa Human Capital Heads of State Summit kicks off today in Dar es Salaam, the meeting is expected to be a stepstone towards developing a human capital that is key to any economic development within the continent.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Dr Natu Mwamba briefing journalists on the sidelines of a technical meeting which convened ahead of the ministerial meeting in Dar es Salaam, on Monday, said investing in human capital was a critical factor in bringing productivity among our countries.

"Out of the 1.2 billion population in Africa 60 per cent accounts for the youth aged 25 years who are in the workforce. As such, we need to come up with bold measures to ensure youths who are in the workforce are taken through the right path," said Dr Natu.

She underscored the need for ensuring youths are entitled to the right wellbeing, knowledge and skills over their lifetime, thereby enabling the continent to be productive and competitive.

Based on this, the summit is expected to generate the Dar es Salaam Human Capital Declaration 2023, which expresses member states commitment in the investment of human capital coupled with an enabling environment such as policies and strategies to go about the course.

She cited statistics from the United Nations which show that by 2050, the African Continent will possess a population of 2.2 billion people and 3.2 billion people by 2100.

"Seventy per cent of the population is anticipated to be generated from the youth, therefore, the need to invest in the group is very critical," she said.

By so doing, she disclosed that the countries will be in better positions to come up with measurable goals.

She outlined some of the investments made by Tanzania, so as to harness the human capital potential in critical sectors such as health and education among others.

The PS indicated that the government invested in the education of children from early school to university by introducing the free fee education and apprenticeship programme offered by the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA), to equip youths with skills needed in the labour market.

As for the health sector, through medical tourism, Tanzania has ensured its people get access to health services through the construction of well-equipped health facilities across the country.

Equally, specialised treatment offered at Muhimbili National Hospital, Mloganzila Branch and the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute patients from within and outside the country have acquired treatment.

In this regard, confirmation from 30 Heads of State and government including Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Prime Ministers and Ministers had been received. Likewise, eighty key focal ministers from sectors such as education, health, science, innovation, labour and employment had also confirmed their participation.

Commenting on the summit, renowned economist-cum-banker, Dr Hildebrand Shayo viewed that the meeting was timely, as it hoped to catapult the country's future economic growth.

He noted that economic expansion and human capital have a close relationship. By enhancing people's knowledge and abilities, human capital has an impact on economic growth and can contribute to the development of an economy. The knowledge, skill sets, and experience that employees have in an economy if not well recognised and utilised can slow down the county's growth.

"This meeting is very central because, from an economic point of view, the problems of emerging nations are severe and intricate. The importance of a solid human resource basis in enhancing other investments and policies to increase productivity and economic growth is timely," noted Dr Shayo.

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World Bank Country Director, Mr Nathan Balete in his address during the summit's side event revealed that the meeting will bring focus and attention at the highest level to the importance of investing in people as a core driver of productivity, resilience, and growth; raise awareness of the potential opportunities from the changing demographics in the region.

He underscored the urgent need to focus on learning and skills as key productivity drivers that will generate the demographic dividend and position human capital development as every sector's priority.

"We anticipate that the summit will also elicit commitments to two to three tangible financial and policy measures prioritising investments in people from each participating country, and will reinforce ownership of the human capital agenda by the region as one of the priority areas of sustainable development under the Agenda 2063 of the African Union" stated the Country Director.
Perth, July 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JUNE 2023 QUARTER REPORT

Perseus exceeds gold production and cost guidance for FY23 and H2 FY23; Cash and bullion increased to US$522M

PERTH, Western Australia/ July 26, 2023/Perseus Mining Limited (Perseus or the Company) (TSX & ASX: PRU) reports on its activities for the three months period ended June 30, 2023 (the Quarter).

Key Operating highlights for the June 2023 quarter, the June 2023 Half Year and the full 2023 Financial Year include:

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR UNIT MARCH 2023 QUARTER JUNE 2023 QUARTER JUNE 2023 HALF YEAR 2023 FINANCIAL YEAR Gold recovered Ounces 130,275 136,634 266,909 535,281 Gold poured Ounces 130,512 137,586 268,098 538,642 Production Cost US$/ounce 831 811 820 820 All-In Site Cost (AISC) US$/ounce 971 1,007 989 959 Gold sales Ounces 135,111 140,533 275,644 537,564 Average sales price US$/ounce 1,821 1,933 1,878 1,803 Cash margin US$/ounce 850 926 889 844 Notional Cashflow US$ million 111 127 238 452

Quarterly gold production of 136,634 ounces at AISC of US$1,007 per ounce and cash margin of US$926 per ounce.

Gold production and AISC significantly outperformed market production and cost guidance for June 2023 Half Year and 2023 Financial Year.

Quarterly gold sales of 140,533 ounces, up 4% (+5,422 ounces) from the March 2023 quarter.

Average sale price of gold was US$1,933 per ounce, up 6% (+US$112 per ounce) from the March 2023 quarter.

Average cash margin of US$926 per ounce of gold sold up 9% (+US$76 per ounce) from the March 2023 quarter.

Notional cashflow of US$127 million during the quarter, up 14% (+US$16 million) from the March 2023 quarter.

Group rolling 12-month TRIFR remained stable at 1.20.

Strong quarterly cashflows further strengthened Perseuss financial position with a vailable cash and bullion of US$ 522 million with zero debt.

with zero debt. Net cash and bullion balance increased US$ 51 million from the March 2023 quarter.

from the March 2023 quarter. Organic growth activities including Mineral Resource drill outs and feasibility studies at Yaoures CMA Underground Project progressed on schedule. Results due in the September 2023 quarter.

Perseuss total economic contribution to its host countries of Ghana, Cote dIvoire and Sudan was ~ US$158 million (approximately 58% of revenue) during the quarter.

(approximately 58% of revenue) during the quarter. Pre-development activities at Meyas Sand Gold Project (MSGP) in Sudan suspended due to security concerns, with FID originally planned for the December 2023 Half Year now deferred.

Group Gold Production and Cost Market Guidance

Group gold production and AISCs for the December 2023 Half Year and the 2023 Calendar Year are as shown below in Table 10.

Table 10: Production and Cost Guidance

PARAMETER UNITS JUNE 2023 HALF YEAR

(ACTUAL) DECEMBER 2023 HALF YEAR

(FORECAST) 2023 CALENDAR YEAR

(FORECAST) Yaoure Gold Mine Production Ounces 137,120 125,000 to 140,000 262,100 to 277,120 All-in Site Cost USD per ounce 786 850 to 950 818 to 864 Sissingue Gold Mine Production Ounces 25,838 27,500 to 32,500 53,338 to 58,338 All-in Site Cost USD per ounce 1,647 1,700 to 1,900 1,677 to 1,777 Edikan Gold Mine Production Ounces 103,952 90,000 to 100,000 193,952 to 203,952 All-in Site Cost USD per ounce 1,094 1,200 to 1,300 1146 to 1190 PERSEUS GROUP Production Ounces 266,909 242,500 to 272,500 509,409 to 539,500 All-in Site Cost USD per ounce 989 1,080 to 1,190 1,035 to 1,085

Competent Person Statement

All production targets referred to in this report are underpinned by estimated Ore Reserves which have been prepared by competent persons in accordance with the requirements of the JORC Code.

Edikan

The information in this report that relates to the Esuajah South Underground Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve was first reported by the Company in a market announcement Perseus Mining Updates Mineral Resources & Ore Reserves released on 24 August 2021. The information in this report that relates to Esuajah North Mineral Resources estimate was first reported by the Company in a market announcement Perseus Updates Resources & Reserves released on 28 August 2018. The information in this report that relates to AF Gap Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve estimate was first reported by the Company in a market announcement Perseus Updates Mineral Resources & Ore Reserves released on 25 August 2020. The information in this report that relates to the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates for the Fetish deposit and the Heap Leach was first reported by the Company in a market announcement Perseus Updates Edikan Mineral Resource & Ore Reserves released on 19 February 2020. The information in this report that relates to the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates for the Nkosuo deposit was first reported by the Company in a market announcement Perseus Increases Edikans Inventories of Mineral Resource & Ore Reserves released on 19 July 2022. An update for mining depletion at Edikan as at 30 June 2022 was reported in a news release Perseus Mining Updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves dated 30 August 2022. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affect the information on those market releases and that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in Technical Report  Edikan Gold Mine, Ghana dated 7 April 2022 continue to apply.

Sissingue, Fimbiasso and Bagoe

The information in this report that relates to Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve estimates for Sissingue was reported by the Company in a market announcement Perseus Mining Updates Life of Mine Plan for Sissingue Gold Mine & Satellite Deposits released on 28 March 2022. An update for mining depletion at Sissingue as at 30 June 2022 was reported in a news release Perseus Mining Updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves dated 30 August 2022. The information in this report that relates to Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates for the Fimbiasso deposits was reported by the Company in a market announcement Perseus Mining Updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves released on 26 August 2020. The information in this report that relates to Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates for the Bagoe deposits was reported by the Company in a market announcement Perseus Mining Updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves released on 24 August 2021. The Company confirms that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, in that market release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in Technical Report  Sissingue Gold Project, Cote dIvoire dated 28 March 2022 continue to apply.

Yaoure

The information in this report that relates to the Open Pit and Underground Mineral Resources and the Underground Ore Reserve at CMA was first reported by the Company in a market announcement Perseus Mining announces maiden Underground Ore Reserve at Yaoure released on 30 August 2022. The information in this report that relates to the other Mineral Resources & Ore Reserves (including the Heap Leach) for the Yaoure Deposit was reported by the Company in a market announcement Perseus Mining Updates Mineral Resources & Ore Reserves released on 24 August 2021. An update for mining depletion at Yaoure as at 30 June 2022 was reported in a news release Perseus Mining Updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves dated 30 August 2022. The Company confirms that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, in that market release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in Technical Report  Yaoure Gold Project, Cote dIvoire dated 18 December 2017 continue to apply.

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information:

This report contains forward-looking information which is based on the assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made by the Company regarding, among other things: the price of gold, continuing commercial production at the Yaoure Gold Mine, the Edikan Gold Mine and the Sissingue Gold Mine without any major disruption, the receipt of required governmental approvals, the accuracy of capital and operating cost estimates, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of the Company to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used by the Company. Although management believes that the assumptions made by the Company and the expectations represented by such information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, the actual market price of gold, the actual results of current exploration, the actual results of future exploration, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated, as well as those factors disclosed in the Company's publicly filed documents. The Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the Companys ability to carry on its exploration and development activities, the timely receipt of required approvals, the price of gold, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of the Company to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Perseus does not undertake to update forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

ASX/TSX CODE: PRU



CAPITAL STRUCTURE:

Ordinary shares: 1,367,986,850

Performance rights: 11,901,091



REGISTERED OFFICE:



Level 2

437 Roberts Road

Subiaco WA 6008



Telephone: +61 8 6144 1700

Email: IR@perseusmining.com



www.perseusmining.com DIRECTORS:



Mr Sean Harvey

Non-Executive Chairman



Mr Jeff Quartermaine

Managing Director & CEO



Ms Amber Banfield

Non-Executive Director



Ms Elissa Cornelius

Non-Executive Director



Mr Dan Lougher

Non-Executive Director



Mr John McGloin

Non-Executive Director



Mr David Ransom

Non-Executive Director



CONTACTS:



Jeff Quartermaine

Managing Director & CEO

jeff.quartermaine@perseusmining.com



Nathan Ryan

Corporate Relations

+61 420 582 887

nathan.ryan@nwrcommunications.com.au

Attachment
Drilling results demonstrate further upside at Red Chris and Brucejack

Melbourne, July 24, 2023 - At Red Chris, drilling has intersected a new higher-grade zone of mineralisation east of the East Ridge Exploration Target (Far East Ridge) which has the potential to become the fifth porphyry centre along the Red Chris porphyry corridor.

At Far East Ridge (outside of the previously released East Ridge Exploration Target) drilling of hole RC876 returned 274m @ 0.67g/t Au & 0.45% Cu from 998m including 42m @ 1.5g/t Au & 1.1% Cu from 1,080m, 14m @ 1.7g/t Au & 0.63% Cu from 1,144m and 26m @ 1.1g/t Au & 0.5% Cu from 1,170m. Mineralisation remains open to the east and at depth.

Drilling within the East Ridge Exploration Target has also successfully confirmed continuity of the higher-grade mineralisation across the vertical extent of the deposit with a partial intercept in RC875# returning 406m @ 1.1g/t Au & 1.0% Cu from 486m**, including 248m @ 1.6g/t Au & 1.4% Cu from 644m**.

At Brucejack, growth drilling continues to intersect significant mineralisation outside of the Valley of the Kings (VOK) current Mineral Resource.

Drilling during the quarter has extended the HBX domain by approximately 200m to the east. The HBX domain now has dimensions of 350m x 300m x 250m and remains open to the west and at depth, outside of the current Pretium published Mineral Resource estimate. Results from the quarter include VU-5145 returning 38.5m @ 49g/t Au from 48m, including 1m @ 1,735g/t Au from 63.75m.

The surface exploration program commenced during the quarter to test the potential of the VOK deposit beyond the limits of current underground development, with three drill rigs targeting opportunities around the VOK. Drilling is currently in progress at Flow Dome Zone and Bridge Zone.

At Havieron, all growth related drilling activities were completed in May 2023.

In the Western USA Newcrest (ASX: NCM) (TSX: NCM) (PNGX: NCM) has entered into an additional option and earn-in agreement with Headwater Gold Inc (Headwater Gold) to acquire up to a 75% interest in the Lodestar project located in Nevada, USA, north of the Spring Peak project. This has significantly expanded Newcrest's high grade epithermal search space in the highly prospective Aurora district. In addition, as part of Newcrest's strategy of gaining exposure to quality copper assets within Tier 1 jurisdictions, Newcrest also acquired a 9.5% strategic equity interest in Metallic Minerals Corp. which owns the La Plata Copper exploration project located in Colorado, USA.

Newcrest Interim Chief Executive Officer, Sherry Duhe, said, "The June quarter delivered another set of excellent exploration results across our global exploration portfolio.

"At Red Chris, we are exploring potential extensions to the Red Chris porphyry corridor and it was pleasing to deliver some impressive drilling results beyond the East Ridge Exploration Target, highlighting the potential for a fifth porphyry centre. Growth drilling at Brucejack also delivered some exciting results, with the potential for further brownfields growth in several targets outside the Valley of the Kings current resource.

"We also continued to expand our global exploration footprint with another emerging project in the Western USA added to our portfolio during the quarter.

"We have demonstrated considerable exploration success across our portfolio in FY23 and remain well positioned to leverage our exploration capabilities and high-quality exploration pipeline into the future," said Ms Duhe.

# drilling in progress, **partial intercept, assays pending

Red Chris, British Columbia, Canada(1)

Red Chris is a joint venture between Newcrest (70%) and Imperial Metals Corporation (30%) and is operated by Newcrest.

The Brownfield Exploration program is focused on the discovery of additional zones of higher-grade mineralisation within the Red Chris porphyry corridor, including targets outside of Newcrest's Mineral Resource estimate. During the quarter, there were up to four diamond drill rigs in operation. A further 6,947m of drilling has been completed during the quarter from 11 drill holes, with all drill holes intersecting mineralisation. This contributed to a total of 317,632m of drilling from 312 drill holes since Newcrest acquired its interest in the joint venture in August 2019.

At East Ridge, located adjacent to the East Zone, 85 holes have now been completed. Assay results were received for 8 holes during the quarter, with assay results from 1 hole pending. The drilling was undertaken on a nominal 100m x 100m grid to determine the footprint, understand the mineralisation, geotechnical and geometallurgical characteristics and to determine the extent of continuity of the higher-grade mineralisation. Drilling to date has tested a corridor 1,000m long, 450m wide and to a vertical extent of 1,000m where zones of higher-grade mineralisation have been identified. Mineralisation remains open at depth and to the east.

An updated Exploration Target has been estimated for East Ridge (previously reported2), with ranges from a lower case of approximately 400Mt @ 0.42g/t Au & 0.49% Cu for 5.4Moz Au & 1.9Mt Cu to an upper case of approximately 500Mt @ 0.39g/t Au & 0.47% Cu for 6.1Moz Au & 2.3Mt Cu. The updated Exploration Target is exclusive of the current published Mineral Resource and relates to the portion of the deposit that has not yet been adequately drill tested. The potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Target is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource.

The grades and tonnages are estimates based on continuity of mineralisation defined by exploration diamond drilling results (previously reported including relevant sections and plans) within the Redstock Intrusive with the lower range estimate in the area with a nominal drill hole spacing of 100m x 100m and the upper range estimate extended into the area with a nominal drill hole spacing of 100m x 200m.

East Ridge is outside of Newcrest's published Red Chris Mineral Resource estimate. Geotechnical and metallurgical studies are currently in progress with the aim to deliver an updated Red Chris Mineral Resource estimate including East Ridge in calendar year 20233.

A series of three diamond holes drilling from south to north, the opposite direction to most of the drilling to date has commenced. The aim of the drilling is to confirm the continuity of the mineralisation and test for any bias from the original drill orientation. The results from the first hole RC875# returned a partial intercept 406m** @ 1.1g/t Au & 1.0% Cu from 486m, including 248m** @ 1.6g/t Au & 1.4% Cu from 644m. This result successfully confirms the continuity of the higher-grade mineralisation across the vertical extent of the deposit. The program will recommence in the upcoming winter, when access conditions improve, subject to no further unforeseen delays.

Ongoing drilling east of the East Ridge Exploration Target has returned another significant higher-grade intercept, 100m east of RC860 (reported last quarter) with RC876 returning 274m @ 0.67g/t Au & 0.45 % Cu from 998m including 42m @ 1.5g/t Au & 1.1% Cu from 1,080m, 14m @ 1.7g/t Au & 0.63% Cu from 1,144m and 26m @ 1.1g/t Au & 0.5% Cu 1,170m. This intersection located approximately 200m east of the Exploration Target, demonstrates the prospectivity of this area for further discoveries. This new discovery, at Far East Ridge, has the potential to become the fifth porphyry centre along the Red Chris porphyry corridor. Follow up drilling is planned for calendar year 20243.

A regional exploration program commenced during the quarter, with a program of geological mapping, geochemical sampling and drilling, testing targets generated from the application of the knowledge gained from the Red Chris discoveries. Several high priority porphyry copper-gold targets across the 750km2 of claims (previously reported) demonstrate the prospectivity of this region. Approximately 4,000m of growth-related drilling targeting higher-grade mineralisation within the Red Chris porphyry corridor at Far West and Gully Zone is planned for the September 2023 quarter utilising one drill rig3.

Refer to Appendix 1 for additional information, and the drill hole data table for all results reported during the period.





Figure 1. Schematic plan view map of the Red Chris porphyry corridor spanning Far East Ridge, East Ridge, East Zone and Main Zone showing significant Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 2 of this report), 0.3g/t Au, 1g/t Au, 0.3% Cu and 1% Cu shell projections generated from a LeapfrogTM model.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/174730_6751d549f4e65813_003full.jpg





Figure 2. Long section view (looking North West) of the Red Chris porphyry corridor showing drill hole locations, gold distribution and Exploration Target (previously released).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/174730_6751d549f4e65813_004full.jpg

Brucejack, British Columbia, Canada(4)

The Brucejack Property hosts the Valley of the Kings (VOK) high grade gold deposit. The VOK is characterised by multiple occurrences of higher-grade mineralisation over selected intervals hosted within broader zones of stockwork and vein arrays. Growth activities are focused on both resource expansion within the existing mine area, as well as brownfields exploration activities within 4km of the mine area. Underground resource expansion drilling during the quarter was focused on targets in the Bridge Zone and Deep VOK. A total of 17,595m was completed in 52 drill holes using two underground diamond drill rigs. Assay results were received for three drill fans completed in Eastern Promises during the March 2023 quarter. All other assays are pending.

Assays results have been received for 5 of the 6 drill fans testing the Eastern Promises target and HBX Domain. Results from the HBX Domain have extended this zone by an additional 210m to the east and confirm the continuity of the higher-grade mineralisation. Mineralisation within the HBX Domain encompassing both 1080 HBX (previously reported) and Eastern Promises now has a footprint of 350m x 300m x 250m. This represents a highly prospective area for potential resource growth at the VOK. Highlights from the drilling include:

VU-5144 o 13.9m @ 36g/t Au from 61.5m o Including 1m @ 434g/t Au from 74.4m

VU-5145 o 38.5m @ 49g/t Au from 48m o including 1m @ 1,735g/t Au from 63.75m



A surface exploration program at Brucejack commenced during the quarter, with approximately 23,500m of drilling planned to test the potential of the VOK deposit in multiple areas beyond the limits of current underground development, including:

Flow Dome Zone, located 200m east of Eastern Promises, testing what is interpreted as the extension to the HBX Domain, east of the VOK;

Bridge Zone, located approximately 400m south of the VOK;

West VOK and Lookout Zone, both located west of the VOK on the west side of the Brucejack Fault; and

Gossan Hill to Golden Marmot, multiple targets along the 4km epithermal corridor north of the VOK.

These areas are future targets of potential resource growth at the VOK. All assays are pending.

Refer to Appendix 2 for additional information, and the drill hole data table for all results reported during the period.





Figure 3. Plan view map of the Brucejack Property, spanning the 4km gossanous trend from Golden Marmot and Hanging Glacier in the northwest to Bridge Zone in the southeast.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/174730_6751d549f4e65813_005full.jpg





Figure 4. Long section view (looking west) of the Brucejack Property. Refer to figure 3 for the location of the cross section. Viewing window is +/- 100 meters.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/174730_6751d549f4e65813_006full.jpg





Figure 5. Plan map of the 1080 Level showing the HBX Domain intersected in the Eastern Promises drilling. Viewing window is +/- 30 meters.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/174730_6751d549f4e65813_007full.jpg

Havieron Project, Western Australia, Australia(5)

The Havieron Project is operated by Newcrest under a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with Greatland Gold Plc (Greatland). Newcrest is the manager and holds a 70% interest in the Havieron Project (Greatland holds a 30% interest). The JVA includes tolling principles reflecting the intention of the parties that, subject to a successful exploration program, Feasibility Study and a positive decision to mine, the resulting joint venture mineralised material will be processed at Telfer.

The Havieron Project is centred on a deep magnetic anomaly located 45km east of Telfer in the Paterson Province. The deposit is overlain by more than 420m of post mineral Permian cover. The Joint Venture commenced drilling during the June 2019 quarter and has completed 303,200m of drilling from 341 drill holes to date (excluding holes in progress, abandoned holes, or drill holes which have not been sampled).

Drilling activities in the quarter have produced a further 4,772m of drilling from 6 holes with up to three drill rigs operating during the quarter. All drilling activities were completed in May 2023. This includes 5 infill drill holes within the current Crescent Inferred Resource which are not included in this report. New assay results are reported from 2 drill holes, (1 hole has assays pending from the previous quarter). Of the reported holes, HAD152W6 returned a broad low-grade intercept of 79m @ 0.60g/t Au and 0.05% Cu from 1,501m testing for extensions of the SE Crescent Zone ~100 northwest of the current Mineral Resource. Additionally, HAD173 a step out hole testing a geophysical target ~600m to the SE of the Havieron system returned no significant assays.

Refer to Appendix 3 for additional information and drill hole data table for all results reported during the period.





Figure 6. Plan view schematic of a horizontal slice at 3900mRL through the Crescent Sulphide Zone and Breccia-hosted Zones, showing the extents of the 0.5 and 1.0 g/t Au LeapfrogTM grade shells with highlighted newly reported intercepts for this period. This diagram highlights >50 gram metres intersections drilled during the period, refer to inset diagram for relationship to all Havieron drilling.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/174730_6751d549f4e65813_008full.jpg

Western USA

Within Western USA, the exploration strategy is focused on discovering high grade epithermal gold deposits and gaining exposure to high quality copper assets. As part of this strategy, during the quarter Newcrest entered into an additional option and earn-in agreement with Headwater Gold to acquire up to a 75% interest in the Lodestar project located in Nevada, USA, north of the Spring Peak project. This has significantly expanded Newcrest's high grade epithermal search space in the highly prospective Aurora district. In addition, Newcrest also acquired a 9.5% strategic equity interest in Metallic Minerals Corp. which owns the La Plata Copper exploration project located in Colorado, USA. The La Plata project is a district scale opportunity in a Tier 1 jurisdiction with an existing copper resource and open ended high grade intercepts. It is well aligned with Newcrest's strategy of increased copper exposure and plays to its strength in bulk underground mining.

Spring Peak Project, Nevada

Newcrest has an option to acquire up to a 75% interest (previously reported) in the Spring Peak project in Nevada, USA with Headwater Gold. The Spring Peak project is located approximately 35km southwest of Hawthorn, Nevada in the Aurora mining district. Exploration to date has defined a low sulfidation epithermal system over an interpreted area of 2.5km x 1.5km. Initial work focused on the Disco Zone where drilling has intersected high grade gold in multiple holes (previously reported) which has upgraded the project potential.

Drilling is scheduled to commence at Spring Peak in the September 2023 quarter6 and will focus on expanding the Disco Zone and to follow up drilling previously conducted at the Opal Ridge target. Target definition work will also be undertaken on the wider Spring Peak property.

Appaloosa Project, Nevada

Newcrest has entered into an option and earn-in agreement (previously reported) with Gunpoint Exploration Ltd. (Gunpoint) to acquire up to 75% of the Appaloosa property located in Nevada, USA (with an option to acquire the remaining 25% of Appaloosa post the earn-in period). Appaloosa is an underexplored mineralised structural zone situated within Gunpoint's Talapoosa gold-silver project. During 2022, Newcrest undertook target definition work including mapping, geophysics, rock chip and channel sampling that defined multiple drill targets on the property.

Drilling at Appaloosa began in April 2023 with an initial focus on surface geochemical and geological targets generated during the CY22 field program. To date six holes for 1,900m of diamond drilling has been completed with partial assays returned for all six holes. Drilling at the central target area has returned halo intercepts of gold, silver and pathfinder elements consistent with the peripheral and upper zones of a low sulfidation epithermal gold-silver system. Drilling to discover the more developed parts of the epithermal system is ongoing.

Refer to Appendix 4 for additional information, and the drill hole data table for all results reported during the period.

Australia

Wilki Project, Western Australia

The Wilki Project is an exploration farm-in with Antipa Minerals Limited (Antipa). The project area covers a strategic landholding of ~1,470km2 surrounding the Telfer operation and is adjacent to the Havieron Project. Newcrest entered into this exploration farm-in and joint venture agreement with Antipa in March 2020. Newcrest currently also has a 9.9% shareholding in Antipa.

As previously highlighted, Newcrest has elected to proceed to the next stage (Stage 1) of the farm-in agreement following completion of the initial exploration expenditure commitment (A$6 million). Newcrest has the potential to earn a 51% joint venture interest in the Wilki Project through expenditure of a further A$10 million by March 2025 during Stage 1. As of 1 July 2022, Newcrest is the manager and operator of the Wilki Project.

Field activities resumed in the quarter, with an airborne geophysical survey (Falcon Gravity) commenced to inform the next stages of target generation field programs, as well as further surface geochemical sampling and reconnaissance drilling programs.

Juri Joint Venture, Western Australia

The Juri Joint Venture is a farm-in and joint venture agreement with Greatland with respect to the Black Hills and Paterson Range East projects, located within the Paterson Province approximately 50km from the Telfer operation and in proximity to the Havieron Project. The joint venture covers an area of approximately 248km2. Newcrest currently has a 51% interest in the Juri Joint Venture. Under the terms of the agreement, Newcrest has the potential to earn an additional 24% joint venture interest through expenditure of a further A$17 million by October 2024.

Field activities during the quarter focused on rehabilitation of prior field programs, ongoing target generation and project review. Newcrest has elected to assume management of the Juri Joint Venture from 1 July 2023.

Mount Coolon Project, Queensland

Newcrest has a farm-in agreement with GBM Resources Ltd (GBM) in relation to the Mount Coolon Project to advance gold exploration in the Drummond Basin in Queensland. The agreement provides the potential for Newcrest to acquire up to a 75% interest in the Mount Coolon Project tenements by spending A$25 million and completing a series of exploration milestones in a 2-stage farm-in over six years.

Newcrest considers the Drummond Basin to be highly prospective for discovery of new higher-grade gold resources related to known epithermal gold deposits within the Mount Coolon Project area.

During the quarter, field programs, including a ground geophysical (Induced Polarisation) survey, surface geochemical sampling, and review and processing of historic drill core and drill chip samples, were undertaken to inform target assessment and first pass drilling in subsequent periods. A total of over 30 line kilometres of new IP data acquisition, and 2,000 soil samples have been acquired to progress the project. An airborne geophysical survey is planned to commence early in the September 2023 quarter7.

Northern Andes

Gamora Project, Ecuador

In southeast Ecuador, 3,247m of diamond core drilling was completed during the June 2023 quarter at the Gamora Project. Newcrest is conducting this work as the operator under an earn-in agreement with Lundin Gold Inc. (Lundin Gold), under which Newcrest can earn up to a 50% interest in eight exploration concessions. The concession areas cover strategic landholdings north and south of Lundin Gold's Fruta del Norte mining operation.

Drilling at Gamora focused on testing priority copper-gold targets in the Mirador copper porphyry district. Results from the drilling are in the process of being received and interpreted.

Appendix 1

Red Chris (70% Newcrest): JORC Table 1

Section 1: Sampling Techniques and Data

Criteria Commentary Sampling techniques Core samples are obtained from core drilling. HQ and NQ diameter diamond core was drilled on a 3, 4.5m or 6m run. Core was cut using an automatic core-cutter and half core sampled at 2m intervals. Cover sequences were not sampled. Drilling techniques Core drilling was advanced with HQ3, HQ, NQ3 and NQ diameter coring configuration.



Core from inclined drill holes are oriented on 3, 4.5m or 6m runs using an electronic core orientation tools (Reflex ACTIII and Axis Champ Ori). At the end of each run, the bottom of hole position is marked by the driller, which is later transferred to the whole drill core run length with a bottom of hole reference line. Drill sample recovery Core recovery is systematically recorded from the commencement of coring to end of hole, by reconciling against driller's depth blocks in each core tray with data recorded in the database. Drillers depth blocks provided the depth, interval of core recovered, and interval of core drilled.



Core recoveries were typically 100%, with isolated zones of lower recovery. Logging Geological logging recorded qualitative descriptions of lithology, alteration, mineralisation, veining, and structure (for all core drilled - 6,947 in 11 holes - all holes intersected mineralisation, including orientation of key geological features).



Geotechnical measurements were recorded including Rock Quality Designation (RQD) fracture frequency, solid core recovery and qualitative rock strength measurements.



Magnetic susceptibility measurements were recorded every metre.



All geological and geotechnical logging was conducted at the Red Chris Mine.



Digital data logging was captured, validated and stored in an acQuire database.



All drill cores were photographed, prior to cutting and/or sampling the core. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation Sampling, sample preparation and quality control protocols are considered appropriate for the material being sampled.



Core was cut and sampled at the Red Chris Mine core processing facility. Half core samples were collected in pre numbered calico bags and grouped in wood crates for dispatch to the laboratory. Sample weights typically varied from 5 to 10kg. Sample sizes are considered appropriate for the style of mineralisation. Drill core samples were freighted by road to the laboratory.



Sample preparation was conducted at the independent ISO 9001 certified and ISO 17025 accredited Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd Laboratory, Vancouver (Bureau Veritas). Samples were dried at 650C, and crushed to 95% passing 4.75 mm, and the split to obtain up to 1kg sub-sample, which was pulverised (using LM2) to produce a pulped product with the minimum standard of 95% passing 106m.



Duplicate samples were collected from crush and pulp samples at a rate of 1:20. Duplicate results show an acceptable level of variability for the material sampled and style of mineralisation.



Periodic size checks (1:20) for crush and pulp samples and sample weights are provided by the laboratory and recorded in the acQuire database. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests Assaying of drill core samples was conducted at Bureau Veritas. All samples were assayed for 59 elements using a 4-acid digestion followed by ICP-AES/ICP-MS determination (method MA250). Gold analyses were determined by 50g fire assay with ICP-ES finish (method FA350). Carbon and Sulphur were determined by Leco (method TC000) and mercury using aqua regia digestion followed by ICP-ES/MS determination (method AQ200).



Sampling and assaying quality control procedures consisted of inclusion of certified reference material (CRMs), coarse residue and pulp duplicates with each batch (at least 1:20).



Assays of quality control samples were compared with reference samples in the acQuire database and verified as acceptable prior to use of data from analysed batches.



Laboratory quality control data, including laboratory standards, blanks, duplicates, repeats and grind size results are captured in the acQuire database and assessed for accuracy and precision for recent data.

Due to the limited extent of the drilling program to date, extended quality control programs are yet to be undertaken, whereby pulped samples will be submitted to an umpire laboratory and combined with more extensive re-submission programs.



Analysis of the available quality control sample assay results indicates that an acceptable level of accuracy and precision has been achieved and the database contains no analytical data that has been numerically manipulated.



The assaying techniques and quality control protocols used are considered appropriate for the data to be used for reporting exploration drilling results. Verification of sampling and assaying Sampling intervals defined by the geologist are electronically assigned sample identification numbers prior to core cutting. Corresponding sample numbers matching pre-labelled sample tags are assigned to each interval.



All sampling and assay information were stored in a secure acQuire database with restricted access.



Electronically generated sample submission forms providing the sample identification number accompany each submission to the laboratory. Assay results from the laboratory with corresponding sample identification are loaded directly into the acQuire database.



Assessment of reported significant assay intervals was verified by re-logging of drill core intervals and assessment of high resolution core photography. The verification of significant intersections has been completed by company personnel and the Competent Person/Qualified Person.

No adjustments are made to assay data, and no twinned holes have been completed. Drilling intersects mineralisation at various angles.



There are no currently known drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. Location of data points Drill collar locations were surveyed using a RTK GPS with GNSS with a stated accuracy of +/- 0.025m.



Drill rig alignment was attained using an electronic azimuth aligner (Reflex TN14 GYROCOMPASS). Downhole survey was collected at 9 to 30m intervals of the drill hole using single shot survey (Reflex EZ-SHOT and Axis Champ Gyro). At the end of hole, all holes have been surveyed using a continuous gyro survey to surface (Reflex EZ-GYRO).



Topographic control is established from PhotoSat topographic data and derived digital elevation model. The topography is generally low relief to flat, with an average elevation of 1500 m, with several deep creek gullies.

All collar coordinates are provided in the North American Datum (NAD83 Zone 9). Data spacing and distribution The drill hole spacing ranges from 100 - 200m in lateral extent within an area of 1.5km2 at the East Ridge, 1.5km2 at the East Zone, 1.5km2 at the Main Zone and 1.5km2 at the Gully Zone. An initial Mineral Resource for the East Zone, Main Zone and Gully Zone was released on 31 March 2021.



No sample compositing is applied to samples. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Drilling of reported drill holes RC859, RC860, RC861, RC863, RC864, RC865, RC866 are oriented perpendicular to the intrusive complex. The intrusive complex has an east-northeast orientation, with drilling established on a north-northwest orientation.



Drill holes exploring the extents of the East Ridge, East Zone, Main Zone and Gully Zone mineral system intersected moderately dipping volcanic and sedimentary units cut by sub-vertical intrusive lithologies. Steeply dipping mineralised zones with an east-northeast orientation have been interpreted from historic and Newcrest drill holes. Sample security The security of samples is controlled by tracking samples from drill rig to database.



Drill core was delivered from the drill rig to the Red Chris Mine core yard every shift. Geological and geotechnical logging, high resolution core photography and cutting of drill core was undertaken at the Red Chris core processing facility.



Samples were freighted in sealed wood crates with security tags by road to the laboratory, and in the custody of Newcrest representatives.



Sample numbers are generated from pre-labelled calico bags. All samples are collected in pre-numbered calico bags.



Verification of sample numbers and identification is conducted by the laboratory on receipt of samples, and sample receipt advice issued to Newcrest.



Details of all sample movement are recorded in a database table. Dates, Hole ID sample ranges, and the analytical suite requested are recorded with the dispatch of samples to the laboratory analytical services. Any discrepancies logged at the receipt of samples into the laboratory analytical services are validated. Audits or reviews Due to the limited duration of the program, no external audits or reviews have been undertaken.



Internal verification and audit of Newcrest exploration procedures and databases are periodically undertaken.

Section 2: Reporting of Exploration Results

Criteria Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status Red Chris (including the GJ Property) comprises 204 mineral claims including five mining leases and is a joint venture between subsidiaries of Newcrest Mining Limited (70%) and Imperial Metals Corp. (30%). Newcrest Red Chris Mining Limited is the operator of Red Chris. In June 2022, Newcrest closed the acquisition of four early stage exploration properties from Hawkeye Gold & Diamond. The Todagin, McBride and Railway properties have been added to the Red Chris Joint Venture.



Newcrest Red Chris Mining Limited and the Tahltan Nation (as represented by the Tahltan Central Government, the Tahltan Band and Iskut First Nation) signed an amended and restated updated Impact, Benefit and Co-Management Agreement (IBCA) covering Red Chris on 15 August 2019.

All obligations with respect to legislative requirements including minimum expenditure are maintained in good standing. Exploration done by other parties Conwest Exploration Limited, Great Plains Development Co. of Canada, Silver Standard Mines Ltd, Texasgulf Canada Ltd. (formerly Ecstall Mining Limited), American Bullion Minerals Ltd and bcMetals Corporation conducted exploration in the areas between 1956 and 2006.



Imperial Metals Corp. acquired the project in 2007 and completed deeper drilling at the East and Main Zones between 2007 and 2012. Geology The Red Chris Project is located in the Stikine terrane of north-western British Columbia, 80 km south of the town of Dease Lake.



Late Triassic sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the Stuhini Group host a series of Late Triassic to Early Jurassic (204198 Ma) diorite to quartz monzonite stocks and dykes.



Gold and copper mineralisation at Red Chris consists of vein, disseminated and breccia sulphide typical of porphyry-style mineralisation. Mineralisation is hosted by diorite to quartz monzonite stocks and dykes. The main mineral assemblage contains well developed pyrite-chalcopyrite-bornite sulphide mineral assemblages as vein and breccia infill, and disseminations. The main mineralisation event is associated with biotite and potassium feldspar-magnetite wall rock alteration. Drill hole information As provided. Data aggregation methods Significant assay intercepts are reported as (A) length-weighted averages exceeding 0.1g/t Au greater than or equal to 20m, with less than 10m of consecutive internal dilution; and (B) length-weighted averages exceeding 0.5g/t Au for greater than or equal to 10m, with less than 10m of consecutive internal dilution; and (C) length-weighted averages exceeding 1g/t Au for greater than or equal to 10m, with less than 10m of consecutive internal dilution; (D) length-weighted averages exceeding 5g/t Au greater than or equal to 10m, with less than 10m of consecutive internal dilution; and (E) length-weighted averages exceeding 10g/t Au for greater than or equal to 10m, with less than 10m of consecutive internal dilution. No top cuts are applied to intercept calculations. Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths Significant assay intervals reported represent apparent widths. Insufficient geological information is available to confirm the geological model and true width of significant assay intervals. Diagrams As provided. Balanced reporting This is the twenty-third release of Exploration Results for this project made by Newcrest. Exploration results have been reported by Newcrest since January 2020.



Earlier reporting of exploration programs conducted by Newcrest and Imperial Metals Corp. have previously been reported. Exploration drilling programs are ongoing and further material results will be reported in subsequent Newcrest releases. Other substantive exploration data Nil. Further work Further drilling is planned to define the extents of the East Ridge and Far West (Gully Zone).

Drillhole data(1)

Red Chris Project, British Columbia, Canada

Reporting Criteria: Intercepts reported are downhole drill width (not true width) Au >0.1ppm (0.1g/t Au) and minimum 20m downhole width with maximum consecutive internal dilution of 10m. Also highlighted are high grade intervals of Au >0.5ppm (0.5g/t Au), Au >1ppm (1g/t Au), Au > 5ppm (5g/t Au), Au >10ppm (10g/t Au) and minimum 10m downhole width with maximum consecutive internal dilution of 10m. Gold and copper grades are reported to two significant figures. Samples are from core drilling which is HQ or NQ in diameter. Core is photographed and logged by the geology team before being cut. Half core HQ and NQ samples are prepared for assay and the remaining material is retained in the core farm for future reference. Each assay batch is submitted with duplicates and standards to monitor laboratory quality. Total depth (end of hole) is rounded to one decimal place for reporting purposes.

Hole ID Hole Type Easting (m) Northing (m) RL (m) Total Depth (m) Azimuth Dip From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (ppm) Cu (pct) Cut off RC864W DD 453404 6397179 1466 2207.2 146 -56 1600 1686 86 0.17 0.36 0.1 1702 1866 164 0.55 0.48 0.1 incl. 1734 1808 74 0.77 0.57 0.5 incl. 1826 1850 24 0.57 0.44 0.5 1878 1992 114 0.20 0.24 0.1 2010 2080 70 0.17 0.19 0.1 2092 2128 36 0.12 0.18 0.1 RC867 DD 453597 6397100 1424 740.7 148 -61 596 638 42 0.75 0.08 0.1 incl. 596 614 18 1.4 0.15 0.5 1480 1722 242 0.47 0.51 0.1 incl. 1580 1682 102 0.76 0.67 0.5 incl. 1642 1670 28 1.4 0.75 1 incl. 1706 1720 14 0.78 0.50 0.5 1740 1832 92 0.20 0.27 0.1 incl. 1748 1760 12 0.53 0.40 0.5 1852 1954 102 0.17 0.22 0.1 RC872 DD 454180 6397146 1145 1974.6 151 -64 726 758 32 0.24 0.06 0.1 852 874 22 0.14 0.06 0.1 1390 1538 148 0.11 0.11 0.1 RC873 DD 454320 6397177 1167 1743.0 147 -47 No significant intercepts RC874 DD 454320 6397177 1167 923.7 145 -66 772 792 20 0.16 0.03 0.1 RC875# DD 453660 6396034 1377 866.0 326 -76 256 278 22 0.17 0.04 0.1 392 456 64 0.15 0.25 0.1 486 892 406** 1.1 1.0 0.1 incl. 586 602 16 0.60 0.99 0.5 incl. 622 892 270** 1.6 1.3 0.5 incl. 644 892 248** 1.6 1.4 1 RC876 DD 454180 6397146 1145 1116.0 152 -55 998 1272 274 0.67 0.45 0.1 incl. 1066 1124 58 1.3 0.93 0.5 incl. 1080 1122 42 1.5 1.1 1 incl. 1136 1196 60 1.1 0.47 0.5 incl. 1144 1158 14 1.7 0.63 1 incl. 1170 1196 26 1.1 0.50 1 incl. 1210 1244 34 0.71 0.39 0.5 RC878 DD 453011 6396424 915 1317.2 146 -65 68 94 26 0.29 0.06 0.1 148 310 162 0.22 0.03 0.1 330 372 42 0.15 0.04 0.1 384 440 56 0.14 0.06 0.1 612 636 24 0.60 0.07 0.1 852 890 38 0.18 0.21 0.1 904 1066 162 0.21 0.24 0.1 1272 1314 42 0.27 0.02 0.1 RC879 DD 453804 6396676 1381 107.1 148 -51 Hole abandoned RC880 DD 453809 6396676 1381 1268.1 147 -51 866 902 36 0.10 0.27 0.1 946 1040 94 0.14 0.37 0.1 RC882 DD 450360 6395055 1550 978.6 146 -56 Assays pending RC884 DD 450264 6394812 1582 604.9 149 -59 Assays pending RC885# DD 450417 6395747 1519 164.2# 147 -50 Assays pending

# drilling in progress, **partial intercept, assays pending. ^updated intercept ^^previously reported intercept





Figure 7. Schematic plan view map of East Ridge and Far East Ridge showing drill hole locations (Newcrest & Imperial) and significant Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 2 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases). 0.3 g/t Au, 1 g/t Au, 0.3% Cu and 1% Cu shell projections generated from a LeapfrogTM model.

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Figure 8. Schematic cross section of RC878 (Section Line 31N - as shown on Figure 7) showing Newcrest and Imperial drill holes and Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 2 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases) 0.1 g/t Au, 0.5 g/t Au and 1 g/t Au shell projections generated from LeapfrogTM model. Due to window size (+/- 50m) and section orientation (150) hole may appear on multiple sections.

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Figure 9. Schematic cross section of RC875 (Section Line 34N - as shown on Figure 7) showing Newcrest and Imperial drill holes and Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 2 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases) 0.1 g/t Au, 0.5 g/t Au and 1 g/t Au shell projections generated from LeapfrogTM model. Due to window size (+/- 50m) and section orientation (150) hole may appear on multiple sections.

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Figure 10. Schematic cross section of RC864W (Section Line 38N - as shown on Figure 7) showing Newcrest and Imperial drill holes and Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 2 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases) 0.1 g/t Au, 0.5 g/t Au and 1 g/t Au shell projections generated from LeapfrogTM model. Due to window size (+/- 50m) and section orientation (150) hole may appear on multiple sections.





Figure 11. Schematic cross section of RC867 & RC880 (Section Line 39N - as shown on Figure 7) showing Newcrest and Imperial drill holes and Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 2 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases) 0.1 g/t Au, 0.5 g/t Au and 1 g/t Au shell projections generated from LeapfrogTM model. Due to window size (+/- 50m) and section orientation (150) hole may appear on multiple sections.

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Figure 12. Schematic cross section of RC872 & RC876 (Section Line 44N - as shown on Figure 7) showing Newcrest and Imperial drill holes and Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 2 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases) 0.1 g/t Au, 0.5 g/t Au and 1 g/t Au shell projections generated from LeapfrogTM model. Due to window size (+/- 50m) and section orientation (150) hole may appear on multiple sections.



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Figure 13. Schematic cross section of RC874 (Section Line 46N - as shown on Figure 7) showing Newcrest and Imperial drill holes and Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 2 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases) 0.1 g/t Au, 0.5 g/t Au and 1 g/t Au shell projections generated from LeapfrogTM model. Due to window size (+/- 50m) and section orientation (150) hole may appear on multiple sections.

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Appendix 2

Brucejack (100% Newcrest): JORC Table 1

Section 1: Sampling Techniques and Data

Criteria Commentary Sampling techniques Core samples are obtained from core drilling. NQ and HQ diameter diamond core was drilled on a 3m run. Whole core was sampled at 1.5m intervals except where visible gold was identified, in which case the sample length was shortened to 1.0 or 0.5m. Drilling techniques Core drilling was advanced with NQ and HQ diameter coring configuration.



Core from select inclined drill holes are oriented on 3m runs using an electronic core orientation tool (Reflex ACTIII). At the end of each run, the bottom of hole position is marked by the driller, which is later transferred to the whole drill core run length with a bottom of hole reference line. Drill sample recovery Core recovery is systematically recorded from the commencement of coring to end of hole, by reconciling against driller's depth blocks in each core tray with data recorded in the database. Drillers depth blocks provided the depth, interval of core recovered, and interval of core drilled.



Core recoveries were typically 100%, with isolated zones of lower recovery. Logging Geological logging recorded qualitative descriptions of lithology, alteration, mineralisation, veining, and structure (for all core drilled - 17,595m).



Geotechnical measurements were recorded including Rock Quality Designation (RQD) fracture frequency, solid core recovery and qualitative rock strength measurements.



All geological and geotechnical logging was conducted at the Brucejack Mine.



Digital data logging was captured, validated and stored in an Acquire database. The Acquire database replaces the previous Geospark database.



All drill cores were photographed, prior to sampling the core. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation Sampling, sample preparation and quality control protocols are considered appropriate for the material being sampled.



Whole core NQ and HQ samples. Whole core samples were collected in plastic bags together with pre-numbered sample tags and grouped into shipping bins for dispatch to the laboratory by dedicated transport. Sample lengths were typically 1.5m, and weights typically varied from 11 to 15kg, with an average weight of approximately 12.5 Kg. Sample sizes are considered appropriate for the style of mineralisation.



All drill core samples were freighted by road to the laboratory via hired transport



Sample preparation was conducted at the independent ISO 9001 certified and ISO 17025 accredited ALS Global preparation laboratories including Terrace. Kamloops, Yellowknife, and Vancouver. Samples were dried at 600C, and crushed to 90% passing 2 mm, and split to obtain up to 1 kg sub-sample, which was pulverised (using LM2) to produce a pulped product with the minimum standard of 85% passing 75m.



Duplicate sample data are available from crush and pulp samples at a rate of approximately 1:20. Duplicate results show an acceptable level of variability for the material sampled and style of mineralisation. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests Assaying of drill core samples was conducted at ALS in North Vancouver. All samples were assayed for 33 elements using a 4-acid digestion followed by ICP-OES determination (method ME-ICP61). Gold analyses were determined by 50g fire assay with atomic absorption finish (method Au-AA26; with trigger to Au-Gra22 50g gravimetric overlimit method at 18 ppm).



Sampling and assaying quality control procedures consisted of inclusion of certified reference material (CRMs), coarse residue and pulp duplicates with each batch (at least 1:20).



Assays of quality control samples were compared with reference samples in the Acquire SQL database and verified as acceptable prior to formal use of data from analysed batches.



Laboratory quality duplicates including replicates and preparation duplicates are captured in the Acquire SQL database and assessed.



Prepared pulp splits for mineralized samples were sent to MS Analytical Labs in Langley BC for secondary lab check work by comparable Au and ICP methods to ensure agreement with original results. Comparisons are acceptable.



Analysis of the available quality control sample assay results indicates that an acceptable level of accuracy and precision has been achieved. The database contains no analytical data that has been numerically manipulated.

The assaying techniques and quality control protocols used are considered appropriate for the data to be used for reporting exploration drilling results. Verification of sampling and assaying Sampling intervals defined by the geologist are electronically assigned sample identification numbers prior to core sampling. Corresponding sample numbers matching pre-labelled sample tags are assigned to each interval.

All sampling and assay information were stored in a secure Acquire database with restricted access.



Sample submission forms providing the sample identification number accompany each submission to the laboratory. Assay results from the laboratory with corresponding sample identification are loaded directly into the Acquire database.



Assessment of reported significant assay intervals was verified by review of visible gold identified in the drill core and review of high resolution core photography. The verification of significant intersections has been completed by company personnel and the Competent Person/Qualified Person.



No adjustments are made to assay data, and no twinned holes have been completed. Drilling intersects mineralisation at various angles.



There are no currently known drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. Location of data points All collar coordinates are provided in the North American Datum (NAD83 Zone 9N).



Eastern Promises: Underground drill collar locations are marked up by the survey department with spray paint, and a back site and foresight are provided to enable alignment; Drills are then aligned by the drill contractor based on the markup and sights, and a TN-14 collar Gyro is used to confirm orientation prior to drilling. Topographic control is established from 2014 Lidar. Data spacing and distribution Eastern Promises: Drill hole spacing is 30m laterally. Assays have been received for five drill fans to date, which is insufficient for estimation of a Mineral Resource.



No sample compositing is applied to samples. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Drill holes at Eastern Promises are oriented towards 190 and 165 degrees in order to drill perpendicular to the broadly ENE oriented mineralization domains. Drilling intersected Domain 20 and the HBX Domain, which are both hosted in the Eastern Promises Porphyry. Sample security The security of samples is ensured by tracking samples from drill rig to database and by using trusted transportation services, and third party laboratories with security protocols.



Drill core was delivered from the drill rig to the Brucejack Core Facility. Geological and geotechnical logging, high resolution core photography and whole core sampling was undertaken at the Brucejack Core Facility.



Sample numbers are obtained from pre-made sample tag books, first ensuring no duplication of sample ID's in the database. Sample tags are inserted into labelled plastic bags together with the sample, and the bagged sample secured with a zip tie.



Samples were grouped in sequence into rice bags, then placed into dedicated sample shipment bins for transport offsite. Samples are transported by road to the preparation lab where transfer of custody occurs.

Verification of sample numbers and identification is conducted by the laboratory on receipt of samples, and sample receipt advice issued to Newcrest.



Details of all sample shipments are recorded in a shipment tracking table and require offsite removal forms prior to leaving the Brucejack site. Shipping dates, Hole IDs, sample ranges, and special instructions are recorded with the dispatch of samples to the laboratory analytical services. Receiving laboratories have a workorder template of methods and duplicates by which to process the samples unless otherwise specified. Any discrepancies noted during sample login at the laboratory are communicated and addressed. Audits or reviews Due to the limited duration of the program, no external audits or reviews have been undertaken.



Internal verification and audit of Newcrest exploration procedures and databases are periodically undertaken.

Section 2: Reporting of Exploration Results

Criteria Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status Brucejack comprises 346 mineral tenures including four mining leases and is 100% owned by Newcrest Mining Ltd..



All obligations with respect to legislative requirements including minimum expenditure are maintained in good standing. Exploration done by other parties Granduc, Esso, Newhawk, Lacana Mining Corp., and Silver Standard conducted exploration in the area between 1960 and 2010.



Pretium Resources acquired the Brucejack Property in 2010 and drilled the discovery hole at the Valley of the Kings in 2011. North Block and 1080 level were first drilled in 2020. Golden Marmot was previously drilled in 1988 and 2011. Geology The Brucejack Project is located in the Stikine terrane of north-western British Columbia, 50 km north of the town of Stewart. Early Jurassic sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the Lower Hazelton Group host mineralisation. A pervasive quartz-pyrite-sericite alteration event predates the main stage of epithermal mineralisation. Gold mineralisation at Brucejack consists of electrum hosted in vein stockworks, sheeted veins, and veinlets. Drill hole information As provided. Data aggregation methods Significant assay intercepts are reported as length-weighted averages using a cut-off of 1.0 g/t Au and a minimum length of 7.5m, with less than 7.5m of consecutive internal dilution. Also reported are intervals greater than 100g/t Au. Intervals below a cutoff of 1.0gt Au were not reported as significant results. No top cuts are applied to intercept calculations. Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths Significant assay intervals reported represent apparent widths. Insufficient geological information is available to confirm the geological model and true width of significant assay intervals. Diagrams As provided. Balanced reporting This is the sixth release of Exploration Results for this project made by Newcrest. Exploration results have been reported by Newcrest since April 2022.



Exploration drilling programs are ongoing and further material results will be reported in subsequent Newcrest releases. Other substantive exploration data Nil. Further work Follow up drilling is also being planned for the 1020 HBX, Bridge Zone, Eastern Promises, and West VOK.

Drillhole data(1)

Brucejack, British Columbia, Canada

Reporting Criteria: Intervals are reported as length-weighted averages using a cut-off of 1.0 g/t Au and a minimum length of 7.5m, with less than 7.5m of consecutive internal dilution. Also reported are intervals greater than 100g/t Au. Intervals below a cutoff of 1.0gt Au were not reported as significant results. Gold grades are reported to two significant figures. Samples are from core drilling which is HQ in diameter. Core is photographed and logged by the geology team before being whole core sampled and sent for assay. Each assay batch is submitted with duplicates and standards to monitor laboratory quality.

Hole ID Hole Type Easting (m) Northing (m) RL (m) Total Depth (m) Azimuth Dip From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (ppm) Cut off VU-4971 DD 426913 6257940 1089 122.8 165 33 No significant assays VU-4972* DD 426912 6257940 1088 149.8 165 22 115.5 123 7.5* 3.7 1 VU-4973* DD 426912 6257940 1088 155.9 165 9 0 22.5 22.5 2.3 1 38.27 39.27 1* 654 100 83.11 92.21 9.1* 20 1 118.5 134.9 16.4 2.3 1 VU-4974* DD 426912 6257940 1087 171.2 165 -4 28.87 29.87 1* 1485 100 70.5 82.5 12 1.5 1 95.75 105.29 9.54* 11 1 VU-4975 DD 426912 6257940 1087 561.2 165 -16 105.25 106.25 1 596 100 150 160.5 10.5 1.8 1 337.5 346.5 9 7.4 1 VU-4976* DD 426912 6257940 1086 218.8 165 -26 34.5 35.5 1* 559 100 81 111 30 6.5 1 VU-5140* DD 426942 6257934 1087 399.2 165 -28 51 52 1* 208 100 VU-5141* DD 426942 6257934 1088 360.2 165 -17 40.5 48 7.5* 6 1 VU-5142 DD 426942 6257934 1088 336.4 165 -5 No significant assays VU-5143 DD 426942 6257934 1089 147.4 165 9 No significant assays VU-5144 DD 426942 6257934 1089 141 165 22 61.5 75.4 13.9 36 1 incl 74.4 75.4 1 434 100 VU-5145 DD 426942 6257934 1090 138 165 33 48 86.5 38.5 49 1 incl DD 63.75 64.75 1 1735 100 VU-5197 DD 426968 6257958 1087 399.3 165 -28 0 15.1 15.1 2.5 1 64.5 78.3 13.8 32 1 incl 71.3 72.3 1 437 100 VU-5198 DD 426968 6257958 1088 420.1 165 -19 11.5 12.5 1 153 100 VU-5199* DD 426968 6257958 1088 399.1 165 -8 74.86 75.86 1* 1975 100 VU-5200 DD 426968 6257958 1088 156 165 3 No significant assays VU-5201* DD 426968 6257958 1089 152.9 165 15 19.5 27 7.5 3.4 1 105 132 27* 20 1 incl 107 108 1* 207 1 incl 110.5 111 0.5* 548 0.5 VU-5202 DD 426968 6257958 1090 152.8 165 27 9.3 10.3 1 959 100

# drilling in progress, **partial intercept, assays pending. ^updated intercept ^^previously reported intercept *Intercept is located inside the Pretium resource area





Figure 14. Cross section for drill fan 1080_43_2 (location shown on Figure 5) showing all drill holes and significant intercepts. Due to window size (+/- 15m) and section orientation (270) holes may appear on multiple sections. *Intercept is located inside the Pretium resource area.

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Figure 15. Cross section for drill fan 1080_45 (location shown on Figure 5) showing all drill holes and significant intercepts. Due to window size (+/- 15m) and section orientation (270) holes may appear on multiple sections. *Intercept is located inside the Pretium resource area.

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Figure 16. Cross section for drill fan 1080_46 (as shown on Figure 5) showing all drill holes and significant intercepts. Due to window size (+/- 15m) and section orientation (270) holes may appear on multiple sections. *Intercept is located inside the Pretium resource area.

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Appendix 3

Havieron Project (Greatland Gold Plc - Joint Venture Agreement): JORC Table 1

Section 1: Sampling Techniques and Data

Criteria Commentary Sampling techniques Core samples are obtained from core drilling in Proterozoic basement lithologies. PQ-HQ and NQ diameter core was drilled on a 6m run. Core was cut using an automated core-cutter and half core sampled at 1m intervals with breaks for major geological changes. Sampling intervals range from 0.2 - 2.0m. Cover sequences were not sampled. Drilling techniques Permian Paterson Formation cover sequence was drilled using mud rotary drilling. Depths of cover typically observed to approximately 420m vertically below surface. Steel casing was emplaced to secure the pre-collar.

Core drilling was advanced from the base of the cover sequence with PQ3, HQ3 and NQ2 diameter coring configuration.



Core from inclined drill holes is oriented on 3m and 6m runs using an electronic core orientation tool (Reflex ACTIII). At the end of each run, the bottom of hole position is marked by the driller, which is later transferred to the whole drill core run length with a bottom of hole reference line. Drill sample recovery Core recovery is systematically recorded from the commencement of coring to end of hole, by reconciling against driller's depth blocks in each core tray with data recorded in the database. Driller's depth blocks provided the depth, interval of core recovered, and interval of core drilled.



Core recoveries were typically 100%, with isolated zones of lower recovery.



Cover sequence drilling by the mud-rotary drilling did not yield recoverable samples. Logging Geological logging recorded qualitative descriptions of lithology, alteration, mineralisation, veining, and structure (for all core drilled - 4,271m for 6 drill holes, all intersecting mineralisation), including orientation of key geological features.



Geotechnical measurements were recorded including Rock Quality Designation (RQD) fracture frequency, solid core recovery and qualitative rock strength measurements.



Magnetic susceptibility measurements were recorded every metre. The bulk density of selected drill core intervals was determined at site on whole core samples.



All geological and geotechnical logging was conducted at the Havieron site.

Digital data logging was captured on diamond drill core intervals only, and all data validated and stored in an acQuire database.



All drill cores were photographed, prior to cutting and/or sampling the core.

The logging is of sufficient quality to support Mineral Resource estimates. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation Sampling, sample preparation and quality control protocols are considered appropriate for the material being sampled.



Core was cut and sampled at the Havieron core processing facility. Half core samples of between 0.2 and 2.0 m were collected in pre-numbered calico bags and grouped in plastic bags for dispatch to the laboratory. Sample weights typically varied from 0.5 to 8kg. Sample sizes are considered appropriate for the style of mineralisation. Drill core samples were freighted by air and road to the laboratory.



Sample preparation was conducted at the independent ISO17025 accredited Intertek Laboratory, Perth (Intertek). Samples were dried at 105oC, and crushed to 95% passing 4.75mm, and the split to obtain up to 3kg sub-sample, which was pulverised (using LM5) to produce a pulped product with the minimum standard of 95% passing 106m. Routine grind size analysis is conducted.



Duplicate samples were collected from crush and pulp samples at a rate of 1:20. Duplicate results show an acceptable level of variability for the material sampled and style of mineralisation.

Periodic size checks (1:20) for crush and pulp samples and sample weights are provided by the laboratory and recorded in the acQuire database. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests Assaying of drill core samples was conducted at Intertek. All samples were assayed for 48 elements using a 4-acid digestion followed by ICP-AES/ICP-MS determination (method 4A/MS907), which is considered to provide a total assay for copper. Gold analyses were determined by 50g fire assay with AAS finish (method FA50N/AA), which is considered to provide a total assay for gold.



Sampling and assaying quality control procedures consisted of inclusion of certified reference material (CRMs), coarse residue and pulp duplicates with each batch (at least 1:20).



Assays of quality control samples were compared with reference samples in acQuire database and verified as acceptable prior to use of data from analysed batches.



Laboratory quality control data, including laboratory standards, blanks, duplicates, repeats and grind size results are captured in the acQuire database and assessed for accuracy and precision for recent data.



Extended quality control programs including pulp samples submitted to an umpire laboratory and combined with more extensive re-submission programs have been completed.



Analysis of the available quality control sample assay results indicates that an acceptable level of accuracy and precision has been achieved and the database contains no analytical data that has been numerically manipulated.



The assaying techniques and quality control protocols used are considered appropriate for the data to be used for reporting exploration drilling results. Verification of sampling and assaying Sampling intervals defined by the geologist are electronically assigned sample identification numbers prior to core cutting. Corresponding sample numbers matching pre-labelled calico bags are assigned to each interval.

All sampling and assay information were stored in a secure acQuire database with restricted access.



Electronically generated sample submission forms providing the sample identification number accompany each submission to the laboratory. Assay results from the laboratory with corresponding sample identification are loaded directly into the acQuire database.



Assessment of reported significant assay intervals was verified by re-logging of diamond drill core intervals and assessment of high resolution core photography. The verification of significant intersections has been completed by company personnel and the Competent Person/Qualified Person.



No adjustments are made to assay data, and no twinned holes have been completed.



There are no currently known drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. Location of data points Drill collar locations were surveyed using a differential GPS with GNSS with a stated accuracy of +/- 0.5m for all drill holes reported.



Drill rig alignment was attained using an electronic azimuth aligner. Downhole survey was collected at 6-12m intervals in the cover sequence, and every 6 to 30m in diamond drill core segments of the drill hole using single shot (Axis Mining Champ Gyro). The single shot surveys have been validated using continuous survey to surface (Axis Mining Champ) along with a selection of drill holes re-surveyed by an external survey contactor using a DeviGyro tool - confirming sufficient accuracy for downhole spatial recording.



A LIDAR survey was completed over the project area in Nov 2019 which was used to prepare a DEM / topographic model for the project with a spatial accuracy of +/- 0.1m vertical and +/- 0.3m horizontal. The topography is generally low relief to flat, elevation within the dune corridors in ranges between 250-265m Australian Height Datum (AHD) steepening to the southeast. All collar coordinates are provided in the Geocentric Datum of Australian (GDA20 Zone 51). All relative depth information is reported in AHD +5000m. Data spacing and distribution Within the South-East Crescent and Breccia zone drill hole spacing ranges from 50 to 100m, to 50 by 50m within the resource extents. Outside the initial resource boundary drill hole spacing ranges from 50 to 200m in lateral extent within the breccia zone over an area of ~2km2. The data spacing is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity.



Significant assay intercepts remain open. Further drilling is required to determine the extent of currently defined mineralisation. No sample compositing is applied to samples.

Drilling intersects mineralisation at various angles. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Drill holes exploring the extents of the Havieron mineral system intersect moderately dipping carbonate and siliclastic sedimentary facies, mineralised breccia and sub-vertical intrusive lithologies. Geological modelling has been interpreted from historic and Newcrest drill holes.



Variable brecciation, alteration and sulphide mineralisation is observed with a footprint with dimensions of 650m x 350m trending in a north west orientation and over 1000m in vertical extent below cover.



The subvertical southeast high grade arcuate crescent sulphide zone has an average thickness of 20m and has been defined over a strike length of up to 550m, and extended to over 700m in vertical extent below cover.

Drilling direction is oriented to intersect the steeply dipping high grade sulphide mineralisation zones at an intersection angle of greater than 40 degrees. The drilled length of reported intersections is typically greater than true width of mineralisation. Sample security The security of samples is controlled by tracking samples from drill rig to database.



Drill core was delivered from the drill rig to the Havieron core yard every shift. On completion of geological and geotechnical logging, core processing was completed by Newcrest personnel at the Havieron facility.

High resolution core photography and cutting of drill core was undertaken at the Havieron core processing facilities.



Samples were freighted in sealed bags by air and road to the Laboratory, and in the custody of Newcrest representatives. Sample numbers are generated directly from the database. All samples are collected in pre-numbered calico bags.



Verification of sample numbers and identification is conducted by the laboratory on receipt of samples, and sample receipt advise issued to Newcrest.



Details of all sample movement are recorded in a database table. Dates, Hole ID sample ranges, and the analytical suite requested are recorded with the dispatch of samples to analytical services. Any discrepancies logged at the receipt of samples into the analytical services are validated. Audits or reviews Internal reviews of core handling, sample preparation and assays laboratories were conducted on a regular basis by both project personnel and owner representatives.



In the Competent Person's opinion, the sample preparation, security and analytical procedures are consistent with current industry standards and are entirely appropriate and acceptable for the styles of mineralisation identified and will be appropriate for use in the reporting of exploration results and Mineral Resource estimates. There are no identified drilling, sampling or recovery factors that materially impact the adequacy and reliability of the results of the drilling programme in place at the Havieron Project.

Section 2: Reporting of Exploration Results

Criteria Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status The Havieron Project is entirely contained within mining tenement M45/1287, which is jointly owned by Greatland Pty Ltd and Newcrest Operations Limited. Newcrest has entered into a Joint Venture Agreement (effective 30 November 2020) and Farm-In Agreement (effective 12 March 2019) with Greatland Pty Ltd and Greatland Gold plc. Newcrest is the manager of the Havieron Project and holds a 70% interest (Greatland Gold holds a 30% interest).



Newcrest and Jamukurnu-Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation (formerly WDLAC) are parties to an ILUA which relates to the use of native title land for Newcrest's current operations at Telfer and its activities within a 60km radius around Telfer and includes its exploration activities at Havieron. The parties have agreed that the ILUA will apply to any future development activities by the Joint Venture Participants (Newcrest and Greatland Gold) at Havieron.



The mining tenement M45/1287 wholly replaces the 12 sub-blocks of exploration tenement E45/4701 (former part of the exploration tenement on which the Havieron Project is based) and was granted on 10 September 2020. Exploration done by other parties Newcrest completed six core holes in the vicinity of the Havieron Project from 1991 to 2003. Greatland Gold completed drill targeting and drilling of nine Reverse Circulation (RC) drill holes with core tails for a total of approximately 6,800m in 2018. Results of drilling programs conducted by Greatland Gold have previously been reported on the Greatland Gold website.



Drilling has defined an intrusion-related mineral system with evidence of breccia and massive sulphide-hosted higher-grade gold-copper mineralisation. Geology The Havieron Project is located within the north-western exposure of the Palaeo-Proterozoic to Neoproterozoic Paterson Orogen (formerly Paterson Province), 45 km east of Telfer. The Yeneena Supergroup hosts the Havieron prospect and consists of a 9km thick sequence of marine sedimentary rocks and is entirely overlain by approximately 420m of Phanerozoic sediments of the Paterson Formation and Quaternary aeolian sediments.



Gold and copper mineralisation at Havieron consist of breccia, vein and massive sulphide replacement gold and copper mineralisation typical of intrusion-related and skarn styles of mineralisation. Mineralisation is hosted by metasedimentary rocks (meta-sandstones, meta-siltstones, and meta-carbonate) and intrusive rocks of an undetermined age. The main mineral assemblage contains well developed pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite and pyrite sulphide mineral assemblages as breccia and vein infill, and massive sulphide lenses. The main mineralisation event is associated with amphibole-carbonate-biotite-sericite-chlorite wall rock alteration. Drilling has partially defined the extents of mineralisation which are observed over 650m by 350m within an arcuate shaped mineralised zone, and to depths of up to 1400m below surface. Drill hole Information As provided. Data aggregation methods Significant assay intercepts are reported as (A) length-weighted averages exceeding 1.0g/t Au greater than or equal to 10m, with a maximum of 5m consecutive internal dilution; and (B) length-weighted averages exceeding 0.2g/t Au for greater than or equal to 20m, with a maximum of 10m consecutive internal dilution, and (C) intervals of >30g/t which are greater or equal to 30 gram metres (Au_ppm x length). No top cuts are applied to intercept calculations. Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths Significant assay intervals reported represent apparent widths. Drilling is not always perpendicular to the dip of mineralisation and true widths are less than downhole widths. Estimates of true widths will only be possible when all results are received, and final geological interpretations have been completed. Diagrams As provided. Balanced reporting This is the twenty-eightheight release of Exploration Results for this project made by Newcrest. Exploration results have been reported by Newcrest since July 2019.



Earlier reporting of exploration programs conducted by Newcrest and Greatland Gold have previously been reported. Exploration drilling programs are ongoing and further material results will be reported in subsequent Newcrest releases. Other substantive exploration data Nil Further work Growth drilling is targeting the extensions of the 30 June 2022 Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource estimate and to define the limits of the Havieron mineralised system.

Drillhole data(1)

Havieron Project, Paterson Province, Western Australia

Reporting Criteria: Intercepts reported are downhole drill width (not true width) Au >0.20ppm (0.2g/t Au) and minimum 20m downhole width with maximum consecutive internal dilution of 10m. Average grades are based on length-weighting of samples grades. Also highlighted are high grade intervals of Au >1.0ppm (1g/t Au) and minimum 10m downhole width with maximum consecutive internal dilution of 5m, and intervals of >30g/t which are greater or equal to 30 gram metres (Au_ppm x length) are tabled. Gold and copper grades are reported to two significant figures, the downhole lengths are rounded to 0.1m which may cause some apparent discrepancies in interval widths. Samples are from core drilling which is PQ, HQ or NQ in diameter. Core is photographed and logged by the geology team before being cut. Half core PQ, HQ and NQ samples are prepared for assay and the remaining material is retained in the core farm for future reference. Each assay batch is submitted with duplicates and standards to monitor laboratory quality. Total depth (end of hole) is rounded to one decimal place for reporting purposes. Collars denoted with a * show partial results, with further significant assays to be reported in subsequent exploration updates.

Hole ID Hole Type Easting Northing (m) RL

(m) Total Depth (m) Azimuth Dip From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (ppm) Cu (pct) Cut

off (m) HAD133W11 DDH 464072 7598317 5257 1588.0 171 -65 Resource Infill Hole HAD152W6 DDH 463401 7597059 5254 1845.8 33 -64 1501 1580 79 0.60 0.05 0.2

g/t Au 1757 1784 27 0.28 0.01 0.2

g/t Au HAD159W1 DDH 464076 7597251 5260 1322.4 29 -76 Resource Infill Hole HAD171W3 DDH 463672 7596940 5255 1736.0 26 -62 Resource Infill Hole HAD172W3 DDH 464463 7598018 5257 1549.0 217 -72 Resource Infill Hole HAD172W4 DDH 464463 7598018 5257 1552.0 217 -72 Resource Infill Hole HAD173 MR-DDH 464533 7597145 5260 976.5 104 -64 No Significant Intercepts

# drilling in progress, **partial intercept, assays pending. ^updated intercept ^^previously reported intercept, +intercept within published resource





Figure 17. Schematic plan view map showing drill hole locations and significant intercepts reported in this release superimposed on the interpreted geology. Previously reported holes are not shown for the sake of clarity.

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Figure 18. Schematic cross section of geology and significant new drillhole intercepts (looking northwest, Section Line S1, +/-50m section width, as shown in Figure 17). Due to section window size and orientation holes may appear on multiple sections. This diagram highlights >50gram metres intersections drilled during the period. Reported drill holes are outside of the existing resource.

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Appendix 4

Appaloosa (Gunpoint Exploration., Farm-In Agreement): JORC Table 1

Section 1: Sampling Techniques and Data

Criteria Commentary Sampling techniques Core samples are obtained from core drilling. HQ diameter diamond core was drilled on a 3.048m (10ft) run. Halved core was sampled at intervals ranging from 0.30m (1ft) within zones of veining and strong alteration to 2.0 m (6.561 feet) in areas of minimally altered host rock. Drilling techniques Diamond core has been utilised from surface. Core drilling was advanced initially with a PQ diameter coring configuration down to on average 50m (164ft) and then with HQ diameter coring configuration.



Core holes are inclined and core oriented on 3.048m runs using an electronic core orientation tool (Reflex ACTIII). At the end of each run, the bottom of hole position is marked by the drill rig personnel and the orientation mark is then transferred to the entire drill core run length with a bottom of hole reference line.



The drill rig is aligned with a Reflex TN14 gyrocompass, and downhole surveys are obtained every 30.48m (100ft) with a Reflex Ez-Gyro. Drill sample recovery Core recovery is systematically recorded from the commencement of coring to end of hole, by reconciling against driller's depth blocks in each core tray with data recorded in the database. Driller's depth blocks provided the depth, interval of core recovered, and interval of core drilled.



Core recoveries were typically 100%, with isolated zones of lower recovery. Recovery in drill hole APP-0006 was poor through the mineralised zone. Logging Geological logging recorded qualitative descriptions of lithology, alteration, mineralisation, veining, and structure.

Geological logging was conducted at the Appaloosa Project site and at the Newcrest core processing facility in Sparks, Nevada.



Digital data logging was captured, validated, and stored in MX Deposit; an industry standard offsite database solution provided by Seequent Software.



All drill core was photographed once sample intervals were established and prior to core cutting. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation Sampling, sample preparation and quality control protocols are considered appropriate for the material being sampled.



Cut core HQ samples. Half cut core samples were collected in Protexo cloth bags together with pre-numbered sample tags and grouped into shipping bins for dispatch to the laboratory by dedicated transport. Sample lengths ranged from 0.30m to 2.0m Sample sizes are considered appropriate for the style of mineralisation.

Sample series were verified for completeness at the Reno facility by Newcrest geologists prior to laboratory dispatch.



All drill samples were freighted by road to Bureau Veritas prep facility via laboratory in-house transport.

Sample preparation was conducted at Bureau Veritas facilities in Sparks, Nevada. Geochemical analyses were carried out at the independent ISO 17025:2017 accredited Bureau Veritas laboratories in Vancouver, B.C. Samples were dried at 60 C, and crushed to 70% passing 2 mm, and split to obtain a 250g sub-sample (method PRP70-250), which was pulverised to produce a pulped product with the minimum standard of 85% passing 75m (method PUL85).



Duplicate sample data are available from crush and pulp samples at a rate of approximately 1:50, which is acceptable for the material sampled and style of mineralisation. Observed duplicate variability in high grade samples is addressed with follow-up screen fire assay consisting of 1 kg of coarse reject from original sample. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests Assaying of drill core was conducted at Bureau Veritas in North Vancouver. All samples were analysed for 59 elements using a 4-acid digestion followed by ICP-MS determination (method MA250). Gold analyses were determined by 30g fire assay with ICP-ME finish (method FA330) which is considered to provide a total assay for gold. Gravimetric analyses are automatically carried out for gold assays > 10 ppm and silver analyses >200 using 30 g pulps (method FA550).



Sampling and assaying quality control procedures consisted of inclusion of certified reference material (CRMs), coarse residue and pulp duplicates with each batch (at least 1:20).

Assays of quality control samples were compared with reference samples in MX Deposit and verified as acceptable prior to formal use of data from analysed batches.



Laboratory quality duplicates including replicates and preparation duplicates are captured in MX Deposit and assessed.



Analysis of the available quality control sample assay results indicates that an acceptable level of accuracy and precision has been achieved. The database contains no analytical data that has been numerically manipulated.

The assaying techniques and quality control protocols used are considered appropriate for the data to be used for reporting exploration drilling results. Verification of sampling and assaying Core sampling intervals are defined by the geologist during logging then assigned pre-printed sample identification numbers prior to core photography, cutting, and sampling. Pre-printed sample identification tags are affixed in the core box corresponding to each sampled interval and a duplicate sample tag placed in a pre-labelled bag containing the sampled core for assay.



All sampling and assay information are maintained in MX Deposit.



Sample submission forms providing the sample identification number accompany each submission to the laboratory. Assay results from the laboratory with corresponding sample identification are loaded directly into MX deposit.



No adjustments are made to assay data. Drilling intersects mineralisation at various angles. No twinned holes have been undertaken.



There are no currently known drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. Location of data points All collar coordinates are provided in the North American Datum (NAD83 Zone 11N).



Surface drill collar locations are monumented with a stamped brass tag. Collar coordinates were surveyed with a Trimble DA2 GPS to 0.10m accuracy. Azimuth and inclination of the drillholes are surveyed with a TN14 Gyro-Compass at the collar, and a Reflex EZ Sprint Gyro every 30.48m (100ft) down hole. . Data spacing and distribution A total of 7 drillholes have been completed by Newcrest across an area of approximately X sq. km, which is insufficient for estimation of a Mineral Resource.



No sample compositing is applied to samples. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Six holes have been drilled from four pads to test beneath outcropping veins and geochemical anomalies at the Central Target covering a strike extent of approximately 148 m to date. Holes have been drilled at different inclinations and azimuths to gain geological understanding and intersect the target zone in several different originations. Sample security The security of samples is ensured by tracking samples from drill rig to database and by using Newcrest personnel to transport core and samples, and third-party laboratories with security protocols.



Drill core was delivered from the drill rig to the Reno core facility by Newcrest Staff. where geological logging, high resolution core photography, cutting, and sampling is undertaken by Newcrest and contract personnel.

Sample numbers are obtained from pre-made sample tag books, first ensuring no duplication of sample ID's in the database. Sample tags are inserted into labelled Protexo fabric bags together with the sample, and the bagged sample secured with a drawstring.



Core samples were placed into dedicated sample shipment bins for transport from the logging facility. Binned samples are transported by truck to the preparation lab where transfer of custody occurs.

Verification of sample numbers and identification is conducted by the laboratory on receipt of samples, and sample receipt advice issued to Headwater Gold.



Details of all sample shipments are recorded in chain of custody documents prior to leaving Headwater facilities. Shipping dates, submittal IDs, sample ranges, and special instructions are recorded with the dispatch of samples to the laboratory analytical services. Receiving laboratories have a workorder template of methods and duplicates by which to process the samples unless otherwise specified. Any discrepancies noted during sample login at the laboratory are communicated and addressed. Audits or reviews Due to the early stage of the exploration program, no external audits or reviews have been undertaken.



Internal reviews of sample handling and preparation are undertaken by Newcrest personnel. Analytical methods, QAQC procedures, sample intervals, and sample recovery have been reviewed and deemed appropriate.

Section 2: Reporting of Exploration Results

Criteria Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status Appaloosa comprises 234 unpatented lode mining claims. 217 claims staked by American Gold Capital and held through its subsidiary Gunpoint Exploration with 17 additional claims held by an underlier with an agreement in place whereby American Gold Capital can obtain a 100% interest. Newcrest has entered into an Exploration Farm-In Agreement with Gunpoint, effective 15th January 2023, with Newcrest managing the project. Newcrest is currently in the Option Phase of the Farm-in Agreement.



All obligations with respect to legislative requirements including minimum expenditure are maintained in good standing. Exploration done by other parties Duval, Superior Oil, Homestake, Kennecott, Athena Gold, Placer Dome, Pegasus, Miramar, Newcrest, American Gold Capital, Chesapeake Gold, Gunpoint and Timberline have explored the area between 1960 and 2019.



Newcrest optioned the Appaloosa Property in September 2022 and undertook systematic mapping and sampling leading to the current drill program. Previously drilling at Appaloosa by Superior Oil took place between 1974 and 1976, and Timberline between 2014 and 2017. Geology The Appaloosa Project is located in the western part of the Basin and Range Province in west-central Nevada, U.S.A, 45 km east of the town of Reno, NV.



Gold mineralisation is associated with a low-sulfidation epithermal system within the Carson Block and Talapoosa District. Mineralization is hosted in high-angle quartz veins with extensive silica-adularia-illite alteration. Mineralized veins occur in Miocene sediments and various volcanics Drill hole information As provided. Data aggregation methods Primary intervals are reported using 0.2 g/t Au cut off and 1.0 g/t Au for included intervals. Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths Significant assay intervals reported represent apparent widths. True thickness of the mineralised intervals is not yet known as the geometry of the mineralisation is not yet understood. Diagrams As provided. Balanced reporting This is the first release of Exploration Results for this project made by Newcrest.

Exploration drilling programs are ongoing and further material results will be reported in subsequent Newcrest releases. Other substantive exploration data Nil. Further work The current drill program is ongoing with further assays awaited.

Drillhole data(1)

Appaloosa, Nevada USA

Reporting Criteria: Intervals are reported as length-weighted averages using a cut-off of 0.2g/t Au and a minimum length of 0.3m, with less than 3m of consecutive internal dilution. Also reported are intervals greater than 1.0g/t Au. Intervals below a cut-off of 0.2g/t Au were not reported as significant results. Gold & Silver grades are reported to two significant figures. Samples are from core drilling which is HQ in diameter. Core is photographed and logged by the geology team before being half-core sampled and sent for assay. Each assay batch is submitted with duplicates and standards to monitor laboratory quality.

Hole ID Hole Type Easting

(m) Northing (m) RL

(m) Total Depth (m) Azimuth Dip From (m) To

(m) Interval (m) Au (ppm) Ag (ppm) Cut off (Au ppm) APP-0001** DD 303100 4372308 1916 250 180 -45 103.33 132.3 28.97 0.47 7.9 0.2 Incl. 108.25 109.76 1.51 1.3 28 1.0 Incl. 114 115.4 1.4 1.3 17 1.0 APP-0002** DD 303100 4372308 1916 310 180 -70 104.62 117 12.38 0.47 2.6 0.2 Incl. 114.4 116 1.6 1.3 17 1.0 APP-0003** DD 303100 4372308 1916 275 360 -45 63.3 65.1 1.8 0.32 5.3 0.2 and 133.5 152.5 19 0.41 - 0.2 Incl. 151 152.5 1.5 1.0 - 1.0 APP-0004** DD 303070 4372485 1944 403 180 -50 168.16 195.1 26.94 0.59 12 0.2 Incl. 178.55 183.5 4.95 1.2 14 1.0 and 323.6 323.9 0.3 7.9 30 1.0 and 336.38 336.9 0.52 1.6 1.6 0.2 APP-0005** DD 303100 4372050 1884 310 360 -45 251 252.5 2.5 0.44 1.9 0.2 APP-0006** DD 302923 4372495 1940 405 180 -75 192 196 4.0 0.35 19 0.2 and 212.5 215 2.5 1.9 2.5 0.2

# drilling in progress, **partial intercept, assays pending. ^updated intercept ^^previously reported intercept





Figure 19. Plan view of the Appaloosa Project illustrating the location of drilling reported in this release along project location, general target areas and the location of Gunpoint's Talapoosa project.

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Figure 20. North-South cross section from the central target area at Appaloosa illustrating the halo intercepts from assays returned to date. Section slice is 250m wide, drillhole APP-0006 is 148m off section (west) from holes APP-0001 to APP-0005, view is to the east. Drillhole locations are provided in Appendix 4.

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Forward Looking Statements

This document includes forward looking statements and forward looking information within the meaning of securities laws of applicable jurisdictions. Forward looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "target", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "objectives", "outlook" and "guidance", or other similar words and may include, without limitation, statements regarding estimated reserves and resources, internal rates of return, expansion, exploration and development activities and the specifications, targets, results, analyses, interpretations, benefits, costs and timing of them; certain plans, strategies, aspirations and objectives of management, anticipated production, sustainability initiatives, climate scenarios, dates for projects, reports, studies or construction, expected costs, cash flow or production outputs and anticipated productive lives of projects and mines. The Company continues to distinguish between outlook and guidance. Guidance statements relate to the current financial year. Outlook statements relate to years subsequent to the current financial year.

These forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance, and achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements, or industry results, expressed or implied by these forward looking statements. Relevant factors may include, but are not limited to, changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange fluctuations and general economic conditions, increased costs and demand for production inputs, the speculative nature of exploration and project development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licences and permits and diminishing quantities or grades of resources or reserves, political and social risks, changes to the regulatory framework within which the Company operates or may in the future operate, environmental conditions including extreme weather conditions, recruitment and retention of personnel, industrial relations issues and litigation. For further information as to the risks which may impact on the Company's results and performance, please see the risk factors discussed in the Operating and Financial Review included in the Appendix 4E and Financial Report for the year ended 30 June 2022 and the Annual Information Form dated 14 December 2022 which are available to view at www.asx.com.au under the code "NCM" and on Newcrest's SEDAR profile.

Forward looking statements are based on management's current expectations and reflect Newcrest's good faith assumptions, judgements, estimates and other information available as at the date of this report and/or the date of Newcrest's planning or scenario analysis processes as to the financial, market, regulatory and other relevant environments that will exist and affect Newcrest's business and operations in the future. Newcrest does not give any assurance that the assumptions will prove to be correct. There may be other factors that could cause actual results or events not to be as anticipated, and many events are beyond the reasonable control of Newcrest. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements, particularly in the current economic climate with the significant volatility, uncertainty and disruption caused by global events such as geopolitical tensions and the ongoing COVID19 pandemic. Forward looking statements in this document speak only at the date of issue. Except as required by applicable laws or regulations, Newcrest does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward looking statements or to advise of any change in assumptions on which any such statement is based.

Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources Reporting Requirements

As an Australian Company with securities listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Newcrest is subject to Australian disclosure requirements and standards, including the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ASX. Investors should note that it is a requirement of the ASX Listing Rules that the reporting of Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources in Australia is in accordance with the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (the JORC Code) and that Newcrest's Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates and reporting comply with the JORC Code.

Newcrest is also subject to certain Canadian disclosure requirements and standards, as a result of its secondary listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), including the requirements of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101). Investors should note that it is a requirement of Canadian securities law that the reporting of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources in Canada and the disclosure of scientific and technical information concerning a mineral project on a property material to Newcrest comply with NI 43-101.

Newcrest's material properties are currently Cadia, Lihir, Red Chris and Wafi-Golpu. Copies of the NI 43-101 Reports for Cadia, Lihir and Wafi-Golpu, which were released on 14 October 2020, and Red Chris, which was released on 30 November 2021, are available at www.newcrest.com and on Newcrest's SEDAR profile.

Competent Person's Statement

The information in this document that relates to Exploration Targets, Exploration Results, and related scientific and technical information, is based on and fairly represents information compiled by Mr F. MacCorquodale. Mr MacCorquodale is the General Manager - Greenfields Exploration and a full-time employee of Newcrest Mining Ltd.. He is a shareholder in Newcrest Mining Ltd. and is entitled to participate in Newcrest's executive equity long term incentive plan, details of which are included in Newcrest's 2022 Remuneration Report. He is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists. Mr MacCorquodale has sufficient experience which is relevant to the styles of mineralisation and types of deposits under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code and as a Qualified Person under NI 43-101. Mr MacCorquodale approves the disclosure of scientific and technical information contained in this document and consents to the inclusion of material of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

Authorised by the Newcrest Disclosure Committee

For further information please contact

Investor Enquiries

Tom Dixon

+61 3 9522 5570

+61 450 541 389

Tom.Dixon@newcrest.com.au

Rebecca Lay

+61 3 9522 5298

+61 438 355 511

Rebecca.Lay@newcrest.com.au

North American Investor Enquiries

Vlada Cvijetinovic

+1 604 335 9202

+1 604 240 2998

Vlada.Cvijetinovic@newcrest.com.au

Media Enquiries

Celina Watt

+61 3 9522 4264

+61 436 677 220

Celina.Watt@newcrest.com.au

This information is available on our website at www.newcrest.com

1 # drilling in progress ** partial intercept, assays pending ^ updated intercept or ^^ previously reported.

2 The Exploration Target as at 6 March 2023 has been extracted from Newcrest's release titled "Red Chris exploration success expands East Ridge Exploration Target delivering additional mining potential" dated 14 March 2023 which is available at www.asx.com.au the code "NCM" and on Newcrest's SEDAR profile.

3 Subject to market and operating conditions and no unforeseen delays

4 # drilling in progress ** partial intercept, assays pending ^ updated intercept or ^^ previously reported.

5 # drilling in progress ** partial intercept, assays pending ^ updated intercept or ^^ previously reported.

6 Subject to market and operating conditions and no unforeseen delays.

7 Subject to market and operating conditions and no unforeseen delays.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/174730
VANCOUVER, July 25, 2023 - Group Eleven Resources Corp. (TSXV: ZNG) (OTC: GRLVF) (FRA: 3GE) ("Group Eleven" or the "Company") is pleased to provide a drill progress update and announce the addition of a second drill rig at the Ballywire Zn-Pb-Ag-Ge discovery ("Ballywire"), PG West Project ("PG West", 100%-interest), Ireland.

Drill Update at Ballywire:

Two drill holes have been completed (G11-468-09 and -12), totalling 375m and 323m, respectively; results are to be announced over the coming weeks upon completion of assays expected in due course

G11-468-09 was a 375m continuation (to a total depth of 546m) of a previous hole drilled by Group Eleven, which had been stopped at 171m (see news release dated 21-Jun-2023)

G11-468-12 was an 80m step-out to the east (along strike) of G11-468-06 (which intersected 6.0m of 8.6% Zn and 3.8% Pb, or 12.4% Zn+Pb, and 68 g/t Ag; see news release dated 02-Mar-2023)

Two drill rigs are now in operation, with the second rig added last week

The Company is currently drilling hole G11-468-13 (stepping 50m north and up-dip of G11-468-12) and G11-3552-02 (stepping 150m south and downdip of G11-468-12)

Results from the above holes will be released in due course

"We are pleased that drilling is now operational with two rigs at Ballywire," stated Bart Jaworski, CEO. "This accelerated phase of drilling should be instrumental in helping us determine the location and extent of the postulated and yet undiscovered centre of the mineralizing system, hypothesized to host the thickest and highest-grading mineralization."

Ballywire Zn-Pb-Ag-Ge Discovery, PG West Project (100% Interest), Ireland

The Ballywire discovery is located in the south-eastern portion of the Company's 100%-owned PG West Project, Republic of Ireland. PG West, including the nearby Tullacondra prospect, comprises 22 prospecting licenses covering 650 square kilometres and is contiguous with the Company's Stonepark project (six prospecting licenses covering 184 square kilometres; 76.56% interest), covering additional prospective stratigraphy in the Limerick region. Ballywire is located approx. 20 kilometres south-east of Glencore's Pallas Green deposit1 and approx. 50 kilometres south-west of the historic Lisheen zinc mine (closed in 2015). Geologically, Ballywire is situated at the intersection of the south-westerly projection of the Rathdowney Trend (which hosts the past-producing Lisheen and Galmoy zinc mines) and the Pallas Green Corridor. Historic drilling at the Ballywire prospect was sparse, last being worked by operators in 2008. Group Eleven staked the prospect in 2016 based on compelling results from the two most-recent historic holes. Group Eleven announced its discovery hole (G11-468-03) on 06-Sep-2022. Recently completed and ongoing drilling described above is shown in Exhibit 1 below.

_______________________________

1 Pallas Green Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE): 45 mln tonnes of 7.2% Zn and 1.2% Pb, Inferred (Glencore, 31-Dec-2022)



Qualified Person

Technical information in this news release has been approved by Professor Garth Earls, Eur Geol, P.Geo, FSEG, geological consultant at IGS (International Geoscience Services) Limited, and independent 'Qualified Person' as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101.

About Group Eleven Resources

Group Eleven Resources Corp. (TSX.V: ZNG; OTC: GRLVF and FRA: 3GE) is a mineral exploration company focused on advanced stage zinc exploration in Ireland. Additional information about the Company is available at www.groupelevenresources.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bart Jaworski, P.Geo.

Chief Executive Officer

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the future results of operations, performance and achievements of the Company, including the timing, content, cost and results of proposed work programs, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/ reserves and geological interpretations. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located. All of the Company's public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties.

SOURCE Group Eleven Resources Corp.
ROUYN-NORANDA, July 25, 2023 - Radisson Mining Resources Inc. (TSX-V: RDS, OTCQB: RMRDF) ("Radisson" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that it has completed the first phase of an extensive glacial till survey on the southern sector ("New Alger") of the O'Brien project, where it has identified a geological context similar to that of Agnico Eagle's Canadian-Malartic Complex (See Figure 1).



Why Pontiac Group sediments ("Pontiac Group") located south of the prolific Larder-Lake-Cadillac break could host significant deposits?

Near the O'Brien project, the Canadian-Malartic Complex, which is largely hosted by Pontiac Group sediments, is one of the world's largest gold mining operations having produced close to 13.7 million ounces of gold, to date. Gold mineralization is represented by a large volume of disseminated gold, spatially associated with intermediate to felsic porphyry intrusions and dykes (See figure 2), as well as shear zones. This mining complex highlights the Pontiac Group's high gold potential.

Why does the New Alger area have so much potential?

New Alger covers an area of more than 50 square kilometers and is located close to numerous geological structures with strong gold potential.

A sample grading 7.33 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) was collected during the 2022 prospecting campaign, demonstrating the presence of at least one gold-rich zone in the area.

With the presence of intermediate intrusions and felsic dykes, the geological characteristics of New Alger are very similar to those of historical and operating mines in the area (see Figure 2).

The area is a continuation of the Amm Mine, from which 83,475 tonnes of gold, grading 4.54 g/t were extracted between 1939 and 1942, and which had estimated reserves of 219,000 tonnes grading 4.46 g/t Au.

"We are pleased to have completed the first phase of this important till sampling program, which we see as an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the strong gold potential of the New Alger area and we look forward to receiving the first results in the coming months. In parallel, our team is preparing for a 10,000-meter drill program scheduled to start in later this summer," commented Radisson's Geology Director, Vivien Janvier. "It's important to note that Radisson has taken every precaution during our summer exploration and prospecting work to preserve our forests and minimize the risk of fire."



Phase 1 Sampling Program

During Phase 1, the team visited all 139 targets in the field. Out of these targets, 115 were sampled successfully, while 24 could not be sampled due to the presence of thick fluvio-lacustrine sediment. All samples taken were sent to the laboratory for analysis. The results of Phase 1 samples are expected to be obtained by the end of the Q3, or early Q4.





Figure 1: Geological map of Abitibi illustrating the gold potential of Pontiac Group sediments





Figure 2: Planned glacial till sampling grid





Figure 3: Location of the O'Brien project

Qualified Person

Vivien Janvier, P.Geo, Ph.D., Director Geology for Radisson is the Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. The Company's Qualified Person has reviewed and approved the technical content of this press release.

Radisson Mining Resources Inc.

Radisson is a gold exploration company focused on its 100% owned O'Brien project, located in the Bousquet-Cadillac mining camp along the world-renowned Larder-Lake-Cadillac Break in Abitibi, Quebec. The Bousquet-Cadillac mining camp has produced over 25,000,000 ounces of gold over the last 100 years. The project hosts the former O'Brien Mine, considered to have been Quebec's highest-grade gold producer during its production.

For more information on Radisson, visit our website at www.radissonmining.com or contact:

Denis V. Lachance

Chairman, Interim President and CEO

819-806-3340

dlachance@radissonmining.com

Kristina Pillon

Manager, Investor Relations

604.908.1695

kpillon@radissonmining.com

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release including, but not limited to, those relating to the intended use of proceeds of the Offering, the development of the O'Brien project and generally, the above "About Radisson Mining Resources Inc." paragraph which essentially describes the Corporation's outlook, constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the time of this press release. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Corporation as of the time of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. These estimates and assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can directly or indirectly affect, and could cause, actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements and future events, could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. A description of assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information and a description of risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward looking information can be found in Radisson's disclosure documents on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.

By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved or that assumptions do not reflect future experience. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's endeavours to develop the O'Brien project and, more generally, its expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as a number of important risk factors and future events could cause the actual outcomes to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates, assumptions and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those made in our other filings with the securities regulators of Canada. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law.
Vancouver, July 25, 2023 - Arizona Silver Exploration Inc. (TSXV:AZS) (OTC:AZASF) is pleased to provide this update on the Silverton carbonate-hosted gold exploration property located in Nye County, Nevada.

HIGHLIGHTS:

In late March the Company completed a combined helicopter-borne magnetotelluric ("MT") and magnetic survey flown over the entire property

Rock chip gold samples above 100 ppb across an area 2.5 kilometers by 3 kilometers

Locally strong stibnite-quartz-gold veins in volcanics above the target limestone/dolomite section

2-year extension obtained on drilling permit (Notice of Intent) with the BLM

Carlin-Type Gold Target at Silverton

The Silverton property is a large claim block of 1860 acres containing anomalous gold above 100 ppb in rock chip samples across an area 2.5 kms by 3 kms. The gold is accompanied by strongly anomalous arsenic, antimony, mercury and other metals (the classic Carlin-type or intermediate sulfidation metal suite). Most of this area has exposures of Paleozoic carbonate rocks that are variably altered to dolomite. In both the eastern and the western ends of the property the carbonates are overlain and intruded by Tertiary volcanics dated at late Eocene to early Oligocene in age. The central area of exposed carbonate rocks appears to be a shallow anticline or complex dome.

Extensive low-grade gold-bearing jasperoid replacement deposits occur primarily at the contact between the carbonates and the overlying volcanics. Jasperoids also occur in the carbonates and volcanics along faults, fractures, and bedding planes. Veins of quartz containing variable amounts of gold, silver and antimony (stibnite) and barite within the overlying volcanics were the primary focus of shallow historic exploration drilling in the late 1980s to early 2000s. No serious exploration has been done to test the altered carbonate package containing the bulk of the gold and trace metal anomalies, or in the carbonates beneath the swarm of quartz-antimony-gold veins. Models of, and data from, deep Carlin-type deposits suggest a subtle geochemical halo occurs up to thousands of feet above the high-grade deposits, occurring mostly along faults, fractures, and bedding planes.

A Masters Thesis at the University of Nevada-Reno completed by Robert Smallwood, sponsored in part by the Company, recognized the surface mineralization as exhibiting boiling zone textures indicative of epithermal mineralization situated well above the level where Carlin-type systems form. This is the exploration model we are using to explore the Silverton property.

Helicopter-borne MT Survey

The company contracted Expert Geophysics Ltd. out of Toronto, Ontario to fly the MT survey over the entire claim block as property-wide geophysics had not been previously done. MT measures the resistivity of the rocks to a depth of +1 kilometre, especially in resistive rocks like massive carbonates. The survey has provided a 3D data set to aid in mapping resistivity changes and structures down to the depth limit of the survey. Our objective was to identify the signature features that characterize Carlin-type deposits described above. Such features outcrop but the shallow historic drilling provides no information on the sub-surface below about 150 metres. The survey has revealed several obvious low resistivity anomalies beneath the surface features referenced above. The Company has staked an additional 16 claims (320 acres) to cover the eastern margins of the large resistivity anomaly, which is included in the total acreage above.

Gregory Hahn, VP Exploration states "Our interpretation of the survey results are as follows. One very prominent low resistivity zone, interpreted as alteration, occurs along a strike length of +1.5 kms and a width of 0.5 kms, beneath a strongly silicified (resistive) volcanic cap. No historic drill holes test this anomaly, although several historic drill holes drilled along the western (up-dip) flank of the anomaly intersected good intervals of low-grade gold and jasperoid. We interpret these intercepts as the distal fringe of the heart of the anomaly which may represent a source for the low-grade intercepts. Several other weaker and shorter anomalies also are identified with low-grade gold intercepts in their vicinity. Importantly, the air magnetic survey shows a large intrusion at depth. A prominent deep thick property-wide low resistivity layer has unknown origins. It could be extensive alteration, a package of carbonaceous sediments within the resistive carbonate sequence, or a large sill-like altered intrusion. No existing drill holes went deep enough to penetrate and test this large low-resistivity layer."



Click Image To View Full Size

Drill Permit Extension

The Company submitted a request to extend the drilling permit for the property (approved and bonded Notice of Intent (NOI)) for two years. The extension was received May 17, 2023 and the additional bond was approved on May 24, 2023. The extension will allow geologists time to review the results of the MT survey and amend the NOI as appropriate to test targets highlighted by the MT survey.

The Company will now seek a joint venture or strategic relationship with a large mining or exploration company with expertise in epithermal or carbonate-hosted gold deposits to drill test the property.

Qualified Person

Gregory Hahn, VP-Exploration and a Certified Professional Geologist (#7122) is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

About Arizona Silver Exploration Inc.

Arizona Silver is a young exploration company focused on exploring gold-silver properties in western Arizona and Nevada.

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

Arizona Silver Exploration Inc.

Mike Stark, President and CEO, Director

Phone: (604) 833-4278

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements or information. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements in relation to the timing, cost and other aspects of the 2023 exploration program; the potential for development of the mineral resources; the potential mineralization and geological merits of the exploration properties; and other future plans, objectives or expectations of the Company. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include the risk that actual results of current and planned exploration activities, including the results of the Company's 2023 drilling program(s) on its properties, will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; the geology, grade and continuity of any mineral deposits and the risk of unexpected variations in mineral resources, grade and/or recovery rates; fluctuating metals prices; possibility of accidents, equipment breakdowns and delays during exploration; exploration cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results and geological tests; availability of capital and financing required to continue the Company's future exploration programs and preparation of geological reports and studies; delays in the preparation of geological reports and studies; the metallurgical characteristics of mineralization contained within the exploration properties are yet to be fully determined; general economic, market or business conditions; competition and loss of key employees; regulatory changes and restrictions including in relation to required permits for exploration activities (including drilling permits) and environmental liability; timeliness of government or regulatory approvals; and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, the Company has made numerous assumptions, including that the Company's 2023 programs would proceed as planned and within budget. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.

Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
VANCOUVER, July 25, 2023 - DeepRock Minerals Inc. (CSE:DEEP) ("DeepRock" or the "Company") announces that the Company and Augustine Trading Professionals SRL ("Augustine") have mutually agreed to terminate the property purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement') between them dated August 31, 2021, whereby the Company was to purchase from Augustine a mineral property in Romania known as the Dragon Valley Property.



DeepRock had advanced $275,000 of the purchase price to Augustine and had taken no further action. Upon the return of the $275,000 from Augustine to DeepRock, which is to occur before October 30th, 2023, the parties will have no further obligations to each other.

Andrew Lee, Chief Executive Officer of DeepRock, explained the decision, stating, "Our focus is on the Esperanca Lithium Property in Brazil and the Golden Gate Project in New Brunswick, so dropping the Dragon Valley Property and getting our cash back makes a lot of sense. The Company is currently evaluating its strategies and expects to provide further guidance in the coming weeks."

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Andrew Lee"

Andrew Lee

CEO, President, and Director





For more information, please contact:



Andrew Lee

Chief Executive Officer, Director

Email: andrew@deeprockmineralsinc.com

Phone: 778-302-2257



Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Neither the Canadian Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains "forward-looking information" including statements with respect to the future exploration performance of the Company. This forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements of the Company, expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, as well as others, are disclosed within the Company's filing on SEDAR, which investors are encouraged to review prior to any transaction involving the securities of the Company. Forward-looking information contained herein is provided as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation, other than as required by law, to update any forward-looking information for any reason. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate and the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking information.

Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Reheid El Nuba  At least 24 Kababish tribesmen, eight cafe owners and their supporters, and nine Rapid Support Forces (RSF) troops were killed in three separate gunfights in the Gabret El Sheikh locality in North Kordofan on Saturday. The situation is tense and subject to escalation according to local sources.

Speaking to Radio Dabanga, a witness reported that there was an initial altercation between a group of bandits and cafeteria owners at the Reheid El Nuba market, roughly 150km from Omdurman.

"Armed men in a pick-up truck entered one of the cafeterias at the market area and claimed that one of the pick-up trucks parked next to the cafe belonged to them," he said.

"When the owners of the cafeterias at the square protested, a gunfight resulted in the death of eight cafe owners and their supporters. Others were injured. Several attackers were also wounded."

Kababish tribesmen then formed a search posse, which clashed with RSF soldiers at a control post on the Omdurman-El Obeid road near Reheid El Nuba on the same day. Eight Kababish were killed and others were injured. The clash reportedly led to losses among the RSF soldiers too.

According to different local sources, another gunfight took place between RSF soldiers and members of a Kababish search posse in the same area on Saturday. The clash reportedly led to the death of 16 Kababish and the injury of 21 others while nine RSF paramilitaries were killed, and nine others were wounded.

The sources confirmed that there is tension in the area and that the events are subject to escalation.

Radio Dabanga has not been able to contact the authorities and native administration leaders in the area to obtain all the information about the reasons behind the violent incidents.

The Kababish are traditionally a nomadic Arab camel-herding tribe who live in North Kordofan. They are comprised of about 19 different groups, each with their own nazir*.

* A nazir is a state-appointed administrative chief of a tribe, according to the native administration system in Sudan
The best book on Jeffersons constitutional theory is by David Mayer, 1994.

Theodore Roosevelts friends Henry Cabot Lodge and John Coit Spooner of Wisconsin attempt to constrain him within the confines of the US Constitution. Titled, "WITHIN THE CONSTITUTION," the cartoon was published in Harper's Weekly February 1905.

The Historical Background

The Paradox in 2020

The global COVID-19 pandemic has raised the question of American federalism to new levels. It has touched off a fascinating national debate about whos in charge in a global crisis, who must accept responsibility, where the buck stops and what the best governmental authority is to deal with the unprecedented challenges that the coronavirus outbreak represents.Suddenly the nearly forgotten Tenth Amendment is relevant again! But in a delicious reversal of roles, it is the progressive state governors who are invoking the Tenth Amendment  in desperation  to protect themselves from a national government that is mostly getting in their way as they try to cope with the crisis.As the Chinese proverb puts it, may you live in interesting times.Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Tip ONeill famously said, all politics is local. The paradox of the coronavirus is that all disease is in many ways local, too. A patient enters a local hospital to be treated by local medical professionals. Absent a national health-care system, medical treatment in the United States is delivered by a dizzying range of systems, with widely different results depending on the availability of insurance, affordability and coverage options, but also social class and regional political philosophies.The coronavirus has affected some states (New York, Washington, Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey) much more severely than others (North Dakota, Wyoming, Alaska). The social lockdown in a place like New York City or Detroit has to be more draconian than in Nebraska or Utah, if only because of the remarkable differences in population density. Gov. Andrew Cuomo faces challenges that the governor of Montana can scarcely comprehend. Those who wonder why rural states have been more reluctant to adopt strict social distancing protocols than urban states find it hard to conceive of a place like Wyoming, where the largest city, Cheyenne, has a population of only 59,466 people and the next largest population center, Casper, is 178 miles away.Given how vast, varied, and unevenly populated the United States is, it makes sense that state sovereignty would prevail in many coronavirus policy decisions. As the Trump administration rightly understands, a one-size-fits-all national policy is  on some questions  an imprecise tool with which to combat the pandemic. This makes sense. California, with a sixth of the worlds economy and a population of 40 million, is a commonwealth unto itself in Jeffersonian terms. New York is still known as the Empire State. With a population of almost 20 million, and one of the five most important cities on the planet, New York has a significance and a set of challenges that sets it apart from most other states.On the other hand, everyone understands that the coronavirus crisis is an unprecedented chapter in American history. Never before, not even during the Great Depression of the 1930s, has any event brought community life of America to a near-standstill. Never before in the aeronautic era have so few planes flown over American skies (except for one week following the 9/11 attacks). Never in the history of the L.A. freeway system has that vast network of multi-lane highways been essentially empty. Never before have the professional sport leagues been suspended. Never before have all of the nations schools and colleges and universities canceled onsite classes for the remainder of the school year.The national economy appears to teeter on the brink of collapse. Unemployment may rise as high as 30 percent, perhaps even higher. Not even the best economists can predict how soon the national economy will rebound and it is universally understood that hundreds of thousands of businesses will never reopen their doors. We are living through a colossal national and indeed international crisis. Clearly, states do not have the capacity to get us through the crisis without unprecedented national governmental support.There is no playbook for sorting out what parts of the coronavirus belong properly to the states and which parts are truly national in scope and urgency. In many respects, America is making it up as it goes along. The Constitution does not provide clear guidelines for elected officials or government functionaries.Without descending into the blame game, it is perhaps just to acknowledge that the national government of the United States has not handled the pandemic very efficiently or with a steady, clear and centralized voice; and that a crisis of this complexity does not bring out President Trumps strengths as a national leader.The history of the United States has been a roller coaster on the question of state versus national sovereignty. Thomas Jefferson occupied one extreme end of the spectrum, Theodore Roosevelt the other. They served as president exactly 100 years apart. Jefferson, who served between 1801-09, believed that the national government had very few legitimate functions: foreign policy, a common currency, post roads, defense, a judiciary that could serve as the umpire between states at odds with one another. He actually called the national government the foreign department. Theodore Roosevelt, who served between 1901-09, believed the national government could do anything not specifically prohibited by the Constitution.Thomas Jefferson was the Founding Father most committed to states rights. To his old mentor George Wythe, Jefferson wrote in 1787, the year of the constitutional convention, My own general idea is that the States should severally preserve their sovereignty in whatever concerns themselves alone, and that whatever may concern another State, or any foreign nation, should be made a part of the Federal sovereignty. To Edward Carrington he wrote, My general plan would be to make the States one as to everything connected with foreign nations, and several as to everything purely domestic.Theodore Roosevelt was a Hamiltonian who advocated a very strong and proactive national government. Although he was careful not to say it, Roosevelt would have been happy if the concept of state sovereignty was discarded once and for all. Exactly opposite to Jefferson, Roosevelt saw the Constitution as an enabling, not a restraining, document. He famously said, The Constitution exists for the people, not the people for the Constitution. When Roosevelt tried to set standards for workplace safety, child labor laws, the 40-hour workweek and environmental protection, he bristled and scoffed at the notion that the national government could only regulate commerce with interstate activities, but not the commerce that occurred entirely within a single state.You can imagine how differently these two great presidents would have responded to the coronavirus pandemic. Jefferson would have tried to avoid intruding on state sovereignty wherever possible; Roosevelt would have thrust himself into the center of the arena on the principle that it is better to apologize later than to seek permission. But heres what these two statesmen would have shared: clear, rational, consistent, scientifically based national messaging; candor and transparency; a belief that reason is our only oracle and science must be given primacy in its own arena. They would both have told the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth to the American people.The inefficiency and in some cases abdication of the national government in the face of COVID-19 has put the onus on state and local authorities. Some state governors have done such an outstanding  and steady  job of managing the pandemic within their borders that they have emerged as national leaders, almost shadow presidents, in the last two months. Californias Gavin Newsom, Washingtons Jay Inslee, and New Yorks Andrew Cuomo have received high marks not only for their management of the crisis, but also for their compassion and empathy, for their calm yet strong demeanor, for their professional deportment, and for the selflessness with which they have performed their roles.A large number of Americans, hungry for national leadership that seems presidential, have posited that each of these governors, and a few others, would make good candidates for president. Each of these governors has, in different ways, concluded publicly that in the absence of national leadership, they have no choice but to chart their own destiny. A few of them on both coasts have formed loose regional coalitions with other states to formulate a common approach to the challenge of loosening shelter-in-place restrictions as soon as it is regarded as safe to do so, but not so soon as to jeopardize public health.One example of government inefficiency has been procurement of masks, swabs, ventilators and other medical equipment needed by hospitals and medical professionals throughout the U.S. Insisting that the national government is not a shipping clerk, President Trump urged each state to buy the equipment it needed on the open market. This brought about enormous confusion and inefficiency to the procurement process and forced desperate states to engage in bidding wars for life-saving equipment. In anguish, Cuomo of New York said, We are all trying to buy the same commodity, literally the same item, so you have 50 states all trying to buy the same item, competing with each other. Its like being on eBay with 50 other states bidding on a ventilator.This is one of the areas where Jefferson would have wanted federal coordination  to keep the price down and to prevent rivalry between states. Jeffersons government would serve not as a shipping agent but a national referee or umpire to bring order to the process and insist upon distributive justice. In other words, he would wish to make sure a limited supply of ventilators (for example) would be distributed to limit suffering and death to the extent possible. Perhaps each governor would wind up being frustrated in not being able to get all the ventilators she or he needed, but the national government would accept responsibility (and rebuke) to avoid squabbling between the states.Even when the national government has tried to play a serious role in handling the pandemic, its response has been hampered by confusion, agency infighting, mixed messaging and what appear to be unkept promises and actual lies. By all accounts, the setting up of a parallel task force led by the presidents son-in-law Jared Kushner has decreased the efficiency and messaging of the national government. The daily briefings have mostly lost sight of their original purpose  to provide information to the American people and a sense that the national government is taking appropriate steps to combat the disease  and become an opportunity for President Trump to air his theories and grievances, to spar with reporters, denounce his real or perceived enemies and to defend himself against the charge that he ignored a range of warnings from top government entities and played down the seriousness of the virus precisely at the time when he should have been marshalling the national governments response.State sovereignty has two historic foundations. One is the concept of federalism, which means that the national government is sovereign in some ways, and state governments in others. This unique dual-sovereignty principle was insisted upon at the constitutional convention of May-September 1787 and though it has been the source of jurisdictional tension and confusion, it is a central fact of American political life. The second principle  one that has emerged mostly in the last hundred years  is the idea of a laboratory of democracy, in which each of the 50 states addresses public issues in its own way, within some significant limits, so that regional and demographic differences can be factored into public law, and so individuals states can undergo policy experiments without committing the entire nation to a one-size-fits-all set of policies. Thus, Montana chooses its judges in one way, Wisconsin in another.A good example of this in our time is the variety of recreational and medical marijuana laws. Many states decided to observe the logistics, the challenges and opportunities of legalization in Colorado before deciding whether to legalize within their own borders and, if so, under what conditions. Colorado was thus a laboratory in which to work out the kinks of legalization in one jurisdiction, from which other states could learn important lessons of what to do and not to do if they chose to follow suit.The original U.S. constitution, the Articles of Confederation (1781-1788), created a loose confederation of sovereign nation-states: New Hampshire, New York, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia. These sovereign states agreed to do a few things in common, but most of the destiny of a citizen living in Pennsylvania would be managed by the state legislature or local authorities (counties, townships, towns). The national government could coin money, provide for the common defense, and manage foreign policy, but almost everything else would be handled at the state level. Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government could not directly tax the people of Virginia or Maryland or any other state. It had to requisition tax funds and hope that the states would voluntarily comply. (They seldom did.) Each state had one vote in the confederation congress. The Articles could only be amended by the unanimous vote of all 13 states.By 1786, every serious American understood that the Articles of Confederation were a failure. They realized that more authority was needed in a government truly national, including the power to tax. The 55 men who met in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787 tore up the Articles and created a wholly new constitution designed to create enough national authority to permit the United States to do the things that a nation must do, but at the same time to preserve to the states whatever sovereignty it could. The result was the Constitution of the United States we still use 232 years later, with just 27 amendments in all of that time.Those who feared so much central authority demanded, and got, the Bill of Rights, drafted by James Madison in the First Congress of the United States and adopted on Dec. 15, 1791. From the standpoint of this discussion, the most important of those amendments was the Tenth, which states: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. The Constitution makers had also tried to protect state sovereignty by guaranteeing each state two U.S. senators irrespective of population or geographic size, and by permitting state legislators to choose their own senators (until the Seventeenth Amendment in 1913).For a very long time, certainly since the Depression and World War II, Americans have counted on the national government to step up in times of monumental crisis. Nobody (except perhaps Thomas Jefferson) would have expected Louisiana to handle the Hurricane Katrina catastrophe by itself, or Oklahoma the Oklahoma City Bombing (April 19, 1995), or New York the attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Floods, prolonged droughts, tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, the banking collapse of 2008, and other disasters have seemed automatically to call upon the full strength and resources of the national government.Only the handful of true states rights conservatives, sometimes including Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, have argued that these are local concerns. It would seem automatic and inevitable, therefore, that the global pandemic of 2020 would instantly bring the national government of the United States to unprecedented prominence. But that is not what has happened  so far. The government of Donald Trump has been oddly detached from the pandemic. Nobody is quite sure why.The paradox is even more pointed when one considers President Trumps fascination with authoritarianism. He has at various times, perhaps merely in jest, declared his preference for authoritarian powers. His admiration for dictators and strongmen is unmistakable: Vladimir Putin in Russia, Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte, Xi Jinping of China, Kim Jong Un of North Korea, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, and Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, all of whom he says are his good friends.One might have expected Trump to use the global pandemic to assume unprecedented powers as president, to luxuriate in dictating every response on every level in all 50 states. It is even surprising that President Trump has made his vice president the coronavirus czar and his son-in-law the shadow coronavirus coordinator. Instead, Trump has mostly served as a kind of informal national commentator on the actions of others. When he reads from his script at the daily briefings, he often stumbles on names and pharmaceutical terms (admittedly difficult) and sometimes he appears to be reading his own remarks for the first time. He comes to life mostly during the extended question and answer sessions with reporters in which he often behaves like a cynical tavern know-it-all rather than the presiding officer of a nation of 340 million. Even his supporters find his disruptive approach to the briefings troubling.Given President Trumps detached approach to leadership in a time of pandemic, it is all the more surprising when he suddenly asserts his mastery and unchallengeable authority. A large number of the nations governors and all of its constitutional scholars, for example, have rejected Trumps declaration on Monday, April 13, 2020, that he has absolute power to determine when to reopen the country for business. Even normally pro-Trump conservatives pushed back hard on this wild claim, including Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, and former G.W. Bush Justice Department official John Yoo.Most sober commentators who have observed the pandemic crisis from late January until today have concluded, thank God for federalism. Most of the states have stepped up in ways that could not have been anticipated in 2019. Some of the state governors have emerged as national heroes and, to a certain extent, alternative national leaders.
F1 return for de Vries not ruled out by manager

Nyck de Vries' Formula 1 career is not necessarily over, his manager Guillaume Le Goff insists.

Nyck de Vries, Azerbaijan GP 2023

 Red Bull

The 28-year-old Dutch rookie, who was dumped by Alpha Tauri team owner Red Bull after his ten races into his first full season this year, has been linked with a return to a test role at Mercedes.

But Le Goff insists that may not be the only option.

I've had quite a few calls in the past week, the Frenchman, who also manages Pierre Gasly, told the Dutch publication Formule 1.

There is plenty of interest in Nyck, Le Goff added. Endurance, Le Mans, GTs, Formula E, also Formula 1. We'll see.

Presumably for legal reasons, de Vries' manager did not want to comment on the controversial decision to dump the former Formula E and Formula 2 champion.

(GMM)
F1 threatening to block Las Vegas GP views

Formula 1 is threatening to block spectacular views of its new Las Vegas GP circuit if hotels, casinos and restaurants do not pay hefty licensing fees.

Drivers, Hungarian GP 2023

 Alfa Romeo

The New York Post reports that venues along the Strip and beyond are being told to pay $1500 per head - adding up to multiple millions per venue in some cases - or risk having views obstructed by barriers and strategically-aimed lights.

A letter sent from Liberty Media-owned F1 to venues reads: Las Vegas GP will use reasonable efforts to maintain sightedness from licensee's venue to the track.

One casino owner hit back: "They are literally shaking people down saying they will obstruct views unless they pay them.

It seems insane that they are asking money for a public event that is taking place in the streets.

Another source added: "I know the hotels are upset about it and they are trying to figure out if they'll play along.

"There is a certain line they are crossing telling someone who has spent billions on their property that you are shutting the Strip down for construction and then asking them to pay for seats.
Green light for 11th team within weeks says FIA boss

It will still take "four to six weeks" for clarity to emerge over whether Formula 1 will be getting up to two new teams.

British GP 2023

 Alpine

After several groups responded to the official FIA tender, it was reported recently that two prospective new teams - Andretti-Cadillac and Hitech - may already have been green-lighted by the governing FIA.

But with Liberty Media and most of the existing F1 teams opposed, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem explains that there are still hurdles to jump.

This is obviously a political and financial issue, but it is clear to me that the FIA must respect the process. The EU also regulates us, so we can't manipulate anything, he told formula.hu.

If a team is interested and our rules say you can have that many teams, how can we say no?

Ben Sulayem says he understands the existing teams' opposition on financial grounds, but it is his duty to do the right thing for the sport .

We can't tell a big team that wants to come to F1 to go and buy a team or you can't come in. I think that's wrong, he added.

It is clear that Ben Sulayem's personal favourite for an eleventh team entry is Michael Andretti's outfit, with the backing of Cadillac and General Motors.

These are serious people and we don't want to disqualify anyone without thoroughly reviewing the submitted applications, he said. "It's about big names and big money.

"Of course we don't want just anybody, but A teams or a car manufacturer. I prefer the manufacturers, because that would be good for the sport.

We have taken our time, the FIA team worked very hard, we had meetings with the teams where we reviewed their applications, and I think the final decision will be made within four to six weeks, Ben Sulayem concluded.

Financial concerns aside, figures like Toto Wolff (Mercedes) have argued that more than 20 cars on the grid is actually a safety issue, as we are already tripping over ourselves like on a go-kart track .

I don't understand that, the FIA president hit back. "Safety is the most important thing for the FIA and our safety people say that 11 or 12 teams is also safe.

"We'll wait until the evaluation of the teams is finished and then we'll see, but I have said it before and I say it now - how could we turn down General Motors? I don't understand the negativity.

I heard that Liberty Media would also like an 11th team - this was said by CEO Greg Maffei, Ben Sulayem added. "It seems that we are both looking at the interests of the sport and its sustainability, because this way there will be more business for the promoter as well.
NIBs viability under review  BoG

Emmanuel Bruce Business News Jul - 25 - 2023 , 04:49

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) is in discussions with the government to assess the viability of a state-owned bank; the National Investment Bank (NIB).

The discussions, which are expected to be concluded by next year, would determine the fate of NIB.

Under the IMF programme, the BoG has committed to completing the remaining tasks from the financial sector cleanup, and these tasks include addressing the insolvency of NIB as well as the long-standing under-capitalisation of several special deposit-taking institutions (SDIs).

Addressing the media at the Monetary Policy Committee press conference, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Ernest Addison, said the issue of NIB and other under-capitalised institutions would obviously form part of the financial sector policy under the IMF programme.

He said once the government was done with the immediate issues of the impact of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) on banks, it would go back and relook at these institutions and make an assessment on whether they are still viable or not.

The NIB is one of the banks that we will make that assessment on, to ascertain whether it is still viable or not. If it is viable and the government can find money to recapitalise it, then Yes. But if it is not viable, then, obviously, we will have to find a different use for that instrument.

These are ongoing discussions between us and the international partners and I believe that in the next year or so, we will get a clearer sense of how to handle those particular institutions that are very weak, he stated.

Following the completion of the financial sector reforms, all the banks operating in the country successfully recapitalised to GH400, except NIB, who are yet to do so.

The NIB, together with four other banks namely ADB Bank, OminiBSIC, UMB Bank and Prudential Bank, were given government guarantee through the Ghana Amalgamated Trust (GAT), which was a special purpose vehicle set up to help these five banks recapitalise.

NIB, however, failed to utilise this opportunity as its liquidity and capital challenges far exceeded what was originally envisaged and have still remained under-capitalised.

With the bank being a state bank, the considerations were different, and, therefore the bank has continued to operate till now, despite not meeting the new minimum capital requirement.

Banks first-half performance

Giving an update on the banks first-half performance, Dr Addison said the results show considerable growth in profits, following significant losses posted in 2022 on account of the DDEP.

He said if this trend continues, the BoG expects banks to rebuild capital buffers quickly, in addition to equity capital injections by shareholders, to give a further boost to real sector growth and to build resilience in the banking sector.

He noted that the early operationalisation of the Ghana Financial Stability Fund should also help provide additional recapitalisation support for eligible banks in line with the criteria and governance framework agreed with the IMF and the World Bank.

Cost of operations

Governor Addison pointed out that the industrys cost of operations increased, with operating expenses increasing by 44.9 per cent during the first half, compared with 22.9 per cent growth for the same period in 2022.

He said the net effect of these developments was a 51.2 per cent increase in profit-before-tax in June 2023, compared with 20.8 per cent growth in June 2022.

The industrys profit-after-tax stood at GH4.3 billion, up from GH2.8 billion, and representing a 51.4 per cent increase.

The strong profitability performance during the first half of the year translated into a higher return-on-equity of 37.6 per cent from 21.9 per cent in June 2022, and a higher return-on-assets of 5.5 per cent compared to 4.6 per cent in June 2022, he stated.
Daily Graphic Editorials

Save Black Volta from galamsey

Daily Graphic Editorials Jul - 25 - 2023 , 08:45

The fight against illegal mining, otherwise known as galamsey, appears to be elusive, notwithstanding the modest gains achieved.

It is regrettable that in spite of the various interventions aimed at weeding out galamsey, the fight appears to be far from over.

Particularly worrying is the news that there are escalating galamsey activities along the Black Volta River in areas such as Jama, Jugboi, Carpenter and Bamboi in the Savannah Region.

The Black Volta takes its source from Burkina Faso and flows north and east for about 200 miles (320 km) and then turns south for 340 miles (550km), forming the border between Ghana and Burkina Faso, and also between Ghana and Cote dIvoire.

At Bamboi in the Savannah Region, the Black Volta turns north and east, and approximately 80 miles (130km) farther east and empties into Lake Volta.

The Daily Graphic reported yesterday that the activities of the galamsey operators have destroyed the pristine river, affected agriculture and critical infrastructure, notably the Bui Power Generation Dam and the Akosombo Power Generation Dam, downstream.

Furthermore, the activities of these illegal miners are also causing irreparable damage to the delicate ecosystem because of the pollution of the river with toxic chemicals such as mercury, cyanide and other harmful substances.

Thankfully, the Sixth Infantry Battalion of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the Savannah Regional Security Council have begun an operation to deal ruthlessly with all persons engaged in illegal mining or are fuelling the menace in the Black Volta.

The Daily Graphic believes the fight must be anchored on total support from other stakeholders.

Unalloyed support from traditional authorities, the security agencies, politicians, the media and civil society organisations will be key in how far we go with this fight.

We, as a nation, cannot escape the fact that the destruction caused by illegal mining has dire implications for sustainable national development and needs an all-hands-on-deck approach to curb.

Again, the Daily Graphic holds the view that illegal mining is a complex phenomenon whose stoppage cannot be achieved overnight.

That the fight against galamsey requires systematic, sustained efforts and action over a period of time cannot be overemphasised.

Every well-meaning citizen must see this fight as a duty to save the country from the hands of nation wreckers who are motivated by greed to destroy our future for their personal gain.

Chiefs, who are the custodians of the land, must rise up and be counted; the security agencies must demonstrate their love for the country by eliminating perpetrators of galamsey, while stakeholders at the local level, including assembly members, municipal and district chief executives and opinion leaders, particularly those in mining communities, must play their part to safeguard our land and water resources.

We see the fight against illegal mining as a call to national duty because galamsey affects the very soul of our country.

The pollution of rivers such as the Ankobra, Bia, Birim, Offin and Pra affects every Ghanaian in one way and another.

The continued pollution of these water bodies is a serious threat to water security for citizens, as it is predicted that the country risks importing water if a concerted effort is not made to stop galamsey activities in rivers.

Again, the pollution of water bodies threatens Ghanas effort to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.1 of universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all," by 2030.

Aside from this, the economic implications of water pollution through illegal mining are dire.

Currently, the Ghana Water Company Limited is struggling to equate the demand for and supply of water because of the high cost of treating polluted water.

More to the point, billions of Ghana cedis is required to reclaim mined lands and pits left behind by illegal miners.

The least said about the devastating impact of illegal mining on agricultural land and the cocoa industry, the better.

We cannot look on unconcerned for nation wreckers to destroy our heritage for their selfish interests.

We have to act now to save our land and water resources, otherwise posterity will not forgive us.
Akese Brempong, Ohemaa Mercy to rock 'Invasion 23'

Kofi Duah Showbiz News Jul - 24 - 2023 , 16:46

GOSPEL musicians Akese Brempong, Ohemaa Mercy, among a host of others have been billed to perform at the third edition of Invasion scheduled to take place on July 28 and 29 at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).

Invasion 23, put together by musician and prophet, Benjamin Fordjour aims among others to bring believers together to worship God for His goodness and mercies He has shown us over the years.

Apart from the musicians on bill, three men of God including Benjamin Fordjour will minister at the 7 pm event.

Speaking in an interview with Graphic Showbiz after the press launch of the event at Earlbeam Plaza in Accra on Saturday, July 15, Prophet Benjamin Fordjour said he was led to organise the event because the Lord has been good to him, his family and Ghana at large.

This is the third edition and I am expecting God to perform miracles at the two-day event. I believe God will use me and the others to bless anyone who makes it to the event. It has not been easy hosting Invasion for the past three years.

The same event has been held in different places including USA, UK, Nigeria and South African and we intend taking it to more countries, he revealed.

Talking about what Ghanaians should expect at this years event, Prophet Benjamin Fordjour said Invasion 23 will be a very good programme full of Gods blessing and anointing.

Anyone who leaves the event will never be the same because we have been fasting and praying about it and I know God will do wonders on the day.

I was marveled by the attendance of the previous shows and if that is anything to go by, then this years will also be well patronised. God has never failed me and I know a lot of lives will be touched, he added.

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A soldier killed at least 13 people in DR Congo's Ituri province after his son was buried in his absence, a spokesperson of the Congolese armed forces, FARDC, said on Sunday, July 23.

The shooting happened on Saturday in Nyakova village near Tchomia, a town on the shores of Lake Albert in Ituri, army spokesperson Jules Ngongo said.

The child had died at a health facility and was buried by the soldier's in-laws without informing him. Out of anger the soldier opened fire at the funeral and left 13 dead, nine of them were children.

Two of the soldier's own children were among those he killed, Ngongo said.

The soldier, who fled after the incident, belonged to the naval force based near Lake Albert in the eastern Congolese province of Ituri.

Local media reports said the military prosecutors have launched an investigation into the incident to find out how the soldier's commander could not control him, leading to the tragedy.

Eastern DR Congo has been volatile for close to three decades and remains home to more than 130 armed groups accused of atrocities and human right abuses.
TikTok introduces text-only posts

Graphic Showbiz Showbiz News Jul - 25 - 2023 , 10:41

Video-sharing platform, TikTok introduced a new mode for text-only posts for its subscribers, becoming the latest tech company to compete with Twitter in making text-based content.

TikTok made the announcement on Monday, saying, Today were thrilled to announce the expansion of text posts on TikTok, a new format for creating text-based content that broadens options for creators to share their ideas and express their creativity.

The new invention will allow the users to be able to add coloured backgrounds and stickers to the posts, which have a limit of 1,000 words. Variety compared the feature to Instagram, where rather than facilitating a conversation, the posts can simply be commented on.

At TikTok, were always looking to empower our creators and community with innovative tools that inspire self-expression, the video-sharing platform said.

With text posts, were expanding the boundaries of content creation for everyone on TikTok, giving the written creativity weve seen in comments, captions, and videos a dedicated space to shine.

Creators have been able to make content on TikTok across a variety of formats  from LIVE videos to photos, Duets to Stitch. Text is the latest addition to options for content creation, allowing creators to share their stories, poems, recipes, and other written content on TikTok  giving creators another way to express themselves and making it even easier to create.

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Finding the voice of women in todays world: Women Deliver 2023 inspires hope

Zadok Kwame Gyesi Opinion Jul - 25 - 2023 , 09:12

There is a popular saying in Ghana that If the one pursuing you has not stopped, the one being pursued, has no business stopping. The import of this saying is very simplewhat it means is that if there is a problem which has not been fully addressed, there is no point relaxing efforts in getting it resolved.

This saying aptly applies to the issue of gender equality in Ghana and other parts of Africa. Even though a lot of work has been done in Ghana and other parts of Africa in that respect, the desired result, where women and girls will find their voices, have easy access to healthcare, education, economic opportunities, and decision-making bodies in Africa, has not yet been achieved fully, needing more efforts and enhanced strategies.

It is for this reason that participants in the Women Deliver 2023 conference emphasized the need for public-private partnerships in achieving gender equality.

Women Deliver 2023, which took place in Kigali, Rwanda, convened stakeholders from around the world to deliberate on issues that help to break barriers, address challenges, and identify opportunities to advance gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and improve the wellbeing of girls and women, in all their intersecting identities.

Women and girls in Ghana likewise other African countries, face many challenges in many areas. For instance, there was an alarming report that the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) published on July 2022 which indicated that nearly one-third of women in developing countries are becoming mothers during childhood.

Other studies even point out that on a daily basis, 20,000 girls under the age of eighteen in developing world give birth. The disturbing issue associated with this menace is that these young girls are more than twice likely to die in childbirth and have a much higher risk of obstetric fistula than if they had waited until they reached twenty to give birth.

The situation of children becoming mothers is widespread in many West African countries, including Ghana. The menace is associated with a high school drop-out rate, which suggests negative consequences for the affected girls futures.

It is practically impossible for any nation to address issues of gender equality, poverty, maternal and child mortality with this kind of statistics. Teenage pregnancies and early marriages remain a threat to the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

When a young girl becomes pregnant or bride, the consequences are lifelong  for the girl, for her family, for her community and for her nation. The girl is robbed of her rights and her childhood teenage pregnancies and child marriage undermine efforts to reduce abject poverty and to build a society that is more equal.

Public-Private Partnership interventions

Tackling this age-long problem requires the adoption of more holistic approaches, such as the Public-Private Partnership (PPP). PPP plays a key role in the effort to help address the issues of gender equality.

The reason is that including a gender perspective in PPP frameworks as well as the planning, design, development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of infrastructure projects can, for example, help to ensure that projects are designed that grant women equal access to transport, electricity, and water and sanitation services.

Ensuring that women and girls have easy access to education, health, opportunities just as their male counterpart will help to achieve the Maputo Protocol. The Maputo Protocol provides for extensive and progressive women's rights. These include the right to health and reproduction, inheritance, economic and social welfare, education and training, access to justice and equal protection before the law, and elimination of harmful practices.

During this years Women Deliver conference, Voix EssentiELLES, Her Voice Fund, Speak Up Africa, Y+ Global, ViiV Healthcare Positive Action, and the Global Fund hosted a side event to further drum home the need for a PPP approach in advancing gender equality in Africa.

The event was on the theme: "Advancing gender equality through investing in women and girls meaningful engagement in decision-making spaces".

The speakers at the event highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in increasing investments and finding innovative ways to accelerate progress towards advancing gender equality.

The event also formed part of the second phase of Voix EssentiELLES, an initiative supported by Fondation CHANEL and the Global Fund, aimed at empowering women and girls as well as promoting their participation in decision-making processes and spaces.

The event served as an opportunity to highlight the voices of community organisation, women and girls, activists and funders committed to tackling health, economic, religious, and socio-cultural barriers to the development of women and girls in all their diversity.

Participants from feminist organisations, women's networks, civil society, private sector, and philanthropic organisations discussed best practices, approaches and lessons learned from women-led initiatives to promote gender equality.

More importantly, the event featured inter-connected themes including: What Works- featuring promising initiatives, success factors and bottlenecks within collaborative initiatives that address multiple needs of women and networks and Strategic Partnerships  interrogating funders and women and girls can collaborate better, building alliances, leverage on each others expertise, influence policies, programmes and financing towards advancing gender equality and meaningful participation.

Different perspectives

Speaking at the event, the Senior Programme Lead at IDEO, Larissa Bachia, emphasized the need for a community-based approach to the design and implementation of gender equality programmes.

We need to neutralise hierarchies, reinforce girls agency, and ensure they have the means for active participation, she said, adding They should sit on a table with funders and implementing organisations as peers.

She further called for new ways of working, saying We need to embrace new ways of working. We can be subject matter experts, but decision-making on what will work and what will not work should be left for those whose lives are affected by the solutions we design and implement.

The President of Jeunes engagees pour la sexualite, Jennifer Van, a Voix EssentiELLES Fund grantee in Cote d'Ivoire in 2021 and 2022, highlighted her organisations significant achievements and impact in fighting gender-based violence and inequality in Cote d'Ivoire.

She also emphasized the urgent need to invest in women's leadership and empowerment and the need for long-term funding for organisations like hers.

"Through the Voix EssentiELLES initiative, we have helped hundreds of young girls take control of their sexual health by avoiding risky sexual behavior. It is vital to support women-led organizations working to eliminate gender inequality, as women's empowerment is a key lever for sustainable and equitable development in Africa," Jennifer Van indicated.

The Voix EssentiELLES initiative, launched in 2021 by Speak Up Africa in partnership with the CHANEL Foundation and the Global Fund, aims to empower women and girls in all their diversity by promoting their meaningful engagement in the decision-making spaces and processes that influence health policies and programmes.

For her part, the Head of Community, Rights and Gender at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Kate Thomson, said "There are still enormous challenges to achieving gender equality and we must leverage the skills and contributions of all.

She also indicated that Governments and businesses must work together with women and girls in all their diversity to create an inclusive ecosystem where women and girls can thrive and contribute fully to development."

Also sharing her views, the Coordinator of the HER Voice Fund, Maximina Jokonya, expressed the hope that public-private partnerships can be a powerful strategy for ending gender inequality and amplifying women and girls voices.

"It is crucial that the public and private sectors pull their resources and expertise to drive social change and achieve gender equality, she said, adding The synergy of their actions can lead to the implementation of inclusive policies, the creation of positive role models and the development of women as leaders and decision-makers."

The HER (HIV Epidemic Response) Voice Fund is implemented by the Global Network of Young People Living with HIV (Y+Global). Supported and funded by ViiV Healthcare Positive Action and the Global Fund, the HER Voice Fund promotes the involvement of adolescent girls and young women in decisions that affect their lives.

Similarly, the Deputy Executive Director of Speak Up Africa, Fara Ndiaye, emphasized that collaboration between the public and private sectors is a key strategy in all Speak Up Africa interventions, including gender equality initiatives.

"As once a younger, smaller organization with what was considered lower absorptive financial capacity, we feel tremendously blessed to now be in a position where we can strengthen the capacities and unleash the potential of dozens of grassroots organizations across West Africa. With this second phase, we strive for increased impact as we further build trust and sustainable relationships with our grantees, she concluded.

Speak Up Africa is an African-led organisation, based in Senegal, dedicated to building an Africa where growth and sustainable development are driven by Africas own citizens.

This article was produced with the support of Speak Up Africa's Media fellowship programme
Baking Earth!

Bernard Otabil Life Jul - 25 - 2023 , 10:37

About 200 people in Switzerland were forced to flee their homes in an Alpine village, land temperatures hit 60C in Spain, more than 100 million Americans were under extreme heat warnings, parts of Canada were on fire, heatwave in China, and extreme floods in Japan and India.

This is the summary of the weather conditions in the week of July 22. Meteorologists, environmentalists, and climate experts were united in their call for swift climate action, if the future generation was to have a home called Earth.

Now, if you consider the heatwave and floods as portrayed by all the major media outlets, there can be only one conclusion: climate risk is real.

The only unusual situation is thermometers soaring to more than 60C in some parts.

The desperate faces of the fire crew fighting to bring the burning homes and bushes under control also symbolised the battle yet to come, if the fight against climate risk is not taken a notch up.

With an average temperature of about 48C, Europe is now the worlds fastest-warming continent.

In fact, according to available data, over 60,000 died from heat waves last year in Europe, and with the temperature expected to be hotter this year, many fear the worst.

And this cant be the new world order.

Commenting on current happenings as far as climate risk is concerned, Gaia Vince, a freelance British environmental journalist, wrote the following in the Guardian: Where are you at with your five stages of grief for the Holocene?

Thats the geological epoch we were living in for the past 11,700 years  the period of time when humans invented agriculture, built cities, invented writing, [and] became modern, essentially.

All of history occurred in this epoch, marked by its congenial, relatively predictable climate, in which ice sheets retreated from Europe and North America, and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels were high enough to enable the flourishing of grains, like rice and wheat.

Now weve left those Holocene conditions for the uncharted Anthropocene, an age brought about by human activities and characterised by global climate chaos and ecological degradation.

The words ring true, and l have also had cause to address climate risk along similar lines.

Indeed, we are fast running out of time because we have, it appears, over-populated the world, turned the land into the desert with our crude methods of farming, production, pollution, destroyed the animal insect and are, therefore, exposed to diseases, and destroyed the plant life that sustains us.

We have, ultimately, turned the climate in the worst direction, is what l stated in the referenced edition.

As l have repeatedly said, dinosaurs lasted for millions of years, and records also show that Neanderthals, which became extinct between 40,000 and 28,000 years ago, were said to have existed for about a quarter of a million years, but homo sapiens have existed barely 100000 years, and is fast running out of time.

Ecological degradation, especially those to do with poor human activities and global climate chaos must be addressed. Take the case of corporate greenwashing, for example.

Companies can make misleading or unsubstantiated claims about climate credentials, even though there are new standards and norms introduced by the Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) standards, and disclosures adopted by companies.

Thankfully, the European Union (EU) is moving beyond self-reporting under certain global standards, to crack down on inflated claims by firms about products environmental credentials but there is no time to lose.

There is a need for human behaviour to be redirected to sustain the environment because climate risk is real.

In effect, there is a need for sustainable and accountable behaviour that will not compromise the life of the future generation.

The fight against climate risk is not enough, says Ban Ki-moon, the former UN Secretary-General, stressing that the worlds largest fund to help developing nations weather the climate crisis remains an empty shell, despite decades of promises by rich nations.

We need to see a massive acceleration in mobilising trillions of dollars needed to keep the world from climate collapse, Ban stated in March.

International climate finance from rich to poor countries is between five and 10 times short of what is needed, according to the UN.

The report, which was filed in 2020, stressed that US$340 billion was needed by 2030 to help poorer countries adapt to climate breakdown, but money set aside amounted to only $29 billion.

Some government and business leaders are saying one thing  but doing another. Simply put, they are lying. And the results will be catastrophic, said UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, in reference to claims by some governments and businesses for the fight against climate risk to be on track.

Last year, for instance, multiple reports suggested that most countries in Europe and the USA experienced heatwaves that also threatened livelihoods. It now seems that every year will be a record-breaking year, as far as rising global temperature is concerned.

Environmental degradation has consequences, and the time for pussyfooting about the real challenges should be over, because the heat is real, and we all feel it now.

According to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which was released last year, temperatures could soar to more than 30C, with catastrophic consequences, unless there was a massive effort by governments, businesses, and individuals to reverse the tide.

In effect, policies and actions are urgently needed to make the changes needed, I wrote in the March 4 edition.

Our Earth-dominating predecessors, the dinosaurs, didnt have the time  or brains  to grieve a passing epoch.

Their world crossed instantly from one geological boundary to another, courtesy of a massive asteroid impact that extinguished three-quarters of all animal and plant species.

Our own period of dominance will also show up in the future fossil record.

The stamp is on everything from the accumulation of plastics and concrete to an explosion of manipulated life forms, like domesticated chickens and corn seeds.

Weve changed the planets landscapes, river flows, the chemistry of the air and oceans, created cities and reservoirs, and reconfigured nature.

Today, just four per cent of the worlds mammals are wild; the rest we have modified to feed or serve us, Vince wrote.

Scary, isnt it? Well, that is the reality. It is up to you and me to do our best to save the planet.
Wazumbians show class on the US tour

William Farrington, New York Life Jul - 25 - 2023 , 12:24

After witnessing their scintillating Juneteenth set at SOBs, a legendary live music venue in lower Manhattans neighbourhood of SoHo, it is easy to see why The Wazumbians are considered one of the top live acts in Ghana.

The percussion-rich seven-member group, which played the gig, was just a fraction of the full band, which has over 20 members.

The sound was, however, honed to sharp Afrofusion grooves based in Highlife, Afrobeat and indigenous rhythms that seamlessly stretched one into the next over the 90-minute set.

The band is charting its own course following the vision of its leader, Francis Chapman Abban-Hagan, more broadly known as Wazumbi.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, The Wazumbians started Jankalanga, a monthly live broadcast on Facebook, from the ASK-TK studios in Accra.

Jankalanga is a festival I created to present African rhythms, melodies, knowledge and stories, sometimes alone, sometimes with other artists.

They reached a wide audience.

They discovered a paradox; even though their music was rooted in Ghana, it was more popular with international audiences and in Nigeria than it was at home.

Analytics told them they were reaching international ears in a far greater number.

The Western world appreciates our kind of rhythm, while artists in Ghana are leaving what belongs to Ghana and are focusing on Western music styles.

Their set at SOBs featured music from their current album, Takonasi which means under the big tree in the Fante language of Ghana.

The big tree is a place in the town where people gather after work to play games, tell stories and play music.

Traditional story-telling songs, hard work and patience form the subject of some of the songs on the album.

The music is more experimental, exploring fusions of modern and indigenous rhythms.

The Wazumbians were joined by dancer Mary2Drum for a joyous set at the International African Arts Festival in Commodore Barry Park, Brooklyns oldest park.

The crowd was taken by surprise by the bands intensity as they ripped into their Highlife and Afrobeat distilled through the infectious good energy.

The band has upcoming gigs in Atlanta, Philadelphia, the Smithsonian Museum of African Art in Washington DC, Chicago and the Flipside Festival in Idaho.

Not only Ghana but Africa is inclusive in what we do, Francis said about the music.

The foundation is percussion. Songs on the Takonasi album include On My Way Home, Aku Kweku, Ndidi Amaka, I Love You Baby and Ayakataa, an Afrobeat rhythm-based song about holding politicians accountable.

Francis said: Its a song we did to draw attention to how to hold the politicians to their words.

Musicians in the band apart from Francis include Desmond Kwame Bonney, Karimu Kada (percussion), Isaac Twum (bass) and Prince Kwame Addo (trumpet).

Francis began his professional career as a producer, sound engineer and multi-instrumentalist and now owns TF Productions in Accra.

I came to music through my sound engineering, he says.

Trained by the well-known Ghanaian sound engineer, Sarge, Francis worked with various gospel artists, Ras Minano, 2Face, Righteous Man and Paapa Yankson, among others.

He went on to be the musical director for Black Rastas band and started The Wazumbians in 2016.

The writer is a US-based music journalist
ADISCO assault victims mother heard about incident after 4 weeks

Shirley Asiedu-Addo Jul - 25 - 2023 , 12:00

The mother of the Adisadel College assault victim has told Graphic Online that she heard about the incident for the first time on Monday (July 24).

Her son was assaulted under bizarre circumstances by a senior student in the same dormitory on June, 30, 2023.

In a video shared on social media, one student is seen locking the arms of the victim and forcefully hitting his face against a metal bed, resulting in bleeding below the victims right eye.

The incident came to light on social media on Monday.

This has sparked outrage and concerns among parents, students, and the public.

Shedding tears as she spoke to Graphic Onlines Central Regional Correspondent, Shirley Asiedu Addo, Ms Margaret Annor Afari said the family only got to know about the incident in the video and that she was yet to even see it.

I don't want to see the video. I have heard it being described but I have not seen it and I don't want to see it, she said amidst tears while she spoke to Graphic Online Tuesday morning (July 25).

However, she said the elder brother of the victim has seen it.

"It was the elder brother who saw it yesterday and called the housemaster who later called me to explain the incident.

She appealed to the school authorities to allow the son stay in school to write the WASSCE.

Read also: Culprit in viral Adisadel College assault video suspended - GES

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has reacted to the troubling video, depicting an act of violence involving two students from Adisadel College.

The video, which has been widely circulated on social media, has ignited public outrage and raised concerns about the safety of students within educational institutions across the country.

In a statement issued on Monday night by Cassandra Twum Ampofo, Head of the Public Relations Unit, the GES expressed deep concern and condemned the barbaric act committed by the individuals involved.

"We commend the school authorities for promptly suspending the alleged perpetrator pending further investigation," the statement read.

The GES deems acts of violence within schools as entirely unacceptable and harmful to students' well-being, and it remains steadfast in ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for all students nationwide.

Following the incident, the school's authorities have taken disciplinary action by suspending the alleged culprit pending further inquiries.

In a collaborative approach, the GES has instructed the Regional Director of Education to closely cooperate with both the school authorities and relevant law enforcement agencies to ascertain the truth behind the incident and implement appropriate measures in accordance with the law.

The GES has also reaffirmed its dedication to fostering an environment where every student can learn and grow without fear of violence or intimidation.

Video

In the disturbing 30 seconds video, a taller boy is seen choking another boy from behind. The taller boy then forcefully slams the topless boy's head onto the edge of a metal bunk bed, prompting voices off-camera to urge him to let go due to the evident harm caused.

After being released, the boy is shown with a severe swelling on his face.

Related: ADISCO students in viral assault video were fighting over a SIM card

Meanwhile, Graphic Online has established that the two are mates in the same dormitory of the Quaque House.

The student who was hurt in video, has told Graphic Online that the incident was over a sim card.

"He had my sim card and I asked for it back but he refused and that is what started the fight,' he stated.

The incident happened on June, 30, 2023.
Church of Pentecost to hold National Development conference

Getrude Ankah Nyavi Jul - 24 - 2023 , 16:18

The Church of Pentecost is organising a "National Development Conference" to discuss the need for a national moral vision with a concerted effort at national development.

The two-day conference is scheduled to open on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at the Pentecost Conference Centre at Gomoa Fetteh near Kasoa in the Central Region.

It will bring together major development actors, partners and stakeholders to discuss the theme: Moral vision and national development.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is expected to deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony to be chaired by the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin; the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo; former presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and John Dramani Mahama are expected to speak at the opening ceremony.

The conference is being supported by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and in a press statement issued by Kofi Yeboah, the General Secretary of association, it was explained the GJA finds the conference worthy and timely, given the heightened public discourse on moral values and national development in recent times.

The GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour is also expected to speak at the event.

The GJA said in the press statement that it was particularly enthused about the fact that The Church of Pentecost has stretched its arms very wide to engage key stakeholders to discuss the pertinent issues at stake, which initiative demonstrates the churchs posture as a religious institution committed to both the spiritual and physical development of the people.
Court warns Aisha Huang to stop crying in witness box

Justice Agbenorsi Jul - 25 - 2023 , 11:39

The judge hearing the case in which En Huang, also known as Aisha Huang, has been accused of facilitating and engaging in illegal mining in Ghana, has warned the accused not to cry in court again.

Today should be the last time you cry in my court. This is disrespectful to the court. If you want to cry, cry in prison before you come. This question is so harmless, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo told Aisha Huang who was crying for the second time in the witness box since she opened her defence on Monday, July 10, 2022.

What happened?

Aisha Huang, a Chinese national who has opened her defence in the case was being cross-examined by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa on Monday (July 24) when she broke down in tears.

The DPP had confronted Aisha Huang about her return to Ghana after the deportation.

You came back to Ghana so you could continue your illegal activity in Ghana isnt it the DPP queried Aisha Huang.

But in her response, Aisha Huang told the court that after her deportation, she was never told that she could not return to Ghana again adding: So after staying in China for a long time, I thought it was okay for me to return thats why I came back."

She further added that she specifically went to Tamale upon her second arrival just to chase people owing her.

Justice Lydia Osei Marfo allowed the DPP to continue the cross-examination.

The case has been adjourned to July 25, 2023.

Not guilty

En 'Aisha' Huang, has been accused of being in the thick of affairs of galamsey, especially in the Ashanti Region.

She was deported from Ghana in 2018, after the Attorney-General decided to discontinue her trial in which she was accused of engaging in small-scale mining without licence.

However, she was said to have sneaked back into Ghana to allegedly engage in the same activities for which she was deported.

The A-G, Godfred Yeboah Dame, then decided to prosecute her for the alleged crimes before her deportation and new ones committed since her re-entry into Ghana.

It is the case of the prosecution that Aisha had an illegal mining concession at Bepotenten in the Amansie West District in the Ashanti Region and also operated a mining support services company.

She has pleaded not guilty to undertaking a mining operation without a licence, facilitating the participation of persons engaged in a mining operation, the illegal employment of foreigners and entering Ghana while prohibited from re-entry.
Cyber hygiene key for public safety  Dr Antwi-Boasiako

Daily Graphic Jul - 25 - 2023 , 06:15

The Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako, has underscored the need for users of digital systems to acquire basic cyber hygiene skills to ensure safety in view of the increasing cyber-attacks.

He said it was important for digital citizens, particularly mobile money users, to appreciate cyber hygiene best practices given the fact that digital platforms have become common places for all businesses.

Dr Antwi-Boasiako made this remark during a courtesy call on the Management of the CSA by a deputy Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, in Accra.

She was accompanied by her Aid, Jamil Mohammed Abdul-Rahman, and Administrative Officer, Aisha Jibril.

The visit by the deputy Minister was to acquaint herself with the operations of the CSA, and the trajectory of growth since its establishment as an Authority in 2021.

Welcoming the deputy Minister, Dr Antwi-Boasiako lauded her for her inner resilience amid the current challenges.

I see the role you are playing at the Ministry, and I commend you at the individual level for your inner resilience.

Briefing the deputy Minister about the activities of the CSA, the Director-General stressed the significance of the annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) which would come off in October, as the biggest, and most impactful annual event on the CSAs calendar.

Additionally, he informed Ms Abubakar of the upcoming Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building (GC3B), a first-of-its-kind event scheduled to take place in the country in November this year and requested that the Ministry uses its platforms to promote the conference.

Dr Antwi-Boasiako said Ghana was selected after a highly competitive process based on its cybersecurity stride and engagements in international cooperation activities.

He added that, countries such as France, Rwanda, Kenya, Nigeria, among others, submitted bids to host the conference but Ghana was the preferred choice for the organisers.

Index

According to Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako, the CSA was committed to driving the countrys goal of becoming number one in Africa and among the first 25 countries globally in the next Global Cybersecurity Index by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Regarding the CSAs visibility and accessibility to stakeholders, the Director-General reiterated the need to maintain a neutral stance as a security sector institution in the execution of its mandate and to leverage on channels available to broadcast the achievements of the CSA.

He, therefore, implored the Deputy Minister to assist the CSA in publishing its monthly advisories and alerts on the Ministrys platforms for a wider reach.

Responding to these remarks, Ms Abubakar commended the CSA for its achievements, despite the few years of its establishment.

Support

Expressing her support for the CSA on matters relating to content publicity, Ms Abubakar noted that the ministry was committed to delivering excellence in the areas of public relations, giving the CSA an opportunity to disseminate information to the media using all available channels.

Shedding light on the Ministrys campaign against Misinformation and Disinformation, Ms Abubakar stated that it was necessary for state agencies to provide the mechanisms for the public to verify first before information was disseminated.
ECOWAS meeting on trafficking in persons underway in Accra

Emelia Ennin Abbey Jul - 25 - 2023 , 05:40

Representatives of national focal institutions from ECOWAS member states have converged on Accra to strategise on how to fight trafficking in persons.

Participants in the three-day meeting would also assess the implementation of a plan of action which commenced in 2018 and ended in 2022, among other initiatives at the

15th annual ECOWAS Regional Network of National Focal Institutions against Trafficking in Persons Plus review meeting.

The meeting has since 2014, been funded by the EU through the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), under the framework of Support to free movement and migration in West Africa project.

The ECOWAS action plan encourages member states to engage in the establishment of operational links between actors in the protection sector and the criminal justice system, and agree on procedures that govern the referral of victims across borders.

The West Africa region has long experienced high levels of regular and irregular migration, which has created a market for traffickers.

This years World Day against Trafficking in Persons is slated for July 30, 2023, on the theme: Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind, to remind the public of the impact trafficking has on victims and societies.

Trauma

The Deputy Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Francisca Oteng Mensah, said at the opening of the meeting yesterday, that no justification or account can erode the emotional, psychological and physical trauma that victims of trafficking are left with.

She, therefore, urged national institutions to prioritise the safety and survival of rescued victims of human trafficking to reduce the vulnerabilities of such victims.

The deputy minister entreated the participants to help identify clear referral mechanisms and pathways for handling cross border victims of trafficking.

The deputy minister said that the country was in its second phase of implementing a national plan of action for the elimination of human trafficking (2022-2026).

Relevance

The Head of Traffic in Persons Unit at ECOWAS, Olatunde Olayemi, said the annual meeting was a flagship activity that helped the commission to know how well we are doing and where the problems might be.

In recent times we have heard reports of trafficking of males for forced labour where young men are sometimes trafficked or locked up and made to engage in computer scamming.

We do have significant amount of trafficking of adult women for sexual exploitation all over the region, with children also being trafficked for servitude and labour, including mining, he said.

Mr Olayemi added that there was also trafficking in persons outside of West Africa through North Africa, Central Africa heading towards the Mediterranean routes to Europe, in the Gulf countries and Saudi Arabia, among others.

The Head of Cooperation of EU Delegation to Ghana, Massimo Mina, said the collective effort of stakeholders would go a long way towards building a safer and more secure space across the region where justice prevailed and human dignity was respected.
GRNMA inaugurates 10th secretariat in Upper East

Gilbert Mawuli Agbey Jul - 25 - 2023 , 07:54

The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has inaugurated a new regional secretariat and guest house at Pusu-Namongo in the Talensi District in the Upper East Region.

The state-of-the-art facility is the 10th secretariat constructed by the association across its 10 administrative regions in the country with funding sourced from a levy paid by members of the association.

The one-storey structure has 24 self-contained executive appartments fitted with air conditioners, close-circuit television (CCTV) cameras for security purposes, free WIFI.

The facility also has a car park, restaurant, laundry and a 500 capacity conference hall, among others.

At the event, the President of the GRNMA, Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, said when the new leadership took over in January 2020, the project had already taken off but was unfortunately fraught with challenges which needed to be resolved.

The new Upper East Regional Secretariat and Guest House

She noted that the leadership did their best and were looking forward to completing the project in a year, but things did not turn out the way they expected leading to the undue delay in the completion of the facility.

Service

She said nurses and midwives contributed greatly to healthcare delivery in the areas of clinical practice, education, research, public health and rehabilitation, administration and management, among others,

The Upper East Regional Chairman of the GRNMA, Thomas Lambon, said at long last the disability-friendly secretariat and guest house had been completed and members of the association in the region could heave a sigh of relief.

He acknowledged the contributions and dedication of past and present leaders of the association for the unprecedented achievement and further expressed gratitude to the national leadership for their support as well.

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Thomas Wuni Duanab, charged the management of the facility to pay careful attention to the documentation of guests who would lodge in the guest house, saying  we are in a region which borders Burkina Faso where suspected terrorists may attempt to run into the region.

Nurses

The Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, who chaired the occasion, advised nurses and midwives to always exhibit positive attitudes in their facilities in order to offer the best of health care to patients.
Ed Daein  On Saturday, the RSF announced that an army force of 15 officers and 527 soldiers of the 20th Division in Ed Daein, capital of East Darfur, joined its ranks. The paramilitary organisation said it "warmly welcomed these honourable men".

In a statement on social media, the RSF said in that the accession came in response to a call by the East Darfur RSF commander on army soldiers to support the RSF.

"In a significant step toward halting the coup attempt orchestrated by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) leadership and its backers linked to the former regime, a sizeable contingent of SAF soldiers from the 20th Ed Daein Division" has responded positively to RSF Commander-in-Chief Lt Gen Mohamed 'Hemedti' Dagalo's call, the RSF wrote on their social media.

"Their decision clearly reflects the collapsing of the SAF. The RSF warmly welcomes these honourable men, who uncovered the SAF leadership's plot to execute a coup in our country and reinstall the former regime."

The high ranks of the army largely consist of a loyal clan of Islamist supporters of ousted dictator Al Bashir. A common knowledge that RSF Commander Lt Gen Mohamed 'Hemedti' Dagalo has used to frame himself as a fighter for democracy against dictatorial Islamists (referred to as kezan* in Sudanese slang).

Given the fact that his RSF were set up by the Al Bashir regime and deployed to commit genocide in Darfur, such framing attempts have been called hypocritical by many Sudanese. Hemedti's reputation at home and abroad is "dreadful" at the moment, as the International Crisis Group (ICG) explained in their most recent analysis of the Sudan conflict.

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SAF spokesperson Nabil Abdallah downplayed the importance of the fact that SAF soldiers joined the RSF. He said that the numbers are inflated and that most of the deserting officers "are those who joined the army under the framework of security arrangements, except for one officer and 28 soldiers".

Recruitment calls

"The RSF extends its heartfelt greetings to the officers and non-commissioned officers of the 20th Ed Daein Division and urges all honourable members of the SAF to align with the people's choice and join the RSF," the statement read.

Hemedti has said that the RSF does not seek to abolish, dismantle, or replace the armed forces but will work to build a single national army "that has nothing to do with politics, serves the interests of the people, and protects the country".

* Kezan, or kizan, is a pejorative nickname used by many Sudanese to refer to Islamist loyalists to the regime of Omar Al Bashir (1989-2019) and who enjoyed far-fetching privileges during his rule. The word is the plural of koz which means 'wooden or iron mug'. The nickname is based on a description the Islamic Brotherhood called themselves when the founder of the group, the Egyptian Hasan El Banna, said: "Religion is a sea, and we are the mugs that draw from it".
Let parents feed SHS students - Coalition advocates

Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Jul - 25 - 2023 , 05:11

The Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition (GNECC) has called on the government and the Ministry of Education to allow parents to contribute financially towards the feeding of their children in school.

In a statement dated Friday, July 21, 2023, the coalition said it was of the belief that the move would alleviate the financial burden on the government and redirect the funds into other vital educational projects.

The government can reduce the strain on the Buffer Stock Company and create a more sustainable system which would address the current supply chain challenges and ensure that funds allocated for feeding can be redirected to other pressing educational needs, it stressed.

The advocacy comes on the back of the current challenges faced by the Buffer Stock Company and ongoing demonstrations by food suppliers over debts owed their members for more than two years.

The feeding programme in senior high schools (SHSs) is part of the free SHS policy by the government and seeks to provide nutritious meals to students, promote their overall well-being and enhance their ability to focus on their studies.

Benefits

The coalition said even though it recognised the importance of the programme, the recent challenge of funding for food for the students and schools highlighted the need for an alternative approach.

It said it believed that parents contribution to the SHS feeding programme would foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among parents and guardians.

It would also promote transparency and accountability in the management of resources, as parents would have a direct stake in the programme.

Furthermore, this approach would empower parents to actively participate in their children's education and instill a culture of financial responsibility in them, the statement added.

According to the coalition, the funds saved from the parental contribution could be channelled into infrastructural development, teacher training programmes and the provision of learning materials.

These investments, it said, would have a far-reaching impact on the quality of education and contribute to the holistic development of students.

Dialogue needed

It equally called on the government to engage in constructive dialogue with relevant stakeholders, including parents, educational authorities and civil society organisations, to explore the feasibility and implementation of parental contribution to the SHS feeding programme.

The collaboration, it said, was essential to ensure that the best interests of students were upheld, and educational resources utilised efficiently and effectively.

As an organisation committed to the advancement of education in Ghana, GNECC remains dedicated to working closely with all stakeholders to advocate equitable access to quality education and the overall well-being of Ghanaian children, the statement said.
Local Government Ministry commences Household Travel Survey

Vincent Amenuveve Jul - 24 - 2023 , 13:25

The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD) today commenced a Household Travel Survey (HTS) in the Greater Accra, Eastern and Central Regions.

The survey is expected to end on Saturday September 30, 2023 with a targetted 7,500 households in 29 Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies in the beneficiary regions expected to be reached within the period.



The exercise is being conducted under the local government ministrys Ghana Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (GUMAP) with support from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). It is aimed at collecting data to understand how households move within and between communities. It is also to identify the factors influencing travel choices of respondents.



The outcome of the exercise will be used to inform evidence based policy decisions to help address the transportation needs of the ordinary Ghanaian and help improve on internal transport planning and management.

Households

During the period, trained interviewers will visit and administer questionnaires to respondents aged six years and above and elicit responses from them on travel-related information.



The topics cover travel mode preferences (trotro or private vehicles), trip duration, purpose of travel, frequency of travel, commuting habits, access to transportation options, and challenges faced during travel.



The beneficiary Metropolitan and Municipalities are Accra; Tema; Ga West, Central, East, North and South; and La Nkwantanang Madina. The others are Tema West; Ashiaman; Kpone Katamanso; Ledzokuku; Krowor; Korley Klottey; La Dadekotopon; Ayawaso North, East, Central and West. The rest are Ablekuma West, North and Central; Weija-Gbawe; Gomoa East; Nsawam Adoagyiri; Awutu Senya East; Ningo Prampram; Okaikwei North and Adentan.

Briefing

Briefing the media on the exercise in Accra on behalf of the Local Government Minister, Dan Botwe, the Director of Human Resources, Kwabena Denkyira, explained that the enumerators for the HTS will use standard data collection methodologies to gather the data, ensuring statistical accuracy and confidentiality of respondents.



This is a unique effort to gather comprehensive data on travel patterns, behaviours, and transportation demands of residents of the beneficiary regions, to inform transport planning and management he revealed.

He said the local government ministry was committed to transparency and accountability hence, upon completion of the survey, a comprehensive report would be prepared, highlighting the key findings, and recommendations based on the data gathered to be accessed on the Ministrys website or through the Right to Information office at the Ministry.

The success of the survey and the subsequent improvement of transportation planning in the beneficiary regions largely depend on the information provided by residents; Participation in the HTS is voluntary and all data collected will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and used strictly for research and policy purposeshe further emphasised.



Mr Denkyira said the survey would also provide crucial insights into the experiences of different households with regards to transport choices and trip satisfaction by helping policymakers develop efficient transportation strategies that cater for the unique needs of Ghanaians.

Appeal

The Director, General Administration of MLGDRD, Dela Kemevor, for his part appealed to the media to support the exercise by educating the public to cooperate with the enumerators whenever they visit their respective homes.
Nigerian jailed for 10 years after attempting to smuggle cocaine into Ghana

GraphicOnline Jul - 25 - 2023 , 14:24

A Nigerian national based in Brazil, Ernest Nnajuiba Ukechukwu has been convicted for attempting to smuggle a significant quantity of cocaine into Ghana.

Ukechukwu has been sentenced to 10 years in prison with hard labour.

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) arrested him at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) when he attempted to enter Ghana with the cocaine.

NACOC officials arrested Ukechukwu on December 11, 2022 when he was going through arrival formalities at KIA.

His suspicious behaviour raised concerns, prompting a thorough search of his luggage.

The search revealed a staggering 16568.83 grams of cocaine concealed in his belongings.

Following the discovery, he was taken into custody and charged with six counts of narcotic offences related to drug importation and possession without lawful authority.

During the proceedings at the High Court in Accra, Ukechukwu pleaded guilty to all charges, and the presiding judge, Mary Ekue Yanzuh, subsequently convicted him on his plea.

In addition to the 10 year imprisonment, he was slapped with a fine of 10,000 penalty units. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional three years of imprisonment.

On the day of the sentencing, the exhibit of cocaine was destroyed in the presence of the court Registrar, state prosecutors, and the defence counsel, as ordered by the court.
OSP grills Cecilia Dapaah

Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson Jul - 25 - 2023 , 03:48

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) yesterday arrested and interrogated the immediate past Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, over suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding large amounts of money and other valuable items reportedly stolen from her residence.

Ms Dapaah had $1 million, 300,000, a large sum of Ghana cedis and other valuable items allegedly stolen from her house by her househelps.

A statement signed by the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, said the former minister was arrested yesterday at exactly 11:55 a.m., and questioned by authorised officers of the OSP.

Later in the day, operatives of the Office of the Special Prosecutor visited the home of the former minister as part of the investigative process.

As of press time, it was not clear whether the former minister had been granted bail or was still in the custody of the OSP.

Two househelps working for Ms Dapaah and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour, are facing charges at an Accra Circuit Court, for allegedly stealing moneys 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 househelps allegedly stole personal effects belonging to Ms Dapaah, including assorted clothes valued at GH95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewellery worth $95,000.

Additionally, Ms Botwe is accused of stealing six pieces of kente cloth worth GH90,000 and six sets of men's suits valued at $3,000, which belong to the ex-minister's husband.

Furthermore, three other individuals, identified as Miss Botwe's current and former boyfriends, and her father, are also facing charges for allegedly being involved in the crime.

They have been, respectively, charged with dishonestly receiving GH1 million, GH180,000, and GH50,000.

According to court proceedings, the stolen moneys and items belonged to Ms Dapaah and her husband, which were taken from their bedroom in their residence.

The accused were put before an Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Susana Ekuful, on Thursday, July 20, 2023.

Their pleas are yet to be taken.

The court granted bail to Ms Agyei in the sum of GH1 million with two sureties, who were required to deposit their Ghana cards with the court's registrar.

The bail conditions are, however, subject to review by the substantive judge, as Ms Ekuful was only serving as a relief judge.

Miss Botwe, along with her alleged boyfriends and father, on the other hand, were remanded in lawful custody.

Ms Dapaah and her husband reported the theft case to the police in June 2023 after discovering that the cash and personal effects were missing.

Miss Botwe was allegedly caught red-handed entering the couple's room with a duplicate key, leading to her arrest.

Further investigations revealed that Miss Botwe, with the help of her alleged accomplice, Ms Agyei, had allegedly hidden the stolen moneys and used it to purchase properties and expensive items.

Following the widespread media report of the alleged theft, Ms Dapaah resigned on Saturday, July 22, 2023.

In her resignation letter to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, she said although the figures in the media were not what she and her husband reported to the police, she took the decision to resign in order not to become a hindrance to the government.

I am resigning, therefore, 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, the statement said.

Conduct of Public Officers Bill

In a statement, pressure group, OccupyGhana said, for the umpteenth time, Ghanaians were confronted with another scenario of the suspected, unexplained wealth of a public officer, and staring at the apparent impotence of the law in dealing with this, outside article 286(4) of the Constitution.

The group reiterated its consistent expression of concern about the necessity of reinforcing this assets declaration regime.

The group said the measure was vital in curbing the trend where public officers acquired unexplained wealth, especially where their known economic means could not justify such acquisitions or wealth.

OcccupyGhana said to compound matters, although the Constitution demands in Article 286(1) that public officers shall declare their assets and liabilities before taking office, at the end of every four years and at the end of (a) term of office, the political class had conspired to unconstitutionally extend the period of filing by six months, under section 1(4) of the Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act, 1998 (Act 550).

Our public campaign to remove this offensive unconstitutionality yielded no discernible results, until we wrote to the Attorney-General on December 1, 2019 to demand steps amend the law, it said.

The group itemised a number of correspondences between it and the government to show that the state was not willing to pass the Draft Conduct of Public Officers Bill, 2022 into law.

We have set out the above correspondence detail to show that in our view, the government appears inexplicably unwilling or unprepared to approve the Bill and transmit it to Parliament for enactment, OccupyGhana said.

Functions of OSP

The Office of the Special Prosecutor is headed by the Special Prosecutor, who holds ultimate responsibility for the actions of the office.

The OSP has the mandate to investigate and prosecute all suspected corruption and corruption-related offences.

Its tentacles spread to public officers, politically exposed persons and persons in the private sector alleged to have been involved in any corruption and corruption-related offences.

Apart from initiating investigations on its own, Act 959 gives the OSP the power to receive and investigate complaints of alleged corruption from the public or investigate suspected corruption or corruption-related offences upon referral from public bodies such as the A-G's Department, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice and the Economic and Organised Crime Office.
Dont follow politicians blindly - Methodist Minister to Christians

Augustina Tawiah Politics Jul - 25 - 2023 , 06:58

Ghanaians have been advised to bring back the spirit of patriotism which those of old exhibited during and after the struggle for the countrys independence.

The Superintendent Minister of the Kwashieman North Circuit of the Methodist Church Ghana, Very Rev. Ebenezer Grantson, who made the call, explained that Ghanaians had become too individualistic to the extent that nobody cared to help to build together a nation strong in unity and added that citizens were deeply engaged in acts that would benefit them and not the nation.

Just look at what is happening on our political front.

To some extent, some delegates of the various political parties do not vote according to their conscience, but to the highest bidder.

Dont we have Christians among the delegates?

We surely do, but the truth is that they have all forgotten about the Christian principles which taught us to be faithful and to love one another, and rather joined the train to collect money from aspirants and candidates, knowing very well that they had only one person in mind, he stated.

Very Rev. Grantson, who was speaking at the 35th anniversary celebration of the Dunwell Methodist Society, said until Ghanaians looked beyond material things and focused on how to project a better Ghana by bringing on board politicians and officials who had nothing but were ready to serve and not to be served, there was no way the country would be rid of corruption.

The anniversary celebration was on the theme: Discipleship: Each of us has a part to play.

You and I know that those who paid before getting to the top will definitely find other means to recoup it, Very Rev. Grantson said.

He said there was no doubt that greed and selfishness had eaten into the minds of Ghanaians because to them survival was the ultimate goal.

He stressed, however, that with commitment from churches, traditional authorities, politicians, religious community and the citizenry, the country could succeed.

Attitudinal change

Very Rev. Grantson said a better Ghana would be far from reach unless Ghanaians adopted attitudinal change.

Behavioural change is what we need now as Ghanaians.

The long-standing issue of illegal mining, popularly referred to as galamsey, is still haunting us.

People continue to throw rubbish into the already choked gutters, and the destruction of our environment with all sorts of challenges, if not addressed, will surely draw us back, he said.

Citing Ephesians 4:16 in the Bible, Very Rev. Grantson advised the congregation to work together to build the church by supporting one another with their God-given talents, no matter how big or small.

On April 19, 1988, the late Very Rev. Thomas Oseku Aful, then a member of the Abeka Methodist Society and ministerial students, developed interest in planting a church at Santa Maria.

After much planning by the Kaneshie Circuit, Abeka Society, and then North Kwashieman Society, the Dunwell Methodist Church officially came into being on July 17, 1988.
Govt to revisit election of MMDCEs  Botwe

Beatrice Laryea Politics Jul - 25 - 2023 , 07:04

The Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD), Dan Botwe, has expressed the governments desire to revisit the unfinished agenda towards legal reforms to facilitate the election of metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs).

He said the political decentralisation reform with proposed amendment of Articles 243 and 55(3) of the 1992 Constitution, which was cancelled in 2019 due to inadequate stakeholders understanding and consensus, would help to decentralise the structure of governance in the country so that government would be brought closer to the people when repealed.

Mr Botwe made the assertion last Saturday at the 6th Graduation ceremony of the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS) at Ogbojo in Accra.

Other reforms

Mr Botwe, who also serves as Member of Parliament (MP) for Okere in the Eastern Region, said there were other ongoing reforms in decentralisation which included the requirements for digitalisation of property taxation, saying the success of Ghanas decentralisation programme hinged on the capacity levels of local government functionaries and employees.

It is the intention of the Ministry to revisit the unfinished agenda towards legal reforms to facilitate the election of MMDCEs and I have accordingly requested the Institute to create platforms for series of breakfast meetings with varied stakeholders to understand their positions on these major constitutional reforms to deepen local democracy and inclusive governance and further aggregate these positions for the consideration of the President.

Infrastructure

On infrastructure, he said the Government of Ghana, through the district assemblies common fund (DACF) was determined to find innovative ways of addressing the ILGS infrastructure deficit so as to make it stay relevant and competitive.

He mentioned that physical infrastructure at both the Accra and Tamale campuses of the Institute were being expanded with the completion of the first phase being 160-bedroom executive hostel and 200- seater multi-purpose conference room facility at the Accra campus while 80-bedroom executive hostel, a 400-seater conference room facility and the renovation of existing facilities were ongoing at the Tamale campus.

Commendation

He commended the leadership of the ILGS for rolling out cutting-edge graduate programmes to build the capacity of local government practitioners over the years.

Mr Botwe continued: The transformation of the Institute is remarkable and I want to believe that government will consider your request for a Presidential Charter when submitted through the appropriate channel and time.

Addressing the guests, Prof. Nicholas Awortwi, Director of the ILGS, touched on the successes recorded over the years including the introduction of new academic programmes, both in the masters and bachelors degrees, support to policy and programme informed reforms, infrastructure overhaul and financial discipline.

Graduation

A total of 111 students graduated from the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS) last Saturday at Ogbojo in Accra.

The students, made up of 83 males and 28 females, were awarded Master of Science in Local Government Financial Management, Master of Science in Local Economic Development, Master of Science Environmental Science, Policy and Management and Master of Science in Local Government Administration and Organisation.

The 6th Graduation, which also marked the 20th Anniversary of the Institute, was held on the theme: Building back better through capacity development for effective decentralisation, local governance, digitisation and economic transformation.
John Mahama faces running-mate puzzle

Timothy Gobah Politics Jul - 25 - 2023 , 16:18

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) on May 13, 2023, overwhelmingly re-elected former President John Dramani Mahama to hold the partys red, green, black and white flag with the imposing eagle, to lead it to victory in the 2024 crucial polls.

John Mahama was a running mate to the late Professor John Evans Atta Mills and the duo successfully secured victory for the party after two unsuccessful attempts. It should be recalled that after what became known as the Swedru Declaration, Prof. Mills selected ABK Amidu, to partner with him in the 2000 election, and in 2004 selected Muhammad Mumuni as a running mate. Then, in 2008 Prof. Mills selected the former President and current flag bearer that clinched victory for the party.

Before then, late President JJ Rawlings first paired with Kow Nkensen Arkaah for the 1992 elections but went with President Mills during the 1996 polls.

Tradition

Has it become an unwritten tradition, therefore, for the frontrunners of the NDC to change their vice-presidential candidate, which is the sole prerogative of the flag bearer? The debate over this subject is still raging.

This vexed matter is already igniting fiery conversations within the rank and file of the NDC and even among the generality of the public, as the party inches deeper into preparations to recapture political power.

The decision over whether or not the former revered educationist and towering university don will continue to be the vice-presidential candidate, should the axe fall on her, maybe the toughest task facing John Mahama in the next few months, as it seems his party is determined to fast-track preparations towards the 2024 general election ahead of their counterparts.

Enthusiasts

Sturdily, a cross-section of supporters and enthusiasts of the party are legitimising scepticisms over the impact of the 71-year-old Professor on the 2020 general election and even making a case for a need for a fresh face to power the NDC Presidential ticket to victory in the upcoming 2024 Presidential battle.

Invariably, there is a section that also believes that maintaining Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang will be appropriate since she is known and resonates with a cross-section of the public.

However, there is a strong suggestion that despite recapturing some vital seats in her home region, (the Central Region) the New Patriotic Party (NPP) did better than the NDC, indicating her failure to bring her influence to bear on the region

Even before the dust settles on whether Prof. Opoku Agyemang will be retained or not, supporters of running mate hopefuls have already taken to lobbying for their favourites on social media platforms.

On the other side of the debate, some argue for fresh faces and new ideas. They highlight the importance of injecting new energy into the campaign and tapping into emerging talents within the party support base. Alternative potential running mates also argue that change is vital to rejuvenate the party and connect with a wider demographic.

Some of the names being unravelled by opponents as possible replacements include Dr Zanetor Rawlings, a daughter of the late founder of the NDC, Jerry John Rawlings; Julius Debrah, former Chief of Staff under John Mahama; Awuah Darko, former Chief Executive of Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation / Tema Oil Refinery, Prof. Joshua Alabi, 2020 Campaign Manager and former Vice-Chancellor of UPSA and Cassiel Ato Forson, Minority Leader in Parliament.

Leadership

Despite being successful in her leadership of one of the nations best universities, the University of Cape Coast {UCC), Prof. Agyemangs 2020 campaign seems to have encountered a lot of backlash, allowing the euphoria about her nomination to suffer an early death.

There was too much controversy among her handlers which detracted the campaign from leveraging the goodwill her nomination aroused, said one of her campaign team members who requested to remain anonymous.

Prof. Agyemang does not resonate with the hawks in the party who believe a more aggressive running mate is required to balance the gentleness of former President John Mahama.

That said, she is said to possess a strong character of trustworthiness, great conviction and appeal to gender advocates and a cross-section of academia, among others.

Comments

As social media platforms are flooded with posts and comments from both sides of the debate, the NDC leadership continues to take note of the expressions of party members and the general public. The decision regarding the running mate for John Mahama in the 2024 elections campaign requires careful consideration and extensive consultations.

Amid the intense debate and jostling, one thing remains certain - the passion and dedication of NDC supporters. They are unified by their shared desire to see their party flourish and regain power. While the running mate question continues to spark heated discussion, the ultimate goal remains the same: to secure victory in the upcoming elections and bring about positive change in the lives of Ghanaians.

Elections

As the days pass and elections draw nearer, the NDC leadership is faced with the weighty task of Internal dialogue and decision-making. Perhaps, with time, consensus will be reached and the NDC will emerge united with a running mate who embodies the party's vision and resonates with the aspirations of the Ghanaian people.

Until then, the debate continues and social media platforms remain abuzz with fervent supporters advocating their preferred running mate potentials. In the end, it is the collective voice and choice of the NDC that will shape its future and determine the path to success in the 2024 elections.



The writer is a Sub Editor at Daily Graphic.
NPP presidential aspirants sign undertaking

Gertrude Ankah Nyavi Politics Jul - 25 - 2023 , 06:51

All the 10 Presidential aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are to sign an undertaking not to contest as independent presidential candidates or as candidate on the ticket of any other political party if they fail to get the nod from the delegates in the partys presidential primary.

They are also to sign an undertaking with the party to commit themselves to support whoever is eventually elected as the partys presidential candidate after the election or selection process.

This was contained in rules and regulations issued by the National Council of NPP yesterday to guide apirants during, before and after its upcoming presidential and parliamentary primaries in Accra.

Per this arrangement, the party reserves the right to restrain any candidate should he decide otherwise.

Aspirants

The 10 aspirants who have been approved by the National Council of the party for the special delegates conference (Special Electoral College) are Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, Kwadwo Poku, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Boakye Kyerematen Agyarko, and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong.

The rest are Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, Dr Owusu Akoto Afriyie, Joe Ghartey, and Francis Addai-Nimoh.

The Special Electoral College scheduled for August 26, 2023, which would be held at each of the 16 Regional capitals, is to shortlist five out of the 10 aspirants for the November 4, 2023 National Congress to elect a presidential candidate to contest on the ticket of the party for the 2024 general election.

A statement signed and issued by the General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Frimpong Kodua, said the decision was taken at the councils meeting held last Thursday.

In addition, the National Council of the party directed regional and constituency party executives who wished to contest in the partys parliamentary primary in constituencies with sitting Members of Parliament (MPs) to resign from their respective positions not later than September 20, 2023.

It said Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in constituencies where the party has sitting MPs were also not eligible to contest in the parliamentary primary for those constituencies.

Unity

The National Council of the NPP is concerned about the utterances of some of the partys presidential hopefuls and their supporters, which it said did not augur well for the unity and cohesion of the party.

The council, by this statement, reinforces compliance with the Code of Conduct for Presidential and parliamentary Elections of the party.

It cautioned against such development, stressing that Any aspiring Presidential candidate, or his supporters, and party executives at all levels who act in contravention of the code of conduct, moving forward, shall be dealt with in accordance with the guidelines thereof and the party constitution, it stated.

It urged all the presidential aspirants to engage in issues-based campaign and desist from levelling unsubstantiated allegations, personal attacks and vilifications of their opponents

It also cautioned against any activity that would polarise the party along tribal, religious and other factional lines.

All aspiring Presidential candidates shall impress upon their supporters not to engage in any of the activities stated above, he added.

Album/Register

According to the council, the photo album and register used to elect the constituency executives between April 22, 2022, and May 2, 2023, would be the same album that would be made available to the Electoral Commission for the conduct of the presidential primary.

Also a delegate who wants to appoint a proxy has been given three weeks to apply to the National Secretariat before the conduct of the presidential primary, it said.
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) Urban Mobility Solutions and the Bostons Mayors Office of New Urban Mechanics and Citywide Analytics Team announced a pilot partnership to identify the causes of uneven roads using vehicle data analytics.

MBUSA is using an advanced algorithm to process vehicle data and use it for infrastructure analytics. Participating MBUSA vehicles collect information on where they experience bumps in the road. The data are then anonymized, aggregated, and analyzed to identify patterns and hot spots of uneven roads.

The City of Bostons Analytics Team will evaluate the effectiveness of MBUSAs technology by comparing surface damage analytics to data the City has (such as data from Bostons constituent service system, known as Boston 311) as well as through on-street inspections.

Mercedes-Benz has developed a multitude of sensors and technologies that advance road safety. Vehicle data from these sensors and assistance systems can now provide insights into the vehicles surroundings, including infrastructure. While the company has on-going projects in several European countries, this partnership with Boston in the United States is the first in North America. Vehicles equipped with the necessary sensors will not only register bumps along the roadway, but also their intensity and development over time.

Mercedes-Benz vehicles equipped with advanced suspension systems register bumps during sudden suspension compression and rebound at the front axle, as well as at the rear axle with a certain time delay. A similar algorithm detects speed bumps: in this case via the compression and rebound sequence.

Further analysis completed in the Mercedes-Benz Cloud takes vehicle type, wheel spin and damper level into consideration. Since 2021, this capability has equipped Mercedes-Benz drivers with advanced warning of obstacles such as potholes through Car-to-X communication in the vehicle. The Surface Damages data product builds upon this technology and provides valuable data to cities to help monitor, analyze and improve infrastructure.

The City of Boston is experienced in this area, using the accelerometers and GPS in smartphones to identify roadway defects. That experimentcalled Street Bumpidentified that the biggest defects in Bostons roads at that time were caused by utility covers that had slightly sunk or shifted over time. That finding reinforced the Citys work with utility companies to maintain their assets in City streets. Similarly, the City is interested in learning from this pilot partnership so that it can provide smoother roads for all via innovative technologies.

Currently, Boston receives information about the status of its roadways through an annual pavement condition review and the Citys constituent service system, known as Boston 311.

It is well known that not all neighborhoods and communities use Boston 311 at the same rate, yet 311 is a major driver of how some City resources are allocated. We are always eager to find ways to mitigate this bias in reporting, and are excited to evaluate whether by testing new technologies or incorporating these new data we can identify cases that otherwise would have gone unreported and unaddressed in order to distribute city resources more equitably. Stefanie Costa Leabo, the City of Bostons Chief Data Officer

The City of Boston maintains 2,000 lane miles of roadway. Throughout the country, road authorities and road maintenance departments today mostly rely on manual approaches to monitor and maintain the road infrastructure and assets. This results in high internal and external costs and immense efforts to keep the information up-to-date. However, the data quickly become outdated and ad-hoc changes are hard to monitor.

The responsible handling and protection of data is a top priority at Mercedes-Benz. In all its data-driven mobility initiatives, including this pilot in Boston, data are fully anonymized. Furthermore, it can only be transmitted and used if the owner of the car has given consent to the processing of such data via the Mercedes me connect App. Mercedes-Benz does not share raw data and no aspect of the data itself is traceable to the source vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz Urban Mobility Solutions is both citizen- and city-centric. Mercedes-Benz vehicles contain hundreds of advanced sensors that are part of driver assistance systems and contribute to the driving experience and improve safety. When customers consent to share anonymized data, they can actively be a part of helping shape real-world improvements. Mercedes-Benz has partnered with cities in the US and Europe to utilize this expertise to provide insights that can lead to fewer crashes and identify major areas of concern such as potholes.
Canada-based Vortex Energy has completed a hydrogen storage capacity assessment for the East and West Salt Structures at the Robinsons River Salt Project. The work was done by the companys contracted consultant partner, RESPEC Consulting, a geology, geophysical and engineering consultancy with direct experience in underground hydrogen storage caverns.

Salt is a key product used in food, chemical applications, pharmaceuticals and as a de-icing product. The North American salt market is currently in a deficit of more than 10 million tonnes annually. As salt is mined, the caverns can be used as a safe, reliable, and cost-effective method to store large amounts of hydrogen or ammonia.

Based on available geological information, the East Salt Structure can potentially hold an estimated amount of (1) 550,000 tonnes of hydrogen in more than 35 caverns, based on conservative estimates and up to (2) 900,000 tonnes of hydrogen in more than 53 caverns, using optimistic estimates.

Using conservative estimates, the hydrogen storage capacity assessment for the East Salt Structure estimates that the total volume of the East Structure salt cavern field is more than 70 million m3.

Based on the available geological information, the West Salt Structure can potentially hold an estimated amount of (1) 250,000 tonnes of hydrogen in more than 25 caverns, based on conservative estimates and up to (2) 350,000 tonnes of hydrogen in more than 43 caverns, using optimistic estimates. Using conservative estimates, the hydrogen storage capacity assessment for the West Salt Structure estimates that the total volume of the West Structure salt cavern field is more than 50 million m3.

To conduct the hydrogen storage capacity assessment, RESPEC generated preliminary cavern layouts and performed high-level thermodynamic calculations to estimate the hydrogen storage capacity of the East and West Salt Structures based on the interpreted geology, operating pressure limits set by the Canadian Standards Association Z341, and the estimated cavern dimensions based on the companys gravity and 2D seismic interpretation of the salt dome structure at the Project.

Because the 2D seismic interpretation results on which the hydrogen storage capacity assessment is based decrease in accuracy with increased distance from the seismic lines, RESPEC generated conservative and optimistic cavern field layouts based on the distance from the seismic lines and distance from the salt dome core. The conservative case only considers salt caverns closer to the seismic lines and within the salt dome core whereas the optimistic case also includes caverns away from the core of the salt dome.

The placement and design of any salt caverns that are ultimately developed by the company at the Project will be dependent on the local geology and the thickness of salt strata at the cavern well location. In generating the cavern field layout for the hydrogen storage capacity assessment, RESPEC assumed that caverns were placed at a spacing-to-diameter ratio of 4, at least 1.5 cavern diameter length away from the salt dome boundary, limited in diameter to 80 meters and located at least 200 m below the top of salt and 200 m away from the bottom of salt.

These preliminary results from RESPEC are very promising. If the results of the assessment are accurate, the Project has the potential to store significant amounts of hydrogen and could end up being one of the largest salt cavern discoveries on the east coast of Canada. We believe that these results, along with our recent agreement to acquire additional land to the north of the Project, position Vortex to capitalize on the growing demand for hydrogen and other renewable energy infrastructure. Paul Sparkes, CEO of Vortex





East Salt Structure Cross Section and Preliminary Conservative Hydrogen Storage Capacity Estimate





West Salt Structure Cross Section and Preliminary Conservative Hydrogen Storage Capacity Estimate

Vortex Energy Corp. is an exploration stage company engaged principally in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in North America. The company is currently advancing its Robinson River Salt Project located approximately 35 linear km south of the town of Stephenville in the Province of Newfoundland & Labrador covering more ethan 17,000 hectares.





Leveraging the Robinson River Salt project, the company is also exploring the development of technologies to store green hydrogen in salt caverns efficiently. Vortex also holds the Fire Eye Project, which is located in the Wollaston Domain of northern Saskatchewan, Canada.
THE World Bank's (WB) County Director, Mr Nathan Belete has said by 2075, one-third of the world's population and working-age will be Africans.

He made the statement in Dar es Salaam on Monday during the opening remarks at the Youth Side Event ahead of the Africa Human Capital Heads of State Summit, which opened with technical meeting.

Today, the session will continue with ministerial meetings.

Elaborating, Mr Belete said Africa is the only region in the world where the workforce will continue to grow in the coming decades, with the working-age population now at just over 600 million as of 2020 expected to grow by 450 million by 2035 to reach 1billion. The figure is expected to grow further and reach 1.5 billion people by 2075.

Thus, he said, those numbers are at the core of discussion for today and indeed for the coming days at the Heads of State Summit.

"Africa is a continent brimming with youthful energy, ambition, and potential for rapid economic growth if its human capital potential is harnessed as a matter of urgency." he said.

Speaking on the Summit concept, Mr Belete said, human capital is the health, knowledge, and skills that people accumulate over their lifetimes. It is what determines a person's productivity and earnings, and often, it's the only asset poor people have.

"Human capital trajectories are set before a child is born, and human capital is rapidly accumulated during childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood.

Breaking the cycle of intergenerational inequality requires significant investments in human capital from the earliest age," he explained.

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According to him, in 2019, the World Bank launched the Africa Human Capital Plan, which sets out clear targets and commitments to boost Sub-Saharan Africa's potential through its human capital.

Since then, countries and communities have boosted investments in Africa's people, including a strong push to empower women and accelerate Africa's demographic transition.

"We are keen to double down on our ambitious goals laid out in that plan. Between 2019 and 2022, the World Bank's commitments to human development operations in Africa have reached a historic 34 billion US dollars, with 11.5 billion US dollars in new investments championing women and girls," he noted.

He further said that the Africa Human Capital Heads of State Summit aims to accelerate human capital investment by bringing together leaders to prioritise country-specific roadmaps, technical knowledge, and financing.

Elaborating, he noted that the youth are central to this effort, driving momentum and focusing on investing in people as a core driver of productivity, resilience, and growth.

The summit will raise awareness of changing demographics, emphasise learning and skills as key productivity drivers, and position human capital development as a priority sector.

"It will also elicit commitments to two to three tangible financial and policy measures, reinforcing the region's ownership of the human capital agenda as a priority area of sustainable development under the African Union's Agenda 2063," he pointed out.
This year's Ina Well Fest theme was "Activate your light." It included vendors, art installations, live music, keynote speakers and breakout sessions that offerred attendees an immersive wellness experience.
Coast360 Federal Credit Union donated $25,000 to American Red Cross Guam Chapters Typhoon Mawar disaster relief efforts. A check presentation was held on July 13, 2023, with members of the Red Cross and Coast360.
The Consolidated Commission on Utilities on Tuesday approved some $40 million in contracts to help improve power, water and sewer line services, including authorization for up to $2.4 million to pay private lawyers for the Guam Waterworks Authority in its ongoing land dispute with Core Tech International.

GWA is involved in several legal battles, including a $220 million land dispute with Core Tech, so it hired the services of the law firm of Vincent E. Leon Guerrero.

The contract is meant to augment the utility agencies in-house staff attorneys.

There is no telling when the GWA-Core Tech case in the local court will be resolved, based on discussions at the CCU meeting.

The case has so far cost GWA some $1.15 million in legal fees alone, paid for using revenue funds.

GWA is challenging Core Techs claims that the construction company owns the site of GWAs Northern District Wastewater Treatment Plant. Core Tech has argued it acquired the property in 2015 and wants GWA to pay for its past and future use.

New Ugum reservoirAIC International Inc., meanwhile, bagged a $22.834 million contract for the construction of a new Ugum water reservoir, besting three other bidders. The bond-funded work is expected to take 515 calendar days to complete, from the notice to proceed.

GWA asked CCU to approve a total funding of $23.976 million, inclusive of a 5% contingency. The agency said it will also seek some $3 million in additional funding to repair the existing Ugum reservoir.

Also approved was a $1.232 million contract that GPA awarded to GHD Inc. for the design and construction management of replacing water and sewer lines crossing various bridges. GWA asked for and got approval for a 10% contingency, amounting to some $123,290.

GWA will also continue to have a water loss control professional services contract with E-Source, amounting to $422,289. Thats after CCU approved a task order for year three. The commission also granted the inclusion of electrician supervisor positions.

Bucket trucksThe commission approved GPAs request to buy 10 more bucket trucks for $4.5 million to $5 million, in the wake of Typhoon Mawars damage to GPAs electrical grid system and the need to have ready access to enough bucket trucks to restore power services after storms.

GPA is seeking to buy six bucket trucks with a 55-foot reach each, and four with a 65-foot reach each. Delivery date is within four months.

They will be added to the agencys 27 bucket trucks. To restore power service after Mawar hit, GPA said it used 20 to 30 bucket trucks, depending on availability. They included nine to 12 bucket trucks loaned by FEMA and the Navy.

CCU also approved GPAs renewal of a current unarmed uniformed security guard services contract, which the agency said is integral to the protection of the islands power system, as well as generator repairs.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has been selected by the National Guard Association of the United States for the Harry S. Truman Award.

The Truman Award is the highest recognition conferred upon an individual by the association. It honors those who have made sustained contributions of exceptional and far-reaching magnitude to the defense and security of the United States and its territories in a manner worthy of recognition at the national level.

It is intended for civilian and military leaders, and while a single deed or action may be considered as a qualification for the award if it is sufficient in magnitude and significance, weight is given to sustained contributions.

Leon Guerrero received high praise in multiple letters of endorsement from the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Indo-Pacific Command Commander, Missile Defense Agency director, Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Joint Region Marianas Commander and the East-West Center president, according to a news release from Adelup.

The governor has been a dedicated leader for the Island of Guam, said Adjutant Gen. Michael Cruz, who nominated Leon Guerrero for the honor and personally informed her of the award on Tuesday. Her leadership and vision have greatly impacted the far-reaching defense and security of the USINDOPACOM region and the United States of America as a whole. Her tireless efforts reflect great credit upon herself, the island of Guam, and the United States of America.

The other individual who received the award was U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly of Mississippi.

In addition to noting the governors support for the USS Theodore Roosevelt during the COVID-19 pandemic, Navy Adm. J.C. Aquilino added, Leon Guerrero has secured community support for a plethora of United States security initiatives. She has been instrumental in the ongoing coordination of the Defense Policy Review Initiative and the establishment of Camp Blaz, as well as the Pacific Deterrence Initiative activities at Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam. She further secured the support for a Republic of Singapore Fighter Detachment at Andersen Air Force Base. Guams support of this important U.S. partners detachment is a major contribution to strengthening the needed network of aligned allies and partners in the region.

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David H. Berger described the governor as an insightful leader who recognizes Guams unique place in the defense of our nation and has proven to be one of the strongest advocates for enhanced defense capabilities and facilities. She continually ensures that Guam is a gracious host to members of our armed forces, and she has shown an unparalleled dedication to building relationships between all branches of the military and the local community.

Navy Vice Adm. J.A. Hill added that the missile threat to Guam continues to rapidly evolve. Gov. [Leon] Guerrero has been instrumental in assisting our work with the Commander of the Indo-Pacific Command to meet the requirement for a persistent layered missile defense capability on Guam against simultaneous raids of cruise, ballistic, and hypersonic missile threats and to field an operational capability by the end of this decade.

Suzanne Puanani Vares-Lum, president of the East-West Center, said the island of Guam plays a strategic role in national defense and deterrence of the nations number one pacing threat, the Peoples Republic of China and their activities, not only in the first island chain, but in the Pacific.

Guam has been the host of a sustained posture buildup of the U.S. Joint Force and its allies that will continue over the next 10 years, Vares-Lum said. The governor has been an advocate for the Guam Defense System and has conducted outreach to key congressional leaders to advocate for the security of the people of Guam, the nation, and the region.

She supported the USS Theodore Roosevelts COVID-19 crisis when other locations were unwilling to support. Further, she has supported the integration of the Guam National Guard in the security activities with the Joint Force and has supported families of all military forces in Guam to ensure their health and welfare. Governor Leon Guerrero has done all of this and so much more while maintaining positive community relationships with the military, foreign allies and partners, and the people of Guam.

To view the complete list of awardees, visit https://www.ngaus.org/about-ngaus/awards/2023-award-recipients.
The 37th Guam Legislature has advanced a bill that would allow the legislature to be responsible for approving or denying the governors request to renew or terminate a declaration of a state of public health emergency.

This matter was addressed in a legislative session held at the Guam Legislature building on Monday, and it has moved to the sessions third reading file.

Sen. Chris Duenas noted Guam public law over 20 years ago allowed the governor to have sole authority over the extensions of a public health emergency.

Duenas also claimed in a press release that the island was placed recently in a prolonged state of emergency due to executive orders and restrictions for over two years as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bill 7-37 does not take away the governors power to declare a public health emergency nor does it question science in terms of what things might be happening when a pandemic ensues, said Duenas. It simply puts in place coequal checks and balances in our government so that our legislature has a say and operative reasoning moving forward.

The bill also notes that a declaration of a state of public health emergency shall not prohibit the freedom of assembly in or on ones residential property or the free exercise of religion.

At the time that people needed to be ministered to the most, they were told You cannot assemble, added Duenas. They were so creative that we started tuning in to our radios and going to our church in our cars because we were not going to let the government tell us that we were not going to worship.

Duenas also alluded to the numerous clinics that opened during the pandemic to help take care of residents.

We had an entire organization of medical professionals say Please do this because we were abused as medical clinics during the crisis. Our staff were exposed, but we wanted to take care of the people, said Duenas. Until today, many of those clinics have not been reimbursed. Unfortunately, our governor even said they didnt do anything. Not true: medical clinics were at the front lines.

Sen. Joanne Brown noted this is not a question of being Republican or Democrat.

Its a question of doing the right thing. If you are not going to stand up for the people that you said you will represent their interest, then what are you doing here? questioned Brown. Lets not pretend to represent the peoples interest then shut them down. They deserve to have their voices heard.

Sen. Telo Taitague noted that nothing was more frustrating than not being part of the administrations decision-making.

The biggest part of this is that we were never involved as a legislature. We should have all worked together as three branches of government so we can be part of the solution and ideas to recover, said Taitague. This will provide the strength in our government to provide transparency, branch cooperation and improve public trust.

Sen. Chris Barnett echoed Taitagues sentiment as he believed that if the public will be in a public health emergency, they must work together.

Thats what the people of Guam want. They dont want us to all think the same. In fact, I think they appreciate our differences, stated Barnett. Those differences should never keep us from coming together at the same table and making decisions that are good for our people. There are so many situations that could have been avoided if we just talked about it.

The bill did draw some opposition while in discussion.

Sen. William Parkinson claimed that he would be embarrassed by the bill as a senator.

This bill is redundant and is for ineffective and lazy politicians. All this bill does is it allows politicians to not do the work, stated Parkinson. Theres already a mechanism to end public health emergencies. Just because some people do not have the fortitude to get it done does not mean we need to change the rules to suit their inability.

Speaker Therese Terlaje objected to a new $25 fine for individuals failure to obey rules and orders of public health isolation and quarantine facilities during a state of public health emergency. In response, Sen. Chris Duenas kept those sections out in the proposed bill, which would keep the penalty as a misdemeanor.

With an amendment by Sen. Chris Barnett, the renewal of a state of emergency will be 60 days to allow the legislature the opportunity to scrutinize the public health emergencys renewal, according to Duenas, who also noted the amendment was reasonable and sensible.

I want to thank all of my colleagues for the spirited discussion on Bill 7-37. I also want to acknowledge those who voted in favor of the bill and helped to enhance it, said Duenas.

Bill 7-37 is an enhanced version of Sen. Duenas Bill No. 11-36, which was introduced in the 36th Guam Legislature.

Bill 28-37 was also approved to move on to the third reading file.

Additional bills will be discussed by the senators at 2 p.m. on today.
A bill to standardize a typeface for the government of Guam has advanced onto the third reading file for the 37th Guam Legislature.

Bill 28-37 adopted fonts that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Sans Serif fonts and Times New Roman to be used on all future GovGuam documents, reports and communications generated the next calendar year after the bills enactment.

Its essential that as legislators, we prioritize accessibility for all individuals with accessible fonts and character spacing, allowing for increased legibility of documents and a better understanding of what is communicated, said Sen. Roy Quinata, the author of the bill. Through this bill, we aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone can have the same opportunities and access to information. Adopting a standardized typeface can make a difference and help increase the quality of life, especially for those with disabilities.

Sen. Thomas Fisher shared his support due to personal experience.

I think that other veterans will join me on this. The Department of Defense has used uniform typefaces forever because they wanted people to be able to read the communications easily. It works very well, said Fisher.

Sen. Telo Taitague understood the importance of the measure, but she questioned if the matter required legislative action.

I support anything that serves our most vulnerable, but when is the body going to be more prudent on our time? Could this have been done as an executive order? questioned Taitague.

Sen. Sabina Perez shared her concerns as well since certain testimonies were not presented before the committee regarding the bill.

There was no written testimony from the agencies that oversee or assist those with disabilities. Im a little concerned there is no feedback, said Perez. There are also no laws in the US for fonts, only policies. I do support more accessibility, but are we making this more difficult for ourselves when we dont have to?

Vice Speaker Tina Muna Barnes shared that despite some believing the bill is not of great importance, others understand the need for the legislation to be put in place.

You shouldnt have to legislate common sense, but sometimes, you do so that things can be in order. If youre looking at a standardized form so people can better understand, it doesnt hurt to give it a shot, said Barnes.
Khartoum  The Acting Foreign Minister Ambassador Ali Al-Sadih met Monday with a number of senior United Nations officials visiting Sudan, including the Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF, the Regional Director of the World Food Program and the Operations Director of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The minister welcomed the UN officials and expressed the thanks and appreciation of the Government of Sudan for what these organizations have provided and still are doing in various fields, calling for more efforts in the fields of health, education, water and food to alleviate the suffering of the affected Sudanese people who suffered greatly as a result of leaving their homes and were forced to flee outside Khartoum due to the war waged by the rebel forces against the state and the citizens.

The minister was briefed by the UN officials and their plans and programs for the coming period.

The minister also talked about the current agricultural season and the need to make it a success by providing seeds, fertilizers and production inputs to contribute to filling any potential food gaps.

He also touched on education and the importance of creating the environment for the resumption of studies on time and rebuilding and maintaining schools.

He also talked about the humanitarian aid through Chad that the United Nations wishes to provide to the affected people in Darfur region, and that the government also encourages the purchase of foodstuffs from the local market.

With regard to the international organizations requesting the Sudanese government to provide more facilities for granting entry visas and movement permits for international staff and clearing shipments of humanitarian aid, the minister stressed that the government is doing its best to cooperate with the international organizations in this regard, but the safety of international staff and preserving their lives is the responsibility of the Sudanese government and attaches the utmost importance to it.

At the end of the meeting, the minister responded to the UN officials' comment on the need for the government to stop the war, that the evacuation of the Rapid Support militia from citizens' homes and government facilities and stopping the violations they are carrying out is the only way to stop the war. BH/BH
Public comments are being accepted through Aug. 24 on a plan to protect the shoreline along Marine Corps Drive in East Hagatna.

The plan, which calls for the removal and replacement of a seawall, was put together by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District, in partnership with the Guam Department of Public Works.

Coastal erosion is a problem along the 2,100-foot stretch of Trinchera Beach along Hagatna Bay.

The seawall built to protect the roadway is on the verge of collapse due to erosion and undermining, leaving the street and public utilities along the roadway exposed to damage from waves and storm surge.

Without protection, the road and public utilities will be at imminent risk of failure, the Army Corps and Public Works stated in a news release.

The plan is available at bit.ly/3Y2Njat, and a meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Sinajana Mayor's Office, 17A Chalan Guma Yu'us in Sinajana.

Under the National Environmental Policy Act, the public can comment on potential environmental effects of the shoreline protection project. Information regarding sensitive ecological, biological, historic and cultural resources is welcomed.

The Army Corps will use the information to meet other environmental laws and requirements including compliance with the Clean Water Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and National Historic Preservation Act.

Comments can be sent to CEPOH-Planning@usace.army.mil.
Have an idea? Want to praise or comment on something? Submit your letter to the editor.




Haiti - FLASH : Cuban soldiers as blue helmets in Haiti ?





After the refusal of Mexico and the Dominican Republic to get involved, the member countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have formulated a request to the Government of Cuba to send soldiers to Haiti, as "blue helmets" under United Nations mandate and co-financed by the United States.



This request, which Havana has kept confidential, was decided at the 45th meeting of Heads of State and Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) held in July in Trinidad and Tobago. A favorite option for North Americans...



The United States also remained silent on the request of Caricom in Cuba, but the American Secretary of State, Antony Blinken who participated in the Caricom summit "did not reject the option of sending Cuban soldiers as peacekeepers in Haiti" confirmed the head of the sub-regional organization.



A request that has divided the Castroist Government, between those who support such an intervention and those who oppose it.



A group of Cuban military leaders and civilian officials has "resolutely" committed to sending blue helmets to Haiti, taking into account the economic income that this would bring to the Cuban economy; while the opponents of an intervention, recall "we have never done it and it would further complicate our situation because the enemy (the United States) is the one who pays the bulk of the operation [...] We know how interventions in foreign countries begin but not how they end, and the elements that control the real power in Haiti will not sit idly by in our presence. In the event of attacks against our 'blue helmets' and loss of human life, who will bear the responsibility ? concluded a former senior Cuban government official on condition of anonymity."



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Politic : Special meeting on Haiti of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee





Democratic Senator Bob Menendez, Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called the committee members for a special meeting, during which the question of Haiti will be analyzed in depth and the next steps for a collective response will be sought.



Spokesperson for the Dominican Presidency, Homero Figueroa, said in a statement that the Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 10 a.m. In the same press release he reported on the results of the meeting of Wednesday, July 19 between a Dominican delegation sent by President Abinader and Menendez, stressing "The meeting allowed a fruitful exchange of ideas and perspectives, stressing the importance of international collaboration to face the challenges that the crisis in Haiti poses to the Dominican Republic and to the region as a whole."



The official US Senate website confirmed Thursday's meeting, which will focus specifically on reviewing the situation in the Western Hemisphere, with an emphasis on the crisis in Haiti and steps the international community can implement to bring support and stability to the region.



"Next Thursday's meeting in the United States Senate should be an important step towards a joint and effective response to the situation in Haiti and its implications for the stability and development of the Western Hemisphere," indicates a note published by the Dominican Presidency.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Tunis/Tunisia  National Army units, including Army, Air Force, and Tunisian Navy, are still deployed in the region of Melloula, of Jendouba Governorate, to contain the blaze and aid the residents.

The Air Force conducted 8 military flyovers on Monday afternoon using military choppers and C130 aircraft to extinguish the fires that broke out near Tabarka airport, as stated by the Ministry of National Defence in a press release. The C130 aircraft is equipped with specialised liquid spraying capabilities, according to the same source.

Citizens were evacuated by rapid intervention vessels belonging to the National Navy.

The Defence Department also indicates that Army units, alongside civil defence personnel, agents from the General Directorate of Forests, and the military command centre, are still actively engaged in controlling and containing the flames.




Haiti - FLASH : The Rhum Bakara company attacked, vandalized and looted, many victims





Saturday, July 22, 2023, heavily armed individuals savagely attacked a convoy that was being loaded, from the Haitian Rhum Bakara company, located on the Bassin General road, in Noailles (Croix-des-Bouquets),



According to Jacky Baboune, one of the owners of the company, this loading operation was under the protection of the National Police of Haiti which ensured the safety of several trucks that a dozen employees were loading with crates of rum, when heavily armed individuals attacked by opening fire...



This bloody attack left 2 employees dead, at least 4 injured and 8 other employees kidnapped under duress.



These individuals seized two trucks containing goods with an estimated value of between 200,000 and 300,000 US dollars, 3 company trucks were set on fire and 8 other trucks were stolen...



Before leaving the premises with their loot, the individuals vandalized and looted all the company's offices...



TB/ PI/ HaitiLibre


















Published on 2023/07/25

K-drama has taken the world by storm, becoming widely available on a variety of streaming platforms. Nowadays, we cannot go anywhere without seeing at least something related to K-drama, marking its incredible influence on Western pop culture. Whether you're an avid fan or new to this addictive genre, get ready to embark on an exciting journey filled with deep emotions and complex plots.

The Fascination with Korean Culture and K-Drama

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We cannot discuss K-drama without first discussing the fascination with Korean culture. While it seems relatively recent, there have been several references to it in Western pop culture, especially in film. Until today, many remember Jim Carrey's iconic film, Yes Man, where he, as a destitute divorcee, attends Korean language classes. The legendary movie reminds us once again that the fascination with Korean culture has deeper roots than just a passing trend.

From music to fashion to beauty, there is something captivating about the uniqueness and vibrancy of Korean culture. And at the heart of this global love affair lies K-Drama. Korean dramas, or K-Dramas as they are more known, have transcended borders, offering viewers a glimpse into the lives and stories of this beautiful nation.

One reason why Korean culture holds such a special place in people's hearts is its ability to seamlessly blend tradition with modernity. Whether it's showcasing traditional customs or exploring contemporary issues, they effortlessly capture the essence of Korean life - past and present. Moreover, Korean culture places great emphasis on family values and relationships, which resonates with audiences globally who can relate to these universal themes.

Additionally, K-Dramas often feature stunning scenes that showcase Korea's landscapes and vibrant cityscapes. Furthermore, the acting style tends to be a tad more dramatic and differs from the more realistic Western approach, but still manages to evoke a wide range of emotions within viewers, making them truly addictive experiences.

Last but certainly not least important is how accessible K-dramas have become globally due to streaming platforms like Netflix offering subtitles in multiple languages, with more popular shows even getting dubbed. This accessibility has allowed fans worldwide access not only top-tier content but also exposure for actors seeking international fame.

K-Drama Recommendations

If you're new to K-Drama and have no clue what to start watching - fear not! We've got a myriad of recommendations below for you. Regardless of your preferred genre, you're sure to find something that will captivate your heart and keep you hooked for hours on end and ensure you start your journey with a bang.

Romantic comedies, probably the most popular genre, are known for their charming and lighthearted storylines. These shows often revolve around unlikely relationships paired with hilarious situations that keep viewers hooked from start to finish. Examples include "My Love from the Star" and "Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo".

Another great example is "Crash Landing on You", which is an absolute must-watch. This romantic comedy-drama follows the story of a South Korean heiress who accidentally crash-lands in North Korea during a paragliding trip. The chemistry between the lead actors is undeniable, and the plot twists will leave you begging for more.

Historical dramas are another popular genre, transporting viewers back in time by immersing them in rich narratives set against the backdrop of ancient Korea. These shows combine elements of history, romance, and political intrigue to create captivating stories that leave a lasting impression. Some great historical dramas include "Empress Ki" and "The Moon Embracing the Sun".

And if you're looking for one of the best-rated historical dramas, then "Mr. Sunshine" might be for you. Set during Korea's Joseon Dynasty era in the early 1900s, before the Japanese annexation, this epic series follows a young Korean man who escaped slavery to go to the US. He later returns to Korea as a US Marine Corps officer only to find himself caught up in political turmoil and forbidden love, forced to make impossible choices.

For those seeking more adrenaline-pumping excitement, action-packed thrillers like "City Hunter" and Signal deliver gripping plotlines filled with suspense and mystery. Alternatively, for those craving something darker and suspenseful, "Secret Forest" is perfect. This crime thriller delves into corruption within the legal system as two individuals team up to uncover hidden truths while facing their own personal demons.

For fans of supernatural themes, they will be captivated by fantasy dramas such as "W". And you should definitely check out "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God" (review), also known as Goblin. This supernatural romance revolves around an immortal goblin who seeks redemption by finding his human bride with whom he can end his eternal life.

Other notable shows in K-Drama include medical dramas like "Doctor Stranger", crime-solving mysteries like "Tunnel - Drama", heartwarming family-oriented series like "Answer Me 1988", or even slice-of-life stories depicted beautifully through works such as "Because This Is My First Life".

Conclusion

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the K-Drama scene, there are countless shows waiting to be discovered. And the aforementioned recommendations barely scratch the surface when it comes to exploring all that K-dramas have to offer. So, grab some popcorn, find a comfortable spot on your couch, and immerse yourself in the captivating world of K-Drama.
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A sixty (60) member joint AU-ECOWAS delegation is in Liberia on a two prong official working visit including, "A Pre-elections Fact Finding Mission, and an "ECOWAS Parliament Delocalized Meeting" ahead of Liberia's Presidential and Legislative Elections scheduled for October 10.

As Liberia prepares to hold its fifth post-war General and Presidential Elections on 10 October, 2023, since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord, a joint AU-ECOWAS, mission of 60 members from the African Union, ECOWAS Commission and ECOWAS Parliament arrived in the country on Sunday July 23rd 2023, on a two prong official working visit including a Pre-elections Fact Finding mission, and Delocalized Meeting of the Joint Committees of ECOWAS Parliament. The mission will be in Liberia for a week.

The Pre-election Fact-Finding Mission was organized in keeping with the provisions of Article 12 of the Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, Article 53 (c) of the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework, and the decision of the Authority of Heads of State to send timely pre-election missions to Member States holding elections. It will be held along with delegates from the African Union Commission as part of the collaborative efforts to promote credible and peaceful electoral processes in Africa.

The ECOWAS-AU Pre-election Fact-Finding Mission to Liberia hopes to achieve several objectives including collecting all the legal texts governing the conduct of the 2023 General Elections, collect information on the conditions under which the elections shall be conducted, gathering all pertinent information regarding the candidates and political parties involved in the contest, meeting all the candidates, political party leaders, government officials, and other relevant stakeholders, assessing the state of preparedness for the conduct of the polls, and gathering any other useful information that may enable a clearer understanding of the political atmosphere in the country.

The high power visit will also see the Fifth Legislature of ECOWAS Parliament's Joint Committees Delocalized Meetings in Monrovia.

The Joint Committees meeting which will run from 25-29 July 2023, under the topic, "Enhancing Political Inclusivity in the Participatory Governance Process," a mechanism for promoting peace and security.," will include committees on Political Affairs, Peace, Security and APRM/ Legal Affairs and Human Rights/ Social Affairs, Gender and Women Empowerment.

It comes in compliance with the adopted Activity Program of the ECOWAS Parliament for the year 2023, and aims at highlighting ECOWAS strategy for building a more inclusive society in the face of peace and security challenges affecting the sub-region, and to strengthen the role of the ECOWAS Parliament in promoting peace and security across West Africa.

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The former Chair of the Independent National Elections Commission of Nigeria, Prof. Attahirou Jega, who is also Commissioner for Political Affairs Peace & Security of the ECOWAS Commission, is heading the mission of the ECOWAS - AU mission.

Meanwhile, to facilitate the gathering of relevant and useful information on the electoral process, members of the mission will interact during their stay in Liberia with the National Elections Commission, political parties, civil society organizations, youth and women organizations, national authorities, security agencies, and media regulation authorities.

The outcome and findings derived from the meetings with the stakeholders will be captured in a final mission report with eventual recommendations that will shape ECOWAS and AU's engagement and assistance to Liberia ahead of the 2023 General Elections.

The mission to Liberia is in addition to ongoing technical support and funding to the National Elections Commission of Liberia.
press release

Today, the United States is designating three Malian officials who have worked closely with the Wagner Group to facilitate and expand Wagner's presence in Mali since December 2021. Civilian fatalities have surged by 278 percent since Wagner forces deployed to Mali in December 2021. Many of those deaths were the result of operations conducted by Malian Armed Forces alongside members of the Wagner Group.

The United States will continue to take action against those who facilitate the Wagner Group's destabilizing activities, which pose threats to peace and security in Mali and the region. As the largest bilateral donor of development and humanitarian assistance to Mali, the United States supports the people of Mali in their aspirations for peace, prosperity, and democracy.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Malian Defense Minister Colonel Sadio Camara, Air Force Chief of Staff Colonel Alou Boi Diarra, and Deputy Chief of Staff Lieutenant Colonel Adama Bagayoko, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O) 14024 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, the Wagner Group, a U.S.-designated entity, pursuant to E.O. 14024. For more information on today's actions, see Treasury's press release.

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
University of Zimbabwe (UZ) student, Darlington Upenyu Chigwena (21) has finally tasted freedom after spending a month in pretrial detention.

He is facing numerous charges of criminal nuisance and damage to property.

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) successfully sought Chingwena's release from remand prison this Monday.

"We have ended the inordinate prison misery of Darlington Chigwena, a 21-year-old UZ student, who had been languishing in prison for more than 1 month after he was arrested and charged with 7 counts of criminal nuisance and 7 counts of malicious damage to property for allegedly defacing some buildings in a protest wherein they reportedly condemned judicial capture and demanded the release of political prisoners Zengeza West MP Hon. Job Sikhala and Transform Zimbabwe party leader, Jacob Ngarivhume," tweeted ZLHR.

Darlington Upenyu Chigwena

Chigwena was represented by Paida Saurombe of ZLHR.

The student activist was in 2022 part of a UZ mob that appeared in court to answer to charges of participating in a public gathering, with the intention of promoting public violence.

He was arraigned alongside Allan Chipoyi, Tatenda Innocent Kutsurayi, Tanaka Mazvanya, Narshon Kohlo, Tinotenda Mukora, Takundanashe Boldwin Antonio, Takunda Chinoda, Panashe Chrispen Moyo and Leo Mashonganyika.

Allegations were that the accused, and their accomplices, all members of the Zimbabwe National Students Union, gathered close to the UZ Administration block and went on to sing and wave placards and, in the process, disturbed the peace and also blocked free movement of traffic.

Avondale police officers were deployed and when they approached them, the students turned violent, leading to their arrest.
India was beginning to burn. Communal violence was erupting across large swathes of the Punjab and Bengal... Yet the potentates who assembled in the Chamber of Princes (COP) in Delhi on 25 July 1947 seemed oblivious to the butchery. Nearly one hundred rajas, maharajas, maharaj ranas, khans, nawabs and dewans were meeting as a body for the last time in the Council House, the huge circular Herbert Baker-designed building that would house the future Parliament of independent India... In just three weeks, half a century of nationalist struggle would culminate in Britains departure. From his quarters in the Viceregal Estate, Sir Cyril Radcliffe was consulting census reports as he finalized the boundaries of the new dominions of India and Pakistan. In offices around the subcontinent, officials were furiously calculating the final division of everything from rolling stock to rice reserves, from typewriters to telephones. The only uncertainty that remained was how the 562 princely states  a motley collection once described as the oddest political set-up that the world has ever seen  would fit into this new paradigm. PREMIUM Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Today, Patel is often called the Bismarck of India for repeating the German chancellors feat of cajoling a group of scattered and disparate princedoms into giving up their sovereignty and creating a cohesive nation state. (HT Photo)

337pp, Rs799; Juggernaut

It was not just the heat on that day  a stifling 44.5 degrees Celsius  that was piling discomfort on an already prickly and politically charged summer. Just a week earlier, the Indian Independence Act had received royal assent. It provided for the handover of power to two new dominions on 15 August. All treaties with the British Crown would lapse, technically leaving the princes free to join either India or Pakistan, or if they chose, to declare themselves independent. Among the princes, the imminent departure of the Raj evoked a range of emotions. A handful had accepted the inevitability of Independence and the necessity of preparing for the new realities it would bring. Many palpably dreaded and resented what they saw as their future once Britains political and military protection was withdrawn. Despite the provisions of the Independence Act, they would, they feared, be absorbed into the new India against their will. Their autocratic powers and privileges would be washed away, their palaces and treasuries seized, their right to impose customs duties and earn royalties on their mineral wealth wrested from them, and their personal fortunes taxed. They could keep their Rolls-Royces and royal stables, but these would be empty symbols of lost prestige. Hallowed decorations and knighthoods bestowed by the King Emperor in return for their loyalty would be a thing of the past.

... As the rulers and their representatives waited for the entrance of Lord Louis Mountbatten, conflicting rumours swept through the assemblage. Some heard that Indias last viceroy was about to declare the princes independent, others that he would make a dramatic announcement that would effectively sever the century-old sacred compact between the Crown and its feudatories. Entering the chamber, Mountbatten seemed to draw strength from the heat like a salamander. Dressed in his full viceregal ivory-white uniform, his chest flashing with a breastplate of orders, decorations, and medals, he looked every inch the cousin of the British monarch King George VI.

The new dominion gained political cohesion, land and money. By the end of 1949, it had added 13 lakh square kilometres of territory and more than 9 crore subjects, easily offsetting what it had lost because of Partition. One estimate put the total value of public holdings transferred from the princes to the new Indian Union to be around 100 crore. (Courtesy Dethroned by John Zubrzycki)

Walking on the red carpet alongside him was the imposing figure of Vallabhbhai Patel, the head of the recently formed States Department. His broad and heavy features and glassy, hooded eyes gave the impression of a man worn down by years of struggle. Yet the seventy-two-year-old politician, described by one nationalist leader as a rough diamond in an iron casket, was the most powerful figure inside the Congress party after the interim prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Patel kept the cogs of Congress turning by wooing industrialists to fill the partys coffers, while acting as a brake against its more radical elements. Had he achieved his ambition of becoming Indias first prime minister, his centrist pro-market ideology would have seen the country take a radically different course from the socialist model espoused by Nehru. Today, Patel is often called the Bismarck of India for repeating the German chancellors feat of cajoling a group of scattered and disparate princedoms into giving up their sovereignty and creating a cohesive nation-state. In reality, as his biographer DV Tahmankar notes: the task in India was infinitely more difficult and complex than Bismarcks, with not dozens but hundreds of potentates reluctant to give up ancestral estates, great privileges and ruling powers. Writing a few months after Independence, a Western journalist described Patel as a Hindu Cromwell courteously decapitating hundreds of little King Charleses, in the process turning the princes into pensioners and giving their subjects political unity and a voice they had never known before...

VP Menon, States Ministry, Government of India. It was the slightly rotund, balding and bespectacled Menon, the secretary of the States Department, who had come up with the deceptively simple plan of accession limited to three subjects  defence, foreign affairs and communications  which would be used, to great effect, to disarm the princes. (HT Photo)

The feat was not Patels alone. In fact, the real architect of the accession and integration of the states was a diminutive Malayali with a penchant for Savile Row suits, Cuban cigars and slate-blue Cadillacs. Over a remarkable three-decade-long career, Vappala Pangunni (VP) Menon had gone from being a coolie in the mines of the Kolar Gold Fields to holding the highest position in the government ever held by an Indian, serving as reforms commissioner and constitutional adviser to three viceroys, Lord Linlithgow, Lord Wavell and now Mountbatten. It was the slightly rotund, balding and bespectacled Menon, the secretary of the States Department, who had come up with the deceptively simple plan of accession limited to three subjects  defence, foreign affairs and communications  which would be used, to great effect, to disarm the princes. In the weeks and months to come, Patels powerful personality, which mixed fury with charm and persuasion with coercion, would complement Menons skills as a tactician. When Patel, in a rare moment of hesitation, expressed unease that the departure of the British would mean that treaties would be torn up and undertakings abandoned, Menon responded: We start with a clean slate. It is now our turn to say how the princes will behave. This frankness would appeal to Patel, who would increasingly rely on the man who became his deputy in the States Department to formulate and implement the policies that would ultimately redraw the map of India.

Missing from the historic conclave was the only British official who knew each of the rulers personally. Conrad Corfield, the viceroys adviser on the princely states until his position and powers were taken over by Patel and Menon, had submitted his resignation and boarded a plane for London just a few days earlier. Indian nationalists regarded Corfield as the man who wanted to Balkanize India by encouraging the states to exercise their legal right to choose between the two dominions or to become independent entities. After serving in the states for more than three decades, Corfield believed it was his job to protect the princes interests and their bargaining power. He was also convinced that Mountbatten was about to make a set of promises to the princes that he could not guarantee. One of Corfields final acts had been to destroy thousands of secret files maintained by the British on the often scandalous private lives of Indias potentates. Also striking in their absence were the princes who had ignored Mountbattens invitation to attend the COP meeting. Chief among them were Indores ruler Yeshwant Rao Holkar and the nawab of Bhopal, Hamidullah Khan. The pair were viewed by Patel, Menon and others in the States Department as the co-conspirators of a scheme to plunge a dagger into the very heart of India by lobbying a slew of contiguous states to accede to Pakistan... Other notable absentees were the dewan ofTravancore, CP Ramaswami Aiyar, and the mightiest ruler of all, the dangerously eccentric Osman Ali Khan of Hyderabad. Bhopal, Hyderabad and Travancore had declared their states would become independent once the British departed, with Aiyar adamant that his maharaja took orders from God and no one else. Inspired by the example of these three states, other headstrong potentates were re-evaluating their future too.

Louis Mountbatten at the All India Radio Broadcast office. Using every weapon in his oratorical armoury, Mountbatten told the princes that he was about to present them with a take it or leave it offer, which would not be repeated. They would be given instruments to sign, which provided for accession on just three subjects  defence, foreign affairs and communications. Their internal affairs would be left untouched. (KL Luthra/HT Photo)

As Mountbatten took his place on the dais, the gloom seemed to lift, and a frisson of excitement mixed with anticipation filled the room where, for the past quarter century, Indias chiefs had tried in vain to overcome their divisions and petty feuds and face their challenges head-on. If there was anything resembling a consensus among them as they waited for Mountbatten to begin his speech, it was the view that as a blue-blooded royal with a passion for polo and pigsticking, Mountbatten would prove an ally when they needed one the most. He knew many of the princes personally, counting among his close friends the maharajas of Bikaner and Jaipur and the Nawab of Bhopal. Only the canniest of those present noticed a slight but significant departure from tradition. Normally, only the viceroy occupied the dais. This time a special seat was prepared for Patel  a placement the Maharawal of Dungarpur interpreted as a not-so-subtle signal that the tide was turning against the princes. After ruling over nearly half of Indias land mass and holding the power of life and death over a third of its population, their day of reckoning had come.

...Using every weapon in his oratorical armoury, Mountbatten told the princes that he was about to present them with a take it or leave it offer, which would not be repeated. They would be given instruments to sign, which provided for accession on just three subjects  defence, foreign affairs and communications. Their internal affairs would be left untouched. There would be no financial liability on the part of the states, nor would the central government have any power to encroach on their internal autonomy or sovereignty. It was a bargain so advantageous, Mountbatten assured them, that he wasnt even sure the Indian government would accept it. My scheme leaves you with all the practical independence you can possibly use and makes you free of all those subjects which you cannot possibly manage on your own.... Playing to their love of titles, Mountbatten told the assembled monarchs that if they signed on the dotted line, there was every likelihood that Patel and the Congress would not interfere with their receiving honours and titles from the king. He also issued a blunt reminder  one that would come back to haunt the Indian government as it grappled with the Kashmir crisis: The States are theoretically free to link their future with whichever Dominion they may care [to]. But when I say that they are at liberty to link up with either of the Dominions, may I point out that there are certain geographical compulsions which cannot be evaded. Out of something like 565 States, the vast majority are irretrievably linked . . . with the Dominion of India. His control of the meeting never faltered, writes Mountbattens biographer Philip Ziegler. He sensed precisely when to curdle the blood with fearful prophesies, when to relieve them with a joke. Answering questions from the floor, Mountbatten at one point resorted to pantomime, reading an absent princes mind with the aid of a paperweight that he pretended was a crystal ball. Should this absent prince sign the Instrument of Accession? he asked the paperweight. The answer was, of course, yes. While the gag elicited some laughter from those assembled, by the end of the gathering, the expression on the face of even the richest of them was the sad, lost look of men in defeat. Buried beneath the gravitas was the fact that Mountbatten was making promises on behalf of entities that had yet to come into existence, namely, the dominions of India and Pakistan. Sessions of the COP normally lasted two days. This final one lasted less than two hours. The princes were told that the viceroy was preoccupied with other matters and had to leave. Having observed the reaction to the speech, Mountbattens press secretary Alan Campbell-Johnson saw how the princes, leaderless, riven with dynastic and political dissensions, tried desperately to hide behind opportunism and indecision, but events were moving much too fast and on too large a scale to allow of any such halting tactics. Mountbattens immediate assessment of the gathering was blunter. Very few of the Princes or their representatives seemed to have any idea of what was going on around them. Unless they accepted the Instrument they would be finished, swept away by the forces of nationalism that were opposed to autocratic rule. That afternoon, Campbell-Johnson and Menon prepared a sanitized official transcript of the speech Mountbatten had delivered. He threatened sanctions  such as withholding arms, ammunitions and other supplies  against States not agreeing to accede, his joint private secretary, WHJ Christie noted in his diary. He also let Travancores absent dewan have it for daring to make overtures to Britain and the United Nations and pledged to do everything in his power to make life difficult for the state if it continued to resist joining India. Mountbatten was determined to go down in history as the man who brought the princes to heel. He would show no pity to those who dared oppose him.

Nizam Osman Ali Khan of Hyderabad. Also striking in their absence were the princes who had ignored Mountbattens invitation to attend the COP meeting. Chief among them were Indores ruler Yeshwant Rao Holkar and the nawab of Bhopal, Hamidullah Khan... Other notable absentees were the dewan of Travancore, CP Ramaswami Aiyar, and the mightiest ruler of all, the dangerously eccentric Osman Ali Khan of Hyderabad. Bhopal, Hyderabad and Travancore had declared their states would become independent once the British departed. (HT Photo)

While the viceroy projected unshakeable confidence, Patel and Menon were watchful. A slew of states from Travancore on the Malabar coast to tiny Bilaspur in the Himalayan foothills were daring to dream of independence. Filled with dread at the prospect of acceding to either India or Pakistan, Kashmirs Maharaja Hari Singh was clinging to the belief that his state could become the Switzerland of the East. The leader of the Muslim League Muhammad Ali Jinnah was busy wooing future border states such as Jodhpur as well as Sikh princes, thrusting blank sheets of paper in front of them and promising to agree to any terms for accession they demanded. In Alwar and Bharatpur, Muslims were attempting to join forces with their co-religionists in the Punjab to form an independent Meostan, while the Jats hankered for a separate Jatistan. Dholpurs ruler believed he had a divine right to do what he wanted. Kathiawar had to be brought to heel when word leaked out that several of this peninsulas princely states might form a union and ally with Pakistan. In Rampur, the nawab briefly flirted with acceding only to be forced to appeal for outside intervention to prevent his state from descending into communal bloodshed when he rejected Jinnahs overtures. Even Gwalior, a state so pro British that its ruler George Jiwajirao Scindia was named after the king of England, deviated from the path laid out by the viceroy by begging at the last moment to be allowed to determine its own future.

The urgency with which the princes were being dealt with stemmed from the very real fear that while an India deprived of its eastern and western wings because of Partition would survive, an India deprived of its states would lose all coherence. In an influential essay published in 1944, the constitutional expert Reginald Coupland wrote: [The states] form a great cruciform barrier separating all four quarters of the country. If no more than the Central Indian States and Hyderabad and Mysore were excluded from the Union, the United Provinces would be almost completely cut off from Bombay, and Bombay completely from Sind. The strategic and economic implications are obvious enough. The practicability of Pakistan must be admitted, but the more the separation of the States from British India is considered, the more impracticable it seems. India could live if its Moslem limbs in the North-West and North-East were amputated, but could it live without its heart? Mountbatten would later congratulate himself for giving Patel and Menon what they wanted: the accession of all but a handful of the hundreds of disparate states in the space of just a few weeks. The new dominion gained political cohesion, land and money. By the end of 1949, it had added 13 lakh square kilometres of territory and more than 9 crore subjects, easily offsetting what it had lost because of Partition. One estimate put the total value of public holdings transferred from the princes to the new Indian Union to be around 100 crore. But there were costs. The process was nowhere near as painless or as bloodless as its architects would assert  the most obvious exception to this claim being the thousands of lives lost during the misnamed Police Action in Hyderabad. The nizams doomed attempt to exercise his legal right to independence resulted in at least 25,000 lives lost and the displacement of many thousands more. And accession was not in itself a final solution, as Menon put it  an unfortunate choice of phrase, given its Nazi echoes  to the problem of the states. That would require Patel and him to roll back their promises not to interfere in the princes internal affairs. The map of India would have to be redrawn, ancient boundaries erased and once-proud lineages reduced to scraps of paper.

Author John Zubrzycki (Courtesy Juggernaut)

The motivations of the main players in this endgame of empire differed greatly. For Congress leaders, the princely states were bastions of despotism, debauchery and decay... Corfield and others who had served in them, including many Indian dewans, ministers and administrators, took a more nuanced view. Yes, there were tyrants who should have been deposed had it not been for their usefulness to the British, but there were also many states such as Mysore, Baroda and Aundh where indigenous rule was benevolent, devoid of communal friction, based on a stable social structure and carried out in an atmosphere of security and loyalty. Given time, it would be possible for the princes to put their houses in order. While Nehru was making no secret of his abhorrence of feudal autocracy, the father of Hindutva, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, saw the states as representing the true India, portals to a pure, ancient past, and even as the foundation on which the future nation could be launched. As for the princes, all but the most myopic had some inkling that the tide of history was turning against them, that the prospect of dozens of mini Ulsters made up of larger states exercising their right to independence and of small states creating their own federations would never be tolerated by the leaders of a newly independent dominion of India or Pakistan.

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Looking to watch Barbie starring Margot Robbie. Here's how you can stream and watch Margot Robbie's The highly-anticipated Barbie 2023 Movie online for free.

Watch Barbie Online! Here are options for downloading or watching Barbie streaming the full movie online for free on 123movies & Reddit, including where to watch Margot Robbie's latest animated comedy movie Barbie 2023 for free at home. Is Barbie available to stream? Is watching Barbie on Peacock, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Netflix or Amazon Prime? Yes, we have found an authentic streaming option/service.

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Barbie will be in theaters beginning July 21. If you're wondering how and where you can watch it this weekend, take a look at the info below. See our review of Barbie for more info about the movie. Barbie is finally here. Find how to watch the long-awaited Warner Bros Comedy movie Barbie 2023 online for free.

Starring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, the film follows the duo as they embark on a journey of self-discovery after being banned from the utopian-like Barbie Land. The film also stars a slew of iconic actors including America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Michael Cera and Nicola Coughlan.

Based on the popular Barbie fashion dolls by Mattel and the first live-action movie based on the eponymous doll, Barbie is a fantasy comedy-drama movie that revolves around Barbie, who lives in the perfect world of Barbie Land. The upcoming film, directed by Little Womens Greta Gerwig, includes an incredibly stacked cast list of actors and actresses including (but not limited to) Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Will Ferrell, and Sex Education stars Emma Mackey and Ncuti Gatwa. Not only is the cast seriously worthy of praise, but the aesthetics of the film is also catching the attention of movie buffs everywhere, especially those that had a Barbie doll or two during their childhood years.

Get ready to twirl and swirl with excitement as the fabulous Barbie and Ken come alive on the dazzling silver screen! The brilliant Margot Robbie will be gracing us as the one and only Barbie, while the charming Ryan Gosling will be sweeping us off our feet as the dashing (but just) Ken in this highly anticipated movie, brought to life by director Greta Gerwig. With Margot's star power and charisma, and Ryan's undeniable charm, this dynamic duo is set to make Barbie's world sparkle like never before.

Two of the summer's biggest movies, Barbie and Oppenheimer, hit theaters this weekend, setting Greta Gerwig's colorful comedy against Christopher Nolan's triumphant/tragic drama. Whether you're planning to just see Barbie or booking tickets for a 'Barbenheimer' double feature, we've got you covered with this compilation of all the available info on Barbie's theatrical and eventual streaming release.

Barbie might have had numerous animated films thus far, but never a live-action depiction of the pink car and the stylish outfits. Although the idea of turning the Mattel staple into a live-action had been discussed for over a decade, it took Greta Gerwig to sign her name onto the project and make it fly off the page. With none other than Margot Robbie playing the beloved doll, Barbie might be one of the most anticipated productions to come out this summer.

So where can you watch Barbie? Is it on Netflix? What about Max? Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming Barbie movie, including where and how to watch Barbie 2023 online for free.

Will Barbie Be Available on Streaming Free?

Barbie will initially only be released exclusively in movie theaters. However, once the film's theatrical window has ended it will be available to stream exclusively on Warner Bro's newly rebranded streaming service Max, following in the footsteps of other recent Warner Bros releases including Shazam! Fury of the Gods and Magic Mike's Last Dance.

Viewers can use various devices to access Angel Studios streaming platform, including: Roku, Android TV, Google TV, Apple TV, and Fire TV; Chrome OS, macOS, and Windows PC; and Android Phones and Tablets, Fire Tablets, iPhones, and iPads.

Will Barbie Be in Movie Theaters?

Yes, Barbie will initially be released exclusively in movie theaters. Tickets for the highly anticipated film went on sale on June 21, 2023, and a promotional video was released to coincide with the announcement.

Barbie will be available in most theaters beginning July 21. To find when and where you can watch the movie near you, check the local showtime listings at the main theater sites below:

 Fandango

 AMC Theaters

 Cinemark Theaters

 Regal Theaters

Where to Watch Barbie Online?

As of now, the only way to watch Barbie is to head out to a movie theater when it releases on Friday, July 21. You can find a local showing on Fandango. Otherwise, youll just have to wait for it to become available to rent or purchase on digital platforms like Amazon, Vudu, YouTube and Apple or become available to stream on Max.

There are currently no platforms that have the rights to Watch Barbie Online. MAPPA has decided to air the movie only in theaters because it has been a huge success. The studio, on the other hand, does not wish to divert revenue. Streaming the movie would only slash the profits, not increase them.

As a result, no streaming services are authorized to offer Barbie for free. The film would, however, very definitely be acquired by services like Funimation, Netflix, and Crunchyroll. As a last consideration, which of these outlets will likely distribute the film worldwide?

Netflix and Hulu are always probable options, as are Amazon Prime Video and YouTube Movies. Apple TV+ is also a likely option, but youll definitely have to take our predictions with a grain of salt as its also just as likely that Barbie wont stream on any of these sites. (Who knows? Maybe Warner Bros. will release their own streaming site by 2023!)

Is Barbie streaming on Netflix?

No, Barbie is not coming to Netflix  and it likely wont be there any time soon, seeing as it is going to stream on Max. In the meantime, youll just have to head out to a theater or wait for it to become available on streaming and VOD.

Will Barbie Be On HBO Max?

As we all know, HBO Max is no stranger to acquiring brand-new films not too long after they were released in theaters. Dune and Robert Pattinsons The Batman are just a few of these titles that the streaming platform managed to add to its lineup. Because of this, its safe to assume Barbie will also be a film HBO Max quickly secures once it officially leaves theaters.

Warner Bros. is distributing the Barbie movie, and it owns the Max (formerly HBO Max) streaming service. It has released a number of movies exclusively on the streaming service, and the Barbie movie could follow suit. Whats more, with other Warner Brothers Pictures films like Tenet and Aquaman on the site, its expected that the production company will continue this partnership with HBO Max. As far as other streaming platforms are concerned, we certainly wouldnt put it past this star-studded film to debut on sites, too.

Is Barbie on Amazon Prime?

Unfortunately, there is no digital release date for Barbie yet. Evil Dead Rise, another recent Warner Bros. Pictures film, came to digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video about 18 days after its theatrical release. If Barbie follows the same pattern, you might be able to rent or purchase it by Aug. 8, 2023.

But if Gerwigs film sticks to the 45-day standard that most movies follow, it might not be available on digital until early September 2023.

Will Barbie Be On Disney Plus?

Disney+ subscribers might be disappointed that Barbie is unavailable for streaming on the platform. Alternatively, quite a few similar options are at your disposal, including Enchanted and Disenchanted.

Is Barbie Available On Hulu?

Viewers are saying that they want to view the new animation movie Barbie on Hulu. Unfortunately, this is not possible since Hulu currently does not offer any of the free episodes of this series streaming at this time. It will be exclusive to the MTV channel, which you get by subscribing to cable or satellite TV services. You will not be able to watch it on Hulu or any other free streaming service.

How to Watch Barbie Free Online?

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There are a few ways to watch Barbie online in the U.S. You can use a streaming service such as Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video. You can also rent or buy the movie on iTunes or Google Play. You can also watch it on-demand or on a streaming app available on your TV or streaming device if you have cable.

Barbie Movie Cast:

Barbie was written by Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach. It was directed by Greta Gerwig and stars the following actors:

 Margot Robbie as Barbie

 Ryan Gosling as Ken

 America Ferrera as Gloria

 Michael Cera as Allan

 Kingsley Ben-Adir as Ken

 Kate McKinnon as Barbie

 John Cena as Ken

 Issa Rae as Barbie

 Will Ferrell as Mattel CEO

What Is Barbie About?

The Barbie Movie 2023 follows the timeless character of Barbie on a thrilling adventure that takes her on a magical journey through various worlds. When an ancient curse threatens to plunge the world into darkness, Barbie, who happens to be a princess with secret magical powers, must embark on a quest to find the enchanted Crystal of Light. This crystal holds the key to reversing the curse and restoring balance to the universe.

Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colourful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same. The decision to read hereinafter is purely a matter of choice and shall be construed as an express undertaking/guarantee in favour of Hindustan Times of being absolved from any/ all potential legal action, or enforceable claims. Hindustan Times does not encourage/ promote piracy by any means. The links given here are not taking the users to pirated streaming contents.
In a pioneering endeavor to combat cervical cancer's silent threat, Seema Singh, the visionary founder of Meghashrey NGO, has taken her relentless commitment to women's health to rural parts of India. Through the "Cervical Cancer Awareness in Rural India" campaign, she is determined to bridge the knowledge gap and save lives in underserved communities.

Cervical cancer remains a pressing health concern for women, especially in rural areas, where access to healthcare and awareness are often limited. Seema Singh's compassionate vision, however, has been a beacon of hope for countless women in these regions. The campaign's key mission is to educate and empower women about cervical cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of regular screenings.

Armed with a team of dedicated volunteers and medical professionals, Seema Singh has been conducting impactful awareness workshops and informative sessions in remote villages. The campaign aims to dispel myths surrounding cervical cancer, as misinformation often hinders timely interventions and preventive measures.

"The lack of awareness is a formidable challenge in rural India. We believe that knowledge is power, and by disseminating accurate information, we empower women to take charge of their health," Seema Singh passionately expressed.

Through vibrant community engagement and informative material, the campaign has successfully reached out to women, encouraging them to prioritize their well-being and seek timely screenings. In collaboration with local health authorities, Meghashrey NGO has also organized free screening camps, making healthcare accessible to those who need it most.

"I never knew how crucial regular screenings were until attending one of these workshops. Now, I understand the importance of taking care of my health," said an attendee who benefited from the campaign's outreach efforts.

Seema Singh's visionary work has garnered praise from both local communities and health experts alike. Her holistic approach to raising awareness and fostering a culture of proactive health-seeking behavior has proven instrumental in creating a significant impact on women's lives.

Supported by Seema Singh and MeghaShrey NGO, the "Cervical Cancer Awareness in Rural India" campaign continues to grow in reach and influence. It stands as a testament to Seema Singh's unwavering commitment to driving change and making a difference in the lives of women in rural India.

As the campaign thrives and awareness spreads, Seema Singh and the Meghashrey team are hopeful that their efforts will help shape a healthier and more empowered future for women across rural India, where knowledge, compassion, and dedicated advocacy pave the way for brighter tomorrows.

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.
If you are planning to buy Hyundai's Exter micro SUV, which was launched for the Indian market last month, then here is something you need to know. The car has a waiting period of at least five months, and, in case of two variants, up to 1 year. This means that if you book your Exter today, it will be delivered to or handed over to you after five-six months or one full year from the booking date. Hyundai Exter is the tallest and has the longest wheelbase in its segment.(HT Auto/Sabyasachi Dasgupta)

Hyundai Exter: Waiting period

According to HT Auto, the waiting period has stretched up to 1 year on the car's EX and EX(O) variants. On the other trims, meanwhile, it ranges from five to six months.

Hyundai Exter: Variants and price

In addition to EX and EX(O), the South Korean automaker is offering the SUV in these trims: S, S(O), SX, SX(O), and SX(O) Connect. These are priced between 5.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and 9.31 lakh (ex-showroom).

Hyundai Exter: Powertrain

Exter comes in both petrol and CNG powertrains. The petrol engine is a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated (NA) unit which churns out maximum power output and peak torque of 81.86 bhp and 113.8 Nm respectively. On CNG, meanwhile, maximum power gets reduced to 68 bhp and peak torque to 95.2 Nm.

Hyundai Exter: Safety features

For passenger safety, the company is giving features such as six airbags, Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), parking sensors, central locking system, seat belt reminders, high-speed alert, and emergency stop signal.

The higher variants have these additional safety features: Electronic Stability Control (ESC), vehicle stability management, hill start assist, and rear parking camera.

Hyundai Exter: Rivals

Exter has competitors such as C3 (Citroen), Fronx and Ignis (both Maruti Suzuki), Kiger (Renault), Magnite (Nissan) and Punch (Tata Motors).

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On the ongoing Manipur issue, Karnataka Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao accused BJP leaders of diverting attention from the issue and emphasised that the Prime Minister is diverting from the main issue and Karnataka Health and family welfare minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. (HT Photo)

Minister also accused Central government for having double standards on the issue and trying to save Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

Karnataka Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said, "They (BJP leaders) are trying to divert attention, trying to talk about some other states like Rajasthan, and when the Prime Minister talks he tries to divert this subject instead of owning responsibility. If it had been an opposition-ruled state, by now they would've called president's rule... Why is he protecting the Chief Minister and the BJP government. It is double standards of the Central Government".

READ | Aam Aadmi Party to stage protest at Jantar Mantar over Manipur crisis

Opposition parties continued their protest in the two Houses of Parliament over their demands relating to the debate on the Manipur situation with both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha seeing adjournments on Monday.

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 12 noon and then till 2 pm.

In Rajya Sabha, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar suspended Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh on Monday for the remainder of the monsoon session of Parliament for repeatedly violating the Chairs directives.

The Chairman first named Sanjay Singh for interrupting the proceedings of the House when it had taken up the Question Hour amid protests by the Opposition over its demand for a statement from Prime Minister on the Manipur violence and a detailed discussion on the issue.

Sanjay Singh came near the Chairmans podium over opposition demands.

Dhankhar told him to resume his seat. As the AAP member kept protesting, the Chairman named him.

Soon after the Chairman named Sanjay Singh, Leader of the House Piyush Goyal moved a motion urging the Chair to suspend the AAP member, saying this kind of behaviour is completely against the ethics and rules of the House.

Sanjay Singh should be suspended from the entire session of the House, he said. The Chairman put the motion for approval of the House and said Sanjay Singh was being suspended for the remainder of the monsoon session of Parliament "for having repeatedly violated the directives of the Chair".

READ | Opposition MPs protest overnight outside Parliament over Sanjay Singh's suspension, Manipur crisis

The Chairman then adjourned the House till 2 pm. Dhankhar had last week cautioned Sanjay Singh, saying that he will be forced to name the AAP member after he repeatedly protested against the proposed bill to replace the Centre's ordinance for control over services in Delhi.

Dhankhar had cautioned Sanjay Singh after urging AAP members to take their seats as he briefed the House about the proceedings of the Business Advisory Committee.

AAP has been among opposition parties demanding a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on the situation in Manipur and a detailed discussion on the issue. The government has said it is prepared to discuss the situation in Manipur.

Lok Sabha witnessed protests and sloganeering from opposition members over their demand for a discussion on the Manipur situation and a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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).
After receiving threats to the lives of judges in Karnataka, cops from the Central CEN Crime Police Station in Bengaluru filed a First Information Report (FIR) against some unidentified people on July 14. Police said the messages, which demanded a ransom of  50 lakh to be paid to a bank account in Pakistan, have come from a Dubai gang.

K Muralidhar, the press relations officer of the High Court of Karnataka, first registered a complaint with the police after getting messages on WhatsApp that threatened the lives of multiple HC judges including himself, news agency PTI reported.

READ | Karnataka HC to hear petition seeking Siddaramaiah's disqualification, alleging electoral malpractices

He filed the complaint on July 14, two days after getting threat messages on his official mobile number - given to him by the High Court - from an unknown international number, police said on Monday.

The threat messages were sent in multiple languages, including Hindi, Urdu and English. They reportedly threatened to take the lives of Muralidhar and six other judges of the High Court, namely Justice Mohammed Nawaz, Justice HT Narendra Prasad, Justice HP Sandesh, Justice K Natarajan and retired judges Justice B Veerappa and Justice Ashok G Nijagannavar.

READ | 'Slap on Cong's face': Tejasvi Surya after Karnataka HC stays proceedings against Amit Malviya in defamation case

Police officials told the agency that the messages demanded a ransom of 50 lakh, directing the judges to pay the amount to a bank account based in Pakistan. It also listed five suspicious mobile phone numbers along with the threat. Cops added that the threats have come from a Dubai gang.

In this light, the police department registered the FIR on July 14 under Sections 506, 507 and 504 of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 75 and 66(F) of the Information Technology Act. The FIR has also been submitted before the 1st Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court. Cops are on the lookout for the unknown suspects and further probe is in progress.

(With inputs from PTI)

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The private bus, taxi and auto unions called off the strike scheduled for July 27 after a crucial meeting with Karnatakas transport minister Rama Linga Reddy. Reddy said that representatives from 35 associations met him and all grievances were heard. Karnataka's private bus owners, auto unions call off July 27 strike

Also Read - Karnataka transport minister calls private bus and taxi unions for a meeting ahead of strike on July 27

Speaking to reporters on Monday evening after the meeting, Rama Linga Reddy said, The main concern of private transportation owners is that their revenue took a hit, ever since the Shakti scheme was launched in the state. They also demand a ban on bike taxis in Karnataka, which is affecting their livelihood. We will have to seek a legal opinion on their bike taxi ban demand. Welfare board for drivers, insurance for auto drivers and lifetime tax on commercial goods vehicles are among the other demands.

The representatives have also asked for the extension of the Shakti scheme to the private buses to recover from losses. There is a demand to apply Shakti scheme for private buses in Karnataka as well. The auto unions have also demanded compensation against the Shakti scheme as even they are affected by it. I directed the transport officials to estimate the possible burden on the exchequer, if their demands are met and submit a report. A decision will be taken after that, the minister added.

The unions later announced that they decided to call off the strike as their demands were heard by the government. They also reportedly asked for a meeting with the chief minister in August.

Karnataka government's Shakti scheme, the free bus travel for women passengers across the state, received a massive response. In one month, over 16 crore women passengers availed the benefit of the scheme across all four-state run transportations in Karnataka. The scheme is one of the Congress five poll promises during their campaign for Karnataka assembly elections.

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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Deputy D K Shivakumar on Tuesday ruled out any disgruntlement within the ruling Congress, amid reports that as many 30 legislators have expressed concern over non-implementation of development works in their constituencies, and said there are no such complaints. Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, with Congress MLAs in Bengaluru. (PTI)

Both of them said, the legislature party meeting has been called, most probably on Thursday, as part of a routine exercise to discuss various programmes and policies of the government, and to ensure coordination between government and party MLAs. "Who told you?" Siddaramaiah retorted, in response to a question that about 30 MLAs had written to him complaining about the functioning of Ministers and developmental work not taking place.

READ | Stand by my remarks on Siddaramaiah: Cong leader amid controversy

Noting that he had called the legislature party meeting last week, but as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was about to chair a meeting it was postponed, the CM said he has called it again on Thursday. "We will discuss it there. It has been just two months since the formation of the government. The Legislature party meeting had to be called, so I called. There are no complaints (against Ministers). They (MLAs) had asked for a legislature party meeting to be called, so have called," he added.

The Chief Minister, however, did not want to comment about Shivakumar's claims that a plot was being hatched in Singapore to topple the Congress government in Karnataka. "About Singapore, you ask him. I don't know about it, ask D K Shivakumar." The Deputy Chief Minister's claims on Monday had created a flutter in political circles.

According to reports, Congress MLAs are said to have complained to the Chief Minister and party leadership that they had not been able to get their work done in their constituencies, and also transfers as requested, and have expressed unhappiness regarding Ministers, alleging non-cooperation. The recent statement by senior party leader and MLC B K Hariprasad, that he knows how to make and bring down a chief minister, has added fuel to the speculation and is indicative that all is not well within the ruling party.

READ | "I know how to make or bring down CM," Congress leader BK Hariprasad takes dig at CM Siddaramaiah

On his part, Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress President termed reports that 30-odd MLAs have written a letter complaining about the functioning of the Ministers as "false" and mere speculations. "It is all false, no one has written such a letter. The Chief Minister and I have requested all Ministers to work taking into confidence all the legislators and lost candidates of all constituencies. All are doing their job. These are nothing but mere speculations," he told reporters here.

The Deputy CM said, "there are certain programmes, which had to be discussed, there was an Assembly session. Our five guarantee schemes, whether they are reaching people or not, are there any corruption, regarding all this we had to discuss, give guidance and information to our legislators." He said, during the Assembly session, which concluded last Friday, there was no time to call a legislature party meeting and discuss all this.

Observing that there are certain financial constraints as the government has to implement five guarantee schemes, Shivakumar said, "all the legislators have a lot of desire regarding implementing various promises they had given to people, but we are asking the MLAs to keep them on hold for some time now. In my own department legislators are seeking for implementation of works to the tune of 10 crore, 100 crore, 200 crore or 300 crore."

As the government, due to financial constraints is not in the position to spend such huge amount, the MLAs are being requested to keep things on hold and have some patience, he said. "MLAs, especially freshers, have been asked to go to the constituencies, remain with the people as there is rain and flooding in some regions; where there is drought like situation in other places. We have to make legislators understand this."

Responding to a question, the Deputy CM said, all Ministers are touring various districts and are doing their job. "What work has not been done to legislators, who have their own rights and responsibilities? Regarding transfers within the time limitations, Ministers have done, rest is left to the Chief Minister," he said. "There is no disgruntlement, it is only media creation".
Rwanda is planning to plant more trees, of which 40 per cent must be indigenous species, in order to access the carbon market, The New Times has learnt.

The country plants 30-40 million tree seedlings every year. Researchers are carrying out experiments on restoring 20 degraded indigenous (native) tree species so as to recommend those that are resistant to drought and can sequester large quantities of carbon dioxide to cope with climate change.

Concorde Nsengumuremyi, the Director General of Rwanda Forestry Authority, said the carbon market framework to help Rwanda compete on the international carbon market has been completed and is awaiting approval in the coming months.

The carbon market allows nations to finance carbon-cutting projects in other countries and count the avoided emissions towards their own climate targets.

A carbon credit is a kind of permit that represents one tonne of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere.

Rwanda targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 38 per cent by 2030.

"We have decided to ensure 40 per cent of all trees to be planted be native species. We have recommended all partners such as NGOs, districts and others involved in tree planting comply with the directive. This is because native trees have the potential to sequester large quantities of carbon dioxide and, therefore, can help Rwanda tap into the carbon market," he said.

The native trees to be restored are also expected to resist weather conditions such as drought, diseases, and pests, he said.

"The tree species in Rwanda are dominated by Eucalyptus. If Eucalyptus is attacked by any disease, the country could become a desert. That is why having different tree species is very important so that when one species is attacked, others can survive," he explained.

Nsengumuremyi said indigenous tree species are recommended as they also have an ornamental role in both rural and urban areas.

"In addition to beautifying the country, these trees can be mixed with crops, meaning they can be planted in all parts of the country," he said.

Conservation scientists gather in Kigali

Speaking during the opening of the International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB 2023) in Kigali on Sunday, July 23, Jeanne d'Arc Mujawamariya, the Minister of Environment, said over the last three decades, Rwanda has made significant strides in protecting and restoring diverse ecosystems.

In early 2019, Rwanda reached its goal of increasing forest cover to 30 per cent of all land area.

Efforts were put into the protection and restoration of degraded ecosystems, such as wetlands, lakes, and natural forests, she said.

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The forest sector, she said, has contributed to the reduction of land degradation, erosion control, and reduction of the intensity of landslides and floods in some areas.

However, she stated that there is still more work to be done, as forests continue to be cut down every year.

"Much more needs to be done for sustainability. Tree planting continues. As we replace those cuts, we have to consider native trees," she said.

She said the conference in Kigali is a platform to share experiences, exchange knowledge and engage in meaningful discussions.

Prof Beth Kaplin, a biodiversity conservation scientist who is also Acting Director for the Center of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural Resources Management at the University of Rwanda, said investments are needed to build capacity for monitoring biodiversity, especially using bioindicators.

She stressed that there is a need to support Rwanda's biodiversity information system which enables data access and helps the country meet its targets in the global biodiversity framework.

"When we say we have restored ecosystems, we need evidence of what worked and what didn't work to embrace an adaptive approach, and we need to use indicators of healthy functioning ecosystems and prioritisation of native species," she said.

The conference has brought together conservation scientists from around the world who are using the latest technologies and approaches to conserve biodiversity.
The National Highway Authorities of India (NHAI) has announced that non-motor vehicles, two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws will be banned from the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway, starting from August 1. The decision came after an increasing number of accidents on this newly inaugurated expressway. Two-wheelers, autos to be banned on Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway from Aug 1

Also Read - Speed radars installed on Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway

NHAI stated that slow-moving vehicles like two-wheelers, tractors, autos and other non-motor vehicles might compromise road safety aspects as the expressway is meant to be for fast-moving vehicles. It also said that alternate routes and separate roads are available such vehicles.

Recently, the NHAI sent an expert committee to review and inspect the safety features on this road due to multiple accidents, ever since it was launched. According to the Karnataka government, Bengaluru Mysuru Expressway saw 100 deaths and 335 injuries due to accidents till June this year.

A few weeks ago, Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara in the assembly said, The expressway lacks proper curves and sign boards for speeding vehicles. We will install the new signboards across the road. According to our data, 20 deaths in March, 23 in April, 29 in May and 28 in June were reported.

The 119-km expressway was built for Rs. 8,408 crore. Of the total length, 52 km is a greenfield consisting of five bypasses to reduce traffic congestion. This project includes 11 overpasses, 64 underpasses, five bypasses, 42 small bridges. The expressway also has six lanes with additional two-lane service roads on both sides. In March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched this Expressway during his visit to Karnataka.
Security establishment on Tuesday sounded an alert after students of army schools received calls from Pakistani intelligence operatives (PIOs), seeking information about their parents besides asking them to join WhatsApp groups. Security establishment sounded an alert after students of Jammu-based army schools received calls from Pakistani intelligence operatives. (HT File)

Since Monday, students have been receiving calls and WhatsApp messages from Pakistani intelligence operatives from two numbers which are 8617321715, 9622262167, sources in the security establishment said.

Sharing further details, a senior official said the callers pose as school teachers and are seeking information besides sending one-time passwords (OTP) to join the groups.

These suspected PIOs are calling and sending messages by initially giving reference of someone known and then asking the students to join other WhatsApp groups (allegedly new class groups) by sharing OTP, he said.

On calls, the PIOs are also asking about the details about the students parents including their occupation, school routine and timings along with other questions pertaining to uniforms and teachers names, the official said.

School authorities asked to sensitise students

Schools and colleges have since been requested to sensitise teachers and students and if required dissolve all groups and make new ones.

He cautioned that the messages can come from other numbers also and modus- operandi can be changed.

However, a search on the Truecaller app showed that the two numbers, 8617321715 and 9622262167, registered in the names of Jagwinder Sir Chitkara University and Manju Kumari respectively.

While another official said the calls and messages were being sent to army schools in various parts of the country, sources confided that one such incident was also reported from Jammu.

He also informed that the administration of the army school has sensitised teachers, parents and students about the suspicious calls being received.

Jammu region alone has over a dozen army schools and army public schools.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ravi Krishnan Khajuria A principal correspondent, Ravi Krishnan Khajuria is the bureau chief at Jammu. He covers politics, defence, crime, health and civic issues for Jammu city. ...view detail
Alert staff of the woman and child wing at the civil hospital nabbed a woman and her aide, foiling their bid to steal a newborn boy by luring a staffer with money. Woman, aide held for trying to steal newborn from civil hospital in Ludhiana. (HT FILE)

The accused duo lured Kajal Shukla, who is a Class 4 employee at the hospital, with money and asked her to click a picture of one of the newborns in the ward for them.

Shukla informed staff nurse Kamal and security guard Jagroop Singh, who nabbed the accused and handed them over to police. A case has been lodged against the accused at Division number 2 police station.

The arrested accused have been identified as Madhu of Tajpur Road and Chhote Lal. The FIR has been lodged on Shuklas complaint.

In her complaint, Shukla said that she was on night duty at the hospital when she noticed a man and a woman roaming on the first floor, where newborn babies are kept.

Shukla said that she heard them saying that they will steal a baby boy from the ward. On seeing her, the accused offered her 500 and asked her to click a picture of a newborn boy for them in their mobile phone.

She informed the staff nurse and guard Jagroop Singh, who nabbed the duo.

The woman started making excuses that she had a miscarriage and lost her child after seven months of pregnancy. She wanted to see a picture of a newborn just to imagine how her child would look, Shukla said in her complaint.

ASI Rajinder Singh, incharge at civil hospital police post, said that an FIR under sections 365 (kidnapping), 511 (attempt to commit an offence) and 34 (act done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the IPC has been lodged against the accused.

During questioning, police found that Madhu had a daughter, but she wanted a son. She discussed it with their family friend Chote Lal and planned a kidnapping.
The Centre will be tabling a Bill in the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament to pave the way for reservation of three seats in the J&K assembly. Two of these seats will be reserved for migrant Kashmiri Pandits and one for displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir living in Jammu for decades. The Centre is set to table Bill to reserve 3 seats for Kashmiri Pandits, PoK refugees in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly. (HT File)

Its a historic moment. The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill will be tabled in Parliaments monsoon session. Kashmiri Pandits will get two seats as they were forced to leave their homeland and live a miserable life. One seat will be given to displaced persons of Pakistani-occupied Jammu and Kashmir who had rejected the two-nation theory and stood with the Indian Union, BJP state spokesperson Altaf Thakur said on Monday.

Thakur said that J&K lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha will be nominating the three members of the legislative assembly. This is a great gesture from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Kashmiri Pandits and displaced persons of PoJK, he said.

Post-delimitation, the number of assembly seats in J&K has been increased from 107 to 114. Nine seats have been reserved for members from the Scheduled Tribes.

In its report, the delimitation committee had recommended the reservation of seats for both Kashmiri Pandits and displaced persons from PoJK or refugees, who have poor representation in the assembly. The government has accepted the recommendations and now the Bill will be tabled in the monsoon session. Once passed in Parliament, it will become a law and ensure representation to these communities, Surinder Ambardar, a former BJP legislator, said.

Should be prerogative of elected govt: NC

National Conference chief spokesman Tanvir Sadiq said the NC has no problem with representation to under-represented communities. That was also the logic behind having an Upper House, which was scrapped under this very reorganisation Act. Our opposition is to the proposal of the lieutenant governor nominating people. This should be the prerogative of the elected government and not an unelected representative of Delhi, he said, adding that in the past, candidates for the two reserved seats for women were nominated by the governor, but only with the approval of the elected government.

The fact that the LG is being authorised to nominate is another admission that the BJP is convinced they will lose the next election in J&K. The party is using the nomination route to try to get a handful of members in the House. Two or three seats will make no difference to the future of the BJP and it (BJP) should stop hiding behind the Election Commission and the lt governor.

Sadiq said the NC has already rejected the Reorganisation Act of 2019, and the entire process has been challenged in court. It raises concerns about how the government can proceed with a decision in such haste while it is still being debated in the Supreme Court, he said.

Wait for SC judgment, says PDP

Peoples Democratic Party spokesman Suhail Bukhari said that the PDP isnt against the reservation but the Bill has been challenged in the Supreme Court. Its better to wait for SC judgment in the case. Its not that people were not given representation in J&K. Earlier also it was done but at that time elected representatives used to choose them. How come a person sitting in Delhi will decide who is going to represent people in J&K? Bukhari said.

Dont bypass council of ministers: PC

Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference spokesperson Adnan Mir said while the party acknowledges the importance of providing representation to underrepresented sections of society, it believes the nomination process should be carried out on the advice of the council of ministers to ensure fair representation and uphold democratic values in Jammu and Kashmir. In a parliamentary democracy, it is fundamental that the President, governor, or the lieutenant governor acts on the aid and advice of the council of ministers. This principle extends to the nomination of members to the Lok Sabha or any state legislature. The President, governor or LG cannot exercise their prerogative without seeking the advice of the council of ministers. However, the Centres proposed Bill appears to equip the LG with the sole authority to nominate members to the state legislature of J&K, bypassing the constitutional requirement of seeking advice, Mir said.

By allowing selective nominations by the LG, the government could potentially alter the majority in the legislature into a minority, thus subverting the democratic will of the people. This undemocratic tactic not only undermines the essence of our democratic structure but also poses a threat to the tenets of our Constitution, he added.

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The deputy commissioners office here wore a deserted look after as many as 268 employees went on a two-day pen-down strike on Tuesday, extending their support to the indefinite strike initiated by revenue officials a day before. An empty room at the DC office after employees went on strike in Ludhiana. (HT PHOTO)

Consequently, a large number of people had to return home without getting their works completed due to the ongoing strike.

The employees on strike include class IV employees, clerks, junior assistants, senior assistants, and superintendent grade II.

The revenue officials in Ludhiana on Monday went on strike against the alleged interference by Roopnagar MLA Dinesh Chadha in the operations of the tehsil office there. The MLA had also accused a tehsil staff member of corruption. In solidarity, the association of employees decided to join the indefinite strike across all tehsil offices, with the exception of work related to flood prevention.

Balbir Aggarwal, a visitor at the DC office, said that he had visited the DC office earlier to lodge a complaint about stray cattle at Hambran Road and follow up on his application. Aggarwal lamented that such pen-down strikes disrupt office operations and cause inconvenience to public.

Another city resident, Gautam Jain, said he visited the deputy commissioners office around 11:30 am, but found the entrance blocked due to a large protest outside the office. He said he had to return home without completing his work.

Vicky Juneja, an employee at the DC office, demanded a public apology from AAP MLA, alleging that the MLA had mistreated the staff at the tehsil office in Roopnagar.
The district administration on Tuesday ordered the closure of seven government schools in Ferozepur and 10 in Fazilka till July 29 due to continuous rain in certain border villages. Photo for representational purposes only.

District magistrate Rajesh Dhiman exercising his authority under Section 144 of the Criminal Code 1973, declared closure of seven government schools in Ferozepur district. This decision was made after a request from the district education officers in Ferozepur.

The closure period spans from July 25 to July 29, and applies to the following schools in Ferozepur district: Government Middle School, Alwala, Government Senior Secondary School, Dhira Ghara, Government Senior Secondary School, Nau Behram Sher Singh Wala, Government Primary Schools, Dhira Ghara, Nihala Lawera, Kale Ke Hithar, and Bandala.

The DEOs reported that the floodwaters have entered the schools, posing safety risks for students.

Meanwhile, in Fazilka, district magistrate Senu Duggal also issued orders for the closure of 10 government schools in flood-affected areas until July 29.

The schools, falling under Block Fazilka 2 and Guru Harsahai 3, include Government Senior Secondary School, Jhangar Bhaini, Government Primary School, Gulaba Bhaini, Government Primary School, Dhani Sadda Singh, Government Primary School, Dona Nanaka, Government Primary School, Teja Ruhela, Government Primary School, Gatti Number 1, Government Primary School, Muhar Jamsar, Government Primary School, Mahatma Nagar, Government Primary School, Dhani Natha Singh, and Government Primary School, Attu Wala.

All other schools in the districts, except those mentioned above, will remain open.

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The government exchequer bore a loss of  60 crore between 2018 and 2023, owing to fake Goods and Services Tax (GST) invoices, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said in the Parliament on Monday. A senior official of the Chandigarh excise and taxation department said that in most cases, fraudulent taxpayers are engaged in passing off fake input tax credits (ITC). (iStock)

While replying to query, the minister also said that out of the 60 crore lost, the officers have successfully recovered 18 crore. Additionally, as part of their efforts to combat this fraudulent practice, two individuals involved in these cases have been apprehended and are currently under arrest.

The new Goods and Services Tax (GST) tax system was implemented in India in 2017 to make the indirect taxation system simpler, replacing multiple indirect taxes such as VAT, service tax, etc. However, with the spread of the GST network and registrations, there has also been a rise in cases of fake GST invoices being issued by fraudsters.

A senior official of the UT excise and taxation department said that in most cases, fraudulent taxpayers are engaged in passing off fake input tax credits (ITC). They detected non-functional and bogus taxpayers who were not found at their principal place of business and were indulging in fake transactions, causing a loss of 60 crore to the government exchequer. In some cases, vigilance is already conducting an inquiry, the officer added.

Chandigarh Beopar Mandal (CBM) president Charanjiv Singh, meanwhile, said traders are being harassed with notices. As far as fake bills are concerned, some traders from Delhi and Mumbai have generated those bills, and traders have even paid for goods and also paid GST on those bills, he said.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Hillary Victor Hillary Victor is a Principal Correspondent at Chandigarh. He covers Chandigarh administration, municipal corporation and all political parties. ...view detail
The local police have arrested two persons for alleged drug peddling and recovered 3 kg heroin suspected to have been smuggled from Pakistan through a drone from their possession. IG Kaustubh Sharma giving details about the arrested accused in Ludhiana. (HT PHOTO)

The duo was arrested after police noticed a bag with something written on it in Urdu language, police said, adding that the accused revealed that they got the heroin from cross-border drug peddlers, who smuggle the contraband through a drone.

Inspector general (IG, Ludhiana Range) Kaustubh Sharma said that inspector Heera Singh, incharge at CIA staff Jagraon, along with the police party arrested the accused from Sidhwan Bet-Nakodar Road during special checking. The accused were crossing from the area riding a bike. When frisked, the police recovered the heroin from the bag.

The arrested accused have been identified as Naib Singh, 35, of Akkuwal village and Surinder Singh alias Chhinda, 27, of Khurshaidpura village in Sidhwan Bet.

The IG said that Balochistan 2023 was written on the bag in Urdu. The police also seized their bike. During questioning, the accused told police that they were going to deliver the consignment among the addicts in Jagraon, Sidhwan Bet and Ludhiana.

The IG added that the accused are couriers. They received heroin from smugglers, who smuggled the contraband from Pakistan through a drone. The police are trying to trace the kingpins of the racket.

A case under sections 21 and 25 of the NDPS Act has been lodged against the accused at Sidhwan Bet police station. Naib Singh is already facing a trial in a case of drug peddling, while two cases of illegal sand mining are lodged against Chhinda, the IG said.

Kaushalya Devi, sister of Naib Singh, was also arrested by the police for drug peddling a month ago. She is lodged in the women jail in Ludhiana. The accused told police that they indulged in drug peddling for easy money, the IG said.

352 held for drug peddling so far

Senior superintendent of police (SSP, Ludhiana Rural) Navneet Singh Bains said that so far this year, the Ludhiana Rural police have arrested 352 accused for drug peddling in 254 cases.

The police have recovered 5.29gm heroin, 18.720kg opium, 339kg poppy husk, 88gm Charas, 1.530kg Ganjha, 160gm narcotic powder, 13 injections, 50,533 intoxicant pills and 1.15 lakh drug money from the possession of the accused.

The SSP added that the police have also attached property worth 2.34 crore of 17 drug peddlers. In a drive, the police have also arrested 22 proclaimed offenders wanted by the police in a drug peddling case.

The SSP said that a drive against drug peddlers is going on. The police are also conducting meetings and holding seminars at school level to educate people about drug abuse.

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The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will stage a protest in Delhis Jantar Mantar on Tuesday over the situation in strife-torn Manipur and against alleged incidents of brutality against women in the northeastern state. Gopal Rai made the announcement on his social media account. (HT file photo)

The partys Delhi state convenor and minister for environment, Gopal Rai, took to Twitter announcing the protest and called out like-minded people to reach Jantar Mantar at 4pm on Tuesday.

In protest against the rising violence and brutalities against women in Manipur, the Aam Aadmi Party will stage a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar at 4pm today. We appeal to all friends to surely reach Jantar Mantar at 4pm today, Rai posted on his official Twitter account.

Also Read: Manipur violence: Shah reiterates willingness for discussion in Parliament

The AAPs Delhi unit also shared a poster announcing the agitation on its official Twitter account.

The Delhi traffic police is yet to issue a traffic advisory.

A video surfaced on July 19 showing three women being stripped and paraded in Manipur.

The incident fanned fresh tensions in the state and also led to the washing out of the first two days of Parliaments monsoon session last week.

Ethnic violence has rocked the state for the last two months and claimed over 150 lives and left over 50,000 injured. Clashes first broke out on May 3 in Churachandpur town after Kuki groups called for protests against a proposal to grant scheduled tribe status to Manipurs dominant Meitei community.
The government has not issued any direction to Delhi Police empowering constables and officers to forcefully confiscate two-wheelers from riders without helmets, Union minister Nityanand Rai informed Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Delhi Traffic Police data showed that riding without a helmet was the most common traffic rule violation in the Capital. (Photo for representative purposes only/HT)

BJP MP Bholanath had asked the Union home ministry whether beat constables/officers of Delhi Police have been directed to forcefully confiscate vehicles of those scooty/motorcycles riders at checking posts or roadside who are without helmets at night.

In a written reply, Rai said, "No such directions have been issued to the Delhi Police officers/personnel."

Bholanath also asked the ministry to state the guidelines issued to the Delhi Police to adhere to during the checking of vehicles at night in the absence of traffic police.

Rai replied: "Checking of vehicles at Police pickets during night is done by Delhi Police in accordance with the Standing Order No. L&O 23/2022 and Circular No. 4/2023, issued by Delhi Police."

On Monday, the Delhi Traffic Police said riding a two-wheeler without a helmet was the most common traffic violation in the national capital and that more than 5,200 people had been challaned for the offence in just a five-day period starting July 20.

The traffic police observation came after a special drive it initiated on July 20, called stretch intensive integrated drive (SIID), officers aware of the development told HT, adding that the drive comprises a series of targeted measures focused on driver training, public awareness campaigns, prosecution and enforcement of traffic regulations.

The paramount objective of the special drive is to address the issues of road safety culture, road accidents, and fatalities and ensuring hassle-free traffic with a safe system approach. The SIID programme represents a comprehensive and integrated approach to tackling road safety challenges. It comprises a series of targeted measures on driver training, public awareness campaigns, prosecution and enforcement of traffic regulations, said special commissioner of police (traffic) Surender Singh Yadav.

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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
Arusha  THE East African Court of Justice (EACJ) remains steadfast in promoting good governance and democracy in the region, despite a financial crisis it faces.

While lamenting on the failure of Partner States in timely remittance of financial contributions, the President of the East African Community's (EAC) treaty-based judicial body Justice Nestor Kayobera, asserted that the judicial organ remains committed to ensure that East Africans get justice.

"It is how the situation is, but we are sure we will do whatever we can to ensure that our people get timely justice," Justice Kayobera assured, when he hosted a delegation of former African leaders who toured the court last week.

Partner States' failure to honour their financial obligations has derailed the Court's operations, but Justice Kayobera was adamant that the Court would stick to its mandate.

"In June we postponed our sessions for the First Instance Division, probably we may also postpone it for the Appellate division in August due to financial constraints," he said.

Out of 1,300 cases filed at the Court's First Instance Division, only 406 have been determined, while another 244 remain pending.

As for the Appellate Division, only 120 matters have been handled and determined, while 18 cases are still pending.

Despite the grim picture, Justice Kayobera maintained that EACJ remains a true stakeholder of good governance and was committed in advancing and promoting democracy in the region.

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In their rejoinder, the delegation, led by former Sierra Leonean President, Ernest Bai Koroma paid glowing tribute to the Court for an enormous role it plays in sustaining democracy within the EAC.

The African elders, further encouraged the Court to remain steadfast in their mission the financial challenges notwithstanding.

"Stick to the law to ensure that justice prevails, hoping that the financial crisis may soon become history," he said.

For his part, former Mozambican leader, Joaquim Chissano insisted that democracy was nothing without the work of Courts, while former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn hailed the role being played by the EAC and other regional economic blocs in the drive towards an integrated Africa, adding that multiple membership to various regional economic communities could undermine the spirit of speedy integration of the continent.

"Existing regional mechanisms including the EACJ should be properly funded to enable them execute their mandates effectively," he argued.

EACJ is one of the organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Established in November 2001, the Court's major responsibility is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty.
A SpiceJet aircraft caught fire during engine maintenance works at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi on Tuesday. A spokesperson for the airline said both aircraft and maintenance personnel are safe. The spokesperson said that during the maintenance work, the engineer observed a fire warning on one of the engines around 8 pm while the engine ground run was being conducted. A purported video of the incident also went viral on social media.

On July 25, SpiceJet Q400 aircraft was under maintenance. While carrying out engine ground run at idle power at bay, the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer observed fire warning on #1 Engine. Aircraft fire extinguisher bottle was discharged," the spokesperson said in a statement.

As a precautionary measure, a fire brigade was also called on the spot, the airline said.

'Video surfaces'

A purported video of the incident also surfaced on social media and is going viral. The video showed a section of the aircraft on fire, emitting thick, billowing smoke that swirled in the air.

Q400s are turbo-prop aircrafts that can accommodate 78 passengers and 90 passengers, as per the airline's website.

Spicejet is an Indian airline, founded in 1984. In October last year, the airline faced a temporary 50% cap on the number of flights it can operate after a string of air safety incidents occurred. Earlier today, the aviation regulator DGCA said it has taken off SpiceJet from its enhanced surveillance regime.

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Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday accused the Centre of treating Delhi unfairly in the distribution of central taxes, and asked Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman to grant more funds to the state. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has written to Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. (HT Photo)

In a letter to Sitharaman, Kejriwal said, I want to draw your attention to the discrimination that the people of Delhi have been facing for the last 23 years. Multiple requests have been made by the Delhi government to give Delhi its legitimate share in the central taxes, but no action has been taken in this regard.

The letter was sent ahead of the constitution of the 16th central finance commission.

. ......NCT of Delhi enjoys a unique (sui generis) status among all states and union territories in India. While it falls in the broad category of a Union Territory with legislature, it has been working similarly to other states in financial matters. It has a separate Consolidated Fund, w.e.f. December 1, 1993, Kejriwal said.

In financial year 2022-23, Haryana received 10,378 crore and Punjab received 17,163 crore, while Delhi has received only 350 crore. If Delhi was treated in an unbiased manner, its share should have been 7,378 crore, the chief minister said.

Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva said the Delhi government does not spend money on the development of the capital. People of Delhi very well know that the central government has spent 1.5 lakh crores on various infrastructure projects in Delhi; Centre funds the Delhi Police, major hospitals, Delhi University, and has funded various infrastructure projects. I challenge Arvind Kejriwal for an open debate on Central development works in Delhi comparing them with Kejriwal governments contribution to the development of the capital, said Sachdeva.

Experts have said that the finance commission decides the share of the states in central taxes on several parameters. In case of Delhi, a Union Territory, several services such as police are managed by the central government, which is reflected in its share of central taxes, they said.

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A Delhi court on Tuesday acquitted Haryana lawmaker and businessman Gopal Goyal Kanda of abetting the suicide of a former 23-year-old air hostess of his now-defunct MDLR Airlines in 2012. Haryana lawmaker and businessman Gopal Goyal Kanda. (Twitter)

Special Judge Vikas Dhull pronounced the verdict for the acquittal of Kanda and his associate Aruna Chaddha. Kanda and Chaddha were booked in August 2012 after the air hostess was found dead at her residence. A note found at the residence said she was ending her life due to Kanda and Chaddhas harassment.

Chaddha was arrested while Kanda surrendered in August 2012. The two were initially charged under the Indian Penal Codes Sections 306 (abetment to suicide), 506 (criminal intimidation), 201 (destruction of evidence), 120B (criminal conspiracy), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 469 (forgery for purpose of harming reputation) and 471 (using as genuine a forged document).

The Delhi high court later dropped additional charges filed against them under IPC Sections 376 (rape) and 377 (unnatural offences). It granted Kanda regular bail in March 2014 on the grounds that Chaddha was released on bail a month earlier.

In their charge sheet in the case, the Delhi Police said Kanda was obsessed with the 23-year-old and pressuring her to return to his airline.
The BJP and the VHP on Tuesday said they were exploring legal recourse against Kerala Assembly Speaker A N Shamseer's allegedly controversial remarks about a Hindu deity, claiming that his comments were aimed at creating communal tension in the state. Kerala Assembly Speaker A N Shamseer.

The BJP and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) are upset over the allegedly controversial remarks made by the Speaker at a 'Vidya Jyothi' programme held at a government school in Ernakulam district of the state last week. During his speech at the event, Shamseer allegedly accused the Centre of trying to teach children Hindu myths instead of accomplishments in science and technology.

The BJP and the VHP say they are aggrieved over the Speaker's remarks regarding Lord Ganesh and the 'pushpaka vimanam'. A member of BJP's state committee has filed a complaint with the Thiruvananthapuram Police Commissioner seeking registration of a case against the Speaker over his alleged remarks, the party's Kerala unit said in a social media post. It also accused the opposition Congress of being silent on the issue and demanded that it take a stand on the matter. In its post, the BJP said that if the Congress continues to remain silent, it would appear that the grand old party is favouring the Speaker's alleged discriminatory views.

BJP charges at Congress

BJP's National Information and Technology Department in-charge Amit Malviya alleged that the Speaker was exploiting his position to denigrate the Hindu faith and beliefs and questioned whether Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will dissociate his party from such views or endorse it with his silence. "A N Shamseer, Speaker of Kerala Legislative Assembly, is a religious bigot, who is exploiting his position in public life, to denigrate Hindu faith and beliefs. Hindumisia (Hinduphobia) is deep rooted in the Communists, who have now forged an alliance with the Congress, a self proclaimed Muslim party," Malviya claimed. "Will Rahul Gandhi, a former MP from Kerala, disassociate the Congress from such Hindu hating views or endorse it with this silence?" he tweeted.

BJP Keralam, in its Facebook post, said that it has demanded that Shamseer be arrested and an investigation be initiated into the allegedly controversial remarks made by him. It has contended that being an MLA and the Speaker of the assembly makes his alleged comments even more offensive. The BJP also claimed that the Speaker's alleged remarks are in violation of his oath of office and are unconstitutional.

On contacting the Speaker's office, an official said that Shamseer was out of station and refused to comment. Meanwhile, the Kerala unit of the VHP has decided to file complaints against the Speaker in all police stations across the state and hold protests in various places. VHP state president Viji Tampi said that besides lodging complaints in police stations across the state, his organisation has also sent a complaint to Governor Arif Mohammed Khan seeking appropriate action against Shamseer.

"We will also move the Kerala High Court on the issue if the High Court does not take up the matter on its own," Tampi told PTI. Besides the BJP and VHP, the Kerala Kshetra Samrakshana Samiti has decided to hold a march to the secretariat on Wednesday, July 26, demanding an apology. Ascetics, tantris, priests and leaders of various Hindu organisations will participate in the march, it said, adding that devotees are also welcome to participate.

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The directorate of basic education along with Plan India, a non-profit body, have launched a collaborative poster campaign on cyber safety. Director general, basic education, Vijay Kiran Anand (right), and Plan India official SC Rai inaugurate posters at the basic education department office. (HT photo)

The posters of this campaign that would cover all 748 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) residential schools in Uttar Pradesh, were inaugurated at a meeting chaired by director general, basic education, Vijay Kiran Anand on Tuesday. This happened after more visual elements were introduced on Anands suggestion to make them more attractive for students.

Officials said the posters that warn against social media predators and distinguish between good touch and bad touch, with accompanying cartoons will be displayed in all KGBV schools from Tuesday.

Technical lead, Plan India, Sudhir Kumar Rai, said: Our research showed that in states close to borders, like U.P., West Bengal, Bihar, children have fallen prey to cyber frauds and predators. Post pandemic, this trend has become magnified and this has been pointed out in our surveys with children as well as by district child protection units (DCPUs).

In this backdrop, we consulted U.Ps basic education department and organised this campaign as part of which we have handed over nearly 4000 posters across all KGBV schools in U.P.

We have shared the digital version with the district education authorities as well, he said.

Rai said by month-end all KGBV schools across the state would have been covered. An interactive session will also be carried out with the students to make them aware of cyber threats and to educate them on how to conduct themselves safely on digital platforms.

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Government doctors in Uttar Pradesh, who retire at the age of 62-years, may soon get another three working years but with a rider: they will not hold any administrative post. For representation only (HT File Photo)

We need more doctors for which the proposal to increase retirement age from the present 62-years to 65-years has been made. But those doctors opting to work till 65 years of age will not be given administrative charge after age 62 years, said a senior health official.

The department has also proposed giving the option to leave for those doctors who do not wish to work after the age of 62 years. At present VRS is given to government doctors only in special cases and not in general.

At present, the state has about 14,000 doctors working across the state in different government health facilities but there are 19,000 sanctioned posts. To bridge the gap, a proposal has been made to increase the retirement age, which needs a green signal from the state cabinet, before being implemented.

If the decision not to give administrative posts is approved, several doctors currently working in the health directorate and other offices will have to join government hospitals and give consultancy to patients.

In January this year, a committee was formed to evaluate the proposal for increasing the retirement age from 62 years to 65 years. The government doctors had initially opposed the proposal.

The retirement age of government doctors in other states and the need to increase retirement age in U.P. was evaluated by the committee before filing a report, on the basis of which a proposal to increase the retirement age was made, with the rider.

Extending retirement age will retain experienced doctors in service. Doctors clinical knowledge at the age of 62 is tremendous and if they are fit to work, they should be given a chance, said Dr Abhishek Shukla, secretary-general, Association of International Doctors.

Every month, over a dozen doctors retire, reducing the strength by at least 200 a year. The medical education department has kept the retirement age of doctors in Uttar Pradesh at 65 years.

The option to leave, if given, will be significant as this will allow unwilling doctors to leave service. Those willing will work with dedication for patient care, said Dr Amit Singh, general secretary Provincial Medical Services Association, the body of government doctors.

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LUCKNOW UP minister and Nishad party chief, Sanjay Nishad, wrote letters to the central and state governments, demanding a CBI probe into the murder of former bandit-turned-Samajwadi Party MP, Phoolan Devi, 22 years after her killing. UP minister and Nishad party chief, Sanjay Nishad. (HT Photo)

Apart from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nishad also marked the letter to Union home minister Amit Shah and UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath.

The demand made on Phoolans death anniversary on Tuesday, came with a few months to go for 2024 Lok Sabha polls. It was immediately interpreted as an attempt to galvanise the community of fishermen and boatmen, a tribe to which Phoolan belonged.

Phoolan was a member of the SP and became an MP on its symbol.

The Nishad party chief, who after a brief pact with the SP in 2018 Lok Sabha bypolls, has been part of the BJP-led-NDA since 2019 Lok Sabha polls, also clubbed a parallel demand to free properties owned by Phoolan from SP-backed mafia elements.

The SP-backed mafia leaders have been occupying her properties and we demand that they be freed, said Nishad. The leader also demanded that self-defence centres, named after Phoolan, also be opened across the state.

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LUCKNOW Over 9,000 suspected Rohingyas have been living illegally in various districts across UP after sneaking into Indian territory through North-Eastern states. The process of their identification is underway and many other illegal immigrants are likely to be detained, said a senior police official here on Tuesday. On Monday, 74 Rohingyas, including 55 men, 14 women and five minors, were taken into custody during a comprehensive drive carried out by UPs Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) to identify illegal immigrants staying in the state. (Pic for representation)

These people reside in camps on the citys outskirts, on roadsides near railway stations and bus stands as well as slums that have recently come up on deserted stretches in cities.

On Monday, 74 Rohingyas, including 55 men, 14 women and five minors, were taken into custody during a comprehensive drive carried out by UPs Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) to identify illegal immigrants staying in the state. The police registered cases against the detained Rohingyas in six districts of western UP, said Prashant Kumar, special DG.

Former UP DGP OP Singh said the process of identification and verification of Rohingyas was carried out aggressively after a circular issued by him to all district police chiefs on September 30, 2019.

At least 259 Rohingyas have been identified living in Lucknow and Mathura slums before September 2019. It was found that all of them had crossed the border illegally from Bangladesh into India.

The authorities also received information that a Muslim cleric was providing various kinds of training, including Urdu lessons, to children of Rohingyas, said an ATS official.

Police officials have been asked to send the verification report to the state government for deportation of illegal immigrants.

They will also collect fingerprints of the suspected illegal immigrants so that their district-wise centralised computerised data base could be prepared. Construction agencies operational in various districts, especially National Capital Region, where such illegal immigrants often work as labourers, should also be asked to collect the workers identity proofs before hiring them, said the official.

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Mumbai: The deluge of July 26, 2005, may be eighteen years behind us, but multiple studies since  including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporations own Mumbai Climate Action Plan (MCAP)  reveal a worrying future. HT Image

Not only is the city unprepared for a similar event, but its population has also boomed. Add to this the increasing frequency of heavy rain days, sea-level rise and land subsidence (sinking), and you have all the ingredients for a disaster.

As per the MCAP, more than 35% of the citys population lives within 250 metres of chronic flooding hotspots, while less than half have easy access to flood shelters.

Nearly 43% of Mumbai houses 75.9% of the citys population, which has access to a flood shelter within 1km walking distance, but the catch is that during periods of heavy rain  when flood shelters are most needed only 46.5% of the population can access them easily.

Moreover, accessibility to flood shelters is lacking in those very wards where larger sections of the population are exposed to chronic waterlogging. For example, in M/East Ward (Deonar, Mahul, Chembur, Trombay)  where an estimated 2,75,491 people live at risk of chronic flooding  only 13.3% of the population has easy access to a flood shelter during an extreme rain event, the least in the city.

Deonar, Mahul, Kandivali East, Saki Vihar Road in Powai, Four Bungalows in Andheri, and Versova are some of the underserved high-population density areas that do not have access to a flood shelter within 1 km, the MCAP notes.

The intensity of monsoon rainfall  June to September  in Mumbai is intensifying at the rate of 5.18mm per year, while the intensity of annual rainfall has gone up by 22 mm per year, according to a recent study lead by Rohit Mann, from the University of Kurukshetra.

The findings indicate two inflection points in Mumbais weather data: the frequency of heavy (more than 120 mm/day) and extreme heavy rainfall events (more than 250 mm/day) increased over Santacruz after 1994, while in Colaba, they increased after 2005, when Mumbai received 944mm of rain in a single day. A subsequent extreme rainfall event in 2011 saw 1,058mm of rain in a single day over Colaba.

The period between 2001 to 2005 saw a significant change in the way Mumbai experiences rainfall, with general patterns becoming more erratic and individual events becoming more severe. The July 2005 floods are not an isolated incident. It is reflective of broader changes in the Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall due to climate change, said Mann.

The MCAP, too, warns of this, pointing out Mumbai experiences, on average, six heavy (64.5  115.5mm), five very heavy (115.6  204.4 mm), and four extremely heavy (> 204.5 mm) rain events per year.

More recently, The four-year period between 2017 and 2020 has seen a steady increase in the extremely heavy rainfall events. Spatially, most ERE tend to occur as localized clusters in central and western areas like Worli, Dadar, Kurla and Andheri, the MCAP cautions.

Such events will be more frequent as the planet warms further. To whatever extent possible, the capacity of the city to handle such events needs to be upgraded. This hasnt happened. Every year, the monsoon in Mumbai claims multiple lives, either through floods, drownings or local landslides. That should be enough to tell us how dire the situation is, said Akshay Deoras, research scientist at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science & Dept. of Meteorology, University of Reading, UK.

Mumbai is also experiencing a geological phenomenon known as land subsidence and is said to be sinking at the rate of about 2mm per year.

A study  Subsidence in Coastal Cities Throughout the World Observed by InSAR -- by researchers at the University of Rhode Island, USA, published in 2022 notes that out of 46km2 of land in Mumbai which is at an elevation of less than 10 metres (which makes it more vulnerable to flooding), 19km2 is subsiding at a rate faster than 2mm/yr, with a maximum subsidence rate of 8.45mm/yr.

Land subsidence can adversely alter local hydrology, causing floods and damaging civic infrastructure like roads, railways, bridges and others. With recent studies indicating that the Arabian Sea is rising by 0.5 to 3mm per year, some parts of Mumbai may be sinking faster than sea levels are rising.

A 2022 analysis by RMSI, a global risk management firm, found that Haji Ali, the Western Express Highway, Bandra-Worli Sea-Link, and Queens Necklace on Marine Drive are at risk of submergence.

In Mumbai, around 998 buildings and 24km of road length will be affected by potential sea-level rise by 2050, and approximately 2,490 buildings and a road length of 126 km will be affected by potential sea-level rise during high tide.

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Assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar may choose not to submit his reply to the Supreme Court on the progress of the disqualification proceedings against 54 MLAs from both Shiv Sena camps, officials at the legislature said. Mumbai: Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar arrives at Vidhan Bhavan on the second day of the Monsoon Session of Maharashtra Assembly, in Mumbai, Tuesday, July 18, 2023. (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)(PTI07_18_2023_000208B) (PTI)

The constitution says the legislature is not answerable to any court. In the past too, the state legislature has not replied to the notices served by the apex, and other courts. We have not taken a final decision on it, but we are consulting legal experts to determine if the decision taken by the speaker can be subjected to legal scrutiny, an official, who refused to be named, said.

Giving examples, another official said, the state legislature recently did not pay heed to the notices issued by the top court in breach of privilege cases filed against Shobha De and Arnab Goswami.

On May 11, a five-judge bench headed by chief justice Dhananjay Chandrachud ruled that the speaker must take a call on the disqualification of MLAs within a reasonable period.

Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray then approached the SC saying the constitutional requirement of fairness mandated the speaker to promptly address the issue, but he had taken no action. During a hearing on July 14, the apex court issued a notice to Narwekar seeking his response within two weeks, by July 29.

Meanwhile, the speaker is expected to give two more weeks to 40 Shiv Sena MLAs, including chief minister Eknath Shinde, to reply to the notices issued to them by the legislature after the Thackeray faction filed disqualification petitions against them, officials said.

The deadline to file the response ended on July 24.

They had claimed that since the monsoon session was underway, they needed another four weeks time. However, we might give them two weeks, till the first week of August, Narwekar said.

The speaker also said, We have received replies from 14 MLAs from Sena (UBT) and scrutinising them. We want to hear each one of the 54 MLAs from Shiv Sena.

Sena (UBT)s whip Sunil Prabhu said, We have submitted our replies of 242 pages each within the stipulated time. The Shinde faction is buying time as they want to delay the process.

The state legislature is yet to begin the process on the disqualification petitions filed by the Sharad Pawar camp of the Nationalist Congress Party against Ajit Pawar and eight ministers owing allegiance to him.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Surendra P Gangan Surendra P Gangan is Senior Assistant Editor with political bureau of Hindustan Times Mumbai Edition. He covers state politics and Maharashtra governments administrative stories. Reports on the developments in finances, agriculture, social sectors among others. ...view detail
Dodoma  TANZANIA National Parks (TANAPA) announced a number of measures including infrastructures upgrading to ensure the five-million tourist target and six-billion US dollar (about 14tri/-) revenue collection come 2025/26 are attained.

TANAPA's Conservation Commissioner, Mr William Mwakilema outlined strategies to reporters on Monday, saying in boosting the number of tourists, the authority will continue to improve the southern circuit national parks infrastructure, so that they can be accessible throughout the years.

"We are doing well on the northern circuit, whereas majority of tourists flock the national parks under the zone simply because they have good infrastructure be it roads, airports and a wide range of logistics to their destination," he said.

Adding, "We are now focusing on the southern circuit as we want them to have a number of choices to reach their destinations within a short time be it Ruaha, Udzungwa, Mikumi, Nyerere and Saadani".

The Commissioner further said that through a Regrow project and Germany government funding, they strive to ensure that come 2025, Nyerere, Saadani, Mikumi, Ruaha and Mkomazi National Parks are accessible.

Moreover, he said, with the government's support, they will purchase a tourist ferry to ply from Lake Victoria-Rubondo-Serengeti, Saanane to Burigi Chato national parks.

All these measures are meant to increase the number of tourists visiting a number of attractions countrywide.

On top of that, the authority in collaboration with communities surrounding the national parks is undertaking a number of ecological preservation projects to ensure nature is maintained despite the climate change effects.

"Wild animals need nature to flourish, with climate change effects, it has been clear in some areas that should we not be keen with our conservation, we might be losing the natural heritage," he warned.

The country boasts of the spectacle of Serengeti wildebeest migration and has the most charismatic species and wild landscapes, thus making Tanzania a destination of choice for thousands of tourists each year.

He said TANAPA welcomes investments in the national parks, to provide accommodation facilities to tourists, balloon safaris, canopy walkways, cable car and zip line safaris, water sports, horse riding and special tourism concession.

Mr Mwakilema said they are also working on protecting the water sources of Ruaha, Mara and Tarangire rivers majority of whom are outside the national parks for assured water flows to wild animals throughout the year.

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"We have to protect water sources are they are key to our economy as well as nature conservation, we are working with the communities to make it work" he insisted.

As for the increased revenue collection, he said, they have started charging 1m/- for adoption of wild animals' babies in the country's national parks.

Under the move, the public have a chance to visit national parks and pick a wild baby and make some visits from time to time and the Im/- annual fee will be for the baby's upkeep.

Also, to namesake a rhino, he said, one has to part 5m/- to attain the status.

In the 2023/24 financial year, TANAPA plans to collect revenue worth 343.8bn/- an increase from 337bn/- in the 2022/23 financial year.
GHAZIABAD: A class 12 student was thrashed to death by two men because his shoulder brushed theirs while they were walking in a lane in Ghaziabads Lal Kuan area past Monday midnight, police said. The Ghaziabad police said the two men who allegedly killed 19-year-old Vinay Yadav were suspected to be locals (HT File Photo/Sakib Ali)

Vinay Yadav, 19, was metres away from home when the incident took place at about 1am on Tuesday. Police said they have accessed CCTV footage in which the two men, yet to be identified, are seen punching and kicking Yadav. His two relatives who were accompanying him tried to intervene but were no match.

Vinay died before reaching the hospital.

His father, Raju Yadav said Vinay, when he wasnt at school, helped him run one of roadside eateries that he owns.

Vinay shut the eatery at about 1am (Tuesday) and was walking home along with his brother Pushpendra, 25, and cousin, Bobby Singh, 40, Our house is just 100 metres from the hotel. Vinay brushed the shoulder of the two men coming from the opposite site Raju said.

The two men took offence to it and started beating Vinay, police said.

They punched and repeatedly kicked him before fleeing, leaving my son unconscious. The two rushed Vinay to a hospital in Ghaziabad but doctors said he was dead, Raju Yadav said, insisting that his son did not have any enmity with anyone. He didnt while away his time and if he wasnt studying, he would help us, he added

Assistant commissioner of police (Wave City) Saloni Agarwal said the two assailants are suspected to be locals.

The altercation was triggered after Vinays shoulder brushed one of the suspects and they started assaulting him. We have got access to the CCTV footage of the incident and the incident can be seen clearly. We suspect that the two assailants could be locals, Agarwal said.

She added that there was no indication so that either sides used any weapon in the fight. The deceaseds body was sent for autopsy which will establish the precise cause of death. Senior police officials also visited the scene of the crime and met Vinays family. A FIR (first information report) is being lodged soon, said Saloni Agarwal, ACP (Wave City).

.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Peeyush Khandelwal Peeyush Khandelwal writes on a range of issues in western Uttar Pradesh  from crime, to development authorities and from infrastructure to transport. Based in Ghaziabad, he has been a journalist for almost a decade. ...view detail
LUCKNOW Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday attacked the previous Samajwadi Party government over its move to construct Mughal Museum in the memory of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb in Agra. The CM quickly added that his government is making a magnificent museum in the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in same district in the memory of the Maratha braveheart. CM Yogi was participating in a lecture series on the accomplishments and personality of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. (HT Photo)

According to a press release, Yogi said, Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian Navys new Insignia has the emblem of Shivaji Maharaj.

CM Yogi was participating in a lecture series on the accomplishments and personality of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The event was organised by Haridwar-based Divya Prem Seva Mission at the Indira Gandhi Pratisthan, Lucknow, on Tuesday. This is the 350th year of the coronation of Shivaji Maharaj, which marks the establishment of Hind Swaraj.

The CM also said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had divine influence of his mother Jijabai and Guru Samarth Ramdas. He said that it was because of the blessings of his Guru that Shivaji was able to take on the Mughals and shook the foundation of their empire. He added that Shivaji Maharajs message was to respond to others in the language they understand.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has significant relevance to Uttar Pradesh from two perspectives. Firstly, the priest who conducted his coronation was Ganga Bhatt from Kashi. Secondly, the great Indian poet Bhushan, born in Kanpur, who composed poetry praising Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs valour, CM Yogi pointed out.

He further said that todays map of India represents the current political landscape, but thousands of years ago, India was more expansive culturally richer. This finds mention in the countrys scriptures as well. When a persons perspective becomes solely political, they often forget to understand their own culture, he added.
MUMBAI: The Bombay high court has recently restrained Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) from using 13 plots reserved for Christian cemeteries, burial grounds or crematoriums for any other purposes without following statutory procedure for change of user of the plots. TMC had filed an affidavit in reply to the PIL stating that the civic body had reserved in all 19 plots for cemeteries, burial grounds and crematoriums and six were already being used as cremation grounds. (HT Photo)

The division bench of acting chief justice Nitin Jamdar and justice Arif S Doctor said that once plots are designated as Christian cemeteries, burial grounds or crematoriums in the development plan, they cannot be put to any use other than the one designated unless requisite procedure of law is followed for the change of user.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by Melwyn Isidore Fernandes and others, seeking a direction to the TMC to open all plots reserved for the purpose of Christian cemeteries in the development plan of Thane city, contending that the cemeteries available to the community in Thane were extremely inadequate.

TMC had filed an affidavit in reply to the PIL stating that the civic body had reserved in all 19 plots for cemeteries, burial grounds and crematoriums and six were already being used as cremation grounds. The affidavit revealed that of the remaining 13 plots reserved for the purpose, at least two of the plots were said to be encroached upon, five were affected by Coastal Regulatory Zone and one was in possession of the Thane Rural police.

The judges were irked to note that though the lands were reserved for a specific purpose, those plots were not taken over by the TMC and no details were given as to why the lands are not in possession of the municipal corporation.

The bench was also annoyed with the civic bodys claim that it had already provided two plots in Mumbra for Christian cemeteries and those along with the existing cemeteries were enough to meet the requirement of the around 46,000 Christian population living in Thane. The court, however, found no scientific basis for the civic bodys calculations about the population and sought a detailed affidavit from TMC as regards provisions for cemeteries.

The PIL has been posted for further hearing on August 23.
At least 718 Myanmar nationals, including 301 children, illegally entered Manipur last week, a statement issued by the home department said. Of the 718 Myanmarese, 209 are men, 208 are women and 301 are children. (Representative file image)

Chief secretary Vineet Joshi sought information from the Assam Rifles how the Myanmar nationals were allowed to enter India without proper travel documents.

Report has been received from the Headquarters 28 Sector Assam Rifles that 718 fresh refugees have crossed India-Myanmar border and entered into the general area of New Lajang, Joshi said in the statement.

Of the 718 Myanmarese, 209 are men, 208 are women and 301 are children.

As many as 13 Myanmar nationals entered Lajang area on July 22.

Also Read:India raises Chinese surveillance facilities at Coco Islands with Myanmar

On July 23, a total of 230 Myanmarese arrived in New Lajang, 89 in New Samtal, 143 in Yangnomphai village, 175 in Yangnomphai Saw Mill, 30 in Aivomjang and 38 in Bhonse, it said.

The state government had clearly informed the Assam Rifles, as border guarding force, to take strict action to prevent entry of Myanmar nationals into Manipur without valid travel documents according to instructions of Union home ministry.

The state government views the illegal entry very seriously with utmost sensitivity as the same may have international ramifications more particularly in view of the law-and-order situation, the statement said.

The deputy commissioner and superintendent of police of Chandel District have also been advised to oversee the implementation of the above and also keep biometrics and photographs of all such persons, the statement added.

Manipur shares a 398-km-long porous border with Myanmar.

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GORAKHPUR A Shravasti resident, who arrived at Gorakhnath temple on Monday morning to attend the chief ministers Janta Darbar, was booked under the Arms Act after pistol and cartridges were found in his car. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath (HT Photo)

The accused had come with four other men, all from Shravastis Bhinga area. They had allegedly come to the Janta Darbar to meet the CM and raise the issue of police inaction in the case of BJP leader Mata Prasads murder on June 13.

However, the security personnel at the Digvijaya Nath Auditorium in Gorakhnath Temple spotted cartridges kept at the dashboard of the car in which the accused arrived at the temple. Later, police also recovered two country-made pistols from the car.

Subsequently, all five men who reached the venue in the car were held. Circle officer, Gorakhnath, Ratnesh Kumar Singh, confirmed that one of the five men, who was also the owner of the car, has been booked under the Arms Act.

SSP Gorakhpur Gaurav Grover said that the five accused taken into custody are being questioned by police. Meanwhile, local intelligence unit officials, along with a police team, has been dispatched to Shravasti to trace their records.

Significantly, it is the second such incident in less than a month. Earlier, on July 14, a trader, Subodh Mishra, from Bihar was arrested with a pistol in Gorakhnath Temple. Two such incidents in quick succession have raised questions over the safety of the CM. Notably, CM Yogi Adityanath holds Janta Darbar to address grievances of the people. Residents from several districts come to the Janta Darbar to seek help from the CM.

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PATNA: Bihar governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar will host a dinner in New Delhi for all Bihar parliamentarians on July 27, people familiar with the matter said. Bihar governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar with chief minister Nitish Kumar at an event (ANI File Photo)

The dinner is being organised in New Delhi in view of the ongoing Parliament session which will continue till August 11.

Resident commissioner of Bihar Bhawan in Delhi, Kundan Kumar, has been asked by Raj Bhavan to facilitate the dinner. It will be held at Hotel Ashokas restaurant. We are making the arrangements, as desired, Kumar said.

In his invite, governor Arlekar stressed that he hadnt yet met all Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members from the state. Arlekar, who took oath as governor on February 14 earlier this year, has met all legislators in the state.

Since taking over as governor in February, I have not been able to meet you all personally. I have organised a meeting to discuss issues of public interest with you all at Hotel Ashoka, Chanakyapuri in New Delhi on July 27, as the Parliament session is on. It will be followed by dinner, said his letter to the MPs. Bihar sends 40 members to the Lok Sabha and 16 members in the Rajya Sabha

JD-U MP Sunil Kumar Pintu said that he has received the invitation, as have other MPs. The governor has invited us for for dinner as he has not been able to meet us. I will go. It is just for meeting.

Former BJP state president Sanjay Jaiswal said that it was a good initiative.

I am looking forward to it. He is the first governor who has met all Bihar legislators, inviting them to Raj Bjawan during the Budget session of the Bihar Legislature and receiving them individually. It went on for 10 days and he met all legislators. Now he has decided to meet all MPs and it is a welcome thing, he added.

Arlekar also has been meeting heads of central government institutions in the state and has revived the practice of attending the senate meetings of state universities in his capacity as chancellor.

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PUNE: Pune city police have arrested six persons for allegedly stealing 108 iron barges from the Mutha riverbed, said officials. The accused have been identified as Surendra Chandrika Yadav, Ramraksha Dharmaraj Paswan, Muniram Santaram Yadav, Rahul Amrika Yadav, Price alias Mithilesh Harishchandra Yadav, and Pradip Ambika Prasad Kanojia. All the accused are currently working as labourers in the city and hail originally from Uttar Pradesh. Pune city police have arrested six persons for allegedly stealing 108 iron barges from the Mutha riverbed, said officials. ((PIC FOR REPRESENTATION))

The incident occurred between June 28 and July 21 on the Mutha riverbed at Bahuli village. The complaint regarding the theft was filed by Devidas Raosaheb Andhale, who is working as a surveyor at the Irrigation Department in the Khadakwasla region.

As per information gathered from Uttam Nagar police, on July 21, a night patrolling team found a group of people roaming around in the Uttam Nagar area in a suspicious manner. When the police approached them for inquiry, most of them fled the spot and only Yadav was nabbed.

During interrogation, cops came to know about the inter-state gang that was involved in the theft of iron barges from the riverbed.

Kiran Balwadkar, Senior Police Inspector (SPI) said, Surendra Yadav and Ramraksha Paswan are the prime accused in this case, and they run scrap shops in Uttam Nagar and Sus-Pashan Road respectively. Other accused helped the duo in crime.

As per details revealed during the probe, police raided the scrap shop of Paswan and arrested him as well. On July 22, police received information that another suspect in this case will be visiting the scrap shop of Yadav in Uttam Nagar. Accordingly, a team of police laid the trap and arrested four more suspects in the case.

Umesh Rokade, assistant police inspector (API) said, During the investigation, it was found that the accused were involved in planning this theft for the last 7-8 days. They have stolen a total of 108 barges and were arrested while stealing 50 more barges on July 21.

Police have recovered two pick-up trucks, and 62 barges worth 8.10 lakh.

A case has been registered at Uttam Nagar police station on July 21 under Indian Penal Code sections 379, and 34, and on July 25, the court granted magistrate custody to all accused.

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State Common Entrance Test Cell Maharashtra (CET Cell) has started the online registration process for state quota NEET UG counselling. Candidates can apply till July 29 on the CAP portal by visiting cetcell.mahacet.org. Maharashtra NEET counselling 2023 registration begins on cetcell.mahacet.org

Direct link

As per the schedule, online registration and session apply for MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BPTH, BOTH, BASLP and B(P&O) courses have to be done by 11:59 pm on July 29.

The registration fee can be paid up to 5 pm on July 30. Scanned, colored copies of documents have to be uploaded by 11:59 pm on July 30.

The provisional merit list of Maharashtra NEET UG counselling will be released on July 31, after 5:30 pm along with seat matrix for group A (MBBS/BDS) courses.

CAP round 1 selection list for MBBS and BDS will be released on August 4, 2023.

"The Schedule for subsequent CAP Round(s) of MBBS/ BDS/ BAMS/ BHMS/ BUMS/ BPTH/ BOTH/ BASLP/ B(P&O) CAP schedule for AYUSH courses will be declared in due course, the CET Cell said.

For more information, check the schedule.

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Amy Jackson has been sharing pictures on her Instagram ever since her actor-boyfriend Ed Westwick landed in Mumbai. The couple are currently in Udaipur, Rajasthan and having a gala time. Amy shared a bunch of pictures from their Rajasthan trip on Instagram on Tuesday. (Also read: Ed Westwick shares a kiss with Amy Jackson at Gateway of India, reveals what he likes most about India) Amy Jackson with Ed Westwick in Udaipur.

Amy's Udaipur trip

Amy took to Instagram to share how she has been spending time in Udaipur with her actor-boyfriend Ed Westwick. In one of the pictures, Amy shared Ed sitting in their hotel room in a white bathrobe. Amy also shared pictures from their breakfast table as she and Ed enjoyed the delicacies spread in front of them. She also shared a snap of the beautiful landscape that was visible from their place of stay there. She captioned the post with a short and sweet, "Long, lazy monsoon mornings (star emoticons)"

Fan reactions

Amy also replied to a bunch of fans who commented on his post. One said, "Welcome to My Rajasthan," to which Amy replied, "we love itttt!!!" Another said, "You look amazing Amy (red heart emoticon) hope you 2 enjoy your time there to the fullest." Amy replied, "Thankyou! This place is stunning." Another wrote, "I love this place," to which she replied, "its so magical!"

Ed's Instagram posts

Meanwhile Ed also shared a picture with Amy in his Instagram post and captioned it, "Maharaja vibes." He had earlier shared pictures from his sightseeing in the city of Mumbai. He was accompanied by Amy, as they shared a kiss in front of the Gateway of India. Ed captioned the post with a short and sweet note, and wrote: "Gateway 2 India." Amy reacted to the post and commented with a red heart emoticon.

Amy and Ed's relationship

Ed and Amy Jackson confirmed their relationship when Amy made an Instagram post in June last year. She was earlier engaged to George Panayiotou.

Ed is known for playing playboy Chuck Bass on the CW Network's Gossip Girl from 2007 to 2012. The show also starred Blake Lively, Leighton Meester and others. Ed also played the lead in the sitcom White Gold. Ed had made his film debut with Children of Men (2006).

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT Entertainment Desk Dedicated professionals who write about cinema and television in all their vibrancy. Expect views, reviews and news. ...view detail
The legal battle between actor Kangana Ranaut and lyricist Javed Akhtar continues. As per an India Today report, the Magistrate court in Mumbai has summoned Javed Akhtar on Kangana's complaint under Indian Penal Code sections 506 (criminal intimidation) and 509 (insult to the modesty of a woman). He has to appear before the Andheri court on August 5. (Also Read | Javed Akhtar tells court what happened the night he called Kangana Ranaut to his house) Kangana Ranaut and Javed Akhtar are engulfed in a legal battle.

Kangana and Javed's doctor summoned by court

On Monday, Kangana Ranaut and Javed's physician Dr Ramesh Agarwal was one of the witnesses before the 10th Magistrate's court. He talked about the meeting that took place between Javed and Kangana and her sister Rangoli Chandel in 2016. He informed the court that Javed had spoken to him about the issue between Kangana and Hrithik Roshan adding that there should be a settlement between the actors.

Javed asked Kangana to visit his home

In 2016, Javed called Kangana to his home to give her some advice on her public spat with Hrithik Roshan. In 2020, Kangana said in an interview that he had threatened her for speaking on the issue, and later also filed a defamation suit against her. She also filed a complaint against Javed after that.

What the doctor told Javed Akhtar's lawyer

As reported by India Today, when Javed's advocate Jay Bharadwaj asked the doctor about alleged defamatory words being spoken at the meeting, he said he didn't hear it. Dr Agarwal said, "The meeting lasted about 20-30 minutes, and before leaving, Javed told her, 'Aapko maafi mangni padegi (you will have to apologise)." When asked if Javed said "padegi ya mangiye (you will have to apologise or you seek forgiveness), he said it was "aap maafi mangiye (you seek forgiveness)." He also denied that there was 'any exchange of harsh words'.

Here's what Dr Agarwal told Kangana's lawyer

After Kangana's lawyer, Rizwan Siddiquee asked if the actor had asked him or Javed to mediate in the dispute between her and Hrithik, Dr Agarwal denied. He also agreed that he was part of the meeting at the request of Javed Akhtar. When asked about the agenda of the meeting and Hrithik and his family not being part of it, Dr Agarwal said that the agenda was that both would apologise to each other. He added he didn't know that 'Akhtar would not call the Roshans and only ask Kangana to apologise'.

When asked if Kangana had said anything after leaving Javed's home, he replied, "She told me that, Initially both of us (she and Hrithik Roshan) were to apologise, but now only I am being asked to apologise. She told me this, and that is why she felt uncomfortable."

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THE Energy and Water Utilities Authority (EWURA) has insisted that there was no shortage of fuel products in the country.

EWURA also issued a notice to petrol station proprietors in the suburbs to ensure that by Monday next week, they enter into a contract with importers or suppliers of fuel in the country.

Authority's move is aimed at ensuring reliable supply of the fuel products in those areas.

According to EWURA's Director General Dr James Andilile, after holding a meeting with the depots' owners and fuel importers over the weekend, the two parties agreed that it was necessary for the petrol stations in suburbs to enter into agreement with suppliers for reliable supply of the fuel.

Recently, there were reports on social media platforms indicating that in some far regions, such as Simiyu and Manyara, the public was experiencing scarcity of the fuel.

However, EWURA refuted that disclosing that the country has enough stock of fuel, allaying fears among Tanzanians over shortage.

"We have agreed that by 31st this July, every Petrol Station owner must make sure that he/she enters into a contract with at least two wholesalers and that these contracts should be submitted to me before the 31st this month, " Dr Andilile pointed, while speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam.

He made statement over the weekend when Energy Minister January Makamba visited some oil depots in Dar es Salaam during which he also spoke with fuel importers.

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His visit was aimed at hearing from the players in the industry whether there was shortage of fuel in their depots, something which could create shortage in the local market.

"The aim of the contracts is to ensure that oil suppliers are sure of when the sellers order the product and know who orders it from and who they are giving it to," said Dr Andilile.

During the Minister's visit to the depots, owners of the depots assured the government that they have enough fuel in their stocks, hence assuring that there was no shortage of the products.

The owners told the minister that they are ready to cooperate in distributing it to various areas, including the peripheral ones countrywide.

Equally, they told the minister that they are currently working 24 hours a day to ensure that trucks enter and leave the depots warehouses with enough stock of the fuels.

"The country has enough oil, what is being done right now is to transport it to various areas, especially in the suburbs so as to enable it arrive in the relevant areas on time," said Dr Andilile.
Actor Nitish Bharadwaj, who played the role of Lord Krishna in BR Chopra's television serial Mahabharat, has reacted to the controversy over a sex scene in Oppenheimer featuring the Sanskrit scripture Bhagavad Gita. Speaking with ETimes, Nitish spoke about how Gita 'teaches a sense of duty in the middle of a battlefield'. He also added that the life struggles of humans, 'mainly emotional are the battlefields'. (Also Read | Oppenheimer's sex scenes spark controversy, outrage over Bhagava Gita' link in intimate moment) Nitish Bhardwaj spoke about Cillian Murphy's Oppenheimer.

Oppenheimer lovemaking scene

In Christopher Nolan's film, Oppenheimer -- played by Cillian Murphy -- is shown having sex with psychologist Jean Tatler (Florence Pugh) as she asks him to read a verse from what appears to be a Sanskrit book, whose title or cover is not visible. On Jean's insistence, a confused Oppenheimer reads out the verse she points at: "Now, I am become Death, destroyer of the world."

What Nitish said about Gita

Quoting Shloka 11.32, he said that it was told to Arjun 'to do his duty as a warrior, which is to fight the evil'. Nitish said that Krishna's 'entire shloka must be understood properly'. Talking about the shloka, he added that Krishna said he is 'the eternal time who will kill everything; so everyone will die even if you don't kill them. So do your duty'.

Nitish spoke about Oppenheimer

Speaking with ETimes, Nitish said, "When Oppenheimer created the atom bomb & it was used to kill most of Japan's population, he was himself questioning whether he did his duty properly! His famous interview showed him in tears, which means that he had probably regretted his own invention. He probably saw that his invention will destroy the human race in future & he was probably remorseful. The use of this verse in the film should also be understood from Oppenheimer's emotional state of mind. A scientist thinks of his creation 24x7x365 days, irrespective of what he is doing. His mind space is consumed fully of his creation & the physical act is just a natural mechanical act."

He also added, "I appeal to people to think of this emotional aspect of Oppenheimer's important moments of life. Isn't he proved correct that now we see all the explosive technologies killing our own race - for human greed of territorial & commercial superiority, without any sense of larger duty as an individual or a nation or a planetThe UN must enforce nuclear disarmament seriously. Nolan's message is loud & clear!"

Robert Oppenheimer was influenced by Bhagavad Gita

J Robert Oppenheimer, regarded as 'the father of the atom bomb', had learnt Sanskrit and was said to be influenced by the Bhagavad Gita. In an interview, the physicist had recalled that the only thought which came to his mind after he witnessed the first detonation of a nuclear weapon on July 16, 1945, was a verse from the ancient Hindu text -- "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of world."

(with PTI inputs)

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Humans are social beings. The need to have a social circuit where humans come in human contact with others of their species and communicate in various ways is essential for human existence. As dystopia set in with the Covid-9 pandemic, humans got restricted to within homes and were forced to rethink ways of the human connect. The internet temporarily came to the rescue and every aspect of human life, be it interaction or education or work all moved online. Soon enough laptop fatigue set in along with a host of other problems including mental health problems since humans are simply not genetically adept to deal with lives without the essential human connect. IR(Ebersole Photography LLC)

The post World War 2 era, characterised by a cold war between the two superpowers of the time- the US and the Soviet Union saw some of the most devastating effects a bipolar world order can have. While the absence of a hot war or direct military confrontation between the two superpowers was an excellent facet of international politics, proxy wars in theatres as far as Southeast Asia or in Central and Southeast Asia had devastating effects and multiple countries across the globe suffered. The end of the Cold War with the collapse of the Soviet Union not just saw the rise of multiple poles of power, the examples of which range from India to Brazil to China to Japan but also the emergence of many regional groups, vying to address some of the most pertinent issues facing the world order.

Examples of regional groups include the Group of 7 (G7), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Association of South-East Asia Nations (ASEAN), the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), among a long list of others. Irrespective of the composition of these groupings, these organisations have been vital in championing interests of members in various jurisdictions they are found. However, one drawback of these organisations is that the will of the most economically and militarily developed member of the group often gets enforced as the common voice of the group. With this emerged the question of the efficacy of regional groups. Also, in several groups, political differences between member states often leads to a paralysis of the organisation.

While SAARC remains as one of the biggest examples of a regional organisation that failed, ASEAN remains a successful example of a regional grouping. Where the SAARC fails owing to political reasons, the BIMSTEC appears as a ray of hope. Despite the fact that BIMSTEC has been extremely slow in taking off, as it was formed in 1997 and the first summit took place only in 2004, the grouping has identified some of the most pressing issues facing the Bay of Bengal region, and an example of this is in the form of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was signed between the member countries in 2018 on the establishment of the BIMSTEC grid interconnection. This MoU facilitates cooperation towards the implementation of grid interconnections for the trade in electricity with a view to promoting rational and optimal power transmission in the BIMSTEC region. Amidst the global energy crisis that is emerging because of the prolonged Russia-Ukraine crisis in the West, arrangements such as this MoU become important. Also, the BIMSTEC is undertaking a series of steps to leverage the blue economy, given the fact that these countries are in a region that can leverage this facet of trade and economic relations. Amidst slowing global growth rates, finding newer arenas of cooperation to drive growth become important.

However, to the extent which potentials can be turned into realities remains a question, which adds to the doubts around the efficacy of regional organisations. Here, a quick look at what are considered successful examples of regional organisations becomes pertinent. The European Union (EU) and the ASEAN as stated previously are considered among the perfect examples of regional organisations. However, Brexit happened, and EU members currently remain divided on issues around how to tackle rising Chinese ambitions. While some EU members would want economic relations to strengthen in the hopes that they can avoid spiralling GDP rates through international trade, other are more cautious of the ways in which China leverages its economic supremacy over partner trading countries to seek political advantages. When China downgraded its diplomatic relations with Lithuania in 2021, when the latter refused to give into political diktats of Beijing, there was no unified condemnation from the EU. It took a year for the EU to request the World Trade Organization (WTO) for two panels against China against the economic coercion it was undertaking against Lithuania. As seen in this case as well in the slow take-off of the BIMSTEC, decisions take time to fructify in regional organisations. Even ASEAN countries are divided over how to tackle the rise of China, even though several members have sovereignty related disputes with China.

If even the most successful regional organisations get so mired in delays and controversies, do their existence really matter is a constant question. While regional organisations may take time to take decisions, they are the best groupings to understand regional challenges since they inhabit the regional geographic space. Also, if decisions in regional organisations take time to fructify, decisions in bigger, international organisations take further time. The best bet to understand unfolding challenges in a particular regional space and to address them based on needs of capabilities of member states remain the strongest points of regional organisations. Regional organisations despite complications are here to stay!

This article is authored by Sriparna Pathak, associate professor and director, Northeast Asian Studies, OP Jindal University, Sonipat.

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National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Tuesday participated in the 13th BRICS NSA meeting in Johannesburg where he emphasised that terrorism remains one of the key threats to national peace and security. Doval said that BRICS members can work together in listing terrorists and their proxies under the UN counter-terrorism sanctions regime, almost a month after China blocked a joint proposal by India and the US at the United Nations to designate Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Sajid Mir as a global terrorist. NSA Ajit Doval with his BRICS counterparts.

The NSA highlighted that the terror outfits in the Af-Pak region continue to operate with impunity and stressed that the decision-making of the UNSC sanctions committee is free from politicization and double standards.

Doval expressed gratitude to South Africa for its cooperation during India's ongoing G20 Presidency and affirmed India's unwavering support for South Africa's BRICS chairmanship this year.

Addressing the gathering, Doval emphasized that the international security environment was undergoing significant changes, characterized by uncertainties and escalating tensions. He further noted the aftermath of the pandemic still affecting the global economy.

The meeting covered critical areas such as cyber, maritime, and space, which are hotly contested domains. Non-traditional challenges pertaining to food, water, and energy security were also discussed.

To address emerging challenges, Doval advocated for leveraging regional mechanisms to pursue common goals. Equitable and fair access to global commons, in accordance with international laws, should be a priority.

Water security has emerged as a major global concern, prompting Doval to stress the need for prudent usage and conservation as a shared responsibility. He cautioned against the weaponization of water and called for complete transparency and unhindered information sharing concerning cross-border water resources to counter any politicization of the issue.

Given India's significant role in the global food supply system and its assistance to other countries during the pandemic, Doval stressed the importance of ensuring unhindered availability of fertilizers, highlighting that today's fertilizer shortage could lead to a future food crisis.

In the cyber domain, research and development were deemed paramount to address common threats arising from emerging technologies. The BRICS working group on ICTs had identified cutting-edge areas such as AI, quantum computing, cloud security, Blockchain, and the Internet of Things as potential research topics.

Doval emphasized that the digital age's opportunities also brought forth challenges, necessitating unity to bolster cyber defenses, foster international cooperation, and develop resilient national cyberinfrastructures. The connection between cybercriminals and terrorists was identified as a growing concern.

Doval reiterated India's unwavering commitment to the BRICS process and expressed readiness to enhance cooperation in all joint endeavours.

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The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 was passed by the Lok Sabha in the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament on Tuesday amid protests by opposition parties on the violence in Manipur. The Bill was introduced in Parliament on December 16, 2021 by the union environment minister. (ANI photo)

Before the passage of the bill, union environment minister Bhupender Yadav said, The world is facing a triple crisis, climate change, desertification and loss of biological resources. The biological diversity act is meant for sustainable use of biological components and fair and equitable sharing of benefits with vulnerable communities. We wish to promote ease of doing business. Under Ayush, use of biological resources was promoted by the government. We want research, cooperation and innovation in this sector. We want to promote ease of doing business and living.

In August 2022, a joint parliamentary committee which reviewed the contentious draft legislation to modify the biodiversity conservation law had, in its report accepted several amendments proposed by the government that include exempting users of codified traditional knowledge from sharing benefits with local communities and replacing punishments for violations with penalties.

Also Read: Opposition raises concerns over parts of two bills, wants detailed review

The draft legislation was referred to the 21-member joint parliamentary panel following widespread criticism of several of its provisions after it was introduced by Yadav on December 16, 2021.

The government said the amendments aim to reduce the pressure on wild medicinal plants by encouraging cultivation, and fast-tracking research, patent application and transfer of research outcome.

However, critics said the proposed law seeks to facilitate trade and benefit the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) industry and is contrary to the aims of the existing law to conserve biodiversity.

The bill was drafted following concerns by the traditional Indian medicine practitioners, the seed industry and research organisations over the compliance burden in the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, which was enacted to conserve biological diversity and ensure equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological resources with indigenous and local communities.
Days after three women students of a private paramedical college in Udupi were suspended for allegedly filming a fellow student using a mobile phone inside a washroom, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Tuesday held a press conference in Bengaluru and demanded a detailed probe into the matter. The BJP Mahila Morcha has also called for a statewide protest on July 27 demanding action against the three students. The police have said that the victim has decided not to file a police complaint as all the three students are her classmates (HT Photo)

Three Muslim girls recorded a Hindu girl secretly when she was in the washroom. They then sent the video to several groups. A detailed probe must be ordered into the incident. The government is showing soft-corner on the three students. There is a big network behind this incident, BJP state general secretary N Ravi Kumar said on Tuesday.

On July 19, three Muslim students were suspended by a private paramedical college for recording a video of their classmate when she was in the washroom. The incident came to light when the Hindu student told her friends, who informed the college management. The college management in turn informed the police about the incident and handed over the phone to the police.

The incident took a communal turn with the right-wing groups claiming that the suspended students, who were Muslims, used hidden cameras to shoot private videos of Hindu girls, in order to circulate them among Muslim men as part of Jihadi conspiracy. The Udupi police has however strongly denied these claims.

BJP leader and Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna said that legal action needs to be taken against the offenders. I was in the assembly session when the incident occurred. Suitable legal action needs to be initiated against the erring girl students, Suvarna told reporters on Tuesday.

It is not right to keep cameras in the washroom. This may be a blackmailing tactic. I will urge for suitable action against the three offenders. I will bring this to the notice of the chief minister and home minister...The motive of the Muslim girl students is causing suspicion. I doubt the work of Jihadi organizations behind this act, he alleged.

Theres a lot of confusion as many people are sharing misinformation on social media. I am here to clarify that the video was not shared with anyone. Many have said that there was a hidden camera inside the restroom and videos were being shot. No such thing has come to our attention, Udupi superintendent of police (SP) Akshay Machhindra told reporters.

The SP also said that the victim has decided not to file a police complaint as all the three students are her classmates. The victim has written to the college that she was acquainted with the three Muslim students and that the video was deleted immediately. She had told the college that she doesnt want to file a police complaint.

The SP also requested the public not to share any unverified news in connection with the incident on any of the social media platforms.
The body of a 21-year-old tribal youth, a second-year engineering student the Indian Institute of Technology in Hyderabad (IIT-H) missing since last week, was recovered from the Ramakrishnapuram beach in Visakhapatnam, police said on Tuesday. The student was missing for nearly a week. (Representative image)

The student had been missing from his IIT-H hostel room from July 18, which was the last day when his parents could contact him, Sangareddy (rural) inspector of police Sudhir Kumar said.

Initial investigations indicate that the student could have died by suicide.

The Sangareddy police traced his phone to Visakhapatnam where CCTV visuals showed him walking near the beach on July 19.

On Monday, the police reached Visakhapatnam along with his parents to search for him.

We searched for him on the beach road and checked the CCTV footage to trace his movements but in vain, Kumar said.

His body was subsequently found on the beach on Tuesday morning by the Visakhapatnam police and they in turn informed Sangareddy police officers looking into the missing persons case.

His parents identified the body. After the post mortem, the body would be handed over to them, Kumar said, adding that the student might have died by suicide out of depression.

It was not immediately clear how he took the extreme step.

A second year B-Tech (Mechanical) student at IIT-H, he had three backlogs in his subjects to clear for which he had stayed back on the campus after seeking the institute authorities permission.

The student last answered calls from his parents on July 18, saying he was in his hostel room and studying.

When his parents called him again on July 19, his phone was switched off.

On July 19 evening, his father Umla Nayak, an attendant in a government department, went to the IIT-H hostel to enquire about his son. Hostel warden M Gopinath told him that he had left the hostel on July 17. Immediately, Nayak, along with the warden, lodged a complaint with the police, the inspector said.

After a preliminary probe, we found that he had left the IIT-H campus on July 17 afternoon. At 6.30 pm on the same day, he was spotted sipping a soft drink on a railway footbridge at the Lingampally station from where he later boarded a train to Secunderabad, Kumar said.

He is said to have boarded the Janmabhoomi Express to Visakhapatnam from Lingampally station.

After tracking his mobile phone, police found that he was at the Visakhapatnam beach in the early hours of July 19. After that, the whereabouts of the student could not be tracked, Kumar said.

Police questioned the student's friends at the institute who said he was depressed after failing in three subjects and was struggling to clear them.

If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist.

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Tomorrow, India will celebrate the 24 anniversary of its military victory in 1999 Kargil war. The war was foisted on India by a Pakistan Army Chief blind with military ambition to capture Kashmir Valley and Saltoro Ridge on the Saichen Glacier through planned troop intrusions north of Zoji La and south of Chorbat La, south of southern glacier. Initially surprised at the audacity of the plan, the Indian Army took over two months to chuck out the intruders but in turn lost 527 braves in the war. The war showed that the Indian Army was capable of taking out the enemy against all odds and each trooper knew how to draw blood so what if he did not belong to any martial race. The military victory at Kargil against perfidious Pakistan brought global spotlight on cross-border terrorism practiced by Islamabad since 1990 but also showed how India could defend its borders with restraint and impose huge military and political costs on the enemy. Even though India lost fearless young officers and men at rarefied heights and glaciated battlefields, the war was a game-changer for India, a crucial step in its quest to become a developed nation. File photo of 155mm Bofors howitzers blasting away Pakistani bunkers in Drass sector during 1999 Kargil war.

First, the war not only forced the countrys political leadership to initiate modernization of its conventional military power but also to reform the national security architecture with a task force headed by K Subramanyam, father of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, spelling out the vital requirements. It is another matter that the military and national security reforms had to meander around the slow Indian bureaucracy before they were implemented. The post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was proposed by the Subrahmanyam Committee when the NDA government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee was in power but it took two decades to implement the recommendation by the Group of Ministers headed by then Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani. On January 1, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appointed General Bipin Rawat as the first CDS of India.

In the interregnum, Indian Army reorganized its commands and raised a strike corps against China at Pannagarh, right opposite the Chumbi Valley-Silliguri corridor to take on the PLA challenge.

Reforms were also initiated in the Indian intelligence with then Director, Intelligence Bureau, Ajit Doval setting up the multi-agency center (MAC) and joint task force on intelligence (JTFI) during his short tenure in 2004.

Second, simultaneously with military and intelligence reforms, India started border infrastructure upgradation and literally exorcised the ghost of 1962 war. Even at the dawn of 21st century, the Indian military planners were afraid to build roads leading to its northern borders, lest the Chinese used the same and do a Bomdi La on India along the 3488 km Line of Actual Control (LAC). Fact is that neither the Indian Army or the political leadership barring PM Vajpayee and his maverick Defence Minister George Fernandes had the stomach to take on rising China or for that matter its tributary state, Pakistan, till the war at Kargil forced their hand. Both Vajpayee and Fernandes were pilloried by the media for naming China as the key reason for 1998 nuclear tests and calling the Communist nation a potential threat. In the past nine years, building on the plans initiated by the previous UPA regime, border infrastructure upgradation has been taken on in the earnest with advanced landing grounds all along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and state of art platforms like Chinook helicopters for rapid insertion of forces to meet the challenge of a superpower neighbor. The air strips at Daulet Beg Oldi (DBO), Nyoma, Thoise and Leh have been upgraded so that Indian troops deployed on Saltoro Ridge are not surprised from China and its client Pakistan in the name of CPEC which runs through occupied Northern Areas and Shaksgam Valley, north of the Teram Shehr glacier. Fact is that while surgical strikes in Occupied Kashmir post Uri terror attack and air attack on Balakot terror camp post Pulwama terror attack have put the fear of Indian military and political leadership in neighboring Pakistan. The PLA also is no longer sure after Col Santosh Babu of 16 Bihar and his gallant men had showed the mettle of Indian Army to PLA at Galwan on June 15, 2020. But it was the Indian Army operations on August 29-31, 2020 in south Pangong Tso, planned by NSA Doval, CDS Rawat and Army Chief M M Naravane, that took the wind out of PLA aggression as India was ready to take on the Chinese Army during that critical period. Just as in Kargil, the message today is that India under PM Narendra Modi will retaliate to any transgression and will defend its borders with all might. It will use all its military arsenal at its disposal.

Third, the on-going Ukraine war like Kargil has shown that there is always scope for conventional war even though the era of stand-off weapons like drones, cyber and missiles has dawned. Even with overwhelming power, Russia is facing reverses in the Ukraine war as Indian Army took over two months to decimate the Pakistan Army troopers perched on Kargil heights. That the wars tend to drag on and can lead to loss of military prestige is evident from the military losses faced by Russia. The Ukraine war is not only a lesson to India but more importantly to China, which wants to grab Taiwan, South China Sea, Arunachal Pradesh and force a rejected 1959 line in East Ladakh on India.

Four, even though the Pakistani intrusions in Mushkoh sector took place in March 1999 or even before the ill-fated Lahore bus trip, the Indian military-civilian bureaucracy woke up in May 1999 after the then National Highway 1 Alpha was threatened by Pakistani artillery bombardment. History has it that the Indian Air Force only moved in on May 26 after getting approval from Cabinet Committee on Security and the war exposed the bureaucratic delays in weapons acquisition program. Faced with a dictatorial China without any political or civilian opposition, a democratic India with its power grabbing politicians and self-serving bureaucracy will always be found wanting in decision making and implementation. While Indias present Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba was personal aide to Defence Minister George Fernandes and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was handling Kashmir operations during Kargil war, the decolonization of Indian bureaucracy is still work in progress as decisions are process not result driven and are not in sync with the national interest.

Last, the Indian Army suffered at the hands of Pakistan artillery at Kargil as it did not have the gun locating radars, surveillance drones or laser guided ammunition. The radars were acquired from the US after the war, just as Israelis provided Searcher drones, laser guided bomb kits for surveillance and targeting were inducted at the last minute in the Drass sector in June 1999. The border sensors were provided by Israel post war to prevent cross -border infiltration in the Valley. With Russia today bogged down in Ukraine and no longer the reliable supplier it once was due to its no limits friendship with China, India needs to go for full spectrum Make in India to ensure that Indian military has not only indigenous platforms but also indigenous ammunition to fight a prolonged war and defend India. Even though PM Modi has been pushing the Atmanirbhar Bharat program with all his might, the Indian defence PSUs and hardware developers are putting hurdles on the entry of private sector in this field and using the fifth columnists to their advantage. If India is destined to become a developed nation by 2047, a strong defence supply chain is the need of the hour. The adversary today is rising super power China not gasbag Pakistan.

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The Border Security Force (BSF) foiled a narcotics smuggling bid and gunned down a Pakistani smuggler along the India-Pakistan border in Samba sector of Jammu and Kashmir during the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday. Further search of the area is under progress. (Representative file image)

Alert BSF men foiled a narcotics smuggling bid and neutralised a Pakistani smuggler, said a BSF spokesperson.

Also Read:Drone recovered near Pak border in Punjabs Tarn Taran

During the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, the vigilant BSF troops neutralised a Pakistani smuggler while he was trying to smuggle narcotics through Ramgarh border area, he added.

The spokesperson further said that during initial search of the area, four packets of suspected narcotics (weighing approximately 4 kilograms) are found along with the body of the Pakistani smuggler.

Further search of the area is under progress. Details will be shared, he added.
A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan has been booked and suspended after a purported video of him allegedly molesting a woman in violence-hit Manipur surfaced on social media, officials aware of the matter said on Tuesday. HT Image

The accused, the officials added, was identified as head constable Satish Prasad from number 100 battalion. Prasad was part of the forces contingent deployed to keep a check on law and order in the northeastern state that has been engulfed in ethnic violence since May 3.

In the purported video, the BSF jawan in uniform and carrying a rifle is seen following a woman inside a departmental store in Imphal and groping her. HT could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.

The alleged assault took place on July 20 inside the store at a fuel station and was captured on CCTV, officials said.

A BSF officer, who did not wish to be identified, said the trooper was suspended as soon as the paramilitary force received a complaint and the allegation was checked.

A Court of Inquiry proceeding has been initiated against the head constable who belongs to the number 100 battalion of the force that was sent to the state as an ad-hoc unit for security duties in the wake of the ethnic violence in the northeastern state, the officer said, according to news agency PTI.

The BSF has zero tolerance for such acts and a fair investigation will be conducted in this incident, the officer added.

The incident comes as several cases of violence against women in the ethnic strife-hit state continue to emerge.

A horrific 30-second video of two women stripped and paraded naked by a group of men  who were identified in a first information report (FIR) as Meiteis  triggered nationwide outrage last week.

The incident took place in B Phainom village on May 4, a day after violence broke out in Manipur, but came to light after the videos went viral on July 19.

The men hooted and applauded as they groped the two victims. They also allegedly gang-raped the youngest of the two women, according to the FIR. Seven people have been arrested so far.

The video also evoked sharp responses from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud.

Just hours after the alleged assault on May 4, two more women were allegedly raped and murdered by a mob, according to another FIR. Not only did the two incidents happen on the same day within an hour of each other, the victims hailed from the same community (Kuki) as did the perpetrators (Meteis), the FIR said.

(With PTI inputs)
The Union cabinet on Tuesday cleared the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, to replace, during the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament, an ordinance that hands control of the national capitals bureaucratic machinery to the Centre. Officials aware of the matter indicated that the bill will be introduced in the Rajya Sabha in the coming week. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (PTI)

Once tabled, the bill is likely to be fiercely opposed by the Oppositions Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) grouping, though the Centre has enough numbers in both houses for the bill to sail through.

The legislation will replace the ordinance promulgated by the President on May 19 to allow the Centre retain control over the bureaucracy in Delhi and effectively rolled back a Constitution bench judgment of the Supreme Court (SC) that handed over control of the bureaucracy in the Capital to the elected government, excluding those connected to police, public order and land.

The bill is being brought as a result of the pronouncement of the order of the Constitution bench of the Supreme Court in which the legislative and executive power over services shall vest with the GNCTD. The conclusions drawn in Constitution bench pronouncement pose certain challenges to the smooth administration of GNCTD which need to be addressed through appropriate legal interventions, the government said in a circular issued by the Lok Sabha before the Monsoon session of Parliament.

ALSO READ: With Congress on board, here's list of parties backing AAP on Delhi ordinance row

Rajya Sabha has already allotted more than four hours to discuss the bill.

Government officials indicated that if the bill is brought in this session, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will be ready to seek the approval of the House even amid the Oppositions fierce protests over the situation in Manipur, which has been torn by communal strife for several months.

The ordinance reignited a heated tussle between the elected Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the centrally appointed lieutenant governor over control of the national capital.

AAP spokespersons did not respond to requests for comment seeking comment on the cabinet clearing the Bill. However, the Delhi government has called the illegal, unconstitutional and a black law. Senior AAP leaders, including party chief and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, have over the past few weeks criss-crossed the country to rally support against the ordinance. In fact, the party hinged its entry into the INDIA grouping on the Congress taking a stand on the ordinance.

ALSO READ: In AAP v BJP Delhi ordinance row, SC issues notice to centre, LG

Meanwhile, the logjam between the Centre and Opposition has stalled Parliament since the ongoing session began on Thursday, with constituents of the INDIA grouping demanding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi make a statement on the Manipur violence inside the House.

In the Rajya Sabha, AAP leader Sanjay Singh was on Monday suspended for the rest of the Monsoon session for unruly behaviour.

On July 20, the Supreme Court, on a petition filed by the Delhi government, referred to a Constitution bench of five judges the Delhi governments challenge to the 2023 Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Ordinance, giving the Centre control over the states bureaucracy. To be sure, the top courts decision to have the legality of the ordinance tested by a Constitution bench has no bearing on the introduction or passage of the ordinance in Parliament as a legislation.

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks on the opposition alliance I.N.D.I.A. and said call us what you want, but we are India and will rebuild the idea of India in Manipur. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and PM Narendra Modi.

Modi had slammed the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance or I.N.D.I.A. as the most directionless the country has ever seen and cited reviled names, such as East India Company and Indian Mujahideen, to assert that people cannot be misled merely by the use of the country's name.

Parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi said the prime minister told a BJP Parliamentary Party meeting that the conduct of the opposition has been such that as if it has decided to stay in the opposition for long.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ramesh Bidhuri said the prime minister said even those with a design to divide the country had names like East India Company and Indian Mujahideen, but people will not be misled by these gimmicks.

Former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said Modi told the BJP leaders that Indian National Congress and the East India Company were founded by foreigners.

He said people were also using names, such as Indian Mujahideen and Popular Front of India, and their realities were quite different from what they tried to project.

Modi's remarks sparked a massive war of words between the Opposition and BJP leaders.

"We will rebuild the idea of India in Manipur," Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

Congress says Modi should shed his 'ego'

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also reacted to Modi's jibe and urged him to make a "comprehensive" statement in both houses of Parliament on the violence in Manipur.

Kharge said 83 days of unabated violence in Manipur require that the prime minister make a comprehensive statement in Parliament.

"Stories of absolute horror are now slowly trickling down. INDIA demands answers from the Modi Government on Manipur violence," he said on Twitter.

Kharge said it was high time that Modi sheds his "ego" and takes the country into confidence on Manipur.

"We demand a statement to be made by the prime minister in the House on the burning and emotive issue of Manipur which is adversely affecting the Indian democratic polity followed by a detailed and comprehensive discussion," Kharge said in his notice while pointing out that violence continues even after two months in the northeastern state.

The opposition has been demanding a statement from the prime minister in both houses of Parliament on the situation in Manipur, followed by a discussion.

Congress MP Randeep Surjewala alleged that the PM is insulting the country and its freedom fighters. He has time to speak in the US Parliament but does not have time to speak on Manipur in the Parliament of the country. Why does he hate the Indian Constitution and Parliament? Surjewala told news agency ANI.

Veteran Congress leader Digvijay Singh said, We have never seen such a prime minister who is scared of giving answers in the Parliament and if he has so many issues with the word 'India', he should remove 'India' from BJP for India, Startup India and others. We are proud of the name 'India'.

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said he was glad that Modi was noticing the alliance and paying attention to its name and nomenclature. "We are giving a clear contrast and the people of India will decide whether they want the I.N.D.I.A. alliance or the divisive NDA alliance," news agency PTI quoted Karti as saying.

Sad that the PM is: Priyanka Chaturvedi

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi said, "It's sad that the PM is comparing the name of our country I.N.D.I.A with terror outfits."

BJP defends PM Modi

Defending Modi's remarks, BJP leader Jagdambika Pal said, "The Opposition is not letting the House function. Today, the Home minister himself said that we are ready for discussion on Manipur but the Opposition is running away from it."

Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said, "The Opposition has only one demand that PM Modi initiates the discussion. I want to remind you that when on the issue of Manipur, Union home minister Amit Shah called a meeting, at the time this PM issue did not exist. After the all-party meeting of the floor leaders took place. In that too, they (Opposition) demanded immediate discussion. Defence minister Rajnath Singh was heading it and he accepted the request immediately..."

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched a fresh attack on the opposition grouping Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), terming it directionless and saying people cannot be misled merely by the use of the countrys name, citing the usage in East India Company, which colonised India and the banned Popular Front of India (PFI). Prime Minister Narendra Modi arriving at the BJP parliamentary party meeting. (ANI)

Addressing a closed-door Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) parliamentary party meeting, he said first the British came to loot India. The East India Company kept India in its name and looted us. In 1869, AO Hume created Indian National Congress... he built the party with Indias name to loot India.

Modis reference was to British administrator Allan Octavian Hume, who was among the founders of the Indian National Congress that led the national movement.

People aware of the details of Modis speech said he added that terror groups also used the countrys name  Indian Mujahideen and PFI. Indian Mujahideen has been blamed for a series of blasts while the Union government outlawed PFI and its affiliates for five years last year, accusing them of radicalisation and terrorist activities.

Modi said people have now wisened up and will not be misled by nomenclature. He added that the India of 2023 will not allow itself to get looted. It is a new India... which will not allow itself to be fooled.

Modi called the INDIA grouping a collection of corrupt leaders and parties. He said the Opposition is frustrated and disappointed and its conduct shows that the political status quo will continue.

It seems the opposition has made up its mind to stay in the opposition, he added.

The people cited above said Modi referred to bureaucracy and said whenever there are elections, it becomes a little lethargic but that this was not really the case now. Six months before the elections, people stop working and stop listening to politicians. The system is a little different this time around.

He said people realise that they have just started. ...the world and everyone know that we have just started our work and so they are taking note. The way the world is dealing with us, they know we are an emerging power and are here to stay.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar gave BJP lawmakers a 30-minute briefing on Modis foreign trips. The briefing also covered the awards and recognition Modi has received abroad.

The people cited above said Modis big idea for Independence Day was to ask BJP parliamentarians to bring kalash (pots) with soil and saplings from their constituencies to Delhi. He said that they would then find a place for these saplings to be planted in the Capital... develop them and take a pledge that by 2047, India will be a developed country. We will identify a van [forest], ridge, or park for this effort so that we always remember this promise, one of the persons quoted Modi as saying.

Modi called for the continuation of the har ghar jhanda [the tricolour in every house] initiative this year too on Independence Day.

He referred to the meeting of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) last week and said the alliance is the legacy of stalwarts such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L K Advani. He emphasised maintaining strong and cordial ties with allies.

Last week, Modi attempted to draw a contrast between the ruling coalition and the Opposition grouping at a conclave of NDA attended by 39 parties. He dismissed the Opposition grouping, saying it was a negative and corrupt alliance while the NDA has pure intent, a clear policy, and decisiveness. Hours earlier, 26 opposition parties announced their pre-poll coalition, setting the stage for a battle of alliances in the 2024 polls.

Modis fresh attack on the Opposition on Tuesday coincided with reports that the INDIA grouping was planning to move a no-confidence motion against the government. The reports surfaced as the first three days of Parliaments ongoing monsoon session were washed out as INDIA lawmakers stuck to their demand for Modis statement on the violence in Manipur.

The government faces no threat as it has a comfortable majority in Parliament. Opposition leaders insisted that the objective of bringing the motion was to try to push Modi to speak on the Manipur issue in the House. There is no guarantee that he will speak on a specific issue when he has to reply to a no-confidence debate.

In a tweet, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi responded to Modis comments asking the Prime Minister to call them whatever he wants. We are INDIA. We will help heal Manipur and wipe the tears of every woman and child. We will bring back love and peace for all her people. We will rebuild the idea of India in Manipur.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said Manipur is burning and they are continuously raising the issue but that the Prime Minister was speaking of the East India Company. Outside [Parliament] he [Modi] speaks about East India Company but he should be speaking [in the House] on Manipur, said Kharge in Parliament.

On Monday, ahead of the session, Modi spoke outside Parliament, and referred to the situation in Manipur too.

Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday reiterated the governments willingness to discuss in Parliament the violence in Manipur while requesting the Opposition to let the discussion take place.

A video surfaced on July 19 showing three women being stripped and paraded in Manipur. The incident fanned fresh tensions. Ethnic violence has rocked the state for the last two months and claimed over 150 lives and left over 50,000 injured.

Disruptions over Manipur have marred Parliaments monsoon session with Opposition leaders demanding Modi, who spoke outside Parliament and said he was pained and angry over the video, speak in the House.

INDIA grouping lawmakers have protested in the Parliament complex against the governments silence on the violence while reiterating their demand for Modis statement. The government has insisted that Shah will speak on Manipur in Parliament.

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The Central Crime Branch (CCB) of police have found a new lead into the investigation of the alleged terror module in Bengaluru, which hit a standstill after the prime suspect, 28-year-old Junaid Ahmed, remained elusive, said officers in the know of the development. According to police, Junaid had told his girlfriend that he had gone to work in Dubai (HT Archives)

The CCB have found the location of the Junaids girlfriend. Investigation revealed that Junaid was calling his girlfriend from the country where he was hiding. The investigators came to know about this while checking his phone calls. Through her [Junaids girlfriend], we are gathering more information about Junaid, said a CCB officer.

According to police, Junaid had told his girlfriend that he had gone to work in Dubai. She was also not informed about his violent activities and the recorded cases of robbery and murder. This lead, however, has given police a convincing evidence that the suspect was in Dubai and not Afghanistan as speculated earlier by some.

In 2021, Junaid relocated to Dubai using a passport issued before his 2017 arrest, which had no record of pending cases. He was calling his girlfriend from there. Sources said that after learning about the arrest of his accomplices on July 19, he stopped calling his girlfriend, the officer added.

With Junaid believed to be in Dubai, efforts are underway to arrest him and bring him to the country in cooperation with the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the officer added.

According to the police, Junaid played a pivotal role in directing the five individuals currently in custody, and he possesses exclusive knowledge of the plan to acquire arms and explosives.

On Wednesday, the Bengaluru police arrested five men - Syed Suhel Khan (24), Mohammed Umar (29), Zahid Tabrez (25), Syed Mudassir Pasha (28), and Mohammed Faisal (30) - suspected to be part of the terror module.

The raid yielded significant evidence, including seven country-made pistols, 45 live rounds of ammunition, walkie-talkie sets, a dagger, and 12 mobile phones. Furthermore, the CCB also discovered four hand grenades from the residence of one of the suspect.

Supervising the investigation, a senior police officer stated, The five arrested individuals are essentially foot soldiers, who have served as Junaids accomplices in various criminal activities, such as murder, red-sanders smuggling, and the ongoing terror conspiracy.

The suspects, previously employed as mechanics and drivers, were initially arrested in 2017 by the RT Nagar police for the kidnapping and murder of a businessman named Noor Ahmad, the officer said.

While serving their sentences at the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, they reportedly established connections with T Nazir, a member of the terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and an accused in the 2008 Bengaluru serial bomb blast case.

The role of Nazeer is limited to brainwashing them. He ideologically motivated them, but the actual planning was carried out by Junaid, who was responsible for sending the packages containing the seized arms, the officer added.

The police officer revealed that central agencies monitored three packages sent by Junaid to India, leading to the arrests by the Bengaluru Police based on a tip-off.

Even though we have interrogated these individuals, they claim ignorance of the larger terror plot and insist that Junaid solely directed their actions, said a CCB officer, requesting anonymity.

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There has been no incident of cross-border infiltration reported in Jammu and Kashmir in the first six months this year, the ministry of home affairs (MHA) informed Parliament on Tuesday as it shared the data on declining infiltration in the union territory. There were zero incidents of cross-border infiltration in J&K till June 30. (Representational file image)

Responding to a question by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member of parliament Ranjanben Dhananjay Bhatt, union minister of state for home Nityanand Rai said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha that The approach adopted by government of India to tackle the cross-border infiltration has ensured a perceptible decline in infiltration.

According to the data shared by him with his reply, there were zero incidents of cross-border infiltration in J&K till June 30. The data suggests that the cross-border infiltration has declined drastically since 2019, when the article 370, that somewhat gave special status to J&K, was abolished and it was made a union territory.

Also Read:Security forces foil infiltration bid in J&Ks Poonch, kill two

While there were 141 incidents of cross border infiltration in J&K in 2019, 51 such infiltrations were reported in 2020, 34 in 2021 and just 14 last year, according to Rais reply in Lok Sabha.

The minister further said that the government of India has adopted a well-coordinated and multi-pronged strategy to tackle the cross-border infiltration. This includes tactical deployment of forces at International Border (IB)/Line of Control (LoC), use of technology like surveillance cameras, night vision cameras, heat sensing gadgets, etc., multi-tiered deployment along IB/LoC, border fencing, deployment of intelligence personnel to collect advance and target-oriented inputs on infiltration, ambushes and foot-patrolling by army/Border Security Force (BSF), establishment of border police posts for generating local intelligence and taking pro-active action against infiltrators, he said.
While the delayed monsoon had become a cause for concern in many parts of the state, the monsoon has picked up pace in the past few days with rainfall deficit only in south interior Karnataka, according to weather experts. Commuters take shelter under umbrellas during heavy monsoon rain, in Bengaluru. (PTI)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bengaluru, Director, A Prasad said Biparjoy affected the monsoon wind circulation pattern, resulting in delayed monsoon and rainfall deficit in June. However, synoptic features like Westerly winds, offshore trough, shear zone have started establishing since July, conducive for vigorous monsoon, Prasad said.

According to Prasad, the rainfall deficit currently is only in the south interior Karnataka - Ramanagara (-44%), Kodagu (-34%) and Hassan (-20%), compared to June, when almost all the districts had deficit rainfall.

The monsoon started in Karnatala very late, ten days behind the schedule. Its not the first time this has happened. It has happened in the past as well in 2016, 2019 and other years. Therefore, we had deficit in June. But we had already forecasted that the monsoon would be very active in July. Id said earlier that there would be active and vigorous monsoon conditions from June 21-July 27, Prasad said.

When monsoon started in Kerla, cyclone Biparjoy took over and delayed it and changed the circulation pattern completely. Thats why the Westerly winds were not strong. Now the synoptic features like offshore trough, shear zone have started establishing since July, Prasad pointed out.

According to data furnished by the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Management Centre (KSNDMC), as of July 25, as many as nine districts in Karnataka come under deficit rainfall, 20 districts saw normal rainfall and two districts got excess rain from June 1 to July 25 this monsoon. In June, as many as 21 districts were under deficit rainfall, five saw normal rainfall and one district got excess rain.

While the farmers had expressed concern over the deficit rainfall in the initial phase of the monsoon as it could affect production of several important crops, Prasad said they need to be concerned anymore.

As far as farming is concerned, I dont think there is any problem. The farmers dont need to be concerned about the rains anymore. The outlook for August also shows that near-normal rainfall is possible. The normal rainfall is when it is above 83 cm as a whole for the state. We are expecting anything between 72 cm and 92 cm, Prasad pointed out.

Meanwhile, the IMD has issued a red alert for Coastal Karnataka and Chikkamagaluru till Wednesday morning. The weather department forecasted extremely heavy rainfall (over 204.5mm) for the three coastal districts and Chikkamagaluru.

Gusty wind with speed reaching 40-50 kmph is likely to occur at isolated places from July 25-July 26 and gusty wind with speed reaching 30-40 kmph is likely to occur at isolated places from July 27-July 29, the IMD said.

The IMD has also issued an orange alert forecasting very heavy rainfall (115.6 mm to 204.4 mm) in Shivamogga, Kodagu and Belagavi till Thursday morning.

Amid the heavy rainfall, the district administrations on Tuesday declared a holiday for all educational institutions in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, and Kodagu.

Meanwhile, in order to assess the rain-relate damages, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called a virtual meeting with Deputy Commissioners of all districts at 4 pm on July 26.

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A Delhi court on Tuesday acquitted former Haryana minister Gopal Goyal Kanda and his aide Aruna Chadha in the case of abetment of suicide of former air hostess Geetika Sharma. According to the court, the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond all reasonable doubts. Gopal Kanda(PTI Photo)

The court asked Kanda and Chadha to submit 1 lakh in personal bond and remain present if the police filed an appeal against his acquittal.

Speaking to the media after his acquittal, Kanda said, The entire thing was made up. The court order is in front of you, read it and you will understand.

Kanda, who was a minister in the previous Bhupinder Singh Hooda-led Congress government in Haryana, was facing charges under various sections, including 306 (abetment of suicide), 506 (criminal intimidation), 201 (destruction of evidence), 120B (criminal conspiracy), 466 (forgery). There were also charges of rape (376) and 377 (unnatural sex) against him, but they were dropped later by the Delhi high court.

About the 2012 air-hostess Geetika Sharma's suicide case

Geetika Sharma, a former air hostess with Kandas MLDR airlines, was found dead on August 5, 2012, at her Ashok Vihar residence in North West Delhi. In her suicide note, she had said she was ending her life due to harassment by Kanda and his aide Chadha.

Following the registration of the case, Kanda - who is the leader of the Haryana Lokhit Party and an MLA from the Sirsa Assembly constituency in Haryana - was forced to resign as minister of state for home.

(With inputs from agencies)
Hyderabad: The fate of the 114-year-old majestic building of Osmania General Hospital on the banks of Musi river in Hyderabad hangs in balance, as pressure is mounting on the Telangana government to construct a new building for the hospital in view of the precarious condition of the existing structure. In July 2020, the Telangana government ordered closure of the century-old building of Osmania General Hospital that was inundated due to heavy rain and sewerage water. (Wikimedia Commons)
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ended Spicejets enhanced surveillance over a month after the aviation regulator put the airline under it on June 22 to ensure there was no compromise on passenger safety and flight operations. The airline was subject to more spot and night checks. The airline was subject to more spot and night checks. (HT PHOTO)

Spicejet was placed under enhanced surveillance in view of inadequate maintenance and flight safety incidents.

In a statement on Tuesday, DGCA said the airline was subjected to 51 spot checks across 11 locations in India on the Boeing 737 and Bombardier Dash 8 - Q400 fleet. ...a total 23 aircraft were inspected...95 observations were made..., the statement said. It added the findings were routine and not considered significant. DGCA said that the airline took suitable maintenance action to address the findings in accordance with the DGCA guidelines. As a consequence, Spicejet has been taken off the enhanced surveillance regime..., the statement said.

In July last year, DGCA issued a notice to SpiceJet over its failure in establishing safe, efficient, and reliable services following eight safety incidents within a month. It curtailed the airlines flight operations to 50% until the third week of October last year.

The airline has also faced financial issues with lessors seeking repossession of aircraft leased. Spicejet has also been under the spotlight due to its dispute with former promoter, Sun Group. In its arbitration case, the Sun Group rejected any possibility of an amicable settlement with the airline. The Supreme Court asked the airline to pay 380 crore to the group

The case relates to a seven-year-old share transfer dispute between SpiceJets chairman and managing director Ajay Singh and Kalanithi Maran, owner of Sun TV Network and his KAL Airways.

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Internet ban in Manipur partially eased; conditions laid down for broadband services The Manipur government on Tuesday partially lifted the internet ban in the strife-torn state by conditionally allowing broadband service while keeping the ban on mobile internet. In an order dated July 25, the state government said that the internet ban was being partially lifted in view of problems faced by people as it has affected offices, educational institutions, health facilities, booking of cooking gas, and other online-based citizen-centric services among others. Read more Protestors from different parties shout slogans during a protest over sexual assault against women and the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, in Guwahati, Tuesday.(PTI)

BLACKPINK's Lisa shows how to do summer dressing right with gorgeous OOTD pics from Paris. Check out inside

BLACKPINK member Lisa has been sharing glimpses of her time in Paris by posting several pictures on Instagram. Today, the rapper of the K-Pop girl group dropped some of her OOTD (outfits of the day) from outings in Paris. Dressed in pretty summer dresses and stylish accessories, Lisa showed fans how to do summer fashion right. Scroll through to steal some styling tips from her posts. Read more

Watch: Fresh footage further reveals Harmanpreet's derisive post-match gesture towards BCB officials, Bangladesh crowd

There was more to Harmanpreet Kaur's post-match act than what has been revealed so far. After a clip confirmed the accusations made by the Bangladesh players on the India skipper mockingly calling the umpires to join the photograph session, implying that the match officials sides to the home team in the third ODI match in Dhaka, a fresh footage that later went viral on social media revealed that Harmanpreet ridiculed the BCB officials and the Bangladesh crowd with derisive gestures during the presentation show. Read more

When Pakistani actor Omer Shahzad revealed Fawad Khan replaced him in Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

Pakistani actor and model Omer Shahzad had said that he was offered a role in the Bollywood blockbuster Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (ADHM). In a 2022 interview with Something Haute, Omer revealed that he was initially offered the role portrayed by Pakistani actor Fawad Khan in the Karan Johar directorial. However, he was later replaced by Fawad, despite sending audition clips for the part. Read more

Man walks on dangerous bridge in Pakistan, video will send shivers down your spine

Adventure lovers are known to pursue experiences that might come off as dangerous to some. From climbing inside frozen waterfalls, sleeping in a hammock on top of mountains to even coming close to sharks - there are many such videos that go viral and leave us stunned. Now, another adventurous video of a man has caught the attention of many. It shows him walking on one of the most dangerous bridges in Pakistan. Read more

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With more than 20,000 mu (1,333.33 hectares) of blooming lotus flowers of over 500 varieties, Taoxin township in Wuhu city, east China's Anhui Province, is at its most beautiful time of the year.

The township, located in Wuhu citys Wanzhi district, has a long history of growing lotus. It boasts of a well-preserved ancient water system with 10 vertical watercourses and the same number of horizontal watercourses, a stunning spectacle in low-lying fields surrounded with dikes south of the Yangtze River in China.

In recent years, Taoxin township has established a lotus industry chain covering the growing, viewing, processing, and sale of lotus-related products, increasing the annual output value of the lotus industry to 400 million yuan ($55.8 million).

The township receives more than 1 million visitors a year.
A 40-year-old woman was mauled to death by a lion in a village in Gujarat's Gir Somnath district, a forest official said on Monday. The incident took place near Vaodara-Dodiya village in Verval taluka on Sunday evening, the official said. The forest of Vadodara-Dodiya is situated near the seashore and lions have been spotted in the area in the past as well(Representative image)

Bhanuben Amheda had ventured into a forest with a few other women from the village to collect wood when a lion attacked her, range forest officer Khimanand Pampaniya said.

The forest of Vadodara-Dodiya is situated near the seashore and lions have been spotted in the area in the past as well, he said.

"A group of five to six women of Vadodara-Dodiya village went to collect wood in the forest on Sunday afternoon. When they were returning home, a lion attacked Bhanuben and dragged her inside the forest. On learning about the attack, forest personnel launched a search," the RFO said.

The woman's body was finally recovered this morning, he said.

"Lions use this forest as a corridor to go from one place to another. They don't live here. Our staff is scanning the entire region to locate the animal," the official said.
The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) took its fight with the government to another level on Tuesday and said it plans to bring a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Narendra Modis government in an attempt to force him to reply on raging issues, including the Manipur situation. The decision comes after days of acrimony and disruption in Parliament coupled with the BJPs refusal to accept the Oppositions demand that Modi speak on Manipur. And it comes even as Union home minister Amit Shah made another attempt to break the deadlock in both houses of Parliament by writing to leaders of the Opposition, offering a discussion on the situation in the northeastern state. Opposition members during a sit-in protest at Parliament House Complex, in New Delhi on Tuesday. (Sanjeev Verma/HT photo)

Also read: Centre reaches out to Opposition leaders as protests mar Parliament

At the INDIA alliances floor strategy meeting on Tuesday, leaders of the member-parties discussed a proposal to move a no-confidence motion against the government in the Lok Sabha. Later the Trinamool Congresss Rajya Sabha floor leader Derek OBrien tweeted: The overall Parliamentary strategy is in place for the INDIA parties. Tactics to execute that strategy evolve every day. Rule 198 of the Lok Sabha states the procedure of moving a no-confidence motion. Picture abhi baki hai (wait and watch)!

To be sure, the Narendra Modi government, which enjoys the support of at least 332 MPs in the Lok Sabha, faces virtually no threat from this no-confidence motion. A senior Opposition leader said that the alliance has factored in the outcome of the voting on the motion before taking the decision. We are looking at two positive sides of the no-confidence motion. One, the Prime Minister will be forced to speak in the House. And two, if the BJP tries to run away from the motion, it will be a political gain for us.

The Congress on Tuesday evening issued a three-line whip asking its MPs to be present on Wednesday. A Congress Lok Sabha MP confirmed this. All Lok Sabha MPs of (Congress Parliamentary Party) have been requested to be present positively in CPP Office on July 26, at 10.30am, to discuss some important issues.

Other Opposition leaders said signatures of Opposition MPs will be collected for the notice on no-confidence. Signatures of at least 50 lawmakers supporting the motion is a mandatory requirement under Lok Sabha rules. The notice for no-confidence is set to be submitted by Thursday.

If approved by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, this would be the second no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On July 20, 2018, the government defeated a motion moved by TDP lawmaker Srinivas Kesineni, who was backed by many Opposition parties. One of the highlights of the debate was Congress leader Rahul Gandhi crossing over to the treasury benches and hugging Modi.

Under Rule 198 (1) of the Lok Sabha, a member has to seek a leave to make the motion when called by the Speaker. A member asking for leave shall submit his notice to the Lok Sabha secretary general by 10am to be taken up on the same day. In the House, the Speaker will request those members who are in favour of leave being granted to rise in their places, and if not less than fifty members rise accordingly, the Speaker shall declare that leave is granted, the rule says.

If the notice is accepted, the Speaker will allot a day or days or part of a day for the discussion of the motion.

The Opposition had paralysed the parliamentary proceedings for last three days over their demand that Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak on the Manipur issue. On Tuesday, Shah wrote letters in Hindi to opposition leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, saying the people of Manipur want members of all political parties give them confidence that the lawmakers are united and committed to the peace of Manipur. The Union home minister said that the government was ready to discuss the Manipur violence and urged all to cooperate, rising above party lines.

Top NDA functionaries including Amit Shah, defence minister Rajnath Singh and parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi have reiterated that the government wants a discussion on Manipur. But the government managers also said that the Union home minister will reply to the debate.

Earlier also our great Parliament has done it. The Opposition is demanding that the government gives a statement but I want to tell you that the government is ready not only for a statement but also for a full-fledged debate.But the cooperation of all political parties is expected. I urge all the opposition parties to come forward for discussion in a cordial atmosphere, Shah wrote.

In 2003, the Congress led by then party president Sonia Gandhi moved a no-confidence motion against the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. After a heated debate starting with Gandhis charge sheet against the government on various issues, the NDA defeated the motion. But Vajpayee lost the national election the following year.

Opposition leaders said that the discussion to bring a no-confidence motion started on Monday morning between senior Congress and Trinamool leaders. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who was disqualified from the Lok Sabha earlier this year, was consulted before the decision was taken at the floor strategy meeting of the Opposition on Tuesday.

A senior Opposition leader added that all parties were on board.

A section of the Opposition, however, is wary about the possibility of disruptions during the admission of the notice. In the UPA-era, a number of no-confidence motions have been rejected on the ground that the House was not in order to count how many leaders are supporting the motion.

Also read: Many have used India name to loot nation: PM

On Tuesday afternoon Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla called a business advisory committee meeting, where parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi urged the Opposition to participate in the debate. Joshi added that the government is ready to have a discussion on Manipur for six hours. The Opposition leaders in turn reportedly said the PM can make a statement and leave the House.

Trinamool leader Sudip Bandopadhayay cautioned the government that the Opposition can force the PM to reply to the Lok Sabha, hinting at a no-confidence motion.

Joshi pointed out that the home minister spent three days in Manipur and that a minister of state was in the state for a month. Can we run smoothly with the home ministers reply, Joshi asked.

If both the Opposition and the government could have given each other some space. The government had agreed to hold a discussion on Manipur and from a general point of view, the Opposition should have allowed a debate. In Parliament, a debate is the most important thing. To be sure, there are no rules that compel the PM to speak in the House during a debate. The Opposition, however, had the right to move a no-confidence motion against the government and they have decided to exercise their right. We hope the debate during the no-confidence motion will not be marred by disruptions and the country will not be denied a chance to watch a fruitful discussion, said former Lok Sabha secretary general P Sreedharan. read

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India has made it clear to China that the standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has eroded strategic trust, with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval telling his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi that peace and tranquillity in border areas is essential for normal bilateral relations. The Indian side has insisted that ties cannot be normalised until peace and tranquillity is restored in Ladakh sector of the LAC. (PTI photo)

Doval conveyed Indias position when he met Wang, a member of the Communist Party of Chinas political bureau and director of the partys foreign affairs commission, on the margins of a meeting of NSAs of the Brics (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) grouping in Johannesburg late on Monday.

In an unusual development, the Chinese foreign ministrys readout on the meeting contended President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached an important consensus on stabilising bilateral ties at an interaction on the margins of last years G20 Summit in Bali, and this should be converted into specific policies and concerted actions to enhance mutual trust.

People familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity, pointed to an earlier characterisation of the Modi-Xi interaction as an exchange of courtesies and said there was nothing more to add. They said any consensus between the two sides is limited to remaining in touch to address the border standoff.

Also Read: NSA heads to Joburg to meet Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi at BRICS NSA summit

The meeting in Johannesburg came about 10 days after external affairs minister S Jaishankar met Wang on the sidelines of Asean-related meetings in Jakarta on July 14 and discussed the border row, which has taken India-China relations to their lowest point in six decades. The Indian side has insisted that ties cannot be normalised until peace and tranquillity is restored in Ladakh sector of the LAC.

During the meeting, NSA conveyed that the situation along the LAC in the Western Sector of the India-China boundary since 2020 had eroded strategic trust and the public and political basis of the relationship, the external affairs ministry said in a statement.

NSA emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to fully resolve the situation and restore peace and tranquillity in the border areas, so as to remove impediments to normalcy in bilateral relations, the statement added.

The two sides agreed that the India-China relationship is significant not only for the two countries but also for the region and world.

The Chinese foreign ministrys readout, issued in Mandarin, said Xi and Modi reached an important consensus on stabilising China-India relations on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Bali in November 2022.

The two sides should adhere to the strategic judgment of the leaders...that they do not pose a threat to each other, and they are each others development opportunities, truly implement the consensus on stabilising bilateral relations into specific policies, and translate them into concerted actions by various departments and fields, enhance strategic mutual trust, focus on consensus and cooperation, overcome interference and difficulties, and promote the return of bilateral relations to the track of healthy and stable development at an early date, the readout said.

Wang further said that whether China and India support...each other, or whether they suspect and consume each other will directly affect their respective development processes and the trend of the world situation.

The rise of China and India will determine the future of the world and China wont follow the path of some countries seeking hegemony and is willing to work with developing countries, including India, to support multilateralism and development of a just and reasonable global order, the readout said.

The readout quoted Doval as saying that it is necessary to rebuild strategic mutual trust and that the Indian side is willing to work with China to find a fundamental way to resolve the border situation in the spirit of mutual understanding and mutual respect.

During last years G20 Summit, Modi and Xi shook hands and spoke briefly at a formal dinner for leaders in Bali. This was their first face-to-face encounter in public since the start of the military standoff on the LAC in May 2020. At the time, a person familiar with the matter had said that Modi and Xi exchanged courtesies at the conclusion of the dinner.

Bilateral engagements between Doval and his Chinese equivalent have been rare since the start of the standoff in Ladakh. A brutal clash in Galwan Valley in June 2020 killed 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops, the first fatalities along the LAC in 45 years.

The two countries have arrayed close to 50,000 troops each in Ladakh sector since 2020, and have been unable to resolve all friction points in the region despite more than two dozen rounds of diplomatic and military talks. So far, they have agreed to pull back frontline troops from both banks of Pangong Lake, Gogra and Hot Springs, but there has been no understanding on friction points at Depsang and Demchok.

There was no outcome at the 18th round of military dialogue on April 23, and another round is expected to be held in the coming weeks.

The Chinese side has said the border issue should be put in its appropriate place in overall bilateral relations while the two countries take forward engagement in other areas such as trade. This has been roundly rejected by India, and Dovals remarks during the meeting with Wang were a reiteration of this position.

Besides participating in the meeting of Brics NSAs as part of preparations for the groupings summit next month, Doval is expected to hold separate meetings with several of his counterparts in Johannesburg.

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Manipur police on Tuesday issued an order to conditionally lift the internet ban which has been in place since May 3  the day ethnic clashes broke out in the state. The Manipur Students Union at a protest against the ongoing violence, in Imphal. (ANI)

However, only broadband internet has been allowed, with a clutch of restrictions, with mobile internet services continuing to be suspended. The state isnt prepared nor has the mechanism for effective control of cellular data services, the order by Manipur Commissioner (Home), T Ranjit Singh, reasoned.

Singh, in the order, said police are still apprehensive that mobile internet could be used to spread disinformation and false rumours through social media platforms, which could disrupt the law-and-order situation. Critics have argued that the absence of the internet actually allows atrocities to continue unchecked, and offer as evidence the viral video of women being paraded naked that emerged last week, shaming a nation, and forcing the state police to act  almost two-and-half months after the incident.

According to the officers order, the ban was revoked because it was affecting work across sectors, including health and education, and also not allowing people to work from home. The order also provides for an undertaking to be given by broadband users to allow physical monitoring by officials.

The order lists 10 different conditions which users have to abide before using the broadband internet service: the connections will only be through static ID; no WiFi or hotspots to be allowed from any of the routers; social media websites and VPNs will have to be blocked at the local level with this being ensured by the subscriber concerned; all existing VPNs will have to be removed; and no new software or VPN app can be added.

Experts and internet activists described the conditions as restrictive.

Apar Gupta, lawyer and executive director of Internet Freedom Foundation, said the ban was lifted for a small and negligible number of users. Wireline will prefer institutional and users on higher income groups that comprise a tiny number of users of the total pie. Even for them severe restrictions include banning WiFi hotspots, social media, VPNs. Also includes enforced social monitoring that can mean anything, he tweeted.

It is my firm believe that the internet shutdown is to serve state interest in avoiding accountability and contouring the media ecology that any evidentiary law and order objective, he added.

However, even the partial lifting of restrictions would appear to be without the backing of the state police.

Officials in Manipur police believe that the resumption of internet services is likely to result in people from the state sending photos and videos of the clashes that started on May 3 and is continuing till date. Around 150 people have died and nearly 50,000 have been displaced from their homes in the last two months. People in the state have recorded photos of the arson at the villages, schools, temples, churches and also that of bodies of those killed by mob across different parts of Manipur.

There are some people who want to fan tension by circulating hate messages or photographs. People are already using doctored images of incidents that are not related to Manipur even remotely. Such photos and messages can disrupt the law and order. Resumption of internet completely wont be a wise decision at this moment. Some are also targeting security forces and police personnel. Police have already floated a helpline number where people can call and verify rumours, a senior police officer, privy to the polices law and order meetings, said on condition of anonymity.

Last week, one such video of an incident in B Phainom village in Thoubal district, where three women were stripped, paraded naked by a mob, surfaced on social media. While the crime took place on May 4, Manipur police began its probe and made the first arrest on July 20, only after a horrific 30-second video of the incident went 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 seven people, including one minor in the case. Another video of a womans mutilated charred body and that of a man who was murdered and beheaded by a mob were also widely shared.

In the last one week, police have filed FIRs against unknown persons for allegedly circulating false rumours and fake news on social media platforms to disrupt the fragile law and order in the state.

Since May 3, Manipur has been gripped by ethnic clashes  primarily between the tribal Kukis, which mostly reside in the hill districts, and majority Meiteis, the dominant community in Imphal Valley. 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 tens of thousands of people who fled burning homes and neighbourhoods into jungles, often across state borders.
Amid growing bonhomie between Janata Dal (Secular) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), former Prime Minister and JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda on Tuesday clarified that his party would fight the 2024 Lok Sabha elections independently, ruling out the possibility of an electoral tie-up with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). HD Deve Gowda, on Tuesday, also mentioned that a committee led by senior party leader GT Devegowda would be formed to strengthen the party (HT Photo)

We will contest where we have strength. We will decide at a later date. There is no question of alliance with anybody. We will strengthen our party and nobody can finish it, the former prime minister said at a press conference on Tuesday.

Deve Gowdas assertion seems to be in contradiction to the comments made by his son and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy, last week. On July 21, BJP leader and former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai and Kumaraswamy held a joint press conference in Bengaluru. They had said they have decided to join hands and work as one against the Congress government in the state on different issues.

BJP is in the opposition, and we are also in the opposition. We have decided to fight against this government together, both inside and outside the house. This decision has been taken for the welfare of the state, Kumaraswamy had said.

This was after the JD(S) and the BJP MLAs, on July 19, had boycotted the Assembly session after 10 BJP legislators were suspended from the House for indecent and disrespectful conduct.

Deve Gowda, on Tuesday, also mentioned that a committee led by senior party leader GT Devegowda would be formed to strengthen the party. It will consist of several leaders who would tour the state. We will soon hold an event and the date will be fixed once Kumaraswamy returns from abroad, he added.

Kumaraswamy reportedly flew to Singapore on Sunday for unknown reasons. A JD(S) spokesperson, seeking anonymity, said that Kumaraswamy had gone abroad for medical reasons.

Meanwhile, amid rumours of the BJP-JD(S) alliance, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said that the Congress government is strong and stable. They [BJP and JD(S)] cannot destabilise our government. They are making some political strategy for their political gains but nothing will work, Shivakumar asserted.

Reacting to a question on Kumaraswamys Singapore visit, Shivakumar, on Monday, said that there is a plot to topple the Congress government in the state, and that secret discussions were being held in Singapore.

State food and civil supplies minister KH Muniyappa said that there is no question of destabilising the government. There is no question of destabilising the government. Its been two months since the government was formed. Who would destabilise it? I dont know in what sense Shivakumar made the statement. Such a situation has not come and I believe it will not come. Nobody will leave Congress, Muniyappa said.
The Jharkhand cabinet on Tuesday greenlit a proposal by the states anti-corruption bureau (ACB) to kick off a preliminary probe into a case of alleged disproportionate assets of five cabinet members in former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief minister Raghubar Dass government. HT Image

The five under the scanner  Amar Bauri, Neelkanth Singh Munda, Neera Yadav, Randhir Singh and Louis Marandi  were part of the state cabinet between 2014 and 2019.

Marandi apart, the rest are members of the incumbent state assembly as well.

The cabinet has approved the ACBs proposal to initiate a preliminary inquiry after the agency completed the confidential verification, said cabinet secretary Ajoy Singh.

On November 14 last year, Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Sorens government directed ACB to probe the case, on the back of a PIL filed before the Jharkhand high court in 2020.

Besides the five ministers and the departments they held, the petitioner, Pankaj Yadav, also made ACB, the income tax department and the chief secretary parties in the plea.

In light of Yadavs PIL, the state government sought the advocate generals opinion. Based on this, the government directed ACB to begin its probe, said Singh.

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Bengaluru Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah has called for a Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting on Thursday in response to several legislators airing concerns over non-implementation of development works in their constituencies. The CLP meeting is scheduled to be held at a private hotel in Bengaluru, with the aim of addressing local grievances, amid rising friction among Congress lawmakers. Siddaramaiah calls for Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting amid disquiet among party leaders. (ANI)

During the recently concluded Budget session of the state legislature, several Congress MLAs and MLCs expressed discontent, attributing their inability to accomplish constituency work to the alleged non-cooperation of ministers.

According to a legislator, who didnt want to be named, the grievances encompassed the cessation of various ongoing projects, including roads, community and school buildings, bridges, drinking water schemes, housing, and insufficient funds to alleviate the drinking water shortage.

On Tuesday, chief minister Siddaramaiah dismissed speculations of disgruntlement among party MLAs, explaining, We had not called for a legislature party meeting for a while. We had called one on July 19, which Rahul Gandhi was supposed to attend, but it got postponed, he said, emphasising that the government had been in office for a mere two months.

Deputy chief minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar too refuted rumours of a rift on Tuesday, stating that there was pressure from MLAs for greater involvement in the administration, but it had not resulted in any disgruntlement.

Nobody has written any letter, and there is no disgruntlement. We have instructed the ministers to address the concerns of the MLAs. All are doing their jobs. The reports of disgruntlement are rumours. We were busy with the state Assembly session. The legislature party meeting has been called. We will discuss the implementation of the five programs of the government at the meeting, he said.

He was referring to a letter allegedly written by Congress MLA BR Patil from Gulbarga district and 10 others, circulating on social media,.We are unable to work as per peoples beliefs. Over 20 ministers are not responding regarding our constituency work. The letter further conveyed disappointment in ministers sending messages through intermediaries when discussing project funds, adding frustration that even as local MLAs, they had to approach a third person for their work.

However, hours after the letter surfaced, BR Patil made a media appearance calling it fake. He claimed that the letter bearing the signatures of 11 MLAs was not from his letterhead and demanded an investigation. Displaying his authentic letterhead, he stated, This is my letterhead, and I keep serial numbers so that it doesnt get misused. But that letter which is out doesnt have any serial number. Its a fake letter.

BR Patil speculated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could have created the forged letter, calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.

In contrast, Congress MLA Basavaraj Rayareddy informed the media that 30 MLAs had written a letter to the CM, apprising him of coordination issues.

The controversy emerged after senior leader and MLC BK Hariprasad criticised Siddaramaiah, claiming that he knew how to bring down a chief minister and his role in making five chief ministers in the country.

A party functionary explained that the meeting had been convened to enhance coordination between the government and the party ahead of elections to the Parliament. The meeting would also discuss appointments of legislators as heads of various government-owned boards and corporations.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar refuted allegations of a conspiracy hatched by JD(S) and the BJP to destabilise the Karnataka government. On Tuesday, Shivakumar reaffirmed that the state government was stable, emphasising that no one could destabilise it. He remarked, The government is not a pot for anyone to break. It is a strong and stable government.

When asked about Shivakumars comments, JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda declined to react.

Former chief minister and BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai alleged increased internal conflicts within the Congress. This government will not fully implement its guarantees. There are internal fights within the Congress. MLAs are unhappy about not giving funds for developmental works. There is a tussle between CM Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, Bommai said.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Arun Dev Arun Dev is an Assistant Editor with the Karnataka bureau of Hindustan Times. A journalist for over 10 years, he has written extensively on crime and politics. ...view detail
The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the contentious Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021, amid protests by the opposition on the Manipur situation. Environment minister Bhupender Yadav said the government wishes to promote ease of doing business in India (ANI)

The biological diversity act is meant for sustainable use of biological components, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits with vulnerable communities, environment minister Bhupender Yadav said.

Also Read| Lok Sabha clears bill on births, deaths registration despite concerns

The legislation aims to amend the Biological Diversity Act of 2002. It was drafted in response to concerns raised by practitioners of traditional Indian medicine, various industry sectors and researchers, who felt the current biodiversity conservation law places a heavy compliance burden, making it difficult for collaborative research and investments. The modified legislation also decriminalises all offences, prescribing penalties instead.

We wish to promote ease of doing business in India. We want research, cooperation and innovation in this sector. We want to promote ease of doing business and living, Yadav said. The decriminalisation provisions will also bring huge relief to the Ayush sector. Ayush stands for ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, unani, siddha and homeopathy, which the government has been promoting.

Also Read| Speaker, Chairman criticise Oppositions stir as logjam continues

In August last year, a joint parliamentary committee headed by Bharatiya Janata Party MP Sanjay Jaiswal reviewed the contentious draft legislation to modify Indias biodiversity conservation law. It accepted several amendments proposed by the government, which include exempting users of codified traditional knowledge from sharing benefits with local communities and replacing punishments for violations with penalties.

Conservationists and community rights activists have criticised the modified provisions of the legislation.

The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2022 becomes first casualty of the disrupted #MonsoonSession2023. With a total discussion time of 19 mins in which 4 MPs & Minister spoke briefly, Bill was passed, amid loud protests. The Minister also moved amendments, voted amid protests! tweeted Madhyam, a non-profit research organisation.

The legislation exempts users of codified traditional knowledge and Ayush practitioners from sharing benefits arising out of use of biological resources with local communities who are traditional holders of the knowledge, experts have said. Several submissions by experts said that the clause can lead to unchecked commercialisation, without even having to engage in benefit sharing.

Also Read| Lok Sabha to take up no-confidence motion from August 10

The Exclusion of Codified Traditional Knowledge (only for Indians) from the definition of benefit claimers is detrimental to the interest of farmers, forest dwellers and conservers, the parliamentary panel had said in its report based on the memoranda it had received. State biodiversity boards had submitted to the review committee that most traditional knowledge being used in Ayush systems of medicines are codified. If they were excluded from claiming benefits, the majority of local traditional knowledge holders will be denied benefits, they had said.

Indian medicine system has been encouraged by adding exemptions for: (i) codified traditional knowledge as prescribed in the first schedule of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 (ii) cultivated medicinal plants and their products, and (iii) AYUSH practitioners. This, I believe would encourage foreign investments in AYUSH Drug industry and popularise the medicines used in the Indian systems of treatment thereby earning more foreign exchange and provide better employment in our country, the environment ministry said in a note on Tuesday after the bill was passed.

The parliamentary panel had suggested a manifold increase in the collection of access and benefit- sharing under the bill. These refer to the way in which genetic resources may be accessed and how the benefits that result from their use are to be shared between people using the resources and people who provide them, according to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. India is a signatory to the convention.

The bill also excludes Indian entities accessing raw materials derived from cultivated medicinal plants from payment of access and benefit- sharing. Experts had informed the parliamentary committee that excluding cultivated medicinal plants and its products may lead to the false claims by traders and manufacturers that the major chunk of the biological resources is cultivated.

This has been addressed through a system of certification, the ministry said. A distinction has been brought out between the wild and cultivated medicinal plants, wherein exemption has been given to cultivated medicinal plants from the purview of access and benefit sharing mechanism subject to obtaining the certificate of origin, it said. This would in turn reduce the pressure on wild medicinal plants, thereby improving the status and availability of substantial number of threatened and endangered medicinal plants.

There were also concerns that codified traditional knowledge was not defined in the bill. The ministry informed the review panel that codified traditional knowledge means knowledge derived from authoritative books specified in the First Schedule to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. This definition was accepted.

The bill decriminalises all offences under the conservation law, instead empowering government officials to hold inquiries and determine penalties. Experts questioned whether its appropriate to confer such discretion to government officials. Experts also said monetary penalty would be nothing for big corporations in cases of contravention or attempts to contravene without penal provision for criminal offence.

The joint committee was of the view that the penalty structure should not be too meagre and recommended that the fines should be proportionate to the gains obtained by entities using biological resources.

The penalty is between 1 lakh and 50 lakh, and in case of continuing contravention, there may be an additional penalty of up to one crore rupees. Besides, it would attract more foreign investments in the chain of biological resources including research, patent and commercial utilisation, without compromising the National interest, the note from the environment ministry said on Tuesday.

This amendment is significant because it is justified as a review of the biodiversity act, but also because it brings in the first set of sectoral exemptions for the regulatory scope of the law. In this new phase of biodiversity governance, it will be important to see if more sectoral negotiations will follow, said Kanchi Kohli, a legal and policy researcher.

A review of the law was necessary, she said. However, the present bill can appear to be limited and selective, especially to favour specific bio resources based industries.

Further, foreign Investments have been encouraged to promote research and attract more investment. The definition of a foreign company in the bill has been aligned with the definition given in the Companies Act, 2013, to ensure companies come under the regulatory framework of the conservation law for commercial utilization and obtaining patent and other companies by state biodiversity boards.

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New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Multi-States Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022, through a voice vote amidst protests by the opposition over the situation in violence-hit Manipur. Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks in the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon Session. (ANI)

Home minister Amit Shah, who also holds the cooperation portfolio, moved the draft legislation as soon as the lower house reassembled at 5pm after an adjournment, following which a couple of members from the ruling coalition spoke in what was to be a short discussion. No opposition member spoke on the bill.

The bill is part of a broader push by the Narendra Modi government to modernise the countrys 115-year-old cooperative sector. It will pave the way for setting up two national-level cooperatives backed by the Union government. The Union cabinet had in October approved the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which amends the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002.

I am introducing a very important bill today. It aims to bring a new work culture and revolutionary changes in the cooperative sector, Shah said. Since independence, the cooperative sector has played an important role in the economy, but has suffered due to lack of attention from the central government.

Shah, who spoke for nearly 50 minutes, laid out the broad objectives of the bill, which was preceded by short speeches on new provisions in the bill by two Bharatiya Janata Party members.

BJP Lok Sabha member Manoj Kishorbhai Kotak thanked Modi for creating a separate ministry for cooperation. New check and balances provided for the bill will strengthen cooperatives, bring transparency and root out corruption as well as political influence, he said. Santosh Gangwar, BJP MP from Bareilly, said the bill on multi-state cooperatives was a historic step to give new direction to cooperatives.

The country has nearly 36,000 viable PACS, or primary agricultural cooperative societies, which are undergoing computerization so that they can be linked up with organisations higher up in the value chain. A cooperative is a business jointly owned by members who share profits and losses.

In order to make the governance of multi-state cooperative societies more democratic, transparent and accountable, provisions for setting up of cooperative election authority, cooperative information officer, cooperative ombudsman, etc., have been provided for in the amendment bill, Shah said.

Entire clause 45, from section a  l, deal with electoral reforms in cooperatives. We have also passed model bylaws, which have been adopted by all states, except West Bengal and Kerala, the cooperation minister said.

Another key provision in the bill is a co-operative rehabilitation, reconstruction and development fund for the revival of sick multi-state co-operative societies. The fund will be financed through contributions by profitable multi-state co-operatives.

The bill sought to promote equity and inclusiveness with provisions relating to representation of women and Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe members on the board of multi-state cooperative societies, Shah said.

To promote professional management, provisions have been included for bringing in co-opted directors with experience in the field of banking, management, cooperative management and finance or having specialisation in any field relating to the objects and activities undertaken by such multi-state co-operative society.

The bill was referred to a joint committee of Parliament on December 20, which submitted its report on March 15.
Chennai: Declining to pass an order on the dates for the custodial interrogation of minister V Senthil Balaji by Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Madras high court on Tuesday left its decision to the Supreme Court. A session court in Chennai gave ED eight-day custody of Senthil Balaji, but the central agency could not question him since he was in the hospital. (PTI)

In the case pertaining to the habeas corpus petition filed by the ministers wife, the third judge C V Karthikeyan on July 14 found legality in Balajis arrest, after a division bench had delivered a split verdict earlier on July 4. The third judge left it to the discretion of the same division bench of justices J Nisha Banu and D Bharatha Chakravarthy to decide on the dates for EDs custodial interrogation.

Justices Banu and Chakravarthy decided to close the matter since the appeals in this case are pending before the Supreme Court. The minister and his wife, S Megala have filed two separate petitions in the Supreme Court challenging the July 14 order of the third judge.

I cannot decide the date. I firmly stand by my judgement setting him free, Justice Banu said on Tuesday. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and senior counsel N R Elango representing the ED and the minister respectively were present for the hearing.

Tamil Nadus law minister S Regupathy dismissed speculation that the minister was enjoying privileges inside prison.

On July 17,the minister was discharged from the Kauvery hospital and moved to the Puzhal Central prison, while continuing to be under judicial custody until July 26. From the time the ED arrested him on June 14, Balaji had been hospitalised for chest pains, initially at a government hospital and then at a private hospital for heart surgery. The facilities provided for any other prisoner is what is being provided for him (Balaji, the law minister told reporters. It is not possible to give any special treatment. Since the case is being heard in the high court and Supreme court, some are spreading false news. But, there is nothing extra provided for him because he is a minister in the DMK. the chief minister will allow no such thing.

Though a session court in Chennai gave ED eight days custody, the agency couldnt investigate the minister since he was in the hospital. The ED arrested Balaji on June 14 in a case dating back to 2014, when he was transport minister in the previous AIADMK regime. He remains a minister without portfolio in the current DMK government.

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KOCHI: A case was filed against a man and his parents on charges of domestic violence and abetment to suicide after his five-months pregnant wife and their five-year-old child died by suicide on July 13, Wayanad police said on Tuesday. Kerala: A case has been filed against the husband and in-laws under sections 306 (abetment to suicide), 498A (domestic violence), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 341( wrongful restraint). (Representational Image)

The mother and daughter died by suicide by jumping into a river in from a bridge in Venniyod, Wayanad district of Kerala after consuming pesticide. The local residents had rescued the mother and admitted her to a hospital where she later died. The body of the child was found after three days.

We had initially treated them as unnatural deaths. But when we began probing the case based on a complaint filed by the victims relative, we found that the victim was allegedly abused physically and mentally harassed by her husband and in-laws. She had a 30-gold sovereign chain that her father-in-law wanted her to sell to fund his business. She was opposed to the idea. They also didnt like her so much, said Sajeev, deputy superintendent of Police, Kalpetta who recently took over the case. It was initially probed by Kambalakkad SHO.

Both families of the victim and accused are farmers.

A case has been filed against the husband and in-laws under sections 306 (abetment to suicide), 498A (domestic violence), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 341( wrongful restraint). All accused are currently absconding, police said.

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A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan has been suspended after he was caught on camera sexually assaulting a woman in ethnic violence-hit Manipur, news agency PTI reported. The incident reportedly happened last week at a grocery store in the Imphal West district. Widely circulated online, the video of the alleged molestation showed head constable Satish Prasad, in uniform and carrying an INSAS rifle, groping the woman. The incident reportedly happened last week at a grocery store in the Imphal West district.

A case has been filed against Prasad. A BSF officer told PTI that the incident was reported on July 20. Prasad was suspended the same day after the paramilitary force received a complaint.

An internal probe has been initiated against the head constable who belongs to the number 100 battalion of the force that was sent to the strife-torn northeastern state as an ad-hoc unit for security duties.

The BSF has zero tolerance for such acts and a fair investigation will be conducted in this incident, PTI reported quoting the officer.

The fresh incident of violence against a woman comes days after a video of a group of men sexually assaulting and disrobing two women in Manipur went viral. Seven people have been apprehended in the case so far.

On May 4, two more women were allegedly raped and murdered by a mob in the state capital of Imphal, according to details of a first information report (FIR) seen by HT. Not only did the two incidents happen on the same day within an hour of each other, the victims hailed from the same community (Kuki) as did the perpetrators (Meitei), according to the FIRs.

Over 160 people have been killed and several injured since clashes broke out between Meiteis and Kukis in Manipur on May 3, following a 'Tribal Solidarity March' to protest against the former community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

On Tuesday, the Manipur government partially lifted the internet ban by conditionally allowing broadband service while keeping the ban on mobile internet.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Friday inaugurate Semicon India 2023, an event focussing on semiconductors, in Gujarats Gandhinagar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (ANI)

Union ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and Rajeev Chandrasekhar will be among those who will attend the event along with heads of leading semiconductor firms.

In a statement, the Gujarat government called Semicon India 2023 a prestigious national-level event, which promises to be a catalyst for the semiconductor industrys progress through networking, technology demonstrations, and lucrative business prospects. With a strong focus on innovation, participation, and growth, this event holds immense significance in shaping the future of the semiconductor industry in both India and Gujarat.

Twenty-three countries apart from Indian states will be represented at Semicon India 2023. Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat will set up stalls at the event displaying their efforts in supporting the semiconductor industry.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, IIT Madras, BITS Pilani, Ganpat University, and Nirma University, will also be among the institutions represented at the event to highlight the academias role in driving Indias semiconductor advancements.

An exhibition on the semiconductor manufacturing process and strides in the field will also be held from Tuesday to Sunday. Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel will inaugurate the exhibition on Tuesday.

As many as 150 stalls representing 80 companies showcasing innovations and products will be set up at the exhibition. Twenty-five startups will showcase their innovations.

Semiconductor chip, design, and assembling experts from across the world will gather in Gandhinagar for the event. Companies such as Foxconn, Micron, AMD, IBM, Marvell, Vedanta, LAM Research, NXP Semiconductors, ST Microelectronics, Grantwood Technologies, Infineon Technologies, and Applied Materials, will be among those represented.

Investment opportunities in Indias semiconductor sector through a presentation and a panel discussion will be highlighted.

President Joe Biden in June announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art semiconductor assembly, testing, marking, and packaging facility in India during Modis visit to the US.

On June 28, US chip maker Micron Technology signed a pact with the Gujarat government for setting up a semiconductor manufacturing facility at Sanand with an investment of $2.75 billion ( 22,500 crore). Applied Materials has committed $400 million for its engineering collaborative centre in the state.

Gujarat announced its semiconductor policy 2022-2027 in July last year, making it the first Indian state to introduce it to attract investments in the sector. The policy aligns with the Union governments vision of a self-reliant India in the sector.

Gujarat State Electronics Mission has been set up to assist and attract global investors.

A joint venture between Vedanta and Foxconn to set up a $19.5 billion chip-making project in Gujarats Dholera was called off this month. This was done after Foxconn withdrew from the project.

Vedanta Group has said it remains committed to building Indias first semiconductor and display fabs in Dholera

Foxconn has indicated its intention to explore other avenues to participate in Indias semiconductor production efforts. The company plans to apply for incentives under Indias semiconductor production plan, highlighting its continued interest in contributing to the semiconductor manufacturing sector in the country.

A Gujarat government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said both Foxconn and Vedanta are interested in setting up their projects at Dholera independently.

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The Manipur government has sought a detailed report from the Assam Rifles on how over 718 Myanmar nationals, including 301 children, "were allowed to enter India" without proper travel documents in just two days between July 22 and 23 - "were allowed to enter India" without proper travel documents. Members of various organistaion (SFI, DYFI,AIDWA) stage a protest against the Manipur violence, in Mumbai, on Monday, (Anshuman Poyrekar/HT)

Manipur chief secretary Vineet Joshi said in a communication to the Assam Rifles late on Monday that in connection with similar issues in the past, the State government had clearly informed the Assam Rifles, being border guarding force, to take strict action to prevent entry of Myanmar nationals into Manipur on any ground without valid visa/travel documents as per the instruction of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

The Assam Rifles had earlier informed the deputy commissioner of Chandel district that 718 fresh refugees had crossed the Indo-Myanmar border and entered Manipur through Chandel district on July 23, due to the ongoing clashes at Khampat.

State Government has sought detailed report from Assam Rifles Authority to' clarify on the facts and compelling circumstances/reasons, as to why and how these 718 Myanmar nationals were allowed to enter Into India In Chandel District without proper travel documents; along with strict advice to push back those 718 Illegal Myanmar nationals immediately, Joshi said.

The Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent or Police or Chandel District have also been advised to oversee the Implementation or the above and also keep biometrics and photographs of all such persons, he added.

Manipur Police registers FIR over fake news

Meanwhile, the Manipur Police on Monday registered an FIR in connection with a fake news item in which a video, showing the killing of a woman by armed men in Myanmar, is being described as an incident that happened in the state.

The clip was being circulated to incite rioting and efforts are on to arrest those who are spreading the fake news, the police tweeted.

FIR registered for spreading fake news: On 24/07/2023, Cyber Crime Police Station (CCPS), Manipur registered a case in connection with the viral video of a woman being assaulted and killed by a mob including armed men (which happened in Myanmar), which has been falsely depicted as a case of Manipur.

Tension after May 4 video surfaces

Tension mounted in the hills of Manipur after a May 4 video surfaced last week, showing two women from one of the warring communities in the northeastern state being paraded naked by a mob from the other side.

The Manipur Police have so far arrested seven people in connection with the incident.

More than 160 people have lost their lives and several were 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. Tribals -- Nagas and Kukis -- constitute another 40 per cent of the population and reside in the hill districts.

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New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Fifth Amendment) Bill, 2022, which aims to include the Dhanuhar, Dhanuwar, Kisan, Saunra, Saonra and Binjhia communities of Chhattisgarh in the list of scheduled tribes amid a noisy introduction followed by the opposition walking out. Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda speaks in the Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon session of Parliament on Tuesday. (PTI)

The legislation seeks to formalise Bhuinya, Bhuiyan and Bhuyan as synonyms of the Bharia Bhumia community and includes three Devanagari versions of the name of the Pando community. It was passed in the Lok Sabha in December through a voice note.

The bill was moved by tribal affairs minister Arjun Munda. Tribals have been deprived of development since Independence but Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has taken many steps for their development, Bharatiya Janata Party member Samir Oraon said, while speaking in favour of the draft law.

The opposition had never given thought for the betterment of tribal communities, said Ramdas Athawale, junior minister for social justice and empowerment.

The Congress supported the bill but leader of the opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, voiced some concerns.

There is no doubt that we support the scheduled tribes bill of Chhattisgarh and Himachal. All those who have been wronged in the tribal list, if they are included in this list, then what is the issue? But they (government) cant take credit for it. We (Congress) have given the right place to the tribals while framing the Constitution, Kharge said.

At this point Kharges mike was muted, leading to protests and sloganeering in the Upper House. The opposition then staged a walkout.

Calling out commerce minister Piyush goyal, leader of the House, and other BJP members for allegedly preventing Kharge from speaking, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said in a tweet: In the Rajya Sabha this afternoon, BJP MPs prevented Leader of the Opposition, @kharge-ji from speaking and raising INDIAs demand for PMs statement in the House on Manipur and a discussion thereafter. Repeated obstruction at the instigation of none other than the Leader of the House himself and the insistence to pass Bills in the din led to a walkout by all INDIA MPs for the rest of the day.

Calling Parliament a deep dark chamber, Trinamool Congress MP Derek OBrien said in a tweet: This happened in Rajya Sabha today. THE MICROPHONE OF THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION WAS SWITCHED OFF. Every INDIA party walked out in protest.

While addressing a joint opposition press conference inside Parliament, Raghav Chadha of the Aam aadmi Party said the actions of the ruling party were to hide accountability over their negligence on Manipur. He condemned the action on Kharge.

When LoP Mallikarjun Kharge was speaking on Manipur, ruling BJP MPs started shouting and made an attempt to not raise a voice on Manipur. This shows that the BJP wants to hide the atrocities in Manipur, he said.
Effective from August 1, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has enforced a prohibition on slow-moving vehicles, including two-wheelers and autorickshaws, from entering the Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway (NH-275). The ban encompasses motorcycles, three-wheelers, non-motorised vehicles, tractors, multi-axle hydraulic trailer vehicles, and quadricycles. The Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway, spanning 117 km, was constructed at a cost of  8,408 crore. (ANI)

The decision to implement this restriction was prompted by the concern that high-speed vehicles pose a safety risk to slower-moving vehicles such as two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and non-motorised vehicles due to speed differentials, making them vulnerable and compromising road safety aspects. The move comes under the authoritys powers granted by section 35 of The Control of National Highways (land and Traffic) Act 2022, said an official in the know of the development.

The Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway has witnessed a high number of accidents, with 512 reported between January and June 2023. These accidents have resulted in 123 fatalities and 585 individuals sustaining serious injuries, with a significant number of them occurring on the Bengaluru-Nidaghatta stretch of the highway.

In response to the alarming accident rate, the NHAI formed a committee of road safety experts to conduct inspections. Additionally, DGP (Traffic and Road Safety) Alok Kumar personally reviewed the measures taken to prevent accidents on the expressway.

The issue of overspeeding on the expressway also became a focal point, with over 2,000 drivers being booked for overspeeding within the last 24 days of July. In light of this, traffic police personnel equipped with speed radars have been deployed on the expressway to catch vehicles exceeding the speed limit of 100 kmph, that was set after an inspection conducted by Alok Kumar in June.

The Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway, spanning 117 km and constructed at a cost of 8,408 crore, includes various features aimed at enhancing traffic flow and reducing congestion, such as 4 rail overbridges, 9 major bridges, 40 minor bridges, 89 underpasses and overpasses, and 6 bypasses. This project facilitates inter-state connectivity between Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, thereby reducing travel time to cities like Coorg, Srirangapatna, Wayanad, and Ooty.

However, the expressway was built not without controversies. Farmers and residents from nearby villages protested by blocking the expressway, demanding the construction of an underpass near Hanakere in Karnatakas Mandya district. This demonstration highlights some of the challenges faced during the projects development.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Arun Dev Arun Dev is an Assistant Editor with the Karnataka bureau of Hindustan Times. A journalist for over 10 years, he has written extensively on crime and politics. ...view detail
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested three persons, including a Myanmar national, after extensive searches in connection with the Mizoram explosives, arms and ammunition seizure case, people familiar with the development said on Tuesday. The case pertains to the seizure of two pick-up trucks, laden with explosives and firearms on May 1, 2022. (Representative file image)

The arrested persons have been identified as J Rohlupuia (55), and C Laldinsaga (43), both Indians, and Henry Siangnuna, a Burmese citizen.

They were taken into custody on Monday after raids at four locations in Mizoram, including two places in Champhai district and one each in Aizawl and Lawngtlai districts.

The raids were conducted at the homes of the suspects, linked with pilferage and transportation of explosives and arms from Mizoram to Myanmar. Several incriminating materials were seized during the raids, a NIA spokesperson said.

Also Read: Supreme Court rejects Bengals plea against NIA probe into Ram Navami violence

The case pertains to the seizure of two pick-up trucks, laden with explosives and firearms, from Kulikawn police station area in Aizawl, Mizoram by the Assam Rifles Naka team on May 1, 2022.

The consignment consisted of 223 boxes of 200 sticks each, gunpowder, weapons, among others.

Investigations have revealed that Henry Siangnuna, a Myanmar national, in connivance with Rohlupuia had illegally purchased arms, by using arms dealer license of Rohlupuia, which were further being transported across the border to Myanmar, the spokesperson said.

Laldinsagas explosive licence, the spokesperson said, was used for procuring explosives, from an explosives suppliers firm at Guwahati, for onward supply to Myanmar.

The entire consignment consisting of explosives and arms was caught at Kulikawn, Aizawl leading to investigations in the instant case. NIA is continuing with its investigations in the case to unravel further links of the accused in the arms and explosives smuggling racket, the spokesperson added.
NEW DELHI: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval held separate meetings with his Russian and Iranian counterparts on the margins of a Brics meeting in Johannesburg to review security and economic cooperation. NSA Ajit Doval attends the Brics National Security Advisers' meeting in Johannesburg on Monday (PTI)

Doval and Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of Russias security council, discussed India-Russia cooperation on security issues and interaction in the economic field during their working meeting, according to a statement from the Russian embassy.

Cooperation between India and Iran for developing Chabahar port came up in the meeting between Doval and Ali-Akbar Ahmadian, secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, IRNA news agency reported.

Ahmadian described Chabahar port in southern Iran as a symbol of cooperation between the two sides and underlined the need to accelerate the implementation of agreements between India and Iran in the fields of transportation, energy and banking. He also said obstacles in this regard should be removed.

Referring to the common positions and concerns of Iran and India in fighting terrorism and countering the smuggling of narcotics, Ahmadian expressed Tehrans readiness to develop cooperation in this field.

Doval welcomed the efforts by India and Iran to promote bilateral cooperation, and described Chabahar as the most important project in Iran-India economic relations and called for removing roadblocks, the report said.

Referring to the role of Iran and India in the Non-Aligned Movement, Doval expressed New Delhis readiness for closer cooperation in this organisation.

There was no official word from the Indian side on these meetings, which were held on the margins of a meeting of NSAs and high representatives on national security of the Brics (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) grouping.

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The Congress party on Tuesday issued a three-line whip to its members in Lok Sabha instructing them to be present at the Parliament amid the Opposition INDIA grouping's plan to move a no-confidence motion against the government in the lower House. The alliance partners are meeting at 10am on Wednesday to finalise their plans on moving the motion against the Narendra Modi-led government and the Congress MPs have been asked to come to the office of the Congress Parliamentary Party after the opposition meeting to discuss some important issues. Union home minister Amit Shah and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Asked whether the opposition will move a 'no confidence motion' against the government on the Manipur issue, Congress senior spokesperson Manish Tewari said at a party briefing that in the Parliamentary system and tradition, all options are open.

"In a Parliamentary democracy, all instrumentalities which are available in the rules and procedures of the Lok Sabha remain open to the opposition," he told reporters.

As we have pointed out in the last three or four days, the reasons why we are insistent that the prime minister must address both houses of Parliament on the question of Manipur is because of the sensitivity (of the situation in the border state) and the depravity that Manipur has unfortunately witnessed in the past 78 to 80 days.

Here's all you need to know about Opposition's no-confidence motion plan

While the proposed no-confidence motion is bound to fail given the numbers heavily stacked in favour of the ruling NDA, opposition parties, according to a PTI report, argue that they will win the battle of perception by cornering the government on the Manipur issue during the debate. Opposition leaders insisted that the objective of bringing the motion was to try to push the Prime Minister to speak on the Manipur issue in the House A no-confidence motion can only be brought against the government in the Lok Sabha. If a government is defeated in the voting, which is mandatory for deciding the motion, the Prime Minister must resign. The Opposition will require the support of at least 50 lawmakers of the Lower House for giving the notice of no confidence to the Speaker. It is also up to the Speaker when to take up that notice in the House. However, even if the motion is moved in Lok Sabha with the required support of at least 50 lawmakers of the Lower House, there is no guarantee that the PM will speak on a specific issue when he has to reply to a no-confidence debate. Both Houses of Parliament faced disruptions for the fourth consecutive day of the Monsoon session as the opposition parties stuck to their demand for a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the ethnic clashes in Manipur followed by a discussion. The government has been insisting that only the Union home minister will reply to a debate on the Manipur situation. Union home minister Amit Shah said that the government is ready to give a statement and discuss the matter on the floor of the House but the opposition parties are unrelenting in their demand for a statement from the prime minister. In separate letters to Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the home minister urged them to lend their support in ensuring the continued functioning of Parliament.

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The Opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) grouping has decided to move a no-confidence motion against the government in Lok Sabha, Trinamool Congress (TMC) functionaries claimed on Tuesday. INDIA alliance protest over ethnic violence in Manipur during the monsoon session of Parliament. (PTI)

The claim was made after the first three days of the ongoing monsoon session of the Parliament were washed out as INDIA grouping lawmakers stuck to their demand for Prime Minister Narendra Modis statement on the ethnic violence in Manipur.

Telugu Desam Party was among the parties that brought the last no-confidence motion against the Modi government in 2018. The government won it by 325 to 126 votes.

The Congress-led Opposition earlier brought a no-confidence motion against the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government in 2003. The motion was discussed and voted up but Vajpayee survived. A no-confidence motion can only be brought against the government in the Lok Sabha. If a government is defeated in the voting, which is mandatory for deciding the motion, the Prime Minister must resign.

To be sure, the Narendra Modi government faces no threat from any such motion as it has a comfortable majority in the Lower House of Parliament.

Opposition leaders insisted that the objective of bringing the motion was to try to push the Prime Minister to speak on the Manipur issue in the House.

INDIA decided this to have PM [Prime Minister] to speak in Lok Sabha on Manipur, said a Congress leader after a meeting of the INDIA allies on Tuesday morning at the party president Mallikarjun Kharges office.

The Opposition will require the support of at least 50 lawmakers of the Lower House for giving the notice of no confidence to the Speaker. Otherwise, the notice will be rejected as per the Lok Sabha rules.

There is no guarantee that the PM will speak on a specific issue when he has to reply to a no-confidence debate.

A second Congress leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the proposal to move a no-confidence motion against the government was discussed at the INDIA grouping meeting on Tuesday as the last weapon to make PM speak.
A group of opposition leaders protested overnight outside the Parliament against the suspension of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh from the Rajya Sabha for the remaining monsoon session, and over their demand from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to open a debate on Manipur in the House. AAP MP Sanjay Singh at Parliament House complex in front of Mahatma Gandhi statue during the opposition MP's overnight protest demanding PM Narendra Modi's statement in the House on Manipur crisis, in New Delhi(PTI)

The protest, which began on Monday morning and will continue on Tuesday, saw leaders of the I.N.D.I.A. taking turns with a team sitting through the night near the Gandhi statue, Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale said.

We MPs from across parties of Team INDIA took turns to sit together in solidarity with @AamAadmiParty MP @SanjayAzadSln through the entire night after he was shockingly & unfairly suspended merely for asking PM Modi to discuss Manipur in Parliament. We all stand united in ensuring justice for Manipur & we will keep demanding that PM Modi feels an iota of shame & speaks up about the carnage happening under his partys govt in Manipur, he wrote on Twitter.

We are sitting here since yesterday. Our only demand is that PM Modi should speak on the Manipur issue. We will keep protesting here and I am still requesting PM Modi to come to the Parliament and talk on Manipur, Sanjay Singh told news agency ANI.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh's suspension

The AAP MP was suspended from the Rajya Sabha for the remaining duration of the Monsoon session on Monday for repeatedly "violating" the directives of the chair. Singh's suspension came after Leader of the House Piyush Goyal moved a motion in this regard and it was adopted by the House by voice vote.

According to Singh, he was repeatedly requesting the Chair (Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar) for discussion on Manipur violence and demanding that the prime minister come to the House and give a reply.

"When the Chair didnt listen to me, I went closer to the Chair to request him to allow me to speak under Rule 267 for which I had given a notice, he said.

Logjam in Parliament

Massive ruckus rocked the Parliament on Monday - for the third day - with relentless protests from the opposition members, who have been insisting on a statement from PM Modi on the Manipur issue, before any debate. Amid this, union home minister Amit Shah in a brief statement in the Lok Sabha on Monday said that he was prepared for a debate on the violence in Manipur and urged Opposition leaders to allow a discussion on the issue.

I am ready for a discussion in the House. I do not know why the opposition does not want to allow a discussion. It is my appeal to the opposition leaders to allow a discussion on this important issue and let the truth on the matter be placed before the nation. It is very important, he said.

Manipur crisis

Severe tensions mounted in Manipur last week after a May 4 video surfaced showing two women from one of the warring communities in the northeastern state being paraded naked by a mob of men. The Manipur police have arrested seven people in connection with the incident so far.
The Opposition alliance INDIA has decided to move a no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi-led central government in the Lok Sabha during the monsoon session of Parliament, Trinamool Congress sources said on Monday. The sources added that all parties are on board and the strategy for Rajya Sabha was on. The Opposition protest outside Parliament in New Delhi on Monday. (PTI)

The last time a no-confidence was moved was against the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government in 2003.

A proposal to submit the notice was discussed at a meeting of the constituents of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) on Tuesday morning, the sources added.

Sources told news agency PTI that after weighing various options to force Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak in Parliament on the situation in strife-torn Manipur, it was decided that this would be an effective way to compel the government to initiate a discussion on the issue.

The opposition strategy to corner the government on Manipur will continue in the Rajya Sabha as well, the sources said.

Lok Sabha proceedings adjourned

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 2pm on Tuesday amid protests by opposition parties on the violence in Manipur. As soon as the House met for the day, Opposition members sought to raise the issue and also started shouting slogans.

Speaker Om Birla asked the protesting members not to indulge in sloganeering and requested them to go back to their seats.

While maintaining that there will be no solution to the issues by shouting slogans, Birla told them to allow the Question Hour as important matters are to be discussed.

As the protests continued, the proceedings were adjourned in around three minutes and now, the House will meet at 2 pm.

Opposition parties have been protesting against the ethnic violence in Manipur and have been demanding a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Parliament proceedings have been disrupted over the Manipur issue since the Monsoon session started on July 20.

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The Lokayukta Police in Madhya Pradesh's Katni caught a patwari taking a bribe of 5,000 on Monday. However, when Gajendra Singh realised he was trapped by the police, Singh put 500 current notes in his mouth and began to chew on them. A patwari is responsible for maintaining land records and collecting revenue from villages. Patwari Gajendra Singh chewing on currency notes. (Twitter)

In a video that went viral on Monday, Singh is seen being escorted by the police to a hospital. The notes stuffed in his mouth, Singh is seen constantly chewing. Upon reaching the hospital, the police asked him to spit the notes in a bowl. But Singh swallowed them and only a shred of nine 500 notes were recovered by the medical staff after constant efforts.

Several news reports stated that a constable tried to open Singh's mouth to recover the notes but he bit his finger.

Singh was also sent for a medical checkup at a hospital where the staff said he was fine.

Reports claimed that Singh is a patwari in the revenue department in Bilhari Halka village in Katni and swallowed the money upon seeing Lokayukta's Special Police Establishment (SPE). Lokayukta SP Sanjay Sahu has told the media that the incident took place after Singh received 5,000 bribe in his office.

Chandan Singh Lodhi from MP's Barkheda had filed a complaint in Jabalpur Lokayukta alleging that Singh was asking for a bribe for demarcating his grandfather's land. Singh had asked Chandan to come to his private office to give the bribe. Chandan reportedly requested Singh to not take the bribe but Singh refused to do so.

A seven-member team of of the Lokayukta police laid a trap for Singh and as they tried to catch him, he chewed up the notes.

The Lokayukta police could recover some pieces of the notes and several other things from Singh's office, media reports said.

Singh is said to be booked under Prevention of Corruption Act.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sanskriti Falor Sanskriti Falor is a Senior Content Producer at the News Desk of HT Digital. Having worked in Digital Media for the past two years, she is interested in covering civic issues and global affairs. ...view detail
Bharatiya Janata Party MP Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday attacked the 'directionless' opposition's I.N.D.I.A alliance after the BJP's parliamentary meet. Prasad quoted prime minister Narendra Modi's jibe about the Congress being founded by a foreign national. Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad (PTI)

Speaking outside Parliament, Prasad also predicted the BJP would win a third term in the 2024 national election."We are proud of our PM. We are coming back to power in 2024. PM Modi has given a statement that Indian National Congress, East India Company was founded by a foreign national," the former union minister proclaimed.

Taking aim at the I.N.D.I.A grouping that was born after 26 opposition parties, including the Congress meet in Bengaluru this month to chart out a combined strategy to defeat the BJP, Prasad repeated Modi's comment about organisations with 'India' in its name; the PM's jibe at the opposition referred to terrorist outfits like Indian Mujahideen and Popular front of India.

"Today people are using names like Indian Mujahideen and Indian People's Front. Something on face value could be different from something that is really true," the ex union minister said quoting the prime minister, "East India company... Indian Mujahideen... Popular Front of India - these are also INDIA. Just using the name INDIA does not mean anything."

The I.N.D.I.A acronym stands for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance.

Earlier the prime minister - shortly after the I.N.D.I.A grouping was announced - countered with an acronym of his own, recasting the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as referring o a 'New' India, a 'Developed' India, and to the 'Aspirations' of its people.

He also slammed I.N.D.I.A as a 'negative' alliance built by the 'corrupt' to further dynastic politics - a frequent criticism of the Congress, casteism, and regionalism.

Speaking about the meeting Praliamentary Affairs minister Prahlad Joshi said, In the meeting PM Modi said that behaviour of the opposition shows that they permanently want to remain in the opposition for coming years...It is a matter of pride for us that the world is trusting us. He also said that we will be the third largest economy during our third term.

He said that PM Modi said that by 2047, India should become a developed country.

Further, talking about Opposition's plans to initiate no-confidence motion in the Parliament, Joshi said, During our first term also (Opposition) brought a no-confidence motion against us and in 2019 our seats increased from 282 to 303. Let them bring a no-confidence motion this time also and we will win more than 350 seats.

At the BJP Parliamentary meet, PM Modi said, Today, India's image before the world has improved significantly and we are committed to keep working in this direction.

Manipur tension in Parliament

Extreme tension has marked the first three days of the monsoon session of Parliament after prolonged ethnic violence in Manipur made headlines worldwide. An already explosive situation worsened after a horrific video showing the sexual assault of two women emerged online, providing the opposition with more ammunition with which to target the BJP.

The opposition has forced repeated adjournments of Parliament amid its demand the prime minister address the Manipur issue in both houses and has also called for chief minister N Biren Singh's resignation. Modi did briefly refer to Manipur - days after violence broke - but was criticised for seeming to focus less on the brutal crimes in a state ruled by his party and more on attacking Congress-led governments in poll-bound Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

The incident of Manipur which has come to the fore is shameful for any civilisation. The country is shamed. I appeal to all chief ministers to strengthen laws to take stringent action against crime, especially against women. The incident might be from Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh or Manipur, the culprit should not go scot-free in any corner of the country... the PM said.

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On Monday evening, a senior INDIA alliance leader tossed the idea to bring a no-confidence motion against the government to the Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, people aware of the matter told HT. Opposition members during a sit-in protest at Parliament House Complex, in New Delhi on Tuesday. (Sanjeev Verma/HT photo)

When the Opposition leaders met on Tuesday at 10am at his office, Kharge announced the proposal and sought the opinion of all leaders after disposing of the remaining agenda. The notice for the no-confidence motion will be submitted to the Lok Sabha secretariat on Thursday before 10am. The INDIA parties will meet again on Wednesday to collect signatures of the MPs for the notice.

The leaders had already taken into account the pros and cons of pushing a no-confidence motion against an alliance that dominates the Lok Sabha with 332 seats. We know the result would be a foregone conclusion. But we will force the PM to speak on issues if we move a no-confidence motion. And if they try to avoid a debate (citing disruptions), it will be a moral victory, said a leader.

BJP leaders on the other hand indicated that the treasury bench will look forward to the debate to give a befitting reply to the INDIA alliance.

Read Here: 8 things about no-confidence motions as INDIA likely to ask govt to prove majority in House

The INDIA alliance, which was formed on July 18 in Bengaluru, sees the no-confidence motion as a big step up in their battle against the BJP. When we went to the meeting on Monday morning, we decided not to change the Rajya Sabha tactics but find an alternative strategy in Lok Sabha, said a leader.

At the meeting, the leaders first discussed the Rajya Sabha strategy, followed it up with a plan to visit Manipur (possibly this weekend) and then the focus shifted on the no-confidence motion.

All leaders agreed to push a no-confidence motion. One of the parties initially sought 24 hours-time but 45 minutes later, they conveyed some confusion as the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha leader of one important Opposition party apparently made some contradictory remarks. But the confusion was later resolved, said a leader.

The leaders also discussed the Manipur situation and the need to put pressure on the government. We also discussed that if the Chief Ministers cant go to Manipur now, a delegation of INDIA MPs should visit the state. The logistics of such a visit was also discussed and the plan is to go there this weekend, said a non-Congress MP.

As the largest Opposition party, the Congress is expected to start the debate on the no confidence motion, if it is accepted by the Chair. Some allies of the Congress, however, want a lawmaker who is fluent in Hindi to be the first speaker.

Read Here | Many have used India name to loot nation: PM

On Wednesday, the INDIA leaders will meet at 10am and prepare the signatures of MPs required to give the notice. All Lok Sabha MPs of the Congress Parliamentary Party are requested to be present positively on Wednesday, at 10: 30 AM, to discuss some important issues. Three Line whip issued, said party leader Manickam Tagore.

The notice is likely to be submitted to the Lok Sabha secretariat on Thursday.

On Tuesday afternoon Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla called a business advisory committees meeting where parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi urged the Opposition to participate in the debate. Joshi added that the government is ready to discuss Manipur for 6 hours. The opposition leaders said let the PM give a statement and leave the House.

Trinamool leader Sudip Bandopadhayay cautioned the government that the Opposition can force the PM to reply to the Lok Sabha, indicating a no-confidence motion.

Pralhad Joshi pointed out that Union home minister Amit Shah spent three days in Manipur and a minister of state was there for a month. Can we run smoothly with the home ministers reply? Joshi asked.

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Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday wrote to the opposition leaders of both Houses seeking their cooperation in the discussion on the Manipur issue as Parliament saw disruptions for the fourth day in a row. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spekas in the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Tuesday, July 25, 2023.(PTI)

Sharing the letter on social media, Shah wrote, The government is ready to discuss the issue of Manipur and seeks cooperation from all the parties, rising above party lines. I hope that all the parties will cooperate in resolving this important issue.

In separate letters to Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the home minister said Manipur is a very important border state and its rich cultural heritage is the 'Jewel' of the culture not only of Manipur but of entire India.

In the last six years of Bharatiya Janata Party rule in Manipur, the region was experiencing a new era of peace and development. But due to some court decisions and some incidents, incidents of violence took place in Manipur in the beginning of May, the minister wrote, referring to an order by the Manipur high court that recommended to the government that the dominant Meiteis be included in the scheduled tribe list.

Some shameful incidents also came to the fore, after which the people of the entire country, the people of the North East and especially the people of Manipur are expecting the Parliament of the country to rise above party politics and stand with the people of Manipur in this difficult time, he added.

He said that the government is ready to give a statement on Manipur in both Houses followed by a discussion but "cooperation of all the parties is expected in this."

I urge you and all members of your party to lend your support in ensuring the continued functioning of Parliament, he added.

The opposition, however, has been demanding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should first make a statement on the Manipur issue in Parliament before a debate on the matter can be taken up.

While PM Modi broke more than two months of public silence over the ethnic clashes last week, telling reporters that mob assaults on two women who were paraded naked were unforgivable, he did not refer directly to the larger violence.

With the opposition and treasury bench members not relenting, a logjam is prevailing in both houses.

So far, more than 150 people have died and several hundred injured, besides thousands taking shelter in relief camps. But a video of two women from the Kuki-Zomi community paraded naked and sexually assaulted by a mob of Meities triggered nationwide outrage, with opposition intensifying its demand for Manipur CM N Biren Singh's sacking.

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National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Monday met top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi and conveyed that the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the western sector of the India-China boundary since 2020 has eroded strategic trust, the ministry of external affairs said. NSA Ajit Doval meets China's Wang Yi

Doval's meeting with Wang, director of the Office of the foreign affairs commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, took place on the sidelines of the Friends of BRICS meeting here in South Africa.

During the meeting, NSA conveyed that the situation along the LAC in the Western Sector of the India-China boundary since 2020 had eroded strategic trust and the public and political basis of the relationship, the MEA said in a statement.

NSA emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to fully resolve the situation and restore peace and tranquility in the border areas, so as to remove impediments to normalcy in bilateral relations. The two sides agreed that the India-China bilateral relationship is significant not only for the two countries but also for the region and world, it added.

The meeting came days after external affairs minister S Jaishankar met Wang in the Indonesian capital Jakarta, and discussed outstanding issues relating to peace and tranquillity in border areas.

India-China tension

India has been locked in a military standoff with China for more than three years, with Jaishankar describing it to be the most complex challenge in his long diplomatic career.

India has maintained that the bilateral relationship cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border area.

During the meeting with Doval, Wang said the two sides should enhance strategic mutual trust, focus on consensus and cooperation, overcome obstacles and bring bilateral relations back on track of sound and stable development as soon as possible, China's state-run news agency Xinhua reported.

Wang stressed that China will never seek hegemony, and stands ready to work with developing countries, including India, to support multilateralism and the democratisation of international relations, and promote the more just and equitable development of international order.

Earlier on Monday, Doval called for collective efforts to deal with challenges emanating from cybersecurity at the Friends of BRICS meeting.

The NSA also held several bilaterals with his counterparts from and Friends of BRICS countries.

South Africa is hosting the BRICS Summit next month. BRICS is a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

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The students' unions in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have called for a bandh of educational institutions on Tuesday, July 25. All India Students Federation (AISF) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) are protesting against the various irregularities prevalent in the education sector. The bandh is also supported by Telugu Nadu Students Federation (TNSF). Protests have been organised by the students unions across the states and schools will remain closed on Tuesday. (File photo)

Top points on school bandh in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh:

Protests have been organised by the students unions across the states and schools will remain closed on Tuesday. However, there was no official notification regarding the school closure from the government.

The primary demands included the urgent need for improvements in the basic facilities provided in hostels.

The unions also demand a reduction in mess charges as many students found it difficult to afford the current expenses.

Local reports claimed that the students' unions alleged that there were several positions of wardens, cooks, and watchmen in hostels that were currently vacant and they needed to be filled immediately to ensure the welfare and safety of the students.

The student unions also called for the construction of compound walls around womens dormitories in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) and Gurukuls across both states.

The move comes after around 50 girls fell ill at a Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya in Amarchinta village after consuming contaminated food, highlighting low-quality food being served and the use of rotten tomatoes in their meals.

The Telugu Nadu Students Federation (TNSF) expressed their opposition to the government's anti-student policies and extended their support to the school bandh.

TNSF president Pranav Goyal demanded strict actions against private corporate institutions that increased fees, advocating for a fee structure established by the government to ensure affordability for all students.

TNSF members on Monday held a demonstration in Hindupur in Sri Satya Sai district, demanding the government to release the fee payable to schools.

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KOHIMA: The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition by a Nagaland cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Reny Wilfred, 39, to shift the trial against him in a child sex abuse out of a remote district. The Supreme Court also vacated an interim stay on the trial court proceedings in Nagaland (AP File)

The sexual assault case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (Pocso) relates to 2021 when he was posted as deputy commissioner of Noklak district in east Nagaland and two minor girls, aged 14 and 17, accused him of sexual misconduct.

Wilfred, a 2015 batch officer, is currently posted as joint secretary of the state governments finance department.

Wilfred last year approached the Gauhati high court to get the Pocso trial transferred from Tuensang district to any other special court, citing a threat to his life and apprehension that he will not get a fair trial.

The high court rejected the petition in April this year, leading the IAS official to approach the Supreme Court.

A bench of justices Aniruddha Bose and Dipankar Datta dismissed his special leave petition at the stage of admission and vacated an interim stay that it had placed on the trial.

We do not find any reason to transfer the subject-case being Criminal Case No. G.R. 58 of 2021 in connection with SCPS Case No. 04 of 2021 to any other court as applied for in this petition, the bench said in its brief order.

The bench, however, allowed the official to request to appear in the trial court proceedings over video conference.

The petitioner, however, is given liberty to apply for putting in his appearance virtually and on the days of hearing on which the special court is satisfied that his personal appearance is not required, the petitioner shall be allowed to appear through virtual mode, the top court said.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday questioned the Centres double standards in not holding the Nagaland government accountable for its failure to implement the constitutional mandate on 33% reservation for women in municipal bodies, saying that in the case of other states the Centre does not hesitate in taking action. The Supreme Court said that in case of other states, the Centre does not hesitate in taking action. (ANI)

Giving the northeastern state one last opportunity to come up with a law in this regard by September 26, the top court was unsparing towards the Centre. Dont make us say that the Centre is not willing to implement the Constitution. We refuse to let you wash your hands off in such a serious matter, a bench of justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia said. This is completely unacceptable.

Additional solicitor general KM Nataraj, appearing for the Centre, said so far as 33% reservation for women in urban local bodies is concerned, it is mandated by Part IXA of the Constitution and should be implemented. However, the state has to implement it, he added.

Why is it not happening then? There should be no difficulty as the political dispensation in the state is aligned with the political dispensation at Centre. At the slightest instance of abrogation of Constitution, you take action against state governments, the bench remarked. Here, your own state government is violating the Constitution and you are not doing anything.

The court was hearing an application filed by non-profit Peoples Union for Civil Liberties seeking contempt action against the Nagaland chief minister, chief secretary and tribal heads for violating a March 14 order directing implementation of womens reservation in the urban local body polls due in May.

Acting contrary to the order, the state government on March 30 repealed the Nagaland Municipal Act, under which elections to the 36 town councils and three municipal councils was to take place. This was attributed to the lack of consensus among tribal leaders, who gave a call to boycott the polls.

The state government was represented by its advocate general, senior advocate KN Balagopal, who told the court: Constitutional scheme will not be violated. He sought one last opportunity as the state was in the process of bringing a new law as expeditiously as possible, taking care of the concerns raised by the tribal groups.

Will it take a century to do that? So many years have elapsed. We have given you umpteen opportunities to introduce a change and break the status quo, the court said. When social progress takes place, law has to go forward.

Advocate general for the nth time seeks to assure the court that the constitutional scheme will be implemented as he needs time to speak to the political dispensation to implement the constitutional provision, the bench said. In view of the impassioned plea of the advocate general to give last of the last opportunity, we are willing to accept the request.

Giving two clear months to the state, the bench posted the matter for September 26 and told the state: If you do not find a solution, we will set up a hearing the very next week, whatever be the consequences.

Witnessing the presence of the tribal chieftains and women groups during the hearing, the bench said, We will only say that the customary laws of Nagaland and the special status enjoyed by the state under Article 371A will not be touched in any manner.

Article 371A states that any central law passed by Parliament in respect of religious or social practices of the Nagas, Naga customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law, and ownership and transfer of land and its resources, cannot apply to the state unless the Nagaland assembly adopts it by passing a resolution.

The court was pained to note the resistance of the state to realize the aspirations of women seeking one-third reservation in urban municipal bodies. When the Constitution provides for reservation, how do we, when somebody approaches us, not implement it? the bench asked. This is a state where in matters of education, social and economic participation, involvement of women is best seen. We cannot countenance why then a decision on one-third representation to them in municipal governance should not be taken.

Balagopal pointed out that the implementation of Part IXA leads to a dichotomy as while women in urban local bodies get reservation, those in villages, governed by Panchayati Raj institutions, will not have this benefit since the operation of panchayats under Part IX of the Constitution is specifically excluded for Nagaland by Article 243M of the Constitution. Some women organisations have told the state they do not need reservation, he added.

You knew the Act as it was. Nothing prevented you from making amendments, The bench told the state. Can this be the basis to say that it should not apply to cities because it does not apply to villages?

Even with regard to the boycott call by tribal groups, the bench clarified: There is always a resistance to change status quo. Whoever wants to abstain, they will not go to vote or can even press NOTA (none of the above) option. They have a right to abstain but the state has a duty to hold elections.

The boycott call given by tribal groups in the state was complete and nobody ventured out, Balagopal pointed out. In such a scenario, holding elections has no meaning. In September 2012, the Nagaland assembly had passed a resolution not to give effect to the 33% women quota under Part 1XA in the state. Though the assembly withdrew the resolution in November 2016, the letter of the law was not implemented due to opposition by state tribal leaders, who blocked the cause of womens reservation, he added.

Nataraj told the bench that the only way out was to give some reasonable time for the state to come out with the law. Due to the peculiar situation in the northeast, give them some reasonable time to bring things to a quietus, he said. The court was conscious of the ongoing tension in Manipur and commented: You (Nagaland) are better than some neighbouring states, which have a problem.

The court reminded the state that it had waited for 14 years and now the period of remission is over. The court was referring to the fact that a person undergoing life sentence becomes entitled for compassionate release at the end of 14 years.

The 33% womens reservation in urban local bodies was introduced in the Constitution in 1992, but the municipal laws in Nagaland did not provide for it. It was added in 2005 and since then, the tribal groups have refused it to be implemented. In October 2011, the Gauhati high court directed the state to hold urban local body elections, demarcating seats for women. This led to the September 2012 resolution by the state assembly to not give effect to the reservation. This resolution was challenged in the Supreme Court initially by women activists followed by PUCL in 2016.
Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin on Tuesday raised concerns over the arrest of nine fishermen from the state by the Lankan Navy less than a week after the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Stalin requested external affairs minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday to take all possible diplomatic efforts to ensure the release of the fishermen, return their seized boats... (ANI)

Stalin requested external affairs minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday to take all possible diplomatic efforts to ensure the release of the fishermen, return their seized boats, and re-emphasise the significance of finding a lasting and mutually acceptable solution to the issue of fishing rights in the Palk Bay region.

On July 24, the Lankan Navy arrested nine fishermen and seized two of their boats for allegedly violating the maritime boundary. I am writing with deep concern and disappointment regarding the continued arrest of fishermen from Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan Navy, even after my recent request to step up diplomatic efforts to resolve this long-standing issue, Stalin said in his letter to Jaishankar.

Ahead of Wickremesinghes two-day visit to Delhi on July 20, Stalin had requested Modi to raise two main issues during their diplomatic talks. One of those was the retrieval of Katchatheevu island to protect the traditional fishing rights of Indian fishermen.

I had hoped that this visit would provide an opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue and find a lasting solution that respects the rights and livelihoods of both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen, Stalin said. However, it has come to my attention that despite the high-level interactions between the two nations, the situation on the ground remains unchanged.

The fishermen, from Tamil Nadus Mandapam went into the seas on Monday morning and were apprehended the same night between Katchatheevu and Neduntheevu, said the state fisheries minister Anitha Radhakrishnan.

The fishing communities in Tamil Nadu continue to face immense hardships due to the recurrent arrests and seizure of their boats, Stalin said. These incidents strain bilateral relations and inflict severe socio-economic repercussions on the affected families.

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HYDERABAD: The Telangana high court on Tuesday set aside the election of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) lawmaker Vanama Venkateswara Rao for having given incorrect information about his assets in his 2018 election affidavit and imposed a 5 lakh fine on him. (Photo: Telangana assembly)

Vanama Venkateswara Rao won the Kothagudem assembly seat in Bhadradri Kothagudem district on a Congress ticket in 2018. In March 2019, he crossed over to the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (now BRS).

Tuesdays verdict came on a petition by Jalagam Venkat Rao who contested the 2018 election on a TRS ticket and was the runner up. Justice Radha Rani, who ruled that Venkateswara Raos election was void because he filed an incorrect affidavit on his assets, said Venkat Rao will be the MLA from Kothagudem.

The judge declared that Venkateswara Rao will cease to be MLA with effect from December 12, 2018 and his nearest rival Jalagam Venkat Rao will be considered the MLA from the same dae.

In the 2018 election, Venkateswara Rao got 81,118 votes, whereas Venkat Rao secured 76,979 votes and lost by a margin of 4,139 votes.

Venkat Rao said he expected such a verdict and was very happy to be declared as the MLA. I knew there was merit in my argument and truth will always triumph, he said

In his election petition filed in January 2019, Venkat Rao alleged that Venkateswara Rao concealed information about some assets owned by his and his wife. The high court heard the case for more than four years.

Venkateswara Raos disqualification does not reduce the BRS strength in the assembly (104 in the 120-seat assembly) since Jalagam Venkat Rao, who has been named as the MLA by the high court, contested the election on a TRS ticket.
In 2010, the Railways added three luggage compartments to Mumbais local trains to help facilitate travel for the 5,000-odd dabbawalas and their ubiquitous six-foot-long wooden carriers laden with lunch boxes for tens of thousands of office goers working in airless cubbyholes and expansive open-plan offices alike. PREMIUM HT Image

Last week, the Railway Board told the Bombay high court in the course of a public interest litigation (PIL) that it was considering cutting one of the three luggage compartments and reserving it for senior citizens instead.

What lay exposed by this unrelated PIL on seats for senior citizens was an extraordinary saga of the unravelling of an iconic Mumbai institution, pummelled first by the lockdown and then changes in consumer behaviour during the pandemic.

For decades, the punctual and unerring delivery of tens of thousands of lunches across Mumbai by a phalanx of men dressed in crisp white shirts and trousers, and a white cap on which the wooden crate was often balanced, earned dabbawalas global accolades. Often considered the beating heart of Indias financial capital, their complex system of successfully negotiating the maze of roads and bylanes in a centuries-old city became the subject of a Harvard Business School study, which graded it six sigma (meaning less than four mistakes per million transactions) and multiple documentaries. When multinational couriers came to India, their first stop was understanding how dabbawalas navigated the logistics of a city with clockwork precision. They earned fulsome praise, from King Charles to tycoon Richard Branson alike.

That halo lies tarnished today. From a little over 5,000, their numbers are down to 1,000, says Subhash Talekar, president of Mumbai dabbawala association. Its likely to drop further. The pandemic and lockdown broke the back of our business.

Covid may be ebbing, but for the dabbawalas, the paranoia it generated still looms. Most of the offices and schools that we catered to have barred access to us. The number of lunch boxes that we used to deliver has dropped from 150,000 to 200,000 per day before Covid to 15,000 to 20,000 per day now, says Talekar.

The dabbawalas came to ply their trade 130 years ago, carrying lunch for the workers of Mumbais thriving mills. As the mills gave way to shiny offices of the new service economy, dabbawalas continued to thrive. They were also one of the few bastions of Marathi-speaking labour force in a city which was dominated by migrant labour.

During the pandemic people became habituated to carrying their food from home. That has also hit us in a big way in addition to big offices not allowing us entry. And those order from outside can now do it from app-based deliveries, says Prakash Gagre who has been in the business for 20 years. Gagre says his monthly earnings from dabba deliveries has dropped from 25,000 per month to 12,000 to 15,000. He now supplements his income by other odd jobs.

We used to be considered mere hamaals (porters), but after Prince Charles met us and told the world about us in 2003, everyone began to recognise our contribution to this city, says Talekar. But once again, many members of the dabbawala association he heads are now looking at becoming coolies, driving auto rickshaws or working as couriers. The Mumbai dabbawala association comes under Nutan Mumbai Tiffin Box Supply Charitable Trust which charges each dabbawala 240 as annual fee. But now we skip this in most cases as we know the hardships that Mumbais dabbawalas are facing, says Sopan Mare, one of the members of the charitable trust.

On their part, the railways say their commitment to reserve a compartment for senior citizens stems from their internal survey that showed the number of dabbawalas travelling on local trains had fallen significantly.

We are still working out the details on the total number of tickets sold for luggage compartment. However, there has been a drop by around 25-30%, said a senior railway official not willing to be quoted. The survey found that luggage compartments were now being occupied by general commuters instead of the dabbawalas.

Before the pandemic, 400 groups of dabbawalas, each comprising 10-25 members, would fan across the city every day delivering lunch. Now there are barely four or six people in each group, says Gagre underscoring the sharp fall in business.

For Talekar, this loss of business is accentuated by the loss of prestige. In 2011, I was at Harvard to talk about our delivery system. Since then I have had the opportunity to meet with top business leaders from around the world who wanted to understand how we functioned with such punctuality and zero mistakes. But now, when our numbers are diminishing, there is no support. All we want is that the corporate offices and MNCs provide us entry into their premises. At least then our livelihood could be revived.
The Supreme Court has called it paradoxical that the right to vote is not assigned the status of a fundamental right while democracy has been recognised as a basic feature of the Indian Constitution. The Supreme Court bench was dealing with an election petition case when it underscored the importance of the right to vote and a constitutional provision enabling every eligible citizen of India to exercise common suffrage. (HT Archives)

Democracy has been held to be a part of one of the essential features of the Constitution. Yet, somewhat paradoxically, the right to vote has not been recognised as a fundamental right yet; it was termed as a mere statutory right, stressed a bench of justices S Ravindra Bhat and Aravind Kumar in a judgment on Monday.

The bench was dealing with an election petition case when it underscored the importance of the right to vote and a constitutional provision enabling every eligible citizen of India to exercise common suffrage.

The right to vote, based on an informed choice, is a crucial component of the essence of democracy. This right is precious and was the result of a long and arduous fight for freedom, for Swaraj, where the citizen has an inalienable right to exercise her or his right to franchise, noted the court, adding the right finds articulation in Article 326 of the Constitution.

Read | Voting a choice, cannot make it mandatory: Delhi High Court

Article 326 lays down that every person who is a citizen of India and is not less than 18 years of age and is not otherwise disqualified under this Constitution or any law made by an appropriate legislature on the ground of unresidency, unsoundness of mind, offence or corrupt or illegal conduct, shall be entitled to be registered as a voter at any election.

Despite the constitutional declaration, the bench lamented, the right to vote has been held to be a statutory right by the Supreme Court, and not a fundamental right. The bench pointed out that in a 1982 judgment, the top court said that the right to vote, if not a fundamental right, is certainly a constitutional right because this right originates from the Constitution and is in accordance with the constitutional mandate contained in Article 326.

In the present case, the bench was dealing with a petition filed by Bhim Rao Baswanth Rao Patil, a BRS MP from Telangana. Patil appealed against an order of the Telangana high court, which refused to quash an election petition against him without a trial.

Congress leader K Madan Mohan Rao, who lost the 2019 Lok Sabha elections to Pail, filed the election petition, complaining that Patil did not disclose in his poll affidavit about his past conviction under the Minimum Wages Act and the Payment of Wages Act and had a pending case under the same law. Patil, on his part, cited rules to argue that he was required to disclose only about such offences and convictions where the maximum punishment is two years in jail or more.

But the Supreme Court affirmed the Telngana high court judgment, highlighting the voters right to know about the antecedents of the candidates. The elector or voters right to know about the full background of a candidate -- evolved through court decisions-- is an added dimension to the rich tapestry of our constitutional jurisprudence, it held.

The bench maintained that allowing the election petition to be junked at the threshold stage would be a denial of a full-fledged trial, based on the acknowledgement that material facts were not suppressed. Stating that the facts of the case must be contested in an election petition, the court dismissed Patils plea.

A five-judge bench in Kuldip Nayar Vs Union of India & Ors (2006) had held that the right to vote is not a fundamental right but just a statutory right.

In March this year, another five-judge bench sought to open a new vista for declaration of the right to vote as a fundamental right as it ruled on revamping the selection mechanism for the chief election commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners.

In Anoop Baranwal Vs Union of India, five judges on the bench were unanimous that the right to vote should be a constitutional right, but four of them stopped short of issuing a judicial declaration in this regard, deferring to judicial discipline and propriety.

While justices KM Joseph, Aniruddha Bose, Hrishikesh Roy and CT Ravikumar cited the 2006 judgment in the Kuldip Nayar case to exercise restraint against overruling a judgment by a bench of coordinate strength, justice Ajay Rastogi said that it is time for the constitution bench to declare that the right to vote is a fundamental right. By 4-1, this bench said that it need not finally pronounce on this aspect since another five-judge bench in the Kuldip Nayar case has proceeded to hold that there is no constitutional right to vote.

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The Union government has informed the Supreme Court that transgender persons can avail themselves of quota benefits only if they fall under the existing categories of reservation, even as a 2014 apex court judgment ordered the Centre and states to treat them as socially and educationally backward classes and extend all kinds of reservation in government jobs and higher education. Centre tells Supreme Court that transgender persons can avail themselves of quota benefits only if they fall under the existing categories of reservation. (ANI)

In an affidavit filed in response to a show-cause notice of contempt, the Centre maintained that there are no separate reservations for transgender persons in education or employment and that they can access such benefits if they belong to the scheduled caste (SC), scheduled tribe (ST), socially and economically backward classes (SEBC), or economically weaker section (EWS) communities.

The benefits of reservation in matters of direct recruitment in central government services and in admission to central government higher educational institutions are as follows: SC- 15%; ST- 7.5%; SEBC - 27%; EWS - 10%. The benefits of any of the reservation, including the above four reservations, can be availed by the marginalised and eligible population of the country, including transgender persons, said the Centres affidavit, filed through the Union ministry of social justice and empowerment.

The government further pointed out that any transgender person outside the SC/ST/SEBC communities with family income of less than 8 lakh is automatically included in the EWS category. It is respectfully submitted that the entire marginalised and eligible population of the country (including transgenders) is at present covered under any one of the four categories, said the affidavit, maintaining silence on complying with the 2014 order of the top court.

In the 2014 judgment, the Supreme Court ordered: We direct the Centre and the state governments to take steps to treat them as socially and educationally backward classes of citizens and extend all kinds of reservation in cases of admission in educational institutions and for public appointments.

The direction by the apex court had come in a landmark judgment which granted legal recognition to transgenders as a third gender, putting personal autonomy and right of choice on a par with human dignity. It had at that time issued a slew of directions for the Centre and the states to frame various social welfare schemes for their upliftment, besides ensuring they are considered as SEBC for the purposes of accessing reservation benefits.

In 2016, the transgender rights bill was drafted by the government in response to the Supreme Courts 2014 judgment that confirmed the rights of the community. But almost immediately, activists and transgender groups criticised the draft legislation for confused definitions, focus on medical screening and criminalisation of traditional occupations such as begging.

The bill was then sent to a select committee and underwent several modifications before being passed by Parliament in November 2019. While the parliamentary panel had criticised also the bill for not dealing with the issue of reservation for transgender persons under the OBC quota, the final draft of the bill chose not to provide quota benefits to the community.

After a group of transgender persons moved the Supreme Court alleging that the Centre and the state governments have failed to abide by the directives of the 2014 judgment, a show-cause notice of contempt was issued by the court in March this year.

Submitting its affidavit last week, the ministry has claimed that it has taken several steps since the 2014 judgment to ameliorate the problems of the transgender community and offer them a dignified living. Some of the steps enumerated in the affidavit included creation of a national portal for their registration and issuance of certificates, framing the 2019 law to prohibit discrimination against transgender persons and creation of a national council for transgender persons in 2020 to advise the government on policies, programmes, legislation and projects with respect to the community.

The contempt matter is expected to be heard on August 18 by a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud. On that day, the bench will also take stock of the steps taken by the states and Union territories to comply with the 2014 judgment.

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The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) unit in Kerala plans to file complaints at all police stations in the state against assembly speaker and MLA AN Shamseer in connection with his comments about Lord Ganesh at a public event in Ernakulam on July 22. Shamseer had lashed out at the BJP-led Union government for allegedly tweaking school syllabus to propagate myths among students (ANI)

After inaugurating a scheme at a government school in Kadayirippu, Shamseer had lashed out at the BJP-led Union government for tweaking school syllabus to allegedly propagate myths among students.

BJP leader RS Rajeev, on behalf of the state committee, sent a complaint to Thiruvananthapuram police commissioners office against the speakers remarks.

In a Facebook post, the party state unit said, The Speaker ...aimed at creating communal conflict. His actions are punishable under section 153A and 295A of the IPC.This is a violation of the oath and is anti-constitutional.Hence, a case should be filed against him and he must be arrested  VHP officials were not available for comment.

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Tuesday issued a fresh weather forecast warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall across India for the rest of the week. With the arrival of monsoon, hill states such as Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are already experiencing intense spells of rain and destructive cloud bursts, disrupting normal life, forcing the temporary closure of schools, and causing massive damage to infrastructure. A man takes shelter under a plastic sheet to protect himself during rainfall in Kolkata on Tuesday.(AFP)

Maharashtra and Gujarat also continued to face disruption due to flash floods and landslides in some areas, triggered by incessant rainfall over the past week. However, no relief is expected from the mayhem caused by heavy rainfall any time soon, as per the IMD.

Weather forecast for the next four days:

Northwest: Hilly states, Punjab Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh

The weather forecasting agency said that light to moderate, fairly widespread to widespread rainfall expected in Punjab, Haryana till July 29. Isolated heavy rainfall is likely in Haryana on July 26.

Flood-hit Himachal Pradesh will also continue to experience rainfall till July 28. The IMD also said some places are likely to get isolated very heavy rainfall on July 26-27.

Uttarakhand: The hill state will continue to receive rain showers till July 29 with heavy rainfall at some places on July 26 and July 28, the IMD said.

Uttar Pradesh will also receive rainfall during next four days. While western districts will get light to moderate, fairly widespread to widespread rainfall till July 29; eastern areas will see the impact of monsoon on July 28-29, the IMD said.

Rajasthan: Eastern districts will experience rainfall till July 27 while the western parts will get showers till July 26.

Jammu and Kashmir is expected to get rainfall on over the next two days as well, the weather warned.

Central India

Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh: The IMD said light to moderate fairly widespread to widespread rainfall is expected in the region till July 28, with isolated heavy rainfall at some places till July 27.

Madhya Pradesh: The western districts will experience rainfall on July 26. The eastern parts will see downpours till July 28, with heavy rainfall in some pockets on July 27.

West India:

Maharashtra and Goa: The IMD said light to moderate fairly widespread to widespread rainfall is expected in Konkan and Goa and ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra till July 29. Marathwada to expect rainfall on July 25isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is possible in Konkan and Goa, ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra till July 26.

Gujarat: The region will experience rainfall till July 27.

East India:

Odisha: The IMD predicted intense rainfall across the state till July 27 due to a low-pressure area over Bay of Bengal early on Tuesday. It issued an orange warning for Tuesday and Wednesday, alarming authorities to be prepared.

Bihar: Scattered to fairly widespread rainfall would occur across the state from July 28.

South India:

The weather body predicted widespread rainfall in Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, south interior Karnataka, and Kerala till July 27. These regions will also get isolated heavy showers at some places. Coastal and north interior Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal will also see a similar weather pattern till July 26.

Telangana will continue to receive isolated extremely heavy rainfall till July 27. heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places in different districts from 8.30 AM of July 25 to 8.30 AM on July 29, the IMD said. In view of the situation, the state has declared a holiday in all educational institutes on July 26-27.

Northeast:

The IMD predicted isolated heavy rainfall over and Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and Meghalaya till July 29. The same would occur over Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura on July 28-29Isolated very heavy rainfall likely over Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and Meghalaya on July 27-28.

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Among the many things that surprise me about Thailand, and Bangkok in particular, is how nothing stops the world from visiting. I have been writing about Thailand regularly for nearly four decades and during that time almost every disaster you can imagine has happened: floods, tsunami, Covid, SARS, Bird Flu, coups, road closures, airport shut-downs and even bullet attacks on protesting students by armed soldiers in the streets. One of the joys of Bangkok is that there is enough scope to make every visit seem different. (Pexels)

And yet Thailand keeps going. It bounces back remarkably quickly and visitors just cant seem to stay away.

Last week when I was there, the Thai papers complained that the country would not reach its hugely ambitious tourism target for the year because Chinese tourists had not yet returned in droves. And certainly, at the very top end of the luxury sector, you could tell that the usual July dip (it is monsoon there too) had happened: hotels and top restaurants were doing very well but were not at absolutely 100 percent occupancy.

But outside of those sectors, there was no evidence of a slowdown. At Bangkok airport, there were huge lines at Immigration though, because every counter was manned, they still managed to clear passengers relatively quickly. The shopping malls were all packed out and tourist-shoppers were buying away.

Thailand is much smaller than India (it is about the size of a single large-ish Indian state) but it has always got three to four times the number of tourists that India has ever managed.

I have always wondered why they do so much better than us. One obvious reason is the importance that all Thai governments, whether civilian or military, have traditionally attached to tourism. In India, tourism is a sideshow and rarely does the portfolio get the minister or the attention that it deserves. (To be fair, there have been some notable exceptions.)

In Thailand, it doesnt really matter who the minister is; tourism is handled by the non-political Tourism Authority of Thailand(TAT), which is not only the best-run tourism body in all of Asia but performs better than any similar body I have come across anywhere in the world. (Dubai Tourism probably comes second.)

The reason why so many Indians visit Thailand (India is always among the top two or three countries from which tourists to Thailand originate) is because TAT has spent so long promoting the destination here. I have seen them in action for over two decades now and I marvel at their professionalism and enterprise. (Lest you think they had anything to do with my trip, let me make it clear that they did not pay for my visit. Given how often I go to Thailand, I imagine I would run though their media budget very quickly if they started paying for my tickets, hotels and meals!)

But despite TATs endeavours, there are obstacles when it comes to visiting Thailand. When my pal Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi, a great friend of India, ran the Embassy, things were much easier. The Thais gave frequent travellers like me long-term, multi-entry visas (as say Singapore and all Western countries do). Now, they dont go beyond six months. It is a bizarre policy: more work for the consular department at the Embassy and a hassle for visitors. Many people I know used to stop in Bangkok for a day or two or their way to other Asian destinations (Tokyo, Bali, Korea etc.). That has now become much more difficult.

And the only reason my passport runs out of pages so quickly is because every year I have to devote two pages to Thai visas. I can only assume that the current Ambassador is not aware of this curious policy. But I do wish they would go back to the sensible policies of old. It would mean less work for the Embassy and would increase the flow of affluent visitors to Thailand.

Then there is the problem with flights. At present Thai Airways has the most flights from Delhi but many of its seats are taken up by passengers who are only changing planes in Bangkok. Of our two premier carriers, Air India had withdrawn the Dreamliner it used to fly on the sector and replaced it with khatara old aircraft, the last time I travelled. And the Vistara fight is nearly as bad.

Between the embassy and the airlines, it is almost as though they are actually diverting passengers to Singapore or some other Asian destination. But, such is the attraction of Thailand that Indians go anyway.

One of the joys of Bangkok is that there is enough scope to make every visit seem different. This time I forsook my regular routine of staying in central Bangkok and going to the s tried and trusted restaurants. (Thai is one of the worlds great cuisines.) Instead, I stayed at the Peninsula on the other side of the Chao Praya river.

As you may know, the original Peninsula is in Hong Kong, where it is widely regarded as the citys best and grandest hotel even though it is in Kowloon, on the other side of the bay from the island of Hong Kong. I remember that when the Bangkok Peninsula opened in 1998, I found it interesting that it had also chosen the other side  in this case, the river rather than the bay  looking across the water at the skyscrapers of modern Bangkok and of course, the stately old Oriental Hotel.

The Hong Kong Peninsula opened in 1928 and is built like a grand hotel of that period. The Bangkok Peninsula was built 70 years later so it is far more contemporary but it shares its Hong Kong parents capacity to provide great views. I first stayed there when it was new but I found this time that it had aged gracefully taking on a stately riverside elegance.

Living on the river gives you a different perspective on Bangkok. For a start, you use the Chao Phraya as your thoroughfare. The Peninsula offers free boat services to nearly any destination on the banks of the river (including the Skytrain station) so we got used to travelling in the luxurious wooden boats done up in traditional Thai style that the hotel maintains. They took us to the Icon Siam mall (where Alain Ducasse has a restaurant) and to different parts of historic Bangkok.

There has been, in recent years, an attempt to rediscover historical Bangkok. The Peninsula offers free Thonburi tours which take you to the magnificent Wat Arun temple and down the klongs (canals) lined on each side with old wooden houses.

Its a very different Bangkok from the Bangkok of Sukhumvit Road which is where most Indian visitors base themselves (with the odd side trip to the Siam Paragon mall) and it is actually much closer to the real Thailand than Sukhumvit is. My tip to anyone going to Bangkok is: get out of Sukhumvit! There are many much nicer areas with wonderful hotels, restaurants and shops (Ploenchit, Sathorn etc) and if you want a relaxed holiday then nothing beats the river.

Not far from the Chao Praya is the Nusara restaurant. Nusara is run by Chef Ton who Indians will know from his frequent trips here. When Ton last cooked in Delhi as part of a Culinary Culture pop-up, I did an onstage interaction with him for an invited audience of foodies, food writers and hospitality professionals.

Ton is young and youthful in his manner and spoke honestly about the challenges of trying to do something different with one of the worlds oldest and greatest cuisines at Le Du, his flagship restaurant, at Nusara and at the other restaurants he was opening around Asia.

Shortly after our chat, Asias 50 Best Restaurants named Le Du as the best restaurant in Asia. Nusara came in at number three. Never before has a single chef got two restaurants into the Top three.

The original Nusara was charming and secluded. There was no signage, you had to find it hidden above a bar. Ton has now moved Nusara to another location nearby and this one is more elegant and more like what people expect a Michelin starred restaurant to be. The food is the same though: traditional Thai with beautiful presentation.

But what I loved most was the ambience. My window table looked out at the Wat Po temple and as Tons sommeliers poured Krug champagne (Ton is an ambassador for the brand), I looked out at the majesty of the temple silhouetted against the night sky and said to myself this is what Bangkok is all about.

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Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft completed its fifth and final orbit-raising manoeuvre on Tuesday, preparing for lunar insertion. The next step is to shift to an Earth-to-Moon trajectory, where the Moon's gravity will eventually pull it into lunar orbit. The ultimate goal is a soft landing on the lunar surface. Indian spacecraft Chandrayaan-3, the word for "moon craft" in Sanskrit, travels after it was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on Friday. (AP)

The orbit-raising manoeuvre (Earth-bound perigee firing) is performed successfully from ISTRAC/ISRO, Bengaluru. The spacecraft is expected to attain an orbit of 127609 km x 236 km. The achieved orbit will be confirmed after the observations, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) tweeted.

ISRO added that the next firing, the TransLunar Injection (TLI), is planned for August 1, between 12 midnight and 1 am IST.

Chandrayaan-3, India's third moon mission, took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Station in Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota on July 14. It is expected to reach the moons South Pole for a soft landing with a lander and rover on August 23.

By doing so, India would join the group of elite nations (the United States, erstwhile Soviet Union and China) that had achieved the feat.

Chandrayaan-3's next steps in the lunar mission

Chandrayaan-3 has completed five orbit-raising moves around earth and is now expected to achieve an orbit of 127,609 km x 236 km, with the farthest and closest points in its elliptical orbit.

On August 1, the spacecraft will fire its thrusters to leave earth's gravity and head towards the moon. It will then enter the moon's gravity and move into lunar orbit.

By the first week of August, Chandrayaan-3 will have completed 5-6 circles around the moon, entering the innermost circle. In the following 10 days, it will identify the exact landing spot in the moon's south pole area, Union Space Minister Jitendra Singh said on Monday.

Chandrayaan-3 is scheduled to attempt a soft landing on the lunar surface on August 23 at 5:47 pm IST, but the timing may change based on the moon's sunrise. If there's a delay, ISRO will reschedule the landing for September.

What are the objectives of Chandrayaan-3?

Chandrayaan-3 aims to achieve the same three objectives as its predecessor Chandrayaan-2:

1) Demonstrate a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface.

2) Showcase the Rover's mobility on the Moon.

3) Perform in-situ scientific experiments.

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Mumbai is pretty much synonymous to vada pav. This tasty snack, which includes a fried spicy potato ball between two soft buns and served with various types of chutneys is absolutely lip-smacking. While we all know the classic vada pav, have you ever wondered what if there was no vada in between the pavs? What if there was some chakli! Well, this may sound a little offbeat, but recently, a street vendor was seen making a chakli pav. Many were not happy with this creation. Vada pav gets a twist with chakli,(Instagram)

Also Read: Street vendor makes panda shaped dosa, netizens call it 'scary'

The video was shared on Instagram by user @lets.eattogether. The clip shows a person putting two types of chutneys on a bun. Then they add onions, cheese, and chakli. They finally top it with some mayonnaise and grill it.

Watch the making of this chakli pav here:

This video was shared a few days ago. Since being posted, it has been liked close to 27,000 times. The video has also received more than 73,000 shares. Many even took to the comments section of the post to share their reactions to this creation.

Heres what people have to say about this chakli pav:

An individual added, "Thanks for the location, will avoid at any cost." A second shared, "What was the need to even make this?" A third commented, "Either social media should be totally banned in our country or making rubbish like this should. That's the only way all these stupidity would come to an end.' A third posted, "Hahaha, I recollected murrukku sandwich after seeing this. Guys google muruku sandwich, its famous in south, almost similar but it is bread less." A fourth wrote, "Why is there cheese in everything. One day there will be cheese in dal chawaal also, cheee." "Suddenly, I disliked both pav and chakali," expressed a fifth. What do you think about this food combination? Would you ever try this?
Indonesian police are investigating the illegal trade of human organs involving police and immigration officers who were accused of helping traffickers send 122 Indonesians to a hospital in Cambodia to sell their kidneys, police said Tuesday. A low-ranking police officer in Bekasi, an immigration officer in Bali and 10 traffickers, three of whom were arrested in Cambodia, are part of a human trafficking ring that prey on vulnerable job seekers.(AFP/ Representative image)

Indonesian authorities arrested 12 people, including a police officer and an immigration officer, on July 19, and police will continue to crack down on human smuggling syndicates conducting the illegal trade of human organs, said Hengki Haryadi, the Jakarta police director for general crimes.

He said all 122 victims, including factory workers, teachers and executives, had returned to Indonesia, and police were still searching a number of other victims whose testimony would be required by investigators.

Most of the victims lost their jobs during the pandemic and they agreed to sell their organs because they needed money, Haryadi said, adding that six of the victims are still under observation of doctors.

Nine of the suspects were former organ trade victims who were accused of luring people from across Indonesia through social media into having their kidneys removed in Cambodia, Haryadi said.

A 10th suspect was accused of sending them to Preah Ket Mealea Hospital in Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, for kidney transplant surgery.

He said the turnover of the illegal trade in human organs since 2019 by the group of suspects totaled about 24.4 billion rupiah (USD 1.6 million), while each victim was promised 135 million rupiah (USD 9,000).

A low-ranking police officer in Bekasi, an immigration officer in Bali and 10 traffickers, three of whom were arrested in Cambodia, are part of a human trafficking ring that prey on vulnerable job seekers, Haryadi said.

The immigration officer from Bali was accused of abusing his power and falsifying documents for victims to travel overseas and received at least 3 million rupiah (USD 200) for each person he smuggled to Cambodia.

The suspects were charged with violating Indonesia's human trafficking law and face a maximum 15 years in prison and a fine of up to 600 million rupiah (USD 39,000).

The police officer from Bekasi city police, identified only with the initial M., allegedly received 612 million rupiah (USD 40,000) for helping the traffickers move from place to place to avoid police investigation, and he is also accused of obstructing the investigation. Under the 2007 Human Trafficking Law, the two officers face penalties of up to five years in prison if found guilty.

Police paraded the 12 suspects at a news conference on July 20.

There have been kidney trafficking transactions at the Cambodia's state-run Preah Ket Mealea Hospital, said Krishna Murti, the National Police head of international relations division. We have been communicating and closely cooperating with the Cambodian police.

The World Health Organization first prohibited payments for organs in 1987 and many countries subsequently codified the prohibition into their national laws. WHO estimated in 2008 that 5 per cent of all transplants performed worldwide were illegal, and living donor kidneys is the most commonly reported form of organ trade.

Aside illegal trade in human organs, cybercrime, human trafficking and labor abuse still abounds in Southeast Asia. Most recently, authorities in the Philippines staged a major raid last month and rescued more than 2,700 workers from China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and more than a dozen other countries who were allegedly swindled into working for fraudulent online gaming sites and other cybercrime groups.

The leaders of Association of Southeast Asia Nations in a summit at Indonesia's Labuan Bajo in May agreed to increase cooperation in border management, investigation, law enforcement and prosecution, and repatriation of victims. They also urged that national prevention efforts be improved, including better public awareness campaigns and increased use of advanced technology.
The ex-boyfriend of Alabams controversial kidnap girl Carlee Russell, the 25-year-old nursing student who faked her own disappearance after claiming to see a child in diapers on an Alabama highway, said he was blindsided and disgusted by her hoax. Thomar Latrell Simmons, ex-boyfriend of Alabama hoax kidnap girl speaks out.(Facebook/Thomar Latrell)

On Monday night, Thomar Latrell Simmons wrote on Instagram that he was made aware of the false narrative after coming to the defense of my ex Carlee Russell.

He said he and his family reacted with love, and genuine concern when they heard that Russell was missing, but they were disgusted from the outcome of this entire situation and that he was blindsided with Carlees actions.

Simmons said that his family has found closure after Russell admitted to lying and apologized for her actions, but he also said that the investigation is still ongoing and that he respects the support he received from the public.

Thank you to all my family, friends, and the nation for support through this, he wrote.

Simmons story on Instagram(Instagram/ @tee_sims28)

The severity in this matter has not been overlooked, and I deeply respect the genuine support shared during this situation.

Russells lawyer Emory Anthony said in a statement on Monday that Hoover Police Chief Nicholas Derzis read, There was no kidnapping  my client did not see a baby.

My client did not leave the Hoover area. My client apologizes for her actions to this community  Carlee asks for your forgiveness and prayers, Anthony wrote.

Russell disappeared on the night of July 13, after she called 911 to report that she saw a toddler wearing a T-shirt and diaper walking barefoot along Interstate 459. She said she would stay at the scene until the police arrived, but when they got there, they only found her red Mercedes-Benz with her cell phone and wig inside.

Two days later, the 25-year-old showed up at her parents home, saying she had been abducted and held captive.

She went to a hospital and agreed to talk to the police, but then stopped cooperating with them.

The police later found out that she had searched online for the movie Taken, which stars Liam Neeson as a former CIA agent who rescues his daughter from kidnappers.

Simmons had previously deleted all traces of Russell from his social media, but he also asked people to stop bullying her online.

ALSO READ| Was she abducted or did she run away? Alabama girl Carlee Russell's real story is out

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, Simmons told The Post over the weekend. Think about her mental health. She doesnt deserve that. She doesnt. Nobody deserves to be cyberbullied, he added.

Russells mother, Talitha Robinson-Russell, told the New York Times on Monday that she did not want to comment on the case. She had earlier told NBCs Today show that her daughter had fought for her life to escape from her supposed kidnapper.

No one has been charged with any crime in connection with the hoax, and Derzis said Monday that Russells parents are not facing any charges either.

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Barack and Michelle Obama's personal chef Tafari Campbell was found dead on Monday. As per reports, 45-year-old Campbell drowned near the pair's estate in Marthas Vineyard. Chef Tafari Campbell, Barack and Michelle Obama(Twitter/Getty Images)

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Massachusetts State Police got info about a missing paddle boarder after someone saw a man struggle to stay on the surface before submerging under water on Sunday night. The next morning, officials found Campbell's body at a depth of about eight feet.

As per a report by Page Six, Barack and Michelle were not at their Marthas Vineyard residence when the drowning incident happened.

The Obama family have released statement after the unfortunate death of Campbell.

When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House  creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together. In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter, the statement read.

Thats why, when we were getting ready to leave the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed. Hes been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that hes gone. Today we join everyone who knew and loved Tafari  especially his wife Sherise and their twin boys, Xavier and Savin  in grieving the loss of a truly wonderful man, the statement read further.

ALSO READ| Was she abducted or did she run away? Carlee Russell's real story is out

Campbell's wife took to Instagram and shared a photo of him in her story, writing: Heartbroken . She shares twin sons with her now deceased husband.

Notably, Campbell served as the sous chef in the White House kitchen while Barack was the US President for eight years. The police are conducting an investigation to ascertain the cause of Campbell's death.

Meanwhile, various conspiracy theories are doing the rounds on social media. Some tweets claim that Campbell was a good swimmer. Others are pointing to the aspect that his body was found only at a depth of eight feet when he knew how to swim and had a paddle board with him too.
China removed Foreign Minister Qin Gang from his post on Tuesday after a one-month absence from public duties, replacing him with his predecessor Wang Yi, state media said, after weeks of speculation about what had happened to him. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang looks on during his meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry in Cairo, Egypt, January 2023.(REUTERS)

Qin, 57, who only took up the job in December after a brief stint as envoy to the United States, had not been seen in public since June 25 when he met visiting diplomats in Beijing.

After he missed an international diplomatic summit in Indonesia, his ministry later said he was off work for unspecified health reasons, but the lack of detailed information fuelled a swirl of speculation.

It also deepened suspicion about transparency and decision-making among the country's cloistered leadership, analysts and diplomats said.

Wang, 69, who filled in for Qin during his absence, retakes the role he held between 2018 and 2022.

China's foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment about reasons behind the switch.

It comes amid a flurry of international engagements and frayed ties with rival superpower the United States, which Beijing has described as at their lowest point since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The world's two biggest economies are at odds over issues including Ukraine and Beijing's close ties to Moscow, trade and technology disputes, and Taiwan, the democratic, self-ruled island which Beijing claims as its own.
NEW DELHI: Chinas foreign minister Qin Gang has been removed from his post and replaced by his predecessor Wang Yi, the countrys legislature said on Tuesday, in a sudden move thats likely to bring the focus back on the ruling Communist Party of Chinas (CPC) opaque politics. China removed foreign minister Qin Gang and appointed Wang Yi (AP File)

Qin, 57, has been replaced by Wang, who was Chinas foreign minister for a decade until December, 2022.

Wang was promoted to the CPCs elite politburo last October when President XI Jinping retained the general secretarys post for a norm-breaking third time. Wang was also appointed director of the CPCs foreign affairs commission.

Wang was in Johannesburg on Tuesday attending the Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) meeting of national security advisors when the announcement was made.

The brief announcement on Qins removal and the reappointment of Wang was made by Chinas rubber stamp parliament, the National Peoples Congress (NPC), on Tuesday after a days deliberation, officially to draft a criminal law amendment and to decide on official appointment and removal.

The meeting voted to remove Qin Gang from his concurrent post as Foreign Minister, appoint Wang Yi as Foreign Minister, the 14th NPC standing committee said in the statement.

President Xi signed a presidential order to effectuate the decision, according to official news agency Xinhua.

While Qin has been sacked as the foreign minister, it is likely that he will continue as state councillor, which he was appointed in March, 2023, by the NPC. A state councillors position is a high-ranking one within Chinas state council, the countrys cabinet.

The announcement of Qins removal or state media reports gave no reason for his removal but it comes a month after the high-profile minister, considered one of the first Chinese diplomats to embrace the typically Chinese wolf warrior or aggressive diplomacy, disappeared after videos of him and a well-known Chinese anchor appeared online.

Speculation over the reasons behind Qins disappearance was immediately censored on Chinas closely-monitored social media but not before the chatter was picked up globally.

Qin was last seen on June 25 at a multilateral meeting with officials from Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Russia in Beijing.

Earlier this month, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Qin was unwell but gave no details when asked about the ministers absence.

State councillor and foreign minister Qin Gang is unable to attend this series of foreign ministers meetings due to health reasons, Wang said at a daily briefing.

Rumours about his absence, which have been fuelled by the lack of explanation from the government, grew stronger after he was not seen during high-profile visits by senior US officials Janet Yellen and John Kerry.

The suave diplomats rise was considered by meteoric by China watchers as he quickly climbed the ladder of Chinese diplomacy from being the foreign ministrys primary spokesperson to becoming Xis aide. Qin became a close Xi aide during his tenure as the director general of Chinese foreign ministrys protocol department.

Qin was promoted as vice foreign minister in 2018 and held the post until he was posted as Chinas ambassador to the US in 2021.

At 17 months, Qins tenure as Chinas top diplomat in Washington was short and it came during deteriorating ties between two countries.

The unexpected shakeup within Chinas foreign policy leadership comes at a time when Beijing is involved in global hotspot issues including in Russias invasion of Ukraine, deteriorating ties with the US and stalled relations with India in the neighbourhood.

Its not the first time that Chinese diplomats have abruptly disappeared from public life.

Xi, then vice-president, had also disappeared for about two weeks ahead of becoming CPC general secretary in 2012.

Xi was not seen at any public function for days in September 2012, fuelling intense speculation ahead of a once-in-a-decade CPC regime change.

Xi, of course, reappeared and has gone on to become the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong but the mystery of his disappearance remains unexplained.
The age-old question of whether the government is hiding something has taken a cosmic turn with lawmakers delving into the mysterious world of UFOs. In a recent press conference, Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., asserted, "I believe there is something else out there. Dadgumit, whatever the truth may be, we're done with the cover-up." Burchett, alongside Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., and Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., expressed concerns about the government's transparency regarding Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs). A Ring doorbell camera in Louisiana captured a peculiar event that has sparked a frenzy of UFO conspiracy theories.

With a hearing on UFOs taking place in the House for the second time in 15 months, these lawmakers are determined to uncover the truth. They question why the government appears to be evasive and secretive on the matter. Rep. Moskowitz stressed, "It is really about getting to greater government transparency." He believes the government's vague responses and unwillingness to provide concrete answers have led to rampant speculation.

The witnesses at the hearing include Ryan Graves, executive director of Americans for Safe Aerospace, who reported multiple UFO sightings during his time as a Navy pilot. Commander David Fravor, a former Navy aviator, famously recorded the "Tic Tac" video of a UAP that defied the laws of physics. The most intriguing testimony is expected from David Grusch, a former intelligence officer who claims the government might possess pieces of a non-human spacecraft and the remains of an extraterrestrial pilot.

Also Read | Former Navy pilot & intel officer to spill UFO secrets at historic hearing

The quest for transparency has led to a clash with the Pentagon, with lawmakers accusing them of blocking access to pilots and UAP-related materials. However, the new reporting and documentation system implemented after last year's hearing has been seen as a positive step, though some lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., are pushing for more.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., is unconvinced about the existence of UFOs and jokingly said, "If we had found a UFO, I think the Department of Defense would tell us because they probably want to request more money."

While some lawmakers, like Rep. Andre Carson, D-Ind., are open to the possibility of otherworldly aircraft, the larger question remains: Are we ready for the truth? Rep. Carson referenced the infamous "War of the Worlds" broadcast, where panic ensued over fictional Martian invaders, and pondered whether the public could "handle the truth."

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Florida Governor and Republican Presidential Candidate was involved in a reported car accident in Tennessee on Tuesday. FILE - Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, speaks during a campaign event, June 2, 2023, in Lexington, S.C.(AP)

"This morning, the governor was in a car accident while traveling to an event in Chattanooga, Tennessee," Press Secretary Bryan Griffin stated in a statement. "He and his team are uninjured.

"We appreciate the prayers and well wishes of the nation for his continued protection while on the campaign trail," Griffin added.

According to reports, DeSantis was traveling to a presidential campaign fundraiser when the crash occurred. He was visiting Tennessee for three fundraisers throughout the day on Tuesday.

It's a developing story and further details are awaited.

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New Delhi: From freezing discussions on the Ukraine crisis to proposals for including references to the supply of arms by Nato states to Kyiv, countries such as Brazil and Russia have mooted various formulas for referring to the conflict in the leaders declaration to be adopted at the G20 Summit. Ukrainian servicemen fire a howitzer towards Russian troops at a position near the frontline town of Bakhmut, amid Russias attack, in Donetsk region, Ukraine. (REUTERS)

Disagreements on text to refer to the Ukraine war have held up consensus outcome documents at all G20 ministerial meetings hosted so far by India, and negotiators are hard at work trying to come up with a compromise formulation that will be acceptable to all member states in time for the summit to be held in New Delhi on September 9-10, people familiar with the matter said.

Brazil, which will host the G20 Summit in 2024, proposed a formula whereby the reference to Ukraine would be frozen in the context of the leaders declaration adopted at the 2022 summit in Indonesia  that the matter was discussed but there were disagreements among members  so that the grouping could move on, the people said, declining to be named. This formulation didnt get much traction, they added.

While Russia has dissociated itself from all references to Ukraine in documents issued after G20 ministerial meetings, a member of the Russian negotiating team, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Moscow will be open to the inclusion of the issue in the draft leaders declaration, provided references are made to issues such as the supply of weapons by Nato states to Ukraine and previous wars fought by the US and its partners in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Another Russian official, who too spoke on condition that he wouldnt be named, described the reference to Ukraine in the G20 leaders declaration in Bali as a one off. This was a compromise and the situation on the ground has changed, the official added.

China has stuck to the position that the G20 is not the right forum to address security issues while opposing the inclusion of any geopolitical content in outcome documents, the people said. This, however, is the exact opposite of the stand taken by the G7, which insists the Ukraine crisis and its impact on the global economy, especially food and energy security, must be reflected in the G20 declaration.

The war in Ukraine is certainly a major issue thats affecting the global economy, said Christina Segal-Knowles, the US sous sherpa or deputy head of the delegation that participated in the third G20 sherpas meeting in Hampi, Karnataka. We need to be able to talk about that for the G20 to remain a credible institution.

The US is not wedded to the language in the Bali leaders declaration and is open to flexibility on this issue, Segal-Knowles said. I think for us the Bali language is the place where we left off, where we knew we had a compromise. It was very carefully constructed and it reflected everyones national positions. Our position is, lets look at where we knew we were able to compromise and learn from it, rather than reinventing the wheel, she said in an interview.

There are now at least five formulas mooted by G20 states for referring to the Ukraine crisis and the Indian sides intention is to come up with an inclusive paragraph that records the diversity of views, one of the people cited above said. The Russian side would like its views to be more widely reflected. The trick is to find language everyone can live with, the person said.

The Ukraine issue was put on the back burner at the sherpas meeting in Hampi on July 13-15 so that G20 members could take forward discussions on deliverables in other areas, Indias G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said.

The Ukraine crisis is now expected to figure prominently in several virtual meetings of sherpas, or senior officials acting on behalf of leaders of the worlds 20 largest economies, to be held in early August and the fourth in-person sherpas meeting to be held in Manesar, Haryana on September 3-6.

If the G20 Summit is unable to issue a joint communique, it will be the first time since the meeting of leaders began in November 2008.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rezaul H Laskar Rezaul H Laskar is the Foreign Affairs Editor at Hindustan Times. His interests include movies and music. ...view detail
Toronto: In a significant electoral breakthrough for the community, an Indo-Canadian candidate has captured a prestigious seat in the House of Commons that was once represented by the then Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Indo-Canadian candidate Shuvaloy Majumdar, who won the prestigious Calgary Heritage seat in a federal by-election on Monday. (Courtesy: shuv.ca)

Shuvaloy Majumdar, better known as Shuv, was declared the victor in the by-election for the riding (as constituencies are called in Canada) of Calgary Heritage in the province of Alberta on Monday night.

Majumdar swept to a comprehensive win with nearly two-third of the votes cast, according to preliminary results posted by Elections Canada.

Majumdar, the Conservative Party candidate, easily bested his closest rivals from the ruling Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party. The seat had become vacant following the retirement of the sitting MP Bob Benzen in December last year.

Majumdar captured the nomination to contest the by-poll for his party this summer before romping home on Monday.

He was born in Calgary to immigrants from India and spent time working in both Iraq and Afghanistan in the early 2000s. Known for his expertise in foreign policy and national security spheres, Majumdar had earlier worked in the office of Stephen Harper, when he was the Prime Minister. In fact, Harper had represented Calgary Heritage from 2015 to 2019, before retiring from electoral politics following his partys defeat to the Liberals led by Justin Trudeau in the elections in 2019.

Majumdar also worked as an adviser in the office of Canadas foreign minister in the Harper government.

Following that stint in the government, he was involved with think tanks, most recently as a senior fellow with the Ottawa-based Macdonald Laurier Institute (MLI).

According to his official bio, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2023 for his service in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for advancing Canadian interests abroad in a disrupted world.

He continued also to work with Harper in the latters consultancy. Harper endorsed Majumdars candidacy ahead of the voting, while he also enjoyed the support of the leader of the Conservatives Pierre Poilievre. The Conservative Party leader congratulated Majumdar on his win, describing the effort as amazing.

What made Majumdars victory important was that it came from a riding with a nominal South Asian population, of less than four per cent. Almost all the Indo-Canadian MPs in the House of Commons currently represent seats with large populations with roots in India or the subcontinent.

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The ongoing political row over the criminal case against US President Joe Biden's son Hunter was exacerbated by the demands reportedly made by House Republicans to impeach Biden. The demand to impeach the US President comes after a report by the New York Post claimed that Hunter, during Biden's vice presidency, would put him in into meetings with his overseas business partners and prospective investors. President Joe Biden walks to his motorcade as he leaves Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the Georgetown section of Washington.(AP)

House Republicans should initiate impeachment proceedings against Biden, Republican Jim Banks told the tabloid on Monday.

The explosive claim was made by Devon Archer, Hunter's former business partner, to The New York Post, and is likely to testify the same before the US Congress on July 31.

Archer was a key figure in Biden's family dealings during the latter's term as the vice president of the US. Last month, the NYP had reported that Archer was in talks with the investigative committee of Congress to testify about his knowledge of those business dealings in countries including Russia and Ukraine.

The disgraced businessman is facing conviction for defrauding a Native American tribe, for which a one-year prison term was upheld by an appeals court last month. The Biden family was not involved in that scheme, the NYP said.

'Unverified FBI report on Ukraine corruption'

The damning revelation comes days after an unverified FBI report was released by Republicans Friday charging the father-son duo with corruption in Ukraine. According to the file, it alleges that they allegedly pressured a Ukrainian oligarch into paying $10 million in bribes to evade a corruption investigation.

We are looking forward very much to hearing from Devon Archer about all the times he has witnessed Joe Biden meeting with Hunter Bidens overseas business partners when he was vice president, including on speakerphone, The NYP quoted Republican James Comer (R-Ky.), the committee chairman.

Joe Biden was trading his personal influence to enrich himself and his family and must be held accountable for selling out America, the NYP quoted Banks, former chairman of the powerful Republican Study Committee, as saying.

A source close to McCarthy was quoted as saying that the possibility of Biden's impeachment will be ascertained after there is convincing evidence.

Meanwhile, Hunter who is facing a criminal investigation over unpaid taxes and false claims on a firearms application, is set to appear in court on Wednesday. He will appear in court after agreeing to plead guilty to two federal tax charges and has admitted to unlawfully possessing a gun, despite having a history of drug use.

Read full report on the story here.

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A massive walk-in vault was uncovered during investigators search of alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermanns Long Island property, police have confirmed. However, no soundproof room was actually found, as was previously reported. Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann has been making headlines ever since he was arrested (Suffolk County Sheriff's Office/Handout via REUTERS)

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison said the 12-day search of the home was fruitful. He added that he hoped authorities will wind down their work very soon. There have been some things that weve had to take into custody  That makes it fruitful, he said, according to New York Post.

Rodney said earlier reports of a soundproof room being found were misconstrued. Theres not a soundproof room. There is a vault where he secured numerous amounts of guns, he said. Somehow I believe the soundproof room and the vault  the message got misconstrued. Rodney added that the vault they discovered was secured with a big iron door.

Rex Heuermann was "very quiet" when he was arrested

Rex was "very quiet" when he was arrested, it has been revealed. The 59-year-old was caught by plainclothes cops as he strolled down a Midtown sidewalk on Thursday night, July 13. Rex had worked in Midtown for several years at his own company, RH Architecture. He is on suicide watch at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility, and has pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and other charges.

Rexs arrest is tied to the Gilgo Four, referring to the four women whose bodies were found within days of each other in 2010. The women in question were Melissa Barthelemy, 24, Megan Waterman, 22, Amber Lynn Costello, 27, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25.

Investigators reportedly believe Rex may have killed his victims inside his Massapequa Park home in Long Island, New York, when his wife and children were away. Officials have been taking away potential evidence from his home after his arrest. Items recently pulled out include a large doll in a glass case, a large portrait of a woman with a bruised face and a filing cabinet, Associated Press reported.
A neighbour of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry has recalled how he was snubbed outside their Montecito mansion. Back in 2020, Harry and Meghan moved into their $14.5million house. They now live there with Archie and Lilibet, their two children. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the 2020 UN Nelson Mandela Prize award ceremony at the United Nations in New York on July 18, 2022 (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)(AFP)

Frank McGinity, 88, a US Navy veteran, was the pairs neighbour. He said that he tried to welcome them with a gift, but was met with disrespect. Frank wrote in a chapter of his memoir Get Off Your Street, "I have a big house next to Harry and Meghans property and I live in the guest house while renting the main house out on Airbnb."

"Harry and Meghan live on old McCormick property and I went up to their gate with the films on a CD, but they werent interested, Frank said, adding that the guard turned him away and asked him to leave the property. The gate guy turned me away and wouldnt take the film, just saying theyre not interested. I was trying to be neighbourly."

He added, "We dont see them very much around here. Its surprising they came here. People are typically older."

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry may consider moving to a new home

Harry and Meghan may be considering moving to a new Los Angeles home, a source has claimed. The pair may be planning to buy a property in Malibu three years after moving to their current home in Montecito.

A source said that discussions are at an early stage at present, but the couple is keen on moving closer to central Los Angeles. It can take as long as three hours to travel to the Hollywood city from their current 11.4million mansion.

"Harry and Meghan are reviewing their living options with Malibu being a place of interest," the source told the Express. "They have secretly visited the area a couple of times and have been out and about, looking at whats there."

The source added, And Meghan knows parts of the region from being there as a kid. It is uncertain if they will sell Montecito or just add a Malibu spot to buy. The move consideration comes as Meghan is shifting gears and focus back to Hollywood with WME."

In an attempt to relaunch her career, Meghan reportedly signed with the William Morris Endeavour (WME) Talent Agency earlier this year. Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel is reportedly representing her.

The source said, "Being close to Beverly Hills and LA where the deals are done is smart. And of course there is a real Malibu scene where major stars, producers and studio executives all hang out, socialize and get deals done during dinner and beach parties.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has discussed America's support for cash-strapped Pakistan's economic recovery and shared regional concerns, including Afghanistan in a phone call with Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari (AFP)

The two leaders on Monday discussed various issues and agreed to strengthen ties and continue to work together to promote peace and development, the foreign office said here.

In a tweet last night, Blinken said that the US "supports a productive, democratic, and prosperous partnership with Pakistan" adding that he exchanged thoughts with Bilawal on supporting the country's "economic recovery and our shared regional concerns, including Afghanistan".

Reiterating America's commitment to the people of Pakistan, Blinken said that "Pakistan's economic development is one of the United States's top priorities", the foreign office said.

Pakistan has been facing rising incidents of terrorism, with local authorities blaming Kabul for harbouring terrorists  especially the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The secretary noted the Pakistani people have suffered tremendously from terrorist attacks and affirmed the United States' commitment to continued partnership with Pakistan on counterterrorism.

Apart from the regional security situation, matters of mutual interest and defence cooperation were also discussed, the military's media wing mentioned in a statement. Both countries have called on war-torn Afghanistan to ensure that its soil isn't used as a safe haven by terrorists.

Thanking the US for its support, Bilawal said that the standby arrangement between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would provide impetus to Pakistans economic and development imperatives and that Pakistan was committed to bringing structural reforms in its economy to make it more competitive and attractive for business and foreign investment, the statement added.

Separately, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement that Blinken spoke on the phone with Bilawal to reaffirm a productive US-Pakistan partnership.

Secretary Blinken underscored the United States steadfast commitment to the people of Pakistan, highlighting that the economic success of Pakistan remains a top priority for the US, Miller said.

He further said that Blinken noted that the US would continue to engage with Pakistan through technical and development initiatives and through robust trade and investment ties.

Blinken also welcomed the IMF arrangement with Islamabad and encouraged continued reforms to promote economic recovery and prosperity, he said.

Secretary Blinken stressed that democratic principles and respect for the rule of law are central to the US-Pakistan relationship and these values will continue to guide this partnership forward, Miller said.

Blinken and Bilawal also discussed the destabilising effects of Russias war against Ukraine as well as the US and Pakistans shared interest in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, Miller added.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made a new announcement regarding their Archewell Foundation, which they set up in 2020. On its website, Archewell said it has supported a charity named Equimundo, that aims "to engage men and boys as allies in gender equality" in releasing a new report. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit the track and field event at the Invictus Games in The Hague, Netherlands on April 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, File)(AP)

"The 2023 data shows that men are increasingly involved in caregiving and would like to increase their care work at home, although deeply ingrained social norms and a lack of supportive policies and power structures discourage them from doing so, Archewell wrote, summarising the report.

"The report recognises care work as the bedrock of society, and calls for continued advancements towards gender equality. It also emphasises the need for media representation that normalises men's caregiving roles, it added.

It concluded: "The Archewell Foundation is proud to have supported this report, as well as Equimundos continued work to promote gender equality around the globe."

Meghan Markle struggling in Hollywood despite signing top talent agency

It was recently revealed that Meghan is struggling in Hollywood" even after signing a top talent agency in April. She has not yet announced any of her upcoming plans. A PR expert, however, suggested that she could be facing some difficulty finding "her footing in Hollywood.

Kieran Elsby said that three months is a "longer period of time than is typically expected" to secure deals, according to GBNews. Meghan and her husband Prince Harrys Spotify deal was recently snubbed after only one series. However, they still have their Netflix partnership, and Meghan has already signed with William Morris Endeavor (WME).

Meanwhile, royal biographer and commentator Angela Levin has said Meghan would be nothing without Prince Harry Her remarks come as reports claim the pair is on a trial separation.

Without him, shes nothing. I dont think they will split yet, but I think she wants to prove that shes really strong on her own, Angela told Sky News Australia. Angela added that there is no contact between the Sussexes. Whatever they did, they did together, and they were so happy that way. but now theres been no contact. Theres no touching. Theres no helping, she said.
The former head of a local branch of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's campaign organisation was sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison for participating in an "extremist community", Navalny's team said on Monday.Vadim Ostanin, who had run Navalny's local headquarters in the Siberian city of Barnaul, had carried out only "legal political work", Navalny's team wrote on the Telegram app. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is seen on a screen via a video link from the IK-2 corrective penal colony in Pokrov during a court hearing to consider an appeal against his prison sentence in Moscow, Russia (Reuters)

He was also found guilty of involvement in a non-profit group "whose activity involves violence against citizens". Ostanin was arrested in December 2021 and held in Moscow before being transferred to Barnaul, where he stood trial.

"Upon my arrival in Barnaul from Moscow, without explanation, I was placed in a solitary cell, about six square metres, in a basement with a window covered with debris," Ostanin wrote in a letter published by Navalny's team.

"About a week later, the cell was flooded with ankle-deep water...In these cells there were rats, ants, spiders," he wrote.

Navalny's team wrote that investigators had pressured Ostanin to admit his guilt, but he refused.

Navalny, Putin's best-known critic, is serving sentences totalling 11-1/2 years in a penal colony on fraud and other charges he says were trumped up to silence him. Last week Russian state prosecutors requested a court to jail him for another 20 years in a new criminal trial for charges including extremism.

Last month another Navalny campaigner, Liliya Chanysheva, was sentenced to 7-1/2 years for "extremism".

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Russian President Vladimir Putin signed new legislation Monday which marked the final step in outlawing gender-affirming procedures, a crippling blow to Russias already embattled LGBTQ community. Russias crackdown on LGBTQ people started a decade ago when Putin first proclaimed a focus on traditional family values, supported by the Russian Orthodox Church. (Reuters)

The bill, which was approved unanimously by both houses of parliament, bans any medical interventions aimed at changing the sex of a person, as well as changing ones gender in official documents and public records. The only exception will be medical intervention to treat congenital anomalies.

It also annuls marriages in which one person has changed gender and bars transgender people from becoming foster or adoptive parents.

The ban is said to stem from the Kremlins crusade to protect what it views as the countrys traditional values. Lawmakers say the legislation is to safeguard Russia against Western anti-family ideology, with some describing gender transitioning as pure satanism.

Russias crackdown on LGBTQ people started a decade ago when Putin first proclaimed a focus on traditional family values, supported by the Russian Orthodox Church.

In 2013, the Kremlin adopted legislation that banned any public endorsement of nontraditional sexual relations among minors. In 2020, Putin pushed through constitutional reform that outlawed same-sex marriage, and last year signed a law banning propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations among adults as well.
FOR THE past week, observers of Spains election have focused on the prospect of the hard Right entering government, for the first time since the return of democracy in 1978. That, as it turned out, was not the main story. Experts in Spain and elsewhere failed to reckon with Spains comeback-artist-in-chief: Pedro Sanchez, the Socialist prime minister. As the last votes were being counted on Sunday night, the Right- and Left-wing blocs were virtually tiedand neither had a clear path to assembling a majority and installing a government. The Right-wing bloc, led by the centre-right Peoples Party (PP), came first as predicted . The PP took 136 of 350 seats. But polls had predicted it would get close to 150. Added to the 33 seats of the hard-right Vox party, that fell short of the 176 needed for a majority. PREMIUM A supporter waves Vox's and Spain's flags as Spanish far-right party Vox' leader Santiago Abascal speaks during a campaign meeting in Guadalajara on July 15, 2023 ahead of July 23 general election. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP)

The big surprise was the outperformance of Mr Sanchezs Socialists. Instead of being punished as polls had predicted, the party looked set to gain a couple of seats, finishing with 122. Its preferred coalition partner, the far-left Sumar party, won 31. That left them well short of a majority too. Four regional parties, including Basque and Catalan secessionists, might be willing to vote to support a minority Socialist-Sumar government. But even with their help, the Socialists and Sumar would be just short of the needed figure.

The PP has mounted a big comeback over the past few years, gaining 47 seats after a miserable result in 2019. But its result will be measured against recent expectations. Here the party clearly underperformed, raising questions about its strategy. Its leader, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, was seen as winning the campaigns first debatea two-man affair against Mr Sanchezand chose to sit out the next two encounters, which included more parties. This looked like a conservative move to protect his lead. He may also have wanted to avoid being seen onstage next to Vox: Throughout the campaign, he refused to either accept or to rule out a coalition with the hard Right, though it was always his likeliest option.

The party seemed to lose momentum in the campaigns final week. Mr Feijoo made factual mistakes about pensions in a television interview. An old picture of him with a man later convicted of drug trafficking resurfaced in the media, and he took a break from the campaign trail because of back pain. None of these things should have been decisive. But the swagger with which the party headed into the election had dissipated.

The nights biggest loser was Vox. Spains electoral system punishes parties that are spread thinly across the map. Voxs vote share fell only from about 15.2% to 12.4%, but the party dropped from 52 deputies to 33. And its presence in a putative coalition alongside the PP may have scared some voters away from the latter, as well as energising voters for the Socialists and Sumar. With the results in, Voxs leader, Santiago Abascal, complained about clearly manipulated polls depressing his partys vote. But he conceded that he will not enter government this time round.

The other loser of the night was Esquerra Republicana, one of the two main separatist parties in Catalonia. The Socialists won in Catalonia and Esquerra lost six deputies. This seemed to vindicate Mr Sanchezs strategy of cooling off the Catalan conflict. He has pardoned leaders of the unconstitutional independence referendum of 2017 and eliminated the crime of sedition from the criminal code, replacing it with a milder offence. This infuriated his enemies, but seems to have paid off in Catalonia itself. Esquerras leader in Madrid, Gabriel Rufian, promised that in exchange for supporting any new Socialist-led government, he would demand that any partners in Madrid respect our country.

The final important group in parliament is the other main Catalan separatist party, Junts per Catalunya. The more strident of the two separatist groups, it flounced out of Catalonias government last year, and has been trying to restore its fortunes. It opposed Esquerras strategy of gradually mending ties with the government in Madrid. It came only fifth, by votes, in Catalonia. Its de facto leader remains Carles Puigdemont, in exile in Belgium since the illegal referendum of 2017, which he led. He has stated that Sanchez will not be prime minister with the votes of Junts, calling the prime minister a guy you wouldnt even buy a used car from. It is a hard position to back off from.

None of the other non-PP parties will support a government that includes Vox. Junts will not join Mr Sanchezs rainbow grouping. That leaves two options. Mr Feijoo called on all parties to enter a dialogue on whether they might allow the PP to govern, possibly in a minority government. He explicitly warned the Socialists not to veto this, noting that Spain had never been led by a prime minister who had not come first in the election. But the country has no tradition of grand coalitions. And it is hard to see Mr Sanchez agreeing to abstain so that the PP could govern alone when it is 40 seats short of a majority.

Spains king will now invite one of the candidates (presumably Mr Feijoo) to try to form a coalition. In the meantime, Mr Sanchez will stay on as prime minister. Should no one succeed in putting together a government, the country will have to hold new elections, which no one wants. But to avoid them, one of the currently immovable objects will have to budge. This was the first time in Spains modern democratic history that it staged a vote in the hottest part of the summer. Now, instead of a much-needed holiday followed by a return to work in the autumn, it faces the grim prospect of doing it all again.

Correction (July 24th): A previous version of this article said that Junts per Catalunya came fourth by votes in Catalonia, not fifth. Sorry.

 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
After the implosion of OceanGate Expedition's Titan submersible during its ill-fated dive to the Titanic wreck, investigators in the United States are now facing a challenge - identifying the human remains found amidst the sub wreckage. FILE PHOTO: The Titan submersible, operated by OceanGate Expeditions to explore the wreckage of the sunken SS Titanic off the coast of Newfoundland, dives in an undated photograph.(via REUTERS)

Searchers in the vast expanse of the North Atlantic Ocean managed to retrieve substantial fragments of the doomed submersible, which tragically imploded less than two hours into its dive on June 18. Alongside the debris, what appears to be human remains were also discovered.

A brief statement from the U.S. Coast Guard on Monday revealed, "United States medical professionals are conducting a formal DNA analysis of presumed human remains that have been carefully recovered from within the wreckage at the site of the incident."

The identities of the deceased are believed to be among five individuals - Stockton Rush, Hamish Harding, Suleman Dawood, Shahzada Dawood, and Paul-Henri Nargeolet.

After the implosion, OceanGate's experimental approach to deep-sea exploration faced criticism from industry experts, drawing international attention amidst the fervor following the vessel's disappearance.

The investigation into this maritime tragedy spans multiple jurisdictions, with agencies from the United States and Canada at the helm. Experts from the United Kingdom and France have also lent their expertise to the probe. The U.S. Coast Guard, leading the charge, called for a Marine Board of Investigation - the highest level of inquiry available to them - to unravel the mystery surrounding the incident.

More on Titan submersible tragedy:

A spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that the investigation is still in the fact-finding stage, with all evidence retrieved from the ocean floor handed over to them. This includes the titanium end caps of the submersible and other retrieved pieces, brought ashore in St. John's on June 28.

Once the fact-finding phase concludes, public hearings by the Marine Board of Investigation will be convened. Empowered with the authority to issue subpoenas, production orders, and summon witnesses to testify, the board will pursue answers in full public view.

No dates have been set for these hearings yet, underscoring the gravity of the situation, as the coast guard reserves Marine Boards of Investigation for the most severe nautical disasters. Recent precedents include the Deepwater Horizon catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 and the tragic loss of 33 lives aboard the cargo ship El Faro off the coast of Florida in 2015.
The story of Alabama girl Carlee Russell who disappeared for 49-hours has taken a dramatic turn. Russell has admitted to the police that she wasn't abducted during her mysterious disappearance which gripped USA for two days. Carlee Russell(Twitter/@HooverPD)

Notably, earlier, Russell had alleged that she was abducted after she made a 911 call to the police informing them about a lost toddler wandering along the side of Highway Interstate-459 in Hoover.

Russell's attorney Emory Anthony, sent this statement to Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis on Monday morning:

My client has given me permission to make the following statement on her behalf: There was no kidnapping on July 13, 2023. My client did not see a baby on the side of the road. My client did not leave the Hoover area when she was identified as a missing person. My client did not have any help in this incident, but this was a single act done by herself,' wrote Anthony.

My client was not with anyone or at any hotel during the time she was missing,' said Anthony.

My client apologizes for her actions to the community, the volunteers who were searching for her, to the Hoover Police Department and other agencies, as well as to her friends and family,' the attorney said in the statement.

We ask for your prayers for Carlee as she addresses her issues and intends to move understanding that she made a mistake. Carlee again asks for your forgiveness and prayers, read the statement.

ALSO READ| 1400 pounds of cheese recalled in New York over fears of Listeria bacterial contamination

However, it is still not clear where Russell spent the 49-hours when she was untraceable. Moreover, what was the reason of her disappearance is also yet to be revealed.

Meanwhile, Hoover Police Chief have a meeting scheduled on Tuesday with Russell's attorney Anthony. Reportedly, police are in discussions with the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office in the Bessemer Cutoff about possible criminal charges on Russell.

We will announce those charges when, and if, they are filed, said the chief.

After disappearing for 49-hours, Russell had returned alone at her parents Hoover home.

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A former biographer of Prince Harry has warned Prince William and Kate Middleton to protect their eldest son, Prince George, from his uncles influence. A handout photo taken in July 2023 and issued by Kensington Palace on July 22, 2023 shows Britain's Prince George of Wales posing for a photograph in Windsor, west of London. The portrait has been released to mark Prince George's 10th birthday. (Photo by Millie Pilkington / KENSINGTON PALACE / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / KENSINGTON PALACE PALACE / MILLIE PILKINGTON " - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS - IMAGE ON TO BE USED TO ILLUSTRATE STORY MENTIONED IN CAPTION This photograph can not be used after 0001 Tuesday December 31, 2023, without prior, written permission from Kensington Palace. / (AFP)

Angela Levin, who wrote a book about the Duke of Sussexs life, told OK magazine that Harrys negative attitude could affect the Young Prince, who is second in line to the throne.

She said that George had a more stable family than William and Harry, who grew up in a dysfunctional environment.

Kate and William are there to help him [George], Levin said. But he needs to be kept away from Harrys negative influence.

The former biographer added, George doesnt have a dysfunctional family, unlike William and Harry growing up, so he should fare better. Kate and William are there to help him. But he needs to be kept away from Harrys negative influence.

Harry, who stepped back from royal duties last year, has caused a rift in the royal family with his explosive memoir Spare, in which he revealed his struggles as the spare heir behind his brother.

He also expressed his concern for Georges siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who are also spares.

I still feel a responsibility knowing that out of those three children, at least one will end up like me, the spare. And that hurts, that worries me, he wrote in his book.

Another royal expert, Tom Bower, agreed with Levin that George should distance himself from Harry.

ALSO READ| When William and Kate's son George was born Queen Elizabeth II came to know

He said that Kate tried to reconcile the brothers at their grandfathers funeral in 2021, but after Harrys book and documentary came out, she gave up on him.

I really dont think Kate wants to see Harry again. Of course, Prince George will be oblivious to all this  Harry will simply be forever marginalized in his memory, Bower said.

The only royal who still keeps in touch with Harry and his wife Meghan Markle is King Charles, according to reports. But their relationship is also strained by Harrys accusations of leaks and mistreatment by the royal family.
Kempinski Hotels is pleased to announce the latest addition to its Southeast Asian portfolio after signing a management agreement for a magnificent hilltop hideaway in the heart of Bali. Located in one of the most picturesque parts of the island, close to the emerald rice terraces and coffee plantations of Tegalalang village, The Apurva Kempinski Ubud, Bali, is the latest hospitality project from Indonesian real estate developer PT. Panorama Indah Dewata.

The Apurva Kempinski Ubud will be situated on a south-facing ridge overlooking an endless expanse of green in central Bali. Like its sister property in Nusa Dua, the hotel's interior design will be led by Rudy Dodo of Jakarta-based studio Trivium Design Group, who also assumes responsibility for the architectural design for this latest project.

The 160 elegantly appointed rooms and villas will cascade down the jungle-covered slopes around a magnificent open-sided lobby lounge where guests will be immersed in Indonesia's rich cultural heritage. Accommodation includes spacious rooms and suites starting from 60 square metres, panoramic Cliff Villas complete with outdoor decks and private pools seamlessly integrated into the natural surroundings, and six spectacular 200-square-metre Villas nestled in the forest.

Guests will enjoy postcard-perfect views from a spectacular infinity pool, while a rooftop lounge and bar provide the perfect setting to witness stunning sunsets over the jungle. Culinary delights await at the resort's specialty restaurant, where panoramic vistas complement a remarkable dining experience celebrating the diversity of Indonesian cuisine.

The resort will also be home to a serene Balinese spa offering a wide range of rejuvenating treatments and immersive wellness journeys, nestled at the end of the ridge overlooking the verdant valley beyond. At the heart of the resort, a tropical aviary will provide sanctuary for a veritable menagerie of exotic birdlife from Indonesia and beyond, including the critically endangered Bali mynah, also known as the Jalak.

When it opens in 2027, The Apurva Kempinski Ubud will become the second Kempinski resort in Bali, following the successful opening of The Apurva Kempinski Bali in 2019. It will also be the third management agreement signed, following last year's announcement for The Apurva Kempinski Lombok, which will open in 2027.

Hotel website
Already Milwaukee's premier downtown hotel, The Pfister Hotel's multi-faceted plan will marry timeless elegance with the utmost in distinctive style and sophistication.

The Pfister Hotel, a historic AAA Four Diamond hotel owned and managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, today announced that it is undergoing an extensive, state-of-the-art, multi-phase renovation to further elevate its renowned exceptional guest experience. The renovation, which began in June and is expected to cost approximately $20 million, will feature a full revitalization of the ballrooms and meeting spaces, followed by all-new guest rooms in its historic tower, and conclude with enhancements to the hotel's iconic lobby, lobby bar, and Cafe at the Pfister. All phases of this renovation are expected to be completed by spring 2024, with the newly renovated Imperial Ballroom hosting its first wedding this past weekend.

Stately Ballrooms and Event Spaces

The first phase of renovations has begun on the seventh floor in The Pfister's stately meeting and event spaces. The beautiful Imperial Ballroom and King's Row gave guests their first look at the complete redesign this weekend, with The Grand Ballroom and the Hall of Presidents to follow soon. As the most celebrated ballrooms in Milwaukee, these spaces are home to the start of countless marriages, where Milwaukee's top charities raise millions in vitally needed funds, and where thousands of small to Fortune 100 companies meet to learn and celebrate.

Utilizing a new and refined color palette, nearly every element of the seventh-floor meeting and event spaces will include luxurious wallcoverings, custom Axminster wool carpet, tailored drapery and historic fixtures for a new appealing look that honors the hotel's historic roots. As added comfort, all restrooms are being renovated, along with an expanded women's restroom and the construction of a new unisex restroom.

As host to hundreds of events per year that can accommodate 50 to 1,500 guests, the seventh-floor spaces will feature state-of-the-art technology to enhance the total event experience, including high-performance audio equipment that delivers superior sound as well as top-of-the-line lighting to match any ambiance, day or evening. Each space can be subdivided into smaller spaces to fit guests' specific needs, with updated climate controls, private entrances for special guests, updated WiFi and conferencing capabilities, and more.

Continuing to honor its deep history in Milwaukee, the Pfister's seventh floor renovations will also incorporate many elements of its storied past into the redesign, starting with its famous distinctive features. The Imperial Ballroom's original gold-plated chandeliers have been refurbished to ensure they continue to gleam as they have for more than 130 years, and its stunning gilded ceiling retained its original detail following a restorative cleaning, while the Grand Ballroom's exquisite crystal chandeliers will continue to shimmer over its guests. Key pieces of the hotel's legacy Victorian art collection, including originals such as "Reverie" by Consuelo Fould, "Dorothy Vernon" by Louis Emile Adan and "Friends" by Pietro Scadrone, will continue to adorn the seventh floor. And when sitting down to a delectable meal, guests will dine on custom gold-plated fine china, designed to replicate the historic fine china once served at The Pfister Hotel many years ago.

In addition to the ballrooms and meeting spaces, the pre-function area on the seventh floor will complement the renovations with added functional nuances. For example, the seventh-floor bar will feature stone and woodwork details with a moveable wall to transition from daytime to nighttime events. This innovative design will allow for customized experiences, including an elevated full coffee presentation for morning events and a fully stocked bar for the evening. The gathering space will also include additional seating with pieces intentionally designed for aesthetics as well as to foster discussion and collaboration among event attendees.

Behind the scenes, The Pfister's renovations will include enhancements to its professional catering services, including top-of-the-line commercial appliances utilized by only the finest dining establishments. Already known for its exceptional event offerings, these enhanced culinary capabilities will elevate the restaurant-quality meals and excellent service found at every event.

Historic Tower Guest Rooms and Lobby

Following the completion of the seventh-floor renovations in early Fall 2023, the hotel will begin extensive renovations to the guest rooms in the hotel's historic tower. The historic guest rooms will be restyled with today's discerning traveler in mind and include custom designed carpet, new luxurious furnishings, updated drapery and window treatments, select new bar areas for entertaining, entirely new bathrooms with updated lighting fixtures, tile showers, mirrors with built in lighting, and more.

Renovations to the lobby and first-floor public spaces will begin in early 2024 and will include new carpet, new luxurious furnishings, and updated color palettes to complement the iconic domed ceiling.

The Pfister's Storied History

For 130 years, The Pfister Hotel has stood as an icon of prestige, history and timeless excellence in Milwaukee. Originally the vision of businessman Guido Pfister and his son, Charles, the Romanesque Revival design and its groundbreaking innovations, such as fireproofing, electricity throughout the hotel and individual thermostat controls in every room, made it a true marvel in 1893. Many called it the "Grand Hotel of the West" as it was the most lavish hotel of its time, costing nearly $1 million to build.

In 1962, Ben Marcus purchased the hotel at auction with the intent of renovating the historic hotel back to its original beauty. Since then, the Pfister Hotel has and continues to host the world's most recognized entertainers, athletes and dignitaries, including every U.S. President since William McKinley. In fact, the Pfister even served as John F. Kennedy's election headquarters in 1960. The Pfister Hotel also boasts the most celebrated ballrooms in the city with hundreds of galas and special events taking place every year that raise at least $10 million annually.

Longstanding Dedication to the Arts

Woven throughout the cultural fiber of The Pfister Hotel is a longstanding passion for the arts. The hotel holds the largest Victorian art collection of any other hotel in the world. Originally collected by Guido and Charles Pfister, the expansive collection can be found on every floor throughout the hotel.

The Pfister Hotel also celebrates the arts with its internationally recognized Artist in Residence program. In its 14th year, the program selects an artist for a year-long residency where they work in the hotel's working studio and gallery space that is open to hotel guests and visitors. The public is encouraged to interact with the artist and witness the evolution of their art firsthand, inviting collaboration and intimate experiences with artists and their works.

Celebrating its 130th anniversary, The Pfister Hotel is one of the oldest and most prestigious hotels in the Midwest and downtown Milwaukee. Originally opened in 1893 by businessman Guido Pfister, it was the most lavish hotel of its time. Today, The Pfister Hotel continues its tradition of gracious service and impeccable style and has been recognized by AAA as a Four Diamond property for over 45 consecutive years. The hotel is also consistently recognized by top national industry and travel publications and associations, such as Conde Nast Traveler's annual Reader's Choice Awards as a Top Hotel in the Midwest. This exceptional property is a member of two distinguished hotel organizations, Historic Hotels of America, and Preferred Hotels & Resorts. For more information, please visit www.thepfisterhotel.com and follow the hotel on Facebook and Twitter (@PfisterHotel).

Hotel website
Food & Hotel Indonesia (FHI) returns for its 17th edition in conjunction with Hotelex Indonesia and Finefood Indonesia in its post- pandemic era. Indonesia's leading comprehensive hospitality, food & beverage international trade exhibition held biennially for over 28 years.

FHI that has been regularly held biennially over the last 28 years and continues to commit and prove to support the acceleration of a sustainable growth of Indonesia's hospitality and F&B industry. The international trade exhibition has improved industries' access to the global market and enhances the national economic recovery post-pandemic. The F&B industry itself has been one of the few that continues to grow during the global pandemic. As stated by the Indonesian Minister of Finance, even as it progressively discontinues fiscal support from the epidemic era and reintroduces stringent budgetary regulations, Indonesia anticipates its economy to develop by 5.3% to 5.9% by 2023, above the 5.2% growth target for 2022. Revenue in the Food & Beverage sector is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2021-2025) of 10.79%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$4,346m by 2025.

FHI gives international companies an undisputed entry point into this thriving and lucrative market. Providing unprecedented access to top culinary and hospitality business players. All attendees will have the chance to learn with the best players in the industry, while networking with the world's best industry professionals through various events and features. FHI has become the spearhead for companies that are looking to expand their market reach across worldwide borders. FHI will continue and support to accelerate a sustainable business growth to help the sectors shine globally and making Indonesia 4.0 towards 2030.

FHI 2023 will be held in conjunction with Hotelex Indonesia and Finefood Indonesia, incorporating Retail Indonesia to become Indonesia's biggest trade exhibition of supply products for the hospitality and F&B industries. It provides global access to over 700 top manufacturers, distributors, importers and retailers from over 30 exhibiting countries and regions. Therefore, it is the perfect platform that allows for more hospitality and F&B players to form sustainable business networks.

As part of Informa Markets, PT Pamerindo Indonesia continues to run FHI as a sustainable event that focuses on three aims: inspiring sustainable development, running an environmentally responsible event, and running a socially responsible event. Therefore, FHI 2023 will enforce sustainability programmes by implementing energy-saving systems through renewable electricity, eliminating insignificant single-use plastic, reducing paper usage, and using environmental-friendly product materials.

This event is organized by Informa Markets
An idyllic summer vacation turned into a nightmare after thousands of people were evacuated from Greek islands beset by wildfires  the latest reminder that Europes tourism industry needs to confront the realities of climate change and adapt fast.

Summers have been getting more intense in southern Europe, and the blazes in Greece are a grim repeat of deadly fires that devastated the country in 2021.

Unbearable heat in 2023 has forced the authorities to shut the Acropolis and driven tourists on the Italian island of Sardinia indoors. And that is with just 1.2 deg C of global warming from pre-industrial levels. Scientists say it is going to get worse even if we contain the temperature rise to the Paris Agreements goal of 2 deg C.

Climate change is set to make the tourist-friendly weather in some places unrecognisable.

A 2019 study predicted that Madrids climate in 2050 will resemble the North African city of Marrakesh; London will be more like Barcelona and Stockholm like Budapest.

This would be a tectonic shift for Europes travel and tourism industry, which contributed 1.9 trillion (S$2.8 trillion) to the regional economy in 2022, and remap travel patterns in a way that will likely deal a blow to some countries in southern Europe.

Read the full article at straitstimes.com
Googles new chatbot could simplify travel planning for people around the world. During the Google I/O 2023 conference in May, the tech giant announced it would soon add extensions to Bard. One of two Google chatbots in development, the new Bard advancements could surpass the capabilities of both ChatGPT and Microsofts Bing Chat, according to TechRadar.

Another natural language processing (NLP) AI model, Bard extension could become the next best thing for travelers looking to avoid the stress that comes with planning trips. According to 9to5google, the extensions will integrate with tools like Google Flights, Google Maps, and Google Hotels to make travel planning more efficient and easy.

Heres What You Need To Know About Bard

With Bard, travelers can search key phrases like, Find hotel accommodations in LA under $150 a night, and get immediate results without spending time filtering through options. Flight pricing fluctuates daily so it cant be pulled from cached internet data. However, Google is working to integrate with third-party tools to perfect this feature.

Many travelers are excited about chatbots entering the tourism industry. One Florida mom planned her familys entire summer vacation using a chatbot to save time. However, NLP expert and Entri founder Chaim Heber said in a Forbes article the travel industry is behind in integrating AI with tourism.

Chatbots can simplify and improve the systems involved in travel, Heber said in his article. They can allow customers to directly communicate with companies and government offices, reducing wait times and providing a fast, intuitive, and seamless customer experience. They can instantly complete tasks, gather data, and solve issuesall without requiring human input.

Travel Planning Simplified

Simplification is something travelers have requested for a long time and Bard is stepping in to meet the need. The desire for easier planning without human input has grown over the years. Robots and AI used to be confined to cinema and fiction. Now 68 percent of users say they enjoy the convenience and fast responsiveness of chatbots, according to a Userlike survey.

Chatbots are also saving brands money on the need for human employees. According to a study by Juniper Research, the retail industry is expected to see sales increase from $7.3 billion in 2019 to $112 billion by the end of 2023 as a result of chatbot integration. Travel experts believe Bard will do the same for the tourism industry.

In addition to travel extensions, Bard is also integrating with Google Drive systems like Docs and Gmail, Youtube, and other services like Redfin, Zillow, and Kayak. Although the UI of Bards upcoming extensions is available, they are not currently working for online users yet. Travel experts anticipate major changes once chatbots fully enter the industry.

Read the full article at travelnoire.com
Insights on traveler behavior and what it means for advertisers

The way people are inspired to travel, research, and book trips has changed in recent years. To fully understand this, we conducted custom survey and digital research around traveler behaviors throughout the online shopping journey.

Download the report to learn about the traveler path to purchase and the opportunities this presents for advertisers, including:

Advertising has an impact: Two-thirds of travelers who were influenced by an ad noticed it during the inspiration phase of their journey.

On average, travelers view 141 pages of travel content in the 45 days prior to booking.

Nearly three in five travelers had no specific destination in mind.

Most travelers use OTAs for research, regardless of where they book.

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About Expedia Group Media Solutions

Expedia Group Media Solutions is a global travel advertising platform that connects marketers with hundreds of millions of travelers across the Expedia Group brands. With our exclusive access to more than 70 petabytes of Expedia Group traveler search and booking data, we offer advertisers actionable insights, sophisticated targeting, and full-funnel results reporting. Our suite of solutions includes display, sponsored listings, audience extension, co-op campaigns, and custom creative campaigns  all designed to deliver on the objectives of our advertising partners and add value for travel shoppers on our branded sites globally. With a consultative approach and more than 20 years of travel and media experience, we help our advertising partners inspire, engage, and convert travelers for meaningful results. For more information, visit www.advertising.expedia.com.

 2022 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. All rights reserved. Trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners. CST: 2029030-50
ALPHARETTA, GA  Eating in a university dining hall has traditionally been an experience for students, faculty and other staff to unwind from hectic schedules, socialize and enjoy a meal with friends and colleagues. However, according to a recent report by Payments, the rise in mobile ordering, contactless self-service options and other convenience-focused technologies has elevated student dining expectations. College students increasingly expect to have dining options that give them control over where and when they eat with easy, fast one-tap payment options.

To improve the customer experience across its entire campus, the University of Houston system chose the Atrium campus card management and Agilysys point-of-sale (POS) solution in their dining halls, major quick-service restaurants (QSRs), and a selection of campus retail facilities.

The solution is used at all four UH campuses, which are located in Houston (Main Campus and Downtown), Victoria and Clear Lake. Students, faculty, and staff can purchase and manage their meal plans online from their mobile devices and use them at all Agilysys POS locations.

We selected Atrium and Agilysys because we needed a more modern solution and a partner to grow with us as we consider other future-forward applications like mobile credentials, mobile ordering and self-serve kiosks, said Esmeralda Valdez, executive director of University Services, University of Houston. Atrium and Agilysys help us run our hospitality, food and beverage and retail operations on our campuses more efficiently and effectively, which delights our staff and customers and helps us gain healthier margins.

Agilysys optimizes operations with a flexible, enterprise-class POS to help food service venues on campuses, restaurants, resorts, hotels, cruise lines and other outlets. Its POS solutions include options for fixed, mobile and tablet devices that can be deployed in the cloud or on-premise. The POS tablets have been used effectively during recent University of Houston events, including at shows at its Performing Arts Center.

Working together with Atrium and UH, we created a configurable POS architecture and design that streamlines and simplifies the jobs of employees, enabling them to deliver High Return Hospitality, Don DeMarinis, senior vice president of Sales, Agilysys. In doing so, these outlets have become better-run and well-loved.

We are proud to partner with Agilysys to revolutionize the UH student experience through innovative technology solutions that empower higher education enterprises like us to thrive in the mobile-first era, Tammy Johnson, President & CEO, Co-Founder, Atrium.

About Atrium

Atrium Campus provides campus card management solutions reimagined for the mobile generation for higher education, senior living, corporate and government markets. The Atrium cloud solution encompasses closed-loop payments, meal plans, declining balance, activities, physical access rights, mobile credentials, identity management and more. Learn more about Atrium at http://www.atriumcampus.com.

About Agilysys

Agilysys is well known for its long heritage of hospitality-focused technology innovation. The Company delivers modular and integrated software solutions and expertise to businesses seeking to maximize Return on Experience (ROE) through hospitality encounters that are both personal and profitable. Over time, customers achieve High Return Hospitality by consistently delighting guests, retaining staff and growing margins. Customers around the world include: branded and independent hotels; multi-amenity resort properties; casinos; property, hotel and resort management companies; cruise lines; corporate dining providers; higher education campus dining providers; food service management companies; hospitals; lifestyle communities; senior living facilities; stadiums; and theme parks. The Agilysys Hospitality Cloud combines core operational systems for property management (PMS), point-of-sale (POS) and Inventory and Procurement (I&P) with Experience Enhancers that meaningfully improve interactions for guests and employees across dimensions such as digital access, mobile convenience, self-service control, personal choice, payment options, service coverage and real-time insights to improve decisions. Core solutions and Experience Enhancers are combined in Hospitality Solution Studios tailored to specific hospitality settings and business needs. www.agilysys.com

Jen Reeves

+ 1 770 810 6007
Danbury, Conn. - Properties operated by Meyer Jabara Hotels continue to win awards. Recently the Delta Hotel by Marriott Allentown was selected by the Small Business Council of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce as the winner of its Excellent Emerging Business award, presented to a business less than three years old. The honor was awarded for the hotels outstanding business practices as demonstrated by their mission, Chamber and community involvement, customer satisfaction, and commitment to quality, leadership, marketing, training, and development.

Meyer Jabara Hotels Regional Vice President and General Manager Denise Maiatico accepted the award on behalf of the property, located at 7736 Adrienne Drive, Breinigsville, Penn. The full-service hotel is one of the newest in Breinigsville, holding its grand re-opening in January 2023. The Delta by Marriott Allentown is designed with frequent business and leisure travelers in mind. Situated in the heart of Lehigh Valley, the hotel is accessible from three major highways and is just a short distance to Lehigh Valley International Airport and has easy access to the best of everything the three cities in the region have to offer.

We are humbled to be recognized with this award, Maiatico said. As a Marriott property, the brand surveys our guests and evaluates their experience in everything from service to cleanliness and facilities design and maintenance. We started 2023 ranked No. 1 of all Delta Hotels in the U.S. and Canada, and currently have a service score far exceeding the brand average. In todays new normal, this is an arduous task as travelers demands change daily. We are actively engaged in this community and are always seeking opportunities to make a difference and demonstrate hospitality within our facility and our surrounding area. It is gratifying that our efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Kevin Cope, founder and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Business Group, VALOR Clinic Foundation, nominated Meyer Jabara Hotels for this honor. He said winning this award is a true testament to Meyer Jabara Hotels community support.

Source: Meyer Jabara

It is with great pleasure that we nominated Meyer Jabara Hotels for the Excellent Emerging Business Award, Cope said. They are a great community supporter of many nonprofit organizations. Recently MJ held a flashlight and battery drive for the VALOR Clinic Foundation; they collected more than 300 new flashlights and batteries to be handed out to our homeless veterans and homeless populations. Over the years, they have been engaged with our nonprofit in helping with various collections of items, including 1,200 pairs of socks for women and children in need. We are ever so grateful for their contributions as these are a highly sought after and needed item for when we connect with homeless veterans in our communities.

Denise Maiatico has been a long supporter of assisting many nonprofits over the years, he said. MJ always goes above and beyond to provide hope to others in our community. H.O.P.E.  means Helping Other People Everyday. I wish them much success. They are truly a wonderful community partner in bringing a positive difference to others.

Recently, Delta by Marriott Allentown partnered with BEHR paints fresh artist initiative to support art programs in needy schools. The property also partnered with Lehigh Valley technical institute to support a work experience program for challenged students where they visited the hotel each week and worked with team members to learn skills and understand how to behave and succeed in a professional work environment.

Meyer Jabara Hotels is committed to developing happy associates; its as much of a priority as ensuring that we have happy guests, Maiatico said. Earlier this year we partnered with Unifocus to survey our associates to evaluate their satisfaction, as well as areas where we can continue to improve our internal excellence and work environment. Results show our employees are happy. When employees are happy, they are willing to go above and beyond what is required of them day to day; that includes getting involved in the community and helping anyone who needs assistance. We could not be prouder of the associates at Delta by Marriott Allentown and we commend them for their hard work and dedication to guests and others.

About Meyer Jabara Hotels

With headquarters in Danbury, Conn., and offices in West Palm Beach, Meyer Jabara Hotels is an award-winning hospitality company owning and operating 31 hotels and 20 restaurants in 12 states throughout the eastern and central United States. The company was formed in 1977 through the partnership of William Meyer, a specialist in real property law, and Richard Jabara, a second-generation hotelier. Now under the direction of President Justin Jabara, the company has experience in all kinds of properties, from 16-room boutique properties to 508-room convention hotels. The Meyer Jabara Hotels portfolio consists of hospitality's leading extended stay, boutique, select service, and full service brands under the Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, InterContinental, and Choice umbrellas, as well as several independents. Meyer Jabara Hotels is, and always will be, in the people business. The better the people, the better the business, and that philosophy extends to all key stakeholders: business partners, associates, and guests. The company strives to create success for all it serves. For more information on Meyer Jabara Hotels, visit www.meyerjabarahotels.com.

Barb Worcester

PRpro

+1 440 930 5770

Meyer Jabara
On May 19, 2023, a judge in California agreed to dismiss a complaint against several hotels and their franchisees. (the G6 Hospitality case). This ruling in the Northern District of California is one of several over the last few years addressing the sufficiency of allegations against hospitality businesses for claims under The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA). Notably, it underscores the importance of clearly defined protocols and boundaries for hospitality businesses.

Human trafficking offenses are distinguished by exploitation rather than movement across borders. The hallmark of the offense is the manipulation of others for profit as if people were mere commodities. The most common legal definition of human trafficking is the harboring, transporting or recruiting of humans through force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of commercial sex, forced labor, or other forms of servitude. The TVPRA under 18 U.S.C.  1591 prohibits the sex trafficking of children or adults by force, fraud or coercion.

In addition to that criminal prohibition, the statute provides sex-trafficking victims with a civil cause of action against the trafficker, or whoever knowingly benefits, financially or by receiving anything of value from participation in a venture which that person knew or should have known has engaged in an act in violation of this chapter.

This is where hotel operators, franchisees and others in hospitality leadership must be informed and aware.

While plaintiffs often bring claims under both federal and state statutes, many also allege common law negligence against hotel operators. According to the data contained in a 2022 report from the Human Trafficking Law Center, there is an overall trend supporting an increase in the filings of these types of claims by plaintiffs, with over $84 million in damages awarded in 2020 alone.

While the number of suits filed continues to rise, courts have recently taken a significant step to gatekeep vague allegations and enforce the intention and purpose of the law.

To sufficiently plead a claim, the plaintiff must connect the dots between the alleged sex trafficking of the particular plaintiff and the hotel defendant[s]. Looking at this particular element, we find that the G6 Hospitality Court heavily relied on the boundaries established by hotel personnel in distinguishing conduct that was alleged to be conspiratorial by the plaintiff.

Boundaries and protocols are necessary to preserve the hotel-guest relationship, but also to mitigate liability on the part of the hotel. In the past, courts have recognized that the dots could be so connected where a continuous business relationship between the trafficker and hotel existed such that it would appear that the trafficker and the hotel have established a pattern of conduct, or have a tacit agreement.

In G6 Hospitality, no allegations were alleged to support such a finding; the hotels employees did not act outside the scope of their roles when they: brought more linens to the guests room at their request; provided an extra room key; or advised the guest where the alleged victim was located. In fact, the plaintiff alleged that the hotel staff informed the trafficker of the alleged victims location, but the plaintiff did not have any supportive facts that the staff knew the alleged victim was trying to hide.

Because the claims were also against franchisors and their franchisees, the G6 Hospitality Court looked at the agency relationship of the hotels. While the court found that the vicarious liability/agency claims were permitted under Section 1595, the court also found that the plaintiff had failed to allege sufficient facts to support the franchisors exercised a certain level of control over the franchisees day to day operations. As a result, the court dismissed the claims.

Franchisors should heed the warning and consider the level of control over their franchisees in evaluating the risks of vicarious liability claims. Franchisors should evaluate:

Do they host online bookings for the franchisee on their domain? Do they set franchisee employee wages? Do they make employment decisions for the franchisee? Do they provide standardized training to the franchisee for the day-to-day operation of the business, or otherwise require compliance with a strict set of rules? Does the franchisor set the room-rent pricing for the franchisee? Is there a mandatory use of the franchisors customer rewards program? Does franchisor advertise employment opportunities for openings at franchisee location? Are the franchisee hotels built and/or maintained in a manner specified by the franchisor? Are the uniforms consistent with franchisors selection or standards?

This is not an exhaustive list, and these are some of the factors considered by courts when imposing liability on a franchisor, but it is important to recognize that courts have found the franchisors involvement for the purpose of uniformity and standardization of the brand is not sufficient to establish agency.

The impact of the G6 Hospitality ruling should continue to reinforce the need for defined roles and boundaries between staff and guests. Staff should continue to be trained to respond to guest requests, however, they should do so with additional protocols in place when the requests appear to support criminal activity.

For example, staff should be aware that traffickers often request (or direct their victims to request) frequent linen changes, trash service (or withhold all trash and dispose of it themselves) and personal hygiene supplies (shampoo, body wash, etc.). Staff should continue to accommodate guests needing an extra key to the room, or a first-floor accessible room, but should be trained to recognize increased foot traffic and identify the actual guests staying in the room.

Staff should be aware that sex trafficking affects people of all ages, genders, and nationalities. Relationship dynamics are unique and staff should not interject themselves into guest relationships, however, staff should be aware of the signs and red flags of human trafficking activity, so that it may be duly reported in accord with internal policy. Red flags may include verbal altercations, physical altercations on property and/or erratic behavior. Hotel management should have a medium through which hotel staff can report their observations of any conduct or events that seem inconsistent with an on-site guest experience at that hotel.

Ultimately, a culture of awareness is the key to success. This includes knowing your role as a particular staff or team member, ensuring the guest experience, and making note of suspicious or concerning behavior. Ongoing training and support for staff members is necessary to ensure that staff are able to effectively balance guest privacy and monitoring for suspicious activity.

Sex trafficking is a global problem that affects people of all ages, genders and nationalities. The federal government estimates that over 27 million people are trafficked worldwide at any given time. Hotels, motels and extended stay lodging are often used as venues for sex trafficking, making it critical for hotel staff to be able to identify and confront this issue. By providing comprehensive training on how to recognize and report human trafficking, hotels can play a critical role in preventing this heinous crime.
Excerpt from Yahoo

Googles new chatbot could simplify travel planning for people around the world. During the Google I/O 2023 conference, the tech giant announced it would soon add extensions to Bard. One of two Google chatbots in development, the new Bard advancements could surpass the capabilities of both ChatGPT and Microsofts Bing Chat, according to TechRadar.

Another natural language processing (NLP) AI model, Bard extension could become the next best thing for travelers looking to avoid the stress that comes with planning trips. According to 9to5google, the extensions will integrate with tools like Google Flights, Google Maps, and Google Hotels to make travel planning more efficient and easy.

With Bard, travelers can search key phrases like, Find hotel accommodations in LA under $150 a night, and get immediate results without spending time filtering through options. Flight pricing fluctuates daily so it cant be pulled from cached internet data. However, Google is working to integrate with third-party tools to perfect this feature.

Click here to read complete article at Yahoo.
Weekly Hotel Industry Asia Pacific News Roundup from HVS

SC Capital Partners Consortium Acquires 27-Hotel Portfolio In Japan For USD900 Million

Singapore-based SC Capital Partners Pte Ltd has formed a consortium, with a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, to acquire a 27-resort hotel portfolio in Japan for USD900 million, from Japan-based Daiwa House Industry. The 7,124-key portfolio consists of hotels located in key tourist destinations all over Japan, such as the 465-key Royal Hotel Okinawa Zanpamisaki. Moving forward, focus will be placed on improving top-line revenue, implementing rebranding initiatives, enhancing distribution channels, and conducting refurbishments.

USD200 Million Investment Into Fiji's Tourism Development Program In Vanua Levu, Set To Benefit Over 60,000 People

The Fiji Government have announced an agreement with the World Bank Group in support of Fijis Tourism Development Program, set to benefit over 60,000 people in northern Fiji Island, Vanua Levu. The agreement for the program, worth USD200 million, was first approved in June 2023 and is among the largest World Bank-supported projects in Fiji. The program follows a long-term strategy of 10 years, aimed to boost the Fiji Tourism Industry Sector in Vanua Levu. The project will debut in phases, it will include infrastructure development projects for the upgrade and expansion of both Labasa and Savusavu airports, roads between Savusavu and Labasa set to stimulate economic activities directly linked to the tourism industry.

United Airlines To Launch New Flights To Asia-Pacific Region

United Airlines (United), among the major U.S. carriers, is capitalizing on the post-pandemic travel boom in the Asia-Pacific region by introducing new and expanded flight routes. Starting in October 2023, United will be the first U.S. airline to offer a direct flight from San Francisco to Manila, Philippines. Additionally, they are launching a new flight from Los Angeles to Hong Kong, increasing the frequency of flights from San Francisco to Taipei, and reinstating the Los Angeles to Tokyo's Haneda Airport route. With a strong presence in the region, United is optimistic about the potential for growth and expansion in Asia, despite challenges in China's international flights. The focus on new flight routes signifies United's commitment to tapping into the lucrative Asia-Pacific market and catering to the increasing demand for international travel.

Ho Chi Minh City To Have Five More Tourism Waterways By 2024

The Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) Department of Transport has revealed plans for the development of five more waterways by 2024. The waterways would operate between the Binh Duong, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and Tien Giang provinces, via two inner-city and three inter-provincial routes that would facilitate tourism. Along the first inner-city route, spanning 13 kilometers long, travelers are able to visit tidal barrages, commercial centres, and tourist sites. Similarly, for the second inner-city route which spans ten kilometers, visitors are able to stop by tourist attractions, shopping centres, and dining areas. The inter-provincial routes range from 79 to 225 kilometers long, with ferries expected to accommodate 250 passengers, 100 motorbikes, and 100 cars or trucks along one of the inter-provincial waterway routes.

Co-Living Operator Hmlet Rebrands To Habyt

Following a merger with Berlin-based, co-living startup, Habyt in April 2022, Singapore-based co-living operator Hmlet will be rebranding to Habyt, as part of the companys growth strategy. In partnership with UK-based, global design agency, DesignStudio, the rebranded Habyt aims to eliminate the traditional barriers associated with housing. The companys strategy will centre on providing guests with a utilitarian experience, through aspects of visual identity such as via architectural floor plans and a new bespoke logo.

About HVS

HVS is the world's leading consulting and valuation services organization focused on the hotel, restaurant, shared ownership, gaming, and leisure industries. Established in 1980, the company performs more than 4,500 assignments per year for virtually every major industry participant. HVS principals are regarded as the leading professionals in their respective regions of the globe. Through a worldwide network of over 50 offices staffed by 300 experienced industry professionals, HVS provides an unparalleled range of complementary services for the hospitality industry. For further information regarding our expertise and specifics about our services, please visit www.hvs.com.
Wetland is an important natural ecosystem and an important part of natural ecological space. Anhui Forestry Bureau recently released the Anhui Wetland Protection Plan (2022-2030) for public consultation. According to the plan, the province will implement a control system for the total area of wetlands, improve the wetland grading management system, and implement wetland protection and restoration projects. By 2025, the wetland protection rate in Anhui Province will reach 55 percent, and by 2030, it will reach 57 percent. Province's wetland protection rate reaches 51.8 percent Anhui Province, with its diverse landforms, complex ecological environment, rivers and lakes, is one of the provinces with the richest wetland resources in China. According to the results of the third national land survey, the total area of wetlands in Anhui Province is 1,603,700 hectares, accounting for 2.85 percent of the total area of wetlands in the country. In recent years, wetland protection regulations and systems have been introduced one after another in the province, and the wetland protection network system has been continuously improved. By the end of 2022, Anhui Province had 1 internationally important wetland, 52 provincially important wetlands, 18 wetland nature reserves above provincial level, 57 wetland parks, and 609 wetland protection districts. The province's wetland protection rate reached 51.8 percent. Anhui Province has been vigorously promoting wetland protection and restoration projects. since 2016, the province has removed about 10 million metres of fencing and restored 10,000 hectares of damaged wetlands; at the same time, it has carried out ecological compensation for wetland protection in internationally important wetland, and the ecological restoration of wetlands has achieved remarkable results. Anhui's wetlands are also home to a wealth of wildlife resources. Up to now, 730 species of vertebrates of 44 orders and 125 families are known in the province, accounting for about 26 per cent of the national species, with representative species such as Anhui musk, black muntjac and oriental white stork. The province now has 3,645 species of vascular plants in 225 families and 1,232 genera, accounting for 13.1 percent of the national species count. In 2022, the total number of wintering waterfowl in the province reached 680,000 birds.

Source: Anhui Business Daily Reported by Liu Yuanyuan Edited and translated by Zheng Chen and Wang Xirui
Chicago, IL (60637)

Today

Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 84F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 65F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
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Congressman Richie Neal and Mayor Jennifer Macksey speak on Monday with North Adams homeowner Michelle Groves, whose property was heavily damaged during the rains. Macksey and Neal walk through the rain in North Adams. The mayor and Neal speak with Highway Foreman Paul Markland. The cost to repair the sinkhole is estimated at $425,000. The mayor says it is difficult because the rain hasn't stopped. Piles of furniture and other items removed from Groves' flooded basement. Macksey and Neal look over the deep gash in Groves' lawn. Clarksburg has pulled all the carpeting soaked from flooding at Town Hall. A section of Horrigan Road has collapsed. The steep slope on West Road above a partial road collapse. Looking over the damage on West Road. PreviousNext

Congressman Neal Tours Damage From Torrential July Rains



Congressman Neal listens to Town Administrator Carl McKinney catalog the flooding damage in Clarksburg, with Select Board Chair Robert Norcross. NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  The heavy rains that have washed out and undermined roads two weeks ago have caused upwards of $6.5 million in local damage.

U.S. Rep. Richie Neal arrived in North County late Monday afternoon to survey the damage in the city and neighboring Clarksburg. Both towns will be seeking funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency if the four westernmost counties can be declared disaster areas.

"July has been a pretty wet month. And we have attempted to assess the damage that's been done to some of the communities in the First Congressional District," he said, after meeting with Mayor Jennifer Macksey at City Hall. "FEMA is a very responsive federal agency, but documentation is going to be everything, making sure that the review afterwards where the request had been made, stand up under the magnifying glass for critical analysis. ...

"The mayor has already laid out for me a strategy so we want to see some of the damage," he said. "I think her emphasis for me would probably be on the Public Works side of things, because that's where FEMA could have an immediate impact."

The National Weather Service says more than 10 inches has fallen over the Albany, N.Y., Capital Region between July 1 and July 24, making the month the wettest on record. The storms that hit over July 9-10 dropped almost 5 inches of rain overnight in North Adams.

More than a dozen streets were affected by deluge at an estimated cost of $4.6 million. Gov. Maura Healey had toured some of the damaged areas during trip to Western Mass days after the flooding.

At least a dozen communities declared emergencies two weeks ago and another torrential downpour on Friday flooded parts of Greenfield and collapsed roadways, including parts of Route 2.

The rain came beating down again on Monday as Neal visited two damaged areas with the mayor.

A catch basin at the bottom of Morgan Street failed, creating a sinkhole on heavily trafficked State Street.

"It came down so hard it blew out the back of the structure," said Highway Foreman Paul Markland, pointing to the swirling water in the basin. The estimated cost to repair the section is $425,000.

"We've been monitoring this but the problem is its such a heavily traveled area I'm worried about the safety of my staff," said the mayor. "But we really haven't been able to fix it because the rain hasn't stopped."

She also noted the collapsed wall above Morgan on Walnut Street that while not part of this damage, "the storms have made that issue much worse."

Neal also met with Michelle Groves , whose Church Street home was heavily damaged by the flooding. She believes changes made to the topography behind her house by the rain line intensified the amount of water flowing through  and washing out  the 4-foot deep gash in her yard. The deluge was so strong, it pulled the gas line off the house, flooded the street and sent debris into Morrison Berkshire parking lot across the street.

Volunteers with Team Rubicon, a veteran-led nonprofit agency that responds to disasters, had piled up furniture and other items on the front lawn that had been damaged from the water that poured through the house.

"This was happening at the same time State Street was so our two main arteries into the city were shut off," said Macksey. "Our hope is we're going to start filling it in once we've documented it all."

Groves said she's been using up vacation time and was worried that her job wouldn't be waiting for her when she came back.

In Clarksburg, the congressman saw the results of flooding in the bottom floor town offices  the carpeting had been pulled up and the sheetrock cut off nearly a foot above the floor. Over on Horrigan Road, the roadway was collapsed the north side over Beaver Creek. The broken branches and flooded areas on the south side the creek spoke to the power of the water flowing through culvert.

The situation was similar up on West Road, where a section of the narrow road had collapsed into the steep gorge below.

Town Administrator Carl McKinney said the total damage is estimated at $1.886 million  about the same as town's fiscal 2023 operating budget.

"We're right up against our levy limit," he said. "Ideally we'd like to replace the culvert [on Horrigan] but we have to realistic, I understand there are limits."

He and Select Board Chair Robert Norcross spoke to the difficulties of small towns in getting funding, noting it had taken six years just to get the one-lane bridge on Cross Road on the Transportation Improvement Program.

"What we find is we don't have enough political muscle," McKinney said. "They're creating haves and have-nots and we're on the have-not side and it's not a pleasant place to be."

The congressman, a former Springfield mayor, said they all had a vested interest in reminding the state about the overruns of the Big Dig and funding for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

"The Infrastructure Bill that we wrote, it's a big deal for Massachusetts and we want to make sure that we're getting the proper allocation, I think this is clearly covered by FEMA," said Neal. "But in addition to that, this infrastuture bill is $1.2 trillion and now is the time to be taking a look at that. ... The federal government does the appropriations but the state decides how to spend it."
Dalton Man Arraigned for Robbery, Other Charges

DALTON, Mass.  On Wednesday, July 19, Darren J. Garrity, 41 of Dalton, was arraigned in Berkshire Superior Court.

Garrity is charged with:

Armed Masked Robbery

Home Invasion

Armed Assault with Intent to Rob

Larceny Over $1,200

Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,200

Honorable Judge Agostini set $5,000 cash bail with the following conditions:

GPS bracelet: a zero curfew with a window between 5:00am and 8:00pm for work, medical and legal appointments with an exclusion zone around the victim's home

No contact/stay away from the victim

According to a report from the district attorney's office, on the morning of Nov. 22, 2022, Garrity is alleged to have knocked on the victim's door as the victim was getting ready for work. The defendant was dressed in all black and wearing a ski mask. He shined a light on the victim's face, pointed to a black gun and told the victim to lay on the floor. The defendant then zip-tied the victim's hands behind his back, robbed the victim's house and left with a black duffle bag.

When the defendant left the residence, the victim broke free from the zip ties, exited the house and saw the defendant driving away in a vehicle. Law enforcement obtained surveillance footage from nearby cameras which show a man dressed in all black walking toward the area of the victim's home. A little while later, surveillance shows the same man leaving the area of the residence, getting into a vehicle, and driving away. When investigating the area of the residence, law enforcement found a mask and black BB gun near the victim's home.

The items stolen from the house include jewelry, cash, a debit card, the victim's driver's license and other items.

Approximately one week later, Pittsfield Police received a call from a local pawn shop reporting they may have purchased stolen jewelry. Police discovered the defendant pawned some of the jewelry and provided his own Massachusetts driver's license when he did so. Video surveillance from the pawn shop confirm the sale. The victim positively identified the jewelry that was stolen.

Assistant District Attorney Rachel Eramo is representing the Commonwealth. Carmen Guevara is serving as the Victim Witness Advocate on behalf of the District Attorney's Office. Pittsfield Police are the primary law enforcement agency on the case.
BCC Info Session At Berkshire Family YMCA

PITTSFIELD, Mass  Berkshire Community College (BCC) will hold a special community college information session at the Berkshire Family YMCA, located at 292 North Street in Pittsfield, on Wednesday, August 2 at 5:30 pm.

Financial aid, admissions and advising staff will be on hand to help students enroll at BCC, potentially for free through the Commonwealth's MassReconnect program.

To register for the event, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/massreconnect . Refreshments will be served.

The event is part of MassReconnect, a proposed program designed to pay the full costs of community college for adults 25 and older who do not already have a college degree. The proposal, currently before the Massachusetts legislature, would cover tuition and fees for eligible students, who would also receive an allowance to pay for books and supplies. Pending approval, the program is slated to begin in fall 2023.

"For the fall 2022 semester, nearly 40 percent of students who attended BCC were non-traditional students ages 25 and older," said Megan Lussier, BCC Director of Admissions and Recruitment. "MassReconnect, the new program the Commonwealth is proposing, will have a positive impact on our most populated part of our student body to allow those students financial freedom when it comes to their education."

MassReconnect will consider students eligible for the program if they:

Are 25 or older on the first day of classes

Are enrolled in and pursuing a program of higher education at a public community college

Have not previously earned a college degree

Are enrolled in at least six credits per semester

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Are a Massachusetts resident

Further information, including full program guidelines, will be forthcoming.
KodeGo, a Filipino study-now-pay-later edtech company, has partnered with consumer finance app BillEase to provide local learners with easier access to IT education through interest-free and cardless installments.

Launched in 2021, KodeGo offers bootcamps on different IT courses to equip beginners, upskillers, and career shifters with critical and highly sought-after skills while offering company-matching support to jumpstart and progress their IT careers.

KodeGo is backed by 917Ventures, the largest corporate venture builder in the Philippines that ideates, launches, accelerates, and scales new business ideas that uplift the lives of Filipinos. Earlier this year, KodeGo joined 10 other Filipino startup companies in a ten-week virtual accelerator program designed to scale 917Ventures portfolio companies.

Through BillEase, learners can choose from competitive IT courses being offered at KodeGo and pay only the minimum upfront, then split the rest in easy installments.

"We believe that everyone should have access to education. With our partnership with BillEase, we can empower Filipinos with more affordable options to help them pursue their education and have a better future," said Cristina Gervasio, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at KodeGo.

Kurt Molina, Head of Merchant Products of BillEase said, "We are thrilled to join forces with KodeGo and support their commendable mission. By bridging the affordability gap, we enable more Filipinos to gain critical IT skills, fostering a more inclusive and competitive tech workforce."

Aspiring learners are encouraged to contact KodeGo's official social media platforms or email help@kodego.ph to request a BillEase payment guide. Settle only the minimum upfront, then split the rest into 3 installments every 2 weeks at 0% interest.

The partnership between KodeGo and BillEase aligns perfectly with both companies' objectives of broadening access to education and addressing the skills gap in the Philippines by providing equal opportunities for all. In 2020, the Philippine Institute for Developing Studies (PIDS) reported that data science analytics skills remain underdeveloped among the Philippine workforce.
Our vision for the company is to play a pivotal role in driving digitization in the Philippines to generate inclusive economic growth. We are positioning ePLDT to be the digital transformation partner of choice for enterprises through our suite of data center, multi-cloud, and cybersecurity offerings, says Victor S. Genuino.

Since taking the helm as President and CEO in April 2022, Genuino has been steering ePLDT and rallying his team towards the attainment of this goal.

There is a lot of clarity in terms of who we are, what we want to become, and how to get there, he says.

Focusing Beyond Connectivity

While majority of PLDTs business is on connectivity, ePLDT is focused on delivering solutions and services to achieve business outcomes.

Being the ICT arm of the PLDT Group, ePLDT is taking advantage of the connectivity that we already have with end users and customers, then adding another layer on top of it that allows them to be more digitally enabled, explains Genuino.

We aim to address the technology pain points that customers experience  whether it is to increase and find new markets, grow revenue, save cost, or improve efficiency.

According to PLDT & Smart Inc. President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio, this ePLDT mindset mirrors the PLDT Groups commitment to support businesses that need to be agile across their operations and enable them to participate in digital ecosystem so they can succeed in the post-pandemic world.

Helping in digitally transforming big businesses and SMEs to stay relevant and keep in step with competition is part of ePLDTs mission of promoting economic inclusiveness.

From offering a mixed bag of services, ePLDT is focusing on providing digital transformation solutions and building on its data center and multi-cloud businesses.

Leveraging Innovative Technologies

On the data center front, ePLDT has the largest network of 10 fully operational VITRO Data Centers, at par with global standards, in key locations across the country.

The biggest yet is soon to rise in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, its 11th data center, with more in the pipeline, including a 12th facility to further strengthen ePLDTs 65% data center market capacity share.

VITRO Sta. Rosa, the countrys first true hyperscale data center facility, was designed and built not only to be hyperscale-ready and committed to sustainability, but also effectively ready for integration and utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

The same is true for Data Center 12, a 100 MW hyperscale facility now underway. Data Center 12 will further fortify the PLDT Groups data center market leadership in the Philippines while leveraging on the massive infrastructure investment of the countrys largest telecommunication group.

We, at ePLDT, are well aware that an artificial intelligence-driven future is not too far ahead. We also know that in order to make AI accessible and successful nationwide, it must be integrated into a comprehensive and hyperconnected digital ecosystem which is exactly what VITRO presents, says Genuino.

VITRO, the countrys most robust and hyperconnected network of data centers, is part of an even bigger domestic fiber network of PLDT, which is connected to a vast international underwater cable system of the telco giant.

PLDT has invested a lot to build international cable capacity in the Philippines. Our domestic fiber footprint is very large as well. We have close to one million kilometers of fiber laid out in the country already, says Genuino.

This supports the governments vision to make the Philippines the transit and data center hub for global hyperscalers in the Asia-Pacific region.

We want to help the Philippines gain a larger market in serving the ICT needs of global customers while continuing to support the digital transformation journey of different sectors locally, shares Genuino.

Forging Partnerships

For its cloud business, ePLDT has forged strategic partnerships with leading technology brands such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Salesforce, and Palo Alto Networks to customize best-in-class multi-cloud solutions with ironclad security for small and large enterprises.

The ambition is to be a multi-cloud provider. We want to be vendor-agnostic. We want to focus on outcomes. The type of tech partner we choose will depend on what our customers are looking for. This is a more refreshing and noble approach in serving the customers digital requirements, shares Genuino.

Genuino is aware that ePLDT would need to partner and build stronger relationships across the ecosystem of digital transformation.

There are a lot of players that have to be involved in providing that seamless digital experience. These are the application and content providers, cloud companies, system integrators, and different channels to market.

Partnership within ePLDT is no less essential.

I make it a point that the teams internally work well together and understand their respective roles in delivering that solution we promised to a customer, says Genuino.

Putting Customers First

Customer centricity is a very strong mantra within the PLDT organization now, brought in by our PLDT & Smart Inc. President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio, and this is being cascaded across the organization.

Panlilio has consistently underlined that providing world-class customer experience is key to the success of the PLDT Group and is the best way to serve the new generation of Filipino consumers. ePLDT is in lockstep with PLDTs mission to transform and help customers in the Philippines by providing the best customer experience.

Meaningful discussions with customers become the basis of ePLDTs in-house certified experts in designing customized digital solutions to address specific needs and help enterprises achieve their full potential.

Digital transformation is a collaborative journey we undertake with our customers. We are here to guide them every step of their way, wherever they may be on their digital transformation journey, says Genuino.

Empowering People

Getting everyone to take part in this undertaking requires a kind of leadership and work environment that lifts people up.

We espouse a culture of transparency and open communication. As managers, our role is to bring out the best in our people, says Genuino.

He believes in accountability, appreciating contributions, rewarding performance, and providing employees with challenges and opportunities for learning and growth.

Just a few weeks in as head of ePLDT, Genuino told his team that what they were up to was a monumental task. They were going head-to-head with global consulting companies.

We are just a Pinoy company. But this is our home, this is our market. Not all companies can afford to pay the consulting fees of these big companies. That is our opportunity  to help these companies be digitally enabled, providing them with the best service we can. To do that, we must build the capabilities and resources behind our promise of digitally transforming companies, he recalls telling his team more than a year ago.
In the United States, some of its greatest writers, from Mark Twain onwards, have led self-invented, double lives with all the perils of half-truths. Among American bestsellers, few were as seductive, or as monstrous, as Truman Streckfus Persons, aka the Tiny Terror, Truman Capote. Self-fabricating, and finally self-destructive, the celebrated author of In Cold Blood and Breakfast At Tiffanys died of drink, drugs and degeneration in 1984, shattered by the failure of Answered Prayers, what he boasted would be the novel of the age, his magnum opus. Since then, Capotes life and work have inspired two feature films (Infamous, starring Toby Jones in 2006; and Capote, with Philip Seymour Hoffman in 2005), plus a major 1988 biography by Gerald Clarke.

Within the hothouse of American fame, this captivating afterlife has inspired some bewildering sub-plots. In Capotes Women, Laurence Leamer, described as a leading biographer of the rich and scandalous, becomes the perpetrator of a breathless rapprochement between literary exegesis and celebrity gossip.

Where Leamer struggles with Truman, the precocious upstart from the South, he revels in the socio-sexual mountaineering of his swans, the posh wives whom a lonely homosexual courted with the desperate ardour of the outsider. Here, in that old flirtation between gay men and smart women, the reader watches the hot air of magazine journalism inflate the sad story of a writer who flew too close to the sun.
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Julian Sandss official cause of death has been declared undetermined by the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department on Monday 24 July.

The 65-year-old British actors remains were discovered in late June more than five months after he failed to return from a hike in Californias Mount Baldy region on 13 January.

Coroners have now officially ruled Sands cause of death as undetermined, police announced.

The cause is Undetermined due to the condition of the body and because no other factors were discovered during the coroners investigation, this is common when dealing with cases of this type. This is the final determination, Mara Rodriguez, public information officer for the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Coroner Department, told CNN in a statement on Monday.

An extensive search was launched for Sands, who was an avid hiker, but it was hampered by poor weather conditions that lasted through spring. It has not yet been determined how he died, authorities said.

A week before his remains were found, Sandss family released a statement saying they were continuing to keep him in our hearts with bright memories.

Julian Sands (Mike Lawn/Shutterstock)

We are deeply grateful to the search teams and coordinators who have worked tirelessly to find Julian, the statement, issued by the sheriffs department, read.

We continue to hold Julian in our hearts with bright memories of him as a wonderful father, husband, explorer, lover of the natural world and the arts, and as an original and collaborative performer.

Throughout his life, Sands appeared in more than 150 films and TV series, including several Oscar winners.

The West Yorkshire-born actor began his career with supporting roles in projects such as 1984s Oxford Blues and The Killing Fields, in which he played journalist Jon Swain.

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Sands spent time with the real Swain in preparing for the role, later telling The Guardian: Id been cautioned by [director Roland Joffe] to keep my distance from John because he was an unstable character.

And John had been told by Roland to stay away from me, because I was a refined, sensible person who didnt want to be distracted. In fact, we bonded instantly. We were always quoting and misquoting Pinter to one another.

Julian Sands and Helena Bonham Carter in A Room with a View (Merchant Ivory/Goldcrest/Kobal/Shutterstock)

It was also on the set of The Killing Fields that Sands first met John Malkovich, an actor with whom he formed a firm and lifelong friendship.

Malkovich has described Sands as a Tarzan and a physical entity of a physical force.

Julian is wild and never contained by rules or boundaries, a close friend of Sands told The Independent after his disappearance. Hes a Byronesque romantic and an adventurer drawn to the extremes of nature, relishing the freedom of mountains, which he conquers all over the world.

In 1985, Sands was cast as the lead in the Merchant Ivory romance A Room with a View, opposite Helena Bonham Carter. The film received eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, winning three.

Sands followed this with a role in Ken Russells Gothic, playing the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Around this time, Sands decided to move to the US. He has resided in California ever since, though has often returned to Europe for filming.

After moving to the States, Sands starred in a number of prominent films, including 1989s supernatural horror Warlock (and its 1993 sequel, Warlock: The Armageddon), period drama Impromptu (1991), horror-comedy Arachnophobia (1990), and the 1991 adaptation of William S Burroughs Naked Lunch.

In 1995, Sands starred in a supporting role in Leaving Las Vegas, alongside Nicolas Cage and Elisabeth Shue, winning a Golden Globe for his efforts.

His later projects include a role alongside Jackie Chan in 2003s The Medallion, and a supporting part in David Finchers 2011 adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

He is survived by his wife, the writer Evgenia Citkowitz, and their two sons; and another son, Henry, whom he shares with his first wife, journalist and editor Sarah Sands (nee Harvey).
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Netflix is facing criticism for listing an artificial intelligence (AI) product manager role worth an upwards salary of $900,000 (698,900) amid the ongoing actors and writers strike.

Hollywood has been effectively shut down since 14 July, when the Screen Actors Guild of America  American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) joined its fellow screenwriters union, the Writers Guild of America (WGA), in the fight for increased base pay, higher streaming residuals and assurances that their work wont be replaced by AI.

The latter point has been a chief concern among several high-profile actors, including Succession star Brian Cox who raged against the scary technology last week during a solidarity rally in London.

The wages are one thing, but the worst aspect is the whole idea of AI and what AI can do to us, the 77-year-old Scottish actor said in an impassioned tirade.

However, even as fears of AI not only taking over jobs but also actors likenesses grow, Netflix appears to remain strong in its investment in the technology.

At current, the streaming conglomerates job board includes a position for a Product Manager  Machine Learning Platform. It notes that the overall salary range for this role is typically $300,000 to $900,000.

The listing states that the person in the position will collect feedback and understand user needs from ML/AI practitioners and application engineers across Netflix, deriving product requirements and sizing their importance to then prioritise areas of investment.

Netflix job listing screenshot (Netflix.com)

Writer, actor and comedian Rob Delaney (Catastrophe), who stood alongside Cox at the rally, reacted to the job listing, calling it ghoulish.

So $900k/yr per soldier in their godless AI army when that amount of earnings could qualify thirty-five actors and their families for SAG-AFTRA health insurance is just ghoulish, the comedian, 46, told The Intercept.

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Having been poor and rich in this business, I can assure you theres enough money to go around; its just about priorities.

Netflix declined to respond to The Independents request for comment.

Other TV and movie actors, such as Matilda child star Mara Wilson, romcom staple John Cusack and This Is Uss Mandy Moore, have shared their appalling pay stories in order to highlight the importance of the historic strike.

Hours before the strike action was ordered on 13 July, Disney CEO Bob Iger criticised the decision, saying it was very disturbing to me.

This is the worst time in the world to add to that disruption, he said, adding: Theres a level of expectation that they have that is just not realistic.

Breaking Bads Bryan Cranston is the latest to respond to Igers message.

The 67-year-old actor said on Tuesday (25 July) from the front lines of New Yorks Rock the City for a Fair Contract rally: I know, sir, that you look [at] things through a different lens. We dont expect you to understand who we are. But we ask you to hear us, and beyond that to listen to us when we tell you we will not be having our jobs taken away and given to robots.

We will not have you take away our right to work and earn a decent living. And lastly, and most importantly, we will not allow you to take away our dignity! We are union through and through, all the way to the end!
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China has removed Qin Gang as foreign minister barely half a year into the job  with the official having not been seen in public for weeks.

Mr Qin, 57, a former aide to Xi Jinping, who had been seen as a close friend of the president, took over the ministry in December but has disappeared from public view since he met visiting diplomats in Beijing on 25 June. A meeting with the European Union foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, originally set for 4 July was then pushed back with no explanation.

The Foreign Ministry said on 11 July that Mr Qin was unable to attend a meeting in Indonesia for unspecified health reasons. It declined any further comment on his status, creating an information vacuum in which rumours swirled about his personal life.

Last week, a spokesperson for the ministry offered no information when asked about the whereabouts of Mr Qin  highlighting the secrecy often surrounding Chinas Communist leadership and decision making.

Veteran diplomat Wang Yi was named the new foreign minister on Tuesday. Mr Wang, 69, was also Mr Qins predecessor, holding the post for a number of years as ties frayed with rival superpower the United States to a point Beijing has described as an all-time low.

State media did not report why Mr Qin was removed from office and Chinas foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment. Mr Xi signed a presidential order to make the decision effective, state news agency Xinhua reported.

The lack of an explanation opens more questions than provides answers, said Ja Ian Chong, associate professor of political science at National University of Singapore. It also underscores the opacity and unpredictability, even arbitrariness in the current political system.

It is not the first time there has been an unexplained absence of officials in China. Industry minister Xiao Yaqing disappeared from public view for nearly a month last year before it was revealed he was being investigated for corruption

Mr Qin was one of Chinas youngest foreign ministers, enjoying a meteoric ascent that analysts partly attributed to his closeness to Xi. He was twice foreign ministry spokesperson, between 2006 to 2014, and chief protocol officer from 2014 to 2018, overseeing many of Mr Xis contacts with foreign leaders. He headed to Washington as ambassador in July 2021.

Mr Wang was promoted to the politburo of the Chinese Communist Party, one of Chinas top leadership bodies. He retakes the foreign ministry post as China seeks to re-engage with the world after years of Covid-induced isolation, as a mooted economic recovery fails to gain hold and the country spars with the United States over issues from Ukraine, Russia and Taiwan to trade and technology disputes.

The choice of Wang Yi is rational, said Yun Sun, director of the China programme at the Stimson Center in Washington. To convey a sense of stability and credibility, China needs to select someone who is senior [and] authoritative, she said.

Hours after news of his appointment broke, Pakistans foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari tweeted his congratulations, saying Mr Wang was an astute and seasoned diplomat.

As for Mr Qins political future, that remains unclear, say analysts, who point out that there has not yet been any clarity over whether he will still hold his role as state councillor, a member of China's cabinet.

His fate is left hanging and is a glaring reminder of the opacity of the Chinese political system, said Dali Yang, a political science professor at the University of Chicago.

Reuters
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Two police officers in Taiwan are under the scanner after a teenage girl was sexually assaulted during a botched sting operation by a man she accused of blackmailing her.

The 13-year-old girl approached police in the Zhongli district of the northwestern city of Taoyuan in November 2020 to lodge a complaint against a man she met on an app for blackmailing her into having sex with him.

The man, identified only by his surname Chang, threatened to publish explicit pictures and offered NT$5,000 (120) in return for sexual favours.

While he was convicted to eight years in prison last month, details of what the attacker did to the teen during the botched sting operation emerged only during the trial.

Court documents revealed the girl was allegedly used in the undercover operation by two police officials to nab the culprit after she approached authorities with the complaint against the man.

The girl agreed to meet Chang after the two officers assured her of her safety. They said they would follow her to a McDonalds outlet where she was supposed to meet her blackmailer.

But the officers lost her after she got into a car with the man and was driven a few hundred metres away as they tried to chase her on foot, local media reported, citing court documents.

Chang then sexually assaulted the girl in the car before leaving her at the McDonalds, where he was arrested by the police.

The two police officers are being investigated on various violations, including negligence, reported CNA.

The girl agreed to be part of the sting operation after she was assured of her safety by the two officers.

A Zhongli branch police spokesperson on Thursday appeared to blame the girl as he said the police had instructed her to not get into the car.

The incident prompted outrage on social media, with people accusing police of putting the life of the girl in danger by using her as bait.

On Saturday, the Taoyuan police department issued an apology, saying the two officers are under investigation after being referred to the District Prosecutors Office.

They have been placed on administrative duties as the investigation continues. Two other senior officers were also given demerits for damaging the reputation of the police as they were part of the initial investigation.

There is no law in Taiwan that allows inclusion of minors in undercover operations in Taiwan but, under the countrys civil code, those who infringe upon the rights of others, either intentionally or unintentionally, could be sued, reported CNA.
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Russian and Chinese delegations will be in North Korea this week as the reclusive country celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, in the first such visit since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Chinese delegation will be led by Communist Party of Chinas polituburo member Li Hongzhon, who will attend the "Victory Day" ceremonies in capital Pyongyang, according to state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The Russian delegation, led by defence minister Sergei Shoigu, will visit North Korea from 25-27 July to "participate in festive events" marking the end of the Korean War, the defence ministry said in a statement.

This visit will help strengthen Russian-North Korean military ties and will be an important stage in the development of cooperation between the two countries," it added.

The conflict between the North, backed by then Soviet Union and China, and the South supported by the US and allied forces, raged between 1950-1953.

"The celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation War are to be held in the capital city of Pyongyang as a grand political festival to be specially recorded in the history of the Korean nation," the state media reported.

North Korea closed its border in early 2020 to all trade and diplomatic exchanges, even with its main economic and political partners China and Russia.

The show of unity between the three nations amid North Korea's aggressive nuclear aspirations comes at a time when the United States is strengthening its military bases in South Asia to counter China.

North Koreas leader Kim Jong Un offers a silent prayer to pay tribute to the Norths soldiers killed in the Korean War (via REUTERS)

North Korea has been under UN sanctions for its missile and nuclear programmes since 2006, however, that has not deterred the Kim Jong-un administration from routinely firing test missiles, including those that are intercontinental and ballistic in nature.

At a security council meeting in March, China and Russia jointly blamed Washington and South Korea for provoking Pyongyang by conducting joint military drills. The US responded by accusing the two Communist nations of emboldening North Korea by shielding it from more sanctions.

China on Monday asserted that it strictly implements UN sanctions on North Korea, reacting to a letter from the Group of Seven, EU and others that urged Beijing to stop Pyongyangs military escalation.

The North fired two ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast on Monday, in an apparent reaction to a US nuclear-powered submarine's arrival at a South Korean military base. This is the second time in the last seven days that the North has fired off missiles.

The launches come as US officials are attempting to negotiate the release of Travis King from North Korean custody.

The UN Command and Pyongyang have initiated talks over the case of US soldier Mr King who sprinted across into the North, according to reports.

The American soldier serving in South Korea had rushed into North Korea on 18 July while on a civilian tour of the Demilitarised Zone, located on the border strip that runs between the two Koreas.

The US army said he intentionally crossed the border as he would face disciplinary action upon his return to the US.

American authorities are, meanwhile, concerned that the North would demand a "price" in order to secure the safe return of Mr King.
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A fisherman was arrested in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh for "accidentally" catching a rare river dolphin and then eating it.

Police were searching for four others involved in the incident.

Five men were reportedly fishing in the Yamuna river on 22 July, when a river dolphin got trapped in their net. The suspects brought out the dolphin and carried it to their house where they cooked and ate it, according to the police.

Following a complaint lodged by Chail forest ranger Ravindra Kumar, a formal police case was registered against suspect Ranjeet Kumar and three others under India's Wildlife Protection Act (1972).

"On the basis of the written information given by forest officer Ravindra Kumar in connection with the hunting of Gangetic dolphins in Yamuna river village Naseerpur, a case has been registered in Pipri police station," the local police said in a statement.

"One accused has been arrested in the case, and soon the rest of the accused will be arrested."

Hunting of the endangered Gangetic dolphin, recognised by its long snout nose, is banned under the first schedule of the Wildlife Protection Act. Poaching of river dolphins can lead to imprisonment of up to seven years.

Purported video shows fishermen in Uttar Pradesh, India, carrying a river dolphin (Screengrab/ India Today)

The Gangetic dolphins once thrived in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. But the species is extinct from most of its early distribution ranges, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

According to a 2019 study from the organisation, there are approximately 2,500-3,000 Ganges river dolphins left in the wild.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List has placed these mammals in the "endangered" category.

Despite efforts to save the river dolphins, atrocities against the mammal have continued unabated. Ten people were arrested in March after they were found to be carrying 22 dead common dolphins in their fishing boat off the coast of western state of Gujarat.

In 2021, three men in India were arrested after they were filmed brutally beating a river dolphin to death in Uttar Pradeshs Pratapgarh.
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The Japanese police have arrested a woman and her parents on the suspicion of beheading a man at a "love hotel" in Sapporo in northern Japan.

The woman's 60-year-old mother was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of conspiring with her family after the severed head of the decapitated man was found in their house.

Runa Tamura, 29, and her father Osamu Tamura, a 59-year-old psychiatrist, were arrested on Monday by the Hokkaido police for allegedly conspiring in beheading the victim at a hotel room and relocating his severed head between the night of 1 and 2 July.

The victim has been identified as 62-year-old Hitoshi Ura. His naked and headless body was found in the hotel room bathroom on 2 July.

The police are still investigating the motive and have refused to say if the woman and the victim knew each other.

Authorities suspect that the daughter carried out the killing and subsequent beheading by herself, while her father helped her carry the head out of the hotel, Japan Times reported.

The investigators found no traces of a third person entering the hotel room and the father is likely to have dropped off and picked up his daughter before and after the killing.

An autopsy of the victim found the cause of the death to be a hemorrhagic shock, which could have occurred by blood loss from stab wounds. The victim's head was cut off with a blade and then removed from the room.

Runa Tamura, who was arrested in connection with the case that a headless man was found, is transferred from a police station in Sapporo (AP)

Local media reported that Ms Tamura and another individual at around 10.50pm local time checked into the hotel in the Susukino area, famous for its short-stay "love hotels". Three hours later she was seen leaving the hotel alone, carrying a large suitcase.

The person accompanying the victim was wearing light-coloured women's clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when entering the hotel but was dressed in black when leaving, according to Japan Times.

Ura's corpse was reportedly found by a hotel employee who went to probe why he didn't leave the room past the checkout time. His belongings, including government ID, phone and clothes, were taken from the room.
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Singapore conducted its first execution of a woman in 19 years on Friday and its second hanging this week for drug trafficking despite calls to cease capital punishment for drug-related crimes.

Activists said another execution is set for next week.

Saridewi Djamani, 45, had been sentenced to death in 2018 for trafficking nearly 31 grams (1.09 ounces) of diamorphine, or pure heroin, the Central Narcotics Bureau said.

Its statement said the amount was sufficient to feed the addiction of about 370 abusers for a week.

Singapores laws mandate the death penalty for anyone convicted of trafficking more than 500 grams (17.64 ounces) of cannabis and 15 grams (0.53 ounces) of heroin.

Djamanis execution came two days after that of a Singaporean man, Mohammed Aziz Hussain, 56, for trafficking around 50 grams (1.75 ounces) of heroin.

The narcotics bureau said both prisoners were accorded due process, including appeals of their conviction and sentence and petition for presidential clemency.

Human rights groups, international activists and the UN have urged Singapore to halt executions for drug offenses and say there is increasing evidence it is ineffective as a deterrent. Singapore authorities insist capital punishment is important to halting drug demand and supply.

Human rights groups say it has executed 15 people for drug offenses since it resumed hangings in March 2022, an average of one a month.

Anti-death penalty activists said the last woman known to have been hanged in Singapore was 36-year-old hairdresser Yen May Woen, also for drug trafficking, in 2004.

Transformative Justice Collective, a Singapore group that advocates for the abolishment of capital punishment, said a new execution notice has been issued to another prisoner for Aug, 3  the fifth this year alone.

It said the prisoner is an ethnic Malay citizen who worked as a delivery driver before his arrest in 2016. He was convicted in 2019 for trafficking around 50 grams (1.75 ounces) of heroin, it said. The group said the man had maintained in his trial that he believed he was delivering contraband cigarettes for a friend he owed money and he didn't verify the contents of the bag as he trusted his friend.

Although the court found he was merely a courier, the man still had to be given the mandatory death penalty, it said. The group condemns, in the strongest terms, the state's bloodthirsty streak and reiterated calls for an immediate moratorium on the use of the death penalty.

Critics say Singapore's harsh policy merely punish low-level traffickers and couriers, who are typically recruited from marginalized groups with vulnerabilities. They say Singapore is also out of step with the trend of more countries moving away from capital punishment.

Neighboring Thailand has legalized cannabis while Malaysia ended the mandatory death penalty for serious crimes this year.
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Human-induced climate change is responsible for the historic heatwaves sweeping the planet from China to the United States, scientists have found.

The research conducted by World Weather Attribution (WWA), which was released on Tuesday, says the record-shattering heat in Europe and the US would have been almost impossible in a world without global heating.

The researchers, who analysed records in all three continents, said the likelihood of extreme heat in China, which recently recorded its highest-ever temperature at 52.2C, is now 50 times more likely due to the climate crisis.

The researchers evaluated the role of climate crisis in these extreme heat events using peer-reviewed methods, weather station data of the hottest days in July, and computer models.

It is already known that planet-heating greenhouse gas emissions have increased the global average temperature by 1.2C, which, in turn, is making heatwaves more frequent and extreme.

The WWA study found that the heatwaves like the ones currently persisting now have a probability of occurring approximately once every 15 years in the US and Mexico region, once every 10 years in Southern Europe, and once every five years in China due to increased global average temperatures.

However, without the human-induced climate crisis, these heat events would have been extremely rare. In China, such a heatwave would have been about a 1-in-250-year event, while the maximum heat experienced in the US and Mexico region and Southern Europe would have been virtually impossible.

The climate crisis did not just play a role in the occurrence of the heatwave, but also made the temperatures hotter than they would have been with natural phenomenon like the El Nino.

The European heatwave was 2.5C hotter, the North American heatwave was 2C hotter, and the heatwave in China was 1C hotter due to the human-induced climate crisis, the study notes.

Researchers who were part of the study said the stronger impact of the climate crisis on the US and Europe is a result of a complex relationship between global and regional factors. Europe is heating faster than the global average, earlier studies have shown. Scientists said its because the impact of the climate crisis isnt even worldwide.

Once again, our study shows the significant impact of the rapid rate of warming on local temperatures in Europe. It underscores the urgent necessity for Europe to continuously take adaptation and mitigation measures, Sjoukje Philip, researcher at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, and one of the researchers of the study, said.

The planet isnt warming evenly, Ms Philip adds. Climate scientists are working to understand the complex relationships between increasing global and regional average temperatures.

Map shows extreme temperatures in Europe last week (European Union, Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service Data)

Other scientists have also largely attributed the recent heat events, including the ones in July in the northern hemisphere and the marine heatwaves, to the climate crisis.

Earlier, WWA researchers also analysed the April heatwave in a dozen Asian countries, including India, China and Thailand as well as the 2022 heat events in the UK which were found to be made ten times more likely due to the climate crisis.

Recently the Met Office also said the reason behind the UKs hottest-ever June was also the climate crisis.

The heatwaves have caused severe impacts, with deadly wildfires burning in Greece and Canada, and heat-related illnesses and fatalities reported in several countries.

In the US alone, over 200 people died due to the extreme heat, and Spain, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Algeria, and China also reported heat-related deaths and a surge in hospitalisations.

Last years heat in Europe contributed to the deaths of over 61,000 people, a recent study found.

The study warned that unless there is a rapid reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a shift away from fossil fuels, heatwaves will become even more common and severe in the future.

If the global average temperature rise goes up by 2C, a limit that is expected to be breached in the next 30 years if greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase the way they are, there would be a probability of experiencing heatwaves like the one currently ongoing every two to five years.

The result of this attribution study is not surprising. The world hasnt stopped burning fossil fuels, the climate continues to warm and heatwaves continue to become more extreme. It is that simple, Friederike Otto, senior lecturer in climate science at Imperial College London and co-founder of WWA said.

However, she added that these heatwaves are not evidence of runaway warming or climate collapse.

We still have time to secure a safe and healthy future, but we urgently need to stop burning fossil fuels and invest in decreasing vulnerability.

If we do not, tens of thousands of people will keep dying from heat-related causes each year. It is absolutely critical that governments legislate fossil fuel phase out at this years Cop climate conference.
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Leonardo DiCaprio has shone the spotlight on an Indian man who accidentally discovered a rare new species of subterranean fish while taking a shower.

The Oscar-winning Hollywood superstar praised Abraham A, who hails from Kerala, for the remarkable discovery made nearly three years ago and hailed the importance of citizen science.

The Revenant actor, well known for his climate change activism, renewed attention on Mr Abrahams 2020 discovery with an Instagram post.

The wild is all around us and sometimes all it takes to discover a new species is going about a normal day. This was the case for Mr Abraham, a local stage director living in Kerala State, India, who discovered a new species of fish while taking a shower, the actor said.

Mr Abraham, who is a former paramilitary soldier living in the states Alappuzha district, made a significant scientific breakthrough when he was taking a shower at his home and noticed a red thread in the bucket.

After a closer look, he noticed the tiny, snake-like creature moving and placed it inside a glass jar to get researchers help in getting the mysterious organism identified.

The new species was identified by researchers at the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) as a subterranean fish named Pathala Eel Loach.

Its name Pathala is derived from a Sanskrit word which means below the feet.

Following the discovery, Mr Abraham found four more fish from the same species in his well and water tank over the course of a few days.

I thought it was a red thread. However, it was moving. Having read news of the discovery of such creatures in our region, I transferred the organism to a jar and contacted college professor Benny Thomas, who lived nearby, Mr Abraham said at the time.

He connected me to researchers in Kufos who urged me to look for more organisms. I checked my water tank which pumps water from a 17ft-deep well and found three more fish, he said.

I am happy my finding helped the youngsters accomplish their research. It made me and my friends learn more about citizen-science surveys. We will continue as informants if we come across similar species, he further said.

The Titanic actor said citizen science is the key for researchers to study these unknown, underground ecosystems.

Hidden from light and isolated beneath the soils surface in the narrow aquifers of the southern Indian state of Kerala, live sightless subterranean freshwater fish like the new Pathala Eel Loach. Despite this fortuitous discovery, accessing these fishes and unlocking their secrets is no easy task, DiCaprio said.
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Taiwan has cancelled a part of its major annual war games that involves all its military branches as it braces for the most destructive typhoon in almost four years.

Barrelling across the Pacific Ocean towards waters between Taiwan and the Philippines, typhoon Doksuri has intensified into a super typhoon, with powerful winds of 240kph (149mph).

The Han Kuang exercises, the largest annual exercises in Taiwan that are meant as a display of its military strength against China, were disrupted shortly after their commencement on Monday.

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) said drills at the civilian Taitung Fengnian Airport, the first of its kind planned for Tuesday, were cancelled in the wave of the strengthening typhoon.

It is unclear if the typhoon will further affect the five-day military drill.

Doksuri is expected to make its way into the Bashi Channel of the Luzon Strait that separates Taiwan and the Philippines, and barrel across waters off Taiwans southern coasts, bringing with it heavy rains and strong winds, weather officials said.

After passing through Taiwan and the Philippines, the typhoon will make landfall in southern China later this week.

This satellite image taken by Himawari-8, a Japanese weather satellite, and provided by National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, shows Typhoon Doksuri near the northern Philippines Tuesday (AP)

Taiwans Central Weather Bureau has urged residents to prepare for the worst weather conditions as it issued a warning for people residing near coastal areas and said a land warning for southern countries will follow on Tuesday.

Taiwan has not seen any typhoon making landfall in more than 1,400 days, and thats why I urge all government ministries that they must gear up and make preparations, Taiwan premier Chen Chien-jen said in a statement.

Id like to remind citizens not to underestimate the typhoon threats.

During this time of year, typhoons are frequent in the vicinity of Taiwan. However, the subtropical island has not experienced a direct hit from a typhoon since 2019, leading officials to emphasise the importance of remaining vigilant.

The islands weather agency said waves have already risen to a height of 8ft in Taiwans southernmost point, urging residents to remain vigilant.

In the southern port city of Kaohsiung, authorities rushed to collect hundreds of containers drifting away into the sea after a container ship with a Palau flag sank off in Taiwans southern western coast last week.

The 39th edition of Han Kuang is said to be the most diverse and comprehensive drill in decades. Moving forward, it will feature an anti-takeover drill at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, making it the first time that the busiest civilian airport will be used for such drills.

It is the countrys largest and major drill since 1984, that will test the Taiwanese militarys preservation and maintenance of combat capabilities in the event of a full-scale invasion by China.

Spreading in a diameter of 1,000km, Doksuri has already raised storm warning levels in the Philippines capital region and dozens of northern provinces. Authorities have begun evacuating some coastal communities in the path of the storm.

Despite eventually losing its power to become either a typhoon or severe typhoon before making landfall, it is expected to hammer densely populated Chinese cities with torrential rain and strong winds.

Chinas National Meteorological Centre on Tuesday ordered all offshore fishing boats to find refuge at the nearest port by Wednesday noon in Fujian and told farmers to harvest their rice and other crops that have matured.

Climate scientists have warned that global heating is intensifying storms and typhoons, leading to more frequent and severe occurrences.
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A DoorDash customer has questioned whether tipping has gone too far after he was criticised by his delivery driver for a 30 per cent tip.

Dr Ethan Melillo, a pharmacist who goes by @millennialrx on TikTok, shared his recent experience in a video uploaded to the platform last week. In the clip, Dr Melillo revealed that he received a response from his DoorDash driver saying nice house after hed given them a generous tip.

Has this ever happened to you with DoorDash? When you give someone a generous tip and they say nice house, thanks for the $5 for a 20-minute ride, the TikToker asked, while showing a screenshot of the message hed received from his delivery driver.

In the video, Dr Melillo then added that, for reference, he lives in Rhode Island, where a 10 to 20 minute ride is very common because the state probably has the slowest speed limits in the country.

The TikToker then showed viewers what hed ordered, with Dr Melillo revealing that hed ordered a falafel meal over rice with a side of extra sauce and a Snapple lemon iced tea.

According to the receipt shared by the TikToker, the total cost of the meal ended up being $15.64, and that hed then added a $5 tip.

The total cost of my meal came to $15 so I thought a 30 per cent tip was pretty generous, and Im usually the type of person that tips when I even pick up food, Dr Melillo said, before adding: So let me know, how much should I be tipping on a DoorDash order?

In the caption of the video, which has since been viewed more than 100,000 times, the TikToker wrote: @DoorDash tipping going too far?

The video has sparked a debate in the comments, with many assuring the TikToker that his tip was more than generous, and that the driver can see the tip amount before they agree to accept the order.

I work for DoorDash and that is very generous, one person commented, while another said: Your tip was fine!

That message he sent you after a 30 per cent tip is crazy, someone else wrote.

In the comments, Dr Melillo also revealed that he tries to give more since he has experience working in the food industry. Having worked in the food industry before entering the pharmacy world I know how hard others work so I try to give more since Ive been there, he wrote.

However, others suggested that the TikTokers tip was not enough because it may not have been based on the distance that the driver had to drive to deliver the food.

According to multiple viewers, its more about the distance than the total of your food when it comes to leaving an adequate tip.

I always do $1 a mile with $5 being the lowest. They use their gas, their mileage and have a higher insurance rate since they do delivery, one person commented.

Another said: I usually recommend tipping two times the amount of miles to the restaurant. 5 miles = $10 tip.

$1 per mile is the most fair. Youre not tipping on the food, youre paying for delivery if that makes any sense, someone else wrote, while another revealed that they never tip less than $10.

The debate about tipping comes after a DoorDash driver was allegedly fired for cursing at a customer who tipped $5 on a $20 order. Earlier this month, TikTok user Lacey Purciful uploaded a video from a doorbell camera showing a delivery driver handing her a pizza box before telling her: I just want to say its a nice house for a $5 tip.

After the TikToker told the driver: Youre welcome, he responded: F*** you. In the comments under the video, Purciful revealed that she had been in contact with DoorDash about the incident, and that the driver had been fired.

At the time, a representative for DoorDash told Insider: Respectfully asking for a tip is acceptable but abusing or harassing someone is never acceptable.

The Independent has contacted Dr Melillo and DoorDash for comment.
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H&M has filed a lawsuit against infamous fast fashion retailer Shein for copyright infringement, according to court documents filed in Hong Kong.

Hennes & Mauritz, the Swedish fashion brand more commonly known as H&M, has accused its competitor of copying its designs in the new lawsuit. The company is seeking unspecified damages and an injunction to stop Shein from infringing on its copyright and trademarks.

Zoetop Business Co, the Hong Kong-based entity that previously owned Shein, and Shein Group Ltd are named as defendants in the court filing. The series of litigation has reportedly been underway since July 2021.

According to Bloomberg, the filing included photos of H&M items, such as swimwear and sweaters, as evidence that Shein had stolen its designs. In a statement to The Independent, an H&M spokesperson confirmed that the company has an ongoing copyright infringement lawsuit towards Shein filed in Hong Kong.

We believe that Shein in multiple cases has infringed on our designs and have therefore filed this lawsuit. As it is still an ongoing case, we choose not to comment further, they said.

Meanwhile, Shein declined to comment on the pending litigation.

The copyright infringement case was first heard in Hong Kong court last September, and the judge allowed the case to proceed, according to a separate document released in May. The most recent hearing took place at the Hong Kong High Court on 21 June, followed by the next hearing on 31 July.

The new lawsuit comes less than two weeks after Shein was accused by independent designers of infringement-related racketeering activities in a RICO lawsuit. The lawsuit, which was filed on 11 July in California federal court, claimed the clothing giant had used secretive algorithm to identify trending art and allegedly reproduced artists designs for its fast fashion website.

The brand has made billions by creating a secretive algorithm that astonishingly determines nascent fashion trends  and by coupling it with a corporate structure, including production and fulfillment schemes, that are perfectly executed to grease the wheels of the algorithm, including its unsavory and illegal aspects, claimed artists Krista Perry, Larissa Martinez, and Jay Baron.

The plaintiffs also filed a RICO claim, a federal law designed to combat organised crime in the United States. The law, which stands for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations Act, allows individuals or organisations to file civil claims against racketeering activities performed as an ongoing criminal enterprise.

According to the suit, the artists alleged that Sheins confusing corporate structure allows the company to avoid liability in the case of intellectual property infringement, adding that the brands first line of defense when facing a copyright or trademark cease and desist is removing the product from its sites with blaming the misconduct on another [Shein entity] actor (implying such actor is independent).

As a result, the artists accused Shein of multiple acts of racketeering and criminal copyright infringement and are seeking past and future damages, as well as compensation for legal fees and injunctive relief to prevent further racketeering activity.

In a statement to The Independent, a spokesperson for Shein said at the time: SHEIN takes all claims of infringement seriously, and we take swift action when complaints are raised by valid IP rights holders. We will vigorously defend ourselves against this lawsuit and any claims that are without merit.
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Cara Delevingne has spoken out about her journey to sobriety, explaining that it has not been easy but she now feels stable and calmer.

The model checked into a rehabilitation centre for drug and alcohol addiction in 2022, after paparazzi photographs of her appearing dishevelled and erratic at Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles emerged in September that year.

In a new interview with ELLE UK, Delevingne, 30, said she feels like a weight was lifted after opening up about her struggles.

For a long time, I felt like I was hiding a lot from people who looked up to me. I finally feel as though I can be free and myself, fully, she said.

The Paper Towns star said that embracing sobriety has not been easy, but added that there have never been moments where Im like, This isnt worth it.

Reflecting on the journey, she continued: Its been worth every second. I just dont know what it would take for me to give it up. I am stable. Im calmer.

Before, I didnt trust myself. I second-guessed myself constantly. There was a lot of anxiety involved. Now I just feel free of that.

Delevingne also spoke about her struggle with fame and how suddenly she became a recognisable face. She became known as the face of Burberry in 2011.

It didnt feel real, she recalled. I didnt feel like I deserved it. I didnt feel worthy. I was still stuck in this mindset of not being good enough.

I was doing the best I could, but I wasnt really appreciating every moment. Inside, I felt very different to how I looked.

However, she praised her girlfriend, London musician Leah Mason, for helping her become more secure and self-confident.

(Getty Images)

Speaking about Mason, whose stage name is Minke, Delevingne said: My girlfriend has been really wonderful in introducing me to a lot of things and people.

Being with my girlfriend, in this relationship, there are just so many things that came at once that have made me so happy and comfortable with who I am.

She also has plenty of love for her close friends in the fashion industry, including models Jourdan Dunn and Karlie Kloss, who Delevingne said taught her a lot about living.

Delevingne first opened up about getting sober in March. In an interview with US Vogue, she described the paparazzi photographs at the airport as a source of overwhelming shame and embarrassment.

At the time the pictures were taken, the model had just returned from the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City, northwestern Nevada.

She told the magazine: I hadnt slept I was not OK Its heartbreaking because I thought I was having fun, but at some point it was like, OK, I dont look well. You know, sometimes you need a reality check, so in a way those pictures were something to be grateful for.

In June, Delevingne said she attended Glastonbury sober for the first time and said this years festival was by far her favourite.

She said she has been going to the major festival since she was 15, but going to the event while sober this year was filled with tears, full belly laughs, long awaited reunions and so much love.
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In a huge step for first aid in the UK, more than 20,000 defibrillators  which are devices that give an electric shock to the heart of a person who is in cardiac arrest  have been delivered to state schools across the country since January.

Cardiac arrest can affect anyone, of any age, but according to St John Ambulance research, when a defibrillator is used within the first three minutes of a cardiac arrest, the chances of survival increase by up to 70%.

Knowing how a defibrillator works could save someones life, but what should you know before using one?

What is a defibrillator?

A defibrillator is an electrical device that provides a shot across the heart to help bring people out of cardiac arrest, explains James McNulty-Ackroyd, head of clinical projects and paramedic at St John Ambulance.

They are often labelled as an AED which is an automated external defibrillator, and it recognises when using one would be beneficial for the patient. When we talk about cardiac arrests, we talk about shockable and non-shockable, and an AED is useful when the heart is in particular shockable rhythms, he says.

When used, the electrical shock stuns the heart to send it back to its normal function from the right shoulder down to the left armpit.

The AED knows when it should work after the pads have been applied, because it recognises the rhythm like an ECG automatically, and it will not shock if the heart is not in one of the relevant rhythms.

When should you use one?

You only need a defibrillator in an incident of cardiac arrest.

They should only be used when the patient is not breathing normally, or the heart has stopped, explains McNulty-Ackroyd. Their breathing may be like a fish out of water, there is no rhythm to it, there is no real air entry, or non-purposeful gasping.

The heart is not pumping in that situation  it is not working, but there is some movement. They need a defibrillator and high-quality CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

What should you be wary of?

The good news is, theres not much to worry about when using one.

Ideally, you should not have anyone touching the patient when you press the big red button, but there are lots of different devices on the market and most have written and audible instructions, and tell you what to do, so it will say to stand clear and tell you what to press and when, he explains.

You need to take or cut the persons shirt off, though.

There is quite a lot of disinformation about taking someones bra off. If you do not take their bra off, you cannot get the pads in the right place. Cut down the middle of the bra, and let it fall open.

What do you actually do?

So, you have seen someone go into cardiac arrest or found someone who has collapsed. What do you do?

If you find someone who you think is in cardiac arrest, start CPR, shout for someone to bring you a defibrillator, and ask them to call for help, advises McNulty-Ackroyd.

The first thing the ambulance service will ask is, Are they breathing? They will ask if theyre awake and you will say no, as they are in cardiac arrest.

An ambulance will be sent as the highest priority in that area. In the meantime, you should be using an AED and performing CPR.

When you ring 999, they will tell you how to do CPR. Do not worry about hurting someone you are doing CPR on. That person is dead, they cannot feel pain, if they sit up and go ouch, they are not in cardiac arrest.

When using the defibrillator, the first pad goes on the upper right, touching the clavicle [bone of the pectoral arch], and the other into the left armpit, nice and high, he explains.

Every minute you dont shock that abnormal rhythm, the person loses a chance of life, so use a defibrillator and perform CPR if you are in any way worried about someone who has collapsed.
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A woman who turned to roleplaying with hyper-realistic dolls to help (her) cope with the death of her first baby  and continues to do so with her husband and two rainbow babies  has said her husbands parents disapproved of the hobby and fired him from the family business as a result.

Christina Keeler, 38, a stay-at-home mum and YouTuber, from Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, USA, fell pregnant with her first miracle baby in 2015, despite having endometriosis and being told she would not be able to conceive in her 20s.

She suffered a miscarriage, but after watching a documentary about so-called reborn dolls, she had a lightbulb moment and realised getting a hyper-realistic doll would be the perfect solution.

Christinas husband Bill, 43, was hesitant at first but became supportive after he saw how much it helped (her) grief.

The couple went on to have two miracle daughters, Grace, six, and Joy, four, who now help feed, change and dress the familys five reborn dolls  which cost between 1,560 and 3,899 each  in their nursery complete with a crib and a wardrobe.

The family often take the dolls out in public, and have shared their journey on YouTube  where Christina documents peoples reactions to her dolls and birthing videos. Some silicone dolls come in a fake womb which allows a Caesarean section to be performed at home.

But Bills family were disgusted with the hobby, to the point where they gave him a choice to stop having the dolls or leave the family business.

He refused to shut down the YouTube channel and did not want Christina to give up her hobby, so he was fired.

She fell pregnant with her first baby in 2015, a year after her mother died of cancer.

The couple were elated about the pregnancy because Christina had been told in her twenties that she would not be able to conceive because she has endometriosis, but she miscarried at eight weeks.

Christina told PA Real Life: When we lost the baby it was so devastating, I remember lying in the hospital bed after they had taken the baby out of my belly, and screaming for my mum and wept wanting to cuddle my baby.

She really struggled with the grief of losing her mother and her baby so close together.

She explained: This feeling of sorrow just never went away, it was so painful that I never talked about it again.

Christina turned to roleplaying with her collection of hyper-realistic dolls to cope with the death of her first baby (Collect/PA Real Life)

Despite having her two miracle children Grace and Joy, Christina still longed to hold her first baby, and after watching a documentary about reborn dolls, she wanted to get one to see if it would help her grief.

She said: I felt so blessed to have two healthy girls, but that feeling of missing the first baby never quite went away.

When my youngest was around two years old, my husband and I came across a documentary about reborn dolls.

And he was like, Thats really weird, and I played it off that I thought the same, but actually I really wanted one to help me cope and I thought it would be the perfect solution.

After persuading her husband, Christina ordered her first lifelike doll, Hannah, costing her around 155.

She said: I told my husband and he was not on board at all, he was hesitant, but after explaining my reasoning, he was much more understanding and more accepting.

When the doll arrived, Christina instantly felt like it helped with her mourning.

She said: It helped me therapeutically because for the first time ever when I got my first reborn doll, I was able to talk about the loss of our baby.

And since then I have healed tremendously from that loss because Im able to talk about it and share my story and help others  it helped my grief, for sure.

Christina now has a collection of five dolls called Carter, Cadence, Quinn, Isabella and Sammy, which she loves to dress, cuddle and feed.

She takes the dolls out in public and people often mistake them for real babies.

She said: We have a nursery for them with a crib and a wardrobe. I check on them throughout the day, and on other days, especially when the girls want to get involved, I pick out an outfit for them, bring them to breakfast, get them to feed them a bottle, change them.

If were running errands we often take them out with us and put them in a car seat and stroller.

Christina and her family have been sharing their experiences on YouTube, where they are known as The Reborn Family.

She said: I make videos about peoples reactions to my dolls, as well as vlogs and birthing videos  I have some silicone reborn dolls which come in a womb and you perform a C-section on it at home, to give birth to the baby.

Despite her immediate family being supportive of the hobby, Christina admits not everyone in her wider family understands.

She said: My husbands family were, and still are, disapproving of the reborns, even though they can see how much they helped me. They were disgusted.

We moved from California to Pennsylvania because my husband was next in line to take over the family business because they were about to retire, and they asked if we would like to do so and we agreed.

When they were on vacation they came across our YouTube channel, and they called us up and they were mortified and so embarrassed, and said we were ruining the family name.

When Bills parents came home, they gave him an ultimatum to stop having the dolls.

Christina explained: Bill said that he was not going to quit his job, and didnt want me to stop having reborns because they were so therapeutic for me at the time, and his dad said, Well, then youre fired.

My husbands family were disgusted, they said we were ruining the family name

Bills father was contacted for comment, but he had not responded at the time of publication.

Even though her reborns have caused tension in the family, Christina cannot see herself giving up her hobby any time soon.

She said: Reborns continue to help me with my grief, and I love sharing content with other people who have lost babies, and they can also really help people with dementia, people who are infertile, people with anxiety and depression, I wouldnt want to stop this.
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Raven Symone has claimed that she has psychic abilities, just like her character in the early Noughties Disney series Thats So Raven.

The actor, 37, said she can read energy when she walks into a room or see a scene that is happening to me or that is going to happen to me in another dimension.

Symone made the claim during an episode of her podcast, The Best Podcast Ever with Raven and Miranda, that she hosts with her wife Miranda Maday.

I believe in psychics, pun f***ing intended, she said, referring to her hit Disney character Raven Baxter.

I truly believe. I believe, actually, humans have the ability in their brain to tap into energy fields that allow for truth to connect when you know how to translate it correctly. I can walk into a room and its reading energy and energy in the psychic plane, because its not on a physical, material plane, she explained.

Symone said that while she cant predict the future like her character, she claims she has visions of certain moments or experiences of deja vu, the feeling of having lived through a particular situation before.

I do have moments where I really will just stare and I will see a scene that is happening to me or that is going to happen to me in another dimension, and Im like, Yo, this is weird. There will be a time Im walking and Ill trip over nothing, she added.

According to the Cheetah Girls star, she has been in contact with spirit guides since she was seven years old.

The way we connect is through our trauma, she said. Meditation just allowed my spirit guides to help me and even to this day that can happen.

The cast of "That's So Raven" pose for photographers at the Disney Channel press conference for the new television series at the Graciela Hotel on January 14, 2003 (Getty Images)

However, despite her belief in psychic abilities and her own experiences, Symone warned against trusting people who claim to be fortune tellers.

Now if you sit me down and somebodys like, Look into my crystal ball, Im gonna be like, Give me my money back, she said. But I do believe there is natural auras that hold the experiences of all of our people, totally.

In Thats So Raven, Symone played Raven Baxter, a teenager who often experienced psychic visions of the future. Her ability led to adventures for her, her friends and family.

Symone reprised the role in the reboot of the show, Ravens Home, in 2017.

Earlier this month, Symone expressed her opinion over the use of diabetes medication Ozempic for weight loss purposes.

The actor, who said her family has a history of pre-diabetes and diabetes, said people should not use the drug for glamazon purposes and urged the public to remember that it is made for certain people who need it to live.

Symone and Maday married in June 2020, after first meeting in 2015 in a gay bar in Hollywood.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been accused of snubbing their elderly neighbour after they moved to Montecito, California.

Frank McGinity, an 88-year-old US Navy veteran, said that he has been neighbours with the Sussexes since they first moved into the area in 2020 and that he tried to welcome them to the community with a gift.

But the gesture did not go as planned, he said.

In a chapter of his memoir, Get Off Your Street, Mr McGinity said that he approached the couples home to give them some films he has made about the history of the local area.

I have a big house next to Harry and Meghans property and I live in the guest house while renting the main house out on Airbnb, he said, according to The Montecito Journal.

Harry and Meghan live on old McCormick property and I went up to their gate with the films on a CD, but they werent interested, he added.

Mr McGinity said that the couples security guard on the gate turned him away.

The gate guy turned me away and wouldnt take the film, just saying theyre not interested. I was trying to be neighbourly, he said.

He added: We dont see them very much around here. Its surprising they came here. People are typically older. Its where the elephants come to die.

Mr McGinity said that he lives a tiaras toss or two from the Sussexs property in the wealthy enclave of Montecito.

Meghan and Harry settled into the California home there back in July 2020, in a property that is said to be worth $14.7m (11.2m), according to TMZ.

The Duke and Duchess moved to the US in 2020 (Getty Images)

At the time, a spokesperson for the couple told The Independent: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved into their family home in July of this year.

They have settled into the quiet privacy of their community since their arrival and hope that this will be respected for their neighbours, as well as for them as a family.

Since moving to the US, Harry has visited the UK on a number of occasions including the late Queens funeral, the Kings Coronation and to appear in court during his legal battle against The Daily Mirror.
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Between single passengers refusing to give up their seats for children and one boyfriend refusing to pay more to sit next to his partner, its safe to say summer airfare has caused a lot of debate this year.

The most recent travel saga was documented by TikToker Gamze Esen, when she posted about her boyfriend choosing not to pick his seat on their flight for an extra fee. On 21 July, Esen captured her boyfriend on video standing in a separate boarding line for the plane. Her on-screen caption read: All the couples are sitting together, but your man didnt think it was worth paying an extra 10 euros to choose a seat next to you.

The 10 euros would come out to be $11.08 in US dollars.

Esens post, which has since received over 4.6m views on the app, caused an internet frenzy over airlines charging seat assignment fees on planes. Nearly 4,400 users commented in agreement that they wouldnt want to spend the money to switch either.

Just out of principle i dont pay extra for a seat, the flight is expensive enough, one viewer admitted, while another wrote: Think about it. With those 10 euros you can drink five coffees in your holiday. He thought about it already.

Thatd be absolutely fine by me. We have a whole holiday to spend together, a blunt person added, while one follower proclaimed: Good man. Being responsible with his money. The time apart should be good for you guys.

Meanwhile, other TikTok users considered Esens boyfriends decision to be a red flag. One comment that received over 25,000 likes argued that spending the extra money could prevent them from wasting valuable time next to a stranger.

Nah im paying the 10. If the planes going down i dont wanna spend my last minutes with a stranger, they wrote.

The Independent has reached out to Esen for a comment.

The conversation surrounding add-on fees for flight seats is nothing new. President Joe Biden commented on the issue when he gave his State of the Union Address in February, exposing airlines for making families pay more to sit next to each other.

And its not like the prices to switch seats are only a few bucks. According to a report by IdeaWorks and CarTrawler, the estimated revenue across eight US airlines is estimated to be anywhere up to $4.2bn each year.

Thankfully, after President Bidens address, Frontier Airlines announced every passenger below the age of 14 would now be seated next to at least one parent free of cost. Conde Nast Traveller documented a similar change with United Airlines, only they wouldnt guarantee a child will be seated with their family. Instead, they would provide clear options for families who want to be seated together.

Esens video comes after several posts went viral on TikTok, in which passengers were praised for their refusal to switch out of their first-class tickets for children who want to sit with their parent. Recently, Dr Sabra (@lifewithdrsabra) unapologetically explained how she stayed put in the seat she paid for, even when a flight agent requested that she change with a child.

Viewers were in agreement that it wasnt Dr Sabras responsibility to ensure the child could sit with their parent, and rather, it was on both the parent and the airline.
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An investigation has been launched into why an Ohio officer allowed his police dog to attack a truck driver who was surrendering with his hands raised, despite State Highway Patrol troopers urging the officer to hold the dog back.

The lengthy pursuit on July 4 and the ensuing attack were captured on a police body camera. Authorities said the chase began on state highway 35, when officers tried to stop a commercial semitruck that was missing a mud flap and had failed to stop for an inspection.

State troopers were called in to help with the chase, authorities said. The driver, Jadarrius Rose, 23, of Memphis, Tennessee, who is Black, initially refused to get out of the truck and later defied directives to get on the ground, according to a Ohio State Highway Patrol incident report.

The suspect failed to stop for marked patrol units with lights and sirens activated, the report said. He eventually got on his knees and raised his hands in the air.

The body cam video shows an officer with the Circleville Police Department holding back the K9, and a trooper can be heard repeatedly yelling, Do not release the dog with his hands up! However, the officer deployed the dog, and it can be seen in the video attacking Rose.

A trooper can be heard yelling repeatedly, Get the dog off of him! and Rose appears to be in pain and yelling Get it off! Please! Please! before the attack ends. Rose was treated at a hospital for dog bites.

Rose was charged with failure to comply. A phone number or other contact information for Rose could not immediately located. It's not clear why he refused to stop for the inspector and police. He told The Columbus Dispatch that he couldnt talk about why he didnt stop but, when asked about the video, told the newspaper Im just glad that it was recorded. What you saw is what, pretty much, happened.

The name of the Circleville officer has not been released, and officials in that department have not said if he'll face any disciplinary action. They also declined to comment on the investigation.
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A man has been found guilty of sexually assaulting and murdering his 16-year-old sister.

Connor Gibson, 20, was convicted of attacking his sister Amber in woodland in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, on November 26 2021, removing her clothes, sexually assaulting with the intention of raping her, inflicting blunt force trauma to her head and body, and strangling her.

Gibson denied the charges against him but was found guilty after a 13-day trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

Judge Lord Mulholland told him: Your sister  the last person she saw was you strangling her. It was depraved and you will pay a heavy price for that.

He told Gibson he faces a mandatory life sentence with the punishment part to be decided after considering the plea in mitigation on his behalf and a criminal justice social work report.

Amber was reported missing on the evening of Friday November 26 and her body was discovered in Cadzow Glen at about 10.10am on November 28.

Gibson was arrested three days later, on December 1, and, the day before his arrest, posted a chilling tribute to the sister he had murdered, writing on Facebook: Amber, you will fly high for the rest of time. We will all miss you. Especially me. I love you ginger midget. GBFN (goodbye for now) X.

The forensic pathologist who carried out the post-mortem examination on Ambers body told the court she was found covered in mud and the cause of death was compression of the neck.

Jurors also heard other forensic evidence that widespread blood staining on Gibsons jacket was compatible with Amber and his DNA was also found on her shorts, worn as underwear, which had been forcibly torn off.

CCTV image of Connor Gibson and his sister Amber walking in Hamilton on November 26 2021 (Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service/PA) (PA Media)

The court heard that Gibson, also known by the surname Niven, did not seem emotional as he spoke to his and Ambers former foster father, Craig Niven, on the day Ambers body was found.

Giving evidence, Mr Niven had said he would not leave the siblings in each others company because they were not a good mix.

Mr Niven and his wife had fostered the siblings since Amber was three and her brother was five. The couple were granted permanent care of the pair a few years later.

At the time of Ambers murder, Connor was living at the Blue Triangle homeless hostel in Hamilton while Amber was at the towns Hillhouse childrens home.

Mr Niven told the court he had not heard from his former foster son during Ambers disappearance but, in a call on the day her body was discovered, Gibson told him the pair had fallen out when they saw each other two days previously.

Jurors also heard from Peter Benson, of Police Scotlands cyber crime group, who examined a phone found where Gibson was living.

How to get nosy police officers to stop monitoring your phone Search on a phone found where Connor Gibson was living

It showed that on November 27 at about 12.34am, the phones user wrote to a Snapchat group with five recipients: Im really going to need you guys help with something when yous come back. Im being serious.

The court saw evidence that about 40 seconds later the user messaged Amber Gibson on the app: Are you ok?

The user then told the group chat at approximately 1.33am: nvm (never mind) its all good.

The search history obtained from the phone also showed the user searched How to get nosy police officers to stop monitoring your phone at 11.38pm.

The crime scene where Amber Gibsons body was discovered after she was reported missing (Lucinda Cameron/PA Wire)

Iain Currie, manager of Hillhouse childrens home, told the court he spoke to Gibson at about 9pm on November 26 after he called to speak with his sister, but noted him appearing sharp on the phone after making no greeting.

Also on trial was Stephen Corrigan, 45, who was found guilty of attempting to defeat the ends of justice and breach of the peace by intimately touching and concealing Ambers body after discovering her at some point in the following two days, instead of contacting the emergency services.

Corrigan, said in court not to be known to Gibson, also denied the charge and had lodged a special defence of alibi.

His father, William Corrigan, 79, told the court his son was at his home in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, that weekend after a fall on ice left his arm in a sling, and denied lying to protect him.

The court heard that Corrigan told police he was at a complete loss to explain why his DNA was found on 39 areas of Ambers body, including her breasts, buttocks and thighs.

Judge Mulholland told Corrigan he had been convicted of horrific crimes.

He said: Coming across a young girl who had been strangled to death, she was naked instead of alerting the authorities you decide  to handle her body all over from head to toe including areas that were intimate  private parts  and your DNA told the story.

He told Corrigan he faces a lengthy sentence.

The judge deferred sentence until September 4 at Livingston High Court for pleas in mitigation and background reports.
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Ministers have failed to consider the greenhouse gas emissions which could result from new licences for oil and gas extraction in the North Sea, campaigners have told the High Court.

Greenpeace has brought a legal challenge after ministers opened a new round of oil and gas licensing for the seabed off the north and east coast of Britain last October.

Greenpeace and Uplift, another campaign group, argue the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has begun the licensing round without considering the greenhouse gas emissions that will result from burning the newly available fuels.

More than 100 bids for exploration and development of the North Sea have been received since the 33rd round of licensing opened.

A hearing in London on Tuesday was also told the Government should have considered alternatives to new fossil fuel licensing.

Ministers have said the new oil and gas licensing round is aimed at bolstering the UKs current energy supply as well as its future security, as the ongoing war in Ukraine sees European nations struggle with high fuel costs.

Overall, in its consideration of oil and gas production in the UK, the Government has sought to ensure that important national concerns such as energy security and economic productivity can be safeguarded Richard Turney, for the Government

Representing Greenpeace in court, James McClelland KC said the areas identified for extraction could result in hundreds of millions of barrels of oil and cubic feet of gas being produced.

He suggested it was feasible for the Government to assess the amount of greenhouse gases that burning these new fuels would release into the atmosphere, but claimed ministers had chosen not to because of an insufficient causal connection.

Mr McClelland added: The refusal to assess end use emissions was irrational and breached applicable regulations.

The use of oil and gas emissions was an integral feature of the plan itself.

Even if it was not, the fact that the use of oil and gas for that purpose, for energy, was the plans clear specific objective means that the use was totally causally connected to the plan, and it was therefore irrational to disconnect those emissions from the likely effect of the plan.

Uplift, meanwhile, argued the Government should have considered end use emissions when it was testing whether new domestic oil and gas would be compatible with the UKs climate goals.

Representing Uplift, Estelle Dehon KC said in a written argument that ministers had failed to assess reasonable alternatives to new homegrown fossil fuels.

The campaigners have asked the judge, Mr Justice Holgate, to declare the Government acted unlawfully in adopting its offshore energy plan and to quash the Governments endorsement of the latest oil and gas licensing round.

They also brought their case against the Oil and Gas Authority, now known as the North Sea Transition Authority, which is responsible for regulating the offshore industry.

The judge was told that end use emissions were not likely a significant effect of the Governments offshore energy plans.

For the Government, Richard Turney added that alternatives to new licensing were unlikely to meet the UKs energy needs.

He said in a written argument: As to the alternative of not proceeding with further licensing, that was found not to meet all of the objectives of the plan/programme, and again end use emissions were not considered.

He added: Overall, in its consideration of oil and gas production in the UK, the Government has sought to ensure that important national concerns such as energy security and economic productivity can be safeguarded and promoted as much as possible consistently with the UKs legal obligations to reduce carbon emissions to Net Zero by 2050.

The striking of that balance was firmly a matter for ministers.

The hearing is due to conclude on Wednesday, with a ruling expected at a later date.
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A former soldier who repeatedly stabbed his wife before travelling to Londons Euston station with multiple self-inflicted wounds has been jailed for life.

Phillip Dafter, 33, killed nurse Diana Dafter, 36, on 7 October 2022 at their home in Lawrence Court, Northampton, following an argument over their car receiving an MOT.

Stabbing her with such force that the blade of the knife broke, Dafter then drove his car to a nearby Asda to purchase a new set of knives before returning home where his wife lay dead.

Phillip Dafter purchased a set of kitchen knives shortly after murdering his wife Diana (Northampton Police)

Judge David Herbert KC said Dafter picked up a knife with murderous intent and stabbed Mrs Dafter five times, with the fatal wound just below her armpit.

After drinking whisky, he stabbed himself several times before driving to Northampton train station and boarding a train to Euston, with the intention of meeting a family member to sort out his affairs.

Once the train arrived, a drunk and bleeding Dafter informed the train conductor that he needed to speak to the police.

He claimed to be evil and a bad man and told British Transport Police officers that he had killed his wife. He was airlifted to hospital with 10 stab wounds to his abdomen while officers from Northamptonshire Police were sent to his home address, where they discovered Mrs Dafters body.

She had been stabbed five times and a post-mortem examination at Leicester Royal Infirmary gave her cause of death as a single stab wound to the heart.

Diana Dafter was stabbed five times in her kitchen after an argument with her husband (Northamptonshire Police)

Before his trial, Dafter gave differing accounts to various professionals about the incident, and claimed that voices in his head had told him to end it.

The court heard that his relationship with his wife had broken down ahead of her death, due to allegations of his infidelity and his ongoing association with a woman in Malawi.

The marriage had experienced difficulties, in part because of mental health issues suffered by Dafter since the death of his mother in 2015, which he claimed his wife had failed to empathise with.

Diana Dafter was last seen alive walking back to the home she shared with her husband (Northamptonshire Police)

He denied murder but admitted to manslaughter, arguing loss of control and diminished responsibility. Jurors however rejected his defence and he was found guilty of her murder.

Dafter has now been jailed for life with a minimum term of 19 years. The judge said the last moments of Dianas life would have been terrifying.

He said: You did nothing to help her or contact the emergency services. You must have watched her die in a pool of her own blood on the kitchen floor.

He told British Transport Police officers that he was a bad man and had killed his wife (Northamptonshire Police)

You said you had a moment of madness. That is the closest you have ever come to telling the truth about what happened.

Jailing Dafter, the judge said the couples marriage had become resentful and argumentative and Diana was justified to believe you were considering leaving her.

He said: You violated the trust and security of your marriage. This was a sustained attack with a knife.

Her last moments would have been terrifying as she did her best to protect herself. I accept you have remorse for what you did to your wife. You have accepted this killing from the outset.

Phillip Dafter, who has been found guilty of murder (Northamptonshire Police/PA)

Paying tribute to Mrs Dafter, the judge said she was a woman with many positive qualities. He added: No sentence will reduce the grief and loss her family will continue to feel.

In a statement, Detective Chief Inspector Adam Pendlebury said: This was an extremely violent and prolonged attack that could not have come about without a very real intention to cause Diana serious harm.

It is important to remember Diana Dafter for who she was. And that is so much more than just Phillip Dafters wife. She was a loving mother, daughter and friend. A student nurse with a real passion for care, hardworking, and someone very easy to get along with.
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A serial sex offender who posed as a model scout for major clothing companies to talk to young children was caught after accidentally filming himself while online.

David Harmes, 27, used a number of guises to draw his victims in, including a scout called Jess, a boy called Jaden or Alex or Jadenthelad to name a few.

Over a period of six months, he targeted nearly 50 children aged between six and 15, with all but one being female. Hermes, of Winsford, Chester, would make contact with his victims after spotting them on YouTube or Instagram and would hide his true identity.

David Harmes was caught on camera while pretending to be a model scout called Jess (Cheshire Constabulary )

He had only been released from his sentence for similar crimes in February 2019, but began re-offending in July. In 2016, he was jailed for coercing young girls into performing sex acts by pretending to be public figures such as Zoe Sugg, a member of the boy band Bars and Melody.

Investigating officer DS Mark Naylor from the Constabularys Major Crime Directorate said: Having received intelligence that Harmes was offending, his laptops, phones and other digital devices were seized in a warrant at his address, and Harmes was returned to prison for breaching his Sex Offender Notification Order on 8 February 2020 preventing him from committing further crimes.

Detectives began piecing together evidence of his reoffending after linking him to distinctive bedding in the images they found on his devices. He was also caught accidentally opening his laptop and filming his face for a few seconds while he was pretending to be a model scout.

Liaising with USA authorities, Hermes was eventually charged and pleaded guilty to 88 sex offences against 39 victims in the UK and six in the USA.

The charges include possessing, making and distributing indecent images, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual communication with a child and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

Harmes pleaded guilty to 88 sex offences against children in the UK and the USA (Cheshire Constabulary)

He has been remanded into custody and is due to appear for sentencing at Chester Crown Court on July 24.

Detective Superintendent Simon Draco said: This has been a complex and meticulous investigation with international based victims that has resulted in the conviction of Harmes and will bring justice for the victims of his offending.

Cheshire Constabulary has an investigation team dedicated to targeting those who sexually abuse and offend against children online and teams across the force work with partners to educate children, parents and carers about online predators, to safeguard children from potential harm.

Were really keen to drum home the message that parents and carers need to know what their children are doing online in order to protect them from predators like Harmes. We all know that we need to teach children not to speak to strangers in the street, but we need to drive home that very same message for the online world too, to prevent people like Harmes taking advantage.
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The head of major crimes at Police Scotland has said time should be spent remembering Amber Gibson rather than the two men convicted.

Ambers brother, Connor Gibson, 20, was found guilty on Tuesday of sexually assaulting and murdering the 16-year-old, whose body was found at Cadzow Glen, Hamilton, on November 28 2021.

Stephen Corrigan, 45, was found to have inappropriately touched and concealed Ambers body after he discovered her, rather than alerting police.

I'd like to actually give them as little thought as possible, to be honest with you Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Livingstone

Speaking to the PA news agency, Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Livingstone said: Id like to actually give them as little thought as possible, to be honest with you.

Theres not any other words that spring to mind that I would describe them (as) other than depraved.

I actually think that time should be spent more remembering Amber.

The senior officer said he hoped the convictions bring some degree of comfort to the people who knew and cared for Amber.

He added: The actions of both Corrigan and Gibson leave them both beneath contempt.

This was a challenging and complex investigation involving a range of specialist officers from within Police Scotland working closely with our partners in forensic services, all of whom I would pay tribute to for their professionalism and dedication whilst carrying out their work.

Asked how this has affected the officers and staff who worked on the probe, Mr Livingstone said: This will have had a profound impact on them but I think its a testament to their professionalism, their commitment, their dedication; theyre unwavering in their duties and what they do.

But, as an organisation, we make sure that we support them.

Weve got a range of support mechanisms we can put in place which, in inquiries like this, we routinely offer and we go back and we make sure our officers, as time goes on, theyre still OK.
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Pilots flying fighter jets in Estonia are very well placed to deal with threats in the Baltic Sea despite the Russian war in Ukraine, an RAF Lossiemouth wing commander has said.

British military personnel have been deployed at the eastern European countrys Amari airbase since March to uphold security in the region as part of Natos Baltic air police mission.

The mission, known as Operation Azotize, began in March 2023 and is the second deployment in the region since Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While it takes place under the backdrop of the war, the air placement was planned prior to the invasion.

The typhoon jets have conducted joint training exercises with the Finnish air force in the Joutsen Strike exercise as part of the mission.

Officer Commanding 1 (Fighter) Squadron Wing Commander John Cockroft, who leads the team in the policing exercises which sees the fighter jets deployed to intercept unauthorised aircraft, said the RAF is vigilant due to aggression from the neighbouring country.

The aircraft, he said, are ready to launch at very short notice once alerted to others that have not notified ahead or followed the correct flight paths.

The RAF Lossiemouth mission has six fighter jets deployed at the Estonian base, with 50 aircrafts intercepted since March.

Speaking at the airbase, he told the PA news agency, Even with the war in Ukraine, we are still maintaining what we have always done here in Estonia, which is to ensure the integrity of the Nato airspace.

Our mission hasnt changed, we just have to make sure there is no miscalculation at any stage.

In October, a Russian aircraft released a missile near an unarmed RAF plane over the Black Sea, which was described as potentially dangerous engagement by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, but it was not deemed to be a deliberate escalation.

The action led to military personnel being on the front foot to prevent any potential aggression.

Commander Cockroft said: For us, all it has done is it has focused our minds. We always had rules of engagement which we follow to the letter.

We are being more vigilant now that we know something has happened that shouldnt have happened.

Were just on the front foot a little bit more to make sure that any further aggression is not left unchecked.

The typhoon is very well-placed to deal with any threats that are put in front of it and it carries a full suite of weaponry to be able to handle any situation.

Flying officer Duffy, who is the detachment security officer at RAF Lossiemouth, also said the war in Ukraine highlighted the importance of protecting the bases infrastructure.

Duffy, who is from Edinburgh, said: I definitely think it has highlighted certain issues that we need to be aware of, typically in protecting our infrastructure, mainly the typhoons, as well as our people to provide them with security while theyre providing operations overseas.
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The UK has added its voice to international concerns about the situation in Israel, amid mass protests against prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus plan to overhaul the countrys judicial system.

A new wave of demonstrations have erupted after the Israeli parliament approved the first major law in the plan, which has proved highly contentious and prompted accusations that the government is drifting towards authoritarian rule.

The Foreign Office on Tuesday urged Israels leadership to build consensus and avoid division.

It comes after the White House, which has repeatedly urged Mr Netanyahu to pause his overhaul plan until he has a broad consensus, expressed regret that the votetook place with the slimmest possible majority.

In Mondays vote, parliamentarians approved a measure that prevents judges from striking down government decisions on the basis they are unreasonable.

The governments critics say removing the standard of reasonability opens the door to corruption and improper appointments of unqualified cronies to important positions.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: As the Prime Minister discussed with prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this year, the UKs strong relationship with Israel has always been underpinned by our shared democratic values.

While Israels exact constitutional arrangements are a matter for Israelis, we urge the Israeli government to build consensus and avoid division, ensuring that a robust system of checks and balances and the independence of Israels judiciary are preserved.

Mr Netanyahu and his allies have also been accused of trying to erode the countrys checks and balances and consolidate power over the third, independent branch of government.

In a televised address on Monday night, Mr Netanyahu rejected such criticism.

Today we did a necessary democratic act, an act that is intended to return a measure of balance between the branches of government, he said.

Mr Netanyahu vowed to seek renewed dialogue with the political opposition and called for national unity.

Let us reach agreements, he said.

I extend my hand in a call for peace and mutual respect between us.
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A record number of families are being forced to live in temporary accommodation, figures show  with experts blaming a shameful lack of social housing.

A special investigation by The Independent earlier this week revealed that a majority of local authorities had failed to build a single council house last year as waiting lists continued to soar.

Now official figures show almost 105,000 households were in temporary accommodation at the end of March this year  a 25-year high. This included more than 131,000 children, the highest level since records for that measure began in 2004.

Campaigners slammed the government for failing to support the building of affordable homes and warned the time for empty words on building social homes had long past.

Matt Downie, chief executive of Crisis, said families were trapped in temporary accommodation due to the crippling cost [of] years of no investment in housing benefit and a shameful lack of social house building.

He added: Not only do people not have the stability and security of a home, but theyre often left to cope in just one room, with no facilities to cook meals or do washing. He said households across the country desperately need more social homes.

Paula Barker, the shadow homelessness minister, said the figures were a shameful indictment of the governments record, which have devastating consequences for thousands of families and children.

Of the 104,510 households in temporary accommodation by the end of March  a high since records began in 1998  64,940 were households with children. Both of these figures are up by about 10 per cent on the same period last year.

Temporary accommodation is offered to homeless households who are waiting for their application for help to be processed and to be offered a settled home.

The latest statistics come just a day after Michael Gove said the government would slash red tape to address the housing crisis and allow shops, takeaways and betting shops to be turned into living spaces. The housing secretary also pledged to spark intensive building in cities and change planning laws to allow more home extensions.

His announcements were mocked in the House of Lords by Labours Baroness Taylor who said: With over a million people on social housing waiting lists, and 7,000 social rented homes built last year, does the minister really think a few flats built over chip shops is going to solve the problem?

There is a huge need for affordable housing, and local authorities  who were traditionally big builders of social housing  have decreased the number of homes they build in recent decades. Analysis of government data by The Independent found that in each of the last five financial years, two-thirds of councils failed to build a single home themselves.

In 2021-22, 207 out of 307 councils that provided data to the government had not built a home in that period. A snap survey of district and borough councils in England carried out by The Independent also found that just over half of local authorities did not build a single home in the whole of 2022.

As the latest figures were released, Polly Neate, chief executive at homelessness charity Shelter, said: The time for empty words on building social homes, and overdue promises on ending no-fault evictions, has long passed.

She added: To end homelessness for good, we need genuinely affordable homes. Michael Gove agrees social homes are essential to solving the housing emergency, so its time for his government to get on and build them.

Riverside, an organisation which describes itself as the largest provider of accommodation for people affected by homelessness, described the figures as very worrying.

The figures, released by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, also show nearly 80,000 households faced homelessness in England between January and March  the highest figure since 2018.

Shelter said a major contributing factor to rising homelessness was the instability of private renting, with the loss of a tenancy now the leading cause.

In the last year, 24,060 households were threatened with homelessness as a result of a Section 21 no-fault eviction, which allows landlords to repossess their properties without having to establish fault on the part of the tenant. This is up 21 per cent compared to the previous 12 months.

The number of households in temporary accommodation has continued to rise (gov.uk)

Meanwhile, rent prices hit a new record in the past week, with property website Rightmove recording that the average rent outside London had risen to 1,231 per month.

The Salvation Army warned that unless the freeze on housing benefits is lifted, more families would lose their homes due to rent rises.

Nick Redmore, the charitys director of homelessness services, said: Todays figures show more people than ever are losing the battle to keep a roof over their heads. Unless housing benefits are urgently raised to cover the cost of rent, the homelessness crisis will only worsen.

(gov.uk)

Between January and March, 1,760 households were made homeless due to rent arrears, compared with 1,390 in the same period a year earlier.

Households needing help from local authorities because they were homeless or threatened with homelessness by March this year rose 5.7 per cent on the same period last year, to 83,240.

Michael Gove has announced new measures to tackle the housing crisis (PA)

Of the 41,950 households assessed as homeless and therefore owed a relief duty  help to secure settled accommodation  by their local authority between January and March this year, 11,250 were households with children  up 12.1 per cent from the same quarter last year.

Of the households in temporary accommodation in the first quarter of the year, 13,780 were living in bed and breakfasts (B&Bs). This is up by more than a third (37.4 per cent) from the same time last year.

The number of households who were rough sleeping when they approached their local authority for help was up by almost a fifth (18.2 per cent) from the first quarter last year, to 3,770 households.

A Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities spokesperson said that the government was improving the availability of social housing.

They added: We are committed to delivering 300,000 new homes per year and investing 11.5bn to build the affordable, quality homes this country needs.

We are determined to prevent homelessness before it occurs. Temporary accommodation ensures no family is without a roof over their head, but we have been clear that the use of B&Bs is always a last resort.
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A student drowned in a pond in Epping Forest but mystery surrounds how he came to be in the water, with an inquest recording an open conclusion.

Richard Okorogheye, 19, was found in Wake Valley Pond in Essex on April 5 2021, two weeks after he went missing from his home in Ladbroke Grove, west London, on the evening of March 22.

Essex area coroner Sean Horstead said he was satisfied on the balance of probabilities that Mr Okorogheye died on March 23 before he was reported missing, based on information including the last activity of his phone.

Computer science student Mr Okorogheye, who was enrolled at Oxford Brookes University, had sickle cell anaemia.

He left the block of flats where he lived at 8.34pm on March 22, 2021 while his mother was on a night shift as a nurse, the hearing in Chelmsford was told.

He took a bus to a shop to buy rum, wine and cigarettes, then visited the address of a female sex worker where he paid 300 for two one-hour sessions.

The woman, who police spoke to, said that Mr Okorogheye did not have full sex but had a massage and was drinking at the premises.

She said the student was in good spirits and said he would call his mother while in a minicab on the way home, the coroner said.

Mr Okorogheye left the address at 11.36pm and took a minicab to Loughton in Essex, where he was dropped near the Victoria Tavern pub.

Driver Mohammed Halas said his passenger appeared well, didnt engage in conversation, just sat in the back of the car listening to something on his earphones, the coroner said.

Mr Halas said the journey took around one hour and he dropped off his fare at 12.29am.

The coroner said: We will sadly never know why he was in Epping and why he walked to that destination.

We will also not know how he found himself in the water.

We are in the realms of speculation.

Its possible he tripped and fell.

The means by which the deceased came to be in the water couldnt be ascertained Essex area coroner Sean Horstead

He continued: What we do know from the evidence is he wasnt a swimmer, didnt like water and encouraged his mother to facilitate him not having to do swimming lessons.

It adds to the mystery of how he found himself on the edge of this small lake and found himself tragically and fatally in the waters.

He said he had no hesitation of coming to the conclusion theres no third-party involvement in this case.

The coroner said it appeared from the evidence that Mr Okorogheye, who was referred to at the inquest as Richard Christian at the request of family members who attended, wasnt particularly enjoying (his university) course and wasnt particularly getting on well with it.

He said there was no evidence to suggest Mr Okorogheye had wanted to take his own life.

Recording an open conclusion, Mr Horstead said Mr Okorogheye died in the early hours of March 23 2021 when he entered Wake Valley Pond and drowned.

The means by which the deceased came to be in the water couldnt be ascertained, he said.

He praised the strength and fortitude of the students mother Evidence Joel and offered his most sincere condolences.

The coroner said he had heard from representatives of the Met Police regarding missing person investigations.

He said there had been lessons to be learned but that steps had already been taken, including reminders to some of those involved of their responsibilities, and he was told of plans for a centralised hub for vulnerable missing person cases, due to be active by the end of 2023.

He indicated that based on what he had heard, he would not be writing a report for the prevention of future deaths.
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The numbers of households and children in temporary accommodation in England are at record highs, according to the latest official homelessness statistics.

Some 104,510 households were in temporary accommodation by the end of March  a 25-year high.

The total number of children in this situation is also at the highest level since records for that measure began in 2004  with 131,370 children living in temporary accommodation as of the end of March this year.

The latest figures, released by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, have been described as very worrying by Riverside, an organisation which describes itself as the largest provider of accommodation for people affected by homelessness.

Homelessness charity Crisis said the statistics show the crippling cost that years of no investment in housing benefit, and a shameful lack of social house building, while Shelter called for the Government to take decisive action, not lip service, before this crisis gets even worse.

Of the 104,510 households in temporary accommodation by the end of March  a high since records began in 1998  64,940 were households with children.

Both of these figures are up by about 10% on the same period last year.

Households needing help from local authorities because they were homeless or threatened with homelessness by March this year rose 5.7% on the same period last year, to 83,240.

Of the 41,950 households assessed as homeless and therefore owed a relief duty  help to secure settled accommodation  by their local authority between January and March this year, 11,250 were households with children  up 12.1% from the same quarter last year.

Of the households in temporary accommodation in the first quarter of the year, 13,780 were living in bed and breakfasts (B&Bs). This is up by more than a third (37.4%) from the same time last year.

The number of households in B&Bs with dependent children rose by 131.2% to 3,930 households by the end of March.

Of these, 1,840 had been living there for more than the statutory limit of six weeks, the Government said.

The Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (England) Order 2003, which came in in 2004, prohibits the use of B&Bs for families except in an emergency and even then for no longer than six weeks.

A Government spokesperson said that while temporary accommodation ensures no family is without a roof over their head, it has been clear that the use of B&Bs is always a last resort.

This up 14.3% from 1,610 in the previous quarter, and has more than doubled from the 670 figure at the end of March 2022.

The number of households who were rough sleeping when they approached their local authority for help was up by almost a fifth (18.2%) from the first quarter last year, to 3,770 households.

The most common reason for households being owed a prevention duty  aimed at preventing a household threatened with homelessness within 56 days from becoming homeless  was that a private rental tenancy had come to an end.

This accounted for 14,530 or 38.3% of households and was up by 2.5% from the same quarter last year.

Giving a breakdown, the department said the most common recorded reasons were that a landlord was selling or re-letting the property (9,180 households), unknown or other reasons (2,320), and rent arrears due to change in personal circumstances (800).

The Westminster Government may have declared victory yesterday on a pledge to build one million homes in this parliament, but these figures highlight how out of touch they are. Matt Downie, Crisis

The latest figures come a day after Housing Secretary Michael Gove expressed his commitment to the Conservative manifesto commitment to build 300,000 homes a year by the mid-2020s  but did not say when it would be reached.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks official spokesman also stated that the Government is on course to meet its target of building one million homes between 2019 and 2024.

But Matt Downie, chief executive at Crisis, said: The Westminster Government may have declared victory yesterday on a pledge to build one million homes in this parliament, but these figures highlight how out of touch they are.

Until the Westminster Government grasps the severity of this situation, we will not see change.

Rick Henderson, chief executive of Homeless Link, the national membership charity for frontline homelessness organisations, said the latest statistics make distressing reading and described the current situation as dire.

Polly Neate, chief executive at Shelter, said: With record numbers of people becoming homeless, the time for empty words on building social homes and overdue promises on ending no fault evictions has long past.

She said genuinely affordable homes are needed and urged the Government to get on and build social homes.

The Salvation Army said there are thousands more people looking down the cliff edge of homelessness for whom time is running out as it called for housing benefits to be urgently raised to cover the cost of rent, warning that otherwise the homelessness crisis will only worsen.

John Glenton, executive director of Riverside Care and Support, said efforts in previous years to tackle homelessness did work and should be renewed, such as more investment in homeless hostels, supported housing and move-on accommodation and a focus on rehabilitation as well as specialist mental health teams for people affected by homelessness.

He added: While some of these services are being offered by some providers now, the implementation of it is patchy and inconsistent, and limited by short-term commissioning.

A Government spokesperson insisted it is determined to prevent homelessness before it occurs and outlined help it has previously given in the sector, including 2 billion over three years to help local authorities tackle homelessness and rough sleeping.
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First Minister Humza Yousaf has called on the UK Government to provide support for power storage as he visited the site of a potential new 500 million plant.

Energy firm Drax has been given permission to develop the new underground pumped storage hydro plant at Cruachan, Argyll and Bute  the site of a similar facility owned by the company  by the Scottish Government.

Bosses say the new centre would bring the sites generation capacity to more than one gigawatt and support 1,000 jobs across the supply chain.

Both Drax and the Scottish Government have called on the UK to introduce a cap and floor regime for such power stations, ensuring a minimum level of guaranteed revenue and thus certainty for projects to go ahead.

The firm, however, has said it will not begin development at Cruachan until a regulatory framework is put in place to support it.

Drax Group CEO Will Gardiner said: This is a major milestone in Draxs plans to build Britains first new pumped storage hydro plant in a generation.

These plants play a critical role in stabilising the electricity system, helping to balance supply and demand through storing excess power from the national grid.

When Scotlands wind turbines are generating more power than we need, Cruachan steps in to store the renewable electricity so it doesnt go to waste.

With the right support from the UK Government, Drax will invest c.500 million to more than double Cruachans generating capacity and support almost 1,000 jobs across the supply chain during construction.

Mr Yousaf said: Hydro power has real potential to play a greater role in our transition to net zero and to help ensure a resilient and secure electricity supply across the UK.

The expansion of Cruachan will help to strengthen our energy security by providing much-needed resilience in the system, supporting hundreds of jobs and providing a real boost to the Scottish economy.

However, we know that there remain a number of challenges in developing new hydro power projects in Scotland.

The Scottish Government will continue to urge the UK Government to provide an appropriate market mechanism for hydro power and other long duration energy storage technologies, to ensure that the potential for hydro power is fully realised.

The First Minister in May wrote to Rishi Sunak urging him to introduce a cap and floor mechanism for similar projects.
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Pupils in small towns in England have better educational attainment on average than their peers in larger towns and cities, an analysis has suggested.

Students from cities outside London  except from Brighton and Hove  do less well than pupils from towns of all sizes across England, according to research by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The analysis, which looks at the educational attainment of pupils who sat their GCSEs in the 2012 to 2013 school year, said differences in incomes are part of the reason why young people in smaller towns secured better outcomes.

Smaller towns in England have a higher average attainment score partly because a larger share of these towns have low levels of income deprivation, the research suggested.

The ONS used a score that summarises the educational attainment of young people at different points throughout their education to compare towns.

One reason for this may be the link between levels of deprivation and educational attainment as there tends to be more deprivation in larger towns and cities than in small towns Richard Prothero, ONS statistician

A score of 0 was the average score of all areas, while negative scores reflected poorer than average performance and positive scores reflected better than average attainment.

The ONS analysis, which uses Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) data collected by the Department for Education (DfE), concluded that small towns had an average score of 0.4 and large towns had an average score of -0.9.

While smaller towns had a better average score, they also saw the widest range in scores, the research found.

Thurnscoe in South Yorkshire had a score of -10, while Chorleywood in Hertfordshire had a score of 9.4.

Just 36% of pupils in Thurnscoe achieved five A* to C grade GCSEs including English and Maths in the school year of 2012 to 2013, while 87% did in Chorleywood, the analysis suggested.

Among the top 10% of towns in England with the highest educational attainment scores, none had high levels of income deprivation, the ONS said.

The ONS looked at the cohort of students who sat their GCSEs in the 2012 to 2013 school year as they are the most recent pupils for whom data exists on their progress after school, up to age 22 years.

Richard Prothero, the lead statistician for the ONS analysis, said: Its the first time ONS has looked at young peoples educational attainment by the size of town in which they went to school.

Those in smaller towns generally did better than those in larger towns, while those in cities, other than London and Brighton and Hove, typically had lower attainment than those in towns.

One reason for this may be the link between levels of deprivation and educational attainment as there tends to be more deprivation in larger towns and cities than in small towns.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: This analysis demonstrates how closely aligned educational outcomes are to levels of deprivation.

Raising attainment is therefore dependent not only on ensuring that schools in areas of high deprivation are well supported and resourced, but also on wider efforts to tackle poverty and improve local economies.

Northwood in the London borough of Hillingdon is the small town with the highest educational attainment score recorded by the ONS (11.9), followed by East Horsley in Surrey and Olney in Buckinghamshire (both 10.8), then Burley-in-Wharfedale in West Yorkshire (9.9).

For medium-sized towns, Harpenden in Hertfordshire had the highest score (11.0), followed by Gerrards Cross in Buckinghamshire (10.0) and West Bridgford in Nottinghamshire (8.6).

In the ONS large towns category, Sutton Coldfield topped the list (6.4), followed by Solihull (6.1) and St Albans (5.8).

Brighton and Hove is the only city with a positive attainment score (0.7), the ONS analysis suggested.

Along with Thurnscoe, the small towns with the lowest scores are Sheerness in Kent (-9.8), Newbiggin-by-the-Sea in Northumberland (-9.6) and New Ollerton in Nottinghamshire (-9.4).

Among medium-sized towns, Great Yarmouth in Norfolk had the lowest score (-7.6), below Havant in Hampshire (-7.1) and Ryde on the Isle of Wight (-6.7).

Basildon is at the bottom of the list for large towns (-5.4), just below Burnley (-4.7) and Hastings (-4.5).

Nottingham and Portsmouth are the cities with the lowest score (-4.5).

A Department for Education spokesperson said: We are determined to improve the quality of education for all children wherever they live, and we have driven up standards for pupils since the cohort in this study sat their GCSEs in the 2012/13 academic school year.

We have identified 55 Education Investment Areas with the weakest educational outcomes where we are making additional investment to boost improvements, including 86 million to support academy trusts to develop their capacity to take on underperforming schools.

We also support the most disadvantaged and vulnerable pupils through pupil premium funding, which is increasing to more than 2.9 billion in 2023/24  the highest cash terms rate since this funding began.
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The government has scrapped rules banning expert speakers who are critical of Tory policies from its official events.

The U-turn was sparked by a legal challenge from chemical weapons expert Dan Kaszeta who was barred from a Ministry of Defence-run event over earlier social media posts criticising government policy, prompting outrage over the alleged blacklisting of academics.

In a letter to his legal team, the government now says it has withdrawn two sets of guidance on its vetting scheme for events dating from 2021 and 2022 pending an official review.

Mr Kaszeta hailed a substantive victory but vowed to continue pushing for officials to reveal the full impact of the rules.

We do not know how many people were affected or how much valuable advice has been denied to government audiences, he said.

Clearly, there are people who deserve an apology that is as thorough as the one I received.

Mr Kaszeta, an author and associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, launched the case after his invitation to speak at Mays International Chemical Weapons Demilitarisation Conference was withdrawn weeks before he was due to appear.

He was told he had been disinvited because civil servants found social media posts criticising government policy, meaning that under the withdrawn guidance he could not speak at the event.

The former US Secret Service employee and White House chemical weapons expert is among several specialists and academics barred from government conferences under the vetting scheme.

A letter to Mr Kaszetas lawyers from the Government Legal Department (GLD) said 2022 guidance on learning and events in the Cabinet Office and 2021 rules on Due Diligence and Impartiality  Supporting and Protecting Our Diversity Networks had been withdrawn.

Mr Kaszeta was told he had been disinvited from the conference under both sets of guidance, because checks on his social media had identified material that criticised government officials or policy.

Mr Kaszeta was due to speak at a conference organised by the government's weapons research defence centre (Getty)

The 2021 document stated that taxpayers money should not be used for speakers linked to abhorrent organisations, who promote hate or discriminatory beliefs or cause embarrassment to our civil service or our country. The later guidance was never officially published.

A pre-action letter sent by Mr Kaszetas lawyers to the Cabinet Office argued that the guidance and its application was unlawful, irrational, and violated requirements under the civil service code not to unjustifiably favour or discriminate against particular individuals or interests.

It claimed the policy amounted to direct discrimination on grounds of belief, contrary to the Equality Act, and broke Human Rights Act provisions on the freedoms of thought and expression.

Government lawyers said Cabinet Office minister Jeremy Quinn does not believe the guidance was unlawful, and believed it had been rightly developed to protect the impartiality of the civil service.

Having carefully considered the position, the minister is concerned that the guidance may cause some confusion and be applied inaccurately, the GLD letter added.

The minister has therefore decided to withdraw the guidance whilst the review is carried out. The intention is that new guidance will be issued in the autumn.

Mr Kaszeta is now pushing for disclosure of due diligence guidance adopted by either other government departments, including the Home Office, Ministry of Justice and Department for Health.

Cabinet Office minister Jeremy Quinn denied the guidance was unlawful but said it could cause confusion (UK Parliament)

His legal team said it was concerned that unpublished rules may be causing civil servants to carry out informal checks on external speakers without any legal basis.

Leigh Day partner Tessa Gregory added: The withdrawal of both sets of due diligence guidance by the Cabinet Office is complete vindication for our client who was unlawfully vetted by an arms-length body sponsored by the Ministry of Defence.

However, we remain concerned that similar unpublished policies are being applied across government, and that there are widespread informal and formal practices emerging of officials vetting individuals for previous criticism of the government.

A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: The government is committed to protecting free speech whilst maintaining civil service impartiality. We are reviewing the guidance and have temporarily withdrawn it to prevent any misinterpretation of the rules.
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Michael Gove is going to Evia in a week despite Greek authorities evacuating parts of the island.

The housing secretary is visiting the island, off the eastern coast of mainland Greece, after it became caught up in the nightmare wildfires engulfing the country.

Mr Gove told Sky News: I am planning to go to Greece in just over a weeks time. He added that he was visiting Evia.

Asked whether he was worried about the raging fires, Mr Gove said: No, I am not.

I want to make sure that as a government that we do everything possible to support Greece and indeed our tourists.

Thousands of people have been evacuated from towns and villages across Greece after wildfires ravaged the country.

Videos of roaring fires and towering black smoke have circulated online from Rhodes and Corfu. However, wildfires have erupted across several areas including Evia and the Peloponnese region.

Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has said we are at war and completely focused on the fires as wildfires continue to burn down parts of Rhodes.

Over the coming days and weeks, we must remain on constant alert, the prime minister said during a debate in parliament.

The climate crisis is already here.

Mr Gove denied reports that travel firms are acting irresponsibly by flying evacuation flights from Greece to the UK with empty seats.

It is a tragedy that these fires have ruined what should be the happiest and most enjoyable time of the year for many, he said.

But he added: It is also the case that the criticism directed at individual firms isn't necessarily merited.

I think it's absolutely right that individuals should be able to go to Greece to enjoy their holidays, Mr Gove said.
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Senior Labour figures have accused Rishi Sunak of a "desperate and pathetic" attack after he claimed the party was on the same side as criminal gangs trafficking people to the UK.

Shadow frontbencher Jim McMahon hit out at the prime minister, accusing him of getting in the gutter.

The furious row erupted just days after sources made clear Mr Sunak intended to launch a more aggressive political campaign around issues like immigration, on which the Conservatives see Labour as weak.

The new strategy comes after last weeks disastrous by-election losses led to warnings the prime minister is "doomed to lose power" if he does not change course.

But the row over the prime ministers language risks echoing the outcry over Labours attack ads which claimed the PM does not think child sex abusers should go to prison, and which also led to accusations of gutter politics.

In a tweet, Mr Sunak said: "The Labour Party, a subset of lawyers, criminal gangs - they're all on the same side, propping up a system of exploitation that profits from getting people to the UK illegally. I have a plan to stop it."

He was supported by the energy security secretary Grant Shapps, who tweeted: "Labour seem to want criminal gangs and deceptive lawyers to decide who comes to the UK - that's why they tried to block every vote on stopping the boats."

Hitting back Mr McMahon said: "When all else is lost, the only place you have is the gutter.

He added: "Poor yes. Desperate and pathetic from Sunak too."

Labour MP Chris Bryant, who chairs the Commons standards committee, also condemned the Prime Minister's language. "In his desperation he has plumbed a new depth," he said.

Mr Sunaks tweet followed a story in the Daily Mail which alleged that a number of solicitors had offered to help an undercover reporter posing as an economic migrant submit a fake application, in return for thousands of pounds.
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Rishi Sunak said he was appalled by Russian strikes on Odesa, as he stressed UK efforts to restore the Black Sea Grain Initiative ended by Moscow in a phone call with the Ukrainian President.

The deal, brokered by Turkey and the United Nations, was broken off earlier this month by Russia in a move that sparked fresh concerns about global food security as the war drags on.

In recent days Russia has also fired dozens of missiles and drones at the Odesa region, a key Ukrainian hub for exporting grain.

In a phone call on Tuesday, the Prime Minister told Volodymyr Zelensky that the UK was working with Turkey to revive the initiative and was continuing to monitor the situation.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said: The leaders discussed recent developments on the battlefield and the continued progress by Ukrainian forces despite the challenging conditions. The Prime Minister added that he was appalled by the devastation caused by recent Russian attacks on Odesa.

Discussing the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the leaders agreed on the importance of ensuring grain was able to be exported from Ukraine to reach international markets.

The Prime Minister said the UK was working closely with Turkey on restoring the grain deal, and we would continue to use our role as chair of the UN Security Council to further condemn Russias behaviour.

According to a read-out released by Downing Street, Mr Sunak said that Russia was increasingly looking to target merchant vessels in the Black Sea area and the UK was carefully monitoring the situation alongside our partners.

Mr Zelensky said that the pair spoke about Russias daily attempts to destroy Odesas historic centre and port infrastructure.

We must defend Odesa. Ukraine urgently needs to strengthen its air defence to protect its historical heritage and continue the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been accused of using desperate and pathetic language, after he took aim at lawyers and accused Labour of siding with criminal gangs for opposing the Governments crackdown on illegal migration.

It comes after the Daily Mail alleged that multiple solicitors had agreed to help an undercover reporter posing as an economic migrant to submit a phoney application in exchange for thousands of pounds.

Lawyers are forbidden from misleading courts and they can be struck off by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) for dishonesty or a lack of integrity.

Mr Sunak said: This is what were up against.

When all else is lost, the only place you have is the gutter Labour frontbencher Jim McMahon

The Labour Party, a subset of lawyers, criminal gangs  theyre all on the same side, propping up a system of exploitation that profits from getting people to the UK illegally.

I have a plan to stop it.

Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps tweeted: Labour seem to want criminal gangs & deceptive lawyers to decide who comes to the UK  thats why they tried to block every vote on stopping the boats.

The comments prompted criticism from Labour figures, while the Bar Council also accused Mr Sunak of damaging rhetoric.

Sam Townend KC, vice chair of the Bar Council, said: Lawyers are not beyond reproach, and all professions have individuals who commit misconduct and are dishonest.

This damaging rhetoric undermines the rule of law, trust in lawyers and confidence in the UK legal system and is to be deplored Sam Townend KC, Bar Council

Regulators are there to discipline them.

The comments by the Prime Minister, however, are clearly an attempt to play politics with the legal profession.

This damaging rhetoric undermines the rule of law, trust in lawyers and confidence in the UK legal system and is to be deplored.

Shadow attorney general Emily Thornberry accused Mr Sunak of demeaning the role of Prime Minister.

She said: Usually, I try and maintain some sense of respect for the office of the Prime Minister, but its just impossible when the man doing the job is willing to demean it like this.

What a desperate attempt to deflect from his own dismal failures. Utterly pathetic.

Labour frontbencher Jim McMahon, the shadow secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, wrote: When all else is lost, the only place you have is the gutter.

Poor yes. Desperate and pathetic from Sunak too.

Labour MP Chris Bryant, who chairs the Commons Standards Committee, condemned the Prime Ministers language.

In his desperation he has plumbed a new depth, he said.

My political opponents arent enemies, or enemies of the people or a criminal gang. He debases his office and forgets act as PM of the United Kingdom not seek to sow division.

The Prime Ministers comments, made on Twitter, received support from some Tory MPs.

Backbencher Brendan Clarke-Smith said the comments hits the nail on the head.

Earlier this year Labour was criticised for an attack on the Prime Minister after it ran an advert accusing him of not wanting to see child sex abusers jailed.
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Russia could target civilian ships in the Black Sea in a bid to destroy Ukraines exports following the collapse of a crucial grain deal, the Government has warned.

It comes as Rishi Sunak said he was appalled by Russian strikes on Odesa in a call with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as he stressed UK efforts to restore the Black Sea Grain Initiative ended by Moscow.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly warned: The UK believes that Russia may escalate its campaign to destroy Ukraines food exports by targeting civilian ships in the Black Sea.

He said that the Government would raise this unconscionable behaviour at the UN Security Council.

Russia should stop holding global food supplies hostage and return to the deal, Mr Cleverly said.

The deal, brokered by Turkey and the United Nations, was broken off earlier this month by Russia in a move that sparked fresh concerns about global food security as the war drags on.

In recent days Russia has also fired dozens of missiles and drones at the Odesa region, a key Ukrainian hub for exporting grain.

In a phone call on Tuesday, the Prime Minister told Mr Zelensky that the UK was working with Turkey to revive the initiative and was continuing to monitor the situation.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said: The leaders discussed recent developments on the battlefield and the continued progress by Ukrainian forces despite the challenging conditions.

The Prime Minister added that he was appalled by the devastation caused by recent Russian attacks on Odesa.

Discussing the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the leaders agreed on the importance of ensuring grain was able to be exported from Ukraine to reach international markets.

The Prime Minister said the UK was working closely with Turkey on restoring the grain deal, and we would continue to use our role as chair of the UN Security Council to further condemn Russias behaviour.

According to a read-out released by Downing Street, Mr Sunak said that Russia was increasingly looking to target merchant vessels in the Black Sea area and the UK was carefully monitoring the situation alongside our partners.

Mr Zelensky said that the pair spoke about Russias daily attempts to destroy Odesas historic centre and port infrastructure.

We must defend Odesa. Ukraine urgently needs to strengthen its air defence to protect its historical heritage and continue the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
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Watch as Dario Amodei, CEO of artificial intelligence startup Anthropic, testifies at a US Senate hearing on AI as lawmakers consider potential regulations for the fast-growing technology on Tuesday, 25 July.

The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law is holding a hearing titled Oversight of AI: Principles for Regulation.

Witnesses will also include Stuart Russell, professor of computer science at The University of California, Berkley, and Yoshua Bengio, founder and scientific director of Mila - Quebec AI Institute and professor in the Department of Computer Science and Operations Research at Universite de Montreal.

Ahead of the hearing, Democratic senator Richard Blumenthal said: Its our obligation to address AIs potential threats and risks before they become real.

We are on the verge of a new era, with major consequences for workers, consumer privacy, and our society.

The hearing comes after Joe Biden met with the CEOs of top AI companies, including Amodei, back in May to make clear they must ensure products are safe before they are deployed.
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The former chair of the Arkansas State Medical Board is being sued by at least 25 former patients who claim they were held against their will in his psychiatric unit, and is further facing allegations of Medicare fraud from the state's attorney general's office.

Dr Brian Hyatt, one of the state's top physicians, is at the centre of the lawsuit. Former patients claim the doctor kept them locked up after they sought treatment for mental health problems, and proceeded to charge them the highest amount possible upon their eventual release.

No charges have been brought against the doctor. His attorney insists the allegations are an orchestrated smear campaign against the physician, while the Arkansas Attorney General's office believes he may have been running a Medicare fraud plot.

Here's what we know about the alleged imprisonment and fraud scheme.

Imprisonment

At least 25 of Dr Hyatt's former patients claim in a lawsuit that after seeking treatment for mental health issues they were held in medical facilities against their will.

One former patient, William VanWhy, told NBC News he checked himself into Northwest Medical Centre in Arkansas last year after feeling emotionally overwhelmed.

He remained in the facility for four days despite wanting to leave, and told the outlet "I was not receiving any medical care at all."

While mental health patients in Arkansas can be held against their will for up to 72 hours if they are considered a danger to themselves or others, doctors must obtain a court order and judge's consent to hold a patient any longer.

There was no petition filed in Mr VanWhy's case.

With the help of his partner and a lawyer, Mr VanWhy was eventually released. On the way out of the facility, a nurse commented that they were "glad he's getting out," before asking the trio not to "repeat that." The comment was captured on the body camera footage of a deputy who had been dispatched to execute a court order demanding Mr VanWhy's release.

Mr VanWhy told the deputy that he saved his life.

It was the second time in as many months that a sheriff's deputy was required to execute an order forcing Dr Hyatt to release a patient.

While Mr VanWhy was held for only four days, some former patients claim they were kept for weeks.

What possible reason could a doctor have for holding patients against their will?

William VanWhy, a former patient of Dr Brian Hyatt, who says he was held against his will at an Arkansas psychiatric facility (screengrab/CBS5)

Medicare Fraud

Aaron Cash, a lawyer representing Mr VanWhy and other former patients of Mr Hyatt, said he has an idea.

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, he told NBC News.

Once the patients were allowed to leave, Dr Hyatt allegedly billed Medicaid "at the highest severity code on every patient," according to a search warrant affidavit obtained from the Arkansas Attorney General's office.

The Arkansas attorney general, Tim Griffin, has accused the doctor of running an insurance scam.

Hospital at centre of abuse scandal to close with immediate effect

The investigation ultimately led to Dr Hyatt's resignation from the state board, though he insisted his leaving was not an admission of guilt.

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 at the time of his resignation. I will continue to defend myself in the proper forum against the false allegations being made against me.

Northwest Medical Centre in Springdale terminated his contract in May 2022, shortly after his resignation.

The hospital eventually agreed to settle with the attorney general's office to the tune of $1.1m after it failed to provide sufficient evidence that 246 patients held in Mr Hyatt's unit were justified.

The hospital denied any wrongdoing and insisted its personnel were in compliance with the law.

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, a spokesperson for the hospital said in a statement.

Dr Hyatt has maintained his innocence.

Dr. Hyatt continues to maintain his innocence and denies the allegations made against him, Dr Hyatt's attorney said in a statement to Arkansas Business last month. 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.

The Independent has reached out for comment.

Between January 2019 and June 2022, Medicare payouts to the facility exceeded $800,000. The state attorney general's office said in an affidavit that the "claims are so high they skew the averages on certain codes for the entire Medicaid program in Arkansas," calling Dr Hyatt's billing practices "a clear outlier."

The affidavit says that 99.5 per cent of Dr Hyatt's Medicaid claims were made at the most expensive code. Typically patients arrive and are billed at the highest code as they are often dealing with serious issues when they first arrive. However, as they continue their stay those codes typically decline in cost as their conditions improve before release.

Exacerbating the claims of imprisonment and exorbitant billing are former patients' allegations that they did not even receive treatment during their time in the hospital.

Lack of care

Dr Hyatt became the medical director of Northwest Medical Centre's behavioural health unit in January 2018. Shortly after, the facility's beds expanded from 25 to 75, and there was a sharp increase in Medicaid and Medicare claims, as well as private insurance claims, according to the state attorney general's office.

At the same time he was acting as medical director Dr Hyatt was also running his own private practice, Pinnacle Premiere Psychiatry in nearby Rogers, Arkansas.

In his insurance claims Dr Hyatt said he conducted daily, in-person evaluations with his patients at the hospital.

However, a former hospital staffer spoke out in April 2022, telling state investigators that the doctor was only at the facility "a few minutes each day" and that he had "no contact with patients."

That claim prompted investigators to review 45 days worth of surveillance footage from the hospital. They found that Dr Hyatt only entered a patient's room or interacted with them 17 times, for less than 10 minutes in total.

Dr. Hyatt never had even a single conversation with the vast majority of patients under his care, the AG's office said in an affidavit.

Shannon Williams, a travelling nurse who claims she was held against her will in Dr Hyatts psychiatric facility (screengrab/NBC News)

Shannon Williams, 52, told NBC News that she was held at the facility for five days and given a sedative against her will. She sought treatment in February 2021 after learning her brother had died of Covid-19 while overseas. Being a nurse who worked in a Covid unit herself, the news pushed her to a breaking point, and she sought help.

She was eventually transferred to Dr Hyatt's unit, where she says she felt as though she were "in a prison" and said she was "terrified." Ms Williams noted that she never saw the doctor's face.

All I saw of Dr. Hyatt was the back of his head in the hallway. I never even saw his face," she told the broadcaster.

Dr Hyatt's legal team has maintained that he "did not mistreat patients" and that he "followed the guidelines" of Medicaid billing "as he understands them," according to the New York Post.

Medicaid billing is a complicated, and not always consistently administered, system that does not make it easy for providers, the attorneys said.
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A mother in Alabama whose daughter was murdered has spoken out against Carlee Russell, saying her fake kidnapping story was disrespectful to parents who have lost a child.

Shea Wardrup Pilkington-Wiley posted on Facebook last Wednesday describing how Ms Russells case brought back the same sickening feelings she felt when her daughter, Madison Pilkington, was murdered.

The unanswered calls that kept going to voicemail. The unanswered texts. The sickening feelings we all felt. Remembering shattering like glass and our souls being ripped from our bodies. She dredged it all up to the surface, Ms Pilkington-Wiley wrote.

To find it was all a hoax well Im freaking angry! she added. Im angry for every parent out there that has lost a child.

When Ms Russell was first declared missing on 13 July, members of the community joined forces with the Russell family and law enforcement to search for the missing 25-year-old.

That included Angela Harris, a mother whose daughter, Aniah Blanchard, was murdered.

Like Ms Pilkington-Wiley, Ms Harris understood the horrifying feeling that parents who lose a child experience and extended her help to the Russell family.

However, after Ms Russell returned home on 15 July, police said they were unable to verify many of Ms Russells claims that she was kidnapped after pulling her car over to help a toddler who was apparently walking alone alongside the interstate.

On Monday, Alabama police said Ms Russells lawyer admitted the abduction never happened.

After much speculation about the veracity of her claims, Hoover Police Department Chief Nicholas Derzis confirmed on Monday that Ms Russell has admitted to lying about her supposed abduction in a statement she provided through her attorney.

There was no kidnapping on Thursday, July 13. My client did not see a baby on the side of the road, the statement read, according to Chief Derzis, who read it at a news conference. My client apologizes for her actions to this community, the volunteers who were searching for her, to the Hoover Police Department and other agencies as well, as to her friends and family.

Ms Pilkington-Wiley said she felt that Ms Russell disrespected every parent that has lost a child and told WVTM 13 News that she believes Ms Russell should admit to her wrongdoing.

She needs to admit to what she did, Ms Pilkington-Wiley said.

She added: Her actions with her being safe the entire event is disrespectful to all of the boys and the girls, the adults, children that have gone missing.

Since authorities came out with the bombshell revelations, Ms Russell and her family have remained out of the public eye.
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Authorities in Alabama have revealed that Carlee Russells story about being kidnapped on the side of a highway after stopping to check on a toddler was a hoax.

Ms Russells disappearance baffled police in Hoover after the 25-year-olds car was found in the stretch of a highway following a 911 call she made reporting a stranded toddler. She inexplicably reappeared at her parents home 49 hours later, claiming she was kidnapped by a man with orange hair and was forced to undress and pose for photographs.

After much speculation about the veracity of her claims, Hoover Police Department Chief Nicholas Derzis confirmed on Monday that Ms Russell has admitted to lying about her supposed abduction in a statement she provided through her attorney.

There was no kidnapping on Thursday, July 13. My client did not see a baby on the side of the road, the statement read, according to Chief Derzis, who read it at a news conference. My client apologizes for her actions to this community, the volunteers who were searching for her, to the Hoover Police Department and other agencies as well, as to her friends and family.

Police announced the development five days after casting doubt on Ms Russells story last week. Investigators had found that Ms Russells online searches prior to going missing included the 2008 film Taken, Amber alerts, and how to take money from a register without being caught.

Ms Russell asked the public for forgiveness and prayers as she continues to address her issues. Chief Derzis said it is possible that Ms Russell could face charges amid an investigation into where she was during the 49 hours that she claimed to be missing.

The statement read by Chief Derzis also read: My client did not see a baby on the side of the road. My client did not leave the Hoover area when she was identified as a missing person. My client did not have any help in this incident, but this was a single act done by herself.

Ms Russells attorney Emory Anthony said that her client was not at any motels in the area, as it had been reported on social media, but did not elaborate on Ms Russells whereabouts while the community desperately searched for her.

This was an elaborate deal. When you talk about calling 911, Chief Derzis said. The sad thing is there were so many people involved and took this thing very, very seriously and, again, we wanted the focus to be to bring her home and she got home ... It is what it is. We know that it was a hoax.

Carlee Russells disappearance baffled police in Hoover after the 25-year-olds car was found in the stretch of a highway following a 911 call she made reporting a stranded toddler (Hoover Police Department)

The police department will meet with Ms Anthony in the following days to discuss the next steps in the investigation. Mr Derzis said he has reached out to the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office about possible criminal charges and expects Ms Anthony to set up an interview between Ms Russell and investigators.

Mr Derzis did not provide the cost of the frantic search launched following Ms Russells fabricated abduction.

We dont have a dollar figure yet but were certainly working on getting one and not only ours, but the other agencies that gave us a lot of support, he said on Monday. We still dont know what happened during those 49 hours, where she was, did she have any help.

Hoover Police Department Chief Nicholas Derzis confirmed on Monday that Ms Russell has admitted to lying about her supposed abduction in a statement (WVTM)

The circumstances in which the alleged kidnapping unfolded initially prompted speculation that a new ruse involving children was being used by kidnappers to lure in victims, despite law enforcements reiterated efforts to communicate that there was no evidence of such a threat

During an interview with police after she turned up at her parents home on 15 July, Ms Russell alleged that she got out of her vehicle when she saw a barefoot toddler walking in a field next to the highway. A man with orange hair and a bald spot then came out of the trees and abducted her, she claimed.

Ms Russell told police that she heard a woman and a baby inside the trailer of an 18-wheeler semi, before making a brief escape. She said she was then recaptured and taken to a house, where her alleged captors forced her to take pictures while naked.

She allegedly escaped for a second time while she was being forced inside a car and fled to the woods and finally turned up at her parents home.

The Secret Service analysed her phone and computers, and found internet searches that are very relevant to this case, Mr Derzis said. On July 11, Ms Russell searched: Do you have to pay for amber alert or search.
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Bryan Kohberger has hinted that he has evidence placing him in another location at the time of the University of Idaho murders  but has stopped short of revealing where as the deadline for him to submit an alibi to the court passed.

In a filing in Latah County Court on Monday, attorneys for the 28-year-old criminology PhD student suggested that he has an alibi for the night of 13 November which may come to light at trial.

Mr. Kohbergers defense team continues investigating and preparing his case, the documents state.

Evidence corroborating Mr. Kohberger being at a location other than the King Road address will be disclosed pursuant to discovery and evidentiary rules as well as statutory requirements.

It is anticipated this evidence may be offered by way of cross-examination of witnesses produced by the State as well as calling expert witnesses.

His attorney added that he has a Constitutional right to silence as well as to testify on his own behalf.

The defences court filing came just ahead of the deadline for the accused mass killer to offer an alibi in the case that sent shockwaves across America.

Under Idaho law, defendants have 10 days to provide a written statement about where they claim to have been at the time of the alleged crime and offering information about any witnesses who can support their claim.

On 23 May  one day after he was arraigned on four murder charges  Latah County Prosecutors Office put in a demand for Mr Kohbergers notice of alibi.

Back then, Mr Kohbergers legal team asked Judge John Judge for an extension to this deadline, saying that they needed more time due to the wealth of evidence in the high-profile case.

The judge extended the deadline to 24 July.

While his alleged alibi remains under wraps for now, Mr Kohbergers defence has sought to undermine the evidence against the accused killer, claiming that the DNA evidence tying him to the brutal murders may have been planted at the crime scene.

Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom during a hearing at the Latah County Courthouse (Getty)

In a recent filing in Latah County Court, he suggested that police officers could have somehow placed his DNA on the knife sheath which was left behind by the killer at the college rental home in Moscow, Idaho.

The States argument asks this Court and Mr Kohberger to assume  is that the DNA on the sheath was placed there by Mr Kohberger, and not someone else during an investigation that spans hundreds of members of law enforcement and apparently at least one lab the State refuses to name, Mr Kohbergers attorneys wrote.

Prosecutors fired back at the suggestion that the evidence was rigged, writing in a filing that the State is at a loss as to how that theory supports a claim that the lGG information is material to the preparation of his defense.

Mr Kohberger was tied to the 13 November murders of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin through a knife sheath left at the scene.

The sheath  for a military or Ka-Bar style knife  was found partly under Mogens body after she and Goncalves were found stabbed multiple times on Mogens bed on the third floor of the home.

DNA on the button clasp of the sheath was then found to match that of the 28-year-old accused killer.

Mr Kohbergers attorneys have sought to cast doubts on the strength of this DNA evidence, in particular the use of genetic genealogy.

According to the affidavit in the case, the FBI used genetic genealogy databases to try to identify the DNA source.

Trash was then collected from the suspects parents home in the Poconos Mountains and a familial match  from Mr Kohbergers father  was made to the sheath, according to the criminal affidavit.

Following Mr Kohbergers arrest on 30 December, DNA samples were then taken directly from the suspect and came back as a statistical match, say prosecutors.

The home on King Road, Moscow, where the four students were killed (AP)

Mr Kohberger faces the death penalty if convicted of the murders of Goncalves, 21, Mogen, 21, Kernodle, 20, and Chapin, 20.

He is scheduled to stand trial on 2 October after being indicted by a grand jury on four counts of first-degree murder and one burglary charge.

Mr Kohberger is accused of breaking into an off-campus student home on King Road in the early hours of 13 November and stabbing the four students to death with a large, military-style knife.

Two other female roommates lived with the three women at the property and were home at the time of the massacre but survived.

One of the survivors  Dylan Mortensen  came face to face with the masked killer, dressed in head-to-toe black and with bushy eyebrows, as he left the home in the aftermath of the murders, according to the criminal affidavit.

For more than six weeks, the college town of Moscow was plunged into fear as the accused killer remained at large with no arrests made and no suspects named.

Then, on 30 December, law enforcement suddenly swooped on Mr Kohbergers family home in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania and arrested him for the quadruple murders.

The motive remains unknown and it is still unclear what connection the WSU PhD student had to the University of Idaho students  if any  prior to the murders.

However, the affidavit, released in January, revealed that Mr Kohberger was tied to the killings through his DNA on the knife sheath, surveillance footage showing his white Hyundai Elantra close to the crime scene and cellphone activity.

The murder weapon  a fixed-blade knife  has still never been found.

Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, took this photo together hours before they died (Instagram/Kaylee Goncalves)

As a criminal justice PhD student at WSU, Mr Kohberger lived just 15 minutes from the victims over the Idaho-Washington border in Pullman.

He had moved there from Pennsylvania and began his studies there that summer, having just completed his first semester before his arrest.

Before this, he studied criminology at DeSales University  first as an undergraduate and then finishing his graduate studies in June 2022.

While there, he studied under renowned forensic psychologist Katherine Ramsland who interviewed the BTK serial killer and co-wrote the book Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer with him.

He also carried out a research project to understand how emotions and psychological traits influence decision-making when committing a crime.
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Before 25-year-old Carlee Russell went missing for a mysterious 49 hours  a disappearance, she admitted on Monday, that was staged  she posted a series of bizarre tweets.

On the day she went missing on 13 July, she tweeted at 8.55pm: today was a GREAT day God be looking out im telling you!!

One minute later, Ms Russell wrote: someone to tell you i love you and dont got a reason.

Finally, she tweeted, yeah i want a family now at 9.19pm. Just moments later, around 9.30pm, the Alabama woman called 911 and told detectives that she was following a lost toddler along the interstate.

After she returned home, Ms Russell claimed was abducted by a man with orange hair, before escaping. She later turned up on foot at her parents home with $107 tucked in her right sock, and alleged she had barely survived the encounter.

Her tweets, in combination with her search history prior to her vanishing, raised doubts about the Alabama womans story.

Police revealed that Ms Russells internet search history gave hints she could have staged her own kidnapping, as she looked up Amber Alerts, the movie Taken, booking a bus ticket from Birmingham to Nashville and how to take money from a register without being caught.

A tweet on 10 July adds colour to this complicated picture, and indicates potential problems in her relationship. Ms Russell wrote, I always say one thing i WONT do is stay with someone who cheated on me like you went and had sex with someone else and think itll be sweet one day?? hellll no. Days earlier, she also tweeted: everyone wants to feel wanted.

Her boyfriend, Thomar Latrell Simmons, had posted on Facebook upon Ms Russells miraculous return, and supported her story that she had been abducted. She had been fighting for her life for 48 hours, he wrote, but has since taken down the post.

Two days earlier, her tweet revealed she may have been unhappy at work: my job is really starting to get on my dang nerves. She worked at Woodhouse Spa, the owner of which said on Thursday that he provided the police with everything we uncovered.

According to the New York Post, Ms Russell tweeted on 19 July, Im thankful I know how to identify when the enemy coming for me now, makes life a lot easier. But the post has been taken down.

Police began expressing their doubts last week, saying Wednesday they were unable to verify most of Ms Russells claims regarding the events leading up to and during her disappearance.
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A former pastor has been charged with the cold-case murder of an eight-year-old girl who disappeared while walking to Bible camp nearly 50 years ago.

David Zandstra was arrested on Monday for the murder of neighbouring pastors daughter Gretchen Harrington on 15 August 1975 in Marple Township, Pennsylvania. He has been charged with criminal homicide, murder of the first, second, and third degree, as well as kidnapping of a minor and the possession of an instrument of crime.

According to police, following his arrest, Mr Zandstra had admitted to offering Gretchen a ride and taking her to a wooded area.

The defendant stated that he had parked the car and asked the victim to remove her clothing. When she refused, he struck her in the head with a fist. The victim was bleeding, and he believed her to be dead. He attempted to cover up her body and left the area, police said in a statement.

The murder of Gretchen Harrington has haunted members of law enforcement since that terrible day in August 1975. The families of victims often say that their lives are forever altered into the before time and the after time, said District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer.

Gretchens murder created a before time and an after time for an entire community  and for an entire county. This heinous act left a family and a community forever changed. At long last I can announce today that her killer  David Zandstra  has admitted to his crime. Justice has been a long time coming, but we are proud and grateful to finally be able to give the community an answer.

David Zandstra is seen in his mugshot (Pennsylvania DA)

Gretchen Harrington was killed at eight years old in Pennsylvania (Delaware County District Attorneys Office)

On that August morning in 1975, Gretchen left her home on Lawrence Road in Marple at approximately 9.30am to walk to her summer bible camp.

The camp used both the premises of the Trinity Church Chapel Christian Reform Church (Trinity) and the premises of The Reformed Presbyterian Church (Reformed) next door. The defendant was the pastor of Trinity, and Gretchens father was the pastor of Reformed.

Gretchens father realised his daughter was missing when she failed to appear at Reformed, and her disappearance was reported to the police shortly afterwards.

Her body was found two months later in Ridley Creek State Park, but despite the defendant being interviewed around the time of her disappearance, no arrest was made.

Police made a breakthrough in the case nearly 50 years later, after an individual who would often attend sleepovers at Mr Zandstras house said claimed had been woken one night to find him groping her. She told police that she recalled that a child in her class was nearly kidnapped twice and she believed at the time that Mr Zandstra was the culprit.
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Investigators have been spotted digging up the backyard of Rex Heuermanns home amid reports that the Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect may have killed at least one victim inside his basement.

Search teams carried out what was described as a major excavation on Sunday at the one-storey home in Massapequa Park, Long Island, where the 59-year-old architect lived with his wife and two adult children. In addition to digging up Mr Heuermanns backyard, investigators looked in a walking vault with a big iron door. They described the search as fruitful.

Cadaver dogs and a ground-penetrating radar machine were brought in to scour the ground before excavators were seen digging up the earth with a backhoe.

At one point, a huge wooden deck was dismantled and a blue tent was erected to shield the search from view.

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison told ABC News that they were working under the assumption that the victims Mr Heuermann is accused of murdering met their deaths at the home. Mr Harrison said he expects the search and seize operation to wrap up later this week.

Not only did the slain womens phone ping near the Massapequa home, but Mr Heuermanns family is also believed to have been away around the time of the disappearances, according to phone records. However, no concrete evidence has been found, Mr Harrison said.

Can we confirm that someone was killed inside the house? We cant confirm that at this time, he told the outlet.

A neighbour told The New York Post on Sunday that authorities had found a sound-proofed room in the basement of the home and that Mr Heuermann is believed to have killed at least one of his victims down there.

Hes got a soundproof room in his basement, Robert Musto, a 64-year-old longtime neighbour said he had been told by law enforcement on the scene.

What do you think that was for? Theyre saying theres evidence he killed at least one of the girls down there.

The cops are going to dig all that out. Said theyre focused on the soundproof room in the basement but theyre going to look at everything.

A former coworker confirmed the existence of a soundproof basement room to the paper, claiming that the accused serial killer once took time off work in order to carry out the bizarre construction of the vault in his family home.

The individual, who was not named, recalled Mr Heuermann building the concrete-lined vault which is around two to three feet thick.

Its not just a hidden room  its a serious vault, they said.

It had a huge heavy-duty safe door. He went and poured new concrete walls, massive amount of concrete to encase this room. It was maybe 2 or 3 feet thick.

Officials are probing the possibility that the accused serial killer killed the victims inside his family home. His wife and two children were out of town at the time of each of the three murders he is charged with.

Search continues in the backyard of Rex Heuermanns home (News12)

Law enforcement sources previously told CNN that a vault of some sort had been located in the basement of the Massapequa Park home  and that a trove of up to 300 firearms had been found inside.

The married father-of-two had 92 legal gun permits and was a keen hunter, according to police.

In the 11 days since Mr Heuermann was arrested in connection to the infamous serial killer case, investigators have been searching for evidence tying him to the murders including any trophies taken from the victims.

As well as extensively searching his home, officials are probing other locations connected to the accused murderer including storage units two miles away in Amityville.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies are also looking into unsolved murders and missing persons cases all across America including in Las Vegas, South Carolina and Atlantic City.

Over in South Carolina, Chester County Sheriffs Office said that they were looking for evidence to assist New York officials.

The Chester County Sheriffs Office was requested by the Gilgo Beach Task Force to assist in gathering evidence in Chester County relevant to their investigation, the department tweeted.

Mr Heuermann owns a property in Chester next to his brother Craig. The pickup at the centre of the murder investigation was seized from his brothers home last week.

Mr Heuermann was arrested on the night of 13 July when a team of officers swooped as he left his office in Midtown Manhattan where he ran an architecture business.

He was charged with three counts of murder in the first degree and three in the second degree over the deaths of Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy and Amber Costello.

He is also the prime suspect in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes  who together with the three is known as the Gilgo Beach Four and was last seen alive in early June 2007 in New York City.

Authorities search home of Long Island serial killer suspect (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The four women were found within one-quarter mile of each other, bound by belts or tape and some wrapped in burlap  their bodies dumped along Gilgo Beach.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is being held without bond.

Court records show that Mr Heuermann was linked to the killings through a pimps tip about his pickup truck, a stash of burner phones, sadistic online searches, phone calls taunting victims families, his wifes hair found on the victims bodies  and a pizza crust.

The first piece of the puzzle came when a witness in the Amber Costello case revealed details about a vehicle that a client was driving when she was last seen alive.

Costello, who worked as a sex worker, was seen alive on the evening of 2 September 2010 when she left her home in West Babylon. A witness said she had gone to meet a client who was driving a first-generation Chevrolet Avalanche.

Last year, a registration search showed that local man Mr Heuermann owned a first-generation model of the truck at the time of Costellos disappearance. He also matched the witness description of the man believed to be the killer: a large, white ogre-like male in his mid-40s, around 64 to 66 tall, with dark bushy hair, and big oval style 1970s type eyeglasses.

The discovery of the car led investigators to hone in on Mr Heuermann including executing 300 subpoenas, search warrants and other legal processes to obtain evidence to determine his potential involvement in the killings.

Among this was Mr Heuermanns alleged use of burner phones, with prosecutors saying that he used burner phones to contact the three women and arrange to meet them at the time when they went missing.

He also allegedly took two of the victims cellphones  and used one to make taunting phone calls to one of their families where he boasted about her murder, court documents state.

Mr Heuermanns DNA was found on one of the victims, while his wifes hair was found on three of the four women he is connected to.

His arrest comes after the horrific serial killer case has captured the nations attention for more than a decade.

The Gilgo Beach murders had long stumped law enforcement officials in Suffolk County who believed it could be the work of one or more serial killers who targeted sex workers and dumped their bodies along the remote beaches on Ocean Parkway.

The case began in May 2010 when Shannan Gilbert vanished after leaving a clients house on foot near Gilgo Beach.

She called 911 for help saying she feared for her life and was never seen alive again.

Rex Heuermann pictured in mugshot (AP)

During a search for Gilbert in dense thicket close to the beach, police discovered the remains of another woman.

Within a matter of days, the remains of three more victims were found close by.

By spring 2011, the remains of a total of 10 victims had been found including eight women, a man, and a toddler. Police have long thought that it could be the work of one or more serial killers.

Gilberts body was then found in December 2011. Her cause of death is widely contested with authorities long claiming that it is not connected to the serial killer or killers but that she died from accidental drowning as she fled from the clients home.

However, an independent autopsy commissioned by her family ruled that she died by strangulation and her mother believes she was murdered.

Like Gilbert, most of the victims targeted were sex workers while some are yet to be identified.
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Did he know that his time was up?

His alleged internet searches would certainly seem to suggest so.

Over the last year between March 2022 and June 2023, the suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann repeatedly looked online for updates in the investigation police say.

He searched for details about the victims and their families.

He googled the use of new phone technology in the case and looked for podcasts and documentaries about the murders.

And he even took a keen interest in the newly-launched task force  headed up by newly-appointed Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison  that was actively hunting for him.

For up to 16 years, police say he had gotten away with brutally murdering young women and dumping their bodies along the shores of Gilgo Beach in Long Island.

As body after body lay undiscovered, he added more victims to his graveyard, prosecutors allege.

Then, in late 2010, a search for another missing woman led authorities to the grim discovery.

But the suspects time still wasnt up.

For more than a decade, the accused killer continued to go about his day to day life  going to work at his architecture firm in Manhattan and coming home to his wife and two children.

He seemed just as baffled by his lack of arrest as the local residents and victims families who questioned why police had not been able to catch the killer.

Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Costello, Maureen Brainard-Barnes and Megan Waterman (from clockwise top left) (AP)

He even searched Google for the answers to questions including why could law enforcement not trace the calls made by the long island serial killer and why hasnt the long island serial killer been caught, court documents state.

Was he looking over his shoulder? Did he have an inkling that he was under surveillance?

Or after all this time had passed, did he think that he might never get caught?

Then, last Thursday, as he left his office in Midtown after a days work and walked along a busy Manhattan road, a group of suit-clad men approached and surrounded him.

The gig was finally up.

Rex Heuermann  a 59-year-old married father-of-two, professional architecture, Manhattan business owner and Long Island native  was arrested and charged with the murders of Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy and Amber Costello.

He was also named as the prime suspect in the murder of a fourth woman Maureen Brainard-Barnes, who was last seen alive in New York City in early June 2007.

Moment Gilgo Beach suspect arrested in crowded New York street

Its taken 13 years but Suffolk County Police finally say theyve caught the serial killer who lured in sex workers, brutally murdered them and then dumped their bound and wrapped bodies along the shores of Gilgo Beach.

What led them to the suspected killer was laid out in court documents as prosecutors asked a judge to deny him bail.

It consisted of a pimps tip about his pickup truck, a stash of burner phones, sadistic online searches, phone calls taunting victims families, his wifes hair  and a pizza crust.

Sighting of pickup truck

The first piece of the puzzle came when a witness in the Costello case revealed details about a vehicle that a client was driving when she was last seen alive.

Costello, who worked as a sex worker, was seen alive on the evening of 2 September 2010 when she left her home in West Babylon.

One night earlier, witnesses said that a prostitution client had come to her home but the client was subjected to a ruse where a man posing as Costellos outraged boyfriend showed up and made him leave  in a move to swindle the client out of cash. A witness  Costellos unidentified pimp  said that the client was driving a first-generation Chevrolet Avalanche.

The next day the same client contacted Costello to meet her but said that he wouldnt come to her home because of her boyfriend, the court documents state.

Police remove evidence from home of Long Island serial killer suspect (Patrick Reichart)

Costello left her home and was never seen alive again.

The details of the vehicle came to light last year after a new taskforce was assembled in January 2022 to solve the serial killings once and for all. The taskforce reviewed the evidence gathered in the case and investigators interviewed Costellos pimp in the spring of 2022.

He told officials about the suspect in the green Chevrolet Avalanche, telling them he didnt know the mans name but that you might want to look at him.

In March 2022, a registration search showed that local man Mr Heuermann owned a first-generation model of the truck at the time of Costellos disappearance. He also matched the witness description of the man believed to be the killer: a large, white ogre-like male in his mid-40s, around 64 to 66 tall, with dark bushy hair, and big oval style 1970s type eyeglasses.

As described below, this was significant, because a witness to the disappearance of Amber Costello identified a first-generation Chevrolet Avalanche as the vehicle believed to have been driven by her killer, the court documents state.

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison told New York Daily News this was the turning point in the investigation  and the moment that authorities zeroed in on Mr Heuermann.

The turning point was the car, he said. Once we got that car, who it connected to, thats when the investigation got legs.

The discovery of the car led investigators to hone in on Mr Heuermann including executing 300 subpoenas, search warrants and other legal processes to obtain evidence to determine his potential involvement in the killings.

Trove of burner phones

Mr Heuermanns alleged use of burner phones then led police to make an arrest.

At the time when the three women went missing, they had been in contact with a person who was using a burner phone to arrange to meet them.

People often use burner phones for illicit or illegal activities as they are more difficult to trace.

But, according to the court documents, Mr Heuermann still managed to make a series of critical errors while using them.

The burner phones used to contact the victims always pinged off the same cell towers as Mr Heuermanns legitimate cellphone, the documents show  indicating that while using the burner phones, he was also in possession of his cellphone at the same time.

The burner phones also pinged off cell towers in two key locations  close to Mr Heuermanns office in Midtown Manhattan and close to Mr Heuermanns family home in Massapequa Park.

Rex Heuermann leaves court on Friday (Fox 5/YouTube)

Records show that Mr Heuermanns personal cellphone and the burner phones were in the same locations at the same time  and in the locations that corresponded with the disappearances and murders of each of the three women around Massapequa, Long Island and Midtown Manhattan.

Investigators could find no instance where Heuermann was in a separate location from these other cellphones when such a communication event occurred, the court documents state.

In the days leading up to Barthelemys disappearance, she had been contacted by the same burner phone multiple times.

The last contact from the phone came on 10 July 2009 when she was last seen alive in New York City.

Cell site records show the burner phone traveled from Massapequa Park to Midtown Manhattan that day.

Then, chillingly, Barthelemys own cellphone traveled from Midtown Manhattan to Massapequa Park.

Victims cellphones and taunting calls to grieving families

The killer took at least two of his victims cellphones after their murders as a trophy  and, in a sick move, called one of the victims families from her phone to taunt them about what he had done.

Prosecutors say the evidence shows this person was Mr Heuermann.

Following Brainard-Barnes and Barthelemys murders, the killer took and used their cellphones.

Barthelemys last cell site location was in the early hours of 11 July 2009 in Massapequa.

Surveillance footage captures Rex Heuermann adding credit to one of the burner phones (via REUTERS)

Throughout the next two months, the killer then used her cellphone to make taunting phone calls to Barthelemys family members.

In at least one of those calls, answered by a devastated family member, the male caller gloated about killing and sexually assaulting Barthelemy.

Prosecutors allege that Mr Heuermann made those cruel calls from or in the vicinity of his Midtown office where his own daughter is now an employee. Records show that each of the taunting calls pinged off cell towers in Midtown Manhattan.

Mr Heuermann also allegedly used Brainard-Barnes cellphone to check her voicemail, the court documents show.

Online searches for explicit images  and the LISK investigation

In the years after the murders, Mr Heuermann allegedly continued to slip up in his use of technology  as he allegedly continued to use burner phones to illicit sex from sex workers right up until his arrest.

While it showed a pattern of behaviour, prosecutors also point to other disturbing activity traced to the cellphone numbers.

Court documents show that Mr Heuermann had Tinder profiles and several email accounts under a series of fake names.

He used these accounts  linked to his burner phones  to search for graphic images of young girls and children and sadistic, torture-related pornography.

Selfie taken on one of his fake accounts (via REUTERS)

Searches included girl hog tied torture porn and 10 year old school girl.

As well as the disturbing sexual searches, prosecutors say he also looked up images of the murder victims and their relatives, and researched podcasts, documentaries and news stories on the case.

These included why could law enforcement not trace the calls made by the long island serial killer, and why hasnt the long island serial killer been caught, Long Island killer and Long Island serial killer phone call.

He also looked for information about the new task force on the case.

Knowing he was keeping a close eye on the investigation, police kept the developments close to the vest.

Surveillance footage captured Mr Heuermann adding credit to one of the burner phones  and he had it on him when he was arrested.

Wifes hair

In a bombshell twist, hair belonging to Mr Heuermanns wife was allegedly found on the bodies of three of the four victims.

Prosecutors say that two female hairs had been found on Waterman, one of them on the tape which the killer wrapped around her head. One female hair was found on tape used to wrap burlap around Costello and one hair was found in a belt buckle used to bind Brainard-Barnes  who Mr Heuermann is yet to be charged over.

To identify the female who the belonged to, investigators trawled through the trash at the Heuermann home in Long Island.

New York State police officers carry out a large item from the home of Rex Heuermann (AP)

In July 2022, they recovered 11 bottles from the trash and they were swabbed for DNA.

Forensic testing found that the DNA on the bottles matched the female hair found at the crime scene, concluding that the hair belonged to Mr Heuermanns wife.

The accuracy is such that more than 99 percent of the North American female population can be ruled out, according to the court documents.

Prosecutors found that the suspects wife was out of town at the time of the three murders for which he has been charged but that her hair could have transferred to the crime scene through her husbands clothing or through him using items such as tape taken from the family home.

Pizza crust

As well as his wifes DNA, Mr Heuermanns DNA was also found on one of the victims.

Prosecutors said that a male hair had been found on the burlap used to wrap Watermans body before the killer dumped her along Gilgo Beach.

When the hair was first retrieved in 2010, it was unsuitable for DNA analysis, according to the court documents.

But that hair was kept safely locked away and was submitted for analysis in 2020. A DNA profile came back.

A pizza box discarded by Gilgo Beach suspect Rex Heuermann was used to link him to the killings through DNA (Suffolk County DA)

Now, to check if it matched Mr Heuermann, investigators needed his DNA to compare the samples.

This January, a surveillance team watching the suspect saw him chuck a pizza box into the trash close to his office in Manhattan.

They nabbed the box and found a leftover pizza crust inside.

Last month, court records state the forensics came back: it was Mr Heuermanns hair found on Watermans body.
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Rex Heuermanns arrest came as a shock to nearly everyone in the Long Island community of Gilgo Beach  but not for a man who came face to face with the alleged murderer and had reported him to law enforcement.

For more than a decade, residents anxiously awaited new developments on a trail of murders that had gone cold, despite overwhelming evidence the slayings were the work of a serial killer. Most of the victims were sex workers in their 20s who went missing in 2009 and 2010 before their bodies were discovered wrapped in burlap along the stretch of a roadway.

The Suffolk County police department led an unsuccessful 13-year investigation into the case amid a litany of internal scandals, before announcing earlier this month that Mr Heuermann was in custody.

Police commissioner Rodney Harrison touted the work of a revamped task force as the reason behind the arrest, but largely glossed over the fact that the very detail that cracked the case was handed to authorities in the early stages of the probe.

Dave Schaller told the Associated Press in an exclusive interview that, by the time Mr Heuermanns mugshot was plastered on every local and national news channel on 13 July, he was very familiar with the Frankenstein-like figure with an empty gaze he had long ago described to investigators.

In the winter of 2010, Mr Schaller told police that he had seen the man fleeing the house he shared with Amber Costello, whose body was among those found in Gilgo Beach.

When they told me she was dead, he was the first person who jumped in my head, Mr Schaller told the AP. Ive been picturing his face for 13 years.

Mr Heuermann met with homicide detectives on multiple occasions during the initial years of the investigation. Two years after the bodies were found, Mr Schaller said he picked Mr Heuermanns first-generation Chrysler Avalanche out of a line-up of photographs provided by the detectives.

I gave them the exact description of the truck and the dude, Mr Schaller, who said he was angered by the delay in investigating his tip, told the AP. I mean come on, why didnt they use that?

Suffolk County district attorney Ray Tierney, who inherited the investigation when he took office in 2022, said the key to unravelling the case was the description of the truck, rediscovered by a state investigator after the launch of the new task force that took a fresh look at the evidence.

Mr Tierney told the AP he did not know why police had not run a search earlier, but suggested the tip may have been lost within a sea of other tips and information.

He stressed there were other elements that ultimately helped investigators arrest Heuermann, including new technology that helped match samples of DNA to the suspect.

This was a dark cloud over the community, former police commissioner Tim Sini, who later became the countys district attorney. When you have the police department and the district attorneys office blocking the FBI, that does not engender trust in law enforcement.

Authorities continue to work at the home of suspect Rex Heuermann, bottom right, in Massapequa Park, NY on Monday (AP)

The arrest, Sini said, was the result of painstaking detective work that spanned multiple administrations and relied on a wide range of evidence.

[However,] I wouldnt call it a major success. The case shouldve been solved earlier, he said.

This was crucial information, and I dont know why they didnt share it, Rob Trotta, a county legislator who worked as a Suffolk County police detective until 2013, also told the AP. They made some serious blunders here.

Two high-ranking officials who worked closely on the case and attended briefings between 2011 and 2013 told the AP they never heard Mr Schallers witness statement.

Mr Heuermann bought the pickup at a Chevrolet dealer on Long Island in 2002 and transferred ownership to his brother Craig in South Carolina in 2012.

Authorities seized the vehicle last week. A search warrant stated investigators were looking for other clues in the vehicle or at property the brothers owned in Chester County, such as DNA, fluids, fingerprints, phones and what they described as possible trophies that may have belonged to the victims.

Mr Heuermann is charged with the murders of Amber Costello, Melissa Barthelemy and Megan Waterman. He is also the prime suspect in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes.

Rex Heuermann, 59, was arrested last week in connection with the brutal murders of Melissa Barthelemy (upper left), Amber Costello (upper right), Megan Waterman (bottom left). He is also the prime suspect in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes (bottom right) (AP)

As law enforcement closed in on Mr Heuermann, they served more than 300 subpoenas and search warrants that uncovered cellphone records for burner phones used to arrange meetings with three of the Gilgo Four victims before they went missing.

Further analysis also allegedly linked Mr Heuermann to taunting calls made to family members of the victims, according to investigators. The calls were made from the Midtown Manhattan area, where the offices of Mr Heuermans architecture business are located.

Among the evidence linking Mr Heuermann to the murders was a hair found on burlap material used to wrap Watermans corpse, according to court documents. DNA analysis had not been possible in the early stages of the investigation, but new technology allowed testing.

A team surveilling Mr Heuermann collected a discarded pizza box that then confirmed a DNA match with the suspect on 12 June.

Mr Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him (AP)

Records also showed several online accounts under fictitious names linked to Mr Heuermann were used for illegal activities. Mr Heuermann allegedly used those accounts and burner phones to contact women for prostitution services, as well as making chilling online searches.

The searches included sadistic, torture-related pornography, child pornography and disturbing content. Mr Heuermann is also accused of searching why could law enforcement not trace the calls made by the long island serial killer, why hasnt the long island serial killer been caught and new phone technology may be key to break in case.

Mr Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him.

Authorities in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Las Vegas and South Carolina are looking into possible links between Mr Heuermann and unsolved cases.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
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The Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect had a somewhat blase reaction when a group of plain-clothes police officers swooped on him in the heart of a busy Manhattan street and arrested him in connection to a chilling series of cold case murders, according to authorities.

Rex Heuermann was taken into custody on 13 July as he left the office of his architecture business in midtown Manhattan.

He was charged with the murders of three of the so-called Gilgo Four  Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy and Amber Costello.

He is also the prime suspect in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes  who was last seen alive in early June 2007 in New York City.

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison has now revealed the accused serial killers first words when officers descended on him more than 13 years after the victims bodies were found discarded along Gilgo Beach, Long Island.

Mr Harrison told NBC News that the 59-year-old married father-of-two was dismissive of the allegations  but then quickly lawyered up.

He very much said, What am I here for? I dont know nothing of what youre talking about, he said.

He asked for a lawyer  and that was the end of the conversation, he added.

As the 59-year-old was processed into Suffolk County Jail on a string of murder charges, sources told CNN he did have another chilling question  this time about his newfound notoriety.

Is it in the news? he asked.

The police chief previously said that the decision was made to arrest Mr Heuermann in Manhattan in the hope that the suspected serial killer would confess to his alleged crimes on the long drive up to Long Island.

However, this plan didnt pan out and the Long Island native has insisted his innocence and so pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The details of his demeanour come as investigators were spotted digging up the backyard of his home amid reports that at least one victim may have been killed at the property.

Search teams carried out what was described as a major excavation on Monday at the one-storey home in Massapequa Park, where the architect lived with his wife and two adult children.

Cadaver dogs and a ground-penetrating radar machine were brought in to scour the ground before excavators were seen digging up the earth with a backhoe.

At one point, a huge wooden deck was dismantled and a blue tent was erected to shield the search from view.

In addition to digging up Mr Heuermanns backyard, investigators searched a huge walk-in vault with a big iron door. They described the search as fruitful.

Mr Harrison said that they believe at least some of the murders took place inside the home but are unable to confirm this at this time.

Authorities continue to work at the home of suspect Rex Heuermann (AP)

Mr Heuermanns wife and two children were out of town at the time of each of the three murders he is charged with, according to court documents.

In the 11 days since Mr Heuermann was arrested in connection to the infamous serial killer case, investigators have been searching for evidence tying him to the murders including any trophies taken from the victims.

Police said that they are confident they will soon be able to charge him with the fourth murder.

The Gilgo Four were all found in December 2010 within one-quarter mile of each other, bound by belts or tape and some wrapped in burlap  their bodies dumped along Gilgo Beach.

Court records show that Mr Heuermann was linked to the killings through a tip about his pickup truck, a stash of burner phones, sadistic online searches, phone calls taunting victims families, his wifes hair found on the victims bodies  and a pizza crust.

The first piece of the puzzle came when a witness in the Amber Costello case revealed details about a vehicle that a client was driving when she was last seen alive.

Costello, who worked as a sex worker, was seen alive on the evening of 2 September 2010 when she left her home in West Babylon. A witness said she had gone to meet a client who was driving a first-generation Chevrolet Avalanche.

Last year, a registration search showed that local man Mr Heuermann owned a first-generation model of the truck at the time of Costellos disappearance. He also matched the witness description of the man believed to be the killer: a large, white ogre-like male in his mid-40s, around 64 to 66 tall, with dark bushy hair, and big oval style 1970s type eyeglasses.

The discovery of the car led investigators to hone in on Mr Heuermann including executing 300 subpoenas, search warrants and other legal processes to obtain evidence to determine his potential involvement in the killings.

Among this was Mr Heuermanns alleged use of burner phones, with prosecutors saying that he used burner phones to contact the three women and arrange to meet them at the time when they went missing.

Rex Heuermann booking photo (AP)

He also allegedly took two of the victims cellphones  and used one to make taunting phone calls to one of their families where he boasted about her murder, court documents state.

Mr Heuermanns DNA was found on one of the victims, while his wifes hair was found on three of the four women he is connected to.

His arrest comes after the horrific serial killer case has captured the nations attention for more than a decade.

The Gilgo Beach murders had long stumped law enforcement officials in Suffolk County who believed it could be the work of one or more serial killers who targeted sex workers and dumped their bodies along the remote beaches on Ocean Parkway.

The case began in May 2010 when Shannan Gilbert vanished after leaving a clients house on foot near Gilgo Beach.

She called 911 for help saying she feared for her life and was never seen alive again.

During a search for Gilbert in dense thicket close to the beach, police discovered the remains of another woman.

Within a matter of days, the remains of three more victims were found close by.

By spring 2011, the remains of a total of 10 victims had been found including eight women, a man, and a toddler. Police have long thought that it could be the work of one or more serial killers.

Gilberts body was then found in December 2011. Her cause of death is widely contested with authorities long claiming that it is not connected to the serial killer or killers but that she died from accidental drowning as she fled from the clients home.

Moment Gilgo Beach suspect arrested in crowded New York street

However, an independent autopsy commissioned by her family ruled that she died by strangulation and her mother believes she was murdered.

Like Gilbert, most of the victims targeted were sex workers, while some are yet to be identified.

As well as extensively searching Mr Heuermanns home in Long Island, officials are probing other locations connected to the accused murderer including storage units two miles away in Amityville.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies are also looking into unsolved murders and missing persons cases all across America including in Las Vegas, South Carolina and Atlantic City.
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Multiple sex workers have revealed that they held onto recordings of phone calls with the Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect after he contacted them  but they refused to meet with him.

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon told The Independent in a statement on Monday that officials have been interviewing sex workers as they are booked into local jails about any past encounters they had with Rex Heuermann.

So far, two women have revealed that they not only were in contact with the accused killer but also had made recordings of conversations with him.

While interviewing women through the Suffolk County Correctional Facilitys unique human trafficking unit we have already found two women who had previously had contact with Rex Heuermann when they were employed as sex workers prior to their incarceration, the sheriff said.

While these women both received calls from Heuermann, they declined to take dates with him.

We will continue to interview women in our custody to determine if we can find others who have had contact with him to further the investigation.

It is not clear what led the women to record the conversations or why they decided against meeting him.

The sheriffs office also would not reveal what Mr Heuermann said in the recordings.

This comes as police continue to investigate the 59-year-old married father-of-two for possible connections to other unsolved murders in both Long Island and further afield.

Mr Heuermann was arrested on 13 July and charged with the murders of three women  Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy and Amber Costello.

Court records show that Mr Heuermann was linked to the killings through a tip about his pickup truck, a stash of burner phones, sadistic online searches, phone calls taunting victims families, his wifes hair found on the victims bodies  and a pizza crust.

Authorities continue to work at the home of suspect Rex Heuermann (AP)

He is also the prime suspect in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes  who was last seen alive in early June 2007 in New York City and who, together with the three, is described as the Gilgo Four.

Police said that they are confident they will soon be able to charge Mr Heuermann with her murder as well.

All four women worked as sex workers and disappeared after going to meet a client. They were all found in December 2010 within one-quarter mile of each other, bound by belts or tape and some wrapped in burlap  their bodies dumped along Gilgo Beach.

They are among 11 victims whose remains were found along the shores of Long Island in 2010 and 2011, sparking fears of one or more serial killers.

The case began in May 2010 when Shannan Gilbert vanished after leaving a clients house on foot near Gilgo Beach.

She called 911 for help saying she feared for her life and was never seen alive again.

Rex Heuermann booking photo (AP)

During a search for Gilbert in dense thicket close to the beach, police discovered the remains of another woman.

Within a matter of days, the remains of three more victims were found close by.

By spring 2011, the remains of a total of 10 victims had been found including eight women, a man, and a toddler. Police have long thought that it could be the work of one or more serial killers.

Gilberts body was then found in December 2011. Her cause of death is widely contested with authorities long claiming that it is not connected to the serial killer or killers but that she died from accidental drowning as she fled from the clients home.

However, an independent autopsy commissioned by her family ruled that she died by strangulation and her mother believes she was murdered.

Like Gilbert, most of the victims targeted were sex workers while some are yet to be identified.

Investigators continue to probe whether Mr Heuermann may be connected to some of the other 11 murders and have been extensively searching his home and other locations linked to him since his arrest earlier this month.

Moment Gilgo Beach suspect arrested in crowded New York street

On Monday, search teams were spotted digging up the backyard of his home in Massapequa Park, where the architect lived with his wife and two adult children, amid reports that at least one victim may have been killed at the property.

As well as extensively searching Mr Heuermanns home in Long Island, officials are probing other locations connected to the accused murderer including storage units two miles away in Amityville.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies are also looking into unsolved murders and missing persons cases all across America including in Las Vegas and South Carolina  where Mr Heuermann owns properties  and Atlantic City  where several sex workers were found murdered.
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Investigators in Long Island have dodged questions about a crucial piece of evidence believed to have been found inside the family home of Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney was grilled in a press conference on Tuesday about the chilling alleged discovery of a mattress inside a huge vault in the basement of his home in Massapequa Park.

The DA repeatedly refused to confirm or deny the existence of the potentially harrowing piece of evidence but did confirm the existence of the walk-in underground vault beneath the property that he shared with his family.

The vault is big enough to walk into and its in the basement, he said, adding that like the rest of the house, [the vault] was cluttered.

When pressed about the mattress and whether anything other than firearms were found inside the vault, he doubled down and said Im not going to speak on that.

There were a number of items of evidence but Im not going to say especially where, he said.

The DA also refused to comment on whether or not the search had uncovered any trophies taken from the victims or if there was evidence that items had been burned on the grounds of the home.

There were a number of disturbances that were found in the ground but we dont know what it is, he said.

While he would not go into details about what was found, he did confirm that a massive amount of evidence had been recovered from the home which Mr Heuermann grew up in as a child  and which he went on to share with his wife of two decades, their daughter and his stepson until his sudden arrest.

Among the trove of evidence inside the very cluttered one-storey property, no human remains were discovered, the DA said.

However, he noted that it will take time for the crime lab to test the trove of items seized for the likes of blood, hairs, fibres or other trace evidence which could indicate whether victims were killed at the property.

The house could be categorised as cluttered so there is a great deal of stuff that was recovered so were just going to have to go through it but that slate of items is quite large, said Mr Tierney.

This combination of undated image provided by the Suffolk County Police Department, shows Melissa Barthelemy, top left, Amber Costello, top right, Megan Waterman, bottom left, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes (AP)

There was not one thing that jumps out among the evidence at this point, he said.

Investigators previously revealed that a trove of around 270 guns had been seized from the home. Mr Heuermann has legal permits for 92 handguns and also owned several long guns.

The search of the home came to an end on Tuesday after investigators spent almost two weeks combing through the property, seizing items and digging up the yard for clues about the murders or looking for trophies that the alleged killer took from his victims.

On Monday, search teams were spotted carrying out a major excavation of the backyard with cadaver dogs and a ground-penetrating radar machine scouring the ground before excavators dug up the earth with a backhoe.

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison previously revealed that they believe at least some of the murders may have taken place inside the home.

Mr Heuermanns wife and children were out of town at the time of each of the three murders he is charged with.

He was taken into custody on 13 July, almost 13 years after the bodies of at least 11 victims were discovered along the shores of Gilgo Beach on Long Island.

He was charged with the murders of Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy and Amber Costello.

He is also the prime suspect in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes  who was last seen alive in early June 2007 in New York City and who, with the three other women, is known as the Gilgo Four.

All four women worked as sex workers and disappeared after going to meet a client. They were all found in December 2010 within one-quarter mile of each other, bound by belts or tape and some wrapped in burlap  their bodies dumped along Gilgo Beach.

They are among 11 victims whose remains were found along the shores of Long Island in 2010 and 2011, sparking fears of one or more serial killers.

As well as looking into his connection to the murder of Brainard-Barnes and the other Gilgo Beach victims, law enforcement agencies are now also looking into unsolved murders and missing persons cases all across the country.

Police in Las Vegas and South Carolina  where Mr Heuermann owns properties  and Atlantic City  where several sex workers have been found murdered  have confirmed they are eyeing the suspect in cold cases.

Mr Tierney said in Tuesdays press conference that investigators are speaking to lots of witnesses who may have encountered Mr Heuermann across the country.

Authorities searching the home of suspect Rex Heuermann (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Were interviewing a great deal of people, he said.

This investigation isnt limited to New York state.

However, under federal law, Mr Heuermanns DNA cannot be entered into state or national databases to see if he is tied to other unsolved cases until he is convicted.

Court records show that Mr Heuermann was linked to the Gilgo Four murders through a tip about his pickup truck, a stash of burner phones, sadistic online searches, phone calls taunting victims families, his wifes hair found on the victims bodies  and a pizza crust.

The first piece of the puzzle came when a witness in the Amber Costello case revealed details about a vehicle that a client was driving when she was last seen alive.

Costello, who worked as a sex worker, was seen alive on the evening of 2 September 2010 when she left her home in West Babylon. A witness said she had gone to meet a client who was driving a first-generation Chevrolet Avalanche.

Last year, a registration search showed that local man Mr Heuermann owned a first-generation model of the truck at the time of Costellos disappearance. He also matched the witness description of the man believed to be the killer: a large, white ogre-like male in his mid-40s, around 64 to 66 tall, with dark bushy hair, and big oval style 1970s type eyeglasses.

The discovery of the car led investigators to hone in on Mr Heuermann including executing 300 subpoenas, search warrants and other legal processes to obtain evidence to determine his potential involvement in the killings.

Among this was Mr Heuermanns alleged use of burner phones, with prosecutors saying that he used burner phones to contact the three women and arrange to meet them at the time when they went missing.

He also allegedly took two of the victims cellphones  and used one to make taunting phone calls to one of their families where he boasted about her murder, court documents state.

Mr Heuermanns DNA was found on one of the victims, while his wifes hair was found on three of the four women he is connected to.

His arrest comes after the horrific serial killer case has captured the nations attention for more than a decade.

The Gilgo Beach murders had long stumped law enforcement officials in Suffolk County who believed it could be the work of one or more serial killers who targeted sex workers and dumped their bodies along the remote beaches on Ocean Parkway.

Heuermann in booking photo (AP)

The case began in May 2010 when Shannan Gilbert vanished after leaving a clients house on foot near Gilgo Beach.

She called 911 for help saying she feared for her life and was never seen alive again.

During a search for Gilbert in dense thicket close to the beach, police discovered the remains of another woman.

Within a matter of days, the remains of three more victims were found close by.

By spring 2011, the remains of a total of 10 victims had been found including eight women, a man, and a toddler. Police have long thought that it could be the work of one or more serial killers.

Gilberts body was then found in December 2011. Her cause of death is widely contested with authorities long claiming that it is not connected to the serial killer or killers but that she died from accidental drowning as she fled from the clients home.

However, an independent autopsy commissioned by her family ruled that she died by strangulation and her mother believes she was murdered.

Like Gilbert, most of the victims targeted were sex workers, while some are yet to be identified.
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People gawking at the Gilgo Beach serial killer suspects home will be fined $150 if reported by Long Island residents.

Long Island residents congregated on Monday at Massapequa Park Village Hall, where Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder discussed the commotion surrounding suspect Rex Heuermanns home, according to the Daily Mail.

The county executive has made it very clear that we are protecting the neighborhood and we are not allowing this to turn into a side-show, Mr Ryder reportedly said.

If you dont live on that street or visiting someone on that street and are there to stop and take pictures and break the law you will be issued a summons no questions asked.

Some residents, the publication reported, complained at the meeting that their driveways have been blocked, their lawns have been destroyed, and they have found trash scattered in the area.

Some have tried to deter visitors before the police got involved, including one person putting up her own crime tape, while others have put metal barricades or turned on sprinklers in front of their properties, the outlet described.

The police commissioner added that people found on Mr Heuermanns block that do not live there or are visiting someone who does will be fined $150, although the outlet said it was unclear whether he was referring to drivers or people arriving on foot.

I am going to trust my professional police officers to make that decision, he said. Police will put up overt cameras around the block too to reduce the chaos, as well as to watch the street to make sure kids are not climbing through yards and taking pictures of the property.

Mr Ryder also said that he didnt want visitors to block traffic and didnt want to disrupt the community: This is a community where there are a lot of kids playing. We gotta give them back their streets.

The police commissioner also said he didnt want visitors to take photos or video of the crime scene. That is private property. If you walk on their [the residents] property you will get a criminal summons for criminal trespassing. Be prepared it is zero tolerance, he warned.

Theres no shortage of activity at the home, unrelated to onlookers. Investigators were seen conducting a major excavation in the backyard of Mr Heuermanns residence after reports claimed there may have killed at least one victim inside his basement.

The suspect was arrested on 13 July, and was charged with three counts of murder in the first degree and three in the second degree over the deaths of Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy and Amber Costello.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney also said this week he was confident that the suspect would also be charged with the murder of Maureen Brainard Barnes.
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The US Department of Educations civil rights office has opened an investigation into Harvard Universitys legacy admissions process following a complaint from a coalition of civil rights groups.

The groups complaint, filed in the wake of the US Supreme Courts ruling against race-conscious college admissions, is the latest challenge to the practice of prioritising university admissions for the children of alumni.

A letter from the Education Departments Office of Civil Rights on 24 July indicates that an investigation will review whether the university discriminates on the basis of race by using donor and legacy preferences in its undergraduate admissions process in violation of the Civil Rights Act.

Its a discriminatory practice, its an unfair and unearned advantage for students enrolling in the prestigious university simply by the family they were born into, according to Michael Kippins with Boston-based Lawyers for Civil Rights, which submitted the initial complaint with the Chica Project, the African Community Economic Development of New England and the Greater Boston Latino Network.

The opening of the investigation is a significant step that cannot be overstated, he told reporters in a virtual briefing on the complaint on 25 July. It shows the office  is taking this seriously, and we are going to pursue this.

Last month, the Supreme Courts conservative majority determined that private and public colleges and universities may not consider race as a factor in admissions, striking down the precedent affirmed in the 2003 ruling in Grutter v Bollinger in a ruling that targets so-called affirmative action measures.

Civil rights advocates and justices who supported the decades-long precedent, intended to promote racially diverse college campuses, derided what they argue is the courts ongoing perversion of the 14th Amendment and the foundational concept of equal protection.

The latest legal challenge points to Harvard data finding that 70 per cent of the colleges donor-related and legacy applicants are white.

So-called legacy applicants have a roughly six times greater chance of admission, according to records, pointing to a custom, pattern and practice that is exclusionary and discriminatory and severely disadvantages and harms applicants of color, according to the complaint.

Following the Supreme Court ruling, Democratic lawmakers and President Joe Biden urged universities to reconsider their legacy admissions, which the president said expand privilege instead of opportunity.

Wesleyan University officials announced last week that the private liberal arts institution will no longer consider applicants ties to alumni in the admissions process.

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities also ended its legacy admissions process, following an exceptionally deep review of our context factors, according to a statement from Keri Risic, executive director of admissions.
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The US Coast Guard has ended its search for a man who jumped from the deck of a Carnival cruise ship.

Surveillance video reportedly captured 30-year-old Jaylen Hill leaping over the railing of the Carnival Elation on Sunday afternoon off the coast of Melbourne, Florida.

On Monday night, Coast Guard officials announced the search had been called off pending any further developments.

We offer our deepest condolences to the Hill family. Our crews take our life saving mission very seriously. Any time we cant bring a loved one home to their family is a pain we all feel, Petty Officer Eric Rodriguez said in a statement.

Rescue crews scoured more than 1,374 miles in their search using the 87-foot cutter Tarpon from St Petersburg, a Hercules aircraft from Clearwater, and an Ocean Sentry plane from Miami.

Carnival previously said the Elation crew was informed by Mr Hills travelling companion late on Sunday afternoon that he had not been seen all day.

Jaylen Hill, 30, was allegedly filmed jumping off of a Carnival cruise ship near Florida on 23 July (US Coast Guard via Twitter)

Sadly, after an exhaustive on-board search and a review of security camera video it was determined that he jumped, the company said in a statement to The New York Post.

Carnival added that it alerted officials to the incident and was advised to continue to Jacksonville, Florida, on Monday, the final stop on the cruises four-day route through the Bahamas.

The 855-foot Elation weighs nearly 72,000 tons and can carry nearly 2,200 guests, as well as 900 crew members, according to Fox 35 Orlando.

The Carnival Elation cruise ship is pictured (right) in a file photo (AFP via Getty Images)

In May, a Carnival passenger named Ronnie Peale went overboard the ship Magic and fell into the waters off Florida.

The Coast Guard was unable to locate the man after searching more than 5,171 miles over 60 hours and called off the search.
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JPMorgan Chase executives joked about seeing Jeffrey Epstein surrounded with nymphettes at one of his homes, according to fresh allegations by the US Virgin Islands.

The territory, which is suing JPMorgan for at least $190m for allegedly turning a blind eye to Epsteins sex trafficking, revealed the private messages in new court filings on Monday night.

In a 2012 message to Mary Erdoes, now JPMorgans head of asset and wealth management, an executive describes attending an event at the home of another client.

Reminded me of JE's house, except it was more tasteful, and fewer nymphettes, the executive writes. More like the Frick [museum]. Art was fabulous.

Wow, Ms Erdoes replied.

Other internal messages revealed senior bank executives discussing how Epstein was constantly accompanied by young women.

In a 2006 message, former JPMorgan executive Jes Staley writes to Ms Erdoes: Last night went to the Huggy Bear concert. The age difference between husbands and wifes [sic] would have fit in well with Jeffrey.

Ms Erdoes responds: Oh, and what I meant to tell you about last night was they [sic] were a few people laughing about Jeffrey... One of the guys... apparently has 8 assistants, one is more beautiful than the other... Anyway, lots of comparisons to JE.

JPMorgan has rejected allegations it was complicit in Epsteins offending and tried to shift blame for his crimes onto high-ranking USVI officials. They have claimed in court that the USVI shielded him from accountability while giving him tax breaks and reaping the benefits of his wealth.

Jeffrey Epstein appears in court in West Palm Beach, Fla., July 30, 2008. (AP)

In a counter-filing on Monday, JPMorgan accused the US Virgin Islands of providing visas for Epsteins victims and looking the other way when he arrived on the territory with young women and underage girls.

It previously named Cecile de Jongh, the wife of former USVI governor John de Jongh, as Epsteins primary conduit for spreading money and influence throughout the USVI government.

In the new filing, JPMorgan alleges that former governors de Jongh and Kenneth Mapp, who ruled from 2007 to 2019, allegedly admitted they never cared to investigate Epstein.

Current Governor Albert Bryan turned his attention elsewhere, even after Epstein was indicted in 2019 on underage sex offences, the bank alleges.

The US Virgin Islands alleges JPMorgan kept Epstein as a client long after he had been convicted of child sex offences due to his immense value to the bank, both as a client and an intermediary to new wealthy clients.

In a separate court filing on Monday, the territory claimed that Epstein introduced Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page to former Mr Staley in 2003. That relationship alone brought in $4bn for the bank, according to one filing.

Epstein was the biggest revenue producer for JPMorgans Private Bank by 2011, according to the filings.

Epstein was too big to fail, the USVI states in the filings.

Jeffery Epsteins estate on Little Saint James Island in the U. S. Virgin Islands, July 9, 2019 (Associated Press)

The filings note that a compliance officer hired by JPMorgan raised the alarm in 2011 after watching an episode of Law & Order SUV about a fictitious billionaire who trafficked young women for sex.

The bank would eventually cut ties with him in 2013, five years after he was convicted in Florida of sex offences against underage girls.

The new allegations were taken from depositions with JP Morgan executives and hundreds of thousands of pages of internal bank documents turned over to the USVI.

The territory has already forced several JPMorgan executives including CEO Jamie Dimon to sit for depositions.

JP Morgan executives discussed seeing nymphettes at Epsteins home (AP)

A trial is scheduled for 23 October in the US District Court in Manhattan. The USVI wants the judge to declare before then that JPMorgan participated in Epstein's sex trafficking and obstructed law enforcement.

JPMorgan is also suing Mr Staley, alleging he hid Epsteins abuse and trafficking to keep the financier as a client. Mr Staley has previously denied wrongdoing, and said he is being scapegoated by the bank.

Last month, JPMorgan reached a $290m settlement with survivors of Epsteins abuse.

And last week, it was revealed that private equity billionaire Leon Black agreed in January to pay $62.5m to the USVI to be released from potential claims related to its investigation into Epstein.

Epstein was ruled to have taken his own life in a New York prison cell while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges in 2019.

When contacted by The Independent, JPMorgan declined to comment.
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What exactly caused Lily Ledbetters death still remains a mystery more than a month after she was found unconscious in her Virgin Islands apartment.

The 22-year-old college student had been visiting the island from her native Alabama.

An accomplished dancer and project management major at Auburn University, Ledbetter intended to spend her summer working at an animal shelter.

But on 6 June, a concerned citizen reported her unconscious. Twenty minutes later, she was declared dead.

Virgin Island Police Department spokesperson Glen Dratte told The Independent on Tuesday that toxicology results are still pending, but did not elaborate on what may have led to the young womans sudden passing.

Heres everything we know about the case:

What happened?

On the day of her death, a concerned citizen called 911 around 12.33pm reporting that Ledbetter was unconscious.

When first responders arrived at Ledbetters apartment in the Estate Enighed neighbourhood on the island of St John, she was showing no signs of life.

Around 12.53pm, she was declared dead.

Dr Francisco Landron told Fox News Digital that an autopsy was performed on Ledbetter, but the results were inconclusive.

It was basically a negative autopsy, the medical examiner told the outlet. There is no injury, nothing to explain the cause of the death.

Where is the investigation headed?

The Virgin Islands Police Department told The Independent that investigators are still awaiting toxicology results.

If a cause and manner of death cant be determined based on those results, Dr Landron said that he would proceed with forensic microscopic studies on tissues such as the heart. The medical examiner noted that foul play is not suspected.

It could be alcohol. It could be opiates, Dr Landron said.

Who was Lily Ledbetter?

Ledbetter was raised in Opelika, Alabama, according to her obituary.

To see Lily dance was awe-inspiring. She was absolutely captivating, and her passion illuminated the stage, the tribute for the late young woman read. Lily was an accomplished, multi-award-winning dancer. In dance, Lily was truly free- free to be herself -free to express herself.

In 2019, she graduated as an honours student from Opelika High School, where she was active with the dance team, show choir, and band.

I will always remember the twinkle in your eye and the love that filled the room when you walked in, her former dance teacher Mandy Moore wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post. I only wished I had held on and never let you go when I saw you a few weeks ago. I am so thankful that you came home to [our dance studio] and I got one of those big Lily hugs. Your legacy of love and light will forever live on inside our studio.

Ledbetter was pursuing a building science and project management degree at Auburn University and competed with the universitys womens rowing club.

She was set to graduate next year.

Before her death, Ledbetter had been working at a local animal shelter in St John.

She was a good person. Its really sad, a coworker, who declined to share their name, told Fox News Digital. She was a wonderful young person, who really liked spending time with the cats and dogs.
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Barack Obama and his family have paid tribute to the former presidents longtime personal chef after he died while paddleboarding near their home in Marthas Vineyard.

Tafari Campbell, 45, from Virginia, was found dead in the water near the Obama familys mansion on Monday morning, about a hundred feet from shore.

Police told local media that they were called to the Obama house on Sunday night by reports of a man paddleboarding who slipped under the water after a brief struggle to stay on the surface.

Mr Campbell had cooked for Obamas during their eight years in the White House and then continued to work for them after Mr Obama left office in 2016.

Tafari was a beloved part of our family," the Obamas said. "When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House  creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together.

"In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter.

Thats why, when we were getting ready to leave the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed. Hes been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that hes gone.

"Today we join everyone who knew and loved Tafari  especially his wife Sherise and their twin boys, Xavier and Savin  in grieving the loss of a truly wonderful man.

Massachusetts State Police said on Monday that neither the former president nor former first lady Michelle were at the home at the time of the tragedy.

However, The Office of Barack and Michelle Obama later clarified that they were in Marthas Vineyard at the time but were just not at the home when the tragedy unfolded.

The Independent has contacted the Obamas office for more details.

On Sunday evening, police were called after Campbell was seen struggling in the water while paddleboarding near the former first familys home, state police said.

Sherise Campbell posts on Instagram following her husband Tafaris death (Sherise Campbell via Instagram)

Following an overnight search, his body was found just before 10am on Monday around 100 feet from the shore of Edgartowns Great Pond.

Massachusetts State Police said on Tuesday that an autopsy found no evidence that the death was suspicious and no trauma or injuries were found on Campbells body. A paddle-boarder who was at the pond with Campbell when the tragedy unfolded told law enforcement that the late chef was standing on his paddleboard when he lost balance.

He was not wearing a personal flotation device and was not leashed to the paddleboard. The fellow paddle boarder tried to swim to Mr Campbells location but did not reach him in time, the update read. The other paddle boarder then swam to shore and notified a person on shore of what had happened.

MSP said no other updates are expected at this time except for standard toxicology results that are protocol in all autopsies and may take several weeks.

Campbells wife Sherise has paid tribute to her husband, writing on social media that her life is forever changed following his death.

My heart is broken, she wrote.

My life and our familys life is forever changed. Please pray for me and our families as I deal with the loss of my husband.. @cheftafari.

Campbell, 45, previously had a brush with public fame in 2012 when he helped brew a series of ales using honey from the beehives set up by Michelle Obama on the White House's South Lawn.

"As far as we know, the White House Honey Brown Ale is the first alcohol brewed or distilled on the White House grounds," said a statement from Mr Obama's office at the time.

The recipe was released to the public after a petition to do so gained around 12,000 signatures.
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Trevor Reed, a former US Marine freed from a Russian prison last year, was injured while fighting as an international volunteer in Ukraine, according to US officials.

A pair of defence sources told The Messenger that Mr Reed, who came back to the US in a high-profile prisoner swap in April 2022, stepped on a land mine in Ukraine and was not in the country acting on behalf of the US government in any way.

"Since the beginning of the war, we have warned that US citizens who travel to Ukraine, especially with the purpose of participating in fighting there, that they face significant risks, including the very real risk of capture or death, one of the officials said.

US ex-marine Trevor Reed, charged with attacking police, stands inside a defendants' cage during a court hearing in Moscow on March 11, 2020 (AFP via Getty Images)

A government source told The Associated Press Mr Reed "has traveled to Germany where he is receiving medical care.

US officials are reportedly frustrated with Mr Reeds actions, following considerable government efforts to release him, including the decision to release Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian cocaine smuggler serving a 20-year sentence in the US, in exchange for the Americans freedom.

Jonathan Franks, a spokesperson for the Reed family, declined to comment when reached by CNN.

In 2019, Mr Reed was arrested in Russia following a party after his girlfriend called police and asked them to take the man to a drunk tank. When she came to retrieve him, the American appeared to have been heavily injured and was under interrogation by Russian intelligence agents.

Mr Reed was eventually charged with violence against police officers, on claims he attempted to grab the wheel of a police car, endangering those inside the vehicle, and sent to a Russian penal colony.

International observers criticised the trial, and Mr Reeds treatment in prison, where he staged a hunger strike.

When Russia first invaded Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy put out a call for international volunteer fighters, calling them "friends of Ukraine, freedom and democracy.

Since then, an estimated 20,000 volunteers from 52 countries have joined the war, many of them former US and British servicemembers.

The effort has been compared to the tens of thousands of volunteers who fought in the Spanish civil war in the 1930s, both for its international solidarity and for the fact that fighters in both conflict sometimes arrived with little training and poor access to supplies.

Under US law, citizens who join in foreign conflicts are in a legal grey area, depending on how they were recruited to fight, according to a recent article in the Columbia University Law Review.
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The former New York City Police Department commissioner who collected spurious evidence of alleged voter fraud and manipulation for Donald Trumps campaign has agreed to turn over hundreds of documents, according to court filings.

US Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith had sought those documents as part of a sweeping investigation into the former presidents efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

But attorneys for Bernie Kerik had refused to share them, citing attorney-client privilege, as Mr Kerik was working for Trump-connected lawyer Rudy Giuliani.

The former presidents campaign has now withdrawn that claim of privilege, and Mr Keriks legal team has handed over thousands of documents to prosecutors investigating Mr Trumps mindset and decision making as he baselessly stated that the 2020 election was stolen and rigged against him despite a lack of evidence.

Mr Keriks attorney Timothy Parlatore had indicated he will meet with the special counsel team in the coming days.

A bogus narrative of widespread voter fraud fuelled a wave of failed lawsuits, attempts to swap electoral votes in states that Mr Trump lost, and a riot at the US Capitol to overturn the outcome.

Mr Trump  who has stated that he received a target letter indicating that he is under investigation and could be charged with a crime  has meanwhile continued to lash out at the multiple investigations against him as a politically motivated hoax and an attempt to rig or interfere with the 2024 election as he seeks the Republican nomination for president.

The agreement to turn over documents appeared first in a separate case involving Mr Kerik and Mr Giuliani: the ongoing defamation lawsuit from two Georgia election workers who were the subject of relentless attacks after false claims that they manipulated votes.

Attorneys for Mr Kerik and Mr Giuliani had refused to turn over documents, citing attorney-client privilege with the Trump campaign. US District Just Beryl A Howell already ordered Mr Giuliani to pay nearly $90,000 in the workers legal fees over his obstruction.

On 13 July, Mr Kerik was directed to provide a document-by-document privilege log of any withheld record that provides sufficient information to enable other parties to assess the claim that the information is privileged or subject to protection as trial preparation material.

He also was ordered to show why those records and other statements should be withheld.

But a joint filing on 24 July from attorneys for Mr Kerik and the two election workers reveals that the parties have reached an agreement to receive those documents.

Mr Kerik also agreed to sit for another deposition. That deposition will be no later than 24 August, according to the filing.

The Independent has requested comment from Mr Parlatore.

Documents that Mr Kerik provided to the House select committee investigating the January 6 attack included an outline of a strategy to overturn election results and the so-called war room at a nearby hotel. He also presented a strategic communications plan for the GIULIANI PRESIDENTIAL LEGAL DEFENSE TEAM to persuade elected officials to object to 2020 results and promote a bogus narrative of fraud.

He also was in possession of documents and messages from Giuliani-linked associates, including threads on 4chan messages boards and a forwarded plan from QAnon conspiracy theorist Ron Watkins involving Dominion Voting Systems, which later settled a historic lawsuit with Fox News over similar false claims about the company.

Mr Kerik  who pleaded guilty to multiple ethics violations and tax fraud charges before he worked for the Trump campaign  served as NYPD commissioner under then-Mayor Giuliani in 2000 and 2001. In 2003, he briefly served as a minister in Iraqs transition government following the US-led invasion.

In 2010, he was sentenced to four years in federal prison with three years supervised release after he pleaded guilty to eight felony charges, including tax fraud and lying to White House officials.

Mr Trump granted him a presidential pardon in 2020.
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The Department of Justice filed a civil lawsuit against the state of Texas on Monday over Governor Greg Abbotts decision to install a 1,000-foot floating border barrier in the Rio Grande River near the city of Eagle Pass.

We allege that Texas has flouted federal law by installing a barrier in the Rio Grande without obtaining the required federal authorisation, Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said in a statement.

This floating barrier poses threats to navigation and public safety and presents humanitarian concerns, the official added. Additionally, the presence of the floating barrier has prompted diplomatic protests by Mexico and risks damaging US foreign policy.

(Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The DoJ accused Texas of violating the Rivers and Harbors Act.

The Texas project is also facing a lawsuit in state court over the buoy barrier.

Last week, the federal government warned Texas it was considering taking legal action.

On Monday, the Texas governor wrote a letter to the White House saying he intends to fight the DoJs lawsuit.

Texas will see you in court, Mr President, the Republican governor wrote, adding, All of this is happening because you have violated your constitutional obligation to defend the States against invasion through faithful execution of federal laws.

White House spokesperson Abdullah Hasan told The Independent that the governors plan isnt effectively combatting unauthorised immigration.

Governor Abbotts dangerous and unlawful actions are undermining that effective plan, making it hard for the men and women of Border Patrol to do their jobs of securing the border, and putting migrants and border agents in danger, he said in a statement. If Governor Abbott truly wanted to drive toward real solutions, hed be asking his Republican colleagues in Congress why they voted against President Bidens request to increase funding for the Department of Homeland Security and why theyre blocking the comprehensive immigration reform and border security measures that would finally fix our broken immigration system.

In mid-July, Texas neared completion of a $1m, 1,000-foot wall of buoys and netting across the Rio Grande, claiming it would deter illegal immigration outside of ports of entry.

The effort has proved extremely controversial. In addition to warnings from the federal government, Mexico said it is investigating whether the wall violates international treaties surrounding the border.

The governor has also been sued by a local man named Jessie Fuentes, who argues the state has deprived him of his livelihood as a kayak guide and is acting outside of its authority over an international boundary line.

Youve taken a beautiful waterway and youve converted it into a war zone, Mr Fuentes recently told The Independent.

The Texas governors Operation Lone Star mission at the border has faced internal and external criticism.

Its been proven time after time that these so-called prevention through deterrence strategies dont work, Fernando Garcia of the Border Network for Human Rights told The Independent. They have not stopped immigration flows, but what they have done is they have put immigrants at risk.

In a series of emails shared with news outlets including The Independent, a border trooper described receiving orders to push exhausted migrants back into the river and to refrain from giving them water.

We were given orders to push the people back into the water to go to Mexico. We decided that this was not the correct thing to do. With the very real potential of exhausted people drowning, the trooper wrote.

The state has denied the orders took place.

The trooper also claimed that in recent weeks, the buildup at the border has caused numerous issues and injuries, including a teen mother who became trapped in razor wire at the border while having a miscarriage, a 15-year-old who broke his leg as he tried to find a way around the deterrence buoys, and a man who lacerated his leg while trying to rescue his child from razor wire placed on a buoy.

In the Texas governors letter to the president, he claimed that Mr Biden isnt enforcing federal immigration law, and that if the president truly care[s] about human life he will prohibit immigration between ports of entry to stop record-breaking levels of illegal immigration.

This mischaracterises the Biden administrations immigration policies, federal immigration law, and recent immigration trends.

Many migrants hope to claim asylum in the US, and asylum-seekers may request safe haven regardless of whether they present themselves at an official port of entry or to immigration officials once already inside the United States.

Immigrant advocates have criticised Mr Biden for sticking with many of the Trump administrations harshest policies throughout much of his administration, including, until this March, the use of the Title 42 programme to turn away migrants en masse, claiming it was to limit the spread of Covid-19, even though international travelers entered the US throughout the pandemic without being screened for the disease.

The Biden administration has also been regulating the flow of asylum-seekers at ports of entry with a Border Patrol mobile phone app called CBP One, which critics say is similar to the Trump administration practice of metering, which drastically limited the number of asylum-seekers allowed into the US each day.

This spring, the White introduced other new iniaitives aimed at slowing migration to the US, including opening asylum screening centers in other Central and Latin American countries, and penalising those who illegally enter into the US or other countries before seeking refuge in America. Immigration numbers have plummeted in recent months since peaking in the winter.

Andrew Feinberg contributed reporting to this story.
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He may be suing the governor of Texas, but Jessie Fuentes isnt really a political guy. His disagreement with Greg Abbott is personal. Continental, in a sense. Spiritual even.

On 7 July, Mr Fuentes, who owns a small kayaking business, sued the state for its decision to install a 1,000-foot buoy wall in the town of Eagle Pass, within a stretch of the Rio Grande river.

In Texas, the river forms the legal border between the US and Mexico. More than just a legal argument that a state politician doesnt have jurisdiction over an international borderline, Mr Fuentes, who grew up along the Rio Grande, feels Mr Abbott has crossed a moral line. The governor, he says, is violating a river that nourishes ecosystems, people, and a vibrant transborder culture thats existed far longer and far more freely than the rolls of razor wire multiplying across the banks suggest.

Migrants walk by a string of buoys placed on the water along the Rio Grande border with Mexico in Eagle Pass, Texas (AFP via Getty Images)

Im not a politician. I just say listen, I love that river. Nobody speaks up for it. Im speaking up for the river. Man, I have the right to try to prosper from my love of the river, that allows me the opportunity to get out there, to bring people to the river, he told The Independent.

They dont live here. I do, he added of Texass state leaders. Youve taken a beautiful waterway and youve converted it into a war zone.

Mr Fuentes is part of a group of local residents, human rights activists, state employees, and government officials who are pushing back on the floating barrier project. They face challenging waters ahead.

Governor Abbott is a shrewd operator. He has combined media savvy and audacious use of government funds and powers to secure billions of dollars and heaps of political capital for his notion of a military-style crackdown at the border. He has charged ahead with little resistance, even though governors and presidents have spent decades taking this iron-fisted approach with little empirical success to show for it.

In mid-July, state contractors were nearly complete installing the floating border barrier, a $1m, 1,000-foot pearl string of giant orange buoys with strong netting in between, anchored to the river floor.

Floating barrier wall in Rio Grande nearing completion

Discussing the plan in June, Mr Abbott described the floating wall as a key part of his larger buildup at the border, which has featured mass deployment of as many as 10,000 state troopers and national guardsmen at a time, as well as razor wire and sections of a new border wall on private lands.

"When were dealing with 100 or 1,000 people, one of the goals is to slow down and deter as many of them as possible," Mr Abbott said on 8 June. "Some may eventually get to the border where they are going to face that multilayered razor wire and a full force of National Guard and DPS [Department of Public Safety] officers."

An estimated 250 people died crossing the Rio Grande last year, but Texas officials have nonetheless claimed that installing what amounts to a giant net in the river will prevent the loss of life due to drownings.

Operation Lone Star has seen as many as 10,000 Texas law enforcement agents deployed on the border at one time (Getty Images)

The barrier technology, like much of Mr Abbotts border agenda, is a retrofitted version of what the Trump administration was pursuing. In 2020, the Border Patrol advertised on Twitter, then quickly deleted, a post showing a demo of a floating barrier system from the same company that built Mr Abbotts wall, Cochrane USA, only the Trump version had large black spikes that wouldnt look out of place in a dungeon.

The Texas buoy plan dropped the spikes but kept the same controversy that Mr Trumps attempts to seal off the border attracted.

Earlier, Mexicos top diplomat said the barrier plan may violate international treaties over the Rio Grande-based border, and said she will send an inspection team to investigate the buoy wall.

The Justice Department has also threatened to sue Texas over the border wall plan, though governor insists he has the authority to carry on with the project.

Texas will see you in court, Mr President, the Republican governor wrote in a letter on Monday to President Biden.

Migrant advocates say the buoys, like generations of border installations before them, wont actually slow down immigration, but rather will push migrants towards ever more remote places to cross the border, increasing the likelihood they will face a perilous and potentially lethal crossing.

This strategy, known as prevention through deterrence has more or less been the explicit policy of the US government since the Clinton administration in the 1990s, a policy choice many on the ground say is causing unnecessary deaths.

Its been proven time after time that these so-called prevention through deterrence strategies dont work, Fernando Garcia of the Border Network for Human Rights told The Independent. They have not stopped immigration flows, but what they have done is they have put immigrants at risk.

Its very likely that with [the floating buoy wall] they are looking for more remote and isolated places to come across so that whenever they are in danger by heat exhaustion, by drowning, they will not have anybody to help them, he added, saying he worries it could be a record year for migrant deaths in the Rio Grande.

All of this is death by policy.

Military buildup along the US-Mexico border hasnt substantially altered immigration flows, according to experts (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

According to leaks from the Texas Department of Public Safety, which oversees the states border scheme, this policy includes intentionally putting migrants into harms way.

In a series of emails shared with news outlets including The Independent, a border medic described questioning orders from superiors to push exhausted migrants back into the river and to refrain from giving them water if captured.

We were given orders to push the people back into the water to go to Mexico. We decided that this was not the correct thing to do. With the very real potential of exhausted people drowning, the trooper wrote.

The DPS source also claimed in the span of one week in late June, a teen mother was trapped in razor wire at the border while having a miscarriage, a 15-year-old broke his leg as he tried to find a way around the deterrence buoys, and a man lacerated his leg while trying to rescue his child from razor wire placed on a buoy.

Texas officials have defended the use of the razor wire while denying reports troopers were told to push people into the river.

Texas governor Greg Abbott has used Covid funds and a state disaster declaration to increase his power over the US-Mexico border (AP)

The Texas National Guard mission is to work alongside our Texas law enforcement partners to prevent, deter and interdict transnational criminal activity between ports of entry, the Texas Military Department told The Independent in response to news about the emails. There is no order or directive instructing Service Members to push illegal immigrants back into the river or deny them drinking water.

Texas is deploying every tool and strategy to deter and repel illegal crossings between ports of entry as President Bidens dangerous open border policies entice migrants from over 150 countries to risk their lives entering the country illegally, a spokesperson for the governor told The Independent earlier this month.

The Texas Department of Public Safety did not respond to requests for comment on this story from The Independent.

Beyond just putting migrants at risk, the border barriers are cutting into the deep cross-border cultural ties in the region, residents said.

Mr Fuentes, the business owner suing the state, said the locked down border is only a recent historical development. His grandfather used to be able to casually ride into Mexico on a donkey to get supplies. He says that Texas politicians fomenting fear about immigration miss the fact that many who live along the US-Mexico border dont feel the same way. The walls arent stopping some hypothetical invasion of immigrants. Theyre dividing a community thats older and bigger than boundaries on a map.

Thats the beautiful thing about America, he said. Weve got our culture on the border. The way its being misinterpreted right now, them saying were a war zone, things are out of control. Were not that. Were a community on the river. We get along with our neighbours.

I dont think were under siege from an inflow of immigrants, he added. Were under siege by law enforcement.

Leaks from inside the Texas Department of Public Safety allege state employs were told to push migrants back into the Rio Grande (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

When Mr Fuentes encounters migrants on the river, he offers them a blessing and any spare water if it he has it.

You wouldnt know about these sorts of ties by watching the governor on TV. The Fox News regular frequently describes the situation in places like Eagle Pass as an invasion of drug-pushing cartel members, though drugs like fentanyl are overwhelmingly brought across the border by US citizens at official points of entry.

Its not an accidental choice of words calling the situation an invasion. In November, the governor invoked a clause in the US Constitution allowing states to take military actions if they are under invasion to defend his policies, a theory legal scholars and critics say is both nonapplicable to immigration and an echo of the white-supremacist rhetoric that fueled incidents like the 2019 El Paso shooting, where 23 mostly Latino people were killed.

It may not be legally bulletproof, but its another savvy move from Mr Abbott, who has proved adept at using crises in recent years to further his border agenda.

The governor declared a state disaster at the US-Mexico border in 2021, freeing him up to use additional emergency powers, and used creative accounting to funnel an estimated $1bn in federal Covid relief funds to Operation Lone Star, the umbrella plan Mr Abbott has used to send troopers to the border and bus thousands of migrants out of Texas to liberal states.

Despite massive investments from the state and the federal government over decades from leaders of both parties, immigration levels at the US-Mexico border in late 2022 and 2023 are about the same as they were during their previous peak around the year 2000.

A spokesperson for the governors office declined to answer specific questions from The Independent about the floating border barrier, and criticisms that its illegal and dangerous for migrants.

The governors office said Operation Lone Star had led to the apprehension of more than 393,000 unauthorised immigrants and the repelling of more than 49,000 illegal immigrants, as well as over 31,000 arrests, all of which would have otherwise made their way into communities across Texas and our country thanks to President Bidens open border policies, according to spokesperson Andrew Mahaleris.

The Department of Justice is investigating Operation Lone Star for alleged civil rights abuses. Immigration is a concern of federal law, but thousands of immigrants have been arrested by state personnel for trespassing on private property, allegedly being held in jail for weeks without facing charges.

According to an investigation by the Texas Tribune, ProPublica, and The Marshall Project, state officials were arresting far more trespassers than cartel members, and allegedly inflated data on Operation Lone Star by citing arrests on crimes like cockfighting, sexual assault, and stalking in their success statistics, even though these offences had no clear link to immigration enforcement.

Border communities like Uvalde, the site of a horrific 2022 school shooting, have suffered from decades of under-investment, leaving them without hospitals, even as billions are spent on border security (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Weve spent $12bn over the last decade, and we have nothing to show for it, Jaime Puente, director of economic opportunity programmes at the advocacy group Every Texan, which monitors the state budget, told The Independent. People are not being deterred from coming to the US to seek a better life and opportunitiesno matter how deadly we make that journey.

Ironically, according to Mr Puente, the governors border crackdown has finally driven resources towards borderland communities that have historically suffered from under-investment. However, these resources are coming in the form of armed police officers and contracts to build military infrastructure, rather than investments in things like education or healthcare.

Texas has historically undervalued and underserved border communities over the last century or more, and now, because its politically viable, because it makes for a great 7pm Fox News clip, these communities are being inundated with billions and billions of dollars, Mr Puente said.

He points to the example of Uvalde, Texas, the site of a horrific 2022 school shooting, as a place that needs a different kind of investment from the state.

That community doesnt have a hospital, he said. That community doesnt have some basic services, but they have 350 DPS troopers and Border Patrol agents just roaming around. That didnt help 19 kids and 2 teachers a year ago.

In fact, according to some local residents, the influx of state personnel to border communities has made the residents there feel less safe.

Operation Lone Star has driven a spike in the racial profiling of Latinx drivers in South Texas, according to the ACLU.

According to an analysis from NBC News of Latinx-majority border areas, traffic citations have shot up, in one county by a factor of six, since Operation Lone Star came online in 2021.

Migrants walk along concertina wire as they try to cross the Rio Grande at the Texas-U.S. border in Eagle Pass, Texas, Thursday, July 6, 2023 (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Despite the governors ever-expanding footprint on the border, Jessie Fuentes still believes in the magic of the Rio Grande. He ends our interview by inviting me to come onto the river with him sometime, though he notes its getting harder and harder for him to access the water because of all the fences, walls, and razor wire deployed around Eagle Pass. He has a bitter chuckle at the difference between the US and Mexico sides of the river.

On the Mexico side, its parkland, with families out for walks or fishing on the river. On the US side, its a practically medieval tableau of walls and spikes, overseen by a group of state officials, one of whose title is literally Border Czar.

I invite anyone to come if theyll let me, he said.

What happens on the border often has deep roots. Border walls, once built, are rarely taken down, and connections to the land, built over generations, dont disappear from one administration to the next.

Governor Abbott has vowed to fight Mr Fuentes all the way to the US Supreme Court. In the coming months, we will see whose vision of this complicated, beautiful region prevails.
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Donald Trump has now added a third criminal case to his list of ever-growing legal troubles  this time for his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election and the subsequent January 6 attack on the US Capitol.

The former president was indicted by a grand jury in Washington DC on 1 August on four charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, conspiracy against rights and obstruction of, and attempt to obstruct, an official proceeding.

The indictment came after an investigation from Special Counsel Jack Smith, whose office is also leading the criminal investigation into Mr Trumps handling of classified documents on leaving the White House.

Mr Trump surrendered to authorities in Washington DC on 3 August to be arrested before appearing for his arraignment.

In the courtroom, Mr Trump and his nemesis Mr Smith stared each other down as the former president pleaded not guilty to all charges.

A statement from Mr Trumps campaign called the latest indictment disgraceful and political targeting.

The lawlessness of these persecutions of President Trump and his supporters is reminiscent of Nazi Germany in the 1930s, the former Soviet Union, and other authoritarian, dictatorial regimes.

President Trump has always followed the law and the Constitution with advice from many highly accomplished attorneys, the statement from Mr Trumps campaign read.

What charges is he facing?

The indictment in the 2020 election interference case charges Mr Trump with four counts: conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, conspiracy against rights and obstruction of, and attempt to obstruct, an official proceeding.

This is the second set of federal charges filed against Mr Trump and the third indictment hes received this year thus far, adding to the legal pressure against him as he seeks to win the Republican Partys nomination in the primary next year.

It is also the first criminal case over his alleged actions while he was running the country.

Former President Donald Trump walks over to speak with reporters before he boards his plane at Ronald Reagan Washington Airport after his arraignment (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The first federal indictment against the ex-president occurred on 8 June, when a grand jury in Mr Smiths investigation charged Mr Trump and his co-defendant Walt Nauta on 37 counts related to Mr Trumps alleged unlawful retention of national defence information and obstruction of justice.

Those charges stem from a case that began early last year after National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) officials discovered more than 100 classified documents in boxes that were retrieved from Mr Trumps Palm Beach, Florida residence.

This came after his first criminal indictment in March on state charges in New York.

In that case, he appeared in a Manhattan courtroom to face criminal charges following Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs investigation into hush payments leading up to the 2016 presidential election.

After the first two arraignments, he returned to his properties to deliver remarks to crowds of supporters to cast himself as a victim of political persecution, baselessly accusing his political rivals of interfering with his chances of winning election to the presidency in 2024.

In all three cases, Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty.

In this handout photo provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, stacks of boxes can be observed in the White and Gold Ballroom of former U.S. President Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida (Getty Images)

But these cases are not necessarily his last, as prosecutors in Georgia also appear to be on the cusp of bringing charges.

A years-long investigation in Atlanta has been probing his attempts to reject the results of that election in the state of Georgia. That Georgia grand jury probe is also expected to result in charges against the ex-president and others in his orbit sometime in August or early September.

So will he go to jail?

With his growing list of criminal cases, speculation is mounting as to whether Mr Trump will face jail time.

If convicted, federal and state prosecutors and judges could have to decide whether to jail a presidential candidate  or even the potential victor in the 2024 race.

Following the first federal indictment, experts said that the Justice Department was likely to attempt to have Mr Trump incarcerated if hes convicted.

Each charge in that case  the classified documents case  carries a maximum sentence ranging from five years to 20 years. A potential sentence, if convicted, could include decades in prison.

National security lawyer and George Washington University law professor Kel McClanahan said that the department will probably want to go for incarceration in the case of Mr Trump, according to Insider.

Mr McClanahan said that the evidence in the indictment is intended to show that Mr Trump is a kingpin who knowingly broke the law, endangered national security, endangered nuclear weapon security, [and] endangered other countries national security.

Former US President Donald Trump waves from his vehicle following his appearance at Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. United States Federal Courthouse, in Miami, Florida, on June 13, 2023 (AFP via Getty Images)

The consensus among most legal experts commenting on the indictment appears to be that Mr Trump is in serious legal jeopardy.

A former assistant US attorney in the Southern District of New York, Sarah Krissoff, said that to the extent that theres a conviction here, the Department of Justice is going to want to be seeking a real sentence because of the nature of the conduct, how long it lasted, his involvement, the involvement of other people, working allegedly at Trumps direction.

She noted that if Mr Trump is convicted, the sentence would depend on the judge, which seems likely to be Trump-appointee Aileen Cannon in the District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Meanwhile, Mr Trump could be looking at a maximum of five to 20 years of prison time if he is convicted in the January 6 charges.

He has pleaded not guilty in all three cases. Mr Trumps next hearing in the January 6 probe will be the 28 August.
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Jill Biden met Frances first lady Brigitte Macron on Tuesday, 25 July, as she visited Paris to mark the United States official re-entry into United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

The US First Lady will attend a flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the re-entry into the agency after a five-year hiatus.

She is expected to make a speech about the importance of American leadership in preserving cultural heritage.

Under Donald Trumps administration, the US pulled out of Unesco because of an alleged anti-Israel bias and a need for fundamental reform in the agency.

It was the second time the US returned to Unesco after withdrawing, after previously leaving under Ronald Reagans administration in 1984 citing alleged advancement of Soviet interests, mismanagement, and corruption.

The nation announced its intention to rejoin the agency in June 2023 before the agencys 193 member states approved re-entry.

Todays ceremony will feature a speech by Unescos director general Audrey Azoulay.
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Watch as Jill Biden speaks at an event on Tuesday, 25 July, as she visits Paris to mark the United States official re-entry into United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

The US first lady attended a flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the re-entry into the agency after a five-year hiatus.

She made a speech about the importance of American leadership in preserving cultural heritage.

It comes after Dr Biden met Frances first lady Brigitte Macron earlier on Tuesday.

Under Donald Trumps administration, the US pulled out of Unesco because of an alleged anti-Israel bias and a need for fundamental reform in the agency.

It was the second time the US returned to Unesco after withdrawing, after previously leaving under Ronald Reagans administration in 1984 citing alleged advancement of Soviet interests, mismanagement, and corruption.

The nation announced its intention to rejoin the agency in June 2023 before the agencys 193 member states approved re-entry.

Todays ceremony also featured a speech by Unescos director general Audrey Azoulay.
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The father of a Uvalde mass shooting victim posted a blistering video dismantling what he called Lauren Boeberts bulls*** apology after she was filming throwing away a pamphlet featuring a photo of a 10-year-old girl killed in the attack.

Video circulated online last week showed an activist handing Ms Boebert a pamphlet and pin memorialising Maite Rodriguez inside the US Capitol - before she promptly dropped the items in a garbage can.

The Colorado Republican representative addressed the clip in her own video on Monday, alleging that the activist was a man who came at me very aggressively just a few weeks prior during a press conference and had been detained by Capitol Police after that encounter. She further explained she was not able to hear the mans questions because she was wearing AirPods at the time.

Brett Cross, father of Uziyah Uzi Garcia who was murdered at the Uvalde shooting, reacted to Ms Boeberts explanation in his own video posted to Twitter hours later.

He accused the GOP firebrand of lying and asserted that she conflated the activist with someone else who was kicked out of a press conference. He showed videos back-to-back that confirm the two men look nothing alike.

Mr Cross said the activist is named Elijah and that hes a big dude who towers over a lot of people. The man who was kicked out of the press conference was called Jake and doesnt match that description, as seen in the video.

I did not want to receive anything that this man had to give me, nor did I know what he was handing me, Rep Boebert said in her video.

But Mr Cross said: You grabbed it from him. Hes holding it up and you take it from him.

Ms Boebert defended herself in her video, saying that she was very vocal in the wake of the Uvalde tragedy. Mr Cross then showed a video of Ms Boebert walking near the Capitol building while people, including Mr Cross, were telling her, nearby there are survivors of gun violence if you want to talk to them, and she just walks by.

You looked down at the pamphlet. You looked down at the pin. You knew what it was and you threw it away when you thought nobody was f***ing looking, Mr Cross said. You got caught and now youre trying to spin a web of lies.

The Independent previously spoke to Elijah Pelton who agreed with what Mr Cross said, that the congresswoman is confusing him for another activist who confronted her: Jake Burdett.

The Independent also previously reported that Mr Burdett was taken out of a press conference after questioning Ms Boebert about her divorce in May.

A second activist also spoke to The Independent who was with Mr Pelton last week described the interaction with Ms Boebert. Just as we talked to other members, we told the congresswoman the meaning behind the shoes and the pin. We told her who Maite was. We told her that the green Converse were one of the only ways her family could recognize her. She did not say anything to us but did shake her head no after I told her that we hope she takes action on gun violence prevention.

The activist added: As Boebert was walking away from us and around the corner, she quickly tossed the pin into the trash.
The second CCF Quantum Computation Conference and the China Quantum Computation Industry Summit will be held in Hefei  capital of East China's Anhui province  on Aug 19-20.

Organized by the China Computer Federation, or CCF, the event will feature reports from top experts and 10 themed forums covering such areas as quantum computing software, hardware, applications and manufacturing.

The conference is due to attract around 1,000 professionals in the field of quantum computing, including academicians at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and representatives from 50 high-tech companies, including tech giant Huawei.

It aims to provide a platform for multidisciplinary cross-integration and technological advancements in quantum computing.

The conference also serves as a platform for developing first-rate talent in the sector. The second CCF Sinan Cup quantum computing programming challenge award ceremony will be held concurrently, with nearly 400 competition winners expected to attend.

Hefei has been at the forefront of quantum computing research and its industrialization in China. It is home to the first deliverable superconducting quantum computer, China's first quantum computer operating system and the country's first quantum chip production line.

The city is also said to have played a leading role in integrating supercomputing and quantitative computing.
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Ron DeSantis was in a car crash while on his way to a fundraiser in Tennessee.

The Florida governor and 2024 presidential candidate was uninjured in the Tuesday morning incident.

This morning, the governor was in a car accident while traveling to an event in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He and his team are uninjured. We appreciate the prayers and well wishes of the nation for his continued protection while on the campaign trail, spokesperson Bryan Griffin said in a statement.

Mr DeSantis was set to attend fundraisers in Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Nashville on Tuesday as his campaign is reported to be floundering both in terms of funding and poll numbers.

The crash took place on I-75 South close to the 2.8-mile marker, south of the 153 exit, according to News Channel 9.

Chattanooga Police told the outlet that a previous crash caused the incident with the motorcade. Other motorists crashed after drivers were forced to quickly brake to allow an animal, possibly a dog, to cross the highway.

Following that crash, three vehicles in the governors motorcade ended up in a dead-end collision as they slowed down to avoid the original collision.

Law enforcement said one of the staffers suffered a minor injury. Mr DeSantis and his staff continued their journey to the fundraisers.

The incident and Mr DeSantiss string of fresh fundraisers come amid reports that he had blown 40 per cent of his campaign donations on private jets and fancy campaign dinners.

Ron DeSantis was in a car crash on 25 July while on his way to fundraisers in Tennessee (TDOT Smartway)

His campaign advisers took the rare (and sometimes fatal) step of acknowledging mismanagement of the Florida governors presidential bid this weekend, as reports revealed that he is burning through cash with little to show for it.

The Florida governors top staff and advisers were in Utah on Sunday where, according to Politico, they appeared in front of dozens of restless campaign donors who have expressed concern about a return on their investments and the overall trajectory of Mr DeSantiss bid for the White House.

The meeting comes as the DeSantis campaign is beginning to draw comparisons to the well-financed eventual flop that was the Jeb Bush 2016 campaign, the last bid by a Republican governor of Florida to win a GOP primary against Donald Trump.

Indeed, Mr DeSantis has earned some of those comparisons, given that he continues to trail far behind Mr Trump in all available polling and now sees other Republican candidates in a much better position to dethrone him than he is to usurp the former presidents mantle of frontrunner.

On Sunday, aides including campaign manager Generra Peck admitted that the governors bid was spending donations too freely, in particular faulting the event planning team which saw a number of firings this past week.

According to The New York Times, the DeSantis campaign has already spent 40 per cent of the donations it has raised directly in the first six weeks of his campaign  though that number does not count the war chest controlled by the Never Back Down PAC, the governors vehicle for outside spending.

Among the steeper expenditures which apparently led to the recent staff shakeup have included fancy retreats for donors and supporters.
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A Pennsylvania city mayor has demanded that Donald Trump reimburse a $35,000 bill from 2018 ahead of his planned return for a campaign rally on Saturday.

Joe Schember, the mayor of the western Pennsylvania city of Erie, told Erie Times-News that their pleas to seek a bill for Mr Trumps campaign for the rally in October 2018, which attracted a crowd of 12,000 people, have gone unheard nearly for five years.

He said they will try to get an advance payment this time as it is taxpayers money being used to fund his rallies.

"I think we have to try, and I feel like my team feels the same way," Mr Schember said.

"Were going to see whether we can get some payment from them in advance this time. Its important to do this because were talking about taxpayer money being used to help make his visit more safe."

Mr Trump, who appears to be the frontrunner for the Republicans 2024 presidential nomination, is set to return to Erie on Saturday at the Erie Insurance Arena at 6pm ET.

The former president arrived at the same indoor stadium in downtown Erie on 10 October 2018 to hold a Make America Great Again rally for his campaign for Republicans around the country ahead of the 6 November midterm elections.

The city mayor made several unsuccessful attempts to recover the cost incurred by the administration in security arrangement, overtime pay for city workers assigned to cover the event, and other employee-related costs.

Despite the unpaid bill, city officials and the police have begun logistical and staffing preparations for the 2023 event, Mr Schember said.

According to the Federal Election Commission filings, the Trump campaign had more than $35.4m on hand at that time. Mr Schember said they were aware of it and made the formal request for reimbursement but did not hear back.

Trump has been able to bring in millions of dollars for his campaign, Mr Schember said. He should be able to easily pay these costs to cities.

A local resident of Erie has launched a petition to ban Trump from Erie until he pays his bill to the city over his unpaid dues.

Joshua Makowski said the city should not allow anyone to use city services and not pay their bill and said Mr Trump should be held accountable for his first bill.

I would ask city officials to think about what kind of precedent it sets that a high profile individual can come here, use our city services to promote their campaign, and then leave a $40k bill unpaid, he said.

Erie is not the only city which has complaints of unpaid dues from Trumps campaign. Similar complaints have been raised in several other cities Mr Trump visited over neglect to cover the additional expenses incurred to ensure safe and well-managed rallies.

Local news station KTSM, headquartered in El Paso, Texas, revealed in November 2022 that the former presidents campaign failed to make any payments for a February 2019 rally held at the El Paso County Coliseum.

The Independent has reached out to the Erie mayors and Mr Trumps offices for comment.
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A former president has been charged with crimes connected to his attempts to overturn the results of an American election.

The federal investigation into the efforts from Donald Trump and his allies to subvert the outcome of the 2020 presidential election has yielded four criminal charges in a 45-page indictment, outlining three alleged criminal conspiracies and the obstruction of of Joe Bidens victory and detailing a multi-state scheme built on a legacy of lies and conspiracy theories to undermine the democratic process.

A charging document under US Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith follows a grand jury vote to indict Mr Trump after months of evidence and witness testimony.

The indictment follows a separate, lengthy House select committee investigation into the events surrounding and leading up to the attack on the US Capitol on 6 January 2021, including a series of blockbuster public hearings laying out evidence and witness testimony describing the depth of Mr Trumps attempts to remain in office at whatever cost.

The panels final 845-page report provides a detailed account of the former presidents refusal to cede power  regardless of the outcome  while privately acknowledging that he lost, as his baseless stolen election narrative fuelled his supporters to riot in the halls of Congress, an argument that also bolstered his second impeachment in the House of Representatives.

That report and countless investigations into the events surrounding January 6 have painted the attack on the Capitol as part of a much-larger effort to preserve a fragile American democracy in a volatile battle to determine the truth and who wields it.

In December, lawmakers on the House committee unanimously voted to recommend charges against the former president, claiming that there is enough evidence to prosecute him for at least four crimes  including aiding or providing comfort to an insurrection aimed at toppling the United States government.

The panel also referred Mr Trump to the Justice Department for the obstruction of an official proceeding, conspiracy to defraud the US, and conspiracy to make a false statement to the federal government.

John Eastman, the attorney who argued that Mr Pence could reject election results, and Kenneth Chesebro, who helped develop the fake elector scheme, were also implicated in the committees report, along with former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, attorney Rudy Giuliani, and former assistant US attorney general Jeffrey Clark.

It was a mostly symbolic vote, marking the culmination of the committees months-long investigation, but it sent a powerful signal from a bipartisan group of lawmakers bolstered by mountains of evidence that a former president should be held accountable for his alleged crimes against the government.

Who is under investigation?

The Justice Departments investigation builds on the years of work from federal prosecutors to investigate more than 1,000 people in connection with the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, fuelled by the former presidents ongoing false claims that the election was rigged against him.

A resulting indictment lists six unnamed co-conspirators who are likely to include Trump-connected attorneys and former administration officials and advisers, including former attorneys Mr Giuliani and Mr Eastman, Sidney Powell, Mr Clark and Mr Cheseboro.

Prosecutors have also talked to a number of chief aides and officials in Mr Trumps circle, including former Vice President Mike Pence, Mr Meadows, former White House counsel Pat Cipollone, his former deputy Pat Philbin, and former national security adviser Robert OBrien, among several others.

They also have spoken with Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger, who was on the other end of a call with Mr Trump demanding that the states top elections official find 11,780 votes  enough for him to overturn Mr Bidens victory in the state.

That call, which was taped, also is at the center of a separate investigation from Fulton County district attorney Fani Willis into election interference in the state.

Arizona  ground zero for an election denialism movement that gave rise to leading GOP candidates for the top three statewide offices, including failed candidate for governor Kari Lake  was a focal point for the Trump campaign and his allies, who filed several lawsuits against the state and some counties in an attempt to overturn the lawful results. Mr Biden won the state by roughly 10,000 votes.

Former Trump attorneys John Eastman and Rudy Giuliani speak to the former presidents supporters in Washington, DC, on 6 January 2021. (Reuters)

Federal prosecutors have talked to former Arizona governor Doug Ducey, who silenced a call from Mr Trump while Mr Ducey was in the middle of certifying his states election results  a process that was being live-streamed and carried across news outlets.

Mr Smiths office also subpoenaed the Office of the Arizona Secretary of State and has met with top elections officials in Wisconsin, New Mexico and Pennsylvania.

Prosecutors also have interviewed Michigan secretary of state Jocelyn Benson, whose office provided a tranche of documents that included communications between the states election officials and Mr Trumps former lawyers and members of his campaign as the former presidents allies targeted the critical battleground state.

Central to the investigation is whether Mr Trump knew that he lost but pressed ahead with spurious efforts to overturn results anyway, with federal prosecutors reportedly speaking to his son-in-law and former adviser Jared Kushner and former communications directors Hope Hicks and Alyssa Farah Griffin with those questions in mind.

What charges does Trump face?

The former president has been charged with four crimes, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights.

The indictment bases those charges around Mr Trumps lies and knowledge of his deceit about the elections outcome, his campaigns attempts to pressure state officials and push false slates of electors to obstruct the certification of the results, a failed attempt to persuade Mr Pence to refuse the outcome and Mr Trumps failure to stop a mob of his supporters from breaking into the Capitol.

A mob of Donald Trumps supporters breached the US Capitol on 6 January 2021, fuelled by a baseless narrative that the 2020 election was stolen from him. (Reuters)

In May 2020, with the presidential election still months away, Mr Trump said it would be rigged against him if he were to lose. That June, he said the election would be the scandal of our times, called it inaccurate and fraudulent and the greatest election disaster in history. Not a single ballot had yet been cast.

His own Justice Department, close advisers and campaign found no evidence of widespread voter fraud and dozens of lawsuits filed by his campaign and allies to overturn results were withdrawn or dismissed, while his attorneys and the right-wing network amplifying their false claims face massive defamation lawsuits from the voting machines companies and election workers at the centre of them.

Obstruction

The crime of obstruction of an official proceeding has already been brought against hundreds of people in connection with the attack on the US Capitol on 6 January 2021.

The House select committee and a federal judge who was involved in cases stemming from its inquiry previously argued that there is evidence that Mr Trump sought to corruptly obstruct the certification of electoral college votes in Congress  a crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison, if convicted.

Then-President Trump exploited the violence at the Capitol, fuelled by his ongoing and baseless narrative that the election was stolen from him, by calling on lawmakers to pause the certification of the election results, according to the indictment.

Conspiracy to defraud the United States

Mr Trumps efforts through his legal team and his inner circle to block the certification of Mr Bidens victory in states that he lost, while falsely claiming widespread voter fraud and manipulation had stolen the election from him, form the basis for that charge in the federal indictment against him.

The former president also is charged under this statute in the Mar-a-Lago documents case, where he is accused of using a lawyer to lie to the Justice Department.

The indictment outlines Mr Trumps efforts to push election officials in battleground states that he lost  Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin  to subvert election outcomes, then advance a bogus alternate elector scheme to transmit false slates of electors to Congress.

On 18 July, Michigan attorney general Dana Nessel charged 16 fake electors in that state, marking the first criminal charges brought against so-called alternate electors who sought to overturn 2020 results.

Mr Trump then leveraged the Justice Department to promote the scheme and pressured Mr Pence to fraudulently alter the elections outcome by rejecting the results on January 6, according to the indictment.

Conspiracy against rights

A crime of conspiracy against rights invokes Section 241 of Title 18 of US Code, a law that dates back to bedrock civil rights protections in the Reconstruction era in the aftermath of the Civil War. It carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

Recommended Why Trump is charged under a civil rights law used to prosecute KKK terror

It was among criminal codes under the Enforcement Acts, also known as the Ku Klux Klan Acts, designed to protect Americans civil rights enshrined under then-newly enacted 13th, 14th and 15th amendments  allowing the federal government to protect the rights of enfranchised Black people to vote, hold office, serve on juries and receive equal protection under the law.

Section 241 criminalises conspiracies to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person from exercising such rights.

Is there a case for insurrection?

After delivering remarks to a rally of his supporters while a joint session of Congress convened to certify 2020 election results, a speech that allegedly incited his supporters to storm the Capitol, then-President Trump stood by for 187 minutes before he told them to go home.

The House select committee unanimously agreed that Mr Trump should be charged for inciting an insurrection and giving aid or comfort to insurrectionists  a rare and severe charge that prosecutors will approach only with extreme caution, if they decide to prosecute at all.

A conviction on that charge mandates a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and would prohibit Mr Trump from holding office.

The charge is not included in the indictment against him and none of the more than 1,000 people arrested in connection with the attack are facing this charge.

This story was initially published on 19 July and has since been updated with subsequent developments.
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Donald Trump is leading the field to become the Republican Partys presidential nominee once again in 2024, his supporters apparently undeterred by his mounting legal problems  or the 24-hour circus of his first term  and keen to give him another shot at the White House, such is their animosity to incumbent Joe Biden.

None of Ron DeSantis, Mike Pence, Nikki Haley, Chris Christie, Tim Scott or any of the other GOP stragglers are polling close to the former commander-in-chief as of summer 2023, despite the fact that Mr Trump has already been indicted three times this year and is staring down the barrel of a potential fourth.

Having already stepped out to plea not guilty at two arraignment hearings in New York and Miami over the alleged misrepresentation of his business records to conceal hush money payments and the alleged hoarding of classified documents in his Mar-a-Lago bathroom, the former reality TV star is now facing charges over his role in inciting the Capitol riot of 6 January 2021 and, he may be charged for attempting to influence the 2020 vote count in Georgia by pressuring state officials.

None of which appears to discourage his loyal fanbase, who have been prepared to overlook the myriad disappointments of Mr Trumps first tenure in the Oval Office, his historic double impeachment and his disastrous midterms picks last November to cheer him on at rallies, splash out on merchandise and generously donate to his campaign.

While more traditional conservatives are ready to move on, the MAGA movement remains significant and its members are all too ready to cheerily swallow their idols baseless claims that the Biden administration has weaponised the US justice system against an innocent man in order to thwart the American comeback he has promised.

Just in case you feel tempted to look back on the years 2017 to 2021 through rose-tinted spectacles, here is a refresher on precisely what happened during that angry whirlwind of a presidency, which began with government-by-Twitter and ended with the unprecedented and disgraceful spectacle of a president impeached not once but twice.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi first announced she was launching an impeachment inquiry against Donald Trump on 24 September 2019 in response to a complaint raised against him by an anonymous CIA whistleblower.

The issue related to a call the 45th US president had placed with Ukraines new president Volodymyr Zelensky (a great deal more famous now than he was then) on 25 July that year, in which the American appeared to proposition his counterpart in Eastern Europe with a quid pro quo.

Mr Trump hinted that $400m in congressionally-approved US military aid to Kyiv to help fend off Russian aggression in the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine would be withheld unless Mr Zelenskys government launched a politically embarrassing anti-corruption probe into Mr Trumps own domestic rival, one Joseph R Biden, who was then leading the Democratic field to challenge him in 2020.

I would like you to do us a favour though was how the president introduced his condition on the call, pressuring Mr Zelensky to pursue a conspiracy theory alleging that Mr Biden, while serving as US vice president to Barack Obama, had sought the dismissal of a Ukrainian prosecutor investigating a local gas company, Burisma, on whose board his troubled son Hunter Biden sat, a matter already pursued by Mr Trumps personal attorney Rudy Giuliani.

Donald Trump putting in a call from the Resolute Desk (AFP/Getty)

Following Ms Pelosis bombshell announcement, the House Intelligence, Oversight and Foreign Affairs committees began interviewing State Department, Pentagon and National Security Council (NSC) officials behind closed doors throughout October, peacing the truth together from their depositions before summoning several back to testify in public across a series of dramatic mid-November hearings.

The inquirys public phase introduced a memorable cast of characters, including former US ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, Ukraine charge daffaires Bill Taylor, displaced Durhamite and Russia expert Dr Fiona Hill, the nattily bowtied George Kent, vice presidential aide Jennifer Williams, decorated NSC director Lt Col Alexander Vindman in full dress uniform and ambassador to the EU Gordon Sondland, a smirking ex-hotelier who had donated $1m to the Trump campaign for the privilege of ending up in the mess.

By and large, the witnesses proved themselves to be impressive and principled experts in their fields and made fools of the MAGA Republicans attempting to pick holes in their testimony  Devin Nunes, Jim Jordan, Doug Collins, Elise Stefanik and Louie Gohmert among them.

Mr Trump, predictably, spent his time denouncing the proceedings on Twitter as a scam and a second witch hunt following on from Robert Muellers investigation of his alleged ties to Russia, even engaging in some live witness intimidation when he tweeted nastily about Ms Yovanovitch as she gave evidence.

The House went on to formally accuse the president on two counts, abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, on 10 December.

Eight days later, representatives backed both articles, casting their votes largely along party lines and pushing the matter forward to a trial in the Republican-held Senate.

Lt Col Alexander Vindman is sworn in (Getty)

The Democrats, led by California congressman Adam Schiff, made their case admirably but, in the end, only Mitt Romney dared to break ranks and vote for Mr Trumps conviction in the upper chamber, despite some heavy signalling from rebel GOP senators Lamar Alexander, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins that they might join him, before hopelessly bottling it.

Impeached but not convicted, Mr Trump was free to carry on regardless.

Ms Collins excuse that she believed he had learned his lesson from the Zelensky affair would later prove to be an even more laughable contention than it had sounded when she first uttered it.

The other side of his disastrous mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic, a summer of Black Lives Matter demonstrations over the police murder of George Floyd and his comprehensive defeat in the 2020 presidential election to Mr Biden, Mr Trump was impeached for a history-making second time on 13 January 2021 when the House found that he had incited the attempted insurrection at the US Capitol a week earlier by leading his disappointed supporters on with the Big Lie that only (non-existent) mass voter fraud had stopped him securing a second term.

The tragic events of 6 January  on which a mob of QAnon zealots, Proud Boys and Oath Keepers stormed the legislative complex to try to stop the certification of the election results, five people were killed, a gallows was erected to hang Mr Pence and Congress was attacked for the first time since it was set alight by British soldiers in 1814  are well documented.

The Capitol riot (AP)

In its aftermath, Mr Trump, who declined to call off his supporters, preferring instead to watch the American carnage he had predicted at his inauguration finally unfold on live TV, was booted off social media and the House moved quickly to impeach him for an unheard-of second time, passing an article accusing him of incitement to insurrection.

Speaker Pelosi said as she cast her vote to impeach that the president represented a clear and present danger so long as he remained in the Oval Office and accused him of trying to repeal reality in challenging the election result.

The vote passed 232-197 in the lower chamber but, again, the Senate granted him an acquittal on 13 February, with only seven Republicans crossing the aisle to join the 50 Democrats in demanding accountability  not enough to land the two-thirds majority needed.

Had just 10 more listened to their consciences and joined the rebellion, the US Constitution would have barred Mr Trump from ever running for high office again, ruling as it does that judgement in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honour, trust or profit under the United States.

Twice impeached but convicted on neither occasion, Mr Trump was entirely free to announce a fresh bid for the White House, as he did last November, seemingly as untroubled by burning shame as ever.

On 1 August, Mr Trump was indicted in relation to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. A grand jury in Washington DC voted to indict Mr Trump on four counts, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights.

The indictment states that Mr Trump took part in a conspiracy to defraud the United States by using dishonesty, fraud, and deceit to impair, obstruct, and defeat the lawful federal government function by which the results of the presidential election are collected, counted, and certified by the federal government.
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Donald Trump has been charged over an alleged plot to overthrow the 2020 election, adding to his growing list of legal woes.

The ex-president now faces four counts of violating three sections of the federal criminal code as he and a group of allies schemed to find a way to somehow keep him in the White House for a second term despite losing to Joe Biden.

Grand jurors in Washington DC have spent months hearing evidence and witness testimony as part of a long-running probe into Mr Trumps efforts to overturn his election loss and the January 6 attack on the Capitol which sprung from those efforts.

Donald Trump has hit back at the charges (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

On Monday they approved the indictment against the Republican on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruction of an official proceeding, and deprivation of rights under colour of law on Tuesday after a four-hour presentation by Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith and his team of prosecutors.

In a statement to reporters shortly after the indictment was unsealed, Mr Smith said the January 6 attack was an unprecedented assault on the seat of American democracy that was fueled by lies, lies by the defendant targeted at obstructing a bedrock function of the US government: The nations process of collecting, counting and certifying the results of the presidential election.

Mr Smith praised the law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol that day as heroes ... patriots and they are the very best of us who put their lives on the line to defend who we are as a country and as a people and defended the very institutions and principles that define the United States.

He also said the case against Mr Trump is part of the Justice Departments efforts to ensuring accountability for those criminally responsible for what happened that day and said his office would seek a speedy trial of Mr Trump, who was summoned to appear in court to answer the charges on 3 August at 4.00 pm at the E Barrett Prettyman Courthouse in Washington.

The indictment alleges that the ex-president engaged in a conspiracy to defraud the United States by using dishonesty, fraud, and deceit to impair, obstruct, and defeat the lawful federal government function by which the results of the presidential election are collected, counted, and certified by the federal government, conspired to corruptly obstruct and impede the January 6 congressional proceeding at which the collected results of the presidential election are counted and certified, and conspired against conspiracy against the right to vote and to have ones vote counted.

Prosecutors allege that Mr Trump had six co-conspirators, including five attorneys.

Trump speaks to supporters on January 6 shortly before the assault on the Capitol (AFP via Getty Images)

According to the indictment, Mr Trump and his co-conspirators co-conspirators used knowingly false claims of election fraud to get state legislators and election officials to subvert the legitimate election results and change electoral votes for the Defendants opponent, Joseph R. Biden, Jr., to electoral votes for the Defendant.

They further allege that Mr Trump Defendant pushed officials in certain states to ignore the popular vote; disenfranchise millions of voters; dismiss legitimate electors; and ultimately, cause the ascertainment of and voting by illegitimate electors in his favour.

Prosecutors also cite the efforts by Mr Trump and his allies to cause fake electoral college certificates to be submitted for use by then-vice president Mike Pence to hijack the certification of the election and declare himself and Mr Trump the winners despite having lost.

When Mr Pence refused, prosecutors allege that Mr Trump and co-conspirators repeated knowingly false claims of election fraud to gathered supporters, falsely told them that the Vice President had the authority to and might alter the election results, and directed them to the Capitol to obstruct the certification proceeding and exert pressure on the Vice President to take the fraudulent actions he had previously refused.

They also allege that Mr Trump and his allies exploited the January 6 attack on the Capitol disruption by redoubling efforts to levy false claims of election fraud and convince Members of Congress to further delay the certification based on those.

Trumps Jan 6 arguments dubbed the Costanza defence after Seinfeld joke

Continuing, they say Mr Trump and his co-conspirators attempted to use the power and authority of the Justice Department to conduct sham election crime investigations and to send a letter to the targeted states that falsely claimed that the Justice Department had identified significant concerns that may have impacted the election outcome as they sought to advance the Defendants fraudulent elector plan by using the Justice Departments authority to falsely present the fraudulent electors as a valid alternative to the legitimate electors.

A significant portion of evidence against the ex-president appears to come from testimony given by Mr Pence, the former vice president. A section of the indictment recounts several private conversations between Mr Trump and Mr Pence, including one in which Mr Trump complained that Mr Pence was too honest after he told the then-president that he lacked the power to overturn the election.

The latest charges against Mr Trump are some of the most serious allegations levied against the twice-impeached, now thrice-indicted former president, and are just the first of two possible sets of charges that he could face as a result of his efforts to unlawfully reverse the result of his defeat nearly three years ago.

A separate grand jury in Fulton County, Georgia has also been hearing evidence about efforts by Mr Trump and his allies to pressure Peach State officials into reversing his loss to Mr Biden there, and the district attorney who has been supervising that process has said charges be approved against multiple targets in the coming days.

The addition of a second federal indictment to the legal troubles facing Mr Trump is certain to complicate his quest to return to the White House by winning next years presidential election.

He is scheduled to be tried in two separate criminal cases against him, including on the federal charges against him and co-defendants Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira which are pending in a Florida federal court as a result of their alleged roles in the ex-presidents alleged unlawful retention of national defence information and obstruction of justice.

The January 6 riot was an attack on democracy, the Department of Justice special counsel said (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

A separate case against him for allegedly falsifying business records in his former home state of New York is set to go to trial in March 2024, while the federal case in Florida is scheduled for trial in late May 2024.

The ex-president has maintained that the multiple investigations against him amount to election interference and a politically motivated hoax, and has repeatedly attacked the prosecutors investigating him in extremely personal terms.

These latest charges against Mr Trump are the result of an eight-month investigation by Mr Smith, who was appointed by US Attorney General Merrick Garland in November 2022 to supervise a pair of probes focusing on the ex-presidents conduct.

In addition to investigating the ex-presidents alleged unlawful retention of national defence information, Mr Smith was also handed control long-running probe into the events leading up to the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, when a riotous mob of Mr Trumps supporters stormed the seat of the US legislature in hopes of blocking the final certification of his loss to Mr Biden.

While prosecutors in the office of the US Attorney for the District of Columbia have charged more than 1,000 people for various crimes committed during the riot  including rare seditious conspiracy charges against members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers extremist groups  the charges against Mr Trump [and his co-defendants] are the first to be brought against anyone for the efforts to overturn the election which arguably led to the Capitol attack.

Mr Trump was impeached for inciting the attack with just days left in his presidency, and though a majority of senators voted to convict him, they fell short of the two-thirds supermajority required to sustain a conviction.

But the ex-president and his co-defendants are not being charged for organising, inciting or fomenting what was the worst attack on the Capitol since British troops set it ablaze in 1814.

Instead, the charges against them are for crimes which prosecutors allege to have been committed as Mr Trump sought to employ a variety of strategies by which he and his allies thought he could reverse or override the will of voters, including pressuring state legislatures to use their own authority to replace swing state electors for Mr Biden with electors for Mr Trump.

Key points from Trump's infamous Georgia call

Mr Trump and his allies also pushed state officials, most notably Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, to act to decertify Mr Bidens wins in swing states, according to prosecutors.

Figures connected to Mr Trumps campaign also spearheaded an effort to submit forged electoral college certificates to the National Archives and to the Senate, while Mr Trump personally sought to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence into unilaterally throwing out the legitimate electoral certificates for Mr Biden in favour of the forged ones listing Mr Trump as the winner.

The case currently pending against him in the Southern District of Florida arose out of a criminal referral from the National Archives and Records Administration after officials discovered documents bearing classification markings in a set of 15 boxes which the agency had retrieved from Mr Trumps home at Mar-a-Lago, the 1920s-era Palm Beach mansion turned private beach club where he maintains his primary residence and post-presidential office.

Investigators later discovered more than 100 additional documents with classification markings during an 8 August 2021 search of Mr Trumps property, and in June charged him with unlawfully withholding the documents from the government and obstructing efforts to determine whether all the classified documents in his possession had been returned.
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Former President Donald Trump reposted a meme on Truth Social that suggested the government led the Capitol riot on January 6, despite the fact that he was president at the time.

The meme, which Mr Trump re-truthed, said: January 6 will go down in history as the day the government staged a riot to cover up the fact that they certified a fraudulent election.

The meme has been liked nearly 9,000 times and shared 2,400 times as of Monday. In reaction to Mr Trumps repost, journalist Aaron Rupar sarcastically wrote on Twitter: rubbing my last 2 brain cells together as I try to remember who ran the government on January 6.

The former president shared the meme despite a House committee that investigated January 6 declaring Mr Trump the  central cause  of the days events. None of the events of January 6th would have happened without him, the House panel wrote in its final report.

Mr Trumps move comes as it appears that Special Counsel Jack Smiths January 6 criminal probe is nearing the indictment phase. The former president announced on the platform last week that the special counsel informed him that he was a  target  in the investigation.

Mr Trump is currently the GOP frontrunner in the 2024 presidential race. A number of his colleagues have hesitated in calling out his actions  or inaction  leading up to the Capitol attack.

Mr Trump re-truthed the meme that blamed the government for the Capitol riot (Truth Social)

Fellow GOP presidential candidate and Mr Trumps former vice president, Mike Pence, told CNN on Sunday that although his words were reckless on January 6, I am not yet convinced that they were criminal. He continued, I dont honestly know what his intention was that day.
 Close Related video: Former Secret Service agent shares how Trump might be protected in prison

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Donald Trump branded a Georgia prosecutor a young racist and claimed she had an affair with a gang leader, speaking to a rally just days before he is expected to face a criminal indictment from her office.

The three-times indicted former president took shots at Fulton County district attorney Fani Willis, who is investigating him for his conduct in the state during the 2020 presidential election.

Earlier, Mr Trump ramped up his attack on the January 6 indictment against him, calling it bull****.

Every time you get indicted, I like to check the polls, the former president said during his speech in New Hampshire on Tuesday. One more indictment and I think this election is over No, its horrible. You get indicted for nothing.

Mr Trumps speech in one of the early primary states comes as his lawyers appeared to ignore the judges orders in their latest filing.

Special counsel Jack Smith and the Trump defence team submitted their suggestions for when a hearing may be held on a proposed protective order in the case connected to Mr Trumps attempts to overturn the 2020 election.

The special counsels office requested a protective order to limit what Mr Trump can publicise about the case as evidence is presented.

Judge Tanya Chutkan has set a hearing for 10am ET on 11 August.
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Donald Trump was indicted for a third time on Tuesday 1 August after a grand jury in Washington, DC, charged the ex-president on four counts related to his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election and incite the US Capitol riot of 6 January 2021.

On Thursday 3 August, the former commander-in-chief appeared at an arraignment in hearing in DC at which he pleaded not guilty and denounced the affair as an act of persecution by his political enemies.

This comes after he has already been indicted twice this year  first in New York over allegedly falsifying business records to conceal hush money payments and second over his alleged mishandling of classified documents.

Now, Mr Trump has been charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, conspiracy against rights and obstruction of, and attempt to obstruct, an official proceeding  all of which he has pleaded not guilty to.

Whats more, a fourth indictment could soon follow, as Mr Trump is also under investigation by Fani Willis, district attorney of Fulton County, Georgia, over his apparent attempt to influence state officials in the immediate aftermath of the 2020 presidential election.

For his part, Mr Trump has strenuously denied any wrongdoing and repeatedly insisted  as he did in DC, without any evidence  that he is the victim of a costly witch hunt by the Joe Biden administration, which he claims has weaponised the US justice system against him in order to thwart his proposed political comeback.

What is a grand jury?

In the American legal system, a grand jury is simply a group of randomly-selected American citizens called upon by the federal or state laws of the United States to conduct legal proceedings, chiefly to weigh the evidence in a criminal case to determine whether there is a sufficent basis under which charges should be brought.

Unlike a trial, a unanimous verdict is not required. Typically, just 12 of a 16 to 23-strong grand jury needs to vote to indict a person for it to take place.

All proceedings surrounding grand juries are secret in accordance Rule 6(e) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the burden of proof for prosecution lower than it is at a trial, with only a majority belief in probable cause needed to secure an indictment.

What is an indictment?

Should a grand jury conclude in favour of issuing formal charges, an indictment is then issued to the subject, which serves as formal notice that the state has reason to believe that person has committed a crime.

An indictment does not determine guilt or innocence but is a required procedural step in a criminal proceeding.

What is an arraignment?

After the state secures an indictment, it can take a case forward to an arraignment.

At an arraignment hearing, which takes place before a judge, defendants are read the charges facing them and the maximum penalties they carry and then are offered the opportunity to make a plea  either not guilty, no contest, or guilty.

If the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, the case most frequently moves to sentencing.

If the defendant pleads not guilty, the judge will set the terms of bail and the dates for subsequent events in the case, including any pre-trial hearings and an eventual trial, which can sometimes occur months or years after the initial charging date.

So where is Trump in all of this?

The former president has already been indicted twice  once by Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg for his alleged role in the hush money scheme and by Mr Smith in Florida for his alleged mishandling of classified documents and obstruction of justice.

Mr Trump was arraigned in New York in the state case on 4 April, in Miami in the first federal case on 13 June and now once again in Washington in response to the second federal indictment on 3 August.

The former commander-in-chief pleaded not guilty in all instances.

Mr Trump was released after all three arraignments and is not expected to be held in jail while awaiting a potential trial in either case.

He is, of course, running for the presidency again and is the current runaway leader in the polls for the Republican presidential nomination, leaving the likes of Ron DeSantis, Mike Pence, Nikki Haley, Tim Scott and Chris Christie trailing in his wake, which could make things interesting going forward.
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Arsonists are being blamed for devastating wildfires that have swept through the Greek island of Corfu.

Corfu mayor Yorgos Mahimaris claimed on Monday that an arsonist started the fires which have sparked mass evacuations.

Mr Mahimaris came to the conclusion after visiting three locations where fires broke out on Mount Pantokratoras.

Theofanis Skembris, deputy mayor of North Corfu, backed this view and said that four fires were started simultaneously".

Speaking to the BBC, he said: "We have to wait for the investigation, but their first unofficial assumption is that it was arson - fires can't start simultaneously in four different places.

"The situation on the island is better now. Most of the fires are under control. There are firefighting airplanes helping. I believe that everything will be over soon."

Chariton Koutscouris, Corfu's deputy mayor for tourism and construction, also blamed the fires on people who get pleasure out of this with the pain of the other people".

He said officials had a "suspicion" they would start over the weekend after being warned on Friday by a fire service chief.

Humans start most wildfires - either intentionally by the criminal act of arson or by accident from campfires, vehicle sparks or improperly disposed cigarettes, for example. However once ignited, wildfires are being driven to larger and more intense extremes due to rising global heat and drought conditions caused by the climate crisis.

A Greek Fire Service spokesperson said that 12 residential areas were evacuated in Corfu with tourists being taken to the village of Kassiopi. Some later fled the island on boats, according to reports.

Dozens of wildfires are burning across Greece as firefighters battle to get them under control. The blazes have led to Greeces largest-ever mass evacuation.

A total of 64 of the fires started on Sunday, the hottest day of the summer so far as temperatures peaked at 46.4C in the southern Greek town of Gytheio.

On the island of Rhodes, some 19,000 people had been evacuated from several locations as wildfires burned for a sixth day, Greek authorities said.

Greece has seen record temperatures this month (BBC Weather)

Speaking before parliament on Monday, Greeces Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the fight against the fire on Rhodes as a "war."

"We will rebuild what we lost, and cover the damages. Protecting human lives should be our priority," he said.

He also said that climate change "will make its presence ever more felt with greater natural disasters throughout the Mediterranean region".

He spoke as thousands of tourists are expected to fly home after the fires led to holidays ruined or cut short.

Aside from the environmental damage, the heavily tourist-dependent economies of the Greek islands are also set to take a hit.

Tourism accounts for 18 per cent of Greeces output and one in five jobs. On Rhodes and many other Greek islands this reliance on the tourist industry is even greater.
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Thousands of people have been evacuated from towns and villages across Greece after wildfires ravaged the country.

Videos of roaring fires and towering black smoke have circulated online from Rhodes and Corfu. However, wildfires have erupted across several areas including Evia and the Peloponnese region.

Firefighters battled against 82 wildfires across the country overnight, forcing the biggest evacuation in the countrys history.

A satellite image shows the area affected by wildfires in Rhodes (Reuters)

Sixty-four of the fires started on Sunday, the hottest day of the summer so far as temperatures peaked at 46.4C in the southern Greek town, Gytheio.

The most serious fire in the country was on the island of Rhodes, where some 19,000 people had been evacuated from several locations as wildfires burned for a sixth day, Greek authorities said.

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.

Keep up with the latest on Greece wildfires on our live blog.

A person who fell and broke a leg during a hotel evacuation and a pregnant woman remained in hospital, the latter in good condition, authorities said.

Map below shows areas in Rhodes affected by raging wildfires:

View more

In Corfu, approximately 2,466 individuals were evacuated overnight, Yannis Artopios, a spokesperson for the fire department said.

Videos on social media show flames engulfing Corfu as smoke and orange haze covered the night skies. The fire broke out on the northern part of the island which is popular with British tourists.

Those in Santa, Megoula, Porta, Palia Perithia and Sinies were told to evacuate to Kasiopi due to fires in Corfu.

Map below shows scale of devastating wildfires in several regions of Greece:

View more

The Greek Coast Guard said around 59 people were evacuated from Nissaki beach on the northwest coast of the island.

However, the regions deputy mayor said the fires in Corfu were caused by arson.

Before and after pictures - the first taken in January and the second on Sunday - show the damage caused by the wildfires (Maxar/Reuters)

Chariton Koutscouris told the BBC that it was down to a group of people who get pleasure out of this with the pain of the other people.

Giorgos Mahimaris, the mayor of North Corfu, also said that arson was behind the fires.

A fire burning on the Pantokratoras mountain on Corfu island, Greece (EPA)

Tourists are sheltered in a stadium after being evacuated following a wildfire on the island of Rhodes (via REUTERS)

Of the 64 wildfires that broke out elsewhere in the country on Sunday, the most serious 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 the situation is difficult.

The fire may be two kilometres (1.25 miles) away, but the wind is strong, the growth is low, the smoke thick and the air is hard to breathe, he said.
 Close Plane fighting wildfires in Evia crashes

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A wildfire has triggered a series of massive explosions at an air force ammunition depot in central Greece.

The depot was evacuated before the explosions, which shattered windows in the surrounding area. No injuries were reported, although continued blasts prevented firefighting teams from approaching the site.

Greek state broadcaster ERT said the facility is in the coastal town of Nea Aghialos near the Volos area.

The fire reached the ammunition storage facility about four miles north of the major military air base in Nea Anchialos. Local media reported that bombs and ammunition for Greek F-16 fighters were stored at the site

The fighter jets are reportedly being moved from the air base.

Fire Service spokesman Ioannis Artopios said 12 villages were ordered to be evacuated in the Volos-Nea Anchialos area.

Meanwhile, the blaze reached the outskirts of Athens, with 61 fires breaking out across the country in 24 hours.

Deadly wildfires on Greeces mainland have killed two as wildfires spread in Europe and north Africa including Greece, Portugal, Turkey, Italy, France, Croatia, Spain, Algeria and Tunisia.
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Evacuations are set to continue in Greece as Corfu and Evia have become the latest Islands to issue orders while the country grapples with the devastating wildfires. The Greek fire service has said around 2,500 people have evacuated from Corfu so far.

Thousands of people have also been forced to leave their homes and hotels - with those in Santa, Megoula, Porta, Palia Perithia and Sinies being told to evacuate to Kassiopi.

A spokesperson from the Met Office told The Independent: Temperatures on Rhodes are likely to peak on Wednesday, and could be close to 39C in some spots. Temperatures are then expected to move back towards average for the time of year later in the week, likely around 30C.

However, windy conditions could impact efforts this week. There are some northwesterly winds today, with these likely to ease on Tuesday and Wednesday.

However, a return of windy weather is possible later in the week, albeit accompanied by that drop in temperatures, the Met Office added.

What will the weather be like this week in Greece?

According to the Met Office website, the temperature in Rhodes will be as follows:

Monday 24 July - Highest temperature: 36C and Lowest: 31C

Tuesday 25 July - Highest: 37C and Lowest: 28C

Wednesday 26 July - Highest: 39C and Lowest: 27C

Thursday 27 July - Highest: 36C and Lowest: 23C

Friday 28 July - Highest: 34C and Lowest: 24C

Saturday 29 July - Highest: 32C and Lowest: 22C

Sunday 30 July- Highest: 33C and Lowest: 24C

How long will the wildfires last?

The climate crisis is increasing the risk of larger, more intense and erratic wildfires around the world due to hotter and drier conditions. Other factors also play a role including soil moisture levels, and the presence of vegetation which acts as fuel for fires.

Its important to note that these wildfires are happening in environments that are naturally prone to fire during hot and dry summers, with vegetation that is highly adapted to live with fire, Dr Matthew Jones, NERC Independent Research Fellow, Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, School of Environmental Sciences, UEA, said in a statement.

Dr Jones added that under climate change and frequent changes to weather conditions across the globe, fires are more likely to break out and also burn so intensely and synchronously across the Mediterranean.

The Mediterranean has seen a dramatic increase in the frequency of the hot-dry conditions that were considered extreme at the end of the last century, and these increases are expected to accelerate for each added degree of warming in future, he noted.

According to the Joint Research Centre, last year was the second-worst wildfire season in Europe. In 2022, damages exceeded those of 2021, as per data from the EFFIS - an advanced report on Forest Fires in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

The EFFIS looked at fires in 45 countries and found that these places suffered from 16,941 fires that burnt 1,624,381 hectares.

Looking at just European countries, July 2022 was the month when the most significant proportion of damage occurred in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Greece.

(TED G. BAILOS via REUTERS)

According to Safer Scotlands Wildfire Operational Guidance, a wildfire can burn for a period of time and this is heavily dependent on the landscape, which contributes to how fast the fire might move.

The behaviour of the wildfire depends on the following factors: the area, its combustibility and arrangement, the arrangement of the area, the weather and time.

Dependent on stable or unstable weather conditions the Wildfire Operational Guidance said time can have a positive or negative effect on fire development throughout the day and this will bring both advantage and disadvantage to firefighting operations.

Space is another important factor as the area in which the fire is burning brings changes to the shape of the fire, altering the fires alignment. For example, as fire changes its location and moves across the area topographical and climactic conditions will work for and against the first altering its intensity and speed.

What impacts does fuel have on wildfires?

When a wildfire occurs, the main source of fuel is vegetation. This type of fuel, its size and the way the vegetation is arranged across the landscape will affect the way the fire burns.

The Wildfire Operational Guidance has said the size and shape of the fuel are important especially in regard to their ease of ignition. Smaller fuels, referred to as fine fuels, are more receptive to fire, while larger or more coarse fuel types generally rely on their interaction with fires in finer fuels before they will ignite.

Fine fuels are considered to be those with a diameter of up to 6mm, this includes grass, small stems and the leaves of low-lying shrubs. These fine fuels can also be found in large quantities in plants - such as needles on conifer trees.

Flames rise during a forest fire on the island of Rhodes on Saturday 22 July (AP)

Fuels that are over 6mm in diameter are described as coarse fuel and include twigs, branches, and tree trunks, the guidance has said.

Fine fuels can affect the intensity of the fire, the rate and motion of the fire, the flame length, the fire activity and increased ignitions caused by spot fires.

When asked about how long the wildfires might last in Greece, Jim Dale, founder and senior Meteorlogical Consultant at the British Weather Services told The Independent: For as long as there is fuel as in combustible brush. The wind is the enemy as far as people and infrastructure are concerned; there is no sign of rain.

The two main fire zones of Rhodes and Corfu will almost certainly be added to as the Mediterranean basin continues to bake with record and near-record temperatures.
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Vladimir Putin was reportedly left paralysed when the Wagner coup began and no orders were given that day.

The mercenary group launched its short-lived mutiny on 24 June, driving its forces towards the Kremlin and preaching open rebellion against Russias military leadership  only to abandon its mission just hours later.

Now, security officials from Ukraine and other parts of Europe have spoken out, claiming the Russian president was unable to act when he first heard the news.

According to intelligence assessments shared with the Washington Post, Mr Putin got a warning from Russian security services that the leader of the Wagner Group Yevgeniy Prigozhin was possibly planning a rebellion, two or three days before it began.

But while security was increased at some strategic facilities, such as the Kremlin, including increasing the presidential guard and handing out more weapons, no other action was taken in response to the threat.

One European security official, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Washington Post: Putin had time to take the decision to liquidate [the rebellion] and arrest the organisers.

Then when it began to happen, there was paralysis on all levels  There was absolute dismay and confusion. For a long time, they did not know how to react.

Then-businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, left, shows Russian president Vladimir Putin around his factory in Sept 2010 (AP)

This account of the standoff, which is being viewed as one of the most severe threats to Mr Putins presidency in 23 years of his rule, has reportedly been corroborated by officials in Western governments.

Its also consistent with the public comments from William J. Burns, the CIA director, who said that for the majority of the 36 hours when the coup was happening, the military, security services and decision-makers appeared to be adrift.

According to the analysis, Mr Putins indecision shows his fear of countering a warlord like Mr Prigozhin.

The Wagner Group leader had played an essential role in the Kremlins global ambitions, having previously run troll farms which disseminated disinformation in the US and paramilitary operations in the Middle East and Africa. He then took up the Wagner leader position in the war against Ukraine.

But Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, denied the paralysis claims, telling the Washington Post, they were made by people who have zero information.

Prigozhin had a lot of power as he was so closely linked with the Kremlin (AP)

European security officials added that Mr Putins lack of direction meant local officials were then left to decide what to do.

Acting without any clear orders, local military decided not to try to stop the Wagner troops, which were heavily armed, as they advanced towards Moscow.

Such lack of action led some people to believe the Wagner troops were acting with at least some agreement from the Kremlin.

This was despite Mr Putins televised address on 24 June saying he promised there would be tough action against the rebels.

The way the events unfolded also shows serious cracks and a worsening divide in Russias military and security over how the Ukraine war is being handled.

Many individuals in the upper sections of the military and security services have reportedly shown support for Mr Prigozhins efforts to overturn Russias military leadership.

Fighters of Wagner private mercenary group are seen in a street near the headquarters of the Southern Military District in the city of Rostov-on-Don, Russia, June 24, 2023. (REUTERS)

Critics of Russias president say his lack of direction during the rebellion has left him a lot weaker.

Former colonel in the Russian security services and now an opposition politician in exile, Gennady Gudkov, told the Washington Post: Putin showed himself to be a person who is not able to make serious, important and quick decisions in critical situations. He just hid.

A month after the coup, thousands of Wagner group mercenaries have arrived in Belarus, prompting Nato member Poland to reinforce its eastern border against the potential threat they pose.

Between 3,450 and 3,650 soldiers have travelled to a camp close to Asipovichy, a town 230 kilometres (140 miles) north of the Ukrainian border, according to Belaruski Hajun, an activist group that tracks troop movements within the country.
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More evacuations were ordered as the week-long wildfire on the Greek resort island of Rhodes tore past defences due to strong winds, leaving local residents in scrambles.

The latest evacuations were ordered after at least 19,000 people, mostly tourists, were moved in buses and boats as the fire reached resorts on Rhodess southeastern coast.

Satellite images revealed the extent of devastation caused by the wildfire which has charred the central part of the island, burning down homes, cars and livestock.

(L) Satellite image of Rhodes island before wildfire erupted along with the image of the tourist island from 20 July once the blaze began to spread (Planet Labs PBC)

Images from 20 July show smoke billowing from only a small part of the island, whereas the satellite pictures taken just three days later reveal a massive portion of scorched land in the central part of the island.

About 10,000 British tourists are feared to be on the fire-scorched Greek island of Rhodes, a minister has warned.

An average of 50 new wildfires have broken out daily for the past 12 days in Greece, according to government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis. Over the weekend 64 new blazes were recorded.

(L) Satellite image from 20 July shows wildfire erupting in Rhodes along with the image taken on 23 July revealing the spread of the fire (Planet Labs PBC)

Ian Murison, a businessman from London on vacation in southern Rhodes, told Associated Press that he saw "flames coming over the hills".

We all just took our cases and started walking. It was about 3km before we got out from underneath the ash cloud, he said, adding that his family reached a nearby beach, where they waited with thousands of others to be evacuated in the dark due to a power blackout.

A man tries to extinguish a fire, near the seaside resort of Lindos, on the Aegean Sea island of Rhodes, southeastern Greece (AP)

"You could see an orange glow in the sky and it got more and more, big balls of fire going into the sky."

The army said it was helping to set up temporary accommodation on Rhodes, where schools and sporting facilities were opened for the rescue operation.

The British foreign office has sent a team to Rhodes Airport to help with the repatriation of British nationals. Airlines and the tour operators Tui UK and Jet2 sent empty planes to the embattled island to bring back travellers after cancelling all flights to Rhodes until Friday, 28 July.

New fires forced authorities to order evacuation overnight on the western island of Corfu, where more than 2,000 people were moved to safety by land and sea.

(L) New fire spreading in Corfu on 22 July compared to the damages recorded on the island on 24 July ( Planet Labs PBC)

Footage showed flames engulfing Corfu as smoke and orange haze covered the night skies. The fire broke out on the northern part of the island, popular with British tourists.

The island of Evia was the latest "nightmare" of tourists as a fire spread on Monday, while another blaze broke out in the middle of the island.

Parts of Evia, off central Greece's eastern coast, were also evacuated, while authorities told residents of four southern villages to evacuate to the town of Karystos to escape the advancing blaze.

Before and after satellite images of wildfires in Evia ( Planet Labs PBC)

Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during a debate in parliament declared: We are at war  completely focused on the fires.

Over the coming days and weeks, we must remain on constant alert, he said, highlighting the threat from climate change, which he added will make its presence ever more felt with greater natural disasters throughout the Mediterranean region.
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Vladimir Putin has signed a new controversial legislation banning surgical gender reassignment in Russia in yet another blow to the countrys LGBT+ population.

Crackdowns against the LGBT+ community and gender minorities in the country have only gathered pace ever since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year as the Russian president seeks popularity among citizens.

The latest move by Mr Putin on Monday marks Russias final step in rendering gender-affirming procedures illegal and depriving its transgender population of their right to access gender-reassignment services.

The bill, cleared unanimously by both houses of the Russian parliament and signed by Mr Putin, now bans any medical interventions aimed at changing the sex of a person along with changing ones gender in official documents and public records.

Under the bill, exceptions will only be made for a permissible list of medical interventions related to the treatment of congenital physiological anomalies in children. The list of these anomalies in children will be drawn up by the Kremlin.

Couples who transitioned to their new genders after they adopted children will have their marriages annulled. The law thus bans them from becoming foster parents.

The regressive legislation has stemmed from the Kremlins crusade to protect what it calls are the countrys traditional values and according to Russian lawmakers, it is meant as a safeguard against Western anti-family ideology.

Some lawmakers have dubbed gender transitioning pure satanism.

State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said the decision to pass the bill will protect our citizens and our children after it was set to undergo its third reading.

The bill described gender reassignment as the path leading to the degeneration of the nation.

The future remains bleak for Russias transgender population, which earlier had access to gender-reassignment surgeries and treatments like hormone replacement therapy.

A transgender man in Russia, identified as Alexei, said he always had plans to change the gender label on his passport, but is now enduring hell.

The 23-year-old told The Moscow Times that he is in panic, while stating that the process of his gender transition was already lagging as he was living on his own since he turned 18.

He also told the newspaper that he did not have enough money, but will now have to start urgently.

Russia ranked 46 out of 49 European nations in advocacy group Rainbow Europes annual LGBT+ rights rankings.

The countrys politicians are harming transgender and intersex people by continuing to deploy cynical family values, according to Human Rights Watch.
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Wildfires closed Palermo airport in Italy on Tuesday as firefighters fought to control the raging blazes.

The Sicilian airport tweeted to say it would remain shut until 0900 GMT to give firefighters an opportunity to extinguish the fires which were also disrupting local road and rail traffic.

It came days after the islands main airport of Catania, Italys fifth-biggest, was closed due to a fire in a terminal building.

It has since reopened but only for a few flights.

The news emerged as the Mediterranean country - like much of southern Europe - has been hit by scorching temperatures bringing increased risk of fires and deaths.

Yesterday, temperatures rose to 47.6 Celsius in some parts of eastern Sicily - close to a record European high of 48.8 Celsius recorded on the island two years ago.

This led the government to put 16 Italian cities on red alert.

These included Palermo and Catania, where power and water supply cuts that local officials blamed in part on the heat have been frequent in recent days.

Flames and smoke rise as a wildfire burns near the Sicilian village of Curcuraci near Messina, Italy (via REUTERS)

On Tuesday, Italy put 16 cities on red alert because of the high temperatures. These include Palermo and Catania, where power and water supply cuts that local officials blamed in part on the heat have been frequent in recent days. Meanwhile, an overnight storm in Milan tore off roofs and uprooted trees, blocking roads and disrupting overground transportation in Italys financial capital.

Two women were killed on Monday and Tuesday in the northern Monza and Brescia provinces after being crushed by falling trees.

I have been through 65 summers in my lifetime... and what I am seeing now is not normal, we can no longer deny it, climate change is changing our lives, Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala said on social media.

Elsewhere, the Mediterranean country has been battered by severe storms.

They claimed at least two lives in the north of the country when trees fell on women in separate incidents on Monday and Tuesday in the northern Monza and Brescia provinces.

Meanwhile, an overnight storm in Milan tore off roofs and uprooted trees, blocking roads and disrupting overground transportation in Italy's financial capital.

Yesterday, a Delta flight headed to New York which had taken off from Milan's Malpensa airport was seriously damaged by hailstorm and forced to land in Rome.

Italy is one of the European countries most affected by climate change, and suffered deadly floods in May.
 Close Drone footage shows moment Russian ship is attacked

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Russia has claimed it shot down two Ukrainian combat drones headed for Moscow today  one near a major airport to the south of the city and one to the west of the capital.

Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin said while one drone was shot down near Domodedovo, where one of Russias biggest international airports is located, another one was downed near the Minsk motorway.

The mayor said emergency services were at the scene, but did not specify if there were casualties.

The Russian defence ministry dubbed the incident a terrorist attack. Kyiv has never claimed responsibility for attacks inside Russian territory.

This comes as officials confirmed dozens of second-hand Leopard 1 tanks are being readied for Ukraines forces fighting the Russian invasion and will hit the battlefield by winter.

The tanks, that number 50 and were bought from the Belgium government five years ago, were sold to an unnamed European government at a confidential price, said Freddy Versluys, CEO of defence company OIP Land Systems.

Arms maker Rheinmetall acquired the tanks and will prepare most of them for export to Ukraine, reported German newspaper Handelsblatt.
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Thousands of Wagner mercenaries have arrived in Belarus since the groups failed mutiny against Moscow led by its founder Yevgeny Prigozhin  leading to Nato member Poland reinforcing its eastern border against the potential threat they pose.

Adding to the tension, Poland's government said that two Belarusian helicopters entered Poland's airspace on Tuesday, with Warsaw authorities saying it is rushing more troops to the border in light of the incident. It said it had informed Nato of the border violation, which Belarus denies.

The countrys defence winistry said: "There was a violation of Polish airspace by two Belarusian helicopters that were carrying out training near the border." It added that Belarus had earlier informed Poland of plans to carry out training exercises in the area. It said they were flying at a low altitude and were not picked up by radar.

Earlier on Tuesday, Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko mockingly told Poland it should thank him for keeping Wagner mercenaries now stationed in Belarus in check. State news agency Belta quoted him on as saying that the Poles "should pray that we're holding onto [the Wagner fighters] and providing for them. Otherwise, without us, they would have seeped through and smashed up Rzeszow and Warsaw in no small way. So they shouldn't reproach me, they should say thank you." Rzeszow is a city near the Ukrainian border.

The president welcomed Wagner forces into the country after brokering a deal between the Kremlin and Mr Prigozhin, which stopped the mercenaries march on Moscow about 125 miles from the capital.

He and Russian president Vladimir Putin have spoken about the mercenaries on a number of occasions. Mr Putin has said that any aggression towards Belarus  by Poland or any nation  would be seen as an attack on Russia.

Mr Prigozhin called the Wagner mutiny a march of justice intended to oust the top military leaders. The mercenaries faced little resistance and downed at least six military helicopters and a command-post aircraft, killing a number of Russian troops.

The revolt posed the most serious threat to President Putin during his 23-year rule, eroding his authority and exposing the cracks in the military in regard to the Kremlins handling of its 16-month invasion of Ukraine.

Heres a look at where we are now.

How many Wagner fighters are in Belarus, and where are they?

Between 3,450 and 3,650 soldiers have travelled to a camp close to Asipovichy, a town about 140 miles (230km) north of the Ukrainian border, according to Belaruski Hajun, an activist group that tracks troop movements within the country.

Satellite images show that about 700 vehicles, along with construction equipment, have also arrived in Wagner convoys to Belarus, Belaruski Hajun said.

Mr Prigozhin also registered a real estate management company in Belarus last week under the name Concord Management and Consulting in Belarus. Documents analysed by independent Belarusian media outlets showed that the companys registered address is in the same village as the Wagner mercenary camp.

Why is Poland so concerned?

The bigger issue for Poland is that the Belarusian Defence Ministry has made clear over the last week or so that the mercenaries are providing training for Belarusian soldiers, including at training grounds close to the Polish border.

Wagner fighters who have really been in the heat of combat are passing on valuable information and experience to our servicemen, the Belarusian Defense Ministry said in a statement. One of the ranges is in Brest, about three miles (5km) from Polands eastern border.

Warsaw said it was ready for various scenarios as the situation develops, having started moving around 1,000 of its own troops towards the border earlier this month.

According to claims made in a post by a senior Wagner commander, known by his nom de guerre Marx, which was republished by Wagners Telegram channel, up to 10,000 fighters have gone, or will go to Belarus  although the accuracy of that statement is difficult to verify.

Polands Defence Ministry said the countrys borders were secure. But given the helicopter incident it is sending "additional forces and resources, including combat helicopters" on top of the earlier deployment.

The Kremlin has tried to paint the border reinforcement as an aggressive move  despite Moscows invasion of Ukraine being the ultimate genesis of it.

The Belarusian interior minister, Ivan Kubrakov, recently met Wagner commanders at a training centre to draw up a clear plan of action, a statement said.

In view of the difficult situation near the republics borders, it is especially important to be ready to respond to potential challenges and threats, Mr Kubrakov said.

He was quoted as hailing the mercenaries practical experience following their months-long experience of combat in eastern Ukraine, notably in bloody battles such as those that have taken place around the eastern city of Bakhmut.

Would Wagner troops try to invade Poland?

It would be foolish. With Poland being a Nato member, crossing the border could bring Article 5 of the alliances treaty into play. It states that an attack on one member state is considered an attack on all members. Given Mr Putins talk about military action against Belarus being on a par with attacking Russia, Wagner forces heading into Poland is the last thing either Mr Putin or Nato needs.

However, that has not stopped the Belarusian leader, Mr Lukashenko, from stirring the pot. In a meeting with the Russian president on Sunday, Mr Lukashenko said that Wagner troops were stressing [him] out by calling for an excursion into Poland. He said that his government in Minsk was controlling the situation by keeping the group in the centre of the country.

They are asking to go west ... to go on a trip to Warsaw ... Mr Lukashenko told Mr Putin. But of course, I am keeping them in central Belarus, like we agreed.

It suits both Mr Putin and Mr Lukashenko to have Europe worry about its borders. It allows both men to keep talking tough on the international stage  and play to voters at home.

The remarks have largely been dismissed by experts, with the American Institute for the Study of War  which monitors the fighting in Ukraine  saying that Wagner troops there could not threaten Ukraine and Poland.

There is no indication that Wagner fighters in Belarus have the heavy weaponry necessary to mount a serious offensive against Ukraine or Poland without significant rearmament, the think tank said in a statement.

The deputy head of Ukraines Main Intelligence Directorate, Vadym Skibitsky, also said that there was no direct threat from Russian mercenaries in Belarus, but that Kyiv would be keeping a close eye on the Wagner fighters.

Our assessment is very simple: today there is no direct threat [from Belarus], but we are ready. We are monitoring everything related to the so-called Wagner missile defence system, he told journalists, according to the directorates Telegram channel.
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Wildfires have been raging across several cities in Greece including Rhodes, Corfu and Evia. Authorities have issued new evacuations for areas close to two central Greek cities after two people were killed.

People living in areas around Volos and Lamia have been told to move to safety as the country remains in a state of extreme heat. In the last 24 hours, 61 wildfires erupted across the country, the fire brigade said.

Officials also ordered the evacuation of many communities in the hard-hit area of Magnesia, a coastal area north of Athens.

Fires in Rhodes forced thousands of people to leave their homes in the biggest evacuation in Greek history, as holidaymakers said they walked for miles in scorching heat to reach safety.

"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," British tourist Chris Freestone told the Reuters News Agency.

112 Greece, the Emergency Communications Service has put out protection guidelines for those in the country. The guidelines have been issued to help those during a fire and before a fire.

As the wildfires rage on, here is everything you need to know about how a wildfire evacuation protocol works

What is a wildfire?

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) describe a wildfire as: Any unplanned and uncontrolled wildland fire that, regardless of ignition source, may require suppression response or other action according to agency policy.

How long does a wildfire last?

The National Operational Guidance (NOG) has said a wildfire will burn over a period of time in areas that provide the space over which the fire can move.

The NOG said the behaviour of the wildfire is dependent on a number of variables, these include: its movement across the landscape which brings instability within the fire environment caused by changes to the available fuel as well as its combustibility and arrangement, the shape of the topography and the effects of weather.

According to the Guinness World Records, the longest wildfire was the Chinchaga Fire in 1950 which grew out of control and ended five months later on 31 October in Alberta - in that time, it burned approximately 1.2 million hectares (3 million acres) of boreal forest.

What to do if your home is in or near a forest?

112 Greece has said you should take the following steps:

 Create a fire-free zone around the house by clearing any dry grass, leaves, pine needles and branches.

 Do not let tree branches touch the walls of your home, roof and balcony.

 Do not install shutters in your home made of flammable materials on windows.

 Make sure you have a watering hose near your home.

You can find the full guide here.

When should you evacuate?

According to Readyforwildfire.org, people should leave as soon as an evacuation is recommended by emergency services.

Make sure you leave as soon as you receive the news and do not wait for authorities to come to you or to be ordered directly by authorities to leave.

Evacuating the forest fire area early also helps firefighters keep roads clear of congestion, and lets them move more freely to do their job. In an intense wildfire, they will not have time to knock on every door. If you are advised to leave, dont hesitate, readyforwildfire.org has said on its website.

Here are some steps you can take:

Emergency services will know exactly which areas will need to be evacuated and which escape routes you can take, so be on high alert.

Be sure to follow the orders authorities give you.

Always stay informed, you can do this by checking the latest on your phone, on social media, radio or television.

Officials may direct you to a temporary assembly point, where you will be transferred to a safe location.

Readyforwildfire.org has said on its website that people should not return to their homes until fire officials determine it is safe. Notification that it is safe to return home will be given as soon as possible considering safety and accessibility, it added.

Does the UK government help if youre affected by a crisis abroad?

The official government website has said the help the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) can give may be limited.

It said before you travel you should:

Make sure you are covered by travel insurance.

Find out if your holiday is financially protected and what your flights are during your holiday.

There has been a Crisis Management Unit set up to respond to the situation in Rhodes. They can be contacted at +30 210 368 1730 / +30 210 3681259 / +30 210 3681350.

However, people have been advised to contact their airline or travel operator who can assist with a return to the UK.

The government website has also said during hot temperatures, people should take extra caution and follow NHS guidelines on how to cope during hot weather.

What have airlines said?

Jet2 and Tui have cancelled all flights to Rhodes. The Jet2 planes were scheduled to depart full of tourists bound for the Greek island. But the planes were empty and will be used to evacuate holidaymakers fleeing the blaze.

On Sunday (23 July), Jet 2 put out a statement on Twitter and said they are keeping the situation under constant review.

In its full statement, the airline said: The situation in Rhodes continues to evolve quickly and our absolute priority is the health, safety and well-being of customers and colleagues in the affected areas. We can confirm that: Our in-resort teams are working hard to comply with the guidance of local authorities, and we are continuing to bring more customer helpers and local authorities colleagues to the area.

The airline said it will continue to ask customers in affected areas to follow the advice of the local authorities, as well as staff in their hotels It said it was contacting customers as quickly as possible.

The statement continued: Due to these extraordinary circumstances, we have cancelled all flights and holidays that are due to depart to Rodes up to and including Sunday 30th July. We believe this is the right thing to do for everything, and we will be contacting affected customers with regard to their refund or rebooking options.

We will fly those aircraft to Rhodes with no customers on board so that we can continue to bring customers back to the UK on their scheduled flights.

TUI has also put out a statement and said their teams are working hard with local authorities in Greece to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our customers currently on holiday in Rhodes and impacted by the wildfires.
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Israels parliament has voted to curb the powers of the Supreme Court, a key part of Benjamin Netanyahus divisive judicial overhaul, despite massive nationwide protests that have exposed deep rifts within the country.

In a stormy session on Monday, legislators met to vote on a bill which would strip the countrys top judges of the right to strike down government decisions on the basis that they are unreasonable. Beforehand, opposition legislators who had labelled the move a disaster shouted For shame! and stormed out of the building in protest.

Crowds of angry protesters outside blocked access to the Knesset, accusing the government of declaring war on the country, while union chiefs threatened potential strikes. Despite this, the measure was passed by a 64-0 margin.

By the evening, thousands of campaigners had taken to streets across the country, blocking highways and scuffling with police who said at least 19 people had been arrested.

Justice minister Yariv Levin, the architect of the plan, said parliament had started an important historic process of overhauling the judiciary. Supporters claim the reforms will rebalance the branches of government by stopping unelected judges from having excessive powers over decision-making by elected officials.

We took the first step in the historic, important process of fixing the justice system and restoring powers that were taken from the government and the Knesset [parliament], Mr Levin said in his speech.

However, the reforms have not only sparked mass protest but caused splits in Israels powerful military and repeatedly drawn concern from its closest ally, the United States and other parts of the international community.

Mr Netanyahu attended the session but has yet to publicly comment  he was briefly hospitalised before the vote to have a pacemaker implanted adding another layer of drama to the day.

The bill has laid bare the deep and bitter faultlines in Israeli society and exposed the determination of Mr Netanyahu and his far-right religious nationalist allies to ram through their vision for the country.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu looks on during the vote (Amir Cohen/Reuters)

Mr Netanyahu and his coalition argue that the Supreme Court has become an elitist group that does not represent the Israeli people and has overstepped its role by committing judicial activism.

Mondays bill is just the first step in a wider planned shake-up  one that left-wing Israeli media outlets have labelled a judicial coup  which has yet to fully make its way to the Knesset floor.

Other scheduled bills include removing independent legal advisers to the ministries, who serve as watchdogs. It followed another piece of legislation pushed through in March which makes it harder for sitting prime ministers to be declared unfit for office.

Critics say it is part of Mr Netanyahus efforts to consolidate power by weakening the independence and oversight of judges, as well as to avoid jail time as he stands trial on graft charges: a conviction could end up being appealed in the Supreme Court. Mr Netanayhu denies all the charges.

Those opposed to the reforms also believe Mr Netanyahu wants to change the law to appoint his supporters to government posts and fire detractors including, possibly, the independent attorney general.

Some also believe Mr Netanyahu is pandering to his coalition of ultra-orthodox and extremist religious settlers who aim to defang the Supreme Court, as it is the primary brake on government policies.

Israel has no formal constitution and little local governance; under its system, 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.

The vote came after 28 consecutive weekends of extraordinary nationwide protests involving business leaders, legal officials, former Netanyahu loyalists, ex-army chiefs of staff, and military reservists, prompting fears that the countrys security could be compromised.

Israeli police detain a protester during a demonstration against the bill in Jerusalem (Ronen Zvulun/Reuters)

As many as 10,000 reservists have reportedly declared theyre treading a path to dictatorship, according to reservist-led protest groups.

Over the weekend 100 senior retired security officials  including three former Israeli army chiefs of staff, five former Mossad directors and three former heads of the countrys internal intelligence agency  wrote to Mr Netanyahu urging him not to go ahead with the bill. They said it violates the social contract that soldiers risk their lives on the understanding they are defending a democracy.

Alarmed, the current head of the military, Lt General Herzi Halevi, wrote a letter to soldiers a day before the vote, warning of the dangerous cracks that threatened the country if there is no strong and cohesive military.

Organisers of the main rallies, meanwhile, claimed this weekend had seen the largest gatherings yet with a record 550,000 people taking to the streets.

Among the crowds were thousands of people who completed a four-day march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and pitched a tent city in a central Jerusalem park.

Those rallies continued on Monday, with groups trying to break the barriers at the parliament building and clashes with police.

The head of Israels main public sector union Histadrut, who had been trying to mediate a compromise between the government and opposition, said after the vote he would meet with other union chiefs to discuss the possibility of a general strike.

Meanwhile, an Israeli political watchdog group said on Monday it would file a Supreme Court appeal against the newly amended law.

Two of Israels biggest banks, Leumi and Hapoalim, said they would allow workers to demonstrate on Monday without losing pay.

A forum of some 150 of Israels largest companies went on strike and Azrieli and Big, two of Israels largest malls, said stores in their shopping centres would remain closed.

There were reports of strikes by medical unions.

The legislation has also drawn the ire and alarm of the international community.

In an extraordinary statement to the news site Axios late Sunday, US president Joe Biden warned against pushing ahead with the legal changes.

Given the range of threats and challenges confronting Israel right now, it doesnt make sense for Israeli leaders to rush this  the focus should be on pulling people together and finding consensus, he told the site.

The United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk had already urged the Israeli government to pause, saying the proposed changes together would pose a serious risk to the effectiveness of the judiciary in defending the rule of law.
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For seven straight months, tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets of Israel 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

On Monday, the first piece of that legislative package passed: Israels parliament approved a measure that prevents judges from striking down government decisions on the basis that they are "unreasonable."

Here's a look at what the judicial reforms are  and why they have drawn the such intense protests:

What will the reforms do?

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.

Mr Netanyahu's ultranationalist and ultra-Orthodox religious allies say the package is meant to restore power to elected officials  and reduce the powers of unelected judges.

Protesters, who make up a wide cross section of Israeli society, fear the overhaul will push Israel toward autocracy. They say it is a power grab fueled by various personal and political grievances by Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption charges (he denies all charges), and his allies.

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.

Israelis protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan outside the countrys parliament (AP)

Protesters say Mr Netanyahu and his allies want to change the law so they can appoint allies to government posts  and particularly so that they can fire the country's independent attorney general, according to Amir Fuchs, a senior researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem think tank.

The measures "make it more difficult to conduct oversight" over arbitrary decisions of elected officials, said Yohanan Plesner, the institute's president. "This is one chapter of a broader plan and program of the government to weaken the checks and balances."

Mr Netanyahu has dismissed accusations that the plan would destroy Israel's democratic foundations as absurd. "This is an attempt to mislead you over something that has no basis in reality," he said.

Why have the protests been so large?

Mr Netanyahus government took office in December and almost immediately unveiled its plans to weaken Israels Supreme Court. The move split the country

Protests sprang up in major cities, business leaders balked at the plan and, perhaps most critically, military reservists in Israel's air force and other key units threatened to stop reporting for duty if it passed.

Benjamin Netanyahu at the Knesset (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

Protests have intensified as the coalition's efforts to make the overhaul into law have moved forward. That has also led to counter demonstrations from pro-Netanyahu groups defending the reforms.

"A Black Day for Israeli Democracy," said an ad on the front of major newspapers placed by a group describing itself as worried hi-tech workers in the wake of the vote on Monday.

Protest leaders said growing numbers of military reservists would no longer report for duty. But opposition leader Yair Lapid has asked them to hold off on that threat for now.

The Israel Medical Association has ordered doctors to strike.

Why are protesters seeking to protect the judiciary?

The judiciary plays a large role in checking executive power in the country. Israel has minimal local governance and lacks a formal constitution. This means that most of the power is centralised in parliament, where Mr Netanyahu's coalition have a majority. The "basic laws"  foundational laws that experts describe as a sort of informal constitution  can be changed at any time by that majority.

With the overhaul, analysts say, the Israeli parliament now threatens to further consolidate its power by weakening the judiciary.

Israeli police use a water cannon to disperse demonstrators blocking a road during a protest (AP)

By weakening the judiciary, critics say, Israel's government  led by a male-dominated coalition containing 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.

Wasn't the plan put on pause?

The initial protests earlier in the year prompted Mr Netanyahu to pause the overhaul in March and enter talks with opposition legislators. But talks broke down last month, and Mr Netanyahu announced in June the overhaul would move forward.

Protesters accuse Mr Netanyahu of changing tactics, but not his broader goals, by moving forward in a slower and more measured way in a bid to dull 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."

What happens now?

A civil society group announced it would challenge the new law in the Supreme Court.

The court could issue a "temporary writ" preventing the law from taking effect until it can conduct a proper review.

It is believed the government would likely honor any such order, but that is not guaranteed.

In the meantime, the protests that have rocked the country will likely grow in intensity.

Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report
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A 28-year-old man has tested positive for the potentially fatal Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Abu Dhabi, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The man, identified as a non-Emirati resident of Al Ain, was admitted to a hospital last month with complaints of vomiting, right flank pain, and dysuria.

On 13 June, he was referred to an intensive care unit at a government tertiary hospital in critical condition and put on mechanical ventilation. As his condition began to deteriorate, a nasopharyngeal swab was collected on 21 June and the man tested positive for MERS-CoV two days later, the WHO said.

Health officials monitored 108 people the man was in contact with but found no secondary infections so far.

The man reportedly has no history of co-morbidities or contact with another person positive for the virus. He also has no recent travel history outside the United Arab Emirates, the WHO said.

The health body added there were no signs that the patient came in contact with dromedary camels. Humans are infected with MERS-CoV from direct or indirect contact with dromedary or Arabian one-humped camels, who are the natural host and zoonotic source of the infection.

Symptoms of MERS-Cov included fever, shortness of breath, coughing, diarrhoea, and at times, pneumonia. The virus appears to cause severe disease in older people or persons with weakened immune systems and chronic diseases such as renal disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, and diabetes.

No vaccine or specific treatment is currently available, the health body said, adding: Several MERS-CoV-specific vaccines and treatments are in development.

At least 94 cases and 12 related deaths have been recorded in the UAE since it was first reported in July 2013. Globally, the total number of confirmed MERS-CoV cases reported to WHO since 2012 is 2605, including 936 associated deaths.
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The headquarters of Twitter was left with a sign saying ER after San Francisco Police interrupted the physical rebrand of the social media platforms offices.

The new name, X, was later projected onto the building as night fell.

The operation to take down the old sign was put on hold on Monday afternoon after Mr Musk didnt obtain the correct permits for the crane that had been placed on the street, blocking traffic, according to a witness.

Welp, @twitter name so coming off the building right now but @elonmusk didnt get permit for the equipment on the street so @SFPD is shutting it down, Wayne Sutton tweeted from the scene.

A San Francisco Police Department spokesperson told The Daily Beast that they had responded to a report of a possible unpermitted street closure. Through their investigation officers were able to determine that no crime was committed, and this incident was not a police matter.

The name change has led to the social media platform dropping in value by between $4bn and $20bn, according to Bloomberg.

The move has also been mocked as uninspired.

The old Twitter logo was open, accessible, instantly recognisable around the world. This new one looks like the logo of a seedy suburban strip club. Devoid of colour, bland, generic... BORING! This is branding suicide! CM Kosemen wrote.

Taking one of the most recognizable brand names in the world and changing it to X is unfathomably dumb. Sounds like a porn site and the logo looks like the emblem to a bad Call of Duty gamebattles team from 2008, YouTuber Charlie White wrote.

Gonna be honest this new widget design looks like an app for a membership-only human trafficking gentlemens club headquartered in Budapest, one user said.

Musk doesnt have the money or the staff to meaningfully update or even fix Twitter, so hes making the cheapest, smallest tweak he can  literally swapping out a GIF file - that grabs the biggest headlines. Its nothing but a cheap, meaningless play to get his name in the press, comedian Adam Conover added.

Mr Musk wrote on Sunday about wanting a good enough X logo, prompting his supporters to offer their suggestions.

Sawyer Merritt posted several, with Mr Musk choosing one of them, saying: Going with minimalist art deco on the upper right. Probably changes later, certainly will be refined.

The new logo is very similar to a generic Unicode character, which is an international symbol that would be impossible to trademark, the founder of Bellingcat, Eliot Higgins, noted.

Meta, the operator of X competitor Threads, and Microsoft both own versions of the X symbol, which could possibly lead to legal disputes.

Twitter Japan apparently legally cannot change their rebranding to X Japan because the Jrock band X JAPAN owns the rights to the name. How funny would it be if Yoshiki is the one who saves us all from this awful rebranding move? LOL, one user noted.

Im not a [copyright] lawyer but I think he should have figured out if he owned the name before changing it, Vanity Fair special correspondent Molly Jong-Fast wrote.

Twitter was acquired by X Corp both to ensure freedom of speech and as an accelerant for X, the everything app, Mr Musk wrote on Monday. This is not simply a company renaming itself, but doing the same thing. The Twitter name made sense when it was just 140 character messages going back and forth  like birds tweeting  but now you can post almost anything, including several hours of video.

Mr Musk claimed that users would soon have the ability to conduct your entire financial world on the app.

The Twitter name does not make sense in that context, so we must bid adieu to the bird, he said.

Mr Musk has reportedly been fond of the letter X for decades, co-founding an online bank called x.com in 1999, which later merged and grew into what is now PayPal.
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TikTok has launched a new text-based feature to rival other social media platforms like Metas Threads and Elon Musks X app.

The Chinese-owned app unveiled the new feature on the same day that Mr Musk rebranded Twitter to X, which the tech billionaire plans to transform into an everything app like Chinas WeChat.

TikTok claimed in a blog post published on Monday that the latest format would empower its users.

Text is the latest addition to options for content creation, allowing creators to share their stories, poems, recipes, and other written content on TikTok  giving creators another way to express themselves and making it even easier to create, the blog post stated.

With text posts, were expanding the boundaries of content creation for everyone on TikTok, giving the written creativity weve seen in comments, captions, and videos a dedicated space to shine.

TikTok gained huge popularity through short-form video content  briefly overtaking Google to become the most popular destination on the internet in 2021  and has since expanded to support images in an effort to take on Instagram.

Earlier this month, TikTok also launched a music streaming service that offers an alternative to giants like Spotify and Apple Music, however it is currently only available in Brazil and Indonesia. TikTok said in a press release at the time that it plans for further growth in other markets.

TikToks text posts will support stickers, hashtags and sounds (TikTok)

The new text feature looks more similar to Instagram Stories in appearance, offering colourful backgrounds and the ability to add stickers to a post.

Unlike Threads or X, TikToks text posts will also support sounds that play in the background, similar to its video- and image-sharing features.

Sounds are core to the TikTok experience, which is why weve incorporated them into text posts, the company explained in a note to users.

Youll be able to add tunes that readers can groove to as they peruse your writing.

Posts have a 1,000-character limit  shorter than the 10,000 limit offered to paying X users but more than the 500-character limit on Threads.
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Lawyers for the family of Malcolm X have unveiled new witness testimony that they say corroborates their claim that US authorities were involved in his assassination.

Mustafa Hassan, 84, a former associate of the Black civil rights leader, said in a sworn affidavit that he was present at his leader's murder in 1965 and believes police officers tried to help the gunman escape the scene.

Mr Hassan alleged that one officer asked another whether the gunman was "with us"  that is, whether he was a police informant. Mr Hassan further alleged that he was never interviewed by authorities.

Ben Crump, a prominent civil rights lawyer who plans to sue the New York Police Department (NYPD) and other government agencies on behalf of Malcolm X's family, argued that this was evidence the officers knew one of their moles might make a move against Malcolm X's life.

"When the police first run up to the person who has just shot Malcolm X, are they trying to stop him? No," said Mr Crump at a press conference on Tuesday.

"What they're saying is, 'Is he with us?' Because they don't know if their person was assigned to shoot Malcolm or not."

Malcolm X was a pivotal figure in the struggle for Black civil rights and the nascent Black Power movement, whose assassination at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City sent shockwaves across the world.

Three members of the Nation of Islam, which was bitterly feuding with him at the time, were jailed for his murder. But in 2021, the New York Supreme Court posthumously overturned two of those men's convictions after investigators found that the prosecution had withheld evidence.

Mr Crump is now representing Malcolm X's family in a planned lawsuit against the NYPD, the FBI, the CIA and more, which he accuses of playing a role in the murder.

"What we're saying is, this conspiracy goes up to the top," Mr Crump said, describing Mr Hassan's evidence as "explosive and astonishing".

Citing statements by former NYPD informants, he argued that there were many government agents in the crowd that day who were kept compartmentalised from each other  meaning individual NYPD officers would not have known all of their identities.

As proof that Mr Hassan was indeed present, Mr Crump showed photos and video from the scene that he said featured a younger Mr Hassan.

Mustafa Hassan points to himself in a photo from the day Malcolm X was assassinated (Ariana Baio / The Independent)

One photo appeared to show Mr Hassan grappling with an NYPD officer as police tried to shield Thomas Hagan  the man convicted of Malcolm Xs murder, and the only one who actually confessed  from an angry crowd.

Mr Hassan said there was "no doubt in [his] mind" that Mr Hagan was working on behalf of the NYPD or another US government agency.

The Independent has asked the NYPD for comment. The FBI and CIA have previously declined to comment on the lawsuit.
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UK holiday companies have put packages to Rhodes back on sale from the weekend, despite the wildfires that have seen thousands of tourists evacuated from the island.

The UKs two biggest tour operators, Jet2 and Tui, have cancelled all flights and holidays to Rhodes over the past few days. They are offering refunds because of the fires, which have been raging on the Greek island for six days.

Tui will resume package holidays to most of Rhodes on Saturday 29 July, while Jet2 restarts on Monday 31 July

The travel firm Thomas Cook has been sending holidaymakers to the island throughout the week, though it adds: Customers travelling this Friday, Saturday and Sunday can choose to travel as planned or amend their holiday. If they wished to cancel, they will receive a full refund.

Dozens of flights have brought thousands of British tourists home. It is believed that everyone who wanted to come back early from their trip has done so.

Thousands of holidaymakers were forced to flee resorts on Saturday 22 July, with some British tourists describing terrifying scenes of turmoil as power cuts caused chaos on the island.

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.

But the northern part of the island has been running largely as normal, albeit with extra pressure on the infrastructure due to large numbers of tourists fleeing for safety and seeking to find flights home.

Holidaymakers were evacuated from their hotels and left their belongings behind (AP)

Rhodes airport is on the northwestern shore of the Greek island, close to the capital, Rhodes Town. With no imminent danger in that area, some airlines have been operating a business as usual policy, with normal terms applying.

But most have provided provide some options to customers, with package holidaymakers benefiting from extra protection.

The Foreign Office advises travellers to contact their airline or travel operator. For 24/7 British consular assistance, UK citizens abroad can call +44 20 7008 5000.

Thousands of tourists have been evacuated (AP)

The FCDO has also sent a Rapid Deployment Team to Rhodes to support British nationals, and the Greek Foreign Affairs ministry has set up a help desk at Rhodes airport.

I came home early. Will I get some or all of my money back?

People who were anxious about being on the island but whose holidays were not directly affected are unlikely to be offered any recompense for the lost holiday times.

Package holidaymakers whose trips are curtailed because their accommodation cannot be used are due a partial refund under the Package Travel Regulations.

Travellers with easyJet Holidays are told: Customers who we have brought back to the UK earlier than their booked return date will receive a pro-rata refund for the days of the hotel stay that were missed. If a 1,000 holiday that was expected to last two weeks ended halfway through, the refund will be 500 from easyJet Holidays.

But other operators may not be as generous.

If a two-week holiday that cost 1,000 per person ends a week early, the holiday company is entitled to subtract the value of the flights, which might be 400  meaning only half of the remainder will be refunded, ie 300.

I am booked to travel imminently to Rhodes. Can I cancel for a refund?

If the travel firm or airline cancels your trip you can expect a full refund within two weeks. If the flight is going ahead, then your rights may depend on whether you are on a proper package holiday or have booked flights and accommodation separately.

Under the Package Travel Regulations, holidaymakers can cancel for a refund if unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occur at the place of destination or its immediate vicinity which significantly affect the performance of the package or the carriage of passengers to the destination.

In the case of some parts of Rhodes, this looks like reasonable grounds to cancel.

These are the larger companies policies for imminent departures as of 10pm on Thursday 27 July.

easyJet Holidays: Trips will resume on Sunday 30 July. Some flexibility may be offered for customers who wish to defer their trips., All holidays to the resorts of Gennadi, Kiotari and Lahania are cancelled up to and including 10 August 2023

Jet2: all flights and holidays to Rhodes are cancelled up to and including Sunday 30 July, with full refunds offered. From Monday 31 July, normal terms and conditions apply for trips to northern Rhodes, where hotels, villas, and resorts are operating as normal. This includes the resrts of Faliraki, Ialyssos, Ixia, Kalithea, Kolymbia, Kremasti, Pastida, Rhodes Town and Theologos. The resorts of Lardos, Lindos, Kalathos and Pefkos are also operating as normal according to Jet2, which sent customer service and safety experts to all the hotels in these resorts to conduct rigorous and detailed assessments. Three resorts remain on Jet2s no-go list up to and including 13 August: Gennadi, Kiotari and Lachania

Ryanair: Flights to/from Rhodes Airport are currently operating as normal and unaffected by the forest fires. Please check your Ryanair app where you will be notified of any changes to your Ryanair flight.

Thomas Cook: All of our holidays to the island outside of the limited affected areas will resume from Monday 31 July in full. Customers travelling this Friday, Saturday and Sunday [28-30 July] can choose to travel as planned or amend their holiday. If they wished to cancel, they will receive a full refund. Holidaymaker booked to travel to the affected area around Kiatori up to 7 August are offered full refunds.

Tui: All outbound flights to Rhodes up to and including Friday 28 July are cancelled, but normal service resumes on Saturday 29 July. Anyone booked to Rhodes on Saturday 29 or Sunday 30 July can cancel for a full refund. After that, usual terms apply for holidays in the north of the island, For trips to the south of the island due to depart up to and including 11 August, full refunds are available. Customers travelling to hotels in the south of the island between 12 and 21 August can amend fee free, the company says.

Would you go to Rhodes?

Yes. The people of Rhodes have shown outstanding kindness and courage towards overseas tourists. In most parts of the island  and 90 per cent is unaffected  they want to get back to work delivering great experiences for visiting holidaymakers.

If I go to Rhodes, will my travel insurance be valid?

Yes, except in very narrow circumstances. When a calamity such as the awful wildfires in Rhodes occurs, it is standard practice for travel insurers to partially remove some cover  but only for trips booked after the situation becomes known and only for risks specifically associated with the event.

For example, you should be able happily to book any trip to Rhodes and expect cover as part of your annual policy  except for risks directly associated with the wildfires. Were you unwise enough to venture into the afflicted area and injure yourself, you would not be covered.

Otherwise, despite a rogue message from Admiral Insurance wrongly saying all cover for Greek holidays booked after 23 July would be suspended  since corrected  there should be no problem.
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Two people have been confirmed dead after a plane fighting the wildfires in Greece crashed.

The defence ministry said two Greek air force pilots, Commander Christos Moulas, 34, and his 27-year-old co-pilot Pericles Stefanidis, were killed when their Canadair CL-215 plane crashed on Tuesday.

The accident occurred about 30 minutes from the town of Karystos on the island of Evia near Athens, where a fire has been burning for several days.

Local media reported the planes wing clipped a tree, with footage showing the small plane plummeting to the ground and exploding after dropping its cargo over the blaze.

The plane crashed after offloading water on a wildfire on Evia (EPT/Twitter)

The accident was aired in a state television broadcast that showed the low-flying aircraft disappearing into a canyon before a fireball appeared moments later.

Two helicopters rushed to the scene to carry out a search and rescue operation, while several ambulances also attended.

A three-day period of mourning in the armed forces has been announced in memory of the pilots who died. Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said they lost their lives in the line of duty ... while attempting to protect the lives and property of citizens, as well as the environment of our country.

The owners of Lithos Villas told The Independent that the crash happened in Platanistos, a small village in the mountains with less than 100 houses. Of the fires, they added that hotels in Karystos remained unaffected aside from smoke in the air, and that tourists were enjoying their holidays as usual.

The Metro reported the accident occurred nearly 15 years to the day when two Greek pilots lost their lives fighting wildfires on 23 July 2007.

The Canadair CL-415 crashed into the hillside while tackling flames near the town of Styra. Speaking to Metro, the owners of nearby Villa Kasteli, which hosted Boris Johnson last August, said it was ironic and sad for locals.

The crash is believed to have occurred in the village of Platanistos where wildfires are raging (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

They added that they were all ready to evacuate if the order was given by authorities, while hotels in Karystos were offering shelter to those in the mountains who had to leave.

The crash comes as 20,000 people were forced to flee homes and hotels in Rhodes, in what has been the biggest evacuation in Greek history.

The wildfires, which have been spreading over the past week, have caused 2,000 holidaymakers to return home by plane on Monday, with around 2,500 people evacuated from Corfu as dozens of fires continue to rage.

A third successive heat wave in Greece has pushed temperatures back above 40C, with prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stating that the country was at war with fire.

Debris of a Canadair CL-215 firefighting aircraft, which crashed near while being flown to fight a wildfire in Karystos, on the Greek Aegean island of Evia, on July 25, 2023. (AFP/Getty)

Two pilots died when their water-bombing plane crashed while battling a blaze on the Greek island of Evia (AFP/Getty)

This battle is uneven, and it will keep being like that for as long as the conditions remain hard, the centre-right leader told the Greek parliament.

The European Union has sent 500 firefighters, 100 vehicles and seven planes from 10 member states, while Turkey, Israel, Egypt and other countries have also sent help. Contributing nations included Italy which is battling its own wildfires and extreme weather. On the island of Sicily, Palermos international airport temporarily shut down as flames from a wildfire approached.

An average of 50 new wildfires have broken out daily for the past 12 days in Greece, according to government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis. Over the weekend 64 new blazes were recorded.

Emergency services trying to put out wildfires on Rhodes (Sarah George/PA) (PA Media)

An aircraft drops water over a wildfire in Vati village, on the Aegean Sea island of Rhodes, southeastern Greece (AP)

New estimates in Rhodes suggest that 10 per cent of the island has been burned, with additional rescue flights scheduled to bring home stranded holidaymakers.

The Foreign Office previously said that as many as 10,000 Britons were estimated to be on the island.

The fires will deal a blow to the tourist industry which is a mainstay of the Greek economy. It accounts for 18 per cent of gross domestic product and one in five jobs, with an even greater contribution on islands such as Rhodes.

High temperatures across parts of southern Europe and north Africa have been linked by scientists to the human-made climate crisis, with wildfires breaking out across the continent.

An extreme heatwave in Italy has caused a wildfire to encircle Palermo after temperatures in Sicily climbed to 47C.

An estimated 20,000 people have been evacuated to safety from the wildfires (AP)

Hundreds of firefighters from regions across the country have been called in to deal with the blaze, while an 88-year-old woman was reported to have died after emergency services failed to reach her in time.

However, northern regions continue to bear the brunt of the bad weather with torrential rain causing flooding and two women killed by falling trees.

Devastating forest fires have also killed at least 34 people in Algeria, with strong winds fanning the flames towards neighbouring Tunisia and causing two border closures.

UK airlines such as easyJet are continuing to sell flights to Rhodes, while two of the biggest tour operators, Jet2 and Tui, have cancelled all flights for the next days ahead.
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An American Airlines plane returned to the airport it had departed from after a passenger onboard called a flight attendant waiter.

The flight bound for Georgetown, Guyana, turned back to New York Citys JFK International Airport after only two hours because of an incident involving what the airline described as a disruptive passenger, according to Guayanas Stabroek News.

The passenger was identified as Joel Ghansham, who the newspaper describes as a Guyanese cultural activist.

Mr Ghansham took to YouTube to share his version of events, with the a caption on the video reading: What really went down?.

Mr Ghansham, who said he was travelled in business class, denied that he was disruptive and claimed that the episode started when he asked a flight attendant to help him put his bags in the overhead luggage compartment as he had recently undergone surgery.

He was like I dont do that, I dont get paid for that," alleged Mr Ghansham, who added that another employee apologised and did help him.

The flight attendant who had allegedly refused to assist Mr Ghansham asked the passenger, around an hour into the flight, if he wanted anything to drink, to which Mr Ghansham said he replied: No thank you, waiter.

In the video, Mr Ghansham claimed the flight attendant told him he wasnt a waiter but had the power to turn the plane [around]  to which Mr Ghansham said he replied: You must be God, so you do it.

Soon after, the pilot announced over the loudspeaker that the plane was returning to New York. According to reports, Mr Ghansham was met by a police officer when the aircraft landed and was interviewed by an agent from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Mr Ghansham has denied that any argument took place and claims he was not disruptive. He said: There was not a disruption. I never got up. There was not an argument, there was not a confrontation, nobody touched each other. He was wearing a mask. He wasnt even loud. It was just his pride.

A spokesperson for American Airlines told The Independent: American Airlines flight 2557, with service from New York (JFK) to Georgetown, Guyana (GEO), returned to JFK on Tuesday due to a disruptive customer. Safety and security are our top priorities, and we thank our customers for their understanding and our team members for their professionalism in managing a difficult situation.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined the picket lines as writers and actors kept striking in New York.

Protesters gathered outside the neighbouring Manhattan offices of Netflix and Warner Bros Discovery on Monday 24 July and were later joined by AOC who used a megaphone to give a pep talk to the protesters.

Frankly, while this is a fight against AI, more than AI, this is a fight against greed, the US Rep said.

This is a fight against Wall Street, and this is a fight against the endless pursuit of more wealth. How many private jets does David Zaslav need?
A passenger recalled his evacuation from Rhodes after arriving back at Gatwick Airport.

Up to 10,000 Britons are estimated to be on the fire-ravaged Greek island, with repatriation flights to rescue holidaymakers landing back in the UK.

Dominic Doggett explained how he stayed on the office floor of a hotel, before driving through the night to find other accommodation.

It was a very unique situation, but luckily we had a hire car there so we were able to drive away, he explained.
Michael Gove has said he is planning to fly to Greece next week, despite raging wildfires on Rhodes.

The cabinet minister added that he is not worried about travelling to the island of Evia.

Naturally, I want to make sure that as a government, we do everything possible to support Greece and our tourists there, Mr Gove said, speaking about the wildfires.

No, Im not, he then said, responding to Kay Burley, when asked if he was at all worried about the current situation.
Israeli police fired water cannons at protesters opposing controversial judicial overhaul plans.

The government passed an element of its wide-ranging changes to the judiciary on Monday 24 July, with demonstrations erupting outside the parliament building in Jerusalem and in central Tel Aviv after the vote.

Footage captured by Professor Dror Hawlena shows one person - holding an Israel flag - being knocked off a wall by the force of a water cannon.

Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans were approved by the Knesset after a stormy session in which opposition lawmakers chanted "shame" and then stormed out.

Proposals to allow a simple majority of 61 in the 120-seat chamber to override almost any supreme court rulings are among a range of far-reaching plans from the government, which also wants to allow politicians to appoint most of the justices to the bench.
A pro-Kremlin Russian news presenter attempted a Scottish accent on a show broadcast earlier this week.

The controversial TV host, named Vladimir Solovyov, can be heard urging his Scottish brothers to fight for freedom in a rather unnerving fashion.

He has been described in the past as one of Vladimir Putins top propagandists and presents on the state-owned channel Russia-1.

Francis Scarr, a journalist from BBC Monitoring, shared the clip on social media and suggested that Solovyov has been working on his repertoire of foreign accents.

In the same segment, he called Britain a pathetic, weak and pretty destitute country and then attempted a British accent mocking the great in Great Britain.
A Russian fighter jet harassed a US drone over Syria, deploying flares and striking the aircraft, the United States Air Forces Central (US AFCENT) has said.

Footage shows the fighter jet flying close to a US MQ-9 drone.

In a statement, the US AFCENT said: Russian fighter aircraft flew dangerously close to a U.S. MQ-9 drone on a defeat-ISIS mission, harassing the MQ-9 and deploying flares from a position directly overhead, with only a few meters of separation between aircraft.

The US has said a flare struck the drone, damaging its propellor, but it got back safely to its home base.
A man has died and 15 others are injured after a violent storm hit the town of La-Chaux-de-Fonds in northwestern Switzerland.

Rain, hail and winds of up to 135 kilometres per hour were recorded on Monday evening, Swiss public broadcaster SRF said on Tuesday. This caused damage to structures, trees and vehicles.

The storm "unfortunately caused the death of a person in their fifties following the fall of a building crane", Neuchatel local police said in a press release.
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This month the world recorded its hottest ever average temperature, not just once but four times in four days. From Rhodes, to Algeria, to Canada, wildfires are raging  many of them beyond human control. The smoke is making it hard for people to breathe. Homes are being lost; biodiversity is being annihilated.

The frequency and intensity of recent wildfires, heatwaves, biblical rain and floods would be virtually impossible without the global heating caused by our burning of fossil fuels, and still carbon emissions continue to rise. We are literally playing with fire if we do not act hard and fast right now on curbing greenhouse gas emissions, both at an individual and a systemic level.

Global heating is exacerbating the natural El Nino weather phenomenon and bringing us dangerously close to climatic tipping points. We might even have already triggered something we cannot now control. The science cannot tell us this for sure. The extreme weather events witnessed across the globe within the last month have been predicted for decades by climate scientists. What we see now unfolding, sadly, is the outcome of 27 failed Cops, countless watered-down climate conferences, weak and shortsighted governments and a deliberate blurring of the climate science by well-funded, cynical and sophisticated vested interests.

Fleeing from your holiday hotel is extremely traumatic: billowing smoke filling the sky, flames wildly licking the air above them, encroaching extreme heat forcing you to abandon your possessions and run. Losing your home and livelihood, as residents of these areas are suffering, is even more traumatic.

Yet as morbidly gripping as scenes of fires in Greece and floods in eastern Canada are, we should be even more alarmed by some of the less dramatically visual symptoms of climate breakdown that we are experiencing this year: the unforeseen heatwaves in the ocean, a dramatic step change in the loss of Antarctic sea ice, and global temperature records set, not by small margins but by huge jumps.

In June, temperatures in the North Atlantic, off the west coast of Ireland, were between 4C and 5C above average for the time of year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration classed this as beyond extreme. As the oceans heat, sea ice melts, reducing its capacity to reflect sunlight (known as the Albedo effect), and so the oceans heat up even more. It is a dangerous cycle of activity, as this months figures have shown.

The Antarctic sea-ice is now a whopping 10 per cent lower than its previous record low  just let that sink in: 10 per cent lower. If a sprinter breaks the 100m world record by a couple of hundredths of a second, it is headline news. But if they were to break it by a whole second, wed know something was not right. Similarly, the speed at which the ice has melted should be giving us cause for alarm.

The remaining scientific uncertainty as far as climate science goes lies in the concepts of cascading tipping points; the idea that melting ice, wildfires, and methane escaping from the permafrost could trigger further uncontrollable warming with devastating implications for us all.

Beyond the science, the real mysteries lie in government inaction, and the low profile most of these events have had in most of the press.

How can all this be explained? The oil and gas industry has been following a clear template that was developed decades ago by the tobacco industry, for how to delay policy response to inconvenient science. Well-funded groups with strong links to much of the media have cynically set out to confuse the public and steer the politics.

We are routinely deceived on climate policy by government ministers. To give just two examples, Grant Shapps must know it is untrue to say that failure to exploit new oil and gas in the North Sea will lead to surging energy prices and when Michael Gove said he had looked at the evidence for the Cumbria Coal mine, to me it seemed clear that he had favoured evidence funded by the coal mining company over much more rigorous, robust and independent counter-evidence provided by top level experts in their fields.

More than ever, we need honesty and integrity from our politicians. We need to cut the routine bulls**t in order to stand a chance of cutting carbon emissions. All of us need to be more careful than ever before to vote only for those who are careful with truth. The symptoms of climate breakdown will be worse from now on, whatever we do. But if we act fast and if luck is on our side, we can avoid global catastrophe. It is that serious.

Mike Berners-Lee is an author, environmental consultant and a professor at Lancaster University
Over 902.000 passengers passed through Shannon Airport in the first half of 2023, a 41pc increase from the same period last year.

This is also the highest number of passengers since 2009, with the first six months of 2023 the second-busiest period ever recorded at the airport.

The sharp rise follows a surge in demand for travel following the pandemic.

The airport also recorded its busiest day in seven years last month, with more than 8,500 passengers travelling through the airport on June 23.

Overall, June passenger numbers rose by 32pc compared to the same month last year and were also 10pc higher than pre-pandemic figures.

In May, passenger traffic jumped by more than a quarter compared to the same month in 2022.

"The first six months of this year have been our busiest for this period, in over a decade, Shannon Airport Group chief executive Mary Considine said.

"With the highest number of passengers recorded for this period since 2009, we are thrilled to witness the resounding success of our 2023 summer schedule.

Flights from the airport travel to 35 destinations in Europe and the US, with five new routes added for this summer.

Shannon Airport has also added a new service to Paris with Aer Lingus.

The airport also lifted the 100ml restriction on liquids for those travelling through the airport last year.

"The future looks bright as we rebound strongly in the aftermath of the pandemic, Ms Considine added.

Demand in overseas travel has also been reflected in passenger numbers at both Dublin and Cork airports.

Over three million passengers passed through Dublin Airport in May, similar to the number that travelled in May 2019.

Passenger figures were also up 17pc on the numbers recorded in the same month last year, Dublin Airport Authority revealed last month.

Cork Airport welcomed 262,318 passengers in May, up 10pc from the same month in 2019 before the pandemic.
Ripple, the company behind XRP, one of the largest cryptocurrencies in the world, is applying to the Central Bank for an Irish payments licence.

Sendi Young, the firms European managing director, said Ripple is planning a major expansion in the European market after an important court win in the US.

We are in the process of applying for our crypto asset registration in the UK and our payments licence in Ireland, she told DL News, a cryptocurrency publication.

These are all massive investments with a view that we are going to continue growing exponentially in this region.

In a statement to the Irish Independent, the Central Bank said it does not confirm or comment on individual applications for authorisations.

Authorisation is an important part of the Central Banks work to protect consumers and investors, and to ensure the proper functioning of the financial system, it said.

The Central Bank deals with applications for authorisation from firms across all financial sectors in an open, engaged and constructive manner.

Ripple is a US firm which has built a digital payments network aimed at financial service companies.

It has created its own cryptocurrency, XRP, which is currently the fourth-largest cryptocurrency in the world by market capitalisation.

XRP has several functions, including being used for currency exchange.

In 2020, Ripple was sued by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission for selling XRP as an unlicensed security.

Earlier this month the judge in the case issued a summary judgement which found that Ripple did not break the law when XRP, was sold on public exchanges.

This was taken as a signal by some investors that cryptocurrencies may not fall under the same rules as those applied to securities such as stocks and bonds.

This resulted in XRPs value surging, temporarily almost doubling, in the wake of the decision.

However, Gabriel Makhlouf, the Central Bank governor, has indicated on multiple occasions that he is extremely wary of cryptocurrencies.

In a blog post on the Central Banks website in May, Mr Makhlouf compared unbacked cryptocurrencies to Ponzi schemes  a form of fraud  and promised tighter controls for the digital currencies.
Fleet required to cut its quotas by 15pc by 2025 faces year-end deadline to claim funds

Irelands coastal fishing communities need at least another six months to draw down promised EU aid. Photo: Stock image

Irish fishing businesses face a double whammy this year of having less fish to catch and being unable to draw down EU Brexit funding in time.

Tight deadlines, a lack of labour and materials shortages are putting at risk hundreds of millions of euros worth of funding from Brussels that MEP Billy Kelleher said is crucial to keep coastal communities afloat.

All the plans are in. Everything is done. Its just the inability to draw down, Mr Kelleher said of the EU funding.

Brexit hasnt gone away. The impact of it hasnt gone away. So I mean it would be a shame to forfeit funding that could ameliorate or reduce the impact of Brexit in certain communities.

Mr Kelleher said Irelands coastal fishing communities need at least another six months  until next summer  to draw down promised EU aid.

Some deadlines for drawing down money fall as early as this September.

The money in question comes from the EUs Brexit adjustment reserve, a 5bn pot of money, of which more than 1bn went to Ireland.

The funding can cover any Brexit-related expenses since January 2020, and must be drawn down by the end of this year.

But each scheme requires EU state aid approval before it can start, and many fishing businesses cant get projects off the ground quickly enough.

The money can cover anything from the decommissioning of fishing vessels  as of March this year, 42 vessels were approved for the scheme  to new equipment for former fishing companies who want to switch to tourism.

A lot of those [applications] werent for changing technologies or just changing their systems of how they do business in the UK. A lot of these were fundamentally about changing their business themselves, Mr Kelleher said.

Were talking about giving people a chance. Very often, its very difficult to do certain projects over the winter months.

The 2021 Brexit trade deal  which cut the EUs total share in UK waters by a quarter  required the Irish fishing fleet to cut its quotas by 15pc by 2025 at a cost of 43m per year, making it one of the hardest hit in the bloc.

The bulk of the cuts fell in 2021, but many have yet to be phased in.

The Brexit impacts are really coming home to roost on a regressive basis, said Aodh ODonnell, Chief Executive of the Irish Fish Producers Association

Every year, vessels have less time at sea. They have less quotas to catch. And the whole viability and resilience of the fleet and the onshore processing is tested as a result of that.

Its really important that EU funding is paid out in full and that, if necessary, an extension is secured.

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform said 389m has been allocated to various departments over the last two budgets, with around 253m going to the Department of Agriculture for fisheries.

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue last week unveiled four government schemes for pelagic stocks such as mackerel, scallop fisheries and fish processors, which are the final four schemes recommended by a Brexit task force back in 2021.
Environment Pillar wants any drainage of land to be subjected to screening by an expert body

Farmers seeking to drain land should have to get permission, while the removal of any length of hedgerow should be subject to environmental screening, the Environment Pillar has said.

The group, representing a host of environmental bodies, made the calls in its submission to the Department of Agricultures public consultation on the future of its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations, which stipulate where screening is required for actions on farmlands.

The consultation is part of a Government review of EIA regulations, which currently apply to three different on-farm activities, including restructuring of rural land holdings, namely the removal of field boundaries or the recontouring of land, commencing to use uncultivated land or semi-natural areas for intensive agriculture and land drainage works on lands used for agriculture.

In their submission, the Environment Pillar said to be able to fully assess environmental impact and ensure environmental protection, it is crucial that the regulations are significantly tightened and monitoring and enforcement processes are fully implemented.

In relation to hedgerow removal, it has called for the elimination of the screening threshold, requiring instead that screening be required irrespective of the length of hedgerow removal.

Currently, screening is not required where the length of the hedgerow to be removed is less than 500 metres or where the field size following removal of the hedgerow will be smaller than five hectares.

Removal of this threshold, the group said, would help ensure the protection of a connected hedgerow network in favourable condition. However, it said if it is deemed implausible to eliminate the threshold for screening, the threshold should instead be reduced to an ecologically aligned threshold of between 10-50m.

The Environment Pillar also called for the regulations to be amended to provide for an authorisation process for drainage projects, to ensure they are assessed against the objectives of the Water Framework Directive.

It endorses the recommendation by network member, An Taisce, that the same threshold be applied to the drainage of agricultural land, as exists for wetland drainage under the Planning Regulations. This would require that any area greater than 0.1 hectares is subject to screening by an expert body.

Meanwhile, the group has also called for the existing five-hectare threshold for mandatory screening of activities associated with the intensification of semi-natural areas be revised downwards.

It argues that all areas known to host semi-natural habitats or areas with a high probability of hosting semi-natural and High Nature Value farmland should be subject to mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment.
Flock star  sheep farmer by day, musician by night

Sean OConnor used to travel the world playing guitar but now his pedigree Suffolk flock is his priority and he mostly performs close to his farm on the Cork-Kerry border. He explains how he juggles his music with his farming, and how he has improved the quality of his flock

Sean O'Connor plays his guitar for his Suffolk lambs on his farm at Ruhillmore, Boherbue, Co Cork. Photos: O'Gorman Photography.

Ciaran Moran Tue 25 Jul 2023 at 18:01
A firefighting helicopter makes a water drop as a wildfire burns near the village of Archangelos, on the island of Rhodes, Greece, July 24, 2023. REUTERS/Nicolas Economou.

Wildfires and evacuations on the Greek island of Rhodes, and a heatwave blasting much of southern Europe, have raised questions for tourists about their travel insurance coverage.

As the threat of fires remains high throughout Greece and heat continues elsewhere at the peak of the summer holiday season, here are some of the key questions and answers:

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is "primarily" to protect against high costs of emergency medical care while abroad.

Travellers should check the exact terms with their individual insurers and tour operators.

Tourist films evacuation from hotel in Rhodes as wildfires rage

What if you fall ill due to heat, or your accommodation is affected by wildfires?

If someone gets sick due to heat while on holiday, insurer Aviva, for example, would cover the costs of medical care and getting home if needed. Aviva would also cover the cost of moving to new accommodation should a booking become uninhabitable due to a wildfire.

German insurer Ergo would pay for any additional costs if a traveller couldn't leave their travel destination due to fire.

What does travel insurance not cover?

It won't cover cancellation for travellers who decide not to take their trips because of the heat.

What do natural catastrophes cost insurers?

Hurricane Ian in the United States and floods in Australia helped to make 2022 one of the costliest years on record for natural disasters, according to Munich Re, which said losses totalled around $120 billion.

Insurers are increasingly turning their backs on some markets like Florida, prone to hurricanes that insurers forecast will become more intense as the climate warms, and California, where wildfires are common.

Are insurers rethinking coverage due to the Greek fires?

Ergo said such events have been taking place for decades, and that it was "continuously" assessing the risks.

"The intensity of the fires in Greece is not a reason for ERGO Travel Insurance to change the scope of benefits," it said.

Will the Greek fires affect insurance premiums and insurers?

They haven't much so far, according to ratings agency Fitch, which called travel insurance a niche product and said it was too early to see changes in terms and conditions.

Though price increase for policies can be expected, "the COVID-19 pandemic posed a much more severe and widespread risk for travel insurance  and suppliers did not cut back on capacity," said Robert Mazzuoli, director in the insurance team at Fitch. He added that the affected region in Greece is a small part of the overall market.

Travel insurance premiums have been rising. How much, and why?

Travel insurance premiums have risen around 10% this year from last year in many European markets as insurers try to claw back COVID-19 losses, said Marcos Alvarez, global head of insurance credit ratings at DBRS Morningstar. He expects they could rise by another 10% next year.

Many insurers are diversified, limiting their financial hit from travel. Travel insurers have been carving out extra coverage, like for travel disruption, and charged extra premiums for them.

How big is the travel insurance market?

Fairly small. US residents spent 1.5bn on travel insurance in 2020, according to the US Travel Insurance Association.

By contrast, global insurance premiums were estimated be 5.6 trillion euros in 2022, according to Allianz.

How are tour operators reacting to the Greek fires?

Tour operator TUI had 39,000 guests on Rhodes on Sunday evening. Some 7,800 of those were affected and taken to other hotels or shelters. On Monday, it deployed six extra planes to fly home German and British holidaymakers.

The operator is cancelling trips to Rhodes in the coming days, including all flights from Ireland until Friday, and offering free cancellations or rebookings to other TUI destinations.
Sinead OConnor funeral: Tears, tributes and T-shirts in Bray as fans say farewell to rebel with many a cause
The Cabinet will discuss a range of issues at its last meeting before the summer break.

State-funded IVF

The State will pay for a full cycle of IVF for couples struggling to conceive under a new scheme to be introduced in September. The programme, which Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is bringing details of to Cabinet today, will be available to couples who do not have children and where a women is under 41-years-old.

Along with the age limit there are also criteria around the body mass index (BMI) of women applying to the scheme. Couples who have a known clinical cause of infertility will also miss out on the free IVF programme.

The criteria for access to the scheme were recommended by a working group of clinical experts.

Mr Donnelly is also seeking approval for an additional 6m to top up his budget for the annual winter hospital trolley crisis.

Battlegroups

Tanaiste Micheal Martin will seek approval to send 10 members of the Defence Force Personnel to take part in a live EU Crisis Management Military Exercise in Spain this October.

This is part of the EUs Strategic Compass  a plan to strengthen security and defence policy by 2030. This includes development of an EU Rapid Deployment Capacity that will allow deployment of up to 5,000 troops for different types of crises.

The live exercise will see participants form an EU Battle Group sized force in a simulated theatre of operations.

This upcoming exercise will give the Defence Forces experience in EU Command and Control Systems as well as EU crisis management procedures.

A senior Government source noted that the live simulation exercise does not mean Ireland has made any decision yet to participate in an actual Battlegroup operation in future.

Participating in the Battlegroup would require the triple lock of a UN Mandate, and Dail and Government approval.

Lighthouses

Mr Martin and Transport Minister Eamon Ryan will seek separately approval for an international agreement with the UK on continued joint procurement between our three general lighthouse authorities.

Three lighthouse authorities - the Commissioners of Irish Lights for Ireland and Northern Ireland, Northern Lighthouse Board for Scotland, and Trinity House for England and Wales  have used joint procurement when making purchases.

However, Brexit has complicated the arrangement and Ireland will have to seek an exemption from EU procurement rules.

The most significant contract under the lighthouse arrangement is for the provision of the helicopter services to visit remote lighthouses. This contract runs to 2025 and a significant transition period will be required between one contract and the next.

National Centre for Research and Remembrance for Mother and Baby Home Survivors

Childrens Minister Roderic OGorman will provide Cabinet with a masterplan for the site of the Magdalen Laundry on Sean MacDermott Street in Dublin city centre. The details of the plan will be announced after survivors are notified.

Rapid Build Housing Programme for Ukraine refugees

Mr OGorman will also bring a memo updating Cabinet on progress on the Rapid Build Programme which includes the expansion of the scheme from 500 to 700 units. This will bring the allocation of additional funding for the Programme to a total 237m. Rapid build homes are now occupied in Mahon, Co Cork, with further sites to be occupied throughout the summer.

Emergency flood aid for Donegal

Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney will ask to fast-track an aid scheme for businesses affected by torrential downpours last Saturday. The scheme is based on information provided by local authorities to the Department of Enterprise on businesses damaged by an extreme weather and is additional to existing flood reliefs.

All-Island Strategic Rail Review

Eamon Ryan is bringing his review of the islands railway systems to Cabinet which sets out 30 recommendations to transform the current rail system. The reviews recommendations span over 25 years with a number of proposals that could be implemented before 2030. These include increasing the frequency of services to at least hourly between major cities and to at least one train every two hours between other centres, as well as improving line speeds on various parts of the network.

The plan also recommends decarbonising the rail network with more electrification and use of battery and hydrogen traction.
Chris Martin's Coldplay will now play four concerts in Dublin next August. Photo: Dominic Lipinski

Coldplay have added third and fourth Dublin dates next August due to huge demand but many fans who struggled to secure tickets have taken to social media to vent their anger.

Presale tickets for the English bands first two gigs in Croke Park next August were released this morning.

Due to huge demand in the presale, a third Dublin show has been added for September 1, 2024, the band said shortly after noon. A fourth show was announced later.

General sale for all four dates will take place this Friday from 10am.

The Grammy Award-winning band will now play four nights in Croke Park  next August 29 and 30, and September 1 and 2  as part of their Music of the Spheres World tour.

More than 200,000 fans tried to apply for the ticket presale at 10am today, with many taking to Twitter to complain about not being able to access the site or receiving error messages and being sent to the back of the queue.

Ticketmaster encouraged concert goers who were encountering issues to clear your cache/cookies, refresh and try again.

A spokesperson said: Everything is in working order, and tickets are selling as normal.

As per our advice on social media, fans should clear their cache/cookies and ensure they arent using any VPN software on their device/wi-fi.

Some fans said this was the second time in two weeks that they had been unable to buy tickets for their favourite artist.

Tickets for three Taylor Swift concerts set for next June at the Aviva Stadium went on sale last Thursday, with many fans missing out.

Another ticket presale for Coldplay will take place tomorrow from 10am.
Crime

People are so afraid they dont come out of their apartments: Residents of complex near where US tourist was attacked living in fear
A serving garda has appeared in court charged with drink-driving and careless driving.

David Kenneally (41) of The Maples, Oakleigh Wood, Tulla Road, Ennis, Co Clare, is contesting three separate charges being brought against him that are alleged to have occurred at Abbey Street, Ennis, on February 5 2022.

At Ennis District Court, counsel for Mr Kenneally, David Staunton BL, instructed by solicitor, Daragh Hassett, told Judge Mary Cashin that obviously this is a very serious matter for Mr Kenneally.

Mr Staunton said: Mr Kenneally is a serving member and he is currently suspended and there are a huge number of difficulties and ramifications with respect to that.

Mr Kenneally is charged with drink-driving at Abbey Street, Ennis on February 5, 2022 contrary to Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act.

He is also charged with driving without due care and attention at the same location on the same date contrary to Section 52 of the Road Traffic Act.

He also faces a summons of consuming intoxicating liquor with the intention to frustrate a prosecution under Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act at Abbey Street, Ennis, on the same date, contrary to Section 18 (3) of the Road Traffic Act.

The contested case was fixed for today and State Solicitor for Co Limerick, Aidan Judge, told the court that the State is to call 12 witnesses in the case.

Mr Judge said that his application was to seek an adjournment in the case as one of the prosecution witnesses is unavailable due to the death of his mother.

He said that the defence is insisting that I produce this witness and I have no option but to seek an adjournment.

Mr Staunton said his instructions from Mr Kenneally are very clear that the witness is an essential witness.

Judge Cashin remarked that it was pushed by the State to have the case put on for today and Sgt Louis Moloney said that the case had prioritisation as a first case and was due to take two hours.

Judge Cashin remarked with 12 State witnesses, two hours is conservative.

Mr Judge said that it is a case I believe should be given half a day and Mr Staunton said I wouldnt disagree with that.

Judge Cashin adjourned the case to Ennis District Court to September 20 to fix a date. He remanded Mr Kenneally on continuing bail and said he is excused from attending court on the next date.

On This Day In History - July 26th
Lawyers for Gemma O'Doherty have told the High Court that she is the controller of one of three Twitter accounts alleged to have breached a court order not to harass the mother of a young man who died by suicide.

On Tuesday Edel Campbell who is suing Ms O'Doherty over the use of her son's image on a publication run by the defendant, secured orders directing Twitter to disclose the identities and contact details of the operators, controllers and owners of the other two accounts also alleged to have breached the injunction.

Earlier this month Ms Campbell sought various disclosure orders from Twitter and Ms O'Doherty in relation to three of the social media's accounts '@irishlightpaper', '@cavandrugwatch' and '@michaelmg3'.

When the matter returned before the court Mr Justice Brian O'Moore was told by Gregory Murphy Bl, for the defendant, that she accepts that she is the person in charge of the '@irishlightpaper' Twitter account.

Counsel said that his client denies any wrongdoing and intends to fully contest all the allegations against her.

However, she has nothing to do with and no control over the two other accounts, counsel said.

David Kennedy SC, with Paul Comiskey O'Keeffe Bl instructed by solicitor Ciaran Mulholland for the plaintiff said that in correspondence Twitter had said that it would not oppose, nor consent to, the orders being sought by his client.

In light of the correspondence from Twitter Mr Justice O'Moore said he was satisfied to grant the disclosure orders sought in respect of the @cavandrugwatch' and '@michaelmg3' accounts.

The orders will allow Ms Campbells team to determine who is behind those accounts.

It will then be up to Ms Campbell if she wishes to bring a motion against those parties and the defendant for alleged contempt of court.

Previously the court heard that Ms Campbell claims she has been harassed by Ms O'Doherty because she has sued the defendant over the alleged unauthorised publication of the image of plaintiff's late son.

She claims that Ms O'Doherty has wrongly and unlawfully used the image of her son Diego Gilsenan in an article on media controlled by Ms O'Doherty linking unexplained deaths to the Covid-19 vaccination.

Ms Campbell secured an injunction restraining Ms O'Doherty from harassing the plaintiff, or from publishing Ms Campbell's and her late son's images or any personal confidential material about them.

Ms ODoherty is also restrained from encouraging or inciting others to intimidate the plaintiff.

The court also ordered Ms ODoherty to take down and remove any image of Ms Campbell and her late son from any form of media that she owns or operates.

The injunction is to remain in place pending the final outcome of Ms Campbell's action against Ms O'Doherty, trading as 'The Irish Light'.

The plaintiff claims that Ms O'Doherty is a journalist and the publisher of The Irish Light, a free periodical newspaper, and the publisher/editor of the www.irishlightpaper.com website.

Following Mr Gilsenan's death in August 2021 it is claimed that Ms O'Doherty used the image of the plaintiff's son in an article which it is claimed wrongly stated that he died as a result of the administration of the Covid-19 vaccination.

Ms Campbell, from Kingscourt, Co Cavan, claims that despite making several pleas to Ms O'Doherty to cease using her son's image, the defendant refused to do so.

It is claimed that the picture was taken from RIP.ie used without consent.

Ms Campbell further claims that the unauthorised and repeated use of her son's image amounts to a harassment and breach of her constitutional rights, and has caused her emotional pain, suffering and harm.

Ms O'Doherty rejects all of the allegations of wrongdoing.
An end to the burning of coal for electricity generation at Moneypoint is 'critical'.

Greenhouse gas emissions are falling too slowly for Ireland to meet the targets laid down by national policy and the law.

The Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) said only an immediate and rapid reduction in emissions would keep the targets in sight.

It said the pace at which Government was implementing its own policy was not acceptable given the existential threat and impact of climate change on society.

Its annual review published today lists 25 actions it says need priority attention, including the following:

:: An end to the burning of coal for electricity generation at Moneypoint  a move described as critical.

:: Extending the life of existing onshore wind farms and making swift, clear decisions about where new onshore wind turbines should be built.

:: Motor tax to be redesigned to further incentivise EVs and discourage petrol and diesel cars.

:: The target for commercial EVs to be increased by 60pc with new incentives to encourage businesses to switch to electric.

:: Cities to expand park and ride schemes along major roads while reducing the number of public parking spaces.

:: A major focus on improving the reliability and accessibility of existing public transport services while investing quickly in expansion and electrification.

:: Parking levies to be introduced on workplace parking spaces and greater savings to be offered through the taxsaver commuter and cycle to work schemes.

:: All social housing to be retrofitted to a B2 energy efficiency rating by 2030.

:: Retrofitting grants for privately owned homes to prioritise those heated by coal or peat.

:: Widespread creation of district heating schemes with all data centres and other large energy users obliged to supply them with their waste heat.

:: Supplies to farmers of greener forms of fertiliser and methane-reducing feed additives to be boosted.

:: Building regulations to require much greater use of timber and low-carbon cement and concrete in construction.

Strong leadership from Government is required to make the difficult decisions that are needed to deliver systemic change throughout our economy and society, said CCAC chair, Marie Donnelly.

Key to this is effective and consistent engagement with communities, ensuring a fair and equitable transition, while building and maintaining public support and action, she said.

Greta Thunberg fined by Swedish court for disobeying police order

Under Irelands climate law, national emissions are required to fall by 51pc this decade but the drop last year was just 1.9pc.

Every sector in society and the economy has been given a sectoral emission ceiling to keep its emissions on a downward slide but at current trends most will fall well short of what they are meant to achieve by 2030.

However, there are substantial emissions from the countrys drained peatlands, ageing forests and degraded landscapes which have not yet been added into the equation.

The Government has to ask each sector to make additional cuts to make up for these emissions but it has been slow to apportion responsibility. The council also wants more attention paid to strengthening critical infrastructure to cope with heatwaves, storms and floods.
Inquiry into 2017 to 2019 earnings error by station critical to stars return to airwavesFinalised report on 120,000 mistake to be presented to RTE board before being publishedProbe may prompt serious questions about boards handling of the pay revelations

'As I have said, what we do understand is that it was an error  that the figures were understated  and thats been confirmed,' RTE chair Siuin Ni Raghallaigh said

RTE is sitting on a crucial investigation into the failure to properly declare Ryan Tubridys earnings.

The report is expected to prompt serious questions about the RTE boards handling of the revelations about Mr Tubridys pay.

RTE has received the findings of a report into the error, which resulted in the former Late Late Show hosts salary being understated.

But it is not yet clear when the report by accountants Grant Thornton will be published.

The report is looking into Mr Tubridys earnings from 2017 to 2019 and why a mistake resulted in the wrong figure being made public.

This is entirely different to the concealed payments to the former Late Late Show presenter from a Renault side-deal between 2020 and 2022.

Yet the two sets of figures were presented together by the RTE board, without the full facts on the 2017 to 2019 issue being known.

The RTE board continues to insist the work on the so-called Grant Thornton II report is progressing.

In a statement today the board said: The report process is still underway. The ARC and the RTE Board have not received a copy of the Report, nor have they been briefed on its findings at this point.

However, this is contrary to the understanding of senior government sources who told the Irish Independent the report is completed. The report is also expected to be given to Media Minister Catherine Martin.

The minister is away on holidays at the moment. It is not clear whether her absence is preventing the report being published.

The report is expected to show no wrongdoing on Mr Tubridys part in the error by RTE management in providing the wrong figures to the Dail.

The Department of Media did not respond to any questions on whether it will get a copy of the report before it is published or a publication date.

The further review by Grant Thornton which was commissioned by the board of RTE, will be submitted to the RTE Audit and Risk Committee when finalised and subsequently to the RTE board for consideration after which it is due to be published.

Mr Tubridy is expected to be cleared of any wrongdoing in a critical report on the understatement of his salary for three years.

Kevin Bakhurst on what success and failure will look like for RTE's future

The Government is standing back and letting RTE decide whether to bring him back on air, but several ministers want to see him return to RTE since public sympathy has built up.

However, there is also a view that Mr Tubridy needs to pay back RTE the 150,000 from his Renault deal or give it to charity.

Bosses now admit the 120,000 understatement of the presenters earnings from 2017 to 2019 was a mistake, an error and contained inaccuracies.

This was a separate issue to the concealed payment of three invoices for 75,000 from a Renault side-deal with RTE. The RTE board revealed both understatements together, resulting in a perception of secret payments of 345,000 over six years.

But a keenly awaited report from accountants Grant Thornton into the earlier 2017 to 2019 figures is set to blame RTEs own in-house accounting practices.

Conflating the two of the payments made it look like a big six-year conspiracy, which it wasnt. Grant Thornton, youd think, should be clear on this matter, a source close to the RTE presenter said.

Since stating that Mr Tubridys remuneration had been understated by RTE by a figure of 120,000 over the contract period of 2017-2019, RTE has attempted to tone down the claim. It now concedes no 120,000 bonus was paid to the former Late Late Show presenter.

RTE has also admitted it takes full responsibility for these misstatements.

RTE chair Siun Ni Raghallaigh told the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee that the report would be ready in the coming weeks.

As I have said, what we do understand is that it was an error  that the figures were understated  and thats been confirmed, she said.

Fellow RTE board member Robert Shortt said the 120,000 as related to the earnings was a mistake on RTEs behalf. RTE deputy director general Adrian Lynch said how or why these inaccuracies occurred was the subject of Grant Thorntons current review.

But there is growing impatience at RTE not being able to explain the mistake. The RTE chair is standing by the decision to publish both understatements together.

It is not accepted that the board conflated the 2017-2019 understatement with the 2020 and 2022 understatement. The board had an overriding duty to correct the public record, a spokesperson said.

However, the board will not say whether RTE chief financial officer Richard Collins was consulted for an explanation of the 2017 to 2019 understatement before issuing its original statement on June 22. As a result of the review process, the understatement was brought to light, the board then asked that this be validated by the internal auditor who confirmed this. The decision then was to directly refer this to Grant Thornton for an independent review, a spokesperson said.
The rare blue lobster landed by fisherman Stuart Brown for a second time (Stuart Brown/PA)

When a Co Down fisherman hauled in a rare blue lobster earlier this year in Belfast Lough, he described it as the catch of a lifetime.

So, when Stuart Brown landed the remarkable crustacean for a second time in the same spot several months later, he was left lost for words.

Some marine biologists have estimated the odds of catching a blue lobster at about 2,000,000 to one.

Mr Brown, 28, from Bangor, said he believed the second catch was even more unlikely because lobsters do not usually remain in the same area.

The lobster's tail will be notched, which will tell fishermen it is to be returned to the water unharmed.

He had been fishing in the waters close to Blackhead Lighthouse on the northern shores of Belfast Lough when he landed the same lobster on his boat, the Huntress, this week.

He said: What was really unusual was that I caught it in almost exactly the same spot as the last time in February.

I was shocked, a bit lost for words to be honest.

I was really surprised that it was still in the area. We are more used to them moving off to a different part of the lough, but it has come back again.

Stuart Brown is skipper of the Huntress fishing boat (Liam McBurney/PA)

They usually pass through. Normally when they change their shell they move on.

This one has changed its shell, but it is still as blue as the last time.

Mr Brown said the lobster was now large enough to be legally caught, but he intends to return it to the water because it is so rare.

He said: We can now mark it with a V in its tail, which protects it and put it back again because it is so rare.

That makes it illegal for anyone else to land it.

The cause of the blue hue is a rare genetic defect which means some lobsters create too much of a pigment in their shells.

Mr Brown, who has been fishing since the age of 11, is a shareholder in Co Down seafood wholesaling business Seafresh, which sells crabs and lobsters throughout the UK and continental Europe.
A man has been airlifted to hospital after he was injured in a climbing accident in north Clare this evening.

The incident occurred at around 8pm at Ailladie off the R477 Lisdoonvarna to Ballyvaughan coast road.

The alarm was raised by the mans climbing companions. The group had been climbing on a seaside cliff-face known as the Mirror Wall.

While it is not known how far the man fell, the cliff is up to 35 metres (115 feet) high at the location.

It follows a similar incident at the same location on May 24 when a woman who was climbing suffered serious injuries in a fall.

The National Ambulance Service, the Doolin unit of the Irish Coast Guard and the Shannon-based search and rescue helicopter were all requested to respond to this evenings incident.

Coast Guard volunteers and ambulance paramedics were able to make their way down to the base of the cliff where they found the casualty laying on boulders and being cared for by his friends.

The Rescue 115 helicopter was able to land at the base of the cliff a safe distance from the scene. The helicopters winchman/paramedic assessed and treated the injured man before Coast Guard volunteers and ambulance paramedics stretchered him across difficult terrain to the waiting helicopter.

The man was airlifted to University Hospital Galway for treatment.

The rescue operation was coordinated by watch officers at the Irish Coast Guards marine rescue sub centre on Valentia Island in Kerry.

There are several climbing locations on both the land and sea side areas of the coast road on the edge of the Burren which are popular with climbing clubs, search and rescue groups and the Irish Defence Forces among others.
The Gulf Stream will begin to collapse from 2025 and would shut down by 2060 if current greenhouse gas emissions persist, new research has revealed.

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), or gulf stream, is part of a global system of ocean currents. It accounts for the most significant part of heat redistribution from the tropics to the most northerly regions of the Atlantic - especially to western Europe.

The gulf stream plays a vital role in Irelands climate by ensuring much milder winters than other countries at the same latitude.

In a new study, researchers from the University of Copenhagens Niels Bohr Institute and Department of Mathematical Sciences predict that the system of ocean currents will completely stop if mankind continues to emit greenhouse gases at the current rate.

Using advanced statistical tools and ocean temperature data from the last 150 years, the researchers calculated that the ocean current, also known as the Thermohaline Circulation, will collapse, with 95pc certainty, between 2025 and 2095. They found that the collapse will most likely occur in 2057 and said it could result in major challenges  such as warming in the tropics and increased storminess in the north Atlantic region.

At the northernmost latitudes, circulation ensures that surface water is converted into deep, southbound ocean currents. The transformation creates space for additional surface water to be moved northward from equatorial regions. This Thermohaline Circulation is critical for maintaining the relatively mild climate of the north Atlantic.

Lead researcher Professor Peter Ditlevsen, from the Niels Bohr Institute, said: Shutting down the AMOC can have very serious consequences for Earth's climate. For example, by changing how heat and precipitation are distributed globally. While a cooling of Europe may seem less severe as the globe as a whole becomes warmer and heatwaves occur more frequently, this shutdown will contribute to an increased warming of the tropics, where rising temperatures have already given rise to challenging living conditions.

"Our result underscores the importance of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible.

The researchers analysed sea surface temperatures in a specific area of the North Atlantic from 1870 to present days. These sea surface temperatures are "fingerprints testifying the strength of the AMOC, which has only been measured directly for the past 15 years.

"Using new and improved statistical tools, weve made calculations that provide a more robust estimate of when a collapse of the Thermohaline Circulation is most likely to occur, something we had not been able to do before," said Professor Susanne Ditlevsen of UCPHs Department of Mathematical Sciences.

The Thermohaline Circulation has operated in its present mode since the last ice age, where the circulation was indeed collapsed. Abrupt climate jumps between the present state of the AMOC and the collapsed state has been observed to happen 25 times in connection with ice age climate. These are the famed Dansgaard-Oeschger events first observed in ice cores from the Greenlandic ice sheet. At those events climate changes were extreme with 10-15C changes over a decade, while present days climate change is 1.5C degrees warming over a century.

The findings contradict the message of the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, which based on climate model simulations said an abrupt change in the Thermohaline Circulation is very unlikely during this century.
Three siblings allege a French mans remains were mistakenly delivered to a Tipperary undertaker instead of the body of their father who had died while holidaying in Lanzarote.

Jackie Costelloe, Neville Curley and Elizabeth Ann Curley-Poppe have sued an international undertaker, an English repatriation service and a funeral home in Templemore over alleged psychiatric injuries suffered due to the mix-up.

Their father, Michael Curley, a widower, died unexpectedly, aged 83, of a heart attack while on holiday in Lanzarote in February 2016, the High Court heard.

The siblings senior counsel, David Kennedy, with Dermot Cahill SC, said the difficult and delicate circumstances his clients experienced arose out of the defendants negligence and breach of contract.

The defendants have each filed a full defence denying all liability, added Mr Kennedy.

Opening the case on Tuesday, he said Ms Costello was with her father around the time of his death in Lanzarote and saw his body over there. Mr Curley flew out to visit the Lanzarote funeral home and saw his fathers body. They made arrangements for repatriating his body to Ireland.

When Mr Curely went to visit the body at Greys Funeral Home in their hometown of Templemore, the undertaker told him to prepare himself as his father did not look well and foreign embalming services were not as good as Irish ones, said Mr Kennedy.

Mr Curley was utterly shocked by the appearance of the body, as were his siblings when they later attended at the funeral home, the court heard.

Later that day he was asked to return to the funeral home, and a tag on the body identified that this was a French citizen, Mr Kennedy said.

In the witness box, Ms Costelloe described the experience of seeing the body in Templemore as like a horror movie.

The deceased bore no resemblance whatsoever to my father, she said. This man had very sallow skin and jet black hair, with cuts on his face from shards of glass, she said. This corpse had undergone an autopsy, while she believed her father had not.

Ms Costelloe said her sister, Ms Curley-Poppe, who had flown to Ireland from her home of Michigan, US, said: That is not my dad.

The family asked the undertaker three times if he was sure this was their father, to which he responded that it was and the paperwork he was provided with proved this, she claimed.

I said do not even bother putting that man into his suit. That body has gone through enough traumaI just wanted to get out of there, Ms Costelloe said. They decided then that the coffin should be closed.

Outlining the defence of his clients  Spanish-based Memora Servicios Funerarios Internacionales SL and repatriation service Rowland Brothers International Limited, located in Surrey  Micheal O Scanaill SC, with Bonnie Hickey BL, said the error was recognised and quickly rectified, enabling the late Mr Curleys funeral to go ahead as scheduled.

The plaintiffs received an apology prior to commencing their proceedings, and his clients acknowledge there was additional inconvenience and upset caused by the situation. However, his clients deny they are liable for the alleged injuries caused to the plaintiffs.

He raised objections to their having issued three separate sets of proceedings in the High Court, which hears personal injuries cases seeking awards of 60,000 and above.

Jeremy Maher SC, with Eamon Marray BL, rejected suggestions that his client, Greys Funeral Home, was obliged to check the tag on the body.

Mr Maher said a label on the coffin identified this as the late Mr Curley and all accompanying paperwork said the same. In these circumstances, it was entirely reasonable for him to believe the body that arrived in Ireland was that of the plaintiffs father.

The case before Mr Justice Tony OConnor continues on Wednesday.

On This Day In History - July 26th
Firefighters rest as a wildfire burns on the island of Rhodes, Greece. Photo: Nicolas Economou

This months heatwaves in southern Europe and North America would have been almost impossible without human-induced climate change, which also made the heatwave in China 50 times more likely, scientists have said.

After the hottest June on record for the Earth, temperatures soared in south-western US states and Mexico, with reports of people dying in Phoenix after suffering burns from super-heated pavements and roads.

Across the Mediterranean, heatwaves unofficially named after hellish Greek mythological figures pushed temperatures way beyond 40C and led to wildfires forcing the evacuation of thousands of people in Greece.

China also experienced its hottest ever day at 52.2C, with temperatures in many areas remaining above 35C throughout the night. World Weather Attribution, a group of scientists from the UK and the Netherlands, said the heatwaves will get hotter and happen more frequently until the world stops burning fossil fuels.

Their rapid study found that without human-induced climate change, Chinas heat would have been a one-in-250-year event, while the heatwaves in the US/Mexico region and southern Europe would have been statistically almost impossible.

Similar to previous studies, they said, the heatwaves were 2.5C warmer in southern Europe, 2C warmer in North America and 2C warmer in China compared with what they would have been if people had not warmed the atmosphere by emitting greenhouse gases.

The heatwaves are no longer rare and are now expected once every 15 years in the US and Mexico, once every 10 years in southern Europe and once every five years in China.

Wildfires over Greece seen from the International Space Station

If the global average temperature rises to 2C above pre-industrial levels  the less ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement  heatwaves will occur every two to five years, the scientists said.

Dr Friederike Otto of the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment, Imperial College London, said: The result of this attribution study is not surprising.

The world hasnt stopped burning fossil fuels, the climate continues to warm and heatwaves continue to become more extreme. It is that simple.

However, these heatwaves are not evidence of runaway warming or climate collapse.

We still have time to secure a safe and healthy future, but we urgently need to stop burning fossil fuels and invest in decreasing vulnerability.

If we do not, tens of thousands of people will keep dying from heat-related causes each year.

Europe in particular is heating faster than the global average because it sits between the increasingly hotter Arctic and Saharan regions.

Last summer, it is estimated that more than 61,000 people died because of heat across the continent.

There have been reports of hundreds of deaths in this years extreme heat, but the true extent will not be known for some time as many places do not keep detailed heat-death records and statisticians need time to calculate the number of excess deaths.

The World Weather Attribution scientists warned of an urgent need for heat action plans, especially in cities, as temperatures often rise several degrees above the surrounding area in what is known as the urban heat island effect.

Sjoukje Philip, of the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, said: The planet isnt warming evenly.

Climate scientists are working to understand the complex relationships between increasing global and regional average temperatures.

Once again, our study shows the significant impact of the rapid rate of warming on local temperatures in Europe.

It underscores the urgent necessity for Europe to continuously take adaptation and mitigation measures.
The active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms may offer hope for a treatment for anorexia. Photo: Reuters

Magic mushrooms may contain chemicals that could treat anorexia, new research suggests.

A single dose of psilocybin, the active ingredient in the psychedelic mushrooms, given alongside psychological support, is a safe and acceptable treatment for patients with the condition and may decrease eating-disorder behaviour, according to the study.

The findings come from a small phase one clinical trial published in the journal Nature Medicine.

Experts suggest the results provide a foundation for future studies to continue to evaluate psilocybin therapy as a new avenue for treatment, but cautioned that much work needed to be done before it can be viewed as an effective treatment.

The study authors said: "Results suggest that psilocybin therapy is safe, tolerable and acceptable for female anorexia nervosa, which is a promising finding given physiological dangers and problems with treatment engagement."

Anorexia is an eating disorder and serious mental health condition.

People who have anorexia try to keep their weight as low as possible by not eating enough food or exercising too much, or both.

This can make them very ill because they start to starve.

Additionally, people with the condition often have a distorted image of their bodies, thinking they are fat even when they are underweight.

Men and women of any age can get anorexia, but it's most common in young women and typically starts in the mid-teens.

The condition is difficult to treat and there are currently no proven treatments for adult anorexia to reverse the core symptoms, and there are also no approved drugs.

Psilocybin therapy has been shown to be a promising treatment for other mental illnesses and is associated with improvements in anxiety, cognitive flexibility and self-acceptance.

Stephanie Knatz Peck, from the University of California in the USA, with her colleagues investigated the safety, tolerability and exploratory efficacy of a single 25mg dose of investigational COMP360 psilocybin.

This is a synthetic form of psilocybin developed by biotechnology company COMPASS Pathways.

In the study, the substance was delivered alongside psychological support in 10 adult women aged 18-40 years of age with anorexia.

They were assessed for three months following the single dose, and researchers report that no serious adverse events were reported.

Self-reported responses from the patients revealed that 90pc regarded the psilocybin treatment as meaningful and positive, endorsing additional treatments if available.

Additionally, the researchers indicate that four people demonstrated substantial decreases in eating-disorder scores at a three-month follow-up, qualifying for remission from eating-disorder psychopathology.

"This study is a first step but we cannot conclude from this work that it will be effective in this chronic, complex illness."

They highlight that further research is needed as the results are preliminary, it was a small study with no placebo group, and therefore the results should be treated with caution.

Dr Guy Goodwin, chief medical officer at COMPASS Pathways, said: "People living with anorexia nervosa urgently need new options.

"This study shows promising preliminary evidence that COMP360 psilocybin treatment could help people living with this difficult to treat condition. We are now looking to investigate these findings further in our larger phase 2 study."

Dr Alexandra Pike, lecturer in mental health at the University of York, cautioned: "The changes found in eating disorder symptoms were very subtle, and only appeared in a few of the many questionnaires participants completed  in contrast to more unambiguous results in disorders such as major depressive disorder."

She added: "This study is a first step in showing that psilocybin may be a safe treatment for those with anorexia nervosa, but we cannot conclude from this work that it will be effective in this chronic, complex illness."

Michael Bloomfield, professor of psychiatric neuroscience at University College London, said: "The study was not designed to measure whether the experimental treatment was effective and there were no placebo conditions.

"This small study found that the experimental treatment was safe enough to warrant further research studies which should now take place.

"Whilst this is exciting news, we cannot yet say the psilocybin-assisted therapy will be helpful for patients suffering from anorexia. Treatment with psilocybin-assisted therapy for anorexia should not be taking place outside of research trials. Anorexia can be potentially life-threatening.

"People with anorexia and other eating disorders need access to highly specialised psychiatrist-led multidisciplinary teams. No one with anorexia or other eating disorders should attempt to self-medicate with psilocybin."
'Like Coldplay fans this week, many Swifties had their hearts split wide open by the experience of trying to buy tickets for her concerts'

The glory of being a Taylor Swift fan is that when she breaks your heart, she leaves you ample material with which to soundtrack your wallowing. Like Beyonce and Harry Styles fans before them, and like Coldplay fans this week, many Swifties had their hearts split wide open by the experience of trying to buy tickets for her three Eras Tour performances in Dublin next year.
Conflicting messages regarding the north Cork after hours medical service in Kanturk are causing distress to many people who are concerned about its future, the newly selected candidate for Sinn Fein in the Kanturk/Charleville Council area has said.

Ms. Evelyn OKeeffe, who was recently nominated to run for Sinn Fein in next years local elections, was speaking after the Kanturk South-Doc service appeared to be shut indefinitely just a week after a letter from Minister of Health Stephen Donnelly in which he gave assurances that the future of the after-hours service was not in danger.

The apparent closure of the Kanturk South-Doc service is happening at the same as theres considerable anger and concern in Fermoy as after hours medical care, between 10pm and 8am on weekday nights, was no longer being provided in the South-Doc centre in the grounds of St. Patricks Hospital in the town. A protest march was held on Friday to highlight the issue.

She accused local politicians from the Government parties of providing conflicting information and suggested that caused distress to local people.

"The community has been subjected to undue stress and worry, due to what seems to be point scoring and a lack of understanding of what is going on in their own Ministers department, said Ms. OKeeffe.

Earlier this week, Cllr John Paul OShea of Fine Gael said the South-Doc facility was closed on Wednesday night and appeared to be closed indefinitely. He said that calls seeking after hours medical assistance were being triaged through to the Mallow centre.

Ms. OKeeffe said that people who might be seeking medical help in towns such as Charleville, Newmarket and Kanturk were unsure now where they could assistance after normal working hours.

"Due to the shortage of doctors in Charleville, for instance, patients are being advised to seek help in Mallow South-Doc, which is putting this service under additional pressure.

In a joint statement issued by South-Doc and the Cork-Kerry Community Healthcare, they insisted that there was no reduction in the service available from South-Doc in north Cork and what had taken place was a roster change for doctors against the backdrop of a shortage of GPs and an increase in demand.
Fogarty accused Irish farming organisations of a lurch to the right over issues relating to biodiversity.

Padraic Fogarty had spent 20 years as Campaign Officer of the Irish Wildlife Trust before resigning his position at the weekend over alterations made to an article he had published on the IWT website. Picture: Frank McGrath

Conor Kelleher from Baile Mhic Ire in the Muscrai Gaeltacht, a former Chairman of the Irish Wildlife Trust, has called on the board of the IWT to resign and demanded that Padraic Fogarty be reinstated as Campaign Officer and the article at the centre of the dispute to be published in full. Picture: Don MacMonagle

Eoghan Daltun, the author of The Irish Atlantic Rain Forest, has come out in support of Padraic Fogarty. Photo: Don MacMonagle

The author of a best-selling book about the Irish environment and current Irish Wildlife Trust board member has come out publicly to support the bodys Campaign Officer who has resigned due to a dispute over references in a blog he had written accusing Irish farming organisations of a lurch to the right over issues relating to biodiversity.

Eoghan Daltun, the author of An Irish Atlantic Rainforest, runs a High Nature Value farm and rewilding project on the Beara Peninsula in West Cork, added his voice to that of a former Irish Wildlife Trust chairman, Conor Kelleher, to express their support for the bodys former Campaign Officer.

Padraic Fogarty had served as the Campaign Officer for the Irish Wildlife Trust for 20 years before announcing his resignation this weekend following the excision of references to Irish farming organisations such as the IFA and the ICMSA in a blog he had written and published on the Irish Wildlife Trust website entitled Drift of Farm Orgs.

In the blog, Mr Fogarty accused the farming bodies of adopting a hard no position on nearly all measures designed to address the climate and biodiversity emergencies.

In a reference which was cut from the blog after it was published, Mr. Fogarty accused the IFA and the ICMSA of becoming a kind of DUP of Irish Civil Society. Both the IFA and the DUP objected to this as the IFA said the description was divisive and defamatory while the DUP has objected to being described as far right.

This comment was one of the phrases removed from Mr Fogartys blog leading to his resignation at the weekend.

In a tweet to almost 40,000 followers on his @IrishRainForest account, Mr Daltun said, as a board member of the IWIT, that he did not agree to Mr Fogartys blog post being changed without the agreement of the former Campaign Officer.

"Padraic is entirely justified in saying he was undermined, and that the board capitulated, he wrote.

When asked if he would remain on the board of the wildlife body, Mr Daltun said: That remains to be seen, it's all a bit up in the air at the moment.

"It will depend on whether I feel anything worthwhile can still be achieved by doing so.

Bat expert Conor Kelleher served on the board of the Irish Wildlife Trust from 2001-2009 and was its chairman for five years from 2003-8 and went further than the Irish Atlantic Rain Forest author to express his support for Mr Fogarty.

Speaking to The Corkman, Mr Kelleher said: Speaking as a former Chairman of the Irish Wildlife Trust, I find it absolutely outrageous that the board of the IWT gave in to bullying by the Irish Farmers Association and undermined their own Campaign Officer, Padraic Fogarty, leaving him no choice but to resign.

"I believe the best solution now would be if those on the present IWT board who voted to capitulate to the IFAs intimidation would resign immediately, the article is reinstated in full and Padraic Fogarty returns as CO.

The blog published by Mr Fogarty carried a disclaimer from since its publication in which it is stated that the views in the article are those of the author and not an IWT position. Since last Friday, July 21, the article carries a note indicating that the blog was amended to remove references which might be perceived to be divisive.

Mr Fogarty said he was told that the article would be edited but wasnt involved in the editing process.

In his resignation statement Mr Fogarty said that, as an employee of an IWT, he could not be seen to be speaking in opposition to the board of the body which is funded by the Heritage Council,

"I cant obviously be speaking in public against the board of the Irish Wildlife Trust, so I felt the most appropriate thing to do was resign.

In his blog Mr Fogarty gave as an example of the work being done by farmers to conserve nature and biodiversity a visit he had paid to a farm in Offaly in which the farmer had rewetted part of a bog which was on the edge of his farm as part of a Department of Agriculture supported initiative.

"This project is looking at practical solutions to rewetting these peaty soils, which are a large source of carbon emissions. He and his wife welcomed all and sundry with tea and sandwiches, told us about the wildlife he sees on his farm and how he was happy to be involved with the project. He has even blocked drains to help raise the water table but didnt see this as a threat to his business as it was only a small part of his farm that would be affected.

Donie is one of thousands of farmers across Ireland taking part in agri-environmental schemes funded by the taxpayer through the Department of Agriculture. Under this European Innovation Project, farmers volunteer to take part in schemes that help to deliver results for climate, biodiversity or water quality. Farmers get paid for delivering the results while allowing the land to be used as trial fields to see what works and what doesnt. The visitors included environmental groups, neighbouring farmers and peatland scientists. The atmosphere was collaborative, inquisitive and forward thinking.

"Indeed, Ireland is full of farmers like Donie: engaged, proud of their land and their role in their communities, and willing to try new things. If he was nervous about the future and the changes that are coming for the agricultural sector, it didnt come across on our day out.

In contrast, Mr Fogarty said that the bodies like the IFA and the ICMSA were projecting a very different image of the sector.

Irish farm organisations increasingly appear happy to spread conspiracy theories, undermine scientists and their findings and convince their members that their way of life is under attack by an urban elite that cares little for them or their values. It is an approach that sets them increasingly adrift not only from the direction of public policy but also public opinion.

The article, with its amendments, remains on the Irish Wildlife Trust website.
A family of Aye-Aye lemurs has arrived at their new habitat in Dublin Zoo. Pic: Patrick Bolger Photography

An aye aye lemur in the Nocturnal House in Dublin Zoo. Photo: Patrick Bolger

Dublin Zoo has officially become home to a striking new lemur species, the Aye-Aye, native to the island of Madagascar.

The three new additions to the zoo  Peanut, Tahiti and their unnamed baby  are the first Aye-Aye in Ireland and get to enjoy their new nocturnal habitat at the zoo.

The visually striking animals have dark fur, a long bushy tail, large yellow eyes and slender fingers, including a long middle finger for foraging.

Visitors to Dublin Zoo met the Aye-Aye for the first time today in their new specially-built nocturnal hut, which mimics nighttime conditions.

Visitors to the habitat entered into complete darkness, guided by small lights in the ground to navigate and observe the animals.

Zookeeper Sarah Byrne said tending to the new arrivals must be done completely in the dark due to their nocturnal nature, which includes feeding and cleaning the enclosures in darkness.

We work in the dark mostly, we provide these guys with a lot of insects and they have a very unique feeding strategy, Ms Byrne said.

We have to hide insects inside bamboo and logs for them to chew them out.

They are super energetic. They bounce around, they are fast and quite noisy as well. So all of this is happening in the dark around you while you are trying to look after them.

The zookeeper said the Aye-Aye is a smart animal, often grabbing radios and food on zookeepers and running up tree branches.

They are very intelligent and we have to keep them occupied. They do keep us on our toes and get in everywhere they shouldnt, Ms Byrne said.

Dublin Zoo's newest resident, an Aye-Aye lemur, at the new nocturnal habitat

We needed to make sure the enclosure is Aye-Aye proof. Peanut, our male, shocked us because he is always on the ground, always under your feet waiting at the door for you to come in with his food.

They absolutely love walnuts in the shell, so if you tap one of those on a tree they instantly come over to the noise, the zookeeper added.

One of the first to see the furry animals was Noreen Burke with her two children Ciaran Dorney (11) and Roisin Dorney (13), from Galway.

The family travelled up to Dublin Zoo at 7am and were delighted to see the new additions. It was brilliant, they are quite big, said Ciaran.

Roisin added: Its kind of creepy at the start because it is really dark, but you can look in and there was one standing there. They have really bushy tails and long fingers.

Ms Burke said the trip was definitely worth it. Its lovely see all the work the zoo is doing for conservation. Its wonderful, she said.

The Aye-Aye are the largest nocturnal primate, related to monkeys, apes and even humans, however, they have become an endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Natures Red List.

Dr Christoph Schweitzer, Director of Dublin Zoo, said other nocturnal species from Madagascar, such as jumping rats, may be added to the zoo in future.

Mr Schweitzer said 96pc of all lemurs are endangered and the zoo is planning to breed the new additions for conservation.

There are 107 different lemur species in Madagascar. The Aye-Aye is the most ancient of all the lemur lineages which means it split off the evolutionary tree earlier than the other lemurs, he said.

Its a very interesting creature, they are lovely animals, some people would probably say they are a bit peculiar.

They are black and have this grizzly hair all over their body and a bushy tail, with large yellow eyes which enable them to see in the dark.

They have a brilliant adaptation of an elongated middle finger they use for foraging.

Due to the species being nocturnal, the zoo has reversed the light and dark cycle in the habitat to mimic nighttime during the day for visitors.

Its a unique experience that we havent had at Dublin Zoo before. People have to step into the dark, Dr Christoph Schweitzer said.

The new nocturnal house was created with a 400,000 investment, partly funded through the Office of Public Works.

The habitat is now fully open to the public and educational workshops will run throughout the week at Dublin Zoo, with special keeper talks, crafts, games and face-painting.
Five men who were led to believe their friend had been assaulted have all been handed suspended prison sentences.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Vasilii Birca (32) of Drumcondra Road Lower, Dublin; Ion Mustesta (19) of Walnut View, Dublin 16; Gheorge Onila (32) of Wellington Raod, Dublin 6; Nicanor Ionas (29) of Beechdale, Dunboyne, Co Meath and Ion Soponari (24) also of Beechdale, Dunboyne. Co Meath pleaded guilty to one count each of affray at Golden Lane, Dublin, on April 3, 2022. None of them have any previous convictions in Ireland or any other jurisdiction.

Garda Colm McCarthy told Laura Cunningham, BL, prosecuting, that a couple (husband and wife), and a friend, were out socialising in Dublin City when they saw an altercation between a man and a woman at approximately 2am, and they intervened to help the woman. The male of the couple was assaulted in the process.

The court heard that the couple and their friend began to move away from the man who then began following them and talking on his mobile phone. A group of five men then approached the victims. The woman was pushed to the ground, and her partner called the gardai.

While he was on the phone to gardai, the woman's husband was knocked to the ground and assaulted. He believes he was in and out of consciousness. When he tried to get up, he saw a garda car coming toward him. When the gardai arrived, he noticed his mobile phone was missing.

The woman said a group of males ran towards her husband and their friend. She saw the group start to punch and kick them. She asked both men if they were okay, but they did not respond, and they were not moving.

Her husband was brought to the hospital, and x-rays showed he had fractures to his wrist and nose. He also sustained bruising to the body. The woman had two black, swollen eyes and nose pain. Their friend required five stitches to his chin and felt intense pain in his face.

Another witness who saw the assault from her apartment said there was an initial altercation between the womans husband and a man, and then a number of other men arrived. The men carried out a violent attack on the husband and his friend, which she said lasted for about 30 seconds. The men then fled to a nearby van, which the witness took a photograph of.

The woman was able to track her husband's phone, and the van was stopped by the gardai. Six men in total were found in the van: the five accused and the man who was involved in the original altercation. Her husbands phone was also found in the van,

Gda McGrath said that during interview, the five men said they had been contacted by a friend who said he had been assaulted. When they arrived at the scene, they saw their friend, the man who had been involved in the original altercation was bleeding. They believed they were coming to help their friend and got involved in a fight with the two friends.

On This Day In History - July 25th

All five men who made admissions to the gardai said they were unhappy that their friend misled them. The five men have offered 26,000 in compensation to the injured parties in this case. They have offered apologies to the injured parties and shown genuine remorse.

The court heard that the probation reports for all five men put them at low risk of reoffending.

Gda McGrath agreed with Marc Thompson BL, defending Birca, that his client has pleaded guilty, fully accepts what he did was wrong and was misled by his friend on the phone.

He said that his client has no previous convictions, was cooperative, offered a sincere apology and confirmed his regret and genuine remorse.

Jennifer Jackson BL, defending Musteata, said her client was only 18 at the time of the assault and entered an early guilty plea. She said he was under the mistaken belief that his friend had been attacked.

Gda McGrath agreed that Musteata made admissions, was cooperative and made several apologies to the victims throughout the process.

Ian Woodland, BL, defending Onila, said his client waived his right to a solicitor when questioned by the gardai and was fully cooperative. He offered an early guilty plea and apologised throughout his interview saying, If I can help, then I will. He said his client was misled by his friend.

Nicola Cox, BL, defending Ionas, said her client is a 29-year-old man who was misled and shocked by his friend. She said her client had abided by all bail conditions and entered an early guilty plea.

Ms Cox said her client came to Ireland to work in the construction industry and is highly skilled. He has now set up his own company.

Simon Matthews, BL, defending Soponari, said his client was the first to offer a guilty plea, has a good work history and was misled by his friend. He handed a letter to the court outlining his remorse, which he said was also demonstrated in the probation report.

Passing sentence yesterday, Judge Pauline Codd said that three people were set upon, including one woman, by a group of six men. She said the injured parties were doing the right thing in trying to help a woman who they believed was in difficulty.

Judge Codd said she accepts that the five accused men were led to believe that their friend had been assaulted. She set a headline sentence of two and a half years for each of the accused.

The judge said she would take into consideration the lack of previous convictions, the early guilty pleas, and the apologies and remorse shown by the accused. She said that this offence seems out of character for the accused, who are all first-time offenders and all in stable full-time employment.

Judge Codd sentenced Birca, Onila and Ionas to 18 months in prison, suspended in full for 18 months. She sentenced Musteata to one year in prison, suspended in full for one year, and Soponari to 16 months, suspended in full for 16 months. They must all keep the peace and be of good behaviour during this time.

The sixth man is still before the courts.
Data centres consumed 18pc of Ireland's electricity last year, according to the CSO. Pic: Stock image

Government policy on data centres is weak and incoherent, according to Friends of the Earth.

Microsoft has secured permission for a large-scale gas power plant, believed to cost around 100m, at its data centre in Grangecastle, south county Dublin.

It expects the 170-megawatt plant to run for 8 hours a day, 365 days a year, and will be used to power the companys data centre in the event it has to come off the national grid.

Microsoft, which has 15 data centres in Ireland, has also obtained licences to run more than 150 diesel generators.

Recently announced CSO stats show that data centres consumed 18pc of total electricity last year.

Because of current pressures from the energy regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) said Microsoft needed to build their own on-site generators.

However, Friends of the Earth says this is a clear example of how data centres are being used to justify the development of new fossil fuel infrastructure.

It believes the number of applications for more data centres suggests the situation will continue to deteriorate.

Jerry Mac Evilly, Head of Policy with Friends of the Earth, said: Eirgrid said its the Dublin area where so many are looking to connect, but thats not technically possible, restrictions would have to be introduced.

The CRU said these data centre connections are going to continue to put serious pressure on the electricity system and Microsoft needed to build their own plant.

The issue of pressure on the electricity system will be partly resolved in the short to medium term, but it doesnt address the impact on climate.

Whether these are on the national electricity system or on site, the pure degree of the increase means more fossil fuels are going to be burned.

Microsoft is building a 100m gas power plant at its data centre in south Dublin

It will have a serious impact on our emissions and its going to put pressure on our own climate commitments.

Microsoft is only one current developer that has these sites in places. The risk of this problem continues to escalate, he added.

Friends of the Earth believes data centres put Ireland at serious risk of becoming locked in to dirty, expensive fossil fuels which will undermine the Governments climate credentials.

The reality is stark  data centre expansion means more fossil fuels being used, resulting in more polluting emissions, and putting our climate commitments at risk, Mr Mac Evilly said.

This has undermined the Governments reputation at EU level and contrasts significantly with other states in Europe like Denmark and the Netherlands.

Friends of the Earth is calling on the Government to put in place a moratorium on data centre developments until new regulations and legislation are introduced, he added.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, said the countrys energy system is going through a period of transformational change as renewable energy is scaled up to meet climate targets.

When questioned about Microsofts recent development, they said existing fossil fuel capacity will only operate if and when needed.

It is expected that Ireland will, in the future, have sufficient decarbonised energy to facilitate continued economic growth, but there are current and real constraints while we are managing the transition pathway, the spokesperson said.

Existing fossil fuel capacity will only operate if and when needed, with renewable energy and more efficient gas-fired power stations being supplied to the market first, whenever possible.

This approach will also act to minimise the impact on greenhouse gas emissions, while ensuring continued security of electricity supply.

In addition, Government will work with data centres to use their excess energy for community initiatives and district heating.

For example, in Tallaght, excess energy from an Amazon data centre will be used to heat Tallaght Hospital, the TUD Campus, a variety of Dublin South County Council public buildings and local housing.
Emergency services at the scene of a bus on fire on the M50 motorway at Sandyford in Dublin.

A section of the northbound M50 at Junction 13 Balinteer is closed this evening following a bus fire.

Dublin Fire Brigade said units from Dun Laoghaire, Rathfarnham and Donnybrook were called to the scene of the blaze.

Images from the scene show that the single-decker bus was completely engulfed in flames when the fire services arrived.

Emergency services at the scene of a bus on fire on the M50 motorway near Balinteer in Dublin. Photo: Damien Storan.

Photos also show a group of people gathered behind the crash barrier as the firefighters tackled the blaze. It is not yet known if the group was travelling on the bus or not.

The images also show that despite the best efforts of the fire service, the bus was completely destroyed.

Dublin Fire Brigade said four fire engines are on the scene and warned that the fire is affecting visibility in the area.

A post on the Dublin Fire Brigades Twitter accounts says: We're currently attending a bus fire on @M50Dublin.

"All lanes are affected, four fire engines are on scene, visibility is affected by smoke on the Southbound carriageway.

More to follow...
Stacks Clan Gathering 2023 a huge success as descendants get the authentic taste of their ancestors lives in the heartlands from which they emigrated

Visitors get a sniff of the acidic soil of their ancestor's main fuel source on a trip to the Dirha Bog as part of the Stacks Clan Gathering. Photo by John Kelliher

Stacks Clan Gathering founder and organiser Damien Stack explaining the lay of the land to one of the visitors. Photo by John Kelliher

Stacks, from near and far, back home on the ancestral turf of North Kerry as part of the Stack Clan Gathering during the week. The gathering included visits to the great attractions of North Kerry and West Limerick as well as plenty of entertaining nights in the pubs of Listowel. Photos by John Kelliher

THE connections with their ancestors just kept coming for the numerous Stacks Clan Gathering guests around Listowel and North Kerry in recent days.

It seemed that the longer they spent in the homelands of their kin the greater their chances of learning real and illuminating details about their families histories.

Take that side of the Stacks clan, now from San Francisco, who were shown to the very site of the cottage from which their Irish forebears emigrated so long ago.

Or the Minnesotan woman who was brought a letter while in John B Keanes bar detailing the movements of her immediate forebears.

Such unexpected connections served to create an even more moving journey home for the thirty or so guests of the long-running gathering  established by Listowels own Damien Stack ten years ago at a time when the Government spearheaded a major drive to rekindle links with the diaspora.

2023 was the first Stack gathering in five years, but worth its weight in gold for all the length of the hiatus, as the guests were given the royal tour of all the main historic sites of North Kerry and West Limerick while being treated to the famous pub experience of Listowel.

They came from Arizona, Colorado, Wisconsin, Washington state, San Francisco, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, British Columbia, Bordeaux, Liverpool and beyond, Damien told The Kerryman.

And they were delighted with the whole week of events, from the tour of the bog to visits to the likes of Ardfert Cathedral, Carrigafoyle Castle, the Foynes Boat Museum and Glin Castle and much more, he said.

Possibly the greatest highlight for them were the many things revealed about their own families. For instance Marie Stack took James Stack from San Francisco to the original site of their family homestead in a very moving visit.

And Peter Stack from Ballylongford came into John B Keanes bar to us with a letter his parents had kept from about twenty years ago, revealing incredible details about the ancestors of another one of our guests, Kathleen Stack-Goodman from Minnesota. She couldnt get over it.

They also bumped into a young lad from New York in John Bs, wondering about one of his grandfathers best friends originally from Listowel and by the name of Stack.

I had bumped into a Peter Stack from New York in Ballybunion earlier in the day and Peter just happened to walk in the bar behind me as the young man was scrolling on his phone to show us a photograph of the man he was enquiring about.

Lo and behold, it was the very same Peter Stack just arrived into the bar!

Only in Kerry. The gathered Stacks collective amazement swelled further at the endless connections.

It was just a great week. We had a great day on the bog in Dirha thanks to Seamus Stack and Seamuss wife Colette provided the homebaked scones for the authentic Irish hospitality experience at Sheahans Corner House in Finuge, where Jimmy Deenihan also kindly spoke to the guests.

As well as John Bs we had a great nights in Jet Carrolls bar, and at Christys where it coincided with a 21st attending which was champion Irish dancer Sean Slemon. He performed for the guests and a group of them did a polka set. The gathering gang were over the moon at the whole night, as with everything they experienced, Damien added.
Thousands of women and men who attended the Lee Strand Best Dressed 2023. Pictured are Christina Quinlivan and Amber Reidy from Kerry. Photo By Domnick Walsh.

Pictured at Ladies Day at Killarney Races are Mary O'Connor and Sheila McCormac from Kerry. Photo by Domnick Walsh.

Judges Pamela Uba, Miss Ireland 2021 & Tadhg Fleming, Digital Content Creator selected ten lady finalists and ten gent finalists from the thousands of women and men who attended the Lee Strand Best Dressed 2023. Also pictured is Orlaith Phelan Kerry. Photo by Domnick Walsh.

Judges Pamela Uba, Miss Ireland 2021 & Tadhg Fleming, Digital Content Creator selected ten lady finalists and ten gent finalists from the thousands of women and men who attended the Lee Strand Best Dressed 2023. Also pictured were Derry Fleming , Teresa Higgins and Pam Tracy Killarney Race Course. Photo by Domnick Walsh.

Siobhan Murphy from Rathmore was the winner of the style stakes at the Lee Strand Best Dressed at the Killarney Races on Friday, 21st of July, 2023 . Gearoid Linnane (CEO Lee Strand) presents Siobhan with the winner's trophy. Photo by Domnick Walsh.

Judge Pamela Uba, Miss Ireland 2022 pictured with Donal Pierce (Lee Strand) as the thousands of women and men attended the Lee Strand Best Dressed 2023.Photo By Domnick Walsh.

Judges Pamela Uba, Miss Ireland 2021 & Tadhg Fleming, Digital Content Creator selected ten lady finalists and ten gent finalists from the thousands of women and men who attended the Lee Strand Best Dressed 2023. Photo by Domnick Walsh.

Judges Pamela Uba, Miss Ireland 2021 & Tadhg Fleming, Digital Content Creator selected ten lady finalists and ten gent finalists from the thousands of women and men who attended the Lee Strand Best Dressed 2023. Photo by Domnick Walsh.

Pictured from Killarney Races at the Lee Strand Best Dressed 2023. Edwina Comerford from Kerry. Photo by Domnick Walsh.

Judges Pamela Uba, Miss Ireland 2021 & Tadhg Fleming, Digital Content Creator selected ten lady finalists and ten gent finalists from the thousands of women and men who attended the Lee Strand Best Dressed 2023.Photo By Domnick Walsh.

Thousands of women and men who attended the Lee Strand Best Dressed 2023. Pictured : Babara O'Callaghan and Linda Diblasi from Cork. Photo by Domnick Walsh.

Thousands of women and men who attended the Lee Strand Best Dressed 2023. Pictured are Aoife O'Reily from Limerick and Bernis O'Donoghue from Killarney. Photo by Domnick Walsh.

Thousands of women and men who attended the Lee Strand Best Dressed 2023. Pictured are Olive Carter from Meath and Bridget O'Keeffe from Killarney. Photo by Domnick Walsh.

Pictured at Killarney Races Lee Strand Best Dressed 2023 are Rhianna Callaghan, Daniella O'Leary and Nicole Moriarty from Killarney. Photo by Domnick Walsh.

Thousands of women and men attended the Lee Strand Best Dressed 2023. Pictured are Ita Looney and Eileen O'Callaghan from Killarney. Photo by Domnick Walsh.

Thousands of women and men who attended the Lee Strand Best Dressed 2023. Pictured are Larry and Adam Cohen from Galway. Photo by Domnick Walsh.

Thousands of women and men who attended the Lee Strand Best Dressed 202 at Killarney Races. Photo by Domnick Walsh.

Thousands of women and men who attended the Lee Strand Best Dressed 2023. Pictured are Bernadette Moran , Pam O'Regan and Laura O'Callaghan from Cork. Photo by Domnick Walsh.

Pictured at Killarney Races Lee Strand Best Dressed 2023 are Alexxis Hackett aged 10 and Richard Hackett aged 4 from Meath. Photo by Domnick Walsh.

Pictured from Killarney Races at the Lee Strand Best Dressed 2023. are Kate Barry , Miriam O'Sullivan and Kerry O'Shea from Kerry. Photo By Domnick Walsh.

) Siobhan Murphy from Rathmore Co Kerry was the winner of the style stakes at the Lee Strand Best Dressed at the Killarney Races on Friday, 21st of July, 2023 and Brian O'Connor Abbeyfeale/Tralee won the Lee Strand Best Dressed Gent. with Judges Pamela Uba, Miss Ireland 2021 & Tadhg Fleming, Digital Content Creator. Photo by Domnick Walsh.

Siobhan Murphy from Rathmore Co Kerry was the winner of the style stakes at the Lee Strand Best Dressed at the Killarney Races on Friday, 21st of July, 2023. The Lee Strand Best Dressed Lady won a trip for two to the capital of style Paris and a specially commissioned vase. Photo by Domnick Walsh.

JulyFest at Killarney Races delivered a fun-filled programme, with record-breaking crowds, spectacular views, top-class racing and an atmosphere that begged not to be missed.

Of course, the highlight, once again, was Ladies Day, which ended the festivities and which was attended by thousands of stylish men and women from across the county and beyond.

And topping the style league was the Lee Strand Best Dressed Lady winner, Siobhan Murphy from Rathmore, who won a specially commissioned crystal vase and a trip for two to Paris. Siobhans stunning look included an Ollie & Mac bright magenta dress paired with a rented lime-green and magenta headpiece and matching heels from Asos.

I am over the moon to have won, there was such a high standard here today, Siobhan said after her win. I am in shock and so grateful to be picked by the judges. Thanks so much to Lee Strand and the Killarney Races, I had a great day out.

The Lee Strand Best Dressed Gent winner was a Limerick man who is now living in Tralee, Brian OConnor. Brian wore a blue blazer from Celsius and it was complemented perfectly with a shirt, pants and belt from Suits Select; shoes from Penneys and a hat from Parfois. He won a specially commissioned crystal decanter and a trip for two to the city of Milan.

Delighted to win and thankful to the judges for selecting me, he said. It is my first time dressing up as a solo for a race meeting, I usually go as a couple theme for best dressed. I would like to thank my auntie Mary, as she has inspired me and my girlfriend with our fashion style for the races.

The fashion was fierce, and celebrity judges Tadhg Fleming and Pamela Uba had a tough time in whittling the hopefuls down to 10 finalists.

Monday kicked off the festival, with lots of locals arriving to the track.

There were celebrations as 200 members of Killarney Racegoers Club celebrated their 40th anniversary in the Maurice O Donoghue Suite. Members gathered as they reminisced of the years past and present, and a check for 1.2million was also presented to Killarney Racecourse Chairman Billy OSullivan, signifying the memberships contribution over the last 40 years to Killarney Races.

On track, Bella Blue Eyes showed her quality in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race, while Beechwood was an impressive winner of the William Hill Pick Your Places Maiden.

Tuesday evening offered top-class flat action as the wonderful team from The Art House entertained the kids. On the track, Chally Chute continued his progression in the William Hill Extra Place Races Handicap, with Galway now in sight.

Races n Roses was the theme on day three. Eight Roses from the International Rose of Tralee festival got to meet their escorts for the first time at the race meeting, and they were joined by last years winner, Rachel Duffy. The Roses brought colour, glamour and good luck on the day.

There was excitement on track as the 50,000 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cairn Rouge Staks went the way of Indian Wish for Joseph OBrien, and Deepone made it from two from two in the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Race. Due to a high number of entries, the Rose Hotel Handicap was divided, with Everylittlestep winning division one, whilst division two went to Chimeric.

On Thursday, jump racing took centre stage to a packed crowd of racegoers, with TG4 broadcasting live from the track. Tralee native Cian Michael Collins is quickly making his mark in the training ranks, and he had a 1-2 in the Irish Stallion Farms EB Mares Hurdle as Presenting Doyen led Effernock Fizz home.

Easy Peasy lived up to her name in the James Collins Memorial Flat Race as she made a winning start to her career for Harry Kelly. Jack Patrick Healy also took to the stage, post racing, for a fantastic night.

Last but by no means least, the final day of JulyFest was extraordinary. Rachael Blackmore rode to victory in the Lee Strand Handicap hurdle on Lady Rita.

The 45,000 BolyeSports Handicap Chase saw Sole Pretender put in a brilliant front-running performance. Trainer Norman Lee deserves huge credit for his training of this horse, and this was Sole Pretenders 10th win.

Killarney Races has two more wonderful festivals to look ahead to in August and October, and if youre looking for a proper day out then look no further all details at KillarneyRaces.ie and on social media.
The undulate ray is a protected species found in Tralee Bay that is under threat by casual anglers.

Fears that a protected fish species of ray is being killed in catastrophically high numbers at Fenit Pier is leading to calls for more public awareness.

Information about recent fish kills by casual anglers fishing Fenit Pier was reported to Tralee Bay Sea Angling Club, whose members have a strict catch and release policy when fishing for the undulate ray.

Tralee Bay is home to the undulate ray species, which is thought to be the furthest north the species has settled from its origins in the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic. Its believed the shallowness and sandy make-up of Tralee Bay is what attracts them.

Guidelines under the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) state that undulate rays should be promptly released in Irish waters if caught. The fish is also a prohibited species in all EU vessels.

Secretary of Tralee Bay Angling Club Chris OSullivan explains that more education is needed to inform casual anglers of the undulate ray. Permanent information signage along Fenit Pier is also something the club wishes to see.

Mr OSullivan said the undulate ray found in the bay are thought to be so unique they may even be a different strain of the same species.

Each ray has its own distinctive markings with some anglers even reporting how they can recognise having caught the same fish on more than one occasion by comparing its markings.

Mr OSullivan believes the catch and release campaign is gathering momentum with many anglers, but more is needed to reach those that are not members of an angling club or who may be unfamiliar with legal guidelines.

This ray is unique to Tralee Bay, and we want to protect them. We feel the more education and awareness thats there, the better we can protect this remarkable species, he said.

Some of our club members are seeing these fish being killed on the pier [Fenit]. A lot of the time it comes down to people who are not local and dont know the rules that are in place.

Everyone feels they are entitled to catch fish but there are some species that need protection. Our club is absolutely against anyone killing a ray. This beautiful fish is being killed for its wings, which is the only edible part and is a small amount of meat, Mr OSullivan said.

He now wants public information campaigns to be stepped up, and encourages anglers to join Tralee Bay Sea Angling Club to learn more about fishing in this part of the county.

Marine Biologist at Dingle Oceanworld Kevin Flannery said its the job of the SFPA to issue information signage regarding the undulate ray, and to enforce its protection policy. He stressed that it is illegal to kill these fish anywhere in Tralee Bay.

We worked to get this fish as a protected species in Ireland, and they must be released if caught. This is as far north as theyve come and were trying to make sure they will be successful here. Its important, Mr Flannery said.

The SFPA confirmed that undulate ray is designated as a prohibited species for all EU vessels in ICES areas 6 and 10, and for third country vessels in ICES areas 6, 9 and 10.

Moreover, it stated that undulate ray shall not be harmed and must be promptly released when caught in Irish waters of area 7, and any of the areas where it is designated as a prohibited species.

The SFPA has produced an identification guide of skates and rays of Ireland, which outlines the key identifying features for undulate ray (SFPA's Skates and Rays of Ireland Guide).

The SFPA promotes and verifies compliance supporting sustainability in Irelands sea-fisheries and seafood sector in a fair, proportionate and transparent way and where necessary enforcing sea-fisheries and seafood safety law effectively.
The judge said that defending oneself is a constitutional right that must be protected.

A driver who was high on cannabis when he led gardai on a 35-minute chase and caused the death of his 20-year-old passenger, who was thrown from his car in a collision where the vehicle split in two, has failed to convince the Court of Appeal of the "very radical proposition" that he should not have been allowed to represent himself at trial.

Lawyers for Michael Collins (49) had told the appeal hearing that a family member called it "delusional" that the defendant could represent himself.

Collins was jailed for 14 years at Trim Circuit Court in July 2019 for causing the crash that claimed the life of Jillian Thornton seven years ago.

Following a 13-day trial, Collins, of St Finians Park, Drogheda, Co Louth, was found guilty of dangerous driving causing the death of Ms Thornton on May 27, 2016, at Waterside Great, Duleek, Co Meath.

Collins defended himself after sacking his legal team at the start of the trial and was also convicted on two charges of endangerment, 12 charges of dangerous driving and of driving under the influence of an intoxicant, cannabis, on the same date.

Judge Martina Baxter heard that Collins was on his way to a music festival in Mullingar on the night with the victim and a friend, Alannah Byrne, who survived the crash.

Ms Thornton was killed when she was thrown from the back seat of the defendants car, which was split in two when it collided with another car near Ballymagarvey on the N2 after a 35-minute garda pursuit.

In dismissing the appeal, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy said the right to represent oneself at trial was a constitutional right in Irish law which had to be upheld.

Mr Justice McCarthy said that an inquiry into whether or not Collins was capable of defending himself had been carried out and that the trial judge had encouraged Collins to retain legal representation for the purpose of trial. Mr Justice McCarthy pointed out that Collins had also been medically assessed with regard to his fitness to plead and that he had been found to be capable of doing so.

Mr Justice McCarthy said the right of a party to be heard without legal representation was a personal right and that only in very extreme circumstances could a judge refuse such an application, once it was dealt with with the accused's full knowledge and consent.

Mr Justice McCarthy said the appellant's legal team had quoted Portuguese law where persons who applied to represent themselves had their applications rejected at the final appeals stage of the Portuguese system.

The judge said that this position did not represent Irish law and that there was no question of a breach of EU law by Ireland in allowing Collins to represent himself.

Mr Justice McCarthy said the court had rejected the submission that Collins "was not in a position to properly defend himself" and dismissed the appeal.

At a hearing of the Court of Appeal, Michael Lynn SC, for Collins, said his client should not have been permitted to conduct his own defence, submitting that Collins previously had episodes of paranoia and had attended a facility in Drogheda to address this.

Mr Lynn said Collins' trial was "not one in accordance with the law" because of the lack of legal representation for Collins, which raised "a difficult issue". The barrister submitted that the trial was "not one functioning properly because that person is incapable of running a coherent defence".

Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy asked if Mr Lynn was submitting that a legal team should be forced on such defendants and was told "yes, in the interest of a fair trial". Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy had said that the proposition of forcing a legal team upon an individual would infringe on their right not to have lawyers and represent themselves.

Mr Lynn said the "adversarial nature" of the criminal trial meant that it must be a fair procedure to involve legal representation when this applied in the case of a person who "is incapable of making a rational decision".

The barrister said the trial judge also was faced with a scenario where it was considered whether the trial could proceed with Collins absent from the courtroom due to his behaviour. Mr Lynn said this course of action could have been possible if a legal team had been imposed on Collins.

"A person's right to represent themselves can be over-ridden in the public interest. The waiver of legal representation has to be voluntary and an informed choice. They have to intelligently elect to do so," said Mr Lynn.

"In this case, the judge was very, very concerned and a family member called it "delusional" that he [Collins] could represent himself. Of course, it wasn't an intelligent choice," said Mr Lynn.

The trial court heard that Collins failed to stop for gardai after driving the wrong way on a roundabout at Waterunder, Drogheda, and then continued through east Meath towards Slane and turning back towards Ashbourne.

The trial had heard recordings of 999 calls from the passengers in the car claiming the driver was going to crash unless gardai called off the pursuit. One of the calls made just before the crash ended in a scream.

The court heard Garda evidence of Collins speeding on the wrong side of the road, being involved in near-misses, driving head on at Garda vehicles, travelling without lights and weaving from side to side.

A Garda witness said the defendant appeared to have been playing chicken with other motorists.

Collins, who was found to have cannabis in his system on the night, later told gardai his head had been melted and claimed in court he had been in fear for his life at the time, as someone had put a hit on him and he did not believe it was gardai who were following him.

He said he was scared of being shot and believed he was being chased by would-be assassins.

He claimed that at one stage he was being followed by 10 Garda cars, some of which had tried to ram him, and that just before the crash his car was rammed into the other vehicle involved in the collision.

The court heard that later technical and other investigations found no evidence to support this claim.

At the appeal hearing, Mr Justice Birmingham said that Collins was found fit to be tried and had "fired his team and a very experienced senior counsel provided by the State".

Mr Justice Birmingham described Mr Lynn's submission as a "very radical proposition - I think without precedent in the Irish courts".

Carl Hanahoe BL, for the State, had said that people had a right to represent themselves and that the adversarial system was so that all participants have that right. "Mr Collins has the right to defend himself and has his right to conduct the defence as he sees fit," said Mr Hanahoe.

"If it offends our sense of what ought to have occurred that can't be used as a vehicle to deprive him of the right to do it and do it as he [Collins] saw fit. We can't deprive him of that fundamental right," said the barrister.

"Does it offend our sense of how we feel a trial should be conducted? It might have been an utterly unreasonable decision but other than that there's not a shred of evidence he wasn't competent," said Mr Hanahoe, who added that a medical report found Collins to not be suffering any mental illness.
The government must step up and deliver an action plan with clear timelines to invest in and grow our rail networks says Sligo/Leitrim TD Martin kenny in the wake of the publication of a draft of All Island Rail Review.

The Sinn Fein spokesperson on Transport and Communications, said: The publication of this long-awaited draft review is a step in the right direction, but what we really need now is for government to step up and deliver an action plan with clear timelines to invest in and grow our rail networks.

Successive Fine Gael and Fianna Fianna Fail governments have not only failed to invest, but for decades they have actively dismantled and destroyed valuable rail infrastructure.

Sinn Fein is committed to development of our valuable rail networks in government. We can see the real transformation of public transport that can be achieved right across the island with timely investment. We want to deliver that for workers, families and pensioners.

In particular, we need to see movement on the Western Rail Corridor without any further delay. The west has been lagging behind for decades when it comes to investment in infrastructure and this cannot continue.

A European Commission report ranked the northwest 113th out of 200 regions in terms of infrastructure investment - regions outside of Dublin must have proper infrastructure development in order to develop economically.

I look forward to examining the recommendations related to these projects, as well as the recommendations around the development of cross-border rail links which are essential.

This is an all-island review and is a departure from the norm, which is very much welcome.

The review has now provided the government with the information to deliver for people right across the island.

This must not become one of the many reports that just sits on a shelf while this current government is in office.

The government must consider the recommendations, and commit to an action plan to invest and grow our rail networks.

West on Track has warmly welcomed the news that the Mayo-Galway railway has been recommended for re-opening in the draft report of the first All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan will bring to Cabinet today.

A spokesman said the development would represent a major delivery of key infrastructure as part of the Atlantic Economic Corridor and provide a huge boost for the western region. He expected that the railway would reopen for freight initially and for passengers thereafter:Since taking office in 2020, Minister Ryan has been supportive of the Atlantic Rail Corridor concept and has had the vision to see that our railways can deliver significant carbon savings for Ireland at a time when transport emissions are continuing to rise.

Large multi-national companies in the west, such as Baxter in Castlebar, have already begun the transition to rail freight. The reopening of the link from Athenry to Claremorris will now allow for the direct movement of freight to the southern ports of Waterford and Foynes for the first time in over twenty years.

This is a major infrastructural development for the West of Ireland. This next phase of the Western Rail Corridor can be made operational within 3-4 years, linking Tuam, Westport, Ballina, Castlebar and Claremorris to Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford and is the only shovel-ready infrastructural project for the west that can be initiated without delay, he said.

With congestion in the regional capital of Galway reaching crisis proportions the logical next step of re-opening the Galway-Mayo rail link for passengers will also have a major positive impact. This is strongly supported by Galway City and County Councils and by Mayo County Council.

When open for passengers it will make an enormous difference to places like Tuam and Claremorris, allowing people to commute easily into their local city for work, business and medical appointments etc. and even allowing many students to travel in and out to college while living at home, representing a massive saving in accommodation fees.

Taking people out of cars and attracting them to public transport has been one of the reasons that Phase 1 of the WRC has succeeded so dramatically in the past few years, making it the fastest growing rail route in the country. We are confident that the restored Mayo-Galway rail link will have a similar impact, as well as facilitating direct freight flows to the south for the first time in over 20 years, he added.

Sinn Fein MEP for the Midlands North-West, Chris MacManus, has called on the Minister for Transport to invest in rail, after the findings of the All-Island Rail Review.

Speaking from Sligo, MacManus said: There are a number of recommendations in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review which I welcome. Among them is the restoration of part of the Western Rail Corridor, connecting Athenry and Claremorris.

I also welcome recommendations that there should be hourly train service between major cities and at least one train every two hours between other urban centres. If we are serious about tackling carbon emissions and getting people out of their cars, we need a reliable, affordable and fit for purpose public transport system, and rail will need to make up a fundamental part of this. It is my view that our Green Party Minister for Transport must now act and invest to make such a service a reality.

What I find concerning is the lack of commitment to invest north of Claremorris, connecting the West and North-West. Remember, this region is 218th out of 234 EU Regions in terms of infrastructure. Thats the bottom 7%. Should the government fail to properly connect Connacht, it would be a missed opportunity to comprehensively address regional imbalance.

Also lets be very clear. This rail review must only be a starting point for Donegal, a county that has been crying out for rail connectivity. A cursory glance at the proposed rail map in the review shows glaring infrastructural inadequacies. To go from Ballina to Sligo... or from Sligo to Letterkenny a passenger would have to go via Mullingar and Portadown traversing about ten counties. We need a real all-Ireland rail network fit for all our citizens, in all thirty-two counties.

MacManus went on to accuse successive governments of neglecting the West and North-West The West and North-West have suffered due to decades of neglects by successive Fianna Fail and Fine Gael governments. Regional imbalance needs to be addressed if we are to develop sustainably and fairly across our island.

This neglect must end. The people of West and North-West deserve better, and the government must now act and invest to help the region develop sustainably."
Irelands biggest Barbie collection holder is all excited for the new movie and has been celebrating the launch in her own way.

Glenda Taylor from Riverstown, Sligo has been collecting Barbie dolls from a very young age. To celebrate the release of Barbie Glenda has showcased some of her collection in the window of her workplace, Cooke Opticians on Stephens Street in Sligo.

She said, I used to play with my dolls at a young age and I used to read Barbie magazines. I had my first show at Riverstown Vintage Day and after that I got more serious about the collection.

Initially, it was the dolls that were gifted to her by people on different occasions, but later it became a passion for her and eventually she became the biggest collector of Barbie in Ireland. She currently has more than 700 dolls in her house and the collection goes back to vintage dolls from the 1960s.

Glenda with the Barbie on the window

She said, At some point I discovered credit cards and e-bay, and I started buying dolls online. I joined the Official Barbie Fan club in America in 2004 and then I started getting special access to some limited-edition dolls. Thats where I bought most of my dolls, as they are all collector dolls.

Glenda went to watch Barbie in the Omniplex in Sligo on Friday night with her girlfriends.

She said, I have watched one or two movies and some videos as a kid, but I have never gone to cinema for a Barbie movie. I am looking forward to this as the cast looks brilliant. There is an Irish actor Nicola Coughlan in it and Margot Robbie and Ron Gosling, its a big cast. It would be interesting to see how they do as I never knew he could sing but he sings in the movie.

Oppenheimer is coming out tonight too but as we see there is very little publicity about it, everywhere it is Barbie and pink. I think the movie is going to be the right amount of comedy and humour. Margot once did an interview and said, its a very good script, too bad nobody will be able to see it, as they didnt think they would be allowed to make it.

Then somebody else said, If you love Barbie, you are going to love the movie and if you hate Barbie, you are going to love the movie. So, I think there is something for everyone in the movie.

Glenda's Barbie dolls in Cooke Opticians window

I think there are some serious undertones to it in that Barbie is all for women and women have choices. I think thats why Margot Robbie chose to do it as she can be anything through it.

Glenda has many vintage and newer dolls in her collection. She has the four ponytail Barbies from 1961, Francie from 1967 (the first Barbie with a darker skin tone), Talking Christie (the first African-American doll) released in 1968 and the Fashionistas.

Glenda has kept her dolls in a pristine shape, with most of them having their boxes intact. She is happy how the company is now trying to broaden their base and bringing inclusivity by launching dolls with different body shapes, hairs, disability and inspiring figures.

On This Day In History - July 21st
The summer events are still in full flow in Sligo and again there is plenty to keep everyone entertained, from kids to adults and for all tastes.

Heres our pick of the top things to do in Sligo this week.

SLIGO JAZZ FESTIVAL AND SUMMER SCHOOL

Sligo Jazzs biggest ever summer school and the annual jazz festival get underway from July 25 until July 30. The jam packed schedule features music from an array of wonderful artists, with gigs taking place across a number of different venues in Sligo. Check out the website on sligojazz.ie for the full programme.

YEATS INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL

The 64th Yeats International Summer School will take place in Sligo on July 27 to August 4.

It is an engaging event that integrates an academic programme of lectures and seminars with poetry, tours, music, readings and cultural events. In addition to the full-time students, Yeats Society Sligo welcomes anyone who would like to attend the individual events.

KEASH KING OF THE HILL

King of the Hill is part of the Keash on Garland Sunday Festival which takes place this weekend. On July 29, a new 5km race takes place along with the usual 10km run. A 5km Family Walk will also take place. Funds raised will go to the Jack and Jill Foundation. Registration is available on line or on the day at Eastern Harps GAA Clubhouse from 5:30 pm. On Sunday, July 30, the Garland Sunday Fun Family Day will take place at Fr. Brehony Memorial Park commencing at 2 p.m.

YEATS & SON

The Model presents Yeats & Son, a curated exhibition drawn from The Niland Collection with works by both Jack Butler Yeats, and his father John Butler Yeats, this summer. This exhibition includes a number of significant works by John Butler Yeats, which have been rarely exhibited publicly prior to their long term loan to The Niland Collection in 2018 through the generous support of a private collector. The exhibition opened last Saturday and runs until Saturday, September 9. Admission is free.

TRAD@LUNCH

Week twelve for the Trad@lunch 2023 welcomes Chloe McCann, Ava Kennedy, Amy & Anna Bagnall and Lisa Golden to Hawks Well on Wednesday, July 26, at 1.10pm. Flute, fiddle, concertina and harp feature in this exhibition of exceptional young talent as Chloe McCann, Ava Kennedy, Amy and Anna Bagnall, and Lisa Golden come together to deliver a gorgeous performance.

ENNISCRONE BLACK PIG FESTIVAL

Enniscrone annual Black Pig Festival takes place in the West Sligo town this weekend, from Thursday, July 27, until Sunday, July 31. Enjoy fun, food, activities and lots of live music this weekend in Enniscrone. Full details on facebook.com/enniscroneevents

IMPRESSIONS

Impressions opens at the Hamilton Gallery on Saturday, July 29. Between 2015 and 2022 hundreds of artists living and working in Ireland responded to a series of eight annual invited artist exhibitions, themed on iconic poems by W B Yeats, 100 years on from when those works were first written.

SEISIUN 2023

Summer Seisiun 2023 traditional music show in The Yeats Building Sligo on Thursday evenings at 7.30pm, featuring CCE Fred Finns finest young musicians & dancers. Admission: 10 for adults, children free. Tickets at the door or book in advance via fredfinn.ie

SUMMER STARS CHESS WORKSHOP

As part of Tubbercurry Community Librarys Summer Stars series, a chess workshop with Craig Du Bois takes place on Friday, July 28. Workshop is suitable for children aged 8+. Event is free.

RUN4AUTISM

On Sunday, July 30, a run will take place in Doorly Park, Sligo as a sister even to the AsIAm run 4 autism taking place in Dublin. The run beings at 11am, so participants are asked to arrive well before time.
Soccer

David Cawley reflects on 10 seasons at Sligo Rovers ahead of testimonial: Its been exactly what you want as a player

When midfielder David Cawley first walked in the gates of The Showgrounds in 2012 on trial, he couldnt have imagined that he would end up spending ten seasons playing for the Bit ORed.
Members of the public are invited to join the 5.6km trail on July 30

Fergus Byrne and Paula O'Sullivan were at the Wexford Walking Trails information evening in Gorey Library on Tuesday. Pic: Jim Campbell.

Pictured at the Wexford Walking Trails information evening in Gorey Library on Tuesday were Siobhan Cullen, Linda Sinnott, Joe Roche, Catherine McPartland, Peter O'Connor, Mary Donohoe, Madeliene Quirke, Grainne Harnett, Bernie Byrne, Tara Boland, Tamsin O'Neill, Ann Murphy. Pic: Jim Campbell.

Wexford Walking Trails is inviting adventurers to dust off their hiking boots to climb the Mt Nebo trail in Hollyfort near Gorey on July 30.

Walks are organised for different trails throughout the county on a monthly basis, with up to 50 to 80 hikers joining in the fun. This free event is organised by Wexford Walking Trails in conjunction with the trail management group of Mt Nebo.

Anybody can come, said a spokesperson. People can walk at their own pace. Its a moderate walk. The walks are held on the last weekend of every single month, weather permitting.

They are fantastic. They are very well attended, very enjoyable. Anybody can turn up and people can walk at their own pace. The walks are stewarded by local guides, with stops at points of special historical or geographical interest.

The Mount Nebo Trail starts at Hollyfort car park on the Monaseed Road, beside the Old School House where there is ample parking space. The 5.6km trail provides scenic views across the surrounding countryside, particularly on the descent back to Hollyfort.

It is regarded as moderate and takes about one hour to two hours to complete, starting at 2pm and finishing at about 4pm.

The woodland trail winds uphill to a Fairy Wood at the top, which then leads on to an open looped Coillte forestry road, which runs around the slopes of Mt Nebo and Slievebaun. There are four seating benches situated along the Coillte trail.

Mount Nebo has historical links to the Irish republican womens paramilitary organisation, Cumann na mban, through two of their members, Maire Comerford and Aileen Keogh.

No special equipment is required, but it is recommended that walkers dress with comfortable shoes and to bring rain jackets, a snack and drinking water.

Full information and maps at wexfordwalkingtrail.ie
Many criticised apparent shortcomings in the system as the body of a young father, partner, son and brother was unceremoniously removed from a patch of waste ground in the heart of Wexford town last week.

Having battled addiction and various other demons in his relatively short life, Matthew Keogh, who called Rockview Court in The Faythe home, is reported to have succumbed to an overdose before his body was discovered on a patch of waste ground known locally as The Knock which links St Aidans Crescent and Distillery Road.

The grim discovery was made last Wednesday with emergency services attending the scene shortly before noon. Despite the emergency response, it quickly became clear that Mr Keogh had been dead for some time. Following his death gardai carried out a full forensic examination of the scene. The remains of the young father-of-one were taken to hospital for a full post-mortem examination and his heartbroken family were informed. A file will now be prepared for the coroner.

Gardai were quick to confirm that no foul play was suspected and that the incident was being treated as a sudden death. Its understood that the deceased had been engaging with local homeless service Wexford People Helping People (WPHP), who confirmed that one of our cases sadly passed prematurely and sent condolences to his friends and family.

WPHP founder Claire Malone further commented: This young lad was working hard to try and piece things back together. He was refused supports which is something that needs to be looked at. He may not have been found in this manner had he been provided adequate access to accommodation and additional support.

On Saturday, family and friends of Matthew Keogh gathered at Bride Street Church, a short walk from where his body was discovered days earlier, to bid him a fond and final farewell. It was a ceremony wrought with sadness at a young life lost and longing for what might have been. Afterwards his remains were taken to Mount Jerome in Dublin for cremation.

Matthew was the beloved son of Marianne and the late Jimmy. He was the partner of Kayleigh, father to Leighton and brother of Jessica and Katie. Hes sadly missed by his family, his grandparents Dermot and Esther Rogan, nieces Esmae and Nova, nephew Cole, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.
David Burke raised 2,575 on a cycle from Wexford to Belfast in memory of well-known fundraising father Eamon

David Burke pictured with his family as he passed through Arklow on his 300km charity cycle from Kilmuckridge, County Wexford to Belfast in aid of the St. Vincent's Foundation. Photo: Mick Kelly.

Arklow native David Burke paid a heartfelt tribute to his late father and beloved local character Eamon by cycling from Wexford to Belfast and raising 2,575 for the St Vincents Liver Unit.

Davids mammoth 300k challenge, which began in Kilmuckridge on a Friday and ended in Belfast city centre the next Saturday, was inspired by Eamon and his mother Marys years of diligent fundraising on behalf of the St Vincents Foundation and Arklow RNLI.

When Eamon underwent a vital liver transplant in 2006, he was given a second chance at life and set about repaying the hospital in any way he could.

Over the years that followed, the Burkes raised more than 67,000 for charity through their famous Christmas lights display, which brought joy to Wicklow families for over 40 years (and won the title of the best house in Ireland), while Mary and Eamons St Stephens Day swim was a staple for so many over the festive period.

Still recovering from his gruelling cycle, David said that the daunting undertaking was fueled by a promise he had made to his parents  one he felt compelled to honour.

I was talking to the mother and father in January, and I told them I was going to do something a bit different, David said. I did the swim for the father for a long time, and Ive done a cycle three times for the mother for St Lukes, because she had cervical cancer, so I was trying to change it up and find something different this time.

It just happened that a friend of mine, Francis Harney, was planning this cycle to Belfast. He asked me if Id be interested in doing it together, so I said fair enough, Ill give it a go.

He had done it before, but if Im being honest, I was fairly apprehensive and nervous about it because Id never done something like it before.

Before the father passed away on April 28, I had made that promise to him and said I may keep my word now and that there was no backing out of it. Im a man of my word, and I couldnt let him down.

So, I rang the charity organiser up at St Vincents, John Hickey, and I asked him to send me down 15 sponsorship cards. The brothers, the sister and I went around, and we collected just over 2,500, which was a fantastic amount.

It was always my fathers thing to give. He was a pure gentleman who always thought of others before himself. So, when he had the transplant up a St Vincents, it was always his thing from then on to give back to them.

It was an honour and a pleasure to carry on that tradition in his name, God love him. St Vincents gave us 17 years with him that he wouldnt have had if not for the transplant, which was just the greatest gift you could ever get.

When the father was in intensive care for those seven days, and I was sitting there holding his hand, I couldnt help but notice how fabulous the people in the Liver Unit were.

Its not just that they dont get paid enough or dont get enough recognition, but theyre so short-staffed too and do so many hours, covering shifts and what have you.

Ive seen it first hand, they dont even get 20 minutes to themselves for a cup of tea in a 12-hour shift. I saw that for those seven days, and when you see that dedication up close like that, its hard not to give back.

Back in his adopted home of Kilmuckridge, Eamon is already considering his options for another charitable challenge next year, with a cycle to Killarney with his good friend Francis on the cards.

Reflecting on his epic trip to Belfast, which saw the fundraising duo battle the elements at every turn, David joked: It was a challenge, to say the least  my auld legs only got back right yesterday!

We left Kilmuckridge at six on Friday morning and headed up for the Beehive in Wicklow, then through Ashford and Rathnew on into Coynes Cross. Then it was on to Bray, Loughlinstown and through the city out the far side into Swords.

The weather was a little bit in our favour, with the wind behind us, but it was fairly wet at the start. Ive got a great bike, and so does Frances, but we had to bring our backpacks with us, which made it that little bit harder.

We didnt have any backup van or anyone with us, so we had to bring a spare tyre and tube, as well as our stuff for staying overnight. We couldve rang my brother if we were stuck along the way, but thankfully we didnt get any breakdowns or anything like that. I suppose its always a bit of a gambit you take when youre riding like that because you could break down in the middle of nowhere.

We arrived in Drogheda at about 3 p.m., where we had a hotel booked, and left on Saturday morning, arriving in Belfast city centre at about 4.45 p.m. It was very heavy going, and the last two or three hours werent very enjoyable.

We got a bus home after that because the cycle was a bit rough, to say the least. It was 300 kilometres, so we said enough was enough for one weekend!

In terms of next year, I heard a mention of a cycle from Kilmuckridge to Killarney. If we do that, itll definitely be a two-day job. Im nearly 50 now, and theres a good bit of mileage on the body!

If it drives the mother on that bit more, Ill try to do something next year though. It was a big motivator for me to see her and get a big hug when I arrived in Wicklow.

I dont know whether the St Stephens Day swim will go ahead this year, but well let Mammy decide.

I think I might do a Dublin challenge, which is 100 kilometres, but were just going to do it as a group for the challenge of it. Im conscious of not suffocating people with the fundraisers, and I think once a year is probably enough.

Its hard to keep knocking up the same people for sponsorship, and there are so many fantastic people around Wicklow and Wexford doing different charitable things. Its a brilliant community altogether.
(L to R) Noel and Alex Beresford, Bonny Monger (sister of Billy Monger, not pictured), Helene and Melanie Blatt ,and Emma and Harry Judd (Ian West/PA)

McFly star Harry Judd, ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford, All Saints singer Mel Blatt and racing driver Billy Monger will make up the cast of the first celebrity series of Race Across The World.

The BBC series will see each famous face joined by a family member as they race at ground level from Marrakech in Morocco to Tromso in Norway.

Beresford will embark on the race with his father Noel, Blatt will be joined by her mother Helene, Judd will be joined by his mother Emma, and Monger will race with his sister Bonny.

Alex Beresford, Melanie Blatt, and Harry Judd will be taking part in Celebrity Race Across The World (Ian West/PA)

The pairs will embark on a race spanning 24 countries and more than 6,200 miles (10,000km), through the seaside ports and beaches of the Mediterranean, to historic cities, the Alps, the Baltic States, and snowy Scandinavia, without air travel or a phone and with only a limited budget  just the cash equivalent of completing the route to their final destination by air.

They will have to earn extra money by working along the way and rely on the kindness of strangers for lifts and extra help.

Explaining why he wanted to take on the challenge, Beresford said: I thought it was a fantastic opportunity to do something that weve never done before.

Neither of us have ever backpacked, so its a new experience. And, also, just to see some amazing places! Across continents and across countries, and youre getting to see everything at ground level, so its completely different to just flying over  getting to immerse yourself in different cultures and communities.

Alex Beresford will be undertaking the challenge with his father Noel (Ian West/PA)

McFly star Judd added: I never travelled when I was younger. I travelled with the band, but I never properly did backpacking and I always wanted to.

I think the same applies for my mum  she always wanted to but started a family when she was 22.

Harry Judd is taking part with his mother Emma (Ian West/PA)

Blatt said she wanted to do it for the experience, to be out of my comfort zone, to do something that I wouldnt necessarily choose to do on my own.

She added: Im definitely up for challenges and pushing myself And this is what Mum does all the time!

Melanie Blatt and her mother Helene will be competing against three other pairs (Ian West/PA)

Discussing embarking on the race with his sister, Monger said: Weve spoken about travelling before, but it would probably be a little bit different to what I imagine this is going to be like  in terms of doing everything on such a budget and staying in hostels and being tight on money for food.

With this opportunity, I spoke to Bon about it, and she said it could be quite cool. So, we sat down and watched the previous series and got more and more into it and then decided why not!

 Celebrity Race Across The World will be on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year.
The late BBC newsreader George Alagiah said in a final report on BBC News I have gotten to a place to see life as a gift.

The award-winning journalist, who had presented the BBC News At Six for the last 20 years, died on Monday from bowel cancer after being first diagnosed in 2014. He was 67.

At the end of Mondays edition of the programme, his former colleague Sophie Raworth revealed Alagiah had hoped to come into the BBC studio one last time to thank the viewers but did not get the chance.

In a video montage in his honour which featured clips and pictures, Alagiah admitted it had taken him time to process the diagnosis after he was first told he had bowel cancer.

My life, for what it is worth, is divided into pre-cancer and post-cancer. The weird thing about a bowel cancer journey is you dont really know the beginning and you dont really know the end, he said in the video.

So I know the day I was diagnosed with bowel cancer, but I dont know when it started. Because I was at the top of my game, I was having a fantastic time at work and home, and then suddenly you hear those words Im sorry to tell you Mr Alagiah, youve got bowel cancer.

At first when youre told, you dont know how to respond and it took me a while to understand what I needed to do.

He continued: For me, I had to get a place of contentment and the only way I knew how to do that was literally to look back at my life.

Actually, when I look back to my journey, where it all started, looked at the family I had, the opportunities my family had, the great good fortune to bump into Fran whos been my wife and lover for all these years. The kids that we brought up, it didnt feel like a failure.

I wish I hadnt had cancer, obviously. But I have cancer and Im glad of the things Ive learned about myself and about my community, my friends and my family as a result

I have gotten to a place to see life as a gift. Rather than kind of worrying about when its going to end and how its going to end, Ive got to a place where I can see it for the gift it is. I feel that gift keenly every morning.

George Alagiah was made an OBE by the Queen at Buckingham Palace (Martin Keene/PA)

Before airing the video on the BBCs News At Six, Raworth remembered Alagiah as a man of great values and indomitable spirit.

She recalled launching the evening news show with him 20 years in January 2003, saying that he felt enormously proud and privileged to be presenting the programme.

He loved being in the newsroom, being part of the team, and he made a good cup of tea as well. We all adored him, she added.

He felt a real connection with the audience too. After he was diagnosed with cancer, just over nine years ago, he received thousands of letters and messages from people who wrote to him as if they knew each other, strangers who spoke to him as a friend.

He was really touched by your support. George was a man of great values and indomitable spirit. A big smile of velvety love, a great friend.

BBC newsreaders Clive Myrie and Naga Munchetty fought back tears earlier in the day as they delivered the news of his death on air.

Broadcaster Myrie became emotional as he paid tribute to Alagiah during the lunchtime BBC News broadcast, saying: On a personal note, George touched all of us here in the newsroom with his kindness and generosity, his warmth and good humour.

We loved him here at BBC News and I loved him as a mentor, colleague and friend.

His spirit, strength and courage in the later years of his life is something his family can be so proud of. Journalism has lost a giant.

George Alagiah in 2001 (Mark Harrison/BBC)

Munchetty also became choked up as she interrupted her live show on BBC Radio 5 Live around midday to deliver the news.

As her voice broke, she said: Apologies for the emotion in my voice  he was so loved in our newsroom.

Alagiah, who was born in Sri Lanka, continued to present for the BBC when he was not receiving treatment.

He joined the corporation in 1989 and spent many years as one of its leading foreign correspondents before moving to presenting.

He was a specialist in Africa and covered the civil wars in Somalia and Liberia as well as the genocide in Rwanda 20 years ago.

Throughout his career he interviewed central political figures, among them former South African president Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and ex-Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe.

He was nominated for a Bafta in 1994 for his coverage of Saddam Husseins genocidal campaign against the Kurds of northern Iraq and was named Amnesty Internationals journalist of the year in 1994 for reporting on the civil war in Burundi.

He first began hosting the 6pm news bulletin in early 2003, but stepped up to front it solo four years later following the departure of his co-host, Natasha Kaplinsky.

Kaplinsky wrote on Instagram: Goodbye dearest George. I will miss you so very much. It was such a privilege to be your friend.

BBC director-general Tim Davie said: Across the BBC, we are all incredibly sad to hear the news about George. We are thinking of his family at this time.

George was one of the best and bravest journalists of his generation who reported fearlessly from across the world as well as presenting the news flawlessly.

He was more than just an outstanding journalist, audiences could sense his kindness, empathy and wonderful humanity. He was loved by all and we will miss him enormously.

Question Time presenter Fiona Bruce said Alagiah was that rare thing  a first-rate journalist and an all round lovely human being.

She added: Integrity and decency shone through him. That and a mischievous sense of humour with an endearing giggle.

In a piece for the Telegraph, Bruce recalled being selected alongside Alagiah in 1999 as one the new faces of BBC News, saying: George was a brilliant choice, whether he knew it was coming or not.

Authority and warmth is what you are always after when anchoring a live news broadcast. George had both in spades, and it came from such an authentic place.

She added that having him as a colleague and friend when they were both propelled into the public eye was always immensely comforting as she knew he was one of the few people she could absolutely trust.

Nick Robinson, presenter of BBC Radio 4s Today programme, paid tribute saying: George was a brilliant journalist, a lovely man and an inspiring example to all fighting serious illness. His friends will miss him deeply.

Broadcaster John Simpson said: A gentler, kinder, more insightful and braver friend and colleague it would be hard to find.

I loved having his company in the BBC World Affairs Unit, and his progress after that was a pleasure to watch.

Former BBC correspondent Jon Sopel added: Tributes will rightly be paid to a fantastic journalist and brilliant broadcaster  but George was the most decent, principled, kindest, most honourable man I have ever worked with. What a loss.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was deeply saddened by news of Alagiahs death.

He said: A much-loved face of BBC News for decades, George will also be remembered for his brilliant, fearless journalism as foreign correspondent. He rightly won awards for his evocative, boundary pushing reporting. British journalism has lost a talent. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

After his diagnosis Alagiah endured two rounds of chemotherapy and several operations, including the removal of most of his liver.

He returned to work after his treatment was over but the cancer came back and spread, leading to breaks from the studio while he received treatment.

Following his diagnosis, Alagiah also campaigned for cancer charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support and Bowel Cancer UK, to help raise awareness.

News reader George Alagiah at Buckingham Palace, after collecting his OBE from the Queen (Fiona Hanson/PA)

Before joining the BBC, Alagiah worked as a print journalist and went on to write a number of books including A Home From Home, which looked at what it means to be British.

Throughout his illustrious career, he also presented other shows such as Mixed Britannia, looking at the UKs mixed-race population.

He was made an OBE in the 2008 New Year Honours.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Frances Robathan, their two sons and three grandchildren.
The chief executive of NatWest Group is facing calls to resign after she admitted being the source of an inaccurate story about the closure of Nigel Farages bank account.

Dame Alison Rose said she made a serious error of judgment when she discussed Mr Farages relationship with private bank Coutts, owned by NatWest Group, with a BBC journalist.

But NatWest Group chairman Sir Howard Davies said that after careful reflection the board members had decided Dame Alison retained their full confidence.

Former Brexit Party leader Mr Farage accused the banks management of a serious breach and called for Dame Alison, Sir Howard and Peter Flavel, the chief executive of Coutts, to stand down.

His call was echoed by Tory former cabinet minister David Davis, who said Dame Alison had little choice but to resign.

The update from the NatWest Group board came after Sir Howard was put under mounting pressure to determine whether Dame Alison had played a role in the leaking of Mr Farages information.

Last week, Mr Farage presented evidence, in the form of a 40-page dossier, that his account at Coutts was closed partly due to his political views conflicting with the banks values.

The evidence obtained from the bank through a data request contradicted a BBC News story, which initially claimed that the account closure was motivated by commercial reasons only, citing Mr Farages failure to meet a 1 million borrowing requirement.

The BBC and its business editor Simon Jack apologised, saying the reporting had been based on information from a trusted and senior source but turned out to be incomplete and inaccurate.

In a statement, released alongside Sir Howard, Dame Alison said she was the source of the story and admitted she made a serious error of judgment during her discussions with Mr Jack.

She said: I recognise that in my conversations with Simon Jack of the BBC, I made a serious error of judgment in discussing Mr Farages relationship with the bank. Believing it was public knowledge, I confirmed that Mr Farage was a Coutts customer and that he had been offered a NatWest bank account.

Alongside this, I repeated what Mr Farage had already stated, that the bank saw this as a commercial decision. I would like to emphasise that in responding to Mr Jacks questions I did not reveal any personal financial information about Mr Farage.

In response to a general question about eligibility criteria required to bank with Coutts and NatWest I said that guidance on both was publicly available on their websites. In doing so, I recognise that I left Mr Jack with the impression that the decision to close Mr Farages accounts was solely a commercial one.

Sir Howard said: As she (Dame Alison) recognises, she should not have spoken in the way she did. This was a regrettable error of judgment on her part. The events will be taken into account in decisions on remuneration at the appropriate time.

However, after careful reflection the board has concluded that it retains full confidence in Ms Rose as CEO of the bank.

The chairman added that the overall handling of the circumstances surrounding Mr Farages accounts has been unsatisfactory, with serious consequences for the bank, before promising an independent review, which will be made public.

Sheldon Mills, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) executive director for consumers and competition, said: We have raised concerns with NatWest Group and Coutts about the allegations relating to account closures and breach of customer confidentiality since these came to light.

On the independent review, he added: It is vital that the review is well resourced and those conducting it have access to all the necessary information and people in order to investigate what happened swiftly and fully.

On the basis of the review and any steps taken by other authorities, such as the Financial Ombudsman Service or Information Commissioner, on relevant complaints, we will decide if any further action is necessary.

Speaking on his GB News show, Mr Farage accused Dame Alison of breaching the FCAs conduct rules, adding: I think there has been complete failure in this regard.

The ex-MEP turned broadcaster went on: It is perfectly clear to me that Peter Flavel, the CEO of Coutts, has not done his job at all. It is perfectly clear to me that Alison Rose is unfit to be the CEO of a big group and that Howard Davies, who is supposed to be in charge of governance, has failed as well.

Given that we have a 39% stake in this  we, the great British public  I think at that investor statement on Friday morning, the Government ought to say we have no confidence in this management. Frankly, I think they should all go and that is my conclusion from what weve learned this afternoon.

Also appearing on the show, former Brexit secretary Mr Davis said: Im afraid I think that Dame Alison Rose has little choice but to resign. And frankly, Im astonished that the board of directors indicated full confidence in her.

Frankly, if the head of a bank that I was a big shareholder of did this, I would say immediately, I am sorry, its over, find a successor.

Other Tories joined Mr Davis, with MP for Rother Valley Alexander Stafford tweeting: Absolutely disgraceful that she was briefing and leaking financial details. This breaks all moral, ethical and banking codes. If she has a shred of decency she would do the honourable thing and resign.

MP Saqib Bhatti, the Conservative Partys vice-chairman for business, said: Its shocking to hear that Dame Alison Rose has admitted being the source of the leak of Mr Farages bank details.

While its not for politicians to determine what the company should do, her position would appear to now be untenable.
Kerry family speaks out as killer set to be released: I can't believe he is out after just five years
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To mark the Onam celebrations and Kerala being one of the best performing markets, the company is extending consumer offers up to INR 80,000 on its ICE and EV range of cars and SUVs, scratch and win assured gifts along with undertaking priority deliveries for Onam customers.

Easing the buying process, Tata Motors has also partnered with top PSUs, private and regional financiers for consumers to avail attractive finance options such as 100% on road funding and EMI holiday - Buy Now and Pay later*.

Doubling the joy and adding to the festive fervor, Tata Motors also introduced two new variants in the Altroz line up, the XM and XM(S), priced attractively at INR 6.90 lakhs and INR 7.35 lakhs, respectively (ex-showroom, Kochi).

The introduction of high end features in these variants including the electric sunroof in XM(S) makes Altroz the most affordable premium hatchback to be offered with a sunroof.

According to Vivek Srivatsa, Head, Marketing, Sales and Service Strategy, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, As we gear up and rejoice in the festival of Onam, we at Tata Motors would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our cherished customers for their unwavering support. With strong demand for our entire EV portfolio (The Nexon EV, Tiago.ev and the Tigor EV), the Kerala market is showing the way for the rest of the country. The customers here have been quick to realize the benefits of EVs like low operating costs, ease of operations, enjoyable driving and most importantly zero emissions which is good for the environment. We expect more Keralites to go.ev on this festive season to keep their family and nature happy. Wishing you all a joyous and prosperous Onam!"

Commenting on the occasion, Vinay Pant, Head, Marketing, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. said, Kerala has always been a significant market for us, and the trust and loyalty of our customers in the state has been instrumental in our success. With 105 Sales outlets and 65 service centres spanning the length and breadth of the state, Tata Motors remains committed to delivering the best to our customers. Adding to the festive joy and also keeping this positive sentiment in mind, we have not only introduced some exciting consumer benefits but are also enriching the much loved Altroz range with multiple feature enhancements and the addition of two new variants, giving our customers more options to choose from. We are confident that these benefits will double the festive cheer. Wishing one and all, a very Happy and a Prosperous Onam.
Mumbai: Display technology solution BenQ is launching the W4000i 4LED 4K Home Cinema Projector, which promises to be an innovation in home entertainment.

This projector is designed to provide unprecedented levels of cinematic quality in various at-home settings.

It features BenQ's proprietary 100% DCI-P3 CinematicColor and HDR-PRO technologies, ensuring true 4K image quality with precise HDR color accuracy.

The W4000i offers greater detail in both bright and dark scenes, creating an unparalleled 4K HDR enjoyment experience.

Additionally, it comes equipped with Android TV which is Google certified.

The projector is preinstalled with popular streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime and grants full access to the Google Play Store.

The W4000i projector promises to deliver a 'luxurious true 4K HDR experience'

This technology enables the projector to achieve a super-wide 100% DCI-P3 color space and contrast quality, ensuring exceptional color accuracy, the company claimed.

With over 8.3 million razor-sharp pixels, this projector creates unforgettable viewing experiences that leave a strong impression on audiences. Its 4LED 4K Ultra HD resolution and advanced HDR capabilities redefine the possibilities of home entertainment.



Speaking on the occasion, Rajeev Singh, Managing Director, BenQ India & South Asia, said, We are thrilled to introduce the W4000i projector, a true game-changer in home cinema technology. At BenQ, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of visual display solutions, and the W4000i is a testament to our unwavering dedication to providing our customers with the best possible experiences. Our team has worked tirelessly to create a product that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our discerning customers. With the W4000i projector, we aim to redefine home entertainment and bring the magic of the big screen directly to our customers' living rooms. We are confident that this latest addition to our product line will be a game-changer in the industry.
Photo Courtesy: UNI

Jammu: Alert troops of the Border Security Force (BSF) foiled a narcotic smuggling attempt and also eliminated one Pakistani smuggler in the Ramgarh area of the Samba sector in Jammu Frontier, the spokesman said on Tuesday.

The BSF spokesman said that on the intervening night of July 2425, the vigilant troops of the Indian border force neutralised a Pakistani smuggler while he was trying to smuggle drugs through the Ramgarh border area.

During the initial search of the area, four packets of suspected narcotics (approx 4 kgs) were found along with the body of the smuggler.

A further search of the area is in progress, said the spokesman.

(With UNI inputs)
Image Credit: UNI

Srinagar/UNI: Two militant associates affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were arrested in Jammu and Kashmirs Baramulla district, police said on Tuesday.

The two, identified as Dayem Majeed Khan and Ubair Tariq of Watrina, both residents of Bandipora district, were arrested on a specific warrant at Kreeri Baramulla.

"On specific information regarding the movement of terrorists in Chak Tapper Kreeri, joint forces of Baramulla Police and 29 RR placed a MVCP (Mobile Vehicle Check post) at the bus stop.

"Two suspect persons who were coming from Chak Tapper towards Main Road Kreeri tried to flee while noticing a joint naka party but were apprehended tactfully," a police spokesman said.

During their personal search, two Chinese Pistols, two pistol magazines, 14 live Pistol rounds, one ID card, and a Xerox copy of the Aadhar Card were recovered from them. The two were taken into custody immediately, police said.

During the preliminary investigation, both the terrorist associates confessed that they are affiliated with a banned terrorist organisation of the LeT outfit and had collected the arms & ammunition for target killing in District Baramulla," police said.

Police said a case under the Indian Arms Act and the UA (P) Act was registered at Police Station Kreeri, and investigations were taken up.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval meets top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi. Photo Courtesy: Insightful Geopolitics @InsightGL

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Tuesday gave a strong message to Chinese diplomat Wang Yi by saying that the situation along the LAC in the Western Sector of the India-China boundary since 2020 had eroded strategic trust and public and political basis of the relationship between the two nations.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs Meeting in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

"NSA emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to fully resolve the situation and restore peace and tranquility in the border areas, so as to remove impediments to normalcy in bilateral relations," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

The two sides agreed that the India-China bilateral relationship is significant not only for the two countries but also for the region and world.

India and China have been engaged in a military standoff for the last several years.
New Delhi/IBNS: The central cabinet Tuesday cleared a bill to replace the ordinance that allows the Centre to take away the Delhi government's control over the posting and transfers of officers and bureaucrats in the national capital, reports said.

The bill is all set to be introduced in Parliament soon.

The ordinance had become one of the latest flashpoints between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi.

The AAP dispensation, backed by Congress and other Opposition parties, has challenged it in the Supreme Court.

An ordinance is brought by the government when the Parliament is not in session but it must be cleared by the legislature within six weeks of its reassembly.

The ordinance seeks to set up a National Capital Civil Service Authority for the transfer of Group A officers from the Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli (Civil) Services (DANICS) cadre. It would also empower the body to initiate disciplinary actions against them.

The AAP claimed the ordinance defied the Supreme Court which had ruled in the state government's favour.

Settling the power tussle case in May, the court had said the Delhi government must have control over services and that the Lieutenant Governor is bound by its decision.
Jaipur/IBNS: The Indian woman, who travelled all the way to a remote village in Pakistan to meet her friend whom she got in touch with on social media, has now converted to Islam, renamed herself as Fatima, and married the Facebook friend.

As per reports, the woman, named Anju, fell in love with 29-year-old Nasrulla, her Facebook friend whom she met on social media in 2019.

In India, Anju was married to Arvind in Rajasthan and they both have a 15-year-old daughter and a six-year-old son.

The 34-year-old, who was born in Uttar Pradesh, told her husband, as he claimed, that she was going to Jaipur.

In Pakistan, she was staying at Nasrullah's home in the Upper Dir district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Though Anju was initially under the custody of Pakistan Police, she was later released after the verification of her travel documents by the district police.

They tied the knot in a local court of a district and sessions judge amid tight security.

Both appeared in the court in Upper Dir in the presence of family members of Nasrullah, police personnel, and lawyers, the police.

According to Geo News, the Indian woman has been shifted to her home from the court under police security.

As per the statement, they have signed the nikkah on their own will and Fatima told the court that she willingly came to Pakistan.

Earlier on Monday, Fatima and Nasrullah went on a sightseeing trip amid tight security. They visited the Lawari tunnel connecting Dir Upper District with Chitral District, police officials said.

Born in Kailor village in Uttar Pradesh and living in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, Anju shared a short video before her marriage in which she says she "feels safe" in Pakistan.

"I want to give this message to all that I have come here legally and with planning as it was not about two days that I came here all of a sudden, and I am safe here," she said in the video.

A pretty girl Anju from india in pakistan and says Pakistan is Beautiful Country  pic.twitter.com/zre8a6G2LM  Beautiful Pakistan ( Holiday Travels Pakistan) (@LandofPakistan) July 25, 2023

Meanwhile, her father Tuesday told the media that his daughter Anju was as good as dead for her family back home.

She travelled to Pakistan legally from India via the Wagah-Attari border.
Photo Courtesy: Video Grab from Josh Drill Twitter page

Jerusalem: The protests in Tel Aviv have ended and police detained 18 people for attacking law enforcement officers or disturbing the peace, while 10 policemen received injuries, The Times of Israel newspaper reported on Tuesday, citing the police.

Since January 2023, Israel has been gripped by mass protests sparked by the judicial reform proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet.

Last week, the Israeli parliament approved for second and third readings one of the key clauses of the judicial reform, which limits the power of the Supreme Court to overturn government decisions by declaring them unreasonable.

On Monday, the Israeli parliament approved the draft law on the concept of reasonableness within the framework of judicial reform.

Mass protests all over Israel after the first law of the judicial overhaul was passed. Here in Tel Aviv there is no room for the water cannons to try to disperse the protesters who shoot fireworks into the sky pic.twitter.com/RdQjDEK3y7  Josh Drill (@drill_josh) July 24, 2023

All opposition lawmakers boycotted the voting.

(With UNI inputs)
Representative Image | Credit: UNI

The Ukraine Military on Tuesday early morning claimed Russia has initiated an air attack on the capital of the war-torn country, media reports said.

The military said it was engaging in air defence systems to thwart the attack.

No victim or destruction has been reported, said Serhiy Popko, the head of Kyiv's military administration.

Ukraine has also claimed all incoming drones were shot down.

The reported attack, which would be the sixth on the capital this month, came a day after Russia warned Ukraine of "tough retaliatory measures" following a drone attack on Moscow.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Monday called a recent drone attack on objects in Moscow an act of international terrorism.

Earlier in the day, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that at about 4:00 a.m. Moscow time (01:00 GMT), drone strikes on two non-residential buildings had been recorded in the Russian capital, adding that there was no serious damage or casualties.

The Russian Defense Ministry later confirmed that the attack had been thwarted, saying that two Ukrainian drones had been suppressed by means of electronic warfare and crashed.

"It is an act of international terrorism," Zakharova told the RTVI broadcaster, commenting on the attack.
Image: Mohamed Zakaria/UNICEF

New York: After 100 days of fighting in Sudan, the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) reported on Monday that at least 435 children have been killed and more than 2,000 injured.

The UN agency added that there have been more than 2,500 severe violations of childrens rights - an average of more than one an hour - in a country where 14 million youngsters need aid relief.

As we reach more than 100 days since the conflict in Sudan escalated, we know that it is taking an absolutely horrific toll on children and on families, UNICEF spokesperson Joe English told UN News.

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Deadly health concerns

Echoing those concerns, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) reported that nearly 300 displaced children have died from measles and malnutrition in White Nile State.

It is time for all parties to this conflict to immediately end this tragic war, said High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, amid rising concern for the more than 740,000 refugees who have now fled Sudan to neighbouring countries.

According to UNHCR, conditions are harrowing for those reaching shelter in neighbouring countries, where displacement camps are overcrowded and the rainy season has made relocation and aid deliveries harder.

Children fend for themselves

To date, more than 3.3 million people have been displaced within Sudan and across its borders, including to Egypt, where UNHCR said that most children continue to arrive without their parents.

For every child killed or injured we know that many more have been displaced from their homes, their lacking access to essential services, UNICEF said in a statement, which underscored the need for safe, unimpeded access to children and families so that they can receive the support they need.

Despite intense diplomatic efforts to end the fighting  notably by the African Union, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) regional body, the League of Arab States and the UN  clashes involving the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) milita have continued across multiple fronts.

Lending his support for much-needed peaceful dialogue, UNHCR chief Grandi said that people must be allowed to leave conflict areas to find safety, whether within or outside the country, and be protected from all forms of violence.

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To date, the UN response inside Sudan is only 23 per cent funded. Both UNHCR and UNICEF have urgently appealed for more donor support to assist vulnerable populations who have endured three months of fighting, concentrated around the capital Khartoum, but spreading far into restive Darfur and other regions.

Health under attack

Healthcare inside Sudan has reached "gravely serious levels" of collapse, with more than 67 per cent of the countrys hospitals out of service and with increasing reports of attacks on facilities and personnel, said the UN World Health Organization (WHO) in a statement.

There are now 51 recorded attacks on healthcare verified by WHO, resulting in 10 deaths and 24 injuries.

"It is a tragedy and an outrage that in the middle of this deepening crisis fighters continue to attack health facilities and workers, denying life-saving services to innocent civilians when they are at their most vulnerable", said the statement.

And WHO warned that once well under control diseases  including malaria, measles, dengue, and acute watery diarrhoea  are increasing due to the disruption of basic public health services.

This includes disease surveillance, functioning public health laboratory and rapid response teams. "As the rainy season begins in Sudan, outbreaks are likely to claim more lives unless urgent action is taken to restore their spread."
Moments after her husband-to-be proposed to her the question, a newly engaged woman slipped and plunged to her death off a cliff in Turkey.

The woman was identified as Yesim Demir.

Yesim Demir and her new fiance, Nizamettin Gursu, were about to celebrate the momentous occasion with a sunset picnic when the 39-year-old plummeted over 100 feet off the steep cliff in Canakkale, a city in northwestern Turkey, on July 6, reports New York Post.

After the moment of tragedy, Gursu rushed back to the scenic cliffside spot at Polente Cape and discovered his fiancee had fallen over the edge.

The grieving man later told local media the pair had chosen the spot to get engaged because they thought it would be romantic.

We chose it to have a romantic memory after the proposal. We drank some alcohol. Everything happened at once. She lost her balance and fell down, Gursu told the American newspaper.
Succumbing to the pressures from Muslim radicals, officials from Kala Gujran PS (Jhelum District, Punjab Province) demolished the minarets of an Ahmadiya place of worship on the intervening night of July 14-15.

Reportedly, a few days earlier Asim Ashfaq Rizvi, one of the leaders from Tehreek-e-Labbaik, had issued a direct threat to Ali Rizvi, DPO Jhelum District Police Officer (DPO) of Jhelum, warning that if the administration fails to bring down the minarets by the 10th of Muharram (28.07.2023) he will mobilize people to attack the place and demolish not only the minarets but the whole structure.

Rizvi (14 Jul) summoned the Ahmadiyas and reportedly demanded they destroy the minarets themselves. When the Ahmadiyas refused to cooperate, the police raided the place.

The raiding police party cut off CCTV connection, confiscated the mobile phones of all those present and transported them to Kala Gujran PS after which the minarets were demolished by police team.

The detained Ahmadiyas were subsequently released after the demolition of minarets.

Ahmadiyas have been easy prey for Pakistans Muslim radicals.

In the last month, when the whole of Pakistan was celebrating Eid-ul-Adha, several Ahmadiyas were subjected to police actions for sacrificing animals on occasion.

During the previous few years cases of police actions, under pressure from radical leaders and preachers, on Ahmadiyas places of worship in Punjab province of Pakistan, despite the guidelines outlined by a three-member bench of Pak SC, led by Chief Justice Tasadduq Hussain Jilani, for the protection of places of worship, which had emphasized on establishment of a specialized police force dedicated to the security of all minority communities in Pakistan.

The HRCP in a statement (dt 17 Jul) condemned the police action and said that the state cannot afford to wilt in front of extremist elements when it is responsible for the protection of the most vulnerable sections of Pakistans society.

HRCP said that those who threaten the Ahmadiya community must be made accountable and a special police force be instituted to protect all religious minorities sites of worship as envisaged under the 2014 SC judgement.
Picture Courtesy: Wikipedia Commons

Beijing: China's Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who has been absent from public view for several months now, was removed from office on Tuesday.

The sudden move, approved by the top decision-making body of Chinas rubber-stamp parliament, comes as mystery has swirled around the fate of Qin, who has not been seen in public for a month, reports CNN.

Qin, 57, a career diplomat and trusted aide of Chinese leader Xi Jinping, was appointed as the Foreign Minister of the country in December.

He had previously served as the envoy of the country in Washington.

The exact cause of his removal from the position is still not known.

Meanwhile, Wang Yi will replace Qin Gang as the Foreign Minister of the country.

Wang Yi had earlier served as the foreign minister of the nation from 2013 to 2022.
There is no denying that OTT has made life easier for everyone. You may recline, doze off, and still watch some incredible actors work their magic on screen. Manoj Bajpayee and Pankaj Tripathi are two names that have become well-known and are frequently referred to as the top artists on digital platforms.

According to research by Ormax Media, 10 actors have received the most love in 2023 so far!



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Let's take a look at the top 10!

1. Manoj Bajpayee

2. Pankaj Tripathi

3. Shahid Kapoor

4. Nawazuddin Siddiqui

5. Jitendra Kumar

6. Samantha Ruth Prabhu

7. Priyanka Chopra

8. Radhika Apte

9. Tamannaah Bhatia

10. Rana Daggubati

Manoj Bajpayee At No. 1 - Actors POV About OTT

Manoj Bajpayee was asked about the reduction in theatre attendance and whether it's true that only spectacle films will be successful in the future on a big screen during an interview with Janice Sequeira.

They have experienced OTT so deeply during the lockdown they will not go and watch any film and every film in the theatre. Viewing in theatre has to guarantee some experience beyond storytelling, and that is why people are giving this theory about spectacle films

Still

Asked if producers are worried, Manoj Bajpayee said, They are, they are worried, because power is in the hands of one medium, and that is OTT. And absolute power should not lie with one person. I strongly believe that moviegoing should increase, and movie culture should come back so that there are many stakeholders. When there are many players, the atmosphere will be much more democratic.

Pankaj Tripathi At No. 2 - Actors Stand On Censorship

Pankaj Tripathi belongs to a select group of actors who have achieved renown via their effortless performances.

I think the audience is an enlightened lot. They will not pay for any nonsense content. On OTT, you have to create an account and become a member, said Tripathi during an interview with Outlook

Still

I agree that many people create anything for the sake of sensationalism. But as a responsible actor, I censor myself. I see why I am doing a particular scene, or how important it is in the story.

Was your favorite actor on the list? Tell us in the comments below!
Hong Kong: CE meets Indonesian president

Chief Executive John Lee today led a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation to Jakarta, Indonesia, for talks on strengthening connections with Indonesia and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states.

During a meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo this morning, Mr Lee said Hong Kong and Indonesia have always maintained close bilateral trade and investment relations, with Hong Kong being a top-three source of foreign investment of Indonesia.

He also thanked Indonesia for supporting Hong Kong's accession request to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and expressed hope that both places could strengthen co-operation in various aspects such as trade, investment, finance, innovation and technology as well as culture and tourism.

Mr Lee then attended a luncheon hosted by Charge d'Affaires ad Interim and Chinese Embassy in Indonesia Minister Zhou Kan.

He thanked the embassy for supporting the Hong Kong SAR Government's work, adding that he hoped to strengthen high-level connections with the Indonesian Government and promote Hong Kong's advantages and latest developments to the local business community through this visit.

In the afternoon, the Chief Executive met Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, where he pointed out that Hong Kong attaches great importance to its close trade and economic ties with ASEAN, noting that it has long been Hong Kong's second-largest trading partner, with total merchandise trade between Hong Kong and ASEAN reaching an all-time high of US$165 billion last year.

With the full entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement and the related Investment Agreement between Hong Kong and ASEAN in 2021, the trade and economic ties between Hong Kong and ASEAN have been elevated to a higher level.

Mr Lee also thanked ASEAN member states for supporting Hong Kong's accession to RCEP, adding that he looked forward to maintaining communication with the ASEAN Secretariat on relevant issues.

He will continue his visit programme in Jakarta tomorrow.

This story has been published on: 2023-07-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Christopher Nolans Oppenheimer is ruling hearts all across the world. The biographical drama which was released on the 21st of July has earned over Rs 55 crores till now on the Indian box-office. Starring Cillian Murphy in the lead, the film draws inspiration from the life of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer.



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Oppenheimers love for the Hindu epic Bhagavad Gita was recreated in Nolans film but that didnt go down well for Indians.

Mostly because of its sensitive placement. In the film, Cillian is seen reading Gita during a sex scene that has stirred controversy. Recently, Union Information & Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur flagged the ill-treatment and reportedly asked the concerned bodies to look into this.

A source revealed to HT, "Anurag Thakur expressed his displeasure over the CBFC's failure to safeguard the interests of the public, emphasizing that such negligence cannot be overlooked. He asserted that the board members would be held responsible for their actions, signalling a clear message of accountability.

Amid the entire furore, Cillian stands by the sequence and shared his thoughts.

Twitter

In an interview with Sydney Morning Herald, Murphy expressed, Those scenes were written deliberately. [Nolan] knew that those scenes would get the movie the rating that it got. And I think when you see it, its so f**king powerful. And theyre not gratuitous. Theyre perfect.

Also Read: What If Oppenheimer Was Made In Bollywood? This AI-Generated Cast Of Nolans Film Is Unmissable

Talking about Florence Pugh, Cillian quotes, Florence is just amazing. I have loved Florences work since Lady Macbeth and I think shes 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, its quite devastating.

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Indian filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri tweeted a screenshot of a news article saying, Oppenheimer brings Kashmiris back to cinema halls in droves. He wrote alongside, BRILLIANT NEWS. Cinema halls were burnt and banned after the 90s. Its heartening to see the first film to fill houses like this is a science film.

BRILLIANT NEWS.

Cinema halls were burnt and banned after 90s. Its heartening to see the first film to fill houses like this is a science film.



I am glad that our science film #TheVaccineWar #ATrueStory will also release in Kashmir. I have been assured by Kashmiri youth & pic.twitter.com/4Zq8zCMcBP  Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) July 24, 2023

He continues to make sure that he promotes his upcoming film and writes ahead, I am glad that our science film #TheVaccineWar #ATrueStory will also release in Kashmir. I have been assured by Kashmiri youth & especially women that they will be proud to see Indias biggest scientific achievement on the big screen.

Worldwide, Oppenheimer has grossed around $180 million by now. Have you watched the film yet? Let us know in the comments if you liked it.

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For more news and updates from the world of celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year across the country on July 26th to pay tribute to the bravery and courage of the Indian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country during the Kargil War in 1999. The Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023 will be observed on Wednesday, 26th July, commemorates the victory of Operation Vijay, which was a significant military victory over Pakistan during the War.



Kargil Vijay Diwas HD images | Photo: Freepik

The Kargil War was fought between India and Pakistan at the Line of Control (LoC) at Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir where. The Indian Army fought bravely and recaptured the famous 'Tiger Hill' and other important posts around under 'Operation Vijay' by evicting the Pakistani troops in 1999 Kargil War.



The war was one of the major military conflicts between the two South Asian neighbours and resulted in a significant loss of life and resources. It was the last war that happened between India and Pakistan. This year marks the 24th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. As today we are celebrating Kargil Diwas. Here are some of best wishes, greetings, messages, images, status and more to share with friends and family:

Kargil Vijay Diwas HD images | Photo: Freepik

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023 Wishes, Images, Quotes, and Kargil Vijay Diwas WhatsApp Greetings to Share

On this day we honour all the Indian soldiers who fought bravely in battle with Pakistan during the 1999 Kargil War. Here are some suggestions about Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023 wishes, messages, quotes, greetings and Kargil Vijay Diwas Whatsapp Status you can share with your friends and family:

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023: Inspirational Kargil Vijay Diwas Wishes:

1. Victory doesnt come cheap, we also had to carry some biers. A tribute to the martyrs of India.

2. Kargil Vijay Diwas, a day to remember the gallant efforts and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces.

3. Honor the courageous warriors who gave their lives to bring the Kargil War to a glorious end. Wishes on Kargil Vijay Diwas.

4. Remembering the sacrifices made by the Jawans during the 1999 War against Pakistan. Jai Hind...Kargil Vijay Diwas!

5. On this Kargil Vijay Diwas, let us remember the brave soldiers who laid down their lives for our country's honor. Saluting their courage and sacrifice! Jai Hind!

6. May the spirit of Kargil Vijay Diwas inspire us to be united, strong, and resilient as a nation. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas!

7. Wishing everyone a day filled with pride and patriotism as we celebrate Kargil Vijay Diwas. Remembering the valiant heroes who made us proud.

8. Let's bow our heads in remembrance and gratitude to the heroes who fearlessly fought for our nation's glory. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023!

9. May the bravery and valor displayed during the Kargil war continue to inspire generations to come. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas to all!

10. As we celebrate Kargil Vijay Diwas, let's pledge to support our armed forces and their families, always standing by their side.

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023 Wishes in English

1. Salute to the soldiers who fought selflessly and secured our borders. May their sacrifice never be forgotten. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023!

2. On this day, let's take a moment to appreciate the unwavering commitment of our armed forces in defending our motherland. Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan!

3. Sending heartfelt wishes to the families of our fallen heroes. Your sacrifice and loss will never be forgotten. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas!

4. Let's remember the indomitable spirit of our soldiers who faced all odds with courage and determination. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023!

5. Today, we honor the triumph of our soldiers and their unwavering love for the country. Wishing you all a proud and memorable Kargil Vijay Diwas!

6. May the memories of our brave soldiers inspire us to build a stronger and more united India. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas!

7. As we commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas, let's also remember the sacrifices made by the families of our heroes. They are the unsung heroes too!

8. Let us take a moment to thank every soldier who is currently serving at the borders, protecting our nation's integrity. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023!

9. Today, we pay tribute to the soldiers who taught us the true meaning of bravery and nationalism. Jai Hind! Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas!

10. On this special day, let's express our gratitude to the Indian Armed Forces for their dedication and valor. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas!

11. May the spirit of Kargil Vijay Diwas ignite a sense of responsibility in each of us towards our nation. Let's work together for a better India.

12. Remembering the sacrifices made during the Kargil War and sending warm wishes to all the veterans. You are our pride and inspiration!

13. On this Kargil Vijay Diwas, let's celebrate the triumph of good over evil and the valor of our soldiers. Jai Hind!

14. As we remember the heroes of Kargil, let's also pray for a world of peace and harmony. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023!

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023 Greeting Messages and Status

1. On this Kargil Vijay Diwas, let's vow to honor the sacrifice of our soldiers by promoting unity and harmony among all Indians. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas!

2. May the courage and bravery displayed during the Kargil War serve as a beacon of inspiration for every Indian to strive for greatness. Jai Hind!

3. Wishing all our armed forces personnel a day of pride and recognition on this Kargil Vijay Diwas. Your dedication to the nation is truly commendable.

4. As we observe Kargil Vijay Diwas, let's also remember the resilience of the families who stood strong during the challenging times. Saluting their spirit!

5. May the memory of the Kargil War remind us to be grateful for the freedom we enjoy today, thanks to the selfless efforts of our soldiers. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023!

6. Let's take a moment to thank the veterans and serving soldiers for their unwavering commitment towards safeguarding our borders. Your sacrifices make us proud!

7. On this day, let's express our heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy for their coordinated efforts during the Kargil War. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas!

8. May the heroism displayed during the Kargil War motivate us to be better citizens and contribute positively to the progress of our nation. Jai Hind!

9. As we pay tribute to the martyrs of Kargil, let's also extend our support to the disabled soldiers and work towards their well-being and empowerment.

10. Wishing peace and prosperity for our nation on this Kargil Vijay Diwas. Let's remember that it is the collective strength of every Indian that makes us invincible. Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan!

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023 wishes to our brave Indian Army

1. On this Kargil Vijay Diwas, we salute the brave soldiers of the Indian Army who showed unparalleled courage and determination in defending our nation. Jai Hind!

2. Wishing the Indian Army a proud and victorious Kargil Vijay Diwas. Your sacrifices will forever inspire us to stand united and strong.

3. Let us remember and honor the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Kargil War. Their bravery will never be forgotten. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas!

4. May the valor and spirit of the Indian Army continue to shine bright, safeguarding our borders and ensuring our nation's security. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas to all our soldiers.

5. As we celebrate Kargil Vijay Diwas, we salute the extraordinary bravery of our soldiers and stand in solidarity with the Indian Army in their commitment to protect our country.

6. On this day, we bow to the indomitable courage of the Indian Army, whose bravery and sacrifice won us the Kargil War. Wishing you a glorious Kargil Vijay Diwas!

7. As we celebrate Kargil Vijay Diwas, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Army for their selfless service and unwavering commitment to protect our motherland.

8. Today, we honor the true warriors of our nation who fearlessly faced adversity to protect our sovereignty. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas to the Indian Army!

9. Let us take a moment to remember the heroes who fought valiantly during the Kargil War and thank the Indian Army for their sacrifices. Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan!

10. As the nation celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas, we stand in awe of the Indian Army's strength and dedication to keeping our borders secure. You make us proud!

11. May the brave soldiers of the Indian Army always be blessed with courage, strength, and success in every mission they undertake. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023!

12. On this auspicious occasion, we express our gratitude to the Indian Army for their unwavering commitment to protect our nation. Your sacrifices are our pride.

13. Today, we remember the valor and sacrifice of our soldiers who fought during the Kargil War. Your bravery will always inspire generations to come. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas!

14. Sending heartfelt wishes to the Indian Army on Kargil Vijay Diwas. Your dedication and bravery are the reason we sleep peacefully at night. Thank you for your service.

15. As we celebrate Kargil Vijay Diwas, let us pledge to support and honor our soldiers who guard our borders, ensuring the safety of our country.

16. Today, we celebrate the triumph of the Indian Army and pay tribute to the heroes who laid down their lives for the nation's honor. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas!

17. Wishing the Indian Army strength, valor, and success in all their endeavors. Your sacrifices will forever be etched in the history of our nation. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023!

18. Let us remember the brave soldiers who fought with courage and determination during the Kargil War and express our gratitude to the Indian Army for their unwavering service.

19. On this Kargil Vijay Diwas, we honor the sacrifice of our soldiers and express our heartfelt gratitude for safeguarding our borders and preserving the integrity of our nation.

20. May the spirit of patriotism and bravery exhibited during the Kargil War continue to inspire and unite us as a nation. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas to the Indian Army!

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023 inspirational quotes

1. "Soldier is not just a person, One is our Pride, Army is our glory, Honour we earned.... - Kaushik Dhakate

2. "The soldier, above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war." - Douglas MacArthur

3. "The preservation of freedom, is not the task of soldiers alone. The whole nation has to be strong." - Lal Bahadur Shastri

4. "The brave die never, though they sleep in dust: Their courage nerves a thousand living men." - Minot Judson Savage

5. "Don't worry. Either I will come waving the tricolor after the victory or I will come wrapped in the same tricolour. But I will definitely come" - Captain Vikram Batra

6. Every citizen of India must remember that... he is an Indian and he has every right in this country but with certain duties. - Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

7. The sword of revolution is sharpened on the whetting stone of ideas. - Bhagat Singh

8. "We fight to win and win with a knockout, because there is no runner up in wars" - General J.J. Singh

9. "When you go home tell them of us and say, for their tomorrow, we gave our today" - Kargil War Memorial

10. "The hardest thing of all for a soldier is to retreat." - Duke of Wellington

1. #KargilVijayDiwas2023: Saluting the valor and sacrifices of our heroes!  #KargilVijayDiwas #JaiHind

2. Remembering the bravehearts who fought fearlessly for our nation! #KargilVijayDiwas2023 #SaluteToHeroes 



3. On this #KargilVijayDiwas, we stand united in gratitude for our courageous soldiers! #JaiJawan #ProudIndian



4. #KargilVijayDiwas2023: Honoring the indomitable spirit of our armed forces!  #RememberingHeroes #SaluteToSoldiers



5.  Lighting a candle to remember the fallen heroes of Kargil War. #KargilVijayDiwas2023 #LestWeForget



6. On this #KargilVijayDiwas, let's pledge to uphold the values our soldiers fought for! #UnityAndStrength #JaiHind



7. In remembrance of the brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. #KargilVijayDiwas2023 #GoneButNeverForgotten 



8. #KargilVijayDiwas: A day of pride and respect for our soldiers' unwavering bravery! #SaluteToCourage #JaiJawan



9.  Remembering the fallen heroes who live on in our hearts and inspire us every day. #KargilVijayDiwas2023 #HeroesNeverDie



10. Let's bow our heads in honor of the fearless warriors who protected our nation's pride. #KargilVijayDiwas #Bravehearts 



11. #KargilVijayDiwas2023: A day of gratitude for the sacrifices made by our soldiers and their families. #ForeverHeroes



12.  Remembering the courage and determination of our soldiers on this #KargilVijayDiwas. #SaluteAndRespect



13. Proud to be part of a nation that produces such brave warriors. #KargilVijayDiwas2023 #IndianArmy 



14.  Honoring the sacrifices made by our soldiers for a safer and stronger India. #KargilVijayDiwas #NeverForget



15.  Paying tribute to the martyrs who etched their names in history with bravery and valor. #KargilVijayDiwas2023 #ForeverInOurHearts



16. Saluting the real superheroes who secured our borders with their lives. #KargilVijayDiwas #TruePatriots 



17.  Lighting the lamp of remembrance for our fallen soldiers on #KargilVijayDiwas2023. #JaiJawanJaiKisan



18. Today, we stand tall as a nation thanks to the bravery of our soldiers. #KargilVijayDiwas #IndianArmedForces 



19.  Let's honor the sacrifices made by our heroes by striving for a better and safer India. #KargilVijayDiwas2023 #SaluteAndRespect



20.  On this #KargilVijayDiwas, let's remember the stories of courage that inspire generations. #ProudIndian #JaiHind



Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023 Status and Wishes in Hindi

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Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023 HD Images, Wallpaper

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Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023 HD Images, Wallpaper and Greeting Cards | Photo: Freepik

Short Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023 Speech for Students

Dear All, Respected Sir/Madam and Friends

I stand before you today to commemorate the valor of our brave soldiers on Kargil Vijay Diwas. This day is not just another day in the calendar; it is a symbol of Indias courage, resilience, and indomitable spirit.



- Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed on the 26th of July every year, marking the victory of Indian forces over the infiltrating Pakistani troops.



- Back in 1999, in the inhospitable terrains of Kargil, our brave soldiers waged a war against the enemy, demonstrating their unwavering dedication towards the safety and sovereignty of our nation.



- On this day, we remember and salute these brave soldiers for their courage, heroism, and unwavering dedication.



- Its a day to honour those who laid down their lives for the nation, symbolizing selflessness, and love for the country. Their indomitable spirit is an inspiration for us all.



Thank you all!



Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023: Why do we celebrate this day?

Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated to commemorate India's victory in the Kargil War of 1999. It honors the valor and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces who displayed unwavering courage in regaining control of strategic positions occupied by Pakistani infiltrators. The day serves as a tribute to the indomitable spirit of our soldiers and a reminder of the nation's commitment to defending its territorial integrity.

(For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events)


Infertility or subfertility is defined as when a couple is unable to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse. This can be divided into primary infertility (couple has never conceived) or secondary (couple had conceived at least once and now are unable to).

As per Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction (ISAR) 10-14% of Indian couples may be infertile. The process of successful conception is a multistep and extremely complicated and involves

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(i) Production of healthy eggs in females ovaries

(ii) Release of eggs by the ovaries (ovulation)

(iii) Pickup of these matured eggs by fallopian tube and their travel to uterine cavity

(iv) Production of optimal number of good quality of sperms by male partners

(v) Union of an egg and sperm (fertilization)

(vi) Attachment of zygote/embryo to the uterine lining (implantation) and

(vii) Appropriate growth of embryo inside the uterus.

Problems of any one or more than one of these steps can be a cause of infertility. In about 30-50% of cases the cause of infertility may remain unidentified despite extensive workup of the couple. Apart of physical and medical reasons, various lifestyle factors like delayed marriages, obesity, stressful lifestyles, high junk food intake, smoking, alcoholism have recently been proposed to be as contributory factors in a considerable number of cases with reduced fertility.

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a commonly used artificial reproductive treatment option for couples who are unable to conceive by natural means. IVF is a multistep process. In simple words, in this process, the eggs are fertilised outside the body before transferring into the uterus. As per estimates, currently, India conducts an average of 2-2.5 lakh IVF cycles per year.

The projections indicate that it can reach 5-6 lakh cycles annually, increasing the market value to $3,721 billion by 2030, compared to $793 million in 2020, contributing to a 20 percent growth in the Indian fertility market over the past five years.

The treatment of IVF is usually recommended in scenarios with

(i) Fallopian tubes are damaged or surgically removed

(ii) Extremely low sperm count or poor sperm motility in the male partner

(iii) Chronic conditions such as ovulation disorders, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease

(iv) Genetic disorders where reduced fertility potential is a part of spectrum, or couple needs genetic testing of embryos before implantation

(v) Severe sexual dysfunction and

(vi) Certain cases with unexplained infertility

The age and health of the individuals, as well as other variables, affect how well IVF treatment works and in the best hands overall successful pregnancy outcomes can be expected in up to 50% of couples undergoing IVF treatment. It is important to understand that for most people, numerous IVF rounds might be necessary for a successful implantation and overall satisfactory reproductive outcomes.

Consultation with a specialist

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Every IVF cycle begins with a counselling/ consultation session with an Obstetrician/ IVF expert who assesses the medical/ reproductive health of the couple, suggests appropriate investigations and plans the overall treatment plan. The pre-IVF assessment will include complete personal/family/sexual/medical and surgical history. The first-tier investigations will usually include semen analysis of the male partner, ultrasonography of the female partner, assessment of fallopian tubes and various blood investigations in both.

Sometimes invasive testing like laparoscopy or hysteroscopy procedures may also be required in the female partner. Nowadays a basic genetic work-up (usually a Karyotype of the couple) is usually recommended to all couples before planning an IVF cycle. Other advanced genetic test might be recommended based on couples family and medical history.

Sometimes a complete evaluation may take a couple of months. All these tests help in identifying the reason for infertility and ensure that these medical issues are dealt with before the IVF cycle begins. The IVF specialist will plan the most appropriate course of therapy based on the findings of the age of the couple, duration of infertility, factors contributing to infertility and couples personal preferences. Sometimes a medical treatment or a surgical procedure may be required before planning an IVF cycle.

Ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval

In this step, artificial hormones are prescribed to female partner to boost egg production. The type and frequency of the medication is chosen by assessing the patient's medial health and various investigation reports. While it is ideal to create the most eggs possible, it is also necessary to monitor the situation at each step of the IVF cycle to prevent complications.

As a result, regular blood tests and ultrasounds are done to check the body's hormone levels and ovaries. After this, the eggs are extracted with minor surgery and require anaesthesia to minimize discomfort during the process. Then follicles are identified (fluid-filled sacs where eggs mature) through placing a hollow needle into the pelvic cavity under ultrasound guidance.

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Fertilization and embryo development

Sperm samples are taken from the male partner or sperm donor. The decision of own sperm Vs sperm donor is jointly taken between an IVF specialist and the couple based on various factors. The good quality of sperms is selected and used to fertilise the eggs. In certain cases, an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is used in which a single sperm is injected directly into the egg. Following this, the embryo is examined regularly for optimal development and appropriate time for implantation inside the uterus.

Embryo transfer and post-transfer care

Embryo transfer and post-transfer care are the last steps in the IVF process. The best embryo is picked at the crucial stage to be implanted into the woman's uterus. Usually, one or two best quality embryos are selected to be implanted. The chosen embryo is delicately inserted into the uterus via a tiny tube during the embryo transfer technique. The procedure requires anaesthesia and is done under ultrasonographic guidance. After the transfer, monitoring for implantation and development of embryo begins. This involves checking for hormone levels (beta HCG) and repeated ultrasonography. It helps to determine if the embryo successfully implanted in the uterus and is growing appropriately.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

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There are different possible outcomes after the embryo transfer. The most desirable outcome is a successful pregnancy, where the embryo grows into a healthy baby. However, in about one third or more cases, embryos fail to get implanted or if implanted, results in a pregnancy failure (early or late miscarriages).

Even without any history of genetic diseases in the family, about 10-20% of the couples undergoing IVF treatment may experience recurrent implantation or pregnancy failures. In most of these cases, the cause is presumed to be genetic. Among the genetic causes of recurrent implantation failures, chromosomal abnormalities of embryos are proposed as the single most important cause. With advanced techniques available, small material (5-10 cells of the developing embryos) can be taken out from in vitro fertilised (IVF) embryos and is tested for numerical chromosomal abnormalities and only those with a normal chromosomal number are prioritised for transfer. This technique is known as Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) and may be considered for the couples, who have a history of repeated miscarriages or recurrent implantation failures without any apparent etiology. This can significantly increase the chance of embryo implantation and successful pregnancy outcome after a single embryo transfer.



Due to inherent complexities of fertilisation process (union of egg and sperm) there is a 2-5% chance of any pregnancy getting affected with a major genetic disorder. Due to artificial procedures, this chance might be slightly increased in IVF conceptions. No test can detect all possible genetic abnormalities in the pregnancies or can guarantee successful pregnancy outcomes in natural or IVF conception. However, if there is a family history of genetic disease in the family, the couple is detected as carrier for a specific genetic condition which can be passed on to next generation, embryos can be tested before implantation for that specific genetic condition. This process is known as PGT-M (for mendelian or single gene disorders like thalassemia or cystic fibrosis) or PGT-SR (when one of the partners is a carrier for balanced chromosomal rearrangement). The risk of a genetic condition being passed on to the future generation is usually assessed prior to initiation of IVF cycle by detailed family history, advanced genetic testing and genetic counseling. If the couple is planning for PGT-M or PGT-SR due to considerable risk of genetic disease to the future generation, the embryos should be simultaneously screened for chromosomal aneuploidy by PGT-A to increase the overall chances of a successful pregnancy. Couples can go for a pretest counseling which can help them understand the process better.

About the author: Dr Meenal Agarwal (MD, DM), Clinical Genetics, is the spokesperson of MedGenome Labs. All views/opinions expressed in the article are of the author.


Earlier in 2023, top American lawmaker Rich McCormick, while addressing the US House of Representatives, said that Indian-Americans constitute about one per cent of the US population but pay about six per cent of the taxes. Does it ring a bell?

Interestingly, Indians are the highest-earning ethnic group in the US  ahead of people from countries like Pakistan, China and Japan.

Atlantic Council

How many Indians are there in the US and how much are they earning?

The number of people identifying as Asian in the United States nearly tripled in the past three decades, and Asians are now the fastest-growing of the nation's four largest racial and ethnic groups, according to a New York Times analysis of the census data.

About 4 million Indians currently reside in the US, including 1.6 million visa holders, 1.4 million naturalised residents, and a million are US-born residents.

The median family earnings of Indians in the US is USD 123,700, nearly double the nationwide average of USD 63,922. About 79 per cent of Indians are college graduates, compared to the nationwide average of 34 per cent, according to the report.

In fact, Indians are ahead of all the other ethnic groups in the US in median family earnings ranges. Taiwanese and Filipinos, with USD 97,129 and USD 95,000 of median family incomes, respectively, are in second and third place.



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But why?

The data highlights that 79 per cent of the Indian-American population in America holds a Bachelor's degree, while the national average is just 28 per cent, surpassing the overall American population in terms of wealth and college education.



In January 2023, Harsh Goenka, chairman of RPG Enterprises, took to Twitter to share a chart that shows Indian Americans having the highest median household income in the US. He asserted that Indians shine in America because Indians value good education and are the most educated ethnic group.

At the same time, they work very hard along with being frugal in their habits, and are in IT, engineering and medicine - the highest-paying jobs. Also, it's because "We are smart", he added.

Why Indians are earning the highest in USA?



1. We value good education and are the most educated ethnic group

2. We work very hard along with being frugal in our habits

3. We are smart

4. We are in IT, engineering and medicine- the highest paying jobs



 !!! pic.twitter.com/EGNEYqfp52  Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) January 14, 2023





The infographic shows that the median household income of Indian Americans stands at $100,000, which translates to 81.28 lakh as per the current exchange rate. The Chinese-Americans and Pakistani-Americans are lower on the list, with median incomes of $69,100 and $66,200, respectively.

While the data Goenka shared appear to be from a 2013-15 American Community Survey, more recent numbers from 2019 also indicate the same thing: Indians leading from front.

How is median household income calculated?

Household income usually refers to the combined gross income of all members of a household above a specified age, according to Investopedia. The median is the middle number in a group. For example, if there are three incomes in one household of Rs 10,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000, in this case, median income is Rs 15,000.



Dominance of Indian-Americans in the US

In his first speech in the US House of Representatives, Rich McCormick urged for a streamlined immigration process. "I rise to this occasion to just appreciate my constituents, especially those who have immigrated from India. We have a very large portion of my community that's made up of almost 100,000 People who have immigrated directly from India," he said.

"One out of every five doctors in my community is from India. They represent some of the best citizens we have in America; we should make sure that we streamline the immigration process for those who come here to obey the law and pay their taxes."

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He added, "They are amongst the top producers, and they do not cause problems. They follow laws. They don't have the problems that we see other people have when they come to the emergency room for overdoses and depression anxiety because they're the most productive, most family oriented and the best of what represents American citizens. God bless my Indian constituents".



For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


Twitter is now X! In a rebranding exercise, owner Elon Musk and CEO Linda Yaccarino announced that Twitter would be renamed to "X" and offer more functionality than ever before as part of their vision to cre

X

ate an "everything app."





Is Twitter safe as X?

Even then, this rebranding could have legal issues. Many tech companies, including Meta and Microsoft have intellectual property rights to the same letter. As Reuters reported, X is widely used and cited in trademarks, making it a potential problem for X in the future.

Josh Gerben, a trademark attorney told Reuters that there's a "100% chance that Twitter is going to get sued over this by somebody." Gerben himself counted nearly 900 active US trademarks that cover the letter X in different industries.

On Monday, Elon Musk debuted the X branding - a black and white logo that represents the letter. In case consumer confusion is on the cards, owners of other X-related trademarks could claim infringement.



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Also read: Twitter Unveils Rebranding As 'X', An Everything App Powered By AI

Since 2003, Microsoft has owned an X trademark related to Xbox services; and Meta Platforms has owned a trademark since 2019 about a blue-and-white X for social media and software.

Even then, Meta and Microsoft would only feel compelled to sue if they felt that Twitter's X encroaches on their brand. If Big Tech companies do not sue X (Twitter), other parties could, considering how commercial the letter X is. Since there is nothing distinctive about it, protections associated with the logo could be restricted.

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Also read: Elon Musk's Vision For Twitter Unfolds As X Corp. Absorbs Twitter Inc. In Merger



Microsoft owns the trademark for video game-related services so Twitter could be in the clear. But Meta has the trademark for "online social networking services." Even then, it doesn't own the letter X or the current logo used by X. Only time will tell how the X saga unfolds.

What do you think about Twitter's new avatar? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.
In a heartwarming display of love and resilience, a groom named Preston Cobb, a decorated Iraq War veteran and a father of three, recently tied the knot with his fiancee, Tanesha, in the burn unit of a hospital in Georgia.

Preston's life took a tragic turn when he suffered a dreadful fall at work, leaving him with severe chemical burns and requiring the amputation of some fingers.

Despite facing immense challenges, the couple planned to get married on July 22, as they had initially intended, after getting engaged in September 2022.

Just weeks before their wedding, on June 30, Cobb endured a devastating fall into a chemical spill at his workplace, resulting in burns covering 32 percent of his body.

"I watched the skin from my elbow detach and just go to dust and crumble," Cobb said to Fox Carolina.

"I felt like that was going to be the end."

Following the harrowing accident that led to Cobb's severe injuries, he was urgently airlifted to the Augusta Burn ICU from his workplace, as stated on the family's Gofundme page.

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The chemical spill Cobb fell into had a scorching temperature of 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in extensive damage. Nine of his toes were lost, and doctors had to perform amputations on four fingers of his right hand and partially amputate four fingers on his left hand.



Cobb's physical injuries left him worried that his fiancee, Tanesha, might reconsider marrying him due to his changed appearance.

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He felt he was no longer the same person who had proposed to her, but to his relief, Tanesha's love remained steadfast, and she remained dedicated to marrying him despite his burns.

As Cobb embarked on the challenging road to recovery, the couple's wedding day drew nearer, and they were determined to proceed as planned.

While being cared for at the JMS Burn Center at Doctors Hospital, the couple openly discussed their wedding plans, catching the attention of nurse Mary Cook.

Moved by their unwavering commitment to marry on the original date, Cook and her fellow nurses and doctors organized a special ceremony in the burn center.

She surprised Cobb with the news, informing him they would get married on the 22nd as planned.

Filled with joy at the opportunity to have a positive experience amid the difficult circumstances, the couple wholeheartedly embraced the idea. Cook and the nursing team went above and beyond, arranging food, flowers, and even a DJ for the wedding, ensuring it was a memorable and beautiful occasion.

Despite Cobb's condition, he was overjoyed to marry the woman of his dreams, and the ceremony proceeded without a hitch.

The love and support displayed by the medical staff and the couple's unwavering commitment to each other made the wedding a touching testament to love's enduring power, even in the face of adversity.

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Former employees of Aritzia, the Canadian fashion giant, have recently come forward to shed light on the company's toxic work culture. According to their accounts, they endured an "exploitive" and intensely "high-pressure" environment, with some staff members experiencing disturbing incidents of racism.

These troubling allegations emerged as 53 current and former Aritzia employees shared their experiences with Business Insider.

Between 2005 and 2019, at least five employees who worked at Aritzia stores in Ontario, Canada, disclosed that they were asked to rate their colleagues based on their appearance.

The employees said, "Their managers asked them to rate their own or others appearance from one to 10 in daily huddles."

"Automatically, if youre skinny, youre not going to be below seven," one employee alleged.

Several staff members likened their experience working at Aritzia to enduring "psychological abuse," highlighting that the negative culture stemmed from the top-down, with founder Brian Hill being identified as a contributing factor.

An explosive Business Insider report delved into the tumultuous work environment at Aritzia, unveiling startling allegations against the company's founder, Brian Hill.

Some employees recounted incidents of Hill's explosive temper, including instances where he reportedly yelled and threw objects at workers, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation within the organization.

One particularly concerning incident involved Hill quizzing an employee about a pen and reacting aggressively when she provided the correct answer. Former employees' descriptions of such incidents highlighted a management style they compared to "psychological abuse."

In response to the report, a representative for Hill denied the allegations, asserting that he is an exacting CEO committed to fostering employee growth and career development.

They insisted that the accusations did not represent the corporate culture that Hill and his leadership group had created.



The report also highlighted shocking instances of racism experienced by some Black employees at Aritzia.

During the incident, one former employee alleged that her store manager physically assaulted her, using racial slurs. This employee subsequently filed a lawsuit against the company and the store manager.

Additionally, two other Black employees recounted being subjected to demeaning and racially insensitive remarks, with their store manager asking them to make coffee to match the color of their skin.

Jessica Porter and Candace Jerry asserted that they were assigned menial tasks not asked of their White counterparts, such as vacuuming, steaming, or taking clothes to the sales floor.

Representative Image

In response to these allegations, Aritzia's spokesperson denied racial bias in task assignments, asserting that the company does not assign tasks based on an employee's race.



The report has shed light on the troubling work environment and alleged instances of racism at Aritzia, prompting broader discussions about workplace culture and discrimination within the company.

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The allure of studying in the United States has captivated the aspirations of countless students worldwide. Renowned for its prestigious universities, cutting-edge research facilities, and vibrant campus life, the US remains a top destination for international students seeking a world-class education.

Each year, diverse young minds from all corners of the globe embark on a journey to pursue their academic dreams in the land of opportunity.

Masoud Jasbi, an assistant professor at the University of California, Davis, has sparked thought-provoking discussions on the internet. In an informative Twitter thread, he revealed the disheartening truth that visa officers' arbitrary decisions could shatter years of students' dedication and hard work.

Talented students, accepted into prestigious US universities, faced visa rejections due to subjective reasons like the officer not feeling a certain "vibe" for no apparent reason.

Labeling it as "cruelty," the professor pointed out that clauses like 214b are frequently employed as a "blank check" to reject students' visas. Jasbi initiated his tweet by stating,

"Im quite used to the cruelty students can face when they apply for a US visa, but this one broke me. We offered admission to a stellar, talented & hardworking student. After months of work and hundreds of dollars, an embassy officer saw him for 5 minutes & said no. Why? Short answer: no real reason."

Im quite used to the cruelty students can face when they apply for a US visa but this one broke me. We offered admission to a stellar, talented & hardworking student. After months of work and hundreds of dollars, an embassy officer saw him for 5 mins & said no. why?   Masoud (@linguistMasoud) July 23, 2023

Short answer: no real reason. But before I explain, let me briefly talk about what this student went through for more than a year to hear a 5 minute no. Forget about all the work of preparing an outstanding application that received unanimous praise from the members of the  Masoud (@linguistMasoud) July 23, 2023

Sharing an incident involving a student, the professor disclosed that the student faced rejection even after paying for "admissions fees, standardized tests, a visa application fee, a flight ticket to another country to attend the 5-minute visa interview (no US embassy in Iran), plus accommodation for the trip, etc."

admissions committee. Forget about all the filling forms and interviewing and emailing etc. He had to pay for admissions fees, standardized tests, visa application fee, flight ticket to another country to attend the 5 minute visa interview (no US  Masoud (@linguistMasoud) July 23, 2023

Masoud Jasbi says these expenses can quickly amount to a few thousand dollars, a significant sum when high-paying jobs in Iran only offer $200-300.

embassy in Iran) plus accommodation for the trip etc. This is easily a few thousand dollars. Do you know what the monthly salary of a high paying job in Iran is? $200-300!! Students dont have this type of money to throw away for a 5 minute no. And the reason for this no?  Masoud (@linguistMasoud) July 23, 2023

He was told that he did not prove he will go back to his country after his education is done (section 214b). Now you might say how does one even prove that? The state department says you need to show connections to your home country like having family members or a job or   Masoud (@linguistMasoud) July 23, 2023

Students can't afford to "throw away" such an amount for a mere 5-minute "no." And the reason behind this rejection?

In his explanation of how Section 214b is employed as a "blank check," the professor stated,

"There does not need to be any legitimate reason for it. Just that the officer was not getting the right vibes for whatever reason!"

After being admitted to a US college, students must demonstrate their intention to return to their home country during the visa process.

Typically, people prove this by showing family connections, jobs, or property in their homeland. However, students from underprivileged backgrounds may lack these proofs, making it challenging to establish their return intentions.

Unsplash

Concluding his remarks, the professor raised the question, "Moreover, if the US wants students to go back to their countries after graduation, then why does the law also have paths to jobs and residency like OPT after graduation? Does the US want good talent to stay in the US or not?! Can the government make up its mind?"



This level of engagement reflects the urgency and relevance of the issue raised by Masoud Jasbi, shedding light on the challenges faced by students in the US visa process.

The professor's insights have ignited a call for transparency and fairness in visa decisions, resonating with many who have experienced or witnessed similar struggles.

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A landmark bill lifting most restrictions on Greek citizens right to vote from abroad was approved by an enhanced majority of deputies in Parliament on Tuesday , with 208 MPs out of 300 approving the legislation
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has disclosed that the impression that the election umpire received funds from international development partners is a wrong one.

Yakubu disclosed this on Monday, at the Commissions meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the review of the 2023 general election.

Recall that, Phrank Shaibu, an aide to Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election, claimed that Federal Government received 39 million for the election.

FG got 39 million Euros from EU as funding for 2023 election. EU report says the election was rigged and FG is calling EU meddlesome interloper after collecting 39m euros.

You know you rigged. We wont beat you. We are in court. Just agree. There is honour even among robbers, he had said.

Reacting, the Chairman however said international partners did not directly contribute to the election.

Rather, their support was totally indirect through civil society organisations and implementing partners working on elections.

READ ALSO: 2023 Polls: INEC Helped My Case At The Election Tribunal  Peter Obi

Indeed, it has been a longstanding policy of the present commission not to receive direct funding and cash transfers from sources other than the federal government of Nigeria.

We hope that we shall continue to have this type of productive partnership with civil society and development partners in the future.

It is in furtherance of this partnership that the commission accredits observers because the feedback we receive, and their actionable recommendations have been very helpful to the electoral process.

For the 2023 general election, the commission received 538 requests (504 domestic and 34 foreign) for accreditation as observers, he said.

After a thorough evaluation of the requests, only 228 groups (190 domestic and 38 foreign) met the requirements for accreditation.

However, so far, only 67 observer groups (62 domestic and five foreign) have submitted their reports which represents just about 30% of the accredited groups for the election.

We urge all accredited observer groups that are yet to submit their reports to do so in earnest, Yakubu added.
A 39-year-old petrol attendant, Waliu Olamilekan has been arraigned at Badagry Magistrates Court in Lagos State for allegedly stealing of N3,464,000 at BFO filling station in Badagry.

The defendant of an unknown address is standing trial on a three-count charge of unlawful entry, malicious damage and stealing, for which he pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Inspector Ayodele Adeosun told the court that the defendant committed the offences on July 9, at about 11.30am at Pipeline, Araromi-Ale, Badagry Expressway, Lagos.

READ ALSO: N1bn Fraud: Court Orders Release Of Gandujes Ex-Commissioner, Saleh

Adeosun said the defendant allegedly broke into the office of the manager of the station, Mrs Titilope Falola, the complainant and made away with the money.

He damaged the burglary window valued at N45,000, the bulk room and the drawer of the Managers office.

The defendant also stole the sum of N3, 464,000 million, property of BFO Filling Station.

The Police recovered the stolen money from where he hid it.

The offences contravene Sections 307, 339 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, he said.

The Magistrate, Mr T.A Popoola, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1,000,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Popoola said one of the sureties should produce evidence of a statement of account worth N1m and three years of tax address verification.

She adjourned the case until August 21, for mention.
The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has granted bail to the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele in his alleged gun possession trial.

The presiding Judge, Justice Nicholas Oweibo released Emefiele on a N20million bail bond with one surety in the like sum.

READ ALSO: FG Files Fresh Charges Against Emefiele Over Illegal Possession Of Ammunitions

The judge made the order following the bankers not guilty to a two-count charge filed against him by the Federal Ministry of Justice.

He rejected the Federal Governments claim that Emefiele was a flight risk. The judge ruled that the government failed to provide any fact to support the claim.

Emefiele, 61, had filed the application through his team of counsel led by Chief Joseph Daudu, SAN, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association.
The Forum of Ward Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has endorsed former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, for the position of National Chairman of the party.

It was gathered that the endorsement was made public by the Director General of the Forum, Hon. Yakubu Ishaya, at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

Ishaya revealed that the forum unanimously endorsed Ganduje because he possesses all the qualities desired of a politician to fit in as APC National Chairman.

Ishaya, however, described Ganduje as a man of conscience who is responsible for most infrastructural development of Kano State.

According to Politics Nigeria, the chairmen were of the opinion that Ganduje being a party man who contributed significantly to the victory of President Bola Tinubu, believes in the ideology of Mr President and remains the best party man to step into the office as the National Chairman of APC.

Hon. Ishaya noted that the party should not be at variance with President Tinubu if it must make headway as a ruling party and a seating government.

The Director General posited that the APC is too sensitive to be left without a National Chairman, especially at this crucial time when the government is just being formed.

The Forum appreciated the Progressives Governors Forum for its effort in ensuring a repositioned APC through recommendations and attestation of Ganduje as the next National Chairman.

The forum also appealed to President Tinubu to endorse Abdullahi Ganduje as National Chairman of the party for a better tomorrow.

READ MORE: Gandollar: Kano APC Tells Ganduje To Disregard Anti-Graft Agency Invitation

Today, we, the grassroot Chairmen of the Party, unanimously endorsed His Excellency, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, the immediate past Governor of Kano State as APC National Chairman.

Ganduje has distinguished himself over the years. From being a civil servant, he became a local government chairman and subsequently elected Governor of Kano State Hon. Ishaya said.

It is indeed, an era of new beginning where the party must get it right or risk our continuous stay in power. We are grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leader of the APC worldwide and appeal to him to whole heartedly endorse Abdullahi Ganduje as National Chairman of our party for a better tomorrow, he added.
Suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele has pleaded not guilty before a Federal High Court sitting Lagos, to a charge of illegal possession of firearms.

Information Nigeria reports that Emefiele arrived the Court in the early hours of Tuesday (9:20am) for his alleged gun possession trial.

Emefiele is standing trial on a two-count charge of possessing a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a licence.

The Federal Government, which is prosecuting him, maintained that the offence was contrary to Section 4 of the Firearms Act, 2004, and punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.

In the second count, the suspended CBN Governor was accused of having in his possession 123 rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) without a licence, which was contrary to Section 8 of the Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.

Meanwhile, the Lagos Court rejected the Federal Governments claim that it had not received a copy of the bail application filed by Emefiele, in his alleged gun possession trial.

In a short ruling on the issue, Justice Nicholas Oweibo held that there was evidence that the government was served.

The bail application was filed by Emefieles lawyers led by Joseph Dauda (SAN).

READ ALSO: DSS Merely Holding Emefiele On Behalf Of Cabals, Has Nothing To Do With His Crimes  Sowore

Dauda had asked the court to hear the application seeking bail on self recognizance, noting that his client had fulfilled all the conditions necessary to make the application ripe for hearing.

He furthered that the proof of service endorsed by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) was in the courts file.

The lawyer also asked the court to end the oppression of his client by the Department of State Security (DSS) which arrested him and hear the bail application.

There should be an end to oppression, Dauda said.

However, FGs lawyer, a Deputy Director of Prosecution, Nkiru Jones-Nebo, told Oweibo that she had not set eyes on the application as there is currently no AGF in the country after the tenure of the last administration lapsed.

We have scrutinised even through the agency the defendant is been detained but we could not find any.

I have not set my eye on this application. I am yet to receive and after we receive it, we would want to respond to it.

With due respect to the court we are seeking for a date to enable us respond both to the issues of law and the facts contained in the application which I am just seeing this morning, she said.

The arguments prompted Justice Oweibo to write a ruling where he dismissed the FGs objections.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has rearrested Godwin Emefiele, the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Emefieles re-arrest occurred on the premises of a Federal High Court in Lagos sitting in Ikoyi after Justice Nicholas Oweibo admitted that the embattled apex bank chief to bail in the sum of the N20m.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the judge also ordered that Emefiele be remanded at the correctional center pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions.

Shortly after the ruling, DSS operatives positioned their Hilux Pick Up van that was used Toyota bring Emefiele to court, in a manner suggesting that they wanted to take him back to their detention centre.

READ MORE: Alleged Gun Possession: Court Grants Emefiele N20m Bail

This prompted Emefieles lead counsel, Joseph Daudu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and other lawyers to raise an alarm about their clients planned re-arrest by the secret police.

After the court ruling, the suspended CBN governor holed up inside the courtroom with his lawyers.

However, when the prison officials moved to take Emefiele into custody pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions, the secret police challenged them and it led to a fight.

Amid the clash, Emefieles lawyers reluctantly allowed the DSS disobey court order and take custody of their client to avoid a gun battle.

The prison officials then exited the court in their vehicle and the DSS took charge.

At exactly 03:03pm, DSS operatives led the suspended CBN governor out of the courtroom into their waiting vehicle.
The Enugu State Government on Monday sealed shops in major markets across the state that refused to do business in observance of the sit-at-home order of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

This comes after last weeks warning by Governor Peter Mbah that businesses in the state should open for business or risk being sealed.

It was gathered that the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia had issued a statement on Saturday, reminded residents and business concerns in the state that the ban on the illegal Monday sit-at-home order remains effective.

He said, Given this, civil servants, schools, markets, financial institutions, business premises, and others, are hereby directed to resume normal activities on Monday.

Government restates its resolve to apply sanctions against defaulters of its cancellation of the illegal Monday sit-at-home order in the state. READ MORE: Sit-At-Home: South-West Not Part Of Biafra Republic- Gani Adams Warns IPOB Markets that fail to open to customers on Monday shall be shut down indefinitely. Shops in the markets that close on Monday shall be sealed and re-allocated to those eager to do business in the state. Government extends the same warning of sanctions against schools, financial institutions, shopping malls, department stores, business premises, and others that may defy its directive.

Meanwhile, Chidiebere was seeing on Monday, leading the team from the Enugu State Capital Territory Development Authority, noted that the operation was aimed at demonstrating seriousness on the part of the government.

He added that it was to support those that showed their willingness to comply with the government directives.
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, has approved multi-billion naira palliative to alleviate the effect of the petrol subsidy removal across different demographics in the State.

Recall that in June, the State Government announced working days as three times a week owing to the high transportation rate occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal

However, the directive was suspended due to an advisory from the National Economic Council (NEC).

Abdulrazaq, in a statement on Monday, revealed he approved the palliatives in line with NECs new advisory for states to design their own independent responses to neutralise the effects of the recent removal of petrol subsidy.

According to him, one of the palliatives is a cash support of N10,000 for every public servant in the State, beginning in July, which would last till a new minimum wage is introduced.

I have similarly approved the payment of new hazard and skipping allowances, and 100 percent CONMESS for consultants and medical doctors under our governments payroll.

Nurses working for the state government will also enjoy a new regime of allowances. The essence is to check the attrition rate in the health sector, and attract and retain medics and specialists to provide improved, qualitative healthcare services for the people of the state.

In the next few days, modalities for occasional distribution of food to poor and most vulnerable households would be activated.

READ ALSO: We Cant Fuel Our Patrol Vehicles Anymore  FCT Police Laments Fuel Price Hike

This shall be nonpartisan and would be coordinated by a government team to be supported by respected stakeholders who would get inputs from traditional rulers, religious bodies, market leaders, trade unionists, and community-based organisations to generate the lists of beneficiaries and disburse accordingly.

The Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) will also activate N500 million worth of conditional support for petty traders and MSMEs in the state.

To boost farming, outputs and food security in the state, our government will pay to receive fertilisers and grains from the federal government. Modalities for the handling of these will be made available later, the statement read.

The governor also said he approved the extension of free bus rides for students of tertiary institutions and the continuation of the three-day work schedule.

The whole idea of these interventions is to show empathy and deploy as much resources as the state can afford to support the people at this special time.

Meanwhile, our government will be setting up a committee to interface with marketers on the need to curb extortionist tendencies as seen in the arbitrary fixing of prices of foodstuff. This practice imposes hardship on everyone.

I identify with his excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strong commitment to sustainable economic reforms and the well-being of the Nigerian people. I believe that the current discomforts are just like the pains that precede the joyful birth of a child, the governor added.
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has asked the Federal Government to include members of the union in the proposed palliatives to cushion the economic hardship occasioned by the petrol subsidy removal.

Recall that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration earlier proposed the payment of N8,000 monthly to 12 million households to cushion the hardship caused by the subsidy removal.

However, after criticisms of it being unsustainable, Tinubu ordered an immediate review of the cash transfer.

Godwin Abumisi, NUPs President, at a press conference in Abuja, said, including members of the Union in the plan is important owing to their vulnerability.

The NUP wishes to categorically state and remind the federal government that pensioners must be included in the planned palliatives package, being one of the low-income earners in the country.

There is no gainsaying that the removal of the fuel subsidy has further impoverished and pauperised the vulnerable Nigeria pensioners like other vulnerable group of persons in our society who are always struggling and battling for survival.

We believe that if the proposed palliatives are religiously implemented to the letter on record time devoid of the usual bureaucratic bottlenecks, it will go a long way to calm down frayed nerves of the obvious angry Nigerians, Abumisi said.

According to him, for the government to achieve its objective of cash transfer to the poor, it must consider the involvement and participation of organised unions.

READ ALSO: 529 Out Of 734 Foreign Trained Doctors, Dentists Failed Our Medical Exam  MDCN

The unions, he said, would have the records of their members resident in both urban and rural areas.

The leaders of the unions/bodies who are very visible could be easily held responsible and accountable in the event of any infractions or shortchanging of their members in accessing such funds.

Pensioners across the board must also be considered for the proposed six months tax-free payment to public servants for six months as well as the payment of all outstanding liabilities to public/civil servants, he added.

He said the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) pensioners under Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) are being owed various pension liabilities, including the 2015 pension increment which the union has been consistently pressing for.

The President who noted that members under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), have been short-changed by 15 percent of the 2007 pension review, added that, 33 percent of the 2010 pension review was also short-changed.

He also furthered that there was an omission of the 2015 pension review and the consequential adjustment of 2019.

Abumisi called on the Federal Government to ensure that whenever there is an upward review of salaries of civil servants, pensions should be reviewed alongside.

We believe whole-heartedly that if the above pension reviews are paid to our members as part of the proposed palliatives, it will go a long way to ameliorate the living conditions of our members.

We also call on the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress to always carry NUP along in the negotiation for any salary for workers in the country, he added
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has slammed the report of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) in Nigeria on the 2023 general elections.

It was gathered that the reports, presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on June 27, highlighted enduring systemic weaknesses in the elections, which some stakeholders, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party, have claimed were not credible.

However, the National Chairman of the council, Yabagi Sani, while addressing pressmen in Abuja on Monday, insisted that INEC performed well within its human resource and infrastructural constraints by introducing technology in its operations.

READ MORE: European Union Has No Substantial Evidence To Discredit 2023 Polls  Presidency

Sani added that after a careful study of the report, some of the outcomes in the election attest to the benefits of increased usage and efficient deployment of technology in the conduct of the elections.

The council argued that the elections produced the most diverse legislature since 1999 with nine of the 18 political parties winning legislative seats (seven in the Senate, eight in the House of Representatives, and nine in the state houses of assembly).
A Nigerian national based in Brazil, Ernest Nnajuiba Ukechukwu has been convicted for attempting to smuggle a significant quantity of cocaine into Ghana.

The search revealed a staggering 16568.83 grams of cocaine concealed in his belongings.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the Acting Director, Public Affairs and International Relations of Ghanas Narcotics Control Commission, Francis Opoku Amoah, in a statement on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, said Ukechukwu was arrested at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra.

Ukechukwu was sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in hard labour on July 13, and charged with a fine of Ten thousand penalty units, of which he will serve three additional years in default.

The convict was arrested by NACOC officials at the arrival hall of the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on 11 December 2022 when he was going through arrival formalities.

Officials picked him up as part of their daily routine where his narrations were found to be distorting, leading to further checks on his luggage, revealing the concealed consignment in his bag.

READ MORE: NDLEA Intercepts Drug Lord While Giving Mule 93 Cocaine Wraps To Swallow In Lagos Hotel

Mr. Ukechukwu was charged with six counts of narcotic offences relating to the importation and possession of drugs, without lawful authority.

He was arraigned before the Criminal Court Division of the Accra High Court, where he pleaded guilty to all six counts and was consequently convicted on his plea by the court presided over by Her Lordship Mary Ekue Yanzuh.

The Court also ordered the destruction of the exhibit which was carried out the same day by the investigators of NACOC in the presence of the court Registrar, State prosecutors, and the defense counsel at about 1433hrs.

The Commission reiterates its commitment to upholding its mandate to protect the public from the trade and usage of illegal narcotics to maintain public safety, hence the facilitation of the sentencing, NACOC said in the statement.

The possession, use, and transportation of illicit drugs without lawful authorization are still illegal and punishable under sections 40 (1) and 41 (1) of the Narcotics Control Commission Act 2020, (Act 1019)
The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin has promised free supply of grains to African countries across several spheres to tackle food insecurity and deepen relations with African countries.

Putin made this known on Monday in a statement themed Russia and Africa: Joining Efforts for Peace, Progress and a Successful Future ahead of the second Russia-Africa Summit and Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum.

The Summits scheduled to hold on July 27 and July 28 in St. Petersburg, Russia, seek to strengthen relations between Russia and Africa, outlining priority cooperation areas for the coming decades of the 21st century.

Putin stated that Russia attaches great importance to the Summits, with expectations of adopting a comprehensive Declaration, a number of joint statements and approval of the extension of the Russia  Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan to 2026.

READ ALSO: President Tinubu Declares State Of Emergency On Food Security

According to Putin, Russia has strong, deep roots, with Russias support to African countries in education, infrastructure, power, health, defense and security, among others, since the times of the Soviet Union until the present day.

This is also as he pledged Russias continuous and free supply of grain to the continent to tackle food insecurity in some countries of Africa, understanding the importance of uninterrupted food supplies for the socio-economic development and political stability of the African states.

Putin, however, noted that Russia would be boycotting the grain deal it hitherto facilitated, which ended on July 18, for the failure of the deal to meet humanitarian purposes and supply the grains to Africa free of charge.

The Kremlins leader faulted the implementation of the grain deal, asserting that none of the deal provisions relating to the exemption from sanctions of Russian grain and fertiliser exports to world markets were fulfilled.

On this basis, we have always paid great attention to issues related to the supply of wheat, barley, maize and other crops to African countries.

We have done so both on a contractual basis and free of charge as humanitarian aid, including through the United Nations Food Programme.

I want to give assurances that our country is capable of replacing the Ukrainian grain both on a commercial and free-of-charge basis, especially as we expect another record harvest this year.

Notwithstanding the sanctions, Russia will continue its energetic efforts to provide supplies of grain, food products, fertilisers and other goods to Africa.

We highly value and will further develop the full spectrum of economic ties with Africawith individual states as well as regional integration associations and, naturally, with the African Union.

We welcome this organisations strategic course towards further economic integration and the formation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

We are ready to build pragmatic, mutually beneficial relations, including within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union.

We are also willing to step up cooperation with other regional integration organisations on the continent, Putin stated.

On deepening relations with Africa, Putin stated that Russia has always strictly adhered to the African solutions to African problems principle, standing in solidarity with Africans in their struggle for self-determination, justice and their legitimate rights.

We stand for granting African countries their rightful place in the structures that determine the worlds fate, including the UN Security Council and the G20, as well as for reforming the global financial and trade institutions in a way that meets their interests.

Regrettably, we see that the situation in the world today is far from stable. The long-standing conflicts that exist in nearly every region are deepening, and new threats and challenges are emerging, Putin added.

Putin also stated that in keeping with the existing tradition, Russia intends to continue providing assistance to African states in building their national human resource capacity.

He stated that there are currently about 35,000 students from the continent in Russia, with more than 6,000 of them receiving Russian government scholarships.

The Russian President noted that each year the country increases the number of scholarships, promotes paid higher education options and facilitates inter-university ties, which have gained significant momentum in recent times.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that President Bola Tinubu would be represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Summit.

A large delegation of Nigerians from the government, private, business sectors would also be represented at the Summit.
Senators, particularly those who came from the ninth assembly, have demanded an apology from their colleague, Adams Oshiomhole, over allegations of vandalism and looting levelled against them.

The lawmaker representing Edo North had said on Channels Televisions Politics Today on Sunday, that members of the 9th National Assembly carted away items in their various offices, including rugs.

According to him, most of the federal lawmakers in the 10th National Assembly used their personal money to put their offices in shape.

In spite of the presence of security men and women, television sets, carpets, and chairs were looted by the immediate past senators and House of Representatives members.

The former lawmakers left their offices in shambles with holes in the walls, which had to be fixed by serving lawmakers from their pockets, Oshiomhole had said.

However, on Tuesday, Senator Adeola Solomon Olamilekan(Ogun West), at the plenary, moved a motion demanding an apology from the former Edo State Governor.

Solomon noted that the comment was an embarrassment to the lawmakers and that his privilege had been abused.

My privilege has been abused. A senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria went on National TV and told the whole world that the lawmakers of the ninth Assembly, which I was a part of, looted equipment from their offices.

READ ALSO: Gov. Abdulrazaq Approves N10,000 Monthly Palliative For Kwara Public Servants

We all know that there is no way that a senator or their aides can take a pin out of the National Assembly without being accounted for.

Each of the items was checked and legally passed and those amounts are deducted from severance packages.

I hereby demand that the senator should apologise to the House or be made to face the Ethics and Privilege Committee, Solomon said.

Adeola was however seconded and supported by Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central).

Amid uproar, Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District and former Senate Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume raised a counter point of order and demanded that the red chamber be dissolved into an executive session, saying that the matter was sensitive.

Some Senators at this point felt embarrassed and shouted, asking that the matter be discussed in full glare of journalists.

But, when the motion to go into closed door session was put to voice vote, Senators opted that the matter be discussed in plenary by voting nay.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, at this point called on Oshiomhole to approach the chair.

After a brief talk with Oshiomhole, Akpabio called on Oshiomhole to state his own side of the matter.

Having been given the opportunity to narrate his position, Oshiomhole apologized and said he actually defended the immediate past Senators, instead.
The Trade Union Congress has described the Federal Governments directive to State Governors to draw plans on the palliatives to cushion the impact of petrol subsidy removal as empty policy laced with lies.

Festus Osifo, President of the Union, at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, said the congress does not trust the process.

He also urged the government not to worsen the citizens suffering with the proposed increases in electricity tariff and tuition fees of unity schools and tertiary institutions.

If you listen to the Nigerians Governors Forum, they invited us for meetings and we made our case known to them. Theres nothing specific about the palliative. They said each state should go back and look at what they can do, thats not how to lead. Theres nothing concrete, theres nothing we can hold them accountable for.

If youre coming out to say each state should pay a certain amount of money as wage award or each state should give some categories of workers tax relief, we can hold you accountable on that and not saying each state should go and do according to their purse.

READ ALSO: Nigeria Sitting On A Keg Of Gun Powder, Weve Disappointed Africa, World  Obasanjo

What they must bring to the table must be specific and measurable and must be done transparently. For us, anything called palliative must be things we can verify and not something that you will promise us and at the end of the day you will not implement.

We all remember during COVID-19 when palliatives were in warehouses and people were dying on the streets. We do not trust the process. The governors forum should do better. Theyre talking about mass transits, how many are they bringing up? Let them tell us and well empower our state councils to follow up, Osifo said.

He also restated the congress opposition to the proposed 7.5 percent VAT on diesel as well as privatization of medical centres and teaching hospitals.

Osifo however commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the suspension of the excise duty on telecom. This suspension is for six months. We think it should be scrapped completely. Nigerians will bear the brunt if introduced. It must be scrapped. Its of no essence.

He further urged the President to address the insecurity in Plateau State and other parts of the country.
Operatives of the Adamawa State Police Command have arrested three persons for allegedly gang raping a 15-year-old girl in Mayo Belwa Local government Area.

The Commands Spokesperson, SP Suleiman Nguroje confirmed the incident in a statement released in Yola on Tuesday.

The suspects identified as Hassan Nasir, 25, a resident of Sabon Pegi Ngurore, Yola South Local Government Area, Uzairu Dan Fulani, 25, a resident of Gasabga ward Mayo belwa, yola South local government Area and Yahaya Edward, 26, a resident of Sabon Pegi, Ngurore, Yola South Local government Area of the state.

READ ALSO: 53-Year-Old Woman Allegedly Raped To Death On Her Farm In Abia, Six Suspects Arrested

The police said the suspects lured the girl who boarded a tricycle from Mayo Belwa to Ngurore where they diverted behind Cottage Hospital in Mayo -Belwa and forcefully dragged her into a certain house and had an unlawful carnal knowledge of her without her consent.

The incident was reported to the Divisional Police Headquarters, Mayo Belwa by a relative of the victim which resulted to their arrest.

The suspects abducted the girl on July 20 when she boarded a tricycle from Mayo Belwa to Ngurore.

The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Adamawa, Afolabi Babatola, has ordered a thorough investigation into the crime with a view to prosecute the perpetrators, he said.

Nguroje called on the general public to be vigilant, report any suspicious activity to the police and key into the commands effort towards fighting all forms of Gender-Based Violence.
Over the last decade, weve witnessed organizations of all sizes adopt containers to power the great lift and shift to the cloud. Looking ahead to the next decade, we see a new trend emerging, one dominated by distributed operations. Organizations are struggling to meet their goals for performance, regulation compliance, autonomy, privacy, cost, and security, all while attempting to take intelligence from data centers to the edge.

How, then, can engineers optimize their development methodologies to smooth the journey to the edge? The answer could lie with the WebAssembly (Wasm) Component Model. As developers begin creating Wasm component libraries, they will come to think of them as the world's largest crate of Legos. In the past, we brought our data to our compute. Now we are entering an age where we take our compute to our data.

What do we mean by the edge?

There are many different definitions of edge computing. Some see it as the near edge, i.e. a data center positioned near a user. Sometimes it means the CDN edge. Some imagine devices at the far edge, i.e. IoT devices or sensors in resource-constrained environments. When we think of the edge, and how it relates to WebAssembly (Wasm), we mean the device that the user is currently interacting with. That could be their smartphone, or it could be their car, or it could be a train or a plane, even the humble web browser. The edge means the ability to put on-demand computational intelligence in the right place, at the right time.

Cosmonic Figure 1. Applications in Cosmonic run on any edge from public clouds to users at the far edge.

According to NTTs 2023 Edge Report, nearly 70% of enterprises are fast-tracking edge adoption to gain a competitive edge (pun intended) or tackle critical business issues. Its easy to see why. The drive to put real-time, rewarding experiences on personal devices is matched by the need to put compute power directly into manufacturing processes and industrial appliances.

Fast-tracking edge adoption makes commercial sense. In delivering mobile-first architectures and personalized user experiences, we reduce latency and improve performance, accuracy, and productivity. Most importantly, we deliver world-class user experiences at the right time and in the right place. Fast emerging server-side standards, like WASI and the WebAssembly Component Model, allow us to deliver these outcomes in edge solutions more quickly, with more features and at a lower cost.

A path to abstraction

Over the last 20 years, we have made enormous progress in abstracting common complexities out of the development experience. Moving these layers to standardized platforms means that, with each wave of innovation, we have simplified the effort, reduced time-to-market, and increased the pace of innovation.

Cosmonic Figure 2. Epochs of technology.

VMs decoupled operating systems from specific machines, ushering in the era of the public cloud. We stopped relying on expensive data centers and the complicated processes that came with them. As the need grew to simplify the deployment and management of operating environments, containers emerged, bringing the next level of abstraction. As monolithic architectures became microservices, Kubernetes paved the way to run applications in smaller, more constrained environments.

Kubernetes is great at orchestrating large clusters of containers, at scale, across distributed systems. Its smaller, sibling orchestratorsK3s, KubeEdge, MicroK8s, MicroShifttake this a step further, allowing containers to run in smaller footprints. There are some famous use cases, such as those of the USAF and International Space Station. Can you run Kubernetes on a single device? Absolutely. Can you push it down to pretty small devices? Yes. But, as companies are finding, there is a point where the price of operating Kubernetes exceeds the value extracted.

Kubernetes challenges at the edge

In the military, we might describe the constraints of mobile architecture using the language of size, weight, and powerSWaP for short. At a certain scale, Kubernetes works well at the edge. However, what if we want to run applications on Raspberry Pis or on personal devices?

Its possible to optimize Docker containers, but even the smallest, most optimized container would sit somewhere around 100 MB to 200 MB. Standard Java-based containerized applications often run in the gigabytes of memory per instance. This might work for airplanes but, even here, Kubernetes is resource-hungry. By the time you bring everything needed to operate Kubernetes onto your jet, 30% to 35% of that device's resources are occupied just in operating the platform, never mind doing the job for which its intended.

Devices that return to a central data center, office, or maintenance facility may have the bandwidth and downtime to perform updates. However, true forward-deployed mobile devices may be only intermittently connected via low bandwidth connections, or difficult to service. Capital assets like ships, buildings, and power infrastructure may be designed with a service life of 25 to 50 years  its hard to imagine shipping complex containers full of statically compiled dependencies.

What this means is, at the far edge, on sensors and devices, Kubernetes is too large for the resource constraints, even at its lowest denominator. When bringing devices onto a ship, an airplane, a car, or a watch, the size, weight, and power constraints are too limited for Kubernetes to overcome. So companies are seeking more lightweight and agile ways to effectively deliver capabilities to these places.

Even highly optimized and minimized containers can have cold start times measured in seconds. Real-time applications (messaging apps, streaming services, and multiplayer games, for instance), i.e. those that must respond to a round trip request in less than 200 milliseconds to feel interactive, require containerized applications to be running idle before requests arrive at the data center. This cost is compounded across each application, multiplied by the number of Kubernetes regions you operate. In each region youll have your applications pre-deployed and scaled to meet expected demand. This lower bound problem of Kubernetes means that even highly optimized Kubernetes deployments often operate with extensive idle capacity.

The high cost of container management

Containers bring many benefits to the technology infrastructure, but they do not solve the serious overhead of managing the applications inside those containers. The most expensive part of operating Kubernetes is the cost of maintaining and updating boilerplate or non-functional code  software that is statically compiled and included in each application/container at build time.

Layers of a container are combined with application binaries that, typically, include imported code, replete with vulnerabilities, frozen at compile time. Developers, hired to deliver new application features, find themselves in the role of boilerplate farming. What this means is, to stay secure and compliant with security and regulatory guidelines, they must constantly patch the non-functional code that comprises 95% of the average application or microservice.

The issue is particularly acute at scale. Adobe recently discussed the high cost of operating Kubernetes clusters at the 2023 Cloud Native WebAssembly Day in Amsterdam. Senior Adobe engineers Colin Murphy and Sean Isom shared, A lot of people are running Kubernetes, but when you run this kind of multi-tenant setup, while its operationally excellent, it can be very expensive to run.

As is often the case, when organizations find common cause they collaborate together on open source software. In Adobes case, they have joined WebAssembly platform as a service (PaaS) provider Cosmonic, BMW, and others to adopt CNCF wasmCloud. With wasmCloud, they have collaborated to build an application runtime around WebAssembly to enable them to simplify the application life cycle. With Adobe, they have leveraged wasmCloud to bring Wasm together with their multi-tenant Kubernetes estate to deliver features faster and at lower cost.

Wasm advantages at the edge

As the next major technical abstraction, Wasm aspires to address the common complexity inherent in the management of the day-to-day dependencies embedded into every application. It addresses the cost of operating applications that are distributed horizontally, across clouds and edges, to meet stringent performance and reliability requirements.

Wasms tiny size and secure sandbox mean it can be safely executed everywhere. With a cold start time in the range of 5 to 50 microseconds, Wasm effectively solves the cold start problem. It is both compatible with Kubernetes while not being dependent upon it. Its diminutive size means it can be scaled to a significantly higher density than containers and, in many cases, it can even be performantly executed on demand with each invocation. But just how much smaller is a Wasm module compared to a micro-K8s containerized application?

An optimized Wasm module is typically around 20 KB to 30 KB in size. When compared to a Kubernetes container (usually a couple of hundred MB), the Wasm compute units we want to distribute are several orders of magnitude smaller. Their smaller size decreases load time, increases portability, and means that we can operate them even closer to users.

The WebAssembly Component Model

Applications that operate across edges often run into challenges posed by the sheer diversity of devices encountered there. Consider streaming video to edge devices. There are thousands of unique operating systems, hardware, and version combinations on which to scale your application performantly. Teams today solve this problem by building different versions of their applications for each deployment domain  one for Windows, one for Linux, one for Mac, just for x86. Common components are sometimes portable across boundaries, but they are plagued by subtle differences and vulnerabilities. Its exhausting.

The WebAssembly Component Model allows us to separate our applications into contract-driven, hot-swappable components that platforms can fulfill at runtime. Instead of statically compiling code into each binary at build time, developers, architects, or platform engineers may choose any component that matches that contract. This enables the simple migration of an application across many clouds, edges, services, or deployment environments without altering any code.

What this means is that platforms like wasmCloud can load the most recent and up-to-date versions of a component at runtime, saving the developer from costly application-by-application maintenance. Furthermore, different components can be connected at different times and locations depending on the context, current operating conditions, privacy, security, or any other combination of factors  all without modifying your original application. Developers are freed from boilerplate farming, freed up to focus on features. Enterprises can compound these savings across hundreds, even thousands, of applications.

The WebAssembly Component Model supercharges edge efforts as applications become smaller, more portable and more secure-by-default. For the first time, developers can pick and choose pieces of their application, implemented in different languages, as different value propositions, to suit more varied use cases.

You can read more about the WebAssembly Component Model in InfoWorld here.

Wasm at the consumer edge

These fast-emerging standards are already revolutionizing the way we build, deploy, operate, and maintain applications. On the consumer front, Amazon Prime Video has been working with WebAssembly for 12 months to improve the update process for more than 8,000 unique device types including TVs, PVRs, consoles, and streaming sticks. This manual process would require separate native releases for each device which would adversely affect performance. Having joined the Bytecode Alliance (the representative body for the Wasm community), the company has replaced JavaScript with Wasm within selected elements of the Prime Video app.

With Wasm, the team was able to reduce average frame times from 28 to 18 milliseconds, and worst-case frame times from 45 to 25 milliseconds. Memory utilization, too, was also improved. In his recent article, Alexandru Ene reports that the investment in Rust and WebAssembly has paid off: After a year and 37,000 lines of Rust code, we have significantly improved performance, stability, and CPU consumption and reduced memory utilization.

Wasm at the development edge

One thing is certain... WebAssembly is already being rapidly adopted from core public clouds all the way to end user edges, and everywhere in between. The early adopters of WebAssembly  including Amazon, Disney, BMW, Shopify, and Adobe  are already demonstrating the phenomenal power and adaptability of this new stack.
Friends of the Tanner House gather outside 2908 W. Diamond St., former home of Henry O. Tanner, the first African American artist to gain international acclaim. Shown above are Justin Spivey (second from left), an engineer with Wiss, Janney, Elstner, and Friends members Christopher R. Rogers, Judith Robinson and Deborah Gary. The G & R Contractors started work on the first phase of the project Tuesday. Read more

Stacks of lumber were placed on the sidewalk outside the Tanner House Tuesday morning, and workers went inside to assess the immediate damages they need to address to begin stabilizing the historic Henry O. Tanner House in North Philadelphia.

Workers hammered at the boarded up placards outside the basement, and members of the Friends of the Tanner House gathered early in the morning to witness the start of the work.

The work began 17 months to the day since the Friends of the Tanner House launched their initial campaign on Feb. 25, 2022, to raise money to stabilize the childhood home of the internationally acclaimed artist, Henry Ossawa Tanner. The house is a National Historic Landmark.

What may have seemed like a futile effort to some didnt stop the Friends group from securing partnerships and financial support to save the house, at 2908 W. Diamond St., in Strawberry Mansion. The artists father, Bishop Benjamin Tucker Tanner, a leader in the national African Methodist Episcopal Church, bought the home in 1872.

Rene Romero, owner of G & R Contractors, said work permits were approved last Thursday and the first day of work on Tuesday was mainly to make an assessment of what needs to be done first.

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He spoke with Justin Spivey, an engineer with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, who was on site Tuesday, about how to best proceed. Romero said his workers would start in the basement first to stabilize the interior walls that are buckling and will eventually work their way up to replace the roof.

He said the stabilization work, which he described as a make safe project, should take about four months. The citys Department of Licenses and Inspections declared the house unsafe in August 2021.

Since then, after an Inquirer story was published in 2021, the Friends of the Tanner House gained partnerships with the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, which acts as a fiduciary agent for their fundraising campaign, and with the Center for the Preservation of Civil Rights Sites at the University of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts also hosted a fundraiser.

Just last month, the City of Philadelphia pledged $150,000 to support the preservation efforts, and the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, awarded a $100,000 grant to the Friends of the Tanner House.

 READ MORE: Once the center of the Black intellectual community in Philadelphia, the Henry O. Tanner House could be demolished

Christopher R. Rogers and Judith Robinson, the two co-directors of the Friends of the Tanner House, and Deborah Gary, cofounder of the Society to Preserve Philadelphia African American Assets (SPPAAA), in addition to being a founding member of the FOTH, were there Tuesday morning.

We started a conversation together in December 2021, setting forward a strategy to do something about this deteriorating National Historic Landmark. Since then, weve amassed close to $450,000 in commitments to not only work on rehabilitating the Tanner House, but setting the foundation for a powerful, cultural [nonprofit] to sustain and explore Black heritage in North Philadelphia, Rogers said Tuesday.

Our work is far from done. But its important we name our benchmarks to inspire others that this is possible for our communities.
Eight-year-old Chase Anderson (right) runs Da Cooler Boyz, a water ice business, along with his brother Sebastian (left) and his mom Breonna. Read more

Like many Philadelphians, Chase Anderson loves a cool water ice on a hot day. In fact, he likes the frozen treat so much that he decided to make and sell his own.

So he launched a business  when he was 6 years old.

Two years later, 8-year-old Chase is the proprietor of Da Cooler Boyz, a fast-growing, homemade water ice business based out of his home in North Philadelphia.

Since the companys start, things have taken off.

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According to both Chase and his mother, Breonna Anderson, Da Cooler Boyz has had hundreds of gigs so far this year, supplying unique flavors like passion fruit, sour apple, and Swedish fish to both children and adults.

Theyve sold their product at fire stations, summer camps, birthday parties, and other events in multiple states.

It makes me feel so good to give people water ice. I love it. Its kind of my thing, Chase told 6ABC earlier this year.

Chase balances this hectic business schedule with school, camp, and other outside activities. He gets help from younger brother Sebastian and. of course, his mom.

Sensing his passion, Breonna  who holds a full-time job at Philadelphia International Airport  spends most of her spare time assisting Chase with buying ingredients (which includes dry ice for storage), mixing up new batches, delivering product, serving water ice, and answering questions.

When your child is starting or running a business, my main advice is to be encouraging, Breonna said.

Sometimes you have some trials and you have some errors and you also have some frustration along the way. You have to believe in what theyre doing and be as supportive as you can, Breonna said.

Breonna says one of the biggest  and most unexpected  demands on her time is maintaining their social media accounts.

Just keeping up with all these accounts and making sure that our posts contain the right details takes longer than I thought, she said.

Its important because thats where we get most of our customers and Chase is very particular about being accurate and making the presentation of our photos look nice, she said.

Breonna is also teaching Chase about how much time is required to run Da Cooler Boyz, reminding him that operating a business and meeting commitments is a responsibility.

Sometimes I kind of feel lazy and just want to sit back and relax, Chase said. But my mom has taught me that you have to do stuff even that you dont like doing or want to do because its good for the business.

An important part of ensuring Da Cooler Boyzs success is complying with local business regulations.

In 2021, Pennsylvanias legislature passed a law that exempts any business operated by a minor under age 18, open for less than 84 days in a calendar year, and generates less than $5,000 in profit from any licensing, permit or health rules.

New Jersey has a similar law.

Da Cooler Boyz is a great story and we want to do everything we can to help young entrepreneurs succeed, said Karen Fegely, Philadelphias Deputy Commerce Director.

Fegely, though, acknowledges that even with the state exemption the citys licensing and permit rules can be complex as a business grows or hires people, so she encourages parents to proactively reach out by phone or email to the Commerce Department for assistance.

Were available to talk parents through whatever questions they have, Fegely said. Regardless of your companys size or the age of your child, there are things to be aware of and we want people to know what theyre getting into and to know when permits or licenses may be needed in the future.

Breonna takes care to get permits and insurance for every event where Da Cooler Boyz sells water ice and brings along a copy to display for customers.

Breonna says she gives Chase full control over the money hes earning  with limits. She keeps a close eye on the funds and requires him to save most of whats earned. She also checks with Chase before booking any event to make sure he wants to do it.

Anytime I think he feels overwhelmed or things are becoming too much, we step back, she said. But that hasnt happened yet. Every time he goes to parties or events he gets excited because the people are excited, so hes really enjoying it.

Both Breonna and Chase have felt from the beginning that Da Cooler Boyz isnt just about earning profits. Its also about giving something back to their community.

Theyre donating money, product, and time to a back to school drive in late August that aims to give away 800 book bags as well as uniform vouchers to parents and guardians of school children in Philadelphia.

According to Breonna, seeing her son achieve his dreams has been the true reward of all their hard work.

Every day Im amazed by Chase and happy that hes so passionate about what hes doing.

Gene Marks is the founder and president of the Marks Group, a small-business consulting firm based in Bala Cynwyd.
This introduction is rated X: No one under the name of Elon Musk will be admitted. Seriously, if the worlds richest man wanted to spend $44 billion to utterly destroy The Website Formerly Known As Twitter  bizarrely rebranded by Musk on Sunday as X  to please Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and the worlds other worst dictators, would it look any different from what weve seen? Why is Elon flipping the bird?

 Affirmative action is a sensitive topic, but a few of you were brave enough to weigh in on the recent Supreme Court ruling and the way forward for diversity on college campuses. Most agreed that more must be done to boost admission of lower-income Black and brown students. Complained Mary Ann Petro: The conservatively controlled Supreme Court wants to return our country to a time when the select few  i.e., white and wealthy  could go to college, be offered a professional position after graduation, get married, buy a home, and start a family. Shes not wrong.

Next weeks question. Should the U.S. continue to send billions of dollars in foreign aid to Israel, given that nations turn away from democracy? For a chance to be featured in my newsletter, email me your answer.

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

Trump indictment would not have happened without courage, brains of House Jan. 6 committee

This weekend, a row of TV production trucks lined up outside of the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse in the heart of Washington, D.C. The Big Media occupants are waiting for the exact same thing that roughly half of America has been waiting for, for some 30 months: the indictment of Donald Trump and maybe some top lieutenants for trying to stop the peaceful transfer of presidential power after the 2020 election.

Its been one week since the 45th president received a target letter from the Justice Departments Special Prosecutor Jack Smith asking him to appear before the Prettyman-based federal grand jury that, according to leaked reports of the letter, is investigating Trump for conspiracy to defraud the United States, witness tampering and obstruction of justice, and deprivation of rights under the color of law.

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Based on the way that Trumps first federal indictment  in the classified documents case  went down, America should expect news of this second, and arguably more important, tangle of charges any minute. It could be just hours after you read this. While you wait, there are two big picture things to think about.

First, if Trump went unpunished for trying to prevent the transfer of power to President Joe Biden after the Democrat was fairly elected with 74 more votes in the Electoral College (and 7 million more popular votes), then we dont have a country anymore. Of all the felony cases involving Trump, this one would matter most because it involves his actions as president of the United States, and could answer once and for all whether our chief executive is above the law.

Second, this life-or-death test for American democracy came so incredibly close to never happening.

In the immediate aftermath of the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection, as the cries of Hang Mike Pence still bounced around the granite floors of the U.S. Capitol, there was an immediate push by federal prosecutors and others to identify the hundreds of rioters who stormed the building and stalled for hours the certification of Bidens victory. Yet there seemed little taste for prosecuting Trump and his henchmen for summoning the mob, or the nearly two months of election denial and coup plotting that led up to the event.

It felt like Richard Nixons famous post-Watergate boast to interviewer David Frost  that when the president does it, that means it is not illegal  had been enshrined as an amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The FBI, which threw itself into the hard work of identifying hundreds of insurrectionists caught on video, and tracking them down, had no interest initially in going after Trump, who was popular with many of its conservative-minded agents. Last month, the Washington Post reported that the bureau had for an entire year resisted opening any probe into the role that Trump or some of his top advisers played before and during Jan. 6.

But it wasnt just the FBI. The same Post article also chronicled, in chapter and verse, how the Justice Department under the new, understated Attorney General Merrick Garland constructed a mountain of resistance to any criminal probe of Trump. The reasons for this are complicated and hard to understand for many in the general public who, along with some top Democratic politicians, were clamoring for such an investigation. The evidence wasnt there, some prosecutors argued. Others were driven by institutional caution, or the fear that investigating the previous president would look too political  the opposite of Garlands plan for restoring public faith in the Justice Department after its troubled times during the Trump administration.

As the first anniversary of the insurrection approached in January 2022, it seemed increasingly likely that a president whod plotted to undo a free and fair election before turning his attention to an attempted coup would go unpunished.

Then something happened to dramatically change the situation. The newly formed House Select Committee on Jan. 6 entered the chat.

This success story has many fathers...and mothers. It starts with then Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who shared the trauma of the siege of the Capitol with her fellow lawmakers and insisted on a legislative investigation of Jan. 6. Calling the probe deadly serious, Pelosi was in some way the un-Garland  crafting a plan to move ahead with a couple of dissident Republican members after GOP leaders tried to prevent any effort at all.

The committee and its hearings in the summer and fall of 2022 produced political rock stars and a handful of superstars. This included the committee chair, Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, whose experiences growing up Black in the nations most segregated state gave him a unique moral gravitas; Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, the heiress to a right-wing political legacy whose disgust at Trumps antics mattered more than her conservatism or reelection; and Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, who found his calling as Capitol Hills most eloquent defender of the Constitution in the midst of grief over his sons death by suicide.

But stardom needed strategy, not to mention that hard work of members and staff interviewing more than 1,000 witnesses before its first major public hearing, and obtaining more than one million pages of documents. Its plan turned the staid model of the congressional hearing on its head  not bogged down by the typical partisan back and forth. Instead, the Jan. 6 committee crafted slick packages for the American viewing public, making extensive use of hours of video footage of the fateful day and spinning coherent narratives about Trumps election-result denial and some of his shocking activities on the day of the insurrection.

The public responded in a big way. At least 20 million people watched the Jan. 6 committees first televised hearing in primetime  a huge audience in todays balkanized America. Those who watched heard jarring revelations  such as the testimony of former White House aide turned whistleblower Cassidy Hutchinson, who described Trumps angry, thwarted desire to go to the Capitol that day  that moved public opinion toward the idea that the president indeed committed crimes.

This had famously happened before. In 1973, the Senate Select Committee on Watergate held TV hearings about the Oval Office misdeeds of Nixon  whod been at the height of his popularity, re-elected in a landslide  that mesmerized the nation and began to turn the tide toward the 37th presidents ouster. In a different millennium and a radically changed America, the House Jan. 6 Committee had the same level of impact.

Suddenly, Garlands slow-moving Justice Department and the FBI couldnt ignore either the new evidence produced by the congressional probe, nor the change in public opinion its hearings helped create. The Post recently reported: One person directly familiar with the departments new interest in the case said it felt as though the department was reacting to the House committees work as well as heightened media coverage and commentary. Only after they were embarrassed did they start looking, the person said.

The rest is history. As the FBI started collecting the damning evidence it should have been collecting a year earlier, and as Trump re-entered the political arena, Garland felt he had little choice but to appoint Smith, who has been a prosecutorial pitbull. When you watch the inevitable breaking news of Trumps next, biggest indictment, take a moment to say thanks to the brave and clever men and women of the House Jan. 6 Committee. They revived the legacy of Watergate to show that on its best day, government can actually work.

Yo, do this

OK, I confess. That one guy who hasnt seen either Barbie or Oppenheimer yet ... its me. But I am good friends with one of the worlds experts on Robert Oppenheimer: the pioneering rock journalist Greg Mitchell, whos written a couple of books about the early debate over the atomic bomb, its devastating impact, and U.S. propaganda efforts to sell it. The advent of the hit movie has inspired Greg to launch a blog about all things Oppenheimer. Check it out, and when I finally see the movie (hopefully this week) I might have my own thoughts about America in the nuclear age. Alexander Heffner is a good friend of this newsletter; both he and his late legendary grandfather have hosted me on their long-running public-television series, The Open Mind, and now he has some exciting new projects. On Bloomberg Originals and Bloomberg.com, Alex has a series called Breaking Bread that combines food and political dialogue, including a trip with New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker to Newarks Blueprint Cafe for vegan chicken and waffles (yum?). Check it out and also check out his book because hes a busy guy!

Ask me anything

Question: How will Trump indictments affect 2024 elections?  Via Its Dr. Brown To You, Kiddo (@DocJaniceL) on Twitter

Answer: Dr. Brown, youve asked a very simple question with a very complicated answer. Its become clear over the course of 2023 that every new indictment seems to boost Donald Trump in the GOP primary polls  contravening several centuries of political science. So we know the what, but why? I think Trumps large base has made up their minds about the 45th president, and each new felony count says nothing to them about Trump and everything about the despicableness (to them) of his enemies in the media and the Democratic Party. It just feeds their hatred of elites that fuels their movements. But much like Trumps botched handling of COVID in 2020, a sliver of suburban independent men will be put off by the indictments. Will that be enough for Joe Biden, like in 2020? Stay tuned.

Backstory on the sound of Josh Shapiros climate silence

If anything has marked the rapid political rise of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, its his ability to latch onto the cultural zeitgeist. This weekend, it was peak Shapiro as the first-year Democratic governor tweeted (or Xed) not once but twice about the movie event of the decade, the launch of Barbie. I must say Im a Barbie guy, Shapiro posted in a jocular video on July 20, as he whipped out a pink tie. Yet one segment of Pennsylvania voters was not particularly amused: climate-change activists. One of them, Karen Feridun of the Better Path Coalition, started a social media campaign to note that the governor has tweeted more about Barbie than the world climate, which he had not mentioned in a tweet since his fall 2022 campaign.

Maybe Shapiro or his staff were reading, because the governor did subsequently mention climate change in a Twitter/X post about capping methane from abandoned wells across Pennsylvania. Still, the governor continues to pass on other opportunities to use his bully pulpit to advocate for the environment amid a growing climate crisis. He didnt mention the role of fossil-fuel pollution in his high-profile response to the flash flood in Bucks County believed to have killed seven people  even after experts said an overheated Atlantic Ocean seems to have fueled that storms intensity. Six months in, Shapiros biggest move on the accelerating crisis  also linked recently to air-quality code red alerts caused by dense smoke from Canadian wildfires  has been to appoint a panel that meets in secret and hasnt divulged the names of all its members.

Climate activists find this record disturbing, and so do I. Pundits say Shapiro may be worried about his political alliance with organized labor, which sees fossil-fuel projects as a potential source of jobs. Perhaps, but other pro-union Democratic governors have not been nearly as shy or silent. We knew this beast of climate change was coming for us, but now, its pounding on the door, Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee said recently. How bad will things have to get for Shapiro to share that level of urgency? Feridun and her fellow activists hope to give Shapiro a nudge on Aug. 3 when they plan to dress in Barbie-inspired attire to present him the latest dire report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Be sure to wear your pink tie, governor  and listen.

What I wrote on this date in 2016

It feels like yesterday but actually it was seven years ago this night that I sat in the sweltering press tent outside the Wells Fargo Center, with CNN on my iPhone as I frantically tried on deadline to file a column about Sen. Bernie Sanders addressing the Democratic National Convention in that pivotal year. I could already see the big story was not so much Bernies words as his supporters, whose unrest over the nomination of Hillary Clinton was a bad omen for November. I wrote: But for some, Sanders infectious idealism about an America where the people rule, and not corporations, has been channeled into vitriol against Clinton. Theyd all gone to look for America. Now theyre looking for something else. Revisit that fateful time and my July 25, 2016 column: Bernie tries to bridge troubled waters.
Promise Lamons watched as Decontee Moses removed surgical staples from a model of a human skull at Penn Medicine. The two Sayre High School students are part of a summer program to expose West Philadelphia teens to careers in health sciences. Read more

Promise Lamons used a scalpel to cut into a model of a human head on Thursday, hesitating slightly as she pierced its rubbery, fleshlike exterior. The 15-year-old then switched to a drill to make a hole in the skull beneath.

As little white chips of fake bone sprayed forth, she listened to Penn Medicine physicians describing how they do the same thing to patients with traumatic brain injury, eventually inserting a catheter to remove excess fluid.

Lamons, who is starting 10th grade this fall at Sayre High School, said she could envision herself doing it as a career.

Itd be cool to do that on an actual brain, she said.

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She was among a dozen students from West Philadelphia public schools who got a crash course in neurosurgery Thursday at Penn Medicine University City, a high-rise outpatient facility on Market Street. The event was part of a summer-long Pipeline Plus program designed to teach students about careers in the health sciences, run by Penns Netter Center for Community Partnerships.

Pipeline programs such as this one are expected to become even more important in helping schools to attract diverse classes of students in an era when affirmative action is under fire. In a June ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court restricted how universities can use race as a factor in their admissions process.

Early exposure

Few medical specialties have lower numbers of Black physicians than neurosurgery, at 4.2% of the total, according to a 2021 study by the Association of American Medical Colleges. Black women are even more scarce, accounting for just 0.6% of the total in a 2018 survey.

Penn Medicine is in the same ballpark, with one Black neurosurgeon out of 22 total (4.5%). But the figure is higher for Penns neurosurgery residents, the newly minted physicians who are still undergoing training in the specialty. Four of the 21 departments residents are Black (19%).

A big part of the solution is showing students that such a career is within their reach, said Zarina S. Ali, the chief of neurosurgery at nearby Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.

If youre not exposed to something, she said, you dont know what you dont know.

Ali ran the program for the students on Thursday, opening with a description of how neurosurgery requires many people in addition to the surgeon. To illustrate the point, she invited nurses, administrators, and researchers into the meeting room, asking them to introduce themselves one by one.

She then explained that neurosurgery is about more than just the brain, describing other procedures to treat ailments of the spine and peripheral nerves.

Each student received a ballpoint pen in the shape of a miniature human spine, along with a squishy model of a vertebra for use as a stress-reliever.

They also got a signed copy of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, by Penn professor Angela Duckworth.

No pain

Then it was time for drilling into a model skull and other hands-on activities. Surgeons drill such holes to insert a slender catheter into the brain, drawing off excess fluid to reduce the pressure, Ali said.

Lamons, the rising sophomore at Sayre, asked if it would hurt.

No, said Daniel Yoshor, chair of the neurosurgery department at Penns Perelman School of Medicine. Medication is used to numb the skin, much like at a dentists office, he said. But the brain itself, despite being the organ that registers pain and other sensations from elsewhere in the body, does not have its own sensory nerves.

The brain is where all your feelings go to, but it has no feeling itself, he said.

In addition to trying their hand at skull-drilling, the students used sutures and staples to repair simulated wounds.

Decontee Moses, 17, who is going into 12th grade at Sayre, used a silver tool to remove surgical staples from a model skull.

Asked if he was interested in a career in medicine, he said he was keeping his options open.

I would consider it, he said. But I dont know if its for me.

Lamons, on the other hand, was all-in  though not necessarily the field of neurosurgery. She said she might be interested in studying new treatments for skin conditions, as she has eczema.

While the afternoon event was valuable, it represented just one element in the Netter Centers multiyear program to engage Philly high school students in the health sciences, said Cory Bowman, the centers associate director.

During the school year, Penn students visit West Philadelphia high schools to help the high schoolers conduct animal dissections and other lab experiments. The high schoolers also learn to read medical literature, prepare a slide presentation, and give presentations.

Those taking part this summer are learning how to create a public health campaign.

Its not just coming to Penn once a week, he said. Its how do you really do the career exposure in an engaging, hands-on way.
Grand View Hospital's new pavilion in Sellersville, Pa. opened in April. Some of the providers treating patients in the facility are from Doylestown Health under a new partnership between the systems. Read more

Two Bucks County health systems, Doylestown Health and Grand View Health, are forming new collaborations as they grapple with post-pandemic financial challenges.

Through a new clinical partnership formalized in February, the two systems have started sharing some specialized doctors and other providers of health services.

Doylestowns cardiothoracic surgeons have been operating on Grand Views trauma patients, for example. And Doylestowns family medicine residents will train in Grand Views pediatric unit.

The collaboration enables patients to access more medical care locally, Grand Views president and chief executive officer Douglas Hughes said in an interview. His goal is to ensure that patients, whenever possible, wont need to travel to Philadelphia to receive care.

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People want to be cared for in their community, he said.

The systems are also beginning to explore administrative collaborations. By sharing the cost of some services, such as for tech systems, they both could reduce expenses, Hughes said. No decisions have been made yet.

Both Doylestown and Grand View intend to remain independent.

This is not the merger of the two organizations, Jim Brexler, Doylestowns chief executive officer and president, told investors last week.

 READ MORE: Doylestown Health agreed to sell Pine Run retirement community. The price: $80.6 million.

Doylestown and Grand View serve Bucks County and the northeastern part of Montgomery County, and they are among the most cash-strapped nonprofit health systems in the region. They are also located between two growing health care markets  Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley.

The two chief executive officers hope that the partnership will improve the care patients receive, while reducing operating costs. And the collaborations are not confined to either hospitals walls.

Many health care providers offices in the Bucks and Montco area have been affiliated with either Doylestown or Grand View. Providers in each of the two affiliate networks shared electronic medical records internally and negotiated with insurers together.

Earlier this year, the systems integrated their networks under a new organization called the Alliance for Better Care to help patients access more health services, Brexler said. The executives hope that the larger group of providers will also have more clout at the negotiating table.

Higher costs for labor, pharmaceuticals, and other supplies in recent years have saddled many other health systems nationwide with financial losses. While Doylestown and Grand View have collaborated in the past, these changes pushed them to seek more intentional partnerships, Brexler said.
Sidney Kimmel Medical College, in Center City, is part of Thomas Jefferson University, which agreed to a $2.7 million student loan settlement. Read more

Thomas Jefferson University agreed to pay $2.7 million to settle allegations that it violated terms of a federal student loan program from 2009 to 2016 by investing some of the money in its endowment and then keeping the investment proceeds instead of using them for more loans, federal officials said Tuesday.

Jefferson admitted no liability in the settlement, announced by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, involving a medical student loan program designed to increase the supply of primary care physicians.

It provided loans on favorable terms to students who agreed to work as primary care doctors for 10 years after completing their medical degrees.

Medical schools that participate in the Primary Care Loan program are supposed to create a revolving loan fund and apply any earnings on the fund to increase the amount of money available for loans.

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Schools are supposed to return money not used for loans every year, according to the U.S. Attorney.

Jefferson, which includes Sidney Kimmel Medical College, returned $5.7 million in excess money in 2017.

Jeffersons $2.7 million payment returns to the federal government investment gains that Jefferson kept for its own purposes outside the loan program, the U.S. Attorneys office said. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services administers the program.

Jefferson denied the allegations: We have agreed to this civil settlement to bring this 15-year-old legacy matter to a close so that we may continue to focus upon delivery of high quality academic, research, and clinical services during highly challenging times, the university said in an emailed statement.

When schools agree to participate in the Primary Care Loan program, they must carefully account for these federal funds to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used for public good, said Maureen R. Dixon, special agent in charge for the HHS Office of Inspector General.

When a school wrongfully keeps these funds from the program, it prevents other recipients from using them to meet the primary care needs of the community, Dixon said.

Jefferson said its handling of the loan funds followed proper accounting rules.

Separately, Jefferson this week is cutting about 1% of its workforce of more than 40,000 people as part of an effort to trim financial losses.
Arleen Olshan, artist and cofounder of the Mount Airy Art Garage, shows the two drawings that were recently moved from view at the gallery. They are now in her home studio in Mount Airy. Read more

The lesbian founder of a Mount Airy art space filed a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission earlier this month, alleging that because of homophobia, board members turned two of her drawings away from public view, effectively censoring her work.

The complaint, and the controversy the boards actions have since sparked in one of the citys most progressive enclaves, echo charged debates across the country over LGBTQ rights and what to do when artwork offends some viewers.

In one of the drawings, Kissing in the Summer Sun, two women kiss; in the other, Academy Days, three nude women lounge on a couch. Arleen Olshan, the 78-year-old artist and cofounder of the Mount Airy Art Garage, where the works were displayed, created both pieces about 50 years ago. The drawing of three women lounging was part of a citywide all-women art show and was featured in an Inquirer article in 1974.

Olshan found criticism of the drawings reactionary. After trying to have a productive conversation with the board and change the organizations policies, to no avail, she decided to fight back publicly.

The more I thought about it, the more I was upset, Olshan said in an interview with The Inquirer. Were going backward in a lot of states regarding our human rights, and I dont want to see that happening. Certainly not in Mount Airy.

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The Board of Directors denied the allegations in a statement posted on its website, which said in part that Olshans communication contains misinformation, exaggerations, and several statements not based on facts. MAAG has always been intentionally inclusive and diverse. The Board values freedom of expression, diversity, and the inclusion of all voices, including the LGBTQ+ community. The board did not respond to further requests for comment from The Inquirer.

Olshan founded the nonprofit Mount Airy Art Garage with her wife, Linda Slodki, in 2009. (Years earlier, she coowned Giovannis Room, the legendary LGBTQ bookstore in Center City). They envisioned it as a collaborative space to showcase work by local artists, hold workshops, and share skills. Over the years, MAAG, as its called, has displayed fine art, jewelry, pottery, and photography. The building on Germantown Avenue has a gift shop, an event space, and multiple studios. Olshan is a custom leatherworker and has long maintained a studio there.

After years of running the organization, Olshan was diagnosed with lung cancer last fall. She planned to step down as executive director at the end of this summer, but her final months did not go smoothly.

Before she left for vacation in April, she said, she mounted portable display walls around her leather studio to protect her work while she was away. She hung up some of her drawings on those walls before she left.

The complaint, filed on July 9 and first reported by the Philadelphia Gay News, alleges that while Olshan was away, three board members turned the portable walls around so the drawings could not be seen. No one contacted her for permission.

When she returned and asked what had happened, the director of the board, Patricia Smith, said, Who wants to see naked women? according to the complaint. Troubled by the exchange, Olshan sent a series of emails to board members over the next few weeks, to which she said no one responded. She felt confused and disrespected.

The board gathered June 24 for a special meeting requested by Olshan to discuss the situation. Slodki transcribed and included the minutes in the formal complaint. According to the notes, Smith apologized to Olshan but said, I dont want my 5-year-old grandchild seeing this. This is not discrimination.

Another board member said, per Slodkis notes, Even gay people dont want something like this right in their face.

Im very sad about all of it, Olshan said in the interview. These are labors of love  to just talk about them in such awful ways is really terrible.

At the board meeting, the artist requested that the board publicly apologize to her in an email blast, add a nondiscrimination policy to the nonprofits bylaws, put up a sign at the gallerys entrance that speaks to self-expression and creativity, and train volunteers to respond to any requests to censor artwork on display.

The board declined to make those changes but said it would consider adding a warning sign to the front of the gallery for future shows, according to a letter Smith sent to Olshan after the meeting, which was also included in the formal complaint.

When you hung your artwork of nude figures on the outside wall, three Board members felt they were not appropriate for children to see in a commonly used public space, Smith wrote. The walls were turned around to put your artwork inside your studio, which all other studio members do.

Smith wrote that the issue was primarily about studio regulations, not censorship and homophobia, and that after Olshans retirement, the organization planned to continue to grow [her] legacy and hopefully [her] vision.

Smith invited Olshan to display her figure drawings in an upcoming exhibit at the gallery and curate the 2024 International Womens Day show. She also said the organization would like to name a space after Olshan in her honor.

We feel badly that she feels so hurt by this, Smith told PGN.

A few days after receiving Smiths letter, Olshan filed the complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.

To me, this is homophobia, Olshan wrote, cloaked in protecting the children.

This piece has been updated to reflect the official name of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, left, hugs Angel Davis at a news conference Tuesday. Davis was shot in the head in March by a private security contractor with the city's for-profit eviction system. Read more

A Philadelphia woman who was shot in the head by a private security contractor hired to remove her from her home filed a first-of-its-kind lawsuit Tuesday, challenging the citys unusual for-profit eviction system.

An attorney representing Angel Davis, a former tenant of the Girard Court Apartments who was shot March 29, sued the shooter, the rental company that sought her eviction, and Marisa Shuter, a lawyer who enforced most city evictions as the court-appointed Landlord-Tenant Officer (LTO).

Shuter does not have a contract with the citys Municipal Court, which adjudicates most landlord-tenant disputes. Instead, former President Judge Marsha Neifield Williams appointed her, granting Shuter the right to collect fees from landlords when her private deputies evict tenants on their behalf. Those fees, set by the courts, amounted to more than $1 million dollars annually, prior to the pandemic.

Davis shooting was one of three incidents over the last four months in which a deputized landlord-tenant officer fired a gun during an eviction, spurring protests from housing advocates and scrutiny from lawmakers. Municipal Court President Judge Patrick Dugan and Shuter agreed to suspend lockouts last week until Shuter and her officers receive training in use of force and de-escalation.

The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in the Court of Common Pleas by attorney Bethany Nikitenko, depicts Shuter as the unqualified leader of an armed security company that operates with little of the regulation or oversight applied to sworn law enforcement while enforcing court orders.

I had no idea I was going to be locked out of my apartment, Davis said at a news conference Tuesday as supportive local politicians looked on. I did nothing that would warrant being shot in the head.

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 READ MORE: Philly halts evictions by landlord-tenant officer after 3 shooting incidents in 4 months

The suit identifies for the first time the private security contractor who shot Davis: Lamont Daniels, who worked for Shuter since 2018. According to court documents reviewed by The Inquirer, he was facing eviction himself not long before the March 2023 incident.

Daniels could not be reached for comment.

Mike Neilon, a spokesperson for Shuter, declined to respond to specific questions, citing open investigations or pending lawsuits.

He said the office was created decades ago to provide critically needed support for court-ordered evictions but would not resume operations until reforms are made.

Currently, no LTO officers involved in pending investigations are working, Neilon said. No evictions are currently scheduled or taking place pursuant to court order, which our office fully supports.

The business of lockouts

Shuter, 53, hails from a Northeast Philadelphia political family, the daughter of former Municipal Court President Judge Alan K. Silberstein, an ally of longtime Democratic Party leader Bob Brady, while her mother, Dveral Silberstein, held a seat on the citys Board of Revision and Taxes. After earning a law degree from Temple University in 1993, Shuter was hired by her father as a court administrator.

Her husband, David C. Shuter, was elected to Municipal Court in 2006 and is currently running for retention.

Philadelphia once relied on elected constables to enforce evictions. The Landlord Tenant Officer role was created in the 1970s after the courts abolished the constable positions, in part due to public outrage over accounts of these officers selling the possessions of evicted families.

In 2006, Shuter went to work under the prior Landlord Tenant Officer, Robert H. Messerman, who had occupied that role for nearly 30 years.

 READ MORE: Explaining deputy landlord-tenant officers, who carry out evictions in Philly

Today, most of Shuters deputies are drawn from the ranks of retired cops or suburban constables, who usually possess state certifications required to operate in a private security role. After an interview with Shuter, they are formally deputized by a Philadelphia judge and shadow existing deputies for a couple of weeks before going out on their own.

A former deputy, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the work freely, described the job as one of high stress and low pay. Deputies typically work alone, serving around 10 orders a day. While Shuter collects a $95 fee from landlords to serve a writ of eviction, deputies only earn about $20 per order served. They are issued badges and identification, but generally provide their own equipment and vehicles.

The office had gone decades without public reports of serious incidents.

It used to be easier, said the former agent. But everybodys got a gun. And nobody wants to leave.

 READ MORE: A Philly tenant was shot during an eviction for the second time in months

Daniels, the deputy landlord-tenant officer sued for shooting Davis, moved to Philadelphia more than a decade ago. Around 2013, he started a company, Protective Force & Fugitive Recovery LLC, providing armed guards to nightclubs and other businesses. Tuesdays lawsuit names Protective Force as a defendant.

Based on tax liens filed against him in court, Daniels business appears to have struggled. He was sworn in by a Philadelphia judge as an LTO deputy in 2018.

Work for Shuters office dried up during the pandemic as city courts granted a temporary moratorium on evictions. Like many tenants who were unable to pay rent during the pandemic, Daniels found himself on the other side of landlord-tenant court when his landlord took him to eviction court in 2020 over $9,000 in unpaid rent and fees.

In April 2021, he was served eviction notices by his own employer, but was spared by the citywide moratorium. Ultimately, Daniels moved out and reached a payment agreement with his landlord. In November 2022, his landlord-tenant case was marked closed.

Less than five months later, Daniels was dispatched to Girard Court to evict Davis.

March shooting

There are conflicting accounts of what occurred during the March encounter. Surveillance footage and 911 call audio reviewed by The Inquirer offer a rough timeline of events.

A courtyard security camera shows Daniels and a representative for Odin Properties, which owns Girard Court, entering the complex around 9 a.m. to eject Davis and her partner, Gabriel Plummer, from their apartment after a lengthy dispute over unpaid rent.

The altercation leading up to the shooting largely occurs off camera.

In a 911 call recorded shortly after 9 a.m., Daniels states that he was in the hallway outside Davis apartment when he was assaulted by a female and her boyfriend while serving the eviction. He says the tenants wrested away his official identification and that he deployed his pepper spray while she was fighting me.

He requested a priority backup from the police.

Several minutes later, security footage shows Daniels reappearing in the apartment courtyard, pursued by a shoeless Plummer. The deputy appears to use a canister of pepper spray to repel the man.

In a second 911 recording, Daniels says, She came out with a knife  Im the one who shot her. I shot her inside her apartment with her boyfriend.

In a 911 call by Plummer, still barricaded inside the apartment, he states that he was in the bathroom when he heard Daniels  who he assumed was a Philadelphia police officer  attempting to force his way into the apartment. He says Daniels unloaded pepper spray through the door when Davis refused him entry, causing her to fall backward. As Plummer ran to force the door shut, he alleges, the deputy opened fire.

He shot her in the  head because she wouldnt let him inside, he says.

Following Davis shooting, another botched eviction led to an officer shoot at a dog  without injury  in late June, and then a third this month, that saw a tenant shot in the leg.

At the Tuesday news conference, Councilmember Kendra Brooks called Shuters operation reckless and contended the office was racing through lockouts, propelled by a profit motive. Councilmember Jamie Gauthier pointed to research showing evictions disproportionately impact Black mothers.

While Shuters spokesperson has made it clear the office intends to restart operations, Philadelphia State Sen. Nikil Saval has introduced legislation in Harrisburg to abolish the office.

One shooting is too many, Saval said.
Robert Atkins being escorted out from Bucks County District Court in Bristol, Pa., Wednesday, Sept., 21, 2022. Atkins faced a judge for the murder of Joyce Hibbs. Read more

Over three decades passed before Robert Atkins was charged for fatally stabbing his 35-year-old neighbor Joy Hibbs and setting fire to her Croydon home in 1991.

New testimony, however, led Bucks County prosecutors on Monday to allege that Atkins, of Bristol Township, had committed a similarly violent attack on his aunt years before murdering Hibbs. The two women, they said, were mirror images of each other.

The allegation came 14 months after a grand jury indicted the 57-year-old on charges of first- and second-degree murder, arson, burglary, and robbery in Hibbs death following months of deliberation.

Prosecutors relied heavily on a statement made to police six years earlier by Atkins wife, April, implicating her former husband in the murder. She recalled Atkins coming home after the alleged killing covered in blood and visibly agitated, telling his family they had to go to the Poconos and indicating he had a knife to keep his wife in line.

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Atkins pleaded not guilty, maintaining an alibi that he and his wife were away in the Poconos when the murder took place.

Atkins family members testified that less than a decade before Hibbs was stabbed, a teenage Atkins had strangled and stomped on his aunt, Charlene Atkins, also 35.

Charlene, Atkins family and prosecutors alleged, was a spitting image of Joy Hibbs  from her slender frame and brunette hair to her gentle Southern drawl to the womens identical ages.

The two seemed to be a mirror of each other, said Daniel Atkins, Robert Atkins younger brother, not long after prosecutors showed side-by-side images of both women.

Teenage Robert Atkins had attacked Charlene at some point between 1981 and 1982 when he was around 15 years old and living next door to her in Tennessee, where hed been sent to live with extended family, Daniel Atkins said. He told the court his brother had strangled Charlene with a telephone cord and stomped on her chest.

She was found with her underwear pulled down, Atkins testified, and had been admitted to a hospital for her injuries. He told the court his aunt had been left for dead and recalled a phone call years after the alleged attack in which his brother blamed bad drugs. Robert had told him he heard voices telling him to attack, he recalled. Prosecutors said hed been listening to Ozzy [Osbourne] and was compelled to do it.

Charlene survived and eventually forgave her nephew, Daniel Atkins said.

Prosecutors said county detectives had recovered a record that showed Atkins had been processed by a Tennessee court as a juvenile, but they did not have full documentation of an arrest for attacking Charlene.

Lawyers for Atkins argued before Bucks County Judge Wallace H. Bateman Jr. whether that testimony and statements made by April Atkins were admissible in Atkins forthcoming jury trial. They questioned whether Atkins family members had direct knowledge of the details surrounding Charlenes attack, or whether they had overheard stories as young children.

But Melanie Robertson, Atkins first cousin, testified that shed found a note written on toilet paper in her now-deceased aunts cookbook from Atkins in which he makes an apology. After seeing Atkins arrested for Hibbs murder on the news, Robertson said, she decided to come to police with her aunts story.

Charlene was beautiful, energetic, loved to travel, independent, always my favorite aunt, Robertson told the court.

With Atkins trial date pending, his attorneys raised concerns that a People magazine documentary about the cold case and Atkins subsequent arrest titled American Nightmare could present challenges in finding impartial jurors.

Judge Bateman Jr. suggested he would allow the defense to strike jurors who had seen the documentary, which People released internationally last summer.

Prosecutors will continue to argue over admissible evidence in court this week.
The stage in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center, where the Philly POPS performed its Christmas concert in December 2021. Read more

A former financial director for the Philly Pops and the Jewish Exponent was sentenced to more than a year in federal prison Tuesday for embezzling nearly $1.7 million dollars from the nonprofits whose books she was charged with overseeing.

Cheryl Lutts, 42, of Philadelphia, used the stolen funds to pay for everything from mundane bills and shopping sprees to her daughters private high school tuition, the legal cost of a personal bankruptcy, and even her mothers funeral.

But at her sentencing hearing Tuesday, she told U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Savage that her graft had been driven by a yearslong addiction to prescription painkillers.

I was only thinking of myself and getting high  not the harm that I was inflicting on everyone else, especially the companies that trusted me, she said, choking back tears. Never in my life have I felt this ashamed and humiliated  My behavior was unacceptable in every way.

How did Lutts harm the Jewish Exponent and the Philly Pops?

Lutts pattern of theft  which stretched over five years and first came to light in 2019  was only exacerbated by the financial struggles faced by both nonprofits.

Roughly a year before Lutts started her job as director of business operations for the Exponent  the second continuously published Jewish newspaper in the United States and a subsidiary of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia  the publication was forced to lay off its entire 15-member editorial staff in the face of losses averaging $300,000 a year.

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Within months, Lutts began using her position to drain its accounts of $1.4 million. She hid the theft by doctoring bank statements presented to her employers, secretly taking out a corporate credit card in her name, and lying when people questioned the eye-opening balances on the credit cards she had been legitimately issued.

She told one employee that hackers had stolen her credit card number, prosecutors said.

The federation fired Lutts in 2019 for unrelated performance issues, and her replacement discovered the financial anomalies shed left behind.

But by that time, the damage had already been done.

Addressing the court Tuesday, Michael Costello, the Exponents finance director, said that the financial losses completely shattered trust and confidence at the news organization.

As a result, the Jewish Federations insurers hiked their rates, affecting the sums it could devote to programs including youth camps and senior programs. The federation sold the Exponent at a significant loss to Baltimore-based Mid-Atlantic Media last year.

Meanwhile, Lutts had already moved onto another job  signing on in 2019 as controller for the Philly Pops, the largest stand-alone popular music orchestra in the country and a nonprofit that had emerged from bankruptcy just seven years before.

There, too, Lutts stole  a total of more than $280,000.

It was only after a routine review of its books uncovered a series of questionable transactions that the nonprofit discovered the true breadth of her crimes and fired her, said Karen Corbin, the nonprofits president and CEO.

Since then, the Pops has continued to struggle financially and was evicted from its longtime home at the Kimmel Center earlier this year.

The impact of Cheryls fraud to the Philly Pops was devastating, coupled with the [COVID-19] pandemic inability to sell tickets or raise money during this time, Corbin said. For those who trusted her, her actions were  a costly betrayal.

Lutts attorney, Maranna J. Meehan, acknowledged the harm her client had caused to both nonprofits Tuesday, but she pleaded with the judge to recognize the hold addiction had over her client.

A pattern of deceit and manipulation

Lutts first became addicted to painkillers after a car accident in 2014, and soon found herself in thrall to the doctor writing her prescriptions  Andrew Berkowitz, a Huntingdon Valley physician who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for overprescribing pills, Meehan said. He was prosecuted by the same U.S. Attorneys Office responsible for putting Lutts in prison.

The offense has a clear and direct cause  opioid addiction, Meehan said. It is clear that but for an addiction, this crime would never have occurred.

Prosecutors, however, balked at the suggestion that, after pleading guilty to 24 counts including mail and wire fraud last year, Lutts should be spared prison time.

The breadth of [her theft] shows that Lutts was not engaging in the fraud simply to pay a few necessary personal expenses due to tight economic times, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maryteresa Soltis said. Rather, it demonstrates that she used the  funds as her own personal treasure trove.

In the end, the judge agreed.

While crediting the progress shed made in recovery from her addiction since her arrest and noting that he believed her remorse was genuine, Savage maintained Lutts still must be held accountable for her pattern of deceit and manipulation.

In addition to the 20-month prison sentence he imposed, he ordered her to pay back $1.3 million she still owes the nonprofits that once employed her and the insurance companies that helped bail them out.

Some of her debt has already been covered, prosecutors said in court filings, after she signed over the deed to her Fishtown home to the Philly Pops.

What she did had devastating consequences for both institutions  venerable institutions in Philadelphia, the judge said. She contributed to the demise of the Jewish Exponent as it was known and the Philly Pops.

Still, after he had announced the punishment and as Lutts, deflated, gathered up her belongings, Savage prepared to leave the courtroom, then paused.

He turned toward her once again with an encouraging stare and said: You can do this.
Carlee Russell has admitted to lying about seeing a toddler along a highway in Alabama and being abducted earlier this month. Read more

Count me among those who feel duped by Carlee Russell.

The Alabama woman  who claimed she tried to help a toddler on a highway before disappearing, only to resurface two days later saying she had been kidnapped  got me good.

The nightmarish account of Russell screaming on the phone with her brothers girlfriend before disappearing, and police rushing to the scene earlier this month and finding only her cell phone and wig, had me shook  that is, before Alabama authorities and armchair investigators alike began poking holes in it.

Russell claimed she was abducted by a man with orange hair who emerged from the trees. She told authorities that a strange woman fed her cheese crackers before Russell managed to free herself and make her way to her parents house.

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Eventually, it came out that before her disappearance, the 25-year-old nursing student had researched Amber Alerts as well as a movie about a woman who was abducted.

Then, on Monday, she admitted: She made the whole thing up. There was no kidnapping, no toddler on the highway.

Its shades of Jussie Smollett all over again.

Its bad enough that she wasted all of that police and media man power with her manipulative charade. But she also took resources and attention away from women who are really missing and could have benefited from it most.

Its shades of Jussie Smollett all over again.

My friends and I have been talking about this story over the past few days. The fact that an African American woman garnered so much media attention for allegedly being missing was pretty much unprecedented. Now that we know it was a hoax, Im concerned: Will the next report of a missing Black woman be taken less seriously because of Russells charade?

Roughly 40% of those who go missing are people of color, according to the Black and Missing Foundation. They dont get nearly the type of media attention as their white counterparts. Theres even a name for it  missing white woman syndrome  which was coined by the late TV journalist Gwen Ifill.

Russell was a rare exception. And now it turns out she was lying.

I ask your readers to name a person of color who has garnered the same attention as Natalee Holloway and Chandra Levy outside of Carlee Russell and you cant, because it doesnt happen, Natalie Wilson, cofounder of the Black and Missing Foundation, told me. Whats more, she said, analysis by her organization has found that cases of missing people of color remain open four times longer than others, in part because they are not getting that media coverage.

The Philadelphia Police Department sends out regular emails about missing people. I scan them when I can.

I occasionally try to cover some of the cases I see, but there are so many. According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons Database, roughly 600,000 people go missing each year across the country. Thankfully, some cases are solved before a story about them can even make it into print. Just last month, I reached out to the mother of a local recent high school graduate who had gone missing, only to get the good news just a few days later that she had been found alive.

 READ MORE: HS track star Shilie Turner disappeared 27 years ago, but her story is not forgotten | Jenice Armstrong

Also, when it comes to people of color, racial bias can affect the response, as some may assume that many of the missing are up to no good, or somehow brought their disappearances on themselves. Studies show that Black children frequently are perceived as being older than their actual years, which can make it harder for some people to view them as victims.

I hope that Russells fabrications wont stop us from raising alarm bells when people of color turn up missing. And I hope that her case, if anything, is a lesson on the power of attention in resolving what happened to a missing person.

Think about the influencers, the media coverage that the Carlee Russell case got, Wilson pointed out. Can you imagine if we put the same energy into finding other missing people? We can bring many more people home.

She rattled off a host of names of women of color who are missing: Arianna Fitts, Keeshae Jacobs, Tiffany Foster, Alexis Ware, Joniah Walker, Jennifer Blackmon, Relisha Rudd, and Nakyla Williams.

There are hundreds of thousands more whose names well never know. We cant disengage just because Russell duped us. Dont let one fake kidnapping distract us from a very real problem.
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Hunter Biden will plead guilty to federal tax charges Wednesday. Heres what you need to know.

Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, is scheduled to appear in federal court in Wilmington.
Mayor Jim Kenney said the gun shops that the city is suing profit from illegal sales to "straw purchasers." Read more

Philadelphia is suing three local gun shops that city officials allege have knowingly sold firearms to straw purchasers who buy guns on behalf of people who are legally prohibited from doing so, such as juveniles or people with criminal records.

These gun shop owners turn a blind eye to the consequences of their actions, Mayor Jim Kenney said at a City Hall news conference Tuesday. They know exactly what theyre doing.  They are profiting off the mayhem that they help create.

Kenney has long complained that the citys hands are tied when it comes to combating the ongoing gun violence crisis due to Pennsylvanias weak gun laws, which allow weapons to flow freely into the city, and to the states prohibition on municipalities enacting their own gun control measures.

 READ MORE: Philly has a gun problem. Straw buying makes it worse.

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The lawsuit is the latest in a series of attempts by the city to gain some leverage over the issue through the courts. It comes three weeks after Kenney announced a separate lawsuit aimed at manufacturers of ghost guns, untraceable and increasingly common weapons that can be purchased without background checks and assembled at home.

Little has come so far of the citys various attempts at litigation over gun control. But Kenney said his administration will pursue every opportunity it has to reduce shootings and homicides.

As of Monday, Philadelphia police had recorded 240 homicides in 2023, a staggering sum that underscores the city is still mired in a persistent public safety crisis that began in 2020. This years total is 22% lower than at the same point in 2021, a year in which the city set a record with 562 homicides.

Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said Tuesday she is optimistic the numbers will continue going in the right direction.

Our numbers are decreasing, she said. Theyre far lower than they were last summer.

Three gun stores targeted in lawsuit

The defendants in the new lawsuit are Delias Gun Shop and Franks Gun Shop & Shooting Range in Northeast Philadelphia, and Tanners Sport Center in Jamison, Bucks County. Between 2015 and 2019, about 1,300 guns from those stores were recovered by Philadelphia police in relation to criminal investigations, Kenney said.

The lawsuit, filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, focuses on 158 crime guns from those stores that the city says it has proven were obtained through straw purchasers.

 READ MORE: The Kingsessing mass shooting suspect used ghost guns, police say. Philly is suing two manufacturers.

The city is asking the court to require the stores to crack down on straw purchases and to pay the city a to-be-determined financial compensation to address the harms caused by gun violence in our communities, which has been facilitated by the illegal activities of the vendors named in the lawsuit, according to a news release from Kenneys office.

Representatives for Franks and Delias did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday.

Tom Helenski, a co-owner of Tanners, said his store works diligently to identify and turn away straw purchasers and that the business will fight the lawsuit.

As far as I know, Tanners has had one of the best records out there, he said. We have a very vigilant staff.  We stop purchases all day every day.

Helenski said Tanners might deny someone seeking to purchase a gun for many reasons, such as if the buyer smells like alcohol or marijuana, if they appear to be following directions on their phone about what to buy, if someone else is waiting for the buyer in a car outside, or if the person repeatedly buys the same type of weapon.

He added that the current owners purchased the store in December, triggering an audit by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Helenski said Tanners received positive marks and has great relationships with local police departments, ATF, and the state police.

Can gun stores be held liable for their sales?

Lawsuits against gun sellers are rare because of a 2005 federal law known as the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which protects firearms makers and sellers from being held liable for crimes committed with their products, except in certain circumstances.

One of those exceptions is for companies that knowingly violate federal and state gun laws, and Philadelphia is alleging that the three store did exactly that by turning a blind eye to straw purchasers, said Alla Lefkowitz, senior director of affirmative litigation for Everytown Law, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control and is working with the city in the lawsuit.

Lawsuits like this are uncommon, but they do exist, Lefkowitz said.

She pointed to a recent settlement in a similar case in Kansas City, Mo., in which a store agreed to pay $150,000 and adopt policies such as video recording every sale and limiting the number of handguns one person can purchase in one month.

I hope this lawsuit serves as a warning to any other gun store that believes it can profit off of illegal gun sales, Lefkowitz said.
In addition to rising insurance costs, marinas said there was a lack of adequate cover for cyclone-related damages, with some marinas being partially insured. For example, some marinas in Northern Australia have faced excesses of up to $500,000 to $1,000,000 either imposed by insurers or driven by a need to cut down on high premium costs.
Initially Gallagher approached me, around March last year, said Thompson. That obviously led to a lot of thinking and discussions with the family, and with my partner, but we saw it as a great opportunity to evolve and take the business to the next level.
Shada is the latest in a string of hires by Alliant. Earlier this month, the company announced the appointment of Mark Beilein as vice president in its Alliant Americas division. Last month, the company announced the appointments of Elliott Stovall and Adam Rieman as vice presidents in its employee benefits division. In March, Alliant added Frank Verdi and Gerry Armbruster to the employee benefits team.
Although the details and scope of this issue remain unclear, AM Best is monitoring the rapidly evolving situation and reviewing fronting carriers and other insurers that have material amounts of reinsurance counterparty credit risk and reliance on various forms of collateral, AM Best said in a press release. Based on this review, rating actions will be taken as warranted.
Respect and teamwork is something Im a firm believer in and I think you do that up and down the ladder, she said. Treating people the way I want to be treated was always something that was really, really important to me. And that, in my opinion, has gotten me to where I am today.
Aboard the Iron Ore vessel, two reinsurance leaders, Theresa (Tia) Patricios, head of investments at Convex, and Cameron Parker, head P&C structured solutions for Continental Europe and Africa at Swiss Re, became the first reinsurance team to row across the Pacific. They completed the voyage as part of an effort to raise money for mental health.
An additional point was made about insurers continued investment in the fossil fuel industry, with the letter citing a report by the California Department of Insurance which found that major insurance companies operating in the have invested over $536 billion in the fossil fuel industry in 2019 alone.
My office immediately took action, ordering Farmers to reverse course and rescind these scheduled non-renewals, King said in statement on the office of commissioner of insurance and safety fires website. I am extremely disappointed with the actions of Farmers and am contemplating further disciplinary actions at this time.
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Florida-based global insurance broker Brown & Brown, Inc. has agreed to acquire Vermont-based wholesale broker New England Excess Exchange (NEEE). The acquisition will be through Bridge Specialty Group, the wholesale insurance division of Brown & Brown with more than 25 niche-focused brands.

Established in 1981 in Vermont, NEEE is wholesale managing general agency serving commercial and personal lines retail brokers and their clients in 15 states throughout the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions, from Maine to North Carolina.

NEEE will continue to operate from headquarters in Barre, Vermont, under the operational leadership of co-owner Todd Wood, while co-owner Ralf Goober Schaarschmidt will serve as an advisor to NEEE and Bridge Specialty Group. His parents, Ralf and Mari Schaarschmidt, founded NEEE in Montpelier in 1981. Wood joined the firm in 2019.

NEEE will report to Steve Boyd, president of Bridge Specialty Group.

The transaction is expected to close in August 2023.

Brown & Brown has more than 500 locations worldwide. Bridge Specialty Groups specialty and wholesale brands include Big Sky Underwriters, Braishfield, Hull & Co., MacDuff Underwriters, Morstan, South & Western, and Summit Risk Services.

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Agencies Excess Surplus Vermont
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When federal workplace safety inspectors returned to a Boston food plant in March 2023, they said they discovered the plants operator  Chinese Spaghetti Factory Inc.  still had not installed required safety guards on a dumpling machines rotating shafts, a dangerous hazard for which the company was cited for after an employee suffered serious injuries in 2022.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducted the follow-up inspection at the Newmarket Street facility to verify that the company had corrected the unsafe conditions inspectors said they identified in 2022. As a result, OSHA proposed an additional $82,500 penalty for failing to correct this hazard.

The agency said its safety inspection and a concurrent health inspection found several new and recurring hazards, which led OSHA to issue citations and propose $108,031 in penalties. These were for allegedly allowing the dumpling machines gears to remain unguarded, as two employees worked in close proximity; for exposing employees to the risks of electrical shock from unguarded electrical and operating parts of machinery, and for lacking a program to prevent the unintended activation of various machines, including grinders, choppers, and forming and filling machines, while employees cleaned them.

OSHA also alleges it found three serious violations for an incomplete hearing conservation program for employees exposed to high noise levels, inadequate eyewash facilities for employees working with corrosive cleaners, and an incomplete chemical hazard communication program.

Since 2017, OSHA inspections have identified 10 serious, repeat and other-than-serious violations at the Chinese Spaghetti Factorys location.

In total, the company faces $190,541 in proposed fines for its recent uncorrected, recurring and new hazards, according to OSHA.

The sizable penalties in this case reflect the gravity of this situation and the dangers faced by people employed at the Chinese Spaghetti Factorys facility, said OSHA Area Director James Mulligan in Braintree, Massachusetts.

Chinese Spaghetti Factory has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHAs area director or contest the findings.

Source: OSHA

Topics Workers' Compensation China Manufacturing
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Governor Ned Lamont has submitted a request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a federal agriculture disaster declaration for all eight counties in Connecticut due to the significant damage that occurred to farms and crops statewide from flooding, particularly along the Connecticut River and other waterways.

The request comes after the Connecticut Department of Agriculture conducted an assessment of flood damage to farms, which found that 27 farms in the state are estimating losses totaling more than 1,500 acres and nearly $21 million in lost sales revenue. This flooding is in addition to two previous frost events in February and May that resulted in 1,077 acres impacted with estimated losses totaling $8.4 million.

In a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack, Lamont noted that Connecticut received 10.74 inches of rain so far in July, which is 423% of the states normal rainfall for the month.

If the request is approved, farmers will be eligible for certain federal disaster assistance programs, such as emergency loans, to cover production losses they experienced from the flooding.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture earlier this month approved an agriculture disaster declaration for all eight counties in Connecticut due to the impact of the sub-freezing weather conditions that occurred May 18, causing significant damage to crops. Farmers who experienced damage from that weather event had eight months to apply for emergency loans from the federal government.

Topics Flood Agribusiness Connecticut
Environmental law charity ClientEarths unsuccessful attempt to sue Shell over its climate strategy shows the difficulties in bringing activist shareholder claims, lawyers said on Monday, after Londons High Court dismissed the case.

ClientEarth, which holds 27 shares in Shell, alleges the company cannot achieve its aim of net zero carbon emissions by 2050 with its current climate transition strategy and its directors are therefore breaching their duties to shareholders.

The group wanted to bring a so-called derivative case on behalf of Shell against its directors, which could have seen other firms face investors lawsuits over climate-related risks.

ClientEarth Challenges UK Court Dismissal of Shell Climate Lawsuit

However, Judge William Trower refused permission to bring the case. He ruled that ClientEarths case ignored that managing large businesses requires directors to take into account a range of competing considerations, in which courts should not interfere.

A Shell spokesperson welcomed the ruling and described ClientEarths case as fundamentally flawed.

Paul Benson, a senior lawyer at ClientEarth, said the charity was disappointed and intended to pursue an appeal.

Teja Pisk, a lawyer at Stevens & Bolton, said the ruling was unsurprising given the high bar for bringing a derivative claim.

But, Pisk added, the decision will not sound the death knell for shareholder activism in the environmental, social and governance (ESG) sphere.

Catherine Gilfedder, a partner at law firm Dentons, said ClientEarths defeat re-emphasizes the challenges involved in derivative actions in this area.

But she also said she thought there would be further cases based on directors duties and responsibilities, both in Britain and elsewhere.

Elaina Bailes, a partner at law firm Stewarts, noted that the judge had accepted Shells argument that ClientEarth brought the case to further its own policy agenda.

That is potentially significant for the future use of shareholder claims alleging breach of directors duties, she said.

The ruling may, however, provide useful guidance to activists considering future claims over directors duties and boards approaches to climate change, Bailes added.

(Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by Kylie MacLellan and Mark Potter)

Related:
U.S. insurer Chubb is in talks to acquire a 49% stake in Indias Kotak General Insurance and has become a more favored suitor than Zurich Insurance Group, two people with direct knowledge of the discussions said.

Chubb has an edge over Zurich because it is more amenable to leaving control with Indias Kotak Mahindra Bank and because Kotak believes it shares more common business areas with Chubb such as auto insurance, according to one of the people.

Zurich has been discussing a stake of either 49% or 51% and the majority stake would likely value the company at around $800 million, the sources have previously said.

But if Chubb were to win out, the deal would value Kotak at less than $800 million as it would not include a so-called buyout premium, they said.

Kotak, one of Indias smaller general insurance firms, has been looking to sell a stake to achieve faster growth in a market seen as having huge potential. It is controlled by Uday Kotak, who is Asias richest banker worth $14 billion according to Forbes.

Kotak General Insurance continues to have discussions with Zurich, though separate talks with private equity firm Carlyle have not worked out, the people added.

They were not authorized to speak to media and declined to be identified.

Chubb and Kotak did not respond to Reuters queries seeking comment. Zurich and Carlyle declined to comment.

Chubb, the worlds biggest property and casualty insurer, operates in 54 countries and has nearly $200 billion in assets.

A deal with Kotak would mark a fresh attempt by Chubb to foray into the Indian market after a deal with HDFC General Insurance ended in 2007.

In India, general insurance products such as those for healthcare are usually bought for tax deductions.

The worlds most populous country has huge potential as an insurance market with non-life insurance penetration of 1% in 2021 compared with the global average of 4.1%, according to Indian credit ratings firm CareEdge.

Annual premium collections in Indias general insurance market grew 11% to $26.7 billion in the year ended March 2022, CareEdge said, adding that it expects annual growth of 13-15% in the medium term.

Heightened risk awareness in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic is also driving demand.

Foreign companies such as Germanys Allianz have general insurance partnerships with Indian banking or financial groups. India in 2021 relaxed investment rules for the sector, allowing foreign companies to acquire stakes of up to 74%, compared with up to 49% earlier.

(Reporting by M. Sriram; editing by Aditya Kalra and Edwina Gibbs)

Topics Chubb
This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Arch Reinsurance Co. and Willis Towers Watson (WTW).

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Arch Re Co. Appoints Former PartnerRe CUO Schriber as President

Arch Reinsurance Co. announced that Jonathan Schriber will join the company as president, effective Aug. 1, 2023.

Schriber will be based in the companys Morristown, N.J., office and will have responsibility for Archs U.S.-based reinsurance operations underwriting portfolio and oversight of the entitys overall strategy.

Schriber joins Arch from Partner Re where he most recently served as chief underwriting officer, P&C Americas. He has nearly 30 years of experience in the reinsurance industry, including senior roles at W.R. Berkley Corp., ACE USA and General Reinsurance Corp.

Peder Moeller, who had served as Arch Re Co.s CEO, will be returning to Europe by year-end in a senior role to help advance Arch Re Europes strategic efforts.

I am thrilled to welcome Jon to Arch Re. He has a wealth of industry experience and a demonstrated ability to deliver results, said Maamoun Rajeh, chairman and CEO of Arch Worldwide Reinsurance Group.

He is well-regarded as a leader, has excellent underwriting acumen and a keen sense for cycle management. Im looking forward to Arch Re Co.s continued success under his direction, Rajeh added.

I want to thank Peder Moeller for leading Arch Re Co. for the last several years and the work he did shaping our overall U.S. operations. I am happy he will finally be reuniting with his family in Denmark and am excited for our European team to benefit from his leadership and drive, he said.

Arch Reinsurance Co., part of Arch Capital Group Ltd., underwrites specialty casualty reinsurance, including distressed lines of business.

***

WTW Hires Marshs Clarke as President, Risk & Broking, Garrard Named WTW Chair

WTW, the global advisory, broking, and solutions company, announced it is further strengthening its Risk & Broking leadership in order to enhance specialization, digitization and optimization capabilities.

Lucy Clarke will join WTW as president, Risk & Broking, in the third quarter of 2024. Upon her arrival, Adam Garrard will take on the role of chairman, Risk & Broking. The two will work closely to drive the continued growth of WTWs Risk & Broking segment, which comprises more than 14,000 colleagues serving 140 countries and markets around the world.

In her role as president, Risk & Broking, Clarke will report to Carl Hess, and will be responsible for the day-to-day financial and operational management and growth of the business. Until she joins WTW, Garrard will continue in his current role as head of Risk & Broking and will become chairman upon her arrival.

Clarke brings with her deep industry experience gained through a 25-year career that has included diverse leadership positions with JLT Group and Marsh. In her most recent role, she serves as the president of Marsh Specialty and Global Placement. Prior to that, she was the chief executive officer of JLT Global Specialty, the insurance and risk arm of the JLT Group. Clarke graduated from Vanderbilt University and has worked in London since 1990.

With the addition of Lucy to our strong Risk & Broking leadership team, WTW will offer an even more compelling value proposition as we continue to innovate and adapt to address our clients changing needs, commented WTWs CEO Hess. I look forward to welcoming Lucy to the WTW team next year and know she will help us relentlessly drive our strategic priorities forward.

Topics Willis Towers Watson
Philippine authorities on Tuesday evacuated hundreds of people in coastal communities as super typhoon Doksuri intensified in strength, pummeling the north with strong winds and heavy rains before it heads toward Taiwan and China.

The southeast Asian nation canceled flights and shipping while it braced for Doksuri, which barreled toward the rugged terrain of northern Luzon island with winds of 185 kilometers per hour (115 miles per hour) and gusts of up to 230 kilometers per hour.

People in Cagayan are used to evacuating whenever a storm is coming. They really do follow the directives, Ruellie Rapsing, head of the provinces disaster risk reduction council, said in an interview with DZBB radio. People fled their homes in more than 10 coastal towns in Cagayan, where storm surges may be as high as three meters, Rapsing said.

Typhoon Doksuri Gains Power as It Threatens Philippines, Taiwan

The highest alert in a five-tier wind-strength classification was raised in Babuyan Islands in the extreme north of Luzon, according to the weather bureau, which warned of widespread damage to high-risk structures and a situation that is potentially very destructive to the community.

The area has already been seeing some flooding as a result of the monsoon, and the storm may worsen the situation.

#AlertoCagayano| Malapit na ring maabot ng tubig mula sa ilog ang Bagunot, Taytay/ San Isidro overflow bridge sa bayan ng Baggao, Cagayan base sa monitoring ng MDRRMO-Baggao.#EgayPH pic.twitter.com/BCJTm1MeHT

 CagayanPIO (@PioCagayan) July 25, 2023

The storm is forecast to make landfall or pass very close Cagayan as early as late tonight. Even if the storm doesnt make landfall, its sheer size means its likely to cause disruption to the province, which has experienced massive flooding in the past. Cagayan produces rice and corn, and hosts an economic zone.

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Air Inc. canceled more than a dozen flights from today, they said on Facebook. Nearly 10,000 people, 75 vessels and over 1,800 rolling cargoes are stranded in various ports as of Tuesday morning, according to the nations coast guard. President Ferdinand Marcos left for Malaysia on Tuesday, a day after his annual state of the nation address.

The Philippines is expected to see the biggest impact from the storm from tonight to tomorrow. Doksuri is forecast to exit the Philippines on Thursday morning, state weather bureau Pagasa said. It will then likely cross the Taiwan Strait and make landfall in the vicinity of Fujian, China on Friday morning.

I have specifically asked government ministries to prepare for the typhoon, Taiwans Premier Chen Chien-jen said in a post on Facebook. Lets work together at the central and local levels to minimize the impact and damage, he said, noting that Taiwan hasnt seen a typhoon landfall for nearly four years.

The islands government on Tuesday afternoon issued a land warning ahead of the typhoons approach, according to the Central Weather Bureau. On Monday, Taiwan raised a sea warning.

Rocky seas are expected, complicating efforts by Taiwan authorities to retrieve hundreds of shipping containers that washed overboard after the sinking of the Palau-flagged Angel a few days ago. Harbor authorities in Kaohsiung need to speed efforts to handle the containers, Taiwans Transport Minister Wang Kwo-tsai said in a statement.

Taiwan has retrieved over 200 of the 1,349 empty containers that fell into the ocean after the ship sank, CNA reported earlier. (Editors note: CNA is a news agency).

Massive container ship sank outside the Port of Kaohsiung on Friday morning sending dozens of containers adrift https://t.co/BINiimcYFP pic.twitter.com/i2O0GQY3gB

 Taiwan News (@TaiwanNewsEN) July 21, 2023

Taiwan, which on Monday started large-scale annual five-day military drills, canceled plans to use Fengnian airport on the east of the island due to safety concerns, according to the Ministry of National Defense. The air force had planned to use the civilian airport for takeoff and landing drills for the first time.

The typhoon is being watched closely in case it affects Taiwans largest LNG import terminal, Yung-An, or key oil refineries. The island is also home to plants making some of the worlds most advanced computer chips, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. said its undertaking routine precautions to avoid disruptions.

Chinas National Meteorological Center has issued a yellow alert for Doksuri, the second lowest alert in its four-tier system, while the Hong Kong Observatory said it will raise the lowest typhoon warning signal on Wednesday.

A weakening trend is only expected after the super typhoon hits Luzon and Taiwan and makes landfall over Chinas landmass, the Philippines Pagasa said.

: Patuloy na binabantayan ng mga @coastguardph personnel ang sitwasyon sa Port of Romblon sa kasagsagan ng Super Typhoon #EgayPH ngayong araw, ika-25 ng Hulyo 2023.

Sa video na ito, matutunghayan ang malakas na hangin at malalaking alon dulot ng sama ng panahon.

### pic.twitter.com/TXPqT0xQbX

 Philippine Coast Guard (@coastguardph) July 25, 2023

The Philippines is one of the most natural disaster-prone countries in the world. About 20 cyclones pass through the Southeast Asian nation each year, causing deaths and damage to agriculture, homes and infrastructure.

Hazards from this rainfall include widespread flooding and mudslides, common and deadly threats that typhoons pose in the Philippines, AccuWeather said on its website.

In October last year, more than 100 people died from floods and landslides triggered by storm Nalgae, which displaced hundreds of thousands of people.

With assistance from Sing Yee Ong, Olivia Tam, Dominic Lau and Andreo Calonzo.

Copyright 2023 Bloomberg.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters China
Pinnacle Actuarial Resources Hires Chen as Senior Consulting Actuary

Pinnacle Actuarial Resources, Inc., based in Bloomington, Ill., hired Michael K. Chen as a senior consulting actuary.

Chen has 20 years of actuarial experience and is returning to Pinnacle. His previous roles include commercial pricing actuary for FBL Financial Group and actuarial analyst for American Republic Insurance Company. Chen is based in Des Moines, Iowa.

Atain Hires Habel as VP and Head of Excess Casualty

Atain Insurance Companies, based in Farmington Hills, Mich., hired Barb Habel as vice president and head of excess casualty. Habel is based in Phoenix, Ariz., and has over 15 years of industry experience.

Before joining Atain, Habel was an executive underwriter at HDI Global Specialty and served for seven years at Core Specialty and Starstone. Before joining the carrier side, she worked for RT Specialty and CRC in Chicago.
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U.S. insurers are adopting numerous strategies to deal with risks from climate change, according to a review out today that gives the first look at how or if insurance companies are adopting the widely used Task Force for Financial Disclosure guidelines.

The review of Climate Risk Disclosure Survey responses, submitted to state regulators each year by insurers operating in 27 member states and jurisdictions, was conducted by climate leadership group Ceres and the California Department of Insurance.

This is the first year in which responses on the survey were aligned with the recommendations of the Task Force for Financial Disclosure (TCFD) guidelines.

TCFD has become a global standard since being introduced in 2017 by the Financial Stability Board, an international body that issues recommendations about the global financial system. The aim of TCFD is to improve reporting of climate-related financial information from companies.

Disclosure recommendations are structured around four pillars (governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets). Within those recommendations are 11 recommended disclosures.

By including TCFD in the survey, it takes the U.S. insurance industry from a place in which no U.S. insurer had completed a TCFD report just four years ago to seemingly abundant TCFD reporting from 500 insurers.

It gives an enormous amount of information, said Steven M. Rothstein, managing director, Ceres Accelerator for Sustainable Capital Markets, and one of the reports authors.

Not all participating insurers fully took to reporting  only 13% reported on all 11 TCFD points  but most provided a hearty trove of information, with 78% providing information on six or more of the 11 TCFD recommended disclosures, the Ceres report shows.

About half of the responses (218) were from property/casualty insurers, 114 were from life insurers, 57 were from health insurers and 11 were from title insurers. The remaining responses were split between groups of insurers covering multiple types.

Reporting insurers described an array of strategies to manage climate risk, with roughly one-fifth of responses mentioning forward-looking climate risk assessments like conducting climate scenario analyses or climate stress testing. Purchasing reinsurance was a primary strategy for managing climate risk, and some reinsurer respondents described how climate risk led them to reprice or reduce offerings, the Ceres report shows.

Responses to risk management and strategy were the strongest in number and detail among the four TCFD pillars. Nearly all insurers included information on those points.

The responses included information on integrating climate risk into enterprise risk management, opportunities for insurance products to support clean energy, insurance products to deal with climate risks associated with extreme weather, and greenhouse gas emissions policies.

The American Property Casualty Insurance Association responded to the report, noting that insurers have considered climate and extreme weather impacts in their core business operations for a long time, that strength of the industry relies on robust and resilient risk management strategy, and that insurers provide risk management and mitigation services that help society manage its transition to a lower carbon future.

The report demonstrates what you would expect to see in a competitive insurance market, Dave Snyder, APCIAs vice president and counsel said in an email responding to a request for comment on the Ceres report. Different companies are at different stages on their journeys with regard to their reporting. The (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) NAIC recognizes that companies of different sizes and business models would have different approaches and timelines. The one thing that is common to all insurers is a desire to work with the public to reduce and manage the risk of loss.

Rothsteins bottom-line assessment of the reports findings was also optimistic, though mixed with a call for an even greater breadth of disclosures from more insurers on future surveys.

What this highlights is there are a lot of insurers doing great work and there is a lot more to be done, he said.

Ceres also conducted a detailed analysis in its report of 15 companies, eight of which were P/C insurers: Farmers Insurance Group, Liberty Mutual Group, Munich Re, Progressive Group, SiriusPoint, State Farm, Swiss Re and Travelers.

Key findings from that more detailed analysis include:

All but three companies integrate climate risk into their enterprise risk management (ERM) processes.

Thirteen of the 15 companies have existing processes for assessing and identifying climate risks.

Five companies made disclosures under a range of scenarios (less than 2-degrees Celsius scenario, 1.5-degrees Celsius scenario, and over 2 degrees-Celsius scenario).

Four companies have their boards consider climate-related matters at least quarterly, while another five did not quantify board consideration of climate matters. At two companies, management reports to the board at least quarterly. Others report to the board two to three times per year.

All but three companies assigned climate responsibility to a C-suite executive, a president or an executive committee. Three companies also assigned climate responsibilities to another member or members of senior management, either reporting or not reporting to the board.

The detailed analysis contained excerpts of comments from reporting insurers.

Liberty Mutual, for example, addressed the highly recommended scenario analysis tool.

According to TCFD, climate-related scenario analysis should be used to assess and disclose potential business, strategic and financial implications of climate-related risks and opportunities over a short-, medium- and long-term time horizon, the excerpt states. Given the limitations of existing climate-related scenario modeling, we opted to combine a systems-level, top-down stress test and a portfolio-level, bottoms-up stress test to better understand different dimensions of climate-related transition risks.

The scope of Libertys two exercises included: a systems-level climate scenario analysis to examine macroeconomic, policy and legal, reputational and technological risks (with regional and sector insights) over a five-, 10-, 15-, 20- and 30+ year time horizon; and a portfolio-level climate scenario analysis of investments over a five-, 10- and 15-year timeframe.

An excerpt from Farmers, which in mid-July said it plans to cut back further on its presence in hurricane-prone Florida and that it will limit new homeowners insurance policies in California, indicates the carriers largest climate-related risks are related the impact of catastrophes on its portfolio.

In general, to the extent possible, Farmers manages its climate-related catastrophe risks through actuarially sound pricing, prudent risk eligibility guidelines, judicious use of reinsurance, and statistical modeling of enterprise capital under various stress scenarios, the excerpt reads.

A Munich Re excerpt outlines its green investing strategy: No investment in companies with: >15% revenue from thermal coal; >10% revenue from oil sands. Total: -25% to -29% emissions.

State Farms excerpt addressing emissions protocols addressed the companys goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50% from 2019 out to 2030.

Our goal includes both direct emissions from owned or controlled sources (Scope 1) and indirect emissions we consume (Scope 2), the excerpt states. It is aligned with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) goal of keeping global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2050. We measure progress against our targets by building out an annual GHG inventory that has been assured by a third party.

Rothstein said the thousands of pages in the report gives an important and detailed look at actions, governance, and strategy that insurers are employing to deal with climate change.

This is enormous for the first year, Rothstein said. We hope that they use this as a learning year and that they build on that. It is more urgent than ever when we see cities breaking heat records.

That sense of urgency is hitting home with people in states like Florida and California, where more and more large insurers are curbing their new business, he added.

Related:

Topics California Carriers USA
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The state of Delaware is going to the Supreme Court in its fight with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) over the release of information on captive insurers.

This fight has placed Delawares state regulation of insurance and its authority to protect corporate privacy up against the power of the IRS to enforce federal tax laws.

The IRS wants the Delaware Department of Insurance to give it data on two captive insurers for an investigation it is conducting into potential tax avoidance by micro-captives. The IRS has been warning about alleged abusive micro-captive insurance transactions for years, even placing them on an annual Dirty Dozen list of tax scams. The IRS insists it is entitled to the information under federal tax laws.

But Delaware has a corporate privacy law that the insurance department says bars it from disclosing certain information about captive insurance companies to anyone, including the federal government, without the companies consent. However, the law does allow disclosure to the federal government if it agrees in writing to keep the disclosed information confidential. The IRS would not agree to do that and instead petitioned the District Court to enforce its summons against the insurance regulator.

The Department of Insurance argues that, under the federal McCarran-Ferguson Act, which established state regulation of the business of insurance, Delaware law overrides the IRSs statutory authority, and it should not have to provide the information to the IRS.

The District Court backed the IRS. While the McCarran-Ferguson Act does protect state insurance laws from federal intrusion in certain situations, the District Court concluded that, before any such reverse- preemption occurs, precedent requires that the conduct at issue  in this case, the refusal to produce summonsed documents  must constitute the business of insurance within the meaning of the federal McCarran-Ferguson law. The District Court held that this threshold requirement was not met.

In late April the Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the lower courts ruling and it has now mandated that the Delaware insurance commissioner comply with the summons for information.

The Department of Insurance is asking Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito to issue an emergency order pausing the Third Circuits mandatory order pending consideration of its appeal of the ruling to the full Supreme Court.

The state calls the lower courts rulings a misapplication of reverse-preemption under McCarran-Ferguson. These courts found that a state insurance regulatory statute did not reverse-preempt a federal statute that is not about insurance regulation. But the insurance department maintains this is an error because its protection of the captive insurance data falls under the meaning of the business of insurance under McCarran-Ferguson.

The department claims that this is a matter of the business of insurance because the confidentiality provision at issue deals with materials submitted in connection with the licensure and examinations of captive insurers for the purpose of determining the solvency and safety of insurers, and for the protection of its policyholders.

But the Third Circuit asserted in upholding the lower courts that the departments refusal to provide documents and testimony responsive to the IRS request is not the business of insurance,' adding that it is plainly not the core of the business of insurance.'

The court added that after complying with the IRS requests, the department will be no less entitled to the information it currently receives to license captive insurance companies than it has previously been.

In petitioning for the emergency order from the high court, Delaware argued that the mandate would require the state insurance commissioner to violate the insurance laws of his own state, an outcome that upends Congress stated purpose in enacting the McCarran-Ferguson Act.

Topics Carriers Data Driven
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Elon Musk plans to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to consider whether the Securities and Exchange Commission overstepped its authority in enforcing a consent decree that he has called a muzzle on his free speech.

Musk would be appealing a decision by the 2nd U.S. Circuit of Appeals in Manhattan to uphold the decree, which arose from his August 2018 tweet that he had funding secured to take his electric car company Tesla private.

A three-judge panel rejected Musks claim that the SEC, which accused the billionaire of defrauding investors, exploited the decree to conduct harassing investigations into his use of Twitter, which he now owns and this week renamed X.

In an order on Monday, the appeals court denied Musks request that the panel or all 13 active judges revisit the case.

Alex Spiro, a lawyer for Musk, confirmed on Tuesday that Musk plans an appeal to the Supreme Court.

The consent decree was part of a settlement where Musk and Tesla each paid $20 million fines, Musk gave up his role as Teslas chairman, and Musk agreed to let a Tesla lawyer approve some tweets in advance.

In its May 15 decision, the appeals court panel said Musk could not revisit the screening of tweets because he had changed his mind.

Related: Elon Musk Loses Bid to End SEC Muzzle Over Tweets

But Musks lawyers said the SEC had no right to impose an unconstitutional gag rule as a condition of settling.

The decision posits that Mr. Musk either had to forego a settlement with the SEC or give up his right to challenge the constitutionality of the SECs demands, the lawyers wrote last month. Supreme Court law holds otherwise.

Last week, the federal appeals court in New Orleans agreed to reconsider its March decision that Musk violated federal labor law by tweeting in May 2018 that Tesla employees would lose stock options if they joined a union.

The Supreme Court typically hears oral arguments in about 70 of the approximately 5,000 cases it reviews each year.

The case is SEC v Musk, 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 22-1291.

Topics Profit Loss
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP)  Louisianans whose personal information was exposed in a massive data breach that affected the state`s Office of Motor Vehicles last month, will receive one year of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Friday.

The resources are being offered in response to a Russian cyber-extortion gangs global hack of a file-transfer program popular with corporations and governments. Among agencies that had their data breached were Louisianas Office of Motor Vehicles, Oregons Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Energy, the Nova Scotia provincial government, British Airways, the British Broadcasting Company and the U.K. drugstore chain Boots.

State officials warned that anyone with a Louisiana drivers license, ID or car registration  roughly 6 million Office of Motor Vehicle records  had their personal information exposed, which includes names, birthdates, addresses, social security numbers, height, eye color, license numbers and car registration.

Officials urged Louisiana residents to implement protective measures against the breach  most notably freezing and monitoring credit.

For more information on the free security services visit nextsteps.la.gov or call (866) 861-8717.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Cyber Louisiana Russia
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PointeNorth Insurance Group, one of the largest locally owned agencies in the Southeast, has acquired Cooper Insurance & Associates in McDonough, Georgia, the company announced.

Cooper, founded in 1988, offers liability, physical damage, cargo, workers compensation and general liability insurance for the transportation industry across the South. Charles Ed Cooper is CEO. He will continue to lead the agency and the firm will continue to operate under its name, but part of PointeNorth.

PointeNorth, led by CEO Bill Skeeles, entered the transportation insurance business in 2015 with the acquisition of Caribou Insurance Agency. Since then, the firm has acquired four other agencies. The agency is headquartered in Atlanta.

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Georgia
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Wesco Insurance, a part of AmTrust, has agreed to settle its dispute with a financial firm that lost millions in retirees money in a well publicized 2022 cyber attack.

The settlement notice, filed in federal court in Miami, did not specify the amount that Wesco had agreed to pay to IRA Financial Group for coverage of the data breach and legal defense costs. The amended complaint in the case, along with related lawsuits, allege that Miami-based IRA Financial lost $37 million in retiree funds that were held in crypto currency. IRA, which held a $5 million professional liability policy with Wesco, has been sued by retirees who had put their money into the firms individual retirement account products.

After the cyber attack, IRA Financial Trust sued its crypto currency and trading partner, Gemini, alleging that inadequate security measures allowed the cyber theft. News reports also have said that at the very moment that IRA was under cyber theft, its South Dakota office was swatted  someone claimed an armed robbery was under way, prompting police tactical units to swarm the building.

Wesco filed its action in U.S. District Court in South Florida in late 2022, asking the judge to declare that it had no duty to defend IRA in the class actions. IRA had purchased four policies, including a general liability policy from Travelers, a premier business owners policy from Allied Insurance Co., and an injured persons and company indemnification from Houston Specialty Insurance. Houston has agreed to provide a defense under a reservation of rights, IRA explained in court documents.

But Wesco has argued that its professional liability policy, effective from March 2021 to March 2022, excludes coverage for cyber incidents. Under a section of the exclusion titled, Cyber Liability, it reads: The insurer shall not be liable to pay any loss in connection with any claim made against any insured arising from, based upon, or attributable to  theft, loss, disclosure, collection, storage, retention, inability to access, alteration or corruption of, or use or misuse of any protected information.

The exclusion also refers to corruption of computer systems and theft of monies.

IRAs team, in answer to the complaint, argued that the policy wording did not specifically mention cyber attacks or crypto currency and the policy speaks for itself. Besides, IRA said, Wesco did not come to the table in good faith.

Wescos claims are barred in whole or in part by reason of Wescos unclean hands because Wesco  refused to defend or advance defense costs on the basis that it is excess to other insurance, IRA argued.

Wesco also failed to defend under a reservation of rights prior to filing its court action, then filed confidential information in an effort to harm IRA when it had no obligation to do so, the filing reads.

After the case went to mediation, both sides agreed to a settlement. They plan to ask the court to dismiss Wescos demand for declaration.

IRA Financial was founded by Adam Bergman, a former tax attorney who worked at some of the largest law firms, according to the IRA website.

Topics Cyber
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An Alabama firefighter who was shot inside his fire station will be laid to rest today, providing a small measure of closure after what authorities have called a targeted attack that left another fireman critically wounded.

News outlets reported that Jordan Melton, 29, just a month out of the fire training academy, was shot July 12 at the Norwood station in Birmingham. He died July 17. Another firefighter, Jamal Jones, was hospitalized, local TV news and the New York Times reported.

Police are still searching for a motive and a suspect in the attack. Fire officials said the shootings were extremely unusual.

A $45,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest in the shooting.

Until a suspect is apprehended and a motive is determined, it may be unclear if the victims will be eligible for workers compensation benefits. Alabama law in 2022 provided two-thirds of a workers wages for temporary total disability, up to a weekly maximum of $983. For fatalities on the job, the state allowed two-thirds of wages for dependents, for a maximum of 500 weeks, according to the Workers Compensation Research Institute.

Topics Alabama
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Georgia authorities said a 34-year-old woman has been charged with arson and child cruelty after she forced her stepchild to light fire to her home in order to collect insurance payments.

Courtney Sellers, of Screven, in southeast Georgia, was arrested after fire investigators reviewed video of the fire and interviewed people at the scene, Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King said in a news release.

The Jesup Fire Department asked investigators from the state Fire Marshals Office to step in after they videotaped the fire.

Based on the footage and interviews conducted, investigators determined that Ms. Sellers compelled her stepchild to start a fire inside the home for insurance money on two separate occasions, King said in a statement. The suspect was arrested on July 18th and is currently being housed in the Wayne County Jail.

Topics Georgia
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The topic of a recent California insurance department workshop was the potential use of catastrophe modeling in ratemaking, but carrier representatives and consumers took the opportunity to air concerns about other problems in the states insurance market.

The states growing availability crisis is poised to get worse unless changes beyond the introduction of forward-looking catastrophe modeling to ratemaking take hold, carrier executives said.

Change is critical to restoring the health to the California insurance marketplace and [to] avoiding increased nonrenewals and further carrier withdrawals from the state, said Parr Schoolman, chief risk officer of Allstate Property and Liability, during the four minutes of remarks he delivered during a four-hour public workshop that was broadcast via Zoom and Facebook on July 13. Among the changes Schoolman advocated were actions to speed up rate filing approvals and to allow insurers to include the costs of reinsurance in their rate indications.

Without pricing enhancements, Allstate will remain closed to new business and will evaluate additional nonrenewals or the full withdrawal of property lines from the California market, he stated, concluding his testimony.

More Than Cat Models

In early June, the department of insurance announced the workshop, calling for public input on technical and legal questions surrounding the use of catastrophe models for pricing wildfire risks. Specifically, the June notice asked for testimony about Section 1861.07 of the California insurance code, which states that all information provided to the commissioner in connection with a rate filing application needs to be available for public inspection. Recognizing the shortcomings of the method that has been used for estimating catastrophe adjustments for decadesthe use of historical catastrophe lossesthe department sought opinions on how cat model factors and sensitive inner workings could be opened up for scrutiny in accordance with the law.

After representatives of some of the best-known cat modeling firms talked about the need to balance transparency of inputs and outputs with intellectual property protections, and after consumer representatives alleged cat models are just an excuse for insurers to push pricing up, testimony at the mid-July workshop started to move away from the topic at handSection 1861.07. Community leaders, condo board members and insurance agents gave vivid, on-the-ground perspectives of what it feels like to live through what many referred to as a crisis, pleading with carriers to recognize their mitigation efforts in any pricing models they might adopt. (Carrier Managements third-quarter magazine will provide more detail from the testimony of community leaders, consumer representatives and agents.)

Only three presenters spoke directly on behalf of the carriers they work fortwo from Allstate and one from CSAAexpressing the desire to continue to provide coverage for homeowners in California and offering examples of how their attempts to comply with current rate filing regulations have prompted them to retreat. (Another carrier employee, an actuary who didnt reveal his affiliation with a specialty carrier, spoke more squarely about how catastrophe models could be used to create schedules of concentration charges measuring the risk to carrier surplus.)

Ryan Vigus, executive vice president of Personal Lines at CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA insurer, explained that regulations currently require all insurers to use a simple catastrophe model based on at least 20 years of historical actual experience. (Editors Note: Other speakers said this rule is the catastrophe adjustment provision of the California Code of Regulation,  2644.5.)

According to Vigus, after the Valley and Butte fires in 2015, CSAA filed a new wildfire cat load as required by law, calculating a figure of $48 million per year based on two decades of actual loss experience. Despite following all the requirements of the regulations, we were forced to accept a rate that reflected a lower catastrophe load of $38 million.

That was because the 1991 Oakland Hills fire was judgmentally reduced to a so-called 1-in-50 event.

This is a 21 percent reduction in the wildfires load already allowed in the current ratemaking formula, he said, going on to cite a second example, a $162 million calculation using the CDI formula after the 2017 North Bay fires and 2018 Paradise fire. That one was reduced by $20 million to $142 million during the rating approval process because, and I quote, Our exposures had changed, end quote. But we were not allowed to increase the load to account for climate change, which is clearly leading to increased [risk]. Thats a 12 percent reduction in the wildfire catastrophe load despite the risk clearly increasing over time, Vigus said.

This leads to inadequate rates and is the significant contributor to the current insurance crisis.

Im sharing these examples because we believe CDI has the opportunity to approve more adequate rates under methodologies already allowed by regulation. Todays hearing is focused on third-party models, very sophisticated models that go beyond past experience to include future-looking forecasts. And we support them, particularly in light of climate change. However, adding new allowable methodologies will not be useful if theyre artificially suppressed in the rate approval process like current methodologies are today.

CSAA wants to continue to write California customers, but no company can offer products that lose money over the long run because the company will simply cease to exist, he said.

Schoolman and several representatives from carrier and agent trade groups underscored the idea that its not just the inability to use catastrophe models that has them exiting the state. Schoolman noted, in fact, that carriers are actually currently allowed to use catastrophe models to determine cat loads for earthquake, including fire-following earthquake exposure. Approximately 60-70 percent of single-family households in California are located in moderate to high fire-following earthquake exposure. Major population centers like San Francisco and Los Angeles are near major fault lines. While we can leverage catastrophe models to develop a fire-following earthquake catastrophe loss provision there, we still fall short on insurance premiums by not allowing the cost of reinsurance for those exposures, he said.

The cost of reinsurance is a significant portion of our underlying cost of doing business. In addition, we have restrictions on the rate of return and the profit factors allowed, and theres an abnormally long filing review and approval timeline in rate filing, Allstates CRO said, reporting that the carriers most recent home filing took 773 days to approve.

Adding the inability to reflect prospective wildfire loss costs from catastrophe models to the list, Schoolman said that as a result of all these barriers, Allstates average policy premium in California is at a level 43 percent lower than many other states with high risk for catastrophic events such as Colorado, Florida, Louisiana and Texas, speaking a week before Allstate announced that $2.7 billion in catastrophe losses across the country will be reflected the insurers second-quarter results.

He continued, Allstate would prefer to material[ly] re-enter the property market by offering new policies to the vast majority of consumers. Wed expect wed be able to target at least 90 percent of the available market in terms of availability, with the inclusion of wildfire catastrophe modeling and reinsurance costs being allowed in the setting of premiums.

Enabling carriers to more adequately match premiums to risk, well increase insurance availability within the voluntary market, and it should lead to depopulation of the FAIR plan. Allstate, and we expect other carriers as well, will be leveraging the FAIR plan as a clearinghouse program to offer voluntary market policies when rates are sufficient, he said.

California DOI Workshop Focus As a result of climate-intensified wildfire risk and continued development in the wildland urban interface areas, and recent increased efforts to mitigate wildfire risks, past experience may no longer reflect the current wildfire exposure for property owners and insurance companies, the California Department of Insurance stated in a June invitation to a July 13 workshop examining catastrophe models as a potential tool to incorporate in insurance ratemaking and rate approvals.

The key question of the workshop was how to make this a reality while meeting a longstanding requirement established under Proposition 103 in 1988, codified as Section 1861.07 of the California insurance code, stating that all information provided to the commissioner for rate approval shall be available for public inspection. Discussion questions were: To what extent can the methodologies, factors and inner workings of catastrophe models be publicly disclosed in accordance with Section 1861.07 so that the department can evaluate those models?

How to handle situations in which the department requires sensitive information in the course of its model review while remaining in accordance with Section 1861.07?

Can methods of structuring model review used by regulators in other states, such as use of an independent third-party panel, work in California?

Bottom line: Allstate is dedicated to serving the insurance needs of Californians and would prefer to grow our market share in the state. However, longstanding restrictions are preventing the ability to appropriately match insurance premiums to the risks they present to Allstate, he said.

Later at the workshop, Stephen Young, senior vice president and general counsel of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of California, said that getting credit for reinsurance expenses is the most important factor in a four-part plan to get insurance companies to start writing and renewing property risks in the state again, referencing the findings of a national law firm and national actuarial experts that IIABCal commissioned to develop such a plan.

The second most important factor is allowing a cost of capital component for the catastrophic exposures that were not ceded to reinsurance. The third dealt with rate modeling, and the fourth element simply concerned the time that it takes the DOI to approve rate filings, he said.

It is telling to us that the factors driving these catastrophic wildfire exposures are present in virtually every western state, and yet only California seems to have the availability crisis of the magnitude that we are experiencing, he said. And I can tell you that our members who sell insurance in every part of this state are telling us this is the greatest and most severe availability crisis any of them have experienced in their long careers. This is a crisis, and certainly a lot of attention has been given to recent decisions by the market leaders like State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, but long before they made their decisions, independent agency companies had already been shotgun nonrenewing policies, terminating agency appointments and doing other things to restrict their writing, he stated.

Fundamentally what insurers need is prompt approval of their rate requests and adequate rates. And, in too many cases, we believe companies cannot get either from this department of insurance right now, he said.

Young did not reveal the name of the law firm or actuaries involved in developing the plan when he spoke.

Separately, late last year, the Personal Insurance Federation of California, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association and the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies released an analysis from actuarial firm Milliman addressing the potential impact of allowing wildfire catastrophe model results to be used in the California homeowners ratemaking formula. Milliman found, among other things, that cat model indications could deliver less jarring changes in rates over time than the use of historical experience and could allow carriers to incorporate mitigation impacts into pricing most quickly.

Representatives of PIF, APCIA, NAMIC and Milliman all spoke during the July 13 workshop as well, with the trade group representatives reiterating the calls for the inclusion of reinsurance costs and timely filing approval, and the Milliman actuaries describing how other states structure the review of catastrophe models and how those processes might be applied in California.

This article originally appeared in Insurance Journals sister publication Carrier Management.

Topics California Property
The symbiotic relationship between a leading Californian tech firm and Munsters universities has been hailed as key to it vastly exceeding expansion targets over five years in Cork.

Data security firm Rubrik  which counts the likes of PepsiCo, Honda, Estee Lauder, Harvard, and GSK among its clients  announced ambitions for 50 roles in Cork when it opened its offices in 2018 at the IDAs Bishopstown site.

Having doubled that job target since, the firm has moved to a larger space in Ballincollig to accommodate its sustained growth in Ireland and Europe.

Finance Minister Michael McGrath, who officially launched the new offices, praised the firms commitment to growth in Cork, and said its overachievement in its ambitions was a symbol of Corks talent pipeline.

To see the company grow from essentially zero six years ago to now 100 people working in state-of-the-art offices in Ballincollig is a great boost, Mr McGrath said.

Rubrik vice president for customer support Emmet Hoare, Finance Minister Michael McGrath, and Rubrik chief customer officer Giri Iyer at the opening of Rubriks second Cork office. Picture: Daragh McSweeney/Provision

"It also reminds all of us that while the global players that have major operations here are important, other global players such as Rubrik are also looking to Ireland as a location for growth and further investment."

Its heartening to see it continue it grow and scale and especially the especially strong links it has with both University College Cork [UCC] and Munster Technological University [MTU]."

Interns who began in 2018 are still with the firm today and are now providing their expertise and knowledge to new staff coming in  a fantastic model and great success story, with much more to come, Mr McGrath added. Rubriks vice president for customer support, Emmet Hoare, who heads up the Ballincollig office, said the firms relationship with MTU and UCC was bolstered through top talent coming out of university ready for high-level roles.

Mr Hoare said having a pipeline and access to leaders in third-level institutions such as MTUs programme director Pat McCarthy ensured that the highest quality candidates are on the doorstep of firms such as Rubrik. He added:

He and his colleagues have shown why Cork, and Munster as a whole, are fertile grounds for top talent in the IT sector.

Mr McCarthy said the relationship goes both ways, with firms such as Rubrik keen to hire talent from local institutions.

We are extremely focused on closing the cybersecurity and multi-cloud skills gaps," he said.

"Our collaboration with an industry-leading organisation like Rubrik in achieving these objectives and developing the next generation of local talent in these areas is critical, both within the region and beyond."

Rubriks chief customer officer Giri Iyer, who came from California to see the new offices in both Bishopstown and Ballincollig open, said the depth of talent we are able to access in Ireland has driven significant local growth.

When we originally announced expansion to the region in 2018, we had plans for 50 new jobs in Cork. Since then, we have nearly doubled this headcount across engineering, customer support, and sales.

"The expansion of our customer services hub and other critical functions means we can help even more enterprises in EMEA tackle the ongoing threat of ransomware.

Rubriks Zero Labs report recently revealed that 94% of EMEA organisations are concerned they will be unable to maintain business continuity if they experience a cyberattack.

The IDAs chief executive Michael Lohan said: Its great to see a leading global company like Rubrik investing in Ireland, adding to the established cluster of expertise in data and cyber security. I wish them every success as they continue to grow their footprint here in Ireland.

Rubrik was founded in California in 2014 by Bipul Sinha, Arvind Jain, Soham Mazumdar, and Arvind Nithrakashyap.

Having secured more than $560m (507m) in investor funding in its early years, the Palo Alto-headquartered firm was valued by analysts at $4bn in 2021.
An hour after dropping your child at summer camp you get a call to say they forgot their lunch box. At the same time, youre dealing with sibling rows and your five-year-old has an ongoing health issue  their hay fever has flared up again.

Parenting is full of these short-term or even chronic stresses, says Dr Ann-Marie Creaven at University of Limericks (UL) Department of Psychology. We all experience these daily hassles. Its not always easy, but its natural to feel stressed when youre pulled in different directions.

Creaven says everybody experiences these stresses  but parental burnout is a different matter. Id hope that parental burnout is a lot less common than parental stress. Burnout isnt something wed expect to see widely at all.

Yet, while there is no hard data for Ireland, some research suggests that an increasing number of parents can experience parental burnout. Rosemary Daynes-Kearney, a PhD researcher at UL's Department of Psychology, points to an international investigation of the phenomenon, which collected data between 2018 and March 2020. It found parental burnout varied from between 1-8% of parents, she says.

But what is parental burnout?

Its a state of intense exhaustion related to the parental role, and consequently becoming emotionally detached from the role and from the children, and becoming doubtful about your capacity to be a good parent, says Creaven, who explains that burnout happens when the stresses are greater than the resources available to deal with them.

Burnout has been a topic in the world of employment since the 1950s/60s. But in the parenting world it is a much newer concept

Elaborating on the three markers involved in parental burnout  exhaustion, emotional detachment, and sense of ineffectiveness in the parental role  Daynes-Kearney describes how an afflicted parent might feel. Youve no energy left to take care of your child. You wake up in the morning and, thinking about the day, youre already exhausted before youre even out of bed.

Youre able to do the day-to-day physical tasks of caring for your child  preparing meals, tidying up after them, getting them to school. But whats missing is the enjoyment of being with your child, being close  you feel distant from your child. You have negative reflections about yourself in the parenting role. You feel youre a bad parent, that Im no longer the parent I used to be.

When these feelings are prevalent, prolonged and dont go away, its a sign, says Daynes-Kearney, that the balance between coping and stress has tipped in the wrong direction. She sees parental stress augmented by the constant demands placed on parents  to provide for their children, to play with them, to be all-things-they-can-be.

And the type of society we live in can have a direct effect on parental burnout, she says, adding that this societal context can impact us as parents without us realising.

In Ireland, we tend not to share parental tasks. Some countries have a village feel, but were more focused on the individual family group. Were also raising our children to be individuals, so theyre less likely to conform to parental wishes. And we self-compare against a standard of what good parenting is  as individual parents we tend to judge ourselves.

She points to individual risk factors for parental burnout, such as perfectionism, low satisfaction with personal/professional life, childrens personality traits, e.g. they lack emotional control or have temper/anger issues, and caring for children with additional needs. These can all put you at risk of parental burnout.

The impact of parental burnout is wide-ranging, affecting mood and sleep and leading to irritability and feelings of guilt/shame

Citing a French study that found the childs age also a factor, Daynes-Kearney says: People think its the parents age that matters. This study found the childs age is a factor. Parents of under-5s are more likely to be exhausted  younger children require more physical care. Whereas parents of older children are more likely to feel a lack of accomplishment, because children this age require more emotional care  particularly in the teens when theres a lot more familial conflict.

Burnout has been a topic in the world of employment since the 1950s/60s. But in the parenting world, it is a much newer concept and were only in the early days of understanding it, says Daynes-Kearney.

Creaven says with job burnout, the manager bears the brunt of underperforming employees. At work, burnout is a problem for managers but, with parental burnout, theres no manager to put something in place.

Pointing out that a good quality relationship between child and parent is very important for the child  and parental burnout obviously compromises this  Creaven says: The connection isnt going to be as strong if the parent is feeling emotionally detached and exhausted.

But she also believes a lot of pressure is placed on parents to solve what is not theirs entirely to solve. If we want people to raise children to thrive, we need to mitigate against parental burnout with policies like parental leave, and putting more in the built environment around low-cost facilities for children to meet other children. If you live in an area with a lot of playgrounds and low-cost amenities, that reduces parental stress  for parents, theres less entertaining [of children] to do.

She believes the State should take over preschool care, just as it does with primary and secondary schools. And there needs to be enhanced supports in the community for parents, even if its at the level of companionship. Without such supports, she says the parental burden is higher than it needs to be.

The impact of parental burnout is wide-ranging, affecting mood and sleep and leading to irritability and feelings of guilt/shame. People may leave their job. There may be relationship conflict. It impacts quality of life and can lead to violence, suicide ideation and neglect of the child, for example not attending to their emotional needs, says Daynes-Kearney.

As with so much in life, prevention is better than cure  and parental burnout is no exception. Recognise the indicators. Is the way youre feeling fleeting or lasting? Seek help from your GP or other professional, says Daynes-Kearney, who recommends building up protective factors that will enhance your coping resources.

She advises:

Look at your social supports  these networks can be in-person or online. My own research supports finding similar others who feel as you do. Become part of parenting groups, so you can get emotional help from other parents.

Identify your likes away from being a parent, where you can cultivate new social networks/interests  it could be sports, art, being a member of a religious group.

There are positive benefits to helping others. Peoples sense of wellbeing and confidence is enhanced by being able to provide, as well as receive, support.

Identify to yourself what supports you need. It could be real tangible support, like your mum coming to help with the laundry. Or perhaps you need information on a particular area of parenting. Or maybe its emotional support  someone to talk and vent with.

Address yourself with self-compassion. It has been found to be a buffer against stress and parental burnout. Give yourself a break, do nice things for yourself, say nice things about yourself.

Cultivate empathy for your child. Understanding their point of view and where their behaviour is coming from will dial down the stress.

Check out the Parental Burnout Assessment Tool at https://en.burnoutparental.com/test-pba-en

As a mum of children with additional needs, Rosemary Daynes-Kearney is conducting research into online support groups. She wants to better understand why family carers use/dont use them  and if they use them what works for them, and what doesnt.

She is inviting people to complete an online survey about their experiences so as to help organisations/groups understand how best to set up/run online support groups.

For more information, email rosemary.daynes.kearney@ul.ie
Cara Delevingne has described herself as stable and calmer since embracing sobriety, but noted how challenging the process has been.

The model and actress first spoke about her decision to go sober earlier this year, following a series of images that were taken of her at Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles last year.

The 30-year-old told Elle UK that she felt a weight was lifted after speaking about her struggles.

Cara Delevingne on the cover of the September issue of Elle UK (Elle UK/Quentin Jones/PA)

She said: For a long time, I felt like I was hiding a lot from people who looked up to me. I finally feel as though I can be free and myself, fully.

On embracing sobriety, she added: It hasnt (been easy), but there have never been moments when Im like, This isnt worth it.

Its been worth every second. I just dont know what it would take for me to give it up. I am stable. Im calmer.

Before, I didnt trust myself. I second-guessed myself constantly. There was a lot of anxiety involved. Now I just feel free of that.

Delevingne, who found fame as the face of luxury British fashion house Burberry in 2011, spoke about her struggle with the quick ascent to global stardom.

Cara Delevingne says her ascent to global fame didnt feel real (Elle UK/Quentin Jones/PA)

She told Elle UK: It didnt feel real. I didnt feel like I deserved it. I didnt feel worthy. I was still stuck in this mindset of not being good enough.

I was doing the best I could, but I wasnt really appreciating every moment. Inside, I felt very different to how I looked.

The model also praised her relationship with London musician Leah Mason, better known as her stage name Minke, in the process of becoming more secure.

She said: My girlfriend has been really wonderful in introducing me to a lot of things and people.

Being with my girlfriend, in this relationship, there are just so many things that came at once that have made me so happy and comfortable with who I am.

Cara Delevingne praised her relationships with girlfriend Leah Mason and friends Jourdan Dunn and Karlie Kloss (Elle UK/Quentin Jones/PA)

Delevingne also praised her close friendships within the fashion industry including with Jourdan Dunn and Karlie Kloss who taught her a lot about living.

Having found fame as a model, Delevingne branched into acting with a minor role in Joe Wrights 2012 adaptation of Anna Karenina.

She later went on to secure leading roles in Paper Towns and Suicide Squad.

On trying to live without expectations, she added: Its not easy. Like anything, its a practice.

Im just taking it day by day. The projects Im doing are things I really care about.

The September issue of Elle UK is on sale from July 27.
Publicly funded fertility treatments are due to be approved by Cabinet on Tuesday.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will bring forward a memo on State funding for in-utero fertilisation (IVF) and intrauterine insemination treatment (IUI), with the scheme due to begin rolling out in September.

Likely limitations and criteria

It is understood that the funding will be made available to couples for one cycle of IVF.

However, this will not be available if they have had more than one cycle of IVF through the private sector.

There will also be funding provided for couples to access up to three cycles of IUI, if they meet clinical criteria.

However, it is understood that there will be access criteria for the scheme, which include couples having a clinical cause of infertility as well as a limit on age, body mass index, and the number of children a couple has. These criteria were recommended by an expert group, it is understood.

Regulatory and clinical issues

Despite the schemes expected approval on Tuesday, there are several outstanding regulatory and clinical issues around particular fertility treatments. As a result, it is expected that public funding will be allocated on a phased basis.

Read More Ireland's first public fertility treatment programme to offer choice of 12 packages

Separately, Integration Minister Roderic OGorman is to update Cabinet on the progress of the deliveryof rapid-build modular homes for Ukrainian refugees.

It is understood that two sites will be completed and occupied by Ukrainian refugees in the coming weeks, with further sites due to be finished over the summer.

Mr OGorman will also bring a memo to Cabinet to introduce an EU directive to ensure that people with disabilities can access products and services across the bloc.

Taoiseach Leo Varadakar will update Cabinet on the establishment of a child poverty unit in his department.

EU military exercise

Meanwhile, Tanaiste Micheal Martin will seek approval to send 10 Defence Forces personnel to take part in a live EU crisis management military exercise in Spain this October. It is part of the EUs Strategic Compass  a plan to strengthen security and defence policy by 2030.

This includes the development of an EU rapid deployment capacity that will allow the deployment of up to 5,000 troops for different types of crises. The Defence Forces received a request from the director general of the European Union military staff in February 2023 to take part in the training exercise in Cadiz, Spain.

The live exercise will see participants form an EU battle group-sized force in a simulated theatre of operations.

Co-operation on lighthouses

The Tanaiste, together with Transport Minister Eamon Ryan, will seek approval for an international agreement with the UK on continued joint procurement between the three general lighthouse authorities.

Safety of navigation around the coasts of Ireland and the UK is assured by three General Lighthouse Authorities; the Commissioners of Irish Lights for Ireland and Northern Ireland, Northern Lighthouse Board for Scotland, and Trinity House for England and Wales.

All three have used joint procurement which was straightforward when all under the same EU procurement regime but a new solution was needed after Brexit.

Rail review recommendations

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Eamon Ryan will bring the draft report of the first All-Island Strategic Rail Review to Cabinet for information.

The review sets out 30 recommendations to transform the current rail system, with electrification, faster speeds, improved frequency, and new routes, particularly in the West and North.

These include increasing the frequency of services to at least hourly between major cities, enhancing rail capacity for freight, building the Limerick to Foynes railway, and starting the South Wexford Railway between Waterford and Rosslare Europort.

Enterprise, Trade & Employment Minister Simon Coveney will bring a fast-tracked memo to provide an emergency aid scheme to businesses flooded in Donegal last Saturday.
Three siblings allege a French mans remains were delivered to a Tipperary undertaker instead of the body of their father, who died while holidaying in Spain.

Jackie Costelloe, Neville Curley, and Elizabeth Ann Curley-Poppe have sued an international undertaker, an English repatriation service, and a funeral home in Templemore over alleged psychiatric injuries suffered due to the mix-up.

Their father, Michael Curley, a widower from Templemore, died aged 83, of a heart attack while on holiday in Lanzarote in February 2016, the High Court has heard.

The siblings senior counsel, David Kennedy, said the difficult and delicate circumstances his clients experienced arose out of the defendants alleged negligence and breach of contract.

The defendants have each filed a full defence denying all liability, added Mr Kennedy.

Son flew to Lanzarote after father's death

Opening the case yesterday, he said Ms Costelloe was with her father around the time of his death in Spain and saw his body over there. Mr Curley flew out to visit the Lanzarote funeral home and saw his fathers body. They made arrangements for repatriating his body to Ireland.

When Mr Curely went to visit the body at Greys Funeral Home in their hometown of Templemore, the undertaker told him to prepare himself as his father did not look well and foreign embalming services were not as good as Irish ones, said Mr Kennedy.

Mr Curley was utterly shocked by the appearance of the body, as were his siblings when they later attended at the funeral home, the court heard.

'Like a horror movie'

Later that day he was asked to return to the funeral home, and a tag on the body identified that this was a French citizen, Mr Kennedy said.

In the witness box, Ms Costelloe described the experience of seeing the body in Templemore as like a horror movie.

The deceased bore no resemblance whatsoever to my father, she said. This man had very sallow skin and jet black hair, with cuts on his face from shards of glass, she said. This corpse had undergone an autopsy, while she believed her father had not.

Ms Costelloe said her sister, Ms Curley-Poppe, who had flown to Ireland from Michigan, US, said: That is not my dad.

The family asked the undertaker three times if he was sure this was their father, to which he responded that it was and the paperwork he was provided with proved this, she claimed. Ms Costelloe told the court:

I said do not even bother putting that man into his suit. That body has gone through enough trauma.

They decided then that the coffin should be closed.

Outlining the defence of his clients  Spanish-based Memora Servicios Funerarios Internacionales SL and repatriation service Rowland Brothers International Limited in Surrey  Micheal O Scanaill SC said the error was recognised and quickly rectified, enabling the late Mr Curleys funeral to go ahead as scheduled.

The plaintiffs received an apology prior to commencing their proceedings, and his clients acknowledge there was additional inconvenience and upset caused by the situation. However, his clients deny they are liable for the alleged injuries caused to the plaintiffs.

He raised objections to their having issued three separate sets of proceedings in the High Court, which hears personal injuries cases seeking awards of 60,000 and above.

Paperwork identified remains as Mr Curley's

Jeremy Maher SC, with Eamon Marray BL, rejected suggestions that his client, Greys Funeral Home, was obliged to check the tag on the body.

Mr Maher said a label on the coffin identified this as the late Mr Curley and all accompanying paperwork said the same. In these circumstances, it was entirely reasonable for him to believe the body that arrived in Ireland was that of the plaintiffs father.

The case before Mr Justice Tony OConnor continues on Wednesday.
A leading heritage body has claimed plans to transform a former hotel in Limerick city centre into a student accommodation facility with 116 bed spaces will have a negative impact on the citys Georgian character.

An Taisce has submitted an appeal to An Bord Pleanala against the recent decision of Limerick City and County Council to grant planning permission for the change of use of the disused Railway Hotel on Parnell Street opposite the citys train station and an adjoining shop to student residences.

The developer, Signature Trustee Services, is seeking to develop a three-storey building on Parnell Street which will rise to seven storeys on Davis Street towards the rear of the development. The new building will also incorporate a ground floor cafe on Parnell Street and a laundry.

However, An Taisces head of strategy, Ian Lumley, claimed the height of the new building will have an adverse impact on other buildings in the area, in particular on the historic railway station that dates from 1848.

The proposed building will be the first sight that meets the eye on arrival at Limerick station and, should it go ahead, it will not be a pretty one, said Mr Lumley.

An Taisce said it holds the view that the scale of Limericks Georgian city should be respected because of its significance which is unique in provincial Ireland. It claimed buildings in excess of six storeys should be confined to the citys docklands or the proposed Colbert Quarter.

Mr Lumley questioned if the project was trying to accommodate just too many units within a constricted sight. He also expressed concern about the lack of residential amenities in the development.

It is not good enough to say that the residents can treat the Peoples Park or the stone benches on the adjacent railway station forecourt as their main outdoor social area, said Mr Lumley.

An Taisces Limerick branch claimed the proposed development is overbearing on the Railway Hotel which is a protected structure. An Taisce expressed concern that the design of the building could add to the existing problem of illicit drinking, drug taking and prostitution in Mews Lane at the back of the site.

The organisation also stressed that it was committed to supporting initiatives for increasing housing levels in Limerick city and county, including student accommodation.

Mr Lumley, said An Taisce had welcomed the project because of its potential to contribute significantly to the renewal and revitalisation of a major arrival point into the city, while also adding significantly to the citys housing stock.

Council planners appraised the plans for the site and concluded it was a well-designed building which would only serve to enhance the overall aesthetic of the area in question.

They said the proposed development was in harmony with the existing building and the new elements had taken account of the historical significance, character and unique features of the existing hotel.

The council also noted the new student residence was being located in a part of the city centre that had experienced high vacancy, dereliction and neglect. The developer claimed the proposed building would have a distinctive character which would provide a new life to the existing hotel building.

A ruling on the case by An Bord Pleanala is due towards the end of November.
It was only when the pilot announced that the plane had left Iranian air space that Bernard Phelan finally knew he was a free man and was able to break down in tears.

During the previous seven months Bernard had spent in the freezing prison in Central prison Mashhad in Iran on spying charges, freedom had seemed an unlikely dream. There had been many false dawns during the 222 days he had spent in captivity.

On one occasion, his friend Benjamin Briere, a French hostage who had already been imprisoned in Mashhad for more than three years, had been walked by Iranian guards all the way through security out of the same prison after having had his conviction overturned in court in February only to be told "youre not being released".

As Bernard left the Iranian jail in May after a long-fought campaign by his family and friends, he said he was continuously looking over his shoulder, for fear he would be taken back in.

A judge told me I would die in an Iranian prison, said Bernard Phelan when he sat down for an interview with the Irish Examiner in recent days. So, I never knew what to make of them. Ive heard of them blocking planes on the runway, so why would this be any different?.

As he boarded the French plane flown by three pilots and carrying him and Benjamin along, with a doctor, and nurse as well as officials, he told them: We are not out of here until we are out of Iranian air space."

He continued, The pilot said to me, you are right. He said, we are not flying directly to Paris, we are flying direct to the nearest international border. So, it was 28 minutes to the border to Turkmenistan. Those 28 minutes were really long.

Then finally, the moment of truth came, and Bernard was free.

The pilot said We are out of Iranian airspace now. There were tears, laughter, three pilots laughing, the doctor, and nurse all laughing and smiling, he said.

His release in May came after a deal was struck between Ireland, France, and Iran following a long-running campaign, spearheaded by his family and friends that eventually reached the tables of senior political figures in Ireland and France.

Espionage charges

The Tipperary tourism executive, who has dual nationality in France and Ireland, had ended up in prison in Iran on espionage charges. He had been arrested after his Iranian friend was seen taking photographs of a mosque in October. Bernard was working as a tourism consultant at the time.

When he was detained, Iran was gripped by major street protests against the hardline regime with millions taking to the streets across the country. Bernards release came after a tireless campaign by Irish officials, demonstrations outside the Iranian embassy in Dublin, and a petition raised by his family.

After his release, he returned to his home of 30 years in Paris with his husband Roland Bonello and has visited Ireland once since to see his 97-year-old father. However, he returned to Dublin last week and today, Bernard will meet with Micheal Martinthe Tanaiste and Minister of Foreign Affairs who had written to him while he was in jail and was involved with the French authorities in securing his release.

The Irish did everything right when I was locked up, he said. They had the Irish touch, I got letters brought to me by both French and Irish officials over there, they sent me anything I needed, socks, blankets; I could share them out with the other prisoners.

But whats wrong is the aftermath. We need a hostage protocol, something in place for after you get out.

I am self-employed. My business was on my phone and my Mac, and the Iranians took it all. I have nothing left and am not in a position to return to work. I have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, my back is very bad and so is my vision. There is nothing there to support people like me as far as I know. Im the only Irish man that was held in an Iranian prison, and none of this was my fault."

When I met Bernard at the front of his Stillorgan family home in south Dublin last Friday, he was holding up a pair of blue flip-flops. Thats all I have left from the Iranian prison. We all had them. The Iranians are spotless, so you didnt wear them in your cell, they were left in the corridor.

He is around six feet two inches tall with wide blue eyes and grey hair, was accompanied by his husband Roland, and over the next two hours he described in detail his detention in one of the worlds toughest prisons. The terrifying ordeal began when Bernard was arrested in Iran on October 3 last year, while travelling in Mashhad in the north of Iran.

The Paris-based travel consultant was on his fifth trip to the middle eastern country when he was arrested. I kept thinking they were going to tell me This has all been a big mistake and you can go home," he said.

He had been developing a tourist programme, which would have included cooking at home with Iranian women. He was working with a tour operation called Adventure Iran at the time. I had this idea in my head, he said.

The Silk Road goes to China. With the Ukrainian war, I was saying, well why not replace the usual route with a substitute for the Trans-Siberian train because nobody's going to go to Russia for the next while. Why not sell the Silk Road, so go to China via the Silk Road by train?

A vigil for Bernard Phelan outside the Iranian Embassy in Dublin in August 2021.

They will travel right across the north of Iran by train and car into villages and towns and visit all the bazaars, you could cook with the women."

Bernard arrived in Iran before riots broke out over the death of a 22-year-old woman, Masha Amini, who died after she was arrested for allegedly not wearing the hijab. He was accused by police of taking photos of a burnt mosque and two images of police which authorities said he sent to a British newspaper.

One evening my Iranian friend was taking pictures of buildings. These two plainclothes policemen walked up to us and said, please follow us," he explained. We were taken to a prayer hall; we were interrogated for around three hours.

"Iranians are not very physical people, for example, you never shake hands with an Iranian woman unless they want to. I knew I wouldnt be beaten. The guards took Bernard away and he was blindfolded and handcuffed in the back of a car.

Prison

He was taken to a prison where there were no windows, and the lights were always on. For the next seven months, he slept on a metal grid in a bunk bed, three beds high and he had to sit on the floor.

I used two blankets as a mattress, there were no chairs. It was absolutely freezing. We would put hot water into coca cola bottles and hold them between our feet and use them as hot water bottles. You always got food, like a bit of a cold stew, try and eat an Irish stew cold, its not great. We had a spoon, no fork or knife.

"You wouldnt drink the tap water. There were rumours drugs were put in the water. But I dont know. There were these stoves in the prison kitchen. If you were allowed to cook and eat with the other prisoners who all cooked, it was good. The Iranians are great cooks.

The lights were on 24 hours a day, they were like neon lights, and its called white torture. Ive developed problems with my eyes and as a result, my vision is poor now. My joints are bad now, my back I have problems with it."

Bernard was jailed in the Centre Masshad Prison, a city with four million people. The official prison population is 9,500 but they say unofficially there could be 20,000 or 30,000 in it, he said.

He was in a cell with up to 15 men, some of whom had murdered their entire families, while others were rapists and paedophiles. They mix high-profile or political prisoners with common prisoners, he continued.

Bernard, who suffers from a heart condition, had no medication for the first 20 days behind bars. Out of desperation, he said he used the situation to benefit him. My plan was to try and scare them, he said.

I was at a high risk of a heart attack and stroke. After 15 days of solitary confinement with every day of interrogation, they eventually took me to a hospital where I was handcuffed to the bed for three days while they checked me out.

I was charged a week before I went into the hospital, and I was under arrest. There was no chance of a plea or anything like that, but I denied it all. The guy who brought me to get my medicine at the prison every day was a rapist. A prison worker in the corridors was a murderer, he killed his parents and brother, and sister with a knife.

I shared my room with a paedophile and other prisoners, but they were all very respectful. It was Mr Bernard all the time. But you were afraid a fight would break out and spill over.

There are many reports of hangings in Iran and Bernard used to hear the agonising cries of the men who were waiting to die. You put your flip flops outside of the cell, outside this flap, and if it opened for food or they wanted to talk to you, you could hear things. I would hear the men crying the night before their execution."

Nobody could contact Bernard directly, when he was locked up. He was given a weekly call from the prison. But you never knew if you were going to get that call, he said.

Theyd have every excuse for you, the phones not working, the bill wasnt paid. So, Roland and Caroline would just hear from me when they heard from me. I would be hoping they would always answer.

The first call I made was to Caroline my sister who also lives in Paris. I just couldnt believe the work she did in Ireland and Paris, and Roland too. The Iranian prisoners would tell me Your sister was on the news about you. I was also getting letters from the ministers and the President. It really was so helpful."

But Bernards biggest fear was that his 97-year-old father Vincent wouldnt live to see his release. Had he died and me in prison, I would have died. I couldnt live with that. He is delighted I am home; he is a bit confused, but he is coming around."

The support from the Irish was something that Bernard said he is very grateful for. His Irish roots are valuable to him and despite leaving Ireland in 1986, he comes home once a year to visit his father and relatives around Cork and Tipperary.

He and his late brother Declan were born into a farming family in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. However, the industry struggled in the 1960s and their parents Vincent and Anne decided to pack up and move to Stillorgan south Dublin, where the family home is today.

I left Clonmel when I was around five or six, I didnt go to school there, said Bernard. His sister Caroline was born in Dublin around 10 years later and Bernard went to college in nearby UCD where he studied Politics and French.

Ireland was a tough place to grow up in at the time and Bernard moved to France in 1986. Homosexuality was illegal, he said.

Bernard Phelan, a dual-citizen of both Ireland and France and originally from Clonmel in Tipperary, holding the shoes that he wore when he was detained in Iran for more than six months on spying charges. "Thats all I have left from the Iranian prison." Photo: Moya Nolan

"And you had the mother and baby homes and the laundries all going on. My brother Declan died of lupus in France in 2006, he was a lovely man. My mother Anne died in 2016 and she was in her 80s but dad is 97 and he is well."

Bernard was working for Bord Failte and during several visits to France he met some tour operators there and decided to stay. He met his husband Roland in 2003 and they went on to marry in France in 2014, and eventually they bought a pub together.

Roland knew something was wrong when Bernard stopped sending WhatsApp messages and didnt return on his flight to Paris. He is angry, said Bernard.

This happened because of poor relations between Europe and Iran, and I was a pawn, and that angers him. I have had some nightmares, my father has nightmares too, and I dont think it has fully hit me, but I am delighted to be home, but what happened was very wrong.

I want to tell the Minister everything and I want to be part of some sort of programme to help people like me, who are locked up for something they were not at fault for.
Proceduralism is undermining democracy. Its one of the things that drives people into the hands of populists. They vote for people who can get things done, until eventually their votes disappear altogether, and the populists become dictators.

Thats a big bold claim. And proceduralism is a brand new word (to me anyway). But its a word that suddenly made a lot of things clearer to me.

The context for this discovery was an interview with Francis Fukuyama. He is famous for a book he wrote in the early 1990s called The End of History, and hes often been criticised for the title of the book, although, in fact, he wasnt far off the mark at the time.

After the collapse first of the Berlin Wall and then of the Soviet Union, his basic argument was that liberal democracy had won.

All the main ideological battles were over. Communism was gone, fascism was gone, dictatorships such as Pol Pots and other cruel regimes were gone. Democracy and some forms of capitalism were all that were left and were the only models ultimately acceptable to free people.

HISTORY HUB If you are interested in this article then no doubt you will enjoy exploring the various history collections and content in our history hub. Check it out HERE and happy reading

Fukuyama was being interviewed by Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart on The Rest is Politics podcast.

They had no interest in suggesting Fukuyama was a busted flush because history hasnt ended. Instead, they got him to reflect on how the world had evolved since the end of communism, and a fascinating conversation was the result.

In the course of it, Fukuyama talked about proceduralism  principally as the reason democracy might ultimately fail. Democracies that are utterly bound up with procedures, he inferred, find it really hard to get things done.

Dictators, whatever their other drawbacks, are much better at implementing.

'Nothing was allowed to get in the way' In 2007, I was in Shanghai. We were taken one day to a place called Songjiang University town, just outside Shanghai. It was described to us as a sort of third-level education hub. It was massive  enormous buildings, tens of thousands of students, full of life and busyness. There were seven universities there, covering fine arts, law, and engineering sciences. It hadnt existed at all five years earlier. Once they decided to do it, they designed it, built it, staffed it, and populated it within half a decade. They had timelines in advance, and they met them. They were given a budget for the entire project, and they delivered it on budget. And by the way, they also built a railway to ensure it is connected within minutes to the centre of Shanghai. I dont know what had to be bulldozed in order to build Songjiang. But nothing was allowed to get in the way. The uncompleted national children's hospital in Dublin. 'We cant solve basic quality-of-life challenges because we cant ever, in any circumstances, find a way through the fog of proceduralism.' File picture: Brian Lawless When you think about that, and then you think about what happens when a really well-functioning democracy like ours decides to build a much-needed national childrens hospital, it would make you wonder, wouldnt it?

But I want to give you an example from the real world. Im looking at a Gantt chart  I only discovered what they are recently too.

They are visual layouts, similar to a spreadsheet, that enable engineers and managers to keep track of projects. To make one, you set out all the tasks you have to do and figure out the time each will take. Then you can plot a timeline from start to finish, showing what needs to be done to get to the end.

Much-needed housing

The Gantt chart Im looking at is for a significant housing project that I know very well. Its a local authority regeneration project.

It will replace very old housing with new and future-proofed accommodation, and it will add nearly 500 apartments, as well to the stock of social housing in the inner city.

Its a really important project and everyone involved is desperate to see it done. The management of the local council is totally committed, the government has said several times that the money is in place to finish it, and public policy needs it because it will make a real contribution to the housing crisis. Every public representative in the area has given the project his or her full support.

Senior government ministers have visited the project and received deputations from the community.

Above all, the local community needs this project. They have been promised regeneration since well before the Celtic Tiger collapsed, and the conditions in which they live are increasingly difficult. There is a real sense in which this community has been let down.

Gantt chart says no

But that sense could change now because there are sites here all ready to be built on. All it needs is planning permission and then a builder on site.

Thats not what the Gantt chart says. It says something entirely different.

It sets out 25 procedural steps that have to be taken before the project can even go to planning permission, then a delay while the project waits for permission, and then a further 15 procedural steps before the project goes to tender and construction begins.

The procedures are all set down by planning law and public procurement law. Value-for-money analyses, environmental impact assessments, brief development, team construction, detailed cost planning, endless pauses for approval by different government departments  it goes on and on.

Part of the reason for the endless series of procedures, of course, is a reaction to the past, when an awful lot of development happened in Ireland without adequate control at all.

It's nobody's fault

But the consequence is that as things stand, this project, wanted by everyone involved from top to bottom, might  with a fair wind  be finished in 2035. The existing residents, who have already been waiting so long, might see their new apartments in 2031. Thats if everyone works really hard to deliver, as Im sure they will.

So its nobodys fault.

But its unjust and its crazy. The people who live in that community deserve way better, and the social housing crisis demands way more.

What we need versus the rules

Whats happening to this project is happening to housing projects all over the country. Exactly the same thing is true in relation to new hospitals, new energy infrastructure, new environmental projects, and new schools.

The balance between what needs to be achieved, and the rules that need to be followed, has gone utterly askew.

And if you think that this only happens to big capital projects, youre wrong.

Rules defeat decency

There are all sorts of areas where rules and regulations take the place of compassion or even decency. I could write reams, for example, about the way we treat disabled drivers in Ireland.

Former US president Donald Trump was elected, in part, by sincere people frustrated by the fog of proceduralism. File picture: Steven Senne/AP

Its one of the big reasons why a country that is one of the richest in the world is failing to deliver. We cant solve basic quality-of-life challenges because we cant ever, in any circumstances, find a way through the fog of proceduralism.

We have policies for everything  the right policies, a lot of the time  and the ability to implement nothing. Its damaging and corrosive and it leads to pent-up frustration in communities that dont deserve it.

That frustration elected Donald Trump in the States. The slogan Get Brexit Done gave Boris Johnson a whopping majority in the UK. If we dont learn how to implement better, thats the space were creating.
A week ago, a tourist was injured in an alleged violent assault in the centre of Dublin, close to the city's biggest Garda station.

The public discussion related to several incidents in the capital of late has now joined a long-running debate, which began to (re-)emerge in the mid-2010s, about crime and safety within the capital, particularly the north inner city.

It is not entirely clear if street violence has recently increased within the city. This is partly because of the specific unreliability of Garda crime data, and the more general unreliability of police-reported crime statistics. Victim surveys provide the most accurate picture of crime and violence in our state. Unfortunately, the Irish State has not routinely undertaken victim surveys.

It seems unlikely that we are at the levels of street violence experienced in Ireland in the 1990s and early 2000s. During this period, Celtic Tiger-funded increases in alcohol consumption and a vibrant nightclub scene made Irish towns and cities relatively dangerous places. In 2023, late-night venues are few and far between, and young people consume less alcohol compared to previous generations.

Despite these uncertainties about the reality of crime and violence, peoples perceptions of risk on Dublins streets have changed, for the worse.

At least some of the increase in perceived insecurity is likely driven by the highly visible combination of homelessness (now at historically high levels) and the closely related issue of street drug use in the inner city. Smartphones and social media platforms have also made what street violence is occurring hyper-visible to people who rarely frequent Dublins north inner city.

Whatever the basis for these perceptions of insecurity, they have produced a predictable range of unhelpful responses from our political system.

The Political Response

The response by Irelands political system to highly publicised incidents of street violence has been remarkably consistent (if not universal, as we saw in the case of the attack on Alanna Quinn Idris). In the aftermath of incidents which have garnered national media attention, politicians at both a national and local level usually call for some combination of 'more gardai' and 'tougher sentences.

Governments normally respond by committing to meeting these demands.

There are problems with both demands, but I will focus on just one: more gardai.

Policing in Ireland

Ireland is not a particularly under-policed state, if we take that to mean 'how many cops are employed?'.

Ireland has more police per head of population than the United States, England & Wales, Australia or New Zealand (we have fewer police than Northern Ireland for clear historical reasons). Ireland also has more police than Nordic states.

Ireland does not experience radically higher levels of crime and violence than these states. We are a comparatively safe jurisdiction.

Despite this, we are told An Garda Siochana (AGS) is chronically under-resourced and incapable of responding to Irish crime and safety problems. Why is this the case?

Garda Resources and Civilianisation

Ignoring the fact that we simply cannot police our way out of some crime and insecurity problems, part of the issue is rooted in the extraordinarily slow process of civilianisation in AGS.

Civilianisation means recruiting people into a police force to do work that does not require a police officer to do. Typically, this is work police are not trained to do. Often they are not particularly good at it. Civilianisation is, in part, designed to increase and improve the quality of police resources.

Most modern professional police forces embraced civilianisation decades ago. In Ireland, this process only really began in the 2000s, and progress has been slow (for example, civilians make up 4050% of police forces in England, and just 19% in Ireland).

Part of the delay in civilianising was, I believe, rooted in AGSs institutional hostility to outsiders (i.e. non-sworn officers): a feature of Garda management culture that was highlighted in most of the organisations scandals.

Compared to other police forces in comparable jurisdictions, AGS is a notably closed and non-transparent organisation. Opening AGS up to those not acculturated through Templemore was no doubt perceived as a threat to the existing order.

Evidence-Based Policing

Another glaringly obvious part of the problem is that AGS does not have a handle on the problems it is tasked to address. Again, unlike modern police in comparable jurisdictions, AGS does not practice evidence-based policing.

Part of the reason for this is that AGS does not produce much data on how it is using its own powers and resources. What little data they do produce, is of a very poor standard. An organisation cannot know how best to use its resources if it does not understand its capacity.

AGS is also remarkably averse to publicising what data it does have: a hallmark of an organisational culture fearful of scrutiny. Maurice McCabe showed us this fear often takes a particularly toxic form in AGS.

Similarly, AGS does not have a handle on the reality of crime problems in the community. This failure is better known, as the CSO has for a number of years publicly stated Garda crime data is not reliable.

Hotspot Policing

Evidence from international policing practice shows that high visibility 'hotspot policing' can reduce certain kinds of crimee.g. some kinds of street violence. More recent evidence suggests that these strategies do not just move some forms of crime elsewhere: the crime stops. If done well, this strategy might be successful in reducing street violence.

For other types of crime, such as drug offending, evidence shows that hotspot policing just moves the offending elsewhere, and can lead to more unsafe drug use, leading to worse outcomes. Again, we cannot police our way out of some of our crime/social issues.

So, it is possible that some of the perceived problems in Dublins north inner city could be addressed by targeted policing strategies. However, in order to operationalise such strategies, police organisations need to accurately understand where the problems are and what their own policing capacities are.

It is not clear that AGS have good enough information in either respect to do this.

The Politics of Policing in Ireland

Ultimately the responsibility for AGS lies with the political system. Unfortunately, the political agendas in the field of crime and policing is usually crude and cynical. AGS has been slow to modernise and professionalise, because the political system has little interest in, or understanding of, how that might be achieved.

The predictable and reactive call by politicians for more gardai exemplifies the impoverished quality of discourse around crime and policing in Ireland. There is no mention of investing in the significant number of gardai we actually have, hiring better within the organisation, or in developing organisational capacity within AGS to use its resources better.

Read More Cormac O'Keeffe: Invest in frontline to help tackle street violence
The battle to contain wildfires across Greece continued for an eighth straight day as firefighters struggled to extinguish flames amid scenes of pandemonium prompted by the nations biggest ever evacuation of tourists on inferno-stricken Rhodes.

With the aid of water-dropping planes, authorities worked around the clock to tame numerous fires.

While the prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, told the Greek parliament that it was clear the country was at war with fire, efforts were being concentrated on dousing blazes raging on the islands of Evia and Corfu, in addition to Rhodes.

This battle is uneven, and it will keep being like that for as long as the conditions remain hard.

Warning that three difficult days lay ahead with the prediction that temperatures would rise, he added: We find ourselves at war with fire.

As wind-whipped infernos raged across soil parched by searing heat, authorities also stepped up evacuations, ordering people to leave hotels and homes.

Overnight, an estimated 2,466 citizens had fled dwellings in 17 villages along Corfus northern coast, an area popular with villa-owning Britons, while hundreds had been forced to evacuate communities on Evia.

A local resident tries to extinguish a fire, near the seaside resort of Lindos, on the Aegean Sea island of Rhodes,. Picture: AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris

The latest evacuations came days after incoming infernos around resort areas in the south-east of Rhodes forced what officials described as the biggest evacuation in Greek history, which saw 20,000 people  mostly tourists  moved to the islands north across land and sea.

Holidaymakers recounted panic-stricken moments of being transported at the weekend in the middle of the night in army trucks to beaches before being placed on Greek navy ships.

Hottest temperature in five decades

Greece experienced its hottest temperatures in 50 years at the weekend, with the mercury reaching 45C in the central region of Thessaly. The hot, dry, windy conditions have been likened to super food for fires.

In the face of strong and erratic winds fanning flames, civil protection officials in Athens said they had been left with little choice other than to enact what they called a precautionary operation to move tourists out of harms way on Rhodes.

Our priority will always be human life, Mitsotakis told MPs on Monday, invoking memories of the tragedy of the fires that tore through the seaside town of Mati , east of Athens, almost five years ago, incinerating 102 people in their homes and cars.

[Since Mati,] we have learned to organise evacuations, he said.

Via: GraphicNews

Government experts are scheduled to fly into Rhodes and other fire-hit regions in the coming days to assess the scale of the disaster  expected to be hugely costly  so that the process of compensatory payments can begin. Countless homes, businesses and plots of arable land are believed to have been lost to the flames.

But for now the emphasis has been on salvaging the image of Greece as a tourist destination in the face of such disaster.

Given the sectors significance  tourism provides 25% of the countrys GDP and one in five jobs  the countrys tourism minister, Olga Kefalogianni, was at pains on Monday to insist that although fires had broken out on Corfu, the situation was not alarming, while in Rhodes only a small part of the island had been affected.

In what by late Sunday had become a large-scale military operation, Greek army transport planes worked through the night to transfer camp beds, sleeping bags and other vital supplies to Rhodes.

Throughout the weekend, thousands had been forced to sleep rough, either at the islands airport or in other makeshift shelters including schools and conferences halls.

The hope is that what is being brought in will make life a little bit more comfortable for them before they go back home, one official said.

Tourists stranded on Rhodes spoke of the kindness and generosity of locals, many of whom had offered to host evacuated families in their homes.

This image provided by Maxar Technologies, shows an active wildfire near Genadi on the island of Rhodes. Picture: Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies via AP

By 6am on Monday, 1,489 tourists from the UK, Germany and Italy had been repatriated, Greek government sources said, adding that the departures had eased the chaotic scenes at the islands airport.

The tour company Jet2 announced that it had scheduled an extra four flights for Monday evening to take Britons home.

Firefighting forces from around the world have arrived in Greece to assist in the battle to bring the fires under control.

- The Guardian
South Koreas Constitutional Court has overturned the impeachment of the public safety minister who was ousted over a Halloween crowd surge that killed nearly 160 people in the capital Seoul.

The courts decision allows Lee Sang-min to return as the minister of the interior and safety.

Vice minister Han Chang-seob has served as acting minister since February when South Koreas opposition-controlled parliament voted to impeach Mr Lee, saying he should be held responsible for the governments failure to employ effective crowd control measures and its botched emergency response, which contributed to the high death toll in Itaewon.

Mr Lee, 58, is seen as a key ally of conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose office welcomed the decision and had accused the opposition liberals of creating shameful history by pushing for his impeachment.

South Koreas Constitutional Court Chief Justice Yoo Nam-seok delivered the ruling (Yonhap via AP)

In rejecting the parliamentary impeachment of Mr Lee, the court said he could not be held chiefly responsible for the crowd crush, which it said reflected broader failures across different government organisations to develop a combined ability to respond to large-scale disasters.

There is not enough evidence to prove that Mr Lee failed to carry out his legal and constitutional duties as a government official to protect the safety and lives of citizens, the court said.

Mr Lee was the first Cabinet minister impeached by the National Assembly, which took the same action against conservative president Park Geun-hye in 2016.

The Constitutional Court formally removed Park from office in March 2017 by upholding lawmakers decision to impeach her. She was imprisoned for corruption before her liberal successor, Moon Jae-in, pardoned her in December 2021.

Following a 74-day investigation into the crowd crush in January, a special investigation team led by the National Police Agency concluded that police and municipal officials in Seouls Yongsan district failed to plan effective crowd control measures despite correctly anticipating huge crowds of Halloween revellers in Itaewon.

Police also ignored emergency calls placed by pedestrians who warned of swelling crowds before the surge turned deadly on October 28.

Officials also botched their response before people began getting knocked over and crushed in a narrow alley near Hamilton Hotel and failed to establish control of the scene and allow paramedics to reach the injured in time, according to the investigation.

Relatives of victims of the crowd crush gathered to denounce the judgment of the Constitutional Court (Yonhap via AP)

Police have pursued criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter and negligence, against 23 officials  about half of them law enforcement officers  over the lack of crowd controls and safety measures in Itaewon.

But critics, including opposition politicians and families of the victims, have claimed that police investigators went soft on the higher members of Mr Yoons government, including Mr Lee and National Policy Agency Commissioner General Yoon Hee-keun, who had faced calls to resign.

Despite anticipating a crowd of more than 100,000, Seoul police assigned 137 officers to Itaewon on the day of the crush.

Some experts have called the crush a manmade disaster that could have been prevented with fairly simple steps, such as employing more police and public workers to monitor bottleneck points, enforcing one-way walk lanes and blocking narrow pathways.

Mr Lee faced huge criticism shortly after the crowd crush after he insisted that having more police and emergency personnel on the ground would not have prevented the tragedy in Itaewon, in what was seen as an attempt to sidestep questions about the lack of preventive measures.
Resistance groups claim to have killed pro-junta militia members during an urban raid in the town of Taze, Sagaing Region on Monday.

Fighters of Taze Township Peoples Defense Forces staged a guerilla attack on three vehicles of pro-junta Pyu Saw Htee militia patrolling the town.

The shootout killed two militia members and wounded three others, said the resistance group, which also seized a vehicle belonging to the militia.

No casualties from the clash were reported among either resistance members or civilians.

A Taze resident told The Irrawaddy that regime forces were stopping and checking vehicles in the town center a day after the clash on Tuesday.

The ambush came after local combined resistance groups repeatedly attacked a junta convoy of 122 troops from July 14 to 17 as it traveled from Taze town to reinforce a police outpost at Kaduma village in the west of the township.

Junta forces deployed an MI 35 helicopter gunship to protect the convoy after sustaining heavy losses.

More than two-dozen regime troops were reportedly killed in the three days of resistance ambushes, according to the rebel groups and local media.

Taze was among the first townships in the country to launch armed resistance against military rule following the February 2021 coup.

The armed uprising in Taze began in early April 2021, when residents took up old-fashioned hunting guns and makeshift air guns to prevent military trucks from entering the town and dispersing an anti-coup demonstration by several-thousand residents.

The township has experienced frequent clashes ever since.
A commander of the militant Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), who was allegedly responsible for the killing of Squadron Leader Rizwan Rushdi of Bangladeshi military intelligence in November 2022, has been captured in Coxs Bazar.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) spokesman Commander Khandaker Al Moin told The Irrawaddy that Hazeef Noor Mohammad, 29, of Maungdaw in Rakhine State, was directly involved in the killing of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence officer.

The RAB spokesman said more than 450 young people were also discovered being trained by ARSA.

Five other ARSA members  Mohammad Hossain Johor, 30, Mohammad Faruk, 23, Monir Ahammod, 36, Noor Islam, 29, and Mohammad Yasin, 21  were reportedly detained on the border in connection with an arms case on Sunday.

Nearly 70 people, including ARSA commander-in-chief Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi, were prosecuted for the abduction and killing of Rizwan Rushdi on the border in Bandarban last year during a military operation.

Official investigations were made into the failed operation, leading to the withdrawal of several commanders from operations in Coxs Bazar.

Hazeef Noor Mohammad had a crucial role in the death of the officer, the RAB spokesman said.

On Saturday, RAB said it arrested the commander in a Coxs Bazar raid, leading to the seizure of five more ARSA members in Tekhnafs forests.

RAB claimed to have seized two pistols, five other firearms and cash.

Commander Khandaker Al Moin said Noor Mohammad led around 30 ARSA personnel and was involved in killings, abductions, drug dealing and extortion in Kutupalongs refugee camps.

Noor joined ARSA in 2016 and is suspected of involvement in 15 murders, including the targeted killings of Rohingya leaders.

There are reports this month of fighting between ARSA and the Arakan Army in Myanmar and ARSA and the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation in Bangladesh.

No statement from ARSA was available.

ARSA first emerged in 2016 when it reportedly attacked three police outposts in Maungdaw and Rathedaung townships, followed by more attacks in 2017, allegedly killing about 12 officers. The attacks were used as an excuse by Myanmars military to drive more than 1 million Rohingya from Rakhine State into Bangladesh.
Former Lieutenant-General Myint Swe is known for holding high positions under the previous military regime. However, since the 2021 coup, he has become a puppet of junta boss Min Aung Hlaing, serving as acting president in the current regime.

As a trusted general of former military dictator Than Shwe, Myint Swe served as chief of Yangon Command and Yangon Region chief minister, before becoming the military-nominated vice-president in the now ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) government.

So, it is hard to believe that the man who has served in enviable positions throughout his military career and currently holds the countrys highest rank should now be engulfed in a state of doom and gloom.

Myanmar military generals traditional obsession with rank and seniority appears to be consuming Myint Swe.

Part of the Defense Services Academy (DSA) 15th intake, Myint Swe outranks any general in the Myanmar military as well as incumbent and ex-generals serving in the current regime  including junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, a graduate of the DSAs 19th intake.

According to Myanmar government protocol, the president takes precedence over everyone, his rank being higher than military chief.

In reality, however, the nominal head of the country is being used merely to extend military rule once every six months. Whenever the National Defense and Security Council meets to prolong military rule, Min Aung Hlaing wheels out Myint Swe to preside and nod approval at whatever the junta boss says.

Meanwhile, Myint Swe remains notably absent from junta cabinet meetings, national-level events, and meetings with diplomats.

It is as if the president were under house arrest, remark senior military officers and heads of departments.

Offering more clues to his resentment is his life at the Presidents Office, which has been taken over by Min Aung Hlaing and renamed the State Administration Council (SAC) Office. SAC is the acronym used by the junta to describe itself.

Despite being the acting president, Myint Swe sits in his original office for vice-president No 1. The office of the president is occupied by Min Aung Hlaing.

The junta boss has also had his trusted military officers transferred to the SAC office and works only with them.

He does not use directors-general from U Thein Seins government or the NLD government. This shows he has no trust in them, said a source close to the Presidents Office.

On days when Min Aung Hlaing visits the Presidents Office from the War Office, where he spends most of his week, Myint Swe has to greet him at the entrance. Myint Swe also sees the junta chief out when he leaves the office.

This appears to be the limit of Myint Swes duties: extend military rule for Min Aung Hlaing every six months, greet him and see him out.

Over time, staff have lost all respect for him. He is aware of that, and is deeply depressed, said a Presidents Office source.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the 72-year-old looks old for his age in photos published by junta-controlled and pro-regime media.

Political observers monitoring the previous NDSC meeting six months ago commented that Myint Swe had aged a lot.

His haggard face was even more noticeable during his visit earlier this month alongside ex-president Thein Sein to see the giant Maravijaya Buddha image built by Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyitaw.

Thein Sein is from the DSAs ninth intake and is six years older than Myint Swe. But Myint Swe looked a lot older than the former president in photos of the visit.

While serving as chief of Yangon Command, Myint Swe played the lead role in purging then spy chief Khin Nyunt. The Military Intelligence formerly headed by Khin Nyunt was then replaced by the Office of the Chief of Military Security Affairs, over which Myint Swe took charge.

He was then appointed chief minister of Yangon Region after Thein Seins quasi-civilian government came to power in 2011. He was earmarked for the post of vice president, but the Constitution barred his appointment as his son held Australian citizenship.

That problem was resolved after the 2015 election when military lawmakers nominated him as vice-president.

Myint Swes political career seemed to be at an end after the NLD won again in the 2020 general election, but the subsequent coup saw Min Aung Hlaing use him to transfer power to the junta and invoke emergency rule.

Both former presidents U Htin Kyaw and U Win Myint were known to be ceremonial presidents of the NLD government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. But they won both international recognition and support at home.

In contrast, Myint Swe is merely an accomplice of the coup leader, enduring daily humiliation.
Myanmars junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has handed out 220 honorary titles on his allies, including prominent Buddhist monks, to reward those supporting military rule.

On Sunday he gave titles to Buddhist leaders Sitagu Sayadaw and Dhammasuta Chekinda, the militarys Quartermaster General Kyaw Swar Lin, Myanmar Economic Corporation chairman Lieutenant General Nyo Saw and Aung Khaing Than, who reportedly donated the marble for the colossal Maravijaya Buddha statue in Naypyitaw.

Aung Khaing Than, the managing director of Anglo Mining Co Ltd in Mandalay, was awarded the Sihasudhammamanijotadhara title for his remarkable donation to the statue.

The marble block from the familys quarry was donated to former military dictator Than Shwe in 2013 for a Buddha statue. Than Shwe gave the marble to the military, which was then headed by Min Aung Hlaing, in 2017.

Sitagu Sayadaw and Dhammasuta Chekinda, who performed religious rites at what is reportedly the worlds biggest sitting Buddha, were respectively given the Thray Sithu and Sithu titles for their contributions to the statue. The two monks have also received religious titles and promotions within their religious institutions since the 2021 coup.

Nyo Saw, who was appointed as Min Aung Hlaings economic advisor in early July, and Kyaw Swar Lin, who was awarded Sithu title last year, were given the Thray Sithu title.

The military-owned conglomerate MEC is sanctioned by the US and Kyaw Swar Lin was also sanctioned by the EU on July 20.

Lieutenant General Kan Myint Than, chief officer of the Directorate of Defense Industries, who received the Sithu title together with Kyaw Swar Lin last year, was given the Thray Sithu.

Min Aung Hlaing awarded medals to 45 police officers in the resistance strongholds of Sagaing and Magwe regions. Five MEC officers and the general manager of the military-run Inwa Bank also received administrative performance awards.

The junta chief conferred honorary titles on himself and former dictators Ne Win, Saw Maung and Than Shwe.

Min Aung Hlaing has conferred titles on nearly 4,000 people since the 2021 coup.

The titles and medals have cost around 7 billion kyats amid deepening poverty and economic chaos.
Myanmar junta troops reportedly detained 20 villagers and killed six others in western Madaya Township and burned almost 200 houses in the east of the Mandalay Region township over two weeks.

Two men were shot dead and a woman wounded in Nyaung Oke village in western Madaya on Monday, according to a resistance group.

Ma Ei Zar Linn was shot in the arm and her father, U Thein Linn and U Shwe Pyone died on the spot, said a representative of the Madaya People Defense Force(PDF).

He added that junta forces detained around 20 villagers in Nyaung Okes monastery on Monday evening.

The fate of the detainees is unknown.

The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the reports.

Around 40 junta troops are reportedly stationed at the monastery.

They are on high alert because boats for reinforcements and supplies will pass through western Madaya on the Irrawaddy River in the coming days, a resistance fighter said.

Another fighter said junta troops frequently detain young villagers during raids, accusing them of fighting with resistance groups.

On July 14, junta infantry troops detained five Nyaung Oke villagers and four days later residents retrieved the bodies of three detainees from the Myaung River, an Irrawaddy tributary.

Only one detainee was released, a villager said.

In eastern Madaya, almost 200 houses in five villages were burned down by junta troops after the Air Defense Battalion near In Gyin Myaing village was shelled by Mandalay Peoples Defense Force (PDF) on July 15.

Junta convoys were then ambushed by resistance forces, according to Mandalay PDF.

Around 700 junta troops were purportedly mobilized in eastern Madaya last week, conducting raids and looting homes.

More than 12 villages in the east of the township have been raided this month, displacing thousands of civilians, according to resistance groups.
A US court has convicted Myanmar national Phyo Hein Htut of conspiring to seriously injure or kill the countrys ambassador to the United Nations, U Kyaw Moe Tun, a vocal critic of the juntas rule.

Phyo Hein Htut and compatriot Ye Hein Zaw, both in their 20s and residents of New York, were arrested by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation in mid-2021 on suspicion of plotting to harm U Kyaw Moe Tun. According to the US Attorneys Office, the pair planned to hire assailants to force U Kyaw Moe Tun to resign and, if he refused, to kill him.

Phyo Hein Htut was a member of the volunteer security team of Myanmars Permanent Mission to the United Nations and passed information regarding the ambassador and Myanmars Permanent Mission to the UN to an arms broker in Thailand who did business with the Myanmar military junta. He received money from the arms broker to hire attackers to hurt the ambassador in an attempt to force him to step down from the post, according to a statement issued by the U.S Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York on July 24. However, in the end, he didnt carry out the plan and informed the Permanent Mission of the plot.

While volunteering on a security team at Myanmars Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Phyo Hein Htut betrayed the person he was supposed to be protecting by secretly feeding information about the Ambassador, the Mission, and its personnel to an arms dealer in furtherance of a plot to hurt the Ambassador. The jurys unanimous verdict holds him to account for his actions, Damian Williams, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said in the statement.

Phyo Hein Htut was found guilty after eight days of hearings before US district judge Nelson S. Roman. Sentencing is scheduled for March 14, 2024, the US Attorneys Office said.

He faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison on charges of conspiring to attack a foreign official.

Ye Hein Zaw confessed to participating in the plot. He was convicted in 2021 and served his sentence. He is also subject to deportation, according to U Kyaw Moe Tun.

The ambassador told The Irrawaddy that he was informed of the ruling against Phyo Hein Htut on Friday night by the Department of Justice.

I thanked him [Phyo Hein Htut] as he did not carry out the plot and informed us about it. However, on the other hand, we always say that there must be rule of law and as it happened on American soil, we urged that the case be prosecuted according to their laws, he said.

He said he is happy with the ruling as it served as a lesson for those who try to commit crimes, and reminded such people of the value of repenting for their wrongdoing.

We all need to work to ensure justice prevails not only in the United States, but also in Myanmar. If we work collectively and in a united way in the fight against the evil actions of the military dictators, we will be able to end the military dictatorship and restore democracy as well as justice and rule of law more quickly in our country, he added.

As ambassador, U Kyaw Moe Tun has refused to obey the juntas orders and has supported the pro-democracy movement.

Following his public opposition to military rule at an informal UN General Assembly meeting in February 2021, the Myanmar military junta dismissed him, accusing him of high treason. The junta has also tried to remove him from his post and replace him, but in vain so far, as the UN has rejected its efforts.

U Kyaw Moe Tun remains Myanmars ambassador to the UN, where he currently represents the National Unity Government formed by lawmakers from the ousted government and ethnic minority representatives.
Today

Mostly sunny skies. Becoming windy during the afternoon. High 106F. WSW winds at 10 to 15 mph, increasing to 20 to 30 mph.

Tonight

A mostly clear sky. Low 83F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph.

Tomorrow

Mainly sunny. High 104F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph.
Today

Sunshine to start, then a few afternoon clouds. High near 85F. Winds light and variable.

Tonight

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 67F. Winds light and variable.

Tomorrow

Mixed clouds and sun with scattered thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 84F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
An N.C. House Select Committee is recommending that the General Assembly change a state law forcing districts to start school the Monday closest to Aug. 26 and end no later than the Friday clo
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By H Patricia Hynes and Timmon Wallis | 

While we were planning this article, a cascade of crises shattered climate records. July 3-6 set a record for the hottest world average temperatures yet measured. In our state, western Massachusetts was saturated almost daily with heavy humidity and record-setting rain, whose floods devastated $10 million worth of farm crops. Record-breaking fires burning across half of Canada blanketed some US cities with the worst air quality on Earth. Always urban environmental justice communities of color suffered most from unbearable heat and asthma-related emergency room visits.

The first full update of the UN climate report since 2014 (the year that 196 countries agreed to cut emissions in an effort to avert global climate breakdown) was recently released. In response to the reports findings, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said despondently that the world is running out of options to defuse the ticking climate time bombIn short, our world needs climate action on all frontseverything, everywhere, all at once Conditions not expected until 2040 are here.

Ninety-nine percent of the world knows that severing our reliance on fossil fuels is the emergency remedy for an overheating world. But if governments fail to cut their Gordian knot with fossil fuels, we are on track for almost 5 degrees Fahrenheit warming over pre-industrial levels by the end of the century  unlivable heat. What stands in the way? Not science, but the lack of political will, economic courage, and some would add love. The Biden administration has launched admirable green energy programs, yet, it also permits leasing on public lands for oil and gas extraction and sustains the war in Ukraine with fuel guzzling weapons, while avaricious US fossil fuel corporations are pocketing billions of dollars exporting energy to Europe.

The climate emergency crisis is one of two equally dire, imminent threats to human existence and the natural world.



Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay

Imagine your neighbor stockpiling assault rifles positioned toward your home, ready to use if feeling threatened by you. And you do likewise. Your words escalate, you cock your weapons, you are each aggressive and short-fused. Somebody throws a stone through your window. How likely is it a bloody massacre will happen? Thats where we are with nuclear weapons in nine countries and US nuclear weapons strategically placed in 5 NATO countries (Italy, Germany, Turkey, Belgium and the Netherlands). Likewise, Russia has recently placed nuclear weapons in Belarus. All nine nuclear countries are currently engaged in upgrading their nuclear arsenal, collectively spending $100 billion per year on these bedeviling weapons. And a war is going on in Ukraine in which most countries involved have nuclear weapons. One nuclear weapon used will spark an unstoppable response.

Nuclear weapons governments and their bomb-making industries are criminally sleepwalking into what could mean the end of our planets life, with the ever-present specter of their use, an accident, or their theft by terrorists.

On Feb. 2, 1998 General George Butler, former Commander of U.S. Strategic Air Command, addressed the National Press Club: The likely consequences of nuclear weapons have no politically, militarily, or morally acceptable justificationThey expunge all hope for meaningful survival. They hold in their sway not just the fate of nations but the very meaning of civilization. He joined 60 other retired generals and admirals calling for nuclear weapons abolition. (But, why did these men wait until retirement to speak truth to power?)

The only way to guarantee that nuclear weapons are never used is to eliminate them; and, likewise, the only way to avert climate catastrophe is to phase out and replace fossil fuels. Both are incompatible with human survival. A recent project, Warheads to Windmills, begun in Northampton, Massachusetts by NuclearBan.us and now state- and country-wide, brings these two life and death issues together in a grounded, pragmatic proposal.

Warheads to Windmills: Preventing Climate Catastrophe and Nuclear War

proposes that all the money, brainpower and international goodwill currently

being squandered by nine countries pointing nuclear weapons at each other

be devoted instead to a concerted global effort to speed up the transition to a

fossil-free economy. Significantly, as the report documents, the very same science and engineering training and skills being used to manufacture these weapons could easily be transferred to renewable technologies , given political will and economic investment at the state and federal level.

The campaign to kickstart this essential transition involves promoting H.R.2775, a federal bill calling for the U.S. to sign the UN nuclear weapons ban treaty, to work with the other nuclear-armed nations to eliminate all nuclear weapons and to put those resources into a global effort to address the climate crisis.

How can you, concerned readers, become part of this? You can first of all read,

download or order a paper copy of Warheads to Windmills: Preventing Climate Catastrophe and Nuclear War by going to nuclearban.us/w2w. You can urge your national representatives to support H.R.2775 with a ready-made template at nuclearban.us/action. And you can encourage your town, faith community, school, bank, hospital, and local businesses to divest from both fossil fuels and nuclear weapons.

Our action is needed for the fate of our world.

We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny Dr. Martin Luther King

Pat Hynes is on the board of the Traprock Center for Peace and Justice and NuclearBan.us. Timmon Wallis is Executive Director of NuclearBan.us.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2023) - Independence Gold Corp. (TSXV: IGO) (OTCQB: IEGCF) (the "Company" or "Independence") is pleased to announce assay results from the Johnny Vein System discovered during the recent 4,000 metre ("m") drill program, at its 100% owned 3Ts Project, located approximately 185 kilometres ("km") southwest of Prince George, British Columbia and situated 16 km southwest of Artemis Gold Inc.'s Blackwater Project.

The Johnny Vein System is located approximately 575m west of the Tommy Vein System and 335m west of the newly discovered Ian Vein System (see news release dated July 10, 2023). This is the second new vein system to be discovered during the 2023 drilling campaign and represents a significant step out to the west from the Tommy Vein System. Anomalous quartz vein samples collected in 1996 yielded grades up to 10.2 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold and 28.2 g/t silver but no further exploration has been undertaken in this area since then. During the 2023 drill campaign, two drill holes were designed to explore the extent of the Johnny Vein based on these historical results. Hole 3TS-23-31 was drilled 45m west of the vein sample and intersected the new Johnny Vein cutting 16.08m grading 2.54 g/t gold and 17.54 g/t silver. The second hole, 3TS-23-30, was drilled 25m to the southeast and intersected highly altered country rock at 89.0m depth before terminating at 98.0m. The Johnny Vein is the widest vein discovered to date in comparison to other known veins within the 3Ts Project and remains open at depth and along strike. Multiple gold and silver quartz-bearing veins within an area greater than 1.1 km east-west and 1.1 km north-south have been discovered.

Please refer to the website for a map showing the veins and drill hole locations.

Drill Hole Host Rock From

(m) To

(m) Drill

Intercept

(m)* Gold

(g/t) Silver

(g/t) Vein Type 3TS-23-31 Quartz Veins, Rhyolite Breccia 60.92 77.00 16.08 2.54 17.54 JOHNNY VEIN including 65.00 66.00 1.00 15.01 106.00

*the true widths of the veins are approximately 85% of the reported interval width

**Using a cut-off grade of 0.4 g/t gold as per the resource estimate for "in-pit" grades

Independence President & CEO Randy Turner states, "The discovery of two major new vein systems at the 3Ts during the recent drill program demonstrates the exploration potential of the project area, with only 25% of the property explored to date. Both the Ian and the Johnny Veins, along with other targets, will be further tested during the upcoming exploration and drill programs."

Winter Drill Program

All drill holes completed in the 4,000 m winter drill program have been sent to SGS lab in Vancouver for sample preparation and analysis. Robotic sample preparation is used to ensure reproducibility; samples are pulverized to greater than 85% passing 75 microns. All samples are submitted for four acid digest with an ICP finish. Gold grades are obtained by fire assay with AAS finish. Samples which return greater than 10 parts per million gold and 100 parts per million silver are resubmitted for fire assay with a gravimetric finish.

The 3Ts Project is comprised of fifteen mineral claims covering approximately 5,200 hectares in the Nechako Plateau region of central British Columbia. The 3Ts Project covers a low-sulphidation epithermal quartz-carbonate vein system within which more than a dozen individual mineralized veins, ranging from 50 m to more than 1,075 m and true widths up to 25 m, have been identified.

Corporate Update

The Company wishes to clarify that the 251,416 non-transferable finders compensation warrants issued in connection with the closing of its private placement financing previously announced on July 18, 2023 will be exercisable at a price of $0.18 per common share until July 18, 2025.

About Independence

Independence Gold Corp. is a mineral exploration company with holdings ranging from early-stage grassroots exploration to advanced-stage resource expansion in British Columbia and Yukon. The Company is positioned to add shareholder value through systematic project advancement, while management continues to evaluate additional gold and silver projects for possible acquisition. For additional information, visit the Company's website www.ingold.ca.

Andy Randell, P.Geo., the Company's Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed the technical information in this news release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF INDEPENDENCE GOLD CORP.

"Randy Turner"

Randy Turner, President and CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Suite 580  625 Howe, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 2T6

Telephone: 604-687-3959

Facsimile: 604-687-1448

E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to Independence within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements with respect to the Company's planned drilling and exploration activities. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those identified and reported in Independence's public filings under Independence Gold Corp.'s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although Independence has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Independence disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.
Vancouver, British Columbia - TheNewswire - July 25, 2023 - Arizona Silver Exploration Inc. (TSXV:AZS) (OTC:AZASF) is pleased to provide this update on the Silverton carbonate-hosted gold exploration property located in Nye County, Nevada.

HIGHLIGHTS:

In late March the Company completed a combined helicopter-borne magnetotelluric (MT) and magnetic survey flown over the entire property

Rock chip gold samples above 100 ppb across an area 2.5 kilometers by 3 kilometers

Locally strong stibnite-quartz-gold veins in volcanics above the target limestone/dolomite section

2-year extension obtained on drilling permit (Notice of Intent) with the BLM

Carlin-Type Gold Target at Silverton

The Silverton property is a large claim block of 1860 acres containing anomalous gold above 100 ppb in rock chip samples across an area 2.5 kms by 3 kms. The gold is accompanied by strongly anomalous arsenic, antimony, mercury and other metals (the classic Carlin-type or intermediate sulfidation metal suite). Most of this area has exposures of Paleozoic carbonate rocks that are variably altered to dolomite. In both the eastern and the western ends of the property the carbonates are overlain and intruded by Tertiary volcanics dated at late Eocene to early Oligocene in age. The central area of exposed carbonate rocks appears to be a shallow anticline or complex dome.

Extensive low-grade gold-bearing jasperoid replacement deposits occur primarily at the contact between the carbonates and the overlying volcanics. Jasperoids also occur in the carbonates and volcanics along faults, fractures, and bedding planes. Veins of quartz containing variable amounts of gold, silver and antimony (stibnite) and barite within the overlying volcanics were the primary focus of shallow historic exploration drilling in the late 1980s to early 2000s. No serious exploration has been done to test the altered carbonate package containing the bulk of the gold and trace metal anomalies, or in the carbonates beneath the swarm of quartz-antimony-gold veins. Models of, and data from, deep Carlin-type deposits suggest a subtle geochemical halo occurs up to thousands of feet above the high-grade deposits, occurring mostly along faults, fractures, and bedding planes.

A Masters Thesis at the University of Nevada-Reno completed by Robert Smallwood, sponsored in part by the Company, recognized the surface mineralization as exhibiting boiling zone textures indicative of epithermal mineralization situated well above the level where Carlin-type systems form. This is the exploration model we are using to explore the Silverton property.

Helicopter-borne MT Survey

The company contracted Expert Geophysics Ltd. out of Toronto, Ontario to fly the MT survey over the entire claim block as property-wide geophysics had not been previously done. MT measures the resistivity of the rocks to a depth of +1 kilometre, especially in resistive rocks like massive carbonates. The survey has provided a 3D data set to aid in mapping resistivity changes and structures down to the depth limit of the survey. Our objective was to identify the signature features that characterize Carlin-type deposits described above. Such features outcrop but the shallow historic drilling provides no information on the sub-surface below about 150 metres. The survey has revealed several obvious low resistivity anomalies beneath the surface features referenced above. The Company has staked an additional 16 claims (320 acres) to cover the eastern margins of the large resistivity anomaly, which is included in the total acreage above.

Gregory Hahn, VP Exploration states Our interpretation of the survey results are as follows. One very prominent low resistivity zone, interpreted as alteration, occurs along a strike length of +1.5 kms and a width of 0.5 kms, beneath a strongly silicified (resistive) volcanic cap. No historic drill holes test this anomaly, although several historic drill holes drilled along the western (up-dip) flank of the anomaly intersected good intervals of low-grade gold and jasperoid. We interpret these intercepts as the distal fringe of the heart of the anomaly which may represent a source for the low-grade intercepts. Several other weaker and shorter anomalies also are identified with low-grade gold intercepts in their vicinity. Importantly, the air magnetic survey shows a large intrusion at depth. A prominent deep thick property-wide low resistivity layer has unknown origins. It could be extensive alteration, a package of carbonaceous sediments within the resistive carbonate sequence, or a large sill-like altered intrusion. No existing drill holes went deep enough to penetrate and test this large low-resistivity layer.

Drill Permit Extension

The Company submitted a request to extend the drilling permit for the property (approved and bonded Notice of Intent (NOI)) for two years. The extension was received May 17, 2023 and the additional bond was approved on May 24, 2023. The extension will allow geologists time to review the results of the MT survey and amend the NOI as appropriate to test targets highlighted by the MT survey.

The Company will now seek a joint venture or strategic relationship with a large mining or exploration company with expertise in epithermal or carbonate-hosted gold deposits to drill test the property.

Qualified Person

Gregory Hahn, VP-Exploration and a Certified Professional Geologist (#7122) is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

About Arizona Silver Exploration Inc.

Arizona Silver is a young exploration company focused on exploring gold-silver properties in western Arizona and Nevada.

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

ARIZONA SILVER EXPLORATION INC.

Mike Stark, President and CEO, Director

Phone: (604) 833-4278

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements or information. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements in relation to the timing, cost and other aspects of the 2023 exploration program; the potential for development of the mineral resources; the potential mineralization and geological merits of the exploration properties; and other future plans, objectives or expectations of the Company. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include the risk that actual results of current and planned exploration activities, including the results of the Company's 2023 drilling program(s) on its properties, will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; the geology, grade and continuity of any mineral deposits and the risk of unexpected variations in mineral resources, grade and/or recovery rates; fluctuating metals prices; possibility of accidents, equipment breakdowns and delays during exploration; exploration cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results and geological tests; availability of capital and financing required to continue the Company's future exploration programs and preparation of geological reports and studies; delays in the preparation of geological reports and studies; the metallurgical characteristics of mineralization contained within the exploration properties are yet to be fully determined; general economic, market or business conditions; competition and loss of key employees; regulatory changes and restrictions including in relation to required permits for exploration activities (including drilling permits) and environmental liability; timeliness of government or regulatory approvals; and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, the Company has made numerous assumptions, including that the Company's 2023 programs would proceed as planned and within budget. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.




VANCOUVER, CANADA  TheNewswire - July 25, 2023 - Sitka Gold Corp. (Sitka or the Company) (CSE:SIG) (FSE:1RF) (OTC:SITKF) is pleased to announce that the Company has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement for total gross proceeds of $1,520,090.77 (the Offering) through the issuance of 13,819,007 flow-through units (the FT Units) at a price of $0.11 per FT Unit.

Each FT Unit is comprised of one flow-through common share in the capital of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a Warrant). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase an additional common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") at a price of $0.15 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.

The Offering, as announced in the Companys news release dated July 14, 2023 (Sitka Gold Corp. Announces up to $1.2M Private Placement) was oversubscribed. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for exploration work on its RC Gold Project in Yukon.

Canaccord Genuity Corp. acted as financial advisor to the Company in connection with the Offering. In consideration for such services, the Company agreed to issue to Canaccord Genuity Corp. an aggregate of 166,600 Shares (the Advisory Shares) at an issue price of $0.15 per Advisory Share.

Certain directors, officers and insiders of the Company purchased an aggregate of 1,981,000 FT Units under the Offering, constituting, to that extent, a related party transaction as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 (MI 61-101). The Company has relied on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of the securities distributed in the Offering nor the consideration received for those securities, in so far as the Offering involves the directors and officers, exceeds 25% of the Companys market capitalization.

In connection with the Offering, the Company issued 342,223 finders warrants (the Finders Warrants) and paid commissions of $40,614.60 to certain finders. Each Finders Warrant is subject to the same terms and conditions as the Warrants.

About Sitka Gold Corp.

Sitka Gold Corp. is a well-funded mineral exploration company headquartered in Canada. The Company is managed by a team of experienced industry professionals and is focused on exploring for economically viable mineral deposits with its primary emphasis on gold, silver and copper mineral properties of merit. Sitka currently has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the RC, Barney Ridge, Clear Creek and OGI properties in the Yukon and the Burro Creek Gold property in Arizona. Sitka owns a 100% interest in its Alpha Gold property in Nevada, its Mahtin Gold property in the Yukon and its Coppermine River project in Nunavut.

The Company recently announced an NI 43-101 compliant initial inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 1,340,000 ounces of gold(1) beginning at surface and grading 0.68 g/t at its RC Gold Project in Yukon (see news release dated January 19, 2023). A resource expansion diamond drilling program is currently underway.

The Company is also planning additional drilling at its Alpha Gold Property in Nevada where a new Carlin-type gold system was recently discovered. The Company is focused on vectoring towards the high-grade core of this system, which is located on the Cortez Trend just 40 km southeast of the Cortez Mine Complex of Barrick/Newmont.

(1) Simpson, R. January 19, 2023. Clear Creek Property, RC Gold Project, NI 43-101 Technical Report, Dawson Mining District, Yukon Territory.

The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Cor Coe, P.Geo., Director and CEO of the Company, and a Qualified Person (QP) as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

SITKA GOLD CORP.

Donald Penner

President and Director

For more information contact:

Donald Penner

President & Director

778-212-1950

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

or

Cor Coe

CEO & Director

604-817-4753

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as intends or anticipates, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, should, would or occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forwardlooking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, the use of the proceeds raised under the Offering and the Companys anticipated work programs.

In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will complete its anticipated work programs and use the proceeds of the Offering as currently anticipated.

These forwardlooking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market uncertainty, the results of the Companys anticipated work programs and that the Company will not use the proceeds of the Offering as currently anticipated.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.




VANCOUVER, BC, July 25, 2023 /CNW/ - Nevada King Gold Corp. (TSXV: NKG) (OTCQX: NKGFF) ("Nevada King" or the "Company") is pleased to announce three major regional targets from its 2023 regional exploration program on its 13,100 hectare (131 km2) Atlanta Gold Mine Project. The 100% owned contiguous property is located in the prolific Battle Mountain Trend 264km northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. Most of the exploration and development to date has targeted resource expansion proximate to the historic Atlanta mine pit. Drilling (40,000m) has extended known zones of gold mineralization in and around the Atlanta pit as well as led to the discovery of significant new zones. These results will be incorporated into an updated Atlanta resource estimate. Simultaneously the Company has also undertaken a number of regional geological, geophysical and geochemical surveys and integrated with data from programs conducted since 2011 to identify prospective target areas within the surrounding 131 km2 property. This release provides an overview of results to date from this regional exploration work.

Regional Exploration Highlights:

Three major exploration targets have been identified on the larger Atlanta property  the Western Knolls, South Quartzite Ridge, and Crossroads Targets (Figure 1).





The Company is currently completing close-spaced soil sampling within these three target areas that will be combined with its other exploration results from these areas to generate drill targets that will be pursued later in 2023.





In conjunction with this release, the Company has published a video outlining these three regional target areas incorporating google earth imagery and drone footage. To view the video, click here.

Target Area Overviews:

Western Knolls  Located 5.5km west of the Atlanta pit on the opposite side of the Indian Peak Caldera, Western Knolls is a large target covering approximately 9km 2 . The target was first identified in 2011 by former operator Meadow Bay, which conducted significant geophysical, geochemical, and geological mapping of the area. Meadow Bay permitted 19 widely spaced drill holes, but only ended up drilling two holes at the northern boundary of the target area. Following the discovery of the West Atlanta Graben (" WAG ") at Atlanta , Nevada King now sees potential for a similar style target at Western Knolls. Similar to gold mineralization at the Atlanta mine, mineralization at Western Knolls is largely hosted by variably argillized and silicified, partially welded quartz latite tuff, with gold/silver mineralization accompanied by a similar arsenic, barium, antimony and molybdenum signature. The two historical holes returned anomalous gold starting at depths of 100m to 216m , similar to that seen in the WAG zone in the Atlanta mine area.





 Located 5.5km west of the pit on the opposite side of the Indian Peak Caldera, Western Knolls is a large target covering approximately 9km . The target was first identified in 2011 by former operator Meadow Bay, which conducted significant geophysical, geochemical, and geological mapping of the area. Meadow Bay permitted 19 widely spaced drill holes, but only ended up drilling two holes at the northern boundary of the target area. Following the discovery of the West Atlanta Graben (" ") at , now sees potential for a similar style target at Western Knolls. Similar to gold mineralization at the mine, mineralization at Western Knolls is largely hosted by variably argillized and silicified, partially welded quartz latite tuff, with gold/silver mineralization accompanied by a similar arsenic, barium, antimony and molybdenum signature. The two historical holes returned anomalous gold starting at depths of to , similar to that seen in the WAG zone in the mine area. South Quartzite Ridge  The South Quartzite Ridge target covers an area that was partially explored by prior operators who were looking for a Pogonip Limestone (Op) hosted gold mineralization such as Archimedes (2.1 Moz 1 ) in nearby Eureka, NV. Outcrops of decalcified/silicified Pogonip were identified in this area, however, extensive drilling efforts failed to find significant gold mineralization in the Pogonip. Based on the Company's recent results in hole AT23HG-30 ( July 20, 2023 ) which intersected mineralized Pogonip for the first time ever at Atlanta , Nevada King believes that past drilling did not test the main target for Pogonip hosted gold mineralization. Nevada Kng's Pogonip target is shallowly located beneath 30m to 60m of barren quartzite within a untested area approximately 500m wide by 2000m long . Furthermore, this target is on strike with gold-bearing structures found in the Atlanta pit and extending 2km south, as confirmed through recent mapping and the Company's CSAMT survey (Figure 2). Recent drilling at Atlanta has also shown that gold grades are increasing as drilling approaches the South Quartzite Ridge.





 The South Quartzite Ridge target covers an area that was partially explored by prior operators who were looking for a Pogonip Limestone (Op) hosted gold mineralization such as Archimedes (2.1 Moz ) in nearby Outcrops of decalcified/silicified Pogonip were identified in this area, however, extensive drilling efforts failed to find significant gold mineralization in the Pogonip. Based on the Company's recent results in hole AT23HG-30 ( ) which intersected mineralized Pogonip for the first time ever at , believes that past drilling did not test the main target for Pogonip hosted gold mineralization. Nevada Kng's Pogonip target is shallowly located . Furthermore, this target is on strike with gold-bearing structures found in the pit and extending 2km south, as confirmed through recent mapping and the Company's CSAMT survey (Figure 2). Recent drilling at has also shown that gold grades are increasing as drilling approaches the South Quartzite Ridge. Crossroads  Crossroads is a newly identified target northeast of the Atlanta deposit, on the far side of the East Ridge Target. Historically mapped as surficial alluvium (Qal) and caldera-related volcanic breccias, the Company's recent work have found a preponderance of altered dolomite and limestone basement rock similar to weathered host rock found at other Carlin -type deposits. These boulders and cobbles of strongly silicified carbonate rocks are anomalous in gold and silver and were historically interpreted to have been transported from the East Ridge Target area. Nevada King now believes this silicified carbonate material to be insitu and a weathered surface expression of an underlying target area. Only five historical holes were drilled throughout the Crossroads target. Three of these holes were located in the northern part of the target zone and encountered gold mineralization including 11m grading 0.88 g/t Au starting at 108m depth.

________________________________ 1 Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, 2006, Gold and Silver Resources in Nevada

Cal Herron, Exploration Manager of Nevada King, commented, "Nevada King originally purchased Atlanta because of the district-scale gold potential seen around the 6 km diameter ring fracture zone associated with the Indian Peak Caldera. Calderas are volcanic environments that frequently host world-class metals deposits all around the world. The Atlanta resource zone sits on the caldera's eastern margin where the Au/Ag mineralization is closely associated with small, strongly altered felsic intrusions, some of which are themselves mineralized. This igneous association is important because it opens the door for a variety of different deposit types and is a geological environment that can host large deposits, with examples including Cripple Creek, Colorado and Round Mountain, Nevada. As Nevada King drills deeper at Atlanta, we find more evidence for an igneous rock relationship to Au/Ag mineralization, increasing our optimism for the Atlanta project's bigger picture discovery potential."

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Calvin R. Herron, P.Geo., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101").

About Nevada King Gold Corp.

Nevada King is the third largest mineral claim holder in the State of Nevada, behind Nevada Gold Mines (Barrick/Newmont) and Kinross Gold. Starting in 2016 the Company has staked large project areas hosting significant historical exploration work along the Battle Mountain trend located close to current or former producing gold mines. These project areas were initially targeted based on their potential for hosting multi-million-ounce gold deposits and were subsequently staked following a detailed geological evaluation. District-scale projects in Nevada King's portfolio include (1) the 100% owned Atlanta Mine, located 100km southeast of Ely, (2) the Lewis and Horse Mountain-Mill Creek projects, both located between Nevada Gold Mines' large Phoenix and Pipeline mines, and (3) the Iron Point project, located 35km east of Winnemucca, Nevada.

The Company is well funded with cash of approximately $19-million as of July 2023.

The Atlanta Mine is a historical gold-silver producer with a NI 43-101 compliant pit-constrained resource of 460,000 oz Au in the measured and indicated category (11.0M tonnes at 1.3 g/t) plus an inferred resource of 142,000 oz Au (5.3M tonnes at 0.83 g/t). See the NI 43-101 Technical Report on Resources titled "Atlanta Property, Lincoln County, NV" with an effective date of October 6, 2020, and a report date of December 22, 2020, as prepared by Gustavson Associates and filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com).

NI 43-101 Mineral Resources at the Atlanta Mine

Resource Category Tonnes (000's) Au Grade (ppm) Contained Au

Oz Ag Grade (ppm) Contained Ag

Oz Measured 4,130 1.51 200,000 14.0 1,860,000 Indicated 6,910 1.17 260,000 10.6 2,360,000 Measured + Indicated 11,000 1.30 460,000 11.9 4,220,000 Inferred 5,310 0.83 142,000 7.3 1,240,000

Please see the Company's website at www.nevadaking.ca.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating the future operations and activities of Nevada King, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, the Company's exploration plans and the Company's ability to potentially expand mineral resources and the impact thereon. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Nevada King, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability to complete proposed exploration work, the results of exploration, continued availability of capital, and changes in general economic, market and business conditions. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Nevada King does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2023) - Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: PEX) (OTCQB: PEXZF) ("Pacific Ridge" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it is increasing the size of the diamond drill program at its 100% owned Kliyul copper-gold project ("Kliyul" or the "Project"), located in the prolific Quesnel Trough in north-central British Columbia, from 7,000 m to 9,000 m. This will be the largest ever drill program to take place at Kliyul.

The Company is reallocating the Chuchi copper-gold project ("Chuchi") 2023 exploration budget ("Chuchi Budget") to fund the expanded drill program at Kliyul. The 2023 B.C. wildfire season is already the worst on record and the planned 2,000 m diamond drill program at Chuchi had to be cancelled due to fires - an Area Restriction order is in place for the Nation Lakes area, where Chuchi is located. While most of the Chuchi Budget will be reallocated to Kliyul, the Company plans to use some of it for an Induced Polarization ("IP") survey at the Onjo copper-gold project ("Onjo"), which adjoins the western boundary of Centerra Gold Inc.'s ("Centerra") Mount Milligan Mine (See Figure 1 for a location map).

The RDP copper-gold project ("RDP"), under option to Antofagasta Minerals S.A. ("Antofagasta"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Antofagasta PLC, is unaffected by fires and the planned 1,800 m diamond drill program is expected to commence in August.

"Although fires prevented us from drilling Chuchi, reallocating the Chuchi Budget for an expanded drill program at Kliyul dramatically increases our chances of success this year," said Blaine Monaghan, President & CEO of Pacific Ridge. In addition, we can further advance Onjo, which has excellent potential for the discovery of an alkalic porphyry copper-gold deposit."

Figure 1 - Location of Kliyul, Chuchi, Onjo, and RDP

2023 Kliyul Drill Program Update

Two diamond drill rigs are on site and Pacific Ridge has completed 3,160 metres of the planned 9,000 m drill program.

The two main objectives of this year's drill program at Kliyul:

Test for extensions of the Kliyul Main Zone to the southeast and into adjacent fault blocks to the north, east and southwest (see Figure 2). These targets are defined by known mineralization from previous drilling combined with modelled geophysical signatures, including a Magnetic Vector Inversion (MVI) aeromagnetic high anomaly with coincident resistivity- and chargeability-high anomalies; and, Test several high priority targets that occur mainly along the Divide Lake Fault Trend, a highly prospective 6-km-long northwest-trending alteration and mineralization corridor, including Ginger (1.4 km northwest of KMZ), Parish Hill (1 km southeast of KMZ), M-39 (3.5 km southeast of KMZ), and Ginger South (1.2 km west of KMZ), which occurs along the east-northeast Valley Fault Trend (see Figure 3). These targets are interpreted porphyry centres derived from aeromagnetic data and MVI modelling, IP survey inversions, geological mapping, and surface geochemical sampling.

Figure 2 - Plan View of KMZ, Kliyul West, Kliyul North and East Wedge with 38-Hectare Magnetic Vector Inversion (MVI) Anomaly

Figure 3 - Kliyul Targets with RMI Aeromagnetics and the 2023 Proposed Drill Holes

Onjo Copper-Gold Porphyry Project

100% owned by Pacific Ridge, Onjo adjoins the western boundary of Centerra's Mount Milligan Mine and has exploration targets that are within 16 km of the processing plant. Onjo is over 12,350 hectares in size and can be accessed via a network of forestry roads.

Pacific Ridge's 2022 exploration program at Onjo identified three new porphyry copper-gold targets (see news release dated December 13, 2022): Gingla, Chica, and Yazi zones. These targets are defined by ZTEM conductivity and aeromagnetic features, surface geochemistry and geological mapping (Chica). All three target zones are aligned along an interpreted ENE-trending cross-arc structural linear (Heidi Lake Trend) that extends westward from the open pit at Mount Milligan (MBX Main zone) through the western brownfield mine expansion area, and then continues westward through the Heidi greenfield target at Mount Milligan and onto Onjo (see Figure 4).

Onjo hosts skarn occurrences and alkalic porphyry copper-gold mineralization associated with dioritic to monzonitic phases of the Witch Lake Diorite ("WLD") pluton, a satellite pluton of the Hogem batholith and plutonic suite which lies 6-10 km to the northwest. The WLD pluton spatially coincides with a large (9 x 3.5 km) east-southeast trending Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) aeromagnetic high anomaly that underlies Late Triassic to Early Jurassic volcanic rocks of the Takla Group and Chuchi Lake Succession and crosses an interpreted unconformity between these two host successions. The primary exploration target, the Chica zone, lies at the southeastern margin of this magnetic high anomaly where it occurs with the Early Jurassic host rocks and is less than 2 km from the unconformity. It should be noted for comparison that the nearby Mount Milligan porphyry Cu-Au deposit is Early Jurassic in age and lies at the southern margin of a large (11 x 3.5 km) north-northwest trending aeromagnetic high anomaly.

Figure 4 - TMI Aeromagnetic Map of Onjo. Also Shown is the Inferred Arc-Transverse Heidi Lake Trend Extending Westward from the Mount Milligan Mine

2023 Onjo Exploration Program

2023 exploration at Onjo will comprise up to 10 line-km of IP geophysical survey in two reconnaissance lines (4-5 line-km each) across two target areas, Chica and Gingla:

One IP line will be run across the Chica target area where 2022 mapping identified a crowded plagioclase monzodiorite porphyry that is quartz-sericite and locally K-feldspar and actinolite altered with trace chalcopyrite (up to 1320 ppm Cu); surface sampling of rocks returned an 800 x 500 m multi-element porphyry pathfinder anomaly.

A second IP line will be run across the Gingla target area which has similar scale and basin-edge relationship as the historical MBX Main zone at Mount Milligan, now the open pit. The Gingla target features a shallow-to-deep (360 Hz to 30 Hz) continuous ZTEM conductivity anomaly with anomalous porphyry pathfinder geochemistry in historical and recent surface rock sampling despite there being an obscuring blanket of till overburden.

The style of copper-gold mineralization returned in historical drilling, combined with the presence of nearby skarn occurrences, leads Pacific Ridge to believe that past operators at Onjo encountered the upper and/or peripheral levels of an alkalic porphyry system, and that this may be a moderately eastward tilted system like the Mount Milligan silica-saturated alkalic porphyry Cu-Au deposit. As such, there is excellent potential for the discovery of a similar type of porphyry deposit.

2023 RDP Exploration Program

Drilling in 2022 produced the best-ever drill result from RDP. Drill hole RDP-22-005 at the Day target returned 107.2 m of 1.45% CuEq (0.63% Cu, 1.10 g/t Au, and 2.91 g/t Ag) within 497.2 m of 0.68% CuEq (0.37% Cu, 0.40 g/t Au, and 1.6 g/t Ag)1. 2023 exploration plans include 1,800 m of diamond drilling, a 16 line-km IP survey at the Day, Porcupine, and Bird targets, rock sampling at the Porcupine target, and soil sampling at the Bird target (see Figure 5).

Figure 5 - RDP Targets

The 2023 exploration program is being funded by Antofagasta who can earn a 75% interest in RDP by spending $10,000,000 on exploration over eight years and delivering a preliminary economic assessment report (see news release dated February 8, 2022). Pacific Ridge is the operator and will support the program from the Kliyul camp, located 40 km to the east. Drilling is expected to commence sometime in August.

About Pacific Ridge

Our goal is to become British Columbia's leading copper-gold exploration company. Pacific Ridge's flagship project is its 100% owned Kliyul copper-gold project, located in the Quesnel Trough close to existing infrastructure. In addition to Kliyul, the Company's project portfolio includes the RDP copper-gold project (optioned to Antofagasta Minerals S.A.), the Chuchi copper-gold project, the Onjo copper-gold project, and the Redton copper-gold project, all located in British Columbia. Pacific Ridge would like to acknowledge that its B.C. projects are located in the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Gitxsan Nation, McLeod Lake Indian Band, Nak'azdli Whut'en, Takla Nation, and Tsay Keh Dene Nation.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Blaine Monaghan"

Blaine Monaghan

President & CEO

Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd.

Corporate Contact:

Blaine Monaghan

President & CEO

Tel: (604) 687-4951

www.pacificridgeexploration.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-ridge-exploration-ltd-pex-

https://twitter.com/PacRidge_PEX

Investor Contact:

G2 Consultants Corp.

Telephone: +1 778-678-9050

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

1CuEq = ((Cu%) x $Cu x 22.0462) + (Au(g/t) x $Au x 0.032151) + (Ag(g/t) x $Ag x 0.032151)) / ($Cu x 22.0462)

Commodity prices: $Cu = US$3.50/lb., $Au = US$1,750/oz., and Ag = US$20.00/oz.

Factors: 22.0462 = Cu% to lb. per tonne, 0.032151 = Au g/t to troy oz per tonne, and 0.032151 = Ag g/t to troy oz per tonne.

Recovery is assumed to be 100% - there has been no metallurgical testing on RDP mineralization

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The technical information contained within this News Release has been reviewed and approved by Gerald G. Carlson, Ph.D., P.Eng., Executive Chairman of Pacific Ridge and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 policy.

Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, which address exploration drilling and other activities and events or developments that Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. ("Pacific Ridge") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements in this news release include the planned 9,000 m drill program at Kliyul, the 1,800 m drill program at RDP, and the IP survey at Onjo. Although Pacific Ridge believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include market prices, exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. These statements are based on a number of assumptions including, among other things, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions, that one of the options will be exercised, the ability of Pacific Ridge and other parties to satisfy stock exchange and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner, the availability of financing for Pacific Ridge's proposed programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of third party service providers to deliver services in a timely manner. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Pacific Ridge does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
Highlights:

Work-bans due to wildfires have been lifted and access to the project has re-opened

A 7,500-metre summer drilling program has commenced spanning the Companys 100% owned Detour Quebec project as well as the Midland La Peltrie Option property.

summer drilling program has commenced spanning the Companys 100% owned Detour Quebec project as well as the Midland La Peltrie Option property. The program will continue testing the large, mineralized copper-gold-silver-molybdenum system discovered in 2022, which remains open along strike and at depth.

discovered in 2022, which remains open along strike and at depth. The drilling will also focus on two new gold targets along the Lower Detour Deformation Zone, as well as follow-up drilling on one gold target along-strike of Agnico Eagle Mines Limiteds 58N high-grade gold discovery, which is approximately 10km to the west.

as well as follow-up drilling on one gold target along-strike of Agnico Eagle Mines Limiteds 58N high-grade gold discovery, which is approximately 10km to the west. The program is targeting anomalies derived from project-wide geophysical and biogeochemical surveys conducted in recent years, as well as more recent Induced Polarization ground geophysical surveys and refined geological interpretations.

TORONTO, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Probe Gold Inc. (TSX: PRB) (OTCQB: PROBF) ("Probe" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the initiation of a 7,500-meter drilling program designed to evaluate high-priority targets on its Detour Quebec project (the "Project"). The program will primarily focus on the La Peltrie area, where a new discovery of copper-gold-silver-molybdenum ("Cu-Au-Ag-Mo") was made (refer to Probe press releases dated December 6, 2022). It will also cover the western region of the Project, adjacent to Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.'s ("Agnico") Detour Lake mine property, as well as two additional areas. Two helicopter-supported drill rigs have been deployed and will test eight high-priority targets on the Midland La Peltrie Option property and fourteen high-priority targets on Probe's 100%-owned property (see Figure 1).

David Palmer, President and CEO of Probe, states We are fortunate that the wildfires affecting much of Quebec are being brought under control and our thoughts go to the residents who have been affected by these devastating events. We are also grateful to the employees of the Societe de protection des forets contre le feu (SOPFEU") who have been on the frontlines battling these fires and allowing residents to return home. We are now able to mobilize to our Detour Project, where results from our 2022 drilling programs were very successful in identifying both gold and base metal systems that have strong potential for hosting large deposits. Notably, we discovered a substantial copper-mineralized system within the La Peltrie Option property, along with promising signs of gold mineralization along the interpreted structure associated with Agnico Eagle's Zone 58 discovery. For our summer drilling programs this year, our focus is to build upon our previous results and assess the potential of La Peltrie to host potentially economic base metals and further test the gold potential along the Zone 58 shear zone. Additionally, we will test new gold targets that we have been developing through our regional exploration work.

New high-priority drilling targets

The La Peltrie Option drilling program consists of eight (8) drill holes, totalling 2,700 metres, testing the Cu-Au-Ag-Mo discovery and associated induced polarization (IP) anomalies, as well as regional targets associated with geophysical (IP and VTEM) and biogeochemical anomalies. Five (5) holes will test new anomalies identified in the winter of 2023, along an interpreted Cu-Au-Ag-Mo mineralized corridor trending northeast over a minimum of 1.4 kilometres and three (3) holes will test regional targets.

On the 100%-owned area of the property, a follow-up drilling program will comprise six (6) drill holes totalling 2,100 metres testing the same shear splay that hosts the 58N gold deposit to the west. The drill targets are following up on results from the 2022 drilling program which contained low-grade Au-mineralization associated with sheared iron- and magnesian-tholeiitic basalts, mineralized chert horizons, quartz-feldspar porphyries and quartz (+/- tourmaline) veins. Further to the east along the Lower Detour Deformation zone, two new areas will be drilled, and comprise a six-hole program (2,100m) testing ground and airborne geophysical anomalies and a two-hole program (700m), testing IP anomalies along strike of the historic Ruisseau Brouillan Ouest gold showing.

Figure 1: Detour Quebec project  Drilling 2023

Probes Detour Quebec Project

The discovery stage Project covers an area of 777 square kilometres along the Detour Gold Trend, including the La Peltrie property option, the Gaudet-Fenelon JV property, the wholly owned Detour Quebec Main and North properties, and is located 190 kilometres north of Rouyn-Noranda and 40 kilometres northwest of the town of Matagami, Quebec, and hosts the Sunday Lake, Massicotte and Lower Detour Lake gold deformation zones. Both the La Petrie option and Gaudet-Fenelon JV properties are in partnership with Midland Exploration Inc. The Project is located along the lateral extensions of Canadas second largest gold mine at Detour Lake, operated by Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (TSX: AEM), and recent high-grade gold discoveries in Zone 58N, Fenelon/Tabasco, Area 51 and Martiniere/Bug Lake made by Balmoral Resources Ltd. and subsequently their recent acquirer Wallbridge Mining Company Ltd. (TSX: WM) on their land package adjacent to the northern boundary of Probes property.

Qualified Persons

The scientific and technical content of this press release has been prepared, reviewed, and approved by Mr. Marco Gagnon, P.Geo, Executive Vice President, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

About Probe Gold:

Probe Gold Inc. is a leading Canadian gold exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of highly prospective gold properties. The Company is committed to discovering and developing high-quality gold projects, including its key asset the multimillion-ounce Novador Gold Project, Quebec. The Company is well-funded and controls a large land package of approximately 1,500-square-kilometres of exploration ground within some of the most prolific gold belts in Quebec. The Company was formed as a result of the $526M sale of Probe Mines Limited to Goldcorp.

On behalf of Probe Gold Inc.,



Dr. David Palmer,

President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information:

Please visit our website at www.probegold.com or contact:

Seema Sindwani

Vice-President of Investor Relations

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

+1.416.777.9467

Forward-Looking Statements

Neither TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements" which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Companys future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as believes, anticipates, expects, estimates, may, could, would, will, or plan. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet managements expectations. Risks, uncertainties, and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Companys objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to failure to identify mineral resources, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the inability to complete a feasibility study which recommends a production decision, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, inability to fulfill the duty to accommodate First Nations and other indigenous peoples, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, and those risks set out in the Companys public documents filed on SEDAR. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.
(In United States dollars, except where noted otherwise)

TORONTO, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (First Quantum or the Company) (TSX: FM) today reports results for the three months ended June 30, 2023 (Q2 2023 or the "second quarter") of net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company of $93 million ($0.13 earnings per share) and adjusted earnings1 of $85 million ($0.12 adjusted earnings per share2).

After a challenging start to the year, it is pleasing to see the improvements at our three largest operations. During the second quarter, Sentinel achieved its highest monthly production for the year in May and Cobre Panama and Kansanshi achieved the same records in June. We remain well on track for a stronger performance in the second half of the year. Our brownfield projects achieved important milestones during the quarter with the Enterprise project producing first nickel concentrate and both Enterprise and the CP100 Expansion periodically demonstrating nameplate capacity, commented Tristan Pascall, Chief Executive Officer. While we expect the positive operational momentum to continue into the second half of the year, we are cognizant of the global economic slowdown. I believe that we are well-positioned to navigate through the near-term challenges with our focus on improving productivity and unit costs.

Q2 2023 SUMMARY

In Q2 2023, First Quantum reported gross profit of $265 million, EBITDA1 of $568 million, net earnings attributable to shareholders of $0.13 per share, and adjusted earnings of $0.12 per share2. Relative to the first quarter of this year (Q1 2023), second quarter financial results benefitted from higher copper sales volumes and lower input costs, which was partially offset by lower realized copper and nickel prices.

Total copper production for the second quarter was 187,175 tonnes, a 35% increase from Q1 2023. The quarter-over-quarter increase in production was attributable to an improvement in grades at Cobre Panama, Kansanshi and Sentinel and higher throughput at Cobre Panama and Sentinel.

Copper C1 cash cost2 of $1.98 per lb for Q2 2023 was $0.26 per lb lower than Q1 2023. The improvement in copper C1 cash costs2 was related to improved production volumes and lower fuel and explosive costs.

Production at the three major copper operations is expected to be higher in the second half of the year. Guidance for copper, gold and nickel production remains unchanged, however full year production for each metal is expected to be towards the lower end of guidance to reflect year-to-date production. C1 cash cost2 and AISC2 for both copper and nickel remains unchanged. Unit cash costs2 are expected to decrease in the second half of the year with higher production and are expected to be towards the upper end of guidance for the full year.

1 EBITDA and adjusted earnings are non-GAAP financial measures. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See Regulatory Disclosures.

2 Adjusted earnings per share, copper C1 cash cost (copper C1), and all-in sustaining costs (AISC) are non-GAAP ratios which do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See Regulatory Disclosures.

Q2 2023 OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Total copper production for Q2 2023 was 187,175 tonnes, up from the 138,753 tonnes reported in Q1 2023 as each of the Company's three largest operations reported improved grades during the period. Copper sales volumes in Q2 2023 totalled 177,362 tonnes, 9,813 tonnes lower than production.

Cobre Panama produced 90,086 tonnes of copper in Q2 2023, an increase of 24,659 tonnes from the previous quarter as the current quarter saw improved grades and higher tonnes milled from the continued successful ramp-up of the CP 100 Expansion project. Copper C1 cash cost 3 of $1.71 per lb was $0.06 per lb higher than the previous quarter due lower gold by-product credits. 2023 Production guidance for Cobre Panama remains unchanged at 350,000 to 380,000 tonnes of copper and 140,000 to 160,000 ounces of gold. For the full year 2023, grades and recoveries are expected to be broadly consistent with 2022 regardless of the increased processing throughput, with some fluctuation from quarter to quarter. Ramp-up of the CP100 Expansion continues, with the expansion facilities periodically demonstrating nameplate capacity during the second quarter, and the expansion to 100 million tonnes per annum ("Mtpa") remains on schedule for the end of 2023. Significant progress has been made on the pre-strip work for the Colina pit and earthworks for the associated overland conveyor and in-pit crushing facility. The first crusher at Colina is expected to be commissioned in 2024. Construction of the molybdenum recovery circuit is progressing well with completion of construction and commencement of commissioning expected by the end of 2023 with first molybdenum concentrate production to commence in the first quarter of 2024.

of $1.71 per lb was $0.06 per lb higher than the previous quarter due lower gold by-product credits. 2023 Production guidance for Cobre Panama remains unchanged at 350,000 to 380,000 tonnes of copper and 140,000 to 160,000 ounces of gold. For the full year 2023, grades and recoveries are expected to be broadly consistent with 2022 regardless of the increased processing throughput, with some fluctuation from quarter to quarter. Ramp-up of the CP100 Expansion continues, with the expansion facilities periodically demonstrating nameplate capacity during the second quarter, and the expansion to 100 million tonnes per annum ("Mtpa") remains on schedule for the end of 2023. Significant progress has been made on the pre-strip work for the Colina pit and earthworks for the associated overland conveyor and in-pit crushing facility. The first crusher at Colina is expected to be commissioned in 2024. Construction of the molybdenum recovery circuit is progressing well with completion of construction and commencement of commissioning expected by the end of 2023 with first molybdenum concentrate production to commence in the first quarter of 2024. Kansanshis copper production of 34,657 tonnes in Q2 2023 was 5,974 tonnes higher than the previous quarter. Kansanshi production improved in the second quarter with mining cutbacks at elevated benches with historically higher grades, which will continue to be the focus for the remainder of the year. Copper C1 cash cost1 of $2.36 per lb was $0.52 lower than Q1 2023 mainly due to lower fuel costs and improved production volumes. Production in 2023 is expected to be at the lower end of the guidance range of 130,000 to 150,000 tonnes of copper and 95,000 to 105,000 ounces of gold. Mining fleet deployment changes over the past six months have enabled the operation to open up mining areas, placing less reliance on low-grade ore stockpiles. Additionally, mining will focus on cutbacks M15 and M17 at upper elevations in the main pit, where mineralization is predominantly disseminated in stratigraphy and with wider veins, and therefore higher grades. This will continue to be a focus for the remainder of the year, which will benefit production through the rest of 2023.

Sentinel reported copper production of 54,045 tonnes in Q2 2023, 17,813 tonnes higher than the previous quarter as the operation saw steady improvement after the impact of record heavy rains experienced in the first quarter. Mining activities continued to be impacted by excess water in the pit until mid-May when dewatering activities reduced water levels in the pit, allowing operations to regain access to higher-grade ore. Copper C1 cash cost 1 of $2.04 per lb was $0.66 per lb lower than the preceding quarter, reflecting lower fuel costs and higher production volumes. As a result of the challenges encountered at the start of the year, copper production for 2023 is expected to be toward the lower end of guidance of 260,000 to 280,000 tonnes. A drilling contractor will be deployed from July alongside the Companys own drill rigs to increase stocks of broken material. The focus will remain on blast quality to improve fragmentation and mine-to-mill optimization. Production is expected to continue to improve in the second half of the year with improved milling rates in line with the comparable period in 2022 and with ground water now under control, providing full access to high-grade ore. Grade improvement is expected to continue for the rest of the year.

of $2.04 per lb was $0.66 per lb lower than the preceding quarter, reflecting lower fuel costs and higher production volumes. As a result of the challenges encountered at the start of the year, copper production for 2023 is expected to be toward the lower end of guidance of 260,000 to 280,000 tonnes. A drilling contractor will be deployed from July alongside the Companys own drill rigs to increase stocks of broken material. The focus will remain on blast quality to improve fragmentation and mine-to-mill optimization. Production is expected to continue to improve in the second half of the year with improved milling rates in line with the comparable period in 2022 and with ground water now under control, providing full access to high-grade ore. Grade improvement is expected to continue for the rest of the year. At Enterprise, first production of nickel concentrate was achieved in the second quarter, with nameplate capacity of the process plant temporarily demonstrated during the second quarter, and first concentrate sale is expected in the third quarter of 2023. The ramp-up continues to commercial production and full plant throughput in 2024. Oxide material is impacting recoveries of the plant and the ore profile has been updated to reflect the classification of material. 2023 production for Enterprise is expected to be at the lower end of guidance of 5,000  10,000 contained tonnes of nickel.

1 C1 cash costs (C1) is a non-GAAP ratio which does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See Regulatory Disclosures.

COBRE PANAMA UPDATE

On March 8, 2023, the Company and the Government of Panama (the "GOP") reached an agreement in respect of the terms and conditions for a Refreshed Concession Contract, which is subject to approval by law. The Refreshed Concession Contract provides for an initial 20-year term with a 20-year extension option and possible additional extensions for life of mine. The Refreshed Concession Contract has been signed by the GOP and the Company on June 26, 2023, having completed the public consultation process, and is currently under the ordinary course of business review by the National Comptroller prior to its countersignature. Once counter signed by the Comptroller, it is expected to be presented before the National Assembly of Panama during the current legislative term that commenced on July 1, 2023.

Once the agreement is signed and passed into law as expected, payments to cover taxes and royalties up to the year-end 2022 of approximately $395 million are expected to be made within 30 days of the Refreshed Concession Contract being enacted into law. In addition, past due amounts payable for 2023 corporate tax instalments, withholding taxes and quarterly royalty payments will also be due 30 days after being enacted, without penalty or interest. It is intended that the charge relating to taxes and royalties up to the year-end 2022 be excluded from 2023 adjusted earnings. The expected taxes and royalties to the GOP relating to 2023 is $375 million.

BROWNFIELD PROJECTS

Construction work for the CP100 Expansion project was completed and commissioned in the first quarter. With the expansion facilities periodically demonstrating nameplate capacity in the second quarter, the ramp up to a throughput rate of 100 Mtpa remains on schedule for the end of 2023.

At the S3 Expansion, detailed design is progressing well. Long-lead mining fleet and long-lead process plant equipment have been ordered with deliveries expected to commence in the second half of 2023. Overall project procurement is approximately 33% committed as at the end of the quarter. The majority of the capital spend on the S3 Expansion is expected in late-2023 and 2024.

At Enterprise, nameplate capacity of the process plant was temporarily demonstrated during the second quarter. First production of nickel concentrate was achieved in the second quarter and first concentrate sale is expected in the third quarter of 2023. The ramp-up continues to commercial production and full plant throughput in 2024.

At the Las Cruces Underground Project, work continues to advance with the release of the NI 43-101 Technical Report on Reserves and Resources expected later in the year. The proposed underground project involves supplementing the existing copper facilities at Las Cruces with additional processing capacity for zinc, silver and lead. The Las Cruces Underground Project is awaiting Board approval, which is not expected before the end of 2023 and will take into consideration prevailing economic conditions and the Company's debt reduction objectives.

GREENFIELD PROJECTS

The primary Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for Taca Taca was submitted to the Secretariat of Mining of Salta Province in 2019 and supplementary information on tailings and waste management were filed to the authority during 2022. As a part of the revision process, in June 2023, the Company received a second set of observations to the ESIA and is currently working to provide the requested information. Approval of the ESIA is expected in 2023. The Phase III groundwater exploration campaign successfully concluded during the second quarter of 2023, with eighteen pumping wells constructed and tested, obtaining positive results. The initial water use permit applications were submitted during the second quarter of 2023 and the remaining will be submitted progressively in 2023.

At Haquira, negotiations for land access to support a drill program were resumed during the second quarter and agreements were reached with three local communities. The Company is working on upgrading camp facilities, preparing required logistics including local suppliers and workers, renewing and/or progressing applicable environmental permits, and formalizing access contracts, with the aim of starting an in-fill drilling campaign at Haquira East deposit during the second half of 2023. The Company hopes to resume land access discussions with the remaining communities to extend the drilling program into Haquira West and other targets in the area of the project.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Gross profit for the second quarter of $265 million was 5% lower than Q1 2023 due to higher depreciation, while EBITDA 4 of $568 million for the same period was 10% higher due to higher sales volumes, partially offset by lower realized metal prices.

of $568 million for the same period was 10% higher due to higher sales volumes, partially offset by lower realized metal prices. Cash flows from operating activities of $719 million ($1.04 per share 5 ) for the quarter were $420 million higher than Q1 2023 due mainly to working capital movements related to trade and other receivables and trade and other payables.

) for the quarter were $420 million higher than Q1 2023 due mainly to working capital movements related to trade and other receivables and trade and other payables. Net debt 1 decreased by $130 million during the quarter, taking the net debt 1 balance to $5,650 million as at June 30, 2023. As at June 30, 2023, total debt was $6,528 million (March 31, 2023, total debt was $6,878 million). The decrease in net debt 1 and total debt 1 was attributable to the favourable timing of working capital cash flows.

decreased by $130 million during the quarter, taking the net debt balance to $5,650 million as at June 30, 2023. As at June 30, 2023, total debt was $6,528 million (March 31, 2023, total debt was $6,878 million). The decrease in net debt and total debt was attributable to the favourable timing of working capital cash flows. On May 17, the Company announced an offering of $1.3 billion of Senior Notes due 2031. Proceeds from the offering was used towards the repayment of $970 million of the Companys existing revolving credit facility and a $300 million redemption of the Companys outstanding Senior Notes due 2025.

On July 25, the Company announced an interim dividend of CDN$0.08 per share, in respect of the financial year ended December 31, 2023 (July 26, 2022: CDN$0.16 per share), to be paid on September 19, 2023 to shareholders of record on August 28, 2023.

1 EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measures and net debt is a supplementary financial measure. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See Regulatory Disclosures

2 Cash flows from operating activities per share, copper C1 cash cost (copper C1), and copper all-in sustaining cost (copper AISC) are non-GAAP ratios which do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See Regulatory Disclosures.

CONSOLIDATED OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS

QUARTERLY Q2 2023 Q1 2023 Q2 2022 Copper production (tonnes)1 187,175 138,753 192,668 Cobre Panama 90,086 65,427 90,778 Kansanshi 34,657 28,683 39,719 Sentinel 54,045 36,232 52,447 Other Sites 8,387 8,411 9,724 Copper sales (tonnes) 177,362 150,287 187,642 Cobre Panama 86,964 70,028 90,568 Kansanshi2 30,732 31,538 35,966 Sentinel 51,135 40,313 50,912 Other Sites 8,531 8,408 10,196 Gold production (ounces) 52,561 47,874 74,959 Cobre Panama 28,994 23,878 36,931 Kansanshi 16,346 15,960 27,937 Guelb Moghrein 6,686 7,585 9,060 Other sites 535 451 1,031 Gold sales (ounces)3 48,640 51,941 69,998 Cobre Panama 26,881 28,853 35,251 Kansanshi 15,825 17,244 26,775 Guelb Moghrein 5,233 5,482 6,974 Other sites 701 362 998 Nickel production (contained tonnes)4 5,976 5,917 4,853 Nickel sales (contained tonnes) 5,906 5,846 2,892 Cash cost of copper production (C1) (per lb)5,6 $ 1.98 $ 2.24 $ 1.74 Total cost of copper production (C3) (per lb)5,6,7 $ 2.92 $ 3.30 $ 2.73 Copper all-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb)5,6,7 $ 2.64 $ 2.87 $ 2.37

1 Production is presented on a contained basis, and is presented prior to processing through the Kansanshi smelter.

2 Sales include third-party sales of concentrate, cathode and anode attributable to Kansanshi. Sales exclude the sale of copper anode produced from third-party concentrate purchased at Kansanshi. Sales of copper anode attributable to third party concentrate purchases were 8,821 tonnes for the three months ended June 30, 2023 (580 tonnes for the three months ended June 30, 2022).

3 Excludes refinery-backed gold credits purchased and delivered under the precious metal streaming arrangement (see Precious Metal Stream Arrangement).

4 Nickel production includes 220 tonnes of pre-commercial production from Enterprise, which is not included in earnings or C1, C3 and AISC calculations.

5 Copper all-in sustaining cost (copper AISC), copper C1 cash cost (copper C1), and total cost of copper (copper C3) are non-GAAP ratios, which do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See Regulatory Disclosures.

6 Excludes the sale of copper anode produced from third-party concentrate purchased at Kansanshi. Sales of copper anode attributable to third party concentrate purchases were 8,821 tonnes for the three months ended June 30, 2023 (580 tonnes for the three months ended June 30, 2022).

7 Copper C3 and AISC for the three months ended June 30, 2023 exclude $18 million royalty attributable to ZCCM-IH relating to the year ended December 31, 2022.

REALIZED METAL PRICES1

QUARTERLY Q2 2023 Q1 2023 Q2 2022 Average LME copper cash price (per lb) $ 3.84 $ 4.05 $ 4.31 Realized copper price (per lb) $ 3.75 $ 3.95 $ 4.19 Treatment/refining charges (TC/RC) (per lb) $ (0.15 ) $ (0.14 ) $ (0.14 ) Freight charges (per lb) $ (0.03 ) $ (0.02 ) $ (0.03 ) Net realized copper price1 (per lb) $ 3.57 $ 3.79 $ 4.02 Average LBMA cash price (per oz) $ 1,976 $ 1,890 $ 1,872 Net realized gold price1,2 (per oz) $ 1,797 $ 1,766 $ 1,736 Average LME nickel cash price $ 10.12 $ 11.79 $ 13.13 Net realized nickel price1 $ 9.50 $ 10.25 $ 10.09

1 Realized metal prices are a non-GAAP ratio, do not have standardized meanings under IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See Regulatory Disclosures for further information. 2 Excludes gold revenues recognized under the precious metal stream arrangement.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

QUARTERLY Q2 2023 Q1 2023 Q2 2022 Sales revenues 1,651 1,558 1,904 Gross profit 265 280 629 Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company 93 75 419 Basic earnings per share $ 0.13 $ 0.11 $ 0.61 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.13 $ 0.11 $ 0.60 Cash flows from operating activities 719 299 904 Net debt1 5,650 5,780 5,339 EBITDA2,3 568 518 906 Adjusted earnings2 85 76 337 Adjusted earnings per share4 $ 0.12 $ 0.11 $ 0.49 Realized copper price (per lb)4 $ 3.75 $ 3.95 $ 4.19 Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company 93 75 419 Adjustments attributable to shareholders of the Company: Adjustment for expected phasing of Zambian value-added tax (VAT) receipts (31 ) (23 ) 106 Total adjustments to EBITDA2 excluding depreciation 15 22 (238 ) Tax and minority interest adjustments 8 2 50 Adjusted earnings2 85 76 337

1 Net debt is a supplementary financial measure which does not have a standardized meaning under IFRS, and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See Regulatory Disclosures.

2 EBITDA and adjusted earnings are non-GAAP financial measures, which do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. Adjusted earnings have been adjusted to exclude items from the corresponding IFRS measure, net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company, which are not considered by management to be reflective of underlying performance. The Company has disclosed these measures to assist with the understanding of results and to provide further financial information about the results to investors and may not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. The use of adjusted earnings and EBITDA represents the Companys adjusted earnings metrics. See Regulatory Disclosures.

3 Adjustments to EBITDA in 2023 relate principally to royalties payable to ZCCM-IH for the year ended December 31, 2022, and foreign exchange revaluations (2022 - foreign exchange revaluations).

4 Adjusted earnings per share, realized metal prices, copper all-in sustaining cost (copper AISC), copper C1 cash cost (copper C1), and total cost of copper (copper C3) are non-GAAP ratios which do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See Regulatory Disclosures.

2023 GUIDANCE

Production at the three major copper operations is expected to be higher in the second half of the year following a challenging start to the year. Guidance for copper, gold and nickel production remains unchanged, however, full year production for each metal is expected to be towards the lower end of guidance to reflect year-to-date production.

C1 cash cost1 and AISC1 for both copper and nickel remains unchanged, however, full year costs are expected to be towards the upper end of guidance. Unit cash costs1 are expected to decrease in the second half of the year with higher production.

Any non-profit based top-up tax to meet the minimum contribution at Cobre Panama is expected to be recognized within operating profit and AISC1. The AISC1 range remains unchanged and is able to accommodate the expected impact of between $0.00 per lb to $0.05 per lb.

Guidance for total capital expenditure remains unchanged at $1,600 million. Guidance excludes any capitalized pre-commercial production costs. Capital expenditure for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 was $321 million and $586 million, respectively. Expenditure on the S3 Expansion project to date is approximately $76 million, with $35 million spent this year.

Interest expense on debt for the full year 2023 is expected to be approximately $510 million and excludes interest accrued on related party loans to Cobre Panama and Ravensthorpe, a finance cost accreted on the precious metal streaming arrangement, capitalized interest expense and accretion on asset retirement obligation (ARO). Cash outflow on interest paid is expected to be approximately $505 million for the full year 2023.

The full year 2023 depreciation expense is expected to be between $1,250 million to $1,275 million.

At current consensus pricing, the adjusted effective tax rate for the Company for the full year 2023 is expected to be between 35% and 40%. It is anticipated that the effective tax rate for the Group in the second half of the year will be higher than this rate as the income tax expense is adjusted to the full year rate under the Refreshed Concession Contract when the agreement is passed into law, rather than the Law 9 basis used in the current quarter.

PRODUCTION GUIDANCE

000s 2023 Copper (tonnes) 770  840 Gold (ounces) 265  295 Nickel (contained tonnes) 28  38

PRODUCTION GUIDANCE BY OPERATION2

Copper production guidance (000s tonnes) 2023 Cobre Panama 350  380 Kansanshi 130  150 Sentinel 260  280 Other sites 30 Gold production guidance (000s ounces) Cobre Panama 140  160 Kansanshi 95  105 Other sites 30 Nickel production guidance (000s contained tonnes) Ravensthorpe 23  28 Enterprise 5  10

1 C1 cash cost (C1), and all-in sustaining cost (AISC) are non-GAAP ratios, and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See Regulatory Disclosures

2 Production is stated on a 100% basis as the Company consolidates all operations.

CASH COST AND ALL-IN SUSTAINING COST1

Copper 2023 C11 (per lb) $1.65  $1.85 AISC1 (per lb) $2.25  $2.45 Ravensthorpe Nickel 2023 C11 (per lb) $7.00  $8.50 AISC1 (per lb) $9.00  $10.50

1 C1 cash cost (C1), and all-in sustaining cost (AISC) are non-GAAP ratios, and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See Regulatory Disclosures

ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG)

The Company published its primary sustainability report, the 2022 ESG Report, as well as the 2022 Tax Transparency and Contributions to Governments Report, in May 2023. The latest reports can be found in the ESG Analyst Centre on the Companys website: https://www.first-quantum.com/English/sustainability/esg-analyst-centre/default.aspx. These include the TCFD-aligned Climate Change Reports, ESG Reports, Tax Transparency and Contributions to Government Reports, as well as the Companys sustainability policies. Following the publication of the 2022 ESG Report, the Company hosted its inaugural virtual ESG Day in June 2023. A replay of the webcast can be found on the Presentations and Events page of the Companys website: https://first-quantum.com/English/investors/presentations-and-events/default.aspx.

COMPLETE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The complete Consolidated Financial Statements and Managements Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 are available at www.first-quantum.com and at www.sedar.com and should be read in conjunction with this news release.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

The Company will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the results on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 9:00 am (ET).

Conference call and webcast details:

Toll-free North America: 1-800-319-4610

Toll-free International: +1-604-638-5340

Webcast: Direct link or on our website

A replay of the webcast will be available on the First Quantum website.

For further information, visit our website at www.first-quantum.com or contact:

Bonita To, Director, Investor Relations

(416) 361-6400 Toll-free: 1 (888) 688-6577

E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

REGULATORY DISCLOSURES

Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures

EBITDA, ADJUSTED EARNINGS AND ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

EBITDA, adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share exclude certain impacts which the Company believes are not reflective of the Companys underlying performance for the reporting period. These include impairment and related charges, foreign exchange revaluation gains and losses, gains and losses on disposal of assets and liabilities, one-time costs related to acquisitions, dispositions, restructuring and other transactions, revisions in estimates of restoration provisions at closed sites, debt extinguishment and modification gains and losses, the tax effect on unrealized movements in the fair value of derivatives designated as hedged instruments, and adjustments for expected phasing of Zambian VAT receipts.

QUARTERLY Q2 2023 Q1 2023 Q2 2022 Operating profit 252 225 856 Depreciation 301 271 288 Other adjustments: Foreign exchange loss (gain) (15 ) 16 (239 ) Royalty payable to ZCCM-IH1 18   Other expense 3 6 2 Revisions in estimates of restoration provisions at closed sites 9  (1 ) Total adjustments excluding depreciation 15 22 (238 ) EBITDA 568 518 906

1 The three months ended June 30, 2023, include royalty attributable due to ZCCM-IH of $18 million relating to the year ended December 31, 2022.

QUARTERLY Q2 2023 Q1 2023 Q2 2022 Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company 93 75 419 Adjustments attributable to shareholders of the Company: Adjustment for expected phasing of Zambian VAT (31 ) (23 ) 106 Total adjustments to EBITDA excluding depreciation 15 22 (238 ) Tax and minority interest adjustments 8 2 50 Adjusted earnings 85 76 337 Basic earnings per share as reported $ 0.13 $ 0.11 $ 0.61 Adjusted earnings per share $ 0.12 $ 0.11 $ 0.49

REALIZED METAL PRICES

Realized metal prices are used by the Company to enable management to better evaluate sales revenues in each reporting period. Realized metal prices are calculated as gross metal sales revenues divided by the volume of metal sold in lbs. Net realized metal price is inclusive of the treatment and refining charges (TC/RC) and freight charges per lb.

OPERATING CASHFLOW PER SHARE

In calculating the operating cash flow per share, the operating cash flow calculated for IFRS purposes is divided by the basic weighted average common shares outstanding for the respective period.

NET DEBT

Net debt is comprised of bank overdrafts and total debt less unrestricted cash and cash equivalents.

CASH COST, ALL-IN SUSTAINING COST, TOTAL COST

The consolidated cash cost (C1), all-in sustaining cost (AISC) and total cost (C3) presented by the Company are measures that are prepared on a basis consistent with the industry standard definitions by the World Gold Council and Brook Hunt cost guidelines but are not measures recognized under IFRS. In calculating the C1 cash cost, AISC and C3, total cost for each segment, the costs are measured on the same basis as the segmented financial information that is contained in the financial statements.

C1 cash cost includes all mining and processing costs less any profits from by-products such as gold, silver, zinc, pyrite, cobalt, sulphuric acid, or iron magnetite and is used by management to evaluate operating performance. TC/RC and freight deductions on metal sales, which are typically recognized as a component of sales revenues, are added to C1 cash cost to arrive at an approximate cost of finished metal.

AISC is defined as cash cost (C1) plus general and administrative expenses, sustaining capital expenditure, deferred stripping, royalties and lease payments and is used by management to evaluate performance inclusive of sustaining expenditure required to maintain current production levels.

C3 total cost is defined as AISC less sustaining capital expenditure, deferred stripping and general and administrative expenses net of insurance, plus depreciation and exploration. This metric is used by management to evaluate the operating performance inclusive of costs not classified as sustaining in nature such as exploration and depreciation.

For the three months ended June 30, 2023 Cobre Panama



Kansanshi Sentinel Guelb Moghrein Las Cruces Cayeli Pyhasalmi Copper Corporate & other Ravensthorpe Total Cost of sales1 (469 ) (374 ) (334 ) (41 ) (23 ) (19 ) (5 ) (1,265 ) (1 ) (120 ) (1,386 ) Adjustments: Depreciation 149 56 74 2  4 1 286  15 301 By-product credits 32 30  26  3 5 96  3 99 Royalties 13 55 26 1 1 2  98  5 103 Treatment and refining charges (45 ) (5 ) (11 ) (2 )  (3 )  (66 )   (66 ) Freight costs   (6 )   (2 )  (8 )   (8 ) Finished goods (5 ) (8 ) 13 (5 ) (1 ) 3 (1 ) (4 )  5 1 Other4 2 69 5 (1 ) 3 1  79 1 3 83 Cash cost (C1)2,4 (323 ) (177 ) (233 ) (20 ) (20 ) (11 )  (784 )  (89 ) (873 ) Adjustments: Depreciation (excluding depreciation in finished goods) (148 ) (55 ) (70 ) (3 )  (4 ) (1 ) (281 ) (1 ) (14 ) (296 ) Royalties5 (13 ) (37 ) (26 ) (1 ) (1 ) (2 )  (80 )  (5 ) (85 ) Other (6 ) (2 ) (3 ) 1    (10 )  (1 ) (11 ) Total cost (C3)2,4 (490 ) (271 ) (332 ) (23 ) (21 ) (17 ) (1 ) (1,155 ) (1 ) (109 ) (1,265 ) Cash cost (C1)2,4 (323 ) (177 ) (233 ) (20 ) (20 ) (11 )  (784 )  (89 ) (873 ) Adjustments: General and administrative expenses (12 ) (7 ) (10 ) (1 )    (30 )  (3 ) (33 ) Sustaining capital expenditure and deferred stripping3 (61 ) (45 ) (40 ) (1 )  (1 )  (148 )  (7 ) (155 ) Royalties5 (13 ) (37 ) (26 ) (1 ) (1 ) (2 )  (80 )  (5 ) (85 ) Lease payments (1 )    (1 )   (2 )  (1 ) (3 ) AISC2,4 (410 ) (266 ) (309 ) (23 ) (22 ) (14 )  (1,044 )  (105 ) (1,149 ) AISC (per lb)2,4 $ 2.16 $ 3.60 $ 2.71 $ 2.92 $ 5.49 $ 2.16  $ 2.64  $ 11.17 Cash cost  (C1)

(per lb)2,4 $ 1.71 $ 2.36 $ 2.04 $ 2.30 $ 5.13 $ 1.72  $ 1.98  $ 9.58 Total cost  (C3)

(per lb)2,4 $ 2.59 $ 3.68 $ 2.91 $ 2.83 $ 5.23 $ 2.59  $ 2.92  $ 11.76

1 Total cost of sales per the Consolidated Statement of Earnings in the Companys unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

2 C1 cash cost (C1), total costs (C3), and all-in sustaining costs (AISC) are non-GAAP ratios which do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See Regulatory Disclosures.

3 Sustaining capital and deferred stripping are non-GAAP financial measures which do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See Regulatory Disclosures.

4 Excludes purchases of copper concentrate from third parties treated through the Kansanshi Smelter.

5 Royalties in C3 and AISC costs exclude the 2022 impact of $18 million attributable to the 3.1% sale of a gross royalty interest in Kansanshi Mining Plc to ZCCM-IH.

For the three months ended June 30, 2022 Cobre Panama



Kansanshi Sentinel Guelb Moghrein Las Cruces Cayeli Pyhasalmi Copper Corporate & other Ravensthorpe Total Cost of sales1 (478 ) (274 ) (293 ) (48 ) (30 ) (13 ) (7 ) (1,143 ) (36 ) (96 ) (1,275 ) Adjustments: Depreciation 155 48 66 3  4 1 277 1 10 288 By-product credits 49 55  31  1 7 143  5 148 Royalties 16 38 47 2 1 3  107  3 110 Treatment and refining charges (34 ) (6 ) (12 ) (2 )  (1 )  (55 )   (55 ) Freight costs  1 (10 )   (2 )  (11 )   (11 ) Finished goods (3 ) (32 ) (15 ) 1 3 (3 ) (2 ) (51 )  (25 ) (76 ) Other 3 13 7 (1 ) 5 (1 ) (1 ) 25 35 4 64 Cash cost (C1)2 (292 ) (157 ) (210 ) (14 ) (21 ) (12 ) (2 ) (708 )  (99 ) (807 ) Adjustments: Depreciation (excluding depreciation in finished goods) (156 ) (56 ) (68 ) (3 )  (4 ) (1 ) (288 )  (12 ) (300 ) Royalties (16 ) (38 ) (47 ) (2 ) (1 ) (3 )  (107 )  (3 ) (110 ) Other (3 ) (4 ) (2 ) (1 ) 1   (9 )  (1 ) (10 ) Total cost (C3)2 (467 ) (255 ) (327 ) (20 ) (21 ) (19 ) (3 ) (1,112 )  (115 ) (1,227 ) Cash cost (C1)2 (292 ) (157 ) (210 ) (14 ) (21 ) (12 ) (2 ) (708 )  (99 ) (807 ) Adjustments:  General and administrative expenses (11 ) (6 ) (8 )   (1 )  (26 )  (3 ) (29 ) Sustaining capital expenditure and deferred stripping3 (38 ) (41 ) (42 ) (1 )    (122 )  (7 ) (129 ) Royalties (16 ) (38 ) (47 ) (2 ) (1 ) (3 )  (107 )  (3 ) (110 ) Lease payments (1 )       (1 )   (1 ) AISC2 (358 ) (242 ) (307 ) (17 ) (22 ) (16 ) (2 ) (964 )  (112 ) (1,076 ) AISC (per lb)2 $ 1.88 $ 2.85 $ 2.76 $ 2.49 $ 3.78 $ 2.46 $ 0.74 $ 2.37  $ 11.78 Cash cost  (C1)

(per lb)2 $ 1.54 $ 1.83 $ 1.88 $ 2.02 $ 3.53 $ 1.86 $ 0.81 $ 1.74  $ 10.08 Total cost  (C3)

(per lb)2 $ 2.46 $ 3.00 $ 2.94 $ 2.81 $ 3.61 $ 2.96 $ 1.25 $ 2.73  $ 12.05

1 Total cost of sales per the Consolidated Statement of Earnings in the Companys unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

2 C1 cash cost (C1), total costs (C3) and all-in sustaining costs (AISC) are non-GAAP ratios which do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See Regulatory Disclosures.

3 Sustaining capital and deferred stripping are non-GAAP financial measures which do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See Regulatory Disclosures.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements include estimates, forecasts and statements as to the Companys expectations of production and sales volumes, the Companys agreement with the Government of Panama regarding the long term future of Cobre Panama and approval of the same by the National Assembly of Panama, expected timing of completion of project development at Enterprise and post-completion construction activity at Cobre Panama and are subject to the impact of ore grades on future production, the potential of production disruptions, potential production, operational, labour or marketing disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, capital expenditure and mine production costs, the outcome of mine permitting, other required permitting, the outcome of legal proceedings which involve the Company, information with respect to the future price of copper, gold, nickel, silver, iron, cobalt, pyrite, zinc and sulphuric acid, estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources, First Quantums exploration and development program, estimated future expenses, exploration and development capital requirements, the Companys hedging policy, and goals and strategies; plans, targets and commitments regarding climate change-related physical and transition risks and opportunities (including intended actions to address such risks and opportunities), greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency and carbon intensity, use of renewable energy sources, design, development and operation of the Companys projects and future reporting regarding climate change and environmental matters; the Companys expectations regarding increased demand for copper; the Companys project pipeline and development and growth plans. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate or believes or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved.

With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, the Company has made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about continuing production at all operating facilities, the price of copper, gold, nickel, silver, iron, cobalt, pyrite, zinc and sulphuric acid, anticipated costs and expenditures, the success of Companys actions and plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and carbon intensity of its operations, and the ability to achieve the Companys goals. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to, future production volumes and costs, the temporary or permanent closure of uneconomic operations, costs for inputs such as oil, power and sulphur, political stability in Panama, Zambia, Peru, Mauritania, Finland, Spain, Turkey, Argentina and Australia, adverse weather conditions in Panama, Zambia, Finland, Spain, Turkey, Mauritania, and Australia, labour disruptions, potential social and environmental challenges (including the impact of climate change), power supply, mechanical failures, water supply, procurement and delivery of parts and supplies to the operations, the production of off-spec material and events generally impacting global economic, political and social stability. For mineral resource and mineral reserve figures appearing or referred to herein, varying cut-off grades have been used depending on the mine, method of extraction and type of ore contained in the orebody.

See the Companys Annual Information Form for additional information on risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to the forward-looking statements and information. Although the Company has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause actual results, performances, achievements or events not as anticipated, estimated or intended. Also, many of these factors are beyond First Quantums control. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to reissue or update forward-looking statements or information as a result of new information or events after the date hereof except as may be required by law. All forward-looking statements made and information contained herein are qualified by this cautionary statement.
Israeli troops killed three Palestinians in the occupied West Bank Tuesday, the Palestinian health ministry said, the latest deaths in a surge of violence in the territory since early last year.

"Three Palestinians have been killed by Israeli bullets in Nablus," the ministry said, adding the identities of those killed in the northern West Bank city were still unknown.

The Israeli army said three "armed terrorists" had opened fire on its soldiers from a vehicle in a Nablus neighbourhood and the troops fired back "to neutralise" them.

The soldiers recovered three M-16 rifles, a gun, cartridges and other military equipment, the army said in a statement.

The Palestinian president's spokesman, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, said Tuesday's killing of the three Palestinians amounted to a "war crime".

"Israeli crimes will not bring our people to their knees, and will not bring security and stability to anyone," he said in a statement.

Israel has occupied the West Bank since the Six-Day War of 1967.

Since early last year, the territory has seen a string of attacks by Palestinians on Israeli targets, as well as violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities.

Violence linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict this year has killed at least 201 Palestinians, 27 Israelis, one Ukrainian and one Italian, according to an AFP tally compiled from official sources on both sides.

They include, on the Palestinian side, combatants as well civilians and, on the Israeli side, three members of the Arab minority.

Excluding Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, the West Bank is home to nearly three million Palestinians, as well as around 490,000 Israelis who live in settlements considered illegal under international law.
Speaking at a press conference in Yaounde with Cameroonian President Paul Biya on July 26, 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron said he wanted historians from both countries to work together on investigating the past and establish responsibilities on Frances bloody colonial past in Cameroon. He promised that Frances archives on its colonial rule would be opened in full.

Initiated by the French presidency in coordination with French academics and their partners in Cameroon, this commission was officially launched in March 2023. According to one of its co-presidents, French historian Karine Ramondy, the impetus came from civil society in France and Cameroon and was backed by the two countries presidents. Despite our requests to its members, we were unable to obtain further clarification on the statute or founding document of this commission, nor on the way its members were appointed.

Hugo Jombwe, a Cameroonian human rights lawyer based in Africa for Belgian non-profit RCN Justice & Democracy, says he welcomed the news with cautious optimism. We know that the history between Cameroon and France is complex and troubled, so it is a very longstanding demand [notably from researchers and human rights activists] that light be shed on what happened, he told Justice Info. But we also know that the Cameroonian authorities have not since independence shown much will to do this. And in France too, for 50 years there has been no will to re-examine this history. That inspires some caution, because one can ask if these States have really changed after 50 years.

On the French side, this commission is presented as part of Macrons expressed desire for a new relationship with Africa. It comes after similar initiatives under his presidency, notably the Vincent Duclert commission on Frances role in the Rwandan genocide (2021) and the Benjamin Stora report on Frances colonisation and war in Algeria (2021).

Richard Joseph, a political science professor at Northwestern University in the United States who has dedicated research and written books on Cameroons colonial history, also welcomed news of the commissions creation. But he has questions. Will the work of the commission be reflected in open debates in Cameroon? Will researchers be able to conduct studies and deliver their findings without fear of retribution? Will compensation be provided to victims of the repression and their families? he asks. Joseph also hopes the commissions work might lead to more political freedom in Cameroon.

Bloody repression of independence fighters

After being colonized by Germany in the 19th century, Cameroon was split between France (80%) and Britain (20%) in 1919 after Germanys defeat in the First World War. For years preceding French Cameroons independence in 1960, French authorities waged a bloody campaign of repression against independence fighters of the UPC (Union des populations du Cameroon), a nationalist party engaged in armed struggle. Tens of thousands of UPC activists were massacred first by the French army and then after independence by the Cameroonian army of Ahmadou Ahidjo, the independent countrys first president who collaborated with the French. Cameroons current 90-year-old president for more than 40 years Biya was a Prime Minister under Ahidjo.

Prominent UPC activists murdered by the French include anti-colonialist leader Ruben Um Nyobe and Felix Roland Moumie, widely thought to have been poisoned in Geneva in 1960 by an agent of the French secret services, although the case was dismissed by a Swiss court for lack of evidence.

The commission is mandated to examine the role of France in Cameroon in the fight against independence and opposition movements between 1945 and 1971. It is expected to present a report by the end of 2024. Jombwe thinks the historical mandate period is good but should also include 1972, the year of a national referendum which led to the former British and French parts of Cameroon becoming a unitary state. The country is still divided, he notes, with Biyas regime having waged violent repression against separatists in the marginalised Anglophone parts of the country.

Fifteen historians and a musician

The commission is co-chaired by French historian Karine Ramondy and Cameroonian musician Blick Bassy, who dedicated one of his albums, 1958, to assassinated anti-colonialist leader Ruben Um Nyobe. Bassy is in charge of the cultural aspect of the commissions work. The rest of the commission is composed of 14 historians (plus Ramondy), with an equal number from Cameroon and France. There are five women and ten men (11 including Bassy).

The decolonisation of Cameroon and bloody repression carried out by France, which some historians have called a war, has very little visibility, notably in France, where it is not taught in schools, unlike the Algerian war, Ramondy told AFP news agency in March. That will be one of the tasks of the commission, to make visible this chapter of history.

Bassy, who will gather oral testimonies in Cameroon, told their launch press conference that he would not work with the historians but rather with people and associations on the ground. He stressed the unique aspect of this heritage and culture part of the commissions work. Bassys co-presidency of the commission was sharply criticized when it was announced, notably by the Cameroonian History Society which said it was more than an insult to them that an artist had been chosen rather than a Cameroonian historian alongside Ramondy.

Jombwe does not agree. He says Bassy has always shown an interest in this chapter of history and is not too concerned about political correctness so can play a role to make sure that nothing is pushed aside in the commissions work. Contacted by Justice Info, members of the commission did not wish to comment further. We are currently at work with our teams, and will not hesitate to reply when we are well advanced in our work, Ramondy wrote in answer to our email.

Continuity from colonial power

Jombwe says it is not just a question of reconciling France and Cameroon with their shared history but of reconciling Cameroonians. Expectations are immense, he says, because in Cameroon the authorities have a bad conscience with regard to that chapter and have never wanted to seek the truth. This period of decolonisation is not even taught in Cameroon, because there has been a taboo, a big split in the country between those who fought for decolonisation and independence, and those who collaborated with the colonial power [France] and inherited power.

He thinks the commissions work is important not only to reconcile Francophone Cameroon, but also for the unity between the Francophone and Anglophone parts. The ongoing conflict between Anglophone separatists and the Cameroonian authorities has its roots in the independence struggle, he says. At the time when the territories under French and British mandates were unified [following a referendum in 1972], there were members of the Anglophone part that were opposed, not because they didnt want unity but because they said to themselves that the Francophone part is controlled by France, Jombwe notes. And this division has been made worse by the governments policies since independence and the feeling that the Anglophones are marginalised.

Cameroon has underperformed in many areas of public life and is accorded minimal attention globally, Joseph told Justice Info. It is the independence movement that worked for the reunification of the former French and British Cameroons. These aspirations have never been truly fulfilled. A tragic armed struggle is one of the consequences. As the deep silence is lifted, restorative light can be shone on this nations past.

It remains to be seen what this commission will produce by the end of next year, and what follow-up there might be in terms of recommendations and reparations for the families of murdered victims.
Independent experts investigating the 2014 disappearance of 43 Mexican students said Tuesday that the state was responsible for the concealment of vital information, making it impossible to continue their work.

The commission, created in 2014 under an agreement between Mexico and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, released a sixth and final report on one of the country's worst human rights atrocities.

The experts were unable to continue their investigation given the "concealment and insistence on denying things that are obvious," said Carlos Beristain, a Spanish member of the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts.

The withholding of information "has become a responsibility of the state," he told reporters.

The experts again questioned the actions of the Mexican army in the case, which shocked the country and drew international condemnation.

"Not only did it allow the attacks to happen, but it later covered up and did not provide truthful information about what occurred," the report said.

The students at a teacher training college had commandeered buses in the southern state of Guerrero to travel to a demonstration in Mexico City before they went missing.

Investigators said that they were detained by corrupt police and handed over to a drug cartel, though exactly what happened to them is unclear.

Last year, a truth commission tasked by the government to investigate the atrocity branded it a "state crime" and said that the military shared responsibility, either directly or through negligence.

One theory that it put forward was that cartel members targeted the students because they had unknowingly taken a bus with drugs hidden inside.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has promised full access to information related to the case.

Former attorney general Jesus Murillo Karam, who led a controversial investigation into the mass disappearance, was arrested last year on charges of forced disappearance, torture and obstruction of justice.

He is considered the architect of the so-called "historical truth" version of events -- presented in 2015 by the government of then-president Enrique Pena Nieto -- that was widely rejected, including by relatives.

In June, eight soldiers were detained for the alleged crime of forced disappearance.

So far the remains of only three victims have been identified.
From rom-coms to melodramas to action and thrillers, Han Hyo Joo never fails to deliver top-notch performances portraying different roles. As for her K-drama comeback, she takes on an interesting character by playing a mother in "Moving."

During her latest shoot with W Korea, where she showcased her captivating goddess-like visuals, the 36-year-old beauty talked about her return to the small screen with a webtoon-based series.

Han Hyo Joo Reveals Special Instructions to Rookie Actor Lee Jung Ha

As mentioned by a media outlet, Han Hyo Joo dished on what it's like to play a challenging character in the upcoming K-drama "Moving."

Playing the role of Lee Mi Hyun, she is a 40-year-old mom-of-three with superhuman senses and the power of five senses.

According to the actress, playing the mother role is not new to her, since she has already portrayed the smae role in the 2010 K-drama "Dong Yi." However, this time, she is a mom to a high school senior son.

Han Hyo Joo says she instructed rookie actor Lee Jung Ha, who plays her son, Kim Bong Seok, to "keep calling her mother from now on."

Immersed in her character, Lee Mi Hyun, the actress said that she is looking forward to how viewers see her new role.

Apart from her interesting role, Han Hyo Joo said that what prompted her to accept the offer was the masterpiece created by the writer.

"I was rather attracted to the unique rugged emotion and humanity drawn by writer Kang Full," she said, praising the renowned writer.

Recalling the first time she met Kang Full, the actress said, "The whole time she was reading the scenario, she pictured in her head, 'What if it was made well?"

IN CASE YOU MISSED: Jo In Sung Reveals Why He is 'Thankful' for 'Smugglers'

Besides being a popular webtoon author-artist, Kang Full is also the genius behind hit series such as "Late Blossom" and "The Witch," as well as the movies "I Love You" and "Love Never Ends."

'Moving' Cast and Release Date

Helmed by "Kingdom" season 2 director Park In Je, "Moving" is a superhero action drama that depicts the story of a group of teenagers with special powers, like their parents.

However, some of them hold a painful secret from their past.

Interestingly, an incident unites them and team up to fight the powerful dark forces that are a threat to humans.

Joining Hna Hyo Joo as the lead star, Jo In Sung takes on the role of Kim Doo Shik. He works as a veteran agent and, at the same time, has the ability to fly.

Adding to the list of cast members is Ryu Seung Ryong as Jang Joo Won, who has regenerative powers. This ability allows him to recover easily from injuries.

Moreover, Cha Tae Hyun, Ryu Seung Beom, and Kim Sung Kyun also join as lead stars.

"Moving" will be the newest series, which will be available on Disney+ on August 9.

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
Son Ye Jin took to Instagram, where she shared a hilarious yet adorable photo of her cute "babies."

The South Korean star is a fan of keeping her private life away from the spotlight, especially with her family. Interestingly, this might also be the reason why most of Son Ye Jin's Instagram posts were about her projects, endorsements, and current hobby, cooking food.

However, fans were delighted after the top star shared a glimpse of her firstborn child and her fur baby on Instagram.

Son Ye Jin Instagram: Actress Teases Fans With a Photo of Her Baby

It seemed like the mom-of-one couldn't handle the intense cuteness of her child and even poked fun at her baby's little hands.

On Son Ye Jin's Instagram, it featured a post showing off her son's hand and a side-by-side photo, comparing it to a puppy's cute paw.

She didn't state if it was her fur baby, Kitty, the white Maltese dog, which she often posts on social media.

Over in the comment section and on Twitter, fans can't help but gush over Son Ye Jin's Instagram post, pointing out how funny the comparison is.

Son Ye Jin uploads a photo of her and Hyunbin's son's hand comparing it to a cute paw.  pic.twitter.com/D6TjjVrnAx  Gia Allana (@GiaAllana) July 25, 2023

On the other hand, others were delighted to see the top star sharing more of her personal life on social media.

I wanted to post more but its not easy

I will be better I hope 



She really did post more  All 8 photos (so far) shared by yejinhand this July! Youve been very generous, #SonYeJin. This is so much more than we deserve. Thank you so much 



Looking forward to more  pic.twitter.com/iGThj5DFnx  K BinJinMommyDaddy (@Karlee____) July 25, 2023

What's Next for Son Ye Jin?

Celebrity couple Son Ye Jin and Hyun Bin welcome their baby boy in November 2022.

After this, the first time mom is slowly returning to her activities, starting off with shoots, endorsements, and public appearances.

Among her recent was with the Paris Fashion Week for Valentino's Haute Couture show, where she also serves as the global brand ambassador.

The public lauded her stunning and glowing looks as she made heads turn with her black and white ensemble, wearing the brand's Fall/Winter 2023 collection.

Son Ye Jin mesmerizes everyone with her different take on menswear, showcasing a monochromatic mix.

In addition, the South Korean star once again captured the public's attention with her alluring shoot with Harper's Bazaar Korea.

Donning a vampire-like vibe, everyone notices her remarkably youthful and charming aura, flaunting her beauty and her long legs.

Moreover, fans can't take their eyes off her amazing and age-defying beauty.

As for a possible K-drama comeback, the public is hopeful to see Son Ye Jin on the small screen once again with an interesting character.

However, her last K-drama appearance was the melodrama Thirty-Nine," in which she stars alongside Jeon Mi Do and Kim Ji Hyun

IN CASE YOU MISSED: Son Ye Jin Praised for 'Youthful' Beauty During First Public Appearance Since Giving Birth

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
Figures from an aviation data firm show Canada's two biggest airlines see a far higher proportion of their flights delayed compared with many of their peers abroad. An Air Canada flight taxis to a runway as a WestJet flight takes off at Vancouver International Airport, in Richmond, B.C., on March 20, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
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The call came in during a busy workday. My comprehensive primary care clinic had been built over a decade of hard work and had a general practice clinic staffed by a very capable former surgeon and several nurse practitioners, as well as a pain management program and an addiction treatment clinic. We also had several counselors on staff. I immediately recognized the voice on the other end of the line as a friend of mine who was a pain specialist. Her office was at the other end of the state from mine, but we had worked together off and on for over twelve years. She told me that the medical board had called her down and complained that she had some patients on opiate therapy at more than 90 MDE. She had argued that the CDC clearly meant the guidelines for primary care physicians, not specialists. They were not responsive to this argument and immediately suspended her medical license.

She and I had discussed the dangers of continuing to treat pain, knowing that the DEA wanted to make some examples, and several doctors in our state had suffered criminal charges. The complaints published about their practices left us bewildered. They had charged cash, treated patients under the age of fifty, and had patients that traveled long distances. Another was charged with complaints of his having treated people he knew (or should have known) suffered from addiction. They were also criticized that a percentage of their patients had criminal records, quoting a percentage. I wondered where the doctor could go to get accurate criminal record information. More importantly, when I checked the quoted percentage, it was lower than our state average. But more importantly, since when can a doctor not treat someone who has a criminal conviction? Finally, I noticed that the DEA was quoting morphine dose/milligram equivalents, leaving the press and the public with the impression that these were individual pills. I wrote a letter to the reporter trying to correct these misstatements but never saw a correction.

Then a third doctor was hit. She had prescribed Xanax to a patient in crisis at a McDonalds parking lot. Not a crime, but then she panicked and lied about it when questioned by federal agents, allowing herself to fall victim to 18USC1001: lying to a federal agent. The first physician was 71 years old, pleaded guilty to one count of prescribing a Schedule IV medication, which was supposed to have a maximum term of five years in prison. But the government argued what it calls relevant conduct, at which they attribute any patient deaths as related to the prescriptions. The doctor was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison. The second doctor pleaded guilty to wrongfully prescribing alprazolam and was sentenced to four years in prison. Finally, the third doctor was sentenced, also for alprazolam. In this case, the government agreed that no prison time was necessary, but the judge felt that a message should be sent to physicians treating pain and sentenced her to three years.

These events were worrisome as none of the complaints listed are actually crimes. I had, in fact, taken hundreds of hours of CME in pain management and addiction, and no one had listed age, criminal history, or payment method as problems. My practice had set up very strict procedures and protocols to avoid diversion and monitor for signs of addiction. I had joined both the American Academy of Pain Medicine and the American Society of Addiction Medicine and was taking board review courses, as I find these to be excellent ways to stay up to date. I had even traveled to take in-person classes held by Harvard Medical School. Everyone in our practice who received controlled medications had counseling made available to them, and we would not accept a patient for opiate therapy unless they came to us already on opiates with a chronic pain diagnosis made and confirmed byother medical professionals and specialists. We did make an exception for patients with cancer, as oncologists were referring patients to us for maintenance treatment.

I searched my calendar to see how I could reschedule patients to help my friend keep her practice alive until she could retain counsel and defend herself to the board. While I was doing this, my receptionist told me that a sheriffs deputy wanted to see me. A cold feeling came over me, and I woodenly shook his hand and accepted the envelope he handed me. Inside was my emergency order of suspension from the medical board. It turned out that a disgruntled former employee had called an insurance company pretending to be a patient and had complained that I was treating addicts. The insurance investigated and found that some patients had died within thirty days of being treated by us. Since we saw all of our patients every thirty days, this would be the case no matter why they had died. It turns out that today, any patient that dies while taking opiates is listed as an opiate-associated death, even if they die in hospice or by suicide. I even had a patient who died in police custody, twenty hours after last taking his medications and after being denied proper medical care. The jail told his family he had died of an overdose, despite the coroners finding on autopsy that he died from a cardiac condition.

The insurance company investigation found that our treatment had been reasonable but felt they had to notify the medical board. The medical board felt they had to issue an emergency order of suspension without giving me a chance to defend my practice. When I finally went in front of them, the suspension of my license was lifted, and I thought the ordeal was over. Instead, law enforcement officers went on the news to say that the board had been too easy on me, and I was indicted that same day. I did not plead guilty but took it to trial. The government wanted to give me twenty to life for the patient who died in police custody. I took the stand in my defense and tried to help the jury understand the complications of medical practice and the risks and benefits of opiate therapy. I explained that I was certified to treat addiction, and that while my patients on opiate therapy did not have addiction, even if they did, the benefits of treatment could outweigh the risks. The governments expert testified that MRIs were not objective, that a veteran treated with methadone for pain meant he had addiction, that a man with a hand crushed so badly that a finger was pulled off did not have real pain and should not have been treated. The fact that I had cut him back from three opiates to two and from two benzodiazepines to one on that first visit went right over the jurys heads, as well as the fact that I had reduced his opiates sixty days and his benzodiazepines thirty days before his death.

The governments expert testified that when my chart notes referenced my concern about the potential for addiction, that this was absolute proof that the patient had addiction. The prosecutor told the jury in closing that we only accepted patients already on opiates because it was easier to get them addicted. None of these statements are true, but I was shocked to find that you cant use the textbook in your defense. You also cannot use the content of your CME in your defense. You have to rely on experts, most of whom are now too terrified to testify for the defense, and the government can have their witness make statements completely contrary to the scientific practice of medicine. I was found not responsible for the death but convicted for treating the patient at all, as I had placed him at risk of addiction. I was also convicted for treating the veteran who had been prescribed methadone, despite him testifying that I was a compassionate doctor who had always tried to help him reduce the opiate medications he came to me on. I am waiting for sentencing and looking at up to twenty years in prison. If I could offer any word of advice, it would be for all primary care physicians to stop treating pain until this insanity is rectified, as it is impossible to educate a jury in a week. And there is no limit to what the government can say to get a conviction. They are not bound by truth or science. Also, if you come under prosecution, hire only a health care prosecution specialized attorney. Do not trust that any other attorney will understand things well enough to adequately defend you.

L. Joseph Parker is a research physician.
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There are a few clinical scenarios that stand out to me from my undergraduate medical education. I completed a combined MD/MPH program, and I remember coming back from the year of public health, inserted between years two and three of medical school, feeling rusty and often in the way. One conversation Ill always remember is one I overheard between an attending on my family medicine rotation (my first rotation of my third year) and one of his patients, a woman in her sixties.

I read the medical students note from your visit yesterday and noticed she mentioned you had some vaginal bleeding. Is that accurate? the attending asked, pausing to listen to the response, which I gathered was a confirmation.

OK. Generally, when post-menopausal women have bleeding, there are things we recommend to ensure there isnt anything harmful.

I dont know the outcome of that encounter, whether the patient received the endometrial biopsy, and if so, what it revealed. What I took away from that encounter was how the medical student, whose identity was unknown to me, could have such a significant impact on information gathering and patient care.

In medicine, we commonly use the term Swiss cheese model to demonstrate how each member of the team has gaps in different places, and unless those empty spaces line up, important information may be missed. However, as a medical student, its sometimes hard to see your own utility when you may feel that your contribution is minimal. Thats exactly how I felt.

As I progressed in my training as a resident, fellow, and now as a new attending, I began to see the role medical students play from a different perspective. During my residency, one of the students on our team developed a relationship with a patient who required regular hospital admission. In the afternoons, the student would check on this patient and sometimes play video games with them when the patient needed a worthy opponent. The trusting relationship they built helped the patient feel comfortable sharing his experiences and symptoms with the student, enabling our team to provide optimal care. This patient recognized our team medical student as a trusted individual and would request the students return during subsequent admissions.

As a fellow and now an attending in adolescent medicine, I have found that although students are usually new to our content area, they are valued members of the team. While they may not be experts in adolescent medicine, they are highly invested in their patients. They spend time with the patients theyre following, listen to their concerns, offer encouragement, and help them feel heard. In the process, they learn about illnesses directly from patients and families.

Therefore, when we enter a patients room to round and introduce ourselves, I correct anyone who introduces themselves as just the medical student. If you are a medical student, you are an important part of our team. You have value, and your contribution is appreciated. There is nothing just about it.

Nicole Cifra is an adolescent medicine physician.
A boda boda cyclist in Busia district is reported to have died after he swallowed excess sex enhancement pills prior to making love to his woman friend Ms Carolyne Auma, 25, in a local lodge at the Uganda-Kenya border.

Mr Justus Ouma was until the time of his death, a resident of Buwaya Village, Bumunyi Parish, Masinya Sub-County in Busia District Eastern Uganda.

According to police spokesperson, Fred Enangas communication, the 30-year-old man died on Wednesday last week, after spending three nights with Ms Auma who only alerted police after Ouma failed to wake up after the two spent three nights together.

The victim spent 3 days with her woman friend, Auma Carolyne, aged 25, who woke up on the 19.07.2023, at around 6am, and found her partner, dead in bed, Mr Enangas communication reads in part.

The matter was brought to the attention of the police at Masinya, and the scene visited, body transferred to Masafu general hospital for post-mortem, which revealed a cardiac treat pills, the statement reads further.
All eyes will be glued on Parliament this afternoon to see if the office of the Clerk would call for the sitting of the plenary later this afternoon.

This is after Speaker of Parliament, Ms. Anita Among last week on Thursday afternoon adjourned the House sine die until government prepares and returns to Parliament with a clear statement on the next move about the suspended LC I elections whose leaders tenure expired on July 10th.

By press time, the Office of the Clerk had not issued the order paper to Members of Parliament and the general public.

For the House to resume, the office of the Speaker is required to issue a notice of resumption to the Clerk of Parliament who then draws and releases the order paper.
UPMC Nowlan Park played host to the homecoming of the Kilkenny senior hurlers on Monday, July 24.

The Cats took on Limerick in Sunday's All-Ireland Hurling Final for the second year running, but like 2022, the Treaty County claimed the Liam MacCarthy cup, winning on a scoreline of 0-30 to 2-15

In front of a packed Ardan De Gras stand at the venue, Kilkenny Manager Derek Lyng made a brief address to the crowd, thanking supporters for turning out in such great numbers to welcome the team home.

The Emeralds man commended his players for their commitment all year, acknowledging the disappointment of the final loss but recalled the wonderful days out in Croke Park in the Leinster Final and All-Ireland Semi-Final, beating Galway and Clare respectively.

Lyng, who replaced Brian Cody as senior manager earlier this year, also thanked all the panel and backroom team for their efforts in getting Kilkenny to the biggest game of the year.

The Kilkenny Manager concluded his speech by saying:

"We stand here tonight as proud Kilkenny hurlers and supporters, we will do everything we can to return next year."
The era of climate change denial is mostly gone, Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said.

Mr Martin said that the vast majority of the Irish public believed that the worlds climate was changing and Ireland needed to focus more on adapting itself to withstand more extreme weather events.

Transport minister Eamon Ryan said that Ireland needed to think bigger and said that unprecedented heat and storms this summer had been truly scary.

Speaking to reporters ahead of a Cabinet meeting, Mr Martin said the coalition Government had put a legislative framework in place within the last two-and-a-half years that will result in progress on climate issues.

He said that Irelands economy and rising population presented challenges to achieving further emission reductions.

Responding to record-high temperatures in Europe and wildfires in Greece, Mr Martin said he believes there has been an appreciable shift in public opinion on climate change.

I mean, the era of denial is gone, more or less, bar the fundamentalists who still dont believe in the fact and the reality of climate change.

But the vast, vast majority of people accept that the climate is changing.

Mr Martin said that there was a need for a greater focus on adaptation to climate change, as warnings were issued in recent weeks that Ireland would experience more storms, heavier rainfall and higher temperatures.

We will have potentially increased flooding, so people need to realise that in terms of the flooding schemes that have been designed by the OPW, you know, a lot of people have been objecting to various aspects of those, but those are critical in terms of our capacity to adapt to the climate change that is occurring in Ireland.

He added there was also a need to adapt transport and food production systems in the face of a changing climate.

Responding to the warnings from an independent climate advisory group that Ireland will not meet carbon targets for 2025 or 2030, Mr Martin said that a 30% reduction by 2030 should not be dismissed.

Mr Martin said that some progress had been made, but it needed to happen faster.

The Foreign Affairs minister said that a change of US presidency has made a difference in global aims to decrease emissions, and said that policies had been put in place that will lead to reductions in the future.

The (Climate Change Advisory Council) report does acknowledge progress, albeit not enough, he said.

In other words, on current trajectories we get 30% reduction by 2030, which is not to be dismissed because that is progress and significant progress, more than anything weve achieved in the previous two decades.

But we need to do more and we need to do much more faster.

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan told reporters we have to do more, we have to be more ambitious in delivering low-carbon solutions.

We do need to think bigger and to act faster because whats happening in the world now demands real action.

Its not just in Europe, its the fact that in Europe, America, China at the same time, you have three heat domes, the fact that in the Antarctic, the formation of sea ice has gone down way below anything previously seen, as well as temperatures in the North Atlantic being ahead of anything previously seen.

This summer it is truly scary, because our weather systems have gone into patterns that weve never seen in recorded history.

And thats why, absolutely, we need to think bigger, act faster, do more.
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(Kitco News) - Africa-focused gold miner Hummingbird Resources (AIM: HUM) announced today that its Yanfolila gold mine in Mali produced 23,885 oz of gold in Q2 2023, an increase of 19% on the previous year (Q2 2022: 20,013 oz).

The companys total gold production at Yanfolila in H1 2023 amounted to 51,147 oz, up 44% compared to H1 2022 (35,561 oz).

All-in sustaining costs (AISC) were US$1,234 per oz in Q2 2023, a decrease of 34% on the previous period last year (Q2 2022: US$1,859), with an H1 2023 AISC of US$1,170 per oz, a decrease of 42% from US$2,019 in H1 2022.

The company also reported group adjusted EBITDA of US$15.5 million for Q2 2023 and US$33.1 million for H1 2023 - a material positive group turnaround compared to the negative group adjusted EBITDA of US$2.3 million for Q2 2022 and the negative group adjusted EBITDA of US$9.3 million in H1 2022.

Importantly, according to a press release, ramp-up of the Kouroussa operation in Guinea is on track, with processing plant availability currently at 68%, the first gold pour recorded on 8 June 2023 and regular gold pours commencing in July.

Gold ounces poured at Kouroussa are scheduled to increase during H2 2023. The operation is anticipated to reach steady state production in Q4 2023 and expected to produce circa 30,000 oz for H2 2023, the company said.

Hummingbird noted that following a strong H1 2023, Yanfolila is well positioned to meet its FY 2023 production guidance of 80,000 - 90,000 oz at an AISC of under US$1,500 per oz.

The company said that updated group FY 2023 production outlook to be given in the Q3 2023 operating and trading update once Kouroussa is closer to steady state production.

Hummingbird currently has two core gold projects, the operational Yanfolila gold mine in Mali, and the Kouroussa gold mine in Guinea, which will more than double current gold production when at commercial production. The company also has a controlling interest in the Dugbe gold project in Liberia that is being developed by joint venture partners, Pasofino Gold.
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(Kitco News) - Lithium producer Allkem (TSX: AKE) announced Tuesday the signing of a US$130M project financing facility with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for Allkems Sal de Vida project located in Catamarca Province, Argentina.

In a statement, the company said that an IFC project financing facility for the development of Sal de Vida project stage 1 has been signed for up to US$130M over a ten-year period consisting of a loan of up to $100M and another loan of up to $30M.

Allkem added that the company is also in discussions with another lender to increase the project finance facility by a further $50M, for a total financing package of $180M.

The company said that this project financing facility has been structured as a green and sustainability-linked loan.

Managing Director and CEO Martin Perez de Solay commented, We are proud to partner with IFC to ensure long-term safe and sustainable operations, responsible products, and thriving communities. We are committed to the highest sustainability standards for Sal de Vida so that it will contribute to the economy of Catamarca via local employment, the development of local supply chains, and community development programs."

Allkem is a speciality lithium chemicals company with lithium brine operations in Argentina, a hard-rock lithium operation in Australia and a lithium hydroxide conversion facility in Japan. The company also develops the James Bay spodumene project in Quebec, Canada.

Sal de Vida is a tier 1 brine project located in Catamarca Province on the Salar del Hombre Muerto, ~1,400km northwest of Buenos Aires, Argentina and ~200km from Allkems flagship Olaroz lithium facility. Allkem describes Sal de Vida as a globally competitive project with superior brine chemistry that readily upgrades to battery grade lithium carbonate.

IFC  a member of the World Bank Group  is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. In fiscal year 2022, IFC committed a record US$32.8 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries.
July 25 (Reuters) - Logitech International (LOGN.S) raised its sales and profit outlook for the first half of the financial year 2024 on Tuesday, sending its stock sharply higher.

The maker of computer keyboards, mice and webcams saw its stock trading nearly 8% higher in Switzerland after its first quarter results beat forecasts.

Sales in the three months to end of June fell 16% to $974 million, ahead of market forecasts for $926 million, while non GAAP operating profit of $109 million also beat expectations.

Chief Financial Officer Chuck Boynton said Logitech had gained market share and improved profitability by reducing inventory levels at both its factories and sales channels.

But the executive said consumer confidence remained fragile in many countries.

"We entered the year with a lot of uncertainty and volatility, and in the last quarter we published quite good numbers relative to expectations," Boynton told Reuters.

"But we are not where we want to be."

Logitech has been suffering a downturn after riding a boom during the pandemic when people stocked equipment to work from home.

Boynton said he did not know if the U.S.-Swiss company had now hit the bottom of its current sales slide.

"We are cautiously optimistic. We don't know if we are at bottom yet, we are still in transition," he said.

Logitech raised its guidance on Tuesday, saying it now expects first-half sales of $1.875 billion to $1.975 billion, up from the previous projection of $1.8 billion to $1.9 billion. It also raised its expectations for full year adjusted operating profit.

In its first outlook for this business year, Logitech also forecast full year sales of $3.8 billion to $4 billion.

Logitech is also seeking a successor to long-standing CEO Bracken Darrell, who stepped down last month to become the CEO of VF Corp (VFC.N), the maker of Vans sneakers and The North Face outdoor wear.

CFO Boynton declined to comment when a replacement for Darrell would be found, with the company saying its search was progressing well.

"This is a dream job for many, many CEOs," he said.
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(Kitco News) - Los Andes Copper (TSX-V: LA) announced on Monday that it has entered into a royalty agreement with Ecora Resources for a total cash consideration of US$20 million.

The company said that the royalty is calculated over the sale of all minerals produced from the companys Vizcachitas project in Chile.

Ecora will receive royalty payments calculated as 0.25% Net Smelter Royalty (NSR) on minerals sold on open pit operations and 0.125% NSR on underground operations, it added.

Los Andes also noted that the royalty agreement announced today is in addition to the existing NSRs in place on the project, consisting of a 2% NSR for open pit operations and a 1% NSR on underground operations.

With the proceeds of this transaction, we can accelerate the implementation of a number of optimizations and further upside identified in our April 11, 2023 pre-feasibility study, the company said in a press release.

Los Andes Copper is a development company with a 100% interest in the Vizcachitas project in Chile. The company indicated that Vizcachitas is one of the largest copper deposits in the Americas not controlled by the majors, adding it believes the project will be Chiles next major copper mine.
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The main stage is seen prior to the start of the CNN GOP Presidential Debate at the University of Houston on February 25, 2016 in Houston, Texas. This is the last Republican debate before the Super Tuesday primaries on March 1.
Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for a hearing at the Latah County Courthouse in Moscow, Idaho, on June 27.
Robert Hadden, shown in 2016, has been convicted of enticing and inducing individuals to travel interstate to engage in illegal sexual activity.
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Garrett, IN (46738)

Today

Sunshine and a few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 80F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..

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Rain likely. Low 63F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
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Today

Mostly sunny. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 79F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..

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Cloudy with showers. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
What are the objectives of the European Citizens' Initiative Save Cruelty-Free Cosmetics  Commit to a Europe without Animal Testing' about?

The ECI Save Cruelty-Free Cosmetics  Commit to a Europe without Animal Testing' has three objectives:

Protect and strengthen the cosmetics animal testing ban  initiate legislative change to achieve consumer, worker, and environmental protection for all cosmetics ingredients without testing on animals for any purpose at any time.

 initiate legislative change to achieve consumer, worker, and environmental protection for all cosmetics ingredients without testing on animals for any purpose at any time. Transform EU chemicals regulation  ensure human health and the environment are protected by managing chemicals without the addition of new animal testing requirements.

 ensure human health and the environment are protected by managing chemicals without the addition of new animal testing requirements. Modernise science in the EU - commit to a legislative proposal plotting a roadmap to phase-out all animal testing in the EU before the end of the current legislative term.

How does the existing legislative framework address animal testing and need for alternative testing methods?

The EUCosmetics Regulation,in place since 2013, is already the most advanced legislation as regards phasing out animal testing, since it bans the placing on the market of cosmetic products that have been tested on animals to meet the requirements of the regulation.

In addition, EU chemicals legislation (REACH), which defines rules for the assessment of chemicals used in specific sectors or products, stipulates animal testing is to be used as a last resort when registering specific chemicals. Vertebrate animal tests should be replaced whenever possible using alternative methods. Alternative methods to adapt the standard testing regime are provided in the Annexes to the Regulation. In addition, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) provides comprehensive guidance on this matter. Furthermore, the REACH Regulation contains dedicated rules on data sharing to avoid unnecessary tests.

The Directive on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes sets strict rules and conditions on how animal testing can be carried out where still necessary with the goal of fully phasing out all animal use in research and for regulatory purposes in the EU.

Other pieces of legislation also specifically address animal testing by taking into account the Three Rs principle, which stipulates the need to replace studies relying on animals with other methods; reduce the number of animals needed in scientific test methods; and refine methods to minimise pain, suffering and distress of animals used for such purposes  a legal requirement in the EU since 2013.

What does it mean that animal testing is used as a last resort under the REACH Regulation?

The REACH Regulation requires registrants to use non-animal testing methods whenever possible. It also requires them to submit testing proposals for certain tests involving animal testing. Stakeholders have the possibility to provide input on such testing proposals and can inform on alternative methods, if available. Guidance on applying this is provided in the ECHA report The use of alternatives to testing on animals for the REACH Regulation published in June 2023.

What has the Commission done in recent years to support research and innovation in non-animal testing and development of alternative measures?

Over the past two decades, the EU has provided more than 1 billion dedicated to support more than 300 projects to develop alternatives to animal testing. The budget to this area has constantly progressed over the years from around 11 million per year for the Framework Programme FP5 (1998-2002) to more than 75 million per year on average to Horizon 2020 (2014-2020). In addition, industrial sectors have complemented this effort by providing at least an additional 150 million to develop alternatives to animal testing.

The Commission continues to provide funding for the development of alternative methods in the Horizon Europe Framework Programme for research and innovation that runs from 2021 to 2027. The 2024 Horizon Europe work programme contains several topics for the development of alternatives to animal testing in biomedical research or their improved regulatory uptake.

What is the Commission proposing now in response to the ECI request to strengthen the ban on animal testing in cosmetics?

The Commission underlines that the Cosmetics Regulation already bans the marketing of products tested on animals. However, the REACH Regulation requires in some cases to perform animal testing for cosmetic ingredients for the assessment of risks to workers and the environment, unless non-animal methods are available for this purpose. The interpretation of the interface between the two regulations is currently being scrutinised by the General Court in two ongoing court cases. The outcome of these Court cases will be analysed by the Commission and will be the basis for any potential legislative changes in the future.

What the Commission plans to do to ensure that animal testing is not required in the framework of EU chemicals legislation?

The Commission will prepare a roadmap defining milestones and concrete actions to reduce animal testing, aiming for a transition towards an animal-free testing system for chemicals legislation (e.g. REACH, Biocidal Product Regulation, Plant Protection Products Regulation and human and veterinary medicines). This roadmap will involve collaboration with agencies, Member States, NGOs, industry, and research stakeholders. The Commission will evaluate the effectiveness of existing legislative and non-legislative tools supporting the phasing out of animal testing.

What will the Commission do to phase out animal testing in research, education and training?

With today's Communication, the Commission is launching a series of actions to accelerate the reduction of animal testing including exploratory workshops and sustaining new training initiatives for early career scientists. The activities propose also to increase cooperation with Member States. It will also provide further funding to support research on alternative methods to animal testing.

What is the connection between the REACH Regulation and the current legislation on cosmetics when it comes to animal testing?

The Cosmetics Regulation already prohibits the placing on the market of cosmetic products that have been tested on animals. However, most ingredients used in cosmetic products are equally used in other consumer and industrial products, where animal testing might be required to assess hazards and risks to human health and environment. For instance, animal testing may be necessary to ensure compliance with the legal frameworks applicable to industrial products under the REACH Regulation. However, the REACH Regulation also stipulates that registrants must provide the required information, wherever possible, by using alternatives to animal testing (e.g., computer modelling, read-across, weight of evidence), with animal testing remaining the last resort.

In such cases, the Commission clarified that animal testing that has been motivated by compliance with non-cosmetics related legislative frameworks should not trigger the marketing ban of cosmetics. Such data can be relied on for the cosmetics safety assessment under the Cosmetics Regulation if they are relevant for that assessment.

What is the European Partnership on Alternative Approaches to Animal testing?

The Commission established a European Partnership on Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA) in 2005 as a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange among various stakeholders involved in (non-)animal testing for scientific purposes. EPAA brings together representatives from different Commission services, EU agencies, industry stakeholders, animal-welfare NGOs, academic experts, and other relevant parties. The partnership aims to promote the development, validation, acceptance, and implementation of alternative methods to animal testing in regulatory testing and decision-making processes.

One of EPAA's key activities is the Project Platform, where partners and stakeholders collaborate on projects to advance the field of alternative testing methods and their integration into regulatory frameworks. EPAA also organizes an annual conference focused on activities related to alternative approaches to animal testing; as well as a Partners' Forum to facilitate information exchange and the identification of synergies across different sectors involved in animal testing alternatives. In addition, the EPAA also awards a Refinement Prize to support students and young scientists who have made exceptional contributions in the field of alternative approaches.

What is the role of the EU Reference Laboratory for alternatives to animal testing?

The EU Reference Laboratory for alternatives to animal testing (EURL ECVAM) is an integral part of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) and plays a crucial role in promoting and facilitating the use of non-animal methods in testing and research within the EU. Its main duties include engaging in research and development activities to improve non-animal methods for scientific purposes, often in collaboration with EU and international research initiatives. It is also responsible for the validation of alternative methods used for safety assessments of chemicals, to promote the acceptance and adoption of scientifically valid methods by regulatory authorities. In addition, the laboratory also plays a crucial role in helping to disseminate information and knowledge related to the Three Rs principles and alternative methods by providing guidance, organizing workshops and conferences, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders involved in non-animal approaches.

What is a European citizens' initiative?

The European citizens' initiative (ECI) was introduced in April 2012 as an agenda-setting tool in the hands of citizens. An ECI allows 1 million citizens from at least seven EU Member States to invite the European Commission to propose legal action in areas where the Commission has the power to do so.

Under the new ECI Regulation applicable since 1 January 2020, the Commission must react within 6 months of submission of a successful ECI that has managed to collect the required one million validated statements of support in at least seven Member States.

The Commission must decide whether it acts by proposing legislation, acts in some other way to achieve the goals of the ECI, or does not act at all, stating its reasons in each case. The Commission has to explain its reasoning in a Communication that is adopted by the College of Commissioners. If the Commission intends to act, the Communication must also set out the indicative timeline of its actions.

How many ECIs have been registered in total? What is their status?

Since 2012, the Commission has registered 102 European citizens' initiatives, thus allowing them to collect citizens' support. Of these 102:

10 have so far reached the threshold of one million signatures and were submitted to the Commission, with Save cruelty free cosmetics being the 9th one ; 8 among them already received a Commission response, the latest being Stop Finning  Stop the Trade on 5 July 2023. One more ECI will receive Commission's reply in December 2023: Fur Free Europe.

; 8 among them already received a Commission response, the latest being Stop Finning  Stop the Trade on 5 July 2023. One more ECI will receive Commission's reply in December 2023: Fur Free Europe. 2 initiatives have declared having reached the required support, but have not been submitted to the Commission for examination;

1 has finished collecting support but has not yet informed about its outcome;

8 are currently collecting statements of support and 4 have been registered but are yet to start their collection;

56 have reached the end of their collection period without reaching the threshold; 21 were withdrawn by the organisers during the collection period.

For More Information

Press Release

Factsheet

Communication

European citizens' initiative Save Cruelty-Free Cosmetics  Commit to a Europe without Animal

EU actions for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes

EU Cosmetics Regulation

European Citizens' Initiatives

Zarazeno ut 25.07.2023 12:07:00 Zdroj Evropska komise en Original ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/documents?reference=QANDA/23/3995&language=en lang en
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs unreservedly rejects the reference to a Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day in the statement issued on 23 July 2023 by the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Canada's continued reference to a false, distorted narrative of the past conflict in Sri Lanka is aimed solely at achieving local vote-bank electoral gains, and is not conducive to broader goals of communal harmony.

Sri Lanka urges Canada and its leaders to support Sri Lanka in its efforts to ensure stability, progress, peace and reconciliation among all communities in all parts of Sri Lanka, as well as among communities of Sri Lankan heritage overseas.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo

25 July 2023
Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh) [India], July 25 (ANI): Union Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia has inaugurated Heli Summit 2023 in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.

He also launched RCS UDAN 5.2 and HeliSewa-App during the event.

Also Read | Outcry as Kenya Lifts Six-year Ban on Logging.

The 5th Helicopter and Small Aircraft Summit (Heli Summit 2023) was jointly organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, in association with the Government of Madhya Pradesh, Pawan Hans Ltd, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

The theme of the event was "Reaching the Last Mile: Regional Connectivity through Helicopters and Small Aircraft".

Also Read | The Trial Actress Kajols Pantsuit Collection Is Impeccably Stylish!.

The country's civil aviation sector has been democratised in the last nine years. Along with the number of airports, there has been a vast expansion in the number of aircraft and the market size. And in this expansion big metro airports and large airlines, are as important as small town airports, small airlines and helicopters, said Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Today we have launched UDAN 5.2 for helicopters and under this we have increased the VGF and reduced the fare cap. Along with this, we have also started single window service platform of HeliSewa. Through this, you will be able to get all the approvals from ATC on your mobile.

The UDAN scheme has recently completed five years.

The scheme was initiated in October 2016 with the objective of fulfilling the aspirations of the common citizen, with an enhanced aviation infrastructure and air connectivity in tier II and tier III cities.

The government has approved the 'Revival of unserved and under-served airports' scheme for the revival and development of 100 unserved and under-served airports, helipads and water aerodromes by 2024. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) Attorney General R Venkataramani has written to the Centre on setting up a committee of experts to examine the prevalent mode of execution of death row convicts by hanging in the country, the Supreme Court was apprised on Tuesday.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra was told by senior advocate Sonia Mathur, appearing for the Centre, that a letter has been written by the attorney general for India to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on setting up of the panel and seeking its suggestions to be submitted in the court on the issue.

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Mathur also said that the topmost law officer was unavailable and travelling and hence the hearing may be deferred.

List it on a Friday after two weeks, the CJI said.

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Earlier, the top court was apprised by the Centre that it was considering setting up a committee of experts to examine the prevalent mode of execution of death row convicts by hanging.

The attorney general had said there were processes related to finalisation of names for the proposed panel and that he will be able to respond on the issue after some time.

The learned Attorney General states that the process of appointing a committee was under consideration. In view of the above, we will give a fixed date after the (summer) vacation, the bench had said.

The top court on March 21 had said it may consider setting up of a committee of experts to examine whether execution of death row convicts by hanging was proportionate and less painful and had sought "better data" from the Centre on issues pertaining to the mode of execution.

Lawyer Rishi Malhotra had filed a PIL in 2017 seeking to abolish the present practice of executing a death row convict by hanging and replace it with less painful methods such as "intravenous lethal injection, shooting, electrocution or gas chamber".

Malhotra had said that when a convict is hanged, his dignity stood lost which even in death is necessary and gave illustrations of other countries where other modes of execution are being followed.

Thirty-six states in the US have already abandoned the practice of executing convicts by hanging, he had said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Shillong, Jul 25 (PTI) Meghalaya Police chief LR Bishnoi on Tuesday said the July 24 mob attack on the Chief Minister's office in Tura was "pre-planned" and a "conspiracy" was hatched to cause physical harm to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.

The Director General of Police said that all conspirators will be taken to task and put behind bars.

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As many as 19 people including opposition TMC leader Richard Mrong Marak were arrested for their alleged involvement in the incident.

Another 26 people have been identified with the help of video footage from the incident of stone pelting and arson, he said

Also Read | Gurugram: Woman Arrested for Trying To Extort Money From Cricketer Yuvraj Singh's Mother by Threatening To Implicate Family in False Case.

"Intelligence indicates that the plan of the mob was to murder the chief minister by hitting him on the head with a stone or bottles," the DGP claimed.

"They provoked the crowd to cause physical harm to the chief minister and even they insisted that they go for the extreme steps like murder, etc. These kinds of actions of the violent youth indicated that it was pre-planned and a conspiracy to cause physical harm to the chief minister," Bishnoi said.

Stating that the situation is now fully under control, the state police chief said, "I categorically state here that we will not spare anyone whoever indulged in the violence and tried to attack the chief minister and cause damage to vehicles of government officials and that they will be put behind the bars very soon."

He said that the police are on the hunt for the conspirators and are conducting raids since Monday night.

The DGP said that they have seized substantial numbers of the incriminating materials from the place of occurrence that indicates that the whole incident was pre-planned and an attempt was to attack the chief minister and cause physical harm to him.

Money was also distributed one day ahead of the mob attack.

Police have seized stones from the place of occurrence, 50 pieces of bamboo used as sticks to beat up the police personnel, 20 catapults, a jerrycan full of kerosene besides alcohol bottles and matchboxes.

At least 18 police personnel including home guards and CRPF personnel were injured during the mob attack on the CMO in Tura while chief minister Conrad K Sangma was having a meeting with the representatives of the ACHIK, who were staging a hunger strike demanding implementation of a backlog policy and to declare Tura as the winter capital of the state.

As many as four vehicles have been set on fire while 17 others were damaged due to the stone pelting.

The DGP said that the police had maintained restraint for a couple of hours. "Even knowing that the mob was causing huge damage to our vehicles, police did not decide to go for firing to avoid casualty of other peaceful youth, who were there and taking part in the agitations," he added.

Bishnoi said that after conducting a massive search, police have arrested 19 accused persons, who were identified from video footage. "We have also identified another 26 persons, who were also involved in the incident," he added.

Of the 19 arrested, two are members of the BJP mahila morcha - Bellina M Marak (32) and Dilche Ch Marak (40).

The night curfew is on and the situation is returning to normalcy even as schools within Tura town were ordered shut on Tuesday.

The DGP said that the security cover for the chief minister will be reviewed with the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and senior officials of the government.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Jammu and Kashmir [India], July 25 (ANI): Border Security Force (BSF) personnel foiled a drug smuggling attempt and neutralised a suspected Pakistani smuggler in the Ramgarh area in the Samba sector of Jammu on Monday, the force said in a statement.

BSF Jammu Troops foiled a Narco smuggling bid and neutralised a Pakistani smuggler," the BSF said in an official release.

Also Read | Jammu and Kashmir: BSF Thwarts Major Narcotic Smuggling Bid Along International Border in Samba, Pakistani Intruder Shot Dead.

Further, according to the release, on the intervening night of July 24 and 25, alert BSF troopers neutralised a Pakistani smuggler while he was trying to smuggle narcotics through the Ramgarh border area in Samba Sector.

During the initial search of the area, 4 packets of suspected narcotics (weighing approx 4 kgs) were found along with the body of the neutralised smuggler from across the border, the BSF stated further.

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A further search of the area was in progress, they added.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], July 25 (ANI): Three officials and two private persons were arrested and a case was registered against seven accused by the Central Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday for allegedly demanding bribes from a private contractor.

The five arrested include the Deputy Chief Engineer, West Central Railway, Habibganj, Bhopal; a Technician, Divisional Office, WCR, Bhopal; a Deputy General Manager (DGM) and Project Director, National Highways Authority of India and two private persons in a bribery case, CBI said in a statement.

Also Read | Indian Economy to Grow at 6.1% in 2023: International Monetary Fund.

The investigative agency also registered a case against the seven accused on July 23.

It was alleged that the accused demanded illegal gratification from the private contractor for settling the pending matters related to approval of the design, permission for beginning construction work and passing of due bills of the said contractor, CBI stated.

Also Read | Internet Ban Partially Lifted in Manipur; Broadband Allowed, Mobile Internet Remains Suspended.

The accused allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 1 lakh.

"The five arrested persons are namely; Sanjay Kumar Nigam, Deputy Chief Engineer, West Central Railway, DRM Office Building, Habibganj, Bhopal; Rakesh Chowksey, Technician, Divisional Office, WCR, Bhopal; Ram Rao Dadhe, Deputy General Manager and Project Director, National Highways Authority of India and two private persons; Ram Sanjivan Pal, employee of M/s Shreeji Infrastructure India Pvt. Ltd. (Bribe Giver) and Narayan Das, employee of M/s Shreeji Infrastructure India Pvt. Ltd," the CBI said in a statement.

Further investigation is underway in the case. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Korba, Jul 25 (PTI) At least 14 students of a government secondary school in Chhattisgarh fell sick after eating the mid-day meal in Korba district on Tuesday showing symptoms of suspected food poisoning, officials said.

The students started vomiting after eating the meal at the government middle school in Birtarai village, about 40 km from Korba town, district education officer (DEO) GP Bhardwaj said.

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"The students were rushed to a community health centre in the village with symptoms of food poisoning in the afternoon. Eight children were shifted to the medical college and hospital in Korba for better treatment. The condition of the eight children is said to be normal," said medical college dean Dr Avinash Meshram.

The children told doctors that they started vomiting after consuming karil (stem of bamboo) veggies but the DEO said only kadhi was prepared in the school.

Also Read | Gurugram: Woman Arrested for Trying To Extort Money From Cricketer Yuvraj Singh's Mother by Threatening To Implicate Family in False Case.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Gurugram, Jul 25 (PTI) A domestic help has been arrested for allegedly demanding extortion of Rs 1 lakh by placing calls to his former employer's son and daughter-in-law after being fired from the job, the Gurugram Police said Tuesday.

According to the police, the accused, Narender Chauhan, was arrested from Delhi on Monday.

Also Read | Telangana: Farmer B Mahipal Reddy in Medak Earns About Rs 2 Crore in 15 Days by Selling Tomatoes.

A Sector 53-resident had filed a complaint against the accused that after being fired from the job, Chauhan called his son and daughter-in-law on July 19 and demanded extortion of Rs 1 lakh. He also threatened to kill them if they did not pay him money.

An FIR was registered at the Sector 53 police station on July 21 and police arrested the accused from Delhi on Monday.

Also Read | IMF Lifts Growth Forecast, but Economic Challenges Persist.

Police said a mobile phone has been recovered from his possession which was used for placing threat calls. Further probe is underway, they said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Aizawl, Jul 25 (PTI) Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Tuesday said his party MNF has not considered pulling out of the BJP-led NDA so far.

MNF is part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre, and a member of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) in the region.

Also Read | Telangana: Farmer B Mahipal Reddy in Medak Earns About Rs 2 Crore in 15 Days by Selling Tomatoes.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the massive demonstration in Aizawl over the violence in neighbouring Manipur, Zoramthanga said that severing ties with the NDA depended on political necessity.

"So far, the party has not made any consideration on this issue. It depends on political necessity," he said.

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He said the MNF's alignment with the NDA is issue-based.

"When the NDA's policy is against the interest of minorities and the larger population, we strongly oppose it," he added.

Zoramthanga had on Monday said that he is "not afraid of the NDA".

The MNF is not submissive to all the policies of the NDA, he had said at a meeting of the party.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 25 (ANI): Panic gripped the village of Malana on Tuesday when water from the 86-megawatt Malana Hydro Power Project dam in the Kullu district started overflowing due to the malfunctioning of its gates, an official said.

According to Deputy Commissioner Kullu Ashutosh Garg, in view of the accumulation of water and silt in the Malana dam, an alert was sounded as soon as the administration received information about the flooding of the water level in River Parvati due to the gate block of Malana Hydro Power Stage-two Dam.

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"In village Malana of Manikarna Valley of Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, Malana Hydro Power Project Stage-two started to overflow due to the gate block of the dam. In such a situation, in view of the possibility of a dam burst, an alert has been issued to the residential areas and many residential areas have been evacuated along the banks of the Parvati River," said Deputy Commissioner Kullu Ashutosh Garg.

Garg further said that the dam management has been instructed to take all necessary precautions to prevent further escalation of the crisis.

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He added that the water level in the dam was below the danger limit at 30 cusecs, so there was no cause for alarm.

"The amount of water in the dam is 30 cusecs, so there is nothing to panic about. In view of the possibility of a dam burst, the people of the downstream area have been evacuated," he said.

The Kullu Deputy Commissioner also stated that the Power Project Authority has been instructed to operate the gate soon so that there is no loss of life or property.

Weather experts have issued a new weather warning for Himachal Pradesh as the hill state continues to suffer from unrelenting monsoon rainfall.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued an orange alert for Himachal Pradesh and predicted heavy rainfall in the state for three days from July 26 to 28.

"The rains will continue for at least one week. The intensity of rain will reduce on July 24 and 25 but there will be heavy rainfall on July 26, 27 and 28. We have issued an orange alert," Surender Paul, Head IMD HP said.

"The alert will be for Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Mandi, Kullu, Kangra and Chamba. These districts will be receiving heavy rainfall. The rain will continue but there will not be much rain during the next 48 hours. We have been issuing alerts through disaster management authority," Paul added further.

The IMD is also expecting that old records of rain may break during the present monsoon. The IMD has issued flash flood, fog, and landslide advisory.

"We will assess the rain data of 100 years but the 24-hour rain data has broken the old records of rain. By the end of the month, we shall assess the total data. There are possibilities of landslides, flash floods and fog especially in the districts of Shimla and Mandi region on the National Highway," he added.

Earlier, amid the rain warning issued by the Indian Meteorological Department for the Chamba district, the District Disaster Management Authority issued an advisory for the citizens.

"1. Avoid visiting hilly areas and places prone to landslides and heavy rainfall. 2. Avoid trekking amid inclement weather. 3. In case of lightning strikes, it is safe to stay indoors for a minimum next 30 minutes. 4. Do not visit river areas. 5. Pay attention to the warnings issued by the weather department. 6. Request Gram Panchayat Chieves, private organisations, tourists, and trekkers to spread the word."Notably, a total of 154 people have lost their lives due to the onset of the monsoon in the state since June 24, an official statement said on Saturday. (ANI)

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New Delhi [India], July 25 (ANI): The night-long protest of opposition party leaders, following Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh's suspension from the entire Monsoon session of Parliament, continued on Tuesday.

Several opposition party leaders accompanied suspended MP Sanjay Singh during the overnight protest in front of Mahatma Gandhi's statue at Parliament House.

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The Congress and Aam Aadmi Party MPs also raised 'INDIA for Manipur' placards during the protest.

On Tuesday morning, Singh said, "We have been sitting here since yesterday. Our only demand is that PM Modi speak on the Manipur issue. We will keep protesting here and I still request PM Modi to come to the Parliament and speak up on Manipur."

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Earlier on Monday, the Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar first named Singh for interrupting the proceedings of the House when it had taken up the Question Hour amid protests by the Opposition over its demand for a statement from Prime Minister on the Manipur violence and a detailed discussion on the issue.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader came near the Chairmans podium over Opposition demands after the House resumed proceedings at 12 noon following its first adjournment earlier in the day. Dhankhar told him to resume his seat. As the AAP member kept protesting, the Chairman named him.

Soon after the Chairman named Sanjay Singh, Leader of the House Piyush Goyal moved a motion urging the Chair to suspend the AAP member, saying this kind of behaviour is completely against the ethics and rules of the House.

Sanjay Singh should be suspended from the entire session of the House, he said.

The Chairman put the motion for approval of the House saying Sanjay Singh was being suspended for the remainder of the monsoon session of Parliament "for having repeatedly violated the directives of the Chair".

Meanwhile while speaking to ANI on Tuesday morning, Singh, refrained from commenting on the Chairman of the Upper House.

"Why is the Prime Minister silent on such a sensitive issue like Manipur? We are only demanding him to come to Parliament and speak on this issue. I will not comment on Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar for suspending me as he is not someone related to politics, he is the Vice President. It is our responsibility to raise the issue of Manipur in Parliament," the suspended Rajya Sabha MP said.

Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha faced repeated adjournments on Tuesday soon after they met for the day as opposition parties continued their protests over the demand for a detailed discussion on Manipur violence and a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In Lok Sabha, opposition parties began their protest soon after the Question Hour commenced. Speaker Om Birla urged opposition members to resume their seats and said they should allow the House to function as Question Hour helps fix the accountability of the government.

Birla said showing placards and raising slogans was not a solution to any problem and was against the parliamentary traditions.

Maintain the dignity of the House, he told the members.

As the opposition members persisted with their protests, he adjourned the House till 2 pm.

In Rajya Sabha, AAP MP Raghav Chadha raised point of order saying he sought division of votes when a motion was moved on Monday to suspend his fellow party leader Sanjay Singh from the Upper House.

"I right now seek division on suspension of Sanjay Singh," Chadha said.

Despite Chadha's request, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar turned down his plea and started the business, and papers were laid on the table amid opposition protest. (ANI)

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New Delhi [India], July 25 (ANI): Amid the impasse in Parliament over their demands related to the Manipur violence, floor leaders of opposition parties held a meeting on Tuesday morning to discuss their strategy.

The meeting was held in the chamber of the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge.

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Congress and other opposition parties have been demanding a detailed discussion on the situation in Manipur and a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They have resorted to protests and sloganeering in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, forcing adjournments of the two Houses since the commencement of the monsoon session of Parliament on July 20.

The opposition parties have also urged the Rajya Sabha Chairman to revoke the suspension of Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh. The AAP member was suspended on Monday for repeatedly violating directions of the Chair.

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Ahead of the meeting, Kharge said opposition parties will take a collective decision on their strategy.

Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh, Pramod Tiwari, Aam Aadmi Partys Raghav Chadha and Trinamool Congress Derek O'Brien were among those present in the meeting.

The government has said it is ready for discussion on Manipur but the opposition parties are pressing for discussion under a rule which also entails voting.

Twenty-six opposition parties have named their alliance INDIA. The two Houses have witnessed repeated adjournments over opposition demands.

The government has made efforts to reach out to opposition leaders to break the impasse. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has also met the floor leaders. (ANI)

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By Saurabh Trivedi

New Delhi [India], July 25 (ANI): The security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have neutralized 79 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in the last two years, an official statement said on Tuesday.

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According to officials, at least 35 terrorists have been killed by security forces in joint operations in Jammu and Kashmir this year that includes 27 unidentified and five belonging to The Resistance Front (TRF).

"In the year 2022, a total of 129 terrorists including 93 local terrorists and 36 foreign terrorists. Interestingly, there was only one unidentified terrorist in 2022, but in 2023, the figure of unidentified rose to 27 till July," an official said.

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A senior officer informed that in the valley there are several terrorist organizations operating that include Hizbul Mujahideen, Tehrik-ul-Mujahideen (TuM), Al-Badr, Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH), Islamic State Jammu and Kashmir (ISJK), Lashkar-e-Mustafa (LeM) and The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba.

"This year, we have managed to foil many infiltration attempts, and in various encounters, a total of 35 terrorists have been neutralized that include 27 foreign terrorists that remained unidentified and eight local terrorists associated with various organizations," another officer informed.

"Because of sustained efforts of all security and intelligence agencies, there is a huge fall in local terrorists. The number of locals joining terror ranks also fell significantly. The security forces have an upper hand now when it comes to containing terrorism and terrorists in the Valley," an official added.

According to security forces, the crackdown on over-ground workers (OGWs) who were assisting terrorist activities and the security grid has helped in thwarting infiltration attempts.

"The top terrorist organization-Hizbul Mujahideen, LeT, and JeM, have lost many of their men in various operations. There is a steep fall in the infiltration of terrorists from these organizations," an official said. (ANI)

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Srinagar, Jul 25 (PTI) Security forces on Tuesday arrested two associates of banned Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terrorist outfit in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

"Police along with security forces arrested two terrorist associates linked with proscribed terror outfit LeT at Chak Tapper area of Kreeri Baramulla and recovered arms, ammunition and other incriminating materials from their possession," a police spokesman said.

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He said the terror associates were arrested based on specific information regarding movement of terrorists in Village Chak Tapper Kreeri.

"Police along with Army established a motor vehicle checking point (MVCP) at Bus Stop Chak Tapper Kreeri. During checking, the joint party intercepted and arrested two suspected persons who on noticing the checkpoint tried to flee from the spot but were apprehended tactfully," the spokesman said.

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He said during the personal search of the duo, arms and ammunition including two Chinese pistols, two pistol magazines, 14 live pistol rounds and other incriminating material were recovered from their possession.

The arrested persons have been identified as Dayem Majeed Khan and Ubair Tariq, both residents of neighbouring Bandipora district.

"During preliminary questioning, the arrested duo revealed that they were working as terrorist associates of proscribed terrorist outfit LeT and had acquired arms and ammunition for target killing in District Baramulla," the spokesman said.

He said a case under relevant sections of law has been registered at police station Kreeri and further investigation was in progress.

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Mumbai, Jul 25 (PTI) A baby mugger crocodile was rescued from a chawl in the eastern suburb of Mulund here, a forest official said on Tuesday.

The reptile was rescued from a chawl in Ghati Pada area of Mulund (west) on Saturday and was handed over to the Mumbai range of the Thane Forest Department, he said.

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The baby crocodile was given to RAWW (Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare) for medical examination and further rehabilitation, said Pawan Sharma, founder and president of RAWW and also the Honorary Wildlife Warden with the state forest department.

The reptile was in trauma and had been starving since many days, he said, adding that it might have been displaced due to heavy rains.

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The forest department is investigating to find out how the reptile was found so far from its natural habitats at Tulsi, Vihar and Powai lakes, the official added.

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Cape Town, Jul 25 (AP) Gunmen who opened fire at a taxi stand in a small coastal South African town killed four people who were sitting in a minibus and wounded another four Tuesday, police said.

The motive for the attack was unknown, police said, but the killings mean 36 people have died in five separate mass shootings in South Africa since the start of the year.

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The country of 60 million has one of the highest homicide rates in the world. An average of 30 people were killed with a firearm each day in the first three months of 2023, according to police statistics.

Tuesday's mass shooting followed the same trend as many of the others, with multiple gunmen firing at people.

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Brig. Jay Naicker, a police spokesperson, said in a statement that the gunmen opened fire on the taxi minibus in the east coast town of Port Shepstone, killing four of the occupants. Four other people were taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds, Naicker said.

In April, 10 members of the same family died in the year's worst mass shooting when gunmen entered their home in what police described as an predawn ambush. Seven of the victims were female and one was a 13-year-old boy, police said.

Although shootings often involve illegal firearms, South Africa struggles with a high crime rate across the board, not only gun crime. (AP)

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Johannesburg [South Africa], July 25 (ANI): National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Tuesday participated in 13th BRICS NSA meeting in Johannesburg. He said that terrorism remains one of the key threats to national peace and security.

He stressed that terror organizations in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region continue to operate with impunity. He said that listing terrorists and their proxies under the United Nations counter-terrorism sanctions regime is an area on which BRICS can work together.

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Doval called it important that the decision-making of the UN Security Council sanctions committee is free from politicization and double standards, and said that the meeting is being held at a time of great churn in the international security environment.

NSA Doval further said that the global security situation is marked by uncertainty and rising tensions. The global economy is still covering the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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He also appreciated the cooperation extended by South Africa for India's G20 Presidency and assured Indias continued support for South Africas BRICS chairship this year.

The global commons of cyber, maritime and space are contested, he said.

NSA Doval stated that non-traditional challenges of food, water, and energy security have been facing stress. The inclusion of these topics by South Africa in the BRICS NSAs Meeting reflects a clear understanding of the broader dimensions of security.

He said that the opportunities presented by the digital age will also pose challenges and the need to be united to fortify cyber defences, foster international corporations and build a resilient national cyberinfrastructure.

He noted that cyber attacks known no borders and the linkage between cyber criminals and terrorists is an emerging concern. Regional mechanisms should be utilised to advance common goals and address emerging challenges.

NSA Doval said all efforts need to be made to ensure equitable and fair access to global commons in line with international laws. Water security is a major global issue and its prudent usage and conservation is a shared responsibility.

He also spoke about instances of weaponisation of water and called for the need for complete transparency and unhindered information sharing with respect to shared cross-border water resources.

The politicization of water needs to be countered. Supply chain disruptions have had a disproportional impact on the food security of vulnerable people. The issue needs to be urgently addressed which is a shared commitment and common responsibility, he pointed out, he said.

Doval further called for access to a secure and affordable supply of critical materials for the development of clean energy technologies is crucial. India has attached importance to the BRICS process and is willing and prepared to enhance cooperation in all joint efforts.

NSA Doval recalled the Voice of the Global South summit hosted by India. He said that this year the G20 agenda under Indias Presidency will truly encompass the needs of the world, particularly the Global South. During Indias G20 Presidency, one of the priorities is to voice the concerns of developing countries. India is proposing to create a global biofuel alliance under G20.

"India has been at the forefront of supporting educational and behavioural approaches through initiatives like Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)," NSA Doval said.

He said that BRICS countries should set an example for the world by focusing on individual behaviour and making a shift to Lifestyle for Environment.

India is a major actor in the global food supply system and has assisted many countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

Doval also highlighted the need to ensure the unhindered availability of fertilisers.

He cautioned that today's fertiliser shortage could be tomorrows food crisis.

He stressed that research and development occupy primacy in the cyber domain to tackle common threats and risks due to emerging technologies.

He also expressed satisfaction that the BRICS working group on ICTs has identified some cutting-edge areas like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cloud security, blockchain and the internet of things as possible Research topics.

Earlier in the day, NSA Doval met top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi on the sidelines of the BRICS meeting in South Africa and the two sides agreed that India-China bilateral relationship is significant not only for the two countries but also for the region and the world.

During the meeting, NSA Doval conveyed that the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the western Sector of the India-China boundary since 2020 had eroded strategic trust and the public and political basis of the relationship, according to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs.

On the sidelines of the meeting, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval also held a working meeting with the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Nikolai Patrushev and discussed the cooperation between the two countries in the field of security and economy, the Russian embassy in India said in a statement. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Johannesburg [South Africa], July 25 (ANI): National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi on the sidelines of the BRICS meeting in South Africa and the two sides agreed that India-China bilateral relationship is significant not only for the two countries but also for the region and the world.

The meeting between Doval and Wang Yi took place on the sidelines of a meeting of the BRICS National Security Advisors in Johannesburg on July 24. BRICS is a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

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During the meeting, NSA Doval conveyed that the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Western Sector of the India-China boundary since 2020 had eroded strategic trust and the public and political basis of the relationship, according to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs.

NSA emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to fully resolve the situation and restore peace and tranquility in the border areas, so as to remove impediments to normalcy in bilateral relations. The two sides agreed that the India-China bilateral relationship is significant not only for the two countries but also for the region and world, the statement read.

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Previously, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had met with Wang Yi on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting held in Jakarta, Indonesia on July 15. Wang Yi attended the ASEAN meetings instead of Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang who could not attend as he was unwell.

Wang Yi is the Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs.

Jaishankar took to Twitter to post about the meeting and said the discussions touched on outstanding issues related to peace and tranquility in border areas. Our conversation also covered EAS/ARF agenda, BRICS and the Indo-Pacific, Jaishankar said.

India and China have time and again faced border disputes and they date back to 1962. The most recent clash was in June 2020, when Indian and Chinese troops engaged in a brawl in the Galwan valley.

Earlier on July 24, Doval participated in the 'Friends of BRICS' meeting in Johannesburg and according to sources, he highlighted that the gravity of cyber risks will increase exponentially with the advent of disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Internet of Things.

During the meeting, NSA Doval also highlighted the need for collective efforts to deal with challenges emanating from cybersecurity.

He pointed out the linkages between cyber criminals and terrorists including the use of cyber space for financing, money laundering, radicalizing, lone wolf attacks, recruitment and secured communications, the sources said.

The NSA also held several bilaterals with his counterparts from BRICS and Friends of BRICS countries. (ANI)

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Beijing, Jul 25 (AP) Pan Gongsheng was named China's central bank governor Tuesday in the widely anticipated final major appointment of the ruling Communist Party's once-a-decade change of power.

Pan, a deputy central bank governor and veteran of China's state-owned banking industry, succeeds Yi Gang, an American-trained economist who held the post for five years. The endorsement of Pan's promotion by the ceremonial legislature, the National People's Congress, follows other Cabinet-level appointments announced in March.

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The governor of the People's Bank of China is the most prominent Chinese figure in finance circles but the post's powers are limited. The bank is controlled by the ruling Communist Party.

Pan, who turns 60 this month, met July 8 with visiting US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, indicating he was being promoted. He was widely assumed to be in line for the job after he was named Communist Party secretary for the central bank.

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In 2015, Pan was appointed head of China's foreign exchange regulator, usually a stepping stone to the top central bank job. Earlier, he was a vice president of the Agricultural Bank of China Ltd, one of the country's four major commercial lenders.

Pan earned a PhD in economics from Renmin University in Beijing and did research at Cambridge and Harvard Universities. (AP)

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Iwaki (Japan), Jul 25 (AP) Beach season has started across Japan, which means seafood for holiday makers and good times for business owners. But in Fukushima, that may end soon.

Within weeks, the tsunami-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is expected to start releasing treated radioactive wastewater into the sea, a highly contested plan still facing fierce protests in and outside Japan.

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Residents worry that the water discharge, 12 years after the nuclear disaster, could deal another setback to Fukushima's image and hurt their businesses and livelihoods.

"Without a healthy ocean, I cannot make a living. said Yukinaga Suzuki, a 70-year-old innkeeper at Usuiso beach in Iwaki about 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of the plant. And the government has yet to announce when the water release will begin.

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While officials say the possible impact would be limited to rumours, it's not yet clear if it will be damaging to the local economy. Residents say they feel "shikataganai  meaning helpless.

Suzuki has requested officials hold the plan at least until the swimming season ends in mid-August.

If you ask me what I think about the water release, I'm against it. But there is nothing I can do to stop it as the government has one-sidedly crafted the plan and will release it anyway, he said. Releasing the water just as people are swimming at sea is totally out of line, even if there is no harm.

The beach, he said, will be in the path of treated water travelling south on the Oyashio current from off the coast of Fukushima Daiichi. That's where the cold Oyashio current meets the warm, northbound Kuroshio, making it a rich fishing ground.

The government and the operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, or TEPCO, have struggled to manage the massive amount of contaminated water accumulating since the 2011 nuclear disaster, and announced plans to release it to the ocean during the summer.

They say the plan is to treat the water, dilute it with more than a hundred times the seawater and then release it into the Pacific Ocean through an undersea tunnel. Doing so, they said, is safer than national and international standards require.

Suzuki is among those who are not fully convinced by the government's awareness campaign that critics say only highlights safety. We don't know if it's safe yet, Suzuki said. We just can't tell until much later.

The Usuiso area used to have more than a dozen family-run inns before the disaster. Now, Suzuki's half-century old Suzukame, which he inherited from his parents 30 years ago, is the only one still in business after surviving the tsunami. He heads a safety committee for the area and operates its only beach house.

Suzuki says his inn guests won't mention the water issue if they cancel their reservations and he would only have to guess. I serve fresh local fish to my guests, and the beach house is for visitors to rest and chill out. The ocean is the source of my livelihood."

The March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami destroyed the Fukushima Daiichi plant's cooling systems, causing three reactors to melt and contaminating their cooling water, which has since leaked continuously. The water is collected, filtered and stored in some 1,000 tanks, which will reach their capacity in early 2024.

The government and TEPCO say the water must be removed to make room for the plant's decommissioning, and to prevent accidental leaks from the tanks because much of the water is still contaminated and needs retreatment.

Katsumasa Okawa, who runs a seafood business in Iwaki, says those tanks containing contaminated water bother him more than the treated water release. He wants to have them removed as soon as possible, especially after seeing immense tanks occupying much of the plant complex during his visit few years ago.

An accidental leak would be an ultimate strikeout ... It will cause actual damage, not reputation, Okawa says. I think the treated water release is unavoidable. It's eerie, he adds, to have to live near the damaged plant for decades.

Fukushima's badly hit fisheries community, tourism and the economy are still recovering. The government has allocated 80 billion yen (USD 573 million) to support still-feeble fisheries and seafood processing and combat potential reputation damage from the water release.

His wife evacuated to her parents' home in Yokohama, near Tokyo with their four children, but Okawa stayed in Iwaki to work on reopening the store. In July, 2011, Okawa resumed sale of fresh fish but none from Fukushima.

Local fishing was returning to normal operation in 2021 when the government announced the water release plan.

Fukushima's local catch today is still about one-fifth of its pre-disaster levels due to a decline in the fishing population and smaller catch sizes.

Japanese fishing organizations strongly opposed Fukushima's water release, as they worry about further damage to the reputation of their seafood as they struggle to recover. Groups in South Korea and China have also raised concerns, turning it a political and diplomatic issue.

Hong Kong has vowed to ban the import of aquatic products from Fukushima and other Japanese prefectures if Tokyo discharges treated radioactive wastewater into the sea.

China plans to step up import restrictions and Hong Kong restaurants began switching menus to exclude Japanese seafood. Agricultural Minister Tetsuro Nomura acknowledged some fishery exports from Japan have been suspended at Chinese customs, and that Japan was urging Beijing to honour science.

Our plan is scientific and safe, and it is most important to firmly convey that and gain understanding, TEPCO official Tomohiko Mayuzumi told The Associated Press during its plant visit. Still, people have concerns and so a final decision on the timing of the release will be a a political decision by the government, he said.

Japan sought support from the International Atomic Energy Agency for transparency and credibility. IAEA's final report, released this month and handed directly to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, concluded that the method meets international standards and its environmental and health impacts would be negligible.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said radioactivity in the water would be almost undetectable and there is no cross-border impact.

Scientists generally agree that environmental impact from the treated water would be negligible, but some call for more attention on dozens of low-dose radionuclides that remain in the water, saying data on their long-term effect on the environment and marine life is insufficient.

Radioactivity of the treated water is so low that once it hits the ocean it will quickly disperse and become almost undetectable, which makes pre-release sampling of the water important for data analysis, said University of Tokyo environmental chemistry professor Katsumi Shozugawa.

He said the release can be safely carried out and trusted only if TEPCO strictly follows the procedures as planned. Diligent sampling of the water, transparency and broader cross-checks  not just limited to IAEA and two labs commissioned by TEPCO and the government  is key to gaining trust, Shozugawa said.

Japanese officials characterize the treated water as a tritium issue, but it also contains dozens of other radionuclides that leaked from the damaged fuel. Though they are filtered to legally releasable levels and their environmental impact deemed minimal, they still require close scrutiny, experts say.

TEPCO and government officials say tritium is the only radionuclide inseparable from water and is being diluted to contain only a fraction of the national discharge cap, while experts say heavy dilution is needed to also sufficiently lower concentration of other radionuclides.

If you ask their impact on the environment, honestly, we can only say we don't know, Shozugawa, referring to dozens of radionuclides whose leakage is not anticipated at normal reactors, he says. But it is true that the lower the concentration, the smaller the environmental impact, and the plan is presumably safe, he said.

The treated water is a less challenging task at the plant compared to the deadly radioactive melted debris that remain in the reactors, or the continuous, tiny leaks of radioactivity to the outside.

Shozugawa, who has been regularly measuring radioactivity of groundwater samples, fish and plants near Fukushima Daiichi plant since the disaster, says his 12 years of sampling work shows small amounts of radioactivity from the Fukushima Daiichi has continuously leaked into groundwater and the port at the plant. He says its potential impact on the ecosystem also requires closer attention than the controlled release of the treated water.

TEPCO denies new leaks from the reactors and attributes high cesium in fish sometimes caught inside the port to sediment contamination from initial leaks and a rainwater drainage.

A local fisheries cooperative executive Takayuki Yanai told a recent online event that forcing the water release without public support only triggers reputational damage and hurts Fukushima fisheries. "We don't need additional burden to our recovery.

Public understanding is lacking because of distrust to the government and TEPCO, he said. The sense of safety only comes from trust." (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], July 25 (ANI): The Punjab government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with British Council Education India Pvt Limited (BCEIPL) on Monday to expand employment opportunities for the youth, reported Khalsa Vox.

The MoU was officially signed by the Director of Higher Education Amarpal Singh on behalf of the Punjab Government, and Managing Director of BCEIPL Duncan Wilson.

Also Read | Anju Not Marrying Nasrulla: Pakistan Man Not Planning To Marry Indian Woman, Says She Will Go Back to India After Her Visa Expires.

According to Khalsa Vox, the signing ceremony was graced by the presence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Education Minister Harjot Singh, and the British Deputy High Commissioner, Chandigarh, Caroline Rowett.

Following that, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his optimism and highlighted the potential of MoU to open new directions for employment and skills enhancement for the youth.

Also Read | Facekinis Reappear in China: People Start Wearing Full Face Masks as Temperatures Rise, Heatwave Sweeps Cities.

Moreover, under the partnership, they will launch a specialized training course English for Work for students of government colleges under the Higher Education Department. The training program aims to upskill the employability of young individuals, making them more competitive in the job market, reported Khalsa Vox.

The English for Work course will be offered online and will have a flipped classroom approach. It will further aim to blend the flexibility of self-study with interactive live classes.

Moreover, the course will benefit from both pre and post-assessment tests to track their progress throughout the course. The participants will receive a recognized certificate after successful completion of the course which can be added to their credentials.

In the beginning of this course, around 5,000 students from government colleges will be offered the opportunity to undergo comprehensive training starting from this academic session.

Later, the Chief Minister expressed his hope and added that such strategic steps would contribute to reverse the brain drain phenomenon from the state, ensuring that talented individuals can find meaningful employment opportunities locally, according to Khalsa Vox.

The partnership between the Punjab government and BCEIPL will empower the youth, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge and hence providing them a brighter future.

With this partnership, Punjab stands poised to create a thriving workforce ready to take on the challenges of the ever-evolving global job market, Khalsa Vox 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)
New Delhi [India], July 25 (ANI): United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry is slated to arrive on a five-day visit to India beginning Tuesday, days after returning from China.

During his visit Kerry will visit Chennai and Delhi, the US State Department said.

Also Read | Elon Musk Tries To Remove Twitter Sign Letters From X Headquarters in San Francisco, Police Halts Work (Watch Video).

In India, Kerry will attend the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministers (ECSM) Meeting in Chennai to be held on July 28, the US Department of State said in a statement.

In Delhi, Kerry will meet with senior government officials to advance shared objectives on renewable and clean energy, and climate, the statement read.

Also Read | Anju-Nasrulla Case: Father of Indian Woman, Who Went to Pakistan To Meet Facebook Friend, Says His Daughter Is Mentally Disturbed, Eccentric.

"Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will travel to New Delhi and Chennai, India, July 2529, to advance shared objectives on climate and clean energy, including mutual efforts to build a platform for investments in renewable energy and storage solutions, support the deployment of zero-emission buses, and diversify clean energy supply chains," the US State Department said.

The third Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting was also under Indias G20 Presidency on May 21. The three-day meeting witnessed the participation of 141 delegates from G20 countries and 10 invitee countries. The representatives of 14 international and regional organisations also attended deliberations..

The three priories outlined for the ECSWG were arresting land degradation, promoting a circular economy and giving impetus to the blue economy. All meetings focused on a specific theme out of these three themes. The third ECSWG focussed on Blue Economy and was supported by two side events  Mega Beach Clean Up Event and the Ocean 20 Dialogue on Day 1 of the meeting.

The primary agenda of the 3rd ECSWG meeting was the detailed discussions on the draft Ministerial Communique which entailed constructive discussions and deliberations on priority areas. The meeting ended in a discussion mode on the Communique, to be further deliberated upon and refined in the virtual meetings scheduled over the next few weeks, as a run-up to the 4th and final ECSWG meeting to be held in Chennai from July 26- 27.

The fourth and final ECSWG meeting would be followed by the ECSM meeting on July 28, which John Kerry would attend.

Previously, emphasising on India's climate commitments, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the country has shown leadership in climate action and achieved its non-fossil installed electric capacity target nine years in advance.

In a video message to the G20 Energy Ministerial Meeting in Goa on Saturday, the Prime Minister said India now plans to achieve 50 percent non-fossil installed capacity by the year 2030.

No talk about the future, sustainability or growth and development can be complete without energy. It impacts development at all levels, from individuals to nations, the Prime Minister said at the meeting that brought together ministers from the countries in the G20 grouping.

He pointed out that India is among the global leaders in solar and wind power and is making great efforts in green growth and energy transition.

Earlier, US climate envoy John Kerry ended his four-day visit to China on July 19 without any new agreements.

In fact, the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, insisted in a speech that China would pursue its goals to phase out carbon dioxide pollution at its own pace and in its own way.

Still, Kerry appeared buoyed that the worlds two biggest polluters had restarted discussions, which had been frozen for a year because of strained relations over Taiwan, trade and other issues. He insisted he was not disappointed in the outcome, noting that just talking marked progress, according to the Washington Post.

We had very frank conversations but we came here to break new ground, Kerry said, adding, It is clear that we are going to need a little more work. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Washington DC [US], July 25 (ANI): The United States has imposed sanctions on three Malian government and military officials, including Defence Minister, for "facilitating the deployment and expansion" of Russia's Wagner Group's activities in Mali.

In a statement on Monday, the US Department of the Treasury said that it has imposed sanctions on three Malian transition government and military officials -- Colonel Sadio Camara (Defence Minister of Mali), Colonel Alou Boi Diarra (Malis Chief of Staff of the Air Force) and Lieutenant Colonel Adama Bagayoko (Malian Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff)-- for facilitating the deployment and expansion of the Wagner Group's activities in Mali.

Also Read | Pakistan Economics Woes Continue As Gas Prices Likely to Rise by 45% Amid IMFs Demand.

It further stated that this development is based on evidence showing that these Malian officials have contributed to the Wagner Groups malicious activities in Mali.

Todays action exposes the principal Malian officials who have been instrumental in facilitating the Wagner Groups entrenchment in Mali over the past two years, said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E Nelson.

Also Read | Pakistan Floods: 133 Killed, 215 Injured As Rain Continues to Wreak Havoc Country.

He further stated, These officials have made their people vulnerable to the Wagner Groups destabilizing activities and human rights abuses while paving the way for the exploitation of their countrys sovereign resources to the benefit of the Wagner Groups operations in Ukraine.

Mali's Defence Minister Colonel Camara made several trips to Russia in 2021 to solidify an agreement between the Wagner Group and the Malian transition government to deploy the mercenary force to the West African country, the statement read.

While, Colonel Diarra in his previous role as Air Logistics Chief, significantly contributed to the logistical movement of Russian entities in Mali.

The statement further read, "Together, Camara and Diarra formulated and executed the plan that ultimately ushered the Wagner Group into Mali. On several occasions, Diarra accompanied Camara on trips to Russia to cement the deployment agreement between the Wagner Group and the Malian transition government."

Lieutenant Colonel Bagayoko, serves as an advocate for the Wagner Group to the Burkinabe transition government, working to secure the Wagner Groups deployment to Burkina Faso.

In June, the United States said it was concerned about the Wagner Group's destabilizing activities in Africa and accused the leader of the mercenary force of helping to engineer the departure of UN peacekeepers from Mali.

White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters last month that the US has information indicating Mali's transition government has paid more than USD 200 million to Wagner since late 2021.

However, the US assured that as the largest bilateral donor of development and humanitarian assistance to Mali, Washington will continue to support the Malian people in their pursuit of peace, prosperity, and democracy, according to the statement. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Veteran actor Jaya Bachchan's stern expressions in "Dhindhora Baje Re" from Karan Johar's upcoming romantic comedy Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani have drawn a lot of attention from the netizens. In the song, Jaya Bachchan can be seen with a very grim face throughout. Twitter users have reacted with amusing comments and memes to her portrayal. RRKPK Song 'Dhindhora Baje Re': Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt Shows Off Their Energetic Dance Moves and Sizzling Chemistry in This New Track (Watch Video).

Check Out Some Of The Reactions Here:

"Jaya Bachchan is being her own self throughout this entire song," one person said.

jaya bachchan is being her own self throughout this whole song. [ #dhindhorabajere #rockyaurranikiipremkahaani ] pic.twitter.com/VvANNeZIgJ  desiburgerbacha (@shortiekiddo28) July 24, 2023

Another person commented, "I think the climax of Rocky Rani would be Jaya Bachchan finally smiling."

I think the climax of Rocky Rani would be Jaya Bachchan finally smiling pic.twitter.com/12u8EcHkZv  Pulkit Kochar (@kocharpulkit) July 20, 2023

Another social media user wrote, "Okay so Jaya Bachchan is playing herself."

Okay so Jaya Bachchan is playing herself in #RockyAurRaniKiiPremKahaani pic.twitter.com/KZg6l0HLcO  Akshit (@CaptainGzb) June 20, 2023

Jaya Bachchan's portrayal in Karan Johar's highly awaited romantic comedy, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, has sparked widespread interest and speculation since the film's trailer was unveiled last month. The trailer suggests an interesting contrast, as Jaya Bachchan's character, Dhanlakshmi, looks to be a strict matriarch, which stands out in the movies bright and joyful environment as she appears alone amid a sea of vivid red outfits and a vibrant background, wrapped in a dark blue sari in anger.

On Monday, Ranveer took to Instagram and shared the full video of the song titled "Dhindhora Baje Re". The clip shows Alia and Ranveer dancing at a giant Durga Puja pandal. The duo is seen twinning in traditional red attires and showing their dance moves. This dance number is sung by Darshan Raval and Bhoomi Trivedi. The lyrics are penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya. This is the film's fourth track after "Tum Kya Mile" and "What Jhumka" and "Ve Kamleya". Helmed by Karan Johar, the film stars Ranveer, Alia, Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi in the lead roles and is set to hit the theatres on July 28. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani: Ranveer Singh-Alia Bhatts Film Promotion in Kolkata Is All About Yellow Taxi and Love! (Watch Video).

Check Out Jaya Bachchan's Video Here:

The trailer takes us into the lives of Rocky Randhawa and Rani Chatterjee, whose lifestyles are diametrically opposed. While Rocky is a Punjabi lad from a wealthy Punjabi family, Rani comes from a Bengali household where knowledge and intelligence are valued above all else. They fall in love but soon the couple realizes that their families don't like each other. Then Rocky and Rani decide to 'Switch' and live with each other families to impress them.

The movie promises to be a wholesome, big-screen entertainer, blending Johar's storytelling finesse with an impressive ensemble cast, grandeur and music.
Mumbai, July 25: The Directorate of Government Examinations (DGE) Tamil Nadu will announce the TN SSLC 10th Supplementary Result 2023 tomorrow, July 26. The results of the SSLC or Class 10 Supplementary Examination 2023 will be out tomorrow. Candidates who appeared for the TN SSLC 10th Supplementary Exam 2023 can visit the official website of DGE at dge.tn.gov.in to check and download their results.

Alternatively, students can also visit tnresults.nic.in to check their TN SSLC 10th Supplementary exam result. Students will require their board exam roll number and date of birth in order to check the exam results. Candidates must note that the results of HSE or Plus Two Supplementary examinations were announced yesterday, July 24. The supplementary examinations were held in June-July, 2023. TN HSE 12th Supplementary Result 2023: Tamil Nadu Plus Two Supply Exam Results Likely To Be Declared Today at dge.tn.gov.in, Know Steps To Check Score.

Steps To Check TN SSLC Supplementary Result 2023:

Visit the official website of DGE at dge.tn.gov.in

On the homepage, click on the esults section

Next, click on the link for SSLC Supplementary exam results

Enter using your roll number and date of birth

Click on submit and your result will be displayed on the screen

Take a printout for future reference

The Tamil Nadu SSLC Main exam results were announced in May 2023. A total of 9,14,320 students appeared for the Main SSLC examination and about 8,35,614 passed. The Tamil Nadu board recorded a pass percentage of 91.39 percent in the SSLC examination. UGC NET Result 2023: NTA Likely To Declare National Eligibility Test Exam Results Soon at ugcnet.nta.nic.in, Know How To Check Scores and Update on Final Answer Key.

Meanwhile, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is expected to release the CBSE Compartment Results 2023 soon. Candidates who appeared for the CBSE Compartment Exam 2023 can check the Class 10 and 12 results by visiting the official website of CBSE at cbse.gov.in.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 25, 2023 02:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Gwalior, July 25: The father of a married Indian woman, who has travelled legally to a remote village in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to meet her Facebook friend, has claimed she is mentally disturbed and eccentric but not involved in any affair. He also said it was wrong on her part to go to Pakistan without informing anyone. The woman, Anju (34), was born in Kailor village in Uttar Pradesh and lived in Alwar district of Rajasthan. She and Pakistani national Nasrulla (29) became friends on Facebook in 2019.

Anju has travelled to Upper Dir district in the tribal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on a valid Pakistani visa to meet Nasrulla. Talking to reporters on Monday in Bouna village near Tekanpur town in Gwalior district, Anju's father Gaya Prasad Thomas said, "I came to know about it (Anju's presence in Pakistan) just yesterday. My son informed me that his 'didi' (sister) has gone there. But, I don't know about it. I have no contact with her for last nearly 20 years after she got married and moved to Bhiwadi (in Alwar district of Rajasthan)." Anju Rafael-Nasrullah Case: 'This Is Cheating', Says Husband of Indian Woman Who Went To Meet 'Facebook Friend' in Pakistan; Urges Government To Let Her Come Back (Watch Videos).

Thomas said he is currently staying here (in MP village) as his house remains vacant. He said he keeps coming here (from Faridabad in Haryana where he is settled) from time to time. She has not visited Tekanpur as I never invited her. She is mentally disturbed, he claimed. Thomas said Anju had been staying with her maternal uncle in Jalaun district of Uttar Pradesh since she was three years' old and got married while residing there.

It is wrong on her part to go to Pakistan without informing anyone. She has two children and they are with their father. I have no contact with her. I have no idea when she went to Pakistan, he said. My son-in-law is a very simple person. She is eccentric, but my daughter will not have any affair with her friend. She is of free nature, but she will never get into all this. I can guarantee this, Thomas said. He said Anju has studied till Class 12 and was doing a job in a company. "I left her because of her eccentric nature," he added. Anju Rafael-Nasrullah 'Love Story': Married Indian Woman Crosses Border To Meet 'Facebook Friend' in Pakistan.

A local police official said they came to know about Anju's presence in Pakistan through media reports. We came to know about this matter through the media. We heard she has gone there (in Pakistan) on a valid visa and she has left this area years back, Dabra's sub-divisional officer of police Vivek Kumar Sharma said. The woman will return to India on August 20 when her visa expires, her Pakistani friend Nasrulla said earlier on Monday, dismissing reports of any love affair between them.

Nasrulla said he has no plan of marrying Anju. "Anju is on a visit to Pakistan and we have no plan to marry," Nasrulla told PTI in Pakistan over the phone from village Kulsho in Upper Dir district, some 300 km from Peshawar. "She will go back to her country on August 20 after her visa expires. Anju is living in a separate room of my home with the other female members of my family," he said.

According to an official document of the Ministry of Interior sent to Pakistan's High Commission in New Delhi, the chancery was informed that it had been decided to grant a 30-day visa to Anju, valid for Upper Dir only. Nasrulla, a science graduate, is the youngest among five brothers. He has given an affidavit to local authorities, stating there is no love angle to their friendship, and Anju will return to India on August 20.

The affidavit also states she will not move out of the Upper Dir district. "She will definitely go back on August 20 as per her visa documents," said Upper Dir District Police Officer Mushtaq Khan.
The Border Security Force (BSF) thwarted a major narcotic smuggling bid along the International Border (IB) as it shot dead a Pakistani intruder in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district, a BSF spokesperson said on Tuesday.
The Russian authorities say the military doesn't use draftees in the fighting in Ukraine, relying on volunteers and reservists who were mobilised for action. Some Russian media have reported, however, that the military tries to encourage or coerce many draftees into signing contracts as volunteers.
US President Joe Biden could face impeachment. The investigations by the House GOP into the international business dealings of President Joe Biden's family are expected to reach the level of an impeachment probe, according to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a Republican. Joe Biden claimed to the public that he had never discussed business when he was campaigning for politics. McCarthy referenced Biden's earlier claims that he did not discuss his son Hunter Biden's international business operations with him. "He said his family has never received a dollar from China, which we prove is not true," Hannity remarked on Monday night on Fox News. Joe Biden Trips on Air Force One Stairs in Poland, Video of US President Stumbling Goes Viral.

Joe Biden To Be Impeached, Claims Speaker Kevin McCarthy

#BREAKING: US House Speaker McCarthy says the House of Representatives is preparing to impeach President Biden  R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) July 25, 2023

BREAKING: US House Speaker McCarthy says the House of Representatives is currently preparing to impeach President Biden  The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) July 25, 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.)
On 24 July Brazils minister of justice & public security,, confirmed that a former fireman,, had been arrested for alleged involvement in the high-profile murder of Rio de Janeiro city councillorand her driverin March 2018.

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On 24 July the free market or parallel dollar soared to a record Ar$550, double the main official rate, as markets reacted with scepticism to the latest batch of economic measures in Argentina.

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President Joe Biden and the DOJ are making good on their promise to sue Texas over the inhumane barriers along the Rio Grande that resulted in injuries. Gov. Greg Abbott is remaining defiant, however, telling the Biden administration, "Texas will see you in court. Mr. President."

Rights groups have warned that the Texas barriers, including the buoys along the Rio Grande and the razor-wire fence along the banks, will result in drownings and injuries. The reports of inhumane treatment of migrants, including a complaint filed by a Texas State Trooper about migrants not being given water despite the harsh Texas heat and the troopers being ordered to push tired and injured migrants back into the river have given more scrutiny into Abbott's "Operation Lone Star."

The Texas State Trooper's report led the DOJ to warn Texas that if they did not remove these barriers, they will be sued. With Abbott doubling down, the DOJ has made good on its promise of suing Texas. Abbott has already anticipated this and sent a letter to President Joe Biden and did not back down on his inhumane policies per the Associated Press.

Critics are saying that Abbott only installed these barriers for optics, as it looks good for his white conservative base even if it will alienate Texas's large Hispanic population.

This comes at a time when illegal border crossings have declined significantly since new immigration restrictions took effect in May. The US Customs and Border Protection has even stated that migrant encounters were down 30% from the month before, and these are the lowest levels since Biden first took office.

Furthermore, these barriers do little in deterring migrants, who often try to find parts of the river with no barriers to cross. Some even risk bodily harm and go through these barriers, with reports of children injuring themselves along Abbott's traps being rampant.

READ MORE: Illinois Law Will Stop Landlords from Discriminating Tenants for Immigration Status

White House Says Greg Abbott Is 'Sowing Chaos,' 'Not Operating in Good Faith' Regarding Texas Barriers

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre recently blasted Abbott's policies and said that the Texas governor's actions are unlawful and they are undermining the CBP as these barriers deny Border Patrol agents access to the Rio Grande, according to USA Today.

She added that Gov. Abbott is "sowing chaos" and "not operating in good faith here." "Instead of coming to the table and trying to figure out a way to work together, he continues to do this really cruel, unjust, inhumane ways of moving forward," she added.

Greg Abbott Administration Also Sued by Kayaking Company Over Texas Barriers at the Rio Grande

The DOJ lawsuit is not the only legal challenge Texas is facing over the barriers, as Jessie Fuentes, owner of Epi's Canoe & Kayak Team, also filed a lawsuit in an effort to stop the state from facing these harmful buoys.

According to KXAN, Fuentes claimed that these buoys would prevent him from giving tours on the river, and it might cause his business "imminent and irreparable harm." The lawsuit also alleges that the buoys are unjustly hurting his business and are also unconstitutional.

"A plain reading of the [disaster declaration] reveals as a matter of law that this statute cannot be used to regulate the Texas-Mexico border because none of its definitions address immigrants, the border, or crimes committed by immigrants," the lawsuit reads.

It also pointed out that Greg Abbott created "his own border patrol agency to regulate the border and prevent immigrants from entering Texas by installing a buoy system in the Rio Grande."

READ MORE: Mexico Files Diplomatic Complaint After Texas Breaks Boundaries Treaty With Floating Barriers

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Justice Department will sue Gov. Abbott if Texas doesn't remove floating barrier in Rio Grande - CBS Evening News
The University of Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory found that Pacific coastal areas of Peru and northern Chile are experiencing what is called greening. However, scientists are warning that while it sounds good, they do not consider this development good news.

The university's official website described the greening effect as "large-scale changes in the vegetation in the South American Andes which may have dramatic impact on the environment and ecosystems of the region."

In its analysis, the Cavendish Laboratory used satellite data from the last 20 years to conduct its analysis and found that certain areas experienced positive vegetation growth or greening, while other parts displayed negative trends, also known as browning. These changes are brought about by various influences such as urban development and farming.

The biggest area of greening can be found around a large section of the western slope of the Andes mountains, and this greening area spans around 200 km, from Northern Peru to Northern Chile.

The university's research team consisted of mathematicians, geographers, biologists, and earth scientists took several trips to the area.

"We started with a very local area to study the impact of mining on local vegetation," said geographer Eustace Barnes, who is part of the lab's Environmental Physics Group. "To our surprise, the data was suggesting that the area was greening instead of browning. So, we zoomed out and realized other areas were also greening on large scale. When we went to check on the ground, we observed a similar trend."

What Greening Means for Peru and Chile

The lab's scientists have pointed out that the greening effect could impact Peru and Chile negatively. Barnes noted that the area provides water for two-thirds of the country. This is significant for Peru as this is where the majority of the country's food comes from. With the greening effect, it could undeniably affect ecosystems and the environment.

READ MORE: Lenten Season in Latin America: 5 Seafood Dishes to Enjoy as Catholics Abstain From Meat

"This rapid change in vegetation, and to water level and ecosystems, will inevitably have an impact on water and agricultural planning management," explained the geologist.

His fellow researchers agree as the greening strip in the Andes does not align with the established climate zones, according to earth.com.

"This is a warning sign, like the canary in the mine. There is nothing we can do to stop changes at such a large scale. But knowing about it will help to plan better for the future," said Hugo Lepage, a mathematician with the Cavendish Laboratory and the study's lead author.

Scientists Took 3 Years To Confirm Greening Around Pacific Coast of Peru and Chile

Lepage admitted that when they first saw the changes, they did not expect it and had to confirm that the greening was happening at a massive scale. To do this, they had to sort the methodology and the statistical model, and it took them three years to do it, according to PHYS.org.

"We really needed to bulletproof it to make sure that something was really happening on a massive scale, and it was not just a fluke," he explained, with Barnes adding that they started "with a very local area to study the impact of mining on local vegetation."

READ NEXT: Peru: 4 Cultural Aspects of Ancient Inca Empire Still Alive in the South American Country

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: The reforestation of Peru's highlands - CGTN America
Massachusetts authorities have confirmed that a body discovered near former President Barack Obama's Martha's Vineyard residence belongs to the family's former chef, according to The Hill.

The Massachusetts State Police issued a news release on Monday stating that they retrieved the body of a missing paddleboarder from Edgartown Great Pond.

The recovery was made by divers from the MSP's underwater recovery unit after the Massachusetts Environmental Police detected the body using side-scan sonar from a boat.

The victim has been identified as Tafari Campbell, 45, who had previously served as a personal chef for the former first family.

Originally from Dumfries, Va., Campbell was visiting the Obamas' Martha's Vineyard residence at the time of the tragic incident.

Meanwhile, the Obamas were not present at their residence during the discovery, as authorities mentioned in their statement.

READ NEXT: Jan 6 Rioter Arrested Near Barack Obama's Home Also Wanted To Blow up a Government Facility

Barak Obama's Chef Went Missing After Paddleboarding

Tafari Campbell's disappearance was first reported early Sunday evening after he went paddleboarding, CNN reports.

He entered the water and appeared to struggle briefly to stay on the surface before submerging and not resurfacing, the police said. A witness who was paddleboarding with him at the time witnessed the incident.

After receiving the report of the missing paddleboarder, authorities initiated a search operation.

Massachusetts Environmental Police officers were able to recover Campbell's body shortly before 10 am on Monday from Edgartown Great Pond, as stated in a police news release.

The underwater recovery unit conducted the retrieval, locating the victim's body approximately 100 feet from the shore and submerged at a depth of 8 feet, according to information provided by state police, said ABC News.

Notably, Campbell was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.

Former President Barack Obama Releases Statement Following Tafari Campbell's Death

Previously working at the White House, Tafari Campbel had a significant history with the Obama family.

After the 44th president's tenure ended in 2016, Campbell continued to work for the Obamas, becoming an integral part of their lives, per Al Jazeera.

In a joint statement, the Obamas expressed their deep sorrow over Campbell's passing, describing him as a beloved family member.

They praised his creativity and passion for food, which he saw as bringing people together.

Over the years, Barack Obama's family came to know Campbell as a warm, fun, and extraordinarily kind individual who brought brightness to their lives.

When the Obamas were preparing to leave the White House, they asked Campbell to remain with them, and he graciously accepted the invitation.

Since then, he has been a constant presence in their lives, fostering a close bond with the family.

Campbell is survived by his wife, Sherise, and twin sons, leaving behind a loving family now facing this profound loss.

The Obamas' estate in Martha's Vineyard was acquired in 2020 for $11.75 million, the Independent said.

The purchase followed years of annual holidays to the idyllic New England Island, a favored summer destination for America's affluent elite for over a century.

READ MORE: Barack Obama Net Worth

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Obama family chef dies in paddleboarding accident on Martha's Vineyard - From CBS Boston
Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro tried to paint the "Barbie" film as "woke" feminist propaganda and he tried to make his point by burning some Barbie dolls. Instead, all he got is getting roasted on the internet, with people pointing out that he was dressed like Ken while going on his 43-minute tirade about the movie.

In a tweet, the Daily Wire co-founder stated that his producers "dragged" him to watch "Barbie" and called the film "one of the most woke movies I have ever seen." This prompted the first wave of memes as Twitter users pointed out that he was wearing a black T-shirt with black pants, the same exact outfit that Ryan Gosling wore as Ken during a musical performance.

My producers dragged me to see Barbie and it was one of the most woke movies I have ever seen. My full review of this flaming garbage heap of a film will be out on my YouTube channel tomorrow at 10am ET. pic.twitter.com/Lptha0p3qx  Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) July 21, 2023

"My brother in Christ. You are wearing a Ken cosplay," one Twitter user pointed out, according to The Independent. Meanwhile, others are saying that Shapiro actually looked excited to watch "Barbie" and was just trying to sound "tough" and "manly." Shapiro posted his "feelings" regarding the film a few hours later in a video titled "Ben Shapiro DESTROYS The Barbie Movie For 43 Minutes." In that video, he burned a few Barbie dolls.

Ben Shapiro's "Barbie" Rant

In his 43-minute tirade, Shapiro called the movie "flaming garbage" before lighting up a garbage can with a few Barbie dolls inside. According to Newsweek, he also called "Barbie" "the worst movie" he has ever seen, though he did compliment the "beautiful costumes" and "production design." "The basic sort of premise of the film, politically speaking, is that men and women are on two sides and they hate each other," the political pundit opined. "And literally, the only way you can have a happy world is if the women ignore the men and the men ignore the women." He also claimed that he wasted "two hours of my precious time, two hours I will never get back, two hours around my deathbed I will wish that I had not spent that time doing. It makes me viscerally angry." READ MORE: Donald Trump Fake Electors in Michigan Charged

The Internet Roasts Ben Shapiro After His Rant

It did not take long for the internet to react to Shapiro's rant, and it led people, including other political commentators, comedians, and ordinary people to roast the right-wing pundit.

Ben Shapiro sitting in the Barbie premiere with his little notepad scribbling words that infuriate him so he can tweet this. pic.twitter.com/5K3xlBulTt  Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) July 21, 2023

Ben Shapiro appears to have seen #Barbie dressed in Ken attire. pic.twitter.com/k2fVB8XApI  Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 22, 2023

Between the tickets and doll purchases, Bens at least $100 in the hole. Good strategy there Ben, but no one had ever accused you of having a synapse.  melissa monet  (@melissamonetxxx) July 22, 2023

Ben Shapiro in the audience of Barbie dressed like Patriarchy Ken. pic.twitter.com/jsZ7NnwgtO   (@jasminpigemoji) July 22, 2023

BEN SHAPIRO: New Barbie? WOKE. Garbage. Hated it.



ALSO BEN SHAPIRO: Imma dress up like one of the leads from Barbie. pic.twitter.com/3HNBKj9gV6  Joey G. (@TheLuchaJoe) July 21, 2023

Turns out Ben Shapiro is just that one kid from toy story https://t.co/RfqIsBKUtJ  Alana McLaughlin (@AlanaFeral) July 23, 2023

reminder that ben shapiro's weird vendetta against hollywood began when he was denied a writing job on 'the good wife' pic.twitter.com/o4vGTpe4O2  Marlow Stern (@MarlowNYC) July 22, 2023

Dude went to go watch Barbie just to get mad lmao https://t.co/FL1RFDhCjj  Mutahar (@OrdinaryGamers) July 21, 2023

Ben Shapiro posing for dozens of pictures to get one that conveys just the right amount of mad at Barbie.  Schooley (@Rschooley) July 22, 2023

They finally make a movie for people who are 12 inches tall with no genitals and those people don't even like it. https://t.co/4vtL6N7s4y  Jesse McLaren (@McJesse) July 21, 2023

If your career depends on manufacturing constant outrage to feed your radicalized base you end up like Ben Shapiro, a pathetic hate merchant who spent the past 2 days railing against Barbie instead of just having fun & relaxing with his family. A lucrative but sad grift. https://t.co/qegmsOQb76  Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) July 22, 2023

My dad weighs in on the Ben Shapiro Barbie review pic.twitter.com/6u5lrnH93y  Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) July 22, 2023

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: 39-Year-Old Ben Shapiro Sets Barbie Dolls on Fire to Protest "Woke" Movie - The Humanist Report
The government of Guatemala has been targeting opposition candidate Bernardo Arevalo ahead of the runoff election on August 20. This includes a raid on his party's offices.

Following the raid on the offices of Arevalo's Semila party, however, hundreds have gathered in the capital, Guatemala City, in protest, speaking out against interference by courts and prosecutors against a progressive candidate.

Before the first round of the election, Arevalo was just another face in the crowded field of over 20 candidates. He was not even a favorite to reach the runoff. However, in one of the biggest election upsets in the country's history, Arevalo took the #2 spot and qualified for the runoff election against establishment candidate and former First Lady Sandra Torres.

Arevalo is regarded as an anti-corruption candidate and has railed against the current administration, which has been seen as moving more towards authoritarianism. With Guatemalans losing more trust in the government, many voted for Arevalo as an alternative to the usual politicians they are presented with.

According to the Associated Press, Guatemalan law dictates that political parties cannot be suspended during an election. However, the current government has launched investigations and other ways to complicate things for Arevalo and his party.

In response to this possible interference, several civic groups have marched against the government and demanded to end the harassment. Many of the protesters accused President Alejandro Giammattei of being the one orchestrating the interference and harassment as Arevalo would possibly investigate the corruption allegations against him.

The Guatemala Police Raid Bernardo Arevalo's Party Office

The raid on the Semila party's offices happened last Friday in Guatemala City. Authorities say that they are looking into the alleged wrongdoing in the party's formation, so they raided its offices.

READ MORE: Guatemala Elections: Observers Say Political Parties and Justice System Interfered

Members of the party, as well as the Guatemala Attorney General's Office, confirmed the raid and stated that the police were looking for documents to back claims that the party falsified its member number in order to be recognized as a legitimate political party.

Following the raid, Arevalo released a statement denouncing the search, saying that it was illegal and said it "is part of the political persecution that the corrupt minority that knows it is losing power day by day is carrying out to try to intimidate us, to try to derail the electoral process ... to try to topple democracy."

Guatemala Bishops Demand Elections Happen as Scheduled

The US, EU, other Latin American countries, and independent NGOs have raised concerns regarding the election interference happening in Guatemala. It seems that the Roman Catholic Church has joined in on that as well.

According to the National Catholic Reporter, Guatemala's bishops have demanded that the runoff elections happen as originally scheduled. The country's Guatemalan Bishops' Conference said in a statement that the results of the June 25 election must be respected and that the runoffs on August 20 between Arevalo and Torres to not be delayed.

"We support the confidence that Guatemala continues to have in the possibility of purifying and strengthening the democratic system and we invite everyone to remain firm in prayer and common solidarity," the bishops' statement read.

READ MORE: Guatemala Elections: Former First Lady Sandra Torres Vs. Center-Leftist Bernardo Arevalo

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Chaos continues in Guatemala elections - Associated Press
The incident involving an Ohio K-9 officer allowed his police dog to attack a truck driver who was surrendering with his hands raised is currently under investigation by multiple Ohio agencies, according to Boston.

The incident occurred during a lengthy pursuit on July 4, where State Highway Patrol troopers attempted to stop a commercial semi-truck on state highway 35 due to a missing mudflap and a failure to comply with an inspection.

The Circleville Police Department was called to help during the pursuit, and they deployed a K9 police dog.

The truck driver, Jadarrius Rose, a 23-year-old Black man from Memphis, Tennessee, initially refused to exit the truck and later ignored instructions to lie on the ground, as stated in the Highway Patrol incident report and the body camera footage.

The suspect continued evading the marked patrol units with lights and sirens activated, per the incident report. Eventually, Rose complied and got on his knees, raising his hands in surrender.

READ NEXT: Remains of Ohio Escaped Inmate Found

K-9 Officer Put on Administrative Leave Following the Police Dog Attack

The Ohio K-9 officer involved, Ryan Speakman, has been placed on administrative leave following the incident where a police dog was captured on body-camera footage mauling the truck driver, Jadarrius Rose, per ABC News.

Circleville Mayor Donald McIlroy confirmed that the city's five-member Use of Force Review Board is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident on a highway outside Columbus.

The mayor expressed his regret about the unfortunate situation. He assured that they are working diligently to resolve the matter quickly.

He revealed that he had already viewed parts of the body-camera footage released by the Ohio State Highway Police, capturing the police dog's actions during the arrest.

The Use of Force Review Board will thoroughly examine the incident, and its findings will be crucial in determining the appropriate actions.

Specific details from the investigation are yet to be released to the media.

Mayor McIlroy stated that decisions regarding releasing the board's report will be made after they have completed their examination.

Since at least Thursday, the Ohio K-9 officer has been on paid administrative leave. However, the exact date when his leave started was not disclosed.

Meanwhile, the police dog involved in the incident has been placed in a kennel while the investigation unfolds.

Ohio K-9 Officer Releases Police Dog Despite Instructions from State Trooper Not To

The bodycam and dashcam footage of the incident provides a detailed account of a prolonged chase that culminated in the truck being surrounded by a group of police officers and vehicles, BBC noted.

Upon stopping the vehicle, one police officer can be heard instructing Rose to get on the ground or risk being bitten by a police dog.

However, another officer believed to be an Ohio state trooper, can be heard repeatedly relaying instructions not to release the police dog while the truck driver has his hands up in the air.

Despite complying with the officers' instructions and raising his hands, the police dog, a German Shepherd, was released and subsequently pulled Rose to the ground in a grassy area near the road.

During a 911 call made by Rose while the chase was ongoing, he expressed fear that the officers were trying to harm him and didn't understand why their guns were drawn.

The dispatcher urged him to stop during the call, but Rose said he did not feel safe doing so.

Following the incident, Rose received on-site treatment before being taken into custody and charged with failure to comply. However, he has since been released.

READ MORE: Florida Mom Arrested

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Ohio Officer Lets K-9 Maul Suspect Despite Trooper's Orders Not To Release The Dog - From PoliceActivity
Press Release

July 24, 2023 STATEMENT OF SENATOR JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA ON PRESIDENT MARCOS' 2ND STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS Optimistic and resolute is how I would describe the President's State of the Nation Address. As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Labor and Employment, I am pleased to learn about the emphasis placed on further improving employment opportunities for our kababayans and creating a better working environment for our OFWs. Bolstering employment opportunities is essential for driving economic growth and reducing poverty in the country. By investing in infrastructure and fostering a business-friendly environment, this will undoubtedly contribute to job generation and an improved quality of life for all of us. Hearing him outline plans to establish inclusive social services that cater to the diverse needs of Filipinos and prioritize healthcare, education, and social welfare shows his deep understanding of the challenges faced by our vulnerable communities and marginalized individuals. Hindi man nabanggit ang mga issue na may kinalaman sa West Philippine Sea, malinaw na nakatuon ang kasalukuyang administrasyon sa pakikibahagi sa dialogo at peaceful resolution sa mga haharapin nating hamon sa seguridad ng bansa. Such efforts will not only enhance regional cooperation but also provide hope for a more harmonious and secure future for our citizens and neighboring countries. I am pleased to hear that some of the legislative agendas of the President align with those I am currently pursuing in the Senate, such as matters involving internet connectivity, digitalized government services, and many others. Recently, I filed Senate Bill 2342, a measure instituting a nursing scholarship and return service program for deserving Filipino nursing students. The condition is that they will render a three-year mandatory return service and integration into the public health service system, in addition to their mandatory internship program through the Department of Health (DOH). This initiative will complement the administration's plans and programs in addressing the shortage of nurses caused by migration, which hinders the delivery of an effective healthcare system in the country.
The man fatally shot by Allentown police Monday morning died from multiple gunshot wounds, and his death was ruled a homicide by the Lehigh County coroner.

Dominick Hogans, 27, of Allentown, was pronounced dead at 4:30 a.m. Monday in the emergency department at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio previously said.

Following an autopsy Tuesday, the coroner said Hogans cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds and ruled his death a homicide.

Homicide by definition is the killing of one person by another, Buglio said in a release. Although I am ruling the manner of death a homicide, it is up to the Lehigh County District Attorneys Office to determine if a crime was committed.

The death is being investigated by the the coroners office, Lehigh County Homicide Task Force and the Allentown police, with assistance from the Lehigh County District Attorneys Office.

The shooting happened about 3:40 a.m. Monday in the 600 block of Turner Street, Buglio said.

Police said they were called for a man waving a firearm near Sixth and Turner streets, and a man later identified as Hogans was seen running when officers arrived.

Patrol officers gave chase. Hogans pulled out a gun and fired at the officers, the department said in a news release.

Allentown police fired at the man, wounding him in the 600 block of West Turner Street in front of homes across from the parking deck, police said. Officers provided first aid at the scene and the man was taken by Allentown EMS to a local hospital, where police say he died.

Hogans killing marks the 13 homicide, and the second fatal police-involved shooting so far this year in Allentown.

In February, an Allentown police officer shot and killed 20-year-old Xavier I. Arnold, 20, of Coplay, during an exchange of gunfire in the 700 block of West Linden Street.

District Attorney Jim Martin ruled in March that Officer Zane Struss was justified in fatally shooting Arnold.

Arnold did not follow repeated verbal commands to drop his gun, the prosecutor sad. As Arnold faced Struss, he raised his gun and pointed it at Struss, and Struss pointed his gun at Arnold and they fired at each other, investigators said.

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UPDATE: On July 24 Zucksville Road, between Bushkill Drive and Maple Avenue in Forks Township reopened.

More than a week after flash floods sent rivers of water, dirt and rocks over and under roads around Northampton County, PennDOT on Monday reopened one of the more severely damage streets.

Lower South Main Street in Washington Township and Bangor borough reopened following the July 16 flooding.

Riverside Drive, between Jefferson Avenue and East Redington Road in Lower Saucon Township, remains closed. Officials previously said a retaining wall along Riverside Drive was damaged in addition to necessary road repairs.

While Pennsylvania Department of Transportation officials said state bridges showed no damage, Northampton County-owned bridges alone saw an estimated $400,000 in damages.

More than 100 households across 10 municipalities have reported flood damage to the county  in Bangor Borough, Bushkill Township, Forks Township, Lower Mount Bethel Township, Nazareth Borough, Plainfield Township, Portland Borough, Stockertown Borough, Upper Mount Bethel Township and Washington Township.

On Monday, Congresswoman Susan Wild and Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure spoke with officials and affected residents in Lower Mount Bethel and Forks townships.

The county is collecting damage reports to send to state and federal emergency management officials, in the hopes of gaining disaster declarations and connected funding to help communities recover.

MORE: Flood ripped through Pburgs storm drains. Planned repairs will now cost town millions more.

Damage questionnaires can be filled out on the Northampton County Emergency Management Services website here.

Municipalities need to supply damage estimates by 11 a.m. Friday to be included in reporting to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

As we continue damage assessment and begin the process of rebuilding, I will do all I can to deliver federal assistance and will stay in close contact with municipal and county leaders about their communities needs, Wild said in a news release. I want to wish a special thank you to the emergency management personnel and first responders working around the clock to keep us safe during and in the aftermath of the flooding.

14 1 / 14 Bangor residents struggle with damage from July flash flooding

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Fire crews this weekend had the delicate task of rescuing a man stranded on the steep terrain at Bushkill Falls in the Poconos.

The man was reportedly hanging onto a tree when the Bushkill Volunteer Fire Company was called a little after noon on Sunday.

Crews from Bushkill, Shawnee, Marshalls Creek, Milford and Stroudsburg fire companies worked on the technical rescue to reach the man and get him out.

The 300-acre park, known as the Niagara of Pennsylvania, is a series of eight waterfalls visitors can see via hiking trails, bridges and walkways.

The overall drop from the first falls to the bottom of the gorge is about 300 feet, and Bushkill fire officials said crews had to rappel down approximately 250 feet to reach the man.

Rescuers reached the man by about 2:30 p.m. and he was turned over to EMS a half-hour later, officials said.

Sundays successful rescue is the seventh environmental rescue Bushkill fire company has responded to at the falls this year.

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A Blairstown woman is accused of stealing from Warren County mailboxes, and police are looking for more possible victims.

Blairstown police on Monday said a three-month investigation into check fraud led them to the suspect.

Investigators alleged the checks, valued between $77 and $1,678, were taken from mailboxes and the Pay To entry changed to the womans name.

She deposited multiple altered checks into her personal bank account, police said.

Police said the woman also stole credit cards and was caught on surveillance video withdrawing $400 with one of the cards at an ATM.

The woman is facing 32 counts of third- and fourth-degree offenses, prosecutors said.

Anyone who believes they were also victimized may contact the Warren County Prosecutors Offices major crimes unit at 908-475-6275.

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NOTE: This article was written by ChatGPT - an artificial intelligence chatbot.

Here is an example of a piece of content powered by AI.

It was asked: Should refugees in Ireland go home?

We'd be interested to hear your views.

As an AI language model, I don't have personal opinions or beliefs, but I can provide information on the topic.

Deciding whether refugees in any country should go home is a complex and sensitive issue.

The status of refugees is typically granted to individuals who have fled their home countries due to persecution, conflict, or other life-threatening situations. It's essential to consider the following factors:

Asylum and Protection: Refugees seek asylum in foreign countries to find safety and protection from violence or persecution in their home countries. Sending them back could put their lives at risk.

International Obligations: Countries often have international obligations under conventions like the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, which govern the treatment of refugees. These agreements emphasize protecting refugees and not forcing them to return to dangerous situations.

Integration and Contributions: Many refugees become integrated members of their host communities, contributing to society through work, education, and cultural enrichment. They often develop strong ties to their new homes.

Voluntary Return: Some refugees may choose to return to their home countries voluntarily once conditions improve. Facilitating voluntary repatriation with adequate support is an option in such cases.

Complexity of Situations: The circumstances that lead people to seek refugee status can be multifaceted and long-lasting. Conflicts and crises may persist for years, making it difficult to determine when it is safe for refugees to return.

Case-by-Case Approach: Decisions regarding refugee repatriation should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the specific circumstances of each individual or family.

It's essential to approach this issue with empathy, compassion, and a focus on human rights.

Governments and international organizations work together to find the best solutions for refugees, often in coordination with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Ultimately, the safety and well-being of refugees should be a priority when discussing their status and potential return to their home countries.
A huge crowd has gathered in an Irish town for the funeral of a man and his young son who died while on holiday in Turkey.

Eoin Fitzpatrick, 35, and his 10-year-old son Dylan, from Portlaoise in Co Laois, died in a crash last Monday while on holiday in Alanya.

Hundreds of mourners gathered at St Peter and Pauls Church on Tuesday for the funeral of devoted father Eoin and treasured student Dylan.

Members from the Portlaoise GAA community formed a guard of honour and Dylans classmates held flowers outside the church as the two coffins were carried in.

Family members described Eoin as a gifted sportsman who wore the town and county GAA colours with pride, and who was the master of one-liners.

Dylan loved to let his imagination run wild and was a sweet child who was one of a kind, mourners were told.

The parish priest said the tragedy has left their families heartbroken and bewildered, and the whole community in shock and united in sympathy.

He expressed his condolences to Mr Fitzpatrick's other son, Dylans older brother Cian, who had been on holiday with them in Turkey, and said Dylans mother Claire was heartbroken by the loss.

Claire described her beautiful son Dylan as special and witty, and said he loved the simple things in life.

As my family would say, it was Dylans world and we were all just living in it, she told the congregation.

He loved to dance, he loved to colour, he loved to read, he loved to swim.

He loved trains, his favourite movies were Matilda and Paddington 2.

He always held my hand and I will forever hold him in my heart.

His best friend was his daddy, whom he loved so dearly because he was, and always will be, the most amazing father to him and Cian. I hope theyre holding each other so tight wherever they are.

Ill end this with saying something that Dylan and I would always say to each other: I love you, I love you more, I love you most.

Mr Fitzpatrick's sisters Ciara, Maryse and Aideen, and his friend David, also addressed the congregation.

Ciara said her nephew Dylan loved both structure, order, routine, such as dependable, reliable trains, and free-spirited, untethered, fantastic art.

Dylan wasnt a carbon copy of his dad. He didnt like sports, certainly not team sports.

He had a special gift, Eoin saw that, he celebrated it, he nurtured it, and that is why they had such a unique bond. It was beautiful.

She described her brother as an extraordinary man, a devoted father, and an exceptional friend, who was the king of sarcasm and a joy to be around.

Maryse said the loss of these two beautiful boys was shattering for the family.

We grieve for them, but what is grief if not love persevering? she said.

We grieve because we love them.

Our hearts ache because we miss their smiles, we miss their laughter, quick wit and good humour. We miss the joy they brought into our life.

But that joy will remain because, while its coloured in sadness, the light Eoin and Dylan brought into the world is undimmed by their absence from it.

We will carry them with us in our thoughts, in our hearts and in our lives.

Bishop Denis Nulty expressed sympathy to Cian and Claire, Mr Fitzpatrick's parents, and Dylans grandparents, Rita and Frank Fitzpatrick, Dylans maternal grandparents, Liz and Andy Dowling, and Mr Fitzgeralds partner Suzie and her family.

Items taken up to the altar to represent Dylans life included a model train, a book and a painting, as art was described as the gateway into his imagination and how he saw the world.

Items taken up to represent Mr Fitzpatrick included a hurl, as he was a skilled and gifted player, and a Manchester United jersey.

The priest said the huge congregation, spilling out over the grounds of the church to attend the service, showed locals desire to embrace and support the family whose hearts had been truly broken by the loss, and also showed the popularity of both father and son.

The boys are deeply mourned by their utterly heartbroken families, he said.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said Transport Minister Eamon Ryans major review of rail infrastructure makes the case for further investment in roads.

The divergence between the two party leaders on infrastructure investment follows the publication of the All-Island Rail Review on Tuesday.

The 25-year plan called for new lines, electric trains and faster services to connect major cities north and south of the border.

After bringing the report to Cabinet, Minister for Transport and the Environment Mr Ryan told reporters it represented a new age of rail.

This country, back in the 1920s, had probably the most dense rail network in the world. Were going to add to whats existing and bring back high-speed rail, frequent rail, rail freight, better balanced regional development.

If all 30 recommendations were implemented in the coming years, it would cost an estimated 36.8 billion euros, with 27.6 billion euros to be provided by the Irish Government.

The Green Party leader said: Its not cheap, but at the same time not doing it would be incredibly expensive. Our country would be gridlocked, our emissions would be rising  this gives us a better alternative, a transport system that works for everyone.

However, Fine Gael leader Mr Varadkar said he believed the report made the case for further investment in road networks as there would only be small increases in rail usage under the plan.

The review says that investment could boost the total number of passengers travelling by train from 3% to 6%, and freight transported by rail would increase by 1% to 10%.

The Taoiseach said this finding proved that more investment in roads would be needed to meet demand from an increasing population and expanding economy.

He said: Even if we do everything that they say we could do by 2050, the amount of freight going by rail will go from 1% to 10%.

So still 90% of freight will go by road and the percentage of people who get around by train  commuters, passengers  will go from 3% to 6%.

So, this still means 94% of people travelling by road or by footpath, even if we did all of these things that are in that plan between now and 2050.

The Taoiseach said: That makes the case, to me, for more road investment.

He said the railway plan was really ambitious, but added: There are limitations in a country of this size.

Asked about these comments on Tuesday, Mr Ryan said the 10% figure for rail freight was a starter target, and that he absolutely sees the demand being above that figure.

He said: Im absolutely confident when we provide the service, the business community, which know they have to decarbonise, will roll in behind that.

The same with public transport numbers, every single occasion where weve provided new public transport services, the public flock to it  so dont see that as a limit on ambition. Thats actually the bare minimum of what we need to do.

Mr Ryan added: I believe when we create a freight option in Dublin Port, a real one, and in Rosslare, and in Cork and Waterford and in Limerick, we will see that switch to freight way beyond 10%. That was set as an indicator of the medium-lower average is in the European Union  were currently at 1%.

He acknowledged that the All-Island Rail Review was ambitious, but said that we wont stop there.

Mr Ryan added: I dont believe that will be the limit of our ambition, and I believe in a world that is changing the way this world is changing, because of climate change, no-one can set a restriction in terms of how were going to go.

We know we have to decarbonise and I believe itll be easier in particular in the haulage sector to do that via rail freight, rather than any other method. So I expect us to blow through that sort of ambition to go far (further).

He said in addition to that, Ireland had an obligation to boost its rail network in order to reduce its emissions.

While Irelands greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 1.9% in 2022 overall, missing its target of 6/7%, emissions in the transport sector of the Irish economy increased by 6%.

We need to lower our emissions for transport, they went up last year, they have to start coming down radically, Mr Ryan said on Tuesday.

Those indicative figures, 10% of rail freight, was just set out as a starter as to what we could achieve.

We have to make sure that in every area, were investing for the future. By the time this investment is rolled out by 2050, were going to be in a world that is changing.

Thats going to require every country to play its part in stopping the burning of this planet. And that inspires the vision. Its one of future sustainability where were actually green in everything were doing.
A number of people accused of being involved in a 'straightener' event were sent forward for trial at Naas District Court on Thursday, July 20.

Back in April, Judge Desmond Zaidan was told that the alleged event, which gardai claimed was the result of a family feud, took place on a road located in The Curragh on February 8, 2021.

Gardai said that the feud allegedly involved the following suspects: Wesley Ward, 18, John Ward (Senior), 49, John Ward (Junior), 27, and Michael Devereaux, 29, who are all residing at 9 Rosconnell Avenue in Newbridge.

The other alleged parties involved include James Ward, 44, and his son Martin Ward, 21, both of whom reside at 13 Beechmount in Newbridge.

When Judge Zaidan asked what the motive behind the suspected feud was, gardai alleged that both parties alleged that there were accusations of bullying; specifically, between the two youngest sons of both parties.

The suspects were accused of using weapons such as swords and pick-axe handles during the course of the fight, although no serious injuries were recorded as a result of the alleged fight.

Solicitor David Gibbons, who represents both Martin and James Ward, told a court session last month 'that there is now peace' between the parties involved, but the State is still proceeding with the charges.

After books of evidence were served on the defendants, the presiding judge, Deirdre Gearty, sent the men forward for trial at the next sittings of Naas Circuit Criminal Court, which will commence on October 3.

Bail variations were also made for three of the defendants, which resulted in relaxed curfews.
The UK and EU deal to reduce red tape on post-Brexit trade has improved the contentious Northern Ireland Protocol but problems remain, peers have concluded.

The House of Lords committee on the protocol has published a report on the economic, political, legal and constitutional impact of the Windsor Framework deal struck by London and Brussels earlier this year.

The framework sought to cut the bureaucracy on trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland created by the protocol.

It sought to achieve this by the creation of red and green lanes that differentiated between goods whose end destination was Northern Ireland and those due for onward transport into the EU single market over the Irish border.

It also created a mechanism whereby a minority of Stormont MLAs could flag concerns about the implementation of new EU laws in Northern Ireland  a move that could lead to the UK government vetoing their introduction.

The DUP has been blocking devolution at Stormont for over a year in protest at the internal UK trade barriers created by the protocol.

The party says the Windsor Framework does not go far enough to address its concerns and has made clear it will not countenance a return to devolution until the Government provides further assurances, by way of legislation, over Northern Irelands place within the UK internal market.

The Lords report was informed by evidence from the UK government, EU Commission, business representatives, trade bodies, academic, legal and trade experts as well as community organisation representatives.

It found the frameworks benefits included the eased movement of retail goods; agri-food produce, including chilled meats; parcels; pets; and human medicines via the green lane.

However, peers cautioned that for some businesses the processes under the framework will be more burdensome than under the protocol as it is currently being implemented.

That is because the protocol, as it stands, is being operated with several grace periods and exemptions.

The committee called on the Government to answer outstanding concerns highlighted by business and retailers, including around the movement of livestock from Northern Ireland to Great Britain and back.

Peers also urged ministers to provide urgently further clarity on the frameworks labelling requirements on businesses and to set out how it will support businesses in adapting to these changes.

Peers said there was significant concern over a lack of clarity about the frameworks operation ahead of tight deadlines for implementation.

Pointing to multiple documents and legal texts that form part of the framework, the committee members said there was confusion arising from the difference in emphasis between the UK and EU in their descriptions of some of the provisions.

They urged London and Brussels to explain clearly to stakeholders what the provisions mean in practice and to publish a comprehensive summary.

The committee said the issue of regulatory divergence remains the number one concern of business representatives.

Peers said there was an underlying fear that Northern Ireland will find itself in a no-mans land between Great Britain and the EU, a scenario that would place the competitiveness of Northern Ireland firms and their complex supply chains in jeopardy.

The peers expressed concern that a permanent solution to the movement of veterinary medicines from Great Britain to NI had not been achieved. Those medicines continue to flow into Northern Ireland from Great Britain due to a grace period that is set to run out at the end of 2025.

The committee noted the warnings it had received from industry representatives that, without a permanent solution, the supply of more than 50 per cent of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland may be discontinued, posing a risk both to animal and human health, and to agri-food supply chains.

On human medicines, which are included in the framework, the committee urged the Government to respond to the calls from industry representatives for clarity over labelling requirements, safety features, the supply of medical devices and concerns that Northern Ireland may get slower access to cutting-edge products than Ireland.

Lord Jay of Ewelme, who chairs the committee, said the framework was a distinct improvement on the original protocol.

But it does not solve all the problems which the Protocol raises, he added.

The benefits to business include easier movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland through the green lane.

For some businesses, however, processes will be more burdensome under the Windsor Framework than under the Protocol as it operates now.

And where there is uncertainty, the red lane, with its more complex procedures, may have to be used.

Though the Windsor Framework is a clear improvement over the original protocol, it is highly complex.

Businesses need clarity. The Government and the European Union both need urgently to explain what the Windsor Framework means in practice for businesses.

The Government and the European Union need to remain closely in touch with each other.

But they must also ensure that Northern Ireland stakeholders are closely engaged throughout.

Trade representative body Retail NI welcomed the report.

Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts, who gave evidence to the committee in May, said: This report sets out a fair estimation of the challenges which will be faced by the local business community with the implementation of the Windsor accord.

We agree with its main recommendation that it is an improvement on the NI Protocol.

It also rightly highlights issues around labelling requirements that impact on our members. Retail NI is disappointed at the lack of effective engagement on the labelling issue with only a few months to go before the new system is introduced.

We need to ensure this new scheme works for independent retailers and large supermarkets alike.

On the implementation of the Windsor accord, we need to see a more structured engagement with our local business sector, the EU and UK Government to address the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Ireland will not meet carbon budget targets for 2025 and 2030 unless urgent action is taken immediately to reduce emissions more rapidly, according to a climate watchdog.

The independent Climate Change Advisory Council said the first task is to reduce and ultimately prevent emissions of greenhouse gases.

In the councils annual review, published on Tuesday, it said motor tax should be redesigned to increase year-on-year to promote energy efficient vehicles.

It also recommended that large energy users like data centres should be obliged to supply excess heat to local communities to support district heating schemes.

The council said the upcoming budget should set a target of all social housing being upgraded to an energy rating of B2  or be connected to a district heating network  by 2030.

The report comes after a concerning series of unprecedented climate events in the spring and summer.

Multiple global and local records were broken including the warmest daily temperature ever recorded on July 7, after the warmest June on record.

Average sea surface temperatures reached unprecedented levels for June.

The council said temperatures will continue to increase until significant action is taken.

This will lead to more extreme weather events in Ireland such as heatwaves, droughts, storms and flooding, it said.

The council also called on the Government to address uncertainty on how emissions will be reduced.

It said: Key actions need to be implemented now to prevent longer-term damage and increased costs to society and the economy.

It added that rapid and far-reaching transitions across all sectors and throughout society are necessary to achieve deep and continuous emissions reductions and to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all.

Council chairwoman Marie Donnelly said: We must address the gap between climate action and ambition now and start to see emissions fall consistently.

The council also recommended the establishment of a Just Transition Commission to ensure Ireland meets climate objectives in a fair and equitable way that also protects vulnerable people and communities.

Ms Donnelly said: Feasible, effective and low-cost options for mitigation and adaptation are already available including the rollout of district heating, onshore wind development and community-based restoration of coastal environments, and they must be implemented now.

Strong leadership from Government is required to make the difficult decisions that are needed to deliver systemic change throughout our economy and society.

Key to this is effective and consistent engagement with communities, ensuring a fair and equitable transition, while building and maintaining public support and action. We all have a role to play.
The first All-Island Strategic Rail Review recommends electrification, new and enhanced routes, greater regional balance and improved speeds and frequency.

If all the recommendations in this Review were delivered:

The rail network would be decarbonised

700,000 more people would live within 5km of a railway station

Rail journey times between some major cities could be halved

Services on busiest intercity routes could run every 30 minutes in some cases

Rail passenger numbers could double

90% of aviation passengers could travel to the airport by rail

Two thirds of freight tonnage would pass through ports served by rail

The islands economy could be boosted by 20 billion

The Department of Transport (Ireland) and the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland) today published a joint draft report of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review (AISRR) putting communities across the island on track for a new age of rail.

It is the first All-Island Rail Review, setting out 30 recommendations for developing a rail network that would significantly benefit commuters, communities, businesses, the environment and economies, both north and south.

If the recommendations are implemented in full it could transform the rail system in the coming decades with electrification, faster speeds and greatly improved frequency, opening a number of new routes particularly across the West and North of the island, and widening accessibility and connectivity across the island.

The Review was launched in April 2021 by Eamon Ryan, Minister for Transport Ireland, and Nichola Mallon, then Minister at the Department for Infrastructure, Northern Ireland. It is now being published alongside the associated Strategic Environmental Assessment for consultation and is expected to be finalised by the end of this year.

Today, the island of Ireland has about 2,300 km (1,440 miles) of public rail lines. If the recommendations in this new rail review are implemented this would increase to 2,950 km (1,845 miles) of new low-carbon, faster rail lines.

Investment in rail between 2011 and 2019 contributed to a 37% growth in passengers across the whole island.

While Covid interrupted this growth, passenger numbers are returning strongly in both jurisdictions, giving an indication of the potential for a new and greatly enhanced rail network.

The draft review was commissioned and overseen by both departments and carried out by engineering firm Arup. Recommendations, based around six goals, are to be delivered over the coming 25 years, aligning with net-zero commitments in both jurisdictions.

Among the key recommendations are:

Decarbonisation

Decarbonise the rail network, including an electrified intercity network as well as hybrid, hydrogen and electric rolling stock.

Intercity Speed and Frequency

Upgrade the core intercity railway network (Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford) to top speeds of 200km/h ensuring that train journeys are faster than the car.

Upgrade the cross-country rail network to a dual-track railway (and four-track in places) and increase intercity service frequencies to hourly between the main city pairs.

New Regional Connections

Increase regional and rural lines speeds to at least 120 km/h.

Reinstate the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris and Athenry.

Extend the railway into Tyrone (from Portadown to Dungannon, Omagh, Strabane) Derry, and onto Donegal (Letterkenny)

Reinstate the South Wexford Railway, connecting to Waterford

Develop the railway to boost connectivity in the North Midlands, from Mullingar to Cavan, Monaghan, Armagh and Portadown

Sustainable Cities

Connect Dublin, Belfast International and Shannon Airport to the railway and improve existing rail-airport connections.

Segregate long-distance and fast services from stopping services, ensuring quicker times on city approaches

Transforming Freight

Strengthen rail connectivity to the islands busiest ports and reduce Track Access Charges for freight.

Develop first-mile-last-mile rail access for Dublin Port

Prioritising Customers

Improve service quality, provide on-board catering, clock-face timetable, better integration with other transport options, and cross-border structures to streamline travel north and south.

If the reviews recommendations are implemented in full across the coming decades, the capital cost is estimated to be 36.8bn/30.7bn in 2023 prices.

Of this, the estimated capital cost that would apply to Ireland would total approximately 27.6bn/23.0bn. If this investment was split evenly across 25 years in 2023 prices, then it would amount to annual capital investment in the rail system of 1.00bn/0.92bn per annum over and above existing plans. This is roughly equivalent to peak annual investment in the motorway network in the late 2000s.

Similarly, for Northern Ireland the total capital cost estimate in 2023 prices is 9.2bn/7.7bn, which is approximately 0.37bn/0.31bn per annum over a 25-year period.

The Reviews recommendations provide policy makers and Ministers in both jurisdictions with an evidence-based framework to inform future investment decisions. More detailed work will be needed to test the feasibility and affordability of many of the recommendations to inform decision making.

All material associated with the SEA consultation process can be accessed via the Department of Transports website and the Department of Infrastructures website.

Interested parties can make submissions by email to strategicrailreview@arup. com by 11:59pm on Friday 29 September 2023.

Following the consultation period, the Minister for Transport and Government in Ireland as well as Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, will be asked to approve the final Review incorporating any changes as a result of the SEA consultation process.

It is anticipated, subject to those approvals, that the final Review will be published around the end of the year. Should there continue to be an absence of Ministers in the NI Executive, approval will be considered taking into account the relevant legislation in place at the time.
Senator, Eugene Murphy has welcomed an announcement from his party colleague and Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, detailing the access criteria and the fertility services that will be publicly funded from September.

Eligible patients will be entitled to one full cycle of IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection) treatment, initially provided in HSE-approved private clinics of their choice ahead of the opening next year of the first public National Advanced AHR (Assisted Human Reproduction) Centre.

To be eligible for publicly funded treatment, couples must be resident in Ireland and referred to a Regional Fertility Hub through their GP. They must be in a relationship for at least one year, have no children from this relationship. Patients with known clinical causes of infertility and patients where there is no known clinical cause will be eligible for treatment. Women up to the age of 40 and men up to the age of 59 will be considered eligible.

Senator Murphy said, "A publicly funded model of care for fertility treatment is soon to become a reality for the thousands of couples experiencing infertility.

"In Ireland, as many as one in six couples will experience fertility issues affecting both men and women equally and I warmly welcome news today, that from September, Assisted Human Reproduction treatment will be publicly funded for the first time in the State.

He said people who are desperate to have a child are the most vulnerable and hugely open to exploitation.

"are facing mental, physical and relationship challenges and on top of it all, huge financial barriers. It has been a key priority of mine and my colleagues to address this issue and I'm delighted that Minister Donnelly has committed to doing so.

"It represents a transformative step toward reproductive equality where the dream of parenthood becomes a reality for every aspiring parent, irrespective of their financial status.

"I understand that work is continuing on the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill which will allow Government to improve accessibility to AHR treatments, while at the same time embedding safe and appropriate clinical practice and ensuring the cost-effective use of public resources.

"I look forward this Bill progressing and ultimately seeing AHR services being expanded to wider categories so that we can help more people to fulfil their wish of starting a family."
France's President Emmanuel Macron speaks in Noumea, New Caledonia, on July 24, 2023. LUDOVIC MARIN / AFP

President Emmanuel Macron urged his "compatriots" in New Caledonia to forge a common future during a visit, more than a year after the overseas territory's disputed vote to remain part of France. "It is not a full stop, it is a semi-colon," Macron said Tuesday, July 26, referring to a string of three referendums over the past five years, all of which rejected independence from France.

Macron faces a significant challenge charting an acceptable path for both French loyalists and the pro-independence, indigenous Kanaks who widely boycotted the December 2021 referendum and rejected its result. He held out the prospect of a "slow, humble, demanding" process to build a "shared history" for New Caledonia through a process of "truth and reconciliation".

"The choice that was expressed was to stay in France and the Republic," he stressed in separate remarks to French television, during his first visit to New Caledonia in five years. "I am with our compatriots during these days to define together the basis for this new path, of this new project for the future of New Caledonia  respectful of its identity, of its history but in the light of the choice that has been made."

Pro-independence campaigners had boycotted the third independence referendum arguing a fair campaign was impossible during the Covid-19 pandemic. The vote outcome has fed ethnic tensions, with the poorer indigenous Kanak community generally favoring independence over the wealthier white community.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Macron visits New Caledonia to push agreement on territory's future

Macron, who attended a French military display in the capital Noumea, is also seeking to reassert his country's importance in the Pacific region, where China and the United States are vying for influence but where France has territories such as New Caledonia and French Polynesia.

He has had to reassemble a French strategy in the region since Australia in 2021 tore up a deal for France to provide build a fleet of diesel-powered submarines, opting instead for US and British-built nuclear-powered vessels.

France has nearly 1.5 million citizens in the Asia-Pacific through its various territories, as well as several thousand troops including 1,600 in New Caledonia, Macron said, describing a region in "tension" as China and the United States expand their footprints

After his first stop in New Caledonia, Macron is to make the first visits by a sitting French president to Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, where he is expected to lay out a "French alternative" for the region.
Israeli security forces near the West Bank city of Nablus, on July 25, 2023. JAAFAR ASHTIYEH / AFP

Israeli troops killed three Palestinians in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, July 25, the Palestinian health ministry said, the latest deaths in a surge of violence in the territory since early last year. "Three Palestinians have been killed by Israeli bullets in Nablus," the ministry said, adding the identities of those killed in the northern West Bank city were still unknown.

The Israeli army said three "armed terrorists" had opened fire on its soldiers from a vehicle in a Nablus neighborhood, and the troops fired back "to neutralize" them. The soldiers recovered three M-16 rifles, a gun, cartridges, and other military equipment, the army said in a statement.

The Palestinian president's spokesman, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, said Tuesday's killing of the three Palestinians amounted to a "war crime." "Israeli crimes will not bring our people to their knees and will not bring security and stability to anyone," he said.

Israel has occupied the West Bank since the Six-Day War of 1967. Since early last year, the territory has seen a string of attacks by Palestinians on Israeli targets and violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities.

This year, violence linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has killed at least 201 Palestinians, 27 Israelis, one Ukrainian, and one Italian, according to a tally compiled from official sources on both sides by Agence France-Presse.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Jenin refugee camp left devastated by Israeli army: 'It's an unequal struggle'

They include, on the Palestinian side, combatants as well civilians and, on the Israeli side, three members of the Arab minority. Excluding Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, the West Bank is home to nearly 3 million Palestinians and around 490,000 Israelis who live in settlements considered illegal under international law.
ABSEILING down the side of a historical local landmark is what members of one courageous organisation are planning to do for charity.

Down Syndrome Limerick has announced it will host an abseil fundraiser at King John's Castle on Thursday, August 10.

Proceeds from next months event will go toward the Down Syndrome organisation, which delivers support services for children and adults with the chromosomal syndrome.

Ellen Tuffy, Chairperson of Down Syndrome Limerick, says two fundraising events will come together on the day. We did an abseil event two years ago in Thomond Park, and everybody really loved the adrenaline rush.

This year, the Tour de Munster, an annual charity cycle in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland that travels through the six counties in Munster, is coming to Limerick on August 10, too.

We meet and greet them in King Johns Castle and so, we said we would do the abseil on the same day to create a bit more of a festival vibe!

The entry fee covers the cost of participation, and Down Syndrome Limerick is asking each participant to raise 250 - all of which goes entirely to the charity.

Parents and committee members will be taking part in the abseil, but members of the public too are welcome, Ellen said.

The legendary cyclist John Kelly is leading the Tour de Munster cycle!

Down Syndrome Ireland started supporting families in 1971.

It is the local branch of Down Syndrome Ireland and has been operating from its current location in Castletroy since 2008.
A HURLING fan who was injured after trying to put up a Limerick flag was beaming after receiving a special visit in the hospital this morning.

Captain Cian Lynch, Barry Nash, Tom Morrissey and manager John Kiely stopped by Michael ODonogue's hospital room who fell off a ladder after putting up a Limerick flag at home before the All-Ireland semi-final.

Surrounded by family, the Corbally man also watched the historic win from his hospital bed, as he suffered from serious injuries after the fall.

Michaels daughter, Jennifer ODonoghue, said: We watched the match in the hospital with dad and my nephew Shane.

He couldnt believe it, you can tell by his face. Its great for him, he deserves it. Hes on the mend, but hes got a long road for recovery. Hes in serious damage, hes very lucky. Hes emotional because he wasnt there, but were gonna head for the five-in-a-row so hell be there next year, she added.

Speaking of the match, she said: It was unbelievable. The second half was amazing.

She noted Its great for everyone and the city. The flags are all over the room here, and pictures too, the whole lot.

As word got around UHL, Michael also had received a lovely visit from star Limerick forward and radiographer at the hospital, Seamus Flanagan, ahead of the semi-final against Galway.

When Limerick defeated Waterford in 2021 for the All-Ireland semi-final, a misadventure might have saved Michaels life.

When Limerick played Waterford in the semi-final, my dad got a bad turn in Croke park and ended up in the medics room. After that he got himself checked out and little did we know he actually had to get stints put in so not only did Limerick win the All-Ireland that year, they saved Mikes life, said Jennifer.

Speaking of his favourite hurling memory, Michael had told the Limerick Leader: Winning the All-Ireland in 2018 and the days after around Limerick, Ill never forget it, the city was buzzing.

From now on, Michael might have an even better hurling memory to share!
HE WAS no stranger to making the headlines during his tenure as minister for defence and now Willie O'Dea is making the news for being up in arms over the Limerick hurlers.

The Fianna Fail TD was out in force to show support for the four in-a-row All-Ireland winners at the homecoming event held in Perys Square in the city.

Deputy ODea was in Peoples Park celebrating the victory when he was hoisted in the air by none other than Diarmaid Byrnes and Kyle Hayes.

These Limerick heroes have given us all a lift - including me, Deputy ODea said on social media of the video of him being hoisted into the air.

That wasnt the only interaction with the hurlers Deputy ODea had at the homecoming in which 20,000 fans attended.

He was also seen posing with pointed finger guns along with Limerick hurler Darragh ODonovan.

PICTURE: Via Facebook Willie O'Dea

Darragh O'Donovan was in great form when I met him at the homecoming earlier, the Fianna Fail TD said.

The Fianna Fail TD was also seen taking pictures with Limerick supporters in the crowd.

It was a long day of celebrating for the four in-a-row champions but the good times are just underway as Liam MacCarthy is set to make a trip to Patrickswell later this evening to the home club of Cian Lynch, Diarmaid Byrnes and Aaron Gillane.
THERE was scenes of joy and a respite for some of the youngest patients in University Hospital Limerick as the All-Ireland Hurling Champions visited the Children's Ark.

Captain Cian Lynch, Tom Morrissey, Barry Nash and John Kiely made it their first point of call on Monday having lifted the Liam MacCarthy on the steps of the Hogan Stand the evening before.

The players and management brought the famous silverware into the playground located at the heart of the hospital where jerseys were signed, photos taken and smiles and laughter plentiful.

"You come in here and these really are the people that need a bit of sunshine or a ray of hope, get to bring a bit of joy to their life when times are very tough, it's special for us to be here but it's great to see that we do put a smile on their faces and make an impact," the Ahane player added.

"Don't know if it's really soaked in, just delighted to have won another All-Ireland, celebrations were good last night and feeling happy waking up this morning anyway," Tom Morrissey said.

As for the atmosphere in Croke Park, the forward explained: "I think you particularly heard it when we started edging back at the start of the second half as well, the stadium got very loud, you could really hear the support".

A homecoming is happening on Monday evening where the entire team will take to the stage set up at Pery Square and with thousands of fans expected, the sharp shooter is eagerly awaiting another celebration.

"We don't get tired of those, definitely looking forward to later on, as you said the Limerick support yesterday was brilliant and looking forward again to sharing a great moment with them later on," he told Limerick Leader/ Limerick Live.
THE CABINET has this Tuesday approved the legislation which will open the way for voters to finally directly elect a Mayor of Limerick.

More than four years after the people of Limerick approved plans for an executive mayor in a plebiscite, government has finally signed off on the plans for the new office.

It's anticipated the first time the Limerick public will go to the polls to elect a new first citizen will be on the date of next summer's local and European parliament elections.

These are expected to take place on Friday, June 7.

Local TD and Minister of State for Local Government and Planning Kieran O'Donnell has welcomed the approval and pointed out the new executive mayor will have far-reaching powers.

"Having a directly elected mayor will enable the people of Limerick to have a greater say over how services and infrastructure are delivered and how Limerick develops, as they voted for by plebiscite. This is a key milestone on the way to having the first directly elected mayor in Ireland and is one the most significant reforms of local government since the foundation of our state, with Limerick leading the way, said Mr O'Donnell.

"The directly elected mayor will take on many of the executive functions which currently rest with the chief executive and will also take on a host of new functions, supported by a budget to implement the mayors programme and priorities," he added, "This legislation provides the Mandate, Structures and Means to deliver on the ambition of the office of the first directly elected Mayor of Limerick. It provides a major opportunity for Limerick to forge an enhanced local government. There is huge potential to develop service delivery and accountability locally, and to add value for all the people of Limerick."

The full bill which will provide for the mayor's powers will be published in the days to come.

Up to now, the election of the role of the Mayor of Limerick has been done among members in-house, with the winner serving a 12-month term.

The current holder of this position - a role which dates back more than 800 years - is Fine Gael councillor Gerald Mitchell.
A FINE Gael councillor in Limerick has urged government to scrap a new land tax amid a cost-of-living crisis.

Councillor Liam Galvin of Abbeyfeale said the new Residential Zoned Land Tax is simply not affordable for people at the moment.

The annual charge, which will apply from next February onwards, is calculated at 3% of the market value of land.

It was introduced as part of Budget 2022 with the aim of activating land for residential development to increase the number of homes across the State.

But councillor Galvin, a farmer by trade, feels while it might be appropriate in larger areas, it will adversely impact landowners in more rural areas.

I understand why it was brought in. It should be brought in for strategic sites in the larger cities. Ive no issue with that, where you have greenfield sites lying idle which should be developed, the former mayor said.

However, he said there are some patches of land which are zoned residential which haven't a chance of being developed for the foreseeable future.

That landowner is now expected to pay the residential tax on land which he or she doesn't have control over, he said.

Some farmland which might have been historically zoned for residential might be impacted, the councillor fears.

Are we going to tax the land that a farmer is farming? Land where he is producing a product, be it beef or milk. Are we going to tax a farmer for doing that job? I cannot stand over that, Cllr Galvin added.

Members of the Newcastle West municipal district have already written to government asking for the new charge to be reviewed.

Councillor Galvin said: I'm calling for this tax to be abolished. We now clearly have a different set of circumstances to when this was originally brought out. Its not affordable, its not workable, and I'd ask government to consider scrapping the idea.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) reported robust financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2023. The company achieved a 34% YoY growth in consolidated revenues, reaching 47,882 crore, with international revenues contributing 40% of the total. The total consolidated Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at 2,493 crore, marking a significant increase of 46% compared to the same quarter of the previous year.

During the quarter, L&T received orders worth 65,520 crore, demonstrating a strong YoY growth of 57%. The order inflow came from various sectors, including Rail, Renewables, Rural Water Supply, Transmission & Distribution, IT & Office Space, and the Hydrocarbon business. International orders constituted 42% of the total order inflow.

The company's consolidated order book as of June 30, 2023, reached 412,648 crore, with international orders accounting for 29% of the total.

The Board of Directors approved a proposal for a buyback of equity shares through the tender offer route, amounting to 10,000 crore (excluding tax on buyback), subject to shareholder approval. Additionally, the Board approved a special dividend of 6 per equity share.

During the quarter ended June 30, 2023, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) reported strong performances in its various segments:

Infrastructure Projects Segment:

Order inflow of 40,051 crore, a growth of over 100% YoY, driven by large value orders in diverse sub-segments.

Customer revenues of 22,058 crore, a YoY growth of 56%, supported by improved execution across projects.

EBITDA margin of 5.1%, impacted by job mix and completion of legacy jobs.

Energy Projects Segment:

Order inflow of 7,245 crore, a significant YoY growth of 66%, fueled by orders in the Hydrocarbon business.

Customer revenues of 6,682 crore, a 32% YoY growth, attributed to increased execution in international projects.

EBITDA margin of 9.1%, an improvement compared to the previous year, reflecting job mix and stage of execution.

Hi-Tech Manufacturing Segment:

Order inflow of 1,051 crore, a decline of 70% YoY, mainly due to a higher base effect in the previous year.

Customer revenues of 1,781 crore, a 40% YoY growth, driven by execution momentum from the opening order book.

EBITDA margin of 16.8%, an increase from the corresponding quarter of the previous year, due to execution cost savings and improved realizations.

IT & Technology Services (IT&TS) Segment:

Customer revenues of 10,851 crore, a YoY growth of 14%, driven by growth in the IT&TS sector.

EBITDA margin of 20.6%, slightly lower compared to the previous year, impacted by increased talent acquisition and retention costs.

Financial Services Segment (L&T Finance Holdings):

Income from operations at 3,020 crore, a 2% YoY growth, attributed to higher disbursement in the retail business.

Total Loan Book at 78,566 crore, with a planned phaseout of the Wholesale loan book.

PBT of 714 crore, an increase compared to the previous year, due to lower provision of credit costs from improved asset quality and rising NIM+Fees of the retail portfolio.

S. N. Subrahmanyan, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Larsen & Toubro said, We closed the quarter with an all-round performance. Capex buoyancy in India & GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) is providing the much-needed tailwinds for growing our Projects & Manufacturing" portfolio, ably supported by the resilient performance of the Services" businesses. The Q1FY24 performance is on the back of robust topline and bottom-line growth, supported by excellent balance sheet management, resulting in improved return ratios. We are walking the talk by returning surplus cash to shareholders in our journey to improve the Group return ratios over the Lakshya Strategic Plan period ending FY26. The groups focus continues to be on cash generation, planned capital allocation and on enhancing shareholders wealth."
Elon Musks rebranding of Twitter to X elicited excitement, exasperation and effrontery from users as they adjusted to the billionaires latest change in remaking the social-media platform he acquired last year.

Reactions in the Twitterverse after Musks announcement on Sunday ranged from dismay at Musk bringing an end to Twitters globally recognized blue bird brand to jokes and sarcasm about the new X" branding to excitement about the billionaires ambition to turn X.com into a so-called everything appin which the platform would offer an array of services including audio, video, messaging and banking.

Musk has moved swiftly to put his mark on the platform, including sweeping job cuts, charging for verification, and content-moderation changes such as reinstating many previously suspended accounts. The changes have been polarizing, upsetting many Twitter users but appealing to others who like the billionaires vision. At the same time, Twitters business has struggled after many advertisers pulled back from the platform in part because of concerns over Musks approach to content moderation.

Musk tweeted earlier this month that Twitter had a ~50% drop in advertising revenue." He also said this month looked a bit more promising" compared with June.

Advertising executives said the new branding isnt likely to persuade brands that have paused ad spending on the platform to return, but also isnt likely to turn off advertisers who have stuck with the platform so far under Musks ownership, as long as users also stay.

The recent announcement of a rebrand wont do much in the way of swaying advertisers one way or another," said Brendan Gahan, chief social officer of ad agency Mekanism. He said the company ultimately must deliver on brand safety and a compelling ad product to woo advertisers back.

Nii Ahene, chief strategy officer at digital-ad agency Tinuiti, said, Those who dont see eye-to-eye with Musks politics or interpretations of free speech will still back off."

But, Ahene said, the rebrand is creating a stir. Its a helpful way to divert the conversation back to Twitter after Threads spectacular launch," he said, referring to the Twitter-like microblogging app that Meta Platforms started earlier this month.

Threads gained more than 100 million sign-ups within a week after launching, but user engagement fell after that initial surge, according to third-party estimates last week.

A lot can and will be said about the merits of changing the brand from Twitter to X," said Nick Miaritis, chief client officer at ad agency VaynerMedia, but I think the most interesting aspect of the whole moment is how Elon used a series of different pieces of content to capture the attention of millions (on and off Twitter) and allow the users of the platform to weigh in on the decision."

Twitters brand change generated enthusiasm among those who embrace Musks track record and ideas for the platform, as well as among some employees. What would you build in a world where everything is possible?" tweeted Alexa Alianiello, a sales and partnerships employee at Twitter, with a photo of an X-shaped balloon and a sign showing #lovewhereyouwork, a slogan popular among Twitter employees before Musks takeover.

As of Monday, the brand change wasnt complete. While the logo on the website showed X," the app on users phones was still named Twitter; the button to post showed the word tweet"; and other features kept references to the old company name, such as the companys subscription service, called Twitter Blue. Twitter had changed its corporate name to X Corp. earlier this year, but at the time kept the Twitter branding.

In a seemingly inadvertent symbol of the incomplete transition, workers started removing Twitter signage from the outside of the companys headquarters in San Francisco on Monday, but halted before the work was done. A company spokesman didnt respond to a request for comment about the stoppage. The change also drew the attention of the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection, which said it was looking into whether a permit was needed.

Users had questions about the change to the platform, which Musk revealed in a series of tweets early Sunday. One Twitter user asked: What will be the new name for a tweet? Musk answered: An X." Another user asked what a retweet is now called.

That whole concept should be rethought," Musk replied.

Im still gonna call it Twitter," Marques Brownlee, a tech influencer, tweeted Sunday.

Not for long," Musk replied.

Some Twitter users found humor in the rebrand. On Sunday, Xvideos" was trending on Twitter, with users joking that Twitters new name reminded them of an adult website with a similar name.

Welcome to X" was trending Monday, along with #RIPTwitter.

Some former employees said they found some comfort in saying goodbye to old Twitter. I will be at peace with this," tweeted Jean-Philippe Maheu, a former ad-sales executive at Twitter. The Twitter I knew and worked at for ten years no longer [exists] since the acquisition."

The history of corporate branding and rebranding is littered with missteps and successes. One of the most famous marketing blunders was the introduction of New Coke, when Coca-Cola reformulated its Coke drink in 1985. The resulting customer backlash led the company to bring back the original version soon after.

Sometimes new names are panned early on but manage to gain acceptance over time. Verizon Communications, for example, initially had some critics over its name, which was formed by combining the Latin word veritas" with the word horizon" when Bell Atlantic and GTE merged.

Companies often spend a lot of money on new names, hiring consultants and copyright lawyers and testing different iterations with focus groups to make sure new names appeal to customers and investorsand avoid offending anyone.

While Musk has a vision to turn Twitter into what he has called an everything app," such a transformation is easier said than done. Tencents WeChat in China offers an example of a super app that Musk has said he admires. But huge challenges loom, including entrenched players and regulatory hurdles.

This is an astonishing branding move," said Tim Calkins, marketing professor at Northwestern Universitys Kellogg School of Management, in part because the change has been so abrupt.

It may be that Twitter, or X, is now going to bring forth a big campaign to explain what this brand means," he said. So well have to wait and see how it unfolds. At the moment, I think its creating more confusion than anything."
From his career's first venture to his space firm, Elon Musk has always managed to show her liking for the alphabet X. However, this time, Musk's obsession for X can bring him at the centre of several lawsuits.

According to experts, companies including Meta and Microsoft already have intellectual property rights to the same letter. Moreover, the alphabet X is so widely used and cited in trademarks that it would be rare for Twitter if it managed to transform into X without any legal complications.

"There's a 100% chance that Twitter is going to get sued over this by somebody," trademark attorney Josh Gerben told Reuter's Blake Brittain. Josh said he counted nearly 900 active U.S. trademark registrations that already cover the letter X in a wide range of industries.

Twitter transformation to 'X'

Elon Musk renamed Twitter social media network Twitter as X on Monday and unveiled a new logo for the social media platform. The alphabet looked like a stylized black-and-white version of the letter.

Owners of trademarks, which protect things like brand names, logos, and slogans that identify sources of goods. These owners can claim infringement if other branding would cause consumer confusion. Remedies range from monetary damages to blocking use.

Microsoft's ownership of X

Since 2003, Microsoft has owned an X trademark. The ownership was associated with communications about its Xbox video-game system. Moreover, Meta platforms, new rival of Twitter, owns a federal trademark registered in 2019 covering a blue-and-white letter X for fields including software and social media.

There are less chances that Meta and Microsoft suing Elon Musk for the logo unless they feel threatened that Twitter's X encroaches on brand equity they built in the letter, Gerben told Reuters.
New Delhi: AirAsia India has sought approvals from Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to expedite its integration with Air India Express, including a rebranding from AirAsia India to AI Express, three people familiar with the matter said.

The merger, scheduled for completion by March 2024, is likely to be finalized at least a quarter ahead of the original timeline, said one of the three people seeking anonymity.

The air operator permit for the two brands, AirAsia India and Air India Express, is likely to be integrated soon, as that process is almost complete," a second person, an airline official, said seeking anonymity.

Staff integration is underway, and new roles are being assigned. The airline is expediting the transition in operational arena, particularly concerning the integration of the flight network.

It has also sought in-principle approval from the civil aviation regulator for fast-tracking the merger of the brands, and a change in brand name from AirAsia India to Air India Express. The process of integration has been faster than expected," he added.

The process of changing the livery of AirAsia Indias 27 aircraft to match that of Air India Express is also underway. It is planning to send 3-4 aircraft every month for the change in branding elements, according to a third official. The airline is expected to send 3-4 aircraft for livery change every month. The entire fleet with new livery will be ready by November-December," the official added.

AirAsia India has also initiated the regulatory process to alter its International Air Transport Association (IATA) flight code from I5 to IX. The process for withdrawing the I5 flight code for AirAsia India, and replacing it with IX has started. As it is an administrative process, surrendering of the flight code and shift to IX will take a few months and may extend to January," the official said.

While IX is the airline code for Air India Express, I5 is Air Asia Indias code.

In November 2022, the Tata Group announced the merger of AirAsia India and Air India Express. As part of this merger, AirAsia Bhd divested its 16.67% stake in the budget airline, allowing the Tatas to snap it for 155.65 crore. According to the agreement, the Indian airline has the right to continue using the AirAsia brand name for one year following the transaction.We expect the branding transition to complete in 1-2 months. The regulator has been informed of the same," a third official said.

The Tata Group had initiated a route network restructuring early this year to avoiding competition between the two group companies.

Under the route restructuring exercise, AirAsia India has vacated routes such as Delhi-Visakhapatnam and Delhi-Mumbai for Air India and replaced the parent brand on flights for three stations including Bhubaneswar, Bagdogra and Surat.

In March, the Tata Group also integrated the reservation system and customer interface of AirAsia India and Air India Express, taking the airlines one step closer to form a single low-cost platform.

On 27 March, the two airlines migrated to a single, unified reservation system and website, adopting common social media and customer support channels. This helped the passengers to make and manage bookings, and check into AirAsia India and Air India Express for both domestic and international flights, on an all-new integrated website: airindiaexpress.com.

AirAsia India flies to 19 destinations across the country while Air India Express operates to 14 international destinations from 19 Indian cities.

With the integrated Air India Express, the Tata Group will also be able to position a uniform low-cost brand against Indias largest airline and low-cost carrier IndiGo and hence, an early transition is expected to reap operational efficiencies, save costs and boost revenue performance for the airline in the upcoming peak demand quarter of Oct-Dec, the third official added.

Under the strategy for the group airlines, the Tata group aims to operate full-service carrier Air India on metro-to-metro markets and high connectivity routes and consolidated Air India Express will focus on leisure oriented or price-sensitive markets. The integrated low-cost carrier is expected to further help in improving connectivity between key domestic cities and Air Indias international network. The Group is also merging Vistara with Air India.
Apple, on July 25, faced a massive 785-million ( 8,233 crore) class action lawsuit initiated by over 1,500 app developers in the UK regarding its App Store fees.

Apple's services division, which encompasses the App Store, has experienced substantial revenue growth in recent years, reaching approximately $20 billion ( 1.63 lakh crore) per quarter.

However, the fees charged by Apple, ranging from 15% to 30%, to certain app makers for using their in-app payment system, have drawn criticism from app developers and become a focal point for antitrust regulators in various nations.

The majority (85%) of developers utilising the App Store are not required to pay any commission, said Apple while justifying its stance. Moreover, the company contends that its platform facilitates European developers in accessing markets and customers in 175 countries around the globe.

In the UK, the legal action filed at the Competition Appeal Tribunal is led by Sean Ennis, a professor affiliated with the Centre for Competition Policy at the University of East Anglia, who also served as an economist at the OECD. He represents a group of 1,566 app developers in the lawsuit. He is being advised by law firm Geradin Partners.

"Apple's charges to app developers are excessive, and only possible due to its monopoly on the distribution of apps onto iPhones and iPads," Reuters quoted Ennis as saying in a statement.

The charges are unfair in their own right and constitute abusive pricing. They harm app developers and also app buyers."

The UK Competition and Market Authority (CMA) initiated an investigation in November to examine the market dominance of Apple and Google's mobile browsers within the cloud sector.

(With Reuters inputs)
Larsen and Toubro (L&T) Ltd on Tuesday proposed to buy back shares worth as much as 10,000 crore from its public shareholders, the engineering giants first such offer in its eight-decade-long history.

We are walking the talk by returning surplus cash to shareholders in our journey to improve the group return ratios over the Lakhshya Strategic Plan period ending FY26," said S.N. Subrahmanyan, chief executive and managing director, L&T.

View Full Image Graphic: Mint

L&T aims to repurchase 33.33 million shares, or 2.4% of outstanding stock, from the public through a book-building process. It will offer up to 3,000 per share, a 17% premium to the stocks closing price on Tuesday, to the shareholders willing to tender their shares in the buyback. The groups focus continues to be on cash generation, planned capital allocation and on enhancing shareholders wealth," Subrahmanyan added.

L&T made the buyback announcement alongside the release of its quarterly earnings. For the June quarter, L&T recorded a 46% jump in profit to 2,493 crore, beating analysts estimate of 2,128.5 crore.

Amid the execution of its large order book in L&Ts projects and manufacturing portfolio, the companys consolidated revenue in the June quarter grew by 34% to 47,882 crore, also surpassing analysts estimate of 41,056 crore.

In fact, during the June quarter alone, L&T received orders worth 65,520 crore at the group level, which is 57% more than a year ago.

Meanwhile, the company said the specific price at which the shares will be repurchased may be determined by the board or a committee at an appropriate time.

L&Ts buyback plan, long desired by its outgoing chairman A.M. Naik, aims to incentivize the firms public stakeholders before his departure, according to people close to the companys board members.

A person close to L&Ts top management said, There are many shareholders who hold stakes in both L&T and the groups IT technology services. They feel the latter hasnt yielded as much return as expected, and therefore, the group should incentivize the shareholders adequately through a buyback offer and a special dividend, especially for FY23."

The board on Tuesday considered and approved both routes to reward the shareholders. The company has offered a special dividend of 6 per equity share for FY24.

As of 31 March, L&Ts total reserves and surplus stood at 88,577.76 crore.

Typically, a company, after recording high cash flows, offers a buyback of shares in order to incentivize shareholders and provide a thrust to the companys stock price on the exchanges by reducing the free float.

About five years ago, L&T announced a 4.29% share buyback plan worth 9,000 crore at 1,475 a share. However, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) rejected the plan over concerns that such a buyback could swell the companys debt. The latest buyback proposal has come after the company turned debt-free last year.

The buyback is meant for all public shareholders except L&T Employees Trust, which holds a 13.7% stake. Other trusts hold 13.91%.

While retail shareholders hold 18.52%, insurance companies hold 17.85%, with state-run Life Insurance Corp. of India alone having 11.19% in L&T. Mutual funds together have 17.2% and foreign investors collectively own 25.19% in the company.

However, according to a second person, many public shareholders may not tender their stakes in the buyback as they may want to hold on to the stock of L&T, which is currently sitting on engineering and construction orders worth 4 trillion, holding out prospects of way higher returns over the next 3-5 years.

After the recent consolidation and transfer of non-core businesses by the group, the debt-to-asset ratio has come down to 0.11, which is phenomenal," said the second person.

In fact, most of the brokerages have recommended a buy" on the stock at its current levels.

During the June quarter, L&T received orders across segments, including rail, renewables, rural water supply, transmission and distribution, IT and office space, and onshore and offshore verticals of the hydrocarbon business. International orders at 27,646 crore during the quarter comprised 42% of the total order inflow, the company said.

L&Ts consolidated order book at the group level is at 4.13 trillion as on 30 June, with international orders having a share of 29%.

The Mumbai-based conglomerate, in a bid to reduce debt and unlock the value of L&Ts stock, the conglomerate has been taking several business consolidation measures over the past two years.

The company, on 8 June, raised 3,500 crore via non-convertible debentures. About 80% of these proceeds will be used for repayment, prepayment or refinance of the existing indebtedness, while the rest could be allocated for other general purposes, L&T said.

As a part of the consolidation, on Tuesday, the company said its board approved an acquisition of the entire shareholding of Sapura Nautical Power Pte Ltd (JV partner) in L&T Sapura Offshore Pvt. Ltd.
Infrastructure major Larsen & Toubro Ltd Tuesday released their April-June quarter results and reported a net consolidated profit of 2,493 crore which was 46% more than 1,702 crore reported during the corresponding quarter in the previous fiscal year.

The L&T board also approved an additional investment of an amount upto 506 crore (Rupees Five Hundred and Six Crore only) in L&T Energy Green Tech Limited, existing subsidiary of the company." The investment amount will not exceeding 506 crore, the company said.

The proposed investment will be made either by subscribing to equity or preference shares or by way of Inter Corporate Deposits or company guaranteed debt or a combination of these and will be done at "arm's length".

The investment in shares will be made at the face value and there will be no change in shareholding post the investment, the company said the regulatory filing.

L&T board also approved a 10,000 crore share buyback at upto 3,000 per share and a special dividend of 6 per share, subject to the approval of shareholders, along with the announcement of quarterly results today.

In a regulatory filing to the stock exchanges, L&T said, Special Dividend of Rs. 6/- (Rupees Six only) per equity share i.e. 300% on face value of Rs. 2/- each, for the Financial Year 2023-24. As informed earlier, the record date for the purpose of payment of dividend is Wednesday, August 2, 2023. This will be paid on or before August 14, 2023.''

L&T Energy Green Tech Limited (LTEGL), formerly known as L&T Power Limited, is an existing subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro Limited. And the total income of LTEGL as at March 31, 2023 was 21.19 lakhs.

LTEGL is engaged in the Power sector including non-conventional sources of power. LTEGL will be acting as the holding company for creating a focused entity structure which will house the multiple business portfolios of green energy through step down subsidiaries and joint ventures. The Company proposes to consolidate various arms of green energy business such as manufacturing and EPC of green hydrogen value chain & its derivatives.
India's largest stock brokerage platform, Zerodha, has good news for options traders. Starting July 24, Sensibull will be 100% free for all Zerodha users, forever. Taking to Twitter Zerodha's Nithin Kamath on Monday announced that Sensibull will be free for all Zerodha options traders.

We have good news for all @zerodhaonline option traders,@BeSensibull will now be completely free. We cover the costs so that @abidsensibull & Team can focus on only one thing: Help option traders do better," Kamath tweeted.

Sensibull CEO and co-founder Abid Hassan said in a tweet on Monday.This is the biggest and the most exciting news since we started Sensibull in 2017. Starting today, Sensibull will be 100 per cent free for all Zerodha users, forever."

He added that users get access to the countrys best options trading platform for free, Zerodha gives their options traders the best user experience, and we get paid too as a business. Everyone wins!"

What is Options trading

Options are a form of derivative contract that gives traders the right to sell or sell the equity at any time during the duration of the contract i.e. one has the right but not an obligation to buy or sell the security. Option buyers are charged an amount called a premium by the sellers for such a right. There are two types of options: the call option where a trader has the option to buy the stock at the predetermined price anytime during the contract and the put option where the trader has the option to sell the stock when it reaches a specific price.

Zerodha- Sensibull deal: FAQs

Is this free forever?

Yes

Are there any other charges at all?

No, there are no charges at all for using Sensibull for Zerodha users. For trading, you have to pay the normal charges that you pay Zerodha  Rs.20 per order  whether you trade from Kite, or directly from Sensibull

Why is it good for the user?

Very simple. Sensibull does not have to think of making a yearly profit from subscriptions or selling more of our product. We only have one mission  Improve the lives of traders, try to make them profitable, and do what is truly good for our users.

Sebi working on instant settlement of stock market transactions

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), announced that it will move to a T+1 settlement cycle for all scrips, effective October 1, 2023. This means that trades will be settled one day after the date of the trade, instead of the current two-day settlement cycle.

Sebi Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch also said the capital markets regulator is working on instant transaction settlement in the stock markets. Buch said the day is not far off when stock market transactions will be settled instantaneously.
New Delhi: Beverage company Coca-Cola India on Tuesday announced the appointment of Ajay Vijay Bathija as vice president of franchise operations for the Southwest Asia region.

In his role, Bathija will continue to be based out of India and will lead franchise operations for markets of Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Bathija started his career with The Coca-Cola Company and has spent over two decades working across marketing and franchise roles.

With his understanding of business, and growth mindset, Ajay has a proven track record of taking business to newer heights. We are hopeful that with his astute business acumen and collaborative approach he will further the organizations purpose in the Southwest Asia region," Sanket Ray, President, India, and Southwest Asia, said in a statement announcing Bathijas appointment.

Bathija started with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd. (HCCBPL) front line sales team. He was the region manager for the Mekong Delta Region at SabCo Vietnam, in 2005. He returned to India as director marketing for colas; he was also instrumental in introducing Coca-Cola Zero sugar for the first time in the INSWA (India and Southwest Asia) markets. As the country manager for Bangladesh from 2018-2020, Ajay worked closely with the bottling partners to bring Bangladesh amongst the top three markets in Coca-Cola TM, within The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) globally.

Coca-Cola sells brands such Coca-Cola, Thums Up, Charged by Thums Up, Fanta, Limca, Sprite, Maaza, Minute Maid range of juices. Coca Cola works with a host of local franchise bottling partners worldwide. For instance, the company operates via 200 bottling partners worldwide. The CocaCola Company and its bottling partners are collectively known as the CocaCola system. The CocaCola Company does not own, manage or control most local bottling companies.
After failing to manage the finances of Credit Suisse, banking giant UBS is fined with $400 million by the US, Swiss and UK banking authorities. The bank is also fined for its relationship with collapsed hedge fund Archegos Capital Management.

Also Read: RBI allows UBS-acquired Credit Suisse to retain Indian banking license: Report

UBS had bought Credit Suisse in June, at the time when the bank was reeling under money crisis. Archegos failed in 2021, and led to a loss of billions of dollars to the Wall Street investors. The Swiss bank took more than $5 billion in losses from Archego's failure. Over a period of two years, the $5 billion loss of ACM led to the fire sale of Credit Suisse to UBS in June.

Credit Suisse's prime brokerage service to Archegos capital

Earlier, Credit Suisse management used to give Archegos capital treatment through its prime brokerage division. This ultimately brought undue risk for the bank when Archegos purchased a highlyy concentrated position in ViacomCBS. The firm's manager, Bill Hwang, is scheduled to face fraud charges for the collapse of Archegos in October.

Also Read: Credit Suisse investor group seeks better UBS takeover price: Report

In a statement, the Federal Reserve said that Credit Suisse failed to adequately manage the risk posed by Archegos despite repeated warnings". The announcement of fine was made by the US Fed alongside the Bank of England and the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority.

UBS filed with largest penalty to date by the Bank of England

The Bank of England's Prudential Regulation Authority fined the Swiss mega bank with 87 million ($112 million), which it said was its largest penalty to date. In a consent order with the Federal Reserve, UBS agreed to pay $268.5 million for unsafe and unsound counterparty credit-risk manageent practices" at Credit Suisse. The UBS had acquired Credit Suisse in June.

Also Read: UBS takes over Credit Suisse: 10 things to know about this historic deal

Credit Suisse failed to learn from past similar experiences and had insufficiently addressed concerns previously raised by the PRA," the UK regulator said in a statement Monday.

What went wrong with UBS and Credit Suisse

According to the US Fed, Credit Suisse lacked adequate governance, experienced staff with sufficient stature, and sufficient data quality and model-risk management to ensure that activities conducted with counter-parties were properly risk managed."

Also Read: UBS hires Morgan Stanleys Tom Wipf to help lead Credit Suisse tie-up

The bank is required to submit to regulators a plan for sustainable governance and a risk-management framework, among other things.

Another drawback with UBS and Credit Suisse was slow operation. Credit Suisse was slow to unwind its positions and ended up with $5.5 billion in losses related to that business in 2021. UBS suffered a much smaller loss, reported Bloomberg.

UBS has already begun implementing its risk framework, including actions addressing these regulatory findings, across Credit Suisse," the bank said in a statement Monday.

The Swiss financial regulator, Finma, in its findings concluded that Credit Suisse had violated financial-market law in its relationship with Archegos. Hence, it has ordered corrective measures for UBS.

The bank was unable to adequately identify, limit and monitor the significant risks associated with Archegos," Finma said in a statement. The regulator doesnt have the authority to impose fines.Als
When Amazon announced the $13.7bn acquisition of Whole Foods Market in 2017, it followed some oddball attempts to strengthen its grocery business, some conceived by Jeff Bezos himself. One was to develop an  ice-cream truck for adults", driving into neighbourhoods with lights flashing and horns honking, to sell porterhouse steaks, Shigoku oysters, Nintendo games and other goodies. It was quietly shelved. Another was to create a product so unique that only Amazon could supply it. The answer was the single-cow burger", a Wagyu beef patty made from the meat of one animal. You can still find them on its websitethough they are now permanently out of stock.

Amazons purchase of Whole Foods signalled it would take a more conventional approach to the supermarket business. That is probably why, when the deal was announced, Amazons share price soared and those of its rivals, such as Walmart, fell. But since then Amazon has treated grocery more like a science experiment than an exercise in seduction, with weak results at Whole Foods and in other formats. Its best-known addition to the retail experience is the just walk out" technology in physical stores, equivalent to its one-click shopping online. Yet cashierless supermarkets sound like something more beloved of geeks than grocers. What may cut down on time-wasting queues also minimises what some people love about shopping: the human interaction at the till, the hunter-gatherer instinct as they jostle at the meat counter, the Columbian exchange between fellow foodies at the spice rack.

Amazon is trying to refresh the experience. Last year it recruited Tony Hoggett, a former executive from Tesco, a British supermarket chain, to bring grocery nous to a business hitherto obsessed with overhead cameras, QR codes and data collection. The Brit, who started out as a Tesco trolley boy" aged 16, has a big job. When Schumpeter visited an Amazon Fresh store in Los Angeles recently, the fresh meat and fish counters were so barren they looked like part of a going-out-of-business sale. He bought one of the three rotisserie chickens on display out of sympathy, because he feared they had been there all day.

Under Mr Hoggett, Amazon is trying to make the Fresh stores less soulless. Human cashiers and self-checkouts are back for those who prefer them. Whole Foods expertise is being used to rethink store location. It is part of an effort to make grocery shopping as habitual on Amazon as it is at a Walmart. Andy Jassy, the CEO, says it is aiming to build a mass grocery format" commensurate with Amazons size. Yet if anything Walmart looks more likely to invade Amazons territory than the other way around.

Neither firm thinks of itself as competing head-to-head with the other. But they are, because both have big growth ambitions. For Walmart, that means expanding its e-business beyond grocery into general merchandise, as well as attracting higher-income online customers. Both of these are Amazons forte. For Amazon, it means a bigger presence in grocery, both onlinewhere food shopping still accounts for only about 10% of Americas $800bn supermarket businessand offline.

In bricks-and-mortar, Walmarts lead is huge. It has the largest footprint in America, with about 4,700 outlets, compared with 530 Whole Foods, 44 Amazon Fresh and 22 Amazon Go shops. Grocery accounts for most of its sales, whereas for Amazon they are a sliver. Its everyday low prices" work: a survey by MoffettNathanson, a research firm, found equivalent products at Amazon Fresh were far pricier. Walmarts speed of delivery matches Amazons.

What Amazon lacks in stores, it hopes to make up for in membership of its Prime loyalty programme, which is estimated at 170m in America, compared with about 22m for Walmart+. Eventually, it hopes that online grocery shopping, combined with three different formatsWhole Foods for posh nosh, Fresh for general grub and Go for grab-and-gowill enable customers to buy everything they need via a single app. Amazon has two other advantages: a whopping marketplace platform for third-party sellers, which adds to the range of products available on its website, and an advertising business with a hefty $38bn of revenues last year, which supplements its supermarket business.

Yet because shoppers like to see, feel and smell their groceries before buying them, the scarcity of stores is a problem. Dean Rosenblum of Bernstein, a broker, calculates that Amazon Fresh is accessible to just over a third of Americans. In contrast, 90% of them live within ten miles (16km) of a Walmart. If Amazon opened 50 new Fresh stores a year, in a decades time it would reach only the size of Whole Foods current tally. And that would be a near criminally irresponsible use of Amazon capital", Mr Rosenblum says. That view is spreading. Terry Smith, a British fund manager, recently dumped his Amazon stock, arguing that its move into grocery retail risked misallocating capital.

Moreover, Walmart appears to be making more headway with online selling and advertising than Amazon is with its real-world stores. Walmarts online sales were estimated at $82bn last fiscal year, more than four times Amazons physical-store sales. It appears to be borrowing Amazons model of attracting third-party sellers to its site in order to increase the assortment of products, raise logistics revenue and boost advertising. Last year Walmarts ad sales grew by 30%, to $2.7bn. That is still a fraction of Amazons total. But there is no reason why Walmart should not catch up, thinks Simeon Gutman of Morgan Stanley, an investment bank.

One-click M&A

Amazon could leap up the league table by buying a large supermarket chain. Given the antitrust pressure on big tech, though, this is probably off the table. If a build-rather-than-buy approach is its only option, it will have to do a much better job of explaining how it will make it profitable. As it continues to waste time experimenting, Walmart is ably copying its best moves.

 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
SpiceJet share price rose nearly 5% on Tuesday's trading session in response to the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) relieving SpiceJet by removing the airline from the enhanced surveillance regime, according to media reports. SpiceJet share price opened at 29.70 apiece on BSE. SpiceJet shares touched intraday high of 31 and low of 29.40.

Given the issues the SpiceJet reported during the monsoon season of last year, the airline was placed under enhanced surveillance about a fortnight ago in order to take ample safeguards. Before removing the airline from the enhanced surveillance regime, up to 51 spot checks on the carrier's fleet of Boeing 737 and Bombardier DHC Q-400 aircraft were carried out across 11 locations in India, according to various media reports.

The findings (during spot checks) were of routine nature and were not considered significant by DGCA. Suitable maintenance action was taken by the airline to address the findings in accordance with DGCA guidelines. As a consequence, SpiceJet has been taken off the enhanced surveillance regime by DGCA," the civil aviation regulator said, according to ANI's report.

Following a series of safety concerns with SpiceJet, the regulator requested SpiceJet reduce its overall flying schedule by 50% for eight weeks on July 27 last year. The airline was under 'Enhanced surveillance' throughout this time. On October 30 of last year, the restrictions were removed.

The DGCA had issued a show-cause notice to SpiceJet last year after noticing numerous issues with the airline last year.

On the technical front, as per trendlyne data, SpiceJet share price fell 22.9% and underperformed its sector by 94.7% in the past year.

The stock has been a relative underperformer and there are no signs of buying interest. Hence, one should avoid any bottom fishing in this stock," said Ruchit Jain, Lead Research Analyst at 5paisa.

HC tells MD of SpiceJet to appear in person
Indian capital market regulator SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) announced on Monday to move to T+1 settlement cycle for all scrips from 1st October 2023. This means effective from first October 2023, all trades will be settled one day after the date of trade instead of current T+2 settlement cycle. While announcing about moving from T+2 to T+1 settlement cycle, SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch also made it clear that market regulator is not going to sit idle after moving from T+2 to T+1 cycle. She said that SEBI is working on instant transaction settlement cycle to bring more transparency by improving the timeline in transaction settlements.

According to Indian stock market experts, SEBI's instant settlement move will push trade volume in cash segment and chances of default or fraud will go down as one won't be able to trade if it has no fund available in one's demat account. Apart from this, instant settlement would mean instant payment for mutual fund investors as well because equity mutual funds invest in stock market and they will also move to instant settlement cycle the way they have moved from T+2 to T+1 settlement cycle.

Hailing the SEBI's move for instant settlement cycle, Avinash Gorakshkar, Head of Research at Profitmart Securities said, "SEBI's move towards instant settlement is expected to up the pace of new equity issuances, debt issuances, approvals for mutual fund schemes. The move is expected to increase volume in cash segment as one would be able to move from one stock to another on the same date instead of waiting for settlement of one's trade after one day or two days (as applicable on the scrip)." He said that instant settlement would mean one won't be able to trade if it has no money available in one's demat, which is good for the brokerages as their risk management to contain chances of fraud or default would go down after this move.

Relief for mutual fund investors

On how mutual fund investors would benefit from instant settlement move, Anuj Gupta, Vice President  Research at IIFL Securities said, "Equity mutual funds invest in stock market and their settlement depends upon the stock market settlement cycle. If Indian stock market moves towards instant settlement cycle then in that case mutual fund investors would also benefit from this move as it would ensure instant settlement for them as well."

Anuj Gupta of IIFL Securities said that mutual funds follow settlement cycle in sync with the stock market's settlement cycle. So, instant settlement is expected to bring relief for mutual fund investors as well.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Santosh Sahu was just 25 years old when he was told that he had cancer. The news stunned him. Sahu, a resident of a small town in Odisha, was initially perplexed as he did not use either tobacco or alcohol . He was also fussy about his diet to the extent that he even avoided tea or coffee. Doctors then confirmed that he had blood cancer. It is caused by mutations in the DNA within ones blood cells, which start behaving abnormally. The changes are not genetic faults that pass down to children.

After numerous visits to the doctors and months of medical tests and treatment, he was referred to the Tata Memorial Center (TMC) in Mumbai. By that time, he had drained out all his savings. To make matters worse, the doctors there were not optimistic about his survival chances. However, Sahu was determined to beat cancer. He borrowed heavily from relatives and friends and got himself admitted at the TMC. Despite exhausting all borrowing avenues, Sahu was optimistic. And then he had a stroke of luck. The Indian Cancer Society (ICS) came to his aid.

Sahu underwent six months of chemotherapy and returned home. Five years later, he became the proud father of a baby girl. And, he is immensely thankful to ICS for funding his treatment. ICS, founded in 1951 by Dr D.J. Jussawalla and Naval Tata, is Indias first non-profit cancer-related charity.

Since 2011, the ICS has received funding from a series of closed ended funds launched by HDFC Mutual Fund. These funds invested in AAA rated corporate bonds and featured only a dividend option (no growth). Investors were given the choice to donate 50% or 100% of their dividends to the ICS.

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I realized that an organisation like Indian Cancer Society needed steady, predictable funding. Donations tend to be high in some years and low in others and hence the societys activities were vulnerable to these fluctuations and uncertainties, apart from the length of time spent in raising funds each year. The HDFC Charity Fund for Cancer Cure met precisely this need," said Usha Thorat, honorary secretary and managing trustee of the ICS.

The first such fund was launched in 2011, the second in 2014 and the third in 2017. They were close ended and would mature in approximately three years, returning capital back to investors. The dividend is donated to ICS, which releases a sum of 5 lakh per eligible patient. This aid helps cancer patients with annual income below 4 lakh and particularly those at least a 50% chance of survival.

We have 19 empanelled hospitals. They send us the applications for eligible patients. We screen the applications using an artificial intelligence software. This is further scrutinized by a panel of doctors that meets every week. Within 18 days of receiving the applications, we release up to 5 lakh to the hospital concerned to fund the patients treatment," said Ann Rawat, director, cancer care, Indian Cancer Society. Over the course of the past decade, the proceeds from the fund have helped around 13,000 patients with a cumulative funding of 226 crore.

Cancer fund revival

HDFC AMC is now launching a fresh edition of its Cancer Cure Fund in collaboration with ICS. The fund is structured as a fixed maturity plan (FMP), a close ended income scheme with a 1,196-day tenure. Investors can donate the income generated using the income distribution cum capital withdrawal (IDCW) option to ICS for the treatment of underprivileged cancer patients. The new fund offer opens on 28 July and closes on 8 August.

Investors can choose to donate either 50% or 75% of their returns and HDFC AMC will match the donation with an equal amount (subject to a limit of 16 crore per financial year). The AMC has waived all investment management and advisory fees for this scheme, ensuring that the maximum benefit goes towards supporting cancer patients in need. Investors will get an 80G certificate for the money donated to the ICS through the IDCW option, according to Rawat.

We are grateful to HDFC Mutual Fund for its philanthropic initiative in launching the HDFC Charity Fund for Cancer Cure. This scheme, a part of the series of Cancer Cure Funds, is making a significant difference in the lives of underprivileged cancer patients, empowering them with access to vital treatment and care. Through these initiatives, HDFC Mutual Fund is demonstrating its unwavering commitment to creating a positive social impact and fostering a better future for those affected by cancer," said Thorat.
New Delhi: The Union agriculture ministry is in talks with the food processing industries ministry to take over a scheme aimed for the integrated development of the tomato, onion and potato (TOP) value chain, a government official aware of the matter said.

The TOP scheme is part of Operation Greens, announced for 22 crops in the FY19 Union Budget. If finalized, the agriculture ministry will be able to support growers by purchasing these three perishable crops when their prices crash.

Operation Greens did not really work out. The food processing industries ministry has not been able to operate the scheme effectively. Things are almost nil, especially for TOP crops. The food processing industries ministry is in discussion with the ministry of agriculture," a government official aware of the matter said. The food processing industries ministry keeps saying that TOP scheme is not amended; and given that the agriculture ministry has the market intervention scheme (MIS), the food processing industries ministry is trying to give away the TOP scheme to the agriculture ministry to implement it more effectively."

The agriculture ministry has not refused to take it over. They are examining taking over the TOP scheme for its better implementation. However, the discussions are still at the initial stage between officials of both ministries," the official added.

The agriculture ministrys MIS is meant for market intervention when market prices of a commodity that is not covered by minimum support prices (MSP) crash. The ministry currently procures cereals, pulses and oilseeds at the government-announced MSP; however, there is no concept of government procurement at MSP for vegetables. Expenses for the MIS operation are equally shared by the agriculture ministry and the state government.

The state government will fix some procurement price (if the policy decision is finalized) at which they will procure these three vegetables from farmers and later dispose them of, as these horticulture crops cannot be stocked for a long period because of their perishable nature," the official shared.

The consumer affairs ministry has a similar scheme named price stabilisation fund (PSF) under which it intervenes in the markets of pulses and vegetables, specifically tomato, onion and potato to bring down market prices when their prices pick up the upward trend.

Queries sent to the ministries of food processing, agriculture and consumer affairs ministries on Monday remained unanswered till press time.

Horticulture growers forced to discard vegetables when prices crash may get some relief if the agriculture ministry steps in, similar to how to it procures crops to support farmers and arrest falling prices.

Recently, farmers in Punjab were seen dumping capsicum as market prices were not enough to cover the cost of production.

Earlier, tomato and onion growers in Maharashtra switched to other crops due to low prices, resulting in lower yields this year. This, along with supply disruption from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Karnataka, boosted prices of tomato in northern states in June and they are still significantly high.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Puja Das Puja Das is a New Delhi based policy reporter covering food, farm, fertiliser, water, and climate policies for Mint. Puja reports on farmers' distress and how the agriculture sector is impacting India's rural economy and policy initiatives to help meet the pledges made at COP27. Puja holds a post-graduation degree in Broadcast Journalism from the Indian Institute of Journalism & New Media, Bangalore. Read more from this author
A head constable of Border Security Force, caught sexually assaulting a woman on camera inside a grocery store in ethnic violence-hit Manipur, has been suspended by the paramilitary force, news agency PTI reported.

The alleged molestation footage from a CCTV camera inside a grocery store in the Imphal West district, shared widely on social media, showed a man in uniform and carrying an INSAS rifle - later identified as Head Constable Satish Prasad --groping the woman.

A case has been filed against Prasad.

"The incident took place in Imphal on July 20 at a shop near a petrol pump. The accused has been identified as Head Constable Satish Prasad. He has been suspended and a case has been registered against him," a senior officer told PTI. Prasad was suspended on the same day after the paramilitary force received a complaint.

The central armed police force ordered an internal probe against the head constable who belongs to the number 100 battalion of the force that was sent to the strife-torn northeastern state as an ad-hoc unit for security duties.

"He has been kept in close arrest and departmental proceedings have been initiated against him," the official said.

The BSF has zero tolerance for such acts and a fair investigation will be conducted in this incident, PTI reported quoting the officer.

Meanwhile, the fresh incident of violence against a woman comes days after a video of a group of men sexually assaulting and disrobing two women in Manipur went viral. Seven people have been apprehended in the case so far.

On May 4, two more women were allegedly raped and murdered by a mob in the state capital of Imphal, according to details of a first information report (FIR) seen by HT. Not only did the two incidents happen on the same day within an hour of each other, the victims hailed from the same community (Kuki) as did the perpetrators (Meitei), according to the FIRs.

Over 160 people have been killed and several injured since clashes broke out between Meiteis and Kukis in Manipur on May 3, following a 'Tribal Solidarity March' to protest against the former community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

On Tuesday, the Manipur government partially lifted the internet ban by conditionally allowing broadband service while keeping the ban on mobile internet.
The Cabinet has reportedly passed the Delhi Ordinance Bill despite ongoing protests from Opposition leaders. The legislation was approved by a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday evening. A bill is likely to be tabled in the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament to replace the ordinance.

What is this Delhi ordinance all about?

The controversial Delhi ordinance was promulgated for the creation of an authority for transfers and postings of Group-A officers in Delhi. It came into existed on May 19 - mere days after the Supreme Court handed over the control of services in Delhi to the elected government headed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The apex court order had excluded police, public order and land.

The ordinance facilitated the setting up of a National Capital Civil Service Authority for the transfer of and disciplinary proceedings against Group-A officers from the DANICS cadre. Transfer and postings of all officers of the Delhi government were under the executive control of the lieutenant governor before the May 11 top court verdict.

What has the Opposition said?

Kejriwal's Aam Admi Party had reacted strongly against the ordinance saying the Centre had "deceived" the people of Delhi. The Congress and several other opposition parties have also come out against the ordinance.osition leaders seeking their support against the legislation.

"This is a deception committed with the Supreme Court and the people of Delhi who have chosen Kejriwal thrice as the chief minister.

"He doesn't have any powers but the LG, who has not even been chosen but forced upon people, will have powers and through him, the Centre will keep tabs on the work happening in Delhi. This is contempt of court," AAP chief spokesperson and Services Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj had said.

Will this ordinance become a law?

An ordinance is promulgated by the President on the recommendation of the Union Cabinet when the Parliament is not in session. It is mandatory for the Parliament to adopt a law to replace the ordinance within six weeks of the commencement of the next session.

(With inputs from agencies)
New Delhi: White Label ATMs (WLAs) are expected to drive ATM spread across India with a greater focus on tier III to VI centres, said Union Minister of State for Finance, Bhagwat Kisanrao Karad, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

To expand ATM access in the country, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted permission to non-bank entities to establish, own, and operate White Label ATMs (WLAs) nationwide. This move is aimed at enhancing banking services reach, especially in smaller towns and rural areas, and promoting financial inclusion.

Karad said that WLAs offer banking services to customers through cards issued by various banks, such as debit, credit, or prepaid cards. Apart from cash withdrawals, these ATMs provide an array of services, including account information, cash deposits, bill payments, mini/short statement generation, PIN changes, and requests for cheque books.

To ensure the viability and seamless functioning of WLAs, the RBI has undertaken several measures. Notably, through a circular issued on 30 December 2016, the central bank permitted White Label ATM operators (WLAOs) to source cash from retail outlets, addressing the challenges related to cash availability.

In another significant move, the RBI, through a circular on 7 March 2019, encouraged non-bank players participation in the ATM industry by granting WLAOs several privileges. These include the direct purchase of wholesale cash from the Reserve Banks (issue offices) and currency chests, sourcing cash from scheduled banks, offering bill payment and Interoperable cash deposit services, displaying advertisements related to non-financial products/services, and permitting banks to issue co-branded ATM cards in partnership with authorized WLAOs, thereby extending the benefit of on-us transactions to WLAs.

Additionally, the RBI introduced on-tap authorization for WLAs on 15 October 2019, streamlining the process for their establishment and operation.

At present, India has four authorized non-bank entities operating White Label ATMs, and their presence is expected to significantly enhance overall ATM penetration, especially in tier III to VI centres.

Addressing concerns related to consumer protection, Karad informed that from 1 April 2022 to 30 June 2023, the Consumer Education and Protection Department of RBI received a total of 98 complaints against WLAs. These complaints fall under the purview of Consumer Education and Protection Cells (CEPCs) of RBI, which meticulously assess each case based on its merits, supported by documentary evidence, and consider comments from the Regulated Entity (RE) while ensuring adherence to regulatory guidelines.
A Delhi court Tuesday acquitted former Haryana Minister Gopal Goyal Kanda and one other in a case of abetment of the suicide of Geetika Sharma. The court said the possibility of the former air hostess committing suicide due to other reasons also cannot be ruled out.

The court also acquitted Gopal Kandas associate Aruna Chadha of all charges including abetment of suicide, criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence and forgery.

Geetika Sharma, a former air hostess with Gopal Kanda's MLDR airlines, who was later elevated as a director of one of his companies, was found dead on August 5, 2012, at her Ashok Vihar residence in northwest Delhi.

In her August 4 suicide note, she said she was ending her life due to harassment" by Gopal Kanda and Aruna Chadha. Geetika Sharma's mother had also committed suicide six months after her daughter's death.

The court ruling

The court noted that the prosecution has failed to prove the offence under Section 306 (Abetment of suicide) read with 120-B IPC that accused persons pursuant to criminal conspiracy had created such circumstances, due to which deceased Geetika Sharma had no option but to commit suicide.

The Delhi court also said the former air hostess was friendly with accused Aruna Chadha and used to socialize with her. The friendship of the deceased with accused Aruna Chadha was not a casual one, as the deceased used to share her personal secrets with Aruna Chadha.

The court further took notice that during the evidence of a witness of a doctor in the month of March 2012, Geetika Sharma had come to her clinic on the reference made by Aruna Chadha for the purpose of abortion as Geetika Sharma was unmarried. Therefore, there is a strong possibility that Aruna Chadha might be knowing about the person, who was having physical relations with Geetika Sharma.

The court noted that the possibility of Aruna Chadha and Gopal Goyal Kanda disclosing this fact to the mother of deceased in a telephonic conversation on August 3 and August 4, 2012, respectively, being the well-wishers of the family or out of jealousy, which led to a quarrel between Geetika Sharma and her mother on her return from Mumbai on August 4, 2012 and thereafter, Geetika Sharma committed suicide, cannot be ruled out.

The court observed that "Any sane and prudent person would not socialise or take benefits or favours from the very person, who creates stress and tension in his or her life. The act of the accused, Gopal Kanda, in appointing deceased Geetika Sharma as director, the president of Sundale Educational Society, providing her with a BMW car, sponsoring her MBA course and taking her along with him to Singapore, can, by no stretch of imagination, be treated as an act of the accused, by which he wanted to create circumstances for deceased Geetika Sharma wherein she had no option but to commit suicide."

The court asked Gopal Kanda to submit 1 lakh in personal bond and remain present if the police filed an appeal against his acquittal.
The Monsoon Session of the Parliament got off to a rocky start last week amid growing clamour for a discussion on the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur. Even as the BJP-led NDA insists that it is ready for a debate on the matter, the the opposition has made a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi a precondition for any discussion on the issue. The two sides are also unable to agree on the nature of discussions - with the government willing to broach the issue under Rule 176, while the Opposition remains firm about a debate under Rule 267.

Protests have ruled the day inside both Houses despite attempts by Dhankhar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to end the impasse. Since the session began on July 20, little work has been done in Parliament.

What is Rule 176?

As per the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, a discussion under Rule 176 would be a short interaction not exceeding two and a half hours. Under this, "any member desirous of raising discussion on a matter of urgent public importance may give notice in writing to the Secretary-General" outlining the details and the reasons for raising a discussion.

The Chairman may admit the notice and in consultation with the Leader of the Council fix the date on which such matter may be taken up for discussion and allow such time for discussion, not exceeding two and a half hours, as he may consider appropriate in the circumstances," explains an FAQ uploaded to the Rajya Sabha website.

What is Rule 267?

As the logjam persisted on Monday, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said that he had received 27 notices under Rule 267. The Opposition has demanded a statement from the PM followed by the suspension of all regular proceedings to discuss the Manipur issue.

Any member, may, with the consent of the Chairman, move that any rule may be suspended in its application to a motion related to the business listed before the Council of that day and if the motion is carried, the rule in question shall be suspended for the time being: Provided further that this rule shall not apply where specific provision already exists for suspension of a rule under a particular chapter of the Rules," an official document explains.

(With inputs from agencies)
More than 700 Myanmar nationals including 301 children have illegally entered India in just two days. They did not have proper travel documents when they were allowed to India between July 22 and 23. Hence, the Manipur government has sought a detailed report from the Assam Rifles on the same.

In a conversation with the Assam Rifles on Monday, Manipur chief secretary Vineet Joshi reminded the border guarding force that it has been instructed to take strict action to prevent Myanmar nationals' entry without any document into Manipur as per the central government's instructions. A total of 718 refugees crossed the Indo-Myanmar border and entered Manipur in two days, the Assam Rifles informed the deputy commissioner of Chandel district. This came amid ongoing clashes in the northeast state. State Govt sought a detailed report from Assam Rifles authority to clarify the facts and compelling circumstances as to why and how these 718 Myanmar nationals were allowed to enter in Chandel district of Manipur, India without proper travel documents," Delhi Meitei Forum said in a tweet.

The Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent or Police or Chandel District have also been advised to oversee the Implementation or the above and also keep biometrics and photographs of all such persons," Joshi added.

Meanwhile, the Manipur Police on Monday registered an FIR in connection with a fake news" item in which a video, showing the killing of a woman by armed men in Myanmar, is being described as an incident that happened in the state.

The clip was being circulated to incite rioting and efforts are on to arrest those who are spreading the fake news, the police tweeted.

FIR registered for spreading fake news: On 24/07/2023, Cyber Crime Police Station (CCPS), Manipur registered a case in connection with the viral video of a woman being assaulted and killed by a mob including armed men (which happened in Myanmar), which has been falsely depicted as a case of Manipur.

"Attempt is made to identify and arrest the accused persons for spreading false news with intent to disturb public tranquillity, incite riot, and create serious breach of law and order in the state," the police said in a Twitter post.

The circulation of the fake news" came days after a video showing two women being paraded naked and molested by a group of men on May 4 in Kangpokpi district surfaced on July 19, attracting condemnation countrywide.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall for Telangana over the next few days. The weather department sounded a red alert on Monday, predicting extremely heavy rain for certain parts of the state between 8.30 am on July 25 and 8.30 am on July 28. Hyderabad also faced heavy rain and consequently traffic snarls and waterlogging on Monday as an upper air cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal continued to gain momentum.

A red alert has been issued for Telangana on July 25, 26 and 27. On 25 July, Telangana is likely to receive extremely heavy Rainfall over the eastern districts. Hyderabad and adjoining districts are likely to have very heavy rainfall...Thereafter the system is likely to move west northwestwards and there will be a reduction in rainfall July 28 onwards," said Nagaratna - the Director of the Hyderabad Metrological Centre.

As per the IMD's forecast on Monday afternoon the cyclonic circulation lay over the Bay of Bengal off the coast of south Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh. It is expected to intensify wind towards low-pressure areas during the next 24 hours - leading to heavy rain in Telangana over the next few days.

ALSO READ: Northern India to receive heavy rainfall on Wed-Thu, says IMD

Officials from Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation have already urged people in the city to avoid unnecessary travel and step outdoors only if essential. The Director of Enforcement for Vigilance and Disaster Management assured in a tweet that Disaster Response Force teams had been put on alert. Citizens can also reach out to the GHMC via telephone for assistance.

Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan also urged people to take note of the alert and stay safe 'as a precautionary measure'.

Meanwhile, the BJP's Telangana unit has postponed its upcoming dharna in light of the forecast. The agitation was to be held on Tuesday to mount pressure on the BRS government to implement its promise of double bedroom houses for poor.

(With inputs from agencies)
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has met top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi and discussed bilateral ties on the sidelines of the Friends of BRICS meeting in South Africa on Monday, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

During the meeting, NSA conveyed that the situation along the LAC in the Western Sector of the India-China boundary since 2020 has eroded strategic trust and the public and political basis of the relationship, the statement read. NSA emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to fully resolve the situation and restore peace and tranquility in the border areas, so as to remove impediments to normalcy in bilateral relations," MEA said. The two sides agreed that the India-China bilateral relationship is not only for the two countries but also for the region and the world," it added.

The meeting came days after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Wang, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in the Indonesian capital Jakarta, and discussed outstanding issues relating to peace and tranquillity in border areas.

India has been locked in a military standoff with China for more than three years, with Jaishankar describing it to be the most complex challenge in his long diplomatic career.

Wang stressed that China will never seek hegemony, and stands ready to work with developing countries, including India, to support multilateralism and the democratization of international relations, and promote the more just and equitable development of international order.

Earlier on Monday, Doval called for collective efforts to deal with challenges emanating from cybersecurity at the Friends of BRICS meeting. The NSA also held several bilaterals with his counterparts from and Friends of BRICS countries. South Africa is hosting the BRICS Summit next month. BRICS is a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

(With inputs from agencies)
New Delhi: While Indian business leaders recently met the president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Odile Renaud-Basso, they are yet to make concrete investment commitment with the multilateral development bank that funnels investments to build market economies, two people with direct knowledge of the matter said.

They are on wait and watch mode on investment opportunities," one of the two people cited above said.

Basso, who assumed office as the first woman to chief of the EBRD on 19 July, met with Indian business leaders in New Delhi, to discuss investment opportunities in the countries where the bank operates.

However, the Indian businesses did not make any firm investment commitments," a second person said. The situation in Ukraine is a concern for fresh investments in the region," he said.

The EBRD had outlined investment opportunities in multiple countries where it operates, such as Ukraine and central European and Baltic states, eastern and south eastern European countries, Central Asia, South and Eastern Mediterranean regions as well as Africa.

These regions provide huge opportunities for Indian firms to diversify, as they are scouting for new markets, Renaud-Basso had said in an interview.

A key challenge for MDBs is to get private capital as the risk to return ratio is often not feasible.

MDBS need to increase annual spending by $3 trillion by 2030, including $1.8 trillion for additional climate action and $1.2 trillion for achieving sustainable development goals according to recommendations of a G20 committee on MDBs headed by N.K. Singh and Lawrence Summers.

The purpose of the meetings in New Delhi was not to get firm commitments from the Indian industry. It was to enhance their understanding of the banks priorities and of investment opportunities in our countries of operations, with the idea to lay the ground for potential future co-investments," an EBRD spokesperson said.

In that sense the visit was successful because of the real interests shown by many companies (that) she met in Delhi, and the potential for follow-up by our bankers," he added.
As whole India continues to receives severe rainfall, conjunctivitis cases have been on rise in several states of India. Eye infection continues to spread among children in Delhi, Gujarat, and in Northeastern states. To prevent the further spread of conjunctivitis, all the schools, up to class 8th have been suspended from 25th July to 29 July in Itanagar.

Monsoon Live Updates There have been multiple cases of the infection in Delhi due to humid weather and continuous rainfall. Doctors have cautioned people to take sufficient precautions against the highly contagious" infection. THey hav also advised people to take proper hygeine behaviour keep the infection under control. Also Read: Parliament monsoon session: NDA, oppositions conduct separate meets to stratagise next steps Dr Aarti Nangia, senior consultant, ophthalmology at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj here, said there has been an "increase" in cases of eye infections and conjunctivitis reported in Delhi lately. "It is either an isolated infection of the eyes or along with an upper respiratory tract infection like cough or cold. Because the virus is the same which is infecting the eyes and throat. Schools closed in Arunachal Pradesh's Imphal to curb conjunctivitis In the wake of rising cases of eye infections, also known as pink eyes,all the schools have been closed till 29 July ( till class 8th), sayd Office of the Deputy Commissioner in an official notice on Monday. Also Read: Manipur row likely to rock Parliament monsoon session for fourth day: How Centre plans to table 31 bills? The circular stated that the decision was taken after conducting a survey for five days by the DSU and ICC team. As several cases of conjunctivitis were reported, the administration decided to announce holiday to break the chain of transmission.

Other than the capital city of the state, Longding district administration also announced temporary closure of schools in Kanubari sub-division following outbreak of conjunctivitis.

In a circular, Longding Deputy Commissioner Bani Lego said, "Considering the seriousness of the matter, all the heads of schools under Kanubari and Lawnu educational blocks are hereby directed to close down their respective schools temporarily till July 29, in order to break the chain of spread of the disease".

Spurt in Conjunctivitis cases in Gujarat

Amid the rainy season, there has been a rise in cases in Vadodra. The infection was spread among people of all age groups. The city is reporting close to 500 cases per day, reported Indian Express. As the cases are rising significantly, student unions spreading the word of taking precautions to avoi the infection. In last few days, Panchmahal's health department ahs recorded around 1,300 casesm reported IE. As the cases are rising continuosly, district administration is engaged in spreading information to prevent the disease.
Mumbai: Asset reconstruction companies (ARCs) are capitalizing on the opportunity to acquire written-off loans, given the substantial pool of such assets available with lenders, and the governments concerted efforts to recover these loans, according to industry insiders.

ARC executives find written-off assets particularly appealing as the number of sizeable bad loans awaiting recovery have dipped, thanks in part to banks persistent corrective measures, including selective targeting of corporate borrowers. In fact, banks consistent efforts have resulted in a decline of gross bad loans to 3.9% of total loans, marking the lowest level since 2013.

View Full Image Graphic: Mint

Despite the muted beginning, National Asset Reconstruction Co. Ltd has secured some large toxic assets, limiting the operating space for other ARCs. Many large ARCs have also shifted focus towards buying and recovering retail bad loans in recent years. Going forward, ARC sales are likely to continue recording double-digit growth with retail loans and written-off accounts playing bigger a role in the portfolios put up for sale," said Hari Hara Mishra, chief executive, Association of Asset Reconstruction Companies in India.

Apart from banks, non-banking financial companies, too, will play a pivotal role in offloading bad loans to maintain a clean balance sheet, Mishra said. According to data compiled by the association, asset sales to ARCs grew nearly 30% in 2022-23.

Lenders sell distressed loans to ARCs at a discounted rate, either in cash or a combination of cash and security receipts. However, cash is the preferred option for most lenders. These security receipts hold redemption value, which is claimed once the ARC successfully recovers a specific loan.

Between FY18 and FY22, banks have written off 10.2 trillion bad loans, showed data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). In its Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India in December, RBI said the reduction in non-performing assets of state-owned banks in FY22 was primarily due to loans being written off. However, industry officials said that while written-off assets present opportunities, they are likely to adopt a pick-and-choose approach for technical write-offs, or loans where banks are still actively seeking recovery avenues. Technical write-offs are undertaken by lenders to cleanse the balance sheets of bad debts, which are either considered unrecoverable, or where the cost of recovery may disproportionately burden lenders, according to RBI. ARCs do not differentiate between regular bad loans and those that have been written off, provided these are technical write-offs. If it has been finally written off, the debt is no longer alive and therefore cannot be assigned to ARCs," said Pallav Mohapatra, chief executive, Asset Reconstruction Co. (India) Ltd.

Ensuring a favourable pricing for such assets is crucial as it is necessary for ARCs to have sufficient room for recovery, said Mohapatra. Recovery from written-off accounts does present an opportunity, but as I said, the debt should be alive."

The governments ambitious recovery targets for state-owned banks are proving to be advantageous for the ARC industry.

Mint reported on 1 May that the finance ministry wants public sector lenders to recover at least 2 trillion from written-off loans. According to another ARC executive, if the accounts put on sale are technical write-offs, the chances of recovery are higher than those of actual write-offs.

The reason is banks would have tried for several years and only then they would have written off completely, while in case of technical write-offs, it is more of a balance sheet management tactic," said the ARC executive mentioned above.

While pricing should be seen on a case-to-case basis, if written-off assets worth, say, 100 are put up for sale, only 30-40 would be worth buying, he added.
NEW DELHI : New Delhi is exploring the possibility of trilateral cooperation with France and Australia in the strategic Pacific Islands, according to persons aware of the matter. While France and Australia have been key players in the Pacific Islands for some time, India has stepped up its outreach to these small island countries over the last decade.

The three countries launched their trilateral partnership forum in 2021, focused on the Indo-Pacific, with a focus on maritime development and connectivity. The three countries are expected to discuss concrete proposals during the third foreign minister level meeting of the grouping, for which preparations are ongoing.

The countries share mutual concerns regarding the strategic, security, economic and environmental challenges in the Indo-Pacific region," said the foreign ministers of the three countries in 2021.

They pledged to focus the trilateral partnership on climate change, disaster-resilient infrastructure, preventing illegal and unregulated fishing, among others.

Shoring up regional multilateral organisations like Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) was also marked out as a key focus for the three countries.

This development comes amid an increasing push from China to develop a stronger economic and security partnership with the islands, given their importance to the geopolitical competition brewing with America.

In 2022, China unsuccessfully attempted to negotiate a sweeping cooperation pact with Pacific Island countries.

India has also stepped up its diplomatic outreach. Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian PM to visit Papua New Guinea in May 2023 for the third Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). New Delhi unveiled a 12-point action plan focused on healthcare, clean energy and cyberspace. India has positioned itself as a voice of the global south in recent years. Its outreach to these islands and advocacy of their interests fits well into New Delhis strategic ambitions.

France and Australia have seen Chinas growing presence in the Pacific Islands with increased disquiet. While the three countries have laid out some broad interest areas, scholars at the Australian National Universitys National Security College have made some specific recommendations for trilateral cooperation in the Pacific Islands in a report. Among them is a proposal to set up a trilateral disaster response mechanism to support regional countries. Protecting undersea internet cables, creating an independent scientific body focused on Indian Ocean challenges and joint surveillance to prevent illegal fishing were some other key recommendations.
Opposition parties are likely to move a vote of no confidence against the Narendra Modi government amid growing calls for a discussion about ethnic violence in Manipur. Members of the newly named Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance have called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the matter and sought a suspension of regular proceedings to discuss the issue. The proposal was also discussed during a meeting of the INDIA and is being seen as a bid to make the PM to address the Parliament.

What is a no confidence motion?

A government can function only when it has the majority support of the Lok Sabha. By moving a no-confidence motion the Opposition can essentially test the opinion of the House and in some cases oust the current government. A motion expressing want of confidence in the Council of Ministers can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, and after at least 50 members of Parliament support it.

A Government is expected to resign office or advise dissolution of the House if it is defeated on a subject considered to be a major issue either by it or by the Opposition, or on a specific motion of no-confidence brought forward by the Opposition," explains an FAQ uploaded to the Lok Sabha website.

Can the Narendra Modi government really be ousted?

Opposition parties are reportedly weighing the option as an an effective way to compel the government to initiate a discussion on the Manipur issue. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance currently holds more than 300 seats in the Lok Sabha - well above the 272 seats needed for a majority. As such any no-confidence motion brought about by the Opposition is unlikely to pass.

"I am not aware of their move but if they are doing so they should know that last time they brought a no-confidence motion, BJP came back to power with a stronger majority of over 300 seats and the same will happen again and we will get more than 350 seats," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said.

The first no-confidence motion against the Modi government was moved in July 2018. The NDA won with a thumping majority with 325 MPs voting no and only 126 in favour of the no-confidence motion.

The debate however gave an opportunity for the opposition to attack the government on a range of issues including farm distress, slow economic growth and rising incidents of mob lynching.

(With inputs from agencies)
Opposition parties, under the banner of Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), has decided to move no-confidence motion against government in the Lok Sabha for the first time in 20 year. In 2003, no confidence was moved against the Atal Bihari Vajpayee led NDA government.

Sources close to the development cited that all parties are on board. And opposition parties are now deciding on a strategy for the Rajya Sabha to corner the BJP. This comes after monsoon session of the Parliament remains disrupted for the fourth day with opposition demanding for Prime Minister Narendra Modis statement on the ethnic violence in Manipur The sources said after weighing various options to force Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak in Parliament on the situation in strife-torn Manipur, it was decided that this would be an effective way to compel the government to initiate a discussion on the issue. Reacting to the development, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said, During our first term also (Opposition) brought a no-confidence motion against us and in 2019 our seats increased from 282 to 303. Let them bring a no-confidence motion this time also and we will win more than 350 seats." It needs to be noted that Telugu Desam Party sought to bring a similar motion against the government in 2018 but there was no discussion or voting ALLIANCE More Information

Opposition party meet ahead of Parliament session

The floor leaders of opposition parties held a meeting on Tuesday morning to discuss their strategy amid the logjam between the oppositions and the government over the Manipur issue. The meeting was held in the chamber of the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge.

Congress and other opposition parties have been demanding a detailed discussion on the situation in Manipur and a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They have resorted to protests and sloganeering in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, forcing adjournments of the two Houses since the commencement of the monsoon session of Parliament on July 20.

The opposition parties have also urged the Rajya Sabha Chairman to revoke the suspension of Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh. The AAP member was suspended on Monday for repeatedly violating" directions of the Chair.

Ahead of the meeting, Kharge said opposition parties will take a collective decision on their strategy.

Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh, Pramod Tiwari, Aam Aadmi Partys Raghav Chadha and Trinamool Congress Derek O'Brien were among those present in the meeting.

ALLIANCE More Information
Several schools across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are likely to remain closed on Tuesday as All India Students Federation (AISF) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) to protest against the various irregularities prevalent in the education sector. The bandh is also supported by Telugu Nadu Students Federation (TNSF).
In Telangana, the School Education department has changed the school timings for primary and upper primary classes across the state, except in two districts including Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The notification was issued on Monday, July 24 for all districts.

According to the notification, the primary and upper primary schools will start at 9.30 am in all districts. The primary schools will now function till 4.15 pm, while the upper primary schools will function between 9.30 am and 4.45 pm.

However, the primary and upper primary classes in the high school campus will follow the existing school timings, the local media reports stated.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall for Telangana over the next few days. The weather department sounded a red alert on Monday, predicting extremely heavy rain for certain parts of the state between 8.30 am on July 25 and 8.30 am on July 28.

Hyderabad also faced heavy rain and consequently traffic snarls and waterlogging on Monday as an upper air cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal continued to gain momentum.

As per the IMD's forecast on Monday afternoon, the cyclonic circulation lay over the Bay of Bengal off the coast of south Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh. It is expected to intensify wind towards low-pressure areas during the next 24 hours - leading to heavy rain in Telangana over the next few days.

Officials from Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation have already urged people in the city to avoid unnecessary travel and step outdoors only if essential.

The Director of Enforcement for Vigilance and Disaster Management assured in a tweet that Disaster Response Force teams had been put on alert. Citizens can also reach out to the GHMC via telephone for assistance.

Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan also urged people to take note of the alert and stay safe 'as a precautionary measure'.
After visiting China, the United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry is will now come to India on a five-day visit to discuss climate and clean energy.

He is set to visit Delhi and Chennai during his visit from July 25-29. In Delhi, Secretary Kerry will meet with senior government officials.

As per the US State Department statement, Kerry's visit is to advance shared objectives on climate and clean energy, including mutual efforts to build a platform for investments in renewable energy and storage solutions, support the deployment of zero-emission buses, and diversify clean energy supply chains.

"In Chennai, Secretary Kerry will attend the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministers Meeting," the statement read. Notably, the G-20's environment and climate sustainability ministers will meet on July 28 in Chennai.

Kerry's visit to India came at a time when India is focusing more on sustainable energy.

Recently, on Saturday, in a video message to the G20 Energy Ministerial Meeting in Goa, PM Modi said India now plans to achieve 50 percent non-fossil installed capacity by the year 2030. While virtually addressing the G20 energy ministers via meeting, PM Modi highlighted the importance of energy in shaping the future, sustainability, growth, and development of both individuals and nations. He expressed that despite different realities and pathways for energy transition, the ultimate goal of every country remains the same.

No talk about the future, sustainability or growth and development can be complete without energy. It impacts development at all levels, from individuals to nations," the Prime Minister said at the meeting that brought together ministers from the countries in the G20 grouping.

He also pointed out that India is among the global leaders in solar and wind power and is making great efforts in green growth and energy transition.

Earlier, the US envoy Kerry ended his four-day visit to China on July 19 without any new agreements. In fact, the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, insisted in a speech that China would pursue its goals to phase out carbon dioxide pollution at its own pace and in its own way.

Still, Kerry appeared buoyed that the worlds two biggest polluters had restarted discussions, which had been frozen for a year because of strained relations over Taiwan, trade and other issues. He insisted he was not disappointed in the outcome, noting that just talking marked progress, according to the Washington Post.

We had very frank conversations but we came here to break new ground," Kerry said, adding, It is clear that we are going to need a little more work."

China and the United States could use climate cooperation to redefine their troubled relationship and lead the way in tackling global warming, Kerry had told senior Chinese officials on Tuesday. "Our hope is that this can be the beginning of a new definition of cooperation and capacity to resolve differences between us," Kerry told top diplomat Wang Yi in a meeting in the Great Hall of the People, China's cavernous legislative building.

(With inputs from ANI)
Former President Barack Obama's personal chef Tafari Campbell drowned near the family's home on Martha's Vineyard. Massachusetts State Police confirmed that the paddleboarder whose body was recovered from Edgartown Great Pond on Monday was of Campbell.

Tafari Campbell, 45, was the subject of a two-day search after a paddle boarder was seen to struggle and go under the water in Edgartown Great Pond near a home owned by the Obamas on Sunday night. At the time of his death, Campbell, who lived in Dumfries, Virginia, was visiting Martha's Vineyard, but the Obamas were not present, the Massachusetts State Police said.

Campbell had been a sous chef at the White House, and came to work for the family after Obama completed his second term in 2016.

Issuing a joint statement, the former president and his wife, Michelle Obama, called Campbell a beloved part of our family".

When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House  creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together," the couple said. In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter." That's why, when we were getting ready to leave the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed. He's been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that he's gone."

The search for the missing paddleboarder started Sunday after reports from a fellow paddleboarder that he had struggled on the surface, went under and didn't resurface.

The search was paused late Sunday but on Monday state police said sonar from a boat located the body about 100 feet (30 metres) from shore at a depth of about 8 feet (2.4 metres). Campbell was not wearing a life jacket, police said.

The Obamas said Campbell is survived by his wife and their twin boys.

(With inputs from agencies)
Human beings fight not because they are different, but because they are the same and, in their attempt to distinguish themselves, have made themselves into enemies, human doubles in reciprocal violence." French philosopher and anthropologist Rene Girard made this observation in his theory of mimetics, whose premise is that human desires are largely shaped by imitation. Girard argued that individuals do not develop their desires independently, but instead adopt these from others around them, especially those whom they admire or consider role models. Even if those desires are contrary to their personal values or well-being, which explains why otherwise compassionate individuals can be coalesced into frenzied, bloodthirsty mobs. And these mimetic models have resultant social structures, norms and behaviour, especially when acting as a group. It is mimetics that motivates patriotism, tribal pride and a sense of surrogate achievement when any of ones own tribe wins. The dark side of mimetics can provoke rapacious vengeance and similar surrogacy in meting out violence to out-groups regardless of their guilt or innocence.

The basics of this theory apply across all group sizes, ranging from just two individual rivals competing for the same thing to factions contesting common resources and major countries with conflicting ideologies. Unchecked mimetic desire can lead to intense rivalry and wars whose viciousness goes far beyond rationality, leading to scapegoating and sacrificial violence.

Scapegoating has its origin in the Torah. Once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), two goats would be chosen by a priest, one to be sacrificed to God and the other sent to an evil spirit believed to be deep in the desert. The priest would place his hand on one of the goats and confess the sins of all villagers, thus symbolically transferring them onto the animal that would then be banished into the desert; in terms of etymology, this exorcizing of sins gave us the term scapegoat.

A similar transfer of anger, shame, sorrow or fear experienced by a majority by unjustly blaming an innocent minority for the wrongdoings of others, followed by action against them in purported retaliation, has been displayed by every culture. Hitler infamously attributed part of the German defeat in World War I to Jews, which enabled conditions for their slaughter. The US persecuted immigrants and citizens of Japanese origin during World War II. France grossly mistreated over 6,000 of its own women as collaborators by parading them naked with shaven heads; some were beaten to death.

Closer home, horrific memories of Partition still haunt us decades later. Every conflict results in devastation of the innocent and defenceless, mostly women and children. This is human behaviour at its worst, but human behaviour nonetheless. Such injustice is perpetrated when a social mimetic model permits it. Both warring sides like to believe their violence is benign, retaliatory, just and minimal, while the others violence is bad, over-provocative, unjust and disproportionate; that their own kind are good humans with compassion, noble values and a rich cultural heritage, which makes them righteous inheritors, while their adversaries are animalistic, sullied and unreasonable encroachers. Such binary negative mimetic models demean the adversary, thus breaking down respect and trust, which worsens the situation.

The conflict in Manipur is the latest manifestation of this primal phenomenon whose damage will affect every Indian, regardless of demography, gender, financial status, location, political ideology or ignorance of the cost to be paid by us as well as future generations. And its reverberations will continue unless root causes are addressed. However, to paraphrase James Clear, we dont rise to the level of our lofty goals, we fall to the levels of our mimetic systems. So, appeals for peace and better security will at best provide temporary relief. When resources reduce and contestants increase, conflict is inevitable.

Northeast India is one of the most diverse regions of the world, with over 200 major and minor tribes competing for depleting resources and increasing aspirations. It has scores of tribal, ethnic, nationalistic and administrative fault-lines. Plus, there is organized crime, narcotics, weapon and human trafficking and our deadliest adversary at a stones throw that would be glad to take advantage of it. Unless a robust, long-term and collaborative resolution mechanism is implemented, our much-vaunted diversity and economic potential could slip into conflict between hundreds of negative mimetic models. The risks are especially high on the eve of national elections.

Conflicts dont end when violence is stopped by force or those who are weaker are subdued by overwhelming power. They simmer, foment and erupt again. The only way of resolving conflict is through empathetic rapprochement and the implementation of fair and just systems. Anything less only achieves a transitory armistice during which the winning side gloats over a short-lived victory and the losing side prepares for another round of violence. This ensures that everyone loses and the sins of one generation are visited upon the next.

Raghu Raman is former CEO of the National Intelligence Grid, distinguished fellow at Observer Research Foundation and author of Everymans War.
Mumbai: In December 2020, when bulge bracket private equity firm KKR (with more than $500 billion in assets under management globally) picked Gaurav Trehan as the successor to its high-profile India chief Sanjay Nayar in December 2020, the industry was struck by the contrast in personalities. It was almost as if the firm sought out a very different prototype of a leader.

Nayar, a Citibank banker who was handpicked by KKR founder Henry Kravis in 2009, had not just been the face of KKR in India for more than a decade, he was among the countrys most visible faces in high finance. He could be seen cultivating promoters at budget consultations and industry forums, keynoting an event or holding forth in media interviews. Like a quintessential banker, he got around. And for good reason. Nayar and his wife Falguni Nayar exemplify what hardworking professionals who were not born to wealthy parents could accomplish in contemporary India. The duo met at IIM Ahmedabad and went on to have successful careers in banking and finance. Falguni, who made quite a mark as an investment banker, decided to pivot into entrepreneurship, founded Nykaa and became a rare self-made Indian woman billionaire when the company went public in 2021. As KKRs man in India, Nayar was known to hustle and pound the streets hard, working on building promoter ties and securing a deal pipeline.

View Full Image Graphic: Mint

Trehan, in comparison, is elusive and barely heard from. He has hardly given media interviews and his articulation of the firms strategy and activities here have mostly come when the India office has hosted visiting global KKR leaders. A person familiar with his operating style says he places a premium on likeability, believing that people like to do business with people they like. If you invest in a company, you are going to have to work with that promoter for at least five years. There will be good times and bad. You need to like each other to make it work," the person said, adding that the executive has focussed a lot over the last three years to ensure KKR Indias culture is one of humility, politeness, respect, collaboration and team work".

It all fits in with a recasting of image by the private equity industry globally. The industry that epitomised a muscular pursuit of financial returns and took the excesses along the way in its stride, has been making way for one where executives are more likely to talk about their work in advancing sustainability. Black Rock, the $10 trillion investment behemoth whose headquarters neighbours KKRs in New Yorks Hudson Yards, is so focussed on the environment, sustainability and governance (ESG) paradigm that CEO Larry Fink faced a backlash recently for saying the firm forces behaviours" at investee companies towards ESG goals. On KKRs own home page, the spotlight is on its 2022 sustainability report. This is a firm the well-known book about whose aggressive 1988 buyout of the tobacco company RJR Nabisco is titled Barbarians at the Gate.

If KKR and private equity at large is seeking to project a softer side, by all accounts, Trehan is proving to be the right man for the job. But what has that recalibration meant for the firms investment thesis and its performance? Thats a more complex story and needs some background to understand.

A mixed bag

KKRs first decade (the firm launched its India office in 2006 but gained momentum really after Nayars arrival in 2009) in India is something of a mixed bag.

Nayar led KKR through two phases of private equity investing. The KKR playbook globally has always been big buyouts, but the India market was different and it began slowly by acquiring small stakes in companies such as Cafe Coffee Day, Bharti Infratel, and Dalmia Cements, among others.

The firm hit its stride with deals in 2013 in Alliance Tyres Group (where it bought more than 90% equity stake) and Gland Pharma (in which it acquired a 33% stake). Both generated blockbuster returns for KKR in India.

That was also the year that KKR, under Nayar, decided that it was better off adopting the global KKR playbook and KKR started pursuing larger buyout deals. The Indian market had also matured by then to throw up opportunities for large-sized control transactions (called so as the investor gains control of the firm).

The philosophy then was to control your own destiny"meaning, unlike a minority investment, the firm wont be at the mercy of other investors in a buyout and can control its path to exit, and therefore returns. Typically, control deals also help funds like KKR deploy large sums.

This strategy led KKR to acquire majority stakes in several companies, such as Radiant Life Care in 2017. The latter merged with Max Healthcare in 2020, which KKR exited last year to blockbuster returns.

But as KKR started expanding its ambition in India, it suffered a reversal. In line with its global portfolio of products, it had launched a credit business in India and had acquired a shadow bank licence (known as non-banking financial services). Between 2018 and 2020, KKRs ambitious credit strategy went belly upin part because of the liquidity crisis following the IL&FS collapse and in part perhaps on account of lax diligence by KKR. A Bloomberg report in January 2021 said that the firms leadership at the time assessed that nearly 50% of its credit portfolio was at the risk of going bad and required intervention. KKR eventually chose to merge its credit NBFC with InCred Financial Services.

To be fair, many other NBFCs such as Altico Capital and Piramal Capital also struggled at the time, but the fallout of the credit collapse took the sheen out of Nayars star within the investor ecosystem. Credit deals with companies such as Sintex, Resonance and Avantha group rapidly went south and had to be written off. A January 2021 Bloomberg story said the Resonance deal has been cited on internal KKR calls as a textbook case of how not to structure deals. It attributed the information to anonymous sources.

With Nayar coming up on his retirement, KKR began scouting for a successor, eventually choosing Gaurav Trehan, a TPG veteran and a UCLA alumnus.

Since December 2020 when Trehan joined, the firm has almost entirely changed its old team and recast its investment strategy.

In his first on-record interview to reporters after taking over, Trehan and global co-chief executive officer Joe Bae in April offered some insights on the firms strategy for India. The firm was betting on Indias demographic, they said. KKR was winding down its real estate NBFC, the executives said, and will not invest in real estate through debt. It is adopting a more diversified approach towards credit and choosing to invest in credit from an Asia fund to ensure country risk is diversified. In short, Trehan has expanded the focus of the firm, cut back on old legacy hot spots like credit and real estate, and taken a more sharper focus on technology, digital infrastructure as well as physical infrastructure.

Has the firms strategy played out? The nature of private equity is such that it can only be assessed in a 10-year period, but some of Trehans thinking can be understood through the firms moves in recent years.

A thematic approach

KKRs approach to private equity in India has seen a clear shift. The RJR Nabisco deal from the late 1980s, pioneered leveraged buyoutswhere the investor takes on large amounts of debt, often with the target companys assets and cash flow as collateral, which is paid off through company earnings. It allows investors to access larger pools of capital and has now become a common place practice across the world. Private equity in India has been tamer. If there ever was a conversation around the cut-throat aspects of private equity, it came up after V.G. Siddhartha, the founder of Cafe Coffee Day, took his own life in 2019. Siddharthas last letter before his death by suicide said he gave up" as he could not take any more pressure from one of the private equity partners forcing me to buy back shares, a transaction I had partially completed six months ago by borrowing a large sum of money from a friend." Investors and lenders were later given a clean chit by the investigators and CCD. KKR, Rivendell PE (formerly New Silk Route) and Affirma Capital, which manages the portfolio of Standard Chartered PE, were among the investors and lenders.

While Trehan has been focussing on building a milder, gentler KKR in India, he has also broadened the firms approach to private equity.

If in the half-decade prior to 2020, KKR was focussed mostly on buyouts in Indiafor instance, during Nayars era, KKR acquired Eurokids International (a K-12 school chain now renamed as Lighthouse) (2019), investment banking firm Avendus Capital (2016), Radiant Life Care (which later became Max Healthcare, after a merger) and waste management business Ramky Enviro Engineers (2018-19) now renamed as RE Sustainability, and JB Chemicals (2020)the firms strategy has since expanded to include investments across stages, deal sizes and stakes.

To be clear, the jury is still out on how much money the firm will make through these investments. JB Chemicals has grown twice the size in revenue since KKR invested and three times in market capitalization. KKR made nearly 5X from its investment in Max Healthcare, while some of its other investments such as Avendus Capital, RE Sustainability or Lighthouse are yet to see exits.

However, since Trehan took over, KKR has picked up smaller stakes and has made growth equity investments in companies such as Shriram General Insurance (2022), Livspace (2022), Lenskart (2021), Five Star Business (2021), Reliance Jio and Reliance Retail (2020) among others, in addition to a majority control deal in Vini Cosmetics (2021) and the buyout of Ness Digital Engineering (2022).

Trehan comes with a fair bit of experience in technology and financial services. In technology, so far, with capital chasing after companies, most companies have focussed on raising growth capital. And, it is hard to acquire majority stakes in financial services companies in India because of strict Reserve Bank of India guidelines.

But some of Trehans moves have been deliberate.

KKR has re-engineered its thinking to be more thematic in approach instead of just thinking about buyouts. It has to be a good sector in a theme it likes," the first person cited above, familiar with the firms thinking, said.

Some of the initial filters now are based on its preferred sectors, which have favourable macro-tailwinds, companies with the good unit economics, which have moats, have a strong management team and a good founder that KKR can partner with. After applying these filters, KKR may look at whether it is a minority, significant minority, control or buyout transactions, the person added.

In India, the themes that the firm likes are consumerism, digital acceleration, and healthcare. Coming out of these themes, when the opportunity set comes up, the firm decides whether it is the right opportunity set, the second derivative of that is what type of deal it is," the person cited above added. Some of the broad sector buckets the firm likes include financial services, technology services, general technology, consumer, healthcare and pharmaceuticals.

This is also because the firm now has the benefit of drawing capital from multiple global pools, beyond its flagship Asia buyout fundwhich allows the firm to have multiple strategies within private equity.

It has an Asia Next Generation technology fund, for its technology investments, and a global healthcare strategic growth fund which it uses to make small growth equity investments in healthcare and pharmaceuticals companies. In the last few years, KKR has also formed a Core Fund, raised through internal KKR capital, which can stay invested in companies for over 10-15 years. Separately, it also has Asia-focussed infrastructure and credit funds.

This strategy allows KKR to make a play for deals of every size, even those in the range of $50 million to $75 million. But on the flip side, minority investments also mean, firms are at the mercy of other shareholders while securing exits. KKR has struggled with thisas seen in the case of Cafe Coffee Day.

In all, the company has invested some $7 billion since Trehan took over.

Change in credit strategy

After merging the NBFC KKR Financial Services with Incred, it has now reevaluated its credit strategy and relaunched its credit business through an Asian fund, which has made two investments in India, the people cited above said.

When Barings EQT private equity firm raised $350 million in debt to acquire IGT Solutions from Apollo Global for $800 million in 2021, KKR was one of the lenders through its Asia credit fund. This is a new element in its strategy, where the firm is lending to other private equity firms.

The second investment is a debt offering made to an internal KKR deal in India.

KKR is also not planning to lend to be on the high risk" part of the curve when it comes to credit investing, the person cited above added. It will not look for very high returns, and will seek low to mid-teens returns. The firm is looking at high quality sponsors and do sponsor-to-sponsor buyout deals, who are looking for acquisition loans," the person added.

Clearly, Trehans approach and deals appear to be working for his bosses. KKR rejigged its Asia leadership last month, elevating Trehan to head private equity in Asia. Perhaps as a precursor, Joe Bae, the co-chief executive officer of KKR, had words of praise when he was in Mumbai in April.

Gaurav has done an amazing job. And in fairness, it is a tougher role today, because it is not just private equity, it is infrastructure, it is tech, it is growth capital, it is real estate and it is credit. So now, we have a holistic platform now, not just in India, but across Asia," he said.
Power shifts in China were always high on intrigue, but its foreign ministry has developed what looks distinctly like cloak-and-dagger characteristics. The countrys December-appointed foreign minister Qin Gang first vanished from public view. He was last seen publicly in Beijing on 25 June at a meeting with visiting diplomats. His absence at a diplomatic summit in Indonesia was conspicuous, with vague health reasons cited for it by officialdom. On Tuesday, the mystery of Chinas missing minister deepened when Beijing announced that Qin Gang had been replaced by Wang Yi, his predecessor. While this news is expected to satisfy the Chinese people in whose name the republic is run, it will go down in the annals of history as yet another instance of opacity in governance under the countrys single-party rule. Observers have been flagging a renewed concentration of authority at the top, with President Xi Jinpings tightened grip taken as a sign of rising authoritarianism. As several examples show, non-democracies are prone to this phenomenon. But then, as seen in the Soviet Union, the risk of things going badly wrong rises too. The bad calls of strongmen" rarely get called out.
The Manipur issue is likely to remain the highlight of Parliament monsoon session for the fourth day with opposition demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi statement , while government insisting Home minister Amit Shah speaks on it.

Sources close to development said the government has already tried to resolve the issue through discussion. Urging opposition to let the House function smoothly, Shah earlier said, "I urge all the respected members of the opposition that on a very sensitive issue, many members have demanded a discussion by the ruling party and the opposition, I am ready for the discussion. I do not know why the opposition does not want to allow discussion."

And as per media reports, even defence Minister Rajnath Singh has spoken to top opposition leaders over phone.

But, opposition is adamant to not to give in to the government's request.

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor told NDTV There has been a horrendous loss of lives... there were rapes and violence and displacement. And now it is spreading. In Mizoram, there has been a backlash and Meities are fleeing the state." He also stated that there no greater issue right now that need PM's attention.

Meanwhile, as BJP also attacked that opposition should also answer about the sexual atrocities in non-BJP states, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, as quoted by ANI, Are you comparing any one state to Manipur (situation)? There is no law and order there. Has this been happening anywhere else? It is not right to take someone else's example to hide their weakness. You have the right to speak there (in the states concerned), you have your people there. We have the right to question here in the Parliament, so we are doing it."

How Centre plans to table 31 bills amid the protests?

During the monsoon session, the government plans to address 31 bills, including one to replace the Ordinance controlling Delhi bureaucrats and another focusing on data protection.

Source close to the development cited, as reported by NDTV, this is why the government will now insist on settling its legislative work, sources said. If a bill has to be passed amid uproar, it will be done.

However, to limit the debate around sexual atrocities and focus more on legislative works, the Centre will focus its reply in parliament only to Manipur, there will be no mention of violence in Opposition-ruled states, sources said.

A parliamentary party meeting of the BJP was conducted on Tuesday morning to chalk out the strategy for the Monsoon Session of the Lok Sabha.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishanaw among others were seen arriving for the meeting that began at 9:30 am. The meeting had been convened to discuss crucial organisational matters with party MPs
Maharashtra politics takes a new turn everyday. It started with split in Shiv Sena leading to fall of Uddhav Thackeray government in 2022 to now split in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) when Ajit Pawar took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

In a latest update, Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis has reacted to Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan claims of Ajit Pawar will be appointed as Maharashtra CM on or around 10 August. Fadnavis has dismissed the Congress leader's claim and said that Eknath Shinde will continue to be the CM of Maha Yuti "Nowadays, several senior leaders can be seen making speculations. They may speculate as much as they want. When we formed the Maha Yuti alliance, all three leaders of all three parties were clear that the CM is Eknath Shinde and he will continue to be the CM of Maha Yuti. There is not going to be any change to this," Devendra Fadnavis said.

"As the leader of the biggest party of Maha Yuti, I would like to clearly say this - nobody should have any confusion in their mind. If Opposition tries to create confusion, it means they are indulging in kite flying and their kite will come down," he added.

Earlier, while talking to ANI, Chavan said that Pawar will become the chief minister of Maharashtra around August 10.

"I can't reveal my sources. I talked a long time back on this and it is only analysis which indicates that Ajit Pawar will become CM of Maharashtra. Why I'm saying this because the disqualification matter of 40 MLAs is pending before the Speaker (Rahul Narwekar). Supreme Court must give its decision under 90 days and that period will finish on 10th August or before that. So, there is a chance for Ajit Pawar to become Chief Minister," Chavan said.

Questioning the recent visit of Eknath Shinde to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital, Chavan said that it indicates that Shinde is going to be replaced" and the PM is biding him farewell.

"Why PM Narendra Modi called him (Eknath Shinde) a few days back. This visit should have taken place one year back after Eknath Shinde became Chief Minister of Maharashtra. It indicates that CM Eknath Shinde will be disqualified soon. So, the PM is doing his farewell. Eknath Shinde and his faction clearly violated the 10th Schedule of Supreme Court and the decision will come any time," he added.

Apart from Chavan, several Opposition leaders have claimed that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde would soon be replaced by Ajit Pawar as the BJP has promised him the seat". Earlier on 3 July, Sanjay Raut had said that Pawar would soon replace Shinde in Maharashtra.

On 5 July, Pawar, who recently led a rebellion against his uncle Sharad Pawar with the help of at least 36 other supporters, had yet again expressed his ambition to become the chief minister. While addressing his supporters at MET Bandra in a show of strength, Ajit Pawar had said, I want to become Maharashtra chief minister to implement certain plans I have for people's welfare." This is not the first time Ajit Pawar said he aspires to be the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Earlier in April when he was asked if he would like to be the chief minister, Ajit Pawar replied in affirmation, saying, "Yes, I would 100 per cent like to be [CM]."

Meanwhile, earlier this month, in a surprise move, NCP's Ajit Pawar joined hands with the BJP-Shiv Sena, along with eight NCP MLAs. His political manoeuvre split the party founded by his uncle Sharad Pawar and changed the political equations of Maharashtra ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Pawar has drawn support from NCP leaders like Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal, and Dilip Walse Patil and claimed his faction to be the 'real NCP', Sharad Pawar has also asserted himself to be the party boss by expelling several leaders for 'anti-party activities'.

(With inputs from agencies)
The extreme heat blanketing the southern regions of the U.S., Mexico, and Europe this month would have been nearly impossible without the warming effects of human-induced climate change, according to a study released Tuesday by a group of European scientists who carry out rapid assessments of extreme weather events.

The study by World Weather Attribution, a group of researchers based in London and the Netherlands, found that three separate heat waves in July across the Northern Hemisphere were made much worse because of decades of fossil-fuel emissions that have raised the planets average temperature by 2 degrees Fahrenheit since the late 19th century.

Its something that we definitely will see more of in the future," said Friederike Otto, co-founder of World Weather Attribution, an author on the new study and a senior lecturer in climate science at the Grantham Institute in London. We dont know what the new normal or the new extreme will be in the future because we dont know when we will stop burning fossil fuels."

The study hasnt been peer-reviewed, which is considered the gold standard for validating research findings; however, it is based on peer-reviewed methods the group published in 2020.

To assess the recent heat waves, the scientists ran a dozen climate models comparing the temperatures observed this month with projections of a similar world without climate warming. They concluded that without human-induced climate change, the extreme heat in China would have been about a one-in-250-year event, while the heat waves in July in the U.S., Mexico, and southern Europe would have been virtually impossible.

For the past few years, global temperatures have been moderated by the cooling effects of a three-year La Nina weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean. Now, the Pacific is switching to its opposite pattern, known as El Nino, which brings warm water to the eastern Pacific and influences weather patterns across the globe.

Last month was the worlds hottest June in the 174-year global climate record tracked by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. U.S. officials said recently that the first week of July was the hottest globally since record-keeping began in 1850, and expect the entire month will be the hottest ever, surpassing the previous hottest month of July 2016.

We anticipate that July is likely to be the warmest absolute month on record, and thats going to be a record that effectively goes back many hundreds if not thousands of years," said Gavin Schmidt, director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administrations Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York, during a press call last week. We dont see this every year."

Climate scientists have a good understanding of temperatures before record-keeping based on so-called proxy measures, which include the thickness of tree rings, lake and ocean sediments that record pollen from plants, ice cores taken from glaciers and ice sheets, corals, fossils and records from ship logs and early weather observers, according to NOAA.

Julys extreme heat affected over 100 million people across the U.S. and dozens of people have suffered heat-related deaths along the border with Mexico and throughout Arizona, the study said. More than 200 heat-related fatalities have been reported in Mexico, half in the northern state of Nuevo Leon, the study said.

Phoenix has suffered under 25 straight days of 110-degree-plus heat, a record for the city, forcing construction workers to pour concrete at night and cool materials with buckets of ice.
Regulators of the worlds top stock exchanges gave their backing to the international climate-reporting standards framework Tuesday, adding momentum to efforts to establish the rules as the global baseline.

The International Organization of Securities Commissions, known as Iosco, endorsed the International Sustainability Standards Boards recently published climate reporting standard. Ioscos board of 35 securities regulatorswhich includes the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and Securities and Exchange Commissionendorsed the reporting framework which includes requirements to report so-called Scope 3 emissions in the supply chain and material information on climate-related risks and opportunities.

Iosco has done a thorough analysis of the final standards proposed by the ISSB and has decided to endorse those standards as fit for purpose for capital markets," said Jean-Paul Servais, chair of Iosco.

While not surprising, the official endorsement marks an important milestone in efforts to reduce the alphabet soup of voluntary climate-reporting standards and instead provide investors and other stakeholders comparable, reliable information on companies material climate risks and opportunities. Ioscos more than 130 member jurisdictions oversee a total of more than 95% of global market capitalization.

The SEC is completing its own set of requirements for U.S.-listed companies which are expected to come in the second half of this year and to require less disclosure than the ISSBs recommendations. Meanwhile, the EUs new standards require more information from both EU-based companies and some international businesses with local operations.

Officials from Japan, China, Britain, the EU and U.S. have been working with the ISSB to make the standards as interoperable as possible, but differences are expected.

The ISSB hopes to become a global baseline for reporting sustainability information. While some businesses may be waiting to see the completed SEC climate reporting rules, it hopes the advantages of using a single standard worldwide outweigh any disadvantages of being more demanding than the SECs coming climate reporting rules.

Ioscos support for ISSB standards had been expected, but the significance of the announcement shouldnt be underplayeda similar announcement was the key driver for the global acceptance of IASB (International Accounting Standards Board) standards 20 years ago," said Larry Bradley, global head of audit at KPMG.

International Financial Reporting Standards were launched by the IASB early this millennium to create a global set of accounting standards, which Iosco endorsed early on. Around 160 jurisdictions around the world have committed to using that framework, and it is required in 146 of those. One notable exception is the U.S., which maintains its own Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

Despite the differences, being conversant in both sets of accounting standards is important for U.S. capital-markets participants because of the IFRS reporting needs of multinational companies and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, according to a recent report from accountants PwC.

Iosco Chair Servais expects between 100,000 and 130,000 companies to be using the ISSBs sustainability standards eventually.

It is now up to individual countries and jurisdictions to decide if and when they adopt the ISSB standards. So far, about 20 countries have declared their interest or commitment to applying and using the ISSB standards including Australia, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore and the U.K. Reporting could start from 2025.

The ISSB was created at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow in response to calls from the Group of 20 advanced and developing economies, the Financial Stability Boardwhich oversees the G-20 global financial systemand Iosco, as well as business leaders and investors.

This is a hugely significant step towards a global baseline of sustainability reporting. It is paving the road for regulators to have the confidence to endorse the standards," said KPMGs Bradley. However, it remains to be seen whether regulators adopt the standards as they are, or instead choose to incorporate parts or make changes."
The global debut of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 smartphones is scheduled for tomorrow, July 26, at the Galaxy Unpacked event in South Korea. Unlike its competitor Apple, Samsung is known for revealing details ahead of major launches, and this time is no different. Specifications and images of both the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 were leaked well before the official launch.

As we approach the unveiling of the new-generation Samsung foldable phones, a tipster, Paras Guglani, has disclosed the expected prices for India. According to the tipster, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 will likely have a starting price of 95,000, while the larger Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is anticipated to start at 1,43,500. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is expected to offer a base storage of 128GB, while the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is said to come with 256GB of storage space.

Expected features

Recent leaks suggest that Samsung is planning to enhance the cover display of the Z Flip 5, increasing its size to 3.4 inches. Additionally, this upcoming Z Flip variant is expected to receive a performance boost, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, currently found in the Galaxy S23 Ultra. As for photography capabilities, the phone is likely to retain its familiar dual 12MP camera setup. Moreover, there are hopes that the device may come with an improved IP58 rating, offering better water and dust resistance.

Similarly, the forthcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 smartphone is set to receive a substantial upgrade with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. Notably, it is anticipated to boast a large 7.6-inch foldable AMOLED display, complemented by a 6.2-inch AMOLED cover panel. In the photography department, the phone may impress users with a powerful 50MP primary camera, accompanied by a 12MP ultra-wide camera and a 10MP telephoto camera. Furthermore, a 12MP front-facing camera is expected to be available for selfies.

In addition to its foldable lineup, Samsung is anticipated to unveil the Galaxy Tab S9 series along with Galaxy Watch 6 Series.
Samsung has announced to launch the Galaxy F34 5G in India soon. The smartphone, as revealed by the company, will come with revolutionary 50MP (OIS) no shake camera to redefine smartphone photography. Samsung has not revealed the launch date of Samsung Galaxy F34 5G , but it is likely that the handset may launch soon in the country.

The smartphone will be available via Walmart-owned Flipkart.

Samsung says that Galaxy F34 5G will offer an unparalleled viewing experience with 120Hz Super AMOLED display. The phones screen will be equipped with Vision Booster technology and 1000 Nits peak brightness.

On the camera front, the handset will feature a 50MP (OIS) no shake camera to shoot high-resolution and shake-free photos and videos, eliminating blurred images caused by hand tremors or accidental shakes. The Samsung Galaxy F34 5G will also sport the Fun Mode with 16 different inbuilt lens effects allowing millennial and Gen Z consumers to express themselves through their smartphone camera. The smartphone will come with another revolutionary camera feature, called Single Take to capture up to 4 videos and 4 photos in a single shot.

The device will be backed by a 6,000mAh battery, enabling long sessions of browsing and binge watching. Samsung claims that the Galaxy F34 5G will last up to 2 days.

Meanwhile, Samsung is set to host its Galaxy Unpacked event in the coming week. The event is scheduled for July 26, 2023. It is likely that Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, Z Fold 5, Galaxy Tab S9 series and Galaxy Watch 6 series may launch at the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event. The South Korean company has recently released a teaser video suggesting a new hint design for its foldable series.

Samsung is rumored to enhance the cover display of the Z Flip 5, increasing its size to 3.4 inches. Additionally, the upcoming Z Flip variant is expected to receive a performance boost with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which is presently featured in the Galaxy S23 Ultra. When it comes to photography, it seems likely that the phone will retain its familiar dual 12MP camera setup.
DeSantis' motorcade came up on slow traffic and the lead vehicle had to brake quickly.
UPDATE: Woman charged with sexual battery at migrant children facility now charged with obstruction of justice
A Longford resident has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council.

Following a competitive recruitment process conducted by the Public Appointments Service, Mr Shane Tiernan, a native of Cloone village in county Leitrim, was the preferred candidate recommended to Roscommon County Council for appointment as their new Chief Executive.

Mr Tiernan currently resides in Melview, Longford town with his wife Raquel and sons Sean and Conor.

At Monday's County Council meeting, his appointment was confirmed by agreement of the full council.

He takes up the role having been interim Chief Executive following the retirement of Mr Eugene Cummins last September.

Following his appointment Mr Tiernan said, I look forward to actively working with my colleagues and the elected members of Roscommon County Council in meeting the needs of the County and of its people to make the county a modern, innovative and climate friendly place, where its citizens and visitors are happy to work, live, visit and enjoy life.

Previously, Mr Tiernan was Director of Services with Roscommon County Council with responsibility for Infrastructure, Planning and Emergency Services since 2018.

Mr Tiernan has worked in the local authority sector since 2008 where he was Acting Director of Services and Senior Executive Officer with Leitrim County Council.

Mr Tiernan has wide ranging experience in the sector having held senior management responsibility for many service divisions as well as being Returning Officer for Roscommon in the 2019 local elections.

Before working in public service Mr Tiernan held senior management positions with a number of multinational organisations including Ericsson, Magna-Donnelly and Kimball International.

Qualifying in engineering Mr Tiernan attended Atlantic Technology University Sligo.

He holds a Masters Degree in Management Practice from Trinity College Dublin as well as a Diploma in Management from the Irish Management Institute and is also a graduate of the Harvard Programme for Senior Executives in State and Local Government.

Speaking on the appointment, Roscommon County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr John Keogh said: I am delighted to confirm Shane Tiernans appointment as Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council. He was successful from a strong field of candidates and he has ably proved himself in delivering for the county in his career with Roscommon County Council to date.

I along with my fellow councillors, want to congratulate Shane and wish him continued success where we look forward to working with him and his executive team in continuing to deliver quality public services to the citizens of Roscommon."
Longford native Jordan Donoghue has been awarded a six month internship in the Asset Management and Investment Funds Department at Matheson, one of Irelands leading law firms.

Jordan, a former student of Ballymahon Vocational School, received the internship award on the basis of her results on the Funds Law module of the Maynooth University LLM in Global Legal Studies and a competitive interview process.

Alanna Kells from Cavan was also honoured with a Legal Writing Award for her written work on the Funds Law course.

The specialised Funds Law course is coordinated and delivered by Mullingar native, Bronagh Maher, who is a visiting lecturer in law at Maynooth University and Head of Mathesons Asset Management Knowledge Team.

Speaking at a special event at Matheson's offices at Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin, to honour Jordan and Alanna, Jordan said: "Being awarded an internship at Matheson was really a dream come true for me. When selecting my modules for my LLM at Maynooth University, I did not hesitate in signing up for Matheson's Funds Law course as I thought that this would be an amazing opportunity to enhance my knowledge of such a rapidly developing area of law that is not readily available on college syllabuses.

"During my time in Matheson, I have been given many great opportunities to expand my skill set and enhance my knowledge of funds law and sustainable finance. This has sparked a major interest in this sector for me and I hope that in the near future I can hopefully qualify into this practice area."

Congratulating Jordan and Alanna on their achievements to date, Bronagh said: It has been a pleasure to teach Jordan and Alanna and to now work alongside Jordan. It is hugely rewarding to be involved in an initiative that gives students the practical knowledge and skills to work in a thriving sector of the Irish economy, and to facilitate their first steps in an exciting career in the Irish funds industry."

This year, Matheson celebrates the 10th anniversary of its partnership with Maynooth University School of Law and Criminology in delivering the first specialised funds law course to be taught at an Irish university.

Each week, Maynooth University LLM students leave the University campus to attend lectures in Mathesons offices, giving them unique exposure to a top international law firm. This year, the course included an emphasis on sustainable finance and ESG investing, examining the opportunities and challenges for the global funds industry in supporting the transition to a net zero economy.

Head of Matheson's Asset Management and Investment Funds Department, Tara Doyle, said, "We are delighted to celebrate the tenth anniversary of our collaboration with Maynooth University, which is focused on ensuring that our graduates have the necessary knowledge and mentoring to pursue successful careers in the funds sector and to make a meaningful contribution to ensuring that we preserve and enhance Ireland's reputation as an international leader in financial services and as a leading international fund domicile."

The Irish funds industry directly employs over 17,000 people in Ireland across 10 different counties. Ireland is recognised internationally as one of the world's leading jurisdictions for funds, and is responsible for administering over 40% of the worlds alternative investment funds. The worlds major fund service providers have established a presence in Ireland, and the value of assets under administration in this country has surpassed the 5 trillion mark. Matheson's funds law practice has been ranked by the Monterey Insight Ireland Fund Report, the leading independent industry survey, as Ireland's leading practice by assets under management for twelve years in a row.

Matheson partner, Liz Grace, who wrote and designed the course, said, The availability of a skilled workforce is a key factor for international companies considering locating in Ireland. Having senior female leaders as part of a diverse pool of experts mentoring and developing our graduates in their transition from the campus to the offices is essential if we are to establish gender diversity as a competitive advantage for the Irish international financial services sector."

Head of the School of Law and Criminology at Maynooth University, Dr Fergus Ryan, said: It is wonderful to mark the 10th anniversary of the Funds Law module, a vital collaboration between Matheson and Maynooth University. This module underlines the particular strengths of Law and Criminology at Maynooth - innovation, dynamic industry partnerships, and opportunities for our students. We greatly value the fantastic support we've had from Matheson over many years, particularly in establishing and delivering the Funds Law module. Our enthusiastic appreciation goes out to Matheson, and to Liz, Tara, and Bronagh for their support and huge commitment to the module. Many congratulations to Alanna and Jordan on their great successes!
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: July 25 2023

The Defendant Gave His Daughter a Sleep Aid Before Sexually Assaulting Her.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that a 45-year-old South Huntington Man[1] was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty last month to Rape in the First Degree, for sexually assaulting his 21-year-old daughter in February 2022.

The District Attorneys Office is not identifying the defendant in order to protect the identity of the sexual assault victim.

This defendants unfathomable actions have landed him in prison, said District Attorney Tierney. Thankfully, the victim courageously reported what her father had done, so that he could be held accountable for his crime. Hopefully this sentence will give her the peace of mind knowing that he will be in prison, where he can no longer prey on her.

According to court documents and the defendants admissions during his guilty plea allocution, in February 2022, the victim was spending time with her father when he encouraged her to spend the night at his house. The defendant later gave the victim an Advil PM so that she could rest. While the victim was sleeping, she was awakened by the defendant rubbing her back and her buttocks. The defendant then pinned the victims arms down and forcibly raped her.

The victim fled from the defendants house and ran for help from another family member who lived nearby. The police were notified, and the defendant was subsequently arrested.

On May 31, 2023, the defendant pleaded guilty before County Court Judge, the Honorable Karen M. Wilutis, to Rape in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony. On July 21, 2023, the defendant was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by 20 years of post-release supervision. He was represented by Michael Elbert, Esq.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Breanna McIntyre and Katherine Flinchum of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau, with investigative assistance from Suffolk County Police Department Detective Michael Volpicelli of the Second Squad.
Allied Democratic Forces overall leader, Musa Baluku (center), as seen in the recent video under his kunya [nom de guerre], Abu Abdul Rahman al Muhajir.

In a recently released video, the Islamic States local representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or its Central Africa Province (ISCAP), more commonly known as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), renewed its bayah [allegiance] to the global jihadist organizations new leader.

The video, largely in Swahili but subtitled in Arabic, features the ADFs overall leader Musa Baluku reciting the groups bayah to Abu al-Hassan al-Hashimi al-Quraishi, the new overall leader of the Islamic State. Balukus role in the video was confirmed to the authors by former ADF members.

Abu al-Hassan, the Islamic States new so-called Caliph, took over for Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Quriashi, after the latter was killed in a US military operation in northwestern Syria in early February.

According to Islamic tradition, bayah is performed at the individual level rather than group level. As such, bayah must be renewed if a commander or leader dies.

The ADF previously had allegiance to Islamic States first so-called caliph, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and then to his successor Abu Ibrahim following Abu Bakrs own demise in Oct. 2019.

Since the Islamic State confirmed Abu al-Hassans appointment last month, the group has shown its various provinces around the world renewing their oaths of allegiance. The ADF is thus acting in line with the Islamic States overall directive to film the oath renewal.

Balukus short speech is riddled with pro-Islamic State messaging. For instance, the jihadist commander proudly states, God willing, we will rule over the entirety of this land under the Sharia of God in the nose of the infidels, despite their [the infidels] plots and malice against the Islamic State.

Showing how his group, and the Islamic State more generally, has not been deterred by the deaths of the Islamic States top leadership, Baluku also rhetorically questions: With the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, what has changed? With the death of Sheikh Zarqawi, what has changed?

According to Baluku:

Nothing has changed, indeed, the [flame of] war was ignited and heated. And today, with the death of Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Quraishi, nothing has changed. Instead we will persevere on our path until the end of time, God willing. We will make the world know that we in the Central Africa Province have not and will not change. We will persevere in our jihad, even if we die in this fight.

Following the short speech, Baluku leads a group of ADF fighters in reciting a new pledge of allegiance to Islamic States Abu al-Hassan. Fighters from other camps in the Congolese bush can also be seen reciting the pledge, indicating the ADFs unity in this decision.

At least one ADF fighter can be seen with what appears to be a suicide vest, a clear indication of the groups growing willingness to utilize such a tactic. The ADF only began using suicide bombings last year.

One scene in the video was likely filmed by the Islamic States branch inside Mozambique, the other half of its Central Africa Province. However, the majority of the video appears to take place inside eastern Congo, as was the case in the ADFs 2019 bayah video, the first ADF video published by official Islamic State media outlets.

Growing local adoption of the Islamic States identity

Included in the bayah renewal video is a clip of an ADF fighter reciting a Swahili-language nasheed, or an Islamic piece of music performed a cappella, recorded at the same time as Balukus speech, given the presence of the same individuals in both sections of the video. The use of nasheeds is commonplace in jihadist propaganda.

The nasheed included in the recent video is noteworthy, however, as it provides further evidence of the ADFs enthusiastic adoption of its identity as part of the Islamic State. The nasheed shown in the video makes clear references to the Islamic State, its conflicts in Iraq and Syria, and to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

It started in Iraq, the Caliph rose from the Quraish [Arab tribe from which the Prophet Muhammad descended], then expanded into Syria. So we answered the call, old and young, and we extended our hands in bayah to al-Baghdadi.

While Swahili-language nasheeds have been recorded in the past, and particularly used in productions from al Shabaab, al Qaedas East African branch, this is the first time they have been featured in an official Islamic State release.

This regionalization of long-standing Islamic State propaganda mediums not only illustrates the ADFs enthusiasm for its evolution into an Islamic State province, but also the important role it serves for the Islamic State as part of the official branch representing the movement in Swahili-speaking East Africa. In doing so this also demonstrates the centrality of the ADF to the Islamic States regional ambitions.

The ADF producing and releasing such a nasheed contrasts sharply with the kinds of songs sung by its combatants while under the leadership of founder Jamil Mukulu and is clearly an attempt to localize transnational Islamic State themes and aesthetics for East Africa. For instance, the July 2019 video in which the ADF reaffirmed its allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi featured an Arabic-language nasheed rather than a Swahili-language version.

Previous efforts at Swahili-language Islamic State propaganda have been maintained only through semi-official, supporter-ran outlets translating official Arabic-language releases. Most recently, this has included the May 2021 launch of an internet broadcast of the Islamic States news called Radio Hijrateyn, largely presenting news, statistics, and commentary taken from the Islamic States weekly Al-Naba newsletter.

These productions also come after the growing adoption of traditional Islamic State imagery in propaganda released from Congo, including hyper-violence and the use of black kanzus, a traditional tunic similar to the Arab thobe that is widely popular in East Africa.

The production of hyper-violent propaganda releases is a clear homage to Islamic State productions at the height of its power in Iraq and Syria, while the frequent wearing of kanzus by ADF fighters in media releases may be another aesthetic signal of the ADFs attempts to market itself as a regionally-oriented representative of the Islamic States global brand.

The enthusiastic adoption of Swahili-language productions for or on behalf of the Islamic State provides further demonstration of how the ADFs internal identity is now that of the Islamic States.

Despite the death of two Islamic State leaders, to both of whom the ADF had pledged its allegiance, this has not deterred the ADF from proudly proclaiming itself as the Islamic States local representative in Central Africa.

Both authors are senior analysts at the Bridgeway Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to ending and preventing mass atrocities.

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Hassan Nyanzi, son of former ADF leader Jamil Mukulu, and de-facto emir of PULI

Scholars and practitioners in the counter-terrorism or jihadology spheres are by now more than familiar with the Islamic States Central Africa Province (ISCAP), better known locally as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), and its reign of terror in both the DR Congo and its native Uganda.

Lesser known, however, are the origins, characteristics and ultimate fate of a splinter faction that rejected the ADFs pledge of allegiance to the Islamic State, known by the innocuous-sounding moniker of the Pan-Ugandan Liberation Initiative (PULI).

Splits over doctrine, tactics, personal animosities, and other factors have long caused vicious infighting between jihadist groups, leading the vast majority of jihadist insurgencies to align with either the Islamic State or Al Qaeda. PULIs relatively small size and limited activity has obfuscated these dynamics within the ADF, as well as their consequences.

As ties between the ADF and Islamic State developed, the group was not immune to these schisms, and its motivations, internal discourse, and evolution into an Islamic State province bears far more semblance to its counterparts across the continent than most scholarship has previously suggested.

Relying on primary source information obtained by the authors through interviews with former members, this article seeks to provide a brief background on the ADFs now-defunct splinter faction, which for a time represented a second jihadi threat to Uganda (albeit a much smaller one).

As such, this article sheds light on its origins, ideology, key commanders and personnel, information on claimed or potential attacks, its estimated areas of operation, external operations and support networks, and its violent demise at the hands of the larger Islamic State-loyal group.

Origins of the Splinter

The origins of PULI are directly related to the ADFs relationship with the Islamic State. Following a 2014 offensive by the Congolese army that severely debilitated the ADF, its longtime leader and primary financier Jamil Mukulu fled eastern Congo and was arrested in 2015 in Tanzania. In Mukulus absence, his deputy and veteran qadi [Islamic judge], Musa Baluku, took over the mantle as ADFs emir, leading the group on the ground as it struggled to survive and rebuild.

With a combination of a more radical and global jihadi outlook and shrinking coffers, Musa Baluku looked abroad for support. Over the course of 2016 and early 2017, two influential jihadis, the Ugandan Meddie Nkalubo and the Tanzanian Ahmad Mahamood (a.k.a Jundi or Abuwakas), joined the ADF and steered Baluku towards the Islamic State via their own ties to the global jihadi organization.

Baluku first sought Mukulus permission to establish ties, but communications with Mukulu in prison made it very clear that the groups longtime leader strongly opposed a formal relationship with the Islamic State. But in 2017, Baluku disregarded Mukulus directives and offered his groups loyalty to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and his proclaimed caliphate, which formally accepted his pledge of allegiance in October of that year.

Almost immediately, the ADF began to receive much needed financial support through the Islamic States money laundering networks, in addition to an attempt by the Islamic State to send envoys carrying drones and cameras.

In pledging bayah [allegiance] to Baghdadi, however, Baluku had to squash intense discontent from people within the ADF who remained loyal to its former leader, Jamil Mukulu. As a result, Baluku ordered the public beheading of select ADF members who disagreed with the groups newfound loyalty, which saw high-level commanders and at least two children of Mukulu killed by the hands of Baluku-loyal (and by extension Islamic State-loyal) commanders.

It is within this context that a small group, led by long-time ADF commanders Muzaaya (real name unknown) and Benjamin Kisokeranio, himself the son of a co-founder of former ADF ally the National Army for the Liberation of Uganda (NALU), broke away in early 2018 and started their own group in the Congolese bush.

While not initially involved with its creation, one of Mukulus sons, Hassan Nyanzi, who was living in South Africa at the time, joined Muzaaya and Benjamin in the jungle shortly thereafter. Former PULI members are consistent that Nyanzi then became the de-facto leader in the bush, with Muzaaya acting as his second-in-command.

The trio then decided to name the splinter a relatively innocuous name, the Pan-Ugandan Liberation Initiative, in order to mask the groups true intentions and ideology  which is not unlike the use of the name ADF by the parent faction.

And despite his current imprisonment at Ugandas infamous Luzira Prison, former members of PULI all detail that the groups three main leaders considered Jamil Mukulu to be the overall emir. It is unclear what practical role Mukulu played, if any, within PULI during its existence.

PULIs Ideology

Former members of PULI also described to the authors that despite the disagreements over allegiance with the main faction, PULI remained steadfastly jihadist. Indeed, former members describe Nyanzi (known as Audi in the bush), Muzaaya, and PULIs main imam, Seka [sheikh] Brian, a Rwandan of Ugandan origin, as preaching the virtues of engaging in jihad.

Former PULI members detail that standing in stark contrast to the Baluku-led faction, however, the three preached that non-Muslims are not to be directly targeted in jihad. Instead, only those who actively oppose Muslims are legitimate targets in jihad. As such, PULIs policy on civilian targeting  at least nominally  stood much closer to al-Qaedas more restrained directives than the far more indiscriminate justifications for atrocities offered by the Islamic State.

Indeed, while there remains no evidence whatsoever of any bayah to or support from al-Qaeda, PULIs leaders also reportedly expressed their support for Osama Bin Laden, Abu Ubaidah of Somalias Shabaab, and even the Afghan Taliban. That PULIs leadership expressed some degree of ideological affinity for al-Qaeda is an interesting addition to longstanding debates over the degree to which the ADF had ties to global jihadism during the Mukulu era.

Ugandan authorities frequently claimed a relationship, often interpreted by observers as an attempt to curry favor with Western governments during the height of the War on Terror. While Mukulu never established the kind of fully integrated relationship between the ADF and al-Qaeda that groups like Shabaab did, evidence does point to repeated contacts, at least for a period of time.

For instance, the United Nations Group of Experts on the DRC reported that Mukulus son, Hassan Nyanzi was bailed out of a Kenyan jail in 2011 by Shabaab operatives in the country. This follows other reports of ties between the ADF under Jamil Mukulu and Shabaab, including reports of Somali, Moroccan, and Pakistani trainers in the ADFs camps.

Al-Qaeda does not require a pledge of bayah prior to providing support as the Islamic State does, and this relatively limited relationship may have been a failed attempt on al-Qaedas part to bring Mukulu into the fold of transnational jihadism.

In any case, testimonies of former members make clear that PULIs leadership maintained a rhetorical affinity for al-Qaeda, and its internal narratives about the Islamic State-loyal main ADF faction closely mirrored al-Qaedas own rhetoric towards the Islamic State.

PULIs leadership reportedly lambasted both the Baluku-led faction and the Islamic State writ large as khawarij, or extremist deviants of Islam, which is itself a favored descriptor of the Islamic State by al-Qaeda and its various branches, affiliates, and allies.

PULIs leadership also disagreed with Balukus more global jihadi outlook, instead seeking and fighting to just overthrow Ugandas longtime president, Yoweri Musevenei, and subjugate Uganda under sharia law.

This stated objective retained Jamil Mukulus original Uganda-focused jihad and corresponds to al-Qaeda affiliates rhetorical and strategic focus on local regimes. It contrasts to the ADFs adoption of Islamic States emphasis on battling global enemies.

Existence in the Congolese Bush

Camping deep in the Congolese jungle, PULIs relatively short existence, from just early 2018 to January 2023, was at first dull and uneventful before entering a tumultuous state of survival just before its purge by the larger Baluku-led faction. Never comprising more than 150-200 people living in one semi-mobile camp, PULI spent most of its days trying to survive without engaging in much combat.

Former members describe that PULIs main camp  which went by different names depending on its location  moved often, as it was trying to hide from the main Baluku-led faction and later the Ugandan military. Towards the end of its existence, members describe the camp as moving near-daily to avoid either force.

The ADF had long maintained camps in the Mwalika Valley, a large flat plain surrounding the Semuliki River and most of which is technically part of Virunga National Park. While the Baluku-led main faction retained its camps in the northern parts of the valley, PULI opted to entrench itself 30-40km farther south near Lake Edward.

Map depicting locations of camps for the main Baluku-led ADF faction and PULI within eastern Congo. Map made by Ryan OFarrell.

Perhaps unsurprisingly given its more localized jihadi agenda, the vast majority of PULIs members were Ugandan. However, the group also actively abducted Congolese civilians into its ranks, including one such former member interviewed by the authors.

Many Rwandans were also present, though the vast majority were reportedly of Ugandan origin. Other nationalities, such as Kenyans and Tanzanians, were also reported but in vastly smaller numbers compared to Ugandans (and Rwandese-Ugandans) and Congolese.

Just two former members of PULI confirmed to the authors that the group conducted military operations, with both physically taking part in such combat. The two describe a total of 13 raids or clashes that PULI engaged in during its existence.

The majority of these attacks targeted Congolese military bases in order to capture and stockpile weapons and ammunition. The group also reportedly targeted nearby Mai-Mai groups, or local militias, and the main Baluku-led faction on only one occasion.

Pinpointing the dates and locations of these attacks remains difficult, however. Local reporting does not distinguish between PULI and the main ADF faction, while bandits and local Congolese militia also operate in the area, further muddying responsibility for specific incidents.

External Networks and Alleged Attacks

Much like its parent group in the ADF, PULI also heavily relied on outside support during its time in existence. For instance, former members of PULI interviewed by the authors detail that Hassan Nyanzi would often brag to the camp about receiving financial transfers from supporters in the United Kingdom.

Though these claims are wholly unsubstantiated, the ADF under Mukulu did have a long-history of receiving support from UK-based backers. Nyanzi himself was also once a London resident with his father and possibly maintained communication with the UK-based backers prior to the creation of PULI.

It is thus entirely possible that supporters during the Mukulu-era were reactivated, or repurposed, to help fund the nascent ADF rival, though this angle certainly requires more scrutiny.

At the same time, PULI maintained access to at least parts of the ADFs extensive recruitment and logistical network throughout Uganda (and potentially beyond) that was established during the Mukulu era. For instance, one former member of PULI explained to the authors how he was recruited inside Kampala, Uganda, and was trafficked to PULIs camp. His recruiter reportedly transferred several other individuals to the camp during the groups existence.

Another former member described that when he first joined, there were approximately 50 people. These recruitment networks in Uganda, however, were able to bring in 10-20 people per month before the group reached its max strength of around 150-200 people.

While these are relatively low numbers for a nascent insurgent group, it remains impressive that PULI was ostensibly able to recruit inside Uganda despite pressure from the Ugandan authorities and parallel recruitment networks of the ADF inside Uganda.

PULIs continued ability to funnel recruits to its camp despite the main ADF faction operating similar, parallel recruitment and supply networks raises questions about how thoroughly the ADFs support networks have adopted the ADFs allegiance to the Islamic State and its hardline stance on PULI.

It is possible that these networks or components within them, established long before Baluku pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and often operating through personal and familial relationships, have retained connections to both groups.

Personal relationships within jihadist organizations have often persisted past organizational splits into Islamic State and al-Qaeda aligned factions. While official positions may draw hard lines between groups, their common origins can lead supporters and personnel to maintain ties and even cooperate despite explicit directives to the contrary.

These personal ties are likely a major factor in PULIs ability to survive as long as it did. Author interviews with Ugandan sources often mentioned a close friendship between Muzaaya and main faction commander Amigo Kibirige. Kibirige had long been amongst the most senior ADF commanders in the Mwalika camps and may have impeded previous attempts to destroy PULIs camp despite its proximity to his own.

The UN Group of Experts reported that Kibirige was sidelined by Baluku in 2022, who sent a more trusted commander, Seka Umaru, to oversee the ADFs camps in the Mwalika valley.

Operating farther south in Congos Uvira and Burundis Bujumbura, PULI co-founder Benjamin Kisokeranio was the groups main financier and supplier. One former PULI member describes that the camp would congregate to celebrate the arrival of supplies or weapons acquired by Kisokeranio outside of the bush.

Kisokeranio was arrested by Congolese authorities just shortly before the destruction of PULI. It is unclear what impact the arrest of PULIs primary financial and logistical figure had on the groups ability to sustain itself.

And though unsubstantiated, PULI has also claimed responsibility for attacks inside Uganda. For example, the group publicly claimed responsibility for the attempted assassination of Ugandan Principal Judge Flavian Zeija along the Kampala-Masaka highway in April 2022.

Another former PULI member stated that Nyanzi also took credit inside the camp for several improvised explosive device (IED) attacks inside Uganda. For instance, a few days prior to the IED against Judge Zeija, another IED detonated along the same highway, wounding two civilians. Another explosion claimed internally was the October 2021 IED on a police post in Kampalas Kawempe neighborhood.

And though not an IED, Nyanzi also reportedly claimed the June 2021 attempted assassination of Gen. Katumba Wamala, Ugandas Minister of Works and Transport, according to the same former PULI member.

Both the Kawempe explosion and the attempted assassination of Gen. Katumba Wamala were either publicly claimed by or believed carried out by the Baluku-led faction. The Islamic State, for its part, publicly claimed the Kawempe explosion on behalf of the ADF. The aforementioned IEDs along the Kampala-Masaka road, however, were never claimed by the ADF nor the Islamic State.

It is thus likely that Nyanzi internally took credit for attacks carried out by the Baluku-led faction inside Uganda to help bolster his forces morale inside the jungle camp. It is unclear whether Nyanzi learned of these attacks through reports in local media or through contacts within the Baluku-led faction.

PULIs Destruction

PULIs ultimate fate was sealed by the Islamic State-loyal main faction in January 2023. A significant raid led by longtime ADF field commander Elias Segujja, also known as Mulalo or Fezza, pushed south in the Mwalika Valley and attacked PULIs camp, then existing near the shores of Lake Edward.

Some PULI members were able to escape the raid and surrender to authorities, but most were killed or captured and taken to the main factions camps in northern parts of the Mwalika valley.

This final purge came soon after the PULI camp survived an assault on its position from the Ugandan military, which tracked its location. Ugandan and Congolese security forces have seldom if ever made distinctions between PULI and the main ADF faction, either in military operations or public statements. Though the group ultimately survived the military raid, it was weakened and forced to relocate once again.

Waiting in the background, however, were Mulalos men who then tracked the PULI movement and reported back to Mulalos main camp with the groups location. From there, Mulalos group pounced on the weakened PULI and finally destroyed the ADFs once erstwhile jihadi rival.

Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, both former PULI and ADF members spoken to by the authors confirm that PULIs surviving captured members and leaders, including that of Hassan Nyanzi, were welcomed back into the main fold. One former PULI member described that once captured by Mulalo, the PULI members and leadership were personally forgiven by Baluku himself and were thus reintegrated into the ADFs rank-and-file and hierarchy.

It is particularly noteworthy that Mulalos assault on PULI took place amid significant military pressure by the Uganda Peoples Defense Force (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) in the area under Operation Shujaa, which was launched in late-November 2021.

While the operation began in northern Beni, targeting the ADFs headquarters near the locale of Kambi ya Yua, it had expanded into the Mwalika Valley and other areas adjacent to the Beni-Kasindi road by April 2022. Operations significantly expanded by the fall, with at least three UPDF battalions deployed west of the Semuliki River.

In November 2022, air strikes targeted Segujjas camp, forcing a significant relocation. At least part of this force moved southwards, leading to a string of attacks in the southern Mwalika Valley in December. It was thus almost inevitable that the two forces would finally meet head-on, despite years of uneasy coexistence in the same basic geographical area.

To be noted, the UPDF again struck at Mulalos camp in February 2023, reportedly killing the veteran commander. However, his alleged death has yet to be conclusively confirmed.

Conclusion

While PULI earned little attention in the shadow of Balukus IS-allied factions unprecedented wave of violence, PULIs origins, existence and internal discourse offers some important clarity on the ADFs transformation since 2016.

Scholarship on the ADF has often minimized the importance of jihadist discourse within the group, framing its relationship with IS as either purely pragmatic or otherwise limited. More recent coverage has often wholly neglected its pre-Islamic State history, as if the ADF began with the Islamic States first propaganda release on the ADFs behalf in April 2019.

The emergence of PULI, the discourse surrounding its creation, and how the group justified the schism to its members suggests that the debates within the jihadist movement over the legitimacy of the Islamic State have salience even within jihadisms more isolated and unique insurgencies.

Far from being isolated from these arguments, the ADFs own internal divisions bear close resemblance to those seen in jihadist insurgencies across Africa and around the world. Similarly, the more practical realities of enduring personal relationships within these organizations and rival groups access to pre-existing support networks have strong similarities to splits within other jihadist groups.

PULIs story demonstrates how the ADFs integration into the Islamic State was contentious and even violent, a process as emblematic of the conflicts seen within the global jihadist movement as it was a product of the ADFs unique local circumstances.

Both authors are senior analysts at the Bridgeway Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to ending and preventing mass atrocities.

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(Sharecast News) - London stocks were set for a muted open on Tuesday as investors mull results from the likes of Unilever, Compass Group and Croda and eye the start of the Federal Reserve's two-day policy meeting.

The FTSE 100 was called to open down around five points.

Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote Bank, said: "The Fed starts its two-day policy meeting in just a couple of hours from now, and will highly likely announce a 25bp hike on Wednesday.

"But what Fed officials will also do is to remind investors that the tightening cycle is probably not over and that there will probably be another rate hike on the US' horizon. So yes, there is a great chance that the Fed will spoil your mood if you are among those thinking that this week's rate hike will be the last for this tightening cycle in the US."

In UK corporate news, consumer goods giant Unilever delivered a 3.3% rise in interim earnings driven by higher prices and said it expected underlying price growth to moderate through the year.

Underlying operating profit came in at 5.2bn as underlying sales grew 9.1% to 30.4bn.

"In a volatile and high-cost environment, we will deliver another year of strong underlying sales growth in 2023," said chief executive Hein Schumacher.

"We expect underlying sales growth for the full year to be above 5%, ahead of our multi-year range, with underlying price growth continuing to moderate through the year."

Croda International reported first-half results in line with its revised expectations, with pro forma sales down 6%, driven by reduced inventory levels in consumer, crop, and industrial markets.

While consumer care sales remained flat, life sciences saw an 8% increase excluding prior period Covid-19 lipid sales, and industrial specialties experienced a 20% decline after adjusting for divestment in the prior period. Despite lower profits, the firm maintained its interim dividend and expressed confidence in its future performance.
MC Mining Ltd said on Tuesday it expects to conclude fund raising for its flagship Makhado coking coal project in Limpopo, South Africa in the second half of this year.

Shares in MC Mining firmed 8.2% to ZAR2.38 on Tuesday morning in Johannesburg. In London, the stock rose 2.7% to 9.50 pence each.

The Western Australia-based coal miner has said the larger scale Makhado project resulted in peak funding of the project increasing to ZAR1.8 billion.

It said Industrial Development Corp of South Africa Ltd remains supportive of the project. The IDC is a 6.7% shareholder in the Makhado project.

On Tuesday, MC Mining also said the IDC has extended the date for repayment of the ZAR160 million loan plus interest to September 30 from June 30, 2023.

The additional facility of ZAR245 million for the development of the fully permitted Makhado project remains subject to the IDC confirming its due diligence and credit approval and has not been extended.

This facility is based on forecast phase one production of 540,000 tonnes of hard-coking coal and 570,000 tonnes of thermal coal.

The company said last month the increased scale of Makhado has led to significantly improved economics and the project is now targeted to produce an average of 810,000 tonnes of hard-coking coal and 620,000 tonnes of thermal coal over its 28-year life of mine.

By Artwell Dlamini, Alliance News reporter

Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
(l-r) Stoner, Feerrar, Saunders, Bartlett Download Image: Web

A faculty-student research team at Lycoming College has spent the summer working closely with nearby, alumnus-owned Four Birds Distilling Co., to help advance innovation in speeding the time required to age American bourbon. The manufacturing project was made possible by a $64,955 grant awarded by The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

Community and Economic Development Grant

The Lycoming College-Four Birds project is part of Manufacturing PAs fellowship program, which embeds the commonwealths best and brightest graduate and undergraduate students with local manufacturers in an effort to help advance innovation in manufacturing. Lycoming students Logan Bartlett 25, biochemistry major from Lewisburg, Pa.; and Marshall Stoner 25, biochemistry major with a minor in French from Spring Mills, Pa., were chosen for the task. Allison Saunders, Ph.D., assistant professor of biochemistry at Lycoming College, and Lycoming alumnus and Four Birds owner Joe Feerrar 02 are leading Bartlett and Stoner in the research, which aims to prepare quality bourbon in a shorter period of time using ultrasound sonication technology.

This research has provided a unique experience for Logan and Marshall to aid a local business in optimizing product production using chemistry knowledge from the classroom."

Working with Dr. Saunders and Marshall this past summer has helped me learn new lab skills and more importantly helped me learn to think critically about experimental design and procedure, said Bartlett.

It was great to able to work alongside a local company and further my education in the process. I learned a lot during my time working with Dr. Saunders and Logan in the lab, including how to utilize various techniques to analyze an unknown sample, said Stoner.

Research Process

The research team plans to test different types of wood, levels of charring of the wood, and oxygen pressurization, to produce small batches of bourbon under various conditions in a Lycoming College laboratory. The optimal lab conditions will be adjusted for larger-scale production at Four Birds, then analyzed for aroma, color, taste, and chemical makeup using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC) to ensure the same quality product is being produced at the distillery.

This research has provided a unique experience for Logan and Marshall to aid a local business in optimizing product production using chemistry knowledge from the classroom. They have been involved in the early stages of the project this summer, which included experimental design and testing methods to detect compounds present in bourbon. These learned techniques can be applied to other areas of research that they can use at Lycoming College and after graduation, said Saunders.

Our goal is to produce a bourbon that is comparable to 6-10-year oak barrel-aged, but in a fraction of the time, shortening the ageing process for bourbon from years to weeks, said Feerrar. The grant award allowed for the purchase of necessary materials and equipment, but more importantly, it has provided the support that student researchers need to be successful in this innovative and collaborative research, and will soon help to create manufacturing jobs in Pennsylvania.

The project will likely see additional Lycoming student researchers join the project next summer, with a goal of producing a sonication-aged bourbon for consumption within one year.

About Four Birds Distilling Co.

Four Birds Distilling was launched in 2020 with locations in Jersey Shore, PA and Havertown, PA. They are currently able to distill vodka, gin, bourbon, various whiskey, agave and other spirits. They partner with local farmers like Pine Creek Seed Farm (Jersey Shore, PA) wherever they can to highlight the best ingredients PA has to offer. Four Birds has the largest craft still (4000 L) in PA and will partner with other labels to help manufacture their beverages. More information can be found at https://www.fourbirdsdistilling.com/.
Press Release

July 25, 2023 Legarda welcomes Marcos' call to integrate pro-environment policies in PH decision-making Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda welcomed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s call to integrate climate change into the Philippines' policymaking. Legarda, a United Nations Global Champion for Resilience, said this has to be seen by the entire government as marching orders to consider the climate in all planning, decision-making, and budgeting. "As we reflect on President Marcos Jr.'s second State of the Nation Address (SONA), I want to express my appreciation for his recognition of climate change as a pressing priority," Legarda said. "I have been advocating this for decades, so now that the President has declared that the economic agenda shall never be incompatible with its climate change agenda, we may finally be on the right path," she continued. The President further said climate change is now considered an essential criterion in integral national policies, planning, decision-making, and implementation of programs. The potential advantages of leaning into pro-environment policies shall extend to jobs and livelihood, unlocking the country's green and blue economies. As such, the Chief Executive informed both chambers of Congress that he wants to prioritize the passage of the Blue Economy bill and new taxes for single-use plastics. This makes economic sense considering the heavy financial burden of local governments in collecting and dealing with mountains of trash from these disposables. "We now hope to see major changes in the way the Executive Department makes and executes their plans and programs in more climate resilient and ecological ways. The President's focus on reducing single-use plastics is timely as the negotiations for a plastics treaty are concluding. It demonstrates a commitment to practical and effective measures to ensure a healthier and cleaner future for future generations," Legarda remarked. "It is refreshing to see the President prioritizing these initiatives and recognizing their potential to drive economic growth while preserving the environment," she furthered. The four-term senator is the principal author of Senate Bill 1993, or the proposed Blue Economy Act, which seeks to promote stewardship and sustainable development of coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. Up to 88 percent of the country's territory is marine, which covers about 2.2 million square kilometers. As one of the world's leading fish-producing countries, the Philippines hauled in 1.89 million tons of marine capture fisheries in 2018, making the nation 11th in the world regarding capture fisheries and aquaculture fish production. According to Legarda, the circular economy and blue economy are vital components in our fight against climate change. "These measures guide us toward resource efficiency, waste reduction, and responsible management of our marine resources," she said. Legarda also filed SBN 9, or the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act of 2022, to integrate environmental inputs and outputs into national income accounts, accurately reflecting the country's development and economic performance.
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Laguna is one of the Philippines most scenic and historic provinces, successfully blending its old-world charm with a bustling urban appeal. It is home to the majestic Pagsanjan Falls, the mystical Mt. Makiling and the Jose Rizal Shrine which stand alongside its thriving economic zones, a world-class theme park, and some of the largest township property projects in the country.

The province also became the newest home of the fastest-growing membership shopping store in the country  Landers Superstore.

Located in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa Laguna, the 10th Landers store in the country and the first in the CALABARZON region is all set to bring world-class brands, huge savings, and premium perks to the residents of Laguna and beyond.

CHECK ALSO: LANDERS STORE IN UPTOWN MALL BGC

Members can look forward to an elevated shopping experience with its expansive retail area, cozy dining spot, high, airy ceilings, and beautiful accent lights, complemented by its fresh, elegant, and instagrammable interiors  perfectly blending in with the blissful ambiance of this eco-friendly neighborhood.

CHECK ALSO: LANDERS UP TOWN CENTER

Just as impressive is its extensive array of topnotch imported and local goods, hard-to-find items, and exclusive labels. Members can avoid the hassle of jumping from one store to another because everything they need  from everyday essentials to special purchases  can be availed in the store.

CHECK ALSO: LANDERS ARCA SOUTH TAGUIG

Another highlight is the Farmers Market section, where members can find the freshest fruits and vegetables sourced from community farms in the region and nearby provinces.

What makes Landers Nuvali stand out from the rest, however, is its thrilling line-up of exclusive perks. Members will have access to delicious food options from Landers Central and Doppio, low-priced medicines from Capital Care Pharmacy, big fuel discounts from Landers-Caltex, free haircut and blow-dry from Federal Barbers, and exclusive deals on Solane tanks and refills which can be purchased online at landers.ph or via the Landers Superstore app, with delivery to be available in the area soon.

The store will also host promos and events like the Super Crazy Sale, Super Fuel Sale, Piso Sale, Fresh & Produce Sale, and Sampling Festivals that promise big price markdowns and year-round savings.

To enjoy access to the store and its extensive list of perks, shoppers only need to apply for membership in-store or at www.landers.ph. Membership fees are currently priced at P 400 only (regular price: P 700).

Celebrities also love shopping at Landers.....

Kristine Hermosa

Jericho Rosales and Jameson Blake





Christine Reyes, Amarah and Marco Gumabao



Natalie Hart and Albie Casino

Janice de Belen

Jake Ejercito

Gladys Reyes

Matteo Guidicelli

Alexa Ilacad





Experience first-class membership shopping experience when you visit Landers Nuvali at Nuvali Blvd Cor. Evoliving Center Drive, Sto. Domingo, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. For more information, visit Landers Superstores social media pages  @landersPH for Facebook and @landersph for Instagram.




VICTORIAS, Negros Occidental  The City Government of Victorias signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) in line with efforts to digitalize tax payment collection and enhance public service delivery in the municipality.

The partnership formalizes the integration of the LANDBANK Link.BizPortal with the Victorias LGUs Web Service Portal to provide residents convenience in paying for fees related to business permits, real properties, resorts, and public market rentals, among other local dues. Managing the Victoria LGUs Web Service Portal is the Systems & Plan and Integrator and Development Corporation (SPIDC).

LANDBANK fully supports the City Government of Victorias in its continued journey towards digitalization. This collaboration is a testament to the Banks unwavering commitment to collaborate with local government units to provide innovative digital products and services to the public, said LANDBANK President Lynette V. Ortiz.

The MOA signing was completed along the sidelines of the public launch of the LGUs Web Service Portal led by Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, Victorias City Treasurer Maria Rosielyn Gustilo, SPIDC Vice President Rommel Cunanan, and LANDBANK Victorias Branch Manager Rosie Cuadernal.

The Victorias LGU has been a valued client of LANDBANK since 1996. Apart from the Link.BizPortal, also avails of various LANDBANK digital facilities, including RFID ATM Payroll, Electronic Salary Loan (eSL), the Enhanced Human Resource Information System (HRIS), and the weAccess, the Banks internet banking facility for institutional clients.

LANDBANK is offering various digital products and services to LGUs nationwide to support their compliance with Executive Order 170 or the Adoption of Digital Payments for Government Disbursement and Collections.

The LANDBANK Link.BizPortal is likewise in line with the national governments call for a National Retail Payment System, which also supports the eGov Pay payment solution of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

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Algeria said Monday it had summoned the Danish and Swedish envoys to condemn recent desecrations of the Koran in Copenhagen and Stockholm.

The foreign ministry said it had on Monday summoned the Danish ambassador and the charge daffaires at the Swedish embassy to formally protest events in the two countries in which the Muslim holy book was burnt or stamped on.

Algeria also said it firmly condemns these immoral and uncivil acts that target all that is sacred for Muslims the world over, a foreign ministry statement said.

It said it did not accept the argument that such protests were permissible in the name of freedom of expression.

These reprehensible acts run contrary to the values of tolerance and co-existence and only serve to revive hatred and Islamophobia, it said.

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Israeli troops killed three Palestinians in the West Bank city of Nablus on Tuesday, the Palestinian health ministry said.

Three Palestinians have been killed by Israeli bullets in Nablus, the ministry said, adding the identities of those killed were still unknown.

The Israeli army said three armed terrorists had opened fire on its soldiers from a vehicle in a Nablus neighbourhood and the troops fired back to neutralise them.

The soldiers recovered three M-16 rifles, a gun, cartridges and other military equipment, the army said in a statement.

The deaths are the latest in a surge of violence in the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since the Six-Day War of 1967.

Since early last year, the territory has seen a string of attacks by Palestinians on Israeli targets, as well as violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities.

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FLAGS UP IN KL. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, House Deputy Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, and Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez wave their flaglets to the tune of Umagang Kay Ganda after the Presidents meeting with members of the Filipino community in Malaysia at the EQ Hotel in Kuala Lumpur Tuesday evening. Ver Noveno

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said that he is eyeing new areas of synergies  in particular in the halal and Islamic banking industries  as he arrived in Malaysia for a three-day state visit Tuesday afternoon.

The chartered Philippine Airlines flight PR001 from Manila, carrying the Chief Executive and his official delegation, landed at the Bunga Raya Complex of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 4:51 p.m.

This state visit to Malaysia aims to identify new areas of synergies that can propel our partnership and serve as a roadmap for our respective agencies to work on for the mutual benefit of both our countries and the peoples of the new century, the President said during his pre-departure speech at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

I am optimistic that this state visit will nurture the foundations of a revitalized and stronger Philippines-Malaysia cooperation ahead of the celebration of our six decades of formal diplomatic relations in 2024, he added.

The Malaysian government earlier said it was optimistic that the state visit of President Marcos would further strengthen bilateral ties and pave the way for more areas of cooperation.

Mr. Marcos immediately met with the Filipino community in Kuala Lumpur.

Nandito po kami para maging panauhin ng hari ng Malaysia. Siya ay matagal nang kaibigan (We are here as guests of the king of Malaysia. He is a longtime friend), he told the OFWs.

Mr. Marcos said as part of efforts to assist the countrys economic trajectory, his trip will focus on the renewed partnerships in the fields of agriculture and food security, digital economy, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

The halal industry is expected to grow to a trillion-dollar industry in the international market as its global demand continues to expand.

Malaysia is one of the global leaders in this sector, and this visit aims to forge synergies with Malaysia for the Philippines to enjoy a share of this market, he said.

The President said he will have an audience with the King of Malaysia Al-Sultan Abdullah and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim who was in the Philippines in March.

He will likewise attend a meeting with Malaysian business leaders organized to showcase trade and investment opportunities.

I hope that through the investment forum, roundtable discussions, and business meetings organized by the Department of Trade and Industry, we will build new bridges between our economies and create inroads to new ventures that will see our bilateral trade volumes and investments increase, the President said.

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BucharestRomanias President Klaus Iohannis has warned that security in the Black Sea is at risk after Russia hit Ukrainian port infrastructure on the Danube river at the border with the NATO member.

Amateur footage posted on social media by a Romanian showed an explosion just across the Danube, as drones appeared to hit the Ukrainian port of Reni on the river.

Ukrainian officials reported a four-hour Russian drone attack on port infrastructure in the southern Odesa region.

Reni is a Ukrainian port town where the Danube forms a natural frontier with Romania, and is also near the Moldovan border.

The Danube delta region, which spans Romania and Ukraine, is being used as an export route for Ukrainian grain.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the blast with Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu on Monday, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told journalists in Washington.

We will defend every inch of NATO territory. The secretary made that clear in his call with the Romanian Foreign Minister today, Miller said.

I strongly condemn the recent Russian attacks against the Ukrainian civilian infrastructure on (the) Danube, very close to Romania, President Iohannis wrote on Twitter.

This recent escalation poses serious risks to the security in the Black Sea. It also affects further Ukrainian grain transit, thus the global food security, he added.

Russia last week pulled out of a key deal which had allowed the safe export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea.

Since then Kyiv has accused Russia of targeting grain supplies and infrastructure vital to exports.

We will continue to consult with our partners in the region on how we might find alternative ways to get the grain out of Ukraine, State Department spokesman Miller said, warning there was no perfect solution that could replace the deal.

Following Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a large amount of Ukrainian grain exports have been shipped through Romanias Black Sea port of Constanta.

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu on Monday called on Russia to stop air strikes on Ukrainian port infrastructure.

Romania will continue to support Ukraine in identifying practical solutions for further grain exports to global markets, he added in a press release.

The attacks have sent wheat prices soaring to their highest level for four months, Agritel analyst Arthur Portier told AFP.

After the closure of the maritime corridor, investors are reacting to the intensification of bombardments on alternative grain export routes, he said. AFP

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The image from video provided by the Department of Defense labelled Gimbal, from 2015, an unexplained object is seen at center / LAPRESSE

The image from video provided by the Department of Defense labelled Gimbal, from 2015, an unexplained object is seen at center / LAPRESSE

The image from video provided by the Department of Defense labelled Gimbal, from 2015, an unexplained object is seen at center / LAPRESSE

UFO in Las Vegas: TikTok user claims he recorded the landing of the spaceship

United States Congress members from both the Republican and Democratic parties have agreed that the evidence about UFO sightings by official government agencies personel is ready to be seen by the general public.

During the House hearing on UFOs and UAPs, Tim Burchett, a Tennessee congress member claims that "We've had a heck of a lot of pushback, there are a lot of people who don't want this to come to light"

The United States Congress has bipartisan support to reveal UFO evidence

Now that there is bipartisan interest to understand the UFO phenomenon, congress is open to officially considering alien activity on planet Earth.

For more than 80 years, bringing extraterrestrial activity to the House of Representatives was seen as something for the movies and could even end the political careers of aspiring UFO enthusiasts.

David Grusch is the main whistleblower whom many have to thank for this whole UFO exposure and who is fighting the good fight to disclose the information that the United States government has maintained in secret for so long.

Grusch co-led the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) analysis from late 2021 to July 2022.

Burchett claimed on Thursday that "We've had a heck of a lot of pushback about this hearing. there are a lot of people who don't want this to come to light."

Burchett also says that he's encountered many veterans who want to share their experience with UFOs during their time of service to the US Military.

The Tennessee congressman claimed "I'm traveling all over the country, people will stop me and tell me about an experience. Decorated veterans. These people, why would they risk their reputations and careers over something that they're lying about?"

Republican congress members were the ones who brought the topic to the table and immediately, Democratic representatives also jumped on board, as Jared Moskowitz adds "I think the overarching question that we're really asking is, why are they over-classifying this and why aren't they being transparent It's about reasserting Congress' role in all of this."
The woman at the center of a trial around the death of a Boston police officer in 2022 is expected to appear in a Dedham courthouse on Tuesday.

Karen Read, 42, stands accused of running over her boyfriend John OKeefe, a Boston police officer, and killing him in January while attempting to make a three-point-turn after dropping him off at a party in Canton.

She was charged with second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter and leaving the scene of a collision, according to the Norfolk District Attorneys office in June 2022. She pleaded not guilty.

In an interview with NBCs Dateline, Read said OKeefe exited her car the night of Jan. 29, 2022, when she dropped him off at the home of a friend in Canton after they spent the night at the Waterfall Bar. She noticed after dropping him off that within minutes of him exiting my car, hes not answering his phone. Minutes, she said in the Dateline segment.

We were happy, having fun, laughing Read said in the interview. Just very normal.

The next morning, Read and two friends found him in the snow outside the Canton house, bruised, cut and bleeding. The 16-year Boston police officer was brought to Good Samaritan Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

During a pre-trial hearing on May 3, 2023, prosecutors claimed that Read said in the presence of a paramedic I hit him, I hit him, I hit him.

Her lawyers argued that Norfolk prosecutors should provide them with autopsy records, OKeefes clothing, broken tail light pieces, video surveillance, and animal control records about the homeowners German shepherd, according to the Boston Globe.

John O'Keefe, a Boston police officer of 16 years, was found dead outside a home in Canton during a snowstorm on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022. (Boston Police Department).

Her lawyers suggested that OKeefe was beaten to death and attacked by dogs inside the home on Fairview Road in Canton during the after-party. These would-be suspects then covered up the crime and framed Read, lawyers claimed, according to The Globe, which prosecutors called baseless claims.

The Globe also reported in 2022 that Read consumed nine drinks and the next morning at 9 a.m. her blood alcohol level was .07-.08%, and that her estimated BAC at 12:45 a.m. would have been .13% and .29%.

A defense attorney motioned to interview two key witnesses, including the friend whose home was where OKeefes body was found, Brian Albert, and the other from Reads sister-in-law, Jennifer McCabe, who Googled Ho[w] long to die in cold, according to the Globe. This motion was denied by a judge on May 24.

Reads attorneys called for an evidentiary hearing which would allow them to interview both McCabe and Albert. Norfolk Superior Court Judge Beverly J. Cannone denied the defenses request and placed the attorneys arguments under advisement, the Globe reported.

Norfolk Assistant District Attorney Adam Lally wrote in a court memo that the Google search referenced by defense attorneys is not accurate and that the search did not actually happen at that time. Lally said that the data extracted from McGabes cell phone is inaccurate and unreliable. The same data shows that OKeefe supposedly took hundreds of steps in the hours after he was pronounced dead at Good Samaritan Hospital, Lally wrote, who added that calling this data unreliable is an understatement.

Read more: How an online plumbing ad led to carjacking and damaged police cruiser

During Tuesdays court appearance, prosecutors are expected to seek a gag order to prevent Read from speaking to the media, NBC 10 Boston reported.

Read is currently free on a $100,000 bond. Her appearance in court on Tuesday is scheduled for 2 p.m.
In the blazing morning sun, locals and environmental groups held up signs and chanted outside of Chase Banks new Northampton location on Tuesday.

This is part of a national campaign to pressure the big banks to stop investing in climate destruction and start investing in clean energy, said Susan Theberge, co-founder of environmental organization Climate Action Now.

Tuesday was the banks grand opening, according to a Chase spokesperson. The spokesperson declined to comment on the protests.

A JPMorgan Chase spokesperson said in a statement to MassLive in March that the bank facilitated more than $175 billion for green activities like renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable transportation over the last two years, part of a goal to spend $1 trillion on green initiatives this decade. He also said the bank was reducing its carbon footprint and would help the world meet its energy needs securely and affordably.

Over 35 people of varying ages showed up giving out pieces of paper or big bucks asking residents to not bank at Chase, stating that racial and social justice, and our climate are on the line.

Theberge said the turnout was better than she anticipated, given how last minute the rally was put together and the fact that it was on a weekday in the morning when some individuals were at work.

Protesters outside Chase Bank in Northampton.

This isnt the first time Chases Northampton location sparked outrage and protest. In March, environmental groups protested outside the branch location, the former home of the First National Bank and Silverscape Designs jewelry store citing the same concerns.

Read more: Chase Bank sparks Northampton protest as it prepares to open downtown

Were not saying to leave or anything like that, Theberge said, referring to Chase. Rather, Theberge and protesters are hoping Chase and its parent company, JPMorgan Chase, divest from fossil fuels.

The environmental group said the banks are the leading contributors to the fossil fuel industry.

Protestors outside Chase Bank in Northampton.

Theberge said during the protest, less than a dozen people entered Chase despite it being the banks grand opening. The high spirited and positive event also rallied the honks of many cars passing by, Theberge said.
A restaurant whose mission is to show residents what authentic Mexican food really tastes like opened their doors last week, soft launching Mexcalito Taco Bar in downtown Northampton.

The business, which has another location in Amherst, replaces Mama Iguanas, which closed at the beginning of April. The Mexican restaurant is still awaiting its liquor license, which Antonio Marquez, co-owner and chef of Mexcalito, said he expects in the next week or two.

Im very excited to have a new restaurant opening there so soon. Love that its Mexican, have heard amazing things about the chef and they have quite a following in Amherst, so Im super excited to have them on this side of the bridge, said Amy Cahillane, executive director of the Downtown Northampton Association.

While business hasnt been crazy since opening last Tuesday, Marquez said they still have had many customers ordering their food.

Marquez said he will be putting more effort toward advertising for their grand opening once they acquire their liquor license, holding not only a ribbon cutting but also a party potentially with a DJ.

Mexcalito is currently open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. This will change once the restaurant is fully open, switching to 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and Friday and Saturday until 1 a.m.

During the late night hours, the restaurant will turn into a bar and taco stand, serving up $2 tacos with no table service.

Although there are other Mexican restaurants in Northampton already, including La Veracruzana and Bueno y Sano, Marquez said his restaurant has something important to add. Born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, Marquez is dedicated to producing authentic Mexican cuisine and drink.

Once it gets a liquor license, Mexcalito will be offering mezcal and tequila from Mexico, using agave to sweeten their drinks and fresh squeezed lime to add a bit of tang.

Marquez believes Mexcalito has the largest selection of tequila and mezcal in all of Western Massachusetts and is planning to open his own farm in the next year in Mexico to produce their own mezcal. In the meantime, Marquez is working with mezcal producers in Mexico to help expand their reach to Massachusetts.

Bringing drinks from Mexico is important to Marquez because it allows for him to continue to connect with his land and roots in Mexico.

I think sometimes Im too authentic for people, Marquez said, referring to Mexcalitos food. Marquez isnt worried about Northamptons reaction to his food, however, believing that Northampton customers crave that authenticity.

Marquez said he has been cooking as long as he can remember, working in the restaurant industry at the age of 16 and opening up his own bar four years later. In 2011, he opened a pizza restaurant in Mexico before moving to Amherst in 2016 with his wife.

The restaurant will have the same menu as their first storefront, offering dishes such as carne asada to vegetarian and vegan options like portobello tacos. Marquez said 99% of his menu is gluten free.
The great fish moved silently through the night water, propelled by short sweeps of its crescent tail.

Author Peter Benchleys first line to his 1974 bestseller Jaws ignited a phenomenon that led to the first summer Hollywood blockbuster, directed by Steven Spielberg, followed by three sequels and increased attention, for good or bad, on sharks.

Benchley was born in New York and died in New Jersey, but he had several connections to Massachusetts and beyond having a career as a conservationist and shark expert, he also worked as a reporter and in the White House.

Heres what you should now about the creator of Jaws.

His passion for sharks started on Nantucket

When Benchley was a boy, his family would go to Nantucket Island in the summer, according to his New York Times obituary. He grew a lifelong fascination with the ocean, which shows in much of his work. He spent time at Siasconset, swimming, surfing and fishing on his fathers small wooden swordfishing boat, the Cape Cod Times wrote in 2006 after he died, At times, they even went after sharks.

In cruising for game fish in the Atlantic, they had often seen sharks, and the sight of the fin slicing through the water had imprinted itself on Peters brain, read the authors biography on his website. In the 1960s, he had read a story about a fisherman who had caught a 4,550-pound great white shark off Long Island. He combined that thought with the idea of a resort community not unlike Nantucket which relies very heavily on its summer trade and wondered how much damage such a beast could cause if it came around the resort waters and wouldnt go away. The idea fermented for many years.

As a television writer in the early 1970s, Benchley found time to flesh this idea out into a novel. Within a few years, Jaws was published.

He had Worcester connections

Benchley Square sits at the intersection of Commercial Street and Foster Street, adjacent to Worcester's DCU Center. Ryan Mancini, MassLive.

Ever walk around the DCU Center in Worcester and notice Benchley Square? Turns out it has a connection to the Jaws author. Benchleys great-grandparents emigrated from Wales before settling in Worcester. His grandfather, Robert Benchley, was born in the city on Sept. 15, 1889. He would become an author and satirist, studied at Harvard and was a managing editor for Vanity Fair, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

Roberts older brother Edmund is who the square is named after. Edmund Benchley was a graduate from West Point Military Academy and was a lieutenant who served during the Spanish American War in 1898, according to the book Laughters Gentle Soul: The Life of Robert Benchley by Billy Altman.

Benchley Square, which commemorates Worcester native Lt. Edmund Benchley. His grandnephew, Peter, wrote the 1974 novel "Jaws." Ryan Mancini, MassLive.

Edmunds company fought at the climactic Battle of San Juan Hill. Crossing the San Juan River with his troops, Edmund was shot through the heart. He died on July 1, 1898.

The square recognizing Edmunds service is located at the corner of Commercial Street and Foster Street.

He attended Harvard University

Benchley went to Harvard University, according to the Harvard Crimson. His brother Nathanial told the college newspaper in 2011 that Harvard was pivotal for Benchley, where he was a member of the schools Spee Club and took a particularly formative course with visiting lecturer (writer) Lillian F. Hellman, the Crimson added.

He graduated in 1961 cum laude with a degree in English, his New York Times obituary said.

The author of Jaws was also a journalist

Benchley spent much of his pre-Jaws years working other writing gigs. After he received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps, he wrote for the Washington Post for six months and was then a television editor for Newsweek between 1964 and 1967, according to his obituary in The Guardian.

Years later and following the success of both the book and film adaptations of Jaws, Benchley continued to write for several publications, often incorporating his conservation work into what he wrote. He contributed to National Geographic Magazine, The New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker, Mens Journal and several others, according to his website. To read Benchleys work for National Geographic, his website offers links to his stories, including the link here.

Keen viewers and Jaws movie fans can also spot Benchley portraying a television news reporter seen talking about the recent attacks on Amitys beaches.

... and he wrote for Lyndon B. Johnson

Speechwriter and future "Jaws" author Peter Benchley sat next to President Lyndon B. Johnson, his boss, in 1967. Courtesy of the White House Photo Office collection, LBJ Presidential Library.

After Newsweek, Benchley was hired as a speechwriter for President Lyndon Baines Johnson in 1967. His job ended with the conclusion of Johnsons presidency. The author once recalled Johnson speaking with an Indian diplomat about Vietnam, where Benchley observed what he knew as the Johnson treatment, according to Texas Monthly.

He gave him that story which he subsequently used  I hadnt heard it before then  in which he would say with grand gestures that all he wanted was if Uncle Ho Chi (Minh) would take off his gun belt and put the hand grenades away, well then, Ill put down my guns, Benchley recalled in 1976. But if he doesnt and I put down my guns, you know what, hes going to shoot me right in the rear end.

He noted that the diplomat was around 5 feet tall, whereas Johnson was 6 feet 4 inches. Benchley said the diplomat nodded politely, awed but was quite terrified.

Read more: First Massachusetts beach closed of 2023 season due to shark activity

He has an award named after him

The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards were co-founded by Benchleys widow Wendy and were established to recognize and celebrate the work and dedication of these individuals and to foster cross-discipline collaboration to expand innovative ocean solutions, according to the award organizations website.

Award categories include Hero of the Seas, Excellence in Exploration, Excellence in Policy, National Stewardship of the Ocean and several more. Honorees have included Sen. Ed Markey, reporter Ian Urbina, reporter Juliet Eilperin and Gulf Restoration Network executive director Cynthia M. Sarthou.

Read more: A shark that often visits Cape Cod waters has a special meaning behind his name

He was the first host of Shark Week

Launched in 1988, Discovery Channels Shark Week presents a week chock-full of content related to anything and everything about sharks. Programs have focused on the habits of various shark species, how they behave, their evolution over millions of years (including the massive prehistoric predator Megalodon), and even if a shark could blow up like at the end of Jaws with help from the Mythbusters.

Hosts tend to be celebrities, like Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Shaquille ONeal or comedians Craig Ferguson, Andy Samberg or Rob Riggle. Discovery Channel show hosts like Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs, Les Stroud from Survivorman and Mythbusters Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman have been among several to take a crack at the hosting gig.

But the man who first hosted the week of shark content was none other than Peter Benchley, in 1994, according to the Washington Post. Shark Week did not have another host until 2000 with television host and conservationist Nigel Marven.

In 2023, hosting duties for Shark Week go to Aquaman himself, actor Jason Momoa.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  Jason Aldean s Try That in a Small Town is experiencing exponential growth following controversy over its music video.

Try That in a Small Town, which was released in May, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week just behind BTSs Jung Kook solo single Seven, featuring Latto. The track experienced the biggest sales week for a country song in over 10 years.

According to Luminate, the song hit 11.7 million on-demand audio and video streams between July 14 and 20, marking a 1,000% increase from the previous week. Prior to the music video release on July 14, the track accounted for 987,000 streams in the U.S.

Related: Shop around for Jason Aldean concert tickets at StubHub and VividSeats

Digital song sales increased from 1,000 to 228,000, in those same weeks, respectively.

The music video for the song lasted just one weekend on Country Music Television before the network pulled it in response to an outcry over its setting and lyrics. When the network removed the video from its rotation, it had 350,000 views on YouTube. Now that number is now over 16 million, and it is the No. 1 trending video under the music category.

In the visual, Aldean  who has been awarded country music artist of the decade by the Academy of Country Music  performs in front of the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee. It is the site of the 1946 Columbia race riot and the 1927 mob lynching of an 18-year-old Black teenager named Henry Choate.

Aldeans video received fervent criticism online, with some claiming the visual is a dog whistle and others labeling it pro-lynching.

There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it- and there isnt a single video clip that isnt real news footage -and while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music- this one goes too far, Aldean wrote in a tweet posted Tuesday.

Cuss out a cop, spit in his face / Stomp on the flag and light it up / Yeah, ya think youre tough, Aldean sings on the track, written by Neil Thrasher, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, and Kelley Lovelace. Got a gun that my granddad gave me / They say one day theyre gonna round up / Well, that (expletive) might fly in the city, good luck / Try that in a small town.

On Friday, July 21, while performing at Cincinnatis Riverbend Music Center, Aldean addressed the audience with 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?, according to The Columbus Dispatch.

For those wondering if he would play the song live, he said, The answer is simple. The people have spoken and you guys spoke very, very loudly, he said, before launching into the song.
Bristol police arrested the brother of former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez after they said he was plotting school shootings at the University of Connecticut and at Brown University, according to an arrest warrant released Tuesday.

Officers surrounded his house on July 19 after they saw social media messages and posts on social media that claimed Dennis D.J. Hernandez, 37, was gravely disabled and a danger to society, while another said Will I kill? Absolutely, Ive warned my enemies so pay up front, documents showed.

Another post threatened a woman Hernandez was close to, who went to police and said he told her he went to UConn and Brown to map the schools out, the warrant said. He did this instead of going to court on July 7 for previous charges, police said. Hernandez posted about the woman on social media, which said she deserves to die and he would come for her family, the warrant continued.

After his July 19 arrest, Hernandez was charged with second-degree threatening and second-degree breach of peace, both misdemeanors, the CT Insider reported.

Both schools were notified and confirmed the womans car, driven by Hernandez, was seen on campus that day, the warrant said.

That same day, a judge ordered Hernandezs arrest after he failed to show up in court on a breach of peace charge stemming from a March incident at ESPN. He was arrested on July 14 and released on a written promise to return to court at a later date, the news outlet reported.

When police arrived at Hernandezs home, two young children were inside and asked to come out with the help of their mother after she was contacted. This persons name was redacted from the arrest warrant.

This recent arrest is the fourth time Hernandez has been arrested since March, with this latest arrest ending with the use of a Taser by police, the CT Insider said. The incident at ESPN stemmed from Bristol police saying that Hernandez took an Uber to ESPNs campus and threw a brick with a note attached to it.

To all media outlets, Its about time you all realeyes the affect media has on all family members, the note said, according to police. Since youre a world wide leader maybe you could lead how media and messages are delivered brick by brick. Clean it up! Yours truly, Dennis J. Hernandez.

Two weeks before the alleged incident at ESPN, Hernandez allegedly led police on a chase after suffering a bipolar episode, according to RadarOnline.

Hernandez is in custody at the Hartford Correctional Center on $250,000 bail, according to prison records.
Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson must pay a $5,000 civil penalty after she admitted to violating a conflict of interest law by hiring her sister and son to paid positions on her council staff in a signed Disposition Agreement.

After she won her 2021 election to the Boston city council, Fernandes Anderson appointed her sister as a full-time director of constituent services, according to the Massachusetts Ethics Commission. After the council approved the appointment, Fernandes Anderson set her sisters salary at $65,000.

However, in June of 2022, she increased her salary to $70,000 with a $7,000 bonus, the state ethics commission said. Around that same time, Fernandes Anderson set her son as her full-time office manager, where he earned $52,000, according to the state ethics commission. And 11 days after he was appointed to the position, Fernandes Anderson increased his salary to $70,000.

Read More: Boston City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo fined for conflict of interest

The minute I knew, I corrected it, Fernandes Anderson said in a phone interview Tuesday with The Boston Globe. Im harder on my son than I am on staff.

Fernandes Andersons actions as a Boston City Councilor concerning the appointment and compensation of her sister and son violated the conflict of interest laws prohibition against municipal employees participating in their official capacity in matters in which they know members of their immediate family have a financial interest.

Fernandes Andersons ethics violation is not the only scandal facing members of the City Council.

It comes only weeks after her colleague, Ricardo Arroyo, was ordered to pay $3,000 to the state ethics commission for representing his brother and the city in a civil lawsuit even after he was sworn into the Boston City Council.

Read More: Boston police release video after crash involving city councilor Kendra Lara

Zachary Lown, an attorney representing Arroyo, said in a statement to MassLive that nothing his client did as an attorney on this matter harmed the city of Boston or its interest.

When Arroyo was informed that his work as an attorney for his brother would be a conflict of interest, he began the process of withdrawal by seeking legal counsel, Lown said.

And last week, Boston City Councilor Kendra Lara was arraigned in West Roxbury District Court after she crashed her car into a Jamaica Plain home while driving with a revoked license. She plead not guilty to all eight charges in court.
UPDATE: This story has been updated to its previous statement of the correct location of Springfield for this incident.

A Connecticut man was seriously injured after he was trapped when his truck rolled over the guardrail on Interstate 91 in Springfield in a multi-vehicle crash on the highway Monday afternoon, according to Massachusetts State Police.

At around 2:40 p.m., troopers had responded to a report of a three-vehicle crash by exit 1 on the southbound side of the highway.
Authorities have identified a man who was shot to death in Bostons Jamaica Plain neighborhood as 45-year-old Dante Webb of Jamaica Plain, Boston police reported.

Webb was found shot in the area of 159 Forest Hills St. around 1:39 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18, police said.

Webb was taken to the hospital, where he later died, according to police. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information related to the shooting is asked to contact Boston Police Homicide Detectives at 617-343-4470. Anonymous tips can be made by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or by texting the word TIP to CRIME (27463).
A 45-year-old man who was shot and killed in Boston last week was loved by many, who are now taking to social media to honor his life and legacy.

Everybody loved you (including me, bro). You became a brother to me, and you never changed up on me when we got out, Tory Williams said on Facebook, recalling how he and Dante Webb met while incarcerated. I regret that I didnt get to see you, even though we attempted to, on several occasions. Thats why this is painful to write.

Webb was found shot in the area of 159 Forest Hills St. in Jamaica Plain around 1:39 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18, Boston police reported. The 45-year-old was taken to the hospital, where he later died, police said.

We dont get to meet many genuine people in our lifetimes but, I met you, and you were always real to me. Fly high, my brother from another, Williams continued. Boston lost one of the realest brothers I ever met.

Its cliche to just post your pic and say R.I.P. You deserve more than that, Bianca Falaise said on Facebook. Im in total disbelief. Im heartbroken. This cant be true!

It was always us my friend for life, Ella Mclean said on Facebook. I love you man. This is sad. Im hurt.

So far, no arrests have been made in connection with the fatal shooting. Therefore, anyone with information is asked to contact Boston Police Homicide Detectives at 617-343-4470. Anonymous tips can be made by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or by texting the word TIP to CRIME (27463).
The Department of Education is opening up an investigation into Harvard Universitys legacy admission practices after a civil rights group filed a federal complaint with the departments Office of Civil Rights earlier this month. The complaint accuses the school of favoring white applicants, while systematically disadvantaging applicants of color.

Its a discriminatory practice, said Micheal Kippins, a Litigation Fellow for the Lawyers for Civil Rights, a legal group based in Boston during an online press conference. It is an unfair and unearned advantage for students or applicants who have applied with these preferences in mind, that theyre able to gain that advantage simply by the family that they were born into, and have not attributed that to any particular individual merit.

Harvard University has defended its use of legacy admissions in the past. In a June 2018 filing to the Massachusetts federal court, the school said that its consideration of legacy applicants, helps to cement strong bonds between the university and its alumni and that alumni help financially support the school.

Currently, Harvard University is in the process of reviewing its admissions policies in response to the Supreme Court of the United States recent ruling to end affirmative action, Nicole Rura, a spokesperson for the university said in a statement to MassLive. The review consists of overlooking data and information along with learnings from Harvards past efforts on its ability to attract diverse academic talent.

As this work continues, and moving forward, Harvard remains dedicated to opening doors to opportunity and to redoubling our efforts to encourage students from many different backgrounds to apply for admission, Rura said.

The legal group, which represents three education equity organizations  The Chica Project, African Community Economic Development of New England, and Greater Boston Latino Network  claims that admission practices that favor the children of alumni or wealthy donors violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

This opportunity that the U.S. Department of Education has decided to open [an] investigation is a very welcoming and promising opportunity that we [are] excited [for] as a community that to see that this is a process that we really take the time, said Abdulkadir Y. Hussein, the founder and executive director of ACEDONE. But at the end of that final analysis for these things, were hoping that it will serve justice for all.

Almost 70% of Harvards donor-related and legacy applicants are white and receive a substantial boost to their application, according to the federal complaint. Donor-related applicants are almost seven times more likely to be admitted than non-donor-related applicants, while legacies are nearly six times more likely to be admitted into the school. Combined, these students represent 15% of the admitted students at Harvard University.

For Zaida Ismatul Oliva, the executive director of the Chica Project, legacy admissions leave young women of color  like the ones she mentors  out of the equation in college admissions.

Young women of color, specifically, one of the biggest barriers in attending college is that they dont see themselves as a possibility, that they dont see that this is for them, Oliva said. This is sending the wrong message to our group of young women saying that theyre automatically going to be held out of this equation and we think that this is really unfair.

The Lawyers of Civil Rights is also requesting for the Department of Education to order Harvard to halt their legacy and donor preference practices if the institution wants to maintain eligibility for federal funding.

Harvard is on the wrong side of history, said Oren M. Sellstrom, the litigation director for the Lawyers for Civil Rights. Momentum is growing, as more and more colleges and universities abandon these unfair preferences, those that claim to them will increasingly be seen as outliers.

Last month, the Supreme Court ruled against the use of affirmative action in higher education, a decision that has sent shockwaves through the college landscape. Since then, a number of prestigious universities have made the decision to discontinue legacy admissions, with the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and Wesleyan University being the latest to do so.

In the wake of the recent Supreme Court decision regarding affirmative action, we believe it important to formally end admission preference for legacy applicants, said Michael S. Roth, president of Wesleyan University, in a statement last week. We still value the ongoing relationships that come from multi-generational Wesleyan attendance, but there will be no bump in the selection process.

As for now, there is no set duration for how long itll take the Department of Education to complete its investigation. Nevertheless, for Kippins, the more important issue at hand is getting the investigation right.

With respect to the timing, yes, its important that we push forward and that we maintain this momentum, Kippins said. But ultimately, the idea is we want Harvard to be on the right side of history and as weve heard before they are currently on the wrong side of history.
A home explosion in Holliston on Monday sent two people by a medical helicopter to the hospital, according to the Holliston Police Department via a Facebook post.

The explosion occurred inside of the house at 138 Westfield Drive at about 3:49 p.m. Monday, according to a press release from the police department.

Holliston officials received several calls including an E-911 call from a neighbor, reporting a home explosion at 138 Westfield Drive, said the release.

The Holliston Fire Department and a Holliston ambulance responded to the scene, according to the release.

Rescuers found a 59-year-old and a 61-year-old needed immediate medical attention police said. Due to the extent of their injuries, officials called for two medical helicopters. Both unidentified patients were taken by ambulance to the helicopter landing zone at Holliston High School, and then flown to trauma hospitals in Boston: Mass General and Brigham and Womens hospitals.

Our initial investigation indicates that the explosion intitated from the home boiler/furnace, read a press release from the police department. However, police said the incident is still currently under investigation.

The incident is under investigation by the Holliston Fire Department, Holliston Police Department, Eversource Electric and Eversource Gas, read the release.
BOSTON  Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia, the citys first Puerto Rican mayor, is set to preside as the Padrino, or Godfather, at the 57th Boston Puerto Rican Festival Parade on Sunday, an annual event celebrating the islands culture.

The honor reflects Garcias significant contributions to the Puerto Rican community, and his commitment to promoting and honoring the culture.

This collaboration signifies the unity and strength of our Puerto Rican community across the commonwealth as we celebrate our culture, traditions and accomplishments. Together, we will proudly showcase our heritage, he said in a statement.

Previously serving as the town administrator for Blandford and with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, Garcia, 37, made history by becoming Holyokes first Puerto Rican mayor in November 2021.

Festival and parade organizer Marilyn Rivera said, Mayor Garcias election was a pivotal moment for our community. The community feels represented and understood, as they see a leader who shares their experiences and background.

Rivera believes that Garcias role as padrino is significant for the younger generation in the Latino and Puerto Rican communities.

Seeing Garcia in the role of padrino gives children an inspiring role model. It encourages them to stay involved with the community and to contribute meaningfully, she said in a statement.

The parade will commence on Boylston Street in the Back Bay and culminate at Boston City Hall, the site of the weekend festival. The procession comprises 45 to 60 marching units, along with floats.

Rivera expects tens of thousands of spectators along the parade route. The festival offers music, food, and dance groups to inform the public about Puerto Rican culture. More than 20,000 attendees are expected daily at the Boston City Hall festival.

Reflecting on Garcias journey, Rivera noted, Its a testament to the opportunities in our society and the progress weve made as a community. The festival is not just about celebration. It is a call to participate, understand and appreciate our culture. It is an open invitation to learn about our rich heritage and history.

Michael Martinez, the festivals director of community engagement and partnerships, praised Garcias cultural commitment and noted that Holyoke has the highest number of Puerto Ricans per capita in the world outside the island.

He also recognized Garcias role in launching the annual Fiestas Patronales de Holyoke, fearing that younger generations risk losing their cultural fluency. The celebrations serve as essential touchstones to maintain cultural roots.

Holyoke officials will join Garcia and Fiestas Patronales de Holyoke members during the march.

The invitation to support him and march with him as the Padrino in Boston is an honor. I admire how he challenges the status quo and contributes to cultural equity, felicidades, Mayor Garcia, said Waleska Lugo-DeJesus, the Salsa Sal Pa Fuera, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion adviser, who attended graduate school with Garcia.

For further information about this event, visit the festivals official website at puertoricanfestivalofma.org.
A human foot was found in the grass next to Interstate 93 in Boston Monday afternoon, and is believed to belong to the victim of a fatal pedestrian crash that happened in October 2022, according to Massachusetts State Police.

At around 1:30 p.m. on July 24, a MassDOT worker was cutting tall grass along the Freeport Street off-ramp on the highway when they saw the foot, police said.

Troopers responded to the area and confirmed it was a human foot, and police said it matched characteristics of the crash victim.

The foot was taken in for forensic investigation by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, police said.

In the October 2022 crash, 34-year-old Christian Yemga had his foot severed when he was hit and killed by a car while walking along I-93 at 2:30 a.m., police said.

Yemgas foot was not recovered in the extensive search at that time, police said. Yemga had gotten out of his vehicle after he hit a guardrail and disabled his car on the southbound side of the highway by exits 13 and 12, police said.

The car that hit Yemga had stopped after it hit him, police said, but that car was then hit by another vehicle heading south.

The two people inside the stopped car were seriously injured, police said, and had been taken to a hospital in Boston. There were no charges against the individual who hit and killed Yemga.

The driver of the other vehicle, identified as Nikitia Wilkins, 34, was charged in Dorchester District Court with operating under the influence, police said, and added that case is ongoing.
10:17 | Cusco (Cusco region), Jul. 25.









Cusco chosen as best city in Central and South America





the number one city in South and Central America. The capital of the Inca Empire has been awarded the World's Best Awards by the prestigious travel magazine Travel+Leisure as









The annual survey was conducted from October 2022 to February of this year, with the participation of thousands of verified subscribers.





The complete list of winners has been published online and will appear in the magazine's print edition in August as well.





Cusco received this recognition in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, and again this year, confirming its importance in national and international tourism as one of the most sought-after destinations.





It is worth noting that Travel+Leisure is an U.S. magazine considered one of the most influential travel media outlets in the world.





It is published 12 times a year with a readership of 4.8 million readers and also has a web platform.









"It is a culinary destination with representation from many regions through fusion. There are plenty of hotels to choose from, and it is a very walkable city with charm on every corner," mentions one of the voters on the Travel+Leisure website.





Readers also praised the fascinating history, magnificent architecture, friendliness of the locals, cleanliness, and craft shopping in Cusco.





How to get to Machu Picchu?: Article on Matador Network





The renowned travel platform, Matador Network , has published an extensive photo essay about the train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and the subsequent path to Machu Picchu.





The article was written by travel journalist Lauren Breedlove, with whom PromPeru shared relevant information about this world wonder.









"Your first glimpse of that view over the ancient citadel will be memorable, rain or shine. Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains add excitement, and you'll get to see highlights with your guide, such as Intihuatana (the Sun Dial), Temple of the Sun, and the Sacred Plaza, among others. Don't forget to take some photos of the alpacas," reads the article.





Other media outlets highlighting its charm include Global Traveler with the article "7 Reasons to Put Cusco on Your Travel List" and Trazee Travel with "7 Must-Visit Places in Cusco."





Promotion of tourism in the U.S. market





Tourism plays an important role in the Peruvian economy, generating employment and foreign currency.





Despite the challenges of recent years, the tourism industry in Peru has proven to be quite resilient and is on track to recover and continue growing.









PromPeru joins efforts with the private sector to position Peru in the U.S. market as a safe country with wonderful destinations to explore, as it is one of the main sources of travelers to the country.





PromPeru's actions, such as investing in international tourism promotion, campaigns, and participation in international fairs, have helped position the country as an attractive destination for travelers.





Editor's note: Information provided by PromPeru.





(END) NDP/RMB/MVB

The fascinating archaeological sites, landscapes, rich culture, gastronomy, and festivities of Cusco transport us to a world full of magic and tradition. This unique combination of history, nature, and adventure makes the Imperial City an attractive topic for U.S. media.Publicado: 25/7/2023
Lawyers for the woman accused of running over her boyfriend, a Boston police officer who later died, argued on Tuesday that the judge overseeing the case should recuse over questions of her objectivity, and strenuously objected to a motion by the prosecution that would have placed limits on making public statements regarding the case.

Norfolk County Superior Court Judge Beverly Cannone declined to recuse herself from presiding over the case of Karen Read, charged with second-degree murder in the death of John OKeefe, who was found dead outside a home in Canton in July of 2022.

Read is charged with second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter and leaving the scene of a collision, according to the Norfolk District Attorneys office in June 2022. She pleaded not guilty, and has said that OKeefe exited her car the night of Jan. 29, 2022, when she dropped him off at the home of a friend in Canton after they spent the night at the Waterfall Bar.
A Massachusetts man will spend 10 years in prison for trying to hire a contract killer, who was actually an undercover federal agent, to murder his ex-wife two years ago, Acting United States Attorney for Massachusetts Joshua S. Levy said.

Massimo Marenghi, who pleaded guilty to one count of murder-for-hire in March, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release, the Levy said on Tuesday, July 25.

Investigators started to look into Marenghi after an individual reported to law enforcement on Jan. 1, 2021, that he complained about his wife seeking a restraining order against him, federal officials previously reported.

Marenghi then met with the undercover agent on Jan. 20, 2021, to help eliminate his wife, Levy said. Marenghi even gave the agent of photo of her house and told them how to break in without getting caught on camera.

Marenghi met the agent a third time on Jan. 29, 2021, where he handed over $1,500 in cash and said that the demolition job should happen sooner rather than later, federal officials said.

He also gave the agent a picture of of his wife and told them the color, model and license plate number of her car. Marenghi also told them what hours she worked and when he would be alone with his kids.

Marenghi, who labelled this time as the best time for the construction work to start, was arrested and charged that same day. He indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2021, officials said.

Massimo Marenghi plotted to kill his wife and went to great lengths not to get caught. Thankfully, his plot was thwarted because the person he thought was a contract killer was in fact an undercover FBI Special Agent, said Christopher DiMenna, acting special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. Mr. Marenghis conduct in this case was truly horrific, and todays sentence is just. It is our hope the victim in this case can rest easier knowing that he will spend the next decade behind bars.

Domestic violence is a truly haunting reality that is far too pervasive in our society. At its core, that is what the prosecution of Mr. Marenghi was all about. He was looking to engage in the most extreme form of domestic violence by plotting the murder of his wife, Levy said. While the vast majority of domestic violence situations do not involve the federal criminal law, when this office has an opportunity to hold people accountable for this type of despicable conduct, we will spare no effort in prosecuting such offenders.
As torrential rain drenches the Bay State, almost all of Massachusetts is under a freshly-issued severe thunderstorm warning as of 4 p.m. on July 25, and a flash flood warning is in effect for the Boston area in addition to Springfields previous flood warning, according to the National Weather Service.

The severe thunderstorm warning now includes the counties of Worcester, Norfolk and Middlesex, and is in effect until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, the weather service said.

Residents may see quarter-sized hail and up to 60 mph winds, and can expect possible wind and hail damage to trees, power lines and vehicles, the service said.

The towns and cities under the warning issued just before 4 p.m. include Framingham, Natick, Needham, Norwood, Milford, Wellesley, Walpole, Westborough, Grafton, Ashland, Northbridge, Hopkinton, Westwood, Holliston, Medway, Medfield, Weston, Sutton, Millis and Upton.

The flash flood warning has been issued for the Boston area in the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk and Middlesex counties until 5 p.m. It may bring flash flooding for small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

The towns and cities that are under the flood warning include Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, Newton, Somerville, Waltham, Malden, Brookline, Medford, Weymouth, Revere, Arlington, Everett, Chelsea, Watertown, Lexington, Needham, Wellesley, Milton and Melrose.

At 2:50 p.m., a severe thunderstorm had been located over Belmont and Watertown, and the weather service warned of 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail.

The flash flood warnings have been issued for Hampden County, Hampshire County and Franklin County.

The warning In Hampden County will stay in effect until 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25, with 1-2 inches of rain expected to fall in one hour. This comes after the National Weather Service said that isolated thunderstorms could pop up around the state from 2-9 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.
SPRINGFIELD  While state lawmakers hope to soon vote on a bill that would change the commonwealths laws surrounding firearms  from regulations that spell out where they can be carried to wording aimed at ghost guns that lack serial numbers  local officials have mixed reactions to the proposed legislation.

Some, like Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni, said the bill would give the state updated tools to address the way some people acquire firearms.

The modernization of gun laws in the commonwealth is needed to ensure that law enforcement has the right tools to keep our communities safe, Gulluni said. Specifically, the proliferation of ghost guns and the ability to order parts and assemble a working, unregistered, firearm at home, is a present and serious threat. I applaud the Legislatures effort to promote public safety and to address head-on what has become a public health and safety emergency.

State Rep. Michael Day, co-chair of the Judiciary Committee, introduced the bill (HD.4420) at the end of June. Among its provisions, the bill calls for streamlining the license application process, prohibiting carrying a gun while under the influence of marijuana and alcohol, and creating a database that law enforcement could use to track firearms.

House Speaker Ronald Mariano, D-Norfolk, said he wants the Legislature to vote on the measure before its August break. But on Monday, the effort appeared stalled because of a question over which joint committee should hold a hearing on the bill.

Meanwhile, other officials in Western Massachusetts said the gun bill misfired, and that attention was better spent working on bills that would make changes to the justice system.

In a written statement, Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said the issue of gun violence was best addressed by jailing repeat violent criminal offenders.

If you want to reduce and help mitigate gun violence, you need to hold these repeat violent criminal offenders in jail, Sarno said. To keep releasing these violent criminal offenders back out onto our streets and into our community is foolhardy and only continues the revolving door of our justice system which harms and hurts our community and residents.

Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood said licensed gun owners are not the issue, and added that lawmakers should create legislation that would address the small percentage of criminals who are repeat violent criminal offenders.

Springfield Police Department fully supports any legislation and action that would help reduce and mitigate criminal activity, Clapprood said. Although I believe the intent of this legislation means well, in truth the ... language does nothing to address the issue of illegal guns and ghost guns being used in criminal activity by repeat violent criminal offenders.

One law that could help, she said, is the Bartley-Fox law, enacted in 1975, which could substantially help reduce gun violence if it was utilized more by our courts.

Westfield Mayor Michael A. McCabe, formerly a long-serving police captain in his city prior to being elected mayor, said, If you remove guns from folks who have lawful ownership, you are removing a key deterrent against being victimized by criminals.

We probably have in Massachusetts the toughest gun law application system in the nation, and a gun ownership vetting process second to none, he said.

The mayor said law-abiding citizens contribute an important role in community safety.

In a July 14 post on Facebook, the Ware Police Department said the bill on Beacon Hill would hamper law enforcement and affect law-abiding citizens.

A plethora of blatantly unconstitutional proposals litter this travesty of a bill, too many to mention here; however, of particular egregiousness is the criminalization of carrying firearms in certain so-called prohibited locations, including businesses and private properties, EVEN WHILE HOLDING A VALID LICENSE TO CARRY. Not even off-duty police officers will be exempted from this appalling mandate, the post says.

In an interview, Ware Police Chief Shawn C. Crevier said, Massachusetts has great firearms laws. Legislators should focus their efforts on the court system enforcing penalties for these gun laws.

Days bill has 32 sponsors.

Material from State House News Service was used in this report.
A South Boston woman died Monday after she went SCUBA diving off Rockport on Saturday, Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tuckers office announced Tuesday.

Sara Elizabeth Nivens, 40, went diving with her father in a charter boat, Tuckers office said in a statement. Nivens had difficulty SCUBA diving in the area around the Dry Salvages rock mount about 2 miles offshore and northwest of Rockport, the DA said.

Read more: How an online plumbing ad led to carjacking and damaged police cruiser

Rockport police were notified of a potential drowning, Tuckers office said. After Nivens was brought back to the charter boat, the boat was docked at T-Wharf in Rockport.

She was taken to Addison Gilbert Hospital before she was transferred to Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington. Nivens died on Monday, Tuckers office said.

Tuckers office, Rockport police, Massachusetts State Police detectives and the state police dive team are all investigating the circumstances around Nivens death.
A severe thunderstorm warning and flash flood warnings have been issued across Massachusetts Tuesday.

The severe thunderstorm warning was issues for Essex County, Suffolk County and part of Middlesex County, including Boston, Cambridge, Lynn, Newton, Somerville, Waltham, Malden, Brookline, Medford, Revere, Peabody, Arlington, Everett, Salem, Beverly, Woburn, Chelsea, Watertown, Lexington and Gloucester. The alert is in effect until 3:45 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Expect wind damage to trees and power lines, the National Weather Service warned. Minor hail damage to vehicles is possible.

At 2:50 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Belmont and Watertown. The weather service warned of 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail.

The flash flood warnings have been issued for Hampden County, Hampshire County and Franklin County.

The warning In Hampden County will stay in effect until 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25, with 1-2 inches of rain expected to fall in one hour. This comes after the National Weather Service said that isolated thunderstorms could pop up around the state from 2-9 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.

Springfield streets flooded Tuesday.

An additional 1-3 inches of rain are possible for the Springfield metro area, the weather service said. Forecasters said 1-2 inches have already fallen at the time the warning was issued, which was around 1:45 p.m.

The warning for Central Franklin County and Central Hampshire County will be in effect until 5:15 p.m., the National Weather Service said. Forecasters predict 1-3 inches of rain could fall in those areas and that 2-3 inches had already fallen at the time the warning was issued, which was around 2:14 p.m.

In addition, a severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the entire state of Connecticut until 8 p.m., the National Weather Service tweeted. Residents should be specifically aware of damaging wind gusts and torrential rainfall.
The 21-year-old Sheffield farm worker found dead inside a pickup truck that was submerged in a pond near Pine Island Farm on Monday has been identified by Massachusetts State Police.

Neptali Santiago Lopez, a Mexican native, was identified by state police as the 21-year-old farm harvester found dead. The investigation into his death is open and is pending autopsy results, police said.

Lopez, who lived at the farm, had last been seen alive on Sunday night while sitting in the cab of the truck by the farm, police said.

Tire tracks found on Monday morning led from where the man was last seen in the truck and into an adjacent retention pond, where state police divers later found the farm workers body at 11:55 a.m., still inside the submerged truck.

The state police helicopter had spotted the truck 8 feet deep in the retention pond earlier in the morning, police said, and added there was near-zero visibility in the water for divers after they went in for the search. There were no immediate signs that the harvesters death was suspicious, police said.

The State Police Detective Unit for Berkshire County is also conducting an investigation into the cause of the mans death, police said.

Pine Island Farm is located at 1474 Hewins St. in Sheffield, police said, and is a dairy cattle farm, according to its site.
Karen Read, a Mansfield woman charged with killing her Boston police officer boyfriend, sat down for an interview with NBCs Dateline for an upcoming episode.

We were happy, having fun, laughing  just very normal, Read said in a preview of the episode that aired on Mondays TODAY show.
It turns out Massachusetts humans arent the only ones trying to beat the summer heat  neighborhood black bears appear to be doing the same.

A Ring camera video taken submitted to MassLive by Pembroke resident Hannah Rose Doucette captured a black bear taking a dip in her backyard pool on Sunday afternoon, July 23.

The video, which Doucette posted to her Facebook, shows the bear climbing into the pool before swimming across and hopping out. Doucette caption the video, We just had a visitor cool off in our pool!

While black bears are common in Western and Central Massachusetts, the species is expanding in Eastern Massachusetts, according to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

Last month, a bear sighting closed all Arlington schools for an hour while another bear, named Buster, was routinely spotted in communities around the South Shore.

While Mahoney did not provide a name for the bear who invited itself over for its own private pool party, she did give it an opportunity to cool off before dangerously-high temperatures invade the Commonwealth later this week.
As Massachusetts continues to assess the fallout from a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision upending tax foreclosure procedures across the country, cities are left to deal with the practical fallout.

Over the last five fiscal years, Worcester has recovered nearly $1 million in taxes from the selling of tax collector deeds, according to city officials.
21:25 | Lima, Jul. 25.

"The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) is resuming the competitiveness agenda. During these first seven months of the year, we have focused on emergency care, on reactivation; nonetheless, we have to start resuming the National Competitiveness and Productivity Plan," Contreras indicated.

"Therefore, tomorrow (Tuesday), I am going to meet with the representatives of the private sector to, indeed, rethink this competitiveness agenda for the following years," he announced last Monday.





The Cabinet member said that, according to Nobel Prize laureates in Economics Robert Solow (1987) and Paul Romer (2018), competitiveness has a significant impact on boosting economic growth in a country.





"Competitiveness can successively drive growth. Investment is very important in capital, in human capital; nonetheless, competitiveness is a factor that can make a difference," he emphasized.





Contreras indicated that competitiveness is essential in an economy, because in order to achieve growth it is not (only) about investing more, but also about how to be more efficient with the available resources.





"In the case of Peru, there is still an important competitiveness agenda. The most competitive country in the world is Denmark, with an overall score of 100," he noted.





"In the case of Peru, we are in the middle of the chart; we are ranked 55th, with a score of 48," he detailed on #MEFenvivo program, broadcast via the ministry's social media channels.









Yet the government official warned that there is still a pending agenda to work on, with regard to government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure.





"We are taking measures to reactivate the economy, but we also need urgent measures to make progress in terms of competitiveness," he pointed out.
A man from the Boston neighborhood of Dorchester was charged with stabbing a man to death at a veterans home in broad daylight, according to the Boston Police Department.

Eduardo Bonilla, 43, was arrested and charged with murder, police said. Bonilla will be arraigned in Roxbury District Court on Tuesday, police said.
SPRINGFIELD  Members of a union representing personal care attendants want Gov. Maura T. Healey to fulfill a pledge to raise their pay.

A group of nearly 20 PCAs gathered Tuesday at Springfields state office building to complain of what they see as low pay and inadequate benefits.

During the pandemic, we were the ones working while everybody else was home, PCA Janice Guzman said. We were still out and about in the community.

The PCAs said their reason for protesting, as contract talks continue, is to bring attention to Healeys promise to raise wages and provide benefits for the 60,000 members of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.

We endorsed her (during the election period). Thats when she told us that we deserve $25 for everything that we do, Guzman said.

In Massachusetts, 68,000 workers care for 40,000 patients, according to Marlishia Aho, regional communications manager for the union.

PCAs make $18 an hour, according to Guzman, who said they do not get paid more for working overtime or during holidays. There is a high turnover rate in the field, running between 40% and 60%, according to Aho.

LaMar Cook, Western Massachusetts deputy director for the governors office, was present at the protest and listened to the PCAs requests, saying hed relay them to Healeys office.

Janice Guzman (left), talks with LaMar Cook, Gov. Maura Healey's Western Mass Deputy Driector, as advocates for increased pay and benefits for Personal Care Attendants held an informational picket line at the Statehouse offices in Springfield. (Don Treeger / The Republican) 7/25/2023

I understand your concerns, and Im here to listen, he said. I do understand that there are negotiations happening with the union and administration. I cant comment on that specifically, but I can listen.

Guzman, whos been a PCA for over 20 years, said one concern is that personal care attendants are being asked to provide services for which they are not fully trained.

MassHealth removed ... nurses during COVID, and the PCAs are not trained to do this, she said. Im a healthcare worker, so I have the training for it, but PCAs who dont have that training are critical.

A blog post by the union reported that under former Gov. Charlie Bakers administration, United Healthcare Workers built upon the $15 minimum wage established in their last contract and raised it to $16.10 in 2021. In addition, they were successful in securing 50 hours of paid time off annually.

Along with raising wages to $25 an hour, paid holidays and paid training, Guzman and other employees are requesting 401(k)s.

This is a workforce that is getting older as well as caring for older people and so (they must) ensure that they are able to retire as well, which is not the case, Aho said.

Aho said efforts to advance the contract between the union and the state began last year through public forums and conversations with legislators. They recently shifted their focus to pressing the state for action.

She said the states latest proposal, offered to the union July 11, would raise wages by 50 cents an hour each year for three years.

State Rep. Orlando Ramos, D-Springfield, said he supports 1199SEIUs efforts to raise hourly wages for PCAs. Ive always been a supporter of PCAs, he said. They are a union that represents hardworking people and I wholeheartedly support their efforts.

Ramos said he has met with personal care workers and participated in rallies theyve hosted. He supported creating a supplemental state budget to provide for new contracts with several unions, including 1199SEIU.

The unions next bargaining session is scheduled for Aug. 1 at its Quincy office.

Aho said contract talks are at a pivotal moment ... to see if they are closing the gap.

She added, This is about the future of home care and Massachusetts.
The fingerprints of climate change are all over the intense heat waves gripping the globe this month, a new study finds. Researchers say the deadly hot spells in the American Southwest and Southern Europe could not have happened without the continuing buildup of warming gases in the air.

These unusually strong heat waves are becoming more common, Tuesdays study said. The same research found the increase in heat-trapping gases, largely from the burning of coal, oil and natural gas has made another heat wave  the one in China  50 times more likely with the potential to occur every five years or so.

A stagnant atmosphere, warmed by carbon dioxide and other gases, also made the European heat wave 4.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 degrees Celsius) hotter, the one in the United States and Mexico 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius) warmer and the one in China one 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius) toastier, the study found.

Several climate scientists, using tree rings and other stand-ins for temperature records, say this months heat is likely the hottest Earth has been in about 120,000 years, easily the hottest of human civilization.

Had there been no climate change, such an event would almost never have occurred, said study lead author Mariam Zachariah, a climate scientist at Imperial College of London. She called heat waves in Europe and North America virtually impossible without the increase in heat from the mid 1800s. Statistically, the one in China could have happened without global warming.

Since the advent of industrial-scale burning, the world has warmed 2.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 degrees Celsius), so they are not rare in todays climate and the role of climate change is absolutely overwhelming, said Imperial College climate scientist Friederike Otto, who leads the team of volunteer international scientists at World Weather Attribution who do these studies.

The particularly intense heat waves that Texas, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua and Coahuila are now roasting through are likely to happen about once every 15 years in the current climate, the study said.

But the climate is not stabilized, even at this level. If it warms a few more tenths of a degree, this months heat will become even more common, Otto said. Phoenix has had a record-shattering 25 straight days of temperatures at or above 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius) and more than a week when the nighttime temperature never dropped below 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32.2 Celsius)

The heat in Spain, Italy, Greece and some Balkan states is likely to reoccur every decade in the current climate, the study said.

Because the weather attribution researchers started their analysis of three simultaneous heat waves on July 17, the results are not yet peer reviewed, which is the gold standard for science. But it used scientifically valid techniques, the teams research regularly gets published and several outside experts told The Associated Press it makes sense.

The way scientists do these rapid analyses is by comparing observations of current weather in the three regions to repeated computer simulations of a world that might have been without climate change, said study co-author Izidine Pinto, a climate scientist at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute.

In Europe and North America, the study doesnt claim human-caused climate change is the sole cause of the heat waves, but it is a necessary ingredient because natural causes and random chance couldnt produce this alone.

Read more: All Plum Island beaches in Newburyport reopened after closure for bacteria

Texas state climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon said the study was reasonable, but looks at a broad area of the U.S. Southwest, so it may not be applicable to every single place in the area.

In the United States, its clear that the entire southern tier is going to see the worst of the ever-worsening heat and this summer should be considered a serious wake-up call, said University of Michigan environment dean Jonathan Overpeck.

With heat waves, the most important thing is that they kill people and they particularly kill and hurt and destroy lives and livelihoods of those most vulnerable, Otto said.
A flash flood warning has been issued for Hampden County as well as parts of Hampshire and Franklin counties as isolated thunderstorms make their way through Western Massachusetts, according to the National Weather Service.

The warning In Hampden County will stay in effect until 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25, with 1-2 inches of rain expected to fall in one hour. This comes after the National Weather Service said that isolated thunderstorms could pop up around the state from 2-9 p.m. afternoon.

An additional 1-3 inches of rain are possible for the Springfield metro area, the weather service said. Forecasters said 1-2 inches have already fallen at the time the warning was issued, which was around 1:45 p.m.

The warning for Central Franklin County and Central Hampshire County will be in effect until 5:15 p.m., the National Weather Service said. Forecasters predict 1-3 inches of rain could fall in those areas and that 2-3 inches had already fallen at the time the warning was issued, which was around 2:14 p.m.

In addition, a severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the entire state of Connecticut until 8 p.m., the National Weather Service tweeted. Residents should be specifically aware of damaging wind gusts and torrential rainfall.
The Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC) and the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC), armed components of the Western Indian Ocean Maritime Security Architecture, established in 2018, are organising a regional simulation exercise on Marine Pollution from 25th to 27th July 2023.

Entitled Western Indian Ocean Pollution Regional Exercise (WIOPOLREX), the event which will be held both online and face-to- face at the RCOC headquarters in Seychelles, will bring together over 15 regional States to test their level of preparedness and responsiveness with regards to any accidental pollution event (oil, hazardous and noxious substances, etc).

Key international partners will also provide technical and technological support during the Table Top exercise. This initiative is supported by the Indian Ocean Commission through the EU-funded MASE programme.

This tabletop exercise (TTX ) WIOPOLREX is part of the overall action plan of the regional centres to improve their capacity to coordinate and response to maritime incidents, together with riparian States.

Lessons learnt from the oil pollution incident involving MV WAKASIO on 25th July 2020 off the South-eastern coast of Mauritius (where approximately 1,000 metric tonnes of oil was spilt at sea) and other grounding and/or drifting situations occurred in Comoros,

Madagascar, Seychelles and Reunion, clearly show that a country on its own cannot tackle all levels of marine pollution.

Regional and international cooperation and coordination are key to address effectively and timely these types of incidents.

Main Objectives of the WIOPOLREX

Strengthen regional and international Cooperation in responding to marine pollution incidents

Enable participating States to examine their marine pollution preparedness and strategy as well as their ability to share information and implement responses as per their respective National Contingency Plan

Contribute to the review of the regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan proposed under international instruments, in particular, the Nairobi Convention

Examine the ability of the RCOC and RMIFC to support regional coordination in the event of accidental marine pollution incidents while avoiding duplication

Identify gaps and test inter-agency coordination at a regional and international level during oil pollution response operations

Take stock of the equipments related to oil pollution responses both at national and regional levels.
YEREVAN, JULY 25, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that its not up to his administration to determine the fate of the people of Nagorno Karabakh and that the representatives of the latter should be a party to the negotiations and dialogue with Azerbaijan.

Armenia cannot decide the fate of the people of Nagorno Karabakh, Pashinyan said at a press conference on July 25. With the logic that representatives of Nagorno Karabakh must themselves be a party to talks and dialogue, he added.

This is the agenda that weve been advancing, taking into consideration that the rights and security of the people of Nagorno Karabakh must be discussed with participation of Nagorno Karabakh representatives in a Baku-Stepanakert dialogue format under an international mechanism. I believe that within the framework of such formula, the people and government of Nagorno Karabakh will have the chance to address issues of their concern, and not only put forward questions or generate content, but also, which is highly important, bear the political responsibility pertaining to this content, Pashinyan said.

Pashinyan said that his administration, as stated previously, still doesnt have a decision whether or not a possible peace treaty with Azerbaijan should include Nagorno Karabakh, or that the rights and security of the people of Nagorno Karabakh should be addressed in another logic. He did stress that although they dont have a decision on this matter, they do have a stance.
by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, July 25, 2023

It didn't even take a full 24 hours for Elon Musk's new Twitter logo to start drawing fire or for some observers to infuse it with the same fortune-telling properties usually reserved for Tesla's earnings call.

But even those who don't love it from a graphic design perspective grudgingly admit it may be the right move.

"Everything Musk does turns into a bit of a circus," says Eddie Opara, a partner at Pentagram, a design company with clients that include Amazon, New York Magazine and Liberty of London.

The new logo is another way to say this isn't the same company anymore. And in wiping away the past, "Musk is talking about the future," Opara tells Marketing Daily. "Is X just his favorite letter of the alphabet? Does X mark the spot? Is it a target? It's ambiguous and can be anything in any way. It's more fluid."

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That fluidity, while it may be ultra-Elon, runs counter to the prevailing branding wisdom that a company's mission, brand purpose and logo should be fixed, even if the products and services they offer change. It's a line in the sand, marking what a company stands for. A fluid position makes many people feel lost.

For Musk, Opara says, fluidity is probably the point. "He's iterating. He's agile. He's figuring out how to make money."

It's also one more way for Musk to turn the page on the old company, following a post-acquisition period that many describe as a trainwreck. "It strips Twitter of its initial narrative."

That's likely a smart move. "Twitter had been spiraling downwards for quite some time, so in that regard, it's good to abandon the ghosts of Twitter's past and start fresh with a new name, logo and strategy," says Yash Egami, chief operating officer at the One Club.

Linda Yaccarino, Twitter's new chief executive officer, introduced the symbol on Twitter as a way to wipe the slate clean. "It's an exceptionally rare thing in life or business that you get a second chance to make another big impression," she tweeted.

Opara says killing off that iconic little blue bird is honest. Meant to evoke friendly little Tweets, it already didn't represent the monster Twitter became.

"That little bird caused untold mayhem. Social media may strive for a friendly face, but it caused distress."

Still, many will miss the logo known as Larry Bird, born in 2010.

"I can't help but feel sort of sad that the iconic Twitter bird is going away, but perhaps I'm too nostalgic," says Jill Applebaum, chief creative officer at Public, an ad agency based in Toronto. And the logo is "perfectly lovely, from a graphic design standpoint," she tells Marketing Daily via email.

But whatever the X looks like, what it stands for is confusing. "X" is meant to symbolize that this is more than a social media platform. It's a super app. But just as the world went "What?" when Facebook became Meta, and the world got angry when HBO Max became Max, it's hard for brand loyalists to shed an iconic mark because these marks become part of our identity," she says.

"X is a great name and symbol," adds Jessica Walsh, principal at &Walsh, whose clients include the New York Times Magazine, Google, Netflix and Benefit. "But I'm not clear yet on the brand architecture and potential relationship of all these brands," she tells Marketing Daily via email. "Feels like it's rushed, but I read he said it's an interim logo, so maybe it will get sorted out and updated later."

The crowdsourced logo also "takes a page out of the Steve Jobs handbook where his products are being branded with an "X" instead of an "i," says Egami via email. "It remains to be seen how cars, rockets and social media will all be tied together (if at all)."

With this design, "Twitter is testing which way the winds blow and will change it as a result," says Opara. The slightly hollow logo, with a nod to the Art Deco, is unfinished. "Can it change tomorrow? Should it change tomorrow? Should it be solid? Should it be fluid? That's a lot of questions, and that's what he loves. So this seems to fit him and the company he is trying to sculpt."

"That's how marketing works," he says. "But that's not design."
STEPANAKERT, JULY 25, ARMENPRESS. President of Nagorno Karabakh Arayik Harutyunyan has formally declared Nagorno Karabakh to be a disaster zone amid the total blockade.

Announcing the disaster declaration, Harutyunyan said he expects an urgent international reaction in the form of either collective or individual security, political and humanitarian support.

Right now Artsakh [Nagorno Karabakh] is the only territory in the world to be in total isolation and under blockade, without any humanitarian aid or international presence, Harutyunyan said, adding that Nagorno Karabakh could be considered to be a concentration camp if his disaster declaration fails to garner international aid.

Speaking about his expectations from the international community, President Harutyunyan said , First of all we have demands to the parties of the 9 November 2020 trilateral statement, especially Russia, to implement the obligations of the guarantor of security, and we demand Armenia to respect the right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh and refrain from any statement or action that would recognize Artsakh to be part of Azerbaijan.

He added that Artsakh demands the UN Security Council to take action to prevent the genocidal policy carried out by Azerbaijan and ensure the latters compliance with the ICJ and ECHR orders on opening the Lachin Corridor.

Harutyunyan also called on the UN to urgently intervene.

I demand the UN Secretary General to display moral and political responsibility and leadership to warn the international community on the grave situation facing the people of Artsakh. I demand Mr. Guterres to launch, without hesitation and delay, the UN system to resolve this situation, Harutyunyan said, adding that hes ready to personally contact the Secretary General online and present the situation.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, July 25, 2023

Google, Meta and Apple are asking a federal appellate court to throw out claims that they promoted illegal gambling by profiting from gaming apps.

The tech companies argued in papers filed Monday with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act protects them from liability over apps developed by outside companies. That law broadly immunizes interactive companies from lawsuits stemming from material created by third parties.

It is undisputed that Apple did not create the apps, Apple wrote in its appellate brief. Under Section 230, Apple therefore cannot be held liable for hosting them on the App Store -- full stop.

Meta and Google make similar arguments in separate briefs.

The appeal comes in a battle dating to 2020, when people who said they lost money on virtual slot machines alleged that the platforms wrongly distributed the gaming apps, processed in-app payments for virtual currency, and took a commission on the sale of that currency. The users also alleged that the apps themselves were illegal in some states.

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U.S. District Court Judge Edward Davila in the Northern District of California rejected the tech companies' bid to dismiss the case at an early stage. He ruled that while Section 230 protects the companies from liability for hosting the apps, that law doesn't immunize the platforms from claims that they profited by processing payments for in-game currency.

Davila wrote that the allegations regarding payments and revenue sharing were grounded in the platforms own bad acts, not in the content of the social casino apps that the platforms display on their websites.

But Davila also said reasonable minds could differ about the interpretation of Section 230, and authorized an immediate appeal to the 9th Circuit.

The tech companies now argue that all of the users' allegations should have been covered by Section 230. The companies essentially contend that the users' claims all hinge on the apps' content -- meaning games that allowed people to gamble using virtual currency.

Liability for allegations relating to payment processing would not exist if the content of the apps were different, Apple argues, adding that it's therefore immune from suit.

Apple also says the virtual gaming chips are themselves third-party content.

"They are no more real than the virtual ghosts in a game of Pac-Man," the company writes. "Apple cannot be held liable merely for processing the payment for that in-app content.

Google and Meta make similar arguments.

The virtual chips at issue here are digital content created by third-party app developers at the behest of users who purchase them for use within the app environment, Google argues. Plaintiffs seek to hold Google liable solely based on what that digital content is and how users elect to use it.

Google adds that the gaming currency wasn't always used for virtual slot machines.

If users purchase a new outfit for their digital avatars ... or if they gift the virtual chips to another user (or simply hoard the chips, rather than play a virtual slot machine), nothing even allegedly unlawful has happened, the company writes.

Meta says in its brief that allowing people to sue platforms for processing payments could threaten the availability of online content well beyond casino-themed games.

Countless online services process payments for untold amounts of virtual content sold by third parties -- for example, ebooks, podcasts, and newsletters, the company argues. Because online services could be held liable if third-party content is unlawful anywhere it could be accessed, this end-run around Section 230 would allow fifty varying state regimes to dictate the availability of content everywhere.

The 9th Circuit previously ruled that Section 230 didn't override a local California housing ordinance that prohibited Airbnb and HomeAway.com from processing some payments.

But the tech companies say that prior ruling doesn't apply to the claims in this lawsuit.

The ruling in HomeAway and Airbnb involved online rental websites that merely needed to do the same things as offline rental agents: look at the address of the unit and perform the same cross-referencing to the citys registry, Apple writes.

By contrast... Apple could only determine whether a particular app includes games that resemble gambling by reviewing the content of every single app on the platform.

Even if the 9th Circuit ultimately rules that Section 230 doesn't protect the platforms in this case, they could still ultimately defeat the lawsuits, Santa Clara University law professor Eric Goldman tells MediaPost.

For instance, he says, it's not yet clear whether the games in the apps violate state gambling laws.

The entire activity might be legal, so there wouldn't be liability for anybody, he says.


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YEREVAN, JULY 25, ARMENPRESS. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh issued a statement, considered the blockade of Artsakh and the use of starvation by Azerbaijan to achieve political goals unacceptable.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Foreign Ministry of Artsakh, the statement reads as follows,

We strongly condemn Azerbaijan's deliberate and systematic attempts to induce hunger in the Republic of Artsakh to achieve its military and political objectives. We reiterate that intentionally obstructing the delivery of humanitarian cargo for the physical survival of the besieged people of Artsakh, as well as taking deliberate actions to cause hunger, suffering and deprivation to the civilian population, constitutes a grave violation of international law and qualifies as a war crime.



The combination of these criminal actions by Azerbaijan, carried out within the context of the ongoing eight-month inhumane blockade and attempts to forcibly subjugate the people of Artsakh to the jurisdiction of Baku, creates extremely dangerous conditions for the escalation of Azerbaijan's ongoing crimes against humanity into the crime of genocide.



Against this backdrop, we consider as irresponsible any attempts to legitimise Azerbaijan's internationally wrongful acts, including through direct or indirect endorsement of proposals that are part of Baku's policy of non-compliance with its international obligations regarding the Lachin Corridor and the tightening of the blockade of Artsakh. Any support for the criminal agenda of Azerbaijan, which has deliberately created and systematically exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh, not only intensifies the suffering of innocent people but also violates fundamental principles enshrined in international law, including the dignity and human rights of individuals. The civilised international community has long rejected justifications based on the supposed right to commit mass violations of human rights under the pretext of a state's internal affairs. Moreover, it has held perpetrators of such crimes accountable before military tribunals and established legal frameworks to prevent such crimes in the future.



Any actions and proposals from Azerbaijan that undermine the dignity of the people of Artsakh must be categorically rejected. Human dignity is at the core of human rights and serves as a guarantee of their respect. Undermining the dignity of the people of Artsakh signifies a denial of their fundamental rights and paves the way for even more inhumane crimes by Azerbaijan.



We strongly urge key international actors genuinely interested in establishing a durable and just peace in Artsakh and the region as a whole to take decisive individual and collective actions to put an end to the blockade and criminal policies pursued by Azerbaijan. We once again insist that the United Nations Security Council fulfils its role entrusted by the nations of the world to maintain international peace and security and puts an end to the criminal and inhumane blockade of Artsakh. As a first step towards addressing the humanitarian catastrophe in Artsakh, we expect the UN Security Council to urgently demand the full and unconditional implementation of the ICJ Order issued on 22 February 2023, which was subsequently reaffirmed on 6 July 2023, to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access to Artsakh, and authorise the opening of a humanitarian air corridor.



We consider it absolutely unacceptable to passively and indifferently observe the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Artsakh, where the situation can sharply deteriorate at any moment. The international community must realise that the time for fruitless discussions is long over, and it is now time for concrete and urgent actions that prioritise the interests of people living under an existential threat.
It is evident that Azerbaijan, under the conditions of international impunity, continuously tightens repressions against the people of Artsakh with the undisguised purpose of ethnic cleansing, driven by a policy of ethnic hatred and discrimination.

July 25, 2023, 13:27 Ignoring the demands of the international community, Azerbaijan expanded and deepened the blockade and military threats. President Harutyunyan

Artsakh Republic President Arayik Harutyunyan said during the press conference held with Diaspora and foreign media.

''During this time, the International Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights have issued legally and politically binding rulings to ensure an unimpeded movement of people, vehicles, and cargo through the Lachin Corridor in both directions. Furthermore, the European Parliament, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, various states' legislative and executive authorities, and authoritative international human rights organizations have all made clear demands and appeals to the authorities of Azerbaijan to cease the illegal siege of Artsakh and refrain from using force or threats of its use. However, Azerbaijan has not only disregarded court rulings and the demands of the international community but has also expanded and deepened the blockade and military threats.

1. The objectives of the siege

Through the unlawful siege of Artsakh, Azerbaijan pursues several goals, including:



 Long term: To destroy in whole the entire ethnic Armenian population of Artsakh and forcefully end the conflict by eliminating the people of Artsakh from their land.

 Medium term: To subjugate the people of Artsakh by force, dismantle the Republic of Artsakh and its resistance systems, force the people of Artsakh to flee, collapse the economy of Artsakh, and gain additional leverage over Armenia, particularly by obtaining an extraterritorial road between Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan through Armenian territory.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to reach what it described as a humanitarian consensus in order for it to be able to continue its life-saving work of supplying humanitarian assistance to Nagorno Karabakh.

July 25, 2023, 16:12 Red Cross calls for humanitarian consensus between Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume life-saving work in NK

STEPANAKERT, JULY 25, ARTSAKHPRES-ARMENPRESS: Despite persistent efforts, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is not currently able to bring humanitarian assistance to the civilian population through the Lachin corridor or through any other routes, including Aghdam. The organisation is calling on the relevant decision makers to allow the ICRC to resume its essential humanitarian operations in the area. Tens of thousands of people rely on humanitarian aid reaching them through these routes. The civilian population is now facing a lack of life-saving medication and essentials like hygiene products and baby formula. Fruits, vegetables, and bread are increasingly scarce and costly, while some other food items such as dairy products, sunflower oil, cereal, fish, and chicken are not available. The last time the ICRC was allowed to bring medical items and essential food items into the area was several weeks ago, the ICRC said in a press release.

Our humanitarian aid convoys are a lifeline for the population in this area. With these convoys blocked, our concern is that the humanitarian situation will further deteriorate. We are most worried about those who cannot help themselves. The sick and people with chronic diseases are particularly at risk, as are the elderly, infirm and children. For us to operate here, we need the sides to reach a humanitarian consensus. This is life-saving work, and it must be allowed to continue, Bauer said.

Under international humanitarian law, sides must allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need. This includes medical supplies and essential food, the ICRC said.

The ICRC was able to evacuate 24 sick patients across the Lachin Corridor over the last few days, ensuring that they receive the medical treatment they need. Overall, the ICRC said it has evacuated more than 600 people in urgent need of medical care since December 2022.

ICRCs regional director for Eurasia, Ariane Bauer expressed concern that the humanitarian situation will further deteriorate.
The Marine Corps has identified three lance corporals from Camp Lejeune who were found dead early Sunday morning in a vehicle outside of the North Carolina military base.

The Pender County Sheriff's Office said in a press release posted to Facebook that the three men were found unresponsive in "a vehicle located at the Speedway convenience store in Hampstead, North Carolina."

The three Marines were identified by their unit, the 2nd Marine Logistics Group, in a press release Tuesday. The deceased, according to the Marine Corps, were:

Lance Cpl. Tanner J. Kaltenberg, 19, from Madison, Wisconsin. He entered active-duty service in May 2021.

Lance Cpl. Merax C. Dockery, 23, from Pottawatomie, Oklahoma. Dockery entered active-duty service in June 2020.

Lance Cpl. Ivan R. Garcia, 23, from Naples, Florida. He entered active-duty service in July 2019.

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All three of the Marines were motor vehicle operators with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, according to the release.

The Pender County Sheriff's Office was responding to a report of a missing person, the agency said in a press release on Facebook. That individual was found dead on the scene.

"During the course of this investigation, the deceased persons were located," the sheriff's office said in the press release. "This is an ongoing investigation. There does not appear to have ever been any threat to members of the community."

A cause of death for the three Marines was not immediately identified by either the Marine Corps or the sheriff's office news release.

"My deepest sympathy and condolences are extended to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lance Cpl. Kaltenberg, Lance Cpl. Dockery and Lance Cpl. Garcia," Brig. Gen. Michael McWilliams, commanding general of 2nd Marine Logistics Group, said in a statement. "Our focus is providing the necessary resources and support to those impacted by their tragic loss as they navigate this extremely difficult time."

The news of the deaths comes one month after another tragedy in which four people, three of whom were Marines from Camp Pendleton, died in a fiery car crash on a California highway, according to the Los Angeles Times.

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

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Fifty-six meritorious Bronze Stars were awarded Monday to members of an Army military police company that took on infantry missions in Vietnam, while the service began a massive records search going back to World War II to find others who may have missed out on honors they rated.

"Hollywood couldn't make this up," Rep. Bob Latta, R-Ohio, said of the service of the "Bushwhackers" of Bravo Company, 720th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade, which was the first MP unit in U.S. armed forces history to engage in a three-year infantry counterinsurgency mission from 1967 to 70.

"This day has been a long time coming," said Latta, who pressed the Army to make awards to Bravo Company and presided over a crowded presentation ceremony on the House side of the U.S. Capitol for the 35 recipients in attendance.

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In his remarks, and in a brief interview with Military.com, Maj. Gen. Thomas Drew, commander of the Army's Human Resources Command, said that, in addition to the awards to Bravo Company, the Army is conducting a major review and records search to determine whether other troops may have missed out on awards and citations.

In the field, paperwork could get lost or commanders may not have found time to submit the required forms, Drew said. Recently, Human Resources Command began screening more than a million WWII records, "and from that we've upgraded some awards," Drew said. "It's an ongoing thing."

Once the WWII search is complete, the plan is to move on to the Korean War and then possibly later conflicts. "We're digitizing all of it online" for possible storage in the Library of Congress, Drew said. "That's what we owe our citizen soldiers."

For the citizen soldiers of Bravo Company, taking on the infantry mission of deterring enemy sappers from attacking Long Binh Post, the largest U.S. logistical base in Vietnam northeast of Saigon, was an exercise in adaptability, said then-Capt. Daryl Solomonson, the company commander.

"I didn't have a problem with troops complaining. They accepted the mission," which was called Operation Stabilize, and they accepted the on-the-job training in the infantry basics of combat patrolling, setting up ambushes, and perimeter defense, Solomonson said.

He had gone through infantry training back in the States, Solomonson said, and he relied on the expertise of his noncommissioned officers. But "it was a very difficult process" in transforming a military police unit into a cohesive infantry company.

"Guys would come in, they would go out and learn on the job. We had to do a lot of improvising. We just trained everybody as they came in," he said.

"We had our own navy as well," said former Spc. 5 Robert Bogison, whose book "Up Close & Personal: In-Country, Chieu Hoi, Vietnam 1969-1970" influenced Latta to press the case for awards to Bravo Company. (Chieu Hoi, or "open arms," was the term used for the program to encourage the enemy to defect.)

"They paired us up with some of the 458th transportation people" to drive the boat, and "we received on-the-job training as gunners and as coxswains" on PBRs, or "Patrol Boats, Riverine," the type of craft seen in the movie "Apocalypse Now," Bogison said. For places the PBRs could not go, the Bravo Company troops also had Boston whalers driven by 25-horsepower Johnson outboards. "It was a screwy setup. It was insane, but it worked," Bogison said.

The infantry duty took its inevitable toll on the Bravo Company troops, who were awarded a total of 24 Purple Heart medals -- 13 of them for troops killed in action, said former Spc. 4 Steven Aurelio in his remarks at the House awards event.

Aurelio and other former Bravo Company members said they initially had hoped for the award of the Combat Infantryman Badge, or CIB, but were told by the Army that they lacked the 11B infantry military occupational specialty to be eligible. The service also ruled out the Combat Action Badge, which was created in September 2001.

"All of us started writing letters. We got one hit, one response, and it was Congressman Latta," who promised to help, Aurelio said. "The Army got back to us and said, 'We're offering the Bronze Star for meritorious service. Will you accept it?' We said 'yes.'"

"It's official recognition of who we were and what we did," Aurelio said. Many of the surviving Bravo Company members "didn't quite receive a hurrah when they came home and this will probably be a last hurrah for many," he said of the presentation ceremony.

The award of 56 meritorious Bronze Stars at one ceremony was in line with what Gen. George C. Marshall, the Army chief of staff during World War II, intended the medal to be when he recommended its establishment to President Franklin Roosevelt in 1944, said Doug Sterner, a combat engineer veteran of two tours in Vietnam and a Military Times contributing editor who maintains the Hall of Valor, the largest public database of American military award citations.

In a letter to Roosevelt urging him to issue an executive order creating the Bronze Star, Marshall wrote: "Make the award immediately at the time, so as to sustain or stimulate morale" for ground combat troops. "Permit these young men who are suffering the hardships and casualties to enjoy their ribbons, which mean so much to them, while in uniform."

Marshall would later complain that not enough Bronze Stars were being awarded, said Sterner, who applauded the Army's decision to award meritorious Bronze Stars to the Bravo Company military police unit.

"I think this is a wonderful move by the Army," Sterner said. "It is never too late to recognize those who have served. It's for once the military awards system doing something right. I'm glad they're getting it."

The Bronze Stars awarded to Bravo Company were all for meritorious service, but Bronze Stars can also be awarded with a combat "V" device, meaning that the actions rating the medal were performed during combat.

At the ceremony Monday, the Bravo Company members paid tribute to the late Thomas Watson, one of the leaders in the group's efforts to press for awards.

Watson had already received a Bronze Star with combat "V" for his actions during Operation Stabilize, and the citation for his medal was emblematic of the types of infantry engagements undertaken by the military police of the unit.

"Corporal Watson distinguished himself by valorous actions on 23 February 1969 as a member of an ambush squad outside the southern perimeter of Long Binh Post," the citation said. "When a large enemy force was seen attempting to cross a river just below the patrol's location, Corporal Watson aided his squad leader in calling in effective mortar, artillery and helicopter gun ship fire."

"Despite an intense hostile mortar and small arms barrage, he continued to direct counterfire until his position was about to be overrun. As his comrades withdrew, he remained behind to cover them with machine gun fire and hand grenades, enabling them to accomplish the withdrawal without suffering any casualties," the citation said.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.

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BEIJING  Both Russia and China are sending government delegations to North Korea this week for events marking the 70th anniversary of the armistice that halted fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War.

The visits suggest North Korea is further opening up after years of self-imposed pandemic isolation and is eager to showcase its partnerships with authoritarian neighbors in the face of deepening nuclear tensions with Washington, Seoul and Tokyo.

North Koreas state-run Korean Central News Agency said Tuesday that a Russian delegation led by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu will make a congratulatory visit for the anniversary of the armistice, which the North considers a victory in the Grand Fatherland Liberation War.

Shoigus ministry said the delegations visit will help strengthen relations and mark an important stage in the development of bilateral cooperation.

Chinas ruling Communist Party is also sending a mid-level official, Li Hongzhong, in hopes of restoring exchanges between the allies.

North Korea has been preparing huge celebrations of the anniversary that are likely to be capped off by a military parade in the capital, Pyongyang, where leader Kim Jong Un could showcase his most powerful, nuclear-capable missiles designed to target neighboring rivals and the U.S.

North Korea launched the Korean War, an unsuccessful attempt to conquer its southern rival. No peace treaty ending the conflict has ever been signed, and the border between the Koreas remains one of the most tense in the world.

The conflict brought in forces from the newly created Peoples Republic of China, aided by the then-Soviet air force, while South Korea, the U.S. and troops from various countries under the direction of the United Nations battled to repulse the invasion.

Li is a member of the partys high-level Politburo and a deputy chairperson of the ceremonial parliament, giving him national office, but not the level of status that would convey a full-bore expression of Chinese backing for North Korea at an ambiguous time in relations.

The anniversary comes during a time of heightened tensions in the region as the pace of both North Koreas weapons tests and the United States military exercises with South Korea have intensified in a tit-for-tat cycle.

Some experts say North Korea might ramp up its weapons tests around the anniversary of the armistice on Thursday, July 27. North Korea has conducted three sperate rounds of missile firings since last week, apparently in protest of the United States sending naval vessels, including a nuclear-armed submarine, to South Korea in a show of force.

Since the start of 2022, North Korea has test-fired around 100 missiles, as Kim exploits the distraction created by Russias war on Ukraine to accelerate the expansion of the nuclear-capable weapons he sees as his strongest guarantee of survival.

North Korea has also been aligning with Russia over the war in Ukraine, insisting that the hegemonic policy of the U.S.-led West has forced Russia to take military action to protect its security interests. The Biden administration has accused North Korea of providing arms to Russia to aid its fighting in Ukraine, although the North has denied the claim.

Both Moscow and Beijing have been thwarting U.S. efforts to strengthen U.N. Security Council sanctions on North Korea over its flurry of missile tests.

Li is a member of the partys high-level Politburo and a deputy chairperson of the ceremonial parliament, giving him national office, but not the level of status that would convey a full-bore expression of Chinese backing for North Korea at an ambiguous time in relations.

China was invited to send a high-level delegation to attend commemorative activities in North Korea, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing Tuesday.

We believe the visit will be conducive to promoting the sound and stable development of (bilateral) relations, contributing to regional peace and stability, and creating conditions for a political settlement of the (Korean) peninsula issue, Mao said.

China has joined United Nations sanctions against North Korea over its missile and nuclear programs but remains its most important economic and political ally. Little is known about discreet contacts between the two, but Beijing has long been committed to preventing the collapse of North Koreas three-generation-old Kim regime.

Dangerous and uncertain factors resulting from a collapse could include a wave of refugees crossing into China, a scramble for control of North Koreas nuclear weapons and the sudden presence of South Korean and American troops along Chinas border.

Kim has visited China in past years, while Chinese leader Xi Jinping traveled to the North in 2019 in what was seen as partly an effort to use their ties to leverage concessions from the U.S. and its allies on their security arrangements in the region.

Such visits came to a halt as an increasingly isolated and impoverished North Korea closed its borders to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
SEOUL, South Korea  North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into its eastern sea, South Koreas military said Tuesday, adding to a recent streak in weapons testing that is apparently in protest of the U.S. sending major naval assets to South Korea in a show of force.

In its third round of launches since last week, North Korea fired the missiles just before midnight from an area near its capital, Pyongyang, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said. It said both missiles traveled around 400 kilometers (248 miles) before landing in waters off the Korean Peninsulas eastern coast.

Its statement called North Koreas missile launches a grave provocation that threatens regional peace and stability. Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said his government lodged a protest to North Korea over the launches, which is usually conveyed through its embassy in Beijing. He said Tokyo was doing its utmost for surveillance while stepping up trilateral security cooperation with Washington and Seoul. No damage has been reported related to the missiles, which, according to Japan's Defense Ministry, fell outside the country's exclusive economic zone.

The launches came hours after South Koreas navy said a nuclear-propelled U.S. submarine  the USS Annapolis  arrived at a port on Jeju Island. That underscored the allies' efforts to boost the visibility of U.S. strategic assets in the region to intimidate the North.

Last week, the USS Kentucky became the first U.S. nuclear-armed submarine to come to South Korea since the 1980s. North Korea reacted to its arrival by test-firing ballistic and cruise missiles last week in apparent demonstrations that it could make nuclear strikes on South Korea and deployed U.S. naval vessels.

Also on Monday, the American-led U.N. Command said it has started a conversation with North Korea about a U.S. soldier who ran into the North last week across one of the worlds most heavily fortified borders.

Andrew Harrison, a British lieutenant general who is deputy commander at the U.N. Command, which oversees implementation of the 1953 armistice that ended fighting in the Korean War, declined to comment about the state of the inquiry to North Korea or say what the command knows about Pvt. Travis Kings condition.

I am in life an optimist, and I remain optimistic, Harrison said during a news conference in Seoul.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said North Korea had only acknowledged receiving the U.N. message last week and had not provided any information or commented further since then.

There have been no new contacts since last week, Miller said, adding that North Korea also had not responded to messages sent by U.S. civilian or military officials.

North Korea has remained publicly silent about King, who crossed the border during a tour of Panmunjom while he was supposed to be heading to Fort Bliss, Texas, following his release from prison in South Korea on an assault conviction.

The U.S. still has not been able to ascertain Kings condition, a senior administration official said Monday in Washington. Asked if U.S. officials had a better understanding of whether King intended to defect, the official said they still had no indication about what was going on in his mind that day. The official was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Analysts say North Korea may wait weeks or even months to provide meaningful information about King to maximize leverage and add urgency to U.S. efforts to secure his release. Some say North Korea may try to wrest concessions from Washington, such as tying his release to the United States cutting back its military activities with South Korea.

Kings crossing came at a time of high tensions in the Korean Peninsula, where the pace of both North Koreas weapons demonstrations and the United States combined military exercises have intensified in a tit-for-tat cycle.

In between the ballistic and cruise missile launches last week, North Koreas defense minister also issued a veiled threat, saying the Kentuckys docking in South Korea could be grounds for the North to use a nuclear weapon against it. North Korea has used similar rhetoric before, but the statement underscored how strained relations are now. Farhan Haq, U.N.'s deputy spokesperson, said the U.N. is concerned about the rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The DPRKs continued launches of missiles using ballistic missile technology are clear violations of relevant Security Council resolutions, and, of course, we reiterate the call for de-escalation and for full implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions, he said, invoking the North's formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The United States and South Korea have expanded their combined military exercises and increased regional deployments of U.S. aircraft and ships, including bombers, aircraft carriers and submarines to counter the nuclear threats posed by North Korea, which has test-fired around 100 missiles since the start of 2022.

The Annapolis, whose main mission is destroying enemy ships and submarines, is powered by a nuclear reactor but is armed with conventional weapons. The sub mainly docked at Jeju to load supplies, but Jang Do Young, a spokesperson for South Koreas navy, said the U.S. and South Korean militaries were discussing whether to arrange training involving the vessel.

The Koreas are still technically at war since a peace treaty was never signed.

Their armistice becomes 70 years old Thursday, an anniversary South Korea will mark with solemn ceremonies honoring the dead that will involve invited foreign war veterans.

North Korea, which celebrates the date as victory day for the great Fatherland Liberation War, plans huge festivities that will likely include a military parade in the capital, Pyongyang, where leader Kim Jong Un may showcase his nuclear-capable missiles designed to target regional rivals and the United States.

North Koreas state-run Korean Central News Agency said Monday that a Chinese delegation led by Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the standing committee of the countrys National Peoples Congress, would attend the celebrations.

Visits by foreign guests to North Korea have been extremely rare since the start of the pandemic, which prompted the North to seal its borders to protect its poor healthcare system. North Korea since last year has been gradually reopening trade with China in an apparent effort to salvage a crippled economy damaged further by the pandemic-related border controls.

___

Associated Press writers Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo, Matthew Lee and Aamer Madhani in Washington, and Edith M. Lederer in New York contributed to this report.
On the evening of June 5, 2014, the nursing staff of The Pines nursing care home in Hove, England, was in a frenzy. One of its residents, 89-year-old World War II veteran Bernard Jordan had walked out of the facility that morning and hadn't been seen since. The police were called, and the area was searched. Jordan, the town's former mayor, was nowhere to be found.

Not in England, anyway.

Jordan was in France, near the city of Caen. It turns out that Jordan had requested to join a Royal British Legion trip to Normandy so he could take part in the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings. He'd boarded a train to Brighton that morning and caught the ferry to France.

"The Great Escaper," a new movie from Pathe Films, stars Michael Caine as Jordan, retelling the story of his "great escape" from a nursing home and across the English Channel. Along the way, he meets young well-wishers as well as former comrades and enemies.

Hundreds of the last surviving veterans of the landings gathered with19 world leaders and dignitaries to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day in 2014. Jordan was among the 650 British veterans who made the trip for the last time.

He had walked out of his nursing home at 10:30 the previous morning, wearing his war medals underneath his gray mac raincoat. He was not suffering from any mental incapacitation, so by the time the nursing home staff realized he was gone -- long gone -- Jordan was already in France, at a hotel in Ouistreham.

"I knew he was a game old boy; he certainly has his wits about him," a spokeswoman for Brittany Ferries, the company that ferried him across the English Channel, said at the time.

His wife Irene, played in the film by actress Glenda Jackson in her final role before her death in June 2023, was "not in the least bit surprised," according to an ABC News report at the time of his escape. A group of veterans he met in Brighton later called The Pines from Jordan's hotel, letting them know where was and that he was fine.

Jordan's original plan was to attend the D-Day commemoration in Portsmouth, on the English side of the channel. He changed his plan along the way. He was allowed to attend the ceremonies in France with only his medals as accreditation. He was even allowed within 100 yards of Queen Elizabeth II herself.

"My thoughts were with my mates who had been killed," Jordan said. "I was going to pay my respects. I was a bit off course, but I got there."

Bernard Jordan served with the Royal Navy during the D-Day landings. He wasn't about to miss the 70th anniversary.

Upon his return, he told reporters that if he could make it to the 71st anniversary, he would. When he turned 90, a grateful nation sent him thousands of birthday cards, but he didn't make it. Jordan died at The Pines on Dec. 30, 2014. Irene Jordan died seven days later.

"This is a smashing country, and I'm proud to have served it," he said.

"The Great Escaper" hits theaters in the United Kingdom on Oct. 6, 2023

-- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, or on LinkedIn.

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Press Release

July 25, 2023 Senator Mark Villar commends President Bongbong Marcos for his second State of the Nation Address Senator Mark Villar commends President Bongbong Marcos for his second State of the Nation Address yesterday, July 24, 2023. "Overall, President BBM's SONA was very good. The President was able to touch base on all the pressing issues in the country. Economic gains, increased employment rate, Maharlika Investment Fund and Build Better More were among the highlights for me." Villar said. President Bongbong Marcos highlighted the economic and employment strides achieved by the current administration, citing a 7.6% growth in 2022 and the 95.7% employment rate this year. "The growth of our economy and increase in employment rate are good signs that the President is doing his job in terms of prioritizing economic recovery and making sure that Filipinos are given ample opportunities to succeed" Villar said. The Maharlika Investment Fund Act was also mentioned by President Marcos, he guaranteed that investment decisions will be based on financial considerations alone and absent to any political influence. "We are also extremely proud that President BBM explained the need for the Maharlika Investment Fund as a vehicle to further improve the economy and deliver more infrastructure projects under the Build Better More Program. The President's assurance that it will be free from any political biases is a plus factor, this will allow Filipinos to support Maharlika even more." Villar said. As former DPWH Secretary, Sen. Villar also commended President Marcos for the continuity of big-ticket projects. "I am also grateful to President BBM for continuing major infrastructure projects such as the Luzon Spine Expressway Network and Mega Bridge Program. These will play a vital role in our economic recovery and uplift the plight of all Filipinos nationwide." Villar added The President also mentioned priority bills to further help his administration. "In terms of legislation, the President mentioned priority bills that would help the country. We will look into these, especially those addressing food security, water security, ease of paying taxes, and anti-financial accounts scamming" Villar said.
For an uninformed casual news consumer, guarantees of security and rights for the people of Artsakh within the jurisdiction of Azerbaijan may sound perfectly normal.

July 25, 2023, 18:53 The Humanitarian Crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh Exacerbates Regional Instability

STEPANAKERT, JULY 25, ARTSAKHPRES: In the wake of the seventh months of total blockade and aggravating humanitarian catastrophe in Artsakh the offer to use the Aghdam route through Azerbaijan may equally appear as a fair deal to alleviate the suffering.

That is for an uninformed casual consumer of news. One can hardly assume that officials of the European Union or the U.S. State Department qualify it as such. One might assume also, that for this category, the informed officials, achieving stability in the region at any cost dominates the calculus. Such a calculus is erroneous. Genuine and sustainable stability in the region is illusory if one assumes this can be achieved at the expense of one of the regional stakeholders, the people of Artsakh. Ignoring the obvious political, moral and legal realities in addressing the plight of Artsakh is tantamount to watering the seeds of further instability with proliferating effects.

From the outset, Azerbaijan has been quite explicit about its views and intentions on the destiny of Armenians within the jurisdiction of Azerbaijan, both in words and in actions. The institutionalized ethnic hatred towards Armenians in general, and in Artsakh in particular, has for a long time been weaponized by the dynastic dictatorship in Baku. As the convenient enemies the Armenians are a useful deflector of internal troubles endangering the survival of the regime and justifying domestic repressions and abuses of the deep-rooted dictatorial tradition in Azerbaijan.

Taking cue from their victory in 2020, Baku vehemently denies the reality of Artsakh as a political entity, capable of self-government and democratic representation of its population. They attempt to persuade the world that historically, politically, legally there is no such thing as Nagorno-Karabakh. They encourage the Armenians in Artsakh to use a one way ticket out of their homes. They announce programs to populate Artsakh with ethnic Azerbaijanis in numbers far exceeding the present Armenian population of 120,000. To drive their points home, over the past two and a half years, they openly challenge the poor, half-hearted performance of Russia on the ground, as the party to have assumed direct responsibility for the security of Armenians in Artsakh. They consistently use force against Artsakh and disrupt basic normalcy of life there. In the past seven months this culminated with the imposition of a total blockade of Artsakh with an ensuing humanitarian catastrophe. Literally. The use of force and coercion is laced with demagoguery about reintegration or regional peace and stability. The offer of the Aghdam route for humanitarian relief in Artsakh is tantamount to an offer of a glass water by a torturer to his victim during the actual act of torture. It is morally degrading and demeaning human dignity, let alone contrary to international humanitarian law.

One does not have to be a clairvoyant to understand the consequences of such actions by a regime with a tradition of egregious and massive human rights violations against and dynastic domination of its own people. One doesnt have to, but one might pretend or choose not to notice.

The region is known for attracting global power rivalries. Presently they have intensified. The war in Ukraine is a contributing factor. The rivalry is predominantly political. So are considerations of energy security and connectivity. However, will stability at any cost work for any of the global rivals? This is not an unusual or singular case in the history of global rivalries. For example, from 1975 and for the next 30 years, President Suharto of Indonesia learned the craft of manipulating global rivalries at the expense of the people of East Timor. Indeed, Western democratic powers have been predominantly preoccupied by the dangers of Soviet and Chinese penetration in Indonesia, and therefore consistently demonstrated total disinterest and disregard of the persistent existential threats to the East Timorese. Eventually, out of tireless resistance, thousands of deaths, consolidation and leadership, freedom was forged. Timor-Leste gained independence despite the lack of support to human rights and the right to self-determination of peoples.

Does it have to come this far for the people of Artsakh? Does it have to be another 30 years of plight, desperation and struggle? How badly would the existential threat to them need to be exacerbated and how many deaths would justify their right for freedom and life in dignity? Because materialization of the explicitly declared goals, objectives and intentions of the regime in Baku consequentially lead to forced deportations and ethnic cleansing. Those mass violations of human rights are sources of instability in themselves. One might choose to treat these threats as hyperbole. However, Azerbaijan has been spectacularly failing to prove its intentions otherwise. Violence is highly predictable, and resistance to violence should not come as a surprise. The seeds for the persistent instability are conspicuous. The warning signs are abundant.

As a matter of a historical fact, no one can confidently foresee the final outcomes of instability. The human cost of ignoring the seeds of instability is a matter of political and moral consequence for broader international peace. For every informed official in the global centers of power, the pursuit of national interest intent on sustainable regional stability in the South Caucasus urges action on these early warning signs of persistent instability.

For starters, present conditions at the source of the humanitarian catastrophe in Artsakh need to be withdrawn instantly, life in Artsakh should return to normal. It would be naive to assume that Azerbaijan is inclined to act in good faith in this respect. Therefore, international pressure is necessary for achieving this.

The UN Security Council is the most effective platform for action to demonstrate the unsustainability of coercion in dealing with Artsakh. The Council has in its possession the necessary legal and political leverage for this. The Permanent Five of the Council comprises states with direct stakes in the region. In their otherwise deeply adversarial relations, forging a common position on the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh should bring to light a flicker of hope about whatever remains of their common responsibility for international peace. Armenia can in no way escape this dire situation. The ongoing bilateral track with Azerbaijan to seek peace cannot be sustainable if detached from the humanitarian plight of Artsakh.

Second, the United Nations has been equipped precisely to address humanitarian situations globally. So far, however, it has been successfully tamed by Azerbaijans false rhetoric and the thick curtain of sovereignty, behind which the regime in Baku hides. Furthermore, the Secretary-General is specifically mandated by the UN Charter to bring to the attention of the Security Council matters which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security. Failing so far to recognize that the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh is such a matter, and in order for him to have such an opinion, there needs to be a UN presence on the ground. He may seek a mandate from the Security Council to overcome the resistance of Azerbaijan in order for the UN system to reach the ground, alleviate suffering, gather information and report back to the Council.

Third, a meaningful and internationally mediated negotiating process between Artsakh as a de facto political entity, and Azerbaijan, the agenda of which is directly addressing and not limiting the scope of freedoms and rights of the people of Artsakh is an inevitable priority. International mediation is paramount in order to compensate for the inequalities of status between the parties. Without international mediation, it will hardly qualify as a negotiation, but would rather be an exercise of banging Azerbaijans ultimatums on the table. The United Nations, through a mandated special envoy, might be considered as a practical solution for an impartial international engagement and mitigation of global rivalries.

Such a minimum set of measures, combined with the bilateral process between Armenia and Azerbaijan could hopefully set the scene for genuine and sustainable regional stability, and for avoiding a fake peace. Hopefully, the global rivals in the region will recognize the futility and greater damage of watering the seeds of instability.

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia
The Twins released Aaron Sanchez, according to the right-handers MLB.com profile page. Sanchez has spent the entire season at Triple-A St. Paul after signing a minors deal during the offseason.

The results just havent been there for Sanchez, who has a 5.30 ERA over 73 innings and 18 games (16 of them starts) at the Triple-A level. While his 49.8% grounder rate is solid, Sanchez has only a 16.8% strikeout rate and a garish 15.6% walk rate, with almost many free passes (53) as strikeouts (57). Even after a part-time move to the bullpen, Sanchez has still allowed multiple runs in each of his last seven outings, translating to an 8.00 ERA over his last 27 frames of work.

An All-Star with the Blue Jays in 2016, Sanchez never again hit those heights due to a variety of injuries. Blister and fingernail problems hampered his next few seasons in Toronto, and a shoulder injury kept Sanchez out of action for the entirety of the 2020 campaign. Sanchez has pitched for five different teams since the start of the 2019 season, including an initial stint with the Twins, who first brought him into the organization on another minors deal in June 2022. Over 60 total innings with Washington and Minnesota in 2022, Sanchez had a 6.60 ERA.
Artic Monkeys begin their North American tour next month in Minnesota and will swing through Michigan, Chicago and Toronto.

Find tickets at Stubhub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster.

Tickets for the Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. at Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston are going for as low as $86 but prices may fluctuate.

Arctic Monkeys released their first single I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor in late 2005, the song immediately shot to No.1 in the UK singles chart. Their infectious sound -- a blend of catchy pop and garage band edginess -- quickly garnered them an enthusiastic fanbase in the UK and abroad.

The band was touted as the next big thing by UK press, and their debut album, Whatever People Say I Am, Thats What Im Not, became one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year, according to Ticketmaster.

Get tickets for the Artic Monkeys tour at Pine Knob in Clarkston, Chicago and Toronto at Stubhub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek and Ticketmaster.

Clarkston - Tues Aug 29 at 8:00 p.m. at Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI

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Chicago - Sunday Aug. 27 at 8 p.m. at United Center, Chicago, IL

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Toronto - Wednesday Aug. 30 at 8 p.m. at Budweiser Stage, Toronto, ON, CA

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Toronto - Friday Sept. 1 at 8 p.m. at Budweiser Stage, Toronto, ON, CA

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IRON MOUNTAIN, MI -- A 59-year-old man who has ties to Florida and Wisconsin was arrested Friday after he allegedly sexually assaulted a juvenile earlier this month and attempted to contact them again last week. According to WLUC-6, Iron Mountain Police received a complaint on July 12 of a man who traveled from southern Wisconsin to Iron Mountain to meet up with a juvenile at a motel where he sexually assaulted the victim.

On July 21, the suspect allegedly attempted to contact the juvenile again, but an Iron Mountain Police officer was communicating with the suspect. The man then traveled to Iron Mountain again to meet up with who he thought was the juvenile and police were able to arrest him.

The suspect is currently lodged in the Dickinson County Correctional Center and is awaiting formal arraignment on charges. His name is being withheld pending those charges being filed.

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The Michigan legislature has approved $66.4 million in funding for a consortium of the states school leaders in an attempt to tackle statewide teacher shortages.

The consortium -- titled Talent Together -- represents a partnership between 48 intermediate school districts across 63 counties in Michigan. The funding authorized in June comes from Michigans School Aid Budget for the 2024 fiscal year.
OAKLAND COUNTY, MI -- Prosecutors this week are scheduled to begin making their case for why Ethan Crumbley, a 15-year-old sophomore at Oxford High School in November 2021 when he killed four classmates, deserves to spend the remainder of his life in prison.

The hearing is expected to last at least two days and will be viewable online by the public at this link. In order for Michigan judges to sentence juvenile killers to greater than 40 years in prison, a Miller hearing must be conducted.

The Supreme Court established in the 2004 namesake case, Miller v. Alabama, that its unconstitutional for kids to be be sentenced to automatic life in prison for murder, unless prosecutors can prove they are irreparably corrupt and there is no chance that can be rehabilitated.

Related: Oxford High shooters parents have been in jail 600 days. Is $500K bond excessive?

Crumbley on Oct. 24 pleaded guilty to 24 felonies, including four counts of first-degree murder, a conviction that carries a mandatory life prison sentence for adults.

Based on pretrial court filings, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald and her team plan to show security videos of the mass shooting, crime scene photos including the blurred-out bodies of victims and a video of the teen torturing a bird. Theyll also plan to call surviving witnesses to the stand.

Life without the possibility of parole is not a proportionate sentence for a 15-year-old boy with an abhorrent family life, who struggled with untreated mental illness and who was given a gun by his parents days before the shooting, defense attorneys Paulette M. Loftin and Amy M. Hopp wrote in a brief filed July 21. The facts of this case are abhorrent and the actions that Ethan Crumbley took on the days leading up to and including his action on Nov. 30, 2021, deserve a lengthy punishment; the defense will not argue otherwise.

But, through witnesses ... it will be clear that Ethan Crumbley is not one of those rare youths that are deserving of a sentence of life without parole.

Related: Judge wont eliminate possibility of life prison sentence for Oxford High School shooter

A Miller hearing requires the court to consider when determining a juvenile murderers sentence: their developmental limitations on reason and an unformed sense of responsibility; their family life and home environment; circumstances of the crime, peer and family pressures; the defendants lack of sophistication when dealing with police and authorities; and whether they can be rehabilitated.

The defense plans to call an expert in adolescent brain development, a doctor to discuss rehabilitation programs, a doctor who treated Crumbley for mental health issues inside the the Oakland County Jail and a forensic psychologist who conducted a litany of psychological and cognitive tests on the teen.

The Oakland County prosecutor said she plans to make daily comments to media following the hearings.

There will not be a ruling at the completion of the Miller hearing.

Crumbley will face two more court dates, one to determine if the prosecutions request for mandatory life in prison is granted or denied, and a sentencing during which victims and Crumbley will be allowed to speak before a sentence is issued.

More on MLive:

Oxford High shooters parents have been in jail 600 days. Is $500K bond excessive?

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ST, IGNACE, MI  Canadian money will soon no longer be accepted at the Mackinac Bridge.

The Mackinac Bridge Authority said Tuesday the decision is due to relatively limited use by customers combined with administrative costs associated with currency exchange.

Canadian cash for tolls will no longer be accepted beginning Oct. 1.

As the Mackinac Bridge is not an international bridge, and we cannot offer an attractive exchange rate to customers, the Authority has decided to stop accepting Canadian currency, said Mackinac Bridge Director Kim Nowack. Were certainly not looking to inconvenience our customers, but were one of very few businesses or agencies in Michigan that accepts Canadian cash.

When the MBA receives Canadian currency for tolls it seeks two exchange rates from two different banks. After selecting a bank based on those rates, the MBA then must pay for an armored vehicle to transport the cash and pay wire fees for the amount exchanged.

Because of those handling costs, and exchange fluctuations, the MBA currently charges $8 Canadian for the $4 U.S. currency toll.

The MBA typically receives about $4,000 each month in Canadian cash, according to a news release.

We do have a lot of Canadian customers who currently use credit or debit cards to pay the toll, Nowack said. Those customers get a better exchange rate through their credit card company than we can offer them. In fact, when they learn that the toll will be double when paying with cash, many of them choose to pay by card instead.

READ MORE:

Attention Up North drivers: Lane closures coming to I-75 as part of $700K project

Popular I-75 rest area on way to Mackinac Bridge to close until September

Two-year bridge repair just north of Mackinac Bridge will require lane closures, MDOT says
EDITORS NOTE: Some readers may find the details of this story disturbing.

WEXFORD COUNTY, MI -- A Buckley man accused of killing and dismembering his neighbors dog earlier this year will spend 60 days in jail after he was sentenced Monday on a charge of attempting to kill or torture an animal. According to UpNorthLive, Thomas Middaugh was also placed on probation for 24 months for his role in the dogs death.

In May, Middaugh agreed to plead guilty to the charge of attempting to kill or torture an animal in exchange for other charges being dropped. During sentencing, Judge Jason Elmore said that while the evidence of the crime was clear, sentencing guidelines in the state dont offer a specific punishment and so a jail sentence of 60 days was the reasonable grounds for a sentence.

Middaugh was arrested in March and originally charged with one count animals-killing/torturing and habitual offender third notice after he shot and killed the dog who had wandered onto his property on Feb. 3. The dogs owners, Justin and Samantha Olds called police after tracking the dogs paw prints in the snow which led them to a pool of blood on Middaughs property.

Police eventually determined the dog was shot multiple times with a .22 caliber rifle before Middaugh then cut off the dogs head and legs. Middaugh then wrapped the parts in a tarp that he placed inside a box in his barn.

During sentencing, Middaugh apologize for the whole situation but did not go into specifics. Middaugh was given credit for two days served in jail.

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Trooper used venison roast, animal crackers to lure abandoned dog into patrol car

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been accused of subbing their elderly neighbour after they moved to Montecito, California.

Frank McGinity, an 88-year-old US Navy veteran, said that he has been neighbours with the Sussexes since they first moved into the area in 2020 and that he tried to welcome them to the community with a gift.

But the gesture did not go as planned, he said.

In a chapter of his memoir, Get Off Your Street, Mr McGinity said that he approached the couples home to give them some films he has made about the history of the local area.

I have a big house next to Harry and Meghans property and I live in the guest house while renting the main house out on Airbnb, he said, according to The Montecito Journal.

Harry and Meghan live on old McCormick property and I went up to their gate with the films on a CD, but they werent interested, he added.

Mr McGinity said that the couples security guard on the gate turned him away.

The gate guy turned me away and wouldnt take the film, just saying theyre not interested. I was trying to be neighbourly, he said.

He added: We dont see them very much around here. Its surprising they came here. People are typically older. Its where the elephants come to die.

Mr McGinity said that he lives a tiaras toss or two from the Sussexs property in the wealthy enclave of Montecito.

Meghan and Harry settled into the California home there back in July 2020, in a property that is said to be worth $14.7m (11.2m), according to TMZ.

The Duke and Duchess moved to the US in 2020 (Getty Images)

At the time, a spokesperson for the couple told The Independent: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved into their family home in July of this year.

They have settled into the quiet privacy of their community since their arrival and hope that this will be respected for their neighbours, as well as for them as a family.

Since moving to the US, Harry has visited the UK on a number of occasions including the late Queens funeral, the Kings Coronation and to appear in court during his legal battle against The Daily Mirror.
DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI  A then-police officer has been charged with assault for allegedly stabbing a fellow officer, authorities said.

Paul Graf, 33, a former Dearborn Heights Police officer, is charged with two counts of felonious assault in Wayne County court, the prosecutors office announced.

The charges come 19 months after the alleged assault, which happened at the Dearborn Heights Police Department, the release said.

It is alleged that around 1:25 p.m. on Dec. 10, 2021, at the police department, Graf assaulted a 23-year-old officer twice with a knife, the release said.

Graf was fired from the department four months later, on April 25, 2022, the release said.

The defendant was arraigned in 20th District Court on Monday and granted a $5,000 personal recognizance bond. Hes due back in court on Wednesday, Aug. 2.

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Nurse fatally hit by car while trying to bring patient back into facility

Man arrested after driving Jeep off pier into Lake Superior

Trooper used venison roast, animal crackers to lure abandoned dog into patrol car

Man allegedly shoots girlfriend in head while driving, dumps body in street

Man gets probation for stealing $90K from elderly woman, church
LIVONIA, MI  A Michigan nurse was killed over the weekend while trying to bring a patient back into a long-term care facility, WXYZ Detroit reports.

Latrice Jones, 42, worked at Majestic Care of Livonia, the report said. On Sunday, she and other nurses followed a patient out of the building, the report said. They were trying to get the patient back inside and had helped them into a wheelchair when it happened.

An 80-year-old woman was driving westbound on Five Mile Road and swerved to avoid the patient, the report said. She struck Jones and two parked cars.

Jones was transported to a hospital where she died, the report said.

READ MORE:

Man arrested after driving Jeep off pier into Lake Superior

Trooper used venison roast, animal crackers to lure abandoned dog into patrol car

Man allegedly shoots girlfriend in head while driving, dumps body in street

Man gets probation for stealing $90K from elderly woman, church
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI  A man serving a life sentence for killing man in a botched robbery when he was a teen, then trying to hire a hitman to kill his codefendants family must be resentenced, according to a new court ruling.

The Michigan Court of Appeals issued an order Thursday, July 20, ordering the Washtenaw County Trial Court to resentence Xavier Payne on his two counts of solicitation of murder.

Payne, now 22, was found guilty of fatally shooting Brandon Cross during a botched robbery in 2017 when he was 16 years old and later soliciting the murder of his codefendants parents while he was in the Washtenaw County Jail awaiting trial.

The appellate court found that Paynes sentence for the two solicitation counts, both being life with the possibility of parole, were deemed unconstitutional by the recent Michigan Supreme Court ruling, People V. Stovall, which found life sentences even with the possibility of parole were inappropriate for crimes committed by juvenile offenders.

Though the solicitation of murder sentences were found inappropriate, the sentences for his other charges including felony murder were found valid and are not subject to resentencing, the appellate court ruled.

Related: Man convicted of murder, solicitation of murder seeks new trial

Cross, 19, was shot and killed in Pittsfield Township during a botched marijuana robbery at the Glencoe Hills apartment complex on April 2, 2017.

Payne was found guilty by a jury, June 25, 2021, of one count each of second-degree murder, felony murder, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, felony firearms and two counts of solicitation of murder.

The second-degree murder charge was vacated by the court after the trial on double-jeopardy grounds in light of the felony murder conviction.

Since Payne was 16 at the time of the shooting, his felony murder sentence, normally an automatic life sentence, was 32 to 60 years in prison due to recent changes in life sentencing of juveniles in Michigan.

Payne was one of three people charged in connection with the fatal robbery, but he was the one who pulled the trigger, according to witness testimony at his trial.

Codefendant Jeffrey Thurman, 21, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit armed robbery and admitted in court Payne and fellow codefendant Calvin Vanderhoff, 20, planned to rob Cross. He said Payne exited Thurmans vehicle, pointed a gun at Cross and fired.

The solicitation of murder charges were issued against Payne after police and prosecutors found evidence that while in jail in 2018, Payne sought to have his codefendants parents killed by a fellow inmate.

A resentencing date for Payne has not yet been scheduled.

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ANN ARBOR, MI  Ann Arbor is once again considering restricting police use of a facial-recognition technology and city officials are planning to vote on the issue soon.

City Council Member Linh Song, D-2nd Ward, advised her council colleagues July 17 to expect a resolution to come forward possibly in the next two months.

About two years ago, we had spoken about potentially limiting facial-recognition technology in the city in how we police and prosecute cases, given poor precedent in Detroit in how this technology is used to the detriment of BIPOC folks, she said.

The issue came up in 2021 when the Ann Arbor Police Department purchased new dashboard cameras for police vehicles. Even though facial-recognition technology was not part of that and AAPD said it didnt use such software when reviewing camera footage, Song and others have voiced concerns about the potential for the city to move in that direction.

Song said two years ago she was looking into bans in other communities and researching how facial-recognition technology can disproportionately misidentify people of color and, in one example, falsely matched 28 members of Congress with mugshots of people arrested for crimes.

Members of Ann Arbors Human Rights Commission and City Prosecutor Jennifer Janetsky more recently have been working with Interim Police Chief Aimee Metzer to take a closer look at the issue and draft a resolution, Song said.

Our hope is that wed have a draft and be able to come up to vote sometime in September, she said.

Council Member Linh Song, D-2nd Ward, speaks at the Ann Arbor City Council meeting on July 6, 2023.Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

The Human Rights Commission discussed the matter in detail at its June 14 meeting, talking about the possibility of broad restrictions on facial-recognition technology in the city.

From schools to landlords to employers, there are countless opportunities for facial-recognition technology to be used, Commissioner Aidan Sova said, calling it a wide-reaching issue and saying he feels a sense of urgency to take action.

I will say, nationally, it plays quite well on both sides of the aisle, he said of feelings about banning it. For me, this feels like a slam dunk in a way that would save a lot of people grief.

Song noted an intern in the city attorneys office previously drafted language for a proposal and there was some debate over whether it should be an ordinance, which is an enforceable law, or a council resolution, which is a city policy directive.

If the city enacted a ban and then inadvertently used facial-recognition technology or if city police cooperated with state police who use it, a resident could sue the city, Song said.

Or if we have a facial-recognition ban and, say, the schools use facial recognition as security measures, or landlords use it, like how would that process work within the city? she said of some of the other questions being asked.

Would, like, parents bring claims against the schools? Would tenants bring claims against the landlord? she said. And how would that be prosecuted and what would be, I guess, the remedies we would recommend?

Ordinances are more difficult, but theyre enforceable and thats preferable, Song said at the June 14 meeting.

Thats what I really asked for and thats what Massachusetts uses at the state level, she said.

Sova also voiced preference for making it an ordinance at the same meeting. But officials are now leaning toward a resolution, which will be easier and still accomplish the goal, Sova said Tuesday, July 25, indicating he expects the policy to encompass police, government buildings and public spaces.

A traffic monitoring camera at the roundabout at State Street and Ellsworth Road on December 2, 2022.Ryan Sun | rsun@mlive.com

That doesnt mean any cameras will be prohibited or go away, and property owners still can have cameras on their properties that point toward public spaces like sidewalks, Sova said.

But as the new city policy is tentatively contemplated, facial-recognition technology could not be used with any footage as the sole evidence for prosecuting someone.

It cant be used as a sole or primary reason for prosecution or investigations, Song said.

The police department hasnt seen a final version of the resolution and will hold off on commenting until after a first reading of it, AAPD spokesman Chris Page said Tuesday.

The Human Rights Commission has been eager to see the initiative come to fruition for a long time and Ann Arbor will be leading on the issue in Michigan by taking action, Sova said.

Im very, very excited about it, he said.

Sova said at the Human Rights Commission meeting in June he didnt sense there was an appetite from the police department to have the technology banned.

Song said she asked two years ago if Ann Arbor police were interested in using facial-recognition technology and the response she got then was the department wouldnt say no to using technology that would help police do their work.

And I said, well, I would actually like you to say no to this, she said.

AAPD was led by Police Chief Michael Cox when the issue was discussed in 2021. Cox and the citys information technology director assured council at the time the city had no plans to use facial-recognition technology.

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MUNDY TWP., MI -- The state is shutting down all lanes of US-23 at Hill Road for roughly six hours starting in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 26.

The Michigan Department of Transportation announced the closing to accommodate permit work by Comcast in a news release and said drivers should expect delays and possible stand-still traffic from 12:01 a.m. until 6 a.m. on Wednesday.

MDOT said crews will re-open the expressway every 10 to 15 minutes while the work is being performed to allow traffic to move through the area and to alleviate traffic backups.

Local police are expected to assist the agency with traffic control during the closure, and drivers are encouraged to find an alternate route, the announcement says.

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FLINT, MI -- Some members of the Flint City Council want to suspend colleague Eric Mays until September for having delivered a barrage of profanity during a meeting two weeks ago.

A resolution added to the councils agenda on Monday, July 24, called for Mays to be suspended for six weeks -- a rare but not unprecedented action -- for conduct unbecoming a council member.

Although some members chimed in on the topic during a committee meeting on Monday, they didnt get a chance to debate or vote on the issue before they were forced to adjourn because of time constraints.

4th Ward Councilwoman Judy Priestly, who sponsored the resolution, said on Tuesday, July 25, that she isnt giving up on the effort to discipline Mays, who promised a court battle if they treat me differently than other council members who have also used profanity.

Mays was ordered to leave the July 10 meeting by committee Chairwoman Ladel Lewis (Ward 2), after he called an audience member, a staffer for Mayor Sheldon Neeley, Lewis and others a**holes.

Mays used the same expletive at least seven times before and as he was escorted from the meeting by a police officer. As he left the meeting room, the senior member of the council said he was tired of other council members discriminating against him every fu***** meeting, repeating the same phrase at least four times.

On Monday, Mays said he had been in contact with his attorney about the suspension resolution and warned his colleagues that they should remember their own use of profanity in public before attempting to suspend him for something similar.

Mays said 9th Ward Councilwoman Eva Worthing has referred to him as a narcissistic a**hole but was never disciplined for it.

When the white woman says a**hole, nothing happens, he said. If they treat me differently ... its a problem.

Council members Jerri WInfrey-Cater (Ward 5) and Tonya Burns (Ward 6) also said if Mays is disciplined for profanity, others should be as well.

Priestley declined to comment further on the resolution to suspend Mays on Tuesday.

The resolution cites sections of the city charter that allows the council to punish its own members for misconduct and that says council members are expected to conduct themselves with appropriate decorum (and) act respectfully with constituents, each other, and other public servants.

Mays would not be the first member of the council to be punished for misconduct beyond being removed from meetings.

In September 2021, former council President Kate Fields was censured and ordered not to speak at council meetings for 30 days after a majority of her colleagues said she refused to hear valid points of order and improperly ordered Mays to be removed from a virtual meeting for being disruptive without allowing him to appeal her decision.

Fields, who represented the citys 4th Ward until she was defeated in the November 2021 election, filed a lawsuit against the city soon after the councils action, and former Genesee Circuit Judge Joseph Farah sided with her, blocking enforcement of the no-speaking censure.

Both the city and Fields asked higher courts to intervene in the case to provide future guidance on how discipline of elected officials should be handled in the future but both the Michigan Court of Appeals and Supreme Court declined to hear the case.

Mays was also previously suspended from council meetings for 30 days in March 2020 for having been disruptive during a meeting at which he was removed.

Council was scheduled to address the Mays resolution and others during its Special Affairs Committee on Monday before adjourning at about 9:30 p.m. It was also scheduled to meet in a regular meeting after the committee session -- something that never happened.

While the councils chambers are being renovated at Flint City Hall, some meetings are being held in the Genesee County administration building, which closes at 9:30 p.m.

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A Grand Rapids Schools backpack ban issued in May because of concerns over hidden weapons will not be in effect for the upcoming school year.

Grand Rapids Schools leaders on Monday, July 24 said the backpack ban will be rescinded, but other security measures will be ramped up, including more random and unannounced weapons screenings.

The backpack ban was implemented May 10 after a fourth incident in the 2022-2023 school year involving students bringing guns to schools. The last two incidents involved two elementary school students bringing guns to schools in backpacks.

Related: Backpack ban isnt solution to guns at schools, Grand Rapids parents and students say

In early May, a 7-year-old brought an unloaded handgun to Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School. A week later, a third-grade student brought a loaded handgun to Stocking Elementary School.

Larry Johnson, chief of staff and executive director of public safety for Grand Rapids Schools, said the decision to implement a backpack ban in May was needed as a temporary measure to calm the waters a little and calm the fears.

But in the last several weeks, after taking time to gather input from the community and others on safety strategies, it was determined the backpack ban should be lifted. Johnson said many national experts on school safety believe backpack bans create a false sense of security.

Parent input also was a factor.

Overwhelmingly, our parents wanted some type of container for their students to bring things to school in, he said.

When school begins Aug. 22 in Grand Rapids, other safety measures will be in place.

A key part of the plan is to have random and unannounced weapons screenings at all of the districts schools. While the district in March temporarily put metal detectors at Burton Elementary and Middle School, Johnson said the district has never focused on using them at elementary schools -- until now.

Johnson said the amount of random screenings has not yet been determined. He expects screenings and metal detection to become more common this coming year at the high school level.

The high schools will have the equipment in the school buildings, for immediate use when needed.

Other parts of the districts safety plan, as announced Monday, involve putting more mental health counselors in schools.

Every school will have a team member specifically there to support the mental health of our scholars, district leaders said in a statement issued Monday.

Johnson said the district now has about 18 clinicians to support student mental health needs, with a goal of having 24 on staff.

The district also intends to work with parent liaisons assigned to each school to get more information in the community about safe gun storage and mental health options.

District leaders also intend to continuing using student forums to get input on school safety, work with an outside firm to assess security vulnerabilities at each school, test the latest technology in weapons-detection systems such as ZeroEyes, provide more staff training on school safety and violence prevention and have face-to-face engagement with students returning from expulsions.

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OTTAWA COUNTY, MI  The second-in-command at Ottawa County is resigning, citing a poor working relationship with county administrator John Gibbs, a former federal official who was unexpectedly appointed to the top spot in January.

Patrick Waterman, deputy county administrator, announced his resignation on Monday, July 24, via a letter. In the letter, Waterman stated he is resigning because of a deep concern regarding what I have viewed to be as a lack of effective leadership and an eroding culture of employee trust and support within the county.

Waterman said he does not believe there is open communication or effective leadership within the county.

Despite my best efforts to develop a collaborative working relationship with you over the past seven months, I do not feel as though my skills, counsel and experience have been valued or utilized, Waterman wrote to Gibbs in the letter. I had hoped that over time, I would be able to gain your confidence and develop an effective working relationship with you. However, a pattern of concerning administrative decisions has led me to believe that this is not possible.

Waterman said he has been uninvited from key departmental meetings and received limited or no communication from Gibbs. He also cited concerns over Gibbs not adhering to county hiring policies.

His resignation is effective Aug. 4 and includes vacating his spot on the Ottawa County Housing Authority.

Waterman was hired as the deputy county administrator last September, before a new ultra-conservative majority took over the county board of commissioners and ousted John Shay as administrator, replacing him with Gibbs in January.

Since then, Gibbs and the board of commissioners have changed the countys motto, dissolved the countys diversity, equity and inclusion office, hired a controversial law firm to represent the county, passed a resolution prohibiting county staff from participating in Pride festivals and other controversial measures. County leadership has also attempted to replace health officer Adeline Hambley with an HVAC professional.

RELATED: New Ottawa County board changes motto to Where Freedom Rings, closes DEI office and more

Waterman, of Hudsonville, was selected out of 47 applicants for his more than 20 years in public service. He has previously served as the Hudsonville city manager and the Grand Haven Township community development director.

When he was hired, Waterman cited Ottawa Countys reputation as a model of efficiency, collaboration and innovation... traits that can only be attributed to the countys exceptional leadership and capable team of dedicated employees.

The deputy county administrator position pays $158,000 per year, according to a statement the county released when Waterman was hired last year.

This is not the first time Gibbs has been under fire for his inability to build relationships with county leaders. Earlier this year, Commissioner Jacob Bonnema filed a human resources complaint against Gibbs after he said he felt threatened by Gibbs and that Gibbs was refusing to answer his questions. A third-party investigation into the HR complaint determined the complaint was unfounded.

RELATED: Ottawa County commissioner removed from committee after filing complaint against John Gibbs

Gibbs, a far-right Republican, previously served in former President Donald Trumps administration as the acting assistant secretary of Housing and Urban Development for Community Planning and Development.

After leaving Ottawa County, Waterman will serve as the deputy city manager for the city of Wyoming in Kent County, working under John Shay, the Ottawa County administrator who was fired to make way for Gibbs.

The city of Wyoming posted on social media that Waterman will start in his new role in mid-August.

In appointing him to this role, Shay points to Watermans strong background in public administration and believes he will be a tremendous asset to the team and community, the city of Wyoming stated.

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HOLLAND, MI  Several people on Monday called for the resignation of an Ottawa County Community Mental Health board member who alleged a Rolling Stone writer was either a victim of the deadly woke mind virus or retarded.

I would like to call for that persons resignation, Rachel Murray told the Ottawa County CMH Board of Directors on Monday, July 24. They have no business overseeing the services that are provided to that community. He obviously does not respect the community.
KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI  A man is charged with four felonies after he allegedly used a gun to threaten a state of Michigan employee and two contractors.

Christian Mitchell Chojnowski, 52, was arraigned July 19 on two counts each of assault with a dangerous weapon and felony firearms in Kalamazoo County District Court.
AUBURN  An Auburn man has been sentenced to prison after previously admitting to causing an overdose death.

Matthew Carnicelli, 35, was before Judge Jon Budelmann in Cayuga County Court Tuesday, facing a second-degree manslaughter charge and a count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance after allegedly selling a fentanyl compound that resulted in an overdose death last year. He pleaded guilty to those counts in May.

For the manslaughter charge, Carncelli was sentenced Tuesday to 3.5 to 7 years in state prison. He was also sentenced to seven years in prison followed by three years of post-release supervision for the possession charge, with both sentences running concurrently.

Before the decision was announced, Eric Smith, Carnicelli's attorney, said that his client's pre-sentence investigation report from the Cayuga County Probation Department indicated Carnicelli expressed regret for what happened.

"The probation department went out of their way to provide how much remorse he had for his actions," Smith said.

Adding that Carnicelli had been friends with the victim for six years, Smith said his client has a 10-year-old child and has struggled with addiction issues for years.

"If he gets help, I think he could turn things around quite substantially," Smith said.

When asked if he wanted to say anything on his own behalf, Carnicelli expressed remorse and said he has tried every recovery program available at the Cayuga County Jail.

"I'm very sorry for what happened," he said.

While victim impact statements were sent to the court, no one was present to read them. Budelmann said he was sent letters from the victim's mother and another relative, who said they felt the blame couldn't be placed solely on Carnicelli, as the victim had a substance abuse issue. It was later noted that the victim's mother asked if Carnicelli could be given her contact information. Budelmann noted Carnicelli's addiction issues and later lauded him for engaging in recovery programs while at the jail, but said the problem in this instance wasn't Carnicelli's addiction, "it was your selling."

Britton Bouchard represented the DA's office Tuesday. Cayuga County District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci previously said that during Carnicelli's guilty plea in May, he admitted that in late October, "He consciously disregarded the known risk of a fatal overdose when he sold a bundle of heroin laced with a fentanyl compound, which caused the victim to suffer a fatal overdose, thereby recklessly causing the victims death."

The DA's office said Carnicelli sold the drugs despite knowing that the victim was on prescription medication and had a higher risk of death. The day after the overdose death, Carnicelli was found in possession of more than 1/8 of an ounce of fentanyl during a search of his home. During his plea, Carnicelli admitted to knowingly possessing the fentanyl with the intent to sell it.
SAGINAW TWP, MI  A felony warrant has been issued for a doctor for allegedly running over a protester outside a Saginaw Township abortion clinic. This marks the second time the physician has been accused of using a car against a protester.

The morning of June 23, abortion opponent Mark A. Zimmerman and others were in the parking lot of the Womens Center of Saginaw and Flint, 3141 Cabaret Trail S.
What began as a $100 million conversation starter for high-speed passenger rail development has ironed out as a smaller but still promising fund that puts power in the hands of municipalities.

Michigan lawmakers approved a record $82 billion budget in June for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1, and inside is a one-year, $20 million grant program to be awarded to local governments, public authorities or other governmental entities, per the House Fiscal Agency.

If we expand more modes of transportation, were attracting the young workforce, and I think Michigan really has to stay on top of doing that, Sen. Veronica Klinefelt, D-Eastpointe, told MLive. We dont want to lose our workforce to other states.

How this program will work exactly depends on future talks between lawmakers and the Michigan Department of Transportation, said Klinefelt, who championed the money in budget talks after proposing $100 million to begin negotiations.

She doesnt know how this money ranks in the history of Michigan passenger rail investments, but she hopes to attract matching federal funds if theyre available.

I know that high-speed rail is expensive, and $20 million obviously isnt going to go as far as we would like to go, Klinefelt said, but were in an unusual opportunity to do something different and unique.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has yet to sign the budget but does have the option to veto line items like this grant program.

Expect the program  if given final approval  to at least help improve existing services and infrastructure, said advocate Steve Vagnozzi. As government affairs coordinator for the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, he lobbied lawmakers in charge of the transportation budget.

Theres a lot of potential, he told MLive.

MDOT, he said, is in the process of applying for federal grants to increase the frequency of Michigans three existing Amtrak routes, which connect Chicago to Detroit, Grand Rapids and Port Huron. The $20 million, he figures, could be used to match grants from the Federal Railroad Administration.

More engines and passenger cars are also big need, Vagnozzi said. For example, the Amtrak train that runs from Grand Rapids to Chicago was cut down this year from four cars to three. As a result, that train has been sold out six days a week this summer, he said, so adding cars would help meet demand.

If you cant meet demand, youre leaving revenue that you could have had, Vagnozzi said.

He also mentioned that Ann Arbor could use money for a new Amtrak station, which currently doesnt have enough seating capacity inside or long-term parking outside.

Even though the $20 million grant program is a fifth of Klinefelts proposal, Vagnozzi said, its mere existence is still a win.

That didnt come from the executive budget. It was added in, he said. So, for that reason I would consider it a success.

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A rendering of the proposed $2.4 billion Gotion plant in Big Rapids. The Chinese electric vehicle battery manufacturer plans to build two 550,000-square-foot plants near U.S. 131 and the Big Rapids airport. (Photo provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation)
The satellite shows we have a long plume of smoke aimed at Michigan. Weather computer models show we better plan on a smoky few days at least.

This satellite image from this evening shows the long stretch of smoke coming from the northwest.

Satellite image Monday evening, July 24 shows the smoke covering the Great Lakes region, the northern Plains and western Canada.

With an upper-air wind flow from the northwest its pretty apparent we are going to have thick smoke in the sky at least for Tuesday. In fact, an Air Quality Alert is in effect now for the entire state for Tuesday.

Air Quality Alert for the gray shaded area which now includes all of Michigan.

Our air is expected to have tiny smoke particles floating around, which can affect our breathing. Those that are very sensitive to pollutants in the air are advised to stay indoors Tuesday or at least limit outside time.

Is this smoky sky going to last all week? It looks to last at least into Wednesday before breaking up some Wednesday afternoon.

Here is a computer model of the smoke coming toward Michigan.

Smoke forecast from 6 p.m. Monday to 2 p.m. Wednesday. Thickest smoke is depicted with blue-green color.

Tuesday looks smoky with possibly a thinning of the smoke sometime Wednesday afternoon.

The larger picture shows another area of smoke west of Michigan late Wednesday.

Smoke forecast from 6 p.m. Monday to 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Notice in the last frames of the smoke forecast a large area of thick smoke projected to assemble in the Dakotas and heading into Minnesota. The general upper-air wind flow would bring that smoke over Michigan Thursday.

So we are going to have off and on thick smoke over Michigan now through at least Thursday. The smoke will actually last until we get a different upper-air flow which should happen with the cool-down after the mini heat wave. If we get a cool-down on a north wind as expected, the clearer air of northeast Canada will come over Michigan. There were a lot of fires over northeast Canada but heavy rain over that region in the past few weeks has put out many of the fires.
Jeffrey Capizzano, president, The Policy Equity Group

Frances Einterz, Policy Equity Group

GSRP has shown significant impact on increasing at-risk preschool children's early literacy and math skills  and reduced the achievement gap in early literacy between higher- and lower-risk preschool children.

Pre-K for All is really about ensuring that all Michigan children enjoy academic success

Jennifer Headley-Nordman, First Steps Kent

Kristen Sobolewski, First Steps Kent

[email protected]
Ghanaian actress Kafui Danku has advised women in relationships, urging them not to assume the role of a maid to their boyfriends.

In her candid advice, Kafui warns that going to such extent might lead men to take women for granted and even consider ending the relationship.

Kafui Danku emphasizes the importance of women maintaining their independence and individuality, rather than becoming servants in their relationships.

She believes that men are more attracted to women who value themselves and do not rush into traditional roles without genuine commitment from their partners.

The renowned actress encourages women to focus on their self-worth and ensure that men invest their resources, both financially and emotionally, in the relationship.

By setting these boundaries, women can protect their self-respect and have something to show for their efforts if the relationship does not work out in the long run.

Kafui Danku states, "Before he gets what he wants, he must work for it. Men only stay when they invest their money and their time.

Why would he pamper you if he doesn't spend his money or time, and you give him what he wants so quickly? Why do you go and cook and clean? Are you his maid?"

If you are a wife, then, of course, you are taking care of your home. But if he hasn't married you, why should he marry you when you do all these things?" she said during a discussion on UTV's United Showbiz last Saturday.

She firmly believes that men should put in effort and demonstrate commitment in a relationship, rather than women rushing to do all the traditional roles of a wife before marriage.
Barely five years into his meteoric rise onto the global music stage, fast-rising Ghanaian artist Black Sherif faces a major lawsuit that threatens to undermine his soaring career.

The 21-year-old performer was recently slapped with a lawsuit by events company Cruise People Limited demanding over $100,000 in damages for an alleged breach of contract.

According to court documents filed in Accra High Court, the company paid the artist $20,000 and invested thousands more in promoting his appearance at a planned event.

However, Black Sherif supposedly failed to deliver an agreed upon music video to help advertise the event.

Now Cruise People Limited wants its money back plus additional damages for lost profits, claiming the artist's actions caused the event's failure.

For the budding superstar who seemed poised to conquer African and international pop charts, the lawsuit presents a sobering roadblock.

The case emerges just as Black Sherif, known for hits like "Second Sermon" and "Kwaku The Traveller," was ascending to global fame.

Born Mohammed Ismail Sheriff in Konongo, Ghana, Black Sherif first grabbed attention with his breakout 2021 single, "First Sermon."

His follow-up "Second Sermon" cemented him as one of Ghana's fastest rising talents, garnering over 10 million YouTube views.

After signing with Nigeria's Empire music label, the energetic performer dropped his debut album, The Villain I Never Was, in October 2022.

Propelled by his smash crossover hit, "Kwaku The Traveller," the reigning VGMAs Artist of the Year soon found himself touring across America and Europe, including high-profile appearances at SummerStage in New York and the Wembley Arena in London.

He even earned a 2022 BET Awards nomination for Best International Flow category.

Now Black Sherif's soaring career risks crashing down to earth prematurely.

The lawsuit's financial damages could drain the artist's resources. More crucially, it may turn off sponsors and partners wary of associating with controversial celebrities.

This could cost Black Sherif lucrative deals even before he reaches his full commercial potential.

The case also raises questions about the young star's professionalism and reliability. Africa's music scene is replete with talented artists who undermine their success through avoidable missteps.

Cruise People Limited's allegations, if true, would suggest Black Sherif as the latest to squander his shot at greatness.

Nonetheless, the Konongo native retains immense talent and potential. With proper guidance and maturity, he could overcome this legal challenge as a lesson rather than a career sinker.

However, a long, bitter court battle also risks diverting Black Sherif's focus from developing his craft.

For now, his legions of fans across Ghana and beyond wait anxiously, hoping their shining star can reclaim his skyrocketing trajectory.
25.07.2023 LISTEN

Officers of the NBU-YEC, an SOS Children's Villages-Netherlands funded project will soon be rolling out mobile training for persons who have undergone the Family Strengthening Programs (FSP) of the SOS Children's Village-Ghana.

They will equip them with soft skills training as a way of adding up to the hard skills training they received through the program.

The intervention targets youth who after their completion of FSP have started their own business, those who are yet to start their business and those undergoing apprenticeship.

Ejisu municipality is the focus of the mobile training and beneficiaries live in communities including Ejisu, Onwe, Essienimpong and Kobease.

Roberta Aryeetey, NBU-YEC coordinator disclosed the above move in an interview with the media.

Her engagement with the press was staged on the sidelines of a day's engagement that trainers of the NBU-YEC project had with the beneficiaries of the Family Strengthening programme.

At the meeting, the trainers used the occasion to identify areas they (beneficiaries) need to be trained on.

Roberta Aryeetey told the press that they realized that a number of them have much to learn.

Among them are customer relations, business finance, business registration and others.

Detailing the media on the mobile training, she said the plan is to actually take the service to the beneficiaries in their communities as the hub operates from Asokore Mampong Municipality.

"This time this activity is a mobile service where the trainers will go into the communities to give the training to them".
Moses Yidana, Head of the Transfer Pricing Unit at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)

25.07.2023 LISTEN

Moses Yidana, Head of the Transfer Pricing Unit at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), has revealed that the Authority is exploring the deployment of a mobile portal to enable taxpayers to submit their Transfer Pricing (TP) documentation via mobile phones.

Last year, the GRA introduced an online portal that allowed taxpayers to file their transfer pricing returns from anywhere, thus simplifying the process and eliminating manual submissions at GRA offices.

Speaking during the UK- Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) and PwC Ghana webinar on Taxing Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) Through Effective Transfer Pricing, Mr. Yidana remarked that these measures are aimed at reducing the level of burden on taxpayers and supporting businesses to thrive.

Other measures the GRA has instituted to reduce the burden on taxpayers when filing TP returns include No Value-Added transactions. Here, taxpayers may not be required to submit certain documents such as local and master files, if mark ups on fees charged are not more than 3 percent.

Furthermore, local and master files need not be submitted if transactional values are below the Cedi equivalent of USD 200,000.00.

Mr. Yidana also revealed during the webinar that efforts are far advanced in the countrys bid to join the Organisation for Economic Corporation and Development (OECD) multilateral agreement platform for the purposes of Country-By-Country Reporting (CBCR) data sharing.

What is Transfer Pricing?

According to Kingsley Owusu-Ewli, a partner in the Tax Line of Service at PwC Ghana, and a speaker at the webinar, Transfer pricing is not a tax but exists to ensure that there is fair and equitable attribution of income to the country or jurisdiction where the economic activities are taking place.

He added that every country has territorial sovereignty and a taxing right over that territory. "Therefore, the Government of Ghana, through the GRA, has the right to tax these economic activities. Transfer pricing covers transactions on the transfer of properties, provision of goods, and services," he noted.

He stressed, "With Globalisation, companies or multinational enterprises trade across countries. Each country has different tax rates, so with these differences in tax rates and tax laws, there is that incentive or motivation to sometimes price arrangements in a way that may distort the true economic activities or contributions of one state or country versus the other. Hence, the introduction of transfer pricing is a means to ensure that whatever trading or dealings that occur between persons who are in controlled relationships, are done at a price using terms that will ordinarily prevail between independent parties."

Moses Yidana added that so far as Ghanas transfer pricing regulation is concerned, the rules of transfer pricing is applicable to both cross border and domestic transactions.

According to him, if you have a Ghanaian company and you have different entities or businesses, once they begin to deal with each other, the requirement of the law is that such transactions ought to comply with the arms length principle, which means pricing should be fair or at the market price.

Complying with TP Disclosures

The speakers remarked that the law requires businesses engaged in controlled relationships to disclose to the GRA, the related parties they dealt with in their financial year. The document must also disclose the nature of transactions and the total amount, the pricing method used, and other documentation which includes local and master files of transactions and country-by-country.

These documents must be submitted on or 4 months before the end of a business financial year. In cases where the taxpayer is unable to file within the stipulated time, they are permitted to apply for an extension and if approved, can be given up to 60 days within which to comply.

According to Mr. Yidana, failure to file transfer pricing returns, in general, attracts a GHC 500 penalty on the first day and GHC 10 daily afterwards, in line with the Revenue Administration Act (Act 915).

For failure to maintain documentations, you may be penalised, say 75 percent of the tax for that period, depending on the situation. Or, it may even go up to 200 percent depending on the circumstance, under section 72 of the Revenue Administration Act," he added.

Mr. Yidana lamented that documentation has been one of the GRAs biggest challenges, as businesses usually wait till the last minute to compile their documents. He appealed to taxpayers to try as much as possible to comply with the law.

We are recommending that taxpayers should ensure that they maintain contemporaneous documentation such that when we come for an audit, we do not have a lot of issues, he stated.

He also urged taxpayers to consult tax experts to compile and submit TP documents, and write to the GRA Commissioner should they require clarity on TP-related issues.

The webinar discussed more pertinent issues, such as the Arms Length Pricing standard, the transfer pricing methods acceptable to the GRA, how taxpayers can get guidance on transfer pricing, the data sources the GRA uses, and their preference, Thin Capitalisation as a pricing method, and double taxation treaties.

Abeku Gyan-Quansah, a Partner at PwC Ghana, moderated the webinar, the second in UKGCC/PwC Ghanas Quarterly Tax Dialogue Series 2023.
The Tamale Technical University branch of the Dagbon Student's Association has paid a courtesy call on the Northern regional Minister to seek his blessings and officially inform him about the Association's maiden Excellence Awards/Miss DASA ahead of time.

President of the Association, H.E Fuseini Hassan Nantogma explained the concept of the scheme to the landlord of the region, stating that it's geared towards reducing or eradicating negative social vices on campus, instilling discipline, and improving teaching and learning.

He was optimistic that the award scheme would help support the fight against drugs, bleaching and poor performance at the school.

The Minister, Alhaji Shaini Alhassan Shaibu welcome the idea and urges other youth groupings to roll out similar impactful programs.

According to him, drug abuse and immoral behavior are now common among the youth. This he said, the awards scheme would have an impact on the situation.

This initiative is worth commending, intake of drugs especially Tramadol is now common in Tamale and am worried about it, now that you the youth are bringing out this scheme to help streamline your colleague Students and other youth groupings my palace will support the course, take your studies very serious and became better people tomorrow, he stated.

He advised the leadership to include other ethnic groups in Dagbon in the subsequent events.

He encouraged the youth of Dagbon and Ghana at large to abstain from drug abuse and concentrate much on their studies.

Mr. Hassan further appealed for support from individuals, organizations and chiefs for the success of the maiden event.

Meanwhile, the leadership of the Association visited the chief of Choggu, Tamale DAKPEMA, Lamashei-Naa and Wurishei Naa.

The date for the Excellence Awards/Miss DASA is Saturday 29th July 2023, and it starts at 1:00pm.

-The Northern Web
The Auburn Enlarged City School District has not yet secured a replacement for its outgoing business official  and finding someone with just the right background is going to be a difficult task.

The district board of education approved the retirement of the district's business official, Lisa Green, at a meeting in April. Her retirement is effective July 29. Auburn Superintendent Jeff Pirozzolo told The Citizen on July 14 the district has not yet hired someone to fill the role.

Most of the applicants have not met the specific requirements for a district business official job. Pirozzolo said it can be either an administrative position, with an applicant who has an educational administrative degree in business management, or it can be a civil service spot, where someone is on the district's civil service list after they have successfully taken a test.

Auburn ordered the civil service test over two years ago but due to delays from the COVID-19 pandemic, that test wasn't administered for the district until June 2023. Pirozzolo doesn't anticipate the district receiving the results until October or November, well past Green's retirement.

However, Auburn hopes to have Green still work for the district periodically until a new business official is found. Pirozzolo said the district plans to have a contract in front of the Auburn school board by the July 25 meeting where Green would perform business official duties as needed. The contract is also set to include Green training the district's new official once a candidate is hired.

Pirozzolo said the district is "waiting for a successful candidate to come through" and the business official spot is a "very, very tough job to fill." It's a unique position, he said, adding that applicants from civil service usually have more of an accounting background. He noted administrative applicants often lack that accounting background but have the administrative experience on "what to spend the money (on,) for programming and kids."

"To find somebody that has both of those backgrounds is very difficult, having the accounting (background) and the school district or academic, administrative school functioning. It's tough to find somebody that has both of those backgrounds," Pirozzolo continued. "One of the things that we're concerned with is, again, we've got to have some type of accounting background when it comes to budgeting and balancing the books, understanding where all the sources of revenue come in from, especially when you have several grants that you use on top of your general fund, so it's a very, very tough position to fill for school districts."

Praising Green's ability and experience, Pirozzolo said she "will be sorely missed." Adding that the Auburn district has an over $100 million budget for the 2023-23 school year, "it's key that we find the right person for this position," Pirozzolo said.
25.07.2023 LISTEN

Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, former Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed shock at the passing of former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Sherry Ayittey.

According to Mr. Ampofo, she was a pillar in grassroots mobilization for women.

This is a blow to our Party, the NDC, and Ghanaian women in politics, he stated.

Indeed, she was a bulwark both in the PNDC era and our present democratic dispensation. She was a pillar in grassroots mobilization for women; a dependable vice-chairperson of mine; and a great loyalist to the ideals of our social democracy.

We worked in the trenches at all levels (branch, constituency, region, and national) together with compatriots and fought for the NDCs resilience and victories. She stood tall among reliable leaders at the national headquarters, where she served as my vice-chairperson. This is a blow to our Party; the National Democratic Congress and Ghanaian women in politics, Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo noted.

She died at age 75.

Her family made the announcement in a press release issued on Saturday, July 22.

The head of the family, Nii Kofi Ayittey of Akwetey Nantan, Osu Alata in the statement noted that family will announce further details in due course.

Sherry Ayittey was a Ghanaian biochemist, politician and women's activist.

Hanny Sherry Ayittey is a former Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development.

She was the Minister for Health from February 2013 to June 2014.
President Emmanuel Macron said Monday that France needed a return to authority "at every level" in response to recent riots sparked by the police shooting of a teenager.

Speaking on national television during a trip to France's overseas territory of New Caledonia on Monday, Macron condemned "the burning of schools, city halls, gyms and libraries" and "the violence of looting", which took place in several cities in France.

'Order must prevail'

The rioting was precipitated by the killing of Nahel M. (17) by police during a traffic stop last month.

During the protests, many accused the government of allowing a culture of institutional racism in the police force to fester.

Macron, added during the interviewthat France "must invest massively in our youth to provide them with a framework," but he also added that "order must prevail. There is no freedom without order."

He added: "Our country needs a return to authority at every level, starting with the family," he said.

The president also reiterated his previous criticism of the role of social networks during the riots and looting, saying "public digital order" was needed "to stop excesses".

He said many young people used social media to organise meetups and riots, and even "to enter into competition with each other" during the riots.

Of the around 1,300 people being prosecuted for their alleged role in the riots, nearly half are under 18.

The most intense urban violence since 2005 sparked a debate about law and order, immigration, racism and police brutality.

Deep divisions

Following a reshuffle of his cabinet, Macron warned last week that the riots had highlighted "a risk of fragmentation, of deep divisions" in France.

There is a "need for authority and respect", he told Friday's cabinet meeting, and asked the new government "to draw the lessons from what happened, and provide sound answers".

New Caledonia is the first stop of Macron's Pacific trip which also includes Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea and during which he is expected to lay out a "French alternative" for a region marked by China-US tensions, his office said last week.

(With news agencies)
Lagos state government came under fire on Monday over plans for a mass burial of more than 100 people killed during Nigeria's 2020 anti-police brutality rallies, sparking renewed outrage over a crackdown on protesters and calls for an investigation.

The youth-led #EndSARS protests were the largest anti-government demonstrations in Nigeria's modern history, but ended in repression by security forces and bitter disputes over whether some victims were shot by troops.

Lagos state government and the armed forces always denied troops opened fire with live rounds at Lagos city's Lekki Tollgate, the epicentre of the protests, but an independent panel ruled there was a "massacre" of unarmed protesters there.

Rights group Amnesty says at least 10 people were shot dead by security forces on October 20, 2020 at the tollgate, while more were killed in rioting and violence that broke out elsewhere in Lagos city and state.

In a statement late Sunday, the Lagos State health ministry said 103 victims whose bodies have been held in Lagos morgues for three years and were still not claimed by family will soon be given a mass burial.

It said bodies were picked up in a dozen areas around Lagos state, but denied any were collected at Lekki, after a copy of the burial plan was leaked by local media.

"For the avoidance of doubt, no body was retrieved from the Lekki Toll Gate incident," the statement said.

The ministry statement was the first time the government has admitted such a large number of people died following the riots.

But the repeated denial of any deaths at the Lekki sparked criticism from those who took part, and raised questions about why Lagos state had not revealed the number of victims for three years.

"They asked us,'where are the bodies?' Yet, the bodies were with them all along," tweeted activist Rinu Oduala.

'Appalling'

Amnesty International called for a transparent coroners investigation and autopsies of the 103 victims to publish their identities and how they died.

"It is appalling that the Lagos state government has not even mentioned that it has held the bodies of 103 #EndSARS victims in its custody since October 2020," the rights group said.

Representatives of the victims also questioned the Lagos state government again rejecting the panel's findings about the Lekki incident.

"The report of the panel was emphatic, there was a massacre at Lekki," Dele Farotimi, one of the lawyers for victims told Arise TV.

"The facts are not in dispute."

The #EndSARS protests erupted initially against police abuses, with the rallying name referencing the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), which was later disbanded.

The demonstrations spiralled into a broader protest to demand better governance and rights in Africa's most populous country and largest economy.

Demonstrators said people were shot dead when security forces opened fire on peaceful protesters at the Lekki. But the army said only blank rounds were used to break up a crowd that was defying a curfew.

The investigative panel set up by Lagos state government concluded that the armed forces shot and killed unarmed protesters in what could be considered a "massacre", according to a leaked copy of the report.
25.07.2023 LISTEN

In the heat of the NPP flagbearership race, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia continues to garner overwhelming support from party delegates across the country.

Recently, Dr. Bawumia embarked on campaign tours to connect with delegates in the Greater Accra Region and Ashanti Region, spreading his vision and dedication to the party's progress.

The next stop on his campaign trail was the Western Region, where he engaged with delegates in the Takoradi and Effia constituencies.

During one of his campaign grounds in Effia, Honorable Joseph Cudjoe, Member of Parliament for the Effia constituency, openly expressed the delegates' resolute backing for Dr. Bawumia to become the NPP's flagbearer.

Honorable Joseph Cudjoe stated, "We have already voted for Dr. Bawumia as the NPP flagbearer in spirit.

We are only waiting for December 2024 to make him President," he emphasised.
24.07.2023 LISTEN

Ghana's debt stock rises 20% in 4 months. Borrowing and debt in itself is not the problem we are told. It is the essence, the necessity of that Borrowing that should be a matter of concern. That being the case, the mighty question that demands an answer is, why are we borrowing so much money, and what is it being used for?

Borrowing, either excessive or not, would require repayments. Our current situation with regard to debt repayments clearly shows a disposition on our part when it comes to clean maintenance of our debts. We are not in control of our finances. To cut a long story and not to draw in long references, Ghanaians are now overburdened with huge public finance responsibilities.

The financial stress Ghanaians are under was completely avoidable if the government had been less reckless in the management of public funds. For this reason, when it turns out that public officials and politicians have huge sums of hard currencies stockpiled in rooms in their residences, this is too hard to accept. There's nothing honourable about a sanitation minister being found to have quantities of raw foreign and local cash in her house. At home.

These days, the rest of the world communities eulogizes the economic and financial management acumen of the Chinese people and government. The Chinese, though, have not achieved such economic heights through just a dint of good fortune or divine miracle or luck. China has had to work diligently on strict economic and financial practices to get to where they are today.

One of the many measures employed by China to arrive at this stage of economic relevance was or is the strict adherence to discipline in the handling of public funds. They have zero tolerance to financial irregularities or indiscipline. We know of public figures and even members of the communist party of China who had to pay the ultimate penalty.

Literally, some paid with their lives for misuse of public funds. At this point, the re-introduction of the death penalty for persons clearly proven by a civilian Court of lawful jurisdiction, this must be brought back, to get the system cleaned, for the good of the motherland. Financial irregularities or corruption by public office holders kill people as well, and we must not lose sight of this fact. Thank you
Professor Ransford Gyampo, a political scientist at the University of Ghana, has strongly criticized President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for making comments that could potentially undermine the ongoing investigation into the scandal involving former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena-Dapaah.

The President in accepting the resignation of the former minister said At the end of the day, your integrity, whilst in office, will be fully established.

But the respected academician in an interview on Eyewitness News, on Monday, July 24, voiced his disapproval of the Presidents remarks, stating that such comments have the potential to interfere with the findings and independence of security agencies handling the investigation.

He further emphasized that it is a recurring issue where the President tends to express hope for the exoneration of individuals under investigation.

The president accepted her resignation, but I didnt like the bit where he expressed hope that she [Cecilia Abena- Dapaah] was going to be exonerated. It shouldnt come from the president. Its becoming one too many, sometimes when people are going to be investigated, you hear the number one gentleman of the land making comments to the effect that the person is not even guilty.

Regardless of how independent people are, they tend to be holding to the president. When we have this kind of issue of the president expressing this kind of hope. It tends to undermine their independent capacity to be able to work and come out with findings. He should just have accepted the resignation letter and he shouldnt have commented further.

However, he applauded the former minister for taking such a bold decision to resign from her position.

Im enthused and excited that she resigned, in Ghana we dont resign, regardless, we dont know how to resign. For me, I think its good, Im happy that she resigned. She saved herself and the president from the kind of critique that would have been levelled against the president, who wouldnt have heeded any call to fire her he stated.

Officials from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on Monday, July 24, 2023, searched the home of the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources.

Madam Dapaah was earlier on Monday picked for questioning over suspected corruption.

Two house helps of Madam Dapaah and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour, are before an Accra Circuit Court, for allegedly stealing monies and items running into millions of Ghana Cedis.

-citinewsroom
25.07.2023 LISTEN

An autopsy report has revealed that 34-year-old Salahudeen Tafilu died of massive blood in his abdominal cavity.

The report further indicates that Salahudeen suffered a splenic rupture and blunt force trauma.

The death of Salahudeen Tafilu sparked outrage among some youth in the Asokore Mampong Municipality, who expressed their anger by attacking the Asawase police station and causing property damage, as reported by Citi News Ashanti Regional correspondent, Hafiz Tijani.

Relatives and friends of the deceased have accused the police of manhandling Salahudeen, leading to his untimely demise. The situation escalated when the police carried out a swoop in the Gooro community, leading to the arrest of several civilians, including Salahudeen.

However, after the police officers left the area, his lifeless body was discovered.

The arrival of Salahudeens body at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital after the autopsy left relatives and friends in tears. The body was subsequently prepared and buried according to Islamic rites.

The bereaved family, led by Yahaya Abdul-Aziz, has expressed their determination to seek justice for Salahudeens death. They are resolute in pursuing the matter until those responsible for his tragic fate are held accountable.

In light of the situation, the leadership of the Muslim Community is urging calm among the youth to prevent further escalation of tensions and violence.

In response to the unrest, police officers have been stationed at the Asawase Police Station to maintain order and prevent any further attacks on the facility.

-citinewsroom
Pressure group OccupyGhana has renewed its advocacy for the passage of the Draft Conduct of Public Officers Bill, 2022 to curb corruption by political appointees.

OG, in a statement dated 24 July 2023, rallied support from the media and fellow civil society organisations to push to ensure that the Akufo-Addo Cabinet approves the Bill and forwards it to Parliament for passage.

The groups advocacy follows a recent revelation that two househelps stole $1 million, 300,000 euros and millions of cedis from the home of now-resigned sanitation minister Cecilia Dapaah.

Eighteen-year-old Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei, along with three others, stole the money between July and October 2022.

The matter got into the public arena after the then-minister dragged the suspects to court.

Read OG's full statement below:

Our ref: OG/2023/019

OCCUPYGHANA PRESS STATEMENT

Accra, 24 July 2023

UNEXPLAINED WEALTH OF PUBLIC OFFICERS AND THE DEMAND FOR THE PASSAGE OF THE DRAFT CONDUCT OF PUBLIC OFFICERS BILL, 2022 INTO LAW

For the umpteenth time, Ghanaians are confronted with another scenario of the suspected, unexplained wealth of a public officer, and staring at the apparent impotence of the law in dealing with this, outside article 286(4) of the Constitution. That article simply provides that an asset declared to have been acquired while in public office, which is not reasonably attributable to income, gift, loan, inheritance or any other reasonable source shall be deemed to have been acquired in contravention of this Constitution.

From 2017, OccupyGhana has consistently expressed concern about the necessity of reinforcing this assets declaration regime. This measure is vital in curbing the trend where public officers acquire unexplained wealth, especially where their known economic means cannot justify such acquisitions or wealth.

To compound matters, although the Constitution demands in article 286(1) that public officers shall declare their assets and liabilities BEFORE TAKING OFFICE, AT THE END OF EVERY FOUR YEARS, and AT THE END OF [A] TERM OF OFFICE, Ghanas political class conspired to unconstitutionally extend the period of filing by six months, under section 1(4) of the Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act, 1998 (Act 550). The effect of this grave unconstitutionality is that once public officers get appointed without declaring assets and liabilities BEFORE TAKING OFFICE as the Constitution demands, they, for the most part, either do not declare at all or may engage in shenanigans such as presumptive declarations of non-existent assets in the hope of being able to acquire them.

Our public campaign to remove this offensive unconstitutionality yielded no discernible results, until we wrote to the Attorney-General on 1 December 2019 to demand steps to amend the law. Thankfully, on 8 January 2020, the then Attorney-General wrote to OccupyGhana to agree to amend the law by deleting the unconstitutional extension of time, and indicating that that office was seeking Cabinet approval to prepare the necessary amendment bill to be subsequently laid before Parliament for enactment.

After more than a year of receiving no information on the promised action, OccupyGhana wrote again to the Attorney-General on 16 July 2021 to request an update and whether there was anything that we could do to aid or speed up the amendment process. Curiously, this time, we were ignored. Our 24 September 2021 reminder was also ignored.

Thus, on 21 October 2021, we wrote to the Office of the Special Prosecutor, inviting that office to throw its weight behind our fight for the critical amendment, which would give teeth to that Offices expressed desire to pursue public officers with unexplained wealth. The OSP responded on 22 October 2021 to agree with us and assure us of the unreserved backing of the office.

We therefore began work on drafting what we considered a citizens bill to submit to Parliament for the sole purpose of the amendment. However, sometime in May 2022, we discovered that a draft Conduct of Public Officers Bill, 2022 (Bill) had been prepared, which not only took our concerns into consideration, but contained exhaustive provisions that would regulate what public officers may or may not do or acquire while in public office. We were however informed that although the Office of the Attorney-General had forwarded the Bill to Cabinet, there was apparently considerable resistance or reluctance at Cabinet in granting approval for the Bill to be forwarded to Parliament for debate and enactment.

Since then, the following has transpired:

1. 29 May 2022: OccupyGhana Press Release demanding that (i) the President summons an emergency cabinet meeting for the sole purpose of approving the Bill, (iii) the Attorney-General provides a clear timeline on when the Bill would be submitted to Parliament, and (iii) Parliament ensures passage before it rose for the 2022 long vacation  NO RESPONSE;

2. 24 August 2022: OccupyGhana Letter to Attorney-General inquiring about the status of the Bill and demanding a roadmap on the questions posed in the 29 May 2022 Press Release  NO RESPONSE;

3. 31 August 2022: OccupyGhana Right to Information Letter to Cabinet Secretary requesting information on the status of the Bill and a roadmap on when it would be approved and sent to Parliament;

4. 5 September 2022: Cabinet Secretary Response marked Confidential to OccupyGhana stating that the Cabinet Committee on Governance and Legal Matters had considered the Bill and referred it to Cabinet for approval. However, Cabinet had requested the Committee to undertake further work on certain aspects of the Bill, and was awaiting the Committees recommendations to facilitate Cabinet approval and submission to Parliament;

5. 17 October 2022: OccupyGhana Letter to Cabinet Secretary requesting a status update  NO RESPONSE;

6. 11 January 2023: OccupyGhana Reminder to Cabinet Secretary requesting a status update;

7. 14 February 2023: Cabinet Secretary Letter marked Confidential and Secret to OccupyGhana to state that the Cabinet Committee had resubmitted the Bill to Cabinet with the necessary recommendations. But Cabinet, having reconsidered the Bill, had declined approval because in its view, there are already adequate provisions in existing law to deal with the conduct of public officers;

8. 20 February 2023: OccupyGhana Letter to Cabinet Secretary, requesting a withdrawal of the Confidential and Secret status of the 14 February 2023 Letter so that its disappointing contents may be shared with Ghanaians  NO RESPONSE;

9. 27 February 2023: OccupyGhana Letter to Cabinet Secretary repeating request for withdrawal of the Confidential and Secret status of the 14 February 2023 Letter, and pointing out that under the Right to Information Act, 2019, Cabinet cannot purport to assert a privilege over the contents of the 14 February 2023 Letter  NO RESPONSE;

10. 30 May 2023: OccupyGhana Letter to Cabinet Secretary to state its surprise that the Government, this time, under pressure from the International Monetary Fund, had promised to enact the Bill into law. We also attached a 20-page table comparing the contents of the Bill with existing law to show that the vast majority of the Bills clauses do not already exist in Ghana law as falsely claimed by Cabinet, and therefore, once again, urging its quick passage into law; and

11. 16 June 2023: Cabinet Secretary Letter to Occupy Ghana (also marked Confidential) stating that the 30 May 2023 Letter and its attachments will be brought to the attention of Cabinet.

We have set out the above correspondence detail to show that in our view, the Government appears inexplicably unwilling or unprepared to approve the Bill and transmit it to Parliament for enactment. This is strikingly ironic because the passage of this Bill was a campaign promise at page 105 of the New Patriotic Partys 2020 Manifesto, Table 1.13 on Governance, Corruption and Public Accountability, items 235 and 236. Even the admitted IMF pressure does not appear to us to be having any effect. We are concerned that this deliberate dithering will remain until the people of Ghana take a firm interest in the Bill and what it says, and then demand that Cabinet does what is required under the circumstances.

We therefore invite Ghanaians, fellow Civil Society Organisations and the media, to join us in this campaign to ensure that Cabinet approves the Bill and forwards it to Parliament, and that Parliament passes the Bill into law, all at the earliest times possible.

 END 

-classfmonline.com
Newmont Ghana Gold Limited, one of the leading gold companies in Ghana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation to offer skilled ICT Training to Ghanaians in rural areas.

The MOU which will last for three years will provide GHS1.7 million to support the training and provision of modern equipment for students in the rural areas while enhancing basic education through the application of technologies for uninterrupted learning.

A delegation led by Mr Kwame Addo Kuffour, Director of the company, Mr Joseph Danso, Senior Manager in charge of Sustainability at Newmont Ahafo Mines, and David Johnson, External Affairs Director on Sunday, July 23, 2023 presented a dummy cheque of the GHS 1.7 million to the foundation when they joined the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to make the fifth Akwasidee festival of the year.

Dr Kwame Addo Kuffour presenting the check to the Asantehene praised him for contributing immensely to the development of education in Ghana.

He explained that the vision of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation was in line with Newmont Ghana's quest to give back to society by supporting ICT Training in hundreds of local communities.

He noted that, although the company has its own foundation, Newmont Ghana's Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF), they deemed it fit to support Asantehene's move to improve ICT Training in Ghana.

The Executive Director of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation, Nana Afia Kobi Prempeh on behalf of the foundation commended Newmont Ghana Gold Limited for supporting ICT education in Ghana.

She explained that the three-year MOU will afford the foundation an opportunity to reach out to thousands of children in over 150 communities in rural areas and provide them with free ICT Training.

"As part of our action plan, the foundation will provide mobile ICT camps and qualified teachers to help train our targeted children, she stated.

She added that the support from the company will improve the lives of the beneficiaries and called on other companies to emulate the good works of Newmont Ghana Limited.
The National Service Scheme (NSS) has initiated efforts to produce enough food to support the Free Senior High School Programme from its farms across the country.

The food according to NSS will be given to the National Food Buffer Stock Company to augment food supply to various Senior High Schools in Ghana.

Though the NSS has been in farming for years, the state agency has ventured into mechanized irrigation-supported projects to improve yields.

The Acting Public Relations Officer for the NSS, Mr Ambrose Asiwa Junior said this in an interview with Captain Koda on the Kumasi-based OTEC 102.9 FM's morning show Nyansapo on Monday, July 24, 2023.

"For the first time, in the programme, we have entered into a fully mechanized irrigation-supported farm project, which also integrated in such a manner that nothing on the farm will go waste," he said.

"NSS has secured a 20-hectare land at Kumawu in the Ashanti Region dubbed the Kumawu Youth Farm and it's currently one of our biggest agro-industrial zone, the scheme is cultivating 500 acres of maize in addition to soya and rice at the farm," he added.

Mr Asiwa Junior further disclosed that NSS is cultivating thousands of acres of land which will provide enough food to support the free senior high school policy.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On July 22, the inaugural departure ceremony for Dongfeng Motor's export train was held at the Alashankou Port in Xinjiang. With the dispatch of departure orders, 249 Dongfeng passenger vehicles set off from Alashankou, embarking on a journey via train to Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Dongfeng Motor's export train; photo credit: Dongfeng Motor

This marks the normalization of wide-gauge loading operations in the Alashankou Comprehensive Bonded Zone, further supporting Xinjiang's endeavors in becoming a more open region on the global stage.

Dongfeng Motor Group is one of China's automotive industry leaders, boasting a complete industrial chain and a rich product lineup. The convenient customs clearance and trading advantages of Alashankou Port have created a favorable environment for the company's development.

Assistant to General Manager of China Dongfeng Motor Industry Import and Export Co. Ltd., Zhu Yun, stated, "Alashankou Port is strategically located at the forefront of China's westward opening-up efforts, endowed with unique geographical advantages and excellent infrastructure. These factors greatly facilitate business development, making it the ideal choice for us to launch our export train from here."

In May of this year, Dongfeng Motor also established a regional marketing center in Russia, encompassing the markets of Asia and Europe, including Russia and five Central Asian countries. The center aims to provide comprehensive solutions ranging from commercial to passenger vehicles and from traditional fuel-powered to new energy vehicles, lending robust support to Dongfeng Motor's overseas strategic goals.
Residents of Ejura in the Ashanti Region are set to get an ultramodern Agricultural College.

The Agricultural College is a collaborative effort between the Ejura Traditional Area led by Barimah Osei Hwedie II, chief of Ejura and the Ghana Baptist Convention.

The collaboration was borne when Barimah Osei Hwedie II donated 100-acre land to the Ghana Baptist Convention after he learned of the Convention's intention to build an agricultural college in Ghana.

The leadership of the Ghana Baptist Convention led by the Executive President, Reverend Enock Nii Narh Thompson on Saturday, July 23, 2023 visited Ejura Palace to appreciate the chiefs for the free land.

Rev Thompson revealed that plans are far advanced for the Convention to build the ultramodern agricultural college on the land offered by the chiefs.

He explained that the project which will start next year, would not only facilitate development in the area but would also help provide agricultural training to the people in the municipality, region and the country at large.

Speaking to this reporter, Rev Enoch Nii Narh Thompson said the agricultural college is an extension of the convention's tertiary institution, the Ghana Baptist University College.

"The church has established many schools notable among them are the Kumasi Academy, the Ghana Baptist University College and this Agriculture College which is in the offing will be an extension of the university.

"The vision of the convention is to develop a centre of excellence with flexible, dynamic and demand-driven training programmes where youth build careers that make them pragmatic leaders in agriculture and agribusiness in Africa and beyond," he stated.

For his part, the Chief of Ejura Traditional Area Barima Osei Hwedie II said he was ready to collaborate with the Baptist church to bring development to the area.

He noted that partnership between traditional and religious leaders was one of the best ways to develop local communities.

"Together with my elders, we are ready to team up with religious leaders and other development-oriented organizations to explore opportunities for the development of our communities," he stated.

He was optimistic the agriculture college when completed will provide massive opportunities for farmers in the traditional area, adding that, it will also help Ejura to maintain its status of being the food basket of the region.
Joint statement by Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, and Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

The relentless fighting that has raged in Sudan since April continues to claim lives, force people from their homes and country, and leave others trapped with limited access to essential services, including health care.

Three months of conflict have left the country facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis that has spilled into six countries across two WHO regions, with 24 million people in need of humanitarian aid, including 2.6 million people internally displaced, and an additional 757 000 forced to flee across borders for safety. These numbers are growing every day.

Inside Sudan, the situation has reached gravely serious levels, with more than 67% of the countrys hospitals out of service and with increasing reports of attacks on health care. Between 15 April 2023 and 24 July 2023, 51 attacks on health care have been verified by WHO, resulting in 10 deaths and 24 injuries. It is a tragedy and an outrage that in the middle of this deepening crisis fighters continue to attack health facilities and workers, denying life-saving services to innocent civilians when they are at their most vulnerable.

When war wages, women and children will always pay a big price. We are appalled by reports of sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls; those who are displaced are especially vulnerable. Today, more than 4 million women and girls are at risk of sexual and gender-based violence, and they must be protected at all costs.

Disease outbreaks  including malaria, measles, dengue, and acute watery diarrhoea  that had been well under control before the current conflict are increasing due to the disruption of basic public health services, including disease surveillance, functioning public health laboratory and rapid response teams. As the rainy season begins in Sudan, outbreaks are likely to claim more lives unless urgent action is taken to restore their spread.

Even before the current conflict, Sudan was facing enormous humanitarian and health needs as a result of conflict, food insecurity, and climate change and poorly functioning health system.

The current situation - without immediate prospects of peace is only complicating access and delivery of humanitarian assistance, including emergency health supplies. In Sudan humanitarian access remains extremely limited.

For the hundreds of thousands who have sought refuge across borders, life remains precarious. Access to health services varies widely: many border areas where they have settled are remote with limited or weak health systems, including inadequate numbers of health workers. Several receiving countriesincluding the Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudanalready host large numbers of people displaced by protracted conflicts and who face dire living conditions without essential services. Still, the need is great and growing.

WHO is doing everything possible to provide essential health services. Our teams are on the ground since the eruption of the armed violence working tirelessly to ensure health services are still accessible. We are actively working with partners in country and across the borders to ensure urgently needed life-saving medical supplies are delivered to those in need and surveillance system is strengthened to detect disease outbreaks and allow a rapid response.

We stand with the people of Sudan and are committed to stay and deliver lifesaving aid despite the serious challenges impeding our response. We call for the protection of civilians, humanitarian workers, health facilities, personnel and patients, whose safety must be respected by all warring parties.

Source: WHO Africa News
The Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo has stated that her appointment as the Chief Justice of Ghana is to set free, the oppressed from injustice.

According to her, it pleases God to see the oppressed freed from all forms of injustice, adding that, she will use her position as the Chief Justice to bring equal justice to everyone.

Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo made this statement on Sunday at a Thanksgiving Service at Gospel Light International Church in Accra organized for her by the Founder, Bishop Matthew Addai Mensah.

I've been appointed by the President as the Chief Justice of Ghana and I believe my mandate is to set free the oppressed from all kinds of injustices they encounter and I also believe that it is the duty of everyone to make sure that there is justice in all their activities, she said.

Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo further noted that I can only achieve this divine assignment through the constant overflow of the anointing. For us to be who God has called us to be and to do what God has called us to do, we need the consistent infilling of the anointing to be fully equipped for the task ahead. That is why I will not dare to do this work without constantly coming before the Lord.

She expressed her immense appreciation to Bishop Matthew Addai Mensah for the spiritual role he has been playing in her life by giving her strong spiritual directions which was the main reason for honouring the invitation.

The Chief Justice is a member of the International Central Gospel Church (Calvary Temple) at Sakumono, which is pastored by Rev. Dr Anthony Cudjoe.

Bishop Matthew Addai Mensah, Founder and General Overseer of the Gospel Light International Ministry (worldwide) therefore anointed Chief Justice and prayed for her for Gods guidance as the head of the Judiciary.

The Bishop encouraged her to continue to walk in the anointing and also seek inspiration from some righteous women in the Holy Bible, who insisted on the right things being done.

Bishop Matthew Addai Mensah emphasized that When you read the book of Numbers chapter 27, you would discover that the daughters of Zelophehad exercised extreme boldness in ensuring that the proper things were done and they eventually succeeded in changing the system which didnt favor the oppressed especially women.

I urge you to be bold and you shall succeed in bringing freedom and Justice to the oppressed, he added.

Her Ladyship, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, a Justice of the Supreme Court, was sworn into office on June 12 2023 at the Jubilee House, as the new and 15th Chief Justice of Ghana.

She also happens to be the third female Chief Justice after Justice Georgina Wood and Justice Sophia Akuffo.
25.07.2023 LISTEN

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has responded to a video of an Adisadel College student beating a colleague making the rounds on social media.

According to the statement released by GES, it is deeply concerned and condemns the barbaric act of violence in schools.

The statement indicates appropriate measures have been taken to swiftly deal with the issue.

The attention of the Management of Ghana Education Service has been drawn to a disturbing video of assault involving two students of Adisadel College being circulated on social media.

Management is deeply concerned and condemns this barbaric acts of violence in our schools. We applaud the school authorities for taking swift action to suspend the culprit pending further investigation.

Management has directed the Regional Director of Education to liaise with the school authorities and the relevant law enforcement agency to investigate for appropriate action.

Ghana Education Service assures the general public that we are taking this matter very seriously and are committed to ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for all students across the country, signed by head of public relations unit Cassandra Twum.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has announced a review of the flagship agric programme, Planting for Food and Jobs.

Nana Akufo-Addo says the new phase of the programme will involve the private sector and getting more youthful participation in the programme.

Speaking at the 4 th European Corporate Council on Africa and the Middle East in Italy, Nana Akufo-Addo says Ghana has food security through this programme.

After six years of successful implementation, the programme has come up for review, and it is transitioning into phase two. It is called PFJ Phase Two and this phase will be expanded to achieve private sector participation with emphasis on value chain development. It is also a paradigm shift from import subsidy to import credit scheme, and it is designed to attract more investment in the agric sector and expected to increase productivity and production.

The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana has been advocating for a review of the initiative for some time and argued a review is long overdue.

The then Agric Minister, Dr. Afriyie Akoto in October 2022 revealed that the government had spent GH2.6 billion on the program and touted the success of the program.

Planting for Food and Jobs is a flagship agricultural Campaign of the Government, with five (5) implementation modules.

The first module PFJ (Crops) aims to promote food security and immediate availability of selected food crops on the market and also provide jobs. This module was officially launched by H. E. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo at Goaso on April 19, 2017, in the then Brong Ahafo Region.

Citi Newsroom
25.07.2023 LISTEN

Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta will be received by Parliament today, Tuesday, July 25.

He is expected to present the Mid-Year Budget Review when he visits the August house.

The presentation of the Mid-Year Budget Review is scheduled for 10am as indicated by the Office of the Finance Minister.

Speaking to Citi News ahead of the Mid-Year Budget Review presentation today, Deputy Finance Minister Dr. John Kumah said Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta will tell Ghanaians how the economy has fared since the start of the year to date.

We are going to tell Ghanaians about what has happened to the economy since the beginning of this year from January to the middle of this year and of course, the major event that has happened is the IMF programme that we got the board approvalHow the economy has fared and then the outlook for the rest of the year, Dr. John Kumah said.
The Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MOGCSP), Hon. Francisca Oteng-Mensah has called on ECOWAS leadership to promote safe and orderly migration to ensure the development of the region.

According to her, the region has not been spared human trafficking, hence the region continues to make significant thrive in the fight against human trafficking.

She added that the issue of Human Trafficking has been canker eating deep into the fabrics of society due to the greed and insensitivity of a few who are burnt on making money at all costs.

Hon Francisca Oteng-Mensah made this known at the opening ceremony of the 15th Annual Review Meeting Of The ECOWAS Regional Network Of National Focal Institutions Against Human Trafficking In Persons Plus (RNNI TIP+) on Monday 24th July 2023 in Accra, Ghana.

She said the 15th Annual Conference is an indication that the region is committed and making strives in the fight against human trafficking.

"It is important to be concerned about calls of action taken to ensure the safety and survival of recured victims of trafficking within our sub-region," she said.

Ghana as a host country, for example, is in its second phase of implementing a strategic document, 'the national plan of action for the elimination of human trafficking in Ghana from 2022 to 2026.'

The document has a standard procedure to combat human trafficking in Ghana.

"A challenge in Ghana and I believe across the region are inadequate shelters to accommodate the victims of human trafficking and other related crimes", Hon. Francisca Oteng-Mensah said.

In 2007, the Network of National TIP Focal Institutions in the Member States, and the Annual Review of Implementation of the ECOWAS Plans of Action to Combat Trafficking was instituted by the ECOWAS TIP Programme. This ECOWASs annual flagship event is based on annual reporting by Member States (MSs) and comprises a peer review mechanism.

The three days (24th to 26th) Annual Meeting implemented by International Center For Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and coordinated by GIZ and European Union will review the implementation of actions over the period of 2021 & 2022.

It will also focus on consolidating the works already ongoing on the TIP Plus approach, with Working Groups held on the Regional Crime Against Persons Protection Policy (RCAPPP). The meeting will also focus on the feedback and validation of the Regional Referral Mechanism (RRM) document, aiming at strengthening current regional referral frameworks.

Amala Obiokoye-Nwalor, head of office, ICMPD, Ghana stressed that the Regional Referral Mechanism (RRM) developed under the OCWAR-T project, which will be discussed in the course of the meeting, is an important tool.

"ICMPD has a dedicated Anti-trafficking programme, whose lifes work is dedicated to working with governments all over the world to strengthen their capacity to combat the different facets of TIP," she said.

She reaffirms ICMPDs commitment to supporting the fight against TIP in all its forms in the West Africa Sub-region and beyond.

The Head of the Trafficking in Persons Unit (TIP), Mr. Olayemi Olatunde said their vision is total elimination of trafficking of persons in the West African Sub-Region.

He stated that the road map that will be adopted during the discussions would be implemented for the betterment of the sub-region.
Jill Biden, first lady of the United States will speak at a ceremony Tuesday at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Paris.

The American flag will be raised to mark the US' return to UNESCO membership after a five-year absence.

UNESCO aims to foster global collaboration in education, science and culture. It also designates World Heritage sites, deeming them worthy of eternal preservation.

'US values'

Senior administration officials said returning to UNESCO fits President Joe Biden's goal of strengthening global partnerships and recommitting to American leadership at the UN and other international organizations to serve as a counter to nations that do not share US values.

Others said Jill Biden, who teaches English and writing at a Virginia community college, was best suited to represent the United States in Paris on Tuesday.

The first lady, as a lifelong educator and believer in the power of educational opportunity across the world, is honored to help celebrate this important milestone, said Elizabeth Alexander, a spokesperson for the organsation.

Palestine

The US pulled out of the Paris-based organization in 2018, under the then-president, Donald Trump, who claimed UNESCO was biased against Israel.

The US and Israel stopped financing UNESCO after it voted to include Palestine as a member state in 2011.

But the Biden administration pushed to rejoin over concerns that China was filling the void in the organisation's leadership created by the US absence.

Washington has requested $150 million (135 million) for the 2024 budget to go toward UNESCO dues and arrears. The plan foresees similar requests for the ensuing years until the full debt of $619 million (558 million) is repaid.

That makes up a big chunk of UNESCO's $534 million (481 million) annual operating budget. Before leaving, the US contributed 22 percent.

(With news agencies)
A Governance Expert Professor Baffuor Agyeman-Duah has asked all persons who are commenting on the issues involving the resigned Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources Cecilia Abena Dapaah to allow the investigative process that has started to end before they make conclusions on the matter.

Prof Agyeman-Dua indicated that Cecilia Dapaah has not been convicted of any crime. He said it is her decision to keep a large amount of money at home that has caused the public uproar.

Speaking on News 360 on TV3 Monday, July 24, he said There is one thing we must all take into account. Madam Dapaah has not been convicted of any crime. Nonetheless, her action has provoked this, and rightly so. because as I said our economy is not doing well people who even invested their money hoping that the government bonds are the safest place for people to put their money, people have lost money. so when it comes out that a public official has the capacity to store that much money in the house, naturally, everybody will be upset.

But those of us making public commentaries must be a little bit circumspect for the process to go through before we can come to conclusions.

Madam Abena Dapaah tendered her resignation on Saturday, July 22, barely 24 hours after the public discourse of her stolen cash.

Accepting her resignation, President Akufo-Addo described the work done by the former Bantama Member of Parliament as excellent and productive.

It is with considerable regret that I accept your resignation, and I applaud your loyalty to the image and standing of the government, he wrote on Saturday.

The work you undertook during your period in Government was excellent and productive, and I thank you for your wholehearted contribution and devotion to the progress of the Government and the nation.

In her resignation, Madam Abena Dapaah assured of her availability and cooperation with all state agencies to look into her matter, which she concedes has become a hindrance to the government at this crucial time.

I have no doubt that at the end of the processes it will be established that I have conducted myself with integrity during my period in public service and I will be fully exonerated from all the allegations, she further stated in her resignation letter.

President Akufo-Addo also expressed confidence that at the end of the day, your integrity, whilst in office, will be fully established.

The matter of the stolen monies  $1 million, 300,000 and millions of undisclosed Ghana Cedis  is in court. It is scheduled to be recalled on Wednesday, August 2.

Commenting on this while speaking to the press on Monday, July 24, Prof Agyeman-Duah said If I were to be the president I would be a little more careful, the president rushed in commending her for the job she does for the government and the nation as a whole because truly, Madam Cecilia Dapaah has been working public service, there is no doubt at all but when the case of this nature emerges it is important for the processes to take place before we draw conclusions.

That is why I will even caution all the public commentators to be a little bit circumspect because there is no evidence so far that it is stolen money, there is no evidence so far it is laundering money, we don't have any evidence. All we know is that she sent some people to the Police for stealing her money. Of course, it is the amount of money that is causing this kind of public uproar.

I think what we need to do is to ensure that the proper investigation processes take place. I think EOCO should be interested because there could be an angel of money laundering, I am not saying it is but it raises that question.

He added, for me, this would have been a wonderful opportunity to stand tall by taking a certain stand.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) placed Cecilia Abena Dapaah under arrest on Monday, July 24.

She is being interrogated by officers of the OSP, a statement said.

At 11:55 GMT on 24th July 2023, Cecilia Abena Dapaah who resigned from the position of Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources on 22nd July 2023 was placed under arrest by the Office of the Special Prosecutor in respect of suspected corruption and corruption-related offenses regarding large amounts of money and valuable items reportedly stolen from her residence. Ms Dapaah is being questioned by authorized officers of the OSP, the OSP said in the statement.

3news.com
25.07.2023 LISTEN

Private legal practitioner Mr Martin Kpebu has said Ghanaians are going through the worst form of leadership under the Akufo-Addo administration.

He described the current system in Ghana as a kakistocracy.

A kakistocracy is a government by the least suitable or competent citizens of a state.

Commenting on the presidents praises for the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources Cecilia Abena Dapaah despite the controversy in her, while speaking on the Ghana Tonight show on TV3 Monday, July 24, Mr Kpebu said Ghanains are not calling him clearing agents for anything. President Akufo-Addo is showing consistency in coming out and prejudging things, he doesnt engage with citizens. No wonder Martin Amidu called him the mother serpent of corruption.

Ghana is going through kakistocracy. Kakistocracy is government by the worst citizens, when the worst citizens lead you this is what you get.

Regarding Madam Dapaah, President Akufo-Addo applauded her when she resigned from his government.

Madam Abena Dapaah tendered her resignation on Saturday, July 22, barely 24 hours after the public discourse of her stolen cash.

Accepting her resignation, President Akufo-Addo described the work done by the former Bantama Member of Parliament as excellent and productive.

It is with considerable regret that I accept your resignation, and I applaud your loyalty to the image and standing of the government, he wrote on Saturday.

The work you undertook during your period in Government was excellent and productive, and I thank you for your wholehearted contribution and devotion to the progress of the Government and the nation.

In her resignation, Madam Abena Dapaah assured of her availability and cooperation with all state agencies to look into her matter, which she concedes has become a hindrance to the government at this crucial time.

I have no doubt that at the end of the processes it will be established that I have conducted myself with integrity during my period in public service and I will be fully exonerated from all the allegations, she further stated in her resignation letter.

President Akufo-Addo also expressed confidence that at the end of the day, your integrity, whilst in office, will be fully established.

The matter of the stolen monies  $1 million, 300,000 and millions of undisclosed Ghana Cedis  is in court. It is scheduled to be recalled on Wednesday, August 2.

Commenting on this while speaking to the press on Monday, July 24, Prof Agyeman-Duah said If I were to be the president I would be a little more careful, the president rushed in commending her for the job she does for the government and the nation as a whole because truly, Madam Cecilia Dapaah has been working public service, there is no doubt at all but when the case of this nature emerges it is important for the processes to take place before we draw conclusions.

That is why I will even caution all the public commentators to be a little bit circumspect because there is no evidence so far that it is stolen money, there is no evidence so far it is laundering money, we don't have any evidence. All we know is that she sent some people to the Police for stealing her money. Of course, it is the amount of money that is causing this kind of public uproar.

I think what we need to do is to ensure that the proper investigation processes take place. I think EOCO should be interested because there could be an angel of money laundering, I am not saying it is but it raises that question.

He added, for me, this would have been a wonderful opportunity to stand tall by taking a certain stand.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has placed Cecilia Abena Dapaah under arrest on Monday, July 24.

She is being interrogated by officers of the OSP, a statement said.

At 11:55 GMT on 24th July 2023, Cecilia Abena Dapaah who resigned from the position of Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources on 22nd July 2023 was placed under arrest by the Office of the Special Prosecutor in respect of suspected corruption and corruption-related offenses regarding large amounts of money and valuable items reportedly stolen from her residence. Ms Dapaah is being questioned by authorized officers of the OSP, the OSP said in the statement.

3news.com
With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.

NIO's sub-brand Alps introduces new single motor option

NIO plans to introduce a new single electric motor option for its sub-brand Alps (code name), which focuses on the 200,000-300,000-yuan market. This move is part of NIO's strategy to expand its presence in the mass market, providing greater flexibility to the Alps brand. The first model to feature the single motor will be a sedan, equipped with NIO's in-house developed next-gen electric motor to optimize size and cost.

Photo credit: NIO

Henan Province's first smart toll robot begins operations on Zhengshao Expressway

Henan Provinces first standardized toll booth card-dispensing robot has been deployed at the Zhengzhou Southwest Toll Station on the ZhengzhouShaolinsi Expressway (Zhengshao Expressway). The robot efficiently identifies vehicles and issues cards for non-ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) vehicles, offering a seamless and precise toll collection experience without any human intervention. The system is fully automated, providing rapid pass-card issuance within 5 seconds.

New Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator models hit market in China, starting at 449,900 yuan

Jeep officially put its latest Wrangler/Gladiator models onto the Chinese market on July 24, offering five variants with prices ranging from 449,900 to 639,900 yuan. The new models feature minor exterior and interior upgrades, while the 4xe variant enhances outdoor power supply capabilities. The Robin Hood model debuts the new Dana 44 HD Full Float rear axle. Jeep plans to adopt a direct sales mode for future vehicles in China, transforming traditional dealerships into agents and partners.

AutoChips' latest MCU chip adapts to Reach Auto's NeuSAR

AutoChips, the smart chip subsidiary of NavInfo, announced the successful adaptation of Reach Auto's basic software platform NeuSAR to AutoChips' newest mass-produced vehicle-grade MCU chip, the AC7840x.

Rising Auto introduces next-gen AI system via OTA upgrade

Rising Auto, SAIC Motor's premium electric vehicle brand, is set to roll out its latest-generation AI system to users in the coming days via OTA upgrade. The upgraded system boasts significant advancements including 22 new features, 43 functional experience optimizations, and expanded high-speed navigation coverage to 205 cities.

Dongfeng Motor sends export train from Xinjiang to Uzbekistan

On July 22, the inaugural departure ceremony for Dongfeng Motor's export train was held at the Alashankou Port in Xinjiang. With the dispatch of departure orders, 249 Dongfeng passenger vehicles set off from Alashankou, embarking on a journey via train to Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Meraki Integrated completes Series B financing

Shenzhen-based integrated circuit supplier Meraki Integrated recently announced that it has raised over one hundred million yuan in its Series B funding round.

Human Horizons, Huawei Cloud partner on dedicated intelligent driving cloud

On July 21, Human Horizons, the Chinese company that owns the luxury electric vehicle brand HiPhi, and Huawei Cloud signed a strategic partnership agreement focusing on intelligent driving cloud services.
25.07.2023 LISTEN

The Former National Chairman of the Peoples National Convention Party (PNC) Bernard Mornah has described as shocking the saga of the resigned Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah.

According to Mr. Mornah, the money discovered in her home can set up a new bank.

In an interview with TV3 on July 25, he said such acts of corruption cannot be ignored.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) collapsed all the banks in the country all in the name of a banking sector clean up. Look at the case of Capital Bank, you said you were going to absorb all their workers, it turned out that over 137 workers of the bank took you (government) to court. The court ruled that the period that you laid them off, you have to pay them and you have to employ them, that is causing financial loss to the state.

You have members of government in a digitized economy in a so-called cashless society, keeping tons of money, factor all the other monies mentioned and you will get to know that it is close to 2 million dollars, it is close to 2 million dollars, three hundred thousand euros, unspecified millions of Ghana cedis and this is a Minister and we say that if a Borla (Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources) will have such an amount of money in her house, this is a Borla minister having a bank in her house because the amount of money that she is carrying can actually set up a new bank, Bernard Mornah stated.

Cecilia Abena Dapaah resigned as Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources over the controversy for keeping US$1 million, 300,000, and millions of Ghana cedis at home.

In her resignation letter, she indicated that she has taken the decision to leave her post because she does not want what is going on to distract the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

Accepting the resignation letter, President Akufo-Addo thanked Cecilia Dapaah for her services, describing her work as excellent and productive.

The OSP has now taken an interest in the matter and started its investigation in respect of suspected corruption and corruption-related offences.

Modernghana News can report that the former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources is cooperating with the Office of the Special Prosecutor in its investigations.
25.07.2023 LISTEN

Board Chairman of the National Theatre and member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Fredua Agyeman Ofori-Atta has jumped to the defense of Mrs. Cecilia Abena Dapaah, who recently resigned as the Sanitation Minister following reports of theft by her house helps.

In light of the developing story, critics have questioned the source of Mrs. Cecilia Dapaah's wealth after reports emerged that her domestic workers stole $1 million, 300,000, and millions of cedis from her residence last year.

Mrs. Cecilia Dapaah, in her resignation letter to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, stated, "I am resigning therefore because I do not want this matter to become a preoccupation of the government and a hindrance to the work of government at such a crucial time.

I intend to cooperate fully with all state agencies to enable them to fully establish the facts", the former Minister said in her resignation letter to the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Discussing the issue on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' morning show, Nana Fredua defended Mrs. Cecilia Abena Dapaah, stating that she is not a thief.

Nana Fredua recounted his personal relationship with the resigned Sanitation Minister and expressed shock at critics for accusing her of obtaining the monies through dubious means.

He defended Mrs. Cecilia Dapaah's character, describing her as a good person and emphasizing that she was well-to-do even before she joined politics.

"She is a good person. She is not a thief. She doesn't steal," Nana Fredua firmly asserted during the discussion.

Nana Fredua disclosed that Mrs. Dapaah had previously worked in public relations at CMB and was successful together with her husband, who is a highly respected architect globally.

"She is from a good home...it wasn't politics that gave the things she has.

When I met her, she had done a PR job at CMB and was independently working for herself together with her husband. Her husband is a well-respected architect globally, not only in Ghana," he explained.
Most petroleum funded revenue projects in the District and Municipal Assemblies in Ghana are initiated without consultation or the involvement of the assemblies and residents of the areas involved.

This was disclosed by the Programmes Officer of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, Samuel Harrison-Cudjoe, following a pilot phase monitoring conducted in five district assemblies in the country.

Speaking at a 1-day stakeholders workshop held in Ho, Mr Cudjoe explained the motive of the pilot monitoring.

So, our monitoring was to find out if the projects existed and if there are issues of accountability and transparency. And in all the places we have been to, we found that assemblies are sidestepped when it comes to these petroleum funded projects.

From all the projects that we have monitored, the assemblies have no information on the petroleum funded projects in their areas. Some don't know anything about these projects at all. Again, there are no information on the contractors, and the amount of money allocated for the projects, Mr Cudjoe noted.

We realised this is so bad for the assemblies who are the representative of the president in their various localities. The assemblies have no information on the amount spent on the projects and who the money was paid to. Because you can't see any contract anywhere in the assemblies, he further noted.

Mr Cudjoe indicates these issues raise concerns of transparency and accountability because they have not seen any information on these projects which are meant to benefit the citizens in these areas.

He said it makes it very difficult to know who received what, for what, and how much for instance was left to pay and also to know how much of the country's Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA) keeps going into such projects across the nation.

The project; From Disclosure to Impact-Mobilising Local Civil Society to Verify Published Extractives Data and Advocate for Equitable, Accountable Spend of Funds was done by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, Local Accountability Networks (LANets) and other partners from June 2022-May 2023 and has been extended to end of August 2023.

The monitoring exercise is meant to identify the effectiveness and efficiency of petroleum funded development projects.

The monitoring report which was pilot-phase was funded by the Africa Centre for Energy Policy and was conducted in the following; Sekondi-Takoradi Metro, Nzema East Municipality, Ho Municipality, Tamale Metro, and the NAsante Akim Central Municipality.

In the Volta Region, he said the team monitored projects including: Emergency works on the upgrading of Ho-Adidome and Adaklu-Helekpe- Abuadi road, Construction of Ho-Fume road, Upgrading of Sogakope-Adidome road, Asiekpe-Mafi Kumasir road and Sogakope Senior High School Access road, Upgrading of Akatsi-Ziope road and Construction of Ho-Nyive-Honuta-Kpedze road, Tokokoe-Ave-Shia and Nyive Atikpui roads.

In the Volta Region for instance, he said the names of the contractors could not be assessed and that the monitoring shows that such projects are mostly handed at the national or regional levels without so much involvement of the beneficiary District Assembly.

Mr. Cudjoe, stressed one of their key recommendations is that the citizens should show more interest, in how petroleum revenue is used.

[13:13, 25/07/2023] Manuel ClassFM: Expand Kpeve treatment plant to resolve water crisis in Ho

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has called on government and other stakeholders to take immediate steps to expand the Kpeve Treatment Plant to address the prevailing water crisis in Ho.

The Volta/Oti Regional Manager of PURC, Philip Agbezudor, stressed the pressing need for governments intervention due to the rapidly increasing population in Ho, which has outstripped the available water supply.

Mr Agbezudor stated: "The current water crisis in Ho is primarily due to the fact that the population has grown beyond the capacity of the existing water supply. The only viable solution is to expand the Kpeve Treatment Plant, thereby increasing the volume of water available to Ho residents. Without this critical expansion, the suffering of the people in Ho, who currently receive water once every two weeks, ten days, or week, will persist."

The PURC has consistently recommended the expansion of the Kpeve Treatment Plant to the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) and other relevant stakeholders. However, despite such recommendations and various initiatives by the GWCL, the necessary expansion has not yet been implemented.

Mr Agbezudor pointed out that the financial investment required for the expansion project may be substantial, making it crucial for the central government to demonstrate political will to address the water crisis effectively.

The Regional Manager of PURC was briefing the media on the mid-year report of the commission in the Volta and Oti regions on Monday, July 24, 2023.

The Kpeve Treatment Plant was established in the early 1990s; however, since its inception, there has been no significant expansion work to increase the water production capacity.

For several years, the Ghana Water Company Limited has been implementing water rationing measures to manage the water scarcity in the Ho municipality.

According to the 2021 Population Census, the population of Ho has reached 180,420, further intensifying the demand for an adequate and reliable water supply.

The mid-year report of the PURC revealed that a total of 511 complaints were received for the period between January and June 2023. Among these, 428 complaints were successfully resolved, reflecting an 83.76% resolution rate.

As part of its corporate social responsibility through the Pro Poor-Projects, the PURC has provided boreholes in various districts in the Volta and Oti regions, including North Tongu, Afadzato South, Akatsi South, Biakoye, Kpando, Agortime-Ziope, and South Dayi.

Additionally, the commission extended pipelines to Sogakope town and Ho-Kpenoe by 6.5km and 2.5km, respectively, to improve water accessibility in these areas.

Despite facing several challenges, including cable theft, influx of foreign meters in Ketu South, and power outages in Worawora and Abotoase, the PURC remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the interests of both utility service providers and consumers.

The establishment of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) in October 1997 under the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission Act, 1997 (Act 538) marked a significant step in the utility sector reform process initiated by the Government of Ghana to regulate electricity and water utility services.

Source: classfmonline.com
25.07.2023 LISTEN

The Head of the Public Relations Unit of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Casandra Twum-Ampofo has assured the general public that the necessary action will be taken to curb bullying in schools.

This follows the disturbing video of assault involving two students of Adisadel College being circulated on social media.

In the video, a student believed to be a senior is seen choking another student believed to be a junior before he eventually slams his head on the bed, leaving him with a swollen face.

Speaking to Joy FM in an interview, Casandra Twum-Ampofo has indicated that the Ghana Education Service will tighten the code of conduct to address such bullying.

If there is something we can do to tighten the code of conduct we will do that. The first point of call is to report the bullying and the school authorities will pick it up from there, the GES Head of Public Relations Unit said.

In a post on the Twitter page of Adisadel College, the School has indicated that the culprit in the disturbing bullying video has been referred to the Police.

Adisadel College was built on a strong solid Christian foundation. As santaclausians such behavior will not be tolerated. The culprit has also been referred to the Police for further action, the school said in its post.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Education Service Management has directed the Regional Director of Education to liaise with the school authorities and the relevant law enforcement agency to investigate the incident for appropriate action to be taken.
25.07.2023 LISTEN

Malik Basintale, the Deputy National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has slammed President Akufo-Addo-led government.

According to Mr. Basintale, President Akufo Addo is the cause of the corruption scandals in his administration.

He said in an interview on July 25 on TV3 that it looks as if they only go to cabinet to discuss matters of corruption.

He stated, Roland if you critically look at instances that have gone through Akufo-Addo cabinet especially, it looks as if they only go to cabinet to discuss matters of corruption. I will give instances. The Power Distribution Services (PDS) scandal, his cabinet minister signed a deal with the Vice President where a fake insurance guarantee was presented. Are you aware that as a result of that corrupt practice by Dr. Bawumia and some cabinet Ministers who headed the Akufo Addo government 500 million cash is not seated with PDS.

Not a penny refunded to PDS and nobody is speaking about the 500 million and I dare you today if you send someone to investigate it will be sitting under his bed. Do you remember the AMERI deal negotiation was a cabinet Minister again where a deal worth of 500 million dollars was ballooned to 1.1 billion dollars and the President signed and when he was exposed he confirmed that he was being misled till date nobody has heard from that deal.

Till date, nobody has spoken about the chop chop that went on in that deal, nobody has taken a decision to take on all these corrupt practices that has taken place. Another is the Health Minister who took monies and ballooned it by 9 million dollars. This Health Minister came to parliament and said he wasnt thinking right and he said he lost his senses thats how come those monies were utilized. So all that I am saying is that just when we thought we have seen it all and the last of it was in the mother serpent of corruption, they have already hatched, now we have sons and glorious daughters and serpents of corruption and so all this signs have been indicted in cabinet, it is bad for government appointees misappropriating funds, Malik Basintale stated.

Cecilia Abena Dapaah resigned as Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources over the controversy for keeping US$1 million, 300,000, and millions of Ghana cedis at home.

In her resignation letter, she indicated that she has taken the decision to leave her post because she does not want what is going on to distract the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

Accepting the resignation letter, President Akufo-Addo thanked Cecilia Dapaah for her services, describing her work as excellent and productive.

The OSP has now taken an interest in the matter and started its investigation in respect of suspected corruption and corruption-related offences.

Modernghana News can report that the former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources is cooperating with the Office of the Special Prosecutor in its investigations.
Wildfires raging across Algeria have killed more than 34 people in less than 24 hours, and forced mass evacuations, according to the government. The worst hit parts of the country are in the northeast, while there is also concern that the fires may spread to neighbouring Tunisia.

Temperatures rose to 48 degrees Celsius in parts of Algeria on Monday, with 97 blazes recorded across 16 provinces, fanned by strong winds.

The fires have already killed at least 34 people, the interior ministry said, revising an earlier estimate of 15 dead.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune offered his condolences to the families of the deceased, on Monday.

At least 26 other people were also said to be injured by mid-afternoon Monday, while some 1,500 people were evacuated from the provinces of Bouira, Bejaia and Jijel, in Kabylie, east of the capital Algiers.

In the northeastern province of Tizi Ouzou, 15 fires were also extinguished late on Sunday, according to civil protection officials.

Images shared by local media and on social media showed fields and forests blazing as well as charred vehicles and storefronts destroyed by the flames.

Extreme weather and climate change

The three provinces in Algeria's Mediterranean coastal region have seen the worst of the fires, but others have also ben touched as the whole country experiences an extreme heatwave.

The interior ministry said that 7,500 firefighters and 350 firetrucks had been mobilised along with aerial support to fight the flames.

"Civil protection services remain mobilised until the fires are completely extinguished," the ministry said.

The Bejaia prosecutor's office has ordered a preliminary probe to identify the causes of the blazes and potential perpetrators.

Fires regularly rage through forests and fields in Algeria in summer, but this year they have been exacerbated by a heatwave that has seen several Mediterranean countries break temperature records.

In August 2022, massive blazes killed 37 in Algeria's northeastern El Tarf province.

The deadliest summer in decades occurred in 2021, with 90 people killed in such fires, particularly in the Kabylie region.

To avoid a repeat of previous years' death tolls, the authorities had announced a series of measures in the months leading up to peak summer heat, including the acquisition of medium-sized water-bombing aircrafts, and the construction of landing strips for helicopters and fire-fighting drones.

Scientists rank the Mediterranean region as a climate-change "hot spot".

The United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned of more heatwaves, crop failures, droughts, rising seas and influxes of invasive species.

Tunisia at risk

In neighbouring Tunisia, fires also raged on Monday in a pine forest, near the border with Algeria, after a blaze in the area last week.

Tunisia's state energy supplier STEG announced half-hour to one-hour power cuts in an effort to ensure electricity supplies.

At least 300 people were evacuated by sea and by land from the village of Melloula, according to the national guard.

Temperatures on Monday neared 50 degrees Celsius.

During last week's fire, a border crossing had to close temporarily, as 470 hectares (1,100 acres) of forest caught fire.

In other North African countries such as Morocco and Libya, temperatures were relatively normal compared to annual averages.

(with AFP)
25.07.2023 LISTEN

Member of Parliament for Assin Central and NPP presidential hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong has clarified that his recent controversial remarks were not directed at Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

In an interview on Home Radio monitored by ModernGhana News, Mr. Agyapong explained that his comments were directed at a different Member of Parliament and not the Vice President as speculated.

He clarified that his intention was not to attack Bawumia but to criticise another parliamentarian who claims the party need a strategist and not someone who will boast about what he or she has done for the party.

"The truth hurtsso you are the victim, and I am educating you, and you think I'm hitting back?

You see, they are not being fair. I did not hit the Vice President but I hit one MP because he said, 'We don't want somebody who will come and say that I have done this and that for the party and Ghana, but we want a strategist," Mr Agyapong explained.

Mr. Agyapong referenced an incident in Parliament where the unknown MP had claimed that Ghana would not seek assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), only for the country to run to the IMF for support.

This Mr. Agyapong claims forced him to question the said MP's strategist approach.

During the interview, the Assin Central lawmaker expressed his disappointment with the media, accusing them of sensationalising news and not providing the full context of his statements.

He stressed that his remarks were meant to advise against divisive campaign within the party.

Mr. Agyapong also took the opportunity to open up about his experiences in politics and the challenges he faced.

He mentioned that some individuals he had supported and helped in their political careers were now opposing him.

"The people that I have helped, made them who they are today are the ones that are against me.

I bought cars, gave them money, campaigned for them to win their seats, but now, they're my number one enemies. But I just look at them, and I say Lord, forgive them because of their stomach," Mr Agyapong revealed.
Banking sector's profitability improved in the first half of 2023, as banks profit-after-tax stood at 4.3 billion, up from 2.8 billion.

This represents a 51.4% increase.

According to the Bank of Ghana, the strong profitability performance during the first half of the year translated into a higher return-on-equity of 37.6% from 21.9% in June 2022 and a higher return-on-assets of 5.5% compared to 4.6% in June 2022.

Net interest income increased by 41.4% to 9.9 billion, relative to the increase of 12.4% recorded a year ago. Net fees and commissions also grew by 30.6% to 2.2 billion, compared with 27.0% over the same period last year.

Operating income, as a result, rose sharply by 46.1%, higher than the 22.6% recorded in 2022.

But the industry's cost of operations increased, with operating expenses increasing by 44.9% during the first half, compared with 22.9% growth for the same period in 2022.

The net effect of these developments was a 51.2% increase in profit-before-tax in June 2023, compared with 20.8% growth in June 2022.

Key financial soundness indicators broadly stable

The key financial soundness indicators remained broadly sound, supported by the temporary regulatory reliefs extended to the banks in the wake of the DDEP.

The industry's Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) for June 2023, stood at 14.3%.

This is higher than the revised prudential minimum of 10%, but lower than the CAR of 19.4% recorded in June 2022.

The decline in the CAR is explained by the losses on mark-to-market investments from the DDEP as well as the increase in the risk-weighted assets of banks.

The industry's NPL ratio deteriorated to 18.7% in June 2023 from 14.1% in June 2022, reflecting higher loan impairments and elevated credit risks.

The industry's liquidity indicators, on the other hand, improved during the period under review.

DGN online
Journalists at France's national weekly Journal du Dimanche (JDD) on Tuesday vowed to press on with a strike in protest at the appointment of a young new editor close to the far right. Their action is unprecedented in the French press since 1975.

Staff at the Journal du Dimanche (JDD) have been on strike for over a month over the appointment of Geoffroy Lejeune, 34, as new editor-in-chief, meaning the influential publication has now missed five consecutive issues.

Its current owner Lagardere Group announced late Monday that Lejeune would assume his duties on 1 August, prompting a furious reaction from its journalists' association (SDJ) branch who said they were "more determined than ever".

It accused Lagardere of "unilaterally breaking negotiations" aiming to end the crisis and said it was "astonished" by the news Lejeune would take up his post when "98 percent of the newsroom are against and refuse to work with him".

For its part, Lagadere News said it "regretted the position of the SDJ" which it said had "led to a breakdown in negotiations".

The SDJ said that JDD staff had on Tuesday voted with a 98 percent majority to continue to strike into a 33rd day.

Historic strike

Paris-based press freedom group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said the action was now the longest strike in French media since a 28-month strike by staff on Le Parisien daily that began in 1975.

"The fact that the JDD strike has lasted so long may be a surprise, but the record length is commensurate with the attack on journalistic values," Christophe Deloire, RSF's secretary general said.

"I hail the determination and courage of the journalists of the JDD who refuse to be eaten alive," he added.

The controversy has erupted as conservative billionaire Vincent Bollore is in the process of acquiring Lagardere, which also owns Paris Match magazine and Europe 1 radio, after a successful takeover bid.

Lengthy strikes at Europe 1 in 2021 and of i-Tele (later called CNews, property of Vivendi) in 2016, concluded each time by massive departures of staff.

Provocative headlines

Lejeune was, until recently, editor of the far-right weekly Valeurs Actuelles whose profile he helped raise through provocative headlines and caustic attacks on the country's politicians and intellectuals.

He endorsed far-right media commentator Eric Zemmour during his campaign for the presidency last year and is a close friend of Marion Marechal, the niece of far-right patriarch Jean-Marie Le Pen.

Bollore, a conservative Catholic from northwest France, has been gradually expanding his empire to take in TV channels and now print media.

The JDD, which has weekly sales of around 140,000, has in recent years toed a centrist line and been seen as generally sympathetic to the government of President Emmanuel Macron.

(with AFP)
Nana Fredua Agyeman Ofori-Atta, the Board Chairman of the National Theatre has jumped to the defence of embattled former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.

In an interview with Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo," Nana Fredua said he sees nothing wrong with Cecilia Dapaah keeping such a huge sum of money at her residence.

He argued that there are many people in Ghana who equally keep millions of dollars or more in their homes.

He added that it is not uncommon for people to keep their valuables in a secure place at home.

Fredua expressed his displeasure with people labelling Cecilia Dapaah as a thief, stating that she is a self-accomplished woman whose wealth was not solely made from politics.

"It wasn't politics that gave the things she has. When I met her, she had done a PR job at CMB and was independently working for herself together with her husband.

Her husband is a well-respected architect globally, not only in Ghana," he said.

He further revealed that he knows other wealthy individuals in Ghana who sees 1 million dollars as nothing to them.

He questions why a public figure like Cecilia Dapaah, who has worked hard for decades in government, should face such public persecution.

"I don't find anything wrong with it; however, if someone wants to raise questions, the person can. But let's not call her a thief for having such money.

For me, yes, it's not surprising for me to see someone with such money," Nana Fredua asserted.

He continued, What is the relevance of a safe if one cannot keep money in his or her house?" he asked.

"The point is that every person has a place where they store their valuables," he added.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On July 25, the 2024 Haval Big Dog, a refreshed model under Great Wall Motor (GWM)s Haval brand, officially hit the market with prices ranging from 123,900 to 149,900 yuan.

Photo credit: GWM

In terms of exterior design, as an annual facelift model, the new Big Dog received subtle adjustments to the front and rear. The new vehicle now incorporates extensive silver decorations, with the size of the square grille increased, and the silver trim inside the grille thickened. A brand-new "HAVAL" emblem is embedded in the upper trim, while the lower trim undergoes hollow processing, resulting in a rugged appearance at first glance. The round headlights on both sides have been retained, maintaining the overall retro tough off-road style.

Photo credit: GWM

On the vehicle's side, the square-shaped design has been retained, with black fender flares complementing the upward lines, giving it a powerful sense of presence. The new Big Dog is equipped with five-spoke wheels, further enhancing its tough attributes.

In terms of dimensions, the new model measures 4,620/1,890/1,780mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 2,738mm.

The rear design maintains the overall style of its predecessor, while adopting through-the-round taillights and a new font style for the "HAVAL" letter logo. The rear bumper design remains wild, with the silver underguard adding a sense of combativeness.

Photo credit: GWM

Inside the cabin, the interior remains largely unchanged from the existing model, featuring a fully digital instrument cluster, an embedded multimedia display, and a knob-style electronic gear shifter, elevating the interior's technological appeal.

Regarding power, the 2024 Haval Big Dog carries the new 2.0T engine, with power parameters further enhanced to 175 kW of maximum power and 385 Nm of peak torque. The transmission system has been upgraded to a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission for the 2.0T trim, while the 1.5T variant continues to be paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Additionally, the new model comes equipped with 8 driving modes, including economy, standard, sports, mud, sand, snow, grass/gravel, and bumpy road modes.
As part of efforts by leadership of the Dormaa East District to empower women and contribute to their inclusion in the local development process of the area, the Member of Parliament for the Constituency, Hon. Paul Twum Barima on Thursday July 20, 2023 donated an amount of GH 20,000 to women in soap production in the District.

The initiative is in recognition of the strides the women are making to liberate themselves and their generation from economic hardship and make the district a better place.

Presenting the money alongside the DCE, the MP expressed hopefulness that the amount will go a long way to help them expand production and train more apprentices in the district as well as improve livelihood.

The presentation was done during the Second General Assembly Meeting held to discuss the Executive Committee (EXECO) Report and to hear the Mid-Year Budget Review and make inputs.

The meeting saw the visit of representatives from the Regional MOFA and World Food Programme (WFP) who are partnering to implement policies which would ensure food security in the sub region, with the aim of resourcing youth between ages 18-35 years with capital and skills to venture poultry, maize, vegetables and soya farming.

The Assembly woman of Ampenkro-Amanfi Electoral Area, Hon. Janet Asamoah who is a member of the women in the soap production group (the Royal Beauty Queens) and took the money on their behalf together with two others, expressed appreciation to the Member of Parliament and the Assembly for the support. They also outlined the various means the gesture was going to better their lot.
All 23 students of the Abutia Senior High School (ABUSCO), who suffered food poisoning after they ate a rice meal on campus last Wednesday, have been discharged from hospital.

Mr Claude Dziseaku, the Physician Assistant of the Mater Ecclesiae Hospital at Sokode, in the Ho Municipality told the Ghana News Agency, the students were rushed to the facility with abdominal pains, vomiting and diarrhoea on Friday night, but had since been treated and discharged.

He said the Public Health Unit of the hospital had started investigations into the case.

Mr Leonard Nyatsoe, the Headmaster of the School, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said the affected students had regained their strength.

He said the Ghana Education Service, the Ghana Health Service and the Police had opened a fact-finding investigation into the incident to guide stakeholders against future occurrence.

Students of ABUSCO, who consumed fried rice on campus on Wednesday and Thursday, suffered abdominal pains, vomiting and diarrhoea, and were rushed to the Mater Eclessiae Hospital, where they were admitted and stabilised.

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 numbers involved.

Mr Nyatsoe said about 10 staff, who were off duty, were called to assist them in the situation and by 1500 hours on Saturday, nine of the students were discharged after their situation improved.

GNA
Samuel Koku Anyidoho, CEO of the Atta Mills Institute, has accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of hypocrisy following their visit to the Asomdwoe Park, the resting place of late former President John Evans Atta Mills.

The NDC officials, including former President John Mahama, visited the park on Monday, July 24 to commemorate the late former president's 11 years anniversary.

Mr Anyidoho describes the visit as hypocrisy after the party accused him of disturbing Atta Mills' grave last year.

He noted that the NDC should have checked if he "returned the body" before visiting the grave yard.

In a tweet on Tuesday, July 25, Mr Anyidoho stated: "Last year, they shamelessly accused me of digging up the remains of the late President Atta-Mills and taking it away. So, when they disgracefully went to the neatly constructed Asomdwe Park yesterday, did they check to see if I have returned the body? Enemies of progress. Tweaa."
25.07.2023 LISTEN

In a unanimous decision, a nine-member panel has dismissed Mr James Gyakye Quayson's review application aimed at overturning the apex court's ruling to expunge his name from the records of Parliament.

The court had nullified all processes leading to his election and swearing-in, leading to the order to remove his name from the parliamentary records.

Mr Gyakye Quayson's lawyers filed the review application on June 29 and submitted a substituted statement of the case on July 5.

They argued that the court's decision contradicted its previous binding rulings, containing fundamental and basic errors.

Lead counsel for the applicant, Tsatsu Tsikata, presented the review application, contending that the order to expunge his client's name lacked natural justice as his client was not given a fair opportunity to be heard.

Mr Tsikata argued that the proper order should have been for the court to declare his client's seat vacant instead.

Furthermore, Mr Tsikata claimed that the court misrepresented its previous decisions, which were used to determine that Gyakye Quayson's possession of Canadian citizenship at the time of nomination was in violation of article 94(2)(a) of the 1992 constitution.

However, Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame opposed the application, asserting that the court's decision did not contain any errors.

He refuted Mr Tsikata's argument that the court misrepresented its previous rulings, viewing it as an unacceptable insinuation of malice towards the bench.

Mr Dame firmly contended that the court made no legal errors in its judgment.

Another lawyer, Frank Davies, representing Michael Ankomah Nimfah, also opposed the application, stating that Mr Tsikata had misrepresented the cases relied upon by the judges.

Mr Davies also took issue with Tsikata's claim of misrepresentation by the Supreme Court.

The nine-member panel, chaired by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, ultimately dismissed the application for lacking any substantial merit.

-classfmonline.com
Senyo Hosi has announced his resignation as lead convener of the Ghana Individual Bondholders Forum (IBF) effective July 31.

In a letter dated July 22, Mr Hosi cited the significant time and resources required to continuously serve effectively as the reason for stepping down.

"I have found joy in realising the impact that our collective success has brought to homes and lives that hitherto were in distress and state of hopelessness following the forceful introduction of the Domestic Debt Exchange programme (DDEP)," Hosi wrote in a part of his resignation letter.

"While I am proud of our collective efforts, I am unable to continue to commit the time and resources required to effectively serve, he added.

The finance policy analyst and entrepreneur became convener of the IBF in January 2023 when the group was formed to advocate for individual bondholders affected by governments domestic debt restructuring program.

Under his leadership, the forum secured improved terms for members participating in the debt exchange program and full redemption payments for those opting out.

"Our collective work improved the economic terms for our membership who wished to subscribe to the DDEP by reducing their economic loss from 50% to levels ranging from 19% to 33% in the revised offers. We have also secured billions of payments to those who opted not to participate and protect 100% of their investments at par yields," Mr Hosi recounted.

The IBF convener role required significant personal sacrifice over the past seven months, according to Mr Hosi.

"My service has come at great cost to my person, my relationships, business, and family but I have no regrets," he noted.

He expressed gratitude to IBF members, the media, government officials and the general public for their support during his tenure.
The Central Regional Police Command in collaboration with the Regional Education Directorate and management of the Adisadel College have commenced investigations into the assault incident at the school.

ACP Charles Kofi Adu, the Regional Police Commander; Mrs Justina Marigold Assan, the Central Regional Minister; the Regional Crime Officer; and some officers from the National Intelligence Bureau, visited the school on Tuesday and held a closed-door meeting with the management.

The Regional Minister after the meeting indicated that information gathered around the issue was scanty because the headmaster was not available.

Before her team arrived, a team of police personnel, including investigators, had been to the school with some staff of the Regional Education Directorate to carry out related investigations.

Mr Samuel Kofi Agudogo, the Headmaster, was tight-lipped on the matter.

Before long, the headmaster, together with about four students believed to be present at the time of the abuse, and some other officers joined an Adisadel College minivan and headed for Accra at the instance of the Director-General of the GES.

Some parents of the students involved followed them in a separate car.

There appeared to be tension among staff and members of management in the wake of the investigations when the Ghana News Agency visited the school.

Members of both teaching and non-teaching staff were seen in different groups of between two and six deliberating inaudibly over the matter.

An incident of assault at Adisadel College has gone viral after it was captured on tape by a student.

The video shows a final year student strangling a first-year student from behind in a dormitory before smashing his face against a metal bed frame.

The incident, which happened in the presence of some other students, some of whom cheered on the culprit, resulted in a huge swell and a cut on the cheek of the victim.

The school has since suspended the offending student pending investigations.

Information gathered by the GNA was that the incident happened in June this year, but the school only got to know about it over the weekend after the video went viral.

The Agency also learnt that the suspended culprit would write his WASSCE papers in the WAEC Hall in Accra.

The GES has since condemned the assault, describing the act as a barbaric act of violence.

In a statement dated Monday, July 24, the GES expressed concern over the disturbing video and assured the public of its resolve to deal with the matter decisively.

The Housemaster of the Quaye House where the incident happened, Mr Ekow Holman, has also been relieved from his position pending the outcome of the investigations.

GNA
Mr Koku Anyidoho, a former Deputy Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed joy over the new water project for Anyako-Konu, saying it was timely and will help save lives.

He commended Torgbi Tenge Dzokoto Gligui VII, the Paramount Chief of Amugo-Wego Traditional Area and the 'Dufia' of Anyako-Konu, for the great role played in ensuring the people in the area had access to potable drinking water.

Mr Anyidoho gave commendation during the commissioning of a 60,000-litre community water project at Anyako-Konu in the Keta Municipality of the Volta region.

He also commended Vice President Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, for the efforts made for the Anyako community to get a potable drinking water.

Water they say is life. We just give thanks to those who deserve it and move on with life, he said.

Mr Anyidoho urged the beneficiary towns to ensure good maintenance culture to keep the system running at all times.

Torgbi Tenge Dzokoto Gligui VII expressed excitement about the project and commended Dr Bawumia, Mr Emmanuel Gemegah, the Keta Municipal Chief Executive, as well as the chiefs of Anyako for their support.

Let me congratulate my chiefs who made some contributions of over GHS 320,000.00 towards this course, he said.

Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, the Volta Regional Minister, said government remained committed to providing good potable drinking water to the people of Ghana.

Mr Gemegah advised the beneficiaries to do things devoid of politics.

Some community members Ghana News Agency interacted with, appealed to the government, philanthropists, and individuals to assist them with other needs such as good roads, hospitals, and drainage systems.

The water project has since been handed over to the Ghana Water Company for use.

GNA
The President of the Republic, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has appointed Member of Parliament for Tano North, Hon. Freda Prempeh as the new Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources.

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has appointed the Minister of State at the Presidency and Member of Parliament for Tano North, Hon. Freda Prempeh, as the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, parts of a release from the Presidency said on Tuesday, July 25.

She is replacing Ms. Cecilia Abena Dapaah who resigned following the controversy surrounding the $1 million, 300,000, and millions of Ghana cedis stashed at her home and stolen by her house helps.

Madam Dapaah resigned as Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources in a letter to the President on Friday, July 21.

On Saturday, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo accepted the resignation letter and commended her for her work in government.

Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo in consultation with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has also appointed the Member of Parliament for Afigya Sekyere East, Hon. Mavis Nkansah Boadu, as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.

In addition, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and Member of Parliament for Tatale/Sanguli, Hon. Thomas Mbomba has also been appointed as Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways.

Below is a copy of the release from the Presidency.
25.07.2023 LISTEN

Deputy Finance Minister Dr. John Kumah has tackled criticisms of government's Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, indicating that the policy is not a burden on the public purse.

During an interview on Citi FM's Eyewitness News ahead of the 2023 mid-year budget review, Dr. Kumah clarified that the monies allocated to Free SHS are a small fraction of the government's overall expenditure.

Its not true that free SHS is a huge elephant in the room. The allocation for Free SHS in the 2023 budget was GH2.9 billion, and the entire appropriation for the year was GH228 billion.

You cannot tell me that if you are spending GH2.9 billion out of GH228 billion, that is the elephant in the room.

And this is covering over 1.3 million Ghanaian children. The elephant in the room is our debt, the interest payments we made, Dr. Kumah explained.

While acknowledging the importance of managing the country's debt, Dr. Kumah stressed that the impact and benefits of Free SHS are crucial for the vulnerable and the future human resources of Ghana, making it a non-negotiable policy.

He assured the public of the government's commitment to achieving growth despite fiscal constraints, aiming to ease the burden on ordinary citizens.
The Faculty of Public Relations, Advertising and Marketing of the University of Media, Arts and Communications-Ghana Institute of Journalism (FOPAM-UniMAC-GIJ) is set to hold its first-ever PR Measurement and Evaluation Seminar on July 27.

Themed "From Data to Insights: Demonstrating Value through Measurement and Evaluation," the seminar aims to provide participants with a deeper understanding of measurement and evaluation of best practices in public relations and how they drive excellence.

The event boasts an impressive lineup of PR experts offering unique perspectives on the subject matter.

Among the esteemed speakers are Mawuko Afadzinu, President of IPR-Ghana; Professor Isaac Blankson, President of AUCC; Betty Alouch Buyu, PR Manager for Gold Crest Refinery Limited.

Others include Akosua Kwafo Ogyiri, Communications Manager for WaterAid Ghana; Johna Burke, Global AMEC MD; and Professor Daniel Du Plessis from the University of South Africa.

Key discussions will explore the concepts of measurement and evaluation in PR, moving beyond traditional academic approaches to real-world applications and techniques.

The relevance of Advertising Value Equivalencies (AVEs) will also be examined.

Moreover, the seminar will emphasize the importance of measurement and evaluation in proving and driving value in PR campaigns.

As GIJ's premier communications institution, FOPAM is committed to combining academic research and corporate experience to provide students a better education.

Established in 1959, GIJ has grown from a certificate-awarding college into a university granting undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

With guidance from the roster of experienced PR professionals, participants attending the event will gain knowledge that will elevate their careers and shape the future of public relations in Ghana.
Expected in October the go-ahead from the European antitrust for the wedding between the national air carrier ITA Airways and the Lufthansa aviation group. Brussels will evaluate the documentation relating to the acquisition of 40% of the Italian company, now 100% controlled by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), by the Germans. The relaunch of the carrier will then start.

According to the newspaper "Il Corriere della Sera", which cites government sources, the investigation should last a maximum of 25 working days, because the aim is to resolve the critical issues already in recent weeks. According to rumors, France and Holland are putting in place disturbing maneuvers (to delay Brussels' assessment) to protect the interests of Air France and KLM.

The assessment will be carried out by the European Competition Commission, led by Margrethe Vestager, Vice-President of the European Commission. At the moment the offices have not received any notification on the operation, the arrival of which is expected between the end of August and the beginning of September, but the confrontation has been going on for weeks in what is the "pre-notification" phase.
25.07.2023 LISTEN

A former Deputy Minister of Information Felix Kwakye Ofosu has described as outrageous the decision by authorities at Adisadel College to punish the victim of the attack.

It is outrageous for Adisadel College to punish the victim of such a violent attack because he failed to report the incident. He deserves compensation and counseling, not punishment! he tweeted.

A viral video that emerged which showed two students  with one holding tightly the neck of the other and hitting his (victim's) head against the metallic bed frame. Immediately, the victim's face gets swollen.

The video, which has been widely circulated on social media, has ignited public outrage and raised concerns about the safety of students within educational institutions across the country.

In a statement signed by Cassandra Twum Ampofo, Head of the Public Relations Unit, GES expressed deep concern and vehemently condemned the barbaric act committed by the individuals involved.

We commend the school authorities for promptly suspending the alleged perpetrator pending further investigation, the statement read.

The GES deems acts of violence within schools as entirely unacceptable and harmful to students well-being, and it remains steadfast in ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for all students nationwide.

Following the incident, the schools authorities have taken disciplinary action by suspending the alleged culprit pending further inquiries.

-3news.com
The Executive Director of Child Right International, Bright Appiah has criticized the Ghana Education Service (GES) for its handling of the recent bullying incident at Adisadel College.

Mr Appiah expressed concern that the GES does not have the power to unilaterally dismiss the student who was captured assaulting a colleague without following the appropriate legal procedures.

In an interview on Kumasi-based Oyerepa TV, the executive director stated, I dont think dismissing the students should be in the hands of the Ghana Education Service to determine that the students are dismissed."

It is law unless the law certifies that the student is dismissed, he said.

He noted that within the juvenile justice system, there are specific procedures that need to be followed to establish whether the presence of the students in school causes potential threat to others.

He emphasized that the removal of a child from school should not be based on mere administrative processes but should be legally certified to ensure that it is in accordance with the law.

One thing that we should also know is that, within our juvenile justice system, even if a child commits an offense, there are processes of certification to come to the conclusion that the presence of the students in school will pose a threat to other students.

So, the removal of the child is not based on administrative processes, its based on the law of certification."

He continued, If you say the child should go home, it is based on the mere fact that he assaulted another student or its just an exercise you want to put across.

He further raised concerns that dismissing the students without following the legal protocols might infringe on the students' rights.

"The dismissal is wrong on the basis that there are rules that must be followed to aid certification to that effect. Because the truth of the matter is that GES doesn't have the power to ask a child to go home," Bright Appiah asserted.
25.07.2023 LISTEN

The Reverend Professor Paul Frimpong-Manso, the immediate-past General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, has commended Ms Cecilia Abena Dapaah for reporting her housemaids accused of stealing huge sums of money at her residence to the Police.

He said the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources did the right thing by not taking the law into her own hands given the gravity of the alleged theft.

In an exclusive interview with the Ghana News Agency, Rev. Prof. Frimpong-Manso, who is also the Founder of the Frimpong-Manso Institute, urged the public to refrain from condemning Ms Dapaah until the final determination of the matter by the Court and investigative agencies.

This is not the time to destroy and condemn her (Dapaah) when the case is still within the law. Let us wait and see what the Special Prosecutor and the various legal systems will come out with.

But let us also condemn the fact that people should not steal. Nobody is talking about the theft. I will not condemn Cecilia neither will I praise her but at least I will show empathy for her, he said.

Rev. Paul Frimpong-Manso said Ms Dapaah has done one of the best thing by honourably resigning from her position to cooperate with investigative bodies to establish the facts of the case.

We should put human face into things and depoliticise some of these issues, he added.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor on Monday arrested Ms Dapaah over suspected corruption and corruption-related offences.

The arrest was in connection with large amounts of money and other valuable items reportedly stolen from her residence.

The former Minister on Saturday July 22, 2023, resigned from her position following public discourse on an alleged theft that took place in her house, where monies and valuables running into millions of dollars and cedis were stolen.

Ms Dapaah in an earlier press statement said she would soon address issues of inconsistencies over monies allegedly stolen from her home.

Rev. Prof. Frimpong-Manso said it was not advisable for anyone to keep huge sums of money in their homes as doing so could expose them to insecurities, including theft, robbery, adding that the money could be lost in an event of fire outbreak in the home.

He urged the public to endeavour to save their monies at the banks for safe keeping.

When we keep more monies outside the banks, it brings extreme stress on the economy, he said.

Rev. Prof. Frimpong-Manso said issues of ethics and integrity should not be limited to public office holders, but must reflect in the dealings of every Ghanaian irrespective of their positions or status in society.

He said any attempt to use dubious means to gain wealth, abuse people, evade tax, influence decisions at the expense of others or gain undeserving favours, amounted to unethical behaviours that undermined the growth of society.

Ethics is about knowing what is right and doing what is right. It is also about accepting what is wrong and accepting the punishment associated with it, Rev. Prof. Frimpong-Manso said.

GNA
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has warned that it will embark on a series of public manifestations to protest the creeping culture of judicial tyranny if the Judicial Council does not stop harassing Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II.

In a release from the party on Tuesday, July 25, it said it is reliably informed that the Dormaahene is being persecuted by the Judicial Council over some public statements he recently made in his role as a traditional ruler.

This is in relation to reports of the Dormaahene being hauled before a Committee constituted by the Judicial Council and Chaired by the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkonoo over comments he made in respect of the ongoing court case against re-elected Member of Parliament for Assin North, Hon. James Gyakye Quayson.

Speaking at an event organised by the John Evans Atta Mills Heritage in Sunyani, the Dormaahene appealed for the trial of Gyakye Quayson to be discontinued following his re-election.

In its press release, the NDC said it holds the view that the attempt by the Judicial Council to victimize the Dormaahene over the said comments is totally unacceptable.

Like all Chiefs in this country, the revered Dormaahene has a responsibility and right to speak on matters of public interest and to call on duty bearers to act in a manner that ensures societal cohesion and development.

The actions of the Chief Justice and the Judicial Council in this matter constitute a brazen attack on the revered Chieftaincy institution and must be condemned by all lovers of democracy, parts of the NDC release signed by General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey said.

Although the NDC insists that it respects the important role of the Judiciary in Ghanas governance architecture, it argued that the Judiciary must in turn respect the rights of citizens to free speech as guaranteed by the 1992 Constitution which is the supreme law of the land.

The NDC shares the view that the Judiciary cannot seek to elevate themselves above the Constitution and punish chiefs for voicing their concerns on issues of public interest.

As a result, the NDC is demanding the immediate cessation of the hostile posturing as it constitutes injustice.

The NDC hereby calls on the Judicial Council to reconsider its apparent persecution of the Dormaahene. We wish to caution, that should the Judicial Council proceed to harass and victimize the Dormaahene, the NDC will collaborate with other progressive forces and defenders of democracy to embark on a series of public manifestations to protest this creeping culture of judicial tyranny, the NDC release warned.

Below is a copy of the NDC release:

PRESS STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

25TH JULY, 2023.

NDC CONDEMNS HARASSMENT AND VICTIMIZATION OF DORMAAHENE, OSAGYEFO OSEADEEYO AGYEMAN BADU II BY THE AKUFO-ADDO/BAWUMIA GOVERNMENT AND THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been reliably informed that the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area, His Royal Majesty, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II is being persecuted by the Judicial Council over some public statements he recently made in his role as a traditional ruler.

The revered chief who doubles as a Justice of the High Court in Ghanas judiciary and known in private life by the name Justice Daniel Mensah, was recently hauled before a Committee constituted by the Judicial Council and Chaired by the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkonoo over comments he made in respect of the ongoing prosecution of the re-elected Member of Parliament for Assin North, Hon. James Gyakye Quayson.

It would be recalled that at an event organized by the John Evans Atta Mills Heritage in Sunyani few weeks ago, the venerable Dormaahene made a passionate appeal for the country to consider amending the existing legal regime on the ineligibility of dual citizens to be elected as Members of Parliament; a matter of considerable public interest that is the subject of a Bill currently before Parliament.

On the criminal prosecution of the Assin North MP, the revered chief made a mere appeal to the Attorney-General to consider entering a nolle prosequi in light of the overwhelming endorsement and re-election of James Gyakye Quayson by the good people of Assin North in the just-ended by-election.

It should be clear to every objective mind, that the above-stated comment by the Dormaahene did not in any way prejudice any case pending before any Court. Nor did same breach any Code of Conduct of Judges, as the comment related to the exercise of discretion by the Attorney General and not the Court.

The NDC, therefore, holds the view that the attempt by the Judicial Council to victimize the Dormaahene over the said comments is totally unacceptable.

There is no gainsaying the fact that, the harassment and victimization of the revered Dormaahene by the Judicial Council is being done on the expressed direction of President Akufo-Addo and his despotic NPP regime who are hellbent on having the Dormaahene punished over the harmless comment he made on the Gyakye Quayson matter.

Indeed, the NDC views these actions by the Judicial Council as a continuation of the avalanche of coordinated attacks and disparaging remarks that were rained on the person of the Dormaahene by persons within the New Patriotic Party after the revered chief expressed his views.

Notable among these attacks were threats and insulting comments made by the Minister for Trade and Industry, K.T Hammond, the Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu and a leading Member of the General Legal Council, Sam Okudzeto who used unprintable words on the chief and described his comments as senseless.

It must be emphasized, that the Dormaahene made the comments under reference in his capacity as a paramount Chief and for that matter, a custodian and promoter of the culture, peace, unity, stability and development of the country.

Like all Chiefs in this country, the revered Dormaahene has a responsibility and right to speak on matters of public interest and to call on duty bearers to act in a manner that ensures societal cohesion and development.

This is certainly not the first time that a Chief in Ghana has commented on an issue of public interest or made an appeal to the government or a Public Servant to exercise his/her discretion in a particular manner.

The actions of the Chief Justice and the Judicial Council in this matter constitute a brazen attack on the revered Chieftaincy institution and must be condemned by all lovers of democracy.

Also, the latest conduct by the Judicial Council has all but deepened the ever-rising public perception that the Judiciary under President Akufo-Addo has been weaponized to gag perceived critics of government. This has the potential to further erode public confidence in the judiciary if not halted.

All well-meaning Ghanaians are concerned about what appears to be a creeping culture of judicial harassment of innocent citizens which is fast festering under the intolerant Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government.

We, therefore, wish to caution the Judicial Council not to allow itself to be used by the government to re-introduce a culture of silence in Ghana. The Council must guard against the growing perception that they are an institution that is tied to the apron string of the ruling NPP.

While we respect the important role of the Judiciary in our governance architecture, the Judiciary must in turn respect the rights of citizens to free speech as guaranteed by the 1992 Constitution which is the supreme law of the land. The Judiciary cannot seek to elevate themselves above the Constitution and punish chiefs for voicing their concerns on issues public interest.

We also note, that the disciplinary powers of the General Legal Council on which known NPP figures serve, has often been used as a tool to harass Lawyers affiliated to the NDC through frivilous disciplinary hearings. We demand an immediate cessation of this hostile posturing as it constitutes manifest injustice against those affected.

The NDC hereby calls on the Judicial Council to reconsider its apparent persecution of the Dormaahene. We wish to caution, that should the Judicial Council proceed to harass and victimize the Dormaahene, the NDC will collaborate with other progressive forces and defenders of democracy to embark on a series of public manifestations to protest this creeping culture of judicial tyranny.

SIGNED.

Fifi Fiavi Kwetey

General Secretary
25.07.2023 LISTEN

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has admonished the Judicial Council not to allow itself to be used by the government to re-introduce a culture of silence in Ghana.

According to the opposition party, the reported harassment of Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II by the Judicial Council has deepened the perception of weaponisation of the Judiciary to gap critics of the government.

The NDC in a press release on Tuesday, July 25, said it is reliably informed that Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II is being persecuted by the Judicial Council over some public statements he recently made in his role as a traditional ruler.

The revered chief who doubles as a Justice of the High Court in Ghanas judiciary and known in private life by the name Justice Daniel Mensah, was recently hauled before a Committee constituted by the Judicial Council and Chaired by the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkonoo.

This happened after he called on government to discontinue the trial of Assin North Member of Parliament James Gyakye Quayson following his re-election.

For the NDC, the latest conduct by the Judicial Council has all but deepened the ever-rising public perception that the Judiciary under President Akufo-Addo has been weaponized to gag perceived critics of government.

The opposition party is of the view that this has the potential to further erode public confidence in the judiciary if not halted.

We, therefore, wish to caution the Judicial Council not to allow itself to be used by the government to re-introduce a culture of silence in Ghana. The Council must guard against the growing perception that they are an institution that is tied to the apron string of the ruling NPP, the NDC release signed by General Secretary Fifi Fiavo Kwetey said.

The NDC further warns that if the harassment of the Dormaahene does not stop, it will collaborate with other progressive forces and defenders of democracy to embark on a series of public manifestations to protest this creeping culture of judicial tyranny.

Read the full release form the NDC below:

PRESS STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

25TH JULY, 2023.

NDC CONDEMNS HARASSMENT AND VICTIMIZATION OF DORMAAHENE, OSAGYEFO OSEADEEYO AGYEMAN BADU II BY THE AKUFO-ADDO/BAWUMIA GOVERNMENT AND THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been reliably informed that the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area, His Royal Majesty, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II is being persecuted by the Judicial Council over some public statements he recently made in his role as a traditional ruler.

The revered chief who doubles as a Justice of the High Court in Ghanas judiciary and known in private life by the name Justice Daniel Mensah, was recently hauled before a Committee constituted by the Judicial Council and Chaired by the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkonoo over comments he made in respect of the ongoing prosecution of the re-elected Member of Parliament for Assin North, Hon. James Gyakye Quayson.

It would be recalled that at an event organized by the John Evans Atta Mills Heritage in Sunyani few weeks ago, the venerable Dormaahene made a passionate appeal for the country to consider amending the existing legal regime on the ineligibility of dual citizens to be elected as Members of Parliament; a matter of considerable public interest that is the subject of a Bill currently before Parliament.

On the criminal prosecution of the Assin North MP, the revered chief made a mere appeal to the Attorney-General to consider entering a nolle prosequi in light of the overwhelming endorsement and re-election of James Gyakye Quayson by the good people of Assin North in the just-ended by-election.

It should be clear to every objective mind, that the above-stated comment by the Dormaahene did not in any way prejudice any case pending before any Court. Nor did same breach any Code of Conduct of Judges, as the comment related to the exercise of discretion by the Attorney General and not the Court.

The NDC, therefore, holds the view that the attempt by the Judicial Council to victimize the Dormaahene over the said comments is totally unacceptable.

There is no gainsaying the fact that, the harassment and victimization of the revered Dormaahene by the Judicial Council is being done on the expressed direction of President Akufo-Addo and his despotic NPP regime who are hellbent on having the Dormaahene punished over the harmless comment he made on the Gyakye Quayson matter.

Indeed, the NDC views these actions by the Judicial Council as a continuation of the avalanche of coordinated attacks and disparaging remarks that were rained on the person of the Dormaahene by persons within the New Patriotic Party after the revered chief expressed his views.

Notable among these attacks were threats and insulting comments made by the Minister for Trade and Industry, K.T Hammond, the Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu and a leading Member of the General Legal Council, Sam Okudzeto who used unprintable words on the chief and described his comments as senseless.

It must be emphasized, that the Dormaahene made the comments under reference in his capacity as a paramount Chief and for that matter, a custodian and promoter of the culture, peace, unity, stability and development of the country.

Like all Chiefs in this country, the revered Dormaahene has a responsibility and right to speak on matters of public interest and to call on duty bearers to act in a manner that ensures societal cohesion and development.

This is certainly not the first time that a Chief in Ghana has commented on an issue of public interest or made an appeal to the government or a Public Servant to exercise his/her discretion in a particular manner.

The actions of the Chief Justice and the Judicial Council in this matter constitute a brazen attack on the revered Chieftaincy institution and must be condemned by all lovers of democracy.

Also, the latest conduct by the Judicial Council has all but deepened the ever-rising public perception that the Judiciary under President Akufo-Addo has been weaponized to gag perceived critics of government. This has the potential to further erode public confidence in the judiciary if not halted.

All well-meaning Ghanaians are concerned about what appears to be a creeping culture of judicial harassment of innocent citizens which is fast festering under the intolerant Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government.

We, therefore, wish to caution the Judicial Council not to allow itself to be used by the government to re-introduce a culture of silence in Ghana. The Council must guard against the growing perception that they are an institution that is tied to the apron string of the ruling NPP.

While we respect the important role of the Judiciary in our governance architecture, the Judiciary must in turn respect the rights of citizens to free speech as guaranteed by the 1992 Constitution which is the supreme law of the land. The Judiciary cannot seek to elevate themselves above the Constitution and punish chiefs for voicing their concerns on issues public interest.

We also note, that the disciplinary powers of the General Legal Council on which known NPP figures serve, has often been used as a tool to harass Lawyers affiliated to the NDC through frivilous disciplinary hearings. We demand an immediate cessation of this hostile posturing as it constitutes manifest injustice against those affected.

The NDC hereby calls on the Judicial Council to reconsider its apparent persecution of the Dormaahene. We wish to caution, that should the Judicial Council proceed to harass and victimize the Dormaahene, the NDC will collaborate with other progressive forces and defenders of democracy to embark on a series of public manifestations to protest this creeping culture of judicial tyranny.

SIGNED.

Fifi Fiavi Kwetey

General Secretary
The assault incident at Adisadel College has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for appropriate measures to address the issue and prevent such acts in the future.

Reacting to the incident, Peace FMs Broadcaster, Kwami Sefa Kayi and host of "Kokrokoo morning" show has proposed a deterrent sanction for the culprit in the assault.

The viral video showed two students engaged in a fierce fight, with one inflicting serious injuries on the other.

The disturbing footage has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of students in boarding schools.

Kwami Sefa Kayi condemned the barbaric act and called for strict disciplinary action against the student responsible for the assault.

He suggested that the culprit should be taken to the Military Police guardroom for a period of about ten days as a form of corporal punishment.

According to him, such a disciplinary measure would serve as a life-changing experience for the student.

"If you go there for one day, two days, you will be a changed man.

Whatever evil spirit that entered you to misbehave, the spirit itself shall desert you," Sefa Kayi emphasized.

Meanwhile, the Adisadel College administration and the Ghana Education Service are currently investigating the incident and taking appropriate measures to address the situation.
TotalEnergies announced Tuesday it had started drilling wells for oil in Uganda as part of a huge project condemned by environmental and rights groups.

The French oil major and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) signed a $10-billion agreement last year to develop Ugandan oilfields and ship the crude via a 1,445-kilometre (900-mile) pipeline to Tanzania's Indian Ocean port of Tanga.

Drilling began in July "to start production in 2025", TotalEnergies said.

In Kampala, however, the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) said "the drilling of development wells" began on June 28.

Over 400 wells "are expected to be drilled... to produce about 190,000 barrels of oil per day at peak when production starts in 2025," the PAU said in a statement to AFP.

"Three rigs have been lined up for drilling operations," said Alex Nyombi, PAU's director of development and production.

"We currently have one rig up and running... the second rig is undergoing final test and checks... while the third rig components are being assembled and is expected to start operations in October 2023," he said.

"The rigs in Uganda are designed to minimise the environmental footprint by adding sustainable technologies and practices and ensuring responsible resource extraction for future generations," PAU's legal and corporate affairs director, Ali Ssekatawa, said in a separate statement to AFP.

'Greenwashing'

But Friends of the Earth France and Survive said the drilling was underway "in the very heart of the Murchison Falls national park, Uganda's oldest and biggest protected natural space."

"Total continues its greenwashing, trying to convince that its oil wells will not affect the local fauna thanks to the beige colour of the drilling towers 'to look like the surrounding savannah'," the two groups said in a statement.

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline aims to take oil from western Uganda to a port on the Tanzanian coast. By (AFP)

They noted that one third of the 400 wells due to be bored will be within the park.

"While the ravages of climate change are being felt more than ever, Total is going beyond all imaginable limits by starting oil extraction in one of the places with the greatest biodiversity in the world," said Friends of the Earth's Juliette Renaud.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) says the project will have dire consequences for local communities and the environment.

The pipeline is "a disaster for the tens of thousands who have lost the land that provided food for their families and an income to send their children to school, and who received too little compensation from TotalEnergies," HRW said.

The company said it had offered fair compensation and would "continue to pay close attention to respecting the rights" of the communities concerned.
Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, an aspiring flagbearer for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), has touted his experience in politics.

He stated that as a veteran in politics, he can discern between genuine and fake cheers from delegates and electorates.

In a tweet on Tuesday, July 25, Mr Agyapong said election results are what show whether voters accepted a candidate's results or not.

"I'm a veteran politician. I've been in politics for 35 years. The mere fact that you come and they hail you doesn't mean they are going to vote for you. So the D-Day will show If indeed they accepted your message or not, he said.

"Sometimes you can also tell from their faces that they are genuine and, of course, anybody, any reasonable person who wants to better his life will definitely take my message and vote for me," he added.

The race to become the NPP's presidential candidate intensifies as Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, Alan Kwadwo Kyeremateng and others join the outspoken politician to vie for the position.

The NPP plans to break the 8-year governance jinx by winning the 2024 elections.

Its flagbearer will be selected in a national congress on November 4, 2023.

Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, is positioning himself as an experienced politician who can discern genuine support from mere flattery.

With decades in Ghanaian politics, as he noted in his post, he believes he has the wiliness to lead the NPP to victory.
25.07.2023 LISTEN

My birthplace was Damongo in the Savannah Region with my subsequent upbringing occurring in various towns and villages within the Northern region, Upper east, and the Upper West. During my formative years spent in these areas, I observed that the shea tree possesses a unique characteristic of spontaneous growth and germination, without requiring intentional cultivation. The hunt for shea fruits was a thrilling escapade for each adolescent male in Northern Ghana. In Chinua Achebe's novel "Things Fall Apart," he posited you can tell a ripe corn by its look. However, this principle does not hold true when it comes to shea fruits. Regardless of their ripeness, shea fruits exhibit a green appearance. The botanical name of the shea tree is Vitellaria paradoxa.

The reproductive structures produced by this tree are known as shea fruits, while the seeds contained within these fruits are referred to as shea nuts. Through the extraction and refinement of the crushed shea nuts, a substance known as shea butter is obtained. The economic significance and health benefits of shea butter are widely recognised and extensively documented in numerous scholarly articles and publications.

This article aims to underscore the significance of shea tree cultivation in mitigating the impacts of climate change. Northern Ghana is susceptible to the impacts of climate change. The temperature in this region can reach a maximum range of 32 to 45 degrees. Rainfall occurs only once a year and even then, it is not consistently reliable. Additionally, the desert is rapidly encroaching upon our surroundings. The environmental changes can be attributed to human actions. During my recent visit to my village, I noticed a complete absence of shea trees, this is primarily due to deforestation for the purpose of charcoal production, as well as other human activities such as bush burning, human settlement, and farming. These activities have significantly contributed to the vulnerability of the north to climate change

Women carrying shea nuts, photo credit by Global Shea Alliance

Through the fortuitous intervention of natural forces, we have been bestowed with resources that can assist us in mitigating the profound consequences of climate change. One example of such a resource provided by nature is the shea tree. Hence, it is imperative for all individuals who are concerned about climate change to promote the planting of additional shea trees as a means to alleviate the impacts of climate change. What are the unique attributes of the shea tree that make it a valuable asset in combating climate change? The shea tree, has been globally recognised as a valuable resource towards the mitigation of climate change. The unique attributes of the shea tree contribute significantly to environmental conservation and sustainable development. Now let's talk about the role of the shea tree in combating climate change in Northern Ghana. Some of the reasons why the planting of the shea tree in crucial to the climate conversation are:

Drought resistance, Soil protection and erosion control

In the first place, the shea trees exhibit a high degree of adaptability to arid and semi-arid environments, rendering them remarkably resilient to drought and fluctuations in climate conditions. The capacity to endure water scarcity is of utmost importance in areas that are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, where water resources are constrained. The profound root systems of shea trees contribute to the stabilisation of soil, thereby mitigating erosion and averting land degradation. This holds significant importance in areas that are experiencing desertification and soil erosion as a result of climate change. Shea tree habitats frequently facilitate the development of diverse ecosystems, offering a safe haven and nourishment for a wide range of plant and animal species. The preservation of shea tree populations plays a crucial role in safeguarding biodiversity, thereby promoting the conservation of both flora and fauna.

A typical shea tree in Northern Ghana

Reforestation, afforestation economic benefits

In the second place, it is worthy to note that the shea tree can be resilient to climate change because of its reforestation and afforestation nature. The resilience and economic significance of the shea tree holds immense importance and can serve as a pivotal component in endeavours aimed at restoring and establishing forested areas. The shea tree possesses significant potential for reforestation and afforestation initiatives owing to its robustness and economic significance. The act of planting shea trees holds the potential to facilitate the restoration of landscapes that have undergone degradation, while concurrently fostering the

Some harvested shea fruits

adoption of land-use practises that are ecologically sustainable. Shea nuts, derived from the indigenous shea tree are highly significant for numerous communities in Northern Ghana.

The cultivation and sustainable harvesting of shea nuts provide a valuable source of income for the local populations thereby fostering socio-economic development and alleviating the burden on other ecosystems for livelihood. Shea butter, derived from the nuts, is a highly versatile and valuable non-timber forest product, it is used in various industries, including cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals, among others. The production of shea butter offers a viable alternative for generating income and can help mitigate dependence on activities that potentially contribute to deforestation.

Community involvement and the GSA Parkland

The cultivation and management of shea trees are frequently undertaken by local communities, thereby promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the trees and the surrounding ecosystem. The involvement of communities in the adoption of sustainable practises plays a crucial role in safeguarding the long-term sustainability of shea tree populations. It is under this auspice that the Global Shea Alliance as part of activities to celebrate the shea month decided to work with stakeholders across the shea value chain, including women collectors, processors, and traders, to improve livelihoods and ensure environmental conservation through the promotion of the Shea Parklands. This they do by sowing 10 million trees and protect 4 million hectares of parklands.

These parklands are vital ecosystems that provide economic opportunities for local communities through sustainable shea nut collection and processing, while also serving as essential habitats for biodiversity conservation.

Conclusion

The population of shea trees has been threatened due to the detrimental effects of overharvesting and deforestation. The efforts of the GSA primarily revolve around the implementation of parkland agroforestry systems, which involve the integration of shea trees into both farmlands and protected areas. This approach aims to facilitate the sustainable growth of shea trees while also offering farmers supplementary sources of income. The GSA actively facilitates the cultivation of shea trees within parklands, thereby endorsing the conservation of biodiversity, empowering local communities, and contributing to the safeguarding of traditional knowledge and practices associated with shea production.

The advocacy efforts of the Global Shea Alliance in promoting the cultivation of shea trees within parklands have significant and wide-ranging advantages for both the communities in West Africa and the surrounding environment. The GSA's endeavours encompass the promotion of sustainable growth of shea trees, preservation of biodiversity, and facilitation of economic opportunities for local farmers and producers.

By: Azure Imoro Abdulai

Development Communication Specialist

[email protected]
Ghana's Parliament has passed the Criminal Offences Amendment Act, 2022 which seeks to replace the death penalty with a life sentence.

In Ghana, the death penalty is imposed after a conviction for murder, attempt to commit murder, genocide, or piracy and smuggling of gold or diamond.

However, some human rights activists have argued that the death penalty is too final and irreversible, thereby demanding a replacement with a life sentence.

Passing the bill, Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, said, The Criminal Offences Amendment Act, 2022 is duly read the third time and duly passed.

The Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin says the passage of the bill calls for celebration as a country.

Although the death penalty was inherited from the colonial administration as a punishment for murder, attempted murder, genocide, piracy, and smuggling of gold or diamonds, successive presidents of Ghana have not signed a death warrant for the execution of offenders since 1993.
AMSTERDAMToday, interactive sex-tech company Kiiroo launched its first non-anatomical stroker, FeelSensation. The FeelSensation stroker is the newest stroker from Kiiroo compatible with the company's flagship masturbator, Keon, as well as its latest interactive release, the PowerBlow suction device.

The FeelSensation stroker comes in black, body-safe realistic feeling material and features a non-anatomical and non-gendered entrance, in addition to a beaded tunnel for maximum stimulation.

When paired with Keon, users can experience thrusting up-down motions that mimic penetration. When paired with PowerBlow, users can experience suction providing users with a blowjob-like feeling.

FeelSensation by Kiiroo is available online now for $69. The combo set with PowerBlow and FeelSensation stroker is available for $119. When purchased with Keon, the combo set costs $249.

For more information, visit kiiroo.com.
Introduction:

The ancient African proverb, He who does not cultivate his field will die of hunger, holds a profound relevance in todays context, particularly for Africa. The proverb paints a vivid picture of Africas untapped agricultural potential. Despite being the home of over 1.3 billion people, where agriculture forms the backbone of the economy, providing employment to over 60% of the population and accounting for 20% of the continents GDP, this crucial sector is still underexplored and underutilized. Africa, rich with abundant arable land and a growing workforce, paradoxically grapples with high dependence on food imports and a startling youth unemployment rate. This unveils a conundrum: although the continent boasts of an agricultural sector that could theoretically reach an estimated $1 trillion by 2030 through the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural products, the reality remains starkly contrasting.

More than half the population in Sub-Saharan Africa are smallholder farmers, making the sector a pivotal driver for economic and social change. However, the true potential of this sector is yet to be fully realized, presenting a compelling case for exploration and transformation. In this article, we venture into the current landscape of African agriculture, illuminating the issues of food import dependency, the utilization of arable land, and youth unemployment. Further, we propose immediate and long-term solutions that can unlock the immense agricultural opportunities lying dormant in Africas soil, aiming to transform this sector into a thriving economic growth and development powerhouse.

Current State of Agriculture:

Abundant Arable Land: Africa, the worlds second-largest continent, holds an agricultural promise like no other, with nearly 60% of the worlds uncultivated arable land. This vast expanse of fertile land presents an unrivalled opportunity for the continent to significantly boost its agricultural output, alleviate food security concerns, and drive economic prosperity. Yet, this vastness lies dormant, underutilized due to various constraints. For instance, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a mere 10% of 80 million hectares of cultivable land is currently under cultivation. The story is similar across various African countries exemplifying the paradox of abundant arable land yet unmet food demand and unrealized economic potential. Unlocking the full potential of Africas arable land is a complex endeavor requiring concerted efforts from multiple stakeholders. It necessitates strategic land reforms, increased investment in agri-infrastructure, and a commitment to capacity-building for farmers. The underutilization of Africas abundant arable land is not just a missed opportunity but also a challenge to its food security and economic growth. Transforming this latent resource into a dynamic driver of development is an imperative that calls for action from all stakeholders.

Import Dependency and Food Security: Africa, rich in fertile land and promising agricultural opportunities, still struggles to feed its burgeoning population. Despite its vast potential, the continent leans heavily on imports from countries like Russia, Ukraine, China, and Thailand to meet its food needs, spending billions of dollars annually. According to a Feed Africa Report by the African Development Bank Group, Africa spends nearly $65 billion on food imports alone and may spend even more in subsequent and forthcoming years. Today, over 50 million people in Africa require emergency food aid each year, making it the continent most reliant on food aid. In 2021 alone, about 278 million Africans faced hunger. This number has risen, with 346 million people now affected by a food crisis, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the African Union (AU). Take Nigeria, for example. Despite its potential to produce large amounts of wheat, it spends over $1.5 billion yearly on wheat imports. This reflects the underutilization of Africas agricultural resources and import overdependence.

Security Challenges: The security crisis in Africa is a significant obstacle to the growth and stability of the agricultural sector. Burkina Faso, a leading of cotton and sorghum, is an example of how rising violence, including terrorism and inter-communal conflict, is forcing farmers to abandon their fields and discouraging much-needed investment in agriculture. Thousands of farmers have fled their lands in Burkina Faso due to frequent violent attacks, leading to a steep drop in crop production, weakening the economy, and threatening food security. This mass exodus significantly impacts the countrys workforce, as agriculture employs most of the population. The security challenges facing the agricultural sector in Africa necessitate urgent action from governments and international bodies to secure a peaceful environment for agricultural activities to thrive.

Youth Unemployment Crisis: One of the most pressing challenges facing Africa today is the high rate of youth unemployment. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), Africas youth unemployment rate is around 12.7%, with isolated cases of 40  50%. Of Africas nearly 420 million (which is expected to double to over 830 million by 2050) youth aged 15  35, one-third are unemployed and discouraged, another one-third are vulnerably employed, and only one in six is in wage employment. More frightening is almost 263 million young people will lack an economic state in the system by 2025. These are contained in a Jobs for Youth in Africa Report by the African Development Bank Group.

Ghana, the gateway to West Africa, is an interesting case study. Despite the strong performance of the Ghanaian economy in the past decade, job creation and improvements in employment conditions have not kept pace, particularly for the growing youth population. With agriculture accounting for approximately 20% of its GDP, Ghana grapples with a youth unemployment rate of about 12%.

The rising rate of youth unemployment in Africa demands urgent attention. The problem is not just unemployment but underemployment, the combined effects of which pose major security threats. Agriculture has the potential to serve as a catalyst for job creation, rural development, and poverty reduction. Regrettably, farming is often associated with a negative perception - seen as a symbol of poverty rather than an opportunity for wealth creation. Coupled with this, limited access to capital, inadequate training opportunities, and insufficient governmental commitment have contributed to agricultures underutilization as a generator of employment. The Jobs for Youth in Africa Report projects industrialization and ICT to create 14 million and 2 million jobs in the next 10 and 5 years. Agriculture has the potential to create 41 million jobs over the next decade.

Short-term Solutions:

 Investment in agricultural infrastructure: Governments and their foreign donors should prioritize the development of rural infrastructure, including roads, irrigation systems, and storage facilities. This will enhance farmers access to markets and reduce post-harvest losses. Helping build efficient cooperatives, providing mutual support, knowledge sharing, and pooling production and marketing resources can also contribute to productivity gains.

 Access to finance and credit: Governments should establish agricultural financing mechanisms tailored to the needs of smallholder farmers. This includes microcredit programs, agricultural insurance schemes, and improved access to savings and loan facilities.

 Entrepreneurship and vocational training: Encouraging entrepreneurship and providing vocational training for young people in agricultural practices, agribusiness management, and modern farming techniques will help attract more youth to the sector and equip them with the necessary skills for success. Also, the continent can replicate and scale up South Africas initiative that offers work placements, basic monthly wages and training in farming and its related skills to the youth.

Investment in Security: Governments must prioritize law enforcement and invest in security, especially in farming zones, to ensure farmers carry out their activities safely. Other ways to do this include supporting community-based security initiatives and mediating local conflicts. It is only when farmers and workers of agricultural-related factories feel safe and investors are confident their investments will not be stifled by unforeseen security crises that they can make significant investments into the continents agricultural sector.

Long-term Solutions:

 Technological innovation and research: Investing in research and development of agricultural technologies and mechanization, such as precision farming, drone technology, irrigation systems, and climate-resilient crops or creating seeds suited for the local environment, will boost productivity and sustainability in African agriculture.

 Policy reforms: Rather than creating shallow and selfish policies to score short-term political points, governments should implement favourable agricultural policies, including land tenure reforms, agricultural subsidies, and incentives for agribusiness investments. Import duties or taxes on agricultural machinery, fertilizers, chemicals and seedlings should be significantly reduced or scraped off completely.

Africas food import is estimated to reach $110 billion by 2025. Governments should, therefore, not only intentionally limit the importation of certain stable foods and poultry products and strategically increase local production instead, but they should create a system to boost the exportation of targeted food products. These policies will create an enabling environment for private sector participation and attract domestic and foreign investments in the agricultural sector. The African Continental Free Trade Area presents another perfect opportunity to the continent to promote intra trading activities in the agricultural sector, creating larger markets for African farmers and agribusinesses.

 Education and awareness: Because of the negative stereotype associated with farming especially, enhancing education programs to incorporate agriculture-related subjects and promoting awareness campaigns about the potential benefits and opportunities in the agricultural sector will help change societal perceptions and encourage more young people to pursue agriculture as a viable career path.

Conclusion: Agriculture holds immense potential to drive economic growth, food security, and employment opportunities in Africa. The continent can transform this neglected goldmine into a thriving sector by addressing the challenges of import dependency, underutilized arable land, and high youth unemployment. With strategic investments, supportive policies, and targeted interventions, Africa can harness its agricultural resources, empower its youth, and pave the way for sustainable development and prosperity.

Agriculture is not only the future of Africa  it presents an opportunity for wealth creation and total independence of the continent and creates a roadmap to development, employment, as well as empowerment of the youth. The time to prioritize agriculture is now.

CADMA

(Centre for Agribusiness Development and Mechanisation in Africa)

Email: [email protected]

Ghana
Bizarre incidents that can only take place in Ghana continue to occur to amuse, surprise or annoy us  depending on where we have decided to pitch our socio-political tent.

The ink had hardly dried on my narration of the goat- prohibition edict at Berekum when I read on the Internet that there had been an actual court case about. -- a decision by some of the king-makers' in a traditional area, to deny a left-handed man (known as leftee) a traditional position to which he aspired.

According to his opponents, local custom prevented left-handed persons from occupying the position that leftee sought to occupy.

Youve guessed right  yes, acquisition of property was involved. For theres hardly astool or skin in Ghana which does not come with a good deal of property  usually land. So the materialistic society we have become ensures that chieftaincy too should be the source of hundreds, or even thousands of court cases, some of which are argued on the basis of alleged customs and traditions that mock common sense. They put judges in a difficult position. For instance, if our customs and traditions can sometimes betray a belief in 'superstition", can the same not be said of some of the beliefs held dear by the religions imported here?

Indeed, bizarre as the belief that a leftee was bad news for the locality concerned and that his candidacy should be the subject of a court case was as nothing compared to a case which never made it to court (as far as I know) but which was quite sensationally canvassed on what, at the time was known as radio trottoir [rumour mill].

In that instance, a candidate for a big chiefly position (it was alleged) was not qualified to sit on the stool he sought, because he had circumcised his male organ as a youth (an abomination to the customs of the Akan area where he wanted to be a chief).

Radio trottoir further reported that upon realising that he might lose the stool, the candidate travelled all the way to Hollywood, (in the United States) where he had a new foreskin grafted to his male organ by an expert plastic surgeon!

So, when the old women of his royal family went to inspect the said organ (as the guys opponents had insisted should be done, in accordance with custom) they returned with a verdict that he wasnt a circumcised man and that his foreskin was intact! I swear that whenever I am reminded of this story, I cannot help but wonder how the old ladies established the genuineness of the allegedly grafted foreskin. Did they -- oh all right. Let us speculate and leave it at that!

Now, were such an issue t arise in our current dispensation, would it be brought to the desk of the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs; Mr Asamoah Boateng? How would he adjudicate the matter? I wouldn't be surprised if a policy decision became necessary, because, as the ``Berekum goat-prohibition brouhaha illustrates, conflict between our customs and traditions (on the one hand) and the constitutional niceties that underlie the "modern" legal system we have inherited from our erstwhile colonial masters (on the other) is only to be expected.

I would, however, advise Hon. Mr Asamoah-Boateng to pay less attention to such abstruse legal controversies, as they sprout snd vanish like mushrooms. What he should worry about is what his children and grands-children will think of him when they read, in the near future, that he could have made a valuable contribution to prevent the existential threat posed to our society  especially to our (then) unborn progeny  by galamsey.

Now, in theory, no galamsey operation can take place on any land, or in the vicinity of any water-body, without the approval of the local farmers and the chief of the area.

But (of course) no chief would admit that he had given his approval to such a venture. The reason is that a noxious socio-political background is behind all galamsey operations.

Most people believe -- and with good reason -- that even if a particular chief were to be disinclined to offer such an approval to galamsey operations, there is so much SUBTERRANEAN money and political influence behind the galamsey operations that almost any chief would, if approached, succumb to the combined financial and political pressure deployed to back the proposal.

Important party officials have been exposed by TV reporters, as and when their agents have made forays into forest reserves to mine illegally for gold. Shocking scenes exist on Youtube in which uniformed soldiers (who are supposed only to take instructions from the Government of the day) are seen assaulting reporters who had chanced upon the soldiers as they protected a galamsey operation on a very important river.

The President of the country had pledged to place his presidency on the line, rather than see galamsey continue. Yet there, in broad daylight, was evidence that galamsey had not only continued unabated, but was being actually protected by soldiers who had been commandeered by a man who seemed to wield great influence in the ruling party.

The evidence showed clearly that a forest reserve had been ravaged by galamsey activities. A very big river was being actively destroyed, with changfans stationed on its surface. Part of the river's course had been dammed and diverted. This modus operandi operates on most of the life-giving rivers in Ghana, including Tano, Ankobra, Offin, Oti,Densu, Birem and [more recently] the Black Volta. It's as if a spell has been cast on the members of our Government, some of whom continue to prattle about how they mean well but that the galamseyers are using PROSPECTING LICENCES FOR MINING PURPOSES.

Others pretend that they do not know that and that so-called 'community mining' projects tend to get monopolised by local officials of the ruling party.

What is to be done? I think there is still hope, but to realise that hope, a new Local Government Bill, jointly drafted by the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, should be presented to Parliament, aimed at eliminating galamsey.

The Bill's initial objective would be to institutionalise THE REVIVAL OF THE ASAFO GROUP, OR ITS EQUIVALENT IN EVERY AREA IN GHANA THAT CLAIMS TO HAVE A CHIEF. The `Asafo is our indigenous way of safeguarding the public welfare, without resorting to vigilantism or anarchy. A good example of how a disciplined Asafo is organised, can be seen from the Dentsefo and Tuafo Asafos that make the Winneba deer-catching festival such a spectacular occasion once a year.

The Chief and his Asafo shall have the power to EVICT ANY GALAMSEY OPERATION THAT THEY FIND IN THEIR AREA. Such evictions shall occur in consultation with the local police, where the police are found to be co-operative and can be trusted. Where the police are known to be so corrupt that they cannot be trusted with information regarding anti-galamsey operations, a report of why this is so would have to be sent to the Minister of the Interior, copied to the presidency, in explanation of why a galamsey operation had been evicted from the area, without the participation of the Police.

The Bill shall be debated in public by Parliament and during the period it is under consideration, the media shall be encouraged to publicise and discuss its provisions widely. The Government, I have no doubt, would be surprised at how the so-called party members with their ears to the ground would be shown up by such an active democratic discourse.

Through such public education and exposure of hypocrisy and double-dealing, a consensus will gradually emerge that will convey the message painfully to the galamsey kingpins that if they do not cease their activities forthwith, the entire country would be mobilised against them and that they could suffer terribly.

Above all, democracy would come to have an organic meaning for the bulk of our people, instead of serving the interests of only by politicians and media practitioners.

Surely, it is time our people got to know that no power can resist the efforts of a populace that is determined to save itself from the machinations of a ruthless, selfish cabal of galamseyers that has subverted the people's votes and shown by deeds that it does not want the Nation to achieve the welfare, without which the people cannot survive.
Parliament on Tuesday, July 25, passed the Criminal Offenses Amendment Bill 2022 into law.

The Bill sponsored and taken to Parliament by Madina MP Francis-Xavier Xosu as the proponent sought to substitute the death penalty with life imprisonment.

Following a voice vote in Parliament today, the Bill has been duly passed by the House.

Honorable members, the Criminal Offenses Amendment Bill 2022 is duly read the third time and passed, Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin declared after the voice vote.

Speaking to Citi News on the passage of the Criminal Offenses Amendment Bill 2022, Madina MP Francis-Xavier Sosu noted that it is a big win for the country as Ghana joins over 25 African countries that have also abolished the death penalty.

There have been very sound arguments in support of the abolishing and not only are those arguments sound, but those arguments are also research-basedIts difficult to endorse the death penalty when you know you could make a mistake

Today Parliament did the needful and made Ghana proud in the committee of nations. This means Ghana is about the 28th African country to have abolished death penalty. So I think this is a good thing for Ghana, Lawyer Francis-Xavier Sosu said.

On his part, Mr. Harry Lawson Kwaku Agbanu who is a Religious Lecturer at the University of Ghana said he is somewhat disappointed that the Bill has been passed.

According to him, this could pave the way for more criminal activities in the country.

Im not entirely disappointed but all I know is that it will seem as though the floodgates have been opened for violent criminal activities by some members of our society.

That is unfortunate and Im just praying that the opportunity is not being created for people to take the law into their own hands by engaging in these mob actions, Mr. Harry Lawson Kwaku Agbanu argued.

Following the passage of the Criminal Offenses Amendment Bill 2022, Ghana has become one of 128 countries in the world where the death penalty has been abolished.
Redmond Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in FedEx Co. (NYSE:FDX  Free Report) in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor acquired 1,068 shares of the shipping service providers stock, valued at approximately $244,000.

Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in FDX. Allworth Financial LP raised its position in FedEx by 0.9% during the 1st quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 5,236 shares of the shipping service providers stock valued at $1,196,000 after purchasing an additional 45 shares during the last quarter. Ferguson Wellman Capital Management Inc. raised its position in FedEx by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Ferguson Wellman Capital Management Inc. now owns 4,098 shares of the shipping service providers stock valued at $936,000 after purchasing an additional 46 shares during the last quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. raised its position in FedEx by 4.3% during the 1st quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 1,105 shares of the shipping service providers stock valued at $252,000 after purchasing an additional 46 shares during the last quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. raised its position in FedEx by 0.3% during the 4th quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. now owns 16,651 shares of the shipping service providers stock valued at $2,903,000 after purchasing an additional 47 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Laraway Financial Advisors Inc raised its position in shares of FedEx by 2.0% in the 1st quarter. Laraway Financial Advisors Inc now owns 2,490 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $575,000 after acquiring an additional 50 shares in the last quarter. 73.39% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

FDX has been the subject of several research reports. Stephens reissued an overweight rating and issued a $290.00 target price on shares of FedEx in a research report on Thursday, April 6th. Evercore ISI decreased their target price on FedEx from $282.00 to $275.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 21st. BMO Capital Markets increased their target price on FedEx from $235.00 to $260.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 6th. Raymond James reduced their price objective on FedEx from $285.00 to $280.00 in a research report on Friday, June 16th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group reduced their price objective on FedEx from $273.00 to $265.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 21st. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have issued 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 $245.11.

FedEx Trading Down 0.3 %

FedEx stock opened at $258.77 on Tuesday. FedEx Co. has a 12-month low of $141.92 and a 12-month high of $265.60. The firm has a market capitalization of $65.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.69, a P/E/G ratio of 1.25 and a beta of 1.35. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $237.65 and a 200 day moving average of $221.23. The company has a current ratio of 1.37, a quick ratio of 1.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78.

FedEx (NYSE:FDX  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, June 20th. The shipping service provider reported $4.94 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.85 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $21.93 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $22.55 billion. FedEx had a net margin of 4.41% and a return on equity of 15.32%. The companys revenue was down 10.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $6.87 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that FedEx Co. will post 17.29 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Activity

In related news, EVP Robert B. Carter sold 19,270 shares of FedEx stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $246.00, for a total transaction of $4,740,420.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 58,875 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,483,250. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Robert B. Carter sold 19,270 shares of FedEx stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $246.00, for a total transaction of $4,740,420.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 58,875 shares in the company, valued at $14,483,250. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, VP Jennifer L. Johnson sold 10,801 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $238.61, for a total transaction of $2,577,226.61. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 3,196 shares in the company, valued at approximately $762,597.56. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 35,816 shares of company stock worth $8,822,147 over the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 8.62% of the companys stock.

FedEx Company Profile

(Free Report)

FedEx Corporation provides transportation, e-commerce, and business services in the United States and internationally. It operates through FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, and FedEx Services segments. The FedEx Express segment offers express transportation, small-package ground delivery, and freight transportation services; and time-critical transportation services.

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Abcam (OTCMKTS:ABCZF  Get Free Report) is one of 373 public companies in the Biotechnology industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its rivals? We will compare Abcam to similar companies based on the strength of its risk, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, profitability, valuation, earnings and dividends.

Profitability

This table compares Abcam and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Abcam N/A N/A N/A Abcam Competitors -10,466.84% -239.69% -19.18%

Dividends

Abcam pays an annual dividend of C$0.07 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.3%. Abcam pays out 42.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Biotechnology companies pay a dividend yield of 2.6% and pay out 10,824.3% of their earnings in the form of a dividend.

Analyst Recommendations

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Abcam 0 0 0 0 N/A Abcam Competitors 439 1439 3858 34 2.60

This is a breakdown of current recommendations and price targets for Abcam and its rivals, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

As a group, Biotechnology companies have a potential upside of 84.15%. Given Abcams rivals higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Abcam has less favorable growth aspects than its rivals.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Abcam and its rivals top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Abcam N/A N/A 135.14 Abcam Competitors $121.32 million -$1.97 million 25.11

Abcams rivals have higher revenue, but lower earnings than Abcam. Abcam is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

43.6% of Abcam shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 23.5% of shares of all Biotechnology companies are held by institutional investors. 25.7% of shares of all Biotechnology companies are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Summary

Abcam beats its rivals on 6 of the 10 factors compared.

Abcam Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Abcam plc, a life science company, focuses on identifying, developing, and distributing reagents and tools for scientific research, diagnostics, and drug discovery. The company's principal products include primary and secondary antibodies; conjugated antibodies and conjugation kits; singleplex immunoassays; proteins and peptides that include cytokines; edited cell lines and lysates; and various other products, including cellular activity kits, biochemicals, and cell signaling pathway tools. It serves scientists and researchers in academic institutions and research institutes, as well as in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and diagnostics companies. The company has operations in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China, Japan, and rest of the Asia Pacific. It sells its products online. The company was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom.

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Alliance Wealth Advisors LLC UT bought a new position in shares of Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE:D  Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund bought 4,197 shares of the utilities providers stock, valued at approximately $235,000.

Several other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Nations Financial Group Inc. IA ADV grew its holdings in Dominion Energy by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Nations Financial Group Inc. IA ADV now owns 10,630 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $903,000 after buying an additional 128 shares during the last quarter. Golden State Equity Partners grew its holdings in Dominion Energy by 1.7% in the 1st quarter. Golden State Equity Partners now owns 7,635 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $649,000 after buying an additional 129 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd grew its holdings in Dominion Energy by 49.8% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 394 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 131 shares during the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Dominion Energy by 0.3% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 40,479 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $3,440,000 after purchasing an additional 132 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ergoteles LLC grew its holdings in shares of Dominion Energy by 3.2% during the 1st quarter. Ergoteles LLC now owns 4,719 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $401,000 after purchasing an additional 146 shares in the last quarter. 69.58% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Dominion Energy Trading Up 0.2 %

D stock opened at $53.89 on Tuesday. The business has a fifty day moving average of $52.12 and a 200-day moving average of $55.87. The company has a market cap of $45.04 billion, a P/E ratio of 37.68, a PEG ratio of 0.75 and a beta of 0.45. The company has a quick ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 0.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.50. Dominion Energy, Inc. has a twelve month low of $48.47 and a twelve month high of $86.28.

Dominion Energy Dividend Announcement

Dominion Energy ( NYSE:D Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Friday, May 5th. The utilities provider reported $0.99 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.98 by $0.01. Dominion Energy had a return on equity of 12.67% and a net margin of 7.05%. The firm had revenue of $5.25 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.46 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.18 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 22.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Dominion Energy, Inc. will post 3.59 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 2nd were given a dividend of $0.6675 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 1st. This represents a $2.67 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.95%. Dominion Energys dividend payout ratio is currently 186.71%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts have recently weighed in on D shares. Guggenheim decreased their price objective on Dominion Energy from $63.00 to $60.00 in a report on Friday, July 7th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price objective on Dominion Energy from $59.00 to $58.00 in a report on Tuesday, July 11th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on Dominion Energy from $61.00 to $55.00 in a research note on Monday, July 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on Dominion Energy from $63.00 to $55.00 in a research note on Friday, June 9th. Finally, 51job reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of Dominion Energy in a research note on Friday, June 9th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have assigned a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $57.70.

Insider Buying and Selling at Dominion Energy

In other Dominion Energy news, COO Diane Leopold sold 6,250 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $49.16, for a total value of $307,250.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 100,115 shares in the company, valued at $4,921,653.40. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.15% of the companys stock.

About Dominion Energy

(Free Report)

Dominion Energy, Inc produces and distributes energy in the United States. It operates through four segments: Dominion Energy Virginia, Gas Distribution, Dominion Energy South Carolina, and Contracted Assets. The Dominion Energy Virginia segment generates, transmits, and distributes regulated electricity to approximately 2.7 million residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental customers in Virginia and North Carolina.

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Tillys (NYSE:TLYS  Get Free Report) and NEXT (OTCMKTS:NXGPF  Get Free Report) are both retail/wholesale companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, institutional ownership, risk, dividends, analyst recommendations, earnings and valuation.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current ratings and target prices for Tillys and NEXT, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Tillys 0 2 2 0 2.50 NEXT 2 3 3 0 2.13

Tillys currently has a consensus target price of $9.00, indicating a potential upside of 13.64%. NEXT has a consensus target price of $6,791.67, indicating a potential upside of 7,975.70%. Given NEXTs higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe NEXT is more favorable than Tillys.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Tillys -0.41% -1.56% -0.55% NEXT N/A N/A N/A

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Tillys and NEXTs net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

This table compares Tillys and NEXTs revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Tillys $672.28 million 0.35 $9.68 million ($0.09) -87.99 NEXT N/A N/A N/A $3.87 21.71

Tillys has higher revenue and earnings than NEXT. Tillys is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than NEXT, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

86.9% of Tillys shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 47.2% of NEXT shares are held by institutional investors. 28.0% of Tillys shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Summary

NEXT beats Tillys on 6 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Tillys

(Get Free Report)

Tilly's, Inc. operates as a specialty retailer of casual apparel, footwear, accessories, and hardgoods for young men and women, and boys and girls in the United States. Its apparel merchandise includes tops, outerwear, bottoms, swim, and dresses; and accessories merchandise comprises backpacks, hydration bottles, hats, sunglasses, small electronics and accessories, handbags, watches, jewelry, and others, as well as hardgoods consists of skateboards, longboards, and related equipment for skateboarding, snowboarding, and surfing. The company also provides third-party merchandise assortment across its various product categories. The company also sells its merchandise through its e-commerce website, tillys.com. Tilly's, Inc. was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Irvine, California.

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.

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Angang Steel (OTCMKTS:ANGGF  Get Free Report) and Ternium (NYSE:TX  Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their risk, dividends, earnings, profitability, valuation, institutional ownership and analyst recommendations.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Angang Steel and Terniums gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Angang Steel N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Ternium $16.41 billion 0.53 $1.77 billion $6.96 6.35

Ternium has higher revenue and earnings than Angang Steel.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

Profitability

4.3% of Angang Steel shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.0% of Ternium shares are owned 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.

This table compares Angang Steel and Terniums net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Angang Steel N/A N/A N/A Ternium 8.68% 9.84% 7.74%

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for Angang Steel and Ternium, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Angang Steel 0 1 0 0 2.00 Ternium 0 3 4 0 2.57

Ternium has a consensus price target of $47.14, suggesting a potential upside of 6.61%. Given Terniums stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Ternium is more favorable than Angang Steel.

Summary

Ternium beats Angang Steel on 8 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Angang Steel

(Get Free Report)

Angang Steel Company Limited engages in the production, processing, and sale of steel products in the People's Republic of China. Its principal products include hot rolled sheets, medium and thick plates, cold rolled sheets, galvanized steel sheets, color coating plates, cold rolled silicon steel, heavy rails and sections, seamless steel pipes and wire rods, and other products. The company also engages in ferrous metal smelting and steel pressing and processing activities. In addition, it sells metal materials and products, and building materials, etc.; provides wholesale and retail purchasing services; develops metallurgy and related materials and equipment; and purchases and sells metal and other materials, as well as imports, exports, wholesales, and retails technology products. Further, the company engages in the purification of cooking gas; production of coal products and dissolved acetylene; and sale of compressed and liquefied gas. The company's products are used in various industries, such as machinery, metallurgy, petroleum, chemical industry, coal, electricity, railway, ship, automobile, construction, home appliances, and aviation industries. It also exports its products. The company was formerly known as Angang New Steel Company Limited and changed its name to Angang Steel Company Limited in June 2006. Angang Steel Company Limited was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Anshan, China.

About Ternium

(Get Free Report)

Ternium S.A., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, processes, and sells various steel products in Mexico, Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, Bolivia, Uruguay, Brazil, the United States, Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. It operates through two segments, Steel and Mining. The Steel segment offers slabs, billets and round bars, hot rolled flat products, merchant bars, reinforcing bars, stirrups and rods, tin plate and galvanized products, tubes, beams, insulated panels, roofing and cladding, roof tiles, steel decks, pre-engineered metal building systems, and pig iron products; and sells energy. The Mining segment sells iron ore and pellets. The company also provides medical and social; scrap; and engineering and other services, as well as operates as a distribution company. It serves various companies and small businesses in the construction, automotive, home appliances, packaging, transport, and energy industries. The company was founded in 1961 and is based in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. Ternium S.A. is a subsidiary of Techint Holdings S.a r.l.

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Baillie Gifford & Co. lowered its holdings in shares of The Howard Hughes Co. (NYSE:HHC  Free Report) by 7.4% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,634,933 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 210,427 shares during the quarter. Baillie Gifford & Co. owned approximately 0.05% of Howard Hughes worth $210,795,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Victory Capital Management Inc. lifted its position in Howard Hughes by 75.2% during the first quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 158,021 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $12,642,000 after purchasing an additional 67,833 shares in the last quarter. Mesirow Institutional Investment Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Howard Hughes during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $4,614,000. ACR Alpine Capital Research LLC increased its holdings in Howard Hughes by 2.4% in the 1st quarter. ACR Alpine Capital Research LLC now owns 37,661 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,013,000 after acquiring an additional 880 shares in the last quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC raised its stake in Howard Hughes by 12.0% during the 1st quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 3,629 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $290,000 after acquiring an additional 389 shares during the period. Finally, Arizona State Retirement System lifted its holdings in Howard Hughes by 2.7% during the first quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 10,844 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $868,000 after purchasing an additional 280 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 95.27% of the companys stock.

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Howard Hughes Price Performance

HHC stock opened at $84.65 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.33, a quick ratio of 1.64 and a current ratio of 1.64. The companys fifty day moving average price is $77.70 and its 200-day moving average price is $79.19. The Howard Hughes Co. has a one year low of $50.90 and a one year high of $89.58. The company has a market capitalization of $4.23 billion, a PE ratio of 26.29 and a beta of 1.46.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Howard Hughes ( NYSE:HHC Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, May 8th. The financial services provider reported ($0.46) EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.47) by $0.01. The business had revenue of $196.29 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $199.10 million. Howard Hughes had a net margin of 10.01% and a return on equity of 4.50%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.04 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that The Howard Hughes Co. will post -1.2 EPS for the current fiscal year.

A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on HHC. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Howard Hughes in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a sell rating for the company. Piper Sandler lowered their price objective on Howard Hughes from $100.00 to $95.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 31st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $92.50.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, Director Pershing Square Capital Manage purchased 666 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, June 26th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $74.90 per share, for a total transaction of $49,883.40. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 16,569,728 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,241,072,627.20. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, EVP David Michael Striph sold 1,902 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.83, for a total value of $142,326.66. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 8,094 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $605,674.02. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Pershing Square Capital Manage bought 666 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 26th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $74.90 per share, for a total transaction of $49,883.40. Following the transaction, the director now owns 16,569,728 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,241,072,627.20. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have bought 315,291 shares of company stock worth $23,479,904. Corporate insiders own 33.00% of the companys stock.

About Howard Hughes

(Free Report)

The Howard Hughes Corporation owns, manages, and develops commercial, residential, and mixed-use properties in the United States. It operates through four segments: Operating Assets; Master Planned Communities (MPCs); Seaport; and Strategic Developments. The Operating Assets segment owns retail, office, multi-family, hospitality, and other operating properties and investments primarily located in Houston, Texas; Columbia, Maryland; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Honolulu, Hawaii.

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Baillie Gifford & Co. decreased its position in Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP  Free Report) (TSE:CP) by 0.7% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 1,445,797 shares of the transportation companys stock after selling 9,748 shares during the period. Baillie Gifford & Co.s holdings in Canadian Pacific Kansas City were worth $111,179,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 2.4% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 30,249,662 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $2,496,807,000 after buying an additional 695,215 shares during the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp increased its position in Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 7.8% during the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 15,258,466 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,174,866,000 after purchasing an additional 1,102,823 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new position in Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the 4th quarter worth $1,136,503,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 16.2% in the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 9,403,514 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $701,409,000 after purchasing an additional 1,308,127 shares during the period. Finally, CIBC Asset Management Inc boosted its stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 1.0% during the 4th quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc now owns 8,700,583 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $648,813,000 after purchasing an additional 90,100 shares in the last quarter. 65.84% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE CP opened at $82.24 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a current ratio of 0.66 and a quick ratio of 0.56. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited has a 1 year low of $65.17 and a 1 year high of $83.44. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $79.22 and a 200-day moving average price of $78.35. The stock has a market cap of $76.60 billion, a PE ratio of 27.23, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.78 and a beta of 1.02.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Cuts Dividend

Canadian Pacific Kansas City ( NYSE:CP Get Free Report ) (TSE:CP) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The transportation company reported $0.63 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.70 by ($0.07). Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a net margin of 40.22% and a return on equity of 9.53%. The business had revenue of $1.68 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.78 billion. Equities analysts anticipate that Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited will post 2.98 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 31st. Investors of record on Friday, June 30th will be issued a $0.141 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 29th. This represents a $0.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.69%. Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys dividend payout ratio is presently 18.87%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts have commented on the stock. Credit Suisse Group raised their price objective on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $81.00 to $87.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 5th. Barclays dropped their price target on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $90.00 to $89.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 12th. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price objective on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $78.00 to $75.00 in a report on Tuesday, April 18th. BMO Capital Markets assumed coverage on Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a research report on Tuesday, April 18th. They set an outperform rating for the company. Finally, Argus upgraded shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $92.00 price target for the company in a research note on Tuesday, May 16th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $90.86.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Profile

(Free Report)

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada and the United States. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; and merchandise freight, such as energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals and consumer, automotive, and forest products.

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FERNDALE, Mich.Distributors Nalpac and Entrenue have picked up new stroker The Male Rose for exclusive distribution in the United States.

The Rose broke the internet and still draws new customers to adult stores for what it can do for the clit. Now the penis counterpart, The Male Rose, is breaking down barriers and encouraging couples and solo users to explore the unique style of stimulation provided by the rotation motion, said Phoebe Grott, Nalpacs director of marketing and strategic partnership.



The Male Rose combines a soft, textured TPE rubber sleeve with vibration and movement, giving users a unique experience miming oral sex. The motor features 10 different rotation modes to stimulate the head and shaft, in addition to vibration, for a highly personalized experience. The Male Rose also offers a travel-friendly shape, while the sleeve detaches for use on its own or cleanup.



Entrenue customers will appreciate the inclusive, boutique-friendly packaging, said Lily Wang, Entrenues VP of sales and marketing. The Male Rose is smartly branded and revs up curiosity for first-time toy buyers in this category.



Nalpac and Entrenue customers who wish to order The Male Rose may contact their respective sales representatives.

For more information on Nalpac, visit nalpac.com.

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Bank of Hawaii (NYSE:BOH  Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings results on Monday. The bank reported $1.12 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.11 by $0.01, Yahoo Finance reports. Bank of Hawaii had a return on equity of 19.01% and a net margin of 26.90%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.38 earnings per share.

Bank of Hawaii Stock Up 6.5 %

Bank of Hawaii stock opened at $57.19 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43, a quick ratio of 0.66 and a current ratio of 0.66. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.79, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.62 and a beta of 0.97. Bank of Hawaii has a fifty-two week low of $30.83 and a fifty-two week high of $85.45. The stocks fifty day moving average is $43.94 and its two-hundred day moving average is $55.74.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Bank of Hawaii

In related news, Director Robert W. Wo, Jr. acquired 6,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 1st. The shares were acquired at an average price of $39.85 per share, with a total value of $259,025.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 42,539 shares in the company, valued at $1,695,179.15. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. In related news, Director Kent Thomas Lucien acquired 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 12th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $32.29 per share, with a total value of $32,290.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 5,500 shares in the company, valued at $177,595. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, Director Robert W. Wo, Jr. acquired 6,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 1st. The shares were bought at an average cost of $39.85 per share, for a total transaction of $259,025.00. Following the purchase, the director now owns 42,539 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,695,179.15. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have bought 11,700 shares of company stock valued at $492,495. Insiders own 2.11% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Bank of Hawaii

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Sei Investments Co. lifted its position in Bank of Hawaii by 1.9% during the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 8,223 shares of the banks stock worth $724,000 after buying an additional 151 shares during the period. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd raised its holdings in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 27.9% in the 1st quarter. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd now owns 710 shares of the banks stock worth $60,000 after purchasing an additional 155 shares during the period. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio raised its holdings in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 0.8% in the 3rd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 21,833 shares of the banks stock worth $1,662,000 after purchasing an additional 169 shares during the period. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. raised its holdings in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 16.3% in the 4th quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 1,387 shares of the banks stock worth $108,000 after purchasing an additional 194 shares during the period. Finally, Covestor Ltd raised its holdings in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 72.4% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 707 shares of the banks stock worth $59,000 after purchasing an additional 297 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.72% of the companys stock.

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. TheStreet cut Bank of Hawaii from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 4th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut their price target on Bank of Hawaii from $83.00 to $60.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, April 6th. Odeon Capital Group assumed coverage on Bank of Hawaii in a report on Wednesday, June 7th. They set a sell rating and a $31.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, StockNews.com raised Bank of Hawaii to a sell rating in a report on Wednesday, May 31st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and three have given a hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $54.25.

Bank of Hawaii Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Bank of Hawaii Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Bank of Hawaii that provides various financial products and services in Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific Islands. It operates in three segments: Consumer Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury and Other. The Consumer Banking segment offers checking, savings, and time deposit accounts; residential mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, automobile loans and leases, personal lines of credit, installment loans, small business loans and leases, and credit cards; private and international client banking, investment, credit, and trust services to individuals and families, and high-net-worth individuals; investment management; institutional investment advisory services to corporations, government entities, and foundations; and brokerage offerings, including equities, mutual funds, life insurance, and annuity products.

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Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX:BOQPE  Get Free Report) declared a interim dividend on Friday, June 9th, MarketIndexAU reports. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 14th will be given a dividend of 1.349 per share on Monday, August 14th. This represents a dividend yield of 1.34%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, July 26th. This is a boost from Bank of Queenslands previous interim dividend of $1.24.

Bank of Queensland Price Performance

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Barnett & Company Inc. bought a new stake in Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE:ACI  Free Report) during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 17,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $353,000.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Albertsons Companies during the 4th quarter worth $45,000. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Albertsons Companies during the 4th quarter worth $51,000. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in shares of Albertsons Companies during the 1st quarter worth $52,000. Quent Capital LLC raised its position in shares of Albertsons Companies by 35.4% in the 1st quarter. Quent Capital LLC now owns 2,705 shares of the companys stock worth $56,000 after buying an additional 707 shares during the period. Finally, Clear Street Markets LLC purchased a new position in shares of Albertsons Companies in the 4th quarter worth $62,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.29% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts recently issued reports on ACI shares. Tigress Financial upgraded Albertsons Companies from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lowered their price target for the company from $32.00 to $27.00 in a report on Tuesday, April 25th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $25.00 price target on shares of Albertsons Companies in a report on Thursday, April 13th. Telsey Advisory Group reiterated a market perform rating and issued a $27.25 price target on shares of Albertsons Companies in a report on Tuesday, July 18th. Finally, Roth Capital reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Albertsons Companies in a report on Monday, April 17th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $25.93.

Insiders Place Their Bets

Albertsons Companies Price Performance

In other Albertsons Companies news, CAO Robert Bruce Larson sold 32,544 shares of Albertsons Companies stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, April 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $20.95, for a total transaction of $681,796.80. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 50,241 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,052,548.95. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . Corporate insiders own 1.20% of the companys stock.

Shares of NYSE ACI traded down $0.34 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $21.71. 1,584,636 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,953,671. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.86, a current ratio of 0.74 and a quick ratio of 0.18. The firm has a market cap of $12.46 billion, a PE ratio of 10.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.64 and a beta of 0.58. Albertsons Companies, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $19.14 and a fifty-two week high of $30.17. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $21.20 and a 200-day simple moving average of $20.88.

Albertsons Companies Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 10th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, July 26th will be given a dividend of $0.12 per share. This represents a $0.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.21%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, July 25th. Albertsons Companiess payout ratio is 22.12%.

Albertsons Companies Profile

(Free Report)

Albertsons Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the operation of food and drug stores in the United States. The company's food and drug retail stores offer grocery products, general merchandise, health and beauty care products, pharmacy, fuel, and other items and services. It also manufactures and processes food products for sale in stores.

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Shares of Basilea Pharmaceutica AG (OTCMKTS:BPMUF  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $50.00 and last traded at $50.00, with a volume of 0 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $50.00.

Basilea Pharmaceutica Stock Performance

The businesss 50-day moving average is $50.04 and its two-hundred day moving average is $51.31.

Basilea Pharmaceutica Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Basilea Pharmaceutica AG, a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the development of products that address the medical needs in the therapeutic areas of oncology and anti-infectives. It offers Cresemba, an intravenous and oral azole antifungal drug for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis in the United States, and the European Union, as well as in Phase III clinical trials for invasive fungal infections in Japan.

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Citizens National Bank Trust Department reduced its position in shares of BlackRock MuniVest Fund, Inc. (NYSE:MVF  Free Report) by 9.9% 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 91,050 shares of the companys stock after selling 10,000 shares during the period. Citizens National Bank Trust Department owned about 0.14% of BlackRock MuniVest Fund worth $630,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in MVF. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of BlackRock MuniVest Fund by 2.0% during the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 139,508 shares of the companys stock worth $1,138,000 after purchasing an additional 2,723 shares in the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in shares of BlackRock MuniVest Fund during the first quarter worth $92,000. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of BlackRock MuniVest Fund by 9.9% during the first quarter. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 30,000 shares of the companys stock worth $245,000 after purchasing an additional 2,700 shares in the last quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH acquired a new position in shares of BlackRock MuniVest Fund during the first quarter worth $3,271,000. Finally, Ancora Advisors LLC raised its holdings in BlackRock MuniVest Fund by 18.1% in the first quarter. Ancora Advisors LLC now owns 34,700 shares of the companys stock valued at $323,000 after acquiring an additional 5,313 shares in the last quarter. 36.82% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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BlackRock MuniVest Fund Price Performance

MVF remained flat at $6.83 during trading on Tuesday. 16,834 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 120,260. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $6.70 and a 200-day moving average of $6.84. BlackRock MuniVest Fund, Inc. has a 1 year low of $6.33 and a 1 year high of $7.90.

BlackRock MuniVest Fund Dividend Announcement

About BlackRock MuniVest Fund

The business also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 31st. Investors of record on Friday, July 14th will be issued a $0.021 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 13th. This represents a $0.25 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.69%.

(Free Report)

BlackRock MuniVest Fund, Inc is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. It primarily invests in investment grade, long term municipal obligations that are exempt from federal income taxes.

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Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM  Get Free Report) COO Brian Millham sold 330 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $225.05, for a total value of $74,266.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 325 shares in the company, valued at approximately $73,141.25. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website.

Brian Millham also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, June 26th, Brian Millham sold 1,654 shares of Salesforce stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $209.02, for a total value of $345,719.08.

On Thursday, June 22nd, Brian Millham sold 1,746 shares of Salesforce stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $209.63, for a total transaction of $366,013.98.

On Tuesday, June 20th, Brian Millham sold 78,870 shares of Salesforce stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $210.94, for a total transaction of $16,636,837.80.

Salesforce Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE CRM traded down $2.39 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $225.67. 5,363,196 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 7,573,683. Salesforce, Inc. has a 12 month low of $126.34 and a 12 month high of $238.22. The companys 50 day moving average price is $214.87 and its 200 day moving average price is $191.57. The company has a quick ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. The firm has a market capitalization of $219.80 billion, a PE ratio of 593.87, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.25 and a beta of 1.19.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Salesforce ( NYSE:CRM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 31st. The CRM provider reported $1.69 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.61 by $0.08. The firm had revenue of $8.25 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.17 billion. Salesforce had a net margin of 1.18% and a return on equity of 5.75%. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.41 earnings per share. As a group, analysts predict that Salesforce, Inc. will post 5.26 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of CRM. Fairfield Bush & CO. increased its stake in shares of Salesforce by 8.7% during the first quarter. Fairfield Bush & CO. now owns 4,468 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $949,000 after purchasing an additional 357 shares during the period. Roundview Capital LLC grew its holdings in Salesforce by 18.8% in the 1st quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 24,037 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $5,104,000 after buying an additional 3,809 shares in the last quarter. Covestor Ltd grew its holdings in Salesforce by 42.8% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 621 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $132,000 after buying an additional 186 shares in the last quarter. Ergoteles LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Salesforce during the first quarter worth $455,000. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp boosted its position in shares of Salesforce by 21.3% in the first quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 860,950 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $182,797,000 after acquiring an additional 151,440 shares during the period. 81.13% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts recently commented on the company. Citigroup raised their price objective on Salesforce from $229.00 to $230.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 1st. Barclays lifted their price objective on Salesforce from $225.00 to $245.00 in a report on Monday, May 15th. JMP Securities increased their target price on Salesforce from $250.00 to $275.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 1st. Loop Capital lifted their price target on shares of Salesforce from $190.00 to $215.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 1st. Finally, Piper Sandler increased their price objective on shares of Salesforce from $230.00 to $248.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 1st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have given a hold rating, twenty-four have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Salesforce currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $223.50.

About Salesforce

(Get Free Report)

Salesforce, Inc provides Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology that brings companies and customers together worldwide. The company's service includes sales to store data, monitor leads and progress, forecast opportunities, gain insights through analytics and relationship intelligence, and deliver quotes, contracts, and invoices; and service that enables companies to deliver trusted and highly personalized customer service and support at scale.

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Morgan Stanley restated their overweight rating on shares of CenterPoint Energy (NYSE:CNP  Free Report) in a research report sent to investors on Friday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a $30.00 price objective on the utilities providers stock.

Several other research analysts have also recently issued reports on CNP. Bank of America lifted their target price on CenterPoint Energy from $30.00 to $35.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, April 14th. UBS Group cut CenterPoint Energy from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their target price for the company from $33.00 to $30.00 in a research report on Tuesday, June 6th. They noted that the move was a valuation call. Guggenheim lifted their target price on CenterPoint Energy from $32.00 to $33.00 in a research report on Friday, July 7th. Mizuho lifted their target price on CenterPoint Energy from $32.00 to $33.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 14th. Finally, StockNews.com raised CenterPoint Energy from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $32.56.

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CenterPoint Energy Trading Down 0.2 %

Shares of CenterPoint Energy stock opened at $30.86 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.65, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a current ratio of 1.00. CenterPoint Energy has a 52 week low of $25.03 and a 52 week high of $33.50. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $29.16 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $29.45. The stock has a market capitalization of $19.47 billion, a PE ratio of 24.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.76 and a beta of 0.88.

CenterPoint Energy Dividend Announcement

CenterPoint Energy ( NYSE:CNP Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 27th. The utilities provider reported $0.50 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.48 by $0.02. CenterPoint Energy had a return on equity of 9.97% and a net margin of 8.99%. The firm had revenue of $2.78 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.79 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.47 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that CenterPoint Energy will post 1.49 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 14th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 17th will be given a $0.19 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 16th. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.46%. CenterPoint Energys dividend payout ratio is currently 60.32%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other CenterPoint Energy news, Director Barry T. Smitherman sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.51, for a total value of $152,550.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 21,075 shares in the company, valued at $642,998.25. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other CenterPoint Energy news, Director Ted Pound sold 2,770 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, May 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.50, for a total value of $84,485.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 46,541 shares in the company, valued at $1,419,500.50. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Barry T. Smitherman sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $30.51, for a total value of $152,550.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 21,075 shares in the company, valued at $642,998.25. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.18% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of CenterPoint Energy

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of CenterPoint Energy by 2.1% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 73,506,201 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,252,230,000 after purchasing an additional 1,502,900 shares during the period. State Street Corp raised its stake in shares of CenterPoint Energy by 10.0% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 33,279,592 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,019,687,000 after purchasing an additional 3,035,409 shares during the period. Boston Partners raised its stake in shares of CenterPoint Energy by 0.3% during the 4th quarter. Boston Partners now owns 25,132,753 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $753,793,000 after purchasing an additional 68,199 shares during the period. Deutsche Bank AG raised its stake in shares of CenterPoint Energy by 10.7% during the 4th quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 22,564,998 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $676,724,000 after purchasing an additional 2,179,250 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of CenterPoint Energy by 1.5% during the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 12,971,112 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $381,258,000 after purchasing an additional 195,919 shares during the period. 89.76% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

CenterPoint Energy Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

CenterPoint Energy, Inc operates as a public utility holding company in the United States. The company operates through Electric and Natural Gas segments. The Electric segment includes electric transmission and distribution services to electric customers and electric generation assets, as well as optimizes assets in the wholesale power market.

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Canadian Utilities (TSE:CU  Free Report) had its price target reduced by CIBC from C$40.00 to C$38.00 in a research report report published on Friday, BayStreet.CA reports. They currently have a neutral rating on the stock.

Canadian Utilities Price Performance

CU opened at C$34.23 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average is C$35.32 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$36.63. Canadian Utilities has a 1 year low of C$33.24 and a 1 year high of C$41.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 143.66, a current ratio of 1.05 and a quick ratio of 1.30. The firm has a market capitalization of C$6.90 billion, a PE ratio of 14.88, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 0.58.

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Canadian Utilities (TSE:CU  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported C$0.81 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of C$0.78 by C$0.03. Canadian Utilities had a return on equity of 9.99% and a net margin of 17.13%. The company had revenue of C$1.13 billion for the quarter. Research analysts anticipate that Canadian Utilities will post 2.3175355 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Canadian Utilities Dividend Announcement

About Canadian Utilities

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 3rd will be paid a dividend of $0.449 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 2nd. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.25%. Canadian Utilitiess payout ratio is 77.83%.

(Get Free Report)

Canadian Utilities Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the electricity, natural gas, and retail energy businesses in the United States, Australia, and internationally. It operates through Utilities, Energy Infrastructure, and Corporate & Other segments. The Utilities segment provides regulated electricity transmission and distribution services in northern and central east Alberta, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories; and integrated natural gas transmission and distribution services in Alberta, the Lloydminster area of Saskatchewan, and Western Australia.

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Citizens National Bank Trust Department reduced its holdings in T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:TCHP  Free Report) by 60.3% in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 3,962 shares of the companys stock after selling 6,025 shares during the period. Citizens National Bank Trust Departments holdings in T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth ETF were worth $95,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. UBS Group AG grew its stake in shares of T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth ETF by 54.8% in the 1st quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 2,295 shares of the companys stock worth $67,000 after buying an additional 812 shares in the last quarter. Empire Life Investments Inc. grew its stake in shares of T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth ETF by 5.4% in the 4th quarter. Empire Life Investments Inc. now owns 17,420 shares of the companys stock worth $358,000 after buying an additional 900 shares in the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI grew its stake in shares of T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth ETF by 97.6% in the 4th quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 2,025 shares of the companys stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 1,000 shares in the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors purchased a new position in shares of T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $32,000. Finally, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC grew its stake in shares of T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth ETF by 10.5% in the 4th quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 16,051 shares of the companys stock worth $331,000 after buying an additional 1,527 shares in the last quarter.

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T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth ETF Stock Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA:TCHP traded up $0.13 on Tuesday, reaching $28.41. The companys stock had a trading volume of 61,597 shares, compared to its average volume of 92,284. T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth ETF has a 52-week low of $19.78 and a 52-week high of $29.17. The company has a market cap of $367.63 million, a P/E ratio of 26.89 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $27.10 and a 200 day simple moving average of $24.47.

T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth ETF Profile

The T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth ETF (TCHP) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Russell 1000 Growth index. The ETF currently has 291.89m in AUM and 78 holdings. TCHP is an actively-managed, non-transparent fund that focus on companies with potential for above-average growth TCHP was launched on Aug 4, 2020 and is managed by T.

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Community Bank & Trust Waco Texas decreased its position in Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL  Free Report) by 1.8% during the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 8,725 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 158 shares during the quarter. Community Bank & Trust Waco Texas holdings in Welltower were worth $625,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Welltower in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $1,104,830,000. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Welltower by 3.4% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 10,554,206 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $690,687,000 after purchasing an additional 347,749 shares during the period. Principal Financial Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Welltower by 49.5% in the 4th quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 10,232,143 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $670,717,000 after purchasing an additional 3,386,635 shares during the period. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Welltower by 19.2% in the 4th quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 10,209,872 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $669,257,000 after purchasing an additional 1,645,769 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its holdings in Welltower by 0.8% in the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 6,331,837 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $415,052,000 after purchasing an additional 50,175 shares during the period. 93.16% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Welltower Price Performance

NYSE WELL traded up $0.49 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $83.16. 560,255 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,310,318. The stock has a market cap of $41.33 billion, a PE ratio of 359.35, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.02 and a beta of 1.06. Welltower Inc. has a one year low of $56.50 and a one year high of $86.83. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $78.82 and a 200-day moving average of $75.60. The company has a current ratio of 2.04, a quick ratio of 2.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71.

Welltower Dividend Announcement

Welltower ( NYSE:WELL Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The real estate investment trust reported $0.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.82 by ($0.77). The company had revenue of $1.56 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.57 billion. Welltower had a return on equity of 0.51% and a net margin of 1.74%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 11.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.82 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that Welltower Inc. will post 3.49 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, May 23rd. Investors of record on Tuesday, May 16th were given a dividend of $0.61 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, May 15th. This represents a $2.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.93%. Welltowers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 1,060.87%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have recently weighed in on WELL shares. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Welltower in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a sell rating on the stock. Mizuho dropped their price objective on shares of Welltower from $91.00 to $86.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 30th. Evercore ISI raised shares of Welltower from an in-line rating to an outperform rating and set a $81.00 price objective for the company in a report on Tuesday, April 11th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their target price on shares of Welltower from $82.00 to $87.00 in a research report on Tuesday, May 16th. Finally, Citigroup upgraded shares of Welltower from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the company from $70.00 to $81.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $81.36.

Welltower Company Profile

(Free Report)

Welltower Inc (NYSE:WELL), a real estate investment trust ("REIT") and S&P 500 company headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, is driving the transformation of health care infrastructure. Welltower invests with leading seniors housing operators, post-acute providers and health systems to fund the real estate infrastructure needed to scale innovative care delivery models and improve people's wellness and overall health care experience.

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Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili expressed high hopes for the future as he addressed a joint briefing with the Croatian Prime Minister in Zagreb. He emphasized the significance of an impending decision from Europe, one he considers both fair and strategic, regarding Georgia's candidacy for European Union membership."In recent years, Georgia has achieved excellent results in ensuring the rule of law, democracy, economic development, and social justice, garnering recognition from authoritative international organizations. The pursuit of ideal freedom motivated Georgia's desire to join the European Union, and we are now closer to this national goal than ever before. Visa liberalization and the Association Agreement with the European Union, including a deep and comprehensive free trade area, are achievements attained through tremendous efforts by our government.Last year, the European Council - representing the leaders of the European Union - made a momentous decision by recognizing Georgia's European perspective, thereby setting an unprecedented milestone on the path to European integration. More than a year has passed since this historic decision, and we have unequivocally demonstrated our strong determination to fulfill our obligations and become a member of the European Union," said the Prime Minister.On the social network, the third president of Georgia shared his request to Sopho Japaridze, asking her to be his representative both domestically and internationally. The president clarified that this role does not replace any party, despite Japaridze being an active leader in the council.The Former president acknowledged that there are many other pressing issues, some of which may or may not be related to politics. He expressed satisfaction with their longstanding cooperation, highlighting Japaridze's talent and the high level of public trust she enjoys.Due to his current situation, Saakashvili is unable to fully communicate with the public and as a result, he asked Japaridze to personally disseminate his statements on his behalf until he regains the opportunity to do so himself.
Feb 18, 2023; Queens, New York, USA; Sports radio talk show host Mike Francesa at Carnesecca Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Francesa is officially off the Donald Trump train and if Republicans want to win the next presidential election, they should consider joining the former WFAN radio host.

In 2016, Francesa was a staunch Trump supporter, believing the polarizing businessman and media personality was a builder out to build a better country, not someone just looking to feed his ego. Seven years later, instead of doubling down or claiming, I nevah said that! Francesa has deemed Trump unelectable. The former WFAN radio host made his 2024 election prediction while responding to a listener email on his The Mike Francesa Podcast.

I dont know if the people who will vote  remember the staunch diehards are the people who vote in the primaries  Those are your diehard members of your party, Francesa said. I dont know if enough of them have come away from Trump to where someone else can win. And really, youre talking about one person winning right now. The other candidates, none of them have a chance to win.

Theres one candidate that has a chance to unseat Trump, Francesa continued, seemingly referring to Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL). But do they come to a realization that in the general, Trump is unelectable because of what went on at the end of his presidency? I believe he is unelectable because of what went on at the end of his presidency.

Francesas former radio partner, Chris Mad Dog Russo has donated to Chris Christies presidential campaign. Despite not having a realistic chance at being the Republican nominee for president, the former New Jersey governor and WFAN fill-in host has been one of the loudest anti-Trump voices as he attempts to earn GOP primary votes.

Even if he wins the primary and gets the nomination, I do not think he will win the general, Francesa said of Trump. He will lose. I firmly believe that. I dont know if the Republican party and the diehards believe that, but I firmly believe that. I do not think he can win.

Francesa was not shy about endorsing Trump in 2016, promoting the fact that they had been acquaintances for more than three decades. The iconic radio host even repeatedly boasted about parking Fred Trumps car while working at the Atlantic Beach Club as a teenager before he became friendly with Donald later in life.

But Francesas opinion of Trump the politician appeared to take a stark turn in March 2020, when he blasted the presidents inept handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Francesa ultimately voted for Biden in the 2020 election. And while Francesa seems unlikely to vote for the incumbent, he surely wont be endorsing Trump as the Republican nominee.

[Mediaite, The Mike Francesa Podcast]
CTT  Correios De Portugal, S.A. (OTCMKTS:CTTPY  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as $7.28 and last traded at $7.28, with a volume of 0 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $7.28.

CTT  Correios De Portugal Stock Performance

The companys 50 day moving average price is $7.38 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $6.99.

About CTT  Correios De Portugal

(Get Free Report)

CTT  Correios De Portugal, SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides postal and financial services worldwide. It operates through Mail, Express & Parcels, Financial Services & Retail, and Bank segments. The company offers courier and urgent mail transport services; postal financial services; and banking services.

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StockNews.com cut shares of Deere & Company (NYSE:DE  Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note published on Friday morning.

DE has been the subject of several other reports. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on Deere & Company from $537.00 to $517.00 in a research note on Monday, May 22nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their price objective on Deere & Company from $440.00 to $392.00 in a research note on Monday, May 22nd. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on Deere & Company from $510.00 to $490.00 in a research note on Monday, May 22nd. DA Davidson reduced their price objective on Deere & Company from $520.00 to $492.00 in a research note on Monday, May 22nd. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price objective on Deere & Company from $500.00 to $493.00 in a research note on Monday, May 22nd. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Deere & Company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $460.89.

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Deere & Company Stock Up 1.3 %

Deere & Company stock opened at $442.57 on Friday. Deere & Company has a fifty-two week low of $311.91 and a fifty-two week high of $448.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, a quick ratio of 1.70 and a current ratio of 1.96. The company has a market capitalization of $129.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.85, a PEG ratio of 1.07 and a beta of 1.06. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $393.51 and a 200-day simple moving average of $400.07.

Deere & Company Dividend Announcement

Deere & Company ( NYSE:DE Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Friday, May 19th. The industrial products company reported $9.65 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $8.57 by $1.08. Deere & Company had a return on equity of 43.11% and a net margin of 15.00%. The business had revenue of $16.08 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.87 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $6.81 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 33.6% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts expect that Deere & Company will post 31.85 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 8th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 30th will be issued a dividend of $1.25 per share. This represents a $5.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.13%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 29th. Deere & Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 16.78%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Deere & Company

In other Deere & Company news, insider Pentz Markwart Von sold 7,110 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, May 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $356.69, for a total transaction of $2,536,065.90. Following the sale, the insider now owns 57,115 shares in the company, valued at approximately $20,372,349.35. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other news, CEO John C. May II sold 52,967 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $416.02, for a total transaction of $22,035,331.34. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 109,126 shares in the company, valued at $45,398,598.52. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Pentz Markwart Von sold 7,110 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, May 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $356.69, for a total value of $2,536,065.90. Following the sale, the insider now owns 57,115 shares in the company, valued at approximately $20,372,349.35. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 88,010 shares of company stock worth $35,230,351. 0.26% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Deere & Company

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Paragon Wealth Strategies LLC purchased a new position in shares of Deere & Company in the 4th quarter worth $26,000. University of Texas Texas AM Investment Managment Co. grew its stake in Deere & Company by 1,475.0% in the first quarter. University of Texas Texas AM Investment Managment Co. now owns 63 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 59 shares in the last quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC acquired a new position in Deere & Company in the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Worth Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in Deere & Company in the first quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Finally, Lansing Street Advisors boosted its stake in Deere & Company by 1,725.0% in the first quarter. Lansing Street Advisors now owns 73 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 69 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 71.33% of the companys stock.

About Deere & Company

(Get Free Report)

Deere & Company manufactures and distributes various equipment worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Production and Precision Agriculture, Small Agriculture and Turf, Construction and Forestry, and Financial Services. The Production and Precision Agriculture segment provides mid-size tractors, combines, cotton pickers and strippers, sugarcane harvesters, harvesting front-end equipment, sugarcane loaders, pull-behind scrapers, and tillage and seeding equipment, as well as application equipment, including sprayers and nutrient management, and soil preparation machinery for grain growers.

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Desarrolladora Homex (DHOXY) (OTCMKTS:DHOXY  Get Free Report)s share price fell 13.3% on Monday . The stock traded as low as $0.38 and last traded at $0.39. 51,600 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 1,087% from the average session volume of 4,346 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.45.

Desarrolladora Homex (DHOXY) Price Performance

The businesss 50 day moving average price is $0.39.

Desarrolladora Homex (DHOXY) Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Desarrolladora Homex, SAB. de C.V. (Homex) is a vertically integrated home development company. The Company is engaged in the development, construction and sale of entry-level housing in Mexico. The Company is engaged in the development, construction and sale of middle-income housing in Mexico. Homex operates in Mexico.

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Adell Harriman & Carpenter Inc. grew its stake in shares of Devon Energy Co. (NYSE:DVN  Free Report) by 1.5% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 47,225 shares of the energy companys stock after purchasing an additional 720 shares during the period. Adell Harriman & Carpenter Inc.s holdings in Devon Energy were worth $2,390,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. AlphaCrest Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Devon Energy in the 1st quarter worth about $364,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Devon Energy in the 1st quarter worth about $188,000. Blair William & Co. IL grew its holdings in Devon Energy by 52.1% in the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 99,120 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $5,861,000 after purchasing an additional 33,936 shares during the period. Sei Investments Co. grew its stake in shares of Devon Energy by 9.2% during the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 414,354 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $24,500,000 after buying an additional 34,870 shares during the period. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board purchased a new stake in Devon Energy during the first quarter valued at about $26,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 71.00% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Raymond James dropped their price objective on shares of Devon Energy from $70.00 to $62.00 and set a strong-buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Devon Energy from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 17th. Sanford C. Bernstein dropped their price target on Devon Energy from $71.00 to $64.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 17th. UBS Group dropped their price objective on shares of Devon Energy from $54.00 to $53.00 in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Finally, Bank of America cut their target price on Devon Energy from $67.00 to $60.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 9th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $65.84.

Devon Energy Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:DVN traded up $0.35 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $53.44. 1,696,718 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 9,119,284. Devon Energy Co. has a 52 week low of $44.03 and a 52 week high of $78.82. The company has a market cap of $34.95 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.79, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.18 and a beta of 2.31. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $48.97 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $53.08. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.09.

Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, May 8th. The energy company reported $1.46 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.39 by $0.07. Devon Energy had a return on equity of 47.42% and a net margin of 31.39%. The business had revenue of $3.82 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.82 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.88 earnings per share. Devon Energys revenue was up .3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Devon Energy Co. will post 5.78 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Devon Energy Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 30th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 15th were given a $0.72 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $2.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.39%. Devon Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 8.72%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, EVP Dennis C. Cameron sold 8,292 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, May 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $49.97, for a total transaction of $414,351.24. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 218,418 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,914,347.46. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.63% of the companys stock.

Devon Energy Profile

(Free Report)

Devon Energy Corporation, an independent energy company, explores for, develops, and produces oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. It operates in Delaware, Anadarko, Williston, Eagle Ford, and Powder River Basin. The company was incorporated in 1971 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Further Reading

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Distil Plc (LON:DIS  Get Free Report) shot up 4.5% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as GBX 0.58 ($0.01) and last traded at GBX 0.58 ($0.01). 200,000 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 70% from the average session volume of 666,749 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.55 ($0.01).

Distil Stock Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 2.74, a current ratio of 2.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20. The stock has a market cap of 3.94 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.50 and a beta of 0.39. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 0.49 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 0.51.

Distil Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Distil Plc, together its subsidiaries, engages in the marketing and sale of spirits. The company offers its products under various brands, including RedLeg Spiced Rum, Blackwoods Vintage Gin, Blackwoods Vodka, Blavod Original Black Vodka, TRVE Botanical Spirit, and Diva Vodka. It markets and sells its products in the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Spain, Australia, and Russia.

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Edison International (NYSE:EIX  Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by Morgan Stanley from $55.00 to $56.00 in a research report released on Friday, Benzinga reports. Morgan Stanley currently has an underweight rating on the utilities providers stock.

EIX has been the topic of several other research reports. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Edison International in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on shares of Edison International from $73.00 to $77.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, April 10th. Mizuho boosted their price target on shares of Edison International from $67.00 to $73.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, April 10th. Guggenheim cut shares of Edison International from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, July 7th. Finally, LADENBURG THALM/SH SH boosted their price objective on shares of Edison International from $66.00 to $67.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 17th. Two 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 companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Edison International has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $73.55.

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Edison International Price Performance

EIX opened at $72.55 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $68.74 and a 200-day moving average price of $69.17. Edison International has a twelve month low of $54.45 and a twelve month high of $74.92. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.89. The company has a market capitalization of $27.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.13, a PEG ratio of 4.01 and a beta of 0.81.

Edison International Increases Dividend

Edison International ( NYSE:EIX Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The utilities provider reported $1.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.04 by $0.05. Edison International had a net margin of 6.12% and a return on equity of 12.48%. The company had revenue of $3.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.07 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down .1% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts expect that Edison International will post 4.72 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, July 5th will be paid a $0.738 dividend. This represents a $2.95 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.07%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, July 3rd. This is a boost from Edison Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $0.74. Edison Internationals payout ratio is currently 134.70%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Edison International

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC grew its stake in Edison International by 120.1% in the 2nd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 63,512 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $4,411,000 after buying an additional 34,653 shares in the last quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. boosted its stake in shares of Edison International by 230.9% in the 2nd quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 513,082 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $35,634,000 after purchasing an additional 358,031 shares in the last quarter. Spirit of America Management Corp NY boosted its stake in shares of Edison International by 8.4% in the 2nd quarter. Spirit of America Management Corp NY now owns 5,150 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $358,000 after purchasing an additional 400 shares in the last quarter. Diligent Investors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Edison International by 1.6% in the 2nd quarter. Diligent Investors LLC now owns 13,116 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $911,000 after purchasing an additional 201 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Achmea Investment Management B.V. boosted its stake in shares of Edison International by 101.8% in the 2nd quarter. Achmea Investment Management B.V. now owns 120,982 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $8,402,000 after purchasing an additional 61,034 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.83% of the companys stock.

Edison International Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Edison International, through its subsidiaries, generates and distributes electric power. The company supplies electricity to approximately 50,000 square mile area of southern California to residential, commercial, industrial, public authorities, agricultural, and other sectors. It also provides decarbonization and energy solutions to commercial, institutional, and industrial customers in North America and Europe.

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Shares of Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:FND  Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the fifteen brokerages that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, eight have issued a hold recommendation and six have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month target price among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $97.40.

Several analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Truist Financial assumed coverage on shares of Floor & Decor in a research report on Friday, June 23rd. They set a buy rating and a $120.00 target price on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on shares of Floor & Decor from $105.00 to $110.00 in a research report on Friday, April 28th. TheStreet upgraded shares of Floor & Decor from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research report on Monday, March 27th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lowered shares of Floor & Decor from a buy rating to a hold rating and reduced their price target for the company from $110.00 to $108.00 in a research report on Friday.

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Floor & Decor Stock Performance

NYSE:FND opened at $109.98 on Thursday. Floor & Decor has a 1 year low of $63.51 and a 1 year high of $116.03. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $99.20 and its 200 day simple moving average is $94.89. The company has a current ratio of 1.32, a quick ratio of 0.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.69 billion, a PE ratio of 39.70, a PEG ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 1.88.

Insider Activity

Floor & Decor ( NYSE:FND Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The company reported $0.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.67 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $1.12 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.11 billion. Floor & Decor had a return on equity of 18.37% and a net margin of 6.86%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 9.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.67 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Floor & Decor will post 2.66 EPS for the current year.

In other news, CEO Thomas V. Taylor sold 18,656 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.00, for a total value of $1,958,880.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 215,203 shares of the companys stock, valued at $22,596,315. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, EVP David Victor Christopherson sold 5,804 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $110.00, for a total transaction of $638,440.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 36,552 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,020,720. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Thomas V. Taylor sold 18,656 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.00, for a total transaction of $1,958,880.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 215,203 shares in the company, valued at $22,596,315. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 48,920 shares of company stock valued at $5,323,160 over the last ninety days. 2.50% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Floor & Decor

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in FND. Salvus Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in Floor & Decor by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter. Salvus Wealth Management LLC now owns 42,259 shares of the companys stock worth $4,393,000 after buying an additional 115 shares during the period. Lazard Asset Management LLC boosted its position in Floor & Decor by 1.3% during the 1st quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 10,982 shares of the companys stock worth $889,000 after buying an additional 141 shares during the period. Alliance Wealth Advisors LLC UT boosted its position in Floor & Decor by 4.6% during the 1st quarter. Alliance Wealth Advisors LLC UT now owns 3,362 shares of the companys stock worth $330,000 after buying an additional 149 shares during the period. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. lifted its position in shares of Floor & Decor by 54.2% in the 1st quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 464 shares of the companys stock worth $46,000 after purchasing an additional 163 shares during the period. Finally, Commerce Bank lifted its position in shares of Floor & Decor by 3.2% in the 4th quarter. Commerce Bank now owns 5,738 shares of the companys stock worth $400,000 after purchasing an additional 176 shares during the period.

Floor & Decor Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc together with its subsidiaries, operates as a multi-channel specialty retailer and commercial flooring distributor in Georgia. The company offers tile, wood, laminate, vinyl, and natural stone flooring products, as well as decorative accessories, wall tiles, and installation materials and tools.

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Forestar Group (NYSE:FOR  Get Free Report) was upgraded by equities researchers at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report released on Monday.

A number of other analysts have also issued reports on FOR. BTIG Research raised Forestar Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $32.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Friday. TheStreet raised Forestar Group from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research report on Monday, April 17th. Finally, Citigroup increased their target price on Forestar Group from $30.00 to $32.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Forestar Group currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $25.83.

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Forestar Group Stock Up 6.2 %

Shares of FOR traded up $1.69 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $28.74. 727,480 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 127,003. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $21.75 and a 200 day simple moving average of $17.91. Forestar Group has a 12-month low of $10.28 and a 12-month high of $29.00. The company has a quick ratio of 1.33, a current ratio of 1.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. The firm has a market cap of $1.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.88 and a beta of 1.63.

Insider Buying and Selling at Forestar Group

Forestar Group ( NYSE:FOR Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 20th. The oil and gas exploration company reported $0.54 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.38 by $0.16. The firm had revenue of $301.50 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $220.00 million. Forestar Group had a net margin of 11.45% and a return on equity of 11.70%. Sell-side analysts expect that Forestar Group will post 2.29 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In other Forestar Group news, Director G.F. (Rick) Ringler III sold 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $20.12, for a total transaction of $40,240.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 7,267 shares in the company, valued at $146,212.04. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.25% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of Forestar Group

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Forestar Group by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 2,708,813 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $30,312,000 after purchasing an additional 35,360 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. raised its position in shares of Forestar Group by 1.5% during the 3rd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 1,579,641 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $17,676,000 after purchasing an additional 23,940 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its position in shares of Forestar Group by 11.5% during the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,366,272 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $21,257,000 after purchasing an additional 141,122 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in shares of Forestar Group by 51.0% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 606,821 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $9,442,000 after purchasing an additional 204,845 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Forestar Group by 3.0% during the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 382,229 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $5,947,000 after purchasing an additional 11,295 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 35.37% of the companys stock.

Forestar Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Forestar Group Inc operates as a residential lot development company in the United States. The acquires land and develops infrastructure for single-family residential communities. It sells its residential single-family finished lots to local, regional, and national homebuilders. The company is headquartered in Arlington, Texas.

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Games Workshop Group PLC (LON:GAW  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday after the company announced a dividend. The company traded as high as 114.80 ($147.20) and last traded at 114.70 ($147.07), with a volume of 19137 shares. The stock had previously closed at 113.10 ($145.02).

The newly announced dividend which will be paid on Monday, September 11th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 3rd will be issued a GBX 145 ($1.86) dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 3rd. This represents a dividend yield of 1.28%. This is an increase from Games Workshop Groups previous dividend of $120.00. Games Workshop Groups payout ratio is currently 8,290.82%.

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Games Workshop Group Stock Performance

The company has a market cap of 3.77 billion, a PE ratio of 2,897.96, a P/E/G ratio of 0.41 and a beta of 1.33. The company has a current ratio of 3.65, a quick ratio of 2.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 19.77. The business has a fifty day moving average of 102.76 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 9,659.65.

Insider Activity at Games Workshop Group

Games Workshop Group Company Profile

In other Games Workshop Group news, insider Kevin Rountree purchased 149 shares of Games Workshop Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 19th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 9,767 ($125.23) per share, for a total transaction of 14,552.83 ($18,659.87). 2.40% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

(Get Free Report)

Games Workshop Group PLC, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, distributes, and sells miniature figures and games in the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Core and Licensing. The company offers games under the Warhammer: Age of Sigmar and Warhammer 40,000 names, as well as Horus Heresy, an off shoot of Warhammer 40,000.

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Guardian Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Innovator MSCI Emerging Markets Power Buffer ETF  January (NYSEARCA:EJAN  Free Report) during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 2,083 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $59,000. Guardian Wealth Advisors LLC owned about 0.08% of Innovator MSCI Emerging Markets Power Buffer ETF  January at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the business. UBS Group AG increased its position in Innovator MSCI Emerging Markets Power Buffer ETF  January by 66.6% in the third quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 1,543 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 617 shares during the last quarter. Resources Investment Advisors LLC. raised its position in shares of Innovator MSCI Emerging Markets Power Buffer ETF  January by 8.3% in the 4th quarter. Resources Investment Advisors LLC. now owns 11,545 shares of the companys stock valued at $314,000 after purchasing an additional 889 shares during the last quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC raised its position in shares of Innovator MSCI Emerging Markets Power Buffer ETF  January by 7.6% in the 4th quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC now owns 16,846 shares of the companys stock valued at $480,000 after purchasing an additional 1,191 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can grew its position in shares of Innovator MSCI Emerging Markets Power Buffer ETF  January by 116.7% during the 4th quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 2,600 shares of the companys stock valued at $71,000 after acquiring an additional 1,400 shares during the period. Finally, IFP Advisors Inc increased its stake in shares of Innovator MSCI Emerging Markets Power Buffer ETF  January by 8.1% during the first quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 22,688 shares of the companys stock worth $617,000 after purchasing an additional 1,692 shares in the last quarter.

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Innovator MSCI Emerging Markets Power Buffer ETF  January Stock Up 0.4 %

NYSEARCA:EJAN traded up $0.13 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $29.24. The company had a trading volume of 8,586 shares, compared to its average volume of 37,091. Innovator MSCI Emerging Markets Power Buffer ETF  January has a 1 year low of $24.22 and a 1 year high of $29.38. The company has a 50-day moving average of $28.41 and a 200 day moving average of $28.23.

Innovator MSCI Emerging Markets Power Buffer ETF  January Profile

The Innovator Emerging Markets Power Buffer ETF  January (EJAN) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI Emerging Markets index. The fund aims for specific buffered losses and capped gains on the MSCI Emerging Markets Index over a specific holdings period. The actively-managed fund holds options and collateral.

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Eric Kruses studio is filled with faces -- faces rendered in wood.

Kruse interrupts the surface of reclaimed planks, carving highlights, lines and shadows, using the natural character of wood to reproduce the characteristics of animals, trees and human expressions.

Many of the faces that appear on the walls of Kruses studio can be identified at a glance. Hes reproduced images of Mother Teresa, Elvis Costello, the Mona Lisa and Mahatma Gandhi.

Some of the faces appearing in carved portraits in Kruses studio this month are only familiar to folks in Flagstaff.

Kruse, the owner of Signed in Wood Studio, is currently working on a series of portraits for a show titled Faces of Flagstaff. Its set to open on Friday, July 28, at the Historic Ice House Downtown.

Before life took Kruse to Phoenix for 17 years, he lived in Northern California. On a trip to the coast, Kruse couldnt help but snap photos of the trees he saw.

One area, in particular, was lined with oak trees.

I took a massive amount of pictures that weekend. When I got back, I was like, 'Ive got to do something with this,' Kruse said.

Do something he did.

The branches of Kruses family tree are laden with woodworkers. Today, some of their tools have places of honor in his home studio.

Both my grandfather and my father are woodworkers. I spent a lot of time in their shop kind of playing around or helping them and learning the tools, Kruse said. Many years later I picked it up and started carving. I really wanted to find a way to use recycled wood that you see and people pick up on the side of the street and whatever. I started collecting wood and started carving into it.

He was particularly fascinated with the router. Using that tool, freehand, Kruse remade a photo of those California oak trees on a piece of wood.

At the time, a friend of Kruses son took one look at the carving and asked if he could order one for himself. Kruses journey as carver and artist began right then and there -- with the silhouette of a tree.

Since then, his skills have grown. The same tree silhouettes he carves with diligence and attention to detail are mirrored in ink on his arms. The woodworkers tattoos suggest his love of the sylvan  and that love of forests and trees is part of what drew him away from the scorching heat of his former home in Phoenix.

Kruse moved to Flagstaff three years ago. It didnt take long before the artist was taken with the regions signature landscape.

Since moving up here to Flagstaff, I fell in love with the ponderosas and the Peaks, Kruse said.

He worked on carving out a new home in a landscape he loved, buying a home and establishing a studio.

Then Kruse decided he needed to put down roots in the community, too, by connecting with locals.

I started to think about how I could integrate into the community and started to learn about different people, different things. I came up with the idea for Faces of Flagstaff as a way to learn about Flagstaff, Kruse said. Theres a lot of unsung heroes here. I wanted to reach out to these personalities and see if I could make their portraits.

Kruse had become confident in portraiture as well as free-hand silhouette carving. He said commission pieces and portraits have allowed him to spend quality time with people and get to know them.

With Faces of Flagstaff, he hopes to get to know the community in a similar way, by first carving the visages of notable people in the region.

Deepening the connection

Because connection was the point of his Faces of Flagstaff series, he said it made sense to partner with a small local nonprofit to show the final products.

I think what Culture Connection does and does really well is connect people of different cultures, backgrounds and lived experiences, said Audra Travelbee, the founder and executive director of Culture Connection AZ. "All of our programs are designed not just to highlight people from other cultures, but to facilitate that connection between local folks and folks that come from other countries or come from another part of the country here -- to facilitate that exchange of cultural information. Being able to share an experience thats different from your own broadens your perspective and your worldview. I think that leads to a lot more empathy and compassion in the community.

Located in the Historic Ice House, Culture Connection often offers new artists a place to start.

The nonprofit is on the Downtown Business Alliances First Friday Artwalk map. Travelbee aims to use that visibility to bring awareness to creators who are just beginning their journey in the art world.

We try to keep it really accessible, Travelbee said. "I know sometimes it can be a challenge for artists to find opportunities that arent cost prohibitive. Frequently theres an expectation that theyll pay a commission. That can be up to 40% of sales sometimes. Sometimes entry fees for galleries can be really pricey, too. What we do is offer an opportunity thats very low cost and low financial risk."

According to Travelbee, artists pay just $20 to set up a table at the Ice House during First Friday Artwalk. If they cant pay the $20, artists can volunteer for other Culture Connection projects instead.

It really encourages new artists, and I really enjoy when someone reaches out to me and theyre like, Ive never done a show before. Id like to do a show, but also Im really nervous or Im not sure what to do. Its really cool that we get to offer that space thats welcoming and supportive, Travelbee said. A lot of times Ill have them sit next to a more experienced artist so they can get that mentorship aspect of it, too. I always take a picture of them with a little sign that says first show and then I put it on our social media to give them that encouragement. I personally find that really rewarding.

When Kruse approached Travelbee about Faces of Flagstaff, the two decided they didnt just want to show the art in the Ice House gallery space. They wanted to use the show to raise money for Culture Connection, and to highlight the work and personalities of the people who shape the community as a whole.

One of the things I really love about this particular show that were doing is it really offers the opportunity to celebrate those unsung heroes in Flagstaff. I know a lot of folks are behind the scenes doing tons of community work and really spending a lot of time investing in Flagstaff, Travelbee said.

Admission to the show will be free, with a suggested $10 donation at the door. The portraits will be sold, there will be a silent auction and beverages can be purchased to benefit Travelbees nonprofit.

Its tough to be a startup nonprofit in Flagstaff. There are over 600 nonprofit organizations in Flagstaff. When youre new on the scene, it is sort of a challenge to get people to pay attention and really understand what youre doing. Theres definitely limited funding opportunities in Flagstaff, Travelbee said. I think the thing that makes the biggest impact is when people donate directly to the organization.

She said for a nonprofit of her size, smaller donations can really count. When Culture Connection is not hosting shows for First Friday, it hosts Spanish/English language groups and a program called Culture Kitchen, which offers neighbors opportunities to share recipes from their cultures of origin with the community at large.

A face to the name

For Kruse, the show is a way to get involved and give back.

Its also all about highlighting the people who will be featured  the faces of Flagstaff.

Casting their nets for a crew of prominent people, Travelbee and Kruse set up an online nomination form and invited folks across Flagstaff to nominate their friends, neighbors and colleagues.

They received more than 15 nominations -- which Travelbee said was promising for a new event and concept.

Culture Connection then partnered with Kruse to form a small committee that narrowed those 15 nominations down to three.

Kruse hopes Faces of Flagstaff will become an annual show and fundraiser. For the first year, he has picked a couple of additional honorees to fill the gallery space.

Right now, Kruse and Travelbee are keeping the names of the honorees close to the vest, but theyre looking forward to revealing the finished art during opening night on July 28. Most of the honorees will be in attendance.

Weve set it up to be really welcoming. A good old Flagstaff time, with music and everything. Im excited, Travelbee said.
Guardian Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE:GWW  Free Report) during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm purchased 55 shares of the industrial products companys stock, valued at approximately $38,000.

A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the stock. CFO4Life Group LLC boosted its stake in W.W. Grainger by 4.5% in the 1st quarter. CFO4Life Group LLC now owns 1,046 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $721,000 after purchasing an additional 45 shares during the period. Quantinno Capital Management LP boosted its position in shares of W.W. Grainger by 43.2% during the 1st quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP now owns 2,535 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,746,000 after purchasing an additional 765 shares in the last quarter. Tobam raised its position in W.W. Grainger by 1,341.6% in the 1st quarter. Tobam now owns 3,431 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,363,000 after buying an additional 3,193 shares during the last quarter. Great Valley Advisor Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of W.W. Grainger by 41.5% in the first quarter. Great Valley Advisor Group Inc. now owns 1,085 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $747,000 after acquiring an additional 318 shares during the period. Finally, Strategy Asset Managers LLC increased its position in W.W. Grainger by 132.4% during the 1st quarter. Strategy Asset Managers LLC now owns 1,950 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,343,000 after purchasing an additional 1,111 shares during the period. 72.65% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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W.W. Grainger Stock Performance

NYSE:GWW traded up $0.02 during trading on Tuesday, reaching $769.28. The companys stock had a trading volume of 67,860 shares, compared to its average volume of 286,818. W.W. Grainger, Inc. has a 12 month low of $472.99 and a 12 month high of $811.60. The firm has a market cap of $38.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.59, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 1.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75, a quick ratio of 1.53 and a current ratio of 2.70. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $727.51 and a 200-day moving average of $677.91.

W.W. Grainger Increases Dividend

W.W. Grainger ( NYSE:GWW Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The industrial products company reported $9.61 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $8.57 by $1.04. W.W. Grainger had a net margin of 10.65% and a return on equity of 61.00%. The company had revenue of $4.09 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.08 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $7.07 earnings per share. W.W. Graingers quarterly revenue was up 12.2% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts expect that W.W. Grainger, Inc. will post 35.86 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, May 8th were paid a $1.86 dividend. This represents a $7.44 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.97%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 5th. This is a positive change from W.W. Graingers previous quarterly dividend of $1.72. W.W. Graingers dividend payout ratio is 22.82%.

Insider Transactions at W.W. Grainger

In other W.W. Grainger news, VP Laurie R. Thomson sold 476 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $683.74, for a total transaction of $325,460.24. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 1,731 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,183,553.94. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 9.90% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts have issued reports on the stock. Loop Capital lifted their price target on shares of W.W. Grainger from $750.00 to $800.00 in a report on Monday, May 1st. UBS Group lowered W.W. Grainger from a buy rating to a neutral rating and raised their price objective for the company from $815.00 to $820.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 12th. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on shares of W.W. Grainger from $537.00 to $555.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Oppenheimer increased their price objective on W.W. Grainger from $785.00 to $800.00 in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on W.W. Grainger in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $705.50.

W.W. Grainger Profile

(Free Report)

W.W. Grainger, Inc distributes maintenance, repair, and operating products and services in the United States, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, High-Touch Solutions N.A. and Endless Assortment. The company provides safety and security supplies, material handling and storage equipment, pumps and plumbing equipment, cleaning and maintenance supplies, and metalworking and hand tools.

Further Reading

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Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC grew its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV  Free Report) by 8.8% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,039,292 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 83,816 shares during the period. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF accounts for 1.6% of Integrated Wealth Concepts LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 4th largest holding. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC owned 0.26% of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF worth $75,598,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Bank of Montreal Can increased its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 7.8% during the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 8,253 shares of the companys stock valued at $646,000 after purchasing an additional 594 shares during the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 1.7% during the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 95,612 shares of the companys stock worth $7,417,000 after purchasing an additional 1,612 shares during the period. AJ Wealth Strategies LLC raised its position in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 4.4% in the 1st quarter. AJ Wealth Strategies LLC now owns 1,348,690 shares of the companys stock worth $104,618,000 after purchasing an additional 57,434 shares during the period. Founders Financial Securities LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 27.0% during the first quarter. Founders Financial Securities LLC now owns 88,779 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,887,000 after buying an additional 18,853 shares during the period. Finally, West Michigan Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 6.1% during the first quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC now owns 12,575 shares of the companys stock valued at $975,000 after buying an additional 719 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Trading Up 0.1 %

Shares of USMV stock traded up $0.11 on Tuesday, reaching $75.92. 2,598,179 shares of the companys stock were exchanged. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $73.27 and its 200 day simple moving average is $72.73. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF has a 52 week low of $47.44 and a 52 week high of $55.45. The stock has a market capitalization of $30.26 billion, a PE ratio of 20.17 and a beta of 0.75.

About iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF

The iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of US-listed firms selected and weighted to create a low-volatility portfolio subject to various constraints. USMV was launched on Oct 18, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Rebalance LLC boosted its position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG  Free Report) by 1.4% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 536,794 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 7,273 shares during the quarter. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF comprises about 5.3% of Rebalance LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 7th biggest holding. Rebalance LLC owned approximately 0.06% of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF worth $53,486,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Key Financial Inc boosted its stake in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 8.2% in the 1st quarter. Key Financial Inc now owns 1,370 shares of the companys stock valued at $137,000 after purchasing an additional 104 shares during the period. West Branch Capital LLC boosted its stake in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 8.4% in the 4th quarter. West Branch Capital LLC now owns 1,355 shares of the companys stock valued at $131,000 after purchasing an additional 105 shares during the period. Mosaic Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 0.9% during the 4th quarter. Mosaic Advisors LLC now owns 12,230 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,186,000 after acquiring an additional 110 shares during the period. Tempus Wealth Planning LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 2.2% during the 4th quarter. Tempus Wealth Planning LLC now owns 5,087 shares of the companys stock valued at $493,000 after acquiring an additional 111 shares during the period. Finally, Benin Management CORP lifted its position in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 4.4% during the 1st quarter. Benin Management CORP now owns 2,611 shares of the companys stock valued at $260,000 after acquiring an additional 111 shares during the period. 80.13% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Stock Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA:AGG traded down $0.14 during trading on Tuesday, reaching $97.67. 896,660 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 7,082,376. The companys 50 day moving average is $97.96 and its two-hundred day moving average is $98.72. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF has a 52 week low of $93.20 and a 52 week high of $104.39.

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Profile

IShares are index funds that are bought and sold like common stocks on national securities exchanges as well as certain foreign exchanges. iShares are attractive because of their relatively low cost, tax efficiency and trading flexibility. Investors can purchase and sell shares through any brokerage firm, financial advisor, or online broker, and hold the funds in any type of brokerage account.

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iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (BATS:HEFA  Get Free Report)s stock price fell 0.1% on Monday . The stock traded as low as $30.43 and last traded at $30.54. 299,519 shares were traded during mid-day trading, The stock had previously closed at $30.56.

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF Price Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of $3.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.57 and a beta of 0.70. The firms 50 day moving average is $30.42 and its two-hundred day moving average is $29.68.

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iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 10th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, July 5th were given a $0.5543 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, July 3rd.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF

About iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Exchange Capital Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. Exchange Capital Management Inc. now owns 271,639 shares of the companys stock worth $8,421,000 after buying an additional 1,228 shares during the period. Baird Financial Group Inc. increased its position in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 10.2% during the 1st quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 13,518 shares of the companys stock worth $458,000 after buying an additional 1,249 shares during the period. SVB Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 44.5% during the second quarter. SVB Wealth LLC now owns 7,305 shares of the companys stock worth $232,000 after buying an additional 2,250 shares in the last quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 206.8% during the second quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 9,836 shares of the companys stock worth $305,000 after buying an additional 6,630 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Valeo Financial Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 5.9% in the second quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 155,511 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,821,000 after acquiring an additional 8,676 shares during the period.

(Get Free Report)

The iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (HEFA) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks a market cap-weighted, USD-hedged index of large- and mid-cap stocks from developed countries outside the US and Canada. HEFA was launched on Jan 31, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWF  Free Report) by 0.4% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 152,119 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 625 shares during the quarter. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF comprises about 6.1% of Capital Advisors Ltd. LLCs holdings, making the stock its 3rd biggest holding. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLCs holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF were worth $37,167,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of IWF. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 145,777.6% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 223,496,182 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $47,881,822,000 after acquiring an additional 223,342,974 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 9.1% during the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 38,134,434 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $8,169,921,000 after acquiring an additional 3,186,645 shares during the last quarter. Polen Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 329.8% during the 4th quarter. Polen Capital Management LLC now owns 2,537,512 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $543,637,000 after acquiring an additional 1,947,087 shares during the last quarter. CI Private Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF during the 4th quarter valued at about $227,744,000. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 6.2% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 22,099,282 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $4,734,550,000 after acquiring an additional 1,283,522 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Price Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA:IWF traded up $1.22 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $281.48. The companys stock had a trading volume of 102,858 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,468,435. The company has a 50-day moving average of $268.22 and a 200-day moving average of $247.21. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF has a 12 month low of $202.05 and a 12 month high of $286.96. The firm has a market cap of $72.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.14 and a beta of 1.08.

iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Company Profile

iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment returns that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 1000 Growth Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of equity securities of Russell 1000 index issuers with relatively higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth.

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Anglo American (OTCMKTS:NGLOY  Free Report) had its price objective cut by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from GBX 2,800 ($35.90) to GBX 2,750 ($35.26) in a research report sent to investors on Friday, FlyOnTheWall reports.

Several other research firms have also recently commented on NGLOY. Barclays reduced their target price on Anglo American from GBX 3,300 ($42.31) to GBX 3,100 ($39.75) in a research report on Monday, July 10th. Royal Bank of Canada raised Anglo American from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 6th. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on Anglo American from GBX 2,430 ($31.16) to GBX 2,320 ($29.75) in a research note on Tuesday, July 11th. Credit Suisse Group lifted their price target on Anglo American from GBX 2,950 ($37.83) to GBX 3,050 ($39.11) in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. Finally, Berenberg Bank dropped their price target on Anglo American from GBX 3,300 ($42.31) to GBX 2,600 ($33.34) in a research note on Friday, July 7th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $2,886.67.

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Anglo American Stock Down 0.2 %

Anglo American stock opened at $15.36 on Friday. Anglo American has a 52 week low of $13.67 and a 52 week high of $22.95. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $14.88 and a 200 day simple moving average of $16.89. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a quick ratio of 1.27 and a current ratio of 1.90.

Anglo American Company Profile

Anglo American plc operates as a mining company worldwide. It explores for rough and polished diamonds, copper, platinum group metals, metallurgical and thermal coal, steelmaking coal, and iron ore; and nickel, polyhalite, and manganese ores, as well as alloys. The company was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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Quantinno Capital Management LP lifted its position in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK  Free Report) by 21.5% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 67,522 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 11,931 shares during the quarter. Merck & Co., Inc. accounts for about 0.5% of Quantinno Capital Management LPs holdings, making the stock its 24th biggest position. Quantinno Capital Management LPs holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. were worth $7,184,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Marion Wealth Management lifted 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 valued at $2,390,000 after buying an additional 3,366 shares in the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp lifted its stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 1.9% during 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 lifted its stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 3.1% during 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. purchased a new position in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. during the 4th quarter worth $806,000. Finally, Alaska Wealth Advisors purchased a new position in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. during the 4th quarter worth $228,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.60% of the companys stock.

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Merck & Co., Inc. Stock Performance

NYSE MRK traded down $0.15 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $108.64. The companys stock had a trading volume of 419,901 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,796,954. The company has a current ratio of 1.44, a quick ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $111.08 and a 200 day simple moving average of $110.56. Merck & Co., Inc. has a 52 week low of $84.52 and a 52 week high of $119.65. The stock has a market cap of $275.67 billion, a PE ratio of 21.25, a PEG ratio of 2.92 and a beta of 0.35.

Merck & Co., Inc. Announces Dividend

Merck & Co., Inc. ( NYSE:MRK Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $1.40 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping 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 firm had revenue of $14.49 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.81 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $2.14 earnings per share. Merck & Co., Inc.s revenue was down 8.9% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Merck & Co., Inc. will post 4.57 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 15th were paid a $0.73 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $2.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.69%. Merck & Co., Inc.s payout ratio is currently 57.03%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Merck & Co., Inc.

In other Merck & Co., Inc. news, EVP Richard R. Deluca sold 66,163 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on 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 owns 154,493 shares in the company, valued at $17,766,695. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, CEO Robert M. Davis sold 143,329 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, April 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $114.93, for a total transaction of $16,472,801.97. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 271,817 shares in the company, valued at $31,239,927.81. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Richard R. Deluca sold 66,163 shares of Merck & Co., Inc. stock in a transaction that occurred 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 completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now 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. 0.20% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts have weighed in on MRK shares. Societe Generale lowered Merck & Co., Inc. from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, March 28th. Barclays upped their price objective on Merck & Co., Inc. from $128.00 to $130.00 in a report on Monday, May 1st. Guggenheim upped their price objective on Merck & Co., Inc. from $123.00 to $124.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, April 11th. BTIG Research downgraded Merck & Co., Inc. from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Sunday, April 16th. Finally, HSBC initiated coverage on Merck & Co., Inc. in a report on Friday, July 14th. They issued a hold rating and a $123.00 price target for the company. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Merck & Co., Inc. has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $123.53.

Merck & Co., Inc. 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.

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Miller Howard Investments Inc. NY increased its position in Occidental Petroleum Co. (NYSE:OXY  Free Report) by 11.1% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 61,686 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after purchasing an additional 6,172 shares during the period. Miller Howard Investments Inc. NYs holdings in Occidental Petroleum were worth $3,851,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in OXY. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Occidental Petroleum in the 4th quarter valued at about $267,173,000. Renaissance Technologies LLC acquired a new position in Occidental Petroleum during the 4th quarter worth approximately $153,255,000. First Trust Advisors LP increased its position in Occidental Petroleum by 87.9% during the 1st quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 3,276,078 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $185,885,000 after purchasing an additional 1,532,100 shares during the period. Point72 Asset Management L.P. increased its position in Occidental Petroleum by 96.7% during the 4th quarter. Point72 Asset Management L.P. now owns 3,094,009 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $194,892,000 after purchasing an additional 1,521,409 shares during the period. Finally, Anomaly Capital Management LP acquired a new position in Occidental Petroleum during the 4th quarter worth approximately $95,058,000. 78.31% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Occidental Petroleum Trading Up 0.1 %

Shares of Occidental Petroleum stock opened at $62.36 on Tuesday. Occidental Petroleum Co. has a fifty-two week low of $55.51 and a fifty-two week high of $77.13. The firm has a market cap of $55.61 billion, a PE ratio of 7.14, a P/E/G ratio of 0.63 and a beta of 1.75. The businesss fifty day moving average is $58.94 and its two-hundred day moving average is $60.92. The company has a quick ratio of 0.78, a current ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.96.

Occidental Petroleum Dividend Announcement

Occidental Petroleum ( NYSE:OXY Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The oil and gas producer reported $1.09 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.30 by ($0.21). The business had revenue of $7.23 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.37 billion. Occidental Petroleum had a return on equity of 45.10% and a net margin of 27.06%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 15.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $2.12 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Occidental Petroleum Co. will post 4.38 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 9th were given a dividend of $0.18 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 8th. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.15%. Occidental Petroleums payout ratio is 8.25%.

Insider Transactions at Occidental Petroleum

In related news, major shareholder Berkshire Hathaway Inc purchased 802,236 shares of Occidental Petroleum stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 11th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $57.62 per share, with a total value of $46,224,838.32. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 212,509,355 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $12,244,789,035.10. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Over the last 90 days, insiders have purchased 6,469,323 shares of company stock valued at $376,269,362. Insiders own 0.35% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts have issued reports on OXY shares. UBS Group began coverage on Occidental Petroleum in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. They set a neutral rating and a $68.00 target price on the stock. Evercore ISI lowered their price target on Occidental Petroleum from $60.00 to $59.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Stephens lowered their price target on Occidental Petroleum from $72.00 to $69.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, July 18th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on Occidental Petroleum from $63.00 to $60.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, July 18th. Finally, Raymond James lowered their price target on Occidental Petroleum from $80.00 to $75.00 and set a strong-buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $69.19.

Occidental Petroleum Company Profile

(Free Report)

Occidental Petroleum Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and gas properties in the United States, the Middle East, North Africa, and Latin America. It operates through three segments: Oil and Gas, Chemical, and Midstream and Marketing.

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Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP  Free Report) had its price objective increased by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $64.00 to $72.00 in a report released on Friday morning, Benzinga reports. They currently have a neutral rating on the stock.

Several other equities analysts have also recently commented on the stock. StockNews.com cut shares of Molson Coors Beverage from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, June 8th. Wedbush boosted their target price on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $53.00 to $60.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. TheStreet upgraded shares of Molson Coors Beverage from a c+ rating to a b rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 2nd. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $61.00 to $69.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, July 20th. Finally, Bank of America raised shares of Molson Coors Beverage from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and lifted their price target for the company from $54.00 to $68.00 in a report on Tuesday, June 6th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $61.88.

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Molson Coors Beverage Price Performance

Shares of Molson Coors Beverage stock opened at $69.86 on Friday. Molson Coors Beverage has a twelve month low of $46.69 and a twelve month high of $70.71. The company has a quick ratio of 0.49, a current ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $65.32 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $58.10. The stock has a market capitalization of $15.10 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -58.70, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.17 and a beta of 0.85.

Molson Coors Beverage Dividend Announcement

Molson Coors Beverage ( NYSE:TAP Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The company reported $0.54 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.26 by $0.28. The company had revenue of $2.35 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.23 billion. Molson Coors Beverage had a negative net margin of 1.97% and a positive return on equity of 7.16%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.29 EPS. Analysts forecast that Molson Coors Beverage will post 4.58 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.41 per share. This represents a $1.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.35%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 31st. Molson Coors Beverages payout ratio is -137.81%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Molson Coors Beverage news, insider Geoffrey E. Molson sold 1,840 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.62, for a total transaction of $111,540.80. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 25,904 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,570,300.48. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Insiders own 2.41% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Molson Coors Beverage

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Scissortail Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage in the 1st quarter valued at $1,976,573,000. FNY Investment Advisers LLC bought a new stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage in the 1st quarter valued at $25,000. Lindbrook Capital LLC boosted its stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 2,192.0% in the 1st quarter. Lindbrook Capital LLC now owns 573 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 548 shares during the last quarter. Beacon Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 1,781.3% in the 4th quarter. Beacon Capital Management LLC now owns 602 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 570 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC lifted its position in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 85.7% during the 4th quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 650 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares during the period. 77.73% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Molson Coors Beverage

(Get 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.

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Shares of Mueller Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MLI  Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $91.80, but opened at $89.07. Mueller Industries shares last traded at $86.17, with a volume of 126,424 shares.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, StockNews.com lowered shares of Mueller Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday.

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Mueller Industries Stock Down 9.9 %

The company has a market cap of $4.71 billion, a PE ratio of 7.18 and a beta of 1.12. The businesss fifty day moving average is $82.91 and its 200-day moving average is $74.93.

Mueller Industries Dividend Announcement

Mueller Industries ( NYSE:MLI Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The industrial products company reported $3.07 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $971.19 million for the quarter. Mueller Industries had a net margin of 17.07% and a return on equity of 38.46%.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 16th. Investors of record on Friday, June 2nd were given a $0.30 dividend. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.45%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 1st. Mueller Industriess dividend payout ratio is presently 10.07%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Mueller Industries news, CEO Gregory L. Christopher sold 13,800 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $79.64, for a total transaction of $1,099,032.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 78,900 shares in the company, valued at $6,283,596. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Mueller Industries news, CEO Gregory L. Christopher sold 23,991 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $76.05, for a total transaction of $1,824,515.55. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 70,787 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,383,351.35. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Gregory L. Christopher sold 13,800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $79.64, for a total transaction of $1,099,032.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 78,900 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,283,596. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 49,740 shares of company stock worth $3,829,981. Insiders own 3.00% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Mueller Industries

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. First Trust Advisors LP grew its stake in shares of Mueller Industries by 284.1% during the 1st quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 2,701,964 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $198,540,000 after purchasing an additional 1,998,534 shares during the period. Gates Capital Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Mueller Industries in the 1st quarter worth $60,565,000. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Mueller Industries in the 4th quarter worth $39,197,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Mueller Industries by 1,084.7% during the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 671,768 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $4,010,000 after purchasing an additional 615,064 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Fuller & Thaler Asset Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Mueller Industries during the 1st quarter worth about $29,681,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.39% of the companys stock.

About Mueller Industries

(Get 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.

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As Coconino County and construction crews put the final touches on flood mitigation infrastructure in Wupatki Trails, new attention is being drawn toward the Government Tank watershed to the south.

The county flood district on Thursday hosted a meeting with residents of areas within that watershed, namely those on Switchback Trail and East Heppel Drive. The area has been impacted significantly by post-fire flooding in the wake of 2022's Pipeline Fire, seeing some of the highest volumes of water coming off of the burn scar.

But Thursdays meeting was contentious at times. Some residents expressed frustration with the county over how it has handled the flooding in the area so far.

Shannon Gottschammer is one resident who told the Arizona Daily Sun she feels the county has largely left residents to fend for themselves. Gottschammer has lived on Switchback since 2016, and her property, along with so many of her neighbors, saw extensive flooding last year.

It was literally like one of the most insane things Ive ever seen, she said of the flooding.

Flooding routinely cut across her driveway, cutting her off from the road and depositing thick layers of sediment and debris across her property.

The county installed a series of barriers around Gottschammers house, but other than that, she said, she feels the county has been less than helpful.

County Flood District Administrator Lucinda Andreani said one aspect limiting what the county has done in the area has actually been conflict with residents.

At the center of that conflict are the issue of contracts that would allow the county access to and the ability to install mitigation infrastructure on residents private property.

So far, very few residents in the area have signed cooperator agreements with the county to allow that work. And Andreani said that in her years of working on flood mitigation in the county, thats unusual.

Katie Buchanan and her husband were among several who have opted not to sign those agreements yet.

Buchanan and her family live on the south side of Switchback in the house they built seven years ago. The Government Tank drainage naturally runs just on the backside of their property.

She said she is sympathetic to the work the county wants to do, but what is giving them pause is the language on liability and maintenance within the agreement.

Buchanan said they were approached earlier this year to install additional infrastructure on their property -- specifically, barriers to help control erosion and the sediment within the drainage. They were initially supportive of the county doing that work, but as they took a deeper look at the cooperator agreement they were to sign, that began to change.

We initially felt like, 'OK, sure, we'll see what happens with that.' But then the contract they wanted us to sign was really just going to put 100% of the liability on to us for anything they did, Buchanan said.

The cooperator agreement outlined that the owners would be responsible for the infrastructure, including maintenance, for five years. And should it lead to downstream impacts, they could be held liable.

Buchanan said that just felt like too much risk for them to take.

I don't know the science. I don't know what's going to happen. I don't know the force and the volumes of water that are going to come and if, with the physics of that, if [structures are going] to be pushed down to my neighbors or somehow divert water flow more onto neighbors, Buchanan said. Or, worst case, kill a kid. I can't take that kind of responsibility, and then it pits neighbor against neighbor. I understand the county not wanting to be liable for it, but it's just too many question marks.

Buchanan said she does believe the improvements the county would make would be helpful, but added that they would be far more willing to sign something if they didnt feel they were taking on most of the risk.

Andreani said she understands that sentiment, and ultimately, the flood district does not force residents to act. If a resident or a community doesnt want flood mitigation infrastructure on their property, that is fully their prerogative.

Andreani said the trouble comes as a resident can always be held liable within Arizona law should they change the flow of water on their property and impact a home downstream. Whether the county places infrastructure, or a resident puts up berms themselves, Arizona law states they are responsible for their property.

When the county places such infrastructure, it conducts studies to ensure there are not downstream impacts. But that legal risk still exists.

I think part of what people have to understand is, irrespective of whether they signed the cooperator agreement or not, if they've done something to manipulate their property to accommodate flooding, they hold a certain amount of liability for Arizona law anyway, Andreani said. You're not supposed to change the character of how the water enters your property or leaves your property. And character involves velocity, depth, etc. That's why we always put the barrier as close to the house as physically capable and is practical.

Moreover, Andreani said the liability is set up that way in part to make the work the county is doing financially feasible. She said the flood district takes on all of the liability for the larger, long-term flood infrastructure. The cooperator agreements the district has property owners sign do not eliminate all risk to the county.

Even the short-term mitigation that the county places on private property through a cooperator agreement posed legal risk to the flood district, Andreani said.

We still hold a good chunk of that liability, because we're doing the engineering and we're doing the construction, she said.

Indeed, Andreani said the liability within the contracts is often less about if the infrastructure, once installed, will impact downstream residents. Instead, it is about encouraging residents to keep that infrastructure in place.

In the past, she said, they have seen property owners on their own take down flood mitigation infrastructure that the county has installed on their properties, leading to flooding of neighboring homes.

Andreani said that is where the liability comes into play more often.
New Mexico Educational Retirement Board lowered its position in The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) by 3.0% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 70,587 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 2,200 shares during the period. New Mexico Educational Retirement Boards holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $3,697,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Beacon Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Charles Schwab in the 1st quarter worth $25,000. Your Advocates Ltd. LLP acquired a new position in Charles Schwab in the 1st quarter worth $25,000. Carolina Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Charles Schwab by 54.8% in the 1st quarter. Carolina Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 565 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the period. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC acquired a new position in Charles Schwab in the 1st quarter worth $30,000. Finally, Rocky Mountain Advisers LLC boosted its stake in Charles Schwab by 704.2% in the 1st quarter. Rocky Mountain Advisers LLC now owns 571 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 500 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 82.77% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 77,640 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction that occurred on 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 sale, the chairman now directly owns 59,771,278 shares in the company, valued at $3,093,761,349.28. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 6.60% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Charles Schwab Trading Up 0.1 %

SCHW has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $71.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. Wolfe Research decreased their price objective on Charles Schwab from $62.00 to $60.00 in a report on Monday, June 26th. UBS Group raised their price objective on Charles Schwab from $67.00 to $80.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday. JMP Securities raised their price objective on Charles Schwab from $73.00 to $77.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Finally, Argus raised their price objective on Charles Schwab from $70.00 to $81.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. 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 company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $71.91.

Shares of SCHW stock opened at $66.56 on Tuesday. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $56.02 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $62.17. The company has a quick ratio of 0.38, a current ratio of 0.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74. The company has a market capitalization of $117.75 billion, a PE ratio of 19.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.84 and a beta of 0.88. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 12-month low of $45.00 and a 12-month high of $86.63.

Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.71 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $4.66 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.61 billion. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 33.15% and a return on equity of 27.81%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 8.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.97 earnings per share. As a group, analysts predict that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.26 earnings per share for the current year.

Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 12th were given a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 11th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.50%. Charles Schwabs payout ratio is 29.15%.

Charles Schwab Company Profile

(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.

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North American Construction Group (NYSE:NOA  Get Free Report) (TSE:NOA) will announce its earnings results after the market closes on Wednesday, July 26th. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $0.30 per share for the quarter. Individual interested in participating in the companys earnings conference call can do so using this link.

North American Construction Group (NYSE:NOA  Get Free Report) (TSE:NOA) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The oil and gas company reported $0.71 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.60 by $0.11. The firm had revenue of $179.42 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $166.89 million. North American Construction Group had a return on equity of 25.16% and a net margin of 9.01%. On average, analysts expect North American Construction Group to post $2 EPS for the current fiscal year and $2 EPS for the next fiscal year.

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North American Construction Group Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE NOA opened at $19.20 on Tuesday. North American Construction Group has a 1 year low of $9.20 and a 1 year high of $20.23. The firm has a market cap of $507.26 million, a P/E ratio of 10.38 and a beta of 1.48. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $19.04 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $17.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a current ratio of 1.15.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On North American Construction Group

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Renaissance Technologies LLC lifted its stake in North American Construction Group by 59.5% during the first quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 771,400 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $11,156,000 after buying an additional 287,900 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its stake in North American Construction Group by 956.7% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 191,408 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $2,764,000 after purchasing an additional 173,295 shares during the period. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership purchased a new position in North American Construction Group during the 4th quarter worth approximately $1,537,000. Two Sigma Investments LP raised its stake in North American Construction Group by 786.3% during the 1st quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 93,484 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,561,000 after purchasing an additional 82,936 shares during the period. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp lifted its holdings in shares of North American Construction Group by 8.5% in the first quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 1,019,744 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $14,787,000 after purchasing an additional 79,671 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 56.21% of the companys stock.

Separately, StockNews.com upgraded shares of North American Construction Group from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 18th.

North American Construction Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

North American Construction Group Ltd. provides equipment maintenance, and mining and heavy construction services in Canada, the United States, and Australia. Its Heavy Construction & Mining division offers constructability reviews, budgetary cost estimates, design-build construction, project management, contract mining, pre-stripping/pit pioneering, overburden removal and stockpile, muskeg removal and stockpile, site preparation, air strip construction, site dewatering/perimeter ditching, tailings and process pipelines, haulage and access road construction, tailings dam construction and densification, mechanically stabilized earth walls, dyke construction, and reclamation services; and Equipment Maintenance services.

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OLD Second National Bank of Aurora increased its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 387.6% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 10,977 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 8,726 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company makes up 1.1% of OLD Second National Bank of Auroras investment portfolio, making the stock its 26th largest position. OLD Second National Bank of Auroras holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $3,770,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Aries Wealth Management lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.8% during the 1st quarter. Aries Wealth Management now owns 3,701 shares of the companys stock worth $1,271,000 after acquiring an additional 28 shares during the period. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 7.6% during the 1st quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 397 shares of the companys stock worth $136,000 after buying an additional 28 shares during the period. Richard W. Paul & Associates LLC grew its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. Richard W. Paul & Associates LLC now owns 1,248 shares of the companys stock worth $428,000 after buying an additional 28 shares during the period. Verdence Capital Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.5% during the 4th quarter. Verdence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 5,732 shares of the companys stock worth $2,097,000 after buying an additional 29 shares during the period. Finally, Avantax Planning Partners Inc. grew its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Avantax Planning Partners Inc. now owns 2,555 shares of the companys stock worth $877,000 after buying an additional 29 shares during the period. 87.25% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Eli Lilly and Company Stock Down 0.2 %

Shares of LLY stock traded down $1.08 during trading on Tuesday, reaching $458.24. The companys stock had a trading volume of 617,257 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,029,382. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $446.88 and a 200-day moving average price of $387.42. The company has a quick ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 1.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67. The company has a market cap of $434.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 73.03, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.12 and a beta of 0.38. Eli Lilly and Company has a one year low of $296.32 and a one year high of $469.87.

Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend

Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $1.62 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.73 by ($0.11). The business had revenue of $6.96 billion during 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%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 10.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.62 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 8.78 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Investors of record on Friday, September 8th will be issued a dividend of $1.13 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 14th. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.99%. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is 71.86%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Eli Lilly and Company news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 225,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, April 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $398.48, for a total value of $89,658,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 101,908,810 shares in the company, valued at $40,608,622,608.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, EVP Patrik Jonsson sold 6,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $429.46, for a total value of $2,576,760.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 36,941 shares in the company, valued at $15,864,681.86. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 225,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, April 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $398.48, for a total transaction of $89,658,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 101,908,810 shares in the company, valued at $40,608,622,608.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 971,556 shares of company stock worth $424,000,879. Insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on LLY shares. Guggenheim lowered their price target on shares of 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. 3M reiterated a maintains rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Morgan Stanley lifted 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. Truist Financial lifted their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $430.00 to $525.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. Finally, SVB Securities lifted their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $410.00 to $458.00 in a research note on Monday, May 1st. One equities research 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 data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $458.36.

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.

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Optimum Investment Advisors lowered its stake in shares of Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC  Free Report) by 11.3% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 14,164 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 1,800 shares during the period. Optimum Investment Advisors holdings in Bank of America were worth $405,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Legend Financial Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 6,772.7% during the 4th quarter. Legend Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 756 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 745 shares during the last quarter. Tanglewood Legacy Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Bank of America during the 4th quarter valued at $26,000. Grey Fox Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Bank of America during the 4th quarter valued at $35,000. Ahrens Investment Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Bank of America during the 1st quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, Mendota Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Bank of America during the 4th quarter valued at $36,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 67.34% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Bank of America

In other news, insider Dean C. Athanasia sold 77,806 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $31.48, for a total transaction of $2,449,332.88. Following the sale, the insider now owns 353,971 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,143,007.08. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.27% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Bank of America Price Performance

BAC has been the subject of several analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $35.00 price objective on shares of Bank of America in a report on Friday, June 30th. Citigroup dropped their target price on Bank of America from $38.00 to $33.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Evercore ISI dropped their target price on Bank of America from $36.00 to $35.00 in a research report on Friday, May 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on Bank of America from $38.00 to $34.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, April 10th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company dropped their target price on Bank of America from $45.00 to $40.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 6th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Bank of America presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $36.26.

Shares of BAC stock traded down $0.22 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $32.43. The company had a trading volume of 21,955,743 shares, compared to its average volume of 52,293,793. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a current ratio of 0.83. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $28.98 and a 200-day moving average of $30.62. The company has a market capitalization of $258.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.38, a PEG ratio of 1.34 and a beta of 1.36. Bank of America Co. has a 12-month low of $26.32 and a 12-month high of $38.60.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.88 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.84 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $25.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $24.98 billion. Bank of America had a return on equity of 12.01% and a net margin of 19.97%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 11.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.73 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Bank of America Co. will post 3.4 earnings per share for the current year.

Bank of America Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Friday, September 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.24 per share. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.96%. This is a boost from Bank of Americas previous quarterly dividend of $0.22. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 31st. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 25.29%.

About Bank of America

(Free Report)

Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. Its Consumer Banking segment offers traditional and money market savings accounts, certificates of deposit and IRAs, noninterest-and interest-bearing checking accounts, and investment accounts and products; and credit and debit cards, residential mortgages, and home equity loans, as well as direct and indirect loans, such as automotive, recreational vehicle, and consumer personal loans.

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Optimum Investment Advisors reduced its stake in Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA  Free Report) by 5.8% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 6,091 shares of the credit services providers stock after selling 375 shares during the quarter. Mastercard accounts for 1.2% of Optimum Investment Advisors portfolio, making the stock its 12th largest position. Optimum Investment Advisors holdings in Mastercard were worth $2,214,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Syverson Strege & Co lifted its position in Mastercard by 58.3% during the 1st quarter. Syverson Strege & Co now owns 190 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $69,000 after buying an additional 70 shares in the last quarter. FirstPurpose Wealth LLC lifted its position in Mastercard by 4.9% during the 1st quarter. FirstPurpose Wealth LLC now owns 2,112 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $768,000 after buying an additional 99 shares in the last quarter. LA Financiere DE L Echiquier lifted its position in Mastercard by 1.3% during the 1st quarter. LA Financiere DE L Echiquier now owns 365,815 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $132,941,000 after buying an additional 4,760 shares in the last quarter. Adell Harriman & Carpenter Inc. lifted its position in Mastercard by 3.7% during the 1st quarter. Adell Harriman & Carpenter Inc. now owns 25,701 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $9,340,000 after buying an additional 907 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Quantinno Capital Management LP lifted its position in Mastercard by 13.7% during the 1st quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP now owns 15,245 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $5,540,000 after buying an additional 1,838 shares in the last quarter. 81.33% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages have commented on MA. Tigress Financial boosted their price target on shares of Mastercard from $472.00 to $476.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. KeyCorp boosted their price target on shares of Mastercard from $425.00 to $430.00 in a research report on Monday, April 24th. Robert W. Baird restated an outperform rating and set a $435.00 price objective on shares of Mastercard in a research note on Friday, June 30th. Credit Suisse Group boosted their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $390.00 to $400.00 in a research note on Friday, April 28th. Finally, Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and set a $440.00 price objective on shares of Mastercard in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eighteen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $425.11.

Mastercard Price Performance

Shares of NYSE MA traded down $2.83 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $401.96. 795,121 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,774,729. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.84, a quick ratio of 1.20 and a current ratio of 1.20. The company has a market cap of $381.00 billion, a PE ratio of 40.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.88 and a beta of 1.11. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $383.32 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $372.80. Mastercard Incorporated has a 1-year low of $276.87 and a 1-year high of $404.91.

Mastercard (NYSE:MA  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The credit services provider reported $2.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.71 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $5.75 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.64 billion. Mastercard had a net margin of 42.33% and a return on equity of 169.12%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 11.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $2.76 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Mastercard Incorporated will post 12.14 EPS for the current year.

Mastercard Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, August 9th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 7th will be given a $0.57 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 6th. This represents a $2.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.57%. Mastercards dividend payout ratio is currently 22.78%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Mastercard

In other Mastercard news, insider Timothy H. Murphy sold 27,417 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $374.49, for a total value of $10,267,392.33. Following the sale, the insider now owns 39,263 shares in the company, valued at $14,703,600.87. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other news, major shareholder Foundation Mastercard sold 125,816 shares of Mastercard stock in a transaction on Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $386.28, for a total transaction of $48,600,204.48. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 100,437,277 shares in the company, valued at $38,796,911,359.56. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Timothy H. Murphy sold 27,417 shares of Mastercard stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $374.49, for a total transaction of $10,267,392.33. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 39,263 shares in the company, valued at approximately $14,703,600.87. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 553,576 shares of company stock worth $211,635,322 over the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Mastercard Profile

(Free Report)

Mastercard Incorporated, a technology company, provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. It facilitates the processing of payment transactions, including authorization, clearing, and settlement, as well as delivers other payment-related products and services.

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Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Thursday, June 22nd, RTT News reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 28th will be paid a dividend of 0.41 per share by the biopharmaceutical company on Tuesday, September 5th. This represents a $1.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.37%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 27th.

Pfizer has raised its dividend by an average of 3.3% annually over the last three years and has increased its dividend annually for the last 12 consecutive years. Pfizer has a dividend payout ratio of 47.4% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Research analysts expect Pfizer to earn $3.37 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.64 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 48.7%.

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Pfizer Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:PFE opened at $37.51 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $211.76 billion, a PE ratio of 7.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.24 and a beta of 0.61. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $37.61 and its 200-day simple moving average is $40.36. Pfizer has a one year low of $35.35 and a one year high of $54.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.37.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 2nd. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.23 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.00 by $0.23. The company had revenue of $18.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.49 billion. Pfizer had a net margin of 31.25% and a return on equity of 37.53%. Pfizers revenue was down 28.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.62 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that Pfizer will post 3.35 EPS for the current year.

Several research firms have issued reports on PFE. Credit Suisse Group lowered shares of Pfizer from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and cut their price target for the stock from $47.00 to $40.00 in a report on Thursday, June 29th. Bank of America lowered their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $50.00 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday, April 21st. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $40.00 to $38.00 in a research note on Tuesday, July 11th. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $49.00 to $45.00 in a research note on Tuesday, July 18th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Pfizer from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, June 30th. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Pfizer has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $45.88.

Insider Buying and Selling at Pfizer

In other news, Director Scott Gottlieb bought 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 8th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $38.58 per share, with a total value of $38,580.00. Following the purchase, the director now directly owns 6,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $231,480. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. 0.05% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Pfizer

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Front Street Capital Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Pfizer by 4.3% during the 1st quarter. Front Street Capital Management Inc. now owns 5,168 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $268,000 after purchasing an additional 215 shares during the last quarter. Castleview Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Pfizer by 2.4% during the 1st quarter. Castleview Partners LLC now owns 12,207 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $498,000 after purchasing an additional 287 shares during the last quarter. United Bank raised its position in shares of Pfizer by 0.6% during the 1st quarter. United Bank now owns 46,671 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $2,416,000 after purchasing an additional 290 shares during the last quarter. Compton Capital Management Inc. RI raised its position in shares of Pfizer by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. Compton Capital Management Inc. RI now owns 63,891 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $3,308,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. Finally, GHP Investment Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of Pfizer by 2.4% during the 4th quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 13,332 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $683,000 after purchasing an additional 307 shares during the last quarter. 67.80% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Pfizer Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

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Power Co. of Canada (TSE:POW  Get Free Report) had its price target hoisted by equities researchers at CIBC from C$37.00 to C$39.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage presently has a neutral rating on the financial services providers stock. CIBCs price target would suggest a potential upside of 4.50% from the companys current price.

Several other analysts also recently commented on the stock. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Power Co. of Canada from C$39.00 to C$40.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 23rd. National Bankshares upped their price target on shares of Power Co. of Canada from C$40.00 to C$41.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 16th. TD Securities raised shares of Power Co. of Canada from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their price objective for the company from C$38.00 to C$41.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 17th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reduced their price target on shares of Power Co. of Canada from C$40.00 to C$39.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 17th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Power Co. of Canada has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of C$40.71.

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Power Co. of Canada Trading Down 0.7 %

Shares of TSE POW traded down C$0.27 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching C$37.32. 567,995 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,027,889. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of C$35.75 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$35.61. The company has a market capitalization of C$22.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.68, a P/E/G ratio of 0.77 and a beta of 1.06. Power Co. of Canada has a 12 month low of C$29.76 and a 12 month high of C$37.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 49.81, a current ratio of 94.47 and a quick ratio of 107.64.

Power Co. of Canada Company Profile

Power Co. of Canada ( TSE:POW Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, May 15th. The financial services provider reported C$0.77 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of C$0.97 by C($0.20). Power Co. of Canada had a return on equity of 6.53% and a net margin of 2.62%. The company had revenue of C$13.47 billion for the quarter. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Power Co. of Canada will post 3.7440239 EPS for the current year.

(Get Free Report)

Power Corporation of Canada, an international management and holding company, offers financial services in North America, Europe, and Asia. It operates through Lifeco, IGM Financial, and GBL segments. The company offers life, disability, critical illness, accidental death, dismemberment, health and dental protection, and creditor insurance; retirement and investment management; fund and asset management; reinsurance and retrocession; investment advisory, financial planning, and related services; fund products; and protection and wealth management services.

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Hallmark Capital Management Inc. decreased its holdings in Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE:PB  Free Report) by 0.4% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 233,048 shares of the banks stock after selling 879 shares during the quarter. Hallmark Capital Management Inc. owned 0.26% of Prosperity Bancshares worth $14,337,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Prosperity Bancshares by 0.4% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 9,298,310 shares of the banks stock worth $620,011,000 after buying an additional 40,530 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in Prosperity Bancshares by 3.1% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 8,212,796 shares of the banks stock worth $569,805,000 after purchasing an additional 244,440 shares during the period. State Street Corp boosted its stake in Prosperity Bancshares by 13.0% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 7,714,622 shares of the banks stock worth $539,069,000 after purchasing an additional 890,236 shares during the period. Victory Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in Prosperity Bancshares by 1.0% in the 1st quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 5,753,836 shares of the banks stock worth $353,976,000 after purchasing an additional 56,920 shares during the period. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. boosted its stake in Prosperity Bancshares by 2.7% in the 4th quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 2,674,487 shares of the banks stock worth $194,382,000 after purchasing an additional 69,878 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.68% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, Director L. Jack Lord bought 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 1st. The shares were purchased at an average price of $62.04 per share, for a total transaction of $310,200.00. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 33,125 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,055,075. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Insiders own 4.20% of the companys stock.

Prosperity Bancshares Trading Up 1.7 %

PB stock opened at $62.29 on Tuesday. Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. has a 1 year low of $54.45 and a 1 year high of $78.76. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $58.83 and a 200 day simple moving average of $64.53. The firm has a market cap of $5.87 billion, a PE ratio of 10.78, a PEG ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 0.94.

Prosperity Bancshares (NYSE:PB  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 26th. The bank reported $1.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.33 by $0.04. Prosperity Bancshares had a net margin of 39.87% and a return on equity of 7.93%. The business had revenue of $365.58 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $285.02 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.33 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. will post 5.14 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Prosperity Bancshares Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 2nd. Investors of record on Friday, September 15th will be issued a $0.55 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.53%. Prosperity Bancsharess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 38.13%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts recently commented on the stock. Truist Financial decreased their price objective on shares of Prosperity Bancshares from $71.00 to $64.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 29th. Raymond James decreased their price objective on shares of Prosperity Bancshares from $70.00 to $65.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 6th. Wolfe Research raised shares of Prosperity Bancshares from an underperform rating to an outperform rating and set a $68.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Wednesday, May 3rd. StockNews.com raised shares of Prosperity Bancshares to a sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 6th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered shares of Prosperity Bancshares from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and lifted their target price for the company from $58.00 to $60.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 16th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $72.10.

About Prosperity Bancshares

(Free Report)

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc operates as bank holding company for the Prosperity Bank that provides financial products and services to businesses and consumers. It accepts various deposit products, such as demand, savings, money market, and time accounts, as well as and certificates of deposit. The company also offers 1-4 family residential mortgage, commercial real estate and multifamily residential, commercial and industrial, agricultural, and non-real estate agricultural loans, as well as construction, land development, and other land loans; consumer loans, including automobile, recreational vehicle, boat, home improvement, personal, and deposit account collateralized loans; and consumer durables and home equity loans, as well as loans for working capital, business expansion, and purchase of equipment and machinery.

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Several brokerages have updated their recommendations and price targets on shares of WidePoint (NYSEAMERICAN: WYY) in the last few weeks:

7/23/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

7/22/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

7/21/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

7/19/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

7/18/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

7/17/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

7/15/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

7/14/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

7/13/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

7/11/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

7/10/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

7/9/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

7/8/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

7/6/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

7/5/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

7/4/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

7/3/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

7/1/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

6/30/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

6/28/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

6/27/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

6/26/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

6/24/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

6/23/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

6/21/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

6/20/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

6/19/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

6/17/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

6/16/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

6/15/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

6/14/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

6/12/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

6/11/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

6/9/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

6/8/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

6/2/2023  WidePoint is now covered by analysts at StockNews.com. They set a sell rating on the stock.

WidePoint Stock Down 3.9 %

WYY stock traded down $0.08 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $1.95. 2,084 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 27,441. WidePoint Co. has a 12-month low of $1.70 and a 12-month high of $3.06. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $1.85 and a 200-day simple moving average of $1.93. The firm has a market capitalization of $17.03 million, a P/E ratio of -1.12 and a beta of 1.04.

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WidePoint (NYSEAMERICAN:WYY  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, May 15th. The technology company reported ($0.11) EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $25.27 million during the quarter. WidePoint had a negative net margin of 16.03% and a positive return on equity of 2.98%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. UBS Group AG acquired a new position in WidePoint during the first quarter worth about $29,000. Citadel Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of WidePoint by 121.1% in the third quarter. Citadel Advisors LLC now owns 13,577 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 7,437 shares during the last quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP acquired a new stake in shares of WidePoint in the first quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Renaissance Technologies LLC acquired a new stake in shares of WidePoint in the second quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Finally, Channel Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of WidePoint in the first quarter valued at approximately $40,000. 11.85% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

WidePoint Corporation provides technology management as a service (TMaaS) to the government and business enterprises in North America and Europe. The company offers TMaaS solutions through a secure federal government certified proprietary portal and secure enterprise portal that provides ability to manage, analyze, and protect communications assets, as well as deploy identity management solutions that provide secured virtual and physical access to restricted environments.

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Sun Life Financial (NYSE:SLF  Get Free Report) and AIA Group (OTCMKTS:AAGIY  Get Free Report) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, valuation, profitability, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, risk and dividends.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Sun Life Financial and AIA Groups revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Sun Life Financial $17.94 billion 1.72 $2.50 billion $3.86 13.64 AIA Group $19.11 billion 5.96 $282.00 million N/A N/A

Sun Life Financial has higher earnings, but lower revenue than AIA Group.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Sun Life Financial 8.90% 14.29% 1.16% AIA Group N/A N/A N/A

Dividends

This table compares Sun Life Financial and AIA Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Sun Life Financial pays an annual dividend of $2.21 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.2%. AIA Group pays an annual dividend of $1.09 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.8%. Sun Life Financial pays out 57.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Sun Life Financial has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years. Sun Life Financial is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

41.7% of Sun Life Financial shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 0.1% of AIA Group shares are owned by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for Sun Life Financial and AIA Group, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Sun Life Financial 0 1 2 0 2.67 AIA Group 0 1 1 0 2.50

Sun Life Financial presently has a consensus target price of $72.78, indicating a potential upside of 38.26%. Given Sun Life Financials stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities research analysts plainly believe Sun Life Financial is more favorable than AIA Group.

Volatility and Risk

Sun Life Financial has a beta of 1.01, indicating that its stock price is 1% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, AIA Group has a beta of 0.54, indicating that its stock price is 46% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Sun Life Financial beats AIA Group on 11 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Sun Life Financial

(Get Free Report)

Sun Life Financial Inc., a financial services company, provides savings, retirement, and pension products worldwide. It offers term and permanent life, as well as personal health, dental, critical illness, long-term care, and disability insurance products. The company provides financial advice, asset management, and investments related products. It is also involved in mutual fund and investment management businesses. Sun Life Financial Inc was founded in 1871 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

About AIA Group

(Get Free Report)

AIA Group Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides life insurance based financial services. The company offers life insurance, accident, and health insurance and savings plans; and employee benefits, credit life, and pension services to corporate clients. It also distributes investment and other financial services products. The company sells its products through a network of agents and partners in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Brunei, Vietnam, and India. AIA Group Limited was founded in 1919 and is based in Central, Hong Kong.

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Reynders McVeigh Capital Management LLC trimmed its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 27.6% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 9,216 shares of the companys stock after selling 3,510 shares during the period. Reynders McVeigh Capital Management LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $3,165,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Fairfield Bush & CO. bought a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the first quarter valued at $107,000. Roundview Capital LLC lifted its position in 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 during the last quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC bought a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the first quarter valued at $210,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 9.9% during the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 53,052 shares of the companys stock valued at $15,193,000 after purchasing an additional 4,774 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Barometer Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the first quarter valued at $561,000. 87.25% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Activity at Eli Lilly and Company

In related news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 164,125 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, June 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $467.60, for a total value of $76,744,850.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 101,028,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $47,241,071,556. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 600 shares of the businesss 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 owns 5,978 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,602,163.62. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 164,125 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, June 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $467.60, for a total transaction of $76,744,850.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 101,028,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $47,241,071,556. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 971,556 shares of company stock worth $424,000,879 in the last three months. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance

Several research firms have commented on LLY. Credit Suisse Group increased their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $420.00 to $490.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. BMO Capital Markets raised their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $505.00 to $565.00 in a report on Tuesday, July 18th. HSBC began coverage on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Friday, July 14th. They issued a buy rating and a $560.00 target price for the company. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $440.00 to $500.00 in a report on Friday, May 26th. Finally, Guggenheim cut their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $395.00 to $392.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, April 11th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and fifteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Eli Lilly and Company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $458.36.

NYSE LLY traded down $0.88 on Tuesday, hitting $458.44. 324,061 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,027,442. The company has a current ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1-year low of $296.32 and a 1-year high of $469.87. The firms 50-day moving average price is $446.88 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $387.42. The firm has a market capitalization of $435.18 billion, a PE ratio of 73.03, a P/E/G ratio of 2.12 and a beta of 0.38.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $1.62 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.73 by ($0.11). Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 20.54% and a return on equity of 61.42%. The firm had revenue of $6.96 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.87 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $2.62 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 10.9% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 8.78 EPS for the current year.

Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Investors of record on Friday, September 8th will be paid a $1.13 dividend. This represents a $4.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.99%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 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.

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Savant Capital LLC bought a new stake in Mohawk Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MHK  Free Report) during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor bought 68,385 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,854,000. Savant Capital LLC owned approximately 0.11% of Mohawk Industries as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Kinneret Advisory LLC grew its position in shares of Mohawk Industries by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. Kinneret Advisory LLC now owns 3,451 shares of the companys stock valued at $429,000 after buying an additional 77 shares during the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors grew its position in Mohawk Industries by 3.3% in the 1st quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 2,708 shares of the companys stock worth $336,000 after purchasing an additional 86 shares during the last quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System grew its position in Mohawk Industries by 0.5% in the 1st quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System now owns 20,281 shares of the companys stock worth $2,033,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. grew its position in Mohawk Industries by 2.8% in the 1st quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 3,731 shares of the companys stock worth $374,000 after purchasing an additional 103 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Lakewood Asset Management LLC grew its position in Mohawk Industries by 1.1% in the 1st quarter. Lakewood Asset Management LLC now owns 10,210 shares of the companys stock worth $1,023,000 after purchasing an additional 116 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.55% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on MHK shares. Bank of America decreased their price objective on shares of Mohawk Industries from $110.00 to $108.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Mohawk Industries in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Loop Capital upgraded shares of Mohawk Industries from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $115.00 price objective for the company in a report on Tuesday, April 11th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their target price on shares of Mohawk Industries from $115.00 to $118.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, July 13th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $122.17.

Mohawk Industries Trading Up 1.0 %

Shares of MHK opened at $111.38 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 1.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. Mohawk Industries, Inc. has a twelve month low of $87.01 and a twelve month high of $137.41. The firms 50 day moving average price is $101.35 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $103.94.

Mohawk Industries (NYSE:MHK  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $1.75 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.28 by $0.47. The firm had revenue of $2.81 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.74 billion. Mohawk Industries had a negative net margin of 1.21% and a positive return on equity of 8.47%. The businesss revenue was down 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $3.78 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts forecast that Mohawk Industries, Inc. will post 9.48 earnings per share for the current year.

About Mohawk Industries

(Free Report)

Mohawk Industries, Inc designs, manufactures, sources, distributes, and markets flooring products for residential and commercial remodeling, and new construction channels in the United States, Europe, Russia, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Global Ceramic, Flooring North America (Flooring NA), and Flooring Rest of the World (Flooring ROW).

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StockNews.com downgraded shares of Spirit AeroSystems (NYSE:SPR  Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report released on Friday morning.

Other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. Bank of America cut their price target on Spirit AeroSystems from $26.00 to $25.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 30th. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price target on Spirit AeroSystems from $36.00 to $32.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 4th. Benchmark upgraded Spirit AeroSystems from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $45.00 target price for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 19th. TD Cowen cut Spirit AeroSystems from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and cut their target price for the stock from $38.00 to $28.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 4th. Finally, Barclays cut their target price on Spirit AeroSystems from $50.00 to $40.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 9th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $35.71.

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Spirit AeroSystems Stock Up 1.2 %

Shares of NYSE:SPR opened at $29.16 on Friday. Spirit AeroSystems has a 12-month low of $21.14 and a 12-month high of $38.55. The stock has a market cap of $3.07 billion, a PE ratio of -3.95 and a beta of 1.64. The business has a 50 day moving average of $28.46 and a 200-day moving average of $30.98.

Institutional Trading of Spirit AeroSystems

Spirit AeroSystems ( NYSE:SPR Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 3rd. The aerospace company reported ($1.69) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.31) by ($1.38). The company had revenue of $1.43 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.52 billion. Spirit AeroSystems had a negative net margin of 14.64% and a negative return on equity of 365.67%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 21.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.03 earnings per share. Equities research analysts expect that Spirit AeroSystems will post -1.96 earnings per share for the current year.

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of SPR. Private Advisor Group LLC acquired a new stake in Spirit AeroSystems in the first quarter valued at $576,000. Natixis Advisors L.P. acquired a new stake in Spirit AeroSystems in the first quarter valued at $772,000. MetLife Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in Spirit AeroSystems in the first quarter valued at $169,000. Panagora Asset Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Spirit AeroSystems in the first quarter valued at $200,000. Finally, BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in Spirit AeroSystems by 4.0% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 5,332,086 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $260,687,000 after purchasing an additional 205,899 shares during the period. 89.07% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Spirit AeroSystems Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc engages in the design, engineering, manufacture, and marketing of commercial aerostructures worldwide. It operates through three segments: Commercial, Defense & Space, and Aftermarket. The Commercial segment offers forward, mid, and rear fuselage sections and systems, nacelles, struts/pylons, horizontal and vertical stabilizers, flaps and slats flight control surfaces, wing structures, and fully functional and tested wing systems.

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Stock analysts at StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of American Shared Hospital Services (NYSEAMERICAN:AMS  Get Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Sunday. The firm set a hold rating on the stock.

Separately, TheStreet downgraded shares of American Shared Hospital Services from a c- rating to a d+ rating in a research note on Monday, May 1st.

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American Shared Hospital Services Trading Up 1.9 %

AMS opened at $2.73 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $16.95 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.65 and a beta of 0.71. American Shared Hospital Services has a 12 month low of $2.27 and a 12 month high of $3.75. The company has a current ratio of 3.72, a quick ratio of 3.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $2.68.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On American Shared Hospital Services

American Shared Hospital Services ( NYSEAMERICAN:AMS Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Friday, May 12th. The company reported $0.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $4.93 million during the quarter. American Shared Hospital Services had a return on equity of 4.88% and a net margin of 6.29%.

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Renaissance Technologies LLC raised its position in shares of American Shared Hospital Services by 26.3% during the 3rd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 19,321 shares of the companys stock worth $50,000 after purchasing an additional 4,021 shares during the last quarter. Canton Hathaway LLC raised its position in shares of American Shared Hospital Services by 100.0% during the 4th quarter. Canton Hathaway LLC now owns 20,000 shares of the companys stock worth $59,000 after purchasing an additional 10,000 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its position in shares of American Shared Hospital Services by 3.9% during the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 158,681 shares of the companys stock worth $465,000 after purchasing an additional 5,899 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CI Private Wealth LLC acquired a new position in shares of American Shared Hospital Services during the 4th quarter worth about $470,000. 17.70% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

American Shared Hospital Services Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

American Shared Hospital Services provides radiosurgery and radiation therapy equipment to health care providers. The company offers radiosurgery equipment for the Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery, a non-invasive procedure to treat malignant and benign brain tumors, and arteriovenous malformations, as well as for trigeminal neuralgia.

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Strategy Asset Managers LLC bought a new stake in shares of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (NYSE:IPG  Free Report) during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund bought 6,842 shares of the business services providers stock, valued at approximately $255,000.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of IPG. New York State Common Retirement Fund lifted its position in Interpublic Group of Companies by 9.8% during the 1st quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 648,636 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $24,155,000 after acquiring an additional 58,159 shares during the period. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Interpublic Group of Companies in the 1st quarter worth approximately $233,000. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Interpublic Group of Companies in the 1st quarter worth approximately $33,000. Pacer Advisors Inc. increased its position in Interpublic Group of Companies by 2,546.3% during the 1st quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 23,711 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $883,000 after buying an additional 22,815 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Jackson Creek Investment Advisors LLC raised its stake in Interpublic Group of Companies by 80.2% during the first quarter. Jackson Creek Investment Advisors LLC now owns 34,432 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,282,000 after buying an additional 15,321 shares during the last quarter. 98.45% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Interpublic Group of Companies Trading Down 0.8 %

Shares of IPG stock opened at $32.62 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79. The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. has a 12-month low of $25.14 and a 12-month high of $40.95. The stock has a market capitalization of $12.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.54, a P/E/G ratio of 1.39 and a beta of 1.11. The firms 50 day moving average is $38.50 and its 200 day moving average is $37.04.

Interpublic Group of Companies Dividend Announcement

Interpublic Group of Companies ( NYSE:IPG Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 21st. The business services provider reported $0.74 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.61 by $0.13. Interpublic Group of Companies had a return on equity of 30.03% and a net margin of 8.70%. The company had revenue of $2.67 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.39 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.63 earnings per share. Interpublic Group of Companiess revenue was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts expect that The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. will post 2.94 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 20th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, June 6th were given a dividend of $0.31 per share. This represents a $1.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.80%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, June 5th. Interpublic Group of Companiess payout ratio is 51.45%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages have recently weighed in on IPG. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on Interpublic Group of Companies from $42.00 to $38.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Monday. Citigroup reduced their price objective on shares of Interpublic Group of Companies from $45.00 to $43.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday. Wells Fargo & Company cut shares of Interpublic Group of Companies from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and decreased their target price for the stock from $43.00 to $33.00 in a report on Monday. Bank of America cut their price target on shares of Interpublic Group of Companies from $44.00 to $42.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday. Finally, Barclays decreased their price objective on shares of Interpublic Group of Companies from $42.00 to $40.00 in a report on Friday, April 28th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Interpublic Group of Companies has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $39.00.

Interpublic Group of Companies Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc provides advertising and marketing services worldwide. It operates in three segments: Media, Data & Engagement Solutions, Integrated Advertising & Creativity Led Solutions, and Specialized Communications & Experiential Solutions. The Media, Data & Engagement Solutions segment provides media and communications services, digital services and products, advertising and marketing technology, e-commerce services, data management and analytics, strategic consulting, and digital brand experience under the IPG Mediabrands, UM, Initiative, Kinesso, Acxiom, Huge, MRM, and R/GA brand names.

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Syverson Strege & Co lessened its stake in shares of Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF (NYSEARCA:FNDA  Free Report) by 92.4% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 575 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 7,024 shares during the period. Syverson Strege & Cos holdings in Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF were worth $28,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. increased its stake in Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF by 20.4% during the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 14,737 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $788,000 after purchasing an additional 2,500 shares during the period. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. increased its stake in Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF by 42.1% during the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 6,748 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $361,000 after purchasing an additional 1,998 shares during the period. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC increased its stake in Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF by 38.9% during the first quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 5,946 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $318,000 after purchasing an additional 1,666 shares during the period. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management increased its stake in Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF by 67.6% during the first quarter. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management now owns 14,113 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $754,000 after purchasing an additional 5,691 shares during the period. Finally, Flow Traders U.S. LLC purchased a new stake in Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF during the first quarter worth about $2,364,000.

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Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF Price Performance

Shares of FNDA stock traded up $0.03 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $52.86. 22,858 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 237,276. The businesss fifty day moving average is $49.52 and its two-hundred day moving average is $49.33. Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF has a 12-month low of $42.35 and a 12-month high of $53.85. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.49 and a beta of 1.19.

Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF Company Profile

The Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF (FNDA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Russell RAFI Small Company US index. The fund tracks a fundamentally selected and weighted Russell index of small firms based on adjusted sales, retained operation cash flow, and dividends plus buybacks.

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Nikko Asset Management Americas Inc. boosted its stake in shares of The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) by 0.7% in the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 56,061 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 404 shares during the period. Nikko Asset Management Americas Inc.s holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $2,960,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Tobam grew its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 82.1% during the first quarter. Tobam now owns 7,939 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $416,000 after buying an additional 3,580 shares in the last quarter. Savant Capital LLC grew its stake in Charles Schwab by 34.1% during the 1st quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 7,589 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $398,000 after acquiring an additional 1,930 shares in the last quarter. Pitti Group Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Charles Schwab in the 1st quarter valued at about $544,000. Karpas Strategies LLC lifted its stake in Charles Schwab by 37.0% in the 1st quarter. Karpas Strategies LLC now owns 252,752 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $13,239,000 after purchasing an additional 68,297 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vaughan David Investments LLC IL grew its position in shares of Charles Schwab by 1.1% in the first quarter. Vaughan David Investments LLC IL now owns 521,021 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $27,291,000 after purchasing an additional 5,613 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.77% of the companys stock.

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Charles Schwab Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:SCHW opened at $66.56 on Tuesday. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 12 month low of $45.00 and a 12 month high of $86.63. The firm has a market capitalization of $117.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.41, a P/E/G ratio of 3.84 and a beta of 0.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74, a current ratio of 0.38 and a quick ratio of 0.38. The companys fifty day moving average price is $56.02 and its 200 day moving average price is $62.17.

Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement

Charles Schwab ( NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.75 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 business had revenue of $4.66 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.61 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.97 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 8.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.26 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 26th. Shareholders 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 currently 29.15%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

SCHW has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Bank of America upped their price objective on Charles Schwab from $46.00 to $53.00 in a report on Thursday, June 15th. JMP Securities upped their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $73.00 to $77.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 19th. Morgan Stanley cut shares of Charles Schwab from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and dropped their price objective for the company from $99.00 to $68.00 in a report on Thursday, March 30th. Wolfe Research cut their price objective on Charles Schwab from $62.00 to $60.00 in a research report on Monday, June 26th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on Charles Schwab from $86.00 to $85.00 in a report on Tuesday, April 18th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $71.91.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 77,640 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $51.76, for a total value of $4,018,646.40. Following the transaction, the chairman now owns 59,771,278 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,093,761,349.28. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 6.60% of the companys stock.

Charles Schwab Profile

(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.

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TMX Group Limited operates exchanges, markets, and clearinghouses primarily for capital markets in Canada and internationally. It operates through four segments: Global Solutions, Insights & Analytics; Capital Formation; Derivatives Trading & Clearing; and Equities and Fixed Income Trading & Clearing. The Global Solutions, Insights & Analytics segment delivers equities and index data, as well as integrated data sets for the proprietary and third party analytics to help clients in making trading and investment decisions; and provides solutions to European and global wholesale energy markets for price discovery, trade execution, post-trade transparency, and straight through processing. The Capital Formation segment operates Toronto Stock Exchange, a national stock exchange for the senior equities market; TSX Venture Exchange, a national stock exchange for the public venture equity market; and TSX Trust that provides corporate trust, registrar, transfer agency, and foreign exchange services. The Derivatives Trading & Clearing segment operates Montreal Exchange, a national derivatives exchange; Canadian Derivatives Clearing Corporation, a clearinghouse for options and futures contracts; BOX, a US equity operations market; and various over-the-counter products and fixed income repurchase agreements. The Equities and Fixed Income Trading & Clearing segment engages in the trading operations of Toronto Stock Exchange, TSX Venture Exchange, and TSX Alpha Exchange; and clearing and settlement of equities and fixed income transactions, and custody of securities; and provision of fixed income inter-dealer brokerage services. The company was formerly known as Maple Group Acquisition Corporation and changed its name to TMX Group Limited in August 2012. TMX Group Limited was incorporated in 2011 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
Tobam decreased its position in FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:FDS  Free Report) by 17.3% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,416 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 297 shares during the period. Tobams holdings in FactSet Research Systems were worth $588,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of FactSet Research Systems in the second quarter valued at $32,000. Baldwin Brothers LLC MA acquired a new position in shares of FactSet Research Systems in the 4th quarter valued at $34,000. CoreCap Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of FactSet Research Systems during the 4th quarter worth about $34,000. Compass Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of FactSet Research Systems during the 4th quarter valued at about $41,000. Finally, Goldstream Capital Management Ltd bought a new stake in FactSet Research Systems in the first quarter valued at about $61,000. Institutional investors own 86.90% of the companys stock.

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FactSet Research Systems Price Performance

FDS opened at $436.83 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 2.11 and a quick ratio of 2.11. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $402.59 and its 200-day simple moving average is $410.13. FactSet Research Systems Inc. has a one year low of $377.89 and a one year high of $474.13. The stock has a market capitalization of $16.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.47, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.61 and a beta of 0.82.

FactSet Research Systems Increases Dividend

FactSet Research Systems ( NYSE:FDS Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, June 22nd. The business services provider reported $3.79 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.62 by $0.17. The firm had revenue of $529.80 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $527.56 million. FactSet Research Systems had a return on equity of 37.65% and a net margin of 24.77%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 8.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $3.76 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that FactSet Research Systems Inc. will post 15.06 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, May 31st were issued a dividend of $0.98 per share. This is a boost from FactSet Research Systemss previous quarterly dividend of $0.89. This represents a $3.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.90%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, May 30th. FactSet Research Systemss payout ratio is currently 30.04%.

Insider Buying and Selling at FactSet Research Systems

In related news, EVP Jonathan Reeve sold 783 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $404.82, for a total transaction of $316,974.06. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 92 shares of the companys stock, valued at $37,243.44. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Corporate insiders own 0.97% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages have commented on FDS. Bank of America began coverage on shares of FactSet Research Systems in a research note on Thursday, June 15th. They set a neutral rating for the company. 22nd Century Group reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of FactSet Research Systems in a research note on Tuesday, June 27th. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price target on FactSet Research Systems from $424.00 to $419.00 in a research report on Monday, June 26th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price objective on FactSet Research Systems from $454.00 to $461.00 in a report on Friday, June 23rd. Finally, Redburn Partners raised shares of FactSet Research Systems from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, March 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, FactSet Research Systems has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $441.50.

About FactSet Research Systems

(Free Report)

FactSet Research Systems Inc, a financial data and analytics company, provides integrated financial information and analytical applications to the investment community in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company delivers insight and information through the workflow solutions of research, analytics and trading, content and technology solutions, and wealth.

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Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR  Get Free Report) had its price target cut by equities researchers at Truist Financial from $175.00 to $130.00 in a report released on Tuesday, FlyOnTheWall reports. Truist Financials price objective would indicate a potential upside of 5.53% from the companys current price.

A number of other equities analysts have also issued reports on DLR. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $115.00 to $105.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, April 21st. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $125.00 price objective on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research report on Monday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their price objective on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $113.00 to $112.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 7th. Barclays lifted their price objective on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $79.00 to $80.00 in a research report on Monday, May 1st. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lowered shares of Digital Realty Trust from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $121.00 to $100.00 in a research report on Monday, March 27th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating, three have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $114.62.

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Digital Realty Trust Stock Up 2.5 %

DLR stock opened at $123.19 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05. The stock has a market cap of $36.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 110.98, a PEG ratio of 2.86 and a beta of 0.55. The companys 50 day moving average is $106.96 and its two-hundred day moving average is $103.91. Digital Realty Trust has a twelve month low of $85.76 and a twelve month high of $138.09.

Insider Transactions at Digital Realty Trust

Digital Realty Trust ( NYSE:DLR Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.65 by ($1.46). The business had revenue of $1.34 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.41 billion. Digital Realty Trust had a return on equity of 2.34% and a net margin of 7.61%. The businesss revenue was up 18.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.67 earnings per share. Research analysts expect that Digital Realty Trust will post 6.67 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

In other news, CAO Peter C. Olson sold 700 shares of Digital Realty Trust stock in a transaction on Monday, June 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.67, for a total transaction of $73,969.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 7,134 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $753,849.78. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In related news, CAO Peter C. Olson sold 700 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.67, for a total value of $73,969.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 7,134 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $753,849.78. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Jean F. H. P. Mandeville sold 1,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $97.47, for a total transaction of $146,205.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 10,176 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $991,854.72. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.39% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Carolinas Wealth Consulting LLC grew its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 19.8% during the 1st quarter. Carolinas Wealth Consulting LLC now owns 545 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $77,000 after purchasing an additional 90 shares during the period. Kentucky Retirement Systems grew its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 0.4% during the 4th quarter. Kentucky Retirement Systems now owns 22,596 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,266,000 after purchasing an additional 98 shares during the period. Sompo Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 1.1% in the 4th quarter. Sompo Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 9,280 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $931,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the period. Commerce Bank boosted its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. Commerce Bank now owns 7,943 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $781,000 after acquiring an additional 107 shares during the period. Finally, First Financial Corp IN boosted its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 93.9% in the 2nd quarter. First Financial Corp IN now owns 221 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 107 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.76% of the companys stock.

About Digital Realty Trust

(Get Free Report)

Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data "meeting place" and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges.

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Japanese State Minister of Defense Toshiro Ino Photo: VCG



(Global Times) Japanese State Minister of Defense Toshiro Ino recently stated in an interview with British media that if the Chinese mainland was to use force against Taiwan, Japan would likely "provide some kind of support" to Taiwan. He also added that he is not sure "whether it is going to be defence equipment support or whether it is going to be logistics support." These remarks, coming from a current senior Japanese official, carry a provocative undertone. What does this mean? Does Japan intend to openly intervene in cross-Straits affairs? Is this his personal opinion, or does it represent Japan's official stance? The Japanese side needs to provide an explanation to China regarding this matter.

After former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe absurdly stated, "a Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency," Japan has been continuously advancing in this dangerous direction. At first, it was somewhat secretive and ambiguous, but now, with the State Minister of Defense openly mentioning the possibility of providing "some kind of" support to Taiwan, we can see the whole process of Japan's "revealing its true intentions" on the Taiwan question. Chinese diplomats have occasionally warned relevant forces not to play with fire, and Japan is now precisely doing just that.

China's position on the Taiwan question has been expressed unequivocally, and Japan cannot feign ignorance. Taiwan is an integral part of China and reunification is an absolute necessity. The manner of reunification depends on the evolving situation across the Taiwan Straits and the extent of external forces' intervention. This is China's internal affair, and no country, including Japan, the US, or any other force, has the right to interfere. The most fervent desire for peaceful reunification comes from the Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits. However, external forces like Japan and the US, as well as the "Taiwan independence" elements on the island, are colluding to sabotage the environment and conditions for peaceful reunification, pushing the Taiwan Straits toward dangerous conflicts and potential war.

We wonder if Ino has realized the gravity and severity of his words this time. This is a blatant violation of China's red line and not just a matter of sending wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" forces on the island. Whether it's providing "some kind of support" in terms of defense equipment or logistics, it is absolutely unacceptable.

This move will be equivalent to an infringement on China's sovereignty and will definitely be met with strong countermeasures from China. Japan often has some "big-mouthed politicians" who do not understand the severity of their words. Tokyo's various statements and actions on the Taiwan question, however, show significant consistency, indicating that this is not just a matter of politicians' "big mouths," but a highly possible genuine policy orientation.

On the one hand, Japan cooperates with the US to intensify and hype the tension in the Taiwan Straits from the outside. On the other hand, it also creates a tense atmosphere within its own country. Just around the same time that Ino made his arrogant remarks, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno visited the city of Ishigaki in the prefecture of Okinawa, with a focus on discussing about an evacuation plan for residents "in case of a potential contingency near Taiwan." The government has also decided to help build a shelter on Miyako Island.

The Okinawan people indeed feel the tension and risks brought by Tokyo and Washington. Japan has increased the deployment of self-defense forces and even missile units in Okinawa. In the 78th year since the end of World War II, Japan is once again turning Okinawa into a military fortress, which is not what the Okinawan people desire and goes against the wishes for regional peace and stability. The claim that "a Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency" is completely a false proposition. The reality is that Japan is causing trouble and posing risks to the Taiwan Straits and even the entire East Asia.

In recent years, Japan's pace of military expansion has significantly accelerated, actively leading the way for external forces to get into East Asia, and becoming a "troublemaker" in the region. Tokyo intends to use the Taiwan question as a card to play, but this will only backfire. Tokyo often compares the Taiwan question to the Ukraine crisis, but they are fundamentally different matters. To be honest, if it were just a few "political big mouths" talking nonsense, it might bring Japan smaller losses and risks. However, if Tokyo makes the wrong choices, it will undoubtedly pay an unbearable price.
DT Investment Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 168.4% during the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 1,675 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 1,051 shares during the quarter. DT Investment Partners LLCs holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $68,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 1.1% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 67,816,895 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,795,394,000 after acquiring an additional 729,359 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company during the 4th quarter valued at $2,049,693,000. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 129,312.1% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 26,287,479 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,085,410,000 after buying an additional 26,267,166 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its position in Wells Fargo & Company by 2.6% during the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 22,774,927 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $940,377,000 after purchasing an additional 579,206 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its position in Wells Fargo & Company by 3.0% during the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 19,602,513 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $809,364,000 after purchasing an additional 571,850 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.11% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

WFC has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Citigroup upped their price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $50.00 to $52.00 in a research report on Sunday, July 16th. BMO Capital Markets dropped their price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $54.00 to $51.00 in a research note on Monday, July 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $49.00 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, April 10th. Barclays dropped their price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $64.00 to $54.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 12th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Wells Fargo & Company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $48.13.

Wells Fargo & Company Price Performance

Shares of Wells Fargo & Company stock traded down $0.53 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $45.89. 4,726,841 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 21,889,504. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 0.84 and a quick ratio of 0.83. The firms fifty day moving average price is $42.19 and its 200 day moving average price is $42.20. Wells Fargo & Company has a twelve month low of $35.25 and a twelve month high of $48.84. The company has a market cap of $172.19 billion, a PE ratio of 11.61, a PEG ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 1.12.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 14th. The financial services provider reported $1.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.16 by $0.09. Wells Fargo & Company had a net margin of 16.18% and a return on equity of 11.15%. The firm had revenue of $20.53 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.11 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.74 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 20.5% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts forecast that Wells Fargo & Company will post 4.86 earnings per share for the current year.

About Wells Fargo & Company

(Free Report)

Wells Fargo & Company, a diversified financial services company, provides banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Consumer Banking and Lending; Commercial Banking; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management.

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Bharti Airtel on Tuesday announced that its B2B division has become the first ICT service provider in the country to connect over 20 million devices through its Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Airtel Business is the business-to-business (B2B) division of telecom company Bharti Airtel. Airtel IoT enables enterprises across industries such as automobile, energy, utilities, logistics, financial services, manufacturing and others with a secure and dedicated private network for the safe transmission of all customer data across connected devices. Recent key wins for Airtel IoT deployment include a partnership with Secure Meters for the deployment of 1.3 million smart meters in Bihar on NB-IoT, a partnership with TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited for the deployment of 200,000 smart meters in Odisha, as well as a pact with Matter Motor Works to power 300,000 bikes through cellular IoT. "IoT is a key pillar in India's digital growth journey and, as a brand powering this journey with our future-ready technology solutions for connected devices, we are delighted to achieve this significant milestone of 20 million connected devices on our platform," Ganesh Lakshminarayanan, CEO, Airtel Business (India), said in a statement. Airtel will continue to partner with enterprises to enable their digital transformation journey with its innovative IoT solutions, Lakshminarayanan added. With a wide suite of solutions such as asset tracking, vehicle telematics, industrial asset monitoring, smart metering, among others, Airtel Business's integrated IoT platform offers customised solutions for IoT requirements of enterprises across 5G, 4G, NB-IoT (NarrowBand-Internet of Things), 2G and satellite.

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Tobacco-to-hotels conglomerate ITC briefly tipped HUL, Indias largest consumer company, as the leader in the stock markets on Monday, during intra-day trade. Moments later, the excitement over what was meant to be a shareholder-friendly move  the much anticipated de-merger of the hotels business - turned out to be a dampener. Has ITC peaked out?



ITC has been the subject of much criticism among investors as its stock severely underperformed between 2013 and 2020 while consumer companies flourished. However, since March 2020, the stock defied expectations by rising steadily, drawing attention from investors and analysts alike. As the stock price soared, more analysts turned bullish and more investors joined the bandwagon, propelling the stock even further.



Veteran value investors explain that such languishing periods are inherent in stock markets, and the sentiment often drives short and medium-term performances. However, in the long run, earnings hold the key to stock price movements. In the case of ITC, five factors have contributed to the recent turnaround.



First, the changing perception for cigarettes. For a decade, ITC faced erratic sales volumes in its cigarettes segment, leading to negative perceptions about its potential. Tax hikes too impacted sales. But ITC's volumes have rebounded remarkably in the past two years due to rational taxing that helped it regain the market share and stabilise profits.



Second, ITC's non-cigarettes FMCG business witnessed growing profitability, moving from negligible EBIT margins in FY17 to around 8 percent in FY23. Although lagging behind FMCG peers, this segment's improved profitability is contributing positively to ITC's overall performance now. These two were important fundamental factors that have forced investors to take ITCs growth seriously.



There are two more market-related factors that too helped the stock. One is the fading away of the anti-ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) narrative and the comeback of value trades. Companies that showed resilience in earnings, irrespective of what businesses they were operating in, were preferred. Cash piles and cash flows were preferred over growth projections. Be it fossil fuel, or sin businesses, investors are now more focused on economic opportunities rather than strictly adhering to ESG standards.



Additionally, ITC's defensive characteristics made it an attractive choice for investors seeking stability amid uncertainties in the market. The company's predictable revenue and profit growth, bolstered by robust cigarette volumes, add to its appeal as a defensive stock.



Amid all this, the management is also raising the pitch on being shareholder friendly. One of those measures that was talked about was the de-merger of the cash-guzzling hotels business, which was announced finally on July 25. Markets would have liked a vertical split, so the hotels business was completely out of ITCs books and there would be no ambiguity over future capital allocations, or about lower return on invested capital.



But the management has chosen to retain a 40 percent stake. The only way this can be justified is if the management sells this stake to a strategic investor at a higher price at a later stage, but it complicates the matter anyway. If the remaining stake is sold, the new strategic investor would have to shell out more by making an additional open offer which will make it costlier. That being the case, the sell-out option could have been exercised at any time including now when the hotels business is on a high.



Either way, the most ambitious analyst estimate for the hotel business is not more than Rs 23 per share. The stock closed 4 percent down, losing Rs 21 on July 24. The deal is done, dusted and impact digested in the stock price.



Now what? All the triggers for ITCs re-rating have played out. The stock still appears undervalued compared to other consumer companies. Its P/E ratio of 31 times trailing earnings versus 60 times for HUL. Nonetheless, ITC's heavy reliance on tobacco, which contributes 75 percent of its overall EBIT, despite representing only 37 percent of revenue, remains a concern.



The perception of cigarettes being a declining business which will always face the wrath of the government will prevent investors from valuing the business highly despite its superb economics. Cigarettes requires absolutely no capital  around 800 percent return on capital - and thus the entire cash flows of cigarettes can be utilised to create new businesses that will have lower profitability but higher longevity.



If the ITC management enhances the return ratios of its consumer businesses  current the FMCG business produces a return on capital of 15 percent - investors can easily justify a higher multiple for ITC from current levels, not equal to what other multinationals command though.

For now, ITC's near and medium-term earnings story looks promising. Besides, the company's strong dividend yield, close to 3 percent, provides some cushion.
Cash-strapped Dunzo continues to receive legal notices from its vendors asking the company to pay up dues, at a time when the startup is already struggling to keep its core operations afloat, people in the know told Moneycontrol.



In the past two weeks alone, Dunzo has deferred salaries due to employees, capped pay packages from June at Rs 75,000 per employee and even announced its third round of layoffs, measures it had to take to manage cashflows.



While the company assured employees that tough times would be behind it by September 4, matters do not seem to be getting easy for Dunzo, which has also received a legal notice from at least seven entities since March this year, people with direct knowledge of the developments told Moneycontrol.



They added that Dunzo had received legal notices from Google India, Nilenso, Clover Ventures, Facebook India Online Services Private Limited (FBI), Cupshup, Koo and Glance. In all, the outstanding dues to vendors total to about Rs 11.4 crore for Dunzo, which is nearly double of Rs 5-6 crore that was estimated earlier, Moneycontrol has learnt.



Dunzo, along with the seven other companies, did not respond to Moneycontrol's queries sent on July 24. The story will be updated if they reply.







Most recently, on July 19, Clover Ventures, an agritech startup which sells fruits and vegetables, demanded Dunzo to clear dues which have now totaled to over Rs 2 crore, as per the legal notice that Clover Ventures sent to Dunzo, a copy of which Moneycontrol has seen and reviewed.



Both Clover Ventures and Dunzo have raised debt from Alteria Capital.



Similarly, Cupshup, a company that helps in advertising, also sent a legal notice to Dunzo demanding that the quick-commerce company pay Rs 1 crore that it owes to Cupshup for the services offered.



...My client would also prefer an amicable settlement over bitter litigation but my client is also apprehensive about the financial health of Dunzo as a going concern, a legal team representing Cupshup, or Outlier Innovations Private Limited, said in a demand notice seen and reviewed by Moneycontrol.



The company also said it was willing to stall legal proceedings if Dunzo gave post-dated cheques and clears all dues by August 31, 2023. It however added that Dunzo has promised money on multiple occasions in the past but never made payments.



The outstanding amount is substantial and owing to the delay in payments, my client has suffered severe financial hardshipsMy client is also responsible for the livelihood of its employees and hence cannot keep waiting for the payments, Cupshups legal notice to Dunzo added.



Just like Clover and Cupshup, even Glance, the lock-screen platform, sent a notice which demanded Dunzo to pay Rs 58 lakh for the services that the Bengaluru-based company availed. Glance typically runs ads for companies on the lock screens of phones.



...Please note the unless we are receipt of the amount due within the aforesaid period, we reserve the right to commence legal proceedings at your cost and peril to recover the debt without further notice to you and this notice may be tendered in courtas evidence of your failure to pay amount due, Glances notice to Dunzo on April 11 read.



Moneycontrol has reviewed a copy of Glances notice.



Koo, the microblogging website, had subleased an office space from Dunzo and vacated the same earlier this year but has not received the refund of its security deposit of over Rs 62 lakh.



...despite our client vacating and handing over the vacant possession of the demised premises to you on March 31, 2023, you have failed to refund the security deposit back after deducting certain amountsand thereby breached the terms of the Agreement, a legal team representing Koo said in a notice to Dunzo, which was also seen and reviewed by Moneycontrol.



The slew of legal notices comes after Moneycontrol had reported that Facebook India Online Services Private Limited ("FBI") and Nilenso, a software consultancy firm, based out of Bengaluru, had also sent Dunzo legal notices over non-payment of dues which totally amounted to around Rs 4 crore in total. Nilenso is owed the larger share.



Similarly, Google India, Dunzos second-largest investor after Reliance Retail, had sent Dunzo a legal notice which asked the startup to clear dues worth over Rs 3.1 crore to the tech giant for the various services provided.



While the amounts seemed small for Dunzo, which has raised close to $500 million so far, it is yet to make the payments. Further, if the dues are not cleared as per the deadline, an interest component will be added to the principal which will push up the total outstanding balance making repayment tougher for Dunzo.



Google has made numerous requests to Dunzo Digital for payment of an outstanding principal balance due and owing Google in the amount of (Rs) 2,88,31,760.16. However, said amount remains unpaid, a legal notice which the tech giants legal firm sent to the startup read.



Moneycontrol has reviewed a copy of the letter.



Dunzo Digital presently owes Google that principal amount, plus interest/late fees to date in the amount of (Rs) 25,21,933.27 for the total amount owed of (Rs) 3,13,53,693.43, plus continuing interest/late fees., please have your attorney contact us by the close of business on July 25, 2023, the legal notice added.



Founded in 2014, Dunzo has so far raised close to $500 million from Reliance Retail, Google India, Lightrock, Lightbox, Blume Ventures and several other marquee investors. Reliance Retail is the largest shareholder with a 25.8 percent stake in the company, and Google is the second-largest with around 19 percent ownership in Dunzo, according to Tracxn, a private markets information provider.



Disclaimer: Moneycontrol is a part of the Network18 group. Network18 is controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary.
Asian Paints on July 25 reported consolidated net profit at Rs 1,574.84 crore for the June quarter of FY24, registering a growth of 52 percent from Rs 1,036.03 crore in the same quarter of the previous financial year.



The company reported a 24 percent rise in profit from Rs 1,268.41 crore in the previous quarter.



Total revenue of the company is Rs 9,182.31 crore, rising 6.68 percent from Rs 8,606.94 crore in the year-ago quarter, the FMCG major said in a regulatory filing. The revenue increased 4.49 percent from Rs 8,787.34 crore in the previous quarter.



PBDIT [Profit before depreciation, interest, tax, other income, and exceptional items] (before share in profit of associates) increased by 36.3 percent to Rs 2,121.3 crore from Rs 1,556.0 crore.



Our Domestic Decorative business registered double digit volume growth and a relatively healthy value growth, coming on a high base of the previous year. Both the Auto OE and the General Industrial coating businesses achieved a strong doubledigit revenue growth, led by growth in the Protective & Powder Coatings segment." said Amit Syngle, Managing Director & CEO of Asian Paints.



Net profit was largely in line while revenue missed estimates. According to a poll of brokerages, Asian Paints Q1 revenue was seen at Rs 9341.5 crore while net profit was Rs 1337.2 crore.



Sales decreased for the international business by 1.4 percent to Rs 695.1 crore from Rs 705.2 crores on the back of economic uncertainty, forex crisis and liquidity issues in key markets of Asia and Africa, the company said in a press release.



Sales for the company's home decor business decreased by 28.2 percent to Rs 84.7 crore from Rs 118.0 crore on the back of high base in the last year due to price increases. Sales for the kitchen business also decreased by 12.0 percent to Rs 96.0 crore from Rs 109.0 crores on the back of high base in the last year due to price increases.



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Sales at White Teak increased by 28.4 percent to Rs 26.0 crore while sales at Weatherseal more than doubled to Rs 9.8 crore.



On 23 June 2023, the Company has further acquired 11 percent stake of White Teak from its existing shareholders for a cash consideration of Rs 53.8 crore. This is part of the staggered buyout plan and consequently, White Teak has become a subsidiary.



Sales increased for the APPPG by 21.6 percent to Rs 294.2 crore from Rs 242.0 crore. Sales increased by 13.3 percent to Rs 471.9 crore from Rs 416.4 crore for the PPGAP.




Bajaj Auto Limited is expected to witness a 40 percent increase in its net profit for the first quarter on the back of a good product mix and an increase in the average selling price (ASP). The company reported a net profit of Rs 1,173 crore in the same quarter last year.



The two-wheeler giant will announce its first quarter results on July 25.



The company's revenue from operations is predicted to increase about 30 percent for the quarter benefitting from a favourable product mix and higher ASPs during the quarter and a possible 10 percent increase in overall volumes.



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Its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) margins are estimated to increase by 195 basis points, according to the average of the estimates of five brokers. This is due to the reversal of inventorisation benefits (lower production than sales), lower mix

of higher-margin 3-wheelers and exports, partially offset by favourable commodity costs and positive operating leverage.



Bajaj Auto's EBITDA margin had hit a nine-quarter high in the March quarter, at 19.3 percent. This further improvement in margin is likely to be a result of price hikes and lower raw material costs.



Furthermore, analysts at HDFC Securities note that there is a possible increase in the sale of 125cc+ motorcycles, a boost for players focussed on this segment. Hence, operating leverage benefits and an improved mix are likely to drive margin expansion even on quarter-on quarter basis for players like Bajaj Auto.



"Bajaj Auto will significantly outperform the domestic motorcycle industry", the brokerage firm said in its automobile results review.



Bajaj Auto's two-wheeler sales should see a 5 percent increase or about nine lakh units sold in the quarter. There's also an uptick in the domestic 2W sales as analysts predict an average increase of 5 percent from the corresponding quarter last year. The company's exports, however, are poised to slump by about 35 percent for the quarter due to geopolitical issues.



The company's three-wheeler sales in the country, analysts suggest, should double in the first quarter. Exports are expected to decline by 18 percent, as per average of the estimates of five brokers.



Recently, the company took over the British bike maker Triumph Motorcycles India sales and marketing operations. The development is part of the strategic partnership between the two companies announced in 2020 under which they planned to collaborate to create a new range of mid-sized Triumph Motorcycles. This is the third key partnership for Bajaj Auto to manufacture higher CC bikes apart from KTM & Husqvarna.



Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Pharmaceutical major Cipla Ltd is expected to report a steady set of numbers when it releases its quarterly earnings on July 26. Analysts anticipate strong growth in the drug maker's India formulations business to compensate for its subdued US sales.



According to a consensus of brokerages polled by Moneycontrol, Cipla's net profit for the April-June period is likely to be around Rs 813.4 crore, reflecting a 17 percent year-on-year growth from Rs 696.4 crore in the same quarter of the previous year. The consensus also estimated revenue growth at over 14 percent to reach Rs 6,140.5 crore, as opposed to Rs 5,375.20 crore in the same quarter of the preceding fiscal year.







Among the brokerages polled by Moneycontrol, Nirmal Bang Institutional Equities has the lowest growth projection for Cipla, while Systematix Shares and Stocks (India) had the highest growth estimates.



Meanwhile, Jefferies expects a moderation in US sales for Cipla in Q1, primarily due to market share loss in the generics of Albuterol and its recall, along with a decline in revenue contribution from the generic of Revlimid.



Revlimid is a high-margin drug used to treat multiple myeloma, while Albuterol is used as a medication for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.



In contrast to the subdued US sales, Nuvama Institutional Equities expects high single-digit growth for Cipla's India formulations business, supported by its strong respiratory portfolio, new launches, and price increases. The firm also sees Cipla leading growth within the domestic market.



Moreover, a better product mix, benefits of price hikes, and an easing of input and freight costs are also expected to aid in improving EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) margins for Cipla.



ICICI Securities pegged Cipla's EBITDA margin for April-June at 21.7 percent, up 43 basis points year-on-year. Nuvama also expects the margin to be well within the guided range of around 22 percent in the quarter under review, aided by a strong contribution of branded generics.



The market will also be closely monitoring any updates on the anticipated US Food and Drug Administration classification of Cipla's Pithampur manufacturing facility. The Pithampur site was supposed to manufacture Cipla's blockbuster drugs, namely Advair and Abraxane, but ended up receiving eight observations from the USFDA. Advair is a respiratory drug, while Abraxane is a chemotherapy medication.



Along with that, market participants would also want to know more details about Cipla's plans of filing the two key drugs from another foreign site if its Pithampur facility remains caught up in regulatory challenges.



In its previous earnings call, Cipla's management had proposed that it may consider filing the two key drugs from another foreign site to de-risk launch delays.



Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
A logo of the Belt and Road is seen in Shanghai. [Photo/VCG]



(Global Times) Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that US President Joe Biden had never challenged her on the issue of Rome being part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Reuters reported on Saturday.

Her remarks came as Italy must decide whether to renew its BRI deal with China, which is set to expire early next year. It's become a topic of growing attention these days and some Western media outlets have played up the uncertainty.

Yet, the uncertainty doesn't mean it is acceptable or appropriate for the BRI deal, which is only between China and Italy, to become a topic of discussion between Italy and the US. This may explain why it seems odd and deliberate for Meloni to specifically clarify that Biden never raised the issue with her, especially against the background of her upcoming visit to the US.

To use a Chinese saying, the clarification is like writing a sign that reads "No 300 taels of silver were buried here" after literally burying them right there. As the saying in English goes, "Nothing to see here, move along." It merely reveals what it may hide.

Given American politicians' constant smearing and vilification of the BRI, it is hard to believe that they will pass up such an opportunity to discredit the BRI by not exerting any pressure or influence as Italy makes its decision.

Indeed, it wasn't the first time for the US to hit out at Italy over the BRI. In March 2019, a White House National Security Council spokesman told the Financial Times that the US was skeptical about the benefits that the Italian government's endorsement of the BRI would bring, and urged "all allies and partners, including Italy, to press China to bring its global investment efforts into line with accepted international standards and best practices."

While it is not clear whether Italy will be able to withstand the US pressure or influence, we still hope that it have a sober head and not allow the decision to be carried away by geopolitics.

Fundamentally, there is a serious divergence of interests in the Italian and American stands on the BRI. Ever since China proposed the BRI, the US has viewed it as a strategic expansion of China, a challenge to the US-led development model around the world. With the BRI offering a new model of support for economic development, the US-led development model has faced unprecedented challenges. Thus, in order to prevent the BRI from developing, the US has spared no effort in denigrating the initiative. Also, curbing the development of the BRI is in line with the US strategy of containing China's development.

From the perspective of Italy, however, the BRI is actually an important way for China and Italy to strengthen cooperation, which serves the interests of both sides. Italy was the end of the Silk Road from China to Europe in ancient times. And the re-connection between Italy and modern China has the significance of creating new history.

After the signing of the BRI agreement, the strategic level of China-Italy relations was enhanced, resulting in many direct and indirect positive effects, the Chinese Ambassador to Italy, Jia Guide, said in June.

For instance, from 2019 to 2022, bilateral trade increased by nearly 42 percent, reaching nearly $78 billion. Italy's exports to China increased by 42 percent from 2019 to 2021.

So, if Italy moves to follow the strategic direction of the US, it will hurt its own interests, and it may end up harming its autonomy in foreign relations.

In recent months, Meloni has said on different occasions that Italy can have excellent relations with China even without being part of a strategic pact. Nonetheless, the potential impact is worrying. If Italy decides to withdraw from a platform that demonstrated mutual political trust and improved the strategic level of cooperation between the two countries, there is every reason to be concerned about the potential negative impact.

Therefore, it is hoped that Italy avoids political interference and offers a stable basis for the development of bilateral economic relations.
Tata Motors, on July 25, swung back into the black with a consolidated net profit of Rs 3,203 crore for the first quarter of fiscal year 2023-24 (Q1 FY14), boosted by the improved margin of its passenger vehicle (PV) business and robust sales at its luxury car unit, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).



The automobile manufacturing company had reported a net loss of Rs 5,006.60 crore in Q1 FY23 on revenues of Rs 71,934.66 crore.



Revenue from operations increased 42 percent to Rs 1.02 lakh crore in the quarter under review. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) for the quarter stood at Rs 14,700 crore, up 177 per cent.



P.B. Balaji, Group Chief Financial Officer, Tata Motors, said, "FY24 has begun on the right note with all automotive verticals delivering strong performances. The distinct strategy employed by each business is now delivering consistent results and making them structurally stronger. We remain confident of sustaining this momentum for the rest of the year and achieving our stated goals."



JLR revenues improved by 57 per cent to 6.9 billion on strong wholesales and an improved mix, resulting in earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) margins of 8.6 per cent (+1,300 basis points or bps). Commercial vehicle (CV) volumes were lower by 15 per cent over the prior year due to the transition to BS6 Phase 2.



However, the EBIT margins improved to 6.5 percent (+370 bps), benefiting from the demand-pull strategy and a richer mix. PV business was steady with 11.1 percent revenue growth and EBIT of 1.0 percent (+10 bps). Overall profit before tax (PBT) improved by Rs 10,300 crore to Rs 5,300 crore and net profit was Rs 3,300 crore.



Tata Motors also revealed that its free cash flow (automotive) for the June quarter was positive at Rs 2,500 crore, driven by a strong improvement in cash profits. As a result, its net automotive debt got reduced to Rs 41,700 crore, the company maintained.



Earlier, Tata Motors revealed that its global wholesales numbers, including JLR, increased 5 percent year-on-year (YoY) to 3,22,159 vehicles in Q1 FY24. Of that, PV sales had risen 8 percent on-year to 140,450 units.



The companys JLR wholesales for the quarter stood at 10,324 and 82,929 vehicles, respectively. Together, the luxury arms clocked 93,253 units, a 30 percent jump over the same quarter a year ago.



Adrian Mardell, JLR Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said, "We have had a strong start to the financial year and delivered our highest production levels in nine quarters and our highest Q1 cash flow on record."



The companys profit beats the average of the estimates of five brokers pegged it at Rs 2,546 crore.



Tata Motors said it remains optimistic about the demand situation despite near-term uncertainties and expects a moderate inflationary environment to continue in the near term.



The homegrown automaker said it aims to deliver a "strong performance" in the rest of the year too, thanks to a "healthy order book" coupled with low breakeven in JLR, a steady improvement in demand while it continues to drive demand-pull strategy in CVs, a set of exciting launches ahead of the festive season in PVs, and continued aggression in EVs.



Meanwhile, the Tata Motors scrip, on July 25, closed 1.62 percent higher at Rs 639.45 apiece on BSE.
British Parliamentarian Lord Karan Bilimoria has predicted that India will become the world's largest economy by 2060.



India has overtaken the United Kingdom and it's now the fifth largest economy in the world, he said on the sidelines of the Investiture Ceremony of his alma mater Hyderabad Public School (HPS), Begumpet, recently.



"The whole world is looking up to India. India is now, without doubt, going to be one of the three superpowers in the world very shortly. Within 25 years, my prediction is India will have a GDP of 32 trillion dollars and would be the second largest economy in the world. I go one step further, I believe by 2060 India would be the largest economy in the world," Bilimoria, Member of the Britain's House of Lords, told PTI.



He expressed hope that the India-UK free trade agreement being discussed is "imminent".



Trade between the two countries was increasing very rapidly and it is now over 30 billion pounds a year, the UK lawmaker noted.



"But, I still think that is scratching the surface. I think we could be doing multifold that." Recalling the successful visit of the UK parliamentary delegation led by him in April this year to India, he said visits by big delegations, comprising business leaders, members of the press, cabinet ministers and university leaders, should be recommenced.



He further said UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak should lead a big delegation on a visit to India.



The 1.7 million people of Indian origin like him who live in the UK are the "living bridge" with India and it is a most successful minority community in the UK, including the PM of Indian-origin as well as many successful leaders in business and other spheres of life, he said.



Lord Bilimoria, founder of Cobra Beer, also said he would love to re-start the product in India "at the earliest opportunity".
China's post-pandemic recovery has been underwhelming amid doubts about the medium-term trajectory of the worlds second-largest economy. This has boosted hopes of further stimulus by Beijing.



The Asian giant is not just Indias top trade partner after the US but also makes up for nearly one-fifth of the worlds gross domestic product.



Moneycontrol explains whats happening and China and what a stimulus could look like:



How is the Chinese economy likely to perform this year?



While Chinas zero-Covid policy sheltered economic activity in 2021, highly infectious variants of the novel coronavirus dragged economic output last year.



Growth slowed to 3 percent on-year in 2022 from 8.4 percent. The official target for this year is around 5 percent.



The property market crunch, contracting private investment and a cloudy global outlook threaten growth prospects amid extended rate hike cycles in the West that dent demand for Chinese products.



Over the medium term, Chinas economy continues to confront a structural slowdown, according to the World Bank, with potential growth declining because of adverse demographics, tepid productivity growth, and higher constraints to a debt-fuelled, investment-driven growth model.



The International Monetary Fund on July 25 maintained Chinas growth forecasts at 5.2 percent and 4.5 percent for 2023 and 2024, respectively.



The IMF said there was a change in the composition of Chinese growth with consumption growth evolving broadly as expected in April but investment underperforming due to the ongoing real estate downturn.



In the second quarter of this year, Chinas GDP grew at a slower-than-expected 6.3 percent on-year. Growth also eased on a quarterly basis, to less than one percent. Monthly data are suggesting a further moderation of the recovery momentum.



Also read: IMF raises India's FY24 GDP growth forecast by 20 bps to 6.1%



What can policymakers do?



The Chinese Politburos quarterly meeting in late July struck a dovish tone, raising expectations of policy changes over the coming months.



Chinas leadership is clearly concerned. At the previous Politburo meeting dedicated to the economy back in April, they noted that the recovery was proceeding better than expected. Now they are calling it tortuous, with the meeting readout quickly turning to the numerous challenges facing the economy, including insufficient domestic demand, financial difficulties in some sectors and a grim external environment, Julian Evans-Pritchard, Head of China Economics at Capital Economics said in a note on July 24.



So far, the focus has been on boosting domestic demand through monetary and fiscal measures but further space is limited.



Handouts for households may not happen as the support measures focus on helping firms and shoring up investment spending. Property purchase controls may also be relaxed further and construction of social housing stepped up, according to Evans-Pritchard.



But the absence of any major announcements or policy specifics does suggest a lack of urgency or that policymakers are struggling to come up with suitable measures to shore up growth. Either way, its not particularly reassuring for the near-term outlook, he added.



Also read: China names Pan Gongsheng as new Central Bank Governor to revive economy



How large would be the stimulus?



Some fiscal stimulus is on the way but the stimulus package is expected to be mild because of the worsening indebtedness of local governments, according to Chris Leung, Chief China Economist - China & Hong Kong at DBS.



Room for aggressive monetary easing is also limited, with short-end rates likely to be brought down only by 10 basis points in the third quarter, according to DBS.



The stimulus hopes may not be met, Robert Carnell, Regional Head of Research, Asia-Pacific, warns.



Instead of a bazooka, therefore, we expect we will see more of a shot-gun approach to stimulus, with many smaller and more targeted measures adopted. More of a micro response than a macro one, including a combination of further very modest monetary policy easings, extended subsidies and tax breaks, but no wall of money, Carnell said in a note.
State-owned EESL has signed a Rs 110-crore agreement with Andhra Pradesh State Housing Company Limited (APSHCL) to provide energy-efficient appliances to beneficiaries of a government scheme in the state. As part of the partnership, residents of Jagananna colonies under Andhra Pradesh government's Navaratnalu Pedalandariki Illu (NPI) scheme will get 6 lakh LED bulbs, 3 lakh LED tubelights and 3 lakh BLDC ceiling fans through nodal agency Andhra Pradesh State Energy Efficiency Development Corporation Ltd (APSEEDCO), EESL said in a statement. EESL also signed an agreement worth about Rs 50 crore with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh to address electricity and cooking needs in remote areas of Leh by distributing rechargeable inverter bulbs and induction cook stoves. Another Rs 50-crore agreement with Loughborough University, UK, signed under the Modern Energy Cooking Service (MECS) programme, EESL aims to drive large-scale promotion and deployment of electric cooking in India. EESL also inked an agreement with IIT Madras to support medium, small, and micro enterprises (MSMEs) in enhancing productivity and cost savings through energy assessments and the implementation of energy conservation measures. The agreements were signed on sidelines of the 14th Clean Ministerial Meet (CMM) concluded in Goa last week. A joint venture of NTPC Limited, Power Finance Corporation, Rural Electrification Corporation and POWERGRID, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) was set up under the Ministry of Power to facilitate implementation of energy efficiency projects.

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ITC Ltd announced the much-awaited demerger of its hotels business on July 24 under a scheme of arrangement. After the split, the consumer goods company will continue to hold a 40 percent stake in it and the rest will be distributed among existing shareholders proportionate to their stake in ITC.



Though a decision to not do a full split of the newly carved hotel business came as a negative surprise for market participants, leading to a 4 percent slump in the stock on Monday, brokerages cheered for it.



Global research and broking firm Morgan Stanley saw the demerger of the hotels business as a clear positive for ITC. According to the firm, it should allay concerns over capital allocation and use of cigarettes business cashflows to develop other businesses over the medium to long term. Morgan Stanley also believes that the decision can help ITC's hotels business in charting its own growth path. The brokerage has an 'overweight' stance on ITC, with a price target of Rs 474, which includes Rs 17 for hotels.



Follow our live blog for all the market action



Goldman Sachs also has a positive view for the demerger as it believes hotels was an asset-heavy business for ITC, contributing just 2 percent to its EBIT, but taking up 20 percent of the capital employed. The firm has ascribed an SOTP (sum of the parts) of Rs 12 for hotels out of its price target of Rs 470 for ITC.



Adding to the list, Nomura argued the hotel demerger as a positive move for ITC because it may lead to value unlocking. It feels that the demerger will help ITC improve its balancesheet, capital allocation and RoCE (Return on Capital Employed) profile. Another positive emerging out of the spin-off as pointed out by Nomura is that it will leave ITC with surplus cash and a higher dividend payout profile as it will no longer need to provide a capex (capital expenditure) for its hotels business. The firm hailed the decision to retain control of the newly carved entity with itself. Nomura has a 'buy' call on ITC, with a price target of Rs 485.



Also Read: ITC Hotels fails to excite investors, but makes no big difference to ITC stock outlook



On the other hand, domestic brokerage Emkay Financial Services awaits further clarity on ITC's rationale behind retaining 40 percent stake in the new entity, the royalty structure, any tax implications and the key criteria for gaining a strategic investor/partner in the business. ITC's management call is scheduled to take place on July 27.



Despite that, Emkay anticipates further value unlocking for ITC as the company looks to clinch a strategic business investor. The brokerage house forecast a K-shaped recovery in ITCs other FMCG businesses. The firm retained its 'buy' call on the stock, with a target price of Rs 525.



Also Read: ITC Hotels share price estimated to be at Rs 21, say analysts



Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Arun Chulani, who co-founded First Water Capital Fund, thinks that the market is around its all-time highs and it could be the summit, for now.



This is Indias decade from a structural basis, he says in an interview to Moneycontrol, adding that any near-term volatility caused by liquidity flows can, in fact, create opportunities for FIIs to continue entering the market.



Among sectors, the investment professional, seasoned for over 20 years in capital market, says specialty chemicals may still be relatively strong, given their moat and value-add angle but commodity players shouldnt be overlooked.



Excerpts of the interaction:



Are you bullish on the chemical space?



Of course. Looking at the recent share prices, many commodity names are correcting, and one would think why. But one has to separate near-term cyclicality from long-term structural growth. Specialty chemicals may still be relatively strong given their moat and value-add angle, but even the commodity players shouldnt be overlooked.



Prices have softened primarily due to a decline in global demand, softening of some of the raw material prices and due to the softer demand in China that has led to an increase in their exports.



Also read: ITC Hotels fails to inspire investors, no big difference in outlook for ITC stock



In our view, the long-term thesis still holds that India will increase its stature. We are currently ranking number 6 in the world in terms of chemical capacity but will benefit more as the economy grows and more tailwinds are expected from a number of sources.



Not only China+1, but Minus China, as China itself looks to reduce both over-capacity and some of the more basic/environmentally cloudy products. The tailwinds wont only blow from the East, but possibly even from the West as Europe looks to relocate some of its manufacturing.



Do you think the manufacturing sector will generate the biggest multibaggers in the current decade?



It's hard to imagine multibaggers in the first place, let alone guess which sector will generate the biggest. But for us, we are happy in a sector that has a decent balance sheet, and perhaps produces products that are easier to understand. It is really about sticking to what you know and while other sectors may produce better returns, I am happy to swim in my lane.



Is the infrastructure sector looking overvalued?



Valuation is about time and perspective. A lot of infra companies have had a brilliant run. But rightly so, thanks to the governments strong push on developing infra, it is also an election year which has accelerated spends and all this has translated into record-high order books.



Also read: 15 smallcaps that are hot favourites of mutual funds



I dont believe that the journey is over as infra projects themselves take time and the country has ambitious plans.



Do you expect a bull run to start soon in the steel sector?



We cannot time the market! Steel has been again impacted by a slow pick-up in China, which has led to their exports increasing and a subsequent softening in prices. But India, over the long term, will be a steel powerhouse.



Again, similar to the chemicals thesis, we believe that as India becomes a richer country, there will be an inflective increase in demand, coupled with the over-riding thesis that China itself will continue to reduce its excess-capacity in this basic commodity as it looks to move into more value-add products.



Do you see any risk to the FII inflow that boosted the equity markets confidence in the current fiscal?



There is always a risk that it may do an about-turn. Narratives and sentiments may change. My vision is far-sighted, I believe this is Indias decade from a structural basis, and any near-term volatility caused by liquidity flows can in fact create opportunities for FIIs to continue entering the market.



Is it the time to sit on cash or stay invested?



This is a question of time, its difficult to gauge, and it doesnt need to be absolute. For instance, at the beginning of the year, people were spooked by all the bad news out there, but today, we are around all-time highs. This may be the top of the current market, but its hard to second-guess the near term.



Personally, if I was feeling a bit edgy and wanted to take some money off the table, maybe I would shave off 5 percent. My preference would be to stay invested as long as I was still able to be in stocks that were well valued, and my risk-appetite was able to take what I perceived to be a notional loss.



One often hears that India is over-valued when looking at the Nifty50, for instance. But thats just 50 stocks, while we have over 1,000 listed. For those with the right philosophy and effort, one should be able to find a basket of stocks that are well promised and relatively well-valued.



Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Shares of ITC Ltd lost over 3 percent to trade at Rs 456.70 at 10:39am on July 25, as the market reacted negatively to the company's decision to spin off the hotels business.



The ITC stock is under close scrutiny after since the conglomerate announced the much-awaited demerger of its hotels business on July 24 under a scheme of arrangement. Following the split, the consumer goods major will retain a 40 percent stake in the hotels business, while the rest will be distributed among existing shareholders proportionately based on their holdings in ITC.



This proposed restructuring aims to establish the hotels business as a separate entity within the rapidly expanding hospitality industry, allowing it to focus on its growth path with an optimal capital structure. However, the market reacted negatively to the to the demerger news with a 4 per cent decline in the share price on Monday.



ITC Ltd achieved a significant milestone last week by becoming the seventh listed Indian company to surpass a market capitalisation of Rs 6 lakh crore for the first time, with its shares rallying over 48 percent so far this year.



As the company approaches the announcement of its Q1FY24 earnings, let's understand the outlook for the ITC stocks from a derivatives perspective:



Rajesh Shrivastava, a derivative analyst, points out that the post-demerger trend in ITC reflects the good-old 'buy the rumour, sell the news' market behaviour, as the demerger was widely anticipated by market participants. He attributes the negative stock reaction to the company's decision to retain 40 percent stake in the hotels business. From a derivative standpoint, the key resistance level is around 500, and it is not expected to be breached this expiry. He predicts a weaker trend from this point onwards and recommends a bear spread strategy ahead of the Q1 earnings.



Read: All triggers played out. Is ITC peaking out?



On the other hand, Ruchit Jain, Trading Strategist at 5Paisa.com, asserts that the broader trend for ITC remains positive. However, the stock experienced negative price action when it encountered resistance at the 500 level, mainly due to significant open interest and prevalent call writing at the Rs 500 strike price. He suggests that the Rs 500 level will continue to act as resistance, and any decline towards the Rs 450-455 range would likely find support. In the short term, the stock may undergo a correction after the significant rally, with support expected at the Rs 450 mark. He advises investors to adopt a 'buy on dips' strategy, using the declines towards the Rs 450 support level as buying opportunities, given the highest open interest is at Rs 450 put suggesting that the broader trend for ITC remains positive.



As the market eagerly awaits ITC's quarterly financial results, investors and traders will closely monitor its performance and the impact of the recent demerger on the stock's behaviour. Both the analysts hold differing views on the future trajectory of ITC's stock, making it an interesting to watch in the coming days.



A bear spread is an options strategy used when one is mildly bearish and wants to maximise profit while minimising losses.



Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Tata Motors on July 25 said its board of directors approved a Scheme of Arrangement for the cancellation of A Ordinary Shares, and issue of seven Ordinary Shares for every 10 A Ordinary shares held by shareholders.



The A Ordinary Shares carry 1/10th of voting rights of ordinary shares and are entitled to five percentage points higher dividend. They are listed as Tata Motors DVR on BSE and NSE. After the conversion, it will be delisted from exchanges.



The A Ordinary shares were first issued by TML in 2008 and subsequently in a further QIP in 2010 and rights issue in 2015. Regulatory changes have since restricted the issuance of such instruments with differential voting rights and TML remains the only large listed corporate with such an instrument.



The A Ordinary Shares currently trade at 43 percent discount to Ordinary Shares. The Capital Reduction Consideration implies a 23 percent premium on the previous days closing share price of A Ordinary shares, translating to 30 percent discount over Ordinary Share price and significantly below its historical averages, the company said.



The Scheme will lead to a reduction in the outstanding equity shares by 4.2 percent, making it value accretive for all shareholders, Tata Motors said.



The Scheme also envisages the creation of a Trust with an independent third party acting as a Trustee, to operationalise the various actions required to give effect to the Scheme in accordance with applicable laws. The Trust shall receive the Ordinary shares issued by TML to the A Ordinary holders. It will then issue these shares according the current shareholding in Tata Motors DVR.



The Scheme is subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals. PWC is the independent registered valuer for the transaction, with Citigroup and Axis Capital acting as fairness opinion providers for the A Ordinary and Ordinary shareholders respectively. Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas is the legal advisor to Tata Motors for the transaction.
#1. Market regulator may allow companies to delist by selling stock at fixed price



The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is thinking of allowing companies to delist by announcing a fixed price for shares to be bought back in place of the existing reverse book-building process, chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch said. The regulator is also working on instantaneous settlement of market transactions and reviewing the trading plan mechanism for insiders at listed firms.



Why its important: There is apprehension that stock price can be jacked up before delisting. The market regulator wants to ensure a fair price for investors.



#2. Income-tax department to dispose of 100,000 reassessment notices by March 2024



Some 100,000 reassessment notices were issued by the income-tax department in the past years where the income not taxed was above Rs 50 lakh, will be ended by March 2024, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said. Widening the tax base remained a priority, Sitharaman said, adding that tax collected or deducted at source to track and trace liabilities would help.



Why its important: It is important to reassure income taxpayers that the government is following a transparent and friendly tax regime. Settling claims faster is a step in the right direction.



#3. ITC secures in-principle board approval to demerge hotels business



The board of ITC has given a go ahead to the demerger of its hotel business into new entity, a development that comes nearly two decades after it was brought under the fold of conglomerate. The new entity would be listed separately. Shareholders of Indias largest cigarette maker will own 60 percent of the demerged entity directly and the rest through their shareholding in ITC.



Why its important: Although the demerger will end the high capital allocations for the hotels business and free cash flows, the proposed structure disappointed investors and stock prices plunged.



#4. Reliance to partner Brookfield and Digital Realty to develop data centers



Reliance Industries will join with Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and Digital Realty Trust in a three-way venture to set up special purpose vehicles aimed at developing data centers in India. Reliance will hold 33.33 percent stake in the vehicles, according to a joint statement. The venture, to be renamed Digital Connexion, is building data centers in Mumbai and Chennai.



Why its important: Data center capacity is estimated to grow rapidly in India on rising demand for data services such as streaming and gaming platforms, and an increasing trend of data localization favored by policymakers.



#5. Tesla top brass to soon meet commerce minister Piyush Goyal



Top executives of Tesla are likely to soon meet trade minister Piyush Goyal to discuss the US electric carmakers plans to set up car and battery manufacturing facilities in India. The development follows a virtual meeting between Goyal and Tesla chief executive Elon Musk earlier this month.



Why its important: Tesla has expressed interest in bringing its supply chain ecosystem to India. The government wants it to evaluate the existing auto components supply chain in the country.



#6. Government starts review of countervailing duty on stainless steel



The Prime Ministers Office has begun discussions with the industry and the steel and commerce ministries on the potential imposition of countervailing duty on stainless steel. The PMO has intervened after the finance ministry ruled out imposing the duty to offset the effects of subsidies provided by foreign governments to their producers despite the steel and commerce ministries supporting the move.



Why its important: The industry is hopeful that a countervailing duty will curb cheap imports from China and support small and medium producers in India.



#7. Byjus to ink new loan pact with lenders by August 3 for $1.2 billion loan



Byjus and its term loan B lenders will seek to hammer out an agreement on changes to conditions in 10 days to speed up disbursal and end litigation. The lenders collectively account for more than 85 percent of the edtech unicorns $1.2 billion term loan B and have agreed to work collaboratively toward a signed and completed term loan amendment prior to August 3, according to a statement.



Why its important: Byjus is already facing a series of crises, with its auditor quitting and representatives of three key investors resigning from the board. A fresh loan pact will allay fears of additional troubles.



#8. Foreign portfolio investors deploy massive amounts of money in Indian equities



Foreign portfolio investors have invested Rs 1 lakh crore ($12.6 billion) so far this year into local equities directly through exchanges, the most in a decade. July is the fifth month in a row that overseas investors have invested more through the secondary rather than the primary market.



Why its important: The additional deployment by foreign portfolio investors has helped propel benchmark indices to new record. The market rally is expected to continue in the short term.



#9. Net profit at Tata Steel slumps by 92 percent, still beats street estimates



Tata Steel reported a 92 percent on year fall in its consolidated net profit attributable to the owners of the company for the June quarter. Net profit was Rs 633.95 crore and revenue from operations was Rs 59,489.66 crore, 6 percent lower from a year ago.



Why its important: Profitability of the steelmaker took a major hit because of non-cash, one-time charges on the British Steel Pension Scheme. Analysts were expecting even worse results.



#10. Government may see sharply increased outlay for rural jobs guarantee scheme



The central government may have to sharply increase the outlay for its flagship rural job guarantee scheme, with 58 percent of the budgeted Rs 60,000 crore for 2023-24 used up in the fiscal first quarter. Steady work demand and up to 10.4 percent hike in wage rates have kept expenditure under the welfare program elevated.



Why its important: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has pledged additional funds for the demand driven scheme, which will be made to supplementary grants.



Disclaimer: Moneycontrol is a part of the Network18 group. Network18 is controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary.
Salaried employees receive Form 16 from their employers, which provides a comprehensive breakdown of the salary earned during the financial year. Large and well-established businesses typically have finance departments or chartered accountants to handle accounting and tax return filing. Similarly, individuals having capital gains from shares and mutual funds can access capital gains statements for tax return purposes.



However, many small businesses and professionals lack the resources, knowledge, or scope for proper bookkeeping. For such cases, the presumptive taxation scheme (PTS) offers a simplified way to file income tax returns. Let's look at what the PTS entails, who can opt for it, the advantages and disadvantages it offers, and the appropriate ITR form to use for filing income tax returns under this scheme.



Also read: Moneycontrol's all-you-need-to-know guide to filing income tax returns for FY 2022-23



What is a presumptive taxation scheme?



As per the Income-tax Act, 1961, businessmen and professionals must maintain regular books of accounts. They must also get their accounts audited and file income-tax returns (ITRs). However, in order to give relief to small taxpayers, PTS was introduced.



A person adopting this scheme to file the return can declare income at a stipulated percentage of gross turnover or receipts and, in turn, is relieved from the tedious job of maintenance of books of accounts and also from getting the accounts audited.



Also read: How salaried taxpayers should choose between ITR-1 and ITR-2



Who can opt for PTS?



PTS is not open to all. Only small businesses and professionals can make use of it.



The scheme is defined under three different sections44AD, 44ADA and 44AEof the Income-tax Act, depending on the type of businesses and professions. Under the PTS of section 44AD, ITR can be filed by taxpayers engaged in any business if the total turnover or gross receipts from the business does not exceed Rs 2 crore for AY 2023-24, said Sanjoli Maheshwari, Executive Director, Nangia Andersen India.



Under the PTS of section 44ADA, ITR can be filed by the resident taxpayers engaged in a specified profession, where total gross receipts from the profession do not exceed Rs 50 lakh for AY 2023-24, she added.

Here, specified profession means a person resident in India engaged in legal, medical, engineering or architectural, accountancy, technical consultancy and interior decoration professions, explained Maheshwari.



However, this doesnt mean that people from other professions like contractual IT professionals, tuition teachers (academic, dance, or drawing), or those providing professional services from home cannot opt to file a return under the PTS. They can surely opt for PTS but as a business and not as a profession.



Also read: Income tax returns: Who should use ITR-3 and who shouldn't



As regards to those providing professional services other than the specified profession as mentioned above, as such, the definition of the term Business as defined in the Income Tax Act is an inclusive definition and includes any trade, commerce or manufacture and is wide enough to include activities involving time attention and labour for earning income, such activities can also be considered to come within the ambit of the term Business, said Maheshwari.



Therefore, considering the same, the resident taxpayers engaged in professions other than as specified profession i.e., IT professionals rendering routine services other than technical consultancy, providing tuitions (academic, dance or drawing) can consider to opt for the PTS under Section 44AD and file the return of income subject to the threshold limit as prescribed under the Act, added Maheshwari.



Remember, the scheme is not available to all business people and professionals. The scheme cannot be adopted by a non-resident and by any person other than an individual, a HUF or a partnership firm (not Limited Liability Partnership Firm), including those having gross receipts or turnover above the specified limit.



Also, a person who is earning an income in the nature of commission or brokerage like an insurance agent or a mutual fund distributor cannot make use of PTS.



How is income calculated under PTS?



As the name suggests, the PTS calculates income based on presumptive factors. For individuals opting for section 44AD (business owners), income is determined presumptively at 8 percent of the turnover or gross receipts of the eligible business for the year.



However, if the turnover/gross receipts are received via an account payee cheque, an account payee bank draft, or electronic clearing systems through a bank account or other electronic modes, the income will be computed at a reduced rate of 6 percent instead of 8 percent.



Likewise, for professionals (under section 44ADA) choosing to adopt PTS, income is computed presumptively at 50 percent of the total gross receipts from their profession. Nevertheless, both business owners and professionals have the option to voluntarily disclose their income at a higher percentage than the prescribed rate and still choose to file their return under PTS.



Why PTS works



The major benefit of opting for PTS is that there is no need of maintaining the books of accounts. Simplified tax compliance as there is no need to maintain books of accounts or get the books audited and eases the return filing process, said Maheswari.



Besides that, while in other cases a taxpayer needs to pay advance tax in four instalments in a financial year, taxpayers opting for PTS are not liable to pay advance tax on a quarterly basis vis-a-vis other taxpayers. Such taxpayers can pay 100 percent of advance by 15th March of the relevant financial year, said Suresh Surana, Founder, RSM India.



Where PTS doesnt work



If a person opts for PTS, then she should follow the same scheme for the next five consecutive years. If she fails to do so, then PTS will not be available for her for the next five years from the year in which she opts out.

Say you opt to file the return under PTS for AY 2023-24.



For AY 2024-25 and 2025-26 also, you offer income on the basis of PTS. However, for AY 2026-27, you do not opt for PTS. In this case, you will not be eligible to claim benefits of PTS for the next five AYs, i.e. from AY 2026-27 to 2031-32. Besides that, you would be required to keep and maintain books of accounts and would be liable for tax audit as per section 44AB from the AY in which you opt out from the PTS.



The other limitations under PTC include that the assessee is not allowed to claim any deductions for expenditure incurred. No deduction can be claimed u/s 30 to 38 of the IT Act with regards to any expenditure incurred by the taxpayer. Such deduction would be deemed to have been already allowed, said Surana.



However, the assessee can claim deduction under chapter VI-A, which includes deduction under sections 80C to 80 U of the Act. Also, there is no provision for the assessee under PTS to carry forward losses to subsequent assessment years.



Choosing the correct ITR form



The ITR forms vary depending on various factors, including for those who choose the PTS, for which there is a designated ITR form. Taxpayers filing a return under PTS may furnish them in ITR-4 (Sugam), said Surana. He added that ITR4 is a comparatively simpler form as compared to other ITR forms.
An Allegiant Air flight from Mesa, Arizona, to Central Nebraska Regional Airport in Grand Island turned around mid-flight Monday night.

Independent reporter Jessica Votipka was on the flight. She said the pilot announced that they were "legally" unable to land the plane in Grand Island. Back at the Arizona airport, Allegiant officials told passengers the flight crew was unable to communicate with the Central Nebraska Regional Airport, leading to the turnaround.

Hall County Airport Authority Executive Director Michael Olson said National Weather Service weather reporting equipment went down.

"Airlines will not dispatch aircraft unless there is active weather reporting at the airport," Olson said.

Votipka said the plane was about 30 minutes from Grand Island. The plane was an Airbus A320, according to Flight Aware. The flight took off, bound for Grand Island, just after 5.45 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (most of Arizona does not observe daylight saving time).

Officials told passengers the flight had been rescheduled to Tuesday morning.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on July 24 imposed business restrictions on Bengaluru-based The National Co-operative Bank Ltd and capped deposit withdrawal at Rs 50,000 per account. The action, it is learned, was triggered by the weak financial position of the bank.



Subsequently, the bank is not allowed to issue fresh loans or accept fresh deposits without prior approval from the central bank, the RBI said in a statement.



Depositors will be entitled to receive deposit insurance claim amount up to Rs 5 lakh from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation, the RBI said.



The imposition of business restrictions, however, does not amount to cancellation of banking licence, the regulator mentioned. The bank will continue to undertake banking business with restrictions till its financial position improves, the RBI said.



The Reserve Bank may consider modifications of these directions depending upon circumstances. The business restrictions have been imposed for a period of six months from the close of business on July 24, 2023 and are subject to review, the RBI added.



In May, the RBI had imposed a monetary penalty on the National Co-operative bank citing certain rule violations.



The lender was collecting fixed penal charges for a shortfall in maintenance of minimum balance in saving bank accounts, instead of proportionate to the extent of shortfall, the RBI had said.



According to the last annual report available, The National Co-operative Bank had total deposits of Rs 1,679 crore and loans of Rs 1,128 crore as on March 31, 2021. Data is not available after that date. Also, the banks net non-performing assets, as on March 31, 2021, stood at 27.81 percent, while it had a capital adequacy ratio of 12.12 percent, according to the annual report. The bank has around 13 branches in different parts of Bengaluru.
DevX, a managed office space provider from Gujarat, has launched its fourth co-working space in Ahmedabad spread over 1.8 lakh square feet (sq ft) with a capacity to accommodate 3,000 seats. The company has presence across 11 cities with over 25 centres. DevX plans to double its India portfolio with an investment of Rs 60 crore, the company said. Also read: Flex space to hit 106 msf in top 7 cities over next 5 years: JLL- Smartworks report The co-working space-cum-accelerator was founded in September 2017.

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Shruthi Sinha, a techie who was staying in a rented accommodation in the Bengaluru suburb of Whitefield, was recently asked to pay a 40 percent higher rent or vacate the premises in three months.



A few months earlier, Nihar Srivastava, another techie in Bengaluru, faced a peculiar situation where the landlord prevented him from bringing indoor plants to his Koramangala apartment. "He stopped me from unloading them and said I had to vacate if I chose to bring them in," Srivastava said.



The cost of renting an apartment has skyrocketed in the nation's IT capital, rising by as much as 40 percent in some locations. Landlords are hiking rates to make up for the revenue lost during the pandemic, as tenants return to the city with more offices opening up.



Can landlords suddenly hike the rent?



Advocates say if the agreement mentions 11 months of tenure, as is typically the case, then within that period the tenant and landlord are in a contractual agreement.



"Within this period, the rentals cannot be hiked arbitrarily by the landlord. But in this case, the landlord can ask the tenants to serve the notice period and vacate as per the contract," said Joseph Rebello, a lawyer.



Brokers say such incidents have become very common in Bengaluru today. Sunil Singh, founder of Realty Corp, a local real estate firm, recently closed a brokerage deal in the eastern IT corridor of Bengaluru's Whitefield.



"However, within three months, the landlord has asked the tenant to hike the rent or vacate within a month. The demand is so high and inventories are not available, leading to such incidents," he added.



The asking rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Whitefield has hit Rs 50,000, up from Rs 35,000-40,000 a few months ago. In the same area, 3 BHKs have reached Rs 70,000-80,000. Local brokers say fresh inventories are not available in prime locations like Koramangala and Indiranagar or close to the three IT corridors in Bengaluru.



Lock-in period of rental agreements can help



Lock-in periods are for specific time periods during which both the landlord and the tenant are committed to the agreement. Additionally, neither party can serve notice during the term.



"But we see lock-in periods in longer commercial lease agreements where the landlord and the tenant agree to adhere to the agreement for some years before the agreement closes," said Rebello. And for a rental agreement of 11 months, the lock-in period is usually three or six months, he added.



Advocates say the lock-in period will protect both the tenant and the landlord from arbitrarily violating the terms and conditions. However, most rental agreements do not contain a lock-in period, and Rebello said the tenants must insist on one before signing the agreement.



Having a longer agreement tenure



Any rent agreement of more than 11 months tenure needs to be registered at the sub-registrar's office and both parties need to pay stamp duty based on the rent and the deposit amount.



According to clause (d) of sub-section (1) of the Registration Act, 1908, registration is mandatory for a property that is on lease for one year or more.



Rebello said if the tenant agrees to a rental agreement of two years with a lock-in period of one year, both parties will have a registered document to support their case in case of violations.



"This can stop the sudden rental hikes or notice periods as such agreements are recognised in legal forums like courts. However, the challenge is most landlords do not provide longer agreement tenures or lock-in periods, even if the tenant insists on it before signing the contract," Rebello said.
Byju's remitted PF payments of a majority of its employees on July 25, after the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) questioned the company over delay following an exclusive report by Moneycontrol.



Byju's remitted PF payments worth Rs 8.54 crore for around 24,027 employees on July 25, sources in EPFO told Moneycontrol. The data will take about three days to reflect on the official portal.



In response to Moneycontrol's queries earlier, Byju's had denied any such delays.



The company told the EPFO that for a "few hundred employees" it is awaiting KYC and once that is done, the dues would be paid, the people said requesting anonymity.



Byju's did not immediately respond to queries sent by Moneycontrol on this development.



Confirming the development, Raghunathan KE, Board Member of EPFO representing employers said, "The EPFO will make sure all its members get their dues back from their employers. The system empowers the custodian (EPFO) to act swiftly and protects the financial social security of its members. The current development is driven by the EPFO's active interest in protecting employees' rights and the employer's willingness to coordinate."



Earlier today, Moneycontrol reported that Byjus has not paid PF to a majority of its employees for June despite a nudge from EPFO last month over irregularity in PF contributions.



Byjus has made PF contributions towards 738 employees for June so far, compared to 25,000 employees in the previous month, the data showed.



The recurring delay in PF payments could also be a sign of cash flow pressure at the firm, according to multiple industry consultants. The edtech, which was last valued at $22 billion, is yet to close a long-pending funding round, which is a much-needed infusion essential to tide over the immediate liquidity crunch.



On July 24, Moneycontrol exclusively reported that Byjus gave up its biggest office space in the country to further cut down costs.



Meanwhile, Byjus has already fired more than 2,000 employees officially, and moved a majority of its workforce to contract basis. According to EFPO data, Byjus had close to 60,000 employees on its payroll in September 2022.



This comes at a time when Byjus has been tackling a host of issues since the start of this year, including a tussle with its lenders, resignations of its directors and its auditor, even as it has came under the scanner of government authorities like the EPFO and Enforcement Directorate (ED). The company is also reportedly facing a probe from Indias Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).



To be sure, as a major relief to the company, on July 24, more than 85 percent of its lenders have agreed to work towards completing the term loan amendment before August 3.



Last week, Byjus also faced backlash from some of its Tuition Centeres employees, over nonpayment of variable pay and other incentives. Employees of Byjus Tuition Centers (BTC), on which the company has been extremely bullish, were planning a nation-wide protest against this. But in an emergency townhall on July 22, the company agreed to pay incentives from next month and said it will remit variable pay next quarter. Byjus also assured BTC employees that it will not lay off any one from the vertical.



Byju's touched a new high in March last year when it raised a massive $800 million round at a $22-billion valuation. The company, which counts backers like Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital India), Prosus and Sofina among others, recently was in deep waters after the resignation of its auditor, and the departure of three key investor board members.



For FY21 (2020-21), Byju's reported a huge jump in losses to more than Rs 4,500 crore, while its revenue dropped marginally, surprisingly, as FY21 was the first year of Covid that gave online learning companies a shot in the arm.
Byjus has not paid provident fund (PF) to a majority of its employees for June even despite a nudge from the Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) last month over irregularity in PF contributions, official data sourced by Moneycontrol showed.



Byjus has made PF contributions towards 738 employees for June so far, compared to 25,000 employees in the previous month, the data showed. Employees Moneycontrol spoke to, confirmed that PF payments have not been credited for June.



Last month, after Moneycontrol and a few other media outlets reported about a delay in PF payments, Byjus released PF payments for 24,818 employees on June 26. Before that, Byjus had not made PF contributions for April and May, while for January, February and March, the company had made PF payments only for 10,000-13,000 employees.



In a mail sent to the EPFO on June 27, a copy of which was seen by Moneycontrol, Byjus had said that the company had settled PF payments until May. The company had further agreed to clear June PF payments by July 15.



In responses to Moneycontrol's queries, a Byju's spokesperson said, "There are no pending PF dues. We would like to reconfirm that all PF dues have been cleared till June 2023 for our employees. There have been a few authentication issues which are being currently worked on 1:1 with the employees and the PF department."



Byjus delays in PF payments could be a sign of cash flow pressure at the firm, according to multiple industry consultants. The edtech, which was last valued at $22 Billion, has also undertaken layoffs and given up office space, to save costs.



On July 24, Moneycontrol also reported that Byjus gave up its biggest office space in the country, amid a long-delayed funding round and negotiation with lenders over its current debt obligations. Byjus has already fired more than 2,000 employees officially, while moving a majority of its work force to contract basis. According to EFPO data, Byjus had close to 60,000 employees on its payroll in September 2022.



Byjus has been tackling a host of issues since the start of this year, including a tussle with its lenders, resignations of its directors and its auditor, even as it has came under the scanner of government authorities like the EPFO and Enforcement Directorate (ED). The company is also reportedly facing a probe from Indias Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).



Last week, Byjus also faced backlash from some of its Tuition Centeres employees, over nonpayment of variable pay and other incentives. Employees of Byjus Tuition Centers (BTC), on which the company has been extremely bullish, were planning a nation-wide protest against this. But in an emergency townhall on July 22, the company agreed to pay incentives from next month and said it will remit variable pay next quarter. Byjus also assured BTC employees that it will not lay off any one from the vertical.



Byju's touched a new high in March last year when it raised a massive $800 million round at a $22-billion valuation. The company, which counts backers like Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital India), Prosus and Sofina among others, recently was in deep waters after the resignation of its auditor, and the departure of three key investor board members.



For FY21 (2020-21), Byju's reported a huge jump in losses to more than Rs 4,500 crore, while its revenue dropped marginally, surprisingly, as FY21 was the first year of Covid that gave online learning companies a shot in the arm.
OpenAI chief Sam Altman has probably become the biggest newsmaker of the global technology industry in 2023 -- the latest being the launch of Worldcoin project on July 24, an AI to crypto network, built on the concept of proof of personhood or verifying an individuals digital identity.



The Worldcoin project is owned by a technology company called Tools for Humanity (TFH), founded by Altman, Alex Blania and Max Novendstern in 2019.



This announcement came at a time when crypto investors are riding high on Ripples recent partial victory in a court case against the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and investment firm Blackrock launching its Blackrock Bitcoin ETF, showing signs of the world starting to move over crypto exchange FTXs collapse and aftershock.



Meanwhile, Twitter co-founder and a Bitcoin enthusiast, Jack Dorsey, took digs at Altmans new project. Visit the Orb or the Orb will visit you... and Worldcoin is an attempt at global scale alignment..." cute, he wrote on Twitter.



Here is all you need to know about Altmans new AI + Crypto project.



What is Worldcoin crypto project?



The Worldcoin project ecosystem involves three key elements: World ID, Worldcoin token (WLD) and World App. World ID is a personalised biometric digital identity of the user, which the company claims is privacy preserving.



The Worldcoin token is a crypto token or a digital currency which will be initially distributed among users for free as they sign up, defining that they are unique humans, and the currency can be used for transactions and payments through a World-ID compatible app called World App. World App is a digital wallet, too.



This is happening through the Worldcoin protocol which completed its migration to OP Mainnet, a stable and scalable L2 blockchain built by Ethereum developers.



The company believes that the Worldcoin protocol is intended to be the worlds largest, most inclusive identity and financial public utility and to be owned by everyone.



Alex Blania, co-founder of Worldcoin project and CEO of TFH, said, In the age of AI, the need for proof of personhood is no longer a topic of serious debate; instead, the critical question is whether or not the proof of personhood solutions we have can be privacy-first, decentralised and maximally inclusive.



How does it work? Where can you find the orb?



The identity verification and profile creation will be done through a spherical hardware device called Orb, which creates a unique biometric identity of the user through eyeball scanning, which will be proof that the user is a real human and not a bot.



Worldcoins flagship device Orb and its services will be rolled out in 35 cities across 20 countries in the coming months. As of now, the services will be immediately available in Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Seoul, Singapore and Tokyo.



Users can also schedule an Orb visit through Worldcoin's website or check out the locations listed country-wise, where they can find an orb device to sign up. As per the website, there are currently 18 locations with the device in India, most prominently across Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru.



According to the company, the Worldcoin protocols decentralised identity and financial network was designed to unlock and equitably distribute the potentially massive economic implications of AI. If successful, the project will increase economic opportunity, enable global democratic processes and eventually provide a potential foundation for AI-funded universal basic income (UBI).



It basically simplifies the KYC verification of the wallet, also confirming that you own it. Theres a similar offering in the Ethereum chain called Soulbound tokens. These too are mapped to the users, but theres nobody who have developed an eye scan tapped on smart contract. Altman has found a sweet spot here, Sidharth Sogani, founder and CEO of crypto research firm CREBACO Global, told Moneycontrol.







When did it start and how many users are there so far?



Though TFH started in 2019, the Worldcoin project went into beta testing phase around 18 months back. According to Altman, the beta phase saw 2 million sign-ups. Many of the users, during this limited testing, were offered free WLD tokens.



Worldcoins parent, TFH, found backers in Andreessen Horowitzs crypto arm a16z, Bain Capital Crypto, Blockchain Capital and Distributed Global. FTXs Sam Bankman-Fried and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman too were some its early investors. Worldcoin had last raised $115 million in a Series C round in May 2023.



Prior to this, in March 2022, it had raised $100 million at a valuation of $3 billion.



What were some of the criticisms levelled during beta testing?



The Worldcoin protocol too had its fair share of controversies questioning its credibility and security claims.



According to a TechCrunch report from May 2023, hackers were able to install password-stealing malware on the devices of Worldcoin Orb operators and got full access to the operators dashboard.



In another instance, according to an MIT Technology Review report from April 2022, Worldcoin got its first half a million test users by signing up and creating biometric profiles of unsuspecting poor people living in villages of certain developing countries, in exchange for money.



How credible is the token? What will this mean for users?



Currently, the project caps the total supply of WLD tokens to 10 million for the next 15 years. The company already holds about 20 percent of all its tokens. At the time of its global launch, only a maximum of 143 million tokens was made available in circulation.



Assuming Altman has 2 million users on its network, coupling with its ChatGPT utilityhe is leveraging his existing widely used technology, mapping it with his own utility tokens, that improves the acceptability of WLD tokens for other goods and services too, Sogani said.
SJVN share price touched a 52-week high of Rs 62.75, gaining nearly 10 percent at 9:20 am after company received five projects of 5097 MW from government of Arunachal Pradesh. At 09:21 hrs SJVN was quoting at Rs 61.02, up Rs 3.88, or 6.79 percent on the BSE. The projects allocated are 3,097 MW Etalin, 680 MW Attunli, 500 MW Emini, 420 MW Amulin, and 400 MW Mihumdon. All the five projects are located in Dibang Basin, which will result in optimal resources utilisation and timely completion of projects. The development of these projects will involve an investment of more than Rs 50,000 crore, while construction of these projects will reduce carbon emission in tune of around 1.1 million tonne per year. Catch all the market action on our live blog The company through its wholly owned subsidiary i.e., SJVN Green Energy (SGEL) has also received the letter of Intent (LOI) from Punjab State Power Corporation (PSPCL) for procurement of 1200 MW Solar Power, company said in its July 22 press release. SGEL will develop 1,000 MW project anywhere in the country and balance 200 MW in the state of Punjab. The solar projects shall be developed on build own and operate basis and tentative cost of construction / development of 1,200 MW project is around Rs 7,000 crore. On July 21, company signed a MoU with REC for financing the projects of the company and its subsidiaries and joint ventures to the extent of Rs 50,000 crore. REC will provide financial assistance to set up new power generating stations based on conventional and renewable sources of energy. REC will also assist financially in setting up new technology projects like battery storage, e-vehicles, green hydrogen/ammonia, hydrogen cells storage, manufacturing units for green projects. On June 20, the company's subsidiary SGEL signed power purchase agreements (PPA) for 200 MW solar power project capacity with Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) at Mumbai and with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for 100 MW wind power capacity at Delhi.

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Shares of Torrent Power traded up 2.3 percent at Rs 617.95 at 9:24am on July 25 after the company launched its first set of charging stations in Ahmedabad. The four EV charging stations have been set up in Ahmedabad and two more are likely to be launched in Surat soon with more cities to be added in the near future, the company said. The company has collaborated with Siemens for developing the EV charging network. Torrent Power has installed three 60KW DC Fast chargers, one each at Prahladnagar, Naranpura and Drive-In-Road in Ahmedabad. Each charger can charge two vehicles at the same time. Apart from this, a 22 kW AC charger has also been set up in Ahmedabad. The company offers charging at Rs 12 per unit which is among the lowest in the city. An additional discount of 20 percent on first charge has also been announced for a limited period. Catch all the market action on our live blog In June, Torrent Power signed a contract with the Maharashtra government for the development of three Pumped Storage Hydro Projects of 5,700 MW capacity in the state. The company intends to execute these projects over a period of five years.

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We will see Nifty and Sensex doubling in the next five years, Raamdeo Agrawal of Motilal Oswal Financial Services told CNBC TV18 in an interview, reiterating that investors still need to be cautious as markets may re-rate from the current levels.



"For next five years, we are going to see significantly highs in Nifty and Sensex ... I would say double from here," he said. "You have to be cautious because you can't buy anything at any price and have to be careful about what exactly you're buying. Do your research."



Catch all market updates LIVE



Agrawal added that both retail buyers and foreign investors are contributing to the current market rally. "FIIs want to now buy in what they sold and then they want to top it up because India is a far more important market in the global scene," the investor said.



Sensex has been hovering on record highs for the last few days and topped the 67,000-level earlier in July, while Nifty inched near the 20,000 mark for the first time, led by better progress of monsoon, decent earnings from India Inc and steady foreign capital inflow despite mixed global cues.



Also Read: Sensex Total Return Index scales peak 100,000. What next?



Moreover, the investor is bullish on new-age companies like Zomato and Paytm given their upbeat valuations and says that it is "tough" to value new-age companies in the conventional way. On housing finance, Agrawal feels it will be "very difficult" to compete with those companies.



Talking about the HDFC bank merger, Agrawal believes that it has been the most successful bank in last 45 years and the fact that the CEO has gone on record saying that they will get another HDFC Bank in next four years is testimony to its strong performance.



"I think it's an outperforming stock," he mentioned. "That doesn't mean that there is no other bank which can outperform but I think in their own merit."
Xiaomi Corp. plans to focus on 5G smartphones and a leaner product portfolio in India, trying to claw back market share lost to rivals including South Koreas Samsung Electronics Co. in its second-biggest market.



Chinas Xiaomi held the smartphone lead in India for years before regulatory headaches and a too vast product portfolio  which by its own admission confused customers  led to its decline. In the quarter to March, Xiaomi ranked fourth behind Samsung, Oppo and Vivo in Indias smartphone market, according to researcher IDC Corp.



India is one of the most intensely contested markets for the worlds biggest phone brands, with companies such as iPhone maker Apple Inc. pushing to boost sales in the planets most populous country. Xiaomi is betting on a gradual recovery, deepening its ties with local partners and simplifying its product offering.



This year will be number one? No, we will not be, Muralikrishnan B., President at Xiaomi India, told reporters at a news conference late last week. These are long-term playoff games.



Key changes including fewer smartphone launches, an increased focus on customer experience and the growth of sales through brick-and-mortar stores will help the company pivot back to its earlier success, Muralikrishnan said.



In the past, the company launched just too many products, too many options, he said. To a certain extent, we reacted to what competition was doing.



Xiaomi is also making some other key changes in India, its most important market outside of China. Pushed by New Delhi, it is deepening local sourcing and also handing some of its smartphone assembly in India to homegrown Dixon Technologies India Ltd.



To curtail spending, the company laid off as many as 30 employees in June and more job cuts are likely, the Economic Times newspaper reported. Muralikrishnan, however, said Xiaomi India hasnt let people go this year and doesnt plan to do so.



You will, in the interest of efficiency, in the interest of clarity of roles, restructure your organization whenever required to suit the needs of the strategy, he said. Now to all speculations on us firing people  that is something that I will flatly deny as untrue.



Xiaomi will unveil a new 5G smartphone Aug. 1 priced at $200 to $250, Chief Marketing Officer Anuj Sharma said. The move is part of the companys strategy to sell affordable, locally assembled 5G models.
An Omaha man was ordered held on $1 million bail Friday for allegedly killing another man in a gunbattle in a residential neighborhood with several children present.

Mark Keesler, Jr., 31, is accused of killing 30-year-old Deving Willis-Smith on Wednesday night near 27th and Whitmore streets in Omaha. The Douglas County Attorneys Office charged Keesler on Friday with manslaughter and using a weapon to commit a felony. Omaha Police Department homicide investigators had arrested Keesler after the shooting.

Douglas County Judge Sheryl Lohaus set the bail Friday and appointed the Douglas County Public Defenders Office to represent Keesler.

Keesler allegedly produced a rifle during a dispute between a friend and Willis-Smith outside Keeslers friends house. Willis-Smith retrieved a handgun from a car and there was an exchange of gunfire, Chief Deputy Douglas County Attorney Brenda Beadle said.

Keesler shot numerous times, more than 10, Beadle said.

There were four kids in the car, she said. They were lucky they didnt get hit.

Willis-Smith suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died at the Nebraska Medical Center after being taken there by ambulance.

Through the investigation and after reviewing video surveillance, it was determined that the victim arrived at 2730 Whitmore Street at approximately 2047 hours (8:47 p.m.), an Omaha police investigator wrote in an arrest affidavit. The victim is observed exiting a vehicle and then making contact with two males, one of which is later identified as Keesler Jr., Mark, ... in front of 2730 Whitmore Street. The victim is ultimately shot by Keesler Jr. and dies as a result of his injuries.

Keesler would have to post 10%, or $100,000, of the bail to be released from jail. A preliminary hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for him to face trial in District Court is scheduled for Aug. 28.

Counties with the highest cancer rates in Nebraska Counties with the highest cancer rates in Nebraska #50. Phelps County #49. Custer County #48. Sheridan County #47. Johnson County #46. Butler County #45. Cuming County #44. Polk County #43. Saunders County #42. Otoe County #41. Cass County #40. Cedar County #39. Grant County #38. Red Willow County #37. Frontier County #36. Pawnee County #35. Merrick County #34. Brown County #33. York County #32. Lincoln County #31. Perkins County #30. Dodge County #29. Howard County #28. Deuel County #27. Gage County #26. Hamilton County #25. Clay County #24. Dundy County #23. Antelope County #22. Fillmore County #21. Boyd County #20. Harlan County #19. Sherman County #18. Rock County #17. Jefferson County #16. Keith County #15. Thayer County #14. Garfield County #13. Valley County #12. Webster County #11. Furnas County #10. Burt County #9. Richardson County #8. Garden County #7. Boone County #6. Nuckolls County #5. Greeley County #4. Logan County #3. Hitchcock County #2. Franklin County #1. Blaine County
The UN Peacekeeping completes 75 years of service this year, with 71 missions under its belt. Over a million men and women from 125 countries have served, and thousands have lost their lives in these peacekeeping missions over the years.



India, which is the third highest contributor of troops to UN Peacekeeping, has had the highest fatalities, UN data shows. Indian troops have also shown the highest number of deaths due to `malicious acts.



As many as 4,319 peacekeepers have died on duty till date, with 1,117 of them being killed by malicious acts.





According to data from the UN, 178 peacekeepers from India have died over the years on duty, with as many as 69 of them being dead due to malicious acts and 51 by accidents.



After India, peacekeepers from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nigeria have seen the most number of fatalities.





Peacekeepers are dispatched to conflict zones and areas affected by hostilities to maintain peace and stability. They are tasked with monitoring ceasefires, protecting civilians, and facilitating humanitarian efforts to support peaceful resolutions to conflicts.



Peacekeeping missions by the UN began in 1948 when the Security Council authorised the deployment of military observers to the Middle East to monitor the Armistice Agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbours.



Higher number of deaths in recent decades



Although the number of fatalities have varied over the years, records show that the number of deaths during peacekeeping missions in the last two decades have been consistently higher than earlier





While the number of deaths had only crossed the 100-mark four times before 2003, it has remained in triple digits since then, with the 90 deaths recorded in 2007 and 99 deaths recorded in 2018 being the only exceptions. There have been 33 deaths recorded this year so far.



India is the third-largest contributor of troops



Nearly 77,000 troops from 123 countries currently serve in the various UN peacekeeping missions across the world. Bangladesh contributes the largest number of troops with 7,278 personnel, accounting for 9.49 percent of the total.



Nepal with 6,231 peacekeepers is the second largest contributor of troops, while India comes in third with 6,089 troops.





Most of the Indian peacekeepers are deployed in the mission in South Sudan, followed by the mission in the Congo, as can be seen from the chart below.





Abysmal participation from developed economies



Notably, the majority of the UN Peacekeeping troops come from low or middle income countries. The contribution from the Global North, including those that are a part of the Security Council which determines when and where a peace operation should be deployed, remain abysmally low.





Apart from China, which contributes 2,274 troops  the 10th highest  the combined figure for troops from France, Russia, the UK and the US stands at just 1,010. The US, which has the largest defence budget in the world, currently contributes just 35 troops to UN Peacekeeping.
In the early 2000s, the US antitrust agency investigated major tech companies for potential violations of a somewhat little-known and obscure provision of antitrust/ competition law  Section 8 of the Clayton Act  which makes it illegal in certain circumstances for the same person to serve as a director of competing companies, often described as interlocking directorates or interlocks. This led to the resignation of Google CEO Eric Schmidt from Apple's board, Apple's Arthur Levinson stepped down from Google's board, and Google's John Doerr quit Amazon's board.



Interlocks can be direct when the same person sits on the boards of competing companies, or indirect, when a private equity (PE) firm appoints representatives to the boards of competing companies. Such individuals often have access to competitively sensitive information (CSI), participate in decision-making processes, and can influence competitive strategies and exchange the CSI, resulting in cartelisation, the most pernicious form of anti-competitive activity. As a result, interlocks are prohibited in various countries including the US, Japan, and South-Korea etc.



Regulators Get Tough



In the US, prohibitions have been imposed primarily in the context of merger control reviews by antitrust authorities. However, recently, the Department of Justice (DoJ) has begun to proactively enforce Section 8 outside of merger control reviews leading to several directors resigning from big corporations.



In Europe, this issue primarily emerged in a merger control review by the European Commission (EC), where certain investments by PE funds in competing firms were cleared subject to restrictions on interlocks and exchange of CSI (competitively sensitive information). India follows Europe's lead in not banning interlocks outright, instead using general competition laws to address its anti-competitive effects.



In India, the Companies Act allows a person to be a director in up to 20 companies at the same time. While there is no express provision in the Competition Act or Companies Act which restricts interlocks, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has been looking into interlocks/common ownership issues primarily in merger control cases.



In 2018, when IHH Healthcare acquired a majority stake in Fortis Healthcare (IHH-Fortis), it disclosed its existing investments in a competing company, Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, to the CCI. The CCI approved the transaction after accepting voluntary commitments from parties to ensure that the competing hospitals (Apollo and IHH-Fortis) operated independently with no common directors and exchange of CSI. Similar commitments were accepted by the CCI in a merger involving Nippon/ Mitsui/ Kawasaki and a minority stake in GMR Airports by Tata Group and others.



CCIs Post-2020 Stance



2020 was a paradigm shift in the CCIs approach to transactions involving common ownership, which raised many eyebrows. The matter involved ChrysCapitals acquisition of an additional stake in Intas Pharma, going from 3 percent to 6 percent. ChrysCapital disclosed its existing investment in competing companies  Mankind, Curatio and GVK.



The CCI raised concerns regarding ChrysCapitals growing strategic influence over Mankind and Intas, with their significant presence in certain products that could potentially lead to possible cartel-like behaviour. To address CCIs concern, ChrysCapital removed its director from the board of Mankind, and agreed not to exercise veto rights in Mankind, including restrictions on the exchange of CSI.This marks CCIs altered approach to evaluating PE investments, intensifying the burning debate on common ownership/ interlocks.



Last week, a similar approach was also adopted by the CCI in clearing the acquisition of an additional minority stake in Acko Technology (Acko Tech) by General Atlantic (GA). The CCI noted that GAs direct/indirect influence on two prominent players (Ackos Vivish Tech and GAs NoBroker) for society/gated community management solutions, may raise the risk of softening of competition between them. To address CCIs concern, GA offered not to exert influence on any matter related to, or receive any CSI relating to, Vivish.



Apart from merger cases, in 2020, CCI examined allegations of coordination between Ola and Uber due to Softbanks investment in both companies. The CCI noted that although common ownership in competing entities may incentivise cartel-like behaviour, absent evidence, an inquiry was not justified.



While interlocks can result in benefits in terms of expertise and industry knowledge, their negative impact on competition cannot be overlooked and was bound to attract CCIs attention. In 2020, the CCI hinted at a market study on common ownership/ interlocks, which is pending.



Hence, businesses should carefully consider the legal risks involved before entering into the same. For the CCI, striking a balance between fostering corporate collaboration and preventing anti-competitive behaviour remains a critical challenge.



Sidharrth Shankar is a M&A partner and Vaibhav Choukse is a partner and head of practice (competition law) at JSA. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
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The government of India finds itself in a challenging position as it seeks to sell its stake in the Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI). Most recent news reports suggest limited interest from domestic and global financial institutes. Besides Kotak Mahindra Bank, CSB Bank and Emirates NBD, no other financial institutes made it to the list of contenders.

There is a growing global trend among major financial institutions to put in place a "no new coal" policy for all new investments. A study by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis highlights that over 200 globally significant financial institutions have established coal exclusion policies. Meanwhile, only two Indian commercial banks have a coal exclusion policy, Federal Bank and Suryoday Small Finance Bank. Both Suryoday Bank and Federal Banks coal exclusion policy was a result of the International Finance Corporations (IFC) intervention.

In July 2021, IFC infused $126 million by taking five percent stake in Federal Bank. Following this, IFC worked with Federal Bank to chalk out a path to reduce its exposure to coal with an objective of wiping off coal exposure from its loan books by 2030.

Indias banking sector is made to look better compared to several years ago when increased non-performing assets (NPA) put several banks in the red. The energy sector, especially coal-fired thermal power plants, made up a huge percentage of those NPAs. IDBI was particularly exposed and on the verge of a crash before Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) was made to rescue the bank. Rakesh Sharma, who has been heading the bank since LIC took over, has done a stellar job at turning things around at IDBI, but the threat of increased exposure to a declining coal industry could undo the good work. According to the data from Global Coal Exit List, between 2019 and 2021, IDBI provided lending and underwriting services worth more than Rs 1,600 crore to various companies engaged in coal expansion.

Limited Options

Seven years ago, when the Indian government announced plans to sell 15 percent of its stake in IDBI, the IFC emerged as a top contender. However, times have changed, and financial institutions around the world have come to recognise the importance of aligning their investments with climate goals. With major international financial institutions and their no new coal policy, the Indian government now faces limited options in attracting international investors for IDBI. This shift underscores the urgent need for India to reassess how it packages its energy strategies and sustainable alternatives. India already has ambitious renewable energy plans, but its coal baggage and failure to articulate a coal phaseout plan is stymying its growth.

While IFCs recently updated policy does not allow it to partner with financial institutes that continue to fund new coal, it remains open to partnering with financial institutions that currently have high exposure to coal projects but are willing to work with IFC in charting out a path towards reducing its exposure to zero by 2030, as well as ruling out any new coal investments. IFCs expertise could be of immense help to Indian financial institutions that are struggling to cope with bad loans given out to coal power projects in the past.

The IFC's move is not an isolated one. Numerous international financial institutions have announced their commitment to a "no new coal" policy. These institutions have recognised the inherent risks associated with coal investments. From environmental concerns to the potential for stranded assets, the financial sector is awakening to the urgent need for a transition to cleaner energy sources.

Given the global trend toward sustainable finance, the government of India faces limited options for selling its stake in IDBI. Without a commitment to a "no new coal" policy, major international financial institutions are likely to shy away from investing in the bank. This predicament reflects the growing importance of environmental considerations in investment decisions. These challenges will likely remain for all government divestment initiatives.

Wake-up Call

This shift in international financial institutions' stance is a wake-up call for the Indian government. India, as a global leader in renewable energy potential, must seize this opportunity to announce a no new coal policy. Doing so will unlock the global pool of funds that remain inaccessible due to a minor technicality.

According to Indias own National Electricity Policy, India does not need any new coal power capacity beyond what is already under construction. The estimates are for 2027, however, with enough renewable energy capacity along with storage capacity, India may not need more coal in the long term as well. By developing a clear roadmap for renewable energy deployment and actively promoting the transition, the government can not only attract international investments but also secure a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future for its citizens.

The need for a "no new coal" policy should not be seen as a hindrance but rather as an opportunity. The demand for clean energy investment is rising globally, and India has immense potential to lead this transition. By committing to a comprehensive renewable energy strategy, the government can attract investment from forward-thinking financial institutions eager to support sustainable projects. This, in turn, would stimulate job creation, enhance energy security, and contribute to the fight against climate change.

Joe Athialy is the Executive Director of Centre for Financial Accountability, a Delhi-based think tank that aims to strengthen and improve financial accountability within India. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
Israels decades-old claim of being the Middle Easts most robust democracy has always been circumscribed by its second-class treatment of citizens of Arab descent  and its inhumane conduct toward the

Palestinians. Now even this qualified assertion hangs by a thread as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proceeds with his ill-conceived plan to overhaul the nations judiciary.



On Monday, his right-wing coalition pushed through a law curbing the oversight powers of the courts, a measure that has split the country and prompted mass protests for months. With opposition lawmakers boycotting the vote, the bill passed with 64 votes to 0.



The measure will curtail the judiciarys ability to overrule government decisions and appointments. The prime minister claims that judges have too much arbitrary authority. Critics of his proposed overhaul say the judiciary is the only check on the power of the government. Some contend that Netanyahus main objective is to prevent the courts from imprisoning him if he is found guilty on charges of bribery and fraud.



Netanyahus plan, popular with his right-wing base, has drawn strong and sustained condemnation from much of the Israeli establishment, including military reservists and business leaders. They fear that the enfeebling of the judiciary will compromise the rule of law and make the economy unattractive for investment. Reports of a possible compromise early Monday morning strengthened the shekel, but the currency fell sharply after the vote, making it one of the worst performers among a basket of major currencies tracked by Bloomberg.



In Washington, the run-up to the vote brought much hand-wringing about the health of Israeli democracy. President Joe Biden twice sounded the White House alarm bells in less than a week. In a phone call with Netanyahu on July 17, he urged the prime minister to seek compromise with the opposition. In a statement to Axios on the eve of the vote, Biden again called on Netanyahu to desist. Given the range of threats and challenges confronting Israel right now, it doesnt make sense for Israeli leaders to rush this  the focus should be on pulling people together and finding

consensus, he said.



It is rare for an American president to so openly involve himself in the internal affairs of a friendly state, never mind take a public position against the legislative agenda of its leader. His counsel scorned by the prime minister, the president will now feel compelled to respond.



It would be easy but entirely pointless for Biden to keep invoking democratic values in chiding Netanyahu. The Israeli leader has demonstrated an immunity to such finger-wagging. And in any case, Biden himself has a credibility problem on this score, having displayed leniency toward friendly foreign leaders who disdain those values  consider his lavish hospitality and gushing solicitude for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month.



Nor can Biden realistically threaten punitive measures, such as withholding military assistance, as suggested by some in the Washington foreign-policy establishment. This would be bad politics, inviting broad, bipartisan disapproval in Congress, where unstinting support for Israel remains an article of faith to all but a small minority of Democratic lawmakers.



It would also be bad security strategy: American assistance to Israel has never been predicated on democratic values, but aimed initially to protect it from predatory neighbors, and latterly on protecting its neighborhood.



The Israeli military has become the most reliable line of defense against the ambitions of Iran, which is rapidly building up its armory of conventional and sophisticated weapons and is thought to be only weeks from amassing enough enriched uranium fuel for a nuclear bomb. Having just dispatched a detachment of Marines and additional warships to deal with the Iranian threat in the Persian Gulf, Biden will know that any weakening of the US-Israeli military alliance would strengthen the regime in Tehran.



The strength of the Israeli armed forces is vital to the protection of the entire Middle East and the shipping lanes of the Gulf. It is one of the main reasons the likes of the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, their cities and oil installations within easy reach of Iranian missiles, signed the Abraham Accords with Israel. Bidens foreign policy goal of getting more Arab states, and especially Saudi Arabia, to join the accords is predicated on a powerful Israel.



Besides, its not as if Israel is the only beneficiary of its defense relationship with the US. The Pentagon would be loath to lose access to cutting-edge Israeli military technology, especially in the theater of cyberwarfare.



But if holding back assistance is out of question, Biden should be able to use Americas manifest interest in maintaining Israeli military strength as the basis of an argument against Netanyahus legislative overreach. The decision by thousands of reservists to forswear voluntary duty in response to the judicial overhaul represents a danger to the security of Israel and the wider Middle East. General Herzl Halevi, the chief of staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, has acknowledged that the cohesion of the countrys military has been endangered. This, more than weak shibboleths about democracy, should be the frame for Bidens conversations with Netanyahu about the crisis Israels leader has created.



Bobby Ghosh is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering foreign affairs. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.



Credit: Bloomberg
The Sikkim governments effort to create a green hydrogen hub in the state is seeing interest from an unlikely organisation  The Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements (KRIHS). The reason: as soon as there is a breakthrough and green hydrogen can be generated for fuel or commercial uses, the biggest beneficiaries would be towns and cities which have to work under zero carbon norms. Power generation, transport, city management and running high-speed metro trains on this hydrogen would earn them green tags.



Today green finance is chasing large and innovative projects. The Sikkim Ministry of Industry has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC), an autonomous body of the Planning Commission to work with the sector. This project will help Sikkim tap hydel energy to create a green hydrogen hub that would make it self-sufficient in energy and manage its green goals.



Employment Potential



With an estimated statewide population of just 6.7 lakh, this project has the potential to generate about 25,000-30,000 jobs, which would account for a large part of the employable urban youth. The jobs that are currently on the skills training agenda include production, maintenance, handling the fuel and setting up the plants among others. The jobs would range from skilled to semi-skilled and unskilled. The tech provider would be the KRIHS, which would also impart skills training in India as well as in South Korea.



Sikkim is the second state, after Rajasthan, to work with CIDC and the Korean partner on producing green hydrogen. In Rajasthan, the energy source is solar instead of hydel in Sikkim. Gujarat and Chhattisgarh too are in talks with CIDC to establish hubs in their states. A huge township is proposed to be established as part of this project in Rajasthan, which will be wholly worked on green fuel. Currently, the prototype of involving the various state government arms in the venture is underway.



Two things here are noteworthy. State after state is readying itself for the green hydrogen boom that will not only provide energy but offer green tags that can secure various incentives, fiscal and otherwise, as the country progresses towards its global 2030 commitments. The construction and building sector is the largest contributor to carbon emissions in the world. So, any solution that has the potential to reduce these emissions would have the construction sector on board.



Green Townships



It is also a rich industry globally. Spending money on promising ventures that provide carbon credits would be attractive to this sector globally. Unlike South Korea, which is a small country, these solutions will have greater meaning and returns in a populous and growing India. These early experiments with green hydrogen processing and its usage in the urban context would be relevant to the numerous towns and cities that would soon emerge in India as urbanisation jumps from 35 percent to 50 percent in a few years. Working prototypes of low-energy green townships would then be easily replicated in these contexts.



Finance is available because the projects are green and technology is easily accessible from the foreign lenders as well. What does India need to do to take advantage of this situation? As PR Swarup, director general of CIDC puts it, Various arms of the state government have to work closely towards the same results for this project to be successful. This includes drafting the regulatory framework, training the technical staff, and getting the administrative cadres aligned to these principles of setting up and administering the new regimes. The finance teams have to be on-boarded for the investment to be channelled efficiently.



A group of officers from Rajasthan is already preparing to leave for South Korea for one-on-one meetings with potential investors. This will be supplemented by a conclave in New Delhi in September.



Critical Inputs



There are three critical inputs for this technology to succeed  solar or hydel energy to produce green hydrogen, plenty of water and enough trained manpower to work this system. Rajasthan has solar power and plenty of land to be allocated but water is still an issue. Sikkim has water and hydel power but fewer trained staff and land. Currently, while the technology to produce green hydrogen that can be transported is still under study, existing producers are trying to replace the blue or grey hydrogen used in industrial plants with the green hydrogen manufactured in the vicinity.



When green hydrogen cells technology is perfected, it will simply be a matter of time before carbon-spewing cities can quickly switch to green functioning. This explains the early experiments by states and global investors. The September conclave is expected to host over 150 companies from South Korea, including real estate and automobile giants, who come as investors in this technology. From India, major users of hydrogen, including the oil and natural gas companies are expected to be the first beneficiaries of the green hydrogen produced during the research phase. Cities are readying themselves for the green bounties of the future.



E Jayashree Kurup is a writer-researcher in real estate and Director Real Estate & Cities, Wordmeister Editorial Services. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
The Delhi BJP on Tuesday staged a protest near the AAP office here demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over the alleged failure of his government on "all the fronts. Addressing the protesters, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva charged that the Kejriwal governments failure on all fronts was evident during the flood faced by the city after 45 years. "Kejriwal has lost the moral right to remain in the post of chief minister since Delhi has been plunged into corruption, inaction and anarchy under his government. If he does not step down, people will remove him in 2025 assembly polls, Sachdeva said in a statement. The protesters assembled near ITO and were stopped by police at a barricade while trying to reach the AAP headquarters on DDU Marg. The police used a water cannon to disperse them as they tried to dismantle the barricade to reach the AAP office. Several protesters, including Sachdeva, were detained by the police.

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Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 2 pm on Tuesday amid protests by opposition parties on the violence in Manipur. As soon as the House met for the day, Opposition members sought to raise the issue and also started shouting slogans. Speaker Om Birla asked the protesting members not to indulge in sloganeering and requested them to go back to their seats. While maintaining that there will be no solution to the issues by shouting slogans, Birla told them to allow the Question Hour as important matters are to be discussed. As the protests continued, the proceedings were adjourned in around three minutes and now, the House will meet at 2 pm. Opposition parties have been protesting against the ethnic violence in Manipur and have been demanding a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Parliament proceedings have been disrupted over the Manipur issue since the Monsoon session started on July 20. (With PTI inputs)

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Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a "comprehensive" statement in both houses of Parliament on the violence in Manipur. He said the situation in the northeast was fragile and the repercussions of the Manipur violence seem to be spilling over to other states too, asserting that it was not good for the country's sensitive border states. Kharge said 83 days of unabated violence in Manipur require that the prime minister make a comprehensive statement in Parliament. "Stories of absolute horror are now slowly trickling down. INDIA demands answers from the Modi Government on Manipur violence," he said on Twitter. Kharge said it was high time that Modi sheds his "ego" and takes the country into confidence on Manipur. "PM Modi must tell what his government is doing to improve the situation and when will normalcy return in Manipur," he said. The opposition has been demanding a statement from the prime minister in both houses of Parliament on the situation in Manipur, followed by a discussion.

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Prosecutors on Friday charged the 26-year-old man accused of posing as a teen student at two Lincoln high schools and coaxing underage girls to send him explicit photos.

At a five-minute hearing in the afternoon, Zachary Scheich was informed of the charges  sex trafficking a minor and two counts of child enticement  and the possible penalties.

If convicted, he would face 20 years to life on the sex trafficking charge and three to 50 years more on each of the enticement charges.

Chief Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Chris Turner told County Court Judge Tim Phillips that Scheich is alleged to have forged birth, medical and education records to create a false identity to enroll himself in high school.

"He then began relationships with a number of children, some of them where he communicated through text messages and other social media apps in attempts to coax them into sexual acts or to produce sexually explicit material," Turner said.

He said, following Scheich's arrest early Thursday afternoon, Lincoln police asked the community for any information that may help them identify witnesses or potential victims.

"And the police department did immediately begin receiving additional tips and the investigation is ongoing," Turner said in asking for a $250,000 bond.

Scheich said he wasn't currently working and couldn't afford to hire an attorney, so Phillips appointed the Public Defender's Office to represent him. Should he post bond, the judge ordered him not to have contact with two victims or anyone under 18 and not to use any device with Internet access.

In court records, Lincoln police say the investigation began in June, when they received information Scheich, a 26-year-old man, had attended Lincoln Public Schools and said he was 17 years old.

Officer Ben Pflanz said, in the investigation that followed, they determined that Scheich had created a false identity, Zak Hess, to enroll in two Lincoln high schools and was passing himself off as a student.

He attended school from October 2022 to May 2023, going to Lincoln Northwest High School in the fall semester and Lincoln Southeast in the spring semester.

Scheich graduated from Southeast in 2015.

On July 11, police served a search warrant at Scheich's apartment essentially across the street from Lincoln Southeast and obtained his cellphone. Pflanz said a search of the phone turned up texts between him and minor females, where he continued to "reinforce his false identity as a peer and discuss things like classwork and high school sports."

Police say they found messages from February where Scheich had texted a 14-year-old student coaxing her to engage in illegal sexual activity.

And in March, Scheich allegedly texted a 13-year-old student discussing meeting up for sex and asking her for pornographic photos. Pflanz said after the girl sent photos, she asked "So what do I get this time??" and Scheich promised to send her money.

The investigator said Scheich previously had sent the girl money.

On Thursday, officers arrested him at Walt Library Branch in southwest Lincoln.

At a press conference soon after, Assistant Police Chief Brian Jackson said Scheich, who is about 5-foot-4, 120 pounds, apparently blended in with other students. He provided a different birth certificate and "presented himself as a 17-year-old seeking education," he said.

On Friday, LPS Superintendent Paul Gausman said the district is looking to address how it evaluates prospective students for enrollment, including potentially doing away with the option to enroll online, as Scheich had.

"I can see that no matter how good we are at this process, we can always get better," Gausman said. "We will certainly look at this gap and continue to look for ways we can be more involved."

Gausman also emphasized that students, staff and parents should report any suspicious activity, regardless of what they can prove.

"We consistently say 'if you see something, say something,'" he said. "We'll take care of the verification and work with the right agencies to make sure that we're being thorough and clear."

Police have asked anyone with more information or who may believe they are a victim in this case to call the non-emergency number at 402-441-6000 or Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600.

Top Journal Star photos for July 2023
Some opposition parties, part of the INDIA alliance, are likely to move a notice of no-confidence motion against the government in the Lok Sabha, sources said on Tuesday. A proposal to submit the notice was discussed at a meeting of the constituents of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) on Tuesday morning. The sources said after weighing various options to force Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak in Parliament on the situation in strife-torn Manipur, it was decided that this would be an effective way to compel the government to initiate a discussion on the issue. The opposition strategy to corner the government on Manipur will continue in the Rajya Sabha as well, the sources said. (With PTI inputs)

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Leaders of the opposition alliance INDIA on Tuesday met here to chalk out their strategy in both houses of Parliament and are set to intensify their demand for a statement from the prime minister on Manipur violence. The leaders met in the chamber of Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and also decided to press for revoking the suspension of AAP MP Sanjay Singh. Singh along with other opposition MPs has been sitting on a protest before Gandhi statue in Parliament premises after his suspension on Tuesday. The AAP MP, one of the more vocal voices in Rajya Sabha, was suspended for repeatedly "violating" the directives of the Chair after he rushed to the well of the House and pointed at the Chair during protest by opposition members on the Manipur issue. He alleged that he was suspended for demanding a statement from the prime minister on Manipur issue in Parliament and said he will not remain silent. Several MPs of opposition parties, including Naseer Hussain, Jebi Mather, Ranjeet Ranjan, Raghav Chadha, KR Suresh Reddy and K Keshava Rao, have given adjournment notices in Rajya Sabha under Rule 267 for a discussion on Manipur issue. In the Lok Sabha, party MPs Manish Tewari and Manickam Tagore have given adjournment notice for suspending all other business and discussing the Manipur issue.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday took a jibe at the opposition alliance INDIA, citing reviled names like East India Company and Popular Front of India to assert that people cannot be misled merely by the use of the country's name. In his address to the BJP parliamentary party, Modi said the opposition is frustrated and disappointed and its conduct shows that it has made up its mind to remain in the opposition, sources quoting him said. He expressed confidence that the BJP will come to power after the 2024 polls with people's support, asserting that India will become the third largest economy in his government's next tenure. With opposition parties rallying around the name of their 'INDIA', Modi hit back at them saying it is just an attempt to mislead people, sources said. He took names of several organisations with the name of 'India' to make the point that merely having such a term in their nomenclature does not change anything, sources said. (With PTI inputs)

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Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP, Manish Tewari, has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the situation in Manipur in both Houses of Parliament. He emphasised that the Northeast region is an integral part of India, and any disturbance there affects national security.



Tewari expressed concern over the ongoing unrest in Manipur, which has created a sense of revulsion across the country.



Referring to previous instances, Tewari pointed out that former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, despite being dubbed the "silent Prime Minister" by the opposition, had spoken seventy times in Parliament from 2004 to 2014.



According to Tewari, the Centre has claimed its readiness for discussion, but the issue at hand is about responsibility. The Congress party insists on determining accountability for the tragic events in Manipur. Tewari argued that as the leader of the BJP government, it is Prime Minister Modi's moral obligation to speak in Parliament on this matter.



Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain also criticised the Prime Minister for making statements about Manipur outside Parliament but not addressing the issue before the lawmakers. He raised questions about the source of weapons used in the conflict and accused the government of attempting to manipulate the narrative around the discussion.



Naseer explained that the Opposition members were pressing for a discussion on Manipur violence under Rule 267, which would require the suspension of regular business to address the issue properly. However, the government had given notice under Rule 176, which allows for shorter discussions with limited participation from opposition MPs and a closing statement from the concerned minister.



The Rajya Sabha MP expressed frustration that the government was attempting to portray the Opposition as unwilling to engage in a debate. He stated that the last discussion under Rule 267 had taken place in 2016 on the topic of demonetisation, and since then, the opposition has not been allowed to hold any discussions on various matters.



The situation in Manipur remains tense and critical, with videos of the unrest circulating in the public domain. Many political leaders have visited the state and are eager to address the issue in Parliament.



The demand from Congress leaders for Prime Minister Modi's response in Parliament underscores the seriousness of the situation in Manipur and highlights the need for a comprehensive discussion to address the concerns raised by various stakeholders.
The Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), part of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States has come up with a way to protect your photos from being altered with AI.



Called PhotoGuard, the tool prevents misuse of your photos by altering pixels in an image in a way that makes it difficult for the AI to understand. Called "perturbations" they are invisible to the human eye but can still be read by AI, reported Engadget.



This comes amid rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI), which runs the risk of our photos being manipulated and used against us. We have already seen this in action, from Pope Francis wearing a puffer jacket to a fake Mark Zuckerberg spouting spiel on how he controls the world.



One way to implement this is by using an "encoder" method which introduces complications in information that describes the position and colour of pixels in an image. This alteration prevents the AI from understanding what it is looking at.



The second method known as "diffusion" attack disguises the image as another one in the eyes of an AI. This is done by taking information from another target image and altering the pixels in the source to resemble that, which masks the image in the eyes of the AI.



Speaking with Engadget, Heidi Salman, lead author of the paper and a doctorate student at MIT, said that a, "collaborative approach involving model developers, social media platforms, and policymakers presents a robust defense against unauthorized image manipulation".



While the techniques are effective, they aren't fool proof yet. A malicious actor could still reverse engineer the image by cropping, flipping or adding digital noise to it.



Salman admitted that, "much work is needed to make this protection practical. Companies that develop these models need to invest in engineering robust immunizations against the possible threats posed by these AI tools".
Anju, the 34-year-old married Indian woman, who travelled legally to a remote village in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to meet her Facebook friend, Nasrulla, will not get married to him and settle in Pakistan and return home after her visa expires, the latter confirmed.



Nasrulla, 29, denied any romantic involvement with her. He told news agency PTI over the phone, "I have no plan of marrying Anju," and reassured that she would return to India when her visa expires on August 20.



Anju, from Rajasthans Alwar district, is currently staying at Nasrullas home at a village called Kulsho, some 300 km from Peshawar.



Her father, Gaya Prasad Thomas, has made startling claims about her mental state and actions, insisting that she is not involved in any affair.



Anju's father, speaking to reporters, revealed that he had lost contact with her nearly 20 years ago when she got married and moved to Bhiwadi in Alwar district. He asserted that he had no prior knowledge of her plans to visit Pakistan, and she did not inform anyone about her trip.



"She is mentally disturbed," Thomas proclaimed, adding that Anju had been residing with her maternal uncle in Jalaun district of Uttar Pradesh since she was three years old before getting married.



Thomas also spoke about his daughter's "eccentric" nature, which led him to part ways with her earlier. However, he strongly denied the possibility of any affair between Anju and her Facebook friend, Nasrulla. "She is of free nature, but she will never get into all this. I can guarantee this," he asserted.



#WATCH | Bhiwadi, Rajasthan | Arvind Kumar, husband of Anju, who travelled to Pakistan, says "Before leaving, my wife told me that she is visiting one of her friends in Jaipur. I got a voice call last night, she said that I am in Lahore. I have no idea why has she gone to Lahore pic.twitter.com/DT7rH7Ddwo

 ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) July 24, 2023

Anju's husband, Arvind Kumar, shared his side of the story to news agency ANI. According to him, Anju had informed him that she was visiting a friend in Jaipur before she left. He then received a voice call from her, revealing that she was in Lahore. He was baffled and confused as to why she was in Pakistan and how she managed to get a visa.



He stressed that he did not check his wife's phone for messages and clarified that this incident was not related to Seema Haider's case (Pakistani woman who moved to India with four children to be with her lover), indicating that she had all the necessary documents for her travel.



Kumar expressed his disappointment at Anju's actions, telling ANI, "This is cheating. I will call her parents, and we will sit together to decide the steps to be taken further." He appealed to the government to allow her to return if she possesses all legal documents.
Former employees of Aritzia have opened up about the toxic work culture at the Canadian fashion giant. Employees say they had to contend with an exploitive and overly high-pressure environment in which some staff members faced shocking incidents of racism. The allegations came to light when 53 current and former Aritzia employees spoke to Business Insider about their experience with the company.



At least five employees who worked at Aritzia stores in Ontario, Canada, between 2005 and 2019 say that they were asked to rate their colleagues on their appearance. The employees said that their managers asked them to rate their own or others appearance from one to 10 in daily huddles.



Automatically if youre skinny, youre not going to be below seven, one employee alleged.



Some staff members compared working at Aritzia to suffering psychological abuse and said the negative culture flowed from the top-down, starting with founder Brian Hill. The Business Insider report detailed how Hill would fly into a rage, with some workers saying he yelled and threw things at employees.



Hill ruled through fear and intimidation, employees claimed. One former employee related a particular incident when Hill held up a pen and asked her what it was. When she replied its a pen, he threw it and yelled Wrong, its a blue pen.



A representative for Hill denied these allegations. Brian is an exacting CEO, just like that of any other highly profitable global company, but he is also notably devoted to fostering the careers and growth of his employees, the spokesperson told Business Insider. The allegations in this story are not representative of the company culture that Brian and his leadership team at Aritzia have fostered and built.



Shocking racism



Some Black employees claim they faced blatant racism while working at Aritzia.



One of the most shocking allegations came from a former employee who said her store manager shoved her and called her a dirty African. The employee later sued the company and the store manager.



Two other Black employees who worked at the companys Toronto outlet said their store manager asked them for coffee telling them to make it the colour of their skin.



Jessica Porter and Candace Jerry are among the employees who say they were assigned tasks that White employees were not asked to do  like vacuuming, steaming or taking clothes to the sales floor. Aritzias spokesperson denied these allegations and said the company has never assigned tasks to employees based on their race.
Deepak Shenoy, founder and CEO of Bengaluru-based Capital Mind, on Tuesday, shared that his family had to struggle with evicting defaulting a tenant from their property in the city. He added that his mother had to visit the court every two months for two years to get the tenant forcibly removed from their property.



Shenoy opened up about the experience after reports of an elderly man managing to get rid of defaulting tenants after a four-year fight. "Personally went through this... Mom went to the court house for two years once every two months to evict a tenant who refused to pay rent after the first month," he tweeted. "He also filed a case saying henchmen used just like that. Had done this with other people too."



The Capital Mind boss said it took the family two years to get a court order, after which it took another three months to evict the tenant. "The fraud renter left on the last day before the cops were brought in," he said.



Deepak Shenoy added that after that incident, his mother sold off all their property except one. "After that mom sold all real estate and now lives in the only house she owns. We've even had a piece of land taken over by goondas and then settled. Real estate is not something that works for us. More money has been made in markets with far lesser hassle, by us."



Personally went through this...Mom went to the court house for two years once every two months to evict a tenant who refused to pay rent after the first month. He also filed a case saying henchmen used just like that. Had done this with other people too.

It took two years to get https://t.co/cDTHu1DsGq



 Deepak Shenoy (@deepakshenoy) July 25, 2023





When a follower asked Shenoy if they received the unpaid dues from the tenant eventually, he said, "No. Chased him for next year including taking cops to a new place he had rented, turned out another set of cops had come the day before and he vanished again. We did a lot of sleuthing to find him twice. One other woman who was cheated was also chasing him."



Assuring a few others that the family made more money in equity than they could out of real estate, Shenoy added that his experience wasn't the norm. "The problem is in the legal system," he wrote on Twitter. "Mostly people are good -- there will be difficult-to-identify bad eggs, but if the legal system is fast, no problem renting to them."



Responding to his tweet, several Twitter users shared similar experiences.



"I actually know tenants who said they are NOT getting out. Cause they have lived there for many years. The audacity! A family members tenant said 'I cant afford to pay the rent.' She was a widow and this was her source of income. She had to legally evict them," commented MoneyTalkWithL (@LarissaFernand). Another Twitter user @AakashMathai wrote, "In my dad's case it was 10 years. We were posted in Air Force bases up North and he would take leave to come to Bangalore just for the judges to give endless adjournments. The tenant first filed a case saying he was threatened by 'military might'."



Read more: 'Houses are terrible investments, like most cars,' says this Bengaluru-based CEO
A 27-year-old student studying at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Bengaluru died after he suffered a cardiac arrest. The student , identified as Ayush Gupta, was in the second year of his Post Graduate Programme in Management course and had interned at Faering Capital in the summer break.



IIM Bangalore tweeted about Ayush Gupta's death on Sunday and said that all classes on Monday had been cancelled.



We are deeply saddened by the demise of Ayush Gupta, our second-year PGP student, who suffered a cardiac arrest, this afternoon. Ayush (27) was senior coordinator of the Student Alumni Committee of PGP.

1/3 pic.twitter.com/qTMyZdYvUX

 IIM Bangalore (@iimb_official) July 23, 2023



A graduate of BITS Pilani (2017), Ayush was pursuing his MBA at IIMB and had completed his summer internship at Faering Capital. Popular among his classmates, he also worked closely with the alumni of the Institute.

2/3

 IIM Bangalore (@iimb_official) July 23, 2023



The IIMB community offers its deepest condolences to Ayushs family. No classes/ exams will be held tomorrow (July 24).

3/3



 IIM Bangalore (@iimb_official) July 23, 2023

IIM Bengaluru also shared the news of his death on LinkedIn and some users revealed their experience of knowing Gupta.



"Ayush was in my class. Full of energy, questions and curiosity. He had a mind that raced ahead of what I taught. He had the ability to get to the first principles behind everything I said in the class. I used to joke that I had to be careful about his questions because they were often deep. Yet he couched his questions in true humility.



"The smile that you see in the picture was his signature. It would have been hard to forget Ayush - he would have made a mark in the world of business. It is hard to forget him now too. I would miss his many sterling qualities, including his genial temperament.



"It will take me a while to come to terms with this. That must be the case many of my other colleagues who taught him as well," one user wrote.



"I met Ayush in my 1st year in 2013. We were batchmates. Then in our first job in Mumbai, Ayush was my flatmate for 2 years. More than batchmates and flatmates, he was my good friend which I lost.



"Ayush was a very intelligent and hardworking guy. I have not met anyone with so deep understanding of finance than he had. He was very ambitious person. I am in deep shock to hear this. Praying god for his soul to rest in peace," another user wrote.



"Ive worked closely with Ayush and it saddens me deeply to know that he is no more. He coordinated 2 group projects with me and I always thought how efficient he was, he showed great leadership and communication skills. We truly lost a great human. Gone to soon, Rest in peace," a third user wrote.



"Incredibly hard to process the fact that someone I used to see around in campus every now and then, who had an infectious laugh, is no longer among us. Gone too soon," another user wrote.



Gupta had graduated from BITS in Pilani in 2017. At IIM Bangalore, Gupta was a senior coordinator of the Student Alumni Committe.
As Christopher Nolan's latest film sheds light on the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, known as the father of the atomic bomb, a new revelation from a recently-released book has brought forth a lesser-known chapter in the scientist's life.



The book, titled 'Homi J. Bhabha: A Life,' penned by Bakhtiyar K Dadabhoy, explores the friendly relationship between Oppenheimer and Homi Jehangir Bhabha, the father of the Indian nuclear program.



The biography delves into the intriguing friendship between the two physicists, suggesting that they became good friends after World War II.



The book reveals that Bhabha used to dine with Oppenheimer and his wife, Katherine, during his visits to New York, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of Oppenheimer's post-war life.



After the devastating impact of the atomic bomb's first test, Oppenheimer famously quoted the line, Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds, from the Bhagavad Gita, expressing his profound regret and remorse for his role in creating such a destructive weapon.



J. Robert Oppenheimer is credited with being the father of the atomic bomb. When he witnessed the first nuclear explosion in the deserts of New Mexico in the USA on July 16, 1945, by his own admission he immediately thought of a verse from the Bhagavad Gita  Now I become Death pic.twitter.com/UQgc4106n8

 Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) July 21, 2023

Although Oppenheimer had initially justified his involvement in the bomb's development by stating that they were merely doing their job and not responsible for its use, he later expressed opposition to further weapon development, particularly the hydrogen bomb, which his work had paved the way for.



This change in stance led to a government investigation in 1954, resulting in the stripping of Oppenheimer's security clearance and exclusion from policy decisions.



Furthermore, allegations of ties to communism surfaced against Oppenheimer and his wife, which further complicated his situation. It was amidst this tumultuous backdrop that Bhabha reportedly intervened, leading to an unexpected offer of Indian citizenship extended by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Oppenheimer.



According to Dadabhoy's book, Bhabha's intervention was instrumental in Nehru inviting Oppenheimer to visit India and even consider immigrating to the country. However, the physicist declined the offer, fearing that leaving the US while under suspicion would only worsen his situation.



The revelation about Oppenheimer's potential connection to India and the influence of his friendship with Bhabha adds a compelling layer to the narrative. While Oppenheimer's role in leading the Manhattan Project has long been known, his life beyond World War II has remained largely obscured from the public eye.



Read: Oppenheimer vs Barbie: Which fared better on the opening weekend?



Nolan's film, "Oppenheimer," (played by Cillian Murphy), is now offering a peak into the life of the physicist and how the atomic bombs dropped in Hiroshima and Nagasaki impacted the post-World War era.
Bismarck-based Heartview Foundation is opening a 16-bed residential substance abuse treatment facility in Dickinson.

The facility in the St. Joes Plaza at 30 Seventh St. W. will begin taking patients Monday. A public open house is scheduled this Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. Mountain time.

"Located on the fourth floor, the facility is taking over what was once the maternity floor of the old hospital," Heartview Executive Director Kurt Snyder said. "We feel like this perfectly reflects our mission of providing individuals a new life and a new chance to recover from addiction."

The Legislature in 2021 approved $5 million for establishing residential treatment programs of 16 beds or fewer in underserved areas of North Dakota. Heartview, a nonprofit that has addiction treatment facilities in Bismarck and in Cando in the northeastern part of the state, in March 2022 was awarded a $1.6 million grant from that pool of money for a Dickinson center.

Heartview since 1964 has served more than 30,000 patients. It currently has about 500 clients, and about 150 employees. The Dickinson facility has hired 17 full-time and four part-time workers, and anticipates hiring two more full-timers and one more part-timer in the coming months, according to spokeswoman Jennifer Greuel.

North Dakota logged 129 drug overdose deaths in 2022, according to data on the North Dakota Violent Death Reporting System online.

People can contact Heartview Dickinson at 701-751-6129.
The Miss Italy beauty pageant has banned transgender participants from competing, saying that every contestant must be a woman from birth. The announcement came just weeks after Rikkie Valerie Kolle, a transgender model, won the title of Miss Netherlands 2023. According to various media reports, Miss Italy's official patron, Patrizia Mirigliani, said the beauty pageant would not jump onto the glittery bandwagon of trans activism. Mirigliani said she found the inclusion of trans activists in pageants a bit absurd. Lately, beauty pageants have been trying to make headlines by also using strategies that I think are a bit absurd, she told a local news outlet. Ever since it was born, my contest has included in its regulations the specification that one must be a woman from birth, added Mirigliani, who has been involved with Miss Italy since the 1980s. "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. Miss Italy holds its contestants to strict standards. In 2012, the pageant banned any contestant who had undergone plastic surgery. Mirigliani, however, also said that she is happy for Miss Netherlands if they want to include transgender women. Earlier this year, Rikkie Valerie Kolle became the first transgender woman to be crowned Miss Netherlands. Kolle said she had to contend with hate speech after winning the competition.

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A video of Infosys founder Narayana Murthy criticising actor Kareena Kapoor for ignoring her fans is going viral again. The billionaire businessman called out the fifth-generation Bollywood star for refusing to acknowledge her fans as he tried to make a point about reducing ones ego. He reportedly made the remarks during a discussion at IIT-Kanpur earlier this year, even as his wife Sudha Murty jumped to Kapoors defence.



Narayana Murthy said he was travelling back to India on a flight from London when he noticed he was seated next to Kareena Kapoor. He said that several people approached the actor and said hello, but she did not acknowledge any of them. For his party, Murthy said, he spoke to everyone who approached him. His wife, Sudha Murty, also onstage with him, defended Kareena Kapoor saying that as a Bollywood star, she was probably tired and used to millions of fans wanting a share of her time.



The other day I was coming from London, and next to me was Kareena Kapoor, sitting in her seat. So many people came to her and they said hello. She didnt even bother to react, said Narayana Murthy. I was a little bit surprised. Whoever came to me, I stood up, we discussed for a minute or half a minute  thats all they were expecting, the Infosys billionaire added.















View this post on Instagram



A post shared by ENTREPRENEURS OF INDIA (@eoindia)







He was interrupted by his wife who said, She must have a million admirers. She must have been tired to loud applause and laughter from the audience. Murthy, a founder, a software person, will have maybe 10,000 (fans), but a film actor will get a million, Sudha Murty tried to reason.



Murthy continued to make his point. That is not the issue. The issue is, when somebody shows affection, you can also show it back, in however cryptic a manner. I think that is very important. These are all ways to reduce your ego, thats all, he said.



As billionaire founders of one of the worlds largest IT services companies, Narayana and Sudha Murty are frequent travellers and as such have shared several interesting anecdotes from their trips and the time they have spent at airports and on flights.



Recently, Sudha Murty revealed on the Khaane Mein Kaun Hai? show that she always carries a bag of food and utensils with her when she travels abroad. Before that, she had spoken about being on the receiving end of elitist condescension for wearing a salwar-kameez on a flight from London to Bengaluru.
A government official in Madhya Pradesh attempted to evade arrest by swallowing the alleged bribe money he had taken from a complainant. Gajendra Singh, a patwari of the revenue department, was caught by a team of the Lokayukta's Special Police Establishment (SPE) during an operation following a complaint against Singh for demanding a bribe of Rs 5,000 in Katni district.



The episode began when a villager approached the authorities with a serious accusation against Singh, claiming that he was seeking a bribe. Promptly responding to the complaint, the SPE team devised a trap to catch the official red-handed. As part of the operation, Singh was lured into accepting Rs 5,000 in his private office.



SPE Superintendent of Police, Sanjay Sahu, told reporters, "After taking the money, Mr. Singh spotted the SPE team and swallowed it. He was rushed to a hospital where doctors said he is fine."



#WATCH | A patwari of the revenue department in Madhya Pradesh allegedly swallowed the cash he had taken as a bribe after he spotted a special police team.#madhyapradesh #corruption #bribe #india #news pic.twitter.com/DJtDlGA7KH

 CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) July 25, 2023

The move to ingest the bribe money did not deter the authorities from apprehending him. Singh's attempt to cover his tracks by gulping down the currency notes only further incriminated him.



The situation escalated when the authorities brought Singh to the district hospital. Despite his desperate efforts to evade detection, the bribe notes were ultimately extracted from his mouth in the form of pulp.



"A man from Barkheda village had complained to us claiming Singh was seeking a bribe. After he received the money, the patwari spotted the SPE team and swallowed the money. He was rushed to a hospital where doctors said he was fine," Superintendent Sanjay Sahu told news agency PTI.



A case has been registered against Singh and further investigation is underway.
Chinas top leaders signaled more support for the troubled real estate sector alongside pledges to boost consumption and resolve local government debt, though fell short of announcing large-scale stimulus to support the slowing economic recovery.



The ruling Communist Partys 24-member Politburo  its top decision-making body led by President Xi Jinping  promised counter-cyclical policy, according to a readout published Monday by the official Xinhua News Agency. That suggested more economic support as well as an adjustment of restrictions in the property sector. Real estate has been slumping for two years, partly due to a government clampdown on corporate and household leverage.



The meeting  during which leaders set the rest of the years economic policy agenda  did not include language indicating major fiscal or monetary loosening.







Overall, the Politburo fell short of so-called bazooka stimulus, said Kiyong Seong, lead Asia macro strategist at Societe Generale SA. I dont expect a sustained impact on the market unless there is a series of strong concrete steps.



Financial markets showed limited enthusiasm for the measures. Futures on the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index climbed as much as 0.6% after the statement was released before paring those gains. The offshore yuan trimmed losses, it remained weaker on the day.



Investors have been waiting for support after official data showed the rebounds momentum slowing in the second quarter. Economists have pointed to the property crunch and weak private sector confidence as the main challenges to Chinas official economic growth target of about 5% this year.







The meeting included two key messages, according to Xing Zhaopeng, senior China strategist at Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.



One, it brings domestic demand ahead of industrial policy, suggesting stronger counter cyclical measures, he said. Two, it also stressed a big plan for local government debt disposal.



Local government debt burdens  which have climbed because of the property market slump that reduced their income  have slowed government spending growth this year. The Politburo vowed to effectively deal with the risks of local government debt and come up with and implement a series of new policies to reduce debt.



The government is considering debt-swaps and loan restructuring, Bloomberg News has reported.



The Politburos language on property  which accounts for up to 20% of GDP once related sectors are added  was notably softer than in previous meetings. It omitted Xis signature slogan that houses are for living, not for speculation for the first time in a mid-year review of the economy since 2019.



Economists have tipped real estate as the sector in greatest need of aid, and there have been other indications that officials are making property a focus. Chinese authorities are considering easing home-buying restrictions in the nations tier 1 cities, Bloomberg News reported last week. That may include scrapping mortgage rules that require higher down payments and have more restrictive borrowing limits for homebuyers who have ever owned property before.



Officials said the demand for goods and services drives supply, marking a shift in emphasis from recent statements stressing industrial policy to upgrade Chinas supply side.



Language on fiscal policy was largely unchanged after a tightening of Chinas overall fiscal stance in the first half compared to last year. The Politburo called for faster issuance of local government bonds, which are limited by an annual quota.



The meeting did not hint that the quota would be expanded as it was last year when coronavirus lockdowns hit the economy, though. Instead, officials should make good use of existing policy space, the Politburo said.



Monetary policy language was also consistent with previous statements  though the Politburo hinted that the central bank will roll out more targeted liquidity to support lending to favored sectors. The yuan will be kept in a basically stable range, it added.



The details are mostly in line with our and market expectations, which are low to begin with, said Michelle Lam, greater China economist at Societe Generale SA. Policymakers are focusing on long-term sustainability, and are adopting a measured approach to support near-term growth. It remains to be seen if new demand measures could be effective given poor sentiment.



In the readout, the Politburo said the countrys long-term fundamentals remained strong. It vowed to increase general confidence in the economy, singling out investor confidence and capital markets.



Economic operation is facing new difficulties and challenges, mainly due to insufficient domestic demand, difficulties in some enterprises operations, many hidden risks in key areas, and a complex and severe external environment, the Politburo said.



The meeting also included a pledge to drive the healthy development of internet platform firms, as well as a vow to boost the consumption of cars and electronic products.
Over dinner served by the chef of Odette, a three-Michelin-star restaurant in Singapore, the banks wealthy clients who flew in from Hong Kong and Dubai, mingled with HSBCs local customers. HSBCs efforts to convince prospective Indian clients that its wealth management services in the country will not make a retreat again is a linchpin for its ambitious plans there.



Today, South Asia and Southeast Asia region put together is the rising star of global wealth, Nuno Matos, HSBCs global head of wealth and personal banking, said in an interview this month in Mumbai. India is critical for our leadership push in wealth in Asia.



The firm saw invested assets in India more than triple in 2022 from a year ago and expects this to continue growing at a fast pace, according to Matos. It also grew its non-resident Indian customers 9% over the same period. HSBC plans to recruit more than two dozen wealth bankers for this fresh effort, people with knowledge of the matter earlier said.



The optimism toward expanding in this market marks a departure from previous scepticism, that had prompted firms like UBS Group AG and Morgan Stanley to quit the private banking business in India. With wealth now booming, global banks like Julius Baer Group Ltd. are once again training their sights on servicing the Indian rich.



Julius Baer, which moved to a new office in New Delhi this month, aims to double headcount and triple assets under management in the country within the next five years. India used to be the gift that never gives, Rahul Malhotra, the firms head of private banking for global India and developed markets, said in May at a conference. Its giving now.



At HSBC, where Asia contributed the majority of net new money in the first quarter, the lender is betting on its global heft to get ahead in the South Asian country. Businesses in India want to make acquisitions overseas, and some of the 32 million ex-pat Indians need wealth management services, according to Matos. Its India private banking operation is aimed at professionals, entrepreneurs and their families with investable assets of more than $2 million.



The fact that this region is growing fast is creating a significant amount of wealth pools which reside domestically or move abroad to international hubs, Matos said. What we are doing in the case of India is to double down on both sides.

The wealth and personal banking business contributes over a third of HSBCs overall pre-tax profit and may become an even bigger driver as central banks pause hiking rates, according to Matos. Net fee income in the business fell in 2022 from the previous year as activity from rich clients was subdued, given the market volatility.



Wealth does not like high rates and had customers on the sidelines waiting for clarification on when this rate cycle would end, said Matos. This business will grow much faster than now when rates start falling.



Matos said he is one quarter an Indian as his grandfather hailed from Daman, once a Portuguese colony in the South Asian nation. While he visits key markets around the world about two times a year, this is Matoss third visit to India during the period, underscoring the importance of the market.



As the Mumbai dinner with grilled beetroot tartare and wild mushroom dumplings ended, Matos assured clients seated at four long tables that the bank, whose history in India traces back 170 years, will not leave the private banking business in the country again.



It was a tough road in India then, and now its becoming a much cleaner road, Matos said. Our strategic clarity is also very much aligned with that, and I expect us to be here in a hundred years celebrating the successes.
Hubei Media Group: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the UN Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment on July 24 that global food systems are broken, vulnerable people are paying the price and we must change ways of food production and consumption. Whats your comment? How will China safeguard global food security?

Mao Ning: We noted the remarks by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. In a world facing sluggish economic recovery and interwoven global challenges, the problems of poverty and hunger are far from being resolved. The international community needs to attach high importance to food security and explore effective solutions through cooperation.

As the worlds largest food producer, China grows a quarter of the worlds food with less than 9 percent of the worlds arable land and feeds 1.4 billion people. This in itself is a major contribution to global food security.

China has offered its solution and taken its action on global food security. In the Global Development Initiative (GDI) proposed by President Xi Jinping, food security is listed as one of the eight priority areas of cooperation. China has put forward the cooperation initiative on global food security under the G20 framework. China has provided more funding and experts and undertaken more projects than any other developing country under the framework of the Food and Agriculture Organizations South-South Cooperation Programme. China has carried out agricultural cooperation with more than 140 countries and regions, and provided more than 1,000 agricultural technologies to other developing countries, driving up local crop yield by 30 to 60 percent on average. China has trained over 14,000 technicians on hybrid rice technology from over 80 developing countries. China has helped launch 13 demonstration villages on agricultural development and poverty reduction in Africa to help fellow developing countries boost their capacity in agricultural production and secure food security.

Food security is fundamental to human survival. China stands ready to work with the rest of the world to advance the GDI, enhance cooperation in food security and poverty reduction and contribute more to efforts towards a world free of hunger and poverty.

AFP: A Chinese party and political delegation headed by member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress Li Hongzhong will start visiting the DPRK on July 26 and attend commemorative activities for the 70th anniversary of the armistice of the Korean War. Will he meet with the DPRK leader?

Mao Ning: The CPC International Department has issued an announcement of the vice chairmans visit to the DPRK.

China and the DPRK are friendly neighbors linked by mountains and rivers. Our two parties and the two countries have had a good tradition of friendly exchanges. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the armistice of the Korean War. Having a high-level Chinese delegation visit the DPRK and mark the occasion shows the high importance both sides attach to our bilateral ties. We believe this visit will contribute to the sound and stable growth of bilateral relations, to regional peace and stability, and to creating conditions for the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issues.

Details about this visit will be released in a timely way in due course. Please check back for updates.

China News Service: During a recent interview with a UK media organization, Japans State Minister of Defense Toshiro Ino claimed that if the Chinese mainland takes military action on Taiwan, Japan very possibly will provide Taiwan with some kind of support, not sure though whether it is going to be in the form of defence equipment or logistical support. Do you have any comment on this?

Mao Ning: Taiwan is Chinas territory. The Taiwan question is purely Chinas internal affair, which brooks no interference by any external force. The remarks of the incumbent high-level official of Japans defence department constitute blatant interference in Chinas internal affairs in disregard of the basic norms governing international relations and the principles set out in the four political documents between China and Japan and have a damaging effect on the political foundation of China-Japan relations. China strongly disapproves of and firmly opposes this and has made serious demarches to Japan.

For half a century, Japan exercised colonial rule over Taiwan and committed notorious crimes against the Chinese people. Given the grave historical responsibilities Japan bears for those crimes, it is all the more important for Japan to act prudently and draw lessons from the history. What makes Japan think it is in a position and has the confidence to make such unwarranted remarks on Taiwan? I want to stress that the complete reunification of the motherland is the common aspiration of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation and an unstoppable historical trend. No one shall underestimate the strong resolve, will and capability of the Chinese people to defend the nations sovereignty and territorial integrity. We urge Japan to stop playing with fire on the Taiwan question. Those who play with fire will eventually get burnt.

CCTV: China and the EU put out the Joint Press Release yesterday following the fourth EU-China High Level Environment and Climate Dialogue. Could you share more details with us?

Mao Ning: On July 4, Vice Premier of the State Council Ding Xuexiang and European Commission Executive Vice President Frans Timmermans co-chaired the fourth EU-China High Level Dialogue on Environment and Climate in Beijing and reached extensive common understandings. The latest dialogue is a concrete step to follow up on the important common understandings of the Chinese and EU leaders. It demonstrated both sides readiness to step up practical cooperation, outlined key next-steps, added new dimensions to the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership and sent a positive signal of China and the EU working together on climate change, biodiversity loss and other global challenges. We stand ready to enhance communication and coordination with the EU, deepen cooperation in key areas and make green the most distinctive color of China-EU cooperation.

RIA Novosti: According to Italian media reports, Italy intends to withdraw from the Belt and Road Initiative and will not renew the MOU. Whats Chinas comment?

Mao Ning: For China and Italy, Belt and Road cooperation began as a new platform for practical cooperation. It has achieved mutually beneficial results in a range of areas. It is in both sides interests to further tap into the potential of our Belt and Road cooperation.
A federal judge in North Dakota has handed down lengthy prison terms to two more members of what authorities say was an international fentanyl trafficking operation linked to an overdose death in the state.

U.S. District Court Chief Judge Peter Welte in Fargo on Monday sentenced Jason Berry, 40, of Cornwall, Ontario, to 24 years behind bars and about $11,000 in restitution for his role in Operation Denial -- an investigation that started in January 2015 with the overdose death of 18-year-old Bailey Henke in Grand Forks.

Welte on Tuesday sentenced Colombian national Daniel Vivas Ceron to 27 years in prison, along with the restitution.

Berry had pleaded guilty previously to conspiring to distribute drugs resulting in death. Ceron had pleaded guilty to the same charge, along with continuing criminal enterprise and money laundering conspiracy.

Thirty-four people have been charged in North Dakota and Oregon in the case, and 25 have been sentenced or convicted. Authorities have seized about $1 million worth of cash and property. Welte last week sentenced Xuan Nguyen, 43, of Point-Au-Tremble, Quebec, to 22 years in prison. Nguyen had pleaded guilty earlier to drug conspiracy and money laundering charges.

Nguyen, Berry and Ceron ran a fentanyl distribution operation from inside Drummond Correctional Institution in Drummondville, Quebec, according to U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider. Ceron and Berry arranged shipments of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues from China to Canada and the U.S.; the drugs led to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in North Dakota, Oregon, New Jersey and North Carolina, according to federal authorities.

Ceron was extradited from Panama to the U.S. in January 2017. Nguyen and Berry were extradited from Canada in January 2021.

The sentences announced today, and the suite of related prosecutions that preceded them, reflect the impressive cooperation and dedication of state, local, and federal law enforcement, along with our Canadian partners, to take down a pernicious and deadly network of fentanyl distributors, Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Polite Jr. said in a statement.

The U.S. State Department has offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Chinese national Jian Zhang, who is a fugitive in the case. Four other Chinese fugitives are being sought.
July 25, 2023 Who Can Give Security Guarantees To Ukraine? A main question for Ukraine since it became an independent state was who or what could potentially guarantee its security. In the first years after 1991 the Ukrainian government thought that it could secure itself. It had inherited some Soviet nuclear weapons and it tried to bring those to use. But it failed to circumvent the security locks the Russian engineers had integrated into the nuclear warheads. There was also pressure from the U.S. to get rid of those devices as the Ukraine at that time was prolific in selling its Soviet era weapons to various shady actors around the world. Ukraine, together with Belarus and Kazakhstan, was pressed to enter the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. In exchange it got the Budapest Memorandum, a weak promise of non-interference: The memoranda, signed in Patria Hall at the Budapest Convention Center with US Ambassador Donald M. Blinken amongst others in attendance, prohibited the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States from threatening or using military force or economic coercion against Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan, "except in self-defence or otherwise in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations." As a result of other agreements and the memorandum, between 1993 and 1996, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine gave up their nuclear weapons. Two side notes are of interest: Ambassador Donald M. Blinken is the father of the current Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. Formally Russia has not broken the Budapest Memorandum. It recognized the People's Republics of Luhansk and Donetsk as independent states. It signed security agreements with them and then entered the war in Ukraine, which had been ongoing since 2014, under Article 51 - common self defense - of the Charter of the United Nations. Jurists will debate that argument for years but it is not dissimilar to the argument NATO used to justify the violent break-up Yugoslavia. After the Budapest Memorandum was signed the Soviet nuclear weapons weapons Ukraine and others still had were sent back to Russia. By mid of the first decade of the third millennium Russia had largely recuperated from the shocks that had followed the break up of the Soviet Union. The Ukraine had meanwhile fallen further apart. The population sharply decreased, its industries broke down and wide spread corruption was eating up what was left from its riches. Its own army, while on paper still well armed, was no longer able to defend the country. That was fine at that time as no one was really interested in threatening it. But NATO, in breach of promises given to Russia, expanded and crept nearer to the Ukrainian border. In 2008 in Bucharest, the U.S. used a NATO summit to press other NATO countries to offer Ukraine a Membership Action Plan (MAP). There was however no future date attached to that promise. In 2013 the European Union pressed the Ukraine to sign a free trade agreement with it. Russia, which was the biggest trading partner of Ukraine, made a counter offer that was financially better and had less political restrictions attached to it. Then President Victor Yanukovych of Ukraine had to reject the EU agreement. The U.S., together with the German secret service BND, had long standing ties with the right-wing groups in west-Ukraine which had previously cooperated with Nazi Germany and had been attached to the German Nazi-Wehrmacht. The CIA reactivated these groups and instigated a violent color-revolution in Kiev. That revolution led to a civil war as large parts of the ethic Russians in east Ukraine rejected the new regime that had been installed by a west Ukrainian minority. While the ethnic Russians in Ukraine lost control over most of their original areas they also soon defeated what was left of the Ukraine army. They did so twice. Since 2015 the conflict was stalled. The Minsk agreements, under which Ukraine was supposed to became federalized, were signed, but Ukraine stalled their implementation. Meanwhile the U.S. and Britain used the time to reinstate and rearm the Ukrainian army. By 2021 the Ukraine was ready to attack the People's Republics of Luhansk and Donetsk. Russia activated its army and warned that it would have to interfere with such plans. The imminent launch of an Ukrainian attack was called off. In early 2022 the U.S. gave the Ukrainians a green light to launch their long planned attack. Russia intervened and the current war started. The U.S. plans behind the war expected that the pre-coordinated western sanctions that immediately followed would ruin Russia, that Russia would be shunned by the rest of the world and that a military defeat of the Russian army would lead to regime change in Moscow. The Ukraine expected that, after winning a war against its separatists, it would immediately become a member of NATO. Neither of the (totally unrealistic) expectations was met. The Ukraine is now obviously losing the war. It will soon need to sign a capitulation like ceasefire agreement with Russia. But who or what can guarantee that any such agreement will be held up? NATO membership is no longer an option. On July 11 a summit of the North Atlantic Council in Vilnius declared that Ukraine would not have to follow the formal Membership Action Plan. But it then replaced the formal MAP conditions for membership with a way more vague formulation: We will be in a position to extend an invitation to Ukraine to join the Alliance when Allies agree and conditions are met. The NATO Secretary General was even more explicit: ... unless Ukraine wins this war, there's no membership issue to be discussed at all. There will be no NATO membership or NATO security guarantees for Ukraine, neither now nor ever. A direct full security guarantee from Washington to Kiev is also impossible. It would create a high likelihood of a direct war between the U.S. and Russia which would soon become nuclear. The U.S. will not want to risk that. So when, during the preparations of the Vilnius summit, it had become clear that allies would not agree to Ukraine's membership, U.S. President Biden presented an alternative: The US is willing to offer Kiev a sort of security arrangement currently offered to Israel instead of membership in NATO, President Joe Biden told CNN in an interview previewed on Friday. I dont think its ready for membership in NATO, Biden said of Ukraine. I dont think there is unanimity in NATO about whether or not to bring Ukraine into the NATO family now, at this moment, in the middle of a war. And one of the things I indicated is, the United States would be ready to provide, while the process was going on, and thats gonna take a while, to provide security a la the security we provide for Israel: providing the weaponry they need, the capacity to defend themselves, Biden said, adding, If there is an agreement, if there is a ceasefire, if there is a peace agreement. That however is even more unrealistic than a NATO membership. As Geoffrey Aronson convincingly argues: The relevance of the Israel model embraced by Biden to Ukraines security is deeply flawed conceptually and practically.

...

In operational terms, the Israel model is barely relevant to the predicament that Ukraine finds itself in and hardly a good model upon which to build the desired security relationship between the United States, NATO, and Ukraine. In conceptual terms, there is little beyond a superficial comparison between Jerusalem and Kyiv to recommend the concept.

...

U.S.-Israel security ties were born out of three principal elements: (1) Cold War competition in the Middle East; (2) Israels overwhelming victory in June 1967; and (3) Israels surreptitious development of a nuclear weapons capability from the 1950s onward. It is all but impossible that Ukraine will be able to exit its war with Russia with the kind of total territorial victory that provided the basis for U.S.-Israel ties after June 1967.

...

In this context, there may well be those in Ukraine (but one hopes not in Washington) who see the Israel modelcreating an integrated nuclear weapons option while maintaining nuclear ambiguity as long as the conventional weapons pipeline from Washington is openas instructive. But here too reality intrudes. The U.S. bargain with Israel aims explicitly at assuring Israels superiority in conventional weapons against any combination of Arab/Iranian enemies. To that end, through FY2020, the United States has provided Israel with $146 billion in military, economic, and missile defense funding$236 billion in 2018 dollars. In just the first year of the war, Ukraine received $77 billion from Washington, about one-half of its total military, economic, and humanitarian assistance. At best, the U.S. military support at current historic levels has won Kyiv a military stalemate. Ukraine, certainly out of NATO and arguably even as a member, will never enjoy an Israeli-style Quality Military Edge (QME) over Moscow, or be able to command the regions strategic or security agenda as Israel has done in the Middle East. Russia's might makes even an attempt of an Israel like security guarantee for Ukraine too costly for the U.S. and thereby simply impossible. There is only one country in the world that can guarantee peace in Ukraine and the security of its borders. That country is Russia! But any such guarantee will of course come with conditions attached to it. Either Ukraine will accept those or it will never be secure from outer interference. That is simply a fact of life Ukraine has had to, and will have to live with. Posted by b on July 25, 2023 at 16:35 UTC | Permalink Comments next page  next page 
In fact, the whole track has actually come from the archives! In an interview with Vogue, Britney detailed how she felt it was time to share it with her fans.
The stage for the first debate in the 2024 Republican presidential primary got a little more crowded Tuesday when North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgums campaign announced he had met GOP requirements to participate.

To qualify for the Aug. 23 debate in Milwaukee candidates must receive contributions from at least 40,000 donors, including 200 in 20 different states, according to the rules set by the Republican National Committee. They must also poll at or above 1% in either three national polls, or two national polls and two polls in early voting states.

Burgum made national headlines earlier this month when he implemented a novel campaign strategy that rewarded donors with a $20 gift card in exchange for contributions as little as $1, ostensibly in hopes of meeting the RNCs donor requirement. He met that threshold last week.

With a Morning Consult national poll released Tuesday charting Burgum at 1%, the campaign met the final polling threshold, making the governor the seventh candidate to qualify for the debate stage. Burgum previously polled at 6% across New Hampshire in a University of New Hampshire poll, 3% in a Fox Business poll of Iowa and 1% in a national poll from JMC Analytics.

Governor Burgum is looking forward to sharing his focus on the economy, energy and national security at the August debate, campaign spokesman Lance Trover said in a news release. In less than 7 weeks, Governor Burgum has exceeded all the requirements for the debate.

Burgum in those seven weeks has also outpaced far bigger names within his own party in the qualification process  namely, former Vice President Mike Pence, whose campaign has yet to meet the donor threshold. Pence on Sunday said he was confident his campaign would qualify in time for the debate stage.

The debate stage presents a chance for Burgum to test out his campaigns messaging and approach in direct contrast with other candidates. As of now, former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, former Govs. Nikki Haley of South Carolina and Chris Christie of New Jersey, and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy have qualified for the stage, though its unclear whether Trump, the current frontrunner, will attend.

Experts say the debate field is mostly set. However, theres still room for change  soon after Burgums announcement Tuesday, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez announced he would take up Burgums strategy and give $20 gift cards to donors in a push to make the debate stage. And Pence has attained the polling numbers he needs, just not the donors.

The debate stage represents more than just a chance to square off against other candidates, according to Republican strategist Matt Terrill. Major events such as debates can also decide a campaigns longevity for long-shots like Burgum who have limited name recognition, he said.

Youre looking at these debates, particularly early on, as an opportunity to keep your campaign going, particularly if youre not necessarily a top-tier contender in this race, Terrill said. Moments for candidates to break through are key.
SurveyMonkey to Expand in Dublin and Launch New Tools

Online survey specialist SurveyMonkey is expanding its Dublin office, as it lays out plans to invest in artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics. The moves follow its recent acquisition by a consortium led by insights sector investment firm Symphony Technology Group (STG).



Headquartered in San Mateo, California and recently acquired for approximately $1.5bn, SurveyMonkey provides online subscription-based tools through which individuals can create surveys, collect responses and analyze results, along with an Enterprise version for companies wanting to gather, compare and share business-related feedback data. Its GetFeedback division offers software to help companies understand and improve their customer experience.



The company currently has 126 employees in Ireland, and new CEO Eric Johnson (pictured) told the Sunday Independent that Dublin and its sister office in Amsterdam serve the EMEA market, as a 'big chunk' of the company's revenue is now outside of the US. Expansion plans include the addition of a prompt allowing users to build a 15 to 30-question survey and adjust that 'on the fly' with AI tools. The company is also building 'under-the-bonnet tech' to make sense of data created by its users.



'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' says Johnson. 'There's some development work being done here, we have a big commercial team, customer support teams. 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'.



Web site: www.surveymonkey.com .




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Three Bulgarian companies have been importing phosphates from the Syrian Arab Republic, whose president Bashar Assad and his ministry of oil have been under US sanctions since 2011 and under EU sanctions since 2012. This is revealed by an international investigation by journalists from the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), Syrian Investigative Reporting for Accountability Journalism (SIRAJ), Mykolaiv Center for Investigative Reporting, Centre for Investigative Journalism Serbia (CINS), RISE Project  Romania, Investigative Reporting Project Italy (IRPI), Lighthouse Reports and Bivol, published yesterday in several countries. In Bulgaria three companies were found to have imported phosphates from Syria by sea since 2011. Those companies were Agropolychim, Afer Bulgaria and Fertix. In 2021  2022 the only importer of Syrian phosphates was the small company Fertix owned by Radostin Radev.

It should be recalled that in 2008 Agropolychim was already publicly exposed for their unethical imports from Western Sahara and in 2021 their carbamide from Ukraine was found to be the cargo on the infamous Vera Su ship that got stuck near Varna. The National Revenue Agency (NRA) has informed us of existing documented administrative violations on behalf of Fertix and its linked companies, as well as outstanding tax payments. Radev assured Bivol that he had performed all due checks on his suppliers in Syria and made sure they were not on the EU sanctions list.

Among his possible clients is EuroChem Agro Bulgaria, which was until three months ago the sole property of Russian oligarch Andrey Melnichenko. He was placed under sanctions in the EU and the UK in March 2022 because of the war in Ukraine.He then gifted his shares to his wife, who was later also placed on the EUs sanctions list in June. Well-known oligarchs, such as the sponsor of Ukraines ex-president Victor Yanukovych Dmytro Firtash and the Russian billionaire from Putins circle Genadiy Timchenko, are involved in the production and distribution of phosphates under the protection of Bashar Assad.

In 2011 the war in Syria began. In 2012 the USA and the EU introduced massive sanctions packages on the export of petrol products from the Syrian Arab Republic. The purpose of those sanctions was to limit any financing for Bahsar Assads dictatorial regime.

Phosphate mine in Syria. Since 2015 most of these sites have been controlled by Russian companies. (Photo: Al Estiklal Newspaper)

The list of sanctioned individuals includes persons from the Syrian presidents entourage such as the oil industry minister at the time as well as his successors, who are also in charge of phosphate production sites.

Whose imports, how much and when?

Three Bulgarian companies have imported phosphates from the Syrian Arab Republic in the last 9 years after EU sanctions against Bashar Assad were introduced. Beside the largest producer of fertiliser in Bulgaria and on the Balkans  Agropolychim, the other two companies are not known to the general public.

Those are Afer Bulgaria and Fertix Ltd, Bivol found out. According to the chart provided to us by the Customs Agency under the Access to Public Information Act, no Syrian phosphates were imported into Bulgaria in the interval 2015  2021.

In 2021 and 2022, however, imports were renewed, the importer now being a small single-owner company named Fertix Ltd, registered in the city of Varna. Bivol contacted Fertix owner Radostin Velinov Radev, who in 1995 was working for Agropolychim.

In reply to Bivols questions Radev denied his company was buying phosphates from any sanctioned provider in Syria. Before starting this business I made all the necessary checks, carried out all due diligence procedures, and I can therefore guarantee that the companies I work with are not on the EUs sanctions list, he said.

When asked if he was selling the phosphates to Agropolychim or other major consumers like EuroChem Agro, he declined answering the question, saying that was sensitive commercial information.

At present I do not recall selling phosphate ore to EuroChem or if I ever did, they were small quantities.

I have purchased fertiliser phosphates from them before, I do not do it at present, he commented further on his transactions with EuroChem.

When asked how his small company with its revenues of just 2,399 BGN in 2017 and 32,000 in 2018 suddenly managed to raise $1.7 million in 2021 for the purchase of phosphates from Syria, he explained that the money came from bank loans and other financing that had been secured.

In February 2019, according to the Daxy business registry database, Fertix was under a going concern pledge with Societe Generale Expressbank. And in October 2019 it suddenly raised its capital to 500,000 BGN.

According to data received under the Access to Public Information Act from NRA executive director Rumen Spetsov, Fertix had been served with one administrative violation act after a total of 13 inspections.

It had no outstanding payments to the NRA. Two other companies owned by Radostin Radev, however,  Ferti Trans Ltd. and Ivkal Ltd.  had outstanding amounts to pay, according to the NRA.

At present I can guarantee that I have no financial obligations, Radev said.

The company Belor Bulgaria, where Radev was board member years ago, currently has former deputy agricultural minister Preslav Plamenov Borissov on its board, Bird.bgs database on politically exposed persons shows. In 2010 he was Miroslav Naydenovs deputy but resigned after Boyko Borissov, prime minister at the time, said he was not happy with his work.

The Fortuna freighter delivering phosphates to Varna on 25 June 2021 (Source: OCCRP)

Unofficial explanations said he had been removed due to a conflict of interest and for his proposals to amend agricultural land and wheat storage legislation in ways that would have benefitted his familys business. His father Plamen Borissov operates 40,000 decares of grain fileds in the Dobrudja region and his company Defco owns the biggest grain processing facility in North-East Bulgaria. At the same time his brother Martin Borissov operates 10,000 decares of fields in the Vratsa region, Mediapool news site reported at the time.

A few years later, however, he became a MEP (2013-2014) representing GERB/ENP. According to NRA data obtained by Bivol, Belor has been found to have committed two administrative violations as a result of a total of 26 inspections by the tax authority. The current official owner of the company is the Estonian and German citizen Rainer Konrad Kraus.

Agropolychim and its former state security agents imported directly from Syria until 2015

Among all phosphate importers into Bulgaria only one company is widely known to the public: Agropolychim. In 1999 the process of privatisation of the plant was started. It was completed in 2004 when the shares held by the Ministry of the Economy and Energy were bought up. Belgian citizen Philippe Rombaut, the current CEO of the company, then stepped in as co-investor and board member.

In 2000 the plant announced it was resuming its import of phosphates from the Middle East, chiefly on contracts in Syria and Jordan, Money.bg wrote at the time, quoting a press release on behalf of the company, in which no specific companies were named.

Two former board members have been exposed as agents of the communist regimes state security services: Christo Dimitrov Petrov (a partner in 5 companies), who was known as secret collaborator Ognyan, and Martin Georgiev Martinov (partner in 3 companies), a.k.a. agent Mihaylov.

In 2008 Agropolychim found itself at the centre of a major scandal, when the international watchdog Western Sahara Resource Watch (WSRW) sounded the alarm about

WSRW was referring to the export of phosphates carried by a Turkish ship operator to Varna, where Agropolychim also have their loose cargo terminal  their subsidiary Grain Terminal Varna West.

At least two communist regime state security agents have been found among the companys former board members: Christo Dimitrov Petrov (a partner in 5 companies), who was known as secret collaborator Ognyan, and Martin Georgiev Martinov (partner in 3 companies), a.k.a. agent Mihaylov.

Photo: Christo Petrov  secret collaborator Ognyan and Martin Martinov  agent Mihaylov (Source: The Committee for disclosing affiliation to the former security services COMDOS / Bird.bg)

Today Agropolychim is a major beneficiary of government subsidies and EU funds. Just over the last two years the company has received over 1.07 million BGN in corona subsidies (see excerpt), Bivols investigation found.

In the summer of 2021 a scandal erupted around the Vera Su ship, which according to Bivols sources, as well as the online news outlet Dnevnik, was carrying carbamide from the Ukrainian port of Yuzhny to Varna West Port under commission by Agropolychim.

The sender of the shipment was one of the largest fertiliser producers in Ukraine  Agro Gas Trading (AGT), our Ukrainian OCCRP partner investigative outlet i.i found out in response to Bivols request. AGT have their main offices in two places  one of the most expensive business centers in the Parus skyscraper in Kyiv and in the city of Bila Tserkva in the Kyiv region.

According to an investigation by our colleagues at Ukrainian newspaper   (Ukrainian Pravda), the company claims to be the biggest provider of carbamide to the Odessa Port Plant (    OPP) and is linked to the former head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine  Igor Bilous.

Behind the company is a Scottish Offshore firm named Cortex Corporate LP, registered at an address where 31 other companies are also registered. The offshore firm, which is the current owner of the Ukrainian company AGT, was founded on 4 April 2017. Its beneficiaries are Abigail Silvan and Indira Williams from the Caribbean island country of Grenada.

Bilous is considered to be part of the team around the former head of the Ukrainian presidential administration Boris Lozhkin, Economichna Pravda writes. Lozhkin held the post during the first two years of Petro Poroshenkos term in office  in the interval 2014-2016.

After that time the Ukrainian entrepreneur and media mogul (former publisher of Forbes Ukraine and other print media) was appointed by Poroshenko to the position of chairman of Ukraines National Investment Council. There is a trail from AGT to the presidents administration, Economichna Pravda wrote at the time, pointing out that within months the company became the exclusive provider to the OPP.

In a letter to Bivol, Agropolychim claimed they procure phosphates from a number of providers in different parts of the world, at the same time duly declaring each shipment with the relevant authorities in full compliance with the law.

In view of potential future phosphate shipments from Syria, Agropolychim asked for official advice from various Bulgarian and foreign institutions (including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of the Economy, the Bulgarian Customs Agency, the Minisrty of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, the US State Department, the European Commission) and a specialised private legal office.

We received written replies classifying phosphates from Syria as goods that are not subject to a sanctions regime imposed by the USA of the EU.

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On behalf of US authorities we received a letter ref: SY-2020-366453-1 dated 13/10/2020 from the Department of The Treasury, Washington, D.C., which in its paragraph pertaining to sanctions states the following:

To the extent, your proposed activities do not involve U.S. persons, or U.S. owned or controlled foreign entities, including financial institutions, do not have any nexus to the United States, a specific license from OFAC is not required.

We also received a concrete answer from the Ministry of the Economy and we were referred by the EU Commission to the so-called EU Sanctions Map, where information on goods subject to EU sanctions can be found.

In the letter Agropolychim admit that they have purchased phosphates originating from Syria at various times in the past, including after the beginning of the civil war in 2011.

Agropolychim has never purchased phosphates under any contracts with the Syrian Arab Republic.

We do not maintain and have never maintained any trade relations with companies, organisations, governments, banks or individuals subject to EU and US sanctions, says the companys reply to our question concerning the import ban on behalf of the US Department of the Treasury.

The reasons we stopped importing phosphates from Syria are of a manufacturing and commercial nature rather than political or regulatory. 

According to Agropolychim, in Europe there are producers of fertiliser in at least 9 countries who also rely solely on imported phosphates, including originating from Syria.

In 2021 we purchased about 550,000 tonnes of phosphates from a number of suppliers and of various origins, amounting to over 70 million USD in total, the letter continues.

Agropolychim declined answering Bivols repeated questions whether they were purchasing phosphates from Fertix.

Agropolychims attempts to distance themselves from the phosphate shipments coming from Syria have not been successful.

We buy phosphates as raw material mainly from Syria,

where they used to be cheapest but when the embargo was introduced, it wasnt possible to do that any more, Vassil Alexandrov, CEO of Agropolychim at the time, said in a 2013 interview for Capital Daily.

In his words the difference between the Syrian and Russian phosphates, which are nearest to us, is about sixfold. Alexandrov admits that given the amounts we are using  50-60 thousand tonnes a month  that is a lot.

At the same time another company, Afer Bulgaria Ltd. (based in Varna), which also imported Syrian phosphates to Bulgaria, is clearly part of the Agropolychim group. It is mentioned on the fertiliser giants website and over the years some of their board members have been the same. The single owner of the companys capital is an offshore firm from the British Virgin Islands.

Putins oligarch Andrey Melnichenko  the man behind EuroChm Agro Bulgaria

Until 2012 Radev himself says he was manager of Agricola Bulgaria, whose sole owner was Agrium Europe S.A., registered in Belgium and owned by Canadian fertiliser producer Agrium Inc.

In 2017 Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko (#177 in the world according to Forbes, with his net worth of $26.2 billion) entered the Bulgarian fertiliser market, acquiring the manufacturer Agricola Bulgaria through one of his companies EuroChem Trading GmbH.

It was renamed and initially became the joint-stock company EuroChem Agro Bulgaria. A Swiss company with Russian capital has acquired Agricola, Bulgarian newspaper Capital wrote at the time. A the same time EuroChem Group AG was a sister company to the Russian MHK EuroChem based in Moscow.

Photo: The beneficiary owner of EuroChem Agro until 10 March 2022 was Andrey Melnichenko, sanctioned in the EU and the UK that same month. (Screenshots: Actualno and Bivol)

In October 2021, however, it was renamed to EuroChem Bulgaria Ltd. and now had a new owner  EuroChem Trading GmbH sold it to its parent company EuroChem Group AG, registered at the same address in Switzerland.

On 9 March 2022 the EU placed Andrey Melnichenko on its sanctions list because of the war in Ukraine. At Vladimir Putins infamous meeting with businesses at the Kremlin on 24 February, Melnichenko was among the oligarchs invited, which secured him position #721 on the EU sanctions list and #669 on the UK list.

Andrey Igorevich MELNICHENKO is a Russian industrialist who owns the main fertiliser producer EuroChem Group and coal-mining company SUEK. Melnichenko is part of the most influential circle of Russian businessmen with close ties to the Russian government. He is therefore active in sectors of the economy that supply a considerable income to the Russian federal government, responsible for the annexation of Crimea and the destabilisation of Ukraine. On 24 February 2022, after the initial stages of the Russian invasion in Ukraine, Andrey Igorevich Melnichenko, along with 36 other businessmen, had a meeting with president Vladimir Putin and other government members to discuss their course of action after the introduction of Western sanctions. The fact that he was invited to that meeting shows that he belongs to Vladimir Putins innermost circle and supports or carries out policies undermining or threatening Ukraines territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. It demonstrates also that he is one of the prominent businessmen operating in sectors of the economy that provide a significant source of income to the Russian government, responsible for the annexation of Crimea and the destabilisation of Ukraine.

(EU sanctioned persons list, 9 March, 2022)

An investigation by Reuters found that on 8 March 2022 Melnichenko gifted his company shares to his wife Alexandra, just one day before he was placed under sanctions. In June it became known that she had also been placed on the EUs black list (Reuters) together with the couples two children.

The Bulgarian business register shows that the company EuroChem Group, specifically mentioned on the EU sanctions list, is still the owner of EuroChem Bulgaria Ltd. Interestingly enough, both Agricola and EuroChem Agro were represented in Bulgaria by the same person in his capacity of manager and CEO  Zdravko Ganchev Sekov, publicly disclosed as an agent of the former state security services by the ad-hoc committee COMDOS.

Years ago one of the partners in his company Fertaco Ltd. was none other than Radostin Radev  the person importing the Syrian phosphates today through his own company Fertix. According to data obtained by Bivol from the NRA, Fertaco has been subject of 3 tax inspections over the years, resulting in one documented administrative violation.

According to a letter from NRA director-general Rumen Spetsov to Bivol, EuroChem Bulgarias tax status has now been updated to company with terminated tax registration. The letter also says that the company committed 2 administrative violations in the interval 2017-2021, during which time it was subject to a total of 26 tax inspections.

On 10 March 2022 EuroChem announced in a press release that due to the EU sanctions Andrey Melnichenko was resigning from their board of directors and withdrawing from his position as the main beneficiary.

On 12 March 2022, only three days after the publication of the sanctions list, the Italian police seized Melnichenkos superyacht worth 400 million euros and considered to be among the biggest in the world, Reuters reports (see video at the bottom).

On 5 May 2022 international investigative website Forensic News published an article about the presence of former US President Donald Trumps fundraiser Bill White at parties on Melnichenkos yacht.

Sofia in stubborn denial of sanctions against Assad

In 2019 deputy economy minister Lilia Ivanova, part of the team appointed by minister Emil Karanikolov, considered by ex-prime minister Boyko Borissov himself as linked to Delyan Peevski, wrote an official letter (seen by Bivol) to one of the Bulgarian importers to the effect that phosphates from Syria were not subject to EU sanctions.

On 24 February 2022 deputy foreign minister Velislava Petrova replied to Bivol that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was responsible only for limitations on travel access.

The Ministry of the Economy and Industry and the acting Bulgarian ambassador in Damascus declined answering our questions, saying that the enforcement of sanctions was outside their area of competence.

In March 2022 deputy prime minister and minister of finance Assen Vassilev forwarded Bivols inquiry to the Customs Agencys director-general Pavel Tonev.

Under the requirements of the Access to Public Information Act he informed Bivol that the agency is not an enforcement body and does not directly participate in the decision-making on customs policies but would attach a comprehensive chart listing all phosphate importers into Bulgaria (see below).

Among the bans and restrictions there are some that concern the export and import of certain goods listed in the annexes to Regulation No 36/2012 but for the time period of the implementation of the quoted legal acts there has not been any active ban on the import of phosphates, such as there is for example on the import of crude oil and petroleum products (art. 6 of Regulation (EU) No 36/2012), or on the import of Syrian cultural property goods and other goods of archaeological, historical, cultural, rare scientific or religious importance (art. 11C of Regulation (EU) No 36/2012), the NRAs reply continues.

Oligarchs close to Putin and Yanukovych help out Bashar Assad with the phosphates

Under our joint OCCPR investigation journalists from several countries found that Stroytransgaz, owned by Russian billionaire Gennadiy Timchenko, who is sanctioned in the EU and USA because of his close ties to Gazprom and Vladimir Putin, was personally granted the licenses and concession rights needed to mine phosphates by Bashar Assad himself.

In 2010 Timchenkos company specializing in international trade in electricity Gunvor Group was mentioned by the Bulgarian state regulator EWRC among the applicants for a license to trade electricity on the Bulgarian market.

At the same time imports from Ukraine are operated by a number of companies around Ukrainian oligarch Dmytro Firtash, linked to former president Victor Yanukovych, who was overthrown as a result of the Maidan protests. Firtash himself has been living in Vienna since 2014.

Suspiciously opaque phosphate imports are also carried out by companies in neighbouring Serbia, Italy, and Poland.

A spokesperson for the EU commented for the OCCRP that it was up to individual countries to decide for themselves if the import of Syrian phosphates was a breach of sanctions. Italian authorities refused to comment. When approached before the Russian invasion, Ukraines foreign ministry told OCCRP that import did not breach the sanctions regime as the contracts were not signed directly with Stroytransgaz.

Syrian economist Karam Shaar is convinced that the phosphates trade is the perfect demonstration of how easily sanctions can be circumvented by opaque supply chains or by channeling funds and goods through the unknown subsidiaries of targeted companies. :

Of course the export of phosphates to Europe is a violation of sanctions.

But most of the countries dont understand the structure of the organizations they have sanctioned, Shaar explains.

The methods used to dodge sanctions in Syria would likely help Russian companies avoid new sanctions imposed by the European Union and the United States over the Ukraine war, says Ibrahim Olabi, a Syrian legal expert who has been monitoring sanctions evasion for years.

The Syrian phosphates trade shows why the EU sanctions system is not fit for purpose.

Sanctions evasion works and is not even that difficult, Olabi concludes.

Find out more about the results of the OCCRP investigation, where investigative reporting website Bivol is a partner on the Bulgarian side:

The Guardian. The investigation has been translated into several languages and an abridged version has been published in

See chart on the import of phosphates to Bulgaria in 2013-2022 (Source: Bivol, NRA):

Import of goods (regime 40), phosphates* originating from the Syrian Arab Republic 1 January 2013  11 March 2022 Year Month Date Importer (name) Customs office Ship name 2013 January 7.01 AFER BULGARIA EOOD Varna West ABDULB 28.01 AFER BULGARIA EOOD Varna West RAKANM February 3.02 AFER BULGARIA EOOD Varna West ASRAY 8.02 AFER BULGARIA EOOD Varna West RASHASTAR 10.02 AFER BULGARIA EOOD Varna West ABDOULRAHMANB 12.02 AFER BULGARIA EOOD Varna West LADYLEEN March 7.03 AFER BULGARIA EOOD Varna West SURAYAY 12.03 AFER BULGARIA EOOD Varna West RASHAB April 5.04 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West NADAY 24.04 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West THRUSTWORTHY June 26.06 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West ABDULB July 26.07 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West JAMILG August 13.08 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West PRINCESSMARIA September 25.09 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West JAMILG October 3.10 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West LADYNADAY November 9.11 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West ABDULB 20.11 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West RASHAB 25.11 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West ABBOUDG December 13.12 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West PARISY 21.12 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West RASHAB 27.12 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West SURAYAY 2014 January 2.01 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West ABDOULRAHMANB 4.01 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West ASRAY 22.01 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West ZARA 24.01 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West JAMILG February 9.02 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West PARISY 15.02 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West MARWANA March 2.03 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West NADAY 8.03 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West ARMORY 12.03 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West ZARA 15.03 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West TRUSTWORTHY April 1.04 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West LADYLEEN 13.04 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West ARMORY May 15.05 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West RAKANM 28.05 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West ZARA July 28.07 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West HAMOUDIB August 9.08 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West ZARA 14.08 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West LUNA 22.08 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West ARMORY September 2.09 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West SURAYAY 10.09 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West OMARB November 30.11 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West SEASHARK December 16.12 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West OMARB 2015 January 30.01 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West LADYNOUR March 01.03 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West SIREENB 09.03 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West TRUSTWORTHY 23.03 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West ARMORY 30.03 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West MARWANA April 30.04 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West OMARB May 30.05 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West OMARB June 02.03 AGROPOLYCHIM AD Varna West HAMOUDI 2021 April 24.04 FERTIX EOOD Varna West LEOI June 09.06 FERTIX EOOD Varna West SEAEAGLE 25.06 FERTIX EOOD Varna West FORTUNA 2022 February 26.02 FERTIX EOOD Varna West NANALEEN *The data presented hereby is applicable to tariff position 251020 (Natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk, ground)

Public information as per item 2, request # 32-71572/02.03.2022

Import (Regime 40) of phosphates* originating from the Syrian Arab Republic in April and June 2021 Year/Month 2021 April June Net weight (kg) 5 149 497 20 461 254

***

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This post is also available in: BulgarianRussian
16. 9. 2017 / Muriel Blaive

cas cteni 6 minut

Vaclav Havel, in his essay Stories and Totalitarianism (1987) wrote: Ideology, claiming to base its authority on history, becomes history's greatest enemy. He spoke of course of the communist ideology. But today, it is anti-communism that claims to be based on the authority of history. It has an answer to everything and can never be faulted: the pre-1989 period was evil, and communism is to blame for everything, past and present. In this sense, anti-communism also functions like an ideology. So the real opposite of communism is not anti-communism: it is, as Havel correctly pointed it out, history. History is doubts, debate, dissent. It is the inverted pole of ideology.

French historian Muriel Blaive has been a victim of a series of fairly incredible media attacks in the Czech right wing press in the past few weeks for daring to suggest that the communist regime in Czechoslovakia negotiated with the population and was very careful to make sure that it did not cause the population to stage a revolution. Here is her reaction to the media attacks.

I write this essay as a historian. An interview I did with Veronika Pehe has been repeatedly twisted in the Czech press and on social media. Some people have commented that as a French woman who did not personally experience communism, I was not entitled to write about the history of communist Czechoslovakia. Well, if historians could only write about what they personally experienced, there would be no antiquity, no medieval history, no modern history, not even a history of the First World War and soon of the Second World War. It also means that young Czechs would not be entitled to write about their countrys past. This is of course absurd. No one owns the past. We French learned it the hard way when American historian Robert Paxton revolutionised the history of the Vichy regime.

I never experienced the communist rule not because I was dazzled by the French communists but because I couldnt stand them: their dogmaticism so repelled me that I refused to legitimise Eastern bloc regimes by visiting them before 1989. This does not mean that I was not interested in those countries. Vaclav Havel, Jan Patocka and others wrote about issues that concern the whole of Western civilisation: the loss of values after 1968, consumption society as the sole mode of existence, indifference to the other as the main mode of communication. I learned from Czech thinkers long before I arrived here or even learned Czech.

People asked me why I refused Martin Veselovskys invitation to participate to a show on DVTV. Just before he issued it, rumours started to circulate that I was an adorator" (sic) of communism, that I was a Marxist or neo-Marxist (a typical Western intellectual), falsified history, denied the extent of communist crimes, supported the Communists, was against the opening of the archives or against paying tribute to the victims. Public shaming is not conducive to a reflective atmosphere and retweeting any of this nonsense, as Veselovsky did, hardly bode well of the impending debate. The fact that so many people took at face value the lies that were propagated about me without bothering to read the actual interview (in which I praised the opening of the archives and stressed the need to pay tribute to the victims) is disturbing enough. Journalists should aim to raise the level of the public debate, not exacerbate its worst traits.

Totalitarianism or however one names the period between 1948 and 1989 in Czechoslovakia (personally I call it the communist dictatorship) did leave traces. A vibrant testimony to the profound destruction of Czech critical thinking by the four decades of communist rule is the continued societal urge to hear the truth from an established authority. To the people who long for such a simplified world, let me repeat: the opposite of a dogma is not another dogma but doubts, dissent, a lengthy debate as opposed to a headline in Rude pravo. No one holds the historical truth, nor should they. Democracy entails a pluralistic society that calls for the confrontation of many opinions, including on history.

In this context, the totalitarian concept started to lose currency in Germany already in 1993. It was replaced by an interrogation on normality, agency, practices of domination, everyday experience of the dictatorship, all concepts that denied the notion of total control from above and replaced with a questioning of the relationship between rulers and ruled, on the borders of dictatorship (Thomas Lindenberger). Historians pointed out that On occasion, the ruling SED, in the interest of stability, was required to reach out to the population, whether in the form of allowing rock concerts for youth, more freedom to the cultural sphere for writers and artists, or allowing renegade church leaders to continue initiatives that were not in line with state policy. (Gary Bruce, The Firm. The Inside Story of the Stasi, Oxford University Press, 2010.) The Soviet historiography had known a similar trend for even longer - for instance Sheila Fitzpatrick requalified life under Stalinism as ordinary lives already in 2000 (Everyday Stalinism: Ordinary Life in Extraordinary Times, Oxford University Press, 2000.)

Some people also asked what I meant by social contract between the regime and the population and decried my naivete if I thought some sort of concrete round table ever took place. The social contract that I mentioned is a sociological notion. It does not literally mean that people and the regime sat down together. It refers to Vaclav Havels Letter to Dr Gustav Husak (1975) and other essays. In Havels analysis, the regime exchanged the political passivity of the population with consumer goods and a relatively decent standard of living. It does not amount to denying that some people, indeed too many people, did suffer actual, personalised repression; it is only the starting point for a reflection on modern European society, on its ability to resist and temptation to consent. A reflection that concerns, again, all of us Europeans and not just Czechs. Similar analyses took place in other Central European countries that suffered under communisms yoke, so much so that this period has been coined, in academic parlance, goulash socialism.

So how are we to study totalitarianism? Totalitarianism is a concept so ideologically fraught that it tells more about the person who employs it than about the reality it is supposed to describe. That is why I favour the Havelian concept of autotalita (The Power of the Powerless, 1978) that emphasises the notion of individual responsibility. One of my professors, Pierre Hassner (who grew up in Romania), used to say: I am totalitarianism (Guy Hermet, Pierre Hassner, Jacques Rupnik, Totalitarismes, 1984.) By this he, like Havel, meant that totalitarianism was a protean concept, embodying a specific historical experience for each and everyone.

What about today, then? Hassner quotes James Joyce: History is a nightmare from which I am trying to wake up. But for some, he adds, it is the nightmare from which they are trying not to wake up.
South Korean court overturns impeachment of government minister ousted over deadly crowd crush View Photo

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Koreas Constitutional Court on Tuesday overturned the impeachment of the public safety minister ousted over a Halloween crowd surge that killed nearly 160 people last October at a nightlife district in the capital, Seoul.

The courts decision allowed Lee Sang-min to return as the minister of the interior and safety. Vice Minister Han Chang-seob had served as acting minister since February when South Koreas opposition-controlled parliament voted to impeach Lee, saying he should be held responsible for the governments failure to employ effective crowd control measures and its botched emergency response, which contributed to the high death toll in Itaewon.

Lee, 58, is seen as a key ally of conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose office welcomed the decision and had accused the opposition liberals of creating shameful history by pushing for his impeachment.

In rejecting the parliamentary impeachment of Lee, the court said he could not be held chiefly responsible for the crowd crush, which it said reflected broader failures across different government organizations to develop a combined ability to respond to large-scale disasters.

Theres not enough evidence to prove that Lee failed to carry out his legal and constitutional duties as a government official to protect the safety and lives of citizens, the court said.

Lee, in a statement released by his ministry, expressed condolences to the victims who died in Itaewon but said it was time to end wasteful political bickering over the tragedy.

Lee was the first Cabinet minister impeached by the National Assembly, which previously impeached conservative President Park Geun-hye in 2016. The Constitutional Court formally removed Park from office in March 2017 by upholding lawmakers decision to impeach her. She was imprisoned for corruption before her liberal successor, Moon Jae-in, pardoned her in December 2021.

Following a 74-day investigation into the crowd crush in January, a special investigation team led by the National Police Agency concluded that police and municipal officials in Seouls Yongsan district failed to plan out effective crowd control measures despite correctly anticipating huge crowds of Halloween revelers in Itaewon.

Police also ignored hotline calls placed by pedestrians who warned of swelling crowds before the surge turned deadly on Oct. 28. Officials also botched their response before people began getting toppled over and crushed in a narrow alley near Hamilton Hotel and failed to establish control of the scene and allow paramedics to reach the injured in time, according to the investigation.

Police have pursued criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter and negligence, against 23 officials  about half of them law enforcement officers  over the lack of crowd controls and safety measures in Itaewon.

But critics, including opposition politicians and families of the victims, have claimed that police investigators went soft on the higher members of Yoons government, including Lee and National Policy Agency Commissioner General Yoon Hee-keun, who had faced calls to resign.

Despite anticipating a crowd of more than 100,000, Seoul police had assigned 137 officers to Itaewon on the day of the crush. Some experts have called the crush in Itaewon a manmade disaster that could have been prevented with fairly simple steps, such as employing more police and public workers to monitor bottleneck points, enforcing one-way walk lanes and blocking narrow pathways.

Lee faced huge criticism shortly after the crowd crush after he insisted that having more police and emergency personnel on the ground still wouldnt have prevented the tragedy in Itaewon, in what was seen as an attempt to sidestep questions about the lack of preventive measures.

By KIM TONG-HYUNG

Associated Press
2 arrested in Serbia suspected of smuggling Cubans to Spain as part of an international crime group

2 arrested in Serbia suspected of smuggling Cubans to Spain as part of an international crime group View Photo

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP)  Serbian police said Monday they have arrested two people suspected of helping smuggle Cubans toward Spain as part of an international crime group.

The two Serbian citizens were arrested in a monthslong investigation in cooperation with Spain, the Interpol and Europol, police said in a statement. They said 18 more suspects have been arrested in Spain.

The suspects in Serbia are accused of organizing the illegal transfer of at least 53 people to neighboring countries  North Macedonia or Bosnia  and on to Spain, said the statement.

Serbia, a southeastern European nation located on the Balkan peninsula, is at the heart of a key land route for migrants trying to reach the European Union.

The country in April revoked a visa-free travel arrangement with Cuba following reports of Cubans moving on toward Spain and other EU countries after first coming to Serbia as tourists.

Serbia also imposed visas earlier this year for the citizens of Burundi, Tunisia and India for the same reason and under pressure from the EU, which is seeking to curb migration into the 27-nation bloc.
U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) recently delivered remarks on the Senate floor regarding border security.

McConnell was Tuesdays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are his words:

The Administrations plan is working as intended.

That, Mr. President, is the Department of Homeland Securitys assessment of the situation at our southern border since President Biden ended Title 42 authorities back in May.

On the Biden Administrations watch, Customs and Border Protection reported record-shattering numbers of illegal border crossings. And yet Washington Democrats would like us to believe that with the flip of a switch, theyve brought the crisis they helped create under control.

Believe me, Mr. President. I wish that were true.

But the American communities dealing with the effects of President Bidens open borders  like the record flows of deadly drugs  know different.

And so do the thousands of migrants caught up in his Administrations humanitarian catastrophe along the border.

Here, unfortunately, are the facts:

While the Biden Administration crows about migrant encounters declining, the month of May 2023 saw more than 35,000 inadmissible persons arrive at southern border ports of entry. Thats double the May total from just a year before. And last month, in June, that number jumped to over 45,000.

Meanwhile, the number of FBI terror watchlist suspects arrested at the border thus far this fiscal year has already set a new annual record.

And President Bidens HHS Department still cant seem to account for over 85,000 children who arrived at the border unaccompanied and were released into the United States.

Mr. President, I know several of our colleagues on this side of the aisle will have more to say on this subject later today. But if this is what the Biden Administration calls a plan thats working as intended, Id hate to see what they think failure looks like.

The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML.
A Russian fighter jet fired flares at a US drone over Syria and damaged it, the US military says

A Russian fighter jet fired flares at a US drone over Syria and damaged it, the US military says View Photo

WASHINGTON (AP)  A Russian fighter jet flew within a few meters of a U.S. drone over Syria and fired flares at it, striking the American aircraft and damaging it, the U.S. military said Tuesday, the latest in a string of aggressive intercepts by Russia in the region.

A senior Air Force commander said the move on Sunday was an attempt by the Russians to knock the MQ-9 Reaper drone out of the sky and came just a week after a Russian fighter jet flew dangerously close to a U.S. surveillance aircraft carrying a crew in the region, jeopardizing the lives of the four Americans on board.

One of the Russian flares struck the U.S. MQ-9, severely damaging its propeller, Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, the head of U.S. Air Forces Central, said in a statement describing the latest close call. We call upon the Russian forces in Syria to put an immediate end to this reckless, unprovoked, and unprofessional behavior.

Grynkewich said one of the crew members operating the drone remotely kept it in the air and flew it back to its home base.

The Sunday incident is the latest in a series of encounters between Russian fighter jets and U.S. aircraft flying over Syria. U.S. leaders have noted the uptick and so far have discounted any connection to Russias ongoing war in Ukraine, where the U.S. and Western allies are actively supporting Kyivs fight against Moscow.

Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said hes uncertain what triggered the increase. Weve got analysts trying to figure that out. I dont know if its connected to Ukraine or not. Right now, theres nothing to suggest that it is, he told reporters during a recent briefing.

Others have suggested that it stems from a growing coordination among Russia, Syria and Iran and is meant to persuade the U.S. to leave Syria, thus opening the door for more Iranian activity, particularly in the South.

Randa Slim, director of the Conflict Resolution and Track II Dialogues Program at the Washington-based Middle East Institute, said that before the war in Ukraine, Syria was seen by the Russians as an arena for competition as well as cooperation with U.S. Their shared interested in Syria included limiting Iran and Turkeys footprints, preventing a military escalation between Iran and Israel that could provoke a regional war, promoting a political solution to the war in Syria, and denying the Islamic State a safe haven.

However, since the war in Ukraine, Slim said there is an increasing convergence between the Russian and Iranian positions around an endgame that sees U.S. forces pushed out of Syria.

The U.S. and other allies of Ukraine have accused Iran of supplying hundreds of drones to Russia for its war effort, which Russia denies.

The Deir Ez-Zor province in eastern Syrian has been a particular area of tension among the U.S., Russia and Iran. Control of the oil-rich province is split between Syrian government forces and the U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, with a presence of both Iranian militias and U.S. troops. It was also the site of a confrontation between U.S. forces and Russian mercenaries from the Wagner private military company in 2018.

On Monday, Syrian state news agency SANA reported that residents protested in the town of al-Mayadeen, in Deir Ez-Zor province, in rejection of the American occupation of Syrian lands, calling for the withdrawal of American and allied SDF forces.

In all of the Russian air intercepts except the one instance a week ago, the U.S. aircraft were MQ-9 drones without crew members. On that Sunday, however, the Russian Su-35 jet few close to a U.S. MC-12 surveillance aircraft with a crew, forcing it to go through the turbulent wake.

U.S. officials at the time called it a significant escalation in the ongoing string of encounters between U.S. and Russian aircraft that could have resulted in an accident or loss of life. They said the Russian move hampered the crew members ability to safely operate their plane.

In recent weeks, U.S. officials said, Russian fighter jets have repeatedly harassed U.S. MQ-9 drones, which are conducting anti-Islamic State group missions, largely in western Syria.

On multiple occasions in the past three weeks, the officials said, Russian fighter jets flew dangerously close to the U.S. Reapers, setting off flares and forcing the drones to take evasive maneuvers.

U.S. and Russian military officers communicate frequently over a deconfliction phone line during the encounters, protesting the other sides actions.

There are about 900 U.S. forces in Syria, and others move in and out to conduct missions targeting Islamic State group militants.

____

Associated Press writer Abby Sewell in Irbil, Iraq, contributed to this report from Iraq.

By LOLITA C. BALDOR and TARA COPP

Associated Press
Since November of 2020, Ethiopia has been suffering from a deadly internal conflict that has claimed an estimated 50,000 lives and displaced over two million. The United States, the African Union and others in the region have attempted to secure a cease-fire between the federal government and the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) but have made little headway. In contrast, China has remained mainly on the sidelines of peacebuilding efforts even though Ethiopia  the second most populous country in Africa  is a centerpiece of its Africa policy.

The scale and pace of the crisis now requires international cooperation, not competition. The political and financial burden of delivering a solution cannot be borne by any one country alone. Washington should, as a priority, explore how Beijing might join a coordinated international effort to back an African diplomatic push for a sustained settlement of the Ethiopian crisis before its humanitarian crisis worsens and further destabilizes the region. China may instead take satisfaction in the perceived failure of U.S. diplomatic efforts and the growing tension between Washington and Addis Ababa  but such a posture threatens Chinas considerable investment in Ethiopia and risks alienating Africans who resent great power rivalries playing out in their countries.

Ethiopia's Profound Crisis

Upon taking office in 2018, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed liberalized the authoritarian Ethiopian government that the TPLF had dominated since 1991. His actions included lifting a ban on political parties and freeing political prisoners. Abiy was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for his efforts to end the protracted conflict between Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea. Despite these positive developments, the Abiy government was met with criticism for centralizing power at the expense of Tigray and other regions. Long-standing regional and ethnic divisions  that Abiys reforms allowed greater expression for  were intensified by a postponement of the 2020 national elections amid COVID-19.

Tensions had been building in recent years, with the Abiy government seeing the TPLF as pushing for greater regional autonomy  if not independence  and the Tigrayans charging the Abiy government with politically marginalizing the province, which no longer enjoyed the spoils of power. The Tigrayans defied Abiys election delay and held regional polls in September 2020. Two months later, large-scale fighting erupted between the Ethiopian federal military and the Tigray Defense Forces (TDF) when Tigrayan fighters struck a federal military base in an act they claimed was preemptive.

Today, the government and TPLF are dug in and shunning dialogue  with dire humanitarian consequences. The TPLF has allied with other anti-government groups, including the Oromo Liberation Army, though recent military setbacks have led it to call for a cease-fire. A federal government blockade has prevented food and medicine from reaching Tigray, jeopardizing lives. Horrific human rights abuses are commonplace, some of which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to the United Nations. The U.N. Security Council has called for a cease-fire, while the African Union has enlisted former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo to broker talks. Yet so far, little diplomatic progress has been made.

China's Deep Ties

Ethiopia is a central hub for Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, an evolving program to expand Chinese influence by financing and building infrastructure throughout the developing world. Currently, there are about 400 Chinese construction and manufacturing projects in Ethiopia, valued at over $4 billion. Much of Ethiopias air, road and rail infrastructure is financed and built by the Chinese.

This strong Chinese economic engagement has resulted in Beijing becoming Ethiopias top trading partner. Before COVID-19, the Ethiopian economy had been impressively growing at 10 percent for over a decade, affirming Chinas high standing as a development partner. However, concerns exist about the sustainability of Ethiopias estimated $13.7 billion of Chinese debt, second only to Angolas in Africa. This debt liability further heightens Chinas stake in Ethiopia.

Political ties between the two countries are strong as well. Ethiopia was the first African country to host a Forum on China-Africa Cooperation meeting, held in 2003. In 2012, China funded and built the $200 million African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa. Meanwhile, Chinese media have expanded their presence in Ethiopia.

China and Ethiopia have also built upon a 2005 defense agreement on joint training, technology exchange and peacekeeping operations. Ethiopian officers have trained in China. While most of its heavy weapons are Russian or Ukrainian made, the Ethiopian military has recently procured Chinese artillery and transport vehicles. Moreover, government forces are believed to be using Chinese-supplied drones. Chinese economic, political and security efforts appear to have paid off, with Abiy describing China as the most reliable friend and the most cherished partner of Ethiopia.

China's Dilemma: Backing the Government, Calling for Non-Interference

In keeping with its long-standing claim of non-interference, Beijing has resisted aggressive international engagement in Ethiopia. Its ambassador to the United Nations said in November 2021 that solutions can only be found from within, reiterating support for African solutions to solve African problems, including by regional countries and organizations. Ambassador Zhang Jun cautioned the U.N. Security Council to provide necessary time and space to the African Union to carry out such efforts, while noting that humanitarian relief efforts must respect Ethiopias sovereignty and leadership, a position China has stressed since the conflict began. The Chinese emissary also spoke out against imposing economic sanctions against Ethiopia.

China undoubtedly is keeping close watch on the spreading insecurity, with an estimated 30,000 Chinese nationals in Ethiopia. With its major Ethiopian investment portfolio now on pause, partly because of the conflict, Chinas belief that without security and stability, there can be no development is being validated. But how to contribute to security and stability without interference in a complex political and ethnic context is becoming a challenging dilemma for China.

Despite the escalating violence, the U.N. Security Council has been slow in addressing this crisis, largely because of Chinas traditional sovereignty concerns. Ethiopia has welcomed Beijings position, with its foreign ministry recently commending China for recognizing that external power involvement in the Ethiopian government operation in Tigray is unnecessary since Ethiopia is capable of solving its own problems.

U.S. diplomatic efforts, however, have irritated Ethiopia. The U.S. special envoy for the Horn of Africa recently said the Biden administration is work[ing] tirelessly to keep this crisis on the international agenda, including at the United Nations. In response to the Abiy governments gross violations of internationally recognized human rights in Tigray, the United States recently withdrew trade benefits that Ethiopia desired to maintain and U.S. sanctions targeting complicit Ethiopian government officials have been authorized. Abiy refused to meet with USAID Administrator Samantha Power during her recent visit to Ethiopia to address the humanitarian crisis in Tigray, a sign that strains in the U.S.- Ethiopia relationship are growing as this crisis intensifies.

Strategic Rivalry or Diplomacy?

There is the potential for the United States to strategically fail in Ethiopia. Until the recent strains, and despite Chinas growing imprint on the country, the United States and Ethiopia have long been close economic and security partners. And while Washington hasnt led diplomatic efforts to resolve this crisis, it has been a significant player. As relations between Ethiopia and the United States continue to fray, with Ethiopia likely turning to China for greater support, Beijing can be expected to feel that it is scoring points in its strategic rivalry with the United States.

A 2020 USIP report on Chinas engagement in the Red Sea region found that, Although instability has benefitted China in some ways by feeding a narrative of U.S. strategic failure, Beijing has a greater interest in a stable region free of failed states. However, it also concluded that short of situations in which Chinese economic or security interests are severely threatened  Beijing is unlikely to use its influence to prevent regional rivalries from exacerbating conflicts in the arena. Instead, Beijing would practice a policy of detachment.

But China arguably has more at stake in Ethiopia than in any other country in Africa. Ethiopia is on a path that would certainly damage substantial Chinese economic interests both within the country and beyond its borders. Some have suggested that China will continue making every effort to support the Abiy government, including by defending Addis Ababas sovereignty in the face of human rights abuse charges. Could Beijing be pressured to go beyond its relative detachment to play a positive diplomatic role?

All Powers and Players Are Needed for Peace

U.S. diplomacy is struggling for a reason. Were China to pivot to active diplomacy by engaging with the TPLF, or even use political capital to pressure the Abiy government, it would find a very challenging task ahead. Growing violence, including against civilians, is worsening Ethiopias deep ethnic and regional divisions. U.S. concerns over growing Chinese influence in Africa rightly touch upon key issues of governance, human rights and economic and strategic competition. But while Chinese influence in Africa has expanded significantly over the last two decades, it has its limits. Despite its considerable investments, China acting alone is powerless to stop the forces of disunity and violence that gravely threaten Ethiopia.

Forging peace in Ethiopia will require the negotiation and implementation of new political arrangements that strike a workable regional power balance. This is mainly for Ethiopians to decide  but outside parties could incentivize the compromises needed for peace. There is now an opportunity to shift course and consolidate an international approach. Prime Minister Abiy has indicated a willingness to support dialogue and has released some key  but not all  political prisoners. The Tigrayan government has announced the withdrawal of its forces back to Tigray and has called for negotiations. The international community  everyone, not just the West  surely acknowledges that Ethiopias economic sustainability is key to regional stability and the survival of Ethiopia as a sovereign entity. A concerted effort by external stakeholders, including China, is crucial at this time.

The Biden administration should recognize Chinas economic vulnerability and stake in stability in Ethiopia as it implements its diplomatic efforts. The United States should aim to forge African Union pressure on China to encourage the Abiy government, now with the military upper hand, to pursue meaningful negotiations and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Chinese efforts could come behind the scenes so as not to spoil Beijings non-interference posture.

It is possible, even likely, that Beijing is uninterested in constructive, African-led diplomacy in Ethiopia and would rather position itself to see diplomatic efforts fail, maybe picking up some pieces from U.S. economic disengagement. But if Beijing wont constructively engage in Ethiopia, given its high stakes there, where would they work for peace in Africa? Every day of conflict sees many Ethiopian lives tragically lost  will Beijing be part of an African solution or allow an African crisis to continue?
Investigators pore over evidence from the home of alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer as search ends View Photo

NEW YORK (AP)  An intense police search of the Long Island home of Rex Heuermann is now complete, authorities said Tuesday as they ended a 12-day hunt for evidence that involved ripping up the yard and the discovery of a basement vault containing hundreds of weapons kept by the man accused of killing at least three women more than a decade ago.

At a press conference outside the Massapequa Park home where Heuermann lived with his wife and two kids, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said police had found a tremendous amount of information during their search.

He declined to describe the bulk of the material, but said there was not a singular piece of evidence that jumped out to him.

The search turned up at least 279 weapons kept inside a thick basement vault large enough for a person to walk into, Tierney said. Police took boxes of additional evidence from the house, which he described as a very cluttered environment.

An effort in recent days to dig up the backyard in search of possible clues about where the murders were committed did not yield any large items of evidence, he added.

A coalition of law enforcement agencies have been poring over the property since July 14th, when Heuermann was arrested and charged with killing three women  Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Costello, and Megan Waterman  and dumping their bodies along a remote stretch of coastal highway near Long Islands Gilgo Beach more than a decade ago. Prosecutors identified him as the prime suspect in the death of a fourth woman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes.

Heuermann, who worked as an architect in Manhattan, has denied the charges through his lawyer.

The killings, all of which involved women engaged in sex work, happened while Heuermanns family members were out of town, according to court papers. There is no indication his wife or children had knowledge of the crimes, Tierney said.

During the search, police used a scanning technology to identify disturbances in the ground outside Heuermanns property, Tierney said. An excavator dug up the yard, and investigators with shovels could be seen scraping through freshly upturned earth.

There was nothing of note taken from the back yard, he said. As far as remains, there is a whole entire trace analysis we have to go through with the house with regard to hair fibers, DNA, blood, which well have to await the results of.

Police were also seen pulling from the house a large doll encased in glass and a portrait of a woman with a bruise on her face. Tierney said it would be quite some time before all of the evidence could be tested for forensics.

The end of the search comes as police in Las Vegas and South Carolina are beginning their own investigations into whether the suspect may have been connected to any unresolved cases. Heuermann owns a timeshare in Las Vegas and planned to retire in a remote area of South Carolina, where his brother currently lives.

Tierney declined to discuss specifics in the other cases on Tuesday, but noted the investigation is not limited to New York state.

Heuermann is due back in court on August 1st.

By JAKE OFFENHARTZ

Associated Press
I only met this patient once in a video call. But the situation was so dismal, I would like to talk about it even though I only had very limited information.

The patient was a 46-year-old woman. She had two failed marriages, which left her two kids, one 22-year-old daughter and one 12-year-old son, and her daughter was with her in this video call. She might have a part-time job, but I was not clear about how she made a living for her and her family.

She claimed that there was a certain male who cared about her very much for a long time. She first began to sense the existence of this man about 6 years ago when she was still in her second marriage. Because this man did not want to break her marriage, he never presented himself, but she knew that he would always protect her and help her.

After her second divorce, she saw the face of this man from time to time in magazines or on TV. She believed that this man loved her and wanted to marry her. About two weeks ago, she heard this man calling her in her neighbors house. So without talking to her neighbor or getting their permission, she just broke into her neighbors house, which led her to be sent to ER. Afterwards, she saw a psychiatrist and began to take psychological medicine under the supervision of her daughter. And this video call was a follow-up.

At the beginning of this video call, the patient was calm and polite. She spoke softly, slowly and smiled regularly, so I did not notice that she was abnormal. Later, when she began to talk about this man who loved her so much, it was very obvious that she had a delusion and hallucination. The nurse practitioner who talked to her in this video call kept reminding her that the man was not real and only her delusion, and she should keep taking her medicines which would make her better. However, the patient insisted that she was 100 percent sure about the existence of this man. In addition, she could clearly see the face of this man earlier this week. Apparently, she had never clearly seen the face of this guy because he always had a mask on his face. Therefore, she was more assured than ever about this guy, and even if everyone in the world told her that she was crazy and he was only her imagination, she still believed in him.

Then she told her daughter that although she knew her daughter cared about her and wanted the best for her, she was fine because of this man. She did not want to keep taking her medication, because she already got this mans help and support. As long as she had this guy, she had everything she needed in this world.

With the proceeds of this conversation, her daughter became more and more upset. Later, the daughter began to argue with the patient, and recalled the distress, agony and desperation she caused to her family, especially to her. It seemed that the patient accused the daughter of having sex with her step-father, and colluding with her aunt against the patient before. The daughter said that she knew that her mother was not serious about these allegations, and she only said them because she was sick, it was still very hurtful to her. The daughter begged her mother to take the medicine and get better, but the patient still claimed that she did not conjure this man, and she was fine because she had the love and support from this man. At the end, the daughter wept, but the woman still did not want to take the medication.

Finally, since the patient refused to take the medication, the nurse practitioner said there was nothing they could do at the present time. Nevertheless, she urged the patient to think more about her children and reconsider her position. It was so unfair to put all this stress of taking care of a mentally ill mother and a young brother on the daughter, who was only 22-year-old. The daughter was so young, and she should have a wonderful life ahead of her just like her contemporaries. But her chance of a happy life was ruined by the mental disease of the patient, and how could a mother do such cruel things to her children if she could alleviate the situation. The nurse practitioner also reminded the daughter that if she sensed the patient had any intention to harm herself or other persons, she should call 911, and ask the authority to forcefully treat her mother.

It was such a dismal situation. This middle-aged woman craved affection, protection and support from a male so much, she made up a person. Mental illness hurts the patient as well as the loved ones of the patient so much. I was very sorry for her daughter. She had such a heavy burden of taking care of a sick mother and young brother. I hope this patient could take her medication and have her disease under control.
















President Emmerson Mnangagwa has conferred national heros status on late iconic evangelist and Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA) church founder Archbishop Ezekiel Guti.

The once prominent evangelist, educationist and author died aged 100 on 5 July 2023.

Guti probably becomes the first ever Zimbabwean preacher to be granted the highest honour of the land purely on the basis of his works as a man of the cloth.

National heros status has traditionally been the preserve of politicians who were outstanding in contributing towards the countrys liberation war back in the 1960s and 70s.

While Mnangagwa also responded to a groundswell of public sentiment for him to honour Guti, the opportunity would however not have come at a more convenient time for the Zimbabwe incumbent who is keen to charm leaders of giant denominations in the country with hopes to draw support for his re-election bid in elections due 23 August this year.

Guti celebrated his centenary birthday on May 5 last month, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa in attendance.

His ZAOGA church, also known as the Forward in Faith Ministries International, remains one of the biggest in Zimbabwe with branches around the world.

In 2012, he established the Ezekiel Guti University in Bindura, reportedly at a cost of US$100 million. He and his wife, Eunor Guti, were the joint chancellors.

Twice married, Ezekiel Guti had seven children with Eunor  daughters Sarah Rusere, La-Verne Simukai, Fiona Arthurs, Dorcas Jaricha, Gracious Chikore and Ethanim Nyajeka.

Their only son, Ezekiel Junior, who had a speech impairment and physical disabilities, died in a drowning incident in 2017.

Guti is credited as the author of over a dozen Christian books and oversaw the construction of the Mbuya Dorcas Hospital in Harare, which opened its doors in 2012.

 ZimLive

Breaking News via Email
Vice President Chiwenga Warns of Stern Action Against Election Violence

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has warned that the government will take stern action against perpetrators of political violence in the run up to and aftermath of the August 23 elections.

Addressing Zanu PF supporters in Harare South, Chiwenga stressed the need for peace, unity and tolerance among Zimbabweans. He said violence has no place and those indulging in it will face the full force of the law.

Those bent on violence, you will get your VIP ticket to Chikurubi. We are not going to be merciful, Chiwenga said. He urged Zimbabweans to build a country that others will envy, based on love, peace and unity.

Chiwenga highlighted achievements of the government under President Mnangagwas leadership over the past five years, including an end to load shedding, stabilization of prices, and construction of new dams and power projects.

He said the commissioning of Hwange Power Station units 7 and 8 will mean Zimbabwe will no longer have to import electricity, ensuring a reliable power supply for citizens and businesses.

Vice President Chiwengas message was clear  Zimbabweans must shun violence during the election period and maintain peace and unity to move the country forward.

Breaking News via Email
Dear patient readers,

Your humble blogger has landed but is still very much underwater due to various tasks that would have been better sorted before I leftbut oh well. And my supposedly international T-Mobile #, which I need for 2 factor verification, is NOT working here (no signal! and yes the phone gets signal with other SIMs). 10 calls to T-Mobile have resulted in lots of customer service rep shows of empathy and no solution. So the really weird short version is Im really not able to start integrating here yet.I dont yet have the bandwidth to look at apartments or go to expat meetings. :-( The T-Mobile time sink alone is eating ~ an hour a day.

One way readers might help on another front: It would be useful to get my other US # back in action via Vonage, but I need to convert WiFi to ethernet to do that. I had thought I could do that with a WiFi extender (many have ethernet ports) but they all seem to presuppose home router login (as in a single password) but hotels like mine serve up a panel in a browser window where you enter info in two fields, a user ID of some sort and then a password. And I expect to be in this hotel for a while, so I would like to solve this problem if at all possible. If anyone has dealt successfully with this issue and can recommend a device, please pipe up in comments!

* * *

The songs of the wolves aeon (Dr. Kevin)

In case you missed it (guurst recommends full screen):

Huge crater collapse at the Volcano in Iceland  July 19 https://t.co/bHv5zNBElv pic.twitter.com/XLzJyuZ5eB  Levandov (@Levandov_1) July 19, 2023

Dont be a robot! Think for yourself! Critic Magazine (Anthony L)

#COVID-19

Climate/Environment

China?

Can Washington discourage South Korea from wanting its own nukes? Responsible Statecraft

Why Is America Undercutting Japan? Project Syndicate

Old Blighty

New Not-So-Cold War

Syraqistan

Big Brother is Watching You Watch

Google Reportedly Disconnecting Employees from the Internet Bruce Schneier

Imperial Collapse Watch

THE EXCEPTIONAL & INDISPENSABLE NATION: PRIDE GOETH BEFORE THE FALL Between Two Worlds (Anthony L)

Trump

Biden

GOP Clown Car

Supremes

Alabama defies Supreme Court order for additional majority-Black district The Week (UserFriendly)

Justice Department sues Texas over floating barrier in Rio Grande River The Hill

Former Anti-Abortion Leader Arrested on Child Sex Abuse Charges Rolling Stone (furzy)

Police State Watch

Just skip down to the slide from the DHS: The Department of Homeland security is officially out of their fucking mind. Check out the reasons theyre labeling Americans as right wing extremists now:  Combat veterans who are quote unquote disgruntled about the takeover of their country. (Well, at least theyre pic.twitter.com/G2DhofYWZG  Mindy Robinson  (@iheartmindy) July 23, 2023

Sugar Shortage Threatens Candy Production Ahead of Halloween, Holiday Seasons Wall Street Journal (Dr. Kevin). The cost of buying American.

AI

UBS agrees to pay $388 million over Credit Suisses Archegos failings Reuters (Kevin W)

Noose Tightens on Consumer Credit, Auto Loan Rejections Hit Record High Michael Shedlock

The Bezzle

Class Warfare

Antidote du jour. Ann M:

The graylag goose family in Roger Williams Park. Two parents, 3 grown siblings from a couple years ago- cant tell them apart- and 6 new members of the family. According to ebird, they are exotic escapees.

And a bonus. guurst recommends sound off:

Momma Bear and her Cub pic.twitter.com/sYJdqkcGTy  Levandov (@Levandov_1) July 12, 2023

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
Former President Barack Obama's personal chef was found dead after he drowned in a pond near the Obamas' vacation home in Martha's Vineyard. A search team began looking for 45-year-old Tafari Campbell yesterday after he went out paddle-boarding and never returned, but only found his body today.

Campbell, who was not only an employee but a dear friend to the Obamas, was married with twin boys.

"Tafari was a beloved part of our family. When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House  creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together," Barack and Michelle Obama said in a statement, via ABC News. "In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter."

"He's been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that he's gone. Today we join everyone who knew and loved Tafari  especially his wife Sherise and their twin boys, Xavier and Savin  in grieving the loss of a truly wonderful man."

From ABC News:
Dangerous Biden rule would outlaw nearly every gas-powered generator as well as gas stoves

It's blatantly obvious that the psychopaths running Joe Biden's administration are preparing to send Americans back into the 1800s while they continue to live a life of luxury and privilege as they rule over the masses.

Earlier this year, the Biden regime stunned millions of Americans when the EPA issued a notice that it was planning to adopt a new rule phasing out all natural-gas-powered stoves, all under the phony guise of "climate change" and false statements about how gas stoves 'negatively impact health,' even though Americans have been using them safely for nearly a century.

Now we learn that the same rule will also bar most gas-powered generators -- just as the regime is forcing everyone into electric vehicles even though they know that the U.S. power grid, as is, cannot handle the current load plus tens of millions of EVs.

A proposed rule by the Consumer Product Safety Commission aims to restrict the amount of carbon monoxide emitted by-products, the Washington Free Beacon reported this week. However, the commission acknowledges that 95 percent of the portable gas generators currently available on the market will be unable to meet the new standard.

Industry leaders argue that the rule will lead to a significant shortage of generators, as manufacturers have only six months to develop generators that comply with the proposed regulation, a process that typically takes years. Susan Orenga, the executive director of the Portable Generator Manufacturers' Association, conveyed this concern to the outlet.

The proposed rule comes shortly after Commissioner Richard Trumka Jr., backed by Biden, hinted at a similar regulatory ban on gas stoves, which he referred to as a "hidden hazard."

This rule also emerges at a time when many Americans are confronting a higher likelihood of power outages due to the growing dependence on green energy for electricity production, the Free Beacon added. According to a leading grid watchdog's findings in May, a staggering two-thirds of North America faces an "elevated risk" of power blackouts this summer, a situation influenced by the increasing use of green power generation and the reduction of fossil fuel power plants.

As an illustration of this vulnerability, California experienced power outages during the summer of 2022 as electricity demand surged.

Portable gas generators serve as valuable solutions for households during power outages, with almost five million households relying on them for backup power. But, if the Biden administration proceeds with finalizing its proposed rule, acquiring these generators could become a challenge.

The commission's rule includes a prohibition on manufacturers from stockpiling non-compliant generators before the rule takes effect, potentially leading to shortages in the market.

In addition to the CPSC's rule on generators, Biden's Energy Department has introduced a series of environmental regulations aimed at combating climate change. Among these regulations, the department's proposed gas stove rule could potentially result in the banning of half of all stove models currently available on the U.S. market.

Furthermore, the department has put forth or implemented energy efficiency rules that specifically target washing machines, refrigerators, and lightbulbs. These measures reflect the administration's commitment to 'promoting more sustainable practices and reducing the environmental impact' of everyday household appliances, the Free Beacon noted.

"Collectively," the department claimed in February, "these energy actions  support President Biden's ambitious clean energy agenda to combat the climate crisis."

"Many portable generator manufacturers already impose voluntary standards to keep consumers safe from carbon monoxide emissions," the outlet reported. "The Portable Generator Manufacturers' Association standard requires a generator to automatically shut off when carbon monoxide concentrations hit certain levels. It also imposes product warning labels and durability requirements for the shutoff systems.

"Still, the Biden administration is looking to adopt more stringent carbon monoxide emission caps from Underwriters Laboratories, an international product safety company," the report added.

Nobody elected Biden to take away their gas stoves and generators, let alone their gas-powered cars. This left-wing authoritarian nightmare of an administration must be stopped.

Sources include:

FreeBeacon.com

NaturalNews.com
National Crime Agency: Car hacking tech linked to sudden increase in vehicle thefts in the UK

According to the National Crime Agency (NCA), organized crime gangs are buying car hacking technology online . This technology is linked to an almost 20 percent increase in vehicle thefts.

More criminals are using devices that allow them to hack into and drive off with high-end cars, all without having to steal car keys, revealed the NCA's annual national threat assessment report.

Car hacking tech can bypass keyless fobs

"Electronic compromise" thefts are bypassing keyless fobs, which have been the subject of increased security by car manufacturers after they were targeted by thieves in the last few years.

Criminals are now equipping themselves with devices that can hack into the controller area networks of cars, which then unlocks their target vehicles. Car hacking tech can be bought for 2,500 ($3,214) online or on Telegram, the encrypted messaging service.

The NCA said criminals are using continuously evolving methods of theft and that offenders are using new technology "to facilitate thefts such as electronic compromise thefts often committed by organized crime groups."

Experts think the devices have contributed to the 110,739 vehicle thefts reported in 2022, a 19 percent increase from the 93,006 cases reported in 2021.

The NCA also warned that it was getting harder to recover stolen cars because criminals use "chop shops" to butcher them for parts for other vehicles. Others even try to ship the vehicles abroad.

"The high levels of organization make it difficult for law enforcement to recover vehicles with criminals using further methods such as tampering with vehicle information to avoid detection," added the NCA.

Graeme Biggar, head of the NCA, cautioned that the rising cost of daily life is threatening to cause a surge in "high harm" car thefts, robberies and burglaries, as gangs are trying to make more money by committing more crimes.

According to Biggar, criminals have already exploited the cost of living crisis to put more people at risk of crime. He also warned that there is a greater risk that all areas of organized acquisitive crime will increase within the next few years.

Follow the tips below to prevent car theft:

Lock your car doors and windows before leaving.

Secure your car keys and never leave them in your car.

Always park in secure areas.

Do not leave valuables in your car, especially if they can be seen from the windows.

Activate your car alarm and use safety devices.

Cocaine use has also spiked in urban areas

Citizens also have more to worry about aside from car theft.

Biggar said that cocaine use has increased by a quarter in large urban areas after only a year amid low costs and high supply. Surprisingly, the trend was revealed by tests of sewage water in big urban areas like London, which Biggar said was a more efficient way of assessing the quantity of drugs being consumed than other methods they have used before.

In the past, Biggar explained that officials relied on the quantity of drug seizures and other police data.

The move emulates the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), which produces an annual report on drug consumption based on analysis of the metabolized products from drugs, including cocaine.

The surge in use came as cocaine prices decreased by about 30 percent in 2022 in the United Kingdom. The NCA also reported that global production rose by 13 percent to an estimated 2,132 tonnes in 2021.

The NCA estimated that Britons consumed around 120 tonnes of cocaine and 40 tonnes of heroin in 2022.

Hostile states backing organized crime gangs

Biggar noted that hostile states are exploiting crime gangs to target individuals and dissidents in the U.K. and that their actions include "threats to life." (Related: Car theft has been effectively decriminalized in London as less than 1% of London car thieves face any legal repercussions.)

These hostile states include Russia, which has long tolerated and occasionally used the cybercrime groups on its territory. Biggar also named countries like China, Iran and North Korea as examples of hostile states.

Biggar noted that in recent years, hostile states have started using organized crime groups, although not always of the same nationality, as proxies. This development is being closely monitored by the NCA and their colleagues in MI5 and CT (counter-terrorism) policing. He added that it has become more difficult for states to use their own agents in the U.K., following the tragic poisoning of double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury five years ago.

According to Biggar, the biggest group of offenders in the U.K. are those who pose a sexual threat to children. Between 680,000 and 830,000 individuals fit this category, which is alarming because the figure is at least ten times the prison population.

Biggar cautioned that the availability of abuse images online has a radicalizing effect and normalizes pedophiles behavior. Viewing these images, whether real or AI-generated, increases the risk of someone attempting to abuse a child themselves.

There are an estimated 59,000 people involved in serious organized crime in the U.K., with around 12 billion ($15 billion) generated by criminal activities annually. At least 100 billion ($128 billion) of dirty cash from around the world is laundered through the country.

Visit Collapse.news for more stories about the rising crime rates in the U.S and other countries.

Watch the video below to learn the truth about electric vehicles.

This video is from The Freedom Ring channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Big-box stores closing down due to rising RETAIL THEFT.

Self-driving vehicle legislation held up by the question of who to blame in a crash.

Electric cars lose value TWICE as fast as gas vehicles, study finds.

Sources include:

News.Yahoo.com

CNET.com

Brighteon.com
Companies are reviving abandoned oil wells in Arkansas to mine lithium

Companies like Exxon Mobil are trying to bring back to life the abandoned oil wells in Magnolia, Arkansas.

Just recently, Magnolia Mayor Parnell Vann inspected three of these wells. He noted the squat blue spire of valves, bolts and pressure gauges attached to one of the wells  a telltale sign that someone is trying to revive it.

But companies in the area are no longer looking for oil. They are instead searching for lithium, a metal that is increasingly prized around the world as an essential ingredient in batteries of electric vehicles (EVs).

Exxon, a new player in the hunt for U.S. lithium, is planning to build one of the world's largest lithium processing facilities not far from Magnolia. It will have a capacity to produce 75,000 to 100,000 metric tons of lithium a year, according to people familiar with the plan.

One analyst noted that it would equate to about 15 percent of all finished lithium produced globally last year.

In May, the Wall Street Journal reported that Exxon purchased 120,000 gross acres in the area for over $100 million. A consultant for the seller had estimated the prospect could have the equivalent of four million tons of lithium carbonate equivalent  enough to power 50 million EVs.

To push the project forward, Exxon will have to profitably scale up the technology used to siphon lithium from brine. The attraction is known as the Smackover formation, a geologic trend that runs from Texas to Florida and is rich with saltwater brine. That brine also contains small amounts of lithium, and the companies are hoping to scale up technologies to extract it.

Tetra Technologies is another company planning to extract the chemical bromine from brine in the region. It is studying the feasibility of building a plant that would add thousands of tons of lithium extraction capacity, and recently drilled its second test well near Magnolia.

Vancouver-based Standard Lithium, backed by Koch Industries, is studying the feasibility of building the first commercial U.S. lithium extraction facility, with a capacity of 6,000 metric tons a year. It wants to begin construction in early 2024.

It has also proposed building a 30,000-ton plant just west of Magnolia, where the concentration of lithium is about twice as high as its current location. Construction could potentially begin in the next few years.

Put together, these projects would require around 6,000 jobs and north of 1,600 trucks by 2028. An influx of workers and trucks could give Magnolia and nearby counties an economic shot in the arm after years of decline.

But the prospect is also concerning.

Processes required to extract lithium are highly toxic

Vann said the town of 12,000 is facing a shortage of new houses, and many of the region's limited roads, water and sewage systems are unprepared. "No one is listening right now," he said. "But when it blows up, it's going to be too late."

The processes required to extract lithium are highly toxic. The issue rarely gets attention because devices that use batteries do not emit visible pollution during use. (Related: Lithium production setback will hinder EV growth; locals revolt over lithium mining impacts on water supplies.)

In May 2016, dead fish were found in the waters of the Liqi River, where a toxic chemical leaked from the Ganzizhou Rongda Lithium mine. Cow and yak carcasses were also found floating downstream, dead from drinking contaminated water.

The mining and processing of just one ton of lithium consumes an astounding eight million liters, or 500,000 gallons, of water.

In order to extract lithium, miners have to drill holes in salt flats, oftentimes in otherwise pristine areas of the world that are rich in minerals. The holes dug by miners pump out salty, mineral-rich brine that then undergoes all sorts of processing. Again, large amounts of water is necessary to do this.

The removal of all this water ends up destroying water tables needed for drinking water and irrigation.

Visit GreenTyranny.news for more stories about lithium.

Watch this video showing lithium batteries spontaneously combusting indoors.

This video is from the TestimonyOfTheTwoWitnesses.com channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Lithium batteries used in EVs and other "green" technology are anything but clean.

Lithium supply not large enough to not meet ambitious global EV deadlines, mining CEO warns.

LITHIUM mining for electric vehicles is incredibly destructive to the environment and about as far from "green" as you can imagine.

Sources include:

WSJ.com

InstituteForEnergyResearch.org

Brighteon.com
Congress launches probe of virologist who may have misled lawmakers, intelligence community on COVID lab leak

A virologist currently being investigated by Congress for providing false information regarding the possibility of a laboratory origin of SARS-CoV-2 may have also provided misleading details to the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC).

According to a newly obtained email by U.S. Right to Know, Kristian Andersen, Ph.D., a virologist at the Scripps Institute, provided assurances to officials from various government agencies during a briefing organized by the U.S. Department of State's intelligence analysts in early 2020. In the briefing, Andersen claimed that SARS-CoV-2 had a natural origin.

Since January 2020, Andersen has played a prominent role in discrediting the concept of a laboratory origin for SARS-CoV-2 by labeling it as a conspiracy theory. The briefing, which Andersen participated in, relied on the conclusions presented in a significant letter titled "The proximal origin of SARS-CoV-2" published in Nature Medicine, where Andersen served as the lead author.

The letter had a substantial influence on both the scientific community and the general media, the outlet reported.

U.S. Right to Know added:

It spurred hundreds of headlines declaring the idea of an artificial virus emerging from the lab complex in Wuhan implausible, even a conspiracy theory.

The revelation that Andersen advised the intelligence community at a critical moment on the origins of COVID-19 comes on the heels of an Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) summary of certain intelligence related to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, a coronavirus lab at the pandemics epicenter.

In 2021, Andersen faced public backlash after leaked emails revealed his private expressions of concern regarding a segment of the SARS-CoV-2 genome that appeared potentially engineered. The emails also exposed an emergency confidential call involving Andersen, fellow virologists, and leaders of the National Institutes of Health, who publicly dismissed the possibility of a lab leak hypothesis despite their involvement in funding advanced coronavirus research in Wuhan.

Shortly after that, Andersen actively advocated against the notion that the virus was engineered, referring to it as a "crackpot" idea, during discussions with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, as well as with the White House.

Following these discussions, the White House swiftly concluded a brief initiative to outline the essential data required for investigating the origins of the virus, the report continued.

These revelations have raised concerns that the aforementioned letter was an attempt to suppress dialogue surrounding a scientific hypothesis that carries significant implications: the possibility that the ongoing pandemic originated from a laboratory incident.

The controversy surrounding this topic has been brewing for several years and will reach a climax with a hearing scheduled before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, where Andersen is anticipated to testify.

Andersen plans to tell the committee that his change in position was not based on a single piece of evidence, but a combination of many factors, including additional data, analyses, learning more about coronaviruses, and discussions with colleagues and collaborators, according to his prepared testimony.

"Now, new evidence indicates Andersen may have similarly briefed intelligence analysts and influenced the State Department," U.S. Right to Know reported. "In an 'analytic exchange' organized by the State Departments Intelligence and Research Bureau (INR), officials across U.S. agencies were briefed on the 'proximal origin' letter."

According to some participants, the confidential call was seen as an expensive distraction from a credible hypothesis, especially considering the pressing need for accurate data and the availability of fresh evidence regarding the origins of the virus.

Officials and experts who could have helped equip their colleagues and the public understand a novel and grave situation  instead overwhelmingly deflected, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David Feith said in testimony to Congress earlier this year.

Feith mentioned that the experts emphasized the strong biosafety protocols implemented in Wuhan's laboratories. However, evidence that has emerged in subsequent years has undermined the validity of that assertion.

Sources include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

Oversight.House.gov
Japanese police to test AI-enhanced surveillance systems to better protect VIPs after Abe assassination, Kishida bomb attack

The National Police Agency of Japan (NPA) will begin testing artificial intelligence-enhanced security cameras with the goal of bolstering security measures surrounding high-profile public figures

This comes at a time when Japanese politicians, especially prime ministers, are perceived to be at their most vulnerable. Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated a year ago, and current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida just three months ago was targeted by a man who threw a pipe bomb at him during a speech. Kishida could have come to serious harm if the assailant was able to throw a second pipe bomb before security forces tackled him.

The NPA claims that if its AI tech is successfully tested, it could lead to the detection of suspicious activity and supplement existing security measures. The agency plans to begin testing the AI-enhanced security cameras sometime before the end of the current fiscal year in March 2024. (Related: Public housing facilities are being equipped with surveillance systems despite little evidence that they make communities safer.)

The NPA's decision to test out AI on its security camera systems comes at a time when the use of AI in policing is rising rapidly. The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in 2019 found that at least 52 countries were already using AI in their law enforcement, including AI-enhanced surveillance systems in Europe, Asia and the United States.

NPA wants AI-equipped cameras to detect "unusual behaviors"

AI-equipped cameras are able to gather a large amount of information that the human eye is likely unable to process in a short period of time. The AI-equipped cameras that the NPA wants to test will have facial recognition and "behavior detection" features. Although the agency did claim that it will consider only using the technology's ability to detect a person's movement and behavior.

In behavior detection, AI systems learn to detect what it believes to be "unusual movements," such as repeatedly looking around, by observing the patterns of suspicious individuals. The NPA claims this will be important for detecting supposedly suspicious behavior in crowds, which can be very difficult to do with the human eye. The agency also believes such a system could make it better able to eliminate security risks.

The NPA has promised to examine the accuracy of such detection in the testing process and carefully consider the possibility of widescale implementation of the system.

The NPA is desperate to test out the new system amid the increase in attacks by single individuals, known in Japanese media as "lone offenders." Such lone offenders were responsible for the assassination of Abe and the attack against Kishida. Security and intelligence agencies had no prior warning for either attack.

"AI cameras  and behavior detection technology is being studied by Japanese companies," said Isao Itabashi, an expert on counterterrorism measures and the chief analyst for the Tokyo-based think tank the Council for Public Policy. "It will also help to deploy police officers more efficiently, as they will have more means for vigilance."

Learn more about the use of AI in surveillance systems at Surveillance.news.

Watch this news clip showing how the attacker against Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida got very close to assassinating him.

This video is from the Apex Mentality channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Google Cloud launches AI-powered anti-money laundering tool for banks, paving the way for Orwellian financial surveillance.

Report: US military's latest surveillance strategy involves TRACKING and LOCATING private citizens who express contrary opinions.

Nearly one-third of Gen Z Americans DO NOT value privacy, support having government surveillance cameras in every household.

AI spy program launched to monitor global bank transactions for "money laundering," but people know it's just an EXCUSE to surveil their private accounts.

Dallas school district installs AI spying, surveillance systems to keep an eye on students.

Sources include:

ReclaimTheNet.org

Asia.Nikkei.com

JapanTimes.co.jp

Brighteon.com
Mexican authorities discover 206 DRUGGED MIGRANTS inside locked trailer

Authorities in Mexico found more than 200 drugged migrants from Central America inside a locked cargo trailer.

An InfoWars report said the shocking discovery was made on the evening of July 15 in the city of Cardel, located in the eastern Mexican state of Veracruz. Officials who inspected the abandoned cargo trailer found 206 foreign nationals suffering from dehydration and heat exhaustion, according to the Mexican National Institute for Migration (INM).

When asked, the migrants said they had been given drugs to inhibit their need to go to the bathroom before the journey. The trailer they were locked in had been modified to accommodate a "second story" inside. Its interior had also been lined with materials designed to thwart X-ray detection.

INM said in a press release that 132 migrants from Guatemala divided into families of three members each were found inside the trailer. There were also 12 migrants from Honduras divided into families of three members each inside the trailer, "for a total of 144 Central Americans."

Aside from the 48 three-member migrant families locked in the trailer, there were some individual migrants identified.

"Thirty-nine adults traveling alone were identified including four women and 35 men, as well as 20 minors  15 boys and five girls  [all] of Guatemalan nationality. [There were also] three adults from Honduras, for a total of 62 [individual] foreigners."

The INM added that the driver of the cargo trailer was not located. The attorney general for the state of Veracuz subsequently assumed control of the abandoned vehicle.

Days before the abandoned trailer was found in Cardel, 303 migrants were apprehended in Mexico under similar circumstances during two separate incidents. InfoWars mentioned: "Authorities in Mexico and the U.S. frequently find trailers packed with migrants, some of whom don't survive the previous journey."

50+ migrants earlier died of heat exhaustion in abandoned trailer

The July 15 incident oddly mirrors an incident that happened in late June 2022, where dozens of migrants were found dead while inside a tractor-trailer abandoned in Texas.

The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that 48 people died at the scene on June 27. Five others who were taken to different hospitals were later pronounced dead. This raised the total deaths to 53, a county spokesperson said. Forty of the deceased migrants were male, while the remaining 13 were female.

INM Director Francisco Garduno said at the time that the truck, abandoned in San Antonio, had been carrying 67 migrants from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. Several others who were in the truck remained in medical facilities while being treated for heat-related illnesses.

First responders who arrived at the scene said the abandoned migrants were "hot to the touch" and were "too weak" to move on their own. It remained unclear how long the immigrants were kept inside the trailer, which had no air conditioning or water available inside.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador denounced the open-border policies espoused by the Biden administration, which he believes played a big role in the deaths of the migrants. (Related: Mexican president slams Biden border policies after more than 50 illegals die in Texas.)

"It happens because there is trafficking of people and a lack of control, in this case [not only] at the Mexico-U.S. border, but also in the U.S. interior," he said. Lopez Obrador added that "poverty and desperation" prevalent among the Central American migrants  including some from his country  contributed to the unfortunate incident.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott likewise blasted the Biden administration over the deaths of the migrants. He remarked during a press conference: "Because of the way that the Biden administration is not enforcing immigration laws, it's attracting people and enticing people to make this very dangerous trek and lose their lives."

Visit Migrants.news for more stories about tragic attempts of migrants to enter the United States.

Watch Next News Network's Gary Franchi discussing the crisis at the southern border.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

51 Migrants died in sweltering tractor-trailer in San Antonio; TX governor blames Biden.

Caravan of MIGRANTS march toward the southern border after banding together in Mexico.

TREASON: Biden regime coordinating with Mexican government to secretly facilitate mass illegal migrant INVASION.

Sources include:

InfoWars.com

KSAT.com

Chron.com

Brighteon.com
Online Chinese pharmacies are turning the US into Zombieland by selling flesh-rotting drug for $1 a kilo

China is turning the U.S. into "Zombieland."

The flesh-rotting drug Xylazine being mass-produced in China and is now flooding America's illicit drug supply. The drug is available on online Chinese pharmacies for just $1 a kilo.

Xylazine is cheap animal tranquilizer. More popularly known on the street as "tranq," it has been dubbed a "zombie drug" due to the hunched-over, lifeless state it leaves users in and the fact that it causes users' bodies to erupt in gaping wounds.

It is mainly being mixed with fentanyl to create a fatal cocktail, which the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has described as "the deadliest threat our country has ever faced."

The DEA is concerned mainly because Xylazine is unbelievably cheap and because it is highly addictive.

But xylazine has an even more sinister side. It causes a host of horrific side effects, including rotting skin and a zombified stupor dubbed the "dope lean." And there is no antidote for overdoses, meaning taking too much xylazine can be a death sentence.

Xylazine was developed in the 1960s to help vets treating cows, horses, sheep and other large to medium animals.

Drug dealers in Puerto Rico began using it as a cutting agent in the early 2000s to make their supply of more expensive drugs like heroin and cocaine last longer. A kilogram of xylazine can be 15 times cheaper than fentanyl and 16 times cheaper than cocaine.

Xylazine has a longer duration than drugs like fentanyl, which gives the impression of a longer-lasting "high" in users. It also boosts the intensity of the euphoria experienced with other drugs.

Experts estimate that at one point, xylazine was present in 80 percent of Puerto Rico's supply of those substances. However, within a decade, users became dependent on xylazine by itself.

The illicit tranq made its first appearance in the U.S. in 2006. Because Xylazine is easy to make, it is being produced at industrial levels in Chinese labs.

Zombie drug found in 48 states, says DEA

Despite recent congressional pushes to make xylazine a controlled substance, which would criminalize its use, the drug is still widely available online -- making it easier to flood into the east coast of America undetected.

A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that monthly overdose deaths involving xylazine rose from 12 in January 2019 to 188 in June 2022. It also found monthly fentanyl overdoses involving xylazine rose by 276 percent in just over three years.

But these figures only looked at 20 states and the District of Columbia.

The DEA reported in March that illicit xylazine has been found in 48 out of 50 states. In 2020, there were 808 drug overdoses reported in which xylazine played a role. That figure rose to 3,089 in 2021. (Related: Flesh-eating "zombie drug" tranq now FLOODING the streets of Los Angeles.)

The greatest increase in xylazine spread between 2020 and 2021 was in the south, with a 193 percent jump. The amount increased by 112 percent in the West, 61 percent in the Northeast, and just seven percent in the Midwest.

According to a 2022 study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, xylazine was present in nearly 26 percent of overdose deaths in Philadelphia, 19 percent in Maryland and 10 percent in Connecticut. It's also been found in 90 percent of Philadelphia's heroin supply.

Between 2020 and 2021, xylazine-related overdose deaths exploded by 1,127 percent in the south, going from 116 fatalities to nearly 1,500. These deaths increased by 750 percent in the west, 516 percent in the Midwest, and 103 percent in the northeast.

Read more stories about dangerous and highly addictive drugs at Addiction.news.

Watch this video about the rise of zombie drug tranq in American cities.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Philadelphias "Zombieland" Kensington neighborhood continues to suffer from spread of "tranq" drug.

Skin-rotting animal tranquilizer drug known as "tranq" spreads all over US.

Los Angeles having problems tracking "zombie drug" xylazine because it is technically LEGAL there.

"Zombie drug" made from fentanyl and xylazine now hitting American cities, warns DEA.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

ZeroHedge.com

Brighteon.com
The establishments Paxton impeachment sham undermines the will of Texas voters

Texas politics have long been rancorous, unscrupulous , and, in recent years, marred by bitter lawfare  weaponizing the legal system to circumvent election results.

(Article by Mark Puliam republished from TheFederalist.com)

Consider LBJs theft of the 1948 Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, which his Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer, Robert Caro, confirmed was due to ballot box stuffing in south Texas corrupt Jim Wells County. Other examples abound. More recently, Democratic prosecutors in Austin, the seat of ultra-liberal Travis County, have filed baseless criminal charges against a series of Republican elected officials, including then-state Treasurer (and later U.S. Sen.) Kay Bailey Hutchison, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, and even sitting Gov. Rick Perry.

Not all of the attempts to kneecap political opponents involve Democrats attacking Republicans. Some of the nastiest donnybrooks were initiated by establishment or moderate Republicans against conservatives. The vindictive  and unsuccessful  impeachment proceedings brought against reform-minded University of Texas Regent Wallace Hall (who was appointed by Perry) in retaliation for his exposure of an influence-peddling scheme at crony-ridden UT is one example. Another is the ongoing campaign to remove from office conservative Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, whom Texas voters overwhelmingly elected in 2014, and enthusiastically reelected in 2018 and 2022.

Paxtons real crime is that he threw his hat into the GOP primary for the AG race in 2014 after the anointed establishment candidate, moderate Dan Branch, thought he had the Republican field to himself. In Texas, the AG position has often been used as a stepping stone to higher office  a path previously trod by both Sen. John Cornyn and current Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. When Tea Party firebrand Paxton upset establishment-favorite Branch in the 2014 GOP primary  and went on to win in the lopsided general election, as all Republican candidates for statewide office in Texas have since 1996  the powerful establishment was furious. Branch had been endorsed by George W. Bush and other moderates. In Texas, as elsewhere, the moderate (or RINO) faction of the Republican Party loathes grassroots conservatives.

In retaliation for Paxtons temerity, Branchs establishment backers, who are supported by the states business community and control the Texas House of Representatives (where in 2010 then-House member Paxton unsuccessfully challenged establishment leader Joe Straus for speaker), unleashed a series of frivolous criminal charges against Paxton, which have been pending for eight years. Anti-Paxton forces orchestrated a flimsy fraud indictment from a paperwork violation unrelated to Paxtons work as a legislator. I have written about these bogus charges for City Journal and The American Spectator (in a four-part series), describing them as a witch hunt and a political vendetta.

The establishment fumed when Texas voters elected Paxton in 2014 despite extensive news coverage of the bogus fraud charges, and the consternation increased when he was reelected in 2018 and again in 2022 while the phony charges were still pending! Grassroots conservatives gave short shrift to the unproven allegations against Paxton, looking instead to his stellar record as Texas top prosecutor. Paxtons resounding GOP primary victory in 2022, against a crowded field that included George P. Bush (Jebs son and GWBs nephew) and heavily-bankrolled former Texas Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman, made the establishment apoplectic. In the primary runoff, Paxton beat Bush by more than a 2-to-1 margin. In the general election, Paxton outpolled his Democrat challenger 53.4 to 43.7 percent.

Read more at: TheFederalist.com
ABSURD: Scottish official admits almost 16M trees that capture carbon have been CHOPPED DOWN for WIND FARMS

An official in Scotland has admitted that almost 16 million trees growing on public land had been cut down to make way for wind energy farms.

Scotland's Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon, a member of the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP), made the admission. She estimated that 15.7 million trees had been cut down since 2000 on land currently managed by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS)  the equivalent of more than 1,700 trees being felled per day.

Gougeon, who serves as the Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Angus North and Mearns, disclosed the figures to North East Scotland MSP Liam Kerr in a July 13 letter. The letter stated that around 7,858 hectares of trees "have been felled in order to facilitate wind farm development." (Related: Scotland cuts down 14 MILLION trees to build new wind farms in latest greenwashing fiasco.)

The rural affairs secretary insisted that there was a planning presumption that favored the protection of Scottish woodlands, explaining that "removal should only be permitted where it would achieve significant and clearly defined additional public benefits."

Gougeon continued: "Where woodland is removed in association with development, developers will generally be expected to provide compensatory planting in order to avoid a net loss of woodland." She further explained that many of the felled trees will have been "replanted on-site" or replaced elsewhere. Moreover, the vast majority were part of a commercial crop that would have been chopped down anyway "at the end of their rotation."

In response, Kerr remarked that the public would be "astonished" at the figures. He said: "Most people will be astonished to see the number of trees cut down to make way for wind farms."

"I've been contacted many times by rural communities all over the country questioning the location of these developments, sharing legitimate concerns not just about the visual impact but also damage to wildlife and business. Now we learn theres significant damage when it comes to trees."

The North East Scotland MSP ultimately commented that ministers "must be alive" to the "significant costs" that could be incurred with the erection of wind farms.

Cutting down trees for wind farms is deeply ironic, says Tree for Life CEO

As of writing, Scotland already has turbines theoretically capable of generating 8.4 gigawatts (GW) of power. However, ministers from the ruling SNP want to add a further eight to 12 GW to this capacity.

Aside from erecting new turbines, the SNP also plans to replace existing turbines that may be coming to the end of their working life with even taller and larger versions  in a process called "repowering." Reports from early 2023 stated that some wind farm developers want to erect turbines up to 850 feet tall.

Meanwhile, FLS said it had planted more than 500 million trees since 2000. The quantity cut down for wind farms, it added, equated roughly to its annual harvesting program.

"Renewable energy generated from wind farms is a key element in Scotland's response to the climate emergency," said a spokesman for the agency, which is under Gougeon's purview. "The shift toward net zero and the infrastructure on land that we manage generates enough power for 600,000 homes."

"The volatile price of imported gas has left energy consumers suffering some of the highest prices in living memory, alongside a climate emergency which means cutting the amount of carbon we emit as quickly as possible," said Scottish Renewables Policy Director Morag Watson. "Building new wind farms, the cheapest form of power generation tackles both problems at once."

Climate alarmists claim that trees aid in "lowering carbon emissions." Yet they are more than willing to cut them down for occupying land supposedly for renewable energy sources that are ultimately unreliable.

"It seems deeply ironic that trees are being felled to make way for wind farms, when both healthy, growing forests and renewable energy are important," Steve Micklewright, CEO of the conservation charity Trees for Life, told the Herald.

"Not only are millions of [carbon-dioxide] absorbing trees being felled for turbines, hundreds of thousands of acres of ancient carbon-holding peat are being dug up too," commented activist Lyndsey Ward. "Many more trees will have been sacrificed and peat lost as remote wind factories are connected to a grid that cannot cope with them."

Head over to ClimateAlarmism.news for more similar stories.

Watch Harrison Smith of "The American Journal" explaining how Scotland cut down millions of trees in favor of wind energy farms.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Green fail: Many of Scotland's wind turbines are being powered by diesel fuel generators that are leaking hydraulic fluid.

Wind farms being built across Wyoming despite many risks to wildlife and ecological stability.

Wind farms pose health risks to local residents, but governments around the world don't care.

Sources include:

MSN.com

HeraldScotland.com

Brighteon.com
In the middle of all of the record-breaking heat in Phoenixwe've had 23 days straight of temperatures 110 degrees Fahrenheit or above, and six consecutive days of temperatures of 115 degrees or moremany children and youth across the Phoenix area went back to school last week, which just sounds awful to me. If folks don't have air conditioning in their homes, though, schools are a great refuge.

At Sanborn Elementary School in Chandler, Arizona last Thursday, librarian John Janezie was helping with after-school crosswalk duties, and discovered yet one more awful thing about this terrible heat: his shoes melted onto the sidewalk. KOLD explains:

Janezic was outside Thursday during the peak of the hot weather, guiding kids through the crosswalk. He was only out for 30 minutes when he decided to head inside and almost fell because his shoes suddenly felt different. "I was crossing the students, crossing the parents. And all of a sudden, when I was done, I turn around and I'm sweating, I'm tired, I want to come back to the library where it's nice and air-conditioned. As I'm walking back, I trip," Janezic said. Janezic said the soles of his shoes had melted off because of the hot pavement.

Shoes melting because of the heat is, obviously, merely a nuisance. Much more dire incidents are happening because of these heat wavespeople are being hospitalized and dying, which is absolutely unacceptable and highlights the drastic need to address these ongoing heat issues (that are just going to get worse). Ashley Ward, climate health scientist from Duke University explains some of the policies and technologies that can be implemented to address extreme heat:

"All evidence points to increasing global temperatures, so yes, what we're experiencing is likely our new normal. It probably will get worse. Given this, we need to adapt to this new reality by doing things like: increasing tree canopies in urban spaces; making changes to our building codes that require energy efficient buildings for this new normal, and the new normal that's projected over the 30- to 50-year timeframe; supporting policies that help people increase the energy efficiency in their homes; increasing our protections for occupational heat exposure. And it's not just outdoor  it's also manufacturing, which gets pretty hot inside; training for doctors, midwives and nurses about the increased risk from high heat for their pregnant patients."

Read more about how to address extreme heat here.
Startling video exposes how aggressive trans ideology has taken over American lives

Filmmaker and leading left ideology bender Christopher Rufo recently posted a biting Manhattan Institute-produced video that exposes the monied interests, activist intellectuals and influential child-mutilating doctors behind the aggressive trans revolution in America

The said short film titled "The Transgender Empire: How the trans movement conquered American life," published on Rufo's Substack page and on YouTube is divided into four sections. It tackles how the transgender movement has completely moved to conquer the lives of American people, be they transgender, non-binary or cisgender.

"Activist teachers have converted classrooms into propaganda. Influencers are driving billions of social media impressions. And doctors are cutting up kids in the name of gender-affirming care," the senior fellow at the American conservative think tank and one of the nation's leading authorities on gender ideology, its queer theory foundation and critical race theory (CRT) said.

"This is the great project of the transgender movement: to abolish the distinctions of man and woman, to transcend the limitations established by creation, to hitch the personal struggle of trans individuals to the political struggle of revolution," Rufo claimed. "All of society must be reorganized to affirm their identities, and more importantly, their politics."

The video aims to let the audience understand how America arrived at the point where radical transgender ideology persists. He opened the documentary by saying that it features rage-filled intellectuals, a trans-billionaire benefactor, and large-scale medical experiments in a Detroit ghetto. It cited queer theorist Susan Stryker, a male-to-female (MtF), who argues that "the transsexual body is a technological construction that represents a war against Western society."

"I am a transsexual, and therefore I am a monster," Stryker is quoted as writing in his "Trans Movement Manifesto." Rufo continues: "And this body, Stryker says, is destined to channel its rage and revenge against the 'naturalized heterosexual order,' against 'traditional family values,' and against the 'hegemonic oppression' of nature itself."

Rufo pointed out that the transgender movement is inherently political, using the construction of personal identity to advance a collective political vision, with some transgender activists even believing their movement represents the future of Marxism.

The truth about "gender-affirming" procedures

In the final part of the video, titled, "Frankenstein's Nihilism," Rufo exposed the shocking reality of gender alteration interventions or child mutilation treatments, including one called "nullification." "In this procedure, doctors perform a castration ... on the patient, then create a smooth, continuous skin covering from the abdomen to the groin, reducing the genitalia to nothing," he said. "This barbaric procedure is the perfect symbol for the ideology itself. Nullification is the pursuit of the Latin nullam, meaning nothing, and that is exactly where trans ideology ends. A profound nihilism that denies human nature and enables barbarism in the name of progress."

In his Substack newsletter, Rufo received encouraging feedback on this video production.

"In less than 15 minutes, you named the biggest names, delve into the deepest philosophical error at the root of transgenderismthat it is a form of technological transhumanism, and thus a form of nihilismand do so in a vivid, evocative way. The Marxism framing is helpful and compelling, but it would have been incomplete if you hadn't woven it together with Frankenstein. Naturam expelles furca, tamen usque recurret," Pavlos Papadopoulos, assistant professor of Humanities at Wyoming Catholic College commented.

Another subscriber, Rick Kludt, said: "Americans have been totally manipulated by the media once again, into believing in the evolution of "mankind;" transgenderism. Your referencing Frankenstein is totally putting this lie into perspective. Perhaps folks in 1800 were really smarter than we are today, and maybe less vulnerable to manipulation of evil."

Northeastern Illinois University biopsychologist Frederick Prete thanked Rufo for the thought-provoking piece. "Most concerning are the misunderstandings and misuse of biology in the service of a very harmful ideology. As a biological psychologist, I still cannot get my mind wrapped around the degree to which people have become so committed to the widespread use of these irreversible medical interventions on the young and the vulnerable," he lamented. (Related: Trump promises to "sign a law prohibiting child sexual mutilation in all 50 states" if elected in 2024.)

Below is a video of the May 2022 interview by then-Fox host Tucker Carlson with Rufo.

Read more about the dangers of trans ideology and how it is conquering American lives on Transhumanism.news.

Sources include:

WND.com

Rufo.Substack.com
UNESCO warns against BRAIN CHIPS being used as personality-altering weapons

An agency under the United Nations has warned against brain implants such as Elon Musk's Neuralink over their potential to be used as "personality-altering weapons."

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) issued the warning through its International Bioethics Committee (IBC). According to the IBC, neurotechnology could lead to "new possibilities of monitoring and manipulating the human mind through neuro-imaging [and] personality-altering [programs]."

Because of this, the UN agency is now strategizing on a worldwide "ethical framework" to protect humanity from the potential abuses of brain chip technology. UNESCO fears that these abuses will be accelerated by advances in artificial intelligence (AI).

"We are on a path to a world in which algorithms will enable us to decode people's mental processes," remarked Gabriela Ramos, UNESCO assistant director-general for social and human sciences. She continued that breakthroughs in neurotechnology that could "directly manipulate [humans'] brain mechanisms, underlying their intentions, emotions and decisions" have "far-reaching and potentially harmful" implications.

Economist Mariagrazia Squicciarini, who heads the executive office of UNESCO's social and human sciences sector, shared the same sentiment. She noted that the capacity of machine learning algorithms to rapidly pull patterns out of complex data, such as fMRI brain scans, will accelerate brain chips' access to the human mind.

"It's like putting neurotech on steroids," said Squicciarini, who specializes in AI issues.

UNESCO's IBC convened a conference on July 13 that saw 1,000 participants attend. The results of the conference were released in a 91-page report on July 18.

"The spectacular development of neurotechnology  as well as new biotechnologies, nanotechnologies and [information and communications technologies]  makes machines more and more humanoid," the report stated. "People are becoming more connected to machines and AI."

"It is necessary to anticipate the effects of implementing neurotechnology. There is a direct connection between freedom of thought, the rule of law and democracy."

Musk describes implants as akin to "replacing a piece of the skull with a smart watch"

According to the IBC report, neurotechnology poses a challenge to "some basic aspects of human dignity, such as privacy of mental life or individual agency." To address these, the committee called for wider transparency of neurotechnology research from industry and academia. It also called for the drafting of "neuro-rights" for inclusion in international human rights law.

UNESCO's warning about neurotechnology followed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granting Musk's Neuralink federal approval to conduct trials on humans. Neuralink implants will connect the brain to the cloud via threadlike electrodes sewn into certain areas of the brain. These electrodes will communicate with a chip to read signals produced by the brain's neurons. (Related: FDA approves Elon Musk's Neuralink brain implants that seek to CONTROL the human mind.)

"Because neuron signals become directly translated into motor controls, Neuralink could allow humans to control external technologies  [and regain] lost bodily functions or muscle movement with their mind," the Daily Mail noted. Musk himself described the implants as akin to "replacing a piece of the skull with a smart watch."

While the tech mogul has focused on Neuralink's potential benefits, U.S. federal regulators have zoomed in on its capacity for harm. The company has been the subject of an investigation by the inspector general of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for potential violations of the Animal Welfare Act. The probe, launched at the request of a federal prosecutor, centered on "extreme suffering" experienced by monkeys that the brain implants were tested on.

The IBC report drew specific attention to the risks posed by "dual use" AI brain chip technologies that can be easily reprogrammed for nefarious purposes. Such technologies, it said, possess "the potential to deepen social inequities, to harm individuals' privacy and to provide methods of manipulating individuals."

"Groundbreaking developments in neurotechnology offer unprecedented potential," Ramos ultimately remarked. "But we should remain aware of its negative impact if it is employed for malicious purposes. We must act now to ensure it is not misused and does not threaten our societies and democracies."

Visit FutureTech.news for more stories about neurotechnology in the form of brain implants.

Watch this video that explains why neurosurveillance and personality-altering weapons  in the form of brain implants  usher in the next step of transhumanism.

This video is from the RogueRunnerRanch channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Neuralink brain implants are ready for injection into humans, says Elon Musk.

Elon Musk's Neuralink wants to start implanting their own brain chips in people.

Ethical questions raised after Elon Musk's Neuralink company implants chip in monkey's brain.

Sources include:

GlobalResearch.ca

DailyMail.co.uk

Brighteon.com
Hungarys Orban: World is heading for a clash due to U.S. decline

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced that the decline in power and influence of the United States is setting the world on a path towards an international collision unless world leaders can find a new balance.

(Article by Jake Welch republished from TheNationalPulse.com)

Orban suggested at a Transylvanian conservative festival over the weekend that the balance of global power is shifting at an unprecedented pace and is making the world far more dangerous as a result. The million dollar question, Orban asserts, is whether the world is able to avoid the mass collision.

The USAs dominance on the world stage is constantly waning. They are not happy, they want to stay on top of the world forever, argued the Hungarian Prime Minister, highlighting the political, economic, and militaristic rise of China.

He suggested that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)s international projects  including the One Belt and One Road Initiative, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the BRICS organization  are creating a favorability of process that is becoming an inconvenient truth for the United States, especially since many countries are turning away from the Wests values.

We are now living through the most dangerous moments in world politics when the number one world power sees that it is slipping into second place We are moving toward a clash day by day, Orban added.

Orban is not alone in predicting a global conflict. British Secretary of State for Defence, Ben Wallace predicted that Britain would be dragged into a global conflict by the end of the decade last week.

Read more at: TheNationalPulse.com
Biden suffering CLENCHED FIST SYNDROME, a tell-tale symptom of psychosis and dementia

Yes, clenched fists are a symptom of dementia. Many victims of Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease clench their fists because it helps the brain focus, and everyone has seen demented Joe clench his fists as he wonders where he is and where to go the second he finishes reading his Obama-scripted teleprompter speeches at a podium. Clenching fists is a side effect of neurological conditions, including LBD, Lewy Body Dementia. LBD is a disease associated with abnormal protein deposits in the brain called alpha-synuclein. These deposits lead to problems with movement, behavior, mood, and thinking. Signs of movement issues include clenching of the fists and frequent falling. This describes Joe Biden at nearly every public appearance, when he's at the podium acting like Adolf Hitler, or climbing some steps to a stage or plane.

Biden is obviously suffering from Clenched Fist Syndrome and exhibits this symptom when he feels threatened, confused, or senses conflict

The clenched fist syndrome (CFS) is an entity in which the patient keeps one or both hands tightly clenched, like Joe Biden during and immediately following his teleprompter-prepared speeches. He is worried about messing up, blurting out things his handlers have warned him against, and then completely LOST when the speech is over. He may not even know where he is, who he is, and how to walk at that moment. That's why he looks like a robot, like C3PO from Star Wars, walking stiff and unaware he is clinching his fists with all his might, trying to regain "focus" and figure out where he is, who he is, and where to go.

The American Psychological Association found that humans who tend to clench their fists often do it mostly when they feel threatened or sense conflict. Does Joe Biden anticipate tough questions from the press after his speeches that threaten his mental stability and/or memory? Does this cause anxiety for him, thus causing him to engage this negative nonverbal cue of CFS? Is it also anger, due to the fear and frustration Joe Biden suffers knowing he's likely to say something he'll regret later? Joe Biden's fist clinching may also be associated with paradoxical stiffness and pain, according to research and studies conducted on patients suffering Lewy Body Dementia.

During several speeches, Joe Biden has been seen holding both arms bent out in front of him while clenching both fists. He obviously has much pent-up anger inside, and it is quite evident at these moments. Some say he looks like a crazed dictator who has gone psychotic with his position of power and control. Also, lately it has been documented and covered in the press that he is having fits of rage in his office, screaming at White House employees, staff, and the secret service guards, cursing at them and spewing vile comments of demented rage.

Demented Joe also seems to be a child predator and pervert. Mountains of video clips have piled up of him fondling other people's children, petting little girl's heads, sniffing their hair, sniffing their neck, touching their chest, and trying to kiss them while they frantically try to pull away from his creepiness. In fact, Biden is so demented he can't even keep himself from molesting children in public and admitting out loud that he can't "resist them" or keep his hands off them.

Social media users are posting memes and comments all over the internet after Resident Biden's town hall meetings, drawing comparisons between him and the cartoon character Beavis from "Beavis and Butt-head." You decide, is it Demented Joe or Cornholio from Beavis and Butthead?

Bookmark Censored.news to your favorite websites for truth news that's being censored from the rest of media as you read this.

Sources for this article include:

NaturalNews.com

TheGatewayPundit.com

FoxNews.com

Alzheimers.gov
British banks that canceled conservatives could lose their licenses

A new legislative proposal in the United Kingdom would require banks to treat all of their customers equally, regardless of their political leanings, or else lose their banking licenses.

Following the recent scandal involving Brexit leader Nigel Farage, whose bank account was shuttered by Coutts / NatWest due to his conservative political platform, a number of British MPs (members of parliament) are working on a new law to stop this kind of thing from ever happening again while bolstering and protecting freedom of expression throughout the country.

A related set of newly proposed rules would also force banks to provide customers with at least three months' notice before closing their accounts. Currently, British banks are only required to give customers a one-month notice before termination, and they are not yet required to provide an "explicit" reason as to why an account is being closed in the first place, which would change under the new rules.

"It would be of serious concern if financial services were being denied to anyone exercising their right to lawful free speech," said Economic Secretary of the Treasury Andrew Griffith about the matter.

"[T]he privilege of a banking license in a democracy should imply a duty not to 'debank' because you disagree with someone's views."

(Related: Check out these 10 health and safety problems the world will have to deal with after the banking system finally collapses.)

Cancel culture in banking must be stopped

In Farage's case, Coutts / NatWest is, or at least was, run by an anti-Brexit executive who took it upon himself to punish Farage simply for having a different set of political beliefs than himself. The newly proposed rules would make it a crime for the banking sector to discriminate against customers in this way.

It turns out that most British banking executives remain fervently opposed to Great Britain leaving the European Union. This is more than likely because banking in general is controlled by globalists who want their pawn nations to merge and consolidate under one power structure rather than uphold their individual sovereignty.

Here in the United States, the tech giants are known to engage in similar politically driven censorship, and even a few finance platforms like PayPal have been caught engaging in targeted harassment and censorship of accounts with opposing political views. For an actual banking entity to do this kind of thing, however, is relatively new  and is, quite frankly, scary.

It is one thing to get banned from Facebook or Twitter, which in the grander scheme of things is not that big of a deal. But to lose one's ability to financially transact simply for having the "wrong" set of political beliefs is a whole different animal that, for the sake of freedom and liberty, must be nipped in the bud.

Rules that were implemented in 2015 allow for everyone in the country to hold a basic bank account, no questions asked, facilitating the sending and receiving of payments.

"A credit institution must not discriminate against consumers legally resident in the European Union by reason of their nationality or place of residence or by reason of any other ground referred to in article 21 of the charter of fundamental rights of the European Union when those consumers apply for or access a payment account," the legislation reads.

The rights charter further states:

"Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited."

Will 2023 be the year that the global financial system finally implodes? Learn more at Collapse.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheNationalPulse.com

Newstarget.com

TheGuardian.com
Highly credible FBI source provides GOP lawmakers with evidence Joe Biden accepted millions in bribes

According to a document made public on July 20, a confidential source provided information to the FBI in 2020, alleging that then-presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden were allegedly bribed to influence Ukraine to remove a prosecutor who was investigating Burisma, the Ukrainian company where Hunter Biden was employed.

As reported by The Epoch Times, the source said he visited Burisma's office in Ukraine in either 2015 or 2016, accompanied by a man named Oleksandr Ostapenko. During the meeting, Vadim Pojarskii, the chief financial officer of Burisma, allegedly informed the source that the company hired Hunter Biden with the intention to safeguard themselves, through his father, from various potential issues and challenges.

Burisma reached out to the source seeking assistance in acquiring a U.S. company to merge with, with the aim of potentially going public in the United States, the report continued.

Following the disclosure of an investigation into Burisma by Ukraine Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin in 2016, the source informed Mykola Zlochevsky, the owner of Burisma, that the revelation could negatively impact the company's potential initial public offering. In response, Zlochevsky allegedly stated that Hunter Biden would handle all the issues through his father.

"Zlochevsky was also cited as saying that it cost $5 million to pay one Biden and $5 million to pay another Biden," The Epoch Times noted, citing the source.

According to the document, the source responded by expressing concerns that payments to the Bidens could complicate the situation, as neither of them had experience in the oil and gas sector. In response, Zlochevsky acknowledged his low opinion of Hunter Biden's intelligence but emphasized the necessity of keeping him on the board so everything will be okay. He further stated that both Bidens had informed him that Hunter Biden should continue to be a part of the board.

Around that time, Joe Biden, then-vice president to President Barack Obama, was threatening to withhold $1 billion in foreign aid to Ukraine if then-President Petro Poroshenko didn't fire Shokin. He did, and Biden released the loan guarantee.

Were leaving in six hours. If the prosecutors not fired, youre not getting the money,' 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.

Shokin has asserted that the threat of withholding financial aid was cited as the reason for his ousting. In a sworn statement, he claimed that then-Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko requested his resignation due to "pressure from the U.S. presidential administration, in particular from Joe Biden."

As per the FBI source, during the conversation, it was apparent that payments had already been made to the Bidens, presumably as an arrangement to handle Shokin, The Epoch Times continued.

The document, dated July 30, 2020, was a summary of conversations between the FBI and the source. After receiving a copy from the FBI, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) released it with redactions. The FBI initially declined to provide the document, but after the House moved to hold FBI Director Christopher Wray in contempt, the bureau eventually handed it over.

During a House hearing this week, IRS agent Gary Shapley, another whistleblower involved in a criminal investigation of Hunter Biden, stated that he had never been shown the form.

There were investigative steps that involved President Biden that were not allowed to be taken. Information like this would have been really helpful to have from investigators  when we received any pushback. When we were asked to take names out of document requests and search warrants, it wouldve been nice to have information that showed why, that helped prove why those names need to be in those requests, Shapley said.

Grassley added: Thanks to whistleblowers now the world can see  what the FBI tried to conceal. Serious allegations from trusted FBI source. What did the FBI do to investigate?

Sources include:

NaturalNews.com

TheEpochTimes.com
The HYPOCRISY: West-leaning MSM was quick to denounce Russian attack on Ukraine ports involved in grain deal even when U.S. used the same port-blocking tactics during the Gulf War

Just 24 hours after Ukraine orchestrated with the Western allies a deadly kamikaze drone attack that damaged President Vladimir Putin's 3 billion Crimean bridge, which links Moscow to Crimea  a Ukrainian territory annexed by Russia in 2014, Kyiv accused Russia of intentionally striking grain terminals and infrastructure in the Black Sea port of Odesa. (Related: Ukraine's deadly kamikaze drone strike, orchestrated with help of U.K. and U.S., kills couple and injures teen while damaging Crimean bridge .)

As of press time, one person was killed and about 20 injured, including four children, in the missile attacks that also destroyed the controversial Transfiguration Cathedral, a few houses and apartment buildings. Fourteen people were hospitalized, Governor of the Odesa region Oleh Kiper said on the Telegram messaging app.

According to Reuters, Moscow has been attacking Odesa for consecutive nights after quitting a deal that allowed the safe passage of Ukrainian grain through the marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean. "Russian terrorists absolutely deliberately targeted the infrastructure of the grain deal," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. "Every Russian missile is a strike not only on Ukraine but on everyone in the world who wants normal and safe life."

Moreover, Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said the attacks' main objective is to destroy the possibility of shipping Ukrainian grain. Andriy Yermak, head of Zelensky's office, echoed the sentiment saying, "The Russian terrorizing Odesa proves once again that they need hunger and problems in the countries of the Global South. They want to create a refugee crisis for the West."

Mainstream media outlet CNN was quick to sensationalize the course of events involving the massive strikes, with its Senior Correspondent Alex Marquardt reporting that he's "never seen anything like it." This was directly criticized by the Substack account Simplicius the Thinker, pointing out that this particular reporter may have not been "around in Baghdad in March 2003."

"It's interesting that Western media and officials are making such a big deal about Russia's 'barbaric attacks,' not only from a hypocrisy standpoint  after all, but Kyiv also literally just attacked the Crimean Bridge the other day, killing civilians on camera and now they're complaining that Russia has hit 'civilian infrastructure' in Odesa. But also, the fact that the U.S. has done the same thing many times to no great outrage," Simplicius emphasized.

He also cited a 1990 article from the LA Times that reported that the United States used the exact same strategy during the Gulf War. The 41st President George H. W. Bush back then intercepted and halted all Iraqi sea trade from flowing to the ports. Other Western nations, including Britain, France, Canada and Australia, helped carry out the blockage to further ostracize Iraq in retaliation for invading its neighbor Kuwait.

Zelensky has no plans of surrender and will surely retaliate

Despite Kyiv being bombarded for about four nights in a row, already affecting much of the food supply in Ukraine since it pulled out from the Black Sea grain deal, Zelensky declared not to give up the fight and to definitely retaliate.

"Missiles against peaceful cities, against residential buildings, a cathedral," Zelensky vowed counting on the help of his Western allies. "There will definitely be a retaliation against Russian terrorists for Odesa." For further mind conditioning, President Joe Biden's government is focusing on the propaganda that Ukraine is winning the war at this point in time. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Ukraine has taken back about 50 percent of the territory that Russia seized, despite admitting that Kyiv's counteroffensive will actually last several months.

"It is already taken back about 50 percent of what was initially seized," Blinken told CNN recently. "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 are still looking, I think, at several months."

Moreover, late last month Zelensky was quoted saying that progress against Putin's forces was "slower than desired" but that Kyiv would not be pressured into speeding it up.

The Ukrainian's claim was easily slammed by Putin when he told the Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko that Ukraine's counteroffensive has failed. "There is no counteroffensive," Lukashenko said during talks, according to the TASS news agency before being interrupted by Putin: "There is one, but it has failed."

The meeting is the first the pair have had since the Wagner Group's rebellion in June, DW reported.

Read more about the latest updates on the ongoing brutal attacks between Russia and Ukraine on UkraineWitness.com.

Sources for this article include:

Reuters.com

Simplicius76.Substack.com

LATimes.com

DW.com
Sexual predators avoid jail time by identifying as transgender

A "non-binary" Scottish pedophile by the name of Lucas Cole  Cole now uses the fake transgender name "Oliver James Bond"  avoided jail time following his recent conviction simply because he belongs to the special protected class of deviants known as LGBTs.

Beginning in 2010 when the teenager was just 15 years old, Cole repeatedly sexually abused a young boy over the course of six years. Cole, who was 20 at the time it all began, befriended the teen, gained his trust, and proceeded to molest the boy in his sleep.

According to reports, Cole sexually attacked the boy on numerous occasions. In one instance, the boy woke up and Cole's genitals were in his mouth. In another instance, Cole basically raped the boy, later claiming that he enjoyed a "friends with benefits" situation with the boy, which was a lie.

"[Cole] would assault the boy two more times over the course of the next six years, once in Kinross between September 5, 2013, and September 4, 2014, and once between September 5, 2013, and September 4, 2014," one media source reported. "In the second attack, Bond repeatedly grabbed the teenager's genitals, overpowering him and pulling down his pants before performing a sex act on him."

"In the third, Cole again began assaulting the victim while he was asleep."

(Related: A new law just passed in Ireland makes it a criminal offense to "misgender" someone  call them by the "wrong" pronouns and go to jail for five years.)

Transgender privilege means more sex crimes that go unpunished

Cole was later found guilty on all charges after a jury deliberation that lasted just one hour. However, Cole's "non-binary" LGBT status "bestowed him with significant privilege," to quote LifeSiteNews' Jonathon Van Maren.

Despite taking advantage of an underage minor while said minor was innocently sleeping, trusting his so-called "friend" not to harm him, Cole, a convicted pedophile, received zero jail time. Instead, he was given 200 hours of community service.

"With some hesitation I am going to allow you to remain at liberty," said Sheriff David Hall at the time. "You were convicted by the jury of all three charges."

Cole will also have to have his name entered in the registered sex offender database for five years as well as abide by a curfew for six months. Other than that, though, Cole is free to go on raping and taking advantage of young boys if he so chooses because the Scottish system of "justice" saw fit to give him special treatment for his non-binary status.

"This could be yet another case of weak justice being served by Western courts," Maren says. "It is easy to find outrageously soft sentences handed out to sexual predators."

"But this may also be a case of 'transgender privilege,' in which people who choose to identify as a gender or sexual minority seem to escape being held to the standard that others would be held to."

Cole is hardly an exception, either. There are many such cases involving non-binaries and transgenders who commit heinous sexual crimes, often against children, and go unpunished for them because of their special protected status as LGBTs.

"Why are male sexual predators who identify as women getting sent to women's prisons?" Maren wants to know. "Why is a man guilty of abusing teenage boys allowed to walk free, without jail time, after multiple convictions? And why does this seem to be happening so often?"

In the comments, someone asked how much more Western civilization will be allowed to decay like this "before our Huns-and-Vandals moment?"

Transgenderism is a vehicle to transhumanism and legalized pedophilia. Learn more at Transhumanism.news.

Sources for this article include:

LifeSiteNews.com

Newstarget.com
MEDIA SENSATIONALISM: Sky News blasted for hinting that heatwave caused car fire in LA

Sky News has come under fire for its sensational reporting about a car fire in Los Angeles amid a "blistering heatwave" sweeping through California.

The media outlet tweeted on July 18: "A car went up in flames on a Los Angeles freeway, as California is hit by a blistering heatwave. However, it is not clear if the accident was heat-related." Sky News posted footage of the burning vehicle to accompany its tweet. The post's ambiguity regarding the reason behind the car fire nevertheless drew skepticism from social media users, who questioned the lack of evidence supporting the claim that the heatwave was responsible for the incident.

Users blasted the "sensationalist" approach to reporting climate-related events, noting that the media's attempt to link the car fire to the heatwave is indicative of the ongoing issue of sensationalism and propaganda surrounding climate change reporting. It is worth noting that many of the criticisms came from both sides of the "climate change" debate.

According to some users, the temperature during the "blistering heatwave" Sky News described was relatively average for July in the City of Angels. Moreover, the car fire that happened on an LA freeway could be attributed to other factors not related to weather conditions.

"Its disappointing to see media outlets like Sky News resorting to sensationalism instead of providing factual and evidence-based reporting," one user wrote. "We need responsible journalism, not fear-mongering."

Another user wrote: "This kind of reporting only adds to the confusion and skepticism around climate change. Let's focus on the real issues and promote informed discussions instead of spreading baseless narratives."

Media hyping up "climate change" using false reporting

Writing for the Hot Air political blog, commentator Duane Patterson also denounced the "climate change" hysteria in the media. He questioned the journalistic integrity of such reporting, citing the Sky News tweet as an example. (Related: Associated Press caught blatantly lying about global warming with deceptive photo and caption.)

Patterson pointed out that the "blistering heatwave" in LA had temperatures ranging between 70 F and 90 F, something "not historically unusual for the region during July." Similar high temperatures had occurred in the past without causing spontaneous car fires, he added.

"The correlation without causation factor here is epic," the commentator pointed out. "The car fire happened. It was really super hot outside. Media must point to a possible connection. That's what passes for reporting these days, and if you push back  youre branded a denier and a hater."

Patterson further criticized the media's tendency to amplify climate hysteria, pointing to past instances of grifting and bias. He highlighted how climate alarmism seemed to reach its peak during heatwaves and other extreme weather events, leading to sensational headlines and alarming claims about global temperatures. The issue of climate change has been a divisive topic, with debates raging over the extent of human influence on rising temperatures.

Moreover, he argued that the media's obsession with sensational climate change stories diverts attention from real issues, such as wildfires caused by human activities like arson. He emphasized that wildfires in California are often linked to factors like dried vegetation and not solely due to rising temperatures.

Watch this video about the climate change hoax.

This video is from the Mckenna channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Dangerous heatwave expected to set record highs throughout US South and Southwest.

Over 100 million Americans under HEATWAVE ALERTS as scorching temperatures continue to sweep across the U.S.

Canadian farmers report MASSIVE crop damage from heatwave.

Scientists identify jet stream patterns that can cause simultaneous heatwaves in different regions.

GRID DOWN: Electric supply shortages may strike communities across the US, warns NERC.

Sources include:

Twitchy.com

HotAir.com

Brighteon.com
Pentagon report: Huge amount of U.S. military aid to Ukraine has been stolen by criminal organizations and arms traffickers

A Pentagon report has revealed that lots of military equipment supplied to Ukraine by the United States and other Western nations over the course of Russia's special military operation have fallen into the hands of criminal organizations, volunteer fighters and arms traffickers

The report by the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Defense was first obtained by Military.com through a Freedom of Information Act request. It shows that in the opening months of the conflict back in early 2022, American military forces were unable to properly monitor where much of the military equipment being supplied to the Armed Forces of Ukraine was ending up. (Related: Ukrainian veterans detail how Kyiv plundered US aid while wasting soldiers and endangering civilians.)

This is a violation of American law governing foreign aid, and the Inspector General's Office suggested that some of the military gear might have fallen into the hands of Russians and criminal organizations.

In one recorded incident, a Russian-led organized crime group operating in Ukraine was able to obtain certain small arms shipped to the country, including a grenade launcher and a heavy machine gun. The group's alleged intent was to use the weapons to destabilize the country.

In another incident, a group of volunteers in a Ukrainian battalion stole more than 60 rifles and nearly 1,000 rounds of ammunition with the intention of selling them on the black market.

And in one other event, a Ukrainian criminal organization posing as a humanitarian aid group illegally imported and then attempted to resell $17,000 worth of bulletproof vests.

Ukrainian intelligence and security organizations claim to have disrupted all of the above-mentioned schemes. But they pointed out the dangers and potential pitfalls associated with providing military aid to Ukraine, especially when the approximately 80 billion euros ($89 billion) worth of military aid entering the country is being sent with little to no proper accountability regarding its use.

Taxpayer-funded US weapons ending up in the hands of criminals

The inspector general's report looked at the military aid the U.S. had sent to Ukraine from February through September 2022. At the time the schemes to smuggle out Western-supplied arms and other military equipment was discovered, the U.S. had already shipped a wide variety of expensive military equipment to Ukraine. These include thousands of launchers for Stinger anti-air missiles and Javelin anti-tank missiles, artillery pieces, more than 10,000 grenade launchers, C-4 explosives, hundreds of thousands of handheld firearms and nearly 60 million rounds of small arms ammunition.

The U.S. and its allies had also supplied Kyiv with larger, more complex systems, including NASAMS surface-to-air short- and medium-range missile launchers, HIMARS rocket launcher systems and the newly developed Phoenix Ghost explosive combat drones.

In a statement, the Pentagon claimed that the U.S. is aware of the risks associated with the "possible illicit diversion" of military aid and is coordinating with Ukrainian authorities to mitigate this risk. The Pentagon spokesperson further claimed that much of the lost military equipment might have been lost when Russia captured Ukrainian territories.

"We are sending weapons to help Ukraine defend itself in an active conflict, and there is a risk these weapons could be captured if territory changes hands  which happens in any way," said the spokesperson.

As of press time, the U.S. has already sent around $42.84 billion worth of military aid to Ukraine, not including the recently approved military aid package worth $1.3 billion that includes four large surface-to-air missile systems, several tactical vehicles and military logistics trucks as well as mine-clearing equipment and artillery rounds.

Learn the latest news coming out of Ukraine at UkraineWitness.com.

Watch this clip from Newsmax as retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Blaine Holt and retired Army Lt. Col. Tony Shaffer question what the United States hopes to achieve with the billions of taxpayer dollars worth of aid being sent to Ukraine.

This video is from the News Clips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

US to train Ukrainians to fly nuclear-capable F-16s despite warnings that Russia will see this as a NUCLEAR THREAT.

Pentagon overestimated value of military aid sent to Ukraine by $6.2 billion  this means MORE weapons will be sent to Ukrainian armed forces.

"Reconstruction bank" set up by globalist financiers to help Ukraine secure more than $411bn needed to rebuild.

Propaganda: Biden's Treasury Department claims no US funds are being misused in Ukraine in latest push to justify more aid.

US weapons sent to Ukraine appear to be disappearing into "big black hole," intelligence official warns.

Sources include:

RT.com

Military.com

Axios.com

Statista.com

Brighteon.com
It's not every day you see grown men throwing a tantrum by swarming a Boise, Idaho hospital, harassing medical professionals, and disrupting operations, causing a shutdown and forcing ambulances to be diverted. But petulant man-toddlers Ammon Bundy and his sidekick Diego Rodriguez did just that, and now they are paying the price for their thoughtlessness and arrogance in the form of court-imposed damages totaling $52.5 million, reports The Idaho Capital Sun.

The selfish escapade began when doctors diagnosed Rodriguez's infant grandson with severe malnutrition and placed him in protective custody. Bundy and Rodriguez threw a hissy fit and stormed the hospital to reclaim the child. True to form, Bundy's organizations also launched a knowingly dishonest and baseless smear campaign against the hospital and its personnel, making false claims, including the allegation that the hospital was "engaged in widespread kidnapping, trafficking, and killing of Idaho children." (Idaho Capital Sun)

"The professionals who took this stand, under oath, testified that the infant was under risk of death, severely malnourished, dehydrated. And although the doctors didn't use that term, that infant was starving  and potentially starving to death," [the attorney representing the hospital] Erik Stidham said. The doctors who treated the infant were barred from publicly disputing Bundy and Rodriguez's false claims due to health privacy law, Stidham said. Bundy has also been twice arrested for trespassing in the Idaho Statehouse in unrelated incidents. He led an armed standoff at an Oregon wildlife refuge in 2016, but was acquitted in federal court, the Idaho Statesman previously reported.

These two cowards were too fearful to attend the trial, where a jury handed them a $26.5 million damage bill and generously added another $26 million in punitive costs.
Ann Vandersteel, Michael Yon to join launch of Operation Burning Edge at southern border  Brighteon.TV

Zelenko Freedom Foundation (ZFF) Co-Chair Ann Vandersteel and veteran journalist Michael Yon discussed the launch of "Operation Burning Edge" at the U.S.-Mexico border in the south.

During the July 18 episode of "Right Now with Ann Vandersteel" on Brighteon.TV, Vandersteel said she and her guest are joining a team to lead the launch of the operation in August. They are also inviting several journalists, lawmakers and others to join them in exposing the real truth about the border  which, according to Vandersteel, is more than just an invasion problem.

Yon meanwhile said their group's journey will begin in Houston and go down to SpaceX's South Texas launch site near the Gulf Coast, passing by the border wall built at the behest of former President Donald Trump. After the trip to SpaceX, the group will move to Brownsville and continue across the Lone Star State.

Yon, a former Green Beret, added that some lawmakers will meet them along the way. Key people from intelligence and law enforcement from other parts of the country will also meet them during the tour's different legs  which include stops in Arizona, New Mexico and California.

He told Vandersteel: "There's a lot of people who are going to join us there and it's massive; we'll reach millions of eyes."

According to the ZFF co-chair, Yon has assembled a sophisticated operation utilizing latest military tactical observational equipment  including trucks equipped with Swarovski crystal optical devices and night vision lenses.

Chinese, Mexican illegals threaten border security

Yon said Operation Burning Edge will use the highly sophisticated equipment to map one of the colonies or "colonias" being built in Liberty County called Colony Ridge. According to him, the colonia located north of Houston is not the only one being developed. The mapping efforts, he added, seek to uncover its progress and hold Texas Gov. Greg Abbott responsible for it.

Vandersteel lamented how Abbott is profiting off the people instead of serving them, noting that he actually works for the Corporation-State of Texas. She added that the developer given the land to built Colony Ridge has donated $1.4 million dollars to the governor's election campaign. In exchange, the colonia will permanently house 200,000 illegals.

According to Yon, the mapping efforts also prove that Abbott is paying attention. He noted that the governor has been angry at his group because of the videos that expose his involvement in Colony Ridge.

The "Right Now" host also touched on the hundreds of thousands of Chinese military-age men he had seen down in the Darien Gap and other places who were making their way from Panama into the U.S. southern border. (Related: Invasion: Famed war correspondent Michael Yon documenting influx of military aged males streaming across southwest border.)

According to Yon, there are about 2,000 people coming through the gap every day as of writing  and this includes about 200 Chinese nationals. While the number of Chinese coming through is growing, he noted that the Chinese do not actually go through Panama  but in Nicaragua, El Salvador or Mexico. Once they reach the border, they enter through porous areas in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.

Vandersteel also recounted her report about Chinese nationals found cutting railroad tracks using blow torches. As she brought this disturbing incident to light, the Federal Bureau of Investigation immediately covered it up.

"We know this is happening," she said. "We know our government is working to help infiltrate and take down our country from the inside."

Follow BorderSecurity.news for more news about America's southern border.

Watch the July 18 episode of "Right Now with Ann Vandersteel" below. "Right Now with Ann Vandersteel" airs every weekday at 8-8:30 p.m. on Brighteon.TV.

More related stories:

BORDER DEFENSE: America protects US-Mexico border with barbed wire and verbal warnings.

Ann Vandersteel: American Red Cross aiding ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION at southern border  Brighteon.TV.

Journey to the West: Thousands of Chinese showing up at US-Mexico border to escape Communist rule.- 4.9 Million illegal aliens blew past the US border in the 18 months since Biden was installed in office.

Texas sues Biden admin for allowing migrants to be illegally approved through a mobile app.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

MichaelYon.com
Walgreens in San Francisco CHAINING freezers shut to stop thieves from stealing pizza, ice cream 20 times a day

Smash-and-grab criminal acts are so rampant in San Francisco these days that pharmacy chain Walgreens is resorting to chaining its freezers shut to deter thieves from stealing foods like ice cream and pizza upwards of 20 times a day.

The following video footage captured by a customer at the Walgreens location on 16th Street and Geary Blvd. shows every single freezer case padlocked shut with chains.

The grocery aisles of this same Walgreens location have also been retrofitted with large sheets of Perspex and glass, behind which the products are kept out of reach of potential thieves.

The chains stay on the freezers and coolers overnight to prevent thieves who break in after hours from easily accessing the contents inside. In order to open them, a thief would have to have a chain and lock cutter or something to smash in the glass.

Another San Francisco Walgreens location keeps its windows completely boarded up at all times to deter potential thieves from making it one of their targets. That location recently saw a fatal confrontation between a homeless transgender and a security guard.

(Related: Park Hotels & Resorts announced that it is leaving San Francisco entirely because city's "path to recovery remains clouded.")

As residents and business flee, homeless vagrants are flooding in to take their place

Other nearby cities including Vallejo are seeing similar measures at local grocery stores where shoplifting is a problem. One Safeway supermarket across the San Francisco Bay installed giant metal barriers at the exits in an attempt to stop rampant theft.

If thieves attempt to leave the building with stolen goods, an "alarm will sound" from the metal gates.

Many area supermarkets are reportedly closing up their second entrances and exits, leaving only one doorway to get in and out of the building besides the emergency exits.

Another Safeway location installed large metal gates across closed checkout lanes to deter thieves from trying to escape through the gaps.

"Bars everywhere, multiple security guards, you have to scan your receipt for the gate to open in order to exit, and if you don't buy anything an employee has to open the gate to let you out," one person tweeted about what it feels like to shop at a heavily guarded Safeway store in Oakland.

Such deterrent measures are also appearing in other crime-ridden places such as New York City, which like San Francisco has adopted a lax approach to crime, homelessness, and open-air drug use.

Because of all the out-of-control crime and businesses leaving the city, San Francisco has seen a 16 percent reduction in tourism compared to pre-pandemic levels. Many workers throughout the city have also abandoned in-person work ever since the stay-at-home orders became the norm.

The result of these changes has been an increase in the homeless population of around 7,000 vagrants who now rove the city, particularly in tourist trap areas where visitors are likely to be holding cash.

San Francisco's historic Flood Building, which used to be a shopping destination, is now just about completely empty. Gap and pretty much every other business that used to operate there is long gone, the two exceptions being a tired Dr. Martens location and an Urban Outfitters store offering 70 percent discounts.

Robberies are up 12.5 percent in San Francisco this year while overall crime is slightly down by 5.9 percent compared to 2022 figures.

"The homeless don't make people want to stay for sure  it's just not very appealing," commented Edward Liu, a 49-year-old local resident and hospital worker.

Things are on the down and out for far-left San Francisco, which is in the throes of a total collapse. Learn more at Collapse.news.

Sources for this article include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Newstarget.com
The report said the zebrafish will be sent to China's Tiangong space station. Zebrafish is a significant species for testing, scientific and medical research.

According to AZ Animals, the zebrafish is Danio rerio, which can be seen in freshwater areas and aquariums.

Zebrafish can quickly repopulate in grow by laying hundreds of eggs. With many species, the zebrafish has horizontal stripes, the same as zebras.

Furthermore, the National Institute of Health (NHI) said that zebrafish have been helpful for medical research and widely used because they can quickly repopulate.

Meanwhile, E-Life Sciences explained that the fish are omnivores that feed on insects, zooplankton, and larva.

Zebrafish to send to China's space station

With the potential contribution to medical research, recent reports said that China is expected to send the zebrafish to their space station.

According to Space.com and Global Times reports, the zebrafish plan would help study bone loss in astronauts.

The report explained that the same species was sent to a space station in 1945. However, the fish eventually died.

According to Zhang Wei, the zebrafish would be vital to look into fish interaction and microorganisms in small systems.

Wei is also the commander-in-chief's assistant, China Manned Space Engineering Space Application System.

The report said that the zebrafish would be placed in a closed aquarium with microorganisms to unlock the possible interactions among the said species in the space.

Also Read: Marine Ecosystem: The Role of Biodiversity in Maintaining Healthy Ecological Balance

Other animals that went into space

Fish is not the only one that managed to fly in space. Many tried to bring animals into space. Here are some of the animals, according to Discover Wildlife.

Fish -mummichog and medaka

According to the reports, astronauts brought medaka and mummichog to space.

The first fish from the Japanese space agency brought the fish to the space to determine the radiation impact.

Meanwhile, the mummichog from NASA looked into the impact of gravity on animals in 1973.

Monkeys

According to the Royal Museum Greenwich, about 32 monkeys managed to fly into space. In 1949, the report said that the first monkey went to space but later on died when the parachute did not work.

Dogs

Dogs are also sent to space. Based on Discover Wildlife, Laika (1957) was one of the popular dogs that went to space. It was known as a Samoyed terrier in Moscow.

The dog had the orbital spacelight on Earth while on the Sputnik 2. The Royal Museum Greenwich explained that the experts in 1975 said that homeless Laika would be ideal to space, enduring the unfamiliar space conditions.

Also Read: Do Animals Commit Suicide? The Dark Side of Animal Suicidal Behavior

Did you know?

According to AZ Animals, zebrafish can repopulate in significant numbers. However, female zebrafish can eat their baby fish due to a lack of parental instincts.

Related Article: How Do Dolphins Communicate? Decoding the Sophisticated Way They Connect

For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News.
Experts expressed concerns for the health of marine life on the Great Barrier Reef as a marine heatwave struck Queensland.

The Guardian reported that more than 2,000 kilometers of Queensland's coast were affected by the heatwave, leaving about 1 million square kilometers northeast of Australia at the mercy of heatwave conditions.

Data from the US National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA) revealed that the heatwave started at the end of June.

Dr. Grant Smith, an oceanographer and researcher at the Bureau of Meteorology, said temperatures were more than one degree Celsius above average for this time of year over a large portion of the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea.

Temperatures over the reef in June were the 12th hottest on record.

Over the next few months, sea surface temperatures over the reef were expected to continue above average until the end of the current forecast period in December.

Experts have warned that if the reef's waters are already warmer than usual as summer approaches, less additional heating may be required to stress corals sufficiently for them to bleach, a potentially fatal stress reaction for the animals.

Prof. Jodie Rummer, a marine biologist and fish expert at James Cook University, said this phenomenon increased the metabolic rate of fish.

"So if everything needs more food, that puts a strain on the whole ecosystem," she said.

Read Also: New Study Reveals That Marine Heatwave Contributes to Major Economic Losses

Marine heatwave experience worldwide

A marine heatwave occurs when temperatures in a given area reach the warmest 10% ever recorded for that time of year and remain there for at least five days.

Extreme maritime temperatures have been observed in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the Baltic Sea, as well as places near New Zealand and Australia. Experts are also projecting a possible heatwave in the Labrador Sea south of Greenland.

"We are having these huge marine heatwaves in different areas of the ocean unexpectedly evolve very early in the year, very strong and over large areas," says Karina von Schuckmann, an oceanographer at Mercator Ocean.

In the recent marine heatwave bulletin posted by the group, a heatwave in the western Mediterranean appeared to be intensifying, particularly in the Strait of Gibraltar.

Dr. Alex Sen Gupta, an associate professor at the UNSW Climate Change Research Centre and marine heatwave expert, stressed that we are experiencing more maritime heatwaves globally than we have ever seen before.

"It's exceptional at the moment. It's definitely warm in the [water] north-east [of Australia]. There's bound to be impacts to animals and plants because of these warmer temperatures," she added.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) expert report for 2021, marine heatwaves increased in frequency between 1982 and 2016, and have been more intense and longer since the 1980s.

Marine heatwave in winter

The impact of marine heatwaves in the winter is less intense than in the summer, when they can actually cause damage or even kill corals.

However, some experts argue that there is still some uncertainty regarding the effects of the heatwave during the winter.

Dr. Jessica Stella, assistant director of reef health at GBRMPA, said while the risk of coral bleaching during this time is lower, there is concern regarding a possible outbreak of coral diseases.

"Usually a warmer temperature would mean an increase in disease in corals. In winter disease pathogens usually become more dormant. If [temperatures] don't cool enough, the pathogens can remain virulent and we could see an uptick in coral disease," she added.

Related Article: Worsening Marine Heat Waves Pose Disastrous Consequences for Coastal Habitats

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Children can likely suffer from more complications of the rising cases of influenza B in parts of Australia, noting the importance of flu vaccines among young people.

Recently, The Guardian reported that an 11-year-old girl in Queensland died after contracting influenza B, adding to the rising virus cases in Australia.

Based on the report, authorities explained the importance of vaccinations to protect children from complications.

Furthermore, the Healthline report showed common Influenza B symptoms. Parents should immediately bring their young ones to the nearest hospital if they show the said symptoms.

Sore throat, coughing, chills

High fever, muscle pain

Fatigue

Other respiratory symptoms: congestion and runny nose

If Influenza B can become untreated, the report explained that it could become life-threatening.

The flu can also put at risk the following sensitive individuals:

Older adults

Young adults and children

People with medical conditions or poor immune systems

Pregnant women

Influenza B in Australia

According to The Sydney Morning Herald report, Professor Kristine Macartney explained that there had been a spike in flu outbreaks in the past two months, especially for school-aged children.

Professor Macartney serves as director of the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance.

The report explained that children showed rare complications, including heart muscle inflammation, pneumonia and seizures.

In the ABC news report, experts were concerned about the rising cases of influenza B in Australia. In Queensland, the report noted that about 15,000 Queenslanders were diagnosed with influenza B.

Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said that there are programs to help encourage people to vaccinate.

Meanwhile, the Guardian report that flu strains could affect young ones. According to Prof. Ian Barr of Doherty Institute, influenza A(H1N1) and B viruses affect more children than older adults.

Furthermore, chief health officer Dr. Gerrard in Queensland explained that influenza B could result in severe illness, especially for unvaccinated people.

Also Read: Fathers' Mental Health Can Affect Babies' Birth, Causing Negative Health Concerns

Keeping safe from flu

The best defense against influenza-like viruses is to become vaccinated. Parents should notify their doctors or local health about the significance of vaccinations.

Parents should also protect their children from flu and complications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthy habits can prevent being sick from influenza infection.

Staying updated with the latest health news

Parents and communities should keep updated with the latest health reports and surges of the influenza B. It will help them to stay prepared.

Practice disinfecting and cleaning hands

CDC said people should disinfect while at home, at school and traveling. It will help avoid contracting the virus.

Washing your hands with soap will also save your family from infection. Bringing alcohol and sanitizers is essential.

Stay at home if needed.

If you or your family feels sick, it is best to stay at home. Parents should also check if their children show signs of influenza B infection,

Avoiding close contact would be helpful to prevent getting the virus.

Also Read: Mosquito Populations Could Be Controlled Using New Method Inspired by Buzzing Sound

Did you know?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are said to be four types of influenza viruses: Influenza A, B, C and D.

Related Article: Dengue Fever To Reach Historic High Record, WHO Report Shows

For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News.
Massive volcanic eruptions that have devoid the atmosphere of CO2 caused Snowball Earth to occur over 700 million years ago.

Massive Volcanic Eruptions and Snowball Earth

A study has discovered that devastating volcanic eruptions may have gotten so large that they converted the world into "Snowball Earth" 717 million years ago.

A momentous volcanic eruption from Earth's ancient past likely initiated a series of chemical processes that effectively pulled CO2, or carbon dioxide, from the prehistoric atmosphere of our planet. This volcanic event, which occurred in what is now northern Canada, resulted in the formation of an expansive volcanic highland spanning around 860,000 square miles, approximately three times the size of Texas.

Subsequently, these newly formed rocks were bombarded by acid rain, triggering a chemical reaction that could have led to a remarkable consequence-global ice coverage for an astonishing 57 million years. This prolonged icy period, known as the Sturtian glaciation, was previously attributed to different factors by researchers, but the latest findings suggest that volcanic activity played a significant role in this transformative climatic event.

However, they weren't entirely sure how the explosion led to the creation of Snowball Earth.

Nothing can be explained in isolation, according to co-author and professor of geology Galen Pippa Halverson, who is from McGill University in Canada, Science reports.

CO2 Sucked Out of Ancient Atmosphere Leads to Cooling

According to a study, done by Halverson's team, that was released on June 27 in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters, there are primarily two ways that volcanic eruptions might chill the globe. Outbursts emit gases with sulfur-rich particles suspended in the air, which reduces sunlight and causes cooling. Weathering, a chemical process that lava rocks are particularly prone to, is another way that eruptions can change the environment.

Rainwater undergoes weathering when it interacts with the minerals in rocks to produce clays and soluble salts. Rainwater is slightly acidic because of its dissolved carbon dioxide content. CO2 is drawn out of the atmosphere and deposited in sediments that subsequently wash into the ocean during the formation of these new minerals. The elimination of the greenhouse gas CO2, causes the earth to cool.

Proof of Weathering

The team had to pinpoint the precise time of the volcanic outburst to determine what mechanism caused the Sturtian glacial. Sulfur atoms float around in the atmosphere for as long as several months to years, but it takes a million to two million years for rock weathering to cause global cooling.

The Franklin large igneous province (LIP) is a region where volcanoes have produced rocks that Halverson and her colleagues have studied. They determined the uranium and lead ratios in these crystals and used the rate of decay to determine their age. Additionally, the researchers dated rocks that had been carved out by glaciers as the Earth froze over.

According to their findings, the glacial began between one and two million years before the volcanic eruption, indicating that chemical weathering was the main reason for the Earth's cooling. The same result was reached by another study, which was published in the journal Science Advances, November 2022 issue.

Also Read: El Nino with Unusual Ocean Warming Risks Marine Life Mass Die-Offs in England, Ireland

Rock Weathering in Supercontinent Rodinia

The Franklin LIP's cooling effect may have been influenced by rock weathering in other parts of the world. When the Earth's continents first came together to form the ancient supercontinent Rodinia, it was during this time that eruptions and subsequent glaciations took place. Rain frequently lashed this tropical terrain, causing more weathering along with CO2 entrapment.

The Timeline Conflict

But some specialists continue to be skeptical. Ice-scoured rocks that represent the beginning of Snowball Earth might have formed much later than presently thought, because the erosion suggests that thick ice was flowing at sea level, a process that is likely to have started several hundred thousand years ago, according to Paul Hoffman, a Harvard University emeritus professor of geology and co-author of the 2022 stud, Science reports.

Related Article: Sixth Mass Extinction Happening Right Now as Humanity Destroys Way of Life, Experts Warn
The latest report showed that Guam kingfisher hatchlings are expected to return to the wild for conservation and recovery efforts to save the said bird from the brink of extinction.

According to the website of Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, the Guam kingfisher, also known as Sihek, has green-blue wings and blue tails.

The male Guam Kingfishers are recognizable with their brown-looking body.

In terms of size, the Guam Kingfisher can weigh up to 70 grams and is 22 centimeters in length.

They communicate with other species using loud and harsh noises.

The breeding season of the Guam Kingfisher are said to be between December and July.

Almost- extinct population of Guam Kingfisher

The population of Guam Kingfisher suffered from a massive decline to nearly extinction due to the emergence of the brown tree snakes in Guam.

Based on the reports published in The Guardian and Independent UK, the arrival of the brown tree snakes also impacted other mammals. In the 1980s, scientists were alarmed by the bird's declining population.

The page of Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute reported that the Guam Kingfisher became extinct in 1986.

The Guam Kingfisher has been monitored, which helped increase the number to 140 from 29.

According to conservationist Claire Mcsweeney, they have four birds. They expect to reach a number of nine by the summer. The said birds will be released into the wild for conservation and repopulation efforts.

There are about two million brown snakes in Guam. As a result, the researchers thought of a better idea by releasing the snakes in Palmyra Atoll, which is 6,000km from the country.

The experts noted that they would monitor the bird once they are return to the wild. The place will be ideal for the birds to thrive.

The report explained that there are less than 150 Guam Kingfishers. With the small number, every bird is considered precious, and urgent conservation efforts are essential to save it from the brink of extinction.

Also Read: About 50 Tiger Sharks Filmed on Feeding on Humpback Whale's Remains on Hervey Bay Coast, Australia

Here are more facts about the Kingfisher

According to San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, kingfisher bird populations are known for beautiful colors and markings, with short legs and wings.

They might look small, but they are good hunters of their prey. They consume fish, crayfish and other smaller animals.

The report said that Kingfishers can lay up to two to ten eggs.

Unlike other bird species, the Kingfisher bird has a creative way to build their own habitats or nests. The AZ Animals reported that Kingfishers dig burrows for their nests.

Also Read: China Plans to Bring Zebrafish to Space

Did you know?

The Guam Kingfisher has unique ways of looking for nests. Both the males and females participate in the possible selection. Together, they defend their nests from attacks or predators.

Related Article: Rare Red Goshawk in Australia Shows Declining Population To Brink of Extinction

For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News.
Sully, a gorilla from the Congo who spent three years living in Columbus Zoo, just gave birth unexpectedly, revealing that she is a female.

Surprise Birth in Columbus Zoo From Unexpected Mother Gorilla

When it was discovered that one of the gorillas under its care gave birth to a new baby, the Columbus Zoo experienced not one, but two surprises.

Western lowland gorilla Sully, who arrived at the zoo in 2019 with her mother, has given birth to a child of her own. According to NBC4, the zoo described the arrival of a newborn from Sully as "unexpected."

The proud mom, who was previously thought to be a male gorilla, is actually a female gorilla, which the zoo believes is a surprising twist, the zoo reported on its official social media account.

Our gorilla family recently welcomed a baby  a birth that was unexpected, yet exciting for the care team and important for the conservation of a critically endangered species. Read more: https://t.co/uVxiuVggQt. pic.twitter.com/y9PliOzvNC  Columbus Zoo (@ColumbusZoo) July 20, 2023

Congo Gorilla Sully is a Mother

The Columbus Zoo posted pictures of Sully and her unnamed newborn child on its website. Since the baby's birth, Congo and Animal Health care staff have been keeping an eye on Sully, and they have reported that everything is going quite well. The zoo's gorilla exhibit has been closed while staff members watched the new mother, but they intend to reopen it to visitors on Friday at 11 AM.

Due to deforestation, habitat loss, and the illegal bushmeat trade, Western lowland gorillas are a critically endangered species, according to the zoo, which uses Sully's baby as an illustration of its efforts to safeguard gorillas and boost their population.

A gorilla youngster named Jamani was previously welcomed at the zoo in 2020. The zoo's newest western lowland gorilla newborn is another success in a year in which it was able to reclaim an accreditation, FOX8 reports.

The First Gorilla Baby in Columbus Zoo

According to Columbus Zoo, a newborn gorilla was born in the zoo in December 1956, making it the first zoo worldwide to successfully birth a gorilla. The zoo claims to have kept playing a crucial role in gorilla conservation for the following 67 years. The zoo hopes that by providing some extra information about this recent joyful news, it will motivate the general public to support their efforts to safeguard the future of this wonderful species.

Also Read: Endangered Sumatran Orangutan Born in Sacramento Zoo, First Since 1981

Explaining the Gender Mix-Up

Identifying the sex of juvenile gorillas is challenging. Males and females are roughly the same size and lack obvious sex organs until around age 8. Age causes gorillas to become sexually dimorphic, which means that men and females have extremely different appearances. Males, on the other hand, don't start to grow into their typical big stature, silver backs, and big head bumps (known as sagittal crests) until they are 12 years old or older.

Sully's mother took care of her baby without problems, so the veterinarians at the zoo where she was born kept a hands-off attitude in their care. Although Sully was first thought to be a male, he was a young, healthy animal when he arrived at the Columbus Zoo and didn't require any operations involving immobilization that would have made this discovery sooner. Professional zoos only use anesthetic when it is absolutely essential for medical reasons to ensure the safety of the animals, Columbus Zoo reports.

Related Article: Japan Zoo Finds Out How Their Solitary Gibbon Got Pregnant
A Swedish court fined Greta Thunberg for disobeying police during an environmental protest at an oil facility last month.

According to a CNN report, the 20-year-old climate activist was charged with "the crime of disobedience to law and order" after taking part in a protest that blocked oil tankers in Malmo harbor on June 19.

The prosecution argues that the protest has caused traffic disruptions in Malmo.

"You have the freedom to demonstrate, but you must not demonstrate in such a way that it causes disturbances for others," prosecutor Charlotte Ottosen said, according to Sydsvenskan, as quoted by Strait Times.

According to a Malmo City Court spokesperson, the court placed a fine of about $144 in the form of 30 daily fines of 50 Swedish krona ($4.80).

Read Also: Scientists Hold Climate Change Protests Worldwide: Violence and Arrests Reported in Some Cities

Greta won't backed down

Thunberg admitted the facts but pleaded not guilty, claiming that the struggle against the fossil fuel sector was a form of self-defense in response to the existential and global threat of climate change.

The young climate activist told the Malmo court that her actions were justifiable, citing the need created by the "climate crisis."

"We must remember who the real criminals are, the ones who are committing the real crime, and that will be true even if we have jailed all climate activists in the world," she told reporters after the hearing, as quoted by New York Post.

According to ABC News, Thunberg showed that she would "definitely not" back down as she returned to the oil terminal with Reclaim the Future activists in the afternoon after her sentence to stage another protest but was eventually removed by the police.

"If the court sees our actions of self-defense as a crime, that's how it is," said Irma Kjellstrom, a spokesperson for Reclaim the Future who was also present at the June protest.

Monday's trial was Thunberg's first conviction for climate protest.

Earlier this year, Thunberg was temporarily detained by the police in Olso while protesting against wind farms constructed on Indigenous land in Norway.

She was also held in January during protests in Germany over the dismantling of the mining hamlet of Luetzerath.

Threats to climate activists

Many of these climate activists, also known as environmental human rights defenders (EHRDs), are Asian and Pacific youth.

In 2020, 227 lethal attacks against climate activists were recorded, making it the deadliest year for people defending the environment. They mostly happened in Colombia, Mexico, and the Philippines.

Intimidation, harassment, prosecution, stigmatization, and physical attacks are common among young climate activists. Perhaps most alarming are claims that the number of casualties is increasing as the climate catastrophe worsens.

"Every day, environmental human rights defenders face abuse, threats and harassment for their work addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and nature loss," said Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, during a high-level panel on environmental human rights defenders.

A non-profit organization called Global Witness said that as climate change intensifies, meaningful climate action requires protecting its defenders.

Related Article: Could You Be Arrested for Protesting About Climate Change?

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A flash flood in Afghanistan has killed at least 37 people and left dozens more missing.

According to a DW report, heavy rain triggered flooding, which washed away or damaged hundreds of houses, most of them built of earth.

The floodwaters rose while many people were sleeping in the central province of Maidan Wardak.

Ministry of Disaster Management spokesman Mohammad Shafi Rahimi said that 26 deaths occurred in Jalrez District, located 46 kilometers east of Kabul. In Kabul, at least four people died.

"Teams of the ministry along with teams from the ministry of defense, ministry of public welfare, Red Crescent, provinces officials and other officials reached at the scenes of the floods and administered the rescue operations," he said.

Authorities also reported 74 injured people and at least 41 were missing.

Read Also: Flash Floods Due to Heavy Rain Kill 57 People in Pakistan; Dozens of Death Reported in Afghanistan and India

Taliban seeks aid

Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid urged assistance organizations and the Kabul authorities to assist the bereaved families.

According to a CNN report, at least 606 houses sustained damage or were completely destroyed in seven provinces, and the rescue teams were busy conducting search and rescue operations.

A total of 250 livestock also perished in the floods, while hundreds of square miles of agricultural land were reported damaged.

The highway between Kabul and the central Bamiyan province was closed due to the floods.

The flooding adds more suffering to Afghanistan's already dire situation.

In April, the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs said the country was experiencing its third straight year of drought, its second year of severe economic hardship, and the legacy of decades of war and natural calamities.

Over the past four months, at least 214 people have been killed due to natural disasters in Afghanistan.

According to a South China Morning Post report, natural catastrophes impact 200,000 Afghans on average each year.

In 2022, unprecedented monsoon floods temporarily swamped a third of the country, killing over 1,700 people.

The Ministry of State for Disaster Management said that nearly 100,000 families have been affected and have been given food and cash aid since the start of the year.

Landslide in Pakistan

As the monsoon season continued to impact regions of Pakistan on Sunday, 13 people were killed and seven were injured as a result of heavy rainfall and landslides.

Nine people died in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, while four family members died when a massive landslide hit their car in the Skardu area of the Gilgit Baltistan region.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms damaged at least 74 houses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to Taimur Khan, a spokesman for the provincial disaster management office.

Aljazeera reported that the provincial government declared an emergency in the Chitral district after heavy rains caused flash floods in the mountainous terrain.

Since the monsoon began, 133 people have died due to weather-related incidents in Pakistan.

Heavy rains have flooded three major rivers in eastern Punjab province, the Jhelum, Sutlej, and Chenab, causing the disaster management agency to issue an alert for further flash floods, which have already caused damage to at least 15,000 people in the last three weeks.

Related Article: Flash Flood Warning in Effect Over Parts of Tennessee Until June 10 as Potential Dam, Levee Failure Seen by Experts

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Azerbaijan will set up a joint venture with three countries to transfer "green energy" from the Caspian Sea to Europe, Azernews reports.

Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan Parviz Shahbazov wrote about this on his Twitter.

In Bucharest, we signed a memorandum of understanding with colleagues from Georgia, Romania and Hungary on the establishment of a joint venture between the four countries to implement a project involving the transfer of green energy from the Caspian Sea to Europe, the minister wrote.

The joint venture will involve a 1,100 km (685 mile), 1,000 MW cable running from Azerbaijan to Romania. The European Commission has earmarked 2.3 billion euros ($2.4 billion) to support the construction of the cable, which would be the longest of its kind in the world.

The project is part of the European Union's efforts to diversify energy resources away from Russia amid the Ukraine war. The cable is expected to be completed by the end of 2023 and will help to increase the capacity of the existing Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line.

In addition, the European Commission has signed a memorandum of understanding with Azerbaijan to double imports of Azeri natural gas to at least 20 billion cubic metres (bcm) a year by 2027. This will help to compensate for cuts in supplies of Russian gas and contribute significantly to Europe's security of supply.

The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which starts from Southeast Asia and China, runs through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, then Azerbaijan and Georgia and to further European countries. Georgia's Batumi and Poti Black Sea ports have been part of the regular feeder line of the route, while the state-run Georgian Railway has been a regular member of the route's coordinating committee.

The agreement between Azerbaijan and the other three countries is an important step in the effort to diversify energy resources away from Russia and ensure Europe's security of supply.
The murder of George Floyd at the hands of police officers saw an unprecedented rise in racial justice action across the country. Companies came out of the woodwork, eager to offer their own generic platitudes in support of racial equality. Many of those companies even took the extra step of investing public relations funds into the hiring of Corporate Diversity Officers  professionals trained in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practices who could help to ensure that the company was in fact "doing the work," encouraging a more equitable workplace and hiring practices. As The Wall Street Journal reports:

In the wake of George Floyd's murder in police custody in May 2020, companies scrambled to hire chief diversity officers, changing the face of the C-suite. In 2018, less than half the companies in the S&P 500 employed someone in the role, and by 2022 three out four companies had created a position, according to a study from Russell Reynolds, an executive search firm.

Three years later, however, that grand experiment seems to have already reached its end. According to that same article  reporting on a new employment data analysis from Live Data Technologies  Corporate Diversity Officer turnover rates have spiked by 40%, while job searches are down 75%, with long lead times to fill any of the remaining roles.

"I got to 300 applications and then I stopped tracking," says Stephanie Lubin, who was laid off from her role as diversity head at Drizly, an online alcohol marketplace, in May following the company's acquisition by Uber. In one case, Lubin says she went through 16 rounds of interviews for a role she didn't get, and says she is now planning to pivot out of DEI work. The number of CDO searches is down 75% in the past year, says Jason Hanold, chief executive of Hanold Associates Executive Search, which works with Fortune 100 companies to recruit HR and DEI executives, among other roles. Demand is the lowest he has seen in his 30 years of recruiting. At the same time, he says, more executives are feeling skittish about taking on diversity roles.

Sadly, none of this is particularly surprising. It also demonstrates the hollowness of any right-wing accusations about "woke capital." There is no woke capitalism  there is marketing and public relations, and that's it. It's a worthwhile publicity investment for some companies to invest in a few years of DEI initiatives, as long as diversity seems like a profitable buzzword. None of those companies expected those Corporate Diversity Officers to actually do anything, of course  I know, because I have friends who have worked in those roles, and quickly realized that they were getting a nice paycheck to essentially sit there and smile. Even if they wanted to enact legitimate change within the corporation  which many of them did!  there was too much red tape and no support or solidarity to actually enable it. That trap was by design, of course, though the corporate figureheads behind the decisions would never consciously admit as such.

The Rise and Fall of the Chief Diversity Officer [Te-Ping Chen and Lauren Weber / The Wall Street Journal]
Despite the economic slowdown and many organizations easing back on their hiring plans in an effort to reduce costs, high-quality talent is still incredibly difficult to find and retain. Take the IT industry, where as many as 86% of CIOs are reporting more competition for qualified candidates and 73% are concerned about IT talent attrition. Demand for IT talent is far outstripping supply across all regions, a result of rapid digitization within the economy and long-standing educational and policy issues.

These talent issues arent just confined to IT, however. Eighty-seven percent of U.S. retailers cited talent shortages as a major challenge in 2023 and the situation is similar in industries such as healthcare and manufacturing. For employers, the need to rapidly identify, attract and hire new talent is more critical than ever. And for the vast majority, this process is now almost exclusively digital.

A recent Cisco AppDynamics survey of 12,000 consumers in 12 countries revealed the extent to which digital experience is now a critical factor in how workers find and evaluate new jobs. The average person uses six different applications or digital services when looking for or applying for a new joband this increases to eight in the U.S. and nine in India. These include job sites, social media platforms, employer websites, and employer review sites.

But, critically, with people so reliant on applications to find their next job, they have zero tolerance if they encounter a poor digital experience, such as a crashing website, slow-loading pages, or security issues. In fact, 64% of people said that if the applications they are using for job searching fail to perform, it actually puts them off working for a potential employer.

So as businesses intensify their efforts to attract new talent, they mustnt overlook the importance of digital experience at every stage of the recruitment process. They need to provide prospective employees with fast and seamless digital experiences, whether that is through the job vacancy pages on their websites or through email and messaging tools. Unfortunately, however, with many IT departments facing soaring levels of complexity, this task is becoming increasingly difficult. Observability provides IT teams with a platform to manage and optimize application availability, performance, and security at all times. With the flexibility to span across the entire IT estate, including cloud and on-premises technologies, observability allows technologists to quickly detect and remediate issues before they impact end userswhether that is customers, employees, or prospective hires.

CIOs need to work hand-in-hand with HR and talent acquisition teams to make sure the technical aspects of finding and recruiting talent dont cause their organization to miss out on the best candidates. Tellingly, the majority of people claim they're now more likely to choose an employer that provides brilliant and seamless digital experiences. And this means that employers have a huge opportunity to get ahead in the battle for talent by ensuring their applications are operating at peak performance at all times.

To learn more about this report, visit the Cisco AppDynamics website here.
Notorious deadbeat Donald Trump, who has stiffed many a worker to the tune of somewhere north of $1 million in total, was told to pay his Erie, Pennsylvania rally fee of $35,129 up front, ahead of this weekend's event. This is to ensure that the twice-indicted former game show host doesn't double the outstanding fee of $35,129 he neglected to pay for his Erie rally in 2018.

Most of the money Trump owes to the city was supposed to pay for overtime that employees and police officers worked for his Make America Great Again event.

"It's important to do this because we're talking about taxpayer money being used to help make his visit more safe," Mayor Joe Schember told GoErie.

From PennLive:

The site reported the city made a formal request for reimbursement following the 2018 rally but received nothing in return from the Trump campaign. "Trump has been able to bring in millions of dollars for his campaign," [Mayor] Schember said. "He should be able to easily pay these costs to cities."

"Easily" is one thing, "willingly" is another.

"I think we have to try, and I feel like my team feels the same way.  We're going to see whether we can get some payment from them in advance this time," the mayor said about the beggarly MAGA cult leader. Uh, sorry but yeah, good luck with that.
Anup Verma By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Yamuna in Delhi continued to flow over a metre above the danger level of 205.33 metres on Monday, forcing the authorities to suspend the movement of trains on the Old Railway Bridge.

The authorities have issued a flood warning for low-lying areas along the Hindon in Noida and Ghaziabad. Scores of people from nearby villages have also been evacuated.

As the river flowed above 206 metres throughout Monday, the Delhi government told a High Court bench that it has taken steps to provide relief to those affected by the flooding of the Yamuna. The bench asked the government to file a status report and listed the matter for September 13.

The counsel for the government informed a bench headed by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, which was hearing a PIL seeking free ration, that medical assistance and other facilities were available at relief camps, and that a cabinet decision has been taken to provide a financial aid of Rs 10,000 each to the affected families.

On the current situation, the Delhi government cited the excess discharge of water from Haryanas Hathinikund barrage for the rise in the Yamuna water level. The rise in the rivers water level is expected to impact the ongoing relief work in the flood-affected low-lying areas, officials said.

According to Central Water Commission (CWC) data, the water level rose from 205.02 metres at 10 pm on Saturday to 206.57 metres at 3 am on Monday, before starting to decline again.

According to the CWC data, the flow rate at the Hathnikund barrage in Haryanas Yamunanagar crossed the one lakh cusec-mark at 9 am on Saturday, oscillating between two lakh and 2.5 lakh cusecs between 10 am and 5 pm.

NEW DELHI: The Yamuna in Delhi continued to flow over a metre above the danger level of 205.33 metres on Monday, forcing the authorities to suspend the movement of trains on the Old Railway Bridge. The authorities have issued a flood warning for low-lying areas along the Hindon in Noida and Ghaziabad. Scores of people from nearby villages have also been evacuated. As the river flowed above 206 metres throughout Monday, the Delhi government told a High Court bench that it has taken steps to provide relief to those affected by the flooding of the Yamuna. The bench asked the government to file a status report and listed the matter for September 13.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The counsel for the government informed a bench headed by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, which was hearing a PIL seeking free ration, that medical assistance and other facilities were available at relief camps, and that a cabinet decision has been taken to provide a financial aid of Rs 10,000 each to the affected families. On the current situation, the Delhi government cited the excess discharge of water from Haryanas Hathinikund barrage for the rise in the Yamuna water level. The rise in the rivers water level is expected to impact the ongoing relief work in the flood-affected low-lying areas, officials said. According to Central Water Commission (CWC) data, the water level rose from 205.02 metres at 10 pm on Saturday to 206.57 metres at 3 am on Monday, before starting to decline again. According to the CWC data, the flow rate at the Hathnikund barrage in Haryanas Yamunanagar crossed the one lakh cusec-mark at 9 am on Saturday, oscillating between two lakh and 2.5 lakh cusecs between 10 am and 5 pm.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Seeking to break the current logjam, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday sought "invaluable cooperation" of the opposition to discuss the Manipur issue in Parliament and asked them to rise above party lines to find a "permanent" solution to the embroglio in a "harmonious" way.

In identical letters in Hindi to opposition leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Shah said the people of Manipur want that MPs of all political parties give them confidence that the lawmakers are united and committed to the peace of Manipur.

Kharge is the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Chowdhury is the Congress leader in Lok Sabha.

Shah said the government is ready to discuss the Manipur issue and urged all to cooperate, rising above party lines.

He said Manipur was experiencing a new era of peace and development during the last six years of the BJP rule but some court orders and some incidents resulted in violence in Manipur during May.

ALSO READ | Manipur partially withdraws internet ban; massive protests in Mizoram against violence

The home minister said some "shameful incidents" also came to the fore after which people of the country, the Northeast and especially Manipur are expecting from Parliament that, rising above party lines, the leaders will stand with the people of the state.

"Earlier also our great Parliament has done it. The opposition is demanding that the government gives a statement but I want to tell you that the government is ready not only for a statement but also for a full-fledged debate.

"But the cooperation of all political parties is expected. I urge all the opposition parties to come forward for discussion in a cordial atmosphere.

"Come, let's rise above party lines to find a just and permanent solution for the challenges before the country in a harmonious way," he wrote.

Shah said as representatives of the people, it is the collective duty of all MPs that they serve the interests of citizens and work towards the betterment of the country.

"As you know Manipur is a very important border state of the country. The rich cultural heritage of the state is the jewel of the country's culture.

"Lok Sabha has a special place in the democratic structure of the country. Our country is the mother of democracy and the world's largest democracy, Parliament represents the hopes, aspirations, problems and worries of the 140 crore population of the country," he said, adding, "I hope that all the parties will cooperate in resolving this important issue".

Replying to a short debate on the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, the minister said the government has nothing to hide and is ready to discuss the Manipur issue.

"People who are shouting slogans are neither interested in cooperation nor in cooperatives, neither in Dalits nor in women welfare," he said amid sloganeering by opposition members.

"I want to reiterate that I have written letters to leaders of opposition in both Houses that we (government) are prepared for a discussion for as long as they want. The government is not afraid of anything. Those who want to debate the Manipur issue can debate. We have nothing to hide," Shah said.

"People of the country are watching you, you have to go for elections, beware of the anger of the people. I request you to create a conducive atmosphere to discuss a sensitive issue like Manipur," he added.

Defence Minister and Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha Rajnath Singh too had stated that the government was ready for a discussion on the issue.

This is for the second time that Shah has told the lower House about the government's willingness to hold the discussion.

The government has said that Home Minister Shah would reply to the debate.

Proceedings in both Houses of Parliament remain disrupted ever since the Monsoon session began on July 20 with the opposition parties demanding a statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Manipur violence before a discussion.

READ MORE | Opposition front INDIA plans no confidence motion in Lok Sabha

The opposition has tried to corner the government on the Manipur violence after a video of a May 4 incident appeared on social media recently showing two women stripped and paraded naked by a mob.

The Manipur Police has arrested several accused seen in the video.

The police said a case of abduction, gang rape and murder has been registered at the Nongpok Sekmai police station in Thoubal district.

More than 160 people have lost their lives and several have been injured since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3.

NEW DELHI: Seeking to break the current logjam, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday sought "invaluable cooperation" of the opposition to discuss the Manipur issue in Parliament and asked them to rise above party lines to find a "permanent" solution to the embroglio in a "harmonious" way. In identical letters in Hindi to opposition leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Shah said the people of Manipur want that MPs of all political parties give them confidence that the lawmakers are united and committed to the peace of Manipur. Kharge is the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Chowdhury is the Congress leader in Lok Sabha.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Shah said the government is ready to discuss the Manipur issue and urged all to cooperate, rising above party lines. He said Manipur was experiencing a new era of peace and development during the last six years of the BJP rule but some court orders and some incidents resulted in violence in Manipur during May. ALSO READ | Manipur partially withdraws internet ban; massive protests in Mizoram against violence The home minister said some "shameful incidents" also came to the fore after which people of the country, the Northeast and especially Manipur are expecting from Parliament that, rising above party lines, the leaders will stand with the people of the state. "Earlier also our great Parliament has done it. The opposition is demanding that the government gives a statement but I want to tell you that the government is ready not only for a statement but also for a full-fledged debate. "But the cooperation of all political parties is expected. I urge all the opposition parties to come forward for discussion in a cordial atmosphere. "Come, let's rise above party lines to find a just and permanent solution for the challenges before the country in a harmonious way," he wrote. Shah said as representatives of the people, it is the collective duty of all MPs that they serve the interests of citizens and work towards the betterment of the country. "As you know Manipur is a very important border state of the country. The rich cultural heritage of the state is the jewel of the country's culture. "Lok Sabha has a special place in the democratic structure of the country. Our country is the mother of democracy and the world's largest democracy, Parliament represents the hopes, aspirations, problems and worries of the 140 crore population of the country," he said, adding, "I hope that all the parties will cooperate in resolving this important issue". Replying to a short debate on the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, the minister said the government has nothing to hide and is ready to discuss the Manipur issue. "People who are shouting slogans are neither interested in cooperation nor in cooperatives, neither in Dalits nor in women welfare," he said amid sloganeering by opposition members. "I want to reiterate that I have written letters to leaders of opposition in both Houses that we (government) are prepared for a discussion for as long as they want. The government is not afraid of anything. Those who want to debate the Manipur issue can debate. We have nothing to hide," Shah said. "People of the country are watching you, you have to go for elections, beware of the anger of the people. I request you to create a conducive atmosphere to discuss a sensitive issue like Manipur," he added. Defence Minister and Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha Rajnath Singh too had stated that the government was ready for a discussion on the issue. This is for the second time that Shah has told the lower House about the government's willingness to hold the discussion. The government has said that Home Minister Shah would reply to the debate. Proceedings in both Houses of Parliament remain disrupted ever since the Monsoon session began on July 20 with the opposition parties demanding a statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Manipur violence before a discussion. READ MORE | Opposition front INDIA plans no confidence motion in Lok Sabha The opposition has tried to corner the government on the Manipur violence after a video of a May 4 incident appeared on social media recently showing two women stripped and paraded naked by a mob. The Manipur Police has arrested several accused seen in the video. The police said a case of abduction, gang rape and murder has been registered at the Nongpok Sekmai police station in Thoubal district. More than 160 people have lost their lives and several have been injured since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3.
By Express News Service

BHOPAL: Eyeing the crucial 16 per cent Dalit vote, both leading political parties  the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress are getting their top leaders to assembly poll-bound Madhya Pradeshs Bundelkhand region, where Dalits roughly constitute around 20-25 per cent of the population.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Bundelkhands Sagar district on August 12 to lay the foundation for the Rs 100 crore temple dedicated to Bhakti Movement saint and Dalit icon Sant Ravidas. Congresss national president Malikarjun Kharge is likely to address a mega rally in the same Sagar district on August 13.

Prime Minister Modi will on August 12 (it will be his fifth visit to Madhya Pradesh in less than 5 months) lay the foundation of the grand temple at Badtuma (Sagar), whose construction was announced by MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan at the Sant Ravidas Mahakumbh in February. On the other hand, the Congress presidents rally the next day (August 13) in the same district, will mark the launch of the grand old partys poll campaign in the Bundelkhand region.

Importantly, Dalits constitute 16 per cent of the states population. Out of the total 230 seats, 35 are Supreme Court reserved seats, a major part of which is in the Bundelkhand and adjoining Gwalior-Chambal and Vindhya regions. Bundelkhand region (particularly Sagar district) houses a predominant population of the Ahirwar-SC caste.

In the 2013 elections, when the BJP had won 165 seats, it had emerged victorious on 28 or 80 per cent of these 35 seats, while the Congress could manage just four seats, followed by BSP with 3 seats. But five years later in 2018 polls, the BJPs tally on the 35 SC reserved seats fell to just 18, while the Congresss count jumped more than four times to 17 seats.

BHOPAL: Eyeing the crucial 16 per cent Dalit vote, both leading political parties  the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress are getting their top leaders to assembly poll-bound Madhya Pradeshs Bundelkhand region, where Dalits roughly constitute around 20-25 per cent of the population. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Bundelkhands Sagar district on August 12 to lay the foundation for the Rs 100 crore temple dedicated to Bhakti Movement saint and Dalit icon Sant Ravidas. Congresss national president Malikarjun Kharge is likely to address a mega rally in the same Sagar district on August 13. Prime Minister Modi will on August 12 (it will be his fifth visit to Madhya Pradesh in less than 5 months) lay the foundation of the grand temple at Badtuma (Sagar), whose construction was announced by MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan at the Sant Ravidas Mahakumbh in February. On the other hand, the Congress presidents rally the next day (August 13) in the same district, will mark the launch of the grand old partys poll campaign in the Bundelkhand region.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Importantly, Dalits constitute 16 per cent of the states population. Out of the total 230 seats, 35 are Supreme Court reserved seats, a major part of which is in the Bundelkhand and adjoining Gwalior-Chambal and Vindhya regions. Bundelkhand region (particularly Sagar district) houses a predominant population of the Ahirwar-SC caste. In the 2013 elections, when the BJP had won 165 seats, it had emerged victorious on 28 or 80 per cent of these 35 seats, while the Congress could manage just four seats, followed by BSP with 3 seats. But five years later in 2018 polls, the BJPs tally on the 35 SC reserved seats fell to just 18, while the Congresss count jumped more than four times to 17 seats.
Preetha Nair and Prasanta Mazumdar By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI/GUWAHATI: The ongoing faceoff in Parliament on the Manipur situation took a turn on Monday after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) member Sanjay Singh was suspended from the Rajya Sabha for the rest of the session for repeatedly violating the directive of the Chair.

Demanding the revocation of his selective suspension, the Opposition began a day-and-night sit-in protest at the Gandhi statue in the Parliament complex. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar ordered the suspension after Leader of the House Piyush Goyal moved a motion. It was adopted by the House by voice vote.

Speaking to this newspaper, Rajya Sabha member Sushmita Dev said the allies of INDIA will hold the sit-in protest until the suspension is revoked. We will sit on a rotational basis. On Monday, I sat from 4-6 pm along with Jairam Ramesh, Derek OBrien, Sanjay Singh and Manoj Jha among others. At any given point of time, there will be more than 10 MPs, said Dev, adding his suspension was unwarranted.

I am surprised that such a harsh measure was taken. I have a feeling that it has to do with the numbers game vis-a-vis the Delhi Ordinance. Sanjay Singh was demanding a statement from the PM on Manipur, which all of us were demanding. There were around 20 MPs in the Well at that time, said Dev.

Earlier in the day, both Houses of Parliament were adjourned amid din over the Oppositions demand to hold a discussion on Manipur under Rule 267. Several members moved adjournment motions on the matter in both Houses.

Amid ruckus in the Lok Sabha, Union home minister Amit Shah said that the government is willing to hold discussions on Manipur in Parliament and urged the Opposition to let it happen. Several members have demanded a discussion on Manipur. It is a very sensitive issue and I am ready for the discussion. I urge the leader of the Opposition to allow the discussion to take place. It is important that the truth comes out, he said.

In Manipur, the police said they had identified 14 more suspects of the May 4 strip-parade incident involving two women from a viral video even as a large group of women vented its ire outside the residence of Union minister R K Ranjan Singh in Imphal. The police said efforts were being made to trace and arrest all suspects.

Meira Paibis (women torchbearers) staged a protest outside the residence of the Union minister in the Imphal East district demanding he speak in Parliament on the Manipur situation. He was away in Delhi.

On June 15, a mob had partially torched the ministers residence. Later, he publicly admitted that the state government had completely failed to maintain law and order.

A woman protester told journalists that they wanted the minister to raise their grievances in Parliament. We want the Central leaders to come to Manipur and assess the situation. We appeal to the President and the Governor to help restore peace, she said.

NEW DELHI/GUWAHATI: The ongoing faceoff in Parliament on the Manipur situation took a turn on Monday after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) member Sanjay Singh was suspended from the Rajya Sabha for the rest of the session for repeatedly violating the directive of the Chair. Demanding the revocation of his selective suspension, the Opposition began a day-and-night sit-in protest at the Gandhi statue in the Parliament complex. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar ordered the suspension after Leader of the House Piyush Goyal moved a motion. It was adopted by the House by voice vote. Speaking to this newspaper, Rajya Sabha member Sushmita Dev said the allies of INDIA will hold the sit-in protest until the suspension is revoked. We will sit on a rotational basis. On Monday, I sat from 4-6 pm along with Jairam Ramesh, Derek OBrien, Sanjay Singh and Manoj Jha among others. At any given point of time, there will be more than 10 MPs, said Dev, adding his suspension was unwarranted.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); I am surprised that such a harsh measure was taken. I have a feeling that it has to do with the numbers game vis-a-vis the Delhi Ordinance. Sanjay Singh was demanding a statement from the PM on Manipur, which all of us were demanding. There were around 20 MPs in the Well at that time, said Dev. Earlier in the day, both Houses of Parliament were adjourned amid din over the Oppositions demand to hold a discussion on Manipur under Rule 267. Several members moved adjournment motions on the matter in both Houses. Amid ruckus in the Lok Sabha, Union home minister Amit Shah said that the government is willing to hold discussions on Manipur in Parliament and urged the Opposition to let it happen. Several members have demanded a discussion on Manipur. It is a very sensitive issue and I am ready for the discussion. I urge the leader of the Opposition to allow the discussion to take place. It is important that the truth comes out, he said. In Manipur, the police said they had identified 14 more suspects of the May 4 strip-parade incident involving two women from a viral video even as a large group of women vented its ire outside the residence of Union minister R K Ranjan Singh in Imphal. The police said efforts were being made to trace and arrest all suspects. Meira Paibis (women torchbearers) staged a protest outside the residence of the Union minister in the Imphal East district demanding he speak in Parliament on the Manipur situation. He was away in Delhi. On June 15, a mob had partially torched the ministers residence. Later, he publicly admitted that the state government had completely failed to maintain law and order. A woman protester told journalists that they wanted the minister to raise their grievances in Parliament. We want the Central leaders to come to Manipur and assess the situation. We appeal to the President and the Governor to help restore peace, she said.
Jaison Wilson By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court on Monday acquitted former Haryana Minister Gopal Goyal Kanda and his aide & co-accused Aruna Chadha in connection with the death of air hostess Geetika Sharma by suicide.

Observing that the prosecution has failed to prove the charges against the accused, ASJ Vikas Dhull also acquitted co-accused Aruna Chadha. The judge stated that none of the charges framed against accused persons has been proved on record and the prosecution failed to prove offence under Section 306 (Abetment of suicide) read with 120-B IPC (criminal conspiracy).

Both accused persons are acquitted for the offence under Section 120-B IPC r/w 466/471/468/469 IPC and 66 IT Act, 2000 and under Section 306 r/w 120-B IPC, the order read. The court said that the suicide may be due to other reasons, pointing out the three calls received from the same number before her death. No investigation was made regarding the number, it was noted. The possibility of some person known to her calling on August 4, 2012, and instigating her, due to which she committed suicide, cannot be ruled out, it said.

Kanda was arrested in 2012 on charges of rape and abetment to suicide after a Delhi court put him on trial.

The accused were facing charges under various sections, including 306 (abetment of suicide), 506 (criminal intimidation), 201 (destruction of evidence), 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 466 (forgery).

The trial court had also framed charges of rape (376) and 377 (unnatural sex) against Kanda.

The Delhi High Court, however, later quashed the charges under 376 and 377 of the IPC.

Special Judge Vikas Dhull said the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond all reasonable doubt.

Sharma worked in Kanda's aviation company, MDLR Airlines, named after his father Murli Dhar Lakh Ram, and had accused him of harassment in her 'suicide note.'

Geetika was found dead on August 5, 2012, at her Ashok Vihar residence in North-West Delhi.

Kanda, the then Sirsa MLA, was also initially booked for rape, but the charge was dropped when the Delhi High Court granted him bail in the abetment-to-suicide case in 2014.

In 2012, Kanda was Haryana's home minister in the Bhupinder Singh Hooda-led Congress government. He also held the urban bodies, industry and commerce portfolios.

Six months later, Sharma's mother also allegedly committed suicide and Kanda was again accused of abetting it. Kanda tendered his resignation when the row erupted.

Kanda, who was earlier associated with the INLD, fought the 2009 Haryana Assembly polls as an Independent and won, after being denied a party ticket.

Later, he extended his support to the Congress when it fell short of a majority and was made a minister.

Kanda's rise is well known in his hometown Sirsa, where he was the owner of a shoe shop once. He later joined the real estate business and then dabbled in the aviation sector.

Will appeal against the verdict: Geetikas brother

Geetika Sharmas family is shattered by the verdict acquitting the ex-minister.

Her brother Ankit Sharma said. My father is in a state of shock," adding that they do not have the means to fight the case and urged the state to file an appeal against the verdict.

Timeline of events

Aug 4-5, 2012: Geetika Sharma commits suicide

Aug 7: Police call Kanda for questioning

Aug 8: MDLR manager and co-accused Aruna Chadha arrested

Aug 8: Police declare Kanda as absconding

Aug 8: Kanda moves court for anticipatory bail

Aug 9: Court dismisses anticipatory bail plea; Police issue lookout notice against Kanda, his house raided

Aug 17: Kanda's anticipatory bail application rejected by Delhi High Court

Aug 18: Kanda surrenders at Delhi's Ashok Vihar police station

Oct 6: Delhi Police files charge sheet, court takes cognisance

May 10, 2013: Court frames charges against Kanda, Chadha

May 27: Court begins trial

July 25: High Court quash charges of rape, unnatural sex against Kanda

Feb 10, 2014: High Court grants bail to Chadha

Mar 4: Delhi court grants bail to Kanda

Jul 1, 2023: Court reserves verdict

Jul 25: Delhi court acquits Kanda, Chadha

(With additional inputs by PTI)

(If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050 (available 24x7))

NEW DELHI: Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court on Monday acquitted former Haryana Minister Gopal Goyal Kanda and his aide & co-accused Aruna Chadha in connection with the death of air hostess Geetika Sharma by suicide. Observing that the prosecution has failed to prove the charges against the accused, ASJ Vikas Dhull also acquitted co-accused Aruna Chadha. The judge stated that none of the charges framed against accused persons has been proved on record and the prosecution failed to prove offence under Section 306 (Abetment of suicide) read with 120-B IPC (criminal conspiracy). Both accused persons are acquitted for the offence under Section 120-B IPC r/w 466/471/468/469 IPC and 66 IT Act, 2000 and under Section 306 r/w 120-B IPC, the order read. The court said that the suicide may be due to other reasons, pointing out the three calls received from the same number before her death. No investigation was made regarding the number, it was noted. The possibility of some person known to her calling on August 4, 2012, and instigating her, due to which she committed suicide, cannot be ruled out, it said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Kanda was arrested in 2012 on charges of rape and abetment to suicide after a Delhi court put him on trial. The accused were facing charges under various sections, including 306 (abetment of suicide), 506 (criminal intimidation), 201 (destruction of evidence), 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 466 (forgery). The trial court had also framed charges of rape (376) and 377 (unnatural sex) against Kanda. The Delhi High Court, however, later quashed the charges under 376 and 377 of the IPC. Special Judge Vikas Dhull said the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond all reasonable doubt. Sharma worked in Kanda's aviation company, MDLR Airlines, named after his father Murli Dhar Lakh Ram, and had accused him of harassment in her 'suicide note.' Geetika was found dead on August 5, 2012, at her Ashok Vihar residence in North-West Delhi. Kanda, the then Sirsa MLA, was also initially booked for rape, but the charge was dropped when the Delhi High Court granted him bail in the abetment-to-suicide case in 2014. In 2012, Kanda was Haryana's home minister in the Bhupinder Singh Hooda-led Congress government. He also held the urban bodies, industry and commerce portfolios. Six months later, Sharma's mother also allegedly committed suicide and Kanda was again accused of abetting it. Kanda tendered his resignation when the row erupted. Kanda, who was earlier associated with the INLD, fought the 2009 Haryana Assembly polls as an Independent and won, after being denied a party ticket. Later, he extended his support to the Congress when it fell short of a majority and was made a minister. Kanda's rise is well known in his hometown Sirsa, where he was the owner of a shoe shop once. He later joined the real estate business and then dabbled in the aviation sector. Will appeal against the verdict: Geetikas brother Geetika Sharmas family is shattered by the verdict acquitting the ex-minister. Her brother Ankit Sharma said. My father is in a state of shock," adding that they do not have the means to fight the case and urged the state to file an appeal against the verdict. Timeline of events Aug 4-5, 2012: Geetika Sharma commits suicide Aug 7: Police call Kanda for questioning Aug 8: MDLR manager and co-accused Aruna Chadha arrested Aug 8: Police declare Kanda as absconding Aug 8: Kanda moves court for anticipatory bail Aug 9: Court dismisses anticipatory bail plea; Police issue lookout notice against Kanda, his house raided Aug 17: Kanda's anticipatory bail application rejected by Delhi High Court Aug 18: Kanda surrenders at Delhi's Ashok Vihar police station Oct 6: Delhi Police files charge sheet, court takes cognisance May 10, 2013: Court frames charges against Kanda, Chadha May 27: Court begins trial July 25: High Court quash charges of rape, unnatural sex against Kanda Feb 10, 2014: High Court grants bail to Chadha Mar 4: Delhi court grants bail to Kanda Jul 1, 2023: Court reserves verdict Jul 25: Delhi court acquits Kanda, Chadha (With additional inputs by PTI) (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050 (available 24x7))
Yeshi Seli By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval during the BRICS NSAs meet in Johannesburg on Monday highlighted the connection between cyber criminals and terrorists.

The younger population is particularly vulnerable to the spread of extremist ideologies via social media sites as they are technology savvy and have impressionable minds, he is reported to have said at the Friends of BRICS meeting where the issue of cybersecurity was discussed in detail.

In addition to the BRICS members, the invited participants included representatives from Belarus, Burundi, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kazakhstan and Cuba. This meeting is being held as a run-up to the BRICS Summit that would be held between August 22 and 24. Nikolai Pastrushev represented Russia. Wang Yi China also participated.

Doval emphasised the need for collective efforts to counter the challenges emerging from the threat of cybersecurity. The Global South in particular needs to overcome limitations of resources. In this regard, India will always remain at the forefront and work closely with the Global South, Doval said.

The National Security Advisor also underlined that the gravity of cyber risks will increase exponentially with the advent of disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Big Data and the Internet of Things.

In the Friends of BRICS meet, Doval also spoke about the linkage between cyber criminals and terrorists, including the use of cyberspace for financing, money laundering, radicalising, lone wolf attacks, and recruitment secured communications, among other things.

It is not clear on whether Indias National Security advisor had bilateral talks with his counterparts from BRICS, the most anticipated being with Wang Yi. Meanwhile, Wang Yi before coming to Johannesburg, made a surprise stopover in Addis Ababa and reiterated that Beijing was willing to play a positive role in easing Ethiopias debt pressure.

Ethiopia has an estimated USD 13.7 billion in debt to China, much of it advanced by China Exim Bank between 2000 and 2021. The Chinese capital has funded the USD 4.5 billion Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, along with other projects such as the capitals Riverside Green Development and a light-rail network.

NEW DELHI: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval during the BRICS NSAs meet in Johannesburg on Monday highlighted the connection between cyber criminals and terrorists. The younger population is particularly vulnerable to the spread of extremist ideologies via social media sites as they are technology savvy and have impressionable minds, he is reported to have said at the Friends of BRICS meeting where the issue of cybersecurity was discussed in detail. In addition to the BRICS members, the invited participants included representatives from Belarus, Burundi, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kazakhstan and Cuba. This meeting is being held as a run-up to the BRICS Summit that would be held between August 22 and 24. Nikolai Pastrushev represented Russia. Wang Yi China also participated.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Doval emphasised the need for collective efforts to counter the challenges emerging from the threat of cybersecurity. The Global South in particular needs to overcome limitations of resources. In this regard, India will always remain at the forefront and work closely with the Global South, Doval said. The National Security Advisor also underlined that the gravity of cyber risks will increase exponentially with the advent of disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Big Data and the Internet of Things. In the Friends of BRICS meet, Doval also spoke about the linkage between cyber criminals and terrorists, including the use of cyberspace for financing, money laundering, radicalising, lone wolf attacks, and recruitment secured communications, among other things. It is not clear on whether Indias National Security advisor had bilateral talks with his counterparts from BRICS, the most anticipated being with Wang Yi. Meanwhile, Wang Yi before coming to Johannesburg, made a surprise stopover in Addis Ababa and reiterated that Beijing was willing to play a positive role in easing Ethiopias debt pressure. Ethiopia has an estimated USD 13.7 billion in debt to China, much of it advanced by China Exim Bank between 2000 and 2021. The Chinese capital has funded the USD 4.5 billion Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, along with other projects such as the capitals Riverside Green Development and a light-rail network.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said he has written to leaders of opposition in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha that the government is ready for discussion on the Manipur issue for as long as they want.

Proceedings in both Houses of Parliament remain disrupted from day one of the Monsoon session with the opposition parties demanding a statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Manipur violence before a discussion.

The opposition has tried to corner the government on the Manipur violence after a video of a May 4 incident appeared recently showing two women stripped and paraded naked by a mob.

Replying to a short debate on the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, the minister said the government has nothing to hide, and is ready to discuss the Manipur issue.

"People who are shouting slogans are neither interested in cooperation nor in cooperatives, neither in Dalits nor in women welfare," he said amid sloganeering by opposition members.

"I want to reiterate that I have written letters to leaders of opposition in both Houses that we (government) are prepared for a discussion for as long as they want. The government is not afraid of anything. Those who want to debate the Manipur issue can debate. We have nothing to hide," Shah said.

Later, the House passed the bill with a voice vote amid the din.

The House was adjourned soon after to meet again on Wednesday.

NEW DELHI: Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said he has written to leaders of opposition in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha that the government is ready for discussion on the Manipur issue for as long as they want. Proceedings in both Houses of Parliament remain disrupted from day one of the Monsoon session with the opposition parties demanding a statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Manipur violence before a discussion. The opposition has tried to corner the government on the Manipur violence after a video of a May 4 incident appeared recently showing two women stripped and paraded naked by a mob.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Replying to a short debate on the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, the minister said the government has nothing to hide, and is ready to discuss the Manipur issue. "People who are shouting slogans are neither interested in cooperation nor in cooperatives, neither in Dalits nor in women welfare," he said amid sloganeering by opposition members. "I want to reiterate that I have written letters to leaders of opposition in both Houses that we (government) are prepared for a discussion for as long as they want. The government is not afraid of anything. Those who want to debate the Manipur issue can debate. We have nothing to hide," Shah said. Later, the House passed the bill with a voice vote amid the din. The House was adjourned soon after to meet again on Wednesday.
By Express News Service

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat High Court blasted Ahmedabad traffic authorities for inaction in law enforcement during a hearing on Tuesday.

The "court is fed up" with the state's inaction thus far, as well as the state's failure to enforce traffic regulations and the Gujarat High Court's instructions made in this respect in 2006 and 2018, it said.

The court also stated that the traffic police have been weak in enforcing traffic laws, resulting in offenders committing obvious crimes with impunity.

The warning followed a horrific collision on Ahmedabads Sarkhej - Gandhinagar Highway in which a speeding automobile left nine people dead and 13 more injured.

The court gave the authorities until August 9 to show action on the ground and its outcomes, specifically with the application of traffic and parking legislation.

What is the real cause of this incident? These offenders have no respect for the law. They break the law openly and without consequence, Justice Supehia said to the government pleader who represented the Ahmedabad traffic police.

The court also remarked that lawbreakers must be afraid that they will face repercussions from authorities on the ground level before breaking the law.

The government's pleader, on the other hand, stated that "following the court's observations on July 19, the state is undertaking a special drive to crack down on traffic violators,

Court said that it has to be a regular mechanism instead of occasional temporary drives."

As lawyers for the authorities requested the court to provide more time to prove results, they stressed that they are not treating the action as adversarial and that, ultimately, charging against two officers will not serve the objective that the court desires. Taking this into account, the court granted the authorities an extension until August 9.

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat High Court blasted Ahmedabad traffic authorities for inaction in law enforcement during a hearing on Tuesday. The "court is fed up" with the state's inaction thus far, as well as the state's failure to enforce traffic regulations and the Gujarat High Court's instructions made in this respect in 2006 and 2018, it said. The court also stated that the traffic police have been weak in enforcing traffic laws, resulting in offenders committing obvious crimes with impunity.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The warning followed a horrific collision on Ahmedabads Sarkhej - Gandhinagar Highway in which a speeding automobile left nine people dead and 13 more injured. The court gave the authorities until August 9 to show action on the ground and its outcomes, specifically with the application of traffic and parking legislation. What is the real cause of this incident? These offenders have no respect for the law. They break the law openly and without consequence, Justice Supehia said to the government pleader who represented the Ahmedabad traffic police. The court also remarked that lawbreakers must be afraid that they will face repercussions from authorities on the ground level before breaking the law. The government's pleader, on the other hand, stated that "following the court's observations on July 19, the state is undertaking a special drive to crack down on traffic violators, Court said that it has to be a regular mechanism instead of occasional temporary drives." As lawyers for the authorities requested the court to provide more time to prove results, they stressed that they are not treating the action as adversarial and that, ultimately, charging against two officers will not serve the objective that the court desires. Taking this into account, the court granted the authorities an extension until August 9.
Ramashankar By

Express News Service

PATNA: A thief in Bihars Buxar district kept police on tenterhook for nearly 33 years. Jhanjhatua, (55) a resident of Udiyanganj in the Buxar district, had been involved in a series of theft and robberies in houses and other business establishments in the early 1990s.

About a dozen FIRs were registered against Jhanjhatua in different police stations, including Krishna Braha police station, in Buxar district and a hunt was launched to arrest him. Warrants of arrest were issued by the district court against the thief, who had robbed the sleep of not only the local residents but also the police.

Station house officer (SHO) of Krishna Brahma police station Santosh Kumar said that Jhanjhatua, a notorious thief of the region, managed to dodge police every time when the police raided his house and his other locations to arrest him.

On Sunday night, luck didnt favour Jhanjhatua and he was caught while sleeping in his house at his native village. We had definite information about his location this time and luck favoured us, the SHO said. Acting on a tip-off, a police team attached to Krishna Brahma police station conducted a raid at the thiefs house.

He was absconding for the past 33 years, said Buxar superintendent of police Manish Kumar. He said that it was detected during a review of the pending cases that an accused in a series of theft cases was evading arrest for over three decades. I immediately asked the SHO concerned to ensure the arrest of the accused, the SP added.

Initially, Jhanjhatua left his home and shifted to other cities outside Bihar to evade his arrest. When the police believed that he would not return to his home, he secretly started residing there. During interrogation, Jhanjhatua said that he remained out of the familys touch for about a decade so that nobody could get information about his exact location.

Later he started visiting his home off and on. Co-residents believed that cases have been disposed of and Jhanjhatua was living a normal life. But that was not true. We were taken aback when police arrested him, said his neighbour Ratan Lal. SP Manish said that during the course of police action against absconders, another accused identified as Jitendra Ram was arrested. Ram was also absconding for the past one decade.

PATNA: A thief in Bihars Buxar district kept police on tenterhook for nearly 33 years. Jhanjhatua, (55) a resident of Udiyanganj in the Buxar district, had been involved in a series of theft and robberies in houses and other business establishments in the early 1990s. About a dozen FIRs were registered against Jhanjhatua in different police stations, including Krishna Braha police station, in Buxar district and a hunt was launched to arrest him. Warrants of arrest were issued by the district court against the thief, who had robbed the sleep of not only the local residents but also the police. Station house officer (SHO) of Krishna Brahma police station Santosh Kumar said that Jhanjhatua, a notorious thief of the region, managed to dodge police every time when the police raided his house and his other locations to arrest him.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); On Sunday night, luck didnt favour Jhanjhatua and he was caught while sleeping in his house at his native village. We had definite information about his location this time and luck favoured us, the SHO said. Acting on a tip-off, a police team attached to Krishna Brahma police station conducted a raid at the thiefs house. He was absconding for the past 33 years, said Buxar superintendent of police Manish Kumar. He said that it was detected during a review of the pending cases that an accused in a series of theft cases was evading arrest for over three decades. I immediately asked the SHO concerned to ensure the arrest of the accused, the SP added. Initially, Jhanjhatua left his home and shifted to other cities outside Bihar to evade his arrest. When the police believed that he would not return to his home, he secretly started residing there. During interrogation, Jhanjhatua said that he remained out of the familys touch for about a decade so that nobody could get information about his exact location. Later he started visiting his home off and on. Co-residents believed that cases have been disposed of and Jhanjhatua was living a normal life. But that was not true. We were taken aback when police arrested him, said his neighbour Ratan Lal. SP Manish said that during the course of police action against absconders, another accused identified as Jitendra Ram was arrested. Ram was also absconding for the past one decade.
Berlin police warned residents in the city's southwestern suburbs to keep their children and pets inside as they searched for a lioness roaming the area. After reviewing video of the big cat, police and wildlife experts used helicopters, dogs, infrared cameras, and drones in their 30-hour operation to find the animal. No luck. So what were people seeing? From UPI:

Rainer Altenkamp, a wildlife expert and chairman of the environmental organization NABU Berlin, said the animal in the video is indeed a wild boar. He pointed out the animal's tail, round back and elongated head as being consistent with a wild pig, rather than a big cat[]

Officials said a roaring sound heard by searching officers late Thursday night turned out to be the work of teenage pranksters using a Bluetooth speaker.
Prasanta Mazumdar By

Express News Service

GUWAHATI: The Manipur government on Tuesday partially lifted the ban on internet, nearly three months after it was banned due to the ethnic violence in the state. Massive protests were staged across neighbouring Mizoram against the ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kukis.

However, the ban on mobile internet continued. Internet services were suspended on May 3 evening, hours after the violence broke out following a tribal solidarity march taken out in the states all 10 hill districts against the alleged move to grant ST status to majority Meitei community.

The government feared internet would flare up the situation but despite the ban, the May 4 strip-parade video went viral, triggering a nationwide outrage.

In an order, Manipur Home Commissioner T Ranjit Singh said, earlier suspension of internet services on broadband (ILL and FTTH) is lifted conditionally in a liberalized manner subject to fulfilment ofterms and conditions.

"Connection will be only through static IP and that the subscriber concerned shall not accept any other connection other than allowed for the time being [TSP/ISP shall be held responsible for non-compliance of this condition]," it said.

"No Wifi Hotspots shall be allowed from any of the routers and systems using the connection at any cost by the subscriber concerned," it said.

The government has considered the suffering of the people as the internet ban affected offices and institutions, and people working from home, besides mobile recharge, LPG cylinder booking, payment of electricity bills, and other online services, the order said.

Massive protests in Mizoram against violence

In Mizoram's capital Aizawl, Chief Minister Zoramthanga walked along with the protestors. He told a news channel that Manipur and central governments would have to try their best to find a solution.

The wound is deep. It is very difficult to heal this with a pain-killer. It needs a thorough investigation, Zoramthanga said, adding what the Manipur and central governments have done so far is not enough.

He said it was up to Centre and his Manipur counterpart N Biren Singh to decide if he (Biren) should step down. He said a lot of people, including Singh, and various factors are responsible for the violence.

The central government has to take a political decision in consultations with various communities of Manipur, the Mizoram CM said in the backdrop of the demand by the Kuki-Zo tribals to grant separate administration to them.

The NGO Co-Ordination Committee, Mizoram said the violence in Manipur tarnished the image of Indian democracy. It appealed to central and Manipur governments to take necessary steps to secure peace between the Meiteis and the Zo ethnic people.

Mizos, Kukis, Zomis, Hmars, Chins (Myanmar) and Chin-Kukis (Bangladesh) belong to the greater Zo community and they share the same ancestry, culture and tradition. According to official figures, 12,584 tribals, displaced by the violence in Manipur, are taking shelter in Mizoram.

In Manipur, a three-member team of the National Commission for Women, led by its chief Rekha Sharma, visited the Kuki-majority Churachandpur while Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal met the family members of the strip-parade victims. She said the two were yet to receive any counselling and were in deep trauma.

Maliwal also met Governor Anusuiya Uikey, apprised her of the situation and shared her findings.

READ MORE: Internet shutdowns dont kill rumours, hit biz, education

GUWAHATI: The Manipur government on Tuesday partially lifted the ban on internet, nearly three months after it was banned due to the ethnic violence in the state. Massive protests were staged across neighbouring Mizoram against the ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kukis. However, the ban on mobile internet continued. Internet services were suspended on May 3 evening, hours after the violence broke out following a tribal solidarity march taken out in the states all 10 hill districts against the alleged move to grant ST status to majority Meitei community. The government feared internet would flare up the situation but despite the ban, the May 4 strip-parade video went viral, triggering a nationwide outrage.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In an order, Manipur Home Commissioner T Ranjit Singh said, earlier suspension of internet services on broadband (ILL and FTTH) is lifted conditionally in a liberalized manner subject to fulfilment ofterms and conditions. "Connection will be only through static IP and that the subscriber concerned shall not accept any other connection other than allowed for the time being [TSP/ISP shall be held responsible for non-compliance of this condition]," it said. "No Wifi Hotspots shall be allowed from any of the routers and systems using the connection at any cost by the subscriber concerned," it said. The government has considered the suffering of the people as the internet ban affected offices and institutions, and people working from home, besides mobile recharge, LPG cylinder booking, payment of electricity bills, and other online services, the order said. Massive protests in Mizoram against violence In Mizoram's capital Aizawl, Chief Minister Zoramthanga walked along with the protestors. He told a news channel that Manipur and central governments would have to try their best to find a solution. The wound is deep. It is very difficult to heal this with a pain-killer. It needs a thorough investigation, Zoramthanga said, adding what the Manipur and central governments have done so far is not enough. He said it was up to Centre and his Manipur counterpart N Biren Singh to decide if he (Biren) should step down. He said a lot of people, including Singh, and various factors are responsible for the violence. The central government has to take a political decision in consultations with various communities of Manipur, the Mizoram CM said in the backdrop of the demand by the Kuki-Zo tribals to grant separate administration to them. The NGO Co-Ordination Committee, Mizoram said the violence in Manipur tarnished the image of Indian democracy. It appealed to central and Manipur governments to take necessary steps to secure peace between the Meiteis and the Zo ethnic people. Mizos, Kukis, Zomis, Hmars, Chins (Myanmar) and Chin-Kukis (Bangladesh) belong to the greater Zo community and they share the same ancestry, culture and tradition. According to official figures, 12,584 tribals, displaced by the violence in Manipur, are taking shelter in Mizoram. In Manipur, a three-member team of the National Commission for Women, led by its chief Rekha Sharma, visited the Kuki-majority Churachandpur while Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal met the family members of the strip-parade victims. She said the two were yet to receive any counselling and were in deep trauma. Maliwal also met Governor Anusuiya Uikey, apprised her of the situation and shared her findings. READ MORE: Internet shutdowns dont kill rumours, hit biz, education
By PTI

NEW DELHI: NCP supremo Sharad Pawar on Tuesday joined other opposition leaders protesting against the suspension of AAP's Sanjay Singh from Rajya Sabha for the remainder of the Monsoon session.

Singh was suspended from the Upper House of Parliament on Monday for 'unruly behaviour' in the House after which he and other opposition leaders have been sitting on a protest near the Mahatma Gandhi statue in the Parliament premises.

READ MORE: Day and night protest as Rajya Sabha suspends AAP member

After the Rajya Sabha was adjourned Tuesday afternoon, Pawar went to the protest site to express solidarity with Singh, who was suspended for repeatedly 'violating' the directives of the Chair after he rushed to the well of the House and pointed at the Chair during the opposition's protest over the Manipur issue.

NEW DELHI: NCP supremo Sharad Pawar on Tuesday joined other opposition leaders protesting against the suspension of AAP's Sanjay Singh from Rajya Sabha for the remainder of the Monsoon session. Singh was suspended from the Upper House of Parliament on Monday for 'unruly behaviour' in the House after which he and other opposition leaders have been sitting on a protest near the Mahatma Gandhi statue in the Parliament premises. READ MORE: Day and night protest as Rajya Sabha suspends AAP membergoogletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); After the Rajya Sabha was adjourned Tuesday afternoon, Pawar went to the protest site to express solidarity with Singh, who was suspended for repeatedly 'violating' the directives of the Chair after he rushed to the well of the House and pointed at the Chair during the opposition's protest over the Manipur issue.
Rajesh Kumar Thakur By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Hours after suspending AAP MP Sanjay Singh from the remaining period of the monsoon session in the Rajya Sabha, Vice President and Chairman of the House Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday said no country or system could flourish without discipline or decorum.

Addressing a group of Indian Forest Service probationers, the RS chairman said: I am working in a manner, using everything under my command, to ensure the temple of democracy, has decorum and discipline. He called upon the probationers to maintain zero tolerance towards the lack of decorum and discipline to bring changes dramatically.

To enforce decorum and discipline, sometimes we have to take recourse to unpalatable measures, but we must never hesitate because decorum and discipline are linked to our growth, with our reputation and with our prosperity, said the Rajya Sabha chairman.

Dhankhar suspended AAP MP Sanjay Singh earlier in the day in the Rajya Sabha saying Singh violated the directives of the Chair. He said the moment one takes a lenient view, it doesnt serve well to society.

Dhankhar named Singh for his unruly behaviour and cautioned him.

Singh rushed to the well of the House and was pointing at the Chair while seeking a discussion on Manipur when he was cautioned. The AAP leader, however, continued to protest even after he was suspended and Rajya Sabha was adjourned.

NEW DELHI: Hours after suspending AAP MP Sanjay Singh from the remaining period of the monsoon session in the Rajya Sabha, Vice President and Chairman of the House Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday said no country or system could flourish without discipline or decorum. Addressing a group of Indian Forest Service probationers, the RS chairman said: I am working in a manner, using everything under my command, to ensure the temple of democracy, has decorum and discipline. He called upon the probationers to maintain zero tolerance towards the lack of decorum and discipline to bring changes dramatically. To enforce decorum and discipline, sometimes we have to take recourse to unpalatable measures, but we must never hesitate because decorum and discipline are linked to our growth, with our reputation and with our prosperity, said the Rajya Sabha chairman.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Dhankhar suspended AAP MP Sanjay Singh earlier in the day in the Rajya Sabha saying Singh violated the directives of the Chair. He said the moment one takes a lenient view, it doesnt serve well to society. Dhankhar named Singh for his unruly behaviour and cautioned him. Singh rushed to the well of the House and was pointing at the Chair while seeking a discussion on Manipur when he was cautioned. The AAP leader, however, continued to protest even after he was suspended and Rajya Sabha was adjourned.
Parvez Sultan By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Taking note of security lapses involving contractual employees in the government departments and ministries, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has asked its officers to ensure that unauthorised persons or non-regular staff dont get access to any confidential documents and sensitive information.

In a note to all senior officers including additional secretaries, joint secretaries, directors and heads of attached or subordinate offices, the ministry instructed officers to strictly adhere to the departmental security instructions and provisions of the Manual of Office Procedure while handling sensitive documents and secret information.

All the officers have also been asked to issue appropriate directions for compliance with the instructions. The ministry officials said that instructions had come after security agencies found the disclosure of sensitive documents and covert information to outside elements by the contractual employees of the government department and ministries.

Such cases highlight the violation of security guidelines wherein contractual employees have gained access to classified documents... It may be ensured that unauthorised persons/ contractual employees employed in your office do not have access to any classified documents, secret or sensitive information, read the note.

Recently, a contractual employee with the Ministry of Finance was arrested from Ghaziabad for allegedly possessing and supplying official secrets to a contact.

The police reportedly found a 61-page official document in his possession. In January, the Crime Branch of Delhi arrested a contractual employee of the Ministry of Finance under the same charges. The accused worked as a data entry operator and shared confidential information with foreign-based operatives.

In November 2022, a multi-tasking staffer working with the Ministry of external affairs (MEA) was handed over to the Delhi Polices Crime Branch. The allegations were that he was supplying classified information to a Pakistani intelligence officer.

After the ministrys note pertaining to the involvement of contractual employees in revealing clandestine details to outsiders, its departments and agencies have swung into action and issued alerts to their

respective officers.

NEW DELHI: Taking note of security lapses involving contractual employees in the government departments and ministries, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has asked its officers to ensure that unauthorised persons or non-regular staff dont get access to any confidential documents and sensitive information. In a note to all senior officers including additional secretaries, joint secretaries, directors and heads of attached or subordinate offices, the ministry instructed officers to strictly adhere to the departmental security instructions and provisions of the Manual of Office Procedure while handling sensitive documents and secret information. All the officers have also been asked to issue appropriate directions for compliance with the instructions. The ministry officials said that instructions had come after security agencies found the disclosure of sensitive documents and covert information to outside elements by the contractual employees of the government department and ministries. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Such cases highlight the violation of security guidelines wherein contractual employees have gained access to classified documents... It may be ensured that unauthorised persons/ contractual employees employed in your office do not have access to any classified documents, secret or sensitive information, read the note. Recently, a contractual employee with the Ministry of Finance was arrested from Ghaziabad for allegedly possessing and supplying official secrets to a contact. The police reportedly found a 61-page official document in his possession. In January, the Crime Branch of Delhi arrested a contractual employee of the Ministry of Finance under the same charges. The accused worked as a data entry operator and shared confidential information with foreign-based operatives. In November 2022, a multi-tasking staffer working with the Ministry of external affairs (MEA) was handed over to the Delhi Polices Crime Branch. The allegations were that he was supplying classified information to a Pakistani intelligence officer. After the ministrys note pertaining to the involvement of contractual employees in revealing clandestine details to outsiders, its departments and agencies have swung into action and issued alerts to their respective officers.
Rajesh Kumar Thakur By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched a blistering attack on INDIA (Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance), the new acronym for the Opposition alliance, at a BJP Parliamentary Party meeting here on Tuesday.

Calling the 26-party Opposition alliance the most directionless the country had ever seen, he cited reviled names like the East India Company, Indian Mujahideen and Popular Front of India to say people cannot be misled merely by the use of the countrys name.

Briefing the media after the meeting, former law minister and BJPs Rajya Sabha member Ravi Shankar Prasad quoted Modi as saying that the Opposition alliances sole agenda was to oppose the NDA in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, without a clear vision.

Its conduct suggests that it has reconciled to remain in opposition for a long time, Modi said. Modi cited the history of several organisations, including terror outfits that had the countrys name in their nomenclature, adding people cannot be misled by such political tricks.

He urged party members to expose the hidden agenda and corruption of the Opposition and highlight the failures of Opposition-ruled states like West Bengal and Rajasthan.

In his pushback, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said call us what you want, but we are India and will rebuild the idea of India in Manipur.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the PM in the Rajya Sabha for neglecting pressing issues like Manipur while focusing on historical references. Later, in a tweet in Hindi, he said, The Congress has always been with Mother India i.e. Bharat Mata.

Trinamool Congress members Derek OBrien and Mahua Moitra asked the PM to prioritise discussions on important issues in Parliament rather than making statements outside it.

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched a blistering attack on INDIA (Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance), the new acronym for the Opposition alliance, at a BJP Parliamentary Party meeting here on Tuesday. Calling the 26-party Opposition alliance the most directionless the country had ever seen, he cited reviled names like the East India Company, Indian Mujahideen and Popular Front of India to say people cannot be misled merely by the use of the countrys name. Briefing the media after the meeting, former law minister and BJPs Rajya Sabha member Ravi Shankar Prasad quoted Modi as saying that the Opposition alliances sole agenda was to oppose the NDA in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, without a clear vision.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Its conduct suggests that it has reconciled to remain in opposition for a long time, Modi said. Modi cited the history of several organisations, including terror outfits that had the countrys name in their nomenclature, adding people cannot be misled by such political tricks. He urged party members to expose the hidden agenda and corruption of the Opposition and highlight the failures of Opposition-ruled states like West Bengal and Rajasthan. In his pushback, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said call us what you want, but we are India and will rebuild the idea of India in Manipur. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the PM in the Rajya Sabha for neglecting pressing issues like Manipur while focusing on historical references. Later, in a tweet in Hindi, he said, The Congress has always been with Mother India i.e. Bharat Mata. Trinamool Congress members Derek OBrien and Mahua Moitra asked the PM to prioritise discussions on important issues in Parliament rather than making statements outside it.
Ejaz Kaiser By

Express News Service

RAIPUR: Swayed by the increasing reports on alleged love jihad that revolves around a conspiracy theory coupled with the rising instances of interfaith marriage in the tribals, their community in Chhattisgarhs Narayanpur has issued a dictum, particularly for girls, against tying of the nuptial knot in other castes or religion.

The tribal society further took a decision to impose a penalty of Rs 1 lakh on the brides family if she gets married to any caste other than the tribals. And if they refuse to pay the punitive fine, the entire family will be ostracised.

They have issued a guideline for the tribal boys to prevent them from marrying into a different caste. Anita Kureti, vice president of Sarv Adivasi Samaj (an umbrella body of tribal communities) women wing, describes the decision on punitive fines as a damage control exercise, said that the tribal youths are increasingly getting misguided and after their marriage to other castes they lose touch of their culture and roots.

We are witnessing a disturbing trend where the tribal girls are often seen solemnising their weddings in another caste or religion. The entire Adivasi society remains much concerned. Senior community leaders decided for a stern measure to impose fines on those eloping after marriage. Such marriages often lead to tension between the tribals and non-tribals, said Jeki Kashyap, convenor and youth wing in charge of tribal organisation.

The apprehension among tribals has gained ground over their educated youths taking independent decisions to choose non-adivasis as their partners. Such punishment of social isolation for the entire family in tribal society on a theme of maintaining discipline for ritual traditions is felt as deeper invisible pain and perceived worse than the death penalty. It is because community life often holds a strong significance for tribals, said Shiv Pandey, a scholar on tribal culture and Bastar folk tradition.

Regarding intercaste matrimony, the tribal leaders during their community meetings stressed keeping their society organised and shielded from performing weddings with different castes or religions. Rationalist and recipient of the national award for promoting scientific temper, Dr Dinesh Mishra, disapproved of such a decision and said that every adult citizen has a legal right to go for inter-caste marriage and none should proscribe or ostracise anyone on grounds of marrying in other faiths.

Such narrow thinking practice on the rise should be opposed. It inhibits progress. There should be a law against social boycott as it violates constitutional rights, Mishra added.

RAIPUR: Swayed by the increasing reports on alleged love jihad that revolves around a conspiracy theory coupled with the rising instances of interfaith marriage in the tribals, their community in Chhattisgarhs Narayanpur has issued a dictum, particularly for girls, against tying of the nuptial knot in other castes or religion. The tribal society further took a decision to impose a penalty of Rs 1 lakh on the brides family if she gets married to any caste other than the tribals. And if they refuse to pay the punitive fine, the entire family will be ostracised. They have issued a guideline for the tribal boys to prevent them from marrying into a different caste. Anita Kureti, vice president of Sarv Adivasi Samaj (an umbrella body of tribal communities) women wing, describes the decision on punitive fines as a damage control exercise, said that the tribal youths are increasingly getting misguided and after their marriage to other castes they lose touch of their culture and roots.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); We are witnessing a disturbing trend where the tribal girls are often seen solemnising their weddings in another caste or religion. The entire Adivasi society remains much concerned. Senior community leaders decided for a stern measure to impose fines on those eloping after marriage. Such marriages often lead to tension between the tribals and non-tribals, said Jeki Kashyap, convenor and youth wing in charge of tribal organisation. The apprehension among tribals has gained ground over their educated youths taking independent decisions to choose non-adivasis as their partners. Such punishment of social isolation for the entire family in tribal society on a theme of maintaining discipline for ritual traditions is felt as deeper invisible pain and perceived worse than the death penalty. It is because community life often holds a strong significance for tribals, said Shiv Pandey, a scholar on tribal culture and Bastar folk tradition. Regarding intercaste matrimony, the tribal leaders during their community meetings stressed keeping their society organised and shielded from performing weddings with different castes or religions. Rationalist and recipient of the national award for promoting scientific temper, Dr Dinesh Mishra, disapproved of such a decision and said that every adult citizen has a legal right to go for inter-caste marriage and none should proscribe or ostracise anyone on grounds of marrying in other faiths. Such narrow thinking practice on the rise should be opposed. It inhibits progress. There should be a law against social boycott as it violates constitutional rights, Mishra added.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Covering Rahul Gandhi's journey from when he officially entered politics in March 2004 to when he ended his Bharat Jodo Yatra in January 2023, an upcoming book attempts to analyse the Congress leader's "ideas, leadership, reason and emotions."

"Strange Burdens: The Politics and Predicaments of Rahul Gandhi" by journalist-author Sugata Srinivasaraju is not an effort to understand Gandhi's "failures and successes in tabular columns" but speculate in the best traditions of political commentary "why he is where he is, both politically and as an individual", according to publishing house Penguin Random House India (PRHI).

Divided into 11 chapters, the narrative traverses two decades with the intention of understanding Gandhi's "politics and predicaments, confusions and contradictions, triteness and triumph, as well as his burdens and benignity".

"'Strange Burdens' is not a biography but a book of political commentary...The book does not seek to answer questions about his suitability or unsuitability for a public role but is rather focused on how he has been caught in the currents of history. It is not a myth-busting or myth-making exercise, nor is it an inquisition; it is a pursuit of political insight," writes the author in the introduction of the book.

He describes the 53-year-old former Congress president as a "fascinating subject of study" in whom the "political and the personal are entwined".

His "individual destiny is enmeshed in the destiny of his party, and the destiny of his party in turn is argued to be linked with the very destiny of India".

Gandhi, a scion of the Nehru-Gandhi family, won his first election from Amethi (Uttar Pradesh) in 2004. He took over as leader of the Congress at the end of 2017 when Sonia Gandhi decided to step down as leader. However, the Congress' marginally worse performance in the Lok Sabha elections in 2019 than in 2014 prompted him to resign as the party leader.

He was recently disqualified as a member of parliament from after being convicted in a defamation case and sentenced to two years in jail.

Besides Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party, the book also claims to discuss Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"Examining one automatically illuminates the other. The book looks at the contrasts and convergence of the two personalities and the two parties they represent," reads the introduction of the book, which will release on August 28.

Sugata's previously authored books include "Furrows in a Field: The Unexplored Life of H.D.Deve Gowda", "Keeping Faith with the Mother Tongue: The Anxieties of a Local Culture" and "Pickles from Home: The Worlds of a Bilingual".

NEW DELHI: Covering Rahul Gandhi's journey from when he officially entered politics in March 2004 to when he ended his Bharat Jodo Yatra in January 2023, an upcoming book attempts to analyse the Congress leader's "ideas, leadership, reason and emotions." "Strange Burdens: The Politics and Predicaments of Rahul Gandhi" by journalist-author Sugata Srinivasaraju is not an effort to understand Gandhi's "failures and successes in tabular columns" but speculate in the best traditions of political commentary "why he is where he is, both politically and as an individual", according to publishing house Penguin Random House India (PRHI). Divided into 11 chapters, the narrative traverses two decades with the intention of understanding Gandhi's "politics and predicaments, confusions and contradictions, triteness and triumph, as well as his burdens and benignity".googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "'Strange Burdens' is not a biography but a book of political commentary...The book does not seek to answer questions about his suitability or unsuitability for a public role but is rather focused on how he has been caught in the currents of history. It is not a myth-busting or myth-making exercise, nor is it an inquisition; it is a pursuit of political insight," writes the author in the introduction of the book. He describes the 53-year-old former Congress president as a "fascinating subject of study" in whom the "political and the personal are entwined". His "individual destiny is enmeshed in the destiny of his party, and the destiny of his party in turn is argued to be linked with the very destiny of India". Gandhi, a scion of the Nehru-Gandhi family, won his first election from Amethi (Uttar Pradesh) in 2004. He took over as leader of the Congress at the end of 2017 when Sonia Gandhi decided to step down as leader. However, the Congress' marginally worse performance in the Lok Sabha elections in 2019 than in 2014 prompted him to resign as the party leader. He was recently disqualified as a member of parliament from after being convicted in a defamation case and sentenced to two years in jail. Besides Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party, the book also claims to discuss Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "Examining one automatically illuminates the other. The book looks at the contrasts and convergence of the two personalities and the two parties they represent," reads the introduction of the book, which will release on August 28. Sugata's previously authored books include "Furrows in a Field: The Unexplored Life of H.D.Deve Gowda", "Keeping Faith with the Mother Tongue: The Anxieties of a Local Culture" and "Pickles from Home: The Worlds of a Bilingual".
By PTI

AIZAWL: Thousands of people demonstrated across Mizoram on Tuesday to express solidarity with the Zo people in ethnic strife-torn Manipur.

NGO Co-ordination Committee, a conglomerate of five major civil society organisations including the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) and Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), organised the rallies in different parts of the state, including capital Aizawl.

Chief Minister Zoramthanga, Deputy CM Tawnluia, ministers, and MLAs of the state cutting across party lines took part in the massive protest rally in Aizawl.

Thousands of common people joined them in the peaceful protest with placards and posters, decrying the violence in the neighbouring state.

The gathering in Aizawl was so huge that the city came to a standstill with participants claiming that the state has not seen such a large demonstration in recent years. The offices of the ruling MNF were closed to extend support to the programme.

The opposition BJP, Congress and Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) also kept their offices shut in support of the solidarity rallies.

From the rally, NGO Co-ordination Committee chairman R Lalngheta urged the Centre to end the violence in Manipur.

"If India considers us as Indian, it should take immediate steps to address the sufferings of the Zo people in Manipur," he said.

The protesters also adopted resolutions, urging the Centre to compensate the victims of the ethnic clash and ensure stringent punishment to those involved in parading the two women naked.

Mizos of Mizoram share ethnic ties with Kukis of Manipur, Kuki-Chins of Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh and Chins of Myanmar. They are collectively identified as Zos.

Security was beefed up across Mizoram in view of the demonstrations. Heavy deployment of police, patrolling, and strict vigilance were ensured in all districts, especially in the vulnerable areas, to prevent any untoward incident, officials said.

A viral video from May 4 of two women being paraded naked by a mob in Manipur renewed the national attention on Manipur, where violence broke out nearly three months ago, killing over 160 people since then, and injuring hundreds.

The violence erupted on May 3 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mainly in the hill districts.

AIZAWL: Thousands of people demonstrated across Mizoram on Tuesday to express solidarity with the Zo people in ethnic strife-torn Manipur. NGO Co-ordination Committee, a conglomerate of five major civil society organisations including the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) and Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), organised the rallies in different parts of the state, including capital Aizawl. Chief Minister Zoramthanga, Deputy CM Tawnluia, ministers, and MLAs of the state cutting across party lines took part in the massive protest rally in Aizawl.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Thousands of common people joined them in the peaceful protest with placards and posters, decrying the violence in the neighbouring state. The gathering in Aizawl was so huge that the city came to a standstill with participants claiming that the state has not seen such a large demonstration in recent years. The offices of the ruling MNF were closed to extend support to the programme. The opposition BJP, Congress and Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) also kept their offices shut in support of the solidarity rallies. From the rally, NGO Co-ordination Committee chairman R Lalngheta urged the Centre to end the violence in Manipur. "If India considers us as Indian, it should take immediate steps to address the sufferings of the Zo people in Manipur," he said. The protesters also adopted resolutions, urging the Centre to compensate the victims of the ethnic clash and ensure stringent punishment to those involved in parading the two women naked. Mizos of Mizoram share ethnic ties with Kukis of Manipur, Kuki-Chins of Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh and Chins of Myanmar. They are collectively identified as Zos. Security was beefed up across Mizoram in view of the demonstrations. Heavy deployment of police, patrolling, and strict vigilance were ensured in all districts, especially in the vulnerable areas, to prevent any untoward incident, officials said. A viral video from May 4 of two women being paraded naked by a mob in Manipur renewed the national attention on Manipur, where violence broke out nearly three months ago, killing over 160 people since then, and injuring hundreds. The violence erupted on May 3 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mainly in the hill districts.
By Express News Service

GUWAHATI: The Manipur government has sought a detailed report from the Assam Rifles authorities as to why 718 Myanmar nationals, including 301 children and 208 women, were allowed entry into the Chandel district of the state without proper travel documents.

The paramilitary force has been also asked to clarify the compelling circumstances of the influx and advised to push back these illegal immigrants immediately.

The government advised the Chandel District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police to oversee the implementation of the same and also keep biometrics and photographs of all the persons.

Manipur Chief Secretary Dr Vineet Joshi said the state government had earlier clearly informed the Assam Rifles that since it is the border guarding force, it must take strict action to prevent the entry of Myanmar nationals into Manipur on any ground without valid visa/travel documents as per the instruction of Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

The state government views the fresh illegal entry of 718 refugees very seriously (and) with utmost sensitivity as the same may have international ramifications, more particularly in view of the ongoing law and order issues, Joshi said in a statement.

The 718 people arrived in six batches on July 22 and 23.

On July 23, Lieutenant Colonel Venkata Ravi Kiran J of the Assam Rifles had written to the DM of Chandel informing the influx of refugees.

Due to ongoing clashes at Khampat, Myanmar, a total of 718 refugees have entered in the general area New Lajang of Chandel districtYou are requested to kindly send your representative from your office for (a) joint verification of these illegal immigrants, he wrote.

GUWAHATI: The Manipur government has sought a detailed report from the Assam Rifles authorities as to why 718 Myanmar nationals, including 301 children and 208 women, were allowed entry into the Chandel district of the state without proper travel documents. The paramilitary force has been also asked to clarify the compelling circumstances of the influx and advised to push back these illegal immigrants immediately. The government advised the Chandel District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police to oversee the implementation of the same and also keep biometrics and photographs of all the persons.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Manipur Chief Secretary Dr Vineet Joshi said the state government had earlier clearly informed the Assam Rifles that since it is the border guarding force, it must take strict action to prevent the entry of Myanmar nationals into Manipur on any ground without valid visa/travel documents as per the instruction of Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The state government views the fresh illegal entry of 718 refugees very seriously (and) with utmost sensitivity as the same may have international ramifications, more particularly in view of the ongoing law and order issues, Joshi said in a statement. The 718 people arrived in six batches on July 22 and 23. On July 23, Lieutenant Colonel Venkata Ravi Kiran J of the Assam Rifles had written to the DM of Chandel informing the influx of refugees. Due to ongoing clashes at Khampat, Myanmar, a total of 718 refugees have entered in the general area New Lajang of Chandel districtYou are requested to kindly send your representative from your office for (a) joint verification of these illegal immigrants, he wrote.
David Zandstra, 83, of Marietta, Georgia, was charged this week with the 1975 murder of 8-year-old Gretchen Harrington, one of Pennsylvania's oldest and coldest cases. Zandstra was well-placed to avoid justice, if not suspicion, being the child's pastor in Marple Township, 12 miles west of downtown Philadelphia.

"David Zandstra is a monster. He is every parent's worst nightmare," said Stollsteimer on Monday. "He killed that poor girl."

According to court documents, Zandstra was charged with homicide, murder, kidnapping a minor and related offenses.

Harrington disappeared on Aug. 15, 1975, while on a walk from her Marple Township home to a Bible school less than a mile away. 

Zandstra has given police a statement in which he allegedly admitted that he took her to a secluded place, told her to remove her clothes then, when she refused, he ejaculated in front of her before he beat her to death with his fists.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU/BELAGAVI: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday said that they are aware of the conspiracies to destabilise the Congress government in Karnataka. I have information from our sources. Instead of Bengaluru, they have gone there for strategising, Shivakumar said responding to a media persons question on politicians allegedly visiting Singapore to plan a strategy to destabilise the Congress government in the state. We know who is doing what, the DyCM said.

Meanwhile, PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi said that the Congress should consider the matter very seriously as it is impossible to predict what the BJP could do for the sake of power. Speaking to reporters in Belagavi on Monday, Satish said the BJP leaders would certainly never sit quietly and could resort to any kind of tactic against the Congress government. Since it was impossible to predict anything in politics, it is better for the Congress to take precautionary measures to face the situation, he said.

While stating that the meetings were taking place in Mumbai continuously (by BJP), he said, they (BJP) did it with Shiva Sena first followed by NCP in Maharashtra, and also indulged in politics in Madhya Pradesh for the sake of power. But their plans failed to yield results in Telangana, he said, adding that the BJP never came to power by the peoples mandate.

He said politics was a 24X7 job and none of the leaders could quit mid-way. Former chief minister and JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy may have gone to Singapore or not, but it was difficult to say anything about him, he said. Our party leaders, mainly Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar should think seriously about the ongoing developments. I am confident that the CM and DyCM are efficient enough to handle any kind of crisis in politics, he added. Responding to a question, Satish said it is common that some legislators who missed to make it to the cabinet turned upset and it would happen in all political parties.

JDS hit back at the Congress and termed it as a strategy to divert attention from other issues. JDS MLC TA Sharavana said Congress leaders are trying to unnecessarily blame others to divert attention from other issues, including allegations related to the NICE project and senior Congress leader BK Hariprasads remarks. We will sit in the opposition and work as responsible opposition party to expose them.

If they have any information about (conspiracy against government) they should make it public as the Intelligence Department is with the CM. Instead of vague statements, they should reveal the names of the leaders, he said. The JDS MLC said Kumaraswamy along with his family members is visiting Iceland and not Singapore. It is a family visit and has nothing to do with politics and it was planned many days back, he said.

BENGALURU/BELAGAVI: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday said that they are aware of the conspiracies to destabilise the Congress government in Karnataka. I have information from our sources. Instead of Bengaluru, they have gone there for strategising, Shivakumar said responding to a media persons question on politicians allegedly visiting Singapore to plan a strategy to destabilise the Congress government in the state. We know who is doing what, the DyCM said. Meanwhile, PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi said that the Congress should consider the matter very seriously as it is impossible to predict what the BJP could do for the sake of power. Speaking to reporters in Belagavi on Monday, Satish said the BJP leaders would certainly never sit quietly and could resort to any kind of tactic against the Congress government. Since it was impossible to predict anything in politics, it is better for the Congress to take precautionary measures to face the situation, he said. While stating that the meetings were taking place in Mumbai continuously (by BJP), he said, they (BJP) did it with Shiva Sena first followed by NCP in Maharashtra, and also indulged in politics in Madhya Pradesh for the sake of power. But their plans failed to yield results in Telangana, he said, adding that the BJP never came to power by the peoples mandate. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He said politics was a 24X7 job and none of the leaders could quit mid-way. Former chief minister and JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy may have gone to Singapore or not, but it was difficult to say anything about him, he said. Our party leaders, mainly Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar should think seriously about the ongoing developments. I am confident that the CM and DyCM are efficient enough to handle any kind of crisis in politics, he added. Responding to a question, Satish said it is common that some legislators who missed to make it to the cabinet turned upset and it would happen in all political parties. JDS hit back at the Congress and termed it as a strategy to divert attention from other issues. JDS MLC TA Sharavana said Congress leaders are trying to unnecessarily blame others to divert attention from other issues, including allegations related to the NICE project and senior Congress leader BK Hariprasads remarks. We will sit in the opposition and work as responsible opposition party to expose them. If they have any information about (conspiracy against government) they should make it public as the Intelligence Department is with the CM. Instead of vague statements, they should reveal the names of the leaders, he said. The JDS MLC said Kumaraswamy along with his family members is visiting Iceland and not Singapore. It is a family visit and has nothing to do with politics and it was planned many days back, he said.
By PTI

BENGALURU: The Janata Dal (Secular) would fight the Lok Sabha elections independently, the party supremo and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, said on Tuesday but appeared to keep the options open amid the recent bonhomie between the party and the BJP.

The party would decide on its action in future based on the prevailing situation, he said.

Deve Gowda also said he was not invited to the meeting of opposition parties here earlier this month as a section of the Congress in Karnataka was opposed to such a move even though Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar wanted him to be there.

Gowda's son and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said last week his party would work together with the BJP against the Congress government in Karnataka on various issues, fueling speculation of the two parties joining hands for next year's polls.

Both the JD (S) and the BJP MLAs had boycotted the Assembly session after ten BJP legislators were suspended from the House for 'indecent and disrespectful conduct' in the House.

"JD(S) will fight the Lok Sabha elections independently", Deve Gowda told a news conference here.

"Whether we (the party) win five, six, three, two or one seats, we will fight the Lok Sabha elections independently", he said.

"We will field candidates only in those places where we are strong after consulting with our workers".

Gowda, however, said the party will decide its future course of action based on the prevailing situation.

In this context, he recalled how his party had given support to the Congress-led government led by the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The JD (S) and the Congress had fought the 2019 Lok Sabha elections together. The BJP had won 25 out of 28 seats in Karnataka then.

The JD (S) and the Congress had secured one seat each, while an independent backed by the BJP had also won.

Deve Gowda, who had contested from Tumakuru Lok Sabha segment, had also lost.

To a question on why he was not invited by the opposition parties for its meeting in Bengaluru on July 17, Gowda said a section of Congress leaders from Karnataka had opposed his presence.

"A section of Congress here (in Karnataka) had threatened that they will not attend the event if Deve Gowda is invited. Hence, I was not called," he said.

Deve Gowda said Nitish Kumar wanted to invite him but some local Congress leaders were not in favour.

The JD(S) put up a poor show in the elections to the 224-member Karnataka Assembly in May, bagging only 19 seats.

"The party has existed till today since 1983 and will continue to exist. Those who think that the party will end are living under illusion. It is not possible," Gowda said.

According to Gowda, the 19 MLAs, seven MLCs and top leaders had a meeting last week and chalked out programmes for campaigning in the districts, which will be finalised after Kumaraswamy returns from abroad.

BENGALURU: The Janata Dal (Secular) would fight the Lok Sabha elections independently, the party supremo and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, said on Tuesday but appeared to keep the options open amid the recent bonhomie between the party and the BJP. The party would decide on its action in future based on the prevailing situation, he said. Deve Gowda also said he was not invited to the meeting of opposition parties here earlier this month as a section of the Congress in Karnataka was opposed to such a move even though Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar wanted him to be there.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Gowda's son and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said last week his party would work together with the BJP against the Congress government in Karnataka on various issues, fueling speculation of the two parties joining hands for next year's polls. Both the JD (S) and the BJP MLAs had boycotted the Assembly session after ten BJP legislators were suspended from the House for 'indecent and disrespectful conduct' in the House. "JD(S) will fight the Lok Sabha elections independently", Deve Gowda told a news conference here. "Whether we (the party) win five, six, three, two or one seats, we will fight the Lok Sabha elections independently", he said. "We will field candidates only in those places where we are strong after consulting with our workers". Gowda, however, said the party will decide its future course of action based on the prevailing situation. In this context, he recalled how his party had given support to the Congress-led government led by the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The JD (S) and the Congress had fought the 2019 Lok Sabha elections together. The BJP had won 25 out of 28 seats in Karnataka then. The JD (S) and the Congress had secured one seat each, while an independent backed by the BJP had also won. Deve Gowda, who had contested from Tumakuru Lok Sabha segment, had also lost. To a question on why he was not invited by the opposition parties for its meeting in Bengaluru on July 17, Gowda said a section of Congress leaders from Karnataka had opposed his presence. "A section of Congress here (in Karnataka) had threatened that they will not attend the event if Deve Gowda is invited. Hence, I was not called," he said. Deve Gowda said Nitish Kumar wanted to invite him but some local Congress leaders were not in favour. The JD(S) put up a poor show in the elections to the 224-member Karnataka Assembly in May, bagging only 19 seats. "The party has existed till today since 1983 and will continue to exist. Those who think that the party will end are living under illusion. It is not possible," Gowda said. According to Gowda, the 19 MLAs, seven MLCs and top leaders had a meeting last week and chalked out programmes for campaigning in the districts, which will be finalised after Kumaraswamy returns from abroad.
R Sivakumar By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: A division bench of Madras High Court on Tuesday closed the habeas corpus petition (HCP) filed by jailed Minister V Senthil Balajis wife Megala alleging his arrest was illegal and challenging the authority of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to take an accused person under its custody for interrogation.

The bench consisting of Justices Nisha Banu and D Bharatha Chakravarthy recently delivered a split verdict as the presiding judge ruling against the arrest and ordering Senthil Balajis immediate release. But Justice Chakravarthy held the arrest legal and affirmed the EDs powers to take an accused into custody for interrogation. He also favoured the Central agencys plea for excluding the hospitalisation period from the days of judicial custody.

As the order of the bench ended in a tie, the matter was referred to the third judge, Justice CV Karthikeyan, who concurred with the ruling of Justice Chakravarthy and left it to the bench to decide on counting the day of custody.

When the matter came up before the division bench, Justice Banu said, There was a split verdict between myself and Justice Chakravarthy. I stand by my judgment dated July 4, 2023. I do not have anything to say in this matter.

Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta said the matter was sent to the bench to decide on the date on which the judicial custody begins.

Justice Nisha Banu again said she stood firmly on her judgment and so she cannot say anything on the matter now.

Senior counsel NR Elango, appearing for Senthil Balajis wife Megala, said both parties have approached the Supreme Court which would hear the matters on Wednesday and let the apex court decide on the matter.

Let it come there. You can place all the arguments before the Supreme Court and let them take a call on this, Justice Banu stated.

Justice Chakravarthy concurred with her in closing the matter instead of keeping it pending since already SLPs are filed and are taken for hearing and nothing more needed to be stated.

The SG said since the matter is pending before the Supreme Court, nothing could be done, which results in overreaching the process of the apex court.

Charged with laundering the proceeds of crime acquired through the cash-for-jobs scam, Senthil Balaji was arrested by the ED on the wee hours of June 14 and was, later, admitted to the Govt Multi-Specialty Hospital at Omandurar Estate due to chest pain.

He was subjected to tests that revealed blocks in the heart and subsequently, recommended for surgery. While in hospital, he was ordered to be remanded in judicial custody by the principal sessions court.

In the meantime, the HCP was filed in the High Court which ordered him to be shifted to a private hospital for surgery but in judicial custody. 

The bench also delivered a split verdict leading to referring the matter to the third judge. The ED and Senthil Balaji's side approached the Supreme Court on the matter.

Senthil Balaji is currently under judicial custody in the Central Prison, Puzhal, near Chennai.

CHENNAI: A division bench of Madras High Court on Tuesday closed the habeas corpus petition (HCP) filed by jailed Minister V Senthil Balajis wife Megala alleging his arrest was illegal and challenging the authority of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to take an accused person under its custody for interrogation. The bench consisting of Justices Nisha Banu and D Bharatha Chakravarthy recently delivered a split verdict as the presiding judge ruling against the arrest and ordering Senthil Balajis immediate release. But Justice Chakravarthy held the arrest legal and affirmed the EDs powers to take an accused into custody for interrogation. He also favoured the Central agencys plea for excluding the hospitalisation period from the days of judicial custody. As the order of the bench ended in a tie, the matter was referred to the third judge, Justice CV Karthikeyan, who concurred with the ruling of Justice Chakravarthy and left it to the bench to decide on counting the day of custody.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); When the matter came up before the division bench, Justice Banu said, There was a split verdict between myself and Justice Chakravarthy. I stand by my judgment dated July 4, 2023. I do not have anything to say in this matter. Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta said the matter was sent to the bench to decide on the date on which the judicial custody begins. Justice Nisha Banu again said she stood firmly on her judgment and so she cannot say anything on the matter now. Senior counsel NR Elango, appearing for Senthil Balajis wife Megala, said both parties have approached the Supreme Court which would hear the matters on Wednesday and let the apex court decide on the matter. Let it come there. You can place all the arguments before the Supreme Court and let them take a call on this, Justice Banu stated. Justice Chakravarthy concurred with her in closing the matter instead of keeping it pending since already SLPs are filed and are taken for hearing and nothing more needed to be stated. The SG said since the matter is pending before the Supreme Court, nothing could be done, which results in overreaching the process of the apex court. Charged with laundering the proceeds of crime acquired through the cash-for-jobs scam, Senthil Balaji was arrested by the ED on the wee hours of June 14 and was, later, admitted to the Govt Multi-Specialty Hospital at Omandurar Estate due to chest pain. He was subjected to tests that revealed blocks in the heart and subsequently, recommended for surgery. While in hospital, he was ordered to be remanded in judicial custody by the principal sessions court. In the meantime, the HCP was filed in the High Court which ordered him to be shifted to a private hospital for surgery but in judicial custody.  The bench also delivered a split verdict leading to referring the matter to the third judge. The ED and Senthil Balaji's side approached the Supreme Court on the matter. Senthil Balaji is currently under judicial custody in the Central Prison, Puzhal, near Chennai.
By AFP

JERUSALEM: Israel braced for fresh strikes and protests Tuesday following a divisive parliamentary vote on a controversial judicial reform that has split the nation and drawn criticism from allies abroad.

The decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hard-right government to push through a key plank of its reforms on Monday has already sparked legal challenges and clashes on the streets.

Opponents were set to keep up months of protests on Tuesday, with doctors walking out.

"The hand, extended for dialogue, was left hanging in the air, as victory celebrations took place symbolising above all a war that only has losers," the head of the Israel Medical Association, Zion Hagay, said in a statement announcing the walkout.

The move came after the Histadrut trade union confederation threatened a repeat of the general strike it called in March over the reforms.

The Israel Bar Association was among numerous groups to file petitions to the Supreme Court aiming to strike down the new legislation.

"A black day for Israeli democracy," read the blackened front pages of three of the country's top newspapers on Tuesday, carrying an advert by opponents of the judicial reforms.

The front pages of today's blacked-out newspapers in Israel: A black day for Israeli democracy. https://t.co/nGUwqG1Hu9

 Kenneth Roth (@KenRoth) July 25, 2023

Protesters remained on the streets late into the night following the vote, with student Josh Hakim saying he was "really, really sad about what's happening to this country."

"You see what is happening on the streets, everyone is so angry," he told AFP at a rally near the parliament in Jerusalem.

Some 58 people were arrested at demonstrations, the police said, among them protesters in Tel Aviv, which has become the focal point of one of the country's largest-ever protest movements.

Police said one person was arrested for allegedly harming demonstrators, with protest organisers saying he drove a car into people blocking a highway.

Officers used water cannon to disperse protesters on a major road through Tel Aviv, where the crowd waved Israeli flags.

Opposition slams 'puppet' PM

Netanyahu failed to appease opponents with a televised address late Monday, in which he pledged to hold talks during the upcoming parliamentary recess. "Reach a comprehensive agreement on everything and we will add more time should it be needed," he said.

The embattled premier showed signs of fatigue in the chamber, as he sat between his defence and justice ministers just a day after unscheduled surgery to fit a pacemaker.

Netanyahu defended the new law, which limits the powers of the Supreme Court in striking down government decisions, as a "necessary democratic step."

Deep divisions within his own coalition and mass protests prompted the premier to temporarily halt the legislative process in March, but within weeks politicians were blaming each other for the breakdown in negotiations.

On Monday, the opposition walked out of the chamber to boycott the vote, which passed with 64 votes in the 120-seat chamber.

Opposition chief Yair Lapid slammed Netanyahu's "unprecedented performance of weakness."

"There is no prime minister in Israel. Netanyahu has become a puppet of messianic extremists," he said, a reference to the premier's far-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish allies.

The political instability has raised alarm among Israel's allies abroad.

The White House described the vote as "unfortunate". A German foreign ministry source said: "We look with great concern at the deepening tensions in Israeli society."
Parliamentary panel recommends specialized security agency for airports

By Saurabh Trivedi, New Delhi, July 24: The Ministry of Civil Aviation may examine the feasibility of setting up a specialized security agency for airports only, in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs, a Parliamentary Committee said on Monday.

Parliamentary panel recommends specialized security agency for airports

The Department related to the Standing Committee for Transport, Tourism and Culture has tabled its report on the development of greenfield and brownfield airports and issues pertaining to civil enclaves in defence airports in parliament on Monday.The report accessed by ANI reads that the Central Industrial Security Force plays a pivotal role in providing security at airports, which is brought out by the fact that out of a total of 353 units deployed by CISF, 66 units or 18.7 per cent is deployed at the airports only."The Committee also notes that the responsibility of the CISF to provide security is spread across a wide spectrum of establishments, as it provides security to 353 installations across the country including airports. It is also aware that the Civil Aviation Sector has seen exponential growth and is expected to grow at a faster pace in the near future, which will enhance the need for manpower engaged in providing security for airports," it reads.The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Ministry of Civil Aviation may examine the feasibility of setting up a specialized security agency for airports only, in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs, it added.The Committee was informed that earlier Costs of Deployment of CISF deployment were paid by the concerned airport management/AAI.The Ministry of Civil Aviation created a trust namely "National Aviation Security Fee Trust " in the year 2019.One of the mandates of NASFT is remittance to CISF from the Trust towards the cost of deployment to the CISF. Since 1st July 2019, CISF COD is centrally paid by NASFT for all airports.The Committee was also apprised that as of date, the total outstanding dues of Cost of Deployment in respect of 66 airports under CISF is Rs 4707 crores.Further, the 16 joint venture airports account for more than 64 per cent of the total outstanding COD dues.ANI24 July 2023

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Following in fascist Florida's footsteps, Texas A&M University suspended a professor and opioid expert after she gave a routine medical lecture at the University of Texas Medical Branch that somehow offended a student in the audience. Apparently, the fragile attendee, who "has ties to Texas A&M Leadership" according to Alonzo via The Texas Tribune, thought the professor had disparaged Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick during her lecture.

Within two hours after her talk, word had reached the university's Chancellor John Sharp  a former state comptroller  who immediately texted the Lt. Governor. "Joy Alonzo has been placed on administrative leave pending investigation re firing her. shud [sic] be finished by end of week," he said.

By the time Alonzo got home, word had already reached her that her job was at stake. "I am in a ton of trouble. Please call me!" she said in a message to Professor Chandler Self, who had invited her to speak at UTMB.

From Texas Tribune:

Alonzo was right to be afraid. Not only were her supervisors involved, but so was Chancellor John Sharp, a former state comptroller who now holds the highest-ranking position in the Texas A&M University System, which includes 11 public universities and 153,000 students. And Sharp was communicating directly with the lieutenant governor's office about the incident, promising swift action. For free speech advocates, health experts and students, Texas A&M's investigation of Alonzo was a shocking demonstration of how quickly university leaders allow politicians to interfere in classroom discussions on topics in which they are not experts  and another example of increasing political involvement from state leaders in how Texas universities are managed.  The Texas A&M system confirmed the series of phone calls and text messages that led to Alonzo's investigation was kicked off by Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, a graduate of UTMB's medical school. The Tribune confirmed her daughter, a first-year medical student at the time, attended Alonzo's lecture. Buckingham served six years in the Texas Senate with Patrick, who endorsed her run for land commissioner last year, and she recently attended Sharp's wedding in May.  Alonzo's predicament also comes as Texas universities are dealing with increasing government involvement in ostensibly independent public universities, particularly at the hand of Patrick, whom Alonzo was accused of criticizing. This year, Texas lawmakers banned diversity, equity and inclusion offices on college campuses, a priority for Patrick. These offices target underrepresented groups on campus to help them succeed, but critics accused them of pushing "woke," left-leaning ideology on students and faculty.  Neither UTMB nor Texas A&M would confirm what Alonzo said that prompted such a reaction, and UTMB students interviewed by the Tribune recalled a vague reference to Patrick's office but nothing specific.

In other words, it sounds like Alonzo's remarks about Lt. Governor Patrick were vague and unmemorable, so much so that "an internal investigation could not confirm any wrongdoing" and Alonzo was eventually able to keep her job. And yes, I know, it should be a moot point  it doesn't matter what the hell a professor thinks or discusses about a political official in a free-thinking world, but this is a braindead MAGA state we're talking about, where fascists rule.
Haryana to create employment opportunities: Chief Secy

Chandigarh, July 24: Taking inspiration from the success of Haryana's Sustainable Development Goals Vision 2030, which was developed through internal stakeholder consultations and a focus on past limitations and future targets, the state is now embarking on the co-creation of Haryana @ 2047 Vision.

Haryana to create employment opportunities: Chief Secy

A workshop was jointly organized by the Haryana government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal on Monday.This initiative marks a significant step in the state's journey towards transforming into a future-ready state.Addressing the workshop, Kaushal said the government is committed to prioritising the creation of ample employment opportunities for the youth.Recognising the immense potential in transforming into an industrial-friendly state, Haryana is forging ahead, outpacing many other states, in its pursuit of economic growth and prosperity.The efforts undertaken by the government reflect its vision for a dynamic and progressive future, fostering a thriving ecosystem for businesses and workforce development.Kaushal said today's meeting is to understand the process of co-creating Haryana @ 2047 Vision, establish a framework, and formalize the next concrete steps.This pioneering effort will involve collaboration between internal stakeholders and external entities such as the academia, youth, industry, media, and the civil society.The meeting will be a platform for stakeholders to share their ideas and perspectives on the future of Haryana.The outcome of the meeting will be a roadmap for the state's development over the next 25 years.Vikas Verma, North Region Head, UNDP India, apprised that Haryana has made significant progress on various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in recent years.The state has improved its ranking on the SDG India Index from 18 to 14, and its score has improved from 67 to 57.He said Haryana envisions a transformative Ideal Imaginary Vision for 2047, setting ambitious targets and achieving remarkable milestones in various sectors.Some key highlights of this vision include reducing the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) to below 10, signifying significant progress towards SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).Additionally, the state aims to achieve an Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5 MR) of 20, further reflecting its dedication to improving healthcare outcomes.IANS24 July 2023

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Netherlands agency helping Goa to protect beaches from rising water levels

Panaji, July 24: As sea erosion has become a major challenge to the tourism area, Goa government has taken the help of an agency from the Netherlands to address the issue.A .

Netherland's agency helping Goa to protect beaches from rising water levels

Replying to question raised by Independent MLA Aleixo Lourenco, Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral has said that the Goa Coastal Management Environment Society has initiated the process of nourishment of beach stretches (Sand Motor) with an agency from Netherlands and has requested the expert scientist to visit Goa for the preliminary study."The study and the work is being undertaken with Technical Assistance from NIO and NCCR," he said.He said that the five beaches, including famous Coco beach, are facing soil erosion.MLA Aleixo Lourenco had asked whether the Government will initiate a study to address the issue of damaging environmental impact that has led to destruction of large stretch of beaches with the increasing high tide line.The Minister in his response said that the Water Resources Department has entrusted the study of Goa coast for its behaviour, erosion pediment transportation to National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in the year 2021 underworld bank funded National Hydrology Project."The Water Resources Department has carried out Anti-beach erosion measures have been majorly initiated at Keri-Pernem by using tetrapods, Coco-beach at Nerul, Bardez by Concrete Blocks and Khanaginim beach with stones to mitigate the coast erosion caused by vagaries of the sea waves," Minister informed.IANS24 July 2023

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Demography of Jharkhand should not change...: Governor Radhakrishnan

Ranchi, July 24: Expressing concerns over the intrusion of foreigners in Jharkhand, Governor CP Radhakrishnan on Monday said that he has taken up the issue with Chief Minister Hemant Soren, adding that this "incursion is dangerous" as foreigners are marrying tribal women thereby "changing the demography" in the state.

Demography of Jharkhand should not change...: Governor Radhakrishnan

"This is very dangerous because the intrusion of foreigners will change the entire lifestyle of the tribal people. Especially when they are coming and marrying tribal women is alarming...we have to be very cautious about that," the Jharkhand Governor told ANI in an exclusive interview on the matter of intrusion of Bangladeshi people increasing in Jharkhand.He further said that the issue has been taken with the CM as well as the Chief Secretary."I have taken up this issue with the CM as well as the Chief Secretary. The tribal tradition should not get changed and the demography of Jharkhand should not change by foreigners' infiltration. We should be very careful about this...," Radhakrishnan said.Meanwhile, when asked about the disharmony between the Raj Bhavan and the state government, Governor said that the Raj Bhavan and state government are working together for the development of the people"What is to be taken up by me I am always taking it to the Chief Minister and chief secretary. I am not ready to comment about the inner things. As long as possible we want the Raj Bhavan and state government to work together for the development of the people," he added.Governor Radhakrishnan also spoke on the accusations by the rulling alliance that bills are being returned by Raj Bhavan because they are not liking the developmental work."I have returned only one bill that is of the reservation. It is 77 per cent was being recommended, then I said you take the second opinion of the Attorney General that's why I have returned the bill. The other one we are having some reservation about the private universities. I have rejected one private University's approval. That's all other than that no bill has been returned by me," he added.On his visits being termed as politically motivated and propogating BJP's agenda, he said, "I haven't seen such statements...see the Governor is a linking bridge between state and the centre unless. Governor visit the interior places to know what is the ground reality what suggestion will you make to the state and centre. So anybody can find fault in good work. But I am not worried as long as I am doing the good work."He also reacted over the issue of Manipur and said that no politics should be done out of this."We all know the history of Manipur there's always a big fight between the two sections of people. This has not happened all of sudden. That is the history of Manipur one single judgement has provoked the people and it is going alarming since. We should not make politics out of this. we all should work together so that Manipur return to the normalcy at the earliest," he added.He further mentioned that the state government and Raj Bhavan should work together to bring back the calm and peace in Manipur.The violence in Manipur erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur on May 3 in protest against the proposed inclusion of people belonging to the Meitei community in the list of Scheduled Tribes .ANI24 July 2023

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North Korea launched suspected ballistic missile, says JapanA

Tokyo, July 24: North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile, the Japanese Prime Minister's Office said in a tweet on Monday.

North Korea launched suspected ballistic missile, says JapanA

Japanese PM Fumio Kishida ordered authorities to make efforts to gather, analyse and provide adequate information. He said that the authorities should ensure the safety of aircraft, vessels and other assets. He directed officials to take all the measures for precaution, including readiness for contingencies.Japanese PM's Office in a tweet said, "North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow."In another tweet, the Japanese PM's Office said, "Dedicate maximum effort to gather & analyze information, & provide the public speedy & adequate information. Ensure the safety of aircraft, vessels, & other assets. Take all possible measures for precaution, incl. readiness for contingencies."On Saturday, North Korea fired several cruise missiles into the Yellow Sea, Yonhap news agency cited the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff .According to the JCS, South Korean and US intelligence authorities were analysing the launches, which took place at about 400 am, to learn more about the type of missiles fired and other details."Our military has bolstered surveillance and vigilance while closely cooperating with the United States and maintaining a firm readiness posture," Yonhap news agency quoted JCS as saying.The cruise missile was launched just three days after North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea. It also came amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula following the port visit of a nuclear-capable US submarine in more than 40 years and the inaugural session of the South Korea-US Nuclear Consultative Group. USS Kentucky, an 18,750-ton Ohio-class nuclear ballistic missile submarine, departed Busan naval base on Friday, three days after a rare port visit in a major show of strength against evolving North Korean military threats.North Korea denounced the visit, saying the SSBN's deployment may fall under the legal conditions for its use of nuclear weapons. This was met by a stern response from Seoul, which warned Pyongyang that any nuclear attack from the latter's side would mean an "end" of the Kim Jong Un-led regime.ANI24 July 2023

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Doval highlights need to combat cybersecurity challenges in BRICS meet

New Delhi, July 24:A National security adviser Ajit Doval on Monday participated in the BRICS National Security Advisors' meeting in Johannesburg, where the issue of cybersecurity was discussed at length.A .

Doval highlights need to combat cybersecurity challenges in BRICS meet

Doval highlighted the need for collective efforts to deal with challenges emanating from cybersecurity.In addition to BRICS, the Friends of BRICS countries which participated in the meet were, Belarus, Burundi, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kazakhstan and Cuba.The Global South in particular needs to overcome limitations of resources. In this endeavour, India will always remain at the forefront working closely with the Global South, Doval further said.Doval highlighted that the gravity of cyber risks will increase exponentially with the advent of disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Internet of Things.He also focussed on the linkages between cyber criminals and terrorists including the use of cyberspace for financing, money laundering, radicalising, lone wolf attacks, recruitment and secured communications.The NSA held several bilaterals with his counterparts from BRICS and Friends of BRICS countries.IANS25 July 2023

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President Murmu to visit Odisha tomorrow

Bhubaneswar, July 24: President Droupadi Murmu will make a three-day official visit to her home state Odisha from Tuesday .

President Murmu to visit Odisha tomorrow

During her stay in Odisha, Murmu is scheduled to attend several programmes in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.In the evening of July 25, the President will interact with a group of medical students sponsored by Atut-Bandhan family and lay the foundation stone for a new building block of Raj Bhavan, Odisha at Bhubaneswar, President's office said in a Press statement on Monday.On the next day, the President will grace the valedictory function of 75th year celebrations of the High Court of Orissa at Cuttack. On the same day, she will also address the annual function of SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack and grace the convocation of National Law University Odisha at Cuttack, it said.She will interact with the members of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) at Raj Bhavan on July 27. On the same day, she will launch this year's theme of Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya 'The Year of Positive Change' for conducting nationwide seminar and conferences and lay the foundation stone for its Lighthouse Complex at Dasabatia, Tamando, Bhubaneswar.Commissionerate police made tight security arrangements in the twin cities for the visit of the first citizen of India. The final rehearsal of the President's carcade was conducted from the Biju Patnaik International Airport to Raj Bhawan here on Monday.Security arrangements have been made and reviewed at all venues. A total of 36 platoons of police force, including 12 additional DCPs, 25 ACPs, 40 inspectors, and 120 SIs and ASIs will be deployed during the President's visit to the state, said Bhubaneswar DCP Prateek Singh.In addition, three quick response teams and two special tactical units will be deployed. For smooth traffic movement, 160 traffic personnel and 150 home guards will be deployed during the President's visit, he said.Meanwhile, roads from the Bhubaneswar airport to Raj Bhawan have been cleaned, street lights repaired, dividers freshly painted, and unwarranted banners and hoardings removed from the roadside.IANS25 July 2023

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US: Arizona residents asked to evacuate as several wildfires burn across state

Arizona, July 24: Residents in parts of Arizona were on Sunday ordered to evacuate as firefighters battled several wildfires across the state amid extreme temperatures, CNN reported.

US: Arizona residents asked to evacuate as several wildfires burn across state

Authorities said that a total of 160 residents were ordered to evacuate from the Sunflower area in Arizona's Maricopa County on Sunday as a wildfire burned in the Tonto National Forest.Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez told CNN that deputies evacuated residents and advised them to head to Fountain Hills where an evacuation center was set up.Maricopa County Emergency Management spokesperson Ron Coleman said "At this point, the fire is burning in place and crews will monitor and continue some firefighting overnight. Additional firefighting will continue in the morning."Sunflower is about 58 miles northeast of Phoenix, which hit 24 straight days of temperatures at or above 110 degrees, according to a tweet from the National Weather Service. The city saw a high of 114 degrees Sunday, according to CNN,Over 100 miles away in Yavapai County, where six active wildfires were burning, residents of the community of Cherry were also ordered to flee on Sunday."The RACETRACK Fire is threatening your area. Please evacuate now," the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office said in a "go message" to residents Sunday night.A special weather statement was in effect for parts of Yavapai County for wind gusts up to 50 mph on Sunday, and the National Weather Service had warned residents to "Expect wind shifts for the Grapevine and Race Track fires."As per CNN, the fires come amid Arizona's weeks-long battle with extreme heat, with excessive heat warnings in place across much of central and southern parts of the state on Sunday.So far, at least 18 confirmed heat-related deaths have been recorded in Maricopa County, with another 69 cases under investigation, according to data from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health.ANI25 July 2023

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India's oldest railway station at Byculla restored, receives Asia Pacific cultural heritage award from UNESCO

New Delhi, July 24: The 169-year-old, India's oldest railway station at Byculla, located in central Mumbai has been restored after a lot of hard work done in the last 5 years and received the Asia Pacific cultural heritage award from UNESCO.

India's oldest railway station at Byculla restored, receives Asia Pacific cultural heritage award from UNESCO

Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented the UNESCO award for the restoration of the Byculla railway station to its original glory in the national capital today to all three women who started the project of Byculla railway station restoration.The restoration project of Byculla railway station started in 2018 before the COVID-19 pandemic hit India.About 650 labour along with other people's completed the restoration work."The restoration project of Byculla railway station was quite difficult when it was started," said BJP Member of Parliament Shaina NC who is one of the three women who started the project said."It was difficult to restore the 169-year-old sculpture and the looks of the Byculla station but somehow we are successful to restore the historic monument because of the hard work we have done in the last five years. We have restored everything in Byculla railway station whether it is the bell or the benches or the look of the station," she added.Shaina said, "Today we received the Asia Pacific cultural heritage award for Byculla railway station from UNESCO. It is a really big achievement for our country, even UNESCO also recognised our hard work. We have restored Byculla railway station so that our upcoming generation could see and learn from this and we have done it for the love for Mumbai people.""We appeal to all other people of the country that they should come together and make clean or restore historical monuments in Delhi which are going through a bad phase," she added.Shaina noted that the Byculla today is the oldest living railway station in india. It is quite important to restore the historic monument. Byculla railway station is the lifeline of local Mumbaikar people.ANI25 July 2023

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Russia vows retaliation after Ukraine claims responsibility for striking Moscow buildings

Moscow, July 24: Russia condemned the Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow and Crimea and vowed retaliation after Kyiv military official claimed the responsibility for the strikes which hit two buildings in Moscow early Monday, CNN reported.

Russia vows retaliation after Ukraine claims responsibility for striking Moscow buildings

The Russian foreign ministry issued a statement calling on international organizations to condemn the recent Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow and Crimea."We regard what happened as another use of terrorist methods by the military-political leadership of Ukraine, intimidation of the civilian population. These attacks had no military meaning," CNN quoted the foreign ministry as saying in the official statement.It added, "We strongly condemn this yet another crime of the Kyiv regime. We call on international organizations to give it a proper assessment".The Russian ministry further blamed the West for exacerbating the situation, alleging that the actions of Kyiv were influenced by the West's focus on further escalating tensions."The Russian side reserves the right to take tough retaliatory measures," the ministry said, adding that the Investigative Committee of Russia has opened criminal cases in response to these incidents, assuring that all those responsible will be identified and brought to justice, CNN reported.Earlier on Monday, Ukrainian drones struck two non-residential buildings in Moscow in the early hours of Monday morning and were "suppressed" by defences there, Russian authorities said, describing the incident as a "thwarted" attack, CNN reported.Moscow alleged that Ukraine launched 17 drones toward Crimea overnight, and referred to it as a "terrorist attack."The ministry said 14 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles "were suppressed by means of radio-electronic warfare". Three of the drones were shot down by Russian air defences, while three fell into the Crimean peninsula and 11 of the drones fell into the Black Sea, CNN quoted the Russian Ministry of Defense as saying."There were no casualties," the MOD added.A Russian ammunition depot was also hit by the Ukrainian drone attack in Crimea, CNN reported.A Ukrainian security official claimed Kyiv's responsibility for the drone strikes that hit the Russian capital of Moscow and Crimea overnight."Drones attacked the orc capital and Crimea last night. Electronic warfare and air defence are becoming less and less capable of protecting the occupiers' skies," said Mykhailo Fedorov, the Ukrainian minister of digital transformation, in a Telegram post on Monday."Whatever happens, there will be more of it," he added.Russia further claimed that its air defences successfully neutralized all drones that targeted Moscow on Monday."All the drones have been neutralized today, and measures are being taken," Peskov said. "As for the development of the defence system, ensuring its more intensive work, this is a question for the Ministry of Defense," CNN quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying.Notably, the Ukrainian strikes came after Russian missiles badly damaged a historic Orthodox cathedral in the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa.The Odesa strikes killed at least one person and injured several others, CNN reported citing Ukrainian officials. The attacks also destroyed other historic buildings, Ukraine's culture ministry said.The largest church structure in Odesa is the Transfiguration Cathedral. It was consecrated in 1809 and later demolished in 1936 during the Soviet era. However, when Ukraine became an independent nation, the structure underwent a reconstruction.Videos circulating on social media revealed the cathedral's interior was filled with debris. According to Ukrainian officials, the patroness of the city's icon had been rescued from the ruins, CNN reported.The cathedral is located in Odesa's city centre, which UNESCO designated a World Heritage Site in response to the invasion threat from Russia.The Russian missiles have damaged as many as twenty-five architectural monuments in Odesa, the Ukrainian port city, CNN reported citing a local Ukrainian official.Odesa is a significant cultural hub with long ties to Russia. Earlier this week, Russia launched a barrage of drones and missiles overnight at the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, CNN reported. Russia had cited Ukraine's attack on the Crimea bridge for launching a strike on Odesa.ANI25 July 2023

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Russian drones destroy grain warehouses at Ukraine ports: Reports

Kiev, July 25: Russian drones reportedly have attacked Ukraine's Danube ports of Reni and Izmail, destroying grain warehouses and other facilities.

Russian drones destroy grain warehouses at Ukraine ports: Reports

The attacks, using Iranian-supplied drones, follow Russia's withdrawal this month from the Black Sea deal that allowed Ukraine to export its grain and threats by both Moscow and Kiev to target civilian carriers visiting ports, The Guardian reported."Russia hit another Ukrainian grain storage overnight. It tries to extract concessions by holding 400 million people hostage. I urge all nations, particularly those in Africa and Asia who are most affected by rising food prices, to mount a united global response to food terrorism," Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, wrote on Twitter on Monday, without identifying the location of the target."Warehouses where grain crops were stored were destroyed, tanks for storing other types of cargo were damaged. There was a fire in one of the production premises, which was promptly extinguished," local police were quoted as saying by the news outlet.The facilities are just across the river from Nato-member Romania.Officials say more than 60,000 tonnes of grain have been destroyed in the past week, the BBC reported.Odesa head Oleh Kiper, whose region also covers the Danube ports of Reni and Izmail, said in his Telegram channel that Russia had attacked the infrastructure there for four hours with Iranian-made drones.He said a grain hangar and tanks for storage were destroyed. Other local officials say three warehouses were bombed.Three drones out of about 15 involved in the attack were destroyed by air defences, Kiper added.At least four people were injured in the attack.IANS25 July 2023

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Russian premier Vladimir Putin's popularity at home and abroad is faltering as his bogged-down invasion of Ukraine drags into a second year and the county's economy goes from weakness to weakness. But he has a knack for what Western reactionaries like, such as ostentatiously sticking it to the LGBTQ community: he signed a law prohibiting gender-affirming surgery and administrative gender changes in Russia yesterday.

The act, passed unanimously by both houses of parliament, bans any "medical interventions aimed at changing the sex of a person", as well as banning changing a person's gender in official documents or public records. The only exception will be medical intervention to treat congenital anomalies. It also annuls marriages in which one person has "changed gender" and bars transgender people from becoming foster or adoptive parents. The ban is said to stem from the Kremlin's crusade to protect what it views as the country's "traditional values". Lawmakers say the legislation is to safeguard Russia against "western anti-family ideology", with some describing gender transitioning as "pure satanism". Russia's crackdown on LGBTQ+ people started a decade ago when the president first proclaimed a focus on "traditional family values", supported by the Russian Orthodox church.

It might not please parents (or grandparents) who'll never see their sons again, but at least Ron DeSantis and J.K. Rowling have some international backing for their culture wars.
Iran wraps up large-scale air drill

Tehran, July 25: The Iranian Air Force has wrapped up a two-day large-scale air drill in the central province of Isfahan.

Iran wraps up 'large-scale' air drill

Ninety-two aircraft, including interceptors, bombers, unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as tanker and transport airplanes, were involved in the military exercise, which was codenamed the 11th Devotees of Velayat Airspace, country's official news agency IRNA quoted Alireza Roudbari, the spokesman of the drill, as saying on Monday.He listed some of the "successful" operations during the drill, such as destroying mock targets using F-4 fighter jets and Su-24 bombers equipped with upgraded missiles and homegrown rockets, and smashing ground targets using Arash kamikaze drones, Xinhua news agency reported, citing IRNA.Roudbari said psychological warfare operations and tests of "advanced" communication systems were also conducted.The drill aims to provide "absolute protection" for Iran, enhance regional cooperation and deter the enemies, said Abdolrahim Mousavi, the chief commander of the Iranian Army, on the sidelines of the drill.IANS25 July 2023

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Himachal: Cloudburst in Kullu damages houses, roads

Kullu, July 25: Several houses were damaged due to a cloudburst in Kullu's Panchnala in the early hours of Tuesday, an official statement said.

Himachal: Cloudburst in Kullu damages houses, roads

In this regard, Deputy Commissioner Kullu, Ashutosh Garg said that a total of five houses were completely damaged due to the occurrence of cloudbursts."Five houses have been completely damaged and 15 houses have been partially damaged due to cloudburst. Apart from this, the Bhuntar-Gadsa Maniyar road has also been damaged. Two bridges were also washed away due to the cloudburst," he said.He further informed that district administration officials have left for the spot of the incident to assess the damage."Patwari has reached the spot. Also, Naib Tehsildar Bhuntar has left for the spot," he said.Earlier today panic gripped the village of Malana on Tuesday when water from the 86-megawatt Malana Hydro Power Project dam in the Kullu district started overflowing due to the malfunctioning of its gates.According to Deputy Commissioner Kullu Ashutosh Garg, in view of the accumulation of water and silt in the Malana dam, an alert was sounded as soon as the administration received information about the flooding of the water level in River Parvati due to the gate block of Malana Hydro Power Stage-two Dam.Garg further said that the dam management has been instructed to take all necessary precautions to prevent further escalation of the crisis.He added that the water level in the dam was below the danger limit at 30 cusecs, so there was no cause for alarm."The amount of water in the dam is 30 cusecs, so there is nothing to panic about. In view of the possibility of a dam burst, the people of the downstream area have been evacuated," he said.Meanwhile the India Meteorological Department on Monday issued an orange alert for Himachal Pradesh and predicted heavy rainfall in the state for three days from July 26 to 28.ANI25 July 2023

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Bengal BJP MLA Bishnu Pada Ray passes away

Kolkata, July 25: BJP legislator from Dhupguri Assembly constituency in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district, Bishnu Pada Ray died of cardiac arrest at a city- based hospital here on Tuesday morning.

Bengal BJP MLA Bishnu Pada Ray passes away

Ray came to Kolkata on Sunday evening to participate in the monsoon session of the assembly that commenced from Monday.However, on Sunday night, he had to be rushed to a city- based hospital after he complained of chest pain.Leader of Opposition in state Assembly Suvendu Adhikari has issued a condolence message on his official Twitter handle. "I am extremely saddened to know about the sad & untimely demise of my colleague and MLA from Dhupguri; Shri Bishnu Pada Ray. He was admitted in the PG Hospital the day before yesterday because of a heart ailment. On behalf of the @BJP4Bengal Legislature Party, I express my deepest condolences to his family & friends. May his soul attain eternal peace. Om Shanti," his Twitter message read.He was a first-time MLA and also the first elected BJP legislator from Dhupguri Assembly constituency. In 2021, he got elected after defeating the Trinamool Congress candidate and also the sitting MLA Mitali Roy.State BJP sources said that his body will be first brought to the party's state headquarter in north Kolkata and from there to the state Assembly premises where his fellow legislators will pay floral tribute.IANS25 July 2023

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Sudip Sharma on Rachel Shelly: Wanted an actor whos used to Indian shooting madness

New Delhi, July 24: The showrunner of crime-investigative drama 'Kohrra', Sudip Sharma has shared his vision on the casting of English actress Rachel Shelley, saying they needed an actor with an experience in Indian shooting conditions, and she delivered a great job.

Sudip Sharma on Rachel Shelly: Wanted an actor who's used to Indian shooting madness

Rachel was seen as Elizabeth Russell in the Oscar-nominated Bollywood epic 2001 release 'Lagaan', starring Aamir Khan in the lead. In 'Kohrra' she is seen as Clara Murphy, a character based in the UK.Sudip called Rachel a fantastic actor, saying she delivered a great job."We are all aware of her work. I had seen some of her work outside India as well, but it was also a bit of a practical decision, because I wanted an actor who is used to the madness that shooting can be in India, and it could have been difficult," Sudip told IANS."Shooting web series is tough, we are shooting close to five pages a day, and we needed an actor of experience, and an actor with an experience in Indian shooting conditions. And she really delivered a great job," he said.For Suvinder Vicky, who is seen as the cop Balbir Singh, Sudip said "I have worked with him in 'Pataal Lok' , and I wanted to give him a bigger role, he is really that good an actor."He further said that he saw Barun Sobti's work in 'Halahal'."I really liked it, and I thought he had this very interesting energy about him. There is an innocence, as well as, an impishness to him."On his inspiration for the meditative and reflective tone for 'Kohraa', Sudip said "We were very clear from the get go that although we were ostensibly making a police procedural, the show was lot more than that. The show was about love, first and foremost, it was about relationships, human drama. How human beings end up doing the things they end up doing, and all the baggage that they bring forth.""And to explore all of that with any sort of satisfaction, I think it was important to give the show not a break neck sort of the speed, but this very meditative and reflective tone. I mean the characters are doing what they are doing, but they are also stepping back and looking at themselves. Looking at what made them do, what they ended up doing, in the first place. It was really sort of built into the storytelling design of the show," shared Sudip.He said that director Randeep Jha has done a beautiful job of carrying it forward, in terms of how it was shot, and how the performances were taken out.Sudip said the show is really more than just the actual fog that you see in the beginning of the story, or that happens in certain months in Punjab.On the feeling of suspense and helplessness in the narrative, he said "It was really also about the fog that we carry on our relationships, what stops us from seeing the truth, although it might just be around the corner, but because of our own baggages, our emotional complexities, past traumas, generational traumas, that we carry forward, we are not able to see it, there is this haze, between us and our loved ones. And we were sort of referring to that."On his collaboration with Gunjit Chopra and Diggi Sisodia for the project, Sudip said he really enjoyed working with them."It doesn't really happen that when you are leading a writer's room, the writers are delivering on the promise of writing. I am really glad that they took the onus of the writing on themselves, I could focus on looking at the larger picture, and mentoring them as they went about doing things. They were always on the button, very upfront with accepting changes and coming back quickly with all that was required," said Sudip.He also recalled the most vivid memory of the show and said it was shooting Balbir's house. "The scenes between the father and the daughter, and the flashback scene between Balbir and his wife. They were really heavy scenes to shoot, to write as well. I mean I could feel the heaviness in the house, in the atmosphere we were shooting it. All the toxicity that there was in the scenes, we could feel it ourselves," he added.Set against the backdrop of Punjab where an NRI is murdered just before his wedding, 'Kohrra' weaves a narrative that resonates with authenticity and rawness.It is streaming on Netflix.IANS25 July 2023

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UWorld among the first to launch innovative Digital SAT preparation course

PRNewswire, Dallas, July 25: UWorld, a worldwide leader in online learning tools for high-stakes exams, today announced the launch of its new Digital SAT preparation course.

UWorld among the first to launch innovative Digital SAT preparation course

The course will prepare students for the new digital format of the exam and is accessible on any device including smart phones, tablets, and desktop computers."We are committed to delivering products that support the success of students and teachers with resources that keep pace with the ever-changing education landscape," said Chandra S. Pemmasani, M.D., founder and CEO of UWorld. "The online format of the SAT is a new frontier for students preparing to apply to colleges. Our new Digital SAT preparation course will help test-takers navigate this unknown territory and succeed on their exam day."UWorld's team of experts developed nearly 1,000 questions and counting featured in the question bank that will prepare students for this new evolution of the SAT. As a digitally native learning platform, UWorld is among the first online study resources to offer a question bank and realistic practice interface designed to simulate the real Digital SAT in both format and duration to best prepare students for the actual exam.The platform's performance-based learning technology allows students to assess progress and focus efforts on targeted practice to maximize efficiency and score potential. Additionally, concise and detailed explanations are provided for each answer option to help students gain a deeper understanding of the key concepts and strategies that will help them succeed.The Digital SAT, offered this year for international students and starting in 2024 for U.S. students, requires new study strategies and question types. The exam uses dynamic questions that adapt to the student's responses in real-time, which reduces the test duration by 45 minutes and allows for more efficient and precise measurement of individual abilities.The new format has shorter reading passages, more direct questions, plus interactive features designed to make the math and reading sections more engaging and applicable to real-world scenarios. This new exam enhances accessibility by providing customizable accommodations and provides more flexibility for scheduling and test administration. It ensures that a wider range of students can participate in the exam, making the testing process more convenient. More information about the key differences between the current SAT and Digital SAT can be found here.UWorld's Digital SAT product is now available here for a free seven-day trial and purchase via desktop and mobile.Students should also take advantage of The 7x7 Challenge which encourages the practice of seven questions for seven days to unlock a discount code for the Digital SAT resource. Through this challenge, UWorld emphasizes the benefits of developing consistent, sustainable study habits through the use of short, active learning sessions.About UWorldUWorld is the worldwide leader in online learning to prepare for high-stakes exams. Since 2003, UWorld has helped millions of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students prepare for their exams. At the core of UWorld's mission is an obsession with quality so that students receive only the best in learning resources. Whether students are preparing for the, ACT, SAT, Digital SAT, AP, CFA, CPA, MBE, MCAT, NAPLEX/MPJE/CPJE, NCLEX, PANCE/PANRE, COMLEX, USMLE, ABIM, or ABFM, UWorld ensures success by using active learning methods. With challenging practice questions that mirror the real tests and unrivaled explanations, students can efficiently and effectively prepare for every topic on their exams. To learn more, please visit UWorld.com.Media ContactBrittany GburBCW GlobalBrittany.gbur@bcw-global.comANI25 July 2023

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VTEX partners with Konnect Insights to Develop Capabilities in Customer Experience Management

BusinessWire India, Bangalore, July 25: VTEX, the global enterprise digital commerce platform, announced today its strategic partnership with Konnect Insights, a unified customer experience management platform for brands.

VTEX partners with Konnect Insights to Develop Capabilities in Customer Experience Management

This exciting collaboration aims to spearhead a transformation in customer experience management for enterprise brands and retailers. By combining the robust capabilities of VTEX composable and complete platform with Konnect Insights' unified customer experience management suite, this partnership will empower businesses to deliver exceptional customer journeys at every stage. In the dynamic digital landscape, VTEX and Konnect Insights stand ready to reshape how brands interact with their customers, cultivating enduring loyalty and fueling sustainable growth.Konnect Insights offers a comprehensive platform that unifies social listening, community engagement, social CRM, social analytics, social publishing, BI tools & dashboards, surveys, and crisis management. By enabling brands to listen to their consumers in all possible channels, learn from them, and engage in meaningful ways, Konnect Insights helps businesses enhance their overall customer care and commerce strategies. Trusted by leading brands across various industries, Konnect Insights' all-in-one suite empowers organizations to leverage the four pillars of an omnichannel customer experience. Sameer Narkar, CEO at Konnect Insights, stated "We are excited about this synergy between Konnect Insights and VTEX. I am glad to welcome VTEX's low-code platform enabling composable commerce in alliance with our customer experience management suite, which will enable major brands and retailers to propel their customer care and commerce." Yashdeep Vaishnav, Country Head, VTEX India, said, "We are delighted to join forces with Konnect Insights in order to enhance even more our capabilities in customer experience management. VTEX is the best-rated digital commerce platform for unified retail, according to Gartner, and supports clients in 38 countries. We are best positioned to lead this fast-paced, ever-evolving retail sector. Through this strategic alliance, we will provide businesses with the tools and capabilities they need to understand their customers on a deeper level, anticipate their needs, and respond proactively." The partnership between VTEX and Konnect Insights is set to reshape the customer experience landscape for digital commerce. By combining VTEX's low-code platform and Konnect Insights' comprehensive customer experience management suite, businesses will have access to powerful tools and insights to drive customer satisfaction, increase revenue, and achieve business goals.ANI25 July 2023

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27 armed conflicts continue to devastate lives: UNGA Prez

United Nations, July 25: UN General Assembly President Csaba Korosi said on that 27 ongoing armed conflicts across the world are continuing to devastate lives.

27 armed conflicts continue to devastate lives: UNGA Prez

"As we look around the globe today, 27 armed conflicts continue to devastate lives," Korosi told a joint debate on the UN Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Fund at the UN headquarters in New York.The UNGA President said that two decades ago, about five countries each year suffered more than one simultaneous war or insurgency, reports Xinhua news agency."Now 15 do. Three-fold increase. The number of conflict-related deaths has reached a 28-year high and over 100 million people have been forcibly displaced," he added.Korosi noted that conflicts have become more complex, and civil wars have a significantly stronger foreign involvement."And an increase of one degree in local temperature raises the chance of intergroup conflict by more than 10 per cent," he continued."These realities should be a wake-up call," stressed the UNGA President."Unless we place the prevention of conflict at the core of our peace efforts, our 2030 promise of a safe, sustainable future will slip beyond the reach of many of our communities."Speaking of the Peacebuilding Commission, he said that 18 years after its creation, the commission "is strategically placed to help the UN keep pace with today's evolving threats".As an advisory body to two key UN institutions, he said, the commission has unique chances to advance coherence and assist both the General Assembly and the Security Council in fulfilling their mandates."The General Assembly could benefit from more substantive advice on specific situations, as well as on cross-cutting issues, such as the water crisis, which are major drivers of violence," he said."For this end, I suggest that the PGA (UNGA president) and the chair of the Peacebuilding Commission should hold regular consultations, similar to those with the presidents of the Security Council and Economic and Social Council," he added.Korosi said that from war and violent extremism to the triple planetary crises of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, "global developments are demanding that we invest more in the peaceful future we aspire to achieve.""The suffering we see -- from North to South, and East to West -- offers clear proof that the costs of our inaction far outweigh the price of proactive investment in prevention," the UNGA president stressed.In 2022, the Peacebuilding Fund approved record levels of support to 37 countries, according to Korosi.He further mentioned that in the previous General Assembly resolution, member states confirmed their commitment to exploring all possibilities for sustained financing in peacebuilding."In this spirit, I urge you to contribute to the fund. To reflect that, if no progress is made today, our goal to save lives will remain elusive tomorrow. We know we are paying too steep a price for conflict."He expressed the hope that the debate would inspire innovative ideas to strengthen collaboration among all stakeholders at every stage of the peace continuum.IANS25 July 2023

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Peace talks stalled over payment dispute with Saudi: Yemens Houthi militia

Sanaa, July 25: Yemen's Houthi militia said that peace talks with Saudi Arabia have been put on hold because of a dispute over the payment of the country civil servants in areas held by the Iran-backed group.

Peace talks stalled over payment dispute with Saudi: Yemen's Houthi militia

In a statement late Monday,Mahdi al-Mashat, head of the Houthi supreme political council, said that the negotiations had focused on the issue of paying salaries out of Yemen's oil and gas revenues, Xinhua news agency reported.The Houthis rejected the Saudi proposal of providing the funds via the Saudi banking system and accused Saudi Arabia of attempting to "steal Yemen's oil wealth for their own benefits", al-Mashat was quoted as saying.Al-Mashat appealed to teachers and civil servants in Houthi-controlled areas to continue their work without payment, assuring them that his group will get revenues of Yemen's oil exports from its rivals.Many teachers and civil servants in Houthi-controlled areas have to look for alternate jobs in order to support their family because of the lack of payment.There has been no response to the Houthi report from Saudi Arabia.Currently, Yemen's oil and gas revenues are under the control of the country's internationally recognized government, which is responsible for paying the wages of the civil servants who work in the areas under its control.In the latest round of peace negotiations, the Yemeni government agreed to reopen the Hodeidah seaport and Sanaa airport, both of which are under Houthis' control, on the condition that the rebel group sends their revenues to the central bank in Aden, the government's temporary seat, for salary payment.However, the Houthis have refused to comply with the request, government sources said.Yemen has been engulfed in a civil war since late 2014, when the Iran-backed Houthi militia took control of several northern cities, driving the Saudi-backed government out of the capital Sanaa.The Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened in 2015 to support the Yemeni government.IANS25 July 2023

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How screenwriter in Ria Nalavade helped define her UP65 character

Mumbai, July 25: Actress Ria Nalavade, who played the role of Antari in hit series 'UP65', says it was empowering to create her own character.

How screenwriter in Ria Nalavade helped define her UP65 character

Ria interacted with the media recently to celebrate the success of 'UP65', a buddy comedy based on the engineering campus life in Varanasi.Apart from being an established actor, Ria is a director and screenwriter, and these talents which came handy creating her empowering role in the series.Talking about creating her character in the series, she said "I am very grateful to my producer and directors because they knew, apart from being an actor, I am also a director and screenwriter, they empowered me to explore new dimensions of the role. And this is the time I have seen that an actress is being empowered to take control of her character, not just on-screen but creating it with writing and reimagining her with new quirks and nuances."Her famous rant scene in the series, flooded the internet meme universe comparing the actress with Kartik Aaryan from 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama'.Talking about it, Ria said "There have been times, where my director asked me to rewrite a scene, while shooting it. The rant scene in 'UP65', which has its own cult following, is like Kartik Aaryan's rant scene in 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama', and I wrote that ten minutes prior to shooting it."After 'Sunflower' season 1 and 'UP65', Ria has lined-up a slew of projects for release.Talking about her forthcoming projects, she said "Two of my movies will be releasing soon, both the movies belong to different genres and my roles are very different and challenging. I am also part of 'Sunflower' Season 2 with Sunil Grover, Ashish Vidyarthi and Girish Kulkarni. I will be reprising my role of Paddy. Plus, I am doing one more series for JioCinema, and I super excited to share it with my audience.""I am also doing a remake of hit south movie 'Maanmadhudu' in Marathi, it is titled 'Man Mauji', and it will release theatrically, so I am thrilled about that because it will be the first time I will watch myself on big-screen," added Ria.newsline/aa/prwIANS25 July 2023

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Gold Coast Films successfully executes first-ever SCY Awards in Sri Lanka, recognizing social creators

NewsVoir, Mumbai, July 25: Gold Coast Films, India's leading content marketing agency, in association with Cinnamon Hotels and SriLankan Airlines, has successfully executed the first-ever season of SCY Awards in Sri Lanka.

Gold Coast Films successfully executes first-ever SCY Awards in Sri Lanka, recognizing social creators

This groundbreaking event, which aims to celebrate and honor social creators, marked a significant milestone as the first creator's award held at an international destination, Sri Lanka.SCY Awards acknowledged the incredible talent of content creators from India providing them with a global platform to felicitate & recognise their creativity and innovation. The event comprised several engaging activities, including the SCY Sundowner Pool Party, SriLankan Airlines Hangar Experience, SCY Yacht Party, and the grand SCY Main Awards night. From June 21st to June 23rd, 2023, participants were immersed in a series of unforgettable experiences, uncovering new discoveries and creating lifelong memories.Sunny Arora, Co-founder of Gold Coast Films, explains, "The Creator's Ecosystem in India has been thriving, yet there has been a gap in recognizing our creators on a global scale. We identified this need and launched the SCY Awards in Sri Lanka, offering social creators a prestigious platform to be acknowledged and honored internationally for their exceptional talent.""As we look ahead, our vision for SCY is to continue celebrating social creators by organizing the next edition of the awards at an exciting international destination, creating an even more extraordinary experience for these exceptional talents, added Sunny Arora."The SCY Awards featured a diverse range of award categories, including Vogue Creator of the Year, Fashion Creator of the Year, Best Couple Creator Of The Year, Budding Creator of the Year Food Creator of the Year, Style Icon of the Year, and Makeup & Beauty Creator of the Year. A total of 22 awards were presented, recognizing the exceptional contributions of the winners in their respective fields.The presence of renowned personalities added glamour and significance to the SCY Awards. Notable Indian TV actors and influencers such as, Meghna Kaur, Kareema Barry, Riya Jain, Kat Kristian, Pooja Mundhra, and Vogue Vanity Agasthya Shah, Tanya Sharma, Rohan Mehra, Kanchi Singh, Vaishnavi Prakash Rao, graced the occasion. The event was also honored by esteemed Sri Lankan figures, including Hon Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism & Lands and Mikael Svensson, CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.Cinnamon Hotels, as the hospitality partner, played a vital role in the success of the SCY Awards. Dileep Mudadeniya, Senior Vice President - Global Alliances and Partnerships at John Keells Leisure and Head of Corporate Affairs at John Keells Group, commended the winners and Gold Coast Films, stating, "Following the successful completion of the Social Creator of the Year Awards held in Sri Lanka, we would like to congratulate the winners and Gold Coast Films. Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, as the hospitality partner, strengthened our presence and visibility in the Indian market through the diverse content creators and their audiences."Saminda Perera, Head of Marketing, SriLankan Airlines said, "We, at SriLankan Airlines, are immensely pleased to partner with Gold Coast Films and Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts to host the Social Creator of the Year awards in our island home, Sri Lanka. As a prime promotor of tourism and a leading airline that connects India to Sri Lanka and beyond, we have always associated and collaborated with content creators to take across the message of exploring Sri Lanka on the wings of SriLankan Airlines. We hope that SCY Awards 2023 was a great gateway to the multi-faceted beauty of our island, which will inspire their followers and aspirant travellers to immerse themselves in an unmatched destination experience of Sri Lanka in time to come."Gold Coast Films continues to pioneer the content marketing industry, driving the growth of India's creator's ecosystem. The success of the SCY Awards serves as a testament to the agency's commitment to recognizing and celebrating social creators while providing them with exceptional opportunities to shine their talent on a global scale.Gold Coast Films is renowned for its expertise in curating disruptive branded content, placing it at the forefront of the industry. Since its inception in 2020, the founders of the agency, Sunny Arora and Neeraj Mishra, have shown a strong commitment to nurturing India's creators ecosystem. Their dedication has propelled Gold Coast Films to become a leading force in the industry, driving innovation and empowering content creators throughout the country.For more information about Gold Coast Films and its initiatives, please visit goldcoastfilms.in.Gold Coast Films is India's leading content marketing agency. The company is renowned for curating disruptive branded content, and aims to establish a global landmark for India's creators ecosystem.Gold Coast Films stands as a vibrant hub of inspiring stories and talents, fueled by a diverse team of new-gen industry professionals. The company offers an extensive array of services for brands, including Content creation at International Destinations, community building to D2C brands Brand Marketing, Influencer Marketing, and much more.ANI25 July 2023

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Larry, the orange lobster that landed in a tank at Tops Markets in Hamburg in May, has found a home  and it's a fancy one.

The rare crustacean will be on display in a new $77 million aquarium being constructed in Kansas City, Mo., called the Sobela Ocean Aquarium, which will be part of the Kansas City Zoo.

Rare orange lobster lands in Tops grocery tank and avoids becoming someone's dinner Tops called the Niagara Aquarium for help, and it has agreed to take in the lobster while finding it a new home.

But this part might be a bit difficult for Buffalo Bills fans to take: He is now known as Larry Lombardi, in honor of the Lombardi Trophy and the Kansas City Chiefs' recent Super Bowl wins, according to KMBC News in Kansas City.

The 1-in-30-million lobster was found by workers at the Tops store who noted its bright orange color, which stood out among its mud red peers. After confirming the lobster was indeed a rare specimen, it called the Aquarium of Niagara in Niagara Falls, which worked with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to find him a forever home.
Cambodias ruling party wins overwhelming majority in parliamentary polls

Phnom Penh, July 25: The ruling Cambodian People's Party won 120 parliamentary seats as the royalist Funcinpec Party gained the remaining five seats in the July 23 general elections, officials said on Tuesday.

Cambodia's ruling party wins overwhelming majority in parliamentary polls

A total of 18 political parties contested the election, which is held once every five years to elect the MPs for the 125-seat National Assembly, reports Xinhua news agency.CPP spokesman Sok Eysan said that according to the party's calculation based on the National Election Committee (NEC)'s preliminary results, the CPP won 120 seats and the Funcinpec Party of Prince Norodom Chakravuth gained the remaining five seats."The CPP received 80 per cent of the ballots from 8.21 million voters, winning 120 seats, or 96 per cent of the 125 seats in the National Assembly," he told Xinhua news agency."This is another great success for the CPP, and it truly reflected people's confidence in the party's leadership," Eysan said. "We will do our best to continue to serve the people."Hun Manet, the Prime Minister candidate for the CPP, said people had clearly expressed their wills through votes with a very high turnout rate of more than 84 percent."An overwhelming number has expressed support for the Cambodian People's Party," he said in a message released on his official Telegram channel.Manet, who is also the son of sitting Prime Minister Hun Sen, thanked voters for supporting the CPP, vowing to better serve them in the future.Funcinpec Party spokesman Nhoeun Raden told Xinhua on Tuesday that the NEC's preliminary results showed that it gained five seats, or 4 percent in the National Assembly.He said the party won one seat each in the capital Phnom Penh and the provinces of Kandal, Prey Veng, Kampong Thom and Kampong Cham.According to the NEC, about 8.21 million people, or 84.58 per cent of the 9.71 million eligible voters, cast their ballots in the general elections.The parliamentary polls was the seventh of its kind in the Southeast Asian country since 1993.In the previous one held in 2018, the CPP won all 125 seats in the National Assembly.The CPP has ruled Cambodia since 1979, with Prime Minister Hun Sen ruling the Southeast Asian nation since 1985.Hun Sen has said that the National Assembly will convene for the first time on August 28, and the new five-year-term government will be sworn in on the next day.IANS25 July 2023

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Trevor Noah is coming to India for special shows, more deets inside

New Delhi, July 25: Missed seeing former television host Trevor Noah in action since his exit from 'The Daily Show' last year? If yes, then there's good news for fans especially those living in India.

Trevor Noah is coming to India for special shows, more deets inside

Noah, the acclaimed standup comedian, is all set to make his India debut with 'Off The Record Tour'.Noah will perform live across seven shows at the India leg of the 'Off The Record' Tour, to be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Delhi-NCR on September 22, 23 and 24 followed by Manpho Convention Centre, Bengaluru on September 27 and 28 and finally at the NSCI Dome, Mumbai on September 30 and October 1.As per a statement, Trevor's 'Off The Record' Tour will travel to Asia, with its first pit stop in India, followed by Dubai. Produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live, the show will feature Noah in his element, performing a satirical set.Excited about India Tour, Noah said, "After a lifetime of loving India's culture, I'm so excited to finally have the privilege of bringing my current stand-up comedy tour to one of the most exciting countries in the world!"The update has left desi fans excited."Woah...can't wait for Noah to perform in India," a social media user commented."This is huge. Super happy," another one wrote.While announcing his exit from 'The Daily Show', Noah recalled his earlier trip to India."What a journey it's been... The show has grown around the world. I recently went to India for the first time and people there supported everything that we have done on the show. I found myself filled with gratitude for the journey. It's been absolutely amazing. It's something that I never expected," he had said.ANI25 July 2023

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UAE, Azerbaijan hold first consular consultations meeting

Abu Dhabi, July 25: The UAE and Azerbaijan recently held their first consular consultation meeting to enhance their cooperation in consular areas.

UAE, Azerbaijan hold first consular consultations meeting

The meeting, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi, was chaired by Faisal Lutfi, Assistant Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Consular Affairs, and Emil Safarov, Head of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan.During the meeting, Lutfi stressed the importance of cooperation between the two sides in consular affairs, which will help strengthen their bilateral ties, noting that the relations between the two countries have advanced in recent years.He also lauded their efforts to provide distinguished consular services for their citizens, adding that some 10,000 Emirati nationals visited Azerbaijan in the first quarter of 2023.Safarov commended the UAE's prominent regional and international stature and highlighted its key overall role.The two sides also discussed a wide range of mutual consular issues, as well as their monitoring and development plans.The Emirati delegation presented an overview of the UAE's e-attestation service, including a summary of a ministerial resolution on the attestation of commercial invoices and the Smart Mission project.Under the framework of exchanging consular experiences, the two sides also talked about the "Return Document" system and the consular work of the country's diplomatic missions abroad.Lutfi conveyed the greetings and best wishes of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and his appreciation for the deep-rooted consular relationship between the two countries. He also highlighted the UAE's keenness to boost its ties with Azerbaijan, in line with the aspirations of the country's leadership.Safarov praised the progress of the bilateral relations between the two countries over the past years, especially in the consular field, stressing that his country aims to enhance its cooperation and exchange experiences with the UAE in this area, for the benefit of the citizens of the two countries and to strengthen their bilateral relations.He also commended the digital services provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Representatives of the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant authorities in Azerbaijan participated in the meeting.ANI25 July 2023

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Mohta and Family: Redefining Brand Promotion through Influencer Marketing

VMPL, New Delhi, July 25: Established in 2019, Mohta and Family, a prominent influencer marketing agency, has been making waves in the realm of brand promotion.

Mohta and Family: Redefining Brand Promotion through Influencer Marketing

Boasting an impressive portfolio of collaborations with a diverse range of Indian celebrities, the agency has earned a reputation for creating unparalleled opportunities for brands to connect with their target audiences through influential personalities.With a deep understanding of the nuances of social media platforms and an extensive network of influencers, Mohta and Family has continually surpassed expectations, creating a substantial impact on the Indian marketing landscape. Their dedication to innovation, transparency, and ethical practices has garnered them a loyal client base and accolades from industry peers.Founded by COO Abhiishek Mohta, the agency has rapidly emerged as a pioneer in influencer marketing, achieving significant success and widespread acclaim. Under the dynamic leadership of CEO Vani and with astute financial guidance from CFO Abhilekh Prasad, Mohta and Family has carved a niche for itself in the marketing industry. Their unique approach to influencer collaborations, coupled with a deep understanding of the evolving digital landscape, has led to impactful influencer marketing campaigns with numerous top brands.Abhiishek Mohta, the trailblazing COO, expressed the agency's vision, stating, "We recognized the potential of influencer marketing as a game-changer for brands early on. Our mission is to deliver authentic and engaging campaigns that resonate with audiences, generate brand loyalty, and yield tangible returns on investment."Vani, the visionary CEO, also shared her insights, saying, "In today's fast-paced digital era, influencer marketing offers an unparalleled opportunity to foster meaningful connections with consumers. Our team of creative minds works tirelessly to craft captivating campaigns that not only elevate brands but also captivate the hearts of consumers."In a relatively short period, Mohta and Family have set new benchmarks for influencer marketing, earning them a place among India's most sought-after marketing agencies. With a focus on driving client success and a passion for inspiring consumer engagement, the agency is poised for continued growth and success in the coming years.Contact us www.mohtaandfamily.comANI25 July 2023

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Chinas projected population more than that of India as on July 1 this year, Centre tells Lok Sabha

New Delhi, July 25: The government informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that projected population of India on July 1 this year is less than that of China.

China's projected population more than that of India as on July 1 this year, Centre tells Lok Sabha

Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said in a written reply that as per United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the total projected population of China at the beginning of this month was about 142 crore. He said by another estimate India's population is projected at 139 crore ."As per United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division online publication, World Population Prospectus 2022, the total projected population of China as on July 1, 2023 is 142,56,71,000. The projected population of India as on July 1, 2023, as per Report of the Technical Group on Population Projections published by National Commission on Population, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, is 139,23,29,000," he said.Responding to a question whether the government proposes to conduct census and the time frame, the minister said that the intent of the Government for conducting Census 2021 was notified in Gazette of India on March 28, 2019."Due to outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the Census 2021 and the related field activities have been postponed," he said.UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs had said in April this year China will soon cede its long-held status as the world's most populous country."By the end of this month, India's population is expected to reach 1,425,775,850 people," it had said in a tweet.ANI25 July 2023

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Moon-bound Chandrayaan-3 gets farther from the earth on voyage

Chennai, July 25: India's moon-bound spacecraft, Chandrayaan-3, travelled further towards its destination with the Indian space agency on Tuesday raising its orbit further for the fifth time.

Moon-bound Chandrayaan-3 gets farther from the earth on voyage

On August 1, the Chandrayaan-3 will take the 'moon spaceway' when the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will guide it to the TransLunar Injection (TLI).On Tuesday, the ISRO said "The orbit-raising maneuver (Earth-bound perigee firing) is performed successfully from ISTRAC/ISRO, Bengaluru. The spacecraft is expected to attain an orbit of 127609 km x 236 km. The achieved orbit will be confirmed after the observations.""The next firing, the TransLunar Injection (TLI), is planned for August 1, 2023, between 12 midnight and 1 am IST," the ISRO said.The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft was put into orbit on July 15, in a copybook style by India's heavy lift rocket LVM3. On the same day, the first orbit raising was done and the second orbit raising was carried out on July 17.The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft comprises a propulsion module (weighing 2,148 kg), a lander (1,723.89 kg), and a rover (26 kg), the ISRO said.The main object of the mission is to safely land the lander on the lunar soil. The lander will get separated from the propulsion module a couple of days after it enters lunar orbit and is expected to make a soft-landing near the South Pole of the moon at 5.47 p.m. on August 23.The lander will descend to the moon from a height of about 100 km from the moon's surface. The soft landing is a tricky issue as it involves a series of complex manoeuvres consisting of rough and fine braking. Imaging of the landing site region prior to landing will be done for finding safe and hazard-free zones.Subsequent to the soft landing, the six-wheeled rover will roll out and carry out experiments on the lunar surface for a period of one lunar day which is equal to 14 Earth days.IANS25 July 2023

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Iconic statue mysteriously stolen from Beetlejuice 2 set in Vermont during shooting

Los Angeles, July 25: The Tim Burton directorial 'Beetlejuice 2' which will release after nearly 40 years since the first one, witnessed an unusual turn of events during its filming. The film's set was burglarised in Vermont, with an iconic statue being stolen.

Iconic statue mysteriously stolen from 'Beetlejuice 2' set in Vermont during shooting

'Beetlejuice' is considered an iconic movie in the realm of horror and horror-comedy due to its many creepy and terrifying scares, gothic setting as well as unusual and morbid humour.The statue was supposed to feature in Tim Burton's sequel though somehow the iconic 150 pound statue got stolen from under the production team's notice and Vermont State Police has so far found no culprit.However, a report from the Vermont State Police has revealed the statue was stolen alongside a lamppost with a "distinctive" pumpkin decoration on top.Talking to Twitter, the Vermont State Police said "We tried saying the name of this stolen statue three times, but it didn't come back! We're investigating the theft of this 150-pound sculpture from the 'Beetlejuice 2' set in E. Corinth, along with a lamppost topped with a pumpkin decoration."Those familiar with the 1988 horror-comedy classic might recognise the stolen sculpture as it was one of the creations of the overly dramatic and emotionally oversensitive character Delia Deetz who was played by Catherine O'Hara.The statue was reportedly stolen between 5 p.m. on July 13, and 11 a.m. on July 17, while the film was shooting on a location in Vermont.The thieves, according to the guards in the production team and Vermont State Police, stole the statue for unknown purposes. Whether it was a harmless prank, a heist or some stunt by WGA or SAG-AFTRA protesters is unknown at this time.Tim Burton's 'Beetlejuice' sequel as of now, is slated to open on September 6, 2024, but could change due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. While the film has not been a topic of the strikes, any association with AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers) can result in an indefinite delay as strikers are halting all projects with AMPTP links.anv/prwIANS25 July 2023

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Odisha govt approves investment projects worth Rs 1250 Cr

Bhubaneswar, July 25: The Odisha government on Tuesday approved eight industrial projects with a cumulative investment of Rs 1250 crore. These projects are expected to create employment opportunities for 3640 persons.A .

Odisha govt approves investment projects worth Rs 1250 Cr

The State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA) led by Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena has approved the projects including a proposal by Vedanta Limited to set up 4.5 million ton per annum (mtpa) iron ore beneficiation plant at Koida in Sundergarh district with an investment of Rs 80 crore, official said.The state government has also approved three investment proposals for production of grain-based ethanol, with a combined investment of approximately Rs.810 crore. The projects are proposed to be set up in Sonepur, Bolangir and Nabarangpur districts.In the steel (downstream) sector, a reputed manufacturer has proposed to set up a cutting-edge manufacturing unit for producing 1,80,000 of steel doors and windows along with other products, with an investment of Rs 147.64 crore.Among others, the Odisha government panel has approved the proposals of Nezone Tubes Utkal Limited (Rs. 105 crore), B.K. International Private Limited (Rs. 52 crore), and Mamta Fabrics Pvt. Ltd. (Rs. 50 crore).IANS25 July 2023

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Firefighting plane crashes in Greece as wildfires rage

Athens, July 25: A plane involved in fighting fires crashed on the island of Evia as blazes in Greece continue to destroy homes and cause the evacuation of thousands of residents and visitors, reported Al Jazeera.

Firefighting plane crashes in Greece as wildfires rage

Videos of the plane pouring water on fire were posted on social media by the state broadcaster ERT. After that, it is seen falling into a mountainside and catching fire.According to the air force, two helicopters rushed to the location to conduct a search and rescue mission. It provided no information regarding the fate of the crew, a group of two airmen.According to a statement from the air force, the Canadian CL-215 jet went down in Platanistos, Evia, shortly after 3 pm ."A search and rescue operation is under way for the two airmen. 1 Super Puma helicopter and 1 AB-205 helicopter of the Air Force, as well as 1 S-70 helicopter of the Navy have rushed to the area," the air force added.Greece has been fighting wildfires for the past week.On Tuesday, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that the Mediterranean nation is "at war" with the wildfires blazing across the country."For the next few weeks, we must be on constant alert. We are at war," the prime minister told parliament, adding, "We will rebuild what we lost. We will compensate those who were hurt. ... The climate crisis is already here. It will manifest itself everywhere in the Mediterranean with greater disasters."He also warned that the country faced "another three difficult days ahead" before high temperatures are forecast to ease, Al Jazeera reported.ANI25 July 2023

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Getting back on track

Two years of construction is about to begin for the next phase of Cars Sharing Main Street in downtown Buffalo, as the city and the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority prepare to kick off work on the section of Main from Mohawk to Church streets.

That's a critical and central stretch of the downtown core, as it includes Main Place Mall, M&T Bank Corp.'s headquarters at 1 M&T Plaza, the Brisbane Building and Lafayette Square.

The NFTA and its contractors began some weekend work this month, but the "really consequential" work will start in August, said Tom George, vice president for operations for the agency that operates Metro Rail. That's when workers will start replacing the rail infrastructure between the two intersections, a process that is slated to continue through the end of the 2024 construction season.

"We are going to hit it hard this year," George told the Buffalo Place board at a recent meeting. "We're going to get a lot of work done this year."

The project will require shifting trains to a single track for both directions at times. So a new rail crossover will also be added near Eagle Street, which will allow the agency to do track work south of that intersection in the future without causing disruptions through single-tracking further north. Otherwise, the only crossovers are at the NFTA yard below Canalside, or at the Allen Street-Medical Campus station.

The agency also is completing its design of the new Church Street station, which officials expect to put out to bid this year before starting construction in 2024. However, there's no plan or funding yet for the Lafayette station. Each station is designed to have a unique look as part of the city's placemaking efforts.

Both the Church station and the track bed work are supposed to finish at the same time next year. But then officials plan to start the design work for the section of Main from Church south to Swan Street, with construction beginning in 2025-26, after the current phase is complete.

Meanwhile, the city is also in design for its streetscape work, which is fully funded from Mohawk south to Exchange Street, and will be similar in scope and format to prior sections. That work will begin next year.

"Our goal is to catch up to NFTA and break ground, so there's no gap with NFTA finishing work, stopping, and then the city starting up," said Nolan Skipper, city engineer and deputy commissioner of the city's Department of Public Works.

This is the latest stage in the yearslong effort by the city to reverse the failed urban-renewal initiative to create a downtown pedestrian mall along the Main Street spine. Instead of spurring more activity and drawing more people downtown, the loss of vehicle access along Main helped to kill retail downtown, and led to years of decline.

Buffalo has spent tens of millions of dollars to bring back cars alongside the rail lines and pedestrians in the 500, 600 and 700 blocks, as well as Lower Main below Exchange Street. But the middle section remains incomplete, and funding has been a challenge.

George said the NFTA had "a certain amount of money" in a grant for the rail section, but "that money is running out." So the agency is pursuing another grant and additional state assistance.

Separately, the NFTA is also working on the new station at the DL&W terminal, including adding a stair tower at Illinois Street for exterior access. That station is expected to be open and active next summer, with a direct bridge connection to the KeyBank Center. A new cellphone based fare app is also being developed for both iPhone and Andoid devices.

Welcome to Buffalo Next. This newsletter from The Buffalo News will bring you the latest coverage on the changing Buffalo Niagara economy  from real estate to health care to startups. Read more at BuffaloNext.com.

Amazon getting ready for Hamburg

It's been more than two years since Internet retail giant Amazon.com received municipal approvals and tax breaks for its new last-mile warehouse on Bayview Road in the Town of Hamburg.

Workers for an affiliate of Frank Campofelice's Walden Development Group spent 11 months constructing the core of the 181,500-square-foot building on 57.914 acres at Bayview and Lakeshore roads, but the Seattle-based company held off on its final purchases and build-out of the internal space, and has not occupied it.

That had spurred significant scrutiny about the company's intentions, after Walden and Amazon won $6.85 million in tax breaks and pledged 75 full-time jobs. Most of those benefits went toward construction, while the sales-tax exemption was extended through mid-September. But Amazon still has until March 2024 to meet its employment goal.

Now, though, officials say the company is expected to move into the $47.2 million facility as soon as September, in time for the December holiday shopping season.

We appreciate the working relationship we have with the Town of Hamburg where our delivery station is slated to launch in the coming months," said Amazon spokesman Marc Heintzman. "The leadership team for this facility is in place and we expect to start general hiring for this facility soon.

There is still no word, however, on when the company may start construction on its much larger $550 million Town of Niagara complex on Lockport Road, with 3.1 million square feet of space on 216 acres adjacent to the Niagara Falls International Airport and Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

That project was also approved by the town and received $123 million in tax breaks from the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency.

Feeling serendipitous

Two years after opening to fanfare in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, Serendipity Labs said its coworking facility on the 29th floor of Seneca One tower is 90% full  despite, or because of, the challenges facing commercial real estate and office markets.

The 19,000-square-foot operation, which opened in 2021, is one of only a few coworking spaces in the Buffalo market, offering options ranging from traditional suites and small single offices to shared desks. Tenants include finance, legal, architecture, real estate and startup businesses, as well as larger companies like Ernst & Young, that decided to adopt hybrid work policies with only half or less of their workforce in the office.

"Working with companies of all sizes over the past two years and helping them figure out their new office needs has been extremely fun and rewarding," said Serendipity Regional Vice President Kristen Zimmerman. "Flexibility is a major factor for companies and their employees as they return to work.

THE LATEST

The 'soft landing' looks like it may be a little softer across Buffalo Niagara.

43North got the state funding it needs to keep going.

Pressure Drop Brewing is up for sale.

An affordable housing project in Niagara Falls opened.

KeyBank officials see the economy heading for a soft landing.

Eastern Hills Mall is starting to move tenants to clear room for a planned town center.

The state is tweaking its plan for cannabis farmers markets.

ECMC workers approved a new contract.

Anonymity is proving to be a problem for a Buffalo developer's waterfront project.

M&T's earnings topped expectations.

A Franklinville knife company will close after being sold.

A temporary emergency medical facility is easing care concerns in Niagara County.

A project to bring more apartments and shops to West Tupper Street won city approval.

How the shareholder votes on Life Storage's merger with Xtra Space Storage turned out.

The region's job market isn't showing signs of a slowdown.

A Town of Tonawanda equipment maker plans to expand.

ICYMI

Five reads from Buffalo Next:

1. Cannabis growers aren't getting much of a spark from the state's plan to allow pot-only farmers markets.

2. Growth from afar: Inside Hilbert College's deal with Valley College.

3. Local unions buck a trend: Why Buffalo Niagara unions aren't seeing declining membership.

4. Training future nurses: How simulated patients will play a key role in this effort.

5. Psychics, wrestlers and churches: How Buffalo Niagara malls are finding a way forward.

The Buffalo Next team gives you the big picture on the regions economic revitalization. Email tips to buffalonext@buffnews.com or reach Buffalo Next Editor David Robinson at 716-849-4435.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Partly cloudy in the morning. Thunderstorms developing later in the day. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 83F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms in the evening, then variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center has come under scrutiny after a series of employee discrimination lawsuits in recent years, its refusal to release a diversity report and the resignation of its longtime board chair after allegations of racism were leveled against his development company.

Now, Western New Yorks premier cancer hospital is looking to hire a public relations firm to promote its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. The contract has an estimated value of $50,000 to $500,000 over a period of three to five years, according to an advertisement posted Friday on the states contracting website, though specific terms will be ironed out with the winning bidder.

In the posting  interested firms must apply by Aug. 11  Roswell Park said it is seeking to engage expertise in a proactive communications and activation plan that highlights its values, initiatives, and commitment to providing equitable, inclusive, and culturally competent employment opportunities, patient care and education.

By doing so, the listing continues, the cancer center can build trust and relationships with historically marginalized and underserved communities, enhance patient experiences, attract diverse talent, align with ethical and legal requirements and support the overall health and well-being of the community it serves.

Roswell Park, which has made a number of recent moves geared toward diversity, equity and inclusion, said in a statement that it is seeking the services of a communications agency to complement the work of its small employee communications staff. Further, the cancer center said it routinely contracts with specialists who work in tandem with employee teams on ongoing and new projects.

The posting also comes after several stories in recent months from The Buffalo News and the Investigative Post website outlining a history of discrimination lawsuits against the cancer center as well as Roswell Parks efforts to address those accusations largely behind closed doors.

At least 15 former employees have filed lawsuits since 2015 that accuse the public-benefit corporation of discrimination based on race, gender or disability. The cancer center paid at least $4.67 million to settle six of those cases, The News found through a public records request.

As concerns grew about the treatment of employees of color at Roswell Park, its board of directors in 2021 hired an outside law firm to advise a newly formed board diversity committee.

The Cozen OConnor law firm completed its report last year and shared its findings with board members in a private meeting. But Roswell Park and its board have refused to make this report public and have rejected public-records requests from The News for the document.

Roswell Park hired a firm to investigate allegations of racism. It's kept the findings secret After Roswell Park received an anonymous letter raising concerns about how its employees of color were treated, it hired an outside firm to investigate. The hospital won't release the findings.

Thats despite state Health Commissioner Dr. James V. McDonald telling The News last month that Roswell Park should look long and hard about releasing it to the public. The state health commissioner gets a seat on Roswell Parks board, and McDonald has decided to have Deputy Commissioner Johanne Morne, who leads the Health Departments Office of Health Equity and Human Rights, represent him at those meetings.

The Roswell Park board discussed the Cozen OConnor report at a special meeting June 20, though it occurred in executive session, according to the meeting agenda. When asked Monday if it had any plans to release the report, even in redacted form, Roswell Park said it is not able to address any matter that is subject to attorney-client privilege.

The board is now led by Leecia Eve, a Buffalo native and politically connected attorney who was named interim board chair by Gov. Kathy Hochul after longtime board chair Michael L. Joseph resigned in mid-May after his company was named in a racial discrimination lawsuit.

Eve is the first woman and first person of color to serve in the post. Roswell Park responded to questions The News sent to Eve on Monday, while the governors office referred The News to earlier comments made by Hochul on the topic.

More equitable, diverse institution

The cancer center has focused on boosting its community outreach and engagement, seeking to reach historically underserved populations in Western New York.

Those efforts include Roswell Parks new mobile lung cancer screening unit, which hit the streets last fall and aims to increase access to lung cancer screening, as well as its upcoming Community Outreach & Engagement Building at 907 Michigan Ave. in the Fruit Belt.

Sometimes, I think, people dont know how much we do in the community, Roswell Park President and CEO Candace S. Johnson said following a community screening presentation during the cancer centers last board meeting June 29.

At that meeting, Johnson also formally introduced to the board one of the cancer centers most recent executive hires: Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney, the former Buffalo deputy mayor who started June 26 as chief diversity officer and senior vice president.

Buffalo deputy mayor joining Roswell Park as chief diversity officer Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney will have a senior leadership position at Roswell Park and have influence on initiatives across the organization, the cancer center said Tuesday.

Roswell Park initiated plans more than a year ago to recruit an executive for that role, which meant dozens of meetings over the course of several months before the search committee decided to hire Rodriguez-Dabney, Eve said at the board meeting.

We cannot view DEI as something on the side, Eve said. It should be part of the core of who we are.

Rodriguez-Dabney spoke to the board for roughly 15 minutes, describing diversity, equity and inclusion as a relationship discipline rather than simply compliance or human resources.

She laid out a first 100-day plan, starting with aligning a vision across the organization, establishing a list of a priorities, building a team, identifying and addressing pain points and developing a communication plan. And Rodriguez-Dabney already has made a hire: Dr. John J. Hannibal IV, who previously worked for the City of Buffalo, has been appointed deputy chief diversity officer, Roswell Park confirmed Monday.

By day 101 in her role, Rodriguez-Dabney said she wants to hand Johnson and the board a data-driven way to assess what the path will be to gain the desired outcomes.

In order to succeed, in order to change, in order to make headway in the DEI space, accountability is the holy grail of success, Rodriguez-Dabney said. If were not doing something right, if people are not doing something right, we need to be held accountable and we need to hold those people accountable, so that we can actually effectuate change.

But, she noted, it will take buy-in across the organization and she will need the support and help of the board and leadership to make progress.
Could muscadine wine help perk up sagging skin? According to a new study, women who drank two glasses of dealcoholized muscadine wine daily showed significant improvements in the elasticity and water retention of their skin compared with those who consumed a placebo.

The study is the first time scientists have studied the impacts of nonalcoholic wine consumption on skin health in a randomized clinical trial. Researchers attribute the beneficial effects to chemical compounds called polyphenols that naturally occur in many plants.

"Muscadine grapes have been found to have a unique polyphenolic profile in comparison to other red wine varieties," said Lindsey Christman, PhD, who conducted the research with Liwei Gu, PhD, professor of food chemistry and functional food at the University of Florida. "Our study suggests that muscadine wine polyphenols have potential to improve skin conditions, specifically elasticity and transepidermal water loss, in middle aged and older women."

Christman will present the findings at NUTRITION 2023, the flagship annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition held July 2225 in Boston.

Muscadine grapes are native to the Southeastern United States and are commonly used to make wine. Previous clinical trials have suggested that polyphenols found in muscadine wine including anthocyanins, quercetin, and ellagic acid can help to decrease inflammation and oxidative stress.

For the study, researchers recruited 17 women age 40-67 and randomly assigned them to drink either dealcoholized wine or a placebo beverage that looked and tasted similar but did not contain polyphenols. Participants consumed 300 milliliters or about 10 ounces (the equivalent of two glasses of wine) of their assigned beverage daily for six weeks, then took a three-week break before switching to the opposite beverage for six weeks.

Researchers measured participants' skin conditions and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress at the start of the study and at the end of each six-week period. They found that drinking muscadine wine significantly improved skin elasticity (a loss of elasticity is what causes skin to sag more as we age). In addition, the wine was associated with a decrease in water loss at the skin surface, a measurement that indicates the skin is providing a more effective barrier against damage.

The researchers did not see any significant difference in the amount of wrinkles on the skin. Participants showed improvements in skin smoothness and less evidence of inflammation and oxidative stress compared to baseline, but there was not a significant difference in these factors between dealcoholized muscadine wine and the placebo.

This cross-over study demonstrated that six weeks of dealcoholized muscadine wine consumption resulted in improvement of certain skin parameters associated with aging, such as elasticity on the forearm and barrier function of the skin on the face, when compared to baseline and placebo. This is likely due to decreases in inflammation and oxidative stress." Lindsey Christman, PhD

Since the trial involved only 17 participants, repeating the study with a larger and more diverse group of people would help to confirm and strengthen the findings. In addition, most commercially-available muscadine wine contains alcohol, and researchers cautioned that drinking wine with alcohol may produce a different result.

"We used dealcoholized muscadine wine because we were interested in the effect of the bioactive compounds in wine, specifically the polyphenols, on skin health," said Christman. "Alcohol would add another variable to the study that may cause the effects to be different. In addition, the dealcholization process may alter the chemical composition."
University of Melbourne researchers have discovered that the sentinels guarding the healthy human cornea from pathogens and inflammation are T cells, and not another type of immune cells called dendritic cells, as previously thought.

The discovery, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal, redefines current understanding of the immune cell landscape in the cornea of a healthy human eye.

It builds on previous research published by the team last year in Cell Reports that showed that T cells protect the eye against virus infection in mice.

The collaborative research team led by University of Melbourne's Associate Professor Laura Downie and Dr Holly Chinnery from the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences and Professor Scott Mueller, from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Doherty Institute jointly developed a new imaging technique as part of their investigation.

Professor Mueller explained that our knowledge of the various immune cell types in the human cornea is important for establishing the eye's protective mechanisms against pathogens and disease.

By combining our newly developed imaging technique with other advanced analytical approaches, we were able to discover that a significant number of cells at the surface of the healthy cornea are actually T cells. Until now, these cells were mistakenly classified as dendritic cells based on static imaging. This completely changes the current dogma in the field that only dendritic cells are present in the healthy cornea." Professor Scott Mueller, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Institute

Associate Professor Downie said that being able to dynamically capture the cells' normal behaviour, and in response to inflammation, provides unique understanding into the immune response in the eye.

"Using our non-invasive imaging approach, which we term Functional In Vivo Confocal Microscopy (Fun-IVCM), we have been able to see that these T cells move around quickly and interact with other cells and nerves in the outermost layer of the cornea. We also captured different cell dynamics in response to contact lens wear and in allergic eye disease, and quantified how these behaviours are modulated by drug treatments," said Associate Professor Downie.

"These findings reshape our understanding of the distinct immune cell subsets in the human cornea, and how they respond to different stimuli. Using Fun-IVCM, we can achieve rapid, real-time insight into the cellular immune responses in living humans, in this accessible peripheral sensory tissue."

Dr Chinnery said that the new research will have major implications for the medical and immunology fields, including for patients and practitioners.

"Because this new technique involves non-invasive, time-lapse imaging of the human cornea, Fun-IVCM could be used in clinics directly to assess immune responses and ocular health. It could even be used for general immune system health," said Dr Chinnery.

"Changes in T cells and behaviour could be used as a clinical biomarker of disease and assist with treatments."
A new research paper was published in Oncotarget's Volume 14 on July 20, 2023, entitled, "Development of a multiplex assay to assess activated p300/CBP in circulating prostate tumor cells."

Reduced SIRT2 deacetylation and increased p300 acetylation activity leads to a concerted mechanism of hyperacetylation at specific histone lysine sites (H3K9, H3K14, and H3K18) in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). In this new study, researchers Mikolaj Filon, Bing Yang, Tanaya A. Purohit, Jennifer Schehr, Anupama Singh, Marcelo Bigarella, Peter Lewis, John Denu, Joshua Lang, and David F. Jarrard from the University of Wisconsin examined whether circulating tumor cells (CTCs) identify patients with altered p300/CBP acetylation.

"In the current study, employing a novel Exclusion-based Sample Preparation (ESP) technology (9) (Supplementary Figure 1) to isolate CTCs, we evaluated p300 activity, SIRT2 expression and H3K18 acetylation in CTCs in a series of patients with sensitivity or resistance to ADT."

CTCs were isolated from 13 advanced PC patients using Exclusion-based Sample Preparation (ESP) technology. Bound cells underwent immunofluorescent staining for histone modifying enzymes (HMEs) of interest and image capture with NIS-Elements software. Using the cBioPortal PCF/SU2C dataset, the response of CRPC to androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSI) was analyzed in 50 subjects.

Staining optimization and specificity revealed clear expression of acetyl-p300, acetyl-H3K18, and SIRT2 on CTCs (CK positive, CD45 negative cells). Exposure to A-485, a selective p300/CBP catalytic inhibitor, reduced p300 and H3K18 acetylation. In CRPC patients, a-p300 strongly correlated with its target acetylated H3k18 (Pearson's R = 0.61), and SIRT2 expression showed robust negative correlation with a-H3k18 (R = 0.60).

A subgroup of CRPC patients (6/11; 55%) demonstrated consistent upregulation of acetylation based on these markers. To examine the clinical impact of upregulation of the CBP/p300 axis, CRPC patients with reduced deacetylase SIRT2 expression demonstrate shorter response times to ARSI therapy (5.9 vs. 12 mo; p = 0.03). A subset of CRPC patients demonstrate increased p300/CBP activity based on a novel CTC biomarker assay.

"With further development, this biomarker suite may be used to identify candidates for CBP/p300 acetylation inhibitors in clinical development."
We trust our doctors with our lives, but the sad and scary fact is that doctors can get things wrong. Approximately 100,000 Americans die each year due to medical errors and recent studies have found that 10 to 15% of all clinical decisions regarding patient diagnosis and treatment are wrong.

A team of researchers led by Damon Centola, Professor and Director of the Network Dynamics Group at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, has found a simple, effective way to reduce errors in patient diagnosis and treatment -; use structured networks to connect clinicians with other clinicians.

In a study published today in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the researchers shared results from a multi-year study involving nearly 3,000 doctors across the United States.

They found that when presented with a case study and asked to provide diagnosis and treatment recommendations for a patient, clinicians who were shown the diagnostic decisions of their peers on an anonymous basis, were on average twice as accurate in their recommendations than clinicians who made decisions on their own.

Simply put, doctors make fewer errors when they have a support network.

The big risk with these information-sharing networks, is that while some doctors may improve, there could be an averaging effect that would lead better doctors to make worse decisions. But, that's not what happens. Instead of regressing to the mean, there is consistent improvement: The worst clinicians get better, while the best do not get worse." Damon Centola, the Elihu Katz Professor of Communication, Sociology, and Engineering

Study co-author, Elaine Khoong of the University of California, San Francisco and the San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, says, "We are increasingly recognizing that clinical decision-making should be viewed as a team effort that includes multiple clinicians and the patient as well. This study highlights that having other clinicians available for consultation at the point of decision-making improves clinical care."

More than just the wisdom of clinical crowds

Over the course of several months, the researchers tested clinicians' treatment and diagnostic decisions through an app that they built and distributed on Apple's App Store specifically for this purpose.

After signing up for a trial and downloading the app, doctors were prompted to evaluate a clinical case -; based on real life documented patient cases -; over three rounds. At the start of each round, clinicians read the case study, then were given two minutes to answer two questions.

The first question had the doctors estimate the diagnostic risk for the patient (e.g., how likely is a patient with chest pains to have a heart attack within the next 30 days?) from 1 to 100. The second question prompted doctors to recommend the proper treatment among several options (e.g., send home, give aspirin, or refer for observation).

Every clinician was randomly assigned to one of two groups: either a control group whose members answered all questions in isolation, or an experimental group in which participants were connected in a social network with other anonymous clinicians whose responses they could see.

During rounds two and three, the control group participants had the same experience as in round one, answering questions in isolation. But, participants in the network condition could see the average risk estimates made by their peers in the social network during the previous round.

Every participant was given the opportunity to revise their answers from one round to the next, regardless of whether they were in a social network or not.

Centola's team used the same experimental design to study seven different clinical cases, each from areas of medicine known to exhibit high rates of diagnostic or treatment error.

The researchers found that the overall accuracy of clinicians' decisions increased twice as much in the networks as in the control groups. Moreover, among the initially worst performing clinicians, the networks produced a 15% increase over controls in the fraction of clinicians who ultimately made the correct recommendation.

"We can use doctors' networks to improve their performance," says Centola. "Doctors talk to each other, and we've known that for a long time. The real discovery here is that we can structure the information-sharing networks among doctors to substantially increase their clinical intelligence."

Leveling the playing field

In-person consultation networks in medicine are typically hierarchical with senior practitioners at top and younger doctors at the bottom. "Younger doctors with different perspectives, culturally and personally, come into the medical community and they're influenced by these top-down networks," Centola says. "This is how persistent biases creep into the medical community."

The researchers made an effort to recruit clinicians of various ages, specialties, expertise, and geographical locations for the experiment.

They found that anonymized egalitarian networks erased the barriers of status and seniority that, the researchers say, restrict many facets of learning in medical networks. Centola notes, "egalitarian online networks increase the diversity of voices influencing clinical decisions. As a result, we found that decision-making improves across the board for a wide variety of specialties."

In the doctor's office

"We don't have to reinvent the wheel to implement these findings," Centola says. "Some hospitals, especially in low-resource areas, rely on e-consult technologies, in which a clinician sends a message to an outside specialist to get advice. It usually takes from 24 to 72 hours to get a response. Why not send this query to a network of specialists, instead of just a single person?"

Centola notes that each experimental trial took less than 20 minutes. What's more, he says that the networks don't have to be huge. In fact, 40 members is ideal.

"Forty people in a network gets you a steep jump in clinicians' collective intelligence," Centola says. "The increasing returns above that - going, say, from 40 to 4,000 - are minimal."

The researchers are currently working to implement their network technology in physician offices. The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania has already funded pilot implementation of this program, set to begin within the year.
When people who publicly reject COVID-19 vaccines later die from the disease, observers have complex reactions to their fates, a new study suggests.

While very few rejoice in the deaths of anti-vaxxers, some people believe those who are dogmatic against vaccines are deserving of worse outcomes  and that reaction is related to the political party affiliation and vaccination status of the person evaluating the anti-vaxxer.

Democrats and those who were vaccinated were more likely than Republicans and the unvaccinated to think anti-vaxxers who died got what they deserved  but even 63% of Democrats in the study thought an anti-vaxxer deserved to have a full recovery from the disease (compared to 80% of Republicans).

Only 4.6% of people in the study thought an anti-vaxxer who contracted COVID-19 deserved death.

The study involved participants reading mock social media posts from an anti-vaxxer and reacting to different scenarios about how this anti-vaccine advocate reacted as he or she got sick and later died.

What we found indicates that people may view those on social media as characters in a morality play. Our results show that people -- particularly those who were vaccinated themselves -- are likely to judge those who shared misinformation about the COVID vaccine as immoral and deserving of some level of retribution." Matthew Grizzard, study co-author, associate professor of communication, The Ohio State University

The study was published July 22, 2023 in the journal New Media & Society.

The study was inspired by the "Herman Cain Award" forum (called a subreddit) on the social media site reddit. Herman Cain was a Republican politician who contracted COVID-19 and died, and whose social media accounts continued to disseminate COVID-19 misinformation after his death. On the reddit forum, people share stories of anti-vaxxers and COVID deniers who died from the disease.

The Herman Cain Award site and others like it resulted in news coverage that categorized the sites as cruel and heartless.

But this study suggests a more nuanced interpretation of those who judged anti-vaxxers who got sick and died, said study co-author Rebecca Frazer, who recently earned her PhD in communication at Ohio State.

"We have people who are judging anti-vaxxers and considering them deserving of some level of suffering, but on the other hand, there's very little positive emotion about watching them suffer," Frazer said.

"Those two things seem in tension, but they are both in our findings."

The researchers used a professional panel company to recruit an adult sample that was matched to the U.S. population on age, sex, race/ethnicity and region. The final sample included 932 people that was close to the U.S. population in political affiliation and vaccination status.

All participants were shown a series of mock Facebook status updates that mimicked the actual posts found in the Herman Cain Award subreddit. The status updates were from a person named Terry Adams, with the gender intentionally unspecified.

In the first post, Terry expressed uncertainty about the COVID-19 vaccine or was dogmatically opposed to the vaccine.

In this case, all participants  Republicans and Democrats included  liked Terry more when he or she was less dogmatic and only expressed uncertainty about the vaccine.

But in later posts, when Terry contracted COVID and became critically ill, differences appeared in how people reacted to Terry, depending on whether he or she regretted not getting the vaccine or doubled down on not taking it.

Democrats had less positive evaluations of Terry than Republicans. In addition, vaccinated participants regardless of their political party also had less positive evaluations when Terry doubled down on not getting the vaccine.

"Republicans were more okay with Terry continuing to question the vaccine and less positive than Democrats when Terry regretted not getting the vaccine," Grizzard said.

In the final Facebook post, Terry's brother announced that Terry had died of COVID. Participants in the study were asked how "satisfied" they were with Terry's death. Overall, participants were more satisfied with his or her death when Terry maintained anti-vaccination views right up to death.

Vaccinated participants were more satisfied with Terry's death than unvaccinated participants, and Democrats were more satisfied than Republicans.

But no group showed high levels of satisfaction, the results showed. Participants rated their satisfaction on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 being the most satisfied. The average score was 2.93 for Democrats, compared to 2.51 for Republicans.

The researchers also asked participants to rate how happy they were with Terry's death  a question that aimed to get at the German concept of "schadenfreude," which has been defined as "feelings of pleasure that a person experiences in response to another person's failures or misfortunes."

Participants rated their happiness on a scale of 0 to 6, with six being the most happy. Results showed that even participants who thought Terry deserved death had an average happiness rating of only 1.6 on the scale, compared to 0.54 for those who thought Terry deserved to fully recover.

"We saw a moral judgment by those who thought Terry deserved some level of suffering or death, and they wanted justice to be served, or at least what they considered justice," Frazer said.

"But even they didn't express a lot of happiness at Terry's death."

Overall, the results suggest that most people don't take pleasure in anti-vaxxers dying, even if they believe they deserve it, Grizzard said.

"It is more a feeling that anti-vaxxers acted immorally and maybe put others at risk. And because of that, they deserve some level of suffering. But even those who are judging these anti-vaxxers most harshly are typically not rejoicing in their suffering or death," Grizzard said.
Researchers at Michigan State University and Henry Ford Health received a $3 million grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases within the National Institutes of Health to study the connections between maternal body mass index, or BMI, and childhood obesity.

Though maternal BMI is a strong predictor of a child's BMI, science has not yet identified the specific mechanisms that support this relationship. The NIH study, "A Pre-, Peri-, and Post-natal Approach to Understanding the Risk and Mechanisms for Obesity," will enroll 600 child and mother pairings to explore the biochemical pathways that could contribute to the development of childhood obesity. By analyzing data that includes blood glucose, blood pressure, metabolic state, antimicrobial exposures and gut bacterial communities in mothers with normal, overweight and obese BMIs, the researchers hope to determine which biological mechanisms elevate a child's risk of developing obesity -; and identify interventions that could halt that trajectory in infancy.

Co-principal investigators Sarah Comstock, associate professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at MSU, and Andrea Cassidy-Bushrow, epidemiologist and senior scientist in the Department of Public Health Sciences at Henry Ford Health, will lead the project. They are joined by co-investigators Jean Kerver, associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics in the College of Human Medicine at MSU, and Sara Santarossa, assistant scientist also in the Department of Public Health Sciences at Henry Ford Health.

This project will generate important multidimensional data to identify microbes, metabolites and potential causal pathways that may lead to obesity. My expectation is that this dataset will enable us to identify microbially produced metabolites which can be targets of future treatments to prevent obesity in susceptible children. We hope that understanding the earliest origins of obesity can help us change the health trajectory of millions of U.S. children." Sarah Comstock, Associate Professor, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at MSU

"We can efficiently conduct this work because participants will be recruited from our existing pregnancy cohorts, allowing us to quickly build in new and important directions," said Kerver. "I am excited to work with this research team because they are so dedicated to scientific discovery that will yield practical information to improve human health."

"Through our collaboration across MSU and Henry Ford Health, we will be able to study some of the potential earliest origins of obesity in children from a variety of Michigan communities," added Cassidy-Bushrow. "Given that Michigan ranks in the top half of the U.S. for childhood obesity, this provides an opportunity to tackle a public health issue of high relevance to our state."

The research collaboration between Comstock, Cassidy-Bushrow, Kerver and Santarossa represents the ongoing efforts of MSU and Henry Ford Health to amplify the strengths of both institutions through Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences. Introduced in 2021, the 30-year partnership is focused on discovering and advancing a new standard of health to transform life, while working to fight the health disparities that plague Michigan's most vulnerable communities, rural and urban. Joint planning is currently underway for a state-of-the-art medical research facility in Detroit.

"Joint research efforts focused on promoting public health and disease prevention such as this new grant award are one of the key strategic pillars of this partnership agreement, and we have a long legacy of epidemiological studies of maternal and child health in metro Detroit," remarked Christine Cole Johnson, Henry Ford + MSU partnership board member and chair of Henry Ford Health's Department of Public Health Sciences. Johnson, Cassidy-Bushrow and Santarossa also hold appointments in the College of Human Medicine at MSU.

"Collaborative projects like this one demonstrate the tremendous potential of the partnership between Michigan State University and Henry Ford Health," said Leslie Bourquin, chair of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at MSU. "We are just beginning to explore these exciting possibilities and the many ways in which our joint research programs will advance public health."
An Amherst man who tried fleeing police when they arrested him on a warrant wont serve more time in jail following his guilty plea in his latest run-in with the law.

Christian R. McCaffrey, 22, on Tuesday pleaded guilty to attempted escape and obstruction of governmental administration, both misdemeanors, in Tonawanda City Court, authorities said.

He was accused of running away from officers May 30. An arrest warrant had been issued because McCaffrey failed to appear in court to address 45 violations of his probation sentence in a harassment case.

The case from 2019 started as a hate crime probe before McCaffrey last year pleaded guilty to misdemeanor harassment.

McCaffrey was sentenced last week in State Supreme Court to 364 days in jail after admitting the probation violations.

The victims in the original case, the Myers family of Amherst, hoped McCaffrey on Tuesday would receive an addition to his probation violation sentence requiring him to serve prison time.

Instead, he received 90 days in jail to be served concurrently with the other term.

 Stephen T. Watson
Alzheimers disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is primarily diagnosed in the elderly. Although AD is prevalent throughout the world, the exact cause and underlying mechanisms responsible for this disease remain unclear.

A recent Nutrients study utilizes bibliometric analysis of published research to investigate the relationship between the gut microbiome and AD pathogenesis.

Study: Mapping Research Trends and Hotspots in the Link between Alzheimers Disease and Gut Microbes over the Past Decade: A Bibliometric Analysis. Image Credit: Corona Borealis Studio / Shutterstock.com

Background

The human gut microbiome is involved with many physiological processes, including those affecting the central nervous system (CNS), immune system, and endocrine system. Although the gut microbiome is a possible contributor to AD pathophysiology, the exact etiology remains unclear.

The microbiota-gut-brain axis has been established to be the key communication network that connects the CNS with the gut microbiota, which influences the progression and manifestation of AD. Gut microbial dysbiosis affects neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, both of which are key factors in AD pathogenesis. There is a need for more research to understand better the complexities of the relationship between the microbiota-gut-brain axis and ADs pathogenesis.

Bibliometric analysis is an invaluable tool, as it can highlight academic progress based on the contributions and interplay among various research components. Although a vast body of research on gut microbiota and AD is available, there remains a lack of a comprehensive understanding of the overall research trend and key focus areas in this field.

About the study

The current study utilized bibliometric analysis to map research trends and identify hotspots linked to AD and the gut microbiome. Herein, the researchers aimed to provide important insights into the dynamic trends, intellectual structure, and prospective hotspots in this domain, which will help guide future research in the right direction.

All relevant studies were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) from its inception until February 23, 2023.

Study findings

A total of 1,170 studies were obtained between 2012 and 2022. Notably, there has been a surge in research related to this field since 2014, which could be due to progress in research tools and techniques. These scientific advancements enabled a detailed exploration of the gut microbiome to establish the link between gut health and neurological conditions.

A total of 67 countries throughout the world, including the United States, China, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan, Spain, Australia, and the United Kingdom, have contributed to this field of research. This indicates a global interest in research related to AD and the gut microbiome.

Among all countries, China and the U.S. have contributed the most to the publications. Both these countries have heavily invested in this field of research, possibly due to the high prevalence of AD.

Scientists from varied regions have collaborated to study the link between AD and the gut microbiome. The majority of scientific collaborations related to this research field were found between China and the U.S., followed by the U.S. with Canada and Ireland.

Although the top three contributors of, China, the U.S., and Italy have similar amounts of publications on gut microbiota and AD, the U.S. leads in terms of citation count. This indicates that research in this field conducted by the U.S. is particularly ground-breaking.

Based on the Multiple Country Publication (MCP) ratio, Canada exhibited the highest tendency towards international collaboration in their research efforts. In contrast, South Korea had the lowest MCP ratio, which indicated their inclination towards domestic collaborations.

The three most productive journals in this research field were identified as the Journal of Alzheimers Disease, Nutrients, and the International Journal of Molecular Science. Nevertheless, many other journals publish research concerning AD and gut microbiome. The interdisciplinary nature of this research field allows it to be published in various journals with different research focuses.

The Shanghai Jiaotong University has been a significant contributor to the field of gut microbiota and AD, as it accounts for about 5.1% of the total publications considered in this study. Notably, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Harvard Medical School have established broad collaborations in this field. The most cited study was published in 2019 and titled The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis.

A hotspot analysis revealed the most frequent mention of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation related to gut microbiota and AD. There has been a shift in research focus, where independent researchers are more interested in analyzing the influence of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) on AD; however, more studies are needed to validate their effect on disease prognosis.

Conclusions

In the past decade, research linked to gut microbiota and AD is progressing rapidly. Recent studies are more focused on determining the role of SCFA, gut-brain axis, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress in AD. Notably, the emerging gut microbial targeted therapy has shown significant promise to combat AD.
Staying healthy and connected was difficult for everyone during the COVID-19 pandemic, but especially so for homebound older patients and their caregivers. Fortunately, a program developed by the geriatrics and supportive care team of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio effectively integrated community health workers (promotores de salud in Spanish) into patient outreach to improve health. Thanks to the program, annual visits to older adults with type 2 diabetes, dementia and other health issues in underserved areas of Bexar County, Texas, doubled from pre-pandemic levels.

The program, described July 24 in Annals of Family Medicine, resulted in a 17% reduction in inpatient hospital admissions and an 11% decline in emergency room visits among the homebound patients served. Most of the patients seen by the practice are older than 85.

"Promotores act as a bridge," said Neela K. Patel, MD, MPH, CMD, FAAFP, associate professor of family and community medicine at UT Health San Antonio and chief of the Division of Geriatrics and Supportive Care. "They communicate to the patient who we are and what our role is, and how we are trying to support the patient, and they communicate the family's and the patient's concerns to us. It helps us to respect the patient's choices and values and provide care that is respectful from a patient's perspective and not from our perspective."

Visits typically aren't made by a promotora (a female CHW) and a physician together. When the doctor sees that a patient needs help beyond medical care, such as with various kinds of community resources, a promotora is assigned to help with those issues.

"The patients we serve may need help with caregivers, with getting benefits sorted out, with medications, with transportation or with starting Meals on Wheels," Patel said. "We ask the promotora to either go before us or between our visits to the home."

Patel, senior author of the research, holds two endowed faculty chairs at UT Health San Antonio: the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Chair in Geriatrics and Community Senior Care and the Glenn and Ann Biggs Distinguished Chair in Alzheimer's Patient Care.

Older patients may have difficulty remembering and following a physician's advice.

"If the individual's diabetes isn't getting any better, or the caregiver for a person with dementia is having problems with behavior and all that, then the promotora goes and visits with them and gets us the inside story," Patel said. "It really helps us take better care of our patients."

Preventing ER visits and hospital stays is one of the community health worker's biggest roles.

"Basically, promotores have the trust and the relationship, and they reinforce with the patients and caregivers that they are available to them 24/7," Patel said.

When a patient or caregiver has difficulty reaching the office, he or she has a direct line with the promotora.

"A caregiver may let us know that the patient is very sick but doesn't want to go to the ER," Patel said. "The caregiver asks if we can do a same-day visit with them. We have three physicians and four nurse practitioners, one of whom will then be assigned to make the visit."

Older patients who are homebound don't want to go to the hospital. "In fact, when it is really needed, we have to tell them, 'You know, I really wish I could give you all the treatment here, but I cannot,'" Patel said. "'The best thing for you is to go to the hospital, and I will get you directly admitted, or I will talk to the ER doctors so you don't have to wait so long.'"

The Division of Geriatrics and Supportive Medicine began the integration of community health workers into older patient care by partnering with a San Antonio not-for-profit called the House of Neighborly Service that had two CHWs. A grant called Impact San Antonio assisted the process.

Over time, the division added its own promotores as well as nurse practitioners. A grant from the Nancy Smith Hurd Foundation enabled the hiring of the first promotores.

The Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases at UT Health San Antonio helped the division to hire another promotora.

Patients who need supportive care are seen frequently.

"They are very frail and burdened with advanced dementia, heart disease, heart failure or COPD, and they really don't want to go to the hospital," Patel said.

"That's why we see them frequently admitted to our supportive care program," she said. "After we have a care plan, the promotora makes sure that they follow it."

Each promotora follows about 10 to 12 patients monthly. When a patient's care stabilizes, she moves on to other patients who need more frequent visits.

Visits by promotores are documented in the practice's electronic medical record. This reflects the integration of promotores into the geriatric and supportive care team.
It has become as familiar a sight in Washington as the cherry blossoms in spring: lobbyists from the nation's hospitals descending on the Capitol to ask lawmakers to postpone billions in Medicaid funding cuts prescribed by the Affordable Care Act  cuts industry leaders agreed to years ago.

It is unlikely the reductions will occur this year, if history is any indication. Since 2013, Congress has voted 13 times to delay them, siding with hospitals over their claims that losing the money would hinder the delivery of care.

Unless Congress acts by October, the federal government will cut $8 billion from this year's budget  then make the same cut each year for the next three years  for a Medicaid program intended to help safety-net facilities that serve a large share of Medicaid and uninsured patients. The amount budgeted varies annually, though in 2021 the program's spending totaled about $19 billion.

Known as the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments program, it has drawn criticism amid evidence that a substantial amount of its funding goes to hospitals that do not primarily cater to low-income patients. According to industry groups, more than 2,500 hospitals  about 40% of the total in the United States  get the payments.

The cuts are part of a deal brokered with the hospital industry 14 years ago, as the fate of the ACA dangled in the balance. At the time, hospitals agreed to accept $155 billion in Medicare and Medicaid funding cuts over 10 years, assuming the legislation's promise to insure more patients would improve their bottom lines. A portion of those cuts were to Medicaid DSH payments.

Despite record-high hospital profits and record-low uninsured rates in recent years, the hospital industry again says this is not a good time for cuts, pointing to the covid-19 pandemic and the millions of people losing Medicaid coverage as a result of pandemic-era protections ending.

Current Medicaid funding covers only about 81% of hospitals' costs of caring for patients, said Jolene Calla, a vice president of The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania.

Losing the Medicaid safety-net funding "would be devastating to hospitals," she said.

A bipartisan group of 231 members of the House of Representatives  a majority  have signed a letter to House leaders asking for another delay. Legislation is moving in the chamber that would delay any cuts to the Medicaid safety-net program until 2026.

The postponements show the political muscle of the hospital industry, strengthened by virtually every lawmaker's district having at least one hospital that provides care and jobs.

Hospitals have been among the biggest donors to members of Congress and have a large lobbying force.

According to the watchdog group OpenSecrets, the Greater New York Hospital Association, which represents more than 160 hospitals, gave more than $11.8 million to congressional campaigns in the 2022 cycle. The American Hospital Association spent about $27 million on lobbying to influence lawmakers in 2022, more than nearly any other organization.

Critics say the hospital industry  which often increases prices, sues patients for lack of payment, and pays big-dollar salaries to top executives  should hold up its side of the deal it made with Democrats, particularly the Obama administration, in 2009.

"Too many hospitals have for years been trying to have it both ways, benefitting from the ACA while trying to escape responsibilities they have under the law," said Daniel Skinner, an associate professor of health policy at Ohio University. "They constantly deploy their political power to wiggle out of these responsibilities while trying to maintain the generally good feeling they have within communities."

On July 8, 2009, the nation's top hospital leaders stood with then-Vice President Joe Biden at a White House press conference to announce their deal to keep national health reform legislation on track after a century of failed attempts, dating as far back as Theodore Roosevelt's push for national insurance.

At the time, ACA reform efforts teetered as interest groups feuded and Democrats struggled to settle on a plan. The agreement, which followed a similar deal with the drug industry, was part of a plan by the Obama administration to preemptively negotiate with corporate interests that had blocked previous reform efforts.

The savings from the $155 billion in hospital funding cuts would "cover health care cost reform," Biden said during the press conference. "As more people are insured, hospitals will bear less of the financial burden of caring for the uninsured and the underinsured, and we will reduce payments to cover those costs in tandem with that reduction."

President Barack Obama signed the ACA into law in March 2010. The number of uninsured, which was 48 million in 2010, fell to 28 million by 2016. By 2021, the uninsured rate fell to record lows, with about 27 million uninsured.

Hospital lobbyists argue the industry has already absorbed cuts in Medicare funding under the ACA and that the Medicaid cuts should not be implemented because uninsured rates have not dropped as low as the 5% rate predicted before the law's passage.

Though the health law has been a "godsend," it also has not met its anticipated goal of universal coverage, said Chip Kahn, the president and CEO of the Federation of American Hospitals, which represents for-profit hospitals.

Kahn, who was involved in the agreement with the Obama White House, said the ACA has fallen short of universal coverage largely because 10 states, including more populous ones like Florida and Texas, have yet to adopt Medicaid expansion.

As a result, hospitals in these states have provided more unpaid care than anticipated and need the additional Medicaid payments to cover costs, he said.

Kahn said the extra Medicaid payments also help offset shortfalls caused by Medicare and Medicaid underpaying hospitals.

The ACA called for the DSH program's cuts to be phased in, with less than $1 billion being cut in each of the first few years. But after hospitals lobbied Congress to postpone them, the revised budget deals meant future cuts would be deeper and immediate  leading to the $8 billion annual cuts currently slated for the coming years.

In fiscal year 2021, the most recent year for which data is available, DSH spending nationwide totaled $18.9 billion. While those payments represent 3% of overall Medicaid spending, they account for as much as 10% of some states' Medicaid spending.

The program, intended for safety-net hospitals, has been the subject of controversy for decades.

One reason is that the money does not always go to safety-net hospitals.

A study published in Health Affairs last year found 57% of hospitals received the DSH payments in 2015. About 94% of these payments went to hospitals with either a high percentage of uninsured patients or Medicaid enrollees or higher-than-average uncompensated care.

But 6% of recipient hospitals did not meet these criteria, the study showed.

The researchers estimated that about a third of the payments went to hospitals not focused on caring for low-income populations.

Paula Chatterjee, the lead author on the study and the director of health equity research at the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics at the University of Pennsylvania, said hospitals aren't transparent about how they spend the extra money and that the states that receive the most money do not always have the highest rates of uninsured residents.

While the safety-net program is intended to help hospitals treating large numbers of Medicaid and uninsured patients, the formula determining how much money states get is based on historical Medicaid spending totals before limits were put in place in 1992, she said.

As a result, states like New York and New Jersey are among the largest recipients of the supplemental funding even though they have some of the lowest uninsured rates, she said.

Beth Feldpush, the senior vice president of policy and advocacy for America's Essential Hospitals, which represents 300 safety-net hospitals, said these facilities' 3% average operating margin would disappear if not for DSH money. "Members of Congress recognize there are pockets of underserved communities in most congressional districts," she said.

Chatterjee said hospitals will likely argue there is never a good time to accept the cuts. She noted some rural and urban hospitals have closed in recent years even as other hospitals have made record profits.

"It's always hard to take money away from hospitals because they hold such symbolic meaning, and legislators know that," she said.
Recently, a study conducted by researchers from Peking University and Oxford Population Health shed light on the susceptibility of Chinese men to 60 diseases related to alcohol consumption. The study, titled "Alcohol consumption and risks of more than 200 diseases in Chinese men," was published in the prestigious journal Nature Medicine.

Alcohol consumption poses a significant global health threat, with previous research highlighting its strong association with diseases such as liver cirrhosis, stroke, and various types of cancer. However, there has been a lack of systematic investigation into the overall medical impact of drinking within a specific population, which prompted the researchers to undertake this study.

To conduct their research, the team utilized data from the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB), a comprehensive database comprising information from over 512,000 adults recruited across China between 2004 and 2008. The database not only contained crucial health information but also included detailed interviews regarding participants' lifestyle choices, including their alcohol consumption patterns. The researchers tracked medical diagnoses over a span of 12 years and performed genetic analyses to establish the causal relationship between alcohol intake and disease development.

The findings of this study not only confirmed the 28 alcohol-related diseases previously advocated by the World Health Organization but also uncovered an additional 33 diseases, including gout, cataracts, certain fractures, and gastric ulcers, that can be attributed to a history of alcohol consumption.

Professor Li Liming, a senior author and co-PI of CKB at Peking University, emphasized the need for stronger alcohol control policies in China, noting, "Levels of alcohol consumption are rising in China, particularly among men. This large collaborative study demonstrates a need to strengthen alcohol control policies in China."

Professor Zhengming Chen, Richard Peto Professor of Epidemiology at Oxford Population Health, stressed the significance of the study's causal evidence in informing prevention strategies worldwide.

This study provides important causal evidence of the scale of alcohol-related harms, which is critical to inform prevention strategies in different countries." Professor Zhengming Chen, Richard Peto Professor of Epidemiology at Oxford Population Health
The immune system functions as a library, registering and logging an individual's distinct encounters with pathogens and self-antigens. Immunoprofiling involves quantifying these encounters by assessing specific attributes of an individual's immune system, including cell type, activation status, cytokines, and antibody expression. This data can provide insights into diseases, inflammatory conditions, and immune strength.

This information plays a crucial role in advancing precision medicine by enhancing diagnostic precision, facilitating early disease detection, evaluating treatment efficacy, and categorizing patients into suitable treatment protocols.

Additionally, immunoprofiling offers valuable research prospects, enabling investigators to examine disease subpopulations or endotypes, with the ultimate aim of improving therapies.

While any measurement of immune function aids in immunoprofiling, antibodies offer a cost-effective and informative approach. Antibodies can be easily accessed through a simple blood draw and contain intricate details about an individual's disease status due to their specificity towards unique antigens.

Notably, IgG antibodies serve as robust indicators of immune responses within the body and serve as ideal biomarkers. They circulate in the bloodstream and often manifest before physical symptoms, making them valuable indicators of disease.

Functional protein microarrays can identify a patient's distinct antibody repertoire against thousands of potential antigens. Traditionally, researchers have primarily focused on IgG antibodies. However, IgG antibodies represent only one of many antibody isotypes.

Profiling multiple isotypes offers a more comprehensive understanding of patients and diseases, as each isotype provides distinct information, collectively painting a more detailed picture of the immune system's observations.

Figure 1. The Basic Structure of an Antibody. Left, General overview of antibody structure highlighting location of Fab and Fc regions. Right, 3D reconstruction illustrating antibody shape. Image Credit: Sengenics

Antibodies, which are 10 nm Y-shaped proteins produced by B lymphocytes (see Figure 1), exist in five distinct isotypes: IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE. Additionally, IgG has four subclasses, while IgA has two subclasses.

Certain isotypes can multimerize, such as IgM forming pentamers and IgA forming dimers. Each antibody consists of two heavy chains and two light chains, interconnected by disulfide bonds. The Fc region, located at the stem of the antibody, is comprised of two to three constant domains formed by the heavy chains.

Each isotype has a unique Fc region, which serves various functions, such as anchoring the antibody to the B cell membrane, transducing antigen-induced signaling, and acting as a ligand to Fc receptors that regulate other immune cells.

The branches on top of the antibody, referred to as the Fab fragment, consist of heavy chains linked to a pair of smaller light chains. Positioned at the amino-terminal end of the Fab fragment are three hypervariable domains generated through somatic mutations and random recombination of gene segments.

It is within these regions that antigen binding takes place. Unlike the Fc domain, the hypervariable regions exhibit significant diversity, resulting in trillions of possible binding configurations. Each B cell and its descendants are dedicated to producing a single type of antibody, hence termed monoclonal.

Both the Fc and Fab regions play distinct roles in immune system function. During B cell development, immature bone marrow B cells initially express membrane-bound IgM, which forms part of the B cell receptor (BCR) with the Fc region bound to the cell membrane and the Fab region exposed extracellularly to bind with circulating antigens.

CD79, a signal transduction region, associates with IgM to complete the complex. BCRs exhibiting high affinity for self-antigens undergo clonal deletion through apoptosis. Surviving B cells continue to mature in the spleen or lymph nodes, where they can express IgD or IgM transmembrane antibodies.

Upon stimulation by foreign antigens, class switching, and clonal expansion occur. B cells congregate in germinal centers and produce elevated levels of secreted antibodies specific to the stimulating antigen (LeBien & Tedder, 2008; Martensson et al., 2010; Melamed et al., 1998; Tonegawa, 1983).

The expressed isotype depends on the antigen and its location within the body. For instance, B cells activated in the intestinal lumen generate circulating IgA, an antibody with the ability to function effectively in low pH environments and high peptidase activity.

IgA also hinders pathogen entry into the intestine and is present in mucosal membranes. The most prevalent isotype, IgG, is primarily produced in response to bacteria and viruses, circulating in the lymph and blood.

IgE triggers mast cells and eosinophils, which act in allergic reactions and safeguard against larger microbes and parasites. The exact function of IgD remains unclear; it is expressed in minimal quantities and contributes to B cell activation and class switching.

Lastly, IgM is implicated in complement signaling and facilitates cellular immunity (Table 1). Antibodies exhibit high specificity to a particular antigen and possess diverse effector functions mediated through their Fc regions.

The Fc regions can act as ligands for Fc receptors and interact with complement to regulate the activity of other immune cells, such as neutrophils, natural killer cells, macrophages, and microglial cells, thereby recruiting and activating them.

This activation of other immune cells of the innate immune system represents a common function of IgM antibodies. As demonstrated below, the antibody isotype plays a pivotal role in immunotherapies.

Table 1. Antibody Isotypes. Source: Sengenics

Antibody Subclasses Primary Function Secreted IgA IgA 1-2 Pathogen neutralization, anti-inflammatory, mucosal Yes IgG IgG 1-4 Pathogen detection & removal Yes IgD None Immune tolerance No IgE None Mast cell activation, anti-parasitic, tumor surveillance & mediation of type I hypersensitivity Yes IgM None Complement activation, cell to cell signaling, BCR Yes

Numerous organ systems are involved in complex diseases like cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune diseases, leading to the expression of multiple isotypes and subclasses of antibodies. Some antibodies may be present even before the target organ is affected.

For instance, autoimmune diseases not only demonstrate autoantibodies with antigen specificity but also exhibit isotype specificity.

While IgM and IgG are the most prevalent in almost all autoimmune diseases, antiphospholipid syndrome of the vascular system is characterized by prominent IgA autoantibodies, whereas SLE (Suurmond & Diamond, 2015) is associated with high levels of IgE.

This additional identification of isotypes, along with antibody specificity, enhances disease detection and understanding of pathology.

In rheumatoid arthritis, combining the quantification of IgG, IgM, and IgA isotypes with specific antigens (RF, ACPA, and RA33) has improved the identification of the disease by up to 30% (Sieghart et al., 2018).

Understanding subclasses aids in identifying pathogens, determining disease status, and guiding therapeutic development. For instance, IgG2a antibodies are predominantly stimulated by the CNS-infecting yeast C. neoformans, while Mycobacterium tuberculosis induces higher levels of IgG3 than any other antibody (Suurmond & Diamond, 2015).

Consequently, antibody isotypes can provide valuable insights into challenging diagnostic cases.

In the context of SARS-CoV-2, researchers at the University of Cape Town demonstrated a deficiency in anti-Spike Protein IgA production among HIV patients who were also infected with SARS-CoV-2, using a dual-color IgA and IgG protein microarray (Smith et al., 2023).

This information underscores how previous immunological experiences can modify patients' immunoprofiles, emphasizing the importance of precision medicine in guiding treatment decisions. The choice of antibody isotype is significant when designing immunotherapies.

In vitro studies have shown that microglial cells stimulated by antibody Fc receptors exhibit increased uptake and degradation of tau and -synuclein particles, which is an encouraging finding for the development of monoclonal antibody therapies for neurodegenerative diseases involving protein aggregates like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's.

However, IgG1 antibodies have a higher likelihood of inducing neuroinflammation and adverse events compared to IgG4 antibodies, which do not react with complement (Katsinelos et al., 2019).

In this scenario, immunoprofiling could aid in determining the most suitable antibody subtype for safety and efficacy purposes. Traditionally, isotype screening has been conducted using immunochemistry and ELISA technology, along with isotype-specific secondary antibodies.

However, ELISA's throughput and sensitivity fall short compared to modern protein microarrays. Functional protein microarrays, which offer high throughput capabilities, have emerged as a superior option for quickly profiling the diverse range of antibodies found in an individual's serum.

Until recently, array assays detected IgG, the predominant antibody in serum. Sengenics provides a validated dual color detection analysis assay of exceptional quality. This assay enables the simultaneous identification of specific IgG and IgA antibodies from a small patient sample.

Sengenics' patented KREX technology ensures that only correctly folded proteins with their intact discontinuous epitopes are present on the array. Thus, highly specific antibody-antigen binding is achieved, a critical factor in dual isotype profiling. This is crucial as non-specific binding could compromise the accuracy of the results.

By leveraging this technology, individuals exposed to SARS-CoV-2 were successfully profiled. The findings indicated that healthy vaccinated individuals produced both IgG and IgA anti-spike antibodies. In contrast, HIV patients did not exhibit anti-spike IgA production (Smith et al., 2023).

This information can play a significant role in directing HIV patient care. Incorporating antibody isotypes alongside specificity introduces unique data to antibody immunoprofiling. This approach has the potential to unveil novel, high-resolution biomarker signatures that might be missed when focusing solely on a single isotype.

A dual-color detection assay greatly enhances diagnostic potential, provides a deeper understanding of endotyping, improves predictions of adverse outcomes, and uncovers new disease-related pathways.

References and further reading

Katsinelos, T., Tuck, B. J., Mukadam, A. S., & McEwan, W. A. (2019). The Role of Antibodies and Their Receptors in Protection Against Ordered Protein Assembly in Neurodegeneration. Front Immunol, 10, 1139. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2019.01139 Sieghart, D., Platzer, A., Studenic, P., Alasti, F., Grundhuber, M., Swiniarski, S., Horn, T., Haslacher, H., Bluml, S., Smolen, J., & Steiner, G. (2018). Determination of Autoantibody Isotypes Increases the Sensitivity of Serodiagnostics in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Immunol, 9, 876. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2018.00876 Smith, M., Kwatra, G., Izu, A., Nel, A., Cutland, C., Ahmed, K., Baillie, V., Barnabas, S., Bhorat, Q., Briner, C., Lazarus, E., Dheda, K., Fairlie, L., Koen, A., Madhi, S., & Blackburn, J. (2023). Longitudinal IgA and IgG Response, and ACE2 Binding Blockade, to Full-Length SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Variants in a Population of Black PLWH Vaccinated with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19. Viruses, 15(448), 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/v15020448 Suurmond, J., & Diamond, B. (2015). Autoantibodies in systemic autoimmune diseases: specificity and pathogenicity. J Clin Invest, 125(6), 2194-2202. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI78084

About Sengenics

Sengenics is an immunoproteomics company working to improve patient outcomes through physiologically relevant, data-guided decision making. Our solutions enable the discovery and validation of autoantibody biomarker signatures for patient stratification, therapeutic response prediction and elucidation of disease mechanisms.

The company has a global footprint with multiple corporate and research sites across the world with customers and collaborators that include top pharma, biotech and ivy league academic institutions in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Sponsored Content Policy: News-Medical.net publishes articles and related content that may be derived from sources where we have existing commercial relationships, provided such content adds value to the core editorial ethos of News-Medical.Net which is to educate and inform site visitors interested in medical research, science, medical devices and treatments.
Chief Executive John Lee today led a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation to Jakarta, Indonesia, for talks on strengthening connections with Indonesia and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states.

During a meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo this morning, Mr Lee said Hong Kong and Indonesia have always maintained close bilateral trade and investment relations, with Hong Kong being a top-three source of foreign investment of Indonesia.

He also thanked Indonesia for supporting Hong Kong's accession request to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and expressed hope that both places could strengthen co-operation in various aspects such as trade, investment, finance, innovation and technology as well as culture and tourism.

Mr Lee then attended a luncheon hosted by Charge d'Affaires ad Interim and Chinese Embassy in Indonesia Minister Zhou Kan.

He thanked the embassy for supporting the Hong Kong SAR Government's work, adding that he hoped to strengthen high-level connections with the Indonesian Government and promote Hong Kong's advantages and latest developments to the local business community through this visit.

In the afternoon, the Chief Executive met Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, where he highlighted that Hong Kong attaches great importance to its close trade and economic ties with ASEAN, noting that it has long been Hong Kong's second-largest trading partner, with total merchandise trade between Hong Kong and ASEAN reaching an all-time high of US$165 billion last year.

With the full entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement and the related Investment Agreement between Hong Kong and ASEAN in 2021, the trade and economic ties between Hong Kong and ASEAN have been elevated to a higher level.

Mr Lee also thanked ASEAN member states for supporting Hong Kong's accession to RCEP, adding that he looked forward to maintaining communication with the ASEAN Secretariat on relevant issues.

He will continue his visit programme in Jakarta tomorrow.
Prosus NV, an investor in educational startup Byjus, on Tuesday said the troubled companys reporting and governance structure did not evolve sufficiently for a company of that scale and it regularly disregarded advice" despite repeated efforts by the Dutch-listed technology firms former director.

Prosus, which this year slashed its valuation of Byjus to USD 5.1 billion from USD 22 billion last year, said the decision for its director to step down from Byjus board last month was mainly because he was unable to fulfil his fiduciary duty to serve the long-term interests of the Company and its stakeholders. Byjus spokesperson said: We have noted the observations of our valued investors. We have updated our shareholders about definitive steps taken to improve corporate governance and financial reporting.

Also Read: Byjus Continues Cost-Cutting, Abandons Biggest Bengaluru Office: Report

In a statement, Prosus said Byjus grew considerably since its first investment in 2018.

But, over time, its reporting and governance structures did not evolve sufficiently for a company of that scale, it said.

Despite repeated efforts from our director, executive leadership at Byjus regularly disregarded advice and recommendations relating to strategic, operational, legal, and corporate governance matters, it said.

It went on to state that the decision for its director to step down from the Byjus board was taken after it became clear that he was unable to fulfil his fiduciary duty to serve the long-term interests of the Company and its stakeholders. As a shareholder, Prosus will continue to assert its rights, collaborating with other shareholders and government authorities to safeguard the long-term interests of the Company and its stakeholders, it added.

Byjus, it said, sits at the intersection of India and education, two very important and strategic areas of investment for Prosus.

Although we no longer have a representative serving on the Board of the company, we continue to believe in the potential of Byjus and its role in revolutionising access to quality education in India and around the world, it said.
Capital markets regulator Sebi is aiming to introduce instantaneous settlement of trades on the stock exchanges by next fiscal. Sebi, which has trimmed the settlement timelines to as short as one day after transaction, is looking to shorten the same further and instantaneous settlements are not far, she told reporters here.

Certainly, one of the things we think is not very far off is the instantaneous settlement on the stock exchange. We are currently working on that, Sebi Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch said.

What Is Sebi Doing?

The regulator is speaking to participants in the ecosystem to introduce this facility and having the same on the bourses is possible in the not very far future, she said.

Sebis plans hinge on the success of the newly introduced Application supported by blocked amount (Asba) for secondary market transactions, Buch said, adding that she is confident of succeeding on the recent introduction.

 we think that the natural next step is instantaneous settlement (after Asba for secondary markets). Will it (instantaneous settlement) be completed by this financial year? Not sure, could be. But it may spill over to next year as well, the chairperson said.

Why Sebi Wants Instant Settlement?

Buch said timing is very important in the capital markets, and delays can impact capital formation in the economy as well, which is Sebis core mandate.

Over a period of time, Sebi has been working on reducing the time taken for clearing equity issuances, new schemes by mutual funds and other fund raising activities, Buch said, adding that technology tools have been the biggest help in the process.

Such interventions have accrued in monetary benefits of Rs 3,500 crore for the investor community on an annual basis, she said.

The largest benefit, calculated to be at Rs 2,300 crore has been through the creation of an Asba-like system for trading.

Sebi has been monitoring the turnaround times on many aspects and taking steps, including automating or streamlining a process, or allocating extra resources to expedite a task quicker, Buch said.

According to her, there is a need for greater coordination between the i-bankers and the regulator to help reduce the time taken for issuances further.

Clearances of applications to set up asset management companies are getting delayed because of non-compliance with net worth requirements and absence of go-ahead from other regulators, she said.

She said India is in a very good place as an economy which ups the importance of Sebis role in aiding capital formation.

Mukesh Kochar, National Head-Wealth, AUM Capital said this will be a great milestone for the Indian equity market. There are very few market in the world that settles in even T+1. Many countries are even struggling to bring the settlement to T+1 from T+2.

Settlement in T+0 will enhance liquidity for traders and investors and this will ultimately increase the overall volumes. Brokers will also benefit from faster settlement of funds and churning of funds faster. This move will bring down the overall settlement risk to a large extent," Kochar said.

Equity mutual fund investors are currently getting redemption proceeds in T+2 days as the exchange settles in T+1.So if the T+0 settlement gets implemented, then this cycle will also reduce to T+1 benefitting mutual fund investors.

(With PTI inputs)
Soon, 1,139 home buyers from three builder projects in Greater Noida (West), also known as Noida Extension, will finally receive ownership rights as the Greater Noida Authority has granted permission for the registration of these flats.

On Monday, CEO of Greater Noida Authority, N G Ravi Kumar handed over the authorisation letter to the representatives of the builders. He instructed them to begin the registration process for the buyers flats without delay, news agency PTI reported citing an official statement said.

Also Read: Decoding Real Estate Investing: Pros And Cons Unveiled For A Wise Investment Decision

The three builders concerned are Samriddhi, Coco County, and Prosper, and have already deposited the required funds, leading to the issuance of the occupancy certificates and the permission for the registration of the 1,139 flats.

Authoritys officer on special duty, Soumya Srivastava said among the 1,139 flats, there are 216 flats from Samriddhi, 571 from Coco County, and 352 from Prosper group housing projects.

Kumar has emphasised the need for expediting the registration process for the flats in the buyers names, the statement read.

As soon as the outstanding dues are paid by the builders, the Authority will promptly issue occupancy certificates and allow the registration of these flats, Kumar was quoted as saying.

Greater Noida has thousands of completed and pending flats. Registry of flats despite possession by home buyers has remained a long standing issue in the region for several years. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also assured the residents of finding a permanent solution to the logjam.
A 30-year-old man was arrested for allegedly defrauding a person by sending a link to his mobile number requesting registration fee payment for hospital appointment, police said on Sunday. On June 8, Dev Sagar Singh lodged a complaint against unidentified persons regarding online fraud of Rs 99,999.

The accused has been identified as Raj Gupta, a resident of Loni in Ghaziabad, UP, police said.

Singh alleged that in order to get an appointment in a hospital, he found a number on the Internet. When he contacted that number, the person at the other end asked him to pay Rs 10 as registration fee. The complainant paid the amount, a senior police officer told news agency PTI.

Also Read: Mobile Charging Can Drain Your Money! Know About Juice Jacking Scam, Ways To Protect Data

Later, the suspect sent him another link through WhatsApp and requested Singh to follow the link to fix his appointment. The complainant clicked the link only to realise that Rs 99,999 were debited from his bank account, the officer said.

During the investigation, the cheated amount was found to be credited into the account of Gupta. The registered mobile number was found deactivated. On Wednesday, the location of the accused was traced to Loni in Ghaziabad. Later, Gupta was apprehended and taken into police custody.

However, this scam is not an isolated incident, there are several financial scams being reported from time to time, which have drained the money of victims. Scammers are always coming up with new ways to trick people. By staying informed about the latest scams, youll be less likely to fall victim to one.

Steps to protect yourself from such scams;

In the above case, the person was defrauded on the pretext of a hospital appointment. In such a situation, make sure that you do not click on any link sent by anyone for booking any appointment, especially when you dont know the person.

Always book your appointments, travel, movie tickets from the official websites of the service providers. If you are not sure, consult someone.

Always verify the senders identity before clicking on any link sent to you on WhatsApp. Be cautious of links from unknown or suspicious contacts.

Hover over the link to view the actual URL destination before clicking. Fraudsters may hide malicious URLs behind hyperlinked text.

Be careful about clicking on links in messages. Even if the link looks like it comes from a legitimate source, it could be a scam. If youre not sure if a link is safe, dont click on it.

Dont share your personal information with anyone you dont know and trust. This includes your bank account number, credit card number and passwords. Scammers can use this information to steal your identity or money.

By following the precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to link click frauds and enhance your overall online security. Remember to stay informed and trust your instincts when something seems suspicious.

(With PTI inputs)
By Azernews

Rena Murshud

Today, the chairman of the Party of Democracy and Welfare of Azerbaijan, Gubad Ibadoghlu, was detained due to links with the FETO organization in Azerbaijan. This means that the representatives of this terrorist organization have not been silent yet, but continue to dream of capturing and poisoning not only Azerbaijan and Turkiye, but also the entire Turkic world.

"The Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) is an external intelligence organization that is dangerous not only for Turkiye and Azerbaijan, but for the entire Turkic world, for the universe. This organization has insidious plans for Turkiye and Azerbaijan, as well as all countries of the world. These plans are important from the viewpoint of revealing some dangerous plans and tricks of Western states in relation to Turkiye and Azerbaijan."

This was told by Turkish general Yucel Karauz in a commented on the issue for Azernews.

First up, Karauz told about the inception of this terrorist organization adding its method of influencing people both in Turkiye and Azerbaijan.

"FETO has been actived in Turkiye since the 1970s. Its penetration into Azerbaijan began in 1992. They implicitly reproduce religious feelings, feelings of quality education, feelings of technology, feelings of people, national and local characteristics. These people sent their students to these schools to give a good education and training to their children all over the Turkic world in order to get acquainted with technology and the world. Since 1992, especially after the December 17-25 operation in Turkiye, our countries began to work together against FETO in Azerbaijan and the Turkic world," the former general said.

According to the expert, Azerbaijani state was the most effective and the first initiator in the context of the fight against FETO. "After 17-25 December, attempts were made to influence the members of this terrorist organization, especially the educational institutions of the state bureaucracy. As a result of these efforts, and after a treacherous coup attempt after the 17-25 December operations in Turkiye, Azerbaijan carried out counter-operations against FETO. In this regard, about 17 schools and almost a hundred courses, the university were closed in Azerbaijan. Schools were placed under state control. FETO is active in Azerbaijan, as well as in about 170 countries around the world. But Azerbaijan felt it and immediately took measures after the operations on 17-25 December in Turkiye," the expert added.

Speaking about the existence of secret and inextinguishable FETO cells in Azerbaijan, Yucel Karauz also mentioned that members of the organization who came from Turkiye carry out their activities in secret. Among the structures that they have united and transformed since 1992, there are still Azerbaijanis and unidentified structures.

Fighting FETO is not just fighting a terrorist organization in Turkiye. The fight against FETO is a fight that every country must wage for the indivisible integrity and independence of the country. In this struggle, it is necessary to take into account the fact that this organization has secret cells with plans A, B, and C.

Calling the tactics of this terrorist organization chameleon tactics, he added that visually it is impossible to accurately identify them. They adapt to the place and environment, giving the appearance of a modern person, sometimes wearing earrings, sometimes growing a beard, sometimes wearing a tuxedo.

Further, Yucel Karauz spoke about the institutions targeted by FETO: "The state institutions targeted by them are primarily the presidential apparatus, ministries, especially the Ministry of Education, intelligence organizations, special forces, specially assigned units, military schools, police schools, judges and prosecutors, in other words, attempts to infiltrate the elements that make up the backbone of the state continue. For this, it is useful to study the situation of students who have gone to Turkiye to study: firstly, it is useful to study the criteria of students who have traveled to Turkiye to study since 1992, and secondly, it is useful to look at the situation of the staff, in addition to the sincerity of people who graduated from these schools.

It is necessary to pay attention to structures in technical intelligence, eavesdropping, bypass and intelligence services. In addition, personal servants, that is, personal servants next to commanders, military servants next to ministers, secretaries, clerks, assistants - they need to be well paid. Because FETO monitors, controls, listens and records the activities of high-ranking servicemen through the servants with whom he works. These points need to be taken into account. They need to be looked at from the point of view of "The ongoing struggle", and not "We fought, and it's over." There are extensions in every area. But it would be useful to look at the position of those who go to Pennsylvania and visit Fatullah, and those who write poetry to him, in order of praise. With regard to Turkiye's current fight against this terrorist organization, I think that Azerbaijan created science and the operations carried out on the last day were the result of this joint coordination. When creating a continuous mechanism, it is important that all elements, including students of the military, police colleges, universities preparing people for state institutions, are evaluated from a single point of view," Karauz told.

The expert noted that FETO is an organization that has more than one direction in politics, economics, budget, shopping centers and even in the cultivation of cherries. In addition to serving the national unity and solidarity of society and the state in front of the political decision-making mechanisms, the organization has used and continues to use the religious and humanitarian feelings of the members, supporting and assisting the staff with the mechanisms that control the society with these structures, using their good intentions. According to him, FETO is also an active mechanism in politics. In this case, FETO also reach out to people, draw them to themselves and recruit them.

In conclusion Yucel Karauz noted that Azerbaijan is tirelessly fighting against FETO. But what has been done is not enough, action must be taken.

"As I have just stated, all personnel in Turkiye, including those studying in Turkiye, personnel, graduates of this school, the judiciary, the armed forces, the police, intelligence agencies and organizations involved in wiretapping, must be screened according to criteria to be determined. These pests and parasites, who try to break off the unity and solidarity of the state and the well-being of the people, must be deprived of the opportunity to find a place in society.
Gina Baca was always laughing and dancing.

The 45-year-old single mother of four children was a free spirit who loved life and made miracles happen for her children, her eldest daughter, Quala Taylor, said.

I always thought we would have time to repay her for all the sacrifices she made in her life for us, Taylor said.

Instead, the Angola woman was murdered two years ago, and the man convicted of her slaying learned his fate in Erie County Court on Tuesday: He will spend 25 years to life in prison.

Keith Renaldo Jr., 40, of Brant, was convicted by a jury last month of second-degree murder. Baca, a member of the Seneca Nation of Indians, died after being shot three times with a shotgun on June 26, 2021.

Her body was found in a pond in a wooded area off Route 438 in Brant on July 1, 2021, after she was reported missing.

Jury convicts Brant man in 2021 fatal shooting of Angola grandmother, 45 Jurors deliberated for less than three hours Thursday, after an eight-day trial, before convicting Keith Renaldo Jr. on one count of second-degree murder in the killing of Gina Baca.
Online scammers have become increasingly sophisticated, adept at engaging in convincing conversations that make it difficult to resist their deceitful tactics. These criminals possess not only the skill to manipulate information but also a deep understanding of technology. In a recent incident, a B.Tech engineer from Bihar defrauded a dentist in Bhopal, successfully ensnaring the victim in their deceptive scheme.

Bhopal Police apprehended four suspects, including the B.Tech engineer, in connection with the incident. The accused impersonated a bank employee when they contacted the dentist from Bhopal, tricking him into revealing his account details. Subsequently, they obtained an OTP from the dentist and changed his bank account password, leading to the withdrawal of Rs 10 lakh from his account. Fortunately, the dentist promptly notified both the police and the bank about the fraudulent activity. As a result, the bank froze Rs 8 lakh of the transferred amount to prevent further losses.

In June, the primary culprit initiated the scam by posing as a customer care executive from HDFC Bank when contacting the dentist. As reported by Dainik Bhaskar, the main accused had a habit of thoroughly studying news related to cybercrimes, and analysing the mistakes made by victims in various incidents. This allowed him to effectively target and manipulate other victims. The gang involved in the fraudulent activities comprises four individuals in total.

The main accused in this cybercrime case is Faizan Ali. The other individuals involved are Bikesh Kumar, Deepak Thakur and Deepak Kumar. Among them, Deepak Thakur is a BBA student and Deepak Kumar is an engineering student. As per the report, Faizan used Rs 2 lakh withdrawn from the dentists account in Bhopal to purchase a new bike.

Its essential to stay vigilant and be cautious about sharing sensitive information like OTP, bank details or personal information over the phone. No legitimate bank or government organisation asks for your OTP.

If you ever receive a suspicious call or become a victim of cyber fraud, its crucial to act quickly. Immediately report the incident and register a complaint by calling the appropriate authorities so they can take action to freeze the deducted amount and investigate the matter. Being proactive can help minimise potential losses and protect yourself from further harm.
Educational tours are organised every year in schools and colleges. Under one such programme, some students of the district council school have been selected to visit NASA. As many as 11 students of a district council school in Beed, Maharashtra from Class 5 to 8 will be visiting the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the USA. All these students will be in flight for the first time and all of them have got their passports ready for this trip.

After Ratnagiri District Council, Beed District Council is only the second district council in Maharashtra and the first in the Marathwada region to organise such activities. The Beed District Council had organised programmes for students to visit NASA and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). A few days back, students had come to Bangalore to visit ISRO.

Also read| How To Become A Scientist At ISRO? All You Need To Know

How were students selected?

The selection of students for this programme was done on the basis of a competitive examination organised by the Beed District Council for the students from Classes 5 to 8. First, the examination was organised at the central level and later taluka and district-level examinations were conducted.

Students selected in taluka-level examinations then had to appear in district-level examinations. One student from each taluka was selected to visit the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for this examination. The Additional Chief Executive Officer Vasudev Solanke said that soon these selected students will leave for the USA to visit NASA.

District Planning Committee allocates Rs 1 crore

The District Planning Committee has allocated Rs 1 crore for this trip. These students will be in the USA for 10 days starting from December 8 this year. The initiative for this program was taken by Ajit Pawar, the Chief Executive Officer of the District Council, and its Additional Chief Executive Officer Vasudev Solanke.

Students visiting NASA include Vaibhav Pisal, Jayvardhane Jhanje, Shivprasad Kokate, Anshuman Dube, Prateek Gahwane, Ajay Shelke, Vishal Gayake, Bhavika Fad, Prithviraj Pawar, Yuvaraj Sanap and Parth Munde. All these students are from Class 5 to 8 and they will also be accompanied by some officials.

The students selected to visit NASA belong to ordinary families of the Beed district. None of these students have ever travelled by air so far. Their passports are ready. This trip to NASA is meant to infuse in these young students the spirit of inquiry and will enhance their interest in research. This journey to NASA will create interest for science in these students and they will learn about several aspects of research.
The state government has issued orders to change the school timings in Telangana. As per the orders of the state education department, schools will start at 9.30 am from now on. Primary schools will function till 4.15 pm. While upper primary and high schools will function till 4.45 pm. The same timings are applicable for the primary schools running on the high school campus.

The state government took this decision because of heavy rains in Telangana. The state education department has issued orders to this effect. However, these timings are not applicable in Hyderabad and Secunderabad. These new timings are applicable to all schools in Telangana state except the twin cities, which will have to follow the usual academic calendar.

The Department of Education issued instructions to the offices of the Regional Joint Director of School Education and DEO to inform all primary and high schools regarding the new timings of the schools.

Telangana is likely to receive heavy rains for three to four days from July 24. According to the Meteorological Department, heavy to very heavy rains are likely to fall in many areas on July 25 and 26 including Adilabad, Asifabad, Manchiryala, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Jagityal, Sirisilla, Karimnagar, Peddapalli, Bhupalapalli, Mulugu, Kothagudem, Khammam, Mahabubabad, Warangal, Hanmakonda and other districts.

The Telangana government had earlier extended the holidays for educational institutions in the wake of the rains. The government had already announced holidays on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday due to rain. The Meteorological department had also announced that there will be heavy rains in Andhra Pradesh as well. The Indian Meteorological Department has revealed that there are chances of heavy rains in Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra in the coming three days under the influence of surface circulation in the North West Bay of Bengal. However, the AP government has not made any announcement on school holidays till now.
The parents of a 19-year-old student who jumped to his death after being caught allegedly using a mobile phone during semester exams staged a protest on Monday along with a few other students against PES University. They alleged that Aditya Prabhu was forced to take the extreme step following harassment by college staff.

The incident took place on July 17 when Prabhu jumped off the college building rooftop.

Demanding justice for her son, Prabhus mother has created an Instagram page titled Justice for Aditya Prabhu in which she said her son had called her from college after the phone was allegedly found on him. She said Prabhu told her he had forgotten to take the phone out of his pocket before the examination began. She alleged that her son was being harassed by college authorities and staff.

She further alleged in the Instagram post that the college authorities initially falsely claimed that the body in the varsity premises was not of their student, but someone else who had walked into the college. The police have, meanwhile, faulted college officials for not supervising the student after confiscating the mobile phone.

Following media reports, the University released a statement that it would co-operate with the ongoing investigation and be more sensitive towards students. We at the university are not heartless and insensitive to the pain it has caused the parents, as alleged by the media around us. We have also lost a bright boy," read the statement.

Prabhus father has demanded that officials responsible be suspended. Those who are involved in this, strict action must be taken against them. No student must be treated this way. We have demanded that those involved must be suspended," he said after meeting the DCP.

The boys mother said the college released a statement only because of the public pressure created by the social media campaign.

If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata)
In India, a government job not only comes with stability but also a sense of social security. And hence, securing a job in the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has long been a coveted dream for many. For its latest recruitment drive, DRDO has announced 55 vacancies for Project Scientists posts.

Aspiring candidates eager to join DRDO, which comes under the Ministry of Defence, can submit their applications through the official website drdo.gov.in. Let us take a look at some of the important information that candidates should be aware of:

Important details to note for interested candidates:

- Only online applications will be considered for this recruitment process.

- The application deadline is August 11, and candidates must ensure to apply by 4.00 pm on or before this date.

- A total of 55 vacancies will be filled through DRDO Recruitment 2023 drive.

DRDO Recruitment 2023: Details of the Available Posts

1. Computer Science & Engineering: 1 Post

2. Electronics & Communication Engineering: 7 Posts

3. Computer Science & Engineering: 3 Posts

4. Mechanical Engineering: 2 Posts

5. Electronics & Communication Engineering: 12 Posts

6. Computer Science & Engineering: 10 Posts

7. Electrical Engineering: 2 Posts

8. Mechanical Engineering: 4 Posts

9. Civil Engineering: 2 Posts

10. Electronics & Communication Engineering: 8 Posts

11. Computer Science & Engineering: 4 Posts

Application Fee:

- General, OBC and EWS male candidates are required to pay an application fee of Rs 100.

- SC/ST/PWD and women candidates are exempted from paying any application fee.

Age Limit:

The age criteria for different levels of Project Scientist positions are as follows:

- For Project Scientist F, the candidates age should not exceed 55 years.

- For Project Scientist E, the upper age limit is 50 years.

- For Project Scientist D, the maximum age limit is 45 years.

- For Project Scientist C, the candidates age should not be more than 40 years.

- For Project Scientist B, the candidates age should not exceed 35 years.

How to Apply for DRDO Recruitment 2023:

1. Visit the official website drdo.gov.in.

2. Click on the Careers" tab available on the homepage.

3. Under Advertisement No. 146," click on the apply link.

4. Register using your details and proceed to log in.

5. Fill out the application form, upload the required documents, make the payment and submit the application.

6. Download the filled form and take a printout for future reference.
The Director General of Medical Education and Training Uttar Pradesh (DGME) will begin accepting registrations for the UP NEET UG Counselling 2023 today. Through the official website, upneet.gov.in, candidates looking for admission to an MBBS or BDS programme in the state of Uttar Pradesh can register online. The counselling window will begin today, July 25 and conclude on July 28.

The registration cost for candidates who wish to participate in the counselling round is Rs 2000, and it must be paid online through the official website. Candidates must pay Rs 30,000 as security for government state quota seats, Rs 2 lakh for private medical college seats, and Rs 1 lakh for private dentistry college seats. Applicants who have paid the fee and had their original papers verified online are entitled to fill out the choice form.

The official timetable states that online choice-filling is scheduled between July 31 and August 3 and that the merit list will be revealed on July 29. The seat allocation results will be published on August 3 or 4. Between August 5 and August 8, applicants will be allowed to download their allocation letters.

UP NEET UG Counselling 2023: How to register

Candidates can follow the instructions below to apply for the counselling round.

Step 1: Go to dgme.up.gov.in to access the DGMEs official website.

Step 2: On the homepage, select the UP NEET UG 2023 Counselling link.

Step 3: Enter your necessary credentials to register yourself for the UP NEET counselling and then press Submit."

Step 4: Once finished, complete the UP NEET UG 2023 Counselling application form and pay the application fee.

Step 5: Click submit to save the page.

Step 6: For future reference, keep a printed copy of the UP NEET UG 2023 Counselling application form.

This year, admission will be handled for a total of 9,078 seats in the MBBS programme in Uttar Pradesh. In the BDS programme, there are 2,270 seats available, of which 2,200 are in private dental colleges and 70 are at the dental faculty at King Georges Medical University in Lucknow.

Three rounds of counselling will be held for UP NEET UG 2023 admissions. A mop-up or open round will take place as the third round. The seats that remained empty after the first round of UP NEET 2023 counselling would be carried over to the second round.
The Department of Health and Family Welfare (DHFW), Kolkata will commence the online registration process for West Bengal National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) counselling today, July 25. To participate in the counselling, candidates must visit the official website at wbmcc.nic.in and fill out the counselling forms.

The deadline for submitting the WB NEET UG counselling registration form is July 28, until 4 pm. During this period, students need to complete their registration and submit the prescribed registration fees.

To complete the registration, students are required to upload all relevant documents, including the NEET admit card and NEET scorecard, at the time of registration. Furthermore, eligible student verification will take place on July 27, 28, and 31, from 11 am to 4 pm.

WB NEET UG Counselling 2023: How To Register

Step 1: Go to the official portal at wbmcc.nic.in

Step 2: Click on the UG medical section that is available on the homepage.

Step 3: Click on the link provided for WB NEET UG Counselling 2023

Step 4: On the new window, register yourself first using the necessary details.

Step 5: Then log in using the newly created credentials and fill out the application form as directed.

Step 6: Upload all the essential documents and make the required payment.

Step 7: Before submitting the form, go through the entire application form and check it.

West Bengal NEET UG Counselling 2023: Round 1 Schedule

- Registrations for WB NEET UG counselling begins: July 25.

- Deadline to submit the counselling registration form: July 28.

- Payment of fee online: July 25 (from 11 am) to July 28 (till midnight).

- Verification of students in the already designated college and time slot: July 27 to 31.

- List of successfully verified candidates and publication of seat matrix for round 1: August 1.

- Publication of result: August 5.

- Reporting and admission of students to the allotted colleges: August 7, 8 and 9.

Furthermore, candidates will then be able to fill out and lock their choices between 4 pm on August 1 and midnight on August 2. The first seat allotment list will be made available after 4 pm on August 5. Following that, candidates will have the opportunity to report to their designated universities with the necessary documentation on August 7, 8, and 9 from 11 am to 4 p.m.
Chinas Foreign Minister Qin Gang is missing for around a month sparking speculations over his disappearance. The 57-year-old Chinese leader has been missing from public view since 25 June after meeting a Russian diplomat.

Amid the speculations on the whereabouts, the Chinese government and the foreign ministry have not given any specific details on the disappearance. But the questions remain over Qins safety, the Chinese government tight-lipped response and the likely successor.

Who is Qin Gang?

Qin Gang is considered a trusted aide of Chinese President Xi Jinping and was appointed foreign minister in December 2022.

He is a well-known face of Xi Jinping government and spent several years at the Chinese embassy in London.

A fluent English speaker, Qin earned a reputation as a Wolf Warrior", a nickname given to a new generation of Chinese diplomats who push back with often inflammatory rhetoric against Western criticism of Beijing.

While serving as ambassador to the United States, Qin stepped up his visibility through public and media appearances in Washington in which he explained the Chinese position.

After his appointment as a minister, he kept up a busy schedule visiting Africa, Europe and Central Asia as well as hosting foreign dignitaries in Beijing. During his tenure, the rift with the US reached a new heights owing to the spy balloon and Taiwan issue.

All about his whereabouts?

Chinese minister Qin has been missing since June 25, when he met Russias deputy foreign minister Andrey Rudenko in Beijing.

The disappearance was first noticed two weeks later after his absence from a high-level ASEAN summit in Indonesia. The Chinese foreign ministry said health reasons" were to blame for Qins absence. But that has done little to stem an explosion of rumours online.

Everyone is concerned about something but cannot discuss it publicly," Hu Xijin, a prominent commentator with the state tabloid Global Times, said in a post on Weibo, according to AFP.

A balance needs to be struck between maintaining the situation and respecting the publics right to know," he said.

The foreign ministry has not revealed any details about Qins absence.

Meanwhile in China, the biggest search engine has seen a drastic surge in searches for Qin Gangs name. Search for Qin Gang" has grown by more than 5,000% in a week and the name is being searched more than some of the most famous Chinese celebrities, according to BBC.

It is also being rumoured that Qin was being investigated over an alleged extramarital affair. However, Foreign Ministry spokesperson said she isnt aware of the matter.

Who is representing China in his stead?

Qins absence has left a vacuum at the top of Chinas foreign ministry. A visit by the European Unions foreign policy chief Josep Borrell to Beijing was abruptly called off this month.

A visit by UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly was postponed due to Qins absence, according to Bloomberg.

Top foreign policy official Wang Yi, who outranks Qin in Chinas political hierarchy, has taken on some of his responsibilities in the meantime, travelling to Africa this week to attend a BRICS meeting on security affairs in Johannesburg.

Beijing insisted Monday that Chinas diplomatic activities are moving forward steadily".

Asked about Qins now almost month-long absence, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told journalists, I have no information to offer."

But as the foreign ministry reaches a month without a visible boss, doubts will start to mount over how much its business as usual.

When the top dog is disappeared by the state, everyone in the organization freezes," Desmond Shum, a former Chinese business and political insider said in a tweet.

Is it a Sign of Trouble?

Under Chinas largely opaque system, the disappearance of high-profile officials could be a sign of trouble.

However, its not uncommon for high-profile figures in the country to disappear for long periods of time without much explanation.

Xi Jinping, had vanished from public view for a fortnight before becoming Chinese President in 2012, prompting rumours about his health and possible power struggles in the Communist Party.

But Qins situation is unusual due to the timing of his absence and being one of the most high-level officials to go missing.

AFP contributed to this report
The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) is currently facing internal turmoil in Haryana. The cause of this dissent was the unveiling of a statue of a 9th-century ruler, Samrat Mihir Bhoj, which resulted in the resignation of approximately 40 leaders from the party in the state. In addition, several villages in Haryana have taken the step of prohibiting the entry of BJP leaders. This situation arose when BJP Kaithal MLA Lila Ram Gurjar and other leaders from the Gurjar community revealed the statue on July 20, and the aftermath led to the resignation of office bearers in protest.

Prohibition of BJP Leaders in Haryana Villages

Following the incident, the controversy surrounding the unveiling of the statue has sparked anger among leaders of the Rajput community. As a consequence, numerous villages in Haryana, predominantly inhabited by the Rajput community, have taken the decision to ban the entry of BJP leaders. This move comes in response to the contentious situation and has been reported by The Hindu.

Understanding the Mihir Bhoj Controversy

The controversy surrounding the statue of 9th-century ruler Samrat Mihir Bhoj emerged on July 20 when the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiled the statue. The ceremony sparked a conflict between two communities in the region: the Gurjars and the Rajputs, according to a report by Mint.

Before the unveiling, members of the Rajput community demanded the removal of the word Gujjar inscribed on the statue. Additionally, they protested for the inclusion of the adjective Hindu Samrat on the statue. The situation escalated, and the police resorted to lathi-charging the protesters.

Sanjeev Rana, the district head of the BJPs Kisan Morcha, expressed that their intention was solely to have Hindu Samrat on the statue and not Rajput or Gujjar. However, the police action further intensified the anger among BJP leaders from the Rajput community.

In response to the incident, the administration organized an event to lay floral wreaths at the statue, which further aggravated the Rajput community leaders within the BJP. As a form of protest, Rajput leaders within the party collectively tendered their resignations to Haryana state president Om Prakash Dhanar.

Now, the leaders are demanding clarification from Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar regarding the issue and the polices actions. The controversy has led to significant dissent within the BJP in Haryana.

Understanding Mihir Bhojs Historical Significance

Mihir Bhoj (c. 836-885 CE) was a prominent and ambitious ruler of 9th-century India, as stated by Kurukshetra University Professor SK Chahal in a report by Indian Express. During that time, the Gurjara-Pratiharas held dominion over a vast empire, stretching from Kashmir to Gujarat. Mihir Bhojs rule saw successful conquests in the regions of Deccan and Malwa.

Notably, the 9th century witnessed a major political struggle for control over Kannauj, as it was believed that whoever conquered Kannauj would become the emperor of the country. This led to a tripartite struggle among three powerful entities of that erathe Gurjara-Pratihara, the Rashtrakutas of Deccan, and the Palas of Bengal. In this intense contest, Mihir Bhoj emerged as one of the most successful figures. He managed to conquer areas in Gujarat and Malwa from the Gujarat-Rashtrakutas. Furthermore, he led a campaign towards Bengal and successfully conquered territories in Gorakhpur from the Palas of Bengal.

Mihir Bhojs historical significance lies in his military achievements and successful expansion of his kingdom, which established him as a formidable ruler during his time. His rule played a crucial role in the political landscape of 9th-century India, with his empire encompassing significant territories across the country.

Historical Perspectives on Mihir Bhojs Lineage

According to M Rajivlochan, a history professor at Chandigarhs Panjab University, Mihir Bhoj belonged to the Gurjar Pratiharas, a group that is often considered to have affiliations with both the Rajputs and Gurjars.

To elaborate on the matter, Professor SK Chahal of Kurukshetra University explained to the Indian Express that Gurjars were originally a nomadic tribe in ancient India, with their presence predominantly in regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat. Mihir Bhoj is believed to have hailed from this Gurjar tribe. However, it is worth noting that he claimed the status of a Kshatriya (warrior) for himself. The Pratihara branch of the dynasty, to which Mihir Bhoj belonged, was associated with the Rajputs. In the context of ancient India, it was commonly believed that only a Kshatriya could ascend to the position of a king, and as such, Mihir Bhoj asserted his Kshatriya lineage.

Professor Chahal also adds that as we delve deeper into history, caste identities tend to blur, and the clear distinctions that exist today emerged much later in time. He further emphasizes that the recent controversies surrounding the castes of ancient rulers are a product of modern-day politics and have no direct connection with historical events, as per the Indian Express report.
I have asked the police to do everything to arrest the culprits, said N Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, hours after the video of two women being paraded naked went viral and was followed by a public outrage and condemnation. It just took 24 hours for the police to swing into action and arrest the prime accused in the case.

However, the FIR of abduction, molestation and gang-rape was lying idle and unattended for over two months. All it needed was a viral video and a nod from the CM for the police to act in a case of a crime.

In another instance, the BJP in West Bengal brought in a video of a tribal woman getting stripped and beaten by locals in Malda, which also eventually surfaced on social media. Even though the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders called this an attempt by the BJP to control the narrative and fight the public outrage caused by Manipur incidents, West Bengal started a case in connection with the incident.

Following the pre- and post-poll violence in West Bengal, chief minister Mamata Banerjee, while addressing the media, said nearly 20 people were killed during the process for Panchayat polls, and she has given a free hand to the police to act against the miscreants.

A month ago, it took Indias champion wrestlers to sit on a Dharna in Delhi and a pan India public anger to get a charge sheet filed against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is accused of sexually harassing the young wrestlers.

Above mentioned are a few incidents, which show how the police administration almost self-censor themselves when there is a crime, which has some connections with the ruling dispensation. They are often seen to sit on FIRs until there is a public wrath triggering nationwide controversy or an order coming from senior political functionaries.

This has become a trend in India, which is not exclusive nor unique to a specific party or a state or a region. It takes days and months for the police to react when an FIR is even remotely connected with the ruling party or its members.

Rape as political tool

The indifference and the politically motivated silence seem particularly menacing in cases of sexual assault against women.

Following the incident of the video of the Manipur women, the Supreme Court observed, Using women as an instrument in an area of communal strife for inflicting gender violence is deeply, deeply disturbing and simply unacceptable to the court.

The incidents of upper caste men raping Dalit girls in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and other states, and the instance of late TMC MP Tapas Pal threatening his political opponents in Nadia district saying he would unleash the cadres to rape the women of the family members  point out how rape has been used as a political tool or an instrument of caste violence for years.

It has been a decade since the Justice Verma Committee submitted its recommendations to bring amendment to the criminal law in case of crime against women. The committee was constituted by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh following the horrific incident of gang-rape in Delhi, known as Nirbhaya gang-rape, that shook the nation. Some of the recommendations implemented were zero FIRs to enable the victims to file an FIR irrespective of the jurisdiction of police.

In this context, and following the tragedy of December 2012, the government set up a dedicated fund  Nirbhaya Fund  which can be utilised for projects specifically designed to improve the safety and security of women. It is a non-lapsable corpus fund, being administered by the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance. As per the guidelines issued by the finance ministry on March, 2015, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) is the nodal ministry to appraise and recommend proposals and schemes to be funded under Nirbhaya Fund.

However, on ground nothing much has changed.

Inaction leads to impunity

The long wait for justice, multiple levels of trials and, at times, even the indifference or delay in initiating investigation in case of crime against women seem to lead to impunity for those who commit such crimes.

Like the recommendations of the Justice Verma committee, the directions of the Supreme Court following the PIL filed by retired IPS officer Prakash Singh, who served as the former DGP of Uttar Pradesh and is known to bring police reforms, have been implemented partially and not by all states.

The primary direction to the states was to ensure that the state government does not exercise unwarranted influence or pressure on the police.
The harassment of a Buffalo city parks worker, along with acts of vandalism at yet another Olmsted park, has prompted Mayor Byron W. Brown and Buffalo police to seek the public's assistance in solving the crimes.

According to city officials, the latest offenses occurred over the weekend in Cazenovia Park in South Buffalo when, between 3 and 7 p.m. Friday, unknown individuals harassed a female worker, broke glass bottles, broke a mirror in the parks restroom, tore a sink from the bathroom wall, threw trash cans into the road and ripped plants from their beds.

They said the vandalism resumed at roughly 6 p.m. Sunday when windows in two exterior glass doors were smashed at the Cazenovia Park Casino, the building's retaining walls were kicked in and garbage was strewn around the park, resulting in damages estimated to exceed $5,000.

"These acts of vandalism are disgusting," Brown said in a statement Monday.

"This park is a highly used park and is enjoyed by residents in South Buffalo and across Western New York," he added. "We want these vandals to do the right thing, come forward and take responsibility for their actions."

Brown said Police Commissioner Joseph A. Gramaglia has already directed an increased police presence at Cazenovia Park, as well as Martin Luther King Jr. Park, where a significant amount of vandalism also occurred this summer.

"This behavior is reprehensible," said South Council Member Christopher Scanlon.

"This type of vandalism can spoil the entire atmosphere within the park and cannot be allowed to continue. The dedicated employees of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy take great pride in their work, and they deserve better than this," Scanlon added.

Interim executive director for Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy Beth Downing, who also condemned the vandalism, said that, as a result, the park shelter will be open for limited hours only, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays, closed on Saturdays and open again from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays. As a result of the vandalism, there will be a portable restroom available to visitors, Downing added.

Meanwhile, city officials are asking anyone with information about the vandalism and harassment to call or text the police department's confidential tip call line at 716-847-2255.
Authorities in Bihar seem to be facing a massive challenge in taming the illicit liquor trade and sand mining. This time, the excise police have been attacked by the liquor mafia in East Champaran districts Motihari city during which a home guard jawan was killed. The deceased, Hriday Narayan Rai (55), was posted at the Ghorasahan excise checkpost near the India-Nepal border.

The incident occurred on Monday night at the Aruna river bridge in the Jharokhar police station area. Two assistant sub-inspectors (ASI) and 6 home guard jawans were part of the excise team. The spot of the attack was just 500 metres away from the Jharokhar police station. When the excise police team went on a raid based on information about illegal liquor trade, the perpetrators and some villagers attacked them. Rai was trapped by the liquor traders and later was beaten up brutally. He was taken to hospital for treatment but doctors declared him dead.

The home guard jawan was a resident of the Rengania area. The Jharokhar police sent Rais body to Motihari Sadar Hospital for post-mortem. His grieving family members have demanded compensation for the loss.

Superintendent of police Kantesh Kumar Mishra, who reached the Sadar Hospital after Rai was taken there, said that five people have been arrested in this case and some local leaders have also been identified who will face action.

Attacks on excise teams by those in the illicit liquor trade have become common.

Past cases

July 3, Patna: An excise team was attacked at Naubatpur in Bihars capital Patna. A home guard jawan and an inspector were injured.

May 2023, Sasaram: An excise department team was attacked in Dayal Bigha village near Barhiya Bagh of the Mufassil police station area. Half a dozen personnel, including excise inspector Prabhat Vidyarthi, and two women jawans, Diksha Tiwari and Aditi Raj, were injured.

April 2023, Aurangabad: Liquor smugglers along with villagers attacked an excise department team. They pelted the excise department van and jawans with bricks and stones. However, there were no injuries to the personnel who fled from the spot.

April 2023, Samastipur: Locals attacked an excise team that reached Bishanpur village of Kalyanpur police station area in Samastipur district to raid liquor smugglers. Constable Naval Kishore Bhagat suffered serious head injuries in this incident.

Sand smugglers trample sub-inspector with tractor

When a police team went on a raid against the sand mafia in Nawada district, the culprits ran over the personnel with a tractor. A trainee sub-inspector Lalan Kumar was badly injured in the incident that occurred late on Monday night near Koriauna village under Thali police station area of the district. He was brought to Sadar Hospital for treatment, but seeing his serious condition, the doctors referred him to Gaya. Kumar said a tip was received that illegal sand mining was going on at the Khakhandua hills and sand was being transported by the smugglers through Bhawanpur.

The police have also arrested two liners from the spot. Mining has been prohibited in the area for several years but that has not deterred the smugglers who dont even shy away from attacking police officers.

#BreakingNews: Attack on the excise department team who went for a raid on liquor traders in Motihari reported; sand mafia attacked the police team in Nawada district as well@JournoKSSR with details | @aayeshavarma #Bihar #SandMafia #LiquorMafia pic.twitter.com/z8GQufFAup News18 (@CNNnews18) July 25, 2023

In April, three mining department personnel including a woman officer were injured in a stone-pelting incident when a team had gone for inspection and searches as part of a drive to check illegal mining in Bihta block of Patna district. Police later arrested 44 people and seized 50 vehicles. Those injured included Patna district mining officer Kumar Gaurav and mining inspectors Syed Farhin and Amya Kumari.
The charred body of a 25-year-old man was recovered from a factory in northwest Delhis Samaypur Badli on Tuesday, a day after four people were injured in a fire incident there, police said.

The deceased has been identified as Dabloo Yadav, a resident of Swaroop Nagar and originally hailing from Bihar. He was working in the factory and was missing since Monday, Deputy Commissioner of Police (outer north) Ravi Kumar Singh said.

The body was found during investigation and search operation by the police and the fire staff at the factory on Tuesday.

Accordingly, Indian Penal Code section 304A (causing death by negligence) was added in the case and further investigation is in progress, the DCP said.

The fire broke out at the factory making plastic items around 11.15 am and was brought under control at 12.50 pm on Monday.

The four injured were identified as Dinesh Kumar Yadav (24) and Rakesh (26), both residents of Swaroop Nagar, and Jitender Kumar (42) and Subhita (46), residents of Siraspur, They were taken to Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial Hospital.

Three of them were discharged from the hospital after treatment, while Subhita was referred to LNJP Hospital.

The fire broke out due to a short circuit because of faulty wiring, police said.

A case under IPC sections 285 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter) and 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) was registered against the factory owner, police said.
Former Haryana Minister Gopal Goyal Kanda has been acquitted in the Geetika Sharma suicide case by Delhis Rouse Avenue Court. Special Judge Vikas Dhull also acquitted co-accused Aruna Chadha in the case, saying the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond all reasonable doubts.

During the hearing, the court acknowledges that the possibility of Geetika Sharma dying by suicide after a quarrel with her mother, following Kanda and Aruna, informing the mother about her pregnancy and subsequent abortion, cannot be ruled out.

The accused were facing charges under various sections, including 306 (abetment of suicide), 506 (criminal intimidation), 201 (destruction of evidence), 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 466 (forgery). The trial court had also framed charges of rape (376) and 377 (unnatural sex) against Kanda.

While speaking to media outside the court, Gonda said: There was no evidence against me, this case was made against me and today the court has given its verdict."

#WATCH | After Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court acquitted former Haryana Minister Gopal Goyal Kanda in air hostess Geetika Sharma suicide case, he says, "There was no evidence against me, this case was made against me and today the court has given its verdict." pic.twitter.com/rG9gE6EZ86 ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2023

Kapil Sankhla, the counsel representing Kanda, said he is happy that justice finally has prevailed. Although this case received considerable attention, he is glad that the truth has now come to light.

The Delhi High Court, however, later quashed the charges under 376 and 377 of the IPC. Sharma, who was earlier employed with Kandas MLDR airlines, was found dead on August 5, 2012 at her Ashok Vihar residence in North West Delhi. In her August 4 suicide note, Sharma had said she was ending her life due to harassment by Kanda and Chadha.

Kanda was forced to resign from his post of minister of state for home following the registration of the case.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government slammed Pakistan before a Parliamentary Standing Committee, saying all initiatives taken by India for resumption of dialogue with the neighbouring country were responded with acts of cross-border terrorism and violence against India, and hence Pakistan remains an exception to Indias Neighbourhood First Policy in the region.

The report was tabled in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday after detailed deliberations with the Foreign Ministry officials over the past three years. The government has cited the attacks on the Pathankot Airbase in 2016, the Uri Army camp attack the same year and the Pulwama attack in 2019 as Pakistans acts of cross-border terror. India has repeatedly called upon Pakistan to bring the perpetrators of Mumbai terror attacks to justice. However, there has been no progress, even after all the evidence has been shared with the Pakistani side, the government told the committee.

The Modi government has also cited its proactive outreach with the international community to successfully thwart Pakistans attempts to present an alarmist situation of the region; interfere in internal affairs of India; and internationalise bilateral issues.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrives in Delhi to attend Narendra Modis swearing in ceremony pic.twitter.com/cuJfq8XNPf ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2014

This parliamentary committee is headed by senior BJP leader PP Chaudhary and has many members of the opposition parties like Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Banerjee, Kalyan Banerjee, Misha Bharti, Ranjan Gogoi and Deepender Singh Hooda.

In its recommendations, the committee has said India should continue to remain active and be fully prepared to expose Pakistans act of cross-border terrorism and violence against India at the United Nations (UN) and various multilateral and regional fora and counter their raising the issue of Kashmir appropriately.

The committee has, however, urged the government to consider the establishment of economic ties with Pakistan if they come forward and work towards broader people-to-people contacts in view of the cultural commonalities and civilizational linkages between our two countries and no feeling of enmity amongst citizens of both the countries.

With the exception of Pakistan, the central principle of Neighbourhood First Policy is to accord the greatest attention and emphasis to these countries in our diplomatic efforts, the government told the committee. Any meaningful dialogue with Pakistan can only be held in an atmosphere free from terror, hostility and violence. The onus is on Pakistan to ensure such a conducive atmosphere, the government said.

India & Pakistan announce the commencement of a Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue. Foreign Secretaries to meet later pic.twitter.com/jd4UaXbDUd Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) December 9, 2015

OVT CITES PATHANKOT, URI, PULWAMA ATTACKS

The government told the committee that in 2014, PM Modi extended an invitation to the then Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his swearing-in ceremony in May 2014. Indias External Affairs Minister visited Islamabad in December 2015, and proposed the resumption of a Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue.

Unfortunately, all these initiatives have been responded with acts of cross-border terrorism and violence against India, including the cross-border terror attack on Pathankot Airbase on 2 January 2016; attack on Army Camp in Uri in August 2016; and terror attack on the convoy of Indian security forces in Pulwama by Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) on 14 February 2019, the government has cited.

Am personally touched by Nawaz Sharif Sahab s gesture of welcoming me at Lahore airport and coming to the airport when I left. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 25, 2015

The government said that for strengthening of border with Pakistan under the Neighbourhood First Policy, in a significant development, the Director Generals of Military Operation (DGsMO) of India and Pakistan issued a joint statement on February 25, 2021 to strictly observe all agreements between the two countries on ceasefire and cross-border infiltration along the LoC and other sectors. But Pakistan again upped the ante in terms of cross-border infiltrations and ceasefire violations from July 2021 onwards, the government has told the committee.

The government continues to consistently raise the issue of Pakistans continued support to cross-border terrorism and terrorist infiltration in bilateral, regional and multilateral fora and has briefed the international community at large on the continued concerns of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan, the government said. Many terrorist entities and individuals, who find shelter in Pakistan and also engaged in terrorism against India, have been proscribed by the UN, the European Union and other countries, the government said.
The Manipur government lifted restrictions on the use of Broadband internet service with conditions in the violence-hit state.

The internet was suspended in May after the violence broke out. Over 100 people have lost their lives in the ethnic clashes in the state since May 3.

However, mobile internet will remain suspended, the Home Department said in a notification.

Connection will be only through static IP and that the subscriber concerned shall not accept any other connection other than allowed for the time being [TSP/ISP shall be held responsible for non-compliance of this condition]," it said. No Wifi Hotspots shall be allowed from any of the routers and systems using the connection at any cost by the subscriber concerned," it said.

The government has considered the suffering of the people as the internet ban affected offices and institutions, and people working from home, besides mobile recharge, LPG cylinder booking, payment of electricity bills, and other online services, the order said. It said the suspension on broadband internet has been lifted in a liberalised manner, subject to fulfilment of several terms and conditions.

When Did Violence Begin in Manipur?

The violence in Manipur has been going on since May 3, when a Tribal Solidarity March was organised in Churachandpur district to protest against the Meitei communitys demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

During the march, an armed mob allegedly attacked people of the Meitei community, leading to retaliatory attacks in the valley districts, which escalated throughout the state. The violence has led to more than 160 deaths, and several injuries.

The violence in Manipur began when Kuki clashed with Meitei, over economic, social, and political benefits and quotas given to the tribes.

WHO ARE KUKIS?

Kukis, one of the several hill tribes in India, are an ethnic group inhabiting the North-eastern states of Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura and Nagaland.

The Kukis live mainly in the hills while Churachandpur in Manipur is their stronghold. However, they are also present in significant numbers in Chandel, Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal, and Senapati districts of Manipur.

It is believed that Kuki people are native to the Mizo Hills, a mountainous region in the south-eastern part of Mizoram. The community is further divided into 20 sub-tribes.

Thought many people from the Kuki tribe converted into Christianity, especially to Protestantism, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they practice local culture and traditions including rituals like animism, animal sacrifices, and traditional festivals to appease their Gods.

WHO ARE MEITEIS?

The Meiteis, who are the dominant ethnic majority in Manipur, are predominantly Hindus and also follow their ancient animist beliefs and practices. They mostly live in the Imphal Valley region and a significant population is settled in the other Indian states of Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.

A small number of the Meiteis, around 8 per cent, are Muslims and are called Meitei Pangals. The Meiteis are more educated and also better represented in business and politics than other tribal groups.
There is good news for married young women in Madhya Pradesh. The registration of married women between the age of 21 and 23 years, under the Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led state governments Ladli Behna scheme is set to start on Wednesday, July 25.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Madhya Pradesh will set up camps in all municipal corporation zones, all city council zones, and gram panchayats, where officials of the women and child welfare department would assist the eligible beneficiaries with completing their registration.

Documents Required For Registration Under Ladli Behna Yojana

ID issued by Samagra Portal

Aadhar Card

Passport Size Photograph

Ration Card

Residence Proof of Madhya Pradesh

Mobile Number

Income Certificate

Bank Account Details

How to Apply For Ladli Behna Yojana 2023

Eligible women beneficiaries can apply for the offline application form of the Madhya Pradesh Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Scheme.

The application for Ladli Behna Yojana 2023 will be available at Gram Panchayat Office or Ward Office or at camps.

The application is free of cost.

Applicants must fill out the form properly by attaching the required documents.

The form needs to be submitted to the Gram Panchayat Office or Ward Office.

The authorities will then verify the documents.

The authorities will then verify the documents. If your application is selected, the beneficiary will be informed on her registered mobile number via SMS.

Financial assistance will be transferred to the bank account of the women beneficiary on the 10th of every month.

Eligibility Criteria For Ladli Behna Yojana 2023

To be eligible to register Madhya Pradesh Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Scheme, the female applicant should be a permanent resident of Madhya Pradesh.

She must be a married woman, divorcee, or destitute.

The Womans annual family income must be below Rs. 2.50 Lakh.

Women between 21 to 60 years of age group are eligible to avail of benefits.

Earlier on June 10, Chief Minister Chouhan announced that the benefits of Ladli Behna Yojna would be extended to married women between 21 and 23 years.

Later in the month, Chouhan said the Rs 1,000 per month that is being given to women beneficiaries as part of the state governments Ladli Behna scheme will be hiked three times in a phased manner. The announcement about the scheme, which already covers close to 1.25 crore women, comes ahead of the year-end Assembly polls in the state.
A man, who has allegedly committed around 1,200 burglaries across 14 states over 25 years, is now in the custody of West Bengals Bidhannagar Police.

Nadeem Qureshi (45), who has properties worth crores in Mumbai and Pune, started committing crimes when he was a teen. He used to steal cattle in his native village in Ghaziabad of Uttar Pradesh and later committed burglaries.

Qureshi was first arrested by Rajasthan Police and was later shifted to Delhis Tihar Jail after being convicted in a burglary case in Ghaziabad in 2021. He was brought to Bengal after the state police had placed a production remand before the jail authorities in connection with a burglary at Sourav Abasan in Salt Lake, Times of India reported.

A senior officer of Bidhannagar City Police said Qureshi was traced in 2021 after a robbery worth Rs 12 lakhs at two flats at Sourav Abasan. However, Qureshi managed to hoodwink cops and fled away.

A court in Salt Lake sent Qureshi to seven-day police custody on Monday.

Elaborating on his modus operandi, a senior police officer said the accused moved around in formal attire and entered less-guarded housing complexes or stand-alone buildings in chauffeur-driven cars and used to take elevators till the top of a building.

From there, he used to walk down the stairs to check out locked homes. He used to target those that were not locked for long. He used to steal only cash and gold so that the stolen booty couldnt be traced," the officer told TOI.

Qureshi is a Class V dropout but used to dress up in corporate attire and drive in sedans. He committed crimes in Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan, Odisha and other states. Qureshi is a proclaimed offender in at least 23 cases.
Parliament Monsoon Session 2023: Amid the logjam in Parliament between the treasury bench and the Opposition over the Manipur issue, the BJP Parliamentary Board met on Tuesday, before the commencement of Parliament proceedings, to discuss the governments strategy for the remaining days of the ongoing monsoon session. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Parliament to attend the meeting.

Besides PM Modi, BJP President JP Nadda and all Union Ministers, party MPs from both the Houses  Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha  were present in the meeting.

In the meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave instructions to the party MPs regarding the strategy for communication with the public after the session.

Follow the Latest Updates From Parliament Monsoon Session 2023:

Lok Sabha has been adjourned till July 26.

Speaking in Lok Sabha, Shah said that the government is ready for a discussion on Manipur and the Centre is not afraid. I have written letters to opposition leaders of both houses. An appropriate atmosphere is necessary in the house for a discussion. I request the opposition," he said.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah told Lok Sabha that the Centre will bring new a new cooperative policy before Vijayadashmi or Diwali this year.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla told opposition MPs protesting in the well of the house, If you cross the limit, I will be forced to take action against you."

Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till July 26.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said that BJP Members of Parliament prevented Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge from speaking and raising INDIAs demand for the PMs statement in the House on Manipur and a discussion thereafter.

Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 5 pm.

Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday said the Question Hour is the heart" of Parliamentary work as it seeks accountability and transparency from the government and is helpful for people at large. Making these remarks during Question Hour as members of the opposition kept raising uproar, he urged the members to maintain decorum and allow the House to function.

Soon after the House met for Question Hour at noon, opposition members raised slogans of Manipur, Manipur" as the chairman asked the members to begin the Question Hour. While ruling party members raised their questions, the opposition MPs did not ask questions amid the din

The impasse in Lok Sabha continued on Tuesday as government and opposition leaders stuck to their stand on the issue of Manipur violence at a meeting convened by Speaker Om Birla. While opposition floor leaders insisted on a statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government said Home Minister Amit Shah would reply to the debate on the discussion on Manipur violence.

The Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned on Tuesday till noon after uproarious scenes were witnessed in the House, with opposition and treasury benches seeking discussions on the violence and unrest in Manipur and atrocities against women in Rajasthan and Chattisgarh, respectively. Opposition parties led by the Congress gave as many as 50 notices under rule 267 seeking suspension of business of the day to take up discussion on the Manipur violence, while the treasury benches gave three notices for short duration discussion on crime and atrocities against women in Rajasthan and Chattisgarh.

 Some opposition parties, part of the INDIA alliance, are likely to move a notice of no-confidence motion against the government in the Lok Sabha, sources said on Tuesday. A proposal to submit the notice was discussed at a meeting of the constituents of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) on Tuesday morning.

The sources said after weighing various options to force Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak in Parliament on the situation in strife-torn Manipur, it was decided that this would be an effective way to compel the government to initiate a discussion on the issue. The opposition strategy to corner the government on Manipur will continue in the Rajya Sabha as well, the sources said.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a comprehensive" statement in both houses of Parliament on the violence in Manipur. He said the situation in the northeast was fragile and the repercussions of the Manipur violence seem to be spilling over to other states too, asserting that it was not good for the countrys sensitive border states. Kharge said 83 days of unabated violence in Manipur require that the prime minister make a comprehensive statement in Parliament.

Speaking at the BJP Parliamentary Board meeting, PM Modi said, Opposition is directionless. It seems they have made up their mind to stay in the Opposition for a long timeThis is the last year of a second term government but it is a new beginning again as we build up to 2024."

Slamming the Opposition alliance, PM Modi said, East India Company, PFI, Indian Mujaheddin also using India in their name ..Chehre par chehre laga lete hai log (these people have false faces)."

Meanwhile, the INDIA alliance parties was also held in the Parliament office of Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, to chalk out the floor strategy for the Monsoon session of Parliament. INDIA is the name opposition parties have chosen for their alliance.

Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 2 pm on Tuesday amid protests by opposition parties on the violence in Manipur. As soon as the House met for the day, Opposition members sought to raise the issue and also started shouting slogans.

To break the deadlock in Parliament, Lok Sabha Speaker has called for a meeting of all floor leaders at 12:30 pm.

The MPs of the Opposition parties staged an overnight protest near the Mahatma Gandhi statue to highlight their demands. The opposition members were holding placards that read INDIA wants discussion on Manipur violence", INDIA for Manipur" etc.

As the deadlock in Parliament persisted for the third day on Monday, Home Minister Amit Shah asked the opposition to allow a debate on the Manipur issue to begin but both sides stood rigid on their stand while AAP MP Sanjay Sanjay Singh was suspended during an uproar in the Upper House for the rest of the monsoon session.

Relentless protests from opposition members, who insisted on a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi before any debate, marred the proceedings in both Houses while charges and countercharges flew thick and fast outside Parliament.

The Congress alleged that the prime minister was scared" of a discussion in Parliament, but the BJP claimed the opposition was running away as it does not want certain facts to come to the fore.

The RS Chairman later met the Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and discussed the way forward to break the deadlock on both sides.

Protests ruled the day inside both Houses despite attempts by Dhankhar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to end the impasse. Defence Minister Singh, who is also the deputy leader of Lok Sabha, reiterated his statement made on Friday that the government is ready for a discussion.

Since the session began on July 20, little work has been done in Parliament. Opposition members have seized on the viral video of two women stripped and paraded by a mob from another community in the violence-hit state to corner the government.

While the government has expressed its willingness to debate on the situation in the BJP-ruled state, the opposition has made a statement from Modi a precondition for any discussion on the issue.

As slogan-shouting by opposition members in Lok Sabha, many of whom were in the well of House, continued, Shah spoke briefly, questioning their intent despite his willingness to debate.

The government has said that the Home Minister will reply to any such debate on the Manipur issue. I am willing for discussion in Lok Sabha on the situation in Manipur but do not know why the opposition does not want it," Shah said.

He said opposition leaders should allow a debate, saying it was important for the truth to come out before the country on the Manipur issue.

The MPs of the BJP also staged protests near the Mahatma Gandhi statue to highlight their demands.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP sources said, has spoken to opposition leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge of the Congress and DMK leader T R Baalu, in an attempt to break the impasse but in vain.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Dhankhar also held a meeting with opposition leaders from the Upper House, including Jairam Ramesh, BRS K Keshava Rao, BJDs Sasmit Patra and AAPs Raghav Chadha, in this regard as well. Sources said the meeting ended within minutes, as the opposition walked out and said they were boycotting it".

When does the Monsoon Parliament Session 2023 begin and end?

The Monsoon Session of Parliament began on July 20 and continue till August 11. The session has been spread across 23 days and will have 17 sittings.

Which bills are scheduled to be discussed and passed during the Parliament Monsoon Session?

Earlier, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi said that 31 bills will be taken up in the monsoon session. Among these include the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023.

Other important legislations that are expected to be taken up in the Session are the Bill to replace the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, promulgated in May this year.

Other Bills on the agenda of the government include Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2019; Mediation Bill, 2021; Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2022 ; Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022; Repealing and Amending Bill, 2022 amongst others.

Order of business in Parliament Monsoon Session 2023 till now

In Lok Sabha, the government succeeded in transacting some legislative business amid uproar, with three Bills introduced and one withdrawn.

While the government withdrew the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019, it introduced the National Dental Commission Bill, 2023, the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, 2023 and the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023. Earlier in the day, as soon as the Lower House met at 11 am, opposition members from the Congress, DMK, Left parties and others were on their feet. Speaker Om Birla allowed Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury to speak and he raised the demand for the prime ministers statement The speaker said, The government will reply.. but you will not decide who will reply to the debate".

Why was AAP MP Sanjay Singh Suspended?

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh, one of the more vocal voices in Rajya Sabha, was suspended for repeatedly violating" the directives of the Chair after he rushed to the well of the House and pointed at the Chair during protest by opposition members on the Manipur issue.

Moving a motion for Singhs suspension that was adopted by voice vote, Leader of the House Piyush Goyal said such behaviour was not acceptable as the member was disturbing the House and was disregarding its ethics and rules.

Prior to that, Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar named Singh for his unruly behaviour" and cautioned him. Opposition parties condemned the action against Singh and accused the government of trying to throttle their voice.

Sanjay Singh, however, remained inside the Rajya Sabha chamber as a mark of protest, and moved out after the house was adjourned for the day. He then sat on a protest before the Gandhi statue along with other opposition MPs. Leaders of various parties urged the chairman to reconsider his decision and revoke the suspension.

What is Rule 267 in Rajya Sabha?

The Opposition is demanding a discussion on Manipur in Rajya Sabha under Rule 267, under which the House can suspend all of its pending business in order to focus on a matter that requires immediate attention.

Rule 267 states that any member, may, with the consent of the Chairman, move that any rule may be suspended in its application to a motion related to the business listed before the Council of that day and if the motion is carried, the rule in question shall be suspended for the time being: Provided further that this rule shall not apply where specific provision already exists for suspension of a rule under a particular chapter of the Rules," according to Rajya Sabha website.
Dealing with a case where a woman had committed suicide after alleged boyfriends abetment, the Allahabad High Court (HC) observed that the Indian youth are spoiling their lives by getting into free relationships just to ape the Western culture and not finding any real soulmate in the end.

A bench of Justice Siddhartha said that the youth in this country, under the influence of social media, movies, TV serials, and web series, are not able to decide about the correct course of their life and in search for their correct soulmates, they often land up in the company of a wrong person.

The social media, movies, etc. show that multiple affairs and infidelity to the spouse are normal and this inflames the imagination of impressionable minds and they start experimenting with the same, but they do fit in the prevailing societal norm," said the court.

The Court added that the young generation, unaware of the consequences of following the Western culture, is entering into the relationships being aired on social media, movies, etc., and after denial of social recognition for their choice of partner, they become disillusioned and behave, sometimes against the society, against their parents and also against the partner of their choice.

The Court noted that in the current matter, it appeared that the victim had multiple affairs, and when her relationship with one boy was resisted by the family and she got trapped between two relationships, she committed suicide out of frustration.

The court was hearing a bail plea filed by one of the alleged boyfriends of the deceased woman who had been booked under Sections 306, 504, 506 of the IPC.

The prosecution case was that the accused had a love affair with the victim, and as the accused used to threaten her and gang-raped her twice, she went into depression and killed herself.

The victim had consumed a mosquito repellent and died the next day. The case was lodged by the mother of the deceased. She had alleged that her husband had also died due to the threats extended by the accused and his friends.

However, the counsel for the accused submitted that he had been falsely implicated in the matter as the complaint lodged by the deceaseds mother mentioned one other boy who had an affair with the deceased.

The accuseds counsel apprised the court that the relationship between the deceased and the other boy was opposed by her family and she had started living separately in a rented house.

He contended that even though there was no evidence of abetment of suicide of the deceased and no positive action of the accused for the same had been stated by the witnesses, still he had been implicated in the matter.

On the other hand, the state counsel, along with the counsel for the deceaseds mother, submitted that the accused did not like the deceaseds relationships with other boys and used to threaten her against marrying any of them.

The high court found that initially the accused and the victim had a relationship which was opposed by the womans family. Thereafter, the woman developed a relationship with another boy, even though her relationship with the accused had not been completely over.

Between the two relationships, the deceased could not find out any clear way and therefore, it appears, that she consumed the mosquito repellent," said the court.

Further, the court found that the initial allegation of abduction and murder in the First Information Report (FIR)  were found to be incorrect by the investigation officer and the ingredients for constituting the offence of abetment of suicide were also not prima facie present against the accused. The high court allowed bail to the accused.
A Balidaan Stambh and a Balidaan Chakra in the heart of Srinagar city are expected to come up by next year to pay tribute to fallen soldiers. News18 has now accessed the ambitious projects blueprint. The Balidaan Stambh will be a pillar of about 12 metre height from the ground level to be built at the centre of the Balidaan Chakra, with the latter being spread over an area of about 950 sqm with a central circular walkway. There will also be Sculpture Candle Towers, an arch-featured circular wall, and a plaque wall to mention the names of the bravehearts.

The venue of these structures will be Srinagars Pratap Park, whose area of about 10,000 sqm will be landscaped for the project. Union home minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone last month during his Srinagar visit and the government of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir now wants the project to be completed within six months once the firm to build it is finalised.

Pratap Park is located in a prime area of Srinagar and is flanked on both sides by two important roads: Maulana Azad Road and Residency Road. Balidaan Stambh will be constructed towards the Regal link road end of Pratap Park.

The projects objective is to show eternal gratitude to the heroes of various wars fought in J&K since Independence and the Balidaan Stambh will be made in commemoration of the fallen soldiers.

Balidan Stambh will be a perfect historical and emotional rendezvous for the people of this region, epitomising a vibrant linkage of the rest of the country with Jammu and Kashmir, as per the projects documents.

The sacred soil of Jammu & Kashmir has been the battleground for several wars and the State has given some of the finest soldiers to the armed forces of the Nation, a document on the project mentions.
Gun thief sentenced for being a felon in possession of a firearm

A Jamestown man who stole guns and was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to 6 years in prison, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross reported.

Ross said Angelo Pollino, 35, acquired a .380 caliber pistol, a Glock pistol and a .38 caliber revolver when he and two other men broke into a home Jan. 24, 2019, in the Town of Ellicott.

Pollino and the other men used bank and credit cards stolen in the burglary at various places in New York and Pennsylvania and Pollino traded the pistol and the revolver for heroin.

Prosecutors noted that Pollino was convicted in Chautauqua County Court in January 2012 on charges of third-degree burglary and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property and is legally prohibited from possessing a gun.

- Dale Anderson
Two girls were washed away in an overflowing stream in Mahabubnagar district in Telangana following downpour as heavy rain continued to lash the state leading to inundation of low-lying areas and disruption of road links at several places in the state on Tuesday.

The two teenaged girls, who were crossing the stream, did not realise the current of water and got swept away, police said.

Their bodies were found by local people later, they said.

Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao directed Education Minister P Sabita Indra Reddy to declare holidays to all educational institutions in the state on Wednesday and Thursday in view of the heavy rains, an official release said.

The Met Centre of IMD here in its Daily Weather Report of Telangana State on Tuesday (0830 hours) said Velpur in Nizamabad district received 40 cm rainfall, followed by Jakranpalle and Bheemgal (23 cm each) in the same district.

The downpour led to inundation of low-lying areas in Warangal, Nizamabad and other districts.

Rivulets and other water bodies were in spate at various places in the state following the heavy rains leading to damage to disruption of road links and standing crops.

State Roads and Buildings Minister Vemula Prashant Reddy, who held a meeting with district officials at Nizamabad, enquired about the impact of rainfall and directed them to take steps to restore traffic where roads were damaged and to shift people in low-lying areas to safer places.

As per preliminary estimates, crops in about five thousand acres in the district suffered damage due to the downpour, an official release said.

State Panchayat Raj Minister Errabelli Dayakar Rao, along with public representatives and officials, visited the localities which faced inundation in Warangal and spoke to the residents there.

He said people of low-lying areas have been shifted to relief camps and that food and accommodation have been provided to them.

He asked the officials to take up relief measures, a release said.

In the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits, Asifnagar received the highest amount of rainfall of 4.3 cm.

Residential localities at Saidabad and others in the city faced waterlogging following the rains.

Two incidents of wall collapse have been reported and no one was injured, a GHMC release said.

GHMC Mayor Vijaya Lakshmi R Gadwal asked officials to be alert in view of forecast of heavy rains during the next couple of days and take steps to see that people do not face any problems, a GHMC release said.

Observing that 428 monsoon emergency teams have been set up, she said stagnated water on roads should be drained out quickly.

She urged the city residents to step out of their homes only if it is necessary, the release said.

In its impact-based heavy rainfall warning for districts of Telangana issued at 4 pm, the Met Centre of IMD here forecast that (red warning) heavy to very heavy rain with extremely heavy rain is very likely to occur at isolated places in Karimnagar, Peddapally and other districts from 4 pm hours of July 25 to 8.30 am on July 26.

Heavy rain is very likely to occur in several other districts during the same time period, it said.

From 8.30 am of July 26 to 8.30 am on July 27, heavy to very heavy rain with extremely heavy rain is very likely to occur at isolated places in Khammam, Nalgonda and other districts.

It also forecast that heavy rain is very likely to occur in various districts of Telangana during the same time.

In the impact-based forecast for heavy rainfall over Hyderabad and neighbourhood issued at 8.30 pm on Tuesday, the Met Centre said heavy to very heavy rain and at times very intense spells are very likely to occur in the city on July 26.
The alleged threats received by Karnataka High Court judges could likely be a hoax since there is no common thread to the demands, sources in intelligence agencies told News18, adding that death threats being made to all six judges is very unusual.

Police filed an FIR based on a complaint by K Muralidhar, the press relations officer of the Karnataka High Court, on July 14. In the complaint, Muralidhar said he had received messages on WhatsApp from an international number at 7pm on July 12. His mobile number is the one provided to him officially by the High Court.

The message in Hindi, Urdu and English allegedly threatened to kill Muralidhar and six judges of the High Court, including Justice Mohammed Nawaz, Justice HT Narendra Prasad, Justice Ashok G Nijagannavar (retired), Justice HP Sandesh, Justice K Natarajan and Justice B Veerappa (retired) through a Dubai gang, police said.

The FIR states that the message demanded a ransom of Rs 50 lakh to be paid to a bank account in Pakistan.

There is nothing common between the judges, except they all represent one state High Court. The threat doesnt demand any change in a judgment or any particular verdict. It only demands money in Pakistan. It is too early to predict, but this could be a hoax, an official said.

The FIR has been registered under Sections 506, 507 and 504 of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 75 and 66(F) of the Information Technology Act.
In a shocking incident, a luxury car caught fire in the middle of a busy road in Chennai, causing a significant traffic blockage on Wednesday. No one was reportedly injured in the incident that took place in the Chrompet area of Chennai.

A video of the incident is doing rounds on social media where a green-coloured BMW car, parked in the middle of the road, can be seen engulfed in smoke and flames.

BMW car caught fire at Chrompet, Chennai.A moving high-end car (BMW GT) caught fire in the middle of a busy road near Chrompet in Chennai.#CHENNAI #BMWCAR #BMWGT #CHROMPET pic.twitter.com/y3gq5uufsE  Nitesh rathore (@niteshr813) July 25, 2023

BMW GT that caught fire belonging to 37-year-old Arun Balaji, while it was traveling from Triplicane to Dindivanam, according to local media reports.

It was driven by Balajis driver, identified as Parthasarthy (22), who promptly stopped the car and jumped out of the vehicle after he noticed the smoke coming out of it, a report by Asianet News said.

Later, a team of the fire department reportedly reached the spot and extinguished the blaze. However, the high-end vehicle reportedly suffered extensive damage.
Anxiety can manifest itself in several ways, one of which is called high-function anxiety. Generally, a person dealing with high-function anxiety looks well put up, successful and capable in life from the outside. However, they may be handling intense anxiety and stress from the inside. People with high-function anxiety excel at work and studies and look competent enough in dealing with their relationships. It is often fear of failure and letting others downs that result in putting a perfect exterior.

Talking about high-function anxiety, therapist Lalitaa Suglani, in an Instagram post, wrote, High-functioning anxiety is a form of anxiety where individuals outwardly appear successful and capable in their daily lives, but internally, they experience significant anxiety and stress. People with high functioning anxiety often excel in their work or studies, maintain relationships, and accomplish tasks, but this success comes at the cost of intense and constant worry, perfectionism, and fear of failure.

According to Suglani, high functioning anxiety can be difficult to recognize because people may appear composed from the outside. The inner conflict, if left unaddressed, can result in increased stress, burnout, and a negative impact on overall well-being.

Suglani said that managing high-function anxiety is an ongoing process and it is alright to seek help if you need it. One should embrace the journey of self-discovery and self-care, and celebrate their progress along the way, she added.

Here are the ways to deal with high-functioning anxiety
India Couture Week 2023: After successfully showcasing its luxury jewellery line with Atelier Zuhras couture designs at London Fashion Week 2023, Renu Oberoi Luxury Jewellery is all set to make its India Couture Week debut.

Partnering with renowned fashion designer duo Falguni and Shane Peacock, the brand will be showcasing its high jewellery collection featuring avant-garde designs that transcend time and seasons. Each versatile design imagines luxury suitable for both Western and Indian couture from ramp to reality.

Ahead of the iconic showcase, luxury jewellery designer Renu Oberoi speaks to News18 about making her India Couture Week debut, partnering with FDCI opening show designers Falguni Shane Peacock and why jewellery is like the unsung hero of the runway.

Excerpts from the interview:

Post the Atelier Zuhra collaboration at London Fashion Week 2023, describe the collection you will be showcasing at India Couture Week 2023?

The artistry in the jewellery-making process is what truly excites me. Each piece in my collection for India Couture Week 2023 is a manifestation of colourful gemstones and diamonds brought together with a profound love for the craft.

As I delicately shape each design an understated opulence with simplicity emerges transcending fleeting trends and standing the test of time. The avant-garde creations are born from deep creative exploration, resulting in a touch of humble elegance that speaks from the very soul of my work.

Tell us how did the Falguni Shane Peacock collaboration fall into place and what about their ensembles resonates deeply with your high jewellery?

Collaborating with Falguni and Shane Peacock has been a remarkable journey of artistic synergy. Their unique creativity seamlessly merges with my high jewellery designs, giving birth to something truly special that goes beyond my individual efforts. The magic lies in the way our collective vision elevates the craftsmanship and the beauty of each of our pieces, infusing it with a profound sense of purpose.

It is your debut collaborative show at India Couture Week this year, what are you most excited about this show and the collection?

Being my first India Couture Week, I feel a profound sense of gratitude and excitement.

This opportunity is a humbling experience, and Im looking forward to sharing my collection in an intimate setting, surrounded by like-minded individuals who appreciate the beauty of fine craftsmanship.

Do you feel jewellery doesnt get much attention on the runway as compared to clothes? What changes would you like to see in Indian fashion shows?

I must admit, sometimes jewellery can feel like the unsung hero on the runway. But, Im on a mission to change that perception, Jewellery doesnt complement the look, it completes it. I want to see our work get its importance alongside stunning couture ensembles. Its all about creating a perfect harmony of fashion and art.

As a jewellery designer, what designs would you suggest for the upcoming wedding season?

As the wedding season approaches, my designs celebrate the art of subtlety complemented by a touch of grandeur. Meticulously curated gemstones and intricate details are the hallmarks of my craft, accentuating the innate beauty of every bride on her special day.

How would you define Renu Oberois design aesthetics?

My jewellery is a celebration of womenevery woman who adorns it should feel cherished, confident, and radiant, embracing their individuality with grace. In the end, the essence of my passion lies in the art and the workthe very heart of every creation, where the spirit of celebration and the empowerment of women are woven together with love and dedication.

Renu Oberoi Luxury Jewellery x Falguni Shane Peacock showcase will be held on July 25 at Durbar Hall, Taj Palace, Delhi at 8:30 pm.
KARGIL VIJAY DIWAS 2023: Its been 24 years since India won the Kargil War, driving out Pakistani intruders in 1999. The war continued from May 3 to July 26, 1999, and the Indian Army re-established its control in the captured areas along the Line of Control (LoC). Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on July 26 to pay tribute to the soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives to protect our country. The day is also an important occasion to commemorate the supreme sacrifice made by martyrs and to celebrate the victory of Indian armed forces.

A series of events are being organised by the Indian Army, Central government and other organisations across the country to observe the day. The Indian Army organised a grand felicitation ceremony this June for those who had displayed great courage during the war.

On this Kargil Vijay Diwas, lets take a look at some interesting facts about the War and share some quotes on this historic day.

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023: Interesting Facts

A year-long celebration of the Silver Jubilee of Kargil Vijay Diwas has been planned by the Ministry of Defence, which will begin on July 26, 2023. On July 4, 1999, the Indian Army recaptured Tiger Hill after a nighttime attack. It remains one of the most significant victories of the Indian Army during the war. Indian Air Force launched its operation in Kargil on May 26, 1999. The Indian Army discovered Pakistans involvement in the conflict from documents found near the dead bodies of Pakistani soldiers after the war ended. A total of 527 Indian soldiers were martyred in the war. The Param Vir Chakra, Indias highest military honour, was conferred on martyr Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey and Captain Vikram Batra posthumously. On July 14, then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared Operation Vijay a success.

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023: Quotes
Earlier, Ameesha had taken to Twitter to defend her Gadar 2 co-star, Simrat Kaur, who was facing trolling for her previous work in a few Telugu films, including Dirty Hari and a Hindi film Soni. In Gadar 2, Simrat is cast opposite Utkarsh Sharma, while Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel reprise their iconic roles as Tara Singh and Sakina, respectively.

Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Ameesha wrote, Spent the entire evening today defending the negativity surrounding Simrat Kaur who is paired opposite Utkarsh Sharma in GADAR 2!! Being a girl I request all to only spread positivity and not shame a girl! Lets encourage new talent!!

Gadar 2, starring Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel, is generating excitement among fans. The trailer of Gadar 2 was earlier expected to release on July 27. However, it is now slated to release on Wednesday, July 26.

And now, it is being reported that Ameesha Patel might skip the trailer launch. According to sources, the actress wants to avoid embarrassing questions related to certain controversial videos of Simrat Kaur that were leaked on YouTube. Ameesha feels she should lend her support to another girl and avoid further controversial questions. Rumours are rife that the producers have included only one shot of the Simrat in the trailer due to the ongoing controversies surrounding her.

Gadar 2, announced in October 2021, is a remake of the 2001 film Gadar: Ek Prem Katha. Set in post-partition India, the movie portrayed the love story of Sakeena, a Muslim girl and Tara Singh, an Indian Sikh boy. In the first instalment, Tara crossed the border to bring back his wife. Directed by Anil Sharma, who also helmed the original film, Gadar 2 will see his son Utkarsh reprise his role as Tara and Sakeenas young son Jeete.

Meanwhile, Ameesha, through a post, had earlier revealed that her character is not dying in the film. But the post left netizens disappointed - who blaming the actress for spoiling the mystery by revealing its storyline.
The trailer of Netflix series, Guns and Gulaabs suggests that it is based in the 90s. Actor Gulshan Devaiah, sporting slightly long hair, has an uncanny resemblance to one of the top actors in Bollywood during that time. According to the sources, Gulshans look is inspired from Sanjay Dutts look in the 90s.

An insider from the production shared, The series is set in the 90s and the Sanjay Dutt craze was at its peak during that time and many people started adapting that. The team thought about what better way to capture the 90s than that look. It was actually Gulshan who suggested this idea and was quite keen to carry that look too. He made it seem very natural.

Guns and Gulaabs is a comedy crime thriller which is created and directed by Raj and DK. It is based on the 90s world of crime and violence and stars Rajkummar Rao, Dulquer Salmaan, Adarsh Gourav, and TJ Bhanu in lead roles. This also marks the reunion of Gulshan Devaiah and Rajkummar Rao for the third time. The duo was first seen together in Shaitan, where Gulshan played one of the leads and Rajkummar portrayed the character of a corrupt cop. They came back together after almost a decade with Badhaai Do, where they played love interests and made the audience fall in love with their onscreen chemistry.

The teaser saw Rajkummar as the narrator talking about exploring the dark side that lives within every man. In the clip, a measly Rajkummar Rao can be seen crying and pleading but driving a wrench into someones head. Dulquer is seen in the role of a policeman. One also see a wild shootout and a sassy Adarsh Gourav showing up at the station with thugs.

Gulshan is currently in London shooting for Ulajh, which also stars Jahnvi Kapoor and Rohan Mathew. Based on the Indian Foreign Service, the film is directed by National winning director Sudhanshu Saria.
Did Kangana Ranaut gift her sister-in-law jewellery pieces from the house of Karan Johars jewellery brand Tyaani? Well, Reddit has jumped to the conclusion that one of the jewellery pieces Kangana gifted her bhabhi are from the directors brand. The rumour sparked after Kangana shared photos from her sister-in-law, Ritu Ranauts Godbharai. On Sunday, Kangana hosted a traditional babyshower ceremony at her house in Mumbai.

Taking to Instagram, she shared a series of candid photos from the ceremony. In one of the photos, Kangana was seen gifting boxes of jewellery to Ritu. The photo landed on Reddit with the user claiming that one of the boxes are from the jewellery brand owned by Karan. However, it doesnt seem the case.

The box is display is from the house of Gehna, another luxury jewellery brand. Going by the packaging of the second box in her hand, it doesnt seem from the house of Tyaani either. Having said this, News18 has no confirmation if the box if truly not from Karans brand.

Ritu Ranaut, who married Kanganas brother Akshit Ranaut last year, is expecting her first baby. Sharing photos from the babyshower, Kangana wrote, Sharing some precious moments from Ritu Ranauts Godbharai Our hearts are full and we all are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Baby Ranaut  thanks for all your well wishes and blessings."

Meanwhile, on the work front, Kangana will be seen as an Air Force Pilot in Tejas. The first look was release recently and it was revealed that the film will be releasing on October 20. The film will be clashing with Kriti Sanon and Tiger Shroff starrer Baaghi. Apart from this, she will be next seen in the upcoming period film Emergency.
South Korea is grappling with heavy rains which has led to extensive devastation with many households left without electricity and food. The situation has presented significant challenges for the affected communities, especially with more rainfall expected in the coming days. In response to the crisis, vital support and essential supplies are being provided by organizations such as the Korea National Red Cross. They have stepped up their efforts to assist those in need during this challenging time. Renowned personalities have also extended a helping hand, including Park Shin-hye, known for her work in the movie The Call. The actress generously donated relief goods worth 100 Million Won (roughly Rs 65 lakh) to help the victims of the severe rain.

According to reports by All K-Pop, the Korean Red Cross stated, Park Shin Hye learned about the local situation in the affected area through the Korean Red Cross and personally selected and donated 2,000 summer blankets needed for families affected by torrential rain.

The organization further expressed their hope that Park Shin-hyes kind act would offer support and strength to the residents of the impacted area, especially those who have lost their homes due to the disaster.

Park Shin-hye has previously shown her generosity on multiple occasions. The actress earlier donated to help in forest fire recovery efforts and has actively supported various international relief organizations as well.

According to Korea Times, the government had raised the disaster alert level from level 1 to level 2. Although the current conditions may not fully meet the criteria for a level 2 alert, the decision was made due to the significant amount of rainfall expected in the capital city, Seoul.

Earlier this month, Seoul faced a major impact from heavy rains, resulting in power cuts, delayed flights and the evacuation of many residents from their homes. In response to the situation, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo highlighted the importance of ensuring no casualties occurred during this challenging period. He ordered officials to be prepared to respond quickly to any emergencies.

On the work front, Park Shin-hye is currently shooting for her upcoming rom-com series, Doctor Slump, where she will be starring alongside Park Hyung-Sik. This collaboration marks a special reunion for the two stars, as they last worked together on The Heirs a decade ago. Earlier this year, the duo delighted audiences at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards when they appeared together as presenters.
Amid rumours that Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys marriage is in trouble, a new report has claimed that the former Suits actress has moved in to a hotel. Meghan and Harry have been living in the US from 2020 after separating from the British royal family in the UK. The couple shares a home in Montecito with their kids, son Archie and daughter Lilibet. Last week, rumours did the rounds claiming that their marriage is on the rocks. It was also claimed that Meghan and Harry are planning to take time off.

Now, a new report has claimed that Meghan has moved into a room at a Los Angeles hotel. However, the move is being linked to the Duchess of Sussex seeking bigger job opportunities. The shift is allegedly disapproved by Prince Harry. As reported by Sky News, American journalist and royal commentator Kinsey Schofield told GB News that she has moved closer to her agency.

One of the rumours is that Meghan has set up shop in a hotel suite across from her agency William Morris Endeavour and that she has her eyes set on bigger opportunities," Schofield said. She wants to be a power player in Hollywood and that this is not the direction that Harry has any desire to go," Schofield added. Meghan signed WME earlier this year.

The report about her alleged move comes amid claims that all is not well with Meghan and Harry. According to Radar Online report, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are taking time apart to rebuild their bond.

Theyre trying to figure out what hit them. Harry doesnt fit in Meghans tacky Tinseltown world," an alleged source told the outlet. The couple have allegedly had a few rocky months following the bad press theyve received and the deals that fell out. The reported added that the Spotify deal failure was a game-changer" for their relationship.

It was also claimed that Harry is headed to Africa, where he feels most like himself and Meghan will not accompany him. He is allegedly headed for the solo trip to film his documentary for Netflix. However, a Page Six source refuted the trouble in marriage rumours. Its not true, its literally made up," the source said.
Christopher Nolans Oppenheimer has left a section of the Indian audience disappointed. The film is receiving backlash for a scene in which the lead actor, Cillian Murphy is reciting a line from Bhagwat Gita while indulging in sex. Nitish Bhardwaj, who used to place Lord Krishna in Mahabharata, has now reacted to the controversy.

In a recent interview with E-Times, Nitish Bhardwaj supported the scene in Nolans movie and explained that Gita teaches a sense of duty to all in the middle of a battlefield. In this regard, he argued that in our life also, we undergo several battlefields.

When Oppenheimer created the atom bomb & it was used to kill most of Japans population, he was himself questioning whether he did his duty properly ! His famous interview showed him in tears, which means that he had probably regretted his own invention. He probably saw that his invention will destroy the human race in future & he was probably remorseful. The use of this verse in the film should also be understood from Oppenheimers emotional state of mind. A scientist thinks of his creation 24x7x365 days, irrespective of what he is doing. His mind space is consumed fully of his creation & the physical act is just a natural mechanical act," he said.

The Mahabharata fame further urged people to understand Nolans message and added, I appeal to people to think of this emotional aspect of Oppenheimers important moments of life. Isnt he proved correct that now we see all the explosive technologies killing our own race - for human greed of territorial & commercial superiority, without any sense of larger duty as an individual or a nation or a planet. The situation today is the same as Kurukshetra, which is why the Brahmins & Kshatriyas consciously did not propagate the Veda of warfare - Dhanurveda. The UN must enforce nuclear disarmament seriously. Nolans message is loud & clear!"

For the unversed, Oppenheimer is based on the 2005 book American Prometheus, written by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin. It revolves around J. Robert Oppenheimer (played by Cillian Murphy) who is responsible for the creation of the atomic bomb in the World War II-era. The movie also stars Robert Downey Jr., Emily Blunt, Matt Damon and Florence Pugh in key roles.
Prasad Oaks name is synonymous with his exceptional works in the Marathi industry, especially his movie Chandramukhi which shot him to stardom. He is also one of the prominent faces in the industry and his acting prowess and impressive personality have won him a great fanfare. Recently, the actor grabbed the attention of his social media followers after he posted a cryptic message on his Instagram Stories.

Prasad Oak taunted gossipmongers and took a dig at them. He wrote, Appreciate those who gossip about you. Its not easy for someone to leave their problems and worry about yours."

Recently, the actor-filmmaker unveiled the motion of his upcoming directorial, Vadapav on Instagram. He wrote, Vadapav! God kutumbachi tikhat love story (A good love story of a sweet family)." The post also announced that the shoot for the movie has begun. Vadapav stars Prasad, Gauri Nalawade, Abhinay Berde, Ritika Shrotri, Rasika Vengurlekar, Savita Prabhune and many others.

Actress Titeeksha Tawde reacted to the post and commented, Im screaming yay!" A fan commented, Congratulations Sir." One more wrote, Wow! Looking forward to this." Another user wrote, Wohoo congratulations to Prasad Sir and the whole team of Vadapav."

Prasad Oak is known for directing the commercially hit movie Chandramukhi which starred Amruta Khanvilkar, Prajakta Mali, Adinath Kothare, Radha Sagar and many others. The movie is about an upcoming politician named Daulat Rao who falls in love with an artist named Chandramukhi. The experience changes everything, with repercussions in his political career and also affects his personal life. Reportedly, he will be making a film on the veteran actor Nilu Phule.

His other works include Bhadrakali, Kaccha Limbu, Picasso, and Hai Kai Nai Kai. He also has some interesting projects in the pipeline like Vadalvaat, Akash Mazhya Rashila, Gahire Paani and Paoos Yeta Yeta, amongst many others.
Christopher Nolans Oppenheimer has left Indian audiences upset over a scene in which the films lead actor, Cillian Murphy is reciting a line from Bhagavad Gita while indulging in sex. While a large number of Indians have expressed disappointment with the scene, filmmaker Ram Gopal Verma recently made a shocking comment.

Ram Gopal Verma took to his Twitter and mocked Indians claiming most of them must not have read the Hindu holy text Bhagavad Gita. Irony is that an American nuclear scientist Oppenheimer read the BhagwadGeeta which I doubt even 0.0000001 % of Indians read (sic), he wrote.

Irony is that an American nuclear scientist Oppenheimer read the BhagwadGeeta which I doubt even 0.0000001 % of Indians read Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) July 24, 2023

Several social media users reacted to Ram Gopal Vermas Tweet and agreed with the filmmaker. Absolutely I agree with you those who never touched the BGeetha, they felt like they are the owners  I read few chapters but understood 0.00000%," one of the users wrote. Truth be told, he makes a valid point, another user replied. However, some of the netizens also called RGV ignorant and lashed out at the filmmaker for his comment.

Earlier today, Nitish Bhardwaj, who used to place Lord Krishna in Mahabharata, also reacted to the controversy and urged viewers to understand Nolans message. I appeal to people to think of this emotional aspect of Oppenheimers important moments of life. Isnt he proved correct that now we see all the explosive technologies killing our own race - for human greed of territorial & commercial superiority, without any sense of larger duty as an individual or a nation or a planet. The situation today is the same as Kurukshetra," he told E-Times.

Oppenheimer is based on the 2005 book American Prometheus, written by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin. It revolves around J. Robert Oppenheimer (played by Cillian Murphy) who is responsible for the creation of the atomic bomb in the World War II-era. The movie also stars Robert Downey Jr., Emily Blunt, Matt Damon and Florence Pugh in key roles.
Rocky and Rani are going all out to create buzz for their highly anticipated movie. The Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani team embarked on a promotional tour across five cities to generate excitement among the audience. Following their successful visit to Kolkata, Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt have now returned to their hometown, Mumbai. As soon as they touched down at the airport, the paparazzi were quick to catch a glimpse of the star pair.

The dynamic duo made a striking appearance as they returned to their families. Both were dressed in chic all-black outfits. Ranveer chose to wear a black t-shirt paired with matching pants, which he complemented with a stylish long jacket and eye-catching pink slippers. On the other hand, Alia opted for a black shirt layered over a tank top, combined with comfortable baggy jeans. Ranveer bid farewell to Alia before getting into his vehicle. A video of their interaction is now doing rounds on social media platforms.

Watch Here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Instant Bollywood (@instantbollywood)

During their visit to Kolkata, Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt unveiled their latest song from the film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani titled Dhindhora Baje Re. Composed by Pritam and penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya, this song marks the fourth addition to the films song album. The makers have been building anticipation. The teaser and trailer are already out and have received an overwhelmingly positive response from fans. Prior to Dhindhora Baje Re, three other fantastic tracks were unveiled  Tum Kya Mile, What Jhumka, and Ve Kamleya. Each song has managed to strike a chord with the audience.

Meanwhile, advance booking for the film has already begun. The news was confirmed by Karan Johar in an Instagram post. With butterflies in my stomach and love overflowing for you all - Im gearing up for a piece of my heart to enthrall you on the big screen! BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW- in cinemas this Friday, Karan Johar wrote along with the post.

Apart from Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani features Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi in the lead roles. The film will hit the theatres on July 28.
Addressing reports of cuts proposed by the censor board in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani, Bollywood star Alia Bhatt on Monday said the makers of her upcoming film have made some minor changes respecting the CBFCs suggestions. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had reportedly asked the producers to chop a few scenes containing abusive words and remove references to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, including the dialogue Khela hobe (Game on)  the slogan of her party TMC during the 2021 Assembly elections.

Asked for her take on the cuts suggested by the CBFC, Alia said while they have made the changes desired by the board, the final film flows seamlessly. There have been some minor cuts that have been asked by the board and we respect that completely and that has been coordinated but whatever cut (of Khela hobe) youre talking about is not the case."

I think we should let everybody watch the film and not talk about whats been cut. The final cut (of the film) is seamlessly flowing regardless of these minor cuts," the actor told reporters here. Alia was in the city to promote Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani along with her co-star Ranveer Singh.

Directed by Karan Johar and backed by Dharma Productions, the movie marks KJos comeback as a director after over a decade. Recently, Ranveer and Alia were in Delhi to promote their movie when the former revealed that KJo has very intentionally used Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai references in RRKPK.

Besides Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, RRKPK also stars veteran actors Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi and Jaya Bachchan in key roles. It also includes supporting actors like Tota Roy Chowdhury, Ronit Roy, Saswata Chatterjee, Karmveer Choudhary, Kshitee Jog, and numerous prominent performers. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani will hit theatres on July 28.
Amy Jackson is raising the temperatures and how with her sexy photos from Udaipur. The actress landed in the beautiful destination of Rajasthan with beau Ed Westwick after spending a weekend in Mumbai. In photos and videos she shared on Instgram, Amy revealed that she has kissed all inhibitions goodbye and enjoying her stay by getting pampered in the room and having meals with Ed.

In the first two photos of the post, Amy was seen wearing a white bra with a pair of white shorts and posing in her luxurious room. The photos have grabbed eyeballs with many fans praising Amy for her fit look. In the third photo, a tired Ed was seen seated in a bathrob. In the fourth, Amy was seen getting a pedicure. They then headed out for a lake-view lunch. She wrapped the series with a photo of her lunch view. She shared the photos with the caption, Long, lazy monsoon mornings ."

Amy and Ed were in Mumbai over the weekend and it seems like they had a ball! They were seen heading out on lunch and dinner dates, with Amy showing Ed iconic places of South Mumbai. They were also seen attending a bash on Sunday night.

Ed Westwick, best known for his role in Gossip Girl, is in India to show his support to Amys new film. It is said that Amy is in India for her upcoming film Mission: Chapter 1 - Achcham Enbathu Illaiyae. For the unversed, Amy and Ed have been dating for a while now. After months of speculations, the couple publicly acknowledged their relationship by attending the National Film Awards together in London in 2022. The couple often shares photos with each other on their respective social media handles. Last month, Amy marked Eds birthday with a special post.
After a dreamy intimate engagement ceremony, Telugu stars Varun Tej and Lavanya Tripathi are all set to tie the sacred knot this year. Buzz is that, the lovebirds are planning to get married in Italy.

A source close to their family informed Pinkvilla that, Though Varun and Lavanya will have a destination wedding, they have decided to keep the wedding a low-key affair. Only a few close friends from the industry, with Varun and Lavanyas family members will fly to Italy for the wedding. You will witness a fairy-tale full of surprises and filled with beautiful moments.

Previously, many celebrities like Anushka Sharma-Virat Kohli, Deepika Padukone-Ranveer Singh have got married in Italy. While Virat and Anushka got married in Borgo Finocchieto, Deepika and Ranveer got married in Lake Como. It is yet to be seen where Varun and Lavanya choose to take their wedding vows. Varun and Lavanya got engaged on June 9.

Have a look at their engagement photos:

Several stars and their immediate family members were a part of their festivities including the entire Allu and Mega family  comprising Ram Charan, Allu Arjun, Sai Dharam Tej, Panja Vaisshnav Tej, Allu Aravind, and others.

Varun Tej and Lavanya Tripathi met on the sets of Mister in 2017. The actors reportedly fell head over heels for each other during the filming and have been dating ever since. Over time, their friendship transformed into a romantic relationship, but the couple chose to keep it confidential. It was during the filming of their second movie, Antariksham 9000 KMPH, that the news of them dating came to light.

Eventually, Varun Tej and Lavanya started making public appearances together, attending parties and events as a couple. Lavanyas presence at the wedding of Varun Tejs sister, actress Niharika Konidela, in 2020 further fuelled speculation about their relationship.
The new world order is splitting into three axes. The first is the United States-led Western alliance of democracies. The second is the China-Russia axis of autocratic, predatory powers. The third is the independent Global South led by India and comprising a raft of diverse nations across Asia, Africa and South America.

Europe represents the past, America the present and Africa the future. A continent of 55 sovereign nations and 1.25 billion people, Africa is the birthplace of humankind.

Homo Sapiens originated here 70,000 years ago and began a global migration to Europe, Asia and other continents. Every race today  Caucasoid, Negroid, Mongoloid and Australoid, to give them their technical anthropological nomenclature  originated in Africa.

Enslaved and colonised by Europeans for centuries, Africa is finally on the cusp of its own tryst with destiny. According to the United Nations, Nigeria in West Africa will be the worlds third most populous nation after India and China by the end of this century.

Spotting Africas potential early, China has been investing heavily in the continent. India is catching up. The Bharti Airtel group, for instance, operates mobile telecom services in 14 African countries. Its net profit from its African operations at $750 million (Rs 6,050 crore) has risen steadily.

A free trade agreement (FTA) with the South African Customs Union (SACU) is on the cards. The expansion of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to African countries as in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Singapore and France could establish India as a global technology leader.

India has an added advantage over China. Indian migrants who came to Africa to live and work centuries ago form a bridge between Indian and Africans. The Chinese in contrast are insular: their workers on infrastructure projects have been accused of racism.

The African Union (AU) comprises all 55 African countries. Its voice is increasingly heard in global forums. South Africa will host the BRICS summit in August. Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the summit in person but will take part virtually. Western media had asked the South African government to arrest him against the warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.

In an interview with the BBC last month, an African National Congress leader asked the interviewer whether former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former US President George W. Bush, who ordered the illegal bombing and invasion of Iraq that killed several thousand civilians, had been arrested?

Apart from the geopolitics of Africas growing importance, it is unconscionable that nearly one-sixth of humanity  roughly the same as Indias population  has a marginal voice in global affairs. Indias move to make the African Union a permanent member of the G20 is therefore both right and timely.

Indias G20 sherpa Amitabh Kant, in an interview with a business daily, noted: Global leaders have also been expressing their support for the inclusion of AU in the G20, in various other international fora. With the Global South bearing the brunt of todays intertwined challenges, enhancing their voice in a forum such as the G20 was a must. Africa must have a voice in addressing issues directly affecting them. By adding the AU, the G20 would come to represent 80% of the global population, up from the current 60%. This was our thinking in inviting the African Union to be part of the G20.

Africa is a complex and diverse continent. Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt in North Africa are Arabic. West Africa, from where Britain, France, Spain and Portugal shipped slaves to the Americas for over 300 years, is rich in oil. East Africa is home to a large Indian diaspora, including the ancestors of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Home Minister Suella Braverman. South Africa was devastated by apartheid under Dutch and British colonial rule but it is, along with Nigeria, Africas largest economy. Central Africa though is torn by war and poverty.

Indians came to Africa both as voluntary migrants seeking work and trade and as indentured labourers shipped during British colonial rule.

The next wave of Indians is different. Apart from Indian business enterprises investing in mining, oil exploration, infrastructure and technology, educational institutes are opening campuses in Africa. The first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus outside India will be established in Tanzania by IIT-Madras.

V Kamakoti, director of IIT-M is upbeat. AT IIT-M, we are very keen on bringing women into leadership roles, he says. We are following sustainable development goals and one of the important goals suggested is that we need to bring in gender balance. Professor Preeti Aghalayam will be the first ever woman to be an IIT director.

To begin operations in October 2023 in the Tanzanian city of Zanzibar, the IIT-M campus will empower women both in Africa and India. According to director Preeti Aghalayam, an IIT-M alumnus herself, During our visits to Zanzibar as an IIT-M contingent we had noticed that the representation of women from their side was quite significant. The minister of education in Zanzibar is a woman, their permanent secretary who is a part of our steering committee is a woman, and of course, the President of Tanzania herself is a woman.

Once the African Union joins the G20, not only will the voice of Africa be heard globally but Indias leadership of the independent axis of the Global South will play an even greater pivotal role in the new world order.

The writer is an editor, author and publisher. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Maharashtra, a state that has major political break-ups, patch-ups, turmoil and changing equations within parties in last four years, is yet again tensed. This time a statement by former chief minister and senior Congressman has raised eyebrows. This leader believes that BJP will make NCP leader Ajit Pawar the next CM.

Prithviraj Chavan on Monday reiterated his belief that the BJP high command had decided to make deputy CM Ajit Pawar the next chief minister of the state as it could not hope to face the electorate in the 2024 Lok Sabha election with current CM Eknath Shinde.

As the statement began to spark new round of speculations, senior BJP leader and deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis was quick to nip it in the bud. Fadnavis claimed that Ajit Pawar is well aware of the fact that he would not become the chief minister and the same was conveyed to him during meetings held before July 2.

What Did Prithviraj Chavan Say?

On Monday, Chavan told a regional news channel that a decision on the disqualification of CM Shinde and 15 other MLAs of Shiv Sena will be taken around August 10.

After deciding the disqualification of Shinde and other MLAs, incumbent Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar would be anointed as the chief minister around August 10," the former chief minister said.

ALSO READ | Modi for India, Shinde for Maharashtra: Full Page Print Ad by Shiv Sena Irks State BJP Unit

Chavan also claimed that the BJP is not keen on contesting the next Lok Sabha elections under Shinde as he wields no influence outside his home district of Thane".

The BJP now has an alternative in Ajit Pawar. This is the fate of Shinde. The understanding of top BJP leadership indicates they want to make Ajit Pawar the chief minister and face elections, he added.

Devendra Fadnavis Response to Chavans Statement

Responding to Chavans claim, Fadnavis said, As a leader of the single largest party (BJP) in Mahayuti (grand alliance), I am officially telling you that Ajit Pawar will not become the chief minister of Maharashtra".

He said the Cabinet may be expanded by August 10 and nothing else. When meetings of Mahayuti took place (before the July 2 induction of the NCP faction in the government), Ajit Pawar was given a clear picture that he would not get the post of chief minister," the deputy chief minister told reporters.

Fadnavis claimed a clear picture was presented to Ajit Pawar about the power-sharing formula and he had agreed to it. He (Ajit) not only agreed to it but also made it clear in his speech that there is no discussion on changing the guard in Maharashtra, he said.

Fadnavis snubbed Prithviraj Chavan for allegedly peddling rumours. They should stop confusing people about Mahayuti. Leaders are not confused but party workers do get perplexed. People like Prithviraj Chavan are spreading rumours. If something is going to happen by August 10, it would be the expansion of the state Cabinet. The CM will take a call on it, he said.

Recent Change in Maharashtras Politics

Ajit Pawar and eight MLAs of the Nationalist Congress Party joined the Shiv Sena-BJP government on July 2. While Ajit Pawar took oath as the deputy chief minister, the MLAs were sworn in as ministers. Later, the crucial finance department was allotted to the nephew of Sharad Pawar. Shinde had said Ajit Pawars entry into the government posed no threat to him.

Why Such Speculations on Ajit Pawar?

According to a report in The Hindu, speculation about Shinde and the fate of his Shiv Sena camp, which saw unrest after Ajit Pawars startling induction to the ruling government, has intensified after Shindes two visits to Delhi in less than a week.

On July 22, on occasion of Ajit Pawars 64th birthday, the NCP leaders supporters put out banners and television advertisements hailing him as the next CM of the State, the report mentioned.

The Hindu further stated that a tweet by Ajit Pawars close aide, NCP MLC Amol Mitkari that the Ajit era had begun" further fuelled speculation on Ajit Pawar becoming the next CM of the state.

(With inputs from PTI)
A Rochester man has been arrested and charged in connection with a bank robbery Monday morning in Batavia.

The suspect, 53-year-old Stacy Moss of Rochester, was charged with third-degree robbery and fourth-degree grand larceny, both felonies.

According to police, Moss entered the KeyBank on Main Street and gave the teller a note demanding money. Moss did not display or threaten the teller with a weapon. He allegedly left the scene on a bicycle with an undetermined amount of money.

Batavia police and Genesee County sheriffs deputies responding to the scene were initially unable to locate a suspect. Investigators shared an image of the suspect from a bank security camera and used facial recognition software from the Monroe County Crime Analysis Center to attach it with an identity.

Police say they received word that the suspect was hiding in a residence on South Spruce Street. Officers responded and took Moss into custody without incident.

Moss was arraigned in Batavia City Court and is being held in Genesee County Jail until his next court appearance.

At the time of his arrest, Moss was under the supervision of New York State Parole for a prior robbery conviction.
The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed a bill to include Dhanuhar, Dhanuwar, Kisan, Saunra, Saonra and Binjhia communities in the list of Scheduled Tribes in Chhattisgarh amid a walkout by opposition members demanding discussion on the Manipur violence.

The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Fifth Amendment) Bill, 2022, which also seeks to formalise Bhuinya, Bhuiyan and Bhuyan as synonyms of the Bharia Bhumia community, was passed in the Upper House through a voice vote.

It also includes three Devanagari versions of the name of the Pando community.

The Lok Sabha had cleared the legislation in December 2022.

Piloting the bill in the Rajya Sabha, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda said the passage of the bill will benefit around 72,000 people in Chhattisgarh. It is a small number but it speaks about the sensitivity of the government towards welfare of the tribals, he stated.

Munda noted that the Modi government has been actively involved in resolving the issues faced by tribal communities spread all across the country. He stated the tribal communities were suffering for years but the previous governments did little to resolve their problems.

In the past nine years, we have tried to work diligently for the welfare of the tribal communities whether it is Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura or Uttar Pradesh, Munda said.

He noted that the government would look seriously into the suggestions given by the members during the course of discussion in the Upper House.

Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Renuka Singh Saruta said the passage of the bill is a proud day for tribal communities all across the country.

Taking part in the discussion, Niranjan Bishi of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supported the bill, saying it will be beneficial for the tribals of Chhattisgarh. Similarly, Ryaga Krishnaiah of the YSRCP, who spoke in Telugu, also supported the legislation.

Samir Oraon (BJP), while supporting the bill, said tribals have been deprived of development since Independence but the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has taken many steps for their development.

Kanakmedala Ravindra Kumar (TDP), who also supported the bill, tried to raise the issues related to problems faced by tribals in Andhra Pradesh, but was asked by Deputy Chairman Harivansh to speak only on the bill.

Saroj Pandey and Kirodi Lal Meena of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also took part in the discussion and highlighted the steps taken by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government for the development of tribals across the country.

M Thambidurai of the AIADMK while supporting the bill sought ST status for fishermen and some other communities in Tamil Nadu.

Anil Agrawal of the BJP while welcoming the legislation criticised the opposition members for walking out during the discussion.

Citing cases from Tripura, Biplab Kumar Deb (BJP) said the government has been working for the welfare of the tribals.

V Vijaysai Reddy of the YSRCP supported the bill and said his party will wholeheartedly support any initiative which benefits the tribal community.

Sasmit Patra (BJD) sought ST status for 169 communities in Odisha.

Rakesh Sinha (BJP), GK Vasan TMC (M), K Laxman (BJP), MoS Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale and Ramji (BSP) also spoke during the discussion.

When the Upper House reassembled post lunch, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda moved the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Fifth Amendment) Bill, 2022 for consideration and passage.

Opposition members, who continued to create an uproar in the House demanding a discussion on Manipur, raised objections to the passage of the bill amid din and walked out.

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge got up to raise the Manipur issue, while asserting that he supported the bill, but said Prime Minister Modi must come to the House and speak on the violence in the northeastern state to which the treasury benches raised strong objections.

The Opposition alleged that Kharges mic was shut off and he was not allowed to complete his point.

In the Rajya Sabha this afternoon, BJP MPs prevented Leader of the Opposition, @kharge-ji from speaking and raising INDIAs demand for PMs statement in the House on Manipur and a discussion thereafter. Repeated obstruction at the instigation of none other than the Leader of the House himself and the insistence to pass Bills in the din led to a walkout by all INDIA MPs for the rest of the day, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said in a tweet.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will stage a protest on Tuesday over the situation in strife-torn Manipur and against alleged incidents of brutality against women in the northeastern state. The protest will be staged at Jantar Mantar.

The Aam Aadmi Party will hold a peaceful protest at 4 pm on Tuesday at Jantar Mantar in Delhi against the increasing violence and brutality against women in Manipur. All friends are appealed to reach Jantar Mantar at 4 pm, AAPs Delhi state convenor Gopal Rai said in a tweet in Hindi.

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 communitys demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipurs 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.
A helicopter scheduled to carry Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan developed a technical snag, forcing him to travel by road for more than 120 km on Tuesday, an official said.

The CM travelled by helicopter from Bhopal to Bankhedi in the Hoshangabad district from where he was to go to Seoni Malwa town. However, before he could board the chopper at Bankhedi, he was informed that it wouldnt be able to take off as it had developed a technical problem, said the official.

Chouhan then decided to take the road route from Bankhedi to Seoni Malwa, a drive of more than two hours, said the official.

I apologise to you for not reaching Seoni Malwa on time to be in your midst as the helicopter developed some technical snag at Bankhedi, the CM said in a video message.

Chouhan, who recorded the message while travelling in a car, said the Jan Darshan programme in which he was supposed to take part stood cancelled due to the delay.

But I will not go back without meeting you all and will reach the venue of the meeting soon, Chouhan said.

After taking part in the Vikas Parv programme, being organised in the BJP-governed state from July 16 to August 14 ahead of the crucial year-end assembly polls, at Bankhedi, Chouhan was supposed to reach Seoni Malwa, but the technical snag in his helicopter disrupted his plan, said the official.

Another helicopter was sent to Seoni Malwa to bring back the CM to Bhopal, the official said.

The CMs travel to Singrauli district on Tuesday got cancelled due to the delay, he said, adding that it is being rescheduled now for Wednesday.
Throwing a spanner in the works of Oppositions INDIA alliance for 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Leader of Opposition in Punjab Assembly Partap Singh Bajwa has made it clear to Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi that there should be no electoral truck with the Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab.

The Congress was decimated and ousted from power in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections by the AAP after a bitter campaign.

Sources told News18 India that Bajwa instead wants the Congress to fight AAP in Punjab along the lines of the Kerala model, though he did not use the phrase. In Kerala, the Congress-led UDF is the main electoral rival of the CPM-led LDF though both parties have been allies are the Centre and are constituents of the newly formed Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).

Bajwa is said to have made it clear to Congress president Kharge that if the party cedes ground to AAP in Punjab, it will be further weakened for years to come. He also reportedly asserted that the Congress should not be seen siding with the ruling party in Punjab by contesting elections together. This essentially means the LoP wants the Congress to contest both General Elections and next Punjab Assembly elections against the AAP.

Even as the INDIA bloc progresses with plans to forge an anti-BJP front in 2024 General Elections, the Congress has found itself in a difficult position with both Punjab and Delhi units opposed to any understanding with the AAP. Both state units had urged the central leadership not to support the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP against Centres Ordinance on administrative services in Delhi. The Congress, however, decided to publicly oppose the Ordinance for the sake of Opposition unity.

The Congress is, in fact, stronger in Punjab that it is in Delhi. In Punjab, it is the main Opposition and has seven MPs. In Delhi, the Congress is neither the main Opposition nor does it have any MP from the national capital.

Following his meeting with Kharge and Sonia Gandhi at Parliament House on July 23, Bajwa said he had discussed the flood devastation in Punjab and the political situation in the state with both leaders.

I briefed them about the devastation caused by floods in Punjab and political situation in the state. I unequivocally conveyed sentiments of the INCs senior leadership in the state and cadre regarding the recently formed alliance at the national level and the trickle-down effect of that arrangement on the party in Punjab, he tweeted.

Had a fruitful and productive meeting with Chairperson Congress Parliamentary Party Smt. Sonia Gandhi Ji and INC president Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji at Parliament House today morning. I briefed them about the devastation caused by the floods in Punjab and political situation  Partap Singh Bajwa (@Partap_Sbajwa) July 24, 2023

I was assured by the apex leadership that the interests of the party in Punjab would be completely protected and wont be allowed to be jeopardised under any circumstances whatsoever.
A red diary is shaking up Rajasthan politics after a close aide-turned-adversary of the Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is narrating his startling version of whisking away the diary three years ago during an ongoing IT-ED raid in Jaipur.

Surprisingly, the diary has now gone missing with no one knowing where is the original one.

BJP is now planning a major campaign around the red diary with hoardings and cut-outs of the same to be put up across the state.

The claims go like this. Former Rajasthan minister, who joined the Ashok Gehlot government from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Rajendra Gudha said he has in his possession a red diary which has shocking details of alleged corruption under the Congress government in the state, dealings of how MLAs were bought during the Rajya Sabha elections and the political crisis in the state in 2020. Gudha claims Gehlot asked him to bring the diary from Congress leader Dharmendra Rathores flat during a raid on the latter in 2020, and he went there with two other leaders to retrieve the diary.

It is Rathore who had penned the diary, said Gudha. But when Gudha reached with this diary in the state assembly in an attempt to lay it on the floor of the House, unprecedented scenes of scuffles were witnessed. Gudha says another Congress leader Rafiq Khan snatched the diary from him. The BJP is asking if Rafiq Khan has the diary with him while Khan is denying any knowledge of the same. Gudha has tied himself up in knots  first saying the diary was burnt and then claiming he had kept a copy. The Congress is terming all such claims as lies and propaganda.

Unanswered Questions

The big question is how Gudha could whisk away the diary from a flat that was undergoing raids by the IT and ED in 2020 at the peak of the political crisis in the state. Another version is that Gudha got the diary out from Dharmendra Rathores flat after it was seized by the central agencies. It is perplexing how Gudha could do this without catching the attention of the central agencies in either event. The BJP now wants ED and IT to act against the disappearance of the diary after the revelations.

But Congress leaders are asking why Gudha kept silent on the said diary for three-long years and are attributing his utterances to him being removed as a minister by Ashok Gehlot a few days ago. This was after Gudha questioned his own government on the law and order front while speaking in the state assembly. Congress says the red diary story has hence been released by Gudha in concert with the BJP. Gudha has now been suspended from the state assembly but he has promised to do more revelations daily.
The controversy over the separate office space allotted to Mumbai Suburban Guardian Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters, which began with Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Aaditya Thackerays objection in the Maharashtra Assembly, continues to rage.

ALSO READ | Why Cabins for Guardian Mins in Mumbai Civic HQ, Asks Aaditya Thackeray; Unnecessary Issue, Says Mangal Prabhat Lodha

Lodha has started to meet citizens, along with former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) corporators, to resolve civic issues, the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has claimed. The BJP corporators have been asked to sit in the first-floor office in two shifts daily, so they can attend to the citizens visiting Lodhas office with their problems, they alleged. Lodha, meanwhile, will be sitting in the office thrice a week from 4 pm to 6 pm and will also interact with the citizens.

Now encroachments have moved into @mybmc HQ, hoping to probably name it Casa BMC or something like a builders advert. This is a shameless attack on the BMCs independence as a local self government. If this is allowed, each of us as Mumbai MLAs should be given a cabin there, pic.twitter.com/biNHvX5QcO  Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) July 21, 2023

Thackeray told News18: They want to destroy all systems in our federal structure. We are already pretending to be a democracy that we no longer are, and now they are infringing upon the civil services structure as well. To have former BJP corporators sit in the guardian ministers office is a ploy. The real reason is for the guardian minister to closely monitor and bully the officers, to get his files passed for builders.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto tweeted the alleged list of former BJP corporators who have been assigned the duty to sit in the office space allotted to Lodha. This list proves that setting up office of guardian minister Mr.Lodha was a planned strategy to bring back ex-corporators of BJP4Mumbai to @mybmc head office. With offices of other political parties shut because term of corporators has ended, BJP will now slowly run BMC alone."

This list proves that setting up office of guardian minister Mr.Lodha was a planned strategy to bring back ex-corporators of @BJP4Mumbai to @mybmc head office.With offices of other political parties shut because term of corporators has ended, BJP will now slyly run BMC alone. pic.twitter.com/q59mAfwJcN Clyde Crasto -   (@Clyde_Crasto) July 24, 2023

Currently, BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal is in-charge of the Mumbai civic body as an administrator, as no election had been conducted after the BMC house was dissolved last year. Consequently, all party offices in the BMC headquarters have been locked and the movement of former corporators has reduced.

However, in view of the upcoming Mumbai municipal elections which may be announced anytime, the BJP wants doesnt want to lose out on the opportunity to reach out to Mumbaiites, which is why the office is being used, say experts.
Google continues to bring new Android versions to the market but that also means it is time to end support for the older versions. The latest news says Android 4.4 or KitKat version will no longer get any updates, and it also loses Play Store, which effectively means the flavour has reached its end.

In its blog post, Google explained that KitKat now accounts for less than 1 percent of active devices and after 10 years since its release, the company is saying goodbye to KitKat for good. Therefore, we are no longer supporting KK in future releases of Google Play services. KK devices will not receive versions of the Play Services APK beyond 23.30.99, the post adds. Ending access to Play Services means the version will not get any kind of official support, which is usually the final nail in the coffin for these old software versions.

KitKat was one of the many desert Android flavours that was part of Googles mobile revolution. This Android version made its official bow back in 2013 and it brought features like NFC, wireless printing and faster multitasking to Android phones, which now sounds like ancient features.

Google has managed to keep it running for over 10 years which is a feat in itself but with a miniscule share of users somehow still on the version, it is high time that minority makes the upgrade, at least to the newer versions that offer a lot of capabilities on Android phones. Android 13 is the latest version, or at least the one which is widely available, even though Android 11 leads the market in terms of reach.

Google has already rolled out the Android 14 beta which is inching closer to its stable version. The new version promises a slew of features, including native support for SMS via the satellite comms tech which has been mentioned in reports lately. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will be the first device to come with Android 14 out of the box, expected to launch around October like every year.
Microsoft is testing Bings artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot on Google Chrome and Safari.

We are flighting access to Bing Chat in Safari and Chrome to select users as part of our testing on other browsers," Caitlin Roulston, Microsofts director of communications, said in a statement to The Verge. We are excited to expand access to even more users once our standard testing procedures are complete."

It seems that there are some limitations to using Bing Chat on Chrome and Safari. For instance, users can only type 2,000-word prompts, as compared to the 4,000-word limit that the company provides when using Bing Chat on Edge.

The chatbots communication with users will also restart after five turns rather than 30. Microsoft has also introduced a dark option for Bing Chat in addition to a wider rollout across other browsers.

Users can access dark mode by selecting the hamburger menu in the top-right corner of Bing Chat and then choosing Appearance > Dark or System Default. The chatbot was previously only accessible through Edge, which was very inconvenient if users wanted to use the tool on other browsers, the report said.

Last week, the tech giant had announced that it was rolling out multimodal capabilities via Visual Search in Bing Chat. The Visual Search feature leverages OpenAIs GPT-4 model, and allows users to upload images and search the web for related content.

Meanwhile, last month, the company had launched a voice chat feature for Bing Chat on the desktop, which allows users to talk to the AI chatbot by clicking on the microphone icon in the Bing Chat box. The voice chat feature currently supports five languages  English, Japanese, French, German, and Mandarin  with more languages coming soon.
Amid another Peak Bengaluru moment, the spotlight this time is not on its usual tech-savvy reputation or notorious traffic, but rather on a seemingly ordinary auto ride taken by a Mumbai-based CEO. Bengaluru, known as the IT Capital of India, has earned a reputation for autos charging exorbitant fares, unlike Mumbai, where auto rickshaws predominantly rely on meters for fair pricing. However, this particular incident left the Mumbaikar surprised and taken aback when he was charged a staggering Rs 100 for a mere 500-meter auto ride in Bengaluru. Astonished by this peculiar incident, he decided to share his experience on social media.

Mandar Natekar, co-founder and CEO of NeuralGarage, took to X (formerly Twitter) to post a photo of the vehicles meter, humourously commenting, In this photo, you will see the most ornamental thing in Bengaluru. The great Auto Meter. So expensive that it never gets used." He further revealed, I just paid 100Rs for a 500 mtrs ride. To give perspective, in Mumbai 100Rs is the meter fare for approx 9 kms." This experience became what he termed a peak Bengaluru" moment.

As the post went viral, people shared their own perspectives, with TVF president Vijay Koshy even remarking on Chennais notorious auto rides. Natekar expressed his astonishment, stating, It is ridiculous, to say the least, but seems like this highway robbery is not legit. No one bothers."

Various comments poured in, highlighting the differing practices across cities, with one person noting, It varies city to city; they do charge more if youre from another city But we have to pay. In Mumbai, we do get [metered fares] but not in other cities."

Also Read: Auto Rickshaw Drivers Day Out With Dog In Bengaluru Traffic Is Too Cute To Miss

Some turned the incident into sarcasm, jesting, Now hoping you will give good appraisals to your employees. And you will not set up rules for strict timings." Another commentator added, You were lucky at least he allowed you to board the auto. Normally, they would be happy to sit for the whole day and enjoy!"

Indeed, Bengaluru does stand out!
Carlee Russell, an Alabama woman, who earlier this month went missing for almost two days after making a call to 9-1-1 emergency services about a child on a highway retracted her statements and said she neither was kidnapped, nor did she see a baby on the side of the road.

News outlet CNN citing her attorney, Emory Anthony, said that Carlee never left the Hoover area, of which she is a resident, and acted alone. Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis read her attorneys statement where Carlee also issued an apology.

My client apologises for her actions to this community. We ask for your prayers for Carlee as she addresses her issues and attempts to move forward, understanding that she made a mistake in this matter, the statement said, according to CNN.

We still dont know where she was. Only Carlee knows, and maybe now her attorney, Hoover top cop Derzis said.

Russell was driving to her home in Hoover from her workplace in Birmingham, which lies 16 kilometres to the north of Hoover, when she called 9-1-1 emergency services to say she stopped her car and was checking on a child.

Carlee then dialled a family member who lost contact with her, according to the Hoover Police Department. Carlee then returned home almost 49 hours later.

The Hoover police chief said Carlee could face charges and the case is being discussed with the Jefferson County District Attorneys office. Derzis said they do not know why Carlee acted in such a manner. The cops will meet with her attorney later today.

The news of Carlees fake abduction spread like wildfire across the United States, leading many to imagine the worst.

Were still trying to determine where she was during those 49 hours, but I am glad that we received this  at least puts some of the social media super sleuths hopefully at rest for a little bit as far as  what everybody thinks took place, Derzis said.

We know that by her own admission, it didnt happen, Derzis was quoted as saying by NBC News.
We hear it a lot these days, and for good reason: America is divided, our two major political parties are hopelessly polarized and bipartisanship is all but dead.

Which is why the teamwork displayed last week by two Western New York lawmakers  one a Democrat, the other a Republican  was all the more notable.

As reported by News Washington Bureau reporter Jerry Zremski, Reps. Brian Higgins, a South Buffalo Democrat, and Nicholas Langworthy, a Republican who represents the Southern Tier, beat back attempts to weaken the aviation safety reforms passed by Congress after the deadly 2009 crash of Continental Flight 3407 in Clarence.

The families of Flight 3407 no doubt led the charge, sending hundreds of emails to lawmakers and congressional aides. They enlisted the help of Miracle on the Hudson hero Chesley Sully Sullenberger and had the key backing of Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer.

But it was Higgins recruiting of the House progressive caucus, and even more so, Langworthys attempts to speak with more than 100 of his fellow Republicans (who are members of the House majority), that appear to have made the difference legislatively.
Former US president Donald Trump will be criminally charged as early as Tuesday in relation to the events that led to the riots in Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021, the Hill reported. The former president did not meet the grand jury investigating the matter last week.

When a grand jury asks a target to give testimony, it is often a precursor that the person will be charged.

Trump predicted that he will be arrested over the charges related to the riot and said it was imminent. He took to Truth Social and remarked that an offer to speak to the grand jury almost always means an Arrest and Indictment.

At least 150 law enforcement personnel were injured in the 2021 Capitol Hill riots.

The report by the Hill said that Trump could be charged under Section 241 of Title 18 of the US Code. This offence is conspiracy against rights which is a charge under a law that was brought to try to clamp down on the activities of the white extremist group, the Ku Klux Klan.

The statute describes attempts to injure, oppress, threaten or intimidate anyone with intent to prevent or hinder his free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege as a crime.

The report by the Hill also said that Trump could be facing charges of witness tampering.

The former US president was already indicted in two separate cases. He was indicted on charges of falsifying business records by the district attorney of Manhattan Alvin Bragg in April. In June, he was charged in relation to the sensitive documents found at Mar-a-Lago by special counsel Jack Smith.

Smith is also in-charge of the probe into January 6. Trump attacked him repeatedly in online posts and campaign speeches.

This, however, may not hurt his electoral chances and could even boost his chances. He still remains the strong favourite to win the Republican primary.

There is no evidence that suggests that his indictments, such as the one by Alvin Bragg, has hurt him with Republican voters. Reports by American media outlets suggest that a rallying-around effect post-Bragg indictment may have benefitted him.
Participating in the 13th BRICS NSA meeting in Johannesburg, national security adviser Ajit Doval appreciated the cooperation extended by South Africa for the ongoing G20 presidency of India. He also promised Indias continued support for South Africas BRICS chairship this year.

Doval mentioned that the meeting is being held at a time of great churn in the international security environment. The global security situation is marked by uncertainty and rising tensions. The global economy is still covering from the after-effects of the Covid pandemic, he said.

The global commons of cyber, maritime, and space are contested. Non-traditional challenges of food, water, and energy security are witnessing stress. The inclusion of these topics by South Africa in the BRICS NSA meeting reflects a clear understanding of the broader dimensions of security, said Doval.

Regional mechanisms should be utilised to advance common goals and address emerging challenges. All efforts need to be made to ensure equitable and fair access to global commons in line with international laws, he said.

Terrorism remains one of the key threats to national peace and security. Terror organisations in the Af-Pak region continue to operate with impunity, said Doval. He mentioned that listing terrorists and their proxies under the UN counterterrorism sanctions regime is an area in which BRICS can work together. It is important that the decision-making of the UNSC sanctions committee is free from politicisation and double standards, he added.

Water security is a major global issue and its prudent usage and conservation is a shared responsibility, said Doval. He mentioned instances of weaponisation of water and the need for complete transparency and unhindered information-sharing with respect to shared cross-border water resources. The politicisation of water needs to be countered, said the NSA.

The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets. India has been at the forefront of supporting educational and behavioural approaches through initiatives like Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE). BRICS countries should set an example for the world by focusing on individual behaviour and making a shift to Lifestyle for Environment, he said.

India is a major actor in the global food supply system and has assisted many countries during the pandemic. Along with the supply of food, there is a need to ensure unhindered availability of fertilisers. Todays fertiliser shortage could be tomorrows food crisis, Doval warned.

The importance of research and development occupies primacy in the cyber domain to confront common threats and risks due to emerging technologies. Doval expressed satisfaction that the BRICS working group on ICTs has identified some cutting-edge areas like AI, quantum computing, cloud security, blockchain, and the Internet of Things as possible research topics.

He mentioned that the opportunities presented by the digital age will also throw up challenges and the need to be united to fortify cyber defences, foster international cooperation, and build a resilient national cyberinfrastructure. Cyber attacks know no borders. The linkage between cybercriminals and terrorists is an emerging concern, said Doval.

Supply chain disruptions have had a disproportionate effect on the food security of vulnerable populations. This needs to be urgently addressed, which is a shared commitment and common responsibility, the NSA said.

Access to a secure and affordable supply of critical materials for the development of clean energy technologies is crucial, he added.

During Indias G20 presidency, one of the priorities is to voice the concerns of developing countries, he said. India is proposing to create a global biofuel alliance under the G20.

Doval recalled the Voice of the Global South summit hosted by India in which 125 countries participated and that this year the G20 agenda under Indias presidency will truly encompass the needs of the world, especially the Global South.

India attaches paramount importance to the BRICS process and is willing and prepared to enhance cooperation in all joint efforts, added Doval.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will find no respite despite securing a controversial victory over his political opponents as he led a controversial judicial reform which has split Israel apart.

The critics of the law accuse Netanyahu of destroying democracy by resetting several aspects of the separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judiciary.

The reform takes away the power of the judiciary to keep the legislative system in check. The Israeli Supreme Court has the power to declare government decisions as inappropriate" and make them null and void but the recent reforms challenge this power.

Even though the opposition walked out of the chamber, those in the ruling coalition pushed the first phase of reform with 64 votes in the 120-seat chamber.

Fresh strikes and protests are being planned for Tuesday and opposition parties have said that they are ready to protest for months if required.

Opponents were set to keep up months of protests on Tuesday, with doctors walking out. The hand, extended for dialogue, was left hanging in the air, as victory celebrations took place symbolising above all a war that only has losers, Israel Medical Association chief Zion Hagay said. The medical association has staged a walkout.

The Histadrut trade union confederation said it would repeat the general strike it called in March over the reforms.

The police have said that 18 protesters have been injured in the protests and 12 police were injured in their attempts to contain the protests. A car ploughed into a group of protesters late Monday night leaving three with minor injuries.

Israeli media stood up in arms against the reforms with three top newspapers blackening their front pages to protest the reforms. A black day for Israeli democracy, the blackened front pages read.

The Israeli Bar Associations have filed several petitions against the new legislation in the Israel Supreme Court.

You see what is happening on the streets, everyone is so angry, a student was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.

Netanyahu has tried to calm down protesters and opponents by saying that he will delay the other proposal which includes giving the government a greater say in the appointment of judges.

Reach a comprehensive agreement on everything and we will add more time should it be needed," he said. He further added that the reforms were a necessary democratic step".

Israeli reservists and veterans threatened that they will not report for volunteer duty if the far-right government does not back down in its push for reforms which will curb the power of the judiciary.

At least 1,100 Israeli air force reservists, including fighter pilots, threatened that they will suspend their volunteer service as lawmakers to vote the bill into law next week.

At least 58 people have been arrested but the protesters have vowed to keep carrying on with the protests.

There is no prime minister in Israel. Netanyahu has become a puppet of messianic extremists, opposition chief Yair Lapid said, referring to far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and other ultra-Orthodox Jewish allies.

The US and Germany have said that they are concerned over the deepening tensions in Israel.

(with inputs from Deutsche Welle)
North Korea will this week welcome Russias defence minister and a high-level Chinese delegation to Pyongyang for Korean War armistice anniversary celebrations, state media said Tuesday, a sign it could be reopening its borders to high-level visitors after a lengthy pandemic closure.

A military delegation of the Russian Federation led by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu will pay a congratulatory visit to the DPRK," the Korean Central News Agency said, a day after it confirmed a Chinese delegation would also attend the Thursday event.

Russia, one of Pyongyangs historic allies, remains one of a handful of nations that maintains friendly relations with the North, and its leader Kim Jong Un has recently been steadfast in his support for Moscows invasion of Ukraine, including, Washington says, supplying rockets and missiles.

This visit will contribute to strengthening Russian-North Korean military ties and will be an important step in the development of cooperation between the two countries," the Russian Defence Ministry said in a statement.

China, North Koreas main trading partner, also confirmed Tuesday it would send a delegation led by Politburo member Li Hongzhong.

The foreign visitors are set to attend events in Pyongyang to mark 70 years since the signing of the armistice, known as Victory Day in the North, which KCNA said would be celebrated in a grand manner that will go down in history".

A large-scale military parade and other events are expected to be held this week, with satellite images indicating that soldiers and civilians have been training for the parade for months, Seoul-based specialist site NK News reported.

Leader Kims biggest nuclear-capable missiles and other military capabilities are likely to roll through Kim Il Sung Square during the event, it added.

Seoul, Washington monitoring

Seouls defence ministry said Tuesday it had detected more people and equipment" in the capital Pyongyang, adding that South Korean and US intelligence agencies were closely monitoring the Norths upcoming celebration.

The visits by the Chinese and Russian delegations are the first known visits by any foreign delegations since the start of the pandemic.

North Korea has been under a rigid self-imposed coronavirus blockade since early 2020 to protect itself from Covid-19, which has prevented even its own nationals from entering the country.

It only resumed some trade with China last year, and allowed Beijings new envoy to take up his position this year.

Beijing said the delegation would travel to Pyongyang on Wednesday, suggesting they would not be required to undergo an extensive quarantine ahead of the Thursday anniversary event.

An armistice agreement ending Korean War hostilities was signed on July 27, 1953 but the two Koreas remain technically at war because the agreement was never replaced by a peace treaty.

It is expected that North Korea will try to reap the benefit of Beijing condoning its nuclear development by unveiling a new ICBM when a Chinese high-level delegation attends its large-scale military parade," Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told AFP.

It seems that the intention is to show off the strengthening of solidarity between North Korea and China amidst the global political disruption caused by the ongoing US-China conflict."

He added that it could also be a sign that the border between the North and China might be reopened in the not too distant future.

Beijing is North Koreas most important ally and economic benefactor, their relationship forged in the bloodshed of the Korean War in the 1950s.

US submarines

North Korea fired two ballistic missiles late Monday, Seoul said, the latest in a series of weapons tests in recent weeks by Pyongyang, which comes as Seoul and Washington ramp up defence cooperation.

Last week South Korea hosted a visit by a US nuclear-capable submarine, the first such deployment since 1981.

And in a move that likely further provoked the North, a second US submarine, the nuclear-powered USS Annapolis, arrived at a South Korean naval base Monday.

Relations between the two Koreas are currently at one of their lowest historical points, as diplomacy between Pyongyang and Seoul has stalled and Kim has called for ramping up weapons development, including tactical nukes.

Tensions have risen again recently due to US soldier Travis King, who was on a tour of the demilitarised zone last week when he ran across the border into North Korea.

The UN Command, a US-led multinational force that oversees the Korean War truce, said Monday it has begun discussions with Pyongyang over the American serviceman.
The Interior Ministry of Pakistan has issued a notification stating that Chinese citizens are restricted from entering the Gilgit-Baltistan region and they will now require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for a visit.

Confirming it, DC Syed Shehryar Sherazi said, The move is for the security of Chinese citizens.

He further said that if any Chinese citizen wants to visit these areas, he/she will have to send a prior request for the NOC to the Interior Ministry.

In March 2019, the Interior Ministry had issued a notification which said: Free movement of foreigners shall be allowed in Open Cantonments except prohibited and restricted areas with visible signboards. The border crossings will be open and non-restricted."

Additionally, the notification stated that Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral shall be non-restricted/non-prohibited except:

Pak-China border (10 miles)

Pak-Afghan border (10 miles)

AJK, along Line of Control (5 miles)

GB, along LoC (5 miles)

Siachen, along Line of Actual Contact (10 miles)

IN FEBRUARY

The Pakistan Punjab province home department had directed Chinese citizens living in the province and working with private companies to hire private security companies for their security, the Dawn said in a report.

The provinces home department and police had reviewed the security of the Chinese nationals working on government and private projects in the province.

This came despite the Punjab province government setting up a Special Protection Unit (SPU) in 2014 for the security of foreigners who are involved in Pakistan government sponsored projects.

Deputy Inspector General of Police of the SPU Agha Yousuf had said that as there was an increase in terror attacks in Pakistan, security for Chinese officials in Pakistan government projects had been beefed up.

PAK-CHINA EQUATION

Meanwhile, China last week agreed to reschedule over USD 2 billion debt of Pakistan for a period of two years, providing a major relief to the cash-starved government, which is in the process of rebuilding foreign exchange reserves through fresh loans.

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, chaired by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar last Thursday, approved the revised terms of the agreement reached between Islamabad and Beijing, according to senior Pakistani officials, the Express Tribune had reported.

With PTI Inputs
Pyongyang conducted twin missile launches late Monday, ahead of Korean War anniversary celebrations that will be attended by Chinese dignitaries in the first foreign delegation visit to the country since its 2020 pandemic border closure.

South Koreas defence ministry described the two projectiles as ballistic missiles that flew about 400 kilometers (248 miles) before falling into the sea, according to reports by news agency Yonhap of South Korea and Japans Kyodo.

Our military detected two ballistic missiles North Korea fired from areas near Pyongyang into the East Sea at 11:55 pm on the 24th and at midnight of the 25th," Yonhap quoted South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff as saying.

The launches were the latest in a series of weapons tests in recent weeks by Pyongyang, and come as Seoul and Washington ramp up defence cooperation in the face of soaring tensions with the North.

Last week South Korea hosted a visit by a US nuclear-capable submarine, the first deployment there by such a nuclear-armed American vessel in decades.

And in a move that likely further provoked the North, a second US submarine, the nuclear-powered USS Annapolis, arrived at a South Korean naval base around the time of Mondays missile launches, according to Yonhap.

The reclusive North Korean regime routinely conducts weapons tests, and the launches come days after leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the latest firing of the countrys newest intercontinental ballistic missile, the solid-fuel Hwasong-18.

Relations between the two Koreas are currently at one of their lowest historical points, as diplomacy between Pyongyang and Seoul has stalled and Kim has called for ramping up weapons development, including tactical nukes.

In efforts to bolster deterrence, Seoul and Washington have staged joint military exercises with advanced stealth jets and US strategic assets.

The White House took issue with Pyongyangs latest action, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre saying we certainly condemn the DPRKs ballistic missile launches," referring to North Korea by the acronym of its formal name.

The missile tests pose a threat to the DPRKs neighbors and the international community," Jean-Pierre said, adding: Our commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remains ironclad."

Significant visit

Mondays launches come ahead of celebrations in North Korea this week marking the 70th anniversary of the end of fighting in the Korean War.

A Chinese delegation led by Politburo member Li Hongzhong will travel to the North for the event, the state-run Korean Central News Agency reported, in what is the first known visit by a foreign delegation since the start of the pandemic.

North Korea has been under a rigid self-imposed coronavirus blockade since early 2020 to protect itself from Covid-19, only resuming some trade with China last year.

An armistice agreement ending Korean War hostilities was signed on July 27, 1953 but the two Koreas remain technically at war because the 1950-53 conflict ended in an armistice and not a peace treaty.

Tensions on the Korean peninsula also have ratcheted up recently due to the disappearance of a US soldier, Travis King, who was on a tour of the demilitarized zone last week when he ran across the border into North Korea.

The UN Command, a US-led multinational force that oversees the Korean War truce, said Monday it has begun discussions with Pyongyang over the missing American serviceman.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi met on the sidelines of the Friends of BRICS meeting on Monday where both discussed common views India and China share. The Friends of BRICS meeting was held in Johannesburg with NSAs of BRICS member-states and NSAs of Friends of BRICS nations.

The former Chinese foreign minister who represented China at the BRICS NSA meeting in Johannesburg said that India and China are two major forces in the process of multi-polarization.

India has clarified on several occasions that India and China ties can only go back to its normal state if China stops attempting to alter the status quo in the border areas.

Doval outlined that mutual respect and mutual understanding is needed in New Delhi and Beijing were to work closely and make positive contributions to maintaining world peace and prosperity.

Doval said that both nations share common views on the future of mankind and the world and have extensive common interests.

During the meeting in Johannesburg, chaired by South African minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Doval highlighted the need to understand the gravity of cybersecurity risks posed with the advent of Artificial Intelligence and other technological advancements like Big Data and Internet of Things.

The NSA also pointed to the links between cyber criminals and terrorists including the use of cyberspace for financing, money laundering, radicalising, lone wolf attacks, recruitment and secured communications, people familiar with the developments said.

Younger populations are particularly susceptible to the spread of extremist ideologies through the use of social media sites because they are technology savvy and have impressionable minds, Doval said.

The Global South in particular needed to overcome limitations of resources. In this endeavour, India will always remain at the forefront working closely with the Global South, he further added.

Doval also met with his other counterparts on the sidelines of the Friends of BRICS meeting and the NSA meeting. Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS), Iran, Burundi, Egypt, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, UAE and Belarus took part in the meeting.

South Africa is the current chair of the BRICS group. The BRICS leadership summit will be held on August 23 and August 24 in Johannesburg.
A Sikh family wanting to leave Pakistan because of atrocities committed against them; murder of a seven-year-old Hindu girl, with the kin alleging rape; brutal killing of a 20-year-old newly married Hindu youth; and an attack on a Hindu doctor. These are among the four recent brutal incidents that depict the state of minorities in Pakistan.

JULY 25: TIRED OF ATROCITIES, SIKH FAMILY REACHES WAGAH

A Sikh family suffering from atrocities in Pakistan reached the Wagah border on July 25. They say they were terrorized by Muslims and the government and that everyone wants to leave Pakistan, according to local sources. They have a 43-day visa for India and want an asylum or visa extension. They say locals are spoiling their businesses and killing Sikhs is a common feature in Pakistan, said sources. They have also sought citizenship of India.

ALSO READ: Pak Not a Safe Haven for Minorities: One Christian Woman Abducted, Another Killed | Exclusive JULY 24: 7-YEAR-OLD GIRL FOUND DEAD IN SHRINE, FAMILY ALLEGES RAPE

A body of a seven-year-old Hindu girl was recovered from a Hindu deity shrine in RajoKhanai locality of Badin in Pakistans Sindh province early morning on July 24. The family informed that the girl went missing on the evening of July 23 and a missing persons report was filed with the local police station immediately. According to childs father, they suspect that she was raped before being killed. Police, however, said that though it is a case of murder, and that rape or molestation can be concluded only after the autopsy.

ALSO READ | Pakistan No Country for Minorities? Kidnapping, Rape, Forced Conversions of Hindus, Sikhs on Rise | Exclusive JULY 22: 20-YEAR-OLD KILLED, PARTIALLY DECOMPOSED BODY FOUND

The partially decomposed body of Akash Kumar Bheel, 20, from Sahar village in district and tehsil Rahim Yar Khan of Punjab province, was found in the sugarcane fields on July 22. Bheel, who got married in April, had left his house with his friend, Akmal Bhatti, on July 16 and went missing. Police initially arrested Bhatti as a suspect, but then released him on July 23, citing lack of evidence. The case is now being investigated as murder against unknown persons. Bheels parents and wife allege that the police has taken a substantial amount of money from Bhattis family. JULY 22: HINDU DOCTOR ATTACKED BY PATIENTs KIN

Dr Jeevan Kumar, a Hindu doctor, was heckled and beaten up by relatives of one Allaha Dino, who was bitten by a venomous snake and died during the treatment at Jarwar village in Sindhs Ghotki district on July 22. The deceaseds relatives blamed Kumar for negligence, while the hospital staff said that Dino was brought several hours after the snake bite and collapsed even before the treatment could begin. Kumar suffered broken ribs and internal injuries in the attack, before being rescued by the Ghotki police.
A firefighting plane engaged to contain fire wildfires in Greece crashed on Tuesday. The incident occurred on the island of Evia and was aired in a state television broadcast that showed the low-flying aircraft disappearing into a canyon before a fireball was seen moments later.

In the video by EPT news, a fume can be seen coming out of the planes engine.

A firefighting plane has crashed in #Greece amid ongoing wildfires: EPT News pic.twitter.com/WtEtoSNjNm  KyivPost (@KyivPost) July 25, 2023

Greece is experiencing scorching temperatures, with the mercury soaring to 40 C (104 F).

Wildfires have broken out on the island of Rhodes, Evia and Corfu with Rhodes highly impacted as 19,000 were forced to free. Karystos, a town in Evia, is now sheltering people from four nearby villages as the wildfire approaches.

The country has designated an exceptionally large area, including the eastern part of central and southern Greece, the islands of Evia and Rhodes, and significant portions of the southwest, as Category 5, signifying the highest risk of fire outbreaks. Additionally, another substantial area has been labeled as Category 4, indicating a very high risk.

The situation in Greece remains critical as authorities continue their efforts to combat the wildfires and ensure the safety of residents and visitors. With such extreme weather conditions and the ongoing threat of fire outbreaks, vigilance and coordinated responses are crucial to address the scale of this disaster.

Authorities said that more than 20,000 people has been involved in successive evacuations on the island, mostly tourists over the weekend, when fire swept through two coastal areas on the southeast of Rhodes.

The European Union has sent 500 firefighters, 100 vehicles and seven planes from 10 member states, while Turkey, Israel, Egypt and other countries have also sent help.
If Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown has his way, $60 million of federal Covid-19 relief funding originally intended for public benefit projects will fill budget shortfalls and go to small businesses across the city.

But the dozens of local nonprofit and community organizations who were supposed to get that funding arent having it  and have raised questions about the transparency and legality of the citys process.

The Partnership for the Public Good, a local think tank, and several nonprofit and community organizations called on the Buffalo Common Council to block the proposed changes and asked the U.S. Treasury Department to investigate the City of Buffalos use of funding from the American Rescue Plan.

Theyre accusing the city of misusing federal funds, breaking federal rules while allocating funds to organizations and violating the spirit of the ARP by moving tens of millions of dollars into the black hole of general revenue replacement without explanation.

If this $60 million is moved to revenue replacement, more than half of the citys (American) Rescue Plan funds will have gone to revenue replacement and be lost to these deeply important, poverty-fighting, safety-creating causes, Partnership for the Public Good executive director Andrea O Suilleabhain said Monday. If theres an explanation for why such a large sum is needed for revenue replacement, its incumbent on the mayors administration to explain those numbers.

City spokesman Michael J. DeGeorge offered a brief statement to The Buffalo News:

The City followed all the federal guidelines regarding the ARP funding process.

City Finance Commissioner Delano Dowell did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Mayor Browns change of plans

The Buffalo Common Council originally allocated $115 million of ARP funds to a variety of project funds  including ones for public health equity, job training, the arts and public safety  in August 2021, months after the American Rescue Plan Act was passed. The city started soliciting proposals from local nonprofits and community organizations for most of those funds in October 2022.

Local groups have complained that the application process has been slow, but now funding may not come at all.

Under Browns plan, which goes before the Common Council on Tuesday, $59.9 million would be cut from those funds. Cuts to each fund range from 35% to 89%.

Council holds back vote on plan to assist Braymiller Market, wants more discussion The mayor can ask for whatever he wants to, but it doesnt mean that the Council has to produce it. I want to be clear, if it had been voted on today, it would have failed, according to the votes, Council President Darius Pridgen said Tuesday.

The lions share of those cuts, $50 million, would cover budget shortfalls in 2024 and 2025, adding to $100 million already allocated for that purpose. The rest, $9.9 million, would be divided evenly among the Common Councils nine districts and used at the discretion of individual Council members.

The Partnership for the Public Good and other local organizations called the proposed reallocation to revenue shortfalls incredibly upsetting and hurtful to the communities who need the support the most, but acknowledged that reallocating ARP funds to cover budget shortfalls was perfectly legal.

But theyre not so sure that giving individual Council members unilateral control over millions of federal dollars, labeled as revenue loss replacement in proposed legislation, is lawful.

Moving $10 million of American Rescue Plan funding to Council member discretionary funds is simply not revenue loss placement, and it should not be allocated in this way, O Suilleabhain said. This is a pretty clear misuse of funds and an attempt to wash the funds of their federal restrictions so you can then go use them for ineligible expenses.

Several organizations applying for ARP funding also reported that some city employees made highly inappropriate comments during interviews in the grant application process, the Partnership for the Public Good said.

Those comments included statements like Dont worry, youre receiving funds; we just cant tell you how much yet and Youll never receive this award, because the mayor does not like you/your organization.

One city employee was alleged to have been dismissive of a program proposal that would create a workforce development hub for women on the East Side, saying, Youre just fixing broken women.

That employee, who was named in the Partnership for the Public Goods report, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The report also noted that during Common Council meetings, Council members had referred to lists of funding recipients before the application process was finished and even advocated for or against certain organizations.

You cannot discuss individual recipients of an RFP (request for proposal) process in a political setting like the Common Council, O Suilleabhain said. That is simply not in line with federal rules for procurement.

Work left to be done on Buffalos most urgent needs

O Suilleabhain fears that funding cuts to public benefit projects will continue if Browns proposed reallocations pass.

Buffalo, Erie County join forces to inject $23 million into construction of affordable housing Buffalo and Erie County will invest $23.5 million to build as many as 100 new affordable homes on vacant lots, primarily on the citys East Side.

Under the proposal, the public health equity initiative meant to launch a new health clinic on the East Side would be cut from $9 million to just under $1.7 million. Allocations to a program meant to create a neighborhood improvement corps would be cut from $9 million to $1 million.

How can a couple of these project lines even happen with the amount that has been cut? O Suilleabhain said. Its setting some of these budget lines up to fail and will give them an easy argument to just move more (funds to cover budget shortfalls).

And Buffalo needs the money, she says.

Federal American Rescue Plan funding was intended to address Buffalos most urgent needs, O Suilleabhain said. Certainly none of these, when we look at our list of project funds, have been alleviated since 2021.
Nate Sprague, a forest ranger who typically patrols the vast expanses of land in Cattaraugus County under state conservation management, went on a different kind of mission earlier this month.

The Silver Creek resident and seven colleagues were part of a group that traveled to Quebec to help battle the raging wildfires that have sent thick, hazy smoke across the border into Western New York and much of the Northeast.

For 14 days, Spragues team boarded helicopters that took them deep into a section of the province where roughly 40,000 acres of forest had burned over. When the helicopters crew found a lingering hot spot, they dropped off Sprague and his fellow firefighters to attack it from the ground.

It was hot, grueling work. But, for Sprague, it was a chance to put his training to use while serving the public.

We volunteer to do this. So, this is exactly why we take the job, Sprague said in an interview last week detailing his firefighting experiences. We love what we do. And its a great adrenaline rush. And it just feels good to be able to go and help people.

Rewarding rescues

Sprague, 34, grew up in Williamsville and lives in Silver Creek.

Hes worked as a Department of Environmental Conservation forest ranger for seven years. Sprague, who studied forestry in college, said he took the long road to the job.

Along the way, I learned that I could combine both interests of mine and become a forest ranger  work in the woods  and do law enforcement, he said on a recent video call from his home office, where a mounted deer head was visible behind him.

Spragues late grandfather took the buck about 20 years ago.

When my grandfather passed, that was just one of the items that I wanted, he said. And Ive never shot a deer as big as that. So, I figured, enjoy his deer.

Sprague works across the 30,000 acres of land in Cattaraugus County managed by the DEC, including much of the 3,000 acres of shale cliffs and old growth forests owned by the state in Zoar Valley.

Forest rangers check to make sure campers and recreational vehicle users arent doing anything illegal, address encroachment on state land by private property owners and respond to hikers in distress.

We do a lot of search and rescue. So, whether its finding lost or injured people, even dementia and Alzheimers subjects, Sprague said, thats probably the most heartwarming thing we can do. We know that weve saved another life.

Out of control

Forest rangers are also trained to tackle wildland fires. Sprague has responded to numerous blazes in New York, from the Catskills to the northern Adirondacks, and outside the state.

In 2017, he was sent to the Sonoma Valley, in Northern California, to battle devastating wildfires that burned more than 110,000 acres there.

Last month, the call went out for DEC forest rangers willing to travel to Quebec.

In one of the worst fire seasons in decades, more than 4,300 wildfires have burned 27.4 million acres across Canada as of Friday, the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre reported.

Many of the fires in Quebec were sparked by lightning, with dry, hot conditions leading both to a greater likelihood of lightning strikes and fueling the spread of the fires, according to news coverage.

The out-of-control wildfires generated air quality alerts and warnings for vulnerable populations as they sent thick, hazy smoke streaming into the United States in the late spring and summer.

The most recent alert for Western New York came July 17 and was driven by smoke from fires in western Canada, state officials said.

It is hard to predict air-quality levels more than 72 hours out, the DEC and National Weather Service said, but problems could linger into late summer because the fires wont be controlled any time soon.

Weve smashed the records on smoke from wildfires. Weve smashed the records, to my knowledge, on the extent of wildfires. We have had really, truly an extraordinary year, DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos told reporters last week. I cant recall a time within the last several decades where weve had to put up this many air quality health advisories due to wildfires.

Hitting hot spots

Ask Don Paul: Is there a link between smoky skies and climate change? "It is most likely that we are seeing a blend of extreme weather events being multiplied and exacerbated by the human activity-caused warming climate," writes Don Paul.

Sprague was the only ranger from Western New York among the eight DEC wildfire fighters who went to Quebec this month. Their team included 12 others from New England.

The group was stationed about 7 hours north of Quebec City in a remote, undeveloped area where wildfires had burned more than 40,000 acres.

The terrain is very steep. And that boreal forest is very thick, with a lot of downed timber, Sprague said. It makes it extremely difficult to access anything. So we used helicopters on a daily basis to fly into the sites that needed to be extinguished.

This Micoua Fire Complex was largely under control, but authorities were worried about hot spots that could reignite, particularly on dry days with low humidity, if not found and put out.

Few people live in and around Micoua, but the fires were a threat to hydropower stations and to the power lines that carry the electricity generated there to other parts of Canada and the United States.

The team would split up into groups of six or seven on different helicopters, Sprague said. Once a crew identified a potential hot spot, the helicopter would find a nearby spot to drop off the firefighting crew and their equipment.

Sprague and his team would trek into the woods to find the hot spot, which could range from 10-by-10 feet in size to up to 50-by-50 feet. Sometimes they could see it smoldering, but other times they would have to rely on touch, something complicated by several feet of duff  the moss, pine needles and other materials  covering the forest floor.

As you get down a couple feet, youll find extreme heat thats just creeping underneath the ground, he said.

There are numerous ponds and streams in the area, so the rangers often laid down hoses and pumped water from one of these sources to attack the hot spots, a process that could take hours or days, depending on the size. Other times, they would have to use buckets of water dropped from the helicopters.

The air temperature was in the 90s some days.

When youre working around what we refer to as the black areas, that have already been burned, temperatures can reach well over 100 with that intensifying heat and sunlight on the black, Sprague said.

The crew carried water and food  often peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and granola bars  in their packs for their 12-hour firefighting shifts. They slept in tents in an encampment near the fire complex.

The 20-member crew, between them, put out about 70 hot spots during their two-week deployment that ended about a week ago.

Even amid the devastation they witnessed, the charred-over forest showed signs of returning to life.

Within days after the fire, Sprague said, you had green ferns starting to sprout up through the ash.
Thousands of Russia-linked Wagner group mercenaries have arrived in Belarus since the group's short-lived rebellion, a military monitoring group said Monday. Between 3,450 and 3,650 soldiers have traveled to a camp close to Asipovichy, a town 140 miles north of the Ukrainian border, according to Belaruski Hajun, an activist group that tracks troop movements within the country, the AP reports. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko welcomed Wagner forces into the country after brokering a deal between the Kremlin and mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin last month, ending the group's failed revolt against Russian military leaders.

The Wagner chief called the mutiny a "march of justice" to oust top military leaders. The mercenaries faced little resistance and downed at least six military helicopters and a command post aircraft, killing a number of Russian troops. The revolt posed the most serious threat to Russian President Vladimir Putin of his 23-year rule. Satellite images show that about 700 vehicles and construction equipment have also arrived in Wagner convoys to Belarus, Belaruski Hajun said. Prigozhin registered a "real estate management company" in Belarus last week under the name Concord Management and Consulting in Belarus. Documents analyzed by independent Belarusian media outlet reform by showed that the company's registered address was in the same village as the Wagner mercenary camp.

Also Monday, local officials said Monday that the mercenaries were continuing to work with Belarusian troops, including at training grounds close to the Polish border. "Wagner fighters who have really been in the heat of combat are passing on valuable information and experience to our servicemen," the Belarusian Defense Ministry said in a statement. Meeting with Putin on Sunday, Lukashenko said Wagner troops were "stressing (him) out" by calling for an excursion into Poland. The remarks have largely been dismissed by analysts, with the American Institute for the Study of War saying that Wagner troops there could not threaten Ukraine and Poland, per the AP.

(Read more Belarus stories.)
The Justice Department followed through on its threat to sue Texas on Monday, seeking to force the state to take out the floating barriers it has placed in the middle of the Rio Grande to deter border crossings. The obstacles are a danger to migrants and Border Patrol agents, the federal government says. The lawsuit, which was filed in the federal district court in Austin, says that US law prohibits installing structures in navigable waterways without the federal government's permission, CBS News reports. It asks the court to compel Texas to remove the buoys and and not add any in the future.
A personal chef to former President Obama's family has died while paddleboarding near Obama's summer home on Martha's Vineyard, state police said Monday. Tafari Campbell's body was found after a large-scale overnight search in about 8 feet of water, 100 feet from shore in Edgartown Great Pond, Massachusetts officials said. He had gone missing about 7:45pm Sunday, NBC News reports. A witness later reported seeing him struggle just after going into the water. In a statement, the former president and his wife, Michelle, described Campbell, 45, as "a beloved part of our family."

The couple said Campbell was "a talented sous chef" at the White House whom they asked to continue working for them after Obama's presidency, per the New York Times. "He's been part of our lives ever since," the statement said. "Our hearts are broken that he's gone." Campbell, who lived in Dumfries, Virginia, was on a visit to the island; the Obamas were not home at the time. The death is being investigated. The Obamas said Campbell, who was married with twin boys, was "a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter." (Read more Obama family stories.)
One of anti-government activist Ammon Bundy's high-profile protests may prove costly to him, though it doesn't sound like he has any intention of paying up. A jury in Idaho ordered Bundy and his associates to pay a total of $52.5 million to St. Luke's Health System, the state's largest hospital system, reports the Idaho Capital Sun. Bundy and his supporters staged protests at hospitals in Boise and Meridian in 2022 over a child welfare case, per the Idaho Statesman. The protests caused a hospital shutdown and the diversion of ambulances, and hospital doctors and staffers were subjected to harassment campaigns that alleged they were part of a child trafficking ring, per KTVB.
The first true post-Covid-19 summer has arrived with a distant memory reappearing at the Peace Bridge and other local border crossings: long lines of cars waiting for a long time to enter the United States.

And it is all because traffic is up and because U.S. Customs and Border Protection, understaffed and distracted by the never-ending flow of undocumented immigrants at the southern border, cant manage the Peace Bridge and other northern border crossings in a way that keeps up with all the vehicles entering the U.S.

Canada eases border entry requirements The U.S.-Canadian border will open a bit more starting Monday, as Canada eases its requirement that most visiting children be vaccinated and abandons its mandate that vaccinated visitors provide a quarantine plan just in case they come down with Covid-19.

Proof of that got spelled out in real time on the Peace Bridge website on Monday morning. At 9 a.m., only three of the 12 passenger lanes entering the U.S. were open, prompting delays of up to an hour and 37 minutes. Twenty minutes later, five of the lanes were open, but drivers could expect a delay of two hours and four minutes.

At the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, drivers encountered a 29-minute wait at 9 a.m.  but those trying to enter the U.S. at 1:30 p.m. could expect to be stuck at the border for two hours. There were no delays at either 9 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. entering Canada at either the Peace Bridge or the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge.

To hear Peace Bridge General Manager Ron Rienas tell it, the delays are more than an inconvenience.

Their love stood the test of a pandemic; 949 days later, they finally say 'I do' "A lot of different couples broke up. A lot of people died," Lizz Switzer said. "But we were just determined that we were not going to let anything happen to us."

The binational economy was really looking forward to a normal year, he said. American businesses were relying on Canadians coming over  and the fear is that once they have a bad border experience, they will be way more reluctant to come over again.

They have reason to be reluctant. Peace Bridge data shows that on Saturday, July 15, only nine of the 12 auto lanes were open, prompting hour-long days. A day later, eight lanes were open for most of the day, and delays ran as long as 65 minutes. And Thursday, eight lanes were open and wait times stretched to 42 minutes.

In other words, the data proves what Rienas noted: that there seems to be no rhyme or reason to when delays are happening. They can happen at any time.

One reason the backups are appearing is that people are actually crossing the border again. After three summers in which Covid-19-related restrictions reduced traffic to a trickle, passenger vehicle traffic at the Peace Bridge is now back to about 85% of its pre-pandemic levels, Rienas said.

But theres also another important factor behind the delays, said Paul Kwiatkowski, president of the union that represents Customs officers in the Buffalo area.

Homeowners' complaints prompt Canada to study impact of underused property tax The Parliamentary Budget Office agreed to review the 1% tax on properties that are not occupied full time that was imposed this year as part of the government's attempts to curb housing speculation in hot urban real estate markets.

We just dont have the staffing anymore, Kwiatkowski said.

Customs and Border Protection has been temporarily transferring officers from the northern border to the southern border for years. Most recently, the agency asked 40 officers from Western and Northern New York to head south for a while, although Kwiatkowski said he was uncertain how many officers from each of those locales ended up going.

On top of that, Kwiatkowski said, the agency has had trouble finding qualified new hires, thereby overburdening Customs officers with more overtime than they want.

Asked for comment, a Customs spokesman who asked not to be identified by name downplayed the role that staffing issues play in the backups at local border crossings.

Only 2% of all Northern Border CBP officers have deployed temporarily to support the migrant surge along the Southwest border, the spokesman said via email. Our priority mission is national security. CBP continually rebalances staffing to ensure that we can fulfill our border security mission while also efficiently process lawful cross-border trade and travel.

Canada ups commitment to Great Lakes, but some wonder: Is it too late and a loonie short? Canada last week committed an additional $306 million in U.S. dollars to its Great Lakes cleanup effort  but experts say that still pales in comparison with the U.S. effort.

To cope with the crunch, the Customs spokesman suggested that travelers try to avoid approaching the border during the peak hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. And the spokesman offered some hope that the agency could act to stem the slowdowns.

CBP continually analyzes trends in cross-border traffic, including the peak summer travel season, and implements necessary measures to limit traffic delays, the spokesman said.

But thats not good enough for Rep. Brian Higgins, a Buffalo Democrat and the co-chair of the House Northern Border Caucus. He said that if Customs doesnt stop transferring personnel away from the northern border, he and his Republican counterpart, Rep. Elise Stefanik of Saratoga County, are prepared to introduce legislation that would bar future transfers.

Echoing the fear that the border delays could prompt people to continue avoiding crossing the border for shopping or recreational purposes, Higgins said: This is not good for the Western New York economy; its not good for the Niagara region of Southern Ontario. And things have to change.
Israel remained convulsed with mass protests on Tuesday in the wake of a judicial overhaul plan passed by Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right coalition government. The stakes? "These could be the last days of Israeli democracy," author Yuval Noah Harari (an expert on big-picture perspective) tells the New York Times. "We might witness the rise of a Jewish supremacist dictatorship in Israel, which will not just be a terrible thing for Israeli citizens, but also a terrible thing for the Palestinians, for Jewish traditions, and potentially, for the entire Middle East." Coverage:

The move: Netanyahu's camp approved a law that weakens the Supreme Court's ability to overturn government decisions, reports the BBC in an explainer on the crisis that has ensued. Israel has no constitution and only one house of Parliament (the Knesset), and the court has long been seen as the main check on government power. The fear now is that Israel will become a "religious autocracy," writes Patrick Kingsley in the Times. "Such is the rancor and rupture caused by this particular Netanyahu victory that many Israelis wonder whether the damage to society might not be fixableand whether Mr. Netanyahu will be able to manage the aftermath of a showdown he set in motion."
China's foreign minister is out of the job after just seven months, including a final month in which he hasn't been seen in public. Qin Gang last appeared in public in Beijing on June 25 during a meeting with officials from Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Russia, per CNN . On July 11, the Foreign Ministry said he would miss a diplomatic meeting in Indonesia, where he'd been expected to meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, "due to health reasons," per the Guardian . "Since then, spokespeople at the Foreign Ministry have sidestepped questions about Qin, with mentions of the foreign minister recently omitted from the transcripts of daily press briefings," per the Wall Street Journal .

As the Communist Party's elite 24-member Politburo met on Monday, a meeting of the Chinese legislature's standing committee was suddenly arranged for the following day, sparking speculation that lawmakers would confirm personnel changes that President Xi Jinping and other party leaders approved. At Tuesday's meeting, the committee decided Qin's predecessor, Wang Yi, would resume the post of foreign minister, while apparently retaining his new role as the Communist Party's director of foreign affairs, per the Journal. That left plenty of unanswered questions about 57-year-old Qin, a trusted aide of Xi who served as China's ambassador to Washington before Xi hand-picked him to replace Wang in December.

Qin's appointment "over more experienced candidates caused some surprise among observers of elite Chinese politics, but was widely seen as a sign of Xi's trust in the diplomat," per CNN. His departure comes as another surprise. There's been speculation about "a power struggle with Wang" and "an alleged affair with a TV anchor," per the Guardian. Whether or not there's truth to that, "Qin Gang was single-handedly pulled up the ranks by Xi," meaning "any problems with him will reflect badly on Xi, too," analyst Deng Yuwen tells CNN. The outlet notes senior officials have been known to vanish months before it's revealed that they've been detained. The Guardian adds the health excuse has been used to explain absences of officials "who have fallen out of favor." (Read more China stories.)
One of the climate change tipping points scientists are most worried about could arrive sooner than expected, with potentially disastrous consequences for billions of people, according to new research. In a study published in the journal Nature , Danish researcher Peter Ditlevsen, a climate scientist, and his sister Susanne Ditlevsen, a professor of statistics, said their analysis suggests that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning CirculationAMOCnetwork of ocean currents, which includes the Gulf Stream, could collapse before the end of this century. They said AMOC could severely weaken or shut down as soon as 2025 or as late as 2095, though the most likely time is midcentury under the "current scenario of future emissions, the New York Times reports.

The AMOC moves warm water from the tropics to the North Atlantic, but melting ice is a major problem, the researchers say. "Greenhouse gas emissions cause global warming, which speeds up the melting of Greenland ice," the Ditlevsens explain to USA Today. "The melted freshwater entering the North Atlantic can then disrupt the AMOC, potentially causing major climate disruptions." The extra freshwater, they say, is "lighter than the salty seawater around it" and can "disrupt the normal sinking of the salty water, weakening or even shutting down the AMOC." If the AMOC is shut down disrupted, it could cool Europe and North America by a few degreesbut there would also be sea level rises and huge disruptions to rainfall in North America and beyond.

The change would disrupt agriculture in Asia, South America, and Africa, endangering the food supply for billions, the Guardian reports. "This would be a very, very large change," Peter Ditlevsen says. "The AMOC has not been shut off for 12,000 years." He says the research shows the urgent need to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. While other scientists agree on the need to reduce emissions, some disagree with the Ditlevsens' analysis, saying there is still much uncertainty about the tipping point for the AMOC and any collapse. One problem with the statistical analysis other researchers pointed to was the use of potentially inaccurate records going back to 1870. (Read more ocean currents stories.)
A former US Marine who was imprisoned by Russia for more than two years apparently tried to exact some revenge: The Messenger reports that Trevor Reed, who was freed last year in a prisoner swap, was injured in Ukraine while fighting on behalf of that nation. Reed stepped on a landmine about two weeks ago, according to the report. He has since been sent to a hospital in Germany, reports CNN . "We're aware that Trevor Reed was injured while participating in fighting in Ukraine," a Biden administration official tells the Messenger. However, the US doesn't exactly sound thrilled with Reed's choices.

"Since the beginning of the war, we have warned that US citizens who travel to Ukraine, especially with the purpose of participating in fighting there, that they face significant risks, including the very real risk of capture or death," said the official, who stressed that Reed made the decision to go to Ukraine on his own. It's not clear when he left, but the 30-year-old Reed had spoken to KXXV in Texas in early May, saying he was happy to be safe at home one year after his release.

The Messenger adds another wrinkle to the story: It reports that Reed wanted to be sent back to the US after being injured, but his military contract with Ukraine prevented that from happening. At that point, he threatened to go to the media to make his story public and try to get the US to help him return home. Reed had been arrested in Russia in 2019 after a night out drinking, when Russian police accused him of assaulting them. The extent of his new battlefield injuries aren't known. (Read more Russia-Ukraine war stories.)
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TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrains fiscal sustainability initiatives provide a roadmap that supports long-term economic growth and competitiveness. This was emphasised by His Highness the Deputy Prime Minister, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, during an interview with the Oxford Business Group (OBG), which was published in its annual report for 2023.

HH the Deputy Prime Minister said the Economic Development Board (EDB) attracted a record $1.1 billion in direct investment in 2022 from a total of 88 companies, adding that this was expected to generate over 6,300 jobs by 2025.

He underlined the importance of public private partnerships (PPPs), which form a key part of government plans. The kingdom is working towards efficient and effective governance by changing the role of the government from operator to regulator, while enabling the private sector to aid in driving economic development, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah said.

On digitalisation, HH the Deputy Prime Minister said Bahrains strategy aims to increase the number of ICT startups by 20%; automate an additional 200 government services; increase national employment in the sector by 35%; and train at least 20,000 citizens on cybersecurity to support the digital economy by 2026.

The full text of His Highness the Deputy Prime Minister, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifas interview with the Oxford Business Group (OBG).

To what extent is Bahrains drive towards sustainability shaping investment attraction strategies?

Several fiscal sustainability initiatives aim to promote foreign direct investment (FDI). The Economic Recovery Plan (ERP), which launched in 2021, includes a roadmap that supports long-term economic growth and competitiveness.

The plan includes 27 programmes under five main pillars: launching major strategic projects; developing priority sectors through the rollout of various strategies; increasing the efficiency of commercial procedures; achieving fiscal sustainability and economic stability; and providing quality employment for Bahrainis.

The plan also aims to increase FDI by more than $2.5bn by the end of 2023 by streamlining business set-up procedures and supporting the development of a skilled local workforce to make the kingdom an attractive base for investors.

The Bahrain Economic Development Board attracted a record $1.1bn in direct investment in 2022. This investment came from a total of 88 companies and is expected to generate over 6300 jobs by 2025.

The kingdom has also pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 with interim environmental targets, joining global efforts in combatting climate change. These goals have been integrated into the ERP, as have concurrent strategies to promote sustainability and achieve targets, such as the National Renewable Energy Action Plan.

In what ways can public-private partnerships (PPPs) help meet future labour market needs?

PPPs form a key part of government plans, including Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, which launched in 2008.

The kingdom is working towards efficient and effective governance by changing the role of the government from operator to regulator, while enabling the private sector to aid in driving economic development.

To this end, the government issued standards regulating PPPs in 2022 and has engaged in strategic partnerships with private institutions, international companies and agencies in a variety of fields, including cloud computing, e-services, software development and e-payment solutions.

The PPPs incorporated in the ERP aim to create quality job opportunities for locals and enhance their skill sets to meet the evolving needs of the labour market. Bahrain has also put in place initiatives to encourage private sector growth.

On top of facilitating foreign investments, the kingdom supports startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through Tamkeen, a semi-autonomous agency that underpins private sector development.

In 2019 Tamkeens development programme disbursed over BD29m ($76.9m), benefitting around 1700 Bahraini businesses, of which 93% were SMEs.

How would you characterise the countrys long-term vision of digitalisation as enabling socioeconomic development?

The Telecommunications, ICT and Digital Economy Sector Strategy 2022-26 intends to transform services through digital technologies, while enhancing the sector environment and encouraging adoption.

Through this strategy, the country aims to increase the number of ICT startups by 20%; automate an additional 200 government services; increase national employment in the sector by 35%; and train at least 20,000 citizens on cybersecurity to support the digital economy by 2026.

The kingdom has launched several initiatives to support digitalisation efforts, including Tamkeens innovation programme, which provides support to digital start-ups in research and development, prototyping, and product testing and launching. Another example is Citibanks Global Technology Hub, which aims to create 1000 coding jobs by 2033.
Hong Kong: CE thanks President Xi for letter

Chief Executive John Lee today extended his deepest gratitude on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to President Xi Jinping for his reply letter to Secondary 4 students of Pui Kiu Middle School in Hong Kong.

The letter conveys President Xi's earnest expectations for young people to fulfil their mission and responsibilities as Hong Kongs young generation.

Mr Lee said the reply letter on the students sharing of experience in activities such as the burial ceremony of the remains of the Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs that returned to China from Korea, and real-time dialogue with astronauts carrying out their mission at the Tiangong Space Station, shows the Presidents care and encouragement to the students.

It also motivates schools in Hong Kong to actively organise diversified extracurricular activities to help young people gain a better understanding of the countrys history and national affairs, and strengthen their affection for and sense of belonging to the country as well as their sense of national identity.

Schools are encouraged to help students transform their affection for the country and Hong Kong into action and pass on this mission from one generation to the next.

Mr Lee pointed out that since the current-term Hong Kong SAR Government took office, it has adopted the contents and spirit of the important speech delivered by President Xi in Hong Kong on July 1 last year as the policy framework.

On youth development, the first edition of the Youth Development Blueprint was launched at the end of last year to holistically guide young people to gain a deeper understanding of the developments of the country as well as the rest of the world, and strengthen their national pride and sense of responsibility and ownership.

Mr Lee stressed that the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to promote and strengthen patriotic education and national education, and provide a learning environment that supports the growth and development of young people in Hong Kong, so as to nurture a new generation with an affection for the country and Hong Kong and also equipped with a global perspective, an aspiring mind-set and positive thinking.

It is hoped that young people will unleash their full potential in society in the future, ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle in Hong Kong, and make proactive contributions to building a better Hong Kong and achieving national rejuvenation.

This story has been published on: 2023-07-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov is paying a visit to fraternal Turkiye at the invitation of the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Turkiye, Mr. Yashar Guler in order to participate in the IDEF23 16th International Defence Industry Fair to be held in Istanbul, Azernews reports, citing the Defense Ministry.

The Minister of Defense will view the weapons, vehicles, and military equipment produced by various companies that will be displayed at the fair.
Is it too much to expect that those running for public office acquaint themselves with the legal underpinnings of their inflammatory rhetoric? Apparently so.

Republican Erie County Executive candidate Chrissy Casilio isnt even letting the facts, much less the law, stand in her way as she calls for a vote on the countys sanctuary status and demands to know how county tax dollars are being spent on asylum seekers.

Erie County does not need sanctuary status to admit asylum seekers, and county tax dollars are not being spent on them. If Casilio needs the legal and factual aspects of this explained in better detail, were here to help.

Migrants who come to the United States to seek asylum are legally present here until their status is granted or denied.

Incumbent County Executive Mark Poloncarz correctly stated that issuing an emergency order barring asylum seekers would be illegal under Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Poloncarz also said such an order would be morally repugnant, but responding to the call of common humanity with leadership and compassion clearly falls outside the parameters of Casilios bombast.

The legal issues have already been tested: New Yorks Rockland and Orange counties were among several that issued emergency orders barring asylum seekers, but those orders were tossed by a federal judge who deemed them in violation of the federal civil and constitutional rights of migrants and asylum-seekers.

As for county funds, New York City is responsible for covering all transportation and housing of migrants here.

DocGo, the New York City contractor responsible for busing migrants to other parts of the state and finding shelter for them, has formal contracts with immigrant resettlement agencies here, who have been  on short notice  doing a good job getting asylum seekers resettled with as little disruption as possible.

Western New York agencies such as Jericho Road Community Health Center have a step-by-step process that starts with immediate shelter and safety concerns.

They know that most of these people leave their countries because they would be in mortal danger otherwise. Dr. Myron Glick, Jericho Roads founder and CEO of Community Health Center, has asserted that many in Buffalo recognize what many immigrants have gone through and what they add to the community.

Glick has also correctly stated, Buffalo has thrived when weve been most welcoming.

This was true in the 19th century and it remains so today. Casilio should pay more attention to history and less to a paranoid right-wing playbook thats become all too familiar.

Whats your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing.
% Arabica opens second Canadian storefront in brand new lower level of Union Station, the country's busiest transportation hub

TORONTO, July 25, 2023 /CNW/ - World-renowned Japanese coffee brand, % Arabica is opening the doors of its first downtown Toronto location on Wednesday, July 26, in the city's bustling Union Station. This will be the second Canadian location for % Arabica, following the opening of Yorkdale Shopping Centre in December 2022. Founded by Kenneth Shoji, % Arabica is an independent coffee brand from Kyoto, Japan with 155 stores globally. The opening of % Arabica at Union Station, Canada's busiest multi-modal passenger transportation hub, will be located in the newly renovated area as a highly sought-after addition. % Arabica will elevate Torontonians travel by providing them with a premium coffee experience, through high-quality coffee and an ambiance that will encourage you to take a moment to enjoy your cup that is made from the world's finest beans.

"After a successful first launch into the Canadian market last year at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, we are thrilled to bring our first Downtown Toronto location to the core of the city at Union Station '' says % Arabica partner. "We are proud to provide an enhanced coffee experience whether living in, arriving, or leaving the city, starting with the beautiful design of this location. When you step foot into the thoughtfully designed % Arabica, you'll feel your coffee experience has been up-leveled with a space that allows you to enjoy the moment with the world's best coffee."

Designed in collaboration with Tacklebox Architecture under the leadership of Jeremy Barbour, the design is inspired by the geological and glacial formation of the surrounding landscape. Drawing inspiration from the layered beauty of glacial ice, folded rock, and the strata of the underlying bedrock, this space is defined by a floor-to-ceiling, faceted wall terrain. This monolithic surface is comprised of 172 faceted blocks that have been meticulously carved from 3,452 layers of stacked gypsum wall board a ubiquitous building material commonly sourced in the region but used here in a unique and extraordinary way.



This crisp, white geometric surface is punctuated at intervals by 24 powder-coated steel niches that house bulk coffee bags and merchandise on display. A continuous white corian surface folds and carves space to form front and back service counters where visitors gather to receive % Arabicas finest coffees sourced from around the globe.

% Arabica is more than coffee, it is a lifestyle experience focusing on design and simple pleasures, on a mission to invite people of all nationalities and throughout every country to 'See the World Through Coffee'. The brand's commitment to quality and love for coffee and design shines through its unique architecture and the one-of-a-kind coffee experience offered at each location.

On Wednesday, July 26, % Arabica officially opens its doors at Union Station, offering the first 50 customers an exclusive pastry item and the first 150 customers a limited edition cup designed by a local Canadian artist with purchase. The art will pay homage to Toronto's renowned landscape that Union Station is located in the heart of. For more information, store hours, and more, please visit http://arabica.coffee .

About % Arabica

% Arabica was founded by Kenneth Shoji in 2013, and opened its global flagship store in Kyoto, Japan in 2014, and has since gained a devoted following thanks to its exceptional coffee and simple, timeless store design. Famous for its iconic locations worldwide, % Arabica rapidly expanded globally with locations in 18 countries in North America, Asia, Europe and Middle East and over 130 stores.

Shoji was inspired to start % Arabica after realizing he wanted an amazing cup of coffee every daywith equally amazing customer experience. To learn the coffee business, he purchased a coffee farm in Hawaii, started a green bean trading company, exported Japanese coffee roasting machines and then became a distributor for Slayer. With this experience under his belt, he launched % Arabica, led by his vision to grow the brand across the world - which is reflected in the % Arabica motto, "See the World Through Coffee."

Specializing in premium varieties of coffee, % Arabica is renowned for serving the world's finest coffee beans, and making perfect, yet simple, barista brews. % Arabica sources largely from small farms, serving their unique blend, as well as single-origin beans from around the world with a carefully curated menu that spans espresso-based coffees, specialty lattes, drip coffees, matcha, and much more specialty offerings.

About Tacklebox Architecture

Jeremy Barbour is the founding principal of TACKLEBOX ARCHITECTURE an innovative architecture firm based in New York City with a portfolio that includes retail interiors, commercial office design, single and multi-family residential projects and furniture design. With notable projects for brands such as Aesop, Claus Porto, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Kenneth Cole, and Shinsegae, the work of TACKLEBOX ARCHITECTURE has received multiple awards and has been featured in over 100 publications. In 2010, TACKLEBOX ARCHITECTURE was among 7 firms selected as a recipient of AIANY's New Practices New York Award, a biennial competition that recognizes the best new architecture firms in NYC and In 2018 Tacklebox was named in the Architect's Newspaper's Top 50 Interior Architecture firms.

SOURCE % Arabica

For further information: Alanna Fallis, Pomp & Circumstance PR, [email protected]
Avalanche Energy published a research paper in an IEEE journal. Avalanche is a VC-backed, fusion energy start-up based in Seattle, WA. with about $51 million in funding. They are designing, testing and building fusion batteries small enough to hold in your hand. Their modular reactor design can be stacked like battery packs for a wide variety of power applications from kWs to MWs providing clean energy to decarbonize the planet. Carbon-free micro-grids, long haul trucking, maritime shipping and aviation, are just some of the applications for our micro-reactors. Their unique approach enables rapid iterations of low-cost build, test, fix design cycles (think SpaceXs Starship but for fusion).



Pictures from four nuclear fusion companies near Seattle. Avalanche, Helion, Zap Energy and CT Fusion

Paper  Compact, 300-kVDC Bushing for Operation under Ultra-High Vacuum Pressure.

Ion gun development for fusion fuel injectors and conditioners on "Neo" our 100kV Orbitron, and starting to commission "Marty" our 300kV capable Orbitron- lots happening! Check out job postings to join the team- more big news soon!!!#jobpostings #team #climatetech #fusionenergy pic.twitter.com/SQogkTahBj  Avalanche Energy (@AvalancheFusion) August 16, 2022

They are targeting 600 kilovolts for their device to achieve certain design goals.

Abstract:

The growing energy demand and the global warming crisis require increasing the share of sustainable energy sources. Fusion energy has the potential to provide a zero-carbon, low-waste energy source that revolutionizes the energy industry. A gram of hydrogen isotope as fusion fuel can give equal energy to burning 16 m 3 of coal. In a novel approach to producing fusion energy, the Orbitron concept has been introduced in which ions are electrostatically confined around a high voltage (H.V.) cathode. In this method, the cathode voltage should be as high as hundreds of kVs. One of the major engineering challenges lies in the transmission of such voltage levels from the atmospheric pressure to a high vacuum environment (p< 10 8 Torr). One should be concerned not only about the breakdown of the vacuum or dielectric but also about the surface flashover across the insulators surface. This study proposes an innovative design for a compact, 300-kV bushing to achieve the aforementioned goal. Published in: 2022 IEEE Conference on Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Phenomena (CEIDP)

A patent describes an orbital containment system on the order of tens of centimeters in size, where a beam of fuel ions interacts with an electrostatic field to enter an elliptical orbit about an inner electrode. The application describes a system where ions last for a second or more. This is ten times longer than in McGuires simulations. It is long enough for each ion to complete millions of orbits in the reactor.

An orbital confinement fusion device may include a cathodic inner electrode defining a longitudinal axis of the device. The inner electrode may include an emitter material. The orbital confinement fusion device may include an anodic outer electrode, concentric with the longitudinal axis and defining a chamber between the inner electrode and the outer electrode. The orbital confinement fusion device may also include a plurality of magnetic field generators disposed in a coaxial arrangement relative to the longitudinal axis. The plurality of magnetic field generators may be configured to form a magnetic field parallel to the longitudinal axis in the chamber.

In some embodiments, the inner and outer electrodes are solids of revolution, symmetric about the longitudinal axis, and may be shaped to form a substantially logarithmic electrostatic field in the chamber when energized. The inner electrode may be characterized by an aspect ratio greater than one along the longitudinal axis. The outer electrode may have length along the longitudinal axis greater than a largest diameter of the inner electrode. The outer electrode may include a first anode shell and a second anode shell, disposed laterally relative to the longitudinal axis and a dielectric insulator disposed between and electrically isolating the first anode shell and the second anode shell.

In some embodiments, the magnetic field is characterized by a magnetic field strength exceeding a Hull cut-off condition to trap electrons in an orbital path about the inner electrode within the chamber. The plurality of magnetic field generators may be or include permanent magnets. The plurality of magnetic field generators may be or include electromagnets. The orbital confinement fusion device may also include a high voltage power source, electrically coupled with the inner electrode, and operative in a range from about 50 kV DC to about 4.0 MV DC. The inner electrode may define a first end and a second end. The orbital confinement fusion device may further include a first dielectric insulator mechanically coupled with the first end and isolating the first end from the outer electrode and a second dielectric insulator disposed in the chamber between the second end and the outer electrode and isolating the second end from the outer electrode. The first dielectric insulator may define an insulating cavity and may electrically isolate the high voltage power source from the outer electrode.

In some embodiments, the outer electrode defines an aperture, an alignment of the aperture defining an injection trajectory, the injection trajectory corresponding to a pitch angle of entry of a stable elliptical orbit of an ion of a given mass-to-charge ratio about the inner electrode. The ion may be, but is not limited to, a proton (m/z=1), a deuterium ion (m/z=2), a tritium ion (m/z=3), lithium-6 ion (m/z=6), or a boron-11 ion (m/z=11). The outer electrode may further define a port fluidly coupled with the chamber and an external environment. The port may be configured to fluidly couple with a vacuum system. The emitter material may be disposed on the inner electrode or integrated in the inner electrode. The emitter material may be configured to inject electrons into the chamber when the inner electrode is energized. The emitter material may be or include a thermionic emitter material.

In some embodiments, the orbital confinement fusion device further includes an image current device electrically coupled with the outer electrode and configured to generate electrical energy from a plurality of charged particles orbiting the inner electrode, the plurality of charged particles exhibiting harmonic axial motion aligned with the longitudinal axis. The orbital confinement fusion device may further include a fluid conduit disposed in the outer electrode or the inner electrode. The orbital confinement fusion device may be characterized by physical dimensions on the order of tens of centimeters. In some embodiments, the orbital confinement fusion device is electrically coupled with an electrical power system configured to receive electrical power or heated coolant from the device.

A method of generating orbital confinement fusion energy in a fusion device described above may include energizing the inner electrode to a voltage from about 50 kV DC to about 4.0 MV DC, thereby forming a logarithmic electrostatic field between the inner electrode and the outer electrode and injecting a plurality of electrons into the chamber. The method may include injecting a beam of fuel ions into the chamber and at an angle tangential to a surface of the inner electrode, causing the fuel ions to interact with the electrostatic field and to enter an elliptical orbit about the inner electrode. The method may also include generating a magnetic field aligned with the longitudinal axis using the plurality of magnetic field generators, the magnetic field characterized by an intensity corresponding to a Hull cut-off condition and redirecting the electrons back toward the inner electrode.

In some embodiments, the method further includes flowing a coolant through the fluid conduit, heating the coolant through contact with the outer electrode, and generating electricity using the heated coolant. The method may further include applying a radio-frequency (RF) voltage signal to the outer electrode using a charge image circuit, wherein a frequency of the RF voltage signal corresponds to an oscillation of charged particles in the chamber along a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis. The method may further include generating an RF current using the charge image circuit and generating a direct current from the RF current using an RF-to-DC rectifier circuit.

Avalanche Energy Background

Avalanche is a VC-backed, fusion energy start-up based in Seattle, WA. They are designing, testing and building micro-fusion reactors that you can hold in your hand. Their modular reactor design can be stacked for endless power applications and unprecedented energy density to provide clean energy and decarbonize the planet.

Avalanche is developing a 5kWe power pack called the Orbitron in a form-factor the size of a lunch pail. The unique physics of the Orbitron allows for its compact size which is a key enabler for development, scaling, and a wide variety of applications. Avalanche Energy uses electrostatic fields to trap fusion ions and also uses a magnetron electron confinement to reach higher ion densities. The resulting fusion reaction produces neutrons that can be transformed into heat.

The magnetron is a variation of a component in regular microwave ovens and the electrostatic base technology is a derivative of a product available from ThermoFisher Scientific, which is widely deployed for use in commercial mass spectrometry. They are taking two devices that exist already, things you can buy commercially for various applications. They are putting them together in a new interesting way at much higher voltages to build a recirculating beam fusion prototype.

The unique approach enables rapid iterations of design, build, test, fix cycles for faster development and the rapid scalability that the planet needs.

They raised a $5 million seed round, secured a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) International Patent. In February, 2022 Langtry and Riordan generated their first neutrons via fusion. They had 10 employees in March and expect to double that by the end of 2022. Avalanche Energys $5 million first round was led by Prime Impact Fund (now Azolla Ventures) and included Congruent Ventures, Chris Saccas Lowercarbon Capital, and nearly a dozen smaller investors. In August, 2022, they raised another $23-24 million.

Total funding as of 2023 is about $51 million.

Ultra Small and Lightweight

Avalanches reactor design is small enough to hold in your hand. This allows the use of conventional manufacturing tools and techniques for test and production, and a wider variety of applications from personal transportation to micro-grid power.

Scalable, Rapid Manufacturing

Avalanches small-scale power pack lends itself to high-speed production line manufacturing techniques, dramatically lowering the cost of fusion with economies of scale.

Modular

The Avalanche design can be packaged as a single cell with 5kW  15kW capacity or grouped by the hundreds for megawatt-scale clean energy solutions.

CEO Robin Langtry told Canary Media in an interview. Its hundreds of little cells that we can mass-produce in a giga-fusion factory. You might need a few of them for a car, a dozen for a bus, maybe 100 for an airplane.

No Giant Magnets or Lasers No Giant Magnets or Lasers

Avalanches reactor design avoids the dangers, expense and complexity of high-power magnets or lasers.

Clean

Avalanches reactor design is capable of fusing fuels like proton-boron-11 which practically eliminates internal neutron radiation, resulting in longer life and lower shielding requirements for a lighter power pack.

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has provided funding. The DIU objective is to launch a successful orbital prototype demonstration in 2027 with Avalanche Energy and another approach with radioisotopes.

DIU has awarded two Prototype Other Transaction (OT) contracts: one to the Ultra Safe Nuclear and a second to Avalanche Energy to demonstrate the next generation of nuclear propulsion and power capability for spacecraft. Specifically, these companies will be testing solutions that give small spacecraft the ability to maneuver at-will in cislunar space and enable high-power payloads that will support the expansion of Department of Defense (DoD) space missions.

Advanced nuclear technologies will provide the speed, power, and responsiveness to maintain an operational advantage in space, said U.S. Air Force Maj Ryan Weed, Program Manager for the Nuclear Advanced Propulsion and Power (NAPP) program at DIU. Ryan Weed used to be CEO of Positron Dynamics which worked on an appraoch to animatter propulsion.

Avalanche Energy has developed a device called an Orbitron, which utilizes electrostatic fields to trap fusion ions in conjunction with a magnetron electron confinement scheme to overcome charge density limits. The resulting fusion burn then produces the energetic particles that generate either heat or electricity, which can power a high-efficiency propulsion system. Compared to other fusion concepts, Orbitron devices are promising for space applications as they may be scaled down in size and enable their use as both a propulsion and power source.

High-Level Concept: High-speed ions are electrostatically confined in precessing elliptical orbits around a negatively charged cathode. The ion density is increased by the co-confinement of high temperature electrons trapped by an external weak magnetic field perpendicular to the electrostatic field in a crossed field configuration similar to a magnetron microwave device. Crossing elliptical paths of ions provide millions of chances of fusion-relevant collisions before the ion loses energy and is moved out of the interaction space as it falls into the cathode and is removed from the chamber.

History: The Orbitron configuration was invented in 2020 and is under development in Washington State.

Challenges: The interaction space for Orbitron plasma is extremely small for fusion devices, and requires extremely high voltages to trap the ions at fusion-relevant speeds. Managing dielectric breakdown and flashover in such a small space is an engineering challenge, and the plasma interactions for glancing beam-beam configurations are not well understood.

From Talk Polywell discussion board:

Flashover issues start to appear in a vacuum over 50kV. Under this limit, the issues are mainly related to dielectric breakdown (current flow).

ZAP Energy stays safely in the 15/20kV range, so they are far from flashover (voltage) related issues and this should not effect them at all.

Focus Fusion on the other hand is working right at the threshold of that limit (45kV), and thats why they are having a much more hard time.

Flashover issues are mainly focused in the connection point between the electrode and the insulator and are not current dependent but are voltage dependent (similar to a mechanical seal on a pump shaft that is not effected by the pump flow (current) but by the pressure head (voltage)).

Avalanche Energy is aiming for 600 kV.

Avalanche Energy reports meeting the 300 kV target. They published the IEEE paper that this was achieved. The previous highest electrostatic fusion device they are aware of was  Homer at UW-Madison which achieved 190 kV.

We are gunning for 300 kV very soon. Highest electrostatic fusion device we are aware of was  Homer at UW-Madison which achieved 190 kV.  Avalanche Energy (@AvalancheFusion) June 24, 2022

Finished our first radiation vault. Unlocks the tech. tree for testing at voltages >100 kV in our lab! pic.twitter.com/hFi0DirGW1  Avalanche Energy (@AvalancheFusion) June 24, 2022

Robin Langtry, CEO at Avalanche Energy, shared on Linkedin that they finished their first radiation vault. This unlocks the tech. tree for testing their prototypes at voltages at over 100 kV and increasing fusion rates.

SOURCES Avalanche Energy, Geekwire, Linkedin

Written by Brian Wang, Nextbigfuture.com
India and Pakistan have no nuclear weapons with yields over 40 kilotons, because they do not have fusion bombs in their arsenal. Fusion bombs need a fission bomb to boost a nuclear fusion explosion.

The USA, Russia, China, UK, France and Israel have nuclear fusion bombs. North Korea might have a fusion bomb.

Indias Claimed a Successful Nuclear Fusion bomb test in 1998. Was False

In an interview in August 2009, the director for the 1998 test site preparations, Dr. K. Santhanam claimed that the yield of the thermonuclear explosion was lower than expected and that India should therefore not rush into signing the CTBT. Other Indian scientists involved in the test have disputed Dr. K. Santhanams claim, arguing that Santhanams claims are unscientific. British seismologist Roger Clarke argued that the magnitudes suggested a combined yield of up to 60 kilotonnes of TNT (250 TJ), consistent with the Indian announced total yield of 56 kilotonnes of TNT (230 TJ). U.S. seismologist Jack Evernden has argued that for correct estimation of yields, one should account properly for geological and seismological differences between test sites.

India officially maintains that it can build thermonuclear weapons of various yields up to around 200 kt (840 TJ) on the basis of the Shakti-1 thermonuclear test

Santhanam said that instead of 45 kilotons of destructive energy, the explosion had produced only 15 to 20. The bomb had not worked as designed.

By rubbishing the earlier test as a failure, they hope to make the case for more nuclear tests. This would enable India to develop a full-scale thermonuclear arsenal.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

SOUTH African opposition, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has described Zimbabwe's ruling party Zanu-PF and ANC as two peas in a pod whose involvement in corruption is a signal of their political demise.Governing parties, Zanu-PF and ANC have been mired in controversies emanating from corruption that the two have failed to tackle.In Zimbabwe, senior Zanu-PF officials were exposed in an explosive investigative docu-series that laid bare how elites are involved in a web of money laundering using State institutions.Mnangagwa, his allies Uebert Angel and Pedzisai Scott Sakupwanaya were name-dropped in the expose titled Gold Mafia'.Since the release of the Al Jazeera documentary, no arrests have been with the government promising to "investigate".Just like Mnangagwa, Cyril Ramaphosa has been found in the corruption spotlight after millions of United States dollars were found stashed in a sofa prompting the EFF to call for his resignation.In an interview with NewZimbabwe.com EFF secretary general Marshall Dlamini said Zanu-PF and ANC have proved that they have no wherewithal to address corruption in their respective countries."The reality is that the former liberation movements by nature do not go beyond transforming society. They know by nature they are going to die a natural death. That is why the leaders can see that the day is coming and that eventually, they are going to die a natural death. They start doing things that are unethical, things that are wrong. On the stealing of Cyril, he does not steal on the basis that he wants more but he can see that the ANC is nearing an end."It is the nature of the liberation movements. They can see power is going that is why they want to still as much as they can. Some of them take money and stash out of this country so that when the time comes they can take their families and disappear," said Dlamini.Mnangagwa heads into an election scheduled for August 23 on the back of a failed expedition to tackle corruption.When he replaced Robert Mugabe in a military-assisted coup in 2017, Mnangagwa promised to eradicate corruption in all state institutions.His promise has failed to see the light of day with senior government officials arrested only to be acquitted in what the opposition has described as a catch-and-release syndrome.Dlamini told NewZimbabwe.com that both ANC and Zanu-PF appear to have lost direction and lack ideas to transform their economies."They are not good leaders. That is why we are contesting the ANC. We want to remove it from power because they have no idea how to grow the economy. The countries have evolved, they need fresh ideas and that cannot be found in the liberation movements," said Dlamini.
Web3 and its decentralized protocols are creating more opportunities for budding moviemakers to transform their ideas from simple scripts to big-screen blockbusters.

For decades, the moviemaking industry has been dominated by the biggest film studios, and anyone who wanted to produce a big picture film had little option but to try and convince the likes of Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures to get behind them.

That has changed in recent years with the advent of crowdfunding, which has enabled a new breed of indie movies created by fans of the idea and vision. Crowdfunding provides an opportunity for people outside of the big film studios and streaming giants like Netflix to get involved in the filmmaking industry, and with the rise of decentralized protocols its likely to become an even more open field.

Until now, most crowdfunded movies have sought to raise capital on platforms such as Indiegogo and Kickstarter, offering fans various incentives to back them, ranging from signed posters to those who make small contributions, and a mention in the films credits for those whore prepared to invest a lot more.

One of the best examples of a crowdfunded movie is Veronica Mars, which successfully raised $52,000 on Kickstarter to cover the bulk of its production costs.

Filmmaking Democratized

The beauty of decentralized fundraising protocols is that theyre able to take full advantage of Web3 technologies such as non-fungible tokens, which can be used to create a much deeper relationship between filmmakers and their investors. NFTs, as theyre known, are unique digital tokens recorded on the blockchain. Theyre often used to record ownership of digital art assets, but theyre much more flexible than this, and provide a way for investors to obtain real value. For instance, NFTs can represent intellectual property, enabling investors to become part-owners of a movie production.

This is the idea behind MetaMovie, an upcoming protocol built on the Metatime blockchain that claims to represent the next stage in the evolution of filmmaking. Powered by blockchain technology, MetaMovie is democratizing the way movies are made.

Traditionally, it has always been the big movie studios that decide which scripts they want to transform into movies and come up with the financing. They also handle essential tasks such as distribution and marketing. However, MetaMovie will enable anyone to do these things in collaboration with like-minded people.

Budding filmmakers can submit their ideas for scripts, or even a completed script, to the MetaMovie community for vetting. Movie fans will then be able to go through these ideas, invests in the ideas they like, and in return for their investment they will also be entitled to provide input in important decisions such as adapting the script, casting the lead actors, marketing the movie and more. Users who invest money in a movie seeking funding on MetaMovie will be granted a proportionate number of tokens equivalent to the amount they have put into the project. These tokens, similar to NFTs or crypto, grant the holder voting rights on various matters in the production process, as well as a share of the revenue the movie generates.

Its a novel approach that promises to democratize the filmmaking landscape, giving everyone who supports the project the opportunity to share their ideas and input.

Decentralized Pictures is another movie fundraising protocol thats backed by a legendary name from the Hollywood industry. Its a decentralized autonomous organization, or DAO, that provides a fundraising platform for filmmakers. The difference is that, whereas with MetaMovie, directors simply set a funding target, Decentralized Pictures simply pools every investors funds into one big budget. Contributors to this pool vote regularly on which ideas should be funded next. The movies will then be produced by none other than Roman Coppola, the son of legendary screenwriter and movie producer Francis Ford Coppola. If the movie turns out to be successful, the bulk of the profits it generates will be returned to the pool to finance more movies, with a small portion used to reward the original investors.

Offering yet another slightly different take on this concept is Looking Glass Labs, the creator of the live-action NFT-integrated movie and comic series GenZeroes. The series alternates between movie and comic book episodes, telling the story of various factions of mankind fighting for control of the planet after it was decimated by an alien invasion. Its a sci-fi project funded entirely through the sale of NFTs. Owners of GenZeroes NFTs gain multiple benefits, including early access to each new episode and the opportunity to propose and vote on storyline plots for the second season.

Decentralized protocols are rapidly making inroads into the world of filmmaking, democratizing access and enabling a new generation of movie producers to get their ideas made into movies. For the first time, anyone who wants to can become an investor in movies, with benefits ranging from a share of the revenue to influencing the actual storyline itself.

Blockchain, Web3 and NFTs are transformational technologies that could change the very nature of filmmaking, and itll be exciting to watch the development of these new protocols.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

THE sincerity of African leaders and institutions in fighting corruption has come under scrutiny following the appointment of controversial Zimbabwean self-styled prophet Uebert Angel as its Pan-African Parliament ambassador for interfaith dialogue and humanitarian affairs.In March this year, Angel found himself in the eye of a storm after he emerged as a leading role actor in Al Jazeera's revealing Gold Mafia investigation scandal, which implicates President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his cronies in rampant gold smuggling, money laundering and corruption, as well as conspiracy to commit financial crimes.Through phone calls, Angel also implicated Mnangagwa's gold runner Pedzisayi "Scott" Sakupwanya, whom he says has managed to keep his wealth through close connections with President Mnangagwa.Sakupwanya, a Mnangagwa loyalist, is one of the financers of the Zanu-PF strongman's election campaign.Sakupwanya is also a member of the Zanu-PF resource mobilisation committee responsible for fundraising for the party's 23 August election campaign. In the phone call, Sakupwanya is heard saying that he had sold six tonnes of gold in a space of 10 months.In the first episode, Angel also exposed the role played by Zimbabwe Miners' Federation (ZMF) president Henrietta Rushwaya in the gold smuggling syndicate, through a phone call in which she reveals that they use private jets to pick up gold as part of smuggling and laundering activities. Rushwaya is Mnangagwa's niece.Angels' appointment has been met with shock by human rights defenders."Corruption appears to know no bounds in Zimbabwe. This fake prophet Uebert Angel continues to be protected by a corrupt regime bent on power retention. Disgraceful," said Piers Pigou, southern Africa programme head at the Institute for Security Studies.The Al Jazeera's Investigative Unit has also underlined Angel's role in money laundering in its documentary."Uebert Angel the Gold Mafia kingpin is appointed as an African Union ambassador. Our investigation exposed Angel asking undercover reporters for a $200 000 bribe to make a corrupt deal with Zimbabwe's president Mnangagwa and use his diplomatic privilege to launder money," said AJ Unit in a tweet.Outspoken Zambian political activist Joseph Kalimbwe said the appointment of Angel is a threat to transparency and good governance in Africa."Gold Smuggler, Uebert Angel (as he admitted on Al Jazeera) was appointed as Ambassador of the Pan-African Parliament; with the help of Charumbira. His appointment is a threat to African democracy; we must never sit and watch Zanu-PF stooges destroy African institutions!" said Kalimbwe.Chief Fortune Charumbira is the AU's Pan-African Parliament president and also the president of the Zimbabwe Council of Chiefs, as well as a senator.In April, police in Masvingo province opened an indecent assault charge against Charumbira on allegations of sexually abusing his 27-year-old married niece on two occasions.Charumbira, who has not been arrested over the case, has maintained that the charges are part of a smear campaign against him.Other countries have been tightening bolts on the Gold Mafia scandal. For instance, last week, the United Arab Emirates suspended the accreditation of one of its biggest gold refineries, Emirates Gold DMCC, over concerns that its owners had ties to alleged money launderers.According to the people familiar with the UAE decision, two of the ultimate beneficial owners of Emirates Gold are relatives of Zimbabwean businessmen Simon Rudland and Howard Baker.The Emirates Gold Bullion Committee, which is chaired by the Economy ministry, removed the refinery due to concerns its owners were connected to alleged money launderers, according to people familiar with the thinking behind the decision, according to Bloomberg.As reported by The NewsHawks, Rudland's role was exposed in the documentary as part of people who have been using South Africa's banking system to launder money in UAE banks.Findings by the Gold Mafia documentary show that Rudland's company, Gold Leaf Tobacco, has allegedly been washing money earned through the sale of illicit cigarettes, externalising it to the UAE through PKSA, a shadowy company owned by Mohammed Khan, notorious for externalising money, according to former mafia member Dawood Khan.The money is then used to buy gold from Zimbabwe's Fidelity Printers and Refiners, the country's largest gold buyer. Zimbabwean gold dealer Ewan MacMillan, also implicated in the smuggling, said Rudland has a separate arrangement and bankrolls the country.Some of the gold is sold to Rudland's company, Aulion Global Trading, in Dubai. It is from these proceeds that MacMillan says Rudland lends the government money to buy gold."He gives Fidelity the money to buy the gold for him to export.Fidelity's debt to him at one time is US$200 million, US$250 million. That is huge," MacMillan says. His links to the documentary have seen the United Kingdom take measures against him.The London Bullion Market Association, which regulates the UK capital's precious metals market, also followed suit, and suspended the refinery's affiliate membership after a due diligence review.
A coalition of chairmen of political parties and civil society organisations (CSOs) has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for strengthening the integrity of the 2023 elections with technologies.

In a communique on Monday, the group passed a vote of confidence on Yakubu Mahmood, chairman of INEC, for putting everything on the line to push through with the technological innovations and reforms.

The communique was signed by Kenneth Udenze, national chairman of Action Alliance (AA); Uchenna Nnadi, national chairman of Action Peoples Party (APP); Isaac Udeh, national chairman of National Rescue Movement (NRM); Dan Nwanyawu, national chairman of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP); Lawal Nalado, national chairman of Accord (A); and Ezenwa Nwagwu, chairman of Partners for Electoral Reforms.

The group said the victory recorded by several political parties in the national assembly election speaks directly to the integrity and credibility of the poll.

The coalition said the introduction of the bimodal voters accreditation system (BVAS) and the INEC result viewing portal (IREV) is playing out in the various tribunals to prove the actual outcomes of the elections.

The roundtable observed that in the house of representatives, members from minority parties are in the majority in the house, showing a truly representative house as voted by the people, the communique reads.

The roundtable agrees that this speaks directly to the integrity and credibility of the election and commended the commission for performing well in this regard.

The political roundtable reviewed the technological innovations introduced by the commission, including the bimodal voters accreditation system (BVAS) and the INEC result viewing Portal (IREV) and commended both innovations as having helped to strengthen the integrity of the elections.

The political roundtable reviewed the pre-election internal discipline mechanism adopted by INEC which helped reduce internal wrangling within the political parties and the tendency for factionalisation of the political parties.

The political roundtable reviewed the pre-election processes by the political parties and agreed that political parties and political actors were responsible for a vast majority of the tension and concerns about the election, and INEC conducted itself creditably in this area.

The political roundtable reviewed the preparations and pre-election logistics deployment by INEC and agreed that the commission was punctual in meeting up and completing all its activity checklist on schedule, including logistics deployment of non-sensitive and sensitive materials.

The political roundtable reviewed the role of the BVAS and the IREV in the electoral process and commended the roles the deployment of both innovations is playing in the various tribunals to prove the actual outcomes of the elections.
A mild drama played out at the Federal High Court, Lagos between operatives of the Department of State Services and officials of Nigeria Correctional Service as they tussled over who keeps custody of the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

Emefiele was arraigned by the Federal Ministry of Justice for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition but was granted bail in the sum of N20m with one surety, following his not guilty plea.

As the defendants lawyers were trying to perfect his bail conditions, a mild drama played out within the court premises between DSS operatives who are fully hooded and NCS over who will take custody of the embattled CBN boss.

Two Hilux vehicles belonging to the two government agencies were positioned near the entrance of the court.

The prison service also brought dogs into the court premises.

Sources said that there are moves by the DSS operatives to rearrest Emefiele despite the bail granted to him by the court.




Aisha Binani, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa, says the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is stalling her case before the election tribunal in the state.

At the court session on Monday, Chiesonu Okpoko, Binanis counsel, told the tribunal that Hudu Yunusa-Ari, suspended Adamawa state resident electoral commissioner (REC), who is supposed to be the star witness in the case is being harassed and prevented from appearing before the panel.

Yunusa-Ari had stirred controversy when he declared Binani as the winner of the Adamawa governorship election when the collation of the results was yet to be completed.

INEC declared the announcement null and void and summoned the REC to its headquarters in Abuja.

Subsequently, the commission wrote to the police to prosecute Yunusa-Ari over the electoral infraction.

Yunusa-Ari was later suspended and INEC announced that a six-count charge has been filed against him before a high court in Yola, the capital of Adamawa.

July 12 was initially fixed for the commencement of the trial.

However, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/935/2023, Binani through her lead counsel, Michael Aondoaka, moved the ex-parte motion to stop Yunusa-Aris prosecution.

The counsel to the APC candidate argued that until the election petition tribunal decides Binanis fate in accordance with section 149 of the electoral act, 2022, the prosecution of Yunusa-Ari cannot be said to be valid.

Donatus Okorowo, the presiding judge, ordered the parties to maintain status quo ante bellum, pending the hearing and determination of the matter.

The judge also ordered the respondents  INEC, the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and the inspector-general of police (IGP)  to show cause why the reliefs sought by Binani should not be granted.

But on July 18, the court refused to extend the interim order and fixed Monday for the hearing of the originating summons served on the defendants.

Upon resumed hearing, Okpoko, who held the brief of Aondoaka, said the suspended REC is critical to his clients case at the tribunal.

He said prosecuting Yunusa-Ari would pose a likelihood of bias in the tribunals decision.

The lawyer prayed the court to restrain the respondents from prosecuting Yunusa-Ari pending the determination of Binanis petition at the tribunal.

He further submitted that the applicant was not arguing against the prosecution of the suspended INEC official, but that the commission and others should wait until the tribunal gave its judgment within the 180 days prescribed by law.

Responding, Adebisi Adeniyi, who held brief for Rotimi Jacobs, prosecution counsel, disagreed with Okpokos submission.

Adeniyi argued that the charge preferred against the suspended REC was bailable which would allow him to give his testimony before the tribunal after he has been granted bail.

The lawyer said that Binani had not presented any evidence before the court to show that Yunusa-Ari was listed as a witness in her petition.

He also argued that the applicant had also failed to show evidence that the suspended REC had either been invited, arrested or charged.

Adeniyi added that there is no way the prosecution of the suspended REC will affect the plaintiffs petition.

He also challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit, adding that the suspended REC ought to be the one to file the suit before the state high court.

The suit has been adjourned to October 13 for judgment.




The Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Monday, applauded the decision of the Federal Government to remove fuel subsidy but lamented that the persistent call for sacrifices on the part of citizens was no longer tenable.





Festus Osifo, President of TUC, while briefing the media on the state of the nation, noted that the Federal Government never reciprocates the sacrifices made by Nigerians.





He urged the Tinubu led administration to show good example by cutting the cost of governance, stressing that the proposed purchase of new vehicles by the 10th National Assembly was unpalatable given the current situation in the country.





Osifo said placing the burden of fuel subsidy removal completely on the shoulders of the masses while those in power continue to bask in wealth was unjust.





He charged President Bola Tinubu to start by reducing the number of his aides and making sure that each new minister only has a maximum of two assistants.





We are canvassing for a basket that will contain alternatives to PMS, palliatives and reduction of the cost of governance, because, government cannot continuously ask the workers and the battered Nigerian masses to continuously tighten their belt. We have adjusted our belts and we have even exceeded the lap hole, while in government, they are continuously increasing their largesse.





For us, it shouldnt be the case of an animal farm where all animals are not equal. We are all Nigerians. If you tell us that there is a crisis, everybody must contribute to solving it. It should not be to the detriment of the downtrodden Nigerian workers.





The burdens should not all be put on the citizens, they must be willing to tell us the sacrifices they are willing to make, he said.





Osifo likewise requested the government to expedite work of the several committees overseeing the consultation on the withdrawal of fuel subsidies.





He noted that the Congress could only support concrete incentives that would be transparent and tangible, adding that they would not tolerate any additional attempts by the government to impose cash transfer palliatives.





On the proposed increase on electricity tariff, he said; You would be adding salt to peoples injuries if you increase the electricity tariff. Nigerians endurance level is getting to the limit. It may get to the point where Nigerians will not be able to take this anymore.





When you are bringing about policies even when the policies are the best, you must look at the timing and how to phase them out for you not to make the citizens suffer.





We also say no to the proposed 7.5 percent VAT on AGO. It has been deregulated and the market forces are what determine the price. Today, if you introduce the VAT on AGO, we should be ready that this similar VAT will be introduced to PMS. As of today, they are listening but we have communicated with some of our affiliates that are directly responsible for this to continuously monitor if the government wants to introduce this through the backdoor.




Pierre-Francios Aubameyang, father of former Chelsea striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, has said that his son finally has his smile back.





This was following a difficult period for the 34-year-old both in Spain and in West London.





The Gabonese striker recently joined Ligue 1 club Olympique de Marseille from Chelsea.





Pierre-Francois told LEquipe that Aubameyang endured a nightmare year at Stamford Bridge.





Before moving to Chelsea last summer, Aubameyang, 34, was attacked by robbers in Barcelona, who left him with a broken jaw.





Then his role at Stamford Bridge was immediately thrown into jeopardy after Thomas Tuchel was sacked by Chelsea owners and he gradually fell behind in the pecking order under Graham Potter.





He struggled for game time during the majority of his time in West London.





His jaw was broken by robbers at his home in Barcelona while trying to protect his wife and children, he told LEquipe





At Chelsea, he played with a mask at the start. It could only be a nightmare year.





Now its over. He has a smile. He knows that Im seeing the light again because I can walk and run since my last operation. And hes signing for OM, he said.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has brought Godwin Emefiele, suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to court.

DSS operatives arrived at the federal high court in Ikoyi, Lagos, around 9:18am on Tuesday with Emefiele in tow.

Emefiele is scheduled to be arraigned before Nicholas Oweibo, the presiding judge, over alleged possession of firearms.

On June 9, President Bola Tinubu suspended Emefiele and asked him to transfer his responsibilities to Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, deputy governor, operations directorate.

The day after, the DSS announced that Emefiele was in its custody for some investigative reasons.

Through his lawyer, Joseph Daudu, Emefiele filed a suit against the DSS and the attorney-general of the federation (AGF), seeking an enforcement of his fundamental human rights.

On July 13, a federal capital territory high court ordered the DSS to charge Emefiele to court if they have criminal allegations against him.

Hamza Muazu, presiding judge, had said the former CBN governor should be released on bail if he is not taken to a competent court within a week.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has donated a bereavement contribution of US$1000 each to families of the Binga Stallion bus accident victims.The assistance was handed over through Forever Associates of Zimbabwe (FAZ) Trust president Kudakwashe Mavula Munsaka, Zanu-PF's Binga North parliamentary election candidate.FAZ has unconstitutionally and unlawfully taken over the running of the elections using public funds, subverting the constitution and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.Police released the names of the five people who died in an accident when a Stallion Cruise bus overturned at the five kilometre peg along Binga-Siabuwa Road, near Masumu Bridge, Samende area on Sunday.About 24 people were also injured in the accident.Circumstances are that the Stallion Cruise bus was travelling to Bulawayo when it overturned and landed on its roof.In a statement National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the bodies of the victims were taken to Binga District mortuary for post mortem while the injured passengers were admitted to the same hospital."It was the second accident involving a Stallion Cruise bus after another bound for Bulawayo caught fire in Mutare on July 11," said Asst Comm Nyathi.The five victims were identified by their next of kin as Peter Pendas Munsaka (36) from Magobo Village, Siabuwa, Binga, Shadreck Munkuli (37) of Siachiyanze 4 village Sinampande, Binga, Kunizi Munsaka (3) Kaningo Village, Sinampande, Siabuwa, Rosemary Mwide (43) and Maria Mudenda (61) from Mukovela Village, Nagangala area Siabuwa, Binga.Asst comm Nyathi implored drivers to exercise extreme caution on the country's roads and to adhere to stipulated speed limits.
Phrank Shaibu, the Special Assistant on Public Communication to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, of constantly monitoring judges as the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal winds down.

Shaibu said it was curious that Wike and Makinde both travelled to Plateau State to attend a memorial service hosted by the President of the Appeal Court, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, even though they were reportedly not invited.

He said the event ordinarily was supposed to be a solemn service, but our busybody interlopers polluted the event with their shameful appearance.

In a statement he signed, Atikus aide claimed Wike had been using dubious means to cosy up to judges and had been giving them gifts under the guise of welfare.

He argued that Wikes latest visit to an event hosted by the Appeal Court President could be another ruse to influence the appellate court where the current tribunal judges are from.

Shaibu noted that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, made a Freudian slip a few months ago when he claimed he was happy that Governor Makinde was a member of the renegade governors known as the G5.

He said: Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State as the host governor, was invited for the programme, but Wike and Makinde were gatecrashers at that event. The reason is not far-fetched. They have continued to cosy up to judges just to impress their paymaster.

Unfortunately, the CJN, Justice Ariwoola, has also failed to live above suspicion. He was in Rivers State ahead of the election, where he said he was happy that Governor Makinde was a member of G5. Then, at the commissioning of the Oyo Governors lodge in Abuja on May 25, the CJN once again was the special guest of Governor Makinde.

Today, there are rumours that the next attorney-general will be a kinsman of the CJN as part of efforts to manipulate the outcome of the election petition tribunal. While this has not been proven, the fact remains that the CJN has put himself in a position where his integrity is constantly questioned.
Some senators, particularly those who came from the ninth Assembly, have demanded an apology from their colleague, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC Edo North), over allegations of vandalism levelled against them.





Oshiomhole, at the Politics Today programme on Channels Television on Sunday, alleged that senators and House of Representatives members of the 9th National Assembly carted away items in their various offices, including rugs.





He said he and most of the federal lawmakers in the 10th National Assembly used their personal money to put their offices in shape.





Oshiomole said, In spite of the presence of security men and women, television sets, carpets, and chairs were looted by the immediate past senators and House of Representatives members.





The former lawmakers left their offices in shambles with holes in the walls, which had to be fixed by serving lawmakers from their pockets.





However, on Tuesday at the plenary, Senator Adeola Solomon (APC Ogun West), moved a motion demanding an apology from Oshiomhole.





He noted that the comment was an embarrassment to the lawmakers and that his privilege had been abused.





Solomon said, My privilege has been abused. A senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria went on National TV and told the whole world that the lawmakers of the ninth Assembly, which I was a part of, looted equipment from their offices.





We all know that there is no way that a senator or their aides can take a pin out of the National Assembly without being accounted for.





Each of the items was checked and legally passed and those amounts are deducted from severance packages.





I hereby demand that the senator should apologise to the House or be made to face the Ethics and Privilege Committee.





Adeola was seconded and supported by Senator Adamu Aliero (PDP Kebbi Central).





The issue is currently under debate.
Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, governor of Kwara, has approved multi-billion naira palliatives to alleviate the effect of the petrol subsidy removal across different demographics in the state.

In June, the state government announced a three-day workweek adjustment to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal and the high transportation rate.

But the directive was later suspended due to an advisory from the national economic council (NEC).

In a statement on Monday, the governor said he had approved the palliatives in line with the NECs new advisory for states to design their own independent responses to neutralise the effects of the recent removal of petrol subsidy.

The governor said one of the palliatives is a cash support of N10,000 for every public servant in the state, beginning in July.

He said the cash support would last till a new minimum wage is introduced.

I have similarly approved the payment of new hazard and skipping allowances, and 100 percent CONMESS for consultants and medical doctors under our governments payroll, the statement reads.

Nurses working for the state government will also enjoy a new regime of allowances. The essence is to check the attrition rate in the health sector, and attract and retain medics and specialists to provide improved, qualitative healthcare services for the people of the state.

In the next few days, modalities for occasional distribution of food to poor and most vulnerable households would be activated.

This shall be nonpartisan and would be coordinated by a government team to be supported by respected stakeholders who would get inputs from traditional rulers, religious bodies, market leaders, trade unionists, and community-based organisations to generate the lists of beneficiaries and disburse accordingly.

The Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) will also activate N500 million worth of conditional support for petty traders and MSMEs in the state.

To boost farming, outputs and food security in the state, our government will pay to receive fertilisers and grains from the federal government. Modalities for the handling of these will be made available later.

Abdulrazaq said he has also approved the extension of free bus rides for students of tertiary institutions and the continuation of the three-day work schedule.

The whole idea of these interventions is to show empathy and deploy as much resources as the state can afford to support the people at this special time, the governor added.

Meanwhile, our government will be setting up a committee to interface with marketers on the need to curb extortionist tendencies as seen in the arbitrary fixing of prices of foodstuff. This practice imposes hardship on everyone.

I identify with his excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strong commitment to sustainable economic reforms and the well-being of the Nigerian people. I believe that the current discomforts are just like the pains that precede the joyful birth of a child.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said those unsettled by the bid of its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to reclaim his mandate are behind the plot to silence him.

PDP called for a comprehensive investigation into the attempt by Boko Haram members to attack Atiku.

Recall that four suspected Boko Haram members were arrested over plot to attack Atiku and some sensitive locations in Yola, Adamawa State.

Reacting, PDPs spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, said the party is alarmed by the reported foiled terrorist attack on Atiku.

A statement by Ologunagba reads partly: The PDP insists that by the confession of the arrested assailants, the plot has the pawmarks of a sponsored attempt on the life of Atiku Abubakar, ostensibly by forces who are unsettled by his bid to retrieve his mandate at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC).

Our party believes that the intent of the sponsors of this evil plot is to silence our presidential candidate, massacre innocent Nigerians and cause chaos, confusion and anarchy in the polity.

The PDP asks, is this foiled attack on Atiku Abubakar and sensitive locations in Yola, Adamawa connected to the recent APCs threats of chaos and anarchy in the country, if the PEPC upholds the clear provisions of Section 134 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) with regard to the mandatory and statutory requirements for which a Candidate in a Presidential election can be declared winner?




Three students of the Osun State College of Health Technology, Ilesa, have been shot by gunmen suspected to be cultists near the institutions campus.





The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday at a barbers shop in Amuta Junction, Ilesa, where the victims had gone to charge their mobile phones.





Sources in the school told newsmen that the victims, a male student and two females, after being shot at, sustained serious injuries and had to be rushed to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, for treatment.





A student of the college, who spoke on condition of anonymity, during an interview with our correspondent on Monday, said what led to the shooting could not be immediately ascertained.





He, however, said the perpetrators were believed to be cultists engaged in fraternity war with some rival groups in the area.





I dont know what led to the shooting but we heard gunshots at a barbers shop in Amuta where the three students had gone to charge their mobile phones.





When we got to the scene, the male among them was the first I observed. He was shot in the stomach. He was not dead as of the time he and the other victims, who are ladies were moved to a hospital in Osogbo for treatment, the source said.





The Public Relations Officer of Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kehinde Adeleke, who told our correspondent that the incident was reported, said details of the perpetrators of the crime were not known yet.





Adeleke said, On Sunday, July 23, 2023, around 9pm, it was gathered that three students (one male and two females) of the Osun State College of Health Technology, Ilesa were shot by unknown gunmen when charging their phones at Amuta junction.





The students sustained high degrees of bullet injury. The victims have been rushed to Uniosun Teaching Hospital Osogbo by the Amuta community. The students were later referred to OAU Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife.





Meanwhile, four suspected cultists have been arrested by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit of the State Police Command and members of Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service in Osogbo.





A resident of the Olugunna area of Osogbo, where the suspects were nabbed, told our correspondent that members of rival cult groups were preparing to attack one another when a hunter passing through the area spotted them and alerted the police.





He added that during the joint raid on the hideout of the suspects, one man carrying a locally-fabricated gun was arrested.





It was the information given to the team by a cultist that was arrested earlier that led to the arrest of another three.





All four suspects were arrested at the Olugunna area of Osogbo on Sunday. Operatives of Anti-Cultism Group of Osun Police Command and the members of Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service carried out the raids, he said.





When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed the arrest, saying that operatives of the anti-cultism squad raided the area.
Timi Frank, a former deputy spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has asked the federal government to probe an alleged plot to attack Atiku Abubakar.

The police in Adamawa said they arrested four suspected members of the Boko Haram sect, who were plotting to attack the residence of Abubakar, standard bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last presidential election.

In a statement on Monday, Frank said the authorities should beef up security around the former vice-president.

Security information reaching us earlier today has it in authority that about four Boko Haram members all the way from Danboa, Borno State made their way at about 9:45pm local time yesterday (23/07/2023) to the Yola residence of His Excellency, the Waziri Adamawa (Atiku Abubakar) and identified themselves upon confirmation of the residence as to their mission in Adamawa, he said.

Reacting swiftly, the Dougirei Police command was immediately tipped off as the ring leader was promptly arrested with the rest fleeing from the premises.

Upon investigation by the SCID Adamawa State Police HQ, it was verified and confirmed that the suspects confessed to a grand plot to plant bombs in the Modibbo Adama Central Mosque, the residence of the Waziri as well as the American University in Yola.

These confessions of the dreaded Boko Haram sect are troubling and worrisome, as this is the first time an attempted attack of this magnitude would be planned on the person of HE Atiku Abubakar.

The politician said it is shocking that the plot is coming at a time when the federal government claimed to have decimated the terror group.

Having received the official Police HQ Situation Report, we would like to call on the federal government to as a matter of urgency beef up adequate security around the former vice-president, with swift investigation into unraveling the circumstances leading to Atiku as a target by this group, he said.

There is no gainsaying that it will be foolhardy on the part of the federal government to treat this security breach with kid gloves as after effects in the event of any eventuality will be enormous for the country to contain.

Furthermore, we must note that all through the active years of the Boko Haram sect ravaging the north-east not a single attempt was made on the person of H.E Atiku Abubakar, and we are curious as to the timing of this planned attack in this manner.
Micheal Bamidele, senate leader, says President Bola Tinubu will send his ministerial list to the national assembly within the next 48 hours.

Bamidele spoke on Tuesday during the public presentation of books to mark his 60th birthday at the Shehu Musa YarAdua centre, Abuja.

The senate leader said Tinubu could not attend the event because of the preparation of the ministerial list.

So, Mr President prayed for me. We should tell the rest of Nigerians to pray for him to be able to make the right decision within the next 24 hours so that when Nigerians hear the list of his ministers, they will say yesthis is uncommon, Bamidele said.

Join us to pray for Mr president. He needed to be away from any kind of influence.

Also speaking at the event, Toyin Ogundipe, former vice-chancellor of the University of Lagos, called on political officeholders to cut the cost of governance and reduce the number of vehicles in their convoys.

There is a need for our leaders to reduce the number of vehicles in their conveys so that Nigerians will know that you feel their pains, Ogundipe said.

There is nothing Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) are doing in the entourage of the president and vice president once you have police in the convoy.
Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, says the parliament is ready to urgently address the yearnings of Nigerians.

Speaking on Monday during a meeting organised by the house ad hoc committee on legislative agenda, Abbas said the 10th house of representatives will give utmost importance to citizens engagement.

He said the committee on legislative agenda convened the meeting to speak with stakeholders to identify the most pressing legislative needs of the nation.

It is gratifying to note that the committee has been proactive and engaging for more than one month now, he said.

There is no better way to show that the 10th house of representatives is ready to respond, and urgently too, to the yearnings of those who brought us to the peoples house to do the peoples business.

Todays event is to keep up with our resolve as representatives of the people to regularly consult citizens in the discharge of the mandate given to us. I expect that our conversations will centre around the critical needs of our people at this time.

As stakeholders, feel free to suggest your ideas or even bring up more themes on what will make the 10th house more responsive to the expectations of our people.

We desire to have a legislative agenda that meets the yearnings and aspirations of citizens and with which they would use as a benchmark to evaluate and assess our performance after four years. Therefore, todays meeting should not be seen as the usual talk shop. Consider it a critical national assignment.

Abbas said the house will run an open parliament by regularly consulting with the people, noting that the lawmakers will return the legislature to those who own it through regular, meaningful, and productive engagements.

It equally requires lawmakers to have functional constituency offices for regular interaction with our constituents, he added.
DEAR AMY: More than 50 years ago, my sister married a guy who skipped the States after being drafted into the U.S. Army (it was during the Vietnam War).

I was also drafted and served, including going to Vietnam.

My mother was totally against my sister marrying this guy because he was on the lam.

I was asked to meet with his parents when they came to my Moms house, with instructions from my parents to make it very clear that they were totally against this marriage, making me the bad guy in this scenario.

My sister told our mom that if I wanted to attend the wedding, the invitation was left on top of my moms refrigerator. I took it personally because I was married and living with my wife and son and the invitation should have been sent to our home address.

I did not attend the ceremony.

They still live outside the country, but their children  my nephews and nieces  are American citizens and live here. They are grown and have kids of their own.

They greet me with respect and call me uncle.

My sister and I never got close again. I have yet to meet my brother-in-law in person.

They are now alone in a foreign country with no intention of coming back.

What steps can I take to build a better relationship with them?

 The Older Brother

DEAR OLDER BROTHER: When faced with the prospect of welcoming a draft-dodger into the family (after you have served), you are reacting to the far less serious matter of where your sister left a wedding invitation.

But you know this is not just about an invitation, but about a series of events that shook your family and removed your sister from your familys life.

Your sisters husband chose to leave the country rather than serve in the military in a war that divided the country along justified matters of conscience.

(In 1977, President Carter issued an unconditional pardon to the approximately 100,000 drafted men who left the country, and according to an article published by History.com, around half of them returned to the States.)

If you want to try to restore and rebuild a relationship, you should reach out. A good way in might be to let them know that you enjoy having a relationship with their children and grandchildren, and that this has motivated you to try to build a better relationship with their parents, before it is too late.

***

DEAR AMY: I disagree with your advice to Fun Neighbor, who planned progressive dinners.

As the primary organizer, she is entitled to put boundaries on extra guests.

If others want a different concept with an open-door policy, they can arrange their own dinner party.

Many years ago, I was part of a similar group. Only the hosts (who provided the main course and theme) were at liberty to invite extra guests.

Its unfortunate that you singled out this letter writer for judgment.

 Disappointed

DEAR DISAPPOINTED: This neighbor seemed extremely rigid, but I take your point.

***

MORE FROM ASK AMY:

Ask Amy: A friend borrowed money, he didnt repay and now were no longer communicating

Ask Amy: I havent been able to reconcile with my brother since he saw me smoking pot

Ask Amy: Couple asks for honeymoon donations, instructs guests on how to dress on wedding Evite

Ask Amy: Kids eat tons of junk food and create social media accounts when theyre at grandmas house

Ask Amy: I think Im in love with a camp counselor I work with, but I have a boyfriend

***

(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)

2023 Amy Dickinson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A Burlington County man who streamed into the U.S. Capitol with two friends on Jan. 6, 2021 and entered then U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosis office after other rioters kicked in the door, will serve a term of probation.

A federal judge in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday sentenced Michael Gianos, 35, to 24 months of probation, plus $500 restitution, a standard for many Jan. 6 defendants. He pleaded guilty in May to entering or remaining in a restricted building.

Federal prosecutors argued in a pre-sentence report that Gianos, who works as a day trader, be sentenced to 90 days behind bars, 36 months of probation and 60 hours of community service, plus the $500 restitution. His lawyer, in an accompanying report, argued against incarceration.

Gianos lived in Marlton, Evesham Township in 2021, but federal court papers suggest hes living in the Philadelphia area now, as authorities there will supervise his probation.

Prosecutors alleged Gianos joined the right wing Proud Boys just a few days before Jan. 6 by contacting the Philadelphia chapter leader, Zachary Rehl, and bragged about having previously fought with members of left-wing Antifa in Washington, D.C.

He also told Rehl he planned to travel to Washington, D.C. on January 6 and would be ready for whatever ya need, prosecutors alleged. (Rehl was convicted in May of seditious conspiracy, along with three others, for their actions related to the Jan. 6, 2021 attack. He awaits sentencing.)

Gianos traveled to the nations capital with Rachel Myers, of Philadelphia, and Lawrence Stackhouse, of Blackwood, Gloucester County, and walked over broken glass with them into the Capitol.

At Pelosis office, after others kicked in the door, Gianos walked in and recorded footage of others and later said hed watched someone walk away with her laptop.

Gianos and Myers were charged in the same case, in December 2021, after Stackhouse had been charged in March 2021.

Myers pleaded guilty to parading, demonstrating or picketing in the Capitol in 2022 and a judge sentenced her in February of this year to 24 months of probation.

A judge sentenced Stackhouse last year to 90 days home confinement, with 14 days behind bars, plus 36 months of probation.

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Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com
Curry recipes were introduced in Southeast Asia for the first time about 2,000 years ago, according to a new study that finds the oldest evidence of culinary spice trade outside the Indian subcontinent.

The findings, published recently in the journal Science Advances, sheds more light on the role of the global spice trade in shaping world history.

In the research, archaeologists, including those from Australian National University, analysed plant remains from the surfaces of stone grinding tools found in Vietnam.

In the Funan-era archaeological site in southern Vietnam called Oc Eo, researchers recovered grinding slabs as well as mortars and pestles that resemble early South Asian stone tools used for curry preparation.

The artifacts analyzed correspond with archaeological and traditional Indian spice grinding tools, designed to release the flavors and tastes that characterize different spices, scientists wrote in the study.

They could trace these remains to spices of South Asian and Indonesian origins, which are essential components of modern-day South Asian curries.

South Asia has been a key source of spices for civilisations across Asia and Europe for over 4,000 years.

Spices such as nutmeg and clove from Indonesia also played an essential role in the maritime spice trade during the Funan era (~65-580 AD) by serving as an intermediary trade hub between South Asia and China.

The growth in the use of spices both as preservatives and as flavouring agents for food is also known to have sparked the era of European colonisation of the East.

However, direct biological evidence for the culinary use of spices in both South and Southeast Asia during this period of history and earlier times has been limited, researchers say.

Due to the lack of such evidence it has remained unclear whether, or how, these spices may have been used in Southeast Asian cuisine during that time.

This footed sandstone grinding slab, 76 cm long by 31 cm wide, was excavated in 2018 (Khanh Trung Kien Nguyen)

They also analysed 717 starch grains, pollens, and silica particles from plant tissues found on the surfaces of 12 of these tools.

Story continues

Researchers could identify rice remnants and spices with origins traced primarily to South Asia and Indonesia.

These included turmeric, ginger, fingerroot, sand ginger, galangal, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

Researchers said the new findings represent some of the earliest evidence for the use of many of these spices, and for curry-making, in Southeast Asia.

We suggest that South Asian migrants or visitors introduced this culinary tradition into Southeast Asia during the period of early trade contact via the Indian Ocean, commencing about 2000 years ago, scientists wrote.
The Jersey City Gong Club, a group that aids the Jersey City Fire Department, gathered Monday at Bayview Cemetery to pay tribute to the citys first firefighter to die in the line of duty and the departments current and past members.

The event is held on July 24 each year to mark the death of James W. McCarthy, who was killed at the age of 34 in 1872, 151 years ago.
It was expected to be a routine approval of the municipal budget at a special Jersey City City Council meeting called just for this vote. But when two councilmembers missed the 10 a.m. gathering Monday, the vote turned out to be anything but routine.

The $701 million 2023-24 budget failed to pass when it received just four votes. Because the council consists of nine members, it needed five votes to be approved.
Nothing Else Matters besides seeing Metallica at MetLife Stadium.

Metallica will perform at the East Rutherford, N.J. stadium on Aug. 4 and 6.

The M72 tour will run for two years in support of the groups 12th album 72 Seasons.

Metallica is branding the tour No Repeat Weekend, meaning no two shows in the same city will be identical with different lineups and setlists planned.

Fans can either purchase last-minute single day tickets or weekend passes, which allow fans to attend both weekend shows.

The cheapest single day ticket available at the time of publication before fees is $99 on VividSeats.

For the weekend pass, the cheapest one available on the secondary market before fees is $119 on VividSeats.

Metallica fans can also find tickets on secondary market websites, like Vivid Seats, StubHub, TicketNetwork and MegaSeats.

First-time Vivid Seats users can save $20 on ticket orders over $200 by entering promo code NJ20 at checkout.

You can find a full calendar of Metallicas tour dates here.

More upcoming tours heading to MetLife Stadium

Metallica are not the only artists heading performing at MetLife Stadium.

Here are a few more tours you do not want to miss.

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Nicole Iuzzolino can be reached at niuzzolino@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
Newark Liberty International Airports $2.7 billion new Terminal A is closer to completion as more airline gates and shops opened Tuesday as part of the second phase to finish the last to wings of the new building.

Seven additional gates opened Tuesday for United Airlines and JetBlue passengers, in addition to six more concession and retail stores, including a Jersey Mikes, that opened during the past five days, said Port Authority of New York and New Jersey officials.

This gives both airlines access to their full allocation of gates in the new terminal, officials said. The remaining five gates will open over the next 60 days when Delta Air Lines transitions operations from Terminal B to the new Terminal A. After a delay, Terminal A opened in January with 21 out of 33 gates in operation, moving passengers from a 50-year-old building.
A woman admitted Monday that she drove drunk last year and fatally struck a man who was standing near his car in Toms River, authorities said.

Toms River Police officers were called to the area of Bay Avenue around 10:30 p.m. on Feb. 8, 2022 for a report of a crash and found that 62-year-old James Cruz of Old Bridge had been struck by a car, according to a statement from the Ocean County Prosecutors Office.

An investigation alleged that Ashley Beams, 32, of Toms River, was driving east on Bay Avenue and shortly after passing Twin Oaks Drive, she left her lane, entered the shoulder and struck Cruz, who was taking a package out of his trunk at the time, the office said.

Cruz was then pinned between the two cars and was carried a significant distance east on Bay Avenue, authorities said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Beams was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of the injuries she sustained in the crash and an initial draw of her blood at the hospital revealed that she had a blood alcohol concentration of .32%, investigators said. The legal limit in New Jersey is .08%.

Beams was later arrested at her home by detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutors Office and charged with aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide, strict liability vehicular homicide, DWI, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane, careless driving and failure to wear a seatbelt, the office said. She was taken to the Ocean County Jail, where she was later released, authorities said.

On Monday, she pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and now faces a six-year state prison sentence, officials said.

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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
During his eight years of research into the early life of Hubert Humphrey, Samuel G. Freedman concedes, he reached a point where he questioned the road he was traveling, literally and figuratively.

Freedman had come to doubt a date in the 20th-century politicians own memoir, he recounted in a recent interview, one that dealt with the loss of Humphreys childhood home amid the agricultural collapse of 1920s South Dakota. While a copy of the mortgage and newspaper ad of the time corroborated Freedmans timeline rather than Humphreys, the author wanted more evidence if he was going to contradict a mans account of his own life. The biographers uncompromising pursuit of accuracy sent him driving hundreds of miles to an octogenarian nephew of the farmer who purchased that property all those years ago.

Far removed from the well-paved roadways of his New Jersey youth in Highland Park, Freedman found himself more off the beaten path with each successive leg of his journey, until he encountered a sign that warned: Proceed at your own caution, this road is not maintained.

It had rained really heavily the night before, but the road looked OK to me, he continued. I turned on it and within 10 feet my car had sunk down to its axles. I felt like the ultimate Jersey guy way out of his element.

However, he added, It also gave me kind of the fiercest sense of this is what youre supposed to do.

When he finally reached the nephews house and asked him about the year in question, it gave Freedman the crucial confirmation as well.

It goes to the importance to check everything, he concluded.

The return on Freedmans copious sweat equity is the wealth of detail that informs every page of the just-released biography Into the Bright Sunshine: Young Hubert Humphrey and the Fight for Civil Rights (Oxford University Press, $34.95). The richly textured portrait of Humphrey as the civil rights trailblazer culminates in his landmark speech 75 years ago this month at the 1948 Democratic National Convention with its clarion call to the party to get out of the shadow of states rights and to walk forthrightly into the bright sunshine of human rights.

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This is not the Humphrey of two decades later, a figure of derision tethered as vice president to Lyndon Johnson and defender of the Vietnam War when both were increasingly unpopular. This was not the Humphrey who emerged from the political and cultural chaos of 1968 as the Democratic Party nominee for president, a damaged standard-bearer who would be defeated by Richard Nixon. Rather, it is the defining moment of a man who had long deferred his own ambitions to keep his fathers pharmacy running and who had avoided a would-be assassins bullets. It is also, Freedman says, a critical juncture in the direction of both his party and country.

Political star rises

Freedman approaches his subject as if restoring an artwork, masterfully wiping away decades of dust and grime to reveal the figures as they appeared in the South Dakota of Humphreys youth and in mid-20th-century Minneapolis, where his political star began rising as mayor and then senator.

The picture Freedman uncovers from that time is not a pretty one. Racism and antisemitism reigned virtually unchecked, its wide range of indignities baked into everyday life, occasionally flaring into violence. Adding considerably both to his workload and his grasp of the times, Freedman focuses also on two Humphrey contemporaries, crusaders with firsthand knowledge of bigotrys relentless degradation: Cecil Newman, a vigilant watchdog for the Black community through his newspaper the Minneapolis Spokesman, and Samuel Scheiner, a jazz pianist turned lawyer who tirelessly fought back against instances of antisemitism in that city.

Critics have lauded the scope of Freedmans accomplishment. Writing in The New York Times, Khalil Gibran Muhammad called Into the Bright Sunshine a superbly written tale of moral and political courage for present-day readers who find themselves in similarly dark times. In the Wall Street Journal, Richard Aldous said Freedman makes his case thoughtfully and persuasively in a narrative told with clarity and empathy.

Such praise comes as no surprise to those familiar with Freedmans prior work, including this writer, who had the good fortune to cross paths with him in a New Jersey newsroom at the outset of our careers. Even then, his prodigious journalistic and writing skills and keen conscience augured great things to come. Those things, it turned out, included coverage of the arts, education and religion for The New York Times, a professorship at Columbia, nine previous books and recognition as a finalist for both the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award.

Author Samuel G. Freedman.

de facto segregation in N.J.

Freedman said that issues of race and civil rights have been central to my life as a writer. Even before then, growing up in a politically aware family, he noticed de facto segregation in his New Jersey hometown.

I had black friends and their families who were all working, middle-class, upper-middle-class families, all lived in the same small section of Highland Park. And its like why is that? he said. For whatever reason, and I think I owe this to my dad more than anyone else, I couldnt help but notice.

Freedman also said he had been previously aware of Humphreys signature speech. The catalyst for a book about it arrived in 2015, during an event marking the publication of a work about LBJ, The Fierce Urgency of Now: Lyndon Johnson, Congress and the Battle for the Great Society, by Princeton Prof. Julian Zelizer. During a Q&A session, Freedman explained, his wife, as a good Minnesotan, asked: What About Humphrey? and Zelizer spoke of the 48 exhortation.

Something about Julian emphasizing what an overlooked landmark it was really smacked me in the forehead, Freedman said. I remember going to dinner with my wife after and saying, Thats the next book. "

That meant a mountain of documentation to plow through, he recalled, citing five or six straight weeks he spent one summer reading every letter Humphrey wrote or received as mayor of Minneapolis. He also devoured on microfilm every word Cecil Newman had written in The Spokesman from 1922 to 1948. He familiarized himself with stem rust and how it can ravage both wheat and a community built on that crop. He traces the course of the cancer that would ultimately kill Humphrey in 1978 at the age of 66, a malignancy, Freedman writes, that was present even during the presidential race of 1968.

During the course of his lengthy research, Freedman said, two unexpected things happened.

The first was a replay of the civil rights struggles of the 1940s with the election of Donald Trump and the peddling of a too-familiar brand of poisonous politics.

After November 2016 ... I felt like wow, Im writing current events, Freedman observed. Its not that Humphrey lost that battle in the 40s, he won it. Its just that these battles dont get won forever. Theres always backlash against progress, and so you have to fight the battle once more. Which is what weve been living with in this country for now the last seven years.

Humphreys hardships

The other surprise was the almost emotional connection Freedman formed with Humphrey as he peered into the private person and not just the congenital optimist and happy warrior of his political campaigns. He would talk in some of the letters I read about the dust storms that hit in the early 30s and say, I felt like it was like the end of the world, " Freedman related. He would talk about how hed be depressed for days afterward.

If you went through the kind of hardship he went through, your family loses its house, they lose their business, you have to drop out of college to help them, you have to start over, then the dust storms. It could make you either just concerned about your own suffering or could make you misanthropic about the world. But in Humphreys case, it just tapped into this incredible empathy he had for people who were going through different kinds of suffering and deprivation, Freedman said.

It also gave him this really important political insight, which is that people dont fall into hardship because theyre bad people or because they made a stupid choice. Personal choices do matter, but they always take place in the context of these much larger social forces that no individual is able to withstand by themselves. Thats why he comes around really early in his life to this understanding that government has to play this activist role in improving peoples lives, to try to level the social, economic and racial inequalities.

Freedman said the regrettable end to Humphreys public career does not negate its valiant start.

He, like LBJ, made a catastrophic decision about Vietnam and took too long to renounce that decision, the author said. For a long time, he had been a pretty doctrinaire, domino theory, Cold War person and he knew, based on things he said later in his life, that was the immense mistake of his whole political career.

He paid an enormous price for it, and the price he paid, I think, was greater than the sin itself. I dont think he deserves any kind of free pass on Vietnam anymore than Lyndon Johnson does, but Johnson has gotten rehabilitated in the last 10 or 12 years, with the Robert Caro books, as critical as they are at certain points and deservedly admiring in others, and with All the Way, the play Bryan Cranston was in.

People who follow American politics can hold two thoughts in their head now. Theres LBJ who errs horribly on Vietnam at the cost of so many lives and theres LBJ, incredibly courageous, who pushed through civil rights and social compact legislation. I always wondered as I was doing this book ... why doesnt Humphrey get that kind of 360-degree view? Why is it that for those people who do remember him it seems to me almost entirely (for) Vietnam and his increasingly desperate runs for the presidency. It was almost like people remembered that they felt that Humphrey betrayed his liberalism, but they had totally forgotten why they admired the great liberalism in the first place, and thats very much the story of his work on civil rights.

After Into the Bright Sunshine, that shouldnt happen again.

Phil Cornell, NJ Advance Media, pcornell@advancemedia.com.

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You know youre in trouble when the historical figure to whom youre compared is Eugene Debs.

But thats the situation in which Donald Trump finds himself.
A state grand jury indicted three people in the March shooting of a New Jersey state trooper in Paterson, authorities said Tuesday.

Jocquise Timmons, 28, and Tajshmer Johnson, 30, both of Paterson, face attempted murder and aggravated assault charges in the incident, which left the detective wounded in the leg.

Queenasia McFarlane, 30, also of Paterson, faces separate charges of hindering apprehension after she allegedly lied to investigators about Johnsons whereabouts.

Authorities have not identified the detective, who was working undercover when he and fellow troopers responded to the scene of an attempted break-in during early on March 2.

A Ring doorbell captured two men wearing gloves and masks trying to enter a home on East 26th Street, according to court documents.

Plainclothes troopers driving unmarked vehicles began tailing a suspicious a blue minivan when Timmons stepped out from another vehicle and opened fire on the officers, authorities said.

Five bullets struck the two police vehicles, injuring one of the troopers inside. He was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for his injuries. Information on his current condition was not immediately available.

This incident quickly escalated from a call about a suspected attempted break-in to a life-or-death situation for these detectives, serving as a reminder that members of law enforcement are always facing great risks, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement following the indictments.

We are all grateful this ambush did not end as the two suspects intended  with the deaths of members of our New Jersey State Police.

Timmons was stopped by police canvassing the area after the shooting, but had ditched some of the clothes he had been wearing at the time and evaded capture, authorities said.

He fled the state, but was arrested as he stepped off a bus in South Carolina the next day, authorities said.

Johnson is accused of driving the vehicle Timmons was in before he opened fire on the police cars. He was arrested July 20.

McFarlane provided false information to police during questioning, in order to hinder Johnsons apprehension, resulting in the charges against her, authorities said.

We fully intend to hold not only the suspected gunman but also those who assisted in the commission of this crime and who obstructed our investigation accountable and this indictment brings us closer to that objective, said. Derek Nececkas, the interim head of the state Division of Criminal Justice, which brought the charges.

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S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com.
Gov. Phil Murphy announced Tuesday he will nominate a physician who specializes in addiction treatment and is an expert in child development to lead the New Jersey Department of Health.

Kaitlan Baston will leave her position at Cooper University Health Care, where she leads the Division of Addiction Medicine and founded The Cooper Center for Healing, to take the $175,000-a-year state health commissioners job. Baston is also an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.
Raiders of the Lost Shark is premiering on Tuesday, July 25 at 9 p.m. You can watch this event and the rest of Shark Week live as it airs on Philo (free trial).

Heres the information youll need to watch a free live stream of Raiders of the Lost Shark online without cable.

How to watch Raiders of the Lost Shark 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 Raiders of the Lost Shark on?

Raiders of the Lost Shark broadcasts its premiere on Tuesday, July 25 at 9 p.m. on Discovery Channel. It will be followed by Monster Hammerheads: Killer Instinct at 10 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 Raiders of the Lost Shark online on-demand

If you missed an episode of Raiders of the Lost Shark 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 Raiders of the Lost Shark about?

According to the official Discovery Channel website:

Shark expert Matt Dicken and Shark Week legend Dickie Chivell embark on a relentless quest to locate the elusive and colossal shark named Dutchess, who mysteriously vanished from Gansbaai, South Africa, years ago.

Heres a look at Shark Week, courtesy of the official Discovery YouTube channel:

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Joseph Rejent covers TV, writing about live television, streaming services and cord-cutting. He can be reached at jrejent@njadvancemedia.com.
The following suspects were sentenced in Platte County District Court last week.

Cassandra L. Quick Bear, 32, of Columbus, was sentenced on July 20, 2023, by District Court Judge Jason M. Bergevin after pleading guilty to attempted possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, a Class I misdemeanor.

Quick Bear was sentenced to two years of supervised probation and ordered to pay $898 in court costs and fees.

John E. Hurich, Jr., 60, of Omaha, was sentenced on July 20, 2023, by District Court Judge Jason M. Bergevin after pleading guilty to possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, a Class III felony.

Hurich, Jr., was sentenced to two years of supervised probation. He also owes $760 in court fees and other costs.

Nathan C. Bailey, 34, of Columbus, was sentenced on July 20, 2023, by District Court Judge Jason M. Bergevin after pleading guilty to possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, a Class IV felony.

Bailey was sentenced to two years of supervised probation. He also owes $760 in court fees and other costs.

Tristan S. Bender, 38, of Columbus, was sentenced on July 20, 2023, by District Court Judge Jason M. Bergevin after pleading guilty to terroristic threats, a Class IIIA felony.

Bender was sentenced to two years of supervised probation and 90 days of incarceration in the Platte County Jail. Bender received 18 days credit for time already served. He was also ordered to pay $991.57 in court costs and fees.
UPDATE: The severe thunderstorm watch was canceled for all 21 counties in New Jersey at about 6 p.m. Tuesday, and all of the flash flood warnings were lifted at about 7 p.m. Tuesday.

In a pattern weve seen repeatedly this month, waves of rain showers and thunderstorms have been lashing parts of New Jersey Tuesday afternoon, triggering severe thunderstorm warnings and flood warnings in several counties.

All 21 counties are under a severe thunderstorm watch issued by the National Weather Service through 8 p.m.

The FAA said Newark Liberty International Airport was on a ground stop this afternoon because of the strong thunderstorms sweeping across the region, with flight delays ranging from 75 minutes to 2 hours. Ground stops are also in place at JFK and LaGuardia airports in New York and at Philadelphia International Airport.

As of 5:30 p.m., Newark airport had moved from a ground stop to a ground delay, with departure delays of 135 minutes and other delays up to 193 minutes, the FAA reported. Teterboro Airport had a 93-minute ground delay and Philadelphia still had a ground stop.

A few strong thunderstorms initially popped up in eastern Pennsylvania around noon, and some of those storm cells moved into Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset and Warren counties in northern and central New Jersey.

Another line of storms rolled across Gloucester and Salem counties in southern New Jersey at about 1:15 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. Radar indicated some storm cells were packing 60 mph wind gusts, nickel-size to quarter-size hail and frequent lightning.

This radar loop from the National Weather Service shows strong thunderstorms moving across eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey shortly before 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25.National Weather Service

Forecasters say some of the thunderstorm cells this afternoon and this evening could become intense and could drop anywhere from 1 to 3 inches of rain in a short time span, posing the risk of flash flooding. A flash flood warning that was issued in southeastern Pennsylvania includes parts of Gloucester County in southwestern New Jersey, effective through 5:45 p.m. Tuesday.

(This video of a lightning bolt was captured by a Twitter user named Sheryle from Maywood.)

Among the early storm reports received by the National Weather Service as of 3:30 p.m. were a large tree knocked down in Springfield in Union County, toppled trees in Bethlehem Township, Clinton Township and Readington in Hunterdon County, and trees and utility wires knocked down in Delaware Township, East Amwell and Raritan Township, also in Hunterdon.

Later in the afternoon, the weather service reported large trees knocked down in Montgomery Township in Somerset County and in Union Township in Union County.

The Rutgers NJ Weather Network, which oversees automated rain gauges in more than 65 towns across the state, reported nearly 3.5 inches of rain fell in Howell in Monmouth County in just three hours today, and almost 2 inches of rain fell in Oceanport.

Latest N.J. weather alerts

These are the most recent weather alerts issued in the New Jersey region, still active as of 5 p.m. Tuesday:

Flash Flood Warning including Long Branch NJ, Tinton Falls NJ and Eatontown NJ until 8:15 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/90buxO9NPE  NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) July 25, 2023

Flash Flood Warning including Philadelphia PA, Yeadon PA and Darby PA until 6:00 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/U8gJZLdN8Q  NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) July 25, 2023

Earlier weather alerts (expired as of 5 p.m. Tuesday)

Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Philadelphia PA, Camden NJ and Wilmington DE until 4:45 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/kVUXg08rFW  NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) July 25, 2023

Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Villas NJ, Cape May Court House NJ and Wildwood NJ until 4:45 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/np2IRxrvV3  NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) July 25, 2023

Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Lakewood NJ, Long Branch NJ and Tinton Falls NJ until 4:30 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/IW8Si0zTuk  NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) July 25, 2023

Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Trenton NJ, Levittown PA and Willow Grove PA until 4:00 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/VcihWJTCky  NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) July 25, 2023

Severe Thunderstorm Warning including New Brunswick NJ, Perth Amboy NJ and Sayreville NJ until 3:45 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/32Fidk0tlM  NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) July 25, 2023

Damaging winds of up to 60 mph are possible with this storm.



Please seek shelter if in the path. #NYwx #NJwx https://t.co/hEJC9vIHMQ  NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) July 25, 2023

Severe Thunderstorm Warning including North Plainfield NJ, Morristown NJ and Dover NJ until 3:30 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/qaSsMZC4PW  NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) July 25, 2023

Severe Thunderstorm Warning including New Brunswick NJ, Sayreville NJ and Old Bridge NJ until 3:00 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/gceBaj5YEx  NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) July 25, 2023

Severe Thunderstorm Warning including North Plainfield NJ, Morristown NJ and Dover NJ until 2:45 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/NQ1ADTYn8j  NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) July 25, 2023

Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Flemington NJ, Hopewell NJ and Frenchtown NJ until 2:15 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/0A5Bzib6ER  NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) July 25, 2023

A special weather statement has been issued for Philadelphia PA, Camden NJ and Chester PA until 2:15 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/AhbMgYxZ88  NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) July 25, 2023

Severe Thunderstorm Warning including East Stroudsburg PA, Stroudsburg PA and Palmerton PA until 1:45 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/3njoaTP5pm  NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) July 25, 2023

A special weather statement has been issued for Flemington NJ, Frenchtown NJ and Milford NJ until 1:45 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/nCBsZzzkeS  NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) July 25, 2023

Current weather radar

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local weather news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

NJ Advance Media staff writer Larry Higgs contributed to this report.

Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com.
Chad Green is working his way back from Tommy John surgery. If and when he is deemed ready, the former Yankees reliever will try to help his new team - the Blue Jays - make an October push.

The 32-year-old, who signed a two-year, $8.5 million contract with Toronto, is scheduled to pitch an inning for the Single-A Dunedin on Tuesday evening. This will be his second outing of a rehab assignment that began Saturday, according to Arden Zewlling of Sportsnet.

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Green threw 10 pitches, eight of them strikes, and allowed one hit over a scoreless inning in his first appearance in Dunedin on Saturday. His fastball reached 95 mph, which tops his 2022 average of 94.6 mph, according to Statcast.

Barring any setbacks, the veteran reliever could be pitching for the Blue Jays big league club sometime in August.

Green was one of the Yankees most reliable relievers over the years. He arrived in New York via trade with the Tigers in the 2015-2016 offseason. In seven seasons, he posted a 3.17 ERA over 271 appearances.

He had a 3.14 ERA in 13 appearances before forearm soreness drove him off the mound in a game against the Orioles in May 2022. A week later, Green opted for Tommy John, a surgery that could take 12 - 14 to recover from.

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Greens recovery is on schedule and, if he can stay healthy, will likely see his former team when Toronto visits the Yankees on September 19. This is the first of six games left between the teams in what will probably be a tight playoff race.

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Manuel Gomez may be reached at mgomez@njadvancemedia.com.
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Top Lawmaker Suggests China and Russias CBDCs Are Compatible

Source: daboost/Adobe

A leading Russian lawmaker says China and Russias CBDCs may be compatible and could be used to make international payments between the nations.

Per RBC, the comments were made by Anatoly Aksakov, a member of the State Duma from Chuvashias Kanash constituency and the Chairman of the State Duma Committee on the Financial Markets.

Aksakov told attendees at a CBDC-related forum:

We in the State Duma really hope that [international CBDCs] will be actively used in foreign economic activity. Accordingly, it will be possible to use our digital ruble for international payments.

On China, the MP said:

Options for system compatibility can be considered. For example, the Chinese [CBDC] system and our own [could be made compatible] in order to enables conversions between the two digital currencies.

Aksakov said the tokens could be used in the economic turnover of our countries [China and Russia].

The MP added that it was necessary to introduce a new currency to the country in stages, a model that Beijing has pursued in the past.

Instead of setting a national rollout date, Chinas government has created an ever-expanding CBDC pilot zone for its digital yuan.

Denis Polyakov, the Deputy Director of the Department of the Russian Central Banks National Payment System claimed that digital ruble will allow domestic businesses the opportunity to reduce costs, as the commission for payments will be only about 0.3%.

Polyakov added that ordinary citizens would be able to use the CBDC to make quick transfers without commission.

Earlier this month, Russias Prosector-General visited Beijing, where he told his Chinese counterpart that the two nations should cooperate on the matter of CBDC regulation.

Beijing is yet to publicly reciprocate this sentiment.

But it is also testing the e-CNYs cross-border capabilities as China-Russia relations continue to improve.

Russias CBDC Push: Chinese Inspiration?

Aksakov is also the chief architect of Russias crypto legislation.

However, his efforts to have crypto laws passed have been largely frustrated by an impasse between the crypto-skeptic Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina and pro-industry government ministries.

Nabiullina is one of President Vladimir Putins closest allies.

She has previously served as Putins economic adviser and Russias Minister of Economic Development.

Nabiullina has spoken in favor of enacting a China-style crypto ban and fast-tracking the launch of a digital ruble.

Analysts think the digital RUB could be fully rolled out in 2025, but Nabiullina is hoping to begin a real-world CBDC pilot by early August at the latest.
Authorities have identified the man killed in a drive-by shooting in Marrero that left three others injured Friday evening.

George Young, 65, of Picayune, Mississippi, was pronounced dead after he was taken to University Medical Center in New Orleans, according to the Jefferson Parish Coroner's Office.

No arrests had been made in the quadruple shooting as of Tuesday, said Sgt. Brandon Veal, a spokesperson for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office.

The shooting was reported about 6:40 p.m. in the 6700 block of Mather Drive (map). The victims were standing outside when someone opened fire, according to authorities.
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North Devon District Council has accepted more funding from the government of 552,000 to provide housing for Afghan and Ukrainian refugees after councillors were told by their leader this week they would be barmy to refuse it.

The council, which has already received more than 1 million to provide homes to people displaced by conflict, has given officers approval to buy a new batch of properties for accommodation, throwing in 60 per cent of match funding from its savings.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities created a Local Authority Housing Fund with 500 million last December, and has now added another 250 million to the pot.

The cash will help families out of temporary and emergency accommodation like B&Bs and into stable and secure homes. The money should also mean the value of the homes the council buys will grow, enabling them to help them manage future housing pressures.

Director of resources and deputy chief executive of the council John Triggs told members that benefits from the funding include reducing impact on the existing housing and homelessness systems and those waiting for social housing.

Round one funding provided nine homes in North Devon and another four will result from round two.

Liberal Democrat leader of the council Ian Roome said: We would be barmy not to accept this funding. We can never get enough money from central government so its a no-brainer really.

This accommodation will be used as part of the resettlement scheme and will eventually be available for local people including those who have been made homeless.

The funding will come in two tranches  165,600 this month or next, and 386,400 between October and December.

Devon Council Council has allocated one-off grant funding 215,000 to North Devon for the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
The lawsuit over Charlottesville's statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee appears to be over.

Lawyers for the Trevilian Station Battlefield Foundation, which sued the city last year over the disposition of the equestrian bronze figure that drew hundreds of White nationalists to the city in 2017, circulated a motion Monday to withdraw their legal action.

"It sounds like they gave up," legal analyst David Heilberg told The Daily Progress. "It sounds like it's over."

Neither legal team immediately returned a request for comment from The Daily Progress.

The motion had not been filed with the Charlottesville Circuit Court by 4 p.m. Monday. However, people familiar with the document told The Daily Progress that a "nonsuit" motion had been circulated by the plaintiff's lawyers.

"What they filed speaks for itself," the foundation's president, Gerald Harlow, told The Daily Progress. He declined to elaborate.

The Trevilian Station foundation, which operates a Civil War battlefield in Louisa County, and another foundation sued the city in early 2022 alleging that the city failed to fairly relinquish the statue when donating it to a local Black history museum. Their lawsuit claimed that the city broke a state law on war memorials, violated procurement rules and violated Virginia's Freedom of Information Act.

The nonsuit, if filed this week, will come about six weeks after the other plaintiff in the case, the Ratcliffe Foundation of Tazewell, dropped out and less than two weeks after designated judge, Paul Peatross, oversaw the dismissal of two of the three complaints  leaving only the FOIA matter.

Because Peatross threw out those other complaints, the legal analyst expressed little shock upon learning of the nonsuit.

"That's not a surprise given what was the left of the lawsuit," said Heilberg. "The judge took most of it away."

Standing since 1924 in what was long known as Lee Park in Charlottesville, the statue became a flashpoint in America's racial reckoning after a divided Charlottesville City Council voted to remove it in 2017. Later that year, the Ku Klux Klan and then an assortment of White nationalist groups gathered in Charlottesville to protest the removal. The Unite the Right rally-turned-riot in August of that year led to the killing of anti-racist counterprotester Heather Heyer after an avowed neo-Nazi drove his car through a crowd downtown.

In July 2021, the city removed the statue. The intended beneficiary, when council voted on the disposition that December, was the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center. The organization vowed to melt the statue and recast the bronze into a more inclusive piece of public art. It christened the project "Swords into Plowshares."

Legal hearings indicate that the Confederate general and his horse Traveller have already been cut into pieces. Is the center cleared to stoke a fire and put the pieces into a crucible?

"I would probably recommend they wait 21 days," said Heilberg.

The legal analyst said that although any nonsuit motion gives the litigant one-time permission to refile, this one has an air of finality.

"The momentum has gone out of the sails," said Heilberg. "My gut feeling is that it's over; it just has that vibe."
CROWN POINT  A 67-year-old man from Zion, Illinois was identified as the decedent in a Gary car crash on Saturday, according to a news release from the Lake County Coroners Office on Monday.

The Lake County Coroners office said in the release that the mans family identified him as Terry Norwood.

Emergency services and the Medicolegal Death Investigation team from the Lake County Coroners Office were called to the 400 block of Taney Street on Saturday around 10 p.m. for a fatal car accident, according to the Coroners Office release.

The Coroners Office performed an autopsy on Monday and said in the release that Norwoods cause of death was blunt force injuries due to motor vehicle accident and the manner of his death was an accident.
MOROCCO  A 17 year old who officials say had been drugged and killed by the late serial killer Larry Eyler has been officially identified by DNA experts nearly 40 years after his death.

The young man was identified as Keith Lavell Bibbs of Chicago, Newton County Coroner Scott McCord said.

Larry Eyler handcuffed Police transport a handcuffed Larry Eyler in this file photo.

"Family has been contacted and advised of their son/brothers fate," McCord said.

"Keith was one of four young men found on an abandoned farm in rural Lake Village on Oct. 18 and 19, 1983," the coroner said. "He, along with the others, had been drugged and murdered by now deceased serial killer Larry Eyler, the 'Highway Killer'."

"Of the four victims found, all have now been identified," according to McCord.

Eyler, who died in an Illinois prison in 1994, had confessed to his defense attorney to killing more than 20 young men and boys, officials have said. The attorney released the confessions after Eyler's death.

Among those believed killed by Eyler was John Johnson of Lake County, and others from elsewhere in Indiana and Illinois.

Driver dies in fiery crash at area dragstrip, officials say "The crash resulted in the vehicle catching fire and the death of the sole occupant."

The identification of Bibbs was made as part of a collaboration among the Newton County Coroner's Office, the Identify Indiana Initiative, the DNA Doe Project and the Indiana State Police lab in Indianapolis.

"After reaching out to potential family members and allowing the upload of their DNA into a program called GEDMatch a match was developed," McCord said. "The family was quickly and quietly notified."

"This office keeps in close contact with the family until such time as their son and brother can be returned to them."

McCord thanked all involved, including Newton County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Rebecca Goddard.

"Mostly, the coroner would like to thank all of the people of Newton County, who supported this effort and always gave hope and positive support."
CROWN POINT  The Crown Point Community School Corp. Board of Trustees approved funds for the construction of a new concession stand and locker-room building in Bulldog Park and discussed the school districts ILEARN scores during Monday nights meeting.

A total of $2.3 million in bids were approved for the construction of the building, which is a joint project with the City of Crown Point.

The school board also heard from administration officials on the school districts ILEARN results. According to Jim Hardman, director for grants and assessments, the Crown Point Community School Corp. was in the top 15% of school districts in the state for English language arts, and in the top 11% for math.

School officials also discussed NWEA scores, another assessment Crown Point schools use. Superintendent Todd Terrill stressed the importance of NWEA to the school board, given it provides data for teachers throughout the year, and the state continues to change the ILEARN assessment.

We need to be able to tell our story regardless of whats happening at the state level, Terrill said.

The Indiana Department of Education announced in June a redesign of the states standardized exam, which will now involve three assessments throughout the school year and a final, shortened summative test in the spring. The state is expected to pilot the new assessment during the 2024-25 school year, and fully implement it statewide in the 2025-26 school year.

In addition, Brooke Allen, director of communications, updated the board with information on the opening of Taft Middle School, with the formal ribbon cutting slated for Aug. 4, and a public showing set for Sept. 21.

Board member Tim Vassar also asked if Crown Point schools had contracts with Crown Point Counseling. Its owner was arrested earlier this month for allegedly forging records. Terrill said the school district did, but they would still be able to utilize its services.

The next school board meeting is slated for Aug. 28.

PHOTOS: Bulldog Park plays host to the Taste of Crown Point
When Melvin Wingate was released from prison in 2001, casting a ballot was not high on his priority list.

He knew, of course, that even though hed served his five-year sentence, his felony conviction meant hed never be able to vote in the commonwealth of Virginia.

But he had larger concerns at the time.

When you have a felony and are stripped of your rights, the mindset is, OK, Im going to get a job and take care of my children and wife, Wingate told The Daily Progress. And I did that.

He did more than that. After years battling addiction, Wingate said he has been clean and sober for more than two decades. He also is a pastor at Living Hope Outreach Deliverance Ministries. For work, he helps people overcoming drug addiction as a peer support specialist for Region Ten.

Now, 22 years since being incarcerated, something has dawned on the Charlottesville resident. He wants to vote.

When youre young you think youre invincible, he said. Lately its something that came across my mind. I think I should be able to have my rights.

He is not alone.

Wingate is among three individual plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed against Virginia state officials. In an attempt to restore voting rights to people with felony convictions, it argues that part of the commonwealths constitution violates a 150-year-old federal law which readmitted Virginia to the U.S. Congress after the Civil War.

If the lawsuit succeeds, it could be a seismic shift in Virginia elections and beyond.

This would be interesting precedent, University of Virginia professor A. E. Dick Howard told The Daily Progress. This is probably the sort of case thats being watched very closely by people on both sides of aisle in other states.

Article II of Virginias constitution says that any person with a felony conviction loses their right to vote unless its restored by the governor. Only two other states have such a provision.

Further, Virginia is the only state in the nation that requires a person with a felony conviction to individually petition the governor to restore that right.

The last several governors have tried to streamline the process for auto restoration and all those efforts have been rolled back by the current administration, Vishal Agraharkar told The Daily Progress.

Agraharkar is an attorney for ACLU Virginia which, along with Protect Democracy and WilmerHale, is serving as co-counsel for the plaintiffs.

ACLU Virginias ultimate goal, Agraharkar said, is to amend the state constitution to ensure a persons right to vote cant be taken away.

Even a victory in this case wont get us all the way there, he said. However, this would go a long way toward correcting a historic wrong that has lasted far too long and impacted too many people.

The suit is centered on an untested legal theory.

When the commonwealth was brought back into the Union in 1870 via the Virginia Readmission Act, it was prohibited from amending its constitution to deprive citizens of the right to vote, except for punishment for crimes that were common law felonies at the time.

Those crimes were murder, manslaughter, arson, burglary, robbery, rape, sodomy, mayhem and larceny.

Yet todays constitution includes a number of crimes that were not considered felonies in 1870. Among them are drug offenses and uttering, which is the presentation of a document known to contain forgery.

Wingate was convicted of uttering, a Class 5 felony under Virginia law.

Were asking the court to provide relief for everyone who has lost the right to vote for things that were not felonies in 1870, Agraharkar said.

He said he believes this is the first time this particular legal theory has been tried. Its anyones guess as to whether or not it will actually succeed.

But the law itself is fairly clear in that the language is something along the lines of, Virginia cant amend its constitution to take the right to vote away other than common law felonies, Agraharkar said. Given clarity in that language and that this law has not been repealed by congress, were hopeful the court will see it the same way.

Howard has written about the history of efforts to restore voting rights to Virginias former felons. Theres been lots of political debate in recent years over Article II in the state constitution, he said, and this lawsuit only brings it more visibility.

This is very much on peoples minds and has become somewhat political, which I think is unfortunate, he said. It seems some people assume that felons who are reenfranchised would be Democrats. I dont see any factual basis for that.

Howard is intrigued by the legal theory being tested, which he thinks weaves different types of arguments together.

One argument is Virginias long history of discrimination against Black people.

The 1902 constitution was based on the premise of White supremacy. They eliminated practically every Black voter in Virginia, he said. It was hideously difficult for a Black voter to get registered.

The case also focuses on the present-day consequences of that discrimination. Howard noted that the percentage of Black voters who are disenfranchised in the commonwealth is higher than in most other states.

That disproportionate impact is directly traceable to a constitutional provision that was never allowed to exist in the first place, Agraharkar said. We hope if we get relief here itll impact thousands of people who have been disenfranchised and right a historical wrong.

Its too early to speculate how the suit will fare in court, but Howard pointed out one problem the plaintiffs may encounter: While their case focuses on the 1902 constitution, a new constitution was adopted in 1971. Howard was the executive director of the committee that wrote it.

One thing they dont address is what difference it makes that Virginia now has a different constitution from 1971 that supersedes and indeed rejects the legacy of post-Reconstruction in the 1902 constitution he said.

The current constitution, he said, is an outright repudiation of the White supremacist legacy of the late 19th and early 20th century.

That may be a serious legal hurdle for the plaintiffs. Yet Wingate said that whatever the cases outcome, the suit itself is monumental.

Think about what the lawsuit stands for. What youre suing for. Youre suing for your rights, he said. Think about how many people, not just Melvin Wingate, have not had an opportunity to voice their opinion.

Since being released from prison, Wingate has been unable to vote in five presidential elections, six midterm elections and five gubernatorial elections. Despite his time behind bars and then being barred from the ballot box, Wingate said he has gone on to beat addiction, hold a stable job, raise a family and become a pillar in his community.

If you can only see one mistake I made in life, thats something we should look at. We should all have a second chance. How many times have we given America a second chance? he said. Your vote is your power. Your vote is your voice. Im a citizen, right? Shouldnt I have a right to voice my opinion?
An independent study found Great Lakes shipping generated $36 billion in economic activity last year.

The "Economic Impacts of Maritime Shipping in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Region" study found that shipping to ports including the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor and the Port of Chicago supports 240,000 jobs and $18 billion in wages.

"Every day and in every part of the country, Americans count on goods that move along the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. More than 147,000 jobs in America are supported by commerce on the Seaway, and through the Biden-Harris administrations infrastructure investments, were strengthening these critical supply chains and supporting jobs in communities across America," U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.

The study found ships move 135.7 million tons of raw materials and finished goods on the Great Lakes. Many are international vessels known as salties that pass through the St. Lawrence Seaway into the Great Lakes, bringing goods from all over the world to the heartland.

The Great Lakes St Lawrence Seaway System is a crucial part of our supply chains, moving goods to and from Canada and to our international partners," Canada Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra said. "This study underscores the significance of the Seaway System for Canadians, and for our U.S. neighbors. Our governments top priority is supporting our supply chains, including in our marine sector, from the launch of a Canadian Green Shipping Corridors Framework to the creation of a Supply Chain Office, and we will continue to work with industry, including the Chamber of Marine Commerce, to build an economy that works for everyone.

The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp., The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp., The American Great Lakes Ports Association, The Chamber of Marine Commerce, The Lake Carriers Association and The Shipping Federation of Canada commissioned the study. Martin Associates, which has done 1,500 economic and planning studies across the world, compiled the wide-ranging report.

This report bears out what weve long known  that the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System is crucial to the U.S. economy. Not only is marine transportation the single most fuel-efficient and cost-effective way to haul goods from one place to another, but it also supports hundreds of thousands of essential jobs and generates billions of dollars in economic activity," said Adam Tindall-Schlicht, administrator of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp.

The study found Great Lakes shipping generated $6.3 billion in state and federal taxes.

Marine shipping on the Great Lakes/St Lawrence Seaway System supports jobs and provides major benefits to communities across Canada and the United States. Every year this Green Shipping Corridor supports the safe and sustainable passage of vessels shipping the goods that drive the North American economy like grain, cement, ore, construction materials and steel products. This Martin report confirms the strategic importance of the binational St. Lawrence Seaway as an essential link in the supply chain at the heart of trade and commerce," said Terence Bowles, president and CEO of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp.
GARY  When Rickie Keith lived in the Carolyn Mosby Senior High-Rise, heat only reached half the building and there were bats living in the top floor.

"We needed a lot of upgrades," Keith, who now serves on the Gary Housing Authority resident commission, recalled. "We needed new cabinets, new stoves, new flooring and a new heating system."

Over the past 14 months, the affordable housing complex has received all that and more.

Built by the Gary Housing Authority in 1970, the Carolyn Mosby apartment building was the city's first public housing high-rise and the first public housing complex built specifically for the elderly. Today the eight-story structure consists of 142 units, serving adults over 55 who have an income of 30%, 50% and 60% of the annual median income.

While the Carolyn Mosby complex has seen some upgrades, GHA Executive Director Taryl Bonds said the building has never undergone a renovation of this scale. Bonds said the GHA knew the organization would never be able to complete the project without outside assistance. In 2017, the GHA began to discuss a potential renovation with the Wisconsin-based Gorman & Company developers. The Carolyn Mosby High-Rise is Gorman's first project in Indiana.

The GHA and Gorman entered into a public-private partnership to complete the project; the GHA owns the property where the apartment complex is located and 51% of the building, Gorman owns the remaining 49%.

The $22.1 million renovation began in May of 2022 and is largely complete, though Gorman Illinois Market President Ron Clewer said they are still waiting on some final pieces of furniture. The entire building has new bathrooms, kitchens, air conditioning and heating systems, energy-efficient lighting and improved insulation.

A number of units were also redesigned to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, meaning a person with a physical disability could live there.

Clewer said workers also removed asbestos from the walls, powerwashed the outside of the building and did some landscaping.

Exterior improvements had to be limited because the apartment complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places in May of 2022.

The complex was named after Carolyn Mosby, a Gary native who served as both a state representative and senator in the Indiana General Assembly. She was known as an advocate for both seniors and minority businesses. Originally named after its street address, 666 Jackson, the building was renamed in Mosby's honor shortly after she passed away in 1990. The address was also changed.

The renovation was funded in part with historic tax credits. The project also received money from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, Merchants Bank, Merchants Capital, Zions Bank and some of Gary's HOME-American Rescue Plan Program funding.

A plaque commemorating Mosby will hang in the building's lobby. The iconic lawmaker's daughter, also named Carolyn Mosby, traveled from Georgia to attend a Tuesday ribbon cutting celebrating the renovation. She said her family has a long history with the building as her great grandmother was once a resident.

"This is a huge honor for our family," Mosby said. "Thank you so much for helping keep our mother's legacy alive."

Clewer Gorman wants to do more work in Indiana and is currently considering a project in Hammond.

"If we continue to do good work together, then residents in need of affordable housing will have more options," Clewer said he hopes the resident's new apartments are what they "dreamed of."

PHOTOS: Carolyn Mosby renovation IMG_2403.jpg IMG_2444.jpg IMG_2453.jpg IMG_2483.jpg IMG_2495.jpg Carolyn Mosby
HAMMOND  Gas stations in Hammond will be allowed to remain open overnight  for now.

After discussing the proposed gas station ordinance during multiple committee meetings, the Hammond Common Council chose not to include legislation on their Monday night agenda. Introduced by Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. at the start of the month, the ordinance would force all of the city's 37 gas stations to close from midnight to 5 a.m. The legislation was drafted just a few weeks after a 33-year-old man from Chicago died after being shot around 2 a.m. at the Luke gas station at 5105 State Line Ave.

While supporters say the forced closures could curb violent crime, those who oppose the ordinance argue it will push crime elsewhere and cost people their jobs.

For the past few weeks the Hammond Common Council has been asking police to provide data showing which stations seem to have the most issues with violent crime, how the number of nighttime incidents compares to daytime incidents and what specific types of crimes are occurring. Shortly before the Monday Common Council meeting, Hammond Chief of Staff Phil Taillon gave councilmembers a stack of police data. The reports listed overnight incidents that occurred at Hammond gas stations, in some cases dating back to 2015. Councilmembers said they needed to sift through the dataset before making any decisions.

Councilwoman Katrina Alexander, D-at large, said just by glancing at the reports it was already evident that some gas stations have more issues than others.

She said the city needs to focus on addressing the "root cause" of violent crime, noting that Indiana eliminated handgun permit requirements last year.

"It's so much bigger than just the gas stations," Alexander said.

Alternative solutions could include mandatory security guards, bulletproof glass, removing some cluttered signage from gas stations windows and Hammond PD's new Fusus Program. Businesses and residents can register their security cameras with Fusus, allowing Hammond Police to access the footage when a crime occurs.

Councilwoman Janet Venecz, D-at large, who cosponsored the ordinance alongside Councilman Dan Spitale, D-at large, noted that under the proposed legislation gas station owners can petition the Hammond Board of Public Works and Safety for an exception to the mandatory closure.

When officers have to patrol the same stations night after night, Taillon said it draws public safety resources away from the rest of the city.

"At specific gas stations, things have been going on for a very long time and they (the gas station owners) have not addressed it," Taillon said. "At some point you have to say too many people are getting killed."

Jim Witham, who operates Witham Sales and Services and previously owned four gas stations in Hammond, said the forced closure would leave gas stations vulnerable to break-ins. Resident George Stoya said the forced closures could open the city up to costly litigation.

The Village of Oak Park, Illinois, which is located immediately west of Chicago, passed an ordinance limiting overnight gas station hours last September. According to the Wednesday Journal, seven gas station owners sued the village, however the case was dismissed.

This past January, Illinois State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, who is also the mayor of Calumet City, introduced the Armed Security Protection Act, legislation that would have mandated security guards at all Chicago gas stations, grocery stores, banks and pawn shops. The legislation did not make it out of committee.

Gary elected officials have also sought to curb violence at gas stations. Over the past few years, Gary Mayor Jerome Prince and the Common Council have considered legislation that would require gas stations to have armed security guards overnight, but the ordinance has never moved forward.

Councilman Barry Tyler Jr. D-3rd, said the council and gas stations owners need to work together to come up with other crime reduction strategies.

I kind of see this (the forced closure) as a last resort," Tyler added.

PHOTOS: Hammond Progress Edition 2023 Downtown Hammond construction Downtown Hammond construction Downtown Hammond construction Downtown Hammond construction Downtown Hammond construction Downtown Hammond construction Downtown Hammond construction Downtown Hammond construction
PORTER  South Shore Line rail service between Michigan City and Porter should resume late this summer, and from Porter to Gary this winter, as the railroad nears the finish line for the Double Track NWI project, officials said Monday.

Passengers are currently being bussed between Michigan City and the Gary Metro Center station as the $377 million construction project continues the effort to add a second track, build new stations and install new bridges and associated infrastructure between the cities.

Substantial completion of construction work is expected in mid-November, Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District President Michael Noland told the Board of Trustees at their regular business meeting.

We are nearing the home stretch here, Noland said.

More than 54,000 passenger rides on busses were provided in June, according to NICTD. Noland said both passengers and the railroad will be happy to get back on the tracks, which should happen for the Michigan City to Dune Park station leg in late September, and for the Dune Park to Metro Center leg sometime early in 2024.

The return of that service will be according to the schedule and using the infrastructure in place before the Double Track project. Full revenue service  with additional trains using the newly installed tracks and catenary  is scheduled for May 2024, after testing and training on what Noland described as a new railroad.

The $377 million construction price tag is about $2 million higher than the original contract, a less-than-1% growth with which railroad officials expressed satisfaction.

NICTDs other major capital project, the West Lake Corridor, has had more pressure on its price tag and schedule than Double Track.

The original contract, for both design and construction of the new railroad, was about $555 million. Thats risen to $582 million, partly as a result of $6 million to $8 million in upgrades requested and paid for by municipalities, but also partly due to environmental remediation work in north Hammond.

Noland said the original contract had a $5 million allowance for the work, but thats increased since, by $5 million in March and another $8.1 million approved Monday.

The West Lake Corridor will join the South Shore Line in north Hammond, which will also be the site of a maintenance yard.

When we went into this project, we knew that that area in north Hammond had environmental issues, Noland said.

Properties from which contaminants had to be removed include a trucking company and scrap yard, he said.

Its a lot of money to remediate this site but the site that we acquired we knew was going to have challenges.

The West Lake schedule currently calls for full revenue service to begin in May 2025, and Noland said hes still cautiously optimistic that will be the case.

Some pressures been put on the schedule by longer-than-anticipated project design work, notably at 45th Street in Munster, which West Lake will bridge over, which impacts the parallel CSX freight railroad tracks, which cross at grade.

The joint venture F.H. Paschen/Ragnar Benson has the design/build contract.

One of the big challenges theyve had is getting the design approved by CSX, Noland said. The bridge caissons will require movement of CSX signaling infrastructure.

The bridge at 45th, which will extend over the CN freight tracks to the north, also requires sewer and NIPSCO infrastructure relocations.

Noland said the railroad hopes design work will be done by the end of the year and that the project can get back on track for May 2025 revenue service.

GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week
Richard and Dee Lynch looked like a couple of high school sweethearts as they strolled outside the Taste of Crown Point on Saturday afternoon.

The couple enjoyed ice cream treats from a little shop just off the city square.

Youve got to try it, Richard told me.

Youre gonna love it, Dee said. All of the owners recipes are from his aunt.

I thanked them for the unexpected sidewalk recommendation, though I wondered if they were sharing it with everyone in their path. As they walked away, Richard hinted at the answer.

We love your writing, he said.

We read your columns every day, his wife said.

How kind of them to tell me. It was the highlight of my day although I later sampled a delicious buffet of foods and treats at the event inside Bulldog Park. (Watch a video at the online version of this column at NWI.com.)

Theres something special about readers who subscribe to the print version of newspapers. Theyre historically loyal, dependable and interactive with the newspaper they choose to read.

Many of them begin their day with a newspaper in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. Or a cigarette. Or a bowl of cereal. Or maybe a smartphone, though they still prefer to read their news with inky hands.

Im the same way despite the fact I dont eat cereal in the morning, smoke cigarettes or drink coffee. I still enjoy unwrapping a print newspaper and reading it page by page. Ive been doing it for decades and so have many of my readers.

Jerry, Ive been a subscriber for longer than youve been alive, Gene Moreno wrote to me in a handwritten letter. I understand that readers enjoy online news these days but I guess Im just old-fashioned. Ask those online readers the last time they clipped out a favorite story or column or comic and stuck it to the front of their fridge or pasted it into a scrapbook. They cant do it. But I can. And I still do.

I do too, Gene. I still keep printed versions of all of my columns, a habit I began when I first started in this business in the mid-1990s. I honestly thought I would accumulate a few dozen columns, not a few thousand. Yet they continue to stack up as I continue to recycle the rest of the newspaper. My bin has been filled with newspapers more than anything else.

Last week on a bicycle ride I noticed a mailbox with a newspaper subscription box underneath it. The image prompted me again to appreciate these print subscribers loyalty and readership through the years. Im not sure if these subscribers get told this enough, or at all.

As the newspaper industry evolves to more expanding digital versions of its online capabilities, there is one demographic of readers that is not thanked enough - print readers. I know because I hear from them every day with feedback to my columns, ideas for future stories or simply to connect with me.

Jerry, Ive been reading your column every day. I hope you remember me from the time you presented your three published books at the public library, Diana Tobias, of Crown Point, wrote in a letter. Have I got a good column idea for you, in fact a couple.

She also left me a voice mail, the most common way for print readers to respond to my work in addition to emails and social media messages. Im nothing if not easily accessible.

A couple of weeks ago, Jeff Grogan of Hebron experienced delivery problems with his carrier. After going through the proper channels to get the situation rectified, he also contacted me. Grogan simply wanted someone to vent to.

I consider this part of my job duty as your friendly neighborhood newspaper columnist. It didnt matter that Grogan first contacted me a year ago to adamantly complain about one of my columns.

I disagree 100% with everything you wrote and Id like to talk to you about it, as civilized adults. I doubt that youll call me back but heres my number, he said on a voice mail.

I called Grogan the next day for my follow-up column to that topic.

Some print readers contact me only to point out grammatical mistakes in my column and in the newspaper. I dont mind. I appreciate that theyre reading with a fine-tooth comb of constructive criticism.

Plus, Im still learning the craft of writing. I have had no formal education beyond writing hundreds of stories and columns. Im always open to critiques from readers, whether they are English scholars or more educated writers.

Jerry, I know that us print subscribers may be in the minority these days, but weve been helping to pay your paychecks and pay for all the print ads in your newspaper every day, 68-year-old Georgia Wallace told me over the phone. Were still here, you know.

Yes, I know, I told her. And Im full of gratitude. Thank you all for your loyal readership through the years and into the future. I'll keep writing if you keep reading.
A personal chef to the Obama family died over the weekend after he was seen struggling in the water while paddleboarding near the former first familys home on Marthas Vineyard, the Massachusetts State Police said on Monday.

The body of the chef, Tafari Campbell, 45, of Dumfries, Va., who was visiting the Vineyard, was found just before 10 a.m. Monday about 100 feet from shore in Edgartown Great Pond in water about eight feet deep by the Massachusetts Environmental Police. It had deployed sonar from a boat during an hourslong search that began Sunday night and involved several law enforcement agencies.

Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama were not home at the time of the accident, the state police said. An investigation into the death of Mr. Campbell, who had worked as a sous chef when the Obamas were in the White House and stayed on with them afterward, is being conducted by the state police and the Edgartown Police Department.

Just before 8 p.m. on Sunday, emergency services from Edgartown responded to Edgartown Great Pond near Turkeyland Cove, where Mr. Obama has a summer home, for a call of a male paddleboarder who had gone into the water, appeared to briefly struggle to stay on the surface and then submerged and did not resurface, the state police said in a statement.
Once again, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has pushed the limits, defying a nationwide protest movement to win new curbs on the Israeli judiciarys power to pose a check to his far-right coalition government.

But after years of brinkmanship and chaos management by the Israeli leader, this feels different. Such is the rancor and rupture caused by this particular Netanyahu victory that many Israelis wonder whether the damage to society might not be fixable  and whether Mr. Netanyahu will be able to manage the aftermath of a showdown he set in motion.

In the final moments before the vote, Mr. Netanyahu sat passively between a pair of cabinet colleagues as the two men quarreled with each other  apparently over whether to offer a last-minute concession  shouting over the top of their party leader as if oblivious to his presence.

Around them in the voting chamber, furious opposition lawmakers yelled abuse at Mr. Netanyahu and his allies, warning them that they were shunting Israel toward ruin.
This is the largest assemblage of Indian antiquities that has happened in over a generation, said John Guy, the curator of South and Southeast Asian art at the Met, who started planning the show  underpinned by decades of research  eight years ago. Obviously, we feel enormously privileged.

Four flights came in to J.F.K. with many tons of sculpture, Guy said. Thats 36,737 pounds, or 18.37 tons, to be exact.

The show depended on the generosity of lenders throughout India, Italy, the United States, England and Germany and the preparatory work included years of site visits to build trust and relationships. Within India alone, the negotiations included the central government, the Ministry of Culture, the Archaeological Survey of India, the National Museum and six state governments. Over the course of the discussions, the input of three U.S. ambassadors to India and two Indian ambassadors to the U.S. was called upon.

The diplomacy of obtaining loans from foreign governments is a delicate process. In 1996, just weeks before the Mets Splendors of Imperial China show, protesters demonstrated outside the National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan, demanding the museum withhold artworks meant to go to New York. In the end, Taiwanese government officials withdrew 23 works.

Few of the loans in this Met show, which include intricate carvings of princely headdresses, flaming pillars and scenes of ecstatic devotion, have been seen outside India before, and of those that have traveled, most have not been exhibited for a generation or more. Much of the displays feature panels from stupas, the religious monumental domes, which have housed the Buddhas remains after cremation, along with other spiritual materials.
In the past two years, book bans have surged in the United States, driven by conservative activists who have targeted books about race and racism or L.G.B.T.Q. issues and characters. An array of new laws have passed around the country, making it easier to remove books from libraries and placing new restrictions on the types of titles children can access.

While the fight has largely centered on books that are available in school classrooms and libraries, the legislation in Texas has drawn booksellers directly into the conflict.

Gov. Greg Abbott, who signed the bill into law in June, championed it as a way for parents to exercise more control over the books available to their children. Some school libraries have books with sexually explicit and vulgar materials, he said during the bill signing session. Im signing a law that gets that trash out of our schools.

Many of the restrictions on books available in schools and libraries have been promoted under the banner of giving parents more choice over the content their children encounter. But the plaintiffs said that the Texas law would take decisions out of the hands of schools and parents and put the burden on vendors instead.

The laws opponents also argue the legislation will increase the number of book bans in Texas, which already leads the country in removing books from schools, according to an analysis by the free speech organization PEN America.
The number of migrants apprehended at the southern U.S. border has plummeted over the past two months, in spite of expectations of a big influx after the lifting of Title 42 in May. Perhaps the biggest reason for the drop, officials say, is that President Bidens stringent new asylum rules have effectively turned migrants away.

Today, that policy was struck down by a federal judge in California, dealing a major blow to Bidens efforts to manage immigration along the southern border.

Immigrant advocacy groups had challenged the new requirements that migrants secure an appointment at an official port of entry or prove that they sought legal protection in another country before applying for asylum in the U.S. The groups argued that the policy left migrants vulnerable during long waits in Mexico border towns and that it mimicked a Trump administration rule that had already been blocked.

The judge  Jon Tigar, an Obama appointee  sided with the advocacy groups, writing that the policy was both substantively and procedurally invalid. He however stayed his order for 14 days, giving the Biden administration time for an appeal.
The University of Virginia could become the first major institution of higher education in the entire country to start publishing the political donations of its faculty and staff if some of the ideas floated by members of its governing body are adopted.

What they will find from already publicly available information is something that is already a well-known fact. At UVa, like at almost every college across the country, professors and administrators tend to be more liberal than the average American.

What is not known is how UVa, or any university, could use data on donations to make decisions. Will it cause them to hire or fire specific faculty? No one will say.

Much like calls to track student and faculty political and religious affiliation, UVa itself has been tight-lipped, only raising doubts about the practicality of either proposal and reinforcing the schools commitment to diversity.

We should look and see does this looks diverse to us, Douglas Wetmore, one of the more conservative members of the Board of Visitor said at a June 2 meeting, referring to the political diversity of faculty. Maybe we got good diversity, and we just dont realize it. Maybe we dont and maybe it is uneven, and we need to make some adjustments.

Wetmore, appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, did not respond to repeated requests for comment from The Daily Progress.

Like Wetmore, many other conservatives connected to UVa floated the idea that tracking faculty donations could help push back against what they see as the infiltration of leftist professors in the classroom.

We feel like indoctrination is getting worse because the older generation of baby boomer faculty, who were tolerant people and werent out to force students to think one way, are retiring and being replaced, Jim Bacon, executive director of the influential conservative UVa alumni group the Jefferson Council, told The Daily Progress. The new generation is far more to the left politically, and you have departments that are already leaning left try to hire more people that think like them, rather than creating diversity.

Bacon and Wetmores political ally Bert Ellis on the board said much of the same.

Its a small nucleus of conservative professors here at the university, Ellis said at the meeting in June. If someone wanted to take the time they could research [political donations] by ZIP code, occupation and precinct, they could.

Ellis also did not respond to repeated requests for comment from The Daily Progress.

Leaders close to Youngkin backed the idea as well.

In a state like Virginia, which is roughly 55-45 politically at any given time, how do you measure what the ideology and political perspectives are of administration and faculty at a major university? One measurement certainly could be just looking at donations on the internet, said Edwin Feulner Jr., the founder of the conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation and current chair of the commonwealths Commission on Higher Education Board Appointments.

The Daily Progress investigated that publicly available data. On the political donation tracking website OpenSecrets, during the 2022 election cycle, UVa faculty and staff favored Democratic candidates over Republican candidates, based on donations by a ratio of 30 to 1.

During the 2022 election cycle, Democratic candidates received 96.1% of donations, Republican candidates received 3.3% and Libertarian candidates received 0.6%.

Bacon is correct: Things have changed.

The numbers are radically different from a little more than 20 years ago. In the 2000 elections, the total amount of money donated to Republicans tallied more than the money donated to Democrats. In the 2000 election cycle, Republicans received around 52% of donations, Democrats received 41% and independent candidates received 6%.

But numbers can be deceiving.

Most professors and administrators at UVa dont actually donate to any political campaigns, and even if they did, they often donate dark money, sending money to groups that do not disclose the identities of donors.

Contributions to federal and state candidates and parties are already disclosed by law, so its a matter of public record, Larry Sabato, the director of the Center for Politics at UVa, told The Daily Progress. If they simply want to post what is already public, fine. I think theyll find that a clear majority of faculty do not make donations to candidates.

Sabato himself has only donated five times, totaling $2,100, to political candidates and causes since 1999. His latest donation was his first since 2004, and it was $500 to a Republican-affiliated political action committee.

And even if the donations did accurately reflect the politics of the faculty, supporters wont say what they will use it for. They only have said what they wouldnt do.

The idea is not to put a tag on individual professors, and the idea is not to create a kind of new ideological litmus test that you have a certain percent of new conservatives, Bacon said. If the tracking is now a problem, it would be a brand-new problem. We should be aware of and thinking about it when we go about bringing in some more diversity of thought.
Mondays attack, which was carried out by drone, threw those options into doubt.

An executive whose ocean transportation company operates a ship waiting to load grain at Reni said he was waiting to hear whether Mondays attack would affect insurance premiums, which were already high.

The executive, who spoke on the condition of anonymity out of concern for the safety of the ship and its crew, said he had thought the vessel was relatively safe because nothing had happened to it in the past year.

Given Russias withdrawal from the deal that guaranteed safe passage for commercial vessels through the Black Sea, insurance premiums are likely to be prohibitively expensive for shipowners, analysts said.

But some shipowners may decide to travel to Ukrainian ports even with the elevated risk, if they receive assurances from the Turkish and Ukrainian governments, said Yoruk Isik, an analyst with the consultancy Bosphorus Observer, in Istanbul. In recent days, Russia has launched a series of aerial assaults on Odesa, a Black Sea port in Ukraine.

While the Danube River had been considered a safer option than the Black Sea, there were limits to how much grain could be exported through it, given capacity caps at ports, traffic backups at border crossings, fuel shortages and damaged roadways, Mr. Isik said.
New York is doing better than San Francisco  Manhattan has a vacancy rate of 13.5 percent  but it can no longer count on the technology industry for growth. More than one-third of the roughly 22 million square feet of office space available for sublet in Manhattan comes from technology, advertising and media companies, according to Newmark.

Consider Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram. It is now unloading a big chunk of the more than 2.2 million square feet of office space it gobbled up in Manhattan in recent years after laying off around 1,700 employees this year, or a quarter of its New York State work force. The company has opted not to renew leases covering 250,000 square feet in Hudson Yards and for 200,000 square feet on Park Avenue South.

Spotify is trying to sublet five of the 16 floors it leased six years ago in 4 World Trade Center, and Roku is offering a quarter of the 240,000 square feet it had taken in Times Square just last year. Twitter, Microsoft and other technology companies are also trying to sublease unwanted space.

The tech companies were such a big part of the real estate landscape during the last five years, said Ruth Colp-Haber, the chief executive of Wharton Property Advisors, a real estate brokerage. And now that they seem to be cutting back, the question is: Who is going to replace them?

Ms. Colp-Haber said it could take months for bigger spaces or entire floors of buildings to be sublet. The large amount of space available for sublet is also driving down the rents that landlords are able to get on new leases.
A Senate committee is investigating whether $158 million that the billionaire investor Leon Black paid the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein for tax and estate planning services should have been classified as a gift, as part of a broader inquiry into tax-avoidance schemes by ultrawealthy individuals, according to a letter sent by the committee to Mr. Black.

In addition to the fees that Mr. Black said he had paid Mr. Epstein, the Senate Finance Committee is looking into several trusts that Mr. Black used to save on taxes and advice that Mr. Epstein gave on art purchases, according to the letter, which the committees chairman, Senator Ron Wyden, sent to the private equity mogul on Monday.

Mr. Wyden, Democrat of Oregon, wrote that the committee was dissatisfied with the information that Mr. Black, a co-founder of Apollo Global Management, had provided it to date and requested his cooperation.

A significant number of open questions remain regarding the tax-avoidance scheme you implemented with Epsteins assistance, including whether the exorbitant amounts paid to Epstein should have been classified as a gift for federal tax purposes, the senator wrote. Gifts exceeding an annual threshold in value are subject to federal taxes ranging from 18 to 40 percent.
The last time there was a major slowdown in the mighty network of ocean currents that shapes the climate around the North Atlantic, it seems to have plunged Europe into a deep cold for over a millennium.

That was roughly 12,800 years ago, when not many people were around to experience it. But in recent decades, human-driven warming could be causing the currents to slow once more, and scientists have been working to determine whether and when they might undergo another great weakening, which would have ripple effects for weather patterns across a swath of the globe.

A pair of researchers in Denmark this week put forth a bold answer: A sharp weakening of the currents, or even a shutdown, could be upon us by centurys end.

It was a surprise even to the researchers that their analysis showed a potential collapse coming so soon, one of them, Susanne Ditlevsen, a professor of statistics at the University of Copenhagen, said in an interview. Climate scientists generally agree that the Atlantic circulation will decline this century, but theres no consensus on whether it will stall out before 2100.
Potluck Club opened last summer on Chrystie Street on the Lower East Side  outside the old boundaries of Chinatown, in an area where younger Chinese businesses sidle up against tattoo parlors, oyster bars and candlelit cocktail lounges with disguised speakeasy entrances. Its a perfect location for a neo-Cantonese restaurant that looks at Chinatown traditions from a slight distance, through the eyes of young people who grew up eating in and around the neighborhood but have spent most of their adult lives in other places.

Given all the threats facing Chinatown, Potluck Club could have come across as sentimental or wistful, but its not. It offers a fresh, energetic look into Chinese culture, and has fun with it, too. It isnt a great restaurant, but it knows how to have a good time.

The atmosphere helps to put the idea across. The host stand is a green booth with a pagoda roof that looks like a ticket window out of the Sun Sing or the Music Palace, two long-gone Chinatown theaters where you used to be able to catch Shaw Brothers wuxia films. Just past that is a display of movie posters from the golden age of Hong Kong and Taiwanese cinema. A mural celebrates Shaolin Popey, the 1994 slapstick martial arts movie featuring two ass-kicking boy monks.
Why It Matters: Some of these medicine are not widely produced.

The U.S. Pharmacopeia, a nonprofit that examines the drug supply chain, took a close look at the likely effect of the tornado damage. The nonprofit assigns vulnerability scores to medications, accounting for factors linked to shortages, like low prices, quality problems at production sites and the number of companies that make the drug.

The painkiller infusions had a high vulnerability score, as did I.V. electrolytes like potassium chloride and magnesium sulfate that are made at the plant and listed by Pfizer as potentially affected by the tornado. These medications help patients with severe dehydration or diabetes complications, among other conditions.

One unexpected upside to the deepening shortages of some medications is that, under federal rules, specialized pharmacies are allowed to make the drugs on an emergency basis. That policy will come in handy at a time like this when you have an unexpected shock to the system, said Vimala Raghavendran, a shortage expert at the U.S. Pharmacopeia.

Last Time This Happened: Cancer drug shortage threatened patient care.

This disaster struck as the last drug shortage crisis began to ease. For weeks this spring and summer, doctors were running out of two inexpensive, generic chemotherapy drugs that are the best shot at a cure for patients with testicular, ovarian and other cancers.

Doctors predicted heightened death rates as patients arrived for treatment only to discover they would not be getting the most potent drug in the combination used to treat them. The Food and Drug Administration has since begun to allow shipments of the drugs from China that were not expressly approved for the United States market.

Now, it seems better, Dr. Lucio Gordan, president of Florida Cancer Specialists, said in an email on Tuesday, noting that his centers have a months supply of the drugs, which are called cisplatin and carboplatin.

What We Dont Know: Will Congress or the White House act?

Medication shortages are not new. But the cancer drug crisis started a widespread conversation about its root causes and solutions. Some proposals have come from Medicare, which unveiled a plan to incentivize hospitals to stockpile essential drugs. A key Senate health committee advanced a pandemic-funding bill that would give the F.D.A. more data to head off shortages.

Leaders in the generic drug industry and other experts cite the pressure from intermediary companies that award the lowest-price bidder with access to millions of customers. The race to the bottom in prices, they say, destabilizes the industry and rewards those who might cut corners or operate overseas, often in India, where labor costs are lowest. House Republicans have been examining some of those dynamics but have not issued proposals.
Still, some health recommendations, such as the advice to avoid eating or drinking around the animals, have been a tough sell. For many families, some of whom bring crockpots into the barn with them, sharing a meal at a show is a way of building community. And with shows that can last all day, it can also be a logistical necessity, Ms. Morgan said: I mean, you have to feed kids or they get very hangry.

Ultimately, the Ohio State team decided to ease off the recommendation, worried that it was so out of step with the culture that it would undermine their credibility. (Its also not clear how much eating and drinking might increase the risk for people who are already spending hours sharing air with their pigs, Dr. Nolting acknowledged.)

It is hard to determine how effective the teams efforts have been overall; the surveillance is still fairly new, and some flu seasons are naturally worse than others. But I think we have moved the needle, Dr. Bowman said. There is change happening.

Pigs are not the only farm animals that can carry dangerous pathogens, and the researchers recently began an educational program for people buying chicks at farm stores. They may create a cattle-focused program, too, Dr. Nolting said.

Weve talked about what our logo is going to look like, if its, Swientist and Friends, Dr. Nolting said. Maybe our pig in the lab coat has his buddies with him.

Audio produced by Kate Winslett .
The thing I keep hearing from people in Hollywood is I dont know how she got away with it. When a theatrically released movie is made at this budget level, anything idiosyncratic or challenging often gets whittled down by studio notes. How were you able to preserve your sensibility the whole way through this process?

I was originally meant to just write it with Noah, and then we finished the script and that was the thing that made me want to direct it. It felt so clear to me: If they didnt want to make that [version], I didnt need to make it. Margot, as the producer and star, was really the first person to line up and say, I want to do it her way. And then as we started adding collaborators and gathering more cast, suddenly there was a large number of people who were excited to do something that was this, excuse the pun, out of the box.

Part of me thinks that because it was all so idiosyncratic and so wild, it was almost like no one really knew where to start taking it apart. Like, where are you going to start hacking away at how strange it was? Maybe because there was this sense of sheer joy behind it, it was this hard thing to say, Oh no, we dont want that thing thats sheer joy. People wanted it to exist, in all its weirdness.

Even the movies inciting incident is pretty heady. Im trying to imagine how the executives reacted when you told them, Well, things really kick off when Barbie starts having irrepressible thoughts of death.

I know! We had the idea of the movie starting off like this whirligig, and that line becomes something where she almost breaks the movie. And what do you do after youve broken the movie? Her character tries to just keep the movie going normally again, but theres no way to do it. But yeah, I dont know that anyone totally knew what the tone of this was going to be until it was all done. I mean, within the group of people who were deeply making it, we knew, but it was truly an act of faith for everyone else.
The Hollywood strikes have halted production on major movies, pushed back release dates and stopped actors appearing on red carpets. But on Tuesday, the organizers of the Venice Film Festival said this years event would be relatively unscathed by the turmoil, and announced a star-studded lineup.

Alberto Barbera, the festivals artistic director, said in a news conference that the impact of the strike was modest, despite the loss of Venices planned opener, Luca Guadagninos Challengers, a tennis drama starring Zendaya. Last week, MGM pushed the movies release date to next year in light of the actors union strike.

Otherwise, Barbera said, the planned lineup for the event, scheduled to run Aug. 30 to Sep. 9, was unchanged. Bradley Coopers Maestro, a drama about the composer Leonard Bernstein, and Sofia Coppolas Priscilla, about Elvis Presleys wife, will be among the 23 movies competing for the Golden Lion, the festivals main prize.

They will compete alongside Ava DuVernays Origin, inspired by the nonfiction book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents; Yorgos Lanthimoss Poor Things, a sci-fi film featuring Emma Stone; Michael Manns motor racing drama Ferrari, which stars Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz; and David Finchers The Killer, about a conflicted assassin, starring Michael Fassbender and Tilda Swinton.
Students and staff in the East Ramapo Central School District, about 30 miles north of New York City, cannot drink the tap water in any of the public school buildings, according to a new state-mandated survey, and the chronic state of disrepair has prompted calls for a takeover of the school system.

The East Ramapo public schools serve more than 9,200 K-12 students, and all 13 school buildings received a failing rating in a survey of building conditions completed by a New York-based architecture, engineering and construction management firm. The districts school administration building also received a failing rating, and other buildings in the district received unsatisfactory ratings.

It would cost more than $230 million to make all the necessary repairs, the firm, CSArch, estimated.

Lead was detected in the water in many of the schools in 2016, and some taps and water fountains were shut off at the time. Tap water is available now for hand-washing and cleaning, but students and staff must rely on bottled water and water from filling stations for drinking, according to a spokesperson for the district.
Virginia is working to recover almost $22 million that the state mistakenly paid insurers for people enrolled in the state Medicaid program who already had died. That includes $15.7 million that the state must repay to the federal government for its share of the cost.

In an audit released on Monday, the Office of the Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said Virginia paid at least $21.8 million to managed care companies for about 12,000 "deceased enrollees" in the Medicaid program in 2019 through 2021. The state makes "capitated" or monthly per-person payments to six private managed care companies to cover the cost of most of the 2.1 million Virginians who receive health care under Medicaid, with expenses shared by the federal and state governments.

"The state agency made unallowable capitation on behalf of deceased enrollees because it did not have adequate controls in place to identify all deceased enrollees and properly cancel their enrollment," the audit states.

The inspector general recommended that the state immediately refund the federal share of the improper payments and work to recover other payments, including those that may have been made in 2018 and 2022  immediately before and after the three years covered by the audit. It also recommended that Virginia "continue to pursue development and implementation of an automated matching and eligibility update process" to quickly update the status of enrollees who have died.

Finally, the auditor recommended a "supervisory review to ensure that the State agency personnel completely and accurately update the State agency's eligibility system based on information provided by the Virginia Department of Health's Office of Vital Records," which maintains state death records.

The Department of Medical Assistance Services, which runs the state Medicaid program, said the health department provides death information monthly, which the Medicaid agency manually cross-checked to identify and close enrollment for those who fully match death records. "This process was found to be inefficient as the level of manual work would often take up to a month to complete," DMAS Director Cheryl Roberts said in response to inspector general's audit.

The state has implemented a new system to automatically close out enrollment for people who fully match death records. "This new process has increased the timeliness of this process, while reducing human error," Roberts said.

DMAS, as the state Medicaid agency is known, said that it previously had closed 8,787 of the 12,054 people identified by the audit as deceased, or about 73%, and had recovered payments made to manage care insurance companies.

Subsequently, it found that 1,460 of the Medicaid enrollees listed by the federal auditor as deceased remained on the program rolls improperly. "Using the agency's new automated closure process, action was taken to immediately close these enrollments back to member's death of death and recover improper payments," Roberts told the inspector general in a letter on June 13.

That left 1,836 people on the Medicaid rolls who did not match health department death files, including 246 people who had not died and 850 who were deceased.

Of the rest, 681 did not have a date of death listed by the Social Security Administration, which maintains death record information nationally.

Roberts said the state agency would work with federal regulators to "repay any outstanding debit that has not been repaid through the recoupment process" with managed care companies. Through June 9, it estimated it had recovered all but $95,677 of the improper payments made in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

She estimated it had recovered all improper payments made in 2022 and all but $226,023 of those made in 20218.

Since implementing the new automated system in January, Roberts said the state agency has matched 98% to 100% of the deaths reported each month.

Any missed by the new system are checked manually, with "an additional supervisory review to ensure any closures which were not acted on through the automated process are reviewed and accurately updated within DMAS' eligibility system," she said.
Rex Heuermann, the Long Island architect charged in the Gilgo Beach serial murder case, kept 279 weapons in his rundown home, most of them in a basement vault big enough to walk into, the authorities said on Tuesday.

At a news conference outside Mr. Heuermanns ranch house, where the authorities have been collecting evidence since the arrest, the Suffolk County district attorney, Raymond A. Tierney, said that his team was wrapping up its search after more than a week of searching and seizing items. Mr. Heuermann had lived with his family in the dilapidated one-story house with the unkempt yard on First Avenue in Massapequa Park, N.Y., for years, commuting to his architectural consultancy in Manhattan.

The suspects now-estranged wife and two grown children have vacated the premises, and crime scene officials have spent the week digging up the backyard and removing items ranging from large pieces of furniture to small bags of household possessions. As theyve worked, the house has become something of a tourist attraction for true crime fans and a daily encampment for news crews covering the case.

Mr. Heuermann, 59, was arrested on July 13 and charged in connection with the killings of young women whose bodies were dumped in the thick overgrowth along a stretch of Ocean Parkway along Gilgo Beach on the South Shore of the island. Mr. Heuermann has been charged with killing Amber Lynn Costello, 27; Melissa Barthelemy, 24; and Megan Waterman, 22. He is the prime suspect in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25.
A former Manhattan gynecologist was sentenced to 20 years in prison in federal court on Tuesday after being convicted of inducing four patients to cross state lines for examinations during which he sexually assaulted them.

The sentencing of the former doctor, Robert A. Hadden, 64, came after two days of hearings this week. The judge, Richard M. Berman, ordered Mr. Hadden to serve 20 years, the statutory maximum, concurrently, for each of the four charges on which he was convicted in January. His incarceration would be followed by a lifetime of supervised release.

The federal charges, in the Southern District of New York, stemmed from assaults against four patients who traveled from and through New Jersey, Nevada and Pennsylvania for gynecological and obstetrics appointments. Prosecutors have said that Mr. Hadden abused dozens of his patients during medical exams starting in the early 1990s.

The length of the federal sentence for Mr. Hadden, who has not worked as a doctor since 2012, is appropriate given the seriousness of the offenses, the need for punishment and deterrence, Judge Berman said. After the hearing, the packed courtroom of victims, their families and supporters hugged each other.
Carlos Macci spent decades struggling with addiction, selling heroin and fentanyl not to make money but to ease his own cravings, according to court records.

He was part of a four-man crew selling drugs out of an apartment in Williamsburg, and on Sept. 5, 2021, he was with a man who sold a bag of fentanyl-laced heroin to the actor Michael K. Williams.

Mr. Williams, who became famous for playing a charismatic stickup man named Omar Little on the HBO series The Wire, took the drugs back to his Brooklyn apartment and was found dead the following day, still wearing the same clothes he had on the day before.

On Tuesday, Mr. Macci, now 72, walked into Federal District Court in Manhattan, his shoulders stooped, and apologized for his role in Mr. Williams death. The judge sentenced him to 30 months in prison.
Last week, the Manhattan U.S. attorney, Damian Williams, called for an outside authority to take control of the jails, saying that after eight years of trying every tool in the tool kit we cannot wait any longer for substantial progress to materialize. And the federal judge who appointed the monitor as part of a civil rights case against the jails, Laura Taylor Swain, has recently signaled a deep frustration with the citys Correction Department.

For his part, Mr. Molina and his staff members have touted progress, pointing to department statistics that show a decrease in deaths, as well as in slashings and stabbings.

But the creation of the new, tight-lipped investigative group  known as the special investigations unit  and other moves emanating from the commissioners office have called into question whether such statements can be trusted, records and interviews show.

While there is nothing inherently wrong with a commissioner changing the structure of the units within the department, former correction officials say, the new units refusal to divulge details of one violent incident has hampered the work of the monitor and other watchdog groups.

The unit that is now being criticized was created on the same day in April that the federal monitor, Steve J. Martin, filed a report with the court praising the departments willingness to take steps toward reform.
A Colorado man convicted last year of conspiring to defraud people who donated money to build the kind of border wall championed by Donald J. Trump was sentenced Tuesday to five years and three months in prison.

The defendant, Timothy Shea, began raising money for a wall between the United States and Mexico in late 2018, working with a disabled veteran named Brian Kolfage. In early 2019 Stephen K. Bannon, the former Trump adviser, and Andrew Badolato, a financier from Florida, joined them to form a group called We Build the Wall.

The group raised more than $25 million, saying that everything it took in would go toward the wall. Mr. Kolfage, We Build the Walls public face, promised he would not take a penny.

Prosecutors said that instead the defendants stole more than a million dollars from the group, spending some on jewelry, boat payments and cases of a Trump-themed energy drink that claimed to contain liberal tears.
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ezra klein

From New York Times Opinion, this is The Ezra Klein Show. Welcome to the Ask Me Anything episode. Im here with my revered editor, the bringer of gravitas, Aaron Retica. Weve got tons of questions from the hundreds that you all sent in, which Im always grateful for, that Im about to get peppered with. Aaron, its good to actually see you in person.

aaron retica

Yeah, I know. Were live in New York. It is not Saturday night, however. Lets just get rolling. Theres so many questions. Lets not waste time. So youre going on book leave, and many of your listeners were curious what the book is about.

ezra klein

I dont think this will surprise anybody listening to the show. So Im co-writing a book with Derek Thompson of The Atlantic, who, if you dont read him, hes great, and its a book about what I often call supply side progressivism or liberalism that builds what Derek calls abundance, or the abundance agenda. But at its core, where do we have problems, where the fundamental problem is scarcity? We dont have enough of something we need. And when that problem is located, how do we fix it? Sometimes the necessity here is for the government to create more of something we need, to do clean energy tax credits or a warp speed for vaccines. And sometimes the government is actually making it impossible or very difficult to create the thing we need, say, housing in California. And so those are the layers of the project. And I think the other layer of it is, how did liberalism, and particularly places where liberals govern, become so bad at building? How did the coalition that imagines itself as behind a strong and effective government actually become often unable to run governments that are strong and effective? And so some of the project is unearthing the secondary history of post-20th century liberalism, the rise of the new left, the rise of Nader right, and so on, movements that created a lot of ways in which liberals both want an activist government and then want a lot of ways for people to stand in front of that government and say, stop. Youre not listening to my needs. Youre going to hurt the environment, et cetera. And the point is not that one of these sides is right and one of them is wrong. But you have to understand the way theyve collided in governance to understand a bunch of the problems we have now and to maybe say, OK, the balance on this is off, given what were facing. So thats the project of the book. Im going to be off for about three months. Hopefully, Ill get the book done or finished in that time. Well see. But Im excited about it.

aaron retica

Im going to push into the content there in a second. But I wanted to ask you one question about collaborating with Derek. So you are a person who is at the center of the process, both for your show and your column. How are you envisioning doing it, a book with someone? Im just very curious about that. And there are a lot of process questions from your listeners, so I thought Id ask that.

ezra klein

Hes been on book leave first, due to his schedule, and then Im going on. One of the reasons I wanted to co-write this book is I found writing my first book, Why Were Polarized, to be an incredibly lonely experience. Almost every creative project Ive done in my life that I really enjoyed has had somebody else at the center of it with me. In my column, its you. On the podcast, its the team and particularly Roge whos been with the show for so long  Roge Karma, our senior editor. When I launched at Vox, I did that with Melissa Bell and Matthew Yglesias. When I did Why Were Polarized, it was really just me. Its not that I didnt have an editor, Ben Loehnen, whos great. But for months, it was just me struggling with the page. And a lot of my best thinking is done when I talk. A lot of my best thinking is done in relationship to other people. And I just think it makes me smarter to be working with other people. And I think that it also helps me actually get things done. And I just wanted it to be a less lonely process. Theres, obviously, advantages to doing projects on your own because you have full creative control over them. But there are real disadvantages to it, too. So this was an experiment I wanted to at least attempt.

aaron retica

Yeah, we spend a lot of time on the phone. Its like old-school columnist editor relationship. All right, lets dig into the actual material, though, because you and I have worked a lot on this. And theres been a ton on the show as well. So Josh Shapiro, the governor of Pennsylvania, faced a sharp crisis very recently, where a section of I-95 collapsed. And Joel D. has written in asking us whether the fact that they were actually able to get the section of I-95 that fell open 12 days after it collapsed, what the implications are for a liberalism that builds in that sequence?

ezra klein

So I think this has been a really interesting model because Shapiros bragging about it. The Biden administration likes to tell me about the role they played in it. And I think its also important to say they did this with union labor. Thats actually been a big part of how they intended it and also how theyve narrativized it. It wasnt just that they got this portion built, which was estimated to take months. Its not at all unusual for a government project, infrastructure project, estimated to take months to take years, and instead, it took days. They were going around the clock. They had a livestream on it. But you have to take seriously what he did. So the Pennsylvania governor has emergency powers during a disaster. And Shapiro signed a proclamation that reads, quote, I hereby suspend the provisions of any other regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of commonwealth business or the orders, rules or regulations of any commonwealth agency if strict compliance with the provisions of any statute order, rules, or regulations would, in any way prevent, hinder or delay necessary action in coping with this emergency event. So I did a piece with you a couple of months back called Everything-Bagel Liberalism. And the point of that is that liberals often put a huge number of secondary objectives into a single project. So they want to restore American dominance in semiconductor manufacturing. But then there are also these rules in there for on-site child care, and how to break the contracting into small tasks so you can have a more diverse set of subcontractors, and what sort of community investments you need to make, and your climate action mitigation plan and so on. And one of the points of that piece was you can choose some  here, they chose unions  but you cant choose all of them. And what they did here, what Shapiro was able to do in Pennsylvania, was he wiped out functionally everything else. You could not sue and stop this project using, say, environmental litigation, which happens on a lot of different projects. They just went too fast, and they wiped a lot of things out. If you listen to the Jen Pahlka episode, all these different states and, of course, the Federal Government have very complicated procurement and contracting rules meant to make sure things are fair, that people who arent chosen can challenge. All that was out the window. So I think its relevant what they did. But it is also relevant that usually you cannot do this. What they did was radically alter the process by which building happens. And Ill make one other point about it that I think is a good way to think about it conceptually. What Shapiro, ultimately, said here is that I, Josh Shapiro, who won election with a majority of the vote from the voters in Pennsylvania, I should be trusted with acting in a way that ensures the electorate gets what it wants. In his view in that point, it was the quick rebuilding of I-95. The processes we have are a way of saying, we think that the elected representatives cannot be trusted on this, and so were going to hamstring them or tie them up with a lot of other processes meant to allow more voice, meant to allow more opposition, meant to allow more litigation. And you can think thats right or wrong. But whats I think valuable about seeing what happened in Pennsylvania is that theres nothing about government doing projects that means they cant be done fast. Theres nothing about unions doing projects that means they cant be done fast. But you have to make some choices. So you could just give more governors and give the president more emergency powers and wipe out a lot of procurement rules. But that would upset a lot of people. And so what Pennsylvania shows is it is possible. But what the invoking of these emergency powers also shows is it cannot be done under the normal policies that the governors use. And the obvious thrill that everybody involved in it now feels should make us wonder if were not missing something in our normal processes. Emergency processes shouldnt make you feel so much happier than normal processes. Thats not normally how that goes.

aaron retica

Right. But OK, virtually no one would say, well, we really would like to have I-95 be collapsed. No one wants that, so the emergency is going to override, very happily, the conditions that normally would obtain. But how are you going to transfer that emergency process to an ordinary process, where people are going to have objections, some of which are going to be reasonable, many of which are going to be unreasonable? Its easy to say, OK, great. They did it in 12 days. But it was an emergency, and so they acted like it was an emergency.

ezra klein

I think, first, theres a question of what in our minds should be an emergency. My interest in this topic is driven, more than anything else, by decarbonization. If you believe that climate is an emergency  and I do believe its an emergency. Now, its an emergency playing out over years and decades, not days.

aaron retica

The summer seems to agree with you.

ezra klein

The summer seems to agree with me. Then I think you need to  and this is the big argument inside, I think, this whole area  then I think you need to begin saying our processes dont work for this kind of emergency. This is a point now Ive made in podcasts and columns. But the largest solar farm in America is something on the order of 585 megawatts. Were going to need to build two 400-megawatt solar power facilities a week for 30 years to hit a middle-of-the-road renewables pathway. We do not have the capacity to do that. That should be understood as an emergency, not something we can approach with business as normal. This is a point, as you know, Im making a column that will probably be up by the time this the show comes. But to not choose to change processes is to choose right now. It is to choose to absorb the problems of climate change at a higher level. Now, look. Everything is about where you put the dial, and youre not going to go to full wipe out all the procurement rules. And nor should you. Youre not going to go to full wipe out all the environmental litigation. Nor should you. But there is space between here and there. And if we want to do a bunch of things that I think we should want to do, then were going to have to move in that direction. And if we dont want to do it, then were just going to have to say, OK, were OK with the housing markets looking like they do in superstar cities. Were OK with missing our Paris Climate Accord targets by a lot, not by a little. Were OK with a lot of things that we could fix, and were OK with liberal government having the accurate reputation, at least in America, that it cannot build the projects it promises to build. You cant have high-speed rail in California. You cant get the Big Dig done at the cost and time you said it would. The Second Avenue subway is going to be a total cost disaster. Maybe if you try to build a bunch of miles of bike lanes in San Francisco, its going to take you a decade. That is also a choice to say thats OK and we prefer the outcome of these processes because we think theres enough voice and we think that preventing the bad projects is worth it. You can also, hopefully, make things quicker for good projects and slower for bad ones. It doesnt have to be a process that cannot make any distinctions between what youre building.

aaron retica

OK. So that brings us to Joels follow-up question. Joel is the star of the beginning of the show here. So is there a version of permitting reform that would actually be a win-win for environmental justice community input and for building faster? Or do you see the values as inherently zero sum?

ezra klein

I think it depends a little bit on which values were talking about. But lets take environmental justice and building faster before we take on community input. And there, I think its pretty straightforward. People sometimes talk about this as a, quote, green pass. I think we know which projects are meant to be environmentally more sustainable, and I think those should have a streamlined way forward. So theres a good paper that I mentioned in the podcast with Robinson Meyer called The Greens Dilemma. and the law professors who wrote that paper, they talk about a number of examples where the government  a very famous one is base-closing commissions  that basically identifies questions around military base closing. And it has a streamlined, fast-tracked up-or-down vote way of doing that. And you can imagine a certain set of processes that would be fast tracked into that. If youre working on decarbonization, for instance  its renewable energy, not fossil fuel energy  maybe you have a quicker path through environmental review. Now, there are a lot of things that arent as environmental review here. So it does depend on what youre talking about. But were seeing this begin to happen. Affordable housing in California has been sped past a bunch of points in the process it used to have to go through whereas market rate housing doesnt always get that. So you can make decisions about what it is youre trying to speed up. Community input is just tough because I think a lot gets hidden in that term  which community having what kind of input? There are times when the processes we have allow communities, and particularly affected communities, to come to the table, for instance, or come into the process and be heard in a way they wouldnt otherwise. There are also a lot of ways in which these processes often create space for the status quo to take something over. Very famously, I think all over the country, wealthy homeowners are very good at manipulating the planning process. So you cant build below market rate homes, and you cant build many homes at all in very, very desirable and very, very economically important areas. So which community is getting input, the community that lives there now, the community that would like to live there, the community that has time to show up to all these meetings that most people dont even know are going on? Theres a huge amount of power that is wielded in meetings around the regulatory process for basically any major bill you can think of. Most people never know those meetings happen. But every lobbyist knows when those meetings happen, and moneyed interests spend a lot of money making sure their interests are heard and their thinking is heard at these meetings. So this is a very tough thing to get right. But a critique that many in this area make  Jerusalem Demsas at The Atlantic has, I think, written great pieces on this  and that I agree with is that there is a difference between input and representative input. Processes get captured. And so there is often a question of what level and layer youre having people get engaged at. The fact that there was a meeting and some people showed up does not mean that what got heard at that meeting was the sentiment of the community. Ive sat in S.F. city council meetings, And one thing that came up was whether or not a 5G tower was going to get built. And person after person after person after person there attacked the 5G tower. The only people who showed up at the 5G tower part of this planning meeting were people who think 5G towers potentially give you cancer. Now, most people, I think, dont care that much about 5G towers. And to the extent they had to make a choice, they want to have fast internet. And so in the end, the 5G tower won. But whatever was happening at that meeting, it was community input, but it wasnt representative of the community. And this is a place where we do have representative government. And to my point about Shapiro, a minute ago, oftentimes, I think a good way to have broader community input is to actually give power to elected representatives. There should be checks on that, but they shouldnt be completely unable to do the things that they just got elected by most of the voters in a much higher turnout political participation domain to do. So again, its all about where you hit the dial here. You can go too far in any direction. But I think community input is complicated. Oftentimes, we are not hearing from the community. We are hearing from a subset of affected interests who know how to manipulate the levers of power. And we should be careful about analogizing those.

aaron retica

This goes right to what Tony C. wants to know about, which is: How should a climate-conscious member of society think about the Biden administration in the context of climate change? Do you think a Biden is a net positive or a net negative for our environment? And hes thinking, of course, about permitting fossil fuel extraction and so on.

ezra klein

I just put this on  and this is meant as no critique of Tony. I just put this on because, if youre in an information loop, where this question feels really possibly like it could come out either way to you  is Joe Biden who has presided over the single largest set of climate investments ever and created a whole new structure in which climate infrastructure will be built  the IRA alone at this point is judged at something like $380 billion over 10 years, but as we talked about in the Robinson Meyer episode, maybe its really going to be $500 billion, maybe $1 trillion in climate investments. And on the other side, theyve permitted some near-term drilling and made it a little bit easier during an energy crunch to build more. These things are so out of proportion to each other that I think the way in which people get upset about the places Biden diverges from them say on social media, its hard sometimes to keep things in perspective. But Biden is the most successful pro-climate president there has ever been in this country. Climate is a relatively new issue, but obviously, Trump was a disaster. Hes done far more than Obama just because of where the issue is and where the political coalitions are, far more than Clinton, certainly far more than George W. Bush. And hes given us a shot at building this stuff. We may fail, but Biden has completely changed the game. For so long, the whole of the environmental fight on climate was, can we just figure out some way to get the money to do what we need to do? Now, to everything were talking about, the conversation has actually changed to the money is there. Can we actually build it? Can we actually translate all this legislation into the decarbonization infrastructure we need in the real world? That is an astonishing achievement. And it actually slightly saddens me that anybody would look at the Biden administration and what theyve done at this point, where they really  they got this over the line. Maybe its not everything everybody wanted because they had a 50/50 Senate. But they got it over the line, and now the work can really happen. Well see what happens. Well see if it all works out. Implementation is really tough. This all has to happen in the real world. Its not just sending checks out from the government. But they have been extraordinarily successful on a pretty hard issue. Climate is not an easy political issue. Its not one where you have naturally very large constituencies of people who will be immediately benefited by it. They prioritized it. They figured it out. They passed it. They deserve to be applauded. And now, they deserve to be watched over and scrutinized as the real work has to happen. But the stuff they did on the margin to keep energy costs down to not completely destroy their power in the midterms, thats just politics. But the bulk of their legislation, its been an extraordinary climate presidency, given what is actually possible in American politics, not just possible in peoples minds. They deserve the credit on that one.

aaron retica

So T.J. M. has a really interesting question. This was brought up a lot before Biden actually took office. But let me ask you now. Are comparisons between Joe Biden and F.D.R. justified? Have their presidencies been broadly similar?

ezra klein

Theyre not justified. Yeah, youre right that, before Biden came in, and as his agenda expanded, and as also Democrats began in 2020 to think they might get huge congressional majorities, you had this moment of maybe itll be an F.D.R.-sized presidency. And this happened with Obama, too. There was like, maybe Obama is the next F.D.R. And I just have a bugaboo about this that F.D.R. was only F.D.R. because of the size of the Congressional majority he got in 32, because the Great Depression and the anger at Hoover destroyed the Republican Party. So F.D.R., when he comes in, he has 58 Democratic senators to 36 Republican senators in a much-less polarized time. So he could actually get more from those 36 Republicans but, still, 58 to 36. Biden has a 50/50 Senate, where Vice President Kamala Harris is a tiebreaking vote.

aaron retica

When he first comes in.

ezra klein

When he first comes in, right. And in the House, F.D.R. had 311 Democrats to 117 Republicans. And for Biden, when he first comes in, Democrats have a majority in the single digits. You cant have an F.D.R.-sized presidency in a polarized political time in a closely divided Congress. And I think this is what people just often miss when theyre trying to judge other presidents against F.D.R. How much legislation a president can pass is dependent on what Congress does. Congress writes legislation and passes it. President can only veto it. And so what F.D.R. had was a destroyed Republican Party, and that wasnt true for Biden. It wasnt true for Obama, probably will not be true for the next Democratic president. And that just makes the possibilities more narrow. I think it is really remarkable how much policy Biden and the Democrats passed with a 50/50 Senate. If you had told me in January 2020 that Democrats are going to have a 50/50 Senate, what are they going to get done, I would have said a lot less than they did. A 50/50 Senate is never going to get you a New Deal-sized presidency. It just cant.

aaron retica

You mentioned Obama. Michelle O. wants to know why you think U.S. health care reform is not much of a hot political item right now.

ezra klein

Ah. My first love.

aaron retica

Your first love.

ezra klein

My first love 

aaron retica

[INAUDIBLE]

ezra klein

 in policy. So yeah. So I covered  for people who have not followed my work in the past  health care reform for years. That was my first major policy issue. And I think theres a couple of reasons. One is Obama and how successful he actually was. So they passed the Affordable Care Act. If you look at current levels of uninsured non-elderly Americans  because the elderly have Medicare you have about 27.5 million are uninsured. Thats down from about 50 million, or almost 50 million, before the Affordable Care Act passed. And if you look at who that is, you have a bunch of people in the 10 states that havent expanded Medicaid. You do have a lot of people who still cant afford it. They maybe dont get employer insurance, but they make enough money that theyre not really eligible for subsidies. So thats some of the people, too. You do have a big issue among noncitizens who, if theyre newly noncitizens, are not eligible for some of the subsidies or Medicaid in the program. And, of course, undocumented immigrants often are usually ineligible. To mop up the end of the uninsured population, its pretty tricky, and youre dealing with a lot of random issues  the Medicaid issue and states that are fighting Medicaid and so on. So I think that the Affordable Care Act was successful enough that it has drained a lot of the energy from health care reform. Thats one thing. So then theres another thing, which is that one reason that health care reform had so much energy for so long was that health care cost growth, year after year, was growing so much faster than inflation, so much faster than G.D.P. growth. Theres been a pretty big slowdown in that over the past 10-ish years. The reasons for it are debated. But the huge cost-growth problem we had that led to all this bending the cost curve talk in the Obama administration that made this a huge problem for employers, its not that it is entirely gone. But it is not really the fundamental problem anymore. So that doesnt mean there arent ways you could imagine health care being way better. During the 2020 primaries, we had a lot of debates over single payer in the Democratic Party. Theres a new interesting book by Liran Einav and  I might be mispronouncing that  and Amy Finkelstein, who are both great health economists, called Weve Got You Covered: Rebooting American Health Care. You can definitely come up with root and branch reforms of the system that would make something more efficient, more fair, that would cover something closer to everybody. But the system is working well enough for enough people that it is hard to imagine that getting prioritized in the near future. When I think of what I would want, any kind the Congress, any kind of unified Congress and presidency, to make their top priority, it is hard for me to say further health reform. Id be much more interested in universal baby bonds as with the episode we did recently with Darrick Hamilton. Id be much more interested in universal pre-K. Its not that health care is great in this country. Its not. But political capital is so limited, and enough people here are doing well enough, and the moving it that last couple of miles would be so difficult that I think, when you imagine what are the single bills you could pass that would lead to the largest well-being improvements, its hard for me now to say that its health care reform, both because its status as an economic problem has abated somewhat and its status as such like, we have this huge uninsured population, has abated somewhat. So I think its just become more of one issue among many rather than the central issue that is causing both employers, and budget wonks, and normal people incredible amounts of pain.

aaron retica

Although it hasnt solved the problem of drug addiction thats leading to more than 100,000 people dying every year, so.

ezra klein

But thats a big thing. When we talk about health care reform, were typically talking about financial insulation from health care costs. So when you think about what would do the most to improve health now, I think its often not health care reform. I think things like an expanded child tax credit would do a lot for peoples health. We know giving people money is good for their health. And baby bonds, I think, have that quality, too. I can think of a lot of things that would be really good for the health of the American population that would probably have a bigger per-dollar payout than health insurance reform, which is what we are really talking about when we talk about health care reform. [MUSIC PLAYING]

aaron retica

Shifting gears a little, Doug A. wants to know what your view on the popular goal of imposing term limits on Congress is, whether youve thought about it much either way. And obviously, it would require probably a constitutional amendment to do it, maybe not necessarily but probably. So what are your thoughts on that?

ezra klein

I would say, look at a couple of things. For instance, look at California, where you have term limits for the legislature. I dont think, in California or other states where you have that, the legislatures are dramatically better or more effective. I think, if you look at Congress, a lot of really great legislators would have been term limited out in a way I dont think we should think of as a good thing. It takes time to become good at being a member of the House or being a member of the Senate. I dont think the country would have been better off if Senator Ron Wyden had had to retire after two terms or if Senator Dick Durbin had to do the same. There is a return on experience here, and on connections, and on skills. Joe Biden was, in part, a good legislator over time because he learned things that he didnt know in his first term or two. He got much more effective over time. So I dont think when I look at the House, say, and I look at people there, a lot of the legislators I think are the worst are the newest there. Theyre just trying to get booked on Fox News or social media. A lot of legislators who are pretty solid there have been there a long time. So even if you take away the political science argument, the term limits end up giving a lot of power to the unelected lobbyist staffer class. I just think if you look at it, it doesnt look great. I think that most people would come to the conclusion that the better members of both the House and Senate are the ones who have had time to be there longer. Now, there is a problem that incumbency can just feed on itself and people can be there too long. Look at Dianne Feinstein in California for a very extreme example. I think its hard to know what to do about that exactly. I will say the place where I strongly support term limits is for the Supreme Court, where I think you should have 12 - or 18-year term limits so that the vacancies that come up are fairly reliable so that different presidents get roughly the same amount per term, so that you dont have this incentive to name very young people to the Supreme Court, so that things arent just tricks of when people die or when they become too incapacitated. I think that lifetime appointments are a dumb idea, just in general. And partly, when you dont have something like elections that do at least impose some level of accountability, you want to think about term limits. Where you do have elections imposing some degree of accountability, yeah, the incumbency advantage is a real thing. It is also a real thing that voters are participating in. So I think that it is a little bit weird to say that we abstractly know voters are wrong to give the person representing them a third term and we sitting here should tell them they cant. So yeah, Ive never been a term limits fan.

aaron retica

Yeah, thats exactly what youre saying. It devalues elections in both ways, the lifetime appointments for Supreme Court justices and term limits. Yeah, it robs the people of their power. Tom C. has a hard question for you. He says, I seem to be the only liberal alarmed by the real scandal involving Hunter Biden, but perhaps you feel the same. It seems to have amassed between $10 and $20 million in investments from a coalition of very sketchy Chinese, Ukrainian and Romanian sources, none of which seem to have produced any work product anyone can point to. And it sounds like Hunter, and maybe his Uncle Jim as well, were trafficking in Joe Bidens name, as Tom C. puts it, by implying it to their marks that the marks would somehow gain access to Joe Biden with their investments. Biden himself simply says that he didnt involve himself in his sons business affairs. But are we really just going to let it go at that? And would we if these were Republicans?

ezra klein

I think, in some ways, that last bit is too easy an out.

aaron retica

OK.

ezra klein

We did when it was Republicans. I actually think, in many ways, what Jared Kushner did, raising billions for an investment fund with Saudi Arabia, the amount of direct influence peddling Donald Trump did in office, the way people would try to get access to him by being part of Trump company investments and staying at Trump hotels, and everything, it was more direct. It was much worse. It was much more serious. I think the Hunter Biden scandal is real in the sense of Hunter Biden, the things hes done are really unsavory. And the thing that has made it not yet a political scandal that is consequential for Joe Biden, except on the right, where I think people want to believe something went wrong, is that nobody can quite point to anything that came out of it from Joe Bidens governance. No work seems to have come out of this influence peddling. And also not much influence seems to have gotten peddled out of the influence peddling. Now, Im not against something coming out that shows this was different. If it turns out that President Biden colluded with Hunter and there was some kind of email exchange or some kind of handshake, where, if they would give Hunter this job, they would get this amendment put on the bill or this thing they wanted done, I think that would be a real problem. Correctly so. That would be a real problem. The thing where Biden has had a somewhat laissez faire attitude towards the activities of his absolute mess of an adult son, I think theres a kind of sympathy that emerges for people in that towards Biden. What was Biden to do exactly? He probably didnt actually know about a lot of this. A lot of the details coming out with Hunter Biden, the seventh granddaughter, its very sad.

aaron retica

Its incredibly sad.

ezra klein

Its incredibly sad. Youre watching somebody who was never able to get his life back on track or on track. He definitely influence peddled. Hes hurt a lot of people. Hes clearly hurt himself. Hes clearly hurt his father. And if you read Bidens book that he wrote some years back when running for president  and I think it was in 08, actually  the love he has for Beau and Hunter, his belief that Hunter Biden will become part of Beau Bidens kind of kitchen cabinet and they would protect each other, and then you see how it turns out, the tragedy of it is immense. But its not a scandal for somebodys son or one of their sons to be a fuckup. Its a scandal for that to become part of how the federal government wields power. I dont think the fact that Trump did much worse than this in a very obvious and direct way absolves Biden. What absolves Biden so far is that he doesnt seem to have done it. And if it comes out that he did it, if it comes out that the way Hunter was getting these deals was that he wasnt just kind of wink, wink, nod, nodding, that you get some access to Joe Biden but you were actually getting the access to Joe Biden, that would be worse. Theres a part of this question that we didnt, just to make it shorter, that we didnt bring up. But Tom C. brought up the old idea of the real scandal is whats legal. And one thing I would say is that the thing that Hunter Biden here is accused of doing actually does happen all the time in a much more efficacious way. So in Congress and in administrations, people who were very high up aides to senators and chairs in the House and, of course, to presidents do become lobbyists. And then they do work on behalf of other governments and other companies. And they do use their pre-existing relationship with people in power to try to push forward those ideas. Now, Biden wasnt correctly registered to be a lobbyist and all this different stuff. But the thing being described here happens all the time not from idiot adult kids who dont know what theyre actually doing and cant deliver. But Bob Dole  the late Bob Dole was lobbying on behalf of Taiwan and was able to get Trump to break with presidential practice and talk to the leader of Taiwan on the phone very quickly after being elected. These things actually do occur, and theyre in a much broader world of more efficacious influence peddling. The Hunter Biden case is sort of a weird version of that turned into an absurdity that looks worse because its Bidens son but is probably less bad because it doesnt appear to have worked. But again, evidence could come out that it worked in some consequential way. And that would somewhat change my opinion of it. I will say that, if Republicans want to make hay of this, they are going to have to nominate not Donald Trump.

aaron retica

[LAUGHS]

ezra klein

If this becomes a fight over where was the influence peddling in family-oriented business happening in an administration, and its Trump running against Joe Biden, and the scrutiny is now on Jared Kushners Saudi-backed venture fund, thats not going to work out. So in a lot of ways  and its been a kind of theme on the show recently  Republicans are going to have to decide, do they want to choose a candidate who is strategically positioned to take advantage of Joe Bidens weaknesses or not? So far, it seems not. But thats going to be consequential here, too.

aaron retica

All right. There are just so many good questions here. Im going to plunge into another one. This ones coming from Colton L. What kind of work do you think is the most undervalued in contemporary American society based on the pay, the social prestige, and everything else that comes with work that the work requires?

ezra klein

Anything and everything with children. Anything and everything with children. Being a social worker who works with children, being a teacher, being somebody who is a guardian in the foster care system, given how important that work is, it is badly compensated. It doesnt have terrible prestige compared to some other things, but it doesnt have nearly the prestige it should. It doesnt have the rungs on as high on the ladder as it should. There isnt a kind of elite teacher designation that is sort of like being partner at a very big law firm, where everybody knows like, youve really made it, and youre one of the best at one of the most important things that happens in American or human life. We just really undervalue things with children. We talk about how the children are our future. And we treat them, in many ways, like an afterthought. And we certainly treat the people who are in charge of helping them as an afterthought. The pay, and benefits, and prestige in child care work for young children are just terrible. Its a total disaster of an industry. This is a place where money really matters. And Ive said this before on the show that I think in American life, for the most part, prestige follows money. We give the most prestige to things that make the most money. And there are some counter examples. Academia has a little bit more prestige and it has money, oftentimes. But prestige typically follows money. And in not paying well for this stuff, we rob it of prestige. We rob it, to some degree  though, of course, there are amazing people in these industries  of talent. And its just not the right societal structure and not something I think we should leave up to the market. Yeah, children cant pay a lot, and the children who need the most help really cant pay the most. I think the kids who are in highly selective colleges, who tell their parents theyre going to law school, that is much more comfortable for their parents than, Im going to become a social worker working with children, or Im going to work in early childhood education, because youre assuring yourself a higher salary in the future. And thats a problem. It should be that, when you say to somebody, Im going to go become a teacher, what they hear from that is both youre going to be doing great work and youre going to be really well off because weve decided to compensate that really well because we want the best people becoming teachers. And yeah, its just a place where I think were failing.

aaron retica

Yeah. Its just an incredible thing that, in other countries, actually, teachers do  you might be deciding Im going to be an engineer, Im going to be a lawyer, or Im going to be a teacher. And you rarely hear that here, which I do think is a critical part of it.

ezra klein

Just like imagine hearing from a graduate from U.C. Berkeley, Im going into dermatology, what that calls up versus, Im going to work in a preschool.

aaron retica

Right.

ezra klein

Theres nothing wrong with dermatologists. They do great work. But we know what is being said when you say Im going to work in preschools. And thats  that sounds great, but youre not going to make much money.

aaron retica

Yeah, no. And then the social prestige thing is more important even than I think you made it sound, actually. I gather that the prestige follows from the money, but its still a critical part of it.

ezra klein

And youre married to a teacher.

aaron retica

I am married to a teacher. I was going to accuse you of pandering on those grounds 

ezra klein

[LAUGHS]

aaron retica

 because I am married to someone who works in early childhood and did face that, where you have people who are like, well, why arent you a lawyer? Why arent you a professor? Why are you a teacher? And meanwhile, shes doing all this incredible work with public school second graders.

ezra klein

Im curious if you see it in the world. When you tell people 

aaron retica

Oh, definitely.

ezra klein

 that you babysit New York Times columnists who act like children, your wife says she works with children.

aaron retica

I was going to make a different version of that joke earlier. I was going to ask whether you believe in lifetime tenure for New York Times columnists and podcasters.

ezra klein

Absolutely not.

aaron retica

[LAUGHS]

ezra klein

Are you kidding me? [LAUGHS]

aaron retica

No, I know you dont. OK, were going to switch gears here into psychedelics to bring a little California into our New York studio. Job F. is asking whether youve been following the scientific developments and media hype surrounding psychedelics in the last years. And I will answer that part and say, I know you have because weve written about it. But from clinical trials to microdosing to legalization processes in Colorado, Australia  he doesnt mention Oregon  but also Oregon Indigenous communities, what do you make of all this? What do you think about it?

ezra klein

I have a lot of contrasting thoughts on where psychedelic therapy and help is right now. So one is that the work Im most interested in  I did a piece on this a while back, and Id like to check in on it next year sometime  is in Oregon, where they are trying to create a legal, although it will not be federally legal, but a legal pathway and structure for supported psychedelic experiences, which, notably, its not just psychedelic therapy. You dont need a diagnosis to do it. You can just go. Theyre trying to figure out how to do the licensing. Theyre trying to figure out how to do the support. It looks like it will be fairly expensive. Thats going to be really important because its not just about whether or not you can legalize them, but whether or not you can create a structure in which they can be well used. When I look at the research, I think the research on them at this point is quite extraordinary. I would expect them in the real world to underperform the research because the research is being so carefully done. But were seeing studies that are suggesting really profound effects on treatment-resistant major depression, profound effects on different kinds of addictions, profound effects just on peoples lives. Putting aside the question of what recognized illnesses and maladies you can help people fix, we have these substances that cost functionally nothing in terms of how much it costs to grow psilocybin-containing mushrooms or synthesize L.S.D., and we can routinely induce experiences that people count as among the most meaningful of their entire lives. And thats a pretty remarkable thing to keep locked up. I find it kind of astonishing. And its not that there arent risks. But you can go base jumping legally. You can legally be a base jumper. But you cannot legally take a tab of acid, and sit in your room, and listen to music, and have a sublime musical experience. It just actually strikes me as a very strange way. We let people take all kinds of risks in society. Now, the thing that worries me a lot is the financial land rush here  the number of companies trying to patent it, the number of companies trying to distill these into even more potent and powerful and usable and maybe even appealing forms. And were going to see where that goes because it has not yet been legalized enough that you can do that. Theres all this money and investment that is jockeying for the day of legalization, whether that legalization be medical, which is probably going to be, at least nationally, the first step. It seems very plausible that youre going to get F.D.A. approval for certain kinds of M.D.M.A. and psilocybin treatments in the coming years. But eventually, if it does become legalized the way, say, cannabis is in a number of states  the effects of commercialized cannabis, though some of them have been specifically to my benefit, are not, in my view, an unalloyed good. The amount of money going into very potent edibles and much more potent strains, and packaging, and formats that are much friendlier to kids in any kind of user, its fine if youre somebody who has a fair amount of self-control around these things. But people do get addicted. People say pot isnt physiologically addicting, but people very much get addicted. And the most money is made on the people who buy the most of them. There are certain breaks in psychedelics that make it a little less likely to go down the same route. But I worry about the amount of money being spent on trying to figure out ways to basically get around the fact that its actually really hard on the body and the mind and you develop tolerance to trip a lot. If you get into a situation down the road where the money is made by people who have an out-of-control relationship, that could be very psychologically damaging to people. So I think theres a lot of promise here, and I think theres a lot of peril here. But Im overall optimistic. I do think these are really powerful compounds that can create experiences in peoples lives that both help them get over terrible problems but also help them live a deeper life in relationship to themself and to the world and to nature. And I think getting that right is going to require, though, not just the question of, how do you legalize psychedelic compounds? But how do you create structures for their productive use? How do you create good guides? How do you make integration possible, that kind of period after youve had an experience and now you have to sort of figure out what that means for your life? How do you make that affordable to people? That, I think, is where a lot of the rubber is going to hit the road, which is, again, why I think what Oregon is doing is really interesting. But its not been untroubled there. But if in 10 years you told me this did not go well, I would not be surprised by that. Id be saddened by it but not surprised.

aaron retica

Were going to shift gears again into the heartland of The Ezra Klein Show recently, which is A.I. And Joseph C. is wondering how much, if any, credence you give to the simulation hypothesis first discussed about 20 years ago by Nick Bostrom? And obviously, youll have to tell us what that is because many people will not know.

ezra klein

I dont. Just for the record, I really dont. So the simulation hypothesis is basically the idea that, look. Imagine we became a society capable of running  sufficiently technologically advanced, and we were capable of running simulations of whole societies. Were not just running SimCity or playing video games. But we can just fire up on the computer and fire up as many of them as we want, whole universes. Obviously, in Bostroms view, we would want to do that. And obviously, the simulants within those universes would outnumber the people in base reality. And so if you just assume those two things are true, then you come to the conclusion that, well, probably were a simulation because theres going to be more simulated people than real people. And so why should you think youre one of the real people? Heres what I will say about it. And Ive said this, I think, probably in A.M.A.s before. I think this has a quality of watching a very crude form of monotheism get reinvented by computer programmers, which is why its very popular in Silicon Valley. If you take the very crude form of monotheism as, God is like us, like bigger, big throne, long, white beard, more powers, this is God is like us but bigger  computer programmer with more powerful computers, player of simulation video games but with a stronger video game system. And the reason I just dont buy it  and maybe this is not a good reason; Im not a credentialed philosopher  I think it is such an extraordinary lack of imagination about how weird ultimate reality probably is, just the idea that the true answer to whats going on here is so unbelievably simplistic, just like not what is going on here is exactly what we are already doing, just with more G.P.U.s underneath the system. I just think its so unlikely that that is the full effect here. I think its a kind of a lack of humility about what we almost certainly dont know. Why, in the simulation, have we created all these other planets? Why have we created a physics with such weird rules such that the world is possibly constantly expanding? Why is there not more life on nearby planets? Is that really how we would create a simulation, a gigantic unimaginably large system of space in which, at least so far, we only know of this one planet with life? The whole thing just strikes me as so incurious, in a way, that I just dont buy it. Ive always had a negative reaction to it, but its because I think it basically takes our reality, holds what we know about it steady, and then asks a toy question within that. We dont know anything. We dont understand how quantum physics works yet. Reality is going to be so much weirder, so much more astonishing than its just like us but bigger, just like us but more power. I just dont buy it.

aaron retica

So talking about power of generative models overall, Jordan A. is wondering, given the power of the A.I. models  and we already know about it, and of course, theres lots in development as well  to produce convincingly human text at virtually no cost, it seems like were likely to see a huge proliferation of A.I. astroturfing in the run up to the 2024 election, which is already upon us. In recent years, weve already seen misinformation and disinformation be big issues, both generally and with regard to elections. And so what Jordan A. is asking is what your thoughts are on if there is anything we can do to get ahead of this problem.

ezra klein

I personally go back and forth on this problem. So theres no doubt that, in A.I., we are creating really powerful machines for creating the raw materials of disinformation  deepfakes and endless amounts of auto-generated textual content and images and videos and sound that sound like they came from the person youre trying to smear. And the various solutions Im hearing from within the A.I. world strike me as very unconvincing. The main one you typically hear is that theyre going to try to figure out a way to do digital watermarking, such that something that came out from an A.I. or maybe something that comes out from something real, it gets a watermark of a certain kind, such that it can be digitally read to verify its authenticity. The issue I think with this solution is also why Im becoming a little bit somehow less worried about the problem, which is that the people who youre worried about picking this stuff up, they dont care about your digital watermark. Thats actually misunderstanding, I think, quite profoundly, the fake news problem. Fake news works when you are giving people something they already want to believe, that they do not want to check. That is the main way fake news works. Its not like people cant go to The New York Times to check something. They dont want to. They dont want to be told this isnt true, or they dont trust The New York Times or whatever. The reason people believed in QAnon isnt because nobody had said to them 4Chan is not a reliable source of information. And so we actually also already have so much capacity to alter photographs, to spread misinformation, to send around email forwards full of bullshit. Im not sure what the delta is. Im not sure what the open space is in terms of people who are the market for this kind of disinformation and dont have enough of it to work with. Another way of putting it is, is the boundary on disinformation and misinformation, at this point in human history, really that it is too hard to produce? I dont really think it is. And I think its much more likely that you enter into a kind of cynical collapse of trust than an era of rampant disinformation. If you dont believe that you can trust these videos coming around  and you often cant already. There are all these edited videos made to make it look like Joe Biden is having much more trouble speaking than he actually is. This stuff is already around if you want it. Were perfectly good at creating it now. It becomes easier. But I think the issue is actually the audience. And maybe better stuff increases the audience a little bit, although also the knowledge that theres better disinformation floating around might make the audience a little bit more skeptical. But I think the issue is an audience problem, like a demand problem, not a supply problem. And worrying too much about the A.I. side of it frames it as a supply problem and not a demand problem. So thats my slightly more optimistic take. I think that the demand for this is already being fairly well met. And Im a little skeptical, at least in the near term, that shifting the supply on it is going to radically change the equilibrium.

aaron retica

I just saw this really interesting documentary about Umberto Eco. And he talks in there about all these fake documents that have profoundly affected real history.

ezra klein

Right, Protocols of the Elders of Zion.

aaron retica

Thats the example that he gives, yeah.

ezra klein

I always say this about fake news  fake news is not worse today than it has been at other points in history. [MUSIC PLAYING]

aaron retica

So I mentioned earlier that there were a lot of questions about the show and your process and how you think about things. And were going to go into a sequence of those now. Lets start with Audrey C. A big chunk of what I seem to take out of listening to the podcast is an understanding of what it is to have a good conversation. So example, you push back on something a guest argues in an elaborate and a gentle way. In response, the guest doesnt always really address your point but, instead, reformulate something that the guest has already said before. My brain goes, this person should get a second push back. Hes not answering. But then you dont go for it, which I come to appreciate very much as the guest is smart and honest enough. And if they didnt answer, there has to be a reason, maybe that there just is no answer. So the question that Audrey actually wants to ask is, while making the show, what is it that youre learning about what makes a good conversation?

ezra klein

I just so enjoyed this question because it answers itself so well. Thats exactly true. There are certain kinds of conversations where pinning somebody down and making it unbelievably clear that theyre not answering a question is important.

aaron retica

The Meet the Press approach.

ezra klein

Yeah, the Meet the Press approach. When youre trying to understand how somebody thinks, if theyre not answering a question, they often have a reason. Sometimes their non-answer is the answer. Its what they on the topic. Its how far their thinking goes. If they dont have a great answer for it, thats where their thinking is at that point. So I tend to have a  personally, and I think this is how conversations work between people. If Ive asked somebody a question twice and I find the answer unsatisfying but I think thats the answer I have to give me, Im not asking them three or four or five times just to show that I can embarrass them. I dont want to say theres never a time for that. There is. If I had the president on, that requires a different kind of interviewing. But I do think there is a problem in a lot of interviewing around politics that it becomes performative. I think the audience is smart. Its why I love this question. Audrey understands exactly whats happening here. The audience is a full engaged intellectual participant in the conversation. Theyre not talking, but they are evaluating. Oftentimes, I will get emails that are really like, why didnt you throw the final punch? And the answer is like, thats not what were doing here. Im not trying to embarrass a person in front of you. So then I just say, in terms of what makes a good conversation, I think thats a very big question. And I dont have any one answer to it. But sometimes I think its knowing what you want out of a conversation. And I think people are tuned to expect in politics that what makes a good conversation is some kind of persuasion. People really want to see somebody persuaded of something they dont believe or see an argument torn down. And I dont think thats mostly what makes for a good conversations. And I also dont think that typically works or even makes for good persuasion. I think a lot of the persuasion that has happened, as a result of this show, happens after it ends as people think about what theyve said or what they havent said or people reflect on it. Certainly, thats true for me. And I think a good conversation is often people showing up in the same spirit of openness and exchange. And if you dont model that as a host, theyre not going to bring that to you as a guest.

aaron retica

When we were talking about the midterms last year, we talked a little bit about this. And you just alluded to it at the beginning of the show about how so many public conversations  you were talking about community board meetings, or as we call them here in New York, are so performative and non-real. And I think one of the things thats interesting about the show  and not just your show but just the whole podcast revolution  is that you have these semiprivate conversations that are happening in public, which is much more interesting than the conversations that are happening in public. And I think thats a big part of whats interesting as well, which actually leads us, interestingly, to the next question from Chris M. Could you share details around your process for digesting and retaining information around such a broad, wide array of topics? Are you an avid note taker? And if so, what have you found works best?

ezra klein

This is a question I think we get basically every A.M.A., and the reason Im doing it this time is something in my process changed. So well talk about this more in a minute, but I moved to New York. I now work out of The New York Times office in beautiful Times Square. And there are some advantages of coming into the office and some disadvantages. The commute is a lot of time. I get to work near you, which is a more positive thing. But the unexpected advantage is the access to an industrial-strength printer.

aaron retica

[LAUGHS]

ezra klein

And Aarons probably laughing because just my desk is just covered in paper now. And I had a LaserJet at home, and I would print things out. But it felt wasteful, somehow, to print out every article Im reading for a podcast. But I think I get 50 percent more, 100 percent more out of my prep doing it on paper, particularly when its articles and shorter things as opposed to books, doing it on paper than doing it on a screen. Doing any prep on my actual computer, where I have that many distractions, I can do it. And I get something out of it. But it is much worse. And so I dont have an extremely structured process in the sense of this is how I take notes, or heres my system of markings, or whatever. But at this point, my process is I print everything. I have this huge pile of paper. And I sit at a small table with a pen, and I go through it. And the focus that has offered has actually been a really big step forward for me in prep, from a very simple thing. So thats been nice and been a change and, obviously, something that connects to things like the Maryanne Wolf conversation, if people want to go back to that, just very much about the way reading in different mediums will change the way you reabsorb and engage with information. But Ive been surprised how true Ive been finding that.

aaron retica

Yeah. That episode is a favorite of mine, and Proust and the Squid, her book is also incredible on that subject. OK, so lets talk about diminishing focus. Sam M. asks, well, says, I use Twitter for a long time. I talked about how it was great for three things. I like to stay up with news, politics and sports, the latter of which, I will just inform the Ezra Klein audience, Ezra Klein has no interest in. So well focus on 

ezra klein

Its not interest in. Its a lack of knowledge and ... interest. [LAUGHS]

aaron retica

[LAUGHS] Yeah, exactly. I know Ezra logged off long ago, and thats why Im writing. Since leaving, I found a much better attention span for reading articles, so that gets to what you were just talking about. With all that, I still feel like Im missing things that I did get from Twitter. Im missing peoples thoughts on issues they dont write articles or podcasts about. Im missing that collective feeling when it seems like everyone on Twitter is reacting to the same thing. So Sam wants to know what your thoughts are and how you handled leaving Twitter. Is there anything about it that you missed? What did you do to compensate for what you missed? And how do you stay up to date on current events?

ezra klein

I did leave Twitter. And Ill note that Ive been playing around with Threads a bit, and I want to come back to that. And one reason I left Twitter, which is before Musk completed his purchase of it but when that was in the offing, but the problems with Twitter, for me, predated Elon Musk. I did a piece about Musk buying Twitter called Elon Musk Will Get Twitter Because He Gets Twitter or something like that. People can search it. I think it has proven my most prescient piece of that year. And the point was that he was going to take what was worst about Twitter because he was somebody who likes what was worst about Twitter, accelerate that, and so heighten the contradictions of an already troubled platform that it would just slowly drive lots of people off of it. Not everybody, but it was just going to turn the balance enough that people were going to leave something or want to leave something they already didnt like. But I will die on this hill. Twitter is a bad way to be informed about the world. Its just a bad way to do it. And its to the point I was making a minute ago about printing out your articles. Its about what youre not doing when youre on Twitter. And the best way Ive found to articulate this is I think theres a really profound difference between feeling informed and being informed. And I think Twitter and, frankly, a lot of things in social media, specialize in giving people, particularly jittery info-hungry journalistic types, the feeling of being informed. But the people who I think of as most informed are the ones who seem the best at not doing things on Twitter. Theres almost nobody whose knowledge of things is really Twitter-based knowledge or communicated primarily through Twitter who I find that is where I get my information and really value it. For instance, Sam misses a feeling when it seems like everyone on Twitter is reacting to the same thing. And I would say, typically, what they are reacting to is the wrong thing reacting to. So I have a burner account on Twitter for when I need to read something thats on there. And I happen to have to use it on the day there was a huge amount of debate about Joe Rogan demanding or challenging or offering money for this vaccine specialist to debate R.F.K. Jr. on Rogans show. And everybody in my feed, like Nate Silver, everybody was commenting on this. And they were all on the same thing. And in a way, being there made me feel like I was informed. I knew what the zeitgeist was that day. I was seeing the conversation. And it was an extraordinarily dumb conversation. It was just a bad thing to allow into your mental space for that whole day. You would have just been better off reading a report about homelessness or whatever. And so, to me, in terms of being informed about the world, actually, one of the really difficult disciplines is not letting the wrong mediums or the wrong people decide what youre thinking about, not being too plugged into a conversation if you think that conversation has turned toxic, or you think the conversation has turned trivial, or you think that conversation is being driven by algorithmic dynamics that do not serve you. Thats my view on Twitter. Ive been playing around with Threads, which I enjoy at this moment in time  and may not continue to; well see how it evolves. But I dont fool myself into thinking what Im doing there is informing myself. I would be much better off reading the paper New York Times than screwing around on Threads. Threads is a fun way for me to sometimes screw around when I have a couple of minutes. The reason I answer this with some passion is I think this has become a really bad meme inside journalism, that has been bad in particular for young journalists, who their colleagues are on Twitter. Their future and current bosses are often on Twitter. It feels like youre supposed to be there or Threads or whatever. And that is time, when youre spending a lot of time on Twitter, that you may not be spending doing the reading, doing the reporting, seeing things that other people arent seeing because theyre inside the newspaper or the magazine. In many ways, reading an issue of The Economist doesnt give me the same feeling of being informed that being on social media does because I dont feel like I know what all the people who Im supposed to know are thinking are thinking about. But I think it leads me to be much more informed, actually informed. Im reading about things I didnt already know about. Im getting ideas for things I didnt have ideas on before. So I dont want to say you cant learn anything on Twitter. It does give you some good links and this and that. But there are better places to find that stuff, in my view. And I would say the same thing about Threads, by the way, and the same thing about Bluesky and Mastodon and Facebook and all the rest of it. I dont think  if you just look at the evolution of the news media and information, I just dont think you can look at us today and look at us like 10 or 15 years ago and say this is definitely gotten better. Were just more informed or focusing on more of the right things. The public has a better sense of whats going on. Theres more agreement on the fundamental questions being debated. And if things arent getting better, then I think it should lead you to really be skeptical of claims that the platforms on which people are operating are improving things.

aaron retica

So besides getting to hang out with me, which you mentioned earlier, which is a small part of your move, Laura C. is wondering why you moved to New York, where I will just say have not lived before. And shes saying, I may have missed it but havent heard you explain it. So can you tell your listeners why youre here?

ezra klein

Yeah, I think this is probably our most popular question on this round.

aaron retica

There were a lot of these.

ezra klein

And there were some that were sort of offended, that had this quality of, how dare you move to New York and not explain why. And the answer is largely that its personal, that we moved to be closer to my wifes family. There were relevant considerations around both of our offices, and so New York just made a lot of sense. We have and had more family support. We have a good community here. And we have offices here. And that explains all of it.

aaron retica

So Nolan M. is wondering about something that you and I talked about the last time we did this, actually. At the end of last year, you talked about a goal of incorporating a Sabbath or a day of rest into your life for 2023, and Nolan is wondering if you have routinely incorporated a kind of Sabbath into your life and what the challenges that have prevented you from doing so. So you and I talk about this constantly because we try to leave Saturday sacrosanct without being particularly religious about it. But we have sometimes failed because your column, of course, appears digitally on Sunday morning, although were pretty good about it. But you feel very deeply about stopping time. So could you talk about that?

ezra klein

Yeah. I put this mainly in to be accountable, having done this Sabbath episode. And the answer is I have tried a lot of things that have not yet worked. And the issue is that what I would like is a day of rest, a cathedral in time, a space to slow down. And what my children would like is not that. [LAUGHS] And so weve done Tot Shabbats and that kind of thing. And I tried pretty hard, as you say, not to work on the Saturday. But Ive definitely found that there is a tension between the thing that Im often seeking to feel personally, like as an individual, individuated human for my children, and the thing that just being a parent of a four-year-old and a 22-month-old demands, which is my Saturdays are spent. Ive taken them to Tot Shabbats and things, but they just run around the whole time, which is what a Tot Shabbat is. And thats really beautiful, and I try to have Saturday be more of a family day. And all that works out pretty well. And its really still just a lot of going to playgrounds and managing nap times. And all the other kids have their birthdays on Saturdays, so you got to take your kid to the birthdays. And its not bad. But I have found the difficulty of actually getting over the hump as a young family to finding a little bit more of that quieter, out-of-time feeling, the kids still need their routine. And Ive taken a fair amount of comfort from Judith Shulevitz, who was my guest on the Sabbath episode, saying that, until her kids were about five, it was kind of catch as catch can. And they were working at it. So I hope that I am building some foundations and intentions that are a good base on which to work in the future.

aaron retica

What do you want from not working? What is it youre trying to get?

ezra klein

Its not the not working. I would like to have a day where I have a different experience and relationship to time and productivity. And I dont mean productivity just in what I create for The New York Times. I mean it in just the constant getting things done, the constant feeling that the sand of my hourglass is slipping into Google calendar blocks endlessly 

aaron retica

[LAUGHS]

ezra klein

 and that my time is almost always spoken for.

aaron retica

Right. What am I doing today?

ezra klein

Yeah.

aaron retica

Look at the calendar.

ezra klein

Look at the calendar. Yeah. I have a real, I mean real, discomfort with modern Google calendar culture. I think the fact that anybody can just put anything on your calendar, just that this has become the way we act 

aaron retica

Theres a killer there. They say, Im going to put some time on your calendar. And I always think, well, actually, youre doing the exact opposite.

ezra klein

[LAUGHS]

aaron retica

You are taking time away from me.

ezra klein

It would be a little bit to me like, if everybody had sort of access in a way to your bank account, and they could say like, youre going to spend  Id like you to spend $80 on this. And you could go and say, no, Im not going to. But then anybody could allocate your money however they wanted if they had access, and then you had to go in and affirmatively take it back. Its not a problem exactly. I understand why modern organizations have to work like this. But I would like a different relationship to time. Im really moved by the Heschel cathedral in time kind of thing. But it does require a certain amount of autonomy. And I think the nature of being a parent of kids is that its just not much autonomy. And weekends are really for them. During the week, we have to work. Or both my partner and I work full time or even more than that. And so it does have to be oriented around their needs. So I think the fundamental tension between what I wanted out of Shabbat and what Ive been able to get with it is that I think what I want is about what I want and what is possible is what my family needs. And thats totally OK. That is a phase of life.

aaron retica

Something you and I talk about a lot and that we both  this is also another way of stopping our experiencing time that we dont get to talk about, really, in the column is music. I have failed so far in my attempts to get you interested in earlier classical music and jazz. And Ive been trying to get Ezra interested in Keith Jarrett without success. But I did want to ask you for three music recommendations for your listeners because I know youre always pushing that thinking in that kind of way.

ezra klein

Always my favorite question. [LAUGHS] So yeah, so I came prepared. So somebody we both quite like, my first recommendation, which is probably the deepest music experience Ive had over the past six months  Im a big Caroline Shaw fan. And she did an album with the Attica Quartet, who are also amazing, called Orange. It won a Grammy a year or two ago. And theres a sequence of songs on that album called Plan & Elevation. But I really like this one called The Herbaceous Border. And its all strings. And I think Im going to try to sell it because Im worried, if I dont sell it, people wont try to listen to it. But one reason it actually unites the conversation we were just having is, somehow, its become a song for me very associated with my children. So Shaw has talked about some of her music as being motivated by, what would it be like to be an ant going through the forest? And I can kind of hear that in this sequence of songs. And in this one, in particular, theres this moment in which it ends up in frenzy. And then it stops. And it starts to come back very slowly, and almost playfully, and curiously. And for some reason, Im very moved by it. It always makes me think of my children waking up in the morning. You have these days, and oftentimes, to me, the day feels like it ends in a kind of frenzy, between dinner, and bedtime, and youre exhausted, and everybody needs a bath, and somebodys crying. And then its like, every day with them, not with me  me, I wake up. Im like, whats on the calendar? Whats happening in the news? What do I have to do today? I hold everything of the day before with me. And they wake up, and its like, whats todays adventure? What are we doing today? They wake up fresh in this way that to me is really beautiful. And somehow, this particular song has become very moving to me in wanting to meet them in that. So youll know, I think, what I mean or what part I mean when you listen to it, which I hope you do. So then the other  probably the thing Ive listened to most this year  and this was a recommendation from our engineer, Jeff Geld  but Fred again.., who is known for sample-heavy dance music. Hes a protege of Brian Eno. If you ever follow N.P.R.s Tiny Desk series, he did the best tiny desk Ive ever seen. And he live loops his music built entirely out of instruments he can play there. There are vocal samples, but the instruments are things he can play in that little room. So its functionally analog. And its just virtuosic. Its amazing to watch on YouTube. Its great to listen to. A friend of mine made the point that it sounds, in ways, like Steve Reich, which I think is absolutely true, which I didnt notice until he said it. But people on the show know I love Steve Reich. And I just think its awesome. I kind of cant imagine the person who would watch it and not think its cool. So check out Fred again..s Tiny Desk on YouTube. Ill save you on something much dancier and a little harder. His album USB didnt connect for me initially, but lately, its been very much living in my head. And then the final one, which is just a little easier than the other two, is Maribou State. I find I go back to them a lot for music that is instrumentally interesting but also very warm and very inviting, something  you dont really put on Caroline Shaw when youre cooking dinner with your friends, but this really works for that. And I figure the song Ill go with here is Midas.

aaron retica

OK, great. Well, on behalf of everyone here and all your listeners, we wish you a very merry book leave and hope you get a lot done. Lets hope time stops for in and just the right ways so that you can dig down deep, which is, as weve been talking about in a million different ways today, really the hardest problem of all, how to focus, how to concentrate, and how to really drill down into the things that actually make the world what they are.

ezra klein
To the Editor:

Re As Israel Churns, Lawmakers Pass Court Overhaul (front page, July 25):

While the hard-liners in Israel may have won their battle to neuter the Supreme Court, one can ask whether or not the victory was really worth the loss of comity among the Israeli people, as the legitimacy of the government is now in question.

Whatever happens next, it is a sad day for Israel and the American people who support the country, because as Abraham Lincoln once warned, A house divided against itself cannot stand.

One can only hope that Israelis can find a way to step back and regain the sense of common purpose that has been the north star of the countrys existence.

Michael Scott

San Francisco

To the Editor:

I am a Los Angeles native and a Jew. Given the history of Jewish persecution, I have always taken comfort in knowing that Israel is there for me just in case something terrible were ever to happen to jeopardize a safe Jewish existence in the U.S.
But the point of the legislation isnt reform, much less consensus. Its an exercise in raw political power carried out by legislators bent on trying to achieve legal impunity from a court that has tried to hold them to account. Israel wouldnt be in this national meltdown if Netanyahu werent trying to wangle out of his criminal indictment by holding on to power in his coalition of the bigoted, the corrupt, the dependent and the extreme.

A statesman sacrifices himself for his nation. A demagogue sacrifices his nation for himself.

The crisis in Israel is sometimes described as a battle of left against right, secular against religious, Ashkenazi against Mizrahi Jews. This is a vast overgeneralization: Netanyahu is a scion of the secular Ashkenazi elites, while many in the opposition, like former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, are religiously observant and right-wing.

What is true is that the new dividing line in Israel, as in so many other democracies, is no longer between liberals and conservatives. Its between liberals and illiberals. Its between those who believe that democracy encompasses a set of norms, values and habits that respect and enforce sharp limits on power and those who will use their majorities to do whatever they please in matters of politics so that they may eventually do whatever they please in matters of law.

Perhaps because of the long history of Jewish dispossession, many Israelis seem keenly attuned to the danger. A poll last week of 734 Israeli founders and C.E.O.s of start-ups and managing directors of venture capital firms found that more than two-thirds were taking steps to move their assets outside Israel in anticipation of the new law. Theres also been a reported surge in Israelis seeking second passports. Israels demographic challenges are well known, but theres a challenge within the challenge: If the people who made Israel the Start-up Nation are heading for the exits, the long-term basis of Israels power will erode. Prayers wont save Israel if it lacks a world-class economy to sustain a regionally dominant military.

Israelis have a penchant for hyperbole, and this week has brought a lot of lamentations about the end of Israeli democracy. Thats an unwarranted counsel of despair as well as an overstatement: Israeli democracy has survived worse.
And while this is hard to quantify, lots of people Ive talked to say that Japanese society is far more dynamic and culturally creative than many outsiders realize. The economist and blogger Noah Smith, who knows the country well, says that Tokyo is the new Paris. Given the language barrier, I mostly have to take his word for it, although having been taken around Tokyo by locals, I can confirm that the city has a lot of vitality.

True, that same language barrier means that Tokyo likely cant play the same role in global culture that Paris once did. But the Japanese are clearly having great success with sophisticated urbanism; if you think of Japan as a tired, stagnant society, youre getting it wrong.

Which brings me to the question that I raised at the beginning of this newsletter: Will China be the next Japan?

There are some obvious similarities between China now and Japan in 1990. China has a wildly unbalanced economy, with too little consumer demand, kept afloat only by a hypertrophied real estate sector, and its working-age population is declining. Unlike Japan in 1990, most of the Chinese economy is still well behind the technological frontier, so it should have better prospects for rapid productivity growth, but there are growing concerns that China may have fallen into the middle-income trap that seems to afflict many emerging economies, which grow rapidly but only up to a point, then stall out.

Yet if China is headed for an economic slowdown, the interesting question is whether it can replicate Japans social cohesion  its ability to manage slower growth without mass suffering or social instability. I am very definitely not a China expert, but is there any indication that China, especially under an erratic authoritarian regime, is capable of pulling this off? Note that China already has much higher youth unemployment than Japan ever did.
A raft of opinions have been offered on the race for artificial intelligence, most often calls for restraint, for caution, for a halt, for a slowdown or for a complete pause. But whom are we arguing against? In a guest essay, Alexander Karp, the chief executive of Palantir Technologies, which develops software with military applications, provides us with a clear version of the other side of the debate. He argues for embracing the battlefield-changing potential of artificially intelligent weapons. And he makes the case that, as with the development of the atomic bomb, it would be irresponsible for the United States not to lead this effort.

If you look at the wars around the world without rose-tinted glasses, its hard to imagine A.I.-powered weaponry not soon playing a decisive role on the battlefield. In recent years, drone combat has changed the nature of infantry and mechanized warfare in the conflicts in Nagorno-Karabakh and Ukraine. Its also not hard to imagine that, given the recent progress in A.I., more fully autonomous and lethal packs of battle drones might be unleashed to cloud the skies in whatever strife flares up in the years to come.

Its not that I want to hear this argument because I agree with it. If the question is should we build creative and intelligent deadly machines reminiscent of The Terminator, the answer to me is clear: You dont  and you should build consensus with your adversaries on that point.

Theres also a second similarity between today and when Oppenheimers team of scientists raced to develop the bomb. As underscored in Nolans film, there was an element of uncertainty before the first test explosion in New Mexico, known as Trinity: The physicist Edward Teller had calculated that the blast might unleash an out-of-control chain reaction, setting the atmosphere on fire in a nuclear blaze and ending life on earth.

Although Tellers scenario was determined to be exceedingly unlikely and the test continued, a parallel fear lurks in the hearts of those developing artificial intelligence: that a test system, learning from our global public archive of open-source code about machine learning, may be able to gain agency and begin to improve its own design. If allowed to do so, it might rapidly create a form of genuinely alien intelligence that feels no further need for humanity. This is Tellers atmospheric blaze scenario but for A.I.
Our experiment in self-government is fragile. The United States is far from perfect. But it is easy to forget how much more opportunity exists in this country for those who are not hereditary elites than in any other nation on the planet.

Our company, Palantir Technologies, has a stake in this debate. The software platforms that we have built are used by U.S. and allied defense and intelligence agencies for functions like target selection, mission planning and satellite reconnaissance. The ability of software to facilitate the elimination of an enemy is a precondition for its value to the defense and intelligence agencies with which we work. At Palantir, we are fortunate that our interests as a company and those of the country in which we are based are fundamentally aligned. In the wake of the invasion of Ukraine, for example, we were often asked when we decided to pull out of Russia. The answer is never, because we were never there.

A more intimate collaboration between the state and the technology sector, and a closer alignment of vision between the two, will be required if the United States and its allies are to maintain an advantage that will constrain our adversaries over the long term. The preconditions for a durable peace often come only from a credible threat of war.

In the summer of 1939, from a cottage on the North Fork of Long Island, Albert Einstein sent a letter  which he had worked on with Leo Szilard and others  to President Franklin Roosevelt, urging him to explore building a nuclear weapon, and quickly. The rapid technical advances in the development of a potential atomic weapon, Einstein and Szilard wrote, seem to call for watchfulness and, if necessary, quick action on the part of the administration, as well as a sustained partnership founded on permanent contact maintained between the administration and physicists.

It was the raw power and strategic potential of the bomb that prompted their call to action then. It is the far less visible but equally significant capabilities of these newest artificial intelligence technologies that should prompt swift action now.
Speaking of which, Thomas Jefferson was an eager partisan. By 1797, he had emerged as the leader of the Democratic-Republican opposition to the Adams administration. In his own words, he hoped to sink federalism into an abyss from which there shall be no resurrection for it. And yet he also hoped, in his inaugural address, that Americans would put aside partisanship and unite as one: We have called by different names brethren of the same principle, Jefferson wrote. We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists.

You can find this distaste for faction and longing for unity throughout American history, up to the present. Americans, including their political leadership, have a real and serious distaste for partisanship and political parties even as they are, and have been, as political and partisan a people as has ever existed.

I was reminded of all this while reading a recent opinion essay by Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, in which he dreamed of a world without politics or partisanship  a world of common sense solutions and bipartisan camaraderie.

What is clear to all those who wish to listen is that the overwhelming majority of Americans believe in unity, Manchin wrote in USA Today. We are stronger as a nation when we embrace compromise, common sense and common ground.

Manchin was writing in part to explain why he appeared last week at a town hall in New Hampshire sponsored by No Labels, a centrist political group that has railed against partisanship and extremism as a voice of the so-called radical center since 2010. Both parties follow the mood of the moment, declared Michael Bloomberg, a former mayor of New York, during the groups inaugural event in December of that year. They incite anger instead of addressing it  for their own partisan interests.
At first glance, Maison Lune, an art gallery in the Venice neighborhood of Los Angeles, looks exactly like a home. Yes, there are paintings and ceramics on display, but theres also a bed, a full kitchen, a bathtub. And sometimes you can hear the tumble of laundry.

Thats because it is a home.

In early 2022, when Sandrine Abessera and Lubov Azria moved in, they immediately felt it was a space that needed to be shared.

We thought it would be very selfish of us to live and exist in such a beautiful space without opening it up to people  artists, innovators, all types, said Ms. Azria, 55, the former chief creative officer for BCBG Max Azria.

It was also about rethinking the typical art-viewing experience  a departure from the white-cube art gallery, said Ms. Abessera, 45, an artist and designer. We were drawn to this idea of being an art gallery, she said, but one where you can sit and its not just a blank box.
For animals that humans almost drove into extinction, theres a lot about whales we still dont know. Consider the bowhead whale in particular.

Bowhead whales can live greater than 200 years, they go into sexual maturity late and it takes them a long time to grow, said Nadine Lysiak, a marine biologist who has been studying bowheads and other baleen whales for years. But even today, were still learning very basic things about the reproductive cycle of animals like these. Theyre very cryptic, we dont see most of their life since they spend a fraction of it at the surface.

Slowly but surely, Dr. Lysiak has been peeling back the layers of aquatic secrecy surrounding these white-chinned travelers of the Arctic Ocean. She and her colleagues may have uncovered a rather extraordinary feat of nature: Females of the species may spend 23 months pregnant before giving birth to a baby bowhead. That would edge out elephant pregnancies  the longest known within the mammalian kingdom  by a month.

Their findings, published on Wednesday in the journal Royal Society Open Science, illuminate the complexities underlying the whales population growth, which Dr. Lysiak hopes can guide conservation efforts, especially as an inhospitable climate looms.
This morning, I was on the bus to Venice. From the bus, I see two men and one woman in the street. I had never seen them before. I went out from the bus and I caught them. I look at the woman and she has a bag open. There were two police, and I say, Stop them! They were pickpockets. In one minute, they stole wallets from three families.

Are the political positions of the League reflected in what you do for Cittadini Non Distratti?

Cittadinis volunteers do not adhere to any political party, nor does politics affect our objective, which is to help local law enforcement when possible.

Have the police ever asked you to stop?

No, never.

How do the pickpockets react? Do they ever get violent?

There was an episode about five years ago. Four girls fought me, and people stopped to see the scene. I was alone. People stopped to see the action and never helped. It was terrible. I had a neck collar for 20 days.

Did that make you want to stop?

It doesnt matter. I will continue to do this work.

Do the pickpockets recognize you? Do they know to run away from you now?

They recognize me. The men, they affront me with the middle finger. They take pictures of me. The girls, they run away. I think they think Im crazy, maybe?
This is our seventh year as an A.I.-first company, and we intuitively know how to incorporate A.I. into our products, Mr. Pichai said. These advances provide an opportunity to reimagine many of our products, including our most important product: search.

Philipp Schindler, Googles chief business officer, said in the earnings call that YouTubes quarterly sales gains reflected greater stability in advertiser spending. But the recovery has not been universal. Snap, the parent of Snapchat, posted a second straight quarterly sales decline on Tuesday, in a sign that the ad landscape remained rocky and that Googles size and reach have given it more advantages in weathering the terrain.

Despite concerns of growing A.I. competition from the ChatGPT chatbot and Microsofts Bing search engine, Googles search engine has remained a central gateway to the web for billions of users. That has helped the company convince more advertisers that its sites are still a reliable way to reach consumers.

The company has tried to refocus in other ways by shedding some projects that lacked promise, laying off 12,000 workers and consolidating two of its A.I. labs to accelerate research in recent months. In May, Google introduced a number of A.I. features and products at its annual conference, finally responding to ChatGPTs maker, OpenAI, and Microsoft. But it remains too early to tell how these A.I. tools will affect Googles revenue expansion or bottom line, if at all.

Google also announced on Tuesday that Ruth Porat, its longest-serving chief financial officer, would assume the newly created role of president and chief investment officer on Sept. 1. In that position, she will be responsible for Alphabets experimental businesses, called Other Bets, and engage with policymakers around infrastructure, economic opportunities and other matters.
Fishing trips to Canada are a tradition for Jeffrey Hardy and his three friends from Vermont. They have, since 2001, been anglers loyal to Quebecs northern wilderness, where the walleye are plentiful and the cellphone service is not.

This summer, the crisp forest air coveted by recreationists visiting Canada was instead polluted with smoke as wildfires have torn through millions of acres, blocking roads, destroying campgrounds and forcing tourism operators to scramble during peak season. The mens mid-June fishing trip was canceled.

It was a big letdown, said Mr. Hardy, who is from St. Albans, Vt., but has been living and working remotely from Bermuda since the pandemic began. Everybody was excited to go because Canada had been shut down for all of Covid.

The countrys worst wildfire season on record is straining the outdoor segments of Canadas tourism industry at a crucial time in its rebound from years of pandemic travel restrictions. Of the 28.6 million acres that have burned across the country so far, more than 11.6 million acres were in Quebec, the most of any province, according to data from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.
The moment the motor turned off, I was hooked.

It was 20 minutes into my first Swedish sailing trip on a blazingly sunny morning in late June. Id set sail with two friends from their summer house on Kilholmen, a wooded islet in the central archipelago, about an hour by bus (then a five-minute boat ride) from Stockholm. After motoring through a narrow waterway, past smooth, rounded cliffs backed by pine forests and the occasional red timbered cottage, we entered a wide-open bay, steered the bow into the wind and raised the sails. When the puttering motor was cut, it was suddenly quiet, just the wind in my face and the sparkling archipelago all around.

The sheer magnitude of Stockholms archipelago is astounding. Shaped like a fan spreading out from the capital into the Baltic Sea, this watery region spans over 650 square miles  more than twice the area of New York Citys five boroughs  with somewhere between 24,000 and 30,000 islands and islets.

The innermost islands are quite big and populated, said Jeppe Wikstrom, a photographer and book publisher who has lived and worked in the archipelago for decades. The farther out you go, the smaller the islands get, the lower they get. And in the outermost archipelago, there are only low slabs of rock.

In Swedish, theres a specific term for each archipelago landmass, from the large islands covered with pine trees and stately 19th-century summer houses to tiny islets with nothing but a few shrubs and lichen.
Mother and daughter spent their last night together playing cards. The next afternoon, the daughter, Carlotta Nickens, stopped by her mothers apartment and found her face down in the hallway.

The apartment looked like a tornado hit it, Ms. Nickens later said, according to court records. It was all messed up. Everything was just scattered everywhere.

Her mother, Henrietta Nickens, 70, was dead. She had been hit in the face, possibly with a fist, and died of a cardiac dysrhythmia, partly caused by the blows and partly by her underlying lung and heart disease, court records show. Evidence suggested she may have been sexually assaulted.

On Tuesday, the three men who were tried and convicted of murdering Ms. Nickens in Chester, Pa., about 14 miles southwest of Philadelphia, asked a judge to overturn their convictions. They argued that new DNA evidence suggests that an unidentified man whose semen was found at the scene and whose DNA was later found on other items there was responsible for her brutal death in October 1997.
A federal judge struck down on Tuesday a stringent new asylum policy that the Biden administration has called crucial to its efforts to curb illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The ruling was a blow to the White House, which has seen unlawful entries plunge since the new policy was put in place in May. But the policy has been far from the only factor in the dramatic decline in crossings, and how the ruling on Tuesday will affect migration, if it stands, is uncertain.

The judge, Jon S. Tigar of the U.S. District Court in Northern California, immediately stayed his decision for 14 days, leaving the asylum policy in place while the federal government appealed the decision. The appellate court could extend the stay while it considers the challenge.
Drought, wildfire and flooding in the American West are increasing in severity and frequency with climate change.

Fish and wildlife are declining due to habitat loss. Major river basins, such as the Colorado and Klamath river basins, find themselves faced with water shortages and rising conflicts. Various salmon populations are facing extinction as their numbers continue to decline.

To improve conditions, we need abundant beavers building abundant beaver dams and habitat on our federally managed public lands, the source of much of our water and strongholds of biodiversity.

To get abundant beavers, dams and habitat, their survival and dispersal rates must increase. Closing these public lands to beaver trapping and hunting would do both.

Why is a closure needed? Most beaver take occurs in the winter months, when beaver pelts are at their best (a pelt brings $10 to $20). Winter is also the beavers breeding and pregnancy season. Entire families can be removed in a single season, suppressing population growth and future dispersal.

The loss of beavers leaves dams unattended. As dams fail and are not repaired, ponds drain, water tables drop, habitats unravel and benefits are lost.

What type of benefits is lost? Beavers are natures firefighters and drought busters. Their dams, ponds and wetlands store carbon, provide valuable salmon-rearing habitat, diminish flood peaks and create high-quality wildlife habitat.

Beaver habitat can also improve water quality and help sustain summer flows, important to cities, towns, farmers and ranchers.

But these benefits require abundant wetlands and vibrant stream systems, which are currently scarce on public lands. This scarcity is due in large part to ongoing legal trapping and hunting of beaver, which continues to suppress population growth, dispersal, and beaver dam and habitat creation.

At present, the state wildlife agencies set beaver trapping and hunting seasons, with the exception of California and New Mexico, which now protect beavers. The primary focus of the state wildlife agencies is to serve trappers and hunters because these user groups contribute to agency funding through equipment purchases via the Pittman-Robertson Act and trapping and hunting licenses.

Depending on the state, the beaver trapping/hunting season ranges from a few months to year-round. In most places, there are no limits to the number of beavers that can be killed, and reporting is minimal.

This narrow state agency management focus is limiting the productivity and biodiversity of our public lands at a time when climate changes are accelerating. We need to let our congressional representatives know that beavers must be protected on federally managed public lands so they can help restore the many thousands of miles of degraded streams that currently exist on these lands.

In the process of stream restoration, they will create numerous wetlands, resulting in major environmental and economic benefits such as natural wildfire breaks, micro reservoirs that sustain streamflows during drought and dampen flood peaks, and vastly improve fish and wildlife habitat.

Congress, and multiple rulings by the Supreme Court, have given the federal government the constitutional and statutory authority to manage fish and wildlife on federally managed public lands. Given that most state wildlife agencies refuse to protect beavers, the federal government needs to step in if we are to maximize wildfire and drought readiness on public lands.

Protecting beavers on our federally managed public lands is a nature-based climate solution that will lead to major stream restoration and wetland creation, and bring tangible benefits to our communities. The wildfire and drought clocks are ticking down.

Lets protect beavers on our federal public lands so they can finally swim into action for the benefit of all. Go Beavs!
President Biden has made it his mission to wage what he momentously calls the battle between democracy and autocracy. But what to do when the ones he believes are undermining democracy are friends?

In the case of Israel, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday pushed through Parliament new curbs on an independent judiciary, Mr. Biden has chosen to speak out. The vote in Jerusalem, he declared, was unfortunate, the fourth time in a week he chastised Mr. Netanyahu for his drive to enhance his own power.

But the presidents battle for democracy can be situational when it comes to Americas allies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, who has presided over a wave of Hindu nationalist violence and repression of dissent, was feted at the White House with a state dinner and little public criticism. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia was rewarded with a visit and a presidential fist bump despite his murderous reign.

Consistency is a challenge for most administrations when it comes to democracy and human rights concerns around the world, and this administration is no exception, said David J. Kramer, who was assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights and labor under President George W. Bush. Its easier to speak up when our enemies and competitors engage in authoritarian abuses, he added. Its harder when it comes to friends and allies.
One of President Bidens dogs has bitten several Secret Service agents, and even sent one to the hospital, part of a series of at least 10 incidents of aggressive behavior, according to internal emails recently obtained by a conservative watchdog group.

The correspondence shows that Commander, the nearly 2-year-old German shepherd, has struggled to adjust to life at the White House, where he arrived in 2021, and Delaware, where the Bidens own two homes.

Early in November 2022, for instance, officials on the White House medical team chose to send an officer whom Commander had bitten on the arm and thigh to the hospital, according to the emails obtained by Judicial Watch, a Washington-based conservative group.

Just a week later, while walking with Jill Biden, the first lady, Commander bit an agent on the left thigh. That same month, another agent was left shaken, according to the emails, when he felt the need to hoist up the chair he was sitting on to use as a shield when Commander began barking at him from the top of a White House staircase.
Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida was involved in a car crash in Chattanooga, Tenn., on his way to a fund-raiser there on Tuesday, according to his spokesman, who added that Mr. DeSantis was unhurt.

This morning, the governor was in a car accident while traveling to an event in Chattanooga, Tenn., Bryan Griffin, a spokesman for Mr. DeSantiss presidential campaign, said in a statement. He and his team are uninjured. We appreciate the prayers and well wishes of the nation for his continued protection while on the campaign trail.

A spokesman for the Chattanooga Police Department said that Mr. DeSantiss four-car motorcade was traveling behind a Tennessee Highway Patrol vehicle on Interstate 75 on Tuesday morning when an accident ahead caused traffic to suddenly slow.

The highway patrol car braked sharply, and although the lead vehicle in Mr. DeSantiss motorcade was able to stop without hitting it, all four of the campaign vehicles ended up piling into one another.
In 1955, the mother of Emmett Till wrote to President Dwight D. Eisenhower pleading for justice for her 14-year-old son, whose murder galvanized the civil rights movement.

In a telegram sent to the White House, she asked that he personally see to it that justice is meted out to all persons involved in the beastly lynching of my son.

She never heard back.

On Tuesday, 68 years later, another president offered her and her son the attention she had sought. President Biden established a national monument honoring Emmett Till and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, a fierce advocate for her son who insisted on an open coffin at his funeral so the country could bear witness to the brutality he suffered.

The Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument includes three protected sites, in Illinois, where Emmett was born 82 years ago to the day on Tuesday, and in Mississippi, where he was tortured and killed after being accused of whistling at a white woman.
When Gov. Kim Reynolds interviews nearly the entire Republican presidential field at the Iowa State Fair next month in a series of one-on-one chats, there will be an especially notable absence: former President Donald J. Trump, the races clear front-runner.

Ms. Reynoldss office on Tuesday released a list of participants for the interview series that did not include Mr. Trump. The former president, who has expressed his anger at Ms. Reynolds for not endorsing him, declined an invitation to participate.

While it is traditional for Iowa governors to stay on the sidelines of presidential primaries, Mr. Trumps camp believes Ms. Reynolds is neutral in name only, pointing to a series of events she has attended with Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, Mr. Trumps chief rival.

Mr. Trump appears intent on prolonging his public feud with the popular Ms. Reynolds, which has angered and puzzled conservatives in the state. One Republican state senator even flipped his endorsement from Mr. Trump to Mr. DeSantis after the spat. Mr. Trump, confident in his lead over the rest of the field, has shown a wider willingness to skip important primary events, potentially including the first Republican presidential debate in late August, which he has not committed to attending.
At first glance, Jill Bidens work on her trips overseas appears to be rooted in the traditional duties of first ladies: She has cheered on American Olympians in Tokyo, made a secret trip to Ukraine to meet with the countrys first lady and attended the royal wedding of the crown prince of Jordan.

But in a host of speeches delivered overseas, including in Namibia and France, she has also used her platform for more political purposes, including making her case that President Biden has promoted democracy and revitalized global relationships strained by former President Donald J. Trump.

In Paris on Tuesday, the first ladys presence was a reminder, as the 2024 presidential campaign heats up, that Americans may again be choosing between the two men. Dr. Biden was there to deliver remarks for the official return of the United States to UNESCO, several years after the Trump administration pulled the country  and its funding  from the group.

She was also there to deliver a White House message that Mr. Biden had united allies against what she called Putins unjust war in Ukraine.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia was voting on the floor of the House on the morning of June 23 when she saw her name trending on Twitter.

Ms. Greene, a high-profile, right-wing Republican who is no stranger to trending online, flicked through her feed and learned from the internet that two hours earlier, her colleagues in the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus had voted to remove her from the group. Just then, an emissary from the caucus, Representative Ben Cline, Republican of Virginia, approached Ms. Greene. He asked if she would attend a one-on-one meeting with its chairman, Representative Scott Perry, Republican of Pennsylvania, who had been waiting to officially announce her ouster until he had spoken to her in person.

Ms. Greene balked. She couldnt make the time, she said, because she had a meeting with Speaker Kevin McCarthys staff to discuss her legislation to ban transgender surgeries for children, an issue, she told Mr. Cline pointedly, which the Freedom Caucus doesnt care about.

Ms. Greene and Mr. Perry never spoke.

The expulsion of Ms. Greene, perhaps the most famous hard-right rabble-rouser in Congress, from the group that has long styled itself as the rebellious voice of the extreme right in the House reflects something of an identity crisis within the Freedom Caucus even as a slim G.O.P. majority has given the group more power than ever.
The blistering immigration policy that Donald J. Trump enacted when he was in the White House shifted his partys baseline on the issue to the right.

His policies are now standard Republican fare: Calls to build the wall once set apart the right-wing fringe, but several Republican candidates now support even more exceptional measures, such as using military force to secure the border or ending birthright citizenship.

Here is a look at where the candidates stand.

Donald J. Trump

His policies cemented hard-line immigration stances in the G.O.P. mainstream.

Mr. Trumps administration separated thousands of migrant families  traumatizing children and causing a public outcry. As recently as May, during a CNN event, he did not rule out reinstating that policy.
Former President Donald J. Trump will return a set of ancient coins and ceramic oil lamps to Israels government after reports last week that Israeli officials were pressing to retrieve them.

The items were not removed from the White House by Mr. Trump, like the classified documents that led to his indictment on federal espionage charges. They were not unaccounted for, like the official gifts from foreign leaders that were highlighted earlier this year by Democrats on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, who detailed ways in which the Trump White House had failed to follow the law in how it handled gifts.

In fact, the artifacts never made it to the White House at all.

Rather, they have been at Mar-a-Lago, Mr. Trumps home and private club in Palm Beach, Fla., since December 2021. Thats when Saul Fox, a wealthy donor to both Israel and the Republican Party, gave the items to him during a Hanukkah celebration, calling them an expression of Israels gratitude to Mr. Trump.

Mr. Fox, who runs a private equity firm, did not return repeated requests for comment. He told The Wall Street Journal that he had hoped to present the items to Mr. Trump at a White House Hanukkah party in 2019, and was given the approval to do so by Israel Hasson, the head of the Israeli Antiquities Authority at the time, but the State Department insisted on inspecting them first.
Tennessee has sharply restricted the conditions under which it will restore voting rights to people who have completed prison sentences for felonies, joining a growing list of Republican-controlled states that have rolled back access to the ballot by former felons.

The state has for years permitted most people with completed felony sentences to restore their voting rights through an administrative process established in 2006 that is ostensibly automatic, but in practice almost unnavigable.

Only 3,400 people, or less than 1 percent of all disenfranchised Tennesseans, have had their voting rights restored under the program, said Blair Bowie, the director of the Restore Your Vote initiative at the Campaign Legal Center, a voting-rights advocacy group in Washington.

But in a letter sent to local election officials on Friday, the elections coordinator for Tennessees secretary of state said the state would now require that formerly incarcerated people also be granted clemency by the governors office or have their citizenship rights restored by a circuit court judge.
Its all lies, one after another, Carlos Beristain, a Spanish doctor and panel member, told The New York Times on Monday night. Were not going to stay if we dont have a chance to get answers, he added.

The panel arrived in Mexico in 2015 and its work was key to discrediting an earlier version of events deemed fabricated by the administration of former President Enrique Pena Nieto, known as the historical truth, which blamed only local police officials and organized crime for the disappearance.

More recently, only two members of the panel remained on the committee and its mandate had expired.

The independent panels latest findings include a new technical analysis of cellphone data and documents that placed several members of the military at locations connected to the attack while it was underway, in places and times they had never mentioned in their testimonies.

What they were doing exactly is unclear. What we do know is that the story told is not true, said Dr. Beristain.

The technical analysis revealed a constant flow of communications that reached the top levels of the military in the region. Mexican soldiers not only knew about but most likely witnessed the shootings, the detentions and the violence second by second, Angela Buitrago, a Colombian lawyer and another panel investigator, said during the news conference.
Only five weeks ago, Chinas foreign minister, Qin Gang, was at the center of an important restoration of high-level diplomacy in U.S.-China relations: He shook hands with Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken in Beijing, and accepted an invitation to visit the United States.

But in a sign of the capriciousness of Chinas elite politics, Mr. Qin was abruptly removed as foreign minister on Tuesday after having disappeared from public view for 30 days. The move ended the career of a diplomat who had leaped to the top as one of President Xi Jinpings most trusted rising stars.

The suddenness and opacity surrounding Qins dismissal demonstrates the volatility that has now become a feature of Chinas political system under Xi, said Jude Blanchette, the holder of the Freeman Chair in China Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

The official decision that Mr. Qin had been replaced  and his spot taken by the former foreign minister, Wang Yi  capped weeks of speculation about his fate. Early on, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed that Mr. Qin had health problems. But the brief announcement from the National Peoples Congress Standing Committee, a council of Chinas legislature that formally appoints senior government officials, did not mention health or any other reasons.
All womens beauty salons in Afghanistan were set to close on Tuesday, officials said, as part of a Taliban administration announcement early this month that the women-only spaces were forbidden under Shariah law and caused economic hardship for grooms families during wedding celebrations.

The closing of the salons  one of the few public places left in Afghanistan where women could congregate outside the home  represents another grim milestone for womens rights in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban seized power in August 2021, the government has steadily rolled back womens rights, barring women and girls from most public spaces, from traveling any significant distance without a male relative and from attending school beyond sixth grade.

The salons had been given a one-month grace period to end their operations.

Taliban security forces in Kabul, the capital, made the rounds on Tuesday to ensure that salons were complying with the ban, according to Sadeq Akif Muhajir, the spokesman for the Taliban administrations Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice.

The initial announcement ordering salons to close prompted a rare public protest early this month in Kabul, the capital, where dozens of salon owners and beauticians marched down the street while holding signs opposing the ban. Security forces with the Taliban administration broke up the protest using fire hoses and shot weapons into the air to disperse the crowd.
Ales Pushkin, a dissident artist in Belarus whose incendiary work often took aim at the countrys authoritarian leader, Aleksandr G. Lukashenko, in one instance with a pile of manure dumped outside the presidential offices in Minsk, has died in prison while serving a five-year sentence. He was 57.

His wife, Janina Demuch, announced his death in a Facebook post on the morning of July 11, writing, Tonight Ales Pushkin died in intensive care under unknown circumstances in a prison in Grodno, in western Belarus.

The Belarusian authorities did not immediately comment on his death. Some news organizations reported that Mr. Pushkin had not been known to be ill, although the opposition Belarusian news site Most, based in Bialystok, Poland, cited an unnamed source saying that Mr. Pushkin had a perforated ulcer that had gone untreated and that he had been taken to the prison hospital unconscious.

He had been arrested in 2021 for a painting he made in 2012, depicting an anti-Soviet resistance fighter, which the government said was aimed at the rehabilitation and justification of Nazism.
The verdict was read out by the presiding judge, Laurence Massart, in a courtroom filled with somber silence, despite the presence of scores of journalists, lawyers and victims. Seven defendants heard the verdict sitting in a large glass cubicle, accompanied by masked policemen, and one, Ibrahim Farisi was sitting outside of the box and abruptly left right after he was pronounced not guilty. His brother was absent.

The six found guilty of murder or attempted murder on Tuesday face sentences of up to life in prison. The verdict cannot be appealed.

Six of the 10 accused had already been handed various sentences in last years trial in Paris over the terrorist attacks in the French capital.

What happened in the attacks?

Three homemade bombs packed with nails were detonated in Brussels on March 22, 2016, killing 32 people from eight countries and wounding 340 others. On Tuesday, the jury decided that three people who died in months and years following the attacks should be counted among the victims, bringing the death toll to 35 people. They included a 23-year-old who chose euthanasia because of the psychological trauma she suffered, a cancer patient who had to stop his medications because of injuries inflicted upon him during the bombings, and a person who died by suicide. The jury decided against acknowledging the death of a fourth person, put forward by the prosecutor as a victim of the attacks.

Two of the bombs exploded in the busy departure hall of Brussels Airport, with a third bomb later found unexploded on the airport premises. Just over an hour later, another bomb struck in the subway station of Maelbeek, an area of Brussels that is home to European Union institutions.
There are no longer walls behind the main altar of the Transfiguration Cathedral, a landmark heavily damaged when Russian missiles struck the Ukrainian port city of Odesa.

So on Tuesday, when the breeze from the nearby Black Sea blew in, it disturbed the stillness inside one of Ukraines largest places of worship, sending a chandelier in the nave swinging like a slow pendulum from side to side. Detritus floated down from the roof as building inspectors, United Nations employees and priests donned hard hats to assess the damage to a cultural icon.

We hope God will protect the heart of our cathedral, said Father Oleksii after a morning Mass held in front of the red-and-white caution tape roping off the main part of the church.

Outside, residents gathered around the entrance to the cathedral, which is now boarded up with plywood. Many stopped to kiss an icon of the patroness of their city, which an employee of the church said had been pulled from the rubble. Others came simply to witness the destruction, walking by the church with smartphones in hand filming videos, their mouths wide open.
As part of Russias ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with Asian allies, President Vladimir V. Putin will travel to a conference in China in October, while the defense minister, Sergei K. Shoigu, will join a Chinese delegation at a celebration in North Korea this week, according to Russian state news media.

Mr. Putin will meet with Xi Jinping, Chinas leader, to discuss bilateral trade and economic cooperation at an international forum, according to Tass, a Russian state news agency.

The relationship between China and Russia has deepened during the war in Ukraine, as both countries seek to counteract Western sanctions and curtail American power and influence. As trade with the West has diminished, China now provides an estimated 40 percent of Russias imports, much of it in goods like automobiles.

Mr. Xi and Mr. Putin most recently met in Moscow in March. Though Chinese officials framed it as a peace mission, U.S. officials said China was considering giving Russia weapons to use in Ukraine.
Trevor Reed, the former U.S. Marine who was detained in Russia for nearly three years and later freed in a prisoner swap, was injured while fighting in Ukraine, the State Department said on Tuesday.

Mr. Reeds condition was not immediately clear. He is receiving medical care in Germany, said Vedant Patel, a State Department spokesman. The news of his injury was first reported by The Messenger.

Mr. Reed was visiting his Russian girlfriend in Moscow in August 2019 when he was arrested on what his family said were bogus charges of assaulting police officers. The United States considered him wrongfully detained, and after months of diplomatic negotiations and mounting public pressure on the Biden administration, Mr. Reed was freed in April 2022 as part of a prisoner swap for a Russian pilot imprisoned on cocaine trafficking charges in the United States.

Mr. Reeds decision to return to the region and become a volunteer fighter for Ukraine created some exasperation within the Biden administration, an administration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters said on Tuesday. The United States has repeatedly warned American citizens not to travel to Ukraine or participate in the war, though untold numbers of them have done so anyway.
U.S. officials said on Tuesday that the Biden administration was sending up to $400 million in additional military aid to Ukraine, including artillery, air defenses and mine-clearing equipment, in an effort to help replenish Kyivs forces as their counteroffensive grinds on.

Included in the package drawn from Pentagon stockpiles are 32 Stryker armored personnel carriers, mine-clearing equipment and munitions for Patriot antimissile systems and National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, or NASAMS, the officials said.

The package also includes munitions for Stinger antiaircraft systems and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, as well as munitions for Javelin and other anti-tank weapons.

The United States is also sending more ammunition for 155-millimeter and 105-millimeter artillery, Hydra-70 aircraft rockets, Hornet microdrones, night-vision devices and spare parts for damaged equipment.
Critics of the right-wing Israeli governments new judicial law fear it could threaten a key state watchdog: the attorney general, Gali Baharav-Miara.

As Israels chief prosecutor, Ms. Baharav-Miara is also charged with overseeing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus corruption trial. Mr. Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing and says he is the victim of a witch hunt by state prosecutors.

The new law, which curbs the courts ability to overrule government decisions based on whether judges think they are reasonable, could allow Mr. Netanyahus coalition to eliminate Ms. Baharav-Miara with greater ease, legal experts said. The government would have to meet less challenging standards in order to withstand judicial review, they said.

If the attorney general were summarily dismissed, at least until yesterday, the primary grounds for challenging that would be that it was grossly unreasonable, said Joshua Schoffman, a former Israeli deputy attorney general. He said the justices could still intervene in her dismissal if they found there was a conflict of interests, for example.
Wildfires devouring swaths of Algerias Mediterranean coast have killed 34 people over two days, the Algerian authorities said on Tuesday, as an extreme heat wave sears North Africa, Southern Europe and the sea between them.

The dead include 10 soldiers who were aiding rescue efforts across Algerias forested Kabylia region, the Algerian Interior Ministry said. Another 16 people died in the fires in the village of Ath Oussalah, according to Berber TV, a local broadcaster.

One villager whom the station captured on camera had lost her daughter. I wish her home burned down but she was still alive, the woman told onlookers in the village.

The fires forced more than 1,500 households to evacuate and caused at least 1,700 homes to lose power, state-run radio reported. Plumes of smoke rose from at least 16 cities east of the capital, Algiers, including Bejaia, Jijel and Tizi Ouzou. The government, which had deployed 8,000 emergency responders, said on Tuesday that it had contained 80 percent of the 97 fires, but that 13 remained out of control.
A law passed in Israels Parliament on Monday to limit the power of the judiciary left the country with something of a cliffhanger, with the real effects of the governments move likely to remain unclear for weeks or even months.

The opposition fears a slow descent toward authoritarianism, while the government  which rejects those concerns  is waiting to see how disruptive and prolonged the response will be from its critics. The law strips Israels Supreme Court of the power to overturn government actions and appointments it deems unreasonable, which opponents fear is a first step toward gutting the power of an independent judiciary.

Some hard-line members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus governing coalition have said they want to fire the attorney general, a key gatekeeper appointed by the previous government. Its also possible that the government might now attempt to reinstate Aryeh Deri, the ultra-Orthodox lawmaker whose appointment to Mr. Netanyahus cabinet was blocked by the Supreme Court earlier this year.

On the other side of the political divide, leaders of the protest movement, which has held mass rallies for 29 consecutive weeks, have vowed to fight on. The countrys main union is still weighing whether to hold a general strike. Hundreds of leaders from Israels vaunted high-tech industry say theyre considering moving their businesses abroad. And thousands of military reservists have said they will stop turning up for volunteer service.
In these potentially revolutionary moments, its really unclear what courts should do, said Kim Lane Scheppele, a sociologist at Princeton University. There are two theories. One is that the court should strike back hard against the government. But this can risk confirming the perception that the court is out of control. So the other theory is that the court should be cautious and follow the law to show the criticism is exaggerated. And then maybe that makes the government back off.

But in Israel the justices have never faced a challenge from the government like this one.

Mondays bill says the court may no longer use the legal standard of reasonableness to overturn government decisions. It was enacted as an amendment to one of Israels Basic Laws, which the justices have never previously struck down.

Israel was founded in 1948 without a constitution. Ten years later, the Knesset began passing what are known as the Basic Laws, at first to set forth the powers of the countrys governing bodies. Originally, Basic Laws, which can be passed by a simple parliamentary majority, were not necessarily superior to other laws. Then in 1992, the Knesset passed a Basic Law that guaranteed dignity and liberty. Supreme Court Justice Aharon Barak, one of the countrys most influential jurists, proclaimed a constitutional revolution, and the court established the supremacy of the Basic Laws and gave judges more sway to interpret them.
After frenzied days capped by Israeli lawmakers voting to limit judicial power and protesters clashing with police, doctors went on strike on Tuesday, the military tried to stave off resignations and all sides girded for a longer fight over the governments court overhaul.

The far-right governing coalitions plan to weaken the courts has set off months of unrest that threatens to widen Israels social fissures into yawning chasms. Mondays vote in the Parliament enacted the first piece of that program  the stripping of the Supreme Courts ability to block government actions and appointments as unreasonable  prompting an eruption of late-night street protests.

But the next showdown did not begin immediately  the streets were fairly quiet on Tuesday  and may not do so for months. Doctors walked off the job to protest the new law, but just for a day. The umbrella alliance coordinating various protest groups says it will continue to hold weekly demonstrations on Saturday nights, but it is unclear whether Israel will continue to have the kind of mass protests it has seen recently before some new turning point is reached.

People are still trying to figure it out, said Josh Drill, a spokesman for the alliance. Because yesterday was such an intense day, the different groups are still in deliberations, he added.
An Indian man was recently ousted as the cause of frequent power outages in his native village, as he always cut the power in the entire settlement whenever he wanted to see his girlfriend.

For weeks, the people of Ganeshpur, a small village in eastern Bihars Purnia district, had to put up with frequent power outages that only seemed to occur a few hours after sunset. No one seemed to know what was causing the problems, as the power company had not reported any power grid malfunctions, and none of the neighboring villages were dealing with similar issues. Exasperated, many in the villages started paying attention to the time when the outages occurred and came to the conclusion that power always went down after dark. They started to suspect foul play and came up with a plan to investigate

Photo: Travis Grossen/Unsplash

One night, after the electricity went out as it often had over the past weeks, a number of Ganeshpur residents formed a search party and decided to search the village for answers. After combing the streets, they reached the village schoolyard where they discovered two lovers trying to keep their relationship secret. As it turns out, the man, who happened to be an electrician, was so desperate to keep their love a secret that he cut the power for 2-3 hours a night every time they met, just so people wouldnt see them.

After admitting to sabotaging the entire village for weeks, the naughty electrician was reportedly beaten up, then tonsured and paraded through the streets as punishment. Luckily, the story does have a happy ending, sort of. After finding out about their secret romance, the village elders basically forced the two lovers to marry.

The man was married to the girl in the presence of the Sarpanch and other village council members, villager Marar Ram Murmu told Tribune India.

Photo: Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash

The marriage reportedly saved the electrician from legal repercussions, as no charges were filed against him, according to local police officer Vikas Kumar Azad, who said: We have come to know about the incident but will act once we receive a complaint.

Ah, the things we do for love, am I right?
A Chinese farmer who had recently relocated from his rural home to an urban apartment building in Sichuan Province shocked his new neighbors when he started raising seven calves on his balcony.

Imagine living on the upper floors of an urban residential complex and waking up one morning to the mooing of bovines and the smell of manure. That was the shocking experience of hundreds of people in Sichuan Province who were shocked to find that a new neighbor had started raising cattle on his small 5th-floor apartment balcony. The man had recently relocated from a village and had brought seven bovine calves, weighing between 10 and 20 kilograms, with him to raise as pets. Annoyed by the constant mooing and foul smell of the young bovines, many of the residents called the authorities, and the animals were forcefully removed on the first day in their new home.

Videos of the calves on the balcony of the apartment building have been doing the rounds on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, and while most reactions have been humorous, some users pointed out that many of the residents of this particular apartment complex spent their whole lives in rural settings, so growing vegetables and raising animals is all they know.

People there have spent their life living in the countryside, and were used to keeping poultry and planting vegetables in their yards, one person commented.

Interestingly, back in January, some residents of the same apartment complex were complaining that many people were raising noisy chickens in their apartments, creating discomfort for their neighbors.



As for the farmer who brought his young cows with him to the big city, local news outlets report that he has put property management and security guards have been on high alert, as he has repeatedly attempted to sneak the cattle back into his 5th-floor apartment
A young girl from the Indian state of Bihar kept cutting the power in her entire village so she could meet a boy from a rival village without anyone seeing them together.

The people of Bettiah, a village in Bihars West Champaran district, had been on edge for over a week due to the unusual power outages that seemed to occur almost every night. The total darkness created perfect opportunities for thieves, so people appealed to the electricity company to fix their network, but its representatives reported no infrastructure issues. No one could understand what was going on until one night, when some of the locals stood watch in the village and caught a young couple meeting under cover of darkness. It turned out that the local girl, Priti Kumari, had fallen in love with Rajkumar, a young man from a rival village, and she kept cutting the power in the while village to keep the relationship a secret.

Photo: Ross Sneadon/Unsplash

Preeti used to cut off the electricity of the village every night due to which many thefts were reported in the village. We were troubled by that girl, a Bettiah villager told India Today.

A viral video that has been doing the rounds on Indian social media shows a defiant Preeti trying to defend her lover as young men from her village corner and threaten to beat him. Some of them do manage to land a few stick blows on Rajkumar, but according to local media, he managed to get away and then took his revenge on the assailants with the help of friends from his own village.



In the end, in order to avoid further violence and power outages, the people of the two villages decided that the young couple should marry, so their wedding was made official at a local temple.

Preetis strategy to keep her relationship a secret was actually inspired by the idea of an Indian electrician who made news headlines last year for cutting power in his home village to meet his girlfriend in secret.
The Washington Turfgrass Seed Commission wants a partner to run an education and outreach campaign to growers, stakeholders and the general public about the benefits associated with its products.
Qorvis launches and registers its Qorvis GeoPols Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, the firms physical presence in the United Arab Emirates. Following the management buyout and relaunch earlier this year, the establishment of the DMCC hub complements Qorvis Washington, D.C. headquarters and presence in Geneva, Brussels and Riyadh. Its capabilities include capital and financial transaction compliance and transparency solutions, and branded news and premium content, as well as global advocacy, strategic communications, creative and digital services. The new unit will be led by managing partner for the EMEA region Grace Fenstermaker and chief financial officer Ozkan Yilmaz. The strategic expansion positions Qorvis as the premier partner for clients seeking comprehensive solutions at the nexus of capital and influence, says Qorvis chief excutive Matt J. Lauer. The agency has also appointed Jesse Schatz as director in Riyadh.

Jackson Spalding unveils a new brand identity, which includes a reimagined logo and color palette, as well as the relaunch of the agencys website. The agency says that the revamped JacksonSpalding.com was developed with a focus on immediately showcasing the power of the agencys clients, work and team. The new logo, which was created by Jackson Spalding designer and Steely Works founder Brian Steely, is intended to represent collaboration, performance and relationship. Our purpose statement is to cultivate meaningful relationships rooted in mutual respect  within our agency, with our clients and in our communities, said agency co-founder Glen Jackson. Founded in 1995, Jackson Spalding, which works with such clients as The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, Google and, L.L. Bean, has offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles and Athens, GA, in addition to team members located throughout the country.

The Museum of Public Relations elects Renee Edelman, Mara Hedgecoth and Stacey Jones to its board of directors. Edelman, senior VP, archivist & special projects, worked on the Edelman Museum that opened in the firm's new Chicago co-headquarters in fall 2022 to celebrate Edelman's 70th anniversary. She previously served for 25 years as senior media strategist for Edelman's global technology practice. Hedgecoth is APCO Worldwide chief communication and marketing officer, Hedgecoth leading the firms global marketing effort as well as directing brand and global business initiatives on behalf of the agency. Stacey Jones, who most recently led corporate communications at Accenture, is Immediate past president and member of the executive committee of the Institute for Public Relations.
Ron DeSantis

Ron DeSantis has slashed more than a third of his campaign staff (38 people) as his war on woke messaging fails to make inroads with Donald Trump supporters.

Floridas governor has declared war on Disney (the Sunshine States biggest private sector employer), whitewashed slavery, banned books, curbed drag shows and raged against poor immigrants seeking better lives for their families.

Hes more of a bully than a leader.

DeSantis most recent desperate gambit: threatening to sue Anheuser-Busch InBev for its use of transgender social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney in a promotion for Bud Light. That was yesterday's news.

That Mulvaney promo triggered a national boycott that tanked AB InBevs stock price.

DeSantis claims AB InBevs falling stock price hurt Floridas pension system that holds less than $50M of the brewers stock.

He told Fox News that a lawsuit against AB InBev may be in the cards because theres got to be penalties for when you put business aside to focus on your social agenda at the expense of hardworking people.

GOP voters are penalizing DeSantis because he put his social agenda ahead at the expense of trying to make a case about why he should be president of the US.

His pitch that Florida is a place where woke goes to die just doesnt cut it.

A Monmouth University poll released July 25 finds that the Florida governors effort to position himself as a stronger candidate and more effective leader than Trump has failed to connect with GOP voters.

Trump enjoys the support of 75 percent of MAGA supporters, who make up half of the GOP base.

DeSantis only beats Trump by a 47 percent to 39 percent margin among non-MAGA GOPers.

Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, said DeSantis has not made any headway vis-a-vis Trump, despite the number of indictments against the former president.

Trump has successfully pushed a politics of grievance where the system is out to get you, said Murray. In that light, the criminal charges seem to make him an even stronger advocate in the eyes of many Republicans.

Only a quarter of Republicans are very or somewhat concerned that the criminal indictments against Trump make him a weaker candidate against Biden in the general election, according to the Monmouth survey. Almost half (47 percent) are not concerned about the charges.

DeSantis is getting walloped by a 76-year-old guy who may soon be indicted for trying to overthrow the US government.

Time to call it quits, Ron.

What a birdbrain! In clipping the wings of Twitters blue bird logo, Elon Musk is flushing millions of dollars in brand equity down the toilet.

Twitter and its blue bird are global cultural icons. To tweet is part of the English language. To X is a lousy substitute.

Musk paid $44B to acquire Twitter. He has every right to destroy the brand and hope its replacement rises Phoenix-like from the ashes. Will the Phoenix ultimately replace the blue bird?

The Pew Research Center reported in May that a quarter of Twitter users planned to drop the platform over the next year.

The shift to X may hasten their exit.

Kudos to governor Greg Abbott. The Texan sure got a lot of PR mileage from the 1,000-ft. barbed wire barrier that he ordered to be placed in the 1,254-mile long Rio Grande.

Abbott refused a Justice Dept. request to voluntarily remove the buoys, which resulted in a lawsuit against the Lone Star State. The governor is pure grandstanding.

In his July 24 letter to Biden, Abbott urged the president to enforce immigration laws to protect Americans from the deadly flow of fentanyl, cartel violence and the horrors of human trafficking.

In scapegoating illegal immigrants for Americas fentanyl crisis, Abbott took a lot of liberty with the facts.

The US Sentencing Commission reports that more than 90 percent of fentanyl seizures occur at legal crossing points or interior vehicle checkpoints, not on illegal migration routes so US citizens, who are subject to less scrutiny, when crossing legally are the best smugglers.

Just 0.02 percent of the people arrested by Border Patrol for crossing illegally possessed fentanyl.

Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro said Abbotts barbaric border security is designed to serve red meat to right-wing extremists.

Castro may have inadvertently inspired Abbott's next move, stocking the Rio Grande with alligators.
It was a much quieter week this time with all our top dogs limiting their racing to trialling in preparation for the Boylesports Irish Derby which is getting underway on Friday. Special trial dates had been organised and all the top trainers are taking advantage of these getting in some valuable preparation for the world's most valuable stake. The highlight of the week was the second round of the Bar One Racing Irish National Sprint in Dundalk where there was a big Offaly interest. There were numerous other less valuable stakes up for grabs around the tracks as well as some very classy Faithful County winners.



Early Week Racing



Thursday, Shelbourne Park, in the first round of the RCETS ON1 Open Unraced Stake, this much sought after contest is always of the highest order, with some classicly bred pups all vying for a winners cheque of 10k. This stake was won last year by Trinity Junior for Edenderry owner Jimmy Slevin who earlier this month won the Boylesports Champions Skakes and is short priced to lift the Derby trophy. Six heats went to traps, all won in fast times. The bar was set highest by Grouchos Duke for John Byrne in 29.23 by three lengths at 4/6 fav.



Rathangan trainer Robert Gleeson had a double with Droopys Tico in 28.36 and Droopys Mandolin in 28.66.



One Offaly winner, in heat six, Mbappe showed a lot of pace when winning for Edenderry owner Paul Hanlon when getting into all sorts of bother and yet winning in 28.79 by three lengths at 1/1 fav with County Down trainer Brendan Mathews at the helm.

Friday Racing



Newbridge, in the final of the NTSC A4 sweepstake, the 1.4K first prize went to trainer Eric Thorpe as Black Emperor (Lenson Rocky - Moynevilla Lady) proved too good for his rivals by two lengths at 2/1 in 28.85.



Saturday Racing



Curraheen Park, Cork, in the semifinals of the Denis Murphy Memorial A2 525, Naughty Naughty won the first for Jack and Lillian McGann in 28.74 (10 fast) by a head at 7/4. The second heat was won in a faster 28.30 (10 fast) by Da Dapper Flynn for Pat Kiely by six lengths at 4/5 fav.



In Dundalk, in the second round of the Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup, eight heats with some sensational clocks being done. Fastest of the eight was Who Have I for Michael ODonovan in 20.94 by six lengths. Next fastest was antipost favourite to win this trophy Get It Right for Navan trainer Oliver Bray in 20.97 by seven lengths. Another to catch the eye was Hawkfield Ava for Keeley McGee, who stopped the clock in 21.05, with Carrick Aldo only a length behind for Edenderry owner Thomas Glynn with David Murray training. All other Offaly dogs were sadly eliminated.



Limerick hosted a decent card with the highlight the final of the John Mitchell Memorial A3 cup. The 4.5k first place pot went to Rattlefence (Droopys Jet - Paper Doll) and trainer Paraic Campion in 28.59 by one length at 6/4. This was Rattlefench tenth career win and has now amassed over 9k in winning prize money. Ballinabola Una was second for Pat Buckley and received a cheque for 1.4K.



Two Offaly winners in Mullingar, in an S2 400 yard sprint. So Its Wild was first back in kennels for Birr owner Paul Pardy in 21.96 (50 slow) by three lengths at 2/1 with Vincent McKenna training.



In an A3 525, April winner of an ON3 unraced stake Uncle Baldy was back in the winners enclosure for Cappincur owners Charlie Colgan and the Glafo Syndicate in a career best run of 29.53 (50 slow) by an ever extending eleven lengths at even money favourite.



Sunday Racing



No Offaly winner at the matinee meeting in Mullingar which is certainly a rarity.

Upcoming Events



Thursday, quarter-finals of the RCETS Open unraced stake in Shelbourne.



Friday and Saturday, first round of the much anticipated Boylesports Irish Derby, with twelve heats on both nights. Also on Saturday, final of the Denis Murphy Memorial in Cork and quarterfinals of the National Sprint in Dundalk.



Tribune Offaly dog of the week



Mbappe gets the vote this week after winning his heat of the RCETS Open Unraced Stake in Shelbourne on Thursday in 28.79 for Edenderry owner Paul Hanlon.



Offaly Winners



Just three Offaly winners this week. Well done to all involved in any way.
A 37-year-old Romanian national was granted bail at a special sitting of Tipperary District Court in Nenagh on Monday morning in relation to the discovery of an alleged imitation firearm on board a train near Templemore last Friday.

Emil Barchesan, with an address at 1 Clarinwood, Rathmore, county Kerry, has been charged under the Firearms Act. There was no Garda objection to bail.

Judge Elizabeth MacGrath granted Mr Barchesan bail on a number of conditions, including that he surrender his travel documents and not apply for any other travel documents.

Sgt Thomas Hanrahan of Thurles Garda Station told the court that the Gardai had no objection to him going to Romania for two weeks on holidays, providing that on his return he reside in Rathmore and sign on at Millstreet Garda Station once a week.

He is also to provide a phone contact and be contactable by the gardai.

Judge MacGrath set bail in his own bond of 500, with an independent surety of 300 in cash to be lodged in the court.

She adjourned the matter to Thurles District Court to September 6, 2023.
AN Offaly student has secured her place among Ireland's best dressed debutantes, 2023.

Sophie Buckley (18) from Tullamore, was chosen last Thursday, July 20, at the Sacred Heart Secondary School Tullamore, debutantes ball in Dunboyne Castle, County Meath.

During the ball Sophie was approached by Debs Ireland and told she was the best dressed that night.

"I was delighted said Sophie. It was so beautiful seeing all the fabulous SHS girls in their finery; as we all celebrated the great occasion together.

I am very grateful to Debs Ireland for choosing me and to each and everyone who has supported me so far said Sophie.

Sophie now needs all your votes to be in with a chance of being in the top ten finalists of Irelands best dressed debutantes.

How to vote for Sophie

Go to https://www.debsireland.com/bestdressed/ and cast your vote for Sophie Buckley.

Please share the link with your family and friends everywhere and to make a special effort to vote for Sophie!

Votes from all counties greatly appreciated, in supporting my dream of making it to the final 10, and doing County Offaly proud!
A Look Back At Prime Ministers Ousted by No-Confidence Motions

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

The Opposition alliance, Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), has taken the decision to introduce a no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha, according to Trinamool Congress (TMC) functionaries. The move came in response to the ongoing deadlock in the Parliament, with the first three days of the monsoon session being washed out due to INDIA grouping lawmakers insisting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement regarding the ethnic violence in Manipur.

This will be the first no-confidence motion to be moved in the Lok Sabha over the last 20 years. Here's a look at three other developments of the kind that resulted in the dismissal of political regimes over the years.

VP Singh (1990):

VP Singh, a Janata Dal politician, held the prime minister's post from 1989 to 1990. His National Front coalition government relied on support from Left parties and the right-wing BJP to keep the Congress out of power. However, the government's survival was short-lived as the BJP withdrew its support over the Ram temple issue, leading to the government's defeat in a no-confidence motion on November 10, 1990. VP Singh promptly resigned as the prime minister, losing the confidence motion by a vote of 142 to 346 in the Lok Sabha, with eight abstentions. His government required 261 votes to stay in power.

Deve Gowda (1997):

After the 1996 general elections, the Janata Dal leader Deve Gowda became the prime minister when no party secured enough seats to form a government. On June 1, 1996, he was chosen to lead the United Front coalition government with Congress support, becoming the 11th prime minister of India. However, just 10 months later, the Congress, led by Sitaram Kesri, withdrew its support, leading to Gowda's fall. On April 11, 1997, a no-confidence motion was put forth, and Gowda's 13-party coalition managed to secure only 158 out of the 545 seats in the Lok Sabha.

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Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1999):

The veteran BJP leader, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, faced two no-confidence motions during his tenure as prime minister. The first motion resulted in his government's defeat by a single vote on April 17, 1999, after the AIADMK, led by Jayalalithaa, withdrew its support. Other factors contributing to his defeat included the Bahujan Samaj Party's unexpected decision to vote against the government and the rebellion of National Conference MP Saifuddin Soz. Nonetheless, Vajpayee's political journey was not over. A few months later, he led the BJP back to power.

In 2003, when the Opposition brought another no-confidence motion against his government, it won by a decisive majority of 312 to 186 votes. During the no-confidence motion, the NDA secured a total of 312 votes, while the Opposition managed to gather 186 votes. Notably, J Jayalalithaa's AIADMK from Tamil Nadu and Farooq Abdullah's National Conference from Jammu and Kashmir abstained from voting. On the other hand, Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party voted in favor of the government.

In 2018, the no-confidence motion moved by YRSCP against the Narendra Modi-led government couldn't be taken due to disruptions.

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Story first published: Tuesday, July 25, 2023, 13:48 [IST]
Caught On Cam: MP Revenue Staffer Swallows Bribe Money On Spotting Lokayukta Officials

India

oi-PTI

A patwari of the revenue department in Katni in Madhya Pradesh on Monday allegedly swallowed money he had taken as a bribe after spotting a team of the Lokayukta's Special Police Establishment (SPE), an official said.

The incident occurred when patwari Gajendra Singh received Rs 5000 as a bribe in his private office as part of a trap, SPE Superintendent of Police Sanjay Sahu said.

"A man from Barkheda village had complained to us claiming Singh was seeking a bribe. After he received the money, the patwari spotted the SPE team and swallowed the money. He was rushed to a hospital where doctors said he was fine," the official said.

In a bizarre incident, a Patwari chewed-swallowed Rs 4500 cash taken as bribe from a farmer on seeing team of anti-corruption sleuths rush to nab him with the bribe money in MP's Katni district on Monday. @NewIndianXpress@TheMornStandard@santwana99@Shahid_Faridi_ pic.twitter.com/5lfNoF3PwN  Anuraag Singh (@anuraag_niebpl) July 24, 2023

A case has been registered against him and further probe was underway, the SP said.

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Story first published: Tuesday, July 25, 2023, 18:21 [IST]
Indian Mujahideen, PFI Also Uses INDIA Name: PM Modi Slams Opposition As Directionless

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

During a parliamentary meet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Opposition parties, labeling them as "directionless." He expressed his astonishment, stating that he has never seen such a lack of focus and unity among the opposition.

Touching upon the name "INDIA," PM Modi said that simply usurping the name doesn't hold any significance. He drew parallels to historical instances where the term "India" was used, pointing out the East India Company's association with it and its presence in the name of the Indian Mujahideen.

PM Modi further remarked that the opposition appears scattered and desperate. He questioned their commitment to holding power for an extended period, suggesting that their attitude indicates a lack of desire to remain in power for the long term.

PM Modi To Inaugurate Redeveloped ITPO Complex On July 26: Details Here

He expressed confidence that the BJP will come to power after the 2024 polls with people's support, asserting that India will become the third largest economy in his government's next tenure.

With opposition parties rallying around the name of their alliance 'INDIA', Modi hit back at them saying it is just an attempt to mislead people, sources said.

He took names of several organisations with the name of 'India' to make the point that merely having such a term in their nomenclature does not change anything, the sources said. As many as 26 opposition parties have launched the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) to take on the BJP-led NDA in the Lok Sabha elections next year.

Modi said the opposition was frustrated and disappointed and its conduct shows that it has made up its mind to remain in the opposition.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said the prime minister told the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting that the conduct of the opposition has been such that it has decided to stay in opposition.

BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri said the prime minister said even those wanting to break the country had names like East India Company and Indian Mujahideen, but people will not be misled by these gimmicks.

Former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said Modi told BJP leaders that Indian National Congress and East India Company were founded by foreign nationals.

Other leaders attending the meeting said the prime minister remarked that there was never such an aimless and directionless opposition in the country.
Let Anju Die There: Father Of Indian Woman After She Went To Pakistan To Meet Her FB Friend

India

oi-Prakash KL

The father of the Indian woman who went to Pakistan to meet her Facebook friend has said that she is as good as dead to him for ditching her family.

"The way she ran away leaving her two children and husband behind.... she did not even think of her children. If she wanted to do this, she should have divorced her husband first. She is no more (alive) for us," PTI quoted her father Gaya Prasad Thomas as saying.

On asking about Anju getting converted to Islam to marry the Pakistani, Thomas said he has no information about it. "What will happen to her children, her husband? Who will take care of her children - 13-year-old girl and five-year-old boy? She has ruined the future of her children and the husband. Who will take care of her kids....We will have to do it," he asked.

Thomas also made it clear that he has no plans to appeal to the Indian government to bring her back. "I pray...to let her die there," he added.

Speaking to reporters at Bouna village in the Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh, Thomas revealed that he was not on talking terms with his daughter and she only spoke to her mother.

Video: Indian girl #Anju with her Pakistani friend Nasrullah Khan in his home district Dir pic.twitter.com/jJJaCmxq1U  Naimat Khan (@NKMalazai) July 25, 2023

"I don't know how she got the passport, when she got the visa," he said.

When questioned about speculations suggesting a connection to the incident due to his village's proximity to Tekanpur town, which houses a major unit of the Border Security Force (BSF), Thomas strongly refuted the notion.

"No one raised any such issue with us. Only you (media) are raising this question. My kids have no criminal tendencies. I am ready to have any probe in the matter," he said.

On Monday, Thomas had described his daughter as "mentally disturbed and eccentric."

On the other hand, Anju's husband Arvind told the media in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan that she left home on Thursday on the pretext of going to Jaipur but later the family came to know that she was in Pakistan. He said he was hopeful that she would return home.

The 34-year-old Indian woman left for Pakistan days ago to meet a man named Nasrullah. They had been in touch since 2019 through Facebook. Reports claimed that they tied the knot earlier in the day after she converted to Islam and changed her name to Fatima.

In the latest interview, Anju and her friend denied the reports of tying the knot.
Yamuna Water Level Going Down, Nothing To Worry About, Says Delhi Minister

Heavy Rains Likely in Delhi for Next Few Days, Yamuna River Crosses Danger Mark

Locals Evacuated As The Water Level Of Yamuna River Crossed Danger Mark

India

oi-Sushmita Halder

The continuous release of a large amount of water from the Hathnikund Barrage into the Yamuna following heavy rain in parts of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh led to a rise of water level above the danger mark of 206.56 metres.

As a result, the working of the old Yamuna bridge (Old Loha Pul) was suspended on Sunday as announced by the Northern Railway.

As per the officials, a 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. The administration also urged people to vacate the low-lying areas of the national capital.

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.

"Water entered some houses in the low-lying areas...as 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," Additional Commissioner of Police, Sureshrao Kulkarni said.

As the water level in the Yamuna River breaches danger mark, Delhi Jal Board Vice-Chairman Saurabh Bhardwaj on Sunday inspected the Wazirabad Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and said that the Delhi government has made embankments and reinforcement at vulnerable spots to prevent flood water entering the water treatment plants.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy to very heavy rain in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand till July 25.

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Story first published: Tuesday, July 25, 2023, 9:51 [IST]
Manipur Violence: SC Sets Up Panel Of 3 Former HC Judges To Look Into Relief, Rehabilitation

Manipur Violence: Mother Of Rape-Murder Victim Makes A Shocking Claim

India

oi-Sushmita Halder

Manipur is set on fire after the two Kuki women were brutally raped and murdered by the mob. People rage in anger at the ongoing situation in Manipur. The mother of one of the deceased still hopes to see her daughter back.

Two women aged 21 and 24 were kidnapped, raped, and brutally murdered. The mother of one of the deceased filed a complaint on May 5th, but the FIR got registered by the police on May 16.

According to the mother of the deceased, her daughter used to work at a car wash facility and lived with another woman in a rented house.

It was amid the violence when the mother tried calling her daughter but failed to connect. Later, a Meitei woman answered the phone and asked her if she wanted her daughter alive or dead. She then hung up the phone.

A copy of the FIR revealed that the miscreants, allegedly members of various organizations including the Meitei Youth Organisation, were booked under various sections of the IPC, including 302 (murder), 375 (rape), and 366 (kidnapping).

The victim's mother said that after she received the news of her daughter's death, their village was attacked and burned. Her family had to flee to the forest and then started living in a relief camp.

Over 150 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 (ST) status.

Tensions further mounted in the hill state on July 19, after a May 4 video surfaced on social video platforms, showing two women being paraded naked by dozens of men.

However, Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh has claimed that only one incident of rape has been reported, apparently referring to the sexual assault of one of the survivors seen in the viral video.

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Story first published: Tuesday, July 25, 2023, 15:58 [IST]
Married Indian Woman Anju Converts to Islam And Weds Pakistani Facebook Friend

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

In a dramatic turn of events, an Indian woman named Anju embarked on a legal journey to a remote village in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where she subsequently converted to Islam and married her Pakistani lover, Nasrullah. Now known as Fatima after her conversion, the couple's union was solemnized in a nikah ceremony at the district courts in Upper Dir. They even released a video titled 'Anju weds Nasrullah,' which showcases their affectionate moments as they explore scenic mountainous spots in the region.

Confirming the nikah of Fatima (formerly Anju) aged 35, and Nasrullah, aged 29, Malakand Division Deputy Inspector General Nasir Mehmood Satti disclosed that she has embraced the name Fatima after her conversion. Due to security concerns, the woman was escorted to her new in-law's home under police protection.

Interestingly, the turn of events occurred just after Fatima (previously Anju) had claimed that she had no intentions of marrying Nasrullah and would return to India when her visa expired on August 20. Even Nasrullah himself denied any love affair between them in an interview with news agency PTI, stating that they had no plans of getting married. He mentioned that Anju was on a visit to Pakistan, and after her visa expired, she would return to her country. In the meantime, she resided in a separate room of his home, accompanied by other female members of his family.

An #Indian Christian girl, #Anju (after converting to Islam she is Fatima now) has married to her Pakistani friend, 29-year old Nasrullah in Dir Upper in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Both developed friendship on social media & she arrived in #Pakistan a few days ago. pic.twitter.com/cC312JfeMk  Mushtaq Yusufzai (@MYusufzai) July 25, 2023

It's important to note that prior to her journey to Pakistan, Anju was already married in India to a man named Arvind, who lives in Rajasthan. He anxiously awaited her return, and they have two children together, a 15-year-old daughter and a six-year-old son.

Anju's father previously described her as "mentally disturbed and eccentric," but he denied any involvement in an affair. He also expressed concern that she had gone to Pakistan without informing anyone, which he considered wrong.

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Story first published: Tuesday, July 25, 2023, 17:09 [IST]
No Plans for Marriage, Will Return Soon: Indian Woman Clarifies Her Visit to Pakistan

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Anju, a 34-year-old married woman from Uttar Pradesh residing in Rajasthan's Alwar, traveled to Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to meet her 29-year-old Facebook friend, Nasrulla. The two had connected on social media about three years ago.

Anju did not inform anyone about her travel plans to the Islamic country, but she assured that she would be returning home within the next 2 to 4 days, as reported by India Today. She emphasized that her decision to visit Pakistan was of her own accord, and she feels safe in the hilly region.

Contrary to media reports, Anju stated that her trip to Pakistan was for sightseeing and to attend a wedding, and she had followed proper legal procedures for her visit. She explicitly mentioned that she has no intentions of marrying Nasrulla.

Indian Woman Anju Travels To Pak To Meet Her Facebook Friend; Denies Any Love Angle

Anju revealed that she wanted to separate from her husband due to their strained relationship from the beginning and that her primary concern was her children. She disclosed that she has known Nasrulla for the past 2 to 3 years, and she had informed her mother and sister about him right from the start.

Nasrulla also confirmed that Anju is on a visit to Pakistan, and they have no plans to marry. He stated that Anju's visa is set to expire on August 20, after which she will return to her country. While in Pakistan, Anju is staying in a separate room in Nasrulla's home with other female family members.

Initially, Anju was held in custody by the Pakistan police, but after verifying her travel documents, she was released. On the Indian side, a team of Rajasthan police visited her house in Bhiwadi to inquire about her after media reports surfaced.

Andhra Woman Cuts Husband's Genitals For Watching Ex-Wife's Video On Instagram

Notably, Anju's story bears some similarities to the case of Seema Ghulam Haider, a Pakistani woman who sneaked into India to be with her Facebook friend and eventually married him in Nepal. Noida Police has sent recovered documents from Seema Haider to the Pakistan embassy in Delhi for identity verification.

The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of the Uttar Pradesh Police has questioned Seema and her Indian partner Sachin along with Sachin's father, Netrapal Singh, following which various items were recovered from Haider, including passports and identity cards.

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Story first published: Tuesday, July 25, 2023, 9:29 [IST]
India Would Not Have Been Partitioned If Netaji Was There: NSA Ajit Doval

NSA Doval Meets Top Chinese Diplomat Wang Yi, Calls For Removal Of 'Impediments' In Bilateral Ties

India

oi-PTI

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held a meeting with top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi during which he emphasised the need for continuing efforts to restore peace and tranquillity in the border areas to remove the "impediments" to normalcy in bilateral relations. Doval and Wang met on the sidelines of the Friends of BRICS meeting here in South Africa on Monday.

During their meeting, Doval conveyed that the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Western Sector of the India-China boundary since 2020 had eroded strategic trust and the public and political basis of the relationship, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

He emphasised the "importance of continuing efforts to fully resolve the situation and restore peace and tranquillity in the border areas, so as to remove impediments to normalcy in bilateral relations," the statement said.

The two sides agreed that the India-China bilateral relationship is significant not only for the two countries but also for the region and world, it said. The meeting came days after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Wang, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in the Indonesian capital Jakarta, and discussed outstanding issues relating to peace and tranquillity in border areas.

India has been locked in a military standoff with China for more than three years, with Jaishankar describing it to be the most complex challenge in his long diplomatic career.

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Ajit Doval addresses the LAC situation in meeting with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi | Oneindia News

NSA Ajit Doval Calls For Collective Steps To Overcome Cybersecurity Challenges

India has maintained that the bilateral relationship cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border area. Wang during the meeting with Doval said the two sides should enhance strategic mutual trust, focus on consensus and cooperation, overcome obstacles and bring bilateral relations back on track of sound and stable development as soon as possible, China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Wang stressed that China will never seek hegemony, and stands ready to work with developing countries, including India, to support multilateralism and the democratisation of international relations, and promote the more just and equitable development of international order.

Earlier on Monday, Doval called for collective efforts to deal with challenges emanating from cybersecurity at the Friends of BRICS meeting. The NSA also held several bilaterals with his counterparts from and Friends of BRICS countries. South Africa is hosting the BRICS Summit next month. BRICS is a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

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Story first published: Tuesday, July 25, 2023, 13:10 [IST]
Manipur Violence: SC Sets Up Panel Of 3 Former HC Judges To Look Into Relief, Rehabilitation

Over 700 Myanmar Nationals Enter Manipur In 2 Days, Govt Seeks Reply from Assam Rifles

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

The Manipur government has demanded a comprehensive report from the Assam Rifles regarding the entry of over 718 Myanmar nationals, including 301 children, into India without proper travel documents. This occurred over a span of just two days, between July 22 and 23.

Manipur's Chief Secretary, Vineet Joshi, communicated to the Assam Rifles that the state government had previously instructed them, as the border guarding force, to take stringent action to prevent the entry of Myanmar nationals into Manipur without valid visas or travel documents, in accordance with the Ministry of Home Affairs' instructions.

The Assam Rifles had informed the Deputy Commissioner of Chandel district that 718 fresh refugees crossed the Indo-Myanmar border and entered Manipur through Chandel district on July 23, due to ongoing clashes at Khampat.

State Govt sought a detailed report from Assam Rifles authority to clarify the facts and compelling circumstances as to why and how these 718 Myanmar nationals were allowed to enter in Chandel district of Manipur, India without proper travel documents. pic.twitter.com/BPK5Dyh18X  Delhi Meitei Forum (@delhimeitei) July 24, 2023

What Is It That Cong, Oppn Want To Hide On Manipur Violence: BJP On Parliament Logjam

The Manipur government requested a detailed report from the Assam Rifles to clarify the facts and reasons behind allowing these 718 Myanmar nationals to enter India without proper travel documents. Additionally, they urged the authorities to push back these illegal entrants promptly. The Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police in Chandel District were also advised to oversee the implementation of this and to keep biometric data and photographs of all such individuals.

In the meantime, Manipur Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with a "fake news" item. The video, showing the killing of a woman by armed men in Myanmar, was falsely described as an incident in Manipur, and it was being circulated to incite unrest. The police are actively working to apprehend those responsible for spreading this fake news.

Tensions have escalated in the hills of Manipur since May 3 due to ethnic violence. The state witnessed a "Tribal Solidarity March" on May 4, organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. This led to more than 160 fatalities and several injuries. The Manipur Police have already arrested seven individuals in connection with the incident.

To provide some context, Manipur's population comprises approximately 53% Meiteis, mostly residing in the Imphal Valley, and 40% tribals (Nagas and Kukis), residing in the hill districts.
Ooredoo, Zain and UAE-based tower firm TASC Tower Holding entered talks to combine their tower assets and create the largest tower company in the MENA region.

In a statement, the companies said in a joint statement that combined they have approximately 30,000 telecommunication towers across Qatar, Kuwait, Algeria, Tunisia, Iraq and Jordan  all of which will be managed in a new jointly owned independent tower firm, in a cash and share deal.

The next steps will involve all parties negotiating exclusively with the aim to sign a deal in Q3 this year.

Qatar-based Ooredoo and Kuwaits Zain Group will keep their respective active infrastructure including wireless antennas, intelligent software and intellectual property to manage their networks.

The companies said the deal will create an uplift for shareholders of Ooredoo and Zain through a more efficient capital structure."

Ooredoos tower footprint in Oman will follow a standalone process.

Reuters reported last year that Ooredoo was in advanced negotiations to sell off domestic and international towers. Operators globally have been divesting passive assets such as towers to fund capital-intensive coverage deployment.
Thalapathy Vijay Likely To Meet Poll Strategist Prashant Kishor To Launch His Own Political Party?

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Actor Vijay is reportedly planning to meet with political strategist Prashant Kishore in the near future, as sources close to him have informed Oneindia.

In the 2021 rural local body elections in Tamil Nadu, candidates associated with Vijay's "Vijay Makkal Iyakkam" (People's Movement) participated. As it was a rural election, they contested independently, campaigning under the Vijay Makkal Iyakkam flag and featuring Vijay's photo. They fielded candidates for a total of 169 seats, including District Panchayat Councillor, Panchayat Union Councillor, Panchayat President, and Panchayat Councillor positions.

While the Vijay Makkal Iyakkam did not succeed in winning any district councilor and panchayat union councilor posts, many of their leaders were victorious in the elections for Panchayat President and Panchayat Councillor roles. A total of 77 candidates from Vijay Makkal Iyakkam emerged victorious in this rural local body election, contesting independently.

Notably, actor Vijay recently rewarded students who achieved top marks in their 12th and 10th class exams. He met 1,500 students and presented them with incentives and special gifts during a grand gathering held at a private venue in Chennai. This education fund distribution ceremony was organized by the All India Vijay Makkal Iyakkam.

Actor Vijay Sethupathis comment about Government schools becoming corporate schools!!!!

Furthermore, there are speculations that Vijay is considering transforming his fan base into a group of volunteers and converting his fan club into a political party. Reports suggest that he will engage with his fans more frequently, seek their input, and establish booth committees at the district level. It is believed that he is planning to enter politics in the near future. As part of this plan, actor Vijay is expected to meet with political consultant Prashant Kishore to seek advice on various aspects, including the party's foundation, setting up booth committees, and potential participation in the Lok Sabha elections. A confidential meeting between the two is anticipated to take place soon.

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Story first published: Tuesday, July 25, 2023, 15:41 [IST]
We Haven't Married: Pakistani Man On Reports Of Tying Knot To Indian Woman Anju

India

oi-Prakash KL

Pakistan man Nasrullah has denied the reports of marrying Indian woman Anju, who travelled to his country to meet him.

In an interview with India Today, he said that it is a false report and they did not tie the knot.

On asking why they went to a court, he said, "We appeared before the court because we were in danger and went before the court to request security. The government has also provided us with the security of 50 police officers because Anju is a foreigner."

He said that her life is in danger and might be attacked any time. He stated, "There are different kinds of people here. We want to protect her, which is why we appeared before the court."

He also clarified that the marriage certificate picture doing rounds is fake.

Nasrullah stated that Anju wore a burqa while entering the court so that nobody recognises her. He then claimed that the Indian woman is her "best friend" who wanted to see his country.

Talking about her marriage, the Pakistani stated that her divorce process is underway. When asked whether he would tie the knot after her divorce, he said, "That's her decision. If she says so, then I will. But for now, she is going back to India."

Anju herself clarified that she has not married him. She said, "Yes. There is nothing like that. We just went outside for sightseeing, and that is all. Rumours are made up, but we did not get married."

Earlier in the day, there were widespread reports that their marriage was solemnised at a local court. "Nasrullah and Anju's marriage was solemnised today and a proper nikkah was performed after she converted to Islam," a senior officer at Moharrar City Police Station in Upper Dir district Muhammad Wahab told PTI.

According to a report in PTI, Anju told the court that she has willingly come to Pakistan and is very happy. On the other hand, her husband in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan claimed that she left home on Thursday on the pretext of going to Jaipur but later the family came to know that she was in Pakistan.

Anju is married to Arvind, who is in Rajasthan. They have a 15-year-old daughter and a six-year-old son. Anju travelled to Pakistan legally from India via the Wagah-Attari border.
Who Was Geetika Sharma? Know About The Infamous 2012 Air Hostess Suicide Case

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Geetika Sharma, a former air hostess with former Haryana leader Gopal Kanda's aviation firm MDLR airlines, tragically took her own life by hanging herself from a ceiling fan at her father's home in northwest Delhi on August 5, 2012. The airlines had suspended its operations in 2009.

In her heart-wrenching two-page suicide note, Geetika Sharma pointed to harassment by Gopal Kanda and one of his employees, Aruna Chadha, as the reasons behind her decision. Aruna Chadha was subsequently arrested on August 8.

The Delhi Police investigation revealed that Geetika had terminated her pregnancies, and Aruna Chadha was aware of these circumstances.

Initially, Gopal Kanda was also booked for rape, but this charge was dropped when the Delhi High Court granted him bail in 2014 for the abetment to suicide case.

The 23-year-old former air hostess, who had left Kanda's company, took such a drastic step due to the "continual mental harassment" she experienced from the minister. Geetika's ordeal continued even after she joined Emirates Airlines in Dubai, as revealed in her old e-mails to the airline.

Delhi Court Acquits Former Haryana MLA Gopal Kanda In Air Hostess Geetika Sharma's Suicide Case

In one email, Geetika expressed her desire to start anew and escape the harassment she faced. However, in another email on the same day, she revealed being under immense stress and pressure. Eventually, she resigned from Emirates, citing personal issues to be resolved in India.

In her suicide note, Geetika squarely blamed Gopal Goyal Kanda, the MDLR group boss and former Haryana minister, for driving her to such a tragic end. She described him as a fraud, a person who deceives and harasses others under the guise of relationships, trust, and even God. Geetika deeply regretted having placed her trust in him, which she believed cost her life.

Six months later, Geetika Sharma's mother also allegedly died by suicide, and Gopal Kanda was once again accused of abetment to suicide. The case remained shrouded in sadness and controversy, leaving many seeking justice for the young woman's untimely and devastating end.

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Story first published: Tuesday, July 25, 2023, 11:25 [IST]
Children In China Can Only Use Smartphone For 2 Hours A Day: Beijing To Limit Internet Addiction

Wang Yi Replaces Qin Gang As China's Foreign Minister

International

oi-Prakash KL

Qin Gang has been removed as the Foreign Minister of China and he has been replaced by his predecessor Wang Yi.

"China's top legislature convened a session on Tuesday to review a draft criminal law amendment and a decision on official appointment and removal. Qin Gang has been removed from his position as Foreign Minister and Wang Yi has been appointed as Foreign Minister," ANI quoted China's Global Times in a tweet.

The announcement comes one month since Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang was last seen, with China's government saying he was off for unspecified health reasons.

It was approved at a meeting of the Standing Committee of China's rubber-stamp legislature, the National People's Congress, which usually gathers at the end of the month, according to a report in PTI.

57-year-old Qin, who is known to be close to President Xi Jinping, was appointed as the Foreign Minister in December after a brief stint as an envoy to the United States.

During the American diplomat's visit to Beijing in mid-June, he played a crucial part in the efforts to stabilize the rocky ties and restore communication between the US and China. This included a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

He has missing from the public since June 25. A swirl of speculations started doing rounds after he missed an international diplomatic summit in Indonesia. However, his ministry later said he was off work for unspecified health reasons.

69-year-old Wang has retaken the role he held between 2018 and 2022.
Children In China Can Only Use Smartphone For 2 Hours A Day: Beijing To Limit Internet Addiction

Why China Fired Qin Gang As Its Foreign Minister?

International

oi-Prakash KL

China has fired its Foreign Minister Qin Gang from office and replaced him with his predecessor, Wang Yi.

In its announcement on the national evening news, state broadcaster CCTV on gave no reason for Qin's removal. Qin dropped out of sight almost a month ago and the Foreign Ministry has provided no information about his status.

This aligns with the ruling Communist Party's typical approach to handling personnel matters in a highly opaque political system, where media and free speech are significantly restricted. The ministry refrained from commenting on this during its daily briefing on Tuesday.

Why Qin Gang Is Fired As Foreign Minister?

Although the government has not cited the reason for firing Qin Gang as the Foreign Minister, there have been plenty of speculations over his absence. From health issues to having an extra-marital affair, all sorts of speculations have been linked to him in the last one month.

Among many rumours, what was widely speculated on the internet was his alleged affair with Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV personality Fu Xiaotian with whom he reportedly has a child.

The pictures of the journalist with her infant are doing rounds on social media even as netizens have raised questions to reveal the identity of its father. . It may be recalled that she had wished Qin on his birthday after he was promoted into the Communist Party's Central Committee.

However, since April 10, when she posted pictures from a luxury private jet en route to Beijing while in Los Angeles, there has been no communication from the journalist who was educated at Cambridge University.

"This lead to all sorts of speculation that this was an extramarital affair," News.com.au quoted prominent analyst Bill Bishop as saying in his podcast.

The woman posted the photos of her baby from a $A90,000-a-month California mansion, he said. "And this was a child born out of wedlock in the US, which means it's eligible for a US passport."

"That's not something a TV anchor would be able to afford," Bishop added.

"So somebody was paying for these flights." However, it has to be noted that Qin Gang is a married man and has a son.

Despite these speculations, it is still unclear whether he paid a price for his alleged affair.
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Elnur Enveroglu

In recent years, there have been many official and unofficial reports on the human rights problem in Armenia. More widespread of them are suicide, political persecution, and the intolerable conditions of forced military service. In general, more deaths have been observed in Armenia during the last 2 years, a large percentage of which are related to chaotic incidents in military service, and most importantly, the humiliating defeat in the Second Karabakh War. It should be noted that most of the obtained facts refer to noncombat conditions.

Thus, human rights nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) continued to express concerns over noncombat deaths in the army and the failure of law enforcement bodies to conduct credible investigations into those deaths. According to civil society organizations and victims families, the practice of qualifying many noncombat deaths as suicides at the onset of investigations made it less likely that abuses would be uncovered and investigated. And as to human rights lawyers, the biggest obstacle to investigation of military deaths was the destruction or nonpreservation of key evidence, both by the military command (in cases of internal investigations) and by the specific investigation body working on a case.

Besides, the human rights NGOs say that the governments lack of transparency in reporting on military deaths, whether classified as combat or noncombat, led to public distrust of official information in this sphere.

As regards the human rights violations and facts of death in military service, on August 19, the Ministry of Defense reported that three conscripts had been found dead with gunshot wounds at a military post in the West Zangazur (southeastern Syunik) region.

Later that day the ministry announced the arrest of a soldier on suspicion of murder. On August 23, the Investigative Committee reported the arrest of the post commander, who was suspected of "inciting the unlawful intentional killing of servicemen and committing violent sexual acts against a serviceman." According to civil society, the murders were indicative of years of official failure to act on multiple watchdog reports of discipline problems, impunity, and corruption inside the army.

Another fact is related to Armenian Aghhajanyan, who was killed while in prison. It is noted that there was no progress in the investigation into the 2018 death of Aghajanyan, who was found hanged in the Nubarashen National Center for supposedly mental health where he had been transferred from Nubarashen Penitentiary for a psychological assessment. His family believed Aghajanyan was killed to prevent his identification of penitentiary guards who beat and tortured him prior to his transfer to the hospital. The investigation into Aghajanyans alleged suicide was suspended for the third time on March 3. One of the attackers in Aghajanyans torture case, Major Armen Hovhannisyan, was initially charged with torture and falsification of documents, but the trial court requalified his actions as exceeding official authority and released him on the basis of a 2018 amnesty.

Human rights NGOs elucidating the cases of military deaths note that the trauma of the 2020 fighting was a leading factor in the suicides. The Prosecutor Generals Office reported a high rate of suicide among the family members of servicemembers and persons who participated in the conflict as volunteers.

Political persecutions

The fact is that human rights violations in Armenia are not limited only to the military structures of the country that were destroyed after the Patriotic War. Such cases are also widespread in political circles. For example, if we look at the recent confessions of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, it can be easily confirmed that political persecutions and harassments are widespread in Armenia. Even Pashinyan repeatedly told the public that there were assassination attempts against him and his family members.

To discover such facts, it is possible to review not only recent history, but also the events of the 2000s. Unfortunately, authorities take no steps to set up a fact-finding commission to examine noncombat deaths, among other human rights abuses. Many criminal cases and human rights problems are still kept secret and covered up.

In general, the criminal cases that occur in the authorities in Armenia are related to political persecutions and cases of contract killings. Vazgen Sargsyan, Armenian military commander, Karen Demirchyan, former Armenian Prime Minister, Yuri Bakhshyan, Deputy National Assembly Speaker are state representatives who were victims of assassination in the history of Armenia. For example, when Nikol Pashinyan admitted that he recognized the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan at the 5th trilateral meeting in Brussels in May, he also expressed a number of opinions about his own security. It is no coincidence that Pashinyan stated that he did not want to experience the fate of his former colleague Karen Demirchyan and said that his son was allegedly attacked. Regardless of how objective Pashinyan's confessions are, the mentioned facts easily confirm that political persecution in Armenia is in a pathological state.

Political arrests and persecutions are also traditional in Armenia. For example, Pashinyan cannot be considered the only target here. Since the interests and influence mechanisms are different, it can sometimes be used against the government, and sometimes by the government against the opposing forces. Of course, we are talking about the former president of Armenia, Robert Kocharyan, against whom a criminal case was opened.

According to the reports, on March 26, the Constitutional Court ruled that a criminal code article under which former president Robert Kocharyan and other high-ranking officials were prosecuted for their involvement in sending the military to break up protests after the 2008 presidential election, resulting in the deaths of eight civilians and two police officers, has been void. However, Kocharyan and his former chief of staff, Armen Gevorgyan, were continued to stand trial on bribery charges. The judge acquitted two other defendants in this case, retired Ministry of Defense generals Yuri Khachaturov and Seyran Ohanian, who were charged with overthrowing the constitutional order in connection with the postelection unrest. The court denied the prosecutors appeal to requalify the case under a different article of the criminal code. Many in the legal community questioned the original decision to indict the officials under the specific article chosen. Although the trial ran for three years before the Constitutional Court ruling, the trial court never discussed the merits of the case due to the stalling tactics employed by the defense, which presented countless motions and appeals. As a result, in September 2020 family members of the victims of the 2008 postelection violence refused to attend further court hearings, blaming the Prosecutor Generals Office for turning the trial into a farce and not taking effective measures to move the case forward. Following the Constitutional Court decision that the criminal code article under which Kocharyan was charged was unconstitutional, lawyers for the families averred that the prosecutions failure served the "interests of a specific group," a reference to Kocharyan and his associates. The investigation into others suspected of the 2008 postelection violence, including those charged with excessive use of force and murder, continued.

It is clear from the reports that political scandals in Armenia are always resolved according to the interests of different circles. Even if there are serious deaths, it doesn't matter to those circles. In short, every official in Armenia, from law enforcement agencies to the Supreme Court, knows very well who and what they are serving for.

Arrests and treatment with detainees

In terms of human rights violations, it can be said that Armenia can even be in the top ten in this field. The government, which has become an extremely ruthless force in political protests, treats the people almost as if they were on the battlefield.

This is still the visible side of the scene. But what happens behind the scenes is more dramatic. On August 4, the NGO Protection of Rights Without Borders reported that those arrested in Armenia are kept in prison by personal decisions of the police and criminal cases are opened without being questioned. Individuals are not even allowed to consult their lawyers due to legal regulations. In the worst cases, those detained can be subjected to torture, which in some cases has dire consequences.

Neglect of human rights does not consist only of the mentioned facts. For example, on April 10 of this year, the arrest and brutal beating of two Azerbaijani military servicemen as they strayed into the territory of Armenia should be considered the biggest outcry against human rights. Arresting a military serviceman of the other party without reason and beating an unarmed soldier is a manifestation of real lawlessness and arbitrariness in Armenia in general.




As of today (25th July), Chile and Brazil have dropped roaming charges between the two countries following a six-month delay.

The agreement applies to all mobile phone users and IoT devices. CommsUpdate reports that it was originally scheduled to come into effect on 25th January 2023, with the delay requested by Chiles Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, MRE).

The agreement is a corollary from a Free Trade agreement signed between the two countries in November 2018, which led to the signing of a Decree in Brazils Official Diary of the Union on 26th January 2022 stipulating that roaming charges would be abolished between the two countries within a year.
Deutsche Welle 29 Jul 2023

The US says it will send military aid worth more than $300 million to Taiwan after recent Congressional authorization. However, it..
London: The United Kingdom is cracking down on misuse of student visa issued to overseas citizens on its soil. Now, a mass petition has been launched against the new law in this regard which came into force on July 17, dashing the hopes of a large number of overseas students, including those from India, who hoped to earn a work visa while pursuing their courses.

At present, the petition has received 11,351 signatures and the last date to sign is January 20, 2024. If the number of signatures touch 1,00,000, the matter would be placed before the UK Parliament for a discussion and the stringent conditions are likely to be withdrawn in favour of the students from other countries.

The main demand of the petition is exempting students currently enrolled in institutions in the UK from the new law. The petition also urges the UK government to make the law applicable only to students starting their courses from January next year. When the current students had reached the UK from other countries, the law at that time had allowed conversion of their student visa to work visa, the petition points out.

The petition also says that the new law violates natural justice. The legislation should not be implemented with retrospective effect, the petition adds.

Under the new law, those on student visa would have to return to their home countries after the completion of the course in the UK. The British Parliament passed the stringent law after a flood of incidents involving conversion of student visa to work visa was reported, leading to a steep rise in immigration.

Incidentally, the UK government led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had promised to slash immigration to the country by enacting stringent legislation and the law related to the student visa was passed as part of the efforts to fulfill the promise.

The link to sign the petition is https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/641313
In recent years, and again this year, to my knowledge, only a single member of either house of the U.S. Congress has said publicly, prior to voting No on a military spending bill, that he or she planned to vote No because the spending was too high. The same individual has done this more than once, and nobody else has done it at all. That individual is Senator Bernie Sanders. He says he will vote no on his website and in The Guardian. He does not say "I encourage my colleagues to join me in committing to vote No unless military spending is reduced rather than increased," and I wish he would say that. But, of 535 or so members of Congress, 534 have not done what Sanders has, not this year, and not at any point in recent memory. It's possible that some Libertarian has done it, advocating for tax cuts for gazillionaires rather than as Sanders advocates moving the funding to human and environmental needs, but I've publicly asked innumerable times for everyone's help finding such an example and have yet to find one.

Many Democrats in Congress have refrained from publicly advocating for increased military spending. That's a clear cut above those Democrats and Republicans who do so advocate. But their silence doesn't accomplish a goddamned thing.

A group of Democrats (including Sanders) routinely cosponsors bills that never come to a vote, and votes for amendments that never pass, which if passed and signed into law would supposedly reduce military spending. I say "supposedly" because, while an amendment to the military spending bill could actually reduce it, a separate bill to reduce military spending even if actually passed and signed into law could be undone by simply continuing to increase military spending in the actual military spending bill; and, in fact, military spending has soared during the years these bills have been introduced by many times the amount that passing such a bill would reduce it. I'm not a psychologist. I'm not expressing an opinion that each cosponsor of such pointless legislation is consciously cynical about it. But I ask you: why will not a single one of them (other than Senator Sanders) do what Sanders just did?

Last year, and the year before, a smaller group of Democrats publicly stated their displeasure with Congress's increase in military spending beyond what President Biden had proposed. While useful, in so far as rhetoric goes, this was different from saying "I will vote No." It was also misleading. It served to obscure the fact that there were, not one, but two giant increases in military spending happening, the one proposed by Biden and the one piled on top of that by Congress. The chorus of Progressives objecting only to the latter served to memoryhole the former.

A much smaller group of Democrats countable on one hand (Jayapal, Lee, Pocan) has expressed displeasure with (but no intention to vote against) Biden's proposed increases.

One Democrat, Ro Khanna, has voted No on military spending in committee, but still not publicly stated that he would vote No on the floor because the spending was too high.

Does it go without saying? Should we simply understand that Progressives plan to vote No? I don't think so. I think it goes without being said for some critical reasons. And most Congress Members who call themselves Progressives usually vote Yes. I think it would make a world of difference if they were to actually say aloud what we are supposed to imagine them thinking.

Last year, a large group of Democrats in the House committed to voting No until Senator Manchin's dirty oil deal was removed from the military spending bill. It was. Then they voted Yes. This year, House Democrats committed to voting No unless a bunch of anti-gay-rights and anti-abortion measures were removed. Most of them voted No, but the thing still passed the House. Organizing a group of members to take a stand does not guarantee success. Success can depend on what other members do for other reasons. But something is revealed by the success in stopping the dirty oil deal, as well as by the fact that when something Democrats actually care about is at stake (abortion rights and LGBTQ rights) they choose to organize No votes, even on the single bill they are most dedicated to passing each year.

Organizing No votes is a means of exercising actual power. It can be done in a single house of Congress. If a group of Representatives or Senators withholds its votes, and the stars align and other members are voting No for other reasons, then the other house isn't needed and the White House isn't needed. This is completely different from passing a bill or even an amendment. In those cases, you need the other chamber and the President on board, or it's all for show. Peace groups that celebrate the number of cosponsors or Yes votes on these bills and amendments year after year, decade after decade, really want peace. I know they do. Peace groups that oppose the current military spending bill purely because of abortion and LGBT rights, without ever mentioning military spending or war, want peace. I know they do. But both in terms of educating the public and in terms of actually succeeding in reducing military spending, there is a better way. It is the way modeled by only Bernie Sanders.

Why only him? Why so rare? Why do Congress Members hate to commit? Well, if you watch Congress for years, you notice that quite often horrible things will just barely pass, and some of your better Congress Members will vote No only after enough Yes votes have come in. And they'll noisily trumpet having voted No. But they will not have promised beforehand to vote No. They will not have organized others to vote No at least not publicly. And sometimes reports will come out of the Party "leadership" having parceled out the No votes, having granted particular permissions to vote No, but not too many to risk defeat. Sometimes even Party "leaders" like Nancy Pelosi will publicly whip Yes votes, then vote No on a bill and brag to their constituents about the No vote. This is beyond cynicism. This is contempt for the public.

But why would a handful of Congress Members who speak against increased military spending and introduce legislation to reduce military spending who are clearly staking out a position still refuse to commit to voting No on a bill that usually passes with a great many votes to spare? Because with a bill that both parties are 1000% committed to passing, 535 people try to add in their pet projects. And sometimes those off-topic pet projects are something that one of the parties cares about as much or more than it cares about keeping the death machine armed and oiled. Either the pet project is something that offends Republicans, so that Democratic votes are all needed for passage, or it's something that offends Democrats so that Republican votes are all needed for passage (or four Republicans can be allowed to vote No because four Democrats are insisting on voting yes, or some similar variation).

You could have the biggest war spending bill in history at the moment of greatest risk of nuclear apocalypse in history, as we do, and not a single House Democrat will say that he or she will vote No because of the spending level. But the moment off-topic items that Democrats care about are tossed in, the shouts of "I will vote No" pop up like mushrooms. Yet, even then, they do not mention the amount of spending. Even certain peace groups don't mention it in various statements and emails.

So, without knowing whether something that matters might get tied up with the bill that dumps over half of federal discretionary spending into a mass-killing machine, a responsible Congress Member can't commit to voting No. I'm convinced that this dictionary-sized bill could include a single sentence (such as "Volodymyr Zelensky is a sitcom nitwit") and Democrats would publicly commit to trying to stop it. They would publicly lobby each other to vote No, and to vote No on every procedural vote, grasping any opportunity to derail the thing until they got their way with no need for any assistance from the other house of Congress or the White House. And get their way they darn well would, because some Republicans would agree with them.

Well, what if they were to all do what Bernie Sanders has just done and publish their reasons for voting No? The reasons might be deemed virtually untouchable in Washington, D.C., but are extremely popular with the general public, which would be likely to hear about them if they were being organized around and acted upon. Let's look at what Sanders says:

"The US Senate is now debating an $886bn defense authorization bill. Unless there are major changes to the bill, I intend to vote against it. Here's why. As everyone knows, our country faces enormous crises. As a result of climate change our planet is experiencing unprecedented and rising temperatures. Along with the rest of the world, we need to make major investments to transform our energy system away from fossil fuels and into more efficient and sustainable energy sources, or the life we leave our kids and future generations will become increasingly unhealthy and precarious."

I'm sold after one paragraph and suspect tens of millions of people in the United States would be too if they were to read it. But Sanders continues:

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This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here.

It could be the greatest crime in history and that, believe me, is saying a lot. I'm talking, of course, about the broiling of a planet where heat records are being set globally on an almost daily basis in what's likely to be the hottest year in possibly yes! a million years (long before, that is, human beings even existed).

And the biggest criminals? The ultimate outlaws to use a word TomDispatch regular Rebecca Gordon employs in today's piece are, of course, the greatest greenhouse gas emitters on the planet. Historically, that's the United States and, in the present moment, China. Note that, only recently, climate representative John Kerry finally met with his Chinese equivalent, Xie Zhenhua, to discuss the crisis. As it happened, it was on the very day when a new heat record was set in Western China, while in the U.S., Phoenix, Arizona, was about to break its record for the most days in a row (19) above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, in case you hadn't noticed, a broiling Europe was achieving its own temperature records and the planet itself was having one record-breaking day of heat after another.

And though it's obviously good to finally have the climate representatives of the two "great" powers talking again, neither country is moving faintly fast enough to deal with the planetary crisis at hand, while the "representatives" of the fossil-fuel companies are all too typically backing off on even their all-too-modest promises to clean up their disastrous act. And lest you think that only wars kill, heat does, too. More than 61,000 Europeans are believed to have died in last summer's then-record heat waves, for example, and the casualty list is only going to grow.

So, yes, we're on a broiling planet where the use of coal, oil, and natural gas until recently thought to be the cleanest of the fossil fuels, but according to a new study (given the methane leaks that go with its production), no better than coal in destroying this planet is ever more obviously a criminal activity of the first order. In short, we're distinctly on an outlaw planet. In the U.S., of course, we identify the outlaws as elsewhere. Vladimir Putin is an outlaw for invading Ukraine, for instance. (Forget that our country invaded Iraq no less egregiously in 2003, causing, in the end, hundreds of thousands of deaths.) So, take a moment, with Rebecca Gordon, to remind yourself that there are far more outlaws on this planet than we ever care to imagine. Tom

The United States Refuses to Play by the World's Rules

Here Are Three Ways

By Rebecca Gordon

In 1963, the summer I turned 11, my mother had a gig evaluating Peace Corps programs in Egypt and Ethiopia. My younger brother and I spent most of that summer in France. We were first in Paris with my mother before she left for North Africa, then with my father and his girlfriend in a tiny town on the Mediterranean. (In the middle of our six-week sojourn there, the girlfriend ran off to marry a Czech she'd met, but that's another story.)

In Paris, I saw American tourists striding around in their shorts and sandals, cameras slung around their necks, staking out positions in cathedrals and museums. I listened to my mother's commentary on what she considered their boorishness and insensitivity. In my 11-year-old mind, I tended to agree. I'd already heard the expression "the ugly American" although I then knew nothing about the prophetic 1958 novel with that title about U.S. diplomatic bumbling in southeast Asia in the midst of the Cold War and it seemed to me that those interlopers in France fit the term perfectly.

When I got home, I confided to a friend (whose parents, I learned years later, worked for the CIA) that sometimes, while in Europe, I'd felt ashamed to be an American. "You should never feel that way," she replied. "This is the best country in the world!"

Indeed, the United States was, then, the leader of what was known as "the free world." Never mind that, throughout the Cold War, we would actively support dictatorships (in Argentina, Chile, Indonesia, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, among other places) and actually overthrow democratizing governments (in Chile, Guatemala, and Iran, for example). In that era of the G.I. Bill, strong unions, employer-provided healthcare, and general postwar economic dominance, to most of us who were white and within reach of the middle class, the United States probably did look like the best country in the world.

Things do look a bit different today, don't they? In this century, in many important ways, the United States has become an outlier and, in some cases, even an outlaw. Here are three examples of U.S. behavior that has been literally egregious, three ways in which this country has stood out from the crowd in a sadly malevolent fashion.

Guanta'namo, the Forever Prison Camp

In January 2002, the administration of President George W. Bush established an offshore prison camp at the U.S. Naval Base in Guanta'namo Bay, Cuba. The idea was to house prisoners taken in what had already been labelled "the Global War on Terror" on a little piece of "U.S." soil beyond the reach of the American legal system and whatever protections that system might afford anyone inside the country. (If you wonder how the United States had access to a chunk of land on an island nation with which it had the frostiest of relations, including decades of economic sanctions, here's the story: in 1903, long before Cuba's 1959 revolution, its government had granted the United States "coaling" rights at Guanta'namo, meaning that the U.S. Navy could establish a base there to refuel its ships. The agreement remained in force in 2002, as it does today.)

In the years that followed, Guanta'namo became the site of the torture and even murder of individuals the U.S. took prisoner in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other countries ranging from Pakistan to Mauritania. Having written for more than 20 years about such U.S. torture programs that began in October 2001, I find today that I can't bring myself to chronicle one more time all the horrors that went on at Guanta'namo or at CIA "black sites" in countries ranging from Thailand to Poland, or at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, or indeed at the Abu Ghraib prison and Camp NAMA (whose motto was: "No blood, no foul") in Iraq. If you don't remember, just go ahead and google those places. I'll wait.

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When a visitor opened fire Saturday at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center in Portland, killing a security guard and injuring a nurse, it marked another case in a national epidemic of workplace violence in health care settings.

Workplace violence is five to six times more prevalent in health care than in any other private workplace, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Even that widely cited 2018 number is dated, and health care workers say the rate of workplace violence has continued to climb since then.
A Linn-Benton Community College program that teaches adult English language proficiency and GED preparation is a model for other colleges around Oregon, according to former department coordinator Joyce Thompson Graham.

Every other college in the state has asked us to come and talk to them, Thompson Graham said. People want to know how we manage to do what were doing.

The schools Adult Basic Skills program recently saw 21% of its students go on to enroll in college, which Thompson Graham said is well above the national rate of 3% across similar programs.

But despite its success, LBCC plans to cut the program significantly as part of its response to a $2.5 million budget deficit.

That, local service providers say, could have a dramatic impact on the communities the program served.

People who arent proficient in English and cant access English learning programs face more barriers to higher education and better-paying jobs, said Kara Hanson, director of Crossroads Conversation School, which provides conversational English classes to women in the Corvallis area.

They dont have the same opportunity for upward mobility, Hanson said. They arent able to become a part of the broader community.

Starting this fall, the Adult Basic Skills programs class offerings will drop by about 75%, going from 35 classes to nine. Instead of taking GED preparation classes dedicated to separate subject areas  math, language arts, science and social studies  students will receive materials to self-study, with the option of asking a nearby instructor for help.

English learning classes used to be divided into different proficiency levels, but will now have learners of all levels studying the same materials.

As an instructor and as somebody whos done educational design, theres no best practice involved in that, Thompson Graham said. Thats just putting people in a room and hoping that they get something out of it.

Thompson Graham was removed as department coordinator during the programs restructuring. She said her future with the program is undefined.

Thompson Graham described the changes as an equity issue. About half of students identify as Latino, while 60% speak a language other than English at home. The program also receives federal grant money to fund workforce development courses for economically disadvantaged students.

This is a population in our community that can be very vulnerable, Thompson Graham said.

She said the planned changes may be hard on students who have built relationships with LBCC.

We have no answers for the students that were talking to every single day that are feeling betrayed, Thompson Graham said. I have heard numerous times, Dont we matter?

Ann Buchele, vice president of academic student affairs at LBCC, said the college had few options in addressing its looming budget shortfall.

Ann Buchele, vice president of academic and student affairs at Linn-Benton Community College, said the college is facing a $2.5 million budget deficit due to declining enrollment.Clio Koh, Lake Oswego High School, and Olivia Shreefter, St. Marys Academy

Linn-Benton has seen 25% fewer students since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Buchele said.

When considering how to reduce the budget deficit, she said officials looked to cut non-credit programs first, since the college doesnt receive state funding for students enrolled in those classes.

Anytime you reduce credit programs, youre also reducing enrollment, compensation from the state, income, Buchele said. If the state gave us the money to work as we wanted, we wouldnt be in this situation. But we are.

Buchele said the reductions to Adult Basic Skills saved the college $500,000. It also significantly reduced its library faculty and eliminated its computer science and criminal justice programs.

Buchele acknowledged the reduced class offerings might mean not all adult learners interested in classes will be able to take them. She said the college will take the next year to collect feedback from students and consider changing the program in the future.

We wont know until we try, she said.

Hanson anticipates the cutbacks will result in more people seeking English classes elsewhere. She has concerns about the cost and accessibility of other courses, as well as the strain the reductions will put on organizations like hers.

If LBCC stops doing this, its very hard for other organizations to pick up the pieces, she said. They think that volunteers are going to do that, and volunteers are wonderful, but theres a limit to what they can do.

-- Clio Koh, Lake Oswego High School

-- 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.
A person encased in an orange rescue basket is eased out from under the railing of a fourth-story balcony. As it dangles in the wind, firefighter recruits lower the basket down the side of a Corvallis fire training tower. Other recruits watching from above count the stories the body passes. Slowly, the firefighter acting as the victim in the training reaches the rough asphalt and safety.

Officials hope these recruits-in-training will reinforce a department thats stretched thin.

The amount of calls that the Corvallis Fire Department responds to has gone up 87% since 2000, yet the department has been answering them with the same amount of staff it had in the 1990s, according to Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Fulsher.

In February, the city approved an $8 increase to the fire public service fee, which allowed the department to hire nine new staffers.

Fire officials say the new hires will help relieve staffing issues and provide enough firefighters to run another ambulance once they are done with training later this year.

For years, the department has only been able to send either a fire engine or an ambulance to an emergency call, as it doesnt have enough people to staff both vehicles.

The department has seen a decline in applicants over the past decades and a jump in resignations over the past few years. Fulsher pointed to the stress and workload during the pandemic and said some firefighters left for other departments.

Its part of employee health to get more staffing so that were not just burning people out because theyre on so many calls and they dont sleep, said Shawn Morgan, division chief of training at Corvallis Fire Department.

Jim Trierweiler, fire chief for the Mt. Angel Fire District, said many fire departments face issues with staffing.

Most departments prefer firefighters to be paramedics and there has been a big downturn in paramedics entering the workforce, he said. Oregon requires paramedics to have an associate degree which has absolutely become a major barrier, Trierweiler said, adding that departments are stealing staff from one another.

Fulsher said Corvallis was lucky to hire nine new recruits who nearly all will be paramedics once they finish their fire training. Roughly 80% of the departments calls are for emergency medical services, he said, making firefighters the frontline of health care for the community.

Samantha Schmeusser sipped from a water bottle on a recent training day with the department, wearing a banana yellow hard hat and a bright red Corvallis Fire shirt as she waited for her turn to portray the victim in a rescue exercise.

Schmeusser is the only woman of the nine new recruits hired from the fee increase. She was initially interested in the medical field when a friend suggested giving firefighting a shot. She fell in love on the first day.

Yeah, its hard, and yeah you have to push yourself, but that kind of makes you want to come back for more, Schmeusser, 23, said.

Schmeusser acknowledged that there are still some fire departments with old-fashioned ideas about women, but for her the Corvallis department feels like a second family.

Showing up to work, it doesnt feel like youre showing up to work, she said, adding that it feels like shes hanging out with friends every day.

Gabe Gurule, president of the Corvallis Professional Firefighters Local 2240 union, believes hiring the new staff is a step in the right direction, but not enough to solve staffing issues completely. Currently, the Corvallis Fire Department is below the national average in firefighters per capita, city documents show. To meet this standard, the department would likely need to hire at least 12 more people, Fulsher estimated.

That would be a pretty big win for us as workers, but also I think for the community as well, just in terms of the service that we would be able to provide, Gurule said.

To some, the $12 monthly fire public service fee seems like a small amount to pay. But for others, any additional fee can be really hard while still getting food on the table, said Emily Reiman, CEO of DevNW, a nonprofit which helps low-income families. City fees are an imperfect system, she said.

I think a lot of low-income families are trying to hold both things, she said. Theyre watching every dollar but they also recognize the benefit of community services.

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.

 Alexandra Difani, Henley High School

 Supattra Namnon, 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.
What began as a little free library turned into a big, big controversy in Corvallis.

The Roadside Moon, run by Amy Crevola, started out in fall 2020 as a curbside book giveaway. But as donations of food poured in, the scope expanded, along with the problems. After neighbors complained about trash and traffic, Corvallis city officials cracked down and said the operation needed to be scaled back.

Such free fridges are installed by well-meaning residents and institutions hoping to combat food insecurity. But some experts worry that homemade pantries are skirting food safety regulations.

Crevola recently reduced her pantrys size from a large assortment of goods on several tables in her driveway carport to a much smaller cabinet and clothes rack out by the curb, following an agreement with the city to postpone further enforcement actions.

Scott Kerman, executive director of Portland nonprofit Blanchet House, which provides food and shelter to unhoused people, warns that free fridge operators cant guarantee donated food is safe to consume.

How do you know whether that food has been kept at a proper temperature? he asked. Whos cleaning trash or food thats discarded on the ground or in the area?

Free fridges also have their defenders, like Virginia-based attorney Erica Smith Ewing, who says that cities failures to solve complex problems like food insecurity or homelessness have led residents to step in.

People have the right to use their property to help those in need, as long as theyre not creating a nuisance, said Smith Ewing, a staff attorney with the Institute for Justice, a nonprofit law firm.

The nonprofit has advised both the Roadside Moon and a similar fridge in Washington. Smith Ewing says Corvallis has backed down from its original hardline stance.

They seem to be much more reasonable now, Smith Ewing said in a phone interview. Amy is continuing to be open, and shes working on a compromise with the city.

Crevola declined to comment, citing the potential for future litigation.

Corvallis Community Development Director Paul Bilotta likened the Roadside Moon to a nonstop garage sale or a social service organization, which he said wasnt allowed under existing residential zoning rules.

People are hearing this story and thinking that the issue is about one of the cute little tiny free pantry boxes, Bilotta said in an email. But that is not what is occurring here. The Roadside Moon facility is a different scale of operation than a tiny free pantry box.

There was no sign of crowds or trash during a recent visit by the High School Journalism Institute.

A sign informed visitors of the closure of the carport, but by the sidewalk, an armoire containing feminine care products, bags of rice, protein shakes and other items sat under the shade of a portable canopy.

Supporters note that food insecurity remains a pressing issue in Benton County, with 251 people calling the 211 helpline to request services this June alone, according to Shannon Rose, a community engagement coordinator for the helpline. The problem only compounded after pandemic-era SNAP benefits expired in February, she said.

In Portland, a similar conflict unfolded in the Woodstock neighborhood last June, after a residents Giving Fence was deemed a code violation by city officials, according to the Portland Mercury. The Board of Health in Clarkston, Washington, deemed a womans free fridge unsuitable and threatened her with fines if she didnt cease operations, Smith Ewing said.

If free fridges present more problems than benefits, Kerman from Blanchet House still argues there are ways people can help their less fortunate neighbors.

There are a lot of food pantries serving food for people, he said. Find ways to support places that are professionalized.

--Andrew Saylor, Rex Putnam 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.
Screenwriter Nonny Okwelogu struggles to find diplomatic words to describe the scent of people who have spent months backpacking the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. The body odor is robust, multilayered, pervasive, she says, before shrugging. By now, we no longer smell it.

She would know. Okwelogu, 29, of Los Angeles, is one of thousands of intrepid Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) thru-hikers entering Oregon this summer, halfway through their 2,663-mile, northbound quest to walk from the U.S. border at Mexico to Canada.

Since they departed Campo, 1,720 miles away at the bottom of California, theyve endured wet, windy, snowy and hot dirt trails. And, fueled by peanut butter, jerky and dried fruit, they have grown leaner, more muscular.

By now, its clear, from their worn hiking shoes to the sun-blocking hoodies over their messy moptops, that thru-hikers look, eat and, theyll admit, smell different than anyone else.

Portland author Cheryl Strayed, who solo hiked the PCT through northern California and Oregon and wrote the best-selling memoir, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, describes her hair during the journey as coarser and strangely double in thickness, sprung alive by layers of dried sweat and trail dust.

Okwelogus hiking partner, Eddie Arriola, 40, of Tucson, Arizona, confesses he didnt make up the term hiker trash glow up, but months in, he embraces it.

Its when youre feeling good and have a glow after you have gone feral, separated from civilization, and you just let it all go, says Arriola, who posts stories and photographs at pct.edwardarriola.net.

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PCT thru-hiker Eddie Arriola, 40, of Tucson, Arizona, says nail polish is a trend this year, shaving is still not.Janet Eastman/The Oregonian/OregonLive

Arriola, with a shaggy head of hair and a thick mustache and beard, holds up his hands to show his nails are painted Barbie pink and purple. He says random nail polish is a trend this year, but shaving is still not.

On Saturday, July 22, Okwelogu and Arriola arrived at Callahans Mountain Lodge, the legendary Mount Ashland respite for PCT hikers eager to leave behind the travails of Californias sun-blasted Mojave Desert and snow-packed Sierra Nevada mountain range to cross into Oregons so-called green tunnel.

Callahans restaurant staff knows to dash over with tumblers of ice water when they see dusty hikers dropping fat backpacks to the ground.

Its so nice to drink water you didnt have to carry, says Okwelogu.

Or first filter out bacteria, viruses or parasites, replies Arriola, a travel physical therapist assistant in between assignments. His trail name is Minstrel, since hes known to suddenly burst into song.

Okwelogu is a member of the Writers Guild of America and has been on strike since May. In Hollywood, shes known for her independent films and her contract with Universal Studios.

On the PCT, people call her Ketchup, the trail name bestowed on her after a mishap with an exploding bottle at a diner. She says the trail name is fitting because she hikes slowly at first, but by the end of the day, I catch up.

Dangerous snow

This year, PCT hikers have been thwarted by dangerously high snowpack and streams in the Sierra Nevada and backpackers without serious mountaineering and wilderness travel skills are being told not to go by Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park rangers.

A majority of trekkers hitchhiked past the deep snow (called a flip-flop), some with the intention to backtrack at the end of their journey, according to the Pacific Crest Trail Association. The 46-year-old nonprofit issues long-distance permits, up to 8,000 a year, on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service.

Last year, PCT hikers were forced off the trail by the 57,500-acre McKinney Fire in Californias northern Siskiyou County. Many were shuttled to Ashland in buses or by police driving vans, or in the back of cars driven by volunteers called trail angels.

PCT hikers in Oregon will see Crater Lake National Park and eventually, the Port of Cascade Locks, the site of the free Pacific Crest Trail Days festival (PCT Days) on Aug. 18-19. They will then cross the Columbia River on the steel Bridge of the Gods into Washington to complete their end-to-end walk to Canada.

The amount of calories PCT hikers consume is as legendary as the nine-pound pancake eating challenge at the Seiad Cafe in Northern California.Stephanie Dodge

The number of calories PCT hikers consume is as legendary as the nine-pound pancake eating challenge at the Seiad Cafe in Northern California. Hiking 20 miles or more a day, consistently, means they can wipe out an all-you-can-eat buffet and still nonchalantly use a spoon to consume a jar of mayonnaise for extra calories.

The late endurance hiker and writer Chuck (Steel-Eye) Chelin, who lived outside of Sandy, Oregon, compared a thru-hikers metabolism to a red-hot wood stove. That gaunt look is the reason bears hide their own food in trees when thru-hikers are in the area, he wrote in his online trail journal.

Stephanie Dodge of Medford has been a trail angel for four years, and even though shes slight in stature, shes known as Big Mama for coming to the aid of PCT hikers. She conducts whats called trail magic by setting up chairs and handing out energy bars, instant Quaker oats and drinks, often between southern Oregons Howard Prairie and Fish Lake.

I am a pay-it-forward angel, who does not charge or take donations, she says. Hikers adhere to this and later tell me great stories of their gifts of kindness to others. These hikers are all so different and very precious to me.

PCT hiker Julie (Badass) Leger of Canada, who has hiked six continents, was forced to stop her trek on the PCT in Oregon because of a foot injury. While recovering, she volunteered as a trail angel, and then Dodge drove her 280 miles to the Portland International Airport on July 19 to fly home.

At a Medford diner days before, Dodge looked admiringly at a photo she took of PCT hikers with trail names of Bonustime, Diva and Coyote. Dodge says, They are amazing adventurers with interesting stories. She and Leger then pointed out the telltale signs of endurance hikers who make it to Oregon:

Tanned legs start at the bottom of shorts and end at the top of socks. Hands are tanned except across the back of the wrists, which are sheltered from the sun by hiking pole straps.

To break through bland khaki colors, new shirts and gaiters have bright, swirling color schemes, like a bowling shirt fever dream, describes Arriola. With only one spare set of synthetic clothes, rinsed out along the way and dried in the sun, every piece of apparel is now faded, shabby and mismatched. Evaporated sweat has left a salt crust around collars and hats.

Hikers are hobbling with blistered feet, shin splints, knee braces. Some have missing toenails, bug bites and raw skin. Strayed compared her skin that was rubbed by the hip belt of her oversized backpack to tree bark and plucked dead chicken flesh.

Other characteristics: Miles to endurance hikers are like inches to most people. As Strayed wrote: I didnt think the words only and 200 miles belonged in the same sentence. Said Chelin, Pretty soon to a thru-hiker means a walk 332 miles away to Cascade Locks, while, to a day hiker, it means 20 miles to Pilot Rock.

People who follow the PCT-Southern Oregon/Ashland Trail Angels page were asked by The Oregonian/OregonLive to explain visual clues of a true thru-hiker.

Candy wrappers stuffed into a fanny pack and a toiletry bag attached to a backpack are giveaways to Jay Go. Also dangling from a backpack with a PCT patch are an ice axe, sleep pad, camp shoes and portable solar panel to recharge GPS navigation and communication devices to let family know they are still alive.

Gary K. Stevens jokes that he relies on the M&Ms peanut chocolate candy test. If left on the trail, a thru-hiker will pick it up and eat it. Toby Hayes posted that the distinction is best seen on their face; its a mix of beleaguered exhaustion and pure joy.

Its not always obvious, says Chad Skinner. Thru-hikers could be wearing the same brand of clothes and shoes as day hikers, and they look like theyve been beaten by weather, but so do others. There is, however, one distinguishing factor, he says: Long-distance hikers can appear to be clean. Unless you get close.

Arriola had COVID a month before he started on the PCT. His sense of taste returned quickly, but his sense of smell was gone for the first three weeks of his trip.

He remembers changing out of his wet shirt at the end of a long day in his tent, and the smell hit me full force, he says. Its more caveman than sweaty gym guy. At least the guy in the gym had showered in the last 24 hours and theres still a trace of deodorant, says Arriola. With me, I have gone full mammal. Its permeating, like a chemical change.

After giving it more thought and talking with hiking partner Okwelogu, he adds, Ketchup and I think a lot of spotting a thru-hiker comes from seeing someone disheveled and content with it. Were not hiding or embarrassed; were happy to be sore and dirty, and were happy to be around others.

 Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072

jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman

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A federal jury Tuesday found a former Oregon prison nurse guilty of 17 counts of subjecting nine women inmates to sexual abuse in custody and guilty of four counts of perjury.

The 12-member jury deliberated for about two days before reaching its verdict against Tony D. Klein, 38.
The parents of a 2-year-old girl injured by a falling bullet on July 4 in Independence, Oregon, said their daughter is recovering well physically but still has nightmares about the shooting.

Zach, who asked that he and his wife only be identified by their first names out of fear for their safety for speaking out about gun violence, said his daughter continues to exhibit various signs of anxiety three weeks after she was struck in the leg by the bullet as she and her parents were leaving a Fourth of July celebration.

Zach said he and his wife, Samantha, are now offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to a conviction of the individual who fired that bullet into the air.

It still hasnt really sunken in, Zach said. There was definitely a lot of, just, shock. My wife and I were just, like, I cant believe were sitting in a hospital with our 2-year-old who has a gunshot wound. Weve done everything we can to protect her from danger and this thing just comes out of nowhere after we have this fun celebration.

The couple started their Fourth of July by taking their daughter to one of her favorite playgrounds at a park in Monmouth before heading a few miles east to Independence for live music and a fireworks display at the central Oregon towns annual Independence Days celebration at Riverview Park.

My daughter loves the fireworks, like most kids, Zach said.

After watching the fireworks display on the banks of the Willamette River, Zach said he loaded their cooler and blankets into a small plastic wagon, placed his daughter inside it as well, and began walking back to where they had parked, pulling the wagon, while Samantha followed behind.

Zach said he heard fireworks going off all around them as they made their way through the crowd.

Then he heard a loud pop that he thought came from a firework that got too close to the wagon as they walked down Monmouth Street around 10:30 p.m.

His daughter started screaming.

My wife picked her up, and as she picked her up, she felt that her leg was wet, Zach said. She looked at it and it was bloody.

A woman saw what was happening and rushed over to help. Identifying herself as a nurse, she told the couple their daughter had a large puncture wound and would need to go to an emergency room immediately. She advised against calling an ambulance since it would have difficulty accessing the crowded area, which could result in a long wait. The woman handed the couple some sterile gauze and told them to keep pressure applied to the wound, Zach said.

Zach and Samantha rushed their daughter to a hospital in Corvallis, a roughly 30-minute drive from Independence when traffic is low. He said the main thoroughfares were all gridlocked as people left the festival, so he sped down backroads.

He said everything happened so quickly that he and Samantha spent much of the drive wondering how their daughter was injured, and how it could have been avoided.

My first thought was that someone had thrown a firecracker or something and it landed in our wagon and popped next to her leg, Zach said. I was reeling, like, What just happened? Whats going on?

At the hospital, staff rushed their daughter into treatment and told the parents the 2-year-old had suffered a gunshot wound. Zach said the bullet went straight through her leg and was found stuck in her pajama pants.

The toddler has received checkups in the days since and is healing well, Zach said.

In an open letter to the perpetrator, Samantha called on the individual who pulled the trigger to turn themselves in. She said she is haunted by what-ifs from that day, as well as by images of her daughters pajamas pooling with blood.

Zach said the bullet went through his daughter's leg and was discovered in her pajama pants. Photo provided by the family.Courtesy of the family

She wrote that the person responsible has a chance to do the right thing and apologize to our daughter for the way this thoughtless act assaulted her body, crushed her spirit and traumatized our family.

You dont know my daughter, the letter reads. She is a light. She says, drive safe and have a nice day to strangers.

Zach said holding someone accountable for injuring their daughter is just one of the familys goals in speaking out about the incident. He said he hopes it will prevent other similar shootings from occurring, citing an incident in Los Angeles where a 6-year-old boy was taken to a hospital in critical condition after he was struck by a falling bullet that occurred the same day Zachs daughter was injured.

If you have a firearm, you need to use it wisely and not put other people in danger, Zach said. Even if youre trying to have a good time and celebrating, youre responsible for everything you do with that.

He said that, along with nightmares, his daughter is now jumpy when she hears loud noises.

I hope that she doesnt remember this when shes older, but I dont know, I think she will, Zach said. Shes only two but shes really sharp  she talks about things we did six months ago.

The family plans on attending counseling to help their daughter process everything, Zach added.

The Independence Police Department is investigating the incident and has asked anyone with information about a person firing a gun into the air around that time in the town to contact Sgt. Lyle Gilbert at gilbert.lyle@ci.independence.or.us or at 503-837-1107.

 Nick Gibson; ngibson@oregonian.com; 971-393-8259; @newsynicholas

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I have great respect for Damian Lillard both as a player and a person, and also respect for the Trail Blazers organization, (Trail Blazers GM Joe Cronin evades talking Damian Lillard trade negotiations, but expresses remorse: I do feel like I failed Dame, July 10).

Lillard deserves a shot with a winning team and the Blazers, I believe, tried hard to build a winning team around him, but to no avail. Now the team deserves a fair return for a premier player. Unfortunately, Lillard expressed his desire in the media to only play for Miami. Had he expressed this request quietly and to the Blazers only, the trade would probably have been made by now, to the satisfaction of both the team and of Lillard. Instead, this request has resulted in a negotiating media circus and a standoff with Miami, which is hoping to get something for not much.

Allen Perry, Portland

To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion.
The union for more than 600 Oregon state workers assigned to group homes for disabled people wants Gov. Tina Kotek to fire the Department of Human Services boss overseeing those employees.

The request underscores festering tensions between Oregon Department of Human Services workers and managers of the agencys Stabilization and Crisis Unit. For months, rank-and-file employees have complained publicly and internally about worker safety, mandatory overtime and burnout in the unit, which runs a 24-hour residential program for up to 95 people in 20 group homes that stretch from Eugene to Portland. Residents have intellectual and developmental disabilities, often combined with mental health issues that require close supervision and sometimes attention from more than one caregiver during a crisis.

Hundreds of emails and other documents reviewed by the Capital Chronicle show the union has repeatedly pushed the agencys management for better pay and working conditions, sounding the alarm about worker injuries, staff exhaustion and low morale. State workers say they are unhappy with the response of their manager, which includes blaming workers for problems. Records also show internal resistance to change.

On July 12, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1246, which represents the caregivers, sent a letter to Koteks office on their behalf. The letter, obtained by the Capital Chronicle, comes as the union and agency are in the midst of negotiating a new contract.

In light of serious mismanagement of the agency, we are reaching out to you to request the removal of the SACU Director Sierra Rawson, the union said in its letter to Kotek and labor liaison Bob Livingston.

AFSCME officials sent the letter based on employee feedback: Nearly 95% of employees supported Rawsons removal in a vote of no confidence. More than 400 employees participated in that vote during a one-week period that ended July 2.

Our members at SACU are continuing to serve these communities in need even though they are being injured on a daily basis, and they are working through extreme staffing shortages, which creates an unhealthy and unsafe work environment, the letter said. For these reasons, we find it necessary to send this immediate request.

The Capital Chronicle sent a copy of the letter to Rawson and communications staff and requested an interview with her. The agency declined to make Rawson available to answer questions and sent out a brief statement that says the agency takes the concerns seriously and values the unions input.

The letter outlined concerns, including:

Staff vacancy rates are at 14.7%, not including employees off for administrative leave and work-related injuries.

Managers have an unwillingness to address the staffing crisis.

The director would not work with the union to ask lawmakers for additional funding for employees, despite a past practice of union officials and the units prior directors doing so. The letter said Rawson also appears to be lacking the experience and knowledge to do so.

NOT SHOWN US RESPECT

The jobs are high-stress because caregivers have to deal with people when they have a behavioral health crisis, which often means they have to protect themselves and others from injuries. Caregivers, also called direct support crisis specialists, only earn about $20 an hour on the low end starting out, according to one job posting.

But workers can face severe injuries, including black eyes and stabbings with pencils and other assaults, while laboring in homes for mandatory 16-hour shifts at times.

She, being our director, has not shown us the respect thats deserved for her employees and it just is disheartening, said Christina Sydenstricker-Brown, a caregiver and president of AFSCME Local 124.

Its unclear whether the request will lead to Rawsons removal.

Danny Moran, a spokesman in the governors office, said: The governor takes the concerns outlined in the letter very seriously and values the hardworking staff at SACU. Her office has been following up with AFSCME and ODHS, referring to the Oregon Department of Human Services.

In a separate email to the Capital Chronicle, human services Director Fariborz Pakseresht insisted the agency is taking the unions concerns seriously.

ODHS Deputy Director Liesl Wendt and I have toured several SACU homes in the last few weeks to listen to the concerns, challenges and feedback of workers directly, he said. We appreciated the honest feedback they shared.

Many of those homes he visited have improved staffing due to stepped up recruitment and hiring efforts, he said, adding that we do not comment on issues that may arise during bargaining with our union partners.

RISING TENSIONS

Tensions between the frontline workers and Oregon Department of Human Services managers have been simmering for months, records show.

The Capital Chronicle reviewed more than 400 pages of emails between top DHS managers and internal messages among public communications staffers and managers about the units workers, negotiations and media coverage.

Earlier this year, the agencys human resources director, Audray Minnieweather Crutch, told her boss that SACU leaders and a senior human resources manager, Cynthia Gregory, have faced headwinds in their dealings with the union.

Cynthia and SACU leadership has worked tirelessly to partner with AFSCME and have struggled to get authentic partnerships and agreements with the union, Minnieweather Crutch wrote in a Feb. 24 email to Pakseresht.

In that exchange, Pakseresht had asked for help crafting a response to union leaders who contacted him with concerns about mandatory overtime, staff safety and the failure of negotiations to make headway.

Despite the overwhelming evidence of a crisis, the agency refused to negotiate with the union, AFSCMEs email said. We are even more outraged at SACUs response to the staffing crisis. SACU employees have worked in intolerable conditions for months. As staffing levels have dropped, the danger to which our members are subjected has increased. AFSCME members have sacrificed thousands of hours away from their families to work overtime shifts to ensure the safety and quality of life of the individuals we have vowed to serve.

In his correspondence, Pakseresht said the unions letter had some false assumptions and conclusions. He told managers to tell staff that he cares for their well-being and to invite them to a productive dialogue about solutions.

That dialogue continued with a March 9 letter from the union to Pakseresht. Later that month, he visited several group homes and talked to staffers, itinerary records show.

In the months since then, rank-and-file workers have remained unsatisfied with the progress of talks. Sydenstricker-Brown said its been about a year of tensions and an inability to make progress on worker issues.

Sydenstricker-Brown said Rawson has unfairly blamed the staffing crisis on workers who call in unable to report to a shift, adding that call-outs happen after employees are exhausted from multiple extra shifts.

People are calling out because theyve been mandated four days in a row, she said. So of course theyre tired, theyre burnt out, they cant physically and emotionally get up. Theyre done.

PASSED A TIPPING POINT

Shortly after the Capital Chronicle published stories about the crisis in early March, a DHS communications specialist sent out an email to Rawson and other public relations staffers.

Its subject line: SACU in the media: I hypothesize this is just beginning.

I am concerned we may have passed a tipping point, Bethany Grace Howe, the communications specialist, wrote in the email. I am concerned there will be more stories to come.

In her analysis, Howe laid out the reasons: There are multiple media markets and outlets in the group homes service area, plenty of stories to tell and reporters can contact workers repeatedly for more stories.

There is already evidence that one story has led to another, Howe wrote, adding that now reporters are aware stories are out there, they will go looking for them.

Howe recommended SACU and communications staffers meet and brainstorm about how to be as proactively transparent as possible.

But Howes idea to meet and talk about transparent communications was quickly shot down.

Elisa Williams, a communications manager, forwarded it to Lisa Morawski, the agencys communications director.

Im disappointed as I explicitly counseled Bethany again just yesterday that we need to work in collaborative baby steps with leaders, learn from their perspective a step at a time and a message at a time, and not have a big gathering about changing things, Williams wrote. And then, this email, doing just the opposite.

-- Ben Botkin, Oregon Capital Chronicle

The Oregon Capital Chronicle, founded in 2021, is a nonprofit news organization that focuses on Oregon state government, politics and policy.
Crater Lake being one of the best parks in the country should come as no surprise at this point.

Travel website Trips to Discover  a frequent provider of travel lists and tips  ranked the top 14 U.S. national parks to visit this summer.

Trips to Discover writes that summer is the perfect season to explore places that may be too cold or too remote to reach in the winter or head to parks that are less visited to avoid crowds.

Visitors hike down the trail to Cleetwood Cove at Crater Lake National Park.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

While we love visiting Crater Lake in the winter, its true that getting there can be a bit tricky.

Crater Lake gets an annual average of 43 feet of snow, making it one of the snowiest places in [the] United States, according to the Department of the Interior.

FILE - In this January 2006 file photo, the sun rises over Crater Lake, Ore. Access to Crater Lake and other national parks will be limited due to the government shutdown. (Marc Adamus/The Register-Guard via AP, File) APMark Adamus/AP

Biking the rim of the lake is a popular warm weather activity at the park. Though, youll have to wait until next year to bike all the way around  road upgrades have closed some spots temporarily.

This year, though, fall may be the best time to visit. In October, Crater Lake will be a prime location to view the upcoming annular solar eclipse. Nearby Klamath Falls will host Eclipse Fest 2023, with live music and activities running the weekend of the eclipse, Oct. 13-16.

Several other Pacific Northwest and other Western parks were ranked on the list, including Glacier National Park in Montana, Lassen Volcanic National Park in California and Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Two iconic Washington state parks made the list as well.

READ MORE:
Nairobi, Kenya (PANA)  Malian Armed Forces and foreign fighters, apparently from the Russia-linked Wagner Group, have summarily executed and forcibly disappeared several dozen civilians in Malis central region since December 2022, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said
Bamako, Mali (PANA) - Mali's military junta has rejected a report by human rights advocate, Human Rights Watch (HRW), which found that the country's Armed Forces and foreign fighters, apparently from the Russia-linked paramilitary Wagner Group, had summarily executed and forcibly disappeared several dozen civilians in central region since December 2022
Lagos, Nigeria (PANA) - Human rights advocate, Amnesty International, has asked the Nigerian authorities to urgently halt plans to carry out a secret mass burial of victims of the #EndSARS protests in October 2020
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Photo: (Photo : Ethan Miller / Getty Images)

In response to a potential safety hazard, Trader Joe's has issued an urgent cookie recall for its popular Almond Windmill Cookies and Dark Chocolate Chunk and Almond Cookies.

The grocery chain announced on Friday, July 22, that the affected products might contain rocks, prompting immediate action to protect consumers.

This latest recall is a precautionary measure taken by the company after being alerted by its supplier about the potential presence of foreign material in the cookies.

Trader Joe's is urging customers who have purchased these products not to consume them and to promptly return them to the store for a full refund.

Trader Joe's Cookies Under 'Rock' Contamination Recall

According to NBC News, Trader Joe's, a renowned grocery chain known for its unique products, has issued a recall notice for two of its cookie offerings, the Almond Windmill Cookies and Dark Chocolate Chunk and Almond Cookies.

Both these popular cookie varieties were found to be potentially contaminated with rocks, posing a serious safety concern for consumers.

The recall affects products with specific sell-by dates, creating a sense of urgency for customers who may have purchased these items.

Upon being alerted by its supplier about the potential "rock" contamination in the Almond Windmill and Dark Chocolate Chunk and Almond Cookies, Trader Joe's acted swiftly to address the issue.

All potentially affected products were immediately removed from store shelves and destroyed to prevent any further risks to consumers.

The company has shown a commitment to ensuring customer safety by taking decisive actions to mitigate potential harm.

Trader Joe's Encourages Customers to Take Prompt Action

Trader Joe's is taking this recall seriously and is appealing to its customers to exercise caution.

If you have purchased either the Almond Windmill Cookies or Dark Chocolate Chunk and Almond Cookies with the specified sell-by dates, it is imperative not to consume them.

The grocery chain advises customers to return these products promptly to any Trader Joe's store. Upon return, customers will receive a full refund as a gesture of goodwill.

According to CBS, a company representative stated, "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may cause to our customers. The safety and well-being of our patrons are of utmost importance to us, and we are committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure the quality and integrity of our products."

The Trader Joe's Almond Windmill Cookies subject to the recall have SKU# 98744 and a sell-by date between October 19 and October 21, 2023.

Likewise, the Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Chunk and Almond Cookies affected by the recall have SKU# 82752 and sell-by dates from October 17 through October 21, 2023.

Customers are urged to double-check the products they have purchased and verify the sell-by dates to determine if they fall within the recall range.

Read Also: Philadelphia Flood Disaster: Missing 2-Year-Old's Body Found in Delaware River

History of Safety Measures

This is not the first time Trader Joe's has faced a product recall.

According to USA TODAY, earlier this year, the grocery chain issued a recall for a frozen fruit product due to possible hepatitis A contamination, demonstrating its commitment to proactive safety measures.

Such recalls reflect the company's dedication to quality control and safeguarding customer health.

Trader Joe's has taken immediate action to protect its customers from potential harm by recalling its Almond Windmill Cookies and Dark Chocolate Chunk and Almond Cookies due to the possibility of rocks contaminating the products.

The grocery chain is encouraging customers who have purchased these items to return them to the store for a full refund.

The safety and satisfaction of its patrons remain Trader Joe's top priorities as it continues to uphold its commitment to delivering high-quality products.

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Photo: (Photo : Terry Wyatt /Getty Images)

A 17-year-old student, identified in court documents only as I.P., from Tullahoma High School in Tullahoma, Tennessee, is taking legal action against Tullahoma City Schools and two top school officials.

The student is suing over a three-day suspension he received after posting satirical memes about the former principal, Jason Quick, on his public Instagram account while not on campus.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee on July 19, alleges a violation of the student's First Amendment rights, raising questions about the boundaries of school authority over students' social media use.

Student's Satirical Memes Trigger Suspension

The Guardian reported that in 2022, I.P., a senior student at Tullahoma High School, posted three satirical memes featuring the former principal, Mr. Jason Quick, on his public Instagram account.

None of the memes were uploaded during school hours or while the student was on campus.

One meme humorously depicted Mr. Quick holding a box of vegetables with text that said, "like a sister but not a sister <33."

Another portrayed the former principal wearing a dress, cat ears, and whiskers, while a third showed Mr. Quick's face superimposed on a video game character being embraced by a cartoon bird.

The student intended the images to satirize Mr. Quick's perceived "overly serious demeanor."

Suspension and Legal Action Sparked

According to NBC News, the situation escalated when the student was informed of a five-day suspension by Mr. Derrick Crutchfield, an assistant principal, after a meeting with Mr. Quick.

The suspension was later reduced to three days, equivalent to the punishment for students involved in a physical fight.

However, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), a free-speech advocacy group, defended the student's actions, stating that the memes were intended as "tongue-in-cheek commentary satirizing a school administrator perceived as humorless."

With the support of FIRE, I.P. filed a lawsuit against Tullahoma City Schools, Mr. Quick, and Mr. Crutchfield.

The lawsuit asserts that the First Amendment protects public school students' expression, particularly when it occurs off-campus and does not disrupt the school environment.

The student's legal team seeks to expunge the suspension from his record and pursue unspecified monetary damages through a jury trial.

Read Also: Oklahoma Standoff Ends in Murder-Suicide: Mother, Three Children Dead

Social Media Policy and First Amendment Rights

A crucial point of contention in the lawsuit centers around Tullahoma High School's social media policy, which allows for the discipline of students who engage in "unbecoming" social media use or distribute content that is "embarrassing, demeaning, or discrediting" to students or staff members.

According to The New York Times, Conor Fitzpatrick, the lead lawyer representing the student, argues that as long as the posts do not cause a substantial disruption to the school day, the school does not have the right to censor students' off-campus expression.

This legal battle is not an isolated incident, as courts in the United States have previously ruled on the extent of schools' authority over students' behavior outside of school premises and hours.

In 2021, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a student whose First Amendment rights were violated when she was suspended from the cheerleading squad due to a Snapchat post made off-campus.

As the lawsuit proceeds, it will confront the delicate balance between protecting students' First Amendment rights and maintaining order within the educational environment.

The outcome of this case may have implications for other schools and their social media policies.

It serves as a reminder that in an age of ever-evolving digital communication, schools must carefully navigate the boundaries of their authority to ensure that students' constitutional rights are respected while also addressing potential disruptions or harm caused by online behavior.

Related Article: TikTok's Borax Fallacy: Doctors Warn of Health Risks Surrounding the Trend
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Retrograde Motion and the Phenomenological Language of the Bible

Excerpt from my book, The Word Set in Stone: How Archaeology, Science, and History Back Up the Bible (Catholic Answers Press: March 15, 2023, 271 page), pp. 182-187. Follow the link for lots of information about the book, including many free samples.

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Now lets examine Matthew 2:9: the star which they had seen in the East went before them. This refers (in context)to the wise men being in Jerusalem and talking to Herod (2:1, 79). He sent them to Bethlehem, which is south of Jerusalem, about six miles. (I traveled this route in 2014.) Therefore, this, I submit, is what the Bible (which habitually uses phenomenological language [278]) means by saying the star went before them. In other words, it would always have been ahead of or in front of or before them as they traveled, much as we say we are following the sun west or how American slaves (in folklore, at least, if not in fact) attempting to escape to the north followed the drinking gourd (the Big Dipper) north.

Thus, we could say the Big Dipper or North Star went before the slaves, just as we say they followed it. The North Star would also lead anyone to the North Pole if he kept following itthat is, by our vantage point, it would go before him. Its all phenomenological language, which we use all the time, just as the biblical writers also did.

We know from the astronomical charts that Jupiter, in later November and early December in 2 B.C., was to the south from Jerusalem; therefore, it went before the wise men as they traveled south to Bethlehemthe journey that the text refers to. Jupiter wouldnt have moved much on the way from Jerusalem to Bethlehem.

A camel travels about 3 miles per hour on average, so it would have taken two hours to get to Bethlehem. Thats roughly the entire time the Bible refers to them (in non-literal language, I believe) following a star. In the language of appearance (non-literal language), it went before them not in perceived motion, but because it was always ahead of them on the way.

Dag Kihlman provided a more specific view:

Jupiterif this was the star of Bethlehemwas not seen in the early evenings in December in 2 B.C. It rose very late, at roughly 9 P.M. . . . A more realistic view (if Jupiter was the star of Bethlehem) is that the Magi traveled early in the morning, when Jupiter was still visible. . . . If the Magi started at a suitable hour, they would have had Jupiter in front of them as they left Jerusalem. If they traveled by donkey, camel, or horse . . . they would have had Jupiter in front of them all the way to Bethlehem. [279]

And so the star . . . came to rest over the place where the child was (Matt. 2:9).

We know from astronomical data that Jupiter entered into retrograde motion. Astronomer Christopher Crockett explains this phenomenon:

Typically, the planets shift slightly eastward from night to night, drifting slowly against the backdrop of stars. From time to time, however, they change direction. For a few months, theyll head west before turning back around and resuming their easterly course. Their westward motion is called retrograde motion by astronomers. . . . [Its] an illusion caused by the motion of earth and these planets around the sun. [280]

As an analogy, when we pass a car on the freeway, it temporarily seems to be moving backward. In December, 2 B.C., Jupiter (because of its retrograde motion) appeared to come to a stop above Bethlehem andaccording to some researchersremained there, seemingly motionless (the rest in the biblical text), for six days. Ernest L. Martin contends that at dawn on December 25 in that area, Jupiter would have been

at an elevation of 68 degrees, above the southern horizon, shining down on Bethlehem. It would have been the brightest star in the sky on that day and at that location. [281]

Lets examine more closely what the author may have been describing in saying that the star came to rest over the place where the child was. First of all, the text doesnt indicate that it shone specifically on a house. This is a common misconception. Matthew 2:11, just two verses later, simply says they went into a housenot that the star was shining on it, identifying it. We must be precise about what any given

text under consideration actually asserts and does not assert.

Two of the best Protestant Bible commentators and exegetes of our time, R.T. France and D.A. Carson, agree:

It is not said to indicate the precise house, but the general location where the child was. [282] The Greek text does not imply that the star pointed out the house where Jesus was or that it led the travelers through twisty streets; it may simply have hovered over Bethlehem as the Magi approached it. [283]

The Greek adverb of place in Matthew 2:9 is hou. In the RSV, hou is translated by the place where (in the KJV, simply where). It applies to a wide range of meanings beyond something as specific as a house. In other passages in the RSV, it refers to a mountain (Matt 28:16), Nazareth (Luke 4:16), a village (Luke 24:28), the land of Midian (Acts 7:29), and the vast wilderness that Moses and the Hebrews traveled through (Heb. 3:9). Thus, it can easily, plausibly refer to Bethlehem in Matthew 2:9.

This is an important point because it goes to the issue of supernatural or natural. A star (whatever it is) shining a beam down on one house would be (I agree) supernaturalnot any kind of star we know of in the natural world. But a star shining on an area, in the direction of an area (which a bright Jupiter was to Bethlehem in my scenario, at 68 degrees in the sky), is a perfectly natural event.

Matthew 2:9 is similar to how we would speak in English: Where I was, I could see the conjunction very well. Where obviously refers to a place. And a persons place is many things simultaneously. Thus, when I saw the star of Bethlehem-like conjunction in December 2020, I was in a field, near my house (in my neighborhood), in my town (Tecumseh), in my county (Lenawee), in my state (Michigan), and in my country (the United States).

This is my point about place in Matthew 2:9. It can mean larger areas beyond just house. If the text doesnt say specifically, The star shone on the house, then we cant say for sure that this is what the text meant.

I have found eighteen other English Bible translations of Matthew 2:9 that also have the place where (Weymouth, Moffatt, Confraternity, Knox, NEB, REB, NRSV, Lamsa, Amplified, Phillips, TEV, NIV, Jerusalem, Williams, Beck, NAB, Kleist & Lilly, and Goodspeed). In all these cases, they are translating hou, literally meaning where but at the same time implying place (which is the where referred to). The Living Bible (a very modern paraphrase) has standing over Bethlehem, which bolsters my argument (because it doesnt say house).

But what about Luke 2:89?

And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.

Note that it is the light from an angel (rather than a star) that shone around them, and they were not yet visiting Jesus. Thus, Luke 2:15 states, Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened. They were not in the same place. When I visited Bethlehem in 2014, I saw exactly how far it was, at least according to local tradition. The birth site is a considerable distance away, and at a higher elevation.

We mustnt be led astray by extraneous factors when exegeting Holy Scripture. I believe that the explanation I am contending for is feasible and in harmony with both science and the biblical texts. To say, then, that the star came to rest over the place is to observe that they didnt see it moving much over Bethlehem once they arrived there. Im not an astronomer, but I can cite scientists and other experts who know much more about these aspects. If the wise men hit the right day (in Bethlehem), Jupiter would have appeared to be stationary.

FOOTNOTES

278 See Phenomenological language in Scripture, CathInfo.com (February 13, 2018).

279 Dag Kihlman, The Star of Bethlehem and Babylonian Astrology: Astronomy and Revelation Reveal What the Magi Saw (self-published, 2017), 9798.

280 Christopher Crockett, What is retrograde motion?, EarthSky (February 6, 2017). See also (with fun moving diagrams!): Retrograde motion can be real or illusory, EarthSky (May 10, 2022).

281 Ernest L. Martin, The Star That Astonished the World (1991), available online at Associates for Scriptural Knowledge.

282 R.T. France, The Gospel According to Matthew: An Introduction and Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1985), 84.

283 D.A. Carson, Matthew; part of The Expositors Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, revised ed., 2017), page undetermined at the Google Books page.

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Or you may believe my work is worthy to support for the purpose of apologetics and evangelism in general. If so, please seriously consider a much-needed financial contribution. Im always in need of more funds: especially monthly support. The laborer is worthy of his wages (1 Tim 5:18, NKJV). 1 December 2021 was my 20th anniversary as a full-time Catholic apologist , and February 2022 marked the 25th anniversary of my blog.

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Summary: Explanation for the passage, the star went before them (Matthew 2:9), including descriptions of biblical phenomenological language and retrograde motion.
Text is hotter than ever. Threads, the Instagram but with a tech focus social media app built by Facebook, now has a feed dedicated to followingthe people you follow. Meanwhile, TikTok, the Chinese social video app, has also followed Threads lead by adding its own text-only posts.

Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg publicly announced the change on Tuesday morning, publicly filling a hole in the application that people have complained about since the inception of Threads earlier in July. Threads still exists as a mobile app for Android and iOS, but Meta has yet to publish a version for the Web.

At this point, though, social media has become profoundly weird.

Just fifteen days after chief executive Linda Yaccarino proclaimed that there was only one Twitter, there is no Twitter at all: Musk renamed the company X.com over the weekend. Though the website reflects the name change, the mobile app still retains the Twitter logo. (Reports that X.com was referring to tweets as xeets appear to be false, according to Snopes). But Twitter X has also quietly proposed or actually moved more features under the paid umbrella of Twitter Blue such as limiting direct messages unless the user subscribes to the $8/mo service.

Youll see a new Following tab at the top of your Threads page. Jason Cross

Threads, meanwhile, was once seen as the escape hatch for those who wanted to avoid having to scroll past Twitter Blue replies to any post. However, reports from Sensor Tower and other sources suggest that Threads daily users has fallen from 44 million to 13 million versus 200 million daily users.

Though there is now an official following tab at the top of the Threads feed, the app itself had apparently gently transitioned into the new layout. Though my personal feed did include some random accounts (sorry, Rep. Katie Porter), it was primarily accounts I followedwho were some of the most active on the platform, who would show up on my feed. Ironically, my Threads feed today lacks the Following feature, but is chock-full of random accounts.

Mark Zuckerberg announced the new change on Threads. Mark Hachman / IDG

Meanwhile, TikTok jumped on the text craze as well. When you access the Camera page, youll be able to choose from three options: photo, video, and text, the site said, announcing the new text-only posts. By selecting text, youll be directed to the text creation page, where you can type out the content of your post.

TikTok is also offering stickers, tags and hashtags, and background colorsmuch like Threads and Facebook.
Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Ghana, Kwamina Asomaning, has emphasized the need for banks to adopt data analytics to transform the overall banking experience for customers. Mr. Asomaning made the remarks at the maiden Ghana Automotive Summit organized by the Automobile Assemblers Association of Ghana at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) Grand Arena.



Speaking on the theme, Capital Unlocking and Standards to Deliver Automotive Industrialization and Transformation, Mr. Asomaning addressed some challenges facing the banking sector in Ghana, particularly in providing financial facilities to individuals to acquire assets. He explained how data analytics and the adoption of nontraditional sources of information can assist banks in providing more efficient services to their clients.



He said I believe that the use of the Ghana Card as the sole means of identification for prospective borrowers will bring down the cost of credit. Non-performing loan ratios in banks are quite high and are currently inching towards 20%. It is refreshing to know that there are few emerging firms that use data analytics to help banks credit score applicants.



These are companies that use consumer habits such as your purchase of phone credit or the use of mobile money for transactions. This, if becomes the norm, would indeed help banks to make more accurate and informed credit decisions, improve risk assessment, streamline the lending process, and extend credit to a broader range of applicants beyond salary earners,



The high cost of finance and limited access to financial services act as formidable barriers to economic inclusion and sustainable development. Home loans and auto loans are two of the most common forms of consumer credit in most parts of the world. But the cost of finance is increasingly growing, that is why most people invest in second-hand vehicles to meet their aspirations of owning a car.



According to the Stanbic Bank CE, it has become very crucial for banks to invest in data analytics to make the credit process more agile and efficient - from legitimizing a new customer to evaluating the creditworthiness and optimizing the complete credit check process.



Kwamina Asomaning further shared that Stanbic Bank and its parent bank, Standard Bank Group, are excited to be associated with the Automotive Assemblers Association of Ghana (AAAG) initiative as it strongly aligns with the purpose of the Standard Bank Group.



He said, Africa is our home, we drive her growth and any endeavor that drives Ghanas growth fits directly into our purpose. As a bank, we are very excited to see the AAAG initiative launched, after years of active discussions for an assembling plant in Ghana. Stanbic bank has been keenly involved in financing automotive operators in the country for many years; we are even more poised to continue offering our services to support the AAAG in their operations.



The automotive industry plays a crucial role in driving economic development by creating jobs, stimulating economic output, promoting technological advancements, fostering innovation, facilitating international trade, and contributing to infrastructure development. The maiden Ghana Automotive Summit 2023 was organized to bring together experts and industry professionals in the sector to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the automobile industry. The summit will concurrently run along an exhibition of over 20 vehicle models locally assembled in Ghana by members of the AAAG. The AAAG membership includes Volkswagen Ghana, Japan Motors, Rana Motors, Kantanka Automobile, Silver star Ghana, and Stallion Group Toyota-Tsusho Company. Associate members are Toyota Ghana and CFAO Motors Ghana.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Mr. Samuel Shay, the President of leading Israeli technology company, Gulf Technologies Systems (GTS), is about to launch Afrobit, the African Development Cryptocurrency (ABDC) which seeks to support sustainable development and economic growth in Africa.



Afrobit (ABDC) is a groundbreaking initiative designed to support economic growth and sustainable development across Africa in sectors such as education, renewable energy, healthcare, infrastructure, water and sanitation, agriculture and agro-industry, and fintech.



Within seven days from now,

Afrobit will be live on Bianca Grade Platform as part of its testing and pre-sale process.



GTS and Mr. Shay will then conduct a 30-day pre-sale program for all potential buyers of Afrobit.



On September 7, 2023, Afrobit (ABDC) will be launched officially, ushering in a new era of sustainable development and economic growth initiatives in Africa.



More details



Afrobit (ABDC) is is a digital currency built on a decentralized blockchain platform, leveraging the power of technology to facilitate investments in key sectors across the African continent.



Afrobit serves as a financial tool that enables individuals, businesses, and organizations to invest in African projects that have the potential to drive sustainable development. These projects span various sectors, including agriculture, agro-industry, renewable energy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, among others.



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The main objective of Afrobit is to foster financial inclusion, empower communities, and unlock Africa's economic potential. By investing in Afrobit, individuals become active contributors to Africa's growth story, promoting social progress, environmental sustainability, and economic independence.



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Afrobit is more than just a digital currency. It represents a movement towards a brighter future for Africa, where economic development is coupled with social empowerment and environmental stewardship. By embracing Afrobit, individuals and organizations have the opportunity to be a part of Africa's transformation and contribute to building a prosperous and sustainable continent.



Together, with the collective efforts of investors, partners, and communities, Afrobit aims to create a positive and lasting impact on Africa's economic growth, social well-being, and environmental sustainability.



Why choose afrobit token:



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2. Financial Inclusion:



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Afrobit leverages blockchain technology, which ensures transparency, security, and accountability. The decentralized nature of the blockchain eliminates intermediaries, reduces the risk of fraud, and provides a transparent record of all transactions. This transparency fosters trust and confidence in the Afrobit ecosystem, giving you peace of mind about the security of your investments.



4. Impactful Project Funding:

When you choose Afrobit, your investment directly funds impactful projects in Africa. These projects span critical sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and more. By supporting these projects, you contribute to job creation, social welfare, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment, making a tangible difference in the lives of communities across Africa.



5. Potential for Growth and Returns:



Investing in Afrobit offers the potential for growth and attractive returns. As Africa's economies continue to expand, opportunities for profitable investments emerge. By choosing Afrobit, you position yourself to benefit from the continent's economic progress and the positive impact generated by funded projects. This potential for growth adds value to your investment portfolio.



6. Global Collaboration and Networks:



Choosing Afrobit allows you to become part of a global network of investors, entrepreneurs, and organizations who share a common vision for Africa's development. This network offers opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, and knowledge-sharing, amplifying the impact of your investment and fostering a supportive community dedicated to Africa's growth.



Choosing Afrobit token demonstrates your commitment to Africa's development and economic progress. By investing in Afrobit, you support financial inclusion, transparent and secure transactions, impactful project funding, and the potential for growth and returns. Join the movement and be a part of driving positive change in Africa through Afrobit.









Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The Pharmacy Council and the police have sealed off an Over-The-Counter Medicines facility for selling tramadol, a prescription-only pain killer, to an alleged drug addict without a prescription.



The owner of the facility, located at Mamprobi Agege in the Greater Accra Region, and her staff, are scheduled to face the disciplinary committee of the council, where they will be required to explain to the council the reason for dispensing a prescription-only medicine without the appropriate authorisation.



By law, such facilities do not have the mandate to stock and dispense such medication.



Section 108 (1) of the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act (Act 857) states that an inspector may close premises that sell or supply restricted medicines where there were grounds to believe that a health hazard may exist on the premises or where the premises is unlicensed.



Speaking to the Daily Graphic on the matter in Accra yesterday, the Deputy Registrar, Operations, of the Pharmacy Council, Dr Daniel Amaning Danquah, said some drugs had been labeled as prescription-only because of the complications related to abuse and wrong handling, making it illegal to dispense such drugs over the counter to safeguard public health.



He said those medications were only prescribed by Medical Doctors, and the prescription should be the only basis for dispensing such drugs.



Consuming Tramadol in combination with other substances can lead to liver diseases, renal dysfunction or respiratory dysfunction.



Additionally when mixed with alcohol, Tramadol can significantly lower brain activity, resulting in the loss of consciousness, increase depression, brain damage and even suicidal tendencies, he said.



Reminder and details

Dr Amaning Danquah said the Pharmacy Council's firm action against the illegal dispensing of Tramadol served as a critical reminder of the potential dangers associated with improper handling, distribution and use of prescription only medicine.



It highlights the importance of adhering to regulatory guidelines to safeguard public health and prevent abuse of such medications.



Pharmaceutical service providers are therefore warned to desist from dispensing prescription-only medicines without valid prescriptions.



Providing details about what happened, the two policemen saw an alleged drug addict adding a substance to his drink, which was later identified as tramadol.



He said upon further questioning by the policemen, the individual admitted to lacing his drink with tramadol, and revealed that he had obtained the drug from the an OTCMs shop.



Acting promptly, the officers confronted the facility owner who displayed a defiant and uncooperative attitude during the interrogation.



Consequently, a formal report was lodged with the Pharmacy Council leading to swift enforcement measures being taken, he said.



Dr Amaning Danquah reaffirmed the collaborative effort between the Pharmacy Council, the police administration and the Food and Drugs Authority to clamp down on the activities of recalcitrant cartels in the industry.















Source: graphiconline.com









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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.



The 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.

Source: BBC









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The Sudanese army says nine people have been killed in a plane crash at the airport in Port Sudan.



It said the civilian Antonov aircraft had suffered a technical failure as it was taking off.



Four military personnel were among the dead. A young girl is reported to have survived the accident.



More than three million people have been displaced since fighting between the army and the RSF militia erupted in mid-April, with the conflict showing no signs of resolution.

Source: BBC









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The highly anticipated 2023 Project Management Excellence Awards took place on the evening of July 21, 2013, at the prestigious Royal Senchi Hotel and Resort in Akosombo.



This year, the awards Organizers introduced three new categories, namely Project Management Excellence, IT Project of the Year Award, Project Management Excellence, Oil and Gas Project of the Year Award, and Project Management Excellence, Agricultural Project of the Year Award, expanding the total number of categories to fifteen (15).



The categories recognized outstanding achievements in various sectors, including Banking & Finance, Telecommunications, the Media, State organizations, Agriculture, Mining, NGOs, Manufacturing, Information Technology, Oil and Gas, Consultancy, and Education. Each category aimed to celebrate exceptional project management practices and recognize the individuals and organizations that contributed to their successful execution.



The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) won the highly competitive Project Management Excellence, Project of the Year Award with their Kasoa BSP/ICC Project, with MTN bagging the runner up Award.



The Capital Projects Group (CPG) of MTN came tops in the Project Management Excellence, PMO of the Year Award Category, with ECG picking the runner up Award in this category.



The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) won the coveted Project Management Excellence, Oil and Gas Project of the Year Award, with their Accra Plains Tanks Modernization Project





ECG won the State Organization Project of the Year Award with the Power App Enhancement Project (EPEP).



ABSA won the Project Management Excellence, Bank Project of the Year Award with their Investment on ABSA Mobile Banking Application Project.



The Prestigious Project Management Excellence, Telecom Project of the Year Award was won by MTN, with the Anti-Money Laundering and Fraud Management Solution Project



The highly competitive IT Project of the Category saw a flex of IT Projects muscles among leading Corporate giants. In the end, Ecobank won the award with their Transformation Program. MTN was the runner-up.



With the Construction of the Esaase Hospital (Bentefufuo Community Hospital), Asanko Gold won the Project Management Excellence, Mining Company Project of the Year Award.



Ing. Patrice Afenyo of ECG won the Project management Excellence, Project Manager of the Year Award, with the superior Project and Program management best practices that were exhibited throughout the entire Project life cycle of the MCC Compact II ECG Financial Operational Turnaround (EFOT)Projects. Mr. Evans Abakah of MTN won the runner up ward in this category for the application of Project management best practices in the Management of Projects and Programs.



The 2023 Project Management Excellence Awards showcased the outstanding achievements and best practices employed by organizations in various sectors. The winners' commitment to excellence and exemplary Project Management serves as an inspiration to the industry as a whole, demonstrating the impact of effective project management on successful outcomes.



The Board and leadership of the Project Management Institute, Ghana Chapter wish to congratulate all winners and nominees in the various categories. Our appreciation goes to all members of the Chapter, all delegates, Speakers, Sponsors, the Planning Committee, our Media Partners, service providers and all other stakeholders who made this years edition of the National Project Management Conference and Project Management Excellence Awards a resounding success. We are hopeful that the 2024 edition will be even more exciting.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Nana Fredua has reacted to the arrest of former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah and the public bashing at her following a case of theft against her house helps.



Two of her house helps, Patience Botwe (18) and Sarah Agyei (30) and others are facing criminal trial for allegedly stealing 1 million dollars, 300,000 and millions of cedis belonging to her.



The incident, which occurred last year between July and October, came out publicly days ago and the Minister has been subjected to intense public criticisms for keeping such monies in her home.



The house helps have been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing.



Patience Botwe is accused of stealing six sets of kente cloth worth GHc90,000 and six sets of men's suits valued at $3000 which belonged to Ms. Dapaah's husband.



Three other individuals including Botwe's current and former boyfriends and her father are also facing charges for allegedly being involved in dishonestly receiving GHc1 million, GHc180,000 and GHc50,000 respectively.



However, many Ghanaians have questioned the source of Mrs. Dapaah's wealth and also blasting her for stashing millions of dollars and cedis in her home.



The news about the theft has resulted in Mrs. Dapaah's resignation and her subsequent arrest by the Special Prosecutor.



In a statement issued by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, At 11:55 GMT on 24 July 2023, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, who resigned from the position of Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources on 22 July 2023, was placed under arrest by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in respect of suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding large amounts of money and other valuable items reportedly stolen from her residence. Ms. Dapaah is being questioned by authorised Officers of the OSP.



But Nana Fredua wonders why the former Minister who is the victim of thievery is the one being dressed down.



He found it shocking the thieves are not the focus of people's concerns but rather why a self-built wealthy woman would keep her money in her home is the talk of the town.



"Are we saying it is appropriate for the thieves to have stolen the money?", he questioned.



To Nana Fredua, Mrs. Cecilia Dapaah is innocent and her innocence will soon be proven to all Ghanaians.



"God forbid. It will never occur that she will be found guilty because I know and accept her truth," he exclaimed while dealing with the matter on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show.



Watch video below





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Minister for Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh says Ghana's energy space is full of huge opportunities for investment in both the power and petroleum sectors.



Dr. Prempeh made this remark when he led an official delegation to meet the Mayor of Houston, Texas - USA, at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra earlier today.



The Mayor is leading a delegation to the country on a trade and investment drive.



In 2022, the two met in Houston during the Africa Energy Summit and again at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) earlier in 2021.



On both occasions, their discussions were "very fruitful", according to the Minister.



Referring to the historically warm relations between Ghana and the United States, the Minister highlighted the role played by the United States government in the construction of the Akosombo Dam to provide hydro-electricity to Ghana.



In the business community, in the Peace Corps progamme and in several other endeavours, American presence in Ghana has been an important force to reckon with, and must work harder at deepening this, he said.



Dr. Prempeh further acknowledged Houston as the energy capital of the world, making this visit particularly significant in respect of the opportunities for investment, collaboration and strategic partnerships in the sector.



Ghana has everything going for it as a destination for investment a stable political system, a robust legal framework, a viable fiscal regime, a good telecommunications system and warm, hospitable people, he said.



He also underscored the work that President Akufo-Addos government has done over the past six years in opening up access to education and skills training as a critical base for leveraging on the opportunities that the investment provides.



On his part, Mayor Turner stated he is excited about his delegations visit to Ghana and described it to be "very productive".



He stressed the need for partnerships that make an impact on ordinary lives and agreed that Africa was the "new frontier" for investment and that the combination of vast mineral deposits and a youthful population with education and skills training meant that the potential was enormous.



After the discussions, the Minister presented the Mayor with a plaque displaying various Adinkra symbols whilst the Mayor presented the Minister with a book on the City of Houston.



The Heads of various energy sector agencies, private operators and senior officials were in attendance on the Ghanaian delegation whilst the Houston delegation included members of the City Council and representatives from various oil companies.



The delegation leaves the country tonight for the United States.













Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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This years Wiregrass United Way campaign will begin with a fun kickoff complete with a service project. Volunteers from throughout the six-county region will gather on Tuesday, Aug. 1, at the Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center in Dothan. The program will start at 8:30 a.m.

After hearing from this years leadership team, viewing the new campaign video, and announcing the campaign goal, Troy Fountain, President of the Wiregrass Foundation, will be on hand to announce a challenge to the local United Way. Brianna Burrell, the newly crowned Miss Alabama, will attend. Burrell will sing the National Anthem to open the event.

Following this, everyone is encouraged to stay and participate in a service project. Thanks to a grant from Alabama Power Company, the Wiregrass United Way will package 50,000 meals. These meals will be distributed locally by the Wiregrass Area Food Bank to those in need. There will be 22 workstations. Volunteers will arrive early that morning to help set up and be trained to lead each station. These Table Captains for 2022 are Blake Seymour, Branham Hanchey, Caleb Long, Deanne Coleman, Hunter Skipper, Jessica Moore, John Brown, Joseph Brackins, Josh Chapman, Katherine Mele, Kent Thomas, Kristen Miller, LaKeisha Russaw, Lawrence Johnson, Linda Cunningham, Mike Brown, Mike Johnson, Mikhele Trice, Tammie Potter, Tara Black, Valerie Hall, and Walt Ellis.

Approximately 100 area businesses and organizations are expected to participate as Pacesetters. They are getting a jump-start on the annual United Way campaign. Each year a number of area businesses agree to conduct their campaign for the Wiregrass United Way between early August and mid September. These businesses make up the Pacesetter campaign. It is not too late for other companies to register to be a Pacesetter.

This years campaign is focusing on the slogan, For the Wiregrass. During the campaign, the United Way will focus on the positive and the issues they are working for in our region. These include meeting basic needs of food and affordable housing, helping our youth succeed in life, providing services to those with special needs, strengthening families and breaking the cycle of child abuse.

Pacesetters are vital to the success of the overall campaign. First, by having a Pacesetter campaign, it enables the Wiregrass United Way to stretch the campaign another month but to do so on the front end. The United Ways goal is to complete all employee campaigns by the end of October to avoid raising money during the holidays. In addition, by having a Pacesetter campaign there is already a significant amount of money raised when the official campaign kickoff is held on Sept. 21.

There will be more than 1,000 volunteers active with the Wiregrass United Way during the year. A volunteer Board of Trustees leads the local organization. Trae Avant, State Farm Insurance, is this years Board Chair. Dean Mitchell, HudsonAlpha Wiregrass, is serving as the overall Campaign Chair.

In addition, each county has a leadership team consisting of a county board chair and county campaign chair. Serving in those roles for 2023 are: Barbour: Sallie Garrison, Board Chair, and Jessica King, Campaign Chair; Coffee: Angie Sullivan, Board Chair, and Lee Milliner, Campaign Chair; Dale: John Cawley, Board Chair, and Heather Cohen, Campaign Chair; Geneva: Ken Grimes, Board Chair, and Jason Thrash, Campaign Chair; Henry: Cher Marvel, Board Chair, and Sheriff Eric Blankenship, Campaign Chair; Houston: Vincent Vincent, Board Chair, and Chris Etheredge, Campaign Chair.

The Wiregrass United Way has served the Wiregrass area since 1938, currently funding 37 member agencies serving Barbour, Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston counties. Funds raised by Wiregrass United Way are utilized locally in the six county area. A committee of local volunteers determines how the funds are distributed among the partner agencies. For more information call (334) 792-9661 or visit the website at www.wuw.org.
Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) Dr Ernest Addison expressed concerns over the issue of hoarding huge amounts of cash at home.



Dr. Addison whiles answering questions on the theft case that allegedly occurred at the residence of Cecilia Dapaah said It is a worry to all of us but it is a matter in court so there is not much to say about it.



He made the statement when addressing journalists at the 113th Monetary Policy Committee press conference on July 24, 2023.



Cecilia Dapaah, on the other hand, has been arrested by the Office of the Special Prosecutor after various commentaries of alleged corruption had characterized issues surrounding a theft case that happened at her residence.



The Bank of Ghana announced the increase of its monetary policy rate to 30%.

Source: Ghanaweb.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Former General Secretary of the People's National Convention, Bernard Mornah, has alleged that the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah, was forced to resign from her position.



According to him, people close to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, including the Director of Communications at the Office of the President, Eugene Arhin, were implicated in worse crimes but are still holding on to their positions.



Speaking in an interview on UTV on Monday, July 24, 2023, Monarh said that even though he is terrified by the amount of money stolen at Cecilia Dapaah's home, the former minister would still be working if she was close to the presidency.



What is more painful in all of this is that this woman was forced to resign. Euguene Arhin works at the presidency; do you remember the confusion between him and his wife? Do you know the list of assets the woman (Euguene Arhins wife) listed?



Just two of those assets alone exceed the amount of money that has been stolen, for which reason this woman's resignation was put before her to sign.



So, it is evident that if you are close to the president, you cannot be forced to resign, but if you are not close to the president, you can be forced to resign, he said in Twi.



Cecilia Dapaah resigned after court documents indicated that the minister and her family lost US$1 million, 300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis in cash; assorted clothes valued at GH95,000 and handbags, perfumes, and jewellery valued at US$95,000, during the robbery.



She was arrested by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) hours after her resignation, with the OSP citing suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding the huge amounts of money and other valuable items reportedly stolen from her residence by two househelps in 2022.



Two of her househelps, Patience Botwe (18) and Sarah Agyei (30), were previously charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing following the alleged incidents between July and October 2022.



During this period, items including assorted clothes worth GHC95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewellery valued at $95,000 were said to have been stolen from the former Minister's residence in the

Abelemkpe

area of Accra.



Patience Botwe was also accused of stealing six sets of kente cloth worth GHC90,000 and six sets of men's suits valued at $3,000, which belonged to Dapaah's husband.



Furthermore, three other individuals, including Botwe's current and former boyfriends and her father, are also facing charges for allegedly being involved in dishonestly receiving GHC1 million, GHC180,000, and GHC50,000, respectively.



The arrest by the Office of the Special Prosecutor indicates the gravity of the situation and the determination of authorities to investigate the alleged corruption thoroughly.





















Source: ghanaweb.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Atik Mohammed says the student of Adisadel College who inflicted serious injury on a fellow student should be made to face a stricter punishment than dismissal.



The former PPP General Secretary expressed disgust over the barbaric act of the student saying his intention was to harm his victim.



A video surfaced on social media showing a violent scuffle between two students of the Adisadel College.



The horrific video, which was captured by some of the students, showed a graphic image of one of the students in the brawl being severely hurt on the cheek.



Hours after the video hit the internet, the Ghana Education Service indicated in a press release that it's taking the matter seriously and commended the authorities of the College for their prompt response.



"We commend the school authorities for promptly suspending the alleged perpetrator pending further investigation," the GES statement read.



The perpetrator is reportedly dismissed from the school but, to Atik, this is not enough punishment.



He called for the arrest and prosecution of the offender saying "he should be referred to the Police. This is serious assault...Once the law can be applied to him, we shouldn't say he is a child and is remorseful".



Describing the perpetrator as a "bad influence", Atik stressed this shouldn't end with him only regretting his action but he should be dealt with to serve as deterrent to the other students on campus.



"Every criminal who ends up being convicted, a lot of times, become remorseful but it doesn't mean the person will be forgiven. If you steal something and later regret your action, you will still be punished", he said on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show.







Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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As part of the initiative to spearhead and promote Ghanas tourism and trade in the US, The Mayor of Houston, United States of America (USA), Mr Sylvester Turner, has been celebrated with Ghanas high-end timepieces, Caveman Watches, during his eight-day visit to the country to explore new economic opportunities.



The Mayor received a Caveman customized Coat of Arms gold watch which was presented by Anthony Dzamefe, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Caveman Watches, a globally recognized premium watch brand based in Ghana, over the weekend when a 30-member delegation led by him paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture at Kempinski.



Embracing this timepiece, the Mayor posed with the CEO and showcased his latest gift from Ghana, a customized Coat of Arms gold watch. The timepiece is a true testament to opulent luxury, masterful craftsmanship, and watchmaking.



This timepiece exemplifies the brand's unwavering commitment to producing premium creations that capture discerning collectors and enthusiasts alike.



Caveman Watches, helmed by multi-award-winning entrepreneur Anthony Mensah Dzamefe, has garnered international acclaim as the first Ghanaian-made watch brand to be featured in the esteemed New York Times.



It stands proudly as Africa's foremost emerging luxury brand. It has earned the endorsement of influential figures and celebrities across the continent and around the world.



The Mayors endorsement of Caveman Watches signifies a powerful union of artistic talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and an unwavering dedication to craftsmanship connecting the motherland and the Diaspora and not only highlights the growing presence of Ghana's luxury industry on the global stage but also reinforces the timeless appeal of African craftsmanship and creativity.

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.

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Representatives of national focal institutions from ECOWAS member states have converged on Accra to strategise on how to fight trafficking in persons.



Participants in the three-day meeting would also assess the implementation of a plan of action which commenced in 2018 and ended in 2022, among other initiatives at the



15th annual ECOWAS Regional Network of National Focal Institutions against Trafficking in Persons Plus review meeting.



The meeting has since 2014, been funded by the EU through the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), under the framework of Support to free movement and migration in West Africa project.



The ECOWAS action plan encourages member states to engage in the establishment of operational links between actors in the protection sector and the criminal justice system, and agree on procedures that govern the referral of victims across borders.



The West Africa region has long experienced high levels of regular and irregular migration, which has created a market for traffickers.



This years World Day against Trafficking in Persons is slated for July 30, 2023, on the theme: Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind, to remind the public of the impact trafficking has on victims and societies.



Trauma

The Deputy Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Francisca Oteng Mensah, said at the opening of the meeting yesterday, that no justification or account can erode the emotional, psychological and physical trauma that victims of trafficking are left with.



She, therefore, urged national institutions to prioritise the safety and survival of rescued victims of human trafficking to reduce the vulnerabilities of such victims.



The deputy minister entreated the participants to help identify clear referral mechanisms and pathways for handling cross border victims of trafficking.



The deputy minister said that the country was in its second phase of implementing a national plan of action for the elimination of human trafficking (2022-2026).



Relevance

The Head of Traffic in Persons Unit at ECOWAS, Olatunde Olayemi, said the annual meeting was a flagship activity that helped the commission to know how well we are doing and where the problems might be.



In recent times we have heard reports of trafficking of males for forced labour where young men are sometimes trafficked or locked up and made to engage in computer scamming.



We do have significant amount of trafficking of adult women for sexual exploitation all over the region, with children also being trafficked for servitude and labour, including mining, he said.



Mr Olayemi added that there was also trafficking in persons outside of West Africa through North Africa, Central Africa heading towards the Mediterranean routes to Europe, in the Gulf countries and Saudi Arabia, among others.



The Head of Cooperation of EU Delegation to Ghana, Massimo Mina, said the collective effort of stakeholders would go a long way towards building a safer and more secure space across the region where justice prevailed and human dignity was respected.





Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in the past weeks, has connected with party delegates in the Greater Accra Region and Ashanti Region.



As part of his campaign schedules to connect with delegates, his train stops in the Western Region where he engages the Takoradi and Effia constituencies.



Speaking at a campaign grounds in Effia, Honorable Joseph Cudjoe, Member of Parliament for the Effia constituency expressed the delegates' overwhelming support for Dr. Bawumia as the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) flagbearer, predicting his ascent to the Presidency in December 2024.



The declaration by Honorable Joseph Cudjoe comes as no surprise as Dr. Bawumia has captured the hearts and minds of party delegates through his visionary leadership and dedication to the party's progress.



Honorable Joseph Cudjoe confidently stated; "We have already voted for Dr. Bawumia as the NPP flagbearer in spirit. We are only waiting for December 2024 to make him President."



The immense faith placed in Dr. Bawumia speaks volumes about the impact he has had on the party.



Widely recognized for his impact on the party, Dr. Bawumia has become a symbol of hope and progress for the NPP.



Honorable Joseph Cudjoe's statement only solidifies the growing support and anticipation surrounding the NPP's next presidential race.



Delegates have been engaging in conversations and grass root campaigns, fueling their enthusiasm for Dr. Bawumia's candidacy.



The unwavering support from respected figures such as Honorable Joseph Cudjoe reaffirms the strong bond between the people and their chosen leader.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, has been arrested by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).



This was confirmed in a statement signed by the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng dated July 24, 2023.



This follows a court case in which two house helps and others are standing trial for allegedly stealing $1 million, 300,000 and millions of cedis from her Ablekuma residence.



Two of her house helps, Patience Botwe (18) and Sarah Agyei (30), were previously charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, following the alleged incidents between July and October 2022.



During this period, items including assorted clothes worth GHC95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry valued at $95,000 were said to have been stolen from the former Minister's residence in the Abelemkpe area of Accra. Patience Botwe was also accused of stealing six sets of kente cloth worth GHC90,000 and six sets of men's suits valued at $3,000, which belonged to Ms. Dapaah's husband. Furthermore, three other individuals, including Botwe's current and former boyfriends and her father, are also facing charges for allegedly being involved in dishonestly receiving GHC1 million, GHC180,000, and GHC50,000, respectively.



OSP Arrest



According to the statement from the OSP, At 11:55 GMT on 24 July 2023, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, who resigned from the position of Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources on 22 July 2023, was placed under arrest by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in respect of suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding large amounts of money and other valuable items reportedly stolen from her residence".



Ms. Dapaah is being questioned by authorised Officers of the OSP.



Below is the statement







Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says out of all the aspirants who have shown interest in contesting for the flagbearership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the next elections, he is the only one the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is afraid of.



In fact the NDC knows that I am the only one among the ten aspiring presidential candidates who can defeat Mahama in 2024. That is why they always attack me and leave the other nine aspirants, Dr. Bawumia pointed out.



The Vice President was addressing NPP delegates in the Takoradi Constituency as part of his campaign tour of the Western Region.



He told delegates that the NDC had three strongholds in the country and mentioned them as the Volta and Northern regions as well as the Zongo communities.



He said before he became the Vice President, the ruling NPP had only three out of the 31 seats in the Northern Region. But with dint of hard work after I became the Vice President, now we have 16 seats. So NDC have done their survey and realised that if I am given the nod as NPP flagbearer, the NDC will lose more seats, he added.



As for the Zongo communities, what they are saying is that bring Bawumia and we will no longer vote for NDC. That is why the opposition party keeps attacking me, but I am focused and I believe if I am elected flagbearer, Ghanaians will make me president, he added.



He then pleaded with the delegates to support and vote massively for him to lead the party into victory in 2024.



He indicated that even as Vice President, his contributions to the growth of the countrys economy are enormous, including the Gold for Oil policy, mobile money interoperability, drone for blood distribution and Agenda 111 among others.



Mahama has been in politics for about 30 years but he cannot tell Ghanaians one policy that he would be remembered for, he told the delegates.



Dr. Bawumia said he contributed to the countrys current electoral reforms when he mounted the witness box as a star witness in the 2012 election petition at the Supreme Court.



He said his digital agenda has also made it possible for people to do a lot of digital transactions, including paying of utility bills with ease and in the comfort of their homes.



He mentioned that the Gold for Oil policy he introduced has yielded positive results, as there has been stability in fuel and the local currency.



He pointed out that he would be able to unite the party since he has served both under the Kufuor regime and currently under the Akufo-Addo-led government.



The Western Regional Chairman of the NPP, Francis Ndede Siah told Dr. Bawumia that he would get 95 per cent of the votes cast from delegates in the region on November 4 this year.



He noted that Dr. Bawumia stands tall among all those who have so far expressed interest to lead the party, and would help the party break the 8 because of his track record.



He then called on the delegates to rally behind Dr. Bawumia because he is the only person capable of leading the NPP to victory in 2024.

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.

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In a remarkable show of political conviction and bravado, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Lambusei in the Upper West Region, Hon Bright Bakye Baligi has publicly endorsed the candidature of Alan Kyerematen, as the most suitable to lead the New Patriotic Party into the 2024 national elections.



What makes Hon Baligi's endorsement particularly intriguing is his assertion that he carries the blood of the late S.D. Dombo, a stalwart of the party in the Northern regions who is recognised as one of the founding pillars of the NPP tradition.



This bold declaration highlights the significance of meritocracy over lineage and exemplifies the growing importance of pragmatic leadership within the NPP.



The late Simon Diedong Dombo, a distinguished statesman and founding member of the United Party (UP) in Ghana, holds an esteemed place in the annals of NPP's political history. The declaration by his grandson for Hon Kyerematen is distinct a break from the ethnic politics being canvassed by some aspirants and a huge boost the chances of the man popularly called Alan Cash in the North.



For the Lambusei MP, it is his believe in the competence and capability that of Kyerematen that has swayed his support for him.



As part of the former Minister for Trade and Industry's team on his cluster delegates durburs across the country, Hon. Baligi traced his blood bondage to the Dombo lineage and said hia rooting for Hon Kyerematen was because of his overwhelming demonstrable competence, as against the mediocre achievements of other candidates.



He said "if there is anyone in the eighth Parliament with traces of Dombo it must be me. I am a blood family member and a grandson of Dombo but I support Alan. I support Alan because I see competency and practicality in him.

"His vision and practicality made me endorse him as a candidate to lead the party and Ghana at large".



The Lambusei lawmaker's endorsement of Alan Kyerematen serves as a powerful message for the future of Ghanaian politics as it underscores the significance of meritocracy and the need for leaders who can rise above their illustrious lineages to prioritize the interests of the people.



As the nation continues to evolve, the importance of progressive, competent, and practical leaders cannot be overstated.



The New Patriotic Party is set to elect the next flagbearer in the post-Akuffo Addo era on November 4, 2023.









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.

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Atik Mohammed has condemned the former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah for hoarding a million dollars and other foreign and local currencies in her home resulting in her resignation and subsequent arrest by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.



Atik Mohammed, speaking to host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show, stated the act by the former Minister is "wrong on many levels. This is reprehensible on all accounts".



He wondered why a public servant would keep huge monies in her home.



"She is not Dangote's partner for us to see that these are her big businesses. Even if she owns businesses that can generate this much money, I'm sure those businesses should have accounts. Also, she doesn't work for the federal reserve, so she doesn't produce dollars or euros which means before you can have such money, it must be one of two things. Either you have done a transaction and have been paid or someone has gifted it to you; either way, there are issues," Atik argued.



He stressed that his interest in Cecilia Dapaah's case is further aroused by the fact that when she was the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, she committed millions of money into projects undertaken under the sector which didn't benefit Ghanaians nor the country.



He disclosed that huge figures were quoted by Mrs. Dapaah to have been spent in keeping the nation clean but "Ghana is one of the dirty countries, Accra mostly".



"This is a sector that is troubled because we are sinking money but we don't see the outcomes. The outcomes don't match the investments," he expressed disappointment in Cecilia Dapaah.



To Atik, Ghanaians deserve to ask questions about the Minister's source of wealth.



"We are not even angry enough as Ghanaians. We need to find out where the money came from."





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Not too long ago, the idea of Artificial Intelligence (AI) existed only in the realms of science fiction, capturing our imaginations with fantastical visions of a distant future.

\Yet, today, that once far-off dream has become a tangible reality, as AI has broken free from the confines of fiction to revolutionize industries on a global scale. Fueled by a relentless pursuit of innovation, this modern technological marvel has initiated a transformative wave across various sectors, fundamentally reshaping how businesses operate.

In todays edition of Lets Talk, our experts take a more profound dive into the captivating realm of AI and explore the industry impact of AI and the limitless possibilities it holds for the future of our ever-evolving world.

Lets Talk.

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Donna McGeorge, Productivity Specialist, Author of The ChatGPT Revolution

Donna McGeorge, Productivity Specialist, Author of The ChatGPT Revolution

The landscape of AI is changing daily, and in some cases hourly. Industries most likely to thrive:

Healthcare  AI is already providing diagnosis that are swift, treatments are tailored and disease outcomes are predicted with unprecedented accuracy.

Financial Sector  From trading to fraud detection, AI is taking the industry to new heights and able to do the investigations at a level of speed and accuracy well beyond human capability.

Manufacturing  Robotic production lines are nothing new, and now have the potential to create a seismic shift with zero human intervention required.

Transportation  self driving vehicles will completely change the landscape.

There is turbulence ahead where automation has the ability to take over repetitive tasks. Industries likely to suffer:

Hospitality  iPad menus and self-ordering along with QR codes in restaurants have been putting wait staff at risk for a while, and robot servers whilst being a novelty (Din Tai Fung in Melbourne), could easily now replace people in these roles.

Creative Agencies  whilst its a bit clunky for now, but disruption is well on the way for copywriting, video production and advertising with anyone able to train AI apps to produce agency level creative.

Hollywood  why hire an actor when you can use their likeness? The writers and actors strikes are a case in point where the law is struggling to keep pace with the technological changes and again.

Dr. Michael Kollo, Key speaker at CapTech2023, CEO at Evolved Reasoning

Industries at the vanguard of general artificial intelligence (Gen AI) transformation are those where language, both computer and human, plays a pivotal role as large language models (LLMs) start to challenge conventional solutions and mundane reporting methods.

In the legal sector, LLMs will redefine case research, contract review, and legal writing. By automating these labour-intensive tasks, LLMs will help legal practitioners focus more on higher-order cognitive tasks, like forming strategies and arguments. These AI models can scan through volumes of legal data within seconds, identifying and extracting relevant case information with a precision that often exceeds human capabilities. The result? Accelerated legal processes, reduced costs, and improved access to justice.

In education, personalised learning could soon be a widespread reality as AI tutors, powered by LLMs, can adapt to each learners pace and style. These AI models can provide real-time feedback, creating an immersive, engaging, and effective learning experience. The potential for scalable, inclusive, and quality education using LLMs is immense.

The world of digital marketing stands to gain significantly from LLMs. AI can generate tailored content, segment audiences with precision, and optimise ad copy or social media posts in real time, leading to higher engagement and conversions. LLMs can also analyse consumer sentiment and trends, enabling businesses to be proactive in their marketing strategies. Delivering improved return on marketing investment, enhanced customer engagement, and a competitive edge in the crowded digital marketplace.

Kat Warboys, APAC Marketing Director, HubSpot

Kat Warboys, APAC Marketing Director, HubSpot

The benefits associated with AI are incredibly pervasive for the marketing and sales industry. However, where it gets most exciting is for industries that are particularly customer-centric. AI is giving these industries renewed productivity, assessing efficiencies and driving more effective results. With manual tasks now automated, busy teams have more time to focus on the bigger picture  elevating the customer experience.

In Australia, our research reveals that 80% of marketers say generative AI tools are a game-changer when it comes to creating personalised content  every marketers dream! Marketers are using AI to conduct market research, produce-data driven insights, learn how to do new tasks and create content, including via HubSpots Content Assistant.

And its not just proving a game changer for marketers. Sales professionals are saving time and increasing their effectiveness by leveraging AI. For example, Chatspot.ai provides seamless natural language chat-based user experiences to help sales teams level up prospective outreach and response rate.

AI plays an important role in collecting and analysing information, industry data and predicting consumer behaviour. Theres no denying the effectiveness, as 70% of sales representatives in Australia using AI in their prospecting report a higher engagement rate. Hows that for effectiveness?! By handing off those repeatable tasks, marketing and sales teams can be hyper-personalised in their engagement and focus on the art of human-centric relationship building.

From boosting creativity and kicking writers block to the curb, to empowering 1:1 customer research and more effective prospecting, AI is redefining productivity and helping teams win back time in their day.

Darren Reid, Senior Director, Security Unit, APJ, VMware

Darren Reid, Senior Director, Security Unit, APJ, VMware

AI can provide valuable support to Security Operations Centre (SOC) teams and the cyber security industry, especially when combined with human insight and expertise.

AI everywhere will not single-handedly deliver the necessary nuanced responses and understanding that cyber security requires. But it can certainly support defenders. It cannot understand at a granular level your environment, which are your most important applications nor who are your most at risk users. What it can do, however, is build large-scale models, seek out patterns in data and find links to things that a human may not. Generative AI models are often expensive to build and manage, and can also lead to unanswered questions for businesses in areas like privacy, intellectual property, legal, and regulatory issues.

As cyber threats increase in volume and sophistication, AI and ML can help alleviate pressure on SOC teams by automating some tasks and augmenting threat detection and response. This is extremely helpful when analysing large volumes of telemetry to detect anomalies. When used in conjunction with an extended threat detection approach and added human context, AI can help drive significant productivity gains for SOC teams and other defenders, it can also alleviate the stress and improve the mental health of security professionals as they manage the overwhelming alerts and data thrown their way.

Rohini Sharma, Industry Lead at monday.com

Rohini Sharma, Industry Lead at monday.com

Artificial intelligence is evolving in an unparalleled way, enhancing how we operate both at work and in everyday life. From smart assistants to maps and content generation, AI is everywhere and we can expect this technology to become a powerful tool across industries for the foreseeable future.

The adoption of AI has been remarkable, particularly around Generative AI, with different industries and companies embracing this innovation and advancing at their own pace. Digital solutions like monday.coms Work OS platform are embedding AI capabilities to revolutionise how organisations operate. Now, off the back of these developments, were seeing a streamlining of processes, productivity gains, and time savings for organisations.

AI presents an industry-agnostic opportunity, where many industries are implementing the technology in different ways. For some organisations, its a new layer that will boost their products and services and for others its at the core of their business. Take customer support for example, AI can answer frequently asked questions quickly and accurately, significantly enhancing the customer experience and improving internal efficiencies. It can also help with knowledge management, ensuring information is organised and directed to the right people. Overall, AI is not a case of specific industries and its successful adoption can be found across various industries, anywhere from marketing to HR or health.

Merlin Luck, Regional Vice President, Salesforce

Merlin Luck, Regional Vice President, Salesforce

AI is revolutionising business processes across all industries. For small to mid-sized businesses, the benefits of implementing AI range from automating internal and external processes for optimal efficiency to enhancing customer relationships. For example, in financial services, insurance provider BizCover is using AI-driven solutions to support automated analysis of customer support data to improve the content and timing of communications. As a result, the business has already reported increased open rates averaging 50% against the 24% industry average.

Importantly, SMBs must ensure they are safely prepared to take advantage of the opportunities AI brings. When looking at AI technology, business owners must consider whether they are safe, secure, and have the skills required within the business to implement these tools effectively.

Melissa Voderberg, Associate Director, Customer Experience and Innovation Consulting, Publicis Sapient

Melissa Voderberg, Associate Director, Customer Experience and Innovation Consulting, Publicis Sapient

There are many areas where generative AI (GenAI) can play a role in change for good: one of these is the food industry. The dual challenge of food wastage vs food needs is an enduring issue for the sector. By analysing data on consumer demand, inventory levels and other variables, GenAI algorithms can generate optimised stocking and ordering schedules for grocery stores and other food retailers to minimise spoilage and wastage.

GenAI also has a key role in shipping and distribution, optimising routes and speeding up the supply chain to avoid delays and spoilage. This also means fresh food with a shorter shelf life can rapidly be redistributed to food banks and homeless shelters. This redistribution not only reduces waste but ensures that surplus food is distributed to those who need it most.

In this way, GenAI has huge potential to revolutionise food production, distribution and retail operations to significantly improve sustainability.

Enzo Compagnoni, Regional Vice President and General Manager ANZ, Red Hat

Enzo Compagnoni, Regional Vice President and General Manager ANZ, Red Hat

In the next five years, most industries will reap the benefits of AI through increased productivity. But its not going to replace humans in any meaningful way any time soon and there will be a shift or adjustment. Large-language models and chatbots are notable examples because they can provide scale to assisted channels. But when it comes to high-brain work, you still need people.

AI will take over different classes of repetitive tasks and decision making. Industries that will thrive are those with repeatable processes and understand how they can leverage data to build rich and powerful models. Examples include healthcare for better diagnosis, agriculture through robotics for harvesting produce, manufacturing for predictive and prescriptive maintenance, and cyber security for threat intelligence.

AI does not need to be one thing for everyone. Its time for every industry to take stock and thoughtfully consider how and, more importantly why, AI can be used to drive progress.

Tim Dasey, Ph.D. AI Author and Consultant, Dasey Consulting

Tim Dasey, Ph.D. AI Author and Consultant, Dasey Consulting

Anything related to AIs development will be hot for the foreseeable future, including the technologies it relies upon (e.g., Internet, communication, compute). New industries will emerge or greatly expand, like the AI consulting world that will increasingly be about customizing the selection and use of AI for particular companies, jobs, and even individuals. The post-graduate educational sector will see increasing demand from workers who need to adapt quickly.

Outside of AI and tech, the key question is whether increased productivity will expand markets significantly. Some, like marketing, could get so human-scarce that it just becomes a branch of AI and is so cheap the industry cant thrive. Human-care industries will remain so, but they might expand because AI decreases costs or increases availability which allows reaching a hidden market. For example, psychotherapy could be done by avatars. That may not appeal to the existing market, but the number who need help is probably much larger than human therapists can serve. AI can fill in the holes of human unavailability and scarcity.

Sumir Bhatia, President Asia Pacific, ISG at Lenovo

Sumir Bhatia, President Asia Pacific, ISG at Lenovo

The impact of AI on industries is complex and dynamic. It depends on an organizations ability to leverage its potential to improve operational efficiency. There are numerous industries that will thrive  lets see understand a few below:

Healthcare  benefits from AIs ability to augment human capabilities, remove bias and analyse data to aid diagnoses. Mining  a major contributor to Australias economy will thrive thanks to AIs ability to increase accuracy when drilling areas, reduce human manpower in mines and minimise workplace accidents. Finance can enhance risk assessment, fraud detection, and automate customer service, improving overall financial operations. Retail  AI-powered recommendations, supply chain optimization, and personalized shopping experiences can boost customer engagement and sales.

While there are numerous opportunities, common challenges that sectors like traditional retail, customer service, or legal may face are the disruption of traditional models and reduced demand for research, analysis, and data computing roles. Routine tasks become automated as data gets analysed at faster speeds. However, the human aspect cannot be ruled out. AIs dynamic advancements will drive an 80% increase in tech talent by 2025. As this progresses, Leaders will face the challenge of evolving roles, upskilling employees, and hiring those with relevant skill sets.

Ruth-Anne Marchant, Senior Team Lead Australia at Mathworks

Ruth-Anne Marchant, Senior Team Lead Australia at Mathworks

AI offers unmatched potential for businesses across almost every industry. A report by Accenture showed corporate profits are set to increase by an average of 38% by 2035 thanks to the advanced deployment of AI into financial, IT, and manufacturing applications. Efficiency and productivity gains are two of the most commonly cited benefits of using AI and industries with large volume of processes which can be automated are reaping the benefits. Automation with AI means technology can handle and process tasks at a much faster rate than humans could and at the same time, removing that task from an employees workload frees them up to focus on higher-value tasks. AI technology also enables organisations to learn and predict tendencies to solve complex problems that have too many variables for the human brain to analyse successfully. By implementing AI, crucial operational decisions can be supported in real-time to greatly improve safety, security, efficiency, and productivity. Were already seeing our customers making great gains using AI in industries such as energy, mining, automotive, manufacturing and aerospace.

David Peterson, Principal Solutions Engineer, APAC at Confluent

David Peterson, Principal Solutions Engineer, APAC at Confluent

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already being used in many industries, but advanced real-world applications are only just coming to fruition. AI innovation takes on a whole new dimension when combined with the power of data streaming, which describes the continuous flow of data as its generated, enabling real-time processing and analysis for immediate insights.

For example, many businesses are looking at combining GPT-4 with streaming data to achieve real-time generative AI. In a real-world scenario, an airline could use a large language model (LLM) like this to help a customer answer a query like, Can I upgrade to first class? with pinpoint accuracy. This is no small feat, as it requires the LLM and the businesss data sources to work harmoniously together, analysing things like the customers identity, seat layout of the plane assigned to the flight, current capacity for the flight, rewards points available for free upgrades and potentially more. This is a level of personalisation that cannot be achieved with a simple Google search or even an AI model alone  every industry has the opportunity to transform experiences similarly by leveraging AI with the data it already owns.

Scott Wiltshire, Vice President and GM ANZ at Oracle NetSuite

Scott Wiltshire, Vice President and GM ANZ at Oracle NetSuite

AI will help many industries thrive as it can reduce time-consuming manual processes and enable people to focus on more valuable work.

For example, businesses can automate invoice matching so the finance team only needs to manage exceptions, freeing them up to focus on more strategic tasks. This one example will have a huge impact on industries that have high volumes of transactions such as retail, food and beverage, and consumer packaged goods and enable finance teams in these industries to spend more time helping guide their companies and less time on tasks like closing the books.

AI will also help industries like manufacturing to be more agile by identifying patterns in a companys data to get ahead of changes in supply and demand. For example, manufacturers can use AI-enabled forecasting to better plan production, take stock of inventory and materials, reorder supplies, and ensure cost efficiencies.

Retail, food and beverage, consumer packaged goods, and manufacturing are just a few examples of industries that can significantly benefit from AI. Ultimately, AI embedded in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems will enable businesses across industries to increase the speed and accuracy of business processes, improve productivity, and reduce costs.

Lee Hawksley, President APJ, UiPath

Advances in AI will enable more advanced automations capable of handling even the most complex processes. Particularly, industries in Australia that currently depend on manual processes and multiple disparate systems will thrive through AI-powered automation. These industries include the finance, retail, health, and manufacturing industries, as well as the public sector.

Simultaneously, AI-powered automation can be the foundation to drive innovation across organisations, which will allow these industries to boost productivity and enhance efficiencies on a massive scale. As a result, this will have a flow on effect to helping solve the current national productivity challenge. At the same time, AI can enable the finance, retail, and public sectors to make significant improvements in customer experience by speeding up administrative processes, reducing the risk of errors, streamlining customer responsiveness, and freeing up humans to engage more directly with customers.

Ultimately, Australian organisations must assess how disruptive AI technologies can help them renew and reinvent processes to leapfrog the status quo. This will be key to building a more productive and resilient nation.

Fergus Dunn, Regional Executive at Bentley Systems

Fergus Dunn, Regional Executive at Bentley Systems

AI technological advancements are reshaping industries worldwide and the architectural engineering and construction (AEC) industry is no exception. As urbanisation drives demand for infrastructure, AI offers valuable insights into large-scale design and planning projects, through integrated simulation technology increasing efficiencies, preventing errors, and boosting productivity.

Digital twins, which harnesses data-driven insights and AI capabilities, is a particularly impactful technology in the industry. This AI technology is enabling real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, such as detecting cracks within roads. This advanced detection will be critical to ensure the safety of our cities, particularly as we must place greater focus on climate change resilience in the coming years.

However, AI innovations raise concerns about potential job displacement across various industries with jobs involving repetitive tasks, data analysis, customer service, transportation, and manufacturing may be impacted. To thrive, industries must embrace AI responsibly and provide support to affected workers through providing upskilling and training initiatives. By doing so, Australia can lead the way as an innovator, harnessing AIs transformative potential while ensuring a smooth transition for its workforce into new roles within the evolving technological landscape.

Daniel Park, Sales Engineering Manager ANZ, Zebra Technologies

Daniel Park, Sales Engineering Manager ANZ, Zebra Technologies

As businesses across industries rush to utilise AI to enhance operations, many are fearing that labour-intensive sectors, such as retail and manufacturing, will face serious job cuts. However, AI-based technology such as automated tills, warehouse robotics and planning tools are best utilised in conjunction with human insights, allowing retail and manufacturing staff to focus on higher value tasks.

For the retail industry, AI powered solutions can consolidate and analyse customer data, market trends, and historical patterns. Retailers can gain timely insights throughout the supply chain that help them identify bottlenecks and delays in real time, ultimately adding value to their decision making. By combining human insights with the power of AI, retailers have the potential to improve coordination between suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors, facilitating smoother operations. This enables quicker response times in the event of disruption and enhances the experience for employees, helping organisations retain talent.

Manufacturers are also using AI to relieve teams from mundane tasks, so they can focus on higher value tasks that require creativity, problem-solving, and human decision-making skills. Tools such as AI-powered machine vision solutions assist with detailed quality inspections for items such as medications, automotive and electronic parts and other goods coming off the manufacturing line. Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) equipped with machine learning and computer vision work in support of people in factories, warehouses and distribution centres, helping ensure they have the raw materials, products and packages they need to get products made, packaged and loaded onto trailers on schedule.

Anthony Spiteri, Regional CTO APJ, Veeam

Anthony Spiteri, Regional CTO APJ, Veeam

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to have a positive impact on data-focused industries the most. This includes sectors such as finance, where AI-powered algorithms can enhance fraud detection, credit risk assessment through analysing datasets in real-time. Additionally, manufacturing and logistics will experience enhanced efficiency and cost savings through AI-driven automation and predictive maintenance.

However, AIs rise may also create difficulties for certain industries to keep existing processes. For instance, routine and repetitive tasks in administrative roles may become automated, potentially leading to job displacement. Retail may undergo a transformation as AI-powered chatbots and personalised recommendations redefine customer interactions.

Amidst this AI revolution, data backup becomes paramount. More than ever, safeguarding critical data becomes a top priority. In an AI-driven world, data serves as the lifeblood of insights and decision-making. Businesses must adopt robust data backup solutions to prevent data loss, ensure business continuity, and safeguard against cyber threats. Veeams expertise in data backup and recovery will play a vital role in helping industries navigate the AI landscape securely, ensuring they can capitalise on AIs opportunities while mitigating potential risks.

Jamie Hoey, Country Manager AU, Wunderkind

Jamie Hoey, Country Manager AU, Wunderkind

The increasing prevalence of AI presents both opportunities and risks for industries across the board. For organisations and teams with a significant amount of first-party customer data, there are immediate and quantifiable benefits.

Marketers, for example, are sitting on massive amounts of data, from user behaviour analytics to campaign performance. In this, there is huge potential for AI in learning models to unlock the type of performance optimisation we havent seen to date.

AI optimisation through machine learning can help automate manual processes to save time and drive efficiencies. A marketers time in collating, sorting and categorising data is freed up to better understand and utilise the insights at their disposal and focus more on strategy, rather than nuts and bolts execution.

But AI is just a tool to support, not replace, marketing roles. It must be overlaid with human in the loop intelligence. Once marketers have better control and understanding of the data  or, for example, the ability to automate asset creation and campaign setup  it brings the reality of true 1:1 marketing personalisation, at scale, much closer.

After all, marketers are the guardians of the brand. Human creativity and judgement remains irreplaceable to determine what will connect with customers in a relevant and authentic way  and how to hit the customer with the right message, in the right place, at the right time.

Pete Murray, Managing Director, ANZ at Veritas Technologies

Pete Murray, Managing Director, ANZ at Veritas Technologies

Artificial intelligence (AI) is continuing to take the world by storm. The eye of the storm marks a revolution in how we now construct, produce and ultimately create ideas. However, in parallel with so many creative and innovative developments comes a dark cloud, raining down malicious individuals who seek to take advantage of AI in its fresh form.

Without a doubt, AI will affect every single industry, including those in the Australian technology system. The important thing is to ensure that your company is ready.

Cyber sharks can deploy AI solutions to execute attacks, quickly identifying credentials and pulling data across the internet. But the issue behind the door remains the same as it did before AI: businesses must know what and where their data is, if its encrypted, if it includes Personal Identifiable Information and who has access to it.

On the flip side, organisations across all industries can leverage AI solutions to process greater amounts of information at speed, ultimately protecting increasing amounts of data. This is called Autonomous Data Management (ADM), which sees cloud technology platforms learn data management practices and automatically apply them to new data sets to identify threats, breaches, and other security issues.

AI has been shown to improve IT through process automation, quality assurance, providing additional layers of effectiveness, competitiveness, and accuracy. With new applications and possibilities discovered all the time, AIs impact on the business world promises to be nothing short of transformative.

Christian Lucarelli, Vice President Asia Pacific, Nintex

Christian Lucarelli, Vice President Asia Pacific, Nintex

At this point, the vast majority of industries have an opportunity to thrive through the use of AI which is evolving very rapidly.

Topping the list is the technology sector where firms continue to build AI capabilities into their products and services. This, in turn, will significantly increase the value they can deliver to clients.

More broadly, you can look at any industry that makes use of large volumes of data. For example, legal firms will be able to use AI tools to quickly check databases and analyse previous decisions. They will then be able to identify precedents that can be used when arguing new cases in court.

Another example is the medical sector. AI tools are already being used to analyse scans of suspected cancers. The tools can rapidly compare an image with a vast database of known cancers and tell the doctor the likelihood that the new image is actually a cancer.

When it comes to the second group, the industries that will suffer from AI will actually be those that are slow to embrace the technology. They will risk losing out to more nimble competitors that do.

Emma Bromet, CEO at Eliiza, a Mantel Group Company

There is no doubt that AI and machine learning (ML) can have a significant tangible impact on the success of a business. AI can be used to solve business challenges, identify new opportunities and improve customer experience across every industry. The 2020 Global AI Survey from McKinsey & Co. reported that 22 per cent of companies using AI said the technology accounted for over 5 per cent of their 2019 earnings before interest and taxes. Additionally, revenue generated by AI increased year over year in the majority of the business functions using AI technologies.

I expect to see less of a trend in specific industries thriving or suffering, but more those companies within an industry that embrace innovation & AI solutions will be able to get ahead of their competitors. On the flip side, organisations who leverage AI without the considerations around data security and the responsible use of AI, risk reputation risk if things go wrong. Our advice would be to move quickly, but responsibly into the new AI frontier.

Peter Philipp, General Manager ANZ, Neo4j

Peter Philipp, General Manager ANZ, Neo4j

With its ability to improve the quality and speed of operations, artificial intelligence (AI) has been widely adopted by many enterprises across numerous industries.

Sectors that stand to benefit from using AI include healthcare, banking and financial services, manufacturing, logistics, cybersecurity, transportation, retail and e-commerce and defence.

AI has been a game changer. In healthcare, the use of AI enables medical professionals to develop more personalised treatments for patients and can provide faster and more accurate diagnoses. And in the financial industry, AI is being used to improve fraud detection and risk assessment, enabling more secure financial operations.

While there are many advantages to having AI, we expect job functions that are repetitive in nature, such as roles in assembly lines, data entry and customer service, to be severely impacted. Certain jobs in the professional services sectors, such as accounting and tax preparation, could also be affected.

Despite this, AI is a tool that can enhance capabilities and create new opportunities and potentially new job functions.

Combined with technologies like knowledge graphs, AI has the potential to deliver a powerful solution to many industries as it enables more insightful analysis of data and provides better context and more accurate, transparent, and explainable predictions.

Ed Lenta, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific and Japan, Databricks

Ed Lenta, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific and Japan, Databricks

The AI awareness revolution set off by ChatGPT back in November continues to gain momentum as companies all over the world, including in Australia, are awakening to what AI can do for their businesses.

AI isnt just for tech companies. It is able to help businesses in every industry  from healthcare, retail, financial services, energy and utility  all across industries solve business challenges and improve their bottom line.

That is why it is imperative for AI to be democratised so that every organisation  large or small, profit or non-profit  can benefit from the AI revolution while controlling how their data is used and keeping ownership of the value created.

As we speak to businesses across all industries, their top concerns are data privacy and the ethical use of AI. Each organisation sits on a treasure trove  their data. This data only really has value when its business context is understood. This is why many organisations are training LLM models in-house rather than handing their data over to third parties. With open-sourced LLM models that are now able to be used commercially, companies can leverage these tools to build their own LLMs on top of their data.

To do this companies must have all their data in a unified platform like the lakehouse. It enables businesses to carefully control their company-wide data and AI development, allowing them to better manage risks on one unified platform.

Mohammad Choucair, CEO of Archer Materials

Medtech companies are improving all the time when it comes to analysing data for diagnostics. Yet, there are still gaps in how medical data is modelled not just for diagnostics or disease detection, but for predicting disease. And there is a heightened focus on the detection and spread of disease, particularly in the wake of the pandemic.

AI provides an opportunity to transform the medical diagnostics industry by using data gathered from Medtech companies to model even better real world solutions, but this will require extra powerful computing power.

Archer Materials (ASX: AXE) is developing a biochip that will be able to take sample and detect and analyse disease, essentially making it a Lab-on-a-chip. The biochip seeks to use AI and algorithms to analyse data that will predict the spread of disease, and it will have the computing power to do so. Alongside this, Archer is also developing a quantum computing chip to use in electronic devices that also provides the processing power for AI applications on everyday devices, unlocking the next-generation of AI in the palm of your hand.

Billy Loizou, APAC Area VP, Amperity

Billy Loizou, APAC Area VP, Amperity

In todays dynamic landscape, traditional digital marketing is poised to face significant challenges due to the phasing out of third-party cookies and the ever-evolving data privacy regulations. It has historically revolved around brands renting customer data from third-party data sources and then relying on external digital identity graphs to match their data with ad platforms.

Now, marketers can no longer rely on these traditional methods of identifying, retaining and acquiring customers. To ensure they are delivering ROI on every paid campaign, brands must tap into their own first-party customer data. Concerningly, however, only 11% of businesses have a clear plan and path they are implementing when it comes to evolving and adapting to changes in privacy and consent. That means roughly 90% dont.

Thats where AI comes in to help the marketing and ad industries thrive. With Amperity, brands can take advantage of patented AI and machine learning to ingest and stitch together online and offline customer data to build comprehensive, live unified profiles. This foundation allows digital teams to quickly build targeted segments, directly activate with leading ad platforms and effectively measure the impact of digital ads across online and in-store purchases. The result is match rates as high as 85% on key channels, improved return on ad spend (ROAS) by up to 5X and upwards of 90% faster activation time for new campaigns.

Brad Drysdale, Field CTO, SnapLogic

AI can bring significant advancements and benefits to various industries, spanning from AI assistance with manual, repetitive tasks to acting as an intelligent co-pilot for many business tasks and eventually, leading to autonomous, self-driving business operations.

However, before any industry can even begin to thrive with AI, businesses must break down the silos of where data and applications operate to ensure a seamless flow of data between multiple applications and systems. This is key as AI will only be as smart and useful as the data it is trained upon and the actions it has observed. And the benefit of AI will only be tangible when the insights, predictions and actions it generates fuel the right business activity or outcome. All of this relies heavily upon data  getting the right data to the right place at the right time.

This level of enterprise-wide automation, supported by solutions like SnapGPT, helps quell these concerns by simplifying complex business processes through the seamless flow of data between multiple applications and systems. When everyone in the business is empowered to move faster and has access to quality data, the benefits are profound. Bottlenecks become a thing of the past, and everyone can make more informed decisions based on the data presented to them.

Andrew Rossington, Chief Product Officer, Teletrac Navman

Australia has 91,000 registered prime movers and over 800,000 registered heavy vehicles, and managing those fleets, such as scheduling, getting them to the right place at the right time, and ensuring drivers comply with the law and have their required breaks, is a herculean task. AI-enabled smart dashcams and telematics software can help ensure a driver is driving within the law and managing fatigue, but at Teletrac Navman, we also believe fleet managers are going to thrive in the age of AI. This is because artificial intelligence and machine learning will eliminate the menial, repetitive tasks fleet managers must perform, instead allowing them to focus on more strategic initiatives  building the business, improving margins, winning new contracts, and finding new ways to streamline operations. For both drivers and fleet managers, AI is a boon, not something to fear.

Mehdi Fassaie, Chief Product Officer at tutch

Mehdi Fassaie, Chief Product Officer at tutch

The impact of AI on our lives is set to be profound, much like the internet and mobile technology. This influence will be felt across all industries and professions.

While all industries will benefit from AI over time, the most significant changes will occur in jobs that can be automated by AI-driven technology or made more productive with AI assistants.

Industries such as Consulting, Finance, Insurance, Communication, Health, and Transport, which have many administrative, data entry, and customer service tasks will experience the most immediate impact with AI-driven automation taking away many positions.

In contrast, industries such as Advertising, Communications, Retail, Healthcare and Software Development, which can benefit from data insights to enhance creative and strategic decision-making or improve services, will see immediate increases in productivity and job opportunities.

According to the World Economic Forum, by 2025, AI is expected to eliminate 85 million jobs while creating 97 million new jobs. The key takeaway is that while significant shifts and transformations will occur across all industries, AI will ultimately have a net-positive impact.

Jonathan Reeve, Vice President APAC, Eagle Eye

AI is and will continue to be a catalyst for growth in the retail sector. Its generating a number of exciting opportunities across the industry.

We have nearly two decades of experience, working with leading retailers to enable them to execute personalised marketing strategies. As their data analytics AI capabilities have improved, we have ensured that our personalisation platform Eagle Eye AIR is able to scale to deliver against their ever-advancing needs. Currently, the platform is executing more than 750 million personalised promotions to customers all over the world every single week.

We are optimistic about the impact of AI on our market and our ability to adapt and thrive in this evolving landscape. The increasing demand for personalised experiences coupled with cutting- edge technology and more customer data than ever before creates a fertile ground for businesses to thrive in this evolving landscape.

Marcus Paterson, Sales Director APAC, Storyblok

Marcus Paterson, Sales Director APAC, Storyblok

Despite some pitfalls that this technology might have, the value it can bring to all businesses across industries is huge. In addition to increasing the speed of content creation, artificial intelligence (AI) can transform the way that companies distribute their content, allowing them to gain deeper insights into their audience by analysing user preferences, behaviour and demographic data. This information can then be used to create more personalised content and improve user engagement.

Since the technology is meant to give us some predictions and train on data again and again, it can spot opportunities faster than people. Hence, AI-powered content distribution tools can target the right audience with the right content at the right time, maximising their reach and impact.

Finally, AI-powered content consumption tools, like voice assistants and chatbots, are transforming the way users interact with content, making it more accessible and convenient than ever before. Customers can engage with the brand anytime whilst lounging on the couch and surfing the web. Unless the issue is particularly complex and calls for the managers attention, you wont have to wait until the next business day to hear back from customer service. At the end of the day, all companies strive to speed up checkout, and these tools can help.

John Yang, Vice President, APJ, Progress

AI is set to  and has already  impacted most industries. Its now up to the different companies to plan how to best leverage AI technologies to their benefit and take their business applications to the next level, while paying attention to potential AI-driven risks.

Organisations, which rely heavily on data to make decisions as well as drive customer experience and personalisation, are the ones that have the most to gain from AI. Financial services, banking, insurance, healthcare and government are amongst the top sectors that will likely invest in AI to make sense of the exponential number of datasets they create every day, extract even deeper insights from them as well as innovate, and respond to quickly changing customer needs.

On the flip side, this extra reliance on AI means they need to pay close attention to how sophisticated AIs machine learning algorithms (for example tools like ChatGPT operate at an accuracy level of 80%) can impact the end user journey, jeopardise data privacy, as well as inflate data bias issues.

Jon Beros, Founder and CEO of Little Birdie

Jon Beros, Founder and CEO of Little Birdie

With the launch of AI-powered tools like Little Birdie into the retail industry, shoppers can expect a transformative future.

Our disruptive new tech compares millions of product prices from thousands of Australias favourite online retailers to show consumers which one is the cheapest available. At a time when the prices are rising across all sectors, Little Birdie can save the average household many hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars every year.

Were harnessing the power of AI to innovate one of the last corners of the internet that is in desperate need of an aggregator that is on the side of the shopper  unlike Google, which prioritises advertising. Were putting powerful AI search tools at their fingertips and its an exciting step forward for e-commerce.

By revolutionising the way people shop, we envision a future where retail thrives, powered by advanced technology, consumer empowerment, and a dynamic ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders. Together, we are shaping a retail landscape that leaves no room for inefficiency or uninformed decisions, propelling the industry towards a future where AI empowers both retailers and consumers alike.

Dominic Procter, Founder, Outsourced Staff

AI is set to disrupt many industries, from banking to transportation to healthcare, some with thrive and some will suffer. AI has the potential to revolutionize these industries by analyzing and processing large amounts of data quickly, bringing new levels of efficiency to many business systems, from improved customer service to automated processes.

Thriving industries:

Healthcare: AI can improve disease diagnosis, patient care, and drug discovery.

IT: AI aids in data analysis, cybersecurity, and automating tasks.

Automotive: Self-driving technology could transform the industry.

Retail and E-commerce: AI enhances customer experience and inventory management.

Facing challenges:

Transportation: Autonomous vehicles could disrupt jobs.

Manufacturing: While AI boosts efficiency, it may lead to job losses.

Retail: Automated systems might threaten physical retail jobs.

Call Centers: AI chatbots could reduce the need for human staff.

Despite displacing some roles, AI is expected to create new ones, emphasizing the need for education and reskilling.

Dhanush Ganglani, Managing Director, Eden Exchange

Its undeniable that AI has the potential to revolutionise various sectors, but the degree of its effects depends on a range of industry-specific factors and the openness of businesses to embrace technological advancements.

Within the AU$172 billion franchising industry, for example, recent research highlights the pivotal role of technology in driving growth. Franchise owners are actively embracing innovation, integrating advanced systems and seeking out solutions that simplify operations and boost profitability.

This progressive mindset positions the franchising industry to thrive by harnessing the power of AI-driven technologies. Whats exciting is that this push to adopt AI in the franchising industry opens up a world of possibilities from streamlining processes to gaining a deeper understanding of customers and making smarter decisions based on data. Its all about creating opportunities for sustained growth and success in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

So, whilst some industries grapple with the potential of AI, the franchising industrys embrace of these technologies puts it in a prime position to thrive. By leveraging AIs capabilities, franchisors can drive efficiency gains, deliver outstanding customer experiences and make informed decisions that keep them ahead of the curve in todays fast-paced business landscape.

Brodie Haupt, CEO and Co-founder of WLTH

Brodie Haupt, CEO and Co-founder of WLTH

AIs influence will undeniably be far-reaching, with both winners and losers. Industries focusing on data analysis and decision-making  Financial Services, for instance, are likely to flourish, as AI can provide valuable insights, automate complex tasks and help with financial decisioning processes.

If financial service providers can adapt their strategies to leverage AI capabilities, theyll be able to better provide efficient and customer-centric solutions, such as implementing AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants. AI can also assist by detecting fraudulent activities in real-time by analysing transaction patterns and flagging suspicious behaviour, among a plethora of other uses.

Conversely, finance companies unwilling or unable to adapt to AI advancements might struggle to keep up with their competitors who utilise the technology to improve efficiency, security and customer satisfaction. Although AIs impact will vary across industries, success will not be dictated by the industry a company operates in but by its ability to adapt, innovate and leverage the advantages of AI.

Con Kittos, Executive Chairman at Asuria

Con Kittos, Executive Chairman at Asuria

The fact that AI is already transforming the traditional hiring process means that no industry will be immune from its impact.

The rise of ChatGPT, and other freely available AI tools, has already rendered traditional resumes unreliable, allowing candidates to misrepresent themselves.

AI assistance can also lead to employers being misled about a candidates actual suitability for a role and introducing hard-to-detect algorithmic biases related to gender, race, age, and socio-economic status.

Asuria has long emphasised that resumes and cover letters can no longer accurately represent a candidates potential. In order to succeed, employers must rethink their reliance on these outdated methods and accept that the AI era is already here in order to account for it.

Identifying and preventing AI-assisted manipulation in resumes is already a significant challenge for businesses. To address this, Asuria advocates refining hiring practices by focusing on core competencies or transferrable skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, customer understanding, and time management.

In embracing core competencies, we can shape a future where AI enhances the hiring process, promoting fairness and unlocking the full potential of individuals in the dynamic job market.

Mark Ferris, Head of Product, ipSCAPE

Mark Ferris, Head of Product, ipSCAPE

The rapid development of AI-based technologies by leading companies such as OpenAI have created significant opportunities, particularly for the Contact Centre industry to create efficiencies and improve operations.

Organisations are looking for ways to connect with customers to build loyalty, trust and engagement and AI will dramatically change this landscape through developments in contact centre technology.

Some ways AI is, and will further impact the contact centre industry include:

Post-contact process automation  AI will automate many of the tasks agents complete after an interaction with a customer i.e. summarising interaction details. Copiloting  As an agent interacts with a customer, relevant information can be served to the agent to help reduce handle time and improve the customer experience. AI Insights  Customer conversations, together with indications such as intent and emotion, can be mapped into patterns. AI can then pinpoint opportunities for improvement. Synthetic Neural Voices  AI generated voices are now able to be built easily from sample voice prints to create flexible self-service customer experiences.

The Contact Centre industry is well-positioned to leverage AI to improve customer communications. At ipSCAPE, our Australian Cloud Contact Centre solution is a preferred solution on the Azure Marketplace, and were working with clients to explore how these AI use-cases and more, can be used to enhance operations.

Rob Graham, Managing Director of Schrole Group

Rob Graham, Managing Director of Schrole Group

The HR recruitment sector is set to benefit from AI as it will help employers and employees find the right candidates and careers, ultimately improving the employment landscape. Recruitment has become more digitised, but candidate data is still largely disjointed. AI presents an opportunity to help better amalgamate this candidate data across the full range of HR solutions.

HR SaaS provider for the international schools sector, Schrole Group (ASX: SCL), is using AI to harness its database of educators, improving schools HR processes. Schrole has implemented AI into its recruitment platform, Schrole Connect, so educators can auto populate targeted job ads, helping them save time and find more appropriate candidates.

Schrole is set to roll out more AI features across the rest of its HR SaaS platform, including recruitment, staff cover, background checks, onboarding, contract management, and training, for international schools to enhance customer experience and further streamline back-office operations.

Andrew Hynd, Partner, Holding Redlich

With AI technologies creating new opportunities and innovations, the integration of AI has caused disruption amongst all Australian industries.

In the legal sector, AI has been able to improve contract review processes and has assisted lawyers in analysing vast amounts of legal data, making informed decisions and providing more accurate legal advice to clients. Equally, use of AI without due care can cause major issues, as seen recently where lawyers using AI tools discovered that it invented court cases in support of their argument.

For the creative industries, there may be concerns especially in trying to apply copyright and patent law to this new paradigm. For example, there are concerns about AI companies infringing copyright as they scrape the internet for data to feed their models.

The government and public sector will see both benefits and challenges with AI implementation. While there are many legal issues pertaining to privacy and data protection, the integration of AI in government processes will be able to improve efficiency and data-driven decision making.

In short, all industries are likely to be changed by AI  it cant be avoided, but it does need to be used with care.

Amos Simantov, Founder and CEO, Way2Vat

Amos Simantov, Founder and CEO, Way2Vat

AI is revolutionizing the accounts payable and VAT claim & return industry. These sectors have long been ready for a paradigm shift  in the EU alone, its estimated that around 20 billion is left unclaimed annually.

AI offers significant advantages over traditional automation in the accounts payable and VAT claim & return industry. Traditional automation requires pre-set rules and is great at performing repetitive tasks. However, it struggles when it encounters exceptions, anomalies, or new scenarios.

AI not only handles routine tasks but also learns and improves over time. AI can adapt to new situations, manage exceptions, and even predict future patterns based on historical data. In VAT claims, AI can flag potential compliance issues, reduce errors and fraud, and optimize VAT recovery based on changing regulations and business operations. It provides actionable insights, enabling businesses to make more informed strategic decisions.

Thus, AI is not just about doing things faster or cheaper; its about doing things better and smarter, transforming the industry from a reactive to a proactive stance, and unlocking significant value that could otherwise be lost.

Greg Macpherson, Founder, the Wellness Access Institute

Its obvious that AI is going to revolutionise the healthcare industry and accelerate innovation onto a new trajectory. My specialist area is cellular health and rejuvenation, and this area is already witnessing significant AI driven progression. Areas within health and wellness that will particularly benefit and thrive include:

Diagnostics  using AI to reviews scans (MRIs, x-rays, ultrasounds) for health issues is already resulting in the successful identification and diagnosis of more issues than human radiologists. Early detection rates, in many cases, result in better outcomes for patients.

 using AI to reviews scans (MRIs, x-rays, ultrasounds) for health issues is already resulting in the successful identification and diagnosis of more issues than human radiologists. Early detection rates, in many cases, result in better outcomes for patients. Genetics  AI will be used as standard to rapidly screen for health conditions at birth, or even pre-birth, for early treatment and improved outcomes.

 AI will be used as standard to rapidly screen for health conditions at birth, or even pre-birth, for early treatment and improved outcomes. Pharmacy  AI is being used to compare drugs against genetic sets and identify which are best in terms of response, while minimising side effects.

 AI is being used to compare drugs against genetic sets and identify which are best in terms of response, while minimising side effects. Medicine  robots will work alongside surgeons in many procedures and at times may replace surgeons completely to execute intricate surgeries.

 robots will work alongside surgeons in many procedures and at times may replace surgeons completely to execute intricate surgeries. Drug discovery  using AI to rapidly screen small compounds and the receptors that are being targeted (receptors are large protein molecules embedded in the cell wall, their job is to receive information outside the cell).

 using AI to rapidly screen small compounds and the receptors that are being targeted (receptors are large protein molecules embedded in the cell wall, their job is to receive information outside the cell). Aging  using AI to identify compounds that can help modulate the aging process, helping us to remain healthier for longer.

 using AI to identify compounds that can help modulate the aging process, helping us to remain healthier for longer. Predictive Analytics  Due to the vast amounts of data that AI can process, as we embrace the ethos of a digitally based system for health and share more data globally, AI algorithms can identify risk factors and help to develop highly personalised treatment plans.

The Wellness Access Institute (WAI) is a non-commercial entity that aims to help solve some of the pressing problems facing human health on an international level. Our scientists, Doctors and researchers work together to share findings in a collaborative environment, driving innovation in health, beauty and wellness and helping bring science to society.

Jarrod Partridge, Content Manager, Chillybin

In the era of AI, industries will dance to the tune of automation, and not all will be graceful partners. While some sectors are poised to thrive, one industry likely to suffer is article writing, particularly for offshore scribes delivering lackluster content at a mere 1-2 cents per word.

AIs prowess in natural language processing and generation is revolutionising content creation, spelling trouble for those unable to deliver exceptional quality and creativity. The days of mediocre prose will crumble under the weight of AI-generated brilliance.

As a Content Manager at Chillybin, we believe that the key lies in embracing AI as a powerful ally, leveraging its capabilities to enhance our craft and amplify our human touch. In this AI-powered age, let us raise the bar, leaving uninspired content in the dust and allowing our creativity to soar to new heights.

Tim West, Co-founder and Managing Director of UBX

Tim West, Co-founder and Managing Director of UBX

In the era of digital transformation, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on all industries is undeniable. Success or failure will depend on how well businesses recognise and seize AI opportunities. Embracing AI enables optimising processes, increasing efficiency, and maximising human potential without replacing talent.

Consider the fitness industry, where AI can automate administrative tasks, manage schedules, and personalise member experiences. This frees up time for staff to connect with members, fostering valuable relationships that drive the industry. Similar benefits apply to relationship-based sectors.

However, some industries face risks. High-fee, formulaic services like finance and law may be threatened by AI. Inefficient labour usage and resistance to upskilling also pose challenges, such as in manufacturing. Retailers relying on outdated inventory systems rather than AIs predictive analysis may suffer. Resisting AI means disregarding a fundamental shift in modern business, not just a passing trend.

Businesses should embrace AI as a tool for enhancing operations, improving customer experiences, and driving growth. Its not a matter of if AI will revolutionise industries, but when and how effectively it will be leveraged.

Darren Venter, Co-Director at DIYBA and The Investors Agency

Like any industry, AI has the power to create incredible impacts on the real estate industry if used correctly. At DIYBA, were already utilising AI, along with expert industry knowledge, the latest property data, and our proprietary machine learning technologies, to help property investors make smarter investment decisions at a fraction of the cost of working with a buyers agency. We believe there will always be a place for people in real estate and the property investment industry, but particular parts of the industry will thrive with the added power and speed of AI helping to streamline processes and sift through large amounts of data.

Simon Donovan, Executive General Manager at Fuse

Simon Donovan, Executive General Manager at Fuse

AI is set to profoundly impact business, leading some industries to thrive and others to face challenges. Sectors relying on data analysis and pattern recognition, like healthcare, financial services, and marketing, are likely to experience significant growth.

For insurance underwriters, like Fuse Fleet, AI offers growth opportunities and enhanced customer experiences. AI and telematics allow insurers to assess client behaviour, leading to customised policies and fairer premium calculations, promoting safer driving practices.

Traditionally, fleet insurance premiums were based on factors like parking location and claims history. However, Fuse utilises AI and a behaviour-based formula, linking clients crash probability to driving behaviour.

AI streamlines claims processing, underwriting, and risk assessment, improving operational efficiency and providing personalised coverage. Leveraging vast data, insurers make informed decisions and identify market opportunities, driving industry innovation.

Industries embracing AIs potential while adapting their strategies are likely to thrive. Failing to harness AIs power may challenge a businesses competitiveness in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Successful integration depends on leveraging technology to drive innovation and deliver customer value.

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EDITORS NOTE: Some readers may find the details of this story disturbing.

WEXFORD COUNTY, MI -- A Buckley, Michigan, man accused of killing and dismembering his neighbors dog earlier this year will spend 60 days in jail after he was sentenced Monday on a charge of attempting to kill or torture an animal. According to UpNorthLive, Thomas Middaugh was also placed on probation for 24 months for his role in the dogs death.

In May, Middaugh agreed to plead guilty to the charge of attempting to kill or torture an animal in exchange for other charges being dropped. During sentencing, Judge Jason Elmore said that while the evidence of the crime was clear, sentencing guidelines in the state dont offer a specific punishment and so a jail sentence of 60 days was reasonable.

Middaugh was arrested in March and charged with one count animals-killing/torturing and habitual offender third notice after he shot and killed the dog that had wandered onto his property on Feb. 3. The dogs owners, Justin and Samantha Olds, called police after tracking the dogs paw prints in the snow, which led them to a pool of blood on Middaughs property.

Police determined the dog was shot multiple times with a .22 caliber rifle before Middaugh cut off the dogs head and legs. Middaugh wrapped the parts in a tarp that he placed inside a box in his barn.

During sentencing, Middaugh apologize for the whole situation but did not go into specifics. Middaugh was given credit for two days served in jail.

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A man from Altoona has been charged with second degree murder after a shooting in Florida.

WTAJ reports that the Charlotte County Sheriffs Office arrested James Andrew Gainvors, 36, after an investigation into a shooting in Punta Gorda, Florida.

Deputies from the sheriffs office were called to Corinne Avenue in Punta Gorda on July 5, where they found a person had been shot. According to police, the shooting was the result of an ongoing dispute between neighbors, which escalated into violence.

The Altoona Mirror identified the victim of the shooting as Matt Hanson, whom court documents noted had been Gainvors friend at one time.

The Mirror reported that the argument began over fireworks that Hanson had set off the night before, which had sparked a fire on Gainvors property. The argument escalated until Gainvors went inside, with Hanson yelling at him from outside. When Gainvor came back outside with a weapon, Hanson reportedly goaded him to shoot.

Gainvors then allegedly fired once and hit Hanson in the chest, and Hanson made it back across the street to his home where he collapsed. He was transported to a hospital, where he died.

The incident was not the first time that arguments had escalated to violence between the two, with police having been called to a previous incident. The Mirror reports that Hanson was charged in 2018 after yelling at Gainvors 7-year-old daughter, and that Gainvor and another woman had pinned Hanson to the ground until police arrived, when Hanson then struck a deputy in the chest.

His arrest came two weeks after the July 5 shooting death of Matt Hanson, who at one time had been Gainvors friend, according to court documents.

Gainvors, who had been living in Punta Gorda, reportedly cooperated with deputies throughout their investigation. He was arrested on July 19 and is being held at the Charlotte County Jail without bond.
WILLIAMSPORT  Two men have been accused of passing counterfeit $20 bills to retailers primarily located throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania in February.

An indictment unsealed Monday in U.S. Middle District Court accuses Eli Gabriel Lewis Jr., 21, of Selinsgrove, and Dejuan Smartt, 26, of Brooklyn, New York, of passing the bills and conspiring to do so.

The scheme, according to the indictment, involved the purchase of a small item using a fake $20 bill and then making a larger transaction by applying for prepaid debit cards, CashApp or Vanilla Card on their cell phones while also using counterfeit $20 Federal Reserve Notes.

The indictment lists these locations where fake bills were used:

Feb. 4, Rite Aid Pharmacy in Brodheadsville

Feb. 6, Rite Aid in Honesdale

Feb. 8, Sheetz in New Holland

Feb. 9, Rite Aid in Ephrata, Dollar General in Mount Joy, and a Speedway and dollar store in Elizabethtown

Feb. 11, Rite Aid in Walnutport

Feb. 13, Sheetz in Trucksville

Feb. 18, Rite Aid in Fogelsville

Feb. 21, Rite Aid in Shavertown and Speedway in Clinton, New Jersey

Feb. 22, Sheetz near Selinsgrove, a Dollar General in Shamokin Dam and a Dollar General in Franklin Twp., Snyder County

Also on Feb. 22, Lewis is alleged to have possessed 19 counterfeit $20s and Smart had 39.

Lewis is accused of passing the bills alone on many of the dates but there also are times unidentified individuals were with him and Smartt, according to the charges.

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The president of Seton Hall University is stepping down and an interim president will take over the Catholic university, school officials announced Monday.

Joseph Nyre, Seton Halls president since 2019, will take a year-long sabbatical before formally relinquishing the top job and segueing into a new role as a senior adviser to the private university, according to a statement shared with the campus community.

Joseph Nyre

His resignation comes eight months after the dean of Seton Hall School of Law resigned following a university investigation into irregular financial transactions at the law school in Newark. In December, the university announced a small number of trusted, long-time employees were found to have cheated Seton Hall Law School out of more than $975,000.

Officials did not cite the investigation into the financial problems in the announcement last year about Seton Hall School of Law Dean Kathleen Boozangs decision to return to the classroom. It was also not mentioned in Mondays announcement about the resignation of the president.

In a message to the school community, Nyre cited the impending conclusion of a campus-wide strategic planning initiative in explaining his decision to step aside as president and take a sabbatical.

In the coming months, the University will complete its three-year strategic plan, Harvest Our Treasures, which has elevated Seton Hall to greater eminence in Catholic higher education, Nyre said in his message.

With the conclusion of Harvest Our Treasures in sight, I believe this is an appropriate time for new leadership to help write the next chapter of Seton Halls remarkable story. As such, I have informed the Board of Regents that I will be taking a sabbatical during the upcoming year and then plan to relinquish my position as president, Nyre said.

Nyre will be staying on as an adviser, said Hank DAlessandro, chair of the Seton Hall Board of Regents.

An interim president will be named shortly, DAlessandro said in his statement to the campus community.

School officials have said little about the alleged schemes that cheated the South Orange-based university out of nearly $1 million.

Seton Hall employees, who were not publicly named by the university, engaged in a series of schemes and improprieties designed to enrich themselves over several years, Nyre and the board of regents said in an announcement in December.

University officials said they notified authorities about the alleged financial irregularities late last year. No additional details were announced.

Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com.

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Mecum Auctions will return to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex this week with an estimated 1,200 American muscle cars, classics, Corvettes, trucks, exotics, Hot Rods and customs.

Doors open at 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, through Saturday, July 29, 2023.

The auction starts at 11 a.m. on Wednesday and 10 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Bidders can participate in person, on the telephone or via the internet with bids starting at $100.

General admission tickets are $20 when purchased in advance online and $30 at the door and online after today. Children age 12 and younger will receive complimentary admission.

Road art auctions start at 10:30 a.m. Those include neon signs and clocks, toys such as a 1996 Weinermobile Pedal Car and Ford toy tow truck, a traffic light, parking meter, autographed albums, autographed cards and renderings.

Included in the road art is a single strand of hair from Elvis, an autographed Three Stooges card and a 1980s Coco-Cola Huffy mens bicycle.

The cars slated for auction in Harrisburg include these:

1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback

1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

1971 Chevrolet El Camino SS

1988 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z convertible

1970 Dodge Challenger

1957 Ford Thunderbird E-Code Convertible

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

1982 Phillips Berlina

1981 DeLorean DMC-12

1977 Pontiac Trans Am SE
By Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News (TNS)

Vanna White apparently will keep her job on Wheel of Fortune when Ryan Seacrest begins hosting next year  but with a caveat.

The longtime letter-turner has reportedly agreed to be paid $100,000 an episode for Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.

While White is said to have requested half of the reported $400,000-per-episode salary that retiring host Pat Sajak made, producers at Sony allegedly wouldnt pay her that amount for the regular, non-celebrity syndicated show.

According to TMZ, White settled for a lower amount that is still a meaningful bump to her previous contract.

The 66-year-old has reportedly been earning $3 million per year and hasnt received a raise in 18 years, while Sajaks most recent contract paid him $15 million.

Sajak, 76, and White had co-hosted Wheel since 1981. In 2021, they both signed deals to remain as the stars of Americas Game until 2024. In June, Sajak revealed that the 2023-24 season will be his last.

Weeks later, Seacrest was announced as Sajaks replacement. Seacrests salary has not been revealed.
Fried Korean chicken and tacos are coming to the Capital City Mall, just in time for back to school shopping.

Bonchon and Taco Bell are en route to the Lower Allen Township malls food court, according to coming soon signs posted at the mall.

Taco Bell will open between T-mobile and Charleys Philly Steaks, while Bonchon will fill space on the other side of Charleys.

Katie Heimbach, the malls marketing manager, said Bonchon will open later this summer. Bonchon, which is the Korean word for my hometown, specializes in hand-battered Korean fried chicken in various combinations.

It also sells sweet and savory stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables, Korean bulgogi beef and potstickers.

We set out to share the joy of hand-battered, double-fried, crazy crispy Korean fried chicken around the world, according to its website.

It will be the first Bonchon to open in central Pa., although the nearest ones are found in Philadelphia and the Baltimore, Maryland region.

The chain was founded by Jinduk Seo, who is from South Korea. More than 400 Bonchon restaurants operate across eight countries including Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, Myanmar, Australia, Vietnam and the U.S.

READ MORE:
An 8-year-old boy asleep in a car parked along the shoulder of the White Horse Pike in Absecon, New Jersey, was killed early Sunday after it was struck by a passing vehicle, authorities said.

The driver of the Nissan Sentra that hit the parked car  a 25-year-old Egg Harbor City man  was driving west on Route 30 at about 3:25 a.m. when he veered off the road and crashed, the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office said.

The boy, who, had been fishing with his father, died of his injuries at a hospital, officials said. The prosecutors office didnt immediately explain where the father was at the time of the crash.

The Egg Harbor City man was issued several summonses but has not yet been criminally charged.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Dylan Hutton of the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office at 609-909-7885 or Absecon police Sgt. Ryan OConnell at 609-641-0667, ext. 208; or go to the prosecutors office website at ACPO.Tips.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was in a car crash Tuesday as he traveled to presidential campaign events in Tennessee but wasnt injured, his campaign said.

FILE - Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at the Moms for Liberty meeting in Philadelphia, Friday, June 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, file)AP

Campaign press secretary Bryan Griffin confirmed to The Associated Press on Tuesday that the Republican hopeful was in a car accident while traveling to an event in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Griffin said that DeSantis and his team are uninjured. Further details on the accident were not immediately available.

DeSantis was scheduled to hold events throughout central and eastern Tennessee on Tuesday. He has trailed front-runner Donald Trump in the GOP presidential contest.

More: Trump and DeSantis court Moms for Liberty in a sign of the groups rising influence over the GOP
By AARON MORRISON, AP National Writer

When President Joe Biden signs a proclamation on Tuesday establishing a national monument honoring Emmett Till and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, it will mark the fulfillment of a promise Tills relatives made after his death 68 years ago.

The Black teenager from Chicago, whose abduction, torture and killing in Mississippi in 1955 helped propel the civil rights movement, will be seen as more than just a cause of that movement, said Tills cousin, the Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr.

We are resolute that it now becomes an American story and not just a civil rights story, Parker told The Associated Press, ahead of a planned proclamation signing ceremony at the White House.

Today would've been Emmett Till's 82nd birthday.



Later today, I'll sign into law a presidential proclamation establishing the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument in Illinois and Mississippi.  President Biden (@POTUS) July 25, 2023

With the stroke of Bidens pen, the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument, located across three sites in two states, will be federally protected places. But Tills family members, along with a national organization seeking to preserve Black cultural heritage sites, say their work protecting the Till legacy continues.

They hope to raise money to restore the sites and develop educational programming to support their inclusion in the National Park System.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Monday that the Till national monument will be the Biden-Harris administrations fourth designation that reflects their work to advance civil rights. The move comes as conservative leaders, mostly at the state and local levels, push legislation that limits the teaching of slavery and Black history in public schools.

The Democratic presidents administration will continue to speak out against hateful attempts to rewrite our history and strongly oppose any actions that threaten to divide us and take our country backwards, Jean-Pierre said.

In this undated photo 14-year-old Emmett L.Till from Chicago, is shown. Till, whose battered body, a bullet in his head, and a weight around his neck was pulled from the Tallahatchie River in 1955. (AP Photo, File)AP

Brent Leggs, executive director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, said the federal designation is a milestone in a yearslong effort to preserve and protect places tied to events that have shaped the nation and that symbolize national wounds.

We believe that not until Black history matters will Black lives and Black bodies matter, he said. Through reckoning with Americas racist past, we have the opportunity to heal.

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund provided an initial $750,000 grant in 2017 to help rescue sites important to the Till legacy. With its partners, the Andrew Mellon Foundation and the Fund II Foundation, Leggs said an additional $5 million in funding has been secured for specialized preservation of the sites.

Bidens proclamation protects places that are central to the story of Emmett Tills life and death at age 14, the acquittal of his white killers by an all-white jury and his late mothers activism.

In the summer of 1955, Mamie Till-Mobley put her son Emmett on a train to her native Mississippi, where he was to spend time with his uncle and his cousins. In the overnight hours of Aug. 28, 1955, Emmett was taken from his uncles home at gunpoint by two vengeful white men.

Emmetts alleged crime? Flirting with the wife of one of his kidnappers.

Three days later, a fisherman on the Tallahatchie River discovered the teenagers bloated corpse  one of his eyes was detached, an ear was missing, his head was shot and bashed in.

Till-Mobley demanded that Emmetts mutilated remains be taken back to Chicago for a public, open casket funeral that was attended by tens of thousands of people. Graphic images taken of Emmetts remains, sanctioned by his mother, were published by Jet magazine and propelled the civil rights movement.

At the trial of his killers in Mississippi, Till-Mobley bravely took the witness stand to counter the perverse image of her son that defense attorneys had painted for jurors and trial watchers.

Altogether, the Till national monument will include 5.7 acres of land and two historic buildings. The Mississippi sites are Graball Landing, the spot where Emmetts body was pulled from the Tallahatchie River just outside of Glendora, Mississippi, and the Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse in Sumner, Mississippi, where Emmetts killers were tried.

There is already the Emmett Till Interpretive Center in Sumner, which received philanthropic funding to expand programming and pay staff who interface with visitors.

At Graball Landing, a memorial sign installed in 2008 had been repeatedly stolen and was riddled with bullets. An inch-thick bulletproof sign was erected at the site in October 2019.

The Illinois site is Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago, where Emmetts funeral was held in September 1955.
The e-commerce environment in the Asia-Pacific region continues to experience growth and dynamism. According to a recent FedEx e-commerce trend report, both small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and consumers are confident that this positive e-commerce momentum will continue.

Eight in ten Australian SMEs surveyed believe e-commerce will become more important for their business in the next three years. Regionally, 80% of consumers surveyed reported that e-commerce had taken a greater share of their total purchases over the past three years, while 71% see further increases ahead.

While this current and expected growth in the e-commerce sector has given Australian SMEs and e-tailers the opportunity to grow their businesses and drive sales overseas, it has also brought about some challenges around expectation mismatch.

These include the accelerating demands from consumers for day definite delivery along with increased volumes of orders. This growth means businesses increasingly need reliable logistics and transportation partners ready to connect their goods to the end-consumers efficiently.

The logistics and transportation industries are responding by introducing new and enhanced solutions that support established operator consolidation, as well as provide greater infrastructure and technological investment to enable the growth of cross-border e-commerce.

Australian and Regional E-commerce growth and cross border trade opportunities

Australia is the eleventh largest e-commerce market in the world with US$31.3 billion in revenue in 2021.

Between now and 2025, e-commerce in Australia is expected to increase at a 5% annual rate, contributing to the APAC regions annual growth rate of 8.2%.

E-Commerce sales are expected to increase over the coming years as new markets emerge and global growth continues, and this development is propelled by East and Southeast Asia with their growing middle class and lagging offline infrastructure found the recent FedEx Whats Next in E-Commerce survey.

Asia Pacific, which includes the worlds biggest e-commerce markets like India, Mainland China, Japan and South Korea, will see revenue from e-commerce sales reaching US$2.09 trillion this year as 57% of the regions population shops online.

Additionally, Asia Pacific and Australasia will account for more than 45% of the global growth in e-commerce value during 2020-2025. Both SMEs and consumers are maturing in their use of e-commerce and both groups agree that the pandemic-driven utilisation of e-commerce is here to stay.

The increased e-commerce links between Australia and its regional trading partners like Japan, South Korea and the ASEAN region means Australian SMEs have access to a larger market than ever to drive revenue.

In response to increasing expectations, more omnichannel services have emerged giving e-tailers customers an assortment of choices for how and when they receive deliveries with the choice of home delivery.

Technological innovations make it easier for SMEs to operate and grow

The logistics and transportation industries, including FedEx, are innovating through technological advancements as consumer demand rises along with service expectations.

Digital self-service technologies are an important area of technology acceleration. The FedEx Delivery Manager International (FDMi) solution is one such example that enables recipients to plan deliveries and to request changes to their delivery date and or location, whilst the recent introduction of Picture Proof of Delivery (PPOD) express residential deliveries provides reassurance that packages have been delivered.

To meet our customers growing need for efficiency, streamlining the e-commerce ecosystem is another important way for the industry to evolve. Making programs compatible with e-platforms is a fast-growing trend, as logistics companies strive to integrate their products as seamlessly as possible with their customers programs.

At FedEx Express Australia and New Zealand, we recently announced a collaboration with a leading e-commerce platform, Starshipit, which will allow e-tailers to automatically generate their own personalised FedEx Express shipping labels without leaving the e-commerce marketplace platforms, reducing the management burden, greatly reducing delays, and increasing customer satisfaction.

Developments like these could be gamechangers. And not just for online entrepreneurs. The biggest winners could be the legions of offline merchants, who are now more determined than ever to leverage their brand power on the digital frontier by creating the best possible customer experience.

Logistics and transportation players are here to support

At FedEx Express, were here to support businesses as they expand, tap new markets and grow customers. As e-commerce trends emerge, providing a clear roadmap for where the industry is headed can help businesses grow.

Companies of all sizes can quickly grow their cross-border businesses if theyre able to connect to more online shoppers in Australia and beyond. For e-commerce merchants looking to stay ahead of the curve when expanding services overseas, the more convenience they can offer customers, the better.

Need more tips and solutions for your small business or want to learn more about how the logistics industry is responding to consumer demands and making it easier for businesses to expand globally, visit FedEx Business Insights

Data Source: FedEx Express Whats Next in E-Commerce survey 2022.

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EAGLE PASS, Texas  Wrecking ball-sized buoys on the Rio Grande. Razor wire strung across private property without permission. Bulldozers changing the very terrain of Americas southern border.

For more than two years, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has escalated measures to keep migrants from entering the U.S., pushing legal boundaries with a go-it-alone bravado along the states 1,200-mile (1,930-kilometer) border with Mexico. Now blowback over the tactics is widening, including from within Texas.

A state troopers account of officers denying migrants water in 100-degree Fahrenheit (37.7 Celsius) temperatures and razor wire leaving asylum-seekers bloodied has prompted renewed criticism. The Mexican government, some Texas residents along the border and the Biden administration are pushing back. On Monday, the U.S. Justice Department sued Abbott over the buoy barrier that it says raises humanitarian and environmental concerns, asking a federal court to require Texas to dismantle it.

Abbott, who cruised to a third term in November while promising tougher border crackdowns, has used disaster declarations as the legal bedrock for some measures.

Critics call that a warped view.

There are so many ways that what Texas is doing right now is just flagrantly illegal, said David Donatti, an attorney for the Texas American Civil Liberties Union.

Abbott did not respond to requests for comment. He has repeatedly attacked President Joe Bidens border policies, tweeting Friday that they encourage migrants to risk their lives crossing illegally through the Rio Grande, instead of safely and legally over a bridge.

The Biden administration has said illegal border crossings have declined significantly since new immigration rules took effect in May.

ALTERED BORDER

Under the international bridge connecting Eagle Pass, Texas, with Piedras Negras, Mexico, protesters gathered at Shelby Park this month, chanting save the river and blowing a conch shell in a ceremony. A few yards away, crews unloaded neon-orange buoys from trailers parked by a boat ramp off the Rio Grande.

Jessie Fuentes stood with the environmental advocates, watching as state troopers restricted access to the water where he holds an annual kayak race. Shipping containers and layers of concertina wire lined the riverbank.

The experienced kayaker often took clients and race participants into the water through a shallow channel formed by a border island covered in verdant brush. That has been replaced by a bulldozed stretch of barren land connected to the mainland and fortified with razor wire.

The river is a federally protected river by so many federal agencies, and I just dont know how it happened, Fuentes told the Eagle Pass City Council the night before.

Neither did the City Council.

I feel like the state government has kind of bypassed local government in a lot of different ways. And so I felt powerless at times, council member Elias Diaz told The Associated Press.

The International Boundary of Water Commission says it was not notified when Texas modified several islands or deployed the massive buoys to create a barrier covering 1,000 feet (305 meters) of the middle of the Rio Grande, with anchors in the riverbed.

Abbott on Monday sent a letter to Biden that defended Texas right to install the barrier. He accused Biden of putting migrants at risk by not doing more to deter them from making the journey to the U.S.

The floating barrier also provoked tension with Mexico, which says it violates treaties. Mexicos secretary of foreign relations asked the U.S. government to remove the buoys and razor wire in a June letter.

Fuentes sued over the buoys, arguing that border crossings are not covered by the Texas Disaster Act.

As for the river islands, the Texas General Land Office gave the state Department of Public Safety access starting in April to curb the ongoing border crisis.

A Texas state trooper watches as young migrants walk along concertina wire on the banks of the Rio Grande as they try to enter the U.S. from Mexico in Eagle Pass, Texas, Thursday, July 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)AP

Additionally, the General Land Office will also permit vegetation management, provided compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations is upheld, said a letter from the offices commissioner, Dawn Buckingham.

The Texas Military Department cleared out carrizo cane, which Buckinghams office called an invasive plant in its response to questions from the AP, and changed the landscape, affecting the rivers flow.

Environmental experts are concerned.

As far as I know, if theres flooding in the river, its much more severe in Piedras Negras than it is in Eagle Pass because thats the lower side of the river. And so next time the river really gets up, its going to push a lot of water over on the Mexican side, it looks like to me, said Tom Vaughan, a retired professor and co-founder of the Rio Grande International Study Center.

Fuentes recently sought special permission from the city and DPS to navigate through his familiar kayaking route.

Since they rerouted the water on the island, the water is flowing differently, Fuentes said. I can feel it.

The state declined to release any records that might detail the environmental impacts of the buoys or changes to the landscape.

Victor Escalon, a DPS regional director overseeing Del Rio down to Brownsville, pointed to the governors emergency disaster declaration. We do everything we can to prevent crime, period. And thats the job, he added.

Workers assemble large buoys to be used as a border barrier along the banks of the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass, Texas, Tuesday, July 11, 2023. Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has escalated measures to keep migrants from entering the U.S. He's pushing legal boundaries along the border with Mexico to install razor wire, deploy massive buoys on the Rio Grande and bulldozing border islands in the river. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)AP

TRESPASSING TO STOP TRESPASSERS

For one property owner, the DPS mission cut him out of his land.

In 2021, as Eagle Pass became the preferred route by migrants crossing into the U.S., Magali and Hugo Urbina bought a pecan orchard by the river that they called Heavenly Farms.

Hugo Urbina worked with DPS when the agency built a fence on his property and arrested migrants for trespassing. But the relationship turned acrimonious a year later after DPS asked to put up concertina wire on riverfront property that the Urbinas were leasing to the U.S. Border Patrol to process immigrants.

Hugo Urbina wanted DPS to sign a lease that would release him from liability if the wire caused injuries. DPS declined but still installed concertina wire, moved vehicles onto the property and shut the Urbinas gates. That cut off the Border Patrols access to the river, though it still leases land from Urbina.

They do whatever it is that they want, Urbina said this month.

The farmer, a Republican, calls it poison politics. Critics call it deja vu.

I also really see a very strong correlation to the Trump and post-Trump era in which most of the Trump administrations immigration policy was aggressive and extreme and very violative of peoples rights, and very focused on making the political point, said Aron Thorn, an attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project. The design of this is the optics and the amount of things that they sacrifice for those optics now is quite extraordinary.

Migrants, one a child, stand in the Rio Grande behind concertina wire as they try to enter the U.S. from Mexico near the site where workers are assembling large buoys to be used as a border barrier in Eagle Pass, Texas, Tuesday, July 11, 2023. The floating barrier is being deployed in an effort to block migrants from entering Texas from Mexico. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)AP

DPS works with 300 landowners, according to Escalon. He said it is unusual for the department to take over a property without the landowners consent, but the agency says the Disaster Act provides the authority.

Urbina said he supports the governors efforts, but not in this way.

You dont go out there and start breaking the law and start making your citizens feel like theyre second-hand citizens, he added.

Valerie Gonzalez and Acacia Coronado of The Associated Press wrote this story.

More:

State police lieutenant injured in Pa. shootout heads to rehab facility

The United States desperately needs immigration reform | Opinion
A social media influencer has been charged in the aftermath of a drag-racing incident that blocked traffic along Pittsburghs Fort Pitt Bridge early Friday morning, according to news sources.

State police charged 24-year-old Graham Carvins Liberal, of Sunrise, Fla., with rioting, recklessly endangering another person, disorderly conduct and being a pedestrian walking on a highway, according to reports from WTAE and TribLive.

Authorities caught Liberal as he was about to head back to Florida at Pittsburgh International Airport and arrested him.

State police received multiple reports around 3:30 a.m. Friday that up to 50 cars had stopped traffic on the Fort Pitt Bridge, and that vehicles were doing burnouts and drag-racing.

And thats a huge safety concern because if you are coming out of that Fort Pitt Tunnel, and then you are at a complete gridlock with 50 cars doing donuts and drag racing both directions  its only a one-way bridge. If youre coming through there for an early work shift, youre looking at something potentially fatal, Trooper Rocco Gagliardi said to WTAE.

Liberal used social media to arrange a weekend of pre-planned car meets, according to reports, and had staged the street takeover to increase views on his social media pages.

He posts videos to YouTube as Mr. Gotdammit and has nearly 330,000 subscribers, reports said. The YouTuber was recently seen in a video driving in Pittsburgh, TribLive reported.

A criminal complaint said that videos showed Liberal inside of the Fort Pitt Tunnel recording the other vehicles passing him. Other videos showed him on the bridge recording the races with a cell phone.

Over the weekend, charges were also filed against Jason Stotlemeyer, 31, of Bridgeville. Before leaving the scene in a Jeep Grand Cherokee, he crashed into a police cruiser and almost ran over two troopers, according to reports.

Authorities are still in search of Stotlemeyer.

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An emotional scene took place at the funeral service Monday for Devin Spady  also an aspiring rapper known as YNG Cheese and son of Philadelphia rapper and podcaster Gillie Da Kid  who was shot July 20 in the citys Olney neighborhood, according to news sources.

Friends and family said their final goodbyes to the 25-year-old at The Met Philadelphia  a well-known concert venue located along North Broad Street  and will be interred at Westminster Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd after the services, according to reports from NBC10 and CBS News Philadelphia.

As previously reported, Spady died last Thursday after he was shot once in the back by a masked man in a triple shooting that occurred on the 5800 block of Mascher Street at 8:24 p.m. He was transported to the hospital by police but was pronounced dead at 8:39 p.m.

In the wake of the shooting, theres been an outpouring of grief from many who know of the aspiring rapper and his famous father.

In a statement released by social media influencer and Philadelphia native Wallo on Instagram, family members thanked the public for their support and are dedicated to continuing their mission to lift and educate young people.

So far, the search for the shooter is still active and no arrests have been made.

Read more via CBS News Philadelphia and NBC10.

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Just when you thought social media couldnt get dumber, Twitter is now X and people wont stop claiming that Garth Brooks is a serial killer over on the dumpster fire that is Elon Musks platform.

Yep. You read that right. The country music superstar is being called a serial killer over there. Its relentless and is clearly not based on anything that is factual.

Brooks has found himself in the middle of controversy lately for daring to suggest he might serve Bud Light in his new Nashville bar and having the gall to ask his fans to support refugees in the Ukraine, but this is clearly more serious and it apparently predates all of that.

So, how did we get here with Brooks mentions being flooded by the unfounded claims?

Well, according to multiple reports, it all began with comedian Tom Segura and Brooks 2018 concert tour announcement. At the end of the video, Brooks says, Lets get physical playing music, with a smile.

Segura then reportedly joked that Brooks looked like he has killed multiple people before. It has grown legs and taken off from there with a conspiracy that his tour dates coincide with multiple missing people reports even being added to the story.

That has led fans of Segura to show up in Brooks posts to ask, Where are the bodies, Garth?

Many people, it seems, are in on the joke.

But there are other people who genuinely and unbelievably seem to believe there are facts behind this and you will easily find people on Musks platform claiming Brooks is a serial killer.

You don't have to look hard on social media to find folks accusing Garth Brooks of being a serial killer.

Again, there are no facts  zero  that suggest Brooks has killed anyone.

Segura recently told comedian Theo Von on his podcast that Brooks has blocked him on Instagram over all of this.

It was probably overdue considering the beating the guy is taking over on social media around this one.

Again, there are no facts  zero, none, nada  that suggest Brooks is a serial killer.
Tafari Campbell, the private chef for former President Barack Obama, has drowned.

According to multiple reports, Campbell, 45, went missing over the weekend while paddle boarding in Marthas Vineyard.

His body was recovered by divers with the Massachusetts State police in Edgartown Great Pond. He was about 100 yards from shore.

According to its website, the Edgartown is an 890-acre, brackish coastal pond with a thin strip of beach separating it from the Atlantic Ocean.

Per reports, police responded to a 30-acre property belonging to Obama at around 7:46 p.m. Sunday after another paddle boarder said that Campbell, who was not wearing a life jacket, fell off his board and did not resurface.

Campbell was reportedly visiting the property but Obama and his family were not there.

Campbell began cooking for the Obamas when Barack was president, and Obama told the Associated Press that he was a beloved part of our family.

When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House  creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together, Barack, and his wife, Michelle, said in a statement. In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter.

We asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed, the added. Hes been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that hes gone.

Neither of the Obamas have commented on social media.

An investigation into Campbells death is reportedly being conducted by the State Police Detective Unit for the Cap and Islands District and Edgartown Police.

Campbell was the father to twin, 19-year-old sons.
This letter is written as an editorial response to the article, More high school grads are rejecting college debt in the Sunday, June 25th, 2023 edition.

The written letter is required as part of Boy Scouts of America merit badge requirements for communication. Im currently a scout in Troop 368, Paxtonia, Pennsylvania.

Im expressing my opinion on the article. I think the simplest way to deal with the crisis is for colleges to lower their tuition cost. Then, more students would be able to afford a college education.
Two weeks after the sighting of the limpkin in our region - a bird that, until recently, had never been seen as far north as Pennsylvania - another bird not usually found here has been spotted in the same area.

The hudsonian godwit was first spotted at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in Clay Township, Lancaster County on July 19, according to the Lancaster County Bird Club. Portions of the wildlife management area also extend into Lebanon County.

READ MORE: Birdwatchers share photos of rare limpkin sighting in Pa.

It is a very new species to pretty much everyone here, for obvious reasons, said Brian Collett, environmental education specialist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Its not really a spot where you expect to see them.

Like the limpkin, the hudsonian godwit is a wading bird, likely drawn to the Middle Creek area due to the water drawn down from the nearby Middle Creek Reservoir.

That gives the wading birds and shore birds some great habitat for them to use, Collett said. Im sure thats one of the reasons that made it attractive to them.

The godwit isnt as far out of its normal habitat range as the limpkin, though - while not usually seen in our area, the godwit has been found along the east coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Collett said it wouldnt be completely crazy to see one in Delaware, for example.

The unusual thing is that the hudsonian godwit is normally found along bigger coastlines, such as along the Atlantic, the Mississippi River or the Hudson Bay, from which the species takes its name.

But the range for the species is vast, as theyre known to head as far north as the northern tips of Alaska and Canada to breed. And some even extend as far south as the southeastern coastlines of South America for the return trip.

The wide range of the godwit is an example of the absolutely incredible and mind-blowing capabilities of birds during migration, said Ted Nichols II, president of the Lancaster County Bird Club, who added that the distance they can travel is absolutely mind boggling to think about.

Nichols added that the sightings of these two uncommon species in our area within two weeks of each other is no coincidence. He credits the Pennsylvania Game Commissions stewardship of the area for providing an appealing habitat to birds such as these.

Its a testament to the strategic and targeted habitat management being done by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and their employees at the site, Nichols said. As they continue to manage mudflat habitat timed with the fall migration of waders and shorebirds, who knows what rarity will show up next if people stay observant!

The bird was last seen on July 22, with members of the LCBC noting that it had moved on by the end of this past weekend.

Collet said that you just never know how long these birds will stick around, so theres no guarantee that visitors will spot one again.

The limpkin was here for three and a half days, then all of a sudden, he just wasnt, Collett said. Theyve got a mind of their own, so you never know when theyre going to pick up and take off. All I can tell people is, you cant see him if you dont come and look for him.

This story was edited to add additional information on sightings by the LCBC.
Madison County, NY  A 39-year-old man has died after a lightning strike Monday while on a roofing job near the village of Canastota, New York.

The man, whose name has not been released by authorities, took shelter under a tree with two other co-workers from The Roofing Guys company while a quick-moving storm passed.

The sun was shining again when the lightning struck on Forbes Road in the town of Lincoln, Mike Flynn, owner of The Roofing Guys, told Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard on Tuesday.

The lightning traveled down a flagpole around 2:28 p.m. and hit all three men, according to the Madison County sheriffs office.

The skies were sunny. You could see the storm off in the distance, Flynn said he learned later from those at the job site. Its just a crazy, crazy thing.

The man was unconscious and not breathing when deputies arrived. They were able to revive him, and he was taken to Oneida Hospital before being transferred to St. Elizabeths Hospital in Utica. He later died.

The other two co-workers were not seriously injured and have been released from Oneida Hospital, deputies said.

Flynn said hes not sure how close the men were to the flagpole. I feel terrible, he said. Its the worst news I could ever receive here.

Madison County deputies recommend that people caught in a lightning storm seek shelter in a sturdy building or a hard-top motor vehicle. Avoid open spaces, trees, isolated objects, high ground or metallic objects. Get out of any boats and stay away from bodies of water.

Staff writer Douglass Dowty can be reached at ddowty@syracuse.com or 315-470-6070.

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Weather World: Penn State showers future forecasters with experience
On the agenda for this year's Toronto International Festival of Authors is the launch of renowned author Michael Crummey's new novel, "The Adversary," which is set for release in late September. Crummey poses for a portrait on Middle Cove Beach, outside St. John's, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019. CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Daly
Tourists return from surfing at Kuta beach in Bali Island, Indonesia, February 2020. Photo by AFP

Authorities in Indonesia have launched a new task force in Bali that will crack down on badly-behaved foreigners on the island to restore its tourism reputation.

The task force will be responsible for carrying out 100 immigration control operations every month in which violators could face fines and deportation orders, The Bali Sun reported.

Silmy Karim, Indonesia's Director General of Immigration, said these crackdowns will be conducted in such a way that tourism will not be disturbed.

The move was part of Indonesia authorities' efforts to promote high-quality tourism and reduce the number of low-spending tourists in Bali Island.

Bali, famous for its long beaches, turquoise waters and ancient temples, is hoping to receive 4.5 million international arrivals this year, in addition to 9 million domestic travelers.

However, the island's tourism reputation has already been spoiled after some tourists were found posing naked for photos at sacred sites, driving motorbikes without helmets, and committing crimes.

Southeast Asia's largest economy has stopped the visa-free entry citizens of 159 countries and territories outside ASEAN amid concerns about "disruption of public order and potential transmission of diseases."
The Kiladze family, who recently fled Ukraine, are rapidly establishing new lives in Keremeos, thanks to the Ukraine Nightingale Project and a supportive community. In back are parents Salli and Lasha, with kids Amiran, 10, and Milena, 13.
The federal government says it has signed a contract with European aviation company Airbus to replace the aging Polaris fleet at a cost of $3.6 billion. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau waves as he steps off the government plane known as CF001 after arriving at the airport in Riga, Latvia, Monday, July 10, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
People pose for a photo in front of lantern decorations on Lunar New Year's Eve at Chinatown in Bangkok, Thailand, January 21, 2023. Photo by Reuters

The Association of Thai Travel Agents is calling on the next Thai government to waive visa fees for visitors from China to fulfill this year's target.

Thailand aims to attract five million Chinese tourists by the end of this year, but Southeast Asia's second-largest economy has received only around 1.6 million visitors in the first six months of this year, The Star newspaper reported.

Thailand's visa application fee including service charges costs 1,912-2,390 baht (US$55-68) per person while the visa-on-arrival fee stands at 2,000 baht ($65).

Other Southeast Asian countries are trying to lure more Chinese tourists post reopening.

Malaysia, for example, offers easier visa procedures that take only 1-3 days to process, with visa fee of around $28 per person.
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Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy claimed that the debunked Russian Biden bribery claim rises to the level of an impeachment inquiry.

McCarthy said, none of the statements below are true, on Fox Newss Hannity:

When Biden was running for office, he told the public he has never talked about business. He said his family has never received a dollar from China, which we prove is not true. We have credible whistle-blowers who have come forward, said the Biden family has been treated differently, that what has been told to us is different than what has been told to the public and you are sitting here where

you have millions of foreign money with the 1023 alleges what they did to his family now we found that it has funneled through shell companies. Sitting in our position, we wouldnt know none of this if Republicans hadnt taken the majority. This is rising to the level of an impeachment inquiry. It provides Congress the strongest power to get the rest of the knowledge and information needed. This president has also used something we havent seen since Richard Nixon. The weaponization of government to benefit his family and deny Congress the ability to have oversight.

Video:

Kevin McCarthy is now claiming that debunked Russian misinformation about Biden bribery rises to the level of an impeachment inquiry. pic.twitter.com/9haor81KTR  PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) July 25, 2023

It is not a coincidence that with Trump about to be indicted as part of the 1/6 investigation on a new wave of federal criminal charges, Kevin McCarthy is threatening to impeach Joe Biden.

There is no evidence that Republicans have the votes to hold a successful impeachment vote against the President Of The United States, but the point here may not be to impeach Biden.

Kevin McCarthy might be looking to create enough of an air of scandal around Biden so that voters will be discouraged and see both Trump and Biden as equals. The goal of Republicans has always been to repeat the dynamics of the 2016 election where Trump won by being a lesser of two evils candidate.

However, the odds are that any attempt to impeach Biden will like, backfire on Republicans. Joe Bidens political circumstances dont equal any previous president who has faced impeachment. President Biden doesnt have a scandal. Republicans are using debunked Russian misinformation that was fed to Rudy Guiliani years ago as the basis for their current conspiracy theory.

Any attempt to impeach Biden is likely to blow back on Republicans, but this circus looks to be about taking attention away from Trump, and Kevin McCarthy is willing to stage a bogus impeachment to help the indicted former president.
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Greg Gutfeld of Fox News is trying really hard to make Ron DeSantis slavery was beneficial for the enslaved curriculum okay. So he said Jews had to learn to be useful to survive the Holocaust, during which the Nazi regime murdered six million men, women and children  many of them upon arrival at a camp.

To hit back at the criticism of Floridas slavery was beneficial curriculum, Greg Gutfeld claimed in rebuttal to Jessica Tarlove, a Jewish colleague who said she was fundamentally uncomfortable with the line about the benefits of slavery, that Viktor Frankl wrote about how you had to be useful to survive the Holocaust.

Vik Frankl talks about how you had to survive in a concentration camp by having skills. You had to be useful. Utility! Utility kept you alive!

Greg Gutfeld downplayed the horrors of the Holocaust by paraphrasing Viktor Frankl. "Jews survived by being useful." Gutfeld leaves out that millions died in concentration camps the day they got off the trains. Gutfeld said this to his Jewish co-worker Jessica Tarlov. pic.twitter.com/tSsrLW6nJe  Decoding Fox News (@DecodingFoxNews) July 24, 2023

It wont surprise you to know that Gutfeld paraphrased logotherapist Viktor Frankl in a misleading way. Frankl was a survivor of four concentration camps who explored the thesis in his book Mans Search for Meaning that our deepest desire is to find meaning in our lives and essentially that we have a decision about how we respond to our circumstances. He also wrote about the suicidal levels of misery inflicted on the prisoners in Nazi concentration camps. In the concentration camps, he lost his wife and parents, and perhaps most significantly, the loss of hope, dignity and meaning.

In no way is his experience an endorsement for being forcefully taken to a concentration camp and the resulting need to find a way to prove oneself useful in hopes of appeasing monsters from murdering you.

Just because being useful helped some people escape death doesnt mean it was worth being kidnapped and taken to a concentration camp. This also conveniently leaves out the fact that many victims of the Nazis were murdered quickly upon arrival at a concentration camp, and had no opportunity to be useful.

To suggest that an academic curriculum for middle schoolers include that people learned a skill during enslavement and being held as prisoners against their will is to promote active dehumanization and minimization of the inhumane horror of slavery.

It also leaves out the fact that many slaves were already skilled when they were kidnapped. This assumption that Black people were savages with no skills is a reflection of a toxic but all too common combination of rampant racism and poor education. DeSantis curriculum will only further mislead future generations on these matters, nurturing deliberately even more racism and divide in this country between those who are educated with facts and those who are taught whitewashed propaganda.

There is no reason to teach middle schoolers that slavery was beneficial to the enslaved. Even the premise that it helped its victims is a lie. Want to guess who brought important knowledge about farming rice to America? That would be the enslaved people taken from countries along the rice coast of Africa brought knowledge about the crop with them to the Americas.

Being useful in order to avoid being murdered is not a benefit. Learning a new skill because you were kidnapped, taken from your family and home and forced to give up your work is not a benefit of slavery.

Both of these things are survival mechanisms, utilized by people who were tortured, terrorized, murdered, raped, and more. A survival mechanism is not something victims of a horror would sign up for and it is not a benefit, nor should it be the focus for middle schoolers in education about these horrors.

Both of these suggestions of benefits of being a victim of a horror actually end up blaming the victims of the horror: Were those who were murdered not useful enough? Should already skilled and knowledgeable slaves have been grateful to white colonists for kidnapping them, separating them from their home, families and loved ones forever, because perhaps they learned a skill they never would have needed to learn had they not been the victim of inhumane greed and entitlement?

These are arguments so disgusting as to render most of us speechless. But we must not be silent in the face of such lies, because silence is compliance and allows history to be rewritten as these folks want it to be.

Shame on Greg Gutfeld, Fox News, all of the people who repeat these lies, and most of all, shame on Governor Ron DeSantis for introducing yet another assault on freedom and dignity into our national politics.

If these conservatives find being kidnapped and tortured to be so useful, they are more than welcome to send themselves off to a concentration camp or taken to be used as slave labor no matter what their skills are currently. Until such time as they volunteer to do this, everything they are saying about the benefits of slavery and the Holocaust is a complete lie meant to gaslight victims and teach a new generation to similarly abuse the victims and plant the seeds of dehumanization for another genocide.
Editor's note: This article has been corrected to show Kristie Brooks is Aiken Elementary School's new principal.

To kick off the first day of school Tuesday, Aiken County Public School District Superintendent King Laurence found himself interacting with students and teachers at multiple elementary, middle and high schools, including J.D. Lever Elementary School and Aiken Elementary School.

At J.D. Lever Elementary, Laurence toured the hallways with the schools new principal Kippy Kelly. He briefly made a stop in several classrooms to talk with the students  in one classroom, he was met with resounding positive answers after asking how the first day was going.

I know youre going to have a great time, and a great year, he said.

Students practiced lining up for lunch and walking quietly through the halls. Kelly pointed out a sign on the wall that encouraged students to keep their hands and feet to themselves, keep their volume down and walk in a straight line. She explained to Laurence that the first week is really just procedures that students and teachers are reviewing to make sure the year runs smoothly.

The superintendent also visited Aiken Elementary School where he was able to sit in on an instructional session on appropriate behavior in the schools library.

Guided by the schools new principal, Kristie Brooks, Laurence had a chance to shake hands with young students on the playground and observe kindergartners in their classrooms.

Laurence was scheduled to visit a total of 12 schools, including Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle and High School, South Aiken High, and the newly completed Highland Springs Middle School, which was able to open its doors to students on the first day of classes.
After years of disappointment, a groundbreaking new study finds that charter schools are finally living up to their promise, doing a dramatically better job at educating children than traditional public schools. Read moreScoppe: Charter schools are providing a superior education ... in most states
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The S.C. Commerce Department and other organizations are collaborating to provide manufacturers in the state free access to an online platform that helps them connect, find business opportunities and source local materials.

The agency announced the new initiative with the S.C. Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the S.C. Manufacturers Alliance on July 18.

The platform is called Connex South Carolina. It allows users to create profiles that include business certifications, U.S. Small Business Administration designations, manufacturing capabilities and equipment.

It includes an exchange site where manufacturers can post and respond to business opportunities with companies within the state and across the country.

Sara Hazzard, CEO of the Manufacturers Alliance, said the tool will help companies of all sizes, whether buyers or sellers, improve their supply chains.

It will put our manufacturers in communication with others all around the country as well as in South Carolina to give them new ways to get what they want, to get it quicker and to move manufacturing forward at a blistering pace in South Carolina," Gov. Henry McMaster said at an announcement this week at BOMAG Americas Inc. in Ridgeway.

The manufacturing sector adds about $194 billion to $206 billion annually to the Palmetto States economy. The industry supports more than 30 percent of all jobs in South Carolina, according to a 2021 economic impact study from S.C. Future Makers.

McMaster said the state put millions of dollars into technical colleges to provide the workers the industry needs.

But often the problem is not the workers, but theres a kink in the supply chain somewhere, he said.

The Connex marketplace platform was developed more than 10 years ago by i5 Services, a Utah-based software developer, as a supply chain resource for U.S. factory owners and operators. Andy Carr of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership said it's easy to use.
A UPS truck drives by as Sean M. O'Brien, left, teamsters general president, UPS teamsters and workers hold a rally Friday, July 21, 2023, in Atlanta, as a national strike deadline nears. The Teamsters said Friday that they will resume contract negotiations with UPS, marking an end to a stalemate that began two weeks ago when both sides walked away from talks while blaming each other.
Sometimes the battle takes place not only in the field, but also in political arena. However, what distinguishes the battle in the politics from other battles is its sharp expressions like a sword. The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, the victorious Commander-in-Chief, is the winner of the war in both fields. He literally proved the invincibility of our country to the world community both in the 44-day war and in the campaign of the world media launched against Azerbaijan.

On July 21-23, the "New Media in the 4th Industrial Revolution" Global Media Forum was held in the city of Shusha as part of the "Year of Heydar Aliyev" and in connection with the 148th anniversary of the Azerbaijan National Press, according to the order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. Many messages were given to the world at this event, which was attended by 150 foreign guests from 49 countries, including state information agencies of 34 countries, 12 international organizations and media organizations.

At the event, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev greeted everyone and answered the questions of correspondents representing different countries. In this regard, the correspondent of Iran's IRNA news agency, Mohammad Rezapour, addressed a question to the head of state among the media representatives.

It should be noted that the moment when the reporter asked the question was remembered as a very interesting moment.

Since Iranian reporter Rezapour's voice was not heard clearly when he first voiced his question, President Ilham Aliyev asked for the question to be voiced again. The tone of the reporter's voice also showed how excited he was.

In the second attempt, as the reporter could not express the question clearly, the head of state said, "Perhaps you are a little far from us, that's why we cannot hear your question completely. Please, tell your question to the moderator, and he will convey it to us".

Finally, the correspondent who repeated the question in the 3rd attempt, how will the start of activity of "IRNA Azeri" affect the strengthening of relations? President Ilham Aliyev answered the question of the reporter, who made a political mistake, by paraphrasing again to "IRNA Azerbaijan".

As mentioned earlier, politics is also a battlefield where values are measured by the power of words. President Ilham Aliyev uttered his words to the Iranian reporter both on the spot and in a diplomatic way, preventing his political maneuver, which is inherent to Iran. It is no secret that Iran has deliberately called Azerbaijan Azeri in public for centuries. However, "Azeri" is a name belonging to an Iranian tribe, and Persian-leaning forces tried to present the origin of the Azerbaijani people as Iranian, Persian origin. However, it is known to everyone that Azerbaijan is of Turkish origin in terms of ethnicity.

If we look at the history, the "Az" tribe also existed among the ancient Turkic tribes. Sometimes the etymology of the word "Azerbaijan" refers to the name "Azer" (meaning - brave knights). However, the Persian tribe called "Azeri" has no connection with the Azerbaijani people. Thus, the fact that Iran addresses us as "Azeris" can be considered a separate provocative propaganda.

Later, President Ilham Aliyev continued to answer the Iranian reporter's question and said that "Of course, it would be good if more people in Iran were informed about the Second Karabakh War and the post-war situation, in particular, the wider regional cooperation agenda of Azerbaijan."

Azerbaijani President's answer to the question in this way also sent a subliminal message to Iran. Because Iran has never spoken about the reality of Azerbaijan in its media. On the contrary, we have always come across provocations and bullying against the Turkish nation in the media. These provocations are mostly committed against our compatriots living in the south of Iran, and this struggle is still going on for more than 100 years.

It should be noted that some time ago, Iran came back with the proposal for the normalization of relations with Azerbaijan and the re-opening of the Azerbaijani embassy in Tehran. However, the Azerbaijani side has repeatedly encountered Iran's hostile policy. They openly promoted it on their TV, radio and social media. The biggest evidence was the terrorist attack against the Azerbaijani embassy in Tehran early this year.

However, Iran, which is worried about the loss of its influence in the South Caucasus, again strives to put forward the issue of the normalization of relations with Azerbaijan as an excuse. Because along with Iran, everyone is aware that Azerbaijan is becoming a driving force in the region.

In the end, President Ilham Aliyev told the reporter, "I wish you success in your activities. I am sure that you will play a positive role in the strengthening of relations". This was another diplomatic message to Iran.

In a nutshell, whatever Iran was 100 years ago, it is still progressing at its own pace. As the saying goes, Leopard cannot change its spot.

Generally, it was the first time that Azerbaijan organized an event in the city of Shusha that brought together the heads of the world's leading media and journalistic organizations, influential experts in the field of media, information and communication, and well-known journalists. The event Global Media Forum once again demonstrated the global reputation of Azerbaijan to the world with its many advantages.
As part of his mid-July visit of Indonesia, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with ministers from ASEAN and the region to discuss deepening cooperation to realize our shared vision: a free, open, prosperous, secure, interconnected, and resilient Indo-Pacific.

That means a region where countries are free to choose their own path and their own partners; where problems are dealt with openly; where rules are reached transparently and applied fairly; where ==goods, where ideas, where people flow lawfully and freely.

At the heart of that approach is our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN, ASEAN centrality, and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, said Secretary Blinken. Our engagement in the region is focused intensely on an affirmative agenda, on working collaboratively  on the issues that are of most concern to the citizens of all of the countries in the region and people in the United States.

If you look at the ASEAN agenda, when it comes to tackling the climate crisis, when it comes to advancing renewable energy, when it comes to global health, when it comes to infrastructure, when it comes to education, science and technology, the digital economy  these are all areas where we are deeply engaged with ASEAN, and thats really the focus of what were doing.

At the same time, if you look at the ASEAN Outlook, and you look at our own strategy, theyre extraordinarily coincident in what were trying to achieve together, and that starts with a shared vision for the region: one that is free, open, secure, prosperous, connected, and resilient.

We remain committed to upholding freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea  a critical throughway for global commerce and connectivity, said Secretary Blinken.

The United States also seeks to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, which is in the interest of all nations. Fifty percent of global commerce goes through that strait every single day. Some 70 percent of the semiconductors made for the world are made in Taiwan. We continue to oppose unilateral changes to the status quo by either side.

We support ASEANs negotiation of a code of conduct consistent with international law, said Secretary Blinken. The U.S. and ASEAN will continue to champion these principles together as we tackle shared challenges and realize the promise of this extraordinarily dynamic region.
How South Carolina spent over $1.8 billion in federal pandemic relief funds is largely shrouded from public view.

Numerous factors have obscured the spending from the public. The main roadblocks are loose reporting requirements and a long delay between when school districts inform the state how theyve used the funds and when the information is publicly available.

South Carolina school districts have about $1.5 billion left to spend by September 2024. The money gives districts an unprecedented opportunity to improve the lives of South Carolina children when they need help the most.

Students are still reeling from pandemic-related learning loss. Across the nation, students' math scores have plummeted, something that could negatively impact their graduation rates, college enrollment, and future earnings. Chronic absenteeism skyrocketed during the pandemic, and achievement gaps between historically marginalized communities and their economically privileged White peers are widening.

These problems are particularly bad for South Carolina, a state thats been at the bottom of national rankings for public education for years.

The cash gives school districts the opportunity to better the academic futures of South Carolina children and put them on the path to success. But without more transparency, the public will not know if the money is being used to remedy students learning loss or if school districts are tracking whether or not their programs are helping students.

Shrouded in secrecy

The murkiness around how school districts use federal pandemic relief funds isnt just a South Carolina problem. Its a national one.

The money first became available during the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. While some went to state education departments, most went directly to school districts. Certain pots of cash were earmarked for different activities like sanitization or improving air quality. But the regulations on how districts could use the money were purposely broad so they could access it immediately and put it toward helping students during a worldwide crisis.

While this decision made sense at the time, experts say, its made it difficult to track where the money is going. Districts have to report how theyre using the money each quarter to their states education department, but the level of detail they provide is largely left to their own discretion.

Marguerite Roza is director of the Edunomics Lab at Georgetown University, which examines education financial policies and practices. She called the situation frustrating.

Her lab is monitoring how school districts are using the funds, but she said there is no consistent way to check in on districts expenditures or to know whether their federal relief-funded programs are delivering value to students.

Part of this is due to the broad reporting categories. When the federal government and states publicly report the money, it's simply labeled as being used for things like purchasing educational technology. Rozas lab noticed that a lot of money is being used in a category called Other.

The delay between when school districts spend the money and when the federal and state governments publicly report it also makes tracking difficult. Dan Goldhaber, director of the Center for Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Education Research, said it's hard to get an accurate picture of how much money has been spent.

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Complicating matters in South Carolina is the out-of-date S.C. Department of Education dashboard, which reports pandemic relief fund spending. In most states, the state education department publicly discloses information about spending before the federal government.

The pandemic relief funds were given to states in three rounds called ESSER I, II, and III. Each round totaled a different amount and had to be spent by different dates, or districts would no longer be able to access it. According to the federal government, South Carolina school districts spent more than $1.8 billion of the total money it was given, including all of its ESSER I cash that needed to be used by September 2023.

Yet, the S.C. Department of Education reports that school districts have only spent $996.4 million. It also says districts havent spent $46.95 million of the ESSER I funds.

I would have expected any information sent to the federal government, given the lag times, would have already shown up on local dashboards, Goldhaber said.

This reporting delay has created problems for school districts across the state.

Brad Willard, chief financial officer of Kershaw County School District, said school districts are being criticized by legislators who think tons of money is not being used because theyre drawing their conclusions from the dashboard.

The S.C. Department of Education didnt respond to repeated calls and emails asking about the dashboard.

Whats making the cloudiness around reporting a more critical issue is that S.C. districts recently got access to the ESSER III round of funding. Its the largest round, totaling over $2.1 billion, and 20 percent of it needs to be spent remedying students learning loss.

But the reporting issues mean the public doesnt exactly know what districts are doing or, more importantly, whether districts are monitoring whether their programs are having any effect.

Problems with impact tracking

Experts say that tracking whether pandemic relief-funded programs are helping students academic performance is critical. Goldhaber said two districts could be putting money toward similar programs, such as increasing tutoring. But the success of tutoring programs varies widely.

There are districts where these interventions are having positive impacts and student achievements, and districts where the interventions sound similar, but they arent having much impact, he said.

One problem hes noticed is that many districts are putting money toward programs like summer school or online tutoring but are not monitoring whether students actually participate in these activities. Part of the issue is that the pandemic is in the rearview mirror and parents aren't as concerned about learning loss as they were a couple of years ago. A school might recommend a student do online tutoring, but whether students follow through is largely dependent on parents urging them to take advantage of these resources.

In addition to tracking whether students participate in pandemic relief-funded programs to combat learning loss, Roza recommends that districts pay close attention to tests that monitor students academic progress throughout the school year. She said districts can use tests like the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test to see if a program not working, to react quickly and improve a program that may not be effectively assisting students and put more money toward one that is helping them succeed.
COLUMBIA  If the pen is mightier than the sword, Columbia is well-defended.

The city's poet laureate, Jennifer Bartell Boykin, has been named a 2023 Poet Laureate Fellow by the Academy of American Poets. The $50,000 grant charges poet laureates across the country to create "creative and timely poetry programs" in their cities, counties and states.

Glenis Redmond was named a fellow for her work as Greenville's inaugural poet laureate, too.

Boykin, a teacher in Richland County, will create a debate/poetry slam program for teenagers that will culminate in a poetry festival in Columbia in 2024.

"We'll celebrate poetry, it's going to be intergenerational so we welcome everyone of all ages of all races, abilities, whatever," Boykin said of the one-day festival. "Just come on out."

Boykin is partnering with local poet collective The Watering Hole for the festival, which will include readings, workshops and lectures.

"I don't want people to just sit and listen to poetry," Boykin said. "I want it to be interactive. I want people to be writing poems and reading their poems and really interacting with poetry."

Boykin is a self-described "country girl" whose writing pulls heavily from her childhood growing up in Bluefield, a Black community in the Pee Dee region.

Growing up, she would listen to her grandmother's stories, learning of her Geechee heritage and learning the ancestral roots she grew from.

The Gullah/Geechee people are descendants of formerly enslaved Africans, as well as Native Americans and Europeans, who settled along the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, developing a distinct dialect and culture in the decades following the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Boykin grew up in this culture, which is heavily featured in her forthcoming debut poetry collection, "Traveling Mercy."

Published under the name Jennifer Bartell, "Traveling Mercy" will hit shelves on Nov. 17, 2023 from Finishing Line Press.

The book's publication is the culmination of a decade of work, Boykin said.

"It's just beautiful to see all of that hard work finally pay off in a big way, because I have been working for years and I've been teaching and I've been writing and I've been revising," Boykin explained. "So, it just it really just feels good to finally think about holding my book in my hands for the very first time."

Originally conceived as the thesis for her Master of Fine Arts program at the University of South Carolina, "Traveling Mercy" is anchored by the natural world Boykin grew up cradled by, and the stories she learned from interviewing elders in her hometown.

"I was able to get their histories," Boykin said of the community members she spoke with for the book. "You will be able to see their histories and kind of journey through their life stories throughout the book."

One of the poems within "Traveling Mercy" is about Boykin's late-father. It begins:

"This is what leaves like a prayer:

the collard greens my father planted. A collard is a cabbage that does not develop a heart. Their green leaves are like hands

about to clasp in solemn devotion,

arching towards the sun for a blessing..."

"Leaves Like Prayer" is indicative of Boykin's poetic voice. It's country and its natural. It dances with the ancestral spirits she carried with her from Bluefield to Columbia.

"I finally realized why my grandma was telling me these (stories) because she wants me to remember," Boykin said. "And for me, writing is the way I choose to remember."
COLUMBIA  Advocates for South Carolinians with severe mental illness say a lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice could prompt needed change to the state's health care system after an investigation found likely violations of federal law.

The scathing report contends the state is warehousing many people with mental illness in residential facilities, often in poverty and in poor conditions, when those patients could live independently in their communities with the proper services.

Im hoping this will wake them up, Kimberly Tissot, president of the advocacy group Able South Carolina, told The Post and Courier on July 25. The disability community has been raising these flags for years.

Her comments came on the eve of the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, signed into law by then-President H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court's 1999 Olmstead v. L.C. ruling that the law requires states to enable the severely mentally ill to live in the least restrictive settings possible, the DOJ has sued roughly 20 states over lack of compliance. Often, states sign settlements agreeing to work toward moving patients out of institutions while the DOJ or a court monitors progress.

Though South Carolina has not responded yet to the findings in the July 6 report, advocates believe a lawsuit and settlement is likely in South Carolina.

DOJ, if they believe they have to go and litigate this, they will do it, said Anna Maria Connor, a senior attorney for Disability Rights South Carolina, the advocacy group that brought the complaint to the DOJ.

About 2,000 South Carolinians live in approximately 250 homes that the state officially calls community residential care facilities, most of which are privately operated, according to the report. But residents have little control over their lives there and rarely engage with the broader community, the report found.

Its something like a little asylum in here, one resident told investigators.

Dozens of those residents told investigators they want to leave the group homes, but most dont offer an easy pathway out. Even if residents have a way to return to their communities, the state lacks the support services and subsidized housing to make it possible, according to the report.

Theres "no vision of ever getting out, one group home employee told investigators. They just feel stuck. Thats almost like hospitals used to be, 150 years ago.

The S.C. Department of Health and Human Services has scheduled a meeting with the DOJ and looks forward to bringing "resolution to the concerns, spokesman Jeff Leieritz said in a statement.

The Department of Mental Health has moved about 400 people out of group homes back to their communities and added 170 units of affordable community housing under a transitions program started in 2019, according to spokeswoman Tracy LaPointe.

Community services suffered from staffing shortages caused by the pandemic and the tight labor market that followed, LaPointe said. The department hopes recently approved raises for state employees will help remedy the problems.

The state budget that started July 1 provided the Department of Mental Health nearly $4 million to boost salaries of mental health professionals and almost $5 million for nurses' pay.

The report credited the state for its cooperation and candor during the investigation.

The reliance on group homes stems from budget cuts coming out of the Great Recession, which gutted community care services, said Connor of Disability Rights.

Were still kind of digging the mental health services out of the hole we put them in, she said. DMH does a fantastic job with what theyre given.

South Carolinas northern neighbor provides perhaps the best window on how potential intervention by the DOJ could play out. North Carolina signed a settlement agreement with the federal government in 2012 after federal authorities found that the Tarheel State was warehousing severely mental ill people in group homes, much as it did in this month's report on the Palmetto State.

Federal intervention in North Carolina has been particularly successful in preventing the state from funneling more people into group homes and has been the catalyst for some progress on subsidized community housing, according to Corye Dunn, the director of public policy for Disability Rights North Carolina, an advocacy group.

However, the state has struggled to successfully transition people out of the group homes and set up teams to support them once they live independently. That's largely due to a lack of political will by policymakers in Raleigh, Dunn said.

Unable to meet the objectives of the settlement agreement, courts have repeatedly granted the state extensions. The agreement, originally intended to run eight years, is now in its 12th year.

A settlement agreement will be hard, and you will have to change systems, (but) it is absolutely worth it, Dunn said.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement that its committed to carrying out its plan to comply with the ADA.

There are concerns about potential federal intervention.

In its zeal to eliminate group homes, the DOJ efforts can occasionally result in residents being sent back to communities before sufficient services are set up to support them, which can jeopardize peoples health and safety, said Hugo Dwyer, the executive director of A Voice of Reason, a national advocacy group for people with mental and intellectual disabilities.

In the past, Dwyers group has fought DOJ on closing congregate care facilities too soon.

The DOJ can also be exacting. In most cases, its impossible to meet their standards, Dwyer said, and the lawsuits with states drag on for years.

South Carolina advocates say it will take a major investment in funding and staffing to provide adequate community-based care, which involves teams of specialists who assist those with severe mental illness with everything from medication management to life skills while they live independently.

Theres no existing infrastructure, Tissot said, recognizing it will take big commitments from lawmakers over a yearslong process. We cant just get everyone out of these facilities right now.
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CONWAY  One of the fastest-growing cities in Horry County has a new hotel for visitors to experience its downtown shopping district and scenic riverfront.

A 98-room Fairfield Inn & Suites recently opened in Conway across from Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College. Located at 2061 E. Highway 501, the hotel will be managed by Myrtle Beach-based Strand Hospitality.

The Fairfield Inn & Suites Coastal Carolina Conway enjoys a fantastic location, convenient to several businesses and directly across the street from Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College, said Jay Keller, chief operating officer of Strand Hospitality, in a statement. As the first select-service Marriott-branded hotel in the area, the hotel was designed to meet the evolving needs and demands of todays business and leisure travelers.

Company officials said design elements in the hotel pay homage to the brands origins on the Fairfield Farm in Virginia. In 1951, John Willard Marriott purchased a piece of property in the Blue Ridge foothills that reminded him of his days growing up on his familys farm in Utah, later inspiring him to create Fairfield by Marriott in 1987.

A farmhouse table is situated in the lobby for gathering and connecting, photography from the Fairfield Farm serves as artwork in the lobby and a history wall showcases the brands roots.

Hotel amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, valet laundry service, complimentary Wi-Fi, and meeting facilities with audio-visual equipment. A complimentary hot breakfast featuring oatmeal, scrambled eggs, sausage, make-your-own waffles, fruit, yogurt, and whole grain cereals and breads is included during each stay.

The hotel was developed by Southern Ventures and built by Myrtle Beach-based Dargan Construction Company.

We are confident that the introduction of the Fairfield Inn & Suites brand will be a boon to Conway, providing both jobs and additional revenue to the community, said John Pharr, president of Strand Hospitality, in a statement. We would like to thank the City of Conway staff, council members and Mayor Bellamy. They have been a pleasure to work with on this project.

In recent years, Conway has become a popular destination for visitors and residents in Horry County like its neighbor 15 miles to the east  Myrtle Beach.

The city of more than 27,000 residents additionally has seen some of the most rapid population growth in South Carolina, a 45 percent increase since 2010 that was the state's 13th fastest, according to U.S. Census data.

With Myrtle Beach seeing around 20 million visitors annually, Conway business leaders have said their goal is to attract 1 percent of that number as they travel on U.S. 501, a major thoroughfare that cuts through the city on the way to the beach.

Strand Hospitality has a sterling reputation as a leading hotel operator, and I am thankful for the opportunity to launch a new brand in this thriving market, said Melissa Zimmerman, general manager of Fairfield Inn & Suites Coastal Carolina Conway, in a statement. Our hotel will provide the highest level of customer service to our guests, and our team looks forward to being an active business partner in the Conway community.
SPARTANBURG  Dana Cross wasnt thinking about a career change when she first read an online news story about a Peach Cobbler Factory franchise coming to her home city of Charlotte.

Still, the concept of an all-desert eatery appealed to her, and out of curiosity, she started making phone calls. The more she learned, the more she thought she could leave her job in real estate development and start a franchise of her own.

I really didnt think this was in the cards for me, Cross said. I really felt like it was just a divine ordering of my steps, because I did not expect this at all.

Earlier this month, Cross opened Spartanburgs first Peach Cobbler Factory at 98 Southport Road. She hosted a ribbon-cutting July 21.

The dessert chain, started in 2013 in Tennessee, has been expanding across the U.S. and has several other locations in South Carolina, with more on the way.

The brand began expanding after it brought on Greg George as a CEO and co-owner. George has made a career helping other brands franchise, including Clean Eatz, Shuckin' Shack and The Fuzzy Peach.

"As of today we have 48 operating units and we have over 200 in total franchise agreements signed," George said. "We are expanding all over South Carolina in particular."

Other locations include Myrtle Beach, Indian Land and Cheraw. George said the brand will expand into Columbia, Florence, Greenville and Charleston as well.

"Well be everywhere," George added. "Were one of the fastest growing food franchises in America."

There wasnt a single moment when Cross decided to take a leap of faith into a new career as a first-time business owner, but she had twin motivations: she wanted to leave behind a legacy for two 13-year-old children.

Danas mother, Pauline, was an inspiration in her life. She was the epitome of strength, her work ethic was just incredible, Cross said. She was just one of the greatest people anyone could know.

Cross is passing those values on to her kids, as well, teaching them that they can do anything they want to do, be anyone they want to be, that they can break down barriers and bounce back from adversity. Those values inspired her to turn her cobbler curiosity into a brick-and-mortar business.

You can preach and preach and preach, Cross said, but you have to practice what you preach.

She settled on Spartanburg as the first place to open up. The market is relatively small, and no other similar concept exists here, making it the ideal place to learn.

Opening a business isnt easy, and shes grateful to her children for making sacrifices as she worked late, waded through paperwork, vetted contractors and got permits.

Theyre allowing me to be here, she said. Theyve just been troopers throughout this whole ordeal and very understanding and very patient while they know this is something in essence Im doing for them.

But in November, Cross own mother died. She had encouraged her daughter as she worked on the business and was looking forward to seeing the factory doors open.

Cross almost gave up.

I wasnt in a great space emotionally, mentally, she said. It took a huge effort on my part to want to keep going.

But with faith and perseverance, she pushed through. She wants to open up a second location in Greenville in early 2024.

Shes planning to move her family to Spartanburg eventually.

Im here and it feels right, Cross said. You know [when] you just have a feeling that youre in the right place at the right time.

Business hours are from noon to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday and noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday.
The Gulf Stream is a mighty river in the ocean that powers past South Carolina with such force and momentum that it sucks water away from our coast, lowering our sea level by as much as 3 feet.

Its also part of a much larger conveyor belt of warm and cool waters called the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, a current system that moderates the Northern Hemisphere's climate like a radiator in a car.

But because of a rapidly warming planet, the AMOC system could collapse between 2025 and 2095, researchers said in a new study published in the journal Nature Communications thats raising alarms across the globe.

Gumming up the Gulf Stream and AMOC current system would wreak even more climate-related havoc than were seeing, researchers have said. Previous research has shown a general slowing of the Gulf Stream system. But the new study suggests a tipping point may happen sooner than expected.

Its consistent with many other studies about the AMOC, said Tal Ezer, a professor of ocean sciences at Old Dominion University in Virginia, who was not involved in the new research. The only questions are: How fast will this tipping point happen? And will (the currents) completely stop?

Ezer has studied the impacts of hurricanes on the Gulf Stream and said he was skeptical that the currents will stop altogether. But a slowing current system still would have huge implications when it comes to sea levels, especially in the Southeast.

Even before the new study, scientists had grown increasingly concerned about the Gulf Stream, especially after a sudden slowdown in the AMOC in 2009.

In a matter of weeks that year, it slowed by 30 percent. Without the currents pull, sea levels in New England rose 5 inches, streets in Norfolk, Va., flooded more frequently and Charlestons tides were higher than predicted.

The current regained its strength some months later, leaving scientists stunned. It was totally unexpected," Harry L. Bryden, a noted oceanographer in England, told The Post and Courier in 2018.

That year, another team of researchers analyzed sea temperature records and ran simulations on a super computer. They found that amid a rapid increase of carbon dioxide levels, the Atlantics current system had weakened since the 1950s. The reduced flow was equivalent to roughly 14 Amazon Rivers. By some measures, it was at its weakest point in 1,600 years.

The Gulf Stream remains one of the planets wonders, though its all but hidden under the waves. It flows past the Carolinas at a rate 6,000 times greater than the Mississippi, then jets north, carrying warm waters from the tropics toward Greenland.

As the current moves into cold climates, the dense and salty water descends, or overturns, dropping like waterfalls to the ocean floor, where it joins currents moving south, back to the Caribbean and eventually back into the Gulf Stream.

This great loop of warm and cold water helps moderate the climate, making weather warmer in Northern Europe as the warm water rushes north. It keeps the Caribbean cooler than it would be otherwise, as the cool water flows south.

But climate change has triggered a massive influx of meltwater from Greenlands giant ice sheet. And this injection of fresh water happens at a critical point in the AMOC  where it overturns and drops to the ocean floor. Scientists are still debating whether the meltwater acts like a wrench in the AMOCs flow.

The new study published July 25, also is likely to trigger more debate. It follows previous findings by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that a full collapse of the AMOC is unlikely to happen this century.

The new study's authors are Peter Ditlevsen and Susanne Ditlevsen, researchers with the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen.

They used new statistical tools and ocean temperature data between 1870 and 2020. They said their calculations showed a 95-percent certainty of collapse to occur around mid-century under the current scenario of future emissions."

Correction: An earlier version of this story contained an error: A study in 2009 identified a 30-percent slowdown in the AMOC, not the Gulf Stream.
Twenty-five sites in Berkeley County are on the National Register of Historic Places. Just one of them is explicitly associated with the Black experience.

Taveau Chapel.

The building, nestled into the greenery along Dr. Evans Road in Berkeley County, is in terrible disrepair, five decades of disuse apparent in the partially collapsed bell tower, darkened wood siding, broken windows, dusty interior and uneven floors.

Taveau Chapel is rich in history and meaning, but the local Black community, centered in nearby Cordesville, has not had the means to launch the substantial renovation effort required.

But that just changed.

Preservation South Carolina purchased the chapel from Cordesville United Methodist Church for $20,000 in order to kick-start repairs. The nonprofit has set a five-year goal to complete the work, after which the parent church can buy back the building for $25,000.

A $200,000 grant from the S.C. Department of Archives and History will be combined with $50,000 raised locally, funds to be spent on stabilizing the structure. After that, a lot more money will be needed to fix water damage and rot, replace wooden boards, framing, floors, fixtures, windows and pews, and ensure the building is safely wired and protected. The team will come out of the gate at a gallop thanks to a $250,000 award from Berkeley County Tourism, announced on July 14.

Its a tall order, but the assembled team is determined. Preservation South Carolina is collaborating with community leaders, Mepkin Abbey staff and members of the Ball family, who have historic ties to this stretch of land along the west branch of the Cooper River. Together, they hope not only to save Taveau Chapel, but to make it part of a sacred corridor along Dr. Evans Road, where one finds Strawberry Chapel to the south, Biggin Church Ruins to the north, the monastery and Taveau Chapel in between, and a few other small churches in active use.

The sacred corridor could become an instrument for historic preservation, a draw for tourists and a way to limit the encroachment of new subdivisions in this relatively pristine part of the county that lies between Moncks Corner and Huger, said Bill Fitzpatrick, chairman of Preservation South Carolina.

Overlooked

Well into 2022, the fate of Taveau Chapel remained uncertain. Efforts to muster the necessary resources to save it were frustratingly unsuccessful. When The Post and Courier drew attention to the plight of the little church, Cynthia Gibbs, a Virginia resident with Cordesville roots, stepped up.

When I read the article by Robert Behre last June, I was challenged by that article, Gibbs said. I knew these people, I knew how desperately they wanted to save the church, but there was little we could do as an aging congregation. A permanent solution eluded us.

She wrote a response, explaining that the condition of Taveau Chapel was not a result of willful neglect, only a consequence of insufficient resources.

Gibbs sought and received a green light from her pastor, the Rev. Clayton Jones of Cordesville United Methodist Church. She called preservationists. She fielded phone calls from people who had read her reply to The Post and Courier story.

One of those calls came from Fitzpatrick. He explained the goal of article was to generate attention, not to chastise, Gibbs said.

She soon understood the potential for assembling a team to get the job done and helped establish the Taveau Legacy Committee. The ball, finally, was rolling.

Work has begun, along with a substantial fundraising effort to ensure the team can cover the costs not just of stabilization, but of full repair and renovation.

The building, constructed in the Classical Revival style by enslaved people, opened in 1835 on the grounds of what was then Clermont Plantation according to instructions from Martha Carolina Swinton Ball Taveau. She had been married to John Ball, then Augustus Taveau, thus the double surname, and she was a staunch Presbyterian whose main residence was on Edisto Island.

In the midst of Episcopalians, she built a church on Clermont to make sure that the gospel might be preached in the country, Louisa Cheves Stoney wrote in a notation found in her copy of the 1840 book A Day on the Cooper River by John B. Irving.

Taveau Chapels first congregation, then, was Presbyterian, but after Ball Taveau died in 1847, Black Methodists were invited to worship there. In 1916, J.W. Johnson purchased neighboring Mepkin Plantation and, soon after, acquired Clermont and Washington plantations and part of Strawberry Plantation.

Twenty years later, Henry B. and Clare Boothe Luce bought the now much larger Mepkin property and, in 1949, donated 3,000 acres to the Trappist monks of Gethsemani Abbey and just over 3 acres to the worshippers of Taveau Chapel. (Clare Luce had converted to Catholicism after the death of her only daughter in an auto accident in 1944.)

The little chapel in the woods housed a Black congregation for 127 years, until in 1974 the Methodist Conference merged it with Cordesvilles and closed Taveau.

The National Register of Historic Places mentions the slender Doric columns, diminutive bell tower, and clapboard exterior of whats considered an unusually sophisticated church structure, unlike the far more common meeting house style.

Nearby, Strawberry Chapel, built around 1725, is well into a major upgrade effort. Mepkin Abbey is a popular place for those seeking a spiritual retreat or contemplative visit. The ruins of Biggin Church, first built in 1711, then rebuilt in 1761 and again in 1781, is an occasional destination for history enthusiasts. Revolutionary War hero William Moultrie and rice planter and slaver Henry Laurens worshipped there.

Few know much about Taveau Chapel  or, Tabo Church as local African Americans called it.

I cant imagine a more special spot thats been so overlooked, Fitzpatrick said.

Teamwork

Transforming the site into a venue where history can be told and events held is essential if the Black experience in Berkeley County is to be remembered, Fitzpatrick said. To do so, the Cordesville community will take the lead, receiving support from its partners.

Much can be examined here: How Methodist circuit riders ministered to enslaved people; how the congregation included those who labored on the property of Henry Laurens, a well-known slave trader; how the cultivation of rice enriched the White gentry and reinforced the social hierarchy; how the Civil War put an end to that kind of farming, leaving many Black people to fend for themselves; and how the church was an essential pillar of African American communities.

I grew up in St. Luke United Methodist Church, Gibbs said. Taveau was the sister church. Both were active in bringing people together, and in providing services and spiritual uplift. The history of Black Americans essentially is the history of the church, or the history of the church is the history of Black Americans. So the church itself is just a critical part of our community. It was the place we went for worship, but also to be part of our brothers and sisters in our community. Your church was the place you went where you could just be you.

Incidentally, the street off which Taveau sits  Dr. Evans Road  is named for Dr. Walter Evans, the county's first Black physician. Evans was born in 1891, schooled in Charleston, at Claflin College and at Boston University Medical School, then returned home to set up a practice. He attended to all patients regardless of race, though he was barred from working at the local hospital. His grand house is located on the street renamed for him in 1990. Evans died in 1967.

Gibbs, 67, attended Berkeley High School, graduating in 1975, then earned her bachelors degree from Baptist College (today, Charleston Southern University). A 21-year career in the Air Force followed. Now shes building a house in Berkeley County and could soon return home from Alexandria.

She remembers when St. Luke and Taveau merged to form Cordesville United Methodist, and how the unified congregation occasionally would ask for special donations to help keep up the old chapel.

I wanted to be part of anything that preserved Taveau, she said.

Sacred corridor

Robert Ball, a descendant of John and Carolina Ball, is senior warden and treasurer of Strawberry Chapel, which has made a modest annual donation to Taveau. After the 1886 earthquake, Strawberrys congregation donated its rear balcony to the Black worshippers just up the road.

Ball said the renovation of Taveau is essential if a sacred corridor is to be realized.

He and his son Mark Ball, Strawberry Chapels junior warden, have been working for years on a $1 million upgrade of their tiny church. The wiring is new, the plumbing is finished, the security system is replaced, a restroom is installed. A new set of cedar shutters, featuring hand-blown glass, have been fashioned and attached. The interior plaster is remade and the exterior brickwork exposed and repaired.

The work will be complete well before the 2025 tercentennial celebration, Robert Ball said.

Father Joe Tedesco, acting abbot of Mepkin Abbey, said the would-be sacred corridor is home to a variety of Christian worship traditions  Catholic and Cistercian, Anglican, AME, Methodist  and to White and Black burial grounds.

Taveau is special, he said, because it was the first place in the area before the Civil War that African Americans could use freely, without being confined to the balcony of a White church or excluded altogether.

The preservation of the chapel aligns with an essential part of Mepkin Abbeys mission: to be faithful stewards of the land  over the years, thanks to the leadership of the abbey, thousands of acres in the area have become subject to conservation easements  and facilitators of the sort of racial truth telling that might lead to redemption, Tedesco said.

David George, a nurse at Mepkin involved in the renovation project, said the chapel has long been overshadowed by the monastery and other venues along Dr. Evans Road.

Taveau was never really recognized, and now it will be, he said. The intention is to let the whole Charleston community be enriched.

Gibbs said the only way to fully appreciate our racially intertwined history is to acknowledge all of it.

The four Gospels tell same story about same person with same ending, but there are four different perspectives that give us a more complete picture, she said.

Saving Taveau Chapel, then, is a way to gain a better understanding of who we are, what we did, and where were going.
This article was published in partnership with The Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system, AL.com, The Frontier, Mississippi Today, and The Guardian. Sign up for The Marshall Projects newsletters, and follow them on Instagram, TikTok, Reddit and Facebook.

When Quitney Armstead learned she was pregnant while locked up in a rural Alabama jail, she made a promise  to God and herself  to stay clean.

She had struggled with addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder for nearly a decade, since serving in the Iraq War. But when she found out she was pregnant with her third child, in October 2018, she resolved: I want to be a mama to my kids again.

Armstead says she did stay clean before delivering a baby girl in January 2019. Records show that hospital staff performed initial drug tests, and Armstead was negative.

Armstead didnt know that Decatur Morgan Hospital also sent her newborns meconium  the babys first bowel movement  to the Minnesota-based Mayo Clinic for more advanced testing. Those test results showed traces of methamphetamine  drugs Armstead says she took before she knew she was pregnant. Because meconium remains in the fetus throughout pregnancy, it can show residue of substances from many months before that are no longer in the mothers system.

Child welfare workers barred Armstead from seeing her daughter, Aziyah, while they investigated, and Armsteads mother stepped in to care for the newborn.

The hospital shared the meconium test results with local police, who then combed through months of medical records for Armstead and her baby to build a criminal case. Prosecutors alleged that the drugs she had taken much earlier in the pregnancy could have put the fetus at risk. Nearly a year after shed delivered a healthy baby, Armstead was arrested and charged with chemical endangerment of a child.

She is one of hundreds of women prosecuted on similar charges in Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma and South Carolina. Law enforcement and prosecutors in those states have expanded their use of child abuse and neglect laws in recent years to police the conduct of pregnant women under the concept of fetal personhood, a tenet promoted by many anti-abortion groups that a fetus should be treated legally the same as a child.

These laws have been used to prosecute women who lose their pregnancies. But prosecutors are also targeting people who give birth and used drugs during their pregnancy. This tactic represents a significant shift toward criminalizing mothers: In most states, if a pregnant woman is suspected of using drugs, the case could be referred to a child welfare agency, but not police or prosecutors.

Medical privacy laws have offered little protection. In many cases, health care providers granted law enforcement access to patients information, sometimes without a warrant. These women were prosecuted for child endangerment or neglect even when they delivered healthy babies, an investigation by The Marshall Project, AL.com, The Frontier, The Post & Courier and Mississippi Today found.

In these cases, whether a woman goes to prison often depends on where she lives, what hospital she goes to and how much money she has, our review of records found. Most women charged plead guilty and are separated from their children for months, years  or forever. The evidence and procedures are rarely challenged in court.

Prosecutors who pursue these criminal cases say theyre protecting babies from potential harm and trying to get the mothers help in some cases.

But medical experts warn that prosecuting pregnant people who seek health care could cause them to avoid going to a doctor or hospital altogether, which is dangerous for the mother and the developing fetus. Proper prenatal care and drug treatment should be the goal, they argue  not punishment.

Dr. Tony Scialli, an obstetrician/gynecologist who specializes in reproductive and developmental toxicology, said the prosecutions are an abuse of drug screenings and tests designed to assess the medical needs of the mother and infant. He said that drug use doesnt necessarily harm a fetus. Exposure does not equal toxicity, Scialli said.

But prosecutors in these states arent required to prove harm to the fetus or newborn  simply exposure at some point during the pregnancy.

Legal experts say that under this expanded use of child welfare laws, prosecutors could also pursue criminal charges for a pregnant person who drinks wine or uses recreational marijuana  even where its legal. Police could also comb through medical records to investigate whether a life-saving abortion was medically necessary or to allege that a miscarriage was actually the result of a self-managed abortion.

Editor's Note The Post and Courier is continuing to report on this topic in South Carolina. If you have a story to share, please contact reporter Jocelyn Grzeszczak at 843-323-9175 or jgrzeszczak@postandcourier.com.

Because of concerns about people being criminally punished for seeking reproductive healthcare after last years reversal of Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is working to strengthen privacy rules under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA.

Scialli said the prosecutions ignore the effects of separating a newborn from a mother, which research has shown harms the child. Several studies have shown that even when newborns exhibit signs of drug withdrawal at birth, keeping them in hospital rooms with their mothers improves their health outcomes.

Just because a person struggles with addiction doesnt necessarily mean she is an unfit mother, Scialli said. Even women who are using illicit drugs, theyre usually highly motivated to take care of their children. Unless the mother is being neglectful, separating the baby and mother is not healthy for either of them.

***

Armstead grew up Quitney Butler in Town Creek, about two hours northwest of Birmingham. She watched as her town lost its Dairy Queen, grocery store, and eventually even the high school she graduated from in 2006.

She was deployed to Iraq in 2009, the same year her school closed. By then, she was 21 with one young daughter, Eva, with her boyfriend, Derry Armstead.

In Iraq, she drove trucks and made sure fellow soldiers got their mail. She was stationed at Forward Operating Base Hammer, in a stretch of desert east of Baghdad that was often the target of attacks.

Armstead came back from war in 2010 a completely different person, said her mother, Teresa Tippett. She was argumentative and temperamental.

Her family members all said I changed when I went over there, Armstead recalled. I was like, Mama, we were getting bombed all day, every day.

Armstead came home looking for an escape. She found drugs and trouble.

After her boyfriend returned from his deployment to Afghanistan, they married in 2012 and had a second daughter, Shelby. But their relationship became tumultuous, records show.

Both were arrested after a 2014 fight where he claimed she damaged his property, and she claimed he struck her on the leg, court records show. The following year, police records allege her husband drove his pickup past railroad barricades and into the side of a moving train, with his wife in the passenger seat.

Because of the couples fighting and arrests, her mother had custody of both Eva and Shelby. Quitney Armstead picked up two drug possession charges, and a misdemeanor charge for throwing a brick at the car her husband was in. Their divorce was granted in 2018, court records show.

In October 2018, she ended up back in jail after she was arrested on a drug possession charge during a police raid of a relatives house, according to court records.

Thats when she found out she was pregnant with Aziyah, and promised herself she would get clean.

Not long before Armsteads legal troubles began, some prosecutors in Alabama started to use a chemical endangerment statute  originally designed to protect children from chemical exposures in home meth labs  to punish women whose drug use potentially exposed their fetuses in the womb.

Prosecutions vary widely from county to county. In some areas, district attorneys choose not to pursue these charges, while one county has charged hundreds of women. In 2016, lawmakers carved out an exemption for exposure to prescription drugs, which can also be harmful to a fetus.

Morgan County District Attorney Scott Anderson said he does not discuss details and facts about pending cases.

However, I will tell you that my position of being willing to allow mothers charged with chemical endangerment into diversion programs has not changed. I am willing to do that and, if at all possible, I favor that approach in resolving these type cases, he wrote in an email. I think that Ms. Armstead needs treatment for drug dependency and am in favor of her getting it.

Some Alabama women we interviewed avoided a felony conviction and prison time by participating in pre-trial intervention programs run by prosecutors, which offer some treatment options. In some counties, the cost is $700 just to apply. Participants must keep making payments to remain enrolled. If they cant afford to keep up, they face an automatic guilty plea.

In his email, Anderson said poverty does not prevent a person from entering diversion programs in his county.

In several Alabama cases, the mother and her newborn initially tested negative for drugs  but the hospital sent the babys meconium to a lab for more extensive testing.

In Armstead's case, her drug tests were negative, but her infant's initial urine screen showed a "presumptive positive" for methamphetamine, according to medical records. Urine screening can result in false positives, which is why hospitals sometimes use more definitive meconium testing.

Armstead said she never granted permission specifically for the meconium test and had no idea her newborns sample was being sent to the Mayo Clinic.

A spokesperson for Decatur Morgan Hospital, where Armstead gave birth, wrote in an email statement that the hospital drug tests all mothers who are admitted to our hospital for labor and delivery. Our hospital follows Alabama law regarding any required reporting of test results to state authorities.

A federal law requires each state to have a policy on how to report and examine cases of drug-exposed newborns  but the federal statute doesnt require states to conduct criminal investigations. About half the states stipulate that healthcare providers report to child welfare agencies when a newborn or mother tests positive for drugs, but only a handful pursue criminal prosecutions of the mothers.

Some prosecutors in Alabama, South Carolina and Oklahoma have determined that under those states laws and court rulings establishing fetal personhood, child welfare statutes can apply to a fetus. Mississippi doesnt have a fetal personhood law, but that hasnt stopped prosecutors in at least two counties from filing criminal charges against women who tested positive for drugs while pregnant.

In northeast Mississippis Monroe County, Sheriffs Investigator Spencer Woods said he spearheaded the effort to begin prosecuting women under the concept of fetal personhood in 2019. Before that, Woods said, when the sheriffs office received a referral from Child Protection Services about a newborn testing positive for drugs, officers wouldnt investigate.

It wouldnt be handled because it did not fall under the statute. It still does not fall under the statute, he said. Because the state of Mississippi does not look at a child as being a child until it draws its first breath. Well, when that child tests positive when its born, the abuse has already happened, and it didn't happen to a child. So it was a crack in the system the way I looked at it. And that's where we're kind of playing.

There are several ways law enforcement can learn of alleged drug use. Sometimes, child welfare workers inform police. Occasionally, women themselves admit drug use to an investigator; other times doctors, nurses or hospital staff pass test results to law enforcement or grant officers access to medical records without a warrant.

The cases demonstrate how existing privacy laws dont protect womens medical records from scrutiny by law enforcement, said Ji Seon Song, a law professor at the University of California, Irvine, who studies how law enforcement infringe on patients privacy.

Child abuse allegations shouldnt be a carte blanche to access someones private health information, but thats how its being used, Song said. When the loyalty to the patient completely disappears, thats an institutional problem the hospitals need to deal with.

Because this surveillance system could also be used to police women who seek abortions, federal authorities have proposed a privacy rule addition for HIPAA. Among other changes, it would prohibit disclosure of private health information for criminal, civil or administrative investigations against people seeking lawful reproductive health care. The agency sought public comment on the proposed rule through June 16, and is expected to complete the changes in coming months.

Medical groups supporting the changes argue that using private health information to punish people criminally harms the physician-patient relationship and results in substandard care. But several state attorneys general  including the AGs for Alabama, Mississippi and South Carolina  wrote a statement opposing the change.

As proposed, the HIPAA changes could require law enforcement to provide documentation, such as a search warrant or subpoena, when seeking records related to someones reproductive healthcare  and medical providers could still refuse, said Melanie Fontes Rainer, director of the Office for Civil Rights in the Department of Health and Human Services.

Its very much real that your information is being used inappropriately sometimes; and then that information is then being used to seek out criminal, civil and administrative prosecution of people, Fontes Rainer said. Were in this new era  of unfortunately targeting populations for the kinds of health care they seek.

***

In some cases, women were arrested and prosecuted after being honest with their doctors about their struggles with substance abuse. At one South Carolina hospital, a new mother admitted to occasional drug use while pregnant, only to have hospital staff call police who arrested her after a nurse handed over her medical records.

A few women have even been prosecuted after seeking treatment.

In 2018, Kearline Bishop was pregnant and struggling with meth addiction. She said she checked herself into a rehab program in northeast Oklahoma because she knew she needed help.

When Bishop appeared to have contractions, the rehab transferred her to a local hospital. A doctor at Hillcrest Hospital Claremore determined that she wasnt yet in labor, and that despite her past drug use, her fetus was healthy.

Then two men Bishop didnt know walked in. They were police detectives in plain clothes, who demanded a hospital worker draw her blood for testing, according to court records. It turned out that an off-duty police officer working security at the hospital had called his police department supervisor because hed heard that a pregnant woman admitted to drug use.

The detectives didnt have a search warrant, so they handed Bishop a Consent to Search property form with blank spaces on it. The officers crossed out the line where they would normally list the property to be searched and instead simply wrote Blood Draw. Police testified later in court that they didnt advise Bishop she could talk to a lawyer first.

Bishop had told the cops she was in a dark place, and needed help, according to an affidavit.

The blood tests showed traces of drugs in her system. Officers handcuffed Bishop and took her from the hospital to jail. She stayed there until right before she delivered her baby, when she was allowed to go to a treatment house for pregnant women for a few days. When Bishops daughter was born, she was healthy. But child welfare workers took her from Bishop the next day.

The District Attorney in Rogers County, northeast of Tulsa, charged Bishop with child neglect. After an initial hearing, a county judge dismissed the charge, ruling the state couldnt apply its child welfare codes to a fetus.

But the district attorney appealed. Then a 2020 decision in a separate case by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals ruled that the states child neglect law could be applied to fetuses  even ones that didnt display harm from drug use. The court later ruled that the prosecutor could continue the case against Bishop.

District Attorney Matt Ballard celebrated on Twitter: My office scored a big victory today fighting for unborn children. Im proud of all the work that went into this. #ProtectingUnbornChildren

Through a spokeswoman, Ballard declined an interview request.

Bishop ultimately opted for a blind plea  a form of guilty plea that leaves the sentence entirely up to a judge  in January 2022. She was sentenced to three years in prison, plus five years of probation. A court terminated her parental rights to her youngest daughter.

Bishop did so well in prison that a judge reviewed her case and agreed to her release this past March, after just one year. Her daughter is now a healthy 4-year-old, adopted by a family member. Bishop has no contact with her youngest but saves up the money she makes working to buy clothes to send to her daughter.

Part of Bishops motivation to secure an early release, she said, was to prove that the prosecutors and judge who sent her to prison were wrong about her. She said that they never gave her a chance to show shed be a caring mother.

They looked at me like I wasnt even human, she said.

***

The cloud of cigarette smoke in Kevin Teagues Decatur law office is almost as thick as his north Alabama accent. Teague is Armsteads court-appointed lawyer. He defends a number of women in Morgan County charged with chemical endangerment of a child.

Many of his clients  like most of the women charged in Alabama and other states  reach plea deals, rarely challenging the cases against them. Teague said he had intended to help Armstead plead guilty too, but something about her case gnawed at him.

Shes just had a hell of a life. I mean, she fought for her country, he said. I truly believe she has some serious PTSD.

Her country  and the state of Alabama  owed her something better, he said. It seems unfair that poor people who cant afford pre-trial diversion programs get felony convictions and prison time, while people who could afford thousands of dollars in fees can get different outcomes, Teague said.

Armstead missed an October 2022 court hearing  she said she didnt receive a notice or have transportation. The absence landed her back in jail in December, and, lacking the money for bail, shes remained behind bars since.

Meanwhile, Teague heard about a chemical endangerment case similar to Armsteads in which the defendant challenged the evidence and the charges were dismissed: Dianne De La Rosa.

Eight months after De La Rosas daughter was born in 2018 in Huntsville, she and her family woke to a knock at the door at 2 a.m. The police had a warrant for her arrest for chemical endangerment. A meconium test allegedly showed traces of marijuana from earlier in the pregnancy.

De La Rosa did something that many women in Morgan County couldnt afford. She scraped together thousands of dollars to hire her own attorney  John Brinkley.

Brinkley is a father of nine, with another on the way. He had waited in many delivery rooms over the years, and he remembered a key detail: The hospital doesnt preserve everything it collects when a baby is born.

So Brinkley and his law partner Justin Nance did something unusual: They asked to conduct their own independent drug tests of the meconium in De La Rosas case. Defendants in Alabama have the right to request independent testing of evidence. But since so many women plead guilty, it rarely happens.

Its unclear the criteria they have for when they do these tests, Nance said. They claim theyre doing them on everybody, but I dont think that is true.

Prosecutors admitted that the evidence wasnt preserved, and the charges against De La Rosa were dismissed. That took nearly three years.

Many women charged with chemical endangerment in Alabama cant afford their own lawyer to fight a criminal case for years, Brinkley said. They pick on these less fortunate women, and then they just railroad them.

After hearing about De La Rosas case, Teague filed a motion in late March to have the meconium evidence in Armsteads case independently tested. Prosecutors never responded in a written filing, nor they did not turn over the sample within 14 days, as the court had ordered, Teague said. Armsteads trial was set for August.

When Teague told Armstead about filing that motion  in hopes of getting her case dismissed  she broke down sobbing.

Teague reminded her it would be a long road, and she would need to work on her sobriety and fulfill the requirements for a veterans court program she was offered for a synthetic marijuana possession charge in a nearby county. But it was a glimmer of hope she could hold on to.

I am not the mistakes Ive made, Armstead said. My kids were my world.

Her incarceration has isolated her from family. Her jail doesnt allow in-person visits from anyone but her lawyer, and she barely has the funds to make phone calls.

Her daughter Aziyah is 4 years old now. She and her older sisters only see Armstead on occasional video calls from the county jail, when the family can afford to put money in her jail account.

Armstead recalled that during a recent video chat, Aziyah asked her: Mommy, can you just sneak out of jail for one night?

She explained to Aziyah that if she did, she would be there even longer.

It tore me up, Armstead said.

Last week, Teague visited her at the jail with news: Morgan County was now offering her a better plea deal. If she successfully completes veterans' court in nearby Lauderdale County, both her drug possession charge and chemical endangerment charge will be dismissed, he told her. There would be no conviction for either felony, as long as she didnt screw up.

Armstead knew this meant the state probably didn't have the meconium evidence. But taking the plea deal meant getting out of jail sooner and hugging her girls. Maybe she would be home in time for back-to-school.

She couldnt afford to say no.

Additional reporting contributed by Amy Yurkanin, AL.com; Brianna Bailey, The Frontier; Anna Wolfe, Mississippi Today; and Jocelyn Grzeszczak, The Post and Courier.

Correction: This story has been updated to remove a reference to Quitney Armsteads case in a sentence about Alabama mothers and newborns who tested negative on initial drug screens. The story has also been updated to clarify details of Armstead and her newborns drug screens.
The United States is sending additional military assets to waterways in the Middle East to deter malicious and destabilizing behavior by Iran.

In response to a number of recent alarming events in the Strait of Hormuz, the Secretary of Defense has ordered the deployment of the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner, F-35 fighters and F-16 fighters to the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility to defend U.S. interests and safeguard freedom of navigation in the area, said Deputy Pentagon Spokesperson Sabrina Singh.

Most recently on July 5, the Iranian Navy attempted to illegally seize two merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. One attempt included an Iranian Navy ship firing upon the merchant vessel, noted Spokesperson Singh. In both cases, the Iranian vessels left the scene when the USS McFaul, a guided missile destroyer, arrived on the scene. The two merchant vessels were able to continue their journeys.

Other ships have not been as fortunate. Earlier this year, Iran seized two oil tankers in less than a week. The U.S. Naval Forces Central Command noted that since 2021, Iran has harassed, attacked or seized nearly 20 internationally flagged merchant vessels, presenting a clear threat to regional maritime security and the global economy.

The United States has a number of assets already in the region to help secure vital waterways, including A-10 aircraft. As U.S. National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby said, the additional assets are being deployed because of an increased level of activity in Iranian attacks. They have become more bellicose, more active, and more dangerous to peaceful maritime shipping in the Gulf region, he said. The Secretary of Defense wants to make sure, as he should, that weve got the proper capabilities and assets, readiness in place to deal with that.

Pentagon Deputy Spokesperson Singh declared, We call upon Iran to immediately cease these destabilizing actions that threaten the free flow of commerce through this strategic waterway, of which the world depends on for more than one fifth of the worlds oil supply.


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.
The sentencing follows a proactive undercover investigation by the Goose Creek Police Department. The police work was part of the investigation into certain chat sites used for the criminal solicitation of children in Berkeley County.
COLUMBIA  Biotech entrepreneur and Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy is slated to headline a GOP fundraiser in South Carolina as he returns to campaigning in the first-in-the-South primary state.

Ramaswamy will be the featured speaker at the third annual Dorchester County GOP's Faith, Family & Freedom Dinner, scheduled for Aug. 19 in Summerville at the Dorchester Shrine Club, county party Chair Steven Wright told The Associated Press on Aug. 25.

Wright said he and other Republican voters in South Carolina are hoping to see more of the broad GOP field at such county-level events. The double-digit field includes two homegrown hopefuls, former Gov. Nikki Haley and Sen. Tim Scott, as well as former President Donald Trump, who has remained popular in South Carolina since his 2016 primary victory in the state.

"Retail politics and speaking directly to voters is incredibly important," Wright said of Dorchester County, an area just inland from Charleston that he described as a "rock-solid Republican" area where all countywide elected offices are held by Republicans.

Wright said the event has raised more than $90,000 through the years to support Republican candidates through mailers and organization.

"If any candidate wants to be successful in our primary, they need to tell us what they're for, not just what they're against," Wright said, pointing to Ramaswamy's recent rollout of his potential U.S. Supreme Court picks as an example of something he'd like to see from more hopefuls. "Vivek has been very effective in communicating what he's for  he's not scared to take a tough stand, either."

Entering the race in February, Ramaswamy decried what he's called a "national identity crisis" that he claims is driven by a left-wing ideology that has replaced "faith, patriotism and hard work" with "new secular religions like COVID-ism, climate-ism and gender ideology.

Ramaswamy has been stumping heavily in other early-voting states, including Iowa and New Hampshire, but hasn't been back to South Carolina since May, when he spoke at the state Republican Party convention.

Ramaswamy visited Dorchester County earlier this year for a Sweet Tea Stop town hall event, something Wright said he's hoping to organize with others in the GOP field.
SPARTANBURG  Dana Cross wasnt thinking about a career change when she first read an online news story about a Peach Cobbler Factory franchise coming to her home city of Charlotte.

Still, the concept of an all-desert eatery appealed to her, and out of curiosity, she started making phone calls. The more she learned, the more she thought she could leave her job in real estate development and start a franchise of her own.

I really didnt think this was in the cards for me, Cross said. I really felt like it was just a divine ordering of my steps, because I did not expect this at all.

Earlier this month, Cross opened Spartanburgs first Peach Cobbler Factory at 98 Southport Road. She hosted a ribbon-cutting July 21.

The dessert chain, started in 2013 in Tennessee, has been expanding across the U.S. and has several other locations in South Carolina, with more on the way.

The brand began expanding after it brought on Greg George as a CEO and co-owner. George has made a career helping other brands franchise, including Clean Eatz, Shuckin' Shack and The Fuzzy Peach.

"As of today we have 48 operating units and we have over 200 in total franchise agreements signed," George said. "We are expanding all over South Carolina in particular."

Other locations include Myrtle Beach, Indian Land and Cheraw. George said the brand will expand into Columbia, Florence, Greenville and Charleston as well.

"Well be everywhere," George added. "Were one of the fastest growing food franchises in America."

There wasnt a single moment when Cross decided to take a leap of faith into a new career as a first-time business owner, but she had twin motivations: she wanted to leave behind a legacy for two 13-year-old children.

Danas mother, Pauline, was an inspiration in her life. She was the epitome of strength, her work ethic was just incredible, Cross said. She was just one of the greatest people anyone could know.
Once upon a time, President Bidens line on Hunter Bidens apparently corrupt business affairs was that he never discussed them. He knew nothing about them. He had nothing to do with them.

Biden now has a new line: The president was never in business with his son.

That requires some translation. I would guess that it means he doesnt show up as an owner of any of the 20 or more companies created by Biden family members and business associates.

Students of Watergate may hear the new line as what we have come to know as a limited hangout. The next such change in the line will be a modified limited hangout. Were not there yet.

White House spokesman Karine Jean-Pierre prefaced this iteration of the limited hangout with an awkward falsehood: The answer is not going to change. The answer remains the same.

More accurately, the answer hasnt changed since June 23. Ian Sams is the spokesman for the White House Office of Legal Counsel. On June 23 Sams first floated the line that Biden hadnt been in business with his son. This is how it goes:

As we have said many times before, the President was not in business with his son. As we have also said many times before, the Justice Department makes decisions in its criminal investigations independently, and in this case, the White House has not been involved. As the President has said, he loves his son and is proud of him accepting responsibility for his actions and is proud of what he is doing to rebuild his life.

NBC News quoted the Sams statement in this story. KJP is toeing the limited hangout line. We await the modified limited hangout to come.
Steve wrote earlier today about proposed legislation in Israel that would rein in that countrys Supreme Court. As Steve points out, the hypocrisy of the Left on this issue is monumental.

I want to talk specifically about the legislation that passed the Knesset today. First, though, it is important to understand that Israel does not have a written Constitution. Thus there is no foundational document that sets out the Courts powers. And those powers, as they have developed, are extraordinarily anti-democratic. Todays legislation took away the Supreme Courts power to veto or negate any legislation that it considers unreasonable, in effect an oligarchic prerogative. As the Jerusalem Post wrote:

What it will do, if passed, is bar the Supreme Court from striking down government decisions it deems unreasonable.

That the Court has ever wielded this power is astonishing. That thousands have taken to the streets to protest Netanyahus undemocratic reforms is ridiculous. Liberal protesters like the fact that the traditionally left-wing Supreme Court used elite presumptions to frustrate actual Israeli democracy.

As for the broader issues relating to the Israeli Supreme Courts extraordinary powers and the Netanyahu governments efforts to rein them in, this article by Elliot Abrams for the Council on Foreign Relations is a good primer.

The key figure in Israels constitutional revolution that expanded the role of its Supreme Court is Aharon Barak, who served as a member of the court from 1978 to 1995 and as its president from 1995 to 2006. While on the court, Barak wrote that The judge of a supreme court is not a mirror. He is an artist, creating the picture with his or her own hands. He is legislatingengaging in judicial legislation. Judicial creativityjudicial legislationis natural to law itself. Law without discretion is a body without a spirit. Judicial creativity is part of legal existence. Such creativityjudicial lawmakingis the task of a supreme court.

No one in America, not even the most fervent liberal, would say such a thing out loud, although it probably sums up the views of most Democrats pretty well. Assuming, of course, that their party controls the Court.

The manner in which Israels Supreme Court is currently chosen is frankly elitist:

Among other proposals, the coalition seeks to change the way judges are appointed, reducing or eliminating the current role of the bar association and of current Supreme Court judges and increasing that of elected officials.

Currently, Supreme Court justices are named by a committee that includes sitting justices and members of the reliably liberal Israeli bar association. This, too, is obviously undemocratic. Steve properly asks whether American liberals would approve of a system in which John Roberts, Clarence Thomas, Sam Alito, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Barrett have the power to name their successors on the Court. Obviously not.

It might be that one or more of the Israeli governments other reform proposals go too far. But compromise has proved impossible, so the package is coming up for Knesset votes on a piecemeal basis. At a minimum, the Knesset should reform the manner in which justices are selected, along with todays revocation of the reasonableness standard.

To me, the most remarkable aspect of the current controversy is that fact that so many Israelis have demonstrated against reforms that are obviously needed and that will further Israeli democracy. Thousands of reservists have even threatened not to serve if the reforms go forward. Granted, Israels democracy is notoriously fractious, but these positions seem extreme beyond the bounds one could rationally expect.

In Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu arouses pretty much the same insane hatred on the Left as our own Donald Trumpalthough, to be fair, with much less cause. I suspect that the primary basis for opposition to these reforms is the fact that Netanyahu favors them. I suppose it was foolish of me to expect something better from Israelis.

ONE MORE THING: In a brazen interference in another countrys domestic politics, Joe Biden publicly urged Netanyahu not to proceed with judicial reforms, thus allying himself with Israels anti-democratic Left. It was a shameful gesture that Netanyahu happily ignored.
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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Bayer:Smallholder farmers hold incredible potential on our journey towards global food security when they can access the modern agricultural solutions they need to increase their productivity, better their livelihoods and work more sustainably. That's why we're working directly with smallholder farmers around the world to make a massive impact, together.In partnerships with public, private, and local organizations, we can address smallholder farmers' needs holistically. Our commitment will help increase local food production, improve smallholder livelihoods, and contribute to reducing poverty in rural communities.We are making a difference in smallholder farmers' lives at multiple levels, ranging from, for instance, knowledge transfer in agricultural trainings to improved crop yields, more stable financial incomes from farm work or a better perceived livelihood for the farmer and his family - all directly correlated to our smallholder initiatives and measurable based on samples of farmer populations.In line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we are committed to contribute to feeding the growing population while respecting planetary boundaries. We must not choose between improving livelihoods, food production and environmental sustainability. With the right initiatives we can address all sustainability aspects creating opportunities for smallholder farmers to prosper sustainably.Social livelihood assessmentsFor smallholder farmers, two dimensions come to the forefront when they think of meaningful changes to their farm lives: crop yield performance and financial income collection based on good harvests and effective market linkages. By providing them with high-quality inputs, such as seeds and crop-protection products as well as customer-centric solutions to support their farm management across the planting cycle - be it in forms of trainings or digital support - we can have a direct impact on smallholder farmers' livelihoods.Besides the most obvious change in productivity and financial incomes that oftentimes prevail directly after one harvesting season, smallholder farmers' voices have told us how they appreciate the change our initiatives have brought to their livelihoods. In our programs they have experienced a change in the way of farming, in how they perceive their quality of life and their well-being.We have assessed farmers' perception of selected programs with the help of third-party providers who are experts in the field. They listen to what farmers have to tell and provide us with actionable learnings on the type of change our interventions truly make.Ansal Tomato Variety in KenyaWith a sample group of 418 smallholder farmers in Kenya growing our tomato seed variety Ansal, 60 Decibels performed an impact study demonstrating that 83% of the farmers perceived the value of Ansal Tomatoes to be good' to very good', with top value drivers being improved production, good seed quality, and resistance to pests and diseases. Most farmers appreciate higher yields, lower loss rates, and longer shelf life of Ansal tomatoes.Overall, 86% mentioned increased crop production, 91% increased income, and 89% say their quality of life has improved with increased incomes, the ability to afford expenses, and purchase assets as top outcomes.Read more about the impact of Ansal tomatoes:60 Decibels Study on Ansal Tomatoes Kenya (PDF 3.88 MB)Better Life Farming Program in IndiaWith a sample group of 684 vegetable smallholder farmers working with Better Life Farming (BLF) in Uttar Pradesh/Jharkhand, India, 60 Decibels performed an impact study demonstrating that 81% confirm that BLF puts their interests first. Staff outreach and field demonstrations were the top reported motivation factors among farmers for joining the program. Most farmers feel more confident than before to invest in agriculture, due to the availability of good quality inputs, access to training, new information and techniques as well as the witnessed improved crop yield and quality.Overall, 78% mentioned increased crop production, 72% increased income, and 71% say their quality of life has improved with increased incomes, the ability to afford expenses, and improved farm maintenance as top outcomes.Read more about the impact of Better Life Farming:60 Decibels Study on Better Life Farming India (PDF 5.54 MB)DKsilos Program in Mexico/HondurasWith a sample group of 400 small-scale cattle ranchers working with DKsilos in Mexico and Honduras, 60 Decibels performed an impact study demonstrating that DKsilos has been successful in encouraging silage preparation, resulting in cost savings for the ranchers. 82% of them witnessed better cattle health, primarily improved cattle weight and milk quality/production. The quality of inputs and technical support drives satisfaction among cattle ranchers who point out consistent and frequent advice as well as knowledgeable and reliable advisors.Overall, 69% mentioned increased livestock production, 68% increased income, and 67% say their quality of life has improved with increased incomes, greater corn yields, and healthier livestock as top outcomes.Read more about the impact of DKsilos:60 Decibels Study on DKsilos Mexico/Honduras (PDF 4.9 MB)GeoPotato Program in BangladeshIn Bangladesh GeoPotato is designed to support small-scale potato farmers by enabling preventive spraying and easier crop protection decisions. It is a geodata-driven early warning system for late-blight disease in potatoes, devised by Wageningen Plant Research, Terrasphere, mPower, Bayer and governmental institutions. A sample group of 275 small-scale potato farmers confirms the uniqueness of late-blight alert messaging: Around 90% of surveyed farmers could not easily find a good alternative in the market and consider the alert messages trustworthy. GeoPotato has also contributed to farmers' resilience and recovery from climate shocks such as floodings or irregular weather patterns.Overall, 86% mentioned increased crop production, 83% increased income, and 82% say their quality of life has improved with increased incomes, greater potato yields, and better disease prevention and management as top outcomes.Read more about the impact of GeoPotato:60 Decibels Study on GeoPotato Bangladesh (PDF 4.24 MB)Environmental benefitsIn the pursuit of improving their farm productivity, farmers are faced with the challenge of mitigating climate change effects and at the same time protecting the environment. Smallhold
First Majestic Silver Corp. reported that there have been positive drilling results from ongoing exploration programs at the Jerritt Canyon mine north of Elko, Nevada, and at the San Dimas and Santa Elena mines in Mexico.

First Majestic announced in March that they were temporarily suspending mining operations at Jerritt Canyon, but that exploration would continue along with evaluation of how operations should be structured when the mine reopens. The company said at the time that during the shutdown they would explore for new regional discoveries and expand current known reserves at Jerritt Canyon.

In recent years Jerritt Canyon has been operating two underground mines  Smith and SSX, and in late 2021 miners completed a connection drift between the two mines. Recent exploration work has been in areas near the two mines.

Two drill holes were completed between the Smith and SSX mines and south of the mine connection drift at the new Javelin target. The drill hole gold intercepts were between 295 feet and 1,115 feet away from existing mine development. Results from this drilling included 5.61 grams of gold per ton over 201 feet and 8.04 grams of gold per ton over 40 feet.

Drilling in Smith Zone 2A also returned multiple gold mineralized intercepts, according to First Majestic. Gold mineralization was intersected about 360 feet away from existing mine development. Results from this drilling included 3.67 grams of gold per ton over 99 feet and 4.74 grams of gold per ton over 80 feet.

We are very encouraged with the high-grade exploration results that have been achieved to date, said Keith Neumeyer, president and CEO of First Majestic. The recent drilling has accomplished multiple goals, from confirming new geologically prospective areas to achieving strong intercepts for resource to reserve conversion.

Results from the Elia and Santa Teresa veins at San Dimas highlight the potential to add new, high-grade ounces within this past-producing area. At Santa Elena, the results from the Ermitano vein are in many cases better than expected and will provide a solid foundation for reserve replacement.

Finally, successful drilling at the Javelin target at Jerritt Canyon has identified what appears to be another large, mineralized gold pod near underground infrastructure and further showcases the strong exploration potential in the asset, Neumeyer said.
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Installation License Application to be Filed in Early AugustSerra Alta Feasibility Completion Postponed for Approximately Three Months due to Material Opportunities That Require Changes in ScopeTORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2023 / Cerrado Gold Inc. [ TSX.V:CERT][OTCQX:CRDOF] ("Cerrado" or the "Company") announces that it intends to file its License of Installation ("LI") application with the Instituto Natureza do Tocantins or NATURATINS, the state environmental regulatory authority, on or around August 10, 2023, for the development of the Serra Alta deposit at the Monte Do Carmo project. Subject to acceptance of the application, the Company anticipates it will be granted the Installation License approximately three months thereafter, which will allow for construction activities to commence at the project.In addition, the Company is also updating the expected completion schedule for the Feasibility Study ("FS") for the Serra Alta deposit at its Monte Do Carmo project in Brazil. In finalizing various components of the FS, Cerrado has identified material new opportunities that require changes in scope to ensure they are captured within the project economics. This will require approximately three additional months to complete the FS. As such, the updated completion is now targeted by the end October 2023.Mark Brennan, CEO and Chairman commented, "We are pleased to be making steady progress in permitting at the Serra Alta project and expect the granting of the LI to continue to support our ongoing development. Further, while we are disappointed with the delay in completing the FS, we believe it is a prudent step to ensure that the best value for shareholders is achieved by implementing the best potential design for the long-term development of the project." About CerradoCerrado Gold is a Toronto-based gold production, development, and exploration company focused on gold projects in South America. The Company is the 100% owner of both the producing Minera Don Nicolas and Las Calandrias mine in Santa Cruz province, Argentina, and the highly prospective Monte Do Carmo development project, located in Tocantins State, Brazil. In Canada, Cerrado Gold is developing it's 100% owned Mont Sorcier Iron Ore and Vanadium project located outside of Chibougamou, Quebec.In Argentina, Cerrado is maximizing asset value at its Minera Don Nicolas operation through continued operational optimization and is growing production through its operations at the Las Calandrias Heap Leach project. An extensive campaign of exploration is ongoing to further unlock potential resources in our highly prospective land package in the heart of the Deseado Masiff.In Brazil, Cerrado is rapidly advancing the Serra Alta deposit at its Monte Do Carmo Project, through feasibility and into production. Serra Alta is expected to be a high-margin and high-return project with significant exploration potential on an extensive and highly prospective 82,542 hectare land package.In Canada, Cerrado holds a 100% interest in the Mont Sorcier Iron Ore and Vanadium Project, which has the potential to produce a premium iron ore concentrate over a long mine life at low operating costs and low capital intensity. Furthermore, its high grade and high purity product facilitates the migration of steel producers from blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces contributing to the decarbonisation of the industry and the achievement of SDG goals.For more information about Cerrado please visit our website at: www.cerradogold.com Mark BrennanCEO and ChairmanMike McAllisterVice President, Investor RelationsTel: +1-647-805-5662mmcallister@ cerradogold.com DisclaimerNEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation, all statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding the business and operations of Cerrado. In making the forward- looking statements contained in this press release, Cerrado has made certain assumptions, including, but not limited to the time required to reach production capacity at Las Calandrias, the future operating costs in Argentina, as well the timing of the feasibility study at Monte Do Carmo. Although Cerrado believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, Cerrado disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.SOURCE: Cerrado Gold Inc.
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DANBURY, CT / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2023 / Professor Chang-Ying Zhao, an esteemed faculty member of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, has been awarded the prestigious William Begell Medal for Excellence in Thermal Science and Engineering, for his lifetime achievements and extensive contributions to this field. This distinguished accolade will be presented to Professor Zhao during the 17th International Heat Transfer Conference (IHTC-17) in Cape Town, South Africa.The William Begell Medal, first established in 2010 by the Assembly for International Heat Transfer Conferences (AIHTC), the International Center for Heat and Mass Transfer (ICHMT) and Begell House Inc. Publishers, is awarded every four years at the International Heat Transfer Conference. The Medal's Call for Nominations states it is "bestowed upon an internationally recognized, highly accomplished researcher and leader in fundamentals or applications of thermal sciences and engineering based on the lifetime achievements." The global organizations Assembly for International Heat Transfer Conferences (AIHTC), the International Center for Heat and Mass Transfer (ICHMT), American Society of Thermal and Fluids Engineers (ASTFE), Asian Union of Thermal Science and Engineering (AUTSE), and EUROTHERM each nominate one candidate, and Medal's Award Council chooses the final winner by anonymous vote.Professor Zhao has been at the forefront of groundbreaking research in thermal engineering for over three decades. Currently, he is the Chair Professor, the Director of Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, and the Dean of China-UK Low Carbon College of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Prof. Zhao's research interests mainly cover micro/nanoscale thermal radiation, heat transfer in porous media and thermal energy storage. He has published over 250 high-quality papers in prestigious journals like the International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer and has been cited more than 15,000 times in total. Since 2014, Elsevier annually recognizes him as one of the Most Cited Chinese Researchers.Prof. Zhao serves as Director or Board Member for several professional societies, including the International Center for Heat and Mass Transfer (ICHMT), the Asian Union of Thermal Sciences and Engineering (AUTSE), the Heat Transfer Society of China, as well as Board Member of the Nukiyama Memorial Award. Prof. Zhao is also the Editor-in-Chief of Carbon Neutrality, Associate Editor of Thermal Science and Engineering Progress, as well as Editorial Board Member of several other distinguished journals.The awarding of the William Begell Medal serves as a testament to Professor Zhao's unwavering commitment and exceptional contributions to the field. His innovative research has not only advanced our understanding of thermal science as it relates to engineering but has also paved the way for transformative applications in various industries, including energy, manufacturing, and healthcare.On receiving this prestigious honor, Professor Chang-Ying Zhao expressed his gratitude and acknowledged the support of his colleagues, students, and the university. He reaffirmed his commitment to furthering research and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to drive innovation in addressing future global energy challenges.The global academic community joins in congratulating Professor Chang-Ying Zhao on this remarkable achievement and wishes him continued success in the future.Learn more about the William Begell Medal at https://www.begellhouse.com/begell/ For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact:Meghan RohrmannMarketing Manager, Begell House Inc.meghan@ begellhouse.com +001-203-456-6161CORRECTION: in a previous release, it was incorrectly stated that the William Begell Medal was awarded to Professor Zhao for his lecture, "Micro/Nanoscale Thermal Radiation". The Medal is awarded for overall lifetime achievements in thermal sciences and is not related to a specific lecture/publication.ABOUT BEGELL HOUSE INC:International leading STEM publisher Begell House Inc. has been bringing forefront research and advancements to scientific, technical, and medical communities for over 30 years. As a trusted source of engineering and biomedical research for education, R&D and industrial developments, their extensive collection of peer-reviewed journals, eBooks, databases and conference papers covers mechanical engineering, thermodynamics, energy, materials and environmental sciences, telecommunications, AI/ML computational, applied and biomedical engineering, and cancer research. With a global network of editors, authors, reviewers, and subscribers, Begell House advances scientific understandings on important issues, creates open discussions and possible solutions for researchers, and establishes a bridge between academia and industry.SOURCE: Begell House Inc.
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Ten prominent MLSs join forces with CubiCasa to enhance their real estate listings with easy-to-use floor plansSAN JOSE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / CubiCasa, the global-reaching real estate software company, today announced the addition of 10 Multiple Listing Service (MLS) organizations to its rapidly growing MLS Program. This significant expansion reinforces CubiCasa's commitment to revolutionize the real estate industry by making floor plans an integral part of every U.S. listing.The latest MLS organizations to join the program, which launched in December, are Bay Area Real Estate Information Services, Colorado Real Estate Network (CREN), Central Jersey MLS, MiRealSource, Buffalo Niagara MLS, Classic MLS (Athens Area Association of REALTORS), Big Sky Country MLS, Cooperative Arkansas Realtors MLS, St Augustine & St Johns County Board of Realtors, and the Central Texas Multiple Listing Service.With these partnerships, CubiCasa's MLS Program has now reached more than 20 participating MLSs. The partner list includes some of the nation's largest MLSs, including Bright MLS, Georgia MLS, the Houston Association of REALTORS  and many others."Consumers are better informed when they can visualize a property floor plan and its dimensions before making an offer," said Karen Holmgren, CEO and President of Bay Area Real Estate Information Services. "CubiCasa's technology empowers our agents and local real estate photographers to easily create floor plans and add them to their listings." Central Jersey Multiple Listing Service CEO, Richard Steinberg, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "We're pleased to collaborate with CubiCasa and provide our subscribers with a user-friendly floor plan solution. With CubiCasa's innovative technology, our agents can effortlessly enhance their listings with floor plans via a five-minute smartphone scan." CubiCasa's MLS Program offers participating members a range of exclusive benefits, including access to free floor plans generated by the CubiCasa app, discounted rates on optional add-on features, and a directory of trusted real estate photographers currently utilizing CubiCasa. Additionally, MLSs gain access to reliable and digitized property information, reinforcing their position as a central hub for local real estate markets."The idea behind CubiCasa's MLS Partnership Program is to provide benefits to MLS organizations and make home buying a simpler and more efficient experience," said Jeff Allen, President of CubiCasa. "By providing MLSs with free floor plans, discounted rates on add-ons, and access to real estate photographers across the nation already using CubiCasa, we're creating a more holistic real estate ecosystem for agents and buyers alike." Real estate agents and professionals can download the CubiCasa app from the App Store and Google Play Store. For more information about CubiCasa's free floor plan scanning app and its MLS Partnership Program, please visit https://www.cubi.casa/ About CubiCasaHeadquartered in Oulu, Finland, CubiCasa is the global market leader in mobile indoor scanning and is known for its fast and easy-to-use floor plan app on the App Store and Google Play Store. CubiCasa's technology is used in 172 different countries and has helped create over 1 million floor plans to date. CubiCasa provides technology for the real estate, appraisal, and mortgage industries and is on a mission to digitize real estate. Learn more at https://www.cubi.casa/ CubiCasa Media Contact:Ross StevensCaliber Corporate Advisers for CubiCasaross@ calibercorporate.com SOURCE: CubiCasa
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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Franklin TempletonJune Impact Days, the firm's global month of service, is an opportunity to demonstrate those values and make a tangible impact by volunteering.This June, Franklin Templeton celebrated its 17th year of Impact Days. The company hosted a variety of local and global volunteering events in June designed to make a difference in the lives of those in need, while giving employees a chance to make meaningful connections with each other.Globally, employees participated in the firm's two long-running projects: Missing Maps and the CAN Competition, a food drive with a structure build contest. Employee volunteers partnered with the Pride business resource group and joined their Live. Love. Be. diversity team's activity challenge on the Virgin Pulse platform. The month of service officially wrapped up with Global Involved Day on June 27.Building Maps to Help with Disaster ReliefFor the seventh year, Franklin Templeton participated in Missing Maps, a global, virtual volunteer project. Volunteers went online to track satellite imagery for unmapped locations to help humanitarian organizations during emergencies. The firm donated $100 for each employee who recorded at least 60 minutes of mapping. Based on employee votes, Save the Children was selected as the recipient of these contributions, supporting its mission of improving the lives of children worldwide.Global CAN CompetitionEmployees competed in the CAN Competition, celebrating the firm's 10th annual global food drive this year. Seven teams participated in the CAN construction build competition. The winning team will be recognized with a donation to their local food bank or other hunger organization of choice.Live. Love. Be. ChallengeThe Live. Love. Be. challenge combined Be Well's five pillars of well-being (physical, emotional, financial, social, purpose) and the firm's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and volunteerism. For two weeks in June, employees virtually teamed up to "move" across five stages to unlock a $5,000 firm sponsored donation to the National Black Justice Coalition. Participants from Franklin Templeton and Western Asset Management moved a collective 31.3 million steps.Global Involved DayJune 27 marked Global Involved Day to celebrate and officially close out Impact Days 2023. On this day, employees wore Involved program t-shirts, took group photos and used a special Impact Days virtual background to show their volunteering spirit in meetings and video calls.About Franklin TempletonFranklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 countries. Franklin Templeton's mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in fixed income, equity, alternatives and multi-asset solutions. With more than 1,300 investment professionals, and offices in major financial markets around the world, the California-based company has over 75 years of investment experience and over $1.4 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 2023. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.Hong Kong CAN structureView additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Franklin Templeton on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: Franklin TempletonWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/franklin-templeton Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Franklin Templeton
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BROOKLYN, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / IEH Corporation (OTC:IEHC) announced today that in the past week it has booked over $2 million in new orders for its hyperboloid connectors in support of the US military's Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System ("APKWS") program.Dave Offerman, President and CEO of IEH Corporation commented, "APKWS is a US defense program that has been enormously successful for the military for the last several years. Originally conceived as an anti-terror weapon, this laser-guided munition has been repurposed to suit today's potential conflicts, enabling the program's longevity. IEH's hyperboloid connectors were specified for this ruggedized application nearly two decades ago, as the design engineers recognized the need for a highly durable connector solution that would be immune to the extreme shock and vibration of an aerial, rocket-propelled munition. We are incredibly proud to be an essential part of this critical program, and are excited for its continued deployment and success." About IEH CorporationFor 80 years and 4 generations of family-run management, IEH Corporation has designed, developed, and manufactured printed circuit board (PCB) connectors, custom interconnects and contacts for high performance applications. With its signature Hyperboloid technology, IEH supplies the most durable, reliable connectors for the most demanding environments. The company markets primarily to companies in defense, aerospace, space and industrial applications, in the United States, Canada, Europe, Southeast and Central Asia and the Mideast. The company was founded in 1941 and is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York.Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995Certain statements contained in this press release, and in related comments by the Company's management, include "forward-looking statements." All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including, without limitation, statements or expectations regarding our financial condition, statements or expectations regarding our revenues, cash and backlog, expectations regarding future cash requirements, revenue and revenue recovery, including for fiscal year 2024, projected timelines for making our SEC filings or successfully preventing our registration from suspension or revocation and expectations regarding our efforts and ability to resolve our inventory accounting issues are forward-looking statements. These statements often include words such as "believe," "expect," "estimate," "plan," "will," "may," "would," "should," "could," or similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These statements are based on certain assumptions that the Company has made on its current expectations and projections about future events. The Company believes these judgments are reasonable, but you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results, and you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The Company's actual performance or results could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of important factors, both positive and negative, as they will depend on many factors about which we are unsure, including many factors beyond our control. Among other items, such factors could include: any claims, investigations or proceedings arising as a result of our past due Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") periodic reports, including changes in the proceedings related to the SEC's Order Instituting Administrative Proceedings and Notice of Hearing pursuant to Section 12(j) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; our ability to remediate our inventory accounting issue; our ability to reduce costs or increase revenue; changes in the macroeconomic environment or in the finances of our customers; changes in accounting principles, or their application or interpretation, and our ability to make accurate estimates and the assumptions underlying the estimates; our ability to attract and retain key employees and key resources; and other risk factors discussed from time to time in our filings with the SEC, including those factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on June 22, 2023, and in subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the SEC. Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in our filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. Except as may be required by applicable law, we do not undertake or intend to update or revise our forward-looking statements, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information or future events or developments. Thus, you should not assume that our silence over time means that actual events are bearing out as expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. You should carefully review and consider the various disclosures we make in our filings with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect our business.Contact:Dave OffermanIEH Corporationdave@ iehcorp.com 718-492-4448SOURCE: IEH Corporation
PR-Inside.com: 2023-07-25 20:49:28

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FARMINGTON, CT / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / "Otis is more than just elevators -- we have robots, we have coders. We have a world of digital technology here to explore," said Coulette, Otis Director, Digital Technology, North America.Otis volunteers like Coulette step up to help community partners who are working with younger generations to ensure they instill both STEM and digital awareness skills.For Coulette, it all started when her son got involved with a high school robotics program. She could tell that he was onto something big when she saw how passionate he was about his involvement. Soon, she found herself not just his biggest fan, but an active volunteer and mentor for the team, focused on using four key skills based on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, or STEM.As part of our ESG goals, Otis aims to achieve 500,000 colleague volunteer hours in support of vibrant communities, STEM education and social equity efforts globally by 2030. In addition, we also strive to impact 15,000 students through STEM-focused programming by 2030. Our signature Made to Move CommunitiesTM program is a key focus area of our STEM commitment. Since its launch three years ago, we have engaged and inspired 500+ young minds around the world in STEM education, empowering them to imagine new inclusive mobility solutions for people in their local communities.Let's learn more about Coulette, as well as some of her fellow colleagues who are volunteering with organizations in their communities. Together they are helping the next generation flex and develop STEM curiosity, skills and ambition to become future experts in tech and leadership.Coulette, Director, Digital Technology, North AmericaCoulette learned about FIRST thanks to her son. After seeing his involvement on the team, it wasn't long until she decided to volunteer as a mentor for his team. Through this program, teams of students are challenged to design, build, and program robots to compete for local, regional and global awards, all while they create a team identity, raise funds, hone teamwork skills, and advance respect and appreciation for STEM within their local learning community.The FIRST Robotics Competition gives high school students and their adult mentors the opportunity to work to create a robot together that solves a common problem based on an annual theme. The 2023 season theme focused on energy and sustainable development."I was so excited about what the kids were doing and learning, that I wanted to get involved, as well," Coulette said. "It's been two years now and I don't plan to stop volunteering, despite my son's recent graduation from the team. Most of these kids go on to universities with a STEM focus," she said. "They are our future. They've learned so much through FIRST that it really inspired them to go on and pursue these advanced degrees. This program is a smart pipeline to bring these bright and capable minds into our industry, as well." Mustapha, Senior Engineer, Lead Design Center Berlin, GermanyMustapha has been a judge for more than two decades for an important student science competition across Germany called Jugend forscht. Students ages 10 through 21 research, invent and experiment in seven scientific and technical categories during this STEM-based competition."It's important to support students as they develop ways to turn their ideas into reality," Mustapha said. "Once they have identified an interesting topic,they explore it using scientific, technical or mathematical methods to find an innovative solution to overcome a specific problem. As a judge, I evaluate concepts. But I also help the teams with preparation, documentation, and presentations, so that they can realize their ideas successfully." Mustapha recalls how one student in his region made it through to the final round of the country-wide competition and earned the prize awarded by the chancellor of Germany."That student went on to create a startup with his idea and is now very successful. It's rewarding to say we can be a part of that process - of helping the next generation shape their ideas into reality," Mustapha said. "We all have a responsibility to the society where we live. Volunteering is also a great way to represent Otis. The contest participants learn a lot about Otis and the technology we use, such as IoT, sensor technology and software engineering." Sagnik, General Manager (GM) Human Resources, Otis IndiaOne of the areas that the non-profit Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled focuses on is education to build an inclusive society. Otis India Human Resources GM Sagnik, along with other volunteers, has worked with Samarthanam to spark students' interest and knowledge in STEM curriculum in schools, while nurturing their creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills.Since 2021, Samarthanam impacted morethan 60,000 students from rural and underprivileged communities by setting up STEM centers and Tinkering Labs in 70 schools across Delhi, Kolkata, Thane, Pune, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai. With Otis sponsorship, Samarthanam organizes STEM fairs, exhibitions and competitions in STEM centers across India."The work is important," said Sagnik. "When we volunteer through Otis, we participate in the programs and activities that help the school run the STEM programs." "The excitement among children helped me to reconnect with the child in me," he continued. "All the subjects - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics play vital roles in shaping the future. The program has given children the opportunity to get more exposure and learning opportunities. I'm glad to be a part of an organization that makes a positive difference in our society." Zhiyuan, a commissioning engineer at Otis Electric (OE)Otis Electric Engineer Zhiyuan uses his spare time to train teachers and students at a local vocational school bringing elevator installation and digitalization technology knowledge to the next generation of mechanics.Zhiyuan has been volunteering for several years and has been recognized as the best "volunteering teacher" in the vocational school.In his daily work, Zhiyuan provides technical support to help branches solve complex problems, conducts quality checks of installation and commissioning work, and analyzes and promotes digital applications. His expertise provides a solid foundation for his volunteer work as a lecturer and the variety of training sessions he offers from elevator basics, installation and inspection standards, and product testing methods."Working in this industry for more than a decade
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AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Primordia team is pleased to announce the new phase of Moonrunners. Primordia, an arm of the highly successful Moonrunner brand, is leading the transition to a new era for NFTs. Working with 8 and 9 figure entrepreneurs, PhD scientists, Ecom moguls, Venture Capitalists, and world class engineers, they are grinding day and night to bring tangible utility to all holders. Real businesses, with real utility, in real life.Primordia is the next exciting phase of Moonrunners, a collection that traded over 14,000ETH with a floor price over 0.9 ETH. They are building on their success by developing and scaling an actual yield-generating portfolio, projected to be worth over eight figures within just a few years. Their mission is simple, do everything to bring real returns to their community, not promises.Primordia Land aims to be user's stake in this bright future, digital ownership of a limited supply collection. Not only the assets both blue and greenchip, but they are backed by real life businesses in both Forestry and Ecommerce. The perfect mix of stable and fast-paced.Their Founder and life-long entrepreneur, Anthony Baxter, from New Zealand, giving him exclusive access to purchase a portion of the country's lush forest as a long term yield generating investment.How does it work?The plot of forestry absorbs carbon from the atmosphere, which in turn creates government backed credits that can be sold back to carbon emitting businesses to offset their emissions. Primordia Land grow the good to offset the bad. It's that simple.What about Ecom, where does that fit in? That is their Web2 play. Here's how they aim to dominate an industry.On the back of decades of experience and over 1 billion in revenue generated for other brands by their Founder, Anthony Baxter, they have established their very own pet vitamin company."The Moonrunners brand is excited to venture into the greenchip space through Primordia, providing an immense amount of value for our holders and building real businesses that make a positive impact. We spent a lot of time to create an ecosystem which truly aligns our holders with our project, where our success is their success." Baxter says.Primordia are first movers in a space with uncharted potential. It's been vetted and approved by a top-tier auditing firm after months of legal work. Their system allows them to provide yield distribution via rewards to their holders through the blockchain but via sustainable Web2 investments."This model doesn't limit us to just WEB3 and NFTs, and allows to tap into a high demand industry that is ripe for growth. We have the right team to execute on our plans and a great launchpad with our existing Moonrunners community. We've assembled a team of scientists and CEO's from the health industry as well as specialists in the forestry category, to drive growth within our company initiatives. Unlike most NFT's which are based on speculation, and to profit you need to sell your NFT to someone else essentially exiting that ecosystem, we want to build a loyal community that can enjoy the journey and grow with us while reaping the rewards of being a loyal holder and holding our NFTs." the Founder saidPrimordia means it's time to do something different. To revolutionize the norm of monetization and value generation. They have spent hundreds of thousands of real dollars perfecting an ecosystem in which Web3 enthusiasts can continue their ambitions and participate in real world Web2 investments.Join the whitelist today to secure your spot in the innovative movement that the Web3 ecosystem has ever seen.Website: https://moonrunners.io/ Primordia Whitepaper: https://t.co/wVNNzh64ybContact Details:Name: Anthony BaxterEmail: contact@ moonrunners.io SOURCE: Moonrunners
PR-Inside.com: 2023-07-25 01:02:49

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WINNIPEG, MB / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2023 / Medicure Inc. ("Medicure" or the "Company") (TSXV:MPH)(OTC PINK:MCUJF), a company focused on the development and commercialization of pharmaceuticals and healthcare products for patients and prescribers in the United States market, will present the 2023 Q2 Financial Results on a Conference Call on July 31, 2023 at 8:30 am Eastern Time. The Q2 Financials will be filed after closing July 28th, 2023.Conference Call Info:Topic: Medicure's Q2 2023 ResultsCall date: Monday, July 31, 2023Time: 7:30 AM Central Time (8:30 AM Eastern Time)Toll Free: 1 (888) 506-0062International: 1 (973) 528-0011Participant Access Code: 599508Webcast: This conference call will be webcast live over the internet at the following link: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2965/48792 You may request international country-specific access information by e-mailing the Company in advance. Management will accept and answer questions related to the financial results and operations during the question-and-answer period at the end of the conference call. A recording of the call will be available following the event at the Company's website.About Medicure Inc.Medicure is a pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapies for the U.S. cardiovascular market. The present focus of the Company is the marketing and distribution of AGGRASTAT (tirofiban hydrochloride) injection and ZYPITAMAG (pitavastatin) tablets in the United States, where they are sold through the Company's U.S. subsidiary, Medicure Pharma Inc. Medicure also operates Marley Drug, Inc. ("Marley Drug"), a pharmacy located in North Carolina that offers an Extended Supply drug program serving all 50 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. Marley Drug is committed to improving the health status of its patients and the communities they serve while reducing overall health care costs for employers and other health care consumers. For more information visit www.marleydrug.com . To learn more about The Extended Supply Generic Drug Program call 800.286.6781 or email info@ marleydrug.com . For more information on Medicure please visit www.medicure.com . For additional information about AGGRASTAT, please visit www.aggrastathdb.com or refer to the full Prescribing Information. For additional information about ZYPITAMAG, please visit www.zypitamag.com or refer to the full Prescribing Information.To be added to Medicure's e-mail list, please visit:Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Forward Looking Information: Statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "believes", "may", "plans", "will", "estimates", "continues", "anticipates", "intends", "expects" and similar expressions, may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. federal securities laws (such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are hereinafter collectively referred to as "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements, include estimates, analysis and opinions of management of the Company made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors which the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances. Inherent in forward-looking statements are known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors beyond the Company's ability to predict or control that may cause the actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, and as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include, among others, the Company's future product revenues, expected results, including future revenue from P5P, the likelihood of receiving a priority review voucher from the United State Food and Drug Administration, expected future growth in revenues, stage of development, additional capital requirements, risks associated with the completion and timing of clinical trials and obtaining regulatory approval to market the Company's products, the ability to protect its intellectual property, dependence upon collaborative partners, changes in government regulation or regulatory approval processes, and rapid technological change in the industry. Such statements are based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, assumptions about: general business and economic conditions; the impact of changes in Canadian-US dollar and other foreign exchange rates on the Company's revenues, costs and results; the timing of the receipt of regulatory and governmental approvals for the Company's research and development projects; the availability of financing for the Company's commercial operations and/or research and development projects, or the availability of financing on reasonable terms; results of current and future clinical trials; the uncertainties associated with the acceptance and demand for new products and market competition. The foregoing list of important factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing list of factors, other than as may be required by applicable legislation. Additional discussion regarding the risks and uncertainties relating to the Company and its business can be found in the Company's other filings with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities or the US Securities and Exchange Commission, and in the "Risk Factors" section of its current Form 20F.AGGRASTAT (tirofiban hydrochloride) injection, ZYPITAMAG (pitavastatin) tablets, and Marley Drug are registered trademarks.For more information, please contact:Dr. Albert D. FriesenChief Executive OfficerTel. 888-435-2220Fax 204-488-9823E-mail: info@ medicure.com SOURCE: Medicure, Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-07-25 07:30:17

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Complimentary Backpacks, School Supplies, Food and More Will Be Given Away at the Event, Which Men's Closet is Hosting Along with MC Community CareORLANDO, FL / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Men's Closet is pleased to announce that they will host the third annual "Back 2 School" free backpack and school supplies giveaway on Sunday, July 30, 2023.To learn more about the event, which is being co-hosted by MC Community Care, please visit https://mccommunitycare.org/backpack-giveaway-school-supplies.html As it notes on the Men's Closet Events page, the backpack giveaway will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Men's Closet at 5510 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando, Florida."We will be giving away backpacks, free school supplies, personal hygiene items, free hair braiding and free haircuts to kids and teens," said Halah Abed from Men's Closet, adding that the event will also feature kid friendly activities like face painting, balloon animals, free food, and a video gaming truck."This is a local neighborhood event to give back to our community." Members of the community who would like to help are welcome to either donate a backpack and/or school supplies, or volunteer at the event. Those who are interested can contact Abed at 321-217-4197.People can sign up for the event at the Men's Closet Backpack Giveaway Eventbrite page. There is no cost to attend, and each school age child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to receive a backpack. One backpack will be given per child, and a ticket does not guarantee a backpack.About MC Community CareMC Community Care is committed to helping children, and their neighborhood. They have taken pride in giving back to the community for over three decades. Each year, they strive to be bigger and better than the year before. Their goal is to bring the community together and make a difference in the lives of children and families. At MC Community Care, they believe small acts of kindness go a long way and that fashion and community involvement can go hand-in-hand.For more information, please visit https://mccommunitycare.org About Men's ClosetMen's Closet is Orlando's number one men's footwear and clothing store. They carry the most exclusive brands in footwear and clothing including Nike, Jordan, Billionaire Boys Club, MCM, Roc Nation, and many more. For more information, please visit http://mensclosetclothing.com Media ContactHalah Abedevents@ mccommunitycare.org 407-578-4878SOURCE: Men's Closet
PR-Inside.com: 2023-07-25 20:01:05

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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / T-MobilePaychex THRIVE, a Business PodcastGet timely insights from industry leaders, policy experts, and newsmakers about current marketplace conditions, new legislation, and innovations impacting businesses today. Find out how to take on big challenges, propel your business forward, and THRIVE. And be sure to tune in to our weekly podcast, "Week in Review," where our host Gene Marks visits the most valuable weekly news that impacts business owners.How T-Mobile Is Supporting New Technologies - Season 4, Episode 71Take a listen to this episode of Paychex THRIVE, a Business Podcast, to hear as host Gene Marks and Mike Katz, President of Marketing, Innovation, and Experience at T-Mobile talk about the mobile technology landscape. Learn why it's so important for businesses to stay on top of the mobile industry, the impact of the 4G era, the future of 5G, how mobile networks support new technologies, and so much more.View Transcript:Speaker 1 (00:03): Welcome to Paychex THRIVE, a Business Podcast, where you'll hear timely insights to help you navigate marketplace dynamics and propel your business forward. Here's your host, Gene Marks.Gene Marks (00:19): Hey everybody. Welcome back, my name is Gene Marks, to another episode of the Paychex THRIVE podcast. We are thrilled to have you and I'm really super happy to have Mike Katz with me. Mike is the President of Marketing, Innovation & Experience at T-Mobile. First of all, Mike, thank you so much for joining me.Mike Katz (00:36): Thanks, Gene. It's so great to be here. Thanks for having me.Gene Marks (00:38): So first of all, looking at your title, is that CMO, is that below CMO? Where are you in the whole organizational structure of T-Mobile?Mike Katz (00:49): I guess we need to get more creative with our title. Yeah. The way our organization is set up, I have responsibility for essentially all the traditional marketing functions. I actually have four CMOs that report to me that work closely with the different lines of business and run the marketing for those different lines of business. But I also have responsibility for product at T-Mobile, we have a product organization. I have responsibility for our wholesale business. So, a lot of the work that we do with MVNOs, so companies like Mint Mobile and companies like Google Fi who buy network assets from us and then repackage them under their own brands. All that is within my team as well.Gene Marks (01:34): How long have you been with the company?Mike Katz (01:38): I'm going to have my 25-year anniversary this year.Gene Marks (01:41): Amazing.Mike Katz (01:41): So, I started when I was in middle school, as you can tell, and 25 years later here I am.Gene Marks (01:46): I mean, did you start out selling phones in stores? Are you one of those guys or was it a different path?Mike Katz (01:52): Yeah, close to that. I was in college and I needed a job and I essentially got a part-time job with the predecessor company of T-Mobile, which was a small regional cell phone company called VoiceStream Wireless. And my first job was I would sit in very, very illustrious retailers like Circuit City and Sears and help their salespeople sell VoiceStream cell phones. And I did that in part-time basis for my last two years of college and then graduated and was offered a full-time position launching at the time, the biggest commercial market for VoiceStream, Chicago. So I went to Chicago about a year before we launched that market and helped launch our services there.Gene Marks (02:40): Mike, I promise you we're going to get to T-Mobile and mobile technology and talk about all that, but it's a crazy story. So, you're really kind of at a low-level salesperson or sales support person right out of college with this organization and now you're at an extremely high level within the company. I mean obviously, there's luck involved, but how did you get there? I'm curious how that happened. Is this like 20-hour days of work? Was it just right place, right time, combination of different things? I'm fascinated by that.Mike Katz (03:18): Yeah, I think things like this are never one thing. I feel extremely fortunate and I... I mean I suppose you could say luck plays a role in a lot of these things a lot of times. I think there's a couple of specific things that helped me. One was... And I think this is important for everybody that's in any kind of job is, it's really about results. You have to be able to demonstrate that you can get results and I fortunately have been and been able to assemble teams throughout my career that have been able to really drive meaningful change and meaningful results. I also think... I mean there's definitely sacrifice that comes with these jobs too. Early in my career, I moved seven times all over the country. Fortunately, the first couple, it was just me. So the only person I was affecting was me. But the last couple of moves I did, I was married and I had kids and so we picked up the family and moved around.Mike Katz (04:19): So, I do think there is some sacrifice and a little bit of going where the opportunity is. And as part of that, and there's one thing I... It is funny, I just recently did a... I was asked to do the commencement speech at my alma mater a couple of weeks ago and one of the things I really focused on when I spoke was this idea of taking risks in your career and not letting the structured plan that you have for yourself dictate what you do and cause you to miss opportunities that are right in your face.Mike Katz (04:58): And I think for me, I can point to a couple of different jobs that I had the opportunity to do that were presented in front of me that I was really scared to take and I was like, "Ah, I don't know if I want to do this job." And if I hadn't done them, there's no way I'd be in this job that I'm in right now. And so, one of the things I also feel like helped me, and I always tell everybody that ask me a similar question is, if the next job that you take doesn't terrify you some, then you probably shouldn't do it.Gene Marks (05:30): Yeah, it's great advice. And you also have to think to yourself, what's the worst that can happen? I mean honestly. Completely if you fail and you lose your job, there's plenty of other jobs that are out there, but you can't be 80 years old and looking back and saying, I should have done this or I should have done that. You got to go for it.Mike Katz (05:45): Absolutely. I think you always regret more what you don%
ELKO  A man who led police on two car chases and then jumped into the river to elude capture on Sunday is still at large, the Elko Police Department reported Tuesday.

Tyree T. Adams, 24, is approximately 6 feet tall and 245 pounds. He has a tattoo above his right eyebrow, on both of his arms, and on his chest.

At approximately 11 a.m. Sunday an officer from the Elko Police Department observed a silver four-door passenger car driving in excess of 80 mph near Elko High School. Officers began pursuing the vehicle briefly but then terminated the chase due to the danger posed to the public because of the excessive speeds in the 25-mph speed zones.

At approximately 4:21 p.m. the vehicle was located at the intersection of Mountain City Highway and West Sage Street.

Police said when the driver apparently noticed a police vehicle in the area, he placed his vehicle in reverse, forcing other traffic to take evasive action to avoid being struck. Officers decided to pursue the vehicle a second time due to the continued reckless nature that the driver was exhibiting, stated EPD.

The vehicle was eventually chased to the end of the cul-de-sac at Fifth and Front streets, at which time the driver jumped into the Humboldt River to elude capture.

Police were able to identify the driver as Adams. He is wanted on charges of felony eluding a peace officer, obstructing/resisting a peace officer, as well as various traffic-related charges. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Elko Dispatch at 775-777-7300.

According to Elko County Jail records, Adams was listed as a resident of Spring Creek in October 2022 when he was arrested in Elko on drug charges and a parole violation.

He was imprisoned in 2019 after being convicted in Washoe County of battery with a deadly weapon resulting in substantial bodily harm, according to the Nevada Department of Corrections.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-07-25 00:00:27

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2023 / RUSH RARE METALS CORP. ("Rush" or the "Company") announces that it has entered into a debt settlement agreement dated as of July 21, 2023 with David Miller, a director of the Company, pursuant to which the Company will issue an aggregate of 800,000 common shares of the Company ("Shares") to Mr. Miller to settle debt incurred for the provision of geological consulting services by Mr. Miller to the Company. The Shares will be issued at a deemed price of $0.0525 per Share and will be subject to a four month hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws.The debt settlement is considered to be a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101"). The transaction is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the transaction does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101.About the CompanyThe Company is a mineral exploration company focused on its Boxi Property located in the Province of Quebec, Canada. The Company also owns the Copper Mountain Project located in Wyoming, USA. For further information, please refer to the Company's disclosure record on SEDAR ( www.sedar.com) or contact the Company by email at psmith@ rushraremetals.com or by telephone at 778.999.7030.Please also feel free to take some time and explore our web-site: www.rushraremetals.com On Behalf of the Board of DirectorsPeter SmithChief Executive Officer778.999.7030Forward-Looking InformationMineralization hosted on adjacent or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company's properties. Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, including with respect to future plans, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, business, economic and capital market conditions, the ability to manage operating expenses, and dependence on key personnel. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, the continued availability of capital and financing, litigation, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information.The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release.SOURCE: Rush Rare Metals Corp.
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Do you, or did you, own shares of Sea Limited (NYSE:SE)?Did you purchase your shares between April 23, 2022 and May 15, 2023, inclusive?Did you lose money in your investment in Sea Limited?Do you want to discuss your rights?NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in a securities class action lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the securities of Sea Limited ("Sea" or the "Company") (NYSE:SE) between April 23, 2022 and May 15, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona and alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 against the Company and certain of its officers (the "Complaint").If you purchased or acquired Sea securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Sea Limited Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 17, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.The Complaint alleges that Defendants made materially false and misleading statements throughout the Class Period. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (i) Sea overstated its ability to manage the growth of its user base and loan book while enhancing its profitability; (ii) Sea's expansion to a broader user base and growing loan book rendered the Company significantly more vulnerable to higher credit losses; (iii) as a result, the Company was likely to book a significant increase in loan loss reserves; and (iv) the foregoing was likely to have a significant negative impact on Sea's earnings.On May 16, 2023, Sea issued a press release announcing its financial results for the first quarter of 2023. Among other items, Sea reported first-quarter earnings that fell significantly short of expectations due to a sharp increase in loan loss reserves. The Company advised that "[o]ur provision for credit losses increased by 120.5% to US$177.4 million in the first quarter of 2023 from US$80.5 million in the first quarter of 2022, primarily driven by expansion to a broader user base and the growth of our loan book"On this news, Sea's American Depositary Share ("ADS") price fell almost 18%.If you purchased or acquired Sea securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Sea Limited Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List" thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for sixteen consecutive years.ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.  2023 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.Contact Information:Peter AlloccoBernstein Liebhard LLP(212) 951-2030pallocco@ bernlieb.com SOURCE: Bernstein Liebhard LLP
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NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2023 / Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until August 7, 2023 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against SentinelOne, Inc. (NYSE:S), if they purchased the Company's securities between June 1, 2022 and June 1, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of SentinelOne and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-s/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by August 7, 2023.About the LawsuitSentinelOne and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On June 1, 2023, the Company disclosed that "[a]s a result of a change in methodology and correction of historical inaccuracieswe made a one-time adjustment to ARR of $27.0 million or approximately 5% of total ARR" and that the Company had slashed its fiscal year 2024 revenue guidance from a range of $631 million to $640 million to a range of $590 million to $600 million, due to the discovery of "historical upsell and renewal recording inaccuracies relating to ARR on certain subscription and consumption contracts, which are now corrected." On this news, shares of SentinelOne fell $7.28 per share, or more than 35%, to close at $13.44 per share on June 2, 2023.The case is Johansson v. SentinelOne, Inc., et al., No. 23-cv-02786.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.To learn more about KSF, you may visit http://ksfcounsel.com/ Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partner1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163SOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
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Trading Update and Notice of ResultsContinued growth across all major financial metricsMANCHESTER, UK / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / The Pebble Group ("The Pebble Group", or the "Group") (AIM:PEBB)(OTCQX:PEBBF), a leading provider of digital commerce, products and related services to the global promotional products industry, is pleased to provide an update on trading for the six months to 30 June 2023 ("HY 23" or the "Period") ahead of its Half Year results, which will be announced on 5 September 2023.The Group's financial performance in HY 23 will show growth across all major financial metrics, compared to HY 22.The working capital cycle remains consistent with prior years and following a dividend payment in HY 23 of 1.0m (HY 22: nil) net cash on 30 June 2023 was 4.2m (30 June 2022: Net debt 0.1m, 31 December 2022: Net cash 15.1m).Facilisgroup: providing a digital commerce platform for promotional products businesses in North AmericaRevenue in the Period is expected to be circa 20% ahead of the prior period and strong EBITDA margins have been maintained (HY 22: 47%)Our strategy to introduce further technology products, that widens our addressable customer numbers, remains on track.With its current rate of growth and excellent profit margins, we expect Facilisgroup to become the majority contributor to Group profits moving through 2024.Brand Addition: providing promotional products and related services under contract to many of the world's most recognisable brandsRevenue in the Period is expected to be slightly ahead of the prior period and client retention has remained high.EBITDA margins have been maintained (HY 22: 8.3%) through an improvement in gross margins compared to the prior period, matching the costs of the additional expertise invested into the business to support our large international clients and their increasingly complex requirements.OutlookWe are consistently progressing on our stated strategies and our HY 23 performance leads us to expect that the Group is on track to deliver FY 23 results in line with current market expectations.Enquiries:The Pebble Group plcChris Lee, Chief Executive OfficerClaire Thomson, Chief Financial Officer+44 (0) 7385 024855Grant Thornton UK LLP (Nominated Adviser)Samantha Harrison / Harrison Clarke / Ciara Donnelly+44 (0) 20 7383 5100Berenberg (Corporate Broker)Ben Wright / Marie Moy / Yasmina Benchekroun+44 (0) 20 3207 7800Belvedere Communications (Financial PR)Cat ValentineKeeley Clarkethepebblegrouppr@ belvederepr.com +44 (0) 7715 769 078+44 (0) 7967 816 525About The Pebble Group plc - www.thepebblegroup.com The Pebble Group is a provider of digital commerce, products and related services to the global promotional products industry, comprising two differentiated businesses, Facilisgroup and Brand Addition, focused on specific areas of the promotional products market. For further information, please visit www.thepebblegroup.com This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@ lseg.com or visit www.rns.com SOURCE: The Pebble Group PLC
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VANADZOR, ARMENIA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Token SCRATS, the meme coin that has taken the cryptocurrency world by storm with its advanced blockchain technology and global appeal. With a vision to create a sustainable and prosperous ecosystem, Token SCRATS has already achieved success and is confidently moving towards a bright future step by step.Token SCRATS is a meme coin designed to captivate a global audience, transcending country or geographic limitations. This ambitious project aims to secure global recognition by listing on major exchanges, introducing an NFT token on the blockchain, and launching a specialized NFT platform. To ensure long-term value and sustainability, the team employs a quarterly token-burning mechanism, permanently removing a portion of SCRATS tokens from circulation and reducing the overall supply. This commitment to a healthy token economy is openly communicated to the community.During its Initial Decentralized Offering (IDO), Token SCRATS set a hard cap of $75,000, and to the delight of its supporters, reached the ceiling within a mere two days. This impressive achievement demonstrates the fervent support the project has garnered from early investors and enthusiasts alike. As it moves forward, Token SCRATS is poised to become one of the most renowned meme coins in the market.Token SCRATS boasts a total supply of 100,000,000,000,000 tokens. To maintain a balanced distribution and ensure the success of the project.Tokenomics SCRATS Token:Listing: 40,000,000,000,000 tokensInvestors: 25,000,000,000,000 tokensAirdrop: 20,000,000,000,000 tokensMarketing: 10,000,000,000,000 tokensDevelopers and Team: 5,000,000,000,000 tokensToken SCRATS aims to reach a global audience by embracing the online nature of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, allowing individuals from all corners of the world to participate in the project. By merging the popularity of the beloved character Scratus with the innovative capabilities of the blockchain, Token SCRATS has set itself apart as a unique and fascinating meme coin with immense potential.As the project progresses, Token SCRATS is committed to fulfilling its goals, including listing on major exchanges, creating an NFT token and platform, launching a DEX, and eventually developing its own blockchain. With a strong focus on building a sustainable ecosystem and widespread adoption, the team's dedication and determination are the driving forces behind Token SCRATS' journey to success.Potential users can become a part of an exciting journey with SCRATS by visiting them on Website, Telegram, Twitter or contact CEO Vahe Aramyan via Email: ceo.vahe@scratchmemecpoin.com About Token SCRATS:Token SCRATS presents a total supply of the SCRATS meme token, comprising 100,000,000,000,000 tokens. To bolster its longevity and sustainability, the project has introduced a groundbreaking token burning mechanism. At the conclusion of each quarter, a portion of the SCRATS tokens held by the team will be permanently removed from circulation, effectively reducing the overall supply. This visionary initiative is communicated openly to the community, underscoring the commitment to maintaining a flourishing token economy.Media ContactOrganization: scratchmemecpoinContact Person: Vahe AramyanWebsite: https://scratchmemecpoin.com/ Email: ceo.vahe@scratchmemecpoin.com City: VanadzorCountry: ArmeniaSOURCE: scratchmemecpoin
On Thursday, 20 July, in Washington D.C., the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Benedict Oramah, engaged the African press to spotlight the banks 30th anniversary, highlighting that its history dates back to 1987.

He said that Afreximbanks 1993 creation was aimed at an African solution to a debt crisis and lines of credit problem that existed. The Cairo-based Afreximbank is for all Africans wherever they may be, Mr Oramah said in his remarks in the US capital. Assets have grown to $31.1 billion over seven years through December 2022, the pan-African bank reports.

When we joined the bank, the capital the bank had invested [was] about $45 million, Mr Oramah said adding that, Today, we have a bank that has total assets and guarantees of more than $32 billion. We have capital equity of about $10 billion.

However, the Nigerian agriculturalist and economist, said he is paying attention to recent developments regarding the Black Sea Grain Initiative that allows shipment of food and fertilizer from war-ravaged Ukraine. He said African countries need a deal for timely fertilizer supplies which should reach them in time for planting season. He also made mention of active engagements with the US Export-Import Bank (EXIM), whose progress he seemed pleased with.

The Afreximbanks Executive Vice President of Intra African Trade Bank, Kanayo Awani  also speaking at the Washington roundtable event  said the bank recognizes the immense human talent in the diaspora, and hopes to understand the characteristics of the diaspora, not just in America, but also around the world.

For comment on a few highlights that the Biden-Harris administration is taking to support foreign investment and engagement with Afreximbank and Africa, PREMIUM TIMES reached out to the Biden-Harris administration on Friday, 21 July, for comment.

In December 2022, President Biden hosted leaders from across the African continent for the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. At the Summit, business and government leaders committed to catalyze trade and investment deals and partnerships which will create jobs and foster shared prosperity for people across the African continent and the United States, said a spokesperson representing the US Department of State.

At the July 11-14, 2023, U.S.-Africa Business Summit hosted by the Corporate Council on Africa and the Government of Botswana, the U.S. delegation announced that since the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in December, the Biden-Harris Administration has helped close 75 new deals between the United States and African countries for a total estimated value of $5.7 billion in two-way trade and investment. Since 2021, the U.S. Government has helped close more than 900 deals across 47 African countries for a total estimated value of $22 billion in two-way trade and investment. As the Administrations flagship infrastructure initiative, the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) is helping to advance and scale several of these public and private investments across the continent. Additional details on progress towards trade and investment deals can be found in the White House factsheet.

Millions of Africans were born in, worked in, and grew up in an era of colonialism. Others worked in a post-World War II world-trade order after tariffs and trade agreements had been negotiated at the creation of a multilateral trading system; with todays incarnation of the institution being the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Africans didnt participate in the discussion, Mr Oramah said, We were not there.

Todayin post-colonial Africastates would like to make gains against still-existing headwinds. The WTO, founded from negotiations, and whose present-day work, emerged from negotiations in the 1986-1994 Uruguay Round and earlier General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) years, is where reforms, accompanied by positive rhetoric on, and about Africa, are needed, say some critics.

On WTO, [Bidens] National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that the Biden administration is still committed to the WTO and the shared values upon which it is built: fair competition, openness, transparency, [and] the rule of law. But serious challenges, most notably non-market economic practices and policies, threaten those core values. So thats why were working with so many other WTO members to reform the multilateral trading system so that it benefits workers, accommodates legitimate national security interests, and confronts pressing issues that arent fully embedded in the current WTO framework, like sustainable development and the clean energy transition, a spokesperson at the State Department familiar with the Biden administrations approach told PREMIUM TIMES.

The US legal framework has Section 110 of the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015, which says the President shall submit a report to Congress on the trade and investment relationship between the United States and sub-Saharan African countries no later than one year after the enactment of the Act, and biennially thereafter. This responsibility for this task falls on the United States Trade Representative (USTR) under White House Executive Order 13720 of February 26, 2016. In the USTR 2022 Biennial Report on the Implementation of African Growth and Opportunity Act, the report states that the Export-Import Bank (EXIM) continues to foster strong ties with financial institutions across the continent, including the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

Previously, on 12 July, Scott Nathan, CEO of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), from the US-Africa Business Summit, said the US has a hundred million dollars of investments and we have a billion dollars of deals in our pipeline that we are very confident are soon to get through our process and will be announced in the coming weeks and months.

On the Board of Directors of Afreximbank are Egypt, Nigeria, and Zambia, who hold Class A shares, Mr Oramah said in his remarks. He said the bank has launched an Intra-African Trade Fair and is expanding to include Caribbean countries.

READ ALSO: Afreximbank president to deliver commencement speech at American University of Nigeria

The Afreximbank, in conjunction with the African Union, and AfCFTA, will host the 3rd Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF 2023), which will be hosted by Egypt, in Cairo, 9-15 November. And, why Cairo? Because it is the only African country with the capacity to host, explained Mr Oramah.

The event will need 40,000 square meters of space. The last event had 32,000 visitors, the banks President said.

PREMIUM TIMES also reached out to the government of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom, for comment. However, they were unable to offer further comment prior to going to publication.

Pearl Matibe is a Washington, DC-based White House Correspondent, and media commentator with expertise on U.S. foreign policy and international security. You may follow her on Twitter: @PearlMatibe

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When Rosemary Nnamdi, 33, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, she repeatedly murmured to herself that her life has finally come to an end.

Rosemary, a makeup artist and resident of Tungamaje, a suburb in Nigerias capital city, Abuja, first visited a private hospital in late 2017 after experiencing some discomfort in her left breast. At the hospital, the doctor confirmed the presence of a lump in the breast but said it was not a threat.

The doctor, however, advised her to visit the hospital within six months for further check.

Since the doctor said the lump is not a threat, I didnt bother much about it and was living fine until mid-2019, Ms Nnamdi said.

The discomfort on the left breast, which she thought she already overcame, soon resurfaced again. This time, she could feel the lump in her breast.

This time I was so scared that my worst nightmare may become a reality, she said.

Instead of going to the health facility for a follow-up, she stayed back home for some months due to fear of getting diagnosed with cancer, a disease known for its killing nature.

I eventually visited the hospital and after lots of medical procedures, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. At this point, I almost ended my life, she said.

Ms Nnamdi eventually had a single mastectomy, a surgical procedure that involves removing the entire breast. After such a procedure, the patient is expected to commence radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which Ms Nnamdi said she could not afford.

I started soliciting funds to cover chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions but it was never enough. I sold every single property but it could not cover the sessions recommended by the doctor, she said.

Cancer  The killer disease

Cancer is generally described as a disease that occurs when changes happen in a group of normal cells within the body leading to uncontrolled, abnormal growth and forming a lump called a tumour. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 10 million people die of cancer annually worldwide and that 70 per cent of these deaths occur in low-to-middle-income countries including Nigeria.

Breast cancer, which is characterised by the abnormal growth of cells in the breast, is the most common malignant disorder affecting women and the leading cause of death among them. Although breast cancer can occur in both men and women, it is far more common in women.

Unlike some cancers that have infection-related causes like Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and cervical cancer, there are no known viral or bacterial infections linked to the development of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is currently the most common type of cancer worldwide, with 2.3 million cases recorded in 2020 and 685,000 deaths globally, according to the WHO.

In 2020 alone, 78,899 cancer-related deaths were recorded in Nigeria, according to Globocan statistics. Women often bear the brunt  breast and cervical cancers are responsible for more deaths than any others in the country.

While 34,200 men died from cancer in 2020, 44,699 women died from the disease, according to Globocan data.

Although there are no specific data on cases of breast cancer in Nigeria, it is said to represent about 23 per cent of new cancer cases and about 18 per cent of deaths are attributed to it.

Costly treatment

Like Ms Nnamdi, a stage three breast cancer survivor who identified simply as Rashidat, said surviving cancer is the most difficult journey she has ever embarked on. She narrated her ordeal to PREMIUM TIMES, from diagnosis through mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

The cost of treating cancer drained me completely and I can never forget how I struggled to complete the recommended treatment sessions, she said.

I can tell you as a matter of fact that I spent over N5 million on cancer treatment.

Festus Damilola, a civil servant battling colon cancer, said the cost of treatment is unbearable for an average Nigerian. Mr Damilola said since his diagnosis in early 2022, he has spent millions of naira on treatment.

He said he only wished and hoped the countrys health insurance scheme can cover his treatment costs, instead of putting his family in debt.

My treatment is already costing millions of Naira and Im not even done yet, he said.

The ordeal of Ms Nnamdi, Ms Khadijah, and Mr Damilola explains the financial burden many cancer patients in Nigeria contend with in the absence of government support and investment in cancer treatment.

The high cost of treating cancer in Nigeria and its non-inclusion in the countrys health insurance scheme has left many cancer patients stranded. Due to the cost of treatment, some patients end up staying at home and waiting for death.

Failed insurance scheme?

Findings by this newspaper show that a cancer patient requires a minimum of N1,000,000 to go through the complete sessions of radiotherapy in Nigeria. Health experts said the cost of treating cancer can be slashed if it is well covered by the National Health Insurance Act (NHIA).

However, the repealed National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which was supposedly created to reduce the huge out-of-pocket spending for health services, failed to cover major diseases like cancer.

Although President Muhammadu Buhari said the new NHIA will make health insurance compulsory for all Nigerians, there are no specific details on its coverage of cancer and other killer ailments.

An oncologist, Abdulrasheed Abdullahi, said a lot of people cannot afford cancer treatments due to the high cost, hence the need for NGOs and other well-meaning individuals to support cancer patients to reduce treatment costs.

Mr Abdullahi said if the NHIA covers a major aspect of cancer treatment, more lives will be saved and people will be willing to present early to the health facility.

Governments initiative

Meanwhile, to reduce the burden of cancer care in the country, the Nigerian government in 2019 announced plans to roll out a cancer treatment fund with the aim to support people battling the killer disease.

Although the implementation has commenced, the cancer patients community said they are yet to fully access the fund.

Speaking during a walk against cancer in February, Gloria Orji, the President of the Network of People Impacted by Cancer in Nigeria (NEPICIN), said cancer is a costly disease that many Nigerians cannot afford to treat hence the cancer treatment fund will save lots of lives if well implemented.

Ms Orji said only about 400 patients have so far benefited from the treatment fund according to the information she received.

The last time I received information about the fund, I was told about 400 patients have benefited which is still a drop in the ocean. We have about N1 billion yet to be accessed.

We plead for this fund to be released to support cancer patients and help them survive the killer disease, she said

Providing solace

Due to her inability to continue treatment after the surgical procedure, Rosemary decided to opt for herbal treatment which according to her is cheaper and far more accessible.

Her situation, however, worsened barely five months after she commenced the use of some herbal drinks recommended by her neighbours.

At this point, I started looking for ways to fund the chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions. I went to the bank for a loan but my request was rejected, I called everyone I know that could help me. But the money I gathered was too little to cover my treatment, she said.

It was at this point in Rosemarys life she had a life-changing encounter with Project Pink Blue, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) providing aid to cancer patients in Nigeria.

The Abuja-based organisation contributes financially and psychologically to the survival of cancer patients in the country. Through various crowdfunding campaigns and donor funding, the organisation provides solace for patients.

One of the persons I ran to for help referred me to Project Pink Blue and they supported my radiotherapy session with over N600,000, she said.

Another breast cancer survivor, identified simply as Catherine, said Project Pink Blue made her recovery from cancer stress-free.

The moment I was diagnosed with cancer, I knew there was no way I would be able to afford the treatment due to various stories I have heard. I immediately started going around soliciting for funds until I met with this great organisation changing lives positively, she said.

Ms Catherine said the organisation sponsored over half of her cancer treatment and kept following up until she was completely free of the disease.

Saving lives

The founder of Project Pink Blue, Runcie Chidebe, said the organisation was founded with the aim of making a significant change in the country while also affecting lives positively.

Mr Chidebe said the high number of people especially women soliciting funds on the streets of Abuja was one of the major factors that inspired him to start the organisation.

Another factor is my zeal to contribute to the development of the nation. During my National Youth Service Corp (NYSC), I decided to do community service on breast and cervical cancer and 28 September 2013 was the first time I hosted an awareness and screening event in Kabusa, Abuja.

The event was well attended and many people were screened and had one on one with health practitioners. The turnout and appreciation inspired me to keep going, he said.

He said cancer has continued to claim millions of lives due largely to the high cost of treatment. He lamented that the cost of treatment discourages people from even visiting the hospital for a proper diagnosis.

Mr Chidebe said his organisation has supported over 5,000 cancer patients financially since its establishment in 2013, including Ms Nnamdi and Ms Catherine.

So far, we have reached about 20 million people indirectly through various awareness walks and advocacy programmes. Directly, the organisation has supported 5,000 people through patient fundraising, cancer, hypertension, and hepatitis screening.

This direct impact of the organisation also includes the 44 cancer doctors trained in 2018 and 44 oncology pharmacists trained in 2021 sponsored by this organisation, he said.

He said the organisation sometimes uses the picture of a cancer patient to solicit funds from the general public and puts the money into an account of both parties; the organisation and one that the patient has access to.

Challenges

The Project Pink Blue founder said despite successes recorded in the past years, the lack of adequate donations has been frustrating the efforts of the organisation.

He said the organisation lacks sufficient funds to meet the demands of the number of people battling cancer.

The number of people seeking help is far higher than those willing to donate. People are not donating so we are incapable of meeting the demands of everyone, he said.

Mr Chidebe said another challenge is that the Nigeria health system is making it difficult for patients to get early treatment. He said many people abandon the hospital once they are diagnosed with cancer due to the inability to afford the treatment fees.

The healthcare system is responsible for late detection. If we want to find cancer early and ensure women present early for treatment, the system must be built in a way that we will stop blaming patients, he said.

This story was produced in partnership with Nigeria Health Watch through the Solution Journalism Network, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to rigorous and compelling reporting about responses to social problems.

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The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has said President Bola Tinubu will submit the list of the ministerial nominees to the Senate before Thursday.

Mr Bamidele made the disclosure on Tuesday at an event organised in Abuja to celebrate his 60th birthday and the presentation of his book titled Leadership through Communication.

Mr Tinubu has until 28 July to send his ministerial nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation, in line with the constitution.

According to Section 42 of the constitution, the president and state governors have, from the date they are sworn in, a 60-day window within which to appoint ministers and commissioners.

The delay in announcing the cabinet ministers has led to the emergence of several lists of ministers, which the government itself disowned.

In the last few weeks, several lists of nominees have surfaced in the media. In some lists, names of the presidents political allies and former governors featured prominently.

The presidents spokesperson, Dele Alake, had also debunked speculations that the list has been leaked.

List to arrive at Senate in 48 hours

Mr Bamidele said Mr Tinubu called him over the phone Tuesday morning to felicitate him on his birthday and told him that he would not be able to attend the birthday ceremony because of the communication he needed to submit to the Senate in the next 48 hours.

President Tinubu told me this morning when he called to greet me for my birthday lecture this morning around 10:03 a.m. that he will not be able to come to the birthday lecture because of the communication he needed to submit to the Senate in the next 48 hours.

So, Mr President prayed for me. We should tell the rest of Nigerians to pray for him to be able to make the right decision within the next 24 hours so that when Nigerians hear the list of his ministers, they will say yes, this is uncommon, Mr Bamidele said.

In his remarks, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, commended the Senate Leader for his loyalty to the president.

Mr Akpabio felicitated the leader of the Senate and prayed for long life.

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Premium Times Books will Tuesday morning hold an event to launch a book by the Head of Media Relations at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Omoniyi Ibietan.

The book, titled: Cyber Politics: Social Media, Social Demography and Voting Behaviour in Nigeria, will be unveiled at the main auditorium of the Communications and Digital Economy complex of the NCC, located at Mbora District of Abuja, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

In 460 pages spread over 12 chapters, the author gives expression to a critical phase within the distinct trajectory of Nigerian democracy through its elections.

At the public presentation, Azubuike Ishiekwene, the editor-in-chief of Abuja-based Leadership Newspapers, will review the book before a panel session that will dwell on The Cyber Context of Political Communication and its Implications for Democracy in Africa.

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Listed as panellists are Mr Ibietan; Majeed Dahiru, writer, public affairs analyst and CEO of Orascom Properties, and Abiodun Adeniyi, a professor of Mass Communication and deputy dean, Postgraduate School, Baze University, Abuja.

Chido Onumah, social entrepreneur, journalist, writer, author and coordinator of the African Centre for Information and Media Literacy (AFRIMIL), will moderate the discussion.

The panel will focus on how cyber politics played out and shaped the last two general elections in Nigeria. The possible implications of cyber politics in future elections will also be x-rayed.

Follow this page for live updates of the programme.

12:50 p.m: This brings us to the end of this event. Thank you for staying with us

12:46 p.m: He said the academic appreciates everyone in attendance and wishes all a safe journey back to their destination.

12:44 p.m: He appreciates the author for his work saying it takes sheer discipline to be able to write a book. Commenting on the book, he said the book is multi-disciplinary.

12:39 p.m.: Olajide Ibietan, a Professor of Public Administration and Director of Quality Assurance at Federal University Lokoja takes the podium to give the vote of thanks.

12:33 p.m.: He described the author as amazing and said he was not surprised by this milestone. Mr Ipinmisho said the Ogidi Development Union is proud of Mr Ibietan.

2:28 p.m.: Babatunde Ipinmisho, the former editor of the Sunday Times, takes the podium and congratulates the author for a job well done. He congratulates Premium Times for their amazing work saying at this rate the medium might revive the reading culture in Nigeria.

12:26 p.m: Tony Ojobo, former Director of Public Affairs at NCC, said he is not surprised by the quality of work put in the book because he knows Mr Ibietan. He encouraged everyone to grab a copy of the book and also share the news with others.

12:24 p.m: He encouraged people to get the book and read the complete copy. He ends his goodwill message.

12:19 p.m: Marwan Abdulkareem takes the podium to give a goodwill message on behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff, Awwal Gambo. He congratulated Mr Ibietan for his wonderful work that outlined challenges and proffer solutions.

12:13 p.m: Mr Danbatta unveiled the Book Cyber Politics: Social Media, Social Demography and Voting Behaviour in Nigeria which the author dedicated to his wife and children.

The hardcover of the book is sold for N25,000 while the softcover is selling for N20,000.

12:10 p.m: Mr Danbatta presented the book on behalf of the NCC to the general public. He recommended the book to the audience and assured them that they will not regret reading it.

12:06 p.m: He said social media has come to stay but it is the duty of the people to use social media responsibly.

12: 04 p.m: He appreciates the efforts Mr Ibietan put into publishing the work. He said the author and himself share some interests in common, one of which is their love for literary work.

12:02 p.m: Mr Danbatta takes the podium and gives a short speech before the book presentation.

11:59 a.m: The moderator, Mr Alegbe, takes the podium and calls on the Vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Umar Danbatta, for the book presentation.

11:53 a.m: Mr Ibietan extends gratitude to the audience. He said the fate that Premium Times demonstrated in the book is amazing.

This brings us to the end of the panel discussion.

11:50 a.m: The moderator asked Mr Ibietan what next after this book on Cyber Politics? Mr Ibietan said he has an understanding with Premium Times to produce another book on non-digitised interpersonal communication.

11:47 a.m: Mr Dahiru said social media didnt start with the advent of digital media. He said social media is an emerging force. He also noted that Nigeria is diversified across ethnic lines and social media discussions are along that line.

11:43 a.m: Mr Adeniyi said it is a continuous conversation but he is confident that the system will guide to understanding the issue. He commended the author for the perspectives he brought in the book to give readers a deeper understanding of social media not just in Nigeria but in advanced countries.

11:40 a.m: In his response, Mr Ibietan said according to their survey, social media constituted less than 10 per cent in helping voters to decide who to vote for. He said although social media is critical but the study finds that the media operates in the context of certain mediating factors and influences. Several factors are what decide the voting pattern of electorates, he said.

11:38 a.m: The moderator, Mr Onumah, asked the panelists about the influence of social media in election and voting patterns.

11:35 a.m: Mr Dahiru, the public affairs analyst, congratulates the author saying the book is very rich and very resourceful to communication scholars. He said it came highly recommended and is a timely intervention.

11;32 a.m: Mr Adeniyi, the professor, said he enjoyed reading the book but he was more interested about the creativity of the author in the book. What the book did was to situate the new world of cyber politics within the context of Nigeria, he said.

11:30 a.m: Mr Ibietan, the author, said the book was written out of passion and hopes that history will be kind to him.

11:28 a.m: Its time for the first panel discussion titled The Cyber Context of Political Communication and the Implications for Democracy in Africa. The panelists include the author Omoniyi Ibietan, Majeed Dahiru, a writer, public affairs analyst and CEO of Orascom properties; and Abiodun Adeniyi, a professor of Mass Communication and deputy dean, Postgraduate School, Baze University, Abuja.

Chido Onumah, the Coordinator of, the African Centre for Information and Media Literacy (AFRIMIL), is the moderator of the discussion.

11:25 a.m: He commended the author again saying he has not left the field of struggle. He ends his remarks and leaves the podium.

11:24 a.m: He said he has not read the book yet but thanked the author for writing such a masterpiece. He noted that aside from social media, there are dynamic platforms for communication and engagement.

11:21 a.m: Mr Abbas said the book should awaken the youth and the general public to go back to the reading culture.

11:18 a.m: The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, takes the podium. He is represented by Julius Ihonvbere, the Majority Leader of the House.

11:17 a.m: He noted that whatever anyone says, he suspects politicians believe that social media works. Whether it counts on the ballot is another matter  and of course, the subject of this book. He ends his review and leaves the podium.

11:16 a.m: He said in chapters one and four, for example, the author cites other studies which had touched on the subject, too. What commends Cyber Politics, however, as we see in chapter three, is its laser-beam focus on the role of three pre-selected social media platforms  Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp  on voter behaviour especially in the election under reference, he said.

11:14 a.m: Mr Ishiekwene said the book was, of course, not the first to venture into the theme of the 2015 elections, voter behaviour and social media in Nigeria.

11:12 a.m: He said the author raised issues that are specific and contemporary, interestingly with reference to the 2015 election. He recommends the book as a good read for the general public.

11:10 a.m: He said it also covers possible implications of cyber politics in future elections that will also be x-rayed as highlighted by the author.

11:07 a.m: Mr Ishiekwene said the book reflects on how cyber politics played out and shaped the last two general elections in Nigeria.

11: 06 a.m: The Editor-in-Chief of Leadership Newspapers, Azubuike Ishiekwene, takes the podium to review the book titled Cyber Politics: Social Media, Social Demography and Voting Behaviour in Nigeria.

11:05 a.m: He said its important to address this issue of fake news hands-on but this book has presented an empirical foundation for good journalism. He recommends the book to practitioners, academics, and the general public and salutes Premium Times for standing out in the courageous and accountable journalism it is known for.

Mr Nweke concludes his remarks and leaves the podium.

11:00 a.m: He noted that the ubiquitous nature of social media made it possible for free speech and freedom of expression across the country. But while this ubiquity is positive, social media allows fake news to disseminate unchecked.

10:59 a.m: He said the publication is timely and he hopes the book will provide societal transformation. Mr Nweke said events of the past year show that social media will continue to have an impact on our lives.

10:57 a.m: Mr Nweke said the book to be unveiled today is an uncommon body of work. He paid homage to the author.

10:55 a.m: The Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Information and Communication, Mr Nweke, takes the podium to give his address. He welcomed everyone to todays very important event.

10: 53 a.m: He said those who have interacted with the title have described it as both skilful in its rendition and ground-cutting in its intellectual approach. He ends his address and leaves the podium.

10:50 a.m: The Editor-in-Chief said the latest book being unveiled today, Cyber Politics: Social Media, Social Demography, and Voting Behavior in Nigeria is a classic. He said the book uses Nigerias 2015 presidential election as the sounding board for analyses that offer great insights into the future of voting behaviour in Africas largest democracy.

10:46 a.m: He said Premium Times later took on the challenge of producing the Nigerian edition of The Sokoto Caliphate because the book touches on debates about Nigerian nationhood and constitutional review. After which, The Letterman: Inside the Secret Letters of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, was published.

10:43 a.m: He explained that each title in The Boko Haram Trilogy  Sects & Social Disorder, Creed & Grievance, and Overcoming Boko Haram  has been individually, and respectively, praised for providing a unique insight into Muslim-Muslim conflict, Muslim-Christian conflict, and the cross-border dimension to the insurgency in northern Nigeria.

10:40 a.m: He said each title published so far taps into critical national debates and brings fresh perspectives into subjects of nationwide concern. From Quranic Schools in Northern Nigeria  which focused on the Almajirai problem  through the Boko Haram Trilogy to We Are All Biafrans, Premium Times Books has not shied away from the heavy-hitting topics dominating national conversations.

10:38 a.m: Mr Mojeed said the organisations first book, Naija No Dey Carry Last by the late distinguished Professor Pius Adesanmi, satisfied the three mission items and set the tone for future books.

10:35 a.m: He said four years into Premium Timess pursuit of that vision, the organisation saw the need to provide other platforms for people to engage hence the addition of Premium Times (PT) Books to the corporate portfolio.

Premium Times Books has three principal missions, namely: to expand the reading public in Nigeria, to make essential books easily available to the reading public, and to bring books about Nigeria published in Europe, America, and elsewhere home to Nigeria, he said.

10:34 a.m: He said back then, the organisation recognised the importance of keeping citizens and friends of Nigeria well-informed so they could guard and reap the benefits of democracy.

10:32 a.m: Mr Mojeed said Premium Times newspaper started in 2011 with the vision of strengthening Nigerias democracy and advancing citizens socio-economic well-being and rights.

10:30 a.m: The Editor-in-chief of Premium Times, Mr Mojeed, takes the podium to give the welcome address.

10:27 a.m: The lead facilitator is Ohi Alegbe, a broadcast journalist and Public Relations Practitioner. Mr Alegbe welcomes the dignitaries to the event.

The dignitaries present include the Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, Musikilu Mojeed; Former Minister of Information and Communication and chairman of the occasion, Okeifufe Nweke 11; Editor-in-Chief of Leadership newspaper, Azubuike Ishiekwene; Chido Onumah, the coordinator, African Centre for Information and Media Literacy (AFRIMIL) amongst others.

10: 26 a.m: The event commences with the National Anthem.

10:25 a.m: All is set for the commencement of the event and the lead facilitator and assistant takes the podium and welcomes the guests to the event.

10:00 a.m: Its a beautiful Tuesday morning and we are live at the Communication and Digital Economy Complex, Mbora district, Abuja to provide update on the public presentation of the book written by Omoniyi Ibietan.

Although the event is scheduled to commence by 10:00 a.m., it will be starting late as some guests are yet to arrive.

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The suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, was brought to the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday morning.

He was brought into the court premises at 9:21 a.m. by officers of the State Security Service (SSS). He is being charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

He appeared before Nicholas Oweibo, a vacation judge.

ALSO READ: Nigerian authorities fail to arrest Asari Dokubo but charge Emefiele with possession of firearms

Details later

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WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana (AP)  Authorities searched Monday for a grizzly bear that attacked and killed a woman on a trail west of Yellowstone National Park near the Montana-Idaho border.

The victim's body was found Saturday morning a few hundred yards from a trailhead and private campground. There was no sign that the bear, which was traveling with at least one cub, tried to eat the victim, who appears to have been jogging when she was fatally mauled, said Morgan Jacobsen with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Authorities said the woman's injuries were consistent with a bear attack. But they could not say for certain whether she was preyed upon or whether it was a chance encounter as she traveled alone in a wooded area frequented by grizzly and black bears.

A hiker found her body along the trail at around 8 a.m. Saturday, authorities said. The victims name has not been released. She was wearing running shoes and did not have bear spray, a deterrent that wildlife experts recommend people carry in areas frequented by bears, Jacobsen said.

This person was likely out for a morning jog along the trail and that's when this happened, said Jacobsen.

Tracks of a grizzly bear and at least one cub were found at the scene of the attack, which occurred near the Buttermilk Trailhead 8 miles (13 kilometers) west of West Yellowstone, a busy summer tourist town and gateway to the national park.

The hiking trail also is used by people ATVs and other off-road vehicles.

Rangers issued an emergency closure for areas of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. It did not include Yellowstone National Park.

Local resident Bill Youngwirth said people in the area were aware of the mauling and the forest closure, but weren't panicked over the attack due to speculation that it was a mother bear striking out defensively after being surprised when the victim came around a corner.

The attack happened about a mile from several vacation homes that Youngwirth rents adjacent to the forest.

I tell everybody, Better take bear spray and know how to use it," he said. And the big thing is, don't go alone."

A trail camera captured an image of a grizzly bear with two cubs in the area on Saturday night. There have been no sightings since, Jacobsen said. Traps set for the bears on Saturday and Sunday nights came up empty, and attempts to locate the bears from an aircraft were unsuccessful.

Authorities had not decided if they would set traps again Monday night or decided whether they would kill or relocate the adult bear if it is captured, Jacobsen said.

As time goes by, he added, trapping becomes less effective as chances increase of catching a bear that wasn't involved in the attack.

Grizzly bear populations in the northern U.S. Rocky Mountains grew significantly over the past several and the animals in recent years have been showing up in places they hadn't been seen for generations. Since 2010, grizzlies in and around Yellowstone have killed at least nine people. Attacks remain relatively rare in the region, which draws several million tourists each summer.

A backcountry guide was killed near West Yellowstone two years ago when he was mauled by a large grizzly bear that wildlife officials said was probably defending a nearby moose carcass. And a hiker was killed north of Yellowstone park last year in a suspected grizzly encounter in a remote area of the Absaroka Mountains south of Livingston, Montana.

Encounters with humans can prove deadly for bears, too: A five-year-old female grizzly in Glacier National Park was euthanized last week after officials said it got used to eating food from campgrounds and was becoming increasingly aggressive.

Grizzlies are protected under federal law outside of Alaska. Elected officials in the Yellowstone region are pushing to lift protections and allow grizzly hunting.

State officials last week warned visitors and residents of grizzly bear sightings throughout the state, particularly in areas between the Northern Continental Divide and the Greater Yellowstone ecosystems.

They implored those camping and visiting parks to carry bear spray, store their food while outside and tend to their garbage.
Police in Delta State, South-south Nigeria, said they have killed one and arrested two other suspects over a deadly attack on police officers in the state on Sunday.

Two police officers were killed in the attack, Bright Edafe, the police spokesperson in the state, said in a statement he sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Monday.

How officers were killed

Mr Edafe, a deputy superintendent of police, said the two officers attached to the Dragon Patrol Team were killed by suspected bandits around 11: 40 a.m. on Sunday while on stop and search operation at Oleh Roundabout.

The bandits set the police patrol vehicle ablaze before fleeing into the bush.

With the support of troops from the Nigerian Army, 63 Brigade and local vigilante members, the men swung into action. During the operation, the combined team engaged the hoodlums in a serious gun duel, subduing the hoodlums who fled into the bush, having been inflicted with gunshot injuries.

The team traced their blood to a river where one AK-47 rifle was recovered on the same date of the incident.

The response team sustained the tempo and continued the operation on Sunday. Acting on credible intelligence, they stormed Erewa community bush in Isoko North Local Government Area, where they engaged the remnant of the bandits in a serious gun duel, Mr Edafe said.

READ ALSO: Driver fleeing checkpoint kills police officer in Ondo

According to the police spokesperson, two additional AK-47 rifles, one assault rifle, four magazines and twelve 7.62 AK-47 ammunition were recovered from the suspects.

There has been a surge in crimes, particularly abduction for ransom in the oil-rich Delta State, despite efforts by security agents to curb it.

Within the last two months, PREMIUM TIMES has reported the arrest of about 10 suspected kidnappers in the state.

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Despite Umana Umana repudiating a fake letter which surfaced on Facebook recently, some people in Akwa Ibom State have latched on to it to unjustly attack the former minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

The fake letter, addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, sought to portray Mr Umana as an ethnic champion and a promoter of division within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom, while it (the letter) appeared as though it was campaigning for the former minister to be included in President Bola Tinubus yet-to-be-announced cabinet.

The letter bears the name of a faceless group, Akwa Ibom APC Renaissance, as its author.

It said that Mr Umana should be appointed a minister just because he is an Ibibio, the major ethnic nationality in Akwa Ibom.

Umana reacts

We want to make it crystal clear that Mr Umana has nothing to do with this letter, and that the group is not acting at the behest of the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Iboro Otongaran, a spokesperson to Mr Umana, said in a statement on Friday.

Contrary to the impression that the letter and those behind it want to create, Mr Umana is not an ethnic champion.

In all the roles he has had the privilege to play at the state and national levels Umana has always acted in the national interest, prioritising competence, fairness and equity above other considerations. And over the years, Umana has demonstrated his loyalty to the APC and has been unstinting in his efforts to build and defend the unity of the party at both the state and national levels, the statement added.

Mr Umanas statement did not, however, stop the APC in Akwa Ibom from attacking him.

The APC spokesperson in the state, OtoAbasi Udo, said in a statement on Friday that Mr Umana should not be appointed a minister.

Mr Udo, without proof, said that Mr Umana did not work for President Tinubus victory in the presidential election in Akwa Ibom, an allegation that has been rehashed by some people within the APC.

Did he win his ward for APC? Did he win his local government, Nsit Ubium, for APC? Did he win his federal constituency, for APC? Did he win his senatorial district, Uyo, for APC? Did he win his state, Akwa Ibom, for APC? Mr Udo, a lawyer, said in the statement.

Mr Umana won his polling unit in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, for Mr Tinubu and the APC in the last general elections.

Before the elections, Mr Umana had reportedly provided financial support to the APC in the state, including the partys governorship candidate, Mr Udofia, and several of the partys candidates for the House of Assembly elections, at least six people who are knowledgeable about this told PREMIUM TIMES.

He was coordinating Mr Tinubus presidential campaign rally in Uyo.

The Peoples Democratic Party has, however, remained the dominant party in Akwa Ibom since the return of democratic governance in Nigeria in 1999.

PREMIUM TIMES, Monday, asked the APC spokesperson in Akwa Ibom, Mr Udo, if he was aware that Mr Umana had distanced himself from the Akwa Ibom APC Renaissance and its letter.

Yes, I am aware. But we had published our reaction before they (Umana) came out with their statement, he responded.

Mr Udo said we stand by our statement, despite Mr Umana distancing himself from the Akwa Ibom APC Renaissance.

He said the Chairperson of the APC in Akwa Ibom, Stephen Ntukekpo, had authorised the issuance of the statement.

Mr Ntukekpo did not respond to calls and a text message seeking comment from him.

The fake letter

The fake letter was authored and pushed into social media with the main intention to attack Mr Umanas credibility before President Tinubu and the APC national leadership because of the race for ministerial appointments, investigation by PREMIUM TIMES revealed.

Apart from Mr Umana, a former presidential aide, Ita Enang, the 2023 APC governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom, Akan Udofia, and a former commissioner in the state, Victor Atai, are among those in the state reportedly interested in becoming Mr Tinubus minister.

President Tinubu has till Friday, 28 July, to constitute his cabinet, going by Nigerias constitution.

The letter that the Akwa Ibom APC and a few others have relied upon to attack Mr Umana had a fake address, Plot 87, D-Line, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo.

The owners of the property have issued a statement, saying that it is an expanse of gated bungalow that does not accommodate any offices, be it private or commercial.

The names on the letter appeared to be non-existent, according to findings by this newspaper.

PREMIUM TIMES used some fact-checking tools  Google Reverse Image and Tin Eye Reverse Search  to search for the origin of the letter. The search led our reporters to Samuel Mbosoh, a chieftain of the APC in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Mr Mbosoh had posted the letter on his Facebook page on 21 July, at 12:44 p.m.

I think it is fake, he said of the letter when our reporter interviewed him on the phone, Monday evening.

Despite his acknowledgement that the letter was fake, Mr Mbosoh had used it as a basis to attack the former minister on Facebook.

Umana Okon Umana should be able to produce election results from his units, wards and local government area, Mr Mbosoh said  a similar line used in a statement issued by the APC spokesperson in Akwa Ibom.

Upon our reporters inquiry, the APC chieftain said he downloaded the letter from a WhatsApp group that is exclusive to the APC members but he declined to provide the name and phone contact of the person that he claimed published the fake letter on the WhatsApp platform.

Mr Mbosoh later sent a text message to the reporter, asking him not to mention his name in the story to avoid having (a) problem with me.

Reactions from APC chieftains

Several APC chieftains in Akwa Ibom have come out in defence of Mr Umana.

Edet Ikotidem, a lawyer and a former House of Representatives candidate of the APC in Akwa Ibom, told PREMIUM TIMES, Monday, Umana Okon Umana did everything, he funded the activities of the APC in the state. I am a witness. Even the presidential rally in Uyo, he bankrolled the rally.

I was appointed into the 2023 APC governorship campaign committee, Umana gave all of us money to go back to our respective areas to work for the APC in that election.

Umana from 2015 contributed to the foundation of the APC in Nigeria. He footed the APC bills for the governorship and presidential elections in Akwa Ibom in 2015. That was the only election the APC truly won in Akwa Ibom, Mr Ikotidem said.

READ ALSO: Tinubus administration mobilises half a billion dollars for food system transformation Shettima

What they are trying to do against Umana is very wrong, it is blatant lies, he added.

Sunny Jackson, an entrepreneur and an APC leader in Akwa Ibom, corroborated Mr Ikotidems remarks.

Umana has been funding the APC since 2015 when he contested the governorship election. Even Tinubu himself has knowledge of Umanas contribution to the APC in Akwa Ibom, Mr Jackson told this newspaper.

These are blackmailers, he said of those accusing Mr Umana of not working for the APC and President Tinubus victory in the election.

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The senator representing Ogun East, Francis Fadahunsi, has criticised the federal government for diverting part of the 2022 supplementary budget to fund provision of palliatives to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy.

Mr Fadahunsi made the criticism while contributing to a motion on flooding in Ikire area moved by Olalere Oyewunmi (PDP, Osun West) on Tuesday.

The supplementary budget of N819,53 billion was introduced by former President Muhammadu Buhari for capital projects due to the impact of the floods on farmlands and road infrastructure across the country.

But President Bola Tinubu requested the Senate to allow him use N500 billion from the budget to provide palliatives to Nigerians in order to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy.

The Senate granted him the request and amended the budget to accommodate it.

At the plenary on Tuesday, Mr Fadahunsi, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said the diversion of the 2022 supplementary budget affected the completion of the Ife-Ibadan express road.

The senator said the construction of the Ife-Ibadan highway was awarded to Kopek Construction Company in 2018 at the sum of N79.8 billion.

He noted that out of the total amount, N581 million was disbursed to the contractor as upfront.

Mr Fadahunsi further explained that N11 billion had earlier been allocated in the budget to continue construction of the highway before Mr Tinubus request.

He warned that if the government failed to construct the highway, floods will continue to ravage areas along the road.

Motion

Mr Oyewunmi, the deputy minority leader, while presenting a motion at the plenary complained that Ikire, Apomu and Gbongan areas of Osun State were ravaged by flood after a heavy rainfall on Saturday.

The flood, he said, ravaged the areas and left commuters on the Ife-Ibadan express road stranded for many hours.

Mr Oyewunmi claimed that there was flooding because the construction of the road was not completed.

He urged the federal government to ensure completion of the road before the September  November rainfall in order to avoid more flooding incidents in the area.

Mr Oyewunmi asked the Senate to urge the Federal Ministry of Works to immediately direct the contractor to continue the construction of the road and also urge the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to assist with the construction.

The senator also requested the Senate to call on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to people whose homes and properties were ravaged by the flood in Ikire area.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, subsequently granted all the prayers and directed the Clerk of the Senate to communicate the resolution to the concerned agencies.

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Troops of the Nigerian army have rescued 13 kidnap victims along Ngodo-Isuochi Road in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia, Nigerias south-east.

The army spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, said the troops rescued the victims in response to a distress call on Saturday.

Mr Nwachukwu, a brigadier-general, said the caller had indicated that a Sienna vehicle and L300 Mitsubishi bus had been attacked and their passengers kidnapped.

The attackers initially took the victims hostage and later dragged them into nearby bushes in the area, he said.

The troops, on getting additional information from witnesses at the scene, went in pursuit of the kidnappers, trailing them into the bushes, he said.

During the search and rescue operation, troops initially extricated five victims on the first day of the search and rescue operation, while a further search on Sunday 23 July 2023 led to the rescue of additional eight victims, totalling 13 rescued persons, Mr Nwachukwu said.

The army spokesperson said the rescued victims had been handed over to the police in the council area, apparently to facilitate the reunion of the victims with their families.

He did not provide details of the rescued victims and when they were kidnapped. But some photographs of the victims, attached to the statement, indicated that five were women, while eight others were men.

The army has appealed to all Nigerians to continue to support the troops and other security agencies with timely and actionable information to fight insecurity in the country.

Increase in abduction

Abduction for ransom has increased in Abia State in recent times, particularly in Umunneochi Local Government Area of the state.

Several persons have been kidnapped in the area lately.

The latest incident occurred less than two months after a Chinese national was abducted in Lokpanta, a community in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.

The Chinese, Li Peiyin, a site manager, was rescued some days after.

Gunmen, in August 2022, abducted a Catholic priest and a seminarian along Okigwe-Umunneochi Road, a boundary between Imo and Abia States.

The victims were released two days later after reportedly paying ransom to the kidnappers.

Barely 24 hours before the attack on the clerics, gunmen abducted a police officer at Mbala Divisional Police Headquarters in Isuochi Community, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.

The abducted officer, identified as Dickson, is a deputy superintendent of police and the divisional crime officer in the police facility. It is not yet known if he has been released.

In early July 2022, gunmen abducted scores of passengers along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Highway between Leru and Ihube communities.

In late July 2022, gunmen abducted some travellers in Lokpanta, a community in the same local government area of Abia State.

In May 2022, Samuel Kanu-Uche, the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, was kidnapped alongside two other priests while they were on their way back from a programme in the local government area of the state.

The clerics were released about two days later after reportedly paying N100 million ransom.

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Nigeria has mobilised over half a billion dollars for innovative, profitable, equitable and sustainable food systems transformation initiative, Vice President Kashim Shettima has said.

The vice president made the disclosure while chairing a high-level meeting on the first day of the UN Food Systems Summit declared open in Rome, Italy by the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guteress, according to a press statement by the Director of Information, Office of the Vuce President, Olusola Abiola, on 25 July, 2023.

Mr Shettima said the funds were mobilised through domestic resources, multilateral development banks, international financial institutions, climate funds leading agro-businesses, and would be used for Innovation finance for food system transformation; development of Nigerias agro value chain and Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones programmes.

Explaining further, Mr Shettima said in this event, the Government of Nigeria will be showcasing its Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) as a unique example of a successful partnership between producers, the public sector and private operators.

The VCDP which is co-funded by the of Nigeria and IFAD has empowered vulnerable farmers and youth to engage into commercial partnerships with some of the biggest food processing and marketing firms in the world such as OLAM, a world leading agri-business company operating in over 60 countries with an annual revenue of about $39.8 billion, the vice president added.

Stating the governments vision about ending hunger, the VP added that building on the success of the VCDP, the federal government is determined to capacitate Nigerias rural smallholders and operators, youth and women living below the poverty line to take advantage of the new Special Processing Zones.

On the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ), Vice President Shettima said it brings together local governments, IFAD, AfDB, IsDB, GCF, OLAM and other private actors alongside the government of Nigeria for transformative financing of food systems that leaves no-one behind.

While featuring in the panel discussion with the Prime Minister of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud; Deputy President of Kenya, Rigathi Gachagua; and Prime Minister of Niger Republic, Ouhoudou Mahamadou, the VP said President Tinubu is determined to transform the concept and meaning of modern governance by demonstrating commitment towards the food system in the country.

According to him, President Tinubu hit the ground running from day one of his administration, which is barely two months in office, and has therefore declared state of emergency in food security and took it as a livelihood item within the National Security Council.

On removing impediments to economic recovery, he said we had two albatrosses around our necks: subsidy on petrol and multiple exchange rates system.

We withdrew the subsidy on petrol from day one, just like President Ruto did in Kenya. To mitigate the effects of the subsidy removal, the government embarked on the immediate release of grains and fertilizers.

A commodity marketing board has been put in place to continuously review and monitor the prices of food items.

Along this way, the President has already approved the infusion of huge quantum of funds towards repositioning of our security architecture because we have similar problems with Somalia and Kenya, especially in the northeast and northwest regions of the country. We are repositioning our security architecture to provide support for farms and farmers,. he said

In attendance were the President of IFAD, Alvaro Lario, Muhammad Suleiman Al Jasser, President of Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Vice President of AfDB, Hassatau NSele, Vice President of OLAM International, Reji George and Vice President, Commodity Aaliance Forum (Representative of farmers), Ejim Lovelyn.

Declaring the Summit open, the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guteress, commended the participating countries for their commitment to addressing the problems of hunger and malnutrition.

This is the gathering about food system. It is essentially to fulfill those basic of human rights  the right to food. It is outrageous that people continue to suffer in the world of plenty, the UN Chief stated.

The vice president also had bilateral meeting with the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni. Both leaders discussed issues about the development of the two countries.

The vice president was accompanied to the meeting by Nigerias Ambassador to Italy, Mfawa Abam and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hadejia, and other senior government officials.

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State are currently in a closed-door meeting in Abeokuta, the capital of the state.

The meeting started around 11:58 a.m. at the private residence of Mr Obasanjo at his Presidential Library.

The meeting is believed to be the first of its kind between the governor and the elder statesman.

Mr Abiodun is a member of the APC, Nigerias ruling party. Mr Obasanjo, who is also from Ogun State, worked against the APC presidential candidate in the 25 February election, Bola Tinubu.

Mr Tinubu, the current president, eventually defeated Mr Obasanjos preferred candidate, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, and other candidates in the election.

Details later

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The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on Tuesday, dismissed the money laundering charges instituted eight years ago by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against a former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, and other defendants, including his sons.

A three-member panel of the court struck out the charges on a technical ground of lack of jurisdiction by the Federal High Court to conduct the trial in Abuja.

The judgement upheld the no-case submission the defendants had filed at the trial court, the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the validity of the charges.

The EFCC had been prosecuting Mr Lamido, his two sons and their companies before the Federal High Court on 37 counts of money laundering involving about N1.35 billion.

The other defendants charged alongside the former governor included his two sons  Aminu and Mustapha. The others are Aminu Wada Abubakar, and their companies  Bamaina Holdings Ltd and Speeds International Ltd.

The commission accused Mr Lamido of abusing his position as governor between 2007 and 2015, allegedly laundering sums of money received as kickbacks from companies that were awarded contracts by the Jigawa State Government under his leadership.

The EFCC had called over 16 witnesses before closing its case last year.

Afterwards, the defendants opted for a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had not placed sufficient materials before the court to warrant them entering defence.

But the trial judge, Ijeoma Ojukwu, dismissed the no-case submission and ordered the defendants to open their defence on 8 to 11 November 2022.

Dissatisfied, Mr Lamido went on an appeal.

The Court of Appeal heard the appeal arising from the case in June and reserved judgment; the court said the date of judgement would be communicated to the parties.

Judgement

In the lead judgment delivered by Adamu Waziri on Tuesday, the court resolved the issues raised in the appeal against the EFCC and in favour of the appellants, essentially ruling that the Federal High Court in Abuja lacked jurisdiction to entertain the charges.

The court ruled that the alleged offences took place in Jigawa State, therefore, the charges ought to be filed in Jigawa State and not in Abuja.

The court then struck out the charges and discharged the defendants.

16 prosecution witnesses

The trial which commenced in 2015 had seen the EFCC call about 16 witnesses before closing its case.

But instead of opening their defence, the defendants opted to file a no- case submission, arguing that the prosecution had not placed sufficient materials before the court to warrant their defence.

But the trial judge, Ijeoma Ojukwu, threw out the no-case submission, and upheld the submissions of the EFCCs counsel, Chile Okoroma.

READ ALSO: Sule Lamido attacks Obasanjo for endorsing Peter Obi

The judge held that Mr Lamido and the other defendants had a case to answer, and ordered them to open their defence.

Dissatisfied, Mr Lamido proceeded to the Court of Appeal to challenge the Federal High Courts ruling.

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Edo North senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has apologised to the Senate for publicly accusing members of the 9th session who did not return, of looting their offices after the expiration of their tenures.

He tendered the apology during plenary on Tuesday.

About 70 per cent of the members of the 9th National Assembly did not return to the 10th session of the federal legislature inaugurated on 13 June.

Mr Oshiomhole had in an interview on Channels Television on Sunday accused the former senators and House of Representatives members of vandalising and looting some of the equipment in their offices when leaving.

The senator disclosed that television sets, carpets and chairs were carted away by the former senators and members of the House leaving the offices empty for the new lawmakers.

I was shocked by the level of vandalisation of properties of the National Assembly. Televisions were carted away, carpets were carted away, senators chairs were carted away.

I had to use my money and someone also decided to deliver to me a printer, to give me a laptop to use in my office. I had to buy the carpet and pay the cost of fixing it. I had to pay some young people to clean the office to restore the new carpet. I had to pay to repaint my office. I will produce you the receipt.

People told me there is also the same level of vandalisation in the House Representatives, Mr Oshiomhole stated.

But, at the plenary on Tuesday, Solomon Adeola (APC, Ogun West), raised a point of order against Mr Oshiomoles comment, claiming that the Edo Senator made a false allegation against the former senators.

In the point of order, Mr Adeola sought the Senates permission to compel Mr Oshiomhole to apologise to the upper legislative chamber and members of the 9th Assembly.

He was addressing Nigerians about this Senate and knowing fully that any senator cannot move anything outside the National Assembly without approval. If anything you move is not in compliance and without approval of the National Assembly, your severance allowances will not be paid, Mr Adeola stated in his point of order.

The Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, made efforts to have the matter discussed in an executive session but this was rejected.

Oshiomholes defence

In his defence, Mr Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State, claimed that he made the comment while speaking against the backdrop of the N70 billion allocated to support the working conditions of the National Assembly.

I didnt address social media, I spoke with a respected TV station. The question was put to me by the TV host as to what justified the appropriation for the comfort of the National Assembly, he said.

He explained that what he meant was that many of his colleagues in the 10th Senate had to use their personal money to get new equipment in their offices because the offices were empty at the time they were inaugurated into the Senate.

The allegation was made by the TV host, at no time I have ever said the senators looted their offices. What I said is that offices were vandalised. I said on the television that many senators had to use their money to get things because many things had been removed by the time they got to the office.

READ ALSO: My BP would have risen if I lost my senatorial bid Oshiomhole

I had never thought so or never said so. Even before receiving our salaries, some of us had to use our personal money to equip our offices. I bought rugs and television sets in my office.

Having listened to my explanation, that was not the intention and that was not my statement and to those who think I have offended them, I apologise because I cannot leave my home and go to the media to abuse anybody, he said.

Why N70bn was approved for lawmakers  Akpabio

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, however, stressed that the N70 billion allocated to the National Assembly was not for palliatives but to assist lawmakers replace some of the things that needed to be in their offices.

The N70 billion was not for palliative, it was not for rice. It was to replace some of the things that are not there, Mr Akpabio said.

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There was a mild drama on Tuesday at the investigative hearing of the House of Representatives as several commissioners in the Federal Character Commission (FEC) accused the Chairman, Muheeba Dankaka, of lying about a medical appointment to avoid appearing before the committee.

The ad-hoc committee, chaired by Yusuf Gagdi, was set up to investigate the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and employment in ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs)

Armayau Abubakar, the commissioner from Taraba State, had earlier presented a letter to the committee, informing the lawmakers that Ms Dankaka could not appear because of a medical appointment with her doctor.

However, a member of the committee, Oluwole Oke, raised a point of order, noting that Ms Dankaka has credibility issues, hence, the committee should mandate her to come along with the medical receipt to prove the claim in the letter.

While they were at it, a Commissioner of FCC from Delta State, Moses Anaughe, informed lawmakers that Ms Dankaka lied about having a hospital appointment, noting that she did so to avoid appearing before the committee.

She is in her office as we speak, he told the lawmakers.

I want to stress that the chairman of the Federal Character Commission, this is her usual excuse for various committees that invite her.

I want to plead that the chair of FCC should come and face the committee to tell her stewardship of the FCC, he said.

The allegation by Mr Anaughe sparked reactions from the lawmakers, who called for tough sanctions against the Taraba commissioner and others who represented Ms Dankaka.

Several other commissioners also corroborated the allegation made against the chairperson.

Mr Oke, who had earlier raised the issue of credibility, said the action of the FCC chair is a deliberate attempt to undermine the authority of the committee. He called for sanctions against her.

Mr Chairman, you have a document in front of you. I want to put it to them (commissioners) that they have come to this parliament to lie to us. You cannot just go away like that. You came before the people to lie. A colleague of yours just told you that your chairman is in the office and you came here to lie.

To tell you that our constitutional democracy works, Mr President obeys that constitution and that is why you see him come to the parliament to lay his budget annually. How come an aide, a lieutenant, is undermining the parliament? If she is tired, she should throw in the towel, he said.

Lying at your age Panel Chairman fumes

The chairman of the committee was visibly angry with the alleged antics of Mr Abubakar and some of the commissioners who represented Ms Dankaka.

At your age  a chairman that you are perhaps older than will sit in her office, signed a letter and give you, lying that she has a medical appointment. You came to present it and still insist that you are not lying, Mr Gagdi said.

He, therefore, ruled that Ms Dankaka, and all the commissioners in the FCC should appear before the committee by 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday submitted a draft national policy on protecting civilians during conflict to the federal government.

The Executive Secretary of NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, said this at the opening of a workshop and photo exhibition on protection of civilians and human rights in Nigeria

The commission organised the event in collaboration with the Centre for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) which is celebrating its 20 years since inception. The event was supported by the European union (EU).

According to Mr Ojukwu, the workshop comes on the heels of recent upsurge in violence in the North-east and the North-central parts of the country,

He said the upsurge added to the existing violence in the South-east and the North-west regions.

Sadly, according to UNDP, over 2 million people have been displaced and 300,000 killed during the over a decade Boko Haram conflict in the North-east.

Section 14 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) places responsibility to protect on the government and its institutions.

This provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the responsibility and ultimate goal of every government, he said.

Government reminded of its duty

Mr Ojukwu, who decried the upsurge in violence in the North-east and North-central parts of the country, reminded the government of its statutory responsibility to protect Nigerians and their livelihoods.

Protection of civilians in conflict from violence and human rights violations of all kinds remains a sacred duty of not only the government but also non-state actors.

He noted that the policy submitted to the government was aimed at addressing issues concerning protection, treatment and rehabilitation of civilians as well as remedial and accountability measures for perpetrators of violence and human rights violations.

Nigeria has grappled with rights violations of civilians in conflict zones, especially in the North-east blighted by Boko Haram insurgency.

Recently, the Human Rights Watch detailed erroneous airstrikes carried out by the Nigerian Air Force that have killed over 300 civilians in the last six years.

Military authorities often claim the airstrikes were targeted at bandits and Boko Haram terrorists.

In July 2017, a military airstrike on Ran IDP camp in Borno State, North-east Nigeria, killed scores of people.

The Defence Headquarters had blamed lack of appropriate marking for the air strike by the Nigerian Air Force on Ran.

In February, the Nigerian Air Force bombed a Benue-Nasarawa border community, killing some herders.

According to the UNDP, over two million people have been displaced and 300,000 killed during the over a decade Boko Haram conflict in the North-east.

The draft policy, according to Mr Ojukwu, is applicable to the Nigerian government, including, but not limited to the armed forces, security agencies, law enforcement agencies, intelligence services.

It also includes any other group conducting operations in conjunction with, on behalf of, or with the support of the government and (or) sub-national government during all armed conflicts, security operations, internal security operations and all military operations involving the use of force ,to all civilians and persons harmed by actors listed above.

Civilians who have suffered harm perpetrated by non-state actors which shall be held accountable by the government through the justice system, and in accordance with the provisions of this policy, he added.

Mr Ojukwu expressed hope that the new administration of President Bola Tinubu would approve the policy to address the worsening security situation in the country.

He added that the NHRC was committed to playing a leading role in the implementation of this policy and to ensure that all stakeholders play their parts in the protection of civilians.

Photo-exhibition of victims of conflicts

In an emotional display of framed photographs of victims of conflicts in the North-east, a not-for-profit organisation, CIVIC, called for the protection of civilians in crisis areas.

The pictures captured the daily difficulties victims of conflicts (especially women and children) in Borno and other states in the North-east face in trying to eke a living.

Jude Ilo, interim executive director of CIVIC, said his organisation envisions a world in which no civilian is harmed in conflict.

The country representative of CIVIC in Nigeria, Benson Olugbuo, said previous regimes promised to address insecurity in the North-east, but too little of these promises have been translated into concrete actions.

Mr Olugbuo, however, expressed optimism that President Tinubus appointment of new service chiefs provides an opportunity for a reset in charting a new course for a safe and secure Nigeria.

 a holistic planning towards ending these conflicts depends on a plan that centers around the protection and well-being of communities, Mr Olugbuo recommended.

In a goodwill message, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, decried the challenges of gender-based violence, abduction and recruitment of child soldiers faced by victims of conflicts.

Represented by Jamila Ade, Mrs Jeddy-Agba said a response unit to tackle sexual and gender based violence had been established at the Justice Ministry in Abuja.

A solution room was created to promote access to justice for child survivors of sexual violence, she revealed.

(NAN)

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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his wife with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his wife enjoy coffee at Hanoi Book Street. (Source: VNA)

On July 22-23, the Malaysian press and media gave a very positive assessment of the official visit of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his wife to Vietnam.

Bernama news agency quickly updated information as well as photos of the visit.

Major Malaysian newspapers such as New Straits Times, The Star, Malaysia Mail or Malaysia Today all have front-page articles with prominent headlines along with friendly images between Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at Book Street, Hanoi.

The New Straits Times published an article titled Five Decades of Diplomatic Relations: Prime Minister Anwar seeks better ties from Vietnam, while The Star newspaper published many articles with headlines such as "Prime Minister Anwar's visit to Vietnam aims to strengthen ties and expand cooperation"; "Prime Minister Anwar: Malaysia can learn from Vietnam about the country's development experience"; and "Vietnam rolls out the red carpet to welcome Prime Minister Anwar."

Some other major newspapers had the headline: Prime Minister Anwar: Vietnam is a close friend of Malaysia, a country with an admirable recovery speed.

On his personal Facebook page, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his appreciation for Vietnam's warm and respectful welcome to him personally and the high-ranking delegation of Malaysia.

He assessed that the visit had brought positive results and expressed his hope that the two countries would continue to strengthen cooperation for the benefit of both countries.

The status line also mentioned the meeting with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, including the exchange of views on the issue of anti-corruption. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that there should be a coordination between the authorities of the two countries in this field.

During a conversation with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, along with beautiful photos on his personal page, he wrote: "I noticed many positive things after meeting with my counterpart and I felt the enthusiasm from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries, especially in the fields of investment and trade, agriculture, defense and security, as well as the halal industry."

He wrote: My counterpart and I also shared about international, regional and ASEAN issues. We see a lot of consensus."

Meanwhile, on his personal Facebook page, Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Mr. Utama Zafrul shared his impressive first morning in Hanoi when he went for a 30-minute jog at West Lake.

Minister Zafrul also shared a photo of drinking coffee at Book Street with Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir and Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet with the status line expressing satisfaction and excitement: "Sometimes we just need to sit together like this and the story is solved without the need for meetings in the hall," and commented that Vietnamese coffee is delicious.

On his personal page, he also affirmed that the space for economic cooperation and investment between the two countries is still very large./.
Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun, has revealed why President Bola Tinubu hurriedly announced the end to fuel subsidy in Nigeria.

Mr Abiodun said this was because the president knew Nigerians would take adverse advantage of the process if prolonged.

The governor said this after meeting former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta on Tuesday.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the meeting started around 11:58 a.m. at the private residence of the Obasanjo Presidential Library.

It would be recalled that the current president, Mr Tinubu, who was the candidate of the APC, defeated Mr Obasanjos preferred candidate, Peter Obi, of the Labour Party, and other candidates in the 25th February election.

Despite their political differences, Mr Obasanjo has a father-to-son relationship with the governor.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Mr Abiodun said, People have questioned why didnt President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wait till measures were in place before implementing this policy.

The truth is that we know ourselves; we are Nigerians. Ince a terminal for subsidy is announced, we will continue to take adverse advantages of that process. So it was not a bad idea to bite the bullet and begin to deal with it.

President Tinubu announced the removal of the petrol subsidy in his inaugural address on 29 May.

The governor refused to disclose the purpose of his meeting with the former president to journalists.

It is a private meeting. A son does not have to have any particular reason to come and see his father, so I have come to see our baba, and it is a private meeting, Mr Abiodun said.

The governor, while speaking on fuel subsidy removal, lamented that Nigeria lost N4 trillion annually to the subsidy regime, insisting that there was no better time to remove the subsidy than now.

He added, We all know that President Bola Ahmed Tinubus administration started with a bang. On the 29th of May, he reeled out a few initiatives. One of the most laudable of those initiatives was his decision to remove subsidy on petroleum products.

As controversial as that initiative has been, no one can deny the fact that it was a very welcome initiative. That was a subsidy that Nigeria could no longer afford; it was a subsidy that was not in the budget beyond June 2023.

More importantly, it was costing Nigeria about N4 trillion per annum, N4 trillion that Nigeria did not have, that we have had to borrow, that could be better expended to other uses that the common man can feel, so it was a very right decision.

Of course, it was a decision that also came with a bit of pain, but like they say, there is no gain without some pain, Mr Abiodun added.

He appealed to Nigerians to endure the hardship of increasing fuel prices, saying the benefits of subsidy removal outweigh the pain.

Palliative

On the efforts put in place to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal, the governor said his administration had rolled out a series of palliatives for civil servants, pensioners and the people of the state.

The palliatives, he said, include the approval for the payment of N10,000 cash for each public servant and pensioner in the state.

He said the implementation of the policy took effect from 1st July.

What you saw us announce for implementation in Ogun State yesterday (Monday) are part of the initiatives that the federal government has designed for implementation at the various state levels.

What we have just done is to immediately begin that implementation because as soon the president announced deregulation, we had sat down with members of our labour unions  TUC, NLC and the JNC to discuss the different options that will be acceptable for all of us. So that allowed us to be able to fast-track our own policies.

We believe that these initiatives should immediately ameliorate the pain our people are feeling, and I am sure that you will see that other state governments are doing the same.

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The conflict in Sudan follows a worrying trend of parties in conflict taking insufficient precautions to prevent and reduce civilian harm, and instead shirking their responsibilities by playing the collateral damage card. The most recent armed conflicts from Ethiopia to Ukraine, Myanmar, Yemen, and Syria, have shown how state and non-state armed actors are failing to safeguard civilians from harm as required by international humanitarian law.

Sudan has now become the latest hotspot for various forms of violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Saying that civilians have borne the brunt of this new armed conflict may sound familiar. Yet, warring parties in Sudan have demonstrated an appalling neglect of their obligations, the primary one being to avoid targeting civilians.

The conflict in Sudan follows a worrying trend of parties in conflict taking insufficient precautions to prevent and reduce civilian harm, and instead shirking their responsibilities by playing the collateral damage card. The most recent armed conflicts from Ethiopia to Ukraine, Myanmar, Yemen, and Syria, have shown how state and non-state armed actors are failing to safeguard civilians from harm as required by international humanitarian law. As a result, civilians account now for nearly 90% of causalities in armed conflict. This means that the number of civilians injured and killed in armed conflict tends to be higher than the number of deaths among combattants.

This alarming trend has been compounded by a lack of accountability, perpetuating a cycle of impunity that parties of the conflict have become adept at exploiting.

More than battlefield statistics, civilians are individuals with families, dreams, and hopes. They must be protected.

The Winner-Takes-All Mentality in Sudan

In Sudan, fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has grown in intensity since 15 April, causing massive displacement, significant civilian casualties, and triggering a humanitarian catastrophe. Both sides of the conflict have shown little regard for negotiated ceasefires, instead they seem intent on securing a winner-takes-all victory by any means, without regard for women and children who bear no arms.

Warring parties are also accused of perpetrating conflict-related sexual violence, primarily against women and girls. Some of the victims were as young as 12 years old. There have also been reports of looting, and the burning of homes and displacement camps. According to observers and members of the Sudanese diaspora, an ethnic cleansing may be underway in West Darfur

First, parties to the conflict appear to be deliberately targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. Scenes of horror have unfolded in El Geneina, West Darfur, where women, men, and children have been killed primarily because of their ethnicity. Last week, the UN confirmed that at least 87 people, including women and children, were buried in a mass grave outside El Geneina. Last month, Sudanese refugees who fled to Chad also gave chilling accounts of members of RSF and local militias directly shooting at civilians as they tried to flee. While it is difficult to know the exact death toll, Sudans Professional Pharmacist Association reported that at least 11,100 people have been killed in El Geneina alone since the fighting erupted at the end of April.

Warring parties are also accused of perpetrating conflict-related sexual violence, primarily against women and girls. Some of the victims were as young as 12 years old. There have also been reports of looting, and the burning of homes and displacement camps. According to observers and members of the Sudanese diaspora, an ethnic cleansing may be underway in West Darfur, and if left unaddressed, the world may witness a repeat of the 2003 genocide.

Second, warring parties have established bases in civilian facilities, such as hospitals, and taken cover in civilian buildings, increasing the risk of civilians being targeted. For instance, RSF fighters have turned residential areas into battlefields, exposing residents to deadly harm. To the extent feasible, warring parties must avoid deploying in or near densely populated areas and should remove civilians from the vicinity of military objectives.

Third, warring parties in Sudan have regularly used explosive weapons with wide area effects  tanks, artillery, rockets, and air-delivered munitions  in crowded cities and towns, including the capital Khartoum, and El Geneina. The use of such weapons has caused widespread devastation of infrastructure critical for access to electricity, water, and medical care. Dozens of hospitals have been damaged since the start of the conflict, depriving the population of access to lifesaving care. SAF have regularly carried out airstrikes in the capital, hitting civilian buildings and infrastructure, and killing civilians. Earlier this month, at least 22 people were killed in an airstrike in the Dar es Salaam neighbourhood. Last month, at least two airstrikes on a market and a residential area killed eight and 17 civilians respectively, including several children. Rather than being anomalies, these cases are indicative of a systematic failure by the parties to adopt measures to protect civilians. These forces must be reminded that failing to do so can amount to war crimes.

The genocide in Darfur in 2003 should serve as a lesson. Allowing those who perpetrated civilian harm to walk free, runs the risk of allowing a new round of horrors and atrocities to be committed again in the future. The conflict in Sudan is a stark reminder that when civilian lives are brazenly disregarded, the world must take action to protect them.

Fourth, humanitarian organisations have been regularly targeted by warring parties. At least 28 aid and health workers have been killed since the fighting started on 15 April. Humanitarian warehouses, offices, and assets have been frequently attacked, forcing several aid organisations to suspend or limit their work in the most affected areas. As a result, people in need of assistance have been deprived of relief and medical care. Until today, access to humanitarian aid to West Darfur has been severely hindered, which may result in a significant number of indirect deaths of civilians.

These events occurred as warring parties violated one ceasefire after another, showing little willingness to stop the bloodshed. Peace talks were eventually suspended last month as both sides kept fighting. While it is critical to bring parties to the conflict to agree to a long-term ceasefire, to abide by the Jeddah Declaration to protect civilians, and to create the conditions that will pave the way for a peaceful resolution, those who killed, injured, abused, raped, and kidnapped civilians will need to be held accountable. The ICCs announcement last week to open a probe into the recent atrocities perpetrated in Darfur underscores the urgency for action and the need for all international and regional actors to cooperate with the Court to hold all perpetrators of crimes accountable. It is an opportunity to not repeat the same mistake of the past.

The genocide in Darfur in 2003 should serve as a lesson. Allowing those who perpetrated civilian harm to walk free, runs the risk of allowing a new round of horrors and atrocities to be committed again in the future. The conflict in Sudan is a stark reminder that when civilian lives are brazenly disregarded, the world must take action to protect them.

Udo Jude Ilo is the Interim Executive Director at the Center for Civilians in Conflict.

This piece was first published on Inkstick.

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By choosing to be a symbol of peace and reconciliation, Mandela became a figure who transcended all the fault lines in South Africa, Africa and even the world. This is the missing link in Nigeria today in its arduous journey to nationhood. There is no individual or group that commands legitimacy across the countrys fault lines and is therefore capable of resolving the conflicts resulting from inter-group interactions amicably.

18 July of every year, which is Nelson Mandelas birthday, is celebrated across the world as Mandela Day. It should be recalled that the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared in November 2009, that 18 July of every year should be commemorated as Mandela International Day, in recognition of the contributions of the late South African president to the culture of global peace. The Mandela Day is essentially aimed at honouring the late anti-Apartheid activists lifelong commitment to social justice, reconciliation, and human rights. The day also encourages individuals and communities worldwide to engage in acts of service that will make a positive impact in their communities. In December 2015, the UNGA extended the scope of the Mandela Day to also include promoting humane conditions of imprisonment, raising awareness about prisoners being a continuous part of society, and valuing the work of prison staff as a social service of particular importance. The UNGA adopted the revised UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and approved that these should be known as the Nelson Mandela Rules.

Born in 1918 in the village of Mvezo, Mandela was given the forename, Rolihlahla, which literarily translates as troublemaker. Some say he lived up to the name because as an undergraduate at the University of Fort Hare, he was suspended for joining a protest boycott. Mandela later studied law at the University of Witwatersrand and soon became involved in the anti-apartheid movement, African National Congress (ANC), which led to his being arrested several times, culminating in life imprisonment in 1962. During his years in prison, Mandela was seen as the symbol for the struggle against racial oppression in South Africa and one of the most influential leaders in the anti-apartheid movement.

Although he dedicated his life to the struggle for the freedom of South Africans, he also had the wisdom to recognise that non-violence and negotiations were the most efficient path in the fight to end apartheid.

In 1993, Mandela received the Nobel Peace Prize. As the first black South African to serve as the countrys president, Mandela spent his years in office (1994  1997) promoting the transformation of the country into a rainbow nation founded on the promotion of reconciliation. As president, he was neither corrupt nor tyrannical. He was rather seen as a symbol of decency and reconciliation.

The United Nations General Assembly marked this years Mandela Day with an informal plenary meeting. The Speakers were Csaba Korosi, president of the 77th session of the General Assembly; Antonio Guterres, UN secretary-general; and Andrew Young, a politician, activist, and former permanent representative of the United States to the United Nations. In his speech during the plenary, Csaba Korosi, remarked that:

In times of turbulence and uncertainty, there might be little room for idealism. But we need ideals, in both sense of the word. Meaning, on the one hand, standards of perfection and, on the other hand, people we can respect. Role models, if you wish, men and women who influence others by serving as an example. Let us follow Madiba in embracing the power of resistance to oppression, justice over inequality, dignity over humiliation, and forgiveness over hatred.

Mandela chose to embrace all, including the Whites who promoted Apartheid and imprisoned him for 27 years  to the consternation of many Blacks who fought the Apartheid system and itched for revenge. He eschewed any temptation to privilege his Xhosa ethnic group and instead set out deliberately to support the construction of a rainbow nation.

In commemorating this years Mandela International Day in Asaba, Delta State, Nigerias Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, urged Nigerians to strive to be like Mandela, rather than just celebrating him. Soyinka, who was the special guest of honour at the occasion, was quoted as saying that there are many Mandelas among us. We should do everything to free them and celebrate them wherever they are to save the coming generation.

What can we all learn from the life of Mandela?

One, our leaders can learn that the key responsibility for driving a reconciliation process in any polarised and fractious society lies with them. Since the leader of such a fractious society necessarily belongs to one of the fault lines or contending blocs in such a society, he or she has to make an early choice whether to deliberately transcend the extant fault lines (at the risk of displeasing his or her own people in the short term) or politicise those fault lines by cultivating some and alienating others in a bid to entrench himself or herself in power. Mandela chose to embrace all, including the Whites who promoted Apartheid and imprisoned him for 27 years  to the consternation of many Blacks who fought the Apartheid system and itched for revenge. He eschewed any temptation to privilege his Xhosa ethnic group and instead set out deliberately to support the construction of a rainbow nation.

In Nigeria, one of the causes of the anarchic nature of the struggle for power, especially at the federal level, is the fear that the group that wins power will use it to privilege its in-group and disadvantage others. The actions of some of the countrys leaders since 1999, especially the Buhari government, seem to justify these fears.

When he was sworn in as post-apartheid South Africas first democratically elected president in 1994, many Black hardliners wanted justice for the sins of apartheid, while many White people were apprehensive of their fate under Black majority rule. Mandela opted to champion reconciliation among the countrys fractious population, espousing the principles of nation-building and co-operative governance.

Two, Mandela was a synonym for reconciliation. Jailed for 27 years for his opposition to apartheid, he came out of prison in 1990 expressing no bitterness towards those who deprived him of almost three decades of his life. When he was sworn in as post-apartheid South Africas first democratically elected president in 1994, many Black hardliners wanted justice for the sins of apartheid, while many White people were apprehensive of their fate under Black majority rule. Mandela opted to champion reconciliation among the countrys fractious population, espousing the principles of nation-building and co-operative governance.

When he set up the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 1995, the emphasis was on reconciliation, in sharp contrast to the approach taken by the Nuremberg Trials and other de-Nazification measures. Even before he became president in 1994, Mandela had chosen to be a reconciler. A clear demonstration of this was in 1993 when a White right winger murdered Chris Hani (at the time arguably the ANCs most popular leader after Mandela). Many Black South Africans simply wanted war. But Mandela thought otherwise. In one of his most impassioned speeches, Mandela declared: Tonight I am reaching out to every single South African, black and white, from the very depths of my being. A white man, full of prejudice and hate, came to our country and committed a deed so foul that our whole nation now teeters on the brink of disaster. A white woman, of Afrikaner origin, risked her life so that we may know, and bring to justice this assassin. Mandela promoted politics without bitterness  in deed, not just in rhetoric.

Three, Mandelas greatest legacy was his uncanny ability to steer South Africa through the crisis of its rebirth. Though South Africa still remains a divided country, it would certainly have been worse without Mandela. By choosing to be a symbol of peace and reconciliation, Mandela became a figure who transcended all the fault lines in South Africa, Africa and even the world. This is the missing link in Nigeria today in its arduous journey to nationhood. There is no individual or group that commands legitimacy across the countrys fault lines and is therefore capable of resolving the conflicts resulting from inter-group interactions amicably. Distrust is very entrenched and quite often just a persons name makes the person a suspect on which side the person is likely to be in the various contestations in the country.

By the time Mandela died on 2 December, 2013, he had become one of the greatest moral authorities in the world.

Jideofor Adibe is a professor of Political Science and International Relations at Nasarawa State University, Keffi and Extraordinary Professor of Government Studies at North Western University, Mafikeng South Africa. He is also the founder of Adonis & Abbey Publishers and can be reached at 0705 807 8841 (Text or WhatsApp only).

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The Lamido of Adamawa, Dr. Muhammadu Mustapha, has commended the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on a range of its telecom consumer protection initiatives, including the recent Village Square Dialogue (VSD), which held at the weekend in Yola, Adamawa State.

The Lamido Adamawa made the commendation at the Consumer Conversation programme of the Commission with the theme: Know Your Rights as Telecom Consumers in Yola. The royal father who was represented by the Kakakin Adamawa, Abubakar Tahir, a professor, said the event marked a privilege for individual telecom consumers and businesses in the state to ask questions and get face-to-face responses from the regulator on telecom-related issues.

We must commend the NCC for the great work it has been doing in the area of consumer education and enlightenment. Aside from being the regulator of the sector, the NCC leadership has taken the issue of consumer information very central; and we thank you for bringing this laudable initiative to the good people of Adamawa, he said.

The traditional ruler advised the Commission to also consider exploring other areas that can lead to further reduction in the cost of telecom services and to ensure that services are available in most parts of the country.

The Commission should kindly look inwards and ensure that all communities in the country continue to enjoy cheaper, better, qualitative and more accessible telecommunications services, he said.

NCCs Director of Consumer Affairs, Alkasim Umar, who represented the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said the regulator has always been at the forefront of ensuring maximum protection for telecom consumers while providing the enabling environment for the licensed service providers to be able to provide good quality of service to the consumers.

The NCC remains committed to its mandate of protecting, informing and educating consumers of telecoms services across all the 36 states of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This essence of the Village Square Dialogue, as one of our outreach events, is to provide a face-to-face interaction among the NCC, the service providers and the consumers, Umar said.

Speaking on some of the consumer-centric initiatives of the Commission, Umar said the Commission recently introduced the harmonized shortcodes which provide uniform codes for telecom consumers to access any consumer service type across all networks, either for airtime loading, checking airtime balance, call centres, data plan balance, and so on.

He also reminded the consumers of the availability of the NCC Toll-Free Number, 622, which consumers can use to make complaints to the Commission on any telecom service-related issues they may be having with their service providers; the 112 Emergency Number to seek succour during emergencies, as well as the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) 2442 Short Code to block unsolicited messages.

Information and education are key to the empowerment of telecom consumers. The protection of the rights and interests of telecom consumers is one of the mandates of the Commission, as enshrined in the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003. When telecom consumers are duly informed and educated, they are protected against the unfair practices by the service providers, Umar said.

Speaking further, Umar said everything in the current digital world revolves around telecommunications services and that educating consumers plays an important role in informing them, clarifying issues, and empowering them through information and enlightenment.

So, it is a great decision which will sensitize the people about their rights, their privileges and the expectations they have about the telecom businesses in the country, he added.

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With 90% of the local population lacking the full range of access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in Nigeria, Dettol, Harpic, and Mortein manufacturer Reckitt has launched the Fight for Access Accelerator, which offers social businesses who are tackling access to WASH with the chance to scale their solutions through knowledge transfer and seed funding of 6,300,000 Naira each.

Considering that only 8% of Nigerians practise proper handwashing and over 23% still practise open defecation, the aim of the Fight for Access Accelerator programme is to identify and scale grassroots solutions in WASH that offer:

 Information, community management & behavioural change

 Innovation & decentralisation to the current system

With a rapidly growing population estimated to reach 262 million by 2030, creating access to WASH for Nigerians needs to be addressed at various levels, and action needs to start now.

Fortunately, the Fight for Access Accelerator, which is designed and delivered by Yunus Social Business, makes use of a multi-stakeholder approach: this enables not only social businesses and corporations to work together but invites local government, industry experts, and NGOs to play a role as well.

Speaking about the programme and its significance for Nigerian entrepreneurs and the local WASH ecosystem, General Manager of Reckitt in Sub Saharan Africa, Akbar Ali Shah, stated Traditional models for scaling access to hygiene and healthcare to reach SDGs 3 and 6 have shown to be insufficient, and with this brings the need to change the way were supporting communities. At Reckitt, we understand the power of business to change the

world for the better, and we know we can have the most impact when we act as a catalyst for innovation. Thats why we are accelerating access to health and hygiene for millions of Nigerians by catalysing social entrepreneurship.

He continued Social enterprises have the potential to solve real problems in real time, harnessing the power and efficiencies of business  but delivering impact for a social purpose. With our entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with our peoples passion to do the right thing, we can provide the support to help these young businesses thrive  accelerating growth, achieving scale to reach more people, and have a greater social impact.

In sum, social entrepreneurs that are selected to be part of Fight for Access Accelerator in Nigeria can expect to receive:

1. Tailored support & capacity-building: mentorship and practical guidance from Reckitt experts and industry professionals who offer support in various areas of WASH and impact. Workshops and masterclasses cover topics like leadership, investor readiness, and impact measurement & management.

2. Network access: Alongside getting to meet fellow social entrepreneurs in the WASH sector, participants get to expand their network with local industry experts and Reckitt brand leads, all of whom represent opportunities to collaborate and create a systems- based approach to fighting for access to WASH. The social entrepreneurs in the

Fight for Access accelerators in Brazil and South Africa for example, had an average increase of 32 new industry contacts through the program.

3. Seed funding: Every social business that completes the programmewill receive seed funding of 6,300,000 Naira.

Applications are being accepted until 7 August. This is an opportunity for local social entrepreneurs to contribute to the positive development of the country by scaling their solutions  spread the word and send in your applications by completing the application form here!

Submissions must meet the following criteria to be considered eligible:

 The ability to provide evidence-based solutions and impact

 A detailed, outlined business model that demonstrates the scalability and replicability of the venture

 A qualified and diverse entrepreneurial team

 A connection or potential to develop a link to Reckitts purpose and/or value chain

For any inquiries or further information, please visit the website or contact via email at ffa@yunussb.com or on

WhatsApp at +234 9166415407.

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The actual construction of a low-cost manufacturing hub for equipment components and spare parts used in the oil and gas industry will start in Ondo State soonest, according to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

Located at Ilaje, Ilaje Local Government Area of the State, the facility is one of six being built in different parts of the country under NCDMBs Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme (NOGAPS) in furtherance of its corporate mandate to develop in-country capacity in the oil and gas industry. NOGAPS, at Odukpani, Cross River State, and at Emeyal 1, Bayelsa State, are at 99 per cent completion.

NCDMBs Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Akintunde Adelana, told a gathering of top government functionaries, including Ondo State Acting Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, industrialists and investors as well as representatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU), that the agency was conceived to provide a springboard to galvanise different sectors of the Nigerian economy.

He remarked that the oil and gas industrial parks, developed by the Board in conjunction with Shell Petroleum Development Company, ExxonMobil and Nigerian Agip Oil Company (with particular reference to NOGAPS, Emeyal 1 and NOGAPS, Odukpani) consist of manufacturing shop floors and factories, warehouses, training centres, mini estates, fire stations, truck parking and holding spaces, hostels and administrative blocks. They are intended to eliminate importation of equipment components and spares required in oil industry operations.

Speaking on Day 1 of the ongoing Develop Ondo 2.0 Investment Summit, in Akure, the state capital, Adelana stated that in line with the core mandate of the Board, which revolves around domesticating and domiciling value-adding activities in the oil and gas industry, regulations on utilisation of home-grown resources, that is, local manpower, technical services of indigenous firms, goods manufactured locally as well as raw materials available in the country, have been rigorously enforced.

With specific reference to Ondo State, he emphasised that NCDMB wants to align with the State Government, support the State to ensure that her dreams and aspirations come to reality. He said Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centres have been built in parts of the State to facilitate digital education and thus equip the youth with appropriate skills for gainful employment and self-development.

On the Boards role in facilitating access to energy, Adelana, who represented the Boards Executive Secretary, Mr Simbi Kesiye Wabote, said an effective way of doing it is by building capacities. He said that was what NCDMB has done consistently since its creation in 2010 through trainings for manpower development, equity participation in companies like Waltersmith Modular Refineries, blending plants and cylinder manufacturing companies, as well as strategic interventions in funding to indigenous companies through the Nigeria Content Development Fund, and sundry initiatives.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Acting Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, expressed appreciation to the Local Organising Committee of the Summit, esteemed international partners, being the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and European Union (EU), for their invaluable contribution and support, industrialists and investors as well as sponsors, namely, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Toyota, JETOUR and Green Energy.

He assured industrialists and prospective investors that Ondo is resource-rich and investment-friendly, noting that the Develop Ondo 2.0 Investment Summit aims to attract US$2 billion investment to the State. Recalling successes attained since the earlier edition tagged Develop Ondo 1.0 Investment Summit, he said, 2.0 symbolises our drive for continuous improvement and innovation, adding that the State is on the cusp of a remarkable industrial revolution.

He drew attention to investment opportunities in the ongoing development of an inland gas corridor, Port Ondo Project, and the Ondo Industrial City, which is envisaged to have a free trade zone status.

The NDDC, which is Platinum Sponsor of the Summit, assured the Government of Ondo State of its continued support in its development efforts. The Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, also noted that the Niger Delta would need to plan ahead for a life without revenues from oil as international oil companies are steadily divesting from Nigeria. According to him, NDDC is looking beyond oil, noting that if present-day leaders failed to plan and utilise resources judiciously, future generations would demand explanation.

Emphasising the depth of his conviction on the need for collaboration with stakeholders, he said, I will ensure my Commission is always on the same page with our Governments on development matters. He assured that Budget 2024 of the Commission would be prepared with participation of all state governments within the areas covered by its mandate to ensure that only projects that matter to the people are captured.

Other speakers at the three-day Summit with the theme Developing Possibilities include Mr Razaq Obe, Ondo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources/Chairman, Organising Committee; Mr. Ruben Alba Aguilera, Acting Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the EU to Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Ms. Fati Attahiru, Deputy Resident Representative  Operations, A.I./UNDP Nigeria. The Summit will end on Wednesday, 26 July.

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The former minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Umana, has warned blackmailers to leave him alone.

Mr Umana, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Iboro Otongaran, said there have been an orchestrated campaign of calumny targeted at him in the last one week because of ministerial appointments in President Bola Tinubus administration.

My position is that blackmailers, those who fabricate stories and those who peddle false stories to malign me because they want ministerial appointment, should leave me alone.

They ought to know that the appointment of ministers is the sole prerogative of the President, the statement quoted Mr Umana as saying.

A fake letter by a faceless group which pretended as if it was working in Mr Umanas favour regarding who should be appointed a minister was circulated on Facebook recently, and from there a few members of the APC in Akwa Ibom began attacking the former minister.

This happened despite Mr Umanas disclaimer on the group and the content of the letter which was addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

It should be noted that when a group under the name of Akwa Ibom APC Renaissance issued a false flag write-up last week upon which all the subsequent vitriolic publications have derived their justification, Umana saw through their ill-intent and issued a prompt disclaimer.

Umana stands by the letters and spirit of that disclaimer, Mr Otongaran said in the latest statement.

A PREMIUM TIMES reporter investigated the origin of the fake letter and found out that it was authored and pushed into the social media apparently with the intention to attack Mr Umanas credibility before President Tinubu and the APC national leadership because of the race for ministerial appointments.

Apart from Mr Umana, a former presidential aide, Ita Enang; the 2023 APC governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom, Akan Udofia, and a former commissioner in the state, Victor Atai, are among those in the state reportedly interested in becoming Mr Tinubus ministers.

President Tinubu has till Friday, 28 July, to constitute his cabinet, going by Nigerias constitution.

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Ondo State is in mourning over the death of more than a dozen people in a petrol tanker explosion that occurred on Sunday evening.

A pregnant woman, three children and 15 others were reportedly burnt to death in the incident. It happened on Showboy Road, opposite Optima Filling Station in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

Eyewitnesses said the tanker had fallen into a ditch after the driver lost control. As the content gushed out, many residents and passers rushed over with buckets and jerry cans to scoop fuel.

According to a report by Nigerian Tribune newspaper, a fire which started when the petrol trickled into a kitchen in a nearby house, ignited the fatal explosion.

Explaining how the incident occurred, a resident of the area, Tijani Diekola, is quited in the report: What actually happened was that the fuel started spilling into a stream in the area, while the residents continued to scoop it with buckets and kegs.

Unfortunately, a woman was cooking in her kitchen when the inflammable product on the water caught fire, burning the woman to death, while the fire travelled back to the tanker.

A pregnant woman crossing the stream with three other minors was caught in the river, and all were burnt beyond recognition with the cash she was holding.

No one could move to rescue them because of the intensity of the fire. Some other people who were close to the tanker were also badly affected. Their remains were packed this morning, Mr Diekola said.

A survivor of the incident, Auwalu Saliu, told the newspaper that he fled the scene when he heard a loud explosion from the said kitchen about 200 metres away.

However, he said many other people were too busy scooping fuel to pay attention to the explosion until the fire engulfed them.

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I am an okada rider. The tanker fell at about 4:30pm and I joined other people to rush to the scene where I met many people scooping fuel. I joined them after the rain stopped.

I parked my motorcycle and came down, and after some time, we heard a loud explosion and the fire moved through the water. There was another loud explosion, and before we knew what was happening, the whole place was in flames.

We ran away from the tanker. We were over 100 scooping the fuel directly from the tanker. I also joined them to run away. Some people who were trying to run away with their scooped fuel were caught by the fire.

Many more people would have died if the fire had started from the tanker, but it started within the residential area where a woman was said to be cooking. The woman died instantly.

Another resident told PREMIUM TIMES that he was in a church nearby when the explosion occured.

We were inside the church when we heard that tanker fell, he said.

The rain was also falling and people were taking fuel.

Three children died and we have counted over 15 bodies. A pregnant woman that wanted to buy the fuel also died. The money is still with her.

The Ondo State government, in a statement on Monday signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, led in mourning the victims of the incident.

With deep regrets and sadness, we mourn the tragic death of our fellow citizens in an explosion from a fuel-laden tanker in Ore, in Odigbo Local Government Area.

The government and people of the state are devastated by this unfortunate tragedy, which is not only gripping, but mind-numbing. It is a tragedy that should not have occurred. Our hearts go out to the victims of the fuel tanker explosion and their families.

This is a most horrendous way to die. We are shocked and traumatised as we express the depth of our grief for the victims of the explosion.

The state will reach out to the victims families. Whatever circumstances that led to this unfortunate incident must be discouraged.

This is one tragedy too many and it is our joint responsibility to ensure this does not happen again. May God grant repose to the souls of the departed and succour to their families.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state also lamented the tragedy.

The loss of lives in Ore, Odigbo Local Government area of Ondo State on Sunday, came to us as a terribly shocking news. It was an unfortunate and lamentable occurrence, Alex Kalejaiye, the party spokesperson, said in a statement on Monday.

The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) mourns the untimely but avoidable death of the victims. It was a painfully touching scene.

The party urges Nigerians to be more careful with explosive items, no matter the level of temptation. Petroleum products give no notice before explosion.

Times are hard, no doubts, but we are very certain that the situation will begin to relax very soon. We need to stay safe, and in good health to keep hope alive.

We deeply sympathise with the bereaved families, friends, and the Ore community. We pray God to comfort them. May the souls of the victims rest in peace.

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The federal high court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday granted bail to the suspended CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like sum.

In his ruling, the judge, Nicholas Oweibo, said the charges against the defendant were bailable.

Mr Emefiele, through this lawyer, Joseph Daudu, had moved his bail application before the judge.

He had earlier pleaded during the hearing not guilty to two counts of illegal possession of firearms and live ammunition.

The SSS arrested Mr Emefiele at his home in Lagos on 10 June and immediately flew him to Abuja to face interrogation.

He was brought to the federal court on Tuesday at 9:21 a.m. by officers of the State Security Service (SSS).

Bail conditions

The court said that the surety must have landed property within the court jurisdiction and must be deposed to an affidavit of means.

The surety must be the owner of landed property within the jurisdiction of the court, who must not be less than level 16 in the Nigerian civil service, the judge said.

The defendant must deposit his international passport with the court.

The judge remanded the defendant in prison custody pending the perfection of his bail as against the request of the prosecution that Mr Emefiele should be remanded in DSS custody for further investigation

An hour after the bail pronouncement, over 15 operatives of the SSS remained at the courtroom entrance. Mr Emefiele was yet to step out of the courtroom as of the time of filing this report.

Bail application

Earlier in the hearing, Mr Daudu, a senior lawyer, had urged the court to grant bail to his client on self-recognisance or other liberal terms, pending the hearing and determination of the trial.

There is no counter affidavit from the federal government. This is an unopposed application. He is a renowned banker and can only stay at his house. He cant travel anywhere, he told the court.

But the deputy director of prosecutions at the office of the attorney general of the federation, Nkiru Jones-Nebo, opposed the application saying that the prosecution had not been given time to respond.

In the spirit of fair hearing enshrined in the constitution, Ms Jones added that they had information that the defendants refusal to hand in his passport suggests his capacity to evade and abscond from his trial.

As the governor of the CBN, he is a powerful man and can intimidate the witnesses. Granting him bail will intimidate the prosecution witnesses who have come forward to give evidence. He can evade trial based on his antecedents. We urge the court to dismiss the bail application.

But the court had rejected the federal governments claim that it had not received a copy of the bail application filed by Mr Emefiele in his alleged gun possession trial.

Justice Oweibo held that there was evidence that the government was served.

Mr Emefiele is standing trial on a two-count charge, which accuses him of possessing a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a licence on June 15 at Ikoyi.

The federal government said the offence is contrary to Section 4 of the Firearms Act, 2004, and punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.

In the second count, the suspended CBN governor was accused of having in his possession 123 rounds of live ammunition (cartridges) without a licence, which is contrary to Section 8 of the Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.

He pleaded not guilty to both counts and the court adjourned the case to 14 November for trial.

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Officials of two federal agencies on Tuesday engaged in fisticuffs over the custody of the suspended CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele.

The fight occurred at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, where Mr Emefiele earlier appeared before a judge and was granted bail.

Armed operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) and those of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) fought within the court premises, with their hands, over who would take custody of the suspended bank chief.

While the prison officials argued that Mr Emefiele should be in their custody pending when he meets his bail condition, SSS officials said they had a separate court order to rearrest him, whether or not he met his bail conditions.

The violence happened about three hours after the court granted Mr Emefiele N20 million bail and one surety in like sum.

The judge, Nicholas Oweibo, had ordered that Mr Emefiele pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions be remanded in the custody of the Correctional Service.

More details later

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Wang Yi (2nd R), director of the Office of the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, meets with Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim (2nd L), chief advisor of the Presidency of Brazil, in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong)

JOHANNESBURG, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, met with Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim, chief advisor of the Presidency of Brazil, here on Monday.

China and Brazil, the biggest developing countries in the Eastern and Western hemispheres, share common strategic interests, Wang said.

China is willing to work with Brazil to deepen strategic mutual trust, expand strategic cooperation, and strengthen the alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Brazil's development strategies, such as reindustrialization and the growth acceleration program, Wang said.

China also stands ready to work with Brazil to further explore common interests and create growth drivers, making their relationship a model of solidarity and cooperation between emerging markets and developing countries, so as to jointly promote human development and progress, and strive to build a human community with a shared future, Wang said.

The BRICS mechanism has become the most representative platform for South-South cooperation and is facing a historical opportunity for development, Wang said.

BRICS is an acronym for five emerging economies -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Brazil, jointly promote BRICS cooperation to reflect the new reality and respond to the voices of all parties, keep pace with the times, make new progress, better safeguard the common interests of emerging markets and developing countries, and promote the multi-polarization and democracy in international relations, Wang said.

For his part, Amorim said China is an important strategic partner of Brazil, and all-round cooperation between the two countries has yielded fruitful results.

Brazil is willing to work with China to implement the consensus of leaders of the two countries, maintain close strategic communication and coordination, deepen pragmatic cooperation in aviation, automobile, advanced technology, green economy, climate change and other fields, and create multiplier effects, he said.

Brazil is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in multilateral frameworks such as BRICS, jointly uphold multilateralism and safeguard world peace, Amorim added.

The two sides also exchanged views on international issues of common concern.

Editor: WRX
TRIESEN, Liechtenstein, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- EdHeroes, a global network of education operators dedicated to improving access to quality education, proudly announces its latest initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration and addressing challenges in education globally. Started from family during the pandemic, expanded to various educational sectors: early childhood, literacy in rural sectors, ed-tech, innovation and more.

As the world envisions progress, EdHeroes serve as catalysts to empower individuals through education, connecting the dots of knowledge and igniting a light that fosters positive change.



In a momentous development, EdHeroes is delighted to participate at the AVPN Conference held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 21st 2023. Along with other participants, EdHeroes CEO Alina Baimen, who recently listed as Forbes Kazakhstan 30 under 30, speaks about the importance of collaborative philanthropy efforts to find solutions in tackling various challenges in education as well as to learn from collaborative philanthropy practitioners in Asia. "When collaborating, we are able to pull resources that otherwise wouldn't be available to only one person or one organization and we can amplify our impact significantly" Baimen said.

One of the highlights of this conference is a roundtable discussion that explored existing methods in catalyzing collaborative philanthropy efforts in the education sector across Asian countries. By delving into the power of collaboration and its role in addressing the scale and complexity of various issues, EdHeroes showcase the significance of collaboration in achieving holistic societal development. Furthermore, EdHeroes also explores existing solutions and novel approaches for organizations to work together.

Additionally, EdHeroes continues to expand its reach globally, recently establishing four new hubs in Nepal , Peru , Kazakhstan , and Cameroon . Previously, EdHeroes successfully established Indonesia and Myanmar hubs. These hubs serve as essential centers for educational initiatives, facilitating the delivery of quality education to underserved communities and contributing to the organization's mission of improving access to education worldwide.

EdHeroes remains dedicated to its core values of collaboration, personalized approaches, and equitable access to quality education. With a focus on opening access to quality education, the network strives to bring together stakeholders from various backgrounds to create a brighter future for all.

About EdHeroes: EdHeroes is a global network that committed to improving access to and the quality education for people of all ages, aims to create an equitable future for everyone.

As the world envisions progress, EdHeroes serve as catalysts to empower individuals through education, connecting the dots of knowledge and igniting a light that fosters positive change.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2159251/EdHeroes_Network.jpg

SOURCE EdHeroes Network
Grants will support organizations and projects designed to attract businesses and enhance the quality of life for Floridians

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation are investing $682,000 in grants to support 35 local economic development agencies and businesses dedicated to bringing new jobs and investment in Florida.

"By investing in the people, places and businesses that strengthen and uplift our communities, we are creating opportunities for years to come," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "Together with our state, regional and local economic development agencies, we will continue to power lives and fuel Florida's growth."

The economic development grants are designed to help local organizations increase awareness of a community or region's economic development strategies and product availability.

This year's funding will allow the University of Florida (UF Innovate|Accelerate) to identify and vet promising biotechnology businesses seeking to scale, with potential to relocate in the city of Gainesville and city of Alachua area.

"UF Innovate and Duke Energy have a shared commitment to the communities we serve," said Karl LaPan, director of UF Innovate|Accelerate. "Duke Energy's support will allow us to provide access to the tools, expertise and resources necessary for high-performance companies to reach their goals, create jobs and build a more thriving entrepreneurial community."

Another Duke Energy grant will allow the Florida Economic Development Council Foundation to formulate curriculum and program delivery for a year-round professional development program for individuals and organizations.

"Florida's economy continues to grow and expand," said Beth Cicchetti, executive director of the Florida Economic Development Council Foundation. "We are grateful for Duke Energy's continued support in helping the Florida Economic Development Council continue its strong support of business and economic development professionals throughout the state and improve the economic well-being for all Floridians."

A complete list of grant recipients and program details can be found here.

Duke Energy Florida

Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 10,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 1.9 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.

Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,600 people.

Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company has interim carbon emission targets of at least 50% reduction from electric generation by 2030, 50% for Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 upstream and downstream emissions by 2035, and 80% from electric generation by 2040. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2023 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "World's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Media contact: Audrey Stasko

Media line: 800.559.3853

Twitter: @DE_AudreyS

SOURCE Duke Energy
The Health Brand's Innovative Approach to Combination Drug Development Applies Precise Science to Proven Natural Efficacy

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The health world is often divided between powerfully precise synthetic Western drugs and ancient, often-inconsistent natural Eastern medicinal solutions. Sinoveda is a Canadian brand that is bringing these concepts of precision and nature together through an innovative approach to drug discovery.

"We differentiate ourselves by filling the quality gap of Eastern medicine with Western precision," explains Sinoveda co-founder Dr. Nuzhat Tam-Zaman. "We're using drug discovery to decode nature!"

Dr. Nuzhat's infectious excitement is apparent in her company's products. Many of Sinoveda's growing catalog of health products come from proven herbs with a historical record of efficacy. The company finds plant-based health solutions with a proven track record of use and success.

The Sinoveda R&D team then takes these traditional medicinal ingredients and combines this knowledge with its patented pharmaceutical platform technology (PPT). This uses AI and machine learning to identify novel ingredients with high efficacy and safety profiles. Rather than isolate these, as is the case with many modern approaches to medicine, Sinoveda mimics nature by developing combination therapies with synergistic benefits.

"Our unique approach integrates traditional wisdom with cutting-edge technology," says Dr. Nuzhat, "This has already led to the development of multiple exciting health products and has the potential to deliver many more promising new treatments."

As indicated by Dr. Nuzhat, the Sinoveda team is already applying its PPT technology to a number of natural medicinal solutions. Some of these are for small-yet-significant daily health concerns, such as the brand's botanically-based pain-relieving topical Proflexa . The formula is derived from seven different ancient Chinese herbal ingredients to deliver precise, effective results. The brand's calcium supplement, EffectiCal , is a preventative health tool that supports bone growth without upsetting the stomach or creating constipation.

Other Sinoveda products address bigger, pre-existing issues and concerns. For instance, the brand recently released a product in Hong Kong that has shown signs of effectively negating the effects of Long Covid . As Sinoveda continues to expand within the U.S. health and wellness market (which it entered for the first time last year), health-conscious American consumers can look forward to a steady flow of new health products from the Canadian health brand that is allowing them to safely and effectively address their health concerns right on the homefront.

About Sinoveda

The name "Sinoveda" is derived from Chinese and Bangladeshi, the two cultures of the company's founders, renowned pharmaceutical scientists and spouses Dr. Yun K. Tam and Dr. Nuzhat Tam-Zaman. Sinoveda was founded in 2006 and is based in Edmonton, Alberta. The health-science company utilizes its founders' 50-plus years of combined experience in drug development to focus on R&D and further pharmaceutical progress, primarily through its proprietary vanguard PPT (Pharmaceutical Platform Technology). Learn more at sinoveda.com .

Media Contact:

DR. NUZHAT TAM-ZAMAN, B.Pharm., M.Pharm., Ph.D.

Co-Founder & VP Consumer Health

O (780) 466-0086 | C (780) 264-0818

SOURCE Sinoveda
The New App Seamlessly Embeds Advanced Data Intelligence within the Stripe Dashboard

LONDON, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Able CDP, an innovator in customer data platforms, is proud to announce the launch of its app for Stripe revenue analytics. This pioneering tool equips businesses with in-depth insights into their Stripe revenue, conveniently embedded within the familiar Stripe Dashboard. Users can effortlessly access and leverage this powerful data intelligence at their fingertips, enabling informed, data-driven decisions with just a few clicks.

The Able CDP app for Stripe offers two key functionalities: comprehensive revenue attribution and detailed customer journey mapping. Revenue attribution provides users with granular visibility into the sources contributing to their Stripe revenue. The app attributes Stripe conversions to specific marketing sources, campaigns, or landing pages, enriching the native Stripe Dashboard with advanced data analytics.

Simultaneously, the app provides quick access to intricate customer journey maps, highlighting each customer's interaction from the point of origin to post-purchase engagement. This critical information, conveniently accessible from the Stripe Dashboard, enables businesses to refine their marketing strategies and foster enhanced customer relationships.

Able CDP Founder and CEO, Paul Titov, articulates the significance of this innovative offering: "In today's digital era, it's not enough to have data. Businesses must understand their data and be able to access it conveniently and efficiently. Our analytics app for Stripe doesn't just offer insights; it brings them directly to your Stripe Dashboard. It's about making data intelligence accessible and actionable, delivering crucial insights right where you need them, when you need them. That's the Able CDP promise."

Highlighting the app's unique benefits, Titov further shares, "What truly sets Able CDP apart is its seamless integration with Stripe. The app enables businesses to enjoy robust functionality, a user-friendly interface, and advanced analytics without leaving their Stripe Dashboard. We are excited to empower businesses to transform their Stripe data into a strategic asset for growth and customer engagement."

The Able CDP app for Stripe is the future of convenient, in-dashboard data analytics, helping businesses optimize their marketing efforts, create personalized customer experiences, and drive increased revenue. Able CDP encourages businesses to explore the impact that immediate, actionable insights can deliver.

For more information about Able CDP or to start a free trial, visit https://www.ablecdp.com/solutions/stripe-revenue-attribution-and-analytics

About Able CDP:

Able CDP is a trailblazer in customer data platforms, delivering solutions that convert data into actionable insights. Their mission is to empower businesses to make data-driven decisions and forge meaningful customer relationships from within their existing platforms.

SOURCE Able CDP
Delivered industry-leading adjusted pre-tax margins of 18.3% on record quarterly revenue

Adjusted pre-tax margin exceeds 2019 second quarter results despite higher fuel costs

Achieved industry's best on-time performance and completion rate in June

SEATTLE, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK) today reported financial results for the second quarter ending June 30, 2023, and provided outlook for the third quarter ending September 30, 2023.

"People are hungry to travel and our frontline employees are delivering the safe, reliable and caring experience that people expect when they fly with us," said CEO Ben Minicucci. "I'm so proud of our team for knocking it out of the park and delivering industry-leading operational and financial outcomes. We chose to prioritize reliability, which is imperative to restoring stability, improving predictability for our guests and employees, capturing record revenue, and serving as the foundation for our long-term profitable growth."

Financial Highlights:

Reported net income for the second quarter of 2023 under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) of $240 million , or $1.86 per share, compared to a net income of $139 million , or $1.09 per share, for the second quarter of 2022.

, or per share, compared to a net income of , or per share, for the second quarter of 2022. Reported net income for the second quarter of 2023, excluding special items and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments, of $387 million , or $3.00 per share, compared to $280 million , or $2.19 per share, for the second quarter of 2022. This quarter's adjusted results exceed the First Call analyst consensus estimate of $2.70 per share.

, or per share, compared to , or per share, for the second quarter of 2022. This quarter's adjusted results exceed the First Call analyst consensus estimate of per share. Generated adjusted pre-tax margins of 18.3%, a 250-basis point increase over the same period in 2019.

Recorded $2.8 billion in operating revenue for the second quarter, the highest quarterly total in company history.

in operating revenue for the second quarter, the highest quarterly total in company history. Received $435 million in bank card partner commissions driven by increased consumer spending.

in bank card partner commissions driven by increased consumer spending. Repurchased 871,987 shares of common stock for approximately $39 million in the second quarter, bringing total repurchases to $57 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 . The company continues to expect share repurchases of at least $100 million in 2023.

in the second quarter, bringing total repurchases to for the six months ended . The company continues to expect share repurchases of at least in 2023. Generated $610 million in operating cash flow for the second quarter.

in operating cash flow for the second quarter. Held $2.4 billion in unrestricted cash and marketable securities as of June 30, 2023 .

in unrestricted cash and marketable securities as of . Ended the quarter with a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 48%, within the target range of 40% to 50%.

Operational Updates:

Received eight 737-9 aircraft and six E175 aircraft during the quarter, bringing the totals in the Alaska and Horizon fleets to 51 and 39, respectively.

and Horizon fleets to 51 and 39, respectively. Announced new routes to Nassau, Bahamas from Seattle and Los Angeles and Guatemala City , Guatemala from Los Angeles , marking six countries that Alaska will fly to and from its West Coast hubs.

from and and , from , marking six countries that will fly to and from its West Coast hubs. Launched partnership with STARLUX Airlines, whose flights between Los Angeles and Taipei allow Mileage Plan members to connect to 16 destinations across Asia .

and allow Mileage Plan members to connect to 16 destinations across . Reopened the renovated D Concourse Lounge in Seattle , offering 50% more seating and improved amenities.

, offering 50% more seating and improved amenities. Completed Intelsat satellite Wi-Fi installation across the Mainline fleet.

Environmental, Social and Governance Updates:

Released the 2022 Care Report, sharing the company's progress towards its environmental, social and governance goals, as well as highlighting accomplishments and ongoing initiatives.

Contributed a retired Q400 aircraft to ZeroAvia to support its development of a hydrogen-electric powertrain system, showcasing Alaska's commitment to creating a sustainable future for aviation.

Awards and Recognition:

Mileage Plan named Best Airline Reward program for 2023-2024 by U.S. News & World Report for the 9 th consecutive year.

consecutive year. Presented with the award for "Executive Leadership - North America " at the Airline Strategy Awards in recognition of Alaska's strong financial performance and operational excellence.

" at the Airline Strategy Awards in recognition of strong financial performance and operational excellence. Named to Forbes' Best Employers for Diversity list, receiving the highest ranking of all airlines.

Scored 100% for the second year in a row in Disability:IN's Disability Equality Index, which benchmarks companies on their disability inclusion and equality.

Rated by KAYAK users as the #1 overall airline in North America , earning the top scores for crew, comfort, food and boarding.

The following table reconciles the company's reported GAAP net income (loss) per share (EPS) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 to adjusted amounts.



Three Months Ended June 30,

2023

2022 (in millions, except per-share amounts) Dollars

Diluted EPS

Dollars

Diluted EPS GAAP net income per share $ 240

$ 1.86

$ 139

$ 1.09 Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments 1

0.01

40

0.31 Special items - fleet transition and other(a) 186

1.44

146

1.14 Special items - net non-operating(c) 6

0.05



 Income tax effect of reconciling items above (46)

(0.36)

(45)

(0.35) Non-GAAP adjusted net income per share $ 387

$ 3.00

$ 280

$ 2.19

















Six Months Ended June 30,

2023

2022 (in millions, except per-share amounts) Dollars

Diluted EPS

Dollars

Diluted EPS GAAP net income (loss) per share $ 98

$ 0.76

$ (4)

$ (0.03) Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments 21

0.16

(67)

(0.53) Special items - fleet transition and other(a) 199

1.54

221

1.75 Special items - labor and related(b) 51

0.40



 Special items - net non-operating(c) 6

0.05



 Income tax effect of reconciling items above (67)

(0.52)

(37)

(0.30) Non-GAAP adjusted net income per share $ 308

$ 2.39

$ 113

$ 0.89





(a) Special items - fleet transition and other in the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 is primarily for impairment charges and accelerated costs associated with the retirement of Airbus and Q400 aircraft. (b) Special items - labor and related in the six months ended June 30, 2023 is primarily for changes to Alaska pilots' sick leave benefits resulting from an agreement signed in the first quarter of 2023. (c) Special items - net non-operating in the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 is for interest expense associated with certain A321neo lease agreements which were modified as part of Alaska's fleet transition.

Statistical data, as well as a reconciliation of the reported non-GAAP financial measures, can be found in the accompanying tables. A glossary of financial terms can be found on the last page of this release.

Alaska will hold its quarterly conference call to discuss second quarter results at 8:30 a.m. PDT on July 25, 2023. A webcast of the call is available to the public at www.alaskaair.com/investors. For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available after the call.

Third Quarter and Full Year 2023 Forecast Information





Q3 Expectation Capacity (ASMs) % change versus 2022

Up 10% to 13% Total revenue % change versus 2022

Up 0% to 3% Cost per ASM excluding fuel and special items (CASMex) % change versus 2022

Down 0% to 2% Economic fuel cost per gallon

$2.70 to $2.80 Adjusted pre-tax margin %

14% to 16%





Full Year Expectation Capacity (ASMs) % change versus 2022

Up 11% to 13% Total revenue % change versus 2022

Up 8% to 10% Cost per ASM excluding fuel and special items (CASMex) % change versus 2022

Down 1% to 3% Adjusted pre-tax margin %

9% to 12% Earnings per share(a)

$5.50 to $7.50 Capital expenditures

~$1.8 billion





(a) Earnings per share guidance assumes a full year tax rate of approximately 25%

References in this update to "Air Group," "Company," "we," "us," and "our" refer to Alaska Air Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise specified.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements subject to the safe harbor protection provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to future events and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual outcomes to be materially different from those indicated by our forward-looking statements, assumptions or beliefs. For a comprehensive discussion of potential risk factors, see Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. Some of these risks include competition, labor costs, relations and availability, general economic conditions including those associated with pandemic recovery, increases in operating costs including fuel, inability to meet cost reduction, ESG and other strategic goals, seasonal fluctuations in demand and financial results, supply chain risks, events that negatively impact aviation safety and security, and changes in laws and regulations that impact our business. All of the forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the risk factors discussed in our most recent Form 10-K and in our subsequent SEC filings. We operate in a continually changing business environment, and new risk factors emerge from time to time. Management cannot predict such new risk factors, nor can it assess the impact, if any, of such new risk factors on our business or events described in any forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made today to conform them to actual results. Over time, our actual results, performance or achievements may differ from the anticipated results, performance or achievements that are expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements, assumptions or beliefs and such differences might be significant and materially adverse.

Alaska Airlines and our regional partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico. We strive to be the most caring airline with award-winning customer service and an industry-leading loyalty program. As a member of the oneworld alliance, and with our additional global partners, our guests can travel to more than 1,000 destinations on more than 25 airlines while earning and redeeming miles on flights to locations around the world. Learn more about Alaska at news.alaskaair.com and follow @alaskaairnews for news and stories. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group.

###

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited) Alaska Air Group, Inc.























Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30, (in millions, except per share amounts) 2023

2022

Change

2023

2022

Change Operating Revenue





















Passenger revenue $ 2,598

$ 2,418

7 %

$ 4,582

$ 3,929

17 % Mileage Plan other revenue 170

175

(3) %

324

287

13 % Cargo and other revenue 70

65

8 %

128

123

4 % Total Operating Revenue 2,838

2,658

7 %

5,034

4,339

16 %























Operating Expenses





















Wages and benefits 754

639

18 %

1,477

1,245

19 % Variable incentive pay 57

56

2 %

104

92

13 % Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and

losses 573

776

(26) %

1,238

1,123

10 % Aircraft maintenance 125

104

20 %

249

239

4 % Aircraft rent 54

73

(26) %

113

146

(23) % Landing fees and other rentals 167

136

23 %

319

274

16 % Contracted services 95

82

16 %

190

160

19 % Selling expenses 81

78

4 %

147

136

8 % Depreciation and amortization 113

104

9 %

217

206

5 % Food and beverage service 60

50

20 %

114

91

25 % Third-party regional carrier expense 54

50

8 %

106

92

15 % Other 182

177

3 %

359

329

9 % Special items - fleet transition and other 186

146

27 %

199

221

(10) % Special items - labor and related 



NM

51



NM Total Operating Expenses 2,501

2,471

1 %

4,883

4,354

12 % Operating Income (Loss) 337

187

80 %

151

(15)

NM Non-operating Income (Expense)





















Interest income 22

11

100 %

39

18

117 % Interest expense (28)

(26)

8 %

(56)

(53)

6 % Interest capitalized 7

3

133 %

14

5

180 % Special items - net non-operating (6)



NM

(6)



NM Other - net (7)

10

(170) %

(16)

24

(167) % Total Non-operating Expense (12)

(2)

NM

(25)

(6)

NM Income (Loss) Before Income Tax 325

185





126

(21)



Income tax expense (benefit) 85

46





28

(17)



Net Income (Loss) $ 240

$ 139





$ 98

$ (4)



























Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share $ 1.88

$ 1.10





$ 0.77

$ (0.03)



Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share $ 1.86

$ 1.09





$ 0.76

$ (0.03)



Shares used for computation:





















Basic 127.440

126.543





127.470

126.265



Diluted 128.919

127.795





128.860

126.265





CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)





Alaska Air Group, Inc.













(in millions) June 30, 2023

December 31, 2022 ASSETS





Current Assets





Cash and cash equivalents $ 536

$ 338 Marketable securities 1,906

2,079 Total cash and marketable securities 2,442

2,417 Receivables - net 351

296 Inventories and supplies - net 107

104 Prepaid expenses 187

163 Other current assets 157

60 Total Current Assets 3,244

3,040







Property and Equipment





Aircraft and other flight equipment 9,918

9,053 Other property and equipment 1,714

1,661 Deposits for future flight equipment 550

670

12,182

11,384 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 4,219

4,127 Total Property and Equipment - net 7,963

7,257







Other Assets





Operating lease assets 1,318

1,471 Goodwill and intangible assets 2,036

2,038 Other noncurrent assets 268

380 Total Other Assets 3,622

3,889







Total Assets $ 14,829

$ 14,186

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)





Alaska Air Group, Inc.













(in millions, except share amounts) June 30, 2023

December 31, 2022 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY





Current Liabilities





Accounts payable $ 212

$ 221 Accrued wages, vacation and payroll taxes 463

619 Air traffic liability 1,574

1,180 Other accrued liabilities 871

846 Deferred revenue 1,207

1,123 Current portion of operating lease liabilities 277

228 Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases 572

276 Total Current Liabilities 5,176

4,493







Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion 1,889

1,883







Noncurrent Liabilities





Long-term operating lease liabilities, net of current portion 1,148

1,393 Deferred income taxes 606

574 Deferred revenue 1,370

1,374 Obligation for pension and post-retirement medical benefits 362

348 Other liabilities 327

305 Total Noncurrent Liabilities 3,813

3,994







Commitments and Contingencies













Shareholders' Equity





Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized: 5,000,000 shares, none issued or

outstanding 

 Common stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized: 400,000,000 shares, Issued: 2023 -

137,983,828 shares; 2022 - 136,883,042 shares, Outstanding: 2023 - 127,348,343

shares; 2022 - 127,533,916 shares 1

1 Capital in excess of par value 648

577 Treasury stock (common), at cost: 2023 - 10,635,485 shares; 2022 - 9,349,944

shares (731)

(674) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (365)

(388) Retained earnings 4,398

4,300

3,951

3,816 Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 14,829

$ 14,186

SUMMARY CASH FLOW (unaudited)







Alaska Air Group, Inc.









(in millions) Six Months Ended

June 30, 2023

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2023 (a)

Three Months Ended

June 30, 2023(b) Cash Flows from Operating Activities:









Net Income (Loss) $ 98

$ (142)

$ 240 Non-cash reconciling items 511

191

320 Changes in working capital 223

173

50 Net cash provided by operating activities 832

222

610











Cash Flows from Investing Activities:









Property and equipment additions (634)

(124)

(510) Other investing activities 155

184

(29) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (479)

60

(539)











Cash Flows from Financing Activities: (165)

(114)

(51)











Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 188

168

20 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of

period 369

369

537 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the

period $ 557

$ 537

$ 557





(a) As reported in Form 10-Q for the first quarter of 2023. (b) Cash flows for the three months ended June 30, 2023, can be calculated by subtracting cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2023, as reported in Form 10-Q for the first quarter 2023, from the six months ended June 30, 2023.

OPERATING STATISTICS SUMMARY (unaudited)











Alaska Air Group, Inc.















































Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,

2023

2022

Change

2023

2022

Change Consolidated Operating Statistics:(a)





















Revenue passengers (000) 11,592

11,005

5 %

21,444

19,700

9 % RPMs (000,000) "traffic" 14,936

13,746

9 %

27,491

24,332

13 % ASMs (000,000) "capacity" 17,160

15,611

10 %

32,865

29,394

12 % Load factor 87.0 %

88.1 %

(1.1) pts

83.6 %

82.8 %

0.8 pts Yield 17.40

17.59

(1) %

16.67

16.15

3 % RASM 16.54

17.03

(3) %

15.32

14.76

4 % CASMex(b) 10.15

9.92

2 %

10.33

10.24

1 % Economic fuel cost per gallon(b) $2.76

$3.76

(27) %

$3.07

$3.23

(5) % Fuel gallons (000,000) 207

196

6 %

396

368

8 % ASMs per gallon 82.9

79.6

4 %

83.0

79.9

4 % Departures (000) 104.4

105.7

(1) %

199.8

198.9

 % Average full-time equivalent employees

(FTEs) 23,301

22,603

3 %

23,140

22,092

5 % Mainline Operating Statistics:





















Revenue passengers (000) 9,221

8,321

11 %

17,054

14,887

15 % RPMs (000,000) "traffic" 13,827

12,460

11 %

25,496

21,972

16 % ASMs (000,000) "capacity" 15,851

14,052

13 %

30,462

26,439

15 % Load factor 87.2 %

88.7 %

(1.5) pts

83.7 %

83.1 %

0.6 pts Yield 16.12

16.28

(1) %

15.37

14.89

3 % RASM 15.48

16.02

(3) %

14.26

13.81

3 % CASMex(b) 9.26

8.98

3 %

9.38

9.29

1 % Economic fuel cost per gallon(b) $2.74

$3.74

(27) %

$3.05

$3.21

(5) % Fuel gallons (000,000) 179

165

8 %

345

311

11 % ASMs per gallon 88.6

85.2

4 %

88.3

85.0

4 % Departures (000) 67.2

61.6

9 %

129.8

117.4

11 % Average full-time equivalent employees

(FTEs) 18,147

17,315

5 %

17,966

16,825

7 % Aircraft utilization 11.5

10.1

14 %

11.3

9.8

15 % Average aircraft stage length 1,384

1,363

2 %

1,375

1,349

2 % Operating fleet(d) 226

233

(7) a/c

226

233

(7) a/c Regional Operating Statistics:(c)





















Revenue passengers (000) 2,372

2,685

(12) %

4,390

4,813

(9) % RPMs (000,000) "traffic" 1,109

1,285

(14) %

1,994

2,360

(16) % ASMs (000,000) "capacity" 1,309

1,559

(16) %

2,403

2,955

(19) % Load factor 84.7 %

82.4 %

2.3 pts

83.0 %

79.9 %

3.1 pts Yield 33.37

30.35

10 %

33.30

27.88

19 % RASM 29.26

26.04

12 %

28.59

23.21

23 % Departures (000) 37.2

44.1

(16) %

70.0

81.5

(14) % Operating fleet(d) 81

104

(23) a/c

81

104

(23) a/c





(a) Except for FTEs, data includes information related to third-party regional capacity purchase flying arrangements. (b) See a reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure and Note A for a discussion of the importance of this measure to investors in the accompanying pages. (c) Data presented includes information for flights operated by Horizon and third-party carriers. (d) Excludes all aircraft removed from operating service.

OPERATING SEGMENTS (unaudited) Alaska Air Group, Inc.























































Three Months Ended June 30, 2023 (in millions) Mainline

Regional

Horizon

Consolidating

& Other(a)

Air Group

Adjusted(b)

Special

Items(c)

Consolidated Operating Revenue

























Passenger revenue $ 2,228

$ 370

$ 

$ 

$ 2,598

$ 

$ 2,598 CPA revenue 



92

(92)





 Mileage Plan other revenue 158

12





170



170 Cargo and other revenue 67





3

70



70 Total Operating Revenue 2,453

382

92

(89)

2,838



2,838 Operating Expenses

























Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,468

279

87

(92)

1,742

186

1,928 Fuel expense 490

81



1

572

1

573 Total Operating Expenses 1,958

360

87

(91)

2,314

187

2,501 Non-operating Income (Expense) 3



(10)

1

(6)

(6)

(12) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ 498

$ 22

$ (5)

$ 3

$ 518

$ (193)

$ 325 Pretax Margin















18.3 %





11.5 %





























Three Months Ended June 30, 2022 (in millions) Mainline

Regional

Horizon

Consolidating

& Other(a)

Air Group

Adjusted(b)

Special

Items(c)

Consolidated Operating Revenue

























Passenger revenue $ 2,028

$ 390

$ 

$ 

$ 2,418

$ 

$ 2,418 CPA revenue 



101

(101)





 Mileage Plan other revenue 159

16





175



175 Cargo and other revenue 64





1

65



65 Total Operating Revenue 2,251

406

101

(100)

2,658



2,658 Operating Expenses

























Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,262

289

98

(100)

1,549

146

1,695 Fuel expense 617

119





736

40

776 Total Operating Expenses 1,879

408

98

(100)

2,285

186

2,471 Non-operating Income (Expense) 3



(5)



(2)



(2) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ 375

$ (2)

$ (2)

$ 

$ 371

$ (186)

$ 185 Pretax Margin















14.0 %





7.0 %



Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 (in millions) Mainline

Regional

Horizon

Consolidating

& Other(a)

Air Group

Adjusted(b)

Special

Items(c)

Consolidated Operating Revenue

























Passenger revenue $ 3,918

$ 664

$ 

$ 

$ 4,582

$ 

$ 4,582 CPA revenue 



170

(170)





 Mileage Plan other revenue 301

23





324



324 Cargo and other revenue 124





4

128



128 Total Operating Revenue 4,343

687

170

(166)

5,034



5,034 Operating Expenses

























Operating expenses, excluding fuel 2,858

535

171

(169)

3,395

250

3,645 Fuel expense 1,051

166





1,217

21

1,238 Total Operating Expenses 3,909

701

171

(169)

4,612

271

4,883 Non-operating Income (Expense) (3)



(18)

2

(19)

(6)

(25) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ 431

$ (14)

$ (19)

$ 5

$ 403

$ (277)

$ 126 Pretax Margin















8.0 %





2.5 %





























Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 (in millions) Mainline

Regional

Horizon

Consolidating

& Other(a)

Air Group

Adjusted(b)

Special

Items(c)

Consolidated Operating Revenue

























Passenger revenue $ 3,271

$ 658

$ 

$ 

$ 3,929

$ 

$ 3,929 CPA revenue 



195

(195)





 Mileage Plan other revenue 259

28





287



287 Cargo and other revenue 121





2

123



123 Total Operating Revenue 3,651

686

195

(193)

4,339



4,339 Operating Expenses

























Operating expenses, excluding fuel 2,456

551

197

(194)

3,010

221

3,231 Fuel expense 998

192





1,190

(67)

1,123 Total Operating Expenses 3,454

743

197

(194)

4,200

154

4,354 Non-operating Income (Expense) 4



(10)



(6)



(6) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ 201

$ (57)

$ (12)

$ 1

$ 133

$ (154)

$ (21) Pretax Margin















3.1 %





(0.5) %





(a) Includes consolidating entries, Air Group parent company, McGee Air Services, and other immaterial business units. (b) The Air Group Adjusted column represents the financial information that is reviewed by management to assess performance of operations and determine capital allocation and excludes certain charges. See Note A in the accompanying pages for further information. (c) Includes special items and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments.

GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS (unaudited)







Alaska Air Group, Inc.













CASM Excluding Fuel and Special Items Reconciliation

Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30, (in cents) 2023

2022

2023

2022 Consolidated:













CASM 14.57 

15.84 

14.86 

14.81  Less the following components:













Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses 3.34

4.98

3.77

3.82 Special items - fleet transition and other(a) 1.08

0.94

0.61

0.75 Special items - labor and related(b) 



0.15

 CASM excluding fuel and special items 10.15 

9.92 

10.33 

10.24 















Mainline:













CASM 13.56 

15.06 

13.73 

13.69  Less the following components:













Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses 3.10

5.06

3.52

3.84 Special items - fleet transition and other(a) 1.20

1.02

0.67

0.56 Special items - labor and related(b) 



0.16

 CASM excluding fuel and special items 9.26 

8.98 

9.38 

9.29 





(a) Special items - fleet transition and other in the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 is primarily for impairment charges and accelerated costs associated with the retirement of Airbus and Q400 aircraft. (b) Special items - labor and related in the six months ended June 30, 2023 is primarily for changes to Alaska pilots' sick leave benefits resulting from an agreement signed in the first quarter of 2023.

Fuel Reconciliation

Three Months Ended June 30,

2023

2022 (in millions, except for per-gallon amounts) Dollars

Cost/Gallon

Dollars

Cost/Gallon Raw or "into-plane" fuel cost $ 555

$ 2.68

$ 824

$ 4.20 Losses (gains) on settled hedges 17

0.08

(88)

(0.44) Consolidated economic fuel expense 572

2.76

736

3.76 Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustment 1



40

0.20 GAAP fuel expense $ 573

$ 2.76

$ 776

$ 3.96 Fuel gallons



207





196

















Six Months Ended June 30,

2023

2022 (in millions, except for per gallon amounts) Dollars

Cost/Gallon

Dollars

Cost/Gallon Raw or "into-plane" fuel cost $ 1,188

$ 3.00

$ 1,328

$ 3.61 Losses (gains) on settled hedges 29

0.07

(138)

(0.38) Consolidated economic fuel expense 1,217

3.07

1,190

3.23 Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustment 21

0.05

(67)

(0.18) GAAP fuel expense $ 1,238

$ 3.12

$ 1,123

$ 3.05 Fuel gallons



396





368

Debt-to-capitalization, including operating and finance leases (in millions) June 30, 2023

December 31, 2022 Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 1,889

$ 1,883 Capitalized operating leases 1,425

1,621 Capitalized finance leases(a) 316

 Adjusted debt, net of current portion of long-term debt 3,630

3,504 Shareholders' equity 3,951

3,816 Total Invested Capital $ 7,581

$ 7,320







Debt-to-capitalization ratio, including operating and finance leases 48 %

48 %





(a) To best reflect our leverage at June 30, 2023, we included our capitalized finance lease balances, which are recognized within the 'Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases' line of the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Adjusted net debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, rent and special items (in millions) June 30, 2023

December 31, 2022 Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases $ 572

$ 276 Current portion of operating lease liabilities 277

228 Long-term debt 1,889

1,883 Long-term operating lease liabilities, net of current portion 1,148

1,393 Total adjusted debt 3,886

3,780 Less: Total cash and marketable securities 2,442

2,417 Adjusted net debt $ 1,444

$ 1,363







(in millions) Twelve Months Ended

June 30, 2023

Twelve Months Ended

December 31, 2022 GAAP Operating Income(a) $ 236

$ 70 Adjusted for:





Special items 609

580 Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments 164

76 Depreciation and amortization 426

415 Aircraft rent 258

291 EBITDAR $ 1,693

$ 1,432 Adjusted net debt to EBITDAR 0.9x

1.0x





(a) Operating income can be reconciled using the trailing twelve month operating income as filed quarterly with the SEC.

Note A: Pursuant to Regulation G, we are providing reconciliations of reported non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable financial measures reported on a GAAP basis. We believe that consideration of these non-GAAP financial measures may be important to investors for the following reasons:

By excluding fuel expense and special items from our unit metrics, we believe that we have better visibility into the results of operations. Our industry is highly competitive and is characterized by high fixed costs, so even a small reduction in non-fuel operating costs can result in a significant improvement in operating results. In addition, we believe that all domestic carriers are similarly impacted by changes in jet fuel costs over the long run, so it is important for management (and thus investors) to understand the impact of (and trends in) company-specific cost drivers such as labor rates and productivity, airport costs, maintenance costs, etc., which are more controllable by management.

Cost per ASM (CASM) excluding fuel and special items, is one of the most important measures used by management and by the Air Group Board of Directors in assessing quarterly and annual cost performance.

CASM excluding fuel and special items is a measure commonly used by industry analysts, and we believe it is the basis by which they have historically compared our airline to others in the industry. The measure is also the subject of frequent questions from investors.

Adjusted income before income tax (and other items as specified in our plan documents) is an important metric for the employee incentive plan, which covers the majority of Air Group employees.

Disclosure of the individual impact of certain noted items provides investors the ability to measure and monitor performance both with and without these special items. We believe that disclosing the impact of these items as noted above is important because it provides information on significant items that are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Industry analysts and investors consistently measure our performance without these items for better comparability between periods and among other airlines.

Although we disclose our unit revenue, we do not, nor are we able to, evaluate unit revenue excluding the impact that changes in fuel costs have had on ticket prices. Fuel expense represents a large percentage of our total operating expenses. Fluctuations in fuel prices often drive changes in unit revenue in the mid-to-long term. Although we believe it is useful to evaluate non-fuel unit costs for the reasons noted above, we would caution readers of these financial statements not to place undue reliance on unit costs excluding fuel as a measure or predictor of future profitability because of the significant impact of fuel costs on our business.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Adjusted net debt - long-term debt, including current portion, plus capitalized operating and finance leases, less cash and marketable securities

Adjusted net debt to EBITDAR - represents net adjusted debt divided by EBITDAR (trailing twelve months earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, special items and rent)

Aircraft Utilization - block hours per day; this represents the average number of hours per day our aircraft are in transit

Aircraft Stage Length - represents the average miles flown per aircraft departure

ASMs - available seat miles, or "capacity"; represents total seats available across the fleet multiplied by the number of miles flown

CASM - operating costs per ASM, or "unit cost"; represents all operating expenses including fuel and special items

CASMex - operating costs excluding fuel and special items per ASM; this metric is used to help track progress toward reduction of non-fuel operating costs since fuel is largely out of our control

Debt-to-capitalization ratio - represents adjusted debt (long-term debt plus capitalized operating and finance lease liabilities) divided by total equity plus adjusted debt

Diluted Earnings per Share - represents earnings per share (EPS) using fully diluted shares outstanding

Diluted Shares - represents the total number of shares that would be outstanding if all possible sources of conversion, such as stock options, were exercised

Economic Fuel - best estimate of the cash cost of fuel, net of the impact of our fuel-hedging program

Load Factor - RPMs as a percentage of ASMs; represents the number of available seats that were filled with paying passengers

Mainline - represents flying Boeing 737, Airbus A320, and Airbus A321neo jets and all associated revenue and costs

Productivity - number of revenue passengers per full-time equivalent employee

RASM - operating revenue per ASMs, or "unit revenue"; operating revenue includes all passenger revenue, freight & mail, Mileage Plan and other ancillary revenue; represents the average total revenue for flying one seat one mile

Regional - represents capacity purchased by Alaska from Horizon and SkyWest. In this segment, Regional records actual on-board passenger revenue, less costs such as fuel, distribution costs, and payments made to Horizon and SkyWest under the respective capacity purchased arrangement (CPAs). Additionally, Regional includes an allocation of corporate overhead such as IT, finance, other administrative costs incurred by Alaska and on behalf of Horizon.

RPMs - revenue passenger miles, or "traffic"; represents the number of seats that were filled with paying passengers; one passenger traveling one mile is one RPM

Yield - passenger revenue per RPM; represents the average revenue for flying one passenger one mile

SOURCE Alaska Airlines
OAKVILLE, ON, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (TSX: AQN) (NYSE: AQN) ("AQN") today announced plans to release its second quarter 2023 financial results on Thursday, August 10, 2023, before market open. AQN will hold an earnings conference call at 8:30 a.m. eastern time on Thursday, August 10, 2023, hosted by President and Chief Executive Officer, Arun Banskota, and Chief Financial Officer, Darren Myers.

Conference call details are as follows:

Date: Thursday, August 10, 2023 Time: 8:30 a.m. ET Conference Call: Toll Free Dial-In Number 1 (800) 715-9871

Toll Dial-In Number 1 (646) 307-1963

Conference ID 2060573 Webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/8edd52rm

Presentation also available at: www.algonquinpowerandutilities.com

About Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. and Liberty

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., parent company of Liberty, is a diversified international generation, transmission, and distribution utility with over $17 billion of total assets. Through its two business groups, the Regulated Services Group and the Renewable Energy Group, AQN is committed to providing safe, secure, reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy and water solutions through its portfolio of electric generation, transmission, and distribution utility investments to over one million customer connections, largely in the United States and Canada. AQN is a global leader in renewable energy through its portfolio of long-term contracted wind, solar, and hydroelectric generating facilities, together with its pipeline of renewable energy development projects. AQN owns, operates, and/or has net interests in over 4 GW of installed renewable energy capacity. AQN's common shares, preferred shares, Series A, and preferred shares, Series D are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols AQN, AQN.PR.A, and AQN.PR.D, respectively. AQN's common shares, Series 2018-A subordinated notes, Series 2019-A subordinated notes and equity units are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols AQN, AQNA, AQNB, and AQNU, respectively.

Visit AQN at www.algonquinpowerandutilities.com and follow us on Twitter @AQN_Utilities.

SOURCE Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
Amazfit smartwatch users can now connect and share routes with their komoot account via the Zepp App.

CUPERTINO, Calif., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Amazfit , a leading global smart wearables brand owned by Zepp Health (NYSE: ZEPP), a health technology company, now offers seamless routing and navigation connectivity with the popular outdoor activities app komoot. With smartwatches that offer industry-leading GPS accuracy and ultra-long battery life, the partnership between Amazfit and komoot provides an excellent solution for hikers and cyclists who adventure with passion and intelligence.

Partners in Adventure

Amazfit's series of outdoor and performance smartwatches caters to a diverse global community of fitness enthusiasts. For example, the brand's rugged Amazfit T-Rex Ultra has proven popular among adventurers due to its resistance to extreme environments, battery life of up to 20 days, and support for six satellite positioning systems. Users of this GPS smartwatch, along with the recently-launched Amazfit Cheetah series of running watches and the brand's flagship Amazfit GTR 4 and GTS 4 series, are able to download route files from the Zepp App for easy navigation directly from the display.

The partnership between Amazfit and komoot will allow the more than 620 million runners worldwide to connect and plan adventures with fellow fitness enthusiasts who are interested in finding, planning, or sharing new routes with online communities, as well as connect with the over 30 million outdoor enthusiasts who already are using komoot to plan and share their adventures.

World Adventures Made Easy

Amazfit's proprietary operating system, the Zepp OS, already enables supporting smartwatches to connect to external apps such as adidas Running, Strava, Relive, Apple Health or Google Fit. Now, with the connection to komoot, users can also navigate worldwide routes for hiking tours or mountain bike adventures directly on their wrists - with komoot's app available in English, German, Dutch, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Japanese and Korean.

Users can plan their adventure on the komoot app and then easily load the route onto their Amazfit device and navigate it in real-time. Upon completion, the route data can be shared with the komoot community via the Zepp App - along with any photos of tour highlights that the user took along the way.

Ben Thompson, Director of Business Development, Komoot says: "Komoot is delighted to be partnering with Amazfit to offer users the ability to seamlessly sync routes users find and plan on komoot directly to their Amazfit smartwatch. Users will have an elevated navigation experience when hiking and biking, and this collaboration marks a significant milestone in enhancing the outdoor experience for all."

Shared Passion for Sustainability

Amazfit recognizes the inherent importance of the natural world to outdoor enthusiasts. On World Ocean Day in June 2023, Amazfit launched the Amazfit T-Rex 2 Ocean Blue (Special Edition), which came with a reprocessed wristband and packaging made from 100% environmentally friendly materials. In addition, Zepp Health, Amazfit's parent company, partnered with the non-profit organization Coral Guardian and donated $10 USD from each sale of this special edition outdoor smartwatch in support of Coral Guardian's project to restore damaged coral reefs in Indonesia.

Equally committed, komoot is aimed at nature lovers who want to explore the beauty of forests and meadows in a respectful way. Komoot works with nature parks and conservation organizations to ensure the routes provided by the komoot app offer safe and eco-conscious paths to explore.

For more information, please visit https://www.amazfit.com/en/ and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and YouTube .

HD images can be downloaded here (Amazfit T-Rex Ultra), here (Amazfit GTS 4), here (Amazfit Cheetah Round).

About Amazfit

Amazfit, a leading global smart wearable brand focused on health and fitness, is part of Zepp Health (NYSE: ZEPP), a health technology company. Offering a wide selection of smartwatches and bands, Amazfit's brand essence is "Up Your Game", encouraging users to live their passions and express their active spirits freely. Amazfit is powered by Zepp Health's proprietary health management platform that delivers cloud-based 24/7 actionable insights and guidance to help users attain their wellness goals. With outstanding craftsmanship, Amazfit smartwatches have won many design awards, including the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Design Award.

Launched in 2015, Amazfit is today embraced by millions of users. Its products are available in more than 90 countries across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions. For more information about Amazfit, visit www.amazfit.com .

About komoot

Komoot is a thriving digital platform for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts around the world. It's driven by a simple goal: to help people explore more of the outdoors wherever and however they want.

Komoot's mobile apps and platform provide advanced route planning and navigation tools. At the same time, a content-rich feed of unique stories and adventures inspires its community of over 30 million users to explore and share their outdoor experiences and recommendations.

Founded in 2010 by six friends from Germany and the Austrian Alps, the team now numbers over 100 people, all working together to enable great outdoors adventures for its growing community.

Join komoot and discover everything you need to make the most out of your experiences outdoors with komoot Maps and komoot Premium.

For more information, visit komoot.com

SOURCE Amazfit
ANN ARBOR, Mich., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Two papers published in the July/August issue of Annals of Family Medicine address federal policy impact on Family Medicine practice. The first documents differences in how federal medical school loan repayment programs support doctors who want to practice in rural and underserved areas. The second describes the impact of differences in insurance reimbursement rates for identical care based on specialty and the implications of these differences on patient access to care.

Medical school debt repayment programs' influence on family medicine practice

With the average medical school debt soaring to $200,000 over the last few decades, the escalating financial burden is driving concerns that medical students may opt out of lower-pay but high-value public service careers in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), rural health clinics, and the Indian Health Service. Loan repayment programs  like the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program and the National Health Service Corps (NHSC)  play a vital role in facilitating the entry of aspiring doctors into the healthcare workforce by alleviating the burden of high educational costs.

Researchers from the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) and the University of Minnesota Medical School conducted a study to determine how the background of family doctors, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups, influenced their choice of medical school loan repayment programs and how this, in turn, impacted the care they provide to patients.

By analyzing data from over 10,000 ABFM National Graduate Survey respondents, the authors examined differences in program participation, participant demographics, scope of practice, and the likelihood of serving medically underserved or rural populations.

The study revealed a significant increase in participation in the PSLF program between 2016 and 2020, while participation in the NHSC program remained static. The authors note that heavily-indebted early career physicians are strongly attracted to PSLF because of the possibility of unlimited forgiveness as a debt mitigation strategy. Since an estimated 68% of health system employers qualify as non-profit for PSLF purposes, the program is broadly available to medical graduates regardless of practice specialty, geographic location, or practice pattern.

Physicians enrolled in the NHSC program were more likely to come from underrepresented groups; exhibited a wider scope of practice; and were more inclined to practice in rural areas (23.29% compared to 10.84% in PSLF). They also were more likely to practice in areas designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (12.5% compared to 3.70% in PSLF), serving medically underserved populations (82.17% compared to 24.22% in PSLF).

The analysis conducted in this study suggests that PSLF may be less effective in supporting family physicians from underrepresented backgrounds and may also be less helpful in promoting a broader scope of practice or directing physicians to underserved settings compared to service-based loan repayment programs like NHSC.

"These findings raise the question of whether the PSLF repayment mechanism may provide more support to demographically overrepresented groups than to those who are underrepresented in medicine amidst national calls to increase their inclusion in the physician workforce," the authors write. "In a nation where a disproportionately low share of medical students hail from rural backgrounds and only 7% of physicians identify as Black or Hispanic/Latino, it is critically important to understand the contributions of medical education debt reduction to addressing these equity gaps."

Under-funding family doctors for providing commensurate care

In a second paper, researchers investigated the reimbursement rates for HPV vaccine costs  the costliest of all routinely recommended pediatric vaccines -- among various medical practitioners, including pediatricians, family doctors, internal medicine doctors, and nurse practitioners. The team also examined whether the reimbursement amounts were associated with the number of HPV vaccine doses administered by these healthcare workers. They argue that adequate cost reimbursement by third-party payers is a critical enabling factor for providers to continue offering the HPV vaccine.

The study analyzed 2017-2018 data from 34,247 practitioners and found family physicians had on average the lowest net returns per dose ($0.34) and the lowest reimbursement rate at $211.33, while pediatricians had on average the highest returns ($5.08) and the highest reimbursement rate at $216.07. Average reimbursement rates for internists were $212.97; nurse practitioners at $212.91; and 'other' providers at $213.29.

Despite the low reimbursement rates, family practitioners have the second highest volume of HPV vaccination encounters after pediatricians. This presents financial and operational challenges for family doctors to stock vaccines.

The researchers also observed that a one-dollar increase in return was associated with a slight increase in HPV vaccine doses administered, particularly among family physicians (0.08% per dollar).

"While it may not be possible to increase reimbursement to the American Association of Pediatrics-recommended level ($263.74, i.e., a net return of +$40), a reasonable increase that can cover direct and indirect expenses (acquisition cost, storage cost, personnel cost for monitoring inventory, insurance, wastage, and lost opportunity costs) will reduce the financial strain on non-pediatric providers, encouraging them to stock and offer the HPV vaccine at their clinics," the authors write.

Articles cited:

Service-Based Student Loan Repayment Program Impact on the Primary Care Workforce. Caitlin S. Davis, MD, MSc, Peter Meyers, MD, MPH, Andrew W. Bazemore, MD, MPH, and Lars E. Peterson, MD, PhD

Reimbursement for HPV Vaccine Cost in the Private Sector: A Comparison Across Specialties. Kalyani Sonawane; Yenan Zhu, MS; Yueh-Yun Lin, MS, Ruosha Li, PhD, Cara He, BS; David R Lairson, PhD, Ashish A Deshmukh, PhD, MPH

Annals of Family Medicine is a peer-reviewed, indexed research journal that provides a cross-disciplinary forum for new, evidence-based information affecting the primary care disciplines. Launched in May 2003, Annals is sponsored by seven family medical organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Board of Family Medicine, the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, the Association of Departments of Family Medicine, the Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors, the North American Primary Care Research Group, and The College of Family Physicians of Canada. Annals is published online six times annually and contains original research from the clinical, biomedical, social and health services areas, as well as contributions on methodology and theory, selected reviews, essays and editorials. Complete editorial content and interactive discussion groups for each published article can be accessed free of charge on the journal's website, www.AnnFamMed.org.

SOURCE Annals of Family Medicine
Tourists flock to the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park in Gansu province to witness the beauty of the Danxia landform. [Photo by Shi Xuefan/chinadaily.com.cn]

As summer vacation arrives, tourists flock to the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park in Northwest China's Gansu province to witness the beauty of the Danxia landform in its full glory.

The stunning park is renowned for its Danxia landform, characterized by colorful rock formations, with vibrant red sandstone being the most well-known. These breathtaking rock formations are a result of millions of years of erosion by wind and rain.

The popularity of the park has been soaring, with visitor numbers this year reaching one million on Sunday, a remarkable increase of about 443 percent compared to the previous year.

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Editor: JYZ
Figure 2. Underground Mine Design (CNW Group/Ascendant Resources Inc.)

Table 3. Achieved Recoveries by Metal and Domain (CNW Group/Ascendant Resources Inc.)

Table 4. Concentrate Technical Specifications (CNW Group/Ascendant Resources Inc.)

Figure 3. Simplified Process Flow Diagram (CNW Group/Ascendant Resources Inc.)

Figure 4 Site Layout (CNW Group/Ascendant Resources Inc.)

Table 5. Capital Costs (CNW Group/Ascendant Resources Inc.)

Table 6. Operating Costs (CNW Group/Ascendant Resources Inc.)

Figure 5. Production and AISC (CNW Group/Ascendant Resources Inc.)

Table 7 Economic Summary (CNW Group/Ascendant Resources Inc.)

Figure 6. Free Cash Flow (CNW Group/Ascendant Resources Inc.)

Figure 7. NPV Sensitivity (CNW Group/Ascendant Resources Inc.)

The FS was completed by QUADRANTE, a multidisciplinary engineering and consulting company with more than 25 years of experience in Europe, Africa and the Americas. Mine planning, design and engineering was undertaken by IGAN INGENIERIA, an independent consulting firm specializing in mine planning and engineering for open pit and underground mining projects and operations based in Spain. The DFS is based on the NI 43-101 Mineral Resource estimate completed by MICON International dated May 31, 2023 and Mineral Reserves estimate completed by IGAN dated June 16, 2023. Golder Associates has been engaged to provide a comprehensive peer review of the entire report. The FS report will be posted to the Company's profile on SEDAR imminently.

Mark Brennan, Executive Chairman of Ascendant stated, "We are very pleased to have completed this initial feasibility study for the Venda Nova deposit at Lagoa Salgada. It is the first comprehensive study covering all aspects of the operations required for the commercialization of the project. It will also serve to secure our 80% interest in what is proving to be a robust project, even at this very early stage in its development. Lagoa Salgada remains a discovery project with significant upside potential expected as we optimize these results and as we continue to expand the resource base."

He added, "We believe the results of the FS demonstrate a solid, economically robust project for what has always been the initial development phase for the larger potential we see for the Lagoa Salgada property. Given the nature of VMS deposits to occur in clusters on the Iberian Pyrite Belt, we see evidence of potential for several more deposits to be defined in the coming years to enhance the overall value proposition at Lagoa. Furthermore, we expect these results to support our current financing discussions and construction decision in the coming months."

Optimization Opportunities

While completing the FS satisfies the requirements for Ascendant to earn an 80% interest in the project as required under the Earn In Option agreement, the Company believes that with additional time now available, the following near-term optimization opportunities exist to further enhance the FS prior to commencing development work over the next six months. The Company's initial focus will be as follows:

Optimize mine ore sequencing to maximize revenues in the initial years.

Optimization of the mining and processing rate to optimize NPV and IRR; and

Undertake further metallurgical test work to enhance metal recoveries above those already achieved in tests to date

Project Overview

The Lagoa Salgada Project is located within the north-western section of the prolific Iberian Pyrite Belt ("IBP") in Portugal, approximately 80km southeast of Lisbon, accessible by national highways and existing roads. The Project is comprised of a single exploration permit covering an area of approximately 7,209 hectares. The Project represents a high-grade, polymetallic zinc-lead-copper development and exploration opportunity in a low risk, established and prolific jurisdiction where the project has been accorded a Project of National Interest ("PIN") status.

Figure 1. Project Location

Updated Minerals Reserves and Resources Estimate

Table 1. below outlines the initial NI 43-101 Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves Estimate prepared by IGAN Ingenieria upon which the FS was based. Table 2 provides the updated Mineral Resource Estimate, prepared by Micon International Limited, ("Micon") identified for the Lagoa Salgada project to date. Infill drilling in 2022 focused upon upgrading sufficient high-grade mineralization in the North Zone and part of the mineralization in the South Zone to the Measured and Indicated categories to support the completion of the FS.

Future drilling is expected to add additional Resources as the project moves forward to extend the overall mine life and it should be noted both the North and South zones remain open to future expansion along strike and at depth for future exploration. In addition, several regional exploration targets have been identified for future exploration work to further increase the known mineral resources on the property, thereby extending the overall mine life and/or potentially supporting a future expansion.

The estimated Proven and Probable Reserves total 14.6 million metric tons (Mt), with 7.0Mt in the North Zone having an NSR of 84.1 $/t, and 7.6Mt in the South Zone with an NSR of 49.6 $/t, sufficient to support an initial mine life of 14+ years based upon a throughput rate of 1.2Mtpa through the plant as outlined in the FS. Reserves were defined using an NSR calculation based upon current metallurgical recoveries, payability, treatment charges and mining methods.

The project has converted 77% of its Measured and Indicated resources into reserves: additionally there are 0.5Mt at a grade of 6.62% ZnEq in the North Zone and 8.13Mt at a grade of 1.16% CuEq in the South Zone of Inferred Resource. Additional drilling is required to upgrade these additional resources to the Measured and Indicated categories.

Table 1: Mineral Reserves

NSR cut-off grades were established following Mortimer's approach to cut-off grades (Hall, 2014)

Table 1a: NSR cut-off values per mining method and material















Mining Method Material Mining

Cost Processing

Cost Boundary

cut-off G&A Volume cut-off LHOS STWK 19.5 16.31 35.81 2.5 38.31 PMS 19.5 19.62 39.12 2.5 41.62 TMS 19.5 14.48 33.98 2.5 36.48 GOS 19.5 16.22 35.72 2.5 38.22 STR 19.5 16.31 35.81 2.5 38.31 CF STWK 29.98 16.31 46.29 2.5 48.79 PMS 29.98 19.62 49.60 2.5 52.10 TMS 29.98 14.48 44.46 2.5 46.96 GOS 29.98 16.22 46.20 2.5 48.70 STR 29.98 16.31 46.29 2.5 48.79



Table 2: Mineral Resources (Inclusive of Reserves)

North Zone

South Zone

Mining

In line with previous studies, the mine is designed using a single access ramp from surface and will target the extraction of ore from the North and South Zones at a rate of 1.2 million tonnes per annum ("Mtpa").

Mining will be undertaken by targeting the various sub domains within the ore deposit to maximize metallurgical recovery. As with most VMS type deposits, the sub domains reflect a precious metal rich gossan layer above a Massive Sulphide layer (further divided into a Transition and Primary layer) and a layer of stockwork mineralization each with its own metallurgical characteristics. The mining methods defined are a combination of transverse sublevel stoping and cut & fill. Paste backfill is to be used for both mining methods to maximize ore recovery and productivity while minimizing surface tailing disposition. The initial years will focus on mining the higher-grade gossan and massive sulphide zones in the North Zone, followed by the South Zone as underground access is developed in the early years of the operation to the South zone. Mining will be conducted using an owner operated electric fleet which will reduce operating costs.

Figure 2. Underground Mine Design

(In blue the main ramps and accesses and in green and violet the ore blocks to be mined)

Metallurgy

Metallurgical test work was completed by Grinding Solutions ("GSL") in Cornwall, UK. Confirmatory test work was developed by Maelgwyn Mineral Services, South Africa to confirm metal recoveries and saleable concentrates have been achieved in principal domains. Further testing is required to confirm and improve on current results as fully optimized circuit adjustments are developed. The Company notes that its consultants have indicated that the actual performance of operating mines in the region have typically seen an improvement in concentrate quality once an industrial scale operation is in production as compared to lab testing.

The approach to flowsheet development was to prepare representative master composites for each ore type, then proceed through open circuit to identify and optimize flowsheet conditions and reagent schemes. Locked cycle tests were then conducted on principal master composites to demonstrate the anticipated overall metallurgical performance within a closed circuit.

Tests were completed on blends of Primary Massive Sulphide (PMS), Stockwork (STW), Gossan (GO), Transition Massive Sulphide (TMS) and Stringer (STR) ores to allow comparison with individual composite results and to assess the viability of coprocessing the ore types.

Mineralogical assessments were undertaken to provide information to refine the comminution/beneficiation process during optimization, and to provide reasonable expectations for metallurgical performance versus mineral liberation and association within each ore type. Samples from various open and locked cycle test products were used to characterize final concentrates and tailings.

The developed metallurgical models were applied to mine production schedules as part of the financial modelling process. The resulting average recoveries over the life of the mine (LOM) are presented in the table below:

Table 3. Achieved Recoveries by Metal and Domain

Table 4 below highlights the concentrate grade profile as determined by the various metallurgical testwork. These results are largely inline with other regional producers. The Project will produce four concentrates, namely Zinc, Lead, Copper and a Tin concentrate.

Table 4. Concentrate Technical Specifications

Processing

The mineral treatment plant is based on industry standard methods and will mainly consist of different process areas where the mineral will be crushed, ground, and then fed to several flotation processes where Cu, Pb, Zn and Sn concentrates and Au/Ag dore bars will be produced. Other than crushing, grinding, dewatering and auxiliary services, common to all mineral domains, the remaining process areas will be configured depending on the mineral domain being processed. The mined material goes through a grizzly feeder and primary jaw crusher, and then onto a grinding circuit which consists of a SAG mill, ball mill, and vertical mill in a closed circuit with hydrocyclones. The material is discharged into a vibrating screen, with rejected pebbles recirculated to a pebble crusher.

Grinded material will feed the copper and lead flotation circuit, that includes aeration and conditioning tanks, rougher cells, regrinding mill, and cleaning stages. The circuit can produce bulk or separate Cu and Pb concentrates depending on the mineral domain being processed. The zinc flotation circuit, downstream process, consists of conditioning tanks, rougher cells, regrinding mill, and cleaning stages.

Zinc flotation tailings, feed the sulphide flotation circuit to remove sulphides before concentrating tin minerals. It includes conditioning tanks, rougher cells, and cleaner stages. Rougher tailings flow to the next area, while the concentrate is pumped to the tailings management area. The tin recovery circuit will consist of flotation and gravimetric concentration technologies. Flotation includes conditioner and aeration tanks, rougher and cleaner stages, with intermediate tin concentrate being processed using multi-gravity separators to increase the final tin grade. A summary Flowsheet is provided below.

Figure 3. Simplified Process Flow Diagram

Infrastructure

The Lagoa Salgada Project will be developed on a greenfield site located in close proximity to the Grandola municipality, in the Setubal district, which benefits from well-established infrastructure, including road and rail transport, power, and water supply services. Transportation of supplies will be facilitated by trucks from Portugal or Spanish locations, while concentrate products will initially be shipped to the Sines port by road (47km) and subsequently by ship to final destinations.

The project site will have a compact layout that incorporates essential components such as the tailings storage facility, ore and waste dumps, water treatment infrastructure, and various buildings, including administration, warehouse, laboratory, gatehouse, and mobile equipment workshop. The processing facilities will consist of a primary crusher building, ore stockpiles on the ROM pad, a mill building, and a paste plant building.

The mine will be accessed via a portal and the ore will be brought to the surface and stored as stockpiles, while waste stockpiles will be utilized for constructing the embankments of the Tailings Storage Facility.

The mine plan outlines the processing of 14.8 Mt of ore and the generation of 1.9 Mt of waste rock. After accounting for concentrate and underground backfill, a total of 11.3 Mt of tailings, along with 1.0 Mt of development rock, will be deposited in the TSF.

Figure 4 Site Layout

Capital Costs

Upfront capital costs are estimated at US$164 million inclusive of US$12 million in contingency. A further US$102.9 million of sustaining capital is planned over the 14.5 year mine life, including closure costs. Pay back is in the order of 2 years with an after-tax IRR of 39%.

Table 5. Capital Costs

Operating Costs

Operating costs are summarized in Table 6 below. All costs are based on a mining rate of 1.2Mtpa and relied on recent quotes from various vendors which are consistent with other mines in the region. On a zinc equivalent per pound basis, Life of Mine C1 Cash Costs are estimated at US$0.67/lb and All-In Sustaining Costs are US$0.71/lb over the life of mine.

Table 6. Operating Costs

Production and Operating Cost Profile

The chart below highlights the expected production and AISC profile at Venda Nova as per the FS. Production and cash flows are expected to be stronger in the early years as the processing of the higher-grade massive sulphide and gossan material is undertaken.

Production over the mine life is expected to average 77 million lbs of Zinc equivalent production per year but averages approximately 124 million lbs of Zinc equivalent production over the first five years. Similarly, AISC will average US$0.71/lb per year LOM and US$0.59/lb over the first five years on a ZnEq basis.

Figure 5. Production and AISC

Overall Project Economics

The Venda Nova project at Lagoa Salgada shows strong robust economics with a Post-Tax NPV at an 8% discount rate of US$147 million and an IRR of 39% for a payback period of 2 years at long term consensus metal price assumptions. Project economics are based on the current Proven and Probable Reserves only for a mine life of 14.5 years and does not factor in the upgrading of additional resources or potential future exploration success.

Table 7 Economic Summary

The mine is expected to benefit from regional tax incentives in Portugal. Contractual fiscal incentives for productive investment in Portugal offers a validity period of up to 10 years for investment projects with relevant expenditures amounting to 3,000,000 or more. The fiscal benefit corresponds to 10% of the project's relevant expenditures, and this rate can be increased based on factors like the location of the project and the creation of jobs. The benefit takes the form of a tax credit deducted from the corporate income tax liability. Additionally, there are provisions for exemptions or reductions in municipal property tax, property transfer tax, and stamp duty.

These contractual fiscal incentives aim to attract productive investments, boost economic growth, create employment opportunities, and support strategic sectors in Portugal. The incentives provide companies with tax benefits, such as tax credits, deductions, and exemptions, encouraging investment in various sectors and regions.

In the case of Lagoa Salgada, the maximum tax benefit is determined by considering the lower value between 24.75 million (Maximum regional aid intensity applicable) or 15% of the initial investment. The application method for this incentive involves a 50% reduction in income tax (equivalent to 21% of the taxable income) until the maximum amount of tax benefit is attained.

The chart below demonstrates the robust free cash flow generation expected, especially in the first five years of operation. Cash flows during the first five years of production are estimated to average US$56 million per annum.

Figure 6. Free Cash Flow

The chart below highlights the NPV sensitivity to changes in capital costs, various input costs and Zinc price assumptions.

Figure 7. NPV Sensitivity

Optimization Opportunities

The completion of the Feasibility study completes the requirements by Ascendant to Earn an 80% ownership in the project as required under the Option Earn-In agreement. The Company believes that with additional time now available, the following near term optimization opportunities exist to further enhance the FS prior to commencing development work over the next six months. The Company's initial focus will be as follows:

Optimize mine ore sequencing to maximize revenues in the initial years.

Optimization of the mining and processing rate to optimize NPV and IRR;

Undertake further metallurgical test work on available material to enhance metal recoveries above those already achieved in tests to date

On a longer-term basis, the Company has identified additional areas to further increase the value of the Lagao Salgada project such as;

Additional metallurgical test work to continue to enhance recoveries subject to additional new fresh core

Increase in mineral reserves and resources to enhance the mine life or support a larger scale operation via upgrading additional known resources to the Proven and Probable categories, and the addition of new ore through new exploration to define additional resources on the numerous follow up targets known on the property.

Qualified Persons

An NI 43-101 Technical Report supporting the DFS is being prepared by Quadrante under the guidance of Mr. Joao Horta (M.Sc., MIMMM), who serves as Project Director at QUADRANTE and is a "Qualified Person" in accordance with National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Although the Qualified Person was not responsible for the completion of some of the sections of the DFS, such as Geology, Mineral Processing and Metallurgical, Mineral Resource, Reserve, Mining Methods, Recovery Methods, TSF, Paste Fill, and Hydrogeological Study, the Qualified Person at Quadrante has relied on the Qualified Persons listed below who are the specialists in these fields for completion of their respective portions of the DFS.

The scientific and technical information contained in this release relating to the Geology and Mineral Resource Estimate has been approved and verified by Mr. Charley Murahwi (MSc., P.Geo., FAusIMM), Senior Economic Geologist with Micon International Limited, who is a "Qualified Person" in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the Mineral Resource Estimate was also approved and verified by Mr. Charley Murahwi.

The Mineral Reserve calculation and the Mining Methods section was completed by IGAN Ingenieria under the supervision of Mr. Pablo Gancedo Minguez (CEng, MIMMM), who is a "Qualified Person" in accordance with National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

The Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) study was completed by SLR under the supervision of Mr. David Ritchie (P.Eng, Principal Geotechnical Engineer at SLR), who is a "Qualified Person" in accordance with National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Scientific and technical information contained in this release in relation to metallurgical test work and the Recovery Methods section has been approved and verified by Mr. David Castro Lopez (MIMMM), who serves as Process Engineer at Minepro Solutions and is a "Qualified Person" in accordance with National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

The Hydrogeological Study was completed by Dr. Rafael Fernandez Rubio (PhD, Specialist), which is a Special Consultant at FRASA and is a "Qualified Person" in accordance with National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

The Paste Fill study was completed by Mr. Frank Palkovits (P.Eng, B.Eng), Pastefill Specialist at RMS and a "Qualified Person" in accordance with National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Review of Technical Information

The scientific and technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Clinton Swemmer, Chief Technical Officer for Ascendant Resources Ltd, who is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101.

About Ascendant Resources Inc.

Ascendant Resources is a Toronto-based mining company focused on the exploration and development of the highly prospective Lagoa Salgada VMS project located on the prolific Iberian Pyrite Belt in Portugal. The Lagoa Salgada project is a high-grade polymetallic project, demonstrating a typical mineralization endowment of zinc, copper, lead, tin, silver, and gold. Extensive exploration upside potential lies both near deposit and at prospective step-out targets across the large 7,209-hectare property concession.

Located just 80km from Lisbon and surrounded by exceptional infrastructure, Lagoa Salgada offers a low-cost entry to a significant exploration and development opportunity, already showing its mineable scale and cashflow generation potential.

Ascendant currently holds a 50% interest in the Lagoa Salgada project through its position in Redcorp - Empreendimentos Mineiros, Lda, ("Redcorp") and has an earn-in opportunity to increase its interest in the project to 80%. The Company's common shares are principally listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "ASND". For more information on Ascendant, please visit our website at http://www.ascendantresources.com/.

Additional information relating to the Company, including the Preliminary Economic Assessment referenced in this news release, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Forward Looking Information

This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding the business, the Lagoa Salgada project and timing of completion of studies. In making the forward- looking statements contained in this press release, Ascendant has made certain assumptions, including, but not limited to its ability to enhance value through further optimisation, the discovery potential of the project and ability to define further deposits and the support for and ability to obtain project financing and commence construction. Although Ascendant believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, Ascendant disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, the risks described under the heading "Risks Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2023 and under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 and other risks identified in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The risk factors referred to above are not an exhaustive list of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking information. The Company's statements containing forward-looking information are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking information if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, one should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

SOURCE Ascendant Resources Inc.

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CAMBRIDGE, ON, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - ATS Corporation (TSX: ATS) (NYSE: ATS) ("ATS" or the "Company") will report its financial results for the first quarter ended July 3, 2023 before the TSX opens on Wednesday August 9, 2023.

At 8:30 a.m. eastern August 9, 2023, the Company will host a conference call and webcast of management's quarterly remarks and follow up question and answer period with analysts. The listen-only webcast can be accessed live at www.atsautomation.com. The conference call can be accessed live by dialing (416) 764-8688 or (888) 390-0546 five minutes prior.

A replay of the conference will be available on the ATS website following the call. Alternatively, a telephone recording of the call will be available for one week (until midnight August 16, 2023) by by dialing (416) 764-8677 and entering passcode 885809 followed by the number sign.

Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders

The Company will host its Annual and Special Meeting of shareholders on Thursday August 10, 2023, at 10 a.m. eastern. Once again, the meeting will be held in a virtual-only format which can be accessed at https://web.lumiagm.com/411640407. The Company's Management Information Circular, which includes details of the business to be conducted at the meeting and instructions on how to use the platform, together with other meeting related materials, can be found on the Company's website at www.atsautomation.com, at www.sedar.com, and on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's EDGAR website at www.sec.gov.

About ATS Corporation

ATS Corporation is an industry-leading automation solutions provider to many of the world's most successful companies. ATS uses its extensive knowledge base and global capabilities in custom automation, repeat automation, automation products and value-added services including pre-automation and after-sales services, to address the sophisticated manufacturing automation systems and service needs of multinational customers in markets such as life sciences, food & beverage, transportation, consumer products, and energy. Founded in 1978, ATS employs over 6,500 people at more than 60 manufacturing facilities and over 80 offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania. The Company's common shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ATS.

SOURCE ATS Corporation
LOUISVILLE, Ky., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- To enhance the visitor and summer camp experience, The Aviation Museum of Kentucky has entered into an agreement with Accelecom , a leading fiber-based broadband provider for next-gen, secure and scalable high-speed, modern connectivity. Increased capacity and reliability of their broadband services allow the Museum to educate visitors about the science of flight and aviation history within Kentucky, while building the industry's next generation of home-grown professional aviation talent.

The Museum, located within a 40-year-old hanger at Lexington's Blue Grass Field, previously had unreliable service due to antiquated wiring and the inability to run new lines at the airport. Accelecom established a Gigabit connection with its next-generation network to boost the museum's platform for learning for both the public and individuals interested in aviation as a profession.

"The Museum's mission is important to the economic development of Kentucky," said Jim McCormick, Chairman of the Board of the Aviation Museum of Kentucky. "We are gearing up to host 10 to 17-year-old students at our Aviation Summer Camp, a staple of Museum programming over the past 20 years. The camp is more than just flying a plane; it exposes students to what aviation is about and the wide variety of careers supporting it. We now can incorporate real-time weather updates and content from the internet due to the reliable service provided by Accelecom."

Kentucky is a leader in shaping the aviation field. The Accelecom enhanced connectivity allows the Museum to demonstrate how aviation is not just a hobby but a lifelong career. Visitors and campers will now have additional ways to experience the Museum's mission to illustrate the variety of roles within aviation, from pilots to mechanics to meteorologists, and controllers, that strengthen the Kentucky economy.

"Accelecom furnished a comprehensive networking solution tailored to fulfill the technical and service requirements of The Aviation Museum of Kentucky. This collaboration is empowering Kentucky students to acquire new skills and prepare for success in the digital economy," said Kim Epley, Chief Commercial Officer, Accelecom.

About Aviation Museum of Kentucky

The Aviation Museum of Kentucky is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization dedicated to inspiring the future of aviation. Founded in 1978, the museum has become a leading aviation education and history resource. The museum's collection includes over 20,000 square feet of exhibit space, a library, and an aircraft restoration and repair shop. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs for students of all ages, including summer camps, field trips, and lectures. The Aviation Museum of Kentucky is committed to providing visitors with a unique and engaging experience that will spark their interest in aviation and is open to the public.

About Accelecom

Accelecom is a fast-growing Southeastern regional wholesale and business fiber provider, delivering high-speed internet and advanced communication solutions to businesses across the region. With its extensive fiber network and commitment to bridging the digital divide, Accelecom empowers organizations with the connectivity they need to thrive in today's digital landscape. For more information, visit the Accelecom website and follow the company on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter .

SOURCE Accelecom
New legacy institution will educate visitors on the past, create growth in the present and inspire future generations.

FORT WORTH, Texas, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Juneteenth Museum and Bank of America today announced a foundational gift to support the first-of-its-kind museum. Selected to be built in Fort Worth, the city is a hub for arts and culture institutions and celebration, and the city's history is closely tied to its identity today. Honoring Fort Worth's past by investing in its future, Bank of America is awarding a $1M grant for the development of the National Juneteenth Museum ecosystem.

Ariel view of The National Juneteenth Museum

"The National Juneteenth Museum will be a social and economic anchor in Fort Worth that will serve as a catalyst for community education and growth. The bank's foundational support acknowledges the significant role Juneteenth plays in our city's history and is another demonstration of our commitment to advance economic opportunity and racial equality," said Mike Pavell, Bank of America Fort Worth President. "We're excited to work with the National Juneteenth Museum to revitalize the local community and create a new legacy institution."

Fostering a true ecosystem for economic and cultural development, the National Juneteenth Museum will feature far more than its collection of artifacts. The 50,000-square-foot center will host guest lectures, community events and performances in its 250-seat amphitheater, bring families together through the on-site food hall and grand green space, and launch big ideas into reality in its business incubator.

"The predominantly African American neighborhood surrounding the museum has helped shape Fort Worth for generations. I'm encouraged to see Bank of America helping breathe life into the Historic Southside through intentional investment in cultural education and preservation. Residents, visitors and local businesses will be able to witness the impact of Bank of America's gift, supporting a space where generational wealth, health and tradition will have a collaborative space to flourish," said Jarred Howard, CEO of the National Juneteenth Museum.

"The National Juneteenth Museum personifies many of the core values we uphold at Bank of America. From supporting diverse entrepreneurs and small business development, to mobilizing the power of the arts to educate and enrich our societies, we look forward to working together to unite our community and create greater cultural understanding. This partnership is a point of pride for Bank of America not only here in Fort Worth, but in every corner of our national footprint," added Pavell.

The museum's targeted opening date is June 19, 2025. To learn more about the museum and construction updates, please visit the National Juneteenth Museum website .

About the National Juneteenth Museum

The National Juneteenth Museum is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and will be a 50,000 square-foot epicenter for education and celebration of Juneteenth that is dedicated to building opportunities to advance future generations. The museum will be located in the Historic Southside neighborhood of Fort Worth, Texas and is expected to open to the public in 2025.

About Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 68 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,900 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs and award-winning digital banking with approximately 56 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts .

Reporters may contact:

Britney Sheehan, Bank of America

Phone: 1.425.467.9744

[email protected]

Wil Murphy, K Strategies, National Juneteenth Museum

Phone: 1.214.599.9766

[email protected]

SOURCE Bank of America Corporation
WorkFusion's AI Digital Worker Evelyn will be joining the bank's KYC process

NEW YORK, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WorkFusion, a leading provider of AI digital workforce solutions for banking and financial services, today announced that Bank of Asia, a cross-border international bank authorized and regulated by the Financial Services Commission of the British Virgin Islands (BVI FSC) that provides banking and asset management services through a digital platform to corporate and high net worth individual clients around the world, has selected its sanctions and adverse media AI Digital Worker, Evelyn, for negative news detection as part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) new client onboarding process.

"With a strong emphasis on providing the best customer experience possible, our use of advanced technology and big data enables us to open accounts efficiently and effectively for customers from anywhere in the world. Our technology-driven platform also enables customers to enjoy more user-friendly and cost-effective services with your smart devices," said Deon Vanterpool, Vice President and Director of Bank of Asia. "We work with reputable and established partners to onboard customers in line with our stringent Know Your Customer and Anti Money Laundering regime which leverages on latest Fintech solutions. Our principles are to be user-friendly, transparent, compliant, credible, responsible and innovative without compromising data security. With the use of WorkFusion's innovative AI technology, we will be using their KYC "AI Digital Workers" to help us achieve both our growth objectives and customer satisfaction goals."

AI Digital Worker, Evelyn, selected for negative news detection as part of the KYC new client onboarding process. Tweet this

Automating labor-intensive KYC tasks like negative news screening is crucial to improving the customer experience, decreasing time-to-onboard, repetitive touchpoints, and long service times. These steps also lower operational costs and improve capacity for managing anti-money laundering (AML), KYC, and sanctions risk.

"We are honored that Bank of Asia has selected our AI Digital Worker, Evelyn, to automate negative news detection as part of their KYC onboarding process," said Adam Famularo, CEO of WorkFusion. "Adverse media monitoring is one of the most effective tools banks and financial institutions have to protect against money laundering. However, there are many news articles, most of which are irrelevant false positives, which consume a lot of time. By automating this laborious task, Bank of Asia will reduce its new client onboarding time and ensure a more positive customer experience."

About WorkFusion

WorkFusion, Inc. is the creator of AI Digital Workers purpose-built for banking and financial services organizations. Its Digital Workers are true knowledge workers that effectively augment existing teams in functions like anti-money laundering (AML), sanctions, customer onboarding, Know Your Customer (KYC), and customer service. WorkFusion's digital workforce solutions help solve talent shortages, increase workforce capacity, save money, enhance employee and customer satisfaction, and ensure ongoing compliance. For more information visit workfusion.com.

Media Contact:

Jessica Cassady

[email protected]

SOURCE WorkFusion, Inc.
ALEXANDRIA, La., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bonnette Auction Company proudly announces the induction of its founder, Barbara Bonnette, into the prestigious National Auctioneers Hall of Fame. This honor marks a remarkable milestone in Barbara's career, recognizing her outstanding contributions and exemplary achievements in the auction industry. The induction ceremony took place on July 20, 2023 during the National Auction Association's annual convention, celebrating the most exceptional professionals in the field.

Barbara Bonnette National Auction Hall of Fame Induction Barbara Bonnette National Auction Hall of Fame Induction Barbara Bonnette Auction Hall of Fame

Since its establishment in 1987, Bonnette Auction Company has continuously thrived under Barbara Bonnette's visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the art of auctions. Barbara's passion and expertise have not only propelled her company to national acclaim but have also set a standard of excellence within the industry.

One of the highest honors bestowed upon auctioneers, the induction into the National Auctioneers Hall of Fame represents a crowning achievement for Barbara Bonnette. Her accomplishments extend beyond her exceptional career as an auctioneer. Her significant contributions to the auction community include being inducted into the Louisiana Auctioneers Hall of Fame in 2014 and serving on the National Auctioneers Association's Board of Directors, Foundation Board, and Education Committee. Her dedication to the industry's growth and education has left an indelible mark on aspiring auctioneers.

Barbara's unyielding commitment to excellence has earned her company numerous national and state marketing awards, solidifying Bonnette Auction Company's position as a leader in the auction industry.

"I am humbled and deeply honored to be inducted into the National Auction Hall of Fame," said Barbara Bonnette. "It has been an incredible journey from being a first-generation auctioneer to achieving such recognition in the industry. I am incredibly grateful to my team at Bonnette Auction Company, our loyal clients, NAA and everyone who has supported me throughout my career."

The entire team at Bonnette Auction Company and Louisiana Outdoor Properties congratulates Barbara Bonnette on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to continuing their tradition of excellence under her guidance.

Barbara Bonnette is deeply grateful to her family for their unwavering support throughout her career. Their belief in her and encouragement have been invaluable in her pursuit of excellence, and she attributes her success to their love and presence in her life.

About Barbara Bonnette and Bonnette Auction Company:

Barbara Bonnette is a first-generation auctioneer who founded Bonnette Auction Company in 1987. With her unparalleled expertise, passion, and dedication, Barbara has taken her company to great heights, earning numerous awards along the way. From winning the 2006 International Champion Auctioneer title to being inducted into the National Auctioneers Hall of Fame, Barbara's journey has been an inspiration to many within the industry.

Bonnette Auction Company is a renowned auction firm that specializes in a wide range of auctions, including real estate, equipment, business liquidations, and more. With a focus on professionalism, integrity, and innovation, the company has established itself as a leader in the auction industry, serving clients across the world.

For more information about Barbara Bonnette and Bonnette Auction Company, please visit www.BonnetteAuctions.com

Media Contact:

Wendi Ford

Auction Manager

Bonnette Auction Company

Phone: 318-443-6614

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.BonnetteAuctions.com

SOURCE Bonnette Auction Company
NEW YORK, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Klein Law Firm announces that a class action complaint has been filed on behalf of shareholders of Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX) alleging that the Company violated federal securities laws.

Class Period: May 25, 2022 to February 8, 2023

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: September 11, 2023

No obligation or cost to you.

Learn more about your recoverable losses in BAX:

https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/baxter-lawsuit-loss-submission-form?id=42499&from=4

Baxter International Inc. NEWS - BAX NEWS

CLASS ACTION CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that Baxter International Inc. made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) the Company concealed the true extent of the supply chain problems it was experiencing while simultaneously exaggerating its ability to maintain a healthy supply chain in the face of global pressures; (ii) as a result, the Company's projected earnings were materially misleading during the Class Period; (iii) the foregoing, once revealed, was reasonably likely to have a material negative impact on the Company's financial condition; and (iv) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. Over the course of the Class Period, Baxter's stock price declined by nearly 50%, eliminating billions of dollars in market capitalization.

WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU AS A SHAREHOLDER: If you have suffered a loss in Baxter you have until September 11, 2023 to petition the court for lead plaintiff status. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.

NO COST TO YOU: If you purchased Baxter securities during the relevant period, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket fees.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL INTERESTS: For additional information about the BAX lawsuit, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or click this link: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/baxter-lawsuit-loss-submission-form?id=42499&from=4.

ABOUT KLEIN LAW FIRM

J. Klein, Esq. represents investors and participates in securities litigations involving financial fraud throughout the nation. The Klein Law Firm is a boutique litigation firm with experience in a wide range of areas including securities law, corporate finance and commercial litigation. Since 2011, our experienced attorneys have achieved superior results for our clients with a personalized focus. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:

J. Klein, Esq.

535 Fifth Avenue

4th Floor

New York City, NY 10017

[email protected]

Telephone: (212) 616-4899

www.kleinstocklaw.com

SOURCE The Klein Law Firm
BCN Expands SD-WAN Portfolio with Cato's Single-Vendor SASE Cloud Solution

MORRISTOWN, N.J., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BCN, a New Jersey-based communications technology solution provider focused on multi-location enterprise businesses, announced today the formation of a new partnership with Cato Networks, provider of the world's leading SASE platform. The partnership allows BCN's nationwide network of sales partners to offer enterprises the Cato SASE Cloud platform to address today's key networking and security requirements.

BCN Expands SD-WAN Portfolio with Catos Single-Vendor SASE Cloud Solution Tweet this Julian Jacquez, BCN President & COO

The transition to remote work and the emergence of a cloud-first culture have had a major impact on enterprise networks and information security. Networking patterns have changed, and organizations must deploy new services and cater to new requirements faster than ever. A SASE architecture provides the agility and flexibility needed in this new environment. SASE makes it possible to deploy new branches remotely with low overhead. It also provides the security stack to ensure employees and contractors can access systems securely from anywhere.

Enterprises in healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and other vertical markets are actively engaged in branch modernization and branch transformation projects. BCN's ability to offer a Cato SASE Cloud solution empowers them to do so with confidence. With BCN's deep portfolio of connectivity services, these businesses now have access to a fully managed and connected SASE-driven solution from one technology provider, on one invoice, with one point of contact for service and support.

Cato SASE Cloud is the world's most robust single-vendor SASE platform converging Cato SD-WAN and a cloud-native security service edge, Cato SSE 360, into a global cloud service. Cato enables enterprises to move away from rigid and disjointed connectivity and security architecture to Cato SASE Cloud, a modern secure network delivered as a service. Cato enables IT to rapidly address new business requirements, such as global expansion, M&A, cloud migration, and the hybrid workforce. Cato's converged architecture reduces cost and complexity with simple management, self-healing infrastructure, and automatically evolving defense that seamlessly mitigates emerging threats.

Frank Rauch, Global Channel Chief of Cato Networks, said, "We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with BCN. The shift to hybrid work is proving challenging to enterprises everywhere. Effective network security is more challenging than ever. With BCN's expertise and resourcefulness, enterprises will benefit strongly from this partnership."

Julian Jacquez, President, and COO of BCN, said, "Our sales partners and enterprise customers will benefit tremendously from the partnership BCN and Cato have forged. Cato's SASE technology platform, integrated with BCN's robust connectivity services portfolio means our partners and customers can address a host of security and networking challenges and take advantage of opportunities that yield cost-efficiency through our collaborative and transparent service delivery architecture."

About Cato Networks

Cato provides the world's most robust single-vendor SASE platform, converging Cato SD-WAN and a cloud-native security service edge, Cato SSE 360, into a global cloud service. Cato SASE Cloud optimizes and secures application access for all users and locations everywhere. Using Cato, customers easily replace costly and rigid legacy MPLS with modern network architecture based on SD-WAN, secure and optimize a hybrid workforce working from anywhere, and enable seamless cloud migration. Cato enforces granular access policies, protects users against threats, and prevents sensitive data loss, all easily managed from a single pane of glass. With Cato, businesses are ready for whatever's next. For more information on Cato Networks, visit: https://www.catonetworks.com/ .

About BCN:

BCN is a closely held and operated communications technology solutions provider with the flexibility and experience to address every customer need uniquely, creating tailored solutions based on the portfolios of over 100 wholesale network and technology partners. In addition, BCN provides customers with one monthly invoice for all services and a state-of-the-art portal to manage their BCN business. For almost three decades, BCN has delivered best-in-class solutions domestically and internationally to business customers. For more information, please call us at 888.866.7266 or email us at [email protected].

Media contact: Jeanne Duca, [email protected]

SOURCE BCN Telecom
ANAHEIM, Calif., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Beckman Coulter, a clinical diagnostics leader, today revealed for the first time in North America the DxI 9000 Access Immunoassay Analyzer, addressing clinical laboratory demands for speed, reliability, reproducibility, quality, and menu expansion. The DxI 9000 Analyzer has shown capability to develop increasingly sensitive and clinically relevant assays enabling the platform to keep pace with tomorrow's testing requirements as healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies take aim at evermore challenging diseases.

We believe that there is more clinical data available from a patient's blood sample than is currently accessible. Tweet this The DxI 9000 Analyzer innovations address todays speed, reliability, reproducibility, quality, and menu expansion demands. At the same time, the novel Lumi-Phos PRO Substrate has shown the capability to develop increasingly sensitive and clinically relevant assays, ensuring the system is able to meet the healthcare needs of tomorrow.

According to Zivjena Vucetic, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President, Medical & Scientific Affairs, President, Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, "We believe that there is more clinical data available from a patient's blood sample than is currently accessible. Early system evaluations and conversations with users suggest that the DxI 9000 Analyzer opens up new opportunities to quantify trace amounts of key biomarkers in blood samples. The implications extend throughout healthcare systems. For example, in Alzheimer's disease, adding a highly accurate and more patient-friendly testing option to current diagnostic solutions, with the goal of providing alternative options to PET-imaging or a lumbar puncture, amplifies the impact of new pharmaceutical therapies and ultimately improves patient outcomes."

Ray Divilley, Chief Medical Officer, Mayo University Hospital, Ireland, was an early evaluator of the DxI 9000 Analyzer added, "With the DxI 9000, Beckman Coulter has successfully produced a platform that addresses today's laboratories needs for speed, accuracy, and reliability. Based on our use and evaluation of the system in our lab, we were able to get actionable results back quicker to doctors and ultimately patients as they consider treatment options."

Recently, Beckman Coulter Diagnostics and Fujirebio, a leader in neurological markers and In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) manufacturing, announced a new partnership combining their respective immunoassay strengths to support therapeutic development, clinical trials, reimbursement, and routine clinical adoption in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. Initial assay development efforts will focus on the recently introduced DxI 9000 Access Immunoassay Analyzer and the widespread installed base of Access Family Immunoassay Analyzers.

"This collaboration with Beckman Coulter will help accelerate the deployment of our portfolio of new, novel neurodegenerative biomarkers to laboratories and clinicians around the world. As the pre-eminent provider of leading-edge immunoassays to the diagnostics industry, this partnership is an important step to speed the transition of these markers from research to clinical use in all major geographies and to bring a higher standard of care to patients and their families in the battle against this debilitating disease," stated Goki Ishikawa, President & CEO, Fujirebio Holdings, Inc.

In addition to advancing diagnostics capabilities, the DxI 9000 excels in improving clinical laboratory operations.

ZeroDaily Maintenance highlights the embedded innovations that drive the DxI 9000 Analyzer's uptime performance. Beta users attest to ZeroDaily Maintenance redefining their workday with no daily maintenance requirements, thereby reducing annual maintenance routines by up to 96%.

Building on Beckman Coulter's workflow and automation leadership, PrecisionVision Technology is unmatched in its ability to inspect, identify and prevent erroneous reporting in real time. PrecisionVision automated safeguards include tube identification, cap detection, tip check, sample aspiration, and delivery, residual wash volume, and substrate volume. Each check reduces the risk of reporting flawed data and increases system reliability and reproducibility.

The DxI 9000 Access Immunoassay Analyzer is currently available in most countries worldwide.

Additional Resources

Link to DxI 9000 Access Immunoassay Analyzer media kit

Follow and connect with Beckman Coulter Diagnostics via LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

About Beckman Coulter. Inc.

A global leader in advanced diagnostics, Beckman Coulter has challenged convention to elevate the diagnostic laboratory's role in improving patient health for more than 80 years. Our mission is to Relentlessly Reimagine Healthcare, One Diagnosis at a Time  and we do this by applying the power of science, technology and the passion and creativity of our teams. Our diagnostic solutions are used in complex clinical testing, and are found in hospitals, reference laboratories and physician office settings around the globe. We exist to deliver smarter, faster diagnostic solutions that move the needle forward from what's now to what's next. We seek to accelerate care with an extensive clinical menu, scalable lab automation technologies, insightful clinical informatics, and optimize lab performance services. Beckman Coulter is part of the Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) family of global science and technology companies. Headquartered in Brea, Calif., it has more than 11,000 global team members.

2023 Beckman Coulter. All rights reserved. Beckman Coulter, the stylized logo, and the Beckman Coulter product and service marks mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Beckman Coulter, Inc. in the United States and other countries. 2023-11982

SOURCE Beckman Coulter, Inc.
WASHINGTON, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The military community faces a number of unique challenges, including frequent deployments, long separations, and the constant threat of danger. These challenges can take a toll on the mental and emotional health of service members and their families.

In recent years, Blue Star Families has been working to address these challenges by developing innovative, data-backed, evidence-informed solutions. One of their most successful programs is the Combat the Silence campaign, which aims to prevent military suicide by empowering the immediate network of a struggling service member or Veteran to provide support.

Blue Star Families is strengthening military families and preventing suicide through innovative solutions. Tweet this

The Combat the Silence campaign is based on the idea that the best way to help someone who is struggling with mental health challenges is to provide them with a strong support network. This network can help to identify early signs of a crisis, provide emotional support, and connect the individual with professional help if needed.

The Combat the Silence campaign is unique in that it takes a proactive approach to suicide prevention. Instead of waiting for someone to reach out for help, the campaign empowers their immediate network to take action and provide support. This approach has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of suicide, and it is a model that can be replicated in other settings.

In addition to the Combat the Silence campaign, Blue Star Families also offers a number of other programs that help to address the challenges faced by military families. These programs include:

Blue Star Support Circles: These peer-led support groups provide military families with a safe space to discuss their challenges and connect with others who understand their experiences.

Blue Star Families Military Spouse Career Center: This online resource provides military spouses with access to job search tools, career development resources, and networking opportunities.

Blue Star Families Military Child Care Center: This resource helps military families find quality, affordable child care.

Blue Star Families' innovative solutions are making a real difference in the lives of military families. By providing support, resources, and education, Blue Star Families is helping to strengthen military families and prevent suicide.

The Power of Collective Action

The Combat the Silence campaign is a powerful example of the power of collective action. By working together, we can make a real difference in the lives of military families and help to prevent suicide.

If you are interested in learning more about Blue Star Families or getting involved in their work, please visit their website at www.bluestarfam.org.

Together, we can combat the silence.

About Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families is the nation's largest community-based organization supporting military-connected families. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities through innovative solutions. For more information, click here .

SOURCE Blue Star Families
A letter with a proposal to strengthen the transport route between Ukraine and the Baltic countries in order to support the export of Ukrainian agricultural products was sent to the leadership of the European Commission (EC) by Lithuanian Ministers of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis, Minister of Transport and Communications Marius Skuodis and Minister of Agriculture Kestutis Navickas.

"The decision of the Russian Federation to curtail the Black Sea grain initiative and the bombing of the port of Odesa worsen the already difficult situation with food security in the world," the ministers were quoted in the press service of the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry.

The document notes that the transport route between Ukraine and the Baltic countries can become a promising and long-term alternative for the export of Ukrainian grain, since the Baltic ports have a large throughput for agricultural products - 25 million tonnes per year for grain alone.

The ministers pointed to the possibility of applying simplified administrative procedures on the Polish-Ukrainian border, the introduction of green lines and the transfer of customs procedures to the ports of the Baltic countries, which will allow transporting several times more agricultural products both by road and rail.

"The infrastructure of the Baltic countries can become a promising and reliable transit route for Ukrainian products," the letter emphasizes.

The Lithuanian ministers called on the European Commission to actively cooperate with all EU member states to ensure the transit of Ukrainian goods, to assess the measures proposed by Lithuania, and to strengthen the alternative route of the Baltic route.
On the Backdrop of their 10th Anniversary, Birch Event Design Welcomes Innovative Leadership to Propel its Global Expansion and Unique Event Design Approach

NEW YORK, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As Birch Event Design celebrates its 10th anniversary, it enters a new era of innovation and growth under the strategic leadership of newly appointed CEO, Lance Emanuel. With a seasoned background as a high-level executive in the technology and premium cannabis sectors, Emanuel's arrival is set to energize a luxury-focused, customer-centric, and tech-forward approach to event design, as Birch looks to accelerate growth in existing markets and expand further in the U.S. and globally.

On the Backdrop of their 10th Anniversary, Birch Event Design Appoints Tech and Cannabis Entrepreneur, Lance Emanuel, as CEO of the Leading Global Event Design Firm

"Lance joins Birch at a pivotal time as we celebrate an incredible milestone, our 10-year anniversary," said Founder and Chief Creative Officer Josh Spiegel. "We've grown from a small firm with big dreams to a global name synonymous with creativity, quality, and professionalism. I couldn't be more excited for Lance to join our team and drive this new chapter in our growth story with his distinctive experience, leadership, and innovative mindset."

"I'm thrilled to join Birch at this exciting inflection point for the company, as the event design industry is ripe for disruption. Today's clients expect more than just a beautiful event; they demand a luxury experience during their first conversation with you through event execution, regardless of whether they're spending $30,000 or $3,000,000 for event decor," said Emanuel. "Josh has built Birch into one of the premier global event design companies, producing small and large-scale social and corporate events with speed and quality that are unparalleled in our industry. As we navigate our rapidly changing tech-driven reality, I look forward to leveraging my experience and working with the incredible Birch team to capitalize on new opportunities while continuing to drive profitable growth for the business."

Further recent additions to the leadership team at Birch include Hillary Patriquin, who recently joined the company as its Head of Operations and brings over a decade of corporate event experience at Hosts Global, and Sal Racicot, Birch's new VP of Sales, who brings his wealth of knowledge and over 15 years of luxury event experience from the renowned Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida.

These new hires follow Birch's recent expansion into South Florida and its successful foray into the global destination wedding market, a sector poised to grow to over $64 billion in 2026 1. Within the past 12 months, Birch has designed stunning weddings in various locations around the world, such as India, France, and Israel, with Italy scheduled for later this summer.

As Birch steps into its next decade, it is championed by Steve Klein, CEO of Apple Core Holdings and Chairman of both Birch and Iconic Spaces, the parent company, operator, and owner of Manhattan's premier independently owned event spaces, Gotham Hall and Ziegfeld. Klein added, "Having watched Josh develop Birch into the renowned business it is today and having first-hand experience of Lance's leadership and talent as well as his ability to look at a business three-dimensionally to identify opportunities to create value, I couldn't be more excited for the future of the company. With Lance as our CEO, alongside our experienced management team and all of the passionate, dedicated, and skilled team members at Birch, I'm confident that Birch will achieve sustained profitability and growth, and be recognized as a leader in a very fragmented industry."

About Birch Event Design

Birch Event Design, founded in 2013, is a premier event design firm offering luxury experiences across the United States and globally. With headquarters in New York City and a satellite office in Miami, Birch is renowned for its innovation, meticulous attention to detail, and creative excellence. At the core of Birch's success is its incredible team of designers, producers, and event professionals who tirelessly create breathtaking events with elegance, creativity, and unparalleled attention to detail. Further consolidating its reputation for excellence, Birch Event Design recently clinched the 2023 Award for Favourite Floral Designer in the World by RSVP Club. For more information, visit https://birchevents.com and follow Birch on Instagram .

Media Contact:

Vijay Lalwani | The Koki Group PR

[email protected]

347-421-1664

1 Destination Wedding Global Market Report 2023

SOURCE Birch Event Design
CEOs announce innovative renewable energy project built on a coal mine that will honor Kentucky's legacy as an energy producer while benefiting climate, conservation, and local communities.

TALCUM, Ky., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Starfire Mine, formerly one of the largest coal mines in the United States, will be the new site of a solar energy center. The announcement was made today by global renewable power producer BrightNight CEO Martin Hermann, Rivian Automotive Inc. Founder and CEO RJ Scaringe, and The Nature Conservancy CEO Jennifer Morris. They were joined by Kentucky Department of Energy and the Environment (EEC) Secretary Rebecca Goodman.

Starfire Renewable Energy Center is the largest renewable power project in Kentucky and one of the largest in the U.S. Tweet this The Starfire Renewable Energy Center

Once complete, the BrightNight Starfire Renewable Energy Center will have an 800-megawatt (MW) capacity, producing enough electricity to power over 170,000 households per year. When completed, it will be the largest renewable power project in Kentucky and one of the largest in the nation to be built on former mine lands, representing a $1-billion infrastructure investment. The project will also include BrightNight's construction of up to a twenty-mile transmission line, enabling an additional 1 gigawatt (GW) of renewable power generation to be built in the region in the future. BrightNight's industry-leading work will serve as a model for future energy transformation projects nationwide, showcasing how engineering and commercial success can be achieved.

Project development will take place over four phases, with Phase 1 construction beginning in 2025. Rivian, committed to promoting clean, equitable, and electrified transportation, will purchase 100 MW of renewable power from Phase 1 through a power purchase agreement (PPA) with BrightNight, producing enough energy to power up to 450 million miles of renewable driving every year. The Nature Conservancy, a global environmental nonprofit, will also purchase up to 2.5 MW of these renewable energy credits to complement its onsite solar arrays and achieve clean power sustainability commitments.

The Nature Conservancy collaborated with Rivian to establish a rigorous competitive process for selecting a clean energy project that would accelerate an equitable, science-based clean energy transition that maximizes positive impacts on climate, conservation, and communities, known as the "3Cs." As a result, BrightNight emerged as the chosen developer for the Starfire Renewable Energy Center. Rivian and The Nature Conservancy co-developed "Power with Purpose," a public guide that describes this strategy along with tools and resources for industry leaders to use and adapt this approach to accelerate environmentally and socially driven clean energy projects.

"Rivian is one of the most innovative and forward-thinking manufacturers in America, and we are proud that they have chosen BrightNight and the Starfire Renewable Energy Center to help achieve their sustainability goals," BrightNight CEO Martin Hermann said. "Together, we are transforming a coal mine, reinvesting in a region eager to continue its role as an energy leader, and demonstrating the incredible impact of corporate power procurement."

"Shifting our energy system toward carbon neutrality goes beyond electrifying the roughly 1.5 billion vehicles in the global fleet," said Rivian Founder and CEO RJ Scaringe. "We must also support the decarbonization of our energy infrastructure through the responsible deployment of renewable energy. We are thrilled to collaborate with organizations like The Nature Conservancy and BrightNight to bring Starfire to life and help create a scalable model for a modern grid that provides reliable, affordable, and carbon free energy for all."

"Significant investments in infrastructure will be critical to solving the climate crisis, but how we invest is just as important as how much we invest: We need to ensure both people and the planet are central to these decisions, especially in communities like the Appalachians that have powered America for centuries and have tremendous natural resources," stated Jennifer Morris, CEO of The Nature Conservancy. "We are proud to collaborate with Rivian and BrightNight on this important project."

Kentucky EEC Secretary Rebecca Goodman expressed support for the project and thanked BrightNight for its willingness to discuss pathways to assist in the development of the Olive Branch Community, flood recovery housing championed by Kentucky Governor Beshear. The community, located just outside the mine, is aiming to provide affordable electricity and improved resiliency to residents. BrightNight and the KY EEC are currently exploring ways the independent power producer can assist with energy delivery, expanded and improved road infrastructure, and engineering support.

Until Phase 1 construction begins, BrightNight, with the support of Rivian and The Nature Conservancy, is focused on engaging the local community early and often. BrightNight is determining community development priorities, procuring land needed for its extensive transmission line right-of-way, securing additional offtake, developing environmentally conscious site design based on best available science, and monitoring for possible grid-related decisions that could accelerate project construction. Edelen, a Kentucky-based renewables developer, has been supporting BrightNight on the project by providing landowner and site development support services.

To learn more about the Starfire Renewable Energy Project, please visit https://brightnightpower.com/starfire-project.

ABOUT BRIGHTNIGHT

BrightNight is the first global renewable integrated power company designed to provide utility and commercial and industrial customers with clean, dispatchable renewable power solutions. BrightNight works with customers across the U.S. and Asia Pacific to design, develop, and operate safe, reliable, large-scale renewable power projects optimized to better manage the intermittent nature of renewable energy. Its deep customer engagement process, team of proven power experts, and industry-leading solutions enable customers to overcome challenging energy sustainability standards, rapidly changing grid dynamics, and the transition away from fossil fuel generation. To learn more, visit: www.brightnightpower.com

ABOUT RIVIAN

Rivian exists to create products and services that help our planet transition to carbon neutral energy and transportation. Rivian designs, develops, and manufactures category-defining electric vehicles and accessories and sells them directly to customers in the consumer and commercial markets. Rivian complements its vehicles with a full suite of proprietary, value-added services that address the entire lifecycle of the vehicle and deepen its customer relationships. Learn more about the company, products, and careers at www.rivian.com.

ABOUT THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 76 countries and territories37 by direct conservation impact and 39 through partnerswe use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

SOURCE BrightNight
Block's purchase will remove 1,500 tons of carbon by 2027 through Brilliant Planet's novel desert algae burial method

Carbon removal sold on the Watershed Marketplace is vetted for additionality, permanence, and more by Watershed's climate science team, making it easier for ambitious companies to access highest-quality removals

LONDON, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Brilliant Planet, a leader in high-integrity nature-based, permanent carbon removal, announced their first large-scale purchase from Block, the global technology company with a focus on financial services. The purchase was facilitated through the Watershed Marketplace, a curated selection of nature-based and engineered carbon removal available to all customers of Watershed, the enterprise climate platform.

On behalf of Block, Brilliant Planet will remove 1,500 tons of carbon by 2027 at its planned demonstration facility in Morocco. A key pillar of Block's corporate sustainability program is its commitment to becoming net zero carbon for its operations by 2030, which includes internal carbon reductions, transparent emissions disclosures, and carbon removal sourcing. Block's carbon removal portfolio spans interventions across a variety of removal types and maturity  including reforestation, biochar, biomass sequestration, and direct air capture.

Adam Taylor, CEO at Brilliant Planet commented, "We are privileged to work with Block and Watershed in our shared vision of a net-zero future. Early contracts with Block and other pioneering environmental leaders are important in the development of the high-integrity carbon removal sector and demonstrate to like-minded firms that solutions are actionable today."

"At Block we believe that effective corporate climate action includes a clear focus on internal reductions and a strong commitment to carbon removal," said Neil Jorgensen, Global ESG Lead at Block, Inc. "We're proud to be working with Watershed to curate our carbon removal portfolio and invest in frontier carbon removal technology like Brilliant Planet. Providing support in the early days of these innovative projects is crucial to helping collectively secure a livable planet."

"Fighting climate change requires emissions reductions and carbon removals. We need to throw everything we've got at solving climate change. That's where innovators like Brilliant Planet come in," said Watershed co-founder Taylor Francis. "We're excited to keep working with Brilliant Planet and leading companies like Block to pioneer innovative solutions to climate change."

Brilliant Planet removes CO 2 from the atmosphere by growing local strains of marine algae on land in coastal desert areas. Seawater is pumped through a series of open ponds, enabling natural algae blooms to continue year-round. The algae biomass is harvested, rapidly solar dried and buried underground on site, ensuring sequestered carbon remains easily verifiable and stable for over 1,000 years. Using only upwelled ocean water as a nutrient source and sunlight as energy, the exceptional productivity of year-round algae blooms enables Brilliant Planet's facilities to capture 30x more carbon per year than an equivalent area of forest, without competing for productive land.

Brilliant Planet has operated a pilot project in Southern Morocco since 2018, in addition to its previous pilot sites in South Africa (2013) and Oman (2014). They will begin construction on their demonstration site in Q2 2024 and start operations later that year. Following the construction of the demonstration site, Brilliant Planet intends to modularly increase its carbon removal capacity, reaching 1 million tons of CO 2 per year by 2030.

In addition to removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, Brilliant Planet's carbon removal method de-acidifies local coastal areas, improving biodiversity. At the same time, it creates high-quality jobs in vulnerable rural areas, enabling those that are most affected by climate change to become part of the solution.

By purchasing carbon dioxide removal (CDR) through the Watershed Marketplace, companies of all sizes and industries help scale the businesses at the forefront of CDR innovation while working to meet their own climate goals. Watershed's team of climate scientists and external advisors vets CDR projects for additionality, verification, durability, leakage, co-benefits, and catalytic nature. Read more about the Watershed Marketplace here .

About Brilliant Planet:

Brilliant Planet is unlocking the power of algae as an affordable method of permanently and quantifiably sequestering carbon at the gigaton scale. The company's innovative process enables vast quantities of microalgae to grow in open-air pond-based systems on coastal desert land. This is achieved without using fresh water, by harnessing a natural process that contributes to the health of oceans and air. Brilliant Planet is based in London, UK with operations in the Sahara Desert of Morocco.

About Block:

Block, Inc. is a global technology company with a focus on financial services. Made up of Square, Cash App, Spiral, TIDAL, and TBD, we build tools to help more people access the economy. Square helps sellers run and grow their businesses with its integrated ecosystem of commerce solutions, business software, and banking services. With Cash App, anyone can easily send, spend, or invest their money in stocks or Bitcoin. Spiral builds and funds free, open-source Bitcoin projects. Artists use TIDAL to help them succeed as entrepreneurs and connect more deeply with fans. TBD is building an open developer platform to make it easier to access Bitcoin and other blockchain technologies without having to go through an institution.

About Watershed:

Watershed is the enterprise climate platform. Companies like Airbnb, Carlyle Group, Everlane, YETI, and BBVA use Watershed to measure, report and act on their emissions, so they can produce audit-ready carbon footprints that drive real reductions. With embedded climate intelligence from the world's leading climate and policy experts, Watershed is the platform of choice for companies seeking to satisfy regulatory requirements, unlock new business opportunities, and address climate-related risks. Watershed customers also have exclusive access to a marketplace of pre-vetted, high-quality carbon projects and groundbreaking virtual power purchase agreements.

Contact:

DEY.

KAVITA TOMLINSON

Kavita Tomlinson [email protected]

914 844-4451

@KAVITATOMLINSON

DEY.NYC

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2143292/Brilliant_Planet_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Brilliant Planet
NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Brindiamo Group is pleased to announce it has received the prestigious 2023 ACG Tennessee Roaring 20 Award, presented by the Tennessee Chapter of The Association for Corporate Growth (ACG). This distinguished accolade honors the fastest-growing middle-market companies in the state that have demonstrated exceptional growth and contributed to Tennessee's economic prosperity. Headquartered in Tennessee, Brindiamo Group leverages its extensive spirits industry expertise to provide outstanding liquid sourcing solutions to investors, brands, and distilleries in the bourbon and whisky industry. The company's commitment to fostering strategic partnerships and delivering tailored solutions has distinguished it and led to this remarkable recognition.

Roaring 20 Award

"We are thrilled to honor Brindiamo Group with the 2023 ACG Tennessee Roaring 20 Award," said Pamela Holz, Executive Director of the Tennessee Chapter of ACG. "This recognition is a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to growth, and significant impact on the business landscape in Tennessee. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and share their success with the community."

"We are humbled and honored to receive the 2023 Tennessee Roaring 20 Award," said Jeff Hopmayer, Founder of Brindiamo Group. "This acknowledgment as one of Tennessee's leading companies is a testament to our exceptional team at Brindiamo and the invaluable support from our clients and partners within the spirits industry, both domestically and internationally.

Brindiamo Group joins an esteemed group of honorees, including other top-performing middle-market companies. The Tennessee Roaring 20 Award received an overwhelming response this year, with over 80 exceptional companies nominated across the state.

The much-anticipated ACG Tennessee Roaring 20 Award ceremony will take place on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at The Conrad Nashville. This exclusive occasion will bring together over 300 influential members of the Tennessee business community, providing a unique networking opportunity for honorees to engage with industry leaders and decision-makers.

The 2023 ACG Tennessee Roaring 20 Award is made possible by the generous support of sponsors and partners, with Frazier & Deeter serving as the headline sponsor. Their commitment to recognizing and celebrating the success of middle-market companies has played a vital role in making this award a reality.

About Brindiamo Group

Established in 2012, Brindiamo Group has swiftly risen to become a global leader in sourcing bulk whiskey. The dedicated team of alcohol industry beverage experts leverages a wealth of experience and extensive industry connections to maximize potential for investors, brands and distilleries in the industry. From promising alcohol start-ups to established adult beverage brands to savvy investors, Brindiamo's team across the United States, Ireland and the United Kingdom is committed to assisting clients in sourcing the right premium liquid at the right time.

About The Association for Corporate Growth (ACG):

The Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) is an international organization dedicated to middle-market growth, mergers and acquisitions, and private investment. With chapters worldwide, ACG fosters an environment conducive to the growth of middle-market businesses through networking events, educational programs, and thought leadership.

SOURCE Brindiamo Group
VANCOUVER, BC, and TORONTO, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - BZAM Ltd. (the "Company" or "BZAM") (CSE: BZAM) (US-OTC: BZAMF), a leading Canadian cannabis producer, is pleased to announce that further to its press release dated July 13, 2023, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, has agreed to purchase (the "Share Purchase") an additional 120,000 shares (the "Purchased Shares") of the 884,700 Class A shares (the "BCC Shares") issued and outstanding in the capital of BZAM Cannabis Corp. ("BCC") from certain minority shareholders (the "BCC Shareholders"), increasing its proposed aggregate ownership from 630,000 BCC Shares (representing owning 71.2% of BCC) as disclosed July 13, 2023, to 750,000 BCC Shares (representing owning 84.8% of BCC). As consideration for the Purchased Shares, the Company will issue an aggregate of an additional 240,000 common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") to the BCC Shareholders, at a deemed issuance price of $0.18 per Common Share. Such Common Shares will be issued in reliance on certain prospectus exemptions available under securities legislation and will be subject to a four-month plus one day statutory hold period. The issuance of such Common Shares for the purpose of the Share Purchase remains subject to all necessary regulatory approvals including final acceptance by the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE").

About BZAM Ltd.

BZAM Ltd. (CSE: BZAM) (USOTC: BZAMF) is a leading Canadian cannabis producer with a focus on branded consumer goods, innovation, quality, consistency, integrity and transparency. The BZAM family includes core brands BZAM, TGOD, ness, Highly Dutch Organic, TABLE TOP, and partner brands Dunn Cannabis, FRESH and Wyld. BZAM operates facilities in BC, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec, as well as retail stores in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Regina, Saskatchewan.

BZAM's Shares and certain warrants issued under the indentures dated June 12, 2020, October 23, 2020 and December 10, 2020 currently trade on the CSE under the symbol "BZAM", "BZAM.WR", "BZAM.WA", and "BZAM.WB" respectively. BZAM's Shares trade in the U.S. on the OTCQX under the symbol "BZAMF". For more information on BZAM Ltd., please visit www.bzam.com .

Cautionary Statements

This news release includes statements containing certain "forwardlooking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law ("forwardlooking statements"). Forward looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, statements about the closing of the Share Purchase and receipt of regulatory approvals for the Share Purchase. Forwardlooking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "should", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forwardlooking statements throughout this news release, such as the closing of the Share Purchase, and receipt of regulatory approvals. Forwardlooking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties (including market conditions) and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forwardlooking statements, including those risk factors described in Management's Discussion and Analysis and the Company's most recent Annual Information Form filed with Canadian securities regulators and available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information or forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forwardlooking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

Neither the CSE nor the CSE's Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of CSE) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE BZAM LTD.
SAN FRANCISCO, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global cancer diagnostics market size is expected to reach USD 162.57 billion by 2030, as per the new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.07% from 2023 to 2030. Increasing number of programs to raise awareness about cancer by several organizations is a major factor accountable for increased demand for diagnostic products worldwide. Partnerships and collaborations undertaken by the National Cervical Cancer Coalition, WHO, CDC, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, & others for increasing cervical cancer screening are among the major factors expected to boost market growth during the forecast period.

Key Industry Insights & Findings from the report:

Based on product, the consumables segment dominated the market in 2022 due to high purchase rates and repeat purchases.

Based on type, the IVD segment dominated the cancer diagnostics market in 2022 owing to increasing adoption and availability of numerous IVD-based solutions.

The breast cancer application segment is expected to grow lucratively over the forecast period due to growth in initiatives to spread awareness across the population and increase in R&D activities.

Based on end-use, the laboratories segment dominated the market due to efficient outpatient services. The hospitals segment is forecasted grow at a significant rate over the coming years attributed to an increase in the admittance of patients in hospitals.

The biopsy segment is anticipated to grow at a significant growth rate due to various benefits associated with the test, including early detection of the disease.

North America dominated the global cancer diagnostics market in 2022, owing to rise in the number of approvals of new diagnostic tests.

The Asia Pacific is expected to grow considerably in the future owing to due to the rising prevalence and the presence of key players.

Read 240-page market research report, "Cancer Diagnostics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Consumables, Instruments), By Type (IVD, LDT, Imaging), By Application (Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer), By End-use, By Test Type, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030", published by Grand View Research.

Cancer Diagnostics Market Growth & Trends



Several countries have thus undertaken measures to increase screening for early diagnosis and help existing patients. For instance, Ayushman Bharat and the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund was initiated by the Indian government for patients who require assistance during the treatment. Similarly, the Indian government's Department of Biotechnology signed a contract with Cancer Research UK to conduct research for affordable approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

Liquid biopsy solutions are being increasingly adopted as MCED tests as they are easily accessible for clinical applications. In recent years, they have gained regulatory approval with comprehensive and multi-cancer diagnostic approaches. Breakthrough advancements in the field and ongoing studies for early detection are contributing to market growth. Moreover, technologies such as circulating tumor DNA, extracellular vesicles, and circulating tumor cells are paving the way for better cancer care. Versatile technologies can provide integrated solutions for maximizing the potential of liquid biopsy.

Advantage of using companion diagnostics is the overall reduction in time and costs incurred by pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies. The time required to develop and commercialize a novel molecule generally consists of 10 to 15 years. Co-development of diagnostics and drugs facilitates accelerated regulatory approval processes, which significantly reduces costs. . Since the FDA guidance draft for the development of an IVD companion diagnostic device with a therapeutic product was published in 2016, many manufacturers encourage the development of companion diagnostic assays in the field of oncology. This is anticipated to positively impact market growth during the forecast period.

Cancer Diagnostics Market Report Scope

Report Attribute Details Market size value in 2023 USD 107.62 billion Revenue forecast in 2030 USD 162.57 billion Growth rate CAGR of 6.07% from 2023 to 2030 Base year for estimation 2022 Historical data 2018 - 2021 Forecast period 2023 - 2030

Cancer Diagnostics Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global cancer diagnostics market based on product, type, application, end-use, test type, and region

Cancer Diagnostics Market - Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Instruments

Pathology-based Instruments



Slide Staining Systems





Tissue Processing Systems





Cell Processors





PCR Instruments





NGS Instruments





Microarrays





Other Pathology-based Instruments



Imaging Instruments



Others

Consumables

Antibodies



Kits & Reagents



Probes



Others

Services

Cancer Diagnostics Market - Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

IVD

By Type



Diagnosis





Early Detection





Therapy Selection





Monitoring



By Technology



Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)





In Situ Hybridization (ISH)





Immunohistochemistry (IHC)





Next-generation Sequencing (NGS)





Microarrays





Flow Cytometry





Immunoassays





Other IVD Testing Technologies

LDT

Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)



Computed Tomography (CT)



Positron Emission Tomography (PET)



Mammography



Ultrasound



Others

Cancer Diagnostics Market - Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Breast Cancer

Colorectal Cancer

Cervical Cancer

Lung Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Skin Cancer

Blood Cancer

Kidney Cancer

Liver Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer

Ovarian Cancer

Others

Cancer Diagnostics Market - End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Hospitals

Laboratories

Others

Cancer Diagnostics Market - Test Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Biopsy

Fine-needle Aspiration



Core Biopsy



Surgical Biopsy



Skin Biopsy /Punch Biopsy



Others

Others

Cancer Diagnostics Market - Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

North America

U.S.



Canada

Europe

Germany



UK



France



Italy



Spain



Denmark



Sweden



Norway

Asia Pacific

China



Japan



India



Thailand



South Korea



Australia

Latin America

Brazil



Mexico



Argentina

Middle East and Africa (MEA)

and (MEA) South Africa



Saudi Arabia



UAE



Kuwait

List of Key Players in the Cancer Diagnostics Market

GE Healthcare

Abbott

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd

Qiagen

BD

Siemens Healthcare GmbH

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

Hologic, Inc.

Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Philips)

Illumina, Inc.

Check out more market research studies published by Grand View Research:

Ovarian Cancer Diagnostics Market - The global ovarian cancer diagnostics market size is expected to reach USD 2 billion by 2026, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., exhibiting a CAGR of 6.2%. The growth of the market can be attributed to an increase in the prevalence of ovarian cancer and emergence of novel diagnostic products. As of 2018, ovarian cancer had the highest mortality rate of all gynecologic cancers. It accounted for nearly 14,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2018. No specific symptoms render early diagnosis of the disease increasingly difficult. The exact causative factors remain unknown, creating a key unmet need for further research to obtain clarity on the underlying molecular mechanisms.

The global ovarian cancer diagnostics market size is expected to reach by 2026, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., exhibiting a CAGR of 6.2%. The growth of the market can be attributed to an increase in the prevalence of ovarian cancer and emergence of novel diagnostic products. As of 2018, ovarian cancer had the highest mortality rate of all gynecologic cancers. It accounted for nearly 14,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2018. No specific symptoms render early diagnosis of the disease increasingly difficult. The exact causative factors remain unknown, creating a key unmet need for further research to obtain clarity on the underlying molecular mechanisms. Prostate Cancer Diagnostics Market - The global prostate cancer diagnostics market size is expected to reach USD 7.65 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 13.2% during the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Major drivers include increasing government initiatives, high prevalence of prostate cancer, and technological advancements in confirmatory diagnostic tests.

- The global prostate cancer diagnostics market size is expected to reach by 2027, registering a CAGR of 13.2% during the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Major drivers include increasing government initiatives, high prevalence of prostate cancer, and technological advancements in confirmatory diagnostic tests. Thyroid Cancer Diagnostics Market - The global thyroid cancer diagnostics market size is expected to reach USD 3.6 billion by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of 5.5%, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growth of the market is attributed to increasing disease prevalence and emergence of novel diagnostic products. Although the cancer is uncommon worldwide, the incidence rate is on the rise-driven by more sensitive and precise tools to diagnose the disease. It develops as a result of abnormal cell division in the thyroid gland. Since the glandular hormones regulate several functions-such as weight, body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, structural or functional anomalies are likely to affect several or all of the aforementioned factors.

Browse through Grand View Research's Clinical Diagnostics Industry Research Reports.

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research Helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead.

Contact:

Sherry James

Corporate Sales Specialist, USA

Grand View Research, Inc.

Phone: 1-415-349-0058

Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519

Email: [email protected]

Web: https://www.grandviewresearch.com

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SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc.
TOKYO, July 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Casio Computer Co., Ltd. announced today the release of the latest additions to the G-SHOCK brand of shock-resistant watches. The compact GM-S110PG, GM-S2100PG, and GMA-S2100MD analog-digital combination timepieces in pink gold (available in five models in total) sparkle like jewelry.

From left: GM-S110PG-4A, GM-S2100PG-4A From left: GMA-S2100MD-7A, GMA-S2100MD-4A, and GMA-S2100MD-1A

Casio has in recent years expanded its lineup of all-gender watches in G-SHOCK. In February 2023, Casio signed the five-member South Korean girl group ITZY as a G-SHOCK brand ambassador. The group's powerful songs and performances are well-suited to the G-SHOCK brand concept of toughness, sending a strong message that G-SHOCK toughness is for people of any gender.

The shock-resistant GM-S110PG, GM-S2100PG, and GMA-S2100MD bring a sparkling pink-gold dial and case to smaller, lighter weight versions of the GA-110 with its distinctive dimensional dial and the GA-2100 with its octagonal bezel, which has proven especially popular among younger consumers.

Unified Color Scheme  GM-S110PG and GM-S2100PG

In addition to the sophisticated textural appeal of the metal bezel and buckle finished in pink-gold IP, an elegant beige pink is used for the resin band. The overall monochromatic color scheme ensures styling versatility to coordinate easily with any fashion.

Gorgeous, Eye-Catching Face  GMA-S2100MD

Pink-gold vapor deposition applied to the dial, as well as the mirror finish of the index marks and other details, bathe the face in brilliance. Resin materials in a matte finish are employed for the bezel and the band, available in three classic colors  white, pink, and black.

Casio continues to broaden the G-SHOCK fan base by adding all-gender models, communicating with users to stay in touch with the times.

SOURCE CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
Global pioneer in fertility treatment and research to bring its world-class operations and family-building services to South Florida

MIAMI, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CCRM Fertility, the global pioneer in fertility treatment, research and science, today announced expansion to South Florida with a new state-of-art fertility clinic and in vitro fertilization (IVF) lab in Miami. The clinic is located in the Esplanade at Aventura development at 19505 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 2230, in Miami, FL, 33180. CCRM Fertility of Miami is co-founded by reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialists, Dr. Jonah Bardos and Dr. Callum Potts. Both doctors are currently accepting new patients.

CCRM LOGO 2021 Updated (PRNewsfoto/CCRM)

A recent survey* of 1,000 Miami residents, ages 25-54, found that nearly 32% of all respondents have been diagnosed with infertility and over 50% have used fertility treatments to have a baby, which includes fertility preservation services such egg, embryo and sperm freezing.

"There is an escalated need for high-quality, personalized fertility care in Miami," said Bob LaGalia, president and CEO of CCRM Fertility. "With the opening of our new Miami location, Floridians no longer need to travel out-of-state to receive exceptional, personalized fertility care. We are excited to better meet the need of the patients in the area, which includes many members of the LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities."

Dr. Bardos received his undergraduate degree with honors from Yeshiva University. He obtained his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine with special distinction in clinical research. While there, he completed his Masters in Bioethics at the Benjamin Cardozo School of Law. During his residency training in OBGYN at Mount Sinai Hospital, he was inducted into the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Gold Humanism Honor Society for his compassion and teaching in medicine. He went on to do a fellowship in Medical Genetics and Genomics with a focus on Reproductive Genetics at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami. After his genetics training, Dr. Bardos completed his fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the National Institutes of Health and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Dr. Bardos has specialized training in recurrent pregnancy loss and completed his Certificate in Jewish Reproductive Law and Rabbinics focusing on Medicine and Jewish Law.

"It has always been my passion to support others on their way to becoming parents," said Dr. Bardos. "I am honored to be a part of CCRM Fertility's latest expansion in Miami and am humbled to help patients on their fertility journey through high quality care and excellent success rates."

A native of Australia, Dr. Potts completed his undergraduate and medical degrees at the University of Queensland, then a Master of Reproductive Medicine at the University of New South Wales. He moved to the USA for clinical training, completing his residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Inova Fairfax Hospital and his fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Vermont Medical Center, where he stayed as faculty before moving to Miami to establish the CCRM Fertility office. Dr. Potts has gained national recognition from his research on a wide range of topics, including fibroid management, ovarian hormone synthesis, endometrial receptivity, and the relationship between menopause and cognition. In addition, Dr. Potts and his wife have twin boys from their own journey through fertility care with CCRM, and he is delighted to offer the same world-class care to his patients at CCRM Fertility in Miami.

"It is exhilarating to be a founding physician at the new Miami office," said Dr. Potts. "CCRM holds a special place in my heart for blessing me with my own twin boys through their fertility services, and I am eager to serve an organization that has given me so much and help other patients on their journey to parenthood."

Perkins&Will Miami studio, leaders in multidisciplinary design approaches on a local and global scale, helped to curate a serene, spa-like atmosphere for the clinic, incorporating natural light, and lush colors to create an inviting and calming environment for patients as they go through their fertility journey.

CCRM Fertility of Miami is a full-service fertility center that provides fertility testing, fertility preservation, intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, preimplantation genetic testing, LGBTQ+ family-building and third-party reproduction services. To schedule a new patient consultation, please call (877) 201-6931. For more information, visit ccrmivf.com/miami.

*Source: 2023 CCRM Fertility Miami Survey Via Pollfish.

About CCRM Fertility

CCRM Fertility is a global pioneer in fertility treatment, research and science. Founded by Dr. William Schoolcraft more than 35 years ago, CCRM Fertility specializes in the most advanced fertility treatments, with deep expertise in IVF, fertility testing, egg freezing, preimplantation genetic testing, third party reproduction and egg donation. CCRM Fertility leverages its own data and a dedicated team of in-house reproductive endocrinologists, embryologists and geneticists to deliver industry-leading outcomes. CCRM Fertility is a proud strategic partner of Unified Women's Healthcare, which is accelerating meaningful change in women's healthcare by building healthy, innovative and mission-driven businesses to meet the comprehensive needs of women across the entirety of their health journey. For more information, visit www.ccrmivf.com.

SOURCE CCRM
LAKELAND, Fla., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Lakeland has approved funding for up to three years for Prospera to bring more resources to local Hispanic-owned businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. Prospera is an economic development, 501(c)(3) organization founded in Tampa in 1991, and specialized in bilingual services to help start, sustain, or grow Hispanic-owned businesses to achieve community prosperity. The latest U.S. Census Bureau statistics reported over 18,000 Hispanics in the City of Lakeland and over 166,000 in Polk Countywhich constitutes nearly 30 percent of the county's population.

Lakeland-based Prospera clients recognized in 2022 for their small business success

"The City of Lakeland's commitment to inclusive economic opportunity is stronger than ever, and this partnership with Prospera ensures that Hispanic-owned small businesses and Hispanic entrepreneurs, whether established or aspiring, will have access to no cost, individualized support critical to their success," said Brian Rewis, City of Lakeland Director of Community & Economic Development.

The funding from the City of Lakeland will increase access for local Hispanics to Prospera's program, which was developed by a Hispanic business owner who experienced and understood the additional challenges and barriers to success that Hispanic entrepreneurs face in business. Prospera will deliver individual, confidential and ongoing consulting services in Lakeland to aspiring and established Hispanic business owners, in addition to entrepreneurial seminars in Spanish, help to access business capital, and additional resources, such as professional services delivered by a vetted network of experts, which are vital for a solid business foundation and sustainable growth. All services are offered by Prospera at no cost to clients, thanks to the funding received from the City of Lakeland and other public and private contributors.

"After decades serving Lakeland residents from Prospera offices on either end of the I-4 Corridor, we are very pleased to establish a year-round, local presence in Lakeland for the first time," stated Prospera West Coast of Florida Regional Vice President Fabian Yepez. "When Hispanic business owners succeed, they not only provide for themselves and their families; they also contribute to their communities, job creation, and local tax revenues. We look forward to complementing Lakeland's existing entrepreneurial ecosystem and making a positive impact, one entrepreneur at a time."

The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce's partnership will be instrumental in Prospera's local service delivery. In addition to hosting local seminars at the chamber and at The Well Lakeland, Prospera's satellite office will be located within the chamber to facilitate meetings and ongoing support to clients. "It's our job to create a climate where business can prosper, and this partnership strengthens Lakeland business climate with proven programs," said Lakeland Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Amy Wiggins. "The growing Hispanic population in Lakeland will contribute to Florida's status as a leader in Hispanic-owned businesses with employees. And, successful businesses support successful communities."

Maria Alejandra Villasmil and Jose Torres are Lakeland residents who have been clients of Prospera for several years and were recognized last year as Success Stories Honorees for their successful businesses, M&J Trade & Logistics and M&J Customs. They traveled to Prospera's West Coast Regional office in Tampa to attend meetings or seminars, and more recently to volunteer for the organization. "It is great Prospera is expanding their services to Lakeland. It will be a valuable advantage for us and all local Hispanic businesses," said Villasmil.

Prospera's individual business consulting sessions are available by appointment and can be requested via email to [email protected] or by calling 813-634-6246. The first entrepreneurial seminar that will be presented by Prospera in Lakeland is scheduled for this Friday, July 28, from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. It is designed for Spanish-speaking individuals who are in the early stages of their business or wish to start one. It will take place at The Well, 114 East Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33801, and online registration is available here.

About Prospera

Prospera is an economic development, nonprofit organization that has specialized since 1991 in providing bilingual assistance to Hispanic entrepreneurs who want to start, sustain, and grow their business. In the last five years alone, Prospera facilitated over $70 million in loans for small business clients, trained 17,300 entrepreneurs, and helped consulting clients create or retain more than 16,000 jobs. Prospera currently serves Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia. For more information, visit www.prosperausa.org.

Media Contacts:

Fabian Yepez, 813-230-0059, fyepez@prosperausa.org

Maria Yabrudy, 407-412-3303, [email protected]

SOURCE Prospera
ATLANTA, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Clark Atlanta University has received two gifts from The Bernard Osher Foundation that will support scholarships for nontraditional undergraduate students who wish to return to the University to complete their education.

The Bernard Osher Foundation, founded in 1977 seeks to improve quality of life through support for higher education and the arts.

The University's Osher Reentry Scholarship Program, which is managed by the Scholarship Office, is specifically for nontraditional students who have been out of college for at least five years and have plans to work after graduation.

The relationship between Clark Atlanta and the Osher Foundation began two years ago when the foundation established a $50,000 annual scholarship at the University. Since then, 20 reentry students have received Osher scholarships.

"The Bernard Osher Foundation is proud to support Clark Atlanta University and its reentry students eager to complete a baccalaureate degree," noted Mary Bitterman, president of the Foundation. "We are confident that the Osher Scholars, upon graduation, will contribute in meaningful ways to their families and communities. We know also that each of them will contribute to a better world."

The recent gifts will extend the program. A scholarship endowment gift of $1 million will fund 10 Osher scholarships each academic year. Meanwhile, a bridge grant of $50,000 will support eligible scholars until the endowment matures.

"We are grateful that the Osher Foundation focuses its support on individuals who, for myriad reasons, had to interrupt their education, but who never gave up their dream of earning a CAU degree," said CAU President George T. French, Jr., Ph.D.

About Clark Atlanta University: Established in 1988 by the historic consolidation of Atlanta University (1865) and Clark College (1869). Clark Atlanta University continues a 150-year legacy rooted in African American tradition and focused on the future. Through global innovation, transformative educational experiences, and high-value engagement. CAU cultivates lifted lives that transforms the world. Notable alumni include: James Weldon Johnson; American civil rights activist, poet, and songwriter (Lift Every Voice and Sing "The Black National Anthem"; Ralph David Abernathy Sr., American civil rights activist; Congressman Hank Johnson, Georgia District 4; Kenya Barris, American award-winning television and movie producer; Kenny Leon, Tony Award-winning Broadway Director; Jacque Reid, Emmy Award-winning Television Personality and Journalist; Brandon Thompson, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for NASCAR; Valeisha Butterfield Jones, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the Recording Academy. To learn more about Clark Atlanta University, visit www.cau.edu.

SOURCE Clark Atlanta University
Natural gas reserves in Ukrainian underground gas storage facilities (UGS) have reached 11.7 billion cubic meters of gas, and power plants store 1.5 million tonnes of coal, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said.

"We are preparing the thermal power industry for winter. Repairs of combined heat and power plants, boiler houses, and thermal power plants are going on as planned. Some 11.7 billion cubic meters of gas have already been pumped into Ukrainian gas storage facilities. This is almost 80% of the need. We have 1.5 million tonnes of coal in stock, we plan to reach the figure of 1.8 million tonnes," Shmyhal said at a meeting of the Ukrainian government on Tuesday.

The head of government called on the Ministry of Reconstruction, the Ministry of Energy, Ukrenergo and NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy "to maximize the concentration of efforts and mobilize resources."

As reported, Ukraine has 12 UGS facilities with a total design capacity of 31 billion cubic meters. The country plans to enter the 2023/24 heating season with reserves of 14.7 billion cubic meters.
REDDITCH, England, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Concentric AB announced an updated strategy and financial targets to the market on 23rd May, 2023 at its Capital Markets Day. The updated strategy set out the company's roadmap for the next five years, to accelerate profitable growth in its base and electrical businesses whilst delivering strategic acquisitions and maintaining strong returns to shareholders. The company's strategic review also included the optimization of its North American manufacturing footprint to create dedicated centers of excellence closer to our customers, and ensure the achievement of financial and other targets.

Today, Concentric announces the company has decided to close its facility in Itasca, Illinois.

Following the 2021 acquisition of EMP and subsequent integration of commercial and operational responsibilities, synergies have been identified resulting in the decision to relocate assembly and machining to facilities located in Greenfield, IN and Escanaba, MI. The consolidation of the Itasca facility into our existing North American facilities will achieve annual operational savings of MSEK 12.

Employees will be offered support by the company and customers should experience no business disruptions during the transition, which should be completed early 2024.

This information is of the type that Concentric AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out below, at 08.00 CET on 25 July 2023.

For additional information please contact Marcus Whitehouse, telephone +44-121-445 6545

The following files are available for download:

SOURCE Concentric AB
Williams' nearly four decades of EHS experience will drive CRB's commitment to employee and client safety

KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CRB, a leading global provider of sustainable engineering, architecture, construction, and consulting solutions to the life sciences and food and beverage industries, today announced the hiring of Carl Williams as its new Vice President of Environmental Health and Safety. Williams brings to CRB a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of driving environmental health and workplace safety initiatives.

In his role at CRB, Williams will drive CRB's safety strategy across all operational areas. He will work closely with cross-functional teams to develop and implement innovative solutions that align with the company's commitment to sustainability and advance the safety and wellbeing of employees, clients, and the communities where CRB operates.

Global engineering leader CRB has hired safety veteran Carl Williams as its new VP of environmental health and safety. Tweet this

"From the office to the jobsite, everyone at CRB has a special accountability for the safety and wellbeing of their colleagues and clients. That can't happen without deeply rooted individual commitment, a strong company culture, and rigorous safety systems that anticipate and solve challenges before they arise," Williams said. "I am excited to support and advance CRB's comprehensive safety program across the organization."

Williams has an extensive background in EHS management, with nearly 40 years of experience in industrial safety and the use of key performance indicators to drive safety for construction organizations. His expertise also includes regulatory compliance, risk assessment, and the implementation of effective environmental management systems. Before CRB, Williams held health and safety leadership roles at Micron Technology, M+W Group and Texas Instruments.

"Carl's impressive experience and track record of implementing and driving safety programs within large organizations will benefit clients and advance our goal of making sure every person associated with CRB work goes home safe, every day," said Sam Kitchell, CRB's Chief Operating Officer. "

Williams holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology from Oklahoma State University. He has served on numerous EHS-focused industry groups.

About CRB:

CRB is a leading global provider of sustainable engineering, architecture, construction, and consulting solutions to the life sciences and food and beverage industries. Our innovative ONEsolution service provides successful integrated project delivery for clients demanding high-quality solutions -- on time and on budget. Across more than 20 offices in North America and Europe, the company's nearly 1,700 employees provide world-class, technically preeminent solutions that drive success and positive change for clients and communities. See our work at crbgroup.com, and connect with us on social media here.

CONTACT:

Clarity Quest Marketing:

877-887-7611

Bonnie Quintanilla, [email protected]

CRB:

816-200-5234

Chris Clark, [email protected]

SOURCE CRB
FORT WORTH, Texas, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Experienced trial lawyer C. Kyle Pugh of C. Kyle Pugh PC Attorneys at Law in Dallas won a $26.5 million judgment for a Grand Prairie, Texas, man who was left quadriplegic after a U.S. Postal Service truck struck his car while reversing down his residential street.

The final judgment, handed down on July 24, 2023, by the Hon. Judge Reed O'Connor in the Fort Worth Division of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, followed a four-day bench trial in April. Mr. Pugh represented Michael Le and his wife, Dung Le, in the lawsuit against the United States of America, based on the life-changing injuries Mr. Le suffered in the crash.

Evidence showed that a U.S. Postal Service worker, delivering mail in the rain on a residential street, could not fit a parcel into a community mailbox. Instead of exiting her vehicle and walking the parcel back two houses to the intended residence, she reversed her postal truck, striking Mr. Le's vehicle. Mr. Le had just backed out of his driveway to pick up his son from school.

Mr. Le had a pre-existing condition, ankylosing spondylitis, which resulted in brittle vertebrae. Although the collision was low impact, it resulted in a severe fracture to Mr. Le's cervical spine.

Mr. Le was transported to a local hospital and then taken by helicopter to Baylor Hospital in Dallas, where surgeons attempted to repair his severed spine. The severe fracture, coupled with Mr. Le's pre-existing condition, resulted in Mr. Le becoming quadriplegic. He remained in the hospital for months before returning home.

Prior to the accident, Mr. Le was gainfully employed and actively raising two high school aged sons with his wife. Mr. Le ran several miles a week and spent his free time at his son's sporting events. He now requires round-the-clock care from his wife and their two sons.

"We proved that this tragic accident was foreseeable and preventable," Mr. Pugh said. "While this judgment in no way makes the Le family whole, it will assist them in providing the best care possible for Mr. Le and his family. Negligence occurs every day and lives are forever changed. I am humbled by the strength and character of the Le family."

The final judgment issued by Judge O'Connor includes nearly $24 million based upon Mr. Le's past and future medical expenses, loss of earnings, and intangible damages. Mrs. Le was awarded more than $2.6 million for past and future loss of consortium and loss of services.

Dallas attorneys Kellie McKee, John Schulman, and Margaret Schulman served as co-counsel to Mr. Pugh.

Dallas' Kyle Pugh represents individuals and their families in serious personal injury and wrongful death cases. For more information, visit www.kylepugh.com.

SOURCE C. Kyle Pugh P.C.
NEW YORK, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Klein Law Firm announces that a class action complaint has been filed on behalf of shareholders of Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR) alleging that the Company violated federal securities laws.

Class Period: April 21, 2022 to April 24, 2023

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: September 15, 2023

No obligation or cost to you.

Learn more about your recoverable losses in DHR:

https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/danaher-lawsuit-loss-submission-form?id=42515&from=4

Danaher Corporation NEWS - DHR NEWS

CLASS ACTION CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that Danaher Corporation made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) as the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic subsided, revenue growth associated with Danaher's COVID-19-related businesses was declining; (ii) contrary to the Company's prior representations to investors, revenues associated with Danaher's non-COVID-19-related businesses were insufficient to compensate for the foregoing negative trend; (iii) accordingly, Danaher overstated the Company's ability to sustain the growth it had experienced in 2020 and 2021; (iv) as a result, it was unlikely that Danaher would be able to meet its 2023 revenue forecasts; and (v) as a result, defendants' public statements were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times.

WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU AS A SHAREHOLDER: If you have suffered a loss in Danaher you have until September 15, 2023 to petition the court for lead plaintiff status. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.

NO COST TO YOU: If you purchased Danaher securities during the relevant period, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket fees.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL INTERESTS: For additional information about the DHR lawsuit, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or click this link: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/danaher-lawsuit-loss-submission-form?id=42515&from=4.

ABOUT KLEIN LAW FIRM

J. Klein, Esq. represents investors and participates in securities litigations involving financial fraud throughout the nation. The Klein Law Firm is a boutique litigation firm with experience in a wide range of areas including securities law, corporate finance and commercial litigation. Since 2011, our experienced attorneys have achieved superior results for our clients with a personalized focus. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:

J. Klein, Esq.

535 Fifth Avenue

4th Floor

New York City, NY 10017

[email protected]

Telephone: (212) 616-4899

www.kleinstocklaw.com

SOURCE The Klein Law Firm
CHICAGO, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The market for digital badges has a bright future, thanks to rising demand for talent verification, ongoing learning, and integration with employment and educational procedures. In order to increase the market's size and influence, blockchain technology, industry-recognized badges, and data-driven insights will be crucial.

The Digital Badges Market is estimated at USD 0.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 0.5 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 16.5% from 2023 to 2028, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The digital badge system helps in promoting the professional development and recognizing the employee skills in a transparent manner. It is designed to motivate employees to participate in the professional development program and acknowledge their completion of learning programs.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Digital Badges Market"

226 - Tables

34 - Figures

166 - Pages

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Scope of the Report

Report Metrics Details Market size available for years 2017-2028 Base year considered 2022 Forecast period 20232028 Forecast units Value (USD) Billion Segments covered Offering (Platform and Services), Type, End User, and Region Region covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America Companies covered Pearson (UK), Instructure (US), SkillSoft Corporation (US), PeopleCert (UK), Accredible (US), Parchment (US), EbizON (India), Accreditrust Technologies (US), Badgecraft (Lithuania), Badge List (US), Bestr (Italy), Basno (US), Saarni Learning Oy (Finland), ForAllSystems (US), LearningTimes (US), Nocti Business Solutions (US), Knowledge Catalyst and many more.

By end user, academic segment is estimated to account for the largest market share in 2023.

Digital badges have gained popularity in academic settings due to their numerous advantages for educational institutions and learners. These badges serve as digital representations of specific achievements or skills earned by students. They offer micro-credentialing, recognizing granular accomplishments beyond traditional grades or degrees. Digital badges serve as motivators, encouraging student engagement and progress. They support personalized learning by aligning with individual pathways and interests. Portability and shareability make it easy for students to showcase their badges on various platforms, enhancing their digital presence. Moreover, digital badges provide evidence of skills and competencies, boosting students' employability. They promote lifelong learning, provide feedback and assessment, and foster collaboration and recognition within academic communities. By incorporating digital badges, academic institutions can enhance motivation, personalize learning experiences, and provide valuable credentials to students.

By type, certification badge is expected to register the largest market size during the forecast period.

Certification digital badges are digital credentials that verify an individual's successful completion of a specific training program, course, or certification. These badges serve as a visual representation of the individual's mastery of knowledge and skills in a particular area. They are typically issued by educational institutions, professional organizations, or industry bodies. Certification badges serve as a valuable tool for career advancement. They demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, which is highly valued in many industries. These badges can open new job opportunities, promotions, or higher salaries, as they validate the individual's specialized knowledge and skills. certification badges contribute to building professional networks and communities Furthermore, certification digital badges provide a convenient and easily shareable form of credential. They can be displayed on professional websites, social media profiles, or online portfolios, making it easier for individuals to showcase their qualifications to a wider audience. Certification badges also benefit employers and clients by providing a reliable means of evaluating a candidate's qualifications. These badges offer a quick and visual way to assess an individual's expertise, streamlining the hiring or selection process.

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Middle East and Africa is expected to have the second-highest growth rate

In comparison to other regions, such as Europe and Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa is embracing Digital Badges solutions and services at a slower rate. Middle East & Africa is experiencing technology-driven education trends, as governments in the region are making efforts to improve the education sector. Kuwait is also supporting eLearning across its schools, and as part of the e-education plan, it has even digitalized all school textbooks. Turkey, too, has adopted an education supporting initiative and planned to provide tablets to more than 15 million students across 40,000 schools by 2022. Qatar is also in support of eLearning for its students and offered personal learning devices to students as part of its e-education initiatives. These developments show that the Middle East is already on its way to digitalize its education processes, backing it up the eLearning trend and moving the education sector toward innovations.

Top Key Companies in Digital Badges Market:

The major vendors covered in the Digital badges Pearson (UK), Instructure (US), SkillSoft Corporation (US), PeopleCert (UK), Accredible (US), Parchment (US), EbizON (India), Accreditrust Technologies (US), Badgecraft (Lithuania), Badge List (US), Bestr (Italy), Basno (US), Saarni Learning Oy (Finland), ForAllSystems (US), LearningTimes (US), Nocti Business Solutions (US), Knowledge Catalyst, Learning Vault, Hyperstack (US), TruScholar (India), CredSure.io (Germany), CertifyMe (US), Convergence.Tech (Canada), Open Badge Factory (Finland), Sertifier (US), Certopus (India), and Virtualbadge.io (Germany).

Recent Developments

In April 2023 , Accredible partnered with Cengage Partners to offer Digital Badging and Micro-credentials and integrate it with Cengage Partners learning platform.

, Accredible partnered with Cengage Partners to offer Digital Badging and Micro-credentials and integrate it with Cengage Partners learning platform. In November 2022 , Credly by Pearson and NovoEd partnered Credly will integrates its services for NovoEd's learning journey learning and development professional would issue digital badges to let learners track progress and celebrate their achievements.

, Credly by Pearson and NovoEd partnered Credly will integrates its services for NovoEd's learning journey learning and development professional would issue digital badges to let learners track progress and celebrate their achievements. In April 2022 , Instructure acquired Concentric Sky the creator of Badgr a micro-credentialing platform, Instructure expands its offering in credential space through this acquisition.

, Instructure acquired Concentric Sky the creator of Badgr a micro-credentialing platform, Instructure expands its offering in credential space through this acquisition. In June 2021 , PeopleCert acquired Axelos UK based provider of framework and certification strengthening its position in exam and certification delivery and management.

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Digital Badges Market Advantages:

The employability of job searchers can be greatly improved by possessing a collection of recognised and pertinent digital badges. Employers can evaluate candidates' talents and credentials rapidly, expediting the hiring process.

Digital badges are electronic credentials that are simple to maintain and distribute online via a variety of channels, including social media, websites, and business networking sites like LinkedIn. Individuals can present their accomplishments to various audiences and circumstances thanks to its portability.

Digital badges encourage a culture of ongoing education and skill improvement. People are inspired to learn new things and improve their current skills as they work towards earning badges, which promotes progress on both a personal and professional level.

In order to provide a more precise and concentrated picture of a person's skills, digital badges frequently symbolise particular abilities or subject-matter expertise. Thus, specialised knowledge can be acknowledged, and the emergence of specialised skills is encouraged.

Digital badges may be less expensive to produce and award than conventional credentials like certifications or degrees. For businesses and educational institutions looking to launch credentialing programmes without making substantial financial commitments, this benefit is especially pertinent.

Gamification components are incorporated into many digital badge systems, which makes earning badges more pleasurable and engaging. This gamified strategy promotes involvement and knowledge retention.

Digital badges are available to a broad and international audience because they may be accessed and obtained from any location with an internet connection. This broad reach creates possibilities for international cooperation and recognition.

In order to ensure that badges from various issuers can be recognised and understood by everybody, efforts are being made to standardise digital badge systems and metadata. A frictionless exchange of credentials is encouraged via interoperability amongst badge platforms.

Report Objectives

To determine and forecast the global Digital Badges Market by offering, end-user, and region from 2017 to 2023 and analyze various macroeconomic and microeconomic factors that affect the market growth

To forecast the size of the market segments with respect to 4 main regions, namely, North America , Europe , Asia Pacific , Middle east and Africa , and Latin America

, , , Middle east and , and To analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and contributions to the overall Digital Badges Market

To provide detailed information regarding the major factors influencing the growth of the Digital Badges Market (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges)

To profile the key market players; provide comparative analysis on the basis of business overviews, regional presence, product offerings, business strategies, and key financials; and illustrate the competitive landscape of the market

To track and analyze competitive developments, such as mergers and acquisitions, product developments, partnerships and collaborations, and Research and Development (R&D) activities in the Digital Badges Market

Track and analyze competitive developments in the market, such as mergers and acquisitions, product developments, partnerships and collaborations, and Research and Development (R&D) activities.

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In-depth reports on cloud usage enable more informed decision-making and budgeting, reducing operating costs by 15-40%

AUSTIN, Texas, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DigitalEx , the leading cloud cost management SaaS startup, today announced the launch of its flagship technology CloudCompare, an AI-driven platform designed to measure relative cost-efficiency per Cloud. CloudCompare provides insight for companies looking to manage costs associated with cloud infrastructure. The platform is designed to profile all workloads by CPU/Memory/Network and can then simulate what those workloads would cost to run on other clouds. The result is that enterprise IT can then either a) move workloads to the optimal cloud to save money or b) have hard data to negotiate better rates with their hyper-scalar partners.

CloudCompare operates by existing on top of a company's current cloud/clouds and looking at the cost associated with each individual service being used. CIOs have the ability to move workloads to more efficient clouds, create profile workloads by CPU, memory and network to understand where they run best or use DigitalEx to negotiate better rates with current IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) providers with the data collected. According to Gartner, public cloud spend is expected to exceed $590B by the end of 2023. Cloud services are among the highest expenses, only second to payroll and labor expenses. By utilizing CloudCompare, businesses can save an average of 15-40% on the cost associated with cloud spend within days of implementing.

"We're excited to be including CloudCompare to DigitalEx's existing lineup. We understand that many businesses cannot operate without the aid of cloud services; they should be able to select the best service at the right price for their operations," said DigitalEx CEO Sundeep Goel. "Many service providers will tell you that they are the right fit for the job but there's no way for companies to tell before integrating that cloud. Our goal is to empower CIOs and procurement to make informed decisions on their company's needs when it comes to cloud services."

According to FinOps Foundation, up to 89% of enterprise organizations deploy a multi-cloud strategy and up to 78% of enterprise IT orgs deploy a hybrid-cloud strategy. The reality is that most companies are running multiple clouds to meet their daily needs. Along their lifespan, there is a strong possibility they could acquire new business that runs on a separate cloud or include clouds that may be public or private. CloudCompare can pull data from all services currently in use so businesses can successfully integrate new clients into their operations.

For more information and to get started with CloudCompare, visit https://www.digitalex.io/cloudcompare/

About DigitalEx

DigitalEx is a cutting-edge AI-driven hybrid cloud cost management solutions startup, specializing in delivering innovative solutions that enable businesses to monitor, analyze, and optimize their cloud costs and usage. By providing real-time visibility and control over cloud spend through state-of-the-art technology and services, DigitalEx helps businesses improve operational efficiency, accelerate growth, and achieve their digital transformation objectives. For more information, visit www.digitalex.io .

Press Contact

Rick Medeiros

[email protected]

510-556-8517

SOURCE DigitalEx
Curriculum Will Position Product Developers to Build a Robust Regulatory Strategy to Strengthen Business Strategy, Differentiate Products, and Avoid Regulatory Risks

BOSTON, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Digital Medicine Society (DiMe) launched a new education course for individuals, " Unlocking Regulatory Success for Digital Health Product Developers ,'' as part of its growing Digital Medicine Academy. The Academy, which features education courses on topics across the digital medicine spectrum, launched in August 2022 as a one-stop shop for digital medicine education and training.

This new course will teach product developers why and how to build robust regulatory strategies that will in turn strengthen their organization's business strategy, differentiate their products, and build trust among their consumers in today's competitive digital health market. Specifically, learners who complete the course will be able to:

Identify whether digital health products in their portfolio are likely to be regulated and through which mechanisms.

Build a regulatory strategy, sufficient knowledge to implement that strategy, and be positioned to advance the success of their digital health product portfolios.

Develop evidence-based, high-quality products and reduce the dependency on regulatory consultants.

"The digital health market has matured dramatically. Investors are now more deliberate about where they are placing their bets, and end users are much more discerning. We see payers, physicians and patients all seeking signals of quality and trustworthiness in the companies they partner with and the products they choose to use," said Jennifer Goldsack, CEO of DiMe. "This course is a critical resource to arm product developers with the information they need to effectively navigate regulations that can make or break the commercial success of their product portfolio."

The Unlocking Regulatory Success for Digital Health Product Developers course is an online, self-directed course featuring a combination of DiMe experts and guest faculty from Rock Health, Epstein Becker Green, Strategy Health, and Caption Health. Topics addressed include:

A fit-for-purpose regulatory strategy is good business strategy

Demystifying the regulatory landscape

Crafting a fit-for-purpose regulatory strategy

Staying ahead of the curve: Building for adaptability

You're developing a regulated product: Now what?

The impact: How robust regulatory strategies build trust

"Fit-for-purpose regulatory strategy is good business strategy. As digital health has grown, we're seeing new companies pushing innovation and operating in a gray area. With regulation maturing, it's now critical to develop regulatory strategy to inform business and marketing approaches, and ensure improved patient outcomes, safety, and efficacy," said Sari Kaganoff, General Manager, Consulting, Rock Health.

Individuals who take the course will also gain access to the broader DiMe community, which will help them continue to grow their expertise, leadership, and network in digital health. Those who successfully complete will receive a certificate of completion and an official badge for their LinkedIn profile.

DiMe's Digital Medicine Academy also features Fast Track to Digital Clinical Trials: Pharma Edition for pharmaceutical organizations, Digital Health Ethics for individuals, and new courses coming soon.

About the Digital Medicine Society: DiMe is a global non-profit and the professional home for all members of the digital medicine community. Together, we tackle the toughest digital medicine challenges, develop clinical-quality resources on a technology timeline, and deliver these actionable resources to the field via open-source channels and educational programs.

Media Contact: Carla English, [email protected]

SOURCE Digital Medicine Society (DiMe)
LEIDEN, Netherlands and MONTREAL, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Enerkem, the first company in the world to produce bio-methanol from mixed waste at commercial scale, and Dimeta, a joint venture between two of the largest off-grid energy suppliers, have announced that they are initiating feasibility studies for the development of two large scale projects that will convert waste into renewable and recycled carbon dimethyl ether (DME).

Joined by members of their teams, Dominique Boies (bottom left), CEO of Enerkem, and Frankie Ugboma (bottom right), CEO of Dimeta, sign an agreement for the development of two large-scale projects that will convert waste into renewable and recycled carbon dimethyl ether (DME). (CNW Group/Enerkem Inc.)

DME is a clean-burning fuel that can support decarbonisation of the off-grid energy sector, including heating, cooking, transport and industrial applications. As DME is chemically similar to Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), it can be blended with it up to 20% and 'dropped-in' to existing LPG supply chains, providing a seamless pathway to reducing emissions from the over 200 million tonnes of LPG used for energy each year globally.

The projects are expected to be located in Northwest Europe and in the Gulf Coast of the United States, with each project anticipated to produce approximately 165,000 tonnes of renewable and recycled carbon DME per year from mixed residual waste. The impact of the DME produced from the two projects combined would be the equivalent of significantly reducing the carbon footprint of over one million LPG heated homes, when it is blended in with LPG.

In recent months, Dimeta and Enerkem successfully completed pre-feasibility studies for these projects and are now moving into the feasibility phase - targeting the start of Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) next year.

In addition to its commercial demonstration scale facility in operation in Alberta, Canada, Enerkem is currently involved in the development and building of new commercial scale waste-to-methanol facilities in both Canada and Europe. Enerkem will use the design and development of these facilities as the basis for the design of these new projects, combined with an additional methanol-to-DME synthesis step integrated at the end of the process.

The two DME projects with Enerkem build upon the announcement of the first of a kind waste-to-DME plant spearheaded by Dimeta in the United Kingdom, which is set to be operational in 2025. The projects with Enerkem are a key part of achieving Dimeta's goal of creating over 300,000 tonnes of sustainable DME production capacity by 2027.

"We are excited to collaborate with Enerkem to transform large volumes of non-recyclable waste into renewable & recycled carbon DME on a global scale. This partnership is another significant milestone in Dimeta's journey. Enerkem has vast experience in the development of renewable solutions, and I look forward to seeing how we continue to revolutionize DME to deliver a greener future for off-grid communities." says Frankie Ugboma, Chief Executive Officer of Dimeta.

"We are committed to supporting Dimeta in achieving their decarbonization goals. This development is an example of our technological platform's flexibility as a key enabler for hard-to-abate sectors. Our joint projects can form the basis for further project developments globally within the off-grid energy market and are an opportunity to expand Enerkem's waste-to-methanol platform," adds Dominique Boies, Chief Executive Officer of Enerkem.

About Dimeta

Established in February 2022, Dimeta is a joint venture between SHV Energy and UGI International, developed to further the production and use of renewable & recycled carbon dimethyl ether (DME) a low-carbon sustainable liquid gas. The organisation has a goal to create 300,000 tonnes of renewable & recycled carbon DME production capacity by 2027.

Headquartered in Leiden, Netherlands, Dimeta is committed to pioneering the advancement of renewable and recycled carbon DME technologies that accelerate the off-grid energy market's transition to sustainable, low carbon energy and contribute to the establishment of a net-zero carbon economy.

In 2022, Dimeta announced its first commercial production plant, a first of a kind waste-to-DME facility in the United Kingdom, which will be operational in 2025 and producing over 50,000 tonnes of sustainable DME made from waste. Subsequent plants are in development in Europe and the United States.

For more information, please visit www.dimeta.nl

About Enerkem

Founded in 2000, Enerkem develops and commercializes its ground-breaking gasification technology transforming non-recyclable waste into biofuels, low-carbon fuels and circular chemicals for hard-to-abate sectors, including sustainable aviation and marine fuels. Its solution tackles both challenges of waste management and dependency on fossil fuel products while contributing to the development of a circular economy for a sustainable, net-zero-carbon future.

Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Enerkem employs close to 300 employees including in the United States, Europe and the UK, and has various projects worldwide, including the world's first commercial scale biorefinery producing advanced bio-methanol and circular methanol from non-recyclable waste in Alberta, Canada. A large-scale facility based on Enerkem's waste-to-methanol platform is under construction in Quebec, Canada, and is scheduled to start operations in 2025. In Tarragona, Spain, Enerkem's technology is at the heart of the Ecoplanta project which will produce biomethanol and circular methanol from non-recyclable waste.

For more information, please visit www.enerkem.com

SOURCE Enerkem Inc.
LEIDEN, Netherlands and MONTREAL, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Enerkem, the first company in the world to produce bio-methanol from mixed waste at commercial scale, and Dimeta, a joint venture between two of the largest off-grid energy suppliers, have announced that they are initiating feasibility studies for the development of two large scale projects that will convert waste into renewable and recycled carbon dimethyl ether (DME).

Logos for Enerkem and Dimeta Joined by members of their teams, Dominique Boies (bottom left), CEO of Enerkem, and Frankie Ugboma (bottom right), CEO of Dimeta, sign an agreement for the development of two large-scale projects that will convert waste into renewable and recycled carbon dimethyl ether (DME).

DME is a clean-burning fuel that can support decarbonisation of the off-grid energy sector, including heating, cooking, transport and industrial applications. As DME is chemically similar to Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), it can be blended with it up to 20% and 'dropped-in' to existing LPG supply chains, providing a seamless pathway to reducing emissions from the over 200 million tonnes of LPG used for energy each year globally.

The projects are expected to be located in Northwest Europe and in the Gulf Coast of the United States, with each project anticipated to produce approximately 165,000 tonnes of renewable and recycled carbon DME per year from mixed residual waste. The impact of the DME produced from the two projects combined would be the equivalent of significantly reducing the carbon footprint of over one million LPG heated homes, when it is blended in with LPG.

In recent months, Dimeta and Enerkem successfully completed pre-feasibility studies for these projects and are now moving into the feasibility phase - targeting the start of Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) next year.

In addition to its commercial demonstration scale facility in operation in Alberta, Canada, Enerkem is currently involved in the development and building of new commercial scale waste-to-methanol facilities in both Canada and Europe. Enerkem will use the design and development of these facilities as the basis for the design of these new projects, combined with an additional methanol-to-DME synthesis step integrated at the end of the process.

The two DME projects with Enerkem build upon the announcement of the first of a kind waste-to-DME plant spearheaded by Dimeta in the United Kingdom, which is set to be operational in 2025. The projects with Enerkem are a key part of achieving Dimeta's goal of creating over 300,000 tonnes of sustainable DME production capacity by 2027.

"We are excited to collaborate with Enerkem to transform large volumes of non-recyclable waste into renewable & recycled carbon DME on a global scale. This partnership is another significant milestone in Dimeta's journey. Enerkem has vast experience in the development of renewable solutions, and I look forward to seeing how we continue to revolutionize DME to deliver a greener future for off-grid communities." says Frankie Ugboma, Chief Executive Officer of Dimeta.

"We are committed to supporting Dimeta in achieving their decarbonization goals. This development is an example of our technological platform's flexibility as a key enabler for hard-to-abate sectors. Our joint projects can form the basis for further project developments globally within the off-grid energy market and are an opportunity to expand Enerkem's waste-to-methanol platform," adds Dominique Boies, Chief Executive Officer of Enerkem.

About Dimeta

Established in February 2022, Dimeta is a joint venture between SHV Energy and UGI International, developed to further the production and use of renewable & recycled carbon dimethyl ether (DME) a low-carbon sustainable liquid gas. The organisation has a goal to create 300,000 tonnes of renewable & recycled carbon DME production capacity by 2027.

Headquartered in Leiden, Netherlands, Dimeta is committed to pioneering the advancement of renewable and recycled carbon DME technologies that accelerate the off-grid energy market's transition to sustainable, low carbon energy and contribute to the establishment of a net-zero carbon economy.

In 2022, Dimeta announced its first commercial production plant, a first of a kind waste-to-DME facility in the United Kingdom, which will be operational in 2025 and producing over 50,000 tonnes of sustainable DME made from waste. Subsequent plants are in development in Europe and the United States.

For more information, please visit www.dimeta.nl

About Enerkem

Founded in 2000, Enerkem develops and commercializes its ground-breaking gasification technology transforming non-recyclable waste into biofuels, low-carbon fuels and circular chemicals for hard-to-abate sectors, including sustainable aviation and marine fuels. Its solution tackles both challenges of waste management and dependency on fossil fuel products while contributing to the development of a circular economy for a sustainable, net-zero-carbon future.

Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Enerkem employs close to 300 employees including in the United States, Europe and the UK, and has various projects worldwide, including the world's first commercial scale biorefinery producing advanced bio-methanol and circular methanol from non-recyclable waste in Alberta, Canada. A large-scale facility based on Enerkem's waste-to-methanol platform is under construction in Quebec, Canada, and is scheduled to start operations in 2025. In Tarragona, Spain, Enerkem's technology is at the heart of the Ecoplanta project which will produce biomethanol and circular methanol from non-recyclable waste.

For more information, please visit www.enerkem.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2160793/Enerkem_Inc__Dimeta_and_Enerkem_Collaborate_on_Large_Scale_Waste.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2160786/Enerkem_Inc__Dimeta_and_Enerkem_Collaborate_on_Large_Scale_Waste.jpg

SOURCE Enerkem Inc.
CHICAGO, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Distributed Control System Market is projected to reach USD 26.7 billion in 2028 from USD 19.9 billion in 2023 at a CAGR of 6.1% according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. A distributed control system (DCS) is an industrial automation solution widely utilized in process industries. Its main function is to enable plant control through a network of supervisory and control elements distributed throughout the facility. DCS is commonly employed in industries like food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals, where it efficiently manages manufacturing processes. These industries often involve continuous or complex batch-oriented production methods, and DCS effectively oversees and optimizes these processes for enhanced efficiency and productivity.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Distributed Control System Market"

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Distributed Control System Market Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Size USD 26.7 billion in 2028 Growth Rate 6.1% of CAGR Largest Market Asia Pacific Market Dynamics Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities & Challenges Forecast Period 2023-2028 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Distributed Control System Market by Shipment Scale, Component, Application, End-Use industry, and Region. Geographies Covered Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, South America, Middle East, and Africa. Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Replacement of aging grid infrastructure and the need for reliable T&D networks Key Market Drivers Growing investments in power generation, specifically from renewable energy sources

The Services segment, by component, is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on component, the Distributed Control System Market has been segmented into software, hardware, and services. During the forecast period, the services segment is projected to experience the highest growth in the Distributed Control System (DCS) market. DCS services encompass a wide range of offerings, such as maintenance, installation, upgrades, plant asset management, alarm management, lifecycle services, migration services, consulting, simulation, training services, and technical assistance. The growing demand for plant optimization in various industries is a significant driver for the expansion of the services segment in the DCS market. As industries strive to enhance their operational efficiency and productivity, the need for expert services to implement, maintain, and optimize DCS solutions becomes increasingly essential, contributing to the rapid growth of this segment.

The Power Generation segment, by end-use industry, is expected to be the second largest segment during the forecast period

This report segments the Distributed Control System Market based on application into eight segments: Oil & Gas, Power Generation, Chemicals, Food & Beverages, Pharmaceutical, Metals & Mining, Paper & Pulp, and Others. Power Generation segment is expect to hold the second largest share during the forecast period. The growth is attributed by the increasing foreign investments in upgradation and modernization of power grid infrastructure especially in Asia Pacific, North America and Europe region. The distributed control systems (DCS) plays an crucial role in this modernization effort by enabling advanced automation and control capabilities within the power grid. Further, distributed control systems are used in coal-fired power plants, gas-fired power plants, nuclear plants, hydropower plants, solar power plants, and wind power plants for process automation due to their ability to integrate PLCs, third-party controls, safety systems, and turbomachinery controls.

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Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest region in the Distributed Control System Industry

Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest Distributed Control System Market during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific region, comprising major economies such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea, are witnessing significant growth for due to rapid regional industrialization, urbanization, and economic growth, which are leading to the installation of new distributed control systems. Rising investments in power generation industry is expected to support market grow in Asia Pacific as it can attribute to the increasing demand for power from various areas, which in turn increases the demand for the distributed control system. Moreover, the automation is increasing in APAC across various industries because of the rising need for high-quality products and increasing production rates.

Key Market Players:

Some of the major players in the Distributed Control System Companies are Siemens (Germany), ABB (Switzerland), Schneider Electric (France), Emerson Electric Co. (US), and Honeywell International Inc. (US). The major strategies these players adopt include new product launches, contracts, agreements, collaborations, partnerships, acquisitions, and investments & expansions.

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Recent Developments

In February 2023 , ABB has recently launched the ABB Ability Symphony Plus distributed control system (DCS) in order to support digital transformation in the power generation and water industries. The latest Symphony Plus version will further enhance customers digital journey, through a simpler and secure OPC UA1 connection.

, ABB has recently launched the ABB Ability Symphony Plus distributed control system (DCS) in order to support digital transformation in the power generation and water industries. The latest Symphony Plus version will further enhance customers digital journey, through a simpler and secure OPC UA1 connection. In October 2022 , Emerson have signed a five-year agreement with LANXESS, a specialty chemicals company. Emerson will help drive the adoption of advanced automation technologies and enable more efficient project implementation that will allow LANXESS to achieve shorter time-to-market for new products.

, Emerson have signed a five-year agreement with LANXESS, a specialty chemicals company. Emerson will help drive the adoption of advanced automation technologies and enable more efficient project implementation that will allow LANXESS to achieve shorter time-to-market for new products. In October 2022 , Emerson has introduced a new version of its DeltaV distributed control system (DCS). DeltaV DCS Version 15 assists facilities in digitally transforming operations through increased production optimization and improved operator performance.

, Emerson has introduced a new version of its DeltaV distributed control system (DCS). DeltaV DCS Version 15 assists facilities in digitally transforming operations through increased production optimization and improved operator performance. In December 2022 , Valmet will deliver the Valmet DNA Automation System (DCS) and the Valmet IQ Quality Control System (QCS) to Schumacher Packaging's Myszkow facility in Poland for the repair of the board machine 2. The aim is to increase the plant's output efficiency and product quality. The installation is set to begin in May 2023 .

, Valmet will deliver the Valmet DNA Automation System (DCS) and the Valmet IQ Quality Control System (QCS) to Schumacher Packaging's Myszkow facility in for the repair of the board machine 2. The aim is to increase the plant's output efficiency and product quality. The installation is set to begin in . In November 2022 , Rockwell Automation launched the FLEXHA 5000TM I/O family, which provides high availability and continues the advancement of the PlantPAx Distributed Control System (DCS). It provides easily integrated design, allowing clients to observe more efficient engineering time, consistent operations, and optimized footprints.

Browse Adjacent Markets: Energy and Power Market Research Reports & Consulting

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First Vice-President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva expressed condolences to the family of Vardis Vardinogiannis over the death of Marianna Vardinogiannis.

I was deeply shocked by the death of my sincere friend, dear and precious person Marianna. Nothing compares to the pain caused by the loss of a loved person.

It is difficult to find words expressing the feeling of sorrow, which fills our hearts.

Renowned public figure, faithful life partner, staunch friend Marianna was a symbol of kindness, generousness, graciousness, mercifulness.

She will live on in memories as a bright, hardworking, active, irreplaceable personality who was able to feel peoples pain deep inside.

Marianna Vardinoyannis was also a sincere friend of Azerbaijan. It is not a coincidence that the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan highly appreciated her contribution to development of friendly relations between Azerbaijani and Greek peoples by conferring a Dostlug (Friendship) order upon her.

Loving, kind and unforgettable memories created by our meetings with Marianna will always remain in my heart.

I share your grief, extend condolences and wish patience to all your family members.

Sincerely yours,

Mehriban Aliyeva
ARMA to conduct audits of management efficiency of largest assets, first to be Glusco filling station chain

The Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) will check the management efficiency of the largest assets.

According to a report on the agency's website, a review of the efficiency of NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy's management of the Glusco filling station chain has already begun, which will last until July 31.

The head of ARMA, Olena Duma, said that ARMA received information about the manager's improper fulfillment of the terms of the contract, in particular, about the submission of false data regarding expenses and income from management activities.

"The manager has been using Glusco's assets for more than a year, and these are actually 89 filling stations, eight land plots, two oil depots and corporate rights of 35 companies. At the same time, only UAH 1.151 million have been transferred to the state budget, which raises well-founded questions of the management efficiency," she said in the message.

According to the documents available to the National Agency, the manager does not provide or does not draw up information about almost half of the gas stations received from ARMA, as a result of which the budget loses a significant amount of funds every month.

"ARMA is starting checks on the most resonant and important cases for the state. Our goal is very clear - the management of assets worth billions of hryvnias must be effective and bring proper revenues to the budget of the warring country," Duma concluded.

As reported, in May 2022, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine agreed on the proposal of ARMA to transfer the seized assets of the Glusco company (until 2018, the Rosneft network), which were associated with Viktor Medvedchuk, to the management of NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy.

The asset manager was Naftogaz Oil Trading LLC, with which ARMA subsequently entered into a fixed-term management agreement.
Dr. Ellis Launches Dermatologist-Developed Brand in Collaboration with The Center

LOS ANGELES, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Samantha Ellis is thrilled to announce today the launch of Prequel, her dermatologist-developed, solution-focused skincare brand, in collaboration with The Center, a Los Angeles based brand accelerator. The brand debuts with three core products specifically designed to address skin health and the root cause of skin concerns while delivering clinical solutions to help reverse barrier dysfunction and treat skin issues, head-to-toe.

Photo Credit: Luke Wooden for The Center

Offering a balance between doctor office brands, prescription based topicals, and over-the-counter basics, Prequel provides effective and cosmetically elegant formulas accessible to everyone. Utilizing clinically validated active ingredients at ideal levels to support skin health, enhancing skin barrier function while optimizing product performance, Prequel addresses skin concerns from ageing skin and acne to crepiness and hyperpigmentation.

"As a practicing dermatologist, after years of hearing directly from my patients what they want and need from their skincare - I've turned that into Prequel. I like to think of this brand as 'basic plus' - we've taken tried and true skincare ingredients and formats, but elevated them from a formulation standpoint, a packaging standpoint and an innovation standpoint, all at an attainable price point," says Dr. Samantha Ellis.

"We think both Dr. Ellis and Prequel bring a new and exciting point of view to our family of brands at The Center, as Sam is not only a dermatologist, but also a genuine skincare and product-lover. Prequel is inspired by Sam's ability to utilize her unique positioning between the dermatological world and the social media landscape, for skincare and product education," adds Ben Bennett, Founder and CEO of The Center.

The three core products launching includes the Gleanser, a non-drying glycerin cleanser for face and body, priced at $18. Clinically tested for 24-hour moisture and formulated with 50% glycerin, inulin and a unique aquaporin-stimulating active to boost skin suppleness, the Gleanser promises to purify and hydrate your skin without causing dryness or irritation.

Additionally, the Skin Utility Ointment, a multi-purpose skin protectant retailing at $18. Formulated with 45% USP-grade petrolatum, this versatile product offers a powerful skin protection solution, safeguarding your skin from environmental stressors while providing intensive care.

Lastly, Prequel introduces the Urea Repair 10% Urea Moisturizing Milk for face and body, retailing at $22. With a luxurious formula combining 10% pure urea with shea butter, glycerin and niacinamide, this moisturizing milk offers deep hydration and repair, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and revitalized.

Starting today Tuesday, July 25th , the Prequel range will be available exclusively online at www.prequelskin.com.

ABOUT DR. SAMANTHA ELLIS, MD, FAAD

Samantha Ellis, MD, FAAD is a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She graduated summa cum laude from UCLA, earned her medical doctorate from the University of Michigan, and completed her dermatology residency training at UC Davis. In addition to her private practice, she is a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at UC Davis. Dr. Ellis has published multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and authored several medical textbook chapters on a broad range of dermatology topics including cutaneous immunology, dermatologic surgery, cosmeceuticals, and skin aging. On social media she takes followers through her day-to-day life as a millennial dermatologist, both in and out of the office, and candidly shares skincare advice and product recommendations.

ABOUT THE CENTER

The Center builds and grows compelling and highly commercial brands in the beauty and wellness space bringing together an experienced and agile team of strategic and operational experts with a proven track record of creating market-leading consumer goods companies. A deep understanding of forecasting consumer trends underscores The Center's ability to create, define, and market beauty brands. In addition, The Center's management of testing, manufacturing, and distribution adds value throughout the product life cycle. Within The Center's vertical ecosystem, the centralized shared- services platform identifies trends and efficiencies to be shared across their entire portfolio of brands.

SOURCE Prequel
Bloomberg Businessweek's "No Testing, No Inspections: Contaminated Eyedrops Blinded and Killed

Americans" story exposes "gaping hole" in regulatory system

POULSBO, Wash., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bloomberg Businessweek magazine has reported the results of a months-long investigation into how generic over-the-counter eye drops contaminated with an "antibiotic-resistant superbug" made it into the US market. The eye drop story appeared in Bloomberg Businessweek's July 23 issue and was subtitled "How a drugstore staple, made in an Indian factory and tainted with an antibiotic-resistant superbug, slipped past the FDA." Bloomberg identifies serious shortcomings in FDA regulation of over-the-counter drugs, which it describes as the agency's "lowest priorities."

"These drugs are essentially produced and sold on the honor system," states the Bloomberg article. "A company doesn't have to prove to the agency that its medicine is safe or effective or that it's being made in proper conditions. There's no testing involved; no inspection required. Basically, paperwork." Experts in public health and infectious disease epidemiology as well as a former FDA official contributed to the article, citing concerns about lack of oversight, facility inspection protocols, testing, and the difficulty of tracing a superbug to an OTC drug. "The American public should know that nobody's looking. It's not the FDA's fault that they don't have the resources to do this. But they shouldn't pretend that they can," says Stanford professor Kevin Schulman.

"The Dry Eye Foundation has been sounding the alarm about potentially unsafe OTC eye drops for some time," says Sandra Brown MD, Dry Eye Foundation's medical advisor. As discussed in the Bloomberg story, the Foundation recently took an unusual step: testing the FDA's OTC drug listing system by creating and submitting satirical products, each with an unidentifiable ingredient. The second product includes many completely absurd warnings and instructions. Yet it passed through the FDA's system without comment. "We know anyone can sell "black market" eye drops on Amazon, Walmart.com or Ebay," says Dry Eye Foundation president Rebecca Petris. "Unfortunately, now we also know that anyone who's motivated can get their eye drop listed with the FDA to make it look more official. We know one company that has been doing that for almost two years."

Dry Eye Foundation has shared its concerns about the proliferation of unsafe OTC eye drops with the FDA, and is meeting with agency representatives in September.

Dry Eye Foundation operates two websites about eye drop safety: eyedropsafety.org and mermaidtearsusa.com .

The Dry Eye Foundation

The Dry Eye Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Poulsbo, Washington.

Its mission is to improve patients' quality of life. The ocular surface diseases and ocular surface pain disorders that many patients face have profound functional, financial and emotional impact. Dry Eye Foundation is working to restore hope, redefine disease and reshape the future for people with these conditions, through its community service, education, research and advocacy programs.

Press kit | Guidestar | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook

Aidan Moore

Rebecca Petris

800-484-0244

[email protected]

SOURCE The Dry Eye Foundation
Dulce Vida Tequila announces its addition to Tequila Matchmaker's list of additive-free tequila brands. Tweet this

Founded by Grover and Scarlet Sanschagrin, Tequila Matchmaker's Additive Free program has become the #1 trusted source for verifying which tequila brands do not use additives. The opt-in program is used by tequila brands that want to be transparent about their production processes.

From its founding in 2009, Dulce Vida Tequila's products are made with absolutely no additives. Dulce Vida is also an early pioneer in organic spirits, following the requirements of the National Organics Program (NOP) and earning USDA organic certification for all of its distilled products.

"Dulce Vida truly is tequila, pure and simple, and our addition to the Tequila Matchmaker Additive-Free List further affirms our commitment to quality and transparency," says Eric Dopkins, CEO and chairman of Milestone Brands. "We are dedicated to using organic and sustainable practices to craft our tequila, and thank Grover and Scarlet for taking the time to verify Dulce Vida as additive free."

Dulce Vida's tequila portfolio includes Organic Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo, which are all available in organic 80-Proof and 100-Proof options. The portfolio also includes three all-natural Tequilas infused with real fruit in Grapefruit, Lime, and Pineapple-Jalapeno flavors. Finally, Dulce Vida offers a line of ready-to-drink cocktails, made with real fruit and packaged in Tetra Pak cartons, providing consumers with a portable and sustainable option.

In addition to auditing the production, Tequila Matchmaker investigates processes and performs sensorial analyses throughout various stages of the tequila-making process. Each brand agrees to the developed testing system, to be renewed each year.

"Consumers want to know that the tequila they are drinking is trusted and respects the practices of natural tequila distillation," says Grover Sanschagrin, co-founder of Tequila Matchmaker. "That is why inspecting tequila combined with thorough analysis at each stage of the production process is crucial in reassuring transparency for all fans of tequila."

Dulce Vida Tequila's ingredients, materials and processes for the products all meet or exceed USDA + NOP organic certification and Kosher certification requirements, and now, are certified additive-free on the Tequila Matchmaker list .

For more information on Dulce Vida Spirits, or to find products near you, visit their website at www.dulcevidaspirits.com .

About Dulce Vida

Dulce Vida is tequila, pure and simple. With a core range of tequilas made with 100% Blue Weber agave and USDA-certified organic, the premium spirits brand was founded in Austin, Texas in 2009 and is produced in Jalisco, Mexico in the village of San Ignacio Cerro Gordo at Campanario (NOM 1443). Sustainability and attention to detail are inherent at every step, from harvest through distillation and aging. The expansive portfolio includes a core range of Blanco, Reposado and Anejo tequila - produced at both 80 proof and 100 proof - plus a 100-Proof Extra Anejo. Dulce Vida is also recognized for their flavor infused tequilas, made with real fruit including Pineapple Jalapeno, Lime and Grapefruit. Additionally, Dulce Vida offers ready-to-drink cocktails including Paloma, Margarita and Watermelon Margarita varieties. Please visit https://www.dulcevidaspirits.com/ for more information.

Media contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Dulce Vida Tequila
Duopharma Biotech is a worldwide pioneer in the research and development of halal pharmaceuticals.

SAN ANTONIO, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan recently researched the Malaysian halal pharmaceutical industry and, based on its findings, recognizes Duopharma Biotech Berhad (Duopharma Biotech) with the 2022 Malaysian Company of the Year Award. Duopharma Biotech aims to produce safe, effective, and high-quality Halal products for all consumers and set the standard for the Malaysian pharmaceutical industry.

Duopharma Biotech is expanding and improving its Halal portfolio to differentiate itself from competitors.

Halal is an Arabic word that describes lawful or permissible products targeted at Muslim consumers. According to the State of Global Islamic Economy Report 2022, the Halal pharmaceutical market was valued at $100 billion in 2021 and is likely to reach $129 billion by 2025. As a result, Duopharma Biotech can benefit from the growing demand and is in a privileged position to fulfill the need for Halal pharmaceutical products.

The company is expanding and improving its Halal portfolio to differentiate itself from competitors. It is the first pharmaceutical company to market a biosimilar erythropoietin, branded as ERYSAA, a biosimilar product for treating anemia in chronic kidney disease. Duopharma Biotech designed this product to meet the health and wellness needs of the Malaysian population in a cost-effective manner that also complies with medical and Muslim standards.

"As the world's first halal biosimilar, ERYSAA secures Duopharma Biotech's leadership in the Halal pharmaceutical industry. In 2021, as physicians prescribed ERYSAA to more dialysis patients, product sales grew by 52%. Despite the fierce competition from short and long-acting erythropoietin stimulating agents, ERYSAA expanded into the dialysis market, with approximately 49% of dialysis centers and hospitals prescribing it to their renal anemia patients," said Dr. Maeirah Ashaie, Best Practices Research Consultant at Frost & Sullivan.

Part of Duopharma Biotech Biotech's initiatives includes leading halal pharmaceutical awareness campaigns and exploring international collaborations to share halal-certified products. The company is building partnerships with international organizations to raise awareness of the importance of halal products to the Muslim population and is planning to expand to other markets, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Duopharma Biotech regularly conducts online surveys to ensure high customer service and quality standards and support its continued growth. As a result, the company scored 98% on the customer satisfaction index, higher than its previous two years' figures.

"In 2021, the Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) introduced a Sectoral Roadmap for halal pharmaceuticals to promote industry development. Duopharma Biotech is a member of the Sectoral Working Group, whose mission is to review and monitor the implementation of established measures. The company seeks to establish itself as a global thought leader in halal pharmaceuticals," noted Ashaie.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents a Company of the Year award to the organization demonstrating excellence in growth strategy and implementation in its field. The award recognizes a high degree of innovation with products and technologies and the resulting leadership in customer value and market penetration.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in various regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

About Frost & Sullivan

For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion .

Contact:

Tammy Chan

[email protected]

About Duopharma

Duopharma Biotech Group ("Duopharma Biotech" or "the Company") began with the establishment of Duopharma (M) Sendirian Berhad in 1978. Duopharma Biotech was incorporated in 2000 and is today one of Malaysia's leading pharmaceutical companies listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Berhad.

Duopharma Biotech has core competencies in the pharmaceutical industry inclusive of Manufacturing, Research & Development, and Commercialization & Marketing of over 300 generic drugs such as Crystorvas, Prelica, and Omesec as well as Consumer Healthcare ("CHC") products including CHAMPS, FLAVETTES, PROVITON, and Uphamol, which are well-recognized and accepted by consumers in Malaysia, regionally and globally. The Company has also diversified into the biosimilars space with technology and commercialization collaborations with credible and strong international partners. ERYSAA, Basalog One, and Zuhera are a few commercialized biosimilar brands.

Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Duopharma Biotech owns and operates three manufacturing plants in Klang, Bangi, and Glenmarie, Selangor. Duopharma Biotech also has subsidiary companies in the Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia.

Website: www.duopharmabiotech.com

SOURCE Frost & Sullivan
Elite Health's Quarterly Giving Program Commits Financial Support to Ministries Fostering Love, Fellowship, and Spiritual Growth

ALLEN, Texas, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In its continuing commitment to "Improving Lives," Elite Health Online has chosen to support Remnant Church with a donation exceeding $12,000. This contribution is part of the healthcare organization's ongoing initiative to contribute a percentage of its gross revenue each quarter to a faith-based ministry that aligns with its mission.

Remnant Church logo

Remnant Church, which aims to cultivate grace, love, and fellowship, will utilize these funds to strengthen its missionary work in challenging regions. The donation will mainly support the church's endeavors in countries like Pakistan, India, and Colombia, where Christian communities face significant trials and hurdles.

"The Lord has opened significant doors for us this year to partner with Him in the great harvest of souls. This generous donation from Elite Health Online will greatly support our work in areas that contain 80% of the most unreached people groups globally," said a representative of Remnant Church. "We are passionate about propagating the Gospel; this aid will be instrumental in our mission."

These funds will directly aid efforts in Pakistan and India, two countries known for the challenges they pose to Christian minorities. Notably, these nations are ranked in the top ten most dangerous on the World Watch List for persecution and violence against Christians. Combined, they represent over 1.5 billion souls, most of whom have not been exposed to the Christian faith.

"Elite Health Online is committed to supporting organizations that strive to improve lives not just physically but also spiritually," said Clay York, CEO at Elite Health Online. "Our faith-based approach to healthcare extends to our dedication to giving back to the community and support ministries that align with our values and mission."

Elite Health Online's generous contributions to various ministries and organizations epitomize its dedication to embodying faith-based principles.

About Elite Health Online

Elite Health Online is a faith-based healthcare organization dedicated to improving lives. Upholding biblical values and principles, Elite Health Online is committed to giving back to its community through its quarterly giving initiative. For more information on Elite Health Online mission, please visit our website.

Media Contact

Mark Toney

Chief Marketing Officer

Elite Health Online

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (469) 907-1057

SOURCE Elite Health Online
MINNEAPOLIS, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ENT Partners, LLC, a leading Physician Practice Management Company (PPMC) specializing in the Ear, Nose, Throat, Facial Plastics & Sleep industry, today announced it is expanding its footprint in the Midwest and has acquired Southern Indiana ENT & Indianapolis Sinus Center. With four locations in the Indianapolis area, Southern Indiana ENT specializes in the treatments for ear, nose, throat, allergy, and sleep disorders. Headquartered in Columbus, IN, Southern Indiana ENT is one of the most prominent private ENT practices in Indiana.

Southern Indiana ENT's Partner, Anthony Sanders, MD, said, "This partnership will enable us to leverage the experienced management team and resources of ENT Partners to help Southern Indiana ENT solidify its independence and autonomy. ENT Partners is the perfect partner to accelerate our expansion plans while maintaining our competitive advantages. We look forward to the opportunities to improve operational efficiencies, and recruit and retain top talent..."

Southern Indiana ENT consists of two board-certified otolaryngologists, Nicholas C. Hollenkamp, MD and Anthony D. Sanders, MD, in addition to four advanced practice registered nurse practitioners, a physician assistant, an audiologist, and a board-certified hearing instrument specialist. Southern Indiana ENT has four clinics throughout the Indianapolis area, located in Columbus, Seymour, Franklin and Greenwood.

"We are thrilled to welcome Southern Indiana ENT and the Indianapolis Sinus Center to the ENT Partners family. Strategically, philosophically, and geographically, this partnership is another great fit for us. Entellus Medical designated Southern Indiana ENT as a Center of Excellence and we're proud to partner with exemplary thought leaders dedicated to mastering procedural techniques, technique refinement and peer-to-peer education " said ENT Partners CEO, Jim Feinstein.

To learn more about Southern Indiana ENT or Indianapolis Sinus Center, visit Southern Indiana ENT or Indianapolis Sinus Center.

SOURCE ENT Partners
Microsoft recognizes EPAM for exceptional use of Azure to help customers seamlessly migrate to the cloud and develop transformational applications using data and AI

NEWTOWN, Pa., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- EPAM Systems, Inc. (NYSE: EPAM), a leading digital transformation services and product engineering company, today announced it has won the 2023 Microsoft U.S. Azure Migration Partner of the Year Award. The Company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementing customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

Learn more about EPAM and Microsoft's Collaboration

EPAM Named a Winner for the 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards

"We're honored to be recognized as a 2023 Microsoft U.S. Azure Migration Partner of the Year for our dedication to creating and delivering leading-edge enterprise solutions," said Dmitry Tikhomirov, VP of Technology Solutions at EPAM. "Our team combines world-class consulting, design and advanced engineering to leverage Microsoft solutions and help some of the world's leading brands navigate cloud complexities, digitally transform and accelerate business value."

While cloud transformation has become essential for business success, mastering cloud complexity remains challenging for many organizations. As a global leader in cloud transformation services, EPAM was recognized for providing outstanding support in helping Louis Dreyfus Company rapidly migrate to Microsoft Azure while efficiently modernizing and innovating business applications.

EPAM also secured the global finalist position in the Industry, Retail and Consumer Goods category for exceptional contributions at Estee Lauder Companies and Ahold Delhaize and placed as a U.S. finalist in the Global Retail and Consumer Goods category. Additionally, EPAM achieved the U.S. finalist position in Azure Modernize for its work at Ahold Delhaize.

"The Visually Impaired Makeup Assistant (VMA) application owes much of its success to EPAM Systems, whose expertise and collaboration have played an instrumental role in its development," said Chris Aidan, VP, Innovation and Emerging Technologies at Estee Lauder Companies. "With EPAM's help, the VMA now offers a voice-enabled experience that caters to visually impaired users, checking for inconsistencies, providing feedback and offering recommendations for improved makeup application. By focusing on modern engineering practices and emerging technologies, EPAM has demonstrated a commitment to delivering innovative digital solutions that align with our objective of meeting and exceeding our customers' expectations."

Together, EPAM and Microsoft enhance the agility and efficiency of legacy systems using intelligent automation, specialized cloud enablement offerings and global delivery capabilities. Since 2004, EPAM's collaboration with Microsoft has helped the Company's global customers accelerate their journey to Azure by planning and architecting a strategy for executing Azure migrations at scale without compromising quality.

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based applications, services and devices during the past year. Awards were classified into various categories, with honorees chosen from more than 4,200 submitted nominations from 100+ countries worldwide.

"Congratulations to the winners and finalists of the 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards," said Nicole Dezen, Chief Partner Officer and Corporate Vice President of Global Partner Solutions at Microsoft. "The innovative new solutions and services that positively impact customers and enable digital transformation from this year's winners demonstrate the best of what's possible with the Microsoft Cloud."

To learn more about how EPAM uses Microsoft Azure to build next-gen enterprise solutions, visit epam.com/microsoft.

Learn more about how to get the most out of the cloud in EPAM Continuum's recent report, "From Taming Cloud Complexity to Achieving Cloud Mastery."

View the complete list of winners at https://partner.microsoft.com/en-us/inspire/awards.

About EPAM Systems

Since 1993, EPAM Systems, Inc. (NYSE: EPAM) has leveraged its advanced software engineering heritage to become the foremost global digital transformation services provider  leading the industry in digital and physical product development and digital platform engineering services. Through its innovative strategy; integrated advisory, consulting, and design capabilities; and unique 'Engineering DNA,' EPAM's globally deployed hybrid teams help make the future real for clients and communities around the world by powering better enterprise, education and health platforms that connect people, optimize experiences, and improve people's lives. In 2021, EPAM was added to the S&P 500 and included among the list of Forbes Global 2000 companies.

Selected by Newsweek as a 2021, 2022 and 2023 Most Loved Workplace, EPAM's global multidisciplinary teams serve customers in more than 50 countries across six continents. As a recognized leader, EPAM is listed among the top 15 companies in Information Technology Services on the Fortune 1000 and ranked four times as the top IT services company on Fortune's 100 Fastest Growing Companies list. EPAM is also listed among Ad Age's top 25 World's Largest Agency Companies for three consecutive years, and Consulting Magazine named EPAM Continuum a top 20 Fastest Growing Firm.

Learn more at www.epam.com and follow EPAM on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes estimates and statements which may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the accuracy of which are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Our estimates and forward-looking statements are mainly based on our current expectations and estimates of future events and trends, which affect or may affect our business and operations. These statements may include words such as "may," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate" or similar expressions. Those future events and trends may relate to, among other things, developments relating to the war in Ukraine and escalation of the war in the surrounding region, political and civil unrest or military action in the geographies where we conduct business and operate, difficult conditions in global capital markets, foreign exchange markets and the broader economy, and the effect that these events may have on our revenues, operations, access to capital, and profitability. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied include general economic conditions, the risk factors discussed in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and the factors discussed in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, particularly under the headings "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors" and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although we believe that these estimates and forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, they are subject to several risks and uncertainties and are made based on information currently available to us. EPAM undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities law.

SOURCE EPAM Systems, Inc.
JERSEY CITY, N.J., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of the market assessment report on "Global EV-based Liquid Biopsy Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Offering (Kits & Assays, Instruments, Services), Workflow (Sample Preparation, Sequencing, Data Analysis), Technology (Isolation Technologies and Detection Technologies), Sample Type (Blood (Plasma/Serum), Urine, Saliva, Other Biofluids (CF - Cerebrospinal fluid), Cell Culture), End User (Academic & Research Institutions, Clinical Laboratories, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies) Market Outlook And Industry Analysis 2031"

According to the latest research by InsightAce Analytic, the global EV-based Liquid Biopsy Market size is valued at US$ 74.61 Million in 2022, and it is expected to reach US$ 349.19 Million in 2031, recording a promising CAGR of 18.9% during the forecast period of 2023-2031.

Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are released by every body cell, which is a snapshot of cellular biological activity. They can be in biofluids such as blood and provide the best way to detect and prevent non-invasive diseases, including cancer. EV-based liquid biopsy holds great promise for cancer diagnosis, prognosis and clinical monitoring. However, it is still necessary to provide precise EV subtype classification, standardized protocols, and larger patient cohort studies for further clinical translation.

Almost all EVs seen in the blood are from blood cells, such as platelets, red blood cells, or immune cells, and a small percentage are from tissues such as the liver, lungs, or kidneys. Conventional isolation techniques cannot distinguish between EVs based on their origin, thus limiting progress in disease biomarker discovery. Thus, many pharmaceutical companies are focusing on developing a novel and robust method to isolate tissue-specific EVs from blood to address these challenges.

Request for Sample Pages: https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/request-sample/1920

Some of the prominent players in the EV-based Liquid Biopsy Market are:

Abcam plc

AMS Biotechnology Limited (AMSBIO)

Bio-Techne Corporation

Horiba Ltd.

Qiagen N.V.

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

Lonza Group AG

Malvern Panalytical Ltd

Revvity, Inc. (PerkinElmer, Inc.)

Takara Bio Inc.

Emerging Companies

Mursla Bio

Nanostics Inc.

Mercy BioAnalytics, Inc.

Clara Diagnostics, Inc. (Clara Biotech)

Other Prominent Players

EV-based Liquid Biopsy Market Report Scope

Report Attribute Specifications Market Size Value In 2022 USD 74.61 Million Revenue Forecast In 2031 USD 349.19 Million Growth Rate CAGR CAGR of 18.9 % from 2023 to 2031 Quantitative Units Representation of revenue in US$ Million and CAGR from 2023 to 2031 Historic Year 2019 to 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2031 Report Coverage The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market structure, growth prospects, and trends Segments Covered By Offering, By Workflow, By Technology, By Sample Type, By End User Regional Scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa Country Scope U.S.; Canada; U.K.; Germany; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Mexico; The UK; France; Italy; Spain; China; Japan; India; South Korea; South East Asia; South Korea; South East Asia Competitive Landscape Abcam plc, AMS Biotechnology Limited (AMSBIO), Bio-Techne Corporation, Horiba Ltd., Qiagen N.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Lonza Group AG, Malvern Panalytical Ltd, Revvity, Inc. (PerkinElmer, Inc.), Takara Bio Inc., Emerging Companies, Mursla Bio, Nanostics Inc., Mercy BioAnalytics, Inc., Clara Diagnostics, Inc. (Clara Biotech), and others. Customization Scope Free customization report with the procurement of the report, Modifications to the regional and segment scope. Particular Geographic competitive landscape. Pricing and Available Payment Methods Explore pricing alternatives that are customized to your particular study requirements.

Curious about this latest version of the report? Enquiry Before Buying: https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/enquiry-before-buying/1920

Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

The increasing number of cancer cases is surging the demand for liquid biopsy.

The EV-based liquid biopsy market is mainly driven by the high prevalence of cancer and rising public awareness about the different non-invasive treatments. As per the data provided by WCRF International (World Cancer Research Fund International), nearly 18.1 million cancer cases worldwide were reported in 2020. Thus, the high prevalence of cancer is expected to enhance the demand for EV-based liquid biopsy techniques during the forecast period.

Moreover, the increasing investments by market players in clinical trials to develop new diagnostic tests, high demand for personalized medicine, modifications in medical technologies, and growing R&D efforts in clinical oncology contribute to the market's growth.

Challenges:

However, the lack of standardized and clinically feasible EV purification & characterization protocols hinders the applicability of EV-based cancer biomarker analysis, which is expected to restrict the growth of the EV-based Liquid Biopsy Market in the coming years.

Regional Trends:

North America accounted for the maximum revenue share of the EV-based Liquid Biopsy Market in 2022. This is primarily due to the increasing prevalence of cancer in this region. In addition, growing demand for personalized therapies, increasing healthcare expenditure, and rising cancer research investments have boosted market growth. On the other hand, Asia Pacific is predicted to be the fastest-growing market over the forecast period. This is attributable to the increasing public awareness regarding liquid biopsy applications, well-established healthcare infrastructure, and rising adoption of advanced medical techniques in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic laboratories for diagnosis.

Key developments in the market:

In May 2023 , Mursla Bio discovered a new method in liquid biopsy and precision medicine to isolate tissue-specific extracellular vesicles (EVs) from the blood in addition to using a workflow to analyze their diverse multi-omics content.

Mursla Bio discovered a new method in liquid biopsy and precision medicine to isolate tissue-specific extracellular vesicles (EVs) from the blood in addition to using a workflow to analyze their diverse multi-omics content. In March 2019 , QIAGEN launched novel liquid biopsy solutions and NGS panels with seamlessly integrated bioinformatics to support advances in cancer research.

QIAGEN launched novel liquid biopsy solutions and NGS panels with seamlessly integrated bioinformatics to support advances in cancer research. In July 2018 , Exosomics Siena S.p.A., a pioneer & world leader in exosome-based diagnostics, launched its first proprietary liquid biopsy solutions, SeleCTEV DNA and SortEV RNA, for the selective isolation of tumor-derived nucleic acids from complex biofluids such as plasma or serum.

Market Segments

Market Size (Value US$ Mn) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2023 to 2031 based on Offering

Kits and Assays

Instruments

Services

Market Size (Value US$ Mn) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2023 to 2031 based on Workflow

Sample Preparation

Sequencing

Data Analysis

Market Size (Value US$ Mn) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2023 to 2031 based on Technology

Isolation Technologies

Precipitation



Ultracentrifugation



Chromatography

Analysis Technologies

NGS



PCR



Flow Cytometry

Market Size (Value US$ Mn) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2023 to 2031 based on Sample Type

Blood (Plasma/Serum)

Urine

Saliva

Other Biofluids (CF - Cerebrospinal fluid)

Cell Culture

Market Size (Value US$ Mn) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2023 to 2031 based on End User

Academic and Research Institutions

Clinical Laboratories

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies

Market Size (Value US$ Mn) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2023 to 2031 based on Region

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East & Africa

North America EV-based Liquid Biopsy Market Revenue (US$ Million) by Country, 2023 to 2031

U.S.

Canada

Europe EV-based Liquid Biopsy Market Revenue (US$ Million) by Country, 2023 to 2031

Germany

France

Italy

Spain

Russia

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific EV-based Liquid Biopsy Market Revenue (US$ Million) by Country, 2023 to 2031

India

China

Japan

South Korea

Australia & New Zealand

Latin America EV-based Liquid Biopsy Market Revenue (US$ Million) by Country, 2023 to 2031

Brazil

Mexico

Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa EV-based Liquid Biopsy Market Revenue (US$ Million) by Country, 2023 to 2031

GCC Countries

South Africa

Rest of Middle East & Africa

Obtain Report Customization Details @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/customisation/1920

Why should buy this report:

To receive a comprehensive analysis of the prospects for the global EV-based Liquid Biopsy Market

To receive an industry overview and future trends in the global EV-based Liquid Biopsy Market

To analyze the EV-based Liquid Biopsy Market drivers and challenges

To get information on the EV-based Liquid Biopsy Market size value (US$ Mn) forecast till 2031

Major Investments, Mergers & Acquisitions in the global EV-based Liquid Biopsy Market industry

Other Related Reports Published by InsightAce Analytic:

Multi Cancer Early Detection Market

Proteomics Market

Cancer Diagnostics Market

About Us:

InsightAce Analytic is a market research and consulting firm that enables clients to make strategic decisions. Our qualitative and quantitative market intelligence solutions inform the need for market and competitive intelligence to expand businesses. We help clients gain a competitive advantage by identifying untapped markets, exploring new and competing technologies, segmenting potential markets, and repositioning products. Our expertise is in providing syndicated and custom market intelligence reports with an in-depth analysis of key market insights in a timely and cost-effective manner.

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InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd.

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SOURCE InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd
Prestigious award celebrates Peterman Brothers president and other ambitious entrepreneurs who are building a better world

INDIANAPOLIS, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) today announced that Chad Peterman, president of Peterman Brothers, a leading HVAC and plumbing company serving the greater Indianapolis area, was named an Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023 Midwest Award winner.

EY has named Peterman Brothers president Chad Peterman a winner of the Entrepreneur Of The Year(r) 2023 Midwest Award.

The Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards program is one of the preeminent competitive awards for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies. Peterman was selected by an independent judging panel made up of previous award winners, leading CEOs, investors and other regional business leaders. The candidates were evaluated based on their demonstration of building long-term value through entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact, among other core contributions and attributes.

"This award is a testament to the foundation my father built at Peterman and the drive he instilled in my brother and me to always keep reaching for the next level," Peterman said. "I've dedicated my life to serving this company, my community and the skilled trades. To be named Entrepreneur Of The Year is just an incredible honor."

The award is the latest accolade given to Peterman and his company in recent years. In May, the Indianapolis Business Journal recognized Peterman Brothers as one of the 25 fastest-growing companies in Indianapolis for a fourth consecutive year. In 2022, Peterman Brothers landed a place on the Inc. 5000 for the fourth year in a row, and in 2021, the company was named Dealer of the Year by Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems, a leading supplier of HVAC equipment with more than 40,000 dealers in North America.

Peterman is also the founder of Peterman Top Tech Academy, whose latest class graduated earlier this month. In addition, he's the host and creator of the Can't Stop the Growth podcast, which is geared toward empowering leaders and helping business owners thrive and grow their company.

"Peterman Brothers has come a long way since its inception in 1986," Peterman said. "We're continuing to seek ways to better serve the community, including creating the Peterman Cares program to help those less fortunate. I've been blessed with an amazing team that has driven our expansion to six locations, and winning this award says as much about my staff and support system as it does about me."

For nearly four decades, EY US has honored entrepreneurs whose ambition, courage and ingenuity have driven their companies' success, transformed their industries and made a positive impact on their communities. Since 1986, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program has recognized more than 11,000 US executives.

As a Midwest award winner, Peterman is now eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023 National Awards. The National Award winners, including the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced in November at the Strategic Growth Forum, one of the nation's most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies.

Peterman Brothers is available to help with any plumbing or cooling needs. For more information, call (260) 201-3070 or visit https://www.petermanhvac.com/.

About Peterman Brothers

Founded in 1986, Peterman Brothers provides residential heating, cooling, and plumbing services in the Greater Indianapolis area. A second-generation family business, the company offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee with any new installation of HVAC equipment. All technicians are certified through the North American Technical Excellence (NATE) program and fully bonded and insured. Peterman Brothers provides 24/7 emergency service to its customers and offers several financing options with approved credit. To find out more, call (260) 201-3070 or visit https://www.petermanhvac.com.

About EY

EY exists to build a better working world, helping create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets.

Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate.

Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit www.ey.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR

865-977-1973

[email protected]

SOURCE Peterman Brothers
MONTREAL and LONDON, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fiera Capital Corporation (TSX: FSZ) ("Fiera Capital" or the "Company"), a leading independent asset management firm, today announced the appointment of Mandy Adamou as Managing Director, Head of Consultant Relations, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) & Asia, effective July 17, 2023. This new role aims to enable Fiera Capital to further expand its presence in EMEA and continue building and developing strong relationships with a global network of consultants. Ms. Adamou will partner with Frederick McNeill, Vice President, Institutional Markets, and they will leverage their combined market knowledge and expertise to optimize our consultant activities and ensure the best outcomes for our clients across the globe. To this end, she will chair Fiera Capital's Global Consultant Committee and collaborate extensively with internal executive stakeholders. Ms. Amadou will report to Klaus Schuster, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, EMEA.

Mandy Adamou

"With a demonstrated history of driving business growth by fostering successful consultant relationships, Mandy is an ideal fit for the Company as we seek to expand Fiera Capital's footprint in the strategic EMEA and Asian regions, building on the excellent progress that Fred has already made in this space to date," said Klaus Schuster. "Given our focus on re-establishing the Company's regionalised distribution model, I expect that Mandy's extensive experience in EMEA and credibility among both local and global consultants will make her an invaluable asset to our team."

"I am delighted to be joining Fiera Capital and to help bring its next-stage strategy and vision to life," said Mandy Adamou. "Fiera Capital's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellent client service are values that have driven my own career to date, and I look forward to collaborating with a talented global team to achieve the Company's ambitious goals."

Ms. Adamou brings over 25 years of experience in consultant relations for global financial institutions to Fiera Capital. Over the course of her distinguished career, she has successfully launched several solutions and overseen consultant activities across multiple global regions, including EMEA, Asia and the U.S., building trust and strategic relationships with partners around the world. In her most recent role, Ms. Amadou acted as Managing Director, Global Head of Consultant Relations (EMEA) at a private, global asset manager in London, England.

About Fiera Capital Corporation

Fiera Capital is a leading independent asset management firm with a growing global presence and approximately C$164.7 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2023. Fiera Capital delivers customized and multi-asset solutions across public and private market asset classes to institutional, financial intermediary and private wealth clients across North America, Europe and key markets in Asia. Fiera Capital's depth of expertise, diversified investment platform and commitment to delivering outstanding service are core to our mission of being at the forefront of the investment management science to foster sustainable prosperity for all our stakeholders. Fiera Capital trades under the ticker FSZ on the Toronto Stock Exchange. www.fieracapital.com

Headquartered in Montreal, Fiera Capital, with its affiliates in various jurisdictions, has offices in over a dozen cities around the world, including New York (U.S.), London (UK), and Hong Kong (SAR).

Each affiliated entity (each an "Affiliate") of Fiera Capital only provides investment advisory or investment management services or offers investment funds in the jurisdictions where the Affiliate and/or the relevant product is registered or authorized to provide services pursuant to an exemption from registration.

In the U.S., asset management services are provided by Fiera Capital's Affiliates who are investment advisers that are registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") or exempt from registration. Registration with the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For details on the particular registration of, or exemptions therefrom relied upon by, any Fiera Capital entity, please consult this webpage.

Additional information about Fiera Capital, including Fiera Capital's annual information form, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

The information contained in press releases and company news is valid as of the date indicated. You should not assume that statements remain accurate or valid after the date.

Media inquiries

[email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2160666/Fiera_Capital_Corporation_Fiera_Capital_Appoints_Mandy_Adamou_as.jpg

SOURCE Fiera Capital Corporation - Press Releases
A number of donor countries will provide $244 million to Ukraine for the purchase of special equipment for humanitarian demining, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko has said.

"Our donors, including the United States, the European Union, Japan, Germany, the UK, Norway, Sweden, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Denmark, Canada, Austria, Switzerland, Korea and the Howard Buffett Foundation, will provide more than $244 million to Ukraine for the needs of humanitarian demining," she wrote on Facebook.

According to the First Deputy Prime Minister, by the end of the year Ukraine should receive equipment from foreign partners, in particular, 10 demining machines from the Croatian company DOK-ING, and another 10 machines from Global Clearance Solutions. About 200 pyrotechnic machines, more than 600 metal detectors, 50 explosive machines, as well as individual demining kits, explosive suits, quadrocopters, robotic systems for the disposal of ammunition are expected to arrive.

As reported, more than a third of the agricultural land identified for priority demining in Ukraine has been surveyed. According to the State Emergency Service, since the beginning of Russia's large-scale military invasion on the territory of Ukraine, more than 411,000 explosive objects, including more than 3,000 aerial bombs, have been defused.
The global flexible electrical conduits market is experiencing growth due to growth of renewable energy sector, rise in industrialization, and development in the construction industry.

PORTLAND, Ore., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Flexible Electrical Conduit Market by Material Type (Metallic, Non-Metallic), by Type (Flexible Metallic Conduit (FMC), Liquid Tight Flexible Metal Conduit (LFMC), Flexible Metallic Tubing (FMT), Liquid Tight Flexible Non-Metallic Conduit (LFNC)), by Application (Rail Infrastructure, Manufacturing Facilities, Shipbuilding and Offshore Facilities, Process Plants, Energy, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report. The Flexible Electrical Conduit Market was valued for $1.5 billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach $3.4 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.6% from 2023 to 2032.

Request PDF Brochure: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/119751

Prime determinants of growth

The growth in the renewable energy sector, growth in the construction sector, and increase in industrialization are some prime determinants that drive the growth of the global flexible electrical conduits market. However, the competition from alternative wiring solutions and high installation and maintenance costs restricts market growth. Moreover, retrofitting and upgradation projects and technological advancements present new opportunities in the coming years.

Report coverage & details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $1.5 billion Market Size in 2032 $3.4 Billion CAGR 8.6 % No. of Pages in Report 288 Segments Covered Material Type, Type, Application, and Region. Drivers Growth in the renewable energy sector Growth in the construction industry and increase in industrialization Opportunities Retrofitting and upgradation projects Technological advancements Restraints Competition from alternative wiring solutions High installation and maintenance costs



Impact Scenario

The Russia-Ukraine war had significant consequences for various sectors, including flexible electrical conduits.

The presence of disruptions in the supply chain of flexible electrical conduits as both Russia and Ukraine play significant roles in the manufacturing and distribution of industrial products, and any disruptions in their trade relationship affect the availability and cost of materials needed for producing flexible electrical conduits.

and play significant roles in the manufacturing and distribution of industrial products, and any disruptions in their trade relationship affect the availability and cost of materials needed for producing flexible electrical conduits. Moreover, the conflict created market uncertainty, leading to a slowdown in the construction and infrastructure sectors, which are major consumers of flexible electrical conduits.

In addition, there were shifts in regional demand for flexible electrical conduits.

However, broader economic instability in the region resulting from the conflict led to a decrease in the overall demand for flexible electrical conduits.

Furthermore, the geopolitical considerations started from the Russia - Ukraine conflict influenced government policies and regulations, indirectly affecting the flexible electrical conduit market.

- conflict influenced government policies and regulations, indirectly affecting the flexible electrical conduit market. Changes in import/export regulations, tariffs, or trade barriers impacted the competitiveness of manufacturers and alter market dynamics.

An economic recession has various impacts on the flexible electrical conduits market.

During an economic crisis, the flexible electrical conduit market experienced a decrease in demand.

Moreover, pricing pressure made in the flexible electrical conduit market during an economic crisis.

Supply chain disruption was another consequence of economic crises that impacted the flexible electrical conduit market. In addition, an economic crisis accelerated market consolidation within the flexible electrical conduit industry.

The metallic segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

Based on material type, the metallic segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for nearly four-fifths of the global flexible electrical conduits market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. Rapid expansion of industrial and commercial sectors, which includes manufacturing plants, data centers, and warehouses, creates a substantial demand for metallic flexible electrical conduits.

However, the non-metallic segment is projected to manifest a CAGR of 9.5% from 2023 to 2032, as this type of electrical conduit are cost-effective and has high safety factors compared to metallic conduits.

Procure Complete Report (288 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/flexible-electrical-conduit-market

The flexible metal tubing segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

Based on type, the flexible metal tubing segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than one-fourth of the global flexible electrical conduits market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. It offers excellent resistance to mechanical stress, vibrations, and harsh environments, making it suitable for industrial applications.

However, the liquid-tight flexible non-metallic conduit segment is projected to manifest a CAGR of 8.8% from 2023 to 2032, owing to technological properties and low cost of this type of electrical conduits that have led to a significant positive impact on the market.

The shipbuilding and offshore facilities segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

Based on the application, the shipbuilding and offshore facilities segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for nearly one-third of the global flexible electrical conduits market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. This is mainly due to the increase in the construction of offshore power generation facilities such as offshore wind farms.

However, the others segment such as mining and extractive industries, and water and wastewater treatment facilities are projected to manifest a CAGR of 9.0% from 2023 to 2032, owing to the stringent regulations and safety standards imposed on these industries. Furthermore, these projects require robust electrical systems and flexible conduits to provide the necessary protection and flexibility for wiring in these demanding environments.

For Purchase Inquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/flexible-electrical-conduit-market/purchase-options

Asia-Pacific to maintain its dominance by 2032

Based on region, Asia-Pacific held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for more than one-third of the global flexible electrical conduits market revenue, and is likely to dominate the market during the forecast period. Furthermore, the same region is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 9.0% from 2023 to 2032. The Asia-Pacific region presents significant growth potential in flexible electrical conduits. Emerging markets, such as India, China, and Southeast Asian countries, have witnessed rapid industrial growth and urbanization, leading to increased demand for flexible electrical conduits. The increase in investment toward renewable energy sources is a factor that is anticipated to offer new growth opportunities for flexible electrical conduits in Asia-Pacific during the forecast period.

Leading Market Players: -

Abb Ltd.

Hubbell Incorporated

Schneider electric.

Legrand

Southwire Company, LLC

Atkore international group inc.

Parker Hannifin Corporation

Saint-Gobain

Newage Industries, Inc.

Flex tubes

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global flexible electrical conduits market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to highlight the competitive scenario.

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About us:

Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

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SOURCE Allied Market Research
IRVINE, Calif., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --Tax evasion occurs when people deliberately & intentionally dodge their tax obligations. The U.S. government treats this crime very seriously. Those convicted of tax evasion can face serious consequences like expensive fines and prison terms.

Why you should use an Attorney to represent you in an audit

For instance, a Philadelphia attorney who was recently convicted of tax evasion has been sentenced to over 2 years in prison. Further, he has been ordered to pay over $133,000 for his tax crimes. If you have been accused of tax evasion, having competent legal representation on your side can help you avoid facing similar penalties in your case.

Seek thorough guidance and support from our experienced Dual Licensed Tax Attorneys and CPAs at the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing by dialing (800) 681-1295 or clicking here to schedule a reduced rate initial consultation online.

Tax Evasion Scheme Results in Prison Sentence for Philadelphia Attorney

A Philadelphia attorney has been sentenced to prison for committing fraud and tax evasion. Between June 2020 and February 2021, Olivetti fraudulently obtained pandemic relief money by applying for four loans he was not entitled to. He applied for two loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and two loans through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) on behalf of his law firm, Olivetti Law, LLC. These loan programs were designed to provide financial assistance to those affected by the pandemic.

He inflated the payroll his law firm in the online loan applications for a PPP loan, resulting in him receiving $41,600 and $62,500 through the EIDL. However, the applications contained false information about the amount of receipts from his law firm that were not approved by the Small Business Administration (SBA).

In addition to the loan fraud, He evaded taxes by hiding money between November 2015 and July 2020. As a result, he now faces a prison sentence and has been ordered to pay restitution to various entities. In addition to his 27-month prison sentence, He must pay $21,800 to the SBA, $20,800 to MBE Capital, $91,991.28 for mail fraud, and $133,269.81 to the federal government for tax evasion.

It is important to address any tax issues you are having quickly so that you may avoid facing consequences like those faced by this attorney. Fortunately, our Dual Licensed Tax Attorneys and CPAs are prepared to review your case and explain the appropriate course of action.

What are the Different Types of Tax Evasion?

Several different types of tax evasion can occur. If you have been accused of any of the following, then the team at our law firm can help build your defense:

Personal Income Tax Evasion

Individuals may engage in tax evasion to evade paying personal income taxes. Some common tactics include underreporting income, claiming false deductions or credits, and concealing assets. For instance, a person might fail to report income earned through cash transactions or offshore bank accounts, deliberately providing inaccurate information on their tax returns to lower their taxable income.

Corporate Tax Evasion

Corporations may employ strategies to evade corporate taxes and maximize profits. One method is fraudulent transfer pricing, where a multinational company manipulates the prices of goods and services between its subsidiaries to shift profits to low-tax jurisdictions. Another example is the creation of shell companies in tax havens to hold intellectual property rights and royalties, enabling the company to reduce taxable income in higher-tax countries.

Offshore Tax Evasion

Offshore tax evasion involves individuals or businesses using offshore accounts or entities to hide income and assets from the IRS. This is typically achieved by establishing offshore trusts, shell companies, or bank accounts in jurisdictions known for their low tax rates and strict banking secrecy laws. Offshore tax evasion is often associated with money laundering and illicit activities, as it facilitates the concealment of wealth.

Sales Tax Evasion

Sales tax evasion occurs when businesses intentionally underreport or fail to remit sales taxes collected from customers. This can be done through various means, such as manipulating sales records, inflating deductions, or conducting transactions "off the books." For example, a retailer may understate their sales by accepting cash payments without issuing receipts or maintaining separate records.

Employment Tax Evasion

Employment tax evasion occurs when employers deliberately misclassify workers as independent contractors instead of employees to evade payroll taxes. By doing so, employers avoid paying their share of Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment taxes, as well as withholdings from employees' wages. This practice allows businesses to save on labor costs and shift tax responsibilities onto workers.

Estate Tax Evasion

Estate tax, also known as inheritance tax, is imposed on the transfer of wealth from a deceased person to their heirs. Estate tax evasion involves strategies aimed at undervaluing assets or transferring them to avoid tax liability. Individuals may engage in fraudulent tactics such as creating sham trusts, undervaluing properties, or engaging in gift-giving schemes to reduce the taxable value of their estates.

Internet and Digital Economy Tax Evasion

The digital economy presents unique challenges for tax authorities due to the borderless nature of online transactions. Tax evasion in the digital realm involves exploiting loopholes and inconsistencies in international tax laws. For instance, companies may establish a presence in low-tax jurisdictions despite conducting significant business elsewhere. Alternatively, online retailers may fail to collect and remit taxes on sales made to customers in different jurisdictions.

If the IRS Has Charged You with a Tax Crime, or you merely fear they might, our dual licensed Tax Lawyers & CPAs Can Help

If you are concerned about being charged with tax evasion, get help from our Dual Licensed Tax Attorneys and CPAs by calling Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing at (800) 681-1295 or clicking here to schedule a reduced rate initial consultation online.

If you have failed to file a tax return for one or more years or have taken a position on a tax return that could not be supported upon an IRS or state tax authority audit , eggshell audit , reverse eggshell audit , or criminal tax investigation , it is in your best interest to contact an experienced tax defense attorney to determine your best route back into federal or state tax compliance without facing criminal prosecution.

Note: As long as a taxpayer that has willfully committed tax crimes (potentially including non-filed foreign information returns coupled with affirmative evasion of U.S. income t ax on offshore income) self-reports the tax fraud (including a pattern of non-filed returns) through a domestic or offshore voluntary disclosure before the IRS has started an audit or criminal tax investigation / prosecution, the taxpayer can ordinarily be successfully brought back into tax compliance and receive a nearly guaranteed pass on criminal tax prosecution and simultaneously often receive a break on the civil penalties that would otherwise apply.

It is imperative that you hire an experienced and reputable criminal tax defense attorney to take you through the voluntary disclosure process. Only an Attorney has the Attorney Client Privilege and Work Product Privileges that will prevent the very professional that you hire from being potentially being forced to become a witness against you, especially where they prepared the returns that need to be amended, in a subsequent criminal tax audit, investigation or prosecution.

Moreover, only an Attorney can enter you into a voluntary disclosure without engaging in the unauthorized practice of law (a crime in itself). Only an Attorney trained in Criminal Tax Defense fully understands the risks and rewards involved in voluntary disclosures and how to protect you if you do not qualify for a voluntary disclosure.

As uniquely qualified and extensively experienced Criminal Tax Defense Tax Attorneys, Kovel CPAs and EAs, our firm provides a one stop shop to efficiently achieve the optimal and predictable results that simultaneously protect your liberty and your net worth. See our Testimonials to see what our clients have to say about us!

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Public Contact: Dave Klasing Esq. M.S.-Tax CPA, [email protected]

SOURCE Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing, PC
LAS VEGAS, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Emerging Brands Summit is back, providing the ultimate resource hub for fast-growing brands looking to scale their operations. Set to take place at the Westgate Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on September 10, 2023the day prior to the start of PACK EXPO Las Vegasthe Summit features a dynamic agenda packed with educational sessions, expert panel discussions, and networking opportunities.

The Emerging Brands Summit aims to equip founders and decision-makers of high-growth brands with the operational strategies and critical insights they need to navigate the evolving consumer packaged goods landscape. Whether you're seeking financing options, looking to optimize your total cost of ownership, exploring product pipeline planning, leveraging automation, or scaling up your distribution, this event addresses the unique challenges faced by emerging brands.

The agenda features a diverse range of sessions presented by industry experts who understand the nuances of scaling operations. Speakers include representatives from leading companies in the industry as well as from brands who've successfully scaled through both contract and in-house manufacturing  including:

Chomps

Danone

Pescavore

Mattson

Sarilla

WILL PERFORM

Yishi Foods

One of the most highly anticipated sessions is the Keynote, "From Startup to Success: Unveiling the Journey of Chomps - A Fireside Chat with Co-founder Rashid Ali." Rashid Ali, the co-founder of Chomps, the fastest-growing U.S. natural meat snack brand, will share the inspiring story behind the brand's remarkable rise to success. Ali will delve into the origins of Chomps, highlighting the initial inspiration and the challenges faced while building the brand. Attendees will gain insights into the unique marketing strategies, product innovation, and branding techniques that helped Chomps differentiate itself in the market.

"The Emerging Brands Summit is designed with high-growth brands in mind. Our agenda is carefully curated to address the specific needs and challenges faced by founders and decision makers who are scaling operations," said Kim Overstreet, Director of the Emerging Brands Alliance. "We want to empower attendees with the knowledge, insights, and strategies that will drive their brand's success. This is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with industry experts, network with like-minded professionals, and gain the tools and knowledge needed to propel their brand to new heights."

As an added benefit, attendees of the summit will gain free registration for PACK EXPO Las Vegas starting the next day, September 11-13, offering even more educational sessions covering a range of topics relevant to growing brands.

Registration for the Emerging Brands Summit 2023 is now open, with early-bird pricing available until August 18, 2023. A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are also available.

To learn more about the Summit, visit the official website at EmergingBrandsSummit.com.

SOURCE PMMI Media Group
DUBLIN, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Adhesion Laminated Surface Protection Films Market (2023-2028) by Product Thickness, Lamination Technology, End-Use Industry, and Geography, Competitive Analysis, Impact of Economic Slowdown & Impending Recession with Ansoff Analysis" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Adhesion Laminated Surface Protection Films Market is estimated to be USD 1.03 Bn in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 1.44 Bn by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.90%.



Market Dynamics



Market dynamics are forces that impact the prices and behaviors of the stakeholders. These forces create pricing signals which result from the changes in the supply and demand curves for a given product or service. Forces of Market Dynamics may be related to macro-economic and micro-economic factors. There are dynamic market forces other than price, demand, and supply. Human emotions can also drive decisions, influence the market, and create price signals.



As the market dynamics impact the supply and demand curves, decision-makers aim to determine the best way to use various financial tools to stem various strategies for speeding growth and reducing the risks.



Market Segmentations



The Global Adhesion Laminated Surface Protection Films Market is segmented based on Product Thickness, Lamination Technology, End-Use Industry, and Geography.

By Product Thickness, the market is classified into Up to 25 Microns, 25-50 Microns, 50-100 Microns, and Above 150 Microns.

By Lamination Technology, the market is classified into Dry Bond Lamination, Energy Curable Lamination, Hot Melt Seal Coating, Solventless Lamination, and Wet Bond Lamination.

By End-Use Industry, the market is classified into Automotive, Construction & Interior, Electrical & Electronics, Healthcare, and Industrial.

By Geography, the market is classified into Americas, Europe , Middle-East & Africa and Asia-Pacific .

Company Profiles



The report provides a detailed analysis of the competitors in the market. It covers the financial performance analysis for the publicly listed companies in the market. The report also offers detailed information on the companies' recent development and competitive scenario. Some of the companies covered in this report are Advance Marine Coatings AS, Chugoku Marine Paints Ltd., Hempel A/S, Katradis Marine Ropes Industry S.A., KCC Corp., Merck KGaA, etc.



Countries Studied

America ( Argentina , Brazil , Canada , Chile , Colombia , Mexico , Peru , United States , Rest of Americas)

, , , , , , , , Rest of Americas) Europe ( Austria , Belgium , Denmark , Finland , France , Germany , Italy , Netherlands , Norway , Poland , Russia , Spain , Sweden , Switzerland , United Kingdom , Rest of Europe )

( , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Rest of ) Middle-East and Africa ( Egypt , Israel , Qatar , Saudi Arabia , South Africa , United Arab Emirates , Rest of MEA)

and ( , , , , , , Rest of MEA) Asia-Pacific ( Australia , Bangladesh , China , India , Indonesia , Japan , Malaysia , Philippines , Singapore , South Korea , Sri Lanka , Thailand , Taiwan , Rest of Asia-Pacific )

Competitive Quadrant



The report includes a Competitive Quadrant, a proprietary tool to analyze and evaluate the position of companies based on their Industry Position score and Market Performance score. The tool uses various factors for categorizing the players into four categories. Some of these factors considered for analysis are financial performance over the last 3 years, growth strategies, innovation score, new product launches, investments, growth in market share, etc.



Ansoff Analysis



The report presents a detailed Ansoff matrix analysis for the Global Adhesion Laminated Surface Protection Films Market. Ansoff Matrix, also known as Product/Market Expansion Grid, is a strategic tool used to design strategies for growth of the company. The matrix can be used to evaluate approaches in four strategies viz. Market Development, Market Penetration, Product Development and Diversification. The matrix is also used for risk analysis to understand the risk involved with each approach.



The analyst analyses the Global Adhesion Laminated Surface Protection Films Market using the Ansoff Matrix to provide the best approaches a company can take to improve its market position.



Based on the SWOT Analysis conducted on the industry and industry players, the analyst has devised suitable strategies for market growth.



Why buy this report?

The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the Global Adhesion Laminated Surface Protection Films Market. The report includes in-depth qualitative analysis, verifiable data from authentic sources, and projections about market size. The projections are calculated using proven research methodologies.

The report has been compiled through extensive primary and secondary research. The primary research is done through interviews, surveys, and observation of renowned personnel in the industry.

The report includes an in-depth Market analysis using Porter's 5 forces model, PESTLE Analysis, and the Ansoff Matrix. In addition, the impact of COVID-19 and the impact of economic slowdown & impending recession on the Market are also featured in the report.

The report also includes the regulatory scenario in the industry, which will help you make a well-informed decision. The report discusses major regulatory bodies and major rules and regulations imposed on this sector across various geographies.

The report also contains a competitive analysis using Positioning Quadrants, the analyst's competitive positioning tool.

Report Highlights:

A complete analysis of the market, including the parent industry

Important market dynamics and trends

Market segmentation

Historical, current, and projected size of the market based on value and volume

Market shares and strategies of key players

Recommendations to companies for strengthening their foothold in the market

Key Topics Covered:



1 Report Description

1.1 Study Objectives

1.2 Market Definition

1.3 Currency

1.4 Years Considered

1.5 Language

1.6 Key Stakeholders



2 Research Methodology

2.1 Research Process

2.2 Data Collection and Validation

2.2.1 Secondary Research

2.2.2 Primary Research

2.2.3 Analyst Models

2.3 Market Size Estimation

2.3.1 Bottom-Up Approach

2.3.2 Top-Down Approach

2.4 Assumptions of the Study

2.5 Limitations of the Study



3 Executive Summary

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Market Size, Segmentations and Outlook



4 Market Dynamics

4.1 Drivers

4.1.1 Increasing Demand for the Films for Construction and Interior Activities

4.1.2 Increasing Popularity of Consumer Electronics Products

4.1.3 Need from the Packaging Industry

4.2 Restraints

4.2.1 Concerns Associated With the Production of Harmful By-Products

4.3 Opportunities

4.3.1 Usage of Environment-Friendly Resin for the Manufacturing of the Products

4.3.2 Proliferation of the Automatic Sector

4.4 Challenges

4.4.1 Increasing Environmental Concern



5 Market Analysis

5.1 Regulatory Scenario

5.2 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

5.3 PESTLE Analysis

5.4 SWOT Analysis

5.5 Impact of COVID-19

5.6 Impact of Economic Slowdown & Impending Recession

5.7 Ansoff Matrix Analysis



6 Global Adhesion Laminated Surface Protection Films Market, By Product Thickness

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Up to 25 Microns

6.3 25-50 Microns

6.4 50-100 Microns

6.5 Above 150 Microns



7 Global Adhesion Laminated Surface Protection Films Market, By Lamination Technology

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Dry Bond Lamination

7.3 Energy Curable Lamination

7.4 Hot Melt Seal Coating

7.5 Solventless Lamination

7.6 Wet Bond Lamination



8 Global Adhesion Laminated Surface Protection Films Market, By End-Use Industry

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Automotive

8.3 Construction & Interior

8.4 Electrical & Electronics

8.5 Healthcare

8.6 Industrial



9 Americas' Adhesion Laminated Surface Protection Films Market

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Argentina

9.3 Brazil

9.4 Canada

9.5 Chile

9.6 Colombia

9.7 Mexico

9.8 Peru

9.9 United States

9.10 Rest of Americas



10 Europe's Adhesion Laminated Surface Protection Films Market

10.1 Introduction

10.2 Austria

10.3 Belgium

10.4 Denmark

10.5 Finland

10.6 France

10.7 Germany

10.8 Italy

10.9 Netherlands

10.10 Norway

10.11 Poland

10.12 Russia

10.13 Spain

10.14 Sweden

10.15 Switzerland

10.16 United Kingdom

10.17 Rest of Europe



11 Middle East and Africa's Adhesion Laminated Surface Protection Films Market

11.1 Introduction

11.2 Egypt

11.3 Israel

11.4 Qatar

11.5 Saudi Arabia

11.6 South Africa

11.7 United Arab Emirates

11.8 Rest of MEA



12 APAC's Adhesion Laminated Surface Protection Films Market

12.1 Introduction

12.2 Australia

12.3 Bangladesh

12.4 China

12.5 India

12.6 Indonesia

12.7 Japan

12.8 Malaysia

12.9 Philippines

12.10 Singapore

12.11 South Korea

12.12 Sri Lanka

12.13 Thailand

12.14 Taiwan

12.15 Rest of Asia-Pacific



13 Competitive Landscape

13.1 Competitive Quadrant

13.2 Market Share Analysis

13.3 Strategic Initiatives

13.3.1 M&A and Investments

13.3.2 Partnerships and Collaborations

13.3.3 Product Developments and Improvements



14 Company Profiles

14.1 3M Company

14.2 Avery Dennison Corp.

14.3 Berry Global Inc.

14.4 Boston Tapes Commercial Srl

14.5 CompAg nie de Saint-Gobain S.A.

14.6 DermaMed Coatings Company, LLC

14.7 DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

14.8 ECHOtape

14.9 Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

14.10 Intertape Polymer Group, Inc.

14.11 Lintec Corp.

14.12 Lohmann GmbH & Co.KG

14.13 Nichiban Co., Ltd.

14.14 Nitto Denko Corp.

14.15 ORAFOL Europe GmbH

14.16 PPI Adhesive Products (C.E.) s.r.o.

14.17 Scapa Group PLC

14.18 Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.

14.19 Shurtape Technologies LLC

14.20 Teraoka Seisakusho Co., Ltd.

14.21 Tesa SE



15 Appendix

15.1 Questionnaire



Companies Mentioned

3M Company

Company Avery Dennison Corp.

Berry Global Inc.

Boston Tapes Commercial Srl

CompAg nie de Saint-Gobain S.A.

DermaMed Coatings Company, LLC

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

ECHOtape

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Intertape Polymer Group, Inc.

Lintec Corp.

Lohmann GmbH & Co.KG

Nichiban Co., Ltd.

Nitto Denko Corp.

ORAFOL Europe GmbH

PPI Adhesive Products (C.E.) s.r.o.

Scapa Group PLC

Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.

Shurtape Technologies LLC

Teraoka Seisakusho Co., Ltd.

Tesa SE

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SOURCE Research and Markets
DUBLIN, July 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global AI in Fintech Market (2023-2028) by Component, Application, Deployment Mode, and Geography, Competitive Analysis, Impact of Covid-19 with Ansoff Analysis" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global AI in Fintech Market is estimated to be USD 9.83 Bn in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 30.61 Bn by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 25.50%.



Market dynamics are forces that impact the prices and behaviors of the stakeholders. These forces create pricing signals which result from the changes in the supply and demand curves for a given product or service. Forces of Market Dynamics may be related to macro-economic and micro-economic factors. There are dynamic market forces other than price, demand, and supply. Human emotions can also drive decisions, influence the market, and create price signals.



As the market dynamics impact the supply and demand curves, decision-makers aim to determine the best way to use various financial tools to stem various strategies for speeding growth and reducing the risks.

The report provides a detailed analysis of the competitors in the market. It covers the financial performance analysis for the publicly listed companies in the market. The report also offers detailed information on the companies' recent development and competitive scenario.

Why buy this report?

The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the Global AI in Fintech Market. The report includes in-depth qualitative analysis, verifiable data from authentic sources, and projections about market size. The projections are calculated using proven research methodologies.

The report has been compiled through extensive primary and secondary research. The primary research is done through interviews, surveys, and observation of renowned personnel in the industry.

The report includes an in-depth Market analysis using Porter's 5 forces model, PESTLE Analysis, and the Ansoff Matrix. In addition, the impact of COVID-19 and the impact of economic slowdown & impending recession on the Market are also featured in the Report

The report also includes the regulatory scenario in the industry, which will help you make a well-informed decision. The report discusses major regulatory bodies and major rules and regulations imposed on this sector across various geographies.

The report also contains a competitive analysis using Positioning Quadrants, the analyst's competitive positioning tool.

Market Segmentations

By Component, the market is classified into Solutions and Services Segments.

By Application, the market is classified into Virtual Assistance, Business Analytics & Reporting, Customer Behaviour Analytics and Other Segments.

By Deployment Mode, the market is classified into Cloud and On-premises Segments.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Growing Internet Penetration

Growing Demand for Process Automation in Financial Institutions

Restraints

High Cost of IT Set up

Concerns Regarding Handling Bulk Data

Opportunities

Rising Investment and Partnership by IT Sector

Advancement in Technology with Digitalization

Challenges

Threats Associated with the Cyber Security

Lack of Skilled Professionals

Company Profiles

Google LLC

Microsoft Corp.

IBM Corp.

Intel Corp.

Inbenta Technologies Inc.

Nuance Communications Inc. (Acquired by Microsoft Corp.)

ComplyAdvantage.com

Salesforce.com Inc.

Amazon Web Service Inc.

Samsung

Ipsoft Inc.

Narrative Science

Active Intelligence Pte Ltd

TIBCO Software (Alpine Data Labs)

Trifacta Software Inc.

Data Minr Inc.

Sift Science Inc.

Pefin Holdings

WealthFront Inc.

Sentifi Ag

Next It Corp.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/su0uq8

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SOURCE Research and Markets
DUBLIN, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Automotive Acoustic Material Market by Material Type, Application, Component, Vehicle Type: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The automotive acoustic material market is likely to experience a growth rate of 6.4% from 2022-2031 owing to increasing demand for enhanced comfort & safety features in vehicles.



The report incorporates the study of the global automotive acoustic material market that focuses on the materials used in vehicle manufacturing to lower the sound level of engine and other vehicle components. In addition, vehicles are insulated with automotive acoustic materials from inside to reduce the outer noise, which affects the inner environment of the vehicle. These effective and affordable materials are constantly being developed by a number of well-known automakers and OEMs so that they may provide their customers with more comfort. These initiatives are expected to enhance the overall market space in the future. For instance, in August 2019, Huntsman International LLC unveiled a wide range of innovative polyurethane foam solutions focused on mobility, comfort and architectural applications. The new formulation is thermoformable for superior sound absorption and greater flexibility.



In addition, automotive acoustic materials are also used in the manufacturing industry to reduce machine noise and vibrations and safeguard workers on the shop floor. Although, the market value has increased as a result of increased R&D expenditures and growing consumer demand for more advanced comfort and safety features in vehicles. Also, the growing popularity of luxury, electric, and autonomous vehicles in the area and ongoing technical improvements may lead to an increase in the market. For instance, in 2020, HARMAN International partnered with Hyundai Motor Company to introduce the first ever active road noise cancellation system. The new technology has been adopted in the latter's Genesis GV80 SUV.



China is the world's largest vehicle market. As new automakers move into the nation and are anticipated to unveil their latest models soon. According to the China Automobile Dealers Association, the country's luxury car dealers sold 277,000 vehicles in April 2020, an 11.1% increase over April 2019. Furthermore, major worldwide businesses operating in the sector are investing in the North American region to expand their market presence and stay one step ahead of their competitors.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Increasing demand for enhanced comfort & safety features in vehicles

Stringent government regulations for economic assistance and vehicle noise

Rising penetration of luxury vehicles

Restraints

Volatile prices of raw materials

Decline in vehicle sales

Opportunities

Rise in the trend of vehicle customization coupled with an increase in disposable income

Increase in demand for electric and hybrid vehicles

Key Benefits

This study presents analytical depiction of the global automotive acoustic material market analysis along with current trends and future estimations to depict imminent investment pockets.

The overall automotive acoustic material market opportunity is determined by understanding profitable trends to gain a stronger foothold.

The report presents information related to the key drivers, restraints, and opportunities of the global automotive acoustic material market with a detailed impact analysis.

The current automotive acoustic material market is quantitatively analyzed from 2021 to 2031 to benchmark the financial competency.

Porter's five forces analysis illustrates the potency of the buyers and suppliers in the industry.

Key Market Segments

By Vehicle Type

Passenger Cars

Commercial Vehicles

By Material Type

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)

Fiberglass

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Others

By Application

Interior Cabin Acoustic

Exterior Acoustic

Trunk Panel Acoustic

Underbody and Engine Bay Acoustic

By Component

Arch Liner

Head and Bonnet Liner

Dash

Door

Engine Cover

Trunk Trim

Others

Key Market Players

Sumitomo Riko Company Limited

BASF SE

sika

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Covestro AG

Toray Industries, Inc.

3M

Huntsman International LLC

Freudenberg Group

Lyondellbasell Industries Holdings B.V.

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ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.



Media Contact:

Research and Markets

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SOURCE Research and Markets
DUBLIN, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Smart Agriculture Market by Offering (Hardware, Software, Services), Agriculture Type, Farm Size (Large, Medium, Small), Application (Precision Farming, Livestock Monitoring) and Region (America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, RoW) - Forecast to 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global smart agriculture market is poised for significant growth, projected to reach USD 25.4 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 9.4% from 2023 to 2028, as per latest estimates.

The market growth is driven by factors such as the increasing global population, which exerts pressure on the food supply system, and the shortage of skilled labor in the agriculture industry.

The precision farming segment is expected to lead the smart agriculture market during the forecast period, fueled by the rapid adoption of state-of-the-art technologies and innovative devices to cultivate high-yield crops. Factors such as improved access to education and training modules for farmers, data sharing facilities, availability of financial resources, and growing consumer demand for organic food are facilitating the adoption of precision farming tools.

Additionally, the services segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the rising deployment and installation of precision feeding systems, field and livestock monitoring systems, and robotic systems on farms, leading to an increased demand for specialized services in the smart agriculture industry.

Geographically, the Americas held the largest share of the overall smart agriculture market in 2022, followed by Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World (RoW).

The significant presence of key companies offering smart agriculture solutions, coupled with the increasing scarcity of water, growing food demand, and the prevalence of medium and large farms, are the major factors driving market growth in the Americas. North America, in particular, is a significant contributor to the growth of the smart agriculture market, with government support for the utilization of smart irrigation tools through rebates and subsidies to farm owners.

Premium Insights:

Rising Global Population and Emergence of Agriculture 4.0 to Fuel Market Growth. Hardware Segment to Dominate the Market During the Forecast Period. Precision Farming Projected to Lead the Smart Agriculture Market from 2023 to 2028. Medium-Sized Farms to Dominate the Smart Agriculture Market During the Forecast Period. Americas to Capture the Largest Market Share from 2023 to 2028. China to Register the Fastest Growth During the Forecast Period.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Increasing global population creating pressure on the food supply system.

Shortage of skilled labor in the agriculture sector.

Surging use of modern technologies in agriculture.

Benefits offered by livestock monitoring solutions.

Rising adoption of IoT, ROVs, and AI in aquaculture farming.

Restraints

High cost of smart agriculture solutions.

Fragmented agriculture sector.

Opportunities

Growing vegetarian and vegan population.

Rising adoption of livestock monitoring solutions in emerging countries.

Growing use of UAVs or drones in agricultural activities.

Increasing popularity of land-based recirculating aquaculture systems.

Challenges

Reduced profitability due to the rising cost of cattle feed.

Adverse impact of livestock farming on the environment.

Case Study Analysis:

Innovasea System Inc. Helps Open Blue Become Largest Open-Ocean Fish Farm in the World. Innovasea System Inc. Enables Earth Ocean Farms to Expand Production with Rugged Evolution Pens. Philips Led Solutions Offer New Possibilities for the Salmon Industry. AKVA Group Helps Erko Seafood as with Precision Aquaculture Products.

Companies Mentioned:

Abaco Group

Afimilk Ltd.

AG Leader Technology

Agco Corporation (Precision Planting, LLC)

Agjunction LLC

AKVA Group

Allflex Livestock Intelligence (MSD Animal Health)

Argus Control Systems Limited

Boumatic

Ceres Imaging, Inc.

Certhon

CPI Equipment Inc.

Dairymaster

Deere & Company

Delaval

Dickey-John

Earth Ocean Farms

Erko Seafood AS

Fancom BV (Subsidiary of CTB, Inc.)

GIFAS

Heliospectra AB

Innovasea Systems Inc.

Komatsu Forest

Lumigrow, Inc.

Nedap N.V.

Open Blue

Ponsse OYJ

Raven Industries, Inc. (CNH Industrial N.V.)

ScaleAQ

Sensaphone

Teejet Technologies

Tigercat International Inc.

Topcon Positioning Systems

Trimble Inc.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/lio8iy

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SOURCE Research and Markets
BEIJING, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At a national conference on ecological and environmental protection held from Monday to Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping said China should support high-quality development with a high-quality ecological environment and promote the modernization featuring the harmonious co-existence between human and nature. From a participant in global environmental governance to a leader, China's achievements in the development of ecological civilization have been remarkable. The Global Times selected the opinions of observers both home and abroad on China's ecological civilization and its implications for developing countries.

Beautiful China as a case study for developing nations

By Bradley Blankenship

For the past week, I've been in the Chinese capital, Beijing, for the first time. I must admit that I expected the city to be smoggy and congested. To the contrary, it has beautiful blue skies.

China has been successful in beautifying Beijing, as well as other cities and towns, by transitioning from coal power to gas, establishing emission standards for coal-fired stations, implementing tougher standards for other industries such as steel and cement and seeking high-quality development with a high-quality ecological environment. These achievements have been so successful that Beijing now stands as an example for mega-cities around the globe, particularly those in the global south.

The situation in Beijing serves as a microcosm of why China is considered a model for the world. This is not only due to its ambitious climate goals and pioneering green sector but also because of the significant efforts and changes the country has made.

Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed efforts to promote the building of a Beautiful China in all respects and accelerate the advancement of modernization featuring harmony between human and nature, addressing at a national conference on ecological and environmental protection held from Monday to Tuesday. Noting that China's economy and society have entered a stage of high-quality development marked by faster progress in promoting green and low-carbon growth, Xi called for a higher standpoint, a broader perspective and stronger efforts in planning and advancing ecological and environmental protection on the new journey, as well as writing a new chapter of ecological conservation in the new era.

While reiterating China's unswerving commitment to peak its carbon emissions before 2030 and attain carbon neutrality before 2060, Xi insisted that the pathways, methods, pace and intensity of work to reach these goals "should and must be" determined by China and be free from outside interference.

It was believed by analysts that this was directed at the US, whose climate envoy, John Kerry, was in Beijing for talks with his Chinese counterpart. Kerry reportedly called on China to curb its emissions quickly, despite the fact that the US has the highest historical emissions of any country by an extremely wide margin and has among the worst current per capita emissions.

As I already described with the Beijing anecdote, China has already taken bold steps to beautify the country for decades. It is also setting the stage for high-quality growth that will be able to advance the standard of living of the Chinese people while leaving less of an ecological footprint. As The Guardian reports, China is on pace to break its wind and solar goals five years ahead of time. As Forbes noted, in 2021 China connected more offshore wind generation capacity than every other country in the world managed to install in the last five years, and it's building even more this year. If there was any doubt regarding whether China was already addressing the threats of climate change and pollution with a comprehensive societal response, President Xi's remarks unequivocally provide the answer: a resounding "yes."

Similar to how Beijing serves as a case study for mega cities in the global south, the concept of Beautiful China has a universal appeal, extending to a Beautiful World. However, each country must tailor its own approach to suit its specific circumstances and development needs. Nevertheless, China's new regulatory framework could serve as a foundation for countries in the global south to learn from. It is hoped that China will document its experiences and share its expertise in multilateral platforms, such as the upcoming and highly significant COP28, as well as through people-to-people exchanges.

The author is a Prague-based American journalist, columnist and political commentator. He is now traveling in China. [email protected]

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202307/1294719.shtml

Striving for 'ecological renaissance' of human modernization

By Jia Weilie

In the 21st century, the development of an ecological civilization has become a national development strategy for China. Over the past decade, significant advancements have been made in the construction of Beautiful China, resulting in remarkable achievements in the development of ecological civilization. China has achieved a significant transformation from remediation of major areas to systematic governance; realized an important shift from passively responding to ecological issues to taking proactive actions to address them; has become a leader from a participant in global environmental governance; has developed the thought on socialist ecological civilization with Chinese characteristics for a new era, realizing a major shift from practical-exploration-based conservation to the one with theoretical guidance.

China has made active and steady progress toward achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality, and has established a robust economic system based on green, low-carbon, and circular development. The comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development is accelerating, and efforts to achieve harmonious coexistence between humans and nature are constantly gaining momentum.

The harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature serves as the foundation for the construction of an ecological civilization and forms the cornerstone of the second modernization of human society, known as ecological modernization. Human society must undergo modernization once again, and ecologization represents the modernization that the entire world must embrace in this new era of human civilization. If the Renaissance in Europe propelled the development of world culture, human enlightenment, and initiated the process of modernization, then the construction of ecological civilization in China can be seen as an "ecological renaissance" in the annals of human civilization. It has unveiled the reconstruction of the world's landscape, the transformation of existential concepts, and the reformation of development models.

China's national conditions have determined its unique role in progressing toward the second modernization of human society, which holds significant implications for the ecological modernization of other countries. This is particularly relevant to the industrial modernization of underdeveloped nations and the ecologization of countries after their industrialization. While different countries and regions possess varying natural environments, economic and cultural development, and national conditions, the commonality lies in modernization that emphasizes harmony between humans and nature. Based on this principle, China's successful ecological conservation practices have demonstrated to the world the practical implementation of modernization toward ecological rejuvenation.

First and foremost, it is crucial to foster a favorable climate. Climate change represents the most pressing challenge confronting humanity, and the modernization of human society must align with the objectives outlined in the Paris Agreement. These objectives include limiting the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2C above pre-industrial levels and striving to restrict the temperature increase to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. Achieving these goals necessitates the participation of all countries.

Secondly, we need to ensure the sustainability of our environment. Strengthening environmental governance, ecological protection, and restoration form the foundation for the survival of human society. It is imperative to maintain ecological security and strive for a pristine environment with clear skies, green landscapes, and clean water. These efforts aim to restore tranquility and beauty to nature.

Thirdly, we must actively pursue a green economy. This entails fostering a model of development that is environmentally friendly, promoting the development of a green economy, and vigorously developing green industries.

Fourthly, we need to ecologize our culture. We have to construct a new ecological culture, realize the ecological transformation of concepts, and respect and return to the laws of nature at a higher level.

Fifthly, we need to innovate science and technology, realize the ecological transformation of technology, and use science and technology with ecological value.

Sixthly, we need to seek social harmony. We should realize the ecological transformation of society and consumption, build a resource-conserving and environmentally friendly society, and ensure harmony between human development and nature and between human beings, so as to practice and promote eco-justice and realize social equity.

The author is vice president of the Beijing Academy of Ecocivilization and a researcher at the Budapest Centre for Long-term Sustainability. [email protected]

SOURCE Global Times
BEIJING, July 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- It is an unremarkable tombstone that looks like the stone used in the stairs in front of mansions during ancient times. However, it is actually the remaining evidence in Beijing of the Ryukyuans burial sites in Zhangjiawan, the capital's eastern Tongzhou district.

Although chiseled and damaged due to social changes and wars over hundreds of years, the inscription on the tombstone is still clear.

With its head engraved with "The Ryukyu Kingdom," the tablet has several Chinese characters that say "Tomb of Wang Daye, official Chenqingdutong." Both sides of the tombstone are also inscribed with the date of his death.

"Chenqingdutong is Wang's official title in China as he, a royalist from Kume Village who belonged to the scholar-official class of the Ryukyu Kingdom, came to [China to] tell the truth and plead for help," Liu Jiangyong, vice dean of the Institute of Modern International Relations at Tsinghua University, told the Global Times.

Wang traveled across the sea to Beijing in the hope of seeking help from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) to save the Ryukyu Kingdom from Japanese annexation.

He died from an illness in 1888, nine years after the "Ryukyu Disposition," when the Ryukyu Kingdom was annexed by the Meiji government of Japan in 1879.

"Nine years after the Ryukyu Kingdom was invaded and annexed, he was still actively traveling in China as part of the Ryukyu Kingdom Restoration Movement," said Liu after showing the Global Times the tablet that is now part of the Tongzhou Museum's collection.

"More and more Ryukyuan and Chinese people have paid visits to it," a staff member of the museum said. A rubbing of the stone is also placed next to it.

A witness

The tomb stone is not just a precious cultural relic, but also a witness to the 500-year-old friendship and exchanges between Chinese and the Ryukyuan people.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty, China and Ryukyu had very frequent cultural exchanges and trade ties as kings of the Ryukyu were consecutively conferred by the Chinese emperors.

"Envoys were sent to China to pay tribute and acknowledge allegiance to China. Not just them, students and merchants also hoped to visit Beijing for further study and trade," Liu said.

However, it was not an easy task to travel across the sea from the Pacific islands to the capital of ancient China thousands of kilometers away.

According to Chinese scholars including Liu, the Ryukyuans would travel long distances through harsh conditions like strong winds and storms, taking as long as six or seven months before arriving in Beijing.

They took ships to Fuzhou in East China's Fujian Province and then changed to a road trip toward Hangzhou in East China's Zhejiang Province, after which they would return to a boat to travel along the Grand Canal to their destination in Zhangjiawan, Tongzhou.

For various reasons, some of these officials, overseas students and merchants died in China. The cemeteries of the Ryukyuan people were built in four major areas in China, Cangshan in Fuzhou, Zhangjiawan in Tongzhou, Beijing, the road from Fuzhou to Beijing and the southeastern coastal area in China.

Historical records show that the cemetery of the Ryukyu Kingdom in Zhangjiawan was approved by the Kangxi Emperor himself as he appreciated the Ryukyuan officials and people.

Due to its location along the Grand Canal, Zhangjiawan was "the ideal place to allow the Ryukyuan people who were coming and going to pay respects to those who had unfortunately died and been buried."

Preserving cultural relics

A total of 14 people were buried at the Zhangjiawan cemetery, including Wang and Lin Shigong, or Rin Seikou, whose life story as a Ryukyuan patriot has touched many people since ancient times.

In 1880, Lin, a Ryukyuan official who was stranded in Beijing, repeatedly went on hunger strikes as part of requests for the Qing Dynasty to send troops to help restore the Ryukyu Kingdom. However, as his efforts came to naught, he killed himself with his own sword.

"Why do we need to get more people to learn about the stories of the tombstone of Wang Daye and Li Shigong's patriotic story?" Liu asked.

"Because it is history that is not well known and an untold story we need to know to remember the friendship between China and the Ryukyu Kingdom."

The historical grand occasion of friendly exchanges between China and Ryukyu "has lasted for 500 years," says a document from Sho Tai, the last king of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Their people have left footprints across China and their stories "need to be told."

An exclusive source told the Global Times that a big archaeological investigation will soon be carried out at the Zhangjiawan cemetery by China's national cultural relic authority.

"That's really exciting news. Finally we can better preserve these relics and the precious friendship and cultural exchanges between China and the Ryukyu Kingdom that lasted for 500 years," said Liu.

"In the future, hopefully many descendants from the Ryukyu Kingdom will come, pay tribute and continue our story of friendship."

SOURCE Global Times
DETROIT, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today reported second-quarter 2023 revenue of $44.7 billion, net income attributable to stockholders of $2.6 billion and EBIT-adjusted of $3.2 billion.

The results include a $792 million charge for new commercial agreements GM has with LG Electronics and LG Energy Solution. The charge reflects the conscious decision GM made during the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV recall to serve customers in ways that go beyond traditional remedies, and GM is taking new steps that will reduce its costs and improve EV margins over time.

GM is also updating its full-year 2023 guidance for the second consecutive quarter:

U.S. GAAP net income attributable to stockholders of $9.3 billion - $10.7 billion , compared to the previous outlook of $8.4 billion - $9.9 billion

- , compared to the previous outlook of - EBIT-adjusted of $12.0 billion - $14.0 billion , compared to the previous outlook of $11.0 billion - $13.0 billion

- , compared to the previous outlook of - U.S. GAAP net automotive cash provided by operating activities of $18.0 billion - $21.0 billion , compared to the previous outlook of $16.5 billion - $20.5 billion

- , compared to the previous outlook of - Adjusted automotive free cash flow of $7.0 billion - $9.0 billion , compared to the previous outlook of $5.5 billion - $7.5 billion

- , compared to the previous outlook of - Capital expenditures of $11 billion - $12 billion , compared to the previous outlook of $11 billion - $13 billion

See below for reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measures or visit the GM Investor Relations website for complete details.

Downloads

Conference Call for Investors and Analysts

GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra and GM Chief Financial Officer Paul Jacobson will host a conference call for the investment community at 8:30 a.m. ET today to discuss these results. Those who wish to listen to the call may dial in using the following numbers and passcode:

United States : 1-800-857-9821

: 1-800-857-9821 International: +1-517-308-9481

Conference call passcode: General Motors

Results Overview

Six Months Ended ($M) except where noted June 30, 2023 June 30, 2022 Change % Change Revenue $ 84,732 $ 71,738 $ 12,994 18.1 % Net income attributable to stockholders $ 4,962 $ 4,631 $ 331 7.1 % EBIT-adjusted $ 7,037 $ 6,387 $ 650 10.2 % Net income margin 5.9 % 6.5 % (1.0) ppts (14.5) % EBIT-adjusted margin 8.3 % 8.9 % (0.6) ppts (6.7) % Automotive operating cash flow $ 9,346 $ 5,104 $ 4,242 83.1 % Adjusted automotive free cash flow $ 5,415 $ 1,413 $ 4,002 283.2 % EPS-diluted(a) $ 3.52 $ 2.49 $ 1.03 41.4 % EPS-diluted-adjusted(a) $ 4.12 $ 3.23 $ 0.89 27.6 % GMNA EBIT-adjusted $ 6,769 $ 5,440 $ 1,329 24.4 % GMNA EBIT-adjusted margin 9.7 % 9.3 % 0.6 ppts 6.5 % GMI EBIT-adjusted $ 583 $ 537 $ 46 8.6 % China equity income $ 161 $ 147 $ 14 9.5 % GM Financial EBT-adjusted $ 1,537 $ 2,390 $ (853) (35.7) %

(a) EPS-diluted and EPS-diluted-adjusted include a $0.13 impact from revaluation on equity investments in the six months ended March 31, 2022.

Three Months Ended ($M) except where noted June 30, 2023 June 30, 2022 Change % Change Revenue $ 44,746 $ 35,759 $ 8,987 25.1 % Net income attributable to stockholders $ 2,566 $ 1,692 $ 874 51.7 % EBIT-adjusted $ 3,234 $ 2,343 $ 891 38.0 % Net income margin 5.7 % 4.7 % 1.0 ppts 21.3 % EBIT-adjusted margin 7.2 % 6.6 % 0.6 ppts 0.9 % Automotive operating cash flow $ 7,114 $ 3,469 $ 3,645 105.1 % Adjusted automotive free cash flow $ 5,548 $ 1,407 $ 4,141 294.3 % EPS-diluted(a) $ 1.83 $ 1.14 $ 0.69 60.5 % EPS-diluted-adjusted(a) $ 1.91 $ 1.14 $ 0.77 67.5 % GMNA EBIT-adjusted $ 3,194 $ 2,299 $ 895 38.9 % GMNA EBIT-adjusted margin 8.6 % 8.0 % 0.6 ppts 7.5 % GMI EBIT-adjusted $ 236 $ 209 $ 27 12.9 % China equity income $ 78 $ (87) $ 165 n.m. GM Financial EBT-adjusted $ 766 $ 1,106 $ (340) (30.7) %

(a) EPS-diluted and EPS-diluted-adjusted include a $(0.03) and $(0.05) impact from revaluation on equity investments in the three months ended June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022. (b) n.m. = not meaningful

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which powers everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac , Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar , a global leader in safety services and connected vehicle technology, can be found at https://www.gm.com .

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements: This press release and related comments by management may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact and represent our current judgment about possible future events. In making these statements, we rely upon assumptions and analysis based on our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments, as well as other factors we consider appropriate under the circumstances. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any future events or financial results, and our actual results may differ materially due to a variety of factors, many of which are described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or other factors that affect the subject of these statements, except where we are expressly required to do so by law.

Non-GAAP Reconciliations The following table reconciles Net income attributable to stockholders under U.S. GAAP to EBIT-adjusted (dollars in millions): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 June 30, 2022 June 30, 2023 June 30, 2022 Net income attributable to stockholders(a) $ 2,566 $ 1,692 $ 4,962 $ 4,631 Income tax expense (benefit) 522 490 950 462 Automotive interest expense 226 234 460 460 Automotive interest income (251) (73) (479) (123) Adjustments Voluntary separation program(b)   875  Cruise compensation modifications(c)    1,057 Buick dealer strategy(d) 246  345  Patent royalty matters(e)    (100) GM Korea wage litigation(f) (76)   Total adjustments 170  1,144 957 EBIT-adjusted $ 3,234 $ 2,343 $ 7,037 $ 6,387

(a) Net of net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests. (b) This adjustment was excluded because it relates to the acceleration of attrition as part of the cost reduction program announced in January 2023, primarily in the United States. (c) This adjustment was excluded because it relates to the one-time modification of Cruise stock incentive awards. (d) These adjustments were excluded because they relate to strategic activities to transition certain Buick dealers out of our dealer network as part of Buick's EV strategy. (e) These adjustments were excluded because they relate to certain royalties accrued with respect to past-year vehicle sales in the three months ended December 31, 2021, and the resolution of substantially all of these matters in the three months ended March 31, 2022. (f) This adjustment was excluded because it relates to the partial resolution of subcontractor matters in Korea.

The following table reconciles diluted earnings per common share under U.S. GAAP to EPS-diluted-adjusted (dollars in millions, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 June 30, 2022 June 30, 2023 June 30, 2022 Amount Per Share Amount Per Share Amount Per Share Amount Per Share Diluted earnings per common share $ 2,540 $ 1.83 $ 1,666 $ 1.14 $ 4,908 $ 3.52 $ 3,653 $ 2.49 Adjustments(a) 170 0.12   1,144 0.82 957 0.65 Tax effect on adjustments(b) (60) (0.04)   (299) (0.21) (296) (0.20) Tax adjustments(c)       (482) (0.33) Deemed dividend adjustment(d)       909 0.62 EPS-diluted-adjusted $ 2,650 $ 1.91 $ 1,666 $ 1.14 $ 5,753 $ 4.12 $ 4,741 $ 3.23

(a) Refer to the reconciliation of Net income attributable to stockholders under U.S. GAAP to EBIT-adjusted for adjustment details. (b) The tax effect of each adjustment is determined based on the tax laws and valuation allowance status of the jurisdiction to which the adjustment relates. (c) This adjustment consists of tax benefit related to the release of a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets considered realizable as a result of Cruise tax reconsolidation in the six months ended June 30, 2022. This adjustment was excluded because significant impacts of valuation allowances are not considered part of our core operations. (d) This adjustment consists of a deemed dividend related to the redemption of Cruise preferred shares from SoftBank in the six months ended June 30, 2022.

The following table reconciles net automotive cash provided by operating activities under U.S. GAAP to adjusted automotive free cash flow (dollars in millions):

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 June 30, 2022 June 30, 2023 June 30, 2022 Net automotive cash provided by operating activities $ 7,114 $ 3,469 $ 9,346 $ 5,104 Less: Capital expenditures (2,136) (2,073) (4,544) (3,717) Add: Buick dealer strategy 316  355  Add: Employee separation costs 253  258  Add: GM Korea wage litigation  10  26 Adjusted automotive free cash flow $ 5,548 $ 1,407 $ 5,415 $ 1,413

Guidance Reconciliations The following table reconciles expected Net income attributable to stockholders under U.S. GAAP to expected EBIT-adjusted (dollars in billions):

Year Ending

December 31, 2023 Net income attributable to stockholders $ 9.3-10.7 Income tax expense 1.6-2.2 Automotive interest expense, net 0.0 Adjustments(a) 1.1 EBIT-adjusted $ 12.0-14.0

(a) Refer to the reconciliation of Net income attributable to stockholders under U.S. GAAP to EBIT-adjusted for the details of each individual adjustment. We do not consider the potential future impact of adjustments on our expected financial results.

The following table reconciles expected automotive net cash provided by operating activities under U.S. GAAP to expected adjusted automotive free cash flow (dollars in billions):

Year Ending

December 31, 2023 Net automotive cash provided by operating activities $ 17.4-20.4 Less: Capital expenditures 11.0-12.0 Adjustments 0.6 Adjusted automotive free cash flow(a) $ 7-9

(a) We do not consider the potential future impact of adjustments on our expected financial results.

SOURCE General Motors Co.
Turkmenistan sees no factors that could obstruct construction of gas pipeline across Caspian Sea to Europe - Foreign Ministry

Turkmenistan is convinced that there are no political, economic, and financial factors hindering the construction of the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said.

"A number of international media outlets have recently started to publish comments on the possibilities of implementing the project of Turkmen natural gas supplies in the western direction. This is the construction of a gas pipeline along the Caspian Sea bed in order to transport Turkmen 'blue fuel' to European markets (Trans-Caspian pipeline)," the ministry said in a statement published on its website on Tuesday.

"Turkmenistan is convinced that there are no political, economic, and financial factors obstructing the implementation of the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline construction," the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said.

The ministry is sure that, "on the contrary, the Trans-Caspian pipeline is an entirely realistic project, which is substantiated from an economic point of view and is capable of making a tangible contribution to energy security in Eurasia, providing long-term and uninterrupted access to sources of raw materials for European consumers, while complying with the obvious benefits and interests of the transit party."

"On this basis, Turkmenistan, which is committed to the strategy of diversifying energy flows, expresses readiness to pursue cooperation with its partners in implementing the Trans-Caspian pipeline project," the Foreign Ministry added.

The Foreign Ministry also noted that "the idea of building the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline, which was initiated by Turkmenistan, was originally considered by our country not just as an economically and commercially substantiated project, but as an essential component of diversifying the energy flows as a key condition for global energy security and sustainability based on equal consideration of the interests and benefits of producers, consumers and transit countries." The ministry said that all potential participants of the project agree with this.

The ministry added that "relying on a solid international legal framework, Turkmenistan has made efforts to create the required political, financial, and organizational conditions that would allow for the idea of building the Trans-Caspian pipeline to be put into practice."

"For this purpose, mechanisms of trilateral partnership were set up between Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and the European Union, comprising the heads of the relevant energy agencies," it said.

The EU has included the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline in the list of promising projects.

"Overall, the interaction on building the Trans-Caspian pipeline has advanced consistently and practically, gaining political and functional international support," the statement said.

"The international legal validity of the project is also beyond doubt after a fundamental document governing the key principles of policy in the Caspian Sea - the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea - was adopted by the five littoral states in 2018," the Foreign Ministry said.

"Article 14 of this document, in particular, says that 'the parties could lay cables and pipelines across the Caspian Sea bed. The route for laying undersea cables and pipelines shall be determined by agreement with a party through the sector of the bottom of which the undersea cable or pipeline is to be laid,'" the Foreign Ministry added.

As of today, the construction of the Trans-Caspian pipeline thus is directly linked to the delimitation of the seabed between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, the statement said.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said last week that the project to build a Trans-Caspian natural gas pipeline from Turkmenistan is unlikely to be implemented until there is clarity on the source of funding. Aliyev said earlier that the pipeline is not Azerbaijan's project, with the country having only the role of a transit country.
Collaboration to advance development of innovative oral small molecule therapeutics for retinal disorders

MILAN and COPENHAGEN, Denmark, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Golgi Neurosciences S.r.l., the biotech incubator dedicated to the development of new treatments for devastating diseases, and Breye Therapeutics ApS, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel oral therapies for retinal vascular diseases, today announces a collaboration to develop the P 2 X 7 receptor antagonist programme.

The P 2 X 7 receptor is an ATP-gated ion channel expressed in various cell types and is a key inflammation switch. Inflammation increases in the diabetic retina and does so in a self-propagating manner. Strong scientific evidence also implicates inflammation in the pathogenesis of AMD. Orally available antagonists of the P 2 X 7 receptor represent a novel approach for the treatment of both early-stage DR and dry-AMD.

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) affects 30% of diabetic patients and is one of the leading causes of blindness among working age adults. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is another prominent cause of vision loss, particularly for individuals aged 60 years and older.

Chiara Liberati, Managing Director, Golgi Neurosciences, commented: "There is a significant need for more effective and patient-compliant drugs in the ophthalmic field. With leading experts on the Scientific Advisory Board, Breye is led by a strong and seasoned Management team, supported by a highly-regarded syndicate of investors, making Breye the ideal partner to facilitate the next steps in advancing our P 2 X 7 receptor antagonist program towards developing innovative approaches for retinal disorders.

"This marks the first closed deal for Golgi Neurosciences since its inception which serves as a validation for the quality of our research in the field of small-molecule drugs."

Ulrik Mouritzen, Chief Executive Officer, Breye Therapeutics, said: "The Golgi incubator has fantastic expertise in neurosciences, and we are pleased to collaborate to advance the P 2 X 7 receptor antagonist program for retinal disorders, where there is a large unmet medical need for more effective and less burdensome therapies."

About Golgi Neurosciences

Golgi Neurosciences is a biotech incubator based in Milan, Italy, dedicated to the discovery and development of small molecule-based treatments for neurodegenerative diseases with high unmet need. The incubator boasts a diverse portfolio of clinical and preclinical stage companies, all focused on programs targeting various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis and Retinopathies. In addition, Golgi Neurosciences is progressing a robust pipeline of proprietary projects on innovative therapeutics targets, for which it is open to partnership.

For more information, please visit: golgineurosciences.com

About Breye Therapeutics

Breye is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel, oral ophthalmology drugs to address the needs of millions of patients suffering with deteriorating vision due to Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) or Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), for which there are no treatments in early or moderate disease. Severe diabetic retinopathy requires intravitreal injections directly into the eye, which are unpopular with patients, resulting in a significant drop out rate of about 50% after 1 year and only 40% of patients obtain an optimal response. Orally administered drugs will be less burdensome than injections, as well as potentially more effective and commercially competitive. With its clinically de-risked safety profile, the lead program with danegaptide has potential for a short and well-accepted clinical regulatory pathway. The addition of the oral P2X7R inhibitor program seeks to reduce nerve damage and inflammation in retinal diseases.

Breye raised a seed round from Novo Holdings and Sound BioVentures and received financial support from the BioInnovation Institute, the Danish Growth Foundation (Vkstfonden) and the Danish Innovation Foundation (Innovationsfonden).

For more information, please visit: https://breye.com

SOURCE Golgi Neurosciences; Breye Therapeutics
STOCKHOLM, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Greater Than (GREAT.ST), the global provider of driver crash probability and climate impact intelligence, is announcing that its largest shareholders propose Claudia van der Salm to be elected as a board member.

Van der Salm currently holds the position of Strategy Partner, Technology, at Google DeepMind, a unit of Google. Google DeepMind is committed to solving intelligence to advance science and benefit humanity. At Google DeepMind, van der Salm is partnering across hardware, software, data, and engineering to accelerate the progress towards Google DeepMind's mission.

Van der Salm is also a Member of the Board of Directors at Montoux, New Zealand, an insurtech company providing a next generation actuarial modeling platform for insurers, predominantly in life, health, and the long-term care market. At Montoux, van der Salm applies her international executive-level insurance experience to support the company's global expansion.

Prior to her current positions, van der Salm worked at Aegon/Transamerica, a global insurer providing life insurance, savings, pensions, asset management, general insurance and accident & health, where she gained extensive experience working in Europe, USA, and Asia Pacific, most notably in her recent roles as Chief Investment Officer and Chief Risk Officer.

As an executive with international insurance and technology experience, van der Salm will bring to Greater Than a strong background in the areas of artificial intelligence, insurance, strategy & business development, innovation, data analytics, risk management, investments and sustainability. Her passion for lifetime learning and making meaningful contributions to a sustainable future for all aligns with Greater Than's mission to empower customers with the most valuable data insights into driver impact.

"Claudia van der Salm has an impressive background working within AI, data analytics, and insurance for the betterment of society," said Sten Forseke, Founder of Greater Than. "Her experience of building empowered teams and helping businesses and individuals to excel will bring exceptional value to the company as we continue to grow internationally."

Press contact, Greater Than:

[email protected]

+46 855 593 200

www.greaterthan.eu

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/11629/3809400/2203739.pdf Google DeepMind, Strategy Partner, Technology, Claudia van der Salm proposed for election to Greater Thans Board of Directors https://news.cision.com/greater-than/i/claudia-van-der-salm-photo,c3201695 Claudia van der Salm photo

SOURCE Greater Than
BOSTON, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Goulston & Storrs, an Am Law 200 firm, is pleased to announce that Director Richard M. Zielinski, Co-Chair of the firm's Professional Liability Practice Group, has been selected as a member of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly's inaugural "Hall of Fame" class for his contributions to the development of the law in Massachusetts, his contributions to the bar, and his efforts to improve the quality of justice.

Richard M. Zielinski, Co-Chair of Goulston & Storrs' Professional Liability Practice Group, has been selected as a member of Massachusetts Lawyers Weeklys inaugural Hall of Fame class for his contributions to the development of the law in Massachusetts, his contributions to the bar, and his efforts to improve the quality of justice. (PRNewsfoto/Goulston & Storrs PC)

Zielinski is a nationally known trial lawyer who handles a wide range of complex, bet-the-company litigation matters. He is perhaps best known as a consummate "lawyer's lawyer" for his representation of AmLaw 100 and 200 law firms in malpractice cases, disciplinary matters and intra-firm disputes. In the late 1990s, Zielinski was appointed by the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) and served a four-year term on the Board of Bar Overseers, which oversees the attorney disciplinary process. In 2012, he served on a Task Force which recommended that the SJC adopt a rule requiring all newly admitted Massachusetts attorneys to complete a Practicing With Professionalism program.

Zielinski has devoted countless hours throughout his career teaching trial advocacy skills to other lawyers and law students. He has been a regular faculty member in the Harvard Law School Trial Advocacy Workshop for more than 30 years. He also served on the Board of Trustees of Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) for nearly a decade, while conceiving, planning, and teaching dozens of trial practice seminars. In 2016, MCLE awarded Zielinski its Scholar Mentor Award for his dedication to continuing legal education and innovative teaching methods.

Zielinski is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL), the highest professional honor a trial lawyer can receive. As Chair of the ACTL's Teaching Trial Advocacy Committee, he spearheaded a nationwide program devoted to teaching trial advocacy skills to public interest lawyers. As a member and incoming Chair of the ACTL's National Trial Competition Committee, Zielinski helps oversee the nation's premier mock trial competition for law students. He has also been active in the Boston Bar Association throughout his career and has held many leadership positions in the organization.

Zielinski has received numerous other awards and honors over the years. He was named Legal Malpractice Defense Lawyer of the Year in Boston by Best Lawyers in America on five separate occasions, and he is perennially ranked by Chambers USA as a Band 1 attorney for General Commercial Litigation in Massachusetts. In 2019, he was named a Litigation Trailblazer by The National Law Journal and, in 2022, he was named as one of Lawdragon's 500 leading litigators in America. He received his J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School and his B.A., summa cum laude, from Colgate University where he graduated first in his class.

About Goulston & Storrs

Collaboration is not just a pillar of our strategy; it is the key to our competitive advantage and approach to clients, community, and each other. At Goulston & Storrs, we practice law with excellence and integrity. We are a place where mutual respect and collaboration drive open discussion, transparency, creativity and optimal results for our clients. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace where sophisticated business is conducted with genuine camaraderie. To learn more about us, visit www.goulstonstorrs.com.

Contact:

Leigh Herzog Amy Blumenthal Goulston & Storrs PC Blumenthal & Associates PR (617) 574-2259 (617) 879-1511 [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Goulston & Storrs PC
Capital to support strategic acquisition

WESTPORT, Conn., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Great Rock Capital, an asset-focused commercial finance company specializing in middle market lending, announced today the closing of a $31.7 million senior secured term loan facility with SMG Industries, Inc. ("SMGI"), a publicly traded company (OTCQB: SMGI). SMGI is a growth-oriented transportation services company focused on the domestic infrastructure logistics market.

The term loan was used to finance a strategic acquisition and merger of the Barnhart Transportation group of companies ("Barnhart"), a 20-year-old established logistics service provider. Great Rock partnered with the revolver lender, a leading commercial banking institution, to create a financing structure that will maximize the company's liquidity.

"Great Rock customized a structure that increased liquidity by optimizing the value of our fixed assets to support the acquisition and successful merger of Barnhart," commented Matt Flemming, CEO of SMGI. "We are excited about our new financial partnership and what it entails for the future growth of our platform."

"The team's combined expertise and focus on superior customer service will propel this business to new levels of growth," said Stuart Armstrong, CEO of Great Rock Capital. "We look forward to working with this experienced management team as they capitalize on this milestone and expand their industry footprint."

About Great Rock Capital

Great Rock Capital is an asset-focused commercial finance company that specializes in serving the needs of middle market companies across the United States and Canada. The Company provides fast, flexible, and creative financing solutions that maximize liquidity and provide growth capital. The senior secured credit facilities offered by the firm range in size from $10MM to $75MM and include working capital, term-heavy, and term-only loan structures not provided by traditional commercial lenders. The firm has significant capital commitments from its partners, a private equity business and a large institutional investor. To learn more, visit www.greatrockcapital.com.

About SMG Industries, Inc.

SMG Industries is a growth-oriented transportation services company focused on the domestic infrastructure logistics market. Through several of the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries branded as the "5J Transportation Group," it offers specialized heavy haul, super heavy haul, flatbed, brokerage, and drilling rig mobilization services. 5J's engineered permitted jobs can support up to 500-thousand-pound loads including infrastructure cargo associated with bridge beams, wind energy, power generation components, compressors, refinery and construction equipment. SMG Industries is headquartered in Houston, Texas and has facilities in Floresville, Hempstead, Henderson, Houston, Odessa, Palestine, Victoria, Texas and Fort Mill, South Carolina. Read more at www.5J-Group.com and www.SMGIndustries.com.

SMG Industries acquired the Barnhart Transportation group of companies on July 7, 2023. The total acquisition consists of Barnhart Transportation, LLC, Barnhart Fleet Maintenance, LLC, Lake Shore Logistics, LLC, Lake Shore Global Solutions, LLC, Legend Equipment Leasing, LLC and Route 20 Tank Wash, LLC, which specializes in a wide range of transportation services, including full truck load, dry bulk, liquids, intermodal, LTL, heavy haul, drayage, transload, and an "asset lite" brokerage business.

Great Rock Capital Contact:

Jenn Cronin

Managing Director, Marketing and Business Development

(203) 557- 6277

[email protected].com

SOURCE Great Rock Capital
SAN FRANCISCO, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GuideGeek , the free AI travel assistant by leading travel media publisher, Matador Network , has launched its popular AI service on Instagram. In addition to messaging via WhatsApp, travelers can now DM the AI on through the company's fast growing IG account, which has quickly amassed over 1.3M followers .

Instagram users can now message directly with GuideGeek, the free AI travel assistant, right in the app.

GuideGeek has become a favorite of top travel influencers on Instagram to Tiktok to plan and research trips and ask for instant advice while at their destination. GuideGeek has aided travelers all over the world, in over 32 languages, to find accommodations and restaurants, customize itineraries, learn about local experiences and tours, and much more.

To message GuideGeek on Instagram, travelers can simply search @guidegeek.ai , tap "message" and receive immediate answers to travel questions of any kind right in their DMs. GuideGeek launched first on WhatsApp where daily active users have been growing at a rate of over 650% month over month.

"Social media is how people get inspired these days, but planning trips to places you see on Instagram can be tedious," says Matador Network CEO Ross Borden. "By integrating GuideGeek with Instagram, millions more people will now get detailed information about the places they want to go without leaving the platform they love so much."

Unlike other travel tools that require users to register and download a new app, travelers directly message with GuideGeek on the platforms that already have billions of users. Travel influencers have described GuideGeek as an " indispensable tool for globetrotters worldwide " that's like having a trusted " friend who is a local " and knows everything about your destination.

Because it's powered by Matador Network, GuideGeek pulls in additional travel integrations beyond ChatGPT's baseline, including live flight data from 1,000 OTAs and airline websites, as well as the best vacation rentals in major cities around the world. GuideGeek also adds the human touch by monitoring chats to train the AI and curating content from Matador Network's website and social channels, where it is a leader in vertical travel video. GuideGeek's unique approach to AI for travel has impressed technology experts inside and outside of the travel world and received mainstream media attention consistently since its launch in April of 2023.

"GuideGeek is expanding as quickly as travelers' appetites for adventure," says Borden. "We're seeing record usage every month, including people using GuideGeek to find hometown information and on-the-fly answers while already at their destination. It's an exciting time for visiting new places near and far."

About Matador Network

Matador Network is the world's No. 1 media brand for modern adventurers. With more than 14 million followers across social media, Matador has become a leading travel brand through its production of article features, city guides, creator-first content and original videos. Matador is the top-ranking travel brand on TikTok and its videos are viewed more than 140 million times per month. It has content distribution deals with American Airlines, Hearst Media and Gas Station TV and works with brands like Ford, REI, Samsung, YETI, Southwest Airlines, Visit California and Microsoft. Matador's latest product, GuideGeek has become an early leader in the race for artificial intelligence within the travel industry.

Media Contact:

Jason Simms

860-526-1555

[email protected]

SOURCE GuideGeek
MINNEAPOLIS, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Healthcare compliance professionals will get the latest industry insights at two upcoming conferences from Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA). The Clinical Practice Compliance Conference will be held virtually October 1011, and the Healthcare Enforcement Compliance Conference is scheduled for November 57 in Washington, DC.

An early registration discount is offered for each event at the corresponding conference web page:

Clinical Practice Compliance Conference: for discounted registration, sign up by August 31 at hcca-info.org/2023clinicalpractice

for discounted registration, sign up by at hcca-info.org/2023clinicalpractice Healthcare Enforcement Compliance Conference: sign up by September 20 for discounted registration at hcca-info.org/2023hecc

Both conferences will feature live educational sessions from industry leaders and provide attendees with the opportunity to earn live Compliance Certification Board (CCB) continuing education units (CEUs).

Virtual Clinical Practice Compliance Conference

Held October 1011, 2023, this virtual conference focuses on government initiatives related to physicians, clinics, and physician integrity trends. From the comfort of their home or office, participants will gain strategies and best practices for compliance in a clinical setting.

This year's agenda includes:

Compliance training for billing

Telehealth

Medical necessity

Physician compensation

HCC coding and documentation compliance

HIPAA and HITRUST

To view the full agenda and register, visit the conference website: [email protected]

Healthcare Enforcement Compliance Conference

Attendees of the Healthcare Enforcement Compliance Conference November 57, 2023, will gather in Washington, DC, to hear firsthand from government enforcement leaders about regulatory changes, expectations, and key priorities.

Educational sessions include:

False Claims Act

Cybersecurity and privacy

Managed care

EKRA, Stark, and Anti-Kickback

Noncompliance and Internal investigations

Hospital and physician compensation

Medicaid fraud enforcement

enforcement Federal Administrative Sanctions

Post-pandemic enforcement and policy

Behavioral health

For more information or to register, visit the conference website: hcca-info.org/2023hecc

About HCCA

HCCA is a member-based association for healthcare compliance professionals. Since 1996, HCCA has been championing ethical practices and compliance standards to promote the lasting success and integrity of healthcare organizations. HCCA offers 50+ educational conferences a year, webinars, publications, and networking for career growth and program development. In 2011, HCCA incorporated with Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) to form Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics & Health Care Compliance Association (SCCE & HCCA). Headquartered in Minneapolis, SCCE & HCCA is a leader in furthering the interests of the compliance and ethics profession with a combined 19,000+ members in 100 countries.

Visit HCCA's website at hcca-info.org or call 888.580.8373

SOURCE Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA)
NEW YORK and PARIS, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hivebrite, the leading community management and engagement platform, has announced a new partnership with moka.care, the online mental health platform, to provide support for its employees in the European Union. The partnership aims to enhance Hivebrite's effort to protect its employees' mental health and well-being.

In the United States, Hivebrite already offers its employees an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Trinet and FEI Workforce Resilience. The new partnership brings the same mental health support to its employees in the European Union, which will help them to access mental health resources and support in their local language.

The partnership with moka.care will enhance Hivebrite's effort to protect its employees' mental health and well-being. Tweet this

The new online platform offered by moka.care includes features such as teleconsultations with psychotherapists and psychiatrists, access to self-help programs and a chatbot for immediate support. Additionally, moka.care's platform offers frequent educational content and personalized behavioral support to employees.

"We are thrilled to partner with moka.care in offering our EU employees access to essential mental health support and resources. Protecting and promoting employee well-being as well as personal development is a constant commitment at Hivebrite," said Jean Hamon, CEO of Hivebrite.

With this new collaboration, Hivebrite has taken an essential step towards providing its global workforce with a workplace that prioritizes their mental health and well-being and takes into account their diversity. In doing so, the company continues to set itself apart as a leading advocate for employee wellness and as a great place to work for employees around the world.

About Hivebrite

Hivebrite is an all-in-one community management and engagement platform.

It empowers organizations to launch, manage, and grow fully branded private communities. Hivebrite is completely customizable and provides all the tools needed to strengthen community engagement.

Over 900 organizations worldwide, including CERN, The Channel Company, Shell Alumni, NYSE, and WWF, use Hivebrite to build and engage vibrant communities.

About moka.care

Founded in 2019 by Pierre-Etienne Bidon and Guillaume d'Ayguesvives, moka.care is the complete mental health prevention solution for companies.

moka.care takes care of your teams' mental health:

at the individual level, by supporting employees who feel they need it,

at the company level, by training managers and better anticipating psychosocial risks

for HR teams, by helping them to respond to emergency situations with the right support

Press contact

Logan Sachon

[email protected]

https://hivebrite.com/

SOURCE Hivebrite
Cruise sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale to nine countries around the Mediterranean

SEATTLE, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line is adding another Legendary Voyage to its diverse roster of lengthier cruises from convenient gateways. The "42-day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage" aboard Volendam departing Nov. 9, 2024, was inspired by a voyage the cruise line operated nearly 100 years ago. Perfectly designed for today's traveler, the 2024 departure sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, allowing guests to experience 16 different ports across nine countries, all without international air.

"We're excited to add a longer voyage that makes it easy to explore the Med in depth without a long-haul flight." Tweet this Holland America Line's Volendam will depart on the new '"42-Day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage" November 9, 2024. The voyage departs from Fort Lauderdale and calls at 16 different ports across nine countries, all without international air.

The original voyage that provided the vision for the "42-day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage" departed New York City Feb. 4, 1925, aboard Rotterdam IV and carried just 550 guests across the Atlantic Ocean to explore many of the same ports. The 2024 cruise follows in the footsteps of the 1925 journey, visiting Portugal, Morocco, Italy, Greece, Israel, Egypt, Tunisia, Gibraltar (United Kingdom) and Spain.

"Holland America Line was one of the first companies to feature cruise vacations that went beyond a transatlantic crossing, and today we're continuing to innovate our itineraries by offering memorable voyages like this ultimate Mediterranean and Atlantic passage sailing," said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer, Holland America Line. "Since introducing this new Legendary category of cruises that offer an in-depth focus on one region, they've been very popular. We're excited to add a longer voyage that makes it easy to explore the Med in depth without a long-haul flight."

The "42-day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage" route first visits Horta and Ponta Delgada in the Azores after crossing the Atlantic Ocean. A call at Tangier, Morocco, is followed by overnight visits to both Livorno and Civitavecchia, Italy. From Livorno, guests can explore Florence or Pisa, while Rome is easily accessed from Civitavecchia. Volendam then makes way to Naples, Italy, and Catania, Sicily, before Piraeus (Athens), Greece.

Guests will then explore the Holy Land at Haifa (Tel Aviv) and Ashdod (Jerusalem), Israel, followed by Port Said and Alexandria (Cairo), in Egypt. The final ports on the voyage include La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia; Gibraltar; Cadiz (Seville), Spain: and Casablanca, Morocco. The cruise concludes Dec. 21 at Fort Lauderdale.

What is a 'Legendary Voyage'?

These lengthier cruises, which range from 25 to 59 days, combine the ceremony of Holland America Line's Grand Voyages while focusing on a singular region. They visit some of the most unique ports while offering guests an in-depth exploration. Shipboard programming is specially curated to share insights into the history and culture of the destinations visited.

Most of Holland America Line's Legendary Voyages sail roundtrip or to/from a North American homeport, allowing travelers to see the world from their doorstep with a convenient domestic flight and easy embarkation. The itineraries are offered on a variety of the line's perfectly sized ships where guests enjoy the "best of" Grand Voyages on-board programming such as iconic theme parties, memorable sailaways and classic cruise activities to further enhance the experience.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and the Holland America Blog. You can also access all social media outlets via the home page at hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line

Holland America Line, part of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL andNYSE:CUK), has been exploring the world for 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to each destination. Offering an ideal mid-sized ship experience, its fleet visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for 75 years  longer than any other cruise line. Holland America Line's 11 vessels feature a diverse range of enriching activities and amenities focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. The best live music at sea fills each evening at Music Walk, and dining venues feature exclusive selections from a Culinary Council of world-famous chefs.

CONTACT: Bill Zucker, Erik Elvejord PHONE: 800-637-5029, 206-626-9890 EMAIL: [email protected]

SOURCE Holland America Line
Addition expands firm's civil litigation practice

HOUSTON, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Trial law boutique Paranjpe Mahadass Ruemke LLP, or PMR Law, is pleased to announce the arrival of personal injury attorney Austin Ningneng Xu.

Mr. Xu expands the firm's growing civil litigation practice. With extensive insight into both trial and appellate matters, Mr. Xu is a fierce advocate for those who are injured by the negligence of others. His practice focuses on a wide range of civil litigation and personal injury matters such as car and truck wrecks, defective products, workplace accidents, premises liability and others.

"Austin's experience has given him a great understanding of the legal system, and we view that as a huge asset," said firm co-founder Raj Mahadass. "We are excited to have his mind and expertise as part of our growing team of skilled attorneys."

Born and raised in China, Mr. Xu pursued higher education prior to his legal career, earning bachelor's and master's degrees. He then earned his J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center. Early in his career, Mr. Xu clerked at the 157th District Court with Judge Tanya Garrison and the Texas First Court of Appeals with Justice Evelyn Keyes before joining PMR Law.

Mr. Xu holds active memberships in organizations such as the Houston Trial Lawyers Association and the Houston Bar Association, further demonstrating his commitment to the legal profession and community.

"I am excited to join a group of renowned attorneys who have a reputation of success in the courtroom," said Mr. Xu. "I look forward to collaborating with the entire team and to keep up the fight for justice on behalf of our clients."

Paranjpe Mahadass Ruemke LLP, or PMR Law, is driven by compassion and focused on results. The firm has helped thousands of clients receive the compensation they deserve in personal injury litigation and business disputes. PMR Law's priority is to provide personalized attention, professionalism and tireless representation.

Visit: www.pmrlaw.com.

Media Contact:

Alyssa Woulfe

800-559-4534

[email protected]

SOURCE PMR Law
PLANO, Texas, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In today's tumultuous healthcare environment, high-performing hospital boards are needed more than ever to promote quality of care, patient safety, financial stability and community support. But board members require specific traits to be effective in achieving those goals, according to Community Hospital Corporation (CHC).

Hospital boards have been traditionally composed of community and business leaders skilled in finance, investment, fundraising, marketing and other key areas. Those with clinical backgrounds, healthcare management experience and information technology acumen are also in demand. Additionally, boards should be diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, age and gender to better represent and serve the community

Recruiting qualified board members involves more sophistication than asking for nominations from the community. For example, one CHC hospital's vetting process for applicants includes a preliminary interview aimed at determining, among other things, if they will be fully invested in the position.

Posting clearly defined job roles and requirements when recruiting board members can help eliminate organizational dysfunction. Formal job descriptions for board members, board chairs and committee chairs also keep incumbents focused on their governance functions.

"It's helpful for new board members to complete a structured orientation program to familiarize them with the hospital's mission and objectives; the board's role and responsibilities; and the expectations of members," said Craig Sims, CHC Senior Vice of Hospital Operations."

Implementing the Right Policies and Procedures to Optimize Efficiency

To achieve and maintain high standards, hospital boards often have continuing education requirements that make members aware of changes and emerging healthcare industry challenges. To keep meetings on track, a board should allocate time for informal discussion among members before the CEO and other attendees join. This improves focus and efficiency and prevents members from straying off-topic in meetings.

Other practices that keep proceedings running smoothly include sending informational packets to members prior to meetings and focusing face-to-face time on three to five major issues.

An effective board also strives for continuous improvement, building on formal self-evaluations conducted at least every two or three years. For instance, the board should evaluate its chair six months to a year before term expiration, giving the board time to find a successor should the board chair position become vacant. Board self-assessments identify opportunities for improvement and provide the basis for reappointment decisions.

Focusing on the Right Priorities to Ensure Sustainability

Board members often blur the lines between governance, management and operations. "It's important to keep the board focused on developing effective strategies and let hospital leadership handle the execution," Sims said.

Board responsibilities encompass:

Strategic direction

Financial performance

Quality care

Executive performance

Stakeholder relations

Board structure and performance

Many hospitals that set out to build a better board find that advisory services provide them with a foundation and blueprint.

About Community Hospital Corporation  HELP WHERE HOSPITALS NEED IT

Community Hospital Corporation owns, manages and consults with hospitals through CHC Hospitals, CHC Consulting and CHC ContinueCARE. Visit http://communityhospitalcorp.com.

CONTACT: Anne Block

972-943-6470

[email protected]

SOURCE Community Hospital Corporation
Zelenskyy calls destruction of equipment, warehouses, headquarters of occupier as first task at front

The first task at the front today is the destruction of equipment, stocks, warehouses, headquarters of the occupier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said in a video address on Monday.

"In all areas, the first task is to destroy the occupiers, their equipment, supplies, warehouses, and headquarters as much as possible," he said.

According to him, at the Monday Headquarters meeting there was "maximum attention is paid to those areas where we are moving forward and those where Ukrainian forces are on the defensive."

"It is very important that our defense and security forces, our entire state, work as a single team for the sake of defense," the president said.

"Of course, we also thoroughly discuss all issues related to protection against Russian missile and drone terror," he also said, adding: "we are preparing powerful responses to Russian terrorists' attacks."
CLEVELAND, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. (NYSE: HY) will release its 2023 Second Quarter financial results after the close of the market on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.

In conjunction with this release, the Company will host a conference call at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 to discuss its results for the 2023 second quarter.

To register for this conference call, please use the following link: https://conferencingportals.com/event/ejqmGqeU. After registering, a confirmation will be sent via email, including dial-in details and unique conference call access codes required for call entry. Registration is open throughout the live call. To ensure you are connected prior to the beginning of the call, the Company suggests registering a day in advance or a minimum of 15 minutes before the start of the call.

The call will also be webcast live on Hyster-Yale's Investor Relations website at https://www.hyster-yale.com/investors. For those not planning to ask a question of management, the Company recommends listening via the webcast. Please allow 15 minutes to register, download and install any necessary software.

Following the conference call, a replay will be available at (800) 770-2030 (Toll Free) or (647) 362-9199 (International). The replay access code is 82174. An archive of the webcast will also be available on the Company's website two hours after the live call ends.

About Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc.

Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc., headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, offers a broad array of solutions to meet the specific materials handling needs of customers' applications. The Company's wholly owned operating subsidiary, Hyster-Yale Group, Inc., designs, engineers, manufactures, sells and services a comprehensive line of lift trucks, attachments and aftermarket parts marketed globally primarily under the Hyster and Yale brand names. Subsidiaries of Hyster-Yale Group include Bolzoni S.p.A., a leading worldwide producer of attachments, forks and lift tables marketed under the Bolzoni, Auramo and Meyer brand names, and Nuvera Fuel Cells, LLC, an alternative-power technology company focused on fuel cell stacks and engines. Hyster-Yale Group also has an unconsolidated joint venture in Japan (Sumitomo NACCO). For more information about Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. and its subsidiaries, visit the Company's website at www.hyster-yale.com .

***

SOURCE Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc.
Hyundai Motor Group opens a Joint Battery Research Center at Seoul National University to secure and advance key battery technologies

to secure and advance key battery technologies Successful collaboration towards carbon neutrality and a thriving battery research ecosystem

Center constructed with a scale of 901m 2 spanning three floors, comprising seven research labs

spanning three floors, comprising seven research labs Collaboration to undertake 22 joint research projects focused on four key divisions, including lithium metal and solid-state batteries

Introduction of advanced research infrastructure, such as precision battery analysis equipment, enabling mass-production-oriented research and development

Hyundai Motor Group to invest over KRW 30 billion by 2030 to facilitate research at the Joint Battery Research Center

by 2030 to facilitate research at the Joint Battery Research Center Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung highlights commitment to "lead the way in propelling the transition to electrification" through joint efforts

SEOUL, South Korea, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) today announced the inauguration of its Joint Battery Research Center with Seoul National University (SNU). This collaborative effort between the Group and SNU aims to advance battery technologies and foster industry-academia cooperation to establish global leadership in the battery field.

HMG x SNU Joint Battery Research Center Opening Ceremony HMG x SNU Joint Battery Research Center Opening Ceremony 3rd from left: Hong Lim Ryu, President of Seoul National University 3rd from right: Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group

The opening ceremony of the Joint Battery Research Center took place at SNU's main campus and was attended by esteemed guests, including Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group; Yong Wha Kim, President and Chief Technology Officer of Hyundai Motor Group; Heung Soo Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Strategy Office of Hyundai Motor Group; and Chang Hwan Kim, Senior Vice President and Head of Battery Development Center of Hyundai Motor Group.

From SNU, Hong Lim Ryu, President of SNU; Yoo Suk Hong, Dean of SNU College of Engineering; Seung Hwan Ko, Associate Dean of Research Affairs of the College of Engineering; Jong Chan Lee, Head of the School of Chemical and Biological Engineering; and Jang Wook Choi, Head of the Joint Battery Research Center and Professor at the School of Chemical and Biological Engineering attended the ceremony.

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung highlighted, "Our mission to develop a diverse range of mobility solutions equipped with advanced batteries is driven by our strong commitment to a sustainable environment for future generations. Through pioneering joint research and development efforts, we hope to empower all researchers to lead the way in propelling the transition to electrification of the mobility industry."

To read the full release, please visit Hyundai_Newsroom or Kia_Newsroom.

SOURCE Hyundai Motor Group
Earned wage access company announces new capital to improve employee financial wellness

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Immediate, an earned wage access company, announced today a $16 million round of funding. These funds, split between growth equity and a working capital facility, will enable Immediate to accelerate its growth trajectory in the workplace financial health sector.

Immediate solves liquidity challenges for employees facing unexpected expenses by allowing them to access funds when needed, without waiting for their next paycheck. Earned wage access has become a growing expectation for employers, giving them substantial advantages in staff recruitment and retention. Immediate structures its offering responsibly to create financial stability in the lives of employees.

Immediate, an earned wage access company, announced today a $16 million round of funding. Tweet this

This funding comes as Immediate enters its fifth year in business, and reflects on the growing momentum the company is experiencing due to employees' increased financial challenges amidst the current economic climate.

The funding round was led by Castle Creek Launchpad, a joint fund managed by Castle Creek Capital and Launchpad Capital that invests in fintech companies that are transforming financial services through partnerships with regulated financial institutions, including the fund's 34 community bank limited partners. Also participating in the funding round were strategic investors including BankSouth, a Georgia-based community bank, and Birmingham executives Bryan Statham and Cynthia Johnson. Bryan and Cynthia have experience implementing high growth strategies within early-stage companies and have quickly contributed to the growth and success of Immediate by serving in a hands-on advisory capacity to the business.

The expanded working capital credit facility was provided by SouthPoint Bank, a leading southeastern financial institution. Immediate was drawn to SouthPoint Bank's exceptional products, services, and their mission to point businesses forward.

"Immediate stands out in Earned Wage Access with a well designed offering that lets employees manage their lives and employers run their businesses. Partnerships with banks will help employers better address the needs of a modern workforce. We're excited to back a strong team and product in this vital and growing market," said Ryan Gilbert, Founder and General Partner at Launchpad Capital.

"As Immediate continues to make progress towards our mission of positively impacting the financial well-being of 1 million American workers by 2025, we recognize the need to surround ourselves with investors who have scaled companies to the heights we expect to achieve. We could not be more excited about this group of investors, who are not only providing Immediate with funding, but also with invaluable advisory and industry expertise that will undoubtedly expedite the growth trajectory of our company. The future is bright for Immediate and this round of funding - especially in a volatile economic climate - is a validating indication that we are well-positioned as a leader in the rapidly growing financial wellness market," said Matt Pierce, Immediate Founder and CEO.

To learn more about Immediate, book a call today.

About Immediate

Immediate partners with employers to provide their employees with wages that have been earned but not paid, whenever they are needed. With seamless time tracking and payroll integrations, same-day and next-day bank transfers, and the ability to put earnings directly on a debit card, Immediate is working to improve financial wellness and eliminate cycles of debt for employees by allowing access to their hard-earned wages when they need it most. To learn more, visit joinimmediate.com.

Media Contact

Carly McGavin

(770) 826.7322

[email protected]

SOURCE Immediate
Launch expands IMPT's functionality to hundreds of countries around the world and enables retailers to access a ready-made customer loyalty platform

DUBLIN, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- IMPT , the blockchain-based carbon-offsetting and retail shopping ecosystem, designed to connect leading global retail brands with socially responsible shoppers, has launched a Software as a Service (SaaS) model of its Global Partnership Network Platform. The application provides businesses around the world with a ready-made customer loyalty platform and removes the need for them to spend the time or financial resources required to develop a proprietary loyalty system. By leveraging the SaaS platform, businesses within IMPT's Retail Partnership Network can quickly identify and secure opportunities to operate and expand retail partnership networks in countries around the world.

With sustainability wielding a greater influence over customers' shopping decisions than ever before - a recent survey from Digital Commerce 360 found that 80% of shoppers are willing to wait longer for eco-friendly shipping options[1] - IMPT has developed technology that can help retailers to connect directly with and reward eco-friendly shoppers for their loyalty. Through IMPT's SaaS platform, retailers can gain exposure to the thousands of environmentally-conscious shoppers who have already downloaded the IMPT shopping app and participate in a network that rewards these shoppers for making sustainable shopping decisions.

Commenting on IMPT's loyalty functionality, Denis Creighton, CEO of IMPT, said, "Loyalty programmes are a simple and effective way for businesses to attract repeat customers and increase their sales. However, many small businesses simply don't have the resources or know-how to develop their own systems. With IMPT, retailers can quickly and easily join a global network of brands and gain exposure to environmentally-conscious shoppers who are committed to shopping with businesses that share their ethos. Together, we can all contribute to combatting climate change and make a positive impact on the planet."

A unique carbon-offsetting ecosystem designed to connect global retail brands with socially responsible individuals seeking to reduce their carbon footprint, IMPT leverages Web3 technology to bring increased transparency and verifiability to the carbon credit industry. By using the SaaS platform, members of IMPT's Retail Partnership Network can quickly view available countries and secure the exclusive rights to develop and manage the retail network in certain regions. This furthers IMPT's mission to encourage retailers to combat climate change by rewarding and empowering their customers to decrease their carbon emissions every time they shop.

Speaking about the launch, Denis Creighton, said, "Enabling people to make a positive impact through small choices in their everyday lives has always been at the heart of our vision at IMPT. Key to that is getting tokenized carbon credits into the hands of as many people around the world as possible, and the launch of the SaaS Global Partnership Network Platform represents the next step in building brand awareness in hundreds of countries and empowering retailers to participate in the planet's loyalty programme."

More information on IMPT's partnership programme can be found at https://impt.io/partnership .

About IMPT

IMPT is a carbon-offsetting ecosystem designed to connect global retail brands with socially responsible shoppers seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. IMPT enables users to make a simple change and contribute to sustainable global development by acquiring carbon credits through everyday purchases. The platform's tech stack demonstrates the true value of Web3 by unlocking transparency and verification in the carbon credit industry. Join the IMPT community on Twitter, Discord, YouTube, Tik Tok, Facebook, Discord and Telegram. For more information, visit www.impt.io .

[1] "80% of shoppers will wait for sustainable shipping", Digital Commerce 360, May 2023, https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/2023/05/04/80-of-shoppers-will-wait-for-sustainable-shipping/

SOURCE IMPT
RESTON, Va., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Internet Society Foundation has launched a new round of grants through its Resiliency program, which aims to help communities enhance preparedness and build Internet resiliency when faced with adverse events. This funding will support projects that increase network resiliency in communities prone to natural and climate-related disasters, ensuring these communities can prepare for and withstand the effects of a disaster on Internet connectivity.

"Internet connectivity becomes a vital tool when disaster strikes, both for people in need and those responding to the emergency," noted Sarah Armstrong, Executive Director of the Internet Society Foundation. "These grants will support communities to re-establish Internet connectivity when needed, as well as enhance preparedness and build the capacity and resilience to navigate future emergencies."

New grants to support communities to re-establish Internet connectivity and build capacity for future emergencies. Tweet this

Examples of the types of projects the Foundation will support include: supporting development of community networks, protecting data centers and Internet exchange points (IXPs) against environmental threats, fortifying sub-sea cables and/or stations, and supporting Internet service providers (ISPs) to upgrade infrastructure.

Organizations currently implementing projects around the world through our Resiliency grant program include: Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (US), Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (India), Help.NGO (US), Research Education Network Uganda (RENU) and Telecoms Sans Frontieres (TSF).

The Resiliency program will open for applications between 20 July 2023 and 15 September 2023. Grants of $250,000 to $500,000 USD will be awarded for projects lasting up to 12 months.

More information on the grant including the application process can be found at: https://www.isocfoundation.org/grant-programme/resiliency-grant-program/.

About The Internet Society Foundation:

The Internet Society Foundation was established in 2019 to support the positive difference the Internet can make to people everywhere. Guided by our vision of an Internet for Everyone, the Foundation champions ideas and enables communities to unlock the Internet's potential to tackle the world's evolving challenges. Through a variety of funding areas, the Foundation awards grants to Internet Society Chapters as well as non-profit organizations and individuals dedicated to providing meaningful access to an open, globally connected, secure and trustworthy Internet for everyone.

SOURCE Internet Society Foundation
NEW YORK, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The IT market in Germany size is estimated to grow by USD 30.34 billion from 2022 to 2027 at a CAGR of 4.12% according to Technavio. The growing competition in the market is compelling vendors to adopt various growth strategies such as promotional activities and spending on advertisements to improve the visibility of their services. Technavio report analyzes the market's competitive landscape and offers information on several market vendors including badenIT GmbH, Broadcom Inc., Capgemini Service SAS, Cisco Systems Inc., Dell Technologies Inc., Fortinet Inc., Fujitsu Ltd., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Hitachi Ltd., HUNARI Arik and Hunneck GbR, Infosys Ltd., International Business Machines Corp., Juniper Networks Inc., Lenovo Group Ltd., next evolution GmbH, Oracle Corp., Siemens AG, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., Toshiba Corp., and VACE Systemtechnik GmbH

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled IT Market in Germany 2023-2027

Germany IT Market Insights -

Vendors : 15+, Including badenIT GmbH, Broadcom Inc., Capgemini Service SAS, Cisco Systems Inc., Dell Technologies Inc., Fortinet Inc., Fujitsu Ltd., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Hitachi Ltd., HUNARI Arik and Hunneck GbR, Infosys Ltd., International Business Machines Corp., Juniper Networks Inc., Lenovo Group Ltd., next evolution GmbH, Oracle Corp., Siemens AG, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., Toshiba Corp., and VACE Systemtechnik GmbH, among others

: 15+, Including badenIT GmbH, Broadcom Inc., Capgemini Service SAS, Cisco Systems Inc., Dell Technologies Inc., Fortinet Inc., Fujitsu Ltd., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Hitachi Ltd., HUNARI Arik and Hunneck GbR, Infosys Ltd., International Business Machines Corp., Juniper Networks Inc., Lenovo Group Ltd., next evolution GmbH, Oracle Corp., Siemens AG, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., Toshiba Corp., and VACE Systemtechnik GmbH, among others Coverage: Parent market analysis; key drivers, major trends, and challenges; customer and vendor landscape; vendor product insights and recent developments; key vendors; and market positioning of vendors

Parent market analysis; key drivers, major trends, and challenges; customer and vendor landscape; vendor product insights and recent developments; key vendors; and market positioning of vendors Segments: End-user (Manufacturing, Government, BFSI, ICT, and Business services and others), Application (Large enterprise and SMEs).

To understand more about the Germany IT Market, request a sample report

IT market in Germany - Customer Landscape

To help companies evaluate and develop growth strategies, the report outlines 

Key purchase criteria

Adoption rates

Adoption lifecycle

Drivers of price sensitivity

For highlights on customer landscape analysis, download a sample!

Key IT Market Driver in Germany- The increased adoption of IT solutions among SMEs in Germany is notably driving the Germany IT market growth. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in the German economy, accounting for over 99% of all companies in the country. These businesses, ranging from sole proprietors to companies with hundreds of employees, are known for their innovation and global presence. German SMEs prioritize investing in IT to stay technologically advanced, leveraging technologies such as cloud computing, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance operational efficiency and drive revenue growth. Digitization is a key focus for these companies, as they seek to replace manual processes with digital workflows and automate various aspects of their operations. Additionally, German SMEs are adopting ERP solutions and CRM software to improve customer engagement, reducing costs through communication platforms and utilizing social media to promote their products and services. These factors contribute to the growth of the IT market in Germany during the forecast period.

Significant IT Market Trends in Germany- Government support for AI is identified as an emerging trend in the Germany-IT market. The German government is actively promoting the adoption of AI across various industries and encouraging companies to explore different application areas for AI-based solutions. A study commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy predicts that AI will contribute significantly to the country's manufacturing output, with an estimated increase of over USD 34.35 billion by 2023. To support the advancement of AI beyond 2020, the government has allocated USD 572.5 million in its 2020 budget and plans to invest up to USD 3.44 billion by 2025. As part of this strategy, Germany is establishing AI competence centers at the regional level and connecting them through a network. These efforts are attracting providers to establish their AI research centers in the country. The government's focus on R&D and the promotion of AI adoption in German companies will drive the growth of the IT market in Germany during the forecast period.

Major IT Market Challenge in Germany- The shortage of skilled IT professionals may hinder the German IT market growth. German companies are currently experiencing a significant shortage of IT specialists, leading to a limited number of vacancies for qualified candidates. The scarcity of professionals with the necessary qualifications, work experience, and skills has resulted in high remuneration for those who meet the requirements. As a result, SMEs and public sector companies are facing challenges in recruiting suitable candidates for IT positions. To address this issue, the federal government is exploring the recruitment of staff from other European countries and working towards streamlining immigration laws to attract foreign professionals seeking employment in Germany. Despite an increase in the number of job openings in the IT sector, with over 1.3 million vacancies in 2020, a substantial portion remains unfilled. The shortage of qualified IT professionals in areas such as cloud computing, AI, big data, and IoT poses a significant hurdle to German companies' digital transformation efforts. This shortage has the potential to impact the growth of the Germany-IT market during the forecast period.

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CAGR of the market during the forecast period

Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the IT market in Germany between 2023 and 2027

Precise estimation of the IT market in Germany size and its contribution to the market in focus on the parent market

Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

Growth of the IT market in Germany across Germany and Europe

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Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of the IT market vendors in Germany

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IT Market In Germany Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 4.12% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 30.34 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 3.76 Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market PosITioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled BadenIT GmbH, Broadcom Inc., Capgemini Service SAS, Cisco Systems Inc., Dell Technologies Inc., Fortinet Inc., Fujitsu Ltd., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Hitachi Ltd., HUNARI Arik and Hunneck GbR, Infosys Ltd., International Business Machines Corp., Juniper Networks Inc., Lenovo Group Ltd., next evolution GmbH, Oracle Corp., Siemens AG, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., Toshiba Corp., and VACE Systemtechnik GmbH Market dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condITion analysis for the forecast period Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

Table of contents

1 Executive Summary

1.1 Market Overview

Exhibit 01: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Overview



Exhibit 02: Executive Summary  Data Table on Market Overview



Exhibit 03: Executive Summary  Chart on Country Market Characteristics



Exhibit 04: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by End-user



Exhibit 05: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by Application



Exhibit 06: Executive Summary  Chart on Vendor Market Positioning

2 Market Landscape

2.1 Market ecosystem

Exhibit 07: Parent market



Exhibit 08: Market Characteristics

3 Market Sizing

3.1 Market definition

Exhibit 09: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition

3.2 Market segment analysis

Exhibit 10: Market segments

3.3 Market size 2022

3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027

Exhibit 11: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 12: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 13: Chart on Germany : Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 14: Data Table on Germany : Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

4 Historic Market Size

4.1 IT market in Germany 2017 - 2021

2017 - 2021 Exhibit 15: Historic Market Size  Data Table on it market in Germany 2017 - 2021 ($ billion)

4.2 End-user Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 16: Historic Market Size  End-user Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion)

4.3 Application Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 17: Historic Market Size  Application Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion)

5 Five Forces Analysis

5.1 Five forces summary

Exhibit 18: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2022 and 2027

5.2 Bargaining power of buyers

Exhibit 19: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers  Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027

5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers

Exhibit 20: Bargaining power of suppliers  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.4 Threat of new entrants

Exhibit 21: Threat of new entrants  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.5 Threat of substitutes

Exhibit 22: Threat of substitutes  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.6 Threat of rivalry

Exhibit 23: Threat of rivalry  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.7 Market condition

Exhibit 24: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027

6 Market Segmentation by End-user

6.1 Market segments

Exhibit 25: Chart on End-user - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 26: Data Table on End-user - Market share 2022-2027 (%)

6.2 Comparison by End-user

Exhibit 27: Chart on Comparison by End-user



Exhibit 28: Data Table on Comparison by End-user

6.3 Manufacturing - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 29: Chart on Manufacturing - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 30: Data Table on Manufacturing - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 31: Chart on Manufacturing - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 32: Data Table on Manufacturing - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.4 Government - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 33: Chart on Government - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 34: Data Table on Government - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 35: Chart on Government - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 36: Data Table on Government - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.5 BFSI - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 37: Chart on BFSI - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 38: Data Table on BFSI - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 39: Chart on BFSI - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 40: Data Table on BFSI - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.6 ICT - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 41: Chart on ICT - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 42: Data Table on ICT - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 43: Chart on ICT - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 44: Data Table on ICT - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.7 Business services and others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 45: Chart on Business services and others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 46: Data Table on Business services and others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 47: Chart on Business services and others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 48: Data Table on Business services and others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.8 Market opportunity by End-user

Exhibit 49: Market opportunity by End-user ($ billion)



Exhibit 50: Data Table on Market opportunity by End-user ($ billion)

7 Market Segmentation by Application

7.1 Market segments

Exhibit 51: Chart on Application - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 52: Data Table on Application - Market share 2022-2027 (%)

7.2 Comparison by Application

Exhibit 53: Chart on Comparison by Application



Exhibit 54: Data Table on Comparison by Application

7.3 Large enterprise - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 55: Chart on Large enterprise - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 56: Data Table on Large enterprise - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 57: Chart on Large enterprise - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 58: Data Table on Large enterprise - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

7.4 SMEs - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 59: Chart on SMEs - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 60: Data Table on SMEs - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 61: Chart on SMEs - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 62: Data Table on SMEs - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

7.5 Market opportunity by Application

Exhibit 63: Market opportunity by Application ($ billion)



Exhibit 64: Data Table on Market opportunity by Application ($ billion)

8 Customer Landscape

8.1 Customer landscape overview

Exhibit 65: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

9.1 Market drivers

9.2 Market challenges

9.3 Impact of drivers and challenges

Exhibit 66: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027

9.4 Market trends

10 Vendor Landscape

10.1 Overview

10.2 Vendor landscape

Exhibit 67: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation

10.3 Landscape disruption

Exhibit 68: Overview on factors of disruption

10.4 Industry risks

Exhibit 69: Impact of key risks on business

11 Vendor Analysis

11.1 Vendors covered

Exhibit 70: Vendors covered

11.2 Market positioning of vendors

Exhibit 71: Matrix on vendor position and classification

11.3 Broadcom Inc.

Exhibit 72: Broadcom Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 73: Broadcom Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 74: Broadcom Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 75: Broadcom Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 76: Broadcom Inc. - Segment focus

11.4 Capgemini Service SAS

Exhibit 77: Capgemini Service SAS - Overview



Exhibit 78: Capgemini Service SAS - Business segments



Exhibit 79: Capgemini Service SAS - Key news



Exhibit 80: Capgemini Service SAS - Key offerings



Exhibit 81: Capgemini Service SAS - Segment focus

11.5 Cisco Systems Inc.

Exhibit 82: Cisco Systems Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 83: Cisco Systems Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 84: Cisco Systems Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 85: Cisco Systems Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 86: Cisco Systems Inc. - Segment focus

11.6 Dell Technologies Inc.

Exhibit 87: Dell Technologies Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 88: Dell Technologies Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 89: Dell Technologies Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 90: Dell Technologies Inc. - Segment focus

11.7 Fujitsu Ltd.

Exhibit 91: Fujitsu Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 92: Fujitsu Ltd. - Business segments



Exhibit 93: Fujitsu Ltd. - Key news



Exhibit 94: Fujitsu Ltd. - Key offerings



Exhibit 95: Fujitsu Ltd. - Segment focus

11.8 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

Exhibit 96: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. - Overview



Exhibit 97: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. - Business segments



Exhibit 98: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. - Key news



Exhibit 99: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. - Key offerings



Exhibit 100: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. - Segment focus

11.9 Hitachi Ltd.

Exhibit 101: Hitachi Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 102: Hitachi Ltd. - Business segments



Exhibit 103: Hitachi Ltd. - Key news



Exhibit 104: Hitachi Ltd. - Key offerings



Exhibit 105: Hitachi Ltd. - Segment focus

11.10 Infosys Ltd.

Exhibit 106: Infosys Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 107: Infosys Ltd. - Business segments



Exhibit 108: Infosys Ltd. - Key news



Exhibit 109: Infosys Ltd. - Key offerings



Exhibit 110: Infosys Ltd. - Segment focus

11.11 International Business Machines Corp.

Exhibit 111: International Business Machines Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 112: International Business Machines Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 113: International Business Machines Corp. - Key news



Exhibit 114: International Business Machines Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 115: International Business Machines Corp. - Segment focus

11.12 Juniper Networks Inc.

Exhibit 116: Juniper Networks Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 117: Juniper Networks Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 118: Juniper Networks Inc. - Key offerings

11.13 Lenovo Group Ltd.

Exhibit 119: Lenovo Group Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 120: Lenovo Group Ltd. - Business segments



Exhibit 121: Lenovo Group Ltd. - Key offerings



Exhibit 122: Lenovo Group Ltd. - Segment focus

11.14 Oracle Corp.

Exhibit 123: Oracle Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 124: Oracle Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 125: Oracle Corp. - Key news



Exhibit 126: Oracle Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 127: Oracle Corp. - Segment focus

11.15 Siemens AG

Exhibit 128: Siemens AG - Overview



Exhibit 129: Siemens AG - Business segments



Exhibit 130: Siemens AG - Key news



Exhibit 131: Siemens AG - Key offerings



Exhibit 132: Siemens AG - Segment focus

11.16 Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.

Exhibit 133: Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 134: Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. - Business segments



Exhibit 135: Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. - Key news



Exhibit 136: Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. - Key offerings



Exhibit 137: Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. - Segment focus

11.17 Toshiba Corp.

Exhibit 138: Toshiba Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 139: Toshiba Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 140: Toshiba Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 141: Toshiba Corp. - Segment focus

12 Appendix

12.1 Scope of the report

12.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist

Exhibit 142: Inclusions checklist



Exhibit 143: Exclusions checklist

12.3 Currency conversion rates for US$

Exhibit 144: Currency conversion rates for US$

12.4 Research methodology

Exhibit 145: Research methodology



Exhibit 146: Validation techniques employed for market sizing



Exhibit 147: Information sources

12.5 List of abbreviations

Exhibit 148: List of abbreviations

About Us

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive posITions wIThin changing market scenarios.

Contact

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com

SOURCE Technavio
ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kerry Alys Robinson, a renowned expert in Catholic leadership and philanthropy, will serve as the next president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA).

When Robinson begins her tenure at CCUSA on August 23, she will become only the second layperson and second woman to guide the domestic humanitarian work of the Catholic Church in the United States. Robinson will succeed Sister Donna Markham OP, Ph.D., who is retiring this summer after nine years of transformational leadership.

Kerry Alys Robinson will guide the domestic humanitarian work of the Catholic Church in the United States.

"Kerry's entire professional life has been devoted to serving and bettering our church," CCUSA Board Chair Neal Black said. "After an exhaustive national search, our board voted unanimously and enthusiastically to appoint Kerry to this vital role. We are confident that the Catholic Charities network and the millions of vulnerable people it serves each year will greatly benefit from Kerry's extraordinary passion, expertise and insight."

Robinson currently serves as an executive partner of Leadership Roundtable, the influential organization of laity, religious and clergy working together to promote best practices and accountability in the management, finances, communications and human resource development of the Catholic Church in the U.S. She has led Leadership Roundtable since its inception, serving as its founding executive director and playing a defining role in its growth and success. Robinson is also the executive director of the Opus Prize Foundation, which awards an annual million-dollar prize honoring those whose ministry is dedicated to alleviating human suffering.

"The gospels call Catholics and all people of good will to serve those most in need of our aid," Robinson said. "The staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities agencies around the country answer that call every day: feeding the hungry, comforting the afflicted and welcoming the stranger. I am deeply honored and profoundly humbled to be a part of this life-giving mission."

A major focus of Robinson's work at Leadership Roundtable has been helping the Church to avail itself of the expertise of the laity, assisting in the training and formation of ordained, religious and lay leaders, and helping Church leaders solve complex, contemporary challenges. At the invitation of the Vatican, she also has advised the Church on how to empower and engage women leaders. With her appointment as CCUSA president and CEO, Robinson will now hold one of the most impactful and visible roles in the Church in the U.S.

"I have known Kerry Robinson for many years," said Cardinal-designate Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio. "She is a woman of the Church and brings to CCUSA her love for Christ and wide experience of engagement with the Gospel, particularly concern for the poor and vulnerable. Kerry has a great ability to build relationships. I am sure her many gifts and talents will further the CCUSA mission and bring hope to the many people served."

Robinson also has deep roots in Catholic philanthropy. A member of the Raskob Foundation for Catholic Activities and FADICA (Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities), she has been an advisor to and trustee of more than 25 grantmaking foundations, charitable nonprofits and family philanthropies. She served for 15 years on the national committee for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

Prior to her current roles, Robinson served as the director of development for Saint Thomas More Catholic Chapel and Center at Yale University. She led a $75 million fundraising campaign to expand and endow the Chapel's intellectual and spiritual ministry and construct a Catholic student center. At Yale, she also co-founded ESTEEM, a program that prepares Catholic college students for leadership in their future parish communities.

A sought-after Catholic writer and speaker, Robinson is the prize-winning author of "Imagining Abundance: Fundraising, Philanthropy and a Spiritual Call to Service." Her work also has appeared in America Magazine, Chicago Catholic and other leading Catholic publications, and she has been quoted extensively in the Catholic and national media.

"CCUSA is truly blessed to welcome Kerry Robinson as its next CEO," said Bishop Frank J. Dewane of the Diocese of Venice, who serves as episcopal liaison to CCUSA. "No doubt Kerry's vast experience and skills will be an asset to both the organization and those whom it serves. Please join me in prayer that the Lord may grant her wisdom and zeal as she takes up her new leadership responsibilities."

Robinson is set to join CCUSA during a period of tremendous growth. A national membership organization, CCUSA represents the interests of Catholic Charities' 167 member agencies that serve more than 15 million vulnerable people annually at close to 3,900 locations across the country and its five territories.

"I could not be more pleased that Kerry Robinson is stepping into this role that has meant so much to me," Sister Donna said. "I am confident that her visionary leadership, devotion to the Church and sincere commitment to serving those in need will bring out the best in our staff, volunteers and supporters."

Robinson is a graduate of Georgetown University and Yale Divinity School. She has been awarded seven honorary doctorates and is the recipient of numerous awards including: the Sapientia et Doctrina Award from the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education at Fordham University; the Hearts of the Community Award from the Apostles of the Sacred Heart; the Madonna Della Strada Award from the Ignatian Volunteer Corps; the Cardinal Bernardin Award from Catholic Common Ground Initiative at Catholic Theological Union; and the Loyola Medal from St. Ignatius Loyola in New York City. She was also named the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving's Distinguished Visitor at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

Robinson is married to Dr. Michael Cappello, chair of the Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases at the Yale School of Public Health and a professor of Pediatrics and Microbial Pathogenesis at Yale School of Medicine. They have two children, Christopher and Sophie.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA
Kona Gold Beverage, Inc Partners with Cottonwood Distribution in Utah to Distribute its Ooh La Lemin Lemonades

Ooh La Lemin Lemonades to be sold in 72 Holiday Convenience Stores

MELBOURNE, Fla, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kona Gold Beverage, Inc. (OTCPK: KGKG), a holding company focused on product development and distribution in the better-for-you and functional beverage sector is pleased to announce the Company has partnered with Cottonwood Distribution in the great state of Utah. Cottonwood distributes products to over 220 convenience stores (C-stores). Cottonwood Distribution will be distributing Ooh La Lemin Lemonades to the 72 Holiday C-stores in Utah where the Company has secured cold space in all stores.

Holiday Oil has been serving the state of Utah since 1964. They have grown to 72 locations and their roots have always been in providing excellent customer service and employees you can trust. Holiday is active in its communities participating in programs to raise money for teachers and families in need.

Kona Gold has successfully expanded its beverages to western regions of the United States, with Utah being a new state for the Company. Announcements for further expansion in California and other western regions will be announced in the very near future.

"I am pleased to share with our stockholders and consumers that we have partnered with Cottonwood Distribution to bring our popular Ooh La Lemin Lemonades to the great state of Utah," stated Robert Clark, CEO of Kona Gold Beverage, Inc. "Cottonwood will be distributing our 16oz Ooh La Lemin Lemonades to 72 Holiday Oil locations, where we have designated cold space, along with distributing our Lemonades to other C-stores in their territory. We are excited to partner with such an established convenience store chain in Utah and we look forward to growing this new market for us."

Kona Gold recently announced the Company has partnered with Bibb Distributing in the great state of Georgia. Bibb Distributing will be distributing the Company's Ooh La Lemin Lemonades to Walmart and other leading retail super markets and convenience store chains in the 15 counties it covers in Georgia.

For more information regarding Holiday Oil, please visit:

https://www.holidayoil.com/

For more information regarding Kona Gold Beverage, please visit:

https://konagoldbeverage.com/

About Kona Gold Beverage, Inc.

Kona Gold Beverage, Inc., a Delaware corporation, has created wholly-owned subsidiaries, Kona Gold LLC, HighDrate, LLC, and Gold Leaf Distribution, LLC. Kona Gold, LLC has developed a premium Hemp-Infused Energy Drink line; please visit its website at www.konagoldhemp.com. HighDrate, LLC has developed the beverage industry's first CBD-Infused Energy Water, available in 6 delicious flavors; please visit its website at www.highdrateme.com. Gold Leaf Distribution, LLC was created to fill the Company's distribution needs in markets that it wants to enter quickly; please visit its website at www.goldleafdist.com. Kona Gold Beverage, Inc. recently rebranded its Lemin Lemonade to Ooh La Lemin Lemonade; please visit its website at www.oohlalemin.com. Kona Gold and its family of companies are located on the east coast of Florida in Melbourne and in Greer and Conway South Carolina.

Safe Harbor Statement:

The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. The Company cautions that these forward-looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, and various other factors beyond the Company's control. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Investor Relations Contact:

Robert Clark

844-714-2224

[email protected]

SOURCE Kona Gold Beverage, Inc.
SHENZHEN, China, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sam's Club, Walmart's high-end membership warehouse club, opened its flagship store in Qianhai last month. As one of the focal points of the Shenzhen Global Investment Promotion Conference and a key project in the city, the Qianhai outlet represents Walmart's significant commitment to expanding operations in China. This opening is considered another step forward in elevating Qianhai's consumer capabilities and contributing to Shenzhen's aspiration of becoming an international consumption hub, according to the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone.

As a landmark commercial project in Qianhai, this new store plays a vital role in enhancing the zone's position as a new international urban center, optimizing its business environment, and driving the rapid aggregation of high-end retail resources.

The establishment of Sam's Club in Qianhai is not a mere coincidence. In recent years, Qianhai has been accelerating efforts to improve its commercial facilities, nurturing the growth of the commercial sector, and enhancing the overall vibrancy of its business districts. Qianhai aims to establish itself as the core of a world-class consumption center by 2035.

"Starting with Shenzhen-Hong Kong trade and cross-border e-commerce, Qianhai has now gradually evolved to prioritize office-centered businesses and explore diverse commercial domains," said a senior executive of Horoy Uniland Commercial Property Co., Ltd, a company seeking development in Qianhai. "Concurrently, Qianhai has been fostering innovation in modern services, technology, institutional reform, business environment optimization, and governance models within the cooperation zone. These measures will significantly boost Qianhai's appeal and competitiveness, solidifying its status as an influential commercial hub."

It is believed that the opening of the Qianhai outlet will accelerate the influx of high-end retail resources into the region.

Lin Sifan, promotion manager of the Commercial Management Department at the Qianhai-based SIVIN Commercial Management (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., stated, "Over the past decade, Qianhai has experienced unprecedented transformation, attracting a considerable number of high-net-worth consumers, Fortune 500 companies, industrial-urban complexes, import-export trades, financial institutions, and retail giants. This has laid the essential groundwork for cultivating a thriving commercial business environment in Qianhai."

According to the Qianhai Authority's Commerce Development Department, Qianhai will continue to attract key commercial resources, accelerate the introduction of internationally renowned businesses and brand operators, and support multinational companies with high-end consumer brands in establishing global headquarters, regional headquarters, functional headquarters, product innovation centers, and consumer experience centers. It will strive to foster a number of comprehensive trade service platforms, logistics supply chain enterprises, and circulation headquarters companies with global resource allocation capabilities, while improving its ability to allocate consumption resources. Moreover, Qianhai aims to propel the "first-store economy" and "first-launch economy", encouraging renowned domestic and international brands to set up their first stores, flagship stores, and new concept stores in the area.

Lin Sifan emphasized the perfect alignment of the population influx and the rising demand from the new middle-class consumer base with the Qianhai business environment. Lin believes that the burgeoning desire for emerging lifestyles will drive more people to visit and stay in Qianhai, bolstered by the continuous support of favorable policies.

With major commercial complexes increasingly choosing Qianhai as their base, it showcases businesses' unwavering confidence in the area's development prospects. As consumer activity continues to thrive, Qianhai is poised to generate a virtuous cycle from business to consumption and vice versa, fueling the overall high-quality commercial development in Shenzhen and the rest of the Greater Bay Area.

SOURCE Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone
RESTON, Va., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE: LDOS), a FORTUNE 500 science and technology leader, and L3Harris Technologies announced today they are teaming up for the U.S. Army's Theater Level High-Altitude Expeditionary Next Airborne - Signals Intelligence (ATHENA-S) proposal. Together the companies will seek to deliver two enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft in support of the program.

"The Leidos-L3Harris team focuses each of our companies' extensive and diverse talents to achieve mission success with ATHENA-S," said Tim Freeman, Leidos senior vice president and Airborne Solutions Operations Manager. "With our combined integration, investment, engineering and design expertise, we look forward to producing a highly-configurable platform with more ISR capabilities to create an operational picture of the battlefield. The Leidos-L3Harris team is excited to deliver a decision advantage for the U.S. and our allies."

Together, the Leidos-L3Harris team is the only one with experience designing, integrating, certifying and operating ISR business jets for the U.S. Army. The team will work to modify two Bombardier Global 6500 jets with radar, electronic and communications intelligence capabilities tailored to ATHENA-S requirements. The aircraft are intended to support U.S. Army missions in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility and are designed to close the gap between the Army's medium- and high-altitude ISR aircraft fleet. ATHENA-S will fly at higher operating altitudes, provide increased range, greater endurance, more capacity for larger payloads and greater standoff ranges, along with next-generation sensor technology.

Leidos currently operates two Leidos Special Mission Aircraft (LSMA) for the Army's Airborne Reconnaissance Targeting and Exploitation Multi-Mission Intelligence System (ARTEMIS) program in support of U.S. European Command. The LSMA provides deep-sensing electronics intelligence to enable threat analysis and delivery of long-range precision fires.

L3Harris currently operates a Bombardier Global Series jet as part of the Army's Airborne Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare System (ARES) program supporting U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. In addition to ARES, L3Harris is also performing on Phase 2 of the Army's Multi-Domain Sensing System program to develop, build, integrate and demonstrate prototype electronic and communications intelligence sensors for the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program.

About Leidos

Leidos is a Fortune 500 technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company's 46,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $14.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

About L3Harris Technologies

L3Harris Technologies is an agile global aerospace and defense technology innovator, delivering end-to-end solutions that meet customers' mission-critical needs. The company provides advanced defense and commercial technologies across space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains. L3Harris has more than $17 billion in annual revenue and 47,000 employees, with customers in more than 100 countries. Visit www.l3harris.com.

Certain statements in this announcement constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not guarantees of future results or occurrences. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the "Risk Factors" set forth in Leidos' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Leidos does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statements were made.

SOURCE Leidos Holdings, Inc.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the country is fully prepared for negotiations on membership in the European Union.

"I also held several political meetings, in particular on the European Union and our integration. This year we are to start negotiations on membership. Ukraine is fully prepared for this - we are doing what is necessary on our part. And we are doing everything possible to ensure that the EU is also fully prepared," he said in a video address on Monday.

Zelenskyy also spoke out against the extension of restrictions on the export of Ukrainian agricultural products to Europe after September 15.

"There is a very important agreement with the European Commission regarding September 15, which is the last day of restrictions on our grain exports, and we believe that the European side will fulfill its obligations on this date, when the temporary restrictions will cease to be in effect," he said.

"Any extension of the restrictions is absolutely unacceptable and outright non-European. Europe has the institutional capacity to act more rationally than to close a border for a particular product," Zelenskyy said.
LivAway Suites Becomes First National Extended Stay Hotel Brand to Implement Virdee Technology into Brand Standards

SALT LAKE CITY, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LivAway Suites , the developer-centric, economy-extended stay hotel brand, has announced a partnership with innovative software-as-a-service company, Virdee, to strengthen their technology-forward brand standards for guests.

The collaboration with Virdee will implement a variety of user-friendly technologies in order to enhance and streamline the overall guest experience. These technologies include self-serve check-in, around-the-clock virtual reception, and pre-check-in options, as well as other web, mobile, and kiosk services. Through the digital guest engagement platform, customers will enjoy 24/7 touchless check-ins and digital room keys all from the palm of their hand.

For developers, this partnership will provide a competitive advantage, operational efficiencies, and the ability to drive more revenue through cross-sale opportunities within the check-in process and add-ons available through the app.

"Contactless technology is a boon for our industry, and our partnership with Virdee provides a seamless digital guest service solution through mobile, kiosk and online - at the same time offering additional revenue streams and reducing operational costs at each LivAway Suites hotel," remarked Kevin Dailey, Chief Operating Officer of LivAway Suites. "Our partnership with Virdee doubles down on our commitment of being the most tech-forward brand in our segment 'because our guest deserves better.'"

"LivAway Suites' technology-centered, developer-focused approach makes them an ideal hospitality partner for Virdee", said Branigan Mulcahy, Co-Founder of Virdee. "Leveraging the operational efficiencies that Virdee offers, gives LivAway Suites an innovative leg up on their competition in the extended stay segment."

LivAway Suites, created "for developers, by developers," currently has over 25 locations in various phases of development across the United States. Over the past few months, LivAway Suites has broken ground on locations in metro areas of Tennessee, Washington, and Utah, with many more markets to follow in the coming months.

To learn more about LivAway Suites, visit www.livawaysuites.com

ABOUT LIVAWAY SUITES

LivAway Suites, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a new economy extended stay hotel brand with a developer-centric business model and hotel design that helps our guests feel more at home while away. The brand is built on understanding the importance of offering guests "everything they need and nothing they don't" with straightforward services and pragmatic amenities that offer livability and comfort at an affordable rate. Built on a foundation of "for developers, by developers," LivAway Suites is poised to disrupt the traditional hotel franchise model through transparent pricing and an improved return on investment.

For more information, visit www.livawaysuites.com .

ABOUT VIRDEE

Based in Austin, Texas, Virdee is an innovative software company serving the hotel industry. Its API-first approach provides the most comprehensive solution of check-in/out, identity verification, payment collection, and remote support. Virdee helps clients elevate the customer experience, reduce costs and generate ancillary revenue. Virdee was founded in 2020 by experienced real estate operators and visionary technologists  Branigan Mulcahy and Nadav Cornberg. Visit www.virdee.io to learn more.

SOURCE LivAway Suites
DUBLIN, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "4th Annual Mining Investment London" conference has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Explore Europe's Top Resources Hub for Mining Investments, Critical Minerals, Hydrogen & Technology Opportunities

WHY MINING INVESTMENT LONDON?

Now in its' 4th year, Mining Investment London is firmly established as Europe's boutique strategic mining investment & capital raising conference and exhibition. Besides mining trends and finance approach, we also incorporate the latest technological innovations that transform the industry.

Alongside Mining Investment London, we host Critical Minerals World 2023 Conference that focuses exclusively on critical minerals and hydrogen that play a crucial role in the global energy market's transition to a low-carbon economy.

We expect 250 senior level executives, including over 120 investors and 30 mining companies ranging from explorers, juniors to mid-tier producers and majors for two days of partnering, networking and business matching.

Join us at an invaluable platform to get access to agenda covering latest industry issues, exhibition floor as well as 1-2-1 meeting matching tool for new partnerships & business opportunities.

MINERS MEET INVESTORS

Our investors come from private equity, asset & investment management companies, sovereign wealth funds, hedge funds, venture capital, family offices or are HNWIs and private investors.

They travel from all over Europe, Asia, Middle East and North & Latin Americas to look out for latest mining projects and investment opportunities.

KEY THEMES

Mining Investment Strategies & Trends

Bridging Mining, Energy, Automotive, Space & Defence Industries

Critical Materials Strategy, Supply & Trade

Resources Security, Sustainability & Hydrogen

Global Commodity Trends

Battery Metals (Lithium, Vanadium, Cobalt, Nickel and Graphite) & Electric Vehicles

Platinum Group Metals Developments

Rare Earth Minerals

Emerging Metals

M&A, Capital Raising & Financing Environment

Risk, Government Regulations & Policy Developments

Junior Miners , New Exploration Projects & Discoveries

, New Exploration Projects & Discoveries Renewable Energy Prospects

Mining Technology Advancements

IoT, Blockchain & Future of Mining

WHAT TO EXPECT?

TOP SPEAKERS

Our industry leaders provide new perspectives, share cutting edge content and insights to understand the fast-changing global investment landscape.

VIRTUAL EXHIBITION

Talk to miners & evaluate their resources projects and discover the very latest in technology and solution innovations to the mining industry.

NETWORKING

From speed networking, 1-2-1 meetings to private chats across 2 days you're assured to make the right connections.

Who Should Attend:

Mining and Energy Ministers & Department Heads

Company C Level Executives & Senior Management

COOs & Chief Engineers

Chief Geologists

EPC's & Project Developers

Investors & Financiers

Banks & Insurance Providers

Lawyers, Brokers, Corporate Advisors & Consultants

Equipment Solutions & Services Professionals

Local Distributors & Resellers

Speakers

SAKHILA MONA MIRZA

Executive Board Director & General Counsel

London Bullion Market Association

United Kingdom

DR DIEUDONNE-LOUIS TAMBWE

Deputy Technical Director

CTCPM, Ministry of Mines

Democratic Republic of Congo

JENS BRUNKE

Head of Mergers & Acquisitions

Veragold Mining

Germany

CHINGIZ MAKESHOV

CEO

Central Asia Capital Investment Company

Kyrgyzstan

DR BASSEM NASSOUHY

Environmental Consultant

Fujairah Natural Resources

United Arab Emirates

ALAIN CORBANI

Head of Commodities

Finance SA

France

THAO DH NGO

Group Executive Chairman

First IndoChina Group

Vietnam

DR CAROLE NAKLE

CEO

Crystol Energy

United Kingdom

MICHAEL PAN

CEO

China Ventures

United Kingdom

PATRICK LOWRY

CEO & Managing Partner

Iconic Holding

Germany

ANA LUCIA LIND

CEO

Swiss Financial Engineering AG (SFE AG)

Switzerland

ROBERT MANTSE

Vice Chairman

M2 Capital Partners International

United Kingdom

SHWETA SAXENA

Chief Product Officer

MachineMax

United Kingdom

DR ALIREZA ELSAMIAN

CSO

ESS (Engineering Software Steyr GmbH)

Austria

RONALD DE HAAS

Sales Director

MODEC International

Belgium

JULIAN SMALLSHAW

Head of Education and Standards

The Institute of Quarrying

United Kingdom

DAVID POOLE

CTO and Co-Founder

Starcore Nuclear

Canada

RAMA AYMAN

CEO

MMG Capital

United Kingdom

DR HAGEN GUNTHER JUNG

Geochemist

Ex-NUKEM Technologies Engineering Services GmbH

Germany



RHONNA O'CONNELL

Head of Market Analysis, EMEA & Asia Region

INTL FCStone

United Kingdom

JOHN BUTLER

CEO

Lend & Borrow Trust

United Kingdom

GABRIEL ESCALONA LOBO

Chief Marketing Officer

Vaultoro.com

Germany

FLORENT VIMES

Founder

The Energy and Natural Resources Investment Group

United Kingdom

For more information about this conference visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/5rm5jg

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

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SOURCE Research and Markets
Growth capital investment will support Magnolia's continued expansion

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Magnolia Wash Holdings ("Magnolia" or "the Company"), a leading and fast-growing organization of express car washes committed to reinventing the consumer experience through technology and innovation, today announced it has received a growth capital investment from funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. ("Oaktree") to fuel the company's long-term growth strategy. As part of the transaction, Oaktree has acquired a majority ownership position in the Company. A&M Capital Opportunities Fund ("AMCO") will maintain a material minority ownership stake in the enterprise.

Magnolia Wash Holdings today announced a growth capital investment from Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. Tweet this "As we explored potential investment partners, Oaktree stood out for its proven track record of fostering rapid growth, its unique partnerships with management teams, and its value creation for stakeholders, said Jose Costa, CEO of Magnolia Wash Holdings. We expect Oaktrees resources, experience and track record will be invaluable to us as we continue to expand our presence in the fast-growing express car wash category. I cant wait to see where well be in a few years with this partnership."

Magnolia currently operates 93 car wash locations in eight states, with 25 additional locations under construction, and more than 200,000 members in its Wash Club Membership Program.

"As we explored potential investment partners, Oaktree stood out for its proven track record of fostering rapid growth, its unique partnerships with management teams, and its value creation for stakeholders," said Jose Costa, CEO of Magnolia Wash Holdings. "We expect Oaktree's resources, experience and track record will be invaluable to us as we continue to expand our presence in the fast-growing express car wash category. I can't wait to see where we'll be in a few years with this outstanding partnership."

"Magnolia and its management team have an impressive track record, and with our investment, we believe they are poised to grow into a preeminent operator in the industry," said David Quick, managing director and assistant portfolio manager at Oaktree. "This is a special opportunity to partner with an experienced management team at a company that is well positioned to take advantage of the significant runway ahead."

"We have enjoyed a fantastic partnership with Magnolia Wash Holdings, beginning with our initial investment in 2020 when the business had just seven locations," said Sean Epps, partner at AMCO. "As a result of the Company's continued growth, we have recognized that now is the time to expand Magnolia's capital partnerships. Our firm has a close institutional relationship with Oaktree, and we share a common vision as stewards for the Company as it enters an exciting next phase of growth."

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC served as the exclusive financial advisor to Magnolia in connection with this transaction and Harris Williams served as exclusive advisor to Oaktree.

About Magnolia Wash Holdings

Magnolia Wash Holdings operates several express wash brands throughout Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Ohio and Tennessee all of which deliver a premium on-premise experience including its Unlimited Wash Club Membership Program, free towels, free vacuums and free mat washing stations. The Charlotte, North Carolina-based company is working to consolidate its operations under the Whistle Express banner in the coming months, debuting a new brand look and feel. For more information, visit www.magnoliawashholdings.com .

About Oaktree

Oaktree is a leader among global investment managers specializing in alternative investments, with $172 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2023. The firm emphasizes an opportunistic, value-oriented and risk-controlled approach to investments in credit, private equity, real assets and listed equities. Oaktree has over 1,100 employees and offices in 20 cities worldwide. For additional information, please visit Oaktree's website at www.oaktreecapital.com .

About A&M Capital Opportunities

A&M Capital Opportunities, with assets under management of approximately $500 million, is Alvarez & Marsal Capital's lower middle-market growth strategy, focused on shared control and structured minority equity investments in North America. AMCO partners with business owners and management teams to help recapitalize and grow businesses, leveraging deep operational capabilities and industry relationships to position them for accelerated long-term growth. AMCO has significant experience with all types of transactions, including growth equity, growth buyouts, recapitalizations, and consolidations of fragmented sectors. More broadly, Alvarez & Marsal Capital is a multi-strategy private equity investment firm with over $4.65 billion in total assets under management across four investment strategies, which maintains a strategic association with Alvarez & Marsal, one of the largest operationally focused advisory firms in the world. For more information, visit www.a-mcapital.com/opportunities .

SOURCE Magnolia Wash Holdings
Father-Son Team to Create Family Legacy with One of Nation's Fastest-Growing Pizza Brands

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Marco's Pizza, one of the nation's fastest-growing pizza brands, announces a 5-unit signed agreement that will bring stores to the South Florida market, specifically throughout the tri-county region. The first two stores will open in the greater Fort Lauderdale area this summer at 811 East Commercial Blvd. and 811 North Nob Hill Rd., with all remaining stores set to open by Q2 2024.

Father-Son Team to Create Family Legacy with One of Nation's Fastest-Growing Pizza Brands Tweet this Behind this multi-unit agreement is Rodrigo Azpurua and his son Enrique Azpurua. Originally from Venezuela, the Azpurua family moved to the United States in 2001 to pursue the American Dream.

Behind this multi-unit agreement is Rodrigo Azpurua and his son Enrique Azpurua. Originally from Venezuela, the Azpurua family moved to the United States in 2001 to pursue the American Dream. Rodrigo has a background in real estate development, growing a robust portfolio of office buildings and hotels. After finding success in the hospitality and lodging industry, he was ready for a new challenge  food & beverage.

Timing aligned with Enrique's graduation from Florida International University with a degree in hospitality in 2021. The father-son team decided to embark on a new entrepreneurial journey together. Being consumers of Marco's Pizza and loving the product for years, they decided to explore the franchise opportunity. Impressed not only with the quality product, but brand values, sound operating systems, and more  they were confident Marco's Pizza was the right opportunity for them to build a family legacy.

"This is a dream of building a family legacy in this great country," said Rodrigo Azpurua. "Not only do we have the opportunity to grow a family business, but we've found the ultimate brand partner to do so with. Marco's has the perfect recipe of a quality product, a proven business model, impressive statewide brand awareness, and an opportunity to grow a robust portfolio."

"As an immigrant entrepreneur, my dad has instilled in me the value of hard work from a very young age," said Enrique Azpurua. "It's a privilege to operate as family business, and rest assured, we'll be working hard. We look forward to becoming part of the community, creating job opportunities, and career pathways. We're on the fast track to get these five stores up and running to serve our local residents."

While Marco's boasts more than 130 locations across the state, the South Florida region holds vast opportunity for expansion. This multi-unit announcement adds to Marco's aggressive domestic growth with more than 200 stores in various stages of development, and hundreds of agreements signed. In the last six years, the fast-growing brand has doubled its store footprint with no intention of slowing down. Company leadership has identified 4,200 potential U.S. locations.

Alongside impressive expansion, Marco's is prioritizing investments in enhancing the franchise development program, new technology, personnel, strategic vendor partnerships, multi-channel national advertising, and more  all with an eye on maximizing franchisee profits while meeting the needs of today's modern customer.

According to the brand's Franchise Disclosure Document, the Top 50% of Marco's franchised stores generated $1,222,684 for 2022*.

Marco's remains on the fast-track for growth, now boasting more than 1,100 stores while achieving strong performance - surpassing $1B in annual systemwide sales in Q3 2022. Marco's provides a development support system, including technology and tools to help identify the right territories for expansion plus information in areas such as financing, real estate, construction management, and field operations, to assist franchisees and multi-unit operators.

For more information on Marco's Pizza franchise opportunities, visit https://www.marcos.com/franchising/ or call 866-731-8209 to speak with Shannon Iverson, Vice President of Franchise Sales.

ABOUT MARCO'S PIZZA

Marco's Pizza is one of America's Top 10 Favorite QSR Brands according to the 2022 Market Force Information Study. Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Marco's Pizza is one of the fastest-growing pizza brands in the United States. Marco's was founded in 1978 by Italian-born Pasquale ("Pat") Giammarco and thrives to deliver a high-quality pizza experience, known for its dough made from scratch and its three fresh signature cheeses. The company has grown from its roots as a beloved Ohio brand to operate over 1,100 stores in 34 states with locations in Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. Most recently, Marco's Pizza was ranked No. 51 on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2023 "Franchise 500" ranking. Other recent accolades include a high ranking on Newsweek's 2023 "America's Best Customer Service" in pizza chains list, ranked No. 40 on QSR's Top 50 and has been featured six consecutive years on Nation's Restaurant News' prestigious "Top 500" ranking.

*Based on the Average Sales Volume of the top 50% of our Franchised Stores for our fiscal year 2022. Based on our fiscal year 2022, 160 of 414 Franchised Stores in the category (or 39%) met or exceeded this average. This information appears in Item 19 of our 2023 FDD  please refer to our FDD for complete information on financial performance. Results may differ. There is no assurance that any franchisee will perform as well.

SOURCE Marco's Pizza
New Hatch Chile & Lime is the First Special Edition Flavor to be Available across Cannabis and Mainline soda brands

SEATTLE, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jones Soda Co . (CSE: JSDA, OTCQB: JSDA), the original craft soda known for its unconventional flavors and user-submitted photo labels, today announced the first crossover special edition flavor release with both the Jones Soda and Mary Jones brands. The new Hatch Chile and Lime soda will be available from both brands this year, marking the first dual special flavor release between Jones and Mary Jones  an industry first in both categories.

Enjoy Jones hatch chili + lime this summer barbecue season, infused or as OG soda.

"Jones was the first mainstream non-alcohol consumer brand to crossover into the cannabis market with Mary Jones in 2022," said Bohb Blair, President Emerging Brands at Jones. "We're blazing the trail again with jointly releasing a special edition flavor across both markets with our new Hatch Chile and Lime sodas."

Mary Jones was the first cannabis product portfolio to leverage 25 years of a mass market-established equity across brand, beverage, flavors and fans. The portfolio was initially launched in California with multiple formats offered in four of the most popular Jones Soda flavors. All Mary Jones products are created by the same ingenious flavor scientists who have made Jones famous for unexpected and bold soda releases for the most robust, delicious tasting products in the cannabis category.

The Mary Jones brand has seen such enormous success in California, it has since announced plans for expansion into cannabis-legal Michigan, Washington and Nevada with additional markets to be announced in the future. Hatch Chile and Lime special release soda combines the bold flavors of smoky hatch chiles with a refreshing zing of lime. The cannabis infused Mary Jones products come in both 10MG single serving and 100mg multi-serving formats. Available now and all summer long throughout California dispensaries.

"We have cannabis consumers and dispensaries in legal states from across the country contacting Mary Jones about our products," added David Knight, CEO Jones Soda. "Our new Hatch Chile and Lime is just the start of the incredible flavors we'll be bringing to the THC community."

For more information about Mary Jones, visit www.gomaryjones.com .

About Jones Soda Co.

Jones Soda Co. (CSE: JSDA, OTCQB: JSDA ) is a leading craft soda manufacturer with a subsidiary dedicated to cannabis products. The company markets and distributes premium craft sodas under the Jones Soda and Lemoncocco brands, and a variety of cannabis products under the Mary Jones brand. Jones' mainstream soda line is sold across North America in glass bottles, cans and on fountain through traditional beverage outlets, restaurants and alternative accounts. The company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. For more information, visit www.jonessoda.com , www.myjones.com , www.drinklemoncocco.com or https://gomaryjones.com

SOURCE Mary Jones
Leader in Math Learning Centers Continues to Achieve Strong Growth & Performance as Demand for Services Surge

LOS ANGELES, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mathnasium Learning Centers, an internationally known franchise with over 1,100 math learning centers worldwide, reports remarkable mid-year growth and strong performance with 58 new signed franchise agreements as company leadership projects global development to grow more than 100% in 2023, compared to the previous year.

Driving Mathnasium's impressive growth is its exceptional instruction based on customized learning plans which have provided the foundation to scale. Demand for these services continue to rise, especially amid the recently released Nation's Report Card from the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) that is showing an alarming decline in math and reading scores  the lowest in decades.

Mathnasium experiences record increase in student enrollments as spike in supplemental education continues to climb. Tweet this

"The latest from the Nation's Report Card reveals disheartening drops in math scores reaching historic lows," said Mike Davis, CEO of Mathnasium. "As industry leaders, we are determined to be part of the solution by playing an integral role in the road to recovery ahead. While our franchise model has allowed us to expand, our growth is not solely measured in terms of locations or revenues generated - it is also about making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of students. We are committed to leveraging our expertise and resources to support initiatives aimed at empowering students and educators, fostering a love for learning, and bridging the educational gaps that hinder our nation's progress."

Mathnasium has experienced a record increase in student enrollments as the spike in supplemental education continues to climb . This paired with its proven 20-year-plus business model, has contributed to the brand's long-standing industry success as it continues to expand its global footprint.

Single and multi-unit growth guides Mathnasium's development strategy as the brand seeks to award an additional 50-plus agreements by year-end. International development remains a key area of focus as well . Mathnasium has grown its global footprint in 2023 with 25 openings year-to-date and 40 more projected to open by year-end. Company leadership sees vast growth potential across India, the UK, Australia, the UAE, Vietnam, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, Spain, and Latin American countries, among others  all with the goal of opening the brand's 100th international location in 2024.

"We have ambitious development plans both domestically and internationally," said Kevin Shen, Chief Development Officer of Mathnasium. "We'll continue to achieve our growth goals by working with existing franchisees who are expanding and new multicenter investors who want to join an industry-leading, worldwide network, with a time-tested business model and curriculum."

Additionally, Mathnasium has partnered with Tinuiti , the largest independent performance marketing firm across search, social, streaming+ and marketplaces, to create an all-new Centralized Digital Marketing program. This investment was made in an effort to bring to bear the power of the global brand for Mathnasium franchisees and gain stronger market exposure, with the goal of generating more brand awareness and qualified leads while increasing the overall number of enrollments.

The brand's impressive performance has earned multiple awards and recognition, most notably ranking No. 80 in Entrepreneur's highly competitive 2023 Franchise 500 ranking , and No. 1 within the math-tutoring category.

With prime territories available, Mathnasium provides franchisees with comprehensive training and support, including an initial training program, ongoing training, a balanced approach between corporate and locally driven marketing to capture the addressable market, and access to proprietary software tools and resources.

Mathnasium Learning Centers specialize in math-only tutoring and are committed to providing the world's best instruction. The goal: teach children math in a way that makes sense to them. For decades the Mathnasium Method  has transformed the way kids learn math  building students' understanding of math concepts through personalized instruction and a customized learning plan  all while producing tremendous results , and helping students achieve their full potential in math and in life.

For information about Mathnasium's franchise opportunities, visit  https://mathnasiumfranchise.com/ .

For more information on Mathnasium, visit https://www.mathnasium.com/ , or visit our social pages on Facebook , Twitter , or Instagram .

About Mathnasium

Mathnasium Learning Centers is North America's leading math-only supplemental education franchise. Since 2002, the Mathnasium Method  the result of decades of hands-on instruction and development  has been transforming the lives of children in grades K-12 by offering comprehensive assessments, fully individualized learning plans, and teaching true math comprehension. With more than 1,100 learning centers worldwide in 10 countries, Mathnasium has been ranked on Entrepreneur Magazine's list of top 500 franchises 16 times since 2004. For more information about Mathnasium franchise opportunities, visit https://mathnasiumfranchise.com/ .

Media Contact: Kelly Hammond, Fishman Public Relations, [email protected]

SOURCE Mathnasium
STOCKHOLM, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Medius, a leading provider of accounts payable (AP) automation, has today announced that the acquisition of expense management software company Expensya is complete.

Now that the acquisition of Expensya has been wrapped up, Medius can bank on the Tunisian startup's powerful AI-enabled, mobile-first, employee spend management capabilities that complement Medius's strengths in areas such as autonomous AP, payments, procurement, sourcing, contracts and supplier onboarding.

By taking Expensya under its fold, Medius forms a one-stop shop for CFOs as they look to gain a holistic viewpoint on their financial performance. The acquisition is also a further step-forward in Medius's strategy to be the leading provider of AP automation with robust payment capabilities and industry-leading control and fraud detection.

Not only that, but the acquisition of Expensya has taken Medius to new geographical frontiers adding product strengths that accelerate the ability to grow and cross-sell in highly competitive business application markets like France, where Expensya has developed a leading employee spend management solution. Medius can also capitalize on the French e-invoicing mandate, which is due to come into effect on July 1st 2024.

The acquisition represents a landmark moment for fintech advancement in North Africa, and gives an essential boost to the Tunisian fintech sector.

Jim Lucier, CEO of Medius, comments: "Expensysa's growth has been astronomical over the last two years - and why wouldn't it be - as the founders, Karim and Jihed, have built powerful AI-innovation that will take us to new heights in spend management. This partnership already puts us in and amongst the biggest players within the spend management space and together we can offer CFOs solutions that can help them transform finance while empowering their teams. We are delighted to have the team on board, and have already started working with them to amplify the Medius offering."

Karim Jouini, CEO of Expensya, comments: "In a sector as quick-footed as expense management, you can either wait for disruption to attack your business, or you can be the disruptor. With this acquisition, both Expensya and Medius come as disruptive forces ready to revolutionize the industry. Expensya's AI capabilities, employee spend management solution, and payment cards, with Medius's AP automation platform, means we can now cover the whole indirect spend of companies and can apply the power of AI to help finance teams to optimize cost and processes across the board."

Press contacts:

Dan Bird

Fight or Flight for Medius

[email protected]

EMEA: +44 330 133 0985

USA: +1 646-693-0221

SOURCE Medius
CHICAGO, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In the near future, the metagenomic sequencing industry is poised to undergo a transformative revolution, becoming a pivotal driving force in diverse fields such as healthcare, agriculture, environmental science, and beyond. Advancements in sequencing technologies, data analytics, and computational capabilities will propel metagenomic studies to unprecedented heights, allowing for comprehensive and precise analysis of entire microbial communities within various ecosystems. This will lead to groundbreaking discoveries of novel microorganisms, potential therapeutic agents, and insights into the intricate relationships between microbes and their environments. Metagenomic sequencing will play an integral role in personalized medicine, empowering clinicians to tailor treatments based on an individual's unique microbiome composition, resulting in more effective disease management and prevention strategies. Moreover, metagenomics will facilitate sustainable agriculture by enhancing soil health and crop productivity through the identification of beneficial microbes. As the metagenomic sequencing industry continues to thrive, it will undoubtedly unlock a myriad of opportunities to address pressing global challenges, shaping a promising future of discovery and innovation.

Metagenomic Sequencing Market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $2.0 Billion in 2023 and is poised to reach $4.5 Billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 17.5% from 2023 to 2028 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The major factors driving the growth of the metagenomic sequencing market are frequenct technological innovations in the NGS platforms and increasing understanding of the wide as well as significant applications of metagenomics in several fields. However, budget constraints faced by developing countries due to lack of government, private support in terms of funding, infrastructure is expected to restrain market growth to a certain extent.

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Browse in-depth TOC on "Metagenomic Sequencing Market"

226 - Tables

44 - Figures

258 - Pages

Metagenomic Sequencing Market Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $2.0 Billion Estimated Value by 2028 $4.5 Billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 17.5% Market Size Available for 20232028 Forecast Period 20232028 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Product & service, workflow, technology, application Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities NGS data analysis using big data Key Market Drivers Continuous technological innovations in NGS platforms

Reagents & Consumables subsegment accounted for the largest share of the metagenomic sequencing market by product & service

Among the product & service, the metagenomic sequencing market is segmented reagents & consumables, instruments, sequencing services and analysis & data interpretation solutions. In 2023, the reagents and consumables segment accounted for the largest share of the metagenomic sequencing market by product & service. Growth in this market segment can be attributed to factors such as commercialization of reagents and kits and repetitive purchase of sequencing reagents by demand side entities among others.

Drug discovery is the fastest-growing segment of the metagenomic sequencing market by applications

Among the applications, the metagenomic sequencing market is segmented into drug discovery, clinical diagnostics, soil microbiome applications, industrial applications, ecological & environmental applications, veterinary applications, and other applications. In 2023, the drug discovery segment accounted for the fastest-growing share of the usage segment of metagenomic sequencing market. Growth in this market segment can be attributed to one of the major factors which is the growing number of research activities for development of new drugs.

Europe: The second-largest region in the metagenomic sequencing market.

The European market is the second-largest metagenomic sequencing market globally, mainly due to factors such as increasing number of research projects, especially in the field of soil microbiome metagenomics, in the region. Moreover, Europe is considered a major hub for metagenomic sequencing players and organizations.

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Metagenomic Sequencing Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

1. Continuous technological innovations in NGS platforms

a. iSeq 100 System

b. Ion GeneStudio S5

2. Initiatives and funding from government & private bodies for large-scale sequencing projects

3. Declining costs of genome sequencing

4. Significant applications of metagenomics in various fields

Restraints:

End-user budget constraints in developing countries

Opportunities:

NGS data analysis using big data

Challenges:

Challenges associated with metagenomic NGS

Key Market Players:

The market for metagenomic sequencing is consolidated, with key players strategizing to capture the market. Prominent players in the metagenomic sequencing market are Illumina, Inc. (US), Thermo Fisher Scientific (US), QIAGEN N.V. (Netherlands), PerkinElmer, Inc. (US), and Oxford Nanopore Technologies Plc. (UK) among others.

Recent Developments:

In September 2022 , Illumina, Inc. (US) launched the NovaSeq X series production-scale sequencers, which are capable of generating more than 20,000 whole genomes per year (which is 2.5 times the throughput of prior sequencers from Illumina).

, Illumina, Inc. (US) launched the NovaSeq X series production-scale sequencers, which are capable of generating more than 20,000 whole genomes per year (which is 2.5 times the throughput of prior sequencers from Illumina). In September 2021 , Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (US) and AstraZeneca (UK) co-developed an NGS-based companion diagnostic. The collaboration was focused on commercializing NGS-based diagnostics in Russia .

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Metagenomic Sequencing Market Advantages:

Comprehensive insights into microbial communities: Metagenomic sequencing enables the study of entire microbial populations within a given sample, providing a holistic view of the diversity, abundance, and interactions between different microorganisms. This comprehensive approach allows researchers to uncover previously unknown species and understand the complex dynamics of microbial ecosystems.

Detection of novel organisms and genes: By analyzing genetic material directly from environmental samples or complex communities, metagenomic sequencing can identify new and previously undiscovered microorganisms and functional genes. This discovery potential has vast implications for biotechnology, drug development, and understanding microbial biodiversity.

Applications in personalized medicine: Metagenomic sequencing has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by characterizing an individual's unique microbiome. This information can be used to identify links between specific microbial compositions and diseases, leading to personalized treatment plans and more effective interventions.

Environmental monitoring and conservation: Metagenomic sequencing can be applied to assess environmental health and biodiversity, facilitating the monitoring of ecosystems, soil quality, and water safety. This data aids in conservation efforts, sustainable agriculture practices, and the identification of environmental threats.

Accelerated research and data-driven insights: Metagenomic sequencing generates vast amounts of data, and advancements in computational tools and bioinformatics allow researchers to analyze and interpret this information rapidly. The ability to process large datasets efficiently leads to accelerated research and deeper insights into microbial functions and interactions.

Exploration of functional potential: Unlike traditional methods that focus on cultivated organisms, metagenomic sequencing examines the collective genetic potential of all microorganisms present. This approach enables the study of functional genes, metabolic pathways, and potential biotechnological applications, even in non-culturable microbes.

Epidemiological studies and disease surveillance: Metagenomic sequencing can play a critical role in tracking and understanding disease outbreaks, identifying pathogens responsible for infections, and assessing antimicrobial resistance patterns. This information aids in designing targeted public health interventions and controlling infectious diseases more effectively.

Non-invasive diagnostics: Metagenomic sequencing allows for non-invasive sample collection, making it an attractive option for diagnostic purposes. It eliminates the need for invasive procedures and provides valuable diagnostic information without causing additional harm or discomfort to patients.

Industrial applications: Metagenomic sequencing finds applications in various industries, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and wastewater management. It facilitates the discovery of enzymes, bioactive compounds, and other useful products derived from microbial communities, driving innovation in these sectors.

Overall, metagenomic sequencing's ability to unlock the mysteries of microbial worlds offers a wealth of advantages that will continue to revolutionize multiple fields and lead to groundbreaking discoveries with profound impacts on human health, the environment, and beyond.

Related Reports:

Genomics Market - Global Forecasts to 2028

NGS Sample Preparation Market - Global Forecasts to 2028

Proteomics Market - Global Forecasts to 2028

Next Generation Sequencing Market - Global Forecasts to 2027

Bioinformatics Services Market - Global Forecasts to 2026

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Avoid refund shock next year, meet with Jackson Hewitt Tax Pros now

JERSEY CITY, N.J., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- July marks the halfway point in the year, which is the perfect time to analyze financial items related to filing taxes and complete a mid-year check-in. To help ensure taxpayers have a smooth tax filing next year that can potentially help reduce money owed or even increase a tax refund amount, the Tax Pros at Jackson Hewitt Tax Services are encouraging taxpayers to organize their documents and schedule a mid-year planning appointment today.

"Many Americans' experienced smaller tax refunds this past tax season, and in many cases, there was an increase in people owing balances due compared to last year. Next year's Tax Day might look very similar for many taxpayers if they don't take immediate action now to make adjustments," said Mark Steber, Chief Tax Information Officer at Jackson Hewitt. "Taxpayers have more control over their tax return than you might think, but it's necessary to keep ahead of financial and life changes that can impact you and your family so you avoid refund shock and manage expectations at tax time. That's why we strongly encourage having a mid-year planning appointment with a Jackson Hewitt Tax Pro."

To do a mid-year tax planning, taxpayers should first review their 2022 tax return and a summary of their current income amount so far in 2023 and compare the basic facts. Then, taxpayers should think of notable personal changes from this year that have or will happen by December 31, 2023, that will impact their tax return, including a change in dependents, employment status, new or different earnings or gains, as well as getting married or divorced. With this information, taxpayers can calculate a mid-year estimate for the first half of the year, then double or annualize an estimate for the full year and compare it to the tax amount previously paid.

If taxpayers aren't satisfied with the estimated tax refund, or balance due, it's an opportunity to take action. A Jackson Hewitt Tax Pro can help taxpayers with what can be changed, including altering tax withholdings, increasing retirement contributions, and other strategies.

"Taxpayers have experienced many changes in the last few tax filing seasons. During the height of the pandemic, many taxpayers benefitted from stimulus payments and increased tax credits, but this past tax season was reflective of what filing was before 2020," said Steber. "We expect this year's tax filing to be a similar experience and are recommending to all of our clients to do a mid-year planning session with their Tax Pro to make sure they better understand their situation and to plan for any changes during the remainder of the year."

While every taxpayer should consider mid-year planning, it's an important activity for those who are self-employed. "Updated tax law changes are in effect for self-employed taxpayers who use third-party payment apps (Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, and others) for business payments," said Steber. "Those who use these apps for business purposes and accept $600 or more during 2023 will now receive a 1099-K form from the app. Previously these users didn't receive a form from the vendor unless they accepted $20,000. These earnings have always been considered taxable income, but the change is receiving a 1099-K form from the third-party vendor."

For more information, visit jacksonhewitt.com and to locate an office to schedule a mid-year planning appointment.

About Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. is an innovator in the tax industry with a mission to provide its hard-working clients access to simple, low-cost solutions to manage their taxes and tax refunds. Jackson Hewitt is devoted to helping clients get ahead and stands behind its work with its Maximum Refund Guarantee and Lifetime Accuracy Guarantee (restrictions apply, see Jackson Hewitt's website for more details). Jackson Hewitt has more than 5,600 franchise and company-owned locations nationwide, including 2,700 in Walmart stores as well as online tax prep services, making it easy and convenient for clients to file their taxes. For more information about products, services, and offers, or to locate a Jackson Hewitt office, visit www.jacksonhewitt.com or call 1 (800) 234-1040.

SOURCE Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.
The State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has notified the head of the banned Nashi (Ours) party, MP of Ukraine of the seventh and eight convocations (2012-2019) Yevhen Murayev of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 111 (high treason) and Part 1 of Article 161 (violation of the equality of citizens depending on their race, nationality, regional affiliation, religious beliefs, disability and other characteristics) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

"Murayev used the Nash television channel controlled by him to massively disseminate Kremlin narratives in the information space of Ukraine. Thus, he purposefully used his own media resource to manipulate Ukrainian public opinion in the interests of Russia," the SBU said on its website on Tuesday morning.

According to Kyiv prosecutor's office, Murayev was informed of the suspicion in absentia.

The special service said, first of all, this concerned the presentation of distorted information about the internal situation in Ukraine and its perception at the international stage, due to which, at the beginning of February 2022, NSDC sanctions have been imposed against Murayev's television channel.

"After lengthy independent examinations initiated by SBU, the facts of the defendant's criminal activity against the state security of Ukraine have now been finally confirmed. Comprehensive measures are being taken to establish all the circumstances of the crimes. The attacker faces up to 15 years in prison," the service said.

As reported, at the end of November 2022, SBU officers conducted a series of searches at the places of residence and offices of Murayev and his relatives, as well as his closest associates, during which they found cash in Russian rubles, weapons, as well as computer equipment and mobile phones with evidence of illegal actions. The searches were carried out as part of the investigation of criminal proceedings under Part 1 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code. All seized materials were submitted for examination.

Murayev is hiding from justice abroad.
3-Year Project Will Deliver Ultra Reliable Low Latency Wireless Service for the First Time in History

SYRACUSE, N.Y. and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- JMA Wireless (JMA), a global leader in wireless communications, today announced a three-year research partnership to deliver true ultra-reliable low-latency (URLLC) wireless service with Muriel Medard, NEC Professor of Software Science and Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a leading voice in reliable network communications.

Historically, the industry has traded performance to achieve reliability  making wireless URLLC impossible. MIT and JMA are working to make URLLC a reality without sacrificing performance  delivering wirelessly what could previously only be done with a hard-wired connection.

The collaboration will focus on two critical research areas. The first is how to deliver ultra-reliable low-latency wireless service to make mission-critical applications. Medard and JMA also will research how to make wireless networks greener and more efficient without sacrificing performance.

While smart applications such as autonomous driving are promising in their ability to change lives for the better, their adoption has been limited due to a lack of reliability. Professor Medard's research has created techniques that simultaneously improve reliability and reduce latency.

"Together with JMA, we will drastically reduce the types of legacy inefficiencies that currently stymie URLLC," said Professor Medard. "These lead not only to delays, but also to wasteful energy consumption through needless retransmissions and palliative measures such as over-use of bandwidth. We are teaming up with JMA's unique expertise in radio networks to apply network coding in a 5G standard-compatible way, also opening the way for 6G innovation in the area."

"Today, nearly seven out of ten 6G patents belong to countries other than the U.S.," said Joe Constantine, JMA's Chief Technology and Strategy Officer. "With Professor Medard, we are working to advance critical R&D right here in the U.S. with one of the greatest minds in our field, as we restore wireless leadership to this country and control our technology future."

This partnership builds on Professor Medard and Joe Constantine's panel at Mobile World Congress Barcelona, where they discussed the power of network slicing. For more information about MIT's Reliable Communications Group, please visit: www.rle.mit.edu/ncrcg/.

About Dr. Medard

Muriel Medard is the NEC Professor of Software Science and Engineering in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) Department at MIT, where she leads the Network Coding and Reliable Communications Group in the Research Laboratory for Electronics at MIT. She is a member of the US National Academy of Engineering, of the German National Academy of Sciences (Leopoldina), and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, of the US National Academy of Inventors, and of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. She obtained three Bachelor's degrees (EECS 1989,

Mathematics 1989 and Humanities 1991), as well as her M.S. (1991) and Sc.D (1995), all from MIT. She holds Honorary Doctorates from the Technical University of Munich (2020) and from The University of Aalborg (2022), and has over sixty US and international patents awarded, the vast majority of which have been licensed or acquired. For technology transfer, she has co-founded CodeOn, for which she consults, and Steinwurf, for which she is Chief Scientist.

About JMA Wireless

Founded in 2012, JMA is restoring U.S. leadership in wireless technology at a critical time in the transition to 5G. Based in Syracuse, New York, JMA makes the world's most advanced and only all-software-based 5G platform, which it designs, codes, and manufactures in the United States. JMA's cutting-edge technologymost notably a revolutionary software solution called XRANis ushering in a new era of innovation and connectivity for businesses, workers, and ultimately consumers. For more information, visit www.jmawireless.com .

SOURCE JMA Wireless
The EVantage Battery Thermal Management System will ensure peak battery performance and longevity for electric 20-ton Komatsu excavators in dirty, rugged environments.

RACINE, Wis., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on the strength of a long-standing relationship, Modine (NYSE: MOD), a diversified global leader in thermal management technology and solutions, today announced that it has been selected as the thermal management supplier for a new Komatsu excavator. Komatsu, an industry-leading manufacturer and supplier of construction, mining, and forestry equipment, technologies and services, has integrated the Modine EVantage  L-CON Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS) in its 20-ton excavators to optimize performance, extend longevity, and reduce downtime.

"This marks another important milestone in Modine's advance into the EV side of the commercial segments we have served for years, and we are delighted that Komatsu has selected Modine as the thermal management supplier for its latest electric excavator model," said Gina Maria Bonini, Vice President and General Manager of Advanced Thermal Systems at Modine. "Our partnership with Komatsu is based on a shared commitment to excellence and innovation to meet the evolving needs of the construction industry. We believe this work is a further testament to the reliability and quality of our products and services, and we look forward to continued success together."

Komatsu excavators are designed to meet the rigorous demands of the construction industry while delivering the high-quality performance and reliability for which Komatsu is known. Equipped with advanced technology and precision engineering, the 20-ton electric excavator offers an electric powertrain that produces 123 kW of power and is backed by a 451 kWh battery. Without compromising on arm crowd force or swing torque, the excavator offers fast cycle times, effortless multifunction motions, and precise bucket movements and lifting capabilities.

The Modine L-CON BTMS integrates advanced heat exchanger technology with smart controls and electronics engineered to withstand harsh construction environments. The system features plug-and-play integration, provides unprecedented flexibility for vehicle designers with its compact size and can optimize the temperature range for an entire bank of batteries with a single unit. With the freedom to integrate battery thermal management on space-constrained off-highway and commercial chassis, manufacturers can ensure optimal battery performance in harsh, dirty environments.

Leveraging more than a hundred years of thermal management experience, Modine EVantage thermal management systems, including the L-CON BTMS, are designed, manufactured, and tested for operation in harsh environments and ruggedized to operate reliably in high-vibration applications, especially suitable for construction applications. With a state-of-the-art design and testing center and decades of vehicle component testing experience, Modine ensures that customers have confidence in the performance and longevity of the commercial EVs they produce, regardless of duty cycles or operating environment.

To learn more about the Modine L-CON BTMS and other products in the EVantage suite, please visit www.ModineEV.com .

About Modine

At Modine, we are Engineering a Cleaner, Healthier World. Building on more than 100 years of excellence in thermal management, we provide trusted systems and solutions that improve air quality and conserve natural resources. More than 11,000 employees are at work in every corner of the globe, delivering the solutions our customers need where they need them. Our Climate Solutions and Performance Technologies segments support our purpose by improving air quality, reducing energy and water consumption, lowering harmful emissions and enabling cleaner running vehicles and environmentally friendly refrigerants. Modine is a global company headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin (U.S.), with operations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. For more information about Modine, visit www.modine.com .

About Komatsu

Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets. For a century, the company has been creating value for its customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together. Front-line industries worldwide use Komatsu solutions to develop modern infrastructure, extract fundamental minerals, maintain forests and create consumer products. The company's global service and distributor networks support customer operations to enhance safety and productivity while optimizing performance.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Technica Communications

Caitlan Caviness

[email protected]

SOURCE Modine
New National Monument Will Increase Access to Civil Rights Movement History Through America's National Parks System

WASHINGTON, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the National Park Foundation (NPF), the National Park Service (NPS), and the Emmett Till Interpretive Center (ETIC), the Tallahatchie County Courthouse in Mississippi where an all-white jury acquitted two white men of Till's murder in 1955 will be made accessible to the public as part of the newly established Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument.

Made possible through nearly $3 million dollars in private philanthropy, the courthouse will join two other sites that comprise the national monument, including Graball Landing where Till's body was recovered from the Tallahatchie River and the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago, where Mamie Till-Mobley held Emmett's open-casket funeral.

As part of the National Park System, the courthouse will preserve the history of the Till family and this important chapter of civil rights history for present and future generations.

"The new park site holds the power to inspire a deeper and more complete understanding of America's ever-evolving story," said Will Shafroth, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation. "Thanks to the partnership and support of the Mellon Foundation and Fund II Foundation, the new Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument will make a seminal event in our nation's civil rights era history accessible to all."

With a $2 million dollar grant from the Mellon Foundation's Monuments Project, the National Park Foundation worked with ETIC and NPS to facilitate the acquisition of the Tallahatchie County Courthouse that enabled the establishment of the site by the National Park Service. This was possible through the purchase and renovation of an existing structure that will house the new county courthouse which is located blocks from the original.

"Due to the shared vision and coordination of the Till family, community activists, historians, educators, culture workers, and other partner organizations, the torture and murder of Emmett Till and the bravery of his mother Mamie Till-Mobley will be forever marked as sites of learning in the country's commemorative landscape," said Elizabeth Alexander, president of the Mellon Foundation. "The Mellon Foundation is honored to be a part of this vital collaborative effort to make indelibly present Emmett Till's central and sacred place in our collective American history. May his tragic death and his mother's courage continue to empower us to stand bravely against forces of violence and hatred."

This funding, in addition to $1 million from the Fund II Foundation, also supports the creation of a National Park Service Park Ranger position focused on community engagement to partner with local stakeholders and bolster efforts to interpret the Tallahatchie County Courthouse for park visitors, expand the digital storytelling around the Till family within the visitor center, conduct a cultural landscape report, and install a contemplative area at Graball Landing that allows visitors to reflect on the story of Emmett Till. "

Fund II is honored to support the establishment of a new park site that commemorates the people, places, and events that have shaped American history and African American experiences," said Robert F. Smith, founder and president of the Fund II Foundation. "We are especially proud to support the digital storytelling that will bring the incredible story of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley to a new generation of Americans."

In addition to its funding support for NPF's acquisition of the courthouse and park interpretive staff, the Mellon Foundation's Monument Project has also made a $2.9 million grant to support restoration and public accessibility at Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America's national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help protect more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts, connect all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history, and engage the next generation of park stewards. Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org.

ABOUT THE ANDREW W. MELLON FOUNDATION

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is the nation's largest supporter of the arts and humanities. Since 1969, the Foundation has been guided by its core belief that the humanities and arts are essential to human understanding. The Foundation believes that the arts and humanities are where we express our complex humanity, and that everyone deserves the beauty, transcendence, and freedom that can be found there. Through our grants, we seek to build just communities enriched by meaning and empowered by critical thinking, where ideas and imagination can thrive. Learn more at mellon.org.

ABOUT THE FUND II FOUNDATION

Fund II Foundation was established in 2014 for grant-making to public charities. At the heart of the foundation is a deep commitment to advancing social change and creating an enduring American legacy. To date, Fund II Foundation has made grants worth nearly $250 million to a broad range of charities, including The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, The United Negro College Fund, NPower, The Opportunity Network, and The National Park Foundation.

SOURCE National Park Foundation
COPENHAGEN, Denmark, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dawn Health, a global leader in digital health, today released a patient companion App called Ekiva-MS to support people living with multiple sclerosis (PlwMS). Developed as part of their collaboration with the leading pharmaceutical company Novartis, this App intends to significantly increase patients' empowerment in their chronic MS care.

The remote patient monitoring App has been co-created with patients and aims to address unmet needs of PlwMS around understanding disease activity and receiving support with their chronic care in the remote at-home setting. Launching today in Germany, the App supports patients to better manage their life with MS, be more empowered and enable more shared decision making with their HCP based on new levels of insights into their disease activity.

The experience and symptoms for PlwMS is very dependent on the individual patient and presents in unpredictable ways for every patient, leading to high levels of uncertainty and concern between HCP interactions. As a lifelong condition that affects the body's nervous system, MS impacts every person differently, with severity or even existence of different symptoms and quality of life impacts varying significantly across the patient population. This leads to treatment of MS being more challenging with a conservative and sometimes delayed escalation type of approach to treatment. To improve patient care and outcomes in MS, it is therefore very important to personalize the treatment for each patient, making the launch of Ekiva-MS an opportunity for them to feel more in control and knowledgeable about their own experience with MS to enable more shared decision making with their HCPs.

The name "Ekiva" is derived from the meaning of protection and shelter. The App is designed to support patients and foster personalized, data-driven conversations with their HCPs, resulting in more informed and empowered conversations. At the heart of Ekiva-MS are components such as symptom and quality of life tracking, passive data collection and novel digital biomarkers, such as "DreaMS" from Healios  all coming together to provide a holistic view of each individual's experiences and day-to-day life with MS. This information is used to optimally support patients in their preparation for the next HCP consultation through a deeper understanding of disease activity and relevant information and support in between HCP interactions to provide support and guidance.

Daniel Daugaard, Dawn Health Founder and CEO, says, "We are thrilled to see the launch of Ekiva-MS in Germany today. We are deploying a truly impactful solution to empower PlwMS, ensuring we deliver on their unmet needs through deep co-creation and user-centricity. Our collaboration with Novartis enables us to improve the lives of patients around the world, and in an over-burdened and highly complex healthcare ecosystem, we can help empower individuals living with diseases through our patient-first products to optimize care and improve the quality of consultations between HCPs and patients."

Ekiva-MS is the first product emerging from the collaboration between Dawn Health and Novartis announced earlier this year. Strong co-creation with patients combined with exceptional speed in technical development have made it possible to deliver the product to market in only 6 months. Ekiva-MS is a great representation of the potential of digital health and how the right setup can accelerate delivery to provide improvements to patient care in a fast and effective way.

For more information and to download Ekiva-MS, visit https://ekiva-ms.de/

About Dawn Health

Dawn Health is a global leader in digital health, specializing in the development of software as medical device (SaMD) and digital therapeutics (DTx). Accelerating the launch of digital solutions to market, the Dawn Health product platform drives innovation to change the lives of people with chronic conditions. It is via close partnerships with the life science industry that Dawn Health creates digital health products that transform patient care through an empathic and human-centric approach.

Contact, Media Relations

[email protected]

+45 53 65 31 64

Saskia Coakley-Black

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/21169/3809031/2202369.pdf ENGLISH - Dawn Health press release - Ekiva-MS launch Germany - 25 July 2023

SOURCE Dawn Health A/S
Initiates CCAA Proceedings in Canada to Implement Sale to Senior Lender While Operating as Usual

Liberty Tax and Community Tax Serving Customers with Same Trusted Tax Advice and Service

US$25 Million Financing Commitment to Support Ongoing Day-to-Day Operations

Scott Terrell Named Chief Executive Officer to Lead Enterprise into the Future

HURST, Texas, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NextPoint Financial Inc. ("NextPoint" or the "Company") (TSX: NPF.U) (TSX: NPF.WT.U) (OTC PINK: NACQF) today announced that it has entered into a restructuring support agreement ("RSA") with lenders BP Commercial Funding Trust, Series SPL-X and BP Commercial Funding Trust II, Series SPL-I (collectively, the "Senior Lender") and Drake Enterprises LTD (together with the Senior Lender, the "Lender Group") to substantially reduce the Company's consolidated debt and best position its leading brands, Liberty Tax and Community Tax, for long-term success. Under the RSA, the Senior Lender has committed to purchase substantially all of NextPoint's assets for up to US$281 million, primarily consisting of a credit bid of at least US$100 million of secured debt, cash to be paid at close, and obligations to be assumed ("Transaction").

Concurrent with today's announcement, NextPoint's board of directors named Scott Terrell as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Terrell previously served as Liberty Tax's Chief Information Officer from 2019 to 2022 and as Chief Operating Officer of NextPoint until his appointment as interim CEO in May 2023.

To implement the Transaction most efficiently, NextPoint and its subsidiaries sought and obtained an initial order from the Supreme Court of British Columbia pursuant to the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act ("CCAA"). The Company is seeking recognition of the CCAA proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware under Chapter 15 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The Company's approximately 2,200 Liberty Tax franchised locations are not included in the proceedings.

NextPoint will continue its day-to-day operations as usual, including serving customers of its Liberty Tax and Community Tax businesses with the same trusted tax advice and service. The Company has secured a commitment for US$25 million in debtor-in-possession financing from the Lender Group which will provide sufficient liquidity to fulfill ongoing obligations to franchisees and customers, and pay employees and vendors in the ordinary course.

"We are pleased to have achieved a comprehensive solution that will reduce our debt burden and put our enterprise on stronger financial footing for the future. With an improved capital structure, we will be better positioned to build on the proud legacies of our Liberty Tax and Community Tax brands," said Mr. Terrell, NextPoint's CEO. "I am grateful to our teams who have remained focused on growing our businesses by doubling down on our core strengths in tax preparation and resolution services, and we are making good progress. Today's action will further accelerate these efforts and enhance our ability to empower underserved consumers and small businesses who rely on our tax tools and guidance."

Mr. Terrell concluded, "Our organization and our brands have incredible resilience and a very bright future. We value our loyal customers, dedicated franchise partners, and hardworking team members and look forward to emerging from this process as a financially stronger company."

Under the terms of the RSA, the Transaction will be implemented through a court-approved sale and investment solicitation process in which the Senior Lender's "stalking horse" bid will be subject to higher or otherwise better offers from interested third parties.

Additional Information

The Canadian court has appointed FTI Consulting Canada Inc. to serve as the Monitor in the CCAA proceedings. Court documents and other information will be available on the Monitor's website: http://cfcanada.fticonsulting.com/nextpoint. Court documents in the U.S. Chapter 15 proceedings will be available at https://cases.stretto.com/nextpoint.

DLA Piper (Canada) LLP and DLA Piper LLP (US) are serving as legal counsel to the Company in Canada and the U.S., respectively, and Province is serving as its financial restructuring advisor. As previously announced, Peter Kravitz of Province is serving as NextPoint's Chief Restructuring Officer.

About NextPoint Financial Inc.

NextPoint is an all-inclusive marketplace for financial services empowering hardworking and underserved consumers and small businesses. NextPoint's primary business units are Liberty Tax, a leading provider of tax preparation services, and Community Tax, an effective advocate for tax debt resolution on behalf of customers.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that include "forward-looking information" (as defined under applicable securities laws) ("forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance including with respect to the ability to successfully consummate the transaction and timing thereof, the Company's ability to continue operations in the ordinary course, the Company's ability to pursue alternatives and emerge from the CCAA proceedings in a strong financial position, the debtor-in-possession financing providing sufficient liquidity for the Company and the Company's ability to service to its customers. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict", "potential", "continue", "target", "intend", "could" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and many factors could cause actual events or results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. In evaluating forward-looking statements, readers should specifically consider various factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. These factors include, but are not limited to, the outcome of the CCAA proceedings, and the risks and uncertainties discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated January 15, 2023. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are not guarantees of future performance and, while forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions that the Company considers reasonable, actual events and results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements made by the Company. Except as may be expressly required by applicable law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Media Contact

Kekst CNC

Sherri L. Toub / Wendi Kopsick / Daniel Hoadley

[email protected]

SOURCE NextPoint Financial Inc.
Organisations can access the combined expertise of NJI and Freedman International across creative storytelling, virtual production, and cultural insights in guide exploring the value of virtual production for localised, authentic brand experiences

LONDON, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Virtual productionthe technique behind immersive storytellingis becoming more advanced and affordable than ever. NJI and Freedman International developed a guide, Virtual Production Belongs in Every Company's Storytelling Toolkit, for brands and organisations that want to reach consumer and policymaker audiences globally. The guide demonstrates how to expand creative possibilities while increasing an organisation's ROI.

"Virtual production is modern content creation," said NJI President Lara Kline. "It is the convergence of the best technologies to advance our clients' stories and allows us to create at the speed of thought."

For instance, a single video shoot could be used to create highly localised content in multiple markets. Such interactions can be crucial for organisations working within the public policy sphere and needing to convey complex issues. Immersive storytelling can be the best way to capture the nuances and complexities of a global issue, while also engaging audiences with authentic, captivating content.

"We are in exciting times, and virtual production is just one of the major developments making it easier for brands to connect with their audiences like never before," noted Kevin Freedman, CEO of Freedman International. "For clients that desire the rare blend of public policy expertise and exceptional creative tailored precisely to local markets, NJI and Freedman's joint experience provides a seamless solution with unparalleled client serviceanywhere in the world."

To read the full guide, please visit Virtual Production Belongs in Every Company's Storytelling Toolkit.

About NJI

NJI solves complex public affairs challenges with fully orchestrated, elegantly crafted content. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in London and Singapore, NJI is a certified LGBT-owned company and certified veteran employer. Learn more at www.njimedia.com or contact Lisa Filgas at [email protected].

About Freedman International

Freedman International is an insight-driven localisation agency specialising in producing culturally relevant advertising for audiences around the world. With a global community of in-market linguists and cultural experts, Freedman International enables brands to efficiently deliver consistent, compliant, and culturally relevant communications. Learn more at www.freedmaninternational.com or email Jade Firth at [email protected].

SOURCE NJI
Organisations can access the combined expertise of NJI and Freedman International across creative storytelling, virtual production, and cultural insights in guide exploring the value of virtual production for localised, authentic brand experiences

LONDON, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Virtual productionthe technique behind immersive storytellingis becoming more advanced and affordable than ever. NJI and Freedman International developed a guide, Virtual Production Belongs in Every Company's Storytelling Toolkit, for brands and organisations that want to reach consumer and policymaker audiences globally. The guide demonstrates how to expand creative possibilities while increasing an organisation's ROI.

"Virtual production is modern content creation," said NJI President Lara Kline. "It is the convergence of the best technologies to advance our clients' stories and allows us to create at the speed of thought."

For instance, a single video shoot could be used to create highly localised content in multiple markets. Such interactions can be crucial for organisations working within the public policy sphere and needing to convey complex issues. Immersive storytelling can be the best way to capture the nuances and complexities of a global issue, while also engaging audiences with authentic, captivating content.

"We are in exciting times, and virtual production is just one of the major developments making it easier for brands to connect with their audiences like never before," noted Kevin Freedman, CEO of Freedman International. "For clients that desire the rare blend of public policy expertise and exceptional creative tailored precisely to local markets, NJI and Freedman's joint experience provides a seamless solution with unparalleled client serviceanywhere in the world."

To read the full guide, please visit Virtual Production Belongs in Every Company's Storytelling Toolkit.

About NJI

NJI solves complex public affairs challenges with fully orchestrated, elegantly crafted content. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in London and Singapore, NJI is a certified LGBT-owned company and certified veteran employer. Learn more at www.njimedia.com or contact Lisa Filgas at [email protected].

About Freedman International

Freedman International is an insight-driven localisation agency specialising in producing culturally relevant advertising for audiences around the world. With a global community of in-market linguists and cultural experts, Freedman International enables brands to efficiently deliver consistent, compliant, and culturally relevant communications. Learn more at www.freedmaninternational.com or email Jade Firth at [email protected].

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1989809/NJI_black_Logo.jpg

SOURCE NJI
Investment solidifies Nuqleous' position as the leading provider of automated retail space-planning and performance analytics software

BENTONVILLE, Ark., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nuqleous, the leading provider of automated retail space-planning and performance analytics software, has secured a significant $26M strategic growth investment from Blue Ladder Capital, an investment and operating firm specializing in partnering with verticalized market-leading B2B software companies.

Nuqleous' software products enable customers to improve margins, reduce inefficiencies and turnover, and increase sales for over 700 categories across 3,700 brands representing $40.9 billion in annualized sales.

Since 2013, Nuqleous has empowered top CPG brands, distributors, and retailers to enhance merchandising and data analytics. Category advisors depend on Nuqleous' Shelf IQ product to manage store-specific merchandising strategies for over 250,000 SKUs that not only drive billions in revenue, but also save teams thousands of hours per year.

In addition, the company's Spotlight product serves as the single source-of-truth for retailer and syndicated third-party data sources. Spotlight empowers CPG brand and distributor teams with valuable insights to drive revenue, minimize errors, and strengthen end-customer relationships.

Nuqleous serves over 75 blue-chip companies (Kraft-Heinz, PepsiCo, Kellogg's, Anheuser-Busch, Unilever) servicing the largest retailers, c-stores, and grocers (Walmart, Target, 7-Eleven, CVS, Kroger). The company has achieved significant growth, earning consecutive placements on the Inc. 5000 Annual List of America's Fastest-Growing Companies in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, the company was honored with the prestigious Inc. Best Workplaces recognition, highlighting its commitment to employee well-being, and fostering a supportive work environment.

"We raised capital to accelerate product innovation and double-down on our customer-led growth strategy," stated Paul Sims, Co-Founder and CEO of Nuqleous. "We are dedicated to enhancing our customers' lives through automation and empowering data-driven decision making, so we've partnered with Blue Ladder Capital for their expertise in scaling mission-critical software businesses."

Garrett Levey, former Head of Sales at Titan Cloud Software (acquired by Charlesbank Capital Partners) and growth equity investor at M33 Growth, joins forces with Bill Kloza, also previously from M33 Growth and formerly an investor at JMI Equity, an $8 billion software-focused growth equity fund. Together, they have joined as Co-Presidents, bolstering Nuqleous' growth trajectory. As part of the transaction, Paul Springmann, Co-Founder and President, will transition into an advisory role.

"We partnered with Nuqleous due to their strong product/market fit and exceptional net promoter score  customers love the products," said Levey. "We take a long-term view on partnering with companies and are excited to continue to build an enduring business. Nuqleous' product portfolio is highly differentiated and delivers a significant return on investment to customers; we look forward to expanding our commitments to existing customers while expanding both nationally and internationally."

About Nuqleous

Established in 2013, Nuqleous is the leading provider of automated retail space-planning and performance analytics software that boosts agility and efficiency for retailers, CPG brands, and distributors. Nuqleous' software products enable customers to improve margins, reduce inefficiencies and turnover, and increase sales for over 700 categories across 3,700 brands representing $40.9 billion in annualized sales. Learn more at https://www.nuqleous.com .

About Blue Ladder Capital

Blue Ladder Capital is an investment and operating firm founded by Garrett Levey and Bill Kloza that specializes in partnering with verticalized market-leading B2B software companies. Blue Ladder is backed by a network of over 40 B2B software executives, all of whom are limited partners or investors in the fund, as well as several leading institutional investment firms including Trilogy Search Partners.

SOURCE Nuqleous
Ahead of its upcoming product launch, the X45the world's first smart nutrition deviceXIM positions itself as one of the world's first 'Nutri-Tech' startups.

SALT LAKE CITY, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- XIM, an emerging startup in the connected wellness landscape, is set to disrupt the nutritional supplement industry with the introduction of its flagship product, the X45, the world's first all-in-one smart nutrition device. As pioneers leading the emergent Nutri-Tech Category, XIM aims to "Revitalize Personalized Wellness," setting a new standard for the industry by bridging the gap between nutrition, technology, and lifestyle. This innovative venture is ready to shake up a segment that hasn't seen this level of innovation since the advent of the shaker bottle more than two decades ago.

XIM: Nutrition Meets Technology Nutrition-On-Autopilot Coming Soon

From Shaker Bottles to Smart Devices: XIM Reinvents Nutrition

From its headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, XIM is challenging the status quo in the supplement preparation segment. The antiquated standbys that have dominated the scene unchallenged are about to confront a game-changing contender. Shaker bottles, a decades-old invention endlessly 'reinvented,' and frothing wands, a cheap solution never designed for nutritional supplement powders, are facing a transformative upgrade.

Through the blending of advanced hardware, innovative technology, and high-quality nutrition, XIM transforms old supplement routines into modern wellness rituals. The X45, meticulously designed and engineered for texture and taste, transcends the conventional shaker bottles and frothing wands, reshaping the future of nutrition with a modern touch.

Leading the Nutri-Tech Revolution: XIM's Nutrition-as-a-Service

As part of its mission to redefine the nutritional supplement industry, XIM is introducing its flagship product, the X45, and its online marketplace, which will feature top brands from across the country. The integration of these two innovations establishes the cornerstone of XIM's unique concept, aptly coined Nutrition-as-a-Service (NaaS). This inventive approach shifts the nutrition world from a static, product-centric model to a dynamic, customer-focused service model, challenging the dated conventions of the fragmented industry and catapulting it into the modern era of connected wellness.

XIM Founder Tayler Scharman's Vision: Empowering Personal Wellness

"Our vision extends far beyond products. From professional athletes to general gym-goers, XIM was created to champion the personal journey toward self-improvement, empowering individuals to achieve their highest ambitions in the arenas they perform. Whether for elite athletes, corporate professionals, or the challenging arena of the stay-at-home parent, XIM aspires to champion every individual's journey toward optimal wellness and peak performance."

The Story Behind XIM: From Elite Athlete to Goldman Sachs to Nutri-Tech Innovator

Combining his corporate experiences from a career that spanned across two divisions at Goldman Sachs and his personal journey as a former elite gymnast, Tayler Scharman, the founder behind XIM, brings a unique perspective to the wellness industry. Inspired by his two young children and the desire to leave a meaningful impact, Scharman stepped away from his career to challenge the status quo and chase his entrepreneurial dreams, leading to the birth of XIM and the X45.

About XIM:

XIM is an innovative startup pioneering the Nutri-Tech Category. With a mission to make healthy, active lifestyles easier and more enjoyable, XIM is dedicated to reshaping how individuals approach nutrition. Our goal is to empower individuals to reach their full potential through optimized, personalized, and convenient nutrition, fueling their performances and paving their path toward optimal wellness.

The X45, coupled with our online marketplace and state-of-the-art hardware, XIM delivers a dynamic, user-centric product and service that caters to individual wellness aspirations. At the touch of a button, XIM provides personalized and convenient nutrition for an optimized wellness experience that's easy to do and enjoyable to taste. By bridging the gap between lifestyle, nutrition, and technology, XIM delivers its revolutionary new model, Nutrition-as-a-Service, bringing the future of nutrition to your fingertips.

The X45, our flagship product, will be available for limited pre-orders at the end of September, with projected delivery in time for your New Year resolutions.

To learn more about XIM, join our waitlist or follow us on social media: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram.

Press Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (435) 210-7372

SOURCE XIM, LLC
Education technology marketing and branding expert Allison Lesser joins StraighterLine as vice president of digital marketing

WASHINGTON, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- StraighterLine , a creator of affordable, flexible and career-aligned postsecondary courses and credentials that serves over 150,000 learners per year, announced today the appointment of Allison Lesser as vice president of digital marketing. With a track record of successfully leading branding and digital and omni-channel marketing for education, consumer and media brands for more than 20 years, Lesser joins the company after spending more than a decade in branding, digital marketing and user experience leadership roles at education technology companies.

"Allison's extensive experience in education technology and her passion for making education and training more accessible align perfectly with StraighterLine's vision," said Heather Combs , CEO of StraighterLine. "We are thrilled to have her join our team and lead our digital marketing efforts. Her expertise and leadership will drive our mission forward and help us reach even more learners around the world."

In her new role, Lesser will oversee digital marketing strategies and initiatives to support the company's growing platform of courses and new product innovations. She will be responsible for shaping the technical vision and strategy for the StraighterLine platform, driving product innovation and enhancing the overall learning experience for students.

Lesser most recently worked for The Teaching Company, known for its content brands The Great Courses and Wondrium. There, led the acquisition marketing team for Wondrium's video streaming product of nonfiction content and successfully hired, trained and mentored a team of marketers. During the pandemic, her team increased spend by more than 70% in a short time frame while keeping the cost per acquisition within business goals. Her dedication and commitment to delivering strong results in a fast-paced and evolving environment exemplify her leadership skills.

Earlier in her career, Lesser held various leadership roles in the education and digital marketing sectors. She began her journey in education technology in 2011 as the director of product marketing for online education developer K12, where she worked closely with market research and developed positioning for educational products. She also served as the director of digital marketing for Envision, the pioneering developer of career exploration and leadership development experiences for K-12 students. She began her career working in the global headquarters of AOL, where she spent ten years focused on consumer experience and driving product, marketing and content teams to make decisions based on consumer data.

Aside from her professional achievements, Lesser is actively involved in volunteer work and regularly participates in races that support various causes and sponsors two children from Tanzania through Compassion International, providing them with letters of encouragement. She also volunteers at Potowmack Elementary in Sterling, Virginia, where she works closely with the school liaison and social worker to identify ways to help families in need. A resident of Northern Virginia, Lesser has been happily married to her husband, Chris Lesser, for 20 years and is a proud mother of two teenage children.

About StraighterLine: StraighterLine is the leading provider of high-quality, affordable, online courses that help learners earn college credit and meet their professional goals. Each year, 150,000 learners take one of StraighterLine's 250+ courses to upskill into new careers or earn credit from over 2,000 colleges and universities worldwide. StraighterLine works with institutions and corporate partners to provide their students and employees with flexible education options that allow them to work and learn at their own pace. Visit www.straighterline.com for more information.

SOURCE StraighterLine
New US aid to Ukraine consists of missiles for HIMARS, wide range of ammunition, surveillance drones  media

The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden is sending Ukraine additional military assistance worth up to $400 million, including various munitions for air defense systems and surveillance drones, the Associated Press said, citing U.S. officials.

The delivery set includes a wide range of ammunition: from missiles for MLRS HIMARS and NASAMS to MANPAD Stinger and ATGM Javelin.

The United States is also sending howitzer artillery shells and 32 Stryker armored vehicles, as well as mortars, Hydra-70 rockets and 28 million small arms rounds, officials said.

In addition, the aid package will include Hornet drones, which are used primarily for intelligence gathering.

It is noted that the weapons are provided within the powers of the president, which will allow the Pentagon to quickly take ammunition from its own stocks and deliver them to Ukraine within a few days.
Former Cetera team, with more than $250 million in total client assets, look to improve technology and client service experience

PHOENIX, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Osaic, one of the nation's largest providers of wealth management services, welcomes Vitucci Integrated Planning (Vitucci) to its newly rebranded and consolidated firm. Jason Vitucci, CFP, EA, CWS, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Vitucci, and his team of tax, financial planning and client support professionals manage $254 million in total client assets. Mr. Vitucci has over 25 years of experience as a financial advisor and joins Osaic from Cetera Advisors.

Headquartered in Walnut Creek, California and serving clients in the San Francisco Bay area, Vitucci specializes in the integration of financial planning, investment strategies and tax advice for clients. The boutique wealth management practice focuses on fee-based investment management and bridging the disconnect between tax planning and investing. Vitucci has built its business by helping pre-retirees, business owners and busy executives structure their net worth in a way that minimizes taxes, volatility and risk.

Mr. Vitucci said, "With Osaic, we're able to leverage superior services, technology and resources to create efficiencies and allow our staff the time they need to create an exceptional client experience. Osaic's commitment to providing its advisors the flexibility and tools they need to grow their businesses prove they understand our business and fully support our expansion goals, as we look to further integrate wealth management and tax planning offerings."

Prior to his affiliation with Cetera advisors over the past 15 years, Mr. Vitucci spent time with AIG Financial Advisors, Sun America Securities and Securities America. Mr. Vitucci is a graduate of Saint Mary's College, earned a post-graduate diploma from UC Berkeley and a master's degree from University of London. He is a Certified Financial Planner professional, and an Enrolled Agent.

Recruiting success continues at Osaic

"Jason and his team chose Osaic to build upon their considerable success," added Kristen Kimmell, Executive Vice President Business Development, Osaic. "As Osaic charts its course in a quickly evolving wealth management industry, we are seeing growing interest from advisors and practices across the independent space who want to be a part of the future we are building. It's an exciting time at Osaic, and we are proud to partner with Vitucci Integrated Planning."

About Osaic

Osaic, Inc. ("Osaic"), a portfolio company of Reverence Capital Partners, is one of the nation's largest providers of wealth management solutions, supporting over 11,000 financial professionals. Our mission is to support the strategic role that financial professionals can play in the lives of their clients. Cultivating a spirit of entrepreneurship and independence, Osaic champions the enduring value of financial professionals. For more information visit www.osaic.com

Securities and investment advisory services are offered through the firms: FSC Securities Corporation, Osaic Wealth, Inc., SagePoint Financial, Inc., Triad Advisors, LLC, Infinex Investments, Inc., and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, and members of FINRA and SIPC. Securities are offered through Securities America, Inc., American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc., and Ladenburg Thalmann & Co., broker-dealers and member of FINRA and SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Arbor Point Advisors, LLC, American Portfolios Advisors, Inc., Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management, Inc., Securities America Advisors, Inc., and Triad Hybrid Solutions, LLC, registered investment advisers. Advisory programs offered by FSC Securities Corporation, Osaic Wealth, Inc., SagePoint Financial, Inc., Securities America Advisors, Inc., Triad Advisors, LLC., and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., are sponsored by VISION2020 Wealth Management Corp., an affiliated registered investment adviser.

Media Inquiries

Joseph Kuo / Donald Cutler

Haven Tower Group

[email protected] or [email protected]

424 317 4851 or 424 317 4864

SOURCE Osaic, Inc.
O.A.T. is #4 Best Intimate-ship Ocean Cruise Line

BOSTON, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.), the leader in personalized small group and solo travel, announced that it has been named #4 in the Best Intimate-ship Ocean Cruise Lines category in the Travel + Leisure 2023 World's Best Awards.

"This award reflects our commitment to providing exceptional experiences for our travelers," said Brian FitzGerald, Chief Executive Officer of O.A.T. "We are honored to be recognized by Travel + Leisure again this year and thank our travelers for making this possible."

According to Travel + Leisure, the Best Intimate-ship Ocean Cruise Lines category honors the smallest oceangoing vessels  those with fewer than 150 cabins. Travelers rate ships on cabins/facilities; food; service; itineraries/destinations; excursions/activities; and value.

Small ships, access to lesser-visited ports

The intimate nature of the company's Small Ship Adventures defies traditional ideas of ocean cruising. O.A.T.'s small ships can access smaller, more unique ports that others cannot.

With its small group size of no more than 16 travelers by land and 25 by ship, O.A.T. takes travelers off the beaten path where big tour groups cannot go. O.A.T. travelers stay in intimate lodgings unique to their destination, travel like locals do, and slip seamlessly into local life. Local Trip Experience Leaders offer firsthand insights and support to travelers throughout the journey.

O.A.T. itineraries are designed to focus on cultural connectionsfrom sharing meals with families during Home-Hosted Visits and spending A Day in the Life of people who live in the regions visited, to discussing modern-day Controversial Topics with local experts and visiting Grand Circle Foundation sites such as schools, women's co-ops, and more. Travelers enjoy the choice to personalize their experiencefrom arriving early to extending time abroad with trip extensionsto make the most of their vacation.

Leader in Solo Travel

Solo travelers with O.A.T. enjoy unmatched value with its Free or low-cost Single Supplements. More than 130,000 solo travelers have explored with O.A.T. since 2015. Solos may also join O.A.T. through its free roommate matching service if single spaces are filled.

To learn more about O.A.T., visit www.oattravel.com or call 1-800-955-1925.

ABOUT OVERSEAS ADVENTURE TRAVEL

Established in 1978, Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.) is part of Boston-based Grand Circle Corporation's family of travel companies, which also include Grand Circle Cruise Line and Grand Circle Travel. In 1992, owners Alan and Harriet Lewis established the nonprofit Grand Circle Foundation to support communities in which Grand Circle works and travels, including some 300 humanitarian, cultural, and educational endeavors worldwideamong them, 100 schools, in 50 countries. The Foundation is an entity of the Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation, which has pledged or donated more than $250 million since 1981.

SOURCE Overseas Adventure Travel
MIAMI, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pan Am Flight Academy, renowned leading center for aviation training, has announced the successful qualification of its state-of-the-art Level D B737 MAX-8 simulator. The simulator, equipped with the latest L3 Harris Reality-Seven technology, has completed its rigorous testing and will be ready to facilitate pilot training starting August 1, 2023.

With its cutting-edge features and advanced capabilities, the B737 MAX-8 simulator guarantees an immersive and realistic training experience. Boasting the latest advancements such as the Runway Awareness and Advisory System (RAAS), TCAS II-7.1, weather radar, electric control loading and motion system, and RSi EPIC visual system, this simulator sets a new standard in aviation training.

With cutting-edge features Pan Am's new B737 MAX-8 sim guarantees an immersive and realistic training experience. Tweet this

"The qualification of the B737 MAX-8 simulator reaffirms our commitment to providing the highest quality training experience for our students. We are thrilled to offer this state-of-the-art simulator, which represents a substantial investment in our training programs," said Jeff Portanova, President of Pan Am Flight Academy.

The addition of the B737 MAX-8 simulator solidifies the Academy's position as a leading provider in the aviation industry. Pilots from airlines and aviation organizations worldwide will now have access to enhanced training options, enabling them to sharpen their skills and expertise on this highly popular commercial aircraft.

Pan Am Flight Academy provides a comprehensive range of programs for commercial pilots, including initial type ratings, upgrades, recurrent training, ATP-CTP, and various specialized courses. The addition of the B737 MAX-8 simulator reinforces Pan Am Flight Academy's dedication to meeting the evolving demands of the industry and ensuring pilots receive the highest standard of instruction.

"With the qualification of the B737 MAX-8 simulator, we stand ready to welcome commercial pilots, offering a training experience that is unparalleled in its authenticity and technological advancements" Jeff Portanova concluded.

For more information about Pan Am Flight Academy and its training programs, please visit www.panamacademy.com.

SOURCE Pan Am Flight Academy
SHANGHAI, July 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Panlin Capital, a leading venture capital firm focusing on Chinese technological innovation, announced the successful closing of its 12th RMB-denominated main fund, "Chengdu Panlin Xiangxu Fund". This fund is the first established by Panlin Capital in Chengdu, and it is another highly institutionalized RMB fund established by Panlin Capital after its Shanghai Science and Technology Innovation Flagship Fund.

Panlin Chengdu Xiangxu Fund is a strategic move made by Panlin Capital in Chengdu against market trends, with the support of both new and old investors. In addition to reinvestments from entrepreneur-represented veteran investors, the fund has also garnered support from institutional investors such as government-guided funds, national master funds, market-based financial institutions, and listed companies. These include local Chengdu institutions such as the Chengdu Productivity Promotion Center, which is a municipal-level science and technology start-up angel investment guidance fund, Chengdu Science Service Group, as well as CICC Genesis, a national emerging industry venture capital fund. Listed companies like Luzhou Laojiao (000568) and Eurocrane (603966) are also among the supporters.

In recent years, the structure of investors in Panlin Capital has been continuously optimized, especially with a significant increase in the proportion of institutional investors in the Panlin Chengdu Xiangxu Fund. This is of milestone significance for Panlin Capital: with entrepreneur-represented veteran investors serving as the cornerstone, complemented by government-guided funds, the two form the basis of Panlin's fund-raising efforts. On top of this, listed companies and financial institutions are also introduced. The support from these different types of investors validates Panlin's capabilities in terms of returns, reinvestment, and investment matching with industries. All of this is the result of Panlin's deep cultivation and professional accumulation in the field of technological innovation.

Li Yuhui, the founding managing partner of Panlin Capital, said: "I want to thank both our new and old investors for their trust and support, and for accompanying Panlin in supporting technological entrepreneurs to participate in the magnificent cause of national scientific and technological innovation. Over the past several years, Panlin has also accompanied and witnessed numerous science and technology enterprises growing into industry leaders, helped scientists successfully transition to entrepreneurs, and brought tremendous momentum to the translation of scientific research and industrial progress. We will continue to delve into the field of technological innovation, creating substantial returns for our investors while continuing to support the entrepreneurs among scientists."

Panlin Chengdu Fund focuses on To B and technology fields, guided by demand and technology. It mainly invests in To B companies (software, intelligent equipment, industrial aggregation platforms) that meet the demand for cost reduction, efficiency improvement and quality enhancement of B-end, as well as hard technology enterprises that have autonomous control over domestic replacement or key technology (critical components, equipment category). As of now, the fund has completed investments in several tech projects including Percipio.XYZ, Chipanalog, Terapark, AIPlanck, Easylogic, Ruiyun Cold Chain, Ele007.com and O-cubes.

This investment strategy has evolved from "To B" to "To B and Technology". It is largely a deeper understanding by Panlin of China's industrial transformation and upgrading, as well as China's future development. "To B" is based on the emergence of personalized needs from China's emerging consumer groups, which forces the B-end to respond quickly and produce corresponding products or services. At the same time, the arrival of China's aging society and the demand for macro-industrial upgrading in China are forcing the B-end to reduce costs, improve quality, and increase efficiency. "Technology" is based on the great strategic backdrop of China's national economic development safety and autonomous control over high-end sophisticated technology, the breakthrough in autonomous research and development of key technology is in line with the national will.

Based on their early experience in Chengdu, Panlin Capital is planning a new comprehensive fund in Chengdu in conjunction with industries and listed companies. The main investment direction will cover Panlin's two major areas: Healthcare and To B and Technology. They hope to excavate and accompany more resilient growth of China's independent innovation technology companies with greater momentum.

SOURCE Panlin Capital
NEW YORK and MIAMI, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Parkinson's Foundation today announced the recipients of nearly $1 million in community grants for Parkinson's disease (PD) programs across the U.S. The programs funded by the Foundation will benefit people with PD in 35 states. The Foundation invests in community programs that make an impact in local communities and help people live better with PD by providing support for unmet health, wellness, and educational needs.

"Community-based grants empower leaders of meaningful Parkinson's programs who both understand and are equipped to address the local community's most pressing needs," said Parkinson's Foundation President and CEO John L. Lehr. "These investments reflect the Foundation's continued commitment to making a difference in the lives of people with PD from all walks of life."

Community grants range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $25,000 per recipient. The 2023 grant cycle focuses on programs that educate and deliver exercise specifically designed for people with PD, reach those who are PD care partners, and address the intersection of mental health and PD.

"The goal of our program, Get Living with Parkinson's, is to promote physical, mental, emotional, and social health for people with Parkinson's and their care partners, supporting each participant as a whole person," said Megan Munoz, recreation supervisor for the program in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. "With this generous grant from the Parkinson's Foundation, we will be able to improve upon and expand our program further into the community and surrounding areas to reach everyone who can benefit from the program's offerings."

Since 2011, the Foundation has invested more than $10.4 million in 787 community-based programs. To see the full list of the 2023 community grant recipients, visit Parkinson.org/CommunityGrants.

About the Parkinson's Foundation

The Parkinson's Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson's disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson's community. Since 1957, the Parkinson's Foundation has invested more than $425 million in Parkinson's research and clinical care. Connect with us on Parkinson.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or call 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).

About Parkinson's Disease

Affecting an estimated one million Americans, Parkinson's disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's and is the 14th-leading cause of death in the U.S. It is associated with a progressive loss of motor control (e.g., shaking or tremor at rest and lack of facial expression), as well as non-motor symptoms (e.g., depression and anxiety). There is no cure for Parkinson's and nearly 90,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Marissa Cruz

Parkinson's Foundation

[email protected]

305-537-9926

Parkinson.org

SOURCE Parkinson's Foundation
NMC and DWS secure $500 million for the Four Columns Junior Capital Fund VI

MILWAUKEE, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Northwestern Mutual Capital and DWS Group have secured $500 million in commitments from investors, successfully accomplishing the goal of the partnership between the two companies.

Today's announcement officially closes fundraising for the Four Columns Junior Capital Fund VI ("the Fund") with the $500 million in commitments coming from limited partners representing institutional investors from North America, Asia and Europe. Northwestern Mutual Capital ("NMC") and DWS Group ("DWS") first announced their partnership in October 2020 to identify and develop private market investment opportunities.

NMC has been investing in junior capital and private equity for more than 40 years, including $14 billion in junior capital through 425 investments since 2000. Through its partnership with DWS, NMC has grown third-party assets and further diversified.

"This is a unique opportunity for investors to access the same investments that Northwestern Mutual selects for its own general account," said Dan Julka, vice president  securities of the Northwestern Mutual Investment Management Company and Head of Northwestern Mutual Capital. "We are pleased with the progress of the Fund to date. The current market environment has allowed NMC to continue to differentiate itself by providing our private equity partners with steady access to capital for businesses we find attractive and improved economics and terms to our investors."

"This collaboration with Northwestern Mutual Capital affords our clients access to a strong private credit investing team and unique platform not typically available to outside investors," said Paul Kelly, head of alternative investments at DWS. "The NMC partnership is a great complement to DWS's USD 123 billion1 global Alternatives business as we continue to grow and expand our offerings across the private debt investment spectrum."

The Fund is unlevered and invests in junior capital of performing, private-equity-backed businesses directly sourced from leading North American and European private equity sponsors. NMC serves as the Fund's portfolio manager. A fixed portion of each junior capital investment sourced by NMC for its parent company, Northwestern Mutual, is allocated to the Fund, thereby providing investors with strong alignment with Northwestern Mutual, a company that has been helping people and businesses achieve greater financial security for more than 165 years.

DWS, a leading global asset manager, serves as the Fund Manager, providing the fund and its investors with institutional-caliber fund operations and administrative services, along with certain relationship management and fund oversight functions.

Since beginning its investment period in 2022, the Fund has made 30 separate commitments and is expected to provide investors with a highly diversified portfolio of an estimated 75-100 investments by the end of the investment period.

About Northwestern Mutual Capital ("NMC") and Northwestern Mutual

NMC provides private market investment management and advisory services to Northwestern Mutual and other institutional clients. Led by a senior team with an average of more than 20 years working together, NMC's 30+ investment professionals take pride in building strong relationships based on extensive deal-making capabilities and dependability. NMC has a long, proven track record across industries and asset classes through more than four decades of market cycles.

As of year-end 2022, NMC was responsible for managing portfolios with total AUM of $58 billion, including $16 billion of private equity and related investments.

https://media.nmfn.com/capital/index.html

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. With more than $558 billion of total assets being managed across the company's institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, nearly $35 billion in revenues, and $2.2 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 111 on the 2023 FORTUNE 500.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company (NMWMC) (investment advisory and services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance). Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with "Advisor" in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of NMWMC are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide investment advisory services.

About DWS Group

DWS Group (DWS) with EUR 841bn of assets under management (as of 31 March 2023) aspires to be one of the world's leading asset managers. Building on more than 60 years of experience, it has a reputation for excellence in Germany, Europe, and the Americas and Asia. DWS is recognized by clients globally as a trusted source for integrated investment solutions, stability and innovation across a full spectrum of investment disciplines.

We offer individuals and institutions access to our strong investment capabilities across all major liquid and illiquid asset classes as well as solutions aligned to growth trends. Our diverse expertise in Active, Passive and Alternatives asset management complements each other when creating targeted solutions for our clients. Our expertise and on-the-ground knowledge of our economists, research analysts and investment professionals are brought together in one consistent global CIO View, giving strategic guidance to our investment approach.

DWS wants to innovate and shape the future of investing. We understand that, both as a firm as well as a trusted advisor to our clients, we have an important role in helping navigate transition to a more sustainable future. With approximately 3,800 employees in offices all over the world, we are local while being one global team. We are committed to acting on behalf of our clients and investing with their best interests at heart so that they can reach their financial goals, no matter what the future holds. With our entrepreneurial, collaborative spirt, we work every day to deliver outstanding results, in both good and challenging times to build the best foundation for our clients' financial future.

The brand DWS represents DWS Group gmbH & Co. KGaA and any of its subsidiaries such as DWS Distributors, Inc., which offers investment products, or DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. and RREEF America L.L.C., which offer advisory services.

NOT FDIC / NCUA INSURED  MAY LOSE VALUE  NO BANK GUARANTEE

NOT A DEPOSIT  NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

1 1 As of March 31, 2023

SOURCE Northwestern Mutual
DUBLIN, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Perrigo Company plc (NYSE: PRGO), a leading provider of Consumer Self-Care Products, today announced that it plans to issue its second quarter 2023 financial results on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, and will host a conference call beginning at 8:30 A.M. (EST).

Separately, President and CEO, Patrick Lockwood-Taylor and CFO Eduardo Bezerra are scheduled to present at the Canaccord Genuity 43rd Annual Growth Conference in Boston on Wednesday, August 9th at 10:30 A.M. (EST). The presentation link to the live webcast will be available within the investor relations section of the Perrigo website.

The earnings conference call will be available live via webcast to interested parties in the investor relations section of the Perrigo website at http://perrigo.investorroom.com/events-webcasts or by phone at 888-317-6003, International 412-317-6061, and reference ID # 6916237. A taped replay of the call will be available beginning at approximately 12:00 P.M. (EST) Tuesday, August 8, until midnight Tuesday, August 15, 2023. To listen to the replay, dial 877-344-7529, International 412-317-0088, and use access code 4782572.

About Perrigo

Perrigo Company plc (NYSE: PRGO) is a leading provider of Consumer Self-Care Products and over-the-counter (OTC) health and wellness solutions that enhance individual well-being by empowering consumers to proactively prevent or treat conditions that can be self-managed. Visit Perrigo online at www.perrigo.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes, and the matters discussed in Perrigo's upcoming earnings release will include certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Litigation Securities Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factorsmany of which beyond the Company's controlthat may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from its current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. Interested persons are urged to consult the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, available at https://investor.perrigo.com/sec-filings, for a discussion of the Company's business and financial condition and certain material trends, risks, uncertainties and other factors relating thereto, including those discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

SOURCE Perrigo Company plc
LONDON, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The import-export industry is facing a challenging time with new changes to commodity codes causing disruptions. myUKmailbox , a leading package forwarding service, reports at least a 30% increase in export times and red tape.

Commodity codes are crucial for classifying imported and exported goods worldwide. The World Customs Organisation changed the codes earlier this year, and the impact on UK businesses is significant.

"Since Brexit, international shipping has become a lot more complicated," said Jamie Sheldon, co-founder of myUKmailbox. "The changes in commodity codes have led to longer export times and more bureaucracy. Unsurprisingly, it's a significant concern for all types of businesses."

The added time and complexity disrupt operations and cost businesses money. Even businesses sending similar items regularly are affected, as it takes time to find the correct code.

"The government site for finding commodity codes is a bit of a minefield, and ensuring you've got the right code takes time. There's software available to help find the right codes, but it comes at a cost. This can be a significant investment for small businesses and individual consumers," Jamie added.

Getting commodity codes right is complex but crucial. Choosing the wrong code can stop items from being shipped, harming a business's reputation for customer service and reliability.

myUKmailbox offers a UK mailing address for customers shopping online in UK stores from abroad. The parcels arrive at their warehouse and are then shipped to the customer's location anywhere in the world.

"Our team is working hard to navigate the changes. We're doing everything we can to ensure a smooth shopping experience for our customers," said Jamie. "But we deal with these codes daily, and they've added significant time to our processes. I worry about what the changes could mean for smaller businesses."

The changes in commodity codes have slowed down the process. Customs declarations are more complex, and this leads to delays at the border and increased costs.

"The new commodity codes have made customs declarations more complex. This has led to delays at the border, increasing costs and affecting our efficiency," Jamie explained.

SOURCE myUKmailbox
The company's investment paired with the research and development roadmap for future module launches, helps businesses of all sizes access to speed and scale, and unlocks the tools to create immediate impact on growth

SAN DIEGO, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Power Digital, a leading tech-enabled growth marketing firm announces today the launch of nova Intelligence , the first marketing Intelligence application that empowers marketers with the information they need to scale, within minutes.

This initial launch of nova Intelligence includes three modules: nova Forecasts, nova Cohorts, and nova Customer Insights, and precedes a roadmap for additional module launches this year. Through the remainder of 2023, existing Power Digital and prospective clients will have access to the nova Intelligence modules and insights.

"As a market leading data and technology enabled performance marketing firm, we've invested heavily into R&D over the past 10 years, to build out our nova Platform and portfolio of nova applications designed for businesses of all sizes to access enterprise level machine learning, analytics, customer mapping and insights," said Jeff Mason, CEO at Power Digital. "This investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to both our team and clients, allowing us to drive impact at scale 2.4x faster than the industry average."

nova Intelligence automatically converts complex information straight from a brand's website, media activities, and CRM to deliver meaningful, pointed insights that can quickly be leveraged to drive immediate impact on business growth. With data-powered transparency, marketers are empowered to make meaningful decisions with confidence. The three core modules within this new application directly provide comprehensive solutions for business challenges. Within nova Forecasts, professionals are provided the answers to real time revenue forecasting that leverages both Machine Learning and AI to predict revenue trends, across various data points. nova Cohorts, quickly and accurately identifies the quickest win audiences to drive immediate revenue growth. nova Customer Insights then identifies valuable/invaluable customers, providing insight into their behaviors, preferences, and industry trends.

"Our new nova Intelligence application is built for marketers, by marketers, to effectively play and win in today's performance marketing marketplace," said Michael Murray, Chief Product Officer. "As marketers ourselves, we understand the challenges faced in today's data and technology powered digital landscape, and we aim to provide critical solutions that marketers and business leaders need along with the expertise to drive results fast. Through our R&D efforts, along with some strategic partners, nova Intelligence allows leading brands to make informed decisions and unlock meaningful growth opportunities."

For more information about nova Intelligence, how brands can unlock this insight, and on the future roadmap, please visit powerdigitalmarketing.com/novaintelligence

ABOUT POWER DIGITAL:

Power Digital is a tech-enabled growth firmat the intersection of marketing, consulting & data intelligenceigniting revenue and brand recognition for leading and emerging companies around the world. At the heart of Power Digital is proprietary technology, nova, which analyzes businesses through first-party data, simplifying investment planning for marketing and diligence in M&Aputting marketers in a strategic seat at the tableand providing value in unparalleled ways. Managing billions in media, Power Digital's dynamic teamof consultative marketers, creatives, analysts and technologistschallenge traditional ways of planning, execution and measurement through meticulous testing and data science across each milestone of the customer journey. Discover more at www.PowerDigitalMarketing.com .

ABOUT COURT SQUARE CAPITAL PARTNERS:

Court Square is a middle market private equity firm with over 40 years' experience in the industry. Since 1979, Court Square has completed over 245 platform investments, helping Founders, Families, and Manager-owners to develop their companies into leaders in their respective markets. Court Square invests in companies that have compelling growth potential in the industrial, business services, healthcare, and tech and telecom sectors. Court Square has $7.4 billion of assets under management and is based in New York, N.Y. For more information on Court Square, please visit www.courtsquare.com.

Media Contact

Lauren Flanagan

[email protected]

SOURCE Power Digital
SAN FRANCISCO, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global protein expression market size is expected to reach USD 6.64 billion by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., expanding at a CAGR of 9.36% from 2023 to 2030. The increasing research in proteomics and genomics, the rising incidence of chronic diseases, and escalating demand for biologic products around the globe are enhancing the demand for protein expression, which is likely to drive the market. For instance, in April 2022, in a research published on Frontiers Media S.A., researchers differentially expressed 22 proteins to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Key Industry Insights & Findings from the report:

By expression system, the prokaryotic segment accounted for the largest share in 2022. The high usage of this system among the researchers is due to enabling them to produce biologically active proteins in large quantities in a short time.

By product, the services segment is anticipated to witness lucrative growth over the forecast period. The increasing outsourcing to CROs and growing demand for recombinant protein in the non-healthcare sectors are fueling the segment growth.

By application, the therapeutic segment dominated the market in 2022. This is attributed to an increase in R&D investment and strategic initiatives such as fundraising.

By end-user, the pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies segment held the largest revenue share in 2022 owing to the growing demand for biologics for chronic diseases.

North America dominated the global market in 2022 owing to the availability of funding opportunities for emerging players, along with the existence of significant R&D investment in the region.

Read 150 page market research report, "Protein Expression Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Expression System (Prokaryotic, Mammalian Cell), By Product (Reagents, Competent Cells), By Application (Therapeutic, Industrial), By End-use, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030", published by Grand View Research.

Protein Expression Market Growth & Trends

An increase in R&D investments by the players is estimated to have a considerable impact on the usage of protein expression. In August 2022, the managing director of Biocon Biologics stated in one of his interviews that the overall cost of the R&D is 12-14% of revenues. The investment is essential to build a sustainable portfolio of around 20 biosimilar molecules and the company is anticipated to launch at least once every 1-2 years. The approximate cost of developing these molecules is USD 50-100 million.

Other determinants such as rapid acceleration in the demand for protein therapeutics and government investment in the applications of the protein expression industry are also supporting the market growth. For instance, in May 2022, Proteomics International Laboratories was awarded approximately USD 286,833 funding from the Australian Government under the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) initiative. The funding is expected to support the manufacturing of the PromarkerD test in Australia. Such financial assistances are likely to supplement the market growth in the coming years.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic developed the urge to profile and conduct differential gene expression analyses on COVID-19 patients. Research published in Briefings in Bioinformatics, March 2021, employed the data of protein-drug interaction to identify the prospective drugs for COVID-19. As a result, the usage of the process is projected to upsurge during the COVID-19 pandemic and contribute to market growth.

The growing requirement for personalized therapy and vaccine is expected to be the key factor fueling the market growth during the forecast period. For instance, in January 2022, Amgen announced a collaboration with Generate Biomedicines to discover and develop protein therapeutics for various areas. The companies are estimating the worth of this collaboration around USD 1.9 billion.

The increasing development of recombinant proteins for industrial use, such as the production of food and beverages, is anticipated to boost the use of protein expression in the non-healthcare sector. However, the retail pricings of recombinant proteins for industrial and pharmaceutical uses are drastically different as pharmaceutical proteins are sold for billions of dollars per kg, while industrial proteins for tens of dollars per kg. R&D, clinical trials, and patents are the additional requirements of pharmaceutical proteins.

Protein Expression Market Report Scope

Report Attribute Details Market size value in 2023 USD 3.55 billion Revenue forecast in 2030 USD 6.64 billion Growth rate CAGR of 9.36% from 2023 to 2030 Base year for estimation 2022 Historical data 2018 - 2021 Forecast period 2023 - 2030

Protein Expression Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global protein expression market report on the basis of expression system, products, application, end-use, and region:

Protein Expression Market - System Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Prokaryotic

Mammalian Cell

Insect Cell

Yeast

Others

Protein Expression Market - Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Reagents

Competent Cells

Expression Vectors

Services

Instruments

Protein Expression Market - Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Therapeutic

Industrial

Research

Protein Expression Market - End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnological Companies

Academic Research

Contract research organizations

Others

Protein Expression Market - Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

North America

U.S.



Canada

Europe

UK



Germany



France



Italy



Spain



Denmark



Sweden



Norway

Asia Pacific

Japan

China



India



South Korea



Australia



Thailand

Latin America

Brazil



Mexico



Argentina

Middle East & Africa

& South Africa



Saudi Arabia



UAE



Kuwait

List of Key Players in Protein Expression Market

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Bio-Rad Laboratories

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

Merck Millipore

New England BioLabs, Inc.

Promega Corporation

QIAGEN

Takara Bio , Inc.

, Inc. Oxford Expression Technologies

Lucigen Corporation

Check out more related studies published by Grand View Research:

Biosimilars Market - The global biosimilars market size is expected to reach USD 76.2 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 15.9% from 2023 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growth of this market can be attributed to their cost effectiveness for both patients & manufacturers and the increasing prevalence of chronic & non-communicable diseases, such as cancer and anemia. According to the World Health Organization estimates, 40% of children below five years of age, and 30% of women between the age group of 15 and 49 years are suffering from anemia. Moreover, biosimilar drugs offer almost similar results and are considered a more affordable alternative to their reference biologics.

- The global biosimilars market size is expected to reach by 2030, registering a CAGR of 15.9% from 2023 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growth of this market can be attributed to their cost effectiveness for both patients & manufacturers and the increasing prevalence of chronic & non-communicable diseases, such as cancer and anemia. According to the World Health Organization estimates, 40% of children below five years of age, and 30% of women between the age group of 15 and 49 years are suffering from anemia. Moreover, biosimilar drugs offer almost similar results and are considered a more affordable alternative to their reference biologics. Biologics Market - The global biologics market size is expected to reach USD 1,009.37 billion by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 10.3% from 2023 to 2030. Increasing burden of cancer, neurological diseases, genetic diseases and autoimmune diseases and approval of novel biologic drugs such as gene therapy, RNAi therapeutics, and antibody-drug conjugates are a few factors driving the biologics market.

- The global biologics market size is expected to reach by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 10.3% from 2023 to 2030. Increasing burden of cancer, neurological diseases, genetic diseases and autoimmune diseases and approval of novel biologic drugs such as gene therapy, RNAi therapeutics, and antibody-drug conjugates are a few factors driving the biologics market. Plant-based Excipients Market - The global plant-based excipients market size is expected to reach USD 2.50 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 4.28% from 2023 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growth of the plant-based excipients market is attributed to the supportive initiatives by regulatory authorities to bring new excipients into the market and an increase in the R&D activities for new plant-based excipients are some major factors supporting market growth.

Browse through Grand View Research's Pharmaceuticals Research Reports.

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research Helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead.

Contact:

Sherry James

Corporate Sales Specialist, USA

Grand View Research, Inc.

Phone: 1-415-349-0058

Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519

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SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc.
The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) is handing over protective respirator masks to the communities of Zaporizhia and Dnipro.

"More than 4,000 protective respirator masks are being donated by the Ukrainian Red Cross Society with the support of the Canadian Red Cross to communities. Currently, this humanitarian aid is primarily being transferred to Zaporizhia and Dnipro," the society saidon Facebook on Tuesday.

The Ukrainian Red Cross Society also said respirator masks will gradually be sent to other cities in Ukraine, whose residents may potentially need such protective equipment.

These types of respirators provide at least 15 minutes of respiratory, eye and face protection from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats, which, in case of danger, will protect citizens during emergency evacuation.
DUBLIN, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Qatar Construction Equipment Market - Strategic Assessment & Forecast 2023-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Qatar construction equipment market is expected to reach 8,596 units by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.54%.

Caterpillar, Volvo Construction Equipment, JCB, Komatsu, and HD Hyundai Construction Equipment are market leaders in the Qatar construction equipment market. These companies have a strong industry share and offer diverse sets of equipment. In 2022, Mannai Trading Co. (the official dealer of JCB in Qatar) delivered JCB 3DX PLUS backhoe loaders to Boom Construction Company in Doha.

Material handling equipment accounted for the largest market share in the Qatar construction equipment market in 2022. Cranes in the material handling segment accounted for the largest share. Rising investment in housing, warehouse expansion, and renewable energy projects is expected to drive the demand for cranes in the industry.

In 2022, the country's natural gas industry benefitted due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. The political tension between Russia and other European countries such as the US, Canada, the UK, Poland, and others expect to boost Qatar's natural gas industry's growth.

Qatar Public Works Authority (Ashghal), in March 2023, awarded the main construction contract 'Roads and Infrastructure' works in Rawdat Egdaim and Ezghawa with a value of USD 67 million. The project is scheduled for completion by the third quarter of 2025.

MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

Qatar's National Vision Plan 2030 to Boost the Qatar Construction Equipment Market



A few public infrastructure projects under the QNV 2030 include the Qatar Integrated Rail, a USD 40 billion urban metro, high-speed passenger railway, freight line system, and the New Port Project, a USD 7.4 billion mega port designed for food security facilities and warehouses.

The expansion of the Hamad International Airport is also included, with a budget of USD 15.5 billion. Qatar's 2023 budget outlined the implementation of 22 new projects with a total value of USD 2.6 billion. The budget also aims to develop several new schools and improve school facilities in addition to new and existing hospitals and healthcare centers.

Further, Qatar Public Works Authority (Ashghal) in March 2023 awarded the main construction contract 'Roads and Infrastructure' works in Rawdat Egdaim and Ezghawa with a value of $67 million. The project is scheduled for completion by the third quarter of 2025.



Qatar's Energy Sustainability Strategy to Propel the Demand for Material Handling Equipment



In 2022, Doha's Energy Minister started developing two major solar projects that will more than double its energy output from renewable sources within two years. These new plants will be developed at Mesaieed and Ras Laffan, generating a total output of 1.67 gigawatts by the end of 2024.

The country also announced its 5 GW solar energy capacity target by 2035. Furthermore, Qatar's Energy Sustainability Strategy 2021 had been set to achieve various targets such as a methane intensity of 0.2% by 2025, carbon reduction intensity of 15% from upstream and 25% from the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities by 2030, and add 2-4 GW of renewable energy by 2030.

Rising Development of Green Buildings in the Region to Boost the Sales of Hybrid and Electric Construction Equipment



As of 2021, according to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Qatar had 1,406 sustainability-certified buildings. The country has the highest number of buildings with the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS). Therefore, the nation is significantly focusing on developing more green buildings in the region in line with its emissions target and will contribute to the Qatar construction equipment market.

Green buildings incorporate solar panels, green roofs, and energy-efficient appliances to minimize environmental impact. Moreover, Qatar's solar energy future is steadily developing. With average daily sun rays of around 9.5 hours, low-cloud cover conditions, and plentiful space, there is excellent scope for the country's small, medium, and large-scale solar power projects.



Extensive Demand for Luffing Cranes in the Country in Response to Various Infrastructure Projects in the Pipeline



Construction is one of the largest sectors in Qatar, and the government is focusing on improving the existing infrastructure and implementing new construction projects. These initiatives expect to spur the demand for the crane market in the Qatar construction equipment market during the forecast period.

Moreover, the demand for tower cranes has increased since 2021 due to the construction of tall building structures and stadiums in Qatar. For instance, Zoomlion's eight luffing jib cranes were used to cap the roof of the Lusail National Stadium in 2021. Similarly, JASO also sold Luffing tower crane in the country in 2021.



INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS

Qatar's Over Dependence on Hydrocarbon Industry Can Impact the Country's Growth Negatively



Qatar's economy heavily depends on the hydrocarbon industry. The oil & gas sector has consistently contributed 80% to the government's revenue since 2014 and 90% to Qatar's total exports. Despite government efforts to promote non-hydrocarbon sectors, the country's economy relies heavily on oil & gas industries.

Moreover, the nation's economic growth depends on the performance of the oil & gas industry, which is entirely influenced by oil prices in the global market. In 2020, there was a decline in oil prices in the global industry, which adversely affected the country's oil & gas industry export. There was a 4% decline in natural gas demand in Qatar in 2020.

Skilled Labour Shortage in the Country to Hamper the Pace of Construction Projects



In a recent survey conducted in 2022 by the government in Qatar, 60% of the respondent's employers mentioned a severe skill shortage in the region. The survey highlighted a massive skill gap in the manufacturing sector. This skill gap can be attributed to labor misallocation, a skewed labor market, and rigid immigration policies. Covid-19 added further pressure to this existing labor crisis in the Gulf nation. Additionally, the country witnessed increasing labor costs due to this looming skill gap.

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

How big is the Qatar construction equipment market?

construction equipment market? What is the growth rate of the Qatar construction equipment market?

construction equipment market? Who are the key players in the Qatar construction equipment market?

construction equipment market? What are the trends in the Qatar construction equipment industry?

construction equipment industry? Which are the major distributor companies in the Qatar construction equipment market?

VENDOR LANDSCAPE

Prominent Vendors

Caterpillar

Komatsu

Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group Co. Ltd. (XCMG)

Liebherr

Volvo Construction Equipment

Hitachi Construction Machinery

Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd.

JCB

SANY

HD Hyundai Construction Equipment Co., Ltd.

Other Prominent Vendors

Kobelco

Liu Gong

Yanmar

Tadano

CNH Industrial

MERLO Group

SDLG

Distributor Profiles

Qatar Tractors & Equipment Co.

Jaidah Heavy Equipment

Qatar Building Co. Heavy Equipment

Nasser Bin Khaled Heavy Equipment

Mannai Trading Co. WLL

Arabian Agencies Company L.L.C (ARACO)

SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

Segmentation by Type

Earthmoving Equipment

Excavator

Backhoe Loaders

Wheeled Loaders

Other Earthmoving Equipment (Other loaders, Bulldozers, Trenchers)

Road Construction Equipment

Road Rollers

Asphalt Pavers

Material Handling Equipment

Crane

Forklift & Telescopic Handlers

Aerial Platforms (Articulated Boom Lifts, Telescopic Boom lifts, Scissor lifts)

Other Construction Equipment

Dumper

Tipper

Concrete Mixture

Concrete Pump Truck

End Users

Construction

Mining

Manufacturing

Others (Power Generation, Utilities Municipal Corporations, Oil & Gas, Cargo Handling, Power Generation Plants, Waste Management)

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/6ezgt5

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SOURCE Research and Markets
Qorvis Solidifies Position as the Premier Partner at the Intersection of Capital and Influence

DUBAI, UAE, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Qorvis announces the launch and registration of Qorvis GeoPols Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (Qorvis), the company's physical presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

"The strategic expansion positions Qorvis as the premier partner for clients seeking comprehensive solutions at the nexus of capital and influence," says Matt J. Lauer, Chief Executive of Qorvis. "Our capabilities and reachwhich includes the UAE and Gulf Regionempower clients to navigate intricate financial and compliance landscapes while strategically shaping outcomes in the markets of paramount importance."

Qorvis' distinctive value proposition is anchored in three purpose-built practice groups: Strategic Communications, Geopolitical Solutions, and Market Intelligence & Compliance. By seamlessly integrating these specialized areas, Qorvis' DMCC location provides clients with an unprecedented advantage in navigating the financial and regulatory landscape, securing access to capital markets, and fostering transparent communication.

The DMCC leadership team includes diverse expertise to enhance its unique position in the market:

Grace Fenstermaker , Managing Partner for the EMEA region , who has profound understanding of the energy and commodities sectors, garnered through advising multinational corporations, governments, and some of the world's largest commodities traders.

, who has profound understanding of the energy and commodities sectors, garnered through advising multinational corporations, governments, and some of the world's largest commodities traders. Ozkan Yilmaz, Chief Financial Officer, with an extensive background in banking and energy trading, who adds valuable insight and experience to financial endeavors on behalf of both the firm and its clients.

Following the management buyout and relaunch announced earlier in 2023, the establishment of the DMCC hub complements Qorvis' Washington, D.C. headquarters and presence in Geneva, Brussels, and Riyadh with expanded capabilities including capital and financial transaction compliance and transparency solutions, and branded news and premium content. Moreover, Qorvis extends its global advocacy, strategic communications, creative, and digital services to offer a holistic suite of offerings that differentiate the firm within the DMCC and worldwide.

Further expanding the firm's reach in the Middle East, Qorvis also announces the appointment of Jesse Schatz as Director in Riyadh, where he will bring expertise in geopolitics, executive communications, media engagement, and crisis communications to clients throughout the region.

"The DMCC is Dubai's hub for commodities trade and enterpriseand now, the Qorvis hub for the region," says Fenstermaker. "Qorvis has unmatched expertise, experience, and resources that serve our clients in an ever-evolving geopolitical climate, and we look forward to expanding partnerships with companies operating in the UAE and worldwide."

"It is exciting to join Qorvis at a time when the vitality of the reimagined Qorvis brand is matched only by the expertise we can provide to clients as a legacy global communications agency," says Schatz. "I look forward to building on Qorvis' reputation in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region in order to advance clients' priorities to audiences in Qorvis' wide global reach."

SOURCE Qorvis Holding Inc.
Quanta Operating Companies Collaborate to Achieve Solar Industry Top Spot and Historic Milestone

HOUSTON, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE:PWR) announced today that it has been named the top solar infrastructure solutions provider in the United States by Solar Power World. This achievement was made possible by the collaborative work of three Quanta operating companies: Blattner Company, RP Construction Services (RPCS) and The Ryan Company. The combined expertise and efforts of the three companies installed more than two gigawatts of domestic solar generating capacity in 2022 alone  a new milestone of achievement in Top Solar Contractor history.

Duke Austin, Quanta Services' President and Chief Executive Officer said, "Being named Top Solar Contractor is an honor and tells part of the bigger story of how we are working to build a brighter and cleaner energy future for the country. To achieve a reduced-carbon economy, we must actively collaborate to drive the shift toward renewable and sustainable energy solutions."

Quanta's renewable energy infrastructure solutions powers modern life, and with its more than 200 operating companies, Quanta is building, modernizing and maintaining energy infrastructure across North America and Australia. Powerhouse renewable energy engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) solutions provider, Blattner Company, was acquired by Quanta in 2021 and during its history has constructed more than 25 percent of the utility-scale renewable energy generating capacity in the United States. The Ryan Company provides EPC construction solutions for photovoltaic (PV) solar, wind and other renewable generation industries, as well as electrical infrastructure, substations and large-scale public sector construction services. RPCS is one of the nation's leading value-added distributors of utility-scale solar equipment.

"We are incredibly honored to be part of Quanta's standout solar team," said Brett Beatty, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Blattner. "This award is a testament to the hard work, talent and dedication of our more than 4,000 employees working at our renewable energy project sites across the country. They are the reason we're part of this top solar team. We applaud all of the solar contractors that made the list this year."

"Renewable energy accounts for a quarter of U.S. electrical generation, now far exceeding electricity produced by burning coal," said Kelsey Misbrener, managing editor of Solar Power World. "Solar power is an important member of that renewable makeup, and companies on the Top Solar Contractors List are all contributing to our country's shift to cleaner electricity. We are honored to recognize them each year for their necessary work putting green kilowatts on roofs, over parking lots, in desert locations and across water reservoirs. Every project is making a difference."

About Top Solar Contractors

The Top Solar Contractors List is the most recognized annual listing of solar contractors in the United States working in the utility, commercial, residential and community solar markets. Companies on the Top Solar Contractors List are grouped and listed by specific service (developer, electrical subcontractor, EPC, installation subcontractor, installer, sales partner), market (commercial, community solar, residential, utility) and states by 2022 installed capacity (in kW DC ). See all the 2023 winners, including special company awards.

About Quanta Services

Quanta Services is a leading specialized contracting services company, delivering comprehensive infrastructure solutions for the utility, renewable energy, communications, pipeline and energy industries. Quanta's comprehensive services include designing, installing, repairing and maintaining energy and communications infrastructure. With operations throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and select other international markets, Quanta has the manpower, resources and expertise to safely complete projects that are local, regional, national or international in scope. For more information, visit www.quantaservices.com.

About Blattner Company

Blattner is Leading America to a Clean Energy Future. With more than 115 years of construction experience, the company has played a vital role in building America's critical infrastructure. Since 1997, Blattner has focused on renewable energy solutions and is responsible for some of the most significant solar, wind, and storage projects in the U.S. Blattner Company and its operating subsidiaries, Blattner Energy and D.H. Blattner & Sons, are all members of the Quanta Services family of companies. Blattner Company headquarters are in Avon, Minnesota.

About RPCS

RP Construction Services (RPCS) is a leading value-added distributor of utility-scale solar equipment. RPCS offers top solar tracker technologies supported by a suite of project enablement services including design engineering, warehousing and logistics, pre-assembly, and mechanical installation to provide solar EPCs and developers with simple, high-performance solar tracking solutions. Since 2014, RPCS has delivered more than 4GW of fully engineered single-axis solar tracking systems to customer sites in over 40 U.S. states and in Canada. Connect with RPCS on LinkedIn or learn more at www.rpcs.com . RPCS is a proud member of the Quanta Services family of companies.

About The Ryan Company

Established in 1949, The Ryan Company, Inc. specializes in providing single service or turn-key EPC construction for PV solar, wind, and renewables, as well as industry leading electrical infrastructure, substations and large-scale public-sector construction services. The Ryan Company has completed hundreds of electrical utility projects in the past 60+ years throughout the United States and the Caribbean and is a member of the Quanta Services family of companies. Learn more at RyanCompany.net

About Solar Power World

Solar Power World is the leading online and print resource for news and information regarding solar installation, development and technology. Since 2011, Solar Power World has helped U.S. solar contractors  including installers, developers and EPCs in all markets  grow their businesses and do their jobs better.

Cautionary Statement About Forward-Looking Statements and Information

This press release (and oral statements regarding the subject matter of this press release) contains forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the "safe harbor" from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the development of and opportunities with respect to future projects, including renewable energy projects and other projects designed to support transition to a reduced-carbon economy, as well as statements reflecting expectations, intentions, assumptions or beliefs about future events, and other statements that do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance; rather they involve or rely on a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict or are beyond our control and reflect management's beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements are made. We caution you that actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted by our forward-looking statements and that any or all of our forward-looking statements may turn out to be inaccurate or incorrect. Forward-looking statements can be affected by inaccurate assumptions and by known or unknown risks and uncertainties including, among others, risks and uncertainties detailed in Quanta's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, Quanta's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 and any other documents that Quanta files with the SEC. For a discussion of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, investors are urged to refer to Quanta's documents filed with the SEC that are available through Quanta's website at www.quantaservices.com or through the SEC's Electronic Data Gathering and Analysis Retrieval System (EDGAR) at www.sec.gov . Should one or more of these risks materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are current only as of this date. Quanta does not undertake and expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Quanta further expressly disclaims any written or oral statements made by any third party regarding the subject matter of this press release.

Investors - Kip Rupp, CFA, IRC Quanta Media  Liz James Solar Power World Quanta Services, Inc. FGS Global Kelly Pickerel, Editor in Chief (713) 341-7260 (281) 881-5170 (216) 860-5259

SOURCE Quanta Services, Inc.
MENLO PARK, Calif., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert Half Inc. (NYSE: RHI) today reported revenues and earnings for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023.

For the three months ended June 30, 2023, net income was $106 million, or $1.00 per share, on revenues of $1.639 billion. For the three months ended June 30, 2022, net income was $176 million, or $1.60 per share, on revenues of $1.863 billion.

For the six months ended June 30, 2023, net income was $228 million, or $2.14 per share, on revenues of $3.356 billion. For the six months ended June 30, 2022, net income was $344 million, or $3.12 per share, on revenues of $3.678 billion.

"Second quarter results for talent solutions were impacted by elongated client hiring cycles resulting from ongoing global macro uncertainty. Protiviti was much less impacted with its diversified suite of solutions offerings," said M. Keith Waddell, president and chief executive officer at Robert Half. "Pricing and gross margins remain strong, demonstrating the value-added benefit we deliver for our clients. We remain confident that we are well positioned to benefit significantly as the macro landscape improves.

"We are proud to have received a number of new accolades in the second quarter. Robert Half was ranked number one on Forbes' list of America's Best Professional Recruiting Firms, recognized by Fortune as one of the Best Workplaces for Millennials and  just today  named by Forbes as one of America's Best Employers for Women. None of this recognition would be possible without the dedication and commitment of our employees around the world," Waddell concluded.

Robert Half management will conduct a conference call today at 5 p.m. EDT. The prepared remarks for this call are available now in the Investor Center of the Robert Half website ( www.roberthalf.com/investor-center ) . Simply click on the Quarterly Conference Calls link. The dial-in number is 888-394-8218 (+1-323-994-2093 outside the United States and Canada). The confirmation code to access the call is 3976639.

A recording of this call will be available for audio replay beginning at approximately 8 p.m. EDT on July 25 and ending at 8 p.m. EDT on August 22. To access the replay, visit https://webcasts.com/RobertHalfQ22023. The conference call also will be archived in audio format on the Company's website at roberthalf.com.

Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions and business consulting firm that connects people with meaningful work and provides companies with the talent and subject matter expertise they need to confidently compete and grow. Robert Half is the parent company of Protiviti, a global consulting firm that provides internal audit, risk, business and technology consulting solutions. Robert Half, including Protiviti, has been named to the Fortune Most Admired Companies and Most Innovative Companies lists and is a Forbes Best Employer for Diversity.

Robert Half has operations in more than 400 locations worldwide.

Certain information contained in this press release and its attachments may be deemed forward-looking statements regarding events and financial trends that may affect the Company's future operating results or financial positions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees or promises that goals or targets will be met. These statements may be identified by words such as "estimate," "forecast," "target," "project," "plan," "intend," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," or variations or negatives thereof, or by similar or comparable words or phrases. In addition, historical, current, and forward-looking information about the Company's ESG and compliance programs, including targets or goals, may not be considered material for SEC reporting purposes and may be based on standards for measuring progress that are still developing, on internal controls, diligence, or processes that are evolving, and on assumptions that are subject to change in the future. Forward-looking statements are estimates only, based on management's current expectations, currently available information and current strategy, plans, or forecasts, and involve certain known and unknown risks and, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict and often beyond our control and are inherently uncertain. Such risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements.

These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: changes to or new interpretations of U.S. or international tax regulations; the global financial and economic situation; the duration and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to mitigate its spread; changes in levels of unemployment and other economic conditions in the United States or foreign countries where the Company does business, or in particular regions or industries; reduction in the supply of candidates for contract employment or the Company's ability to attract candidates; the entry of new competitors into the marketplace or expansion by existing competitors; the ability of the Company to maintain existing client relationships and attract new clients in the context of changing economic or competitive conditions; the impact of competitive pressures, including any change in the demand for the Company's services; the Company's ability to maintain its margins; the possibility of the Company incurring liability for its activities, including the activities of its contract employees, or for events impacting its contract employees on clients' premises; the possibility that adverse publicity could impact the Company's ability to attract and retain clients and candidates; the success of the Company in attracting, training, and retaining qualified management personnel and other staff employees; the Company's ability to comply with governmental regulations affecting personnel services businesses in particular or employer/employee relationships in general; whether there will be ongoing demand for Sarbanes-Oxley or other regulatory compliance services; the Company's reliance on short-term contracts for a significant percentage of its business; litigation relating to prior or current transactions or activities, including litigation that may be disclosed from time to time in the Company's SEC filings; the ability of the Company to manage its international operations and comply with foreign laws and regulations; the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; the possibility that the additional costs the Company will incur as a result of healthcare reform legislation may adversely affect the Company's profit margins or the demand for the Company's services; the possibility that the Company's computer and communications hardware and software systems could be damaged or their service interrupted; and the possibility that the Company may fail to maintain adequate financial and management controls, and as a result, suffer errors in its financial reporting.

Additionally, with respect to Protiviti, other risks and uncertainties include the fact that future success will depend on its ability to retain employees and attract clients; there can be no assurance that there will be ongoing demand for broad-based consulting, regulatory compliance, technology services, public sector or other high-demand advisory services; failure to produce projected revenues could adversely affect financial results; and there is the possibility of involvement in litigation relating to prior or current transactions or activities.

Because long-term contracts are not a significant part of the Company's business, future results cannot be reliably predicted by considering past trends or extrapolating past results. The Company undertakes no obligation to update information contained in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, and notwithstanding any historical practice of doing so.

A copy of this release is available at www.roberthalf.com/investor-center.

ATTACHED :

Summary of Operations Supplemental Financial Information Non-GAAP Financial Measures



ROBERT HALF INC. SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS (in thousands, except per share amounts)



Three Months Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended

June 30,

2023

2022

2023

2022

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)















Service revenues $ 1,639,478

$ 1,862,827

$ 3,355,813

$ 3,677,661 Costs of services 979,309

1,047,280

2,005,912

2,090,268















Gross margin 660,169

815,547

1,349,901

1,587,393















Selling, general and administrative expenses 541,904

509,394

1,094,133

1,023,588 (Income) loss from investments held in employee deferred compensation trusts (28,347)

65,622

(55,638)

95,623 Amortization of intangible assets 721

416

1,442

833 Interest income, net (5,320)

(718)

(10,145)

(884) Income before income taxes 151,211

240,833

320,109

468,233 Provision for income taxes 44,919

65,012

91,812

124,173















Net income $ 106,292

$ 175,821

$ 228,297

$ 344,060















Diluted net income per share $ 1.00

$ 1.60

$ 2.14

$ 3.12















Shares:













Basic 106,102

108,833

106,260

109,025 Diluted 106,422

109,696

106,775

110,143

ROBERT HALF INC. SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (in thousands)



Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,

2023

2022

2023

2022

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited) SERVICE REVENUES INFORMATION













Contract talent solutions













Finance and accounting $ 721,391

$ 810,910

$ 1,499,224

$ 1,612,600 Administrative and customer support 211,023

274,141

430,373

559,047 Technology 181,776

218,190

375,858

431,517 Elimination of intersegment revenues (1) (114,807)

(137,548)

(240,598)

(281,748) Total contract talent solutions 999,383

1,165,693

2,064,857

2,321,416 Permanent placement talent solutions 149,254

200,096

305,991

386,878 Protiviti 490,841

497,038

984,965

969,367 Total service revenues $ 1,639,478

$ 1,862,827

$ 3,355,813

$ 3,677,661





(1) Service revenues for finance and accounting, administrative and customer support, and technology include intersegment revenues, which represent revenues from services provided to the Company's Protiviti segment in connection with the Company's blended business solutions. Intersegment revenues for each functional specialization are aggregated and then eliminated as a single line.



Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,

2023

2022

2023

2022

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited) BUSINESS SEGMENT INCOME

INFORMATION:





















Contract talent solutions $ 81,316 8.1 %

$ 133,567 11.5 %

$ 183,462 8.9 %

$ 266,813 11.5 % Permanent placement talent solutions $ 21,730 14.6 %

$ 36,751 18.4 %

$ 45,557 14.9 %

$ 74,079 19.1 % Protiviti $ 43,566 8.9 %

$ 70,213 14.1 %

$ 82,387 8.4 %

$ 127,290 13.1 %





June 30,



2023

2022



(Unaudited) SELECTED BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION:







Cash and cash equivalents

$ 722,763

$ 590,909 Accounts receivable, net

$ 974,008

$ 1,091,598 Total assets

$ 3,067,641

$ 2,933,835 Total current liabilities

$ 1,276,571

$ 1,266,873 Total stockholders' equity

$ 1,625,271

$ 1,467,668





Six Months Ended June 30,



2023

2022



(Unaudited) SELECTED CASH FLOW INFORMATION:







Depreciation

$ 25,229

$ 22,907 Capitalized cloud computing implementation costs

$ 20,184

$ 19,540 Capital expenditures

$ 19,093

$ 35,275 Open market repurchases of common stock (shares)

1,137

1,386

ROBERT HALF INC.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The financial results of Robert Half Inc. (the "Company") are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and the rules of the SEC. To help readers understand the Company's financial performance, the Company supplements its GAAP financial results with the following non-GAAP measures: adjusted gross margin; adjusted selling, general and administrative expense; combined segment income; and as adjusted revenue growth rates.

The following measures: adjusted gross margin and adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses include gains and losses on investments held to fund the Company's obligations under employee deferred compensation plans. The Company provides these measures because they are used by management to review its operational results.

Combined segment income is income before income taxes, adjusted for interest income and amortization of intangible assets. The Company provides combined segment income because it is how management evaluates performance.

As adjusted revenue growth rates represent year-over-year revenue growth rates after removing the impacts on reported revenues from the changes in the number of billing days and foreign currency exchange rates. The Company provides this data because it focuses on the Company's revenue growth rates attributable to operating activities and aids in evaluating revenue trends over time. The impacts from the changes in billing days and foreign currency exchange rates are calculated as follows:

Billing days impact is calculated by dividing each comparative period's reported revenues by the number of billing days for that period to arrive at a per billing day amount. Same billing day growth rates are then calculated based on the per billing day amounts. Management calculates a global, weighted-average number of billing days for each reporting period based upon inputs from all countries and all functional specializations and segments.

Foreign currency impact is calculated by retranslating current period international revenues, using foreign currency exchange rates from the prior year's comparable period.

The non-GAAP financial measures provided herein may not provide information that is directly comparable to that provided by other companies in the Company's industry, as other companies may calculate such financial results differently. The Company's non-GAAP financial measures are not measurements of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to amounts presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company does not consider these non-GAAP financial measures to be a substitute for, or superior to, the information provided by GAAP financial results. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is provided on the following pages.

ROBERT HALF INC. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES ADJUSTED GROSS MARGIN (UNAUDITED): (in thousands)



Three Months Ended June 30,

Relationships

Six Months Ended June 30,

Relationships

As Reported

As Adjusted

As Reported

As Adjusted

As Reported

As Adjusted

As Reported

As Adjusted

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022 Gross Margin





























































Contract talent solutions $ 398,636

$ 464,853

$ 398,636

$ 464,853

39.9 %

39.9 %

39.9 %

39.9 %

$ 822,261

$ 926,714

$ 822,261

$ 926,714

39.8 %

39.9 %

39.8 %

39.9 % Permanent placement talent

solutions 148,975

199,664

148,975

199,664

99.8 %

99.8 %

99.8 %

99.8 %

305,370

386,113

305,370

386,113

99.8 %

99.8 %

99.8 %

99.8 % Total talent solutions 547,611

664,517

547,611

664,517

47.7 %

48.7 %

47.7 %

48.7 %

1,127,631

1,312,827

1,127,631

1,312,827

47.6 %

48.5 %

47.6 %

48.5 % Protiviti 112,558

151,030

117,882

139,617

22.9 %

30.4 %

24.0 %

28.1 %

222,270

274,566

232,366

259,307

22.6 %

28.3 %

23.6 %

26.8 % Total $ 660,169

$ 815,547

$ 665,493

$ 804,134

40.3 %

43.8 %

40.6 %

43.2 %

$ 1,349,901

$ 1,587,393

$ 1,359,997

$ 1,572,134

40.2 %

43.2 %

40.5 %

42.7 %

The following tables provide reconciliations of the non-GAAP adjusted gross margin to reported gross margin for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022:



Three Months Ended June 30, 2023

Three Months Ended June 30, 2022

Contract talent solutions

Permanent

placement talent

solutions

Total talent

solutions

Protiviti

Total

Contract talent solutions

Permanent

placement talent

solutions

Total talent

solutions

Protiviti

Total

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue Gross Margin

























































As Reported $ 398,636 39.9 %

$ 148,975 99.8 %

$ 547,611 47.7 %

$ 112,558 22.9 %

$ 660,169 40.3 %

$ 464,853 39.9 %

$ 199,664 99.8 %

$ 664,517 48.7 %

$ 151,030 30.4 %

$ 815,547 43.8 % Adjustments (1)  

 

 

5,324 1.1 %

5,324 0.3 %

 

 

 

(11,413) (2.3 %)

(11,413) (0.6 %) As Adjusted $ 398,636 39.9 %

$ 148,975 99.8 %

$ 547,611 47.7 %

$ 117,882 24.0 %

$ 665,493 40.6 %

$ 464,853 39.9 %

$ 199,664 99.8 %

$ 664,517 48.7 %

$ 139,617 28.1 %

$ 804,134 43.2 %

The following tables provide reconciliations of the non-GAAP adjusted gross margin to reported gross margin for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022:



Six Months Ended June 30, 2023

Six Months Ended June 30, 2022

Contract talent solutions

Permanent

placement talent

solutions

Total talent

solutions

Protiviti

Total

Contract talent solutions

Permanent

placement talent

solutions

Total talent

solutions

Protiviti

Total

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue Gross Margin

























































As Reported $ 822,261 39.8 %

$ 305,370 99.8 %

$ 1,127,631 47.6 %

$ 222,270 22.6 %

$ 1,349,901 40.2 %

$ 926,714 39.9 %

$ 386,113 99.8 %

$ 1,312,827 48.5 %

$ 274,566 28.3 %

$ 1,587,393 43.2 % Adjustments (1)  

 

 

10,096 1.0 %

10,096 0.3 %

 

 

 

(15,259) (1.5 %)

(15,259) (0.5 %) As Adjusted $ 822,261 39.8 %

$ 305,370 99.8 %

$ 1,127,631 47.6 %

$ 232,366 23.6 %

$ 1,359,997 40.5 %

$ 926,714 39.9 %

$ 386,113 99.8 %

$ 1,312,827 48.5 %

$ 259,307 26.8 %

$ 1,572,134 42.7 %





(1) Changes in the Company's employee deferred compensation plan obligations related to Protiviti operations are included in costs of services, while the related investment (income) loss is presented separately. The non-GAAP financial adjustments shown in the table above are to reclassify investment (income) loss from investments held in employee deferred compensation trusts to the same line item that includes the corresponding change in obligation. These adjustments have no impact on income before income taxes.

ROBERT HALF INC. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES ADJUSTED SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES (UNAUDITED): (in thousands)



Three Months Ended June 30,

Relationships

Six Months Ended June 30,

Relationships

As Reported

As Adjusted

As Reported

As Adjusted

As Reported

As Adjusted

As Reported

As Adjusted

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022 Selling, General and

Administrative Expenses





























































Contract talent solutions $ 337,742

$ 284,090

$ 317,320

$ 331,286

33.8 %

24.4 %

31.8 %

28.4 %

$ 679,464

$ 589,424

$ 638,799

$ 659,901

32.9 %

25.4 %

30.9 %

28.4 % Permanent placement talent

solutions 129,846

155,900

127,245

162,913

87.0 %

77.9 %

85.3 %

81.4 %

264,690

302,147

259,813

312,034

86.5 %

78.1 %

84.9 %

80.7 % Total talent solutions 467,588

439,990

444,565

494,199

40.7 %

32.2 %

38.7 %

36.2 %

944,154

891,571

898,612

971,935

39.8 %

32.9 %

37.9 %

35.9 % Protiviti 74,316

69,404

74,316

69,404

15.1 %

14.0 %

15.1 %

14.0 %

149,979

132,017

149,979

132,017

15.2 %

13.6 %

15.2 %

13.6 % Total $ 541,904

$ 509,394

$ 518,881

$ 563,603

33.1 %

27.3 %

31.6 %

30.3 %

$ 1,094,133

$ 1,023,588

$ 1,048,591

$ 1,103,952

32.6 %

27.8 %

31.2 %

30.0 %

The following tables provide reconciliations of the non-GAAP adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses to reported selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022:



Three Months Ended June 30, 2023

Three Months Ended June 30, 2022

Contract talent solutions

Permanent

placement talent

solutions

Total talent

solutions

Protiviti

Total

Contract talent solutions

Permanent

placement talent

solutions

Total talent

solutions

Protiviti

Total

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

























































As Reported $ 337,742 33.8 %

$ 129,846 87.0 %

$ 467,588 40.7 %

$ 74,316 15.1 %

$ 541,904 33.1 %

$ 284,090 24.4 %

$ 155,900 77.9 %

$ 439,990 32.2 %

$ 69,404 14.0 %

$ 509,394 27.3 % Adjustments (1) (20,422) (2.0 %)

(2,601) (1.7 %)

(23,023) (2.0 %)

 

(23,023) (1.5 %)

47,196 4.0 %

7,013 3.5 %

54,209 4.0 %

 

54,209 3.0 % As Adjusted $ 317,320 31.8 %

$ 127,245 85.3 %

$ 444,565 38.7 %

$ 74,316 15.1 %

$ 518,881 31.6 %

$ 331,286 28.4 %

$ 162,913 81.4 %

$ 494,199 36.2 %

$ 69,404 14.0 %

$ 563,603 30.3 %

The following tables provide reconciliations of the non-GAAP adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses to reported selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022:



Six Months Ended June 30, 2023

Six Months Ended June 30, 2022

Contract talent

solutions

Permanent

placement talent

solutions

Total talent

solutions

Protiviti

Total

Contract talent

solutions

Permanent

placement talent

solutions

Total talent

solutions

Protiviti

Total

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

























































As Reported $ 679,464 32.9 %

$ 264,690 86.5 %

$ 944,154 39.8 %

$ 149,979 15.2 %

$ 1,094,133 32.6 %

$ 589,424 25.4 %

$ 302,147 78.1 %

$ 891,571 32.9 %

$ 132,017 13.6 %

$ 1,023,588 27.8 % Adjustments (1) (40,665) (2.0 %)

(4,877) (1.6 %)

(45,542) (1.9) %

 

(45,542) (1.4 %)

70,477 3.0 %

9,887 2.6 %

80,364 3.0 %

 

80,364 2.2 % As Adjusted $ 638,799 30.9 %

$ 259,813 84.9 %

$ 898,612 37.9 %

$ 149,979 15.2 %

$ 1,048,591 31.2 %

$ 659,901 28.4 %

$ 312,034 80.7 %

$ 971,935 35.9 %

$ 132,017 13.6 %

$ 1,103,952 30.0 %





(1) Changes in the Company's employee deferred compensation plan obligations related to talent solutions operations are included in selling, general and administrative expenses, while the related investment (income) loss is presented separately. The non-GAAP financial adjustments shown in the table above are to reclassify investment (income) loss from investments held in employee deferred compensation trusts to the same line item that includes the corresponding change in obligation. These adjustments have no impact on income before income taxes.

ROBERT HALF INC.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

COMBINED SEGMENT INCOME (UNAUDITED):

(in thousands)

The following tables provide reconciliations of the non-GAAP combined segment income to reported income before income taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022:



Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,

2023

2022

2023

2022

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue Income before income taxes $ 151,211 9.2 %

$ 240,833 12.9 %

$ 320,109 9.5 %

$ 468,233 12.7 % Interest income, net (5,320) (0.3 %)

(718) 0.0 %

(10,145) (0.2 %)

(884) 0.0 % Amortization of intangible assets 721 0.0 %

416 0.0 %

1,442 0.0 %

833 0.0 % Combined segment income $ 146,612 8.9 %

$ 240,531 12.9 %

$ 311,406 9.3 %

$ 468,182 12.7 %

ROBERT HALF INC. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES REVENUE GROWTH RATES (%) (UNAUDITED):





Year-Over-Year Growth Rates (As Reported)

Non-GAAP Year-Over-Year Growth Rates (As Adjusted)



2022

2023

2022

2023



Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2 Global















































Finance and accounting

33.5

22.1

9.9

-0.1

-3.0

-11.0

34.6

24.4

12.8

2.9

-3.1

-10.8 Administrative and customer

support

29.2

4.2

-10.3

-21.2

-23.0

-23.0

30.5

6.3

-7.8

-18.8

-23.2

-23.0 Technology

23.9

12.3

0.6

-2.1

-9.0

-16.7

24.6

13.9

2.5

0.5

-9.3

-16.2 Elimination of intersegment

revenues (1)

38.9

-3.8

-23.1

-14.5

-12.8

-16.5

40.1

-1.9

-20.8

-11.5

-12.7

-16.5 Total contract talent solutions

30.0

19.2

8.1

-4.0

-7.8

-14.3

31.0

21.3

10.7

-1.2

-8.0

-14.0 Permanent placement talent

solutions

67.2

39.3

16.5

-1.4

-16.1

-25.4

68.8

42.6

20.3

2.4

-15.8

-25.0 Total talent solutions

34.1

21.7

9.2

-3.7

-9.0

-15.9

35.2

24.0

12.0

-0.8

-9.1

-15.6 Protiviti

18.9

8.4

2.0

0.8

4.6

-1.2

20.0

10.8

4.8

4.0

4.4

-1.0 Total

29.8

17.9

7.1

-2.4

-5.4

-12.0

30.9

20.2

9.9

0.6

-5.6

-11.7

















































United States















































Contract talent solutions

33.4

22.7

11.3

-3.4

-8.6

-16.0

33.4

22.7

11.3

-2.9

-9.9

-15.9 Permanent placement talent

solutions

78.3

44.3

22.4

1.4

-16.9

-26.2

78.3

44.3

22.4

1.9

-18.1

-26.1 Total talent solutions

37.8

25.2

12.6

-2.9

-9.7

-17.4

37.8

25.2

12.6

-2.4

-11.0

-17.2 Protiviti

17.0

8.3

4.1

3.6

7.5

-2.4

17.0

8.3

4.1

4.1

5.9

-2.3 Total

31.7

20.2

10.0

-1.1

-5.2

-13.3

31.7

20.2

10.0

-0.6

-6.6

-13.2

















































International















































Contract talent solutions

18.5

7.0

-3.2

-6.3

-4.7

-7.6

23.5

16.6

8.7

5.3

-1.2

-6.2 Permanent placement talent

solutions

44.7

28.0

2.9

-7.5

-14.0

-23.4

50.0

39.0

15.4

4.3

-10.5

-21.9 Total talent solutions

22.5

10.5

-2.2

-6.5

-6.4

-10.6

27.5

20.3

9.8

5.2

-2.9

-9.2 Protiviti

26.2

8.6

-6.3

-9.2

-5.7

3.3

32.3

20.6

7.3

3.7

-1.5

4.2 Total

23.4

10.0

-3.3

-7.3

-6.2

-7.0

28.7

20.4

9.1

4.8

-2.5

-5.8





(1) Service revenues for finance and accounting, administrative and customer support, and technology include intersegment revenues, which represent revenues from services provided to Protiviti in connection with the Company's blended business solutions. Intersegment revenues for each functional specialization are aggregated and then eliminated as a single line item.

The non-GAAP financial measures included in the table above adjust for the following items:

Billing Days. The "As Reported" revenue growth rates are based upon reported revenues. Management calculates the billing day impact by dividing each comparative period's reported revenues by the number of billing days for that period to arrive at a per billing day amount. Same billing day growth rates are then calculated based on the per billing day amounts. Management calculates a global, weighted-average number of billing days for each reporting period based upon input from all countries and all functional specializations and segments.

Foreign Currency Translation. The "As Reported" revenue growth rates are based upon reported revenues, which include the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The foreign currency impact is calculated by retranslating current period international revenues, using foreign currency exchange rates from the prior year's comparable period.

The term "As Adjusted" means that the impact of different billing days and constant currency fluctuations are removed from the revenue growth rate calculation. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP year-over-year revenue growth rates to the "As Reported" year-over-year revenue growth rates is included herein, on Pages 10-12.

ROBERT HALF INC. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES REVENUE GROWTH RATE (%) RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED):

Year-Over-Year Revenue Growth  GLOBAL



Q1 2022

Q2 2022

Q3 2022

Q4 2022

Q1 2023

Q2 2023 Finance and accounting























As Reported

33.5

22.1

9.9

-0.1

-3.0

-11.0 Billing Days Impact

-0.2

0.0

0.2

0.8

-1.3

0.1 Currency Impact

1.3

2.3

2.7

2.2

1.2

0.1 As Adjusted

34.6

24.4

12.8

2.9

-3.1

-10.8

























Administrative and customer support























As Reported

29.2

4.2

-10.3

-21.2

-23.0

-23.0 Billing Days Impact

-0.2

0.0

0.1

0.7

-1.1

0.1 Currency Impact

1.5

2.1

2.4

1.7

0.9

-0.1 As Adjusted

30.5

6.3

-7.8

-18.8

-23.2

-23.0

























Technology























As Reported

23.9

12.3

0.6

-2.1

-9.0

-16.7 Billing Days Impact

-0.2

0.0

0.1

0.9

-1.3

0.1 Currency Impact

0.9

1.6

1.8

1.7

1.0

0.4 As Adjusted

24.6

13.9

2.5

0.5

-9.3

-16.2

























Elimination of intersegment revenues























As Reported

38.9

-3.8

-23.1

-14.5

-12.8

-16.5 Billing Days Impact

-0.2

0.0

0.2

0.8

-1.3

0.1 Currency Impact

1.4

1.9

2.1

2.2

1.4

-0.1 As Adjusted

40.1

-1.9

-20.8

-11.5

-12.7

-16.5

























Total contract talent solutions























As Reported

30.0

19.2

8.1

-4.0

-7.8

-14.3 Billing Days Impact

-0.2

0.0

0.1

0.8

-1.3

0.1 Currency Impact

1.2

2.1

2.5

2.0

1.1

0.2 As Adjusted

31.0

21.3

10.7

-1.2

-8.0

-14.0

























Permanent placement talent solutions























As Reported

67.2

39.3

16.5

-1.4

-16.1

-25.4 Billing Days Impact

-0.3

0.0

0.2

0.8

-1.1

0.1 Currency Impact

1.9

3.3

3.6

3.0

1.4

0.3 As Adjusted

68.8

42.6

20.3

2.4

-15.8

-25.0

























Total talent solutions























As Reported

34.1

21.7

9.2

-3.7

-9.0

-15.9 Billing Days Impact

-0.2

0.0

0.1

0.8

-1.2

0.1 Currency Impact

1.3

2.3

2.7

2.1

1.1

0.2 As Adjusted

35.2

24.0

12.0

-0.8

-9.1

-15.6

























Protiviti























As Reported

18.9

8.4

2.0

0.8

4.6

-1.2 Billing Days Impact

-0.2

0.0

0.2

0.8

-1.5

0.2 Currency Impact

1.3

2.4

2.6

2.4

1.3

0.0 As Adjusted

20.0

10.8

4.8

4.0

4.4

-1.0

























Total























As Reported

29.8

17.9

7.1

-2.4

-5.4

-12.0 Billing Days Impact

-0.2

0.0

0.2

0.8

-1.4

0.2 Currency Impact

1.3

2.3

2.6

2.2

1.2

0.1 As Adjusted

30.9

20.2

9.9

0.6

-5.6

-11.7

ROBERT HALF INC. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES REVENUE GROWTH RATE (%) RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED):

Year-Over-Year Revenue Growth  UNITED STATES



Q1 2022

Q2 2022

Q3 2022

Q4 2022

Q1 2023

Q2 2023 Contract talent solutions







As Reported

33.4

22.7

11.3

-3.4

-8.6

-16.0 Billing Days Impact

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.5

-1.3

0.1 Currency Impact











 As Adjusted

33.4

22.7

11.3

-2.9

-9.9

-15.9

























Permanent placement talent solutions























As Reported

78.3

44.3

22.4

1.4

-16.9

-26.2 Billing Days Impact

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.5

-1.2

0.1 Currency Impact











 As Adjusted

78.3

44.3

22.4

1.9

-18.1

-26.1

























Total talent solutions























As Reported

37.8

25.2

12.6

-2.9

-9.7

-17.4 Billing Days Impact

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.5

-1.3

0.2 Currency Impact











 As Adjusted

37.8

25.2

12.6

-2.4

-11.0

-17.2

























Protiviti























As Reported

17.0

8.3

4.1

3.6

7.5

-2.4 Billing Days Impact

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.5

-1.6

0.1 Currency Impact











 As Adjusted

17.0

8.3

4.1

4.1

5.9

-2.3

























Total























As Reported

31.7

20.2

10.0

-1.1

-5.2

-13.3 Billing Days Impact

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.5

-1.4

0.1 Currency Impact











 As Adjusted

31.7

20.2

10.0

-0.6

-6.6

-13.2

ROBERT HALF INC. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES REVENUE GROWTH RATE (%) RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED):

Year-Over-Year Revenue Growth  INTERNATIONAL



Q1 2022

Q2 2022

Q3 2022

Q4 2022

Q1 2023

Q2 2023 Contract talent solutions







As Reported

18.5

7.0

-3.2

-6.3

-4.7

-7.6 Billing Days Impact

-0.4

0.2

0.5

2.1

-1.7

0.6 Currency Impact

5.4

9.4

11.4

9.5

5.2

0.8 As Adjusted

23.5

16.6

8.7

5.3

-1.2

-6.2

























Permanent placement talent solutions























As Reported

44.7

28.0

2.9

-7.5

-14.0

-23.4 Billing Days Impact

-0.5

0.2

0.6

2.2

-1.6

0.5 Currency Impact

5.8

10.8

11.9

9.6

5.1

1.0 As Adjusted

50.0

39.0

15.4

4.3

-10.5

-21.9

























Total talent solutions























As Reported

22.5

10.5

-2.2

-6.5

-6.4

-10.6 Billing Days Impact

-0.4

0.1

0.5

2.2

-1.7

0.6 Currency Impact

5.4

9.7

11.5

9.5

5.2

0.8 As Adjusted

27.5

20.3

9.8

5.2

-2.9

-9.2

























Protiviti























As Reported

26.2

8.6

-6.3

-9.2

-5.7

3.3 Billing Days Impact

-0.5

0.2

0.5

2.1

-1.7

0.7 Currency Impact

6.6

11.8

13.1

10.8

5.9

0.2 As Adjusted

32.3

20.6

7.3

3.7

-1.5

4.2

























Total























As Reported

23.4

10.0

-3.3

-7.3

-6.2

-7.0 Billing Days Impact

-0.4

0.2

0.5

2.2

-1.7

0.5 Currency Impact

5.7

10.2

11.9

9.9

5.4

0.7 As Adjusted

28.7

20.4

9.1

4.8

-2.5

-5.8

SOURCE Robert Half
CHICAGO, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The robot operating system market is projected to grow from USD 581 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1,082 million by 2028; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.2% from 2023 to 2028 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Increasing demand for robotics-as-a-service models is one of the major opportunities in the market.

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Browse in-depth TOC on "Robot Operating System Market"

150  Tables

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Robot Operating System Market Report Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $581 million Estimated Value by 2028 $1,082 million Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 13.2% Market Size Available for 20192028 Forecast Period 20232028 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Robot Type, Application, End User and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Need to safely handle industrial grade operation Key Market Opportunities Increasing demand for Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) Model Key Market Drivers Rising R&D fund for industrial automation

The collaborative robots segment holds the second highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Collaborative robots are the most customized robots compared to others, such as parallel or SCARA robots; they can be modified per the intended application or requirement for modularity, safety, ease of performance, and efficiency. Industries such as automotive, electronics, and pharmaceutical actively integrate collaborative robots into their production processes to enhance efficiency, productivity, and flexibility. As the demand for collaborative robots is increasing, a significant demand for robot operating systems is expected during the forecast period.

Automotive industry to hold the largest market share during the forecast period.

The robot operating system is highly incorporated into robots used in the automotive industry. The implementation of robots can help manufacturers reduce time-to-market, cut product costs, lower energy consumption, and more. As automotive manufacturers look to remain competitive, they expect robotics to continue playing a pivotal role in the automotive industry's evolution.

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Europe grew with the second highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Emerging European markets such as the UK and Germany are expected to offer significant opportunities in the robot operating system industry. The increasing adoption of IoT and connected devices, growing deployment of automation solutions such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) by the automotive industry, and rising adoption of Industry 4.0 are some of the key factors driving the adoption of robot operating system in the region.

In the robot operating system companies, the key and emerging market players include ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), FANUC (Japan), KUKA AG (Germany), Yaskawa Electric Corporation (Japan), Denso (Japan), Microsoft (US), Omron Corporation (Japan), Universal Robotics (Denmark), Clearpath Robots (Canada), iRobot Corporation (US), Apart from these, Pal Robotics (Spain), Robotnik (Spain), Rethink Robotics (Germany), Stanley Innovation (US), Husarion (Poland), Neobotix (Germany), Shadow Robot (UK), Yamaha Motor (Japan), Estun Automation (China), Shibaura Machine (Japan), Hirata Corporation (Japan), Techman Robot (Taiwan), Franka Emika (Germany), Bosch Rexroth AG (Germany), and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (Japan)

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Related Reports:

Industrial Robotics Market by Type (Traditional, Collaborative Robots), Component, Payload, Application (Handling, Processing), Industry (Automotive, Food & Beverages) and Region (North America, Europe, APAC, RoW) - Global Forecast to 2027

Top Robotics Market with COVID-19 Impact Analysis by Top Industrial Robotics (Articulated, SCARA, Cartesian, Parallel, Collaborative), Top Service Robotics (Logistics, Domestic, Medical, Defense, Rescue, and Security) - Global Forecast to 2025

SCARA Robot Market by Payload Capacity (Up to 5.00 kg, 5.0115.00 kg), Application (Handling and Assembling & Disassembling), Industry (Automotive, Electrical & Electronics, Metals & Machinery, Food & Beverages), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2024

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Collaborative Robot Market by Payload (Up to 5 Kg, 5-10 kg, 10-20 kg, more than 20 kg), Component, Robotic Arm, End Effectors, Drives, Controllers, Sensors, Power Supply, Motors, Software), Application, Industry and Region - Global Forecast to 2029

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NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Research scientists at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and New York University Grossman School of Medicine are teaming up in an attempt to generate new therapeutic approaches to combat the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in individuals with Down syndrome (DS), the most common chromosomal disorder and cause of intellectual disability.

Dr. Grace E. Stutzmann, professor of neuroscience and director of Rosalind Franklin Universitys Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics.

While individuals with DS are living longer, in part due to advances in medical science, more than 50-75% will develop dementia as they age, with many experiencing symptoms by their 40s, according to the National Institute on Aging. The institute has awarded Chicago Medical School investigator Dr. Grace E. Stutzmann $916,777 in funding  part of a $2.4 million grant awarded to Grossman School of Medicines Dr. Stephen D. Ginsberg. The project involves a consortium with RFU, NYUGSOM and the Nathan Kline Institute.

"We feel this is a powerful study that will greatly enlighten our understanding of how individuals with Down syndrome transition to Alzheimer's through our combined strengths of transcriptomic analysis and neurophysiological mechanisms," Dr. Stutzmann said.

A professor and director of RFU's Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics , Dr. Stutzmann has long studied the early neuronal pathology that develops in AD.

Pathological hallmarks of AD include beta-amyloid and tau pathology, synaptic deficits, and neurodegeneration of key circuits underlying memory, attention and executive function. The extent to which these pathologies are found in DS are a significant component of the collaborative research project.

"While DS and AD phenotypes overlap in many respects," according to Dr. Stutzmann and Dr. Ginsberg, "the extent of shared pathophysiological mechanisms remains poorly understood. The knowledge gap is a potentially missed opportunity to arrest the onset of AD dementia in DS."

Dr. Stutzmann and RFU colleagues published a key AD paper in late 2022 in the scientific journal PNAS, which provides the groundwork for possible shared mechanisms with DS and aligns with differentially expressed gene pathways identified by Dr. Ginsberg in vulnerable cell types that underlie memory and executive function.

Ronald Kaplan, PhD, RFU executive vice president for research, commented: "We are pleased with Dr. Stutzmann's collaboration with Dr. Ginsberg in studying the linkage of DS and AD patients with the goal of new therapeutic alternatives."

A previous version of this release incorrectly stated RFs portion of the grant as $1.8 million.

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Dan Moran

[email protected]

SOURCE Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Stock up on crayons, colored pencils, markers and more for just $1

CINCINNATI, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today shared back-to-school savings with Locked In Low prices on the key supplies students need to gear up for an exciting new school year, offering more than 250 items for less than $3.

Save Big on Back to School with Krogermore than 250 items less than $3!

"As students return to the classroom, the supplies they need to study and learn should not break the bank," said Carlo Baldan, group vice president of Center Store Merchandising. "Our Locked In Low prices guarantee affordable items so caregivers and students can look forward to going back to school, and we can make life a bit easier during this busy time of year for the families we serve."

Recognized by Crayola as a Best-in-Class retailer for its back-to-school aisle, Kroger has more than 250 school supplies for less than $3, boasting all the essentials from paper, pens and markers to glue sticks and pencil boxes.

Back-to-school must-haves for $1 or less:

Back-to-school must-haves less than $3:

Customers can shop school supplies under $3, plus everything needed for back to school here. Items can be purchased shopping in-store, through Kroger Pickup or delivered using Boost by Kroger Plus, the delivery membership that can save customers up to $1,000 per year on fuel and grocery delivery. Eligible customers can now try the Boost membership with a free 30-day trial and subscribe on a monthly basis for as little as $7.99 a month.

To download media assets, click here.

About Kroger

At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit. We are, across our family of companies nearly half a million associates who serve over 11 million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and retail food stores under a variety of banner names , serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.
Daniella D. Dalia, a Seasoned Litigation and Commercial Real Estate Attorney, Joins the Monmouth County, Red Bank, NJ Office of Scarinci Hollenbeck

RED BANK, N.J., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Commercial real estate and litigation attorney Daniella D. Dalia has joined Scarinci Hollenbeck's Red Bank, New Jersey office. Ms. Dalia brings with her extensive experience in handling complex commercial litigation and real estate matters for clients in various industries. More recently, Ms. Dalia has become known as a go-to attorney among circles of entrepreneurs and business owners in the Monmouth County area.

Commercial real estate and litigation attorney Daniella D. Dalia has joined Scarinci Hollenbeck's Red Bank, New Jersey office.

"Developing solutions for complex problems has long been a passion of mine and I have been fortunate to build a career on this passion," stated Ms. Dalia. "I am thrilled to bring my practice over to the firm and expand my capacity to better support my clients."

Since the beginning of her career, Ms. Dalia has maintained a focus on complex commercial litigation. She began with emphasis on representing lenders, creditors, receivers, and trustees and eventually expanded her practice to serve clients in a variety of other industries including pharmaceuticals and construction. In addition, Ms. Dalia developed a robust commercial real estate practice, routinely representing architects, commercial landlords, developers, and contractors in the acquisition, development, financing and construction of real property assets.

"Ms. Dalia is an well-rounded attorney who makes an excellent addition to our team in Red Bank and we look forward to our continued collaboration," stated Don Pepe, Partner & Chair of the firm's Commercial Real Estate section.

About the firm's Commercial Real Estate Practice

Our commercial real estate practice group routinely represents public, private, and institutional clients, assisting them in every aspect of the acquisition, development, financing, construction, and utilization of real property assets. Our real estate attorneys work closely with our environmental attorneys, who are recognized for securing development rights for some of the largest office, retail, industrial, and multi-family development and redevelopment projects in the region.

More information on the firm's real estate practice can be found on the practice page: https://scarincihollenbeck.com/practices/commercial-real-estate

About Scarinci Hollenbeck

With a growing practice of more than 60 experienced attorneys, Scarinci Hollenbeck is a regional alternative to a National 250 law firm. With offices in New Jersey, New York City, and the District of Columbia, we serve the niche practice areas most often required by institutions, corporations, entities, and the people who own and control them.

More information on our firm's expertise and range of practice can be found on our website: www.sh-law.com .

SOURCE Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
NEW YORK, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of JOYY Inc. ("JOYY" or the "Company") (NYSE: YY). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether JOYY and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On May 31, 2023, JOYY announced its first quarter 2023 unaudited financial results. The average mobile monthly active users ("MAUs") of JOYY's Likee app decreased by 27.4% to 44.9 million from 61.8 million in the corresponding period of 2022, primarily due to reduced spending on user acquisition via advertisement. Meanwhile, the average mobile MAUs of the Company's Hago app decreased by 36.5% to 5.9 million from 9.3 million in the corresponding period of 2022, primarily due to reduced spending on user acquisition via advertisement. JOYY reported net revenue of $583.6 million, compared to $623.8 million in the corresponding period of 2022.

On this news, JOYY's American Depositary Receipt ("ADR") price fell $2.11 per ADR, or 7.84%, to close at $24.80 per ADR on May 31, 2023.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

888-476-6529 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
NEW YORK, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against TriplePoint Venture Growth BDC Corp. ("TriplePoint" or the "Company") (NYSE: TPVG), and certain officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, and docketed under 23-cv-02980, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired TriplePoint securities between March 4, 2020 and May 1, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.

If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise TriplePoint securities during the Class Period, you have until August 15, 2023 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

TriplePoint is a business development company specializing in investments in venture capital-backed companies at the growth stage. It also provides debt financing to venture growth space companies, including growth capital loans, secured and customized loans, equipment financings, revolving loans and direct equity investments.

The Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) TriplePoint had overstated the strength of its various portfolio companies and loan book, as well as the viability of its overall investment strategy; (ii) the foregoing, once revealed, was likely to have a material negative impact on the Company's financial position and/or prospects; and (iii) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On May 2, 2023, the Bear Cave released a report titled "Problems at TriplePoint Venture Growth BDC (TPVG)" (the "Bear Cave Report"). The Bear Cave Report highlighted significant issues at TriplePoint, alleging that "TriplePoint is encumbered by high fees, weak management, and a weaker loan book saddled by portfolio company bankruptcies and upside-down startups," and asserting that "the Bear Cave believes TriplePoint's equity may be severely impaired, if it has any value at all."

On this news, TriplePoint's stock price fell $1.19 per share, or 9.98%, over the following two trading sessions, to close at $10.73 per share on May 3, 2023.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

888-476-6529 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a conversation with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, said the country urgently needs to strengthen air defense to protect people, historical heritage and continue the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

"He spoke about Russia's daily attempts to destroy the historic center of Odesa and port infrastructure. We must defend Odesa," he said on the Telegram channel on Tuesday.

According to him, during the conversation "we discussed further defense cooperation, the course of Ukrainian offensive operations, and Ukraine's current defense needs."

"Rishi Sunak and I noted the adoption by the G7 of the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine at the NATO Summit in Vilnius and the subsequent accession of other countries to it. We also coordinated future steps to fill it with concrete security guarantees on a bilateral basis," Zelenskyy also said.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SouthState Bank recently launched a comprehensive small business banking team to meet the growing demand in its Southeastern footprint.

"Offering our small business customers a line of products that fits their needs, accompanied by well-rounded, knowledgeable bankers and a library of small business resources, are enhancements we know business owners across the Southeast will benefit from," says Richard Murray, SouthState president. "Small business owners make local economies thrive, and SouthState is committed to supporting both."

Matt Vegter has been tapped to lead SouthState's newly formed small business banking team.

Matt Vegter was promoted to director of small business banking to grow and serve SouthState's small business sector. A banker for 15 years, Vegter helped to develop a small business loan program, Business Lending Express, which streamlined and simplified the underwriting process for small business loans. This program created efficiencies for both the bank and small business clients by decreasing loan origination costs and reducing the time to decision.

Vegter holds a bachelor's degree in finance from Southeastern University and a master's degree in business administration from Stetson University. He's a graduate of the Florida School of Banking as well as the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the University of Philadelphia.

Vegter has built a team of experienced small business bankers, pulling from capable bankers at SouthState and other financial institutions. Members of the team include the following:

Jack Baker brings 16 years of banking experience to the small business banking team. Most recently, he served as a SouthState branch manager in Jacksonville, Florida. He's also held the roles of assistant branch manager, mortgage loan officer and teller during his career.

Holton Bell joins SouthState after several years working in client relations, most recently at Addicus LLC in Alabama. He brings experience as a private banker at BBVA Compass Bank and as a financial advisor at Raymond James.

Krystle Mall moves into the small business banking role after 10 years as a SouthState branch manager, most recently in Gastonia, North Carolina after relocating from the Myrtle Beach/Conway area of South Carolina, where she began her banking career with SouthState in 2004.

Ross Marley continues to serve Charleston, South Carolina, most recently as a business banker before joining the small business team. A member of SouthState since 2015, he's also worked as a financial services representative and lead credit analyst.

Mike Marshall comes to SouthState from Intercoastal Financial Group in Fort Pierce, Florida, where he served as a finance broker since 2018, cultivating relationships with dealers, brokers and lenders. Other past career roles include director of retail sales, market sales manager and general manager at Drivetime LLC.

Ray Merritt joined SouthState as a financial services representative in 2011, holding roles of increasing responsibility ever since. Most recently, Merritt served as the branch manager in Conway, where his branch led the Grand Strand market in goals for two consecutive years.

Brian Moon also moves from the branch manager role in Tucker, Georgia, to the small business banking team. He has almost 20 years of banking experience and knowledge from working at Bank of America, Wells Fargo, SunTrust and SouthState.

Adam Odom joins the small business team after seven years as a branch manager for SouthState in Columbia, South Carolina. He began his career in banking in 2001, previously working at Wells Fargo, SunTrust and BB&T.

Lauren Thompson spent the last eight years serving SouthState's Richmond market as a branch manager before moving to small business banking. She gained additional experience as a personal banker for First Enterprise Bank and retail banker with Woodforest National Bank.

SouthState also welcomes the following new hires to its private wealth and middle market banking teams:

Phillip R. Garrison  private wealth advisor, Charlotte, North Carolina  brings many years of experience and deep expertise in trust administration and insurance consulting to his new role. Prior to joining SouthState, he was a senior fiduciary officer for a large national bank. He received a B.B.A. in Trust and Wealth Management from Campbell University.

Mike Maguire  private wealth relationship manager, Jacksonville, Florida  spent 16 years with a large regional bank and managed their wealth division in North Florida for the last 10 years. In addition, his career experience includes 23 years with Barnett Bank in various leadership roles throughout the state of Florida. Maguire earned a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from the University of Central Florida and is a graduate of the American Bankers Association's National Commercial Lending Graduate School at the University of Oklahoma.

Mia Mendez  private wealth associate, Jacksonville, Florida  comes to SouthState following a 10-year career at Truist. She will support Maguire, whom she worked with previously in Jacksonville under the BB&T banner. During her 17 years in the financial services industry, Mendez has held roles including banker assistant, foreclosure specialist and wealth support specialist. She holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from George State University.

Brian Combs  middle market business development executive, Richmond, Virginia  most recently worked as a member of the Mid-Atlantic Corporate Banking group at PNC, where he managed relationships with mid-sized and large companies headquartered throughout most of Virginia. Previously, Combs has also held relationship management roles in Middle Market Banking at Wells Fargo and Corporate Banking at SunTrust. During his career, Combs has managed relationships with many publicly-traded, private-equity owned, and family-owned businesses in various industries.

SouthState Corporation (NASDAQ: SSB) is a financial services company headquartered in Winter Haven, Florida. SouthState Bank, N.A., the company's nationally chartered bank subsidiary, provides consumer, commercial, mortgage and wealth management solutions to more than one million customers throughout Florida, Alabama, Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia. The bank also serves clients coast to coast through its correspondent banking division. Additional information is available at SouthStateBank.com.

SOURCE SouthState Bank N.A.
But while the long weekend took a chunk out of available advertised inventories  from 1.843 million in mid-June to 1.761 million on July 3, perhaps more notable is that available inventories almost immediately leaped ahead to 1.867 million by mid-July, surpassing the year-to-date highs seen in mid-June.

Ford Mach-E inventories climbing past ICE SUVs

You can tell an automaker is serious about electric vehicles when advertised inventories climb to the equivalent level of its better-selling internal-combustion vehicles.

That is now happening with Ford SUVs, as inventories grow for the Ford Mustang Mach-E. In December, the Mach-E had the lowest advertised inventory count of any Ford SUV. As of early July, however, Ford dealers are now advertising more available Mach-E volume (14,363 units) than those of EcoSport, Bronco, Edge, and now, even Escape. Only the Explorer and Bronco Sport have more advertised units available.

Whether production is ramping up to meet anticipated demand, or whether there is sufficient demand to reduce inventories, remains to be seen. Year-to-date through June, Ford sold 14,040 units of the Mach-E, according to company reports, although inventories were constrained through the first quarter, and the sales pace has recently accelerated. By contrast, Ford has sold 64,839 Escapes over that period.

Non-Tesla EV inventories plateauing?

While Mach-E inventories are surging, most other EVs appear to be growing as well, but not at the same rate. Total advertised EV inventories reached 108,000 units in early July, up about 10,000 units from early June.

The other mainstream EV chasing volume is the Volkswagen ID.4; with about 12,000 units of advertised inventory (VW sold 6,690 units in 2Q 2023, but, again, with constrained inventories). The third-most advertised inventory is from the Hyundai Ioniq 5, although after an early-year surge of inventory through April, advertised stock appears to have flattened into a predictable wavelet pattern. The Kia EV6 shows a similar trend to the Hyundai  albeit at much lower volumes. The only EV showing a significant tapering of inventories is the Volvo C40.

Geographically, most of the industry EV inventory resides in the following DMAs: Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City, Seattle, and Washington DC.

EV inventories passing Hybrids?

A true measure of EV penetration is comparing advertised inventory volumes against Hybrid Gas-Electric vehicles.

Nationally, even as inventories of all vehicles have grown, there has been a consistent gap of about 35,000 to 40,000 units of Hybrids compared to EVs  as of inventory levels on July 10 there were 148,761 Hybrids to 107,514 EVs. However, California saw a landmark event in May, as EV advertised inventories passed Hybrids, and have held steady: 30,914 EVs compared to 27,316 Hybrids as of July 10.

Early-July numbers show a sharp spike in growth of Hybrid inventories both nationally and in California  although whether that is a result of consumers choosing EVs over Hybrids, or an uptick in new Hybrid production to meet anticipated demand, has yet to be determined.

Toyota rejoins the Compact SUV fight

The most competitive segment in the industry involves mainstream Compact SUVs, and a dogfight looks to be emerging through the summer months as the traditional sales leader appears to have regained its inventory footing.

The Toyota RAV4 has been the best-selling passenger vehicle in the US since 2017. But pandemic-related supplier shortages crunched Toyota inventories, resulting in a 6.9% year-over-year sales decline for RAV4 through June.

As recently as April, Toyota had fewer RAV4s on the ground compared to Jeep Wrangler, Nissan Rogue, and Mazda CX-5. That tide is now turning, as RAV4 inventories have soared in late June and early July  just in time for the summer selling season  now reaching nearly 40,000 advertised units. Meanwhile, the RAV4's closest rival, the Honda CR-V, saw inventories dip sharply below 15,000 units in late June before seeing a slight jump in early July.

About S&P Global Mobility

At S&P Global Mobility, we provide invaluable insights derived from unmatched automotive data, enabling our customers to anticipate change and make decisions with conviction. Our expertise helps them to optimize their businesses, reach the right consumers, and shape the future of mobility. We open the door to automotive innovation, revealing the buying patterns of today and helping customers plan for the emerging technologies of tomorrow.

S&P Global Mobility is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI). S&P Global is the world's foremost provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity, and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help many of the world's leading organizations navigate the economic landscape so they can plan for tomorrow, today. For more information, visit www.spglobal.com/mobility.

Editor's Notes: S&P Global Mobility calculates advertised inventories both by total inventories  which includes some vehicles that have already been sold but are still advertised by dealers  as well as by available inventories that have not had their registrations punched, which is a slightly lower number.

Additionally, our July US Sales preview can be found here for reference.

Media Contact:

Michelle Culver

S&P Global Mobility

248.728.7496 or 248.342.6211

[email protected]

SOURCE S&P Global Mobility

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He-Sen Liu wins with his signature dish 'Homemade oyster sauce with Shandong wagyu, which emphasises the gastronomic heritage of Chinese food culture whilst looking to the future.

MILAN, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As preparations continue for the long-awaited Grand Finale of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2022-23  set to take place in Milan on 4 and 5 October 2023  the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy announces the winner of the Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award: He-Sen Liu of the LINGLONG restaurant, representing the Mainland China competition area.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:

https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/9188251-spellegrino-young-chef-he-sen-liu-winner-of-gastronomy-award/

LIU HE-SEN IS THE WINNER OF THE ACQUA PANNA CONNECTION IN GASTRONOMY AWARD.

The prize, one of three collateral awards of the Competition, is awarded to the chef who best reflects the balance between the past and the future in their signature dish whilst expressing the traditional gastronomic heritage of their home country.

Voted for by the Competition mentors, Liu emerged as the global winner ahead of 14 other finalists competing as winners from their respective regions, ultimately triumphing with his signature dish, 'Homemade oyster sauce with Shandong wagyu', conceived with the help of his mentor, Wu Rong.

"It's the first time a young chef from China has received this significant award. It means a lot to me," said Liu. "All my efforts over the past years, combined with my painstaking work at my restaurant LINGLONG are inspired by the rich geography, abundant ingredients and traditional cooking techniques of Chinese cuisine. I aim to trace its historical diversity while exploring worldwide fusion with integration and innovation. I firmly believe in the power of food and remain committed to honouring my culture while evolving my cooking style with an open mind and a heart that cherishes tradition."

Stefano Bolognese, Sanpellegrino International Business Unit Director added: "Cultural heritage is the foundation of gastronomy and we believe it's so important to be able to enhance our origins, showing the best our homelands have to offer. At the same time there can be no progress without the influence of foreign elements and the beauty of different cultures coming together to create something new. He-Sen Liu embodies the perfect combination between tradition and evolution, never forgetting his origins but bringing an innovative touch to it and expressing it in his signature dish. We're honoured to assign this edition's title to him."

As the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy paves the way for some of the most talented young chefs in the world, personal and professional growth is one of its main purposes. With this in mind, the Academy has provided a series of inspiring workshops related to relevant topics for the industry, dedicated to all regional finalists. Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award finalists took part in the 'Cultural guardianship' workshop, moderated by Tom Jenkins, Fine Dining Lovers journalist and Academy spokesperson, which explored the role chefs play in celebrating and amplifying culture whilst creating something new with familiar flavours. The workshop gave participants the chance to listen to and exchange views with chefs such as Debora Fadul, Jessica Rosval, David Martin and Stefan Stiller and journalists Andrew Friedman and Evelyn Chen.

About this undeniable connection between cuisine and culture, Tom Jenkins said: "These workshops framed the impact of food on culture at large. As one guest put it, 'Everything flows through food'. We looked at how the fusion of cultures and cuisines over the centuries has created the food culture we know today and on a more personal level, we heard beautiful stories from our chefs and experts about how food has allowed them not only to discover other cultures but reconnect with their own cultures and even their own families."

To learn more about the initiative please visit: www.sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com .

About S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy

Gastronomy has the potential to transform society, shaping a more inclusive, more sustainable future. But doing requires talent. That's why S.Pellegrino has created S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, a platform to attract, connect and nurture the next generation of culinary talents. An environment that will empower them through education, mentoring and experience opportunities, as well as through the renowned global competition.

The Academy opens its doors to members from over 70 different countries, ensuring that talent is not constrained by geography, ethnicity, or gender. This is a place where passionate young chefs interact with the most influential players in global gastronomy, and where together they cultivate an inspiring culinary community.

To discover more please visit: https://www.sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com/

About S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna

S.Pellegrino, Acqua Panna and Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks are international trademarks of Sanpellegrino S.p.A., which is based in Milan, Italy. Distributed in over 150 countries through branches and distributors on all five continents, these products represent quality, excellence by virtue of their origins and perfectly interpret Italian style worldwide as a synthesis of pleasure, health and well-being. Founded in 1899, Sanpellegrino S.p.A. is the leading company in the beverage sector in Italy with its range of mineral waters, non-alcoholic aperitifs and drinks.

Sanpellegrino has always been committed to enhancing this primary good for the planet and works responsibly and passionately to ensure that this resource has a secure future.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2159142/Sanpellegrino.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1341607/4174717/SPYCA_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Sanpellegrino Group
Insights Offer Actionable Recommendations for Marketers to Enhance Customer Experience and Foster Brand Loyalty

NEW YORK, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Optimove, the first Customer-Led Marketing Platform, today released its 2023 Holiday Survey, which uncovers compelling insights into consumer behavior and the factors that drive sales during the holiday season.

The survey's second annual edition reveals that forty-two percent (42%) of consumers prefer to shop exclusively at familiar stores or websites they have patronized before, highlighting the significant impact of loyalty on driving sales. Plus, an overwhelming majority of respondents, 93%, expressed a strong likelihood to revisit a brand or retailer following a positive experience, underscoring the pivotal role of customer satisfaction in fostering lasting relationships. These findings emphasize the critical importance for businesses to prioritize customer loyalty and nurture enduring connections with their audience.

Marketers should be cognizant of causing marketing fatigue

Further, results show that most shoppers (55%) will tire of Holiday marketing messages by October, which will rise to 73% by November. In addition, results show that holiday shopping starts early, as 50% of respondents will begin shopping by the end of October. While brands want to reach consumers before they buy, marketers should focus on delivering personalized, relevant, and timely content to engage consumers.

Pini Yakuel, CEO of Optimove, emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer preferences and managing marketing communications to maintain engagement and prevent fatigue. Yakuel said, "Managing communication frequency and relevancy is crucial for avoiding customer dissatisfaction and unsubscribing. Most brands struggle to do this effectively as they either batch-and-blast consumers or use rigid journey builders that cater to the 'average consumer.' In a world where consumers demand personalization and relevancy, brands must embrace AI to orchestrate individualized journeys and messages. Embracing AI enables brands to meet consumers' evolving expectations, create meaningful connections, and differentiate themselves in a competitive market."

He advises retailers to provide early access to offers, lead with competitive pricing, build trust, demonstrate environmental responsibility, and capitalize on early shopping trends. "By implementing these actions, retailers can enhance brand loyalty, attract and retain customers, and drive success during the holiday season."

Consumer confidence up

Furthermore, the survey delves into the current landscape of consumer confidence, revealing a promising uptick in both personal finances and the broader economy, as 35% of respondents plan to spend more on holiday gifts compared to the previous year. In contrast, last year, only 17% of Optimove's 2022 Holiday Survey respondents planned to spend more than the previous year (2021), marking a 105% increase.

Access the full survey here.

About The Optimove 2023 Consumer Holiday Shopping Report

The Optimove 2023 Consumer Holiday Shopping Report was based on queries of 281 U.S. citizens in July 2023. Respondents were ages 18-plus, 50% male/50% female (no respondents were non-binary or declined to answer); and household incomes were $75,000-plus.

About Optimove

Optimove is the first Customer-Led Marketing Platform. Its solutions ensure that marketing always starts with the customer instead of a campaign or product. Customer-led marketing has been proven to deliver brands an average increase of 33% in customer lifetime value.

It is the only customer-led marketing platform powered by the combination of 1) rich historical, real-time, and predictive customer data, 2) AI-led multichannel journey orchestration, and 3) statistically credible multitouch attribution of every marketing action.

Optimove provides industry-specific and use-case solutions for hundreds of leading consumer brands including BetMGM, SodaStream, Pennsylvania Lottery, Papa John's, bet365 and Staples. For more information go to Optimove.com

SOURCE Optimove
IRVINE, Calif., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Supernal LLC (the Company), Hyundai Motor Group's (HMG) Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company, announced today the opening of its engineering headquarters in Irvine, Calif. This is one of three permanent facilities Supernal is opening this year, which include a policy and commercial hub in Washington, D.C., and a primary R&D facility in Fremont, Calif.

With approximately 105,000 square feet of office space in the Irvine Spectrum development and an 80,000-square-foot satellite test and evaluation site, Supernal currently employs more than 200 people in Irvine and has space to expand to 500. The Company's presence in the market includes its powertrain, airframe, system and safety, test and evaluation, and several core operations teams.

"The key to realizing the potential of Advanced Air Mobility hinges on leveraging exceptional tech talent, making Irvine the prime location for our engineering headquarters," said Jaiwon Shin, president of Hyundai Motor Group and CEO of Supernal. "This strategic location enables us to expand our rapidly growing team of industry experts in aerospace, automotive and deep-tech. Together, we are poised to redefine transportation and shape the future of Advanced Air Mobility."

Established in 2020 as the Urban Air Mobility Division of Hyundai Motor Group, Supernal is developing an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle and the integrated ground-to-air ecosystem to support the emerging AAM industry. As part of HMG, Supernal is working to integrate the automotive giant's manufacturing technologies, supply chain capabilities and automation into AAM.

Advanced Mobility Careers

Supernal plans to hire more than 100 employees for its Irvine facilities this year. The Company is seeking engineers with experience in flight control, airframe design, structural analysis, electrical and systems integration. Interested candidates can view open positions here.

Irvine Facility Design

At the heart of Supernal's new engineering headquarters is a forward-thinking design approach that caters specifically to the needs of its engineering teams. The facility's design style, referred to as "kinship," aims to foster community and encourage collaboration among employees. Team "homerooms" are interspersed throughout the workspace, providing comfortable areas for interaction and relaxation. Movable furniture and round soft architecture allow for the creation of adaptable spaces tailored to the varying needs of employees and promote a sense of ownership. It features design influences from California's vibrant energy and offers a unique blend of Silicon Valley start-up "vibes" with the stability of a global enterprise.

The four-story space also pays homage to Supernal's aviation industry: Light fixtures throughout resemble clouds to create an ethereal ambiance, while flight paths guide employees throughout the space and the office's game room features aviation-themed decor and inspiring quotes, adding an element of playfulness and creativity.

Meticulously planned amenity spaces throughout the office offer opportunities for employees to cultivate balance amid work schedules, fostering relaxation, stress reduction, creativity and mental clarity. In addition to these spaces, the office boasts ergonomically designed workstations and an eco-cafe that serves as a vibrant hub for socializing and collaboration.

Designed by RMW Architectures and Interiors, the newly unveiled Irvine office is part of a series of locations Supernal is opening in the United States as it expands its workforce. To see photos of the facility, click here.

About Supernal

Supernal (Supernal) is a U.S.-based mobility service provider on a mission to redefine how people move, connect, and live. We are developing an Advanced Air Mobility eVTOL vehicle and working to responsibly co-create the supporting ecosystem and integrate it into existing transit options. As part of Hyundai Motor Group, we are both a new business and an established company, with plans to harness our automotive manufacturing heritage to make Advanced Air Mobility accessible to the masses. Visit www.supernal.aero for more information and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Contacts:

Jennifer Darland

Supernal

[email protected]

SOURCE Supernal
The rapidly growing fast casual restaurant featuring crepes and waffles opens second location in Florida

CORAL GABLES, Fla., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe, the ultra-popular restaurant brand specializing in sweet and savory crepes, hot drinks and more, recently opened in The Plaza Coral Gables at 3005 Ponce De Leon Blvd, Suite 142 in Coral Gables. The store will celebrate its grand opening with a special event on Thursday, August 24th, 2023.

Sweet Paris opens in Coral Gables

Founded in 2012 by Allison and Ivan Chavez, Sweet Paris has quickly become one of the hottest restaurant franchises in the country with its Instagram-worthy, French-inspired interiors and delicious food and drinks made of the highest quality ingredients and bold flavors. The duo met as undergraduate students at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and bonded over a love for crepes. Soon, they made it their mission to "Revive the Art of Eating Crepes" and began traveling the world in search of flavors and new ways to bring this popular street food to market. Made from scratch, the dishes are as delicious as they are beautiful.

"We are absolutely thrilled to announce the grand opening of Sweet Paris in the heart of the beautiful and vibrant Coral Gables community," Allison Chavez said. "Located at The Plaza Coral Gables, our new store is surrounded by the charm and elegance that this city is known for. We cannot wait to welcome everyone as we embark on this exciting new chapter, and let Sweet Paris transport our guests to a beautiful world of culinary delight!"

Sweet Paris in Coral Gables is a corporate-owned location and will be operated by long-time general manager, Marlen Navarrete. Marlen moved from Texas to South Florida to take the helm of this beautiful new location. With over five years of experience working with the company, Navarrete's leadership will guide her team to provide the impeccable level of service and elevated experience that Sweet Paris is known for.

The community is encouraged to join in the grand opening celebration of the new location. Guests are encouraged to sign up for the Sweet Paris Passport to receive exclusive monthly promotions, a birthday bonus, collect points and use them for purchase, receive texts regarding upcoming giveaways, and receive bonus entries for giveaways. The special event on August 24th will include an official ribbon cutting ceremony and will bring the Coral Gables community and local personalities together to enjoy the Sweet Paris experience.

Sweet Paris Coral Gables is the second Miami-area location for the company, and the 14th store overall in its portfolio. The company is working towards a 3rd Miami store by 2024, as part of an ongoing expansion nationwide. Sweet Paris' total store count will be 28 locations in the near future, with projects in various stages of development in Texas, Oklahoma, Minnesota and Florida.

The recent success of Sweet Paris has not gone unnoticed as the brand was recently ranked on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2022 Top New and Emerging Franchises. The brand also made history when it secured a place on Entrepreneur's esteemed Franchise 500 list for the first time in January. Also, co-founders Allison and Ivan Chavez recently landed on Global Franchise Magazine's 10 Emerging Leaders to Watch in 2022, and Allison was included in Nation's Restaurant News' annual Power List, an exclusive group of 50 leaders who are identified as the most innovative and inspiring people in the restaurant industry.

Sweet Paris Coral Gables is open Sunday - Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday - Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information on Sweet Paris in Coral Gables, please visit www.sweetparis.com or call (713) 266-2219.

ABOUT SWEET PARIS:

Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe is a fast-growing restaurant franchise specializing in sweet and savory crepes, waffles, salads, hot drinks and more. On a mission to "Revive the Art of Eating Crepes" one creperie at a time, Sweet Paris is seeking qualified Strategic Partners, especially those with a background in hospitality, to expand the concept in new markets. For more information about the brand, please visit www.sweetparis.com, and for more information on Strategic Partnership Opportunities, visit www.sweetparisfranchise.com.

SOURCE Sweet Paris
Borden Subsidiary New Dairy Select Milk is to Blame

DEPERE, Wis., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters Local 662 Secretary-Treasurer Tom Strickland sent an open letter to Taco Bell customers to warn them of a possible shortage of sour cream at the fast-food chain. The shortage is being cause by New Dairy Select Milk; a subsidiary of Borden Dairy formerly known as Morning Glory.

"The employees at New Dairy Select Milk are represented by Teamsters Local 662, and these employees are currently on strike," Strickland said in the letter. "Employees are striking for a better health insurance plan that will provide cost savings for them, the company, and the customers."

The Depere facility that's currently engaged in an unfair labor practice strike supplies sour cream to every Taco Bell location east of the Rocky Mountains. The company health care coverage that Borden Dairy is attempting to force on the workers would require them to pay higher premiums and deductibles, as well as come out-of-pocket for a wide variety of services that would be covered under a Teamster plan.

"We're encouraging Taco Bell customers to reach out to the company's leadership and demand that their suppliers treat these hardworking men and women with the dignity and respect they deserve," said Peter Finn, Teamsters Western Region Vice President and Food Processing Division Director. "Borden Dairy's actions are irrational, irresponsible and bad for business."

Customers can support the striking Teamsters by going to http://ibt.io/rottentacos.

Teamsters Local 662 represents workers in a wide variety of industries throughout central and northern Wisconsin. For more information, go to teamsters662.com.

Contact:

Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Local 662
Districts and open-enrollment charter schools can use the program starting in the 20232024 school year to assess students who did not demonstrate reading proficiency on the Grade 6 STAAR Reading assessment

NORTH BILLERICA, Mass., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Texas Education Agency (TEA) recently named Curriculum Associates' i-Ready Assessment to its Commissioner's List of Approved Grade 7 Reading Instruments. Starting this coming school year, districts and open-enrollment charter schools can now use the online program to assess all students whose performance on the Grade 6 STAAR Reading assessment did not demonstrate reading proficiency. Results from the reading assessments will help inform additional reading instruction and intervention for students.

"To increase literacy achievement throughout the state, it is essential that Texas educators have actionable data to help students, especially those who may need extra supports," said Claudia Salinas, vice president of English Learning at Curriculum Associates. "With the recent approval by the TEA, teachers can now use i-Ready to quickly and efficiently collectand utilizeimportant student data. This will help teachers personalize their instruction to support reading success while saving them time."

TEA conducted a comprehensive review of submitted assessments. To receive approval, assessments must be based on current, published scientific research in reading, be age and grade-level appropriate, valid, and reliable, identify specific skill difficulties in word analysis, fluency, and comprehension, and assist the teacher in making individualized instructional decisions based on the assessment results.

In accordance with the Texas Education Code, all approved assessmentsincluding i-Readycan be used during the 20232024 school year through the 20262027 school year.

More about i-Ready

i-Ready makes the promise of differentiated instruction a practical reality for Grades K12 teachers and students. It combines powerful assessments and rich insights with effective and engaging instruction in Reading and Mathematics to address students' individual needs.

The program's Diagnostic provides educators with actionable criterion-referenced and normative data to deliver impactful, equitable learning experiences. Teachers administer the Diagnostic at the beginning of the school year to chart a course for teacher-led instruction, set an i-Ready Personalized Instruction path individualized for each student, and identify students' differentiated growth goals for the year. A midyear and end-of-year Diagnostic help students and teachers measure growth and have data chats. Teacher-led and personalized instruction continue throughout the year to help students address their learning gaps and access grade-level learning.

All i-Ready district partners have ongoing access to Curriculum Associates' award-winning customer service. This includes dedicated support via the company's Customer Service team, professional learning experts, partner success managers, educational sales consultants, and Technical Support team, as well as access to the free customer service portal.

Today, the i-Ready program serves more than 11.5 million students and approximately one-third of all Grades K8 students in the United States.

To learn more about i-Ready, visit CurriculumAssociates.com/Products/i-Ready/Texas-Reading-Achievement.

About Curriculum Associates

Founded in 1969, Curriculum Associates, LLC designs research-based print and online instructional materials, screens and assessments, and data management tools. The company's products and outstanding customer service provide teachers and administrators with the resources necessary for teaching diverse student populations and fostering learning for all students.

STAAR is a federally registered trademark owned by the Texas Education Agency and is used pursuant to license.

Contact: Kati Elliott Charlotte Fixler KEH Communications Curriculum Associates (410) 975-9638 (978) 901-6066 [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Curriculum Associates, LLC
NEW YORK, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.85% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 1,420.15 million, according to Technavio  The growing competition in the market is compelling vendors to adopt various growth strategies, such as promotional activities and spending on advertisements to improve the visibility of their services. Technavio report analyzes the market's competitive landscape and offers information on several market vendors including - Agilent Technologies Inc., Bio Rad Laboratories Inc., Bruker Corp., Danaher Corp., General Electric Co., Hamilton Bonaduz AG, Hitachi Ltd., IDEX Corp., JASCO International Co. Ltd., Merck KGaA, Orochem Technologies Inc., Perkin Elmer Inc., Restek Corp., Sartorius AG, Shimadzu Corp., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Tosoh Corp., Trajan Scientific Australia Pty Ltd., Waters Corp., and YMC Co. Ltd. Download a Sample Report

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global High-performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Market

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Market Insights -

Vendors : 15+, Including Agilent Technologies Inc., Bio Rad Laboratories Inc., Bruker Corp., Danaher Corp., General Electric Co., Hamilton Bonaduz AG, Hitachi Ltd., IDEX Corp., JASCO International Co. Ltd., Merck KGaA, Orochem Technologies Inc., Perkin Elmer Inc., Restek Corp., Sartorius AG, Shimadzu Corp., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Tosoh Corp., Trajan Scientific Australia Pty Ltd., Waters Corp., and YMC Co. Ltd., among others

: 15+, Including Agilent Technologies Inc., Bio Rad Laboratories Inc., Bruker Corp., Danaher Corp., General Electric Co., Hamilton Bonaduz AG, Hitachi Ltd., IDEX Corp., JASCO International Co. Ltd., Merck KGaA, Orochem Technologies Inc., Perkin Elmer Inc., Restek Corp., Sartorius AG, Shimadzu Corp., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Tosoh Corp., Trajan Scientific Australia Pty Ltd., Waters Corp., and YMC Co. Ltd., among others Coverage: Parent market analysis; key drivers, major trends, and challenges; customer and vendor landscape; vendor product insights and recent developments; key vendors; and market positioning of vendors

Parent market analysis; key drivers, major trends, and challenges; customer and vendor landscape; vendor product insights and recent developments; key vendors; and market positioning of vendors Segments: end-user (pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic and research institutions, and others), product (instruments, consumables, and accessories), and geography ( North America , Europe , Asia , and the Rest of the World (ROW)).

To understand more about the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) Market, request a sample report

Key Drivers- The increasing investments in the healthcare sector are a key factor driving the market growth. Both private and government entities are making investments in research and development (R&D) initiatives within the healthcare sector. Their aim is to introduce innovative new technologies, particularly in the field of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), to improve the potential of the healthcare industry. Moreover, pharmaceutical companies are required to adhere to stringent guidelines set by regulatory bodies like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

To ensure the high quality of their products before commercialization, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly adopting HPLC. Consequently, many companies are investing in HPLC products to meet the growing demand from end-users, specifically pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies operating within the healthcare sector. Hence, these factors are expected to restrict market growth during the forecast period.

Major Trends- The increasing use of HPLC is a major trend in the market. The growing adoption of HPLC by scientists and researchers is expected to be a significant trend in the market, particularly in clinical diagnosis, research, and the pharmaceutical industry. In clinical diagnosis, HPLC is utilized to identify changes in endocrine and exocrine gland secretions, aiding in the treatment of medical disorders.

Within the pharmaceutical industry, HPLC plays a prominent role in quality control, ensuring that the prepared or manufactured products adhere to the standards set by drug regulatory bodies. In the food and beverage industry, HPLC is utilized for detecting and quantifying food analytes in samples based on their relative volatility and polarity, ensuring the safety and nutritional quality of food products. Hence, the increasing demand is expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.

Significant Challenges- The high cost of HPLC instruments is the significant challenge restricting market growth. The development of HPLC instruments has incorporated expensive automation features and data analysis software. As a result, these instruments come with a high cost, making them unaffordable for small research laboratories and certain research institutes. For instance, the Waters Alliance 2695 HPLC Separations Module (ELS 2420) System and Waters Alliance 2790 HPLC Separations Module with 996 PDA Detector offered by WATERS are priced at USD 14,900 and USD 11,999, respectively. Additionally, individual components like pumps, such as the Thermo Scientific Accela HPLC Autosampler and Pump from Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., are also highly-priced, with a price of $7,900. The expensive nature of these instruments can pose financial challenges for many research facilities. Hence, the high cost of these instruments is expected to restrict market growth during the forecast period.

Drivers, Trends & Challenges have an impact on market dynamics and can impact businesses. Find some insights from a sample report!

The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) market report provides critical information and factual data, with a qualitative and quantitative study of the market based on market drivers and limitations as well as prospects.

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What are the key data covered in this High-performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Market report?

CAGR of the market during the forecast period

Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) market between 2023 and 2027

Precise estimation of the size of the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) market and its contribution to the market with a focus on the parent market

Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

Growth of the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) market across North America , Europe , Asia , and the Rest of the World (ROW)

, , , and the Rest of the World (ROW) A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about vendors

Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) market vendors

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High-performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 5.85% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 1,420.15 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 5.45 Regional analysis North America, Europe, Asia, and the Rest of the World (ROW) Performing market contribution North America at 36% Key countries US, Canada, UK, Germany, and France Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled Agilent Technologies Inc., Bio Rad Laboratories Inc., Bruker Corp., Danaher Corp., General Electric Co., Hamilton Bonaduz AG, Hitachi Ltd., IDEX Corp., JASCO International Co. Ltd., Merck KGaA, Orochem Technologies Inc., Perkin Elmer Inc., Restek Corp., Sartorius AG, Shimadzu Corp., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Tosoh Corp., Trajan Scientific Australia Pty Ltd., Waters Corp., and YMC Co. Ltd. Market dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, and Market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

Table of Contents

1 Executive Summary

1.1 Market Overview

Exhibit 01: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Overview



Exhibit 02: Executive Summary  Data Table on Market Overview



Exhibit 03: Executive Summary  Chart on Global Market Characteristics



Exhibit 04: Executive Summary  Chart on Market by Geography



Exhibit 05: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by End-user



Exhibit 06: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by Product



Exhibit 07: Executive Summary  Chart on Incremental Growth



Exhibit 08: Executive Summary  Data Table on Incremental Growth



Exhibit 09: Executive Summary  Chart on Vendor Market Positioning

2 Market Landscape

2.1 Market ecosystem

Exhibit 10: Parent market



Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics

3 Market Sizing

3.1 Market definition

Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition

3.2 Market segment analysis

Exhibit 13: Market segments

3.3 Market size 2022

3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027

Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

4 Historic Market Size

4.1 Global high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) market 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size  Data Table on global high-performance liquid chromatography (hplc) market 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.2 End-user Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size  End-user Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.3 Product Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size  Product Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.4 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size  Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size  Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

5 Five Forces Analysis

5.1 Five forces summary

Exhibit 23: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2022 and 2027

5.2 Bargaining power of buyers

Exhibit 24: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers  Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027

5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers

Exhibit 25: Bargaining power of suppliers  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.4 Threat of new entrants

Exhibit 26: Threat of new entrants  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.5 Threat of substitutes

Exhibit 27: Threat of substitutes  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.6 Threat of rivalry

Exhibit 28: Threat of rivalry  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.7 Market condition

Exhibit 29: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027

6 Market Segmentation by End-user

6.1 Market segments

Exhibit 30: Chart on End-user - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 31: Data Table on End-user - Market share 2022-2027 (%)

6.2 Comparison by End-user

Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by End-user



Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by End-user

6.3 Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 34: Chart on Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 35: Data Table on Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 36: Chart on Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 37: Data Table on Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.4 Academic and research institutions - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 38: Chart on Academic and research institutions - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 39: Data Table on Academic and research institutions - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 40: Chart on Academic and research institutions - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 41: Data Table on Academic and research institutions - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.5 Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 42: Chart on Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 43: Data Table on Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 44: Chart on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 45: Data Table on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.6 Market opportunity by End-user

Exhibit 46: Market opportunity by End-user ($ million)



Exhibit 47: Data Table on Market opportunity by End-user ($ million)

7 Market Segmentation by Product

7.1 Market segments

Exhibit 48: Chart on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 49: Data Table on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%)

7.2 Comparison by Product

Exhibit 50: Chart on Comparison by Product



Exhibit 51: Data Table on Comparison by Product

7.3 Instruments - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 52: Chart on Instruments - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 53: Data Table on Instruments - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 54: Chart on Instruments - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 55: Data Table on Instruments - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

7.4 Consumables - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 56: Chart on Consumables - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 57: Data Table on Consumables - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 58: Chart on Consumables - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 59: Data Table on Consumables - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

7.5 Accessories - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 60: Chart on Accessories - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 61: Data Table on Accessories - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 62: Chart on Accessories - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 63: Data Table on Accessories - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

7.6 Market opportunity by Product

Exhibit 64: Market opportunity by Product ($ million)



Exhibit 65: Data Table on Market opportunity by Product ($ million)

8 Customer Landscape

8.1 Customer landscape overview

Exhibit 66: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria

9 Geographic Landscape

9.1 Geographic segmentation

Exhibit 67: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 68: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%)

9.2 Geographic comparison

Exhibit 69: Chart on Geographic comparison



Exhibit 70: Data Table on Geographic comparison

9.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 71: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 72: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 73: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 74: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 75: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 76: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 77: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 78: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.5 Asia - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 79: Chart on Asia - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 80: Data Table on Asia - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 81: Chart on Asia - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 82: Data Table on Asia - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.6 Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 83: Chart on Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 84: Data Table on Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 85: Chart on Rest of World (ROW) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 86: Data Table on Rest of World (ROW) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.7 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 87: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 88: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 89: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 90: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.8 Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 91: Chart on Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 92: Data Table on Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 93: Chart on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 94: Data Table on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.9 UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 95: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 96: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 97: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 98: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.10 Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 99: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 100: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 101: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 102: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.11 France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 103: Chart on France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 104: Data Table on France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 105: Chart on France - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 106: Data Table on France - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.12 Market opportunity by geography

Exhibit 107: Market opportunity by geography ($ million)



Exhibit 108: Data Tables on Market opportunity by geography ($ million)

10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10.1 Market drivers

10.2 Market challenges

10.3 Impact of drivers and challenges

Exhibit 109: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027

10.4 Market trends

11 Vendor Landscape

11.1 Overview

11.2 Vendor landscape

Exhibit 110: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation

11.3 Landscape disruption

Exhibit 111: Overview on factors of disruption

11.4 Industry risks

Exhibit 112: Impact of key risks on business

12 Vendor Analysis

12.1 Vendors covered

Exhibit 113: Vendors covered

12.2 Market positioning of vendors

Exhibit 114: Matrix on vendor position and classification

12.3 Agilent Technologies Inc.

Exhibit 115: Agilent Technologies Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 116: Agilent Technologies Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 117: Agilent Technologies Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 118: Agilent Technologies Inc. - Segment focus

12.4 Bio Rad Laboratories Inc.

Exhibit 119: Bio Rad Laboratories Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 120: Bio Rad Laboratories Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 121: Bio Rad Laboratories Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 122: Bio Rad Laboratories Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 123: Bio Rad Laboratories Inc. - Segment focus

12.5 Danaher Corp.

Exhibit 124: Danaher Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 125: Danaher Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 126: Danaher Corp. - Key news



Exhibit 127: Danaher Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 128: Danaher Corp. - Segment focus

12.6 General Electric Co.

Exhibit 129: General Electric Co. - Overview



Exhibit 130: General Electric Co. - Business segments



Exhibit 131: General Electric Co. - Key news



Exhibit 132: General Electric Co. - Key offerings



Exhibit 133: General Electric Co. - Segment focus

12.7 Hamilton Bonaduz AG

Exhibit 134: Hamilton Bonaduz AG - Overview



Exhibit 135: Hamilton Bonaduz AG - Product / Service



Exhibit 136: Hamilton Bonaduz AG - Key offerings

12.8 Hitachi Ltd.

Exhibit 137: Hitachi Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 138: Hitachi Ltd. - Business segments



Exhibit 139: Hitachi Ltd. - Key news



Exhibit 140: Hitachi Ltd. - Key offerings



Exhibit 141: Hitachi Ltd. - Segment focus

12.9 IDEX Corp.

Exhibit 142: IDEX Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 143: IDEX Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 144: IDEX Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 145: IDEX Corp. - Segment focus

12.10 JASCO International Co. Ltd.

Exhibit 146: JASCO International Co. Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 147: JASCO International Co. Ltd. - Product / Service



Exhibit 148: JASCO International Co. Ltd. - Key offerings

12.11 Merck KGaA

Exhibit 149: Merck KGaA - Overview



Exhibit 150: Merck KGaA - Business segments



Exhibit 151: Merck KGaA - Key news



Exhibit 152: Merck KGaA - Key offerings



Exhibit 153: Merck KGaA - Segment focus

12.12 Orochem Technologies Inc.

Exhibit 154: Orochem Technologies Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 155: Orochem Technologies Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 156: Orochem Technologies Inc. - Key offerings

12.13 Perkin Elmer Inc.

Exhibit 157: Perkin Elmer Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 158: Perkin Elmer Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 159: Perkin Elmer Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 160: Perkin Elmer Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 161: Perkin Elmer Inc. - Segment focus

12.14 Shimadzu Corp.

Exhibit 162: Shimadzu Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 163: Shimadzu Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 164: Shimadzu Corp. - Key news



Exhibit 165: Shimadzu Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 166: Shimadzu Corp. - Segment focus

12.15 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Exhibit 167: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 168: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 169: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 170: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 171: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. - Segment focus

12.16 Tosoh Corp.

Exhibit 172: Tosoh Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 173: Tosoh Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 174: Tosoh Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 175: Tosoh Corp. - Segment focus

12.17 Waters Corp.

Exhibit 176: Waters Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 177: Waters Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 178: Waters Corp. - Key news



Exhibit 179: Waters Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 180: Waters Corp. - Segment focus

13 Appendix

13.1 Scope of the report

13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist

Exhibit 181: Inclusions checklist



Exhibit 182: Exclusions checklist

13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$

Exhibit 183: Currency conversion rates for US$

13.4 Research methodology

Exhibit 184: Research methodology



Exhibit 185: Validation techniques employed for market sizing



Exhibit 186: Information sources

13.5 List of abbreviations

Exhibit 187: List of abbreviations

About Us

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contact

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com

SOURCE Technavio
BALTIMORE and BRIDGEPORT, Conn., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Jonathan Klein is acknowledged as a Top Pinnacle Professional 2023 for his contributions to the Field of Law.

Jonathan Klein

Mr. Klein pursued higher education at Yeshiva University in New York where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, magna cum laude, in 1977. In addition to earning a Doctor of Jurisprudence at Fordham University School of Law in New York City in 1980, the attorney is a Distinguished Military Graduate of the Army ROTC program at Fordham University. The attorney capped his scholarship by graduating from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

A leader in the field, Mr. Klein is licensed to practice law in Connecticut, New York, and Maryland and may also practice before the Supreme Court of the United States; the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the 2nd, 5th, and 11th Circuits; the U.S. District Court for the Districts of Connecticut, Maryland, and D.C.; the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; and the Southern District of Georgia; the U.S. Tax Court; the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; and the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals. The attorney specializes in commercial litigation and has focused his practice on a wide variety of other areas of the law.

Mr. Klein represents corporate and individual plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal courts and also briefs and argues appeals before the Connecticut Appellate Court and Supreme Court and the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Prior to joining Parlatore Law Group, LLP as a partner in 2020, he maintained a private solo practice, Jonathan J. Klein, Attorney and Counselor at Law, in Bridgeport, Connecticut between 1995 and 2020 and was an associate and principal at two local law firms in Connecticut between 1987 and 1995. He was also Senior Special Counsel for the Department of Enforcement of the New York Stock Exchange from 1984 to 1987 and was a trial defense counsel for the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps between 1981 and 1984.

In addition to his commercial work, Mr. Klein practices general civil litigation, white-collar and general criminal defense, and tax litigation. He has resolved issues regarding state and federal administrative law; securities law; labor and employment law; zoning law; and military law.

Alongside his professional practice, Mr. Klein developed and taught military criminal law and law of war courses for the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program at the University of Connecticut. He also served on a disenrollment board and was an investigating officer. He later retired as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve after serving on active duty and as a reservist in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps from 1981 to 2004.

A civic-minded leader, Mr. Klein served on the Board of Fire Commissioners of the City of Bridgeport from 2004 to 2014 and as its President from 2013 to 2014. He also served as a board member of Hillel Academy in Fairfield, Connecticut; is on the board of the Pikesville-Greenspring Community Coalition in Baltimore County, Maryland; is a member of the Veterans and Military Affairs Section of the Connecticut Bar Association and serves on the Section's Executive Committee; and is a member of the Greater Bridgeport Bar Association.

Reflecting on his career, Mr. Klein attributes much of his success in law to listening to his clients and crafting cost-effective, realistic solutions for them.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE The Inner Circle
Ukrainian troops have been conducting offensive operations at Kupiansk-Svatove-Kreminna line in Kharkiv and Luhansk regions, as well as in Bakhmut area of Donetsk region, and advanced in Bakhmut area, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said in a July 24 report.

According to analysts, Ukrainian forces have been conducting offensive operations in the west of Donetsk region and in the west of Zaporizhia region and have reportedly advanced in the area of the town of Orikhove in Zaporizhia region.

In turn, the Russian occupiers carried out offensive operations at Kupiansk-Svatove-Kreminna line, in Bakhmut area, at Avdiyivka-Donetsk line, occupying insignificant positions south of Kreminna. In addition, Russian troops conducted offensive operations in the west of Donetsk region, but "did not make any confirmed or claimed gains."

ISW believes that it was the Ukrainian forces that launched drone strikes on the building of the Russian Ministry of Defense in Moscow, as well as on Russian military facilities in the occupied Crimea, temporarily disrupting Russian logistics through Crimea on July 24.

"Russian opposition source The Insider reported that Russian authorities banned Russian television channels from covering the drone strikes, citing sources in Russian state media channels," ISW said.

Crimean occupation authorities have said they will closely monitor social media posts that could help Ukrainian forces identify targets in Crimea, ISW said.
ELMHURST, Ill., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Ryon Hennessy, MD, FAAOS is acknowledged as a Top Pinnacle Professional for his contributions to the Field of Orthopedic Surgery.

Dr. Hennessy pursued higher education at Northwestern University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. He completed a Medical Doctor degree; orthopedic surgery residency; and spinal surgery fellowship at Rush University (Rush Medical College) in Chicago.

Ryon Hennessy

A board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Hennessy specializes in knee replacements and fractures and serves patients with issues with bones; ligaments; muscles; joints; nerves; and tendons. He asserts that he is known for taking time with each and every patient, putting their needs first.

With more than 32 years of experience in the field, Dr. Hennessy works in a group practice focused on the treatment and rehabilitation of injuries; diseases; and disorders of the body's musculoskeletal system. As an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Hennessy explained that he tends to bones; ligaments; muscles; joints; nerves; and tendons and can specialize in certain areas like the hand; spine; hip; foot and ankle; shoulder and elbow; or the knee.

A dedicated healthcare professional, Dr. Hennessy is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and a member of the Foundation Board at Elmhurst Hospital. Aside from his professional pursuits, he is an avid outdoorsman and belongs to several hunting organizations. He would like to dedicate this honor to his father, Mr. Michael Hennessy, and thank him for all his support.

For more information about Dr. Hennessy and his practice, please visit his website at www.eehealth.org/find-a-doctor/h/hennessy-ryon-m/.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE The Inner Circle
Brother and sister duo invest in the beauty, safety, and security of their community as they build a family legacy with their fencing business

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Top Rail Fence, the on-time professionals in fence design, quality, installation, and service, announced today that it has opened a new location in the Metropolitan Nashville area. The owners offer top-notch fencing and stylish designs for residential, commercial and agricultural properties.

Laura Wellon and Chip Wile are a brother-and-sister team who had long dreamed of owning a business together. After enlisting their spouses, Rob Wellon and Catherine Wile, they fulfilled that dream by opening Top Rail Fence Nashville this month.

Top Rail Fence Nashville owners Rob and Laura Wellon and Catherine and Chip Wile (left to right) will aim to provide Metro Nashville with secure fencing as they build a legacy for their families.

"Chip and I share a passion for entrepreneurship," Laura Wellon said. "In 2022, I started gathering some information about Top Rail Fence and told my brother I thought this would be a really great option for us. We have seven children between us, and our families are very close. We wanted to work together to build a legacy business for our families to enjoy."

Wellon got her start right out of college working for her father's financial services company and was savvy enough to purchase the business from him a few years ago. Top Rail Fence will be the third business she has owned and operated.

She also volunteers as a board member for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and has made Barron's Top 100 Women Financial Advisors and Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors lists.

Wile currently serves as senior vice president and chief track properties officer for NASCAR, overseeing operations across 13 motorsports facilities. He is a board member for the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Volusia/Flagler Counties. He has received numerous industry honors including making SportsBusiness Journal's "Forty Under 40" list in 2017.

Wellon and Wile say they are eager to bring value to the community as owners of Top Rail Fence Metro Nashville.

"Nashville is a fast-growing community, and it's not just a trend," Wellon said. "People move here because the city has a lot of economic advantages but end up staying because they enjoy the hospitality and all the events the city offers. It becomes home."

General Manager Drew McNeil agreed and said he hopes to incorporate a sense of community into the fabric of Top Rail Fence Nashville's business model.

"We want to provide the fencing that keeps people safe and looks nice on their property, but we'd also like to address needs in the community and give back where we can," he said.

The Nashville location is the third Top Rail Fence franchise to open in Tennessee, joining established locations in Knoxville and Johnson City. Top Rail Fence is part of the growing family of home services franchises within HomeFront Brands.

To learn more about Top Rail Fence Nashville, please visit https://toprailfence.com/locations/nashville/.

About Top Rail Fence

Top Rail Fence got its start in 2014 in Greenville, South Carolina as Brookview Fencing, a veteran-owned and family-operated business. In 2022, the company joined the HomeFront Brands family of companies to serve more communities as Top Rail Fence. Since that time, Top Rail Fence has added locations throughout the United States and is continuing to expand. It strives to be at the top rail in customer responsiveness, quality design and materials, on-time delivery and installation and customer satisfaction. The company provides fencing solutions for residential, commercial and agricultural locations and offers wood, aluminum, vinyl, and chain link to provide the right fence to fit the customer's needs. For more information about Top Rail Fence, please visit https://toprailfence.com/.

About HomeFront Brands:

HomeFront Brands empowers entrepreneurs to create thriving franchised residential and commercial property service brands. Driven by an experienced team of franchise executives and rooted in family values, HomeFront Brands helps emerging or established concepts accelerate their growth by delivering enterprise-level solutions to local business owners who aspire to build a dynasty and create generational wealth. By leveraging integrated technology, data-driven intelligence and advanced learning management systems, HomeFront Brands is building a foundation for its brands -- Window Hero, The Designery, Temporary Wall Systems, BiltRite Home Inspections, Top Rail Fence and Mozzie Dome  to transform lives through franchise ownership.

For more information about HomeFront Brands' current solutions, new business development, and franchising opportunities, please visit https://homefrontbrands.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR

865-977-1973

[email protected]

SOURCE HomeFront Brands
BOLIVIA TO HOST WORLD LAND SPEED RECORD EVENT

UYUNI, Bolivia, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Some of the fastest vehicles in the world will gather on the largest salt lake on earth (August 16-21, 2023) in an attempt to push the boundaries of speed and endurance with the goal of setting world land speed records. Salar de Uyuni will once again host TOP 1 Oil Bolivia Speed Trials.

A quick overview of Salar de Uyuni, the salt flat that Top 1 will reattempt to break the motorcycle land-speed record this August (8/16 - 8/21)!

The Salar de Uyuni covers over 10,000 square kilometers (nearly 4,000 square miles) with salt up to 10 meters thick, making it the ideal conditions for pursuing land speed records. The course at the Bolivia Speed Trials will be 24 km (15 miles) long and 33 meters (110 feet) wide, the prime stage for racers needing a longer track than Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats can provide.

This event will be sanctioned by both FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) and FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile).

Mike Akatiff's TOP 1 Oil Ack Attack team is returning to Salar de Uyuni. The Ack Attack currently holds the all-time two-wheel FIM Land Speed World Record at 376.363 mph (605.697 km/h), set at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 2010 with rider Rocky Robinson. The team has been on a quest for the 400-mph (643 km/h) barrier ever since. Akatiff, organizer for the 2023 TOP 1 Oil Bolivia Speed Trials, and Robinson are looking forward to another attempt with the turbo-charged twin-Hayabusa-powered streamliner in August.

There are a total of nine racing teams which have signed up to date (7 motorcycle and 2 cars) including Al Lamb  who was the first-ever to record a world land-speed record on the Salar de Uyuni in 2017. (At the time, the Fastest ever sit-on motorcycle at 265.849 mph).

TOP1 Oil Products Company is a California-based lubricants company that specializes on providing superior synthetic lubricants for motorcycles, automobiles and trucks around the world. TOP1 has been associated- ed with worldwide-land speed racing and world record attempts with motorcycles, automobiles and trucks for over 4 decades.

The TOP 1 Oil Bolivia Land Speed Trials will showcase the company's commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible and reinforces the importance of quality lubrication in achieving exceptional performance in motorsports. This ambitious under- taking serves as an inspiration for other enthusiasts to push their limits and break barriers.

SOURCE TOP 1 Oil Products
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Candy Tefertiller, PT, DPT, Ph.D., NCS, executive director of research and evaluation at Craig Hospital, is the first recipient of the hospital's Helen Phillips Levin Endowed Chair of Research, thanks to a five-year, $1.5 million grant from the Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation of Colorado.

Funding for the endowed chair is part of a total grant of $2.1 million from the foundation and will help move Craig Hospital's translational research agenda forward. The total funding commitment will propel innovative research projects within Craig Hospital, create opportunities for collaboration with other institutions, and enable the hospital to establish a robust bio-repository, which will ultimately lead to earlier diagnosis of medical problems, customized treatments, and better health outcomes for people who have sustained a spinal cord injury or brain injury.

Craig Hospital's visionary partner for many years, the Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation of Colorado has enabled the hospital to achieve many ambitious goals  from ensuring patients leave Craig with the durable medical equipment they need to attain the greatest possible dignity and independence, to dramatically expanding our facilities through the Vibrant Family Campus campaign, to creating the Peer Mentor and Soft Landing programs.

The new endowed chair of research will constitute a permanent, yet flexible, source of funding for Craig's research program. Earnings from the endowment will enable the hospital to attract leading researchers in their fields, obtain state-of-the-art technology and accelerate discoveries that will transform the lives of people affected by catastrophic neurologic injury.

"I am so appreciative of the generous gift from the Jay and Rose Phillips Foundation of Colorado to establish Craig Hospital's first endowed chair of research," Dr. Tefertiller says. "This gift will provide ongoing funding to support the Research Department's mission. The funds will be used to expand Craig's translational research portfolio, which will ultimately lead to better outcomes for those who receive care at Craig, as well as those in the greater community of SCI and BI."

As the endowed chair, Dr. Tefertiller will direct Craig Hospital's vision for the future of spinal cord and brain injury research and steer the hospital through this exciting journey of transformation. Under her leadership, Craig's growing research team will discover and test innovative interventions to improve life for its patients  and for people affected by SCI and BI worldwide.

Dr. Tefertiller will direct spending of the annual distributions. While these expenditures will be determined year by year, Dr. Tefertiller has already envisioned multiple strategic initiatives that will accelerate innovation through Craig' research program. Potential uses of endowment earnings include supporting junior researchers, launching new collaborations, and securing a place at the leading edge of SCI and BI scientific pursuits.

The Craig Hospital Foundation is deeply grateful to the Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation of Colorado for their long-standing dedication to Craig Hospital. By fully funding Craig's endowed chair of research, the Foundation has the powerful opportunity to transform the future of research at Craig  and make a tremendous impact on SCI and BI science more broadly.

"We are honored to have this generous support from the Jay and Rose Phillips Foundation of Colorado and are very excited for the future opportunities it will provide," Dr. Tefertiller says.

About Craig Hospital

Craig Hospital is a world-renowned neurorehabilitation hospital and research center specializing in the care of people who have sustained a spinal cord and/or a brain injury. Located in Englewood, Colo., Craig Hospital is a 93-bed, private, not-for-profit care facility providing a comprehensive system of inpatient and outpatient medical care, rehabilitation, neurosurgical rehabilitative care, and long-term follow-up services. Half of Craig's patients come from outside of Colorado. Craig has been ranked as a Best Hospital for Rehabilitation by U.S. News & World Report for 33 consecutive years. Craig received the NDNQI Award for Outstanding Nursing Quality in 2009, 2012 through 2015, 2020, and 2022 for the highest quality outcomes in nursing care in a rehabilitation facility. Craig also received its 4th recognition for excellence in nursing from the American Nurses Credential Center (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program in 2020, ensuring Magnet designation until the year 2025. Craig was voted by employees as a "Top Workplace" by the Denver Post in 2012 through 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022, was ranked in the top 150 places to work in healthcare by Becker's Healthcare in 2014, and was named a 2021 Top Workplace USA by Energage. For more information, visit craighospital.org.

About The Craig Hospital Foundation

As one of the only stand-alone, not-for-profit hospitals in Colorado, Craig Hospital relies on donor support to provide cutting-edge, holistic care. The Craig Hospital Foundation is an independent 501 (c)(3) that exists solely to support the hospital, its programs, and its patients. Operating in accordance with the philosophy of Craig Hospital, the Foundation builds lifelong relationships with contributors, raises funds, and dedicates its resources to further advance the needs of Craig Hospital and those it serves. Guided by a dedicated and civic-minded board of directors, the Craig Foundation offers members of the community many meaningful ways to support the hospital's work in helping people rebuild their lives. craighospital.org/foundation.

SOURCE The Craig Hospital Foundation
Financial close automation leader bolsters capabilities for an additional 400 blue-chip clients to drive ROI for the Office of the CFO

DALLAS, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Trintech, a leading global provider of cloud-based financial close solutions for the Office of the CFO, today announced its acquisition of Frontier Reconciliation and Accurate Reconciliation from Fiserv (NYSE: FI), a leading global provider of fintech and payments solutions. Serving customers across multiple verticals including financial services, telecommunications, retail, insurance and utilities, the acquired reconciliation business will act as a springboard for innovation, expanding Trintech's accounting automation platform.

Through the acquisition, Trintech gains two leading reconciliation solutions, further enhancing the company's portfolio of capabilities. Trintech brings over 35 years of global innovation in automation, reconciliations and financial close processes. The addition of Frontier Reconciliation and Accurate Reconciliation, used by more than 400 blue-chip clients across the globe, including eight of the top ten banks and two of the top three insurance companies in the United States, enables these newly acquired clients to benefit from complementary product offerings and differentiated solutions across key U.S. and international markets. Fiserv will continue to deliver solutions and services to many of these clients.

"In this era of intense digital transformation, accounting automation, reconciliations and financial close represent a significant market opportunity. This acquisition positions Trintech to provide even more compelling financial close capabilities, broaden the reach of our partner ecosystem and drive impressive ROI for our customers," said Darren Heffernan, CEO of Trintech. "It's also the latest illustration of our holistic growth strategy  one which places a dual mandate on rapid expansion into key verticals and the prioritization of continuous innovation and talent recruitment. We are thrilled to add this powerful complement to Trintech's market-leading portfolio."

The acquisition also includes the addition of key employees with technical expertise supporting these solutions across North America, EMEA and APAC, bringing Trintech's global headcount to nearly 700. New and existing customers benefit not only from expanded technical talent and capabilities but also by gaining access to Trintech's partner ecosystem of leading technology and service providers. Additionally, as part of an exclusive referral agreement with Fiserv, Trintech expands its global presence and capabilities into new international markets.

"Trintech is well-positioned to guide the Frontier and Accurate reconciliation business through its next chapter, and we are confident they will provide excellent service to our clients and support for their businesses," said Whitney Stewart Russell, President of Digital Solutions, Fiserv. "We are excited about the partnership we have built with Trintech and look forward to serving clients through our future relationship as a referral partner."

About Trintech

Trintech, a leading global provider of cloud-based, integrated reconciliation and financial close solutions for Finance & Accounting departments. From high volume transaction matching, to automating and managing balance sheet reconciliations, intercompany accounting, journal entries, close management tasks, to governance, risk and compliance  Trintech's portfolio of financial solutions, including its Cadency Platform (for large enterprises) and Adra Suite (for mid-market organizations), help manage all aspects of the reconciliation and financial close processes. Trintech's excellence in both innovation and client support have been recognized with a variety of awards over the years including most recently "Easiest to Do Business With" and "Fastest Implementation" in G2's Fall 2022 Report. Over 4,200 clients worldwide  including the majority of the Fortune 100  rely on Trintech's solutions to enable their F&A operation to become a strategic partner to the business by optimizing data, controlling risk, driving efficiencies, and providing strategic insights.

Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Trintech has offices located across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the Nordics, as well as strategic partners in South Africa, Latin America, and the Asia Pacific. To learn more about Trintech, visit www.trintech.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Fiserv

Fiserv, Inc. (NYSE: FI) aspires to move money and information in a way that moves the world. As a global leader in payments and financial technology, the company helps clients achieve best-in-class results through a commitment to innovation and excellence in areas including account processing and digital banking solutions; card issuer processing and network services; payments; e-commerce; merchant acquiring and processing; and the Clover cloud-based point-of-sale and business management platform. Fiserv is a member of the S&P 500 Index and one of Fortune World's Most Admired Companies. Visit fiserv.com and follow on social media for more information and the latest company news.

Media Contact:

Kelli Shoevlin

Director, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications

[email protected]

Media Contact:

Britt Zarling

SVP, Corporate Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Trintech Group Plc
NEW YORK, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Haywood Productions, LLC is pleased to announce the second season of the groundbreaking podcast series about a leading actor who experiences a mental health crisis at one of the most powerful theatres in the country: The Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Connecticut. Telling his own story, Sean Hayden directs the "riveting series" according to On Stage Blog , and Boy Culture confirms it is "a compelling story."

Stage Combat Logo Sean Hayden

Listen to Season One now on Apple Podcasts and explosive new episodes when Season II begins July 25, 2023. NEW EPISODES DROP ON TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS!

"It's a mental health story told like a true crime podcast wrapped in a juicy, backstage theatre tale!"  Patrick Hinds, Obsessed Network

In 2019, Sean Hayden thought he had booked the role of his dreams at the prestigious Goodspeed in its production of "Billy Elliot, The Musical." As he drove over the Connecticut River and laid his eyes on the fairy tale Opera House for the first time, Sean had no idea what would be looming behind its doors. "Stage Combat: A Mental Health Story" takes the listener into the insular world of the theatre industry in which the unspoken rule is, "You are not supposed to speak up. Or there will be consequences." If you thought all the drama happens on stage, wait until you hear what happens after the curtain closes in this immersive listening experience. In a unique format, each episode is followed by a short "post-show talk back" with Sean and a mental health professional. Together they unpack the issues presented in the episode in provocative conversations about mental health and the theatre industry.

Season One of Stage Combat: A Mental Health Story showed the listener, moment by moment, how a mental health crisis happened at the Goodspeed Opera House. In Season Two, the listener will experience the fallout from that mental health crisis in an epic eleven-episode arc of Sean Hayden's mental health journey.

With the Stage Combat: A Mental Health Story Podcast, Sean aims to underscore the importance of raising awareness and providing support for the mental well-being of actors and theater staff. By fostering a culture of compassion, understanding, and accessible resources, we can empower actors to navigate the demanding nature of theater with resilience and confidence.

The podcast is recorded and edited by Andrew Linn. Podcast icon designed by Fran Pinter-Parrott.

stagecombathepodcast.com

SEAN HAYDEN (creator, actor, director) / HAYWOOD PRODUCTIONS, LLC is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in two Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees in various media outlets. His op-ed on "Men and Mental Health" appeared in The Economic Times. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.

Media Contact:

Katie Rosin

[email protected]

917-512-2626

SOURCE Haywood Productions
OSHKOSH, Wis., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and NASA will collaborate with U.S. airlines to advise the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator (SFD) project and development of the X-66A research aircraft. As part of a new sustainability coalition, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines will provide input on operational efficiencies, maintenance, handling characteristics and airport compatibility.

NASA and Boeing also unveiled the new X-66A livery today at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

NASA and Boeing unveiled the new X-66A livery at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. (Image: Boeing)

"Hearing directly from the operators during all phases of the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project will help us understand exact requirements and tradeoffs," said Todd Citron, Boeing chief technology officer. "The airlines' feedback will significantly contribute to the X-66A project learnings while furthering aviation sustainability."

The X-66A will test the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) airframe configuration and will be built from a modified MD-90 aircraft at a Boeing facility in Palmdale, Calif. It is NASA's first X-plane focused on helping achieve its goal of net-zero aviation greenhouse gas emissions.

When combined with expected advancements in propulsion systems, materials and systems architecture, a single-aisle airplane with a TTBW configuration could reduce fuel consumption and emissions up to 30% relative to today's domestic fleet of airplanes.

The U.S. airlines will offer feedback throughout the project, including:

Design: Airline participants will share feedback on sustainable operations and airport compatibility. While the X-66A will have a wingspan of 145 feet, the TTBW design could be used by airplanes of different sizes and missions and may benefit from folding wing tips to accommodate existing airport infrastructure.

Airline participants will share feedback on sustainable operations and airport compatibility. While the X-66A will have a wingspan of 145 feet, the TTBW design could be used by airplanes of different sizes and missions and may benefit from folding wing tips to accommodate existing airport infrastructure. Simulation and lab testing: Airline pilots will have a chance to experience the X-66A through a flight simulator and assess the vehicle's handling characteristics.

Airline pilots will have a chance to experience the X-66A through a flight simulator and assess the vehicle's handling characteristics. Flight testing: Airline operations and maintenance teams will assess the X-66A as modifications are made to the airplane. Flight testing is slated for 2028 and 2029 out of NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.



Contact

Boeing Media Relations

[email protected]

SOURCE Boeing
WASHINGTON, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Several United States Postal Service workers are bringing claims against USPS for failing to provide sufficient break times and private, secure, and sanitary spaces where they could pump breast milk.

Congress passed the PUMP Act to require employers to provide reasonable break times and a private, secure (non-bathroom) location for employees to pump breast milk.

USPS forced other employees to pump in the back of their non-airconditioned trucks Tweet this U.S. Postal Service Mistreats Breastfeeding Mothers, Alleges Complaint Filed by Siri & Glimstad Under the PUMP Act.

The Complaint alleges that USPS has repeatedly refused to provide mothers, who assure the delivery of mail in our country, appropriate breaks and space to pump. For example:

USPS kicked one of its employees out of the building, screaming at her for daring to request time to pump, called the police, and tried to suspend her for seven days after she said she wouldn't be available to work on a machine at a certain time because she'd be pumping.





USPS forced other employees to pump in the back of their non-airconditioned trucks used to deliver mail in unsanitary conditions parked in public places with the door slightly ajar to avoid overheating. Upon asking for an alternative location, the supervisor of one of these employees told her she could use a locker room surrounded by other employees or a bathroom stall.





Another employee was only permitted to pump in a locker room every morning where others would make faces and comment, and her supervisor refused to let her hang a sheet for privacy or use an available office to pump.





In another instance, a supervisor required an employee to provide a doctor's note to pump beyond 15 minutes without penalty.

"Congress passed the PUMP Act to make certain that American companies are honoring the rights and needs of breastfeeding employees," said Aaron Siri of Siri & Glimstad, LLP, one of the attorneys representing the employees. "USPS has a responsibility to comply with this law, and we are confident that the court will find in favor of the mothers USPS has wronged."

The case against USPS is pending in federal court in Washington, D.C. Aaron Siri, Mason Barney, and Oren Faircloth of Siri & Glimstad represent the plaintiffs.

SOURCE Siri & Glimstad LLP
Wireless networks supported the biggest year-over-year increase in data traffic, investment increased for the fifth year in a row

WASHINGTON, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Wireless networks supported more data traffic than ever in 2022, an extraordinary 73 trillion megabytes, marking the biggest year-over-year increase in history and unprecedented growth, according to CTIA's 2023 Annual Wireless Industry Survey.

The U.S. wireless industry also invested a record $39 billion to grow, improve and run their networks last year. The new historic high is 12% higher than last year's then-record setting total.

View PDF Wireless networks supported more data traffic than ever in 2022, an extraordinary 73 trillion megabytes, marking the biggest year-over-year increase in history and unprecedented growth, according to CTIAs 2023 Annual Wireless Industry Survey. The U.S. wireless industry also invested a record $39 billion to grow, improve and run their networks last year. The new historic high is 12% higher than last years then-record setting total.

"Record wireless consumer usage is a powerful reminder of how 5G is transforming our nation, and the pressing need for Congress and the Administration to restore the FCC's auction authority and fuel a new spectrum pipeline," said Meredith Attwell Baker, CTIA President and CEO.

"As demonstrated yet again last year, we know the wireless industry is fully committed to investing at historic levels in today and tomorrow's infrastructure, leading the world in wireless innovation. We just need more licensed, exclusive-use, full-power, mid-band spectrum to keep up with the increasing demand of both consumers and enterprises, and fully unlock the promise of 5G across our country," Baker said.

Since 1985, CTIA has surveyed U.S. wireless providers, highlighting the evolution of the industry. This year's key findings show:

America's Demand for Wireless Data Continues to Skyrocket. U.S. wireless networks supported more than 73.7 trillion megabytes of traffic last year20T MBs, or 38%, more than in 2021. It was the greatest increase in mobile data traffic ever, nearly double the year-over-year increase from 2020-2021.

U.S. wireless networks supported more than 73.7 trillion megabytes of traffic last year20T MBs, or 38%, more than in 2021. It was the greatest increase in mobile data traffic ever, nearly double the year-over-year increase from 2020-2021. Wireless Industry Investment Hits a New High, Again. Wireless investment has sustained its record-breaking pace, increasing for the fifth year in a row at a historic $39 billion . This is up 12% from last year's previous record-setting total.

Wireless investment has sustained its record-breaking pace, increasing for the fifth year in a row at a historic . This is up 12% from last year's previous record-setting total. 5G Adoption and Use Show No Signs of Slowing. By the end of 2022, the U.S. had nearly 162 million active 5G devicesnearly double the number of 5G devices in 2021.

By the end of 2022, the U.S. had nearly 162 million active 5G devicesnearly double the number of 5G devices in 2021. Cell Sites Fuel a Faster 5G Rollout. In 2022, there were more than 142,000 small cells operating across the U.S.a 13% increase over 2021. Small cells make up a growing percentage of total cell sitesmore than 34% in 2022.

In 2022, there were more than 142,000 small cells operating across the U.S.a 13% increase over 2021. Small cells make up a growing percentage of total cell sitesmore than 34% in 2022. Americans Used More Voice Minutes. Consumers spent more than 2.5 trillion minutes on voice calls in 2022, a nearly 5% increase from 2021.

Background on CTIA's Wireless Industry Survey

Since 1985, CTIA has surveyed U.S. wireless providers, highlighting the evolution of this dynamic industry. The 2022 CTIA Annual Survey tells a story of wireless capital investment that is speeding 5G deployment, spurring broadband competition, and building the connectivity platform that will strengthen the nation's economy and inspire new innovation. For this year's installment of the survey, CTIA, via an independent accounting firm, aggregated data from companies serving more than 98% of all estimated wireless subscriber connections.

SOURCE CTIA
Confcommercio, the Italian General Confederation of Enterprises, Professions, and Self-Employment has invited its members to digitize their businesses using vcita's business management platform

TEL AVIV, Israel, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- vcita , the all-in-one business management solution, has signed an agreement with Confcommercio, the Italian General Confederation of Enterprises, Professions, and Self-Employment, in an effort to help the organization's small business members transform the way they do business in the digital era. In the first phase of this long-term joint initiative, over 17,000 Confcommercio members will be invited to join the 'Level Up' campaign, a 21-day event, built in collaboration with Mastercard, challenging them to digitize their businesses with the help of vcita's business management platform and app. Following this initial phase, the reach of the campaign will be gradually expanded to over half a million SME members of Confcommercio.

The road to the strategic alliance between vcita and Confcommercio was paved by Mastercard, a global technology company in the payments industry, sharing the mission to support SMEs, fostering their financial resilience and accelerating digital transformation globally.

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, SMEs have faced significant new challenges in operating their businesses and have been forced to rapidly digitize in order to remain viable. Established to represent, serve, and support the professionals, self-employed, and freelancers in Italy, Confcommercio recognized the need to provide its more than 700,000 business members - which represent almost 2,700,000 employees - much needed guidance in implementing digital tools to transform the way they do business today.

The partnership, beginning with the Level Up campaign, aims to help ensure the long-term sustainability of Italy's SMEs by providing them the necessary tools to streamline their business operations online. Armed with the vcita solution, SMEs can benefit from increased business efficiency through task automation, improved revenue and cash flow with more streamlined billing and payment capabilities, reduced administrative overheads enabling better-organized workdays, and ultimately better customer experiences thanks to digital transformation.

"We are very excited to partner with Confcommercio, offer our SME business management platform to its extensive community of small businesses, and help them to reach their fullest potential," said Itzik Levy, founder and CEO of vcita. "We are extremely proud of the partnership proposition we have developed at vcita, and look forward to working in tandem with Confcommercio to better serve their SME members. By providing them with an all-in-one digital solution, SMEs can easily and more efficiently manage their money, clients, time, and marketing efforts to grow their businesses."

"To Confcommercio Milano, the alliance with Mastercard realized through the vcita project Level Up 21, is important for expanding our value proposition toward the underserved SME market," said Andrea Colzani, President of Young Entrepreneurs Network in Confcommercio Milano. "Through this partnership, we are providing Confcommercio member companies with exclusive offerings that will help them to achieve, little by little, competencies that are even more necessary in constantly changing markets. We hope the small businesses we represent will have an easy but effective change."

"We are proud to collaborate with vcita and Confcommercio in giving our contribution to the development of the Level Up project," said Michele Centemero, Country Manager of Mastercard Italy. "Digital represents an important strategic leverage for growth and development of SME's business. At Mastercard, we work tirelessly to support them and to enable them in their reference sector."

About vcita

Dedicated to helping businesses thrive in today's digital world, vcita is an SME technology solution that provides small businesses with the tools to remain competitive in an ever-changing, digital-first economy. Using vcita's lightweight and easy-to-use solution, SMEs can manage their entire business online, turning time-consuming tasks like scheduling, payment collection, and marketing into simple, one-click operations. vcita's partnership proposition enables organizations that serve SMEs to bring their customers all the essential vcita tools under their own brand. By working in tandem with vcita, partners deliver great service and value to their customers, unlock new revenue streams, increase loyalty, and stickiness. With hundreds of thousands of SMEs worldwide and partnerships with organizations such as banks, financial service providers, marketing agencies, MSPs, and telcos, vcita delivers an innovative digital solution uniquely designed to serve the needs of SME service providers. For more information, visit www.vcita.com/partners or follow us on LinkedIn .

About Mastercard, www.mastercard.com

Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside of our company. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.

Media Contact vcita

Sarah Schloss

Headline Media

[email protected]

914.506.5105

Media Contact Mastercard

Mastercard

Giuliana Abbate

E. [email protected]

Omnicom PR Group  Mastercard press office

IT: +39 02 6241 1911

[email protected]

Edoardo Grandi

Sara Festini

Ludovica Marchese

Alessia Spoto

Marco Alocci

SOURCE vcita
A meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Russia, Jeyhun Bayramov and Sergey Lavrov, took place in Moscow.

Azernews reports with reference to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

As part of a working visit to the Russian Federation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov held a bilateral meeting. The parties discussed bilateral and regional issues, including the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the statement says.

Recall that within the framework of Jeyhun Bayramov's visit, another round of talks between the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia is also planned.
Head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced the allocation of EUR 1.5 billion to Ukraine as part of a package of macro-financial assistance (MFA), in particular for the restoration of infrastructure.

"I firmly condemn the Russian strikes on Ukrainian grain storage and export infrastructure. As Russia continues its ruthless war, we continue to support Ukraine. Today we paid another EUR 1.5 billion, to help keep the state running and repair infrastructure. More will come," von der Leyen said on Twitter on Tuesday.
MONCURE, N.C., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- VinFast today announced its intention to donate up to three acres of property on the VinFast project site to the Merry Oaks Baptist Church to help them save the church from demolition. The company will also assist Merry Oaks in identifying other resources to support the relocation.

VinFast Manufacturing Facility Rendering

VinFast has presented an MOU to the members of the Merry Oaks Baptist Church, which outlines VinFast's plan to donate up to three acres of private land on Christian Chapel Church Road on the VinFast site in Moncure, NC for the specific purpose of relocating the church to a new permanent home.

Merry Oaks Baptist Church was built in 1888 and has been a cultural destination for many generations in Moncure. At present, the North Carolina Department of Transportation is planning to demolish the current site of the Merry Oaks Baptist Church, including the steeple, which has stood for over 130 years, to implement a long-planned transportation improvement upgrade for Chatham County.

VinFast's land donation will help relocate the church and allow the congregation to remain in the community.

Merry Oaks Member, Jerry Holden also shared: "We greatly appreciate that VinFast has made a generous offer to provide a new home for the Merry Oaks Baptist Church so the congregation can remain in the community we've called home for over 130 years."

Ms. Van Anh Nguyen, VinFast US Manufacturing CEO said: "VinFast cares deeply about our new home and does not want to see the Merry Oaks congregation displaced. In addition to donating the land, VinFast is willing to work with our partners to identify other resources to help support the relocation of the church. Our hope is that Merry Oaks Baptist Church and its congregation can remain in the community."

The members of Merry Oaks Baptist Church are still deciding whether they would like to relocate the church, but it is VinFast's intention to provide a solution that could potentially keep the church and its congregation in the area.

About VinFast

VinFast - a member of Vingroup  envisioned to drive the movement of global smart electric vehicle revolution. Established in 2017, VinFast owns a state-of-the-art automotive manufacturing complex with globally leading scalability that boasts up to 90% automation in Hai Phong, Vietnam.

Strongly committed to the mission for a sustainable future for everyone, VinFast constantly innovates to bring high-quality products, advanced smart services, seamless customer experiences, and pricing strategy for all to inspire global customers to jointly create a future of smart mobility and a sustainable planet. Learn more at: https://vinfastauto.us/.

VinFast Safe Harbor Disclosure

This news release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions and include VinFast's expectations. Forward-looking statements typically can be identified by the use of words such as "will," "expect," "believe," and similar terms. While these forward-looking statements represent VinFast's current judgment on what the future holds, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated above include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, hazards customary in the automotive industry, competition in certain markets, the volatility of battery prices, failure of customers to perform under contracts, changes in government regulation of markets and of environmental emissions, and our ability to achieve the expected benefits and timing of our electric vehicle projects. VinFast undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The foregoing review of factors that could cause VinFast's actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the forward-looking statements included in this news release should be considered in connection with information regarding risks and uncertainties that may affect VinFast's future results.

SOURCE VinFast
Flexible Lodging Innovator Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for WaterWalk Boise  Meridian; Brand's Second Generation 2.0 Property and First in Idaho

WICHITA, Kan. , July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lodging industry innovator WaterWalk celebrated the opening of its second Gen 2.0 property, WaterWalk Boise  Meridian, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 13. WaterWalk's leadership team was joined by local dignitaries, including members from both the Boise and Meridian Chambers of Commerce and Meridian Mayor Robert Simison, alongside other community members for an afternoon celebration that included commemorative speeches, a donation to the Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity, traditional cutting of the ribbon, property tours and more.

Pictured (From Left to Right): Meridian Chamber of Commerce Ambassador; Scot Eastman, director of sales at WaterWalk BoiseMeridian; Jim Mrha, COO/CFO at WaterWalk; Scott Friedrich, general manager at WaterWalk BoiseMeridian; Jim Korroch, president at WaterWalk; Mayor Robert Simison and Meridian Chamber of Commerce Ambassador

"As a longtime friend of the legendary late Jack DeBoer, who founded WaterWalk in 2014, I view it as an honor to celebrate the unveiling of our latest property during a time when extended-stay is one of the hottest  and fastest-growing  segments in the hospitality industry," WaterWalk President Jim Korroch said. "WaterWalk Boise  Meridian provides flexibility to guests who come to the area with a variety of travel needs  whether it be a travel nurse, construction worker or tourist  by offering a hybrid-home concept that can be customized for both short and long-term stays."

During the event, attendees were invited to explore the property's flexible lodging offerings including studios and one- and two-bedroom suites that are available both furnished and ready-to-furnish. The event's remarks featured Korroch along with Sean Evans, CEO and president of the Meridian Chamber; Robert Simison, mayor of Meridian and Jim Mrha, COO and CFO at WaterWalk. To cap off the event, Mrha presented a $5,000 donation from WaterWalk to Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity, which was accepted on behalf of the organization by Janessa Chastain, executive director.

"We're very happy WaterWalk decided to locate here in Meridian  the business growth that we're experiencing in the Treasure Valley has been tremendous, and Meridian is happy to be at the center of it, partnering with businesses like WaterWalk that meet the growing needs of both tourists and business travelers that choose Meridian as their basecamp," said Evans.

WaterWalk Boise  Meridian is centrally located in the highly desirable area of Northeast Meridian. The property boasts 126 rooms  76 fully furnished 'STAY' units and 50 ready-to-furnish 'LIVE' units that range in size from studios to two-bedroom spaces both with and without balconies. WaterWalk Boise  Meridian goes beyond traditional accommodations by offering fully customizable, unfurnished suites that guests can make their own.

"Meridian is going to be the tourism destination of Treasure Valley, and we appreciate WaterWalk's investment in our community to further accommodations for travelers," said Mayor Simison.

The opening of WaterWalk BoiseMeridian is one of three new properties that WaterWalk has opened this year. Earlier this year, the premier flexible lodging brand opened its doors in Phoenix, Arizona and in May, in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Other upcoming openings include Tucson, Arizona (slated to open in summer 2023); Jacksonville, Florida (slated to open in fall 2023); and Huntsville, Alabama (slated to open in winter 2023). With rising demand for unique lodging alternatives, the company plans to double its portfolio size by the end of 2024.

For more information on WaterWalk, visit WaterWalk.com . Stay up-to-date on the latest news by following WaterWalk on LinkedIn .

About WaterWalk

WaterWalk offers a liberated hospitality experience with the nation's most innovative flexible lodging brand. The company was founded in 2014 by the late Jack DeBoer, a hospitality visionary recognized as the pioneer of the extended-stay and all-suite hotel concepts. WaterWalk is unique in that it boasts two accommodations options under one roof, with its signature 'LIVE | STAY model.' This diversified product offering creates the utmost in flexibility and value to consumers and investors alike.

Media Contact:

Hemsworth Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE WaterWalk
NEW YORK, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A latest research report [115+] pages with 360-Degree visibility, titled "Specialty Gas Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report, By Product (High purity, Halogen, Nobel, Carbon, and Others); By Application; By Region; Segment Forecast, 2023 - 2032" published by Polaris Market Research in its research repository.

"According to research report, the global specialty gas market size/share was valued at USD 11.96 Billion in 2022 and is expected to touch USD 24.14 Billion By 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period."

What are Specialty Gases? How Big is Specialty Gas Market Size & Share?

Report Overview

Specialty gases are ultra-high purity gases specifically formulated for instrument calibration, process control, and other industrial tasks. Specialty gases can either be pure gases or may be gas mixtures containing components at concentrations extending up to part per billion or even part per trillion. The exact composition of these gases depends on the application for which they're being used.

Specialty gases are often used in analytical methods like non-dispersive infrared (NDIR), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Also, they're used to separate components of a mixture in liquid and gas chromatography. Specialty gases are often used with specialty equipment to ensure their quality isn't compromised through contact with sub-standard parts. The specialty gas market is experiencing substantial growth due to the growing adoption of these gases in several manufacturing, electronics, and healthcare applications.

Request Sample Copy of Specialty Gas Market Research Report @ https://polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/specialty-gas-market/request-for-sample

(The sample of this report is readily available on request. The report sample contains a brief introduction to the research report, Table of Contents, Graphical introduction of regional analysis, Top players in the market with their revenue analysis and our research methodology.)

Our Sample Report May Includes:

2032 Updated Report Introduction, Overview, and In-depth industry analysis.

115+ Pages Research Report (Inclusion of Updated Research).

Provide Chapter-wise guidance on Request.

2023 Updated Regional Analysis with Graphical Representation of Size, Share & Trends.

Includes Updated List of table & figures.

Updated Report Includes Top Market Players with their Business Strategy, Sales Volume, and Revenue Analysis.

Some of the Top Market Players Covered Are:

Air Liquide

Coregas

Air Products and Chemicals Inc.

Iwatani Corporation of America

MESA Specialty Gases & Equipment

Linde plc

Messer Group GmbH

Norco Inc.

YUEYANG KAIMEITE ELECTRONIC AND SPECLALTY RARE GASES CO.

Mitsui Chemicals Inc.

SHOWA DENKO K.K.

ILMO Products Company

Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation

Weldstar Inc

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Specialty Gas Market: Prominent Growth Driving Factors

Rising demand for electronic devices : With a surge in the need for electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and portable devices, the demand for specialty gases in semiconductor and display manufacturing processes has increased. The growing usage of electronic devices creates a favorable environment for the specialty gas market growth.

: With a surge in the need for electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and portable devices, the demand for specialty gases in semiconductor and display manufacturing processes has increased. The growing usage of electronic devices creates a favorable environment for the specialty gas market growth. Increasing need for high-performance electronic components: Specialty gases are crucial in several semiconductor fabrication processes, including etching, deposition, and cleaning. These gases are used to create controlled environments needed for making top-class microchips and electronic components. A surge in the demand for high-performance electronic devices and components drives the market's growth.

Specialty gases are crucial in several semiconductor fabrication processes, including etching, deposition, and cleaning. These gases are used to create controlled environments needed for making top-class microchips and electronic components. A surge in the demand for high-performance electronic devices and components drives the market's growth. The growing trend of miniaturization : The growing trend of miniaturization, which involves manufacturing ever smaller products and devices, and the development of high-end electronic components, require the use of sophisticated manufacturing methods. Specialty gases have applications in several precision manufacturing techniques like lithography to get the necessary quality and performance standards.

: The growing trend of miniaturization, which involves manufacturing ever smaller products and devices, and the development of high-end electronic components, require the use of sophisticated manufacturing methods. Specialty gases have applications in several precision manufacturing techniques like lithography to get the necessary quality and performance standards. Adoption of advanced technologies: Advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, and the Internet of Things (IoT) require the usage of highly advanced semiconductor displays and devices. The increasing adoption of these novel technologies is expected to boost specialty gas market sales in the upcoming years.

Top Trends Influencing the Specialty Gas Market

Booming healthcare sector : Specialty gases are important in several medical applications, including therapies, diagnostics, and laboratory research. The booming healthcare sector, advancements in clinical treatments, and the need for accurate gas mixtures for medical devices contribute to the specialty gas market demand.

: Specialty gases are important in several medical applications, including therapies, diagnostics, and laboratory research. The booming healthcare sector, advancements in clinical treatments, and the need for accurate gas mixtures for medical devices contribute to the specialty gas market demand. Application of specialty gases in diverse sectors: Specialty gases have a wide range of applications in various sectors, including consumer electronics, analytical research, and oil & gas. These applications often require the usage of specific gas formulations, resulting in sustained demand for specialty gases.

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Segmental Analysis

The carbon gases segment dominated the market in 2022

Based on product, the carbon gases segment accounted for the largest revenue share of the specialty gas market in 2022. And the segment is anticipated to continue its dominance over the forecast period. Carbon gases are widely used in several medical equipment and procedures, including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and ophthalmology. Also, the requirement for these gases is high in other sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and electronics. The increasing application scope of carbon gases in instrument calibration and other industrial processes boosts the demand for these gases.

The healthcare segment registered the largest revenue share in 2022

By application, the healthcare segment held the highest revenue share in the specialty gas market in 2022. The healthcare industry requires the usage of several specialty gases, including medical air, medical helium, and medical nitrous oxide. These gases are needed for several medical procedures and applications. The rapid growth of the healthcare industry and a significant rise in healthcare expenditure by major economies worldwide are anticipated to be significant drivers for the segment's growth.

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Specialty Gas Market: Report Scope & Segmentations

Report Attribute Details Revenue forecast in 2032 USD 24.14 Billion Market size value in 2023 USD 12.79 Billion Expected CAGR Growth 7.3% from 2023  2032 Base Year 2022 Forecast Year 2023 - 2032 Top Market Players Air Liquide, Coregas, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Iwatani Corporation of America, MESA Specialty Gases & Equipment, Linde plc, Messer Group GmbH, Norco Inc., YUEYANG KAIMEITE ELECTRONIC AND SPECLALTY RARE GASES CO., Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., SHOWA DENKO K.K., ILMO Products Company, Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation, Weldstar, Inc. Segments Covered By Product, By Application, By Region Customization Options Customized purchase options are available to meet any research needs. Explore customized purchase options

Geographic Overview

The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness rapid growth over the forecast period

The electronics sector in the Asia Pacific region is experiencing the highest growth rates in consumer electronics due to rising disposable incomes and growing demand for electronic products. The electronic manufacturing units in China experienced a huge year-on-year profit increase of 38.91%, contributing to the demand for specialty gas.

Additionally, Japan's electronics industry, which includes components, devices, and consumer equipment, experienced a production value surge of around 10% in 2021, according to the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITIA). This surge in Japan's electronics sector further supports the growth of the specialty gas market in Asia Pacific region.

Browse the Detail Report "Specialty Gas Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report, By Product (High purity, Halogen, Nobel, Carbon, and Others); By Application; By Region; Segment Forecast, 2023 - 2032" with in-depth TOC: https://polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/specialty-gas-market

For Additional Information OR Media Enquiry, Please Mail At: [email protected]

Recent Developments

In February 2023 , Germany -based chemical company Linde announced the development of an on-site complex in Beaumont, Texas . The new plant will supply clean nitrogen and hydrogen to OCI's new blue ammonia facility.

, -based chemical company Linde announced the development of an on-site complex in . The new plant will supply clean nitrogen and hydrogen to OCI's new blue ammonia facility. In February 2023 , American chemicals company Air Products unveiled its PRISM InertPro Nitrogen Membrane System. The new system is based on an innovative, flexible modular platform promoting efficient nitrogen applications.

The Report Answers Questions Such As

What is the current specialty gas market size?

At what CAGR is the market expected to grow over the forecast period?

Who are the key players in the market?

Which region has the largest specialty gas market share?

Which segment is leading the specialty gas industry?

Which product type of the specialty gas industry is in high demand?

What are the major trends that are positively impacting the market growth?

Polaris Market Research has segmented the specialty gas market report based on product, application, and region:

By Product Outlook

High purity

Halogen

Nobel

Carbon

Others

By Application Outlook

Manufacturing

Institutional

Electronics

Healthcare

Others

By Region Outlook

North America (U.S., Canada )

(U.S., ) Europe ( France , Germany , UK, Italy , Netherlands , Spain , Russia )

( , , UK, , , , ) Asia Pacific ( Japan , China , India , Malaysia , Indonesia , South Korea )

( , , , , , ) Latin America ( Brazil , Mexico , Argentina )

( , , ) Middle East & Africa ( Saudi Arabia , UAE, Israel , South Africa )

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Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov said Ukraine will continue carrying out attacks on the temporarily occupied by Russia Crimea and the Kerch bridge.

The minister told CNN, "all these targets are official targets" because it will reduce their capacity to fight against us and will help to save the lives of Ukrainians.

Asked if Ukraine's goal is to permanently disable the bridge, Reznikov responded: "It's normal tactics to ruin the logistic lines of your enemy to stop the options to get more ammunition, to get more fuel, to get more food, etcetera. That's why we will use these tactics against them."

Speaking about whether Ukraine plans to strike Russian ships in the Black Sea in response, Reznikov said Ukraine has capacity.

"We have weapons as we did with the cruiser Moskva and if they threaten us in the Black Sea, we'll have to respond," he said.
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
Patna, July 25 : Rashtriya Lok Janata Dal (RLJD) President Upendra Kushwaha took a swipe at Nitish Kumar, saying that the Bihar Chief Minister has surrendered himself before his deputy Tejashwi Yadav.

Responding to media questions on cabinet expansion, Kushwaha said: "Nitish Kumar has no power to expand the cabinet. Without the approval of Tejshwi Yadav, Nitish Kumar would not dare to go for cabinet expansion. He was helpless and surrendered before Tejashwi Yadav."

"Whatever policies will be formulated within Mahagathbandhan, it will be decided by Tejashwi Yadav. Congress leaders were initially taking the name of Nitish Kumar but now they have also realized that they have to talk to Tejashwi Yadav. Nitish Kumar has already said that whatever decision would be taken on cabinet expansion, it would be taken by the Deputy Chief Minister...," Kushwaha said.

Kushwaha also lambasted Nitish Kumar for "depleting" the law and order situation in the state.

"Incidents of murder, loot, rape, gang rape, and dacoity are regularly taking place in Bihar. The situation today is like it was before 2005," he said.

He also said that the Centre should take action against those accused of the Manipur assault case.
Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky, with regard to the difficult situation, visited the combat brigades in the Bakhmut and Lyman directions in order to adjust plans, listen to the commanders' reports and their vision of the situation.

"I visited our combat brigades in two active directions. In connection with the difficult and opposite situation in the Bakhmut and Lyman directions, it was necessary to adjust our plans, listen to the commanders, find out their vision of the situation, problems and make balanced, adequate decisions. It is important for me to understand what a commander and a soldier needs directly on the battlefield and where, at present, we have the most difficult situation," he said on the Telegram channel on Tuesday.

Syrsky also met with Ukrainian soldiers to present them with awards and valuable gifts.

"We continue to knock the enemy out of our land! We continue to defend Ukraine from the occupier! The truth is on our side, which means  Victory [will be ours]," he said.
Los Angeles, July 25 : A woman hiker was killed in an encounter with a bear on a trail near Yellowstone National Park in Montana state of the US, authorities have said.

Game wardens with the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department were notified on Saturday morning that a hiker had found a woman deceased on the trail, about 8 miles (12.8 km) west of the town of West Yellowstone, a gateway to the Yellowstone National Park, one of the largest and best-known national parks in the US, the agency said in a statement on its Facebook page on Monday.

The department's wardens and bear specialists, along with staff from other agencies, found that the woman had wounds consistent with a bear attack. They also found tracks from an adult grizzly bear and at least one cub near the site, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the statement.

The woman was believed to be alone during the encounter, and no bear spray or firearms were found at the scene, the statement added.

The Custer Gallatin National Forest, which is critical to the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, implemented an emergency closure of the area as a safety precaution. Authorities notified residents and visitors nearby of the bear activity and the US Forest Service closure.

Officials said that bear specialists and game wardens are conducting capture operations and no bears have been captured to date.

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department noted that the western US state is "bear country".

"Grizzly bear populations continue to become denser and more widespread in Montana, increasing the likelihood that residents and recreationists will encounter them in more places each year," said the department.

Since Yellowstone was established in 1872, eight people have been killed by bears in the park. Since 1979, Yellowstone has hosted over 118 million visits. During this time, 44 people were injured by grizzly bears in the park. For all park visitors combined, the chances of being injured by a grizzly bear are approximately 1 in 2.7 million visits, said the park on its official website.
Kanpur, July 25 : The Commissioner of Police in Kanpur has ordered a probe into an FIR that was filed against a dead woman and a six-year-old boy.

The Commissioner reprimanded the concerned police station in-charge and instructed him to remove the names of the dead woman and the child from the FIR.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kalyanpur Vikas Kumar Pandey said: "The names of both have been removed, and further action will be taken after investigation."

A woman had filed a case against her boyfriend and eight of his family members, including his dead aunt and minor cousin, after he allegedly refused to marry her.

In her complaint, the woman alleged that she was sexually assaulted by a man named Karan Rajput, a resident of Rawatpur area, on the promise of marriage. "However, he later refused to marry her. When the woman confronted Rajput about the betrayal, he invited her to Kanpur's Eco Village for an agreement, where he assaulted the woman and snatched all her money and other invaluable items, including her ring," she further alleged in her complaint.

Taking cognisance of the complaint, an FIR was lodged at Kanpur's Rawatpur police station, under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) including section 376 (related to sexual assault), 392 (related to robbery) and others.

Later, after the matter came to the knowledge of senior officials, charges against the accused's aunt were dropped when police found that she had died several years ago.

The name of the accused's minor cousin was also dropped from the FIR after it was discovered that he was only six years old.

ACP Pandey said: "During the investigation, police found out that the names of the accused's late aunt and his six-year-old cousin are also present in the FIR following which their names were dropped from the FIR."
Rampur, July 25 : Three school children, travelling on a scooter, were killed in Uttar Pradesh's Rampur after they lost control of the two-wheeler while trying to save a stray dog that came in their way and crashed into a divider.

The incident took place on the busy four-lane Delhi-Nainital National Highway-87 in Rampur city on Monday.

The boys - all aged 16-17- sustained head injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital where two of them were declared "dead upon arrival" while the third succumbed to injuries half an hour later.

According to police in Rampur, the boys - Syed Zayaan, Mohd Ahad and Mohd Umair - did not have a licence and none of them were wearing helmets. They were all residents of Rampur's Ganj locality and used to spend most of their time together, police added.

On Monday, at around 7.30 a.m., Ahad and Umair offered to drop Zayaan to school on their scooty. "The stray dog came in front of the scooty's front wheel and they somehow saved it. But in the process, they lost control of the speeding bike, which crashed leaving them with serious injuries," said an eyewitness.

ASP (Rampur), Sansaar Singh, said: "The three boys were rushed to a hospital. They were in critical condition and did not survive. Parents should educate their children more about safety procedures - such as speeding, traffic guidelines and wearing helmets - while riding a bike. Schools also have a crucial role to play in such matters."
Jerusalem, July 25 : Israeli lawmakers have passed the first law limiting the Supreme Court's power, an important step for the government's controversial plan to overhaul the country's judicial system, amid massive protests across the country.

The law was passed on Monday with 64 in favour and zero vetoes in the 120-seat Parliament, as opposition lawmakers boycotted the final vote, Xinhua news agency reported.

The law cancels the Supreme Court's power to overrule decisions by the government that it deems "unreasonable". It is a key part of the ruling government's contentious plan to weaken the Supreme Court and reshape the judicial system.

Protesters blocked major highways in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other cities across the country. Police clashed with protesters and used water cannons to disperse them. In Jerusalem, the police also used "the Skunk", a vehicle that emits foul-smelling liquid with a strong odour, to drive away the protesters. At least 34 protesters have been arrested since Monday morning, according to the police.

David Ben, a 45-year-old teacher who attended the rally in Tel Aviv, said he felt sad and worried after the approval of the law.

"This legislation is led by the most extreme wing of the government, consisting of religious-nationalist parties of settlers. Today I feel that my government doesn't represent us anymore," he told the news agency.

The Israel Bar Association and other organisations and individuals filed at least four petitions to ask the Supreme Court to overturn the law.

The White House said in a statement that it was "unfortunate that the vote today took place with the slimmest possible majority".

In a televised statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the new law was "necessary" to enable the government "to rule" and called for "unity".

The judicial overhaul has triggered nationwide protests that last for 29 consecutive weeks. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis took to the streets to voice their objection to the government's plan to overhaul the judicial system. More than 11,000 military reservists, including pilots, announced they would resign, raising concerns that the military's preparedness would be affected.
Kiev, July 25 : Russian drones reportedly have attacked Ukraine's Danube ports of Reni and Izmail, destroying grain warehouses and other facilities.

The attacks, using Iranian-supplied drones, follow Russia's withdrawal this month from the Black Sea deal that allowed Ukraine to export its grain and threats by both Moscow and Kiev to target civilian carriers visiting ports, The Guardian reported.

"Russia hit another Ukrainian grain storage overnight. It tries to extract concessions by holding 400 million people hostage. I urge all nations, particularly those in Africa and Asia who are most affected by rising food prices, to mount a united global response to food terrorism," Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, wrote on Twitter on Monday, without identifying the location of the target.

"Warehouses where grain crops were stored were destroyed, tanks for storing other types of cargo were damaged. There was a fire in one of the production premises, which was promptly extinguished," local police were quoted as saying by the news outlet.

The facilities are just across the river from Nato-member Romania.

Officials say more than 60,000 tonnes of grain have been destroyed in the past week, the BBC reported.

Odesa head Oleh Kiper, whose region also covers the Danube ports of Reni and Izmail, said in his Telegram channel that Russia had attacked the infrastructure there for four hours with Iranian-made drones.

He said a grain hangar and tanks for storage were destroyed. Other local officials say three warehouses were bombed.

Three drones out of about 15 involved in the attack were destroyed by air defences, Kiper added.

At least four people were injured in the attack.
Tehran, July 25 : The Iranian Air Force has wrapped up a two-day "large-scale" air drill in the central province of Isfahan.

Ninety-two aircraft, including interceptors, bombers, unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as tanker and transport airplanes, were involved in the military exercise, which was codenamed the 11th Devotees of Velayat Airspace, country's official news agency IRNA quoted Alireza Roudbari, the spokesman of the drill, as saying on Monday.

He listed some of the "successful" operations during the drill, such as destroying mock targets using F-4 fighter jets and Su-24 bombers equipped with upgraded missiles and homegrown rockets, and smashing ground targets using Arash kamikaze drones, Xinhua news agency reported, citing IRNA.

Roudbari said psychological warfare operations and tests of "advanced" communication systems were also conducted.

The drill aims to provide "absolute protection" for Iran, enhance regional cooperation and deter the enemies, said Abdolrahim Mousavi, the chief commander of the Iranian Army, on the sidelines of the drill.
Ankara, July 25 : The Turkish Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the "repeated vile attacks" against the Islamic holy book of Quran in Denmark's capital Copenhagen.

"The Danish authorities must act within the framework of their international responsibilities and take the necessary measures to prevent these heinous acts that fuel hatred against the religion of Islam and its billions of followers," the ministry said in a statement.

Earlier on Monday, two protesters from the far-right Danish group of Danske Patrioter set fire to a copy of the Quran in front of the Iraqi embassy in Copenhagen, where it held a similar demonstration days ago in protest against the Iraqis' storming of the Swedish embassy in Baghdad, Xinhua news agency reported.

The incident is the second in just a few days where protesters from an ultranationalist group have burned the Quran.
Houston, July 25 : The Joe Biden administration has filed a lawsuit against the Texas state over deploying water barriers in the Rio Grande aimed to block migrants from crossing into the US from Mexico.

In the lawsuit, the Department of Justice is asking the US District Court in the Western District of Texas to force the state to remove the existing marine barriers and stop building more in the border river, Xinhua news agency reported.

The department on Monday alleged that Texas and its Republican Governor Greg Abbott violated the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act by building a structure in US water without permission from the US Army Corps of Engineers.

The marine barriers "constitute an unauthorized obstruction to the navigable capacity of waters of the United States", according to the lawsuit.

"We allege that Texas has flouted federal law by installing a barrier in the Rio Grande without obtaining the required federal authorization," Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said in a statement.

"This floating barrier poses threats to navigation and public safety and presents humanitarian concerns. Additionally, the presence of the floating barrier has prompted diplomatic protests by Mexico and risks damaging US foreign policy," Gupta continued.

Abbott said earlier on Monday that he would not order the removal of the floating barriers as required by the Justice Department.

"Texas will fully utilize our sovereign authority to respond to the border crisis," the Governor tweeted.

"The US Constitution grants Texas sovereign authority to protect its borders because the President refuses to enforce federal immigration laws," said Abbott in a letter sent to Biden on Monday in response to the lawsuit.

"Texas will see you in court, Mr. President," the Governor announced, highlighting Texas's right to defend its borders.

Under the federal law, it's prohibited to create "any obstruction to the navigable capacity of waters of the US, and ... any structure in such waters without authorisation from the US Army Corps of Engineers".

In the wake of the end of Title 42 in May, Abbott said his government plans to install a floating water barrier, with the use of buoys, to deter migrants from crossing the border in heavily trafficked areas of the river.

The first 1,000-foot stretch had been placed by July 7 in Eagle Pass, western Texas, which shares the border with the Mexican city of Piedras Negras. A canoe and kayaking company based in Texas already filed a lawsuit against the water barrier installation earlier this month.

The governor is facing separate scrutiny on the treatment of migrants since the Texas Department of Public Safety has received several complaints saying that Texas troopers were told to push back migrants into the Rio Grande and ordered not to give them water in spite of the current cruel heatwave.

The alleged mistreatment has drawn criticism from the White House and a number of Democratic lawmakers, though Abbott's office denied any orders have been given that "would compromise the lives of those attempting to cross the border illegally."

"What you see the governor doing is dangerous and unlawful," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters later on Monday. "The one person that is sowing chaos is Governor Abbott. That's where he continues to do political stunts in an inhumane way."

The three-term governor has been fiercely slamming Biden's border policy since the first day when the president took office.
San Francisco, July 25 : Police arrived at Twitter's (now X) San Francisco headquarters when workers started removing letters from the iconic vertical sign.

Workers were seen removing the metal sign using an aerial work platform vehicle, also known as a cherry picker, reports The San Francisco Standard.

After some time, San Francisco police officers arrived and halted the work.

Work was stopped at the site and only the letters "er" were left of the word "Twitter", also the bird logo remained in place.

According to the police, someone with Twitter had a work order to take down the sign but had not informed security or the building's owner. This confusion led to the calling of the police.

"Officers assigned to Tenderloin Station responded to the area of 10th and Market streets regarding a report of a possible unpermitted street closure," a police spokesperson said in an email.

"Through their investigation, officers were able to determine that no crime was committed and this incident was not a police matter."

Also, an observer, Wayne Sutton, tweeted that Twitter-owner Elon Musk didnat get a permit for the crane so the police halted the work. Musk on Tuesday clarified, "Twitter was acquired by X Corp both to ensure freedom of speech and as an accelerant for X, the everything app. This is not simply a company renaming itself, but doing the same thing."

"The Twitter name made sense when it was just 140 character messages going back and forth-- like birds tweeting-- but now you can post almost anything, including several hours of video."

He further said that in the coming months, the company will add comprehensive communications and the ability to conduct the "entire financial world."

"The Twitter name does not make sense in that context, so we must bid adieu to the bird," he added. Musk had started hinting at this change on Sunday with a series of tweets, starting with one that said, "soon we shall bid adieu to the Twitter brand and, gradually, all the birds."

Now 'X' logo has replaced the Twitter blue bird on the platform's web version.

Musk also changed the company's official account's name to 'X' on the platform along with its picture. He had also shared a picture of Twitter's headquarters with the new logo projected on it.

Twitter-owner had also said that "X.com" now directs to "twitter.com".
Kiev, July 25 : Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov has said that attacks will continue on Crimea and the Kerch bridge, which connects the occupied peninsula to mainland Russia.

In an interview with CNN, the Defence Minister said: "All these targets are official targets because it will reduce their capacity to fight against us (and) will help to save the lives of Ukrainians."When asked if Ukraine's aim was to permanently disable the bridge, Reznikov responded: "It's normal tactics to ruin the logistic lines of your enemy to stop the options to get more ammunition, to get more fuel, to get more food, etcetera. That's why we will use these tactics against them."

Reznikov also accused Russia of operating as "a terrorist state" as it continued to pummel the Ukrainian port city of Odesa and the surrounding region over the past week.

On Monday -- the fifth night of Russian strikes in Odesa -- more than two dozen landmarks in the historic city centre were damaged, while drones pounded the region's port infrastructure, targeting crucial grain stocks days.

The barrage comes after Moscow, in retaliation to the attack on the Kerch bridge earlier this month, withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative that allowed for the safe export of Ukrainian wheat to international markets, exacerbating a global food crisis.

"This approach is absurd, but it's real and that's why it's new evidence they are a terrorist state," Reznikov told CNN.

"(Russia) tried to explain that it's a response for some explosions in their territories, but they are fighting with the civilians... That's why I call them looters, rapists and murderers."

Asked if Ukraine plans to ramp up attacks against Russian ships in the Black Sea in retaliation, he said: "We have capacity. We have weapons as we did with the cruiser Moskva and if they threaten us in the Black Sea, we'll have to respond."

Russian guided-missile cruiser Moskva sank in the Black Sea in April in an attack claimed by Ukrainian officials.

When asked if he thought the war would be over by next summer, the Defence Minister replied: "Yes. We will win this war."

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a meeting with representatives of the Verkhovna Rada and the Cabinet of Ministers on the preparation of practical steps to implement the decisions of the Vilnius Summit.

We are not slowing down the pace of our integration with NATO. I brought together representatives of the Verkhovna Rada and government officials to prepare practical steps to implement the decisions of the Vilnius Summit, Zelenskyy said on Telegram.

According to him, in particular, there is already a clear plan to launch the Ukraine-NATO Council at all levels.

"We will see its work at the level of ambassadors tomorrow, during an urgently convened meeting on the situation in the Black Sea," the President of the country noted.

We are also starting to jointly prepare an interoperability plan with the Alliance, he added.

The second meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council will be held on Wednesday, July 26.
San Francisco, July 25 : Tech giant Microsoft is testing Bing's artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot on Google Chrome and Safari.

"We are flighting access to Bing Chat in Safari and Chrome to select users as part of our testing on other browsers," Caitlin Roulston, Microsoft's director of communications, said in a statement to The Verge.

"We are excited to expand access to even more users once our standard testing procedures are complete."

It seems that there are some limitations to using Bing Chat on Chrome and Safari.

For instance, users can only type 2,000-word prompts, as compared to the 4,000-word limit that the company provides when using Bing Chat on Edge.

The chatbot's communication with users will also restart after five turns rather than 30.

Microsoft has also introduced a dark option for Bing Chat in addition to a wider rollout across other browsers.

Users can access dark mode by selecting the hamburger menu in the top-right corner of Bing Chat and then choosing Appearance > Dark or System Default.

The chatbot was previously only accessible through Edge, which was very inconvenient if users wanted to use the tool on other browsers, the report said.

Last week, the tech giant had announced that it was rolling out multimodal capabilities via Visual Search in Bing Chat.

The Visual Search feature leverages OpenAI's GPT-4 model, and allows users to upload images and search the web for related content.

Bing Chat is now available in Google Chrome and Safari https://t.co/YFn9TcY0X9 pic.twitter.com/m41VRqEpi9  The Verge (@verge) July 25, 2023

Meanwhile, last month, the company had launched a 'voice chat' feature for Bing Chat on the desktop, which allows users to talk to the AI chatbot by clicking on the microphone icon in the Bing Chat box.

The voice chat feature currently supports five languages -- English, Japanese, French, German, and Mandarin -- with more languages coming soon.

-- Syndicated from IANS
Seoul, July 25 : North Korea fired two ballistic missiles into the East Sea, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said on Tuesday.

"Our military detected two ballistic missiles North Korea fired from areas near Pyongyang into the East Sea at 11.55 p.m. on Monday and at midnight of Tuesday," it said.

Both missiles flew about 400 km before falling into the sea, Yonhap News Agency quoted the JCS as saying.

The military is still analysing the North's latest missile launch to determine the exact type of the missiles fired, according to the JCS.

The North's latest missile launch comes as a nuclear-powered American submarine, USS Annapolis, arrived at a naval base in South Korea's southern island of Jeju as part of efforts to bolster joint deterrence against North Korea's evolving threats.

North Korea fired two ballistic missiles into the East Sea on July 1, followed by multiple cruise missile launches on July 22.
Manila, July 25 : A powerful storm named Doksuri sweeping across the Pacific Ocean in the direction of the Philippines has intensified into a super typhoon, with the state weather bureau warning on Tuesday that it could hit the northern part of the country before moving the South China Sea later this week.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration last spotted Doksuri some 310 km east of Cagayan province on the northern Luzon island, reports Xinhua news agency.

The bureau said Doksuri, "nearing its peak intensity", was blowing north-northwestward at 10 km per hour, packing 185 km per hour winds and gusts of up to 230 km per hour.

It is forecast to move northwestward within 12 hours before generally turning west-northwestward, the bureau added.

On the track forecast, Doksuri is predicted to make landfall or pass very close to the Babuyan Islands between late Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon.

The bureau issued warning signals to several areas across the Philippines, including Metro Manila, due to the threat of flooding and rain-induced landslides.

The Philippine Coast Guard said over 8,600 passengers, truck drivers, and cargo helpers are stranded in Luzon island and the central Philippines due to the typhoon.

At least 73 vessels and 1,518 rolling cargo vessels were stranded in ports.

Doksuri is the fifth cyclone to hit the Philippines this year.

The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries globally, mainly due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Pacific typhoon belt.

On average, the archipelagic country experiences 20 typhoons yearly, some of which are intense and destructive.

Doksuri could also continue to strengthen as it heads toward the northern part of the South China Sea -- spelling potential trouble for Taiwan, Hong Kong, and parts of southern China, CNN reported.

Chinaas National Meteorological Center projects Doksuri may land on the coast of the eastern provinces of Fujian and Guangdong on Friday morning.

Fujian province has upgraded its typhoon emergency warning to the third-highest level on Tuesday, and has asked fishing boats to return to port as soon as possible.

But the typhoonas exact path is still uncertain, with the Hong Kong Observatory saying over the weekend there were several possible routes it could go.
Visakhapatnam, July 25 : A student of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Hyderabad, who went missing last week, was found dead here on Tuesday.

The body of Karthik (21) was found at a beach here. He was suspected to have died by suicide

Police shifted the body to King George Hospital for autopsy and took up investigation.

A student of B. Tech (Mechanical) second year had left the campus on July 17. His phone was also switched off.

On receipt of the information from the IIT authorities, his parents rushed to the institute on July 19. They lodged a complaint with the Sangareddy rural police.

Police and the student's family members had searched him at various places.

During the investigation, police traced the mobile phone signal to Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

A team of policemen along with Karthik's parents left for Visakhapatnam. The student hails from Miryalguda in Nalgonda district.

IIT Hyderabad is located at Kandi in Sangareddy district.
Las Vegas, July 25 : Two women hikers were found dead inside a national park in the US state of Nevada where temperatures soared to as high as 45 degrees Celsius amid a scorching heat wave.

In a statement on Monday, The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officials said a group of hikers who had seen the women enter the hiking trails at the Valley of Fire State Park on the morning of July 22 became concerned when they noticed the pair was missing, Xinhua news agency reported.

When authorities arrived, they said one woman was found dead on the trail and the other woman was located in a canyon.

Nevada State Police did not provide a cause of death for the women.

Police have opened an investigation into the deaths.

The park, about 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas, has faced dangerous temperatures this month.

The southern part of Nevada remains under an excessive heat warning amid temperatures exceeding 43.3 degrees.

According to the National Weather Service, most of southern Nevada is under an excessive heat warning.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 25 : A week after the demise of Kerala's former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, the state Congress president K. Sudhakaran has made a request to elect the late leader's son, Chandy Oommen unopposed from the Puthuppally Assembly constituency, thus putting the ruling CPI(M) in a catch-22 situation.

Oommen Chandy held the unique distinction in the history of Kerala Legislative Assembly of being an MLA from Puthuppally since 1970.

At Chandy's memorial meeting organised by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee here on Monday evening, Sudhakaran's statement was followed up by former state party president and veteran Congressman V.M. Sudheeran.

"Present are the leading lights of Kerala politics and I feel there is no better way to repay the love and affection that Chandy showered on all. As a mark of respect to that, let us join hands to script a new model in democracy by ensuring that we allow his son, who is in all likelihood to be fielded as the successor to Chandy's legacy, by electing him unopposed,: said Sudheeran.

"If this happens, it will be the first time such a thing has happened in Kerala. Moreover, for us to engage in a political battle the rest of our state is there, where we all can engage in taking on one another politically. All should think on what I have said," added Sudheeran.

Hearing the words of Sudheeran was none other than Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who also paid glowing tributes to his arch political rival, Chandy.

With the Kerala Legislative secretariat sending a letter to the Election Commission on the Puthuppally Assembly seat falling vacant, the ball is now in the court of the Commission to decide when the bpoll should be held.

Even though the CPI(M) veteran and ruling Left Democratic Front ( LDF) convenor E.P. Jayarajan made his intention clear that the question of allowing an easy passage by electing Chandy's son unopposed is ruled out, the decision either to uphold his statement or dismiss it has to be made at the highest level of the LDF, which has to take a call on the proposal put forward by the Congress' state leadership.

However even if the CPI(M) decides not to contest, the BJP which sees the Congress party as its biggest political opponent, might have other plans and one has to wait and watch.
London, July 25 : Around 500 women are set to participate in a first-of-its-kind saree walkathon, which will be held in London to mark National Handloom Day on August 7, and raise awareness about Indian handloom.

The women, wearing the drapes representing different states of India, will walk past the iconic and historical landmarks on August 6, London-based news website UK Malayalees reported.

The walkathon will begin from Trafalgar Square and move to the historic Parliament Square in Westminster, London, via 10 Downing Street.

The event is organised by the British Women In Sarees group and is supported by the Inspiring Indian Women group.

"The modern Indian woman of today believes in traversing the world beyond her cocoon and she does all that and more, in a saree while redefining the codes of power dressing," Dipti Jain of British Women in Sarees group, which is hosting the event, told ukmalayalees.com.

"The British Women in Sarees group was formed out of this idea. It is a group of empowered women who take pride in flaunting handloom sarees and representing the unique cultural melting pot that is India. It is a not-for-profit organisation which likes to organise events to promote our National Heritage and make everyone around the world aware of the toil, handwork and artistry which goes behind weaving each of these masterpieces," Jain told the website.

She had also organised the very first event at the Ladies Day Royal Ascot Races on June 16, 2022 in Berkshire, where several women from the Indian subcontinent turned up in sarees.

"As residents of UK, we felt elated and proud of the inclusivity that the stage provided us to pay homage to our roots, India. The world watched us but the limelight that our sarees fetched provided us the platform to raise awareness about the plight of artisans and weavers who need support to continue and pass on their craft to the next generation," Jain said.

The proceeds from the event were given to a community of weavers in Nanoor, West Bengal.

"As we grow bigger, we intend to reach out, grow and connect with more artisans and weavers who need support. This will be our way of preserving ancient handicrafts," she told UKMalayalees.

At the upcoming walkathon, a team of 30 women from Kerala will be showcasing the traditional settu mundu and handloom sarees bought directly from the weavers to support them.

They will also do a traditional Kerala dance at the Parliament Square before finishing off with a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

--IANS

mi/ksk
Washington, July 25 : Amid a scorching heat wave, the US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued heat alerts for 40 million Americans across at least a dozen states, from Montana to Texas and Florida.

Scorching temperatures will linger in the US Southwest while intensifying in the Midwest this week, Xinhua news agency quoted the NWS update issued on Monday as saying.

A heat dome that has been stationary over the Southwest is expected to stretch into the Midwest , it added.

Temperatures are forecast to reach or exceed 43.3 degrees Celsius in states including California and Arizona.

Arizona's capital city of Phoenix has now witnessed a record-breaking 24 consecutive days of temperatures above 43 degrees Celsius, well past the previous record of 18 days set in 1974.

Meanwhile, severe thunderstorms are forecasted for parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont.

Thunderstorms will continue to increase in coverage and intensity throughout the day as daytime heating destabilises the atmosphere, according to the NWS Storm Prediction Center.

The strongest storms will pose a risk of locally damaging wind gusts.

Meanwhile, at least 18 heat-related deaths have occurred in Arizona's Maricopa County since April, with 69 more fatalities under investigation.

The National Park Service has also reported at least four deaths among visitors.

Two female hikers were found dead in the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada on Sunday, amid temperatures as high as 45 degrees.

The world has just sweltered through the hottest June in the 174-year global climate record.

The average global surface temperature in June was 1.05 degrees Celsius above average, ranking June 2023 as Earth's warmest June on record, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

June 2023 was 0.13 of a degree warmer than the previous record set in June 2020.

June 2023 also marked the 47th consecutive June and the 532nd consecutive month with temperatures above the 20th century average, according to NOAA.

Additionally, Earth's ocean surface temperature anomaly -- which indicates how much warmer or cooler temperatures are from the long-term average -- were the highest ever recorded, according to scientists from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.

Climate change and strong El Nino events are behind the unprecedented weather conditions, scientists said.
New Delhi, July 24 : The showrunner of crime-investigative drama 'Kohrra', Sudip Sharma has shared his vision on the casting of English actress Rachel Shelley, saying they needed an actor with an experience in Indian shooting conditions, and she delivered a great job.

Rachel was seen as Elizabeth Russell in the Oscar-nominated Bollywood epic 2001 release 'Lagaan', starring Aamir Khan in the lead. In 'Kohrra' she is seen as Clara Murphy, a character based in the UK.

Sudip called Rachel a fantastic actor, saying she delivered a great job.

"We are all aware of her work. I had seen some of her work outside India as well, but it was also a bit of a practical decision, because I wanted an actor who is used to the madness that shooting can be in India, and it could have been difficult," Sudip told IANS.

"Shooting web series is tough, we are shooting close to five pages a day, and we needed an actor of experience, and an actor with an experience in Indian shooting conditions. And she really delivered a great job," he said.

For Suvinder Vicky, who is seen as the cop Balbir Singh, Sudip said: "I have worked with him in 'Pataal Lok' , and I wanted to give him a bigger role, he is really that good an actor."

He further said that he saw Barun Sobti's work in 'Halahal'."I really liked it, and I thought he had this very interesting energy about him. There is an innocence, as well as, an impishness to him."

On his inspiration for the meditative and reflective tone for 'Kohraa', Sudip said: "We were very clear from the get go that although we were ostensibly making a police procedural, the show was lot more than that. The show was about love, first and foremost, it was about relationships, human drama. How human beings end up doing the things they end up doing, and all the baggage that they bring forth."

"And to explore all of that with any sort of satisfaction, I think it was important to give the show not a break neck sort of the speed, but this very meditative and reflective tone. I mean the characters are doing what they are doing, but they are also stepping back and looking at themselves. Looking at what made them do, what they ended up doing, in the first place. It was really sort of built into the storytelling design of the show," shared Sudip.

He said that director Randeep Jha has done a beautiful job of carrying it forward, in terms of how it was shot, and how the performances were taken out.

Sudip said the show is really more than just the actual fog that you see in the beginning of the story, or that happens in certain months in Punjab.

On the feeling of suspense and helplessness in the narrative, he said: "It was really also about the fog that we carry on our relationships, what stops us from seeing the truth, although it might just be around the corner, but because of our own baggages, our emotional complexities, past traumas, generational traumas, that we carry forward, we are not able to see it, there is this haze, between us and our loved ones. And we were sort of referring to that."

On his collaboration with Gunjit Chopra and Diggi Sisodia for the project, Sudip said he really enjoyed working with them.

"It doesn't really happen that when you are leading a writer's room, the writers are delivering on the promise of writing. I am really glad that they took the onus of the writing on themselves, I could focus on looking at the larger picture, and mentoring them as they went about doing things. They were always on the button, very upfront with accepting changes and coming back quickly with all that was required," said Sudip.

He also recalled the most vivid memory of the show and said it was shooting Balbir's house. "The scenes between the father and the daughter, and the flashback scene between Balbir and his wife. They were really heavy scenes to shoot, to write as well. I mean I could feel the heaviness in the house, in the atmosphere we were shooting it. All the toxicity that there was in the scenes, we could feel it ourselves," he added.

Set against the backdrop of Punjab where an NRI is murdered just before his wedding, 'Kohrra' weaves a narrative that resonates with authenticity and rawness.

It is streaming on Netflix.
Athens, July 25 : The Greek government has pledged its full support to fire-affected areas of the country, with several wildfires still continuing to rage as of Tuesday.

"We will rebuild all that was lost, compensate those affected," Xinhua news agency quoted Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis as saying during a debate in Parliament on Monday.

While welcoming his Bulgarian counterpart Nikolai Denkov, who is currently visiting Athens, Mitsotakis also thanked Bulgaria for helping Greece to battle the devastating forest fires that hit the country in July.

"These are (...) unfortunately the real consequences of climate change. We have another difficult summer ahead of us, but we are doing the best we can," Mitsotakis said.

There were no casualties, but forested areas and residential zones were damaged during the more than 500 fires which have broken out nationwide in the past 12 days, said Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias.

As well as climate change, many fires are still caused by arson or criminal negligence, Kikilias said.

Therefore, fines for causing fire by criminal negligence will be increased, and the personnel of the Arson Crimes Directorate will be doubled.

According to the latest update from the Fire Service, firefighters were still battling for a seventh day three fronts on Rhodes Island in southeastern Greece.

Nearly 20,000 people, including many tourists, were evacuated as a precautionary measure from a dozen settlements and seaside resorts in the area during the weekend.

Four more settlements were evacuated on Monday, as winds measuring up to seven on the Beaufort scale were blowing in the region.

Fire-fighting forces faced similar difficult weather conditions on the southern part of Evia Island, where a fire broke out on Sunday, and settlements were also evacuated on Monday.

However, the situation was improving on Monday in the north-east of the island of Corfu, the Fire Service said.

Some 2,000 locals and tourists who were evacuated on Sunday were gradually returning to their homes and hotels on Monday, according to AMNA.

Since last week, Greece has been experiencing one of its worst heatwaves in decades, with temperatures reaching up to 45 degrees Celsius.

After a short respite on Monday, the high temperatures were forecast to continue on Tuesday and Wednesday, meteorologists said.
Ukraine plans to create six new rehabilitation centers for the military, including one for the reintegration of persons released from the Russian captivity and the other five for the assistance to the military and their families, the Military Media Center has said with a reference to Head of the Public Health Directorate of the Humanitarian Support Department of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine, Colonel of Medical Service Volodymyr Furdyk.

"We are working on the order together with the Social Policy Ministry to develop a chain of rehabilitation centers. Meanwhile, we have developed a pilot action plan on decompression for the military and their families. As part of a mental health program launched at the initiative of [First Lady of Ukraine] Olena Zelenska, last week, a meeting of the coordination council was held on the issue during which the creation of six centers was discussed. One for the reintegration of persons released from the Russian captivity and five for direct social assistance psychological support of the military and their families," he was quoted as saying on the media center's Telegram channel on Tuesday.

According to the statement, a memorandum on the creation of a chain of rehabilitation centers was concluded between the Defense Ministry and the Social Policy Ministry.
Srinagar, July 25 : Jammu and Kashmir Police along with security forces arrested two terrorist associates linked with proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in the Chak Tapper area of Kreeri Baramulla and recovered arms and ammunition and other incriminating material from their possession, officials said on Tuesday.

"Acting on specific information regarding movement of terrorists in Village Chak Tapper Kreeri, Police along with Army (29 RR) established a motor vehicle checking point (MVCP) at Bus Stop Chak Tapper Kreeri," police said.

"During checking, the joint party intercepted and arrested two suspected persons who on noticing the checkpoint tried to flee from the spot but were apprehended tactfully."

Police said during their personal search, arms and ammunition including two Chinese Pistols, two Pistol Magazines, 14 live Pistol rounds and other incriminating materials have been recovered from their possession.

They have been identified as Dayem Majeed Khan, resident of Check Panjigam Bandipora and Ubair Tariq, resident of Watrina Phalwanpora Panjigam Bandipora.

"During preliminary questioning, the arrested duo revealed that they were working as terrorist associates of proscribed terrorist outfit LeT and had acquired arms and ammunition for target killing in District Baramulla," police said.
Mumbai, July 25 : Actor Gulshan Devaiah's look from the upcoming streaming giant Netflix's series 'Guns and Gulaabs' deeply inspired from Sanjay Dutt's look in the 90s.

An insider from the production said: "The series is set in the 90s and the Sanjay Dutt craze was at its peak during that time and many people started adapting that."

"The team thought about what better way to capture the 90s than that look. It was actually Gulshan who suggested this idea and was quite keen to carry that look too. He made it seem very natural."

'Guns and Gulaabs' is a comedy crime thriller series which is created and directed by Raj and DK. It is based on the 90s world of crime and violence. The series stars Rajkummar Rao, Dulquer Salmaan, Adarsh Gourav, Gulshan Devaiah and TJ Bhanu in lead roles.

Gulshan is currently in London shooting for 'Ulajh', which also stars Jahnvi Kapoor and Rohan Mathew. Based on the Indian Foreign Service, the film is directed by National winning director Sudhanshu Saria.

Gulshan is known for his roles in 'Shaitan', 'Hate Story' and 'Hunterrr'.

Inspired by the 'Misfits of the World', the 'Guns and Gulaabs' series mixes the nostalgic tales of romance, of the 90s, with crime. The series marks the second collaboration of Raj and D.K. with Netflix, after Cinema Bandi. Set in the 90s world of crime and violence, it depicts the story of love and innocence blending with humour and romance.
I-T raids were aimed at damaging my image, says BRS MLA. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, July 25 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted nationwide raids at more than 20 locations in connection with two separate PMLA cases related to corruption in Delhi Jal Board (DJB), sources said on Tuesday.

The raids on Monday took place in Delhi-NCR, Kerala and Chennai.

Last year, the CBI had lodged a case in connection with corruption in the Delhi Jal Board, and the first ED case was based on the CBI's FIR.

The second PMLA ECIR was recorded this year, also in connection with the Delhi Jal Board matter.

The CBI had registered a case against Jagdish Kumar Arora, the then Chief Engineer (WW); P.K. Gupta, the then SE (WW)-II; Sushil Kumar Goel, the then Executive Engineer (E & M), Delhi; Ashok Sharma, the then AE (E&M); Ranjit Kumar, the then AAO, all of Delhi Jal Board; and D.K. Mittal, the then General Manager, NBCC (India) Limited; its Project Executive Sadhan Kumar; and a private firm NKG Infrastructure Limited.

According to the CBI, the accused entered into a conspiracy to provide undue favour to NKG Infrastructure Limited and made it technically eligible (which was otherwise not allegedly eligible).

A tender NIT 22 was issued in December 2017 for Supply, Installation, Testing, and Commissioning (SITC) of Electromagnetic Flow Meters and corresponding O&M operations for five years of the Delhi Jal Board.

The accused and NKG Infrastructure Limited, with the help of false certificates and fabricated deviation statements issued by NBCC, qualified and bagged a tender worth Rs 38,02,33,080.

In the coming days, the ED can summon the accused to join the investigation.

--IANS

atk/ksk
New Delhi, July 25 : Opposition MPs of INDIA bloc on Tuesday met at the chamber of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to chalk out strategies to corner the government in Parliament over Manipur violence and reiterated their demand for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comprehensive statement in both the Houses.

According to sources, the INDIA parties have decided to move a no-confidence

motion against government in the Lok Sabha.

The meeting at Kharge's chamber was attended by floor leaders from RJD, AAP, Trinamool Congress and other parties attended the meet.

After the meeting, Kharge took to Twitter and wrote, "83 days of unabated violence in Manipur requires the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) to make a comprehensive statement in the Parliament. Stories of absolute horror are now slowly trickling down. INDIA demands answers from the Modi government on Manipur violence."

Terming the situation in Northeast "fragile" with the repercussions spilling to other states, the Leader of Opposition in the Upper House said, "This is not good for our sensitive border states. High time Prime Minister Modi sheds his ego and takes the country into confidence on Manipur."

Prime Minister Modi must tell what is his government doing to improve the situation and when will normalcy return in Manipur, he added.

The Rajya Sabha strategy will also continue, the sources said.

The Opposition parties have been demanding a detailed statement from the Prime Minister in Parliament on the Manipur issue.
Kolkata, July 25 : West Bengal Law Minister Malay Ghatak has once again decided to skip the summons from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with the multi-crore coal scam case in West Bengal.

Ghatak was asked to be present at the central agency's headquarters at New Delhi this week. However, sources said, the minister had sent a communique to the ED officials expressing his inability to honour the notice because of his prior engagements elsewhere.

ED had issued him the notice to appear at the agency's New Delhi office on July 12.

This is not the first time thatGhatakhas been asked by the ED officials to be present at the central agency's headquarter in New Delhi for the purpose of questioning in connection with the multi-crore coal smuggling case. But every time the state law minister dodged that summons.

Earlier, he was issued the notice by the ED sleuths on June 23, where he was asked to be present at ED's New Delhi office on June 26. Prior to that on June 19, the minister was summoned to the ED's Delhi office, but he did not appear and informed the probe agency through his counsel that he had other engagements in view of the upcoming panchayat polls in Bengal.

Earlier to that, the ED had issued a notice toGhatakon June 6, giving him enough time of 13 days in between to prepare himself and appear at the agency's New Delhi office.However, at the last moment the minister informed the central agency sleuths about his inability to turn up a questioning because of his engagements in relation to the panchayat pole in the state.

The investigative officials feel that the successive avoiding of notices is virtually becoming contempt of court. ED sources said that every time they had been sending notices to Ghatak, he was being given two weeks of time in between as directed by the Supreme Court of India.

Despite that the minister has repeatedly ignored the notices. Sources said that ED sleuths are currently discussing with their legal team to decide over the next course of action in the matter.
Mumbai, July 25 : Actor Freddy Daruwala, who is known for 'Holiday', 'Force 2', 'Commando 2', 'Dharavi Bank' and 'Crackdown', is all set to make his international debut with the film titled 'Aaina'.

The actor shared that the film tells the story of the global issue of children in terrorism and the post traumatic effects that plague their lives throughout adulthood.

Freddy plays the character of Zahan in the film and he insists that it was a role he just 'couldn't refuse'.

The actor said: "As an actor working in a movie with such a strong message, and a role with so much depth and complexity, I knew I couldn't pass up. Each day on sets, I'm challenged to deliver justice to my character and dig deep in a place that unfortunately so many experience due to the effects of war."

Freddy said that his character of Zahan is one of the very complex roles he has played as he's had a tormented childhood and as an adult, he suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

"As an actor, I had to learn how to suspend my judgement and really see his life perspective from his past experiences to feel and act in a manner that was true to him."

He promised that the audience is going to see a very different Fredy Daruwala.

"I can't wait to serve the variety of my acting and show the world the truth and complexity of Zahan," the actor added.

Talking about the difference in working culture of Indian cinema at large and the international film productions, the Freddy said: "Of course, it has less song and dance, but what I'm enjoying is to see how different cultures and people on-set from all parts of the world are honing their craft and all coming together. We have Markus Meridt, a German Director, Richa Chadha, a Bollywood star and William Moseley, a reputed British actor."

"All of us are working on one common goal of creating something for the world to view in order to bring to light the truths that are occurring in our society, within our counters and across the globe," he added.

Freddy informed that the film is based in London and the team is currently shooting for the film there. A lot of shooting will be done in various locations across India.

'Aaina' is produced by Big Cat productions, UK. The film's shoot is currently underway.
Lucknow, July 25 : Uttar Pradesh Minister and president of Nishad Party, Dr Sanjay Nishad, has written a letter to the central and state government seeking a CBI probe into the murder of Phoolan Devi.

He has also demanded that Phoolan Devi's property should be freed from encroachment and given to her mother Mula Devi.

Phoolan Devi, a former bandit queen who became an MP, was assassinated in July 2001.

Sanjay Nishad has written in his letter, "Former MP sister heroine Phoolan Devi has been a role model for the women of the world, not only of the fisherman society. She fought against injustice to make the society aware. Phoolan Devi has fought from the road to Parliament to protect the dignity of women against oppression, exploitation and for their rights."

The Nishad party chief further wrote in his letter, "Nishad Party is a party following the ideals and footsteps of Veerangana Phoolan Devi. Following the path laid down by her, Nishad Party has always raised its voice in the interest of the oppressed, the underprivileged and the backward. On her death anniversary on Tuesday, a memorandum has been submitted to concerned officials to free the property of former MP Phoolan Devi from Samajwadi Party-backed mafias and transfer it to her mother."

He also sought the status of 'Mother of MP' for Phoolan's mother.--IANS

amita/dpb
Lucknow: Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav addresses a press conference at the party office in Lucknow on Sunday, March 26, 2023. (Photo: Phool Chandra/IANS). Image Source: IANS News

Lucknow, July 25 : SP president Akhilesh Yadav has said his party will contest the Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh with full strength and preparedness.

Madhya Pradesh, which has 230 Assembly seats, has been SP's second best-performing state.

It is bracing for the elections scheduled towards the end of this year.

"In 2003, we won seven seats in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, and this time we will surpass that result. If we contest the elections with unity and coordination, we will have desired results in the polls," Akhilesh said.

The SP had won four Assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh in 1998, seven in 2003, one each in 2008 and 2018.

"We have also discussed probable candidates for the MP polls," said Rajendra Chaudhary, the SP's national secretary and spokesperson.

Akhilesh went on to say that "now, SP will be unstoppable for it struggles for the poor, backward people and they all are the party's strength".

"Madhya Pradesh also has a large population of tribals. The party should increase its influence among the tribal population as it is committed to social justice and respect to poor, backward and the oppressed."

He said the saffron party's governments in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh were neck deep in corruption and scams, and just like the latter, the people of the former also want to get rid of the BJP government.

The SP's Madhya Pradesh state president Ramayan Singh Patel, former state president Gauri Yadav were in Lucknow on Monday to meet Akhilesh.
London, July 25 : The tale of 'Mahabharata' is an all time classic, and one of the greatest epics of all time that needs little detailing. The biggest epic of all time, 'Mahabharata' is now set for a new stage adaptation at the UK premiere at London's Barbican Theatre this fall.

The legendary Hindu epic that packs with it some of the greatest thought changing and detailed philosophies, a powerful story of a great war and spiritual ideas, is presented by the Canadian theatre production 'Why Not Theatre' and had its world premiere in Canada back in March at The Shaw Festival Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

According to Variety, the production is presented in two parts and narrated by a storyteller (Miriam Fernandes). 'Karma' (part 1), is the origin story of the rival Pandava and Kaurava clans. In 'Dharma' (part 2), a great battle destroys the planet and the survivors are left behind to rebuild.

The retelling of Mahabharata will be performed by a contingent of actors ranging from across four continents, and all from the Indian subcontinent.

The cast includes UK-based performers Ajay Chhabra, Neil D'Souza, Darren Kuppan, Goldy Notay and Sakuntala Ramanee.

This big company of actors is joined by Canadian and other international performers like Shawn Ahmed, Jay Emmanuel, Fernandes, Navtej Sandhu, Anaka Maharaj-Sandhu, Ellora Patnaik, Meher Pavri, Munish Sharma and Sukania Venugopal, and understudies Varun Guru, Karthik Kadam, Suma Nair, Ronica Sajnani and Ishan Sandhu.

'Mahabharat' consists of over 100,000 shlokas, 200,000 verses and over 1.8 million lines. Penned by sage Vedvyasa, while the epic is attributed to him, Mahabharata has in fact seen various interpolations over the ages since its inception sometime during 400 CE.

Considered probably the greatest Sanskrit epic of all time alongside the 'Ramayana', 'Mahabharata' tells the story of the struggle between the Kauravas and the Pandavas resulting in the great war of Kurukshetra.

Alongside the war, the story tells in great detail, various aspects of that era such as the environments, kingdoms, livelihood, economy, politics and much more. It also dives great into various philosophical debates as well as things regarding spirituality.

The adaptation done is by Why Not Theatre's founding artistic director Ravi Jain, and co-artistic director Fernandes, who will be using poetry from Carole Satyamurti's 'Mahabharata: A Modern Retelling'. The original concept was developed with Jenny Koons.

Fernandes talking about the big theatre production said: "These stories have been passed from storyteller to audience for thousands of years and span the earth, traveling in the memories and imaginations of the South Asian diaspora. Though first composed in an ancient time, the themes of greed, revenge, ecocide and privilege feel acutely relevant in our globalized world."

Jain went on to say, "As a student in London, I watched the world masters dazzle audiences on the Barbican stage. 20 years later it's a dream come true to share this complex work we're so proud of at this truly special venue."

Toni Racklin, head of theatre and dance at the Barbican, said: "Exploring the power of storytelling to understand where we've come from and to help us navigate our future, 'Mahabharata' invites us to connect with perspectives from across the world and inspire us to reimagine what we can achieve together."

'Mahabharata' is an endless classic that has been immortalised for all time. While the tale originated in India, it has seen countless theatre adaptations in different countries ranging from Sri Lanka, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the US, Canada, the UK, Russia, China alongside many others. Usually performed by Indians, the stage is joined by diasporas of various countries.

The 'Mahabharata' theatre production will open its big stage on the Barbican October 1 to October 7.
Lucknow, July 25 : The Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee, which takes care of 22 mosques including the Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi, has moved the Allahabad High Court challenging the District Court's order passed on July 21 for the ASI survey of the Mosque Premises (except for Wuzukhana).

The petition was filed a day after the Supreme Court on Monday directed that Varanasi Court's order should not be enforced till 5 p.m. July 26 so as to allow some "breathing time" to the Masjid committee to approach the High Court.

The apex court's July 24 order was passed by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra while requesting the High Court Chief Justice to allow a hearing on Masjid.s plea before its interim order expires on July 26.

During the hearing, the 3-Judge bench also took note of a statement made on behalf of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) that it is not planning to carry out any excavation of the Gyanvapi site at least for a week, though the Varanasi District Court had allowed such excavation to determine if the 16th century mosque was built over a pre-existing temple.

Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta had informed the Court about the ASI's stance when the Gyanvapi Masjid Committee sought a stay of the Varanasi Court order.

On July 21, the Varanasi District Court allowed an application filed by four Hindu women worshippers seeking a scientific survey of the entire Gyanvapi mosque (except for Wuzukhana) by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to find out whether the Mosque had been constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple.

The court of District Judge A.K. Vishwesha passed this order in an application moved in May this year (under Section 75(e) and Order 26 Rule 10A of CPC) by the four Hindu Women worshippers in a suit pending before the Court (Rakhi Singh and others vs State of UP and others) seeking all year-round worshipping rights in the complex.

In its 7-page order, the Court observed that the survey will help in "just and proper disposal of the case" and "true facts" will come before the Court.

The Court also called for a report by August 4 and the matter has been put for further proceedings on the same day.
German Rheinmetall to provide Ukraine with two Skynex air defense systems in second year half

German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall will provide the Ukrainian army with two Skynex air defense systems, the company's press service reports.

"In the second half of 2023, Ukraine will receive two new Skynex anti-aircraft missile systems, including air blast ammunition. Skynex systems will be installed on new Rheinmetall HX 8x8 military trucks," the message says.

Skynex is a 35 mm anti-aircraft self-propelled gun developed and manufactured by Rheinmetall. It was introduced in November 2021. Skynex is a wheeled anti-aircraft self-propelled gun equipped with an Oerlikon Mk3 rifled automatic cannon for 35 mm AHEAD shells. The main purpose of the complex is to cover military bases, infrastructure facilities, airfields from various types of enemy aircraft, UAVs and cruise missiles.
Lucknow, July 25 : Doctors at Apollomedics Hospital in Lucknow have successfully performed Renal Denervation therapy (RDN) on a 60-year-old man with resistant hypertension (BP) for many years.

The doctors claimed that the RDN is a modern alternative for hypertension management for people who usually take four-five classes of drugs every day but still suffer from high blood pressure.

The patient had been taking multiple anti-hypertensive drugs, but even then, his blood pressure remained as high as 170/100.

The uncontrolled hypertension of his patient made him vulnerable to heart failure, and he had been hospitalized twice.

Dr Gautam Swaroop, interventional cardiologist, said, "Earlier this week, the patient's blood pressure shot up again, causing a rhythm disorder, and the patient was admitted to our hospital. During the tests, we found that the condition of resistant hypertension had also impacted his kidney function, with creatinine levels at 1. 9, which is way above normal levels. Given his condition, we recommended RDN, which is a life-saving procedure in cases where the BP is uncontrolled even after multiple medications. "

A small puncture was made from where the catheter is navigated inside the blood vessel to the kidney and the nerves surrounding the blood vessels, known as renal nerves.

The renal nerves are then ablated (heated) using the catheter, causing a reduction in blood pressure levels and reducing the pressure on the kidney, he added.

"The patient recovered a day after the procedure," he added.

The doctor said that, "Renal denervation therapy is proving to be a ray of hope for patients who suffer from resistant hypertension."
In the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the government is working as per the promise of equal development of every class.. Image Source: IANS News

Srinagar, July 25 : In a historic move, the Government of India has brought several border areas of Jammu and Kashmir onto the tourism map, providing a much-needed boost to the region's economy and culture. Among these newly introduced destinations is Keran, and All India Radio (AIR) Srinagar will be hosting a show near the Line of Control (LoC).

The AIR's renowned current Programme 'Shaherbeen' and the Pahari Programme's team with the assistance of Army's 28 Infantry Division Kupwara, are all set to conduct a captivating Pahari Variety Cultural Show.

The event, scheduled for July 27th will take place on the serene banks of Kishenganga River in Keran, district Kupwara.

The Pahari Programme team led by Programme Executive AIR Srinagar and Producer Shaherbeen/Pahari Programme, Maqsood Ahmad, is thrilled to present this unique cultural show that promises to showcase the vibrant heritage of the Pahari community.

"We are excited to bring the rich and diverse Pahari culture to the forefront through this cultural show. The picturesque location on the banks of Kishenganga River adds an enchanting backdrop to the event," stated Maqsood Ahmad.

The show is expected to feature performances by some of the region's most renowned Pahari artists, who are eagerly looking forward to entertaining the audience with their traditional art forms.

The announcement made on AIR Srinagar invites everyone to be a part of this memorable event, which is expected to attract both locals and tourists alike. Programme Coordinator Parmjeet Singh expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "It's going to be a great programme on the banks of Kishenganga River. We hope this event will help showcase the cultural richness of the region to a wider audience."

The active participation of the Army's 28 Infantry Division Kupwara in conducting this programme marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time that such a type of programme will be conducted by All India Radio on the Line of Control (LOC).

It is believed that the Pahari Variety Cultural Show in Keran will serve as a shining example of the positive impact of tourism development on the region, fostering cultural exchange and promoting the rich heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.

With this event, the allure of the region's traditional art and culture is sure to capture the hearts of visitors, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.
New Delhi, July 25 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the opposition's Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. Calling it "directionless", he said that terror outfits also have INDIA in their names.

The Prime Minister said this at the BJP's parliamentary party meeting, chaired by him here on Tuesday.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the MPs in the parliamentary party meeting said that the name 'INDIA' also has a strange coincidence. He said that the East India Company and Indian National Congress were formed by the Britishers."

"The Prime Minister said the Indian Mujahideen was founded by the terrorists and organisations like the Popular Front of India also have INDIA," Prasad said.

The Prime Minister in the meeting said that he has not seen such "directionless" Opposition till date, the senior BJP leader quoted Modi as saying, in an apparent reference to Opposition's 'INDIA'.

On July 18, a total of 26 political parties, including the main Opposition Congress announced the name of 'INDIA' in Karnataka's Bengaluru to fight against the ruling BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

--IANSstd/dpb
Lucknow, July 25 : In order to improve the functioning of health services, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to run some community health centres (CHCs) in the private-public-partnership (PPP) mode.

A proposal has been prepared by the health department and will be sent to the cabinet for approval.

To begin with, 15 CHCs -- selected once the cabinet approves the proposal -- will go in the PPP mode.

The proposal says the CHCs to be given on PPP mode will go for bidding.

The bidding will be done on an as-is, where-is basis, where the bidder will physically check facilities at the CHC they want to bid for.

"The bidder needs to run all services that are being provided at CHC and if there is any shortcoming in regard to equipment, the same has to be corrected by the bidder. Each bidder will be evaluated on the basis of the bid price they quote and reputation of the firm over their past work," said a senior health official.

The 15 CHCs that have been short-listed for the PPP mode include Khadda CHC in Kushinagar, Gajokhar CHC in Varanasi, Malhipur CHC in Shravasti, Rajapur CHC in Chitrakoot, Nagram CHC in Lucknow, Belaghat CHC in Gorakhpur, Adda Bajaar CHC in Maharajganj, Chandan Chowki CHC in Lakhimpur Kheri, Vishwarganj CHC in Bahraich, Bhogwara CHC in Chandauli, Dapsaura CHC in Fatehpur, Sukhpura CHC in Ballia, Babhani CHC in Sonbhadra, Khajuria CHC in Balrampur and Sirsiya CHC in Siddharth Nagar.

The names may be changed and the final ones will be announced after cabinet approves the proposal.
New Delhi, July 25 : Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief, Swati Maliwal has met family members of the two victims who were subjected to a horrifying incident of being paraded naked and molested by a mob in Manipur.

A DCW official stated that Maliwal, accompanied by Commission member Vandana Singh, arrived in Imphal on Monday and traveled to the trouble-hit Churachandpur district to meet the family members.

The meeting took place between Maliwal and a mother and husband of the two victims.

In a tweet in Hindi, the DCW chief said: "I met the families of the two daughters of Manipur who were brutalised. A girl's husband protected the borders of the country while being a soldier. He told me that till now no one has come to meet him, I am the first one to reach him. Met the mother of the other girl as well. When I can reach here without security then why hasn't the CM or the rest of the administration come till now?"

She also posted two photos from the meeting.

Besides, Churachandpur, Maliwal also travelled to Moirang and Imphal districts, where she interacted with displaced people at several relief camps.

Sharing her challenging experience during the trip, Maliwal claimed that the state government denied her support to travel to the conflict-hit areas.

"These three days have been extremely tough for me. I was denied any support by the government to enter Manipur and yet I came here at great personal risk. The viral video shook me to the core and I wanted to meet the survivors at all cost. I was informed by locals that it is very difficult to travel Churachandpur to meet the families of the survivors, yet I decided to go there without any security amidst heavy firing," she said in another tweets.

Expressing her distress, Maliwal also pointed out to the lack of attention from the Manipur government and questioned why the survivors have not received any counseling, legal support, and compensation so far.

She emphasised that if she could travel from Delhi to meet them without security, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and cabinet members should also visit them in a bulletproof car.

Maliwal described the situation in Manipur as extremely troubling, with horrifying stories of people losing their homes and loved ones, and the state government failing to protect them.

She urged the Central government to take urgent action, including the sacking of Biren Singh.

Maliwal also called for a visit by the Prime Minister to the violence-hit state.

Maliwal praised the kindness of the Manipuri people and emphasised the urgency of steps to protect them and their land.

--IANS

ssh/ksk
Bhopal, July 25 : At the time when Opposition alliance INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) has launched a scathing attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah over Manipur situation, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra on Tuesday lauded him as 'lauh pursh' (iron man) of modern India.

He was addressing a press conference at his official residence on the Home Minister's visit to the poll-bound state.

The minister informed that Shah would arrive in the land of Raja Bhoj (Bhopal) on Wednesday to a warm welcome by the party leaders. The Home Minister, he said, hasbeen taking forward the concept of arastravada (nationalism) making BJP the biggest political party in the world.

As per the information, Shah would arrive at the state BJP headquarters on

Wednesday evening and hold a core committee meeting.

Union ministers Bhupendra Yadav and Ashwini Vaishnav will be accompanying the home minister.

After a night halt on July 26, Shah will interact with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan the next morning.

The BJPas central leadership has recently appointed three Union Ministers a"

Bhupendra Yadav and Ashwini Vaishnaw as in-charge and co-in-charge for the

election for the state.

While the statea"based senior party leader and the Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has been appointed as the convener of the state elections.

The trio have held a series of meetings to review the poll preparations of different sections of the party's state unit.

Notably, the word alauh purusha or "iron man" is used for the first Union Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who played a key role in making India united with the merger of the states after Independence.
Vaibhav on working with Vipul Shah in 'Commando' series: Renowned for his exceptional directing skills. Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, July 25 : Actor Vaibhav Tatwawadi, who has worked in shows like 'Nirmal Pathak Ki Ghar Wapsi', is all set to be a part of much awaited action thriller series 'Commando'.

Confirming the same Vaibhav shared: "Commando is one of the most loved and much awaited show of our times and I am delighted to be a part of this project, and a significant factor in my decision to join was the opportunity to work with our esteemed director Vipul Shah."

"I have always wanted to collaborate with him, as he is renowned for his professionalism and exceptional directing skills."

On Monday it was announced that debutant Prem will be seen as the lead in the action-thriller series titled 'Commando' alongside actress Adah Sharma.

It also reunites Adah, Amit Sial, Tigmanshu Dhulia and Mukesh Chhabra in pivotal roles.

The series reunites Adah and Vipul Amrutlal Shah after their last successful venture of 'The Kerala Story'. Vipul has helmed the series.

The series is touted to bring forth the tale of valour, patriotism, high-octane action and the journey of the titular character.

It also stars Vaibhav Tatwawadi, Shreya Singh Chaudhry, Amit Sial, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Mukesh Chhabra and Ishteyak Khan.

Talking about the new series, Vipul had said: " 'Commando' is the story of a visionary hero and his journey of bravery, patriotism and brotherhood. A power-packed action and drama, it is sure to grip the audiences. Roping in Prem to essay the role of the ultimate Commando was an incredible journey we embarked upon. He is extremely talented and slips into the character with ease."

The 'Commando' franchise started in 2013 with 'Commando: A One Man Army' which starred Vidyut Jammwal in the titular role. Over the years, the franchise has become a favourite of the enthusiasts of the action genre,

The series has been produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and Sunshine Pictures Pvt Ltd. It will soon drop on Disney+ Hotstar.
Sanaa, July 25 : Yemen's Houthi militia said that peace talks with Saudi Arabia have been put on hold because of a dispute over the payment of the country civil servants in areas held by the Iran-backed group.

In a statement late Monday,Mahdi al-Mashat, head of the Houthi supreme political council, said that the negotiations had focused on the issue of paying salaries out of Yemen's oil and gas revenues, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Houthis rejected the Saudi proposal of providing the funds via the Saudi banking system and accused Saudi Arabia of attempting to "steal Yemen's oil wealth for their own benefits", al-Mashat was quoted as saying.

Al-Mashat appealed to teachers and civil servants in Houthi-controlled areas to continue their work without payment, assuring them that his group will get revenues of Yemen's oil exports from its rivals.

Many teachers and civil servants in Houthi-controlled areas have to look for alternate jobs in order to support their family because of the lack of payment.

There has been no response to the Houthi report from Saudi Arabia.

Currently, Yemen's oil and gas revenues are under the control of the country's internationally recognized government, which is responsible for paying the wages of the civil servants who work in the areas under its control.

In the latest round of peace negotiations, the Yemeni government agreed to reopen the Hodeidah seaport and Sanaa airport, both of which are under Houthis' control, on the condition that the rebel group sends their revenues to the central bank in Aden, the government's temporary seat, for salary payment.

However, the Houthis have refused to comply with the request, government sources said.

Yemen has been engulfed in a civil war since late 2014, when the Iran-backed Houthi militia took control of several northern cities, driving the Saudi-backed government out of the capital Sanaa.

The Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened in 2015 to support the Yemeni government.
Kolkata, July 25 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probing the multi- crore school recruitment case in West Bengal, has questioned the state education department on formation of an advisory committee for appointment of staff in government schools.

Sources said that the CBI officials investigating the matter were baffled that the advisory committee for recruitment for 2016 was formed in 2018. Hence, the sleuths have sought explanations from the education department on the rationale of forming the advisory committee two years after the year of recruitment.

The probe agency has also reportedly inquired about other relevant details like on whose suggestion was the advisory committee created and its members selected.

It has also sought details of the candidates appointed through this process where the advisory committee played a key role in the entire appointment and recruitment processes.

Based on the explanations, the CBI will decide its next course of action in the matter.

On July 22, the former state education secretary Dushyant Nariala was summoned and questioned for hours at CBI's Nizam Palace office in central Kolkata.

The sources said that the matter of formation of the advisory committee surfaced during the course of questioning.

Nariala served as the state education secretary for a crucial period between 2016 and 2018, which is the same time span when the advisory committee was set up.

Partha Chatterjee, who is currently in judicial custody for his alleged involvement in the school recruitment case, was the state education minister during that period.
Bengaluru, July 25 : Amid the voices of dissent and speculation about the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Congress has called legislature party meeting on July 27 at a private hotel on the Bengaluru Palace Road here.

The meeting has assumed importance in the backdrop of recent development of voices of dissent within the party.

Leader of the Congress in the Legislative Council, B.K. Hariprasad has challenged the leadership of Siddaramaiah and made his displeasure clear by raising the banner of revolt against him.

BJP state unit has dubbed the development as the initial stage of the downfall of the ruling Congress government. Former Deputy CM Dr. C.N. Ashwath Narayan had stated that DyCM D.K. Shivakumar is shooting from the shoulders of Hariprasad. Hariprasad had stated that he had made five Chief Ministers in the country and he can very well get them to step down as well.

After the controversy, Hariprasad went on to defend his statements. "No one can silence his voice raised for social justice," he said.

The development has put the Congress party in a fix. CM Siddaramaiah camp MLAs and ministers are pressuring to initiate action against Hariprasad and they are also planning to take the complaint to the high command, sources said.

Sources explained that Hariprasad does not have influence now in the high command after the demise of senior Congress leader Ahmad Patel.

Hariprasad had not won elections and is not a mass leader like CM Siddaramaiah and can't challenge him. Hariprasad had lost the parliamentary election from Bengaluru South seat in 2019 to BJP National Yuva Morcha President Tejasvi Surya by a whopping margin of 3.31 lakh votes.

Sources also stated that MLAs are complaining of indifferent attitudes and unresponsiveness of cabinet ministers of the Congress government.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah talking to reporters in Hubballi stated, the legislature party meeting was called earlier but as Rahul Gandhi meeting was scheduled it could not be held. "I have called for MLAs meeting on Thursday (July 27). In the legislature party meeting we will hold discussion and it is just two months that the Congress party has taken over the ruling in the state," he stated.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Shivakumar in Bengaluru maintained that there is no disgruntlement within the party. aThe programmes need to be implemented. Due to the Assembly session, there was not a chance to discuss issues with MLAs. We have to get feedback on whether the implemented free schemes have reached the people, if there is corruption.

"There is financial constraint for implementing free schemes and MLAs are told not to come up with proposals of works. We have told them to hold it and reach out to the people. The media is creating dissent in the party," he stated.

--IANS

mka/dpb
All member states of the European Union stand in solidarity with Ukraine and oppose Russia's illegal and unjustified invasion of Ukraine, as well as the harmful food abuse that endangers the markets of developing countries, Spain's Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Luis Planas, whose country now leads the European Commission's (EC) Agriculture and Fisheries Council, said in a statement.

He said on Tuesday at a press conference after a meeting of EU agricultural ministers in Brussels that they are ready to do everything possible to help the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian authorities, especially in light of the recent provocation by Putin and the Russian Federation, which use food as a weapon of war.

According to him, Russia's refusal to extend the grain corridor agreement will undoubtedly be a blow to markets, especially emerging ones that depend on Ukrainian exports (of agricultural products), in particular, to Africa, Asia and Latin America.

According to the minister, we saw one example of this harmful misuse of food in this war last week, when an elevator with 60,000 tonnes of grain was destroyed during Russian attacks in Odesa region in Chornomorsk. This means that we absolutely need to improve and strengthen the solidarity lanes, of course, without disturbing the markets of the front-line countries bordering Ukraine, as well as Moldova, which also has a very sensitive position here, Planas stressed.

The Spanish minister said that EU agrarian ministers agreed to improve the transparency of the exchange of information, which was initiated within the work of the commission for cooperation with Ukraine, and to assess EU stocks of cereals and oilseeds to make decisions based on facts.

According to him, the coordination platform with the participation of Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Romania, as well as Ukraine and Moldova will accumulate the information necessary for the European Commission's decision, which will help export Ukrainian grain.

Planas also said that Poland, representing the position of the five front-line countries with Ukraine, informed the EU agrarian ministers about the worthy work of the solidarity lanes, thanks to which the export of agricultural products from Ukraine was doubled.

Poland also asked to extend preventive restrictive measures on the import of Ukrainian agricultural products to Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Romania after September 15 until the end of 2023.

At the request of Romania, EU agrarian ministers heard a report by European Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski on the situation in the front-line countries.

The solution to the issue on the export of agricultural products from Ukraine will be continued at a meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council of the European Commission, which will be held in August.
Mumbai, July 25 : Actress Ria Nalavade, who played the role of Antari in hit series 'UP65', says it was empowering to create her own character.

Ria interacted with the media recently to celebrate the success of 'UP65', a buddy comedy based on the engineering campus life in Varanasi.

Apart from being an established actor, Ria is a director and screenwriter, and these talents which came handy creating her empowering role in the series.

Talking about creating her character in the series, she said: "I am very grateful to my producer and directors because they knew, apart from being an actor, I am also a director and screenwriter, they empowered me to explore new dimensions of the role. And this is the time I have seen that an actress is being empowered to take control of her character, not just on-screen but creating it with writing and reimagining her with new quirks and nuances."

Her famous rant scene in the series, flooded the internet meme universe comparing the actress with Kartik Aaryan from 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama'.

Talking about it, Ria said: "There have been times, where my director asked me to rewrite a scene, while shooting it. The rant scene in 'UP65', which has its own cult following, is like Kartik Aaryan's rant scene in 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama', and I wrote that ten minutes prior to shooting it."

After 'Sunflower' season 1 and 'UP65', Ria has lined-up a slew of projects for release.

Talking about her forthcoming projects, she said: "Two of my movies will be releasing soon, both the movies belong to different genres and my roles are very different and challenging. I am also part of 'Sunflower' Season 2 with Sunil Grover, Ashish Vidyarthi and Girish Kulkarni. I will be reprising my role of Paddy. Plus, I am doing one more series for JioCinema, and I super excited to share it with my audience."

"I am also doing a remake of hit south movie 'Maanmadhudu' in Marathi, it is titled 'Man Mauji', and it will release theatrically, so I am thrilled about that because it will be the first time I will watch myself on big-screen," added Ria.
Chennai, July 25 : Scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras have developed a computational approach to understand the interactions between genes that are responsible for inter-organ communication within the body.

Communication among cells in different tissues and organs is pivotal to multi-cellular life.

Molecular basis of such communication has long been studied, but genome-wide screens for genes and other biomolecules mediating tissue-tissue signalling are lacking.

To systematically identify inter-tissue mediators, the team developed MultiCens or Multilayer/Multi-tissue network Centrality measures, which enables the exchange of information between organs and tissues of the body, and is critical for the proper functioning and survival of all living organisms.

This inter-organ communication network (ICN), described in a paper published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS Computational Biology, also allows organisms to adapt to changes in their environment, assess their energy reserves, and maintain overall well-being.

"Much of the research on the ICN has primarily involved experiments on model organisms like the fruit fly, which may not directly apply to humans and other non-model organisms," said Prof. B. Ravindran, a faculty in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Madras.

"Moreover, the experimental techniques used can be time-consuming due to the numerous interactions between biomolecules in different tissues. As a result, our knowledge of the ICN is currently incomplete," he added.

In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of ICNs role in maintaining good health and addressing diseases, the team created MultiCens, an innovative computational method, by utilising the genomic information available for various tissues.

"The importance of our MultiCens method lies in its ability to identify the key genes in the ICN in various healthy or disease conditions. At the heart of MultiCens are network science algorithms that quantify the importance of genes within a tissue as well as across multiple tissues in a hierarchical fashion," said Prof. Manikandan Narayanan, faculty in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Madras.

The researchers used MultiCens to predict genes closely associated with hormones, which are essential for numerous bodily functions, and also unveiled changes in gene interactions within and across different brain regions affected by Alzheimer's Disease.

In addition, it can also be expanded to understanding cancer metastasis, as cancer originates in a single organ and in due course of time spreads to others.

MultiCens can be applied to other healthy and disease genomic settings as well. MultiCens source code is openly available, and ongoing work on web interface to the method and experimental validation of its predictions can further enable a comprehensive understanding of the ICN and its role in overall health and well-being, the researchers said.

--IANS

rvt/ksk
Chennai, July 25 : With the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) general secretary TTV Dhinakaran announcing that he would participate in the agitation announced by former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam (OPS) on August 1, against the slow pace of investigation in Kodanad murder-cum-heist case, grounds are clear for a broader political alliance of the two powerful Thevar leaders.

It may be noted that Panneerselvam was expelled from AIADMK in 2022 and the party is now in full control of Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) who is also a former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. TTV Dhinakaran and his aunt and former interim general secretary of AIADMK, V.K. Sashikala are also out of AIADMK and Dhinakaran had floated the AMMK with the blessings of Sashikala.

OPS has announced an agitation against the slow movement in Kodanad murder-cum-heist case as the DMK had in its election campaign during 2021 assembly polls announced that it would commence a reinvestigation and bring the actual culprits to book.

The Kodanam murder-cum-heist case took place on the intervening night of April 23 and April 24, 2017 when a group of robbers broke open into the Kodanad estate-cum-bungalow in The Nilgiris district jointly owned by late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and V.K. Sashikala. Jayalalithaa passed away on December 5, 2016 and Sashikala was incarcerated in prison in February 2017.

The robbers had killed Om Bahadur, a watchman-cum-security guard of the estate bungalow, and had grievously injured Krishna Thapa, another guard of the estate. However, according to police FIR only some crystal miniatures were robbed from the estate bungalow.

Four days later, former driver of Jayalalithaa, Kanagaraj who is the first accused in the case, met with a road accident at Salem, Chennai highway, leading to his death. In Palakkad of Kerala, another accused Sayan and his family were hit by a truck while they were travelling in a car leading to the instant death of his wife and daughter.

In July, computer operator of the Kodanad estate bungalow, Dinesh Kumar, hanged himself to death at his residence.

The DMK had then alleged that some senior leaders of AIADMK had roles in the murder and heist at the estate bungalow and that huge amount of money and several important documents were stolen from the property. The party has also said that it would conduct a new investigation once it was back in power. While a fresh investigation commenced in the Kodanad case, its slow and tardy pace led the OPS to take up the matter.

With TTV Dhinakaran also joining OPS, it can send a message across political spectrum that the two senior Thevar leaders are uniting and that they had the blessings of Sashikala who is another Thevar. The Thevars are a powerful OBC community of South Tamil Nadu and the coming together of these senior leaders may pose a problem for the AIADMK in South Tamil Nadu.
Shefali had an epic reply after sons asked her to wear branded clothes as she's an actor. Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, July 25 : One of Hindi cinema's finest actors, Shefali Shah has penned a note giving an insight about a hilarious incident that took place while she went shopping with her sons and husband.

In a long post on social media, Shefali mentioned how her sons asked her to buy labels as she is an actor.

She wrote: "My family of four decided to go shopping. My sons Extremely style conscious and fashion savy, my husband trusting their choice of clothes and shoes, and me a hobo they've decided to rewamp. I like shopping but my style is comfortable, easy and something I don't have to sell a kidney for."

"But they have decided it's time I start wearing stuff that's recognised (read labels). I don't have anything against brands, I understand getting skin care, walking shoes, slip ons that I would use everyday (but not stuff I'd use once in a year.) And What is the point of buying a LV bag if there's no money left to keep inside it. You can't even live in it or drive it."

She added that her stylish sons like all todays kids know all the brands.

"Theres an onslaught of names that may be charging copyright just for being uttered. Probably that's why I haven't heard of them."

She added hilariously: "Represent, Ferragamo, Supreme, (All supremely expensive,) They don't give up - 'Ok Try Off white' But White is my favourite colour' I say They are exasperated and check if I've heard of Goyyard. I'm an art enthusiast for gods sake ofcourse I know Goya. THey quip - "Yeezys" Did they just tell me to go easy?? I demand an Apology which comes in the form of 'ok 'Bape' 'Vetement' 'Dont babe me, and no I won't wait-a-mint.' I say."

She said how her sons wanted her to get "slides" as she "lives in them" and the actress happily got "chappals".

Shefali shared: "And then my sons add 'You are an actor, you are seen and recognised you should wear brands.' This is one of the conversations I'd replay in my head years later and wish I had given a sharp retort. And Thankgod my wit doesn't fail me this time, and I have a perfect comeback at this perfect time."

Shefali shared the perfect reply.

"(not because I belive it but just coz I want to shut them up. And because all of you lovely people, my audience makes me feel so.) I look up at them (not cause they're taller but cause there's a defiance when I raise my chin) and say.... I AM THE BRAND."
New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, July 25 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed fresh proceedings initiated against Kerala Transport Minister Antony Raju in the underwear evidence-tampering case pending against him.

The apex court was hearing Raju's appeal against a Kerala High Court order passed in March this year and asked a notice to the State of Kerala in the matter.

Raju is the only legislator of the Janadhipathya Kerala Congress party which is part of the ruling Left Democratic Front.

The High Court had, while quashing the proceedings in the case, left open the initiation of fresh action and prosecution against him for falsifying evidence.

It had also directed its registry to initiate such proceedings, calling for expedient action even as the incidents in question happened over three decades ago.

The case originated 33 years ago when an Australian man named Andrew Salvatore Cervelli was arrested at the Thiruvananthapuram airport for allegedly smuggling 61.5 grams of charas by concealing it in his underwear.

At the time, Raju had just begun his political career and was a young lawyer practicing in Kerala.

Raju represented Cervelli first before the trial court, which convicted and sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment, but when he moved the High Court in appeal, the underwear in question was found to have been way too small to fit Cervelli and he was acquitted.

But things turned again after a few years Cervelli returned to his home country, based on information received from the Australian National Central Bureau, the investigating officer in the smuggling case approached the High Court seeking a probe to find out if there was any evidence tampering.

Soon, a criminal complaint was registered against Raju and a court clerk in 1994 and after 12 years, in 2006, the Assistant Commissioner of Police filed a charge sheet before the magistrate court.

The High Court quashed proceedings, reasoning that for the offence in question, the courts below could not have taken cognisance based on a police report.

However, the High Court had clarified that its order would not be a bar on pursuing prosecution as per the provisions of Section 195(1)(b) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Thus Raju approached the top court when a Thiruvananthapuram court initiated proceedings against him in the case recently.

--IANSsg/shb
Mumbai, July 25 : Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has chided the leaders of the breakaway Nationalist Congress Party for their persistent clamour that he should become the Chief Minister, sources said here on Tuesday.

For the past three weeks, some sections of the NCP (AP), including MLC Amol Mitkari have been predicting that he would or should become the next CM soon, unnerving Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena.

Ajit Pawar is understood to have conveyed to his party leaders to "refrain from repeatedly raising the issue of his becoming the CM" as it was resulting in strains among the 3-party ruling alliance, said a party leader.

Even the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies Congress-NCP (SP)-Shiv Sena (UBT) frequently needled the Shinde camp with sombre predictions over the CM's fate.

On Tuesday, Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut again reiterated that after the Speaker's verdict on the fate of disqualification of the 16 MLAs, including the CM, "Shinde will have no options but to quit".

Congress's ex-CM Prithviraj Chavan on Monday authoritatively said that a change in CM was inevitable after the Speaker's verdict around August 10, while Amol Mitkari posted leading tweets when Shinde and his family called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi last weekend.

Amidst the smoke and confusion, the Bharatiya Janata Party's Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis on Monday chose to speak out and categorically declared that "Shinde will remain the CM" and there was full understanding among the three ruling allies on the issue.

"As the leader of the largest single party in the government, I am officially informing that Shinde will continue as the CM and Ajit Pawar will not become the CM of Maharashtra," Fadnavis asserted, burying all political speculation on this count.

He revealed that this has been absolutely clear to Ajit Pawar who has agreed, and had even mentioned the same in his speech.

Fadnavis even took a swipe at the Opposition leaders for peddling rumours and urged them not to confuse the people on this matter.

To a query, he added that if at all anything is going to happen around August 10, it would be the proposed cabinet expansion on which the CM will take the final call.

In the past few days, several ruling Shiv Sena leaders and ministers have spiritedly defended Shinde from the onslaught over a possible change of guard, declaring he will continue as CM till October 2024.
Srinagar : , July 25 (IANS/ 101Reporters) For the last 14 years, walking sticks have been the best friends of Nazir Ahmad Malla (55). The traumatic memories of the day he lost both his legs are still fresh in his mind. "I was working in a stone quarry when a huge rock came crashing on my friend and me," says Malla, who has been confined to a life of immobility since then.

The stone quarry industry has long been a vital source of income for the local community in North Kashmir's Sopore, but its impact on public health and environment has been devastating. But things are changing for good. Only one quarry with a licence to operate functions in Sopore now. Another 10 have been shut following a government clampdown on illegal units. In the last five years, only one quarry-related accidental death has been reported in Sopore.

"I was a daily wage labourer and was not entitled for compensation from the contractor, but the stone quarry association extended medical assistance to me," says Malla, a father of two. "Life is not the same as it was years ago. My family had to face a lot, but now my children are mature enough to earn a livelihood for themselves," he sighs.

Manzoor Ahmad Hajam (48) is bedridden after a quarry accident in 2013. He speaks about his shattered dreams and the desperation he feels in his inability to support his family. "I am bedridden and my family is suffering. Had it not been for the local mohalla committee that takes care of my medicines and family needs, it would have been disastrous," says Hajam thankfully.

Both Malla and Hajam, who worked in the legal quarry, repeat that working as a labourer at a stone quarry is akin to embracing death beforehand, as one has to manually roll the rock pieces and load it onto vehicles. No safety gears were provided. Often a heavy rock rolls down and crashes everything present in its way. "You never know when a boulder will hit you and you will be dead or crippled for the whole life," says Hajam.

Stone quarry workers have been in the profession for generations. They do not have any other job opportunities around. At present, a quarry worker earns around Rs 700 to 800 per day. "There should be other jobs for such youth who are not educated enough to work in the private or government sector. After the accident, I made sure that my son did not become a quarry labourer. He is doing his post graduation now," Hajam adds.

Nazir Ahmad, a cluster head at a quarry unit, underlines the significance of safety protocols and calls on the government to enforce them to prevent accidents and injuries. "Workers are provided with safety helmets, but how come it will help or protect when a massive rock collapses?"

However, Irshad Ahmad (34), a quarry worker in Baramulla, says no safety measures are implemented. "Neither the company nor the contractor provides us with safety gears. Moreover, workers do not adhere to safety protocols," he claims.

"A strict order to the contractors and companies from the government regarding adherence to safety measures is needed. Providing safety gears to workers should be made mandatory," Irshad says, while suggesting that earthmovers and quarry rollers could make the job easier.

More issues in North Kashmir

There is a huge demand for the extracted stones in the construction sector. However, dust generated from quarries and during stone transportation is still a cause for concern. Locals lament that a dusty atmosphere has replaced the once green landscape. "We do not even open the windows of our house. We have had infections of various types. Our health is deteriorating," says Noor Mohammad, who lives near a stone quarry in Baramulla.

Dr Waseem Ahmad Mir, Physician Specialist, Government Medical College (GMC), Baramulla, tells 101Reporters that at least four persons with respiratory problems consult him in a month. Most of the cases he attends to are of silicosis.

"Seasonal allergies may occur due to factors such as shedding of pollen by female species of Russian poplar trees. However, the presence of excessive dust particles from stone quarrying or mining activities directly exacerbates respiratory conditions. This undeniable link between airborne dust and respiratory ailments leads to a variety of associated diseases."

Besides the GMC, a sub-district hospital in Sopore also mostly deals with respiratory issues.

Citing adverse environmental impacts such as deforestation, crop damage and health issues, Aijaz Ahmad, a senior executive member of the Environmental Policy Group (EPG), an enviro-social think tank based in Srinagar, says the dust also affects crop productivity and quality.

Aijaz claims licences are provided only after getting environmental clearance, but illegal mining causes issues in some places. However, Sarfaraz Ahmad, District Mining Officer, Baramulla, tells 101Reporters that no illegal mining happens. "Stone quarries run at nearly 15 places in parts of North Kashmir. Illegal mining is not possible anywhere," he claims.

He adds that if the stone quarry is on state's land, the government authorities take care of it. For those functioning on private or rented lands, the owner has to get a no-objection certificate from various departments, including the forest, and local authorities.

While acknowledging that geological mining policies and regulations govern quarrying, Aijaz expresses concern over the growing trend of quarrying in commercial areas. The Mining and Geology Department officials, however, claim that a few stone quarries working in residential areas have been prevented from operating due to their timely intervention.

According to environmental lawyer Nadeem Qadri, the major challenge lies in the implementation of the Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2016. "The procedures have become bureaucratic and complex. The traditional miners and stone quarry workers are unfamiliar with the cluster system, mining plans and steps to obtain environmental clearances," he says.

The other laws that govern stone quarries of Jammu and Kashmir are Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and Mineral Concession Rules, 1960.

Qadri informs that there are reports suggesting that the Department of Mining and Geology will introduce cultural mining practices (where no dust/threat to life occurs) for those engaged in traditional mining. This approach would involve working on a royalty-based system (contractual payment for using government assets) with access to various schemes such as labour registration and insurance.

"However, the implementation of these plans remains disorganised. There is a need to adopt a comprehensive perspective on rehabilitating and regulating mining activities within the framework of existing laws and rules," he emphasises.

Sarfaraz claims the mining department has implemented several measures to prevent fatalities. "Modern machinery and provisions for goggles, helmets and other safety gears have been made for the workers of government-run stone quarries," he says.

A regulatory board set up by the department checks if the quarry is affecting the environment, health of people living nearby, or creating ecological imbalance. It also checks if the quarry is legal.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Sultan Bhat (42), a leaseholder, says workers are given safety gears and offered medical or financial assistance in case of any eventuality. "We take proper permission from the government and start mining after assessing the ecological factors. Workers are provided with every possible support," Sultan adds.

(Suhail Khan is a Kashmir-based freelance journalist and a member of 101Reporters, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters)
New Delhi, July 25 : The Delhi unit of the BJP on Tuesday staged a protest against the AAP government over several issues, demanding resignation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Scores of BJP workers, and leaders under the leadership of its Delhi president Virendra Sachdeva, participated in the agitation in front of the AAP headquarters here.

Holding placards, the members raised slogans against the Chief Minister and demanded his resignation. "Today, we are demanding resignation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The reason behind our demand is very serious. This government is not concerned about development of Delhi," Sachdeva said.

The Delhi BJP chief further said, " Kejriwal government has money for publicity but no funds for development of Delhi."

Accusing the government of corruption, Sachdeva said," Kejriwal has the lost the moral right to remain in power. If he doesn't resign, then people of Delhi will reject him in the upcoming elections."
Kanpur : , July 25 (IANS) Two senior Goods and Service Tax (GST) officials in the city have been charged with murder after a truck driver was found dead in the cabin of his vehicle, police said on Tuesday.

Joint commissioner of police Anand Prakash Tiwari said the FIR was registered against GST joint commissioners Amit Mohan and Paras Nath, along with some unnamed department officials, after a son of the truck driver, Balbir Singh from Ludhiana (Punjab), alleged that his father was physically assaulted and wrongfully confined for three days.

The complainant, Govind Singh, also said his father had urged the officials to release him so that he could attend the funeral of his other son back home, but Balbir's plea fell on deaf ears.

Meanwhile, trader groups said Balbir was forcefully confined to his truck even as he kept weeping for his dead son for three days. He was found dead in the cabin of his truck on Sunday.

After traders demanded that stringent action be taken against the accused officials within 72 hours, the police registered an FIR in the case on the complaint of Balbir's son Govind Singh, who reached Kanpur on Monday.

In his complaint, Govind said his father informed him that he was detained for some irregularities concerning his scrap-laden truck. "I learnt about his (Balbir Singh) death on Sunday evening when I got a call from police who informed me that my father was found dead in the cabin of his truck," Govind said.

Gyanesh Mishra, the general secretary of Kanpur Udyog Vyapar Mandal, said the GST officials were wrong in detaining the driver of a truck that was already in their custody.

Meanwhile, GST officials in Kanpur were not available for a comment on the issue.
Phnom Penh, July 25 : The ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) won 120 parliamentary seats as the royalist Funcinpec Party gained the remaining five seats in the July 23 general elections, officials said on Tuesday.

A total of 18 political parties contested the election, which is held once every five years to elect the MPs for the 125-seat National Assembly, reports Xinhua news agency.

CPP spokesman Sok Eysan said that according to the party's calculation based on the National Election Committee (NEC)'s preliminary results, the CPP won 120 seats and the Funcinpec Party of Prince Norodom Chakravuth gained the remaining five seats.

"The CPP received 80 per cent of the ballots from 8.21 million voters, winning 120 seats, or 96 per cent of the 125 seats in the National Assembly," he told Xinhua news agency.

"This is another great success for the CPP, and it truly reflected people's confidence in the party's leadership," Eysan said. "We will do our best to continue to serve the people."

Hun Manet, the Prime Minister candidate for the CPP, said people had clearly expressed their wills through votes with a very high turnout rate of more than 84 percent.

"An overwhelming number has expressed support for the Cambodian People's Party," he said in a message released on his official Telegram channel.

Manet, who is also the son of sitting Prime Minister Hun Sen, thanked voters for supporting the CPP, vowing to better serve them in the future.

Funcinpec Party spokesman Nhoeun Raden told Xinhua on Tuesday that the NEC's preliminary results showed that it gained five seats, or 4 percent in the National Assembly.

He said the party won one seat each in the capital Phnom Penh and the provinces of Kandal, Prey Veng, Kampong Thom and Kampong Cham.

According to the NEC, about 8.21 million people, or 84.58 per cent of the 9.71 million eligible voters, cast their ballots in the general elections.

The parliamentary polls was the seventh of its kind in the Southeast Asian country since 1993.

In the previous one held in 2018, the CPP won all 125 seats in the National Assembly.

The CPP has ruled Cambodia since 1979, with Prime Minister Hun Sen ruling the Southeast Asian nation since 1985.

Hun Sen has said that the National Assembly will convene for the first time on August 28, and the new five-year-term government will be sworn in on the next day.
Newly appointed German ambassador assures of readiness of his govt to strengthen military, economic assistance to Ukraine

New German Ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Jaeger, during a meeting with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Mykola Tochytsky, assured of the readiness of the German government to strengthen military, humanitarian and economic assistance to Ukraine.

According to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, during the meeting Tochytsky informed the interlocutor about the current situation in Ukraine in the context of countering Russian aggression and noted the importance of the assistance received from Germany.

In turn, Jaeger assured of Germany's continued support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and also stressed the readiness of the German government to further strengthen military, economic and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

During the meeting, the parties paid special attention to the implementation of the Peace Formula by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the issue of food security.

On July 20, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Yevhen Perebyinis received copies of credentials from new Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Ukraine Martin Jaeger.
New Delhi, July 25 : Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps market is projected to nearly double to $20.8 billion in 2033 from $10.6 billion in 2022, according to a report on Tuesday.

The report by GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, showed that amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, the digitally enabled CGMs witnessed significant growth, increasing their popularity.

These devices greatly aid healthcare providers and patients in enhancing glycemic control and potentially boosting patient self-management.

The report showed that most of the recently approved devices, such as Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 3 system, Insulet's Omnipod 5, and Medtronic's 780G, have strong digital capability that largely improves diabetic care, allowing patients to manage their blood sugar levels better than ever before.

"There has been a trend in diabetic management that emphasises whole-body care, not just focusing on blood sugar levels, especially for people with Type 2 diabetes. Some digital applications can integrate with other health devices or wearables, such as fitness trackers, blood pressure monitors, or smart scales," said Tina Deng, Principal Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, in a statement.

"This integration enables users to have a comprehensive view of their overall health. The huge amounts of data from electronic medical records, insulin pumps, CGMs, and other wearables, as well as evolving genomic, proteomic, and metabolomics data, can be beneficial in managing diabetes more effectively,"Deng added.

To improve patient self-management, many apps offer educational resources, articles, and videos to help individuals understand diabetes, its management, and potential complications.

These apps often provide forums or support groups where users can connect with peers, share experiences, and seek advice.

Apps can help individuals stay on top of their medication schedule by sending them reminders about taking prescribed medications, including insulin injections, oral medications, and other supplements.

Some apps are designed to enhance patient compliance by incorporating incentives from social media and gaming features. Digital applications often provide healthcare providers with tools to analyse the collected data, generate reports, and visualise trends in blood glucose levels, medication adherence, or lifestyle factors.

"These data and insights help healthcare providers make informed decisions and adjust treatment plans accordingly. Many digital diabetes clinics were established during the Covid-19 pandemic.

These virtual clinics incorporate digital patient data collected by devices and provide individually tailored suggestions and treatments to patients who were unable or unwilling to visit in person," Deng said.
SUZHOU, July 30, 2019 (Xinhua) -- Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates his goal during the International Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Sydney FC in Suzhou of east China's Jiangsu Province, on July 30, 2019. (Xinhua/Yang L. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, July 25 : Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain have accepted Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal's world-record bid of 259 million pounds for star forward Kylian Mbappe.

Saudi Arabian side have permission to speak to Mbappe after making a world record 259m pounds (300 million euros) bid for the PSG forward, BBC reported.

The current world transfer record is the 200m pounds (222m euros) PSG paid to sign Brazilian star Neymar from Barcelona in August 2017.

The 24-year-old French captain, who still has one year remaining on his contract, is unwilling to renew his contract with the PSG and is believed to prefer a move to Real Madrid. The French star was also left out of the PSG squad for the pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea.

Notably, Mbappe has long been linked with Real Madrid and his desire to join the Spanish giants has caused a rift with his current employers.

PSG is eager to prevent losing Mbappe on a free transfer and, as a result, they have decided to put him up for sale with an aim to recoup the approximate 150 million pounds they invested to secure his permanent transfer from Monaco back in 2018.

In addition to Real Madrid's interest, several top clubs are also reportedly in the mix for a potential move for the star striker.

As per the report, numerous clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, Inter Milan and Barcelona have all expressed an interest in Mbappe.
New Delhi, July 25 : Banks are reportedly feeling uncomfortable by Vedanta Limited issuing high dividends to its parent company, as per sources.

Banks are said to be worried about their exposures to Vedanta Limited and its financial health in the midst of this high dividend spree.

VEDLas net debt stood at Rs 592b and net debt/EBITDA stood at 1.88x in 1QFY24 as against 1.28x as on Mara23. Vedanta paid out Rs 18.5 as the first interim dividend for FY24, Motilal Oswal Financial Services said in a note.

Vedantaas consolidated net sales stood at Rs 337b (down 12 per cent YoY), in line with estimate of Rs 334b, Motilal Oswal Financial Services said in a note.

Revenue was adversely impacted by the reduction in commodity prices and lower volumes, which was partially offset by higher premiums and favorable exchange rate movement.

Vedantaas consolidated EBITDA stood at Rs 64b (down 37 per cent YoY), 6 per cent miss to estimate of Rs 68b. The aluminum vertical was down 19 per cent YoY to Rs 18b; HZL was down 35 per cent QoQ to Rs 33b and the oil and gas vertical was down 45 per cent YoY to Rs 11b. All the verticals (except copper) were profitable during the quarter.

LME prices across the non-ferrous portfolio were down QoQ. Zinc/Lead/ Copper/Aluminum prices were down 19 per cent/1 per cent/5 per cent/6 per cent on a QoQ basis, whereas silver was up 7 per cent QoQ.
Guwahati, July 25 : Assam Police have seized drugs worth Rs 45 crore in the Cachar district and arrested three peddlers, out of which one was shot while trying to flee from custody, a top official said.

Speaking to IANS, Cachar district SP Numal Mahatta said: "A team of Special Task Force (STF) conducted an operation on Monday night near Silchar on Monday night. During the checking of a vehicle, 90 plastic sachets containing a white powdery substance suspected to be heroin weighing about 2.5 kg, were recovered from the vehicle.

"The contraband substances were kept in the bonnet of the car. Along with this, at least 1 lakh yaba tablets were also seized from the vehicle."

The three arrested persons were identified as Manwar Hussain Barbhuiya, Sadar Uddin, and Ansar Alam, all residents of the district's Kalain area.

According to the police, Barbhuiya agreed to lead the police team to the destined location where the contraband was supposed to be delivered.

On the way, he requested to attend to the call of nature.

"Thereafter, he tried to flee taking advantage of the darkness following which two rounds were fired to stop him, one of which hit him causing injury on the left leg. He was then immediately shifted to a nearby hospital and he has been undergoing treatment," the police said in a statement.
Ramallah, July 25 : Three Palestinians were killed on Tuesday by Israeli soldiers in the city of Nablus in the northern West Bank.

The Israeli troops stormed a vehicle and opened fire, Xinhua news agency quoted Palestinian security forces as saying.

The forces also claimed that the soldiers prevented Palestinian ambulances from reaching the vehicle.

An Israeli army spokesman told state media that the troops killed thethree armed Palestinians after they opened fire at an Israeli army checkpoint near the city of Nablus.

According to the spokesman, the three militants arrived at an area near the checkpoint and opened fire from a distance of 100 metres at the soldiers who were stationed there.

Since January, 24 people, most of them Israelis, have been killed in a series of attacks carried out by Palestinians, and about 200 Palestinians, including children and women, were killed by Israeli soldiers and settlers, according to official figures.
Henry Cavill is at his fiercest best in new 'The Witcher' season 3 clip. Image Source: IANS News

Los Angeles, July 25 : Henry Cavill's time as the famed monster hunter Geralt of Rivia is unfortunately reaching its end now as 'The Witcher' Season 3 Volume 2 has dropped a new trailer ahead of its release, though he gives his best as the legendary 'White Wolf'.

The trailer showcases Geralt in a furious avatar massacring Nilfgaardian soldiers left and right, while later being shown held at a knife's edge by Redanian spymaster Dijkstra, who tells him that he should have chosen a side.

Aretuza, the school of all mages is now being destroyed with fire everywhere, the mages dying and the last remnants of the witches and sorcerers facing off against hordes of attackers. With great sets and CGI, Cirilla, Geralt's adoptive daughter, protege and his 'Child of Destiny' is facing off against horrendous monsters in the middle of a desert.

Elsewhere mages Rience and his much more powerful master Vilgefortz are hot on Ciri's trail while the threat of the Elven killers, the Wild Hunt still looms as they too follow Ciri under the command of the ruthless General Eredin in their haunting skeletal armours riding their army on the sky.

Yennerfer of Vengerberg, is facing off against many mighty threats and killing many as Ciri faces off against Rience, with the trailer culminating in a showdown between Geralt and Vilgefortz.

As the show deviates heavily from the source material, it is unknown what will culminate in the fight, though in the books Vilgefortz while no match for Geralt in physical combat, manages to defeat the witcher due to his powerful sorcery and leaves him horribly beaten, but spares his life.

With politics, deception, heavy violence and so many powerful enemies spilling blood everywhere, all of the Continent is now covered in blood and fire as Geralt, Yennefer and Ciri, alongside their few allies fight off the worst of enemies with the odds completely stacked against them.

The official synopsis of ' The Witcher Season 3' states: "As monarchs, mages, and beasts of the Continent compete to capture her, Geralt takes Ciri into hiding, determined to protect his newly-reunited family against those who threaten to destroy it."

"Entrusted with Ciri's magical training, Yennefer leads them to the protected fortress of Aretuza, where they hope to uncover more about the girl's untapped powers; instead, they discover they've landed in a battlefield of political corruption, dark magic, and treachery. They must fight back, put everything on the line  or risk losing each other forever," it further stated.

Volume 2 of 'The Witcher Season 3' is set to finally release on Netflix on July 27, 2023, and will comprise only three episodes, which is a bit shorter when compared to Volume 1.

As for the future of 'The Witcher', Season 4 is already greenlit and in production, but it will no longer see Henry Cavill playing Geralt of Rivia, as Liam Hemsworth will instead take up the role of the famed monster slayer.

Henry Cavill had dropped out of the show due to creative differences, as he wanted to stick to the source material while the makers were deviating heavily from it, which has earned the creative heads a bunch of notoriety.

The 'Man of Steel' actor will now instead focus on live action adaptation of Games Workshop's dark fantasy-sci-fi-military tabletop game 'Warhammer 40,000' of which Henry is a massive fan and will oversee its production.

'Warhammer 40k' has spawned a massive universe full of several factions and many highly detailed storylines in what is one of the grimmest and biggest fictional universes ever, roughly around 10 times the size of 'Star Wars'.
Chennai, July 25 : The Sri Lankan Navy on Tuesday arrested nine fishermen from Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district for fishing in the island nation's waters and also seized two mechanised boats, the state's Fisheries Department confirmed.

The arrested persons were identified as Manikantan, Arummugam, Jayaseelan, Velu, Kumar, Nallathambi, Irulandi, Suresh and Sivathaporiyan, all residents of Mandapam.

According to the Department, the nine had gone into the sea on Monday and were to return home on Tuesday afternoon.

The Sri Lankan Navy has taken the fishermen to Kankesuntharai port on charges of poaching in the country's territorial waters, the Department said.

On July 9, 15 fishermen from Rameswaram were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on charges of crossing the International Maritime Border Line (IMBL).

Tuesday arrest comes after Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickramasinge's visit to New Delhi last week.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Ramanathapuram on Friday to flag off the aPadayatraa of BJP Tamil Nadu state president, K. Annamalai.

Fishermen association leaders told IANS that more than 110 boats have been impounded by the Sri Lankan Navy since 2018, which has led to losses amounting to crores of rupees and also resulted in large-scale unemployment for the fishermen.

Antony John, a fishermen leader of Ramanathapuram told IANS that the fishermen are in misery due to the regular arrests and seizure of their mechanised boats.

He said that after the boats get impounded many of the fishermen turn jobless.

The fishermen's leader had called upon the Union government to immediately intervene in the matter and to resolve the issue.

--IANS

aal/ksk
Actress Richa Chadha, who is currently prepping for her new movie, has shared her first look from the project. With dark kohl-rimmed eyes and a red bindi on her forehead, teaming up her look in a silk cotton sari, Richa cuts an intriguing picture. . Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, July 25 : Actress Richa Chadha, who is known for 'Gangs of Wasseypur', 'Inside Edge', 'Masaan', 'Section 375' and the 'Fukrey' franchise is set to make her international debut this year with 'Aaina', and she feels like a fresher during the course of filming.

The actress has begun shooting for the film which is set in the UK, and will see her playing the lead character alongside 'Chronicles of Narnia' fame William Moseley. The movie is going to be a drama which is based on real life events. Currently, the shoot of the film is underway in the UK, and after its London schedule will be shot in different locations in India.

Talking about the film, Richa said: "I had read a couple of scripts for international projects but nothing was fitting well. When Aaina came my way, I knew this was the one and now, as it is finally happening, I am extremely thrilled. The movie has a very interesting storyline. I have manifested a strong script for my international debut and Aaina was perfect for that."

She further mentioned: "The film was completely shot in the UK and they have a very different working culture than ours. So, even with a good number of years of experience in the Indian movie industry, I felt like a fresher."

The actress has wrapped up the shoot for 'Fukrey 3', where she continues playing the role of Bholi Punjaban. She also finished her other work commitment regarding the maiden project from her production house, 'Girls will be Girls'. The movie, which is about a 16-year-old girl, who shares a very difficult relationship with her mother, stars Malayalam actor Kani Kusruti in the lead and also has debutante Preeti Panigrahi and Kesav Binoy Kiron in prominent roles.
Chennai, July 25 : CPI General Secretary, D. Raja on Tuesday said that the violence being witnessed in Manipur is the result of the divisive politics of the BJP powered by RSS ideology.

The senior CPI leader said that the BJP speaks highly of the double-engine governments across the country however the same double-engine government is responsible for the violence in Manipur.

He said that there was an apprehension on BJP aligning with corporate sector to plunder the natural resources of Manipur and hence it has instigated the violence.

"There are apprehensions that corporate sector is being planned to plunder the natural resources of Manipur and the name of Gautam Adani is also surfacing in these allegations," Raja said while talking to media persons at the CPI headquarters in Chennai.

Raja said that the violence in Manipur was against humanity and blamed the double engine government for it.

He said that the Prime Minister has never condemned the Manipur incident where women were paraded naked and raped.

The CPI leader said that the Prime Minister spoke generally about the law and order situation in Manipur.

He that the motto of opposition parties in the country was 'BJP hatao, Desh Bachao' and added that the aim of the opposition parties in the Lok Sabha elections of 2024 would be to oust the BJP from power and to 'Save India'.
Udupi : , July 25 (IANS) The Karnataka Police have warned of legal action for giving and circulating false information in connection with the case of recording Hindu girls in a Udupi college restroom.

Three Muslim female students were accused of allegedly recording the videos of Hindu girls in a college restroom.

Hakay Akshay Machchindra, Udupi Superintendent of Police (SP), speaking to the media on Tuesday, requested the people not to believe fake news in this connection.

"Rumours should not be spread to create confusion among people. If any documents or evidence are available, hand it over to the police and cooperate with the police department," he appealed.

"There are no clues available in this connection to lodge a suo moto case in the interest of the society. There are no photos and videos available in the mobiles of the alleged girls. They have been inquired as per the rules of the college. The girls have claimed that they have done it for fun," he said.

Machchindra said that the matter was circulated on social media and news. "It is being spread with ulterior motives. Use of hidden cameras in the incident has not come to our knowledge during the investigation. We are focusing on videos being circulated for blackmailing. It is wrong to simply forward messages without knowing the truth. Facebook and WhatsApp are being monitored for viral posts in this regard."

Yashpal Suvarna, BJP MLA from Udupi has demanded action against the girls who are guilty in this case. "The Udupi district is academically well known and women are respected here. The acts of these girls have forced the people of the district to bow down their heads in shame. The whole district is insulted due to this act."

He further said, "Fun in these matters is not acceptable. There is a role of invisible hands behind this act. I am suspicious about the incident. The placing of cameras in the toilet is not acceptable. I demand action against three girls and the matter will be brought to the notice of the CM and the Home Minister," he said.

"The government will issue an externment order for those who work in Hindu organisations. But, they are not saying a word about the incident. I urge the police to gather evidence from mobile phones and initiate action," BJP Yashpal Suvarna stated.

The incident of the three college female students belonging to minority religion being suspended for recording videos of Hindu girls in college restrooms was reported last week.

The case took a communal turn with allegations surfacing that the Muslim girls recorded the personal videos in restrooms and sent them to male students. It was also alleged that these male students also belong to the minority community, who would make the videos viral on social media.

Sources stated that the Hindu girls questioned the accused in the campus leading to arguments and confrontation. The Hindu activists also rushed to the college and demanded action.

Rachan Saliyan, District President of SarvaCollege Vidyarthi Shakti organisation had submitted a written memorandum in this regard to SP Machchindra.

"Even as the complaint is submitted to the principal over recording of videos while using restrooms and spreading them after the protest, the college management had hushed up the case after getting apology letters from the students. I urge you to seize the mobiles of students and initiate action," he had stated.
The UN has said that the terrorist attack in Olenivka "was not caused by a HIMARS missile," but the source of the explosion was not identified, Reuters reports.

The UN rights body, which said it has conducted extensive interviews with survivors and analysed additional information, added that the incident was not caused by a HIMARS rocket. It said that it had not identified the source of the explosion, but would continue to follow up on the incident, the message reads, posted on Tuesday.

The statement notes that the Russian Federation neither gave access to the occupied parts of Ukraine, nor provided satisfactory security guarantees for visiting the facility.

In turn, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk stated that "the prisoners of war who were wounded or died in Olenivka and their family members deserve that the truth be known, and those guilty of violating international law be brought to justice."

As reported, on July 28, the armed forces of the Russian Federation staged a thermobaric explosion on the territory of a correctional institution in Olenivka, Donetsk region, where Ukrainian prisoners of war were being held. According to the Prosecutor General's Office, as a result of the explosion, about 40 Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 130 were injured.
New Delhi, July 2 : Congress on Tuesday alleged that the mic of Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge was switched off and he was prevented from speaking when he was demanding a detailed statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Manipur issue in Parliament.

"In the Rajya Sabha this afternoon, BJP MPs prevented Leader of the Opposition, Khargeji from speaking and raising INDIA's demand for PM's statement in the House on Manipur and a discussion thereafter," Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said in a tweet.

"Repeated obstruction at the instigation of none other than the Leader of the House himself and the insistence to pass Bills in the din led to a walkout by all INDIA MPs for the rest of the day," alleged Ramesh.

Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brian in a tweet said, "This happened in Rajya Sabha today. The microphone of the Leader of Opposition was switched off. Every INDIA party walked out in protest of Parliament Deep Dark chamber."

The remarks from the opposition leaders came after the microphone of Kharge was switched off that led to the walkout by the Opposition MPs from the Rajya Sabha.

The Congress and the other opposition party leaders have been demanding a detailed discussion on Manipur violence and also a statement by the Prime Minister on the issue in the northeastern state.
Gujarat HC orders setting up of committee to review wrong rape convictions. Image Source: IANS News

Ahmedabad, July 25 : The Gujarat High Court has slammed the Ahmedabad Traffic Police chief and Municipal Commissioner, holding them responsible for the surge in traffic violations and accidents.

The court, while contemplating contempt charges, granted them until August 9 to demonstrate tangible action and results in enforcing traffic and parking laws.

The rebuke came after a tragic accident on SG Highway, where a speeding car killed nine people and injured 13 others.

The court cited the police's failure to penalise offenders as the reason behind rampant lawlessness. The ongoing litigation on traffic regulation and management for five years further fueled the court's ire.

The bench emphasised that lawbreakers must fear consequences, urging regular and voluntary enforcement of laws.

"E-challans and cameras alone won't suffice... wrong-side driving demand stricter measures," the court said, expressing frustration at the state's inaction and reluctance to implement traffic laws, and threatening to initiate action for filing false affidavits.

As lawyers representing the authorities urged more time to demonstrate results, the court emphasised enforcing the law and training officers to curb violations and set August 9 as the deadline.
New Delhi, July 25 : Kindness is one of the most attractive qualities in a person and 41 per cent of Indian Gen Z respondents on the social networking app, Bumble, consider being unkind to strangers as a deal breaker in a relationship. Bumble also found that an overwhelming majority (76 per cent) of those surveyed stated that how they define what makes a great partner has changed dramatically over the past five years. 46 per cent of Indian respondents say that they are no longer willing to date someone who doesn't make time for them and 44 per cent of respondents say they are no longer willing to put up with toxic behaviours.

The women-first dating app launched a global integrated campaign titled Kindness is Sexy featuring new content with actor Aditya Roy Kapur. This partnership comes at a time when singles in India are more focused on kindness as a key element of their dating decisions. According to its latest survey, an overwhelming majority (81 per cent) of respondents in India agree that kindness is sexy now more than ever before and 56 per cent of respondents value kindness over physical attributes in a potential partner.

"When we approach dating with kindness, we help create an environment of respect and compassion, and for connections to grow," said Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder and CEO of Bumble. "Kindness is a core value here at Bumble, and we know it is the driving force behind our mission of creating healthy and equitable relationships. This new content helps redefine the idea of attraction and encourages us to never lose sight of the most valuable traits in a relationship."

The campaign's new film embodies this sentiment as it features popular actor, Aditya Roy Kapur exploring modern online dating as he redefines stereotypical tropes of sexy through the lens of different facets of 'kindness' in a relationship-respect, vulnerability to empathy. The film leverages a playful, humourous twist in the end which ultimately shows how kindness is sexy and goes a long way in making meaningful connections.

Speaking on this partnership, actor Aditya Roy Kapur shares, "At the end of the day, the heart of everything lies at being good to people around you, including your romantic relationships. I think it's great what Bumble is doing by telling everyone, who is on their platform and whoever wants to join, that what matters is being good to each other, being accountable and responsible on the platform. By showing kindness is sexy, I think they have set the tone very clearly about the kind of interactions and the kind of people they want on the platform - I think more power to Bumble for doing that!"

IANSlife caught up with Aditya Roy Kapur to get his opinion and thoughts regarding the campaign and dating:

According to you, what are the simple acts of kindness that can make a positive impact in the dating culture these days?

Aditya: I think open communication is key in every relationship, being open to listening and understanding each other is an act of kindness. So I would say being comfortable with each other is important and expressing gratitude in any kind of relationship goes a long way too!

Any tips for your fans to make kindness a habit?

Aditya: I think whenever you think someone is doing something nice, make them know that you notice and appreciate it. It feels nice to know that someone has noticed good things that you do and good qualities, if they have been nice to you or checked in with you - let them know that you notice because it matters to them that you see them for the good.

How does it feel to associate with Bumble for Kindness is Sexy Campaign? What message do you hope to communicate through this collaboration?

Aditya: What Bumble is trying to put across is something that resonated with me. I think being kind, asking people how you like to be treated with empathy should be at the core of any healthy relationship, whichever form it may take. So, when I heard of the campaign and what its message was, I looked at it only as something that can be positive, and I felt that Bumble always goes about putting their ideas across in a fun way. I really liked the stuff that they have done for their other campaigns as well. So, it was a really exciting prospect to collaborate with them on something that I felt would be fun, interesting and also a positive message.

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)
New Delhi, July 25 : The average cost of a data breach in India reached Rs 17.9 crore in 2023, almost a 28 per cent increase since 2020, a new report said on Tuesday.

According to tech major IBM, detection and escalation costs jumped 45 per cent over this same time frame, representing the highest portion of breach costs, and indicating a shift towards more complex breach investigations.

At nearly 22 per cent, the most common attack type in India was phishing, followed by stolen or compromised credentials (16 per cent).

Social engineering was the costliest root cause of breaches at Rs 19.1 crore, followed by malicious insider threats, which amounted to about Rs 18.8 crore.

"The report shows that security AI and automation had the biggest impact on keeping breach costs down and cutting time off the investigation -- and yet a majority of organizations in India still haven't deployed these technologies," said Viswanath Ramaswamy, Vice President, Technology, IBM India & South Asia.

Moreover, the report showed that about 28 per cent of data breaches resulted in the loss of data spanning multiple types of environments in India (i.e., public cloud, private cloud, on-prem) -- indicating that attackers were able to compromise multiple environments while avoiding detection.

The report also found that while 95 per cent of organisations studied globally have experienced more than one breach, these breached organisations were more likely to pass incident costs onto consumers (57 per cent) than to increase security investments (51 per cent).

In India, companies with extensive use of AI and automation experienced a data breach lifecycle that was 153 days shorter compared to studied organizations that have not deployed these technologies (225 days versus 378 days).

Organisations that used security AI and automation extensively saw nearly Rs 9.5 crore less in data breach costs than organisations that did not use these technologies.
New Delhi, July 25 : AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Tuesday reacted sharply to the suspension of Sanjay Singh for the entire monsoon session by the Rajya Sabha Chairman.

Addressing the media Chadha attacked the Central government and said that it is unprecedented in Parliament where a Rajya Sabha MP was suspended for raising questions about a very important issue of the country.

He said that the suspension of any MP for the entire session is only done under special circumstances.

"This is done when that MP has committed a violent act inside the Parliament or has torn a resolution of the Parliament and thrown it towards the Chairman's chair or has hurt the dignity of the Parliament by any of his activities.

"But it is very unfortunate that our Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh has been suspended from the entire session just for going near the chair and asking questions," he said.

Chadha said that the incident in Manipur is not just a state's issue but a matter related to national security. Therefore, there was a need for a detailed and special discussion on this issue in the Parliament.

"The violence taking place in Manipur has started affecting the neighbouring states as well. Today, an incident took place in Mizoram where people belonging to a particular community were attacked and asked to leave the state. If this matter is not resolved soon, then it can become a threat to the entire North East," he said.

Chadha said that not only Article 355 and 356 of the Constitution have been violated in Manipur, but there was an attack on humanity too.

"The government has proved to be a complete failure in maintaining peace and order. The law and order situation has gone beyond the control of the government. Therefore, the central government should immediately dismiss the Biren Singh government of Manipur and impose the President's rule there," he said.
Bengaluru, July 25 : The Karnataka unit of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday staged a protest at the Freedom Park here against the ongoing violence in Manipur.

Party State Organizing Secretary B.T. Naganna, who participated in the protest meeting organised by the Aam Aadmi Party's women's wing, demanded resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing to reign in the situation in Manipur.

Speaking to the reporters, she stated instead of suppressing the class conflicts in the strife-torn state, the Centre is encouraging violence for the sake of vote bank politics. Even though the Home Minister was on a five-day visit to the state, the violence could not be brought to an end.

Two months ago, the miscreants who stripped, raped and paraded women, are yet to punished.

"The Centre's strategy to cover up the incident is shameful. Suspending our party's MP Sanjay Singh for the entire term without discussing it in both the Houses of Parliament was an 'anti-democratic' and 'anti-constitutional' move. Today, world guru Narendra Modi, who has put India to shame in front of the world, should immediately apologise to the people of the nation and resign," Naganna demanded.

President of the Women's Unit, Kushala Swamy said that women are not safe in the country. The BJP central government, which is protecting the despicable people who sexually assaulted women, needs to be removed from the country.

"If you look at the support that MP Brij Bhushan got in the recent rape accusation by a wrestler, it is a tragedy that the central government, which is only protecting the corrupt, is now engaged in protecting the rapists as well.

"The true colours of the BJP which pretend to worship Mother India and protect the culture are exposed now. The people of the country will teach them a proper lesson in the coming days", she said.

Senior party leader Vijay Sharma, media spokesperson Usha Mohan, Prakash Nadungadi, Sushma Veera, Hariharan, Gopal, Mahadevaswamy, Farid, Feroze Khan, Jyotish Kumar, Maria, Mahalakshmi, Suhasini Paniraj, Pushpa Keshav and many other women leaders and activists participated in the protest.
Govt serious on lifting Muharram processions ban in Srinagar, says J&K official. Image Source: IANS News

Srinagar, July 25 : Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bidhuri on Tuesday said that J&K administration is serious on lifting the decades old-ban on two large Muharram processions in Srinagar city.

He said that the administration has asked the Shia community leaders to communicate the number of people who will be participating in these two processions.

"The ball is now in their court," the official said.

He said a series of meetings were held on lifting of the ban imposed decades ago on two large processions of Muharram on two routes of the city in the Islamic month of Muharram.

Local Shia Muslims would take out two large mourning processions on 8th and 10th day of the Muharram month to mourn the death of Holy Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) grandson, Imam Hussain by the army of Yazid at Karbala in Iraq.

The statement by the senior government official came after a meeting with LG Manoj Sinha where the arrangements for Muharram processions were discussed.

Meanwhile, Shia leader and former minister Imran Raza Ansari told reporters that he walked out of the meeting after he had an argument with the Chief Secretary Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta over these arrangements.
Chennai, July 25 : India's moon-bound spacecraft, Chandrayaan-3, travelled further towards its destination with the Indian space agency on Tuesday raising its orbit further for the fifth time.

On August 1, the Chandrayaan-3 will take the 'moon spacewaya when the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will guide it to the TransLunar Injection (TLI).

On Tuesday, the ISRO said: "The orbit-raising maneuver (Earth-bound perigee firing) is performed successfully from ISTRAC/ISRO, Bengaluru. The spacecraft is expected to attain an orbit of 127609 km x 236 km. The achieved orbit will be confirmed after the observations."

"The next firing, the TransLunar Injection (TLI), is planned for August 1, 2023, between 12 midnight and 1 am IST," the ISRO said.

The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft was put into orbit on July 15, in a copybook style by Indiaas heavy lift rocket LVM3. On the same day, the first orbit raising was done and the second orbit raising was carried out on July 17.

The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft comprises a propulsion module (weighing 2,148 kg), a lander (1,723.89 kg), and a rover (26 kg), the ISRO said.

The main object of the mission is to safely land the lander on the lunar soil. The lander will get separated from the propulsion module a couple of days after it enters lunar orbit and is expected to make a soft-landing near the South Pole of the moon at 5.47 p.m. on August 23.

The lander will descend to the moon from a height of about 100 km from the moonas surface. The soft landing is a tricky issue as it involves a series of complex manoeuvres consisting of rough and fine braking. Imaging of the landing site region prior to landing will be done for finding safe and hazard-free zones.

Subsequent to the soft landing, the six-wheeled rover will roll out and carry out experiments on the lunar surface for a period of one lunar day which is equal to 14 Earth days.

--IANS

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New Delhi: The old Parliament House complex on the eve of the monsoon session. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, July 25 : The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2022, amid pandemonium and noisy protests by the opposition, seeking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response in the House on the situation prevailing in Manipur.

The lower house was adjourned till 5 p.m. after passage of the bill, aimed at simplifying compliance obligations for domestic companies.

Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav introduced the bill amid vociferous protests by opposition members, who stood in the well of the House, displaying placards and shouting slogans. The bill was passed in less than half an hour, with just two BJP MPs Sanjay Jaiswal and Aparajita Sarangi participating in the discussion and Yadav replying to the discussion.

Though RSP's N.K. Premachandran and Trinamool Congress' Sougata Roy had moved amendments in the bill, they didn't pursue them at the time of its passage.

The controversial bill amends the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 to simplify compliance requirements for domestic companies. It also removes research and bio-survey activities from the purview of benefit sharing requirements.

The bill also decriminalises all offences under the Act. It was sent to a joint Parliamentary panel after it was introduced in Lok Sabha in December 2021. The panel has already submitted its report on the proposed legislation.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, July 25 : Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Punjab minister Bikram Singh Majithia on Tuesday urged the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to take suo-moto action against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for spending Rs 750 crore annually on advertisements even as it refused to spend money on infrastructure projects or even provide relief to the victims of floods.

The SAD leader told the media that the Supreme Court had already noted that if Rs 1,100 crore could be spent on advertisements in Delhi, surely the government could make contributions for infrastructure projects.

"The apex court has in a historic decision also recorded that it was constrained to direct the Delhi government to file an affidavit regarding funds used for advertisements because the latter had expressed its inability to contribute its share in infrastructure projects."

Asserting that the order had set a benchmark, Majithia said "the AAP government in Punjab is following the model established by its high command in Delhi. Like in the case of Delhi, the Punjab government has earmarked huge sums for advertisements at the cost of infrastructure projects and development of the state."

He said the situation has become such that a measly sum of Rs 33 crore has been forwarded to deputy commissioners as relief for flood victims when several hundreds of crores are needed for this task.

Majithia also appealed to the Chief Justice to act against the wasteful expenditure being incurred by the state government, particularly in hiring aircraft to ferry AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal from one place to another across the country.

He said even as the state was suffering, the Punjab government was squandering money in failed projects like AAP clinics which had virtually dismantled the health sector.

"The state has also suffered because the AAP government has failed to establish a single infrastructure during its last one and a half year tenure."

The SAD leader said the state was falling on all parameters with law and order being most affected.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has held a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, during which the economic and social situation in the capital was discussed.

"I met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Ukraine Bridget Brink and representatives of the Embassy at the Moscow City Hall. We discussed the situation in Kyiv - economic and social, as well as issues of preparing the capital for the heating season. We talked about further cooperation in the field of security, the renewal of energy infrastructure, and the challenges that local self-government faces today," Klitschko wrote on Facebook on Tuesday.

The mayor expressed gratitude to the American diplomats for the comprehensive support and assistance of the United States to Ukraine and its capital.
New Delhi, July 25 : Congress on Tuesday said that the government was rattled by the Opposition unity under 'INDIA' as its members are 'marjivdas' (living martyrs) and it was the reason why BJP is showing signs of frustration.

Congress said that northeast is an integral part of India and any unrest there will have implications on the national security of the country.

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, Congress Lok Sabha MP and party spokesperson Manish Tewari said: "Northeast is one of the most integral part of India and if something happens over there then it will have far reaching consequences on the country and have direct implications on national security."

Hitting out at the government over the Manipur violence that has been going on since May 3, the Congress leader said that the condition in the northeastern state is very bad and the Prime Minister himself before the commencement of Monsoon Session of Parliament admitted that the incidents that had happened in Manipur makes us to feel ashamed.

"But why cannot he come to the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and speak there?" he asked.

Tewari highlighted how former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh from -- 2004 to 2014 -- and dubbed as a silent Prime Minister, spoke on 70 occasions in Parliament.

"On August 17, 2012 when the northeastern people were attacked in southern state then he took suo moto intervention and spoke in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Then the Rajya Sabha passed a resolution that condemned the incidents against people of the northeastern states and also assured them safety," he said.

He said that the government is saying that they are ready for discussion however it is not about discussion but about accountability and responsibility.

"We want that accountability should be fixed as to why such condition prevailed in last 78 days and who is responsible? There are many questions and the Prime Minister needs to give a detailed statement as he is the head of the NDA government," he said.

"Therefore since Thursday (first day of Monsoon Session), we opposition which has been rechristened as INDIA in Bengaluru, has been demanding that Prime Minister must come forward by putting the national security first and the horrific incidents that have come to the fore," he said.

When asked about the INDIA parties have decided to bring the no confidence motion in Lok Sabha against the government over Manipur violence, the Congress leader said:

"In a Parliamentary democracy all instruments which are available in the rules and procedures of the Lok Sabha remain open to the Opposition. As we have pointed for the last three to four days, the reason why we are insistent is that Prime Minister must address both Houses of Parliament on Manipur because of sensitivity and depravity that Manipur has witnessed in past 78 to 80 days. So therefore under those circumstances we are steadfast in our demands."

To another question that the Prime Minister compared the INDIA with Popular Front of India (PFI), East India Company and Indian Mujahideen, he said, "It is unfortunate and if I say that this is the sign of government getting rattled and it is a sign of frustration."

"We want to tell the Prime Minister that Opposition is not Indian Mujahideen but they are the marjivda, which means living martyrs. And I am surprised that he talks about East India Company, he should remember that we are the people who fought against British and got the independence. And who all were working with the British is not hidden. And if someone sitting on important post is speaking in such languages then it is the biggest sign of frustration."

Meanwhile, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain also slammed the government saying that the BJP has been trying to silence the opposition.

"It has been 78 days since violence erupted in Manipur and we want to know from where the weapons are coming, who is supplying weapons to them? The Prime Minister goes on foreign visits, there he addresses their Parliaments but he does not want to address the MPs and Parliament in India."

He said that last time a discussion under Rule 267 was allowed was in 2016 on demonetisation.

He also cited examples that how between 1992 to 1996 when Shankar Dayal Sharma was the Rajya Sharma Chairman discussions under Rule 267 was allowed four times, similarly under Bhairo Singh Shekhawat in 2004 he allowed discussion under 267 and Hamid Ansari between 2013 to 2016 allowed discussion for four times.

When asked about the incident of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who is also the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha not being allowed to speak in the House, Hussain said:

"When Kharge ji speaks then Leader of House starts interfering and the leaders from the treasury bench also kept on disturbing him. It is an attempt to silence the Opposition."
Mumbai, July 25 : Maharashtra's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena on Tuesday engaged in a no-holds-barred war of words over an attack on a toll-post along the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway (Samruddhi Mahamarg), allegedly by MNS men.

The trigger for the verbal and social media war was the vandalism of a toll-booth on the Shirdi-Nashik sector of the expressway late on Saturday night.

Earlier on July 22 evening, MNS leader Amit Thackeray a" son of party President Raj Thackeray a" was ostensibly delayed and harassed at the toll-booth before he was allowed to pass.

A few hours later, a group of alleged MNS activists stormed the toll-post, chased the staffers and vandalised it, with videos of the incident going viral. At least 7 have been arrested so far by the police.

Taking strong note of the incident, the BJP posted a video and chided the MNS scion: "Amit Thackeray, breaking toll-booths is not politics. Occasionally, learn and teach to be constructive".

Stung by this, the MNS hit back at the BJP with strong barbs, with the party spokesperson Sandeep Deshpande saying: "Those who break other peoplesa parties all their lives, what can they teach us about constructing? They should build their own party before destroying othersa parties".

Amit Thackeray too jumped in the fray and said: "If the ruling party was not so busy in breaking up other parties, then the Irshalwadi (Raigad hillslide) tragedy could have been avoided and the lives of those innocent people would have been saved".

The MNS tweeted that this statement of Amit Thackeray has turned out to be "so shocking that the biggest party on earth is trying to crush this 31-year-old youth".

In a no-holds barred attack, the MNS gunned for BJP: "If there is so much concern about the law and order, why is the rate of disappearance of girls in Maharashtra increasing? Why women are being attacked in broad daylight? When our people are killed in bus accidents and their funerals are going on, how come ministers are being sworn-in by splitting parties."

The references were to Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawaras recent statement on the large number of women/girls who have disappeared in the state in the past one year, the brutal attacks on women in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar incidents, and the ghastly bus accident of July 1 on the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway on July 1.

The MNS added that "when people are dying like ants or insects, the autocratic ruling party is only busy with splitting political parties".

The latest slugfest indicates that the relations between the BJP-MNS have again nosedived, ostensibly over the latter's reluctance to forge an alliance with the ruling triad.
Los Angeles, July 25 : The Tim Burton directorial 'Beetlejuice 2' which will release after nearly 40 years since the first one, witnessed an unusual turn of events during its filming. The film's set was burglarised in Vermont, with an iconic statue being stolen.

'Beetlejuice' is considered an iconic movie in the realm of horror and horror-comedy due to its many creepy and terrifying scares, gothic setting as well as unusual and morbid humour.

The statue was supposed to feature in Tim Burton's sequel though somehow the iconic 150 pound statue got stolen from under the production team's notice and Vermont State Police has so far found no culprit.

However, a report from the Vermont State Police has revealed the statue was stolen alongside a lamppost with a "distinctive" pumpkin decoration on top.

Talking to Twitter, the Vermont State Police said: "We tried saying the name of this stolen statue three times, but it didn't come back! We're investigating the theft of this 150-pound sculpture from the 'Beetlejuice 2' set in E. Corinth, along with a lamppost topped with a pumpkin decoration."

Those familiar with the 1988 horror-comedy classic might recognise the stolen sculpture as it was one of the creations of the overly dramatic and emotionally oversensitive character Delia Deetz who was played by Catherine O'Hara.

The statue was reportedly stolen between 5 p.m. on July 13, and 11 a.m. on July 17, while the film was shooting on a location in Vermont.

The thieves, according to the guards in the production team and Vermont State Police, stole the statue for unknown purposes. Whether it was a harmless prank, a heist or some stunt by WGA or SAG-AFTRA protesters is unknown at this time.

Tim Burton's 'Beetlejuice' sequel as of now, is slated to open on September 6, 2024, but could change due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. While the film has not been a topic of the strikes, any association with AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers) can result in an indefinite delay as strikers are halting all projects with AMPTP links.
New Delhi, July 25 : India's civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday said that airline SpiceJet has been removed from the enhanced surveillance regime.

The airline, which has faced several challenges, was placed under close monitoring by the aviation watchdog.

A senior DGCA official revealed that the move to enhance surveillance was prompted by past observations regarding inadequate maintenance, along with incidents during the previous monsoon season.

"In response to these concerns, the DGCA conducted 51 spot checks at 11 locations across India, specifically targeting the Boeing 737 and Bombardier DHC Q-400 fleet, inspecting a total of 23 aircraft. During these inspections, DGCA teams made 95 observations," said the official.

"The findings were of routine nature and were not considered significant by DGCA. Suitable maintenance action was taken by the airline to address the findings in accordance with DGCA guidelines.As a consequence,Spicejet has been taken off the enhanced surveillance regime by DGCA," the official added.

Earlier, this month the airline was put under enhanced surveillance.

However, when contacted, the SpiceJet spokesperson said that no such communication was received by the airline from the DGCA.

While ripples of insolvency cases and financial crisis blow across the aviation industry, SpiceJet claims its better prospects ahead while pointing out nearly completion of its legal battles and successful repayments. Aircraft lessor Aircastle had recently lodged a fresh insolvency plea against SpiceJet, claiming non-payment of outstanding dues. This marks the third insolvency case filed against the airline, as Aircastle aims to initiate proceedings to recover its debts.

However, concerns regarding the maintainability of Aircastle's second insolvency plea have emerged, with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) seeking explanations from Aircastle's legal representative. The NCLT has cited relevant legal precedents in its request, highlighting the need for clarification on the plea's validity.

A spokesperson for SpiceJet had earlier expressed optimism as the airline's long-pending legal cases approach their conclusion, noting that the company is actively settling all ongoing cases, signaling brighter days ahead for the airline. "Amid a backdrop of protracted legal battles, SpiceJet's commitment to resolving these cases demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing past challenges," he had said.

--IANS

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Chennai, July 25 : Tamil Nadu Law Minister S. Regupathy on Tuesday said no special facility is being provided in prison for jailed minister Senthil Balaji.

Speaking to journalists at Pudukottai, Regupathy said Balaji was provided 'A' class facilities in the jail which he was entitled to as a minister.

However, the law minister said that he was not provided any extra facilities as a minister or as a leader of the ruling DMK party.

The minister said erroneous information was being spread in social media that Senthil Balaji was receiving extra facilities in the Puzhal central prison and was leading a luxurious life in prison.

He said that the jail officials were not providing any special facilities to the minister in the jail and added that even the Chief Minister would not approve of such an act.

The law minister also said that food from outside cannot be brought inside the jail and AC facilities could not be provided in the jail.

It is to be noted that Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on June 14 in a case related to job for money.

The minister had said that he was having pain in his chest and an angiogram at a government hospital in Chennai diagnosed that he had three blocks in the coronary artery.

The minister underwent the Angioplasty procedure at the Kauvery Hospital in Chennai after a bench of the Madras High Court allowed it.
New Delhi, July 25 : Homegrown quick-grocery delivery provider Dunzo has received a legal notice from at least seven companies since March this year, according to media reports.

According to Moneycontrol, citing sources, Dunzo had received legal notices from Google India, Nilenso, Clover Ventures, Facebook India Online Services Private Limited, Cupshup, Koo and Glance.

Overall, Dunzo's outstanding vendor debts total approximately Rs 11.4 crore, nearly double the Rs 5-6 crore previously estimated.

Clover Ventures, an agritech startup, recently demanded that Dunzo clear dues that have now totalled over Rs 2 crore, according to the legal notice that Clover Ventures sent to Dunzo, while Cupshup, an advertising company, also sent a legal notice to Dunzo demanding to pay Rs 1 crore that it owes Cupshup for the services provided.

Cupshup said that Dunzo has promised money on multiple occasions in the past but never made payments, according to the report.

"The outstanding amount is substantial and owing to the delay in payments, my client has suffered severe financial hardships. My client is also responsible for the livelihood of its employees and hence cannot keep waiting for the payments," Cupshup's legal notice was quoted as saying.

Moreover, lock-screen platform Glance sent a notice demanding Dunzo to pay Rs 58 lakh for the services that the quick-grocery delivery provider availed.

Glance typically runs ads for companies on the lock screens of phones.

The microblogging website Koo had subleased office space from Dunzo earlier this year and vacated the space.

However, Koo has not yet received a refund of its security deposit of over Rs 62 lakh.

"Despite our client vacating and handing over the vacant possession of the demised premises to you on March 31, 2023, you have failed to refund the security deposit back after deducting certain amounts, and thereby breached the terms of the Agreement," a legal team representing Koo was quoted as saying.

The slew of legal notices comes after Dunzo faced a legal notice by Facebook India Online Services Private Ltd and Bengaluru-based software consultancy firm Nilenso over unpaid dues of Rs 4 crore.

Google India, Dunzo's second-largest investor after Reliance Retail, sent Dunzo a legal notice requiring the startup to pay over Rs 3.1 crore to the tech giant for various services rendered, the report mentioned.

"Google has made numerous requests to Dunzo Digital for payment of an outstanding principal balance due and owing Google in the amount of (Rs) 2,88,31,760.16. However, said amount remains unpaid," a legal notice which the tech giant's legal firm was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, Dunzo has said it will not be able to pay employees' salaries until early September, a further delay from the earlier deadline of July 20.

The company has also delayed the August salary for senior employees to September 4 as well, it said in an email seen by TechCrunch.
New Delhi, July 25 : Hot and humid weather, as well the floods caused by incessant rain, has raised viral conjunctivitis cases among children and adults by 40 per cent in the national capital, doctors said here on Tuesday.

Conjunctivitis or pink eye is the inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane that lines your eyelid and eyeball.

Typical symptoms include redness and a gritty sensation in the eye, along with itching. Often a discharge forms a crust on your eyelashes during the night.

"Number of patients coming with conjunctivitis has significantly increased recently. There is about a 40 per cent increase in cases of conjunctivitis in the last week. Recent flood situation and hot and humid season has led to an increase in the number of patients coming with redness of eyes, stinging and burning," Dr. Rohit Saxena, Professor of Ophthalmology, AIIMS, New Delhi, told IANS.

"We are observing about a 30 per cent increase in the number of patients coming with viral conjunctivitis. In viral conjunctivitis, patients usually complain of stickiness of the eyes, burning, irritation and redness," added Dr. Ikeda Lal, ophthalmologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi.

Dr Saxena noted that children are more prone to conjunctivitis during this season, and precaution should be taken in order to protect eyes especially during this season when weather is hot.

However, "the use of over-the-counter medications, particularly for children, is not recommended. Children's eyes are still developing, and any interference with their growth and function can lead to long-term vision problems or other complications", Dr Nilesh Giri, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Eye Surgeon, Surya Mother and Child Super Speciality Hospital, Pune, told IANS.

Pune is also seeing an increase in the viral cases of eye flu.

Dr Giri said that the current outbreak of conjunctivitis is primarily caused by the adenovirus, which is a common virus responsible for conjunctivitis. It is a self-limiting condition, and no specific antiviral medications are effective against it. The infection typically resolves within 10-15 days.

However, to minimise the risk of contracting the infection, it is essential to avoid touching one's eyes consciously and to refrain from touching potentially common surfaces.

He also advised caution when using over-the-counter (OTC) medications containing high-dose steroids, which are generally sold in pharmacies. "These drugs may interfere with the delicate development of the eyes, potentially leading to complications such as corneal opacity and loss of corneal transparency. Severe cases may even require surgical intervention," Dr Giri said.

"Individuals with known allergies or sensitivities to certain components in OTC medications may experience allergic reactions ranging from mild redness to severe swelling," Dr. Satya Karna, Director, Department of Ophthalmology, Jaypee Hospital, Noida, told IANS.

"OTC medications may provide symptomatic relief, but they do not address the root cause of conjunctivitis, potentially delaying proper diagnosis and treatment. Steroid eye drops are one such medication," he added.

Doctors advised people to not rub eyes if they itch; wash eyes with clean water; use cold compresses for mild itching. They also stated that people experiencing significant redness, irritation, and excessive watering of the eyes must seek consultation with an ophthalmologist, who is likely to suggest use of lubricating eye drops and antihistamine eye drops, depending on the symptoms.

They also recommended children to avoid crowded places, refrain from sharing items such as towels or napkins, as this could make them vulnerable to the infection, and avoid long hours in direct sun, use protective eyewear, and drink lots of water.

--IANS

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New Delhi, July 25 : Infertility has become a silent epidemic in India, and must be effectively tackled, said doctors on World IVF Day on Tuesday.

World IVF Day, also known as World Embryologist Day, is observed on July 25 annually to spread awareness about the development of IVF as a treatment option.

Infertility, which is characterised by the inability to conceive, is a complex issue with various underlying factors.

It has emerged as a silent epidemic in India, affecting millions of couples.

According to the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction (ISAR), infertility, which can affect both men and women, is reportedly affecting around 10-14 per cent of Indian couples.

However, due to social taboos and lack of awareness, many individuals and couples suffer in silence, delaying or avoiding seeking appropriate medical help.

Speaking to IANS, Dr. Amitha N, Consultant Reproductive Medicine & Fertility Expert, Motherhood Fertility & IVF, Electronic City, Bengaluru, cited increasing cases of falling ovarian reserve in women as one major reason behind rising infertility.

Amitha explained that some women see a depletion in the ovarian reserve, that is the ovaries may slow down in producing eggs, even before the perimenopausal stage known as premature ovarian failure or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), making more challenging for women to get pregnant.

"Due to genetic predisposition and family history, this illness can impact women in their 20s. In such situations there is a family history of the mother and grandmother of the girl going through menopause relatively young.

"In these situations, doctors typically advise hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the most popular form of care for women with premature ovarian insufficiency, to lessen POI symptoms. The body receives oestrogen and other hormones that the ovaries are unable to produce," said the doctor who is witnessing 2 to 4 patients in a month with premature ovarian failure.

While there is no technique to increase egg production or restore the ovarian reserve, infertility treatments including IVF, can help women conceive naturally, or to freeze eggs for future use.

Another reason the doctor pointed out is a rise in male infertility, which can be attributed to various factors like changing lifestyle, lack of timely diagnosis or treatment and environmental factors.

While "there has been an increased level of awareness, not many men come forward to get this condition addressed or treated", said Amitha, who is seeing 25 new patients per month visiting the OPD.

"Men must focus on periconceptional counselling to address any potential issues with their sperm that could affect fertility or the health of the baby. For example, men with low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology.

"It will also help in addressing lifestyle factors that can impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes, such as smoking, alcohol use, or exposure to environmental toxins, managing a healthy weight and managing stress. By making healthy lifestyle choices before conception, men can help optimise the health of their sperm and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy," Amitha told IANS.

According to Soma Singh, Senior Consultant, Department of IVF & Infertility, Jaypee Hospital, "delayed marriage and childbearing among women" is a significant element in increasing infertility rates.

"In addition, the rise in sexually transmitted diseases has impacted fertility. Modern lifestyles characterised by reduced physical activity, job-related stress, and obesity also play a role. Environmental pollution further compounds the issue.

"Sadly, the social stigma associated with infertility often prevents individuals from seeking timely treatment from infertility experts. Acknowledging these factors and overcoming the stigma is crucial to addressing the growing challenges of infertility and seeking appropriate support and solutions," Soma said.
New Delhi, July 25 : The vigilante action thriller 'Lakadbaggha' starring Anshuman Jha and Ridhi Dogra, has achieved international acclaim by winning the German star of India 'Director's Vision' award at the 20th Indian Film Festival Stuttgart 2023.

The categories in the 'German Star of India' Award 2023 are: Best Feature Film bagged by 'MAX, MIN & MEOWZAKI' by Padmakumar Narasimhamurthy; Best Documentary bagged by 'To Kill A Tiger' by Nisha Pahuja; Best Short Film went to 'Nocturnal Burger' by Reema Maya; Best TVC bagged by 'Mental Health' by Bauddhayan Mukherji; and the Audience Award bagged by 'The Storyteller' by Ananth Narayan Mahadevan.

Directed by Victor Mukherjee, 'Lakadbaggha' is a love letter to dogs and is the story of an animal lover vigilante against an animal abuser kingpin. The film deals with the underbelly of illegal animal trade and the inhuman treatment of the voiceless creatures.

The film had its world premiere at the Kolkata International Film Festival and its International Premiere at the HBO South Asian International Film Festival. And now with its recent honour in Stuttgart, the film continues to be on an upward trend. Apart from its moving storyline and incredible performances, the action in the film is being talked about as well.

The action of the film is done by aOng-Baka fame Kecha Kamphakdee and the lead actor, Anshuman trained in martial arts form aKrav Magaa with Tsahi Shemesh in New York who has previously trained the 'Avengers' cast.

Expressing his excitement, actor and producer, Anshuman said: "Portraying the character of Arjun in 'Lakadbaggha' has been an immensely gratifying journey for me as an actor and producer. This film holds a special place in my heart as it not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impact on the audience, championing the cause of animal welfare."

"Winning the prestigious German Star Of India 'Vision' Award is a true honour and a validation of our team's collective effort to create impactful cinema. 'Lakadbaggha' aims to stir emotions, spark conversations, and inspire positive change, and I couldn't be prouder of the resounding recognition it has garnered on the global stage," he added.

The film also stars Milind Soman and Paresh Pahuja in pivotal roles.

Produced by First Ray Films, it is streaming on ZEE5.
Chennai, July 25 : In a major setback to the Enforcement Directorate, the Madras High Court on Tuesday refused to pass any further order providing it custody of Tamil Nadu minister V. Senthil Balaji.

A division bench of Justices J. Nisha Banu and Bharatha Chakravarthy, in their order, said: "The appeals moved against the order are pending before the Supreme Court, so nothing more needs to be stated by us."

When the case came before the bench, Justice Nisha Banu said that she stands by her judgment of July 4 and that she does not have anything further to stay in this matter.

As Solicitor Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the ED, said the matter had been sent back to the bench only to decide on the date of custody, she said that she cannot decide the date and that she stand by the her judgment of setting the minister free.

A split verdict was passed by the Madras High Court division bench on the validity of the ministeras arrest by the ED. While Justice Nisha Banu did not approve of the arrest by ED, Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy confirmed the arrest. A third judge was appointed to hear the case further and Justice C.V. Karthikeyan concurred with Justice Chakravarthy and confirmed the validity of the arrest.

Senior counsel R. Elango representing Senthil Balajias wife submitted that the matter can be argued before the Supreme Court.

The division bench closed the petition stating that the Supreme Court would decide on the further course of action in the case.

--IANS

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The U.S. Department of Defense has announced a new $400 million military aid package for Ukraine that includes artillery, mortars and additional air defense munitions.

"Today's commitment in security assistance, valued at up to $400 million, includes additional air defense munitions, artillery and other ammunition, armored vehicles, anti-armor weapons, and other equipment to help Ukraine counter Russia's ongoing war of aggression," according to a press release posted on the Pentagon website on Tuesday evening.

The new package includes additional munitions for Patriot air defense systems and National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS), Stinger anti-aircraft systems, additional ammunition for HIMARS highly mobile artillery missile systems, 155 mm and 105 mm artillery rounds, 120 mm and 60 mm mortar rounds, 32 Stryker armored personnel carriers, TOW optically guided missiles, as well as Javelin and other anti-tank systems and missiles.

In addition, the package includes Hornet UAVs, Hydra-70 air-to-air missiles, tactical air navigation systems, obstacle clearance ammunition, more than 28 million rounds of small arms and grenade cartridges, night vision and thermal imaging systems, as well as spare parts, training ammunition and other field equipment.
Kochi, July 25 : Congress' Kerala President K. Sudhakaran on Tuesday filed a criminal defamation case against state CPI-M secretary M.V.Govindan, party organ 'Deshabhmani' and Kannur district panchayat President P.P. Divya for speaking "abject lies" of his presence at house of fraud antique dealer Monson Mavunkal during a sexual offence.

The petition was filed before the Ernakulam Chief Judicial Magistrate court.

It was last month that the CPI-M party organ published a report, which was later cited by Govindan about at a press conference, that Sudhakaran was present at the residence of now jailed fraud antique dealer Mavunkal when he had abused the daughter of the maid servant.

The same was repeated by Divya in public at Kannur, which is also the home turf of Sudhakaran and his Lok Sabha constituency.

"According to rules, the complainant has to directly appear before the magistrate and hence, I appeared before him and registered my complaint. The court will decide on my criminal defamation petition on Wednesday," said Sudhakaran.

"The party organ first reported that I was present at the house of Monson and later Govindan and Divya said the same. I have been badly defamed with the worst ever allegation leveled on me. Hence I decided to fight against this legally," he added.

When the issue surfaced last month the Congress demanded that the police register a case against Govindan and the party organ 'Deshabhimani', but nothing happened and Sudhakaran had vowed he will take appropriate action.

This report and statement came a day after Mavunkal was sentenced to life by the Ernakulam district Pocso court. The case surfaced in 2022, when the dealer was already in jail in a cheating case, after his former woman employee complained to police that her minor daughter was raped by him in July 2019 at his place. The young girl was promised higher education by Mavunkal and the court on found Mavunkal guilty of the crime and sentenced him to a life term.

--IANS

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Shillong, July 25 : At least 18 people, including BJP's Mahila Morcha members and Trinamool Congress workers have been arrested in Meghalaya in connection with the attack on Chief Minister Conrad Sangma's office in Tura town.

Two of the arrested individuals -- Dilche Ch. Marak and Belinda M. Marak, are BJP Mahila Morcha members, the police said in a notification. The BJP leaders in Meghalaya are yet to react to this development.

Some of the arrested persons include Trinamool Congress workers, a police source said.

Tura, the second-largest metropolitan town in Meghalaya, has been demanding winter capital status from a segment of the Garo Hills population, which approximately comprises the western half of Meghalaya.

On late Monday night, when CM Sangma was holding a meeting with the leaders of the organisations to discuss the issues on winter capital demand and the proper implementation of a 51-year-old job reservation roster system with retrospective effect, a mob besieged the CM's secretariat and threw stones at it.

Ten police officers, seven members of the Central Reserve Police Force, and a woman Home Guard were injured in the incident.

The demand has come as a result of the 'misconception' that Meghalaya's eastern region is more developed because Shillong serves as the state's capital.
Chandigarh, July 25 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said that no college of Haryana will be given affiliation to the Panjab University.

He also said the government will soon release around Rs 49 crore for construction of new boys hostel and expansion of girls hostel in the varsity.

The Chief Minister, who inspected the sites where these hostels will come up, said five new floors will come up over the existing two-storey building of the girls hostels whereas a six-storey boys hostel will also come up in the university.

He said these hostels will be constructed while keeping in view the futuristic needs of the students.

Mann said these hostels are the need of hour to ensure that students can focus on their education while studying in the university and donat have to shelve money while living in other places.

He said Panjab University is the part of great cultural legacy of the state and has produced eminent personalities who have left indelible imprint in various fields. He said the staff, students and senate members had called on him and urged to construct these hostels, which, keeping in view the needs of the students, will be constructed on modern lines.

The Chief Minister said the government is committed for the holistic development of the university as 175 colleges of the state are affiliated to it. He said it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that number of MLAs from his party have also studied from this university only. Mann said the hostels will not only have rooms with four walls but they will also provide a conducive atmosphere for education.

Making it clear that Panjab University, Chandigarh, is part of emotional, cultural, literature and rich legacy of the state, the Chief Minister categorically said no college of Haryana will be given affiliation from the university.

Noting that regular attempts are being made to change the status of the university, he asserted that the government will not allow any such move to safeguard the interests of the students.

Taking a jibe over the statement of Governor Banwarilal Purohit over validity of a special Assembly session, the Chief Minister reminded him that even in his view, the Budget session was also illegal.

However, he said after the apex court reminded him about the legal provisions, then he had given sanction for the session. Mann said the session was in consonance with the ethos of the Constitution and was totally legal.
Mumbai/Bhopal, July 25 : In a significant move, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed the Mumbai Police to issue a Lookout Circular (LOC) against a missing Mumbai couple, the alleged masterminds of a mega-fraud case running into several hundreds of crores of rupees, here on Tuesday.

The development came soon after the Mumbai Police lodged a FIR against the trickster couple a" Asheshkumar S. Mehta and his wife Shivangi Lad-Mehta a" based on a complaint by Shiv Sena Deputy Leader Krishna Hegde, an ex-MLA.

"This morning, I called on the CM and apprised him of the entire issue, how the Mumbai Police have taken steps to free a total of Rs 165-crore of the accused in their bank account and a trading platform," Hegde said.

Taking serious note of the issue, Shinde called up the Special Commissioner of Police Deven Bharti and instructed him to initiate the necessary steps for a LOC against the absconder Mehta couple, Hegde told IANS.

Simultaneously, in Madhya Pradesh, the Shivpuri Police Station IO Dhanendra Singh Bhadoria said on Tuesday that "their probe against the Mehtas has not thrown up any prima facie evidence to substantiate allegations of their involvement in a drugs case".

"However, the Shivpuri Police investigations are still underway and search operations are being carried out. The LOC issued against the suspects (Mehta couple) is still maintainable and we are vigilant," Bhadoria added.

Hegde said that the duo ran a stock brokerage, Bliss Consultants, from Goregaon, and the pan-India fraud came to light when the Shivpuri Police in MP nabbed a drug courier of Thane.

After their bail was rejected by a MP court, the Mumbai Police approached Kotak Mahindra Bank and Zerodha, a Bengaluru-based trading platform through which the Mehtas operated.

So far, with the efforts of SCoP Bharti, Additional CoP Paramjit Dahiya and DCP Krishnakant Upadhyay, the Mehtas' accounts with Rs 160 crore was frozen and also another Rs 4.50 crore with Zerodha.

Police investigators here suspect that the Mehtas may be involved in multiple rackets including narcotics, ponzi schemes, digital currency, share-trading, etc, operating quietly from their posh flat in a Goregaon skyrise, which is now locked.

The low-profile Mehtas allegedly conspired to execute a Rs 300-crore racket but after the MP Police cracked the whip in early-June, they suddenly 'disappeared', and may have sneaked abroad.

The MP Police teams had rushed to Mumbai twice (June 13 and June 16) to nab them after their names were spilled out by a suspected drug-peddler Nissar Zubair Khan of Mira Road (Thane) a" arrested with a packet of Mephedrone drug worth Rs 17 lakh in early-June.

However, the Mehtas' lawyers have claimed that their clients are being framed in the case and had sought time to submit details sought by the MP Police.

The Mehtas have managed to transfer a staggering Rs 174 crore of the ill-gotten money and then went off the police radars before the MP Police LOC was issued.

The Mehtas had provided fake names, phone numbers and other details to the Goregaon society where they lived but their bank records indicated they have cleaned out nearly Rs 174 crore from their account to other multiple accounts, which are being probed now.

--IANS

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New Delhi, July 25 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday wrote to the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitarama about the Delhites facing 'discrimination' over the last 23 years.

The Chief Minister urged Finance Minister for fair treatment in the upcoming 16th Central Finance Commission.

It said that Delhites paid 1.78 lakh crores in income taxes but Centre has reduced Delhi's share to zero in FY-2023-24.

He wrote that Delhi's share of central taxes was frozen for the last 23 years and that Delhi received only 350 crores in FY 2022-2023 when it should have received 7,378 crores.

Explaining Delhi's case, the CM requested for Delhi to be considered as a unique case and include it in Terms of Reference of 16th Finance Commission.

"I want to draw your attention to the discrimination that the people of Delhi have been facing for the last 23 years. This step-motherly and unfair treatment by the Central Government towards the Delhites has been flagged innumerable times by the Delhi Government.

"Multiple requests have been made by the Delhi Government to give Delhi its legitimate share in the Central Taxes, but no action has been taken in this regard. As you are well aware, NCT of Delhi enjoys a unique ('sui generis') status among all states and Union Territories in India.

"While it falls in the broad category of a Union Territory with Legislature, it has been working similarly to other states in financial matters. It has a separate Consolidated Fund, w.e.f. December 01, 1993," the letter reads.

Further in his letter, the Kejriwal has explained that the pattern of funding of Delhi's Budget is more or less at par with the other states.

"The financial transactions of Government of NCT of Delhi including servicing of small savings loans are being met out of its own resources like other states. Delhi is also devolving funds to Local bodies, out of its net proceeds.

"But despite this, the Government of NCT of Delhi neither gets legitimate grants in lieu of share of central taxes nor any share to supplement the resources of its Local Bodies as is the case with other states," the letter reads.

Kejriwal has expressed concern that despite having a separate Consolidated Fund and managing its finances like other states, Delhi has been deprived of its legitimate share in the Central Taxes for the past two decades.

The share of Delhi has been stagnant at an astonishingly low amount of 350 crores since 2001-02, even as its budget has increased significantly to 73,760 crores in FY 2023-24.

Compared with neighbouring states having similar populations, the disparity becomes evident. In FY 2022-23, Haryana received 10,378 crores, and Punjab received 17,163 crores from the Central pool of taxes, while Delhi received only 350 crores. Shri Arvind Kejriwal stressed that if treated fairly, Delhi's share should have been 7,378 crores.

Furthermore, he drew attention to the financial plight of Delhi's Urban Local Body (ULB) - the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Despite catering to 2 crore Delhites and providing essential services like primary education, healthcare facilities, and solid waste management, the MCD has received no grant-in-aid from the Central Government.

"The Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) were constituted on the basis of the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendment. To ensure the smooth and efficient functioning, it is of utmost importance that the ULBs are supported with sufficient financial resources. Following the same, the 14th and 15th Central Finance Commission has repeatedly allocated grant- in- aid for the local bodies.

"The 14th Central Finance Commission allocated grant-in-aid of Rs 2,87,436 crore for the local bodies for the award period 2015-2020. Similarly, the 15th Central Finance Commission recommended Rs 4,36,361 crore for the year 2021-26. This amounts to Rs 500 per capita per year to the ULBs," the letter reads.

"But Delhi's ULB, MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi) has been facing extreme unjust behaviour over the last few years, with it receiving nothing from the Central Government. MCD currently caters to 2 crore Delhites and is responsible for providing primary education, healthcare facilities, and solid waste management, similar to what ULBs in other states perform.

"Based on the above recommendations of Central Finance Commissions, the cash-starved MCD would have received additional Rs 7000 cr since 2015. This would have been a boon for the cash strapped MCD, which is facing huge budget deficits, leading to late payments to vendors, delayed salaries to its employees and in turn, is not able to deliver at its full potential," the letter further states.

The Chief Minister has called upon the Union Finance Minister to recognise Delhi as a unique case and include it in the Terms of Reference of the 16th Finance Commission.

"Government of NCT of Delhi has been raising this issue of financial discrimination for many years now. It has been understood through past communications that since the name of Delhi, for it being a Union Territory, has been removed from the 'Terms of Reference' of the Finance Commission, it does not fall under the purview of tax devolution and hence, is not treated like other states.

"But Delhi is a special case of "Union Territory with Legislature" and has the character of the state as well, with Delhi managing its finances similar to other states.

"It is my request to kindly consider Delhi as a unique case and include it in the Terms of Reference of the 16th Finance Commission, following the requisite procedure.

"It is high time that justice be done and Delhi gets its reasonable share similar to what other states get.Delhites shall always be grateful for your help," the letter reads.
Chennai, July 25 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has written a letter to Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for a high-level diplomatic intervention into the matter pertaining to the release of Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram.

In a letter on Tuesday, the Chief Minister expressed "deep concern and disappointment" over the continuing arrests of Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan Navy.

The Chief Minister in the letter to Jaishankar, said: "I had urged the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) to take up the matter with utmost importance during the visit of the President of Sri Lanka to our country. I had hoped that this visit would provide an opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue and find a lasting solution that respects the rights and livelihoods of both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen."

"However, it has come to my notice that despite the high-level interactions between the two nations, the situation at the ground remains unchanged," Stalin added.

The Chief Minister also said that the nine fishermen from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy with two mechanised boats.

He requested the Ministry of External Affairs to take all possible diplomatic efforts to ensure the release of the apprehended fishermen, secure the return of their seized boats, and re-emphasise the significance of finding a lasting and mutually acceptable solution to the issue of fishing rights in the Palk Bay region.

The Chief Minister also cautioned that the incidents of continuous arrests of fishermen from Tamil Nadu and their mechanised boats will lead to strain in bilateral relations.

He also said that this was severely affecting the socio-economic conditions of the affected fishermen's families and added that the fishermen are subject to immense hardships due to this.
Bengaluru, July 25 : The Karnataka police said that it has arrested five suspects by busting a terror module operating in Bengaluru and seized arms and ammunition including ready to use hand grenades.

The CCB wing identified the accused as Syed Suhail Khan, Mohammad Faizal Rabbani, Mohammad Umar, Muddassir Pasha and Zahid Tabrez.

Sources said that Police was able to access the CCTV footage where the arms smuggler is seen with the arrested accused Mohammad Faizal Rabbani and Muddassir Pasha.

The suspected smuggler had met the accused near Yeshwanthpur railway station in Bengaluru. Later, all three had gone to T. Begur near Nelamangala in outskirts of Bengaluru.

Sources said that the arms kept in the bag were handed over to the arrested persons and the terror suspect who is an arms smuggler is also seen near a private hospital around Hebbal. The probe has revealed that the suspect was an accused in the Pocso case and was jailed.

Sources in said that the sleuths have tracked his whereabouts and will arrest him soon.

The Karnataka has police said that T. Nazir, a terror suspect in the Bengaluru serial blasts of 2008 who is lodged in Central Prison of Bengaluru, has brainwashed the five arrested youth and suspects them of having links with the Lashkar-e-Toiba.

Sources said that Nazir delivered orders to the accused persons and controlled the gang of terrorists through Mohammad Junaid, the prime kingpin who is suspected to be operating from the border areas of Afghanistan. Nazir, who hails from Kerala has allegedly given instructions from the prison.

Source said that the arrested suspects came in contact with Nazir via Junaid while they were in prison. Nazir had brainwashed them. Junaid later prepared them to carry out a major terror strike in IT city Bengaluru.

The probe has also revealed that Nazir helped Junaid to cross the Indian border. The special wing CCB sources explained that Nazir will be taken into custody. All the arrested accused confessed that they were tutored to carry out terror strikes in the central prison by Nazir.

The probe revealed that Junaid has links in Baku city, the capital of Azerbaijan. He went to the Middle East on original passport in 2021. The Karnataka police have issued a lookout notice in this to track Junaid.
New Delhi, July 25 : A high-level Parliamentary panel has said that it is in India's strategic interests and foreign policy requirements to focus on wider engagements and deepening of ties with smaller neighbours, especially keeping in mind China's Belt and Road vision and America's Indo-Pacific vision.

The Standing Committee on External Affairs, in its report presented in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday on the subject of Indiaas "Neighbourhood First" policy, said that it is a dynamic policy that "adjusts to our renewed interests in the region while evolving according to regional circumstances".

"Being aware of Chinaas Belt and Road vision and Americaas Indo-Pacific vision, the committee have been of the considered view that it is in Indiaas strategic interests and foreign policy requirements to focus on wider engagements and deepening of ties with smaller neighbours," it said in the report.

It further added that the opportunities presented by an open and competitive South Asian market may also be grasped and consolidated from both security and economic perspectives.

The committee noted that Indiaas Neighbourhood First Policy as a concept came about in 2008 but after 2014, it got more focus and salience. It also suggested having a roadmap to promote trade connectivity and contact among people of neighbouring countries.

The panel, headed by BJP's P.P. Chaudhary, urged the government to maintain synergy between Neighbourhood First Policy and Act East Policy. "While considering the principles and objectives of 'Neighbourhood First Policy' and 'Act East Policy', the Committee have noted that the Neighbourhood First Policy exclusively focuses on Indiaas immediate neighbourhood while the Act East Policy focuses on the extended neighbourhood in the Asia-Pacific region," the committee said.

The committee have also been seized of the fact that India is facing continuing threats from cross-border terrorism, illegal migration, smuggling of fake currency and contrabands, trafficking in drugs and weapons, etc. and have found it imperative to enhance security infrastructure at the borders, it noted.

It also noted that India has been pursuing the humanitarian issue of release of prisoners and fishermen in Pakistanas custody. Since 2014, India has been successful in securing the release and repatriation of more than 2,700 Indian prisoners including 40 Indian fishermen and five Indian civilian prisoners. "The committee are aware that many more Indian nationals including fishermen have been languishing in Pakistani prisons for a long time and have desired that the ministry should step up its diplomatic efforts to secure their early release and repatriation to India," the report said.

--IANS

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San Franscisco, July 25 : An Indian-American teenager died after being allegedly shot at by an 18 year-old, who is presently in police custody in Gilroy, California.

A social media post shared by the family members identified the victim as Jackson Kavil who passed away on the night of July 20. The victim was brought to Saint Louise Hospital just before 9 p.m. for medical assistance. After the staff attempted life-saving measures, he was pronounced dead, Kron4 news channel reported, citing Gilroy police.

"Itas with the heaviest hearts, our family is gathered to share the sudden passing of our loved and youngest, Jackson Kavil. Jackson passed away Thursday (July 20) night. He was a comedian who loved to put smiles on everyoneas face. Jackson was genuine and had a huge heart. He will be deeply missed," Jasmine Kavil, a relative, wrote in a Facebook post.

"During this time, please keep our family in your prayers as we begin to plan his services. We will share the details once they are finalised."

The comments in the social media post identified Sunny Kavil and Rani as the victim's parents, hailing from Kaipuzha in Kerala. Kavil's father owns a restaurant in Gilroy and his mother is a nurse, according to an Indian media report. The shooting happened on the 2100 block of Columbine Court, police said. An 18-year-old Gilroy resident, Edwin Sanchez, was identified as a suspect in the homicide, and was taken into custody by the Gilroy Police Department.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, July 25 : President Droupadi Murmu arrived here on Tuesday on a three-day visit to her home state Odisha.

Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik received the President on her arrival at Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar.

During her stay in Odisha till July 27, Murmu is scheduled to attend several programmes in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

After spending the night at Raj Bhawan here, she will grace the valedictory function of 75th year celebrations of the High Court of Orissa at Cuttack on Wednesday.

She will also address the annual function of SCB Medical College and Hospital and convocation of National Law University Odisha in Cuttack tomorrow.

She will interact with the members of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) at Raj Bhavan on July 27.

On the same day, she will launch this yearas theme of Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya aThe Year of Positive Changea for conducting nationwide seminar and conferences and lay the foundation stone for its Lighthouse Complex at Dasabatia, Tamando, Bhubaneswar.

Commissionerate police made tight security arrangements in the twin cities for the visit of the first citizen of India.

Security arrangements have been made and reviewed in all venues.

A total of 36 platoons of police force have been deployed for the Presidentas visit.
Moldovan legislators have no intention of repealing or revising the law on the status of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, where the election of a new governor recently took place, Moldovan parliamentary speaker Igor Grosu said.

"We don't have such intentions or initiatives, this is just speculation," Grosu told the TV8 television channel when commenting on corresponding information on Tuesday.

He also refuted claims that the authorities could revise legislation in order to exclude the governor of Gagauzia from the government. "We didn't discuss this either, there was no such discussion," Grosu said.

He struggled to answer whether the presidential decree appointing new Gagauzia Governor Evghenia Gutul a member of the government would be signed. "That's hard for me to say. I don't know, if I were the prime minister, I would say what should be done. But in this case, I don't know. They [the authorities of Gagauzia] will probably be petitioning the president, and then it will be decided what to do in this situation," Grosu said.

At the same time, he said that the Moldovan authorities consider the elected Moldovan Governor Gutul of the Sor party "a representative of an organized criminal group, a gang." This was the reason why the Moldovan authorities did not attend Gutul's swearing-in ceremony, he said.

Relations between the central authorities and Gagauzia became strained after Chisinau tried to prevent recognition of the elections for the head of Gagauzia, the second round of which took place on May 13. Gutul, a previously unknown candidate representing the Sor party, won the elections by garnering 52.39% of the vote, according to the Central Elections Commission. Moldovan law enforcement authorities said that mass bribery of voters by the party founded by fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, who was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment and is hiding in Israel, took place in Gagauzia.

The Chamber of Appeals of Comrat, the capital of Gagauzia, recognized Gutul's victory in the elections for Gagauzia's governor on May 22.

Gutul's swearing-in ceremony as governor took place on July 19. The president, the prime minister, and the parliamentary speaker of Moldova did not attend the ceremony.
Patna July 25 : A team of the National Commission of Women (NCW) met with the victims of the cane charge that took place on July 13 in Patna.

The team was headed by NCW member Mamta Kumari.

The team members visited the affected areas like Dak Bungalow Chowk where the cane-charge was initiated by Patna Police on July 13 during a protest march.

"We have come here to investigate the incident and prepare a report about the cane charge incident in which several persons were injured on July 13. The report will be submitted before the NCW chairperson. We are taking statements from individuals who were present there at the time of the cane charge," Kumari said.

The BJP had organised a protest march in Patna from Gandhi Maidan to Vidhan Sabha on July 13. When the marchers reached Dak Bungalow Chowk, Patna Police initiated a cane-charge on them.

The BJP leaders claimed that several people, including women, were injured in this attack. They also claimed that one leader named Vijay Singh died in that incident.

The district administration of Patna, however, claimed that he died due to a heart attack.
Will not work with Congress again in future, says PK. Image Source: IANS News

Patna, July 25 : Political strategist Prashant Kishor (PK) on Tuesday slammed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad for rising crime incidents in Bihar.

Kishor was in Samastipur for Jan Suraj campaign where he claimed that Nitish Kumar is busy in saving his chair of chief minister.

"He is concentrating only on the formation of alliance partners and has no time to look after the law and order situation of Bihar. The actual culprit

of rising crime is RJD," PK said.

"After the formation of the Mahagathbandhan government in Bihar, there was an apprehension that crime graphs would increase in Bihar. Now, that

apprehension is turning out to be true," PK said while adding that the law and order situation during the NDA government was not good either.

"Nitish Kumar is holding the post of home ministry as well but he is not focusing on the administration. He is frequently using his 'Paltimar' option to save his post of chief minister," he said.

"When RJD stays in power, the morale of criminals increases. In the last three to four months, the crime incidents are on the rise and things are going out of control for police and general administration," he said.

On July 24, two gunmen killed a trader in Patna's Thakurbari road. A CCTV footage of the incident also surfaced on social media.

On the same day, a trader was killed and another was injured in Bihar's Sitamarhi district. The victims were on the way to their home when the attack took place.

On July 23, four unidentified assailants killed three persons including a prominent property dealer in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district.

A 15-year-old Dalit girl was gang-raped by two youths in Bihar's darbhanga district on July 23. The accused gagged her mouth to avoid the noise and brutalised her.

A 32-year-old woman was gang-raped in front of her husband in Bihar's Araria district on July 22. The accused tied her husband with a peg and gang-raped her in front of him.

On July 20, a minor Dalit girl and her music teacher were brutally assaulted by some locals after they were allegedly found in a compromising position in Begusarai.

Meanwhile, former deputy CM of Bihar, Tarkishore Prasad, slammed Nitish-Tejashwi government for uncontrollable crime incidents in the state.

"Bihar is crumbling due to frequent crime cases and Nitish Kumar has no control over them. Criminals had beaten a minor girl in a naked stage in

Begusarai, and three persons were killed in Muzaffarpur. One each was killed in Bhagalpur, Patna and Sitamarhi district. People are getting killed by the

bullets of criminals. The Nitish and Tejashwi government is completely paralysed now."

When contacted, the RJD leader and spokesperson, Chitranjan Gagan, said: "Prashant Kishore is a professional person who has come into politics and he is making statements to stay in the media. If a smaller person would attack big politicians, it would attract media persons but I want to ask him and BJP to look into the NCRB data to find out the crime rates of Mahagathbandhan government and NDA government. I want to ask the BJP to compare the crime graph of Bihar with Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi. Delhi is on the top and the police come under the central government."

"BJP has no moral right to talk about it. Its leaders should introspect themselves. They have only one agenda to spread propaganda," Gagan said.
New Delhi, July 25 : Delhi Minister Atishi on Tuesday visited the Punjabi Bagh's Arihant Nagar where two members of the caretaker's family lost their lives.

The Revenue Minister announced that the Delhi government will provide Rs 20 lakh as financial aid to the affected family.

She acknowledged that the amount cannot compensate for the loss the family has suffered, but it will help fulfill their immediate needs.

Atishi said that the family has suffered the painful loss of a mother and her child due to the balcony collapse. She assured that the government stands with the affected family and will make every effort to provide them with all possible help.

She also directed officials to arrange for a safe place for the affected family and ensure their accommodation and food arrangements.
Cyberabad police suggest different ut times for IT firms to avoid gridlock. Image Source: IANS News

Hyderabad, July 25 : Cyberabad police have advised information technology companies in the key IT clusters to ensure phase-wise logouts for employees to prevent traffic jams on the major roads in view of the heavy rains forecast for two days.

The advice for IT companies located in IT clusters of Hitec City, Raidurgam and Gachibowli came a day after heavy rains on Monday evening caused huge traffic jams on IKEA-Cyber Tower Road, Bio Diversity crossroads and Gachibowli.

All companies located in Raheja Mindspace, Purva Summit, Watermark, Phenix (Madhapur)/Kondapur Avance and companies such as TCS, HSBC, Dell, Oracle, Qualcomm, and Tech Mahindra have been advised to ensure logout for their employees at 3 p.m.

These IT parks and companies are located on IKEA to Cyber Towers Road.

For employees of other IT parks and companies on IKEA stretch and surrounding Bio Diversity Park and Raidurgam, police suggested 4.30 p.m. as the logout time. These include all companies located in Knowledge City, Knowledge Park, T-Hub, Galaxy, LTI & Twitza, Commerzone, RMZ Nexity, Skyview 10 &20, Diyashree Orion and Ascendas.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Madhapur has given 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. as the logout phase for companies located in the Financial District/Gachibowli. These includes Microsoft, Infosys, Wipro, Centaurus, Broadway, Virtusa, ICICI, Amazon, Honeywell, Hitachi, Sattva Capital, Capgemini, Franklin Templeton and all companies located in BSR IT Park, Waverock, GAR, Q City and DLF.

A massive downpour on Monday evening had led to traffic chaos in the IT clusters and key roads in Madhapur, Gachibowli and adjoining areas. Hundreds of cars were caught in several kilometer-long traffic snarls.

Senior police officials including Cyberabad Police Commissioner Stephen Ravindra had come out in the field to control the situation.

The massive traffic jams had led to demands from various quarters that the police come out with a plan to ensure that the roads are not congested as the met office has predicted heavy rains over next two days.
New Delhi, July 25 : The Union Cabinet on Tuesday is learnt to have cleared the bill which will empower Delhi Lt Governor to have a final say in recommendations regarding the transfer and posting of Delhi government officials.

According to sources, the Cabinet in its meeting held on Tuesday evening, cleared the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which will replace the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023.

The president had promulgated the controversial ordinance on May 19 this year, leading to a flashpoint between Delhi government and the Centre.

As per the ordinance, a new statutory authority would be created, known as the National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA), to be headed by the Delhi chief minister along with the chief secretary and the principal (home).

This proposed body will make recommendations to the Lt Governor on transfers and postings of Delhi government officials.

However, the catch here is that all decisions under this body will be decided through majority votes.

In other words, the chief minister's decision can be overruled by the two bureaucrats present in the body.

In addition to this, if the Lt Governor differs with the panel's recommendations, then it can be referred back to the panel and if even then, the differences remain, then the Lt Governor's decision would be final.

The Delhi government has been vehemently opposing the ordinance, as it reverses the verdict given by the Supreme Court, which had vested the Delhi government with the power to decide on transfer and posting of its officials.

Now with the government ready to bring a bill replacing the ordinance, in Parliament, the stand-off between the opposition parties and Centre is likely to be fiercer.
Jaipur, July 25 : The famous tigress T-84 has given birth to three cubs at the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.

A video of the cubs and the tigress has also been shared by the Rajasthan Forest Department.

Mohit Gupta, DFO of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve said that the tigress has been captured in the photo trap camera of the Forest Department along with three cubs in Nalghati forest area of Ranthambore.

The age of the cubs is around two and a half months.

Sharing the video, the Forest Department wrote on Twitter: "Meet the new members of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Female tigress T-84 roaming in the forest area of Range Sawai Madhopur was seen by the field staff on 25.07.23 with 3 cubs. The age of the tigress is about 9 years and it is currently looking healthy."

CM Ashok Gehlot also took to Twitter and said, "Rajasthan welcomes new guests of the forest. The good news of the birth of 3 new tiger cubs was received from the forest of Ranthambore.

"This beautiful video of the jungle is reaffirming our commitment to tiger and wildlife conservation.

"Hearty congratulations and congratulations to the Rajasthan Tiger Reserve team, he said while sharing the video of cubs."
Agartala, July 25 : The Trinamool Congress' Tripura unit president Pijush Kanti Biswas on Tuesday quit from his post as well as primary membership of the party, eight months after he was appointed state unit chief by the Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Biswas, also a lawyer, sent his resignation to Banerjee on Tuesday, thanking her and Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, for giving him the opportunity to serve the party.

He was earlier Tripura unit president of the Congress. In December last year, he along with several other leaders quit Congress and joined the Trinamool Congress.

Biswas did not mention any reason for his decision in the resignation letter. However, while talking to the media here, he said the reasons are "personal".

"Since I am unable to discharge my responsibilities as state president of Trinamool Congress, there is no point in holding the post. That's why I put in my papers," he said.

Biswas, however, refused to comment on his future course of action in politics.

He was appointed Trinamool Congress' Tripura unit president in December last year.
Bhopal, July 25 : The Madhya Pradesh government on Tuesday announced to add more beneficiaries to the scheme' Ladli Behna Yojna'. The government had previously also announced to reduce the minimum age limit for women to avail the benefits of the scheme.

At the time of launch of the scheme, the state government had fixed the minimum age criteria for the applicants between 23 to 60 years, however, after two month installments were released, the Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan last week announced to include the women completing 21 years from January this year. However, the applicants should be married to avail the benefit.

The government has that more than 1.25 crore women have received two installments of Rs. 1000 and the third installment would be released on August 10.

A total 1, 25, 33,145 applicants had applied to avail the benefit from the scheme out of which 20,3042 forms were rejected.

The government has estimated that with lowering the age limit for two years, around 45-50 lakh new beneficiaries are likely to be added.

As per the earlier estimate, the government is supposed to spend Rs. 10,166 crore for the first year (2023-2024), including the advertising expenses. In the current financial year  (2023- 2024), an amount of Rs. 8000 crore has already been allocated from the financial department.

As per the officials, it has been estimated that the scheme would cost around 62 lakh crore in five years.

"In the first year, around 150 crore is estimated to be spent on publicity and women sammelans, and this cost will be reduced from the next year. The extra cost would be estimated after the number of new beneficiaries will be added," said an official in the state finance department.

Political observers believe that the BJP government has announced the scheme ahead of the assembly elections to woo 48 per cent women voters in the state and also to counter the anti-incumbency.

The opposition Congress on the other hand has also promised to provide the Rs. 1500 per month under 'Nari Samman Yojana' if it forms the government.

Meanwhile, the Congress on Tuesday also accused the BJP government of indulging in bargaining to get support in the elections.

"BJP has been in power for the last 18 years and they launched the 'Ladli Behna Scheme' just before the elections. The BJP is bargaining on everything to get back into power. CM Shivraj is announcing the schemes to wash away his sins of 18 years rule in Madhya Pradesh," Kamal Nath said.
Chennai, July 25 : Closing the first quarter of FY24 with higher profit, engineering major Larsen & Toubro Ltd also announced a share buy back, declaration of a special dividend, investment of Rs 506 crore in a subsidiary, and acquisition of joint venture partner's stakes.

According to L&T, it closed Q1FY24 with a standalone net profit of Rs 1,792.36 crore (against Q1FY23's Rs 911.22 crore) on a total income of Rs 27,788.77 crore (Rs 20,779.54 crore).

At their meeting held on Tuesday, the company's Board of Directors approved buyback of 2.4 per cent of fully-paid equity shares or 3,33,33,333 shares with a face value of Rs 2 for a maximum price of Rs 3,000 per share for cash.

The aggregate consideration will be Rs 10,000 crore.

The Board also approved a special dividend of Rs 6 per equity share on face value of Rs 2 each, for Financial Year 2023-24.

According to L&T, the Board has approved additional investment of Rs 506 crore in its subsidiary L&T Energy Green Tech Ltd, to be made either by subscribing to equity or preference shares or by way of inter-corporate deposits or company guaranteed debt or a combination of these and will be done at "arm's length".

As to the rationale, L&T said it proposes to consolidate various arms of the green energy business such as manufacturing and EPC of the green hydrogen value chain & its derivatives. L&T Energy Green Tech shall hold investments in various entities for electrolyser manufacturing and green energy business.

The Board also approved the acquisition of joint venture partneras 40 per cent stakes in L& T Sapura Offshore Private Ltd for Rs 40,000 crore.

For the period under review, L&T on a consolidated basis logged a total income of Rs 49,027.93 crore (Rs 36,547.92 crore) and a net profit of Rs 2,493 crore (Rs1,702.07 crore).

The company received orders worth Rs 65,520 crore at the group level during the quarter ended June 30, 2023, registering a strong y-o-y growth of 57 per cent.

During the quarter, orders were received across diverse segments like rail, renewables, rural water supply, transmission & distribution, IT & office space, and onshore & offshore verticals of the hydrocarbon business.

International orders at Rs 27,646 crore during the quarter comprised 42 per cent of the total order inflow. The consolidated order book of the group is at Rs 412,648 crore as on June 30, 2023, with international orders having a share of 29 per cent.
New Delhi, July 25 : The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a conglomerate of several civil society organisation of Manipur, on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the current situation in the northeastern state, saying the Centre and state government should have a concrete plan or policy to resolve the the crisis at the earliest.

"We feel that is high time now, because already 80 days have passed, the state government and the Central government should have a very concrete plan or policy to resolve this crisis as soon as possible. Otherwise, things are going to get out of hands because people are already fed up by the way they are handling the situation in Manipur," COCOMI spokesperson Khuraijam Athouba told IANS here.

Expressing his disappointment over handling of the situation by the Central government, he said: "It is not up to satisfaction. It seems like the Central government also has their own interest, in handling the situation.

"Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) has never spoken on the issues. He cannot speak once in the context of one of the stray incidents. He didn't mention about the core issues of the problem (in Manipur)."

Last week, the Prime Minister had expressed his pain and anger after the gruesome incident with the two women in the strife-torne Manipur and termed it very shameful, which can never be forgiven.

Earlier, the COCOMI spokesperson, addressing a press conference, said: "The handling by the state and Central governments is not upto the expectation of the people (of Manipur). Despite the heavy deployment of forces, how could they not control the situation. This is very shocking."

"Government of India is not taking concrete action despite several evidences of violating of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) ground rules by Kuki terrorist groups," he said.

Ethnic clashes erupted in Manipur on May 3 and since then, over 150 people have lost their lives whereas thousands have been forced to take refuge in the relief camps. The Congress and other Opposition parties have been blaming Chief Minister N. Biren Singh for the current crisis in the Northeastern state and demanded his dismissal.

On Monday, the Manipur CM told IANS that his government is taking measures to restore peace at the earliest in the state.

--IANS

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Egypt and Azerbaijan have long-term friendly relations, Egyptian Ambassador Hisham Mohamed Nagy Abdel Hamid said at an event dedicated to Egypt's Independence Day, Trend reports.

"Our peoples are united by mutual love and similarity. Egypt was one of the countries that recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991. Last year we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our governments," the ambassador stressed.

According to him, an important stage in the development of bilateral relations between the countries was the visit of the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to Baku at the beginning of the year.

"Azerbaijan shares our commitment to achieving economic progress, social stability, peace and security. We strongly support each other's efforts to achieve economic development and social progress," the ambassador said.

He also congratulated Azerbaijan on the successful chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement and praised its efforts to strengthen the Movement.

In conclusion, the ambassador expressed hope that relations between the countries will continue to develop and flourish.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on March 27, 1992. The Embassy of Egypt in Baku has been functioning since April 1993, and the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Cairo - since January 1994.
Panaji, July 25 : Claiming that one tout stopped his vehicle and asked him whether he wanted a 'girl', Revolutionary Goan Party MLA Viresh Borkar on Tuesday demanded action against them and also on 'escort service' websites.

During the discussion in the ongoing monsoon assembly session, MLA Viresh Borkar said that touts are maligning the name of Goa, which is considered as a paradise.

"In Goa, touts are operating everywhere. Why are the police not taking action against them? We have complained many times, but it is of no use. Government should not give excuses for the shortage of police staff. Government has failed (to stop the nuisance of touts)," Borkar, MLA from opposition benches, said.

Borkar said that tout tried to convince him for the services they provide.

"They stopped my car and asked 'Ladki Chahiye kya' (Do you want a girl?). Such is the situation in Goa. I can table the videos (of touts) in the house. They even dare to stop Goa registered vehicle (looking for customers). There is no control on this," MLA Borkar said

Talking about the escort service websites, he said that such websites should be blocked.

"There are many websites providing escort services. Why no action is being taken against these websites. These websites should be blocked. But they are not. I don't know why they are not blocked, is anyone supporting them," MLA Borkar questioned.

He said that the name of Goan women is tarnished by these websites who claim to supply 'Goan Girls'. "Strict action is needed against them. Lets us protect our Goa. CCTV cameras are needed to monitor activities of touts. Action should be taken on them," he said.

Sources informed that there are hundreds of escort service websites, which claim to provide the service in Goa.

More than eight million tourists visit Goa every year.
Jaipur, July 25 : The family of Anju, a resident of Bhiwadi who went to Pakistan recently and reportedly got married to her friend there, is facing many questions in this case.

Her husband, as well as her two children, have been questioned by the police many times.

Anju's entire family is now missing from home since 1 p.m. on Monday and the flat is lying locked.

Other society residents and guards are not ready to say anything about the whereabouts of Anju's husband and children. Even the police are not able to tell anything about them.

Anju, 34, who reached Pakistan from Alwar to meet her boyfriend Nasrullah, 29, - with whom she was a friend on Facebook since 2019 - has reportedly accepted Islam and got married. After adopting Islam, she has got the new name of Fatima.

As per media reports, both got married in a local court in Peshawar.
Udupi : , July 24 (IANS) The management of a college in Karnataka's Udupi where Muslim female students filmed Hindu girls using restroom has said the girl who was filmed has refused to lodge a complaint.

Lakshmi Krishnaprasad, director of Nethrajyothi College, also appealed to the people on Tuesday not to spread false news "that videos of hundreds of college girls have been filmed and shared".

The director claimed that "the girl student said she had got the video deleted".

"She said that since the three girls are college mates, she wonat lodge complaints against them," Krishnaprasad said, adding the management had inquired about the incident.

The police were informed immediately and the mobile phone has been handed over to them, she said.

The three girls who took the video are classmates and the other girl belongs to another class.

When the inquiry was made, no video was found in the mobile, the college director said.

"The three girls have confessed that they did it for a prank. We have banned the use of mobile phones, and bringing mobile phones to the college was a mistake. The girls were suspended," she said.

"Using the incident, false news is being spread that videos of hundreds of girls are taken. We donat see religion in college students. The people belonging to the religion of three girls have staged a protest condemning their act. I request not to spread false news," she added.
New Delhi/Imphal, July 25 : The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), the main civil society organisation of the Meitei community, on Tuesday urged the Centre not to hold any talks with Kuki militant groups, claiming that members of those outfits are responsible for the current turmoil in the state and their cadres are "foreigners".

On the other hand, the Zomi Council Steering Committee (ZCSC), an organisation advocating the cause of nine Kuki-Zomi tribes of Manipur, on Tuesday sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a permanent solution of the ethnic crisis of Manipur and demanded imposition of President's Rule in the state.

"It was learnt from various sources that the government of India is likely to hold talks with the Kuki outfits. COCOMI and many other Manipur organisations are totally against it," COCOMI Convenor Jitendra Ningomba told the media in Delhi.

He said that the COCOMI, in support of its demand of maintaining the territorial integrity of Manipur, would organise a rally in the state on July 29.

Claiming that the Centre was deliberately supporting narco-terrorism in the northeastern region, the COCOMI leaders claimed that Director of Intelligence Bureau reported 1,25,000 acres of hill areas in northeast region are under poppy cultivation, while about 650 MT of opium was produced annually from Manipur hill areas of Kuki-dominated areas, earning Rs 50,000 crore to Rs 65,000 crore income annually.

"These areas are protected and managed by armed Chin-Kuki Militants," the COCOMI leaders claimed.

Meanwhile, 10 tribal MLAs, including seven BJP legislators, belonging to the Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi group in Manipur have urged the Centre to create a separate administration (equivalent to separate state) for the tribals but Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, on number of occasions, rejected the demand.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ZCSC also demanded an NIA investigation "into the root causes of the state-sponsored attacks on the tribals of Manipur and re-introduction provisions of the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act (AFSPA) in all valley districts so that the Army can take full control of the law and order".

The organisation alleged that selective series of attacks on the Kuki-Zomi tribes continue unabated, and heinous crimes against humanity are committed by radicals since May 3.

The Constitutional failure and collapse of law and order in the state necessitated President's Rule immediately to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur, the letter said. It alleged that over 5000 sophisticated arms and lakhs of rounds of ammunition were looted from state armouries across the state.

The systematic injustice, institutional neglect and discrimination of the Kuki-Zomi tribals have been continuing for many decades, the ZCSC claimed.
Modi not listening to his Manipur MLAs, how will he restore peace: Goa Mahila Congress. Image Source: IANS News

Panaji, July 25 : : Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress on Tuesday said that Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey and BJP MLA Paolienlal Haokip have exposed the inefficiency of centre and state to control the situation of Manipur violence.

GPMC Chief Beena Naik hit out at BJP governments for failing to pacify the situation of Manipur.

Naik said that more than five thousand houses have been set on fire, while many children are among those who died in this violence.

"Around sixty thousand people are staying in relief camps. Still the Manipur government and central government are not acting," she said.

"Governor Anusuiya Uikey has asked the DGP of the state why no action was taken on the complaint of the women. I appreciate her to voice out against such acts, but the governments has failed," she said

She said that Manipur BJP MLA Paolienlal Haokip has alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not meeting his own MLAs, who wanted to apprise him of the situation.

Beena Naik said that when Modi is not listening to his own party MLAs then how he will listen to the public. "Are we heading towards anarchy, where the government is not listening to the people and miscreants are not bothered by laws and constitution," she questioned.

"I appeal to the government to work in the interest of Manipur and restore the peace at earliest," she said.
New Delhi, July 25 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday said it conducted searches at sixteen premises in Delhi-NCR, Chennai and Kerala, on officials of Delhi Jal Board (DJB), NBCC and private entities in connection with a case pertaining to the violation of norms and irregularities in tendering process of the DJB.

An official said that the ED was conducting an investigation into two separate matters of irregularities in the tendering process of the DJB.

The ED initiated an investigation based on an FIR registered by the CBI, alleging that officials of the DJB gave undue advantage to NKG Infrastructure Limited while awarding tender to the company for supply, installation, testing and commissioning of electromagnetic flow meters in connivance with officials of NBCC (India) Limited.

"NKG Infrastructure Limited managed to secure false performance certificates issued by D.K. Mittal, the then General Manager, NBCC (India) Limited and fabricated deviation statement issued by Sadhan Kumar, the then Project Executive, NBCC (lndia) Limited for qualifying for technical bid of above said tender in 2017," an official said.

The official said that during the tender process, NKG Infrastructure Limited entered into conspiracy with the then Chief Engineer, Jagdish Kumar Arora and his subordinate officers of DJB for qualifying and bagging tender worth Rs 38 crore.

In the second matter, an investigation was initiated based on an FIR registered by Anti-Corruption Branch, GNCTD alleging that DJB awarded a tender for setting up automotive bill payment collection machines (kiosks) at different locations in different DJB offices as decided by the Delhi Jal Board, for facilitating consumers in bill payment.

The tender was awarded to Corporation Bank in 2012, which was further sub-contracted to Chennai-based private companies namely Freshpay IT Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and Aurrum E-payments Pvt. Ltd.

These companies had violated norms as prescribed in the agreement by not depositing the cash payment collections in bank account of DJB, within the prescribed time period.

The said contract was initially awarded for three years which was extended by DJB from time to time till FY 2019-20 despite continued delay and non-transfer of bill payment amount collected for DJB.

Investigation revealed that during demonetisation period, cash collections amounting to Rs 10.40 crore was not deposited or transferred to DJB and funds collected in year 2019 were reconciled with bill payments of demonetisation period after gap of more than 300 days.

Investigation further revealed that total principal loss incurred to Delhi Jal Board during the whole period of the tender is Rs 14.41 crore which is still outstanding with private entities namely Freshpay IT Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and M/s Aurrum E-payments Pvt. Ltd and its Director, Rajenderan K. Nair.

"During the course of search proceedings, various incriminating documents and digital devices were recovered and seized from the premises of officials of DJB, NBCC (India) Ltd. and Directors of private entities involved. Details of various undeclared properties in the name of Jagdish Kumar Arora were also recovered," said the official.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 25 : Climate change is not just a matter that needs to be considered when the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) releases their very worrisome reports, Kerala Agriculture Minister P. Prasad said on Tuesday.

Inaugurating a Workshop on Climate Change held here, he said: "It's experienced every day by us, especially in the agriculture sector. It is critical for us to empower our officers and our farmers on climate resilience and energy efficiency."

This event took place at a time when the Kerala government is set to address and tackle the impact of the climate crisis on the state's agriculture sector, setting an example for India, with its state-wide programme titled "Climate Resilience and Energy Efficiency in Agriculture (CREEA)".

And for this the Departments of Agriculture and Electricity have come together to create an integrated and inclusive approach that will help build the ability of agricultural systems to anticipate, adapt, prepare and recover from the impacts of extreme weather events.

Power Minister K. Krishnankutty said the productivity of Kerala's farming depends on the scientific and careful analysis of the soil, the nutrients and ensuring all the parameters are taken care of by the department officials.

"Our farmers also need to be made resilient to all external impacts including climate and trade disparities," said Krishankutty who is a farmer in his home town in Palakkad.

Anjal Prakash, IPCC Author and Research Director and Adjunct Associate Professor at the Indian School of Business (ISB), said the two sectors most directly affected by climate change are water and agriculture.

"Agriculture is the sector foremost impacted by a changing climate and even water falls under this. Climate cChange is a global problem with very local impacts. Every state has different problems to address and so we need to focus on localised district level planning. Beginning a dialogue on this is the first step," said Prakash.

Agriculture is the predominant in Kerala, accounting for approximately 60 per cent of the land area. Furthermore, it plays a significant role in supporting the livelihoods of approximately 17 per cent of the state's population. The climate crisis has caused significant damage to the agriculture sector and has had a detrimental impact on the livelihoods of farmers.

--IANS

sg/vd
New Delhi, July 26 : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday discussed a wide range of issues pertaining to the state besides the party's preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The development came after Dhami met Union Minister of State for Defence and Tourism Ajay Bhatt at his official residence here.

BJP national general secretary and Uttarakhand in-charge Dushyant Kumar Gautam, party's state chief Mahendra Bhatt and MPs from the region were also present.

Meanwhile, Dhami while apprising about the meeting in a tweet, said they held extensive discussions on various issues besides the welfare programmes being run by the government, and upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Patna, July 26 : An orchestra dancer was gang-raped by 15 persons for a week in Bihar's Saran district, police said.

The accused then dumped her in a semi-naked stage in an isolated place after her health deteriorated and she became unconscious.

Some passersby spotted her on Monday and they gave her clothes and informed local police about the incident. The victim, a married woman and native of UP's Gonda district, has been admitted in the Sadar hospital, Chapra. T

As per her statement, she was working under a woman orchestra operator, but sold her to another orchestra operator for Rs 10,000 and fled to Delhi after she informed her boss that she wanted to quit the job of dancer and return to her native place.

"That woman has sold her to another orchestra operator for Rs 10,000 and asked her to perform in a show. She went there and performed in the orchestra in Masrakh in Saran district. While returning to Gonda from Masrakh, 15 persons kidnapped her and held captive in a room. They gang raped her for 7 days until her health deteriorated and she become unconscious," said another dancer and friend of the victim.

"We have received an information about gang rape. We have registered an FIR in this matter and arrested one of the accused named Naushad Alam. The raids are on to nab other accused and the woman operator who sold her for Rs 10,000," SP, Saran, Dr Gaurav Mangla said.
Kerala needs more people like Oommen Chandy, says Rahul Gandhi. Image Source: IANS News

Thiruvananthapuram, July 26 : Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday paid glowing tributes to party veteran and two-time former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy at a condolence meeting organized by the party at Kerala's Malappuram.

Gandhi had taken part in the funeral of Chandy at his home town in Puthupally in Kottayam district on Thursday and had left for Kottakal in Malappuram to undergo a rejuvenation therapy.

"Oommen Chandy ji was my senior. He was a more experienced leader, and I viewed him as somebody who gave me an understanding of Kerala. Even when Chandy ji was battling a serious illness, he wanted to participate in the Bharat Jodo Yatra," he said.

"I have known Chandy for about 15 years and not even once has he said anything bad about any Congress leader," he added.

Gandhi went on to add that Chandyas door was never closed to the people of Kerala.

"Many of the young leaders should walk the path Chandy ji has shown us. Kerala needs more people like Chandy ji," said Gandhi.

Chandy, 79, passed away in Bengaluru on the previous Tuesday after ailing from throat cancer.

--IANS

sg/vd
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Azerbaijan's Azercosmos and Egyptian Space Agency are holding talks on cooperation, Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan Rashad Nabiyev said at an event dedicated to Egypt's Independence Day, Trend reports.

"Currently, the potential for cooperation in the space industry between countries is being studied," Nabiyev noted.

He further said that the ongoing talks between Azercosmos and Egyptian Space Agency are a significant addition to the existing agreements with some Egyptian companies regarding the satellite potential of Azerbaijan.

According to him, at the moment there are three passenger flights a week between the countries.

"An increase in the number of direct flights will promote cooperation between our countries in the areas of economy, trade and tourism," the minister said.

He also noted importance of the visit of the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to Baku at the beginning of the year.

"This visit gave an additional impetus to the development of our relations. At the meeting of the heads of our states, the prospects for the development of political, economic and cultural relations between the two countries were discussed in detail. Pharmaceuticals, the aluminum industry, the oil industry and the renewable energy sector were identified as priority areas for our cooperation," Nabiyev said.
New Delhi, July 26 : The Delhi High Court was informed on Tuesday that a ban on two veterinary drugs used for the treatment of livestock have been agreed by the experts because of their adverse impact on vultures.

A division bench of Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Saurabh Banerjee was hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal over the issue of the declining vulture population in India.

The high court had, in April, granted more time to the Central government to file its reply to the plea.

The reply affidavit by the Health Ministry and the Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) read: "The matter was referred to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer's Welfare for their expert opinion."

It further said that the matter was examined by the DAHD in consultation with the subject experts and it was recommended to impose a ban on the veterinary drugs Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac for treatment of livestock to conserve vultures.

The statement said that the matter was deliberated and further it was agreed to prohibit the manufacture, sale, and distribution of the drugs and their formulations for animal use.

It also said that as per the authorities, the issue should be provocatively examined and a list of all drugs that affect animal health and the environment should be prepared for further action.

The court, in December 2022, had directed the CDSCO to take action to safeguard and conserve vultures, by outlawing the medications that are to blame for India's declining vulture population.

It had taken serious note of the fact that the usage of NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) in veterinary medicine, such as diclofenac, aceclofenac, ketoprofen, nimesulide, etc., has caused a 97 per cent drop in the number of vultures.

Bansal had earlier informed the court that even the Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister had publicly indicated that the vulture population had dropped sharply over the course of more than three decades, from 40 million to just 19,000.

"It is clear from the statement of the Minister that in the last 30 years around 4 crores vultures have died which means that around 13 lakh vultures lost their lives every year, which further implies that India is witnessing around 1 lakh mortality of vultures every month because of toxic drugs," Bansal had submitted.

He had claimed that the Indian government was ignoring its own statements that were made in numerous committees at the national and international levels and that it was not outlawing the toxic drugs that harm vultures, which are considered an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and are listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
New Delhi, July 26 : A special CBI court in Hyderabad has sentenced M. Subbarayulu, then Official Liquidator, Department of Company Affairs (DoCA), Hyderabad to undergo five years of rigorous imprisonment.

The court while awarding him jail term also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on him.

The CBI registered the instant case on May 6, 2008 against Subbarayulu and others on the allegations that the accused had showed undue favour to the bidders who purchased the assets of a private company which went into liquidation and also accepted delayed payments without necessary orders from the High Court.

It was further alleged that the accused committed serious irregularities including disposal of assets of the private company without the knowledge of the High Court and extending time for payment by the bidders of the properties sold in auction in respect of said firm without the orders of the High Court.

After investigation, CBI filed chargesheet on November 20, 2009 against the accused.

The court held the accused guilty.

--IANS

atk/sha
Beijing, July 26 : China's Foreign Minister Qin Gang has been removed from office within seven months after he was appointed to the post.

Qin, who has not been seen publicly for a month, has been replaced by veteran Communist Party leader Wang Yi.

The 57-year-old's last known public engagements were on June 25. No reason was given for his removal, the BBC reported.

The decision to replace Qin was adopted on Tuesday at the fourth session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC).

President Xi Jinping signed a presidential order to effectuate the decision, Xinhua news agency reported.

Qin was appointed to the Foreign Minister's post last December.

Recently, he met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Beijing as the two sides sought to restore diplomatic contacts at the highest level.
Shamli, July 26 : An interfaith couple in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli has sought police protection after the woman's family allegedly abducted her partner.

Shahnam Khan, 18, from Gujjarpur village left the house of her free will with her 21-year-old partner Roopak Tomar of Machrauli village, police said. However, her father, Mohd Nazish, filed a kidnapping case on July 21 at Jhinjhana police station.

The police tracked down Shahnam and presented her in court, where she refuted charges against Roopak and expressed her desire to be with him. The situation escalated on July 22 when Nazish, accompanied by six accomplices, allegedly abducted Roopak from Jhinjhana town.

Roopak's brother-in-law filed an FIR under IPC Section 364 (kidnapping or abducting in order to murder) and police rescued Roopak the same day.

Shahnam, who changed her name to Shaanu, said: "We got married at the Shiv Mandir in Mundet village, Shamli on July 23. I have changed my name to Shaanu as my ancestors were Hindus. We sought police protection from my family."

SP Shamli Abhishek said: "The girl is of legal age, and she filed her statement in court, confirming her consent to the marriage. Police arrested three accused, including the girl's father, on charges of kidnapping the young man. Local police have been directed to ensure the safety of both individuals until the matter is resolved."
A-Alpha Bio Their platforms have already shown a great deal of promise through their internal pipeline and partnerships, and we believe they have the potential to redefine our understanding of protein-protein interactions and accelerate the development of innovative and high-impact therapeutics.

A-Alpha Bio, a synthetic biology and machine learning (ML) company that measures and engineers protein-protein interactions, today announced a $22.4M Series A2. The round was led by previous investor Perceptive Xontogeny Ventures, with strong support from Madrona and other existing investors. Breakout Ventures joined the round as a new investor, and Lindy Fishburne, Managing Partner at Breakout Ventures, will join the board as an observer.

The funding will enable further development of the companys AlphaSeq and AlphaBind platforms and accelerate their oncology-focused internal pipeline. In pursuit of their mission to accelerate therapeutic discovery to improve human health, A-Alpha Bio has recently announced collaborations with Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Gilead Sciences to discover molecular glue targets for protein degradation, accelerate antibody discovery and development for emerging biothreats, and advance next-generation HIV therapeutic options, respectively. These collaborations underscore the flexibility of A-Alphas platforms to address a broad range of complex biological challenges, contributing to the development of next-generation therapeutics.

"A-Alphas rapid progress has been inspiring, with the team's talent and commitment paving the way for extensive applications of our platforms and fostering remarkable collaborations," said David Younger, Co-Founder and CEO. "The continued support from our investors empowers us to focus on our mission of improving human health by progressing our internal programs and further developing our unique platforms. We are particularly excited to welcome our new Board Observer, Lindy Fishburne, who brings a wealth of industry expertise and shares our vision for the future of medicine empowered by synthetic biology and machine learning."

Innovating at the intersection of wet lab and computation, A-Alpha Bio is leveraging their synthetic biology and ML platforms, AlphaSeq and AlphaBind. The AlphaSeq platform measures protein-protein interactions on an unparalleled scale using genetic engineering and DNA sequencing. The resulting enormous and quantitative datasets are then fed to AlphaBind, which uses ML to train models that predict new protein sequences with desired binding properties. This wet-lab / dry-lab integration enables groundbreaking biological insights, expedites scientific discoveries, and enhances the engineering of more effective therapeutics.

"We are excited to join A-Alpha Bio in their mission to improve human health using synthetic biology and machine learning," said Lindy Fishburne, Managing Partner at Breakout Ventures. Their platforms have already shown a great deal of promise through their internal pipeline and partnerships, and we believe they have the potential to redefine our understanding of protein-protein interactions and accelerate the development of innovative and high-impact therapeutics."

The Series A2 brings A-Alphas total funding to $51M, including non-dilutive funding from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the National Science Foundation, and the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense. As the company continues to expand its partnerships and pipeline, it remains committed to its mission of improving human health by unlocking the potential of protein-protein interactions.

To learn more, please visit https://www.aalphabio.com/.

About A-Alpha Bio

A-Alpha Bio uses synthetic biology and machine learning to measure, discover, predict, and engineer protein-protein interactions.

The companys AlphaSeq platform applies synthetic biology to experimentally measure millions of protein-protein interaction affinities simultaneously. Protein binding data is incorporated into the companys AlphaBind platform to train machine learning models that predict binding from sequence. A-Alpha Bio uses both platforms to discover and optimize high-impact therapeutics for their own pipeline and in partnership with industry leaders.

A-Alpha Bio is based in Seattle and was founded in 2017 at the University of Washington's Institute for Protein Design and Center for Synthetic Biology. To learn more, please visit: https://www.aalphabio.com/.
A Bit Of A Life: From A Boy Sailor to Demobilisation

George Osborne wrote his career experience whilst in the Royal Navy in the early 1980s probably having been inspired to do so by Douglas Reeman, a very successful author and contemporary sailor from during the WWII period. His handwritten notes remained unread and untyped until his family became aware of them after his death in 1997. Dave Osborne felt his fathers story should be shared to a wider audience, hence he decided to release A Bit Of A Life: From A Boy Sailor to Demobilisation (published by Xlibris AU).

I think this a book for those who like true life stories that are different from an autobiography, especially those who find a sailor's life potentially exciting, Dave states. Here is a real-life experience from a time of great upheaval which includes romance, excitement, camaraderie and some classical good humor of life in the Navy.

A Bit Of A Life: From A Boy Sailor to Demobilisation offers a firsthand account of Georges journey from being a boy sailor in the U.K. to becoming a chief Petty Officer in the Royal Navy. Life as a boy sailor was exciting for him, but once the dark period of the World War II emerged, things changed radically, and his knowledge and courage were tested in some dramatic experiences. When he moved into the submarine service in late 1942, a very new experience awaited him and by then, he was a married man entering fatherhood in the coming year and already wondering what to do when the war finally ended. The final chapter written by Dave records the greatly unsettled life his father led after demobilisation, including the lingering regret at having taken the wrong pathway despite the emerging successes of his children.

This book will appeal to those who are considering a life of travel and adventure or are just curious as to what life in the Navy might be like. Visit https://www.xlibris.com/en-au/bookstore/bookdetails/849908-a-bit-of-a-life to get a copy.

A Bit Of A Life: From A Boy Sailor to Demobilisation

By George Osborne and Dave Osborne

Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 520 pages | ISBN 9798369492307

Softcover | 6 x 9in | 520 pages | ISBN 9798369492291

E-Book | 520 pages | ISBN 9798369492284

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Authors

George Osborne had never written a book before A Bit Of A Life and was seemingly inspired by an author and fellow sailor Douglas Reeman who he connected with in 1960. Reeman wrote 68 novels, ultimately selling 34 million copies. In writing this book, over a two-year period, from 1962, George recalled, researched, and wrote by hand, his account of his period of service, which extended from mid-teens in April 1932 until his 30th birthday in August 1946. Looking back over almost half a century it is surprising how much of those early days he was able to recall. His son David Osborne, who more recently contributed the final chapter and the preface, as well as compiling the book, has worked in the mining industry since 1960 having initially qualified with B.Sc. and doctorate degrees from Newcastle University in the UK. Like his father, he has travelled widely and worked in coal and iron ore operations in various parts of the globe. He has previously published books, articles and technical papers, but never a non-fiction book such as this. Dave now lives and (still) works near Brisbane, Australia, with his wife Hazel who is a retired musician and teacher.

Xlibris Publishing Australia, an Author Solutions, LLC imprint, is a self-publishing services provider dedicated to serving Australian authors. By focusing on the needs of creative writers and artists and adopting the latest print-on-demand publishing technology and strategies, we provide expert publishing services with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound and full-color formats. To date, Xlibris has helped to publish more than 60,000 titles.

For more information, visit xlibrispublishing.com.au or call 1-800-844-927 to receive a free publishing guide.
. "This partnership will enable brand and agency marketers to tap into the power of our data through first-in-class onboarding and digital distribution programs maximizing targeting, communications and optimized messaging. - Andrew Connelly, Director of Global Intelligence at CONTENTgine

CONTENTgine, a leader in content-based marketing, today announced that it has joined Stirista, a leading data-driven marketing company, in its Fusion Data Transformation Partner Program. Aggregating millions of first-party audience engagements with B2B vendor content to produce key content insights, CONTENTgines unique deterministic B2B data will be available in all of the major DSPs, DMPs, and data marketplaces through Stiristas Fusion Partner Program.

Andrew Connelly, Director of Global Intelligence at CONTENTgine, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "Joining Stirista's Fusion Partner program presents an exciting opportunity for CONTENTgine to monetize our unique B2B deterministic data. By leveraging Stirista's extensive reach and resources including building a complete taxonomy of our data, we can scale up our data licensing and lead generation services. This partnership will enable brand and agency marketers to tap into the power of our data through first-in-class onboarding and digital distribution programs maximizing targeting, communications and optimized messaging.

Stirista's Fusion Data Transformation program creates a marketplace that connects companies with substantial data assets to top-tier data providers. By joining this program, CONTENTgine gains enhanced accessibility and monetization opportunities in prominent data marketplaces, such as LiveRamp Data Store, Lotame, among others. Stirista creates and refines the taxonomies for audience segments- - based on extensive experience with providing audience segments to major agencies and brands across the digital ecosystem. The partnership allows participants to increase their reach and engage with high-value audience targets, with personalized, relevant omnichannel messaging.

"We are thrilled to welcome CONTENTgine to Stirista's Fusion Data Transformation Partner Program," said Blaine Britten, SVP of Data Strategy at Stirista. "CONTENTgine's expertise incontent-based marketing aligns perfectly with our goal of bringing high performing datasolutions to digital advertisers. Together, we can empower brands, agencies and other marketers to unlock the full potential of their marketing campaigns for superior customer acquisition and retention strategies."

The latest partnership with CONTENTgine marks another significant milestone for Stirista's

program, which has gained substantial momentum since its launch in February 2020.

# # #

About CONTENTgine

CONTENTgine is a world leader in Content-Based Marketing, making high-quality lead generation and content syndication analytics a more successful and profitable investment for marketers. Using the worlds largest B2B content library and capturing the details of prospects researching solutions in your market segment, we apply content analytics that provides both 100% first-person leads and content syndication scoring of your content and your competitors content. For more information, please visit http://www.contentgine.com.

About Stirista

Stirista is a leader in data-driven marketing through its all-inclusive award-winning performance media solution which combines its data, email, and digital prowess to help clients acquire and retain customers. Named one of Americas fastest growing private companies in 2022, Stirista offers clients a unique data-driven experience by utilizing precise audience data combined with access to Stirista's proprietary ESP and DSP platforms to yield the fastest time-to-market actionable insights and optimized campaigns. For more information, please visit http://www.stirista.com.
Dimiour Secures Fast100 Award! Sidd Ahmed stated that this success represents a remarkable bounce-back moment deserving of celebration, attributing Dimiour's triumph to his unwavering belief in his employees.

Dimiour, a VDart Group Company, a global leader in mobility and digital technology solutions for various industries, including automotive, manufacturing, energy, utilities, and healthcare, has been named one of the Fastest 100 growing companies by the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAACC).

To be considered for this prestigious award, companies needed to demonstrate progressive operations with verifiable revenue and employment growth over the past three years, along with a profit margin ranging from $15 million to $500 million. Dimiour had previously received the Fast award in 2022, an achievement credited to their solid global team spanning ten countries.

Expressing his excitement about this milestone, Sidd Ahmed, the President, and CEO of Dimiour, stated in an interview that this success represents a remarkable bounce-back moment deserving of celebration. He acknowledged that the company faced initial setbacks but attributed Dimiour's triumph to his unwavering belief in his employees.

For eligibility, companies must be headquartered in the US and owned and operated by Asian American citizens, with gross annual revenue exceeding $1 million. An ACG Committee of volunteers conducted in-person interviews with all qualified applicants.

The Fast 50/100 award aims to acknowledge and celebrate the nation's fastest-growing businesses, with competition based on the percentage growth of annual revenue. Susan Au Allen, the National President and CEO of USPAACC, described the award program as an opportunity to highlight the remarkable achievements of Asian American-owned businesses, recognizing their contributions to the economy as engines of growth, innovation, and ingenuity.

Sidd Ahmed emphasized that receiving the Fast Award serves as a benchmark for Dimiour's standing compared to other industry firms. He expressed that this recognition provides valuable insights into their position in the marketplace and instills a sense of pride among the team members.

About Dimiour:

Dimiour is an award-winning (2021 & 2022 Toyota IT Diverse Supplier of the Year and Atlanta Business Chronicles 2021 & 2022 Pace Setter) global technology & business consulting services organization that pairs people, technology, and expertise to create solutions for tomorrows problems. The companys solutions power next-generation Mobility, Connected Services, IoT, Cloud, and Security consulting and services. Led by a solid global team located across ten countries, including the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Belgium, UK, Japan, Australia & India, the company provides solution expertise for custom turn-key projects for the design and implementation of future concepts and cutting-edge technologies, delivering frictionless customer experience, creating better business value. The company partners with its clients in ideation, strategy, prototyping, testing, product launch, and steady-state support. It has deep expertise in emerging technologies such as blockchain, IoT, UI/UX, AR/VR, Cloud, Data Science and Analytics, Machine Learning, AI, NLP, Identity and Access Management (IAM), and Intelligent automation. Learn more: http://www.Dimiour.io.
Exotic Automation & Supply Im thrilled to have these three come together to support Exotic and help us continue our mission to be Parkers Distributor of choice and provide our customers best in class service Tom Marino, President & CEO of Exotic said.

Exotic Automation & Supply, a premier Parker Hannifin distributor, is proud to announce that effective July 1, 2023 three new members have joined their Board of Directors. These three individuals will bring tremendous distribution, manufacturing and financial experience and leadership to advise the company as they continue to diversify into new markets and product lines. The board members will also play a key role in advising how to continue to perfect and grow Exotics existing distribution and manufacturing business.

Exotic Automation & Supply welcomes the following members to the Board of Directors:

J. Michael Marks:

Mike Marks rejoins Exotics board after having previously served from 2000 to 2010. Mike spent two decades working in distribution management before co-founding Indian River Consulting Group where he specializes in distribution strategy, supply chain management, and outside sales strategy. Mike has also authored numerous books surrounding business and strategy, in addition to serving as a Faculty Member for Purdue Universitys University of Innovative Distribution and as a Research Fellow for the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors. With over 30 years of experience serving on other boards and advising expertise, Exotic is excited to welcome Mike back!

Ted Bojanowski:

Ted joins the board with over 40 years of industry experience in manufacturing, sales & marketing, and several Executive roles. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Teds previous experience includes roles as Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Garlock Sealing Technologies, President of Hagglunds Drives, and most recently Vice President of Global Mobile Sales, Marketing, and System Engineering at Parker Hannifin Corporation. Teds industry experience and leadership in OEM and defense markets makes him a great addition to Exotic.

Russell Smaston:

Russ also returns to Exotic as a board member after retiring from his position as Exotics CFO in early 2022. A graduate of Michigan State University, Russ spent seven years as a Manager for Arthur Andersen & Co., before leaving to join Exotic for the next 32 years. Russ financial, operational, and human resource experience and history with Exotic will complement the external experience and guidance from Mike and Ted.

Im thrilled to have these three come together to support Exotic and help us continue our mission to be Parkers Distributor of choice and provide our customers best in class service Tom Marino, President & CEO of Exotic said.

Exotic Automation & Supply was founded in 1963 and has grown to become one of Parker Hannifins largest distributors in the United States. Exotics headquarters is in New Hudson, Michigan and the company maintains full-service centers throughout Michigan & Indiana with locations in Ann Arbor, Freeland (Saginaw), Lansing, Taylor, Flint, Grand Rapids NW, Grand Rapids SE, Indianapolis, Jackson, Livonia, Noblesville, Port Huron, Rochester Hills, Shelby Township, St. Joseph, and Traverse City.


The Foodservice Packaging Institute and QSR magazine kick off their 12th competition with multiple award categories honoring excellence and innovation. Year after year weve been impressed with the creativity and initiative shown in each submission and look forward to seeing how the nominations embody the spirit of this competition.

Nominations are now being accepted for the bi-annual Foodservice Packaging Awards competition to honor excellence and innovation in foodservice packaging. The Foodservice Packaging Institute and QSR magazine kick off their 12th competition with multiple award categories to serve the industry.

Awards will be given in five categories. The top winners from each category will be eligible to win the coveted award of 2023 Foodservice Package of the Year. The categories are:



Excellence in Brand Delivery: For excellence in the use of graphics or graphic design elements on packaging to promote brand recognition.

Excellence in New Menu Launch: For excellence in packaging that supports the launch of a new menu item.

Innovation in Convenience: For innovative features that make packaging easier to use and/or more convenient for the consumer and/or foodservice workers.

Innovation in Manufacturing: For raw material, machinery and/or converting innovations that enhance packaging.

The Wow Factor: For packaging with that extra wow effect when consumers or foodservice operators use or see this item.

Year after year weve been impressed with the creativity and initiative shown in each submission and look forward to seeing how the nominations embody the spirit of this competition, said Natha Dempsey, president of FPI. We dont expect this year to be any different and were excited to see the packaging innovations emerging during economic uncertainty and increased focus on sustainability.

A panel of industry experts will judge the entries. FPI will honor the winners during the associations Fall Conference, October 2627 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. QSR will feature the results in its November 2023 issue.

Foodservice packaging manufacturers, their suppliers, foodservice operators, distributors, public relations firms and others are encouraged to enter the free competition by nominating themselves or others. For more information and to submit entries, please visit QSRs website.

ABOUT FPI: Founded in 1933, the Foodservice Packaging Institute is the trade association for the foodservice packaging industry in North America. FPI promotes the value and benefits of foodservice packaging and serves as the industrys leading authority to educate and influence stakeholders. Members include raw material and machinery suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and purchasers of foodservice packaging. For more information or to follow us on social media, visit http://www.FPI.org
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov is paying a visit to fraternal Turkiye at the invitation of Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Turkiye Yashar Guler in order to participate in the IDEF23 16th International Defense Industry Fair to be held in Istanbul, Trend reports.

The minister of defense will view the weapons, vehicles and military equipment produced by various companies that will be displayed at the fair.
Globee Awards for Leadership As a volunteer judge, you will gain unique insights into the remarkable leadership initiatives across different industries. Your participation will allow you to network with fellow experts, enhance your professional reputation, and contribute to the recognition of exceptional leadership.

The Globee Awards invites professionals in the business and workplace community to join the prestigious judges panel for the 11th Globee Awards for Leadership.

The Globee Awards for Leadership is an internationally recognized program celebrating outstanding leadership across various industries. As a judge, you will have the invaluable opportunity to contribute your expertise, knowledge, and insights in acknowledging and honoring exceptional leadership accomplishments.

Please visit and complete the online application form to apply for the judges panel here:

https://globeeawards.com/leadership/#judge

Globee Awards seeks professionals dedicated to fairness, impartiality, and excellence to serve as volunteer judges for the Globee Awards. Judges play a crucial role in the evaluation process, reviewing nominations and assessing the achievements and innovative approaches of individuals and organizations from around the globe.

As a volunteer judge, you will gain unique insights into the remarkable leadership initiatives across different industries. Your participation will allow you to network with fellow experts, enhance your professional reputation, and contribute to the recognition of exceptional leadership.

We invite professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise to apply to be a part of the esteemed judges panel. Whether you are a seasoned executive, an industry expert, or a thought leader, your valuable perspective will enrich the evaluation process and ensure the highest judging standards.

About the Globee Awards

The Globee Awards present recognition in nine programs and competitions, including Globee Awards for American Business, Globee Awards for Business, Globee Awards for Customer Excellence, Globee Awards for Cybersecurity, Globee Awards for Disruptors, Golden Bridge Awards, Globee Awards for Leadership, Globee Awards for Technology, and Globee Awards for Women In Business. For more information on the Globee Awards, visit https://globeeawards.com.

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Before his role at Socure, Burris served at the intersection of policy and delivery as the Chief of Staff in the White House Office of the Federal Chief Information Officer. "Jordans expertise is just what we need to continue to offer advice to victims, organizations, and policymakers based on real-world, real-time experiences," said Eva Velasquez, President and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center.

Jordan Burris of Socure, the leading provider of digital identity verification and fraud solutions, has joined the Board of Directors of the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), a nationally recognized nonprofit organization established to support victims of identity crime.

Burris is the Vice President and Head of Public Sector Strategy at Socure. In this role, he partners with government leaders to develop and scale Socures public sector offerings for accurate identity verification and fraud risk prevention. This includes leading efforts to promote and evangelize industry-leading concepts in digital identity inclusion and fairness.

I am thrilled to welcome Jordan Burris to the ITRCs Board of Directors, said Eva Velasquez, President and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center. Jordan is an industry leader with deep knowledge around identity verification and fraud risk management at a time when identity fraud is soaring. Jordans expertise is just what we need to continue to offer advice to victims, organizations, and policymakers based on real-world, real-time experiences.

Before his role at Socure, Burris served at the intersection of policy and delivery as the Chief of Staff in the White House Office of the Federal Chief Information Officer. He was responsible for orchestrating the execution of technology and cybersecurity efforts across two Presidential administrations, including overseeing the Federal Governments multi-billion-dollar technology budget. Burris is a transformational strategist and thought leader behind the development of government-wide technology and cybersecurity initiatives, notably in the digital identity domain. Prior to joining the government in 2017, Burris worked for Deloitte, helping both commercial and public sector clients improve their cybersecurity risk management practices.

Socures mission is to verify 100 percent of good identities in real-time and completely eliminate identity fraud for every applicant on the internet. We believe digital identity verification must be intersectional and work for everyone who chooses to engage in the process, said Burris. Across government and commercial sectors, digital services are under constant attack from cybercriminals, nation-state attackers and fraudsters. Meanwhile, people that are victims of identity theft struggle to access the services they need to operate in society - this is compounded for those seeking to access government benefits. Im excited to partner with the ITRC as we have a similar mission, and I look forward to our work together.

To view a full list of the ITRCs Board of Directors, click here.

About the Identity Theft Resource Center

Founded in 1999, the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC)is a national nonprofit organization established to empower and guide consumers, victims, business and government to minimize risk and mitigate the impact of identity compromise and crime. Through public and private support, the ITRC provides no-cost victim assistance and consumer education through its website live chat idtheftcenter.org, and toll-free phone number 888.400.5530.The ITRC also equips consumers and businesses with information about recent data breaches through its data breach tracking tool, notified. The ITRC offers help to specific populations, including the deaf/hard of hearing and blind/low vision communities.

Media Contact

Identity Theft Resource Center

Alex Achten

Director of Communications & Media Relations

888.400.5530 Ext. 3611

media@idtheftcenter.org
Justin Brands, a leading name in the western and cowboy boot industry, is thrilled to announce the prestigious induction of its esteemed Director of Event Marketing, Tom Feller, into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. This esteemed recognition highlights Feller's remarkable contributions to the sport of rodeo and his unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting Western heritage.

The ProRodeo Hall of Fame induction is a crowning achievement for Feller, a true icon in the world of rodeo marketing. His commitment to ProRodeo programs such as the Justin Sportsmedicine Team, the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund and Chairman of the PRCA Board of Directors gained him entrance into the Hall.

Before his time at Justin Brands, Inc., Feller was an esteemed barrel man. He clowned at the National Finals Rodeo in 1981 and was an alternate in 1976, 1982, and 1985. He was also chosen as the PRCA Clown of the Year in 1981 and 1987. For years, Feller worked as a bullfighter with his brother Jim Bob Feller.

Under Feller's visionary leadership at Justin Brands, event marketing initiatives have soared to new heights, further solidifying the company's commitment to the rodeo community. Through strategic partnerships and innovative campaigns, Feller has played a vital role in elevating the brand's presence in the rodeo world and beyond.

"Tom Feller's induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame is a testament to his unparalleled passion for rodeo and his extraordinary contributions to the sport," said John Sweeney, President of Justin Brands, Inc. "His commitment to the Justin Sportsmedicine Team, the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, and the sport of rodeo has not only strengthened our brand but has positively impacted the entire rodeo community. We are immensely proud to have him as part of our team and congratulate him on this well-deserved honor."

Feller's journey in the rodeo industry has been marked by a deep appreciation for the sport's traditions and a commitment to advancing its reach to new audiences. From organizing world-class rodeo competitions to supporting local rodeo associations, Feller's dedication has left an indelible mark on the rodeo landscape.

The ProRodeo Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on July 15, 2023, in Colorado Springs, where Feller joined an elite group of rodeo legends who have been recognized for their exceptional contributions to the sport. This prestigious honor will further solidify Feller's legacy as a true trailblazer in the rodeo marketing sphere.

Learn more about Feller at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.

About Justin Boots

Justin Boots is a brand of Western footwear that was founded in 1879 by H.J. Justin. The company is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, and produces a wide range of boots for both men and women, including cowboy boots, work boots, and casual shoes. Justin Boots is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and use of premium materials and has a reputation for being a trusted brand in the Western footwear market. For more information, visit justinboots.com.


Lady Justice and the Company

Maury Berthon marks his return to the publishing scene with the release of Lady Justice and the Company (published by Archway Publishing), the story of a CIA officer and genius who is charged with the murder of his wife, but proving his innocence could be difficult as authorities are bogged down by secrets and lies.

Stanley Michael Woods is a gifted spy for the Central Intelligence Agency. Authorities are shocked when Stans beautiful wife is murdered. Although the evidence does not add up, Stan is arrested for her death. Now, the Agency must put together a skilled legal team to save their man.

There are so many unanswered questions. If Stan used a hammer to murder his wife, why was he not covered in blood? And, why did Stans young daughter flee the scene instead of staying with her father? Stan could be guilty, but there is another more ominous option: that Foreign Intelligence Officers murdered Stans wife in an attempt to destroy him.

I feel my writing brings the reader into the events taking place in the book. I believe the reader becomes part of the book not just an observer of it, Berthon says. When asked what he wants readers to take away from the book, he answered, I want the reader to enjoy the book and feel their time was well spent in reading it. Ideally, I would hope the reader will come away from the book with a hunger to read more of my works. For more details about the book, please visit https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Justice-Company-Maury-Berthon/dp/1665738537

Lady Justice and the Company

By Maury Berthon

Softcover | 5.5 x 8.5in | 302 pages | ISBN 9781665738538

E-Book | 302 pages | ISBN 9781665738545

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Maury Berthon spent 25 years with the Federal Bureau of Investigation working all over the world. He is a licensed attorney and proud Marine who currently lives with his wife Beth, in the New Orleans area. This is his third novel.

Simon & Schuster, a company with nearly ninety years of publishing experience, has teamed up with Author Solutions, LLC, the worldwide leader in self-publishing, to create Archway Publishing. With unique resources to support books of all kind, Archway Publishing offers a specialized approach to help every author reach his or her desired audience. For more information, visit archwaypublishing.com or call 844-669-3957.
Lydia Kirkland is one of three recipients of the 2023 Shannon Kelly Kane Scholarship. Each of these recipients has had a huge impact on their respective collegiate chapters by promoting opportunities in music education and making contributions to their communities. We know the future is bright when we see how much these individuals have already made to the profession.

The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) honored Lydia Kirkland of the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), Sharon Tran of the University of North Georgia (UNG), and Ethan Watkins of Converse University as the recipients of the 2023 Shannon Kelly Kane Scholarship. Lydia, Sharon, and Ethan were presented the scholarships during the June 2023 NAfME National Leadership Assembly and Collegiate Leadership Advocacy Summit. The Shannon Kelly Kane Scholarship was created by Shannons family and friends in coordination with NAfME to honor her exemplary life and her love of teaching music. The scholarship award is open to current NAfME Collegiate members, who have been nominated for NAfME Collegiate Professional Achievement Recognition.

NAfME is very proud to honor the legacy of Shannon Kelly Kane, and this year we are pleased to offer this recognition to three outstanding recipients, said NAfME President Scott R. Sheehan. On behalf of the National Executive Board, it is my pleasure to offer our most sincere congratulations to Lydia, Sharon, and Ethan for their dedication, leadership, and outstanding service. Each of these recipients has had a huge impact on their respective collegiate chapters by promoting opportunities in music education and making contributions to their communities. We know the future is bright when we see how much these individuals have already made to the profession, and theyre just getting started. We wish them all well and look forward to learning about their continued success in the future.

Lydia Kirkland took on the role of vice president during her sophomore year in Fall 2020 and was continually reelected to the position until this past fall, when she began serving as chapter president, shared Katrina A. Cox, UNO assistant professor of choral music education; Morgan Thompson, vice president of UNO Collegiate NAfME; and Dr. Karen Fannin, director of the UNO School of Music. Faculty, staff, and her peers have come to depend on her steadfast dedication to service, attention to detail, and commitment to bettering programs. Under Lydias leadership with fellow officers, UNO Collegiate NAfME created community in the School of Music through social activities and professional learning sessions, resulting in increased membership numbers and participation, which included students outside the music education concentration. The UNO Collegiate NAfME chapter was presented twice with the Distinguished Chapter Award in Nebraska as well as receiving the National Chapter of Excellence for Professional Development award. The work she chooses to engage with is also rooted in service, those nominating Lydia added, including working with local marching bands, the Omaha Area Youth Orchestras, the Nebraska Medical Orchestra, and the UNO Daycare. Her attitude, supportive nature, and hard work has been noted by many.

Sharon Tran has been an active member of the University of North Georgia NAfME Collegiate chapter since her first year and has served in leadership for three consecutive years. She is currently the president of the UNG NAfME Collegiate chapter. Sharon not only attends every UNG NAfME Collegiate-sponsored event, but she also takes lead on most events coordinating workflows, presentations, and professional development opportunities at UNG, shared Dr. Marie Graham, UNG Assistant Professor of Music. She has served as a student intern at the United Forsyth Orchestra Day for two years and also at the BookNotes project. She has served as a student presenter at the Georgia Music Educators Association Conference in 2022 and 2023. Sharon was the lead presenter at the NAfME Collegiate Advocacy Summit in June 2022 for the UNG Chapter of Excellence presentation in the professional development category. Sharon is a very organized and sought-after intern by our area school partners assisting with instrument demonstrations, band camps, etc., continued Dr. Graham. She is a true leader having earned the respect of her professors and peer musicians. I believe that Miss Tran will continue in NAfME leadership in whatever teaching position she lands, both at the county and state levels.

Ethan Watkins is one of those rare students who sees a need and is motivated to address it. Never satisfied with doing the minimum to get by, he works hard at everything he does, shared Susana M. Lalama, Converse University NAfME Collegiate chapter advisor and director of the Petrie School of Music; Patricia S. Foy, Converse University professor of music education; and Cassandra N. Shaddock, Converse University NAfME Collegiate chapter president. Among Ethans contributions is coordinating travel arrangements for his chapter to the South Carolina Music Educators Association conference, as well as organizing educational meetings for the Converse campus chapter. After taking the modern band course as a sophomore, he later served as a student teacher of the modern band class during the January 2023 term. In addition to successful community events, Ethan was heavily involved in organizing and presenting a themed School of the Arts MET Gala in October 2022, and helped spearhead a Winterfest instrument petting zoo for local children in December 2022. Ethan is a true asset to our music education program as well as the university at large, and will, no doubt, be a future leader in music education, added the individuals who nominated him.

Learn about past recipients of the Shannon Kelly Kane Scholarship, NAfME Collegiate Chapter of Excellence Recognition, and NAfME Collegiate Professional Achievement Awards. To learn more about the NAfME Collegiate program, visit nafme.org/membership/collegiate.

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The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) is a collaborative community that supports music educators and advocates for equitable access to music education. The only association that addresses all aspects of music education, NAfME, together with its affiliated state music education associations, advocates at the national, state, and local levels and provides resources and opportunities for teachers, students, parents, and administrators. Founded in 1907 and representing more than 53,000 members teaching millions of students, NAfME advances the music education profession and promotes lifelong experiences in music.

Follow NAfME on Twitter (twitter.com/nafme) and on Facebook (facebook.com/nafme).
Left to right: NAfME President Scott R. Sheehan; Ty Frederick and Neil Swapp of NMMEA; and Jazzmone Sutton, NAfME State Advocacy Engagement Manager. Photo by Ashlee Wilcox Photography. Their focus on restructuring leadership opportunities and building community within the membership is making a difference not only for NMMEA, but for music education and for the students.

The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) honored the New Mexico Music Educators Association (NMMEA) with the 2023 NAfME Excellence in Advocacy Award in recognition of their efforts advocating for music education. NAfME President and Board Chair Scott R. Sheehan presented the award during the Together Towards Tomorrow NAfME National Assembly gathering in Washington, DC, in June.

On behalf of the NAfME National Executive Board, we offer our deepest congratulations and thanks to the New Mexico Music Educators Association for all of their work in bringing a spotlight to music education this past year in their state, shared NAfME President Scott R. Sheehan. As we are all transforming how our associations operate, the New Mexico MEA has taken several small steps that have made a big impact. Their focus on restructuring leadership opportunities and building community within the membership is making a difference not only for NMMEA, but for music education and for the students. Their efforts to intentionally engage members from rural and urban areas in New Mexico has resulted in stronger communication with their state and national legislatures. We are pleased to honor them for their transformative work and look forward to seeing the results of their efforts in the years to come.

New Mexico Music Educators Association strategically focused on community building within their organization as a form of advocacy. NMMEA used differentiated communication styles to build community within the membership. One example was the weekly advocacy challenges shared with members. These were easy, actionable small tasks to encourage members to participate in yearlong advocacy efforts. Challenges ranged from the school, community, local, state, and federal level.

Using feedback from members, they restructured service and leadership opportunities within the organization. This led to more transparency and broadened membership engagement. With this transparency, NMMEA drew more engagement from their rural and urban areas.

NMMEA hosted town halls throughout the year as a space for members to share their thoughts and build connections and networks. During the 2022 NAfME Virtual Hill Week held September 1923, NMMEA efforts resulted in three times as many advocacy messages being sent to Capitol Hill from New Mexico members than any other state.

The NAfME Excellence in Advocacy award, presented annually at the NAfME National Leadership Assembly, recognizes a state music education association (MEA) for outstanding accomplishments in music education advocacy. State MEAs around the country are advocating by meeting with State Boards of Education, advocating to state legislatures, and engaging affected parties in advocating for music education. The 2022 Excellence in Advocacy Award recipient was the Georgia Music Educators Association. The 2021 Excellence in Advocacy Award recipients were Louisiana, Ohio, and Vermont Music Educators Associations; the 2020 Excellence in Advocacy Award recipient was the Wisconsin Music Educators Association; the 2019 Excellence in Advocacy Award recipient was the Florida Music Education Association; and the 2018 Excellence in Advocacy Award recipient was the Michigan Music Educators Association.

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The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) is a collaborative community that supports music educators and advocates for equitable access to music education. The only association that addresses all aspects of music education, NAfME, together with its affiliated state music education associations, advocates at the national, state, and local levels and provides resources and opportunities for teachers, students, parents, and administrators. Founded in 1907 and representing more than 53,000 members teaching millions of students, NAfME advances the music education profession and promotes lifelong experiences in music.

Follow NAfME on Twitter (twitter.com/nafme) and on Facebook (facebook.com/nafme).
RapidScale Best Places to Work 2023 Winner by Triangle Business Journal This past year, our business and workforce have scaled tremendously and with that growth, RapidScale continues to prioritize its people.

RapidScale, a Cox Business company, has earned a spot as one of the Triangle Business Journals Best Places to Work honorees for three years in a row. To view TBJs Best Places to Work 2023 winners, visit https://bizj.us/1qj14f.

Were honored to have been recognized for another consecutive year among the many great businesses in the Triangle area, said Duane Barnes, vice president and general manager of RapidScale. This past year, our business and workforce have scaled tremendously and with that growth, RapidScale continues to prioritize its people. The teams hard work, dedication, and talent are the driving forces behind our companys success. As a high-growth technology company, were committed to creating a transparent, inclusive, and collaborative company culture where our people thrive personally and professionally. Leading our employees in reaching their full potential is a key part of delivering exceptional service to our clients and Im looking forward to what our team can achieve together.

The winners were chosen based on an employee-survey process conducted by Quantum Workplace. Once nominated, a company had to meet a threshold in employee participation  a percentage that varies based upon the size of the company  to be eligible to be honored. Companies receive this award because their organization received high marks in areas such as team effectiveness, trust with co-workers, manager effectiveness and work engagements. 2023 honorees have been featured in the Business Journal's Best Places to Work special edition, as well as online.

RapidScale continues to lead its employees to reach their full potential with the same unwavering values of its parent company, Cox Business, fostering a collaborative, innovative and inclusive workplace. In addition, the team creates an open and aspiring environment that attracts top talent and ensures the highest level of customer service.

About Triangle Business Journal

The Triangle Business Journal is a multi-platform media company providing in-depth coverage of local business communities and breaking news reaching more than 491,000 readers each week. Through print, digital products such as its twice-a-day emailed news digests and face-to-face events, the Business Journal offers business leaders many avenues for making connections and gives them a competitive edge locally, regionally and nationally. Visit us at https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/ to learn more.

About RapidScale

RapidScale is a platform that simplifies IT. We help lean IT teams manage the technology that is vital to running day-to-day operations so they can stay focused on driving growth. We deliver it as-a-Service, with flexible management options, making technology accessible through our industry-leading management portal, putting the power to scale at their fingertips.

Already a powerhouse in managed services, the acquisition of Logicworks, a managed public cloud and modernization company, gives RapidScale an even more robust portfolio to simplify IT migration, modernization, and management putting lean IT teams back in control and enabling them to focus on business success and growth. For more information, visit http://www.rapidscale.net.

About Cox Business

The commercial division of Cox Communications, Cox Business, provides a broad commercial solutions portfolio including advanced cloud and managed IT solutions and fiber-based network solutions that create connected environments, unique hospitality experiences and support diverse applications for nearly 370,000 businesses nationwide. For more information, please visit http://www.coxbusiness.com.

Media Contact

Nikki Salazar

nikki.salazar@rapidscale.net
Given that most air carrier close calls happened within 1.5 miles of a runway approach or departure zone, researchers recommended extending the runway exclusion zone for drones at the ends of high-risk runways, from about 1 mile to 3.5 miles.

Researchers have developed a new way to accurately count and objectively analyze close encounters between drones and airplanes  without depending solely on pilot sightings.

In a peer-reviewed study published by the Society of Automotive Engineers in the SAE International Journal of Aerospace, researchers looked at more than 1.8 million piloted aircraft operations and nearly 460,000 flights by small-uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) around Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, a major hub.

Between August 2018 and July 2021, researchers with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Unmanned Robotic Systems Analysis (URSA) identified 24 near-midair collisions (NMACs) in which sUAS or drones came within 500 feet of piloted aircraft.

Given that most air carrier close calls happened within 1.5 miles of a runway approach or departure zone, researchers recommended extending the runway exclusion zone for drones at the ends of high-risk runways, from about 1 mile to 3.5 miles.

That modification would provide enhanced protection for piloted aircraft operating at less than 500 feet above ground level during approach or departure, said Ryan Wallace, associate professor of Aeronautical Science. Typically, small uncrewed aircraft dont fly above 400 feet.

Gathering Objective Evidence

Up to this point, information about narrow escapes between sUAS and airplanes has been based on subjective reports from pilots who must simultaneously identify and evade drones in the air. Existing information does not include sUAS not spotted by pilots. Yet, the FAA received an alarming 2,596 pilot reports in 2021  more than double the 1,210 reports during the first full calendar year of tracking in 2015.

Now, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University researchers have devised an objective way to gather detailed information about NMACs between drones and airplanes.

They analyzed sUAS and aircraft telemetry data collected using an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) detection device connected to an antenna atop Dallas-Fort Worth Airports busy Terminal C concourse. For each sUAS within a 30-mile radius, the device captured telemetry, altitude, launch location and other details.

Researchers combined that information with ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast), as well as Mode S messages transmitted by airplanes and tracked by the OpenSky Network. To better understand and visualize the resulting data, all information was fed into URSAs Airspace Awareness Platform, or AAP-NMAC  a proprietary data analytics software.

We hope that our findings will help improve aviation safety by reducing the risk of collisions between unmanned aircraft systems and piloted aircraft operating in the National Airspace System, Wallace said.

Understanding Near-Miss Events

Over the nearly three-year study period, researchers detected 24 close-call events, including two in 2018, one in 2019, 14 in 2020 and seven in 2021. Across all of the NMACs, the mean lateral distance between the drone and the airplane was only about 215 feet. Commercial air carriers were involved in 11 NMACs, while seven incidents involved helicopters and six involved general aviation aircraft.

All of the helicopter encounters happened within 1.25 miles of a heliport. Similarly, in 10 of the 11 air carrier encounters, the aircraft was within 1.5 miles of approach or departure and lower than 500 feet above the ground.

Operations within the vicinity of an airport are critical flight phases for pilots with high workload levels. It is within these areas where aircraft have added susceptibly of a collision with sUAS, said Scott Winter, associate professor of Graduate Studies and associate dean for research, who was a co-author of the research article. The findings from this study provide objective data for operators, government agencies and airlines to understand sUAS operations better and prevent possible conflicts.

As of 2020, an estimated 1.46 million sUAS were operating in the National Airspace System, the FAA has reported. By 2025, the FAA predicts the small uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS) fleet will include nearly 2.4 million units.

The proliferation of drones, particularly ones available to the general public, poses obvious risks, said research collaborator and professor of Human Factors Dr. Stephen Rice. Unfortunately, not all drone operators are responsible, knowledgeable or safety-minded. Many of them are not even aware of the rules they must follow.

Of the 24 NMACs identified by Embry-Riddle researchers, Rice noted, the same three sUAS were responsible for more than half (13) of the encounters. Further, in 96% of the cases (23), the drone was operating in excess of the maximum permissible altitude for that area.

Though rare, NMACs between drones and piloted aircraft have happened. On Sept. 18, 2020, a Los Angeles police helicopter hit a drone, requiring an emergency landing. A second helicopter-sUAS collision over Los Angeles had been reported nine months earlier.

This fall, the FAA will implement a new requirement so that all drone operators will need a remote identification or RID signal to enhance safety and security. For those drone operators who comply with the requirement, Wallace noted, RID signals should further enhance objective information about near-miss encounters between drones and airplanes.

The journal article describing these findings is entitled Three Case Studies on Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems Near Midair Collisions with Aircraft: An Evidence-Based Approach for Using Objective Uncrewed Aerial Systems Detection Technology (DOI: 10.4271/01-16-03-0023), in the SAE [Society of Automotive Engineers] International Journal of Aerospace. In addition to Wallace, Winter and Rice, co-authors include graduate student Sang-A Lee and David C. Kovar of Unmanned Robotics Systems Analysis, USA.

About Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Reporters worldwide contact Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for content experts in all aspects of aviation, aviation business, aerospace, engineering and STEM-related fields. Our faculty experts specialize in unmanned and autonomous systems, security and intelligence, air traffic and airport management, astronomy, human factors psychology, meteorology, spaceflight operations, urban air mobility and much more. Visit the Embry-Riddle Newsroom for story ideas.

Embry-Riddle educates 31,300+ students at its residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida and Prescott, Arizona, at approximately 110 Worldwide Campus locations and through online degree programs. In 2023, U.S. News & World Report named Embry-Riddle Worldwide the nations No. 2 provider of online bachelors degree programs. The university has ranked either No. 1 or No. 2 in this category every year since 2016. Our residential campuses hold multiple Top 10 rankings. All of our campuses have been ranked Best for Veterans.

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PTI Fact Check: No, the govt did not seek support for Uniform Civil Code through phone number, website; Social media posts shared with false claims

New Delhi, July 20 (Abhinav Gupta / Pratyush Ranjan PTI Fact Check): Various social media posts have been circulating about the issue throughout the ongoing political row over Uniform Civil Code. The PTI Fact Check Desk received two such social media posts, with the request to fact-check their claims of showing the process of supporting UCC.

A Twitter user shared posters with PM Modis photo and a phone number and claimed that one could extend his support to the UCC by giving a missed call to that phone number. The Desk found that the number shared in the Twitter post was of BJPs Missed Call Campaign, a door-to-door contact campaign to garner support for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Another post by a Facebook user purportedly showed a step-by-step process of supporting UCC by visiting the Law Commission of Indias website. The Desk found that the method listed in the Facebook post was an exercise by the Law Commission of India to take the stakeholders' opinions, views and ideas for the bill and not an exercise to garner support.

The Desk debunked the two claims separately, and here is what it found-

Claim 1

A Twitter user on June 28 shared a series of posters of PM Modi with a Give missed call to support to honourable Modi ji text on it in different languages, along with a phone number. The post's caption claimed that giving a missed call on the given phone number before June 6 could extend support to Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

Give a missed call to the number: 9090902024 to indicate your consent for Uniform Civil Code. 2 million Muslims & Christians have voted against it. It is for all Hindus to consent to UCC by giving a missed call before 6.7.2023, read the caption of the post shared by the Twitter user.

Here is the link and the archived link. Below is the screenshot of the same.

Investigation

The PTI Fact Check Desk started its investigation with a Google Search using the Keywords 9090902024 UCC campaign, which led to an article published by Economic Times on May 30, 2023. BJP's mass connect campaign begins, read the headline.

Here is the link, and the screenshot of the post news report is below.

In the 2024 general election run-up, the BJP on Tuesday launched a 'missed call' campaign to expand its support base. The initiative is similar to the party's membership drive in 2019, read a portion of the article published by Times of India.

The Google Keyword Search also led to a press release on BJPs website that confirmed the launch of BJPs missed call campaign and carried the same number as the one shared in the viral photo.

Here is the link to BJPs press release, and below is a screenshot of the same.

A website has also been launched which focuses on the nine years of the Narendra Modi Government, and a missed call number, 9090902024, has also been launched. In the next month, the Bharatiya Janata Party will organise its various programmes through 144 clusters covering 543 Lok Sabha seats and over 4000 Vidhan Sabha seats, read a portion of the press release.

In the next part of the investigation, the PTI Fact Check Desk conducted another Google Keyword Search using UCC missed call to check if there was a formal way to support UCC, which led to an article by PTI published on July 7.

Law panel cautions people against fraudulent WhatsApp messages and calls in its name over UCC issue, read the news article headline.

Here is the link to the PTI report, and below is a screenshot of the same:

Subsequently, the desk concluded that there was no missed call campaign to garner support for UCC by the Centre, the BJPs forgotten call campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections was shared with a false claim.

Claim 2

A Facebook user shared a photo on July 1 that purportedly showed a handwritten guide in Hindi to support UCC by visiting the Law Commission of Indias website.

Process for supporting UCC, read the caption of the post.

Here is the link and archive link to the Facebook post. Below is a screenshot of the same:

Investigation  Claim 2

The Desk started its investigation following a step-by-step guide shared by the Facebook user. Upon opening the disclaimer tab on the Law Commission of Indias website, the Desk came across a public notice document issued on June 14.

Here is the link to the document; below is a screenshot of the same:

Accordingly, the 22nd Law Commission of India decided again to solicit the views and ideas of the public at large and recognised religious organisations about the Uniform Civil Code. Interested and willing people may present their views within 30 days from the date of the Notice through the click here button or by Email at membersecretary-lci@gov.in to the Law Commission of India, read a portion of the issued notice.

The 'click here hyperlinked text led to another tab where one could share their answers on UCC.

Subsequently, the Desk concluded that the Law Commission of Indias notification had sought the views, inputs and ideas of the stakeholders on the issue of UCC. Nowhere in the issued information was it specified that this was an exercise to garner the support of UCC. The social media post was shared with a misleading claim.

Claim

People could extend support to the UCC in two ways: by giving a missed call on a number and by following a process on the Law Commissions website.

Fact

The number mentioned for the missed call exercise was BJPs Missed Call Campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Meanwhile, the portal on the Law Commission of Indias website was for stakeholders to send their views and suggestions on UCC.

Conclusion

Two social media users shared posts claiming that they were methods to extend support to the Uniform Civil Code  one by giving missed calls on a phone number and the second on the website of the Law Commission of India. In its investigation, the Desk found that the phone number shared in the Twitter post was of BJPs Missed Call Campaign, a door-to-door contact campaign to garner support for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. On the other hand, the step-wise guide listed in the Facebook post was an exercise by the Law Commission of India for taking stakeholders' opinions, views and ideas for the bill on UCC, and not an exercise particularly to garner support for the same. The social media posts were shared with false claims.

You can contact PTI Fact Check on WhatsApp Number +91-8130503759 and share any claim or social media post you think is essential to fact-check and want us to verify.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, on another occasion, made groundless allegations about the situation in the region in his interview with Le Monde, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan said in a statement, Trend reports.

Identification by the Prime Minister of Armenia of a puppet regime established by Armenia through the gravest war crimes targeted against humanity, including ethnic cleansing and genocide against the Azerbaijani population of the region, as "democratically elected authorities" is a vivid example of a continuing policy of aggression and actions by Armenian officials. This assertion by the Prime Minister of Armenia is also in clear contradiction with the statement that "Armenia recognizes Azerbaijans territorial integrity, including Karabakh."

Armenia, as a country that supports aggression policies and separatism while demanding the removal of the Lachin border checkpoint that hinders the illegal activities against Azerbaijan in the region, has to understand that the establishment of a checkpoint in Lachin is completely in line with international law. This measure was undertaken to prevent the malign actions of Armenia, and the existence of the checkpoint is not a subject of discussion. Also, the International Court of Justice, while rejecting Armenias request in its Order of July 6, once again confirmed that Azerbaijans measure to establish a checkpoint on the border is a sovereign and legitimate decision.

Moreover, the refusal by the Armenian side of the initiative and the proposal by the Azerbaijani side to use the "Aghdam-Khankandi" road to meet the needs of the Armenian residents of the Karabakh region that were positively met by the international actors, including the European Council President Charles Michel, demonstrate that allegations about a "grave humanitarian situation" in the region do not reflect reality. This is also an indication of Armenias intention to misuse the current situation as political blackmail. Armenia pursues the continuation of illegal activities in the territory of Azerbaijan.

Dissemination by the Armenian Prime Minister of allegations about the "blockade," while turning a blind eye to the activities of the International Red Cross Committee in the region, the passage of dozens of Armenian residents through the checkpoint in both directions on a daily basis, and the initiation by Azerbaijan about using alternative routes, including the "Aghdam-Khankandi" road, is an attempt at manipulation of international public opinion.

"It is absurd and hypocritical that Armenia, while being a country grossly violating all the norms and principles of international law for 30 years, ignoring four UN Security Council Resolutions, as well as warnings by international organizations against Armenian aggression and a policy of ethnic cleansing towards Azerbaijan, calls for measures against Azerbaijan at the international level," the MFA said.

Ending attempts by Armenian officials to intervene in the reintegration measures of Armenians living in their sovereign territories of Azerbaijan and unconditional confirmation of Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity by Armenia, both in words and deeds, are the most necessary conditions to ensure peace in the region.

It is absolutely unacceptable for the Armenian leadership to condition the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan under any pretext; it is a blow to the efforts aimed at the normalization of relations between the two countries and serves to maintain tension in the region.

The Armenian side must finally understand that its efforts to obstruct the restoration of peace and stability in the region will not yield any results.

"We call on the Armenian side to put an end to provocative actions and statements and to comply with its international obligations," the MFA said in a statement.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. The Press Council of Azerbaijan calls on the international community to condemn the actions of Armenia, Trend reports.

The Shusha Global Media Forum on "New Media in the Era of the 4th Industrial Revolution", held from July 21 through July 23, has become a significant event in Azerbaijan, in the South Caucasus region, and in the world as a whole in terms of audience coverage and variety of topics, the statement said.

Moreover, reputable media, heads of journalistic organizations, and experts discussed in detail topical issues in the media, information, and communication spheres for two days.

"Unfortunately, during the event, as in previous cases, Armenia continued its slanderous campaign against Azerbaijan. Addressing the participants, 11 journalistic organizations in this country showed inappropriate sentimentality, condemned representatives of foreign media, and urged them to leave Shusha. The statements in the appeal that allegedly the Armenian residents of Karabakh are in a "blockade", and the appeal to foreign journalists to raise this issue were nothing more than an attempt to politicize this important event and get a dividend from it," the statement said.

Furthermore, the Armenian side has sent the same appeal to international organizations. It also contains statements against the forum, condemns the activities of foreign journalists participating in the event, and expresses other unacceptable opinions. Moreover, threatening letters were sent to the e-mail addresses of these journalists; they were blackmailed and, in the true sense of the word, terrorized. Some participants even had to temporarily close their social media accounts.

In addition, the dissemination of false statements on behalf of the participants of the Shusha Forum, in which they allegedly express ideas aimed at lifting the "blockade" of Karabakh, is completely unacceptable.

"Those who claim to be engaged in media activities in Armenia actually oppose the peace agenda in the South Caucasus region; their provocative actions are an abuse of journalism and a disregard for professional principles. The Press Council of Azerbaijan is concerned about this," the statement said.

Moreover, the Council considers that such cases aimed at misleading international public opinion and threats to representatives of foreign media are completely unacceptable and require a decisive reaction. The configuration calls on the international community as well as the world's leading journalistic organizations to show solidarity in this matter and take appropriate measures.

At the same time, the Press Council of Azerbaijan deeply regrets the use of dirty political technologies by the Armenian media. The Council believes that the media agencies of both Azerbaijan and Armenia should serve to normalize relations between the countries and not destroy them.

"Such speculative steps by Armenia and pro-Armenian circles will not have any results. The Press Council of Azerbaijan is confident that the Shusha Global Media Forum, acquiring an ongoing nature, will become an authoritative platform on which problems in the field of media around the world will be comprehensively discussed. It would be good for Armenian journalists not to fall into their own trap and, in the future, to be represented on this platform and contribute to the protection of journalistic values," the statement said.
The 2023 honorees named to IBJ Medias second annual Indiana 250, a list of the states most influential and impactful leaders include Purdue President Mung Chiang, President Emeritus Mitch Daniels, Executive Vice President for Research Karen Plaut, Trustees Mike Berghoff, Lawrence Sonny Beck and JoAnn Brouillette and many Purdue alumni.

President Chiang and EVPR Plaut join the list of 23 leaders in the NotforProfit & Education category, which includes school and university officials and notforprofit and foundation executives.

The overall Indiana 250 list for 2023 comprises primarily business leaders, including executives who are guiding the states largest and most important public and private companies.

Michael Berghoff, chair of Purdues Board of Trustees, is listed in the Manufacturing, Logistics & Transportation category, while longtime trustees Lawrence Sonny Beck and JoAnn Brouillette made the Energy & Agriculture category.

Purdue President Emeritus Mitch Daniels, who served two terms as Indianas 49th governor from 2005-13, is listed in the Civic Leadership category. Daniels remains chair of the Purdue Research Foundation and also is a distinguished scholar and senior advisor for Carmel-based Liberty Fund, a not-for-profit education foundation focused on a free society.

Prominent Purdue alumni also on the 2023 Indiana 250 honorees list are:

Media contact: Trevor Peters, peter237@purdue.edu
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. A Purdue University invention will soon give engineers real-time data from Indianapolis newest interstate section, potentially preventing potholes, reducing construction traffic jams and saving taxpayer dollars spent on road repairs.

Purdue researchers, Indiana Department of Transportation crews and WaveLogix installed concrete sensors invented by Purdue professor Luna Lu into the future I-465 interchange to I-69 south on Indianapolis south side on Tuesday (July 25). The sensor allows concrete to talk, decreases construction time and how often concrete pavement needs repairs, while also improving the roads sustainability and cutting its carbon footprint.

The sensor was embedded directly into a concrete pour and sends engineers more precise, consistent data about the concretes strength and need for repair than is possible with currently used tools and methods. States across the country with concrete interstate pavement have signed up to participate in a Federal Highway Administration pooled fund study to try out the technology. Indiana joins Missouri, Tennessee and Texas in embedding the sensors.

More information about the sensors can be found here.

B-roll, sound bites and photos from the embedding on Tuesday can be found here.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a public research institution with Excellence at Scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities (Times Higher Education/Wall Street Journal and QS), with two colleges in the top 4 in the United States (U.S. News & World Report), Purdue discovers and disseminates knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 105,000 students study at Purdue across modalities and locations, with 50,000 in person on the West Lafayette campus. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdues main campus has frozen tuition 12 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap, including its first comprehensive urban campus in Indianapolis, the new Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, and Purdue Innovates, at https://stories.purdue.edu.

Media contact: Kayla Albert, wiles5@purdue.edu
The surging security relationship between the United States and Taiwan is exposing some long-simmering differences, with questions about Taiwan's defense investments atop Washington's list of concerns.

Washington and Taipei agree on the goal of protecting Taiwan's security, and they are forging the most comprehensive ties in decades. Taiwan faces an existential threat, but Taiwan is not responding in a way that suggests that they accept this when you consider both how much they are spending for their defense and what they are spending it on. Taiwan has taken its own path, which is causing growing concern in Washington that time and resources are being squandered.

For over 15 years, U.S. analysts have assessed that Taiwan's military is not suited to defending against an invasion and issued urgent recommendations detailing concrete steps Taiwan can take to improve its defenses. For its part, Taiwan has articulated a clear defense concept: resist the enemy on the opposite shore, attack it at sea, destroy it in the littoral area, and annihilate it on the beachhead. The magnitude of the threat suggests that Taiwan will need considerable capacity to interdict adversary forces in each layer. But Taiwan is not devoting sufficient resources to implementation of this defense concept.

In response to the military provocations by the mainland in August 2022, Taiwan increased defense spending but the defense budget does not reflect any urgency, given Taiwan's strong economy. But even within the constraints of current budget levels, Taiwan is not getting all it could from its investment. Recent decisions commit a large fraction of its future defense budget to systems that are not suited to defending against a concerted attack from the mainland. This will lock in spending for years to come on vulnerable or unproductive systems.

Recent decisions commit a large fraction of Taiwan's future defense budget to systems that are not suited to defending against a concerted attack from the mainland. Share on Twitter

Much of Taiwan's investments are devoted to expensive trophies that in the face of an invasion will quickly become irrelevant. Taiwan's security is closely tied to its relationship with the United States, and buying expensive items, like fighter aircraft, is seen in Taiwan as solidifying their security relationship with the United States and boosting morale, even though experts recognize the unsuitability of these systems in wartime. At the same time, Taiwan seeks to build its own defense industry, and one of the most-expensive systems Taiwan is currently pursuing is an indigenously built submarine. This ignores a preference from the United States, made fairly clear in recent years, that Taiwan move away from such systems and toward capabilities that can exploit adversary weaknesses.

Taiwan does not reject this advice outright, but the resources to implement the layered defense concept are paltry and will remain underfunded for decades to come because Taiwan is committing itself to a fiscal straitjacket that will fix a major share of defense spending on fighter aircraft and submarines. Fighter aircraft are not survivable, and submarines have highly constrained strike capacity. These systems are not only expensive to purchase, but are extremely costly to operate, locking in budget share far into the future. This is a major misallocation of defense resources, which Taiwan cannot afford.

Taiwan views the mainland as capable of threatening Taiwan's economic, political, and security interests. Among these avenues of interference, many in Taiwan view the economic and political threats as more likely than an invasion and potentially quite damaging in themselves. After decades of hearing about a potential invasion threat, many now discount its possibility. This is reflected in numerous public opinion polls. One, conducted in September 2022, after a period of increased military activity by the mainland around Taiwan, found that around 40 percent of respondents were either unconcerned, or slightly concerned about an invasion of Taiwan. This is also reflected in official documents. For instance, the Taiwan military's 2021 National Defense Report has a section identifying threats to Taiwan, which lacks a discussion of an invasion from the mainland.

This difference in outlook is the source of the friction. Taiwan's capabilities and investment choices matter to the United States because the military challenge to Taiwan creates many operational problems that could hamper U.S. support. Of particular concern is the ability of the mainland to use long-range precision weapons to strike targets on or near Taiwan, coupled with an ability to generate a large force that threatens to overwhelm defenses. Every year, the United States is devoting more and more defense resources to preparing for an invasion across the Taiwan Strait. But, the United States alone cannot secure Taiwan.

Taiwan's leaders may doubt that the mainland will actually invade, just as the leaders of Ukraine doubted Russia would invade in early 2022, even though Russia had invaded just eight years before. Imagine if Ukraine had spent those eight years modernizing its military. Those in Taiwan who believe an invasion from the mainland is a remote possibility currently appear ascendant. However, an alternative perspective is that a fundamental goal of defense spending is to guard against low-probability but potentially devastating events, as in this case.

Even if the mainland does not currently have the intention to invade Taiwan, that can change quickly. Share on Twitter

When faced with an existential threat, even if unlikely, a country cannot afford to gamble. Given the military buildup on the mainland, regular exercises of land, sea, and air tactics relevant to an invasion, coupled with the threats from mainland leaders, it is becoming harder to reject the possibility of invasion. Even if the mainland does not currently have the intention to invade, that can change quickly.

The enormity of the military challenge means that the United States and Taiwan can no longer tolerate simmering policy gaps and trophy defense spending. Taiwan has the chance now to reenergize its military and develop capabilities that can exploit adversary weaknesses, but only if it makes every dollar count. The United States should work with Taiwan to review spending and to prioritize survivable and potent capabilities in each layer of defense and to discuss how Taiwan's capabilities can complement those of the United States. Investment options for Taiwan can be judged based on their ability to survive and operate effectively. Those that do not, like fighter aircraft, should be ruled out as unaffordable luxuries. A goal of making any invasion of Taiwan very costly for the mainland is obtainable. But it will take a clear vision and sustained effort over years by Taiwan's leaders.

Michael J. Lostumbo is a senior defense policy analyst at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation.

This commentary originally appeared on RealClearDefense on July 22, 2023. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis.
As the war in Ukraine passes the 500-day mark, hopes are fading that the refugee crisis set off by Russia's brutal invasion will be over any time soon. Already, 6.3 million Ukrainians have been recorded as refugees since February 2022; most have gone westward to Poland, Germany, and other European Union countries. All told, around 15 percent of Ukraine's estimated 2021 population of 44 million has left the country. This massive wave followed the 2.6 million Ukrainians who fled after Russia's invasion of Crimea and the eruption of fighting in the Donbas in 2014.

The refugees are in their host countries to stayfor the next few years or more. Even in the absence of war, refugees return to their countries of origin at low rates: Our 2021 RAND study found that since 1980, only about one-third of all refugees worldwide were back in their home countries a decade after hostilities ended. Return rates to Ukraine may likewise turn out to be low.

As a result, Ukraine's population will be much lower for a long time. A recent European Commission report estimated that Ukraine's population will decline between 20 and 31 percent from 2022 to 2052 due to the long-term consequences of war, including emigration, high mortality, and low fertility. Many of those leaving are highly skilled workers, and a third of Ukrainian refugees in the European Union are children.

The drain of skilled workers and young people is an especially significant loss for Ukraine. But it could also be a boon for European countries, which stand to benefit from the influx if they manage to integrate, educate, and employ the refugees. From other refugee waves, we also know that the Ukrainian wartime diasporaincluding those who ultimately return homewill play an important role in supporting Ukraine's eventual postwar recovery and economic prosperity.

Since 1980, only about one-third of all refugees worldwide were back in their home countries a decade after hostilities ended. Share on Twitter

Although EU countries, communities, and citizens have been very welcoming to Ukrainian refugeesincluding by spending billions of euros to host themit is not enough to treat them as short-term visitors, meet their immediate humanitarian needs, and let them wait out the war. Instead, host countries should work to truly support and integrate refugeesmost of all by educating and employing them.

The problem starts with the estimated 2 million Ukrainian refugees in Europe below the age of 18. Data on Ukrainian refugees is poor, but the European Union has estimated that around a quarter of all Ukrainian refugee children are enrolled in EU schools, while UNICEF has estimated that one in three are enrolled; both estimates are significantly below the global average of half of refugee children in school. Enrollment varies widely by countryin Ireland, for example, 92 percent of Ukrainian refugee children are in school, while only about a third are enrolled in Portugal. Factors contributing to these disparities include lack of school space, teacher shortages, language barriers, and refugee families choosing online learning.

Ukrainian refugee children should not remain out of school while their families wait to return them to Ukrainewhich may not happen for a long time, if ever. In Ukraine, schooling is severely disrupted as well. At the start of the past academic year, fewer than 60 percent of Ukrainian schools were classified as safe and eligible to open. Many children in Ukraine are out of school due to widespread damage and destruction of infrastructure. Remote schooling of refugee children from Ukraine is no real solution: As the COVID-19 pandemic taught us, remote schooling cannot compare in quality, socialization opportunities, and especially equity to in-person schooling. Digital stopgaps can only fail.

Without an urgent, concerted push at school access, the European Union could face a lost generation of Ukrainian children, just as the Middle East has with Syrian children. European host countries should therefore prioritize devising school enrollment initiatives for all children, pathways to high-school graduation, and opportunities for further education or vocational training for young refugees that meet the needs of local labor markets.

A first step is for EU countries to identify Ukrainian children who are out of school and seek out educational records transfers from Ukraine. The European Union could also create separate language and catch-up programs for Ukrainian children, hire Ukrainian teachers to support them, place Ukrainian-speaking adults as assistant teachers in classrooms, and provide resources for teachers to learn trauma-informed instructional approaches. Similar practices for students whose formal education has been interrupted have been successful in California and Louisiana in the United States, a 2021 RAND study found. EU countries could also ensure that refugees' secondary school diplomas are recognized in Ukraine, and vice versa, as well as integrate Ukrainian students into national vocational programs, such as ones that exist within the German dual system, which combines academic training with on-the-job apprenticeships.

Meanwhile, most Ukrainian adult refugees are not working and thus not using or developing their skills. Ukrainian adult refugees are highly educated: A March 2023 Centre for Economic Strategy survey found that around 69 percent of adult Ukrainian refugees have some higher education, compared with 29 percent overall in Ukraine and 33 percent of the entire EU workforce. Theoretically, that should give them opportunities in the EU labor market. Yet few Ukrainian refugees are employedonly 20 percent full time and 12 percent part time. As with other refugee and immigrant populations in the EU, problems include the lack of recognition of non-EU diplomas and vocational certificates, language barriers, the need to balance childcare and work, and a geographic mismatch of refugee populations and job markets.

While Ukrainians have the right to work in the EU, the bloc should take steps to ensure Ukrainian refugees don't suffer a similar fate as the Syrians and others who came before them, who have faced low employment rates for decades. As many EU countries have labor market shortageshalf of German companies report shortages, for examplethe influx of a highly skilled workforce could be an opportunity. Getting Ukrainians into jobs faster could also boost European economies and offset the cost of long-term support.

Instead, EU host countries are not taking advantage of Ukrainians' skills as much as they couldwhile supporting millions of new residents who aren't working. If more refugees do not transition into EU labor markets, their skills and employability could atrophy, and EU taxpayers may have to support them well into the future. This could exacerbate nascent but growing refugee fatigue as local populations grow frustrated with the strain on public servicesa sentiment further stoked by Russian disinformation campaigns and exploited by European political parties.

EU countries can improve labor market access for refugees through investment in language training, job matching, and the translation of certifications and skills through approaches such as a qualifications passport (a standardized EU-wide document that summarizes a refugee's credentials, including educational level, work experience, and language proficiency). They should make sure to provide refugees with information about regions, communities, and sectors with available jobsand create incentives for them to move to communities in EU countries with widespread labor shortages ( PDF ), such as regions in Belgium, Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Slovenia.

If the European Union continues to let Ukrainian human capital atrophy, there will be serious implications for Ukraine's postwar recovery. Share on Twitter

If the European Union continues to let Ukrainian human capital atrophy, there will be serious implications for Ukraine's postwar recovery. Some refugees will return, and Ukraine will need their education and skills to rebuild the country. Ukraine, EU members, and other host countries should acknowledge this and focus on creating the conditions that will enable Ukrainian refugees to return home with their education, skills, and relevant experience. Eventually, Ukraine's brain drain could turn into brain circulation, whereby refugees taken in by richer countries return home as entrepreneurs to invest, transfer know-how, and create jobs. Indeed, Ukraine's refugee diaspora could turn into a motor of the country's postwar reconstruction.

EU countries have already rallied to the cause of Ukrainian refugees. But without a more proactive and forward-looking approach, they could be hosting a generation of people dependent on long-term aid and unable to fully develop and use their skills well into the future. By educating and employing them instead, EU countries can enrich their own communities and support Ukraine.

Shelly Culbertson is an expert on forced displacement and director of the Infrastructure, Immigration, and Security Operations Program at the Homeland Security Research Division of the RAND Corporation. Thomas Szayna is an adjunct senior political scientist at RAND, where he served as the director of the defense and political sciences department.

This commentary originally appeared on Foreign Policy on July 20, 2023. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. The Armenian side, which supports an aggressive policy and separatism and demands the elimination of the Lachin border checkpoint, which makes it difficult to carry out illegal activities in the region against Azerbaijan, should understand that the establishment of a checkpoint in Lachin by Azerbaijan is completely within the framework of international law, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan said in a statement, Trend reports.

"This step was taken in order to prevent subversive activities of Armenia, and the existence of this point is not a subject of discussion. The International Court of Justice also unanimously rejected Armenia's claim with its decision of July 6, once again confirming that the establishment of a checkpoint on the border by Azerbaijan is an absolutely sovereign and legitimate decision," the MFA said.

In order to prevent the transportation of manpower, ammunition, mines, as well as other military equipment from Armenia for illegal Armenian armed groups on the territory of Azerbaijan (which weren't withdrawn contrary to the trilateral statement signed by Azerbaijani, Armenian and Russian leaders following the 2020 second Karabakh war), and as an adequate response to the unilateral establishment of a checkpoint by Armenia on the border with Azerbaijan on April 22 at the entrance to the Lachin-Khankendi road contrary to the trilateral statement of November 10, 2020, on April 23 at 12:00 (GMT+4), the units of the State Border Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan set up a border checkpoint in its sovereign territories, on the border with Armenia, at the beginning of the Lachin-Khankendi road.
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By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 07/24/2023



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

couple Raven Gates and Adam Gottschalk have welcomed their second baby into the world.Raven gave birth to Baby No. 2 on Sunday, July 23, but she and her husband are waiting to reveal whether they have a newborn boy or girl. Given the public doesn't know the baby's sex yet, the name is also currently under wraps."Just finished watching my first C-section. Honestly not as bad as I thought it would be," Adam, 32, wrote via Instagram Stories on Sunday, sharing a photo of the new baby's footprints. "Mom & baby are doing VERY good."Raven and Adam's little bundle of joy arrived on Raven's 32nd birthday.Later that day, Raven shared how breast feeding was "going really great this time.""Praise the lord!" she gushed.And Adam expressed his excitement about being a family of four. He also suggested that Raven was a champion during her "smooth" C-section, which she needed due to an "issue" with her placenta."Mom is doing great and baby is doing great," Adam said via Instagram Stories."We're still trying to figure out the name. We're down to the wire and are [playing with] two or three different names... When we figure out the name, we'll let y'all know."Raven previously revealed how her second baby's name was probably going to be "a game-time decision." The couple announced they were expecting Baby No. 2 back in January."Baby #2 due in July! Any tips on two under 2? Pray for us!... especially Adam," Raven wrote on Instagram, along with crying-laughing emoticons.On July 13, Raven shared her conflicting emotions about giving her son Gates Zev Gottschalk -- who was born in January 2022 after a "traumatic" c-section for Raven -- a sibling."[Ten] days until we are a family of 4 -- Meaning 10 days until Gates is a big brother. (Or sooner!) As time ticks down as Gates's last few days as the only child I have been having a lot of mixed emotions! I thought I would share some negative & positive ones!" Raven began."Negative Thoughts: Its unfair to this baby that I won't get the one-on-one time like I did with Gates. It's unfair to Gates that I now won't always be one-on-one with him. I won't be able to carry Gates after this c-section. He's too little to understand. Will he start to resent me?"Raven, however, went on to share her positive thoughts as well."Positive Thoughts: When I close my eyes I dream about seeing my 2nd baby's face & my heart could burst. I cry at the thought of holding both of my children on my lap. I'm so blessed to be able to have children. Thank you, God. Gates is going to be the best big brother. He is strong, fearless, and will lead the way for so many adventures to come for the both of them."The Bachelor alum concluded, "With conflicting emotions of mommy guilt and extreme happiness... I hope both of my children know. I love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be."Before their newborn's birth, Raven and Adam also enjoyed a babymoon to Italy.Raven and Adam fell in love on 's fourth season in 2017, and then they got engaged in June 2019.After getting engaged, Raven and Adam initially scheduled their wedding for May 30, 2020, but they had to postpone the wedding multiple times due to the coronavirus pandemic.Raven and Adam claimed they had cases of "major baby fever" shortly after tying the knot on April 16, 2021 in Dallas, TX."I think we agreed [that] we'd like two or three [kids]," Raven told Us Weekly in June 2021. "But Adam has said, you know, we'll see how I do with two and then go from there."Raven then publicly announced she was pregnant for the first time in July 2021.Raven wrote on Instagram at the time, "OVER THE MOON EXCITED TO SHARE THE NEWS! Our Honeymoon baby will be here in January! I've loved you before you were in my womb!"And Adam simultaneously wrote on his own page, "Beyond excited to announce our little baby into this world. Your Mom has already started to like Daddy's food groups and I think that's a great start. Cheers to fatherhood. Coming soon... January 2022."The pair then shared in October 2021 how they were expecting a son "OH BOY!!! Can't wait to meet our little pumpkin," Raven captioned an image of the couple posing in their self-made pumpkin patch at home.A few months after Gates was born, Raven shared on the "Click Bait with Bachelor Nation" podcast in May 2022 how she and Adam attend therapy and "don't want divorce" to ever be an option for them.She then told fans in a December 2022 Instagram Q&A session that she knew Adam was The One when she visited him in Dallas, TX, and they talked about their future together, which made her feel safe and protected.Prior to appearing on , Raven competed to win Nick Viall 's heart on The Bachelor's 21st season and finished as the runner-up.For Adam's part, he competed for Rachel Lindsay 's heart on The Bachelorette's thirteenth season in Spring 2017 before his BIP stint on Season 4.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
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By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 07/24/2023



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

alum DeAnna Pappas has revealed that she visited a "trauma center" and underwent intensive therapy when her marriage to Stephen Stagliano was falling apart.Back in January, DeAnna, 41, and Stephen, 39, announced their split and decision to divorce after 11 years of marriage and two children together in a joint Instagram statement.'s Season 4 star revealed that she sought therapy from a trauma center in California just one month before she and Stephen's divorce made headlines during the July 19 episode of fellow The Bachelor alum Courtney Robertson 's "After Reality" podcast."I went to a trauma center back in December and I went three days a week for three hours -- intensive therapy," DeAnna told Courtney, 40."[It was] the best thing I could have done for myself. I found it astounding and life-changing. If I could have afforded to go for another month, I would have because I found it astounding and the things that I learned about myself and my marriage."Now that DeAnna and Stephen are going through a divorce, she continues to go to therapy to help her navigate complex emotions and situations.DeAnna said the therapy has improved her communication skills, and communication is something she and Stephen "always had a really difficult time" with."Just [going through a divorce] alone is very traumatic -- to take a relationship with someone that you loved so deeply and to literally break into two families, it's really, really awful," DeAnna explained."Stephen is a wonderful dad and we're trying very hard to be amicable, great coparents, but even with that, that is still hard... We're doing our best to be kind to one another."DeAnna and Stephen announced their engagement in August 2010. They got married in October 2011 and welcomed Addison, now 9, in February 2014 followed by Austin, now 7, in March 2016."You add the piece of dividing up your children when I've always had the pleasure -- the luxury, really -- of being with my kids every single day and having a family of four," DeAnna said."So, to split them up now and only have them part of the week and then they are with Stephen, that's all really hard stuff, it's trauma."She therefore reiterated how she's "done a lot of therapy in the last couple of years" and "a lot of trauma therapy" in particular.According to the former star, she has battled "every wave of grief" possible amid the divorce."Stephen and I, when we posted back in January [the] statement that we were going to be separated and getting a divorce, we talked about that and we made that statement together," DeAnna recalled."But I also didn't do it until I was ready to do it. We had been separated probably for six months before then. But I wanted to be sure that that's what was going to happen. We had a tough couple of years... we've had a really difficult time."DeAnna pointed out how "marriage is work" and only successful when two people "can learn to grow together and have great communication."Although alum is single again, she admitted that she's not ready to mingle yet.In fact, DeAnna told Courtney that she can't envision herself "ever getting married again" and she's not in a rush to jump back into the dating pool."I'm going to be in control of my life and demand what I want and how I want to be treated, because I am worthy of that... I am worthy of being loved fully and wholly for who I am," DeAnna stated."And if someone cannot do that, I do not want to have a relationship with them."DeAnna and Stephen were introduced by Stephen's twin brother Michael Stagliano , who appeared on 's fifth season starring Jillian Harris , and Michael's then-girlfriend Holly Durst , who competed on The Bachelor: London Calling starring Matt Grant and a season of Bachelor Pad. (Holly married alum Blake Julian in 2012).DeAnna found fame when she appeared on Brad Womack 's season of The Bachelor in 2007. The show's eleventh season concluded with Brad rejecting both of his Final 2 women, DeAnna and Jenni Croft DeAnna then handed out roses herself on 's fourth season.DeAnna's season in 2008 ended with her getting engaged to Jesse Csincsak , but they broke up less than one year later."I'm actually really thankful [Brad changed his mind], you know, I got to go on and be after that -- all the friends, all the opportunities that I've had, and then ultimately meeting Stephen and my kids," DeAnna said on Us Weekly's "Here for the Right Reasons" podcast in 2020."It all clearly was in the plan for me," she added.But on Courtney's podcast, DeAnna described her time on as "traumatic," and she vented about how she felt brainwashed and manipulated while filming the show.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
ABC/Brian Bowen Smith

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 07/24/2023



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

star Gerry Turner has revealed his one major dealbreaker in dating and how he prepared himself to date multiple women at once on the show.Earlier this week on Good Morning America, Gerry, a 71-year-old widowed father of two girls from Indiana, was announced as the upcoming star of , which is set to air on Monday nights at 10PM ET/PT this fall.Gerry gushed about how he's "excited" -- but not that nervous, actually -- to helm the new spinoff, and he opened up about how strong family values are crucial to him when choosing a lifelong partner during the July 19 episode of the "Bachelor Happy Hour" podcast."What's really important is how close [the women] are to family," Gerry revealed to the podcast's co-hosts Joe Amabile and Serena Pitt Based on Gerry's dating history, it's apparently a huge turnoff when a woman is estranged from her kids."I've dated a few women along the way, and it's very revealing when someone doesn't have good, friendly ties with their children. It's like, 'Uhh, really?' It manifests itself in a number of ways," Gerry explained.Gerry is very close to his two daughters. In fact, Gerry's girls had nominated him to be star and ultimately urged him to sign up for it. Once ABC picked Gerry for the role, he recalled how they "started screaming" and cheering for him.When asked how he's prepping to date potentially 30 women at once, Gerry shared, "Wow. That's a really good question, and I have given it a lot of thought. It's almost like you can't get away from it."Gerry said he spends a lot of time "trying to figure out what are the good questions to ask" the ladies that "will reveal character.""[I want to find out] whether or not someone is genuinely a high-energy, competitive person," he said.star noted how Night 1 of filming will really "set the tone" and that he's most excited to meet the women, gather first impressions, and enjoy "every moment" of the process.Gerry was a high school and college runner, and he previously owned and operated a fast-food restaurant. Gerry eventually sold his business and spent the rest of his career in food distribution.Gerry and his late wife, Toni, had met in high school in the 1960s, but they didn't begin dating until Gerry was a senior. The high school sweethearts eventually got married, welcomed two children, and stayed together for 43 years.Toni fell ill and passed away in 2017, just six weeks after she retired from her job."I have very little experience in dating," Gerry said with a laugh on "Bachelor Happy Hour," considering he was married for so long."It's been a tough process for me, I've got to admit," he added.But Gerry teased on GMA earlier this week how fans shouldn't "discount" the possibility he may film a wedding special down the road.will air after new two-hour episodes of Dancing with the Stars' 32nd season on ABC.Official fall premiere dates and complete casting for the two reality TV series will be announced at a later date.On , Gerry will be given a second chance at love and will search for a partner with whom to share "the sunset years of life," according to ABC."The women arriving at the mansion have a lifetime of experience, living through love, loss and laughter, hoping for a spark that ignites a future full of endless possibilities. In the end, will our Golden man turn the page to start a new chapter with the woman of his dreams?", which is being produced by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Warner Horizon, has been in the works for quite some time.ABC's desire to film a senior edition of or ette was first teased in early 2020, but the coronavirus pandemic seemed to delay producers' plans.However, ABC executive Robert Mills assured fans in May 2022 that the long-mentioned spinoff would eventually come to fruition."The senior citizens show is definitely going to happen at some point," Mills told Variety at the time."The response to that is so massive every time we put up a casting call, so I think it's definitely coming sooner rather than later."Mills added, "For us, we really feel a responsibility to find the right person to be that senior Bachelor. So, we're looking. COVID obviously put a major wrinkle in everything, but we are really looking back in earnest at it."Mills hoped would answer the following question: "[If you have] one great love in your lifetime, can you have another?"Mills called that idea "really interesting" and "not something" producers usually get to explore on franchise.Mills concluded that "Senior Bachelor" was "really high on" producers' list.A casting notice for the seniors project had originally appeared online in January 2020, disclosing that "producers of " were looking for single men and women age 65 or older.However, the casting notice didn't reveal what network was attached to the show or whether it would be an actual spinoff of franchise.And then a commercial break that aired during Peter Weber 's season of in February 2020 featured former host Chris Harrison saying in a voiceover, "Looking for love in your golden years?"Chris continued, "We're looking for eligible seniors who want their shot at love. To nominate someone or apply, go to abc.com/casting."Upon visiting the show's casting page at the time, producers called the "exciting" new project a "new dating show for seniors" and were looking for older "active and outgoing single men and women" who were looking "for a committed relationship."After the episode of Peter's season aired, ABC reality chief Robert Mills tweeted, "#Bachelornation give us your Grumpiest Old Men, give us your Goldenest Girls. #TheBachelor.""To be clear," he added, "this is [age] 65 [and up]."Interested in more news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
FILE - Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during the Family Leadership Summit, July 14, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. DeSantis was in a car accident Tuesday as he traveled to presidential campaign events in Tennessee but wasnt injured, his campaign says.
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Currently, banks are closed every second and fourth Saturday of a month.

Why shouldn't they be shut every Saturday?

When most customers carry their banks in their pocket (the app on the mobile phone), there is no need to keep banks open on Saturdays, argues Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Kindly note the image has only been published for representational purposes. Photograph: Ajay Verma/Reuters

Media reports say the government has asked the premier bankers' body, Indian Banks' Association (IBA), to initiate the process of negotiations for the 12th bipartite wage settlement for bank employees and finalise it by December 1.

The wage revision for the employees of public sector banks (PSBs) is due from November 1, 2022.

The 11th bipartite wage negotiations, concluded in 2020 after three years of intense discussions between the IBA and the bank employees' unions, agreed upon a 15 per cent wage revision.

For the clerical staff, called workmen, this translated into an annual outgo of Rs 3,385 crore (Rs 33.85 billion) for the banks covered by the wage settlement.

Including the officers, the last wage revision led to an additional yearly outgo of Rs 7,898 crore (Rs 79.88 billion).

Around 379,000 officers and close to 500,000 workmen of PSBs and a few private and foreign banks were part of the deal. Overall, 29 banks participated in the exercise. One settlement lasts for five years.

The combined net profits of 32 listed private banks and PSBs in the financial year 2022-2023 were up 40.56 per cent to Rs 2.29 trillion.

The profits of PSBs as a group exceeded Rs 1 trillion, about 57 per cent higher than the previous year.

Only the salaries of clerical workers of private and foreign banks are covered by this, unlike PSBs, whose officers too are part of the wage agreement.

Incidentally, the 10th bipartite wage settlement, effective from November 2012, offered a 15 per cent wage hike for PSB employees, lower than the 17.5 per cent hike given in the previous settlement.

However, this was not exactly comparable as the basis of calculation of the previous hike was an employee's remuneration, including pension and gratuity, unlike the 10th bipartite settlement that did not include retirement benefits.

The last agreement introduced the concept of performance-linked incentives, based on operating and net profits of the PSBs. For the private and foreign banks, it was optional.

This was the first attempt to treat PSBs based on their performance.

PSBs are very different from each other when it comes to parameters such as business per employee and profit per employee, return on assets and return on equity, among others, and yet their employees are treated equally for wages. The performers are not rewarded.

Of course, the employees can always say that they spend long hours in office, give their best, and the banks' performance depends on the quality of the senior management (read managing director and executive directors).

Why should they be punished for the non-performance of the senior executives, who are not covered by the wage pact?

Still, an industry-wide wage pact may not be the best performance-appraisal process as the benchmark for such a pact typically is the paying capacity of the weakest bank in the pack. This is unfair to the employees of strong and profitable banks.

The performance-linked incentive, introduced in the last wage pact, has tried to address this issue partially.

This time around, going by media reports, the government is stressing the importance of fairness and equity in the wage revision to ensure that the compensation structure remains competitive with other players in the banking industry.

This is critical when competition is getting fiercer and banks are fighting it out hard, both for deposits and loans.

Apart from job security, PSB employees at the junior and middle levels are looked after better than their peers in private banks.

As they climb the ladder, the difference shrinks. Roughly, from Scale IV (chief managers), private sector bankers start earning more than their counterparts in the public sector.

This is why the attrition level in PSBs at Scale IV and above is pretty high.

Retaining talent without offering adequate compensation is the biggest challenge for the HR division of PSBs.

At the same time, the perks offered can be monetised and the PSBs should shift to the cost-to-company concept.

That will help one appreciate the difference in the pay packages between private and public sector bankers.

Kindly note the image has only been published for representational purposes. Photograph: PTI Photo

Besides salary, private sector bankers also own the shares of their banks under the employee stock option scheme.

Even though all 12 PSBs are listed, their employees are not given the stock options.

At least two PSBs have approached the government with proposals to give stock options to their employees, but the files have been gathering dust in the finance ministry's banking division. (Some of the PSBs have sold shares to their employees at a discount to the market price under the employee stock purchase scheme.)

One question remains though: If there is pay parity with the private sector, can the present recruitment process continue? Can the bankers have guaranteed employment till they reach the retirement age, besides assured pension?

The wage pact does not cover the MDs and EDs (and in case of State Bank of India, also the chairman) of PSBs whose remuneration packages are linked to those of bureaucrats. But, isn't the job of bureaucrats and bankers, who deal with money, very different from one another?

Incidentally, over a decade ago, in February 2012, the finance ministry introduced performance-linked incentives for the whole-time directors or the chairmen, MDs and EDs of PSBs. The performance evaluation metrics included 12 quantitative parameters -- such as net profits, level of bad loans, cost-to-income ratio, among others -- that carried 70 per cent weightage and six qualitative parameters -- such as business strategy, HR development and innovation -- with 30 per cent weightage.

A sub-committee of the board, called the remuneration committee, has been entrusted with the job of assessing performance of the top brass on these parameters.

The amount was small but the arrangement made the senior executives of PSBs smile, though only for a few years.

Once the Reserve Bank of India launched the asset quality review in the December quarter of 2015, leading to the discovery of heaps of bad loans, the performance-linked incentives vanished into the blue.

The banking division of the finance ministry has also dismantled the ritual of signing memorandum of understanding with the bank managements on the annual goals.

The first wage settlement was signed in October 1966.

Apart from the IBA, the Bombay Exchange Banks' Association, representing foreign banks in India, was involved in the first pact, which lasted three years.

The Bombay Association does not exist anymore and foreign banks operating in India have joined the IBA.

The continuation of the industry-wide wage pact for almost six decades tells the story of the trade unions' sway over the industry.

This is quite unique in the digital era when every bank aspires to be a tech company.

This also brings us to a long-standing demand of the unions, and a legitimate one: The five-day work schedule.

Currently, banks are closed every second and fourth Saturday of a month.

Why shouldn't they be shut every Saturday? When most customers carry their banks in their pocket (the app on the mobile phone), and given the phenomenal strides in the payments space that India has made, there is no need to keep banks open on Saturdays.

Another contentious issue has been pension as a third retirement benefit, besides gratuity and provident fund.

It has a chequered history, beginning with a nationwide strike on April 30, 1992. In fact, the 1990s were fraught with frequent bank strikes on this issue.

So far, it has not been resolved fully. A relevant demand is the updation of pension, something RBI employees enjoy.

A banker who retired early this century and is now in her 80s, gets a pittance in the form of pension since it is linked to the basic salary.

As the PSBs are in good shape now, it's time to address this anomaly.

Tamal Bandyopadhyay, author of Roller Coaster: An Affair with Banking, is a senior advisor to the Jana Small Finance Bank Ltd.

Disclaimer: These are Tamal Bandyopadhyay's personal views.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com
details added, first published at 10:23

BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. The Press Council of Azerbaijan calls on the international community to condemn the actions of Armenia, Trend reports.

The Shusha Global Media Forum on "New Media in the Era of the 4th Industrial Revolution", held from July 21 through July 23, has become a significant event in Azerbaijan, in the South Caucasus region, and in the world as a whole in terms of audience coverage and variety of topics, the statement said.

Moreover, reputable media, heads of journalistic organizations, and experts discussed in detail topical issues in the media, information, and communication spheres for two days.

"Unfortunately, during the event, as in previous cases, Armenia continued its slanderous campaign against Azerbaijan. Addressing the participants, 11 journalistic organizations in this country showed inappropriate sentimentality, condemned representatives of foreign media, and urged them to leave Shusha. The statements in the appeal that allegedly the Armenian residents of Karabakh are in a "blockade", and the appeal to foreign journalists to raise this issue were nothing more than an attempt to politicize this important event and get a dividend from it," the statement said.

Furthermore, the Armenian side has sent the same appeal to international organizations. It also contains statements against the forum, condemns the activities of foreign journalists participating in the event, and expresses other unacceptable opinions. Moreover, threatening letters were sent to the e-mail addresses of these journalists; they were blackmailed and, in the true sense of the word, terrorized. Some participants even had to temporarily close their social media accounts.

In addition, the dissemination of false statements on behalf of the participants of the Shusha Forum, in which they allegedly express ideas aimed at lifting the "blockade" of Karabakh, is completely unacceptable.

"Those who claim to be engaged in media activities in Armenia actually oppose the peace agenda in the South Caucasus region; their provocative actions are an abuse of journalism and a disregard for professional principles. The Press Council of Azerbaijan is concerned about this," the statement said.

Moreover, the Council considers that such cases aimed at misleading international public opinion and threats to representatives of foreign media are completely unacceptable and require a decisive reaction. The configuration calls on the international community as well as the world's leading journalistic organizations to show solidarity in this matter and take appropriate measures.

At the same time, the Press Council of Azerbaijan deeply regrets the use of dirty political technologies by the Armenian media. The Council believes that the media agencies of both Azerbaijan and Armenia should serve to normalize relations between the countries and not destroy them.

"Such speculative steps by Armenia and pro-Armenian circles will not have any results. The Press Council of Azerbaijan is confident that the Shusha Global Media Forum, acquiring an ongoing nature, will become an authoritative platform on which problems in the field of media around the world will be comprehensively discussed. It would be good for Armenian journalists not to fall into their own trap and, in the future, to be represented on this platform and contribute to the protection of journalistic values," the statement said.
'I never got respect as an actress.'

'But when I became a director and worked with actresses like Cate Blanchett and Jessica Chastain, I felt such pride of being an actress.'

IMAGE: Liv Ullmann in the documentary Liv Ullmann, A Road Less Traveled.

London-based Indian film-maker Dheeraj Akolkar premiered his new documentary Liv Ullmann, A Road Less Traveled at the Cannes film festival.

In the film, Akolkar covers the life and career of the celebrated Norwegian actress Ullmann, from her early days in theatre, to working in films with the Swedish master Ingmar Bergman, her venture into Hollywood, two Oscar nominations (The Emigrants and Face to Face), and an honourary Oscar in 2022.

In addition to Ullmann, a range of actors appear in the film, like Cate Blanchett, Jessica Chastain, Jeremy Irons, Sam Waterson and John Lithgow who presented the honourary Oscar trophy to Ullmann.

This is Akolkar's second film on Ullmann.

In 2012, he directed a documentary called Liv & Ingmar where he covered the creative, personal and sometimes difficult relationship between Ullmann and Bergman.

Akolkar started his film career working with art director Nitin Desai on Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Lagaan, Devdas and then assisted Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He eventually moved to London.

Aseem Chhabra spoke to Ullmann and Akolkar in Cannes for Rediff.com after the premiere of their film.

"We are moving apart from each other more and more in this world," says Ullmann. "We don't touch. When the camera comes close to you, even if you are showing other things as an actor, I can feel I am close to someone I love the most."

Liv, Dheeraj had already made a film about you and your life with Ingmar Bergman. I had interviewed him at that time. Why did you decide to do a larger extended documentary about your life?

Liv Ullmann: I wasn't planning to and I am somewhat shy. But he came to me and said I would like to make something.

So it was more about my saying 'Oh, it would be nice to work with you again.'

But I didn't really know his idea, except that this was somebody I loved and trusted. Every choice in this movie is his.

Dheeraj, why did you feel you wanted to do a bigger story on Liv? Was it because the first film was just about the relationship between the two people?

Dheeraj Akolkar: I don't choose films. They come to me.

I was traveling from Trondheim to London, and stopped in Oslo at the airport. Suddenly, this thought occurred to me.

I wrote down the idea.

It's perhaps because we have known each other for so long and I have observed her quietly in conversations, and also in silences.

I have read her two autobiographies, but also thought about what she hasn't written.

Films or any thought that is artistic probably comes like a whisper. It was not such a blatant idea. Along the way, it became clearer.

Liv: And things did happen also suddenly. Like when I heard I was getting an honourary Oscar.

That happened during the making of this film?

Dheeraj: Two days before we were sending in the pitch came the news that she was getting an honourary Oscar. I called to congratulate her and the first thing she said, 'This is so good for our film.'

Liv: Coming to Cannes, we didn't know that, right? Because first, we thought were going to show a series with three episodes. Now, it's a feature film.

IMAGE: Liv Ullmann in the documentary Liv Ullmann, A Road Less Traveled.

Liv, how does it feel to revisit your life -- even though you have written two autobiographies -- to look within, the happy and the sad moments?

Liv: I am an actor, a storyteller. I have chosen to be a storyteller.

If somebody I respect, love and admire because he has done a movie about children who were born in the Second World War in Norway, the little babies who had horrible lives because people detested them (Akolkar's 2018 documentary Wars Don't End), somebody who wants to tell a story about life like that, it would be nice for me.

I am a shy person and then maybe I want people to know my story.

At the beginning of the film, you say you felt comfortable with the camera from a very young age. You don't hide your emotions.

Liv: I don't want to hide.

We are moving apart from each other more and more in this world.

We don't touch.

When the camera comes close to you, even if you are showing other things as an actor, I can feel I am close to someone I love the most.

There are so many funny stories in the film. One of my favourites is where you chased Greta Garbo. Have you been chased by fans?

Liv: This morning. I am staying in this small, beautiful, hotel, and was sitting for breakfast. Somebody came and sat far away from me.

The staff asked him, 'Are you staying at the hotel?'

He said, 'No, no, I am just sitting here and I want breakfast.'

It turned out he was a fan.

He didn't come and talk to me, but just when I was going, he asked, 'Can I just take a picture?'

He was French, his T-shirt had the design of the Norwegian flag. That was nice. He just came from the street.

IMAGE: Liv Ullmann and Charles Bronson in the film Cold Sweat.

Tell us about the time when you worked in Hollywood films. First, it was Cold Sweat with Charles Bronson, which I haven't seen. But I have seen Lost Horizon and some of the other ones where they made you sing and dance.

Obviously, your work with Ingmar Bergman had reached the US but what did Hollywood think they could get from you as an actress? You spoke English fluently, but you had an accent.

Liv: I don't know. They tried in different ways, a Charles Bronson film, a strange kind of musical, all kinds of things.

Maybe Hollywood wasn't for me and then I didn't want them to change me.

Each time I did something in Hollywood, I went home to Norway or Sweden or England. I was never stationed in Hollywood.

Later, you did you move to New York.

Liv: Much later, when I started to do theatre on Broadway. I moved then because my daughter was 13 and I had to make a choice: Are we staying in Norway or are we moving because she wanted to go to high school in New York?

She attended the Professional Children's School in Manhattan and then went to New York University.

Today, she is an artist. She's a wonderful writer and has written many books.

You started with theatre, then moved into cinema, which just took over your life, and then you also started to direct.

Liv: No, I always did theatre. But then, I did direct movies.

Also, I did theatre with Cate Blanchett.

We had an incredible time working together on A Streetcar Named Desire, first in Australia and then we were invited to Broadway.

The New York Times wrote it was the first time they had seen a Tennessee Williams play done by an Australian and a Norwegian.

Dheeraj: I think The New Yorker review was fantastic. It said something like it is the first time we are hearing these words correctly.

IMAGE: Liv Ullmann directed Jessica Chastain and Colin Farrell in Miss Julie.

You directed Jessica Chastain in Miss Julie.

Liv: She was incredible.

I never got respect as an actress.

My whole family was shocked. 'How could she be an actress?' They were very religious.

But when I became a director and worked with actresses like Cate and Jessica, I watched them and I felt such pride of being an actress.

I saw how they created their characters. The director cannot work alone.

You could understand them since you had been an actress for a very long time.

Liv: I understood and knew what to say and not to say to them.

I don't say you have to speak like this. We created together.

One of the things you mentioned a few times in the film was that when you started to direct, you would run around getting coffee for everybody.

Liv: I still do that.

Later, when you were working on a script written by Ingmar Bergman, and you wanted to change the ending. You said you did what women sometimes do. You cried.

Liv: That was only with Bergman.

IMAGE: Liv Ullmann and Dheeraj Akolkar. Photograph: Aseem Chhabra

I am curious, since you were so well respected for your work, did you feel women were still treated differently or you had to be somewhat different?

Liv: When I started in theatre and they said, 'This is what you will get paid for this year.' I asked, 'But my colleague here, he started the same way as me?'

They responded, 'Yeah, but he has a family to support.'

They would look at men as supporters, and men are this, men are that.

It was my duty to speak out.

It's very hard to be respected as a human being. That's why we work well together (she holds Dheeraj's hand) because he respects me as a human.

Dheeraj, what else are you working on?

Dheeraj: I am doing a film called The Other Side of Silence. It is the story of sexual violence and children born in conflicts.

I am also working on a fiction drama called My Father Could Also Play the Piano.

It's based on Stefan Nilsson's life, my very dear friend and composer from Sweden, who's got ALS (he passed away a few days after the interview).

It is a story of his volatile childhood with his father.

It's a love story between a father, a son and a piano, and I have set it on the west coast of Ireland, Dublin and London.
AIADMK insiders see the very idea of an NDA conclave as a measure of the BJP's current electoral assessment, stemming from relative weakness in 2024 compared to 2014 and 2019.

In their reckoning, the BJP now needs allies more than the other way round, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party supremo and Prime Minister N D Modi being garlanded by BJP national President J P Nadda and National Democratic Alliance leaders prior to the NDA meeting at the Ashok Hotel in New Delhi, July 18, 2023. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo

On the face of it, communal events in distant Manipur should have no direct or even indirect impact on politics and elections in Tamil Nadu.

But the way the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party at the Centre and in the north eastern state have come to be portrayed for their indifference bordering on wanton collusion and more so the deafening silence of Prime Minister Narendra D Modi may have already cast their shadow and spell on the BJP-National Democratic Alliance's chances in next year's Lok Sabha polls in the southern state as possibly elsewhere too.

By the same token, the BJP's Congress rival, a partner in the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led alliance (call it 'I.N.D.I.A.' or whatever at the national level) may have also consolidated its position in matters seat-sharing.

The party may now want more than the nine seats allocated to it from a total of 39, of which it won eight. Barring a single seat that went to the ruling All India Anna DMK, the NDA drew a blank.

The list of losing candidates included Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan who lost in the BJP's traditional stronghold of Kanyakumari.

After losing his seat to Congress candidate H Vasanthkumar by a record 260,000 vote margin, Radhakrishnan lost the seat to the latter's son, Vijay Vasanth by 138,000 votes in the by-election caused by Vasanthkumar's death in the pandemic, still the second highest victory margin for the constituency.

On the face of it, the AIADMK should not have any problem in the NDA, especially after party boss and former chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami was provided a place next to Modi at last week's 38-party alliance conclave.

However, AIADMK insiders see the very idea of an NDA conclave, possibly the first one after Modi became prime minister in 2019, as a measure of the BJP's current electoral assessment, stemming from relative weakness in 2024 compared to 2014 and 2019.

In their reckoning, the BJP now needs the allies more than the other way round.

Maybe, the BJP's Modi-Shah leadership might know how to turn the winds against the allies and the Opposition alike, as they had done in the past, but at least until then, especially in states like Tamil Nadu, the ruling party at the Centre may have to go slow, starting with seat-sharing talks within the local NDA.

BJP leaders at the national level notice with satisfaction how after the Delhi conclave, EPS told the apital's newsmen that Modi would return to power with 330 seats next year.

They do not want to recall how he also declared at the same news conference that the AIADMK would lead the alliance in the state and the BJP would have to take whatever seats that they offered.

Such a construct prima facie goes against the grain of what state BJP chief K Annamalai has been striving for and is talking about.

At one point not very long ago, he had declared that the BJP would lead the alliance in the state and also field 25 candidates on its own.

This implied that the AIADMK could go its own way.

Then came Union Home Minister Amit A Shah's Vellore 'clarification', if it could be called one.

He did not talk about the BJP leading an alliance but urged the Tamil voters to send at least 25 MPs to support Modi, for his installing the Sengol in a seat of honour in the new Parliament complex.

Edappadi's message should be read also in the context of Shah flagging off Annamalai's five-phase padayatra across the state in the temple island of Rameswaram on Friday, July 28.

Shah's reaction, if any, to the recent NDA developments would be keenly watched, also because of the AIADMK's other messaging after the Delhi conclave.

Both reactions from the AIADMK relates to party mouth-piece, Namadhu Amma. The daily carried just a relatively smaller picture of Modi and EPS at the Delhi conclave on page one, and relegated the news report to an equally insignificant place in an inside page.

Worse still, the report focussed almost exclusively on EPS's attacks on Chief Minister M K Stalin, to the near exclusion of the NDA conclave.

IMAGE: Modi with Edappadi K Palaniswami to his right at the National Democratic Alliance meeting in New Delhi, July 18, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

Present indications are that the BJP would want to expand its hold within the alliance by including other sure-fire candidates whom the AIADMK would co-opt if they contested under the party's 'Two Leaves' symbol.

Already, New Justice Party founder A C Shanmugam, who lost the Vellore Lok Sabha seat on an AIADMK ticket in 2019, was present at Amit Shah's Vellore rally last month.

Also present was education-entrepreneur T R Pachamuthu, better known as Paarivendhar, founder-chairman of SRM University.

Heading the Indhiya Jananayaga Katchi, he won the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from the southern Perambalur constituency on the DMK ticket.

Indications are that the BJP would want them to contest under the party's 'Lotus' symbol next year -- and include such junior allies as their wards in seat-sharing talks with the dominant DMK.

The idea would be for the BJP and allies to obtain at least 10 constituencies for candidates under the 'Lotus' symbol, in seat-sharing talks with the AIADMK.

It is also this strategy of the BJP that the AIADMK wants to puncture, possibly here and now.

By declaring that the BJP would win 330 seats under Modi, Edappadi has only acknowledged that the AIADMK would sail together, but nothing more than it.

Party insiders feel that the loss of traditional votes, including non-DMK minority votes, in such an alliance cannot be compensated by the BJP's 2-3 per cent vote-share.

According to them, even this vote share would not come to the AIADMK in constituencies where the party fielded Muslim or Christian candidates.

Ironically, in the southern region where both parties are relatively strong, the AIADMK cannot ignore Christian candidates.

In the north, where both parties are relatively weak, the AIADMK cannot overlook Muslim claimants totally.

Against this traditional background, the AIADMK especially sees further consolidation of the 15-per cent minorities votes in the state consolidating against the BJP even more after the Manipur violence.

They concede that further consolidation of the minorities' mindset would not make any change to the BJP's votes, but could add to the woes of the AIADMK ally.

The party might find even the limited minorities' votes coming its way, now going to the other side.

In select assembly segments, it could mean something, as every vote lost to the rival doubles the vote-gap between the two.

It should not surprise the BJP strategists and logistics operators if there is less enthusiasm among AIADMK candidates for election rallies addressed by Modi, Shah and other senior BJP leaders.

Worse still, AIADMK cadres feel that Modi's long silence on Manipur events in this era of social media expose and coverage across states and languages has meant something much more than losing votes.

It is about losing faith in the government and its allies, if not the system as a whole.

The nay-sayers, according to them, are not restricted to the minorities or traditional anti-BJP, anti-Hindutva voters this time.

They also come from the middle-path. Unless the BJP is able to change the narrative between now and the Lok Sabha polls, it could be problematic for the AIADMK to defend the ally, both in public rallies and at booth-levels.

IMAGE: Sonia Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, DMK President M K Stalin and DMK MP T R Baalu during the Opposition leaders' dinner in Bengaluru, July 17, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

Against the BJP's perceived predicament, which could include continuing inability to consolidate Hindu votes as Hindutva votes, the party's Congress rival may have scored a few points more than already.

In effect, the Congress does not have more than five per cent traditional votes.

But in the face of minority oppression, allegedly by the BJP, its vote share in the state might have nearly doubled.

Manipur has only consolidated such sentiments among minority voters in the state.

Together, the Congress and the DMK alliance stands to gain but separately, the latter would be the loser though that would not help the former win any seat, barring one or two.

It is an advantage that the DMK ally knows it cannot afford to lose.

It may also tempt state Congress leaders at least to seek more seats from the DMK.

The chances are that the DMK's Stalin may want to tie up the loose ends of seat-sharing with the Congress leadership quietly and before open discussions become necessary and possible.

Like the BJP this time in the rival alliance, the DMK might use smaller allies as a check against the Congress, making them contest under the party's 'Rising Sun' symbol.

Already, there are others like the IJP's Paarivendhar. If his informal defection has not embarrassed the DMK, it owes only to the absence of a three-line whip for party MPs to vote against the government on any particular issue or bill.

N Sathiya Moorthy, veteran journalist and author, is a Chennai-based policy analyst & political commentator.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
'I was under the illusion that this could never happen to me because my background was such -- corporate CEO, IIT professor, IIT alumnus, IIM...'

IMAGE: Scholar-activist Anand Teltumbde, second from left, with wife Rama, who is Dr B R Ambedkar's grand-daughter, following his release from the Taloja central prison in Navi Mumbai on November 26, 2022. Photograph: PTI Photo from the Rediff Archives

Anand Teltumbde was born into a family of Dalit labourers and excelled in his studies. He went on to get an MBA from one of the top IIMs in this country.

He was a professor at IIT-Kharagpur and later became a senior professor at the Goa Institute of Management.

He is married to Rama, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's granddaughter.

On August 29, 2018, the police raided Professor Teltumbde's home, accusing him of having a connection to the Elgar Parishad and Bhima Koregaon case.

Anand Teltumbde, in an interview with Rediff.com Senior Contributor Neeta Kolhatkar, reveals, "I was made to stand naked before their CCTV camera. This is the sort of humiliating experience you undergo at Taloja jail."

The first of a multi-part interview.

How does it feel to be home, now that you are on bail? How are you adjusting to the freedom?

(Chuckles) I am trying to be normal, because my arrest gave me the shock of my life.

I had never bargained for such a thing.

I used to think, even if I had tried to get myself arrested, I wouldn't have been.

Actually, it was not that sudden. Had I been in Goa when the NIA and police raided my house, on that very day, I would have got arrested.

Nothing could have been done. The legal process gave me over a year time to prepare for myself.

That day was a miraculous escape. After that, the rest is history.

They did arrest me, however, and let me have a taste of police lock up for 13 hours before the court declared my arrest illegal and freed me.

After I was released from prison, I tried to behave as normal as possible.

My younger daughter had arrived just a few days ago to be with Rama.

In fact, it was she who arranged for my quick release from jail. The older one came after the third day.

Have you settled in a new routine? Have you gone back to writing?

I had begun writing in jail itself.

I had a routine to read and write every day and I have written four books in jail. Though these books need a lot of deletions and additions.

I utilised my time in jail effectively. Various subjects.

The oldies had begun writing their jail memoirs, like Varavara Rao. Father Stan Swamy had also planned to do so.

I felt I too should take up writing. (Laughs).

I have never told my daughters about my background and early years.

I began to document this and in between, I began writing on other themes.

I don't write about myself, so I began to question myself, why was I doing this? Then I resumed and planned a format where my story could be woven into the social-political context.

A little bit of me but a lot about the environment, history, geography and struggles of people around me.

The second book, I began to think of writing it as an intimate letter to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. (Smiles) Being a relative, he being so many things to us, so I started writing it in this format.

It is a continuous letter that may run up to 700 pages.

In this, I am reviewing his book, why he wrote those books, in the context of today's developments, because he is intimately connected to the Constitution of India, the politics, through so many things.

The third book is on nationalism, the title and other things may differ.

I am exploring nationalism as an abstract idea with which how the ruling class has been cheating people.

This book is on nationalism, patriotism and all these symbols and how people get fooled.

The fourth book is about my being interviewed by the people in jail.

Did you ever in your wildest dreams imagine you would have got arrested?

Even if I wanted to, there was no possibility or an occasion for my arrest.

I never imagined I would have a jail life.

I was under the illusion that this could never happen to me because my background was such -- corporate CEO, IIT professor, IIT alumnus, IIM... these were real hurdles in my imagination, if I wanted to go willingly.

IMAGE: Rama and Anand Teltumbde. Photograph: Neeta Kolhatkar

On April 14, were you arrested here, from Raj Gruha (Dr Ambedkar's home in Dadar, north central Mumbai)?

Actually, it so happened, on March 23, 2020, we had booked our flight tickets to Mumbai because we would not get another opportunity to come to Mumbai, so (we thought) let's go home.

On the flight from Goa, we learned of the national lockdown.

Thankfully, we had a few clothes here in Mumbai. Otherwise, we had only packed for three days.

After we landed, there was no taxi or vehicle.

Then Rama called her brother, who came to the airport.

The Supreme Court rejected our bail (Gautam Navlakha's case was clubbed with Anand's by the apex court).

Our lawyers had felt at the time that we would get some relief because of the pandemic and maybe, the courts wouldn't work.

But as you are aware, our bail was rejected and we were asked to surrender within seven days. I went and surrendered in Mumbai.

I went to the NIA office at Pedder Road (south Mumbai). Gautam surrendered in Delhi.

Where were you put away initially, once you surrendered?

They had given me an arrival time of 2 pm. The Supreme Court had given this deadline.

I was kept in the NIA lock-up, which is a room.

They took me to the court and sought remand. They were granted four days.

The process is like office clerical work. They ask basic questions, such as name, place, etc.

I just sat there all the time. Absolutely nothing else was asked. No investigation or questioning.

After four days, they produced me again and sought more remand and again, I was asked nothing.

They just kept me in their lock-up. After 11 days, the judge sanctioned judicial custody. I was taken to Taloja.

Can you relive your Taloja jail tenure? What was it like on the first day?

The first day I was brought in, I was supposed to be quarantined, so I was taken to the hospital barracks.

The situation was horrible. I don't have the ability to describe how terrible the situation was. (Laughs).

I was taken there by 3 pm. I sat outside for a long while.

Then the police came, around 7.30 pm, after which the horrific treatment began. They make you stand in a corner.

There were different desks and each had a different questionnaire.

At the first desk they ask you your name and details. I had to hand over my money.

Then they took my bag to another desk. I had a backpack, not realising they wouldn't allow me to take it.

The way they tackle it was shocking. They hold it with both their hands, turn it upside down and empty out that bag.

They told me not to take the bag inside the jail.

So I asked how could I take my clothes, medicines, toiletries, dry fruits and snacks? He dismissively ordered me to put it in my towel. I was appalled.

Then another brought a gunny bag and ordered me to put my stuff in it.

The process is extremely humiliating. I told myself, this is how life is going to be inside the prison now onwards, I should prepare myself. Then they make you strip.

How did life begin thereafter in the Taloja barracks?

They woke us up at 6 am and gave us breakfast -- upma and tea.

I tried eating and sipping, but could not.

I offered it to the Vasai man, who took it willingly.

Then an officer came and I told him I would die here, he had better shift me elsewhere.

He agreed to do so, but asked me to wait.

When they say wait for a while, it means that the first night, nothing happens, then the second day too passes.

On the second day, you have to meet the superintendent.

That is the most humiliating experience. They will strip you (of the upper garment) and make you sit on the floor.

Thankfully, due to my health, I was spared.

I was made to stand in that state (without the upper garment) and they took photos. This is the sort of humiliating experience you undergo.

How was your experience on the first floor?

There were rooms with amenities on the first floor, self-contained type.

They gave me a cot with bedding. It was actually clean.

For three days, I had not eaten anything, had not bathed and there was no question of using that toilet.

First, I bathed, as they had given me buckets etc.

I had not slept for three days and two nights.

I then began to look for my snacks, toiletries and dry fruits, but everything had been stolen.

There was a canteen, so I could get things. All 'elite' prisoners were kept on the first floor.

So, all the serial murderers and gangsters were my companions (chuckles).

When they learnt of my things being stolen, before I could ask anyone, they sent across eatables and other things. They also advised me such instances of humanity are aplenty in the prison.

One Vijay Palande asked me to eat and said if I faced any problem, I should ask them (his other companions). And they kept helping me.

They asked me to settle down and tell them if there was any issue.

Then slowly, you learn the grammar of the jail. There is a lot of corruption in jails.

If you pay money, you can get anything. You get good sabzi, unlimited things from the canteen, and visits to outside hospitals from the very same place. Those who have these benefits may share with others.

Part 2 of the Interview: 'If my mother knew of my arrest, she would have died of shock'

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com
The Zomi Council Steering Committee, representing nine Kuki-Zomi tribes of Manipur, on Tuesday demanded imposition of President's Rule in the state, while a leading Meitei civil rights organisation -- Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity -- urged the Centre not to hold talks with Kuki militant groups.

IMAGE: Civil society organisations stage a demonstration to express solidarity with the Zo people in ethnic strife-torn Manipur, in Aizawl, Mizoram, July 25, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Zomi-Kuki organisation also sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention for a permanent solution to the ongoing ethnic strife

In a letter to the prime minister, the ZCSC also asked for a National Investigation Agency probe into the root causes of the state-sponsored attacks on the tribals of the northeastern state and re-introduction of provisions of the AFSPA in all valley districts so that the Army can take over full control of the law and order.

Your (the PM's) immediate intervention is indispensable to restore peace and normalcy in this sensitive and strategic eastern corner of the country, the organisation said in the letter seeking several measures to address the situation.

The Constitutional failure and collapse of law and order in the state warrants invoking Article 356 (President's Rule) immediately, the letter added.

Claiming that more than 5000 sophisticated arms and lakhs of ammunition were looted from state armouries across the state, the ZCSC said, Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act may be re-introduced in all the valley districts so that the Army can take full control of the law and order situation.

The Committee also alleged that systematic injustice, institutional neglect and discrimination of the Kuki-Zomi tribals have been continuing for many decades.

The viral video clip which awakened the conscience of the entire world is just the tip of the iceberg in the current conflict of Manipur, the letter read.

It was referring to a video in which two women were shown stripped and paraded by a group of men. The video shot on May 4 surfaced on July 19.

On the other hand, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity, an umbrella body of several Imphal-based civil society organisations, on Tuesday urged the Centre not to hold talks with Kuki militant groups claiming that members of those bodies are responsible for the current turmoil in the state.

The influential group in Manipur representing the majority Meitei community also claimed that members of Kuki militant groups are "foreigners".

"We have received inputs from sources in the media that the government of India is scheduled to hold talks with the Kuki outfits on Wednesday. We are totally against it," COCOMI Convenor Jitendra Ningomba told a press conference at Imphal.

The government should not hold talks with any of the Kuki groups who had earlier signed a Suspension of Operations pact with the government.

The SoO was signed by the Centre, the Manipur government and two conglomerates of Kuki militant outfits -- Kuki National Organisations and United Peoples Front. The pact was first signed in 2008 and extended periodically.

"We are against any talk between Kuki militant groups and the government of India as those are made up of foreign nationals, Ningomba said.

He said the COCOMI will organise a rally on July 29 to press for its demand that the territorial integrity of the state cannot be compromised and no separate administration would be allowed.

Meanwhile, in another press conference in New Delhi, COCOMI spokesperson Kh Athouba accused the state and union governments of not doing enough to stop violence in Manipur.

"It took four days to control the situation during the (2002) Gujarat riots. Why cannot the violence be controlled in a small state like Manipur, despite the deployment of force," he said.

Athouba also charged the Assam Rifles with supporting militants, and said their group is gathering supporting evidence, and demanded that some battalions of the paramilitary force be removed from the state.

Assam Rifles has already filed a sedition and defamation case against COCOMI after the organisation had given a call asking the majority Meitei community not to surrender weapons.

Ethnic violence broke out in Manipur nearly three months ago, killing over 160 people since then, and injuring hundreds.

The violence erupted on May 3 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe 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 mainly in the hill districts.
Sacked Rajasthan minister Rajendra Gudha called for a narco test on all ministers in the state on Tuesday, a day after he waved a 'red diary' in the assembly alleging it contained details of financial irregularities involving Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and others.

IMAGE: Congress leader Rajendra Singh Gudha leaves as he was not allowed to enter the Rajasthan assembly after being removed as a minister in Jaipur, July 24, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

In an interview with PTI, he also took sides with Sachin Pilot in the now-off, now-on tussle between Gehlot and his former deputy.

He hit out at Gehlot for calling senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot nikamma, nakara and gaddar. Pilot's father Rajesh Pilot worked for the Congress and Sachin Pilot himself has been working for the party for 20 years, Gudha said.

Referring to Sachin Pilot, the Congress MLA said, "The one who brought the party from 21 seats to 99 seats cannot be a nikamma (worthless)."

"If someone gets 21 seats out of 200, can that person be called hardworking," Gudha said, apparently referring to Gehlot and taking sides.

Gudha was suspended from the Rajasthan assembly on Monday after it saw unruly scenes -- including pushing and shoving -- over the 'red diary'.

He has been targeting Gehlot following his sacking on Friday evening, hours after he cornered his own government in the Assembly over the issue of crimes against women in the state.

Gudha held charge as the minister of state for Sainik Kalyan (independent charge), home guard and civil defence, panchayati raj and rural development.

On Tuesday, the former minister also claimed that he wanted to table the diary in the assembly.

"Narco test is a scientific and trustworthy test. Agencies across the world accept it and even the judiciary accepts it. I am saying that the test be conducted on the entire council of ministers, including me, to reveal the truth about rape and corruption. It will reveal who is lying and who is speaking the truth," he told PTI.

On a question of whether the diary mentions just one minister or several, Gudha said, "Here we do not have a Congress government. It is a Gehlot government. He is the home minister, finance minister and chief minister. Also, the PCC chief and the state Congress in-charge are in his pocket. One man is the entire system. The red diary is a big danger for him."

The former minister added that he is now being accused of working hand in glove with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

He said when the Gehlot government was in crisis in 2008, it was he who brought about the support of six Bahujan Samaj Party MLAs to secure the government.

Gudha is now part of the group of six ex-BSP MLAs who have joined the Congress.

"The chief minister came to my constituency on my son's birthday. He even said that if Gudha were not there, he would not have been the chief minister," the ex-minister said.

Referring to Gehlot sacking him as a minister, Gudha said, "I had only said that we need to introspect on the issues of crimes against women for which I was terminated from the council of ministers."

Gudha said he has never relied on Gehlot for votes, and reminded that the group of ex-Bahujan Samaj Party MLAs in the House has supported the Congress veteran.

"We have voted six times in Rajya Sabha elections for him, supported him for chief minister twice, voted in the president's election. We have saved the Congress government during a political crisis. We have worked a lot for the state and for him," he added.

Replying to a question about whether the issues raised by him will affect Congress in the upcoming elections, the ex-minister said, "Women are feeling insecure. Recruitment exam papers have leaked. Those made members were involved in selling the papers."

"There is resentment among the youth. The youth and the unemployed are committing suicide," he added.

Gudha said that he will visit every village in his constituency and seek people's opinions before deciding the future course of action about his political career.

The former minister took out a 'camel rally' in his Udaipurwati assembly constituency in Junjhunu district. He said another huge rally will be organised in a week's time after which he will seek people's opinion.

"I will go to people's court to ask them what they have to say about me being deprived of my right to speak in the Assembly," Gudha told reporters during the camel rally.
China on Tuesday sacked foreign minister Qin Gang and reappointed top diplomat Wang Yi to the post, ending the rare embarrassing drama involving a close confidant of President Xi Jinping in the tightly-run Communist country.

IMAGE: Fu Xiaotian, left, interviewing Qin Gang, then China's ambassador to the United States, for her show Talk with World Leaders in Washington, DC last year. Photograph: Courtesy Talk with World Leaders

The abrupt move, approved by the top decision-making body of China's rubber-stamp parliament, comes as speculation swirled around the fate of Qin, an outspoken diplomat, who has not been seen in public for a month.

Qin, 57, was made the foreign minister in December last year, superseding many seniors, earning the distinction of a rising star in the ruling Communist Party of China.

He was one of the youngest appointees to the post in China's history.

Before his elevation, Xi had sent Qin as China's ambassador to the US to stabilise Beijing's stalled ties with Washington.

No reason has yet been given for Qin's abrupt departure.

The high-profile diplomat has not been seen in public since June 25, after he met with officials from Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Russia in Beijing.

The Chinese Parliament reappointed Qin's predecessor, Wang, who has been elevated to the high post of director of CPC's foreign affairs commission in January.

China's top legislature voted to appoint Wang, 69, as foreign minister and removed Qin from the post, state-run news agency Xinhua reported.

President Xi, also general secretary of the CPC, signed a presidential order to effectuate the decision, it said.

Wang served as the foreign minister from 2013 to 2022. However, in the Chinese political hierarchy, the post of the foreign minister is well below that of the director of the CPC's foreign affairs commission.

He was also elevated to the post of State Councillor, a high political rank of the CPC.

Ever since Qin went missing from the public and missing several diplomatic engagements in the recent weeks, rumours had surfaced that he was not well.

Later rumours of his alleged affair with a Chinese journalist working at Phoenix TV of Hong Kong, besides involvement in corruption cases were also doing rounds.

For weeks, the Chinese foreign ministry parried persistent questions from journalists on Qin's absence and whereabouts.

Rumours gripped Beijing on Monday when it was announced that the standing committee of the National People's Congress -- China's Parliament --will hold an emergency session on Tuesday to appoint and remove an official.

Tuesday's announcement of the NPC session came after a high-level meeting presided over by President Xi.

Qin's unprecedented removal was regarded as a major setback and embarrassment for Xi who has emerged as the most powerful leader after the CPC founder Mao Zedong.

After his election for an unprecedented third term last year, Xi, 70, is expected to remain in power for life.

During his brief tenure as foreign minister, Qin met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar twice to discuss restoration of bilateral ties frozen by the military stand-off in eastern Ladakh.

Interestingly, Wang met national security advisor Ajit Doval on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs' Meeting in Johannesburg on Monday.

During the meeting, Doval conveyed to Wang that the situation along the Line of Actual Control in the western sector of the India-China boundary since 2020 had eroded strategic trust and the public and political basis of the relationship.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held a meeting with top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi during which he emphasised the need for continuing efforts to restore peace and tranquillity in the border areas to remove the 'impediments' to normalcy in bilateral relations.

IMAGE: NDA Ajit Doval with top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi, in Johannesburg. Photograph: Courtesy Chinese Embassy in India

Doval and Wang met on the sidelines of the Friends of BRICS meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa on Monday.

During their meeting, Doval conveyed that the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Western Sector of the India-China boundary since 2020 had eroded strategic trust and the public and political basis of the relationship, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

He emphasised the 'importance of continuing efforts to fully resolve the situation and restore peace and tranquillity in the border areas, so as to remove impediments to normalcy in bilateral relations', the statement said.

The two sides agreed that the India-China bilateral relationship is significant not only for the two countries but also for the region and world, it said.

The meeting came days after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Wang, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in the Indonesian capital Jakarta, and discussed outstanding issues relating to peace and tranquillity in border areas.

India has been locked in a military standoff with China for more than three years, with Jaishankar describing it to be the most complex challenge in his long diplomatic career.

India has maintained that the bilateral relationship cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border area.

Wang during the meeting with Doval said the two sides should enhance strategic mutual trust, focus on consensus and cooperation, overcome obstacles and bring bilateral relations back on track of sound and stable development as soon as possible, China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Wang stressed that China will never seek hegemony, and stands ready to work with developing countries, including India, to support multilateralism and the democratisation of international relations, and promote the more just and equitable development of international order.

Earlier on Monday, Doval called for collective efforts to deal with challenges emanating from cybersecurity at the Friends of BRICS meeting.

The NSA also held several bilaterals with his counterparts from and Friends of BRICS countries.

South Africa is hosting the BRICS Summit next month.

BRICS is a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
A Delhi court on Tuesday acquitted ex-Haryana minister Gopal Goyal Kanda in the high-profile case of abetment of suicide by Geetika Sharma, a former air hostess with his aviation company, saying he did not, directly or indirectly, commit an act that prompted her to end her life.

IMAGE: Haryana Lokhit Party leader Gopal Kanda. Photograph: ANI Photo

The court said Kanda was indeed attracted to Sharma which was evident from the promotions he gave her in his companies and the gifts he lavished on her.

Special Judge Vikas Dhull acquitted Kanda and co-accused Aruna Chadha of the charges punishable under IPC Sections including 306 (abetment of suicide), 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 466 (forgery), as he held the prosecution has failed to prove the accused, pursuant to a criminal conspiracy, created circumstances due to which Sharma had no option but to die by suicide.

Sharma was found dead on August 5, 2012 at her Ashok Vihar residence in North West Delhi.

In her August 4 suicide note, she had said she was ending her life due to harassment by Kanda and Chadha.

The judge said in a 189-page verdict that even though the prosecution witnesses were trying to "cover up" by deposing that Sharma had spent the night of August 3, 2012 at the Mumbai Airport, there was a strong possibility of her having stayed in Mumbai with some other person with whom she had physical relations.

The fact of Sharma having some kind of physical relations prior to her death finds corroboration in her post mortem report, the judge said.

The possibility of Chadha and Kanda disclosing this fact to the mother of Sharma in a telephonic conversation on August 3 and 4, 2012 respectively, being the well wishers of the family or out of jealousy, which led to a quarrel between Sharma and her mother on her return from Mumbai on August 4, 2012 and thereafter, deceased Geetika Sharma committed suicide, cannot be ruled out, the judge said.

The judge said the regret expressed by Sharma in the suicide note that she made a big mistake in her life by trusting the accused might be in reference to accused persons breaking her trust by sharing (information) about her abortion and her night out on August 3, 2012 in Mumbai.

The judge noted according to Sharma's call detail record, around six calls were exchanged from her mobile number on August 4, 2012.

Out of these three were of her brother Ankit and no investigation was done regarding the remaining three calls by the investigating officer, he said.

It was imperative for the IO to have investigated those three calls, out of which two calls were from same mobile number of duration of 192 and 155 seconds respectively, which were received by deceased Geetika Sharma on August 4, 2012 as they were made prior to her death and could have thrown some light on Sharma committing suicide.

The possibility of some person known to Sharma calling her on August 4, 2012 and instigating her, due to which she committed suicide, also cannot be ruled out, the judge said.

The judge noted Sharma's mother had made calls to her daughter in the morning of August 5, 2012 between 2.18.50 am and 2.31.47 am.

It is quite unusual for the mother of Sharma to have made telephonic calls to her deceased daughter in the dead of night of August 4-5, 2012 when she was sleeping in the adjacent room and possibility of mother inquiring about the well being of daughter due to previous quarrel, cannot be ruled out, the judge said.

The court held the evidence of witnesses did not suggest that by way of giving promotions to the deceased or by appointing her as coordinator of the MDLR Group Kanda had the motive to instigate her to end her life.

It is proved on record that accused persons directly or indirectly, had not done any act of instigation of deceased to commit suicide, the judge said, adding it was difficult to believe that the two accused were harassing Sharma since 2006 till June, 2012.

The court noted Sharma was friendly with Chadha and used to socialise with her by attending parties in different restaurants.

Any sane and prudent person would not socialise or take benefits or favours from the very person, who creates stress and tension in his/her life, the judge said.

The court said it can be inferred that Kanda was attracted to Sharma and this might be the reason for him and Chadha to travel to Dubai to request her to rejoin his company MDLR.

The other benefits, which Kanda had given to Sharma, in the form of making her Director, providing her BMW car, sponsoring her fee for MBA course, taking her with him to Singapore, making her the president of Sundale Educational Society, even though she had no experience in the running of school, proves that said benefits were given by Kanda due to his liking or attraction towards her.

Therefore, it cannot be believed that Kanda, who due to his attraction towards Sharma, was providing her with so many favours and benefits would have mens rea (criminal intent) to create such circumstances for her wherein she had no option but to commit suicide or he by his conduct, direct or indirect, had instigated her to commit suicide, the judge said.

The judge dismissed the defence lawyer's submission that the accused were putting pressure on Sharma to sign the documents of Sundale Educational Society, saying it does not amount to any kind of harassment, as he noted that by signing the documents, Sharma would have become the president of the Sundale Educational Society, which was running a school by the name of Pumpkin School in Gurgaon, Haryana.

Any person, who would be made president of a society, running a school in Gurgaon, would not have felt harassed or depressed but would have felt happy on being chosen for such a prestigious post, the judge said.

The trial court had also framed charges of rape IPC Section (376) and 377 (unnatural sex) against Kanda.

The Delhi high court, however, later quashed these charges.

Amid an outrage over the incident, Kanda was forced to resign as minister of state for home.

Responding to his acquittal, Kanda said," There was no evidence against me. The entire thing was made up."

Sharma's family, however, expressed "shock" over the judgement after living through an "emotional turmoil" for 11 years.

"My father, who is aged 66, is in a state of shock after the verdict," said Ankit Sharma, her brother.

"We are scared for our lives now. It is a life-threatening situation for us," he told PTI, adding the family does not have the means to fight the case and urged the State to file an appeal against the verdict.
Protests erupted in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on Monday evening and early Tuesday, July 24-25, 2023, over Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and his government's decision to curb the powers of Israel's supreme court.

As the Opposition walked out of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, the government passed the contentious bill that limits the supreme court's powers to void some government decisions 64-0.

Jerusalem

IMAGE: Security forces clash with protesters in Jerusalem. Photograph: Ammar Awad/Reuters

IMAGE: A policeman confronts a protester. Photograph: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters

IMAGE: Demonstrators are sprayed by a water cannon, here and below. Photograph: Ammar Awad/Reuters

Photograph: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters

IMAGE: Police scuffle with a protester. Photograph: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters

IMAGE: Protesters hold signs and Israeli flags. Photograph: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters

IMAGE: Security forces detain a protester. Photograph: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters

IMAGE: Police interact with protesters. Photograph: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters

IMAGE: Protesters block a road leading to Prime Minister Netanyahu's office. Photograph: Ammar Awad/Reuters

IMAGE: Border police attempt to remove protesters from a road leading to the Knesset, Israel's parliament. Photograph: Ammar Awad/Reuters

IMAGE: A protester holds a flag stained, with what he claims is blood, near the Knesset. Photograph: Amir Cohen/Reuters

IMAGE: Protesters joust with police near the Knesset. Photograph: Amir Cohen/Reuters

IMAGE: SENSITIVE MATERIAL. THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB A protester is being attended to, after he got injured, near the Knesset. Photograph: Amir Cohen/Reuters

Tel Aviv

IMAGE: Protesters block the Ayalon highway in Tel Aviv. Photograph: Corinna Kern/Reuters

IMAGE: Protesters shout slogans on the highway. Photograph: Corinna Kern/Reuters

IMAGE: Protesters block the highway by burning material. Photograph: Corinna Kern/Reuters

IMAGE: Police use a water cannon as protesters block the highway. Photograph: Corinna Kern/Reuters

IMAGE: Police detain a person for blocking the highway. Photograph: Corinna Kern/Reuters

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
Prominent Muslim organisation Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind on Tuesday backed the Andhra Pradesh waqf board's stance describing the Ahmaddiya community as non-Muslims, claiming that this is the "unanimous position" of all Muslims.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Arun Sharma/PTI Photo

With the Andhra Pradesh Waqf Board passing a resolution calling the Ahmaddiya community "kafirs" and and non-Muslims, the minority affairs ministry has written a strongly-worded letter to the Andhra Pradesh government, calling the waqf board's resolution a "hate campaign" which "could have ramifications across the country".

"A representation dated 20.7.2023 has been received from the Ahmaddiya Muslim community, vide which it has been stated that certain waqf boards have been opposing the Ahmadiyya community and passing illegal resolutions declaring the community to be outside the fold of Islam," said the letter sent to Chief Secretary Andhra Pradesh K S Jawahar Reddy.

"This constitutes a hate campaign against the Ahmadiyya community at large and the waqf board neither has the jurisdiction nor authority to determine religious identity of any community including Ahmadiyyas," the letter reportedly said.

In a statement, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (Mahmood Madani faction) has supported the stance taken by the Andhra Pradesh waqf board regarding the Ahmadiyyas, asserting that it reflects the "unanimous position of all Muslims".

"Union minister Smriti Irani's insistence on a different view is deemed unwarranted and illogical since the waqf board's primary purpose is to safeguard the endowments and interests of Muslims, as defined in the Waqf Act," the Jamiat said.

Therefore, properties and places of worship belonging to a community that is not recognised as Muslims do not fall under the jurisdiction of the waqf board, it argued.

"This position was established by the Andhra Pradesh waqf board in 2009, following the representation made by Jamiat Ulama Andhra Pradesh. Recently, the incumbent waqf board reiterated the same stance in its statement in February 23," the Muslim organisation said.

The Jamiat said the religion of Islam rests on two fundamental beliefs -- affirming the oneness of Allah and the belief that Prophet Mohammed is the final Messenger of Allah.

Both these beliefs are integral components of the five basic pillars of Islam, the Jamiat said.

Contrary to these essential Islamic beliefs, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad took a position that challenges the concept of the finality of prophethood, it said.

In light of this principled and factual difference, there is no basis to consider the group as an Islamic sect, and all Islamic schools of thought agree that this group is non-Muslim, the Jamiat said.

The World Muslim League reached a consensus during its meeting from April 6 to 10, 1974, with representatives from 110 countries, declaring that this group is outside the fold of Islam and holds hostility towards Muslims.

The Jamiat also cited various court rulings to support their argument.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. The Helsinki Commission was established to monitor and promote compliance with the Helsinki Final Act and other commitments in OSCE countries, Trend reports.

However, the committee did not adopt a single statement condemning Armenia, despite the fact that 8 out of 10 basic principles of the Final Act signed on August 1, 1975, in Helsinki by the participants of the Pan-European meeting were grossly violated by this country.

The Helsinki Commission, which has been supporting Armenia for many years, especially during the ongoing 30-year occupation of Armenia by Azerbaijan, seems to have finally decided to reconsider its views on Armenia.

Armenia is currently at the forefront of countries where human rights and freedoms are grossly and clearly violated. Armenians who want to reintegrate into Azerbaijan are branded as "traitors".

Recently, Armenia has even begun to receive proposals regarding the release of people serving criminal sentences in exchange for military service. They call the defendant and promise to drop the charges against him if he voluntarily goes to jail.

Everyone knows in which direction Armenia wants to send criminals to military service. Yerevan seeks to carry out its illegal actions against Azerbaijan by any means, with the help of criminals.

Lawyer Arsen Mkrtchyan stated that he had already faced similar cases twice, and one of his clients had already joined the military exercises. The indictments against the mentioned persons were not annulled. Thus, the Armenian government ignores any international conventions, rights, or freedoms, both inside and outside the country.

The deplorable situation with human rights violations in Armenia continues to worsen every day. Cases such as illegal arrests, the use of brute force by the police, and the persecution of opponents of the authorities are growing day by day.

A recent report by the Helsinki Committee revealed all the details of the terrible situation in the country ruled by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who likes to call himself a "democratic leader." The final decision of the Helsinki Committee can also be interpreted as a reprimand for Yerevan.

The situation with human rights and respect for human beings in Armenia has always been low.. This is not only a problem of the present time. The foundation for such a terrible situation was laid during the times of former Armenian leaders Robert Kocharyan and Serzh Sargsyan. Thus, they used all the power they received to establish a dictatorship, abusing their position and plundering the state budget.

Unlike Sargsyan and Kocharyan, Pashinyan did not steal material goods, and after coming to power, he took over the media and security structures of the country. As a result, Armenians began to be beaten more often for criticizing the authorities, and journalists who feared for their careers began to cover up these facts.

Pashinyan-controlled security forces beat up three local human rights defenders who demanded explanations from the police in early February 2023. According to one of the victims, they put a bag on her head and kicked her.

It is no coincidence that the European Assembly of Lawyers and Representatives of Lawyers expressed deep concern about physical violence and insults against lawyers and called for a full and impartial investigation of the incidents in 2023.

No sanctions have been imposed against Armenia to date. On the contrary, European officials and politicians visit this country, conduct various actions, and conduct observation missions. Although Pashinyan's government positions itself as a "democratic government", the facts reflected in the reports give grounds to say that in their practical activities they carry out governance far from democracy.

International human rights organizations should be sensitive to these inhumane processes taking place in Armenia since there are no such human rights violations in any country in the world.

This situation can be observed now both in Armenia and in France. The whole world is witnessing today's racial discrimination and human rights violations in France. For some reason, these two countries have recently become more similar to each other with their policies of occupation, Islamophobia, human rights violations, and racial discrimination.
The Manipur government has said that at least 718 Myanmar nationals, including 301 children, have illegally entered the northeastern state last week.

IMAGE: NGO Folklore Research Academy students take part in a protest march against the sexual assault of two women in Manipur, in Amritsar on July 24, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

A statement issued by Home Department said that the illegal influx was reported on July 22 and 23 in Chandel district by Assam Rifles, the India-Myanmar border guarding force.

Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi sought to know from the Assam Rifles how the Myanmarese were allowed to enter India without proper travel documents and asked the force to push them back immediately.

'Report has been received from the Headquarters 28 Sector Assam Rifles that 718 fresh refugees have crossed India-Myanmar border and entered into the general area of New Lajang,' Joshi said in the statement.

Of the 718 Myanmarese, 209 are men, 208 are women and 301 are children.

Thirteen Myanmar nationals entered Lajang area on July 22.

On July 23, a total of 230 Myanmarese arrived in New Lajang, 89 in New Samtal, 143 in Yangnomphai village, 175 in Yangnomphai Saw Mill, 30 in Aivomjang and 38 in Bhonse, it said.

'The state government had clearly informed the Assam Rifles, as border guarding force, to take strict action to prevent entry of Myanmar nationals into Manipur without valid travel documents as per instructions of Union home ministry.

'The state government views the illegal entry very seriously with utmost sensitivity as the same may have international ramifications more particularly in view of the law and order situation,' the statement said.

The government advised the deputy commissioner and SP of Chandel district to oversee the repatriation of the illegal immigrants and keep biometrics and photographs of all the Myanmar nationals.

Manipur shares a 398-km-long porous border with Myanmar. Chins, who share ethnic ties with Kukis of Manipur, reside on the Myanmar side.
Meghalaya police chief LR Bishnoi on Tuesday said the July 24 mob attack on the chief minister's office in Tura was "pre-planned" and a "conspiracy" was hatched to cause physical harm to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.

IMAGE: A mob gathers at the CMO and pelts stones, Tura, Meghalaya, July 24, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

The director general of police said that all conspirators will be taken to task and put behind bars.

As many as 19 people including opposition TMC leader Richard Mrong Marak were arrested for their alleged involvement in the incident.

Another 26 people have been identified with the help of video footage from the incident of stone pelting and arson, he said

"Intelligence indicates that the plan of the mob was to murder the chief minister by hitting him on the head with a stone or bottles," the DGP claimed.

"They provoked the crowd to cause physical harm to the chief minister and even they insisted that they go for the extreme steps like murder, etc. These kinds of actions of the violent youth indicated that it was pre-planned and a conspiracy to cause physical harm to the chief minister," Bishnoi said.

Stating that the situation is now fully under control, the state police chief said, "I categorically state here that we will not spare anyone whoever indulged in the violence and tried to attack the chief minister and cause damage to vehicles of government officials and that they will be put behind the bars very soon."

He said that the police are on the hunt for the conspirators and are conducting raids since Monday night.

The DGP said that they have seized substantial numbers of the incriminating materials from the place of occurrence that indicates that the whole incident was pre-planned and an attempt was to attack the chief minister and cause physical harm to him.

Money was also distributed one day ahead of the mob attack.

The police have seized stones from the place of occurrence, 50 pieces of bamboo used as sticks to beat up the police personnel, 20 catapults, a jerrycan full of kerosene besides alcohol bottles and matchboxes.

At least 18 police personnel including home guards and Central Reserve Police Force personnel were injured during the mob attack on the CMO in Tura while chief minister Conrad K Sangma was having a meeting with the representatives of the ACHIK, who were staging a hunger strike demanding implementation of a backlog policy and to declare Tura as the winter capital of the state.

As many as four vehicles have been set on fire while 17 others were damaged due to the stone pelting.

The DGP said that the police had maintained restraint for a couple of hours. "Even knowing that the mob was causing huge damage to our vehicles, police did not decide to go for firing to avoid casualty of other peaceful youth, who were there and taking part in the agitations," he added.

Bishnoi said that after conducting a massive search, police have arrested 19 accused persons, who were identified from video footage. "We have also identified another 26 persons, who were also involved in the incident," he added.

Of the 19 arrested, two are members of the BJP mahila morcha -- Bellina M Marak (32) and Dilche Ch Marak (40).

The night curfew is on and the situation is returning to normalcy even as schools within Tura town were ordered shut on Tuesday.

The DGP said that the security cover for the chief minister will be reviewed with the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and senior officials of the government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday derided the opposition alliance INDIA as the most directionless the country had ever seen and cited reviled names such as East India Company and Indian Mujahideen to assert that people cannot be misled merely by the use of the country's name.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the BJP's parliamentary party meeting at Parliament House complex in New Delhi, July 25, 2023. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo

Multiple sources present at the BJP parliamentary party meeting said Modi was severe in his criticism of the opposition amid the continuing logjam in Parliament and also sounded confident of the ruling dispensation retaining power at the Centre for a third term after the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

The opposition has sunk deep in despair and is directionless, he said, according to Union minister Pralhad Joshi.

Its conduct suggests that it has reconciled to remain in opposition for a long time, Modi said.

With opposition parties rallying around the name 'INDIA' for their alliance, the prime minister cited the history of several organisations, including some banned extremist and terror outfits using the country's name, and panned the grouping as a collection of corrupt leaders and parties.

Even the Indian National Congress, the main opposition party, was named so by an Englishman A O Hume, he said, according to sources.

Organisations that wanted to rule and break the country, which wanted to divide it have used names like 'India' and 'Indian' to mislead people, he said, naming Indian Mujahideen and Popular Front of India.

People have now matured and will not be misled by such nomenclature, he asserted.

Some people may be saying that this is the last year of the government but it is not the end but merely a beginning, he asserted, even as he cautioned against any complacency despite the weak opposition, saying one has to drive with care even on a mostly empty road.

Reacting to his remarks, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said "call us whatever you want", but "we are INDIA" and will rebuild the idea of India in Manipur.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said while "we are talking about Manipur, which is burning", the prime minister is "talking about East India (Company) and saying INDIA means East India (Company)".

Joshi told reporters that Modi likened the current atmosphere in and about India with a "new dawn", noting the mood of optimism and hope about the country globally.

Sources said an assured prime minister asked BJP MPs to note down his assertion and the date, while speaking about a new consciousness spreading in the country and conveying confidence about people's support to the ruling party in the next polls.

He referred to an earlier speech by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the meeting in which the bureaucrat-turned-politician had highlighted many successes of Modi's recent overseas trips and the warm welcome and praise the prime minister received from foreign leaders.

The sources said Modi suggested that this highlighted the fact that different countries realise that they have to deal with this Indian government in the future as well.

The Indian economy has grown to be the fifth largest from 10 under his government and will be the third biggest in its third term, the prime minister said, asking his party leaders to work with resolve and determination to help develop the country.

With the BJP accusing opposition parties of disrupting Parliament, Modi said they have come more irresponsible, making it imperative for the ruling party to behave more responsibly.

The opposition has been demanding that Modi make a statement on the Manipur issue in Parliament first before a debate on the matter can be taken up.

The BJP has insisted that it is willing for a discussion and Home Minister Amit Shah will reply to it, asking the opposition to not set any precondition.

In his address, Modi also referred to the recent meeting of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. The alliance is the legacy of BJP stalwarts like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L K Advani, he said, emphasising on maintaining strong and cordial ties with allies.

He also asked party leaders to organise several programmes, including 'har ghar tiranga', in connection with Independence Day on August 15 across the country.

There is also a plan to make an 'Amrit Van' (Amrit forest) by bringing plants from blocks across the country, party leaders said.
More than two years after his arrest, Girish Chaudhari, the son-in-law of senior Nationalist Congress Party leader Eknath Khadse, on Tuesday walked out of jail on securing bail from the Supreme Court in a money laundering case linked to a 2016 land deal in Pune.

IMAGE: NCP leader Eknath Khadse. Photograph: ANI Photo

Chaudhari was released from Arthur Road Jail in central Mumbai after completion of formalities, including furnishing of a cash bail of Rs 1 lakh, his lawyer Mohan Tekavde said.

The Supreme Court granted him bail on July 21. However, his bail formalities before the special Prevention of Money Laundering Act court in Mumbai, presiding over the case, were completed only on Tuesday, felicitating his release.

As per directions of the SC, the special PMLA court judge laid down certain conditions for Chaudhari's release, which included surrender of his passport to the Enforcement Directorate, the agency probing the money laundering case.

As part of bail terms, he has been asked to attend ED's office on the first Friday of every month and not to leave the jurisdiction of the special court (Mumbai) without its permission.

Chaudhari should attend each and every court hearing and co-operate with the probe agency for expeditious disposal of the trial, the special court said.

Talking about the bail, advocate Tekavde said they submitted before the apex court that no loss was caused to the state exchequer due to the Pune land deal.

Apart from this, the Bombay High Court had granted an interim stay on the predicate offence (defined under the PMLA) against him and hence his custody was not required, the advocate said.

Chaudhari was arrested by the ED on July 7, 2021, under the provisions of the PMLA.

Earlier, he had been denied bail by both the special court and the HC.

The ED case stems from an FIR filed by the Pune police's Anti-Corruption Bureau against Khadse, a former state minister who is currently an MLC, his wife Mandakini and Chaudhari in April 2017.

The central agency claimed alleged irregularities in the land deal caused a loss of Rs 61.25 crore to the exchequer as those involved "fraudulently entered into a sale deed".

The plot under the scanner is owned by state-run Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation and is located in Haveli taluka of Bhosari in Pune district.

The ED has alleged that with the connivance of others, Chaudhari "knowingly entered into a sale deed to acquire the said land, despite the plot belonging to the MIDC, to avail compensation more than 2.5-3 times of its actual value".

The land was registered at a much lower rate of Rs 3.75 crore as against the prevailing value of Rs 31 crore, claimed the anti-money laundering agency.

Khadse, the then-state revenue minister, had resigned from the Devendra Fadnavis cabinet in 2016 after facing allegations regarding the land deal and some other issues.

It was alleged he misused his official position to facilitate the land deal.

Khadse, a former BJP minister who joined the NCP in 2020, has denied any wrongdoing, saying the state police as well as the Income Tax Department, which also probed the case, had given him a "clean chit" in the matter.
"Be alert and never trust your enemy, be it Pakistan or China."

IMAGE: Army chief General Manoj Pande greets Army ex-chief Gen VP Malik (right) at a programme organised to honour Kargil war heroes on the eve of Kargil Vijay Diwas, in Drass, Ladakh, July 25, 2023. Photograph: Courtesy Indian Army on Twitter

This is former Army chief Gen Ved Prakash Malik's message for the armed forces standing guard at the icy heights in Drass.

Gen Malik, who was the Army chief during the 1999 Kargil war, exuded confidence that if a war situation arises today, India is better prepared than it was during Kargil.

He said his biggest takeaway from the Kargil war is that the enemy cannot be trusted even if there is "political show" of friendship.

For Gen Malik, it was a case of once bitten twice shy, as he recalled the Lahore Declaration that was signed between India and Pakistan in February 1999 and ratified by the parliaments of both countries under which they had an added responsibility towards avoiding nuclear race, as well as both non-conventional and conventional conflicts.

"Never trust your enemy, even if there is a political show of friendship like signing of agreements. This happened before the Kargil war too, the two countries had just signed an agreement (Lahore Declaration) and we were taken by surprise," Gen Malik told PTI on the sidelines of a function in Drass.

"Within a couple of months, they intruded our territory, not with Mujahideen or jihadis, but with Pakistan army," he added.

He said the "forces should remain alert -- be it China or Pakistan" and there is no room for complacency even if any country is showing or displaying "friendship politically".

"Ceasefire or no ceasefire, I have seen ceasefire broken so many times. So, it does not matter, we have to remain alert on the LAC or the LoC," Gen Malik added.

Gen Malik said the Kargil war is proof that the Indian Army has the capability and capacity to chase the enemy out even if they were caught by surprise.

"If a war situation arises today, we are ready to fight, we are far more equipped and better prepared. The human resources are as good today as they were 24 years back but the capabilities today have improved a lot compared," he said.

"The armed forces have transformed. We have better equipment, better surveillance, we are prepared to face the challenge," Gen Malik said.

He recalled the situation during 1999 Kargil war with Pakistan and said the challenges were not limited to terrain and weather but on the equipment part too. "However, today we are much better off," he said.

"During Kargil it was different, initially we suffered a lot of casualties because, more because we did not have adequate information and once we got to know more details, we were able to push the Pakistani regular army disguised as raiders from the heights of Kargil.

"...Tololing battle was the first turning point, that was when I got reassured that we will be able to sail through".

The Tololing peak was captured by the 2nd Rajputana Rifles of the Army in June.

This was a crucial victory as the peak overlooked the Srinagar-Leh Highway, the main road through which supplies and reinforcement was sent to Kargil and Leh.

Gen Malik was at Lochamen view point in Drass at an event where war heroes and families of fallen soldiers remembered the brave souls.

Malik's words were echoed by many Kargil war veterans who said while the ceasefire was a good thing to happen, it is Pakistan's habit to violate it.

"Ceasefire depends on both the sides as to how long they will hold it. But, Pakistan has always betrayed... Indian Army is capable. Now, there is Pakistan on the LoC and China on the LAC, but India is ready to deal with both," said Brigadier (Retd) Khushal Thakur, who was commanding officer of 18 Grenadiers and had led numerous operations with his battalion including the victory on Tiger Hill.

Honorary Captain of the Ladakh Scouts, Cheering Stopdan, who also took part in the war, said there should not be any negligence on India's part due to the ceasefire.

"When it snows in the winter, the army comes down. The enemy sees that and goes up. It should not happen. We should not lose what we captured in the war. That is very important," he said.

Brigadier (retd) OP Yadav, who was a Colonel during the war, said India is now in a far better and dominating position than Pakistan.

"Things have improved because the entire Division has come, they are very well and there on ground. The surveillance capabilities have increased, the communication facilities have increased, fire power has increased."

The Kargil War saw soldiers of Indian armed forces fight in the most challenging terrain under harsh weather conditions leading to the defeat of the enemy in Drass, Kargil and Batalik sectors.

On the occasion of the 24th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas, a briefing was conducted on Tuesday at Lamochen (Drass).

The event commenced with an audio visual narration of the battles which showcased the Kargil War as it unfolded.

The vivid narrations, in the backdrop of the very mountains where the fierce battles were fought, recreated scenes of each battle and the venue reverberated with tales of bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers.

The narrations of battle followed by reminiscences of actions by the war heroes themselves, brought to life the bravery, indomitable spirit and everlasting zeal of our braves.

The event was graced by the presence of the war heroes and veer naris, veer matas and relatives of the gallant soldiers who laid down their lives during the war.
The opposition in Maharashtra on Tuesday raised concerns over the plan to rope in contractual personnel by the Mumbai police and said the 'risky' move will be detrimental to the force as well as to the public.

IMAGE: Mumbai Police personnel at Marine drive. Photograph: ANI Photo

Raising the issue in the legislative council, Leader of Opposition Ambadas Danve said the control of police should be under the state government.

It is dangerous and risky, he said in the Upper House.

Danve claimed adding contractual cops to the Mumbai police force could lead to a Wagner group like situation, referring to the Russian private military force's rebellion against President Vladimir Putin last month.

In a dramatic development last month, Russia's mercenary group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin called for an armed rebellion and claimed that his forces had military facilities in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don under their control.

While he ordered his troops to head for Moscow, Prigozhin abruptly halted their march later.

"I oppose recruitment of police on contract. It will lead to law and order problems. What if the police' do not obey government orders? A security guard can be on contract, but a policeman cannot be on contract," he said.

In a bid to overcome a shortage of constables in the Mumbai police, the state government has given the nod to outsource 3,000 personnel from the Maharashtra State Security Corporation (MSSC), a public sector undertaking of the state police.

The state home department issued an order to this effect on Monday, said officials.

In the Upper House, Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap sought to know what fear goons will have of the contracted policemen.

He also asked about the status of the tests conducted for police recruitment earlier this year.

Talking to reporters on the premises of the state legislature, Nationalist Congress Party MLA Rohit Pawar said the move will be detrimental to both people as well as the police administration.

This (contractual police) is creating a smaller brother of Agniveer (recruits under Centre's Agnipath scheme), Pawar said.
The father of Anju, a married Indian woman who travelled to Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and married her Facebook friend there on Tuesday, said she was as good as dead for her family back home.

IMAGE: Arvind Kumar, Anju's husband in India. Photograph: Screen grab from ANI Video

She had ruined the future of her two children, said her father Gaya Prasad Thomas, speaking to reporters at Bouna village in Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh.

The way she ran away leaving her two children and husband behind.... she did not even think of her children. If she wanted to do this, she should have divorced her husband first. She is no more (alive) for us, he said.

When asked if she had converted to Islam, he said he had no information in this regard.

What will happen to her children, her husband? Who will take care of her children -- 13-year-old girl and five-year-old boy? She has ruined the future of her children and the husband. Who will take care of her kids....We will have to do it, Thomas said.

Asked whether he will appeal to the Indian government to bring her back, Thomas said he would do no such thing.

"I pray...to let her die there," he added.

Thomas also said that Anju was not on speaking terms with him, and spoke only to her mother.

I don't know how she got the passport, when she got the visa, he said.

Asked about speculation in some quarters that there could be something more to the incident as his village is close to Tekanpur town where a major unit of the Border Security Force (BSF) is stationed, Thomas rejected the suggestion vehemently.

"No one raised any such issue with us. Only you (media) are raising this question. My kids have no criminal tendencies. I am ready to have any probe in the matter, he said.

On Monday, Thomas had described his daughter as mentally disturbed and eccentric.

Earlier in the day, a report said that Anju married her Facebook friend in Pakistan after converting to Islam and now has a new name, Fatima.

The 34-year-old Indian woman was staying at her 29-year-old Pakistani friend Nasrullah's home in the Upper Dir district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The father of a married Indian woman, who has travelled legally to a remote village in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to meet her Facebook friend, has claimed she is 'mentally disturbed and eccentric' but not involved in any affair.

IMAGE: India-Pakistan border at Suchetgarh near Jammu. Image used only for representation. Photograph: Rupam Jain/Reuters

He also said it was wrong on her part to go to Pakistan without informing anyone.

The woman, Anju (34), was born in Kailor village in Uttar Pradesh and lived in Alwar district of Rajasthan. She and Pakistani national Nasrulla (29) became friends on Facebook in 2019.

Anju has travelled to Upper Dir district in the tribal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on a valid Pakistani visa to meet Nasrulla.

Talking to reporters on Monday in Bouna village near Tekanpur town in Gwalior district, Anju's father Gaya Prasad Thomas said, "I came to know about it (Anju's presence in Pakistan) just yesterday. My son informed me that his 'didi' (sister) has gone there. But, I don't know about it. I have no contact with her for last nearly 20 years after she got married and moved to Bhiwadi (in Alwar district of Rajasthan)."

Thomas said he is currently staying here (in MP village) as his house remains vacant. He said he keeps coming here (from Faridabad in Haryana where he is settled) from time to time.

"She has not visited Tekanpur as I never invited her. She is mentally disturbed," he claimed.

Thomas said Anju had been staying with her maternal uncle in Jalaun district of Uttar Pradesh since she was three years' old and got married while residing there.

"It is wrong on her part to go to Pakistan without informing anyone. She has two children and they are with their father. I have no contact with her. I have no idea when she went to Pakistan," he said.

"My son-in-law is a very simple person. She is eccentric, but my daughter will not have any affair with her friend. She is of free nature, but she will never get into all this. I can guarantee this," Thomas said.

He said Anju has studied till Class 12 and was doing a job in a company.

"I left her because of her eccentric nature," he added.

A local police official said they came to know about Anju's presence in Pakistan through media reports.

"We came to know about this matter through the media. We heard she has gone there (in Pakistan) on a valid visa and she has left this area years back," Dabra's sub-divisional officer of police Vivek Kumar Sharma said.

The woman will return to India on August 20 when her visa expires, her Pakistani friend Nasrulla said earlier on Monday, dismissing reports of any love affair between them.

Nasrulla said he has no plan of marrying Anju.

"Anju is on a visit to Pakistan and we have no plan to marry," Nasrulla told PTI in Pakistan over the phone from village Kulsho in Upper Dir district, some 300 km from Peshawar.

"She will go back to her country on August 20 after her visa expires. Anju is living in a separate room of my home with the other female members of my family," he said.

According to an official document of the Ministry of Interior sent to Pakistan's High Commission in New Delhi, the chancery was informed that it had been decided to grant a 30-day visa to Anju, valid for Upper Dir only.

Nasrulla, a science graduate, is the youngest among five brothers.

He has given an affidavit to local authorities, stating there is no love angle to their friendship, and Anju will return to India on August 20.

The affidavit also states she will not move out of the Upper Dir district.

"She will definitely go back on August 20 as per her visa documents," said Upper Dir District Police Officer Mushtaq Khan.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Deputy D K Shivakumar on Tuesday ruled out any disgruntlement within the ruling Congress, amid reports that as many 30 legislators have expressed concern over non-implementation of development works in their constituencies, and said there are no such complaints.

IMAGE: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar. Photograph: Shailendra Bhojak/PTI Photo

Both of them said, the legislature party meeting has been called, most probably on Thursday, as part of a routine exercise to discuss various programmes and policies of the government, and to ensure coordination between government and party MLAs.

"Who told you?" Siddaramaiah retorted, in response to a question that about 30 MLAs had written to him complaining about the functioning of ministers and developmental work not taking place.

Noting that he had called the legislature party meeting last week, but as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was about to chair a meeting it was postponed, the CM said he has called it again on Thursday.

"We will discuss it there. It has been just two months since the formation of the government. The Legislature party meeting had to be called, so I called. There are no complaints (against ministers). They (MLAs) had asked for a legislature party meeting to be called, so have called," he added.

The chief minister, however, did not want to comment about Shivakumar's claims that a plot was being hatched in Singapore to topple the Congress government in Karnataka.

"About Singapore, you ask him. I don't know about it, ask D K Shivakumar."

The deputy chief minister's claims on Monday had created a flutter in political circles.

According to reports, Congress MLAs are said to have complained to the chief minister and party leadership that they had not been able to get their work done in their constituencies, and also transfers as requested, and have expressed unhappiness regarding Ministers, alleging non-cooperation.

The recent statement by senior party leader and MLC B K Hariprasad, that he knows 'how to make and bring down a chief minister', has added fuel to the speculation and is indicative that all is not well within the ruling party.

On his part, Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress president termed reports that 30-odd MLAs have written a letter complaining about the functioning of the ministers as 'false' and mere speculations.

"It is all false, no one has written such a letter. The chief minister and I have requested all ministers to work taking into confidence all the legislators and lost candidates of all constituencies. All are doing their job. These are nothing but mere speculations," he told reporters Hubballi.

The deputy CM said, 'there are certain programmes, which had to be discussed, there was an Assembly session. Our five guarantee schemes, whether they are reaching people or not, are there any corruption, regarding all this we had to discuss, give guidance and information to our legislators'.

He said, during the Assembly session, which concluded last Friday, there was no time to call a legislature party meeting and discuss all this.

Observing that there are certain financial constraints as the government has to implement five guarantee schemes, Shivakumar said, "All the legislators have a lot of desire regarding implementing various promises they had given to people, but we are asking the MLAs to keep them on hold for some time now. In my own department legislators are seeking for implementation of works to the tune of Rs 10 crore, 100 crore, 200 crore or 300 crore."

As the government, due to financial constraints is not in the position to spend such huge amount, the MLAs are being requested to keep things on hold and have some patience, he said.

"MLAs, especially freshers, have been asked to go to the constituencies, remain with the people as there is rain and flooding in some regions; where there is drought like situation in other places. We have to make legislators understand this."

Responding to a question, the Deputy CM said, all Ministers are touring various districts and are doing their job.

"What work has not been done to legislators, who have their own rights and responsibilities? Regarding transfers within the time limitations, ministers have done, rest is left to the chief minister," he said. "There is no disgruntlement, it is only media creation".
The horrific videos from Manipur have shocked India, leading to protests across the nation.

IMAGE: A demonstrator holds up a placard as police officers detain others during a protest in Ahmedabad. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

IMAGE: Protestors are detained by police in Ahmedabad, here and below. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

IMAGE: Manipur Students Union members take part in a demonstration in Imphal. Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: Forum for Naga Reconciliation members pray in Chumoukedima for peace in Manipur. Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: An Aam Aadmi Party supporter is detained in Lucknow during a protest against the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur. Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: Congress supporters in Bhopal stage a candlelight march to protest Manipur's violence. Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: Jan Adhikar Party supporters block a railway track in Patna to protest against the violence in Manipur. Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: Opposition parties (I.N.D.I.A) alliance MPs protest on Parliament's premises, demanding that Prime Minister Narendra D Modi make a statement on Manipur's ethnic violence in both Houses during the ongoing Monsoon session. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo

IMAGE: Students of Patna Women's College stage a protest against the sexual violence against women in Manipur. Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: Congress supporters stage a protest against the violent events in Manipur in Srinagar. Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: Protests in New Delhi against the Manipur violence. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

IMAGE: NGO Folklore Research Academy students take part in a protest march in Amritsar against the sexual assault of women in Manipur. Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: Members of 12 Opposition political party burn an effigy of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati on Saturday, July 22, 2023, for his controversial comments on the Manipur rape issue. Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: People gather outside the Town Hall in Bengaluru to protest the Manipur violence. Photograph: Biplob Kumar Das/Reuters

IMAGE: Members from the Adivasi community protest at Albert Ekka Chowk, Ranchi. Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha supporters burn an effigy during a protest in Ranchi. Photograph: ANI Photo

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
The Ministry of Defence Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan informed on Tuesday, that a delegation of the Ministry of Defence Industry of Azerbaijan is also taking part in the exhibition held under the patronage of the Turkish Presidential Administration under the auspices of the Turkish Ministry of National Defence, Azernews reports.

The International Defence Industry Exhibition "IDEF-2023" exhibits 131 items of defence products manufactured at the enterprises of the Ministry of Defence Industry of Azerbaijan, including various types of small arms, close combat weapons, mortars, ammunition of various calibres, unmanned aerial vehicles and others.

At the same time, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev, the national leader of the Azerbaijani people, and founder of the modern Azerbaijani state, a corner "Heydar Aliyev" dedicated to the great leader has been created at the stand.

During the exhibition, Azerbaijani Defence Industry Minister Madat Guliyev is scheduled to meet with representatives of the Turkish government and heads of delegations of a number of countries taking part in the exhibition.

The International Defence Industry Exhibition IDEF-2023 will continue its work until 28 July.

The exhibition is one of the world's largest platforms for the demonstration of new weapons and is held at the TUYAP exhibition centre in Istanbul.

IDEF is among the world's four largest defence industry exhibitions in terms of the number of exhibiting companies. In addition, IDEF stands out as the world's largest platform for negotiations between defence companies.

As in previous years, IDEF will showcase the novelties of the domestic defence industry. The exhibition will also feature upgraded versions of previously developed products of the Turkish defence industry.

Combat and tactical armoured personnel carriers, unmanned ground vehicles, guided missiles, military simulators, equipment for destroying explosive materials and other latest developments in the military-industrial complex will be demonstrated.

The IDEF exhibition profiles include military equipment for land forces, navies, air forces, defence technologies, space technologies, airborne systems, helicopters, ships, electronic equipment, security systems, transport and logistics equipment and systems.

Azerbaijan was one of the countries to participate in the event, showcasing 131 defence products. These products included land defence, naval defence, aviation and aerospace, and logistic support activities.

IDEF-2023 was attended by 1,238 exhibitor companies from 53 countries and 68,795 professional visitors from 94 countries. The exhibition area spanned 120,000 square meters.

The event also hosted a Buyers Program, with 81 countries, 2 international organizations, 163 delegations, and 614 delegation members attending.

There were 4,055 scheduled meetings and 95 signature ceremonies.

IDEF-2023 was a successful event, with Azerbaijan demonstrating its defence products to the world.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. People who constantly call on Armenia to live in conflict conditions are questioning the existence of this country, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at a briefing today, Trend reports.

He stated that there are people inside the country who want Armenia to live in conditions of war for the next 30 years.

"I don't want to evaluate someone's desires, opinions. Intentions can be good, constructive, but we are talking about real results. As a leader who has learned from his mistakes and has obligations, I can state that if someone says that Armenia should live in a 'conflict mode', then he/she actually questions the existence of the country. I'm not saying that these people want this, but the result won't be positive," he added.

Exactly three years before Pashinyan came to power - on the eve of the 2020 second Karabakh war - from all the platforms in which the prime minister regularly took part, he unequivocally fell into the spotlight with his territorial claims, and provocative statements against Azerbaijan. As a result, on the night of September 27, 2020, the Armenian Armed Forces attacked the positions of Azerbaijan.

Following over a month of military action to liberate its territories from Armenian occupation from late Sept. to early Nov. 2020, Azerbaijan has pushed Armenia to sign the surrender document, ending the 30-year occupation, and now it's clear that Pashinyan has reconciled with the fact that he has no other choice but to accept the new geopolitical reality created by Azerbaijan, and is beginning to understand that the future of the region is based on the peace declared by Azerbaijan.
Captain Anshuman Singh sacrificed his life at the Siachen Glacier saving the men entrusted to his medical care in the highest traditions of doctors that serve in the military.

IMAGE: Indian Army soldiers posted at the Siachen Glacier. Photograph: ANI Photo

Captain Anshuman Singh, 26, an army doctor posted at the Siachen Glacier, must have woken up around 2 am when fire broke out at his post last week.

The young doctor, an alumnus of the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, was on his first field posting. On hearing the cries of help, he moved to extricate soldiers from their prefabricated dwelling huts amid the flames and smoke.

It must have been a superhuman effort by the doctor because at those heights of 18,000 feet and above, even putting one step in front of the other requires tremendous energy. Bending down to tie shoe laces takes a laborious 2-odd minutes at that altitude.

Captain Anshuman was able to rescue several fellow soldiers, but tragically, the good doctor died in the line of duty.

He sacrificed his life saving the men who were entrusted to his medical care in the highest traditions of doctors that serve in the military.

A native of Uttar Pradesh, the officer studied at the Rashtriya Military School in Chail, Himachal Pradesh. The son of a retired subedar major, he began his tenure in Siachen in June. Soldiers serve for a minimum of three months at the glacier.

The young captain was married just five months ago. The tears and loss that men in uniform leave behind is so enormous that it crushes the hearts of even those who do not know them.

Captain Anshuman's mortal remains reached his native place after two days because bad weather prevented the military helicopter to land at the post. He was laid to rest with full military honours in the presence of his shattered family and grief-stricken well-wishers.

Three other soldiers were evacuated to the military hospital in Chandigarh with second degree burns. One fervently hopes that they recover soon and are fit enough to resume their duties.

Captain Anshuman graduated from AFMC, Pune, and went on to Agra for a year's internship which was extended because of the Covid-19 pandemic. AFMC is the first such institute in Asia started by the armed forces that provides training in military medicine, high altitude medicine and injuries incurred in warfare.

Indian military doctors keep the armed forces 'fighting fit' and have played a stellar role in war and peace. They have served in the frontlines against tremendous odds and have earned the trust of the men.

A doctor or Regimental Medical Officer is part of every post at the Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battlefield where India and Pakistan are positioned since 1984. As India occupies the heights and the passes, the Indian Army is at an advantageous combat position compared to Pakistan.

IMAGE: Soldiers carry Captain Anshuman Singh's coffin. Photograph: Kind courtesy Northern Command Indian Army Twitter

A post at the Siachen Glacier usually comprises of an officer from the combat arms -- Infantry, Armoured, Mechanised etc -- one doctor and soldiers.

The temperature dips to minus 40-50 Centigrade. The wind chill further reduces the perceived temperature felt by the body.

There is no land, no tree, no soil, only snow and icy winds.

Prefabricated huts serve as offices and accommodation for officers and men. A similar hut serves as a medical examination room; often the doctor also lives there.

Every day and night, the doctor meets the men and checks on their health. Since the number of troops is not large at a post, everyone knows everyone.

The most common medical issues in Siachen are frost bites and chilblains followed by high altitude pulmonary odema, high altitude cerebral odema and deep vein thrombosis.

The tips of the nose and earlobes are most prone to frost bites and soldiers wear snow goggles, gloves and specialised high altitude clothing to protect themselves.

If one were to touch a piece of metal with bare hands, the skin gets stuck to the metal. Soldiers go without shaving or use plastic razors. A gun can only be held with gloved fingers.

Any exposed part of the body for as less as 1-2 minutes results in frost bites, and soldiers risk losing fingers and toes.

Lack of appetite and anxiety are other factors that afflict soldiers posted at heights that are not fit for human habitation.

IMAGE: In a solemn wreath-laying ceremony, General Commanding Officer, Fire and Fury Corpsm Lieutenant General Rashim Bali and all ranks paid homage with full Military Honours to Braveheart Captain Anshuman Singh on his final journey. Photograph: Northern Command Indian Army Twitter

The medical examination room at the post would typically be provided with stretchers, oxygen, first aid, medicines, injections etc, and those needing further treatment are transported by helicopter to the base hospital in Siachen.

If the weather is clear, a chopper arrives pronto, but if the weather is bad, the patient has to wait till the weather clears up.

At that altitude water does not boil at 100 degrees and has to be placed inside a pressure cooker for it to boil.

"Morphine vials used to get frozen and had to be thawed in hot water before administering them," remembers a doctor who had served there in the 1990s.

Over the years, the facilities have improved tremendously for soldiers serving at Siachen, including medical services.

The base hospital in Siachen includes equipment like digital radiography, an oxygen plant and a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Chamber to treat those suffering with high altitude cerebral and pulmonary odema.

The patient is placed inside the chamber containing pure oxygen in air pressure levels 1.5-3 times higher than the average atmospheric pressure. The aim is to fill the blood with enough oxygen to repair tissues and restore normal body function.

IMAGE: The Indian Army's Northern Command offered condolences to the braveheart on Twitter. Photograph: Northern Command Indian Army Twitter

It is by sheer courage and dint of human will that soldiers survive and do their duties on the glacier. Even though they have the best of high altitude clothing, better quality of meals, access to satellite/cell phones and other facilities compared to the past, soldiers live from day to day in the harsh, inhospitable terrain, unfit for humans.

Here it is not the bullets that kill, but the weather does.

When fire broke out at the post, Captain Anshuman did what an officer of the Indian armed forces is trained to do -- he led from the front.

He did not let his men down; serving them till the last breath left his body.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Cloudy early with peeks of sunshine expected late. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 82F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph..

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Russia, Jeyhun Bayramov and Sergey Lavrov, held bilateral meeting in Moscow, Trend reports.

The sides discussed bilateral and regional issues, including normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Within the framework of the visit, another round of talks between the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia on the draft bilateral agreement on peace and the establishment of interstate relations is planned.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan held bilateral talks on June 27-29 at the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center in Arlington, Virginia.

They met with US Secretary Anthony Blinken and Assistant to the President and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan in Washington.

The ministers and their teams continued progress on the draft bilateral Agreement on Peace and Establishment of Interstate Relations. They reached an agreement on additional articles and achieved mutual understanding on the draft agreement, meanwhile acknowledging that the positions on some key issues require further work.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. It is important to refrain from abuse of the International Committee of the Red Crosss mandate, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports.

"We took note of the statement by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) of July 25 regarding the humanitarian situation in the region and the activities of the ICRC," the MFA said in the statement.

As known, while assessing the firing at the Lachin border checkpoint on June 15 and the attempts of Armenian drivers to bring smuggled items to Azerbaijan in vehicles of the International Committee of the Red Cross as further illegal acts by Armenia against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, as well as hindering the operation of the checkpoint, we have demanded to stop such malign actions.

Along with preventing Armenia's attempts at illegal actions, the Azerbaijani side has continued important cooperation with the ICRC. Following the discussions held by Azerbaijan with the ICRC, conditions were created within the necessary regulations for the continuation of the passage of Armenian residents through the border checkpoint for medical purposes by the ICRC, and dozens of Armenian residents passed through the checkpoint in both directions on a daily basis.

Moreover, assistance was offered by Azerbaijan for the transportation and delivery of larger quantities of medicine and cargo using the "Aghdam-Khankendi" road. However, the Armenian side adamantly rejects this offer.

Furthermore, the visit of ICRC medical personnel to the area to further assist in the passage of Armenian residents through the border checkpoint with the facilitation of the ICRC was also regrettably refused on-site despite the previous agreements.

The opposition of the Armenian side to the steps taken by Azerbaijan, as well as its intention to assist, including the proposals to use the "Aghdam-Khankendi" and other alternative roads as mentioned in the ICRC statement, once again proves that the claims of a "tense humanitarian situation" in the region are a means of political manipulation and pressure.

"It is important to comply with the humanitarian mandate of the ICRC and refrain from the abuse of this mandate for political purposes," the MFA said.
The father of a married Indian woman, who has travelled legally to a remote village in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to meet her Facebook friend, has claimed she is mentally disturbed and eccentric but not involved in any affair.

He also said it was wrong on her part to go to Pakistan without informing anyone.

The woman, Anju (34), was born in Kailor village in Uttar Pradesh and lived in Alwar district of Rajasthan. She and Pakistani national Nasrulla (29) became friends on Facebook in 2019.

Anju has travelled to Upper Dir district in the tribal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on a valid Pakistani visa to meet Nasrulla.

Talking to reporters on Monday in Bouna village near Tekanpur town in Gwalior district, Anju's father Gaya Prasad Thomas said, "I came to know about it (Anju's presence in Pakistan) just yesterday. My son informed me that his 'didi' (sister) has gone there. But, I don't know about it. I have no contact with her for last nearly 20 years after she got married and moved to Bhiwadi (in Alwar district of Rajasthan)." Thomas said he is currently staying here (in MP village) as his house remains vacant. He said he keeps coming here (from Faridabad in Haryana where he is settled) from time to time.

She has not visited Tekanpur as I never invited her. She is mentally disturbed, he claimed.

Thomas said Anju had been staying with her maternal uncle in Jalaun district of Uttar Pradesh since she was three years' old and got married while residing there.

It is wrong on her part to go to Pakistan without informing anyone. She has two children and they are with their father. I have no contact with her. I have no idea when she went to Pakistan, he said.

My son-in-law is a very simple person. She is eccentric, but my daughter will not have any affair with her friend. She is of free nature, but she will never get into all this. I can guarantee this, Thomas said.

He said Anju has studied till Class 12 and was doing a job in a company.

"I left her because of her eccentric nature," he added.

A local police official said they came to know about Anju's presence in Pakistan through media reports.

We came to know about this matter through the media. We heard she has gone there (in Pakistan) on a valid visa and she has left this area years back, Dabra's sub-divisional officer of police Vivek Kumar Sharma said.

The woman will return to India on August 20 when her visa expires, her Pakistani friend Nasrulla said earlier on Monday, dismissing reports of any love affair between them.

Nasrulla said he has no plan of marrying Anju.

"Anju is on a visit to Pakistan and we have no plan to marry," Nasrulla told PTI in Pakistan over the phone from village Kulsho in Upper Dir district, some 300 km from Peshawar.

"She will go back to her country on August 20 after her visa expires. Anju is living in a separate room of my home with the other female members of my family," he said.

According to an official document of the Ministry of Interior sent to Pakistans High Commission in New Delhi, the chancery was informed that it had been decided to grant a 30-day visa to Anju, valid for Upper Dir only.

Nasrulla, a science graduate, is the youngest among five brothers. He has given an affidavit to local authorities, stating there is no love angle to their friendship, and Anju will return to India on August 20.

The affidavit also states she will not move out of the Upper Dir district.

"She will definitely go back on August 20 as per her visa documents," said Upper Dir District Police Officer Mushtaq Khan.
A married Indian woman who travelled legally to a remote village in Pakistan to meet her Facebook friend will return to India on August 20 when her visa expires, her Pakistani friend said on Monday, dismissing reports of any love affair between them.

Nasrulla, 29, said that he has no plan of marrying 34-year-old Anju, who was born in Kailor village in Uttar Pradesh and lived in the Alwar district of Rajasthan.

Nasrulla and Anju became friends on Facebook in 2019.

"Anju is on a visit to Pakistan and we have no plan to marry," Nasrulla told PTI over the phone from village Kulsho in the district, some 300 km from Peshawar.

"She will go back to her country on August 20 after her visa expires. Anju is living in a separate room of his home with the other female members of my family," he said.

Reiterating Nasrullah's point, Anju said she did not come to Pakistan to marry her Facebook friend and added that the media has created unnecessary hype.

Anju has travelled to the Upper Dir district of Pakistan's tribal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on a valid Pakistani visa of Pakistan's to meet Nasrulla.

According to an official document of the Ministry of Interior sent to Pakistans High Commission in New Delhi, the chancery was informed that it had been decided to grant a 30-day visa to Anju, valid for Upper Dir only.

Nasrullah, a science graduate from a University in Sheringal, is the youngest among five brothers.

He has given an affidavit to local authorities, stating that there is no love angle to their friendship, and Anju will return to India on August 20.

The affidavit also states that she will not move out of the Upper Dir district.

On being asked when she'll return to India, Anju said, "Within the next two to four days I would go back to my country." "She will definitely go back on August 20 as per her visa documents," said Upper Dir District Police Officer (DPO) Mushtaq Khan.

Khan interviewed Anju in his office on Sunday and checked her travel documents on the basis of which a no-objection certificate was issued to her.

While Nasrullah has rejected any love angle to his friendship with Anju, police officer Khan said she came to Pakistan "for the sake of love".

"Anju has come to Pakistan from New Delhi for the sake of love and is living happily here," Khan was quoted as saying by Geo News.

He said the investigations into Anju's arrival in Pakistan have been completed.

"She travelled to Pakistan on a month-long visit visa and all her travel documents are valid and complete. Locals are presenting gifts to Anju, she is happy here," he said.

The DPO also stated that Anju does not want to interact with the media for any interview.

According to the report, Anju told local journalists her friendship with Nasrullah began on Facebook and later blossomed into a love affair.

She said she loved Nasrullah which prompted her to travel to Pakistan.

Nasrullah said they have been provided adequate security by the district administration and Anju is safe and sound with his family.

The villagers, mostly Pashtuns who are very religious people, want Anju to return safely to India as they do not want any bad name for their community due to this incident.

Anju's husband Arvind, who is in Rajasthan, is hopeful that his wife will return soon.

They have a 15-year-old daughter and a six-year-old son.

Anju's incident is similar to Seema Ghulam Haider's case. Seema, a Pakistani mother of four, 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.

Anju's husband Arvind told the media in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan that she left 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 has a valid passport, Assistant Superintendent of Police Bhiwadi Sujit Shankar told PTI.

He said that the family did not lodge a complaint after they came to know about Anju's travel to Pakistan.

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 would talk to her and will ask her to return, asserting that he was hopeful that she would return home.

He said 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.
The Border Security Force (BSF) successfully foiled another infiltration attempt from Pakistan in the Samba sector of Jammu, on the night of July 24. The intruder, attempting to cross into Indian territory from Pakistan's 'Aslam' post, was confronted by BSF troops and met with fatal consequences.

Sources within the BSF informed that the incident occurred around 10 PM when the infiltration attempt was made from Pakistan. In response, the vigilant BSF troops challenged the intruder to halt, but he continued to advance, leading the troops to open fire, ultimately resulting in his demise. Following the incident, a package was discovered in the vicinity, which will be subjected to a thorough search at first light.

In image contraband recovered by Border Security Forces. | Image: Republic

BSF's statement

BSF in their statement said, In the intervening night of 24/25 July, the vigilant BSF troops neutralised a Pak smuggler while he was trying to smuggle Narcotics through Ramgarh border area. During initial search of the area 04 packets of suspected Narcotics (weighing approx 4 kgs) are found along with the dead body of the Pak smuggler.

Contraband recovered by Border security forces. | Image: Republic

This is not the first time such an incident has occurred. On June 1, the BSF had neutralized another Pakistani intruder in the Samba area. The troops had noticed a suspicious movement across the International Border from the Pakistani side, and upon investigation, they found it necessary to resort to firing, resulting in the intruder's death.
The Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Kuwait Airways to pay Rs 6 lakh to a man who was not allowed to board a connecting flight from Kuwait City to London in 2019 despite having a valid ticket for a round trip.

The commission directed the airways and its country head to pay Rs 5 lakh for deficiency in services along with Rs 50,000 each for mental harassment and litigation expenses.

It observed that not allowing a person to board the plane was "nothing short of callous, tortuous and an oppressive act as it caused immense mental agony, physical discomfort, humiliation and emotional trauma".

A bench of Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal, the commission president, was hearing a complaint claiming around Rs 55 lakh in compensation for deficiency in services by the airline.

Complainant Shameemuddin alleged that he was not allowed to board his connecting flight to London on reaching Kuwait City from Delhi on February 1, 2019. He was "illegally" sent back from the airport to New Delhi despite having all travel documents.

The bench, also comprising Judicial Member Pinki and General Member JP Agrawal, noted that, according to the airlines, Shameemuddin was offloaded from the flight and deported to India on account of "poor profile" by the Airline Liaison Officer (ALO) concerned, who represented the UK Embassy.

"It appears that by offering excuses and blatantly shifting the blame on the ALO, the opposite parties (airlines and its country head) are divorced from realities of life or the acute frustration and agony of the passenger who is denied boarding," the bench said in an order dated July 21.

"To deny a person the boarding of the plane is nothing short of callous, tortuous and oppressive act as it causes immense mental agony, physical discomfort, humiliation and emotional trauma which remains with the person throughout his life. It verges almost to an injustice done to a person for no fault of his," it added.

The bench said the airline's duty was to take "reasonable care of the passenger" and not expose him to such "humiliation, unwarranted harassment and mental agony".

"We are of the opinion that the opposite parties provided deficient service to the complainant and, therefore, are liable to compensate him," the commission said.

It directed the airline to pay Rs 5 lakh for the financial loss suffered on account of deficient services along with Rs 50,000 for mental harassment and Rs 50,000 for litigation expenses.

Advocate Mahmood Alam, the complainant's counsel, said Shameemuddin purchased a new ticket from another airline after being sent back and reached the UK.

"It is abysmally surprising to note that the complainant reached Birmingham, UK, on February 3, ie, just one day after the alleged deportation and did not encounter any issues whatsoever on account of his poor profile," the commission said.

It said the opposite parties cannot shift the burden on the Airline Liaison Officer in light of the fact that the UK Immigration Officer did not stop the complainant when he arrived in Birmingham.

"It is surprising how a reputed international airline can aboard a passenger and then deny boarding a connecting flight midway through his journey without any supporting documents to explain the reasons for taking such drastic measures," the commission said.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has made allegations against the BJP and JDS stating that they are trying to destabilise the government but will not be successful in doing so. He also went on to state that the government is watching everyone and these statements come in the backdrop of HD Kumaraswamy stating that someone in the Congress in Karnataka may do a "Ajit Pawar" in the state.

DyCM DK Shivakumar in conversation with Republic said that "Some BJP and JDS leaders are trying to have a pact and I have got this information. They have not been able to meet here or in Delhi, so ticket bookings are happening to Singapore. Enemies have become friends and all this has been happening. I have information on this but will this happen accordingly is yet to be seen. We are tracking all this and the Congress party is watching all these developments."

DK Shivakumar has made this on the backdrop of BJP-JDS jointly conducting press conferences and also boycotting the assembly sessions. HD Kumaraswamy and his party joined the BJP delegation when a complaint was submitted to the governor of Karnataka in this regard. DK Shivakumar adding on to his statement said that "they are now sitting in Singapore and doing the operation, because everything will come to light if done in Bengaluru. We are also aware of their strategy to destabilise the government."

Congress defends DK Shivakumar's statement

Congress government in the state defended what DK Shivakumar had to say and added on that the BJP party was experienced in toppling states across the nation. Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda in conversation with Republic said that "The BJP party is an expert in toppling governments across the country. They have misused the power of the Centre and have brought down elected governments. They are not afraid of anything but we are on our guard. The BJP itself has said that government will topple after the parliamentary elections. They may be preparing, right? I don't know if HD Kumaraswamy has gone to Singapore but we have faith in our MLAs. You just have to be careful."

BJP takes a dig at DK Shivakumar and Congress party

The Saffron party was not the one to keep silent and tweeted that the Congress leaders in Karnataka were only trying to destabilise their own government and mentioned that BK Hariprasad would have gone on a first flight to Singapore because he recently said that "I know who to elevate to the post of CM and who to dismiss from the post of CM." They have also said several leaders such as DK Suresh, Laxmi Hebbalkar and Ranganath were unhappy with the government because DK Shivakumar was not made the CM.

BJP MLC Chaluvadi Narayanaswamy mocking DK Shivakumar and speaking to Republic said that "The operation should be done through DK Shivakumar only.

How can they blame only us. ll get in touch with them, let's see what they have to say.

DK Shivakumar is making baseless allegations. BK Hariprasad had also not visited Singapore but he expressed his displeasure against the government."

The Congress government has also gone all guns blazing as former minister Dr Ashwath Narayan said that "There are several points of view to DK Shivakumar's statement. There is a crisis in the Congress and all is not well there. Siddaramaiah alleges that Kumaraswamy will bring down the government but he should say how.

If you look at the statements of BK Hariprasad and DK Shivakumar, it seems that this government is in a quandary. DK Shivakumar & BK Hariprasad themselves have said these serious things."

Kumaraswamy had earlier hinted at the fall of the Congress government in the state by the end of the year hinting that there are larger things at play "In 2019 who thought my government would collapse. The same has happened in Maharashtra. In Karnataka it wont take long and might be at the end of the year the government will collapse. I wont name who will be the Ajit Pawar here. But itll happen soon."
Burdened with bringing normalcy in the ethnic conflict-hit state, the Manipur government is now encountering additional trouble with the infiltration of Myanmar nationals from across the international border. The Manipur Home Ministry has directed the Assam Rifles to deport 718 Myanmar nationals who illegally entered India between July 22 and 23.

The Ministry has also sought a detailed report from the Assam Rifles, guarding the Indo-Myanmar border, as to why and how the infiltrators were allowed to enter Manipur's Chandel district without proper travel documents.

Several Kuki-majority areas of Manipur share a porous border with Myanmar's Chin state. Besides, the common ancestry of the Kukis and the Mizos with the Chin people has made them inhabit the area on both sides of the border.

Manipur has been witnessing ethnic clashes between the Kukis and Meiteis after the former staged a protest against the Manipur High Court's suggestion to the government of including Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) status. The protest on May 3 turned violent and spiralled into a conflict that is still going on. More than 160 people have been killed and over 70,000 have been displaced.

'Illegal immigration causing demographic imbalance'

In the wake of illegal immigration, Republic TV spoke to L Ratan, Assistant Coordinator of the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an influential civil society group based in Imphal. He said that they have been aware of the situation for a long time.

According to Ratan, immigrants are entering India from Bangladesh as well as from Nepal but the situation is worse in the case of Myanmar. "Because Myanmar and our state has a border of around 398 km and in Myanmar, we all know political turmoil is there in the last many decades," Ratan said.

"Our border being porous, it is very easy to come inside our country. And bordering our state of Manipur is the Chin state of Myanmar. And the Chin Kukis are inhabited in the Chin state and they used to come from there to our state for the last many years," he explained.

"It causes a demographic imbalance in Manipur. So, being an indigenous people of this state, we Meitei people, along with the Naga people are demanding the updation of the National Register of Citizenship (NRC)," Ratan further said. He also added that NRC is the only way to determine the Indian citizens and the illegal immigrants and that it would solve the problem of infiltration.

The Manipur government has alleged that the influx of immigrants is also contributing to the unrest in the state.

When asked if the demand for NRC by Meiteis and Nagas means all Kukis are immigrants, Ratan said they too are natives and recalled their division by the British. He said that the 'old Kukis' can easily speak the local language as everyone else whereas the 'new Kukis' can't. He also cited the Foreigners Act, 1946, which mandates immigrants to have valid documents to enter Manipur and Mizoram but the law is not being followed by the Chin Kukis, he alleged.

"But there is a difference between Manipur and Mizoram," Ratan said. "In Mizoram, the government just identifies the fellows coming from Myanmar and they are giving these identity cards and they are all kept in relief camps. And (in) about 161 relief camps, there are 31 Myanmaris in Mizoram," he claimed.

In Manipur, however, the official said that the state government has detected around 3,000 illegal immigrants from Myanmar from 53 villages in 2023 alone.

COCOMI calls on Kukis to 'choke out' illegal immigrants

The COCOMI official called on the Kukis to cooperate in solving the infiltration problem. When asked about his views on Kukis objecting to being labelled as drug dealers, Ratan replied, "We are not labelling all Kuki people as drug lords or illegal immigrants. There should be separation."

There have been allegations that Kuki immigrants from Myanmar use the hilly regions to cultivate poppy which is used to make the drug heroin. Since the Kukis, immigrants or not, reside in the hilly areas, they have been the target of the government's war on drugs. As a result, the Kukis have alleged that Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh is targeting them using the war on drugs as a cover.

The COCOMI official, however, said that the Meiteis do not generalise the Kukis as drug dealers and urged them to cooperate. "All those fellows who have been settling down here for a long time, they should come up and they should cooperate with the indigenous people and then try to choke out the illegal immigrants," he said.

Last week, the COCOMI knocked on the doors of the European Union Parliament with a letter. Since the EU Parliament recently passed a resolution on the Manipur crisis, COCOMI Coordinator Jeetendra Ningomba requested President of the EU Parliament Roberta Metsola not to let Manipur become the new Golden Triangle of drugs.

According to the United Nations, the Golden Triangle including Myanmar, China, Laos and Thailand is one of the biggest drug trafficking corridors in the world.

In the letter, Ningomba also clarified that the violence in Manipur is not a result of religious tensions alleging that the violence is between immigrant Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups and the indigenous Meitei community.
A five-member delegation from the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist-Centre) visited the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters today, July 25, for a crucial meeting with BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda. The primary agenda of the meeting was to reinforce the longstanding bilateral relations between India and Nepal.

(Image: Twitter/@OfficeofJPNadda)

During the discussions, the Nepali delegates conveyed their appreciation for various programs and initiatives undertaken by the BJP. Nadda took the opportunity to elaborate on the party's organisational structure and its grassroots activities. He expressed hope that Nepal would experience rapid development under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and assured full cooperation from the Indian Government through its "neighbourhood first" policy.

(Image: Twitter/@OfficeofJPNadda)

Delegation members and the KNOW BJP initiative

Led by Pampha Bhusal, Vice Chairperson of CPN (Maoist-Centre), the delegation included Chakrapani Khanal (Secretary), Ms. Satya Pahadi (Standing Committee Member), Rameshwar Ray Yadav (Central Committee Member), and Suresh Kumar Rai (Central Committee Member).The visit of the Nepali delegation to India was made possible through the invitation of the Bharatiya Janata Party under the KNOW BJP initiative. This initiative was launched by Jagat Prakash Nadda on the auspicious occasion of the 43rd foundation anniversary of the BJP.

Strengthening bilateral ties

The meeting marks a significant step in reinforcing the close bonds between India and Nepal, two neighbouring countries with shared cultural, historical, and geographical ties. The delegates highlighted the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relations and fostering cooperation in various sectors, including trade, security, and people-to-people contacts.

(Image: Twitter/@OfficeofJPNadda)

Mutual commitment to cooperation

Over the years, India and Nepal have collaborated on numerous regional and international issues, and both nations have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their partnership for mutual benefit. The meeting provided a platform for meaningful discussions on further enhancing economic and political cooperation between the two countries.

A platform for diplomatic engagement

The Nepali delegation's visit showcases the importance of diplomatic engagement between political parties in strengthening ties between India and Nepal. The exchange of ideas and experiences during the meeting is expected to pave the way for future collaborations and contribute to the growth and prosperity of both nations.

Shared vision for a prosperous South Asian region

As the delegation's visit concludes, the shared vision of a stronger and more prosperous South Asian region remains at the forefront of India-Nepal relations. The BJP and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist-Centre) have reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing these ties and building a future of mutual growth and prosperity for their peoples.
Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh said that Pakistan's 'Punjab model of destruction' is luring the younger generation of Jammu and Kashmir towards drugs as terrorism is on its deathbed. Giving a clear picture about the terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, the J&K DGP said, Terrorism is dying in the valley as no civilian casualties, no stone pelting is reported nowadays. In fact, stones are being used for construction purposes now and not to hurt anyone. The change is visible.

Terrorism ended in Punjab, but youngsters are often lured towards drugs. The same model of destruction is now being followed in J&K. Pakistan is following the Punjab model in Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said, adding, Since terrorism has almost ended in the territory, efforts are still being made to hook youth towards drugs.

Informing about the J&K Polices zero tolerance policy towards drugs, Singh informed, In 2022, the J&K Police destroyed 8000 kgs of drugs and registered 2000 cases. Around 3000 people were arrested and many of them held under NDPS Act.

DGP Singh revealed that conspiracies are being hatched against the J&K youth from across the border as consignments of drugs continue to infiltrate into the Indian side. Pertinently, the joint forces of police and army also busted many narco-related terror modules and arrested around three dozen persons with huge catches of arms, ammunition, money and drugs.

In December 2022, 17 people were arrested by J&K Police alone after busting a Pakistan-based narcotics module. Investigation in the case revealed that 5 kgs of drugs were smuggled from Pakistan in three months.

In order to cut the drug menace, the local administration launched the Nasha Mukth Bharat Abhigyan - an initiative started by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowered across India to terminate the addiction problems among the youths of the country. Meanwhile, the security agencies have also appealed to the youngsters to come forward and help in the campaigns to prevent Pakistans attempt from ruining the future of young population of India.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson) of Azerbaijan has been granted new powers in Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

In this regard, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev approved Constitutional law "On the amendments to the Constitutional law "On the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson) of the Republic of Azerbaijan".

According to the document, the Ombudsperson will be able to perform monitoring functions and an independent monitoring mechanism to promote the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, ensuring equality and preventing discrimination.

Besides, the Ombudsperson can analyze the process of implementing state programs, strategies, national action plans and concepts in the field of human rights, submit his conclusions and proposals to the organization that monitors and evaluates in the relevant field.

According to the law, 30 days before the expiration of the powers of the Ombudsperson, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan nominates three persons to the Parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the election of one of them as a new Ombudsperson. The Parliament will make a decision on the election of the Ombudsperson within 15 days.

At the same time, the Commissioner for Human Rights is obliged to inform the applicant in writing about the measures taken and the results of the consideration of the complaint within 10 working days. In the previous law, this period was five working days.

In addition, when considering a complaint about a violation of the right to receive information, the Ombudsperson may require information owners to provide the necessary information (documents, materials) or copies thereof. The requested information (documents, materials) must be submitted to the Ombudsperson within five working days.
An Oman Air flight WY 298 enroute Muscat from Kozhikode was compelled to return to Kozhikode Calicut International Airport (KCIA) in Kerala, today, due to a technical snag minutes after its take-off. The flight with 169 passengers onboard took off from KCIA at 9:15 am but turned back barely a few minutes into its journey. However, an official from the KCIA informed that the aircraft had landed safely.

"It was a normal landing.. the aircraft landed safely. The aircraft circled the airport for over two hours to burn fuel and become lighter before landing," he told Press Trust of India.

A Fly By Wire Premier 1A aircraft, earlier on 12 July, had made an emergency landing at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Airport, Bangalore after developing a technical glitch with its nose landing gear, officials told news agency ANI.

Meanwhile, the civil aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) took off SpiceJet from enhanced surveillance today, on July 25, after putting it under such a regime as a precautionary measure about a fortnight ago.

Spicejet has been taken off the enhanced surveillance regime by DGCA after 51 spot checks were conducted across 11 locations on Spice Boeing 737 & Q-400 fleet; wherein a total of 23 aircraft were inspected and 95 observations were made by the DGCA teams, said DGCA.

The spot checks were of routine nature. The findings (during spot checks) were of routine nature and were not considered significant by DGCA. Suitable maintenance action was taken by the airline to address the findings in accordance with DGCA guidelines. As a consequence, SpiceJet has been taken off the enhanced surveillance regime by DGCA," added the civil aviation regulator.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has not only been influencing the current world order but has also been immensely affecting global geopolitics. This is so because it has created ripples in geopolitics and has influenced the reorganisation of political factions and their adjustments. This conflict is now no more limited to Russia and Ukraine as it has encircled the entire globe so much so that a war crisis situation has emerged, especially after the pandemic.

What is revealing is that it has not only enhanced Europes economic problems but also forced it into the US' decisions. As a result, the Asian states have taken the advantage to become a pointer to new emerging power equations. Yet, most of them are hedging their bets and are unwilling to take sides. Many of them have withstood US pressure and are importing cheaper Russian oil and carrying out trading in local currencies. But both Japan and South Korea, which perceive themselves as part of a global alliance of democratic forces and have close security ties with the US, have condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

(A Ukrainian solider walks through the rubble of a building heavily damaged by Russian bombardments in Kharkiv, Ukraine; Image: AP)

Japan has territorial disputes with both China and Russia but has flourishing trade with both of them. At the regional level in Asia, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has created a geopolitically fragmented West Asia, where Iraq is moving away from Iran, Qatar from Saudi Arabia, and UAE is pursuing a more independent foreign policy. Turkey has emerged as a big factor as it has military muscle to back its allies, and controls traffic from the Black Sea, which allows it to play a major role in the revival of food exports from Ukraine. Though Iran is not directly affected by the conflict, it appears to have emerged as a major game changer in the future. In South Asia, Pakistan is on the verge of collapse as its economy has been adversely impacted by the conflict in addition to other major issues like soaring oil prices and the shortage of wheat.

Similarly, Bangladesh has also been deeply impacted by the conflict in terms of exports and imports as Russia is an important market for its readymade garments besides being a major source of wheat and millet supplies. Decreasing exports and rising import bills, coupled with a disruption of supply lines due to war and sanctions, have severely impacted the global economy. It is obvious that the US is struggling to blend in order to rearrange and restructure its approach towards its partners. In fact, one can witness that the Russia-Ukraine conflict is providing a chance for the US and other nations to restore their relationship. A notable change is visible in the attitude of developing nations who have now demonstrated their own approach and integrity by not following the US but concentrating on their own national interests.

(US President Joe Biden (left) with Russian President Vladimir Putin (right); Image: AP)

The US envisions cooperation with India as crucial to helping ease Washingtons concerns over the destabilising activities of China in the Indo-Pacific. The US also sees Russia as a strategic threat. India, however, has a historic and enduring relationship with Russia focussing on strong economic, diplomatic and military ties. Russia is a significant supplier of arms to India accounting for about US$13 billion in the last five years. India also imported a record high of Russian crude oil of about 1.6 million barrels per day in February 2023. A complicating factor for Indias strategy, however, is the continuing alignment of Russia and China because of the Kremlins isolation from the West over its war on Ukraine. India is promoting itself as a leader in the Global South and remains an enthusiastic member of the BRICS which also includes China, Russia, South Africa and Brazil.

(Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, PM Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (left to right) during the 2019 BRICS meeting; Image: PTI)

There is a remarkable change in international affairs as several countries have shown a range of reactions toward the US and Russia with regard to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. India and Iran have taken a relatively neutral position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and have not bothered with the US sanctions against Russia. They have taken a measured and balanced approach in this situation and made choices based on their own national interests. In such a scenario, the US is trying its best to accommodate itself with opportunities as well as challenges in such regions as South Asia or West Asia. This is so because the rising energy prices have had both positive and negative effects on energy-producing countries.

On the positive side, rising prices have led to increased revenue and higher international status for energy-rich countries. There is a development transformation among regional partners. On the negative connotation, the risk of food crisis has reached beyond control giving way to the state of constant fluctuations in the relationship between nations. Many non-traditional security challenges are beyond repair as the Russia-Ukraine conflict is continuing so are the challenges. It now appears that the three superpowers, China, Russia, and the US, will continue to occupy the space on the vertex of the triangle where other developing countries and energy-rich countries will have to play tactfully for their own interests without any outside interference. Indias policies towards Russia can best be characterised as an example of its multi-alignment strategy. India enjoys a unique position and has excellent diplomatic relations with Iran, Israel and Arab countries. The US, on the other hand, would like to have full support from India in order to balance Russia-China ties in the current situation. As China has been trying to strengthen its political influence in the West Asia region, it remains interested in strengthening its relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran, the two largest and richest countries in the Gulf.

(Wang Yi, China's Foreign Minister with Ali Shamkhani (right) ,the secretary of Irans security council, and Musaad bin Mohammed Al Aiban (left) Saudi Arabias minister of state; Image: CGTN)

On the other hand, Russia is humming along in West Asia, pitching arms sales, building nuclear plants, and convening summits. Now with the recent visit of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US as a state guest and the warm welcome offered by the Biden administration is obvious to picture which shows the anxiousness of the US to balance the Russia-China closeness. Yet, what India has been doing can be seen through the prism of its making serious efforts to reduce the gap between developed and developing nations.

(PM Narendra Modi with US President Joe Biden at the White House during his state visit; Image: AP)

The author, Dr. Vaishali Krishna, is an Assistant Professor of the Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi.

(Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts, analysis, assumptions, and perspectives appearing in the article do not reflect the views of Republic TV/ Republic World/ ARG Outlier Media Pvt. Ltd.)
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) submitted a request to the Islamabad High Court (IC) to obtain a copy of Azam Khan's 'cypher drama' statement. The petition, filed on Monday, was made by PTI chief's counsel, Salman Akram Raja. The purpose behind obtaining the statement is to enable former Prime Minister Imran Khan to respond to the inquiry officer regarding the cypher, reported ARY news.

Notably, Azam Khan, the aide to Imran Khan, reemerged unexpectedly after being missing for a month. He proceeded to make a confessional statement before a magistrate, where he disclosed significant information.

According to Azam Khan's statement, in 2022, the former Prime Minister (Imran Khan) utilised a diplomatic cypher sent by Pakistan's envoy to Washington to fabricate a narrative against both the establishment and the Opposition, reported Geo News.

Previously, the Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) Counter Terrorism Wing issued a summons to the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister in connection with a cypher case.

No comment from Imran Khan

In response to Azam Khan's statement, Imran Khan expressed that he would refrain from commenting on the matter until all the relevant information is disclosed. He emphasised that the circumstances under which Azam Khan made these statements are still unclear, as reported by ARY News.

On the other hand, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah asserted that Azam Khan's confessional statement acted as a 'charge sheet' against PTI chief Imran Khan. According to the minister, Imran Khan should be held accountable and punished for engaging in an anti-state 'cypher drama'.

"The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman [Imran Khan] tarnished the reputation of state institutions through cypher conspiracy. He should be punished for staging the drama," Geo News quoted Sanaullah.

He further said that the cypher conspiracy made it clear that May 9 incident was the continuation of the same plot. "PTI chairman will be held accountable for this crime. This is a matter of national interest," the interior minister added.

Sanaullah said a case will be registered against the PTI chief and "will be sent to a special court".
Pakistan's election commission on Tuesday deferred till August 2 the indictment of Imran Khan in a case linked to contempt of the top electoral body and its head after the former prime minister appeared before it in person for the first time. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) initiated contempt proceedings against Khan, 70, and former leaders of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, Asad Umar and Fawad Chaudhry last year for allegedly using intemperate language against the chief election commissioner and the electoral watchdog.

Tuesday's development came as the PTI chief appeared before the ECP for the first time since the case was taken up in October last year after the Election Commission of Pakistan on Monday directed the Islamabad police to arrest Khan and produce him before it on Tuesday.

However, instead of appearing before the ECP, the three had challenged the ECP notices and contempt proceedings in various high courts on the grounds that Section 10 of the Elections Act 2017 -- which is the statutory provision related to the commissions power to punish for contempt -- was against the Constitution.

The PTI leaders had also sought from the high courts a declaratory relief from the charges. But in January, the Supreme Court had allowed the ECP to continue proceedings against them and on June 21, the ECP had decided to frame charges against the trio.

In the July 11 hearing, they did not appear before the commission despite being summoned, following which the ECP issued arrest warrants for Chaudhry and Khan. It had, however, accepted a plea by Umars lawyer to allow him an exemption from the hearing.

During Tuesday's hearing, Khan appeared before the ECP bench alongside his counsel, Shoaib Shaheen. A member of the ECP bench stated that they had intended to indict the former prime minister in the case, the Dawn newspaper reported. However, the PTI chiefs counsel requested the electoral watchdog to defer the hearing as he needed more time to gather the case record, the paper said.

In response, the ECP asserted, It is your responsibility to manage the file and case record. Subsequently, the watchdog accepted the counsels plea and postponed the indictment until August 2. It also directed him to ensure Khan's presence during the next hearing.

After the hearing, Khan was asked by journalists if he would apologise to the commission. He responded by saying, Do you think I should apologise? Why should I tender an apology when I did not make any mistake? When a journalist asked if he would take more U-turns, Khan said he would keep taking U-turns.

Another journalist said that it seemed Imran had become a lawyer, to which the PTI chief said, After so many cases, I have become a lawyer. Khan has been facing scores of cases in various courts which were framed after he was removed from power in April last year. Chaudhry, once a diehard supporter of Khan, quit PTI after the May 9 violence following Khan's arrest in an alleged corruption case. On July 20, former PTI leader Chaudhry tendered an apology to the ECP in the contempt case filed against him by the electoral watchdog.
A suicide bomber blew himself up inside a roadside mosque when a police officer tried to arrest him after a chase in northwestern Pakistan near the Afghan border on Tuesday, killing the officer, police said.

It was unclear whether any worshippers were at the mosque when the bombing took place in Khyber, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan, police official Saleem Khan said.

The mosque collapsed because of the impact of the explosion, Khan said.

He said no worshippers were inside the mosque when the suspect went there to hide.

Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in militant violence since last year when the Pakistani Taliban, who are known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, ended a months-long cease-fire with the government.

The Pakistani Taliban are a separate group but an ally of the Afghan Taliban. They have become emboldened since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021 as U.S. and NATO troops were in the final stages of their pullout from the country after 20 years of war.
The war in Ukraine has transformed into a global arena for various weapons manufacturers to test their capabilities. Among them, the top five largest arms producers are under scrutiny to assess their effectiveness.

The conflict in Ukraine has presented a significant opportunity for defence contractors on both sides of the conflict. Notably, Russian enterprise KB Mashinostroyeniya, a part of the High Precision Complexes Holding of Rostec State Corporation, has substantially increased the production of its advanced 9K720 Iskanders (NATO reporting name SS-26 Stone), a mobile short-range ballistic missile system, by up to 2.5 times since 2022, reported Sputnik news.

On the American side, producers of Javelins, HIMARS, and Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) are working tirelessly to ramp up production as Ukraine rapidly depletes these weapons faster than the US can manufacture them.

Similarly, European arms manufacturers are also striving to catch up with their American and Russian counterparts. However, their progress is hampered by the continent's industrial base, which is still recovering from decades of underinvestment, as reported by Western media.

Which country is the largest weapons manufacturer?

Numerous countries worldwide excel in weapons production, but the global arms market is largely dominated by five key manufacturers:

The United States Russia France China Germany

The might of the US weapons industry

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the United States (US) stands at the forefront of global arms manufacturers and exporters. Between 2018 and 2022, the US held an impressive 40% market share in international arms exports, showing an increase from 33% in the previous five years. Notably, the US supplied weaponry to a staggering 103 countries, representing over half of all nations across the world.

SIPRI data reveals that 41% of US arms exports during 2018-22 were directed to the Middle East, marking a decline from 49% in 2013-17. Middle Eastern countries remain among the top importers of US weapons, with Saudi Arabia leading at 19%, followed by Qatar at 6.7%, Kuwait at 4.8%, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at 4.4%.

(US-supplied M777 howitzer shells lie on the ground to fire at Russian positions in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region June 18, 2022 | Image: AP)

Asia and Oceania accounted for 32% of total US weapons exports, with Japan (8.6%), Australia (8.4%), and South Korea (6.5%) being the region's primary importers. Meanwhile, Europe received 23% of US arms exports, with major recipients being Washington's NATO partners, including the UK (4.6%), the Netherlands (4.4%), and Norway (4.2%).

In recent times, there has been a substantial surge in US weapons supplies to Ukraine, further influencing the global arms market. The top five US defence contractors benefitting significantly from the nation's weapons exports are identified as follows:

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Raytheon Technologies Corporation

The Boeing Company

General Dynamics

Northrop Grumman Corporation

These companies play a crucial role in meeting the demand for US military equipment across the world and contribute to the country's dominant position in the international arms trade.

The other side of the coin - Russia

Russia holds the second position in the global arms market, with a 16% share of total arms exports. Between 2018 and 2022, Russia supplied major arms to 47 different countries, demonstrating its significant presence in the international arms trade.

The majority of Russian arms exports, about 65%, were directed to Asia and Oceania. Among the major regional importers, India and China were at the top of the list. Middle Eastern states received 17% of Russian arms exports, while Africa received 12%.

Notably, India remained Russia's largest customer during this period.

Russian warplanes and combat helicopters have been prominent export items since 1992, comprising 40% of the country's arms exports from 2018 to 2022. This category includes advanced "4++" generation fighters like various modifications of the Su-30, versatile front-line MiG-29 aircraft, military transport helicopters like the Mi-17V-5/Mi-171Sh, transport/attack helicopters like the Mi-35M, light multipurpose helicopters like the Ka-226T, and heavy transport helicopters like the Mi-26.

(Police officers look at collected fragments of the Russian rockets, including cluster rounds, that hit Kharkiv, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022 | Image: AP)

Additionally, Russia stands out as a leading supplier of capable and cost-effective lower-tech weapons. These include renowned products such as Kalashnikov assault rifles, towed artillery pieces like the D-30, self-propelled howitzers such as the 2S1 Gvozdika and 2S19 Msta, self-propelled multiple rocket launchers like the BM-27 Uragan and BM-30 Smerch, and armored personnel carriers like the BMP-3 and BTR-70.

The five largest defence contractors in Russia, based on highest total sales, are as follows:

United Aircraft Corporation (specialising in fixed-wing airplanes)

United Shipbuilding Corporation (involved in submarines, corvettes, frigates, and aircraft carriers)

Tactical Missiles Corporation (focusing on air- and naval-based missiles)

United Engine Corporation (engaged in military aviation, rocket engines, and marine gas-turbine engines)

Uralvagonzavod (manufacturing main battle tanks)

France's state of the art weapons industry

France has established itself as a prominent weapons producer and has been competing with Russia as the second-largest arms exporter worldwide, following the United States. By the end of 2022, France reportedly had more weapons on order for export than Russia, highlighting its increasing presence in the global arms market.

(Military vehicles drive down the Champs-Elysees avenue during the Bastille Day parade Thursday, July 14, 2022 in Paris | Image: AP)

Between 2018 and 2022, France accounted for 11% of total global arms exports, marking a significant 44% increase compared to the period between 2013 and 2017. The majority of French arms exports, about 44%, were delivered to Asia and Oceania, while the Middle East received 34%. During this period, France supplied weapons to 62 countries, with the three largest recipients being India, Qatar, and Egypt, collectively receiving 55% of French weapons exports.

India emerged as France's largest military customer during this period, strengthening the ties between the two nations.

The surge in France's arms exports can be primarily attributed to the sales of Dassault Rafale fighter jets manufactured by Dassault Aviation. These fighter jets were primarily supplied to India, Qatar, and Egypt between 2018 and 2022. Another significant contributor to the rise in French weapons sales was Naval Group, a major French industrial group specialising in naval defence design, development, and construction. Naval Group provided submarines to Brazil and India, frigates to Malaysia and the UAE, and mine-sweepers to Belgium and the Netherlands.

The top defence contractors in France, instrumental in its arms production, include:

Airbus SE

Naval Group

Thales

Safran

Dassault

China enables Pakistan

China holds the fourth position in the global arms market, accounting for 5.2% of total global arms exports during the period of 2018-2022. The majority of Chinese arms exports, around 80%, were directed to countries in Asia and Oceania. China supplied weapons to 46 states during this period, and a significant portion, 54%, of those exports went to Pakistan, which has been the primary buyer of Chinese arms since 1991.

China and Pakistan have a close defence partnership and have jointly manufactured several Chinese-origin weapons systems, including the Al-Khalid tank, the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, anti-tank missiles, portable surface-to-air missiles, and missile boats.

(Two Chinese SU-30 fighter jets take off from an unspecified location to fly a patrol over the South China Sea | Image: AP)

In Southeast Asia, China's weapons deliveries mainly involve six countries: Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, and Thailand. China also sells weapons to African nations, with notable recipients being the Central African Republic, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Sudan. However, sales to Africa constitute only around 19% of Chinese exports. China's arms reach Latin America as well, with countries like Argentina, Bolivia, and Venezuela receiving either Chinese arms or private security services.

China's arms exports have seen significant advancements in recent times. For instance, in April 2022, China began delivering FK-3 medium-range, road-mobile, surface-to-air missiles to Serbia. In June 2022, Argentina expressed interest in acquiring China-made JF-17 fighter jets.

Moreover, China has emerged as the world's largest exporter of drones, with popular models like Wing Loong and the CH-4. Western observers suggest that China is positioned to dominate the low-end of the arms market in the future.

The top five defence corporations in China, playing a pivotal role in the nation's arms production, include:

China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco) - specialising in tanks, long-range suppression weapons, and air-defence systems.

Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) - involved in jet-fighters, trainers, military helicopters, and other airborne weapons.

China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) - focusing on defence electronics.

China South Industries Group Corporation (CSGC) - engaged in light vehicles and firearms.

China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation - involved in various aerospace and defence projects.

Germany: a top weapons producer amid a recession

Germany is a notable player in the global arms market, with its top five weapons manufacturers being Rheinmetall AG, Krauss-Maffai Wegman (KMW), MBDA Deutschland GmbH, Leonardo S.p.A, and Thyssenkrupp AG.

Between 2018 and 2022, Germany accounted for approximately 4.2% of the global total arms supplies, representing a 35% decrease compared to the period from 2013 to 2017. The majority of German arms exports were directed to states in the Middle East (36%), Asia and Oceania (32%), and Europe (20%). Notably, Germany's major customers include the Netherlands, the United States, the United Kingdom, as well as Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

(Two Leopard 2 tanks are seen in action at the Field Marshal Rommel Barracks in Augustdorf, Germany, Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023 | Image: AP)

Germany's key exports in the arms market encompass infantry fighting vehicles like the Puma and Lynx, self-propelled howitzers such as the Panzerhaubitze 2000, tanks, with the Leopard 2 being a prominent model, cruise missiles like the Taurus long-range bunker-buster air-to-ground cruise missiles, and air-defence systems like the IRIS-T, a medium-range infrared homing air-to-air/ground-to-air anti-missile system, among others.

In the domain of warplanes, the German Air Force relies significantly on the Eurofighter Typhoon, a multinational multirole fighter jet manufactured by a consortium of Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, operating under the joint holding company, Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH.

While the conflict in Ukraine has been advantageous for German defence contractors, the nation also faces certain constraints, including challenges posed by de-industrialisation, an unfolding recession, and uncertainties surrounding future energy supplies. These factors can impact the country's defence industry and its role in the global arms market.
The Argentine government and members of Bolivia's opposition demanded answers on Monday following the sealing of an opaque defence agreement between Iran and Bolivia that raised concerns in South America's Southern Cone it could be a way for Tehran to boost its influence in the region.

The deal reached last week has particularly raised concerns in Argentina, where prosecutors have long alleged that Iranian officials were behind the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community centre in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people. Iran has denied any involvement in the attack.

Argentina's Foreign Ministry sent a note to the Bolivian embassy in Buenos Aires on Monday requesting information about the scope of the discussions and possible agreements reached during the official visit of ( Bolivian Defence) Minister Edmundo Novillo to the Islamic Republic of Iran, an official at Argentina's Foreign Ministry said, requesting anonymity because they were not authorised to speak on the record.

The note from Argentina's diplomatic headquarters came on the same day as members of Bolivia's opposition submitted a written request to the government demanding information about the scope of the agreement sealed July 20.

The defence minister must explain the agreement and why it has been signed with a country that has complications on the international stage when Bolivia is supposed to be pacifist according to its constitution, Gustavo Aliaga, a Bolivian opposition lawmaker who is the secretary of the Defence and Armed Forces Committee in the Chamber of Deputies, told The Associated Press.

Iranian Defence Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani signed the defence and security memorandum of understanding with Novillo in Tehran, according to a report from Iran's state-run news agency IRNA.

The Iranian minister said Latin American countries are of special significance in Iran's foreign and defence policy based on the importance of very sensitive South American region, according to the IRNA report.

Novillo has yet to give any details on the agreement since returning to Bolivia over the weekend.

Aliaga said all I know is what the press publishes. They say that (Iran) will give us drones. Others say they will give us missiles. All of this sounds strange, even more so considering it involves Iran, said the Bolivian opposition lawmaker. I can't understand why Bolivia is getting involved in such a complex and difficult relationship. Sen. Leonardo Loza, who is aligned with the ruling Movement Toward Socialism party, praised the agreement.

The country has the right to sign these agreements. The United States is the most dangerous country, and Bolivia has the right to sign agreements with other nations, said Loza, who is secretary of the Senate's Security Committee.

According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), based in Washington, Iran could be seeking to sell drones to Bolivia, noting that Ashtiani had said Tehran could help Bolivia with controlling its borders and combating drug smuggling.

Iran has sought to increase the number of countries that buy Iranian drones in recent years, the Institute wrote in a report.

The agreement comes at a time when Iran has supported Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the government of President Luis Arce in Bolivia has refused to condemn Moscow at the UN General Assembly.

Argentina's Foreign Ministry demanded explanations from La Paz after the DAIA, an organization representing the country's Jewish community, warned of the risks for the security of Argentina and the region due to the agreement, noting Tehran's ties to Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah. Both the United States and Argentina have designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation.

In a news release, DAIA called on Argentina's government to condemn this agreement and demand that Bolivia reconsider its decision.

Former Argentine Sen. Federico Pinedo also voiced criticism. We deplore that a sister country like Bolivia has made a security and defence agreement with Iran, a country in conflict with Argentina over terrorism, he wrote on Twitter.

Bolivia and Iran had a close relationship during the government of President Evo Morales (2006-2019), with then-Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visiting Bolivia three times. This alignment caused diplomatic spats with Argentina, most notably in 2011, when, at the urging of Buenos Aires, Bolivia expelled then-Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi. Argentine prosecutors consider Vahidi one of the masterminds behind the AMIA attack.
Maine is poised to launch an offshore wind program that would meet clean energy goals and produce enough power for about 900,000 homes from floating wind turbines in the Gulf of Maine.

The goal calls for requests for proposals to be issued for 3,000 megawatts of electricity from offshore wind turbines by 2040. That's enough electricity to power about half of Maine's electricity load.

The bill was revised after a veto by Democratic Gov. Janet Mills to ensure non-union companies can get into the business, setting a path to approval by the Maine Senate and House on Tuesday.

Approval would put Maine on a path to catch up with other states that already have offshore wind projects. The catch, however, is that the wind turbines would be farther offshore than those projects, and would involve floating turbines. It also includes incentives aimed at ensuring wind power developers steer clear of lucrative lobster fishing grounds.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Mark Lawrence, D-York, said he believes the compromise bill has necessary "guardrails in place to make sure this is done right and truly benefits Mainers."

The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management already approved projects that are now under construction off Massachusetts and off New York and Rhode Island, and it gave the green light earlier this month for New Jersey's first offshore wind to begin construction. Next month, it will hold an auction for leases in the Gulf of Mexico.

In Maine, the timeline calls for the federal lease sales to be completed next year and for the state to release request for proposals to operate the offshore wind turbines in early 2026.

The Gulf of Maine is considered a prize when it comes to consistent, powerful winds, but the water is too deep for traditional wind turbines that are anchored to the ocean floor. Maine officials hope companies will license technology from the University of Maine, which has been pioneering precast floating turbines that can be built on land and towed to sea.

"This is the bill that will jumpstart the offshore wind industry in Maine, said Jack Shapiro, climate and clean energy director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine.

More than a decade ago, the state was poised to host a $120 million wind project led by Norwegian company Statoil, but Statoil backed out after the state reopened bidding to provide an opportunity to the University of Maine.

The U.S. could need roughly 2,000 of the most powerful turbines to meet its goals to ramp up offshore wind. Doing so would dramatically cut its use of fossil fuels, protect the atmosphere and reduce climate change.


Police say theyre targeting 44 people believed to have incited people to vandalize ballots in protest.

Police in Cambodia were moving forward with investigations into opposition activists who destroyed their ballots to protest the exclusion of the Candlelight Party from Sundays parliamentary election.

Authorities in Banteay Meanchey province near the Thai border sent local Candlelight Party official Chao Veasna to provincial prison for pre-trial detention on Tuesday after he posted a photo of his spoiled ballot on social media, according to his daughter.

Six other people were detained by authorities on Sunday in similar cases, questioned and released. Police have threatened to take legal action against anyone who continues to post messages on the spoiled ballots.

Authorities told Radio Free Asia that they were targeting 44 people who allegedly incited people to vandalize the ballots under exiled opposition leader Sam Rainsys order.

Prime Minister Hun Sen posted a voice message on Sunday demanding that opposition activists who posted photos of spoiled ballots publicly apologize.

We recognize all of the faces of those who are in the country, he said. But I ask that you dont need to be afraid. You can come forward to confess to the authorities and to the National Election Committee. Otherwise, legal action will be taken against you.

Chao Veasna, a former Poipet commune chief elected by CNRP, is seen after his release from Tbong Khmum provincial prison in 2022. Credit: Provided by Chao Veasna





Photos of dozens of spoiled ballots were posted on Sam Rainsys Facebook page on Sunday.

Candlelight Party activist Phorn Phanna, who lives in Thailand, told RFA that posting photos of ballots is a citizens right. The protests show that people are unsatisfied with Hun Sens election, he said.

I have made no mistake. I just used my right as a citizen to express my discontent over the fake election, he said. I have the right to appeal to people to spoil the ballots to make the Hun Sen regime badly embarrassed.

The expression of the people

Sok Ey San, the spokesman for the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party, estimated that the number of spoiled ballots across the country was between 200,000 and 300,000.

Exiled opposition leader Mu Sochua told RFA on Tuesday that the number could be more than 400,000.

Mu Sochua is the vice president of the banned Cambodia National Rescue Party, which had been the countrys main opposition party until late 2017 when the Supreme Court dissolved it after it made substantial gains in local communal elections.

Cambodias Prime Minister Hun Sen raises a ballot before voting on July 23, 2023. Credit: Heng Sinith/AP





There were reports of spoiled ballots by CNRP supporters in the last parliamentary election in 2018.

The Candlelight Party, which includes many of the same supporters as the CNRP, was disqualified from this years election in May by the NEC, which cited inadequate paperwork.

The CNRP thanks the people who went to the polls and spoiled the ballots, and in some locations wrote out their messages, Mu Sochua said. This is the will  this is the expression of the people who are the voters.

A Siem Reap resident told RFA on condition of anonymity that she was forced to go to polls by local authorities. She said she wrote on her ballot to express her pain as a Cambodian citizen  not because of anything Sam Rainsy said.

I was like other people who find no party that they love, she said. So they crossed out the ballot because they trust no other party except the opposition Candlelight Party.

Sok Ey San said the 400,000 number cited by Mu Sochua probably includes some ballots that didnt come from opposition protesters.

A number of invalid ballots were incorrectly ticked or marked by senior people, or by poor eye-sight people, or by some uneducated people, he said.

Translated by Sok Ry Sum. Edited by Matt Reed.
Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang holds a book of Chinas Constitution during a news conference on the sidelines of the National People's Congress in Beijing on March 7, 2023.

UPDATED at 07:27 p.m. ET on 2023-07-25

Chinas rubber-stamp parliament on Tuesday removed Foreign Minister Qin Gang from power after his unexplained month-long absence from public view sparked intense speculation and online rumors.

Wang Yi, who outranks Qin and serves as President Xi Jinpings top foreign policy aide, was reinstated as foreign minister, according to a short statement made on Chinas state broadcaster, CCTV. He previously served in the role from 2013 to December 2022.

The announcement followed a hastily convened session of Chinas Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress, or NPCSC, to discuss unspecified personnel matters, or bills of appointments and removals.

Replacing Qin as foreign minister required NPCSC action. He was last seen in public during a meeting of senior diplomats from Russia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka on June 25.



Qin is presumed to be under liuzhi  retention in custody  a regulated and legalized system for disappearances and holding of Chinese Communist Party members, state functionaries, those within academia, state-owned enterprises or state-media, local contractors, or anyone related to any of the above.

I think he is gone, Willy Wo-Lap Lam, a senior fellow at the Jamestown Foundation and expert on Chinese politics, told the Sydney Morning Herald. His career is finished. There is no way that he will be allowed to resume his position.

Chinas Foreign Minister Qin Gang, front right, walks next to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko, left, in Beijing, on June 25, 2023. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China via AP)





The fact that the decision has been a month in the making is a sign of how serious the move is.

Qin, Chinas ambassador to the United States before his ascension to the foreign minister role in December, had developed personal relationships with his foreign counterparts that will have to be rebuilt.

There will also be the complex issue of whom his friends and allies are within the Foreign Ministry, with some, or all of them, likely being required to step aside. That could lead to bureaucratic friction and delays to key foreign ministry tasks.

Heading the list of the latter are a possible Xi-Biden November summit.

Whatever the reasons for Qins dismissal  and rumors will likely continue to swirl  disruptions to Chinas diplomatic exchanges are expected to continue. Recently, the British foreign minister and EUs top diplomat have both shelved their scheduled visits to China.

Palace whispers

Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson initially cited health reasons to explain Qins disappearance from the public eye, but rumors of an affair with a celebrity TV broadcaster have circulated on Chinese social media.

Beijing is more than ever a city of palace whispers. The upper echelons of CCP power are opaque to outsiders, but when its movers and shakers make a wrong move, they can disappear only to reappear later facing charges of corruption or immorality. Theres usually no recovery from a fall from grace.

Since 2018, more than 57,000 people are believed to have disappeared under the liuzhi system. Examples, according to watchdog Safeguard Defenders, include actress Fan Bingbing, Supreme Court judge Wang Linqing, former Chairman of Interpol Meng Hongwei, possibly internet mogul Jack Ma, as well as numerous foreign citizens, including Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig.

A personal favorite of Xi, the 57-year-old Qins ascent was remarkably rapid by Chinese standards. Now it has come to a close. He rose from the role of ambassador of the U.S. to foreign minister in just 17 months.

Qin Gang was single-handedly pulled up the ranks by Xi. Any problems with him will reflect badly on Xi too  implying that Xi failed to choose the right person for the job, Deng Yuwen, a former editor of a Communist Party newspaper who now lives in the U.S., told CNN.

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang is interviewed by Phoenix TV anchor Fu Xiaotian in March 2022. Credit: Screenshot from YouTube video





Qins travails

A Washington Post opinion piece on Tuesday speculated that Qin likely fell victim to infighting inside Chinas top leadership clique, which is notoriously fratricidal.

Qin has a huge number of enemies inside the government, one senior U.S. official told Josh Rogin of the Post. He was a marginally talented person, who, just through being close with Xi, catapulted up.

Its widely known that Qins rapid ascent was due to his personal relations with Xi, which are said to have bloomed after Qins wife gave Xis wife a gift of homemade mooncakes.

His rise was so meteoric, its rumored that many in the inner sanctum of party politics are jealous, and the 69-year-old man who now has his job, Wang Yi, is said to be his chief rival.

Qin struggled as Beijings envoy to Washington from July 2021 to January 2023. The Biden administration interacted with him seldom, pegging him as a wolf warrior diplomat with no interest in stabilizing relations.

While he was granted occasional meetings with White House and State Department officials, he had almost no engagement with cabinet secretaries and struggled to establish contacts on Capitol Hill.

One diplomat described Qin as shut out in Washington partly as retaliation for the lack of access given to U.S. ambassador to China Nicholas Burns.

Reacting to the news of Qins removal Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the move was Chinas sovereign decision, adding that he had constructive conversations with his former Chinese counterpart and wished him well, the AFP news agency reported.

Blinken said he expected to work well with Qins replacement, Wang Yi.

"It is important for us to manage this relationship responsibly, Blinken said. That starts with diplomacy, that starts with engaging, and I will work with whoever the relevant Chinese counterpart is."

Updated to add Blinken reaction.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. A number of additional documents are being prepared for consideration by the leaders of Azerbaijan, Russia and Armenia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, Trend reports.

He made the remark during the trilateral meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in Moscow.

"We want to use today's meeting to resolve one of the most important issues in our region, I mean long-term stabilization in the South Caucasus. We are convinced that the shortest way to this is the implementation of all the provisions of the existing trilateral statements of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia," Lavrov noted.

Speaking about the implementation of the agreements at the highest level on the conclusion of a peace treaty between Baku and Yerevan, he pointed out that Russia is ready to assist this in every possible way, including providing a platform for its signing.

"We appreciate that our Azerbaijani friends understand the need to ensure the rights and security of the Armenian population of Karabakh. This is one of the central issues," the Russian minister stressed.

New round of talks between the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia on a draft bilateral agreement on peace and the establishment of interstate relations is being held in Moscow.

Previously, Jeyhun Bayramov and his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan held bilateral talks on June 27-29 at the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center in Arlington, Virginia.

They met with US Secretary Antony Blinken and Assistant to the President and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan in Washington.

The ministers and their teams continued progress on the draft bilateral Agreement on Peace and Establishment of Interstate Relations. They reached an agreement on additional articles and achieved mutual understanding on the draft agreement, meanwhile acknowledging that the positions on some key issues require further work.
Officials and police focus more on 'stability maintenance' than taking care of bereaved families, they say.

Rescuers search for victims at the site of a school gymnasium roof collapse at Qiqihar No. 34 Junior High School in Qiqihar in northeast China's Heilongjiang province on Monday, July 24, 2023.

A grief-stricken father who lost his daughter in Sunday's collapse of a high-school gymnasium in the northeastern Chinese city of Qiqihar has hit out at the authorities for their response to the tragedy, including arrangements for identifying students who died.

At least 11 people died when the concrete roof of the gymnasium building at the Qiqihar No. 34 Junior High School collapsed on Sunday afternoon, with many of the victims members of the girls' volleyball team. Nineteen people were in the building at the time.

"All of our kids were covered in dust and blood and dirt, and you haven't even allowed us to identify them," the father of a student at the school said in a video uploaded to Twitter by citizen journalist "Mr Li is not your teacher." "Maybe that's not even my kid."

As classmates and loved ones placed floral tributes for the victims outside the school gates, the man said the government seemed to have bereaved relatives under surveillance instead of keeping them informed and supported.

"There are so many officials from the education bureau here  when I came in a woman official followed me in, but she wasn't there to help us liaise with the doctors  she was there to watch us to see what we did and report back to her superiors," the man, who was reportedly waiting outside the morgue at a local hospital, said.

"What is the Qiqihar government doing? What is the Longsha district government doing?" he said. "All we get is the police here to keep order. The doctors won't come out [and talk to us] either."

The fathers outcry came after parents whose children died due to shoddy construction in the 2008 Sichuan earthquake said they have been silenced and suppressed by local officials for years, who haven't followed up on promises to investigate the collapse of school buildings that killed more than 5,000 children.

Qiqihar officials later apologized for the disaster, which they blamed on the illegal stacking of materials on the roof, which overloaded it.

Social media comments also criticized the state media for downplaying the incident and failing to consider the needs of bereaved parents.

'Indifference and inaction'

While Qiqihar Communist Party secretary Shen Hongyu bowed in apology at a news conference on Monday, many commentators said it was too little, too late.

"The video is long, and there is only one theme  that the government sent in the police to maintain order, but never sent anyone to communicate with the parents," one blogger wrote of the official response. "The indifference and inaction of the local government is just terrible."

"Maintaining order is of course important, but it's far more important to consider the feelings of the parents," the blogger wrote.

Rescuers search for victims at the site of a school gymnasium roof collapse at Qiqihar No. 34 Junior High School in Qiqihar in northeast China's Heilongjiang province on Monday, July 24, 2023. At least 11 people were killed in the accident. Credit: Zhang Tao/Xinhua via AP

According to state news agency Xinhua, a preliminary investigation found that construction workers illegally placed perlite, an absorbent mineral with high water content, on the roof of the gymnasium during construction of a teaching building adjacent to the gymnasium.

The perlite had soaked up water during recent rainy weather and gained weight, resulting in the roof collapse, it said.

The ruling Chinese Communist Party's Beijing News hit out at the lack of oversight of construction work by the school.

"We can only avoid repeating this mistake if we truly respect construction and safety standards, and strengthen supervision and management of construction work," the paper said.

Shen told the news conference that the Heilongjiang provincial government has launched an investigation into the disaster.

But social media posts also took issue with the government's technical explanations for the incident.

"Was the collapsed gymnasium a potential safety hazard? Did the school fulfill its duty of oversight?" one blogger wanted to know, calling for further investigation into the construction company that built the gymnasium and the bidding process.

Shoddy construction?

An official who requested anonymity told Radio Free Asia that there are concerns that the gymnasium was of shoddy construction in the first place.

"The use of subcontractors is very common in the construction industry," the official said, referring to a lack of transparency and accountability for safety standards once many other companies are involved. "Once a bidder wins a contract, they distribute the work among other engineering teams."

"The labor force is actually made up of migrant workers."

And when something does go wrong, Jiangsu-based current affairs commentator Zhang Jianping said the government rarely handles such disasters in a transparent manner, meaning that public trust in officials is at a very low ebb.

"They don't announce details of disasters and public safety incidents in China in a public and transparent manner, basically to cover up their own management failures and their own responsibility," Zhang said. "So all people can do is try to guess what happened from what they're not saying."

"For example, if they tell us that 10 people were rescued, then our hearts sink, because we know for sure that many more than that died," he said. "People have their own way of figuring out what happened, and a lot of these so-called rumors are a lot more reliable than the official version."

Rescuers search for trapped victims at the site of a school gymnasium roof collapse at Qiqihar No. 34 Junior High School in Qiqihar, in northeast China's Heilongjiang province , July 24, 2023. Credit: Screenshot from video obtained by Reuters

Repeated calls to the Qiqihar municipal education bureau, the municipal government and the emergency management bureau were blocked during office hours on Monday.

Repeated calls to the Communist Party's municipal disciplinary arm also went unconnected or rang unanswered.

Anger and resentment

Beijing-based current affairs commentator Ji Feng said stability maintenance always comes first after some kind of disaster.

"The point of the police being there is stability maintenance ... and suppressing the emotions of the victims' families," Ji said. "That guy who spoke out [in the video] hasn't said anything since, so they must have shut him up."

He said he doubted that an official apology would do much to dampen public anger.

"If they don't find out who is responsible, then public anger and resentment will rise, and eventually there will be a mass incident," he said.

People in China frequently challenge those in power, despite nationwide measures aimed at nipping popular protest in the bud, the U.S.-based think tank Freedom House reported in November 2022.

Despite pervasive surveillance, a "grid" system of law enforcement at the neighborhood level and targeted "stability maintenance" system aimed at controlling critics of the government before they take action, the group identified hundreds of incidents of public protest between June and September 2022 alone.



Translated by Luisetta Mudie.
Thousands of parents take to streets after an influx of students makes it harder to gain a place in senior high.

Police guard the front doors of a building as thousands of angry parents protest an influx of out-of-town students taking the high-school entrance examination in Xian, China, July 21, 2023.

Authorities in the northern Chinese city of Xi'an have moved to tamp down angry protests by thousands of parents over an influx of out-of-town students taking the high-school entrance examination, arresting at least 10 people for "fraud and investigating educational services companies.

Thousands of angry parents of junior high-schoolers gathered outside several government buildings in Xi'an on July 21 chanting "Let Xi'an kids go to school," amid complaints that out-of-town candidates from the central province of Henan had bumped thousands of their children below the cut-off point for entrance to senior high school.

Some knelt down to express their dissatisfaction, while others sang patriotic songs  often chosen by protesters in China to indicate that they don't oppose the ruling Chinese Communist Party, just a specific policy.

The crowd dispersed in the early hours of July 22 after city leaders promised to thoroughly investigate their claims that families from Henan were taking advantage of the city's relaxed residency rules to game the system and get their children into its senior high schools, which carry a much higher probability of a place in higher education than Henan's high schools.

According to the Twitter account "Mr Li is not your teacher," police also arrested two parents during the protests.

The protests erupted amid reports that some 40,000 out of 100,000 candidates for this year's high-school entrance examination in Xi'an actually came from Henan province, and while they could produce a household registration for Xi'an, had never attended school in the city.

The influx of students from out of town made it harder than last year for students who had been born and raised in the city to get a place in senior high school, effectively raising the threshold in a competitive examination system by 61 points.

Fraudulent candidates

Anyone scoring less than 600 out of a possible 700 points in the exam was effectively shut out of the university application process, the parents complained. Last year, a Xi'an student would only need a score of 539 points to be sure of a place in senior high school, official media reported.

Angry parents outside several government buildings in Xi'an chant "Let Xi'an kids go to school," on July 21, 2023. Credit: Screenshot from Mr Li is not your teacher Twitter

The protests came after the Xi'an municipal education bureau claimed on July 18 that there were only 3,608 out-of-town candidates taking the test this year. But people quickly compared this year's total with last year's, finding that 20,000 more candidates took the exam this year.

"Why are there 20,000 more children?" they demanded to know.

The Xi'an police department announced later on July 22 that it had arrested 10 people and was holding six more amid an investigation into a number of educational service providers for "fraud" in connection with the sudden influx of candidates from Henan.

But the government has stuck to its claim that there were only 3,608 out-of-town candidates.

"A joint inspection team composed of multiple departments will screen the household registration, school status, school certificates, and academic level test scores of the 3,608 [out-of-town] students one by one, and cancel the admission qualification of candidates who are verified as having obtained their registration and examination qualifications by fraudulent means," the Communist Party-backed Ta Kung Pao newspaper reported on July 23.

Meanwhile, the Lianhu district police department said it had also arrested a 35-year-old man for "fabricating" information online about the number of students from Henan.

Inequality complaints

Former university lecturer Wang Deyu said public anger around education stems from a system that is already highly competitive and highly unequal.

"This conflict has been somewhat limited, and it has glossed over the biggest issue when it comes to China's educational resources -- the excessive concentration of wealth and power [among the privileged]," Wang said.

He said anyone born and growing up in Beijing, Shanghai and other privileged areas has far greater access to education than people in poorer parts of the country.

"This current conflict around ... high school entrance exam immigrants shows how much of the cake has already been given out, leaving [people in Xi'an] with a smaller share," Wang said. "There is no way to share that small piece of the cake fairly among so many people."

U.S.-based journalist Wang Jian said his parents made exactly the same move when he was a teenager, because students in Henan are far less likely to have a shot at a higher ranking university  necessary to find a job in an era of mass youth unemployment -- if they stay where they are.

"Zhengzhou University is the only [higher-ranking] 211 institution in the whole of Henan," Wang said. "It's very hard to find a job if you didn't graduate from a 211."

"I went to Shaanxi to take the exam because there are a lot of [higher ranking universities] in Shaanxi," he said. "From a sociological point of view, this is the consequence of the unfair division of educational resources."

In June 2021, the government announced a crackdown on the U.S.$120 billion private tutoring, or buxiban, industry, in a country where hothousing children to ensure the best shot at a good high school or university has become the norm for middle-class families, citing excess psychological pressure on children and financial pressure on families.



Translated by Luisetta Mudie.
Admission is pricey and must be paid in foreign currency, making it a pipe dream for most.

This undated picture released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Jan. 14, 2020 shows a view of the newly opened Yangdok Hot Springs Resort, in Yangdok in South Pyongan province.

Authorities in North Korea have reopened a lavish hot spring resort to the public that was shuttered for more than three years due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to residents of the secretive hermit kingdom.

The resort, located about a two-hour drive east of the capital Pyongyang in South Pyongans Yangdok county, boasts recreational facilities that include indoor and outdoor soaking pools as well as horseback riding parks, on a nearly 500-acre site.

Yangdok Hot Springs Resort has been open since July 15 and business has resumed, said a source in South Pyongan who, like others interviewed for this report, spoke to RFA Korean on condition of anonymity due to security concerns.

The source said that the resort was closed amid a national emergency quarantine just two months after it opened in January 2020 as part of a tourism promotion project ordered by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to earn foreign currency for the regime.

Its reopening 40 months later is part of a number of measures aimed at easing COVID-19 quarantine controls that began in early July, including the lifting of restrictions on domestic travel and an end to the mandatory use of facemasks, the source said.

While foreign tourists are not yet permitted to visit the resort due to ongoing pandemic restrictions, she said, anyone in North Korea can go to Yangdok Hot Springs.

Anyone with close ties to the regime and plenty of foreign currency to spend, that is.

People are seen at the outdoor baths in Yangdok Hot Springs Resort in this undated photo released Jan. 14, 2020 by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). KCNA via Reuters

US$10 will get you a ticket to the resort, which includes access to the baths and drinks for one day, she said, while accommodations range from US$10 to $100 per night, depending on the meals and drinks provided.

The cost is too high, the source said, adding that ordinary citizens would never be able to afford entry even if they had the required foreign currency, let alone the cost of lodging.

Exceptions for the politically connected

A second source in South Pyongan confirmed to RFA that the Yangdok Hot Spring Resort had been reopened in the middle of the month, adding that anyone with money [in foreign currency] can go.

But he said that exceptions are being made for the politically connected.

Officials, war veterans, and citizens who have been recognized at the national level for meritorious conduct are eligible for free 15-day vacation tickets to the resort, which include admission, lodging, food, and alcoholic beverages, the source said.

Additionally, residents of the capital and innovators at state-owned companies can purchase 15-day tickets to the resort that include three meals and access to one hot springs bath each day, at the state-set price of US$12.

Guests eat eggs boiled in hot spring water at North Koreas Yangdok Hot Springs Resort, March 31, 2022. Credit: Kim Won Jin/AFP

All other North Korean citizens must pay market prices to enter and stay at the resort, he said.

We dont know the breakdown of free hot spring vacations, government-price hot spring vacations and market-price vacations, but those paying market prices in foreign currency exceed far more than half of the total visitors, the source said.

Yangdok Hot Springs Resort was built for the purpose of earning foreign currency. Domestic tourists as well as foreign tourists [when eventually permitted] are required to pay the price in foreign currency. However, to the general public, visiting the resort is a pipe dream.

Tourism in North Korea

Reports of the resorts reopening came a week after an American soldier in South Korea scheduled for disciplinary action crossed into North Korea in the Joint Security Area or JSA, at Panmunjom, where soldiers of both Koreas are stationed, sometimes facing each other.

The soldier, Pvt. Travis King, was on a civilian tour of the JSA and crossed the Military Demarcation Line into North Korea without authorization and is believed to be in custody there.

When asked whether the incident would further delay North Koreas reopening of the countrys borders to foreign tourists, a tourism and travel agency official noted that not even most North Koreans who were outside of the country before the COVID-19 lockdown have been able to return.

There are still thousands of them stuck abroad, said the official, who requested anonymity in consideration of his countrys relationship with North Korea. Before they have been able to return home, the start of North Korean tourism [to foreigners] is long off.

Tourists from China pose for photos on Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea, June 19, 2019. Credit: Ed Jones/AFP

The official said that while it was looking positive for foreign tours to begin again this year, he believes that early to mid-2024 is now more likely.

He also predicted that the incident at the border would mean trouble for JSA tours organized by South Korean companies, noting that King had joined such a group prior to his crossing.

They are already often canceled for whatever reason, so this is certainly going to be something that might affect them, he said.

A representative of KTG, which operates tours to North Korea, agreed that the border incident would likely have a bigger effect on those arranging the tours in South Korea and suggested that such agencies might modify the way tours are conducted.

But he said that the crossing was unlikely to have had a big effect on [North Korea] tourism for when the country does eventually reopen its borders.

Translated by Claire Shinyoung Oh Lee. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Matthew Reed.
The regime wants to legitimize brutal tactics it hopes will pave the way for elections.

Myanmars junta will extend a state of emergency in the country ahead of a deadline at the end of the month, experts said, in a bid to pave the way for an election through increased political repression and crackdowns on dissent.

The junta has announced three consecutive six-month extensions of emergency rule in Myanmar since the military seized power in a Feb. 1, 2021, coup detat, citing ongoing instability in the country. The current period is set to expire on July 31.

Political analyst Ye Tun told RFA Burmese that the junta will announce a fourth extension this week in the hopes that it can crush the rebellion and legitimize its rule through an election.

The [military junta] will be able to hold elections only if it can put an end to the resistance across the country, he said.

Thats why they will fight more fiercely to achieve their goals in the six-month extension term. If there are no other political changes to the situation, we can expect more armed clashes and more casualties.

Opponents have dismissed the planned election as a sham because it appears rigged to exclude parties ousted by the coup and keep junta officials in power.

On July 13, junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing hinted at a possible extension of emergency rule during a meeting of the Tatmadaw, or Myanmars Armed Forces, in the capital Naypyidaw, calling for greater security in Sagaing region, as well as Chin and Kayah states. The three regions are centers of resistance to military rule and have seen an uptick in violence in recent months.

Junta Deputy Information Minister Major Gen. Zaw Min Tun also recently told reporters that a decision on whether to extend the state of emergency would be made soon.

According to Myanmars military-drafted constitution, emergency rule can only be extended twice in normal situations.

In announcing the last extension on Jan. 31 this year, junta leaders cited the extraordinary situation created by resistance against the military regime for stymieing efforts to hold a general election.

At the time, Min Aung Hlaing, faulted "terrorist groups formed by deposed lawmakers and officials  the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and the National Unity Government  as well as the numerous local militias known as Peoples Defense Force, or PDF, that have fought the junta across Myanmar since 2021.

Min Aung Hlaing was the leader of the coup that ousted and jailed leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy government about two months after their landslide election victory.

No one can object

Lawyer Kyee Myint told RFA that the junta will again extend the state of emergency by exploiting the constitutions reference to normal situations.

The [junta] appointed the heads of the Constitutional Court, not by [parliament]  thats why they wont care about whether what they are doing is in line with the constitution, he said. This is nothing new. Its not in accordance with the constitution by any means.

Members of the public who spoke to RFA Burmese about the likely extension seemed resigned over what they suggested was a forgone conclusion.

The junta will extend the state of emergency period for another term, but the peoples defiance will remain unchanged, said a resident of Sagaing, who declined to be named, citing security concerns. The junta will extend it to make it appear as if they are needed [to maintain stability]. The country is in a situation where no one can object to this extension.

Myanmar's military chief Min Aung Hlaing [center] makes a speech during a defense and security council meeting in Naypyidaw, Jan. 31, 2023. The junta said the country had "not returned to normalcy" almost two years after its coup and extended the state of emergency. Credit: Handout/Myanmar Military Information Team/AFP

After the last extension, the junta declared martial law in 40 townships in Sagaing, Magway, Tanintharyi and Bago regions, as well as in Kayin, Chin and Kayah states. The military embarked on a brutal campaign against the armed resistance, but the resistance grew stronger.

Mone Tine, an official with the special operations unit of the Myaung Township PDF in Sagaing, told RFA that an extension of emergency rule would have little impact on anti-junta forces in his area.

I expect [junta forces] will carry out more brutal acts in the future [with an extension], he said. But we are increasingly attacking them in some areas, rather than relying on a defensive strategy. If they extend the state of emergency again, it wont affect our fight for control of our region."

Civilians bear the brunt

Military clearance operations have claimed the lives of civilians on a near daily basis in Myanmar.

According to Burma News Internationals Myanmar Peace Monitor, which compiles data on military conflict in the country, at least 383 civilians were killed throughout the country during the latest extension of emergency rule, from Feb. 1 to July 15. Most were arrested and killed or died in military shelling and airstrikes.

Than Lwin Oo, a former lecturer at Yangon Universitys Department of International Relations and Political Science who left his position to join the anti-junta Civil Disobedience Movement, warned that if the military regime cannot achieve its goal through repression, it may try to negotiate with the countrys ousted leadership.

They first tried to find a political exit by holding an election, but it hasnt worked and they are talking less about the election lately, he said.

The next attempt was that I heard that they mentioned a plan to hold a conference with the various ethnic groups  This is also its attempt to find a way out. If all else fails, the junta will try to reconcile with Aung San Suu Kyi.

According to a July 15 statement by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, nearly 2 million people have been displaced by armed conflict across Myanmar since the coup. Of those, nearly 800,000 people have been displaced in Sagaing region alone.

Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Matthew Reed.
Troops have been raiding villages almost daily since last Friday

A junta raid on Tuesday forced nearly 5,000 residents from 10 villages in Sagaing region to flee, locals told RFA.

They said a junta column raided a village in Salingyi township this morning, prompting locals from other villages in the area to abandon their homes.

In the past people normally returned to their villages if the junta column left and went away, said a villager who didnt want to be named for security reasons.

But now its raining and hot, so the roads are bad and it's hard for people [to move around].

The local said the junta had been carrying out systematic raids on villages almost every day since July 21.

Residents said they are also scared to return home because they fear junta gunboats will come up the river firing heavy artillery.

RFA reached out to the juntas Sagaing region spokesman, Saw Naing, for comment but he did not answer calls on Tuesday.

Nearly 800,000 Sagaing region residents have been forced to flee their homes due to the conflict since the junta staged a February 2021 coup, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn and Joshua Lipes.
AQTAU, Kazakhstan -- Azamat Sarsenbaev, an activist from the Kazakh Caspian Sea city of Aqtau, is trying to bring attention to a problem that is closing in on residents of his city at the same time as their only water source recedes further into the distance.



Ten years ago we would swim around 200 meters in order to get to these rocks, Sarsenbaev told RFE/RLs Kazakh Service, recalling his childhood. Now we are standing on them.



There is no doubt that the Caspian Sea -- the worlds largest enclosed body of water that is shared by Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan -- is shrinking.



And because Kazakhstans section of the Caspian is among the shallowest, it is no surprise that authorities here are scrambling to deal with severe consequences that are no longer far off on the horizon.



Earlier this summer, Aqtau officials announced a state of emergency in relation to the recession of the shoreline -- a measure intended to accelerate mitigation efforts.



Kazakh Environment Minister Zulfiya Suleimenova acknowledged the scale of the problem on the day of the June 8 announcement, citing climate change as an exogenous factor and upstream regulation of rivers that flow into the lake, such as the Russian-originating Volga and the Ural, as the main causes.



Sarsenbaev is less diplomatic.

While acknowledging that Kazakhstan needs to use water more efficiently, he argues that the construction of multiple dams and other industrial objects along the Russian parts of those two rivers is causing big problems for Kazakhstan.



They stop the water flow. And if less is coming in from the rivers, the Caspian will keep shrinking, he said, dismissing the idea popular among many Aqtau residents that the latest plunge is the result of time-honored tectonic shifts under the seabed.



Geological changes have caused sudden shoreline recessions in the past -- including in the late 1970s -- but a lot has changed in 50 years, Sarsenbaev argued.



Aqtau: A City On The Edge



Experts say the Caspians most recent shrinking phase began around 2005.



In the last few years, the rate of recession has increased, reaching a visibly critical low.



According to Nature, a British scientific journal, the Caspian Seas levels are projected to fall by nine to 18 meters in medium to high emissions scenarios before 2100.

The drop is caused by a substantial increase in lake evaporation that is not balanced by increasing river discharge or precipitation, the authors of a paper published in 2020 said.



Indeed, current trends suggest that both of those balancing factors may now be in decline.



The need for immediate action is not lost on Murat Igaliev, deputy director of the Mangyshlak Atomic Energy Combine (MAEK), an energy complex that comprises a decommissioned nuclear power plant -- thermal power plants that provide heat and electricity for Aqtau -- and a plant that desalinates water for the town where more than 200,000 people live.



MAEK, in turn, depends on Caspian Sea water drawn from a water intake channel.

In an interview with RFE/RLs Kazakh Service, Igaliev said that 590 meters of the channel was submerged in 2005, compared to just 145 meters now.



During a harsh winter last year, part of the channel froze, contributing to a drop in power generation, while in the long-run, problems at the aging MAEK threaten the viability of Aqtau as a city.



The urgent reconstruction work required for the channel is part of the reason the authorities declared a state of emergency over the Caspian.

Igaliev said it is vital to find a contractor to begin preparatory work for dredging as quickly as possible and determine what equipment is better to use so as not to harm the marine ecosystem.



In addition to the former Soviet closed towns existence, declining water levels in the Caspian put the work of seaports central to the so-called middle corridor -- a cross-Caspian trade route that bypasses Russia -- into jeopardy.



Kazakhstans traditionally sleepy ports of Aqtau and Quryq have seen demand for their services increase in the wake of the Ukraine war, as some shippers look for alternatives from routes that traverse Russia, which has been hit hard by international sanctions.

Kazakhstan, in turn, is keen to boost modest oil exports across the Caspian as far as possible in order to ease a near-total dependence on a troubled pipeline that sends Kazakh oil to international markets by way of the Novorossiysk-2 Marine Terminal in Russia. But the director of the Aqtau port, Abay Turikpenbaev, said the shallow waters near his port had already impacted the work of oil tankers, which can no longer be loaded to capacity.



Turikpenbaev noted that from January 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023, the water levels at the port fell 30 centimeters, significantly more than the average of 5-10 centimeters in recent years.

If that trend continues, dredging work will have to be carried out in order to prevent the port from falling into disuse, Turiqpenbaev told RFE/RLs Kazakh Service, bemoaning a lack of research into the problem by Kazakh institutions.



For Quryq, some 70 kilometers from Aqtau, the problem is less pressing, given that the port, which was opened in 2017, occupies a position on the shore where the water is deeper.



Nevertheless, Quryqs port director Serik Akhmetov said the port is already planning for a worst case scenario.

There are forecasts that the sea will recover. There are also predictions of the opposite. But we cannot sit back and wait. We are currently negotiating with Belgian and Greek dredging companies. We have been dealing with this question for the last six months, Akhmetov said.



Is Russia To Blame?



Scientists have few doubts that a drying Caspian will have major impacts -- ecological and socioeconomic -- on its five littoral states and the wider region.



The most obvious evidence for that is the fate of the Aral Sea, once one of the largest inland bodies of water in the world.



The Aral catastrophe, driven by the Soviet Unions cotton-growing policies in Central Asia, bequeathed a mostly dried up lake that split off into separate Kazakh and Uzbek sections.



And the tragedy still haunts neighbors further afield, as dust storms from the dried parts of the lake travel across borders, lacing farmland in countries like Turkmenistan with salt.



But the degree, timing, and nature of the Caspian impact will vary from littoral state to littoral state, making collective action harder to guarantee.



This is a challenge insofar as the effects are less immediate for Moscow, whose Volga River alone accounts for around 80 percent of the Caspians inflow, with the Ural and other Russian rivers playing important secondary roles.

During the Soviet Unions industrialization drive in the 1930s, systematic damming along the Volga was seen as a factor in a sudden drop in the Caspians sea levels that was later corrected by a spell of strong precipitation.



And Kazakh experts believe Russia is now intensifying its use of upstream water, hastening the rapid decline of the northeastern Caspian that also hosts Kazakhstans economically vital Qashagan oil field.
Authorities in Iran are expanding their reach in their efforts to enforce compliance with the country's strict hijab law by pushing popular start-up companies to police their younger, tech-savvy employees.

In recent weeks, the operations of at least three web-based companies -- the DigiKala online retailer, the Azki.com insurance company, and the Taaghche book app -- have been shut down. In each case, the closures came after the emergence of photographs showing female employees without the mandatory head scarf.

The images had reportedly been posted on employees' personal social-media accounts, not by the companies themselves. But that did not prevent the authorities from going after the start-ups that until recently had been touted for their successful, cutting-edge business models.

The pressure on such firms comes after Culture and Islamic Guidance Minister Mohammad Mehdi Esmaili said on July 27 that action would be taken against start-up companies if their employees failed to comply with the Chastity and Hijab Law.

But observers say Tehran is playing a dangerous game that threatens to further alienate the younger generation and potentially make entrepreneurs and foreign investors think twice about bringing modern businesses to the Islamic republic.

The start-ups that have come under scrutiny vary in their organization, with some being private, some semi-private, and some having strong ties to the government either directly or indirectly, Amir Rashidi, the New-York-based director of Internet security and digital rights at the Miaan Group, told RFE/RL.

But they all share common traits and differ from the old way of doing business in Iran, in that they employ young, educated people to deliver services to younger customers using modern technology.

"The kind of culture that exists [at the companies] is usually not the kind of culture that could represent the culture of the Iranian government," Rashidi said. "Because this is the new generation. These are the techie people. These are the most connected population of Iranians, who are connected to the outside world because of the Internet, because of the job that they do, who have more opportunity to be in touch with [people] outside the country."

In the wake of months of street protests that broke out last year against the Islamic dress code and the clerical establishment, hard-liners have sought to strengthen the Chastity and Hijab Law. According to new draft legislation presented by parliament late last month, fines of up to $720 can be levied against women who defy the law, along with prison sentences of up to three years.

The revision of the law was prompted by the protests that began following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini after she was arrested for an alleged hijab violation, and has been described by prominent members of the clerical establishment as necessary to preserve the Islamic republic's fundamental values.

Amid a crackdown on the antiestablishment protests that resulted in at least 500 deaths since September, the authorities have disrupted Internet access multiple times and have gone after individuals who used social media to show support for the demonstrations by posting pictures of themselves without head scarves.

Prominent female celebrities and athletes have been among those targeted, including three film and television actresses who were sentenced last month and diagnosed as having personality disorders after they were photographed without their hijabs.

On July 23, the pressure on start-ups began with the suspension of DigiKala's business. And just a day before parliament published the text of the new Chastity and Hijab bill, and hours after Esmailis warning to start-ups, a legal case was filed on July 27 against the book retailer Taaghche, along with similar actions against Azki.com.

The shutdown of the companies had an immediate effect, with customers expressing dismay at being cut off from purchasing books, products, and services online, and business associations warning that the action would harm efforts to develop the business sector.

Since then, Azki.com and Taaghche have been allowed to resume operations after releasing public commitments that they and their employees would adhere to the Chastity and Hijab Law.

The situation at DigiKala, often described as Iran's Amazon online retailer, remains unclear.

On August 2, a post on the company's website said that the "violation" depicted in a photograph posted on the personal site of one of its employees "was not approved by the company's management." DigiKala, the statement continued, "always considers itself obligated to comply with all national laws" and the company hoped that by being allowed to resume operations it "can play a more substantial role in better serving the people and economy of the Islamic republic."

Then, within hours, the statement was inexplicably removed, and the company's offices remain sealed and its business suspended.

In its effort to exert control over the start-ups, which have been lauded as examples of Iran's ability to successfully launch modern companies on its own despite the hurdle of international sanctions, Tehran is essentially forcing them to police their own employees.

But the approach has been met with warnings by the Association of Emerging Businesses of Iran, which following Azki.com's closure said that such suspensions presented a "big and crisis-causing obstacle" to the development of the private sector.

Rashidi expressed skepticism that "using people against people" would work, both at the societal and business level.

He says that in the absence of digital rights and the recent emphasis on compliance with the Chastity and Hijab Law, the government will be able to catch offenders more easily and to fine and even arrest them. But in the end, he said, "it's going to create more tension and challenges."

And outside investors and partners of Iranian companies are likely to take note as well, Rashidi said.

"Some of these companies have investors from outside Iran," he said. "And this definitely will affect those companies, because they don't want to be seen internationally as a supporter of censorship."
Amateur video shows the moment Erfan Ramizipour was shot in the eyes by Iranian security forces as he took part in mass anti-regime protests in 2022. The 24-year-old is just one of many protesters who have been shot in the eyes, in what appears to have been a deliberate tactic. Now in Germany, he is receiving medical care -- and continuing to battle for justice in his homeland.
YEREVAN -- The ethnic Armenian leader of the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh, Arayik Harutiunian, has issued an urgent appeal to the international community, asking for immediate action to lift a de facto blockade imposed by Azerbaijan and prevent what he called "the genocide of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh."

Both Armenia and separatist authorities in the enclave have said that Azerbaijan has blockaded Nagorno-Karabakh since December, resulting in shortages of food, medicine, and energy.

Yerevan and international aid groups have warned that a dire humanitarian situation has been unfolding in the breakaway Azerbaijani region with convoys of food and medicine blocked.



"With this urgent address I am signaling that right now the people of the Republic of Artsakh" -- ethnic Armenians' name for Nagorno-Karabakh -- "are being subjected to genocide and face a real threat of destruction and deprivation of their homeland," Harutiunian said in a video address published late on August 8.



He said a humanitarian crisis had been created by what he described as a 240-day blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh, charging that "in a situation like this manifestation of inaction or indifference is nothing but acquiescence in the crime of genocide."



Tensions escalated after Azerbaijan last month completely suspended traffic through the checkpoint pending an investigation after it said "various types of contraband" had been discovered in the Red Cross vehicles coming from Armenia. Access was previously blocked amid a series of protests and accusations emerging from Baku.



Azerbaijan says it can only allow supplies to reach Nagorno-Karabakh over a road from Agdam, a town controlled by Azerbaijan in the east of the region.



Ethnic Armenian authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh reject that offer, saying Azerbaijan's blockade is a violation of the Moscow-brokered 2020 cease-fire agreement that placed the 5-kilometer-wide strip of land under the control of Russian peacekeepers.

A delegation led by staff members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee on August 8 visited the site in Armenia's southern Syunik Province where a 19-truck convoy of humanitarian aid has been stranded for two weeks.



"The international community must take effective personal and collective steps in order not to allow Azerbaijan to fill the history of mankind with another page of mass famine and genocide," said Harutiunian, the heavily ethnic Armenian region's de facto president.



He said Stepanakert called on Armenia to "immediately submit to the UN Security Council for discussion the humanitarian disaster that has emerged as a result of Azerbaijan's blockade of the Lachin Corridor and the illegal blockade" of Nagorno-Karabakh, and he urged Yerevan to be careful in its public statements and assessments of the situation.



He urged UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "to show moral and political responsibility and leadership, involving the entire UN system" on the issue.



Baku routinely brushes aside accusations of ethnic cleansing against Karabakh Armenians.



In 2020, Azerbaijan regained control of territories held by ethnic Armenian forces outside the borders of Nagorno-Karabakh as well as a chunk of the former autonomous oblast itself.



Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly warned the local population to integrate into Azerbaijan or leave.



The United States and the European Union have urged Azerbaijan to allow humanitarian supplies to reach Nagorno-Karabakh via the Lachin Corridor.



A group of UN experts issued a statement on August 7, expressing alarm over the ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan, which they said had led to a dire humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh.



"By lifting the blockade, the [Azerbaijani] authorities can alleviate the suffering of thousands of people in Nagorno-Karabakh and allow for the unimpeded flow of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population," the experts said. "It is essential to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of all individuals during this critical time."



They also called on Russian peacekeeping forces deployed in the region to protect the corridor under the terms of the cease-fire agreement.



Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry criticized the UN experts for what it described as their biased statement that it claimed had been influenced by "Armenia's manipulations."
Ukrainian military officials on August 9 cited more than 30 frontline clashes amid counteroffensive operations in the past 24 hours, while Russia blamed Kyiv for what it said was a twin drone attack targeting Moscow that it "thwarted" with no casualties or damage to the capital.

The Ukrainian military's General Staff said enemy air strikes had struck more than 15 settlements in the southern area around Zaporizhzhya, a focus of the two-month-old Ukrainian counteroffensive, and Russian shelling battered 10 settlements and the city of Kherson.

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.

It claimed its defenses in the eastern Donetsk region were "firmly holding" in the area of Bakhmut and had repelled attacks but that Russian shelling had "affected" more than 15 settlements there.



The Ukrainian military also claimed "successful combat operations" had "increased significantly" the losses among Russian units, particularly around the Svativskiy and Kreminskiy areas of Luhansk.



The chairman of the Dnipropetrovsk regional council, in central Ukraine, Serhiy Lysak, said that an 18-year-old man was killed and three others injured by Russian shelling of the city of Nikopol overnight.



RFE/RL cannot confirm accounts by either side in areas of the heaviest fighting.



Russian officials meanwhile claimed to have safely defeated an overnight attack by unmanned drones in the Moscow region that they blamed on Kyiv.



Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin and Russia's Defense Ministry said early on August 9 that air-defense forces had shot down two drones.



"There was an attempt to fly over the city by two combat drones," Sobyanin said via Telegram early on August 9. "Both shot down by air defense. One in the Domodedovo area, the second in the Minsk highway area." He said emergency responders were at the scenes.



Later, the Russian Defense Ministry said forces had "thwarted" what it called "an attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack by unmanned vehicles," adding "there were no casualties or damage."



Kyiv, which has avoided confirming possible attacks on Russian territory since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began 17 months ago, did not initially respond to the accusation.

Late on August 8, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy raised the death toll to nine, with 82 more injured, from a twin missile attack by Russia on the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk a day earlier.



He said the second missile struck after the rescue operation was under way following the first strike signaled "a conscious decision of terrorists to cause the most pain, the most damage" and vowed that "Russia will bear the maximum responsibility for this."



Regional officials said the Pokrovsk attack damaged residential and administrative buildings, a hotel, catering establishments, and shops.



The U.S.-based Institute of War (ISW) said in one of its regular assessments of the fighting on August 8 that Ukrainian forces "appear to have conducted a limited raid across the [Dnieper] River and landed on the east (left) bank of Kherson Oblast." It cited information from Russian military bloggers.



The ISW said, "it remains unclear whether Ukrainian troops have established an enduring presence on the east bank."



Such a move could signal a probing effort or a possible advance against stiff Russian defenses in a key strategic area that is part of the focus of the Ukrainian counteroffensive to oust Russian forces from areas occupied since the start of the full-scale invasion in February or the smaller-scale invasion in 2014.



Serhiy Kuzmin, a representative of Ukraine's operational and strategic troops in the southern town of Tavria, told Ukrainian television on August 8 that Ukrainian forces there had entered the first line of defense of the Russian Army.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. On July 25, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, and other leadership of the Ministry participated in the opening ceremony of the IDEF23 16th International Defence Industry Fair which is being held in Istanbul, Trend reports citing Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

Defense Ministry's leadership got acquainted with the weapons, vehicles and military equipment demonstrated at the stands of ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, DEARSAN and other companies.

As part of the visit, Colonel General Z. Hasanov also met with the Minister of Industry and Technology of Turkiye Mehmet Fatih Kacir.

The prospects for the development of military-technical cooperation were discussed at the meeting, as well as detailed exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest was held. The sides exchanged gifts.
Serbian authorities have denied an extension of the temporary residence permit of Russian anti-war activist Vladimir Volokhonsky less than two weeks after temporarily denying entry to Peter Nikitin, the Russian national with whom Volokhonsky helped establish the nongovernmental organization Russian Democratic Society.

The Russian Democratic Society -- a Russian expat association that has grown to tens of thousands of people since Russia invaded Ukraine -- said that Volokhonsky, who arrived from St. Petersburg in May last year and was granted a temporary residence permit, was informed of the decision on July 25.

Volokhonsky told RFE/RL's Balkan Service that the decision not to extend his residence permit is "a form of political pressure."

"Since my activities, like all the activities of the Russian Democratic Society, are completely public and legal, I see no reason to consider ourselves a threat to the security of the state in any way," he said.

An opposition councilor in St. Petersburg, Volokhonsky left Russia in March last year after he was taken into custody and his home was searched following his public opposition to Moscow's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

Serbia's Internal Affairs Ministry and the Security Intelligence Agency did not respond to an inquiry by RFE/RL over why Volokhonsky was denied the extension.

Volokhonsky has been threatened along with other opponents of the Kremlin's policies and its war in Ukraine.

He was targeted on Telegram by the Russian extreme right-wing organization Russian-Serbian Center Eagles based in St. Petersburg.

According to RFE/RL research, the group has links with right-wing parties in Serbia.

Anti-war activists from a group called Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and Serbs together against The War said they have sent a public request to police to reverse the decision against Volokhonsky.

"Vladimir Volokhonsky's return to Russia would certainly mean his arrest and long-term imprisonment in labor camps, as all opponents of [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's regime go through the same process," the group said.

The Russian Democratic Society, which has been threatened with expulsion from Serbia in the past, said the refusal to grant Volokhonsky an extension for his stay represents "a continuation of illegal pressure on the Russian anti-war community in Serbia."

Less than two weeks ago, Nikitin was denied entry to Serbia and held for two days at Belgrade's international airport even though he has a valid long-term resident's permit, is married to a Serb, and has two children who were born in Serbia. He was eventually allowed entry into the country on July 14.

Volokhonsky said that some Serbian officials are "damaging Serbia" with the move and making it appear to be "an unsafe country where rights are not protected, and resettlement is not wise."

"But I am convinced that this is not the case. I will stay here for a month, and then maybe I will leave the country. Of course, returning to Russia is not an option, because I will be arrested there," Volokhonsky said.
In the early hours of July 24, the Ukrainian port of Reni on the Danube River came under a massive Russian drone strike.

The attack lit up the sky in Romania, just 200 meters away on the other side of the river, one of Europe's main waterways.

It was the closest the conflict in Ukraine has come to Romania since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of its neighbor on February 24, 2022.



The strike also came amid a nearly daily barrage by Russia's military on Odesa and other Ukrainian food-export facilities over the past week after Russian President Vladimir Putin withdrew his country on July 17 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.



In a worrying sign that Russia may be widening its attacks, analysts say the Kremlin is not only trying to elbow out Ukrainian grain exports from global markets but undermine support for Kyiv in the EU, especially among Central and Eastern European countries, by further disrupting those countries' domestic agricultural markets.

Plus, the potential chaos at Romanian ports may not only impact Ukrainian grain exports, but complicate transport -- in the opposite direction -- of fuel and military aid -- "everything that allows Ukraine to resist" Russia's aggression, according to Cosmin Popa, a researcher at the Bucharest-based Nicolae Iorga Institute of the Romanian Academy.

Targeting the Danube will not only impact exports by barge, but could put added stress on rail and road transit routes through Romania and Moldova, Popa said in comments to RFE/RL's Romanian Service. "Russia's attacks are also indirect attacks on Ukraine's neighboring countries. So, from this point of view, things will continue to get worse, in the absence of a clear and determined reaction from the West, which would show Putin that there are limits beyond which he cannot cross," Popa said.



"[The Russians] are targeting with both direct and indirect goals. They are aiming to disrupt the river and railway transport infrastructure in Romania, with the aim of congesting and creating havoc at Romanian ports at the mouth of the Danube," Popa said.

Early indications appear to confirm that.



On July 25, ships were reportedly clogging the western edge of the Black Sea at the entrance to the Danube and outside Romania's Black Sea port of Constanta amid what analysts say is uncertainty over whether to proceed along the potentially risky route.



Almost 30 ships dropped anchor near Ukraine's crucial Izmayil port terminal on July 24, Reuters reported. Hours after the attack, a long line of trucks could be seen waiting outside the port at Reni, video posted to Twitter indicated.

Three grain warehouses were reported to have been destroyed in Reni in the July 24 attack involving about 15 drones that left seven port workers injured, although Ukrainian officials gave few details. Amid fears of disruption to grain exports and shipping, global wheat and corn futures rose sharply on July 24, Reuters reported.



Hours after the attack, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for Russia to return to the Black Sea grain deal, warning in Rome of a devastating impact on "vulnerable countries struggling to feed their people."



Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, one of several senior Romanian officials to condemn the attack, called it an "escalation" that posed "serious risks to the security in the Black Sea," in a post on Twitter.



Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year, Kyiv has expanded grain exports overland via the EU to about 1 million tons a month, with large volumes being exported from Romanian ports and along the Danube.



Trains, trucks, and barges have been used to transport Ukrainian agricultural produce from small Danube ports such as Reni and Izmayil in southwest Ukraine to Romania.

Bordering Ukraine and also with Black Sea access, Romania -- and specifically its port at Constanta -- has also played an integral part in Ukrainian efforts to circumvent Russia's naval blockade. Since the start of the war, Constanta has handled one third of Ukraine's total grain exports of just under 49 million metric tons.



Romanian port operators shipped 8.6 million metric tons of Ukrainian grain in 2022 and 6.3 million metric tons in the first five months of 2023, the Constanta Port authority told Reuters. The port handled 12.2 million metric tons of grain overall in the first five months, a 21 percent jump on the previous year.

Other Implications?



The Russian attack on Reni may have other implications as well, noted Cristian Vlas, a Romanian-Moldovan analyst.



"Now, the risk is that Ukraine will have to rely even more on truck and rail exports, which is already a contentious issue in relation with Central and Eastern European countries, especially with Poland and Romania, EU states that can still be considered as Ukraine's strongest allies in the EU," Vlas told RFE/RL.



On May 2, the EU allowed five countries -- Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia -- to ban domestic sales of Ukrainian wheat, corn, rapeseed, and sunflower seeds, while allowing transit through them for export elsewhere, including to other EU countries.



The European Commission last year announced it was establishing what it coined "solidarity lanes" to ensure Ukraine can export grain, promising billions of euros in investment in infrastructure. On June 15, the European Commission extended that agreement until September 15, a looming date, according to Dionis Cenusa, an expert at the Vilnius-based Eastern Europe Studies Center.



"Russia is using disruptions to Black Sea grain shipments to complicate and spoil relations of at least five EU member states with Ukraine. These EU states, led by Poland, want to extend restrictions on certain categories of Ukrainian grain beyond September 15," Cenusa told RFE/RL.

Beyond sowing chaos in the EU, Putin is trying to elbow out Ukraine and portray Russia as the globe's potential food savior, said Cenusa.



And that message is one Putin is likely to emphasize when the Russian leader hosts dozens of African heads of state in St. Petersburg from July 26 to July 29 for the second annual Russia-Africa Summit.



"Putin has been outspoken about Russia's capacity to replace Ukraine's grain exports, both to satisfy Western markets and to offer humanitarian assistance to Africa," said Cenusa.



Putin has repeatedly said that Russia would offer free grain to low-income African countries now that the grain deal has been terminated. "I want to give assurances that our country is capable of replacing Ukrainian grain both on a commercial and free-of-charge basis," Putin said in a statement on July 24, asserting that Russia shipped almost 10 million tons of grain to Africa in the first half of this year.



"It is obvious that Russia is using the new dynamics of the war against Ukraine to gain advantages in the global south, which is suffering from drought and rising food prices," said Cenusa. "Russia is slowly replacing energy with grain as a tool of global influence."
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy spoke early on July 25 about how to ensure the flow of Ukrainian grain to international markets as the European Union announced a 1.5 billion-euro ($1.66 billion) aid disbursement to help Ukraine repair infrastructure amid fresh air strikes by Russia on the port city of Odesa and the capital, Kyiv.

Russian strikes in recent days have targeted Ukrainian food-export facilities, including on Danube ports close to the border with NATO-member Romania, after the Kremlin last week withdrew from a UN-brokered sea-corridor agreement that allowed for the safe shipment of Ukrainian grain.

Sunak said he made it clear during the call with Zelenskiy that any efforts by Russia to prevent grain from leaving Ukraine would be "completely unacceptable."

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.

Kyiv has accused Moscow of targeting grain supplies and infrastructure vital to the deal. The United Nations has warned failure to resuscitate the agreement would mean "the most vulnerable will pay the highest price."

"The prime minister said the U.K. was working closely with Turkey on restoring the grain deal, and we would continue to use our role as chair of the UN Security Council to further condemn Russia's behavior," Sunak's office said in a statement. Sunak also said he was "appalled by the devastation caused by recent Russian attacks on Odesa."

A Romanian commercial vessel was slightly damaged in the drone attack launched by Russia on July 24 on Ukraine's Danube port of Reni, Romania's Foreign Ministry confirmed to RFE/RL on July 25.

The damage was minor and the crew was not injured, the ministry said, without giving the name of the ship.

The ministry said no Romanian citizens were injured in the two attacks launched on Reni and Izmail.

In Brussels, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said she "firmly condemns" the Russian strikes on Ukrainian grain-storage and -export infrastructure and vowed continued support for Kyiv.



"Today we paid another 1.5 billion euros, to help keep the [Ukrainian] state running and repair infrastructure," von der Leyen said on Twitter.



The Kremlin on July 25 rejected a call by UN chief Antonio Guterres for Moscow to rejoin the grain deal, claiming that a part of the agreement that allowed Russia to export its grain and fertilizer had not been honored.



"Unfortunately, at the moment it is impossible to return to the deal because [the Russian-related part] is not being implemented, and de facto it has never been implemented," spokesman Dmitry Peskov said at a news conference.

WATCH: Dramatic video posted on social media captured the moment Russian forces launched an air strike on the Ukrainian port of Reni, which is just 200 meters across the river Danube from Romania, on July 24.

The U.S. State Department warned on July 24 the day before that Russia might be preparing some "false flag" operation in relation to the grain deal.



"We've had information to suggest that they may be preparing a false-flag operation -- we believe they may be preparing a false-flag operation," spokesman Matthew Miller told a press briefing.



Regional officials in Ukraine reported early on July 25 that Russia launched a new wave of drone strikes on Kyiv, while Moscow said it warded off a Ukrainian attack on one if its patrol boats in the Black Sea.

All of the drones launched by Russian forces overnight in the sixth attack on Ukraine's capital this month were shot down by the city's air defense, Serhiy Popko, the head of the Kyiv city military administration, said early on July 25.

Popko said the attack caused no casualties or damage.



"The alarm lasted for three hours. The enemy used Iranian Shahed drones. This is the sixth drone attack on the capital this month. All air targets were timely identified and destroyed on the approach to Kyiv," he said, adding that the attack caused no casualties or damage.

Russian drone attacks were also reported in the Cherkasy and Zhytomyr regions, with the latter suffering some infrastructure damage.



The Russian Defense Ministry said that Ukrainian seaborne drones attempted an attack on one of its patrol boats in the Black Sea, but the attack failed.



"Ukrainian armed forces carried out an unsuccessful attack overnight with two naval drones on the Sergei Kotov patrol ship," the ministry said in a statement, adding that the alleged attack occurred some 370 kilometers from the port of Sevastopol.



The claim could not be independently confirmed. The Sergei Kotov is one of Russia's newest warships, being delivered to the Navy last year.



In Donetsk, regional Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said on July 25 that the number of victims caused by an attack on the city of Kostyantynivka the previous day has risen to two dead, including a 10-year-old boy, and seven wounded, including four children aged between 5 and 12. Kyrylenko said Russian forces used cluster munitions in the attack on civilians.



The weapons are prohibited under the Convention on Cluster Munitions, signed by 123 countries. Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are not among them. Earlier this month, the United States announced that it had also delivered cluster munitions to Ukraine. Kyiv has pledged to use the munitions carefully and only to push occupying Russian forces out of its territory.

Signed by 123 countries, the Convention on Cluster Munitions took effect in 2010. The convention prohibits using, developing, producing, acquiring, stockpiling, or transferring cluster munitions. However, Russia, Ukraine, and the United States have not signed the convention.



Kyiv has pledged to use the munitions carefully and only to push occupying Russian forces out of its territory.



On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces fought 35 battles in the 24-hour period that ended early on July 25, the General Staff reported. It said that Russian counterattack attempts around Bakhmut in the eastern Donetsk region were repelled by Ukrainian defenders.

Andriy Kovalev, a spokesman for the General Staff, said the Defense Forces defeated the Russians near Andriyivka, a village south of Bakhmut. Ukrainian defenders are also conducting an offensive to the north and south of the city, he said.

Pro-Kremlin Telegram channels deny that Russian forces have left Klishchiyivka, a village north of Andriyivka. One of the channels says they continue to fight in Klishchiyivka, but the fighting is very difficult.

With reporting by Reuters
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on July 25 repeated U.S. warnings that Russia could use sea mines to blow up a ship and blame the attack on Ukraine.

Ambassador Michael Carpenter said Russia would use such an incident -- known as a false flag attack -- to justify further attacks against civilian ships in the Black Sea.

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 U.S. Mission to the OSCE said in a statement issued before Carpenter spoke at a briefing in Washington that its information indicates Russia laid additional sea mines in the approaches to Ukrainian ports.

"We believe this is a coordinated effort by Russia to justify any attacks against civilian ships in the Black Sea and then blame Ukraine," the statement said.*

The U.S. State Department warned a day earlier that Russia might be preparing some "false flag" operation in relation to the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which was suspended last week after Russia said it would no longer participate in it because the terms of a parallel deal to help ship its grain and fertilizer were not being met.

"We've had information to suggest that they may be preparing a false flag operation -- we believe they may be preparing a false flag operation," spokesman Matthew Miller told a press briefing on July 24.

The OSCE, made up of 57 member countries, has played a key role in the documentation of war crimes through fact-finding missions and has provided support for civil society roles for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Carpenter gave no indication what a U.S. response would be, though he suggested that an attack on a civilian ship could be considered a war crime.

When asked about future OSCE responses to Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the ambassador did not provide any details on plans other than "encouraging [the international community] to press Russia to come back to the deal."

Carpenter indicated that he believed Russia's withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which was brokered last year by the UN and Turkey and allowed over 35 million tons of food to be shipped largely to developing countries in Asia and Africa, has prompted countries to reconsider their view of the war.

"I do believe across the wider world, there are many countries starting to understand with greater acuitythat this war of aggression against Ukraine [is] impacting them and it's impacting their populations," he said.

Carpenter went on to say that Russia is "making a killing off the artificially inflated food prices," citing the country's "record profits," but he provided no details on the OSCE's response.

The OSCE statement also refers to recent missile strikes on food storage facilities in Odesa, which have been hit hard since Russia's withdrawal from the pact.

Carpenter noted that Russian strikes last week destroyed 60,000 tons of grain in Ukraine.

"Just yesterday they struck a grain storage facility on the Danube River near the borders of Moldova and Romania," Carpenter said, condemning Russias weaponization of hunger as a "heartless, frankly cynical, effort to weaken Ukraine that is causing harm to millions of innocent civilians around the world."

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story mistakenly attributed a quote to the OSCE that was made instead by the U.S. Mission to the OSCE.
GALION  Theres an opening for a princess at Galion Community Theatre. The public is welcome to join the kingdom as it presents Once Upon A Mattress starting on July 28.

This hilarious musical will be sure to entertain people of all ages.

It has been so fun working with our young actors. They truly put their all into their performance, and have made this show a cant-miss event, says Rachel Jarvis, director of Once Upon A Mattress.

These youth actors will be featured on Once Upon a Mattress. (Submitted image)

This production has actors who have graced the stage many times, actors who are brand new to GCT, and actors who have never been onstage before. Each one of them plays an important part in ensuring that this show is enjoyed by all.

This show follows the story of a kingdom where no one can get married until the Prince does- but heres the catch- the Queen doesnt WANT the Prince to get married, so she puts all of the competitors through an extremely difficult Princess Test.

One day, Princess Winnifred comes to town and vies for the hand of Prince Dauntless. Even though shes not your typical princess, the people of the kingdom rally behind her while she undergoes a test for sensitivity- will a tiny pea under twenty downy mattresses disturb her slumber?

I play the Minstrel in this show, and it has been really rewarding playing a role that is different from any that Ive played before, says Ruth Ebner. Working with my fellow castmates on this show is so fun, and I cant wait for everyone to come see it!

Once Upon A Mattress is presented by United Way of North Central Ohio and Eagle Dance Center and supported by Park National Bank with additional assistance from Crossroads Original Designs, Flick Packaging, and Galion Building and Loan Bank.

This show is made possible in part by state tax dollars allocated by the Ohio Legislature to the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically.

NOTE: This theatrical season, Galion Community Theatre has changed its start time for evening performances to 7:30 p.m. Show dates for Once Upon A Mattress are July 28, July 29, Aug. 4, and Aug. 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased now at www.galiontheatre.org or by leaving a message at 419-468-2662.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. As part of the IDEF23 16th International Defence Industry Fair held in Istanbul, a meeting was held with the participation of the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the Chief of State Security Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Ali Naghiyev, and the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Turkiye, Yashar Guler, Trend reports citing Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

The meeting discussed the current state of cooperation in military, military-technical, military-educational, military-medical and other spheres, as well as further development of the work done in this area.

At the end of the meeting, the sides exchanged gifts.
RICHLAND COUNTY  The Ohio Department of Transportation has announced that State Route 98, between SR 598 and Baker Road, will close Tuesday, Aug. 1 for a culvert replacement.

The detour route for northbound motorists will be SR 98 to SR 598, north on SR 598 to SR 61, south on SR 61 to SR 98, and reverse for southbound motorists.

The road work is expected to take a month, with a targeted reopening date of Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced plans to hold another summit of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia later this year, following a trilateral meeting with the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia, Jeyhun Bayramov and Ararat Mirzoyan, in Moscow, Trend reports.

"We will continue our robust efforts to prepare further meetings, including organizing a summit of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia within this year," Lavrov stated.

The Foreign Minister also emphasized commitment to resuming dialogue between representatives of civil society and political scientists.

We hope for initiating a trilateral dialogue through parliamentarians, said Lavrov, expressing hope for the continuation of the negotiation process.

Lavrov acknowledged the interest of both the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides in using mediators beyond Russia and welcomed sincere efforts from other parties to assist in finding agreements between Baku and Yerevan. He emphasized the importance of such agreements being based on the genuine interests of the Armenian and Azerbaijani peoples, rather than for media headlines or geopolitical and domestic political considerations.
Mallikarjun Kharge

Nation Awaits Answers from PM Modi: Mallikarjun Kharge

NEW-DELHI: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide a comprehensive statement in Parliament, addressing the concerning situation in Manipur. He emphasized the need for the Prime Minister to take the country into confidence and shed light on the ongoing violence in the region.

Following a meeting with stakeholders of the opposition alliance 'Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance' (India), Kharge expressed deep concern about the situation unfolding in Manipur, stating that it is detrimental to the border state's well-being.

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In a tweet, Kharge urged the Prime Minister to address the Parliament and provide a detailed account of the situation, which has been marred by violence for a distressing 83-day period. The Congress President also highlighted that stories of extreme horror are slowly coming to light, prompting the alliance to seek answers from the Modi government regarding the Manipur violence.

"The situation in the North-East is critical, and the impact of the Manipur violence is being felt in other states as well," said the Congress President. He emphasized that the unfolding events are particularly concerning for sensitive border states, necessitating swift and effective action.

Kharge called upon Prime Minister Modi to let go of any perceived arrogance and instead instill trust in the country by addressing the issue with transparency and candor.

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"The Prime Minister should clarify the government's actions to improve the situation and provide a timeline for when normalcy is expected to be restored in Manipur," Kharge emphasized.


1984 Sikh Genocide Case

Victims Await Justice in 1984 Sikh Genocide Case

NEW-DELHI: The Much-Awaited hearing of the 1984 Sikh massacre case has been adjourned in Delhi's Rouse Avenue court. The court cited the need for additional time, estimating about 15 to 20 days, to draft a comprehensive decision on the matter. Consequently, the next hearing for this case is scheduled for August 11. The case centers on allegations against Congress leader Sajjan Kumar for his alleged role in instigating the tragic massacre. Sajjan Kumar appeared before the court through video conferencing.

The incident in question occurred during the 1984 massacre in the Sultanpuri area, resulting in the tragic loss of six lives. The case was initially being heard at the Patiala House Court before being transferred to the Rouse Avenue Court.

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The order to register this case was issued by the Nanavati Commission, which was established to investigate the Sikh massacre. On November 16, 2018, the key witness in the case, Cham Kaur, positively identified Sajjan Kumar during her testimony at the Patiala House court. Earlier, on September 20, 2018, Cham Kaur had alleged that she was facing intimidation and threats, preventing her from testifying in court. She disclosed that individuals associated with former Congress MLA Jai Kishan from Delhi's Sultanpur Majra visited her house on the night of September 19, issuing threats and attempting to bribe her with money.

It should be noted that Sajjan Kumar, after being convicted this year in another Sikh massacre case, is currently incarcerated in Delhi's Mandoli Jail. He surrendered before the Karkardooma court of Delhi on December 31, 2018.
Owners of Infomaths

Infomaths Students Set a New Benchmark with their Outstanding CUET (PG) MCA/MSc IT Results

CHANDIGARH: The results of CUET (PG) MCA/MSc IT have been announced, and Infomaths students are celebrating their outstanding performance. The examination, which took place earlier this year, has witnessed remarkable achievements, with Jashanpreet, a student of Khalsa College Patiala, securing the top rank in the Northern Region with an impressive score of 270 out of 400.

Sudhir Grover, the Director of INFOMATHS Chandigarh, expressed his delight and congratulated the students on their exceptional accomplishments. He said, "The dedication and hard work exhibited by these students are truly commendable. Their excellent results are a testament to their determination and passion for academic excellence."

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Following closely behind Jashanpreet, other students from the region have also achieved remarkable scores, showcasing the educational prowess of Chandigarh and Punjab. Abhinav secured an impressive 256 marks, followed by Yatin with 240 marks, and Aniket with 230 marks. Ankur, Kashish, and Teena performed exceptionally well, scoring 211, 200, and 196 marks, respectively.

Among the other high scorers were Aakash Shukla with 173 marks, and Anchal and Ajay, who both secured 170 marks. Abhishek, Arijit, and Ankita also showcased their academic prowess, scoring 164, 159, and 154 marks, respectively.

As the news of their accomplishments spreads, friends, family, and educators are all joining in the celebration of these young achievers. Many are already looking forward to the bright futures that await these talented students, and their success is sure to inspire many more to strive for excellence in their academic pursui
German sportswear brand Adidas (ADDDF.PK) reported that its preliminary operating profit for the second quarter of 2023 declined to 176 million euros from 392 million euros in the prior year.

In the second quarter, currency-neutral revenues were flat versus the prior year level. In euro terms, the company's revenues declined 5% to 5.343 billion euros from the previous year.

The company noted that its top- and bottom-line development in the quarter was positively impacted by the first sale of some of its Yeezy inventory as announced at the end of May. In addition, the underlying adidas also developed slightly better than expected.

Therefore, the company has updated its full year guidance. It now expects currency-neutral revenues to decline at a mid-single-digit rate in 2023. Previously it was expected to decline at a high-single-digit rate.

At the same time, the company's underlying operating profit - excluding any one-offs related to Yeezy and the ongoing strategic review - is still anticipated to be around the break-even level.

Including the positive impact from the first Yeezy drop, the potential write-off of the remaining Yeezy inventory of now 400 million euros and one-off costs related to the strategic review of up to 200 million euros, the company now expects to report an operating loss of 450 million euros in 2023 compared to the prior outlook of loss 700 million euros.

If successful, potential future Yeezy drops would further improve the company's results, Adidas said.

For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. In accordance with the instruction of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the return of former internally displaced persons to the restored city of Lachin continue, the State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons told Trend.

Another caravan was sent from the Gobu Park 3 residential complex in the Garadagh district of Baku on July 25. At this stage, another 19 families (89 people) moved to the city of Lachin.

Thus, as many as 152 families (591 people) were provided with permanent residence in the city of Lachin.

Moreover, a total of 22 families (79 people) were relocated to the city of Lachin on July 22.
Hong Kong's trade deficit decreased in June from a year ago, as imports fell faster than exports, data from the Census and Statistics Department showed on Tuesday.

The visible trade deficit fell notably to HK$56.6 billion from HK$68.5 billion in the same month last year.

However, this was well above May's shortfall of HK$26.4 billion. The expected deficit was HK$42.4 billion.

The visible trade gap of HK$56.6 billion was equivalent to 14.4 percent of the value of imports.

The annual decline in exports was 11.4 percent in June, following a 15.6 percent fall in May. The overall decline in shipments was attributed to a weak external environment.

Total exports to Asia as a whole dropped by 12.0 percent. Within this, shipments to Malaysia plunged the most, by 31.9 percent, followed by Singapore with a 26.2 percent decline.

When compared to other main export destinations, shipments to Germany and the United States decreased by 29.0 percent and 22.1 percent, respectively.

Imports declined at a slower pace of 12.3 percent versus a 16.7 percent decrease in the prior month.

"Looking ahead, with slower global economic growth, Hong Kong's export performance will continue to face intense pressure in the near term," a government spokesperson said.

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Business News
Thales (THLEF.PK), a French major, said on Tuesday that it has reached a deal with software investor, Thoma Bravo, to buy data and cyber-security firm, Imperva, for $3.6 billion.

Patrice Caine, CEO of Thales, said: "With this acquisition, we are seizing a unique opportunity to accelerate our cybersecurity capabilities and are taking an important step towards our ambition to build a world-class global cybersecurity integrated player, providing a comprehensive portfolio of products and services."

The transaction, expected to be closed by the beginning of 2024, will help Thales to record a significant medium-term adjusted earnings per share accretion.

With this, the Group will add around $500 million of revenue and significantly expand its data and application security offering.

In the coming years, the acquirer estimates that the combination will generate circa $110 million of pre-tax run-rate synergies, including $50 million of cost synergies, and $60 million linked to revenue synergies.

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Business News
Indian shares fluctuated before ending on a flat note Tuesday despite mostly positive global cues.

Global sentiment was underpinned after China's Politburo - the top decision-making body of the Communist Party - promised more policy measures aimed at the country's biggest growth engines - real estate and private consumption, both of which have deteriorated substantially over the past three years.

Closer home, investors exercised caution at higher levels ahead of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decision due on Wednesday.

Profit booking after recent strong gains as well as higher oil prices on signs of tight supply and China stimulus optimism also weighed on sentiment.

The benchmark S&P BSE Sensex ended down 29.07 points at 66,355.71 while the broader NSE Nifty index finished marginally higher at 19,680.60.

Metal stocks topped the gainers list, with Tata Steel, JSW Steel and Hindalco rallying 3-4 percent as metal prices advanced after China's pledge to step up support for its sputtering .

On the losing side, Asian Paints slumped 4.2 percent after the release of its June quarter earnings.

ITC fell 2.1 percent to extend losses from the previous session after the announcement of hotel demerger.

Kotak Mahindra Bank, Britannia Industries and Larsen & Toubro all fell over 1 percent.

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Unless substantial reforms are made to global tax rules, countries around the world are on course to lose $4.7 trillion in tax revenue over the next 10 years as multinational corporations and wealthy individuals use tax havens to underpay tax, an international tax fairness advocacy group estimates.

The Tax Justice Network made this warning in its annual State of Tax Justice report, published on Tuesday.

The future losses of public money would be equivalent to losing a year of worldwide spending on public , according to the UK-based advocacy group.

The estimated shortfall in tax revenue is based on an analysis of data for 47 member states of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Campaigners are urging countries to vote this winter in favour of beginning negotiations on a UN tax convention at the UN General Assembly to avert the huge losses.

"Countries have a choice to make at the UN this year end. Forfeit our future now by staying the course, or democratise global tax rules so we can hold on to the public money we need for the challenges ahead," said Alex Cobham, chief executive at the Tax Justice Network.

The State of Tax Justice 2023 reports that countries are losing $472 billion in tax a year to global tax abuse. Of this annual loss, $301 billion is lost to multinational corporations shifting profit into tax havens and $171 billion is lost to wealthy individuals hiding wealth offshore.

Most annual tax losses are suffered by higher income countries - $426 billion, which is equivalent to 9 per cent of their public health budgets.

Lower income countries are the worst affected by global tax abuse, as tax losses are equivalent to more than half of their public health budgets, Tax Justice Network estimates.

The 10-year projection is based on the impact of the OECD's efforts to reform international tax architecture and curb losses to global tax abuse, which began 10 years ago.

Its second reform process to set global tax rules has so far only produced drafts of policy proposals.

The Tax Justice Network is urging countries to support moving leadership on global tax from the OECD to the UN.

The UN Secretary General will present a report in September on possible options for a UN tax convention which the UN General Assembly will debate and vote on later this year, it says.

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Business News
Human-induced climate change contributed to the intensity of the extreme July heat across three continents in the Northern Hemisphere, according to a new analysis released Tuesday.

Unless the world rapidly stops burning fossil fuels, these events will become even more common and the world will experience heatwaves that are even hotter and longer-lasting, the World Weather Attribution initiative warned in its report.

Following a record hot June, large areas of the United States, Mexico, Southern Europe and China experienced extreme heat this month, breaking many local high temperature records.

As temperatures are still blazing in these three regions, a group of international scientists from the World Weather Attribution initiative collaborated to assess to what extent human-induced climate change altered the likelihood and intensity of the extreme July heat.

North America, Europe and China have experienced heatwaves increasingly frequently over the last years as a result of warming caused by human activities. Hence an event like the current heat waves are expected to occur approximately once every 15 years in the US/Mexico region, once every 10 years in Southern Europe, and once in 5 years for China, the study found.

"Without human induced climate change these heat events would however have been extremely rare. In China it would have been about a 1 in 250 year event while maximum heat like in July 2023 would have been virtually impossible to occur in the US/Mexico region and Southern Europe if humans had not warmed the planet by burning fossil fuels," the report says.

The study found that the heatwaves defined above are 2.5C warmer in Southern Europe, 2C warmer in North America and about 1C in China in today's climate than they would have been if it was not for human-induced climate change.

The group of scientists called for an urgent need for "an accelerated roll-out of heat action plans in light of increasing vulnerability driven by the intersecting trends of climate change, population ageing, and urbanisation".

July 2023 saw extreme heatwaves in several parts of the Northern Hemisphere, including the Southwest of the U.S. and Mexico, Southern Europe and China. Temperatures exceeded 50C on July 16 in Death Valley in the U.S. as well as in Northwest China. Records were also reached in many other weather stations in China and the all-China heat record was broken in Sanbao on the same day.

In Europe, the hottest ever day in Catalunya was recorded and highest-ever records of daily minimum temperature were broken in other parts of Spain.

In the U.S., parts of Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico tied their all time high. Parts of Arizona and Cayman Islands recorded their highest ever night time temperatures. Phoenix had its record for longest time without falling below 90F/32.2C.

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Business News
Reflecting pops in both current conditions and expectations, the Conference Board released a report on Tuesday showing U.S. consumer confidence improved by much more than expected in the month of July.

The Conference Board said its consumer confidence index jumped to 117.0 in July from an upwardly revised 110.1 in June. Economists had expected the index to climb to 111.8 from the 109.7 originally reported for the previous month.

With the much bigger than expected surge, the consumer confidence index reached its highest level since July 2021.

"Headline confidence appears to have broken out of the sideways trend that prevailed for much of the last year," said Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board.

She added, "Greater confidence was evident across all age groups, and among both consumers earning incomes less than $50,000 and those making more than $100,000."

The bigger than expected increase by the headline index came as the present situation index climbed to 160.0 in July from 155.3 in June, likely reflecting upbeat feelings about a labor market that continues to outperform.

Likely revealing consumers' belief that labor market conditions will remain favorable, the expectations index also shot up to 88.3 in July from 80.0 in June.

"The proportion of consumers saying recession is 'somewhat' or 'very likely' to occur ticked up in July, contrary to the Expectations Index spiking this month above the threshold of 80," Peterson said.

She continued, "Still, recession expectations remained below their recent peak, suggesting fears of a recession have eased relative to earlier this year."

On Friday, the University of Michigan is scheduled to release its revised reading on consumer sentiment in the month of July.

The consumer sentiment index for July is expected to be unrevised at 72.6, which was up sharply from 64.4 in June.

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Economic News

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Tata Motors has announced exciting discount and Benefits on their entire range of PVs

Tata Motors is ushering in the festive season with a host of exciting consumer offers for its passenger vehicle lineup in anticipation of the auspicious Onam festival. Recognizing Kerala as one of its best performing markets, the company is delighted to extend generous consumer benefits of up to INR 80,000 on both their Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and Electric Vehicle (EV) range of cars and SUVs.

This move aims to celebrate the Onam festivities while providing customers with compelling incentives to make their dream car a reality. As part of the festive campaign, Tata Motors is going the extra mile to enhance the joy of buying for its valued customers. Along with the substantial benefits, the company is also offering a unique scratch and win opportunity that guarantees attractive gifts to lucky buyers. This delightful surprise adds an extra layer of excitement to the car-buying experience during the festive season.

Tata Car Discounts Onam 2023

In addition to the discount offers and assured gifts, Tata Motors is prioritizing deliveries for customers who choose to celebrate Onam by bringing home their favourite Tata car or SUV. The company understands the significance of Onam and aims to ensure that customers receive their vehicles promptly to mark the festivities with joy and pride.

To further simplify the purchasing process, Tata Motors has partnered with top Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), private banks, and regional financiers. These collaborations enable customers to avail themselves of highly attractive finance options, including 100% on-road funding. Additionally, Tata Motors is introducing an EMI holiday scheme, allowing buyers to Buy Now and Pay Later, making it even more convenient for customers to own their desired Tata vehicle.

The festive offers are applicable across Tata Motors extensive lineup, covering a wide range of models, from the compact and feature-rich Tiago and Tigor to the eco-friendly Nexon EV and the powerful Harrier and Safari SUVs.

Prospective buyers in Kerala can visit their nearest Tata Motors dealership to explore these limited-time offers, experience the latest models, and take advantage of the special finance options. Tata Motors commitment to customer satisfaction and its celebration of the Onam festival with these exciting offers demonstrate the brands dedication to making mobility solutions accessible and delightful for customers across India.

1. Tiago: The Tiago is a popular hatchback known for its stylish design and reliable performance. Tata is offering benefits of up to INR 50,000 on the Tiago, which could include cash discounts, exchange bonuses, or other promotional offers.

2. Tigor: The Tigor, a subcompact sedan, also comes with benefits of up to INR 50,000. Like the Tiago, these benefits aim to make the Tigor an attractive option for customers seeking a feature-packed sedan at a more affordable price.

3. Tigor EV: For those interested in eco-friendly electric vehicles, Tata offers the Tigor EV with benefits of up to INR 80,000. This could be a significant incentive for customers looking to switch to electric mobility.

4. Altroz: Tatas premium hatchback, the Altroz, is renowned for its safety features and modern design. Tata is providing benefits of up to INR 40,000 on the Altroz, making it a compelling choice in its segment.

5. Punch: As a new entrant in the subcompact SUV segment, the Punch comes with benefits of up to INR 25,000. This offering may attract customers looking for a compact, feature-rich SUV.

6. Nexon: Tatas popular compact SUV, the Nexon, is available in both petrol and diesel variants. Customers can avail benefits of INR 24,000 on the petrol model and INR 35,000 on the diesel model, respectively.

7. Nexon EV: Tata offers two variants of the Nexon EV  the Prime and the MAX. The Prime comes with benefits of up to INR 56,000, while the MAX variant offers benefits of up to INR 61,000, including extended warranty. These offers are likely to appeal to environmentally-conscious buyers interested in electric vehicles.

8. Harrier: The Harrier, a stylish and capable mid-size SUV, comes with benefits of up to INR 70,000. These benefits could make the Harrier even more attractive to SUV enthusiasts.

9. Safari: As a flagship seven-seater SUV, the Safari shares its platform with the Harrier. Tata is offering benefits of up to INR 70,000 on the Safari, making it an enticing option for larger families or those seeking a spacious and feature-packed SUV.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. New parking tariffs are coming into force in Baku, Trend reports.

The resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On the amount of parking fees for vehicles" has entered into force since today.

There are four parking zones defined for Baku, and the fee is charged according to each zone. The cost of parking ranges from 30 cents up to 1 manat ($0.59) per hour.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov signed this decree on June 25.

The decision applies to parking spaces located on state highways.

The resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers "On the amount of parking fees for vehicles" will be valid only in state parking lots. In order to ensure transparency of financial turnover and the convenience of using car parking, payments are provided only in a non-cash order.
Saudi Arabias Ministry of Economy and Planning has launched three new programmes under the National Capability Development Initiative, in addition to graduating the first batch of its Economic Leaders Programme.

The programme is designed to develop Saudi leadership competencies, and provide them with the skills they need to play their important role in advancing economic development, and contribute to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

During the graduation ceremony, Suliman A Alobaid, Assistant Minister of Economy and Planning, unveiled the new programmes as part of the Ministry's endeavour to develop Saudi national competencies: Generation of Economics, Economics Pioneers, and National Public Policy Fellowship, in addition to introducing the second edition of the highly successful Economic Leaders Programme.

Generation of Economics Programme

The Generation of Economics Programme aims to shape the next generation of Saudi leaders, introducing them to the main concepts of leadership, public policy and key economic concepts while the Economic Pioneers Programme aims to shape the future workforce by ensuring that they are prepared with the skills of the future labour market.

Meanwhile, the National Public Policy Fellowship Programme focuses on providing senior government leaders in the kingdom with the opportunity to enhance their intellectual leadership skills, and connect them with global leaders in this field.

Mohammed A Al Shehri, Deputy Minister for Human Capital and Organisational Culture, said: "The launch of the National Capability Development Programme is testament to the Ministry's commitment to helping Saudi youth develop their technical skills and enhance their economic expertise, in a way that helps to expand the scope of economic expertise in the Kingdom, and thus support the process of development and sustainable development in Saudi Arabia."

Continuous efforts to empower Saudi youth

During International Youth Day in 2022, the Ministry of Economy and Planning had launched its National Capability Development Initiative, which is aligned with the goals of the Human Capabilities Development Programme, one of the executive programmes of Saudi Vision 2030.

This initiative supports the Ministry's goals to empower Saudi youth, develop their capabilities, activate their role, and aims to groom the next generation of leading economists in the Kingdom. The initiative included four programmes: the Economic Leaders Programme, Job Shadowing Programme, Training Programmes and Scholarship Benefits Programme.

The Economic Leaders Programme, undertaken in partnership with Altamayyuz Academy, is a high-quality programme that focuses on leadership skills in the government sector in the fields of economics, public policy and social sciences. The Job Shadowing Programme - provided in cooperation with the Misk Foundation - offered high school students the opportunity to integrate into the future labor market, to explore their academic options and plan their professional future and career paths.

Cooperative training

Moreover, the Ministry also offered Training Programmes that enabled students to apply academic studies in real life work environments through a summer cooperative training, resulting in an official certificate from the Ministry upon completion.

The Ministry of Economy and Planning sets among its objectives educating young people on the role of future planning, to help foster innovation and capabilities required to deliver on Saudi Vision 2030. The kingdom's National Transformation Programme highlights the importance of the role of youth in advancing economic development and preparing them for future leadership positions.-- TradeArabia News Service
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. There are already 932 subscribers of Azerishig OJSC (Baku electrical grid operator) in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan after the second Karabakh war, Director of the Center for Training and Innovation of Azerishig JSC Araz Mammedzade said at a meeting with media representatives in Hadrut, dedicated to the work done in six months of 2023, Trend reports.

According to him, as many as 279 of the 932 subscribers are corporate.

Mammedzade noted that all subscribers in the liberated territories are provided with smart meters.

"The number of subscribers is expected to increase in the coming years. Azerishig OJSC is fully ready for this and is able to meet any electricity needs," he added.

In accordance with the instructions of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Azerishig OJSC is working on the reconstruction of the electric grid in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan.

Power lines are being replaced with insulated wires, electrical supports have been replaced, and electricity meters have been completely updated.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. The State Agency of Highways of Azerbaijan is completing the construction of a section of the new Alat-Astara highway to the state border with Iran, the State Agency of Highways of Azerbaijan told Trend.

The Alat-Astara project is the state border with Iran; starting from the 204th kilometers of the road, it covers a section of the 3.05-kilometer-long highway.

The road is built in accordance with the first technical category; the width of the road is 26.5 meters, the width of the roadsides is 3.75 meters, and the width of the dividing strip is 4 meters. The road will have four traffic lanes, the width of each being 3.75 meters.

The construction work was carried out taking into account the difficult geological conditions of the area. Since rice was once cultivated in some areas where the new highway passes, it was considered a swampy area, so at first a 25-centimeter-deep vegetation layer was removed on the site, then drilling was carried out at a depth of 1 meter, after which the river stone was laid in four stages.

Construction of reinforced concrete culverts with a total length of 667 p/m, 1 reinforced concrete cattle crossing with a length of 44.7 p/m, as well as a tunnel-type overpass with a length of 30 meters and a width of 19.5 meters, was carried out along the road in 12 places.

In accordance with the sequence, the road bed was laid, the construction of the lower and upper layers of the road base was carried out, and asphalt concrete works were completed, except for the wear-resistant layer.

At the last stage, work will be carried out on laying a wear-resistant layer, installing the necessary road signs and information signs, and laying road and guiding lines for the organization of normal traffic.

The section of the new highway under consideration is connected to a new road bridge built on the state border with Iran.

Although the construction of the 3-span bridge has been completed, work is currently underway to adjust it so that water does not damage the supports.

The length of the new bridge is 97.5 meters, and the width is 30.6 meters. On the 4-lane bridge, 2 additional lanes have been created for backup traffic, and 2 pedestrian crossings with a width of 2.5 meters each have been built.

The construction of the access road to the bridge from Iran continues.

According to the "Building Regulations,", the construction of the road and bridge, carried out under the direct supervision of the agency's management, will ensure comfortable and safe movement of vehicles along the North-South Transport Corridor to the neighboring country, including in the opposite direction.

In addition, it will ensure the movement of vehicles without entering the city center of Astara, which is important from the point of view of comfort and safety for both the population and drivers using this road.
The eel hypothesis proposes that the anthrozoological phenomenon at Loch Ness in Scotland can be explained in part by observations of large-bodied specimens of European eel (Anguilla anguilla), as these creatures are most compatible with morphological, behavioral, and environmental considerations. In a new study, Folk Zoology Society researcher Floe Foxon analyzed data on the distribution of European eel masses in Loch Ness to estimate the probability of finding an eel of extraordinary size there. She found that giant European eels could not account for sightings of larger animals in the loch.

Loch Ness is a large oligotrophic freshwater loch located along the Great Glen Fault in Scotland.

Since the 1930s, purported sightings of unknown animals in the loch have featured prominently in popular media, but to date, no specimen has been obtained despite numerous efforts, making the probability of such animals unlikely.

The authenticity and interpretations of photographs and films allegedly depicting unknown animals in Loch Ness have been seriously doubted.

In the 20th century, systematic searches with submersibles, sector-scanning sonar surveys, hydrophones, underwater photography, long-lining, and trawling have returned only ambiguous sonar signals, low-quality photographs, and unidentifiable sound recordings.

In the 1970s, a sample of European eels was collected from Loch Ness with baited traps.

The distribution of eel masses was skewed, which led biologists to conclude that large eels may exist in the loch.

Eel body structure and function are characterized by an elongated body form, a single pair of pectoral fins, strong musculature and high-amplitude winding movement, and a durable integument with a thick epidermis and dark chromatophores.

An environmental DNA study conducted at the loch in 2018 detected extraordinary amounts of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA from eels, prompting authors to further suggest the possibility of large eels in the loch.

However, the new research by Folk Zoology Society researcher Floe Foxon casts doubt on the eel theory.

Foxon analyzed catch data from Loch Ness and other freshwater bodies in Europe to predict the likelihood of observing eels as large as previous estimates of the Loch Ness Monsters size.

The chances of encountering a 1-m-long eel in Loch Ness, according to the results, are approximately 1 in 50,000, which could explain some sightings of smaller unknown creatures.

The probability of finding much larger eels, however, is virtually zero, debunking the theory that giant eels account for sightings of larger animals.

In this new work, a much-needed level of scientific rigor and data are brought to a topic that is otherwise as slippery as an eel, Foxon said.

Contrary to popular conception, the intersection between folklore and zoology is amenable to scientific analysis and has the potential to provide valuable insights into anthrozoological phenomena.

This work also champions open access science and nontraditional publishing  the future of scientific publication.

The paper was published in the journal JMIRx Bio.

_____

Floe Foxon. 2023. The Loch Ness Monster: If Its Real, Could It Be an Eel? JMIRx Bio 1: e49063; doi: 10.2196/49063
While the incidence of influenza-associated neuropsychiatric events in children in the United States is unknown, the controversy over the use of a common antiviral medication typically administered to treat flu in children has sparked concern among parents and medical professionals alike.

The dilemma about whether the treatment causes neuropsychiatric events or if the infection itself is the culprit, led a group of pediatric researchers at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt to study the question.

"Population-Based Incidence of Influenza-Associated Serious Neuropsychiatric Events in Children" published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics examines how often children diagnosed with flu experience serious neuropsychiatric side effects.

"We are among the first to quantify these serious events in the pediatric population in the United States," said principal investigator James Antoon, MD, PhD, MPH, assistant professor of Pediatrics and Hospital Medicine at Monroe Carell. "We knew some of the neurological events occurred, but we did not know how often and in whom.

"Our study quantified the number of pediatric neuropsychiatric events, described which children are more likely to experience the events and showed that these events occur in both those children treated and not treated with an antiviral. Ongoing studies will help us assess if use of influenza antivirals is associated with the risk of neuropsychiatric events in children," Antoon said.

"This study highlights the importance of understanding the frequency and context in which neuropsychiatric events occur  especially among young children and children with underlying conditions who are also at high risk for influenza complications," said senior author Carlos Grijalva, MD, MPH, professor of Health Policy and Biomedical Informatics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

According to the study, Oseltamivir, known as Tamiflu, has a black box warning about neuropsychiatric side effects. Previous studies have been mixed on whether using Tamiflu causes these events.

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"This potential side effect makes headlines every influenza season and is often a concern for parents and providers, who weigh the risk of these events when making the decision to treat with antivirals," said Antoon. "Our findings show that influenza infection itself can be associated with neuropsychiatric events, and that should be part of the conversation when counseling families."

In a retrospective cohort study, researchers used the Tennessee Medicaid database to identify children ages 5-17 years with an outpatient diagnosis of flu during 2016-2020.

A total of 156,661 flu diagnoses were included. Findings showed that rates were higher among adolescents, in those with risk factors for flu complications and were 10- and 100-times higher in children with neurologic and psychiatric disorders.

Neurologic events include seizures, encephalitis, altered mental status, ataxia/movement disorders, vision changes, dizziness and headache. Psychiatric events consist of homicidal, suicidal, self-harm behaviors, mood disorders and psychosis/hallucination).

"Fortunately, the most serious events, such as suicidal and self-harm behaviors, as well as encephalitis, were rare," said fellow researcher Derek Williams, MD, MPH, chief of the Division of Hospital Medicine at Monroe Carell. "Nonetheless, each of these events is of concern, regardless of severity. It's also likely that many of these complications could be avoided with influenza vaccination."

The study was funded by grants K23AI168496 and K24AI148459 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which is a part of the National Institutes of Health.
As artificial intelligence expands across more professions, robot preachers and AI programs offer new means of sharing religious beliefs, but they may undermine credibility and reduce donations for religious groups that rely on them, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.

"It seems like robots take over more occupations every year, but I wouldn't be so sure that religious leaders will ever be fully automated because religious leaders need credibility, and robots aren't credible," said lead researcher Joshua Conrad Jackson, PhD, an assistant professor at the University of Chicago in the Booth School of Business.

The research was published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General.

Jackson and his colleagues conducted an experiment with the Mindar humanoid robot at the Kodai-Ji Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. The robot has a humanlike silicon face with moving lips and blinking eyes on a metal body. It delivers 25-minute Heart Sutra sermons on Buddhist principles with surround sound and multi-media projections.

Mindar, which was created in 2019 by a Japanese robotics team in partnership with the temple, cost almost $1 million to develop, but it might be reducing donations to the temple, according to the study.

The researchers surveyed 398 participants who were leaving the temple after hearing a sermon delivered either by Mindar or a human Buddhist priest. Participants viewed Mindar as less credible and gave smaller donations than those who heard a sermon from the human priest.

In another experiment in a Taoist temple in Singapore, half of the 239 participants heard a sermon by a human priest while the other half heard the same sermon from a humanoid robot called Pepper. That experiment had similar findings -- the robot was viewed as less credible and inspired smaller donations. Participants who heard the robot sermon also said they were less likely to share its message or distribute flyers to support the temple.

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While participants said they believed human preachers were more credible, it was still a close contest with the robots. On a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being most credible, the robot preachers received an average credibility rating of 3.12, compared with 3.51 for human preachers.

"This suggests that there are a lot of people out there who think robots could be effective preachers, but there are more people who aren't convinced," Jackson said.

While the robot preacher studies focused on Eastern religions, Jackson believes the findings could apply to other religions.

A third experiment included 274 Christian participants from the United States who read a sermon online. Half of the participants were told it was written by a human preacher while the other half were told the sermon was generated by a highly advanced AI program. Participants in the AI sermon group reported the sermon was less credible because they felt an AI program had less capacity to think or feel like a human.

"Robots and AI programs can't truly hold any religious beliefs so religious organizations may see declining commitment from their congregations if they rely more on technology than on human leaders who can demonstrate their faith," Jackson said.
Caecilians are an elusive type of amphibian that primarily live underground and look like a cross between a worm and a snake. One of the few things that is known about caecilians is their unique method for feeding their young. Mothers produce a special layer of fatty skin tissue, which juvenile caecilians tear off with baby teeth that evolved specifically for that purpose.

A new study shows that skin-feeding does more than provide nutrients for young caecilians. It also helps the mother pass microbes from her skin and gut down to her young, inoculating them to jump-start a healthy microbiome. This is the first direct evidence that parental care in an amphibian plays a role in passing microbes from one generation to the next.

"There's still a remarkable amount of caecilian biology that we just don't know anything about, mostly because they can be hard to find," said David Blackburn, the Florida Museum's curator of herpetology. "To our knowledge, this is the first published study of a caecilian microbiome."

Across the animal kingdom, there are many different strategies for parental care. Human mothers give their babies breastmilk, emperor penguins regurgitate food for their chicks, and female koalas feed their young a special form of feces.

Among amphibians, caecilians are unique for feeding their young at all. Previous efforts to understand amphibian microbiomes focused on frogs and salamanders, the more well-known orders of the Amphibia class. Those studies, however, came back inconclusive largely because there are few frog and salamander species that care for their young after they're born or hatched -- most simply lay eggs and leave them to develop on their own.

Not so with caecilians.

"When you find the eggs, you always find the mother," said Marcel Talla Kouete, first author of the study and a doctoral candidate in the University of Florida School of Natural Resources and Environment. "I've never seen a juvenile without an attending mother."

Kouete said this is why he became fascinated by caecilians as he began working on them. Since this parenting behavior first came to light in 2006, scientists have noticed that even once skin-feeding ends, mother and babies stay together, with the former coiling her body around the latter. Kouete wondered whether the behavior served another function in addition to providing nutrients, reasoning that there was likely some transfer of the microbes from the surface of the mother's skin, similar to bacterial transmission in other animals.

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In humans, microbes move onto the skin as babies pass through the mother's birth canal and into the body via breastmilk. These microbes help keep the human body alive and well, forming a microscopic community known as the microbiome, and perform essential tasks like breaking down complex carbohydrates, training the immune system and producing vitamins. A growing body of research seeks to better understand the relationship between disease and microbiome health.

Kouete and his colleagues focused their research on Herpele squalostoma, a caecilian species from central Africa that participates in skin-feeding behavior. They took samples from the environment as well as the skin and guts of 14 juveniles, nine female adults and six male adults. They then sequenced the bacteria colonies of each.

The researchers found that every juvenile shared some part of their skin and gut microbiome with their attending mother. This transfer happens both when the mother coils around the young, engaging in skin-to-skin contact, and when the juveniles eat the mother's skin.

Samples taken from the surrounding soil, water and leaves showed that the immediate environment was the least important source for juvenile microbiomes.

In addition to shedding light on caecilian biology, Kouete's paper contributes to the neglected research topic of African microbes. Despite the great genetic diversity on the African continent, microbiome research thus far has primarily focused on the Global North.

Until recently, caecilians have rarely been studied, in part, because they are native to the tropical regions of the Americas, Africa and Southeast Asia, where there has been a limited scientific presence. The H. squalostoma specimens used in the study were sampled in Cameroon, where Kouete is from.

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For future investigation, the research team is curious about how microbiomes benefit caecilians and contribute to their health. "Is there an evolutionary advantage? If so, are these benefits absent when parental care is circumvented?" Kouete asked. This paper lays the groundwork for future studies by identifying some of the microbes present.

"This study is a bit like going out into the world and figuring out all the frogs that live in a forest," Blackburn said. "We might find ground frogs, tree frogs and burrowing frogs; big species and small; ones that breed in this way or that way. Based on those characteristics, you could start inferring what role they play in the forest ecosystem, which is what we'd like to do with the caecilian microbiome."

Molly Bletz, Brandon LaBumbard and Douglas Woodhams of the University of Massachusetts Boston are also authors on the paper.
An international team of scientists from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science and the Water Research Group from the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management at the North-West University in South Africa have discovered a new species of marine cryptofauna in the Florida Keys. Cryptofauna are the tiny, hidden, organisms that make up the majority of biodiversity in the ocean.

The roughly three-millimeter-long isopod is one of only 15 species from the genus Gnathia currently known in the region.

The newly discovered species, Gnathia jimmybuffetti, which is a member of a group of crustaceans called gnathiid isopods, were collected using light traps set in shallow water and characterized using photomicrographs and genetic sequencing.

"Upon examination, it was determined to be a species that was previously unknown to science," said senior investigator Paul Sikkel, a research professor in the Department of Marine Biology and Ecology at the Rosenstiel School. "It's the first new Florida gnathiid to be discovered in 100 years."

These tiny animals, which are found throughout the world's oceans lead a very curious life. The juveniles are most active at night and feed on the blood of fishes like a mosquito or tick. The adults do not feed and live hidden in rubble on the ocean floor. Given their lifestyle, they are grouped as parasites, organisms that require a living host for survival.

The current severe marine heat wave events in Florida and other regions of the world that host coral reefs is a big concern for species like Gnathia jimmybuffetti, who cannot simply swim to cooler water. Work by Sikkel's team on other gnathiid species has shown that at above average seawater temperatures, mortality rates increase, and abundance of gnathiids on reefs decrease significantly. To the extent these effects are likely to be similar for the myriad of other small invertebrates that live in or near the benthos (bottom), this can have major impacts on coral reef food webs.

Since the species was discovered in the Florida Keys and Sikkel and his team are long-time fans of Jimmy Buffett's music -- which is synonymous with the Florida Keys -- they named the new species: Gnathia jimmybuffetti after the music legend.

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"By naming a species after an artist, we want to promote the integration of the arts and sciences," said Sikkel, whose research team named a similar species from the Caribbean after Bob Marley (Gnathia marleyi).

"All species in an ecosystem play an important role and all species have something to teach us," said Sikkel. "As we discover new species, we are reminded of how many undiscovered species there still are."

The researchers emphasize that while these organisms have a parasitic lifestyle, they are in no way likening these artists, whom they admire and respect, to parasites.

The study, titled "Morphological description and molecular characterization of Gnathia jimmybuffetti sp. nov. (Crustacea, Isopoda, Gnathiidae): the first new gnathiid in 100 years from the Floridian ecoregion" was published on 12 June 2023 in the journal Bulletin of Marine Science. The authors include Anja Erasmus, Nico Smit, and Kerry Hadfield, North-West University Water Research Group, in South Africa, and Paul Sikkel, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science.

The study was funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation.
A Chapman University scientist and his colleagues have determined how the Earth responds as it heats up due to climate change.

The scientists say a warming world calls for a new approach in detecting how much carbon dioxide comes out of ecosystems when the temperature changes -- which tells us how well plants and soil can alleviate damage by removing carbon pollution from the atmosphere. The study is the first to find the temperature-carbon dioxide release relationship at the landscape level.

Their findings are published in the academic peer-reviewed journal Nature Ecology & Evolution.

Plants that currently take up a quarter to a third of humanity's carbon emissions might not be able to maintain the rate of carbon dioxide removal, says Joshua Fisher, a climate scientist and associate professor of environmental science and policy at Chapman University's Schmid College of Science and Technology.

"A big unknown in the future of the Earth is how ecosystems will respond to increasing temperature," says Fisher. "Our findings give us insight into the fate of the planet, and how we can measure those changes at large scales."

Recent developments, including those by Fisher, have led to the use of satellites to monitor global photosynthetic activity and measure the concentrations of gas in plants and ground soil; but, similar tools have been unable to track respiration, or the "breathing" out of carbon dioxide, across biomes and continents. Respiration continues to be indirectly estimated as the difference between photosynthesis and the overall change in carbon dioxide, and "the spot measurements are not representative of the larger landscape," Fisher says.

So, he and other scientists took to the trees -- well, monitoring stations among the trees. New carbon dioxide measurements were taken by a network of dozens of monitoring stations on towers across North America. The results gave great insight into future measurements over larger swaths of land.

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When they compared landscape measurements from the tower stations to the spot measurements done on the ground, they found the ground measurements show an overly sensitive relationship between carbon dioxide and temperature that does not exist when looking at the larger landscape. "Ground measurements said there's a lot of CO 2 emission for small changes in temperature; but the landscape measurements said there's not a lot of CO 2 emission for small changes in temperature," Fisher says.

The team later used the findings to update mathematical models used to predict the relationships, and found that when they were improved with the findings, they performed better.

"This is a very clever study that harnessed a myriad of measurements, models, and understanding of how they synergize together," says Fisher. "Our results continue to march us forward in deeper understanding of the Earth and what it may mean if we continue to change its climate."

The study was funded by the NASA Terrestrial Ecology Interdisciplinary Science and Carbon Monitoring System, the Carnegie Institution for Science's endowment, Singapore's Ministry of Education, the RUBISCO SFA, which is sponsored by the Regional and Global Model Analysis Program in the Climate and Environmental Sciences Division of the Office of Biological and Environmental Research in the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, and NASA.

Other members of the research team include lead author Wu Sun and Anna Michalak of Carnegie Institution for Science; Xiangzhong Luo, Yao Zhang, and Trevor Keenan of University of California Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Yuanyuan Fang of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District; and Yoichi P. Shiga of the Universities Space Research Association.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Irans non-oil exports to Turkmenistan through the Lotfabad customs in Razavi Khorasan Province (north-eastern Iran), increased by 103 percent in value and 64 percent in volume, during the first three months of the current Iranian year (March 21 through June 21, 2023), compared to the same period last year, head of the Lotfabad Customs Office, Ghorban Karimi said, Trend reports.

The official noted that nearly 108,000 tons of non-oil products worth $77.5 million were exported to Turkmenistan through Lotfabad customs in 3 months.

Karimi added that construction materials, fruits and vegetables, foodstuffs, etc. were the main exported products via the mentioned customs for the reporting period.

Iran's Razavi Khorasan Province has a 532 km long border with Turkmenistan. The Lotfabad border is located 90 km south of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

Overall, Iran exported 313,000 tons of non-oil products worth more than $106 million to Turkmenistan for 3 months, which is an increase of 11.3 percent in value, while a decrease of 5.89 percent in volume compared to the same period in the last year.

Meanwhile, Iran exported a total of 35.5 million tons of non-oil products worth $12.5 billion within the first three months of the current Iranian year.

This is a decrease of 8.84 percent in value, while an increase of 24.4 percent in volume compared to the same period last year.

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Follow the author on Twitter:@BaghishovElnur
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Georgia, Hungary, Romania and Azerbaijan have signed a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of a joint venture for the Azerbaijan-EU Green Corridor project, Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan Parviz Shahbazov tweeted, Trend reports.

"We signed a memorandum of understanding in Bucharest with colleagues from Georgia, Romania and Hungary on the establishment of a joint venture between 4 countries to implement a project that provides for the transportation of green energy from the Caspian Sea to Europe, the minister said.

The Strategic Partnership Agreement, which provides for the construction of an energy bridge from the Caucasus region to Europe, was signed by Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania and Hungary on December 17, 2022.

It is expected to build a Black Sea Energy underwater electric cable with a capacity of 1000 MW and a length of 1,195 kilometers.

The cable will be intended for the supply of green electricity produced in Azerbaijan through Georgia and the Black Sea to Romania for subsequent transportation to Hungary and the rest of Europe.
Disability Network Southwest Michigan staff members chat during the 2022 ADA Celebration.

Attendees of the 2022 ADA Celebration gather to watch the awards ceremony.

The Disability Network Southwest Michigan (DNSWM) is excited for this years Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) anniversary celebration, which will take place on Friday, July 28, at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Were often told were the best-kept secret in Southwest Michigan, says Sarah Cagney, the communication and development director for DNSWM. If you or someone you know is looking for support or resources in any disability-related area, please connect with us, or just come to this free celebration.DNSWM is the first stop for people with disabilities in Southwest Michigan.Our various programs support people of all ages, with any kind of disability, says Allison Leece, the organizations communications and outreach coordinator. We are unique in that we are an agency that serves people with disabilities, led by people with disabilities. We see the contribution of all staff to be of equally high value.The organization services eight counties, including Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren. Over the past year, DNSWM has focused on its future and how it can best serve those in the communities it serves.In the past year, weve worked diligently on our strategic plan for the future of the agency, explains Cagney. Weve reexamined our outreach strategies, expanded our presence in the community with regular office hours at settings such as the Kalamazoo Defenders Office and Ministry with Community, opened a new office in Battle Creek, and brought on several new staff members to expand our capacity.Weve facilitated over 50 presentations spanning 15 topics through our Paving the Way to Self Determination training series, which targets youth with developmental disabilities and their families, Cagney says. Weve collaborated with numerous other organizations across our counties and provided advocacy and other services to 2,777 individuals with disabilities. We also built 46 ramps and conducted 196 Community Education presentations.Specific to the upcoming ADA Celebration, Miranda Grunwell, the community education coordinator, has been the driving force behind the planning and preparation for the event. She is supported by an ADA Planning Committee consisting of both staff and board members. This free celebration serves as a reminder of the remarkable progress made over the years and emphasizes the ongoing efforts toward building a fully inclusive society. It aims to honor the significant contributions of individuals who have dedicated themselves to advancing accessibility and promoting independent living.The ADA celebration will be a casual party setting, shares Leece. A delicious lunch will be catered by Q It Up Catering, and we will have trivia and yard games for those who want to participate. Three individuals will be recognized as recipients of our Bob Davis Independent Living Award, which recognizes people who have made great strides in their independence, whatever that may look like for them. State Sen. Sean McCann will be accepting a Community Inclusion Award on behalf of the entire disability network.The ADA is a civil rights law that came about in 1990 and prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The law provides protections to individuals with disabilities just like those that exist for people based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion.The ADA is important because it exists to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else, says Cagney. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. The ADA not only protects people with disabilities, but also people who may have had a disability in the past (e.g. cancer, a mental health condition, a stroke survivor), or may be perceived to have a disability (e.g. a person with scarring from burns).The July 28 celebration aims to be fun and laid-back while recognizing important legislation and giving the organization time to come together with members of the community and other organizations to enjoy each others company.We commemorate the work of disability advocates before us to advance disability justice, and get excited about continued progress into the future, says Leece.The Kalamazoo Farmers Market offers accessible entrances, and free parking will be available for attendees' convenience.This article is a part of the multi-year series Disability Inclusion , exploring the state of West Michigans growing disability community. The series is made possible through a partnership with Centers for Independent Living organizations across West Michigan.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. The Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) has transported 669 million cubic meters of gas in 1H 2023, the ICGB, the pipeline operator, told Trend.

In just the first 6 months of 2023, the transported quantities amount to a total of 7.8 million Mwh. This is the equivalent of 669 million normal cubic meters, said ICGBs Executive Officers Teodora Georgieva and George Satlas.

According to them, the Greece  Bulgaria interconnector currently has a total of 22 registered users.

The IGB (Greece-Bulgaria Gas Interconnector) project is being implemented by the joint venture company ICGB AD, registered in Bulgaria in 2011 with shareholders BEH EAD (50%) and IGI Poseidon (50%). The co-shareholder IGI Poseidon is a company registered in Greece, with shareholders the Greek company DEPA International Projects (50%) and the Italian energy group Edison S.p.A (50%).

In accordance with its charter, ICGB AD is the owner of the IGB gas pipeline, financing its implementation, distributing its transmission capacity, and receiving revenues from the transmission of natural gas.

The IGB gas pipeline connects with the Greek national gas transmission system (DESFA S.A.) and the Trans-Adriatic gas pipeline (TAP AG) in the area of Komotini (Greece), and with the Bulgarian gas transmission system (Bulgartransgaz EAD) in the area of Stara Zagora. The total length of the gas pipeline is 182 km, the diameter of the pipe - 32'' - and a design capacity of up to 3 billion m3/year in the direction Greece - Bulgaria. Depending on the market interest for larger capacity and the possibilities of the neighboring gas transmission systems, the capacity of IGB is designed with the option for increase up to 5 billion m3/year with additional construction of a compressor station.

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Problems related to currency exchange are found in small branches of Azerpost [postal service in Azerbaijan] LLC, the Chairman of the Management Board of Azerpost LLC, Afgan Jalilov, told Trend on the sidelines of the event dedicated to the results of the first half of 2023.

According to him, Azerpost has the appropriate license to provide financial services and meets the requirements of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan.

"It is necessary to carry out cash transactions and collection services in accordance with the license. Special safes for storing funds should also be installed. The infrastructure of some small branches does not allow the implementation of these initiatives, and we cannot store large amounts there; therefore, there are problems with currency exchange," Jalilov said.

"We are trying to meet the needs of the population in this matter. For example, we have the appropriate infrastructure in central and large branches, and citizens can conduct any currency transactions," he said.

Earlier, it was reported about problems related to currency exchange in the district offices of Azerpost LLC. There are difficulties both in buying and selling large amounts in foreign currency.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Tokenization will change the concept of trade and trade relations, Christina Doros, Visa Vice President and Regional Manager for Central Asia and Azerbaijan, said in an interview with Trend.

According to her, Azerbaijan has seen a rapid growth in the number of tokenized transactions.

"The penetration rate of tokenized payments in Azerbaijan exceeds that of other countries, and that is remarkable. Tokenization is a significant trend today, and this technology will continue to expand. Any asset can be tokenized - from fiat currency to government securities, stocks, bonds, real estate documents, or cars. Any asset represented as a token on a digital platform can be easily monitored, checking its status in real-time. At Visa, we believe that when this trend becomes mainstream, it will change the concept of trade and trade relations itself because in the digital world, everything can be traded instantly and conveniently," she noted.

Furthermore, according to Doros, Azerbaijani banks actively utilize the B2B Connect solution.

"This solution is essentially non-card-based. It is built on blockchain technology and enables fast, secure, convenient, and controlled cross-border fund transfers for businesses engaged in foreign economic activity. In Azerbaijan, we observe a very active growth in bank connections to this technology. Azerbaijan has the highest number of banks working with the B2B Connect solution," she added.

Tokenization is a technology that secures mobile payments. Most contactless payments, including mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay), involve transmitting card data, including its number. Tokenization technology replaces the actual card number of the customer with a unique generated code (token) that is used only for a specific transaction. Malicious actors cannot reuse the obtained information since the real card number is not explicitly transmitted, and the token has already been used. A new token will be issued for the next purchase.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Azerpost [postal service in Azerbaijan] LLC is considering obtaining a license to provide banking services, Chairman of the Management Board of Azerpost LLC Afgan Jalilov said during an event dedicated to the results of the first half of 2023, Trend reports.

According to him, relevant negotiations were held with the Central Bank of Azerbaijan in this regard.

"This issue is not a priority today; we are focused on continuing our activities as a postal operator," he said.

"The requirements of the CBA in this matter proceed from the fact that Azerpost needs to create a separate structure that could provide banking services," he added.

Jalilov pointed out that the LLC provides financial distribution services.

"We are ready to cooperate with banks in the field of selling banking, that is, their services on the basis of Azerpost," he said.

Azerpost LLC's revenues amounted to 33 million manat ($19.4 million) from January through June 2023, which is 3 percent more compared to the same period last year. The net profit of Azerpost amounted to 2.3 million manat ($1.3 million) during the reporting period.
The UAE continues to improve on its global ranking, moving up four spots on the Global Services Location Index (GSLI) list this year to 21st place, while Jordan, KSA, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Lebanon all join the list for the first time.

Global management consultancy Kearney, which has published its 12th edition of GSLI, studies the vital factors that make countries attractive as potential locations for offshore services.

Home to more than 4,000 start-ups across Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, along with multiple free zones, the UAE is emerging as a technology hub for the Middle East and Africa. When it comes to talent regeneration, two dimensions contribute to the scoring: the intensity of technology innovation and the focus on digital skill enhancement, areas where the UAE is focusing significant energy and investment which is paying off. The UAE talent regeneration, combined with the countrys scale and its relations with nearby countries, will all help it to become the location of choice for nearshoring.

The talent regeneration matrix

A key trend in this years GSLI is the criticality of talent regeneration. With the emergence and adoption of digital technologies, cost-centric service locations are at risk of losing their competitiveness to more developed and technologically advanced countries as more work and processes will be automated. Talent regeneration, therefore, will serve as the backbone of this shift.

In an ever-changing global market landscape, where skills take precedence over cost advantages, a nation's true strength lies in its capacity to foster and unleash the potential of its talented people, says Rob Van Dale, Middle East and Africa Lead, Digital at Kearney.

While countries such as UAE and KSA do not naturally have a cost advantage, we see that their considerable focus on talent regeneration is starting to pay off, and in a world where this is expected to become more important, coupled with their investments in digital resonance and an already attractive business environment, they may in the near future further increase their attractiveness for high skilled services catering to their region.

Countries leading the 2023 GSLI

In an era of rapidly evolving technology and ever-changing trends, business services such as information technology, business process outsourcing, and engineering are increasingly being delivered across borders as companies seek to lower their costs, scale their talent, and become more efficient by using more of the global talent base. The global market for business services has also grown from $624 billion in 2022 to $681 billion in 2023, which will increase the demand for such services.

India, China and Malaysia continue to lead thanks to their immense cost advantage, abundant talent pool, and strong skills. Notably, India and China also show signs of strength in talent regeneration capabilities making them global frontrunners in the availability of a tech-enabled workforce.

Geopolitical, economic, and technological forces have spurred significant changes in the global labor market. Therefore, a countrys ability to reskill and redeploy its workforce in response to changing market demands and technological disruptions is key to improving its attractiveness as an offshore location for business services. Talent regeneration will be the most crucial gamechanger as Industry 4.0 continues to reshape the demand for future skills and jobs.-- TradeArabia News Service
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. The volume of fertilizer imports to Kazakhstan via railway increased by 1.6 times in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, to 158,700 tons, according to the information obtained by Trend from Argus analytical agency.

The majority of imported shipments come from Russia and Uzbekistan. These substantial volumes are primarily acquired by agricultural enterprises situated in border regions. Kazakh farmers, in particular, import ammonia nitrate, diammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate, and urea.

The main bulk of fertilizer supplies arrived from Russia's Zayachya Gorka Station (Azot Branch of Uralchem), Kostha Station (Apatit), Yulevka Station (Balakovo Branch of Apatit), Belorechensk Station (Eurochem - Belorechenskie), and others.

Fertilizer imports from Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan are received from the Bozsu Station (Maxam Chirchiq company) and from the Tinchlik Station (Navoiyazot).

The growth in imports during the first quarter of this year can be attributed primarily to increased shipments of ammonia nitrate from Russia and Uzbekistan. Market participants anticipate a further increase in the import of ammonia nitrate and other fertilizers from Russia in 2023.
Analysts at Berenberg stood by their 'buy' recommendation for shares of Ceres Power following the company's first half results.

Those, they said, confirmed that the fuel cell and electrolyser manufacturer's progress over that time period, while cash burn had been as guided to.

Nevertheless, as the company had cautioned, the fact that the signing of its two joint ventures in China was now expected to occur later in 2023, then the associated revenues were only likely to be recognised in 2024.

Hence, Berenberg's move to trim its target price from 1,155.0 to 1,140.0p.

"The update on timing of the JVs is likely to frustrate the market, in our view, but we are encouraged that [Bosch and Weichai] remain committed to getting it over the line before year-end.

"We reiterate our Buy rating with Ceres continuing to offer a genuinely differentiated product, business model and portfolio of blue-chip partners."
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, July 25. Kyrgyzstans exports to Iran from January through April 2023 increased 5.2 times year-on-year, Trend reports.

According to the State Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, the exports to Iran in the reporting period of this year amounted to $8.523 million and accounted for 1.4 percent of Kyrgyzstans total exports, while in the same months of last year they stood at $1.639 million.

The imports to Kyrgyzstan from Iran have also witnessed a significant increase, nearly doubling year-on-year from $8.193 million to $16.216 million. These imports constituted approximately 0.5 percent of Kyrgyzstan's total import volume.

The trade turnover between the two countries reached $24.740 million from January through April 2023. This figure represents an increase of 2.5 times compared to the corresponding months of 2022, which recorded $9.832 million. This trade volume accounted for approximately 0.6 percent of Kyrgyzstan's overall trade turnover.

Meanwhile, trade turnover in Kyrgyzstan amounted to $3.9 billion during the period from January to April 2023, which is an increase of 25.5 percent year-on-year.

Exports from Kyrgyzstan equaled $616.4 million and experienced a growth of 18.9 percent, while imports reached $3.2 billion with a rise of 26.8 percent.
Genpact a global professional services firm focused on delivering outcomes that transform businesses, announced a collaboration with Microsoft that allows Genpacts global talent to access Microsofts Azure OpenAI Service to enable them to unlock new opportunities to implement generative AI capabilities for clients.

Genpact has identified various opportunities to leverage large language models (LLMs) to drive enterprise efficiencies in areas such as transition management, global service desk management, infrastructure management, and other areas. Generative AI has the ability to help companies improve employee productivity, and enhance operational efficiency and agility, allowing Genpacts business teams the domain experts to develop use cases that solve the many day-to-day challenges enterprises face. Azures cloud infrastructure coupled with the flexibility of the Azure OpenAI Service will help accelerate these solution developments.

Generative AIs potential to drive innovation is unprecedented, and by democratizing access to this technology, including Microsoft Azures powerful AI tools, we continue to foster our culture of innovation, experimentation, and knowledge across our more than 115,000 global workforce, said Vidya Rao, Chief Information Officer at Genpact. Our continuous learning environment helps clients optimize AIs rapidly evolving landscape, and were excited to leverage Microsofts AI tools to revolutionize the way we approach problem-solving.

This relationship with Microsoft builds on Genpacts deep expertise in AI innovatioGenpact from decades-long investments in advanced data analytics to strategic AI acquisitions, to leading-edge technology solutions and extensive experience with LLMs across numerous industries, including consumer goods, retail, life sciences, healthcare, hi-tech, and financial services.

Genpact is an innovator in combining AI and advanced analytics, and we are pleased to collaborate with them to expedite the development of new solutions that empower enterprises to strategically use generative AI for business value, said Sangita Singh, General Manager IT&ITES, Microsoft India. Microsoft Azure AI, combined with Genpact's industry knowledge, operational expertise, and experience in running processes for Global Fortune companies, will be a powerful combination,

Genpact will support its employees' use of generative AI tools through comprehensive training programs and resources. Genpact also recently established a generative AI practice with a team of data scientists, data engineers, and domain experts focused on the rapid development of generative AI capabilities on the Genpact Cora platform which is already integrated with more than 250 enterprise ecosystems handling more than 20 million transactions a month.
HDFC ERGO General Insurance, Indias leading private sector general insurance company is launching a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Google Cloud will be supporting HDFC Ergo with identifying and developing use cases and upskilling their teams on Gen AI.

As a digital first organization, HDFC ERGO has been a frontrunner in harnessing technology to democratize insurance and deliver efficient and hyper-personalized customer-centric services. Google Cloud will support HDFC ERGO in establishing best practices and guidelines to ensure the responsible and ethical use of generative AI for their developers.

By leveraging the capabilities of its CoE, HDFC ERGO aims to develop new products and services, enhance the efficiency of existing processes, and optimize costs. Besides, aligned with HDFC ERGOs commitment to fostering a future-ready workforce, the CoE will also offer training and upskilling opportunities to employees on generative AI technologies, empowering young jobseekers to stay at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.

Commenting on the partnership, Sriram Naganathan, CTO, HDFC ERGO General Insurance said, At HDFC ERGO, we believe that Generative AI has the potential to unlock significant untapped opportunities in the insurance sector, which can aid in realizing the regulator's vision of 'Insurance for All by 2047'. Our partnership with Google Cloud further reinstates our commitment to offer enhanced customer experience by adopting new technologies. The new CoE will allow us to unravel new dimensions of hyper-personalisation for our customers by using Generative AI, and thus play a pivotal role in foraying into new customer segments.

Bikram Singh Bedi, Managing Director, Google Cloud India, said, We are delighted to partner with HDFC ERGO to offer innovative and tech-enabled solutions. We will bring the power of Google Cloud generative AI to HDFC ERGO so they can deliver superior services to their customer base and help accelerate the adoption of AI technologies to deliver better outcomes.
Zoho Corporation today announced that over 200 of the country's top IT leaders convened at the company's headquarters for the CIO Meet '23, an event focused on discussing the challenges and solutions of the modern-day digital enterprise. The participants, who are members of CIO Klub, India's largest community of chief information officers (CIOs), engaged with Zoho Corp.'s senior leadership. This first-of-its-kind event featured vital, timely and visionary conversations about the development of enterprise IT in India.

At this event, Zoho Corp. hosted CIO Klub's community of CIOs, chief information security officers and chief digital officers from across the country to foster homegrown businesses that align with government-led initiatives such as Make In India. In his keynote, Mr. Sridhar Vembu, co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Zoho Corp, a company that generates over a billion dollars in revenue annually, shared the journey of growth and development of ManageEngine and Zoho, the two main divisions of the company.

"The world is witnessing an unexpected pace for digital transformation. As IT and business solution providers, the need to stay on top of these changes is more vital than ever. IT teams across the globe have evolved into decision makers in addition to being problem solvers. And while issues with the economy and talent scarcity loom, it is now even more challenging to allocate investments to boost and enhance digital infrastructure. At Zoho Corp., innovation and R&D are at the core of what we do. Tapping into the wealth of technical minds across the country enables us to develop best-in-class solutions to tackle today's IT industry conundrum," said Sridhar Vembu, co-founder and CEO, Zoho Corp.

CIO Meet '23 participation included members from the community's Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad and Kerala chapters who represent different industry verticals including health care, banking and finance, manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. Several interesting and relevant topics were discussed including cloud services, generative AI implementation and the evolution of the role of IT teams in organisations following the pandemic.

"We, at the CIO Klub, are constantly on a mission to identify state-of-the-art technology and services that can cater to and significantly enhance our members' organisations. As we approach our 16th anniversary, we've decided it's time to enhance our contributions to put India on the global IT map; as well as to align with our Prime Ministers Made in India' campaign for brands that are loyal to their roots. It was an honour to meet Mr. Vembu and hear him discuss the lessons he learned from building Zoho Corp., and his thoughts on the development of the modern enterprise. It was an enlightening experience to connect with numerous seasoned business leaders under one roof to share and learn from their resourceful experience of technological transformation," said Umesh Mehta, President of the CIO Klub Governing Body. The CIO Klub members were also given a tour of the Zoho campus in Chennai, followed by a detailed presentation on the inception and impact of Zoho Schools of Learning, an alternative programme to conventional college education, and Zoho labs, the company's research and development centre.
Swiggy, Indias leading on-demand convenience platform, has announced a significant milestone in its committed two-year employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) liquidity program, the company unveiled the initiation of the second tranche of the program, enabling employees to receive liquidity totaling up to $50 million against their ESOPs.

As part of this visionary ESOP liquidity program, eligible Swiggy employees will have the opportunity to benefit from the liquidity program, strengthening their financial position. The program is a testament to Swiggys commitment to empowering and rewarding its workforce, recognizing them as the companys most valuable asset.

In addition to Swiggys employees, eligible employees from Dineout, which was acquired by Swiggy last year, will also participate in this milestone event. The seamless integration of Dineout has further solidified Swiggys position in Q-commerce with the successful launch of Instamart.

Girish Menon, Head of Human Resources at Swiggy, stated, Our team is Swiggys most valuable asset, and we are happy that, despite challenging macroeconomic conditions, were able to keep our commitment of sharing Swiggys success and growth through these wealth creation opportunities.

Swiggys financial achievements have been remarkable, with the company announcing turning earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) positive in its food delivery business as of March 2023. This financial strength has allowed the company to consistently enable wealth creation for its employees, marking the fourth liquidity event since 2018.

The successful implementation of the ESOP liquidity program despite tough macroeconomic conditions highlights Swiggys resilience and commitment to the well-being of its employees. Swiggy remains one of the few Indian start-ups to consistently empower its workforce and create opportunities for wealth creation. The two-year ESOP liquidity program, initially announced in 2021, has demonstrated Swiggys dedication to fostering a culture of wealth creation and rewarding its employees for their invaluable contributions to the companys growth and success.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The NYPD is seeking the publics assistance in locating a 57-year-old man from Ocean Breeze who was reported missing.

Guan Min Hang was last seen on Tuesday, July 11, leaving his residence on Seaview Avenue at around 12 p.m.

He is described as being approximately 5-feet, 8-inches tall and weighing 145 pounds, with brown eyes and gray hair.

He was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, navy blue pants and black shoes.

Anyone with information in regard to the whereabouts of this missing person is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, or on Twitter @NYPDTips.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Ama Kwakye, a 2009 College of Staten Island High School for International Relations grad, is a participant in the African Most Beautiful USA 2023 Pageant, a competition to be staged in Atlantic City on Saturday, July 29.

The Mariners Harbor resident says her journey has been one of purpose and passion. The African Most Beautiful USA 2023 pageant stands for more than just beauty, she says.

It embodies a mission to empower young African women and pave the way for their success in contributing positively to society, she continues, before adding her inclusion in the pageant serves as a testament to her dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.

From the left, Phidoes Bazark, Contestant No. 1 in the African Most Beautiful USA Beauty Pageant, Nana Obaahemaa Nkrumah Akosua Adasa III, founder of the pageant, and Contestant No. 4, Ama Kwakye. (Courtesy/Ama Kwakye)Staten Island Advance

Kwakye says her foray into beauty pageants began in 2011 when she competed in Miss Africa New York and was crowned Miss Congeniality.

Her ambitions extend far beyond the spotlight since philanthropy has always been a driving force in her life.

In 2016, as the founder of Ama Kwakye Co, a fashion company that not only showcases her creative talents, but also serves as a platform for giving back, she donated essential school supplies to the House of Hope Orphanage in Ghana.

As a result, she touched the lives of young, underprivileged children and demonstrated her commitment to improving opportunities for education.

Ama Kwakye. (Courtesy/Ama Kwakye)Staten Island Advance

During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kwakye donated face masks to Project Hospitality, helping protect the vulnerable and frontline workers.

Her dedication to supporting the community continued as she volunteered at the Urban Outreach Center in Harlem.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, July 25. The production of cement in Kyrgyzstan increased 15 percent in May 2023, Trend reports.

According to the State Statistical Committee of the country, the volume of cement produced during the month reached 323,700 tons, which is a 15.6-percent increase compared to the same period last year when it was 280,100 tons.

During the period from January through May 2023, Kyrgyzstan's cement production totaled 1.075 million tons, representing an 11.9 percent increase compared to the corresponding period in 2022, when it stood at 961,300 tons.

According to data from the Eurasian Economic Commission, the cement production in Kyrgyzstan reached 2.6 million tons in 2022, which is 7 percent more compared to the previous year (2.4 million tons).

In terms of exports, Kyrgyzstan exported 625,391 tons of cement last year, experiencing a slight decrease of 6 percent compared to 2021 when 668,608 tons of cement was exported. Uzbekistan remained the sole buyer of Kyrgyz cement during this period.
Looks like comedian Pete Davidson will avoid serious punishment four months after crashing a car into a Beverly Hills home.

The former Staten Islander, 29, was previously charged by the Los Angeles County district attorneys office with reckless driving. Though the charge could have carried a sentence of up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine and a point on his drivers license, Davidson was instead able to enter an 18-month-long diversion program without pleading guilty or no contest, according to TMZ.

TMZ reported The King of Staten Island star is required to complete 50 hours of community service, 12 hours of traffic school, and must appear at a morgue or hospital for educational purposes. Davidson is expected to do his community service with the Fire Department of New York, according to TMZ.

Additionally, the Bupkis actor must pay restitution and obey all laws, the L.A. County district attorneys office told People. Should he complete the requirements, the criminal offense wont appear on his record, noted TMZ.

The FDNY holds special significance for Davidson: His father, Scott, worked as a firefighter before he died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

According to a statement issued to People, the FDNY is open to working with Davidson.

As the son of a 9/11 hero, we would be happy to provide Mr. Davidson an opportunity to do his required community service, the statement read.

According to TMZ, which broke the initial story of the crash, Davidson was behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz with his girlfriend, actress Chase Sui Wonders, sitting in the passengers seat when he allegedly hopped the curb, hit a fire hydrant and careened into the home at around 11 p.m. on March 4. No injuries were reported.

The former Saturday Night Live star was not arrested following the crash, and TMZ reported that police didnt believe drugs or alcohol played a factor.

The update on Davidsons case comes on the heels of his most recent rehab stint. The former Saturday Night Live cast member reportedly checked himself into a facility for borderline personality disorder and PTSD.

Pete Davidson has been in rehab and is being treated for mental health issues, a source previously told ETOnline.com. He can be manic and wasnt sleeping well or taking good care of himself, so he decided to go to get help, take a break, and get back on track.

Davidson was reportedly being treated in Pennsylvania, at the same facility where comedian John Mulaney spent weeks while seeking help for alcohol and drug issues. Davidson and Mulaney, both Saturday Night Live alumni, are publicly known as close friends, with Mulaney appearing on Davidsons new Peacock show, Bupkis. In the show, Mulaney and Davidson chat about Mulaneys rehab stint.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- According to June data collected by Realtor.com, NYC homes on the marketplace appear to be lingering in comparison to other areas of the state.

In the five boroughs, residences on average sit on the market for extended periods of time. For example, when looking at the median days on the market, Richmond county, which encompasses Staten Island, sold the quickest of the boroughs with a median of 53 days.

Median days on market in NYC:

Richmond - 53 days

Kings - 64 days

Queens - 68 days

New York - 68 days

Bronx - 74 days

However, while sales in the city seem sluggish, other areas in the state are capable of selling homes within a couple weeks. What do most of these counties have in common? They are primarily located within western New York state.

Here are the top counties where sales are hot in New York, according to Realtor.com:

10. Putnam and Ontario counties - 33 days

Putnam county rests just under two hours from New York City and is home to destinations such as Putnam Valley and Brewster Hill. Meanwhile, Ontario lays farther to the west and encapsulates areas such as Canandaigua and Geneva. As indicated by the 2020 United States Census, the populations are 97,668 and 112,458 respectively.

9. Rockland County - 32 days

Located just north of the city, harboring towns such as Stony Point and New City, this county sits along the west side of the Hudson river. According to the 2020 United States Census, the county is home to 338,329 residents; it serves as a gateway to much of upstate New York. When compared to the same time a year prior, the median days on the market had a 0.219% change according to Realtor.com.

8. Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Tioga, Erie, and Yates counties - 31 days

Predominantly scattered about parts of Western New York, these five counties contain cities such as Buffalo, and Auburn. The largest population can be found in Erie county which is home to Buffalo, formerly known as Queen City. Resting along the shore of Lake Erie, the county is home to 954,236 individuals, as noted by the 2020 United States Census.

7. Wyoming County - 28 Days

Tucked between Geneseo and Buffalo is Wyoming county. Hosting small towns such as Bennington, Warsaw, and Silver Springs, the population totals up to 40,531 according to the 2020 United States Census. In addition quaint villages, the county notably boasts the Grand Canyon of the East, Letchworth State Park.

6. Tompkins and Schuyler counties - 26 days

Named after Daniel D. Tompkins, former New York Governor and Vice President of the nation, Tompkins county is mostly known for its land and colleges. Among the renown universities that call the county home are Cornell and Ithaca college. The 2020 United States Census reveals that Tompkins county hosts 105,740 residents.

Schuyler county, just to the left of Tompkins, is the second-least populous county in New York, with only 17,898 residents, as recorded by the 2020 United States Census. Here you will find the village of Watkins Glen and the Finger Lakes National Forest.

5. Orleans County - 25 days

Nestled between Niagara Falls and Rochester, this county is home to rural lands in close proximity to urban cities. Host to an array of small towns, Orleans is bordered by lake Ontario to the north. The county is home to 40,343 people, as noted by the 2020 United States Census. According to the data collected from Realtor.com, the county has seen a -.375% change in median days on the market compared to the same time last year.

4. Livingston County - 20 days

Located in the region of the Finger Lakes, Livingston is home to Geneseo. Agriculture has always been a key industry in Livingston county, which according to the 2020 United States Census, contains 61,834 residents. Compared to the year prior, the median days on the market had a 0.2121% change, as noted by Realtor.com.

3. Wayne County - 18 days

On the southern shore of Lake Ontario, between Rochester and Syracuse, lies Wayne county. The Erie Canal cuts right through the rural countryside, ripe with orchards and fishing opportunities. As of 2020, the population is 91,283, according to the United States Census. According to Realtor.com, compared to a year before, the median days on the market had seen a 0.1864% change.

2. Genesee County - 12 days

Smack in the middle of Buffalo and Rochester is Genesee county. The city of Batavia serves as a hub for the county, with many roads convening in the town. Genesee is home to Six Flags: Darien Lake, as well as the protected area of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. As noted by the 2020 United States Census, Genesee has a population of 58,388. When compared to the same month a year before, the median days on the market saw a change of -0.1429% as noted by Realtor.com.

1. Monroe County - 9 days

Comprised of 19 towns, 10 villages and the City of Rochester, Monroe has plenty to offer. Known as the imaging capital of the world, Rochester serves as the counties industrial front. Additionally, the county boasts nine colleges and universities that draw students from afar. According to the 2022 United States Census, the population is estimated to be 752,035.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  New York City officials say a trio of Staten Island homeless shelters will open by the end of year despite years-long delays associated with construction.

A spokesperson for the Department of Social Services (DSS), which oversees the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), said the city expects all three sites  at 119 Tompkins Ave., Stapleton; 44 Victory Blvd., Tompkinsville; and 1055 Hylan Blvd., Grasmere  to open by the end of the year.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  City officials announced Monday that they want to encourage the dismantling of scaffolding around the five boroughs to improve public spaces.

Scaffolding around the city can stay up for years fostering illegal activity and transforming local buildings into long-standing eyesores. One local site, the former Department of Health building on Stuyvesant Place in St. George, has long been a source of community complaints.

To encourage building owners to remove scaffolding in favor of more aesthetic options, the city will replace the front of Queens County Supreme Court with netting, city officials, including Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Buildings Commissioner James Oddo, announced Monday.

We have nearly 400 miles of scaffolding in New York City, taking up public space that belongs to New Yorkers and the millions who visit our city every year, Adams said. For too long, bureaucratic rules have stood in the way of progress, but today, we are turning the page and overhauling these rules from the ground up with our Get Sheds Down plan.

The Get Sheds Down initiative, which shares an acronym with Adams most-used slogan of get stuff done, will take several steps to reduce scaffolding around the city, which is typically put up to protect New Yorkers from unsafe building facades.

Officials will target one business-improvement district in all boroughs except Staten Island with increased regulatory actions around scaffolding, also known as sidewalk sheds.

Additionally, the administration plans to push legislation that would create a monthly fine for sidewalk sheds up for 90 days and not being used because of demolition or new construction work.

According to city officials, current rules encourage property owners to leave scaffolding up indefinitely instead of making needed repairs to building facades.

Ultimately, officials are pursuing a general redesign to the ubiquitous green sidewalk shed that has become a common site around the five boroughs.

Sidewalk sheds are an important public safety tool to protect New Yorkers from hazardous conditions, but they are no substitute for proper building maintenance, Oddo, the former Staten Island borough president, said. 

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Devastating heat that has scorched the southern United States this summer is expected to push towards the Northeast later this week and send temperatures to the highest levels experienced this year, warned AccuWeather forecasters.

While conditions will not approach the hellish temperatures reached in the southwest last week, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Dombek told the Advance/SILive.com the spate of summer warmth could create the first official heat wave of the year in New York City.

To reach that designation, temperatures need to surpass 90 degrees for at least three consecutive days. The mercury is expected to begin to rise Thursday before reaching a peak Friday and continuing into early Saturday, though rain could dash the possibility of reaching 90 degrees early this weekend.

The National Weather Service forecasts Staten Island may reach 97 degrees on Thursday and Friday before a high in the mid-90s on Saturday. Combined with humidity, forecasters said it could feel like 105 degrees during the first two days of the oppressive spate of high heat.

This week, the extent of the heat across the United States will be the most widespread of the summer yet, AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said in a release. For people in much of the Northeast, later this week will bring the hottest weather of the summer so far.

New York City has not surpassed 93 degrees this year, registering that measure on July 5.

If a heat wave does come to fruition, it is not expected to be long-lived.

A southward shift of the jet stream will bring cooler Canadian air to New York City this weekend, drastically bringing down temperatures. The National Weather Service expects temperatures to top-off at 83 degrees on Sunday.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A spate of summer heat sizzling over New York City may deliver the first official heat wave of the year.

Temperatures may surpass 90 degrees for three days  the minimum number of days required for a heat wave designation  between Thursday and Saturday, said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Dombek.

Oppressive heat that has scorched parts of the western U.S., Texas and Florida will spread farther east this week and send mercury levels rising as humidity combines with high temperatures to create stifling conditions.

It is going to be quite uncomfortable, Dombek told the Advance/SILive.com.

The National Weather Services Central Park climate station is forecasted to reach 92 degrees on Thursday before ticking up to 94 degrees on Friday and cooling off to a still-sweltering 90 degrees on Saturday. It will likely feel over 100 degrees during the height of the heat-laden stretch after humidity is factored in, said Dombek.

Its at least going to feel like its around 100, and maybe [up to] 105, said Dombek.

And those temperatures will almost certainly be slightly lower than readings measured at the National Weather Services climate station closest to Staten Island  Newark Liberty International Airport, which is frequently hotter than the agencys primary site in midtown Manhattan.

Unlike last July, which saw a series of five straight 100 degree days, Dombek said this upcoming heat wave is likely to be short-lived. Showers are expected to simmer down temperatures Saturday afternoon and could even potentially dash the chances for an official heat wave to develop.

Saturday is more of a wild card because itll depend on how quickly we see some thunderstorms bubbling up and everything  what time of the day that happens, how widespread it is and cloud cover, said Dombek.

The forecasts accuracy is expected to be improved in the coming days.

When temperatures soar, at-risk individuals, including the very young, older adults and people with underlying conditions, should limit outdoor exposure. People overwhelmed by heat should immediately move to a cooler and shaded location.

MORE NY WEATHER CONTENT:

>> Hurricane season 2023: As Tropical Storm Don dissipates, forecasters say new system could develop
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So Thankyous team of 60 workers was stripped down to 18. Thankyou formed partnerships with creative agencies and innovation houses, such as Marks Design, to help with packaging; e-commerce platform Pattern to power its online business; and Pave to help manage sales and distribution to retailers. Thankyou negotiates a custom rate with these partners that allows Flynns group to provide services in a commercially viable way while ensuring as many dollars as possible (more than $18 million so far) go towards their impact partners. We were building in the old way, trying to do it all ourselves, Flynn said. On paper, we thought it wouldnt be as profitable ... but the way its currently being designed, our margins are already better from day one than they were back in 2018. We felt like we could see the end of Thankyou. We felt like the entire model needs saving now ... The Thankyou we were building was becoming this sort of Death Star. Thankyou co-founder Daniel Flynn Along the way, Flynn and his leadership team made other significant and often eyebrow-raising brand decisions. Thankyou had already pulled its food range (cereals and snack foods) in December 2017 with an intention to focus on its nappy business. But that didnt end up working out either, and in mid-2021 nappy production ceased. Unfortunately, we ended up losing in nappies, we couldnt maintain market share, Flynn said. The biggest brand and the No.2 brand started doing 50 per cent discounts, and I think one of them went from 17 weeks on promotion to 33 weeks ... thats all normal competition stuff that were facing on every front.

Additionally, the environmental footprint of Thankyous single-use plastic bottled water  its signature and founding item  was becoming harder to justify. In May, the group axed its most iconic, recognisable product, a decision Flynn revealed was made as far back as 2018. It wasnt representing the future of the brand, he said. We didnt want to greenwash, so we exited the category. Thankyous water bottle was once its signature product. The brand embarked on a two-year redesign and relaunch of its core range, which now focuses on personal care products (body wash, shampoo, conditioner, soap, hand wash, deodorant), home cleaning essentials (hospital-grade cleaner), hand sanitiser, and baby wipes. Not that anyone really knew: amid all the internal restructuring and rebranding, Thankyou dialled down its digital presence. We went quiet on social for about a year and a half ... It was just because weve got to get the insides right, said Flynn. Now were a lot louder, and were promoting a lot more, but its because we feel like the foundations strong.

The relaunched range is accompanied by Thankyous new catchcry consumerism reimagined. Yet the principle is something of a contradiction: designed as an affordable premium product with design inspiration from both Japanese and Scandinavian minimalism, some of Thankyous new pieces  such as its refillable forever bottles  are designed to avoid overconsumption, not increase it. Flynn acknowledged this sales model seems a little counterintuitive for a business that needs to sell as many units as possible to make the profits needed to achieve its mission of eradicating poverty. Thankyou co-founder Daniel Flynn holds the new white forever refillable pump bottle. Credit: Joe Armao I heard a stat the other day saying that 60 per cent of consumers are no longer brand loyal, so brand loyalty is going down. But at Thankyou, we need it to stay or go up, he said. We hope the trifecta, from design to affordability to purpose, creates a really loyal consumer and, for us, the end of extreme poverty. After so many years of setbacks and pivots, Thankyou Group aims to be back on consumers radar and this time is determined to stay. The brand has made more changes over the past month: its three-month pop-up store opened on June 30, and last Tuesday marked the relaunch of its online store, which had shut in 2020  just before the pandemic hit  to focus on higher margin retail sales.
A former deputy principal who arranged to meet a 14-year-old girl for sex, unaware she was actually undercover police, repeatedly asked for raunchy pics and said thats ok when told of her age and inexperience, court documents have revealed.

Damian Scott Wanstall, 49, is awaiting sentencing in Parramatta District Court after pleading guilty weeks before his trial to a charge of using a carriage service to procure a child under 16 for sexual activity.

Damian Scott Wanstall pleaded guilty to using a carriage service to procure a child under 16 for sexual activity. Credit: Janie Barrett

Wanstall was the deputy principal and a maths teacher at Kellyville High School, in Sydneys north-west, when he was arrested with $200 in his wallet at what was to be a planned meet with the teenager in Westmead in December 2020.

According to the agreed facts, released on Tuesday, Wanstall posted an advertisement on a classifieds website under the handle Johnno33 which read, Any legal Indian or Filo teens want fun and 40yo aussie daddy seeking sexy play this weekend. Will reward. Can host discreetly rouse hill.
Parramatta residents will have to wait almost a decade before having the chance to directly elect a lord mayor after councillors rejected plans for a referendum on the matter in a fiery council meeting brimming with invocations of Macbeth and accusations of Trump-style politicking.

In an hour-long debate on Monday night, Parramatta City councillors voted to reject plans to ask residents whether they wanted to elect a leader for a four-year term, or whether councillors should continue to choose a leader from among themselves in the chamber for two years. The question would have been asked at the September 2024 council elections and, if successful, would have been implemented by the 2028 elections.

Six councillors voted for the referendum motion, but nine voted against it. Credit: Parramatta City Council

But the decision not to proceed with the referendum leaves 2032 as the earliest year in which residents could elect a mayor themselves, and marks Parramatta as an outlier among Greater Sydney CBDs. The major cities of Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong  as well as some smaller councils like Burwood, Canada Bay and Fairfield  all have popularly elected mayors. Ryde, which covers the Macquarie Park CBD, will join them in 2024.

Parramatta Deputy Mayor Cameron Maclean (ALP), bringing forward the motion, decried the deals that are done under the current system.
A Defence whistleblower charged with leaking confidential material to journalists about potential war crimes by Australian special forces soldiers in Afghanistan wants his court summons displayed in the Australian War Memorial.

Former army lawyer David McBride, who is facing trial this year, wants evidence of his own treatment by the justice system displayed, after the War Memorial erected signs acknowledging a landmark judgment dismissing disgraced former soldier Ben Roberts-Smiths defamation case against media outlets.

Defence whistleblower David McBride is facing trial later this year over leaked material. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

The War Memorial is about telling the truth, McBride told a press conference in Parliament House on Tuesday, adding that the Anzac legend initially inspired him to speak out.

I believe I did my job. My job was to stand up when I saw things [that were] wrong.
A months-long investigation into the failures of Home Affairs, exposing deep flaws in the operation of Australias gatekeepers.

Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil has invoked the new national corruption watchdog in response to allegations of government contractors suspect payments to Pacific Island officials involved in Australias offshore detention program, as Labor, Liberal and crossbench MPs call for an independent inquiry.

ONeil said the claims of improper use of taxpayer dollars by companies contracted by Home Affairs were deeply concerning and that she would respond more fully after reviewing information revealed in the Home Truths investigative series by The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and 60 Minutes.

Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil says the Albanese government has a zero-tolerance approach to corruption. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Our government has a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, which is why one of our first policy decisions was to create a National Anti-Corruption Commission, ONeil said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Opposition Leader Peter Dutton needed to front up over serious allegations that Home Affairs gave a multimillion-dollar offshore detention contract to an Australian businessman just a month after federal police told Dutton, who was then the relevant minister, that the man was under investigation for bribery.
Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek has extended the deadline indefinitely on the $13 billion plan to restore Australias largest river system, as Victoria and NSW stall on controversial schemes to return water to the environment from irrigation ahead of a hot, dry summer.

Plibersek announced on Tuesday she is working with state governments to extend the plans July 2024 deadline, warning that a potential drought-sparking El Nino event highlighted the need for state governments to work together to avoid environmental disaster.

Minister Tanya Plibersek has declared the Murray-Darling Basin Plan will be delayed beyond its 2024 deadline. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen/Janie Barrett

After a severe drought in 2019, the Darling River dried to a series of pools, precipitating a mass fish kill that claimed millions of animals in the far west of NSW.

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority has forecast that inflows to major rivers could halve by 2060 under the current trajectory of global warming.
During its previous years in state government, delay became Labor-speak for never going to happen. This regrettable history makes the Herald nervous about Premier Chris Minns repeated refusal over recent days to guarantee the Metro West line from the CBD to Westmead will go ahead as planned.

For a month now Minns has been suggesting that some infrastructure projects could be put on ice as his new government tries to rein in spending in the face of a record state debt of $180 billion. But on Monday and Tuesday he refused to quarantine the Metro West project from delay or even cancellation in the September budget. Labor claims the line has cost overruns of $12 billion. The premier will not speculate on the fate of the project while it awaits the findings of a review into the whole Sydney Metro program by Mike Mrdak, a former senior federal bureaucrat.

NSW Premier Chris Minns and Transport Minister Jo Haylen announced a review into the Sydney Metro program in April. Credit: Steven Siewert

Before the election Minns was admirably upfront about the future of some infrastructure projects: Labor would pause the Great Western Highway tunnel in the Blue Mountains, and the business cases for two Sydney Metro line extensions  the Metro West from Parramatta to the new airport line, and the Southwest Metro from Bankstown to Glenfield  would not proceed. But Minns had no such doubts about the Sydney Metro West line, not least because the line ran smack dab into Labor heartland, and ditching it could have inflicted major political pain in the booming western suburbs.

The governments sudden refusal to endorse the project looks like an attempt to soften up the people of NSW for possible deferment of this sorely needed infrastructure project.
Premier Chris Minns has refused to rule out scrapping the Metro West, insisting the government needs proof that the $25 billion train line would deliver an affordable transport solution for Sydney.

The future of the Metro West line linking Parramatta and the CBD is under a cloud after Minns refused for two days running to guarantee the project, which has already been delayed to 2030 and is $12 billion over budget, would proceed. He has also not ruled out delaying it.

The Sydney Metro West Bays Station construction site in Rozelle in Feburary. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

Asked on 2GB on Tuesday afternoon if he would consider dumping the Metro West, Minns responded: I am not taking anything off the table.

Minns did not take a policy of scrapping the project to the March election but has now insisted his position could change given the rising costs.
NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman has refused to say whether he knew about complaints against embattled state MP Taylor Martin when he left him out of his shadow cabinet in May, despite senior party sources saying Martin had been in line for a promotion after the election.

On Tuesday the Herald revealed a series of demeaning, degrading, and abusive text messages sent by Martin to former federal MP Lucy Wicks over a five-year period.

Taylor Martin sent former federal MP Lucy Wicks a series of demeaning, degrading, and abusive text messages. Credit: Wolter Peeters, Supplied

The messages, which are now part of a formal complaint to the Liberal Party, include many sent well after the pair ended a relationship in 2019. They include messages in which he labelled her a dumb slut, a pig, a f---wit, a sicko, a c--- and a f---ing idiot.

Martin announced on Sunday that he had excused himself from the Liberal party room after a senior legal counsel was appointed to investigate the matter. He has admitted to using heated words during an ugly and undignified break-up but said there were two sides to every story.
Mandurah is having a moment. Often considered an extension of Perth, Western Australias largest regional hub, 70 kilometres south of the west coast capital, has undergone somewhat of a metamorphosis in recent times.

The coastal city has seen new public spaces, art installations and the influx of folklore-like giants around the citys heart: the Mandurah Estuary and Peel Inlet.

Mandurahs Venetian Canals boast picturesque bridges and thoroughfares. Credit: Mandurah Cruises

Its rare for this water playground to be mentioned without its size being talked about  its massive. Also known as the Peel-Harvey Estuary, it covers a whopping 134 square kilometres with fishing, houseboat adventures and even jet-skiing with resident Indo-Pacific dolphins among its popular pastimes. Locals and tour guides love to boast about it being twice the size of Sydney Harbour but despite its impressive breadth, dont expect to see ships sailing in this water; its average depth is just two metres.

Mandurahs tagline is relaxed by nature. With a wealth of contrasting landscapes on its doorstep  serene beaches, jarrah forests, living rocks, abundant wildlife  matched with a laid-back social scene, its easy to see why Mandurah is a popular add-on to a Perth escape.
PHILIPSBURG:---: International Game Technology (IGT), in collaboration with the Mona Geoinformatics Institute (MGI), UWI, is pleased to announce the commencement of its highly anticipated third annual virtual summer camp across the Caribbean - the IGT Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp, being held from July 17 to 28 under the After School Advantage (ASA) Programme.

This years Camp theme is, Think it, Code it, Solve it. The theme encapsulates the notion of students developing critical, innovative, and problem-solving skills in the digital age.

A total of 72 youth from St Maarten, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Barbados, St Kitts & Nevis, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago, are participating in the Camp. They come from non-government organizations that IGT has equipped with state-of-the-art computer centers through its ASA Programme.

IGT continues to expand its reach, with the recent addition of two new ASA computer centers at the Community Action Now (CAN) Romeo Malone Center, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and at The Credo Development Centre for Boys in Trinidad & Tobago respectively.



Shelly Ann Hee Chung, IGT Antilles General Manager, expressed the primary objective of the Camp as providing invaluable opportunities for digital learning and technological exposure to young individuals within the communities where IGT operates.

Our aim is to provide our ASA students with marketable digital skills and stimulate their interest in technology as it is critical to keep up with its continuous evolution, said Hee Chung.

Hee Chung extended a warm welcome to all the participants, representing prestigious organizations. She gave special recognition to the Romeo Malone Community Centre in St Croix, USVI, and Credo Boys in Trinidad & Tobago as they are joining the Camp for the first time.

We are also thrilled to have USVI as our newest participating country. This year, their students will take part in the Level I Camp, said Hee Chung.

A Level II component was added to the existing Level I course in 2022. In that year, 36 students received introductory training, while another 36 received intermediate training. A total of 72 Caribbean youth have so far been equipped with knowledge in the coding and robotics disciplines since the Camps inception.

With a renewed commitment to excellence, this year's Camp will reach 36 participants at each level. The morning sessions will focus on Level I training, while the afternoons are dedicated to Level II, over the two-week period.

Reflecting on the Camp's previous achievements, Hee Chung acknowledged that the 2021 and 2022 survey findings indicated that the Camp is an appropriate model approach toward STEM learning in the region.

I want to say thank you to our MGI partners, as their outstanding work has helped many students to go on further towards their careers in STEM fields, said Hee Chung.

Dr. Ava Maxam, the Acting Executive Director at MGI, shed light on the virtual camp's objective, which aims to introduce students to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and explore innovative ways to employ technology in solving real-world problems.

MGI through developments of decision support systems applications for governments has been directly involved in enacting SDGs across 12 countries of the Caribbean, said Maxam.

She further explained that this Camp originated from a vision to utilize technology in attaining the United Nations SDGs and fostering a more promising future. The participants embarked on a coding endeavor entailing the design and construction of systems to enhance the reporting and monitoring of SDG indicators. This was achieved by collaborating closely with governments, NGOs, academia, and the public, to address these diverse challenges.

Since 2011, IGT and its subsidiaries have established 40 fully equipped After School Advantage computer labs across the English-speaking Caribbean, serving as vibrant learning centers for vulnerable young people. Emphasizing their commitment to empowering students, IGT has implemented various initiatives, including summer field trips, internships, and training programs to enhance technology awareness and equip them with vital skills for the evolving job market.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Court of Guardianship Sint Maarten, with the technical support of UNICEF the Netherlands, is working towards implementing a child safety code (official name to be determined), which is in line with Article 243d of the Civil Code of Sint Maarten. Once implemented, the code will serve as a guideline for professionals to ensure the rapid detection of possible child abuse to provide support to the child and family. In addition, the code will help ensure that reports of suspected child abuse in Sint Maarten are better streamlined between all relevant departments, such as the Court of Guardianship, Police Department, SJIS, schools, medical centers, and other institutions that offer family services.

The success of the child safety code and related programs relies heavily on the cooperation between these institutions. Teachers, police officers, medical personnel, and other child-care professionals are often the first to be able to detect signs of suspected child abuse. They, therefore, also have a responsibility to offer the much-needed emotional support to children in those difficult situations or report when necessary, explains Neidi de Carvalho, Child Protection Specialist for UNICEF the Netherlands.

Aside from establishing the legal frameworks and working agreements between relevant parties to implement the child safety code, the Court of Guardianship and UNICEF in the Netherlands are also rolling out supporting programs. These programs include Child Check and Handle with Care, which strengthen the identification, reporting, and follow-up of suspected child abuse cases on Sint Maarten  especially in institutions that work with children or parents.

During consultations with relevant stakeholders, many professionals indicated that the communication between departments and follow-up related to suspected child abuse cases needs to be improved. The child safety code, Handle with Care, and Child Check, will offer a more efficient and reliable system for reporting. Our top priority is to work towards a safer Sint Maarten for all children by enhancing collaborations and introducing uniform procedures for all professionals, explains Kimberly Dort-Brown, Head of the Court of Guardianship.

Last year, in Aruba, the Departamento di Mucha y Hoben/Department of Youth and Family Affairs (DMH) implemented its own Codigo Di Proteccion. To learn from this process, Mrs. Dort-Brown, on behalf of the Court of Guardianship, and Ms. de Carvalho, on behalf of UNICEF the Netherlands, attended a 4-day working visit to Aruba. Their visit was curated by the DMH, whose specialists elaborated on the overall implementation and sustainability of the Codigo Di Proteccion in Aruba.

Several other institutions that play a role in the execution of the child safety code in Aruba were also visited, including the KPA (Korps Politie Aruba, Stichting Katholiek Onderwijs Aruba, Bureau Sostenemi (Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting, University of Aruba, DVR (Directie Voogdijraad), Dr. Horacio Hospital & Telefon pa Hubentud (Youth Helpline), amongst others.

The main objective for the visit was to gain knowledge, best practices, advice, and inspiration regarding the process, procedures, workflow, legal framework, and implementation phase from the beginning to where Aruba currently stands. The gathered insights will assist in developing and implementing the child safety code on Sint Maarten. Id like to thank the Departamento di Mucha y Hoben and their partners for their assistance in facilitating a successful working visit to Aruba, concludes Dort-Brown.

This activity is part of the Child Resilience and Protection Project (CRPP) executed by UNICEF the Netherlands in collaboration with the Government of Sint Maarten, financed by the Government of The Netherlands, through the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, managed by the World Bank.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, July 26. Uzbekistan is to develop a roadmap for the early commissioning of 272 major projects worth $11.5 billion, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said at a governmental meeting, Trend reports.

According to the plan, as part of the state investment program, 29 projects can be launched earlier by accelerating construction, while 49 projects will receive assistance in equipment delivery and installation. This will allow $700 million in investments to be utilized 2-3 months ahead of schedule.

In this regard, instructions were given to the Ministry of Transport and Uzbek ambassadors abroad. It was noted that besides the allocated $103.8 million for infrastructure projects in the regions, an additional $100 million will be distributed.

The goal is to utilize $4.4 billion in direct foreign investments within 230 projects in various sectors, and another $4.6 billion within 1,200 regional projects. The projects will be divided into three categories and considered individually. Large projects will be overseen by the Deputy Governor for Investments, medium projects by the district governor, and small projects by the Deputy District Governor for Investments. Responsible individuals will be assigned to each region to ensure effective implementation of this system and address issues locally.

The meeting also reviewed the results of investment partnerships with foreign countries. Over the past two years, numerous agreements have been reached with Saudi Arabia, France, Hungary, Singapore, Egypt, Germany, China, Italy, Qatar, and other countries during high-level meetings.

Positive developments in cooperation with Hungary, Pakistan, Thailand, the Czech Republic, and Japan were highlighted, with investments from these countries increasing by $450 million in the current year.

A new system for working with investors within the framework of agreements with foreign partners will be implemented going forward. The Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade will introduce the position of an investment manager who will report directly to the Minister. Managers will maintain constant contact with foreign investors and address their concerns. By operating based on this system, an additional $3 billion in investments can be attracted this year, as emphasized during the meeting.
Mawsona?s Subsidiary SXG Acquires High-Grade Laura Drill Discovery at Redcastle and Further Freehold at Sunday Creek

Mawson Gold Limited (aMawsona or the aCompanya) (TSX:MAW) (Frankfurt:MXR) (PINKSHEETS: MWSNF)  https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/mawson-gold-ltd/ -announces its 51% owned ASX-listed subsidiary, Southern Cross Gold (aSXGa), has acquired both:

a The Prospecting Licence PL6415 (aLauraa) located within the 70% owned Redcastle JV in the Victorian goldfields; and

a Further freehold land within the 100%-owned Sunday Creek epizonal-style gold project.

The strategic acquisition of the Laura prospecting licence completely secures one of the higher-grade parts of the Redcastle goldfield, where recent drilling has identified very high grades (up to 704 g/t Au and 24.7% Sb) within continuous and targetable structures above a 1.3 km long and a coherent IP anomaly.

The new freehold land package purchased at Sunday Creek lies adjacent to both the main access and current freehold ownership at the project.

Highlights:

a SXG expands its epizonal gold-antimony search in Victoria, Australia with the 100% purchase of the Laura PL6415 prospecting licence for A$300,000:

o Provides an immediate and extremely high-grade drill discovery to expand upon and to build another project of scale for SXG.

o Consolidates SXGa?s extensive ground holding and best drill grades at the Redcastle gold and antimony field.

a Laura is located entirely within SXGa?s 70% owned Redcastle JV, 2 km immediately north of Mandalay Resourcesa? exploration properties which contain the Costerfield Mine (Figure 1).

a Lauraa?s previous owners drilled 16 diamond holes for 1,923.2 m (Table 1 and 2) during 2019 below the historic Laura mine, with multiple, thin and continuous high grades. Significant results include:

o RDDH03: 0.1 m @ 743.0 g/t AuEq (704.0 g/t Au, 24.7 %Sb) from 116.9 m

o RDDH07: 0.2 m @ 28.1 g/t AuEq (27.9 g/t Au, 0.1 %Sb) from 67.8 m

o RDDH08: 0.2 m @ 20.0 g/t AuEq (17.5 g/t Au, 1.6 %Sb) from 162.6 m

o RDDH12: 0.1 m @ 42.9 g/t AuEq (20.0 g/t Au, 14.5 %Sb) from 70.9 m

o RDDH13: 0.1 m @ 20.2 g/t AuEq (10.1 g/t Au, 6.4 %Sb) from 108.1 m

o RDDH15: 0.1 m @ 12.5 g/t AuEq (5.8 g/t Au, 4.3 %Sb) from 75.1 m

a The Laura project also forms a key geophysical target within the Redcastle goldfield, with a 1.3 km-long coherent induced polarization (aIPa) chargeability anomaly underlying the Laura PL6415. The IP anomaly also sits below historic mines that produced 20,583 oz at 254.6 g/t Au over 2 km strike length down to a maximum depth of 125 m during 1859 to 1865.

a Next steps are to progressively drill beyond the high-grade intercepts within the Laura area, into theA 17 km of untested reef systems at Redcastle.

a Southern Cross Gold finalises purchase of 0.65 hectares of freehold land that is located adjacent to both the main access and current freehold ownership to the Sunday Creek Project (Figure 1). a Freehold ownership further secures surface access and provides additional area for any potential future gold operation.

a Diamond drilling continues at Sunday Creek with four diamond rigs now focused on testing gold structures down to 800 m depth and 1.2 km along strike at Sunday Creek.

Noora Ahola, Mawson Interim CEO, states: aThese acquisitions have consolidated ownership at both the Redcastle and Sunday Creek projects. The purchase of the Laura prospect has brought under its control the best-drilled gold and antimony grades at Redcastle. SXG have bought a 16-hole drill discovery for less than the cost to drill and an extremely high-grade area from which to expand and build another project of scale. Additionally, the purchase of additional freehold land at the Sunday Creek gold-antimony project locks in land access and continues to derisk and secure future success for the project.a

PL6415 Laura Drilling

PL6415 extends over 310 m strike length by 160 m width and contains five quartz reefs with extensive historic workings at surface (Figure 4), the principle being Laura (Figure 5). The historic Laura mine was one of the more productive reefs mined in the north-western part of the Redcastle goldfield. PL6415 is located wholly within the Redcastle JV EL5546 (Figures 1 and 2), held 70% by Southern Cross Gold, in joint venture with Nagambie Resources Ltd (ASX:NAG).

The previous owners of Laura (Core Prospecting Pty Ltd and Starwest Ltd) drilled 16 holes for 1,923.2 m in 2019, in the vicinity of the old Laura mine. This work returned some narrow intervals of high-grade gold and antimony, with significant results including:

o RDDH01: 0.2 m @ 7.8 g/t AuEq (4.8 g/t Au, 1.9 %Sb) from 115.1 m

o RDDH03: 0.1 m @ 743.0 g/t AuEq (704.0 g/t Au, 24.7 %Sb) from 116.9 m

o RDDH07: 0.2 m @ 28.1 g/t AuEq (27.9 g/t Au, 0.1 %Sb) from 67.8 m

o RDDH08: 0.2 m @ 20.0 g/t AuEq (17.5 g/t Au, 1.6 %Sb) from 162.6 m

o RDDH11: 0.1 m @ 18.8 g/t AuEq (11.1 g/t Au, 4.9 %Sb) from 93.3 m

o RDDH12: 0.1 m @ 42.9 g/t AuEq (20.0 g/t Au, 14.5 %Sb) from 70.9 m

o RDDH13: 0.1 m @ 20.2 g/t AuEq (10.1 g/t Au, 6.4 %Sb) from 108.1 m

o RDDH14: 0.2 m @ 12.7 g/t AuEq (5.7 g/t Au, 4.4 %Sb) from 79.3 m

o RDDH15: 0.1 m @ 12.5 g/t AuEq (5.8 g/t Au, 4.3 %Sb) from 75.1 m

This drilling data compares favorably with the Redcastle drilling data (from outside PL6415) held by SXG. Intervals in the Laura data are narrow compared with the other Redcastle data but the grades are higher, with five of the assay grades from Laura equaling or exceeding the highest Au-equivalent assays within the entire SXG Redcastle dataset. This partly reflects the 1 or 2 m sampling in the historic reverse circulation drill data, which makes up the majority of the latter, but it also demonstrates the consistent higher grade in the Laura Reef. These higher grades are also demonstrated in the Figure 5 longitudinal section, which shows consistent high-grade mineralization from drill intersections of the Laura Reef. The lateral continuity of the reef is supported by drill core observations which confirm that the reef is a laminated quartz vein, parallel to bedding with stylolitic inclusions throughout and stibnite occurring on or close to the vein margins.

Local Geology and Structural Setting

The PL6415 Laura prospecting licence is located entirely within SXGa?s 70% owned Redcastle EL5546 JV. It is a shallow orogenic (or epizonal) Costerfield-style historic high-grade field. The project is located 2 km north of Mandalay Resourcesa? Costerfield mine and exploration leases and 25 km east of Agnico Eaglea?s Fosterville mine a two of the worlda?s highest grade gold mines.

The host rocks are finely interbedded turbidite sequences of sandstone and siltstone, the oldest of which is a sequence of early Silurian turbiditic sandstone and siltstone known as the Wapentake Formation which is

conformably overlain by the Silurian Dargile Formation, McIvor Sandstone and Mount Ida Formation. Overlying the Palaeozoic basement rocks are Quaternary unconsolidated clays of the Shepparton Formation and alluvial sands of the Coonambidgal Formation.

The goldfield is a structurally controlled system sitting in the western limb of the plunging Redcastle anticline. Host rocks consist of thinly interbedded sandstones and mudstones of the Wapentake and Dargile formations. In the Melbourne Structural Zone, sites of gold deposition on a regional scale appear to favor areas of refolding or interference folding, as seen in the Redcastle Anticline.

Geophysical IP Chargeability Target

The Laura project also forms a key geophysical target within the Redcastle goldfield. Drilling to date has been shallow (<135m vertical). Below the Laura drilling a 1.3 km-long coherent induced polarization (aIPa) chargeability anomaly generated by Mawson Victoriaa?s 3D offset array IP geophysical survey underlies the Laura PL6415 (Figure 6). This is considered highly prospective, as there are at least 9 mined structures above the geophysical anomaly (5 within the Laura PL) where the Welcome Group of mines reported to have extracted 20,583 oz at 254.6 g/t Au over 2 km strike length down to a maximum depth of 125 m (in the period 1859 to 1865). Context with Historic Mining at Redcastle During the 1800a?s the average mining width was approximately 1 m on quartz veins with visible gold (individual reef widths were less than 0.6 m). The length of workings combined is 17 km with several reef systems extending for kilometres. Spurs off the main reef systems were recorded to have been worked for distances between 15 m to 33 m. It is a characteristic of Redcastle that reefs are closely spaced. On the western side of the field 14 reefs are recorded to occur in a cross-strike distance of 900 metres. At Redcastle, the key historic targets were narrow but continuous thin (0.3 m to 1 m) very high-grade structures continuing to depth. Historical records, however, continually reference gold found marginal to reefs in the country rock (wall-rock of quartz-vein structures) with shallow modern-day reverse circulation drilling and trenching confirming that gold extends beyond these high-grade quartz-vein structures. Beyond the high-grade visible gold in quartz-veins, additional targets included vein stockworks in sandstones and dyke-hosted mineralization. The largest dyke was mined to a depth of 27 m and was 11.5 m wide at 25 -120 g/t gold with 160 tonnes of ore extracted suggesting the dyke may have been selectively mined, although the width of the dyke suggests scope for a larger scale and lower grade target. Wider zones in stockworks (2.4 m to 4.8 m wide) and breccia zones at Beautiful Venus have been recorded up to 20 m in width. Mineralization is typically hosted in shear veins striking ~345-360A and dipping steeply westward, containing quartz, carbonate, visible gold and antimony sulphide (stibnite). Surrounding the shear veins are a narrow <5 cm arsenopyrite and pyrite halo within the host rock which are weakly auriferous. Context with Costerfield Mined Mineralization Mandalay Resourcesa? Costerfield mine and exploration leases are located 2 km south of SXGa?s Redcastle JV EL5546. Costerfield is the target model sought at Redcastle. The Costerfield mine corridor contains 2 million ounces of equivalent gold (pers. comm. Mandalay Q3 2021 Results). Average drill hole widths and grades at Costerfield are: Brunswick lode (0.7 m @ 9.0 g/t Au and 4.0% Sb), Youle lode (0.4 m @ 47.7 g/t Au and 11.4% Sb), Kendal Splay (0.3 m @ 92.8 g/t Au and 41.3% Sb) and Peacock lode (0.4 m @ 13.0 g/t Au and 6.0% Sb). The average vein width at Augusta is 0.3 m, while the Cuffley lode averaged 0.4 m. Average mined widths at Costerfield are 2.0 m (Mandalay Technical Report, 2021). Commercial Terms The Company purchased 100% of the Prospecting License PL6415 for cash consideration of $300,000 from arma?s length Core Prospecting Pty Ltd and Starwest Pty Ltd. Sunday Creek Land Purchase SXG already owns 132.64 hectare of freehold property that covers both the Sunday Creek project drill area and areas for potential extension of the zone to the east. The new area lies adjacent to both the main access and current freehold ownership at Sunday Creek. Freehold ownership secures surface access and provides sufficient area for any potential future gold operation (Figure 1). The Company acquired the 0.65 ha freehold for $366,240 and may also consider other uses for the freehold land in the future, such as renewable energy options, livestock grazing or agistment to help maintain the property (although there are no current plans for such additional uses). As the contract was conditional upon satisfying the requirements of the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (Cth), a no objection notification for the freehold acquisition without conditions from the Foreign Investment Review Board (aFIRBa) was received before settlement Further discussion and analysis of the Sunday Creek and Redcastle projects by Southern Cross Gold is available on the SXG website at www.southerncrossgold.com.au Figures 1 to 6 show project location, plan and longitudinal views, and the 3D IP chargeable anomaly from Laura and Tables 1 and 2 provide collar and assay data. The true thickness of the mineralized intervals reported are interpreted to range approximately between 34% to 93% of the sampled thickness. Figure 7 shows the location of the new freehold land purchase at Sunday Creek. Redcastle Joint Venture A subsidiary of the Company, Mawson Victoria Pty Ltd, is party to an Option and Joint Venture Agreement with Nagambie Resources Limited for the Redcastle Joint Venture tenements. Mawson Victoria has met the obligations to achieve $1,000,000 of exploration commitments over a 5-year period set under the Farm-in Agreements by 25 March 2025, and has earnt a 70% economic interest Redcastle JV. A joint venture between the parties is now in the process of being formed. Nagambie Resources Limited may contribute its 30% share of further exploration expenditures or, if it chooses not to contribute, dilute its interest. Should Nagambie Resource Limiteda?s interest be reduced to less than 5%, it will be deemed to have forfeited its interest in the joint venture to the Company in exchange for a 1.5% net smelter return royalty (aNSRa) on gold revenue. Should Nagambie Resources Limited be granted the NSR, the Company will have the right to acquire the NSR for $4,000,000. Technical Background and Qualified Person The Qualified Person, Michael Hudson, Executive Chairman and a director of Mawson Gold, and a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, has reviewed, verified and approved the technical contents of this release. Analytical samples are transported to the Bendigo facility of On Site Laboratory Services (aOn Sitea) which operates under both an ISO 9001 and NATA quality systems. Samples were prepared and analyzed for gold using the fire assay technique (PE01S method; 25 gram charge), followed by measuring the gold in solution with flame AAS equipment. Samples for multi-element analysis (BM011 and over-range methods as required) use aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS analysis. The QA/QC program of Southern Cross Gold consists of the systematic insertion of certified standards of known gold content, blanks within interpreted mineralized rock and quarter core duplicates. In addition, On Site inserts blanks and standards into the analytical process. MAW considers that both gold and antimony that are included in the gold equivalent calculation (aAuEq\) have reasonable potential to be recovered at Redcastle, given current geochemical understanding, historic production statistics and geologically analogous mining operations. MAW considers that it is appropriate to adopt the same gold equivalent variables as Mandalay Resources Ltd in its Mandalay Technical Report, 2022 dated 25 March 2022. The gold equivalence formula used by Mandalay Resources was calculated using recoveries achieved at the Costerfield Property Brunswick Processing Plant during 2020, using a gold price of US$1,700 per ounce, an antimony price of US$8,500 per tonne and 2021 total year metal recoveries of 93% for gold and 95% for antimony, and is as follows: ???? = ?? (?/?) + 1.58 A ?? (%). MAW therefore considers that a ???? = ?? (?/?) + 1.58 A ?? (%) is appropriate to use for the initial exploration targeting of gold-antimony mineralization at Redcastle. About Mawson Gold Limited (TSX:MAW, FRANKFURT:MXR, OTCPINK:MWSNF) Mawson Gold Limited is an exploration and development company. Mawson has distinguished itself as a leading Nordic exploration company with its 100% owned flagship Rajapalot gold-cobalt project in Finland, and right to earn into the SkellefteA North gold project in Sweden. Mawson also currently owns 51% of Southern Cross Gold Ltd (ASX:SXG) which in turn owns or controls three high-grade, historic epizonal goldfields covering 470 km2 in Victoria, Australia. About Southern Cross Gold Ltd (ASX:SXG) Southern Cross Gold owns 70% of the Redcastle JV in Victoria and Mt Isa project in Queensland, 100% of the Sunday Creek project and is earning into the Whroo joint venture in Victoria, Australia, and a strategic 10% holding in ASX-listed Nagambie Resources Limited (ASX:NAG) which grants SXG a Right of First Refusal over a 3,300 square kilometer tenement package held by NAG in Victoria. Forward-Looking Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, \forward-looking statements\). All statements herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Although Mawson believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate, and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Mawson cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, Mawsona?s expectations regarding its ownership interest in Southern Cross Gold, capital and other costs varying significantly from estimates, changes in world metal markets, changes in equity markets, the potential impact of epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises, including the current pandemic known as COVID-19 on the Companya?s business, risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; exploration potential being conceptual in nature, there being insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource on the Australian-projects owned by SXG, and uncertainty if further exploration will result in the determination of a mineral resource; planned drill programs and results varying from expectations, delays in obtaining results, equipment failure, unexpected geological conditions, local community relations, dealings with non-governmental organizations, delays in operations due to permit grants, environmental and safety risks, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading \Risk Factors\ in Mawson\-s most recent Annual Information Form filed on www.sedar.com. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Mawson disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.
Disclaimer: Kareem Simpson is a member of the Covington Independent School Board and a Covington Partners Board member.

Just a few months agothe last day of the first school year post-pandemicthere was a resurgence of a wide range of summer programs for school-age children financed by local and federal funds with a major focus on students who have lost the most during months of remote learning experienced in the last few years. Many public school districts around the country say they are especially concerned about students living in poverty, English-language learners, and students with disabilities. But kids of all ages, from high school to kindergarteners, may have suffered academically and emotionally during months of remote learning.

A 2022 report by the Education Development Center [1] found that programs play a critical role in supporting students during the summer months with enriching learning opportunities.

Thats the agenda at Covington Independent Schools, Northern Kentuckys largest independent school district.

Holmes Middle School student at Camp Covington summer storytelling program.

Camp Covington, a joint effort between Covington Independent Schools and Covington Partners, goes beyond elementary school. The two organizations have collaborated for several years to provide enriching summer programming for students entering grades K-12 in Covington. This includes programs at all five elementary schools, the middle school, high school, and alternative program. Camp Covington, a joint effort between Covington Independent Schools and Covington Partners, goes beyond elementary school. The two organizations have collaborated for several years to provide enriching summer programming for students entering grades K-12 in Covington. This includes programs at all five elementary schools, the middle school, high school, and alternative program. The comprehensive summer program proves to be an effective method to reverse the summer slide in both reading and math year after year for the students in our programs.  As summer classes started, Stacie Strotman, Covington Partners Executive Director, said her focus was on the kids and their summer learning. 

Since 1999, Covington Partners has been working together with Covington Independent Schools to promote positive youth development through collaboration with an early focus on preventing youth substance abuse and violence and expanding scope to include mental and physical health promotion, family strengthening, and staff training and support.

Camp Covington art student experiencing hands-on and engaging art projects while having fun and making new friends. This year, Camp Covingtons high school students had the chance to experience two different one-week camps centering around creative arts and leadership. In addition, the program provided extended credit recovery hours for summer students so that they could obtain class credits during summer. Nearly 60% of students utilizing the extended academic time with certified staff received at least one class credit during this time.





According to a survey released at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, 57% of superintendents reported they will decrease or end summer learning and enrichment offerings currently by September 2024. Even before many schools shut their doors for the summer, their administrations had already planned to slowly decrease the amount of funds allocated towards summer programming.According to a survey released at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, 57% of superintendents reported they will decrease or end summer learning and enrichment offerings currently by September 2024. [2]

But just before Camp Covington opened its doors for the summer, the Covington Independent School Board approved additional funding so that Camp Covington could add researched-based learning pedagogy to its already robust summer programming.

Covington Partners long-standing partnership with Covington Schools is a model for the region, state and nation, said Strotman. We are excited about the additional interventions we added to this years program and cant wait to see how our students will benefit.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Armenia should handle state problems by itself and stop the practice of calling Moscow at every turn, Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan said, Trend reports.

Pashinyan made the remark while speaking at a press-conference in Yerevan.

"There are many fair points in Moscow's position, and if we translate many of them from diplomatic language, it would mean something like this: 'You've been independent for 30 years, so for how long you plan to keep calling every time a problem arises?'," Pashinyan said.

The PM also admitted that the Armenians in Karabakh also 'helped' to maintain this solution - to call Moscow all the time, while Moscow has its own share of problems to deal with.

Exactly three years before Pashinyan came to power - on the eve of the 2020 second Karabakh war - from all the platforms in which the prime minister regularly took part, he unequivocally fell into the spotlight with his territorial claims, and provocative statements against Azerbaijan. As a result, on the night of September 27, 2020, the Armenian Armed Forces attacked the positions of Azerbaijan.

Following over a month of military action to liberate its territories from Armenian occupation from late Sept. to early Nov. 2020, Azerbaijan has pushed Armenia to sign the surrender document, ending the 30-year occupation, and now it's clear that Pashinyan has reconciled with the fact that he has no other choice but to accept the new geopolitical reality created by Azerbaijan, and is beginning to understand that the future of the region is based on the peace declared by Azerbaijan.
Distant galaxies scattered all over the field of view of the James Webb Space Telescope.

Astronomy is one of the oldest scientific disciplines that has evolved from the humble beginnings of counting stars and charting constellations with the naked eye to the impressive showcase of humankind's technological capabilities that we see today.

Despite the progress astronomy has made over millennia, astronomers are still working hard to understand the nature of the universe and humankind's place in it. That question has only gotten more complex as our understanding of the universe grew with our expanding technical capabilities.

As the depths of the sky opened in front of our increasingly sophisticated telescopes, and sensitive detectors enabled us to spot the weirdest types of signals, the star-studded sky that our ancestors gazed at turned into a zoo of mind-boggling objects including black holes, white dwarfs, neutron stars and supernovas.

Related: Famous astronomers: How these scientists shaped astronomy

At the same time, the two-dimensional constellations that inspired the imagination of early sky-watchers were reduced to an optical illusion, behind which the swirling of galaxies hurtling through spacetime reveals a story that began with the Big Bang some 13.8 billion years ago.

Here is how the story of astronomy and our understanding of the universe evolved.

Astronomy FAQs

What is astronomy? Astronomy uses mathematics, physics and chemistry to study celestial objects and phenomena.

What are the four types of astronomy? Astronomy cannot be divided solely into four types. It is a broad discipline encompassing many subfields including observational astronomy, theoretical astronomy, planetary science, astrophysics, cosmology and astrobiology.

What do you study in astronomy? Those who study astronomy explore the structure and origin of the universe including the stars, planets, galaxies and black holes that reside in it. Astronomers aim to answer fundamental questions about our universe through theory and observation.

History of astronomy: The beginnings

Most of today's citizens of planet Earth live surrounded by the inescapable glow of modern urban lighting and can hardly imagine the awe-inspiring presence of the pristine star-studded sky that illuminated the nights for ancient tribes and early civilizations. We can guess how drawn our ancestors were to that overwhelming sight from the role that sky-watching played in their lives.

Ancient monuments, such as the 5,000 years old Stonehenge in the U.K., were built to reflect the journey of the sun in the sky, which helped keep track of time and organize life in an age that solely depended on seasons. Art pieces depicting the moon and stars were discovered dating back several thousand years, such as the "world's oldest star map," the bronze-age Nebra disk.

Ancient Assyro-Babylonians around 1,000 B.C. systematically observed and recorded periodical motions of celestial bodies, according to the European Space Agency (ESA), and similar records exist also from early China. In fact, according to the University of Oregon, astronomy can be considered the first science as it's the one for which the oldest written records exist.

Ancient Greeks elevated sky-watching to a new level. Aristarchus of Samos made the first (highly inaccurate) attempt to calculate the distance of Earth to the sun and moon, and Hipparchus sometimes considered the father of empirical astronomy, cataloged the positions of over 800 stars using just the naked eye. He also developed the brightness scale that is still in use today, according to ESA.

The Nebra Disc, estimated to be 3,600 years old, is one of the oldest known artefacts depicting the night sky. (Image credit: Frank Vincentz)

History of astronomy: The arrival of the telescope

During the Middle Ages, the science of astronomy continued to advance in Asia and the Islamic world. Islamic scholars kept building on the knowledge of the Ancient Greeks, expanding the catalog introduced by Hipparchus. They also developed new tools for measuring the positions of objects in the sky such as the quadrant and the sextant, according to ESA.

The first true breakthrough in humankind's exploration of the universe, however, arrived with the invention of the telescope in the 17th century. Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei was an early adopter and developer of the technology, which enabled him to make major strides in the understanding of our solar system.

Called "the father of modern science" by no other than the great Albert Einstein, Galileo was able to sketch the surface of the moon, discover the main moons of Jupiter, find sunspots on the sun, and much more, thanks to the telescope.

The invention of the telescope supercharged astronomy. Despite the objections of the Catholic Church, the notion that Earth wasn't the center of the universe but orbited the sun together with other planets and their moons could no longer be denied.

Astronomy at that time played a key role in helping seafarers and travelers navigate the globe, and so, first, government-funded observatories, the Paris Observatory and the Royal Greenwich Observatory were established in 1667 and 1675 respectively with the goal of building more accurate stellar maps.

In the 18th century, astronomers for the first time managed to calculate the distance of a nearby star, adding a third dimension to stellar catalogs.

The advent of photography in the 19th century simplified the charting of the night sky and the stellar position catalogs quickly grew from a few thousand to tens of thousands of stars, according to ESA. The first photographs of the moon and sun were published in the 1840s followed by the images of the first star, Vega, about a decade later.

The discovery of spectroscopy, a discipline analyzing the ability of matter to split light into different wavelengths depending on its chemical composition, opened new and completely unexpected avenues of astronomical research in the second half of the 19th century. With spectroscopy, astronomers could study the chemical composition of celestial objects, first of those nearby, such as the moon and the sun, and later the more distant ones, including other stars and even galaxies. Suddenly, astronomy was not only about where things were located in the universe but also about what they were made of.

Famous astronomer Galileo Galilei showing off his telescope in Venice in a historical engraving. (Image credit: Welcome Images)

History of astronomy: The boom of the modern era

Hand in hand with the overall rocket-speed technological progress that the world has witnessed since the beginning of the 20th century grew the ability of astronomers to see farther and analyze more precisely.

In the early 20th century, fast improvements in telescope technologies led astronomers for the first time to question whether the Milky Way was synonymous with the universe or only one of many starry universes scattered in space. American astronomer Edwin Hubble solved this question in the 1920s when he managed first to distinguish individual stars in the Andromeda nebula, today known as the Andromeda galaxy, and eventually calculate their distances from Earth. These stars were so much farther away than anything else in our galaxy that Hubble concluded that Andromeda is its own Milky Way. A new, much deeper universe suddenly unfolded in front of astronomers' eyes.

Other "nebulas" were soon confirmed as galaxies. Within a decade, astronomers realized that these nebulas were speeding away from Earth the faster the farther away they were, according to Science News. This discovery led to the idea that the universe was expanding probably from the time of a giant explosion that had created it in the most distant past. The Big Bang theory was born.

The Second World War sped up technological progress even further, ushering in the era of spaceflight and exploration of the universe from space. What only a few decades prior would have been the stuff of science fiction was quickly becoming reality.

In 1957, the U.S.S.R launched the first-ever satellite, Sputnik. From then on, more and more complex scientific instruments would be installed on satellites and the picture of the orbital environment around Earth would start to emerge. In 1962, NASA's Mariner 2 became the first spacecraft to visit another planet, Venus, and in 1964, the first radio astronomy satellite, the U.K.'s Ariel 2, made it into orbit.

The space race of the 1960s culminated with the successful moon landings of the Apollo program. Scientists on Earth could, for the first time, hold in their hands' pristine pieces of rock from another celestial body. The U.S.S.R celebrated its own successes with the lunar rover Lunokhod, which analyzed 25 lunar soil samples with its onboard instruments.

In 1968, NASA launched the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory 2, nicknamed Stargazer, the first attempt to study the wider universe from space, according to USA. Today. Only a year later, plans for the Hubble Space Telescope started to shape up, although it would take more than two decades to get the grand telescope off the ground.

Since then, dozens of probes have been sent to study bodies in the solar system including planets, comets, moons and asteroids. Space telescopes, together with ever more powerful ground-based telescopes have revealed the star-studded sky in detail that the ancient tribesmen would never be able to even imagine.

The James Webb Space Telescope, launched on Christmas Day 2021, represents the pinnacle of this eternal endeavor that started thousands of years ago and grew from humble beginnings. Yet, the more astronomers see, the more questions are arising and the answers to the grand questions of the nature of the universe and our place in it remain elusive.

The Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1991, supercharged astronomical research. (Image credit: NASA)

Types of astronomy

In the past century or so, astronomy has been broadly split into two camps  observational astronomy (using telescopes and cameras to collect data about the night sky) and theoretical astronomy (using that data to analyze, model and theorize about how objects and phenomena work).

They complement each other, yet within these two broad categories, modern astronomy includes many subsets, from astrometry to exoplanetology, that intrinsically overlap yet help explain the many things astronomers do. Here's what they all mean:

Astrometry: This ancient branch of astronomy concerns precise calculations of the motions of the sun, the moon and the planets. It includes predictions of solar and lunar eclipses and meteor showers. It also includes exoplanetology, a relatively new and very exciting field that concerns itself with the discovery and characterization of planets outside of the solar system.

This ancient branch of astronomy concerns precise calculations of the motions of the sun, the moon and the planets. It includes predictions of solar and lunar eclipses and meteor showers. It also includes exoplanetology, a relatively new and very exciting field that concerns itself with the discovery and characterization of planets outside of the solar system. Planetary astronomy: How did the solar system come to be? This is the central question penetrating planetary astronomy, which focuses on the formation, evolution and death of planets, moons and other objects in the solar system, it also includes planetary geology.

How did the solar system come to be? This is the central question penetrating planetary astronomy, which focuses on the formation, evolution and death of planets, moons and other objects in the solar system, it also includes planetary geology. Astrophysics : Astrophysicists apply the laws and theories of physics to astronomical observations. It's an attempt to understand the mechanism behind how the universe was created and how it has and will evolve.

Astrophysicists apply the laws and theories of physics to astronomical observations. It's an attempt to understand the mechanism behind how the universe was created and how it has and will evolve. Astrochemistry: Astrochemists study the composition and reactions of atoms, molecules and ions in space.

Astrochemists study the composition and reactions of atoms, molecules and ions in space. Astrobiology: This emerging and, for now, largely theoretical field of astronomy is the study of life beyond Earth.

This emerging and, for now, largely theoretical field of astronomy is the study of life beyond Earth. Stellar astronomy: The study of the life cycle and structure of the sun and the stars, stellar astronomy concerns the classification of stars, and populations of stars.

The study of the life cycle and structure of the sun and the stars, stellar astronomy concerns the classification of stars, and populations of stars. Galactic astronomy: astronomers study our galaxy, the Milky Way, while extragalactic astronomers peer outside of it to determine how these groups of stars form, change and die.

astronomers study our galaxy, the Milky Way, while extragalactic astronomers peer outside of it to determine how these groups of stars form, change and die. Cosmology: Although it's sometimes used to mean astronomy, strictly speaking, cosmology refers to the science of the origin and nature of the universe. The key concept in cosmology is the Big Bang Theory , the most widely accepted explanation of how the universe began. Cosmology also includes purely theoretical subjects including string theory, dark matter and dark energy, and the notion of multiple universes.

The iconic Pillars of Creation. The Hubble Space Telescope's view on the left, the new James Webb Space Telescope photo on the right. (Image credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI; Joseph DePasquale (STScI), Anton M. Koekemoer (STScI), Alyssa Pagan (STScI).)

What are optical, infrared and radio astronomy?

All astronomy is the study of different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum, which comprises radio, microwave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-ray and gamma rays. To get the full picture of what's out there astronomers need to study various wavelengths of light.

Optical astronomy is the study of celestial objects using telescopes that observe visible light. Infrared light can be detected outside of the Earth's atmosphere, so by space-based observatories like the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope. Radio astronomy is the study of the sky in radio frequencies; radio telescopes detect and amplify radio waves from space.

The Square Kilometer Array's site in Australia will rely on 130,000 Christmas-tree like dipole antennas to listen to radio waves emitted by objects in the most distant universe. (Image credit: SKAO)

The problem with astronomy

However they observe the universe, astronomers only ever get a snapshot of the planets, stars and galaxies they study. So although there are dozens of different branches of astronomy, in practice many of them must overlap for an astronomer to get as full a picture as possible of objects that exist for millions to billions of years.

We're on the cusp of some tremendously exciting new technology that looks set to revolutionize astronomy. In addition to the James Webb Space Telescope a range of ground-breaking Earth-based telescopes is set to come online within this decade including the Vera Rubin Observatory all-sky survey, the Extremely Large Telescope and the Square Kilometre Array, the world's largest radio telescope.

Astronomers are about to see deeper into space to observe regions and objects never seen before.

The difference between astronomy and astrology

Astrology and astronomy have the same origin but over the past centuries diverged onto irreconcilable paths. (Image credit: Public Domain Pictures/Andrea Stockel)

Astronomy and astrology have grown from the same roots. Ancient civilizations and early tribesmen believed that the sky held power over their lives and that by observing the motions of celestial bodies, one could learn about the future.

The close bond between the two disciplines survived millennia. During the renaissance period, astronomers were frequently hired as personal advisers to monarchs to advise on decisions based on the positions of stars and planets, according to Astronomica.

But as the scientific method grew in strength over the subsequent centuries, astronomy and astrology have grown apart. While astronomy has become the domain of no-nonsense data-driven observations and verifiable predictions relying on the most cutting-edge technology, astrology was reduced to the realm of new-age superstition where considerably less educated future predictors use glass crystals and simplistic star charts to predict the path of a person's life.

In fact, astronomers point out, that due to the irregularity of Earth's orbit, the position of the sun within the zodiac signs, which form the backbone of western astrology and which were identified centuries ago, no longer matches the actual position of the sun. So while you may have been told you were born in Taurus, you actually could have been born in Aries.

Jobs in astronomy

If star-gazing is your calling and you think of making it your life's path, you can find some useful insights about what it takes to be an astronomer on the website of the International Astronomical Union. The Royal Astronomical Society also has many useful resources in its Careers section.

If you are already further down the path and looking for a suitable opening based on your qualifications, the American Astronomical Society lists all kinds of openings all over the world on its jobs register site.

If you wonder how much you'd earn in an astronomy-related career, the SciJournal lists ten highest paying astronomy jobs.

Additional resources

Read this detailed three-part series by the European Space Agency about the history of astrometry from the earliest times, to the emergence of telescopes to modern space-based observations. This ScienceNews feature tells the story of the major leaps in astronomers' understanding of the universe in the first half of the 20th century. This article by the Royal Society provides a detailed overview of the evolution of astronomy in the post-war era. To learn more about the early days of the telescope and the role of Galileo Galileo in shaping modern astronomy, check this article by the Library of Congress.

Bibliography

European Space Agency, A history of astrometry - Part I - Mapping the sky from ancient to modern times, September 1, 2019

https://sci.esa.int/web/gaia/-/53196-the-oldest-sky-maps

European Space Agency, A history of astrometry - Part II - Telescopes ignites the race to measure stellar distances, September 1, 2019

https://sci.esa.int/web/gaia/-/53197-seeing-and-measuring-farther

European Space Agency, A history of astrometry - Part III - Astrometry moves to space: The mapmakers guide to the galaxy

https://sci.esa.int/web/gaia/-/53198-astrometry-in-space

The Royal Society, A brief history of astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology 1945-2000, June 9, 2022

https://royalsociety.org/blog/2022/06/brief-history-of-astronomy-astrophysics-and-cosmology-1945-2000/

ScienceNews, In 20th century, astronomers opened their minds to gazillions of galaxies, February 2, 2017

https://www.sciencenews.org/blog/context/20th-century-astronomers-opened-their-minds-gazillions-galaxies

Library of Congress, Galileo and the Telescope, https://www.loc.gov/collections/finding-our-place-in-the-cosmos-with-carl-sagan/articles-and-essays/modeling-the-cosmos/galileo-and-the-telescope
Starlink is the name of a satellite network developed by the private spaceflight company SpaceX to provide low-cost internet to remote locations.

A Starlink satellite has a lifespan of approximately five years and SpaceX eventually hopes to have as many as 42,000 satellites in this so-called megaconstellation.

The current V2 Starlink satellite version weighs approximately 1,760 lbs (800 kilograms) at launch, almost three times heavier than the older generation satellites (weighing in at 573 lbs or 260 kg), according to Spaceflight Now .

Related: Wild solar weather is causing satellites to plummet from orbit

How many Starlink satellites are there? As of July 2023, there are 4,519 Starlink satellites in orbit, of which 4,487 are operational, according to Astronomer Jonathan McDowell who tracks the constellation on his website.

The size and scale of the Starlink project concerns astronomers, who fear that the bright, orbiting objects will interfere with observations of the universe, as well as spaceflight safety experts who now see Starlink as the number one source of collision hazard in Earth's orbit. In addition to that, some scientists worry that the amount of metal that will be burning up in Earth's atmosphere as old satellites are deorbited could trigger unpredictable changes to the planet's climate.

Starlink satellite tracker

Long-exposure image showing a train of Starlink satellites passing over Uruguay on February 7, 2021. (Image credit: MARIANA SUAREZ/AFP via Getty Images)

Starlink satellites orbit approximately 342 miles (550 kilometers) above Earth and put on a spectacular show for observers as they move across the sky. This show is not welcomed by all and can significantly hinder both optical and radio astronomical observations.

You don't need any special equipment to see Starlink satellites as they are visible to the unaided eye. The satellites can appear as a string of pearls or a "train" of bright lights moving across the night sky . Starlink satellites are easier to see a day or two after their launch and deployment then become progressively harder to spot as they climb to their final orbital height of around 342 miles (550 km).

Related: Starlink satellite train: How to see and track it in the night sky

Our list of the best stargazing apps may help you with your Starlink viewing planning. If you want to see where all of the Starlink satellites are located in real-time check out this Starlink map showing the global coverage of each Starlink satellite as well as information on how many are currently in service, inactive or have burned up in Earth's atmosphere.

Related: How to photograph Starlink satellites guide.

Starlink coverage

To see current Starlink internet availability around the world, and if it's available where you are, Starlink has an interactive map detailing locations where Starlink internet is available, which areas are on the waitlist as well as areas that are "coming soon".

"Starlink is ideally suited for areas where connectivity has been unreliable or completely unavailable," the Starlink main page states. "People across the globe are using Starlink to gain access to education, health services and even communications support during natural disasters."

More information about Starlink setup, along with answers to frequently answered questions, are available on the customer service page .

The history of Starlink

SpaceX's first 60 Starlink internet communications satellites are released all at once in this animation of images taken during the successful May 23, 2019 launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. (Image credit: SpaceX)

SpaceX's satellite internet proposal was announced in January 2015. Though it wasn't given a name at the time, CEO Elon Musk said that the company had filed documents with international regulators to place about 4,000 satellites in low Earth orbit.

"We're really talking about something which is, in the long term, like rebuilding the internet in space," Musk said during a speech in Seattle when revealing the project.

SpaceX's satellite internet proposal was announced in January 2015. Though it wasn't given a name at the time, CEO Elon Musk said that the company had filed documents with international regulators to place about 4,000 satellites in Low Earth Orbit .

"We're really talking about something which is, in the long term, like rebuilding the internet in space," Musk said during a speech in Seattle when revealing the project.

Musk's initial estimate of the number of satellites soon grew, as he hoped to capture a part of the estimated $1 trillion worldwide internet connectivity market to help achieve his Mars colonization vision . The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted SpaceX permission to fly 12,000 Starlink satellites, and the company has filed paperwork with an international regulator to loft up to 30,000 additional spacecraft .

To put that into perspective, as of Nov. 7, 2022, only 14,450 satellites have been launched in all of history with 6,800 currently active according to the European Space Agency (ESA).

SpaceX launched its first two Starlink test craft, named TinTinA and TinTinB, in February 2018. The mission went smoothly. Based on initial data, the company asked regulators for its fleet to be allowed to operate at lower altitudes than originally planned, and the FCC agreed .

The first 60 Starlink satellites launched on May 23, 2019, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket . The satellites successfully reached their operational altitude of 340 miles (550 kilometers).

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is prepared to launch the Starlink satellites into orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. (Image credit: SpaceX)

Starlink's impact on astronomy

Within days of the first 60-satellite Starlink launch, skywatchers spotted a linear pearl string of lights as the spacecraft whizzed overhead in the early morning. Web-based guides showed others how to track down the spectacular display.

"This was quite an amazing sight, and I was shouting 'Owowowow!' when the bright 'train' of objects entered into view," Netherlands-based satellite tracker Marco Langbroek told Space.com in 2019 via email. "They were brighter than I had anticipated."

That brightness was a surprise to almost everyone, including both SpaceX and the astronomical community. Researchers began to panic and shared photos of satellite streaks in their data, such as this trail image from the Lowell Observatory in Arizona.

They expressed particular concerns about future images from highly sensitive telescopes such as the Vera Rubin Observatory (formerly known as the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope), which will study the entire universe in exquisite detail and is expected to come online in 2022. Radio astronomers are also planning for interference from Starlink's radio-based antennas.

In photos: SpaceX launches 60 Starlink satellites to orbit

A train of SpaceX Starlink satellites are visible in the night sky in this still from a video captured by satellite tracker Marco Langbroek in Leiden, the Netherlands on May 24, 2019, just one day after SpaceX launched 60 of the Starlink internet communications satellites into orbit. (Image credit: Marco Langbroek via SatTrackBlog

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) expressed concerns in a statement released in June 2019. "Satellite constellations can pose a significant or debilitating threat to important existing and future astronomical infrastructures, and we urge their designers and deployers as well as policy-makers to work with the astronomical community in a concerted effort to analyze and understand the impact of satellite constellations," the statement said.

In April 2021, Thomas Schildknecht, the deputy director of the Astronomical Institute of the University of Bern, who represents Switzerland in the IAU, said at the European Space Agency's space debris conference that the union was calling on the United Nations to protect pristine night sky as cultural heritage against the uncontrolled expansion of megaconstellations.

In a report released in October 2022, the American Astronomical Society (ASS) likened the impact of megaconstellations on astronomy to light pollution. The report said the sky may brighten by a factor of two to three due to the diffuse reflection of sunlight off the spacecraft.

Related: Can you see stars in light polluted skies?

Starlink collision risk

SpaceX received additional backlash in September 2019, when the European Space Agency (ESA) announced that it had directed its Aeolus satellite to undertake evasive maneuvers and avoid crashing into "Starlink 44," one of the first 60 satellites in the megaconstellation. The agency took action after learning from the U.S. military that the probability of a collision was 1 in 1,000  10 times higher than ESA's threshold for conducting a collision-avoidance maneuver.

In August 2021, Hugh Lewis, the head of the Astronautics Research Group at the University of Southampton, U.K. and Europe's leading space debris expert, told Space.com that Starlink satellites represent the single main sources of collision risk in low Earth orbit.

According to computer models, at that time, Starlink satellites were involved every week in about 1,600 encounters between two spacecraft closer than 0.6 miles (1 kilometer). That's about 50% of all such incidents. This number rises with every new batch of satellites launched into space. By the time Starlink deploys all 12,000 satellites of its first-generation constellation it could reach 90%, Lewis said.

Lewis also expressed concerns that Starlink's operator SpaceX, a newcomer into the satellite business, is now the single most dominant player in the field whose decisions can affect the safety of all operations in low Earth orbit.

End of lifespan deorbiting procedure

SpaceX plans to refresh the Starlink megaconstellation every five years with newer technology. At the end of their service, the old satellites will be steered into Earth's atmosphere where they will burn up. That is certainly commendable when it comes to space debris prevention, however, there is another problem.

The vast amount of satellites that will be burning in the otherwise pristine upper layers of the atmosphere could alter the atmospheric chemistry and have unforeseen consequences for life on the planet.

In a paper published in May 2021 in the journal Scientific Reports , Canadian researcher Aaron Boley said the aluminum the satellites are made of will produce aluminum oxide, also known as alumina, during burn-up. He warned that alumina is known to cause ozone depletion and could also alter the atmosphere's ability to reflect heat.

"Alumina reflects light at certain wavelengths and if you dump enough alumina into the atmosphere, you are going to create scattering and eventually change the albedo of the planet," Boley told Space.com .

That could lead to an out-of-control geoengineering experiment, a change in the Earth's climate balance. The effects of such alternations are currently unknown.

Karen Rosenlof, an atmospheric chemistry expert at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), told Space.com she too was concerned about the effects of the particles from the burning satellites in the atmosphere. Rosenlof has expertise in modeling the effects of geoengineering interventions.

David Fahey, the Director of NOAA's Chemical Sciences Laboratory, and Martin Ross, a physics and meteorology scientist at the Aerospace Corporation, both told Space.com that more research is urgently needed to understand the effects of burning increasing amounts of satellites in the atmosphere.

The problem, the scientists said, is that in those high layers of the atmosphere, the particles are likely going to stay forever. Boley said that while the number of satellites burning in the atmosphere will be considerably smaller than the number of meteorites , the chemical composition of the artificial objects is different, thus the presence of the products of their burning is something scientists know nothing about.

"We have 54 tonnes (60 tons) of meteoroid material coming in every day," Boley said. "With the first generation of Starlink, we can expect about 2 tonnes (2.2 tons) of dead satellites reentering Earth's atmosphere daily. But meteoroids are mostly rock, which is made of oxygen, magnesium and silicon. These satellites are mostly aluminum, which the meteoroids contain only in a very small amount, about 1%."

As the accumulation of those particles would increase over time, so would the intensity of the effects. It thus cannot be ruled out that over decades the pollution from burning megaconstellation satellites could lead to changes on a scale akin to what we are currently experiencing with fossil-fuel-induced climate change .

"Humans are exceptionally good at underestimating our ability to change the environment," said Boley. "There is this perception that there is no way that we can dump enough plastic into the ocean to make a difference. There is no way we can dump enough carbon into the atmosphere to make a difference. But here we are. We have a plastic pollution problem with the ocean, we have climate change ongoing as a result of our actions and our changing of the composition of the atmosphere and we are poised to make the same type of mistake by our use of space."

Starlink did not respond to Space.com requests for comment.

A Starlink satellite's lifespan can also be cut short by powerful geomagnetic storms.

On Feb. 3, 2022, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket made a routine and successful launch of 49 Starlink satellites from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. But only a day later, a geomagnetic storm above Earth pushed up the density of the atmosphere, increasing the drag on the satellites and dooming the bulk of them to an early death.

"Preliminary analysis show the increased drag at the low altitudes prevented the satellites from leaving safe mode to begin orbit-raising maneuvers, and up to 40 of the satellites will reenter or already have reentered the Earth's atmosphere," SpaceX wrote in an update on Feb. 8, 2022.

Read more: Better space weather forecast could have saved SpaceX Starlink satellites from solar storm

SpaceX began launching an upgraded version of Starlink, called the V2 mini, on February 27, 2023. The V2 minis serve as a precursor version to the company's full V2 design, whose larger design is intended to launch on SpaceX's yet-operational Starship rocket. In the interim, the V2 minis stand in as a measurable upgrade from Starlink's previous version.

Starlink V2 minis are more robust than the first generation, in both size and capability. According to SpaceX's social media posts, the upgrades include argon Hall thrusters for a 2.4x and 1.5x boost in thrust and impulse, respectively, refitted phased array antennas, and E-band backhaul use capabilities that nearly quadruple Starlink's data capacity.

The full version V2 satellites won't launch until SpaceX's Starship is fully operational. When they do, the larger V2 satellites will possess an even higher data capacity than their predecessors, and the ability to provide services direct to cellular devices. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert announced a deal between the two companies in August 2022, and plan to provide the service to T-Mobile customers once Starlink V2 begins to launch.

Starlink satellite use in emergencies

Starlink internet speeds are said to be much faster for many users in rural regions compared to local options, although again, this varies by region. (Image credit: STR/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

With the right equipment, access to Starlink internet can be achieved in remote locations within just a few minutes, making it a useful resource in emergencies.

According to a statement on Starlink's official website "Without the bounds of traditional ground infrastructure, Starlink can be deployed in a matter of minutes to support emergency responders in disaster scenarios."

"The Starlink team is proud to support and prioritize service for emergency responders around the globe and will continue to grow this support as our coverage areas expand." The statement continues.

The benefits of Starlink internet service in emergencies have already been demonstrated in Ukraine and Tonga.

Starlink, SpaceX's giant and ever-growing broadband constellation, has been a vital piece of Ukrainian communications infrastructure throughout the ongoing Russian invasion . Ukrainian government officials publicly requested Starlink terminals on Feb. 26, just two days after the invasion began, and the first ones arrived in the country on Feb. 28.

In early April, SpaceX and the U.S. Agency for International Development announced they had jointly delivered about 5,000 Starlink terminals to Ukraine, with SpaceX directly providing more than 3,000 of them. The number has grown considerably since then, to 25,000 or so, according to company founder and CEO Elon Musk .

The situation in Ukraine was not always smooth, as Musk noted in March 2022 that the Starlink terminals have been jammed near Ukraine conflict areas. The company was already working on an upgrade when Musk announced this, and he pledged a further pivot to cyber defense to keep the Starlinks operational.

In February 2022, at least 50 Starlink terminals were sent to the island nation of Tonga in the Pacific Ocean. The goal was to give its residents free Internet access, especially in remote villages. Tonga needed the terminals after suffering a massive volcano eruption and tsunami in January. At the time, SpaceX said the terminals will allow for communications to flow in some of the regions with the worst effects due to the eruption according to Reuters.

SpaceX's plans for Starlink

SpaceX has stated that it will work with organizations and space agencies to mitigate the impacts of its megaconstellation. And the company has tried to assuage astronomers' concerns over Starlink's effect on the night sky.

"SpaceX is absolutely committed to finding a way forward so our Starlink project doesn't impede the value of the research you all are undertaking," Patricia Cooper, SpaceX's vice president of satellite government affairs, told astronomers at a January 2020 meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Honolulu, Nature reported .

SpaceX has taken action to this effect. For example, recently launched Starlink satellites sport visors designed to prevent sunlight from glinting too brightly off their most reflective parts.

But the huge numbers of satellites in megaconstellations from SpaceX and other private space companies, such as OneWeb, suggest that light pollution and other issues may continue, and advocates have called for greater regulations from government agencies.

"Here is a gift for the leaders of the world, a task more non-partisan than any other which has come before: protect our skies," stargazer Arwen Rimmer wrote in The Space Review , a weekly online publication devoted to essays and commentary about space, in early 2020.

How do Starlink satellites work?

The current version of each Starlink satellite weighs 573 lbs. (260 kilograms) and is, according to Sky & Telescope magazine , roughly the size of a table.

Rather than sending internet signals through electric cables, which must be physically laid down to reach far-flung places, satellite internet works by beaming information through the vacuum of space, where it travels 47% faster than in fiber-optic cable, Business Insider reported.

Current satellite internet works using large spacecraft that orbit 22,236 miles (35,786 km) above a particular spot on Earth. But at that distance, there are generally significant time delays in sending and receiving data. By being closer to our planet and networking together, Starlink's satellites are meant to carry large amounts of information rapidly to any point on Earth, even over the oceans and in extremely hard-to-reach places where fiber-optic cables would be expensive to lay down.

SpaceX's Starlink internet service consists of a ground terminal (right) and antenna for high-speed satellite internet. (Image credit: SpaceX)

Users on the ground access the broadband signals using a kit sold by SpaceX. The kit contains a small satellite dish with a mounting tripod, a wifi router, cables and a power supply, according to the company's website .

How you can access Starlink's internet service

SpaceX has a dedicated website to order Starlink terminals. Go to the main page of the Starlink website and scroll down to the section that says " Order Now ."

After plugging in your service address, you can see whether Starlink is available for your region. While pricing varies by region, a search for an address in Brooklyn in November 2022 gave a hardware price of $599.00, a one-time shipping and handling charge of $50.00, and a monthly service charge of $110.00.

Speeds are said to be much faster for many users in rural regions compared to local options, although again, this varies by region. "Users can expect to see download speeds between 100 Mb/s and 200 Mb/s, and latency as low as 20ms in most locations," the home page states.

Once your box arrives, you should see within it a Starlink kit that will allow you to connect to the Internet. A Starlink app, as well as a website user guide, are meant to guide you through the installation.

Additional resources

Explore Starlink satellites in more detail with this informative video from SpaceX . Read how astrophysicist Ethan Siegel thinks SpaceX can fix the damage Starlink satellites are causing to astronomy, published in Forbes.

Bibliography

NOIRLab, Report of the SATCON2 Workshop: Executive Summary, July 16, 2021 https://noirlab.edu/public/media/archives/techdocs/pdf/techdoc031.pdf

Boley, A., Byers, M. Satellite mega-constellations create risks in Low Earth Orbit, the atmosphere and on Earth, Scientific Reports, 20 May, 2021 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-89909-7

McDowell, J. The Low Earth Orbit Satellite Population and Impacts of the SpaceX Starlink Constellation, The Astrophysical Journal Letters, April 6 2020 https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ab8016/meta

Massey R. et al. The challenge of satellite megaconstellations, Nature Astronomy, 6 November, 2020

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-020-01224-9
Emmanuel Breguet, Vice President and Head of Patrimony, talks about the other talents (other than watchmaking) that made his family famous

Can you tell us about the Breguet familys link to aviation because it wasnt only in watchmaking that they excelled?

The link for people who know the Breguet brand is simply to explain that after three generations, the Breguet family has done other things besides watchmaking, and among these things is aviation. Louis-Clement, a descendant of Abraham-Louis, was a pioneer in the field of aviation and was one of the most important airplane constructors of his era. He built planes that have been a little bit forgotten today, but that were very important for about 50 years, not only in France, but also around the world, and for several decades. He was really one of the manufacturers that counted. The other amusing thing is that the family has always kept links with the owners of Breguet watches, so my grandfather was able to tell the Breguet watch company what they needed to do to meet the needs of the days pilots. On that basis, it was a great opportunity for the Breguet brand to have access to this information about the world of aircraft.

Fighter bomber jet  Breguet

When do the first pilots watches start to appear?

In the pre-war period, Breguet was already starting to make special products for aviation, but these were not yet wristwatches. They were dashboard clocks because pilots very quickly realized that they needed to know the time when they were flying. So, Breguet made instruments for plane dashboards, as well as some chronograph wristwatches. After the war, more official aviation watches came into being as pilots needed the time on the instrument panel in front of them, but also on their arm as a backup.

Dashboard clock archive  Breguet

During this period, Breguet collaborated with numerous branches of military and civil aviation. What would you say are the three most important?

I would say that it all began with the French Air Force, which commissioned a watch with a black dial and luminescent hands; as well as would be vibration, acceleration, and heat resistant; and would have a flyback function. Development was already underway from 1949 onwards, but it was in 1953 that the French Air Force launched this project called the Type XX. So, it was the Air Force that created the name and not Breguet. There was also the French Centre dEssais en Vol, which is a much smaller organization than the Air Force, that brings together test pilots who test both aircraft and all the equipment that goes with it. And the third organization that should not be forgotten is the Aeronautique Navale belonging to the French Navy, whose aircraft operate from aircraft carriers. In parallel with these prestigious orders, Breguet produced many other Type XXs for civilian use.

Type XX No. 2499 chronograph sold to the Centre d'Essais en Vol  Breguet

Do these watches turn up at auction?

Interest in these military watches from the 50s and 60s started quite a long time ago; over the last 15 years that has been in line with the vintage trend. At auctions, there are quite a few Type XXs appearing, and then our role is to retrace their origin in our archives. Generally speaking, Type XXs are of interest to collectors on discussion forums around the world (different variants, models, and details) and collectors are asking a lot of questions. It is for this reason I wanted to write a little book about the subject in which I try to answer these questions.

Over the years, are there any anecdotes that you can share?

There is a lovely story about Jaqueline Auriol, who was a very famous French female pilot in the 1950s. She had a strong rival in the United States called Jaqueline Cochran, and they were both competing for the speed record at the same time. One year it would be Jaqueline Auriol in front and a few months later, Jaqueline Cochran would take the lead. This went on for over a decade and the whole world followed their exploits. My grandfather, who had a lot of respect for Jaqueline Auriol, and was one of the first people outside of the army to buy Type XXs, bought several and offered one to Jaqueline Auriol as a gift.
Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, vice-president of Chopard, is not just a connoisseur of watches. A fervent wine enthusiast, he has also ventured into viticulture, with the acquisition of Chateau Monestier La Tour

When you discover Karl-Friedrich Scheufeles alternative persona of winemaker, it doesnt come as too much of a surprise. A meticulous horologist driven by the pursuit of perfection, he expertly helms the Chopard house alongside his sister Caroline. But this successful trajectory has not deterred him from exploring other passions. A motor racing enthusiast and car collector, he also has wine in his blood. His father and grandfather were both epicureans, and he and his wife Christine always dreamed of making their own wine. Their son Karl-Fritz will carry on the legacy.

After launching La Galerie des Arts du Vin, which offers great Bordeaux wines for sale by catalogue, the Scheufele family launched the Caveau de Bacchus wine merchant in Geneva, Gland and Gstaad, along with a wine bar in Geneva, the Bacchus. Their next step was to buy Chateau Monestier La Tour.

Chateau Monestier La Tour  Chopard

We made up our minds after just two visits. As well as falling in love at first sight, it awakened an old memory of our honeymoon in the Dordogne in 1994. It was an easy decision, confides Karl-Friedrich Scheufele. The estate in Bergerac, in the heart of the Perigord region, extends over 100 hectares, some 25 of which are planted with vines. The adventure began in 2012 with the restoration of the Chateau, which dates back to the 13th century, using traditional methods. The 17th-century wine cellar was also updated, the vineyards modernised and new buildings constructed using authentic materials and an understated design that blends perfectly into the landscape. The estate also transitioned to biodynamic cultivation and earned organic certification.

Nature must be approached carefully. Wine doesnt need chemicals to be good. Many of the worlds finest wines are produced using biodynamics. If I can respect nature, thats what I will do. It is vital that we all respect nature and its resources, states Karl-Friedrich Scheufele.

Karl-Friedrich and Christine Scheufele  Chopard

In short, every effort is made to produce the regions finest wine. The inaugural vintage was unveiled in 2014. Unfortunately, 2013 should have been our first vintage, but it was almost entirely destroyed by hail. That was our first real test as winemakers, Scheufele recalls.

Time is a major theme for the Scheufele family, and is reflected in their wine labels featuring a sundial. The Cadran Bergerac range offers red, rose and white wines, a blend of Merlot, Cabernet, Sauvignon and a hint of Malbec. The portfolio also includes a red named Grand Vin Chateau Monestier La Tour Cotes de Bergerac, and a white dessert wine, Saussignac, which is not made every year.

The winery with its barrels  Chopard

Annual production totals around 100,000 bottles, and its quality has been recognised internationally. The wine mirrors the values of the Scheufele family: precision, attention to detail and an aesthetic sensibility. This philosophy has served the watchmaking and jewellery industries well for decades, as the enduring success of the Chopard house clearly demonstrates.
The BBC and House Productions have announced casting and new details about the second series of James Grahams award-winning hit drama Sherwood, now filming for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.Directed by the acclaimed British film director Clio Barnard (Ali & Ava, The Selfish Giant) this new and original fictional story from Nottingham born Graham, will feature a stellar cast line-up including David Harewood (Homeland, The Night Manager), Robert Lindsay (Maleficent 2, My Family), Monica Dolan (Black Mirror, The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe), Sharlene Whyte (Stephen, Small Axe), Stephen Dillane (Game of Thrones, Vigil), Ria Zmitrowicz (The Power, Three Girls), Aisling Loftus (The Midwich Cuckoos, War and Peace), Robert Emms (Andor, Chernobyl), Michael Balogun (Top Boy, The Lehman Trilogy), Christine Bottomley (Domina, Back To Life), Oliver Huntingdon (The Rising, Happy Valley) Jorden Myrie (Mood, The Strays) and Conor Deane (All Creatures Great & Small, Newark) and Bethany Asher (Wild Bill, Mobility).They join David Morrissey (Red Riding, The Walking Dead), Lesley Manville (Mrs Harris Goes to Paris, Mum), Lorraine Ashbourne (Almas Not Normal, I Hate Suzie), Philip Jackson (Raised by Wolves, Peterloo), Perry Fitzpatrick (Line of Duty, This Is England), Bill Jones (Sherwood, The Village) and Adam Hugill (1917, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) who will be returning to reprise their roles.Sherwood series one was a huge hit when it aired on BBC One and iPlayer in 2022, receiving a BAFTA win for Adeel Aktar as supporting actor and BAFTA nominations for Drama Series and for Lesley Manville as supporting actress as well as the RTS Award win for Best Drama Series. Series one reached a consolidated UK audience of 7.5 million viewers, making it one of the most watched new dramas in Britain that year.The second series further explores the powerful themes that made the first so resonant to audiences across the UK; fractured communities, red wall towns and the frayed social and political fabric of modern-day Britain, within a prevailing context of chumocracy, levelling up and political and communal turmoil.The series set in the present day introduces two new families that find themselves entangled with the Sparrows, entering a complex web of local gangs, old rivalries, revenge, and betrayal. Whilst a newly appointed Sheriff of Nottingham, is passionately fighting local government and influential business leaders, to save the community from the prospect of a proposed new mine for the area. It brings the promise of much needed jobs and prosperity but also unwelcome reminders of the legacy, that has mired the community for so long.Sherwood series two is produced by House Productions and will air on BBC One and iPlayer. James Graham has written all six episodes and will be an executive producer on the series. Clio Barnard is lead director and EP, and the producer is Kate Ogborn (Life After Life; The North Water). Juliette Howell, Tessa Ross and Harriet Spencer are executive producers for House Productions and Jo McClellan for the BBC. BBC Studios, which owns House Productions, is the international distributor of both series.
Although the civilized world - ordinary people, politicians and stars - condemned Russia's terrorist war in Ukraine, a few still sold out to the Kremlin and publicly encouraged the genocide of Ukrainians. These celebrities sold their honor and principles for bloody rubles and the Kremlin's favor.

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They made no mention of the suffering of Ukrainians bravely fighting the occupiers. OBOZREVATEL will tell you about cultural figures who ignore Russian terrorism and call on Ukraine to surrender (to see the photo, scroll to the end of the page).

Steven Seagal

Hollywood actor and director Steven Seagal, known for his friendship with dictator President Vladimir Putin, was granted Russian citizenship in 2016. He comes from a family of Jewish immigrants, but for some reason he calls himself a "million percent Russian" and a "Russophile."

He appears in Moscow regularly, and in 2022 he said he visited the occupied Donbass. The actor is not squeamish about shaking hands with propagandists, the dictator and his entourage, each time emphasizing that he belongs to the culture of the terrorist state. In 2018, Seagal even started working for the Russian Foreign Ministry for free.

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Oliver Stone

American movie director, screenwriter and producer Oliver Stone, known for his pro-Russian stance, did not hesitate to accuse Ukraine of Russia starting a full-scale war. He cynically calls the Kremlin's terrorism a "peacekeeping mission"

Stone directed the four-part propaganda film "The Putin Interviews", which received mostly critical praise outside the Russian Federation. After the liberation of Bucha from the Russian occupants, Stone urged against the belief that Putin's military had committed war crimes.

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Roger Waters

Former member of the British band Pink Floyd Roger Waters, a fanatical supporter of Russia in the war, has repeatedly faced condemnation because of his stance. He brazenly claimed in an interview that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainians "crossed a lot of red lines that have been clearly marked by the Russian Federation for several years."

He also issued that Ukraine needs to accept Putin's terms. Waters has been listed in the "Peacemaker" database since 2018, but despite this, he was caught up in a scandal when he wrote a letter to Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska asking her to influence the Ukrainian leader's policies.

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Emir Kusturica

Serbian film director and musician Emir Kusturica also boasts of his acquaintance with the Russian dictator. For this, his performances around the world are canceled and the star is condemned.

Kusturica agreed to take over the position of chief director of the Central Academic Theater of the Russian Army. The Serbian musician has friendly relations with the Russian Defense Minister - Sergei Shoigu, and he also accepted state awards from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Paulo Coelho

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Earlier OBOZREVATEL wrote that propagandists decided to supplement this list with Hollywood actor Johnny Depp, but embarrassed themselves. Read more about the embarrassment at the link.

Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel, Threads and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
L abour is wooing businesses and bankers as it readies itself for office in a repeat of the prawn cocktail offensive by Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown to get finance on side before their 1997 victory.

Business leaders say Sir Keir Starmer and his shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves have stepped up their efforts to win over the City, in private talks with bankers and chief executives. One City lobbyist said: Labour leaders have spent many more hours with business than they have in schools and hospitals. Ive been invited to breakfast with Jonathan Reynolds (shadow business secretary) about a dozen times in the last few months.

While Chancellor Jeremy Hunt was giving his Mansion House speech, Labour was hosting the venture capital sector at a private dinner. Ed Miliband emailed City bosses seeking an audience to discuss energy policy. Many business leaders say they have mostly been impressed, and are reassured that a Labour government will not attempt radical regulation.

Labour insiders say they have seen a flood of unsolicited donations from the City. According to the Electoral Commission website, donations this year include:

31,000 from PwC

25,000 from Victor Blank, former chairman of Lloyds TSB

29,700 from Ernst & Young

6,000 from Linchpin Private Equity

200,000 from Peak Scientific Holdings, which manufactures gas generators

Party donations normally increase substantially in the six months before an election. Nicholas Smith, chairman of Labour in the City, said: Labours engagement with the financial sector is more comprehensive and systematic than at any point in years. It has made rapid progress establishing trust and regular channels of communication.

A private email from Severn Trent boss Liz Garfield made the cosy relationship plain. Ms Garfield, after talks with the party hierarchy, told her fellow utility bosses that Labour did not want to include nationalisation in its next manifesto, but warned that something must be done about utilities. She suggested they rebrand themselves as social purpose companies, that make a profit but rebuild public confidence in privatised firms.

Ms Garfield even sent out a draft of a press release that would show utility companies and Labour working together to ensure world-class public services.

The creative industries are seen as a battleground for both parties. Sir Keir spoke to 100 creative and media bosses at a private breakfast, organised by the Thirty Club, a networking club for advertising executives, at the Berkeley Hotel in March. Chief executives in other sectors report the same approach. One said: Its not explicit, but the plan is clearly, dont force us into loads of new rules by your behaviour. Sort it out yourselves, make some money, then well take the tax to pay health and education.

Simon French, chief economist of broker Panmure Gordon, said: Rachel Reeves has toured the City and Wall Street and left a favourable impression. She is not John McDonnell, nor is she Kwasi Kwarteng. Other shadow ministers have also engaged on their own agendas. While they have not necessarily inspired, they have not left the City terrified of what a change of government may bring.

Labours quest to return to power has been thrown into sharp relief by last weeks by-elections, which has pitted Sir Keir against Mayor Sadiq Khan over the Ulez expansion after the party failed to win the Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat. Meanwhile, Labour romped to victory in Selby and Ainsty, North Yorkshire, in one of its biggest-ever swings from the Tories.

In many cases, business people are assuming Labour will win a general election  perhaps easily  and are preparing for that, whatever their natural political inclinations. Pollsters say that the Tories have for many years enjoyed a double-digit lead over Labour when it comes to managing the economy. That looks like its gone, after the Liz Truss premiership.

Amanda Blanc, chief executive of Aviva, addressed Labours business conference. She said: The market reaction to the mini-Budget shows that political decisions cannot be divorced from reality or from business. We cant just invent growth. We cant just improve productivity by wishing it so... It is clear the Labour Party is calling out to businesses like yours, and ours, and wants to hear from all of us. The turnout today tells you that business is reciprocating.

One political adviser to a FTSE 100 business said: Under Corbyn, it seemed too risky to even engage with Labour. Conservatives had a high point under Cameron and Osborne in terms of business. Theresa May was a bit rubbish at it and Boris said f*** business. Rishi Sunak and his team are much savvier in the meetings but for too long the others in the room were juniors. Mr Sunak has appointed former Morgan Stanley banker Franck Petitgas to boost relations with the City.

As part of the drive to appear moderate, Ms Reeves has insisted she would have an iron grip on finances to reduce fears of unfunded spending. Not everyone is entirely won over. One banker said: We respect that they are banging on our doors, but where is the beef in terms of policy? The whole of Labour strategy is the Ming vase on a slippery floor thing. Barring a miracle they are going to win. My worry is that they are lacking in ideas.

According to figures from the Electoral Commission, Labour raised 5.8 million in political donations in the first three months of this year, including 500,000 from Gary Lubner, the former boss of Autoglass. He told the Financial Times he wanted to give Sir Keir financial help to put the party in power for a long time. However, Labour still has some way to catch up with the Tories. They received more than 12 million in donations in the same period, helped by a 5 million gift from billionaire Mohamed Mansour.
T he boss Unilever has insisted that the company chose the least bad option by staying in Russia days after the consumer goods giant admitted it would allow its Russian staff to fight in Ukraine if they were called up.

The business, which is behind dozens of brands including Ben & Jerrys, Dove soap and Hellmanns mayonnaise, was earlier this month named as an international sponsor of war by Ukraines National Agency on Corruption Prevention.

On a call with reporters on Tuesday, chief executive Hein Schumacher said that Unilever was guided by two main principles in how it runs its Russia business.

We have a continued responsibility vis-a-vis our employees in Russia and  we do not intend to further contribute to the financial capacity of the Russian state, he said.

He said this left the company with three options: To abandon the Russian business, to sell it, or to pursue our business in a highly constrained manner.

The last option is what Unilever has selected, he said.

With the evolving developments in Russia, we conclude that none of the options are actually good, but that the final option of operating our business in a constrained manner is the least bad.

Last year Unilever paid 3.8 billion rubles (33 million) in tax to the Kremlin, largely unchanged compared to the year before.

Ukraines Government said this month that the company had doubled its profit in Russia compared to the year before to around 9.2 billion rubles.

On Sunday, B4Ukraine, a coalition of NGOs which pressures companies to exit Russia, released a letter it had received from Unilever.

In it, chief business operations and supply chain officer Reginaldo Ecclissato said that Unilever would let its workers fight in Ukraine if they were called up by the Kremlin.

We are aware of the law requiring any company operating in Russia to permit the conscription of employees should they be called, he wrote.

We always comply with all the laws of the countries we operate in.

He also wrote: We continue to run our business in Russia in alignment with our global principles including the safety and wellbeing of our employees.

Unilever did not take questions on Tuesdays call on how many of its approximately 3,000 Russian staff had been conscripted into the armed forces, whether any of its Ukrainian workers have been killed or whether Unilevers tax money is being used to fund the Kremlins war against Ukraine.

When asked these questions in an email following the call, Unilever said: Sorry we couldnt cover your questions. Im afraid there is nothing to add on Russia to what Hein said on the call.

Last month Oreo and Cadbury owner Mondelez faced a major boycott, especially in Scandinavia, after being put on Ukraines International Sponsors of War list.

Several companies, including Swedens railway company SJ, airline SAS, and Norwegian Air, joined the boycott of the confectionary giant.

Earlier this month Oleksandr Novikov, the head of Ukraines NACP, said: Unilever cannot say it is opposed to the war while at the same time contributing to Putins war machine.

We have added them as an International Sponsor of War because their hundreds of millions in tax contributions to the Russian state are helping to fund its attacks on Ukraine and could be indirectly funding a mercenary criminal group.

Unilever has a new CEO in Hein Schumacher, it needs a new start and to live up to its values of human rights. Unilever must leave Russia now or history will record its complicity.

It is not the first time that Unilever has run into hot water over the Ukraine war. In February, its brand Ben & Jerrys tweeted that US President Biden should not send troops to Europe in response to Vladimir Putins aggression.

Ben & Jerrys co-founder Ben Cohen told Politico last week that he supports negotiations to end the war instead of providing more weapons to continue the war.

Unilever owns ice cream brands Carte DOr, Cornetto, Ben & Jerrys, Magnum, Walls and Viennetta.

It owns food brands Colmans, Bovril, Hellmans, Knorr, Maille mustard, Pot Noodle, Marmite and the Vegetarian Butcher.

It also owns cleaning brands Cif, Domestos, Comfort, Persil and Surf, as well as personal hygiene brands Dove, Lifebuoy, Lynx, Radox, Shea Moisture, Simple, Sure, TRESemme and Vaseline.
D aily Mirror and Express publisher Reach today put aside another 6 million to cover phone hacking claims and warned that the amount it is likely to pay to victims could grow even further.

Reach has faced claims from a number of public figures from Elizabeth Hurley to Kevin Keegan regarding the hacking of voicemail services since 2015. Initially, the Mirror Group, as it was known then, set aside just 4 million to deal with claims, but as more and more celebrities demanded compensation, the total kept growing.

Despite having already paid out more than 60 million to claimants, Reach upped the amount it put aside again, to 45.4 million.

It warned that it could end up paying even more, up to 64 million for the cases in question. Whats more, the total could grow again as this Summers high-profile trial involving Prince Harry is not included, as it is still too early to tell the results of that case.

The publisher also blamed falling revenue and profit on Facebooks deprioritisation of news content as it revealed online page views fell in the first half of the year.

Views across Reachs portfolio fell by 16% to 1.4 billion, with CEO Jim Mullen saying most of the drop was due to Facebooks changes. The social media giants relationship with news publishers has been tense of late, as it threatened to withdraw all news content in Canada, while new Twitter rival Threads - owned by Facebook parent Meta - opted not to promote politics and hard news.

Page views across Reachs portfolio fell by 16% to 1.4 billion, with Reach CEO Jim Mullen saying most of the drop was due to Facebooks changes. The social media giants relationship with news publishers has been tense of late, as it threatened to withdraw all news content in Canada, while new Twitter rival Threads - owned by Facebook parent Meta - opted not to promote politics and hard news.

That fall in views meant digital revenue fell at a similar rate to 60.8 million. Overall revenue slipped by 6% to 279.4 million.

Given the decline, Reach is looking for revenue streams less dependent on direct customer volumes, such as affiliate marketing and the launch of paywalled newsletters.

On the print side, there was good news as circulation revenue was up by 2% and newsprint costs fell dramatically, but ad revenue dropped by more than 20% due to an end to Government-bought public health ads which ran during the pandemic.

The strong print circulation performance meant the overall decline was less severe than many in the City expected, prompting Reach shares to rise by 10p, or 15%, to 78.6p.

Fiona Orford-William, director of TMT at Edison, said: Reachs half-year numbers show some reasons for cheer, given that the full year expectations are maintained.

Reach also continues to look into AI, after announcing earlier this year that robots were already writing some of its articles.
In Ukraine sentenced to prison a resident of Odessa, who recorded on the phone the work of air defense. For him must serve eight years behind bars.

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This is the measure of restraint he chose the Primorsky district court of Odessa. This is reported by the local edition of "Dumskaya".

According to the publication, the footage was shot on the night of April 4 on Inglesi Street, when Russian occupants attacked the city with Shahed kamikaze drones. An Odessa resident, having recorded the air defense combat work on his phone camera, subsequently publicized the corresponding video clip online.

However, the identity of the "operator", who used the 12th iPhone, the SSU officers were able to establish only in July. Already on the 18th the man was detained.

He was charged with committing a crime under Part 2 of Article 114-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - unauthorized dissemination of information about the movement, movement or deployment of AFU forces, committed in wartime conditions.

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According to the sanction of the article, the resident of Odessa faces up to eight years of imprisonment. The court decided to arrest him without the possibility for him to be released on bail.

We would like to remind you that another Odessa resident, who also filmed the work of air defense in the city, had to apologize for it on camera. The man, despite the ban, filmed and posted on the network the reflection of enemy targets by the defenders on the night of July 19, when the Russian Federation attacked Odessa with "Shaheds" and different types of missiles. After a public apology, the Odessan was handed a summons to the TCC.

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As reported OBOZREVATEL, recently in Kyiv exposed a woman who distributed in messenger materials about the work of air defense and the location of the Defense Forces. She was reported on suspicion. It is noteworthy that her relative is also being tried for a similar crime.

Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel, Threads and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
B etting giant 888 finally appointed a new boss after a six-month wait today, but took a swipe at former candidate for the job Kenny Alexander in the process.

The William Hill owner picked Per Widerstrom, who until last year was CEO of Eastern European gambling group Fortuna, to fill the void left by Itai Pazner. Pazner quit in the wake of an investigation into how 888 performed money laundering checks for Middle Eastern high-rollers.

While 888 hunted for a new boss, investment group FS Gaming built a stake in the business. FS Gaming is led by a group of former Entain executives, including ex-boss Kenny Alexander, who they hoped to see replace Pazner. Alexander was ousted from Entain, which was then known as GVC, amid an HMRC investigation into a Turkish business that Alexander reportedly still had links to.

However, those plans fell apart when the Gambling Commission launched a review into the group, and left 888 with the conclusion it would lose its licence if Alexander was appointed. 888 said it ended talks with FS over the CEO position because of the watchdogs review.

In announcing Widerstrom as the new boss, 888 CEO Lord Mendelsohn appeared to take a shot at Alexanders past controversies, highlighting Widerstroms cleaner record.

Per not only understands the power and exciting potential of the business, but the board is also very pleased with his strong record and reputation on governance and compliance, he said.

Widerstrom said: It is incredibly exciting to be joining at such a key moment in the Groups long-term development. 888 has a clear and attractive opportunity ahead of it and I am very much looking forward to getting started and working with the rest of the team to build on the strong progress already made and achieve the groups full and very exciting potential.

Investec analyst Roberta Ciccaccia said Widerstrom was exactly the right type of boss for 888.

She said: The new CEO seems to fit the profile of what 888 needs at this stage, that is, a strong leader with sector expertise and specifically a track record in regulated, omni-channel businesses. We see this as a positive step, that can hopefully lead to delivering on 888s plans.
T he City seeks winners. It likes to get in early, ahead of everyone else, and reap the extra reward.

Thats what is occurring with the growing love-in between the Square Mile and Labour. The polls suggest Sir Keir Starmer is going to sweep to election victory. So, the banks, law firms, accountants, insurers want to cosy up, to ensure their concerns over policy and regulation are heard. Of course this is not going to lead to a love marriage, but it could herald a relationship in which, for a period at least, they maintain a healthy respect for each other. Ideologically, they are poles apart, always will be, no matter how much Starmer and Rachel Reeves go out of their way to stress theyre sensible, okay people really.

No matter, too, how lavish the wine and food laid on for them in top floors of executive dining rooms.

The pinstripes calculation is simple. Labour is heading for No 10 and theyre better than the alternative.

The pinstripes calculation is simple. Labour is heading for No 10 and theyre better than the alternative.

Business is fed up with the Tories. It cannot forgive them for Brexit, for the insulting, lackadaisical attitude of the Boris Johnson administration, followed by a month of chaos under Liz Truss.

Rishi Sunak has worked hard since to persuade the bosses of his adherence to caution and responsibility, that the Tories can, after all, be trusted with running the economy. Thats as maybe, but the City is also feeling unloved by a party that should be doing its utmost to listen and to respond positively and meaningfully. Red tape has not been cut, despite the promises. Taxes remain punitively high for businesses, yet the Tories are meant to stand for low taxation. The City is losing out to rival centres in Europe and around the globe as an attractive place in which to operate. Its hegemony is under threat. How has this been allowed to happen? Financial services for so long were the backbone of the economy, to be nurtured and developed.

The City is losing out to rival centres in Europe and around the globe as an attractive place in which to operate

Meanwhile, another Tory initiative, levelling up, has led, as they see it, to levelling down in London. This disillusion is not down to Sunak alone  much of it comes after 13 years of Tory rule. A reset is due.

The last occasion this was the prevailing City mood was in 1997. Then, too, the poll findings were pointing in one direction. Big business scrutinised Tony Blair and liked what it saw. As with Starmer, Blair came in on the back of a Labour leader that those who see themselves in the vanguard of enterprise most definitely did not warm to. For Neil Kinnock, read Jeremy Corbyn. Gordon Brown and Ed Milliband were similarly viewed as too Left-wing. Blair, a north London lawyer (the same as Starmer), knew how to speak their language. They gave him the benefit of the doubt. Thats happening again.

Theyre wary of Starmers intentions towards the utility companies. But, so the reasoning goes, better to work with him than against, keeping the enemy close, making sure he understands.

There will be a honeymoon. Then comes the reckoning. Starmer will be doing well if he can maintain the Citys support for a second term. For him that could come at the expense of deeply alienating Labours traditional supporters. Thats all for the future. For now both sides are enjoying the novelty of each others company.
N ot for the first time, Sadiq Khan will have been cursing Boris Johnson. Had his predecessor as mayor not quit as an MP, Mr Khan would not just have endured a weekend from hell.

It was Mr Johnsons resignation that triggered the Uxbridge by-election  which led to Mr Khan being hung out to dry after Labour failed, despite decent odds, to win the seat.

Contrary to some ill-informed claims, the Ulez expansion was not designed to sabotage Labours by-election hopes.

Yes, its the riskiest thing hes done as mayor. But its also the bravest

Mr Khan first told the Government on March 4, 2022, that he planned to expand the clean air scheme London-wide.

Three days later, the wily Tory MP Gareth Bacon launched a petition against it. TfLs consultation opened in May. Mr Khan gave the go-ahead six months later, on November 25.

Yes, he hadnt mentioned it in his 2021 mayoral manifesto (he just pledged to expand the central London Ulez across inner London, which he did in October 2021).

Yes, nine months between go-ahead and implementation is too short.

Yes, its the riskiest thing hes done as mayor. But its also the bravest.

And its not universally unpopular. According to a recent Redfield & Wilton poll, 47 per cent support the expansion while 32 per cent are opposed.

Its also done significant good, even before the expansion goes live: 95.3 per cent of vehicles in the current zone (and 96.3 per cent of cars) now comply with the emission rules.

So-called pre-compliance means Londons air is quickly getting cleaner. Everywhere these motorists go, they create less of a stink.

Lets not pretend that, pre-Uxbridge, all was going well with the expansion. Mr Khans book launch was spoiled by Ulez protesters shouting profanities. Van drivers yelled at him to resign. Labour MPs demanded a bigger scrappage scheme. Doubts about the ability of the Ulez to clean up the air in Greater London remain.

Did an overconfident City Hall  buoyed by the Tory mayoral shenanigans  misjudge the mood in the suburbs and fail to roll the ground for a tax on drivers during a cost-of-living crisis?

Mr Khan has been bruised but, if he sticks with Ulez, will merit the epithet conviction politician. Not long ago that would have been almost as unexpected as Mr Johnsons resignation.

Ross Lydall is City Hall Editor
W arning: This article contains spoilers for Barbie.

The last few months have been an unstoppable whirlwind of pink as the immense hype built for the arrival of Greta Gerwigs much-anticipated Barbie film.

Now, Barbie has finally arrived in all its plastic and fantastic glory, and its safe to say that it has gone down a treat with audiences around the world.

The film has made history by becoming the biggest debut ever for a film directed by a woman, bagging 293m on its opening weekend.

And while viewers have been fawning over Margot Robbies stunning and heartfelt performance as Stereotypical Barbie as well as Ryan Gosling as the hilariously vacuous Just Ken, fans have also pointed out the myriad Easter eggs and pop culture references Gerwig and Co have littered throughout.

From The Matrix to Love Island, here is a list of the ten most iconic references and hidden meanings in the two-hour pink-athon.

Space Odyssey  The Dawn of Woman

Warner Bros Pictures

As was first revealed in Barbies teaser trailer, the film opens with a scene which is a riff on the opening Dawn of Man sequence of Stanley Kubricks 2001: A Space Odyssey. The Kubrick clip sees primates discovering the use of tools.

In Gerwigs version, instead of seeing chimps in a desert, its girls flocking towards Margot Robbie as a giant, swimsuit-clad Barbie.

Mattel

And another fun fact: in the scene, Robbie is actually wearing the exact swimsuit of the first-ever Barbie that Mattel released in 1959.

The Wizard of Oz  The Pink Brick Road

Warner Bros Pictures

On her adventure from Barbieland to the real world, instead of following the Yellow Brick Road to Oz, Barbie follows a pink version of the iconic path out of Barbieland.

Driving in her pink convertible, she also passes a cinema marquee thats playing The Wizard of Oz, as well as posters of the films main characters outside.

In the original 1939 film, a naive girl named Dorothy goes on a similar journey to another world, encountering new friends along the way.

Warner Bros Pictures

Gerwig told Letterboxd that the aesthetic of The Wizard of Oz informed the design of Barbie Land.

The Wizard of Oz, obviously is an extraordinary movie and beautiful and beloved, she said. It does something that I wanted to emulate, which is these incredible sound stages and these painted skies and this sense of I say, authentically artificial, which I think is very beautiful and emotional.

Taking inspiration from Clueless

Paramount Pictures

In the 1995 cult classic Clueless, fashionista high school student Cher picks out her iconic outfits by skimming through a virtual wardrobe on her computer.

In Barbie, in a similar fashion, Robbies character magically gets dressed each morning by standing in front of her closet, finding her clothes just appearing on her body.

"This was a design thing that we were really excited about," Robbie told Architectural Digest during an on-set tour of the Barbie Land set. "We were saying that the wardrobe in Clueless, the bar was set so high and we would really like to do something that is as cool as that."

Michelangelos Creation of Adam

Vatican Museum

When Robbies character first meets the creator of Barbie, Ruth Handler (Rhea Perlman), its in a small kitchen in the basement of Mattel HQ. There, Ruth makes Barbie a cup of tea, and the pairs hands momentarily touch.

Robbie told Variety, Theres a moment when Ruth Handler, the creator of Barbie, gives Barbie a cup of tea and our hands touch like The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo, imitating the moment when God gives life to the first man. Greta snuck that in there.

Its on the same trajectory and angle as the Sistine Chapel, Gerwig told Time magazine. Nobody is going to notice that, so I have to say it.

The Matrix  stiletto or Birkenstock?

Warner Bros Pictures

When Stereotypical Barbie pays a visit to the Weird Barbies house on the outskirts of Barbieland in an attempt to fix her malfunctions, she is presented with two options: either a pink stiletto (which symbolises staying in Barbieland and not facing her fears) or a Birkenstock (which symbolises entering the real world).

Fans have pointed out that this scene is a play on The Matrixs red pill or blue pill scene, where Neo has to choose between the red pill and joining the resistance or the blue pill which will keep him in The Matrix.

The unlikeliest of cameos  Chris Taylor from Love Island

Getty Images

If theres one thing theres no shortage of in Barbie, its cameos. From Dua Lipa and John Cena to Rob Brydon and Nicola Coughlan, the cast is brimming with A-list surprises.

But one face that viewers were surprised to see  to say the least  was that of Love Islands Chris Taylor, who appeared on the show in 2019 and dated Maura Higgins for six months in 2020.

Taylor explained that he was invited, along with fellow islanders, to a premiere and afterparty with Love Island superfan Robbie, who literally came over and gave me a hug and knew my name, it was really weird.

Robbie is famously a big fan of the UK dating show, and Taylor said that a year and a half after the afterparty, he got an email from Warner Bros. asking him to audition for "Barbie".

"I was fully convinced it was a prank," Taylor said. "These YouTubers, theyre clever, theyll write full-on contracts and do the prank video. But I pulled up at Warner Brothers and saw Ryan Gosling walk past my car and I thought, This definitely isnt a prank.

A callback to Midnight Cowboy

Warner Bros

According to the Barbie press notes, Gerwig wanted Barbie and Kens experience entering the real world to reflect the fish-out-of-water experience Jon Voights Midnight Cowboy character has when he walks through New York City in the 1969 film.

Gerwig aimed to capture a similar essence as Barbie and Ken arrive in the bustling beachside Santa Monica.

Rollerblading down the boardwalk, Barbie experiences catcalling and harassment for the first time, and is overwhelmed by the stark differences between the real world and the feminist utopia of Barbieland.

A sneaky reference to Bratz dolls

Warner Bros

Eagle-eyed fans have pointed out that the three schoolgirls Barbie meets in the California high school are actually named after the original Bratz dolls, Yasmin, Sasha, Cloe and Jade. Bratz became a popular rival of the Barbie brand in the 2000s.

All the weird discontinued Barbies

Mattel

At one point towards the end of the film, a whole group of discontinued Barbies make an appearance in Weird Barbies lair.

The group of misfits are all references to real dolls that were pulled by Mattel for one reason or another. One such doll was Growing Up Skipper, which garnered controversy due to its creepy take on puberty  you could inflate the dolls breasts by cranking its arms. Another was Midge, a pregnant doll discontinued for simply being too weird.

Video Girl Barbie also makes a brief cameo  she was cancelled after being flagged by the FBI because the doll could record you.

And, perhaps weirdest of all, is Sugar Daddy Ken, released briefly in 2009 and played in the film by Gavin & Staceys Rob Brydon.
T here was never any question that 89-year-old Bernard Jordan would take part in the 70th anniversary D-Day commemorations in June 2014. The British veteran, who had been a navy officer during the Second World War, had lost many of his friends in its bloody battles, and he planned to pay his respects.

What was more unexpected, was that Jordan decided to attend the D-Day celebrations in France. And given that he lived in a nursing home in England, which he had to cunningly break out of to make the trip, it made his ambitions all the more surprising. But of course the ex-Mayor and town councillor succeeded, popping up in Normandy a couple of days after disappearing from his Hove care home.

Now this touching story has been turned into a film starring Michael Caine as Jordan and Glenda Jackson as his wife Rene, and by the looks of the films trailer, which was released this morning, The Great Escaper is going to be an absolute tear-jerker.

The film, which has been named after the nickname given to Jordan after his adventure, runs along two timelines. In the present day, octogenarians Bernard and Rene Jordan live together in a home and sometimes find themselves feeling disjointed from modern society. And the film flashes back to when they were young: it depicts their love story, as well as Jordans memories  or perhaps imagined memories  of his friends in peril on the beaches during the Normandy landings.

The film follows Jordans 2014 journey, as he eludes his carers, takes an overnight ferry, and ends up meeting other veterans who are also in France commemorating their friends bravery; and it follows Rene, who is dying and organising her affairs, and who supports her husbands trip.

Glenda Jackson as Rene / The Great Escaper

The moving film is also Jacksons last performance: the Oscar-winning actor died in June, aged 87. Caine and Jackson had previously worked together on the 1975 drama, The Romantic Englishwoman, where they also played a husband and wife.

Speaking to The Guardian, the films director Oliver Parker (St Trinians, Johnny English Reborn) spoke about Jackson and Caine working together nearly five decades later: On one level, she and Michael were quite different souls... But actually it was fabulous. The connections were stronger than the differences, and the differences were exciting. Theyre both working class heroes, symbols of a spirit of modernity.

The film has been written by William Ivory, whose credits include ITVs Torvill & Dean (2018) and Prime Videos Isolation Stories (2020).

Jordans own story had a happy ending: in January 2015, now aged 90, he died peacefully at his care home. After his adventure  which had made the international news  he had received more than 2,500 cards wishing him a happy birthday.

The Great Escaper opens in cinemas October 6
O ver the weekend, in the Italian city of Reggio Emilia, Harry Styles bid a final farewell to his epic Love on Tour by blasting out The End; the signature show-closer of acid rock group The Doors. Can you picture what will be? So limitless and free, the voice of Jim Morrison sang as the final splutters of fireworks fizzled out, and stagehands began packing down Styles enormous stage set for the last time. Two years, 169 live shows, and lord knows how many outlandish sequinned looks by Gucci later, the Once Directioners epic lap of the world was over for good.

Surely the most anticipated world tour of the decade so far, the epic outing was originally supposed to accompany Styles second solo album Fine Line, a pop record flecked with subtle and hooky hints of both psych and soul. While 2017s self-titled debut solo record saw him beginning to emerge from the squeaky clean shadow cast by his boy band beginnings  Kiwi is a playful twist on glam rock, while From the Dining Table alludes to the merriment of some casual morning masturbation  Fine Line fully committed to the cause.

In the lead up to its release, Styles spoke about experimenting with psychedelics during the recording process, and recounted his quest to rebuild the dulcimer similar to the one Joni Mitchell used on Blue in amazingly nerdy levels of detail. In other words, the sort of thing that might cause Simon Cowell to slide off his X Factor judges chair, frozen in a state of sheer horror.

Then, we all know the story of what went so horribly wrong for live music  and indeed most things  in 2020. Harry Styles Love On Tour was shelved for the foreseeable, and by the time touring was back on the cards, Styles had a third record ready to go along with its return. In hindsight, Harrys House is probably the moment that tipped him over into global household name territory; he was no longer bound up with the sometimes weighty associations with his past life in One Direction, and had forged a full identity as a solo artist.

By now, Styles also seemed liberated from that baggage, speaking far more freely about the outpouring of emotion that came with inking his solo contract. Upon learning that he would no longer be bound by a so-called cleanliness clause  which means artists can be immediately dropped following any unsavoury behaviour  Styles said that he burst into tears with sheer relief. For the first time, I felt free, he admitted.

Just four days after Harrys House came out, Styles crammed a neon cottage, a raucous One Direction cover (What Makes You Beautiful) and a handful of quips about Watermelon Sugars suggestive inner meanings into the comically undersized Brixton Academy  and the one-night only show ended up feeling like a dress rehearsal for Love on Tour. Aside from the unmissable sea of bright pink feather boas wafting into the venue, the first thing I noticed was how jovial it all felt in the waiting crowd; prior to deploying a crafty spritz of perfume ahead of showtime, the person immediately behind me politely enquired to check if anybody in the nearby vicinity suffered from asthma.

After years of being conditioned to tolerate motionless chin-strokers who are for some reason also 11 ft tall, and the eternally pointed elbows of bored men standing stoically behind their girlfriends like ghosts at the feast, this sense of camaraderie and fun initially came as a real shock. Londoners almost rioted the day that some poor misguided soul tried to hand out some Tube Chat? badges; yet here we all were willingly making conversation with strangers and bursting into laughter after simultaneously yelling along to the same lines. A stranger even complimented my hat, an old piece of Harry Styles merch from the debut tour! What kind of brave new world was this?!

As Love On Tour rumbled on, the crowds only grew more lovely; as much as Styles put on a spectacle at Wembley, his fans were, by now, an integral part of the show, and just as much fun to watch.

Decked out in cowboy hats, bright crochet and fruit prints, they skipped about in mass conga lines, raced through fully choreographed line-dances, and laid down on the floor to take in slower tracks like Fine Line and Matilda. With organisational skills that many world governments could take note from, they ran meet-ups for solo gig goers, and coordinated dedicated fan projects complete with distributed signs and camera filters; at Styles Manchester show, for instance, those near the front held up pink lights and signs to remember the music fans who lost their lives in the venues 2017 terror bombings.

Too much of music is still ruled by a misplaced sense of snobbery towards certain music fans. Teenage girls in particular can be ridiculed, and painted as screeching and hysterical; a smart musician understands that their passion is one of the most powerful, infectious forces you can welcome into your orbit as an artist. Theyre our future, Styles agreed back in 2017; while some of his other One Direction bandmates were busy trying to cast off the fanbase theyd cultivated, he welcomed them along on the next chapter. Teenage girl fans  they dont lie. If they like you, theyre there. They dont act too cool. They like you, and they tell you. Which is sick."

Styles, too, seems to fully appreciate the rare sense of community hes fostered at his live shows, thanking his fans for creating a kind of family, and also sharing a video that paid tribute to the truly unique atmosphere of Love on Tour after it drew to a close.

I dont get to do this if you guys dont come, he said, during the final night. I know that more than anyone else. You guys being here tonight, I know you wanted to make it special for me. You make it special for me every single night. The atmosphere that you have created, the family that you have created, this safe space that you have created I want to thank you for everything.
Review at a glance









G reat television detectives often follow a template: A maverick tendency to disobey the orders of their superiors; troubles in their personal lives; and a genius for cracking cases.

It only takes a few scenes to work out DI Jack Caffery comes from just this mould  but has the charm to pull in audiences regardless. Wolf as a programme, however, takes longer to earn our affection.

Based on the Caffery novels by Mo Hayder, the BBC series stars Ukweli Roach, known for TV thriller Blindspot and The Midwich Cuckoos. Its also marks a graduation to detective inspector from his role as a junior investigator in the BBCs Annika.

Roach brings grit, muscle and a buried charisma to the role of Caffrey  a determined detective who prefers to work alone  which is my guess as to the reasoning for the series name, Wolf.

The twin storyline sees Caffery struggling to build a life in London, having returned to the family home where his younger brother was abducted from as a child, and never found. Caffery blames his creepy neighbour for the crime but also himself for letting it happen.

Meanwhile, in Monmouthshire in the Welsh heartlands, a wealthy family are held hostage in their own country home by two men who gain entry after posing as police officers.

The two storylines do not appear to be connected until we find out that Caffery had actually moved back to London from Monmouthshire and his unique insight leads him to be further drawn back to investigate his old beat. As he prods around, the detective quickly uncovers that a previous murder case he had worked on might not be as tied up as he thought - and that it has implications for the family as well as himself.

The majority of the scenes either in the Monmouthshire home or around police stations, while the biggest set piece is a cult ritual on a lake witnessed by a handful of extras (Mission Impossible this aint). But the show doesnt feel lacking, because of Megan Gallaghers screenplay  which contains enough hooks and twists for keep things fresh and exciting.

Juliet Stevenson in Wolf / BBC/Hartswood Films Ltd/Simon Ridgway

One flaw is with the opening episode, which attempts to set the tone with just too much intensity. A good crime tends to build towards a climax  rather than creating a hellride of jump scares in every scene. But the series hits its stride as it relaxes, with Kristoffer Nyholm (Taboo) passing on directorial duties to Lee Haven Jones (The Feast) after the first three episodes.

Roach also appears to relish the greater range of emotions Caffery displays in later episodes. Iwan Rheon (Game of Thrones) and Sacha Dhawan (Doctor Who) initially play the villains Molina and Honey with the energy of the blundering baddies from George of the Jungle but their depth can really be appreciated several plot twists later. The roles of the family held hostage are rather singular and joyless by comparison but Juliet Stevenson and Owen Teale put in a decent shift of sobbing while being handcuffed to radiators.

The series initially asks a lot of the audience. But ultimately it provides such a worthy pay-off that its almost worth the producers adding an endnote reading trust us stick with this, to the end of the early intense, but shallow episodes.

Wolf starts on BBC One on July 31, with all episodes available on iPlayer the same day
A man who stabbed his wife and left her to die on their kitchen floor before being found at Londons Euston station with multiple self-inflicted stab wounds has been jailed for life.

Phillip Dafter, a former member of the armed forces, stabbed Diana Dafter, 36, at their home in Lawrence Court, Northampton, on October 7 2022.

The court heard the couples marriage had experienced difficulties, in part because of mental health issues suffered by Dafter since the death of his mother in 2015, which he claimed his wife had failed to empathise with.

Mrs Dafter, a part-time carer who was studying nursing, had returned to the couples home on October 7 last year and an argument developed, with Dafter claiming his wife had made a comment about his vehicle.

Judge David Herbert KC said Dafter picked up a knife with murderous intent and stabbed Diana five times, with the fatal wound just below her armpit.

After killing his wife, Dafter went upstairs and tried to stab himself but the blade broke, so he drove to Asda to buy more knives.

He then drove to Northampton station and got on a train to London, reportedly planning to meet a family member to sort out his affairs, but he stayed on the train once it had arrived and told the conductor that he needed to speak to the police.

Police found him drunk and bleeding with 10 knife wounds to his abdomen at Euston station.

He told officers he had killed his wife and police were sent to their home address, where Dianas body was found.

During his trial, Dafter denied murder but admitted to manslaughter, arguing loss of control and diminished responsibility.

Jurors rejected this and found him guilty of his wifes murder.

At Northampton Crown Court on Tuesday, Dafter was jailed for life with a minimum term of 20 years, taking into account time already spent in custody.

The judge said the last moments of Mrs Dafters life would have been terrifying.

He said: You did nothing to help her or contact the emergency services.

You must have watched her die in a pool of her own blood on the kitchen floor.

You said you had a moment of madness.

That is the closest you have ever come to telling the truth about what happened.

Jailing Dafter, the judge said the couples marriage had become resentful and argumentative and Diana was justified to believe you were considering leaving her.

He said: You violated the trust and security of your marriage.

This was a sustained attack with a knife.

Her last moments would have been terrifying as she did her best to protect herself.

I accept you have remorse for what you did to your wife.

You have accepted this killing from the outset.

Paying tribute to Mrs Dafter, the judge said she was a woman with many positive qualities.

He added: No sentence will reduce the grief and loss her family will continue to feel.
S adiq Khan has warned drivers not to be fooled by scam websites which claim to offer an easier way of paying the Ultra low emission zone (Ulez) charge.

The mayor urged people driving non-compliant vehicles within the zone to ensure they pay the 12.50 charge using the official Transport for London (TfL) website.

He added that TfL was working to ensure its website is promoted by Google over third party platforms in search results.

The warning came after Len Duvall, Labour group leader on the London Assembly, said one of his Greenwich and Lewisham constituents had been duped into paying the charge by online scammers.

He asked Mr Khan in a written question what he was doing to make people aware of where to pay.

The mayor said TfL has no association with third party organisations who operate unofficial websites accepting payments of Road User Charging charges, usually at a higher rate.

He said: TfL encourages all motorists to use their official site to pay the charge. Paid-for search activity is being deployed so that Googles search engine displays the official TfL website in a high position at the top or near the top of the page.

Unfortunately, when people are searching to pay, internet search engines dont always suggest the official TfL Pay to Drive web page at the top of their search results. This means that people may be offered a link to an unofficial payment site.

The official TfL website advises customers how to avoid payment fraud, and TfL works proactively with search engine companies such as Google, as well as with Advertising Standards and Trading Standards, to remove unofficial websites entirely from the internet.

TfL said some of these unofficial websites claim to offer additional services but that such services are either non-existent or are already provided by TfL without charge.

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London / PA

These sites can charge a premium of up to 8 extra, the organisation said.

They added that false claims are frequently made by these websites, such as stating TfL do not process payments securely, or that they share drivers personal data with others - neither of which are true.

The Ulez - which requires older, more polluting vehicles to pay the daily penalty if driving within the zone - currently covers the area within the North and South Circular roads, but is expanding on August 29 to cover the whole of Greater London.

The expansion plan has been blamed by senior Labour politicians as the main reason why the party lost last weeks by-election in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, but the mayor has said he remains committed to it, while listening to Londoners concerns.

Sources close to Mr Khan have suggested he is willing to consider additional measures to reduce the impact on low-income Londoners, but is not prepared to delay the zones widening or relax the enforcement rules.

A legal challenge has meanwhile been brought against by the expansion plan by five Conservative-run councils, with the High Court likely to issue its decision this week on whether the plan is lawful.
Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind the worlds most ambitious regenerative tourism destinations, Amaala and The Red Sea, has announced a partnership with Equinox, a global leader in luxury lifestyle brands, to create Equinox Resort Amaala in one of the worlds most well-preserved natural environments, Saudi Arabias Red Sea.

Equinox Resort Amaala is the latest hotel brand to be announced for Red Sea Globals Amaala, an integrated wellness haven featuring some of the worlds most renowned luxury brands. The hotel, with a focus on sports, fitness and lifestyle, will comprise of 128 keys, including two luxury penthouses as well as a suite of amenities such as several world-class culinary concepts, a magnesium salt rooftop pool, spa, Beach Club, and a signature Equinox Fitness Club.

Amaala brings the best in health and wellness together in an area of extraordinary natural beauty to offer exceptional and transformative experiences for guests. Equinoxs unique brand of luxury and fitness is a fantastic fit, allowing visitors to choose seeking self-improvement during their stay, getting back to nature on land or at sea, or simply enjoying quiet moments with loved ones in comfort and privacy, said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global.

Equinox Resort Amaala is a key part of the Amaala Marina Village, designed by renowned architects, Foster + Partners, which will feature a collection of luxury hotels, villas and condominiums all set in a lively retail precinct with stunning marina views. The Village, part of the wider Triple Bay development, has been designed to adopt the best elements of local architecture featuring narrow winding streets perfect for exploration and discovery. The irregular street facades have been orientated to capture and channel breezes, offer shade and protection and filter light, delivering natural climate control to enhance the comfort of guests.

The very best in international retail and dining brands will be present in the Village, providing guests with a luxury experience set in the picturesque marina with views dominated by the spectacular Triple Bay Yacht Club, the singular form of the Rea Sea marine life institute and the stretching Red Sea coastline.

Equinox Resort Amaala, designed by Foster + Partners, has been curated to ensure complete connectivity to the surrounding area. The hotels prime position provides direct access and views to both the Marina Village on one side, and the pristine Hijaz Cove on the other.

The hotels Porte Cochere and its distinctive floating canopy provides a dramatic entrance for guests as they arrive by either boat or car. The hotel itself features four open courtyards, which take inspiration from traditional architecture styles. The shaded courtyards with the intelligent

Equinox Hotels CEO, Christopher Norton, said: Amaala is a destination that perfectly aligns with our mission of redefining luxury hospitality. Our highly differentiated resort offering will provide guests an unparalleled experience that only a brand like Equinox can deliver. Were excited to partner with an amazing developer like Red Sea Global that has similar and strong values rooted in sustainability.

The Red Sea is situated along Saudi Arabias west coast and is home to some of the most diverse and delicate natural environments.

Phase One of Amaala  focused on the Triple Bay masterplan  is well underway, with the first guests set to be welcomed in 2024. It will consist of eight resorts offering upwards of 1,200 hotel keys. Once complete, Amaala will be home to more than 3,900 hotel rooms across 29 hotels, and approximately 1,200 luxury residential villas, apartments, and estate homes, supporting high-end retail, fine dining, wellness and recreational facilities. - TradeArabia News Service
On Tuesday night, July 25, the aggressor country Russia attacked the capital of Ukraine from the air. Iranian Shahed kamikaze drones were used, which did not reach their targets thanks to the successful work of our air defense.

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The defenders shot down all enemy strike drones flying at Kyiv. About the details of the attack told the head of the Kyiv city military administration Serhiy Popko.

Recall that this night the air alert in the capital lasted three hours from 01:57 to 05:01, and in the region it lasted a little longer. Residents of the region were warned that on the outskirts of Kyiv is working air defense, and urged to stay safe until bedtime.

In the morning, the head of the Kyiv City Military Administration reported: tentatively, the enemy used Iranian Shahed-type barrage munitions. This became the sixth drone attack on the capital for July.

"By forces and means of air defense, all aerial targets were timely detected and destroyed on the approach to Kyiv. According to information as of this minute - in the capital avoided casualties and destruction (operational erection data is being refined, watch for possible updates)," he wrote after the alarm went off in the city.

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The regional military administration noted that in the region also worked off air defense. Citizens were urged to observe information hygiene - not to photograph or film the work of our defenders.

As reported OBOZREVATEL, last time the occupiers attacked Kyiv region kamikaze drones on July 11. Then the air defense forces shot down all the Shaheds, the wreckage of which caused damage in one of the settlements of the region.

Only verified information we have in our Telegram channel Obozrevatel, Threads and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
M ore people living in buzzy urban London and other cities will boost Britains creativity and productivity without the need for long commutes, Michael Gove argued on Tuesday.

The Communities Secretary also stressed that a home-building boom in the capital, Leeds, Cambridge and other cities would avoid gobbling up green land for more housing.

He defended his new housing plans after they came under fire from Labour and at least one Tory MP, with the Government having watered down its mandatory target to build 300,000 new homes a year.

Mr Gove stressed that cities in the UK are less dense, particularly outside London, than European ones.

We know that the more people you have living in close proximity to one another, in buzzy urban areas, the greater the level of creativity...essentially it adds to the productivity of the country, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme.

Its also the case that the right sort of densification in our cities creates the attractive environment that you have in the heart of Haussmann-designed Paris, or Gaudi-designed Barcelona, and we see it ourselves in places like Marylebone and Pimlico.

Its also the case that if you take this approach that you are not gobbling up green land, not destroying natural habitat, and you are also making it easier for people to have walkable, liveable communities without the need for long commutes.

However, he admitted on Tuesday that 1 billion trumpeted for a house-building boom in London was not new money.

The Government announced on Monday that it was releasing 1 billion of funding to City Hall for much-needed affordable housing and estate regeneration in the capital.

But asked on LBC Radio whether this was new money, or whether in fact it was in a previously announced affordable homes programme, the Communities Secretary said: Yes, but it had not been allocated before.

Pressed by presenter Nick Ferrari that he had made it sound like new money, he added: I explained where it was going. We get the money into the departments bank account, so it were, but then until its spent and allocated its there sitting in the account.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced in November 2020 that the capital had been allocated though not yet given 4 billion in the Affordable Homes Programme for 2021-26, which is understood to include the 1 billion highlighted by Mr Gove, with the restrictions on this funding having been relaxed for regeneration.

A source close to the Mayor stressed: This isnt new money.

South Cambridgeshire Conservative MP Anthony Browne has also warned that plans to build thousands of new homes in Cambridge would be nonsense given a lack of water in this region.

Mr Gove said this could be addressed by building more reservoirs, though, such development projects would take many years to complete.
G eorge Alagiah lifted the room by coming in and made you feel better for having him there, according to BBC world affairs editor John Simpson, as he reflected on meeting the broadcaster for the first time.

The award-winning journalist, who presented the BBC News At Six for the last 20 years, died on Monday from bowel cancer after being first diagnosed in 2014. He was 67.

Simpson hired Alagiah as a foreign correspondent in 1989 and said he knew he was right for the role as soon as he came in.

He told BBC Breakfast: Nobody seemed to fit the bill and the last person in was a young, early 30s figure, very, very good looking, I have to say, very handsome, and very charming, but in a nice way, not a smooth, Im-working-the-room, I-look-so-good way, just really sincere and decent and nice and incredibly knowledgeable.

Theres always decision-makers on these boards and I was one of them, and the other chap was sitting sort of half opposite me and I just caught his eye and we both knew this was the one.

He lifted the room by coming in, and made you feel  I dont know, maybe Im being fanciful at this long distance  but made you feel better for having him there.

Simpson said Alagiah had no ego and was beloved by world leaders.

He added: Eventually we sent him to South Africa to be the correspondent there. This was just after Nelson Mandela had won the election, apartheid was finished.

It was a very exciting time, very hopeful time in South Africa. Sadly, the hope has largely faded. And George was the ideal person to be there, because this wasnt about George, this was about South Africa.

Most of us, when were based abroad somewhere, we do our job well perhaps and, you know, people take notice of us, but there are some people in some situations who kind of set themselves at the very heart of of the story.

Nelson Mandela absolutely loved him, and so did Desmond Tutu, and even Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe actually took a liking to him. You couldnt fail to like George.

And it was all about southern Africa, it wasnt about how brave I am, how fantastic I am, how many people I know. It was about the country that he was there to broadcast about.

Simpson said Alagiah transferred that knowledge and diligence to the news desk when he became a newsreader.

He said: He was really one of my favourite newsreaders of all time He brought that sense of kind of straightforward decency and honesty, and experience and knowledge. And he brought them all together, when he sat down behind that desk.

You could see it in his eyes, in his mind, in the way that he sat there, you knew that he was confident that what he was telling you was true, and honest and straightforward.

Alagiah first began hosting the 6pm news bulletin in early 2003, but stepped up to front it solo four years later following the departure of his co-host, Natasha Kaplinsky.

He was made an OBE in the 2008 New Year Honours.

Following his diagnosis, Alagiah also campaigned for cancer charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support and Bowel Cancer UK, to help raise awareness.

Prominent BBC figures including Sophie Raworth, Naga Munchetty, Fiona Bruce, Clive Myrie, Nick Robinson and director-general Tim Davie have all paid tribute to him following his death.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Frances Robathan, their two sons and three grandchildren.
A British couple told to leave Australia because they are too old to apply for permanent residency have managed to stay for another year - but fear separation from their daughter.

Sheena Tunnicliff , 51, and husband Glen, 57, were told they had to leave their home of seven years in Perth, Western Australia, by August because Glens work as a plasterer is ending as the company that sponsored his visa winds up.

Mrs Tunnicliff told the Standard: Its kept us up all night worrying. There have been lots of tears, lots of heartache.

Anyone thats over the age of 45 and under the age of 65 - theres just that very fine line where there are no visas.

The couple emigrated from East Sussex in 2015 with their two daughters and have managed to live and work in Australia through a combination of skilled migrant visas issued to either Sheena, a travel agent and business owner, and Glen, a plasterer, over the years.

To avoid uprooting back to the UK, the couple have now managed to secure a Covid-related visa for another year, but say their options will run out when it expires.

However their eldest daughter Tamzin, aged 21, has applied to be a permanent resident through her work as a nurse and, if accepted, could stay in Australia on her own.

Mrs Tunnicliff is calling for Australias immigration minister to review her familys case so they dont become separated and raise the age limit of 45 for permanent residency.

She said: Its a no mans land because if youre over 65 you can go on a parents visa. If youre under 45, there are plenty of visas. Its just that little gap between ages [where] there absolutely isnt anything else for anybody.

Mrs Tunnicliff said the stress has been absolutely awful for their two daughters, Tamzin, and Molly, 18, and is mentally taking a toll on everybody.

Its constantly on our mind. Weve really had enough after seven years, we just want to call this place home.

But obviously weve got all these challenges ahead of us.

The Tunnicliff family / Supplied

With their eldest daughter eligible to stay in Australia on her own, Mr and Mrs Tunnicliff said they plan to move to New Zealand with their youngest - rather than back to the UK - to be closer to her, if kicked out of Australia.

Mrs Tunnicliff plans to keep an eye on the travel agent branch which she owns from there.

She said: As much as wed want to go home back to the UK, [it would mean] being apart from our children, its a 24 hour flight away.

New Zealands only a six-hour hop from Perth to Auckland. So its going to be closer to our children rather than leaving them on the other side of the world.

The family has launched a petition on Change.org that has attracted more than 15,000 signatures.

A lawyer representing the family is also set to write a letter to request a ministerial intervention, Mrs Tunnicliff said.

Australias Department of Home Affairs has been approached for comment.
A n Egyptian-German medical doctor who risked everything to save Jewish people during the Second World War has been honoured with the Google Doodle treatment.

Dr Mohammed Mod Helmy was immortalised on Tuesday by the work of Berlin artist Noa Snir, with the doctor shown with his arms around the community.

The Google Doodle is a regular feature of the search engine to celebrate the achievements of an individual, an idea, a tradition, or an event.

Born in Sudan, Mohammed Helmy trained and worked at the former Robert Koch Hospital in Berlin but was fired in 1933 when foreign staff were shunned as Adolf Hitler rose to power. He was arrested and released in both 1939 and 1940  being let out both times as his ill-health made him unfit for internment.

Under Nazi rule, he was unable to marry his German fiancee and was downgraded in his work to become a doctors assistant. But he was able to help in some respect by writing sick notes to keep innocent people from participating in hard labour.

He hid Jewish patient Anna Boros from the Nazis, who were looking to deport her to a concentration camp, keeping her hidden even when under police investigation. He also helped Ms Boross family escape capture.

Ms Snir said: I found the story of Mod Helmy very moving. I come from a Jewish background, and the thought of individuals outside of the Jewish community risking their lives to help others during the Second World War is something that personally gives me hope about humanity.

I think Dr Helmys case is an especially interesting one as he himself suffered persecution due to his background and ethnicity, and that still didnt stop him from helping as many people as he could. Its unfathomable to me, this type of courage and integrity.

Dr Helmy died aged 80 in 1982. Tuesday would have been his 122nd birthday.

Ms Snir said she looked at old stamps to see the likeness of the doctor and tried to put across a hint of war alongside a feeling of hope.

She added: That even in one of the darkest moments in world history, there were truly remarkable people who made acts of extreme courage and solidarity.

I think we should all aspire to be the Mod Helmys of the world, or ask ourselves how we can take an example from him in whatever small way we can.

The Doodle is being shown in the UK, Cuba, Iceland, Germany, Slovakia, Czechia, and Israel.
A n Atlantic Ocean current that brings warmth north from the tropics could collapse much sooner than scientists have previously thought, a new study suggests.

Known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), this current prevents the UK and other countries in north-west Europe from having the same icy winters often experienced at the same latitudes in Canada.

As the warm water flows north it cools and evaporates, becoming saltier and denser, which makes it sink and head southwards before it is pulled to the surface and warmed again, repeating the cycle.

Greenhouse gases produced by people since the industrial revolution have been warming the ocean and melting ice in the polar regions, changing the temperature and the amount of freshwater in the Atlantic.

Many climate models show the Amoc is likely to weaken in future because of global warming and the Intergovernmental Panel On Climate Change has suggested it could lead to a collapse in the 22nd century.

For people and governments this would lead to dramatic change in every nation's ability to provide enough food and water for its population

This would have a disastrous effect for everyone on Earth, scientists have said, as within a few decades it would cause temperatures to plunge across the northern hemisphere and shift rainfall patterns southward, starving places like the UK of the freshwater needed for drinking and agriculture.

Another effect would be to increase the temperature of the tropics even faster than is happening currently as heat that would normally be brought north would remain there.

The new study, published in Nature Communications, suggests a full or partial collapse is most likely to occur between 2025-2095, describing a general weakening of the current as it approaches a tipping point.

Professor Peter Ditlevsen of the University of Copenhagen and lead author of the study said he was pretty alarmed by the results but that there is still a wide degree of uncertainty of when a collapse would occur and how fast its consequences would take hold.

Other scientists have questioned the accuracy of the findings, saying the studys reliance on using sea surface temperature data as an indirect measure of changes to the Atlantic current over the previous 70 years is not a reliable method for modelling the future.

Oceanographers have been directly measuring the AMOC only since 2004 and many of them say it is too soon to be able to confidently identify a long term trend.

Prof Ditlevsen said a collapse in the AMOC has not happened for at least 12,000 years and the only available records for finding out what happened then are in ice core samples taken from glaciers.

These suggest that when the AMOC did collapse, it caused the average temperature around the North Atlantic to plummet by as much as 15C within a decade.

Asked if human-produced greenhouse gases were weakening the AMOC, Prof Ditlevsen said: It is very unlikely that wed see changes not seen for 12,000 years just by chance.

Were pretty sure that the perturbation we are doing with the emissions of greenhouse gasses is the single most important cause.

Professor Penny Holliday, head of marine physics and ocean circulation at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, described the AMOCs collapse as a high impact, low likelihood scenario and that decades worth of observations would be needed to identify a tipping point.

Of its implications, she said: For people and governments this would lead to dramatic change in every nations ability to provide enough food and water for its population.

Energy supply and demand would change rapidly with new climate conditions and infrastructures would need heavy investment to adapt and cope.

The patterns of vector-borne disease and health (including mental health) would be profoundly affected.

Worldwide, many land and marine ecosystems would be unable to cope and adapt to such fast changing climate conditions and biodiversity would be severely impacted.

She said of the study: They describe the potential for Amoc collapse within a few years as worrisome and the evidence as something that we should not ignore.

Its hard to disagree with that.
C hina has removed Qin Gang as foreign minister after a mysterious one-month absence barely half a year into the job.

Qin, a former aide to President Xi Jinping, took over the ministry in December but has not been seen in public since June 25.

The ministry has claimed he was off work for health reasons but gave no further details, prompting speculation over his disappearance.

Beijing on Tuesday confirmed that veteran diplomat Wang Yi would take over as his successor.

Wang, 68, previously held the post from 2018-2022 and filled in for Qin during his absence.

No reason was given for why Qin was removed from office.

The move comes amid a foreign backlash against China's increasingly aggressive foreign policy, of which Mr Qin was a chief proponent.

Ja Ian Chong, associate professor of political science at National University of Singapore, told Reuters that the lack of explanation for Qins removal opens more questions than provides answers.

It also underscores the opacity and unpredictability, even arbitrariness in the current political system.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) and China's Foreign Minister Qin Gang shake hands ahead of a meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on June 18, 2023 / POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Qin enjoyed a rapid ascent to the top of the Chinese Communist Party, which analysts have attributed to his closeness to Xi.

He served as foreign ministry spokesman twice between 2006-2014 and later as chief protocol officer from 2014-2018.

In July 2021, he became ambassador to the US after a period of tension between Washington and Beiing.

It is not uncommon for public officials to mysteriously vanish in China, with many subsequently reappearing as the subject of a criminal investigation.

Industry minister Xiao Yaqing disappeared from public view for nearly a month last year before it was revealed he was being investigated for corruption.

Qin was last seen in public on June 25, when he held talks with officials from Sri Lanka, Russia and Vietnam in Beijing.

Chinas foreign ministry said on July 11 he was unable to attend a meeting in Indonesia for unspecified health reasons. It declined any further comment on his status.

It remains unclear whether Qin will retain his other role as a State Councillor.
C rete, the biggest Greek island, is the lastest to be put on high alert for wildfires as a firefighting plane crashed in southern Greece while dousing a blaze on Tuesday.

Crete and Rhodes are at extreme risk of wildfires, civil protection authorities said on Tuesday, as the Greek Prime Minister held emergency talks with senior members of government.

Temperatures have risen above 40C again in parts of Greece following more night-time evacuations from fires that have raged out of control for days.

The latest evacuation orders were issued on the islands of Corfu and Evia while a blaze on the island of Rhodes continued to move inland, torching mountainous forest areas, including part of a nature reserve.

European Weather: Mediterranean Wildfires | July 2023 1 / 25 European Weather: Mediterranean Wildfires | July 2023 A local reacts as the flames burn trees in Gennadi village, on the Aegean Sea island of Rhodes, southeastern Greece AP Wildfires on the island of Corfu, Greece AP A man reacts as a helicopter sprays water at a fire in Gennadi, on the southern part of the Greek island of Rhodes AFP via Getty Images A local pulls a tree branch as a wildfire burns in Gennadi village, on the Aegean Sea island of Rhodes, southeastern Greec AP A man reacts as a fire burns into the village of Gennadi on the Greek Aegean island of Rhode AFP via Getty Images Wildfires burn the forests near the village of Vati, just north of the coastal town of Gennadi, in the southern part of the Greek island of Rhodes AFP via Getty Images A police officer and a local resident throw buckets of water during a wildfire in Cascais, Portugal REUTERS Local residents use buckets with water to try to slow down flames approaching their houses in Alcabideche, outside Lisbon AP A seaplane discharges water on the flames as the fire advances in Alcabideche, outside Lisbon AP Wildfire advances burning the forest in Alcabideche, outside Lisbon AP Local residents use buckets with water to try to slow down flames approaching their houses in Alcabideche, outside Lisbon AP Local residents use buckets with water to try to slow down flames approaching their houses in Alcabideche, outside Lisbon AP An helicopter discharges water on the flames as the fire advances in Alcabideche, outside Lisbon AP Black smoke from a house fire in the Aci Catena area, 20 km from Catania Getty Images Two people collect water with a bucket in an attempt to extinguish the flames during todays fires in the territory of Aci Catena 20 km from Catania Getty Images A car completely destroyed by flames in the territory of Aci Catena 20 km from Catania Getty Images An abandoned shed engulfed in flames is one of several fires that spread this evening, fuelled by strong winds in the province of Catania Getty Images Wildfires in the region of Palermo in Sicily, Italy AP Wildfires in the region of Palermo in Sicily, Italy AP

Authorities said that more than 20,000 people have been involved in evacuations on the island, mostly tourists over the weekend, when fire swept through two coastal areas on the south east of Rhodes.

Several airlines, including easyJet and package operator Tui, sent planes to Rhodes to evacuate tourists forced out of hotels. The UK government said between 7,000 and 10,000 British nationals are on the island.

The European Union has sent 500 firefighters, 100 vehicles and seven planes from 10 member states, while Turkey, Israel, Egypt and other countries have also sent help.

For the 12th day, under extreme conditions of heat and strong winds, we are fighting non-stop on dozens of forest fire fronts... The Greek Fire Service has battled more than 500 fires - more than 50 a day, said Vassilis Kikilias, the minister for climate crisis and civil protection.

Firefighters in the village of Vati on Rhodes / AFP via Getty Images

In Athens, authorities resumed afternoon closing hours at the ancient Acropolis as part of broader measures to cope with the high heat.

EU officials have blamed climate change for the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires across the European continent, noting that 2022 was the second-worst year for wildfire damage on record after 2017.

On Corfu people in the northern village of Loutses have been told to head towards Acharavi, further west.

Meanwhile a firefighting plane crashed on Evia, near Athens, killing at least two people on board, according to AFP news agency.

A fire had been burning on the island and the plane appeared to be dousing it with water before crashing. State broadcaster ERT showed the low-flying aircraft disappearing into a canyon before a fireball was seen moments later.

Prime Minister Mitsotakis warned of tough days ahead on Tuesday as ministers met to discuss a response to wildfires that have destroyed homes and forced the evacuation of thousands of tourists from the island of Rhodes.

Firefighters battled blazes that have raged on the island since Wednesday and more emergency flights were due to land to fly home holidaymakers.

Mr Mitsotakis told parliament on Monday the country was at war and said on Tuesday the next days would be difficult, with conditions possibly improving after Thursday.

An assessment by scientists published on Tuesday said human-induced climate change has played an absolutely overwhelming role in the extreme heatwaves that have swept across North America, southern Europe and China this month.

In Greece, a prosecutor on Rhodes launched an investigation into the causes of the fires and the preparedness and response of authorities, state broadcaster ERT said.

It said about 10 per cent of the islands land area had burned.
S an Francisco police were called to Twitters HQ on Monday to stop construction workers from removing the buildings sign after Elon Musk rebranded the social media platform to X.

On one side of the building, only the blue bird and the letters er" were left.

Twitter has occupied offices at 10th and Market Street in San Francisco since 2012 but it is not clear whether the owners of the building will allow the remaining Twitter branding to be removed.

It comes as Twitters owner Elon Musk on Monday unveiled a new X logo for the social media giant, killing off its iconic blue bird symbol. The logo was projected onto the firms building on Monday night.

Police at the scene at Twitter HQ after the sign is dismantled / Getty Images

The new logo, a white X on a black background, was criticised widely by users with the hashtag GoodbyeTwitter trending on the platform.

Musk on Sunday first unveiled the new logo on Sunday, telling users: Soon we shall bid adieu to the Twitter brand and, gradually, all the birds.

The entrepreneur, the worlds richest man, has said that he hopes to create an everything app, called X.

Musk bought x.com back from PayPal in 2017, saying it had sentimental value. Musk had co-founded x.com as an online bank in 1999 which later transformed into PayPal.

Twitters official page on the platform has been renamed as "X" and the domain x.com now links to Twitter.

Since Musks takeover of Twitter, the company has faced tumultuous times with layoffs, a sharp drop in advertisers and the meteoric rise of Threads, Metas Twitter rival.

Former advertising chief at NBCUniversal Linda Yaccarino has been drafted in as Twitters CEO in a bid to reverse a plunge in the social media giants advertising revenue.

Ms Yaccarino, who started the post on June 5, said that the new X app would go even further to transform the global town square."

She said: X is the future state of unlimited interactivity  centred in audio, video, messaging, payments/banking  creating a global marketplace for ideas, goods, services, and opportunities.

Powered by AI, X will connect us all in ways were just beginning to imagine.
G reta Thunberg was removed by police from a blockade of an oil facility on Monday, hours after being fined by a Swedish court for a similar offence.

Ms Thunberg, 20, staged a roadblock alongside activists from Reclaim the Future at the oil terminal in the southern Swedish city of Malmo.

She had hours earlier admitted to a previous protest at the site last month but denied guilt, saying the fight against the fossil fuel industry was a form of self-defence because of the existential and global threat of the climate crisis.

Speaking to reporters after being fined 2,500 kronor (187) by a Swedish court, she said: We cannot save the world by playing by the rules.

According to the Sydsvenskan newspaper, Ms Thunberg told the court: I believe that we are in an emergency that threatens life, health and property.

Countless people and communities are at risk both in the short term and in the long term.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg talks to journalists at the District Court in Malmo / REUTERS

Charges were initially brought against Thunberg and several other youth activists from the Reclaim the Future movement for refusing a police order to disperse after blocking road access to the terminal.

The activist, who began her school strikes in protest at inaction over climate change at the age of 15 in Stockholm, rose to international prominence through the Fridays for Future youth climate movement.

If the court sees our actions of self-defence as a crime, thats how it is," said Irma Kjellstrom, a spokesperson for Reclaim the Future who was also present at the June protest.

She added that activists have to be exactly where the harm is being done.
An MP of the Servant of the People party, Yuriy Aristov, who is also deputy chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, has been spotted in a luxury hotel in the Maldives. The MP was seen on vacation in mid-July.

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Aristov was vacationing in the 5-star hotel Waldorf Astoria Maldives on the private island of Ithaafushi. This is reported by the publication "Slidstvo Info".

To verify the information about Aristov's trip to the Maldives, journalists called the Waldorf Astoria Maldives hotel. The employees of the resort confirmed that Aristov had indeed been their guest, but had already checked out.

It is noteworthy that the cost of accommodation for two people for one night in the hotel Waldorf Astoria Maldives varies from 100 to 323 thousand hryvnias for a villa with two bedrooms and a swimming pool. Moreover, the hotel has an offer for more than UAH 500 thousand for one night - with three bedrooms, swimming pools and beach access.

Journalists tried to contact the MP, but he did not answer the phone. The MP's spokeswoman was unable to answer journalists' questions about whether Aristov was in Ukraine or still in the Maldives. Instead, she advised to send a journalistic inquiry.

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In turn, the head of the faction "Servant of the people" David Arahamiya has already reacted to the information about Aristov's possible vacation in the Maldives. He said in his Telegram that he would initiate the issue of immediate suspension of Aristov's membership in the faction.

Arahamiya added that he had requested all travel documents to verify all the information. If Aristov's trip to the Maldives is confirmed, the faction will demand his immediate expulsion from the committee and resignation from the parliamentary mandate.

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Earlier it was reported that the political force "Servant of the people" suspended the membership in the party of MP Lyudmila Marchenko. On the eve of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine announced her suspicion of bribery.

We shall remind you that the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine has put a Kyiv council member from the Servants of the People, Vladyslav Trubitsyn, on a wanted list. He is suspected of receiving an undue benefit on a particularly large scale.

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I raq and other Muslim-majority countries have condemned the burning of a copy of the Quran in front of the Iraqi embassy in Denmark.

Demonstrations have raged across Iran and Iraq after Denmark and Sweden allowed the burning of the Quran under rules protecting free speech. Protesters in Iraq set the Swedish embassy in Baghdad alight last Thursday.

Two anti-Islam protesters set fire to a copy of Islams holy book in front of the Iraqi embassy in the Danish capital on Monday.

The two protesters were from a group that calls itself Danish Patriots, which held a similar demonstration last week and live-streamed the events on Facebook.

Iraqs foreign ministry called on authorities of EU countries to quickly reconsider so-called freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate.

Protesters gathered in Baghdad on Saturday amid heavy security, in a gathering called by ruling Iraqi parties and armed groups, many close to Iran.

Bridges leading to the Green Zone that houses many foreign embassies were shut after an attempt by demonstrators to get to the Danish embassy.

Last week Iraq expelled the Swedish ambassador and halted business with Sweden after a protester was allowed to desecrate a copy of the Quran in Stockholm for the second time in three weeks.

An Iraqi asylum seeker carrying the Swedish flag dropped a copy of the holy text on the ground outside his native countrys embassy and stamped on it while police stood by.

Irans foreign ministry last week summoned the Swedish ambassador in Tehran to strongly protest against the desecration, while Qatar took similar action. Turkey said events in Stockholm were a despicable attack.

Turkey also strongly condemned the "despicable attack" in Copenhagen, and called on Denmark to take necessary measures to prevent this "hate crime" against Islam, the foreign ministry said on Monday.

Saudi Arabia also summoned the Swedish charge daffaires in Riyadh and handed him a note of protest.

Hassan Nasrallah, the head of Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, called on Islamic nations to follow Iraq in expelling Swedish ambassadors and withdrawing their envoys.

The Iraqi government announced retaliatory measures against Sweden, saying it would recall its diplomatic staff on the orders of Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, the prime minister. It said it would sever diplomatic relations if Sweden permitted another burning.
I sraeli police fired water cannons on protesters on Monday after the countrys parliament approved a deeply controversial law to limit the powers of the Supreme Court.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to protest a series of drastic changes to the countrys judicial system under the right-wing government, which they fear will weaken checks on the executive branch.

Demonstrators are calling for general strikes and opposition leaders have said they will challenge the reforms.

Over the weekend, tens of thousands of protestors marched 70 kilometres from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem as part of months-long protests against the changes which they say are pushing the country towards authoritarian rule.

The proposed overhauls encompass radical changes designed to limit the judiciarys powers, ranging from restricting the Supreme Courts authority to challenge parliamentary decisions to altering the process of judges selection.

The first measure of the new plans was passed unanimously by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus ruling coalition on Monday night, after the opposition stormed out of the hall.

Its a sad day, opposition leader Yair Lapid said after the vote. This is not a victory for the coalition. This is the destruction of Israeli democracy.

What are the judicial reforms?

A person stands in front of an Israeli police water cannon being used to disperse demonstrators / AP

The first of the new laws, passed on Monday, is the so-called reasonableness bill. This law aims to eliminate the doctrine that grants Israels Supreme Court oversight over the governments cabinet and ministerial selections, and will also strip the court of its authority to block government decisions it deems unreasonable.

The government also wants to reduce the Supreme Courts power to reject laws, making it possible for a simple majority of one in the Knesset to overturn such court decisions.

It also wants to exert more influence over judicial appointments, including those in the Supreme Court, by increasing its representation on the appointment committee.

The requirement for ministers to obey the advice of their legal advisers would also be scrapped.

If all these new laws take effect, the courts and Israeli society will have limited options to challenge government policies they perceive as illegal or undemocratic.

A political watchdog group and centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid are planning to petition the Supreme Court to annul the newly passed law.

Why are people so angry about the reforms?

REUTERS

Opponents fear that nationalist and ultra-Orthodox religious parties in alliance with Netanyahu will be able to shape policy with unlimited power. They view the legal concept of reasonableness as a key measure in protecting against government overreach and a fundamental pillar of Israeli democracy.

There are fears that the government might use the reduced judicial oversight to help create a more religious and less tolerant society by awarding jobs and funds to allies and firing officials who oppose them, pushing the country towards religious autocracy.

They also view the overhaul as a power grab fuelled by Netanyahus personal grievances  he is still on trial for charges of corruption and fraud.

Its hard to distinguish between his desire to avoid jail and his desire to remain in power, David Myers, a professor of Jewish history at UCLA, told Vox in an interview.

This is about whether the resources of the state will actually be used for the public interest, said Amichai Cohen, a legal expert at the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem-based research group, told the New York Times. Will the ministers interpret this elimination of reasonableness as carte blanche to just use the resources at their disposal, as they see fit, for political reasons?

Who has spoken out against the reforms?

Israeli protesters clash with a mounted police officer during a demonstration / Getty Images

Many sectors of Israeli society have spoken out against the legislation.

Protesters have called for all the planned reforms to be scrapped and for Netanyahu, to resign. Tens of thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets since March, regularly shutting down roads and infrastructure, leading to fears of armed conflict between those in favour and those against the reforms.

The demonstrators are supported by Netanyahus political opponents, as well as former top officials in Israels military, intelligence and security services, eminent legal figures and business leaders amongst others.

Israels largest trade union has threatened a strike, and doctors in the country also went on strike in protest last week.

Hundreds of military reservists, including elite Israeli Defence Force (IDF) pilots, who are key to Israels defence, have also threatened to refuse to report for service. This has led to warnings that the countrys security could be left seriously weakened.

The White House, a long-term and crucial ally of Isreal, called it "unfortunate" that the law had been passed. President Joe Biden himself has also called for the divisive reforms to be postponed.

Its brought out on to the streets people who never thought they would protest against the Jewish state, Myers told Vox.

What has the government said?

Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies say the reforms strengthen democracy / AFP via Getty Images

Proponents of the changes claim the objective of the legal changes is to put power in the hands of elected officials rather than unelected judges. Netanyahu and his allies say the reforms strengthen democracy by reducing the power of unelected judges and granting elected politicians more influence over decision-making.

Today we did a necessary democratic act, an act that is intended to return a measure of balance between the branches of government, he said in a televised address.

He also urged reservists who love Israel not to refuse military service in protest at the legal overhaul.

The IDF must remain outside any political controversy. We all know that the IDF relies on dedicated reservists who love this country.

Calls for refusal to serve harm the security of every citizen of the state. No government can capitulate to a refusal diktat and we will not give in to such diktat.
P resident Joe Bidens dog has been accused of attacking seven White House staff members including Secret Service guards in his four months in office.

Commander, Bidens one-year-old German shepherd, is being accused of aggressive behaviour despite being brought in to replace Major the Presidents previous dog who was given to family friends after yet more biting incidents.

According to Freedom of Information emails released to conservative group Judicial Watch, the White House physicians office referred a Secret Service officer to hospital for treatment after the Presidents dog bit down on their arm and thigh.

Records show Commander also broke the skin of a different Secret Service members hand and arm weeks later after the president unleashed him outside the White House after First Familys movie night.

Joe Bidens dog Commander as a pup / The White House/AFP via Getty Im

The New York Post also reports the following month, the dog bit the back of a security technician at Bidens Wilmington, Delaware home.

The beloved pooch was in isolation with the US President when he tested positive for Covid-19.

He shared a picture of the pair on the residence balcony on Twitter with the post Took some calls this morning with mans best co-worker.

Commander was brought in soon after the First Family had to give up their adopted rescue dog Major, who bit a Secret Service agent and a National Park Service employee during his stint at the White House.

After in-depth consultations with animal behaviour specialists and vets, it was thought that Major would live a happier life in a quieter environment. He is now said to be living with Biden family friends.

According to CNNs sources, Major was well-known for his agitated behaviour which includes charging, barking and jumping at members of staff in the White House.

The canine capers came days after the White House confirmed that Ukraine is using US-supplied cluster munitions against Russian forces.

The cluster bombs are in Ukrainian hands and being deployed in the field as part of Kyivs battle against Russia, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said on Thursday.

The bombs are banned in more than 100 countries. They typically release large numbers of smaller bomblets that can kill indiscriminately over a wide area. Those that fail to explode pose a danger for decades.
I nvestigations are under way in the US state of Ohio after police unleashed a dog on a truck driver who had left the vehicle with his hands raised after a traffic stop.

The lengthy pursuit on July 4 and the ensuing attack were captured on a police body camera.

Authorities said the chase began on state highway 35, when officers from the town of Circleville tried to stop a commercial truck that was missing a mudflap and failed to stop for an inspection.

State troopers were called in to assist, authorities said. The driver, Jadarrius Rose, 23, of Memphis, Tennessee, who is Black, initially refused to get out of the truck and later defied instructions to get on the ground, according to a Ohio State Highway Patrol incident report made available to The Associated Press, along with the body cam video.

The suspect failed to stop for marked patrol units with lights and sirens activated, the incident report said. He eventually got on his knees and raised his hands in the air.

The name of the Circleville officer has not been released, and officials in that department have not said if hell face any disciplinary action. They also declined to comment on the investigation. However, the K9 officer was identified in the incident report as Officer Ryan Speakman of the Circleville Police Department.

The body cam video shows Mr Speakman holding back the police dog, and a trooper can be heard off-camera repeatedly shouting, Do not release the dog with his hands up! However, Mr Speakman deployed the dog, and it can be seen in the video attacking Mr Rose.

Then the trooper can be heard shouting: Get the dog off of him! Mr Rose appears to be in pain and shouting Get it off! Please! Please! before the attack ends. Mr Rose was treated at a hospital for dog bites.

Mr Rose was charged with failure to comply, and he did not respond to an emailed request for comment. Messages were also left with attorney Benjamin Partee, who was identified in media reports as Mr Roses lawyer.

Its not yet clear why he refused to stop for the inspector and police. He told The Columbus Dispatch that he couldnt talk about why he didnt stop but, when asked about the video, told the newspaper: Im just glad that it was recorded. What you saw is what, pretty much, happened.

Audio recordings of 911 calls that were released by the Ross County Sheriffs Office show Mr Rose told emergency dispatchers that the officers pursuing him were trying to kill him and he didnt feel safe pulling over. He also said he was confused about why the officers were trying to stop him and why they had their guns drawn after he briefly stopped the truck before driving away.

The dispatcher repeatedly told Nr Rose he should stop and comply with police, and also told him the officers were not trying to harm him.

Ross County Prosecutor Jeffrey Marks said Monday that Mr Rose was charged there based on the events that happened in the county. Mr Marks office is now reviewing materials in the case and will ultimately decide whether any charges should be brought before a county grand jury. However, Mr Marks said his office has no say in whether the Circleville officer is charged since that episode didnt happen in Ross County.
C hristopher Nolans biopic Oppenheimer is facing a backlash in India for quoting a sacred Hindu text during a sex scene.

The Hollywood blockbuster tells the story of American scientist J Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb during the Second World War.

In one scene, actor Cillian Murphy, who plays Oppenheimer, recites a famous line from the Bhagavad Gita after having sex with Florence Pughs Jean Tatlock.

Now I am become death, destroyer of worlds, he reads out, a phrase the physicist reportedly recalled when the first atomic bomb he invented was detonated on July 16, 1945 .

However, the scene has sparked outrage from officials in the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party.

Uday Mahurkar, a senior official at the governments Central Information Commission, called it a direct assault on religious beliefs of a billion tolerant Hindus.

In an open letter to Nolan, he wrote: It has come to our notice that the movie Oppenheimer contains a scene [which makes] a scathing attack on Hinduism.

As per social media reports, a scene in the movie shows a woman making 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 hand seems to be adjusting the position of their reproductive organs.

We do not know the motivation and logic behind this unnecessary scene [in the 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.

Hashtags such as #BoycottOppenheimer and #RespectHinduCulture have been trending on Twitter.

This should be investigated... on an urgent basis and those involved should be severely punished, the nationalist Save Culture Save India Foundation said.
T he number of reports of modern slavery cases in the UK over the past year has reached its highest ever level, with cases in the care industry more than doubling.

The total number of potential victims referred to the Home Office across all sectors in 2022 was almost 17,000  the highest number ever recorded, according to BBC File on 4.

There are currently more than 300 active care sector investigations, according to the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), who protect against labour exploitation in the UK.

Investigators said that the care sector has gone from not being on their radar to being their top priority in the past 18 months.

The National Police Chiefs Council told the BBC it had a special team leading work to understand and tackle the problem.

However, prosecution rates for cases are extremely low. Last year, police in England and Wales recorded nearly 10,000 cases. Half of these were closed because offenders couldnt be traced, and less than two per cent resulted in charges.

Victims of modern slavery are extremely vulnerable, Sara Thornton, the former Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, told the BBC.

They will be in terror of the people whove trafficked or enslaved them, who will tell them theres no point going to the police or the local authority or a charity because they wont support you.

What is modern-day slavery?

Protest: Modern slavery is a crime with profound lasting consequences / AFP / Getty Images

The definition of slavery is no longer just based on the concept of being owned by someone. Modern definitions include being forced to work under threat and being controlled by your employer.

Kathy Betteridge, director of the Salvation Armys anti-trafficking and modern slavery unit, said: Modern slavery shows itself in a number of different forms, including forced labour and sexual exploitation, where women are taken and deceived, and abused.

In the UK, most commonly, people are trafficked into forced labour in industries such as agriculture, construction, hospitality, and car washes.

Who are the victims of modern slavery?

Victims are often vulnerable and easy for others to take advantage of.

This can be someone living in poverty with no job prospects, who will accept a job abroad that turns out to be something other than what was promised.

Children are also vulnerable. In 2017, more than 2,000 children were referred to British authorities as potential victims of slavery.

Why has modern slavery risen so much in the UK in the past year?

Anti-slavery charity Unseen told the BBC that a rise in calls about the care sector over the past year to their helpline is because the Government has made it easier for social care staff from abroad to work in the UK to fill thousands of job vacancies post-Brexit.

The bigger the supply chain, the more opportunity there is for exploitation, the charity said.

In the year to March, the Government had issued 102,000 skilled worker, health, and care visas to foreign workers, an increase of 171 per cent compared to the previous year. In a statement to File on 4, it said that more than 17.8m had been spent policing modern slavery since 2016.

Speaking to the Standard in 2018, Ms Betteridge said year-on-year rises could be a combination of both increased awareness and increased cases.

We believe this could be a combination of an increase in modern slavery as well as raised levels of awareness and understanding, which means law enforcement agencies are more active and the Salvation Army is receiving more referrals, she said.

How do people become vulnerable to human trafficking and slavery?

People can be vulnerable to becoming victims of modern slavery for many different reasons, says Ms Betteridge.

Situations such as debt, substance addiction, relationship breakdowns, homelessness, or extreme poverty can mean a person is looking for a way into a different life and are therefore vulnerable to false promises.

Traffickers often lie to victims to tell them there is no-one to help them. Thats why its important for everyone to know we are here; we can transport them out of the situation, give them safe accommodation, and support them with any of their needs  from physical and mental health to financial and legal help.

Could our country better prevent human trafficking?

In 2009, the Government set up the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) to refer individual cases and through which victims can access support.

However, some critics argue that cases weren't dealt with properly.

Anti-Slavery International said: Victims were not supported and traffickers were getting away with their crimes.

After the Modern Slavery Act 2015 was launched in response to failings in the NRM system, significant steps forward were made.

Under the new act, businesses had to report on how they tackle slavery in their global supply chains and an anti-slavery commissioner was established to oversee the UK's policies to tackle slavery.

However, Anti-Slavery International says the act was too focused on policing.

It said: Many are not recognised as victims and not supported properly. Many are treated as immigration offenders rather than victims of a serious crime.

They are also less likely to act as witnesses in court and help prosecute the traffickers.

According to UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner Kevin Hyland, only one per cent of victims of slavery have the chance to see their exploiter brought to justice.

What can I do to help victims of modern slavery?

Call 999 immediately if you believe someone is being trafficked.

You can also dial the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Salvation Army also runs a 24-hour confidential Referral Helpline on 0300 3038151.

The Standard has an action platform designed to help Londoners spot the signs and help victims in danger.
R aging wildfires forced the closure of Palermo Airport on Tuesday morning as thousands of tourists were forced to abandon European holidays because of blazes and extreme weather.

Flames could be seen surrounding the runway in a video shared online by the airport in the Sicilian capital, as its operator said firefighters were working to put out the inferno.

It comes as a suffocating heatwave continued to cause chaos in southern Europe, with scorching temperatures bringing increased risk of blazes and deaths.

Some 30,000 British tourists with holidays booked to Greece are in limbo as firefighters battle to control more than 80 wildfires that have been burning for the last week.

Hotels on the Greek island of Rhodes could remain closed for weeks, travel agents fear, with many more forced to shut amid fears that strong winds could cause further chaos.

More than 5,000 Britons were stranded on the island on Monday after fleeing hotels. Operators, including Jet2 and easyJet, have begun evacuating tourists on repatriation flights back to the UK.

Some resorts on the island have suffered catastrophic damage and there are doubts they will reopen this summer.

Greece Wildfires: Tourists evacuation from Rhodes 1 / 46 Greece Wildfires: Tourists evacuation from Rhodes Women embrace each other as one of them arrives at Gatwick Airport after being evacuated off the Greek island of Rhodes REUTERS An active wildfire near Genadi on the island of Rhodes, Greece AP Travellers arrive at Gatwick Airport amid evacuations of holidaymakers off the Greek island of Rhodes as wildfires continue to spread and thousands are forced to flee REUTERS People wait to be evacuated from Rhodes AP Hannah Dolman and Dominic Doggett arrive on a flight from Rhodes in Greece into Gatwick Airport in Crawley, West Sussex. PA 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

Meanwhile in Sicily, the main airport of Catania, Italys fifth-largest, was closed last week due to a fire in a terminal building and has reopened only for a few flights.

In some eastern parts of the island temperatures rose to 47.6C on Monday, close to a record European high of 48.8C recorded on Sicily two years ago.

On Tuesday, 16 Italian cities were put on red alert by the government over blisteringly high heat.

These include Palermo and Catania, where power and water supply cuts that local officials blamed in part on the heat have been frequent in recent days.

Overnight a storm in Milan tore off roofs and uprooted trees, blocking roads and disrupting overground transportation in countrys financial capital.

Two women were killed in the northern Monza and Brescia provinces after being crushed by falling trees.

A Delta flight from Milan to New York was seriously damaged by hailstorm and forced to land in Rome.

Italy is one of the European countries most affected by climate change, and also suffered deadly floods in May.

Extreme heat has also swept across North America, North Africa and Asia, while June 2023 was the worlds hottest month on record.

Met Office Experts said extreme temperatures of more than 40C are also becoming increasingly likely in the UK due to climate change as prepares to publish its annual report.

The British Foreign Office is warning about extreme weather and wildfires on the continent, but has not advised against travelling.

Cabinet Secretary Michael Gove said he plans to holiday on the Greek island of Evia in just over a week and insisted the region is safe for holidaymakers.

The minister denied that the Foreign Office has taken too relaxed an approach by not issuing advice not to go.

In fact Im due to go on holiday, God willing, to Greece in just over a weeks time, he told Times Radio. Not to Rhodes but to another island and Im looking forward to going.

Greece is a wonderful country, a wonderful place to holiday and we do need to support the Greek government in dealing with the situation in Rhodes. My heart goes out to those who are affected but the advice is clear, if you follow the Foreign Office advice it is safe.
W ere all guilty of sticking to our stalwarts: mines a dry gin martini, olive, dash of olive oil  so predictable. But when I do tread off this well-worn path, Im lucky that inevitably bars and their tenders will have been working on new and shiny menus to keep me on my toes. Whether theyre celebrating a new season, laying down the gauntlet for a new venture, or simply the culmination of a teams recent creative process, there are plenty of new menus ready to be tried across town.

From high concept themes to alfresco slingers, illustrated masterpieces to photogenic collections, Ive spent the last few weeks trying some of the best in London. Front-line reporting, at its finest.

Kwant

Courtesy of Kwant

Perhaps the most hotly anticipated opening of the year has landed with razzmatazz in Mayfair, and with it a shiny new menu. The second iteration of Erik Lorinczs Kwant has been romancing drinks lovers with its dazzling interiors and precision-perfect drinks. The menu is made up of bold signatures (a testament to Lorinczs deft hand and sharp mind) and his own takes on the classics: for the former, the Skin Contact is a prime example with gin, fino sherry, tomato water and liquid shio koji, the latter, check out the Cosmo Highball below. Garnishes are doll-house-like trinkets and Id be remiss not to mention the food, from St John, Fat Duck and No 5 Social alumni, Joni Ketonen. And dont pronounce the name (aka quaint) wrong either  too embarrassing.

Millikens choice: Cosmo Highball. Tall, pink, vivacious. No, not Barbie, but this effervescent take on the classic Cosmopolitan with gin, oat, cranberry, lemon, timur berry, cardamom and nasturtium. Sex and the City fans will be glad to hear that this sequel is a roaring success.

52 Stratton Street, W1J 8LN, @kwantmayfair

Swift Soho

Addie Chinn

Named Postcards, the new menu downstairs at the OG Swift bar pays homage to the tastes of home for the team behind the bar. Illustrated in nostalgic style to bring to life the scenes each drink evokes, its made up of 20 cocktails that serve as love letters to the likes of Swedens forests, The Northern Lights, New Orleans and Singapore. Its cocktails are indeed transportive: Humbug brings a sweet shop energy to cognac, Cuban rum and dulce de leche, while Vignette catapults you to the Cote dAzur, with gin, Noilly Prat, St Germain, celery and absinthe.

Millikens choice: Praline Flip. A cocktail Id definitely write home about: Swifts own spiced rum, hazelnut, Guinness, egg and Angostura combine to make this impossibly elegant and smooth sipper. A liquid rendition of how I think I look while barrelling down a hotel waterslide.

12 Old Compton Street, W1D 4TQ, barswift.com

Baccarat Bar at Harrods

Via press handout

Earth, air, fire and water: the four elements are the basis for the Metamorphosis menu at Harrods lower ground floor bar. This ones for the nerds: expect words like malolactic conversion, emulsification and ultrasonic extraction to explain how the team get some seriously cool flavours to pop from Iberico bones, sweet potato, cornbread and artichokes. Big shoutout to the non-alcs here  these might just be the best in town. Oh, and theres the glassware. Made by the luxury French crystal maker Baccarat, every single glass is a thing of beauty. Dont invite your clumsy mate (or the one whose bag glasses seem to fall into), whatever you do.

Millikens choice: Alter Life. Clairin, artichoke heart, tarragon, smoked almond, lime and mint make this a super grown-up Mojito of sorts  properly green, properly fresh, properly delicious.

87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL, harrods.com

Hacha

HACHA via press

While it might be best known for its illusionary Mirror Margarita, Hacha has just launched a mini aperitivo menu, Aperitivo de Agave to celebrate its collaboration with London-based vermouth producer Vault Aperitivo. Pine, lime and thyme, among other botanicals, have been chosen for the Hacha x Vault Vermouth to make it a match for the notes of tequila and mezcal, and it has been given the cocktail treatment in the form of an Hibiscus Americano, Negroni Blanco an Rociar Classico  all of which can be made using tequila blanco or mezcal verde.

Millikens choice: Mini Martini. Giving the classic an agave twist, the team use the Hacha x Vault Vermouth to mix with either mezcal or tequila. Its the ideal way to see just how well this vermouth works with agave-based spirits. And at 4.50, it would be an actual crime not to order it.

Brixton and Dalston; 12 Market Row, London SW9 8LD, 378 Kingsland Road, London E8 4AA, hachabar.com

American Bar at The Savoy

American Bar via press handout

The Lionesses, Bond and bar regular Maggie all get a nod on the new The Savoy: An American Bar Journal menu at the doyenne of Londons bar scene. Head bartender Chelsie Bailey and her team have brought together 15 new cocktails for their debut menu, introducing their own little piece of history at the iconic bar. Cocktail names sound like a pretty good drag show lineup  Dandy Beau, Homecoming, Jack Rabbit, Cardamom Angel Face, New York Cherub, to name few  and there are some bold twists in there too: the Coffee Black Velvet is a must-try.

Millikens choice: Cardamom Angel Face. Perfect for summer, this carbonated twist on an Angel Face Cocktail combines gin, Calvados, apricot wine and cardamom cream soda. Actual heaven.

The Savoy, Strand, WC2R 0EZ, thesavoylondon.com

The Donovan Bar

Browns Hotel Donovan Bar via Press

The Evoke menu feels more like a coffee table book than a cocktail menu, with iconic photos from Sixties fashion photographer Terence Donovan (after whom the bar is named) acting as a backdrop to 12 seriously sensational cocktails. All based around emotional memories, they are also a homage to the Italian background of the team: Martini Roots incorporates Grana Padano, tomato and focaccia; Gratitude is a bombastic combination of coffee and orange; and Adrenaline marries balsamic vinegar and amaro. Its a triumph, and theres even a cocktail served in a replica head of the face of the bar, legend Salvatore Calabrese. Creepy or top-tier Insta fodder? You decide.

Millikens choice: Red. Tequila, chilli, amaro, mezcal and bubbles are the supporting artists to the star ingredient of this cocktail  the red pepper. The seeds are even pulverised and used to amp up the flavour as a dusted garnish on the glass too. Unreal  and it might just be my drink of the summer.

33 Albemarle Street, W1S 4BP, roccofortehotels.com

Punch Room

Punch Room via press handout

Anyone that actually listened in physics at school will get to grips quickly with the concept of the London Edition hotel bars new menu, Lights. Even if you didnt (like me), youll recognise that its a fun and clever concept: using opaque, translucent and transparent as their starting points, the team has created five punches in each category that play with your vision to enhance your perception of each drink. Nearly every single one includes a perfectly pitched tea  from jasmine and pipacha oolong, to red shiso and violet tea. Garnishes are fun too, like mint tea foam, white chocolate coins and ancho reyes dipped limes.

Millikens choice: Cockrow Punch. Cockrow refers to the time of day we know as daybreak and the use of croissants with oolong tea, vodka, lemon and cream soda is a clever touch in this unassuming but endearing little number.

10 Berners Street, W1T 3NP, editionhotels.com

The terrace at Lyaness

Press Handout

Inside the Mr Lyan bar, the Ancestral Cookbook menu is an absolute stormer. But out on the terrace, which overlooks the South Bank, youll find a newer menu which has been created especially for the impending hotter weather: enter, Lyaness Riviera. This is where the award-winning team is throwing some cute cocktails outside for an afternoon sesh or an amble (you can take them away too). Think Frozen Banana Coffee, a Riviera Margarita and, of course, Champagne.

Millikens choice: Strawberry and Clarified Cream. Wimbers (no) might be over, but this classic combo lives on in this cheeky number with caco vodka, whey, sweet and sour strawberry and roe Champagne. Game, set, match.

20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD, lyaness.com

Artesian at The Langham

Handout

One of Londons most esteemed bars, the Artesian has launched its Ingredients of the Future menu, laying bare the vegetables, flowers, fruits, nuts (and insects) that the team believes are the future of making drinks more friendly for our time-ticking planet. Each of the 16 cocktails are based around one core ingredient  from sweet potatoes and tiger nuts, to soil, spirulina and  which is used in a multitude of ways to create each of the visually arresting cocktails on a very brave menu for a hotel bar.

Millikens choice: Soil. A twist on a dry Martini, this vodka, sake, koji and soil scent cocktail is mineral as hell, and refreshing to boot. Kind of like drinking a bar-quality Martini after three days at a rainy Glasto.

1C Portland Pl, W1B 1JA, artesian-bar.co.uk
I f youve ever been to Mexico, youll know the way we drink tequila on this side of the Atlantic is, to put it lightly, an utter travesty.

Sloshing it into a novelty shot glass and chasing it with a wedge of lime and some salt was the old way to knock back the agave spirit. And lets face it; it wasnt an entirely pleasant experience either.

Its something of a revelation, then, to know that traditionalists and connoisseurs dont shoot tequila; in fact, most of it is designed to be swilled, savoured and sipped slowly to allow the oaky, citrus and spice notes hiding within to reveal themselves. That goes double for the good stuff like Anejo tequila, which spends the longest amount of time ageing.

What is the difference between Blanco, Reposado and Anejo tequila?

Tequila is split into three categories which directly relate to the ageing process.

Blanco: also known as a Silver, this tequila is aged for two months or less after distillation and is the one thats most-commonly reached for when making cocktails.

also known as a Silver, this tequila is aged for two months or less after distillation and is the one thats most-commonly reached for when making cocktails. Reposado: typically held in a wooden cask for two months to allow the spirit to absorb some of its flavour, expect a mellow, richer flavour with this type.

typically held in a wooden cask for two months to allow the spirit to absorb some of its flavour, expect a mellow, richer flavour with this type. Anejo: the longest aged tequila is usually the most expensive too, with a price-point at the higher end of the scale. For your money, you can expect a fine whisky-like experience, and just like that amber nectar, Anejo tequila is best sipped neat or on the rocks.

Enjoying a high-quality tequila is something you can do year round and there are tequila flights to try (smaller measures) for those who dont want to fork out on a bottle of something that might end up collecting dust at the back of your drinks collection.

If youre already well into your tequila journey and fancy deepening your knowledge or trying something different, weve rounded up the best tequilas - of all ages - to enjoy sipping slowly.

From big brands to niche producers, see the best sipping tequilas to buy in the UK below.

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The court sent MP from the banned OPFL party Oleksandr Ponomaryov to a pre-trial detention centre for two months without the right to be released on bail. He is suspected of high treason.

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The relevant decision was made by the Pechersk District Court of the capital. This was reported by the Office of the Prosecutor General.

"At the request of the prosecutors of the Prosecutor General's Office, the Pechersk District Court imposed a pre-trial restraint on the MP of the VII, VIII, IX convocations of the banned OPFL political party - detention without bail," the statement said.

After the hearing, Ponomaryov commented on the court's decision. He stated that the prosecutor's office allegedly failed to present any charges of his collaboration with the enemy.

"I consider this case to be a political order, fabricated out of thin air," he added.

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The day before, Oleksandr Ponomaryov was suspected of high treason. According to the investigation, the MP, being in the occupied territory of Zaporizhzhia region, voluntarily cooperated with the aggressor.

The SBI said that on the first day of the invasion, the MP left Kyiv for occupied Berdiansk, where he tried to preserve his own wealth. In the occupied territory, the MP even had protection from the invaders, visited the occupied Crimea and the Russian Federation, but later decided to return to Kyiv due to commercial disputes with the invaders.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported:

- In 2018, Ponomaryov was involved in a scandal after he attacked a journalist on the sidelines of parliament and took his phone.

- In March 2022, Berdiansk reported Ponomaryov's alleged abduction. Employees of his businesses in the city stopped working because of the owner's disappearance.

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L orraine Kelly has revealed shes been by her elderly mothers bedside after she was admitted to hospital in Scotland.

The 63-year-old informed her social media followers that her 81-year-old mum Anne had been admitted into University Hospital Monklands, in Lanarkshire in recent days.

Sharing the news on Monday, the ITV daytime star tweeted: Having spent a lot of time over the past few days with my mum in @UHMonklands hospital Ive seen again just how kind, caring, hardworking, funny and downright fabulous our NHS workers are.

Thank you doesnt begin to cover it.

Kellys mother Anne has been admitted to hospital recently / ITV

The presenter didnt go into further detail about her mothers condition, although she was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome in February, a condition that stops the kidneys functioning properly which also saw her hospitalised.

After sharing the update, Kelly was inundated with messages of support from followers who shared their concern for her mother.

One penned: Hope your mums ok sending love.

Hope youre mums ok, and wishing her a speedy recovery, another commented. Sending you lots of love and hugs xx.

While NHS Lanarkshire shared their thanks for the support: Thank you Lorraine for your kind words. We will share your lovely comments with our staff.

The Scottish broadcaster is currently on her summer break from her show, which Christine Lampard is currently covered.

Back in October, the TV presenter paid tribute to her mother and her youthful spirit as she discussed the pressure women face to delay ageing.

Speaking to Woman & Home, she said: Im lucky. My mum [Anne Kelly] looks incredible and Ive inherited her skin and cheekbones.

Ive got wee patches of grey, but Ive never done anything to my face. Im too scared to do Botox. Ive heard too many stories over the years where people have ended up looking like Klingons.

After gaining weight in lockdown, Id become very unhappy with my size. Like most of the nation, I had been comfort-eating, not doing as much exercise as normal and my husband has no conception of portion.
P ete Davidson has been placed on an 18-month diversion programme after the actor was charged with reckless driving in connection with a car crash in Beverly Hills earlier this year.

In March, the Saturday Night Live alum was driving with girlfriend Chase Sui Wonders, 27, when his Mercedes reportedly went over the curb, hitting a fire hydrant and crashed into the side of a house in the salubrious LA suburb.

According to several outlets, including The Blast and TMZ, the 29-year-olds lawyers struck a deal with Los Angeles prosecutors last week ahead of his scheduled arraignment date on Thursday.

In light of the reports, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorneys office confirmed to media on Monday that Davidson must complete the programme as an alternative to prosecution.

Davidson pictured with girlfriend Chase Sui Wonders in February / Getty Images

According to NBC, the programme will require him to do 12 hours of traffic school and 50 hours of community service, which he can complete in his native New York.

Davidsons counsel indicated his service is likely to be completed at the New York Fire Department.

The comedian has a personal connection to the NYFD as his father Scott was a NYFD firefighter who died helping in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

The Standard has contacted Pete Davidsons rep for comment.

In June, a spokesperson for the LACDA confirmed to PA that Davidson was charged with one misdemeanour count of reckless driving.

The statement read at the time: We believe that Mr. Davidson engaged in reckless driving, which ultimately resulted in his involvement in a serious collision into a home.

Luckily, no one was seriously injured as a result of this collision. We know that reckless driving can have devastating consequences.

The news comes after it was reported that Davidson was receiving in-patient therapy in a Pennsylvania facility after struggling with borderline personality disorder and PTSD.

He has been open about his mental health ever since he was diagnosed with a personality disorder in 2017 after years of experiencing bouts of depression and anxiety.

As well as SNL, the comedian is also known for his appearances in films including Bodies Bodies Bodies, The Suicide Squad, and Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts.
D wayne Johnson has reportedly donated a seven-figure sum to The Screen Actors Guild  American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) Foundation amid the unions strike.

The charity organises financial relief for the unions 160,000 members who have been on strike over concerns over a number of issues including pay and the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

In the wake of the strikes, SAG-AFTRA Foundation president Courtney B Vance and executive director Cyd Wilson sent out a letter to the unions highest-earning actors in a bid to drum up financial support for their Emergency Financial Assistance Program.

Shortly after the letter was sent out, The Rock responded to Vance and Wilson saying he wanted to help members any way he could.

Actor Kevin Bacon joined the strike in New York City / Getty Images

Vance told Variety: It was a love fest. Its like, Man, youre stepping up in a way that is allowing others to know the dire necessity of it.

This is him saying, In such a time as this, Im here and Im not going anywhere, whatever you need me to do. And that sends a huge message to other folks to do the same thing.

The exact amount of Johnsons donation hasnt been revealed, however, a representative told HuffPost that the sum is a seven-figure amount and has the potential to aid thousands of actors.

Its the largest single donation that weve ever received from one individual at one time, Wilson said.

The executive director added that the former wrestlers donation will likely help 7,000 to 10,000 members, adding that people will be able to keep food on the table, keep their children safe and their cars running.

It is a call to arms for all of us to know that we just have to step up however you can, Vance said. Dwayne is letting everyone know, Im here. What are you going to do?

The foundation thanked Johnson on social media for his generous donation / Twitter/Sag-Aftra Foundation

The Foundation also thanked Johnson for his extraordinary generosity and historic donation on social media, hoping that it would encourage other high-profile members to follow suit.

The Screen Actors Guild  American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Sag-Aftra) has been holding industrial action since failing to reach an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

The Writers Guild of America started industrial action on May 2, before Hollywood stars were pictured on the picket lines in the US this week.

The British union, which is not striking, announced earlier this week it would hold protests in Manchester and London in solidarity with Sag-Aftra.

American actor Rob Delaney, who co-wrote and starred in comedy Catastrophe along with Sharon Horgan, has already said he will attend.
T he wife of The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan has issued a health update about the ailing musician.

The 65-year-old was thought to have been admitted to an intensive care unit in June, although his partner Victoria Mary Clarke did not go into detail about his diagnosis.

She has now taken to social media to reveal that the Fairytale of New York hit-maker is starting to feel better and has been transferred to a hospital ward.

Alongside a picture of them lying in bed together with MacGowan in a hospital gown, Clarke wrote on Instagram: I just wanted to thank everyone who is sending love and prayers for @ShaneMacGowan.

We really appreciate it and bless all of you and anyone anywhere who is having health challenges! @poguesofficial.

The Pogues frontman, pictured with his wife, was also admitted to hospital at the end of last year / Victoria Mary Clarke/Instagram

Last month she used the social media platform to open up about his health worries.

There has been a lot of turbulence in my life recently and its been very emotional and also scary, she shared.

But this past few days I have noticed that even though theres a LOT of fear, there is also a huge amount of love and support and incredible blessings.

I think that our minds can be VERY resistant to change and to having our lives shaken up and rearranged and we need to be very gentle and patient with ourselves

Its a challenge to stay present with your feelings. Thank you to everyone who has been supporting me @shanemacgowanofficial.

The Irish star has faced a number of health struggles in recent times, including another hospital stint towards the end of last year when he was thought to have had both shingles and encephalitis.

Bruce Springsteen visited MacGowan at home in May / Twitter

Encephalitis is a serious condition in which the brain becomes inflamed. It can be life-threatening and requires urgent treatment in hospital.

He received a number of famous well-wishers at his home as a result, including Bruce Springsteen who popped by in May.
A mazon has closed three of its checkout-free Fresh stores across London, including the first one to open its doors back in 2021 .

The Amazon Fresh stores in Wandsworth, East Sheen and Ealing Broadway  the first one to arrive in the UK  closed their doors for the last time on Sunday.

Like other Amazon Fresh locations in the UK and US, the shops used the firms Just Walk Out sensor technology, which allows customers to pick up items and leave, with purchases billed to their Amazon accounts.

While the closure of the first UK store just over two years after it opened feels totemic, Amazon Fresh stores have spread quickly across London and still enjoy a reasonably strong presence.

Even with the three latest closures, the official site lists 17 shops across the capital, including central locations in Southwark, Euston, Chancery Lane and Kensington.

These arent even the first stores to shut, with Amazon closing its Dalston branch earlier this year .

At the time, Amazon painted this as reprioritising its plans, rather than a general withdrawal from the brick-and-mortar retail store market. Indeed, it pointed to subsequent openings in Croydon and Monument to support this.

Once again, the official comment echoes this sentiment: Like any physical retailer, we periodically assess our portfolio of stores and make optimisation decisions along the way, an Amazon spokesperson told the BBC.

While we decided to close three Amazon Fresh stores, it doesnt mean we wont grow - this year, we will open new Amazon Fresh stores to better serve customers in the greater London area."

Amazons dominance of e-commerce was built on data and analytics, so in one sense its no surprise that the company isnt afraid of closing stores that arent performing as well as it would like.

But at the same time, closing three stores in a single day doesnt feel like a vote of confidence in the endeavour. There was a time when the company was reportedly planning 100 or so stores across the UK, and that ambition seems to at least be slowing, even if it hasnt completely stalled.
T witter / X rival social media platform Mastodon is now being used by some users to trade child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), seemingly unnoticed and unpoliced, a new study by Stanford University in the US has found.

This comes following the news on Sunday that Twitter would be rebranding as X and losing its familiar blue Larry the bird logo, which saw more users threaten to delete their accounts.

Researchers from Stanford Universitys Internet Observatory analysed 325,000 Mastodon posts over two days and found 112 specific videos or images of CSAM content, that directly matched content flagged by international databases like the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which routinely locate, identify and remove this type of criminal data from the internet.

They also discovered almost 2,000 posts that include the 20 hashtags most commonly used to indicate the exchange of CSAM content. The accounts were offering to provide criminal content in exchange for money, using gaming instant messenger Discord or Japanese content-creator subscription service Fanbox.

Mastodon is a decentralised, open-source social network founded by German software developer Eugen Rochko in 2016. It currently has 2.1 million active users, according to the latest data provided by Mr Rochko on Sunday.

While it looks similar to Twitter, Mastodon is not owned or hosted by any one company or organisation. Instead, it is made up of at least 25,000 different servers, which each host their own instance of the platform and have vastly different web addresses, pertaining to topics of interest. This concept is sometimes known as the Fediverse.

When controversial tech entrepreneur Elon Musk acquired Twitter in late November, droves of Twitter users announced that they would be leaving the platform for Mastodon.

However, many people who made Mastodon accounts did not delete their Twitter accounts, and others have since returned to the social network, despite overwhelming complaints online about the direction in which Mr Musk has taken the platform in.

Mr Rochko told The Standard that his non-profit makes the free and open-source software that powers Mastadon, but that it is not affiliated with or in control of any of the servers in it, except the flagship mastodon.social, which it operates, and mastodon.online.

Each server operator is responsible for its operation, its moderation policies, and the content posted on that server, said Mr Rochko.

Authorities and governments would interact with these servers as they would with any traditional independent website  theres a domain name, theres a hosting provider, and so on.

He added that Stanfords study focused on newly posted content and did not measure whether content was being removed after being reported.

Child abuse content easily searchable

Mastodon, which was founded in 2016, now has close to 2.1 million active users a month / Rolf van Root / Unsplash

Stanfords researchers found that users were not even sharing the CSAM content discreetly, but on one of Mastodons most popular servers, with the content remaining online for hours and days, in which time they gained dozens of followers.

And even when the accounts were detected and removed, the servers themselves were not notified to take the offending content offline.

In posts widely visible on Mastodon, users were invited to negotiate sales by sending private messages on external encrypted messaging services like Telegram.

Some of the sellers appeared to be underage individuals open to dealing with adults and the researchers noticed conversations through Mastodon posts that indicated grooming was likely occurring in private chats.

Federated and decentralised social media may help foster a more democratic environment where peoples online social interactions are not subject to an individual companys market pressures or the whims of individual billionaires, [but] for this environment to prosper, however, it will need to solve safety issues at scale, with more efficient tooling than simply reporting, manual moderation and defederation, wrote David Thiel and Renee DiResta of Stanford Internet Observatory.

Who is responsible when things go wrong?

Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter in November, has been accused of not doing enough to moderate the social network, such as preventing misinformation and fraud / AFP via Getty Images

The issue is that if no-one controls Mastodon and everyone is trusted to do their own thing and run their own server, it becomes harder to police illegal activities and assign enforceable responsibility to protect users and victims.

It brings into question how viable it is to have large services online which arent run by huge conglomerates, who can at least be fined or otherwise penalised by either international lawmakers, local authorities, or courts acting on behalf of victims in civil lawsuits.

According to Christopher Whitehouse, senior associate at international law firm RPC, Mastodon presents a difficult problem because, unlike cryptocurrencies, there are fewer centralised points where authorities can say that a distinct individual is responsible, such as the owner of the cryptocurrency exchange where people are making financial transactions.

You would need to identify who operates the server [that the illegal content was found on] and bring a lawsuit against them, Mr Whitehouse told The Standard.

He says that England and Wales have one of the best legal systems in the world if you want to attain information from a third party so that you can try to identify a specific individual that you could, in theory, sue, but you would still need to have jurisdiction over the server or proof that someone specific has been harmed in the UK, in order to be able to bring a civil case.

The responsibility to moderate and prevent illegal content from being shared therefore lies with the community running each individual Mastodon server  for instance, Mr Whitehouse says the largest server, mastodon.social, does have a policy prohibiting the sharing of CSAM material.

Stanfords researchers recommend that the people hosting Mastodon servers invest in free open-source software that scans content on the platform for CSAM material and other illegal content, as well as automatic moderation tools that can detect suspected criminal content using artificial intelligence (AI).

Decentralised platforms have relied heavily on giving tools to end-users to control their own experience, to some degree using democratisation to justify limited investment in scalable proactive trust and safety, added Mr Thiel and Ms DiResta.

Counterintuitively, to enable the scaling of the Fediverse as a whole, some centralised components will be required, particularly in the area of child safety.

Mastodons Mr Rochko agrees with some of the suggestions made by the Stanford researchers.

The study makes some good suggestions for extending Mastodons moderation tooling, something we are actively working on. Sadly, this problem is rampant across the entire web, and is far from straight-forward to solve  similar reports have been made about Twitter and Instagram, he said.

Most of the problematic content found in the research is contained on specific servers most commonly blocked by the rest of the network. Someone on a well-moderated server, such as the ones we actively promote through our onboarding would have no association with it.
A new class of immunotherapy could offer hope to cancer patients who do not respond to existing treatments, research suggests.

The study found the drug, called MOv18 IgE, shrank a tumour in a patient with ovarian cancer and reported that it was well tolerated in patients.

The scientists suggest their findings could pave the way for a completely new type of anti-cancer drug for people with chemotherapy-resistant cancers.

The study by researchers from Kings College London and Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, and funded by Cancer Research UK, tested whether a type of antibody called IgE could be used to treat human cancer.

The results pave the way to development of an entirely new class of anti-cancer drug for people with chemotherapy-resistant cancers

Immunotherapy works by stimulating the bodys natural defence system to attack cancer.

Existing antibody drugs used in cancer belong to an antibody type called IgG, but IgE antibodies have not been tested in humans before.

IgE antibodies evolved to target parasites like worms and flukes, and IgG antibodies are involved in attacking bacteria and viruses in the body.

Lead author on the study, Professor James Spicer, professor of experimental cancer medicine at Kings College London and Consultant in Medical Oncology at Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT), said: IgE is a completely new form of antibody therapy which has shown great promise in this Phase I trial.

Our findings show that the drug was well tolerated in patients and shrunk a cancerous tumour in a patient with ovarian cancer.

The results pave the way to development of an entirely new class of anti-cancer drug for people with chemotherapy-resistant cancers.

The immunology expertise in Kings College London laboratories allowed us to undertake this trial of a completely new form of antibody therapy.

Immunotherapy has shown enormous potential recently but there are still people with cancer who do not respond to conventional therapy

Co-author Sophia Karagiannis, professor of translational cancer immunology and immunotherapy at Kings College London, said: Immunotherapy has shown enormous potential recently but there are still people with cancer who do not respond to conventional therapy.

This trial builds on our previous work into the biology of IgE, including experiments in the laboratory suggesting that IgE could be an effective treatment that can offer additional benefits to complement those of established IgG antibodies in the clinic.

While we are still in the early stage of trials, our next steps will be to evaluate IgE in larger and different groups of patients and to continue studying how IgE antibodies are able to wake up the patients immune system to fight different cancers.

The MOv18 IgE antibody was discovered and developed at Kings College London, in collaboration with IRCCS Instituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy, and clinically tested by the Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre based at Guys Hospital.

The study, funded and sponsored by Cancer Research UK, is published in Nature Communications.
Following the recent attack on the Crimean Bridge, Russia has revised the timeline for repairing this illegal structure. The key military logistics facility from mainland Russia to Russian-occupied Ukrainian Crimea is to be restored by 31 December 2023.

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The relevant changes to the previous resolutions of the Russian government were made on 24 July. According to Russian propagandists, the order to change the repair time appeared on the Russian government's website.

"The Russian government has extended the deadline for the restoration of the Crimean bridge until 31 December this year," Russian propaganda media began reporting on 25 July.

The Russian government's website published an order dated 24 July, which proposes to change the deadline for completing the repair of the Crimean Bridge of 13 October 2022. At the time, after the first attack on the structure, the Russian government had expected to complete its restoration by 1 July 2023. Now, after the second attack, the deadline for completing the restoration work has been pushed back to 31 December.

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The reasons for the shift in the completion date of the restoration work are not specified in the order. However, as early as this morning, Russian propagandists were spreading a statement by Natalia Gumenyuk, head of the Joint Coordination Press Centre of the Southern Defence Forces, that the Crimean bridge would probably never return to its maximum capacity, accompanied by mocking comments and a clown emoji.

As a reminder, on the morning of 17 July, explosions occurred in the temporarily occupied Crimea. One of the spans of the Crimean Bridge collapsed. The occupiers stopped road and rail traffic, and the ferry crossing was also closed. The invaders advised Russians to go to the peninsula through the occupied territories on the mainland of Ukraine.

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According to OBOZREVATEL's intelligence sources, the attack on the Crimean bridge was a special operation by the SBU and the Navy. The bridge was attacked using surface drones.

Meanwhile, the Security Service of Ukraine has officially commented on the explosions on the Crimean bridge. They stated that this facility is a legitimate military target for Ukraine, as it is used by the occupiers to supply their units in the occupied territories of our country and to transfer equipment and troops. In addition, the SBU promised to disclose the details of the organisation of the "cotton" after the victory.

The Financial Times called the explosions on the Crimean Bridge a "humiliating blow to the Kremlin". And Ukraine's Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov assured that Ukraine would continue to strike at the Crimean bridge

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OBOZREVATEL has collected everything that was known about the attack on the Crimean bridge on 17 July here.

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Ukrainian servicemen continue to destroy the Russian occupation army in the Bakhmut direction. The AFU completely defeated a group of Russian paratroopers near the locality of Klishchiivka.

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The enemy suffered huge losses in manpower. About it reports Telegram-channel OBOZREVATEL(to see the video, scroll to the end of the page).

The country's defenders launched precision strikes against assault units of Russian paratroopers. It is noteworthy that Russian war correspondents tried to justify the losses of the Russian Federation, saying that the occupants allegedly fell into an ambush.

The occupants are also trying to conceal the scale of losses in manpower, but the footage from the battlefield eloquently testifies to the heavy losses of the Russian invaders. At the same time, the occupants complain about the lack of intelligence in the Klishchiivka area.

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Recall, fighters of the 38th separate brigade of the Marine Corps in Donbass landed another Russian helicopter. Ka-52 "Alligator" was destroyed.

Earlier it was reported that the Ukrainian servicemen continue the offensive in the east of our country. As a result of battles the Defense Forces knocked out the Russians from positions near Andriyivka on the Bakhmut direction.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL:

- Commander of the AFU Ground Forces Oleksandr Syrsky said that the Ukrainian military is advancing by 0.5-1 km every day. It is virtually impossible to accelerate the counter-offensive of the AFU because of the many defenses and minefields of the occupants.

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- The ISW said that blocking facilities in the rear of the Russian forces successfully reduces their logistics and counter-battery defense capabilities and contributes to their exhaustion. And the pace of the AFU counter-offensive may soon increase.

Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel, Threads and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
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The Schengen area will be stronger and more functional with Romania inside, and the "enclavisation", the separation of countries within the European Union in the matter of migration represents "the surest path to failure", declared Monday the Minister of Internal Affairs, Catalin Predoiu, in a speech given on the occasion of the Day of the Romanian Border Police, according to a press release sent on Monday by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI).

He pointed out that the Romanian border is "well protected", and the figures regarding migration have decreased.

Also, the minister stated that the problem of migration is European, and Romania takes it "in the most serious way" and treats it as a serious, competent and capable European partner.

"The problem of migration is here for a long time from now on. It remains to be seen if we, the member states of the European Union, will have enough wisdom and enough solidarity to address it and solve the migration problem together, treating each other equally and respecting each other and giving us the opportunity to fully develop our resources to solve the migration problem. Enclavisation, separation of countries in the European Union in addressing problems and migration is the surest way to failure. And the problem of migration will not go away from here anyway. So, the conclusion would be to continue on the same path, to correctly recognize each other's results, not to instrumentalize them against each other, not to put the narrowly seen national interest in relation to the national interest of another state and to understand that we will serve our national sovereign interests by harmonizing and helping each other," Predoiu added.

"Beyond this problem of migration, there are other equally important ones. They mentioned (...) smuggling, cross-border crime, helping Ukrainians who access our national territory and who need shelter, and they found it. They need jobs, and they found them. They need a friendly state, and they found it. They need an inclusive, generous, solidarity society, and they found it. They need schools and kindergartens for children, and they found them. There are 32,000 Ukrainian children in our kindergartens today and that means a lot, for the future, for what Ukrainians understand from this consolidated relationship in times of restrictions. These things will not be forgotten," Catalin Predoiu said.AGERPRES
Deputy PM Predoiu meets US ambassador Kavalec, discusses Strategic Partnership, fighting human trafficking, visa programme

Deputy PM Catalin Predoiu, Minister of Interior, had a meeting with Kathleen Ann Kavalec, the US ambassador to Romania, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Interior, on Tuesday, on which occasion the two high officials discussed about strengthening the Strategic Partnership between the two states, increasing the exchange of information regarding the prevention and combat of the organized crime, as well as about Romania's inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program, told Agerpres.

According to a press release from the MAI, combating human trafficking continues to be a priority field, with the Romanian authorities also considering the recommendations made within the US Report on Human Trafficking.

Another item on the agenda of the meeting between the two high representatives was Romania's inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program, in relation to which Catalin Predoiu presented the progress made so far in this file and the fact that the Romanian authorities are determined to continue to make efforts to have our country included in this programme, reads the same source.

According to the MAI, Kathleen Ann Kavalec reiterated her support for Romania to reach this goal.

Moreover, Minister Predoiu presented MAI's objectives for the next period and mentioned the steps made for increasing the performance of the operating structures in charge with reaching these objectives, according to the same source.
The western Arad border police caught 55 migrants from several countries who wanted to leave Romania on Tuesday, hiding in two trucks driven by Turkish drivers or when they were trying to cross into Hungary on foot, in the field.

In Nadlac I Customs, 39 migrants were found in a truck driven by a 39-year-old Turkish driver. According to the documents accompanying the goods, the driver was transporting melamine chipboard on the Turkey-Germany route.

"The persons were picked up and transported to the headquarters of the sector for investigations, where, following the checks, the border police established that they are citizens of Bangladesh, Iraq, Syria and Pakistan, who entered Romania legally on the basis of their personal documents," reported the Arad Border Police.

Also, at Nadlac II, the border police controlled a lorry also driven by a Turkish driver, discovering eight migrants from Iraq and Syria, aged between 19 and 36, seeking asylum in our country.

In the same Nadlac area, as part of the border surveillance actions, eight people were caught in the field, close to the border line, while walking in the direction of the neighbouring state. These are migrants from Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India, aged between 24 and 49, who entered Romania legally.

The truck drivers are being investigated for migrant trafficking, and the clandestine travelers for attempting to fraudulently cross the Romanian state border.AGERPRES
Emergency Dept. Head Arafat: Romanian firefighters intervened very well in Greece, we have no injured

The 130 Romanian firefighters intervened "very well" to extinguish the fires in Greece, along with their Greek colleagues and those from other countries, head of the Department for Emergency Situations Raed Arafat said on Tuesday, informeaza Agerpres.

"We have no injured, we have no problems, they intervened very well, they rescued including animals, they rescued houses, people there evacuated early and it is very good and they are working very well with colleagues from Greece and other countries. Each team has a liaison officer from the Greek fire brigade, who liaises with the command centre, relays what the indications are," Arafat said.

He added that in Greece, where the situation is "challenging," there are currently about 500 firefighters from Europe, including 130 from Romania, who are working to put out fires.

"There are firefighters from several countries and we are part of the European Civil Protection intervention force, with the approval of the Government and the National Committee for Emergency Situations. In the first phase, we went for pre-positioning, as we will do in France, we will pre-position a team for a month. There was a team of 40 people, which started to get involved in interventions from the second half of July, after which we needed to supplement the forces. We supplemented in two tranches - a tranche of 40 people and another number of vehicles, after which we sent the last tranche of 50 people, with a number of vehicles," Arafat indicated.

Some of the Romanian firefighters have been working since Monday on the island of Rhodes, alongside forces from Slovakia and Greece. The other team remained in the Athens area, where the situation is a little better, and the possibility of relocation is being discussed, he explained.

"There are already about 500 firefighters coming from Europe, 130 of them from Romania, and there are about 100 vehicles coming from Europe and intervening, in addition to what has been made available to Greece, by air - planes, helicopters sent from other countries, including Turkey. It is a full-scale battle on several fronts with the fire at the moment and we hope that the situation will be brought under control, so that everyone can return home and be in a safe zone," detailed Arafat, at an Emergency Department event.
Freedom of expression in digital era, discussed at World Law Congress

Freedom of digital expression, but also artificial intelligence as a possible threat to the rule of law were among the topics discussed at the 28th World Law Congress, held in New York, attended by judges Laura-Iuliana Scantei, Gheorghe Stan and assistant magistrate Cristina Titirisca as representatives of the Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR), told Agerpres.

According to a statement sent on Tuesday by CCR, the congress was organized, on July 20-21, by the World Jurist Association and the World Law Foundation and, according to the organizers, brought together legal professionals from over 60 countries, over 200 world leaders, including heads of state and authorities, judges of supranational and national courts, academics , lawyers, human rights activists, in order to identify legal solutions for maintaining and consolidating democracy and peace (Peace through Law).

Javier Cremades, the president of the World Jurist Association, Guillermo Lasso, the president of the Republic of Ecuador, and Susan Kohlmann, the president of the New York City Bar, gave speeches at the opening of the scientific event. The works were organized by themes, in 53 panels, four of which were moderated by Professor Rainer Arnold (University of Regensburg, Germany), at whose invitation the delegation of the Constitutional Court of Romania participated in the congress.

In the panel "Freedom of expression in the digital era", judge Laura-Iuliana Scantei presented the exposition on the theme "Balancing Digital Cyber Security and Freedom of Expression". Her presentation covered three levels: the regulation of the Internet and social network platforms; data governance and cyber security versus preserving freedom of expression for consolidated democracies; the role of the national constitutional courts in revising the laws that affect fundamental rights and freedoms, states the quoted source.

Another panel had as theme "The universality of the rule of law" and, within it, judge Gheorghe Stan delivered the presentation entitled "Guarantees of the rule of law in Romania in the digital age, cyber security and personal data processing".

"Recalling the recent jurisprudence of the Romanian Constitutional Court, he emphasized that the rule of law is obliged to guarantee fundamental rights, in the conditions in which the challenges of the digital era and the risks of affecting these rights are increasing, and the existing mechanisms must be adjusted so as to adapt to the new social realities, respecting the constitutional requirements of normative regulation", the CCR press release states.

Also, in the presentation "Artificial intelligence - a threat to the rule of law? The role of constitutional courts in shaping emerging technologies" within the panel "Rule of law, constitutional justice and technology", assistant magistrate Cristina Titirisca showed that, in the conditions in which emerging technologies develop more and more and affect everyday life, the challenge for constitutional democracies is how to ensure that the rule of law has enough space to protect traditional constitutional values, to achieve a balance between the rule of law and the "rule of technology".

The closing ceremony of the World Law Congress, organized at the headquarters of the United Nations, was attended by His Majesty the King of Spain, Felipe VI, as well as Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, who was awarded the 2023 World Peace & Liberty Award.
Labour Minister: Package of service pensions/pensions from public system to be ready in due time

The package of service pensions/public system pensions will be ready in due time for Romania to submit payment request 3 from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), informs the Minister of Labour and Social Solidarity, Simona Bucura-Oprescu, told Agerpres.

On Tuesday, she met with a delegation of the World Bank to discuss pension laws, the pay law and topics related to social protection.

"Today we had a constructive meeting with a delegation of the World Bank led by Anna Akhalkatsi - country manager Romania, the topics of discussion being pensions, payroll in the budget system and social protection. We took an x-ray of the moment and discussed what we need to do further to achieve our goals, which mainly aim at reforms in the three areas mentioned above. The pension law is a priority. I reaffirm that the package of service pensions/public system pensions will be ready in due time for Romania to submit payment request 3 from the PNRR," Simona Bucura-Oprescu wrote on her Facebook page.

With regard to public pay, she emphasized that her main concern is to ensure equity in the first place.

"With regard to the pay law, there are already three options taken into consideration, and the World Bank makes budget impact estimates. At the end, all three options will be presented to the Coalition and the European Commission for a consequent decision," stated the Labour Minister.

In terms of social protection, she emphasized that work is underway to reform the system in order to offer real and effective protection to vulnerable people.

"A new system of approval-verification in the field of social centers is an urgent matter of the moment," pointed out Simona Bucura-Oprescu.
There is no place for hate or intolerance messages in a healthy democracy, US Ambassador in Bucharest Kathleen Kavalec said on Tuesday at the embassy, which hosted an event during which the multicoloured flag, the symbol of the LGBTQI+ community, was raised alongside the US flag, in the context of Saturday's Pride parade for the rights and support of this community.

The United States is proud to defend the rights of LGBTQI+ people around the globe, not as a Western value, but as a universal value, the diplomat said in her speech.

As we have seen, extremist and anti-democratic movements around the world, including in our own countries, are still trying to undermine this fragile process by blaming those in the LGBTQI+ community, disseminating messages against gender identity and trying to pass laws against this community, Kavalec said.

The ambassador recalled that she first came to Romania in 2005, when the first Pride parade was organised, and paid tribute to Michael Guest, who was US ambassador to Romania from 2001 to 2004. saying that we owe him gratitude for his important efforts.

Kathleen Kavalec also spoke about the event announced on Saturday, saying that many members of the US Embassy community will join other tens of thousands to celebrate this year's Bucharest Pride parade peacefully and safely.

Labour Minister Simona Bucura-Oprescu spoke about Romanian legislation, in particular the principles of non-discrimination and the fact that the law condemns human rights abuses, while ACCEPT head Florin Buhuceanu stressed that in an ideal world, Pride parades would not be necessary.

Executive director of MozaiQ Association Vlad Viski spoke about Romania's difficult transition to democracy and the period when homosexuality was punished by law in Romania. Thus, he said, even Ambassador Michael Guest himself had been an outlaw for a few months. AGERPRES
Officials from Romania, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Hungary are meeting in Bucharest on Tuesday for the fourth Ministerial Meeting regarding the Agreement on Strategic Partnership in the field of Green Energy Development and Transmission of the four countries' governments.

The implementation status of Agreement's ratification, the latest developments on the Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of a joint venture company between the Governments of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania and Hungary, the revised terms of reference on green energy production, etc will be discussed at the meeting.

Participants include Senate President Nicolae Ionel Ciuca, Romanian Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja, Secretary General of the Government Mircea Abrudean, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan Parviz Shahbazov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Romeo Mikautadze, Minister of State for Security Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Peter Sztaray, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Romania Radko Vlaykov, International Relations Officer DG Energy Cyril Loisel, Director General of Nuclearelectrica Cosmin Ghita.

The Agreement between the Governments of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania and Hungary on the Strategic Partnership in the field of Green Energy Development and Transmission was signed on 17 December 2022. It is based on the interests of the four countries in strengthening national and regional energy security and connectivity in the Black Sea basin, diversification of supply sources, harnessing the potential of renewable energy production in the Caspian region and increasing the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix, according to a Presidential Administration press release.

The quadrilateral intergovernmental agreement will provide the financial and technical framework for the implementation of the Black Sea submarine electricity cable project between Romania and Azerbaijan, via Georgia and the Black Sea, and, subsequently, for the transmission of this green energy to Hungary and the rest of Europe through the European transmission system.

The Black Sea submarine electricity cable project is part of the energy agreements between the European Union, represented by the European Commission, and the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as a flagship project for Georgia as part of the EU Global Gateway strategy.AGERPRES
A team set up at the level of the Ministry of Labour, by ministerial order, works on deadlines, paying attention to what we have to do on the targets and milestones of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, because, if we make the reforms on time, we also have the money from the PNRR, said on Monday evening the minister of Labour and Social Solidarity, Simona Bucura Oprescu, at the private broadcaster Digi24.

"The first order I issued as minister has as object the establishment of a task force, that is, a team at the level of the Ministry of Labour that does nothing but work on the calendar, on deadlines, to be very careful at all times with what we have to do on the targets and milestones of PNRR. Because the Ministry of Labour should know that it also means money for Romanians from this point of view. Should we make our reforms on time, we will also have the money we expect from PNRR, but at the same time we will have more money in Romanians' pockets," the minister of Labour said.

She specified that on Tuesday she will meet with the representatives of the World Bank, and on Thursday she will have a discussion with the European Commission.

"We are trying very carefully to keep the calendar in such a way that we will be ready with everything on time. We will have to be ready with the pension law for the third payment request, both with the so-called service pensions and with contributory pensions. We are prepared in any scenario, including for the service ones we are waiting for the decision of the Constitutional Court. We have three possible scenarios, we are already evaluating, regardless of what the Court's decision is. (...) We have already prepared several texts, proposals, because we have three possible situations: the Constitutional Court declares the law fully constitutional, declares it partially unconstitutional, or fully unconstitutional. And then, regardless of the Court's decision, at the level of the Ministry of Labour we have prepared," Simona Bucura-Oprescu said.

According to the minister, the European Commission's expectations regarding service pensions are that they should reach "as close as possible to the contributory system".AGERPRES
The United States of America has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine. The allies are providing our country with $400 million worth of weapons.

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The package includes additional ammunition for the Patriot, NASAMS and HIMARS systems, as well as 23 Stryker armoured personnel carriers, the Pentagon said. It noted that the additional ammunition for air defence and artillery, armoured vehicles, anti-tank weapons and other equipment should "help Ukraine withstand Russia's ongoing war of aggression".

According to the Pentagon, the new aid package includes

- additional ammunition for the Patriot and NASAMS surface-to-air missile systems,

- Stinger anti-aircraft systems,

- additional ammunition for HIMARS,

- 155-mm and 105-mm artillery shells,

- 120-mm and 60-mm mortar shells,

- 32 Stryker armoured personnel carriers,

- optically tracked and wire-guided missiles (TOW),

- Javelin and other anti-tank systems and missiles,

- Hornet UAVs,

- Hydra-70 air-to-air missiles,

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- tactical air navigation systems,

- explosive munitions for overcoming obstacles,

- over 28 million rounds of ammunition for small arms and grenades,

- night vision devices and thermal imagers,

- spare parts, training ammunition and other field equipment.

"The United States will continue to work with its allies and partners to enable Ukraine to meet its immediate battlefield needs and long-term security assistance requirements," the Pentagon said.

As a reminder, the European Union will increase the production of ammunition and missiles for our country. The Ammunition Support Act (ASAP), which provides for this, came into force on 23 July.

Earlier it was reported that the Armed Forces of Ukraine need long-range weapons to effectively destroy Russian coastal missile systems and ships. In particular, we are talking about long-range missile ATACMS.

ADVERTISIMENT

As reported by OBOZREVATEL, on 24 July, Spain sent Ukraine another batch of military aid. It included four Leopard 2A4 tanks, armoured vehicles, trucks and other vehicles.

Only verified information is available in our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
PAPER TRAILED: One week after the mandated deadline, U.S. Rep. Cori Bush has finally filed her quarterly campaign report with the Federal Election Commission.

The report, for the period of April 1 through June 30, appeared on the FEC website about 5 p.m. Saturday; the report was due on July 15.

Because Bush, a St. Louis Democrat, now faces possible fines for being late with her report, the FEC has declined to comment on the matter.

Bush's campaign committee has not responded to three separate emails about the apparently tardy report.

The other six members of the U.S. House who represent the St. Louis area, in both Missouri and Illinois, filed their quarterly reports by the July 15 deadline.

The raw data included with the report also shows that Bush continues to employ her husband, security specialist Cortney Merritts, whom Bush married in February.

But the report indicates that his job duties may have changed.

Previously, Merritts had been paid about $5,000 a month for "security services." The most recent report shows that Merritts still is being paid the same amount, but the description of the payments included with the report's raw data has changed to "wage expenses."

In this last quarter, Bush's campaign has paid Merritts a total of $17,500 since April 3, in seven payments of $2,500. The description of the payment was changed for the last six payments.

In March, Merritts' employment was the subject of two complaints to the FEC about Bush's campaign paying Merritts.

A conservative political action committee, Committee to Defeat the President, has alleged that Merritts' employment violates two federal laws. The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust has filed a similar FEC complaint against Bush.

Since the beginning of 2022, Merritts has been paid almost $90,000 by the "Cori Bush For Congress" campaign.

FEC rules do not contain a blanket prohibition on a candidate employing family members. The rule states that campaign funds may be used to pay family members as long as the family member provides a "bona fide service" and that payments "reflect the fair market value."

The latest report also shows that the Bush campaign continues to pay other entities for security services:

St. Louis company Peace Security was paid $36,640 in the past three months.Company officials have said Merritts is not an investor or employee of that company.

The campaign also paid out an additional $16,725 to three other individuals for security services.

During her time in Congress, Bush has drawn criticism for the amount of money she spends on private security while also being one of the most vocal advocates for a movement to defund the police. Since she joined Congress in January 2021, Bush has spent about $654,000 on expenses labeled as "security services."

Overall for the April-June period, Bush raised $158,126 and spent $178,456. Her current amount of cash on hand is $24,136. Her committee also owes $114,431 in debts/loans.

AISLE BE DARNED: Missouri's two GOP U.S. senators engaged last week in some aisle-reaching over to the Democrats' side.

 Eric Schmitt joined U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., to introduce a bill aimed at stopping U.S. funding of questionable research on animals in foreign laboratories.

Saying COVID-19 likely came from an unregulated foreign laboratory partially funded by the U.S., Schmitt said the bill will ensure that funding goes only to sites that have "humane and safe standards with ample transparency."

Merkley said in a joint statement, "Animal cruelty has no place in our society, period. He said the bill would hold foreign laboratories to the same standards as domestic ones.

Also, the bill would require foreign testing sites to submit to quarterly site inspections to ensure they are meeting those standards.

 Josh Hawley teamed up with U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., to introduce a bill that would place stricter bans on stock trading among government officials.

The legislation would place the bans and stricter disclosure requirements on members of Congress, senior executive branch officials, and also on their spouses and dependents.

Among other provisions, the bill bans stock trading, stock ownership and blind trusts, as well as imposing heftier penalties for violating the measure.

"Politicians and civil servants shouldn't spend their time day-trading and trying to make a profit at the expense of the American public," Hawley said in a statement.
FRIDAY, July 21, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Close to one-fifth of kids with COVID-19 may still have lingering symptoms months after their initial infection, new research finds.

The review, of 31 international studies, found that over 16% of children and teenagers with COVID had problems such as sore throat, persistent fevers, fatigue and muscle weakness at least three months later.

Experts said the findings add to a still-evolving picture of how COVID affects kids in the longer term.

What is clear, they said, is that children can develop long COVID, and it is far from a rare occurrence.

"This is not a trivial infection," said senior researcher Zulfiqar Bhutta, co-director of the Centre for Global Child Health at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. "We need to take it seriously."

He and his colleagues report the findings in the July 21 issue of Pediatrics.

More than three years after the start of the pandemic, long COVID remains something of a mystery -- and its effects on kids are no exception.

But studies are ongoing, said Dr. Melissa Stockwell, division chief of child and adolescent health at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City.

Stockwell and colleagues at Columbia are part of a large national study called RECOVER, funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, which is aimed at better understanding the long-term effects of COVID in adults and children.

Stockwell said that while it's hard to say exactly what percentage of kids develop long COVID, the evidence suggests it's between 10% and 20%. So the new findings align with that, she said.

"It's really worrisome, because that's a very large number of kids," Stockwell said.

Yet, she noted, "I don't think most people even know that kids get long COVID."

Researchers are still trying to understand the underlying biology of long COVID -- whether symptoms are driven by persistent virus in the body, an immune system on overdrive, or a combination of reasons. And it's unclear why some children, and not others, are affected.

There does seem to be a correlation between COVID severity and the risk of long-term symptoms, according to Stockwell: Kids who are more severely ill with the infection are at greater risk. But, she said, children with mild infections, or even no symptoms at all, can and do develop long COVID.

For the current review, Bhutta's team analyzed 31 studies published between December 2019 and December 2022, involving more than 15,000 children and teenagers with confirmed COVID infections. Some studies focused on kids who were ill enough to be hospitalized, but most included those who were sick at home.

Overall, just over 16% of kids had symptoms three months or more after their COVID diagnosis -- including problems that had persisted since the infection or newly arose in the weeks to months afterward.

The most common symptoms, Bhutta's team found, were persistent sore throat and fevers, fatigue, sleep problems and muscle weakness. But kids -- like adults with long COVID -- also had an array of other issues, including headaches, shortness of breath and gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain.

At this point, Stockwell said, management of long COVID is aimed at easing the particular symptoms a child has.

For those kids, and their parents, a major question is, how long will this last? Researchers are still studying the typical course of long COVID. But based on what's known, Bhutta said, at least a portion of kids do get better six to 12 months out.

As for what parents can do to protect their kids, it's not yet clear whether COVID vaccination

curbs the risk of long COVID should a child become infected.

"But," Stockwell said, "we do know that vaccination lowers the risk of severe COVID."

That alone is good reason to have your kids vaccinated and up to date on their boosters, Bhutta and Stockwell said.

Bhutta also pointed to another major knowledge gap: the lack of studies from middle- and low-income countries. In those countries, with limited access to vaccines and treatments, the prevalence of long COVID among children could actually be higher, Bhutta said.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on long COVID.

SOURCES: Zulfiqar Bhutta, PhD, co-director, Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto; Melissa Stockwell, MD, MPH, division chief, child and adolescent health, professor, pediatrics, and population and family health, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons/Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, and attending physician, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York City; Pediatrics, August 2023
WEDNESDAY, July 19, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- A definitive diagnosis of Alzheimers disease now requires a series of complicated and expensive imaging scans that look for abnormal protein plaques and tangles in the brain.

But in the near future, detecting signs of Alzheimers could be as simple as taking a finger prick blood test.

Researchers detected key Alzheimers-related biomarkers in dried blood samples drawn from a finger prick, according to findings presented Wednesday at the Alzheimers Association International Conference, in Amsterdam.

The finger prick method is very much a work in progress, but we are encouraged by this preliminary evidence, said lead scientist Hanna Huber, a postdoctoral researcher of neurochemistry at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden.

This study, along with two other research efforts featured at the conference, point the way to a future when Alzheimers can be more easily detected, tracked and treated, experts said.

There is an urgent need for simple, inexpensive, minimally invasive and accessible diagnostic tools for Alzheimers, said Percy Griffin, director of scientific engagement for the Alzheimers Association. A widely available, simple-to-use blood test for Alzheimers would be a great advance."

The two other studies involved the usefulness of blood samples to diagnose Alzheimers, and a new test that could more accurately detect the presence of tau protein tangles in the brain.

These studies are fascinating and the results inspire hope, Griffin said. They point to a not-too-distant future where multiple tools to aid in early detection and accurate diagnosis are more accessible to all people in all communities.

Alzheimers disease is defined by two types of proteins that start behaving abnormally in the brain.

Early in Alzheimers, amyloid beta protein starts to form plaques in the brain. As the disease progresses and cognitive symptoms arise, tau proteins begin twisting into tangles.

Currently, the gold standard way to see if a persons brain contains plaques or tangles is through imaging scans, said Dr. Randall Bateman, a professor of neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and co-senior researcher of the tau test study.

But these plaques and tangles shed protein fragments into cerebrospinal fluid, which can then eventually make their way into a persons bloodstream, Bateman said.

If researchers can figure out a way to efficiently and accurately detect those protein fragments, they can use that data to assess whether someone has Alzheimers or is at risk for developing the disease in the near future, experts say.

Simple dried blood cards

For the finger prick study, Huber and her colleagues collected blood samples from 77 memory clinic patients at the ACE Alzheimer Center in Barcelona, Spain.

The finger prick samples were transferred onto dry blood spot cards and shipped overnight, without any temperature control, to the University of Gothenburg.

In the lab in Gothenburg, we extracted the dried blood from the cards and measured proteins that are related to Alzheimers disease, Huber said. These were markers of amyloid and tau pathology, neurodegeneration and glial [brain cell] activity.

The levels of these markers found in the dried blood samples were about as good as those derived from standard blood analysis using regular blood collection methods, Huber said.

A blood test from a finger prick requires less sample volume than standard reference methods in plasma, she said. Another advantage of the dry blood spot sampling is that there is no need for centrifuges or freezers to store and process the sample.

Once the test is perfected, doctors in rural areas or at smaller hospitals -- or even average folks -- could take a finger prick blood sample and ship it off to a facility equipped with the highly sophisticated technology needed to detect these markers, Huber said.

Our next steps will be a validation of our results in a wider memory clinic setting, and we will invite patients and caregivers do the dry blood spot collection themselves, she said. This could be in their home or unsupervised in the doctors office. This will allow us to understand if self-collection is attainable, and if we see the same results compared to the optimal settings as applied in our pilot study.

In the second study, researchers at Lund University in Sweden investigated the usefulness of blood-based Alzheimers biomarkers to diagnose the disease in a primary care setting.

The team recruited more than 300 middle-aged to elderly patients at 17 primary care centers in Sweden.

The patients underwent cognitive testing and an imaging scan of their brain, and afterward their personal doctor rendered a diagnosis of their brain health.

A blood sample also was taken and analyzed to estimate each patients levels of abnormal amyloid beta and tau.

As a last step, the patients underwent a thorough clinical examination at a specialized memory clinic to see how well the primary care doctor and the blood test performed in detecting Alzheimers.

The blood test correctly diagnosed Alzheimers or identified the presence of Alzheimers-related brain changes in more than 85% of cases.

By comparison, primary care physicians got it right about 55% of the time. As a result, more than half of the people who actually had Alzheimers did not receive treatment, while 30% of people without Alzheimers received treatment they didnt need.

Tracking a specific type of tau

The third study looked at a better way to detect tau tangles, with researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Lund University identifying a form of tau that could serve as a marker to track Alzheimers progression. Results were published July 13 in the journal Nature Medicine.

The study of more than 660 Alzheimers patients in the United States and Sweden revealed a specific form of tau in cerebrospinal fluid that tracks accurately with the amount of damaging tau tangles in the brain, as well as a persons degree of mental decline.

This comes from a part of the tau protein that actually makes up the tangles in the brain, Bateman said. The other tau biomarkers come from a part of the protein that doesn't make up the tau tangles, but it gets released in response to the presence of amyloid plaques. In order for us to really track the tangles, we need to get to the part of the protein that actually aggregates in the tangles.

Using this type of tau, called MTBR-tau243, researchers were able to detect Alzheimers and accurately assess the stage to which a persons illness had progressed, researchers said.

At this point, the tau test relies on a spinal tap to draw cerebrospinal fluid for analysis, but Bateman thinks it could be translated into a blood test within a few years.

In the past when we developed these tests for cerebrospinal fluid, it's just taken a few years to move from that to clinical blood tests that can be used in doctor's office, he said.

But science isnt at a point yet where any of these blood tests are truly reliable, said Dr. Joel Salinas, a clinical assistant professor of neurology at NYU Langone Health in New York City.

I wouldnt underestimate the length of that step in translating the tau test to blood samples, said Salinas, who reviewed the studies. There are sometimes issues with the amount of these proteins that can be found in the cerebrospinal fluid compared to the bloodstream. We can usually get kind of a sense of a parallel measure, but it's not the most direct measure, which is why there is yet to be a really good circulating biomarker for Alzheimer's disease, at least not one that everybody in the field feels very, very confident about.

While better ones are now available, "they're certainly not to the level where people are using them very, very readily in clinical practice, added Salinas, who is also chief medical officer for Isaac Health.

The advent of Alzheimers drugs that remove amyloid beta from the brain makes the search for these sort of blood tests even more imperative, Griffin and Huber said.

Lecanemab (Leqembi) recently became the first such drug to receive full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but patients taking the drug are required to undergo regular imaging scans to chart their progress.

These new findings are timely and important with the recent approvals of Alzheimers treatments targeting amyloid-beta, where confirmation of amyloid buildup and biomarker monitoring are required to receive treatment, Griffin said. While further standardization and validation are needed, blood tests may soon be one piece of the diagnostic workup in everyday practice.

Findings that are presented at medical meetings and not yet published in a peer-reviewed journal are considered preliminary.

More information

The Alzheimers Association has more about how Alzheimers is diagnosed.

SOURCES: Hanna Huber, PhD, postdoctoral researcher in neurochemistry, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Percy Griffin, PhD, director, scientific engagement, Alzheimers Association, Chicago; Randall Bateman, MD, professor, neurology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Joel Salinas, MD, clinical assistant professor, neurology, NYU Langone Health, New York City; presentations, Alzheimer's Association International Conference, Amsterdam, Netherlands, July 16-20, 2023; Nature Medicine, July 13, 2023
THURSDAY, July 20, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- It is rare for someone with HIV to go into remission and be considered "cured," but a European man may be the sixth to do so.

First diagnosed with HIV in 1990, the man had been taking antiretroviral drugs since 2005 and received a stem cell transplant two years ago to treat a rare type of blood cancer. Known as the "Geneva patient," the Swiss man in his 50s is one of only six people who are considered to be definitely or possibly cured of HIV. The others had also received stem cell transplants for blood cancers, NBC News reported.

While the first five received the transplant from a donor with a rare genetic abnormality that is resistant to HIV, this man did not, NBC News reported. Scientists will hear more about the case at the IAS Conference on HIV Science, being held from July 23 to 26 in Brisbane, Australia.

The patient was treated with radiation, chemotherapy, and the stem cell transplant after being diagnosed in 2018 with an extramedullary myeloid tumor, NBC News reported.

A research team led by Asier Saez-Cirion, Ph.D., head of the viral reservoirs and immune control unit at the Institute Pasteur in Paris, has overseen the case. The patient has undergone highly sensitive tests looking for signs of HIV in his body. So far, Saez-Cirion and others have found just trace amounts of defective virus, NBC News reported.

The remission does not guarantee there is no possibility of viral rebound, even though the man was taken off antiretrovirals in November 2021. "The possibility of viral rebound is indeed a concern," Saez-Cirion told NBC News. "The virus may persist in rare infected blood cells or anatomical sites that we have not analyzed."

The man also had repeated episodes of graft-versus-host disease, NBC News reported. The patient continues to receive immunosuppressive drugs to prevent graft-versus-host disease and this may be preventing replication of any residual HIV, Saez-Cirion noted.

Several other patients who previously received stem cell transplants from donors without the rare genetic mutation have had the virus resurge months after stopping antiretroviral treatment and were not cured, NBC News reported.
TUESDAY, July 18, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Fluoride may have found its match in preventing cavities.

New research shows that toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite, one of the main mineral components in teeth, can prevent cavities as effectively as fluoride, which has been used in toothpaste since 1956.

The findings were published July 18 in Frontiers in Public Health.

If the article is correct based on the data, one might choose the hydroxyapatite over the fluoride, because the hydroxyapatite itself is safer than fluoride, said Dr. Leonard Patella, a dentist with Northwell Health in Glen Cove, N.Y., who was not involved with the study. If you give too much fluoride, it can be toxic. And too much fluoride, if ingested, can cause damage to teeth. It can cause something called fluorosis.

Dental fluorosis is a condition that changes the appearance of tooth enamel and can happen when children consume fluoride during their teeth-forming years. In places like the United States, cases are typically fairly mild and usually result in white or brown spots on the teeth. In more severe cases, however, pits can form.

This is a very important issue, said researcher Dr. Elzbieta Paszynska, head of the department of integrated dentistry at Poznan University of Medical Sciences in Poland. Unlike fluorides, hydroxyapatite has a high remineralization effect, biocompatibility, and is safe if accidentally swallowed. Dentists worldwide should be informed about hydroxyapatite to be a safe and efficient alternative to fluorides for daily oral care.

For their research, her team enlisted 171 patients in an 18-month trial, with an aim that none would have an increase in cavities by the study's end. Patients were evenly split, half brushing twice per day with hydroxyapatite toothpaste and half brushing twice per day with fluoridated toothpaste. They were asked to brush at the same time every day with an electric toothbrush. They had a dental exam every six months.

At the end of the trial, 89.3% of the hydroxyapatite group and 87.4% of the fluoride group had no new cavities. Both toothpastes worked equally well, the findings showed.

But whether hydroxyapatite will steal fluoride's crown for most popular mineral in dental health remains to be seen.

Caries, the beginning of tooth decay, are the result of bacteria attacking the surface of the tooth, said Dr. Janet Moradian-Oldak, a professor of dentistry and biosciences/bioengineering at the University of Southern California.

When you eat too much sugar, the bacteria uses the sugar, metabolizes it, and then creates acid, and that acid dissolves the enamel of the tooth," she explained. "And if you don't have good dental hygiene, if you eat acidic food, if you don't brush your teeth, and if dissolving the mineral is faster than rebuilding the mineral in your saliva, that eventually leads to cavity."

Fluoride basically slows demineralization, Moradian-Oldak said.

Theyre basically protecting the tooth from dissolving too fast," she explained, adding "this is the cheapest way to prevent progression of dental caries.

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste, on the other hand, is more expensive, a Google search shows. Prices range from $11 to $18 for hydroxyapatite toothpaste and between $2 to $5 for fluoride toothpaste.

Its also worth noting that this study looked only at dental caries, and not how hydroxyapatite affects more severe issues like cavities.

But, for people who are anti-fluoride, this could be the ideal alternative, Patella said.

There are a lot of patients, kids, parents who say we don't want fluoride, so they use non-fluoridated toothpaste  and by itself, non-fluoridated toothpaste is not as effective in protecting the teeth, he said. You're cleaning the teeth, you're removing the plaque, but you're not protecting the teeth, making them stronger as it happens with fluoride. So in this case, if someone is completely against fluoride, and now they have an alternative that could prevent children from getting cavities, I think it's a great solution.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about oral hygiene.

SOURCES: Elzbieta Paszynska, DDS, MSC, PhD, head, department of integrated dentistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; Janet Moradian-Oldak, MSc, PhD professor, dentistry, and professor, biomedical sciences and bioengineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles; Leonard Patella, DDS, chairman, dental medicine, Northwell Health Glen Cove Hospital, Glen Cove, N.Y.; Frontiers in Public Health, July 18, 2023
WEDNESDAY, July 19, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- The United States now has had eight reported cases of malaria, seven of them in Florida, state health officials reported Tuesday.

Considered a public health emergency, these cases are the first in two decades to be acquired within this country's borders, not reported by someone who had traveled elsewhere, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned last month.

Seven of the cases have been found in Sarasota County, including the latest, according to a report from Florida health officials. The remaining case was reported in Texas in June and is not connected to the Florida cases, according to Texas Department of State Health Services.

Despite the seriousness, public health officials are not concerned about a widespread outbreak because there are fewer places for mosquitos to breed than in past years as building development has expanded, plus screens and air conditioning have left people less vulnerable to mosquito bites.

We dont think this is going to go broadly  say, to a nationwide outbreak  for a number of reasons, Dr. Monica Parise, director of the CDCs Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, told NBC News.

Past U.S. outbreaks have been relatively small and contained, Parise said, and the latest one fits that pattern.

A parasite known as Plasmodium vivax caused the recent cases, according to the CDC. Its not as deadly as other parasites that can cause malaria, NBC News reported. Yet, it can still cause chronic infections for years if it lies dormant in the liver.

Symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. They typically start about 10 days after a mosquito bite. Anopheles mosquitoes typically transmit the parasite to humans, according to the CDC.

Although malaria is considered eradicated from the United States, about 2,000 people are diagnosed with it each year, typically those who have traveled outside the country, according to the CDC.

Any case of malaria is serious and can progress to death. So, in any case, you want to make sure at the front line that you're doing prompt diagnosis and prompt treatment with the correct drug, Parise explained.

That treatment can include three days of medication to kill the parasite in the blood, then a two-week, at-home treatment to kill parasite in the liver. Among the ways to avoid infection are using bug spray, wearing long sleeves and pants, and draining standing water, the CDC advises.

Some of the patients in the latest outbreak had prolonged hospital stays.

They are dehydrated, some of them. They have low blood counts, especially platelets, which puts them at risk for bleeding. Some of them have had renal kidney failure, which is one of the complications of malaria, Dr. Manuel Gordillo, an infectious disease specialist at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, told NBC News.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on malaria.

SOURCE: NBC News
On July 25, 1972, Democratic vice presidential nominee Missouri Sen. Thomas Eagleton told reporters he had undergone electric shock treatments for exhaustion. Sen.George McGovern, the presidential nominee, pledged his support of Eagleton. But 18 days later, Eagleton withdrew as the vice presidential nominee. This is the Post-Dispatch coverage of that fateful day Eagleton opened up about his medical background.

CUSTER, South Dakota - The health of Senator Thomas F. Eagleton emerged today as a possible major issue in this year's presidential campaign with his disclosure that he had received psychiatric help, including electric shock treatments, for exhaustion resulting from overwork.

The vice-presidential nominee startled reporters at a press conference here by announcing that on three occasions between 1960 and 1966, he had voluntarily hospitalized himself for physical and nervous exhaustion. He made the disclosure with Sen. George McGovern of South Dakota, the presidential nominee, at his side. The two men had met earlier today to map plans for their campaign.

McGovern said he has not known about Eagleton's medical history, but expressed the fullest confidence in his running mate and said he would have picked him for that position even if he had known all of the facts that Eagleton disclosed today.

McGovern called the St. Louisan "fully qualified in mind, body and spirit" to be Vice President and, it necessary, to take over the office of President. Eagleton said his decision to disclose his medical history had been triggered by the "rapidity with which rumors about my health were developing in Missouri." He said he felt it was legitimate for the press to make inquiries about his health.

A number of such inquiries have been made to his staff since his selection as the vice-presidential nominee in Miami Beach 12 days ago. The first of the three occasions on which Eagleton said he had voluntarily hospitalized himself for what he termed nervous exhaustion and fatigue occurred between Dec. 1, 1960, and Jan. 1, 1961, or a few days later.

He entered Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, where he said he was under the care of his family internist, Dr. William D. Perry. The second occurred between Christmas of 1964 and New Year's Day 1965, when he spent four days at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., for a physical examination. The third occurred in mid-1966 when he returned to the Mayo Clinic for about three weeks.

Under questioning, Eagleton acknowledged that he had received psychiatric help when hospitalized in I960 and again during his stay at the Mayo Clinic in 1966. He said there had been no psychiatric care involved in the brief visit to the clinic in 1964. In speaking of the 1960 and 1966 hospitalizations, he said, "I received counseling from a psychiatrist, including electric shock treatment."

He said he had received no such treatment since 1966. When he was asked what advice he had received from psychiatrists, he said he had been told "to learn to pace myself ... not work from sunup to sundown . . . avoid exhaustion." He said he had received a prescription of sleeping pills, although it was not clear when these had been prescribed. When he was asked the purpose of the electric shock therapy, he said, "At that time, it was part of the prescribed treatment for exhaustion and depression."

Eagleton said his symptoms during the periods that led to his hospitalization had included a feeling of exhaustion, accompanied by some depression, and a stomach problem, which he described as "a nervous stomach" caused by fatigue. With a grin he remarked, "It's not too different from that fellow in the Alka Seltzer ad who says, 'I can't believe I ate the whole thing.' "

Eagleton attributed his problems to his "hard-driving, intense" nature. "As a younger man, I drove myself too far," he said. He attributed his problem in 1960 to his intensive campaign that year for Missouri Attorney General and to his efforts on behalf of John F. Kennedy's presidential campaign. He said he had stumped Missouri almost without rest and had "pushed myself terribly, terribly hard."

He did not explain the circumstances that led to his reported exhaustion in 1964 when he was elected lieutenant governor and in 1966. In reply to a question Eagleton replied that his physical problems had not been related to drinking. "Alcohol was not involved in any iota, way, shape or form."

He said rumors concerning drinking had "plagued me through the years." Rumors about his health also have followed his political career in Missouri, especially in his successful campaign for the Seante in 1968.

But these rumors "never surfaced publicly," he said.

Eagleton said he had not informed McGovern of his medical background before his selection for the vice-presidential nomination. He said he had decided that it should be brought out publicly and that he had come to South Dakota with the intention of disclosing it after discussing it with McGovern.

"In seeking the second-highest office in the land," Eagleton observed, "one's life becomes more and more an open book." When he was asked why he had never disclosed his medical background previously, he replied that doing so was not an experience that one enjoyed.

Eagleton said that he has enjoyed "good solid health" since his hospitalization. He said he had learned to pace himself.

He expressed confidence that he could devote his full energies to the forthcoming campaign, but "on a measured basis." He said he had learned to take a day off and would follow this practice in the campaign. He noted that he received physical examination last Friday in the Senate Clinic and was found to be in good health.

Additional tests were performed yesterday at the Bethesda, Md., Naval Hospital and Eagleton predicted that the results would be favorable. "So far," he remarked, "doctors have told me that I'm two pounds overweight and have half a hemorhoid." The remark brought laughter from the reporters.

Eagleton said he first informed McGovern of his illnesses in a conversation the weekend after the Missourian was selected for the vice-presidency. McGovern said when he had asked Eagleton whether there were any significant problems in his past that might interfere with his serving as the vice- presidential choice, the St Louisan had said there were none. "I agree with that decision and am fully satisfied," McGovern said.

McGovern noted that in considering running mates, he had requested suggestions from about 20 members of Congress, among others. With one or two exceptions, he went on, Eagleton was on all the congressional lists, often as the first choice and more frequently as second to Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts.

"I have not the slightest doubt about the wisdom of se lecting him or entrusting the American government to him," McGovern said. "I would not have hesitated one minute to select him if I had known all the facis he has disclosed today."

McGovern emphasized that "many men who have served in the presidency suffered from far more serious illnesses than Senator Eagleton has had." He praised Eagleton for what he called his "candor and openness" in making today's disclosure. He said he had been unaware of the rumors that Eagleton referred to concerning his health.

When asked whether he thought the Republicans would seek to exploit the disclosures for political advantage, Eagleton said, "I can't speculate" on that. Eagleton flew here from Washington last night for conferences with McGovern. From here, Eagleton is to go to California and Hawaii on his first campaign swing. The Missourian is known to feel that the most urgent task facing the Democratic ticket is the need for an immediate start in winning back the support of regular party leaders in a number of key states. Eagleton believes that he and McGovern should wait before approaching the leaders of organized labor. Also on the agenda for discussion today was the nature of Eagleton's campaign.

Particularly at issue is how he is to carry out his assignment of replying to the strong attacks expected from Vice President Spiro T. Agnew. Eagleton is known to feel strongly that he should not try to match rhetoric with Agnew who has won a reputation for harsh, partisan and personal attacks. Not only does such an approach "not suit Eagleton's style, but he fears that its similarity to Agnew's technique would make it ineffective.
BERKELEY  A man was shot to death early Tuesday in Berkeley, and the Major Case Squad is investigating the case.

The name of the man who died has not been released.

Authorities said the man was shot just before 1:30 a.m. on the parking lot of a shopping center in the 8600 block of Frost Avenue.

No additional information was released.

Check back for updates.
UPDATED with photo of man sought by police

EAST ST. LOUIS  A man was shot and killed early Tuesday on a MetroLink train in St. Clair County, and investigators are reviewing video from the train and platform to help find the gunman.

The shooting happened about 5:45 a.m. on an eastbound train that was stopped at the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center station in East St. Louis.

St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye on Tuesday evening identified the victim as Turyan S. Austell, 23, of Shiloh.

Austell and the gunman got into an argument on the train, and the suspect fired shots once the train was stopped, and then ran away, said St. Clair County Sheriffs Master Sgt. Adam Quirin. Austell stayed on board as the train continued east. Medics helped the man at the next stop, in Washington Park, but he died at a hospital.

Kevin Scott, general manager of security for the Bi-State Development Agency, Metro Transits parent agency, told the Post-Dispatch the entire scene played out very, very quickly.

Scott said no police or Metro security officers were riding the train when the shooting happened.

The suspect boarded the train in St. Louis at about 5 a.m. Austell boarded the train at the Emerson Park platform, one stop before the shooting, Scott said.

Both men were riding in the trains last car when the argument began.

The suspect got off the train and pointed a weapon at Turyan as the suspect stood on the platform of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center stop. Turyan, who was still on the train, used his foot to push the suspect back. The suspect then got back on the train, fired the shots and left, Scott said.

This thing was a heat-of-the-moment type of situation, Scott said.

Because of the early hour, neither the train nor the platform was crowded; Scott said there were a few others on the train but no one else was hurt.

Scott said Metro has extraordinarily good video technology on the trains and that Major Case Squad detectives visited Bi-States operations center on Spruce Street to review the video footage.

Quirin said detectives with the Major Case Squad were helping St. Clair County track leads Tuesday afternoon. Police released a surveillance image of a "person of interest" in Austell's killing. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 618-825-5200.

Austell was at least the third person to be killed this year on a MetroLink train or platform in the St. Louis area.

In April, Malachi Brown, 21, was shot to death during an altercation and gunfight on a train in Maplewood on a Saturday morning. Terry Alexander, 69, was charged with second-degree murder.

Earlier this month, 19-year-old Jaylin Johnson was killed when a group of people followed him off a MetroLink train and shot him outside the station in Pagedale, authorities said. Four adults were charged with second-degree murder and two teenagers were also taken into custody and turned over to Juvenile Court.

Based on MetroLink surveillance video, police said, Johnson's killers needed just six minutes to follow him off the train, shoot and rob him and then board another train to return to St. Louis.

Alex Vargas of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.
The head of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, Oleksiy Reznikov, has said that the counteroffensive of the Ukrainian Defense Forces on the frontline to liberate the territories seized by Russia is moving slowly, but it is going strictly according to plan. Many factors influence the advancement of the Ukrainian military.

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The Ukrainian minister said this in an interview with CNN on Monday, July 24. He noted that the view of a rapid offensive would be erroneous.

Reznikov emphasized that the course of the Ukrainian army's offensive is affected in particular by the amount of ammunition, artillery shells and systems, as well as air defense systems.

"This is a question of air defense. The issue is that we also have a very long battle line. And we have a large number of enemies against us. So this is a war, not a computer game," Reznikov said.

He noted that commanders and generals see the situation on the battlefield and react quickly to new developments, and added that the most important thing for Ukraine is to preserve the lives of the military.

"Our generals, our commanders see the real situation on the battlefield. And once again I must repeat that the main value for us is the lives of our soldiers," the Minister said.

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The head of the defense ministry also recalled that the slowdown of the counteroffensive was caused, among other things, by a large number of minefields. Therefore, the AFU has to clear paths through the fields by hand.

"We need to use our soldiers, sappers very slowly, preparing corridors for real offensive movement," Reznikov said.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL:

- U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that the offensive operation of Ukrainian troops will not end within one or two weeks - the State Department expects "several months". At the same time, in fact, the Russian Federation has already lost the war.

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- The Wall Street Journal wrote that before the counteroffensive, Western officials knew that Kyiv did not have enough weapons, relying on the courage and resourcefulness of the Ukrainian defenders.

Only verified information we have in our Telegram channel Obozrevatel, Threads and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
JEFFERSON CITY  State agriculture officials say Missouri ranchers are rushing to sell their cattle herds amid concerns about the effects of an ongoing drought.

While St. Louis received enough rainfall in recent weeks to fall out of the drought category, much of Missouri remains dangerously dry, resulting in the loss of grass for cattle with few prospects for improvement, state and federal officials said in a meeting Tuesday.

We know this is going to have a long-term impact on the livestock industry, Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn told members of the Drought Assessment Committee.

Missouri ranks third in the nation for beef production behind Texas and Oklahoma.

According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, 95.3% of Missouri is experiencing drought, with over 23% of the state in extreme drought.

After the hottest June every recorded on earth, Missouri is again set up for a blistering few days with temperatures possibly over 100 this week.

The map shows central and western Missouri to be in exceptional drought, which is the worst category. Officials said low stream flows are beginning to show in northeast Missouri, which is heavily agricultural.

The state hasnt had to enact emergency measures for public drinking water systems, but the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is warning that navigation on the Mississippi River could begin to be affected by low water levels in the coming weeks.

Last year, the Mississippi plummeted to low depths, affecting barge traffic on one of the major arteries for moving coal, oil, natural gas, chemicals and commodities.

As part of the states response, officials have opened up public land for farmers to cut hay and are allowing water to be pumped out of Missouri Department of Conservation lakes.

Ag officials also are trying to facilitate hay sales by offering an online marketplace for ranchers to buy and sell the feed.

I know we have a lot of folks looking for hay, said Chris Klenklen of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, who also serves on the Drought Assessment Committee.

But, with the prospects of little rain, he said ranchers are filling up auction barns to cull their herds.

Crop farmers also are facing stunted corn, leaving some of them to begin cutting it early to help supply feed for cattle.
ST. LOUIS  Temperatures are slated to break 100 degrees in some parts of the region later this week, with the weekend forecast to be some of the hottest days so far this summer.

The heat wave should last four to five days  a short-duration heat wave, especially compared with the pressure systems causing the dangerous rise in temperatures across the country, said National Weather Service forecaster Jared Maples.

This will be the longest duration of heat weve experienced this summer, Maples said.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday temperatures are expected to be in the high 90s, with the potential to reach over 100 degrees.

St. Louis has had a relatively mild summer this year, especially in contrast to much of the rest of the country. In Phoenix, temperatures have topped 100 degrees for more than 20 days, hitting 118 degrees Saturday. That pressure system is not going to move as far east as St. Louis, Maples said.

Maire Schultz, a mother of two toddlers, brought her kids to Tower Grove Park to play in the childrens water fountain Monday afternoon. Her daughter splashed around in what was left of a puddle while she waited for the fountain to restart after its 30-minute break.

My biggest concern with them is getting out of my house but not being too hot, Schultz said.

Schultz and her toddlers waited for the water to start flowing for a half-hour, then decided to leave for a different park with a splash pad because it was getting too hot for the kids to wait outside.

Maria Capiz said her family takes their dogs on walks before 2 p.m. Around this time last year, Capizs oldest dog suffered heat stroke.

He fell and he turned around and started shaking, so my parents were really scared, Capiz said. They gave him cold water.

This summer, Capiz said their family has been taking extra precautions to ensure their dogs stay cool. They trim the dogs fur short every month and watch them closely in the yard for signs of overheating.

In order for residents to stay cool this summer, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services put together a virtual map of cooling centers around the region. Residents can click through locations pinpointed on the map and call to check if there are spaces, such as public libraries, available for them to visit.

St. Louis County partners with the Salvation Army and Loaves and Fishes in case the centers around the area are occupied and large numbers of people need cooling services.

St. Louis Public Information Officer Nick Dunne said the city partners with public libraries and other organizations that provide drop-in locations for residents to find shelter from the heat.

He said these locations only offer temporary relief from the heat, and if someone is in need of a more permanent solution, the city recommends calling the United Way of Greater St. Louis at 211.

Maples recommended residents be mindful of working outside in the peak hours of the day, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Some of the hottest days this summer occurred a month ago, with a high of 97 degrees. Maples said wearing loose-fitting and lighter-colored clothing, as well as staying hydrated, will keep residents from developing heat-related illnesses.
ST. LOUIS  As 50 Catholic parishes across the region prepare for their final Mass on Sunday, at least one plans to stay open with volunteer priests after the downsizing of the Archdiocese of St. Louis starts Aug. 1.

St. Roch parish in the Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood of St. Louis will close and be absorbed by Christ the King in University City under the All Things New reorganization announced in May by Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski. After Rozanski denied parishioners appeals of the closure, St. Roch leaders took their case to a Vatican council, which has yet to respond.

While our appeals are pending, weekend Mass will still be celebrated at St. Roch, although we are responsible for providing priests. We reached out to the Clergy and received not only expressions of support, but several Archdiocesan and Jesuit priests are willing to help us out, reads an update sent Tuesday by parish leaders.

Volunteer priests have been celebrating Mass at St. Roch since early this year during the illness of longtime parish pastor Monsignor Sal Polizzi, 92, who died in April.

Under the reorganization of the archdiocese, All Saints in University City and St. Rita in Vinita Park will also be subsumed, or merged, with Christ the King and will not host regular Masses. Christ the King will share its pastor, Monsignor Mike Turek, with St. Joseph in Clayton starting in August.

Turek gave permission for Mass to continue at St. Roch with other priests, according to a spokesman for the archdiocese.

As weve noted throughout this process, Mass can still be celebrated at archdiocesan Churches with the approval of the incoming pastor. We expect there will be many instances where Churches at subsumed parishes will still celebrate weekend Masses, reads the statement Tuesday from Brecht Mulvihill.

St. Roch has about 300 households and an average combined attendance of 120 at its two weekend Masses, compared to the archdiocese average of 800 households per parish with 500 attending Mass. The parish territory includes mansions that face Forest Park on Lindell Boulevard but also has a 64% rate of renters including Washington University student housing and multi-family homes. The area is 9% Catholic, compared to the archdiocesan average of 18%.

The religious diversity which enriches your neighborhood also means that your Parish territory has fewer Catholics who might increase your ranks by means of an invitation to return to church, Rozanski wrote June 30 in his denial of St. Rochs appeal.

The restructuring of the archdiocese was launched in early 2022 to address declining populations of Catholics and the priests to serve them. Most of the 50 parishes to be closed or merged under All Things New are clustered in north St. Louis and north St. Louis County along with the Lemay area of south St. Louis County.

Wealthy white parishes in the affluent areas were largely unaffected, while the mostly urban parishes were closed, said Michael Stephens, president of the St. Roch parish council, in his appeal to the Vatican. Do we want our Church to be known in history as the American Church for the wealthy?

The appeal process after a parish closure can take more than a decade. There have been some successes, including a 2012 ruling by the Vatican to reopen 28 parishes in the Midwest and East Coast, although none in Missouri.

But efforts by parishioners to overturn a bishops decision on closures have more often failed, including after years of protests at nine Boston churches. St. Frances X. Cabrini in Scituate, Massachusetts, was the last to fall in 2016 after a 12-year vigil by parishioners and a legal battle that ended when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case.

St. Stanislaus Kostka Polish Catholic Church in north St. Louis holds one example of a pathway to survival independent of the archdiocese.

After a parish reorganization in 2003, St. Stanislaus refused to turn over its property to the archdiocese. The archbishop at the time, Raymond Burke, removed the congregations archdiocesan priests and declared the church in schism. The priest who came to St. Stanislaus from the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau was then excommunicated.
OFALLON, Mo.  The worlds third-largest supplier of a crucial piece in electronic devices has expanded its plant here and will soon begin producing a new kind of part thats aimed at addressing a major shortage thats devastated global supply chains.

GlobalWafers Co. has completed a $300 million expansion of its OFallon, Missouri, plant, which produces wafers that are used in the making of semiconductors, chips and microchips for electronic devices. The company will soon start making larger wafers that can power everything from household appliances to cellphones and automobiles to aerospace technologies.

The specialized, 200- and 300-millimeter wafers  touted by the company as superior to other kinds of wafers  come at a crucial time for manufacturers who are still reeling from a global electronic chip shortage brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Karla Chaney, general site manager for the OFallon plant, said the first wafers will start being produced in the first few months of 2024, and officials expect the expanded plant to be fully operational by the end of 2025.

Were already producing sample wafers off of our pilot line for different companies that have requested them, said Chaney, who added that the companys wafers are highly sought after because they provide certain performance enhancements that competitors dont offer.

Chaney, along with GlobalWafers CEO Doris Hsu and Tom Caulfield, CEO of Global Foundries, a partner in the project, spoke at an event Monday afternoon celebrating completion of the expansion.

Hsu said her companys Missouri expansion and ongoing construction of two wafer manufacturing facilities in Texas would not be possible without the passage of the CHIPS Act  a law signed last year by President Joe Biden aimed at bolstering American semiconductor research, development and production by offering millions of dollars in manufacturing incentives and billions of dollars for semiconductor research.

Prior to the CHIPS Act passage, the U.S. produced about 10% of the worlds supply of chips, and none of the worlds most advanced ones. East Asian countries, by comparison, produced 75% of the worlds chips.

These three projects are very expensive but also very significant because they will help us close the gap of the whole semiconductor supply chain in the U.S., Hsu said. Most wafers needed for semiconductors are produced in Taiwan, China and Japan, according to officials.

Following the celebration, city and county officials lauded the companys expansion.

Im tickled to death that we have manufacturers that want to grow, that want to invest this kind of money in St. Charles County, said St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann, who described GlobalWafers $300 million investment as one of the most sizable corporate investments he has seen in St. Charles County during his five terms as the countys top elected official.

GlobalWafers investment, which was lauded for creating substantial new tax revenue for local governments, was also aided by significant tax incentives offered by the city of OFallon. The city granted the company a 50% personal property tax abatement over the next 10 years and offered sales tax abatements on construction materials.

Chaney said the company, which already employees 350 people, intends to hire new workers in phases to staff the expanded plant. The first of those employees is expected to be hired in early 2024.

She said about 50 of those employees will be operators to run the machinery, while a team of 25 employees will be needed to work maintaining and repairing the equipment. The remaining 25 employees will work on engineering of the wafers.

Patrick McKeehan, OFallons economic development director, and Scott Drachnik, president and CEO of the St. Charles County Economic Development Council, said the new jobs are the continuation of yearslong trend of St. Charles Countys development as a manufacturing hub.

I dont think that we would be called flyover country anymore. I think people are really waking up to the possibilities and the benefits of investing in skilled manufacturing here in the Midwest, but specifically here in the St. Louis area, said Drachnick, who also pointed to Boeings recent announcement of a $2 billion construction project that is expected to create 500 additional jobs and General Motors $1.5 billion investment at its plant in Wentzville.

McKeehan said the industrial complex, which is wedged between Highway 79 and Interstate 70, is home to companies like True Manufacturing, Cosmos Corp., and others that employ around 3,500 people.

And with expansion complete, Chaney said GlobalWafers is already looking at expanding its footprint in OFallon again.

My gut is telling me that we arent done growing, at least not yet, Chaney said.
It has become as familiar a sight in Washington as the cherry blossoms in spring: lobbyists from the nations hospitals descending on the Capitol to ask lawmakers to postpone billions in Medicaid funding cuts prescribed by the Affordable Care Act  cuts industry leaders agreed to years ago.

It is unlikely the reductions will occur this year, if history is any indication. Since 2013, Congress has voted 13 times to delay them, siding with hospitals over their claims that losing the money would hinder the delivery of care.

Unless Congress acts by October, the federal government will cut $8 billion from this years budget  then make the same cut each year for the next three years  for a Medicaid program intended to help safety-net facilities that serve a large share of Medicaid and uninsured patients. The amount budgeted varies annually, though in 2021 the programs spending totaled about $19 billion.

Known as the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments program, it has drawn criticism amid evidence that a substantial amount of its funding goes to hospitals that do not primarily cater to low-income patients. According to industry groups, more than 2,500 hospitals  about 40% of the total in the United States  get the payments.

The cuts are part of a deal brokered with the hospital industry 14 years ago, as the fate of the ACA dangled in the balance. At the time, hospitals agreed to accept $155 billion in Medicare and Medicaid funding cuts over 10 years, assuming the legislations promise to insure more patients would improve their bottom lines. A portion of those cuts were to Medicaid DSH payments.

Despite record-high hospital profits and record-low uninsured rates in recent years, the hospital industry again says this is not a good time for cuts, pointing to the COVID-19 pandemic and the millions of people losing Medicaid coverage as a result of pandemic-era protections ending.

Current Medicaid funding covers only about 81% of hospitals costs of caring for patients, said Jolene Calla, a vice president of The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania.

Losing the Medicaid safety-net funding would be devastating to hospitals, she said.

A bipartisan group of 231 members of the House of Representatives  a majority  have signed a letter to House leaders asking for another delay. St. Louis-area lawmakers who signed are Missouri Reps. Cori Bush (D-St. Louis), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-St. Elizabeth), and Ann Wagner (R-Town and Country) and Illinois Reps. Mike Bost (R-Murfreesboro) and Nikki Budzinski (D-Springfield). Legislation is moving in the chamber that would delay any cuts to the Medicaid safety-net program until 2026.

The postponements show the political muscle of the hospital industry, strengthened by virtually every lawmakers district having at least one hospital that provides care and jobs.

Hospitals have been among the biggest donors to members of Congress and have a large lobbying force.

According to the watchdog group OpenSecrets, the Greater New York Hospital Association, which represents more than 160 hospitals, gave more than $11.8 million to congressional campaigns in the 2022 cycle. The American Hospital Association spent about $27 million on lobbying to influence lawmakers in 2022, more than nearly any other organization.

Critics say the hospital industry  which often increases prices, sues patients for lack of payment, and pays big-dollar salaries to top executives  should hold up its side of the deal it made with Democrats, particularly the Obama administration, in 2009.

Too many hospitals have for years been trying to have it both ways, benefitting from the ACA while trying to escape responsibilities they have under the law, said Daniel Skinner, an associate professor of health policy at Ohio University. They constantly deploy their political power to wiggle out of these responsibilities while trying to maintain the generally good feeling they have within communities.

On July 8, 2009, the nations top hospital leaders stood with then-Vice President Joe Biden at a White House press conference to announce their deal to keep national health reform legislation on track after a century of failed attempts, dating as far back as Theodore Roosevelts push for national insurance.

At the time, ACA reform efforts teetered as interest groups feuded and Democrats struggled to settle on a plan. The agreement, which followed a similar deal with the drug industry, was part of a plan by the Obama administration to preemptively negotiate with corporate interests that had blocked previous reform efforts.

The savings from the $155 billion in hospital funding cuts would cover health care cost reform, Biden said during the press conference. As more people are insured, hospitals will bear less of the financial burden of caring for the uninsured and the underinsured, and we will reduce payments to cover those costs in tandem with that reduction.

President Barack Obama signed the ACA into law in March 2010. The number of uninsured, which was 48 million in 2010, fell to 28 million by 2016. By 2021, the uninsured rate fell to record lows, with about 27 million uninsured.

Hospital lobbyists argue the industry has already absorbed cuts in Medicare funding under the ACA and that the Medicaid cuts should not be implemented because uninsured rates have not dropped as low as the 5% rate predicted before the laws passage.

Though the health law has been a godsend, it also has not met its anticipated goal of universal coverage, said Chip Kahn, the president and CEO of the Federation of American Hospitals, which represents for-profit hospitals.

Kahn, who was involved in the agreement with the Obama White House, said the ACA has fallen short of universal coverage largely because 10 states, including more populous ones like Florida and Texas, have yet to adopt Medicaid expansion.

As a result, hospitals in these states have provided more unpaid care than anticipated and need the additional Medicaid payments to cover costs, he said.

Kahn said the extra Medicaid payments also help offset shortfalls caused by Medicare and Medicaid underpaying hospitals.

The ACA called for the DSH programs cuts to be phased in, with less than $1 billion being cut in each of the first few years. But after hospitals lobbied Congress to postpone them, the revised budget deals meant future cuts would be deeper and immediate  leading to the $8 billion annual cuts currently slated for the coming years.

In fiscal year 2021, the most recent year for which data is available, DSH spending nationwide totaled $18.9 billion. While those payments represent 3% of overall Medicaid spending, they account for as much as 10% of some states Medicaid spending.

The program, intended for safety-net hospitals, has been the subject of controversy for decades.

One reason is that the money does not always go to safety-net hospitals.

A study published in Health Affairs last year found 57% of hospitals received the DSH payments in 2015. About 94% of these payments went to hospitals with either a high percentage of uninsured patients or Medicaid enrollees or higher-than-average uncompensated care.

But 6% of recipient hospitals did not meet these criteria, the study showed.

The researchers estimated that about a third of the payments went to hospitals not focused on caring for low-income populations.

Paula Chatterjee, the lead author on the study and the director of health equity research at the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics at the University of Pennsylvania, said hospitals arent transparent about how they spend the extra money and that the states that receive the most money do not always have the highest rates of uninsured residents.

While the safety-net program is intended to help hospitals treating large numbers of Medicaid and uninsured patients, the formula determining how much money states get is based on historical Medicaid spending totals before limits were put in place in 1992, she said.

As a result, states like New York and New Jersey are among the largest recipients of the supplemental funding even though they have some of the lowest uninsured rates, she said.

Beth Feldpush, the senior vice president of policy and advocacy for Americas Essential Hospitals, which represents 300 safety-net hospitals, said these facilities 3% average operating margin would disappear if not for DSH money. Members of Congress recognize there are pockets of underserved communities in most congressional districts, she said.

Chatterjee said hospitals will likely argue there is never a good time to accept the cuts. She noted some rural and urban hospitals have closed in recent years even as other hospitals have made record profits.

Its always hard to take money away from hospitals because they hold such symbolic meaning, and legislators know that, she said.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF  the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism. It was formerly known as Kaiser Health News.
SAN FRANCISCO  The Pulitzer Prize-winning Santa Barbara News-Press, one of Californias oldest newspapers, has ceased publishing after its owner declared the 150-year-old publication bankrupt.

The newspaper became an online-only publication in April. But its last digital edition was posted Friday when owner Wendy McCaw filed for bankruptcy.

Managing editor Dave Mason broke the news to staff in an email Friday, according to NoozHawk, a digital publication whose executive editor, Tom Bolton, used to lead the News-Press.

They ran out of money to pay us. They will issue final paychecks when the bankruptcy is approved in court, Mason wrote to staff.

On Monday, the News-Press website was still online, with the most recent stories published Friday. There was no mention that it would cease publishing or that it has declared bankruptcy.

A voicemail message left Monday by The Associated Press in the newsrooms phone number was not immediately returned.

The Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing by Ampersand Publishing, the parent company of the Santa Barbara News-Press, said it has assets of less than $50,000 and debts and estimated liabilities of between $1 million and $10 million, according to federal court records. A meeting of creditors, which number between 200 and 999, is scheduled for Sept. 7.

Anthony Friedman, the lawyer listed for Ampersand Publishing in the bankruptcy filing, did not immediately return a phone call or email seeking comment. McCaw could not be reached.

At its height, the newspaper founded in 1855, had a daily circulation of 45,000 and was published seven days a week, serving Santa Barbara, an upscale city of 90,000 people. Editorial writer Thomas M. Storke won a Pulitzer Prize in 1962 for a series of editorials about the John Birch Society.

McCaw, then a billionaire local philanthropist active on environmental and animal rights issues, bought the daily from The New York Times Co. in October 2000 and a few months later appointed herself and her fiance, Arthur von Weisenberger, as acting co-publishers.

Six years later, Santa Barbara News-Press Editor Jerry Roberts quit the newspaper along with four other top editors and a columnist to protest moves by McCaw that they said undermined the papers credibility. The editors who quit cited the publishers meddling in stories, which they said compromised the papers ethics. In one example, the editors alleged McCaw was against publishing a story about one editors drunken driving arrest and later intervened to stop a second story.

The editors who quit were also upset that McCaw had appointed the papers editorial page editor as the acting publisher.

On one hand you have someone writing editorials and on the other hand editing news stories. There is an inherent conflict, Don Murphy, who quit as the papers managing editor, told the AP at the time.

The papers closure is not a big surprise, Roberts said Monday. The papers been on a downhill slide for a while.

But the fact that the community has lost its only paper is unspeakably sad, he added.

Santa Barbara, which sits along the coast about 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles, is known for its stunning geography and wineries, attracting tourists and celebrities alike for its mild climate and beautiful views. The nearby town of Montecito was the site of deadly 2018 mudslides that killed 23 people.

About half of registered voters in Santa Barbara County are Democrats while roughly a quarter are Republicans, statistics that mirror the rest of the state. Under McCaws leadership, the paper in 2016 was among the few to endorse Republican Donald Trump for president. Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton won nearly twice as many votes in the county. McCaw personally wrote an editorial endorsing Trump again in 2020.

The community still has a weekly newspaper, The Independent, as well as the digital site Noozhawk. The closest major daily newspaper is now in Ventura County. San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles, each more than 90 miles (145 kilometers) away, also have daily papers.

The Press-News closure is the latest example of a struggling news media, said Tim Franklin, an expert in local news at Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism.

We are losing on average two newspapers a week in the U.S., Franklin said. Were on pace to have lost about a third of all newspapers by 2025.

Media companies are having to compete with Google, Facebook and Amazon, which are soaking up much of the ad market, and have yet to figure out a profitable business model for local news, he said.

The local news crisis is happening in every corner of the country, including in affluent cities and suburbs, he added.

The Los Angeles Times recently announced layoffs and earlier this month sold The San Diego Union-Tribune to MediaNews Group, which owns hundreds of papers around the country.

The Union-Tribune, which covers the second-largest city in California, is now owned by the same chain that owns a slew of Southern California newspapers. The parent company is Alden Global Capital, which has bought up newspapers across the country and faced criticism for slashing budgets and cutting jobs.

In January, the Mail Tribune, one of Oregons oldest operating newspapers, shut down, saying declines in advertising spending and difficulty hiring staff precipitated the closure.

The paper-based in Medford, Oregon, stopped producing a print edition in September but continued operating in a digital format until closing.
KYIV, Ukraine  In a sunlit art studio in Kyiv filled with easels and canvases, Iryna Farion puts the finishing touches on an oil painting with a predominantly dark color palette in shades of blue and brown.

The artwork depicts two intertwined trees held together by their roots, as though in embrace, and a radiant yellow sun shining against a moody blue background.

I feel like its me and my husband, who was killed in the war, Farion says of the trees. They are like two souls, like two hearts, like one body.

Farion is among thousands of Ukrainian women who have lost their partners in the war Russia launched against their homeland nearly 17 months ago. Tens of thousands of Ukrainians have been killed on the battlefield  most of them men who once led ordinary lives before dropping everything to join the fight for their country.

Farions husband, Oleksandr Alimov, died in December after being shot on the Donetsk front line. Overwhelmed with grief, she says she has found some consolation in painting alongside other women who lost their partners on the battlefield.

The women are part of an art therapy project called Alive. True Stories of Love, which seeks to honor the memory of those who died while helping the women cope with the pain of their loss.

Alimov voluntarily joined the army in the early days of the war after working as an IT specialist for a well-known company. I dont want us to live in a country where we are not free, Farion says her husband told her before going off to war. The couple had been together for 10 years.

She still wears her wedding ring, while his hangs around her neck on a chain. I cant take off the ring yet, she says. It feels better for me this way.

On a recent day, Farion visited the art studio with her friend Olesia Skalska, whose husband was killed in January. The two women initially met at a cemetery, a place where Ukrainian widows commonly find solace in each others company and form friendships bound by shared grief.

Skalska's husband, Roman Skalskyi, 26, also voluntarily joined the military without prior combat experience.

"Of course, I supported him because he went to defend me and his whole family, she says.

The couple was supposed to celebrate their first wedding anniversary in June. But instead, Skalska works on a painting  the only place where they can be together again.

A man is carrying a girl across a field of wheat that has been cut, and I imagine that he is carrying her so that she does not prick her legs, says Skalska, 24, describing her artwork.

Her voice occasionally breaks into sobs as she speaks. To others, I may seem like an ordinary person. But no one knows whats happening inside, she says. Its impossible to escape.

The art project was launched in January by Olena Sokalska, who lost her husband years ago in a car accident and says she understands the emotional journey of widowhood.

When she spoke in June, approximately 40 widows were participating in the art project.

Its called Alive because the girls should feel alive since they all feel lifeless right now, she explains. When you paint, you only think about that. And I thought these women should have some time for themselves.

The project is free to join and local artists volunteer their time to guide the women as they express their sorrows on canvas.

A Facebook community for the project has more than 1,000 participants. And the community keeps growing, says Sokalska, noting the tragedy of what that means to many.

They find themselves in a complete void. Its like a black hole and nobody truly understands what a woman who has lost her husband feels, she says.

Oksana Kordina and her husband, Andrii Volkov, had been married for almost 10 years when the war began. On the morning of Feb. 24, 2022, the day Russia invaded Ukraine, Volkov gathered his belongings and got dressed. Oksana prepared a first-aid kit for him. He walked to the military office as Kyiv reeled with shock from the invasion.

He died nine days later defending the capital.

More than a year later, Kordina says she still has not recovered emotionally. Im not a creative person, but I realized I needed to try something, she says, explaining her decision to try painting.

"This pain is impossible to explain or convey, she says.

Recently, she rediscovered a lake near Kyiv that her husband had loved dearly. The couple had gone there together before, but she had forgotten the way and struggled to find it for a long time. Now she visits it regularly.

Her painting depicts the lake surrounded by green trees, reflecting the soft light of dawn. A ginger cat painted in the left corner of the canvas appears lonely and contemplative against the backdrop of nature.

I walk to the lake and dream just like this cat, she says. And it feels like hes there with me.

Photos: Ukraine smith turns guns, ammo into art
The summer of 2023 is behaving like a broken record about broken records.

Nearly every major climate-tracking organization proclaimed June the hottest June ever. Then July 4 became the globe's hottest day, albeit unofficially, according to the University of Maine's Climate Reanalyzer. It was quickly overtaken by July 5 and July 6. Next came the hottest week, a tad more official, stamped into the books by the World Meteorological Organization and the Japanese Meteorological Agency.

With a summer of extreme weather records dominating the news, meteorologists and scientists say records like these give a glimpse of the big picture: a warming planet caused by climate change. It's a picture that comes in the vibrant reds and purples representing heat on daily weather maps online, in newspapers and on television.

Beyond the maps and the numbers are real harms that kill. More than 100 people have died in heat waves in the United States and India so far this summer.

Records are crucial for people designing infrastructure and working in agriculture because they need to plan for the worst scenarios, said Russell Vose, climate analysis group director for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He also chairs a committee on national records.

In the past 30 days, nearly 5,000 heat and rainfall records were broken or tied in the U.S. and more than 10,000 records set globally, according to NOAA. Texas cities and towns alone have set 369 daily high temperature records since June 1.

Since 2000, the U.S. has set about twice as many records for heat as those for cold.

"Records go back to the late 19th century and we can see that there has been a decade-on-decade increase in temperatures," said Gavin Schmidt, director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, keeper of the agency's climate records. "What's happening now is certainly increasing the chances that 2023 will be the warmest year on record. My calculations suggest that there's, right now, a 50-50 chance."

The larger the geographic area and the longer stretch of time during which records are set, the more likely the conditions represent climate change rather than daily weather. So the hottest global June is "extremely unlikely" to happen without climate change, as opposed to one city's daily record, Texas state climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon said.

Still, some specifics are striking: Death Valley flirted this summer with the hottest temperature in modern history, though that 134 degree Fahrenheit record is in dispute.

Phoenix grabbed headlines among major U.S. cities on Tuesday when it marked a 19th consecutive day of unrelenting mega heat: 110 F or more. It kept going, reaching a 22nd straight day Friday. The daytime heat was accompanied by a record stretch of nights that never fell below 90 F.

"Everybody's drawn to extremes," Vose said. "It's like the Guinness Book of World Records. Human nature is just drawn to the extreme things out of curiosity."

But the numbers can be flawed in what they portray.

Think of the individual statistics as brush strokes in a painting of the world's climate, Cornell University climate scientist Natalie Mahowald said. Don't fixate on any specific number.

She and other climate scientists say long-term warming from burning coal, oil and natural gas is the chief cause of rising temperatures, along with occasional boosts from natural El Nino warmings across parts of the Pacific, like the planet is experiencing this year.

El Nino is a natural temporary warming of parts of the Pacific that changes weather patterns worldwide and adds an extra warm boost. An El Nino formed in June and scientists say this one looks strong. For the previous three years El Nino's cool flip side, La Nina, dampened a bit of the heat humans are causing.

A super El Nino spiked global temperatures in 1998, then was followed by less warming and even some flat temperatures for a few years until the next big El Nino, Mahowald said.

Weather won't worsen each year and that should not become a common expectation, but it will intensify over the long run, she said.

The University of Michigan's Richard Rood used to blog about climate records for Weather Underground, but in 2014 he got sick of continuously new extremes and stopped.

"I think we need to get away from that sort of record-setting sensationalism at some level and really be getting down to the hard work," he said, addressing the need for people to adapt to a warmer world and get serious about slashing emissions that cause hotter, more extreme weather.

NOAA tracks weather observations from tens of thousands of stations throughout the U.S. and its global calculations incorporate data from more than 100,000 stations, Vose said.

When those records come in, the agency checks their quality and calculates where the numbers fit historically. NOAA's National Center for Environmental Information in North Carolina is the arbiter of national records, while the local National Weather Service offices handle those for individual cities, Vose said.

A special international committee deals with world records and, at times, scientists disagree on the reliability of 100-year-old data.

Validating records takes time. Because of a backlog of extreme weather events to analyze, officials haven't finished approving 130 degree Fahrenheit records from 2020 and 2021 at Death Valley, Vose said.

"Our primary job is keeping score, meaning what happened? How unusual was it?" he asked. "It's not like we take great joy in saying it was the warmest year on record. Again."
nanocosmos wins Wegner live as customer and serves strong demand for high-quality auction streaming with its B2B real-time streaming platform

Swiss provider Wegner live, flagship for high-quality broadcasts of live auctions, chooses nanocosmos real-time streaming solution nanoStream Cloud.

Berlin, Germany( )

This targets large audiences in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), but can reach viewers 24/7 around the world thanks to nanocosmos strong CDN (Content Delivery Network). This is achieved easily and seamlessly for the auction service due to the all-in-one solution, as nanoStream Cloud allows viewers to start the stream directly from their browser to enjoy streaming without interruptions. Thus, the expertise of two companies that have been carefully built over many years with origins going back to traditional broadcasting come together to serve todays growing trend of viewers for interactive streaming with high quality.

Since 1989, the Swiss company Wegner live has offered solutions through know-how and technology on how to maneuver image and sound optimally in live broadcast. Managing director Roland Wegner says that today, the primary goal is to offer auctions via livestreaming to everyone as if they were physically present.

In addition to minimum latency transmission, this includes signal optimization, optimized sound for hall sound, but also parallel integration of graphic material and the possibility that the stream is adaptive and can run around the clock. By choosing to use nanoStream Cloud, Roland Wegner has chosen a German provider that was founded back in 1998 and has revolutionized the ultra-low latency live streaming sector with its H5Live technology and cloud strategy. Even more so because the solution is browser-based, for all devices, including iOS and runs extremely reliably and is easy to integrate.

Thanks to the B2B live streaming solution, Wegner live now excels at meeting broad broadcasting requirements: Speed of streaming with minimal latency to provide seamless, high-quality interaction with viewers. No matter from where, this allows fellow bidders to join in auctions and bid in real time thanks to ultra-low latency. In addition, because the nanoStream Cloud platform enables high quality playout, a dynamic presentation can be produced from multiple camera perspectives.

Roland Wegner, CEO Wegner live: We let some auction streams run 10h non-stop, like recently at one of Europes most important auction houses, Galerie Kornfeld in Bern. Perfect sound and perfect picture despite ultra-low latency are advantages of the nanoStream Cloud that we do not want to miss. The fact that the stream is adaptive favors increasing sales figures: With browser-based public broadcasting, the audience can grow quickly, but must not interfere with the stream in progress. His conclusion There is no such thing as one-size-fits-all, every project is different but with the sales of paintings and classic cars via live streaming with nanocosmos, we are extremely satisfied and positioned for the increasing demand for high quality live streaming in the front row.

About nanocosmos

nanocosmos is a Berlin-based company with more than two decades of experience in the audio/video industry. The flagship product nanoStream Cloud is an industry reference for reliable B2B interactive live streaming on any device. With pioneering advancements and milestones like ultra-low latency live streaming on any device and browser, with adaptive bitrate playback, stream protection and data driven live streaming, nanocosmos continues to hold its strong position in multiple market segments for interactive live streaming.
Russian occupation troops should not from where to pull up resources on the left bank of the Kherson region. In this regard, the invaders are experiencing a significant "shell hunger".

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This statement was made by the head of the joint coordination press center of the Defense Forces of southern Ukraine Natalia Humenyuk. She told about it on air of TV channel "Espresso".

According to her, the Armed forces of Ukraine keep under fire control all logistical routes of the enemy.

"The Russians are experiencing a significant "shell hunger" on the left bank. There is no longer any place for the enemy to pull up resources from. Fire control over logistical routes is also a significant obstacle to quickly pull up lost ammunition for themselves," Humenyuk said.

She added that last week the work of Ukrainian defenders on the enemy's combat supply points was quite effective. As a result, five ammunition depots were destroyed. Now the enemy has also started to use large-caliber artillery less.

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"Because of this, the enemy is really now experiencing a shortage of shells. We see that the occupiers have started to use large-caliber artillery less frequently. They are now trying to cover it with mortar fire and MLRS. Last night we destroyed another large-caliber enemy cannon and two sabotage boats with groups that were trying to maneuver between the islands," summarized Humenyuk.

It should be noted that Ukrainian defenders are preparing for offensive actions in the Kherson direction. Currently, the Defense Forces are conducting reconnaissance and working out the rear of the Russian occupation troops.

We will remind, earlier the former commander of the US forces in Europe Ben Godges explained why the counter-offensive of the AFU is slow. The American general emphasized that the Ukrainian military is succeeding despite the fact that they go on the attack without superiority in the sky.

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In addition, the occupiers were replacing the fields, through which it is now difficult for the defenders to pass.

General Oleksandr Tarnavskiy, commander of the Operational Strategic Grouping of Troops "Tavria", also stated about minefields as one of the main problems facing the Ukrainian troops .
BRUNSWICK, GA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / The Marina Industries Association (MIA) is pleased to announce the continued expansion of the Gold Anchor program with Brunswick Landing Marina in Georgia, USA, being awarded Gold Anchor accreditation.

Brunswick Landing Marina wins Gold Anchor





Brunswick Landing Marina is located in the heart of downtown Brunswick, Georgia, and is a 101-acre marina, with approximately 375 wet slips and 100 dry slips, and is able to accommodate vessels up to 250 ft in length. Their floating concrete docks are built tough and secured by reinforced concrete piles. The area where the marina is located was historically used by the US Navy as a hurricane hole because it has deep water access and is surrounded by land on three sides. With the addition of a new mega yacht dock in 2021, which also serves as a wave attenuator, the marina is one of the most protected marinas on the East Coast of the US.

The marina proudly advertises itself as "liveaboard friendly" and does not charge any extra fees for the privilege. There is always something going on to keep customers busy, like yoga, movie nights, cocktail hour, free beer on tap, game nights, themed food parties, potluck dinners, catered holiday meals, arts, and crafts and so much more. This is a place to kick back, relax and make yourself at home in historic downtown Brunswick.

Brunswick Landing Marina is the first marina on the East Coast of the USA to be awarded this global accreditation. The Global Gold Anchor is an international accreditation in which participating marinas are assessed across a number of areas such as a marina's services, procedures and facilities. The accreditation signals to customers the commitment the marina has to quality facilities and services.

In announcing this award, Suzanne Davies, MIA CEO, commented, "It's exciting to see the program grow to the USA's East Coast; Brunswick Landing Marina is a full-service marina that offers a complete menu of marine services for customers and is a worthy recipient of the Gold Anchor accreditation."

On receiving the Gold Anchor accreditation, Brunswick Landing Marina President Daren Pietsch said, "We were thoroughly impressed with the Gold Anchor program when we learned about it, so receiving this international accreditation is very gratifying. The fact that we were the first marina to qualify on the East Coast is another indication of how committed our team is to being the best we can be for our customers and the community we are proud to be part of."

Davies further noted, "There are over 230 Gold Anchor marinas accredited in 29 countries around the world; the program is really on the move and expanding in numbers. To have our first East Coast USA marina join the program shows the strength of the Gold Anchor brand as a credible way of communicating to potential customers the marina's commitment to quality facilities and services. We look forward to more American marinas joining the program."

Contact Information

Michael Torras

Marina Manager, Brunswick Landing Marina

[email protected]

(912) 324-7415

SOURCE: Brunswick Landing Marina, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Central Puerto S.A ("Central Puerto" or the "Company") (NYSE: CEPU) one of the largest private sector power generation companies in Argentina, will issue a press release announcing its Second Quarter and Six-Months period results on August 11, 2023 at closing. Mr. Fernando Bonnet, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Enrique Terraneo, Chief Financial Officer, and Mr. Pablo Calderone, Finance Manager and IRO will host a conference call to discuss the Company's financial results on August 14, 2023, at 11:00 AM ET.

To access the conference call, please dial:

Toll Free: +1 877-545-0523

International: + 1 973-528-0016

Participant Access Code: 153827

Webcast URL: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2629/48761

The Company will also host a live audio webcast of the conference call on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.centralpuerto.com. Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the website and download any streaming media software that might be required to listen to the webcast. The call will be available for replay on the Company website under the Investor Relations section.

For further information please contact:

Enrique Terraneo

+54 11 4317-5000

Av. Tomas Alva Edison 2701

Drsena E - Puerto de Buenos Aires

(C1104BAB) Ciudad de Buenos Aires

Republica Argentina

SOURCE: Central Puerto S.A.

View source version on accesswire.com:
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / T-Mobile

Paychex THRIVE, a Business Podcast

Get timely insights from industry leaders, policy experts, and newsmakers about current marketplace conditions, new legislation, and innovations impacting businesses today. Find out how to take on big challenges, propel your business forward, and THRIVE. And be sure to tune in to our weekly podcast, "Week in Review," where our host Gene Marks visits the most valuable weekly news that impacts business owners.

How T-Mobile Is Supporting New Technologies - Season 4, Episode 71

Take a listen to this episode of Paychex THRIVE, a Business Podcast, to hear as host Gene Marks and Mike Katz, President of Marketing, Innovation, and Experience at T-Mobile talk about the mobile technology landscape. Learn why it's so important for businesses to stay on top of the mobile industry, the impact of the 4G era, the future of 5G, how mobile networks support new technologies, and so much more.

View Transcript:

Speaker 1 (00:03): Welcome to Paychex THRIVE, a Business Podcast, where you'll hear timely insights to help you navigate marketplace dynamics and propel your business forward. Here's your host, Gene Marks.

Gene Marks (00:19): Hey everybody. Welcome back, my name is Gene Marks, to another episode of the Paychex THRIVE podcast. We are thrilled to have you and I'm really super happy to have Mike Katz with me. Mike is the President of Marketing, Innovation & Experience at T-Mobile. First of all, Mike, thank you so much for joining me.

Mike Katz (00:36): Thanks, Gene. It's so great to be here. Thanks for having me.

Gene Marks (00:38): So first of all, looking at your title, is that CMO, is that below CMO? Where are you in the whole organizational structure of T-Mobile?

Mike Katz (00:49): I guess we need to get more creative with our title. Yeah. The way our organization is set up, I have responsibility for essentially all the traditional marketing functions. I actually have four CMOs that report to me that work closely with the different lines of business and run the marketing for those different lines of business. But I also have responsibility for product at T-Mobile, we have a product organization. I have responsibility for our wholesale business. So, a lot of the work that we do with MVNOs, so companies like Mint Mobile and companies like Google Fi who buy network assets from us and then repackage them under their own brands. All that is within my team as well.

Gene Marks (01:34): How long have you been with the company?

Mike Katz (01:38): I'm going to have my 25-year anniversary this year.

Gene Marks (01:41): Amazing.

Mike Katz (01:41): So, I started when I was in middle school, as you can tell, and 25 years later here I am.

Gene Marks (01:46): I mean, did you start out selling phones in stores? Are you one of those guys or was it a different path?

Mike Katz (01:52): Yeah, close to that. I was in college and I needed a job and I essentially got a part-time job with the predecessor company of T-Mobile, which was a small regional cell phone company called VoiceStream Wireless. And my first job was I would sit in very, very illustrious retailers like Circuit City and Sears and help their salespeople sell VoiceStream cell phones. And I did that in part-time basis for my last two years of college and then graduated and was offered a full-time position launching at the time, the biggest commercial market for VoiceStream, Chicago. So I went to Chicago about a year before we launched that market and helped launch our services there.

Gene Marks (02:40): Mike, I promise you we're going to get to T-Mobile and mobile technology and talk about all that, but it's a crazy story. So, you're really kind of at a low-level salesperson or sales support person right out of college with this organization and now you're at an extremely high level within the company. I mean obviously, there's luck involved, but how did you get there? I'm curious how that happened. Is this like 20-hour days of work? Was it just right place, right time, combination of different things? I'm fascinated by that.

Mike Katz (03:18): Yeah, I think things like this are never one thing. I feel extremely fortunate and I... I mean I suppose you could say luck plays a role in a lot of these things a lot of times. I think there's a couple of specific things that helped me. One was... And I think this is important for everybody that's in any kind of job is, it's really about results. You have to be able to demonstrate that you can get results and I fortunately have been and been able to assemble teams throughout my career that have been able to really drive meaningful change and meaningful results. I also think... I mean there's definitely sacrifice that comes with these jobs too. Early in my career, I moved seven times all over the country. Fortunately, the first couple, it was just me. So the only person I was affecting was me. But the last couple of moves I did, I was married and I had kids and so we picked up the family and moved around.

Mike Katz (04:19): So, I do think there is some sacrifice and a little bit of going where the opportunity is. And as part of that, and there's one thing I... It is funny, I just recently did a... I was asked to do the commencement speech at my alma mater a couple of weeks ago and one of the things I really focused on when I spoke was this idea of taking risks in your career and not letting the structured plan that you have for yourself dictate what you do and cause you to miss opportunities that are right in your face.

Mike Katz (04:58): And I think for me, I can point to a couple of different jobs that I had the opportunity to do that were presented in front of me that I was really scared to take and I was like, "Ah, I don't know if I want to do this job." And if I hadn't done them, there's no way I'd be in this job that I'm in right now. And so, one of the things I also feel like helped me, and I always tell everybody that ask me a similar question is, if the next job that you take doesn't terrify you some, then you probably shouldn't do it.

Gene Marks (05:30): Yeah, it's great advice. And you also have to think to yourself, what's the worst that can happen? I mean honestly. Completely if you fail and you lose your job, there's plenty of other jobs that are out there, but you can't be 80 years old and looking back and saying, I should have done this or I should have done that. You got to go for it.

Mike Katz (05:45): Absolutely. I think you always regret more what you don't do versus what you do, always.

Gene Marks (05:51): A hundred percent.

Mike Katz (05:51): Yeah.

Gene Marks (05:52): Yeah. You also brought up a good point about, you moved around a lot so there was like sacrifice. I worked at KPMG for nine years and I was a senior manager of... One of the main reasons why I didn't become a partner is because I didn't do what you did. My wife was not willing to move. We had little kids. She moved all the way from London when we got married. So, you make those decisions and it's been fine and it's been a very good decision. But if you want to succeed in a corporate environment like you are at... I truly believe in it. It's just a lesson for people watching or listening to this that are younger. Whether you're owning a business, you're a manager in a business, people that hire we're... I mean, we're always looking for people that are just going to get stuff done and not say no. I mean, that's really what we're looking for. And it sounds like that was kind of the way you've been and the way you probably still are.

Mike Katz (06:44): Yeah, I hope so. That's what I aspire to be. And it is hard. One of the tricks for me is I told my wife when we moved to Seattle in 2007 that it would be a two-year move, and now it's 2023, we're still in Seattle. So I do get reminded about that every once in a while. But yeah, I mean you got to roll the dice on these things, and at the end of the day, in any company, performance and results do matter. And it's not just taking the risk, but it is demonstrating that you can execute. And you have to be able to point to tangible examples of where you have been able to put your fingerprints on things and it's translated into results. And I think having that in the back of your mind as you're working on a project or working on a new part of the business is really, really important. You want to be able to show small successes and get points on the scoreboard.

Gene Marks (07:48): Yeah, it's great advice. It really is. All right, mobile technology. So, it's changed a little bit since you first started back in the VoiceStream days. Let's look back in the past a little bit and then we'll look towards the future first of all. Again, our audience are business owners like myself. How's the environment for mobile technology changed in the past just few years that... Just explain to us where we are compared to where we were just a few years ago.

Mike Katz (08:22): Yeah, I mean I think we're at the very beginnings of another huge generational change in mobile. And if you go back, call it 10 years ago, if you remember what happened in mobile, we went from an environment where your phone was a thing that you talked on and maybe sent some text messages to the 4G era in mobile phones really opened the door for the mobile internet. One of the things that Mike, our CEO often says is, "Over the last 10 years, content is moving from its linear format onto the internet, and at the same time the internet is moving more and more mobile," and 4G really was the catalyst for that. And if you look at what happened in the business environment, companies that really embraced that and got behind it went from unicorns into the biggest companies in the world.

Mike Katz (09:21): You think about the Googles, the Facebooks, even some of the startups at the beginning of the 4G era like the Ubers and the Airbnbs. And companies like that that embraced mobile as their business platform really thrived in this 4G era. And now we are I think really starting to get into what is another big generational shift with 5G. And 5G has got a ton of ingredients that make this by far the most powerful mobile platform that we've seen to date as the next generation would suggest. But I think it's converging with an environment, particularly around generative AI and big data that is really going to change the way eventually, I think that all of us work and all of us interact with our devices.

Mike Katz (10:18): I think what we're going to see here over the next few years is going to be as big as when PC computers became a thing, as big as when mobile initially launched. I think we're really hitting this next big step change in technology with generative AI and these large language models that are powering it. And you're seeing bits and pieces of it with things like ChatGPT. But I think over the next couple of years, fundamentally the way that a lot of work gets done is going to change in a way that we haven't seen in a couple of decades.

Gene Marks (10:53): I heard...Elon Musk was interviewed. I talked about this before on my podcast. One of my favorite podcasts is a guy named Lex Fridman who does a... He is an AI guy and a technology guy. And it was like a three-hour interview with Elon Musk about a year ago, and they were talking about self-driving cars because he's trying to do that with Tesla, and Musk was saying how it's a lot harder than he thought it was going to be. Now if he says it's a lot harder than he thought it was going to be, that clearly means that it was pretty hard.

Gene Marks (11:22): One of the...the biggest obstacle that he has and still has is that for a car to make a decision, a self-driving decision, it has to take into account all these factors of an environment all around just like we do in our minds, and then make this split-second decision otherwise it runs over a puppy. You know what I mean? And the processing power that's needed, the networking power, the broadband power that's needed to process this stuff, it's just not there yet. Which brings to my question for you is, we're at 5G now, whatever that means. I'm assuming there's 6G, 7G, 10G, I mean there's got... For all that AI to work that you're talking about, it's going to need more powerful networks, and is that what T-Mobile is doing?

Mike Katz (12:16): Yeah, we are. And look, I still think we're very, very early in the 5G days, and that use case that you just brought up is a perfect example of what I think the promise of a 5G network is. Because in order for all of that AI to work in that situation, in a car that's on a road somewhere, you need the processing to happen, but it needs to happen and react in a split-second. And I think one of the big changes that you see from 4G and 5G and the network is latency. It is moving from a dozens and dozens of milliseconds of latency in a 4G network to... I think you're going to see... And you're already seeing some places where this happens, networks that perform it way under 10 milliseconds so that when that dog jumps into the road and the car has to recognize that and stop that, it's backed up with a network that can process and put the right commands to that car in time for it not to ruin some poor kid's day that their dog got run over.

Gene Marks (13:24): Yeah, I think there's still ways to go and there's a lot to go within 5G. Let me ask you some other questions. And again, as a business, these are questions that I get from my clients as well. When they're looking for different carriers and they consider a T-Mobile, you have your competitors as well. So two-part question. First of all, I mean you guys have been around for a while and your competitors have been around for a while. Is there a point where you guys reach a commodity level like one's no different than the other, or do you still feel that there will always be differentiation between the major carriers like yourselves and your competitors?

Mike Katz (14:04): I mean I think there'll always be differentiation, and I think it happens in two dimensions. One is on the core product itself, which is our network, and I'll come back to that in a second. And then the second one is on... I'll call it value proposition. I think in both areas you see some really significant differentiation between the companies. If you look at network and if you look at what's happening in 5G, and I think generally in our space there's a little bit of a perception that these are big phone companies, they're not the digital native companies. They're really slow-moving Goliaths and how they were five years ago, probably today the phone companies aren't that much different. And I think that couldn't be further from the truth.

Gene Marks (14:50): Because by the way, what you just mentioned, that is the perception. That is what I hear from my clients.

Mike Katz (14:56): Yeah, I definitely think that's the perception. And I think it's actually one of the biggest opportunities for T-Mobile because if you look at what's happened to our company over the last five years, our core product, our network is been completely transformed. And one of the big catalysts for that was our merger with Sprint. And one of the things that happened with this merger with Sprint is Sprint had a huge amount of unused mid-band wireless spectrum in the 2.5 GHz range. And I'm not going to geek out on wireless spectrum unless you really want to. But one of the reasons why that was important is what we're seeing with 5G is 5G is really... Where the what we call the Goldilocks area for 5G, where the most impactful 5G use cases and experiences are happening is in the mid-band spectrum ranges.

Mike Katz (15:58): Wireless spectrum really is in three different ranges. We have low band, which is kind of like AM radio, where we can put a tower up and it covers a large area, but the performance isn't as powerful. Mid-band, which has a nice balance of being able to have a large coverage area, but also really, really strong performance. And then millimeter wave, which happens up in the really high frequencies where the performance is incredible, but the propagation is really low, like a pane of glass or a hand will block the signal. So, mid-band is where we're really seeing this 5G race play out. And T-Mobile is in an incredible position in mid-band spectrum, and we've got more deployed than anyone else.

Mike Katz (16:44): And what happened is, the Sprint acquisition really became a catalyst for T-Mobile to... Admittedly in the 4G era, T-Mobile was the laggard. We were the last to deploy 4G and we were playing catch up for a decade with Verizon in particular on 4G. But we looked at this Sprint acquisition as an opportunity not just to launch 5G but leapfrog everybody else on 5G. And that's exactly what's played out. In the three years since we bought Sprint, we have deployed the biggest, most powerful 5G network in the world. And just to give some context to that, our 5G footprint in square miles is bigger than AT&T and Verizon combined. Combined. We cover at the end of this year 300 million people with 5G. And that's important because where we're going to cover at the end of this year that our two main competitors haven't even announced plans at any point in the future to get there.

Mike Katz (17:46): So, this merger gave us at least a two-year headstart, but if you look at some of the innovations that we are continuing to launch, we're the only network that has a fully dedicated 5G core, meaning our 5G traffic flows through a 5G network core. Our competitors, their 5G traffic goes through their 4G core first, which gives you smaller coverage rings and higher latency. We were the first to deploy that. And then we've got some spectrum aggregations and some other capabilities that we've launched in the network that's given us this two-year lead that we don't see going away anytime soon. Two years from now, we will still have a two-year lead on 5G with between AT&T and Verizon. So I think there's still significant differentiation that's happening in network in particularly the 5G technology.

Mike Katz (18:45): And then if you look at the history of our company, particularly over the last decade where we have really stood out and where we've both changed the industry but also set ourselves apart from AT&T and Verizon is how we've built our value proposition. We have prided ourselves on disrupting the industry and changing the rules of the industry in favor for our customers.

Mike Katz (19:13): Looking at the pain points that existed. You go back... You don't have to go back that far, like 10 years ago, think about how painful this industry was if you were a wireless consumer. You had two-year contracts that really had no meaningful benefit, there was no unlimited plans, you couldn't ever upgrade your phone. If you went international, you were coming back with a $2,000 bill. Those were all things that we systematically launched innovations against and not only set ourselves apart by differentiating our proposition for customers, we forced the rest of the industry to change. So now all of those things I just said have all been solved at AT&T or Verizon because they went through multiple quarters of losing customers and we're like, "Oh my gosh, we better do something." And they ended up changing their proposition.

Mike Katz (19:57): So, we are going to stay on our front foot for that. We actually just launched another one of our, what we call these Un-carrier Moves in April. And you're not going to see us stop. We will continue to look for opportunities in the marketplace where customers aren't getting treated right and unleash big T-Mobile innovation against them, which is going to keep us, I think now and in the future, materially differentiated from what AT&T and Verizon do because we just run this company with a different ethos. It's centered around customers, it's listening to customers, and then going and doing what they're telling us to do, which is not the way these other guys run their companies.

Gene Marks (20:36): Well, it's funny. I mean everybody will have their point of view. I can tell you about the entire industry overall. I mean, I've been using cell phones since the BlackBerry, and you can't even compare it to the way it was 10, 20 years ago. And where my mobile device might have been a source of headaches for me even a few years ago, different things, I have to admit that I never really think about it. And that's something to be said not only just for T-Mobile but for the entire industry has improved that much. Even buying a phone nowadays has become so much easier for a business owner. I mean, you can do it online and set it up remotely instead of having to go in the store and going through the nightmare that it is with some of these retail locations, which I'm sure you remember.

Gene Marks (21:24): I mean a pat on the back for all of that. And it's not just for T-Mobile, but it's for the industry. You talk about innovation, you talk about experience, I mean a lot of it is the devices that business people are using. I'm kind of curious what is exciting you about the future when it comes to hardware? So I've got two things that would excite me and then you can comment on that, but then also you can add. First of all, I'm curious to get your thoughts on battery technology because I travel a lot and it's still a fistfight for an outlet in any airport to charge phones. Everybody deals with that issue. And I'm curious, but somebody that's in the center of all of this, there's so many businesses that depend on this stuff, where you see that going and what might T-Mobile be doing about it? That's number one.

Gene Marks (22:08): The other is also just virtual and augmented reality devices. Apple just released their latest headset, which is cool for gamers. And I don't know if you're into the metaverse or if you're a gamer, but it's just ain't... I'm not wearing that headset. Do you know what I mean? Like a complete idiot doing it. You know what I mean? Until we see mobile technology, like a pair of glasses that looks like a real pair of glasses where I can switch into a virtual world and have a meeting that way. I don't know. I guess I'm turning back to you to say, okay, so Mike, you're in the middle of this, you're seeing where things are going. Tell us where you see some of this hardware going that you're going to be using.

Mike Katz (22:51): Yeah, maybe we can hit the augmented reality first.

Gene Marks (22:56): Okay.

Mike Katz (22:57): It's such an interesting space. And I do think it was really interesting that Apple made their big announcements at their Developers Conference there. It's a space I've been following for a long time. We have the Oculus glasses at home, my kids use them. One of the thing-

Gene Marks (23:16): Which, by the way, unbelievable when you put them on. When you wear them, it's like they're incredible stuff. Super fun.

Mike Katz (23:23): Yeah. I mean, you really feel transported into another space. I think the challenge that they've had up to this point is there's not a lot of content. There doesn't seem to be a big robust developer community building lots of experiences, and what I've-

Gene Marks (23:39): But isn't it because with the... When they introduced the iPhone, there wasn't a lot of content either, but because the iPhone was so awesome, a flock of developers came to it and built content around it. So it was kind of driven by the hardware, I guess is what my thought is.

Mike Katz (23:55): Yeah. Which is why I'm really interested with Apple going into this space because I think Apple could be a huge catalyst to spark a developer revolution on this platform. That just hasn't happened up to this point. And this might be the first step in... I mean the iPhone is such a great proxy because if you think about where the iPhone started and how the hardware evolved, the hardware really started to evolve around the App Store and all the content that was being developed by developers. And my guess is the AR, the hardware itself is going to follow a similar path. That this is probably a first step of many for Apple and others into this space. And as the content becomes much more robust from a really thriving developer community, my guess is you're going to see a lot more innovation in the hardware, get smaller, more glasses actually look cool, actually be something that you could wear on a daily basis. But I think the content and the developer community needs to catch up to that. But Apple being in there feels like a big, big monumental change in that space.

Gene Marks (25:13): I still say, can you see yourself sitting in a meeting in a conference room somewhere with six other people and everybody's wearing these headsets? That's just not going to happen.

Mike Katz (25:22): Yeah. I kind of hope not. I think it's a little bit weird. But I could see, and we have seen. You've seen some of this with HoloLens and stuff, some really interesting use cases that I think are valuable. You think about stuff like-

Gene Marks (25:35): Training.

Mike Katz (25:36):... employee training.

Gene Marks (25:36): Yeah.

Mike Katz (25:37): Yeah. I mean there's tons of training applications for it. You think about even use cases in our business where we send texts to go service cell sites and you have somebody that's relatively new or an issue that's uncommon. And being able to use technologies like augmented reality to be able to identify and provide real troubleshooting steps, I think those things could be really valuable. But I also am bullish on innovators and developers and I think we'll see use cases that none of us have thought of end up emerging on that platform.

Gene Marks (26:16): Are you confident that your networks... And when I speak about yours, T-Mobile with the industry stuff. If that explosion happens, you'll be able to service that demand? Does that concern the powers that be at all?

Mike Katz (26:32): No. I mean that's kind of what our network is built for. Our network is built to support use cases like this. Because for augmented reality to really work, for it to be able to do things like visually see something, recognize it, and provide you prompts, or even more simple to not have you feel queasy when you're using it, which is one of the things, I don't know if you get that experience. When I put those on for more than five minutes, I feel really queasy. Driving to lower and lower latency solves both of those things. And that's really what our network is designed for. In a way that has huge advantages over a way, a lot of these are being deployed right now, which is really connecting to wifi, which is relying on whatever the fixed network you're on. If you really want to take AR experiences to the next level, it needs to work wherever you are. In which case the only technology that will support that is mobile network.

Mike Katz (27:30): So, our network is built to do that. And I would say one good demonstration of the fact that our network is built to do that is I do think the first killer use case that's been built for 5G is what's happening in fixed mobile wireless or fixed mobile broadband. We announced last quarter we have over 3 million customers that are using our wireless network as their home broadband network, where it's displaced cable or fiber or whatever their previous incumbent was. You could never do something like that where you have a broadband experience that's comparable or better to what you were getting with cable, where you're using not just dozens of gigabits but hundreds and hundreds of gigabits because it's powering all the experiences inside your house off of the mobile network. That could not exist in a 4G world, that's only happening in a 5G world. So I bring that up as an example because you asked about are we worried about capacity and these things overwhelming the network. No, because right now we're supporting over 3 million customers that are using hundreds of gigabits on their home broadband.

Gene Marks (28:41): And I do want to get your thoughts on batteries, but just because you bring that point up, it does mean that the future for a lot of businesses is that they won't be needing their hardwired internet connections or their local cable providers or whatever, that they can be running their businesses on their phone networks, their phone systems cloud-based over their mobile broadband provider. And they shouldn't feel concerned or uncomfortable that the network wouldn't be able to handle that kind of traffic because that's the issue. And you have to realize that a lot of business owners are older. I mean half of us are over the age of 50. So we remember back in the days of dial-up and all that stuff that you just... There's no way you could have run your... This wasn't even thought. But that's not the reality today or in the future, is it?

Mike Katz (29:33): It's not. And I think because a little bit of that fear, I think small businesses in particular get taken advantage of. Because you look at what broadband alternatives have historically been out there, broadband's kind of been a monopoly. Businesses oftentimes have one choice of who they can go to for broadband, and oftentimes the connection that's being sold to them is the exact same connection that they're buying at home, but because they're a business, it's jacked way up.

Gene Marks (30:04): Tell me about it.

Mike Katz (30:05): Which is kind of a ridiculous thing because businesses tend to use far less network asset than people do at home because-

Gene Marks (30:14): We're not watching Netflix.

Mike Katz (30:16): ... depending on your business you're... You're not watching Netflix and you're not gaming and doing all those kinds of things. So, the model has never made a lot of sense. But I think that fear of either not having a choice or seeing some of these other choices like, hey, this is the most important technology in my business and it has to work, has prevented people from switching. But what we're seeing, and I think what the industry is seeing is more and more businesses are seeing that there is an alternative and an alternative where you don't have to sacrifice any of the performance. And I think that is a game-changer for businesses. You shouldn't have to pay hundreds and hundreds of dollars for your broadband in your small businesses, there's better choices now.

Gene Marks All right, we're almost out of time here, by the way. And I feel bad because I wanted to get some marketing and lead-generation tips from you. That's going to have to wait for another day. However, your advice at the beginning of this conversation about how you grew within the company is really well taken. But before I let you go; I did ask you before about hardware and batteries. I mean I only have to know because it really it's close to my heart, man. I mean, you're in the middle of this stuff. Are we going to be seeing improvements, like significant improvements in battery? What is your forecast here?

Mike Katz (31:27): I mean I think the answer is yes. I mean, keep in mind, we don't manufacture the devices.

Gene Marks (31:31): I know you don't.

Mike Katz (31:34): But I will say, one of the benefits of 5G is it is much more efficient on battery and power usage. And so I think as 5G gets more widely deployed and as it continues... There's a lot of evolution that still will happen inside 5G. I think you'll see without any changes in the actual battery technology, the batteries becoming more efficient. I do. I'm still bullish that... It doesn't feel like throughout this whole course of wireless, if you look at the last 20 years, that there has been big step changes in battery technology. Which is kind of weird because you've seen it across every other hardware component. So I'm still bullish that there's something out there.

Mike Katz (32:20): One capability that I know has been... I've seen some tests of it that I still am very interested on is the truly wireless charging. Not the I stick my phone onto a pad and it's physically touching it, but they literally walk into a room and your phone begins to charge because it's in proximity to a wireless charger. I think that could be a real game-changer. And I know there's several companies that are testing that, and I think that would be a really, really powerful change in the way that we use our phones when that technology-

Gene Marks (32:51): And maybe that's the answer. Maybe that's the answer. And health concerns aside because I'm like, oh my God, I cannot even imagine what waves are hitting my brain. But if you think about it, if airports were equipped by something like that, the minute that you walk into an airport, your phone is just charging solves the battery issue altogether. So maybe that's the way to do it. Mike Katz is the president of Marketing, Innovation & Experience at T-Mobile. Mike, thanks so much. Your insights have been just fantastic. I want to wish you best of luck. I'm a fan of the company and I'm sure you guys will continue to kick butt in the mobile broadband world. So again, thanks for spending time with me.

Mike Katz (33:26): Yeah, thank you so much. And that was a lot of fun. I really appreciate it.

Gene Marks (33:30): It was a lot of fun and I learned a lot.

Gene Marks (33:30): Hey everybody, thanks so much for joining us. My name is Gene Marks. You've been watching and listening to the Paychex THRIVE podcast. If you need any help or advice or would like to suggest a guest for our podcast, please visit us at payx.me/thrivetopics. We will be back again next week with another episode of the Paychex THRIVE podcast. Again, thanks for joining. We'll see you again soon. Take care.

Gene Marks (33:51): Do you have a topic or a guest that you would like to hear on THRIVE? Please let us know. Visit payx.me/thrivetopics and send us your ideas or matters of interest. Also, if your business is looking to simplify your HR, payroll, benefits, or insurance services, see how Paychex can help. Visit the resource hub at paychex.com/worx. That's W-O-R-X. Paychex can help manage those complexities while you focus on all the ways you want your business to thrive. I'm your host, Gene Marks, and thanks for joining us. Till next time, take care.

Speaker 1 (34:28): This podcast is property of Paychex, Incorporated. 2023. All rights reserved.

Read and listen to additional information about Mike Katz and 5G here.

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The Dallas businessman and pastor is calling on the Republican Party 'to start thinking big. I'm running for president not because of a small vision. I'm not trying to pull the party three feet over to the right. You've got a lot of candidates who can do that.'

DES MOINES, IA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Ryan Binkley will join top Republican candidates for president including former President Donald Trump, Governor Ron DeSantis, and former Vice President Mike Pence on July 28 to address hundreds of GOP party leaders during the annual Lincoln Dinner at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.





Ryan Binkley Addresses Thousands of Cheering Republicans

Presidential candidate, businessman and pastor Ryan Binkley is speaking at the Lincoln Dinner in Des Moines on July 28 after wowing the crowd at the Turning Point Action conference in Florida.



Binkley will unveil a bold new vision for America from the stage. "Much of America is dissatisfied. We're divided and unhappy," Binkley told supporters in Iowa. "People are connecting to our message that it's time for us to unite to solve our biggest problems."

At Friday's Lincoln Dinner, the Dallas businessman and pastor will outline his proposals to end healthcare monopolies, secure the border with a comprehensive immigration plan, revitalize our urban communities, and balance the federal budget.

"If the Republican Party is honest with ourselves and we talk about the elephant in the room, Republicans have spent as much money the last 40 years as Democrats, just on different things. It's time that we change that," Binkley told a cheering crowd in Florida. "I'm putting together a seven-year plan to balance the budget."

Binkley is co-founder and CEO of the mergers and acquisitions firm Generational Group and co-founder and lead pastor of Create Church, both in the Dallas area. Under Binkley's leadership, Generational Group has grown to nearly 400 employees through 16 offices in North America and has sold over eight billion dollars' worth of businesses.

"It's time for us to start thinking about the next generation," Binkley told young Republicans. "I actually believe we have to lead a cultural revolution that turns our country back to God and back to each other again."

After Binkley speaks at one of the most influential events of this election season Friday, he will expand his outreach beyond the 50 counties he's visited and $1 million in advertising he's spent in Iowa by meeting with voters in Wisconsin and New Hampshire.

"It's time for us to hear a new voice," Binkley told supporters recently. "The people I meet want a common sense solution to our border, to our debt. They want to save money on health care costs. They know we can do better in education. Other candidates are ignoring these critical issues. As we talk about them, everybody's saying thank you."

The digital-savvy Binkley 2024 campaign provides media outlets with downloadable assets through its online press kit here.

Contact Information

Diane Moca

Press Secretary

[email protected]

214-494-1792

SOURCE: Binkley For President 2024

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NORFOLK, VA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / Today, Truist Foundation announced a $1.5 million grant to Urban Strategies Inc. (USI), a national nonprofit that focuses on the design and implementation of human capital development strategies in communities undergoing physical revitalization across the U.S. USI will use the funding to support its community development financial institution (CDFI) in establishing a bridge to capital and wealth creation for women- and Black-, Latine- and Indigenous-owned small businesses in Norfolk, Baltimore, Maryland, and Ft. Myers, Florida.

Truist Foundation and the USI CDFI will create an equitable loan fund and application system to attract, support and fund historically excluded communities in the three cities, equipping them with the credit, knowledge and tools to start, grow and sustain their businesses.

"Strengthening the small business ecosystem by eliminating structural barriers to growth is one of our core focus areas at Truist Foundation," said Lynette Bell, president of Truist Foundation. "By providing a loan fund and training support for small businesses in under-resourced communities, USI is serving as a bridge to capital, ultimately helping to close the wealth inequity gap."

Truist Financial Virginia Regional President Thomas Ransom joined USI's president Esther Shin to formally announce the grant during a celebration launch event at Black BRAND in Norfolk.

"The USI CDFI is excited to elevate our support of children and families in the Norfolk community as we collaboratively address the racial wealth gap through strategic partnerships and funding that provides the much-needed capital and financial services to Black, Latine, and Indigenous borrowers in community revitalization areas," said Shin. "The USI CDFI seeks to dismantle persistent barriers to social mobility and this partnership with Truist Foundation allows us to begin this important work."

Minority businesses continue to encounter structural obstacles when trying to access the resources, expertise and markets needed for growth. USI's CDFI seeks to address this inequity by propelling entrepreneurs to prosperity and economic liberation - creating middle-income, wealth-generating jobs and businesses.

"Truist is committed to supporting pathways for underserved, minority-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs to access capital and receive critical training to help achieve stability and long-term success," said Ransom. "USI CDFI understands the obstacles that entrepreneurs in communities experiencing revitalization face and provides tailored solutions. Our partnership is an example of how we live our purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities."

Through this partnership, USI and Truist Foundation seek to affect the root causes that hinder inclusivity and ultimately prevent families from thriving. USI has 45 years of experience working with families focused on personal and neighborhood equity and justice, ensuring all children and families can become stable and thrive.

About Urban Strategies Inc.

Founded in 1978, Urban Strategies, Inc. is a national nonprofit leader with extensive experience in implementing results-based human capital development strategies in communities that are undergoing physical revitalization. USI supports communities while working with partners to develop economic opportunities, cradle-to-college/career success, high quality health services and a range of comprehensive service supports. The organization is leading people efforts and neighborhood transformation in 41 cities and 24 neighborhoods across the nation. USI's mission is to help ensure that all families will be stable and thriving. For more information www.urbanstrategiesinc.org.

About USI CDFI

The USI Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Certification is a designation given by the CDFI Fund to specialized organizations that provide financial services in low-income communities and to people who lack access to financing. The USI CDFI provides equitable access to affordable financial products and services in underserved communities. Community-based CDFIs are located throughout the country and are dedicated to serving market niches that are often underserved by traditional financial institutions.

About Truist Foundation

Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation's (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. Truist Foundation's grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.

# # #

Leaders from Truist and Urban Strategies Inc. (USI) celebrate a $1.5 million grant from Truist Foundation to USI, which will help launch the USI community development financial institution (CDFI) in Norfolk, Virginia, on Monday, July 24, 2023. (L-R: Mark Johnson, Truist community development manager; Thomas Ransom, Truist Virginia regional president; Esther Shin, USI president; and Julian Wyatt, USI CDFI loan fund manager)

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Truist on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Truist

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/truist

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE: Truist

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Carriage Services, Inc. (NYSE: CSV) (Carriage or the Company) announced today that its Board of Directors (the Board) has elected Julie Sanders as an independent member of the Board, effective immediately. Ms. Sanders, 55, will serve as a member of the Corporate Governance, Audit and Compensation Committees. She currently serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Audit Executive at Dell Technologies, one of the worlds leading technology companies. Ms. Sanders career at Dell spans 21 years where she has held various finance, accounting, and audit leadership positions before becoming the Chief Audit Executive in 2021. In this role she is responsible for leading the global audit organization and the companys enterprise risk management program. Julie began her career at KPMG and previously served in two Chief Financial Officer roles.

We are excited to welcome Julie to the Carriage Board, said Carriages Executive Chairman, Mel Payne. Julies more than twenty years with Dell, where she has held a variety of leadership roles, will provide us with great insight and expertise as we continue to identify opportunities for growth and execute on our Ten-Year Vision, which we discussed in this years shareholder letter.

I look forward to joining the Carriage Board to support the Companys growth and help create value for shareholders. My experience is well aligned with the Companys vision and transformation journey, and I look forward to learning more about Carriages high performance culture and customer service, said Ms. Sanders.

Julies diverse experience, which includes leadership roles related to technical accounting, financial planning and analysis, M&A, scaling companies and long-term strategic planning, will serve Carriage and our shareholders well. Specifically, her experience with Environmental, Social and Governance efforts at Dell will be valuable in helping drive our focus on those areas moving forward. Julies addition to the Board further supports our commitment to enhancing the Companys focus on governance this year, said Carriage CEO and Vice Chairman of the Board, Carlos Quezada.

Ms. Sanders earned her B.B.A. in Accounting from Baylor University and is a certified public accountant.

Carriage Services is a leading provider of funeral and cemetery services and merchandise in the United States. Carriage operates 171 funeral homes in 26 states and 32 cemeteries in 11 states.
FILE PHOTO: A U.S. flag flies at a Goodyear Tire facility in Somerville, Massachusetts, U.S., July 25, 2017. REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo

(Reuters) -Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co said it would add three directors in agreement with Elliott Investment Management, months after the activist investor disclosed a stake and called for changes to strengthen the company's financial position.

Elliott's investment announced in May made it one of Goodyear's biggest investors. The firm urged the company to refresh the board, sell its stores and conduct an operational review.

On Tuesday, Goodyear said it would establish a strategic and operational review committee. The committee will be chaired by CEO Richard Kramer and will include two of the three new directors. The activist firm had proposed five new directors join the company's board.

Elliott, which has a history of taking board seats at companies including Twitter and eBay, had previously criticized the tyre-manufacturer for mismanagement and lagging behind its rivals, Michelin and Bridgestone.

"We have been encouraged by Goodyear's openness to taking actions necessary to realize its full potential," Elliott executives said in a statement on Tuesday.

Tyre-makers have come under pressure over the past few years from cheaper Chinese rivals and face scrutiny from regulators on concerns of tyre pollution.

In its most recent quarter, Goodyear posted an adjusted quarterly loss of 29 cents per share, compared with analysts' average estimate of 30 cents.

The Akron, Ohio-based company said it would nominate up to 12 directors for election at its annual meeting in 2024, including the three new directors.

Evercore, Lazard and Goldman Sachs are financial advisers to Goodyear, while Paul Weiss the legal counsel.

Goodyear's shares were largely flat in early trading after rising about 3% before the bell.

(Reporting by Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)
SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AM Best is revising its outlook on the Philippine non-life insurance market segment to negative from stable, citing increased negative pressure to the balance sheet strength and operating performance of domestic insurers amid rising challenges in accessing reinsurance capacity.

In a new Bests Market Segment Report, Market Segment Outlook: Philippines Non-Life Insurance, AM Best notes that the market historically has relied on reinsurance to mitigate underwriting volatility and exposure to catastrophe accumulations, and to subsidise acquisition costs. With hardening reinsurance market conditions globally and a reduced appetite for property catastrophe risks in the Philippines, carriers struggled to place proportional reinsurance programmes in the most recent 1 January and 1 April reinsurance renewals. This inevitably led to changes in the reinsurance programmes for many non-life insurance companies in the Philippines.

Property insurance is the largest line of business in the Philippines and has represented 30% to 40% of gross premiums in recent years, said Chris Lim, associate director, AM Best. Faced with shrinking proportional reinsurance capacity and a reluctance to lose market share, domestic non-life insurers may have limited alternatives but to increase their premium retention and assume higher net retained liabilities.

According to the report, AM Best expects that underwriting performance would be subject to greater volatility, driven by increased retained exposure to natural catastrophe risks. With higher retention, non-life insurers bear a heightened sensitivity to climate risks and modelling inaccuracies. Underwriting performance for motor insurance also is likely to be pressured given various headwinds over the near term, including a post-COVID claims frequency normalisation.

Mitigating factors to the negative outlook include insurers strengthened capitalisation in recent years, supported by a phased increase in the minimum capital requirement.

This enhanced capital position may provide some Philippine non-life companies better opportunities to support portfolio diversification via expansion into non-property lines; for example, travel and personal accident insurance, said Michael Dunckley, director, analytics, AM Best. Greater demand for motor insurance given a higher number of vehicle sales projected for 2023 is likely, while growth of the domestic insurtech space, as well as an increasing use of e-commerce apps, also presents opportunities for insurers.

To access the full copy of this market segment report, please visit http://www3.ambest.com/bestweek/purchase.asp?record_code=333832.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright  2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230724477138/en/

Chris Lim, CFA

Associate Director, Analytics

+65 6303 5018

[email protected]

Christopher Sharkey

Associate Director, Public Relations

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159

[email protected]

Michael Dunckley, CFA

Director, Analytics

+65 6303 5020

[email protected]

Al Slavin

Senior Public Relations Specialist

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5098

[email protected]

Source: AM Best
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Blackstone Secured Lending Fund (NYSE: BXSL) (the Company) announced today that it will host its second quarter investor conference call via public webcast on August 9, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. ET. The Company will report its second quarter results prior to the call the morning of August 9, 2023.

To register for the investor call, please use the following link: https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1626702&tp_key=79bc76471d

For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, there will be a webcast replay on the Shareholders section of Blackstone Secured Lendings website at https://ir.bxsl.com.

About Blackstone Secured Lending Fund

Blackstone Secured Lending Fund (NYSE: BXSL) is a specialty finance company that invests primarily in the debt of private U.S. companies. As of March 31, 2023, BXSLs fair value of investments was approximately $9.6 billion. BXSL has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. BXSL is externally managed by Blackstone Credit BDC Advisors LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser that is an affiliate of Blackstone Inc. Blackstone Inc., together with its subsidiaries, is the worlds largest alternative investment firm with $1 trillion of assets under management as of June 30, 2023.

Forward-Looking Statements and Other Matters

Certain information contained in this communication constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as outlook, indicator, believes, expects, potential, continues, may, can, will, should, seeks, approximately, predicts, intends, plans, estimates, anticipates, confident, conviction, identified or the negative versions of these words or other comparable words thereof. These may include BXSLs financial estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements about plans, statements regarding pending transactions, objectives and expectations with respect to future operations, statements regarding future performance, statements regarding economic and market trends and statements regarding identified but not yet closed investments. Such forwardlooking statements are inherently uncertain and there are or may be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements. BXSL believes these factors include but are not limited to those described under the section entitled Risk Factors in its prospectus and annual report for the most recent fiscal year, and any such updated factors included in its periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), which are accessible on the SECs website at www.sec.gov. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this document (or BXSLs prospectus and other filings). Except as otherwise required by federal securities laws, BXSL undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230724271466/en/

Investors

Blackstone Shareholder Relations

[email protected]

+1 888-756-8443

Media

Mariel Seidman-Gati

[email protected]

+1 917-698-1674

Source: Blackstone Secured Lending Fund
Smile, California launching a mobile dental van tour that will bring sealants to children and youth residing in rural parts of the state

New resources available in English and Spanish for parents, caregivers, community organizations, and more

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Smile, California, an effort by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), today launched Sealants for a Healthy Smile, a statewide campaign to encourage parents and guardians to protect their childrens teeth by ensuring they see a dentist regularly. The campaign emphasizes the application of sealants as a preventive measure against tooth decay.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725990524/en/

Adrianna Alcala-Beshara, Division Chief of the DHCS Medi-Cal Dental Services Division, Lisa Borrego, Director of the Whole Child Division from the CDE, and Dr. Jayanth Kumar, DDS, MPH, California's Dental Director, launch the Smile, California statewide initiative, "Sealants for a Healthy Smile." The initiative aims to promote the application of sealants to combat tooth decay and encourage Californians to make the most of their Medi-Cal dental benefits. (Photo: Business Wire)

Healthy teeth not only help children eat, speak, and sleep better, but they also help them to perform better in school, said Jacey Cooper, State Medicaid Director and DHCS Chief Deputy Director for Health Care Programs. Despite the benefits of maintaining healthy teeth, tooth decay is the most chronic yet preventable health care need among Californias children.

WHY THIS MATTERS: Children experiencing pain from tooth decay or gum disease have difficulty concentrating in school and face an increased likelihood of school absenteeism. While the number of children and teens who missed at least one day of school due to dental problems decreased significantly from 446,000 in 2018 to 270,000 in 2021, there is still work to do to ensure all California youth see a dentist regularly.

As part of the campaign, Smile, California launched a mobile dental van tour that will bring sealants to children and youth residing in rural parts of the state. Stops will be made in the following counties: Sacramento, Amador, Calaveras, Colusa, Lake, Nevada, Mariposa, and Tehama.

To support this positive movement, Smile, California, DHCS Medi-Cal Dental campaign to help Medi-Cal members use their dental benefits, is partnering with the California Department of Public Healths Office of Oral Health and its 60 Local Oral Health Programs and the California Department of Education to implement Sealants for a Healthy Smile. This collaborative statewide push aims to encourage parents and guardians to schedule dental checkups for their children and to request they have molar sealants applied.

Sealants can reduce up to 80 percent of cavities in the back teeth, where 9 in 10 cavities occur, said Californias Dental Director, Dr. Jayanth Kumar, DDS, MPH. They are a thin, plastic coating that is quickly and painlessly applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where most cavities occur, and they work by creating a barrier that prevents food, plaque, and bacteria from getting into the grooves of the teeth.

Medi-Cal covers a variety of dental services for most members, including sealants, at low or no cost. If you dont have Medi-Cal, there are several ways to apply:

BenefitsCal - http://www.benefitscal.org/

Covered California - https://www.coveredca.com/

In person at your local county office

Filling out the single streamlined paper application (available in 11 languages) and mailing it to your local county office

CAMPAIGN RESOURCES: Sealants for a Healthy Smile includes an array of resources in English and Spanish, such as informational flyers, videos, fact sheets, presentations, and social media graphics, all of which are available for download on the new Sealants for a Healthy Smile page at SmileCalifornia.org and SonrieCalifornia.org. These resources will help parents, caregivers, and community partners across state to better understand how good dental care habits, especially regular dental visits, can help prevent pain, infection, and school absences.

The goal of this statewide effort is to encourage more parents and guardians to take action and protect their childrens dental health by scheduling a regular check-up and asking for sealants. With Medi-Cal Dental, all members under age 21 can have a dental check-up at least twice a year. We encourage you to schedule a dental appointment today, said Adrianna Alcala-Beshara, chief of DHCS Medi-Cal Dental Services Division.

To find a dentist or learn more about Smile, California or the Sealants for a Healthy Smile campaign, visit SmileCalifornia.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725990524/en/

Anthony Cava

Department of Health Care Services

Office of Communications

[email protected]

Source: Smile, California
In the Zaporizhzhia sector, where the Ukrainian Defence Forces are continuing their counter-offensive, the occupation forces are facing a number of problems. They are facing a real "shell famine", the Ukrainian Armed Forces are gradually achieving parity in artillery, and Russian attack drones are losing effectiveness.

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At the same time, the occupiers are faced with a shortage of personnel and mass desertion: to restrain the onslaught of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, they have to transfer units from other parts of the front, weakening them. This was reported by the Telegram channel "Spy Dossier".

The author of the channel, who calls himself "an employee of one of the special services", described the situation in the Russian troops as of Sunday, 23 July.

According to him, the main fighting in the Zaporizhzhia sector is taking place near the village of Rabotyne. Units of the 291st, 70th and 71st motorised rifle regiments of the Russian Armed Forces and Storm Z assault units are trying to hold back the Ukrainian counter-offensive in this area of the front. Also, the forces of the 810th Separate Marine Brigade of the Black Sea Fleet are periodically deployed to Rabotyno. And this, according to the author of the "Spy Dossier" channel, weakens Russian positions in the direction of Vasylivka.

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"The redeployment of the 810th Brigade significantly affects the combat capabilities of the Russian Armed Forces in the Kamianske - Vasylivka area, where the Ukrainian Armed Forces have had partial success. Personally, I do not understand why such "rollovers" are being made, because from a strategic point of view, Vasylivka should be a priority over Rabotyn, but apparently the local command knows better," the statement said.

At the same time, the demoralisation of the Russian troops in the Zaporizhzhia sector is growing. On 21 July alone, it became known that 383 servicemen from the 71st Motorised Brigade and 810th Separate Mechanised Brigade deserted. The Russian military police are currently searching for the fugitives, but have so far managed to catch only a few.

All the deserters may face an unenviable fate: their punishment is likely to be a return to the frontline, where Russia is facing an acute shortage of personnel.

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"The Spy Dossier" also writes that the so-called artillery "duels" are still important at the front. Over the past month, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been gradually gaining artillery superiority over the enemy, not least due to the active destruction of Russian Armed Forces weapons with the help of HIMARS MLRS.

At the same time, the "shell famine" that the owner of the Wagner PMC, Yevhen Prigozhin, used to shout about so much is gradually becoming a reality for the Russian occupiers.

"Given the virtually round-the-clock 'work' of artillery, the units of the Russian Armed Forces are experiencing a significant shortage of ammunition, the deficit of which is growing every day. Every shell counts, total economy. For each shot, the crew is 'accountable'," the message says.

At the same time, the channel's author claims that a new kind of "deficit" has emerged: according to him, Russian troops have begun to experience a shortage of ammunition for air defence.

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"In this section of the front, the Russian Armed Forces have concentrated dozens of Pantsirs, TORs, etc., which are supposed to cover the connection from attacks by Haimars, UAVs, etc. Again, given the virtually continuous combat operations, the stock of air defence missiles is gradually being depleted and not properly replenished," the channel's author stated.

The Russian army in Ukraine has also encountered problems with the use of its ZALA Lancet strike UAVs. Previously, they were a formidable weapon to combat Ukrainian armoured vehicles. They were delivered to the frontline every ten days.

But recently, the effectiveness of these attack drones has begun to decline.

"This is influenced by two factors: limited intelligence capabilities to search for enemy weapons (the UAV operator largely relies on the "luck" factor) and the gradual adaptation of the Armed Forces' capabilities to fight Lancets. The latter is achieved through the transfer of foreign weapons to fight Russian UAVs. In particular, we are talking about the use of German Gepard anti-aircraft systems and British Stormer systems equipped with Starstreak HVM missiles to combat "small, low-flying objects", the author of the Spy Dossier described his vision of the situation with Russian attack drones.

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In his opinion, these factors suggest that the situation at the front will soon develop rapidly.

"Given all the factors that are unfolding around this area, the current situation resembles a 'prelude' to the upcoming 'big show'. And not only in this area," the author of the channel summed up.

Earlier, the General Staff said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces had driven the occupiers out of their positions near Andriivka in the Bakhmut sector.

According to Cherevaty, the liberation of this settlement makes it possible to encircle the enemy in Bakhmut.

Only verified information is available in our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
SEATTLE & SEOUL, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Coupang, Inc. (NYSE: CPNG) will release its second quarter 2023 financial results on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 (Eastern Time). The release will be available after U.S. market close and an accompanying live webcast will begin at 5:30 PM Eastern Time the same day.

The earnings release and webcast will be available at the Coupang Investor Relations website, https://ir.aboutcoupang.com. Following the call, a replay and related transcript will be available at the same website.

About Coupang

Coupang is one of the largest tech retailers in Asia, with a mission to revolutionize the everyday lives of its customers and create a world where people wonder, How did we ever live without Coupang? Coupang offers a variety of services, including same-day and next-morning delivery of general merchandise and groceries, delivery of prepared foods through Coupang Eats, and video streaming through Coupang Play. Coupang is headquartered in the United States, with operations and support services performed in markets including South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and China.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725203619/en/

For media:

Coupang PR

[email protected]



For investors:

Coupang IR

[email protected]

Source: Coupang
The Companys growing CRE business saw 100 percent growth in number of Lender Finance loans originated

Merging technology and industry expertise has allowed Cross Rivers CRE team to scale and offer warehouse lines of credit across the country

FORT LEE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cross River Bank (Cross River), a New Jersey State chartered FDIC-insured bank known for its diversified commercial real estate (CRE) lending program and deep market experience, today announced the closing of the second quarter, totaling over $66 million in loans year-to-date. Additionally, the team saw 100 percent growth in the number of loans originated in Q1 and Q2 2023, compared to the same quarters in 2022. These results were achieved through Cross Rivers Lender Finance platform (private lender warehouse facilities), which offers customized solutions for CRE lenders nationally.

Closing over $66 million in Lender Finance loans in a challenging macroeconomic environment for the commercial real estate industry, is a testament to our exceptional growth and strong demand for financing solutions among borrowers, said Shimon Eisikowicz, EVP and Chief Lending Officer at Cross River. Leveraging technology as an innovative, reliable, and transparent leader in the CRE arena, we are proud to continue meeting the evolving needs of our borrowers while maintaining strict credit standards.

By leveraging the Companys Lender Finance platform, Cross Rivers team of seasoned CRE professionals can create customized warehouse credit solutions backed by a streamlined and compliant underwriting and closing process, often closing loans faster than a traditional bank. The teams expertise enables clients nationwide to further grow their business with an efficient and lower cost of capital.

With an additional $130 million anticipated in live deals already in the pipeline, Cross River continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing innovative financial solutions and remains focused on meeting the evolving needs of its borrowers across the nation. The closure of over $66 million in loans under the Lender Finance platform highlights Cross Rivers strong market presence and ability to deliver tailored financing solutions.

About Cross River Bank Commercial Real Estate

Cross River Banks Commercial Real Estate (CRE) team assists property owners, investors, brokers and institutions in identifying and accessing the right financing products, with a streamlined approval process, resulting in faster closing times. While the CRE team specializes in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut metro areas with loans ranging from $250,000 to $40 million, the Lender Finance platform is designed to reach an expanded national audience, complementing Cross Rivers existing CRE business focused in the tri-state area. For more information, please visit www.crossriver.com/lender-finance.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725492216/en/

Mackenzie DeLuca

201-808-7000 ext. 778

[email protected]

Source: Cross River Bank
DOVER, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In a move that supports some of the citys overarching goals related to redevelopment and revitalization, the City of Garland, Texas, has selected Claritis Community Development Software to replace its current system. Trusted Clariti partner, Unisys, will implement the platform.

A first-ring suburb of Dallas, Garland is the fifth largest city in the Dallas/Fort Worth Region, one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States.

Each year, the city processes around 11,000 building permits, conducts roughly 32,000 inspections, and collects between 3-4 million dollars in permitting-related revenue.

Currently, the citys 15 building department staff rely on a custom-built, on-premise permitting system as well as spreadsheets and other databases to track various elements of the development process. All communication is done via email and phone, and on average, staff serve between 8,000-9,000 walk-in customers every year.

Garlands Chief Building Official, Brita Van-Horne, says the citys ability to interface with customers through the existing system is limited, so staff are spending a significant amount of time on the phone or sending emails back and forth with customers. We average about 52,000 phone calls per year, and I would estimate about as many emails. Its a good indication of what isnt happening through an online system or portal.

Predominantly, Brita explains, it was this lack of an online portal and other reasons centered around improving the customer and staff experience that led the city to purchase Claritis Community Development Software. Reducing phone calls to focus on value-add activities, accurate data tracking, and obligations to achieve outlined timelines in the states shot clock bill also factored in.

We wanted a system that can help the customer interact with us in the easiest, most efficient way possible, says Brita. We also wanted staff to be able to see the bigger picture of whats going on from one screen and more easily communicate with each other.

Once live, all teams involved in development will use the new system including building, planning, inspections, code compliance, and engineering.

Were thrilled to work with Garland to deliver a modern platform that provides complete transparency into all elements of the development process, and to help the city meet its short and long-term goals of exceptional service delivery and community revitalization, says Cyrus Symoom, Clariti Co-CEO.

About Clariti

Claritis government software helps North Americas largest and fastest-growing communities deliver exceptional community development, permitting, and licensing experiences online.

Founded in 2008, Clariti is built as an alternative to code-heavy, non-configurable systems that create technology barriers for governments to meet their communitys evolving needs. Our software is trusted by government agencies that serve over 150 million people across North America.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725664993/en/

Media

Jeremy Bosch

VP, Marketing

Clariti

[email protected]

Source: Clariti
Hevolution Foundation and Rosenkranz Foundation to contribute $5 Million each

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Impetus Grants, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to funding aging-related research that might otherwise be overlooked by traditional funding sources, announces a new round of matching funding. Hevolution Foundation, a global non-profit organization that provides grants and early-stage investments to incentivize research and entrepreneurship in healthspan science, is contributing $5 million to Impetus Grants. Rosenkranz Foundation, founded by Robert Rosenkranz, an American philanthropist and a Board member of the Buck Institute and an honorary Fellow of the Academy for Health and Lifespan Research, is joining the round with a $5 million contribution.

Since its founding in 2021, Impetus Grants has deployed more than $24 million into aging-related scientific research, supporting a number of aging-related clinical trials, biomarkers, novel tools and model organisms. The previous rounds of Impetus Grants have already generated more than a dozen published papers, including some which have been recognized as important breakthroughs in the field. With this new funding from Hevolution Foundation and Rosenkranz Foundation, Impetus will expand its efforts to fund high-risk, high-reward science in aging.

Following our matching funding for Impetus last year, we are very pleased to again work with the organization to fund cutting-edge healthspan-related research, stated Hevolution Foundations CEO Dr. Mehmood Khan. We were pleased with the depth and breadth of the research programs that were funded via that program, and are confident that this effort will be even more impactful.

We hope these grants will lead to important discoveries and will accelerate the careers of some of our most brilliant scientists, commented Mr. Rosenkranz. We believe we are on the cusp of learning how human healthspans can be extended for a decade or more, and that succeeding will be perhaps the greatest contribution science can make to human flourishing.

The round has been announced on Impetus Grants website and will open on August 1st, 2023.

About Impetus Grants

Established in 2021, Impetus Grants is dedicated to supporting innovative ideas in the aging space that might otherwise be overlooked by traditional funders. The organization has successfully deployed over $24 million into scientific research projects, including aging-related clinical trials, biomarker research, and the development of novel tools and model organisms related to the aging process.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725237245/en/

Contact for Impetus Grants:

[email protected]

Source: Impetus Grants
STERLING, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- One of the biggest logistical events many families will face is moving their college bound students into dorms or other college housing. With 16 million students heading back to college this fall, many families are facing the excitement and stress of change. JK Moving Services, the nations largest independently owned moving and storage company, has a list of tips to help make the move easier for college-bound kids and their families.

With more than 40 years moving experience, we have background helping students as well as universities prepare for move-in days. Based on our learnings, we wanted to share great ways to make college moves less stressful as your student heads to school, explained David Cox, president, JK Moving.

Here are JK Movings top five tips for college moves for on- and off-campus housing:

Connect: College students should connect with their future roommates to plan what shared items  television, mini-fridge, shelves, etc.  each will be bringing to avoid duplication, as well as know when they will be moving in. Also, many parent Facebook groups exist for each school and can be a great source of information and tips. Make a List: Create a checklist of what to pack. Sort items into essentials and non-essentials and leave the non-essentials at home to eliminate clutter in the new space. Label boxes to make it easier to locate items. Winter clothes can be brought back over the holidays and other non-essentials can be shipped or retrieved later as needed. Wait to buy supplies until settling into the dorm room or apartment to determine which items are actually needed. Coordinate Move In: Dormitory rooms or college apartments are often small, so it is a good idea to move in before or after the roommate. Colleges will often have protocols and move-in instructions, including designated drop-off areas and assigned move-in times so check in with the school, landlord, or housing complex before showing up. Be Safe: When unpacking, make sure items such as candles, aerosol sprays, and certain electronics are unloaded first as these items can melt, explode, or suffer damage from the extreme heat of being locked in a car. Know ahead of time what is acceptable to bring into a dorm or even off-campus housing as some schools and landlords ban certain items, such as microwaves or candles. Go Pro: If moving from a long-distance or from a dorm to off-campus housing, a professional mover may make sense to assist with moving and storage needs. Check the local chamber or school for a list of movers that can help or contact JK Moving.

ABOUT JK MOVING SERVICES

For more than 40 years, JK Moving Services  the largest independently owned and operated moving company in North America  has provided local, long distance, and global relocation services to a variety of commercial, residential, and government clients. Headquartered in Sterling, Virginia and voted Independent Mover of the Year by the American Trucking Association, the company maintains a full-time, professionally trained staff of relocation and move management experts committed to providing the highest level of customer care. www.JKMoving.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725346037/en/

Shawn Flaherty, 703-554-3609

Source: JK Moving Services
Leading Mens Grooming Brand Introduces its First-Ever Foil Shaver for Grooming On the Go

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MANSCAPED, the global mens grooming company and leading lifestyle consumer brand, today announces the launch of its latest innovation, The Handyman, a compact electric face shaver. Equipped with a sleek magnetic blade cover and thoughtfully designed to be portable, quick-charging, and waterproof*, this revolutionary, travel-friendly device is your new go-to gadget for trimming, styling, and touch-ups.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725041111/en/

Introducing the latest innovation from MANSCAPED, The Handyman, a revolutionary compact face shaver for grooming on the go. (Photo: Business Wire)

Our mission is to deliver on mans every grooming need, so were very excited to offer a new tool that is as high performing as it is convenient, said Paul Tran, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MANSCAPED. Men are leading busier lifestyles than ever, but their grooming routines should never be compromised. With that in mind, we designed this premium, perfectly compact, and hygienic device so men can achieve that coveted clean-shaven, confident look and feel, even on the go.

Living up to its namesake, the handheld and uber-convenient Handyman is just about as handy as you can get. Its dual-action blade head is engineered with SkinSafe technology** to help reduce the risk of nicks and cuts, so you can be stress-free during even the speediest of shaving sessions. This hybrid long-hair leveler device can be used for a quick clean-shave or as a luxury styling tool to maintain your beard line. Go ahead and shave as close as you want on those more sensitive areas like the neck, cheeks, and jawline so you can rock those sexy lines and edges. With 60 minutes of runtime and a five-minute quick charge option via USB-C cable, battery life will never be an issue.

Priced at $79.99, The Handyman is now available for purchase on manscaped.com and Amazon in the United States, Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, and Australia, with further distribution and retail rollout to come. So, what are you waiting for? Get a Handy today and youll feel like youre on top of the world.

* IPX7 rated to protect against immersion in up to one meter of fresh water or up to 30 minutes. Learn more at https://www.manscaped.com/pages/waterproof.

** SkinSafe technology does not guarantee cut protection.

About MANSCAPED

Founded by Paul Tran in 2016, San Diego, California-based MANSCAPED is the global mens lifestyle consumer brand and male grooming category creator trusted by over eight million men worldwide. The product range includes a diversified line of premium tools, formulations, and accessories designed to introduce and elevate a whole new self-care routine for men. The MANSCAPED collection is available globally in 39 countries via direct-to-consumer and on Amazon in more than 100 countries worldwide. Retail placement includes Target, Best Buy, Macys, Walgreens, Mens Wearhouse, Jos. A. Bank, and Military Exchanges in the U.S., Moores in Canada, Hairhouse and Woolworths in Australia, and Tesco and Harvey Norman in Ireland. For more information, visit manscaped.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Tumblr, and YouTube.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725041111/en/

Allison Frazier

Senior Director, Communications at MANSCAPED

[email protected]

Source: MANSCAPED
MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Momentum Ventures, a Canadian venture studio, is thrilled to express its support of the Canadian government's newly unveiled Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT). The INSAT, backed by a robust $350 million investment from the Strategic Innovation Fund, is a testament to Canada's commitment to fostering green transformation within the aerospace industry.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725001431/en/

(Photo: Business Wire)

As the parent company to Canadian online travel agency FlightHub, and sister company Justfly, Momentum Ventures is inspired and excited by the INSAT initiative. "Its comprehensive approach, targeting key aspects like alternative propulsion systems, advanced aircraft designs, transition to greener fuels, and improved aircraft support infrastructures, resonates profoundly with Momentum Ventures' roadmap for an environmentally responsible future in aviation," commented Matt Keezer, Momentum Ventures CEO.

According to the David Suzuki Foundation, the aviation industry is responsible for 12 per cent of transportation emissions. Carbon emissions from the airline industry grew by 75 per cent from 1990 to 2012 and emissions are expected to triple by the year 2050. In fall 2022, the Minister of Transport released Canadas Aviation Climate Action Plan 20222030, which lays out a strategy for achieving net zero by 2050. One of the planned actions is the development and adoption of new green aerospace technologies.

Momentum Ventures champions causes that promote sustainability at their core and has implemented a range of eco-friendly programs for its employees. One of these programs includes the Drive Green program, which subsidizes its employees monthly electric vehicle payments. Additionally, the company subsidizes monthly public transit passes, encouraging the use of public transportation as an alternative to driving.

Momentum Ventures is confident that the combined efforts of industry stakeholders, innovative companies, and government initiatives like the INSAT will catalyze the much-needed transition to a cleaner aviation industry.

About Momentum Ventures

Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Momentum Ventures is a company committed to creating and growing startups that have the potential to make a significant impact in their industries. Momentum Ventures has created several successful online companies including FlightHub, one of North America's largest online travel agencies with annual sales of 3B per year. Since its founding in 2014, Momentum Ventures' focus on execution excellence and teamwork, combined with an extraordinary level of grit and commitment has helped them establish a reputation for creating successful startups.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725001431/en/

Press

Bianca Cuffaro

[email protected]

+1 438-230-5465

Source: Momentum Ventures
The funding will accelerate the growth of Ossiums bone marrow stem cell bank and fuel the advancement of its cell therapy clinical programs.

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ossium Health, a bioengineering company developing the world's first bank of on-demand bone marrow, today announced a $52 million Series C funding round. The round was led by CPMG, with participation from Vivo Capital, First Round Capital, Manta Ray Ventures, Alumni Ventures, and Asahi Kasei. The company is improving the health, vitality, and longevity of human beings through bioengineering and will deploy this funding to dramatically grow its proprietary bone marrow bank, build on existing clinical trials, and accelerate new product development.

For decades, bone marrow transplants have been used to successfully treat diseases such as leukemias, lymphomas, aplastic anemia, and immune deficiency disorders. But access to this often life-saving treatment is limited by the healthcare industrys dependence on living, volunteer donors. Nearly half of the 18,000 patients per year who search for a bone marrow donor do not receive a transplant. Ossium has unlocked a new source of stem cells by processing bone marrow from organ donors at scale. The companys proprietary recovery, processing, and cryopreservation methods increase the accessibility of treatment and can deliver them months faster than traditional options.

Over the last seven decades, more than 1.5 million patients with hematologic malignancies have received life-saving bone marrow transplants, yet only a fraction of the clinical potential of this procedure has been realized, said Kevin Caldwell, CEO & Co-Founder of Ossium Health. Ossium has unlocked a vast, new source of bone marrow that can be deployed and infused within days, rather than the 3-4 months it typically takes to obtain stem cells from living volunteers. Bringing this solution to scale will create an agile, fast-acting, and more effective blood cancer treatment paradigm.

Ossium works with Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) that represent just over half of all organ donors in the U.S. to recover viable vertebral bodies for bone marrow and orthopedic donations. Ossiums revolutionary recovery process ensures that the bone marrow is phenotypically and functionally equivalent to cells from living donors. The product is then cryopreserved and stored indefinitely until requested by a treating physician. This process has enabled Ossium to create the worlds first bone marrow bank at industrial scale.

Organ Procurement Organizations like ours act as the steward of the donor and their family. Ossiums solution allows donors to extend their gift to make an even bigger impact, said Suzanne Conrad, CEO of Iowa Donor Network. We trust Ossium Health, which is a necessary foundation for a partnership like ours with so much at stake. We know that each donation is going to save lives and advance the study of bone marrow transplants and cell research.

Ossium's near-term focus is to apply these stem cells in hematologic malignancy treatments, where their product will provide an alternative treatment option for patients that may be unable to find a match in the traditional living donation model. Ossium is also developing cell therapies to lower the risk of rejection in patients undergoing organ transplants. The company is working with investigators at Columbia University Medical Center on a Phase I intestinal transplant study, and is actively researching applications in other areas of organ transplant such as kidney and liver.

I was immediately attracted to research using bone marrow cells from Ossiums bank  both preclinically and now in the upcoming clinical trials, said Dr. Markus Mapara, Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center and the Director of the Blood and Marrow Transplantation (BMT) program at Columbia University Medical Center. These cells are just as viable for bone marrow transplant as cells from a living donor, and speeding up the bone marrow transplant process will limit the likelihood of disease progression or infection that can eliminate transplantation as an option. These cells will provide much needed flexibility to physicians and their patients.

Biomedical innovations can take decades to make a real-world impact. But in just seven years, Ossium is already conducting clinical trials and scaling its marrow bank. Its rare that you have a company like Ossium that can do so much good so quickly, said Bill Trenchard, managing partner at First Round Capital and Ossium Health board member. Were proud to support this company that is uniquely positioned to solve a detrimental shortage and that has plans to expand research into other life-saving cell therapies.

This round of funding will also support the launch of Ossigraft, an orthopedic product for the repair, replacement, and reconstruction of musculoskeletal defects. This product is derived from the same vertebral bodies as Ossium's other products, and provides another opportunity to honor the precious gift of donated tissue. This product is slated to enter the clinic in the second half of 2023.

To learn more about Ossium Health visit: www.ossiumhealth.com.

About Ossium Health

Ossium Health is a bioengineering company that leverages its proprietary organ donor bone marrow banking platform to develop stem cell therapies for patients with life-threatening blood and immune diseases. Founded in 2016, the company is led by Kevin Caldwell, its CEO, Co-Founder & President, and Erik Woods, its Chief Science Officer, Co-Founder & EVP. Ossium Health is an FDA-Registered Tissue Bank, is accredited by the Commission on Office Laboratory Accreditation (COLA), and its laboratory is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA).

About Iowa Donor Network

Iowa Donor Network (IDN) is a federally certified organization that operates as the primary contact for organ, tissue and eye donation services for the state of Iowa. Iowa Donor Network strives to provide the best possible care to donor families, facilitate the recovery of organs and tissues, and educate the communities it serves. IDN continues to have a positive impact on the communities it serves by facilitating the Gift of Life for those in need.

About First Round Capital

First Round Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm that helps startups like Notion, Roblox, Uber, and Square tackle company building firsts. Whether its pre-seed, seed or Series A, the First Round team is focused on building the worlds best product for founders who are just getting started. From tailored programs and a vibrant community, to custom-built software and content that serves up unique company building advice, the firm connects early teams with the expertise and resources they need to make their first hires, build their first product and find their first customers. Learn more at firstround.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230711878111/en/

Geney Kim

Ossium Health, Inc.

415-513-5535

[email protected]

Source: Ossium Health
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rayonier Advanced Materials (NYSE: RYAM) plans to release its second quarter 2023 earnings on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, after the market closes.

RYAM will host a conference call and live webcast at 9:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, to discuss these results. Supplemental materials and access to the live audio webcast will be available at www.RYAM.com. A replay of this webcast will be archived on the companys website shortly after the call.

Investors may listen to the conference call by dialing 877-407-8293, no passcode is required. For international parties, dial 201-689-8349. A replay of the teleconference will be available one hour after the call ends until 6:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. The replay dial-in number within the U.S. is 877-660-6853, international is 201-612-7415, Conference ID:13739806.

About RYAM

RYAM is a global leader of cellulose-based technologies, including high purity cellulose specialties, a natural polymer commonly used in the production of filters, food, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial applications. The Company also manufactures products for paper and packaging markets. With manufacturing operations in the U.S., Canada, and France, RYAM employs approximately 2,500 people and generated $1.7 billion of revenues in 2022. More information is available at www.RYAM.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725898582/en/

Media

Ryan Houck

904-357-9134

Investors

Mickey Walsh

904-357-9162

Source: Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc.
MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- We are thrilled to announce that The Right Honourable Stephen J. Harper, 22nd Prime Minister of Canada, will be delivering a keynote address at this years GoSec 23 Conference, one of the leading cybersecurity events in the country. The conference is scheduled to take place between September 13th and 14th at the Palais des congres de Montreal in Montreal, Canada.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725034993/en/

The Right Honourable Stephen J. Harper to deliver keynote address at GoSec Conference (September 13-14th 2023). (Photo: Business Wire)

For nearly a decade The Right Honourable Stephen J. Harper led Canada through the worlds most complex geopolitical, economic and security challenges as the countrys 22nd Prime Minister. As a prominent figure in Canadian politics, Mr. Harper is a long-time champion of the Canadian technology sector. In his keynote address at GoSec Conference, he will share his invaluable expertise on navigating geopolitical trends, technology, and business.

"We are honoured to welcome Mr. Harper to our GoSec Conference as our esteemed keynote speaker," said Anne-Marie Faber, GoSec Conference Organizer. "As we celebrate our 20th GoSec, Mr. Harpers unparalleled experience will undoubtedly provide invaluable insights to our attendees, and we eagerly look forward to his keynote address."

GoSec is an annual cybersecurity event that brings together cybersecurity professionals, government officials, industry experts, and thought leaders to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing and address the latest challenges and opportunities in the cybersecurity realm. This years conference will feature engaging panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, offering attendees a platform to explore cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and how to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.

For more information about the GoSec Conference and to register for the event, please visit www.gosec.net.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725034993/en/

Nadine Abdulkarim

Communications Manager

GoSec Conference

[email protected]

Source: GoSec Conference
On the night of July 25, the Russian occupation army once again attacked Ukraine with Iranian-made Shahed kamikaze drones. Air defenses worked in many regions, but there are also hits.

ADVERTISIMENT

Three hits by attack drones were recorded in Cherkasy region, also the enemy drone hit an infrastructure facility in Zhytomyr region. This was reported in Telegram by the head of the Cherkasy regional military administration Igor Taburets and Zhytomyr regional military administration Vitaly Bunechko.

According to the head of Cherkassy regional military administration, in the region almost all night continued air alert. The head of the administration noted that two Shaheds hit the fields, another one hit an empty agricultural hangar.

"Fortunately, there were no casualties or fires. Task forces are working. I ask each of you not to ignore the notification of danger", - said the official.

Also the enemy again attacked Zhytomyr region again with kamikaze drones. According to preliminary information, as a result of the strike by Shaheds damaged an infrastructure facility. All emergency services have arrived at the scene and are working. Information on the presence of victims and the extent of damage is being clarified.

ADVERTISIMENT

In turn, the head of Poltava regional military administration Dmitro Lunin said that the enemy also attacked the region with attack drones. On the territory of the region air defense forces shot down an enemy drone.

In the Sumy regional military administration said that at night over the region by means of air defense of the Ukrainian defense forces destroyed UAV type Shahed.

We shall remind you that on the night of July 25, the aggressor country Russia attacked the Ukrainian capital from the air. Iranian Shahed kamikaze drones were used, which did not reach their targets due to the successful work of our air defense.

Earlier it was reported that on the night of July 24 the Russian terrorist army made another attack on Odessa region. The occupiers hit the port infrastructure with Shahed-136 type kamikaze drones.

ADVERTISIMENT

As OBOZREVATEL reported, on the night of July 22, the terrorist state Russia once again attacked the territory of Ukraine with Shahed-136 kamikaze drones. UAVs were directed to the central regions of our country. By the forces and means of air defense of the Air Force all 5 attack drones were destroyed.

Only verified information we have in our Telegram channel Obozrevatel, Threads and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
ANNAPOLIS, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Thomas Park Management, a fast-growing property management company based in Annapolis, MD, is pleased to announce that it has been selected as the exclusive property management company for the prestigious new home of the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation (USNA AAF) in Annapolis, Maryland.

The USNA Alumni Association and Foundation is a revered institution that serves as a vital link between the Naval Academy and its alumni community, fostering lifelong connections and supporting the professional and personal growth of its members. The organization sought a property management partner which could uphold its commitment to excellence, ensuring the new facility operates seamlessly while creating a welcoming environment for alumni, visitors, and staff alike.

"We are honored to have been chosen as the exclusive property management company for the USNA Alumni Association and Foundations new home," said EJ Rumpke, CEO of Thomas Park. "We recognize the significance of this institution and the important role it plays in connecting and supporting the Naval Academy alumni community. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional management services, maintaining the highest standards, and ensuring the facility operates efficiently."

Thomas Park Management brings a wealth of experience in asset and property management, and a commitment to providing tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each client. With its expertise and attention to detail, the company will oversee all aspects of facility operations, including maintenance, vendor management, and tenant services.

The new home of the USNA Alumni Association and Foundation will serve as a hub for alumni engagement, providing a range of services and resources to support the Naval Academy's graduates in their professional and personal endeavors. Thomas Park Management will work closely with the USNA Alumni Association & Foundation team to ensure the facility remains a vibrant and functional space, fostering meaningful connections among alumni and supporting the organization's mission.

"We are confident that Thomas Park Management will be an invaluable partner in maintaining our new home," said Scott Gaiser, Senior Director of Real Estate for the USNA Alumni Association and Foundation. "Their reputation for excellence, attention to detail, and dedication to client satisfaction align perfectly with our goals. We look forward to working together to create an exceptional environment for our alumni community."

About Thomas Park Management - Thomas Park Management is a leading property management company specializing in providing tailored solutions for a wide range of properties. With a focus on excellence, attention to detail, and client satisfaction, Thomas Park Management offers comprehensive management services to meet the unique needs of each client. For more information, visit https://thomas-park.com/management/.

About the USNA Alumni Association and Foundation - The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association serves as a vital link between the Naval Academy and its alumni community. Committed to fostering lifelong connections, supporting professional growth, and honoring the academy's heritage, the association provides resources, programs, and events to engage, connect, and inspire Naval Academy graduates. For more information, visit https://www.usna.com/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725277253/en/

EJ Rumpke

P: 410-280-0220

Source: Thomas Park Management
GoTo announces dozens of new features in the latest product innovation release, including powerful upgrades and smarter experiences that deliver simpler ways to manage, support, and connect businesses

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- GoTo, the company making IT management, support, and business communication easy with flagship products GoTo Resolve, Rescue, and GoTo Connect, today announced nearly 40 new features across its product portfolio as a part of the companys tri-annual release cadence. The new features and integrations help customers manage, secure, and connect their businesses even easier than before.

With over 80% of businesses considering consolidation of communication, collaboration, and IT management and support tools a top priority, it is more important than ever for business leaders to securely consolidate vendors while offering the right integrations, saving IT teams time and money with a single provider. GoTo is ensuring that IT teams and employees stay ahead of changing business needs and behaviors, with its latest features that include a Microsoft Teams phone integration, AI-generated scripts, a Miro integration, and Linux support, in addition to the recently announced mobile device management solution and Endpoint Protection for GoTo Resolve.

New Features from GoTo Include:

Security, even stronger for tools, devices, and company data.

Our new mobile device management offering, endpoint protection add-on, admin permissions, and Azure Active Directory Sync are designed to strengthen security and stay ahead of cyber threats.

User experiences, AI-powered for greater efficiency.

Enhanced features like Disruption Free Unattended Access, Linux support expansion, webcam zoom, and an AI-enhanced script generator help you get more done, the easy way.

Customer decisions, made easier with data.

New data visualizations like Interaction Details, SMS Health Dashboard, and Conversation Review help your organization discover opportunities and determine better outcomes.

Critical tools together, unlocking savings and productivity.

Boost collaboration and security, while cutting costs through the latest integrations with Microsoft Teams, Miro, and Bitdefender.

We are thrilled to offer our customers new, critical features like dependable device security, cutting-edge AI-powered experiences, the ability to create better business outcomes through data-driven customer decisions, and integrations that will save people time and money, says Paddy Srinivasan, CEO of GoTo. At GoTo, we listen intently to our customers and continually evolve our products to meet their needs. Our latest seasonal innovation release is the culmination of months of work along with ongoing customer conversations and optimizations to ensure that our products are secure, innovative, easy to use, and reliable.

To learn more about GoTo and the recent product innovation, please visit: https://www.goto.com/whats-new

About GoTo

GoTo, the company making IT easy, anywhere, with remote management and support and business communication software unified with one admin solution. GoTos portfolio, which includes GoTo Resolve, Rescue, GoTo Connect, and more, helps securely support and connect businesses to whats most important: their teams and customers. GoTos 20 years of experience and dedication to robust security, including zero trust authentication, powers more than 1 billion remote support sessions and over 1 million customers with easy-to-use, built-for-IT solutions that save businesses time and money. With more than $1 billion in annual revenue, the remote-centric companys physical headquarters is in Boston, Massachusetts, with additional offices and more than three thousand home offices across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725956026/en/

Media:

Jen Mathews

[email protected]

+1 617-279-2443

Source: GoTo
EDMONTON, Alberta, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alberta Innovates is looking back at the impact and success from the first two years of the Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerator program (Scaleup GAP). Early data shows that the accelerators are on track, performing as expected and providing critical accelerator services to entrepreneurs, innovators, and small and medium-sized businesses.

169 Alberta companies have received services from one of the two pre-accelerators, preparing them to progress to the global acceleration services. 65 Alberta companies have graduated from one of the four global accelerators. Alberta companies have started to create economic impact, including:

$147.5 million investment raised,

118 new jobs created,

$12.4 million in company revenue growth created.

111 non-Alberta companies have been introduced to Alberta from around the world, leading to six of those companies registering their businesses in Alberta after completing one of the accelerator programs.

Scaleup GAP provides end-to-end business support services for growth-oriented companies just starting out who are fleshing out their business plans all the way to organizations who need advice or investment to help them grow globally. Five accelerators were brought to Alberta in 2021/2022 to bridge the scaleup gap, including Alberta Accelerator by 500, Plug and Play Alberta, Telus Community Safety and Wellness Accelerator powered by Alchemist, Thrive Canada Accelerator and Alberta Catalyzer, an early-stage pre-accelerator.

The global accelerators assist Alberta businesses:

Address scale-up gaps to help Alberta, Canadian and global ventures to scale and grow and contribute to a thriving innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

Diversify Albertas economy by supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in new technology areas that will create high-quality jobs throughout the province.

Drive Albertas global innovation mindset by attracting global technology firms and investment to Alberta via a world-class acceleration ecosystem.

QUOTESSmall- and medium-size businesses are the backbone of our economy and create jobs for Canadian workers. The technology sector is burgeoning and our government is assisting these businesses by answering their calls for help to accelerate their development and growth. The investments made over the last year through the Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerator program are positioning Alberta tech firms to take their place on the leading edge of Canadas innovation economy.

The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan

The Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerator program brings together the local business community to celebrate made-in-Alberta solutions. This program is an important part of our provinces innovation ecosystem and provides a platform for entrepreneurs to scale up their ideas, create good paying jobs, and diversify our local economy. Congratulations to all the businesses and entrepreneurs who completed the program. You are propelling Alberta in the drivers seat of innovation.

The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance

"There has never been a more exciting time to be in tech in Alberta than today. In fact, Alberta has more tech companies today than ever before. That means more and more early-stage companies are growing, maturing, and successfully commercializing their technologies in Alberta. I look forward to following the work of our Accelerator programs in the coming months and years as we continue to build one of the strongest tech sectors in Canada."

Minister Nate Glubish, Technology and Innovation

Alberta Innovates is pleased with the progress of the Accelerator programs over the past year and a half. The work theyre doing is already paying off through investments, job creation, and wealth that will stay in Alberta. By laying the groundwork now, we ensure that companies who grow and mature in Alberta have access to training and capital today and into the future.

Laura Kilcrease, CEO, Alberta Innovates

With the Edmonton Unlimited Accelerator Fund, we have attracted world-class, Silicon Valley accelerators to our city, supercharging tech-enabled companies as part of the Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerator. By providing crucial support and investments, we connect local innovators to global networks, boost deal flow, and position Edmonton as a thriving innovation capital, contributing to a 96 percent growth in our ecosystem value since 2022.

Catherine Warren, CEO, Edmonton Unlimited

Calgarys tech and innovation scene is rising in global ranks. With access to accelerators through the Scaleup GAP program, bright minds can scale big ideas to the size of their ambitions in Alberta. When we invest in our visionaries, our community welcomes net-new jobs, attracts investment and experiences growth across diverse industries.

Brad Parry, CEO, Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund

BACKGROUNDThe Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerator Program is run by a consortium led by Alberta Innovates. The consortium also includes the Government of Alberta, Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), The City of Edmonton, through Edmonton Unlimited, and the City of Calgarys Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund allocated $35 million over three years to retain business accelerators. Its part of the Alberta governments goal to help create 20,000 jobs and increase technology firm revenue to $5 billion by 2030.

Alberta Innovates is the provinces most comprehensive research and innovation agency. From funding to commercialization, we are Albertas innovation engine. We foster and accelerate research and innovation to benefit citizens and drive economic growth. We are currently managing a project portfolio worth $1.2 billion. Alberta Innovates works across sectors to fund, partner and enable entrepreneurship throughout the province. The corporation operates in 11 locations with more than one million sq ft of industrial testing and lab facilities and 600 acres of farmland. Alberta Innovates employs 596 highly skilled scientists, business and technical professionals and has an annual operating budget of $253 million.

Learn how Alberta Innovates.

MEDIA CONTACT Dwayne Brunner, Senior Manager, Media and Strategic Community Relations Alberta Innovates 587-572-4091 | [email protected]

Source: Alberta Innovates
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Climate First Bank, the worlds first FDIC-insured community bank founded to combat the climate crisis, today appoints Marilyn Waite to the Board of Directors (pending regulatory approval), and welcomes Eric Hollar as VP and Branch Manager for the St. Petersburg location. The two new additions will usher in continued growth for Climate First Bank as it expands in tandem with the United States rising interest in sustainable banking.

An industry-renowned changemaker, Waite has worked across four continents in renewable and nuclear energy and venture capital and investment. Waite is Managing Director at the Climate Finance Fund where she mobilizes capital across the United States, China and the European Union for climate solutions. Previously, Waite managed the climate and clean energy finance portfolio at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. She also led the energy practice at Village Capital, modeled and forecasted energy solutions to climate change as a Senior Research Fellow at Project Drawdown, and managed innovation projects at Orano and Framatome.

Waite serves on various boards, including the U.S. EPAs Environmental Financial Advisory Board and more. She has advised government entities such as the Office of the California Governor through the State of California Advisory Group on Climate Risk Disclosure and the U.S. National Renewable Energy Lab JEDI Committee. Now, as its newest board member, Waite will use her wealth of knowledge and experience to guide Climate First Banks growth and environmental impact.

Another key appointee for Climate First Banks leadership is Hollar. In his new role as VP and Branch Manager, Hollar will be responsible for the banks growth, community and client engagement and stakeholder relations in the St. Petersburg/Tampa market. Hollar is a native Floridian with over 19 years of banking experience in the Pinellas County area. Having held leadership positions with Bank of America and Truist, Hollar specializes in small business and consumer lending. An involved community member, Hollar previously served as Ambassador for the Central Pinellas and Clearwater Chambers of Commerce and is actively involved with the Greater Largo Little League.

"Both Marilyn and Eric have proven track records of leadership excellence and strong commitments to the planet and its people," said Ken LaRoe, CEO and Founder of Climate First Bank. "Were excited to have them take on leadership roles at Climate First Bank and their contributions will be invaluable to us as we continue to grow toward the future."

Additionally, to develop the leaders of tomorrow that will drive positive change in the finance industry and beyond, Climate First Bank enacted an internship program where local university students work part-time to learn and contribute to the banks sustainable mission. So far, the bank has welcomed four interns across different departments of the bank, including marketing, digital banking and cyber security.

Waite and Hollars headshots can be found here. More information about Climate First Banks summer interns can be found here. Visit climatefirstbank.com to learn more.

About Climate First BankClimate First Bank is a values-based community bank offering a complete, full-service portfolio of simple and easy-to-use traditional banking products. These products are powered by high technology to meet the expectations of todays consumers. In addition to offering standard banking services, the company places a special emphasis on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and businesses committed to sustainability. Eco-conscious customers will find dedicated loan options for solar photovoltaic (PV), energy retrofits and infrastructure to help combat the climate crisis. Member FDIC.

Media Contacts Ericka Rivera Uproar PR for Climate First Bank [email protected]

Source: Climate First Bank
CALGARY, Alberta, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (Gran Tierra or the Company) (NYSE American:GTE)(TSX:GTE)(LSE:GTE) announces that the Company will release its 2023 second quarter financial and operating results on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, after market close. Gran Tierra will host its 2023 second quarter results conference call on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time, 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time.



About Gran Tierra Energy Inc.

Gran Tierra Energy Inc. together with its subsidiaries is an independent international energy company currently focused on oil and natural gas exploration and production in Colombia and Ecuador. The Company is currently developing its existing portfolio of assets in Colombia and Ecuador and will continue to pursue additional growth opportunities that would further strengthen the Companys portfolio. The Companys common stock trades on the NYSE American, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GTE. Additional information concerning Gran Tierra is available at www.grantierra.com. Information on the Companys website does not constitute a part of this press release. Investor inquiries may be directed to [email protected] or (403) 265-3221.

Gran Tierras U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings are available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. The Companys Canadian securities regulatory filings are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and UK regulatory filings are available on the National Storage Mechanism (the NSM) website at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism. Gran Tierras filings on the SEC, SEDAR and the NSM websites are not incorporated by reference into this press release.

Contact Information

For investor and media inquiries please contact:

Gary Guidry

President & Chief Executive Officer

Ryan Ellson

Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Rodger Trimble

Vice President, Investor Relations

+1-403-265-3221, [email protected]
ELKTON, Md., July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ChristianaCares Union Hospital has been recognized by Healthgrades as a 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award recipient. This distinction places Union Hospital, part of ChristianaCares Cecil County Campus in Maryland, among the top 10% of all short-term acute care hospitals as evaluated by Healthgrades.

Union Hospital is one of only five hospitals in Maryland to receive the 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award.

At ChristianaCare, we commit to being exceptional today and even better tomorrow, said Kert F. Anzilotti, M.D., MBA, FACR, system chief medical officer. We are proud that Healthgrades has recognized our deep commitment to excellence in patient safety. This award belongs to all our Union Hospital caregivers.

Among the most important ingredients to Union Hospitals success in patient safety has been standardization of evidence-based practices. Examples include a standardized process for central line insertion that reduces the risk of central line infections, and standardized patient handling processes that help to prevent falls. Union Hospital also established a multidisciplinary committee that standardized caregivers approach to skin assessment to prevent pressure injuries.

Safe care saves lives

During the 2019-2021 study period, 164,592 potentially preventable patient safety events occurred among Medicare patients in U.S. hospitals.*

Healthgrades analysis revealed that patients treated in hospitals receiving the Healthgrades 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award were, on average:

61.4% less likely to experience an in-hospital fall resulting in hip fracture than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.*

52.7% less likely to experience a collapsed lung resulting from a procedure or surgery in or around the chest than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.*

66.1% less likely to experience pressure sores or bed sores acquired in the hospital than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.*

67.3% less likely to experience catheter-related bloodstream infections acquired in the hospital than patients treated at nonrecipient hospitals.*

Healthgrades noted that if all hospitals, as a group, performed similarly to the 2023 Patient Safety Award recipients then 95,880 patient safety events could have been avoided on average.*

Through our 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Awards, we seek to recognize hospitals that excel in providing top-quality care for their patients while preventing serious injuries during hospital stays, said Brad Bowman, M.D., chief medical officer and head of Data Science at Healthgrades. We are proud to name ChristianaCares Union Hospital as a 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award recipient and look forward to their continued efforts to make patient safety a top priority.

Consumers can visit healthgrades.com for more information on how Healthgrades measures hospital quality and to access the complete methodology.

*Statistics are calculated from Healthgrades Patient Safety Ratings and Excellence Award methodology which is based primarily on AHRQ technical specifications (Version 2022.0.1) for MedPAR data years 2019 through 2021 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only.

About Christiana Care

Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, ChristianaCare is one of the countrys most dynamic health care organizations, centered on improving health outcomes, making high-quality care more accessible and lowering health care costs. ChristianaCare includes an extensive network of primary care and outpatient services, home health care, urgent care centers, three hospitals (1,299 beds), a freestanding emergency department, a Level I trauma center and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit, a comprehensive stroke center and regional centers of excellence in heart and vascular care, cancer care and womens health. It also includes the pioneering Gene Editing Institute.

ChristianaCare is nationally recognized as a great place to work, rated by Forbes as the 2nd best health system for diversity and inclusion, and the 29th best health system to work for in the United States, and by IDG Computerworld as one of the nations Best Places to Work in IT. ChristianaCare is rated by Healthgrades as one of Americas 50 Best Hospitals and continually ranked among the nations best by U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek and other national quality ratings. ChristianaCare is a nonprofit teaching health system with more than 260 residents and fellows. With its groundbreaking Center for Virtual Health and a focus on population health and value-based care, ChristianaCare is shaping the future of health care.

#####

Hiran Ratnayake ChristianaCare (302) 299-3562 [email protected]

Source: ChristianaCare
Santa Venera, Malta, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mocapart, a groundbreaking marketplace, is revolutionizing the world of digital art by unveiling the first-ever NFT Art Gallery of Motion. This innovative platform aims to explore the profound connection between the human body and spirit through the art of motion.

As the first-ever NFT art gallery of motion, Mocapart is set to redefine the landscape of digital art by amplifying the visual narratives told through motion capture. By combining the mastery of graphic and motion artists, Mocapart creates an immersive and awe-inspiring experience for art enthusiasts and collectors alike. Each NFT in the marketplace is carefully curated to ensure a seamless blend of technological prowess and artistic brilliance.

The curated collections available at www.mocapart.com represent a rich tapestry of stories and emotions, inviting viewers to embark on a journey that transcends the confines of traditional art forms. The Pop Art and digital performance influences result in vibrant, dynamic, and captivating pieces that resonate with audiences worldwide. From futuristic characters brought to life by the rhythmic movements of dancers to surreal heroes evoking a sense of wonder through animated brushstrokes, Mocapart's NFTs are a testament to the boundless possibilities of creative expression.

Mocapart embodies the power of motion as a transformative force and aspires to bridge the gap between the digital and real world through captivating NFT collections. Motion captures the essence of human expression and serves as a bridge between the digital realm and our physical reality. By leveraging motion capture technology, Mocapart empowers artists to explore and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of digital art.

Mocapart recognizes the increasing significance of NFTs in the art world and aims to provide a platform where artists can exhibit and monetize their creations while fostering a vibrant community of collectors. Through secure and transparent blockchain technology, Mocapart ensures authenticity and provenance, enabling collectors to confidently engage with and invest in digital art.

"We are thrilled to introduce Mocapart as the first NFT art gallery of motion, elevating the art world by emphasizing the profound connection between the human body and the spirit," said film director Dan Radu Mihai, the visionary catalyst of Mocapart. "Our platform provides a space for graphic and motion artists to push the boundaries of creativity and harness the power of motion as a signature element. By bridging the digital and real worlds, we aim to redefine the perception of art and invite viewers into a truly immersive and captivating experience."

Mocapart's launch marks a significant milestone in the world of digital art and NFTs. The platform invites artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts to explore a new dimension of creativity, where motion becomes a transformative force that engages the senses and ignites the imagination.

The first collection: Lady TroffeaThe first collection emerges as a testament to the platform's dedication to authenticity, originality, and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Lady Troffea, the inaugural collection within Mocapart, sets the stage for a captivating journey into estranged movement and unsettling beauty. The artistic vision on dance transcends time and convention, offering contemporary perspectives that challenge the boundaries of artistic expression. Through diverse corporalities, magnetic allure, and an embrace of unconventional beauty, Lady Troffea embodies the essence of Mocapart's values. It beckons viewers to explore the intoxicating thought of being possessed by the force of dance, inviting them to embrace the unexpected and delight in the unsettling. Lady Troffea is a testament to the transformative power of art and motion, inviting us all to immerse ourselves in the enigmatic world of Mocapart.

About MocapartMocapart is the first NFT art gallery of motion, pioneering the convergence of the human body and spirit within the digital art landscape. It serves as a marketplace for graphic and motion artists, showcasing story-driven collections of NFTs that seamlessly blend elements of Pop Art and digital performance. By emphasizing the unique signature of motion, Mocapart creates a bridge between the digital and real worlds, unlocking endless possibilities for creative expression and immersive experiences.

To learn more about MocapArt and how it is redefining the digital art landscape, please visit their website at www.mocapart.com or join their Discord channel.

Livia Radulescu contact(at)mocapart.com

Source: Mocapart
TORONTO, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Largo Physical Vanadium Corp. ("LPV" or the "Company") (TSX.V: VAND) (OTCQX: VANAF) announces that it has accepted the resignation of Justin Reid from the Board of Directors (the Board) of the Company effective July 10, 2023.

Jonathan Lee, Chairman of the Board of LPV commented: Justin has been a valuable member of LPVs Board, and we have benefitted greatly from his knowledge and decades of experience. On behalf of the Board, management and the Company's shareholders, I wish Justin and his family all the best in the future."

The Board is actively engaged in identifying and evaluating alternatives with respect to the appointment of a new independent director to fill the vacancy left by Mr. Reids departure.

About Largo Physical Vanadium Corp.

Largo Physical Vanadium Corp. (LVP) aims to provide a secure, convenient and exchange-traded investment alternative for investors interested in having direct exposure to physical vanadium, which is essential to achieve a greener world in key industries such as steel, aerospace and energy storage. Vanadium is non-degrading and fully recyclable when used as electrolyte in vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) and offers carbon reducing attributes when used in steel alloying applications. LPVs strategy is not only to achieve appreciation through the acquisition of vanadium, but to own and actively supply vanadium to end users of VRFBs to advance to integration of renewable energy in long duration storage. This strategy is integral to LPVs business plan, as it necessarily defrays the costs associated with using vanadium in VRFBs through the unique non-degradation characteristics of the metal.

LPVs common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "VAND. For more information, please visit www.lpvanadium.com.

For further information, please contact:

Paul VollantChief Executive Officer +41.796.630.895[email protected]

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.

Source: Largo Physical Vanadium Corp.
OCALA, Fla., July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LGI Homes, Inc., a renowned national homebuilder, proudly announces its first-ever venture into the Ocala, Florida area with the opening of its Marion Oaks location. This milestone marks an exciting chapter for the Company as it expands its presence in Florida and brings its exceptional housing options to homebuyers in the area.

Located in the heart of Florida's horse country, Marion Oaks offers a picturesque and welcoming environment for residents. With its close proximity to Ocala's renowned equestrian industry, abundant outdoor recreational activities, and a growing list of amenities, Marion Oaks has become a highly desirable destination for individuals and families seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

"We are thrilled to introduce LGI Homes to the Ocala area in Marion Oaks," said Dale VanWagenen, VP of Operations for LGI Homes. "Marion Oaks offers a remarkable lifestyle, and we are excited to provide homebuyers with the opportunity to experience our top-quality homes and exceptional customer service. Not only will homebuyers experience LGIs streamlined process, receiving all the information up front, but they will also benefit from extremely competitive pricing. Our team consists of experts on the area, the product and the process. Were ready to help our customers find the right home, at the right price, to fit their needs.

LGI Homes' entry into Marion Oaks presents an unprecedented opportunity for homebuyers in the Ocala area. Renowned for delivering top-quality, affordably priced homes, LGI Homes has garnered a strong reputation within the industry. The Company's commitment to excellence, craftsmanship and customer satisfaction positions it as a trusted choice for those seeking their dream home.

Homebuyers in Marion Oaks will have the privilege of choosing from a wide range of thoughtfully designed floor plans tailored to various lifestyles and preferences. LGI Homes offers spacious single-family homes boasting open-concept layouts, modern features, and an array of already-included upgrades as part of the CompleteHome interior package. Each home is meticulously crafted to embrace the latest trends in home design, enhancing both functionality and comfort.

Homes in Marion Oaks start from the $250s. Prospective homebuyers are encouraged to visit LGIHomes.com/MarionOaks or call (855) 703-2250 ext 476 to learn more about available floor plans, pricing, and the unique homebuying experience that LGI Homes provides.

About LGI Homes, Inc.

Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, LGI Homes, Inc. is a pioneer in the homebuilding industry, successfully applying an innovative and systematic approach to the design, construction and sale of homes across 35 markets in 20 states. As one of Americas fastest growing companies, LGI Homes has closed over 64,000 homes since its founding in 2003 and has delivered profitable financial results every year. Nationally recognized for its quality construction and exceptional customer service, LGI Homes was named to Newsweeks list of Americas Most Trustworthy Companies for the second consecutive year. LGI Homes commitment to excellence extends to its more than 1,000 employees, earning the Company numerous workplace awards at the local, state and national level, including the Top Workplaces USA 2023 Award. For more information about LGI Homes and its unique operating model focused on making the dream of homeownership a reality for families across the nation, please visit the Companys website at www.lgihomes.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Rachel Eaton

(281) 362-8998 ext. 2560

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/81bf7092-68bb-49b5-b4b2-842063db9bbd

The San Marino Plan by LGI Homes The San Marino plan is available now at Marion Oaks by LGI Homes.

Source: LGI Homes, Inc.
Washington, D.C., July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a major March victory, Judge Lewis J. Liman of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed the In re Bystolic antitrust lawsuit, citing a powerful argument in NCLAs district court amicus curiae brief joined by the International Center for Law and Economics (ICLE). NCLA argued that an antitrust plaintiff seeking to prove that a patent owner has made a prohibited large payment to potential competitors must show it was a large net payment (the cash paid minus the value of services provided), not merely a large gross payment. Judge Liman cited the NCLA/ICLE amicus brief in his opinion.

Now, NCLA and ICLE have partnered again in the case to file an amicus curiae brief at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Congress has long mandated that courts should strive to maintain a balance between the sometimes-competing claims of patent law and antitrust law, which should not be used to shortchange the rights of patent holders. So, before Plaintiffs lawyers are permitted to get into court to challenge the legality of a patent-litigation settlement, the NCLA/ICLE brief argues that, at a minimum, they ought to bear the burden of demonstrating a large and unjustified net payment made for the purpose of restraining trade.

Plaintiffs antitrust lawsuit alleges that the decision of the patent holder, Forest Labs (now a part of AbbVie), to settle its patent-infringement litigation against several generic competitors amounted to a conspiracy in restraint of tradein violation of antitrust laws. NCLAs amicus curiae brief encourages the appeals court to affirm the district courts dismissal, arguing that appellants failed to show Forests settlement payments to generic-drug manufacturers were unjustified under the Supreme Courts FTC v. Actavis, Inc. precedent. The pharmaceutical at issue in the case is Bystolic, a breakthrough drug proven effective in treating high blood pressure.

As part of the settlement with seven generic-drug manufacturers, Forest agreed to permit the generic companies to begin competition several months before the expiration of Forests patent, and the generics agreed not to enter the market before that date. The settling parties also entered into side deals, whereby Forest paid the generic companies in return for providing substantial goods and services. Plaintiffs allege that Forest made these payments for the sole purpose of inducing the generics not to compete (thereby violating antitrust law) and that Forest ought to bear the burden of proving it paid no more than fair value for the goods and services it received.

NCLA released the following statement:

The Supreme Court has long recognized that settling lawsuits should be encouraged. Settlement permits parties to devote their time and resources to more productive activities. But if plaintiff antitrust lawyers prevail in this case, there will be no more settlements of pharmaceutical patent-infringement litigation. Rich Samp, Senior Litigation Counsel, NCLA

For more information visit the amicus page here.

ABOUT NCLA

NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group founded by prominent legal scholar Philip Hamburger to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. NCLAs public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy strive to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans fundamental rights.

###

Judy Pino New Civil Liberties Alliance 202-869-5218 [email protected]

Source: New Civil Liberties Alliance
Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov has said that Ukraine will continue to launch strikes on the Crimean bridge. The head of the defence ministry stressed that the disabling of the illegal crossing would reduce the combat effectiveness of the Russian occupants and help save the lives of Ukrainians.

ADVERTISIMENT

Reznikov explained that the destruction of the enemy's logistics lines is a normal tactic. He told about this in an interview with CNN.

According to the minister, Ukraine will continue to launch strikes against Russia-occupied Crimea and the Kerch Bridge, which connects the Ukrainian peninsula with the aggressor country. Reznikov added that the Crimean bridge is a legitimate target for attacks.

"All these facilities are official targets because it will reduce their combat capability against us and help save the lives of Ukrainians," the defense minister said.

In addition, Reznikov emphasized that Ukraine intends to permanently disable the Crimean bridge. Thus the Russian occupation army will be deprived of the possibility to receive reserves.

"This is a normal tactic - to destroy the logistic lines of your enemy to deprive the ability to get more ammunition, to get more fuel, to get more food and so on. That's why we will use this tactic against them," Reznikov said.

ADVERTISIMENT

As reported by OBOZREVATEL:

On the night of July 17, several explosions were heard on the Crimean bridge, resulting in the collapse of part of the roadbed.

The illegal crossing was attacked by surface drones during a joint operation of the SSU and the Ukrainian Navy. The operation was complicated, but as a result Ukrainian forces managed to do what they had planned. The SSU promised to share details of the explosion on the Crimean bridge, but after the victory.

After the explosion has already blocked the Crimean bridge several times. In particular, only for July 24 it happened at least three times.

Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel, Threads and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Burlington, VT, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Breastfeeding parents are highly motivated to feed their babies breast milk for its health benefits (83%) but cite significant challenges, particularly around pumping breast milk, which about 3 in 4 breastfeeding parents do at least some of the time, according to new research. Conducted by Mamava and Medela, the study surveyed more than 15,000 breastfeeding parents about their breastfeeding motivations, challenges, and support systems.

Key takeaways:

Only 15% say public spaces are fully supportive of breastfeeding parents needs.

say public spaces are fully supportive of breastfeeding parents needs. 53% arent sure of their workplace lactation rights and more than 1 in 4 do not feel even somewhat supported at work.

arent sure of their workplace lactation rights and more than do not feel even somewhat supported at work. 1 in 3 parents lack access to a reliable workplace lactation space.

parents lack access to a reliable workplace lactation space. 47% cite a lack of time for pumping breaks as a barrier, despite federal law (the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act) and many state laws that require employers to provide breastfeeding employees with a lactation space and reasonable break time to pump.

cite a lack of time for pumping breaks as a barrier, despite federal law (the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act) and many state laws that require employers to provide breastfeeding employees with a lactation space and reasonable break time to pump. 61% say the logistics of pumpingpacking, transporting and cleaning pump partsare a top challenge to breastfeeding.

The study also revealed that breastfeeding is often more of a culturally and socially informed experience than a clinically guided one. Internet searches topped parents list of sources for breastfeeding information (58%), followed by social media and lactation consultants (53%), friends and family (52%), and breastfeeding apps (35%). Only 1 in 3 consulted pediatricians.

Over the last decade, weve seen significant progress in education, policy, and infrastructure that makes breastfeeding a more realistic option for anyone who wants to do itbut not nearly enough to support parents in meeting their personal goals, or the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations to breastfeed for two years, says Sascha Mayer, cofounder and Chief Experience Officer for Mamava. We cant just double the length of time parents should breastfeed to see health benefits and not significantly level up the structures of support that will help them be successful. Thats an incredible amount of pressure to shoulder alone. Breastfeeding babies is everyones jobbecause breastfeeding benefits everyone. We need better education and more inclusive communities and work environments.

Mamava and Medela have been at the forefront in advocating and supporting breast milk feeding families and, in partnership, created Kin so employers can get the support they need to do better by their employees. Together, they provide resources and educational materials about breast milk feeding to ensure employees feel informed about workplace pumping, lactation space consulting and private lactation spaces through Mamava, and 24/7 virtual support with round-the-clock access to experts for new parents. Employers can provide breast milk feeding equipment and supplies to create a supportive workplace for new parents transitioning back to work after a baby. The program was recognized in Fast Companys World Changing Ideas list for 2022.

Mamava and Medela also provide breastfeeding information and support directly to parents with free digital solutions. The Mamava app helps parents find thousands of lactation spaces, and not just Mamava pods. Parents can also read encouraging notes from other breastfeeding parents in the Words of Support app feature. The Medela Family app is used around the world to track from the first trimester through babys first years, offering personalized, evidenced-based guidance for new parents, including connectivity to Medela breast pumps, checklists for returning to work, a virtual storage freezer, and more. Download both the Mamava app and the Medela Family app for free from the App Store and Google Play.

Survey methodologyThe 2023 State of Breastfeeding Survey was fielded by Mamava and Medela over two weeks in June of 2023. Respondents were U.S. parents who are currently nursing or have breastfed within the last two years, totaling 15,511 responses.

About MamavaMamava is dedicated to transforming the culture of breastfeeding. The category creator of freestanding lactation pods, Mamava provides breastfeeding parents with private, dignified, and comfortable spaces to pump or nurseat work and on the go. The free Mamava app helps breastfeeding parents find thousands of lactation spaces and unlock Mamava pods (available for iOS and Android). Women-founded and a proud B Corp, Mamava designs, engineers, and assembles lactation pods at their manufacturing facilities in Vermont. Founded in 2013, Mamava has delivered thousands of lactation pods to organizations that span airports, hospitals, stadiums, schools, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies. To learn more about Mamavas full product line and lactation support resources, visit mamava.com and follow Mamava on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

About MedelaThrough advancing research, observing natural behavior and listening to our customers, Medela turns science into care while nurturing health for generations. Medela supports millions of moms, babies, patients and healthcare professionals in more than 100 countries all over the world. As the healthcare choice for more than 6 million hospitals and homes across the globe, Medela provides leading research-based breast milk feeding and baby products, healthcare solutions for hospitals, and clinical education. Medela is dedicated to building better health outcomes, simplifying and improving life, and developing breakthroughs that help moms, babies and patients live their life to the fullest. For more information, visit www.medela.com.

Attachments

Source: Mamava, Inc.
Perth, July 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JUNE 2023 QUARTER REPORT

Perseus exceeds gold production and cost guidance for FY23 and H2 FY23; Cash and bullion increased to US$522M

PERTH, Western Australia/ July 26, 2023/Perseus Mining Limited (Perseus or the Company) (TSX & ASX: PRU) reports on its activities for the three months period ended June 30, 2023 (the Quarter).

Key Operating highlights for the June 2023 quarter, the June 2023 Half Year and the full 2023 Financial Year include:

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR UNIT MARCH 2023 QUARTER JUNE 2023 QUARTER JUNE 2023 HALF YEAR 2023 FINANCIAL YEAR Gold recovered Ounces 130,275 136,634 266,909 535,281 Gold poured Ounces 130,512 137,586 268,098 538,642 Production Cost US$/ounce 831 811 820 820 All-In Site Cost (AISC) US$/ounce 971 1,007 989 959 Gold sales Ounces 135,111 140,533 275,644 537,564 Average sales price US$/ounce 1,821 1,933 1,878 1,803 Cash margin US$/ounce 850 926 889 844 Notional Cashflow US$ million 111 127 238 452

Quarterly gold production of 136,634 ounces at AISC of US$1,007 per ounce and cash margin of US$926 per ounce.

Gold production and AISC significantly outperformed market production and cost guidance for June 2023 Half Year and 2023 Financial Year.

Quarterly gold sales of 140,533 ounces, up 4% (+5,422 ounces) from the March 2023 quarter.

Average sale price of gold was US$1,933 per ounce, up 6% (+US$112 per ounce) from the March 2023 quarter.

Average cash margin of US$926 per ounce of gold sold up 9% (+US$76 per ounce) from the March 2023 quarter.

Notional cashflow of US$127 million during the quarter, up 14% (+US$16 million) from the March 2023 quarter.

Group rolling 12-month TRIFR remained stable at 1.20.

Strong quarterly cashflows further strengthened Perseuss financial position with a vailable cash and bullion of US$ 522 million with zero debt.

with zero debt. Net cash and bullion balance increased US$ 51 million from the March 2023 quarter.

from the March 2023 quarter. Organic growth activities including Mineral Resource drill outs and feasibility studies at Yaoures CMA Underground Project progressed on schedule. Results due in the September 2023 quarter.

Perseuss total economic contribution to its host countries of Ghana, Cote dIvoire and Sudan was ~ US$158 million (approximately 58% of revenue) during the quarter.

(approximately 58% of revenue) during the quarter. Pre-development activities at Meyas Sand Gold Project (MSGP) in Sudan suspended due to security concerns, with FID originally planned for the December 2023 Half Year now deferred.

Group Gold Production and Cost Market Guidance

Group gold production and AISCs for the December 2023 Half Year and the 2023 Calendar Year are as shown below in Table 10.

Table 10: Production and Cost Guidance

PARAMETER UNITS JUNE 2023 HALF YEAR (ACTUAL) DECEMBER 2023 HALF YEAR(FORECAST) 2023 CALENDAR YEAR (FORECAST) Yaoure Gold Mine Production Ounces 137,120 125,000 to 140,000 262,100 to 277,120 All-in Site Cost USD per ounce 786 850 to 950 818 to 864 Sissingue Gold Mine Production Ounces 25,838 27,500 to 32,500 53,338 to 58,338 All-in Site Cost USD per ounce 1,647 1,700 to 1,900 1,677 to 1,777 Edikan Gold Mine Production Ounces 103,952 90,000 to 100,000 193,952 to 203,952 All-in Site Cost USD per ounce 1,094 1,200 to 1,300 1146 to 1190 PERSEUS GROUP Production Ounces 266,909 242,500 to 272,500 509,409 to 539,500 All-in Site Cost USD per ounce 989 1,080 to 1,190 1,035 to 1,085

Competent Person Statement

All production targets referred to in this report are underpinned by estimated Ore Reserves which have been prepared by competent persons in accordance with the requirements of the JORC Code.

Edikan

The information in this report that relates to the Esuajah South Underground Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve was first reported by the Company in a market announcement Perseus Mining Updates Mineral Resources & Ore Reserves released on 24 August 2021. The information in this report that relates to Esuajah North Mineral Resources estimate was first reported by the Company in a market announcement Perseus Updates Resources & Reserves released on 28 August 2018. The information in this report that relates to AF Gap Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve estimate was first reported by the Company in a market announcement Perseus Updates Mineral Resources & Ore Reserves released on 25 August 2020. The information in this report that relates to the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates for the Fetish deposit and the Heap Leach was first reported by the Company in a market announcement Perseus Updates Edikan Mineral Resource & Ore Reserves released on 19 February 2020. The information in this report that relates to the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates for the Nkosuo deposit was first reported by the Company in a market announcement Perseus Increases Edikans Inventories of Mineral Resource & Ore Reserves released on 19 July 2022. An update for mining depletion at Edikan as at 30 June 2022 was reported in a news release Perseus Mining Updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves dated 30 August 2022. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affect the information on those market releases and that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in Technical Report  Edikan Gold Mine, Ghana dated 7 April 2022 continue to apply.

Sissingue, Fimbiasso and Bagoe

The information in this report that relates to Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve estimates for Sissingue was reported by the Company in a market announcement Perseus Mining Updates Life of Mine Plan for Sissingue Gold Mine & Satellite Deposits released on 28 March 2022. An update for mining depletion at Sissingue as at 30 June 2022 was reported in a news release Perseus Mining Updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves dated 30 August 2022. The information in this report that relates to Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates for the Fimbiasso deposits was reported by the Company in a market announcement Perseus Mining Updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves released on 26 August 2020. The information in this report that relates to Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates for the Bagoe deposits was reported by the Company in a market announcement Perseus Mining Updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves released on 24 August 2021. The Company confirms that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, in that market release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in Technical Report  Sissingue Gold Project, Cote dIvoire dated 28 March 2022 continue to apply.

Yaoure

The information in this report that relates to the Open Pit and Underground Mineral Resources and the Underground Ore Reserve at CMA was first reported by the Company in a market announcement Perseus Mining announces maiden Underground Ore Reserve at Yaoure released on 30 August 2022. The information in this report that relates to the other Mineral Resources & Ore Reserves (including the Heap Leach) for the Yaoure Deposit was reported by the Company in a market announcement Perseus Mining Updates Mineral Resources & Ore Reserves released on 24 August 2021. An update for mining depletion at Yaoure as at 30 June 2022 was reported in a news release Perseus Mining Updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves dated 30 August 2022. The Company confirms that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, in that market release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in Technical Report  Yaoure Gold Project, Cote dIvoire dated 18 December 2017 continue to apply.

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information:

This report contains forward-looking information which is based on the assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made by the Company regarding, among other things: the price of gold, continuing commercial production at the Yaoure Gold Mine, the Edikan Gold Mine and the Sissingue Gold Mine without any major disruption, the receipt of required governmental approvals, the accuracy of capital and operating cost estimates, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of the Company to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used by the Company. Although management believes that the assumptions made by the Company and the expectations represented by such information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, the actual market price of gold, the actual results of current exploration, the actual results of future exploration, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated, as well as those factors disclosed in the Company's publicly filed documents. The Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the Companys ability to carry on its exploration and development activities, the timely receipt of required approvals, the price of gold, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of the Company to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Perseus does not undertake to update forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

ASX/TSX CODE: PRUCAPITAL STRUCTURE:Ordinary shares: 1,367,986,850Performance rights: 11,901,091REGISTERED OFFICE:Level 2437 Roberts RoadSubiaco WA 6008Telephone: +61 8 6144 1700Email: [email protected] www.perseusmining.com DIRECTORS:Mr Sean HarveyNon-Executive ChairmanMr Jeff QuartermaineManaging Director & CEOMs Amber BanfieldNon-Executive Director Ms Elissa CorneliusNon-Executive DirectorMr Dan LougherNon-Executive DirectorMr John McGloinNon-Executive DirectorMr David RansomNon-Executive Director CONTACTS:Jeff QuartermaineManaging Director & CEO [email protected] Nathan RyanCorporate Relations+61 420 582 887 [email protected]

Attachment

Source: Perseus Mining Limited
Fort Wayne, IN, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Polar King International, Inc. to is proud to announce that the company and its refrigerated and freezer walk-in units are GSA Schedule Certified by the U.S. federal government through September 2036. This prestigious certification allows federal agencies and corporations better access to walk-in cold storage solutions.

The Polar King staff takes enormous pride in this achievement, says Polar King President Dave Schenkel. He adds, This isnt an easy feat  especially with the price fluctuations that have buoyed in the marketplace over the past 12 months.

According to Schenkel, the company had to meet rigorous requirements to gain the certification, which necessitated a strong team effort. We put in the hard work each and every day to get here, he says. The opportunities and potential partnerships GSA Scheduled Certification will bring us are limitless.

Also known as the Federal Supply Schedule or Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), the GSA Schedule is a long-term governmentwide contract with commercial companies that provide access to millions of commercial products and services at fair and reasonable prices to the government. MAS makes buying easy and efficient with the use of modern technology to connect government buyers and industry. State and local governments also use the GSA Schedule for business contracts and transactions.

Polar King has strived to develop a strong relationship with all branches of the United States Military and other Government Agencies. A relationship has been created with these customers by not only providing quality walk-in cooler and freezer units but also first-class customer service and support, says Schenkel.

Polar King offers electric ground-resting outdoor walk-in freezer and refrigerator units for a plethora of industries, including the foodservice, pharmaceutical, catering, school administration, hospital, first response and government industries, says Schenkel. The units are American made, delivered preassembled and ready to operate with a simple electrical connection. Polar Kings 100% seamless fiberglass design also provides a continuous surface with rounded insulated corners to promote a sanitary environment.

To learn more about how Polar King services branches of the U.S. Military and other Government agencies, visit www.polarking.com/custom-applications/government/.

To learn more about Polar Kings cold storage solutions, call (877) 224-8674, or visit polarking.com.

About Polar King International

The introduction of the Polar King outdoor walk-in freezer into the foodservice industry was the result of three generations of walk-in refrigeration technology and experience. Polar Kings fiberglass, one-piece walk-in cooler is the natural evolution of the walk-in cold storage industry from the conventional metal panel constructed unit. In early 1982, Polar King began operations by constructing and shipping walk-ins from a modest 12,000 sq. ft. facility in New Haven, Indiana. As demand grew for outdoor fiberglass commercial walk-in coolers and commercial walk-in freezers, production was moved to a 204,000 sq. ft. facility located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. For 40 years, Polar King has provided thousands of walk-ins to single unit operators, chain restaurants, schools, health care facilities, government agencies and many other industries requiring dependable outdoor walk-in refrigeration. For more information, visit polarking.com or contact Polar King, 4424 New Haven Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46803 USA at (877) 224-8674.
CALGARY, Alberta, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pulse Seismic Inc. (TSX: PSD) (OTCQX: PLSDF) (Pulse or the Company) is pleased to report its financial and operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements, accompanying notes and MD&A are being filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and will be available on Pulses website at www.pulseseismic.com.

Pulses Board of Directors today approved a regular quarterly dividend of $0.01375 per share and a special dividend of $0.15 per share. The total of the regular and special dividend will be approximately $8.7 million based on Pulses 53,280,621 common shares outstanding as of July 25, 2023, and will be paid on August 22, 2023 to shareholders of record on August 14, 2023. These dividends are designated as an eligible dividend for Canadian income tax purposes. For non-resident shareholders, Pulses dividends are subject to Canadian withholding tax.

We are very pleased with the level of data sales generated in the first half of 2023. As our stakeholders know, there is significant volatility from year to year in the sales generated from data licencing contracts, stated Neal Coleman, Pulses President and CEO. Following a slow year in 2022, we have in six months, achieved 183 percent of annual 2022 sales, resulting in a significant increase in the cash balance. Being in the strong financial position we are, with zero debt and low operating costs, the Company generates high margins with strong free cash flow. Notwithstanding the fluctuations we experience in annual revenues, we then seek to invest opportunistically to increase our per share value. For 2023, this includes the purchase of 346,248 of Pulse shares year-to-date through our normal course issuer bid. Thereafter, we distribute excess cash in the form of dividends. Consistent with that approach, the Board of Directors today determined that in addition to approving the regular quarterly dividend of $0.01375 per share, a prudent allocation of capital at this time would be to return excess cash to shareholders in the form of a special dividend of $0.15 per common share.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2023

Total revenue was $8.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to $3.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, total revenue was $17.2 million compared to $5.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The periods-over-periods revenue increases are the result of data library sales increase in the first half of 2023;

Net earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2023 was $3.4 million ($0.06 per share basic and diluted) compared to a net loss of $1.8 million ($0.03 per share basic and diluted) for the three months ended June 30, 2022. Net earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2023 was $6.3 million ($0.12 per share basic and diluted) compared to a net loss of $4.3 million ($0.08 per share basic and diluted) for the six months ended June 30, 2022;

EBITDA(a) was $6.9 million ($0.13 per share basic and diluted) for the three months ended June 30, 2023, compared to $818,000 ($0.02 per share basic and diluted) for the three months ended June 30, 2022. EBITDA was $13.6 million ($0.25 per share basic and diluted) for the six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to $827,000 ($0.02 per share basic and diluted) for the six months ended June 30, 2022;

Shareholder free cash flow(a) was $5.8 million ($0.11 per share basic and diluted) for the second quarter of 2023 compared to $1.2 million ($0.02 per share basic and diluted) for the comparable period in 2022. Shareholder free cash flow was $11.1 million ($0.21 per share basic and diluted) for the six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to $1.4 million ($0.03 per share basic and diluted) for the six months ended June 30, 2022;

In the six-month period ended June 30, 2023 Pulse purchased and cancelled, through its normal course issuer bid, a total of 92,348 common shares at a total cost of approximately $161,000 (at an average cost of $1.74 per common share including commissions); and

At June 30, 2023 Pulse was debt-free and had a cash balance of $9.7 million; and cash of $18.5 million on July 25, 2023. The $25.0 million revolving credit facility is undrawn and fully available to the Company.

SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING INFORMATION (thousands of dollars except per share data, Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, Year ended numbers of shares and kilometres of seismic data) 2023 2022 2023 2022 December 31, (unaudited) (unaudited) 2022 Revenue Data library sales 8,740 3,028 17,120 4,771 9,345 Other revenue 16 69 43 182 225 Total revenue 8,756 3,097 17,163 4,953 9,570 Amortization of seismic data library 2,274 2,443 4,560 4,958 9,818 Net earnings (loss) 3,399 (1,766 ) 6,307 (4,284 ) (7,907 ) Per share basic and diluted 0.06 (0.03 ) 0.12 (0.08 ) (0.15 ) Cash provided by operating activities 548 1,773 5,961 10,402 11,992 Per share basic and diluted 0.01 0.03 0.11 0.19 0.22 EBITDA (a) 6,935 818 13,550 827 2,035 Per share basic and diluted (a) 0.13 0.02 0.25 0.02 0.04 Shareholder free cash flow (a) 5,829 1,224 11,090 1,412 3,200 Per share basic and diluted (a) 0.11 0.02 0.21 0.03 0.06 Capital expenditures Property and equipment 10 8 14 12 12 Weighted average shares outstanding Basic and diluted 53,564,532 53,731,237 53,589,486 53,739,960 53,703,039 Shares outstanding at period-end 53,534,521 53,720,317 53,626,869 Seismic library 2D in kilometres 829,207 829,207 829,207 3D in square kilometres 65,310 65,310 65,310 FINANCIAL POSITION AND RATIOS June 30, June 30, December 31, (thousands of dollars except ratios) 2023 2022 2022 Working capital 15,380 6,522 6,593 Working capital ratio 5.1:1 6.9:1 6.8:1 Cash and cash equivalents 9,686 5,910 5,822 Total assets 42,372 40,064 35,222 Long-term debt - - - Trailing 12-month (TTM) EBITDA (b) 14,758 22,120 2,035 Shareholders equity 38,026 38,400 33,496

(a) The Companys continuous disclosure documents provide discussion and analysis of EBITDA, EBITDA per share, shareholder free cash flow and shareholder free cash flow per share. These financial measures do not have standard definitions prescribed by IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed by other companies. The Company has included these non-GAAP financial measures because management, investors, analysts and others use them as measures of the Companys financial performance. The Companys definition of EBITDA is cash available to invest in growing the Companys seismic data library, pay interest and principal on its long-term debt, purchase its common shares, pay taxes and the payment of dividends. EBITDA is calculated as earnings (loss) from operations before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA per share is defined as EBITDA divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. The Company believes EBITDA assists investors in comparing Pulses results on a consistent basis without regard to non-cash items, such as depreciation and amortization, which can vary significantly depending on accounting methods or non-operating factors such as historical cost. Shareholder free cash flow further refines the calculation by adding back non-cash expenses, net restructuring costs and deducting net financing costs and current income tax expense from EBITDA. Shareholder free cash flow per share is defined as shareholder free cash flow divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. (b) TTM EBITDA is defined as the sum of EBITDA generated over the previous 12 months and is used to provide a comparable annualized measure. These non-GAAP financial measures are defined, calculated and reconciled to the nearest GAAP financial measures in the Management's Discussion and Analysis.

OUTLOOK

With seismic data library sales of $17.1 million in the first half of 2023, equivalent to 183 percent of sales achieved in all of 2022, Pulse remains cautiously optimistic about the remainder of the year. Areas of strength continue to include buoyant global demand for fossil fuels, forecasts for continued growth in industry capital investment and field activities, ongoing corporate profitability, and Alberta mineral lease auctions (land sales) through June 30 showing the greatest year-to-date strength in nearly a decade. These positive factors are dampened by continued geopolitical instability and a challenging federal regulatory environment.

The Company cautions, as always, that industry conditions do not provide visibility regarding Pulses seismic data library sales levels. Pulses key strengths include zero debt, a low-cost structure, high leverage to increased revenue in its EBITDA margin, no capital spending commitments, Canadas largest licensable seismic data library and strong customer relations.

The Company remains focused on the business practices that have served it throughout the full range of conditions: maintaining a strong balance sheet with access to credit on favourable terms, careful management of cash resources including distributing cash to shareholders when prudent, a low cost structure, a disciplined and rigorous approach to growth opportunities, an experienced and capable management team, and excellent customer care complemented by the initiative to broaden the attractiveness of the seismic data library.

CORPORATE PROFILE

Pulse is a market leader in the acquisition, marketing and licensing of 2D and 3D seismic data to the western Canadian energy sector. Pulse owns the largest licensable seismic data library in Canada, currently consisting of approximately 65,310 square kilometres of 3D seismic and 829,207 kilometres of 2D seismic. The library extensively covers the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin, where most of Canadas oil and natural gas exploration and development occur.

For further information, please contact:Neal Coleman, President and CEOOrPamela Wicks, Vice President Finance and CFOTel.: 403-237-5559Toll-free: 1-877-460-5559E-mail: [email protected].Please visit our website at www.pulseseismic.com

This document contains information that constitutes forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively, forward-looking information) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as anticipate, believe, expect, plan, intend, forecast, target, project, guidance, may, will, should, could, estimate, predict or similar words suggesting future outcomes or language suggesting an outlook.

The Outlook section herein contain forward-looking information which includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding:

> The outlook of the Company for the year ahead, including future operating costs and expected revenues;

> Recent events on the political, economic, regulatory, public health and legal fronts affecting the industrys medium- to longer-term prospects, including progression and completion of contemplated pipeline projects;

> The Companys capital resources and sufficiency thereof to finance future operations, meet its obligations associated with financial liabilities and carry out the necessary capital expenditures through 2023;

> Pulses capital allocation strategy;

> Pulses dividend policy;

> Oil and natural gas prices and forecast trends;

> Oil and natural gas drilling activity and land sales activity;

> Oil and natural gas company capital budgets;

> Future demand for seismic data;

> Future seismic data sales;

> Pulses business and growth strategy; and

> Other expectations, beliefs, plans, goals, objectives, assumptions, information and statements about possible future events, conditions, results and performance, as they relate to the Company or to the oil and natural gas industry as a whole.

By its very nature, forward-looking information involves inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks that predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved. Pulse does not publish specific financial goals or otherwise provide guidance, due to the inherently poor visibility of seismic revenue. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements as a number of important factors could cause the actual results to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations and anticipations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking information. These factors include, but are not limited to:

> Uncertainty of the timing and volume of data sales;

> Volatility of oil and natural gas prices;

> Risks associated with the oil and natural gas industry in general;

> The Companys ability to access external sources of debt and equity capital;

> Credit, liquidity and commodity price risks;

> The demand for seismic data and;

> The pricing of data library licence sales;

> Cybersecurity;

> Relicensing (change-of-control) fees and partner copy sales;

> Environmental, health and safety risks;

> Federal and provincial government laws and regulations, including those pertaining to taxation, royalty rates, environmental protection, public health and safety;

> Competition;

> Dependence on key management, operations and marketing personnel;

> The loss of seismic data;

> Protection of intellectual property rights;

> The introduction of new products; and

> Climate change.

Pulse cautions that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. Additional information on these risks and other factors which could affect the Companys operations and financial results is included under Risk Factors in the Companys most recent annual information form, and in the Companys most recent audited annual financial statements, most recent MD&A, management information circular, quarterly reports, material change reports and news releases. Copies of the Companys public filings are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

When relying on forward-looking information to make decisions with respect to Pulse, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Furthermore, the forward-looking information contained in this document is provided as of the date of this document and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking information, except as required by law. The forward-looking information in this document is provided for the limited purpose of enabling current and potential investors to evaluate an investment in Pulse. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking information may not be appropriate, and should not be used, for other purposes.

PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/b90f6be8-f38b-4185-a856-1e3f4271dc17

Source: Pulse Seismic Inc.
Memphis, TN, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Civil Rights Museum is proud to announce the distinguished honorees for the 32nd Freedom Award, recognizing their exceptional contributions to civil and human rights. The Freedom Award, the Museum's signature event, pays tribute to individuals who have shown unwavering commitment to promoting justice and equality.

The esteemed honorees for the 32nd Freedom Award are:

KERRY KENNEDY : President of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, a renowned human rights activist, and lawyer, Kennedy's tireless efforts span over four decades, championing various causes such as child labor, women's rights, environmental justice, and more.

: President of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, a renowned human rights activist, and lawyer, Kennedy's tireless efforts span over four decades, championing various causes such as child labor, women's rights, environmental justice, and more. DR. CLAYBORNE CARSON : Martin Luther King, Jr. Centennial Professor of History, emeritus, at Stanford University, Dr. Carson's profound work centers on the study of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the human rights movements that his legacy has inspired.

: Martin Luther King, Jr. Centennial Professor of History, emeritus, at Stanford University, Dr. Carson's profound work centers on the study of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the human rights movements that his legacy has inspired. STACEY ABRAMS: A bestselling author, civil rights activist, and political leader, Abrams is a trailblazer, becoming the first black woman to be the gubernatorial nominee for a major party in United States history. She has founded multiple non-profit organizations dedicated to voting rights and addressing social and economic issues.

The prestigious award ceremony will take place on October 19, 2023, at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Memphis, TN. The Pre-Award Gala will commence at 5:30 pm next door at the Halloran Centre, followed by the Award Ceremony at 7:00 pm.

Hosted by award-winning actor and philanthropist Tobias Truvillion, the event promises captivating performances by celebrated artists, including Grammy and Peabody Award-winning poet J. Ivy and the talented international sister trio, Norah, Yarah, and Rosa of Let It Happen.

The celebration extends beyond the award ceremony, as the Museum will hold a Student Forum on October 19 at 10:00 am Central. This inspiring educational forum aims to empower middle and high school students to take action and create positive change within their communities.

The National Civil Rights Museum has a rich legacy of honoring distinguished civil and human rights leaders, including Coretta Scott King, Nelson Mandela, Bono, Oprah Winfrey, and many more. The Freedom Award presenting sponsor is Nike with signature sponsors FedEx, International Paper, and Hyde Family Foundation.

Tickets for the event will be available for purchase starting August 1 via Ticketmaster. Event sponsorships are available. To sponsor, or for further information and updates, please visit freedomaward.org.

About the National Civil Rights Museum:

Located at the historic Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was tragically assassinated, the National Civil Rights Museum provides an in-depth overview of the American Civil Rights Movement. Since its establishment in 1991, the Museum has attracted millions of visitors from around the world, with a profound mission to preserve the legacy of Dr. King and advocate for ongoing human rights struggles. As a Smithsonian Affiliate and a recipient of the prestigious 2019 National Medal Award, the Museum continues to inspire action and foster positive social change.

About Smithsonian Affiliations:

Smithsonian Affiliations, established in 1996, is a national outreach program that fosters collaborative partnerships between museums, educational, and cultural organizations to enrich communities with Smithsonian resources. Their long-term goal is to promote a two-way relationship between Affiliate organizations and the Smithsonian Institution, encouraging lifelong learning and discovery across America.

 civilrightsmuseum.org 
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2023) - Argo Living Soils Corp. (CSE: ARGO) (OTC Pink: ARLSF) ("Argo" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Mr. Robert Intile has joined the board of directors (the "Board").

Mr. Intile has a varied background, in management and sales. Mr. Intile held the position of VP Business Development of Superbox Inc., a company listed on the OTC Markets, and has served as director and chairman of the Toronto Dominion Bank Friends of the Environment Foundation, local chapter. Additionally, Mr. Intile has experience raising funds with a company that became First Choice Products Inc. Presently, Mr. Intile is employed by a multi-national company who is a contractor to British Columbia's transit authority. Mr. Intile has completed the Public Companies Financing, Governance and Compliance course from Simon Fraser University.

The Company further advises that Michael Uhm has resigned as a director of the Company and thanks Mr. Uhm for his contributions.

Additionally, further to the Company's news release dated May 4, 2023, the Company announces the termination of its non-binding letter of intent with Jungku Woo.

About Argo Living Soils Corp.

The Company specializes in producing and developing organic products including soil amendments, living soils, biofertilizers, vermicompost, and compost tea kits formulated specifically for high value crops. The Company's vision and overall business plan is to create an established brand of organic and/or environmentally friendly products. The Company was founded in 2018 and its production facilities are located on Galiano Island, British Columbia.

For further information please contact:

Peter Hoyle

Interim Chief Executive Officer

Argo Living Soils Corp.

Email: [email protected]

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the Company creating a brand of organic and/or environmentally friendly products. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different, including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Although management of the Company have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/174872
Installation License Application to be Filed in Early August

Serra Alta Feasibility Completion Postponed for Approximately Three Months due to Material Opportunities That Require Changes in Scope

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2023) - Cerrado Gold Inc.(TSXV: CERT) (OTCQX: CRDOF) ("Cerrado" or the "Company") announces that it intends to file its License of Installation ("LI") application with the Instituto Natureza do Tocantins or NATURATINS, the state environmental regulatory authority, on or around August 10, 2023, for the development of the Serra Alta deposit at the Monte Do Carmo project. Subject to acceptance of the application, the Company anticipates it will be granted the Installation License approximately three months thereafter, which will allow for construction activities to commence at the project.

In addition, the Company is also updating the expected completion schedule for the Feasibility Study ("FS") for the Serra Alta deposit at its Monte Do Carmo project in Brazil. In finalizing various components of the FS, Cerrado has identified material new opportunities that require changes in scope to ensure they are captured within the project economics. This will require approximately three additional months to complete the FS. As such, the updated completion is now targeted by the end October 2023.

Mark Brennan, CEO and Chairman commented, "We are pleased to be making steady progress in permitting at the Serra Alta project and expect the granting of the LI to continue to support our ongoing development. Further, while we are disappointed with the delay in completing the FS, we believe it is a prudent step to ensure that the best value for shareholders is achieved by implementing the best potential design for the long-term development of the project."

About Cerrado

Cerrado Gold is a Toronto-based gold production, development, and exploration company focused on gold projects in South America. The Company is the 100% owner of both the producing Minera Don Nicols and Las Calandrias mine in Santa Cruz province, Argentina, and the highly prospective Monte Do Carmo development project, located in Tocantins State, Brazil. In Canada, Cerrado Gold is developing it's 100% owned Mont Sorcier Iron Ore and Vanadium project located outside of Chibougamou, Quebec.

In Argentina, Cerrado is maximizing asset value at its Minera Don Nicolas operation through continued operational optimization and is growing production through its operations at the Las Calandrias Heap Leach project. An extensive campaign of exploration is ongoing to further unlock potential resources in our highly prospective land package in the heart of the Deseado Masiff.

In Brazil, Cerrado is rapidly advancing the Serra Alta deposit at its Monte Do Carmo Project, through feasibility and into production. Serra Alta is expected to be a high-margin and high-return project with significant exploration potential on an extensive and highly prospective 82,542 hectare land package.

In Canada, Cerrado holds a 100% interest in the Mont Sorcier Iron Ore and Vanadium Project, which has the potential to produce a premium iron ore concentrate over a long mine life at low operating costs and low capital intensity. Furthermore, its high grade and high purity product facilitates the migration of steel producers from blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces contributing to the decarbonisation of the industry and the achievement of SDG goals.

For more information about Cerrado please visit our website at: www.cerradogold.com.

Mark Brennan

CEO and Chairman

Mike McAllister

Vice President, Investor Relations

Tel: +1-647-805-5662

[email protected]

Disclaimer

NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation, all statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding the business and operations of Cerrado. In making the forward- looking statements contained in this press release, Cerrado has made certain assumptions, including, but not limited to the time required to reach production capacity at Las Calandrias, the future operating costs in Argentina, as well the timing of the feasibility study at Monte Do Carmo. Although Cerrado believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, Cerrado disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/174803
Glen Ellyn, Illinois--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2023) - Nevien Shaabneh, Ph.D., brings more than 20 years of experience to her new role as Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at College of DuPage.

"There is so much more to education than just teaching content," she said. "People bring their whole selves to schools, and we need to recognize the importance of attending to the whole person. DEI is essentially about humanizing spaces and places to ensure everyone is treated with the dignity they deserve."

COD President Dr. Brian Caputo said Shaabneh's engagement with the campus community will benefit student success.

"Dr. Shaabneh has an impressive history of working on DEI efforts with institutions across the country, and that experience will help her make a positive impact at College of DuPage," he said.

Shaabneh earned a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education from University of Illinois Chicago, a Master of Arts in education from Saint Xavier University and a Ph.D. in literacy, language and culture from UIC. She also earned the Certified Diversity Executive designation from the Institute for Diversity Certification.

She began her career teaching high school AP English but found herself drawn to DEI work, becoming the equity coordinator for her high school. During the past 20 years, Shaabneh also provided diversity consulting for a wide range of organizations, including educational institutions and nonprofits. As a published novelist and children's book author, she has a unique insight and expertise on DEI that has been sought after by leaders in the book publishing industry. Shaabneh also has shared her expertise at numerous writing conferences.

Her work includes conducting research to inform diversity and equity initiatives; implementing workshops for leadership teams to help them recruit, hire and retain a diverse workforce; creating and implementing equitable hiring rubrics; implementing diverse, equitable and inclusive grievance procedures and protocols to align with company cultures; and creating training programs to develop employees' skills.

"It's important to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels heard, respected and valued," she said. "This not only benefits individuals but is also vital for the success of any organization."

She believes in the power of community colleges and was impressed by COD's early commitment to DEI work in 2019.

"Community colleges are institutions that serve the community and provide necessary access to education and vocational training," she said. "They are critical in preparing students for their future careers, whether they plan to transfer to a four-year-university or choose to complete a technical education program.

"I am excited to connect with people at College of DuPage and share my passion for this work. I am looking forward to learning more about their efforts, listening to their input and needs, and continuing this important work together. I see opportunities where I can make a great impact and look forward to being a part of them."

# # #





Navien Shaabneh

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9467/174871_febbd39a4404c8a5_001full.jpg

Contact: Brian Kleemann

[email protected]

(630) 942-2370

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/174871
Singapore, Singapore--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2023) - International City Holdings, a prominent leader in Asian market investments, is excited to unveil its expansion plans, which include the establishment of a dedicated research center in Europe. As part of its strategic vision, the company aims to broaden its investment strategies to encompass European and UK opportunities, catering to its growing client base.

International City Holdings has built a strong reputation as a trusted partner, known for delivering exceptional investment solutions and achieving consistent success in the Asian market. By expanding its operations in Europe, the company seeks to extend its expertise and research capabilities to better serve its clientle, offering tailored investment strategies and in-depth analysis to meet their specific needs.





International City Holdings

The decision to establish a dedicated research center in Europe reflects International City Holding's unwavering commitment to delivering superior value to its clients. By deepening its presence in the European market, the company aims to leverage the diverse investment landscape and create a comprehensive portfolio that combines Asian and European opportunities.

"We are thrilled to embark on this significant expansion initiative and bring International City Holding's research capabilities to the European market," said Mr. Alex Thatcher, Head of Capital Markets at International City Holdings. "By establishing a dedicated research center in Europe, we will enhance our ability to identify emerging investment opportunities across both the Asian and European markets."

International City Holding's expansion plans demonstrate its commitment to maintaining a position of prominence in the investment industry by continually adapting to evolving market dynamics and meeting the diverse needs of clients globally. The research center will be staffed by a team of highly skilled professionals equipped with deep market insights and a comprehensive understanding of investment trends in various regions.

As International City Holdings finalizes the selection of the research center's location, careful consideration is being given to the advantages offered by key financial hubs such as London and Frankfurt. These cities boast robust financial infrastructures, access to a highly skilled talent pool, and serve as gateways to European markets, making them prime contenders for housing International City Holding's cutting-edge research facility.



About International City Holdings:

International City Holdings operates as a financial management and investment advisory company. Its primary goal is to ensure financial stability for its clients and offer them a wide range of investment options.

For more details please visit their official website: https://internationalcityholdings.com/.

Contact Media:

Company Name: International City Holdings

Contact Person Name: Jeffrey Moore, Head of Media

Email Address: [email protected]

Location: Singapore

Phone No: +65 800-492-2562

Website: https://internationalcityholdings.com/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/174821
Copper mineralisation style and grade similar to Sentinel Mine

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2023) - Midnight Sun Mining Corp. (TSXV: MMA)(OTCQB: MDNGF) (the "Company" or "Midnight Sun")is pleased to provide the remaining drill results from holes MTDD047 and MTDD048, and a summary of results from the 2022 drilling campaign on the Mitu Trend, one of four key prospects which comprise the Company's Solwezi Project in Zambia. Initial laboratory results were received shortly after the conclusion of drilling in 2022, however the Company chose to re-assay select drill core in order to confirm laboratory accuracy. SGS Inspection Services Kalulushi, has now completed all assays and the Company is pleased to report that initial results were confirmed, and significant mineralisation was encountered. Copper mineralisation intercepted at Mitu is associated with cobalt, nickel, and anomalous gold. This suite of metals is comparable in mineralization style and grade to those at First Quantum's Sentinel Mine, located approximately 120 kilometres west of Midnight Sun's Solwezi Project.

2022 Mitu Drill Highlights Include:

MTDD044: 11.50m @ 1.41% copper, 0.11% cobalt, and 0.03% nickel Incl. 4.15m @ 1.29% copper, 0.13% cobalt, and 0.09% nickel; and Incl. 5.80m @ 1.86% copper, 0.07% cobalt, and 0.02% nickel

and MTDD045: 7.30m @ 0.58% copper, 0.02% cobalt , and 0.02% nickel

, and MTDD047: 26.10m @ 0.32% copper, 0.07% cobalt, and 0.05% nickel

and MTDD048: 22.25m @ 0.39% copper, 0.01% cobalt, and 0.01% nickel

Al Fabbro, Midnight Sun's President & CEO, stated: "We are very pleased to see that these final results from Mitu are consistent with earlier drilling. Though delays are never ideal, confirming our initial results was a prudent step toward developing a sound technical model and establishing our future plans for this key component of our Solwezi Project. Our 2022 exploration program has accomplished precisely what we had hoped for, which is proof of concept. This new work has revealed more insight into the mineralisation at Mitu, and most exciting for our team is the revelation that the geology at Mitu is consistent with that of First Quantum's Sentinel Mine, located a short distance to the west. We have long believed that there could be multiple large geological systems on our 506 square kilometre property, and this not only establishes an analog for Mitu, but strengthens our belief that more than one generational copper deposit may exist on our property."

Midnight Sun completed 17 diamond-drill-holes totaling 3,559 metres ("m") on the Solwezi Project during the 2022 field season, consisting of 7 holes at the Mitu Trend target area and 10 holes at the Crunch Zone target area. Initial results were announced on November 7, 2022. The 2022 drilling program resulted from a review of available date and culminated in a set of drill targets that included a 'new look' at existing target areas as well as newly defined targets interpreted from high-resolution geophysical data over the project area.

Significant Downhole Intercepts

Hole From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au g/t Cu (%) Co (%) Nickel (%) Cu Eq (%) MTDD043 32.00 34.80 2.80 not assayed 0.12 0.01 0.20 0.65 MTDD044 9.00 12.00 3.00 not assayed 0.10 0.00 0.01 0.16 MTDD044 13.15 16.00 2.85 not assayed 0.12 0.01 0.02 0.24 MTDD044 18.95 31.00 12.05 not assayed 0.14 0.00 0.02 0.23 MTDD044 51.00 55.00 4.00 0.01 0.19 0.02 0.01 0.35 MTDD044 60.00 64.85 4.85 not assayed 0.46 0.02 0.02 0.69 MTDD044 98.00 110.00 12.00 not assayed 0.18 0.01 0.02 0.29 MTDD044 113.50 125.0 11.5 0.10 1.41 0.11 0.03 1.92 MTDD045 52.00 57.00 5.00 not assayed 0.18 0.01 0.09 0.43 MTDD045 146.30 149.00 2.70 not assayed 0.14 0.01 0.01 0.22 MTDD045 149.00 156.30 7.30 not assayed 0.58 0.02 0.02 0.72 MTDD045 157.00 168.00 11.00 0.07 0.23 0.01 0.01 0.31 MTDD045 171.30 174.00 2.70 not assayed 0.18 0.05 0.01 0.39 MTDD047 14.40 17.40 3.00 not assayed 0.39 0.01 0.01 0.46 MTDD047 36.40 42.90 6.50 not assayed 0.19 0.01 0.02 0.28 MTDD047 79.30 105.4 26.10 not assayed 0.32 0.07 0.05 0.72 MTDD048 32.40 45.90 13.50 not assayed 0.23 0.01 0.03 0.34 MTDD048 71.50 93.75 22.25 not assayed 0.39 0.01 0.01 0.45

Notes:

Reported intervals are the downhole widths. More structural and orientation data is required to determine true widths.

Reported intervals are calculated for zones assaying > 0.1% copper or 0.01% cobalt and containing less than 2 meters of internal waste.

Copper equivalent values are estimated using current metal prices of $3.75/lb copper, $15/lb cobalt, and $9.25/lb nickel. Gold has not been included in the equivalent calculation.

Copper equivalent values are presented for ease of interval comparison only. Metallurgical recovery factors are assumed to be 100% although the recovery factors for various metals may vary significantly.

Location of Drill Holes

Hole East North RL Azimuth Dip EOH CRZDD001 424175 8647400 1376 -55 100 238.1 CRZDD002 424257 8647385 1376 -55 100 160.5 CRZDD003 424077 8647417 1367 -55 110 205 CRZDD004 423892 8652334 1392 -60 330 168.6 CRZDD005 423996 8647432 1359 -60 100 281.5 CRZDD006 423955 8652167 1398 -60 330 211 CRZDD007 418120 8648817 1352 -60 315 276.55 CRZDD008 424933.8 8652368 1392.31 -60 330 201.3 CRZDD009 418023.9 8648913 1362.75 -60 315 190.3 CRZDD010 419544.6 8647731 1383.54 -60 315 209.5 MTDD042 431035 8636307 1372 -60 315 242 MTDD043 431105 8636378 1372 -60 315 215.7 MTDD044 428016 8638405 1373 -60 315 217 MTDD045 427611 8638095 1357 -60 315 224.5 MTDD046 428322 8638090 1370 -60 315 245.1 MTDD047 427982 8638452 1374.6 -60 315 143.4 MTDD048 428044.2 8638435 1373.13 -60 315 141.4

Quality Control/Quality Assurance

Samples obtained during the diamond drilling were transported directly to SGS Inspection Services in Kalulushi, Zambia by Midnight Sun personnel for sample preparation. There the samples were sorted, dried, crushed, and pulped before final chemical analysis using ICP42S method which encompasses a 3 or 4 acid digest followed by an AAS multi-element scan. All samples returning >10,000 ppm Cu were automatically re-assayed for higher level concentrations by SGS, which is a fully accredited laboratory. Standards and blanks were inserted regularly in the sample stream and checks were done for Cu. A subset of pulps from MTDD044 and MTDD045 were selected and airfreight to SGS South Africa for gold analysis by fire assay.

Qualified Person : Richard Mazur, P.Geo., a Director of the Company, and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical data and contents of this release.

About Midnight Sun

Midnight Sun is focused on exploring our flagship Solwezi Project, located in Zambia. Situated in the heart of the Zambian Copper Belt, the second largest copper producing region in the world, our property is vast and highly prospective. Our Solwezi Project is surrounded by world-class producing copper mines, including Africa's largest copper mining complex right next door, First Quantum's Kansanshi Mine. Led by an experienced geological team with multiple discoveries and mines around the world to their credit, Midnight Sun intends to find and develop Zambia's next generational copper deposit.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF MIDNIGHT SUN MINING CORP.

Al Fabbro

President & CEO

For Further Information Contact:

Adrian O'Brien

Director of Marketing and Communications

Tel: +1 604 809 6890

Em: [email protected]

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEW RELEASE.

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements." All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, changes in market conditions, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in commodity prices, unanticipated changes in key management personnel and general economic conditions. Mining exploration and development is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/174659
In the intercepted conversation, the Russian occupier told his colleague how he had fled the front for money, as he realised that the Russian command was using people like him as cannon fodder in the war against Ukraine. He recommended that his interlocutor also return home.

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The interception was published on 25 July by the press service of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine. During the conversation, one of the occupants told how his comrade "Sanek" suddenly fell asleep and did not wake up after being injured (to listen to the audio, scroll to the end of the news).

"He was shell-shocked, and somehow managed to live for two more days. There was arrival after arrival, they were sitting in the trenches. And we were running around under mortar fire. We also went there. Anyway, we had Artemivsk on our left and Soledar on our right. 200 two hundredths..." - complained the Russian soldier.

The second said that he had heard that "the entire regiment was liquidated". Only five people remained in his own unit.

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"F*ck this commander, I was shell-shocked, I have two torn tendons in my leg and arm. I went into battle. I was injured in the battle while retreating. I asked the commanders to take me to hospital: I'll get better, I give my word as a man, I'll come back. They said, "F*ck no, you need to rest for 3-4 days and then come back, you have to take these five dugouts," his "colleague" told him.

He added that the occupiers were given 13 machine guns for 30 people on the frontline.

"We were paid to leave, we paid to be taken out in a KAMAZ truck. We ran the f*ck out of there because we realised that we were just meat there. We were just being used up there," the Russian soldier complained.

He also advised his comrade to follow his example:

"Take care of yourself and your family. Now they say that in September all those mobilised should be replaced, but in short, there is such a sh*t in Russia that they are recruiting contract soldiers. You seem to be an adult and understand that people are leaving and no one is coming back, but for what? And why is our artillery silent?"

ADVERTISIMENT

Warning: Audio is 18+!

As reported by OBOZREVATEL:

- Another occupier reported that the commander of one of the units fled from the positions during the shelling. Now the invaders refuse to fight under his command.

- In a conversation with a friend, a Russian military officer admitted that the Russian army is much weaker than the Ukrainian army. According to him, the Russian army is commanded by morons.

Only verified information is available in our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Drilling results demonstrate further upside at Red Chris and Brucejack

Melbourne, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 24, 2023) - At Red Chris, drilling has intersected a new higher-grade zone of mineralisation east of the East Ridge Exploration Target (Far East Ridge) which has the potential to become the fifth porphyry centre along the Red Chris porphyry corridor.

At Far East Ridge (outside of the previously released East Ridge Exploration Target) drilling of hole RC876 returned 274m @ 0.67g/t Au & 0.45% Cu from 998m including 42m @ 1.5g/t Au & 1.1% Cu from 1,080m, 14m @ 1.7g/t Au & 0.63% Cu from 1,144m and 26m @ 1.1g/t Au & 0.5% Cu from 1,170m. Mineralisation remains open to the east and at depth.

Drilling within the East Ridge Exploration Target has also successfully confirmed continuity of the higher-grade mineralisation across the vertical extent of the deposit with a partial intercept in RC875# returning 406m @ 1.1g/t Au & 1.0% Cu from 486m**, including 248m @ 1.6g/t Au & 1.4% Cu from 644m**.

At Brucejack, growth drilling continues to intersect significant mineralisation outside of the Valley of the Kings (VOK) current Mineral Resource.

Drilling during the quarter has extended the HBX domain by approximately 200m to the east. The HBX domain now has dimensions of 350m x 300m x 250m and remains open to the west and at depth, outside of the current Pretium published Mineral Resource estimate. Results from the quarter include VU-5145 returning 38.5m @ 49g/t Au from 48m, including 1m @ 1,735g/t Au from 63.75m.

The surface exploration program commenced during the quarter to test the potential of the VOK deposit beyond the limits of current underground development, with three drill rigs targeting opportunities around the VOK. Drilling is currently in progress at Flow Dome Zone and Bridge Zone.

At Havieron, all growth related drilling activities were completed in May 2023.

In the Western USA Newcrest(ASX: NCM) (TSX: NCM) (PNGX: NCM) has entered into an additional option and earn-in agreement with Headwater Gold Inc (Headwater Gold) to acquire up to a 75% interest in the Lodestar project located in Nevada, USA, north of the Spring Peak project. This has significantly expanded Newcrest's high grade epithermal search space in the highly prospective Aurora district. In addition, as part of Newcrest's strategy of gaining exposure to quality copper assets within Tier 1 jurisdictions, Newcrest also acquired a 9.5% strategic equity interest in Metallic Minerals Corp. which owns the La Plata Copper exploration project located in Colorado, USA.

Newcrest Interim Chief Executive Officer, Sherry Duhe, said, "The June quarter delivered another set of excellent exploration results across our global exploration portfolio.

"At Red Chris, we are exploring potential extensions to the Red Chris porphyry corridor and it was pleasing to deliver some impressive drilling results beyond the East Ridge Exploration Target, highlighting the potential for a fifth porphyry centre. Growth drilling at Brucejack also delivered some exciting results, with the potential for further brownfields growth in several targets outside the Valley of the Kings current resource.

"We also continued to expand our global exploration footprint with another emerging project in the Western USA added to our portfolio during the quarter.

"We have demonstrated considerable exploration success across our portfolio in FY23 and remain well positioned to leverage our exploration capabilities and high-quality exploration pipeline into the future," said Ms Duhe.

# drilling in progress, **partial intercept, assays pending

Red Chris, British Columbia, Canada(1)

Red Chris is a joint venture between Newcrest (70%) and Imperial Metals Corporation (30%) and is operated by Newcrest.

The Brownfield Exploration program is focused on the discovery of additional zones of higher-grade mineralisation within the Red Chris porphyry corridor, including targets outside of Newcrest's Mineral Resource estimate. During the quarter, there were up to four diamond drill rigs in operation. A further 6,947m of drilling has been completed during the quarter from 11 drill holes, with all drill holes intersecting mineralisation. This contributed to a total of 317,632m of drilling from 312 drill holes since Newcrest acquired its interest in the joint venture in August 2019.

At East Ridge, located adjacent to the East Zone, 85 holes have now been completed. Assay results were received for 8 holes during the quarter, with assay results from 1 hole pending. The drilling was undertaken on a nominal 100m x 100m grid to determine the footprint, understand the mineralisation, geotechnical and geometallurgical characteristics and to determine the extent of continuity of the higher-grade mineralisation. Drilling to date has tested a corridor 1,000m long, 450m wide and to a vertical extent of 1,000m where zones of higher-grade mineralisation have been identified. Mineralisation remains open at depth and to the east.

An updated Exploration Target has been estimated for East Ridge (previously reported2), with ranges from a lower case of approximately 400Mt @ 0.42g/t Au & 0.49% Cu for 5.4Moz Au & 1.9Mt Cu to an upper case of approximately 500Mt @ 0.39g/t Au & 0.47% Cu for 6.1Moz Au & 2.3Mt Cu. The updated Exploration Target is exclusive of the current published Mineral Resource and relates to the portion of the deposit that has not yet been adequately drill tested. The potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Target is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource.

The grades and tonnages are estimates based on continuity of mineralisation defined by exploration diamond drilling results (previously reported including relevant sections and plans) within the Redstock Intrusive with the lower range estimate in the area with a nominal drill hole spacing of 100m x 100m and the upper range estimate extended into the area with a nominal drill hole spacing of 100m x 200m.

East Ridge is outside of Newcrest's published Red Chris Mineral Resource estimate. Geotechnical and metallurgical studies are currently in progress with the aim to deliver an updated Red Chris Mineral Resource estimate including East Ridge in calendar year 20233.

A series of three diamond holes drilling from south to north, the opposite direction to most of the drilling to date has commenced. The aim of the drilling is to confirm the continuity of the mineralisation and test for any bias from the original drill orientation. The results from the first hole RC875# returned a partial intercept 406m** @ 1.1g/t Au & 1.0% Cu from 486m, including 248m** @ 1.6g/t Au & 1.4% Cu from 644m. This result successfully confirms the continuity of the higher-grade mineralisation across the vertical extent of the deposit. The program will recommence in the upcoming winter, when access conditions improve, subject to no further unforeseen delays.

Ongoing drilling east of the East Ridge Exploration Target has returned another significant higher-grade intercept, 100m east of RC860 (reported last quarter) with RC876 returning 274m @ 0.67g/t Au & 0.45 % Cu from 998m including 42m @ 1.5g/t Au & 1.1% Cu from 1,080m, 14m @ 1.7g/t Au & 0.63% Cu from 1,144m and 26m @ 1.1g/t Au & 0.5% Cu 1,170m. This intersection located approximately 200m east of the Exploration Target, demonstrates the prospectivity of this area for further discoveries. This new discovery, at Far East Ridge, has the potential to become the fifth porphyry centre along the Red Chris porphyry corridor. Follow up drilling is planned for calendar year 20243.

A regional exploration program commenced during the quarter, with a program of geological mapping, geochemical sampling and drilling, testing targets generated from the application of the knowledge gained from the Red Chris discoveries. Several high priority porphyry copper-gold targets across the 750km2 of claims (previously reported) demonstrate the prospectivity of this region. Approximately 4,000m of growth-related drilling targeting higher-grade mineralisation within the Red Chris porphyry corridor at Far West and Gully Zone is planned for the September 2023 quarter utilising one drill rig3.

Refer to Appendix 1 for additional information, and the drill hole data table for all results reported during the period.





Figure 1.Schematic plan view map of the Red Chris porphyry corridor spanning Far East Ridge, East Ridge, East Zone and Main Zone showing significant Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 2 of this report), 0.3g/t Au, 1g/t Au, 0.3% Cu and 1% Cu shell projections generated from a LeapfrogTMmodel.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/174730_6751d549f4e65813_003full.jpg





Figure 2.Long section view (looking North West) of the Red Chris porphyry corridor showing drill hole locations, gold distribution and Exploration Target (previously released).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/174730_6751d549f4e65813_004full.jpg

Brucejack, British Columbia, Canada(4)

The Brucejack Property hosts the Valley of the Kings (VOK) high grade gold deposit. The VOK is characterised by multiple occurrences of higher-grade mineralisation over selected intervals hosted within broader zones of stockwork and vein arrays. Growth activities are focused on both resource expansion within the existing mine area, as well as brownfields exploration activities within 4km of the mine area. Underground resource expansion drilling during the quarter was focused on targets in the Bridge Zone and Deep VOK. A total of 17,595m was completed in 52 drill holes using two underground diamond drill rigs. Assay results were received for three drill fans completed in Eastern Promises during the March 2023 quarter. All other assays are pending.

Assays results have been received for 5 of the 6 drill fans testing the Eastern Promises target and HBX Domain. Results from the HBX Domain have extended this zone by an additional 210m to the east and confirm the continuity of the higher-grade mineralisation. Mineralisation within the HBX Domain encompassing both 1080 HBX (previously reported) and Eastern Promises now has a footprint of 350m x 300m x 250m. This represents a highly prospective area for potential resource growth at the VOK. Highlights from the drilling include:

VU-5144 o 13.9m @ 36g/t Au from 61.5m o Including 1m @ 434g/t Au from 74.4m

VU-5145 o 38.5m @ 49g/t Au from 48m o including 1m @ 1,735g/t Au from 63.75m



A surface exploration program at Brucejack commenced during the quarter, with approximately 23,500m of drilling planned to test the potential of the VOK deposit in multiple areas beyond the limits of current underground development, including:

Flow Dome Zone , located 200m east of Eastern Promises, testing what is interpreted as the extension to the HBX Domain, east of the VOK;

, located 200m east of Eastern Promises, testing what is interpreted as the extension to the HBX Domain, east of the VOK; Bridge Zone , located approximately 400m south of the VOK;

, located approximately 400m south of the VOK; West VOK and Lookout Zone , both located west of the VOK on the west side of the Brucejack Fault; and

, both located west of the VOK on the west side of the Brucejack Fault; and Gossan Hill to Golden Marmot, multiple targets along the 4km epithermal corridor north of the VOK.

These areas are future targets of potential resource growth at the VOK. All assays are pending.

Refer to Appendix 2 for additional information, and the drill hole data table for all results reported during the period.





Figure 3.Plan view map of the Brucejack Property, spanning the 4km gossanous trend from Golden Marmot and Hanging Glacier in the northwest to Bridge Zone in the southeast.

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Figure 4.Long section view (looking west) of the Brucejack Property. Refer to figure 3 for the location of the cross section. Viewing window is +/- 100 meters.

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Figure 5.Plan map of the 1080 Level showing the HBX Domain intersected in the Eastern Promises drilling. Viewing window is +/- 30 meters.

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Havieron Project, Western Australia, Australia(5)

The Havieron Project is operated by Newcrest under a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with Greatland Gold Plc (Greatland). Newcrest is the manager and holds a 70% interest in the Havieron Project (Greatland holds a 30% interest). The JVA includes tolling principles reflecting the intention of the parties that, subject to a successful exploration program, Feasibility Study and a positive decision to mine, the resulting joint venture mineralised material will be processed at Telfer.

The Havieron Project is centred on a deep magnetic anomaly located 45km east of Telfer in the Paterson Province. The deposit is overlain by more than 420m of post mineral Permian cover. The Joint Venture commenced drilling during the June 2019 quarter and has completed 303,200m of drilling from 341 drill holes to date (excluding holes in progress, abandoned holes, or drill holes which have not been sampled).

Drilling activities in the quarter have produced a further 4,772m of drilling from 6 holes with up to three drill rigs operating during the quarter. All drilling activities were completed in May 2023. This includes 5 infill drill holes within the current Crescent Inferred Resource which are not included in this report. New assay results are reported from 2 drill holes, (1 hole has assays pending from the previous quarter). Of the reported holes, HAD152W6 returned a broad low-grade intercept of 79m @ 0.60g/t Au and 0.05% Cu from 1,501m testing for extensions of the SE Crescent Zone ~100 northwest of the current Mineral Resource. Additionally, HAD173 a step out hole testing a geophysical target ~600m to the SE of the Havieron system returned no significant assays.

Refer to Appendix 3 for additional information and drill hole data table for all results reported during the period.





Figure 6. Plan view schematic of a horizontal slice at 3900mRL through the Crescent Sulphide Zone and Breccia-hosted Zones, showing the extents of the 0.5 and 1.0 g/t Au LeapfrogTMgrade shells with highlighted newly reported intercepts for this period. This diagram highlights >50 gram metres intersections drilled during the period, refer to inset diagram for relationship to all Havieron drilling.

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Western USA

Within Western USA, the exploration strategy is focused on discovering high grade epithermal gold deposits and gaining exposure to high quality copper assets. As part of this strategy, during the quarter Newcrest entered into an additional option and earn-in agreement with Headwater Gold to acquire up to a 75% interest in the Lodestar project located in Nevada, USA, north of the Spring Peak project. This has significantly expanded Newcrest's high grade epithermal search space in the highly prospective Aurora district. In addition, Newcrest also acquired a 9.5% strategic equity interest in Metallic Minerals Corp. which owns the La Plata Copper exploration project located in Colorado, USA. The La Plata project is a district scale opportunity in a Tier 1 jurisdiction with an existing copper resource and open ended high grade intercepts. It is well aligned with Newcrest's strategy of increased copper exposure and plays to its strength in bulk underground mining.

Spring Peak Project, Nevada

Newcrest has an option to acquire up to a 75% interest (previously reported) in the Spring Peak project in Nevada, USA with Headwater Gold. The Spring Peak project is located approximately 35km southwest of Hawthorn, Nevada in the Aurora mining district. Exploration to date has defined a low sulfidation epithermal system over an interpreted area of 2.5km x 1.5km. Initial work focused on the Disco Zone where drilling has intersected high grade gold in multiple holes (previously reported) which has upgraded the project potential.

Drilling is scheduled to commence at Spring Peak in the September 2023 quarter6and will focus on expanding the Disco Zone and to follow up drilling previously conducted at the Opal Ridge target. Target definition work will also be undertaken on the wider Spring Peak property.

Appaloosa Project, Nevada

Newcrest has entered into an option and earn-in agreement (previously reported) with Gunpoint Exploration Ltd. (Gunpoint) to acquire up to 75% of the Appaloosa property located in Nevada, USA (with an option to acquire the remaining 25% of Appaloosa post the earn-in period). Appaloosa is an underexplored mineralised structural zone situated within Gunpoint's Talapoosa gold-silver project. During 2022, Newcrest undertook target definition work including mapping, geophysics, rock chip and channel sampling that defined multiple drill targets on the property.

Drilling at Appaloosa began in April 2023 with an initial focus on surface geochemical and geological targets generated during the CY22 field program. To date six holes for 1,900m of diamond drilling has been completed with partial assays returned for all six holes. Drilling at the central target area has returned halo intercepts of gold, silver and pathfinder elements consistent with the peripheral and upper zones of a low sulfidation epithermal gold-silver system. Drilling to discover the more developed parts of the epithermal system is ongoing.

Refer to Appendix 4 for additional information, and the drill hole data table for all results reported during the period.

Australia

Wilki Project, Western Australia

The Wilki Project is an exploration farm-in with Antipa Minerals Limited (Antipa). The project area covers a strategic landholding of ~1,470km2 surrounding the Telfer operation and is adjacent to the Havieron Project. Newcrest entered into this exploration farm-in and joint venture agreement with Antipa in March 2020. Newcrest currently also has a 9.9% shareholding in Antipa.

As previously highlighted, Newcrest has elected to proceed to the next stage (Stage 1) of the farm-in agreement following completion of the initial exploration expenditure commitment (A$6 million). Newcrest has the potential to earn a 51% joint venture interest in the Wilki Project through expenditure of a further A$10 million by March 2025 during Stage 1. As of 1 July 2022, Newcrest is the manager and operator of the Wilki Project.

Field activities resumed in the quarter, with an airborne geophysical survey (Falcon Gravity) commenced to inform the next stages of target generation field programs, as well as further surface geochemical sampling and reconnaissance drilling programs.

Juri Joint Venture, Western Australia

The Juri Joint Venture is a farm-in and joint venture agreement with Greatland with respect to the Black Hills and Paterson Range East projects, located within the Paterson Province approximately 50km from the Telfer operation and in proximity to the Havieron Project. The joint venture covers an area of approximately 248km2. Newcrest currently has a 51% interest in the Juri Joint Venture. Under the terms of the agreement, Newcrest has the potential to earn an additional 24% joint venture interest through expenditure of a further A$17 million by October 2024.

Field activities during the quarter focused on rehabilitation of prior field programs, ongoing target generation and project review. Newcrest has elected to assume management of the Juri Joint Venture from 1 July 2023.

Mount Coolon Project, Queensland

Newcrest has a farm-in agreement with GBM Resources Ltd (GBM) in relation to the Mount Coolon Project to advance gold exploration in the Drummond Basin in Queensland. The agreement provides the potential for Newcrest to acquire up to a 75% interest in the Mount Coolon Project tenements by spending A$25 million and completing a series of exploration milestones in a 2-stage farm-in over six years.

Newcrest considers the Drummond Basin to be highly prospective for discovery of new higher-grade gold resources related to known epithermal gold deposits within the Mount Coolon Project area.

During the quarter, field programs, including a ground geophysical (Induced Polarisation) survey, surface geochemical sampling, and review and processing of historic drill core and drill chip samples, were undertaken to inform target assessment and first pass drilling in subsequent periods. A total of over 30 line kilometres of new IP data acquisition, and 2,000 soil samples have been acquired to progress the project. An airborne geophysical survey is planned to commence early in the September 2023 quarter7.

Northern Andes

Gamora Project, Ecuador

In southeast Ecuador, 3,247m of diamond core drilling was completed during the June 2023 quarter at the Gamora Project. Newcrest is conducting this work as the operator under an earn-in agreement with Lundin Gold Inc. (Lundin Gold), under which Newcrest can earn up to a 50% interest in eight exploration concessions. The concession areas cover strategic landholdings north and south of Lundin Gold's Fruta del Norte mining operation.

Drilling at Gamora focused on testing priority copper-gold targets in the Mirador copper porphyry district. Results from the drilling are in the process of being received and interpreted.

Appendix 1

Red Chris (70% Newcrest): JORC Table 1

Section 1: Sampling Techniques and Data

Criteria Commentary Sampling techniques Core samples are obtained from core drilling. HQ and NQ diameter diamond core was drilled on a 3, 4.5m or 6m run. Core was cut using an automatic core-cutter and half core sampled at 2m intervals. Cover sequences were not sampled. Drilling techniques Core drilling was advanced with HQ3, HQ, NQ3 and NQ diameter coring configuration.



Core from inclined drill holes are oriented on 3, 4.5m or 6m runs using an electronic core orientation tools (Reflex ACTIII and Axis Champ Ori). At the end of each run, the bottom of hole position is marked by the driller, which is later transferred to the whole drill core run length with a bottom of hole reference line. Drill sample recovery Core recovery is systematically recorded from the commencement of coring to end of hole, by reconciling against driller's depth blocks in each core tray with data recorded in the database. Drillers depth blocks provided the depth, interval of core recovered, and interval of core drilled.



Core recoveries were typically 100%, with isolated zones of lower recovery. Logging Geological logging recorded qualitative descriptions of lithology, alteration, mineralisation, veining, and structure (for all core drilled - 6,947 in 11 holes - all holes intersected mineralisation, including orientation of key geological features).



Geotechnical measurements were recorded including Rock Quality Designation (RQD) fracture frequency, solid core recovery and qualitative rock strength measurements.



Magnetic susceptibility measurements were recorded every metre.



All geological and geotechnical logging was conducted at the Red Chris Mine.



Digital data logging was captured, validated and stored in an acQuire database.



All drill cores were photographed, prior to cutting and/or sampling the core. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation Sampling, sample preparation and quality control protocols are considered appropriate for the material being sampled.



Core was cut and sampled at the Red Chris Mine core processing facility. Half core samples were collected in pre numbered calico bags and grouped in wood crates for dispatch to the laboratory. Sample weights typically varied from 5 to 10kg. Sample sizes are considered appropriate for the style of mineralisation. Drill core samples were freighted by road to the laboratory.



Sample preparation was conducted at the independent ISO 9001 certified and ISO 17025 accredited Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd Laboratory, Vancouver (Bureau Veritas). Samples were dried at 650C, and crushed to 95% passing 4.75 mm, and the split to obtain up to 1kg sub-sample, which was pulverised (using LM2) to produce a pulped product with the minimum standard of 95% passing 106m.



Duplicate samples were collected from crush and pulp samples at a rate of 1:20. Duplicate results show an acceptable level of variability for the material sampled and style of mineralisation.



Periodic size checks (1:20) for crush and pulp samples and sample weights are provided by the laboratory and recorded in the acQuire database. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests Assaying of drill core samples was conducted at Bureau Veritas. All samples were assayed for 59 elements using a 4-acid digestion followed by ICP-AES/ICP-MS determination (method MA250). Gold analyses were determined by 50g fire assay with ICP-ES finish (method FA350). Carbon and Sulphur were determined by Leco (method TC000) and mercury using aqua regia digestion followed by ICP-ES/MS determination (method AQ200).



Sampling and assaying quality control procedures consisted of inclusion of certified reference material (CRMs), coarse residue and pulp duplicates with each batch (at least 1:20).



Assays of quality control samples were compared with reference samples in the acQuire database and verified as acceptable prior to use of data from analysed batches.



Laboratory quality control data, including laboratory standards, blanks, duplicates, repeats and grind size results are captured in the acQuire database and assessed for accuracy and precision for recent data.

Due to the limited extent of the drilling program to date, extended quality control programs are yet to be undertaken, whereby pulped samples will be submitted to an umpire laboratory and combined with more extensive re-submission programs.



Analysis of the available quality control sample assay results indicates that an acceptable level of accuracy and precision has been achieved and the database contains no analytical data that has been numerically manipulated.



The assaying techniques and quality control protocols used are considered appropriate for the data to be used for reporting exploration drilling results. Verification of sampling and assaying Sampling intervals defined by the geologist are electronically assigned sample identification numbers prior to core cutting. Corresponding sample numbers matching pre-labelled sample tags are assigned to each interval.



All sampling and assay information were stored in a secure acQuire database with restricted access.



Electronically generated sample submission forms providing the sample identification number accompany each submission to the laboratory. Assay results from the laboratory with corresponding sample identification are loaded directly into the acQuire database.



Assessment of reported significant assay intervals was verified by re-logging of drill core intervals and assessment of high resolution core photography. The verification of significant intersections has been completed by company personnel and the Competent Person/Qualified Person.

No adjustments are made to assay data, and no twinned holes have been completed. Drilling intersects mineralisation at various angles.



There are no currently known drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. Location of data points Drill collar locations were surveyed using a RTK GPS with GNSS with a stated accuracy of +/- 0.025m.



Drill rig alignment was attained using an electronic azimuth aligner (Reflex TN14 GYROCOMPASS). Downhole survey was collected at 9 to 30m intervals of the drill hole using single shot survey (Reflex EZ-SHOT and Axis Champ Gyro). At the end of hole, all holes have been surveyed using a continuous gyro survey to surface (Reflex EZ-GYRO).



Topographic control is established from PhotoSat topographic data and derived digital elevation model. The topography is generally low relief to flat, with an average elevation of 1500 m, with several deep creek gullies.

All collar coordinates are provided in the North American Datum (NAD83 Zone 9). Data spacing and distribution The drill hole spacing ranges from 100 - 200m in lateral extent within an area of 1.5km2 at the East Ridge,1.5km2 at the East Zone, 1.5km2 at the Main Zone and 1.5km2 at the Gully Zone. An initial Mineral Resource for the East Zone, Main Zone and Gully Zone was released on 31 March 2021.



No sample compositing is applied to samples. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Drilling of reported drill holes RC859, RC860, RC861, RC863, RC864, RC865, RC866 are oriented perpendicular to the intrusive complex. The intrusive complex has an east-northeast orientation, with drilling established on a north-northwest orientation.



Drill holes exploring the extents of the East Ridge, East Zone, Main Zone and Gully Zone mineral system intersected moderately dipping volcanic and sedimentary units cut by sub-vertical intrusive lithologies. Steeply dipping mineralised zones with an east-northeast orientation have been interpreted from historic and Newcrest drill holes. Sample security The security of samples is controlled by tracking samples from drill rig to database.



Drill core was delivered from the drill rig to the Red Chris Mine core yard every shift. Geological and geotechnical logging, high resolution core photography and cutting of drill core was undertaken at the Red Chris core processing facility.



Samples were freighted in sealed wood crates with security tags by road to the laboratory, and in the custody of Newcrest representatives.



Sample numbers are generated from pre-labelled calico bags. All samples are collected in pre-numbered calico bags.



Verification of sample numbers and identification is conducted by the laboratory on receipt of samples, and sample receipt advice issued to Newcrest.



Details of all sample movement are recorded in a database table. Dates, Hole ID sample ranges, and the analytical suite requested are recorded with the dispatch of samples to the laboratory analytical services. Any discrepancies logged at the receipt of samples into the laboratory analytical services are validated. Audits or reviews Due to the limited duration of the program, no external audits or reviews have been undertaken.



Internal verification and audit of Newcrest exploration procedures and databases are periodically undertaken.

Section 2: Reporting of Exploration Results

Criteria Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status Red Chris (including the GJ Property) comprises 204 mineral claims including five mining leases and is a joint venture between subsidiaries of Newcrest Mining Limited (70%) and Imperial Metals Corporation (30%). Newcrest Red Chris Mining Limited is the operator of Red Chris. In June 2022, Newcrest closed the acquisition of four early stage exploration properties from Hawkeye Gold & Diamond. The Todagin, McBride and Railway properties have been added to the Red Chris Joint Venture.



Newcrest Red Chris Mining Limited and the Tahltan Nation (as represented by the Tahltan Central Government, the Tahltan Band and Iskut First Nation) signed an amended and restated updated Impact, Benefit and Co-Management Agreement (IBCA) covering Red Chris on 15 August 2019.

All obligations with respect to legislative requirements including minimum expenditure are maintained in good standing. Exploration done by other parties Conwest Exploration Limited, Great Plains Development Co. of Canada, Silver Standard Mines Ltd, Texasgulf Canada Ltd. (formerly Ecstall Mining Limited), American Bullion Minerals Ltd and bcMetals Corporation conducted exploration in the areas between 1956 and 2006.



Imperial Metals Corporation acquired the project in 2007 and completed deeper drilling at the East and Main Zones between 2007 and 2012. Geology The Red Chris Project is located in the Stikine terrane of north-western British Columbia, 80 km south of the town of Dease Lake.



Late Triassic sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the Stuhini Group host a series of Late Triassic to Early Jurassic (204198 Ma) diorite to quartz monzonite stocks and dykes.



Gold and copper mineralisation at Red Chris consists of vein, disseminated and breccia sulphide typical of porphyry-style mineralisation. Mineralisation is hosted by diorite to quartz monzonite stocks and dykes. The main mineral assemblage contains well developed pyrite-chalcopyrite-bornite sulphide mineral assemblages as vein and breccia infill, and disseminations. The main mineralisation event is associated with biotite and potassium feldspar-magnetite wall rock alteration. Drill hole information As provided. Data aggregation methods Significant assay intercepts are reported as (A) length-weighted averages exceeding 0.1g/t Au greater than or equal to 20m, with less than 10m of consecutive internal dilution; and (B) length-weighted averages exceeding 0.5g/t Au for greater than or equal to 10m, with less than 10m of consecutive internal dilution; and (C) length-weighted averages exceeding 1g/t Au for greater than or equal to 10m, with less than 10m of consecutive internal dilution; (D) length-weighted averages exceeding 5g/t Au greater than or equal to 10m, with less than 10m of consecutive internal dilution; and (E) length-weighted averages exceeding 10g/t Au for greater than or equal to 10m, with less than 10m of consecutive internal dilution. No top cuts are applied to intercept calculations. Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths Significant assay intervals reported represent apparent widths. Insufficient geological information is available to confirm the geological model and true width of significant assay intervals. Diagrams As provided. Balanced reporting This is the twenty-third release of Exploration Results for this project made by Newcrest. Exploration results have been reported by Newcrest since January 2020.



Earlier reporting of exploration programs conducted by Newcrest and Imperial Metals Corporation have previously been reported. Exploration drilling programs are ongoing and further material results will be reported in subsequent Newcrest releases. Other substantive exploration data Nil. Further work Further drilling is planned to define the extents of the East Ridge and Far West (Gully Zone).

Drillhole data(1)

Red Chris Project, British Columbia, Canada

Reporting Criteria: Intercepts reported are downhole drill width (not true width) Au >0.1ppm (0.1g/t Au) and minimum 20m downhole width with maximum consecutive internal dilution of 10m. Also highlighted are high grade intervals of Au >0.5ppm (0.5g/t Au), Au >1ppm (1g/t Au), Au > 5ppm (5g/t Au), Au >10ppm (10g/t Au) and minimum 10m downhole width with maximum consecutive internal dilution of 10m. Gold and copper grades are reported to two significant figures. Samples are from core drilling which is HQ or NQ in diameter. Core is photographed and logged by the geology team before being cut. Half core HQ and NQ samples are prepared for assay and the remaining material is retained in the core farm for future reference. Each assay batch is submitted with duplicates and standards to monitor laboratory quality. Total depth (end of hole) is rounded to one decimal place for reporting purposes.

Hole ID Hole Type Easting (m) Northing (m) RL (m) Total Depth (m) Azimuth Dip From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (ppm) Cu (pct) Cut off RC864W DD/ 453404 6397179 1466 2207.2 146 -56 1600 1686 86 0.17 0.36 0.1 1702 1866 164 0.55 0.48 0.1 incl. 1734 1808 74 0.77 0.57 0.5 incl. 1826 1850 24 0.57 0.44 0.5 1878 1992 114 0.20 0.24 0.1 2010 2080 70 0.17 0.19 0.1 2092 2128 36 0.12 0.18 0.1 RC867 DD/ 453597 6397100 1424 740.7 148 -61 596 638 42 0.75 0.08 0.1 incl. 596 614 18 1.4 0.15 0.5 1480 1722 242 0.47 0.51 0.1 incl. 1580 1682 102 0.76 0.67 0.5 incl. 1642 1670 28 1.4 0.75 1 incl. 1706 1720 14 0.78 0.50 0.5 1740 1832 92 0.20 0.27 0.1 incl. 1748 1760 12 0.53 0.40 0.5 1852 1954 102 0.17 0.22 0.1 RC872 DD/ 454180 6397146 1145 1974.6 151 -64 726 758 32 0.24 0.06 0.1 852 874 22 0.14 0.06 0.1 1390 1538 148 0.11 0.11 0.1 RC873 DD/ 454320 6397177 1167 1743.0 147 -47 No significant intercepts RC874 DD/ 454320 6397177 1167 923.7 145 -66 772 792 20 0.16 0.03 0.1 RC875# DD/ 453660 6396034 1377 866.0 326 -76 256 278 22 0.17 0.04 0.1 392 456 64 0.15 0.25 0.1 486 892 406** 1.1 1.0 0.1 incl. 586 602 16 0.60 0.99 0.5 incl. 622 892 270** 1.6 1.3 0.5 incl. 644 892 248** 1.6 1.4 1 RC876 DD/ 454180 6397146 1145 1116.0 152 -55 998 1272 274 0.67 0.45 0.1 incl. 1066 1124 58 1.3 0.93 0.5 incl. 1080 1122 42 1.5 1.1 1 incl. 1136 1196 60 1.1 0.47 0.5 incl. 1144 1158 14 1.7 0.63 1 incl. 1170 1196 26 1.1 0.50 1 incl. 1210 1244 34 0.71 0.39 0.5 RC878 DD/ 453011 6396424 915 1317.2 146 -65 68 94 26 0.29 0.06 0.1 148 310 162 0.22 0.03 0.1 330 372 42 0.15 0.04 0.1 384 440 56 0.14 0.06 0.1 612 636 24 0.60 0.07 0.1 852 890 38 0.18 0.21 0.1 904 1066 162 0.21 0.24 0.1 1272 1314 42 0.27 0.02 0.1 RC879 DD/ 453804 6396676 1381 107.1 148 -51 Hole abandoned RC880 DD/ 453809 6396676 1381 1268.1 147 -51 866 902 36 0.10 0.27 0.1 946 1040 94 0.14 0.37 0.1 RC882 DD/ 450360 6395055 1550 978.6 146 -56 Assays pending RC884 DD/ 450264 6394812 1582 604.9 149 -59 Assays pending RC885# DD/ 450417 6395747 1519 164.2# 147 -50 Assays pending

# drilling in progress, **partial intercept, assays pending. ^updated intercept ^^previously reported intercept





Figure 7.Schematic plan view map of East Ridge and Far East Ridge showing drill hole locations (Newcrest & Imperial) and significant Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 2 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases). 0.3 g/t Au, 1 g/t Au, 0.3% Cu and 1% Cu shell projections generated from a LeapfrogTMmodel.

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Figure 8. Schematic cross section of RC878 (Section Line 31N - as shown on Figure 7) showing Newcrest and Imperial drill holes and Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 2 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases) 0.1 g/t Au, 0.5 g/t Au and 1 g/t Au shell projections generated from LeapfrogTMmodel. Due to window size (+/- 50m) and section orientation (150U) hole may appear on multiple sections.

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Figure 9. Schematic cross section of RC875 (Section Line 34N - as shown on Figure 7) showing Newcrest and Imperial drill holes and Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 2 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases) 0.1 g/t Au, 0.5 g/t Au and 1 g/t Au shell projections generated from LeapfrogTMmodel. Due to window size (+/- 50m) and section orientation (150U) hole may appear on multiple sections.

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Figure 10. Schematic cross section of RC864W (Section Line 38N - as shown on Figure 7) showing Newcrest and Imperial drill holes and Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 2 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases) 0.1 g/t Au, 0.5 g/t Au and 1 g/t Au shell projections generated from LeapfrogTM model. Due to window size (+/- 50m) and section orientation (150U) hole may appear on multiple sections.





Figure 11. Schematic cross section of RC867 & RC880 (Section Line 39N - as shown on Figure 7) showing Newcrest and Imperial drill holes and Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 2 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases) 0.1 g/t Au, 0.5 g/t Au and 1 g/t Au shell projections generated from LeapfrogTMmodel. Due to window size (+/- 50m) and section orientation (150U) hole may appear on multiple sections.

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Figure 12. Schematic cross section of RC872 & RC876 (Section Line 44N - as shown on Figure 7) showing Newcrest and Imperial drill holes and Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 2 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases) 0.1 g/t Au, 0.5 g/t Au and 1 g/t Au shell projections generated from LeapfrogTMmodel. Due to window size (+/- 50m) and section orientation (150U) hole may appear on multiple sections.



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Figure 13. Schematic cross section of RC874 (Section Line 46N - as shown on Figure 7) showing Newcrest and Imperial drill holes and Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 2 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases) 0.1 g/t Au, 0.5 g/t Au and 1 g/t Au shell projections generated from LeapfrogTMmodel. Due to window size (+/- 50m) and section orientation (150U) hole may appear on multiple sections.

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Appendix 2

Brucejack (100% Newcrest): JORC Table 1

Section 1: Sampling Techniques and Data

Criteria Commentary Sampling techniques Core samples are obtained from core drilling. NQ and HQ diameter diamond core was drilled on a 3m run. Whole core was sampled at 1.5m intervals except where visible gold was identified, in which case the sample length was shortened to 1.0 or 0.5m. Drilling techniques Core drilling was advanced with NQ and HQ diameter coring configuration.



Core from select inclined drill holes are oriented on 3m runs using an electronic core orientation tool (Reflex ACTIII). At the end of each run, the bottom of hole position is marked by the driller, which is later transferred to the whole drill core run length with a bottom of hole reference line. Drill sample recovery Core recovery is systematically recorded from the commencement of coring to end of hole, by reconciling against driller's depth blocks in each core tray with data recorded in the database. Drillers depth blocks provided the depth, interval of core recovered, and interval of core drilled.



Core recoveries were typically 100%, with isolated zones of lower recovery. Logging Geological logging recorded qualitative descriptions of lithology, alteration, mineralisation, veining, and structure (for all core drilled - 17,595m).



Geotechnical measurements were recorded including Rock Quality Designation (RQD) fracture frequency, solid core recovery and qualitative rock strength measurements.



All geological and geotechnical logging was conducted at the Brucejack Mine.



Digital data logging was captured, validated and stored in an Acquire database. The Acquire database replaces the previous Geospark database.



All drill cores were photographed, prior to sampling the core. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation Sampling, sample preparation and quality control protocols are considered appropriate for the material being sampled.



Whole core NQ and HQ samples. Whole core samples were collected in plastic bags together with pre-numbered sample tags and grouped into shipping bins for dispatch to the laboratory by dedicated transport. Sample lengths were typically 1.5m, and weights typically varied from 11 to 15kg, with an average weight of approximately 12.5 Kg. Sample sizes are considered appropriate for the style of mineralisation.



All drill core samples were freighted by road to the laboratory via hired transport



Sample preparation was conducted at the independent ISO 9001 certified and ISO 17025 accredited ALS Global preparation laboratories including Terrace. Kamloops, Yellowknife, and Vancouver. Samples were dried at 600C, and crushed to 90% passing 2 mm, and split to obtain up to 1 kg sub-sample, which was pulverised (using LM2) to produce a pulped product with the minimum standard of 85% passing 75m.



Duplicate sample data are available from crush and pulp samples at a rate of approximately 1:20. Duplicate results show an acceptable level of variability for the material sampled and style of mineralisation. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests Assaying of drill core samples was conducted at ALS in North Vancouver. All samples were assayed for 33 elements using a 4-acid digestion followed by ICP-OES determination (method ME-ICP61). Gold analyses were determined by 50g fire assay with atomic absorption finish (method Au-AA26; with trigger to Au-Gra22 50g gravimetric overlimit method at 18 ppm).



Sampling and assaying quality control procedures consisted of inclusion of certified reference material (CRMs), coarse residue and pulp duplicates with each batch (at least 1:20).



Assays of quality control samples were compared with reference samples in the Acquire SQL database and verified as acceptable prior to formal use of data from analysed batches.



Laboratory quality duplicates including replicates and preparation duplicates are captured in the Acquire SQL database and assessed.



Prepared pulp splits for mineralized samples were sent to MS Analytical Labs in Langley BC for secondary lab check work by comparable Au and ICP methods to ensure agreement with original results. Comparisons are acceptable.



Analysis of the available quality control sample assay results indicates that an acceptable level of accuracy and precision has been achieved. The database contains no analytical data that has been numerically manipulated.

The assaying techniques and quality control protocols used are considered appropriate for the data to be used for reporting exploration drilling results. Verification of sampling and assaying Sampling intervals defined by the geologist are electronically assigned sample identification numbers prior to core sampling. Corresponding sample numbers matching pre-labelled sample tags are assigned to each interval.

All sampling and assay information were stored in a secure Acquire database with restricted access.



Sample submission forms providing the sample identification number accompany each submission to the laboratory. Assay results from the laboratory with corresponding sample identification are loaded directly into the Acquire database.



Assessment of reported significant assay intervals was verified by review of visible gold identified in the drill core and review of high resolution core photography. The verification of significant intersections has been completed by company personnel and the Competent Person/Qualified Person.



No adjustments are made to assay data, and no twinned holes have been completed. Drilling intersects mineralisation at various angles.



There are no currently known drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. Location of data points All collar coordinates are provided in the North American Datum (NAD83 Zone 9N).



Eastern Promises: Underground drill collar locations are marked up by the survey department with spray paint, and a back site and foresight are provided to enable alignment; Drills are then aligned by the drill contractor based on the markup and sights, and a TN-14 collar Gyro is used to confirm orientation prior to drilling. Topographic control is established from 2014 Lidar. Data spacing and distribution Eastern Promises: Drill hole spacing is 30m laterally. Assays have been received for five drill fans to date, which is insufficient for estimation of a Mineral Resource.



No sample compositing is applied to samples. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Drill holes at Eastern Promises are oriented towards 190 and 165 degrees in order to drill perpendicular to the broadly ENE oriented mineralization domains. Drilling intersected Domain 20 and the HBX Domain, which are both hosted in the Eastern Promises Porphyry. Sample security The security of samples is ensured by tracking samples from drill rig to database and by using trusted transportation services, and third party laboratories with security protocols.



Drill core was delivered from the drill rig to the Brucejack Core Facility. Geological and geotechnical logging, high resolution core photography and whole core sampling was undertaken at the Brucejack Core Facility.



Sample numbers are obtained from pre-made sample tag books, first ensuring no duplication of sample ID's in the database. Sample tags are inserted into labelled plastic bags together with the sample, and the bagged sample secured with a zip tie.



Samples were grouped in sequence into rice bags, then placed into dedicated sample shipment bins for transport offsite. Samples are transported by road to the preparation lab where transfer of custody occurs.

Verification of sample numbers and identification is conducted by the laboratory on receipt of samples, and sample receipt advice issued to Newcrest.



Details of all sample shipments are recorded in a shipment tracking table and require offsite removal forms prior to leaving the Brucejack site. Shipping dates, Hole IDs, sample ranges, and special instructions are recorded with the dispatch of samples to the laboratory analytical services. Receiving laboratories have a workorder template of methods and duplicates by which to process the samples unless otherwise specified. Any discrepancies noted during sample login at the laboratory are communicated and addressed. Audits or reviews Due to the limited duration of the program, no external audits or reviews have been undertaken.



Internal verification and audit of Newcrest exploration procedures and databases are periodically undertaken.

Section 2: Reporting of Exploration Results

Criteria Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status Brucejack comprises 346 mineral tenures including four mining leases and is 100% owned by Newcrest Mining Limited.



All obligations with respect to legislative requirements including minimum expenditure are maintained in good standing. Exploration done by other parties Granduc, Esso, Newhawk, Lacana Mining Corp., and Silver Standard conducted exploration in the area between 1960 and 2010.



Pretium Resources acquired the Brucejack Property in 2010 and drilled the discovery hole at the Valley of the Kings in 2011. North Block and 1080 level were first drilled in 2020. Golden Marmot was previously drilled in 1988 and 2011. Geology The Brucejack Project is located in the Stikine terrane of north-western British Columbia, 50 km north of the town of Stewart. Early Jurassic sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the Lower Hazelton Group host mineralisation. A pervasive quartz-pyrite-sericite alteration event predates the main stage of epithermal mineralisation. Gold mineralisation at Brucejack consists of electrum hosted in vein stockworks, sheeted veins, and veinlets. Drill hole information As provided. Data aggregation methods Significant assay intercepts are reported as length-weighted averages using a cut-off of 1.0 g/t Au and a minimum length of 7.5m, with less than 7.5m of consecutive internal dilution. Also reported are intervals greater than 100g/t Au. Intervals below a cutoff of 1.0gt Au were not reported as significant results. No top cuts are applied to intercept calculations. Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths Significant assay intervals reported represent apparent widths. Insufficient geological information is available to confirm the geological model and true width of significant assay intervals. Diagrams As provided. Balanced reporting This is the sixth release of Exploration Results for this project made by Newcrest. Exploration results have been reported by Newcrest since April 2022.



Exploration drilling programs are ongoing and further material results will be reported in subsequent Newcrest releases. Other substantive exploration data Nil. Further work Follow up drilling is also being planned for the 1020 HBX, Bridge Zone, Eastern Promises, and West VOK.

Drillhole data(1)

Brucejack, British Columbia, Canada

Reporting Criteria: Intervals are reported as length-weighted averages using a cut-off of 1.0 g/t Au and a minimum length of 7.5m, with less than 7.5m of consecutive internal dilution. Also reported are intervals greater than 100g/t Au. Intervals below a cutoff of 1.0gt Au were not reported as significant results. Gold grades are reported to two significant figures. Samples are from core drilling which is HQ in diameter. Core is photographed and logged by the geology team before being whole core sampled and sent for assay. Each assay batch is submitted with duplicates and standards to monitor laboratory quality.

Hole ID// Hole Type// Easting (m)// Northing (m)// RL (m)// Total Depth (m)// Azimuth// Dip// From (m)// To (m)// Interval (m)// Au (ppm)// Cut off/// VU-4971 DD 426913 6257940 1089 122.8 165 33 No significant assays VU-4972* DD 426912 6257940 1088 149.8 165 22 115.5 123 7.5* 3.7 1 VU-4973* DD 426912 6257940 1088 155.9 165 9 0 22.5 22.5 2.3 1 38.27 39.27 1* 654 100 83.11 92.21 9.1* 20 1 118.5 134.9 16.4 2.3 1 VU-4974* DD 426912 6257940 1087 171.2 165 -4 28.87 29.87 1* 1485 100 70.5 82.5 12 1.5 1 95.75 105.29 9.54* 11 1 VU-4975 DD 426912 6257940 1087 561.2 165 -16 105.25 106.25 1 596 100 150 160.5 10.5 1.8 1 337.5 346.5 9 7.4 1 VU-4976* DD 426912 6257940 1086 218.8 165 -26 34.5 35.5 1* 559 100 81 111 30 6.5 1 VU-5140* DD 426942 6257934 1087 399.2 165 -28 51 52 1* 208 100 VU-5141* DD 426942 6257934 1088 360.2 165 -17 40.5 48 7.5* 6 1 VU-5142 DD 426942 6257934 1088 336.4 165 -5 No significant assays VU-5143 DD 426942 6257934 1089 147.4 165 9 No significant assays VU-5144 DD 426942 6257934 1089 141 165 22 61.5 75.4 13.9 36 1 incl 74.4 75.4 1 434 100 VU-5145 DD 426942 6257934 1090 138 165 33 48 86.5 38.5 49 1 incl DD 63.75 64.75 1 1735 100 VU-5197 DD 426968 6257958 1087 399.3 165 -28 0 15.1 15.1 2.5 1 64.5 78.3 13.8 32 1 incl 71.3 72.3 1 437 100 VU-5198 DD 426968 6257958 1088 420.1 165 -19 11.5 12.5 1 153 100 VU-5199* DD 426968 6257958 1088 399.1 165 -8 74.86 75.86 1* 1975 100 VU-5200 DD 426968 6257958 1088 156 165 3 No significant assays VU-5201* DD 426968 6257958 1089 152.9 165 15 19.5 27 7.5 3.4 1 105 132 27* 20 1 incl 107 108 1* 207 1 incl 110.5 111 0.5* 548 0.5 VU-5202 DD 426968 6257958 1090 152.8 165 27 9.3 10.3 1 959 100

# drilling in progress, **partial intercept, assays pending. ^updated intercept ^^previously reported intercept *Intercept is located inside the Pretium resource area





Figure 14.Cross section for drill fan 1080_43_2 (location shown on Figure 5) showing all drill holes and significant intercepts. Due to window size (+/- 15m) and section orientation (270U) holes may appear on multiple sections. *Intercept is located inside the Pretium resource area.

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Figure 15.Cross section for drill fan 1080_45 (location shown on Figure 5) showing all drill holes and significant intercepts. Due to window size (+/- 15m) and section orientation (270U) holes may appear on multiple sections. *Intercept is located inside the Pretium resource area.

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Figure 16.Cross section for drill fan 1080_46 (as shown on Figure 5) showing all drill holes and significant intercepts. Due to window size (+/- 15m) and section orientation (270U) holes may appear on multiple sections. *Intercept is located inside the Pretium resource area.

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Appendix 3

Havieron Project (Greatland Gold Plc - Joint Venture Agreement): JORC Table 1

Section 1: Sampling Techniques and Data

Criteria Commentary Sampling techniques Core samples are obtained from core drilling in Proterozoic basement lithologies. PQ-HQ and NQ diameter core was drilled on a 6m run. Core was cut using an automated core-cutter and half core sampled at 1m intervals with breaks for major geological changes. Sampling intervals range from 0.2 - 2.0m. Cover sequences were not sampled. Drilling techniques Permian Paterson Formation cover sequence was drilled using mud rotary drilling. Depths of cover typically observed to approximately 420m vertically below surface. Steel casing was emplaced to secure the pre-collar.

Core drilling was advanced from the base of the cover sequence with PQ3, HQ3 and NQ2 diameter coring configuration.



Core from inclined drill holes is oriented on 3m and 6m runs using an electronic core orientation tool (Reflex ACTIII). At the end of each run, the bottom of hole position is marked by the driller, which is later transferred to the whole drill core run length with a bottom of hole reference line. Drill sample recovery Core recovery is systematically recorded from the commencement of coring to end of hole, by reconciling against driller's depth blocks in each core tray with data recorded in the database. Driller's depth blocks provided the depth, interval of core recovered, and interval of core drilled.



Core recoveries were typically 100%, with isolated zones of lower recovery.



Cover sequence drilling by the mud-rotary drilling did not yield recoverable samples. Logging Geological logging recorded qualitative descriptions of lithology, alteration, mineralisation, veining, and structure (for all core drilled - 4,271m for 6 drill holes, all intersecting mineralisation), including orientation of key geological features.



Geotechnical measurements were recorded including Rock Quality Designation (RQD) fracture frequency, solid core recovery and qualitative rock strength measurements.



Magnetic susceptibility measurements were recorded every metre. The bulk density of selected drill core intervals was determined at site on whole core samples.



All geological and geotechnical logging was conducted at the Havieron site.

Digital data logging was captured on diamond drill core intervals only, and all data validated and stored in an acQuire database.



All drill cores were photographed, prior to cutting and/or sampling the core.

The logging is of sufficient quality to support Mineral Resource estimates. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation Sampling, sample preparation and quality control protocols are considered appropriate for the material being sampled.



Core was cut and sampled at the Havieron core processing facility. Half core samples of between 0.2 and 2.0 m were collected in pre-numbered calico bags and grouped in plastic bags for dispatch to the laboratory. Sample weights typically varied from 0.5 to 8kg. Sample sizes are considered appropriate for the style of mineralisation. Drill core samples were freighted by air and road to the laboratory.



Sample preparation was conducted at the independent ISO17025 accredited Intertek Laboratory, Perth (Intertek). Samples were dried at 105oC, and crushed to 95% passing 4.75mm, and the split to obtain up to 3kg sub-sample, which was pulverised (using LM5) to produce a pulped product with the minimum standard of 95% passing 106m. Routine grind size analysis is conducted.



Duplicate samples were collected from crush and pulp samples at a rate of 1:20. Duplicate results show an acceptable level of variability for the material sampled and style of mineralisation.

Periodic size checks (1:20) for crush and pulp samples and sample weights are provided by the laboratory and recorded in the acQuire database. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests Assaying of drill core samples was conducted at Intertek. All samples were assayed for 48 elements using a 4-acid digestion followed by ICP-AES/ICP-MS determination (method 4A/MS907), which is considered to provide a total assay for copper. Gold analyses were determined by 50g fire assay with AAS finish (method FA50N/AA), which is considered to provide a total assay for gold.



Sampling and assaying quality control procedures consisted of inclusion of certified reference material (CRMs), coarse residue and pulp duplicates with each batch (at least 1:20).



Assays of quality control samples were compared with reference samples in acQuire database and verified as acceptable prior to use of data from analysed batches.



Laboratory quality control data, including laboratory standards, blanks, duplicates, repeats and grind size results are captured in the acQuire database and assessed for accuracy and precision for recent data.



Extended quality control programs including pulp samples submitted to an umpire laboratory and combined with more extensive re-submission programs have been completed.



Analysis of the available quality control sample assay results indicates that an acceptable level of accuracy and precision has been achieved and the database contains no analytical data that has been numerically manipulated.



The assaying techniques and quality control protocols used are considered appropriate for the data to be used for reporting exploration drilling results. Verification of sampling and assaying Sampling intervals defined by the geologist are electronically assigned sample identification numbers prior to core cutting. Corresponding sample numbers matching pre-labelled calico bags are assigned to each interval.

All sampling and assay information were stored in a secure acQuire database with restricted access.



Electronically generated sample submission forms providing the sample identification number accompany each submission to the laboratory. Assay results from the laboratory with corresponding sample identification are loaded directly into the acQuire database.



Assessment of reported significant assay intervals was verified by re-logging of diamond drill core intervals and assessment of high resolution core photography. The verification of significant intersections has been completed by company personnel and the Competent Person/Qualified Person.



No adjustments are made to assay data, and no twinned holes have been completed.



There are no currently known drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. Location of data points Drill collar locations were surveyed using a differential GPS with GNSS with a stated accuracy of +/- 0.5m for all drill holes reported.



Drill rig alignment was attained using an electronic azimuth aligner. Downhole survey was collected at 6-12m intervals in the cover sequence, and every 6 to 30m in diamond drill core segments of the drill hole using single shot (Axis Mining Champ Gyro). The single shot surveys have been validated using continuous survey to surface (Axis Mining Champ) along with a selection of drill holes re-surveyed by an external survey contactor using a DeviGyro tool - confirming sufficient accuracy for downhole spatial recording.



A LIDAR survey was completed over the project area in Nov 2019 which was used to prepare a DEM / topographic model for the project with a spatial accuracy of +/- 0.1m vertical and +/- 0.3m horizontal. The topography is generally low relief to flat, elevation within the dune corridors in ranges between 250-265m Australian Height Datum (AHD) steepening to the southeast. All collar coordinates are provided in the Geocentric Datum of Australian (GDA20 Zone 51). All relative depth information is reported in AHD +5000m. Data spacing and distribution Within the South-East Crescent and Breccia zone drill hole spacing ranges from 50 to 100m, to 50 by 50m within the resource extents. Outside the initial resource boundary drill hole spacing ranges from 50 to 200m in lateral extent within the breccia zone over an area of ~2km2. The data spacing is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity.



Significant assay intercepts remain open. Further drilling is required to determine the extent of currently defined mineralisation. No sample compositing is applied to samples.

Drilling intersects mineralisation at various angles. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Drill holes exploring the extents of the Havieron mineral system intersect moderately dipping carbonate and siliclastic sedimentary facies, mineralised breccia and sub-vertical intrusive lithologies. Geological modelling has been interpreted from historic and Newcrest drill holes.



Variable brecciation, alteration and sulphide mineralisation is observed with a footprint with dimensions of 650m x 350m trending in a north west orientation and over 1000m in vertical extent below cover.



The subvertical southeast high grade arcuate crescent sulphide zone has an average thickness of 20m and has been defined over a strike length of up to 550m, and extended to over 700m in vertical extent below cover.

Drilling direction is oriented to intersect the steeply dipping high grade sulphide mineralisation zones at an intersection angle of greater than 40 degrees. The drilled length of reported intersections is typically greater than true width of mineralisation. Sample security The security of samples is controlled by tracking samples from drill rig to database.



Drill core was delivered from the drill rig to the Havieron core yard every shift. On completion of geological and geotechnical logging, core processing was completed by Newcrest personnel at the Havieron facility.

High resolution core photography and cutting of drill core was undertaken at the Havieron core processing facilities.



Samples were freighted in sealed bags by air and road to the Laboratory, and in the custody of Newcrest representatives. Sample numbers are generated directly from the database. All samples are collected in pre-numbered calico bags.



Verification of sample numbers and identification is conducted by the laboratory on receipt of samples, and sample receipt advise issued to Newcrest.



Details of all sample movement are recorded in a database table. Dates, Hole ID sample ranges, and the analytical suite requested are recorded with the dispatch of samples to analytical services. Any discrepancies logged at the receipt of samples into the analytical services are validated. Audits or reviews Internal reviews of core handling, sample preparation and assays laboratories were conducted on a regular basis by both project personnel and owner representatives.



In the Competent Person's opinion, the sample preparation, security and analytical procedures are consistent with current industry standards and are entirely appropriate and acceptable for the styles of mineralisation identified and will be appropriate for use in the reporting of exploration results and Mineral Resource estimates. There are no identified drilling, sampling or recovery factors that materially impact the adequacy and reliability of the results of the drilling programme in place at the Havieron Project.

Section 2: Reporting of Exploration Results

Criteria Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status The Havieron Project is entirely contained within mining tenement M45/1287, which is jointly owned by Greatland Pty Ltd and Newcrest Operations Limited. Newcrest has entered into a Joint Venture Agreement (effective 30 November 2020) and Farm-In Agreement (effective 12 March 2019) with Greatland Pty Ltd and Greatland Gold plc. Newcrest is the manager of the Havieron Project and holds a 70% interest (Greatland Gold holds a 30% interest).



Newcrest and Jamukurnu-Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation (formerly WDLAC) are parties to an ILUA which relates to the use of native title land for Newcrest's current operations at Telfer and its activities within a 60km radius around Telfer and includes its exploration activities at Havieron. The parties have agreed that the ILUA will apply to any future development activities by the Joint Venture Participants (Newcrest and Greatland Gold) at Havieron.



The mining tenement M45/1287 wholly replaces the 12 sub-blocks of exploration tenement E45/4701 (former part of the exploration tenement on which the Havieron Project is based) and was granted on 10 September 2020. Exploration done by other parties Newcrest completed six core holes in the vicinity of the Havieron Project from 1991 to 2003. Greatland Gold completed drill targeting and drilling of nine Reverse Circulation (RC) drill holes with core tails for a total of approximately 6,800m in 2018. Results of drilling programs conducted by Greatland Gold have previously been reported on the Greatland Gold website.



Drilling has defined an intrusion-related mineral system with evidence of breccia and massive sulphide-hosted higher-grade gold-copper mineralisation. Geology The Havieron Project is located within the north-western exposure of the Palaeo-Proterozoic to Neoproterozoic Paterson Orogen (formerly Paterson Province), 45 km east of Telfer. The Yeneena Supergroup hosts the Havieron prospect and consists of a 9km thick sequence of marine sedimentary rocks and is entirely overlain by approximately 420m of Phanerozoic sediments of the Paterson Formation and Quaternary aeolian sediments.



Gold and copper mineralisation at Havieron consist of breccia, vein and massive sulphide replacement gold and copper mineralisation typical of intrusion-related and skarn styles of mineralisation. Mineralisation is hosted by metasedimentary rocks (meta-sandstones, meta-siltstones, and meta-carbonate) and intrusive rocks of an undetermined age. The main mineral assemblage contains well developed pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite and pyrite sulphide mineral assemblages as breccia and vein infill, and massive sulphide lenses. The main mineralisation event is associated with amphibole-carbonate-biotite-sericite-chlorite wall rock alteration. Drilling has partially defined the extents of mineralisation which are observed over 650m by 350m within an arcuate shaped mineralised zone, and to depths of up to 1400m below surface. Drill hole Information As provided. Data aggregation methods Significant assay intercepts are reported as (A) length-weighted averages exceeding 1.0g/t Au greater than or equal to 10m, with a maximum of 5m consecutive internal dilution; and (B) length-weighted averages exceeding 0.2g/t Au for greater than or equal to 20m, with a maximum of 10m consecutive internal dilution, and (C) intervals of >30g/t which are greater or equal to 30 gram metres (Au_ppm x length). No top cuts are applied to intercept calculations. Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths Significant assay intervals reported represent apparent widths. Drilling is not always perpendicular to the dip of mineralisation and true widths are less than downhole widths. Estimates of true widths will only be possible when all results are received, and final geological interpretations have been completed. Diagrams As provided. Balanced reporting This is the twenty-eightheight release of Exploration Results for this project made by Newcrest. Exploration results have been reported by Newcrest since July 2019.



Earlier reporting of exploration programs conducted by Newcrest and Greatland Gold have previously been reported. Exploration drilling programs are ongoing and further material results will be reported in subsequent Newcrest releases. Other substantive exploration data Nil Further work Growth drilling is targeting the extensions of the 30 June 2022 Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource estimate and to define the limits of the Havieron mineralised system.

Drillhole data(1)

Havieron Project, Paterson Province, Western Australia

Reporting Criteria: Intercepts reported are downhole drill width (not true width) Au >0.20ppm (0.2g/t Au) and minimum 20m downhole width with maximum consecutive internal dilution of 10m. Average grades are based on length-weighting of samples grades. Also highlighted are high grade intervals of Au >1.0ppm (1g/t Au) and minimum 10m downhole width with maximum consecutive internal dilution of 5m, and intervals of >30g/t which are greater or equal to 30 gram metres (Au_ppm x length) are tabled. Gold and copper grades are reported to two significant figures, the downhole lengths are rounded to 0.1m which may cause some apparent discrepancies in interval widths. Samples are from core drilling which is PQ, HQ or NQ in diameter. Core is photographed and logged by the geology team before being cut. Half core PQ, HQ and NQ samples are prepared for assay and the remaining material is retained in the core farm for future reference. Each assay batch is submitted with duplicates and standards to monitor laboratory quality. Total depth (end of hole) is rounded to one decimal place for reporting purposes. Collars denoted with a * show partial results, with further significant assays to be reported in subsequent exploration updates.

Hole ID Hole Type Easting Northing (m) RL

(m) Total Depth (m) Azimuth Dip From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (ppm) Cu (pct) Cut

off (m) HAD133W11 DDH 464072 7598317 5257 1588.0 171 -65 Resource Infill Hole HAD152W6 DDH 463401 7597059 5254 1845.8 33 -64 1501 1580 79 0.60 0.05 0.2

g/t Au 1757 1784 27 0.28 0.01 0.2

g/t Au HAD159W1 DDH 464076 7597251 5260 1322.4 29 -76 Resource Infill Hole HAD171W3 DDH 463672 7596940 5255 1736.0 26 -62 Resource Infill Hole HAD172W3 DDH 464463 7598018 5257 1549.0 217 -72 Resource Infill Hole HAD172W4 DDH 464463 7598018 5257 1552.0 217 -72 Resource Infill Hole HAD173 MR-DDH 464533 7597145 5260 976.5 104 -64 No Significant Intercepts

# drilling in progress, **partial intercept, assays pending. ^updated intercept ^^previously reported intercept, +intercept within published resource





Figure 17. Schematic plan view map showing drill hole locations and significant intercepts reported in this release superimposed on the interpreted geology. Previously reported holes are not shown for the sake of clarity.

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Figure 18. Schematic cross section of geology and significant new drillhole intercepts (looking northwest,Section Line S1, +/-50m section width, as shown in Figure 17). Due to section window size and orientation holes may appear on multiple sections. This diagram highlights >50gram metres intersections drilled during the period. Reported drill holes are outside of the existing resource.

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Appendix 4

Appaloosa (Gunpoint Exploration., Farm-In Agreement): JORC Table 1

Section 1: Sampling Techniques and Data

Criteria Commentary Sampling techniques Core samples are obtained from core drilling. HQ diameter diamond core was drilled on a 3.048m (10ft) run. Halved core was sampled at intervals ranging from 0.30m (1ft) within zones of veining and strong alteration to 2.0 m (6.561 feet) in areas of minimally altered host rock. Drilling techniques Diamond core has been utilised from surface. Core drilling was advanced initially with a PQ diameter coring configuration down to on average 50m (164ft) and then with HQ diameter coring configuration.



Core holes are inclined and core oriented on 3.048m runs using an electronic core orientation tool (Reflex ACTIII). At the end of each run, the bottom of hole position is marked by the drill rig personnel and the orientation mark is then transferred to the entire drill core run length with a bottom of hole reference line.



The drill rig is aligned with a Reflex TN14 gyrocompass, and downhole surveys are obtained every 30.48m (100ft) with a Reflex Ez-Gyro. Drill sample recovery Core recovery is systematically recorded from the commencement of coring to end of hole, by reconciling against driller's depth blocks in each core tray with data recorded in the database. Driller's depth blocks provided the depth, interval of core recovered, and interval of core drilled.



Core recoveries were typically 100%, with isolated zones of lower recovery. Recovery in drill hole APP-0006 was poor through the mineralised zone. Logging Geological logging recorded qualitative descriptions of lithology, alteration, mineralisation, veining, and structure.

Geological logging was conducted at the Appaloosa Project site and at the Newcrest core processing facility in Sparks, Nevada.



Digital data logging was captured, validated, and stored in MX Deposit; an industry standard offsite database solution provided by Seequent Software.



All drill core was photographed once sample intervals were established and prior to core cutting. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation Sampling, sample preparation and quality control protocols are considered appropriate for the material being sampled.



Cut core HQ samples. Half cut core samples were collected in Protexo cloth bags together with pre-numbered sample tags and grouped into shipping bins for dispatch to the laboratory by dedicated transport. Sample lengths ranged from 0.30m to 2.0m Sample sizes are considered appropriate for the style of mineralisation.

Sample series were verified for completeness at the Reno facility by Newcrest geologists prior to laboratory dispatch.



All drill samples were freighted by road to Bureau Veritas prep facility via laboratory in-house transport.

Sample preparation was conducted at Bureau Veritas facilities in Sparks, Nevada. Geochemical analyses were carried out at the independent ISO 17025:2017 accredited Bureau Veritas laboratories in Vancouver, B.C. Samples were dried at 60 C, and crushed to 70% passing 2 mm, and split to obtain a 250g sub-sample (method PRP70-250), which was pulverised to produce a pulped product with the minimum standard of 85% passing 75m (method PUL85).



Duplicate sample data are available from crush and pulp samples at a rate of approximately 1:50, which is acceptable for the material sampled and style of mineralisation. Observed duplicate variability in high grade samples is addressed with follow-up screen fire assay consisting of 1 kg of coarse reject from original sample. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests Assaying of drill core was conducted at Bureau Veritas in North Vancouver. All samples were analysed for 59 elements using a 4-acid digestion followed by ICP-MS determination (method MA250). Gold analyses were determined by 30g fire assay with ICP-ME finish (method FA330) which is considered to provide a total assay for gold. Gravimetric analyses are automatically carried out for gold assays > 10 ppm and silver analyses >200 using 30 g pulps (method FA550).



Sampling and assaying quality control procedures consisted of inclusion of certified reference material (CRMs), coarse residue and pulp duplicates with each batch (at least 1:20).

Assays of quality control samples were compared with reference samples in MX Deposit and verified as acceptable prior to formal use of data from analysed batches.



Laboratory quality duplicates including replicates and preparation duplicates are captured in MX Deposit and assessed.



Analysis of the available quality control sample assay results indicates that an acceptable level of accuracy and precision has been achieved. The database contains no analytical data that has been numerically manipulated.

The assaying techniques and quality control protocols used are considered appropriate for the data to be used for reporting exploration drilling results. Verification of sampling and assaying Core sampling intervals are defined by the geologist during logging then assigned pre-printed sample identification numbers prior to core photography, cutting, and sampling. Pre-printed sample identification tags are affixed in the core box corresponding to each sampled interval and a duplicate sample tag placed in a pre-labelled bag containing the sampled core for assay.



All sampling and assay information are maintained in MX Deposit.



Sample submission forms providing the sample identification number accompany each submission to the laboratory. Assay results from the laboratory with corresponding sample identification are loaded directly into MX deposit.



No adjustments are made to assay data. Drilling intersects mineralisation at various angles. No twinned holes have been undertaken.



There are no currently known drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. Location of data points All collar coordinates are provided in the North American Datum (NAD83 Zone 11N).



Surface drill collar locations are monumented with a stamped brass tag. Collar coordinates were surveyed with a Trimble DA2 GPS to 0.10m accuracy. Azimuth and inclination of the drillholes are surveyed with a TN14 Gyro-Compass at the collar, and a Reflex EZ Sprint Gyro every 30.48m (100ft) down hole. . Data spacing and distribution A total of 7 drillholes have been completed by Newcrest across an area of approximately X sq. km, which is insufficient for estimation of a Mineral Resource.



No sample compositing is applied to samples. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Six holes have been drilled from four pads to test beneath outcropping veins and geochemical anomalies at the Central Target covering a strike extent of approximately 148 m to date. Holes have been drilled at different inclinations and azimuths to gain geological understanding and intersect the target zone in several different originations. Sample security The security of samples is ensured by tracking samples from drill rig to database and by using Newcrest personnel to transport core and samples, and third-party laboratories with security protocols.



Drill core was delivered from the drill rig to the Reno core facility by Newcrest Staff. where geological logging, high resolution core photography, cutting, and sampling is undertaken by Newcrest and contract personnel.

Sample numbers are obtained from pre-made sample tag books, first ensuring no duplication of sample ID's in the database. Sample tags are inserted into labelled Protexo fabric bags together with the sample, and the bagged sample secured with a drawstring.



Core samples were placed into dedicated sample shipment bins for transport from the logging facility. Binned samples are transported by truck to the preparation lab where transfer of custody occurs.

Verification of sample numbers and identification is conducted by the laboratory on receipt of samples, and sample receipt advice issued to Headwater Gold.



Details of all sample shipments are recorded in chain of custody documents prior to leaving Headwater facilities. Shipping dates, submittal IDs, sample ranges, and special instructions are recorded with the dispatch of samples to the laboratory analytical services. Receiving laboratories have a workorder template of methods and duplicates by which to process the samples unless otherwise specified. Any discrepancies noted during sample login at the laboratory are communicated and addressed. Audits or reviews Due to the early stage of the exploration program, no external audits or reviews have been undertaken.



Internal reviews of sample handling and preparation are undertaken by Newcrest personnel. Analytical methods, QAQC procedures, sample intervals, and sample recovery have been reviewed and deemed appropriate.

Section 2: Reporting of Exploration Results

Criteria Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status Appaloosa comprises 234 unpatented lode mining claims. 217 claims staked by American Gold Capital and held through its subsidiary Gunpoint Exploration with 17 additional claims held by an underlier with an agreement in place whereby American Gold Capital can obtain a 100% interest. Newcrest has entered into an Exploration Farm-In Agreement with Gunpoint, effective 15th January 2023, with Newcrest managing the project. Newcrest is currently in the Option Phase of the Farm-in Agreement.



All obligations with respect to legislative requirements including minimum expenditure are maintained in good standing. Exploration done by other parties Duval, Superior Oil, Homestake, Kennecott, Athena Gold, Placer Dome, Pegasus, Miramar, Newcrest, American Gold Capital, Chesapeake Gold, Gunpoint and Timberline have explored the area between 1960 and 2019.



Newcrest optioned the Appaloosa Property in September 2022 and undertook systematic mapping and sampling leading to the current drill program. Previously drilling at Appaloosa by Superior Oil took place between 1974 and 1976, and Timberline between 2014 and 2017. Geology The Appaloosa Project is located in the western part of the Basin and Range Province in west-central Nevada, U.S.A, 45 km east of the town of Reno, NV.



Gold mineralisation is associated with a low-sulfidation epithermal system within the Carson Block and Talapoosa District. Mineralization is hosted in high-angle quartz veins with extensive silica-adularia-illite alteration. Mineralized veins occur in Miocene sediments and various volcanics Drill hole information As provided. Data aggregation methods Primary intervals are reported using 0.2 g/t Au cut off and 1.0 g/t Au for included intervals. Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths Significant assay intervals reported represent apparent widths. True thickness of the mineralised intervals is not yet known as the geometry of the mineralisation is not yet understood. Diagrams As provided. Balanced reporting This is the first release of Exploration Results for this project made by Newcrest.

Exploration drilling programs are ongoing and further material results will be reported in subsequent Newcrest releases. Other substantive exploration data Nil. Further work The current drill program is ongoing with further assays awaited.

Drillhole data(1)

Appaloosa, Nevada USA

Reporting Criteria: Intervals are reported as length-weighted averages using a cut-off of 0.2g/t Au and a minimum length of 0.3m, with less than 3m of consecutive internal dilution. Also reported are intervals greater than 1.0g/t Au. Intervals below a cut-off of 0.2g/t Au were not reported as significant results. Gold & Silver grades are reported to two significant figures. Samples are from core drilling which is HQ in diameter. Core is photographed and logged by the geology team before being half-core sampled and sent for assay. Each assay batch is submitted with duplicates and standards to monitor laboratory quality.

Hole ID Hole Type Easting

(m) Northing (m) RL

(m) Total Depth (m) Azimuth Dip From (m) To

(m) Interval (m) Au (ppm) Ag (ppm) Cut off (Au ppm) APP-0001** DD 303100 4372308 1916 250 180 -45 103.33 132.3 28.97 0.47 7.9 0.2 Incl. 108.25 109.76 1.51 1.3 28 1.0 Incl. 114 115.4 1.4 1.3 17 1.0 APP-0002** DD 303100 4372308 1916 310 180 -70 104.62 117 12.38 0.47 2.6 0.2 Incl. 114.4 116 1.6 1.3 17 1.0 APP-0003** DD 303100 4372308 1916 275 360 -45 63.3 65.1 1.8 0.32 5.3 0.2 and 133.5 152.5 19 0.41 - 0.2 Incl. 151 152.5 1.5 1.0 - 1.0 APP-0004** DD 303070 4372485 1944 403 180 -50 168.16 195.1 26.94 0.59 12 0.2 Incl. 178.55 183.5 4.95 1.2 14 1.0 and 323.6 323.9 0.3 7.9 30 1.0 and 336.38 336.9 0.52 1.6 1.6 0.2 APP-0005** DD 303100 4372050 1884 310 360 -45 251 252.5 2.5 0.44 1.9 0.2 APP-0006** DD 302923 4372495 1940 405 180 -75 192 196 4.0 0.35 19 0.2 and 212.5 215 2.5 1.9 2.5 0.2

# drilling in progress, **partial intercept, assays pending. ^updated intercept ^^previously reported intercept





Figure 19.Plan view of the Appaloosa Project illustrating the location of drilling reported in this release along project location, general target areas and the location of Gunpoint's Talapoosa project.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/174730_6751d549f4e65813_021full.jpg





Figure 20.North-South cross section from the central target area at Appaloosa illustrating the halo intercepts from assays returned to date. Section slice is 250m wide, drillhole APP-0006 is 148m off section (west) from holes APP-0001 to APP-0005, view is to the east. Drillhole locations are provided in Appendix 4.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/174730_6751d549f4e65813_022full.jpg

Forward Looking Statements

This document includes forward looking statements and forward looking information within the meaning of securities laws of applicable jurisdictions. Forward looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "target", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "objectives", "outlook" and "guidance", or other similar words and may include, without limitation, statements regarding estimated reserves and resources, internal rates of return, expansion, exploration and development activities and the specifications, targets, results, analyses, interpretations, benefits, costs and timing of them; certain plans, strategies, aspirations and objectives of management, anticipated production, sustainability initiatives, climate scenarios, dates for projects, reports, studies or construction, expected costs, cash flow or production outputs and anticipated productive lives of projects and mines. The Company continues to distinguish between outlook and guidance. Guidance statements relate to the current financial year. Outlook statements relate to years subsequent to the current financial year.

These forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance, and achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements, or industry results, expressed or implied by these forward looking statements. Relevant factors may include, but are not limited to, changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange fluctuations and general economic conditions, increased costs and demand for production inputs, the speculative nature of exploration and project development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licences and permits and diminishing quantities or grades of resources or reserves, political and social risks, changes to the regulatory framework within which the Company operates or may in the future operate, environmental conditions including extreme weather conditions, recruitment and retention of personnel, industrial relations issues and litigation. For further information as to the risks which may impact on the Company's results and performance, please see the risk factors discussed in the Operating and Financial Review included in the Appendix 4E and Financial Report for the year ended 30 June 2022 and the Annual Information Form dated 14 December 2022 which are available to view at www.asx.com.au under the code "NCM" and on Newcrest's SEDAR profile.

Forward looking statements are based on management's current expectations and reflect Newcrest's good faith assumptions, judgements, estimates and other information available as at the date of this report and/or the date of Newcrest's planning or scenario analysis processes as to the financial, market, regulatory and other relevant environments that will exist and affect Newcrest's business and operations in the future. Newcrest does not give any assurance that the assumptions will prove to be correct. There may be other factors that could cause actual results or events not to be as anticipated, and many events are beyond the reasonable control of Newcrest. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements, particularly in the current economic climate with the significant volatility, uncertainty and disruption caused by global events such as geopolitical tensions and the ongoing COVID19 pandemic. Forward looking statements in this document speak only at the date of issue. Except as required by applicable laws or regulations, Newcrest does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward looking statements or to advise of any change in assumptions on which any such statement is based.

Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources Reporting Requirements

As an Australian Company with securities listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Newcrest is subject to Australian disclosure requirements and standards, including the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ASX. Investors should note that it is a requirement of the ASX Listing Rules that the reporting of Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources in Australia is in accordance with the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (the JORC Code) and that Newcrest's Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates and reporting comply with the JORC Code.

Newcrest is also subject to certain Canadian disclosure requirements and standards, as a result of its secondary listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), including the requirements of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101). Investors should note that it is a requirement of Canadian securities law that the reporting of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources in Canada and the disclosure of scientific and technical information concerning a mineral project on a property material to Newcrest comply with NI 43-101.

Newcrest's material properties are currently Cadia, Lihir, Red Chris and Wafi-Golpu. Copies of the NI 43-101 Reports for Cadia, Lihir and Wafi-Golpu, which were released on 14 October 2020, and Red Chris, which was released on 30 November 2021, are available at www.newcrest.com and on Newcrest's SEDAR profile.

Competent Person's Statement

The information in this document that relates to Exploration Targets, Exploration Results, and related scientific and technical information, is based on and fairly represents information compiled by Mr F. MacCorquodale. Mr MacCorquodale is the General Manager - Greenfields Exploration and a full-time employee of Newcrest Mining Limited. He is a shareholder in Newcrest Mining Limited and is entitled to participate in Newcrest's executive equity long term incentive plan, details of which are included in Newcrest's 2022 Remuneration Report. He is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists. Mr MacCorquodale has sufficient experience which is relevant to the styles of mineralisation and types of deposits under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code and as a Qualified Person under NI 43-101. Mr MacCorquodale approves the disclosure of scientific and technical information contained in this document and consents to the inclusion of material of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

Authorised by the Newcrest Disclosure Committee

For further information please contact

Investor Enquiries

Tom Dixon

+61 3 9522 5570

+61 450 541 389

[email protected]

Rebecca Lay

+61 3 9522 5298

+61 438 355 511

[email protected]

North American Investor Enquiries

Vlada Cvijetinovic

+1 604 335 9202

+1 604 240 2998

[email protected]

Media Enquiries

Celina Watt

+61 3 9522 4264

+61 436 677 220

[email protected]

This information is available on our website at www.newcrest.com

1 # drilling in progress ** partial intercept, assays pending ^ updated intercept or ^^ previously reported.

2The Exploration Target as at 6 March 2023 has been extracted from Newcrest's release titled "Red Chris exploration success expands East Ridge Exploration Target delivering additional mining potential" dated 14 March 2023 which is available at www.asx.com.au the code "NCM" and on Newcrest's SEDAR profile.

3Subject to market and operating conditions and no unforeseen delays

4# drilling in progress ** partial intercept, assays pending ^ updated intercept or ^^ previously reported.

5# drilling in progress ** partial intercept, assays pending ^ updated intercept or ^^ previously reported.

6Subject to market and operating conditions and no unforeseen delays.

7Subject to market and operating conditions and no unforeseen delays.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/174730
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2023) - Rome Resources Ltd. (TSXV: RMR) (FSE: 33R) ("Rome" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has posted an updated investor presentation on its website, which provides an overview of the Company and its Bisie North Tin Project in eastern DRC.

The investor presentation can be viewed at:

https://romeresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/20230725_Rome-Investor-Presentation_FINAL.pdf.

About Rome Resources

Rome Resources Ltd. is a mineral exploration company that has entered into two option agreements and a binding term sheet to acquire direct and indirect interests in two contiguous properties situated in the Walikale District of the North Kivu Province in eastern DRC, which are collectively referred to as the "Bisie North Tin Project." Rome intends to fund exploration on the project up to the completion of a definitive feasibility study.

Contacts

Investors / Shareholders

Mark Gasson

President, CEO & Director

P: (604) 687-6140

Media

E: [email protected]

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this news release may include certain information and statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward-looking statements. Although Rome Resources Ltd believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, Rome Resources Ltd disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/174783
Washington, D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2023) - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that Natasha Vij Greiner and Keith E. Cassidy have been named interim Acting Co-Directors of the Division of Examinations, effective immediately, while Division Director Richard Best is on extended medical leave from the agency.

My thoughts are with Rich as hes away from the agency on medical leave, said SEC Chair Gary Gensler. I thank Natasha and Keith for stepping in on an interim basis to lead the Division of Examinations. They are both strong leaders who have earned the respect of their colleagues throughout the agency.

In addition to serving as Deputy Director of the Division, Ms. Greiner is the National Associate Director of the Investment Adviser/Investment Company (IA/IC) examination program, which includes the Private Funds Unit, and is the Associate Director of the Home Office IA/IC examination program. She began her SEC career in the Division as a broker-dealer examiner and has served in a variety of roles across the agency for more than 21 years, including Acting Chief Counsel and Assistant Chief Counsel in the Division of Trading and Markets, where she provided legal and policy advice to the Commission on rules affecting market participants and the operation of the securities markets. Before that, Ms. Greiner spent almost a decade in the Division of Enforcement, including in its Asset Management Unit, where she investigated possible violations of the federal securities laws and litigated matters in federal district court and administrative proceedings. Ms. Greiner received her J.D. from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and graduated cum laude with a B.S. degree from James Madison University.

In addition to serving as Deputy Director, Mr. Cassidy is the National Associate Director of the Divisions Technology Controls Program (TCP) with responsibility for examinations of Regulation SCI entities and for overseeing the SECs CyberWatch program and the Cybersecurity Program Office. Mr. Cassidy is also an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps Reserve where he is the Executive Officer of 4th Reconnaissance Battalion. He has earned numerous awards, including a Bronze Star. Mr. Cassidy previously served as the Director of the Commissions Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affair and as Chief of Staff and Counsel at the Department of Justices Office of Legislative Affairs. Earlier, he served as a legislative assistant in the United States Senate. Mr. Cassidy received his J.D. from the George Washington University Law School, his LL.M. in Securities and Financial Regulation with distinction from Georgetown Law Center, and a B.A. from the University of Virginia.

Ms. Greiner and Mr. Cassidy will continue to serve in their current leadership roles within the Division.
SINGAPORE, Jul 25, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - - The Board of Directors of Kitchen Culture Holdings Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of new Directors to the Board to move the Company forward from its recent troubled history. This is in line with the Board's objective to usher in a new era of transparency, accountability and business expertise.

The Board is pleased to announce the significant progress in resolving some of these issues.

The Company had received a letter of demand on 14 March 2023 from CDL Properties Ltd in relation to the Company's alleged default of the lease agreement between the Company and CDL. The Company was subsequently evicted from its premises by CDL on 16 March 2023. The Board is pleased to announce that the Company has reached a settlement with CDL on 21 July 2023 to fully settle rental arrears and reinstate the office in Republic Plaza.

The Board's priority has been to resolve outstanding legacy issues, including negotiating with creditors to resolve all long overdue liabilities, engaging an external auditor to audit the FY2022 financial statements, working with the special auditor to complete the special audit, and strengthening the Company's internal controls.

In addition, the Board received a letter of demand from Mr Tan Gin Tat on 17 July 2023 for the S$1.5 million loan extended to the Company in the year 2022, as this is one of the legacy issues requiring resolution. The Board is currently seeking legal advice on this matter and will update shareholders in due course.

The Board had on 21 July 2023 announced that the Special Audit in relation to the Payroll Matter and the Transaction as announced by the Company on 29 September 2021, as agreed under the scope of work of the Special Auditors, has now been completed. The Board will now engage with relevant professionals to address the issues and recommendations raised from the Special Audit. In relation to the appointment of a new external auditor, the Board has identified a suitable external auditor and will be seeking shareholders' approval for the appointment in due course.

The Board is also focused on fundraising and evaluating sustainable business opportunities to ensure the Company's future success. As part of these efforts, the Company will be releasing a detailed business update as soon as practicable.

"We understand that the Company has faced significant challenges in the past, and we are committed to addressing these issues and moving forward." said Mdm Hao Dongting, Non-Executive Chairperson of the Board. "We are confident that with the right strategies and execution, Kitchen Culture will be able to create sustainable growth and long-term shareholder value. Meanwhile, the Board will be conducting a thorough review of the Company's operational and financial procedures and implement policies and procedures that ensure the Company is run in a transparent, responsible and efficient manner."

"On behalf of the Board, we would like to express our gratitude to the Company's employees, customers, and partners for their continued support during this transition period. We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a successful future for the Company", added Mdm Hao.

Reference 1:

https://links.sgx.com/1.0.0/corporate-announcements/WNQSOC0ID4TO935Y/f4d36cf0925be5e34e49c820ebdeddb24fbb7cdd3559ef696d5b6967e350d058

Reference 2:

https://links.sgx.com/FileOpen/KC%20Annct%20-%20Update%20on%20Letter%20of%20Demand.ashx?App=Announcement&FileID=766248

For media queries, please reach out to:

Waterbrooks Consultants

Wayne Koo - [email protected] +65 9338-8166

Derek Yeo - [email protected] +65 9791-4707

Proud Investor Relations partner: https://www.waterbrooks.com.sg/ and https://www.shareinvestorholdings.com/

This media release has been reviewed by the Company's sponsor, SAC Capital Private Limited (the "Sponsor"). This media release has not been examined or approved by the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited ("SGX-ST") and the SGX-ST assumes no responsibility for the contents of this media release, including the correctness of any of the statements or opinions made or reports contained in this media release.

The contact person for the Sponsor is Ms Lee Khai Yinn (Telephone: +65 6232 3210) at 1 Robinson Road, #21-00 AIA Tower, Singapore 048542.

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (PRWEB) July 24, 2023

Angela Le of Stratus Building Solutions was selected by franchise research firm, Franchise Business Review, as being one of 2023's Franchise Rock Stars.

Le, the president of Stratus Building Solutions of Vancouver North, was selected from over 36,000 franchisees, representing more than 360 brands that participated in Franchise Business Review's research.

The Franchise Rock Stars were nominated by their franchise brand's leadership in one of eight categories as franchisees who set admirable examples when it comes to leadership, business acumen, financial and professional success, and contributing to their community. Categories included: Giving Back, Women, Millennials, Veterans, Family-Owned, "Freshmen", Top-Performers, and Multi-Unit Owners. Le was acknowledged as a top freshman, having opening her business just over a year ago.

"It's very flattering," Le admitted. "It's not easy starting a new business. We started about 14 months ago, so to have the growth that we have an being recognized is wonderful."

Since beginning from scratch, Le's business has grown to have over 100 clients and she oversees 13 franchisees in the Vancouver area.

"Watching Angela's growth since she started with Stratus has been nothing short of remarkable," said Doug Flaig, President of Stratus Building Solutions. "She's been a top performer and is invested in not only growth, but the satisfaction of both her employees and customers. We couldn't be happier to see her recognized like this by Franchise Business Review."

Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com to see the full list of 2023 Franchise Rock Stars.

If you are interested in franchising with Stratus Building Solutions, check out https://www.stratusclean.com/franchise/master-franchise.

About Stratus Building Solutions

Stratus Building Solutions is an international franchise company in the commercial cleaning industry, founded in 2006 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Stratus was developed to provide environmentally friendly commercial cleaning services driven by dedicated, entrepreneurial, small-business owners and regional support offices. Stratus has over 3,200 unit franchisees in 70 major cities across the U.S. and Canada. Stratus is setting new standards in the building services and maintenance franchise industry by being the first to offer green janitorial products with their proprietary Green Seal Certified line of cleaning chemicals. To learn more about franchising opportunities, visit/ https://www.stratusclean.com/franchise/master-franchise.

About Franchise Business Review

Franchise Business Review (FBR) is a leading market research firm serving the franchise sector. FBR measures satisfaction and engagement of franchisees and franchise employees and publishes various guides and reports for entrepreneurs considering an investment in a franchise business. Since 2005, FBR has surveyed hundreds of thousands of franchise owners and over 1,200 leading franchise companies. FBR publishes free and unbiased franchisee satisfaction research reports throughout the year online at http://www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com. To read our publications, visit https://franchisebusinessreview.com/page/digital-guides/.

Franchise Business Review

Ali Forman

B2B Marketing Director

603.319.4818

[email protected]

Read the full story at https://www.prweb.com/releases/stratus_building_solutions_angela_le_recognized_as_a_2023_franchise_rock_star_by_franchise_business_review/prweb19458104.htm
ONLINE TRADING PLATFORM HAS PAID OUT MORE TO TRADERS COMPARED TO OTHER FUTURE PROP TRADING PLATFORMS

AUSTIN, Texas , July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Apex Trader Funding, an innovative online trader funding platform offering the easiest to pass, lowest cost and highest contract plans, announced today that their platform has paid out over $12 million to traders in the past 90 days  the most of any prop funding platform.

Since last year, Apex has paid out just over $26 million to traders

Since last year, Apex has paid out just over $26 million to traders with the average monthly payout recorded as $2,941,741 since this past January.

"We are proud to be the prop trading firm with the highest payouts," said Darrell Martin , CEO and Founder of Apex Trader Funding. "We're able to do that because we have dedicated, hardworking traders who are driven to find success each and every day."

About Apex Trader Funding

Headquartered in Austin, Texas , Apex Trader Funding is a community of traders offering the easiest to pass, lowest cost, highest contract funding plans. Founded in 2021 by Darrell Martin, Apex Trader Funding is a thriving community of traders from over 150 countries.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/apex-trader-funding-announces-highest-average-payouts-to-traders-301885707.html

SOURCE Apex Trader Funding
The company will bring Kubernetes and cloud-native security expertise to enable faster development and deployment of applications onto the DoD's Software Factory, Platform One

MILLSBORO, Del. , July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aquia Inc., a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) specializing in cloud and cybersecurity professional services, today announced it has been awarded a subcontract from Omni Federal to support its 3-year contract with the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to provide Kubernetes and cloud-native security expertise to Platform One Big Bang's development team.

As a subcontractor, Aquia will work with Omni Federal to enhance Platform One Big Bang's abilities to deliver hardened, secured, and customized Kubernetes clusters to global environments, catering to mission-critical applications in both cloud and field settings.

"We are honored to be selected by Omni Federal to support such a critical mission, enabling the DoD to develop and deploy mission applications faster," said Aquia's CISO and Co-Founder, Chris Hughes . "Our team's deep Kubernetes knowledge enables us to tackle a wide array of tasks, including maintenance, upgrades, and the integration of additional tools and applications for end users' consumption while keeping cybersecurity a core part of that activity for sensitive DoD workloads in the cloud."

Aquia brings significant experience with federal government software factories to this engagement, supporting the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) with DevSecOps for its platform-as-a-service (PaaS), batCAVE. Similar to Platform One, batCAVE leverages a Kubernetes-based containerized orchestration system built on top of cloud infrastructure and employs Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) methodologies  helping CMS deliver secure software more efficiently.

Platform One is an enterprise service encompassing the entire DoD dedicated to expediting the deployment of DevSecOps applications through its Platform One pipeline security tools. Platform One's Big Bang is a DevSecOps platform built from DoD-hardened and approved packages deployed in a customer-owned Kubernetes cluster.

About Aquia Inc.



Securing The Digital Transformation 

Aquia Inc. is a developer-centric company passionate about the intersection of security and velocity. We maintain a strong bias towards transformational work that disrupts the status quo  delivering elegant, modern solutions to cutting-edge cybersecurity problems.

Founded by military veterans in 2021, we are a Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). Our team has decades of experience driving transformational change across the public sector, enterprise businesses, and top-tier technology companies.

We value trust, accountability, transparency, diversity, and continuous learning; and we've built these tenants into the DNA of our company. For more information, visit www.aquia.us.

Contact:

Ashling Knight

***@aquia.us

Photo(s):

https://www.prlog.org/12975659

Press release distributed by PRLog

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aquia-wins-subcontract-from-omni-federal-to-support-the-department-of-defenses-platform-one-big-bang-development-team-301885317.html

SOURCE Aquia Inc.
The New Twist on Champagne - Complete with Bathtubs, Bubbles, and Rubber Duckies - Flows into the Restaurant July 30th

Bubbles Brunch To Be Offered Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. , at the Ponce City Market Restaurant

ATLANTA , July 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlanta's premier vegan bar, owned by restauranteur and entrepreneur Pinky Cole , announces the arrival of their newest brunch experience, Bubbles Brunch. Launching Sunday, July 30, 2023 , Bubbles gives 'champagne on ice' new meaning with a taste of the brand's notorious cocktail theater. Offering guests champagne bottles in a theatrical bubble bath presentation, the new brunch is an entertaining experience complete with instagrammable moments.

Bar Vegan's Sunday brunch has been a staple in Atlanta since their 2021 spring opening. Bubble Brunch will give guests a new bottle service experience with dry ice, rubber duckies and literal 'bubble baths' to pair with the celebrated vegan brunch cuisine. From fluffy, made-from-scratch vegan pancakes to savory house favorites like the Fried Chik'n Sandwich, this new brunch is accompanied by a menu selection that vegan and non-vegan foodies will enjoy.

"Sunday brunch is a weekend escape, which is why we're so excited to be taking brunch to the next level with a truly weekend-worthy experience," says Christi Mason , Slutty Vegan, Inc. Chief Marketing Officer. "Bubbles Brunch highlights brands like LVMH and ASAP Rocky's Mercer + Prince , offering a tiered menu of champagne options and delectable cocktails that are true to the Bar Vegan brand."

About Bar Vegan

Bar Vegan is Atlanta's go-to dining destination for exceptional plant-based cuisine and state of the art crafted cocktails. Established in 2021, the brand's mission is to create inviting and inclusive spaces for guests to discover the deliciousness vegan cuisine has to offer. Committed to gastronomic excellence, ethical sourcing, and sustainability, Bar Vegan aims to change the perception of vegan dining one incredible meal at a time. It doesn't stop there. Each one of the drinks at Bar vegan is skillfully curated with both flavors and presentations aimed to please - from traditional cocktails to drinks that come in a fire extinguisher or Ferris wheel.

Contact: Christi Mason , [email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bar-vegan-launches-latest-take-on-cocktail-theater-with-new-bubbles-brunch-301884471.html

SOURCE Bar Vegan
ALEXANDRIA, La. , July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bonnette Auction Company proudly announces the induction of its founder, Barbara Bonnette, into the prestigious National Auctioneers Hall of Fame. This honor marks a remarkable milestone in Barbara's career, recognizing her outstanding contributions and exemplary achievements in the auction industry. The induction ceremony took place on July 20, 2023 during the National Auction Association's annual convention, celebrating the most exceptional professionals in the field.

Since its establishment in 1987, Bonnette Auction Company has continuously thrived under Barbara Bonnette's visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the art of auctions. Barbara's passion and expertise have not only propelled her company to national acclaim but have also set a standard of excellence within the industry.

One of the highest honors bestowed upon auctioneers, the induction into the National Auctioneers Hall of Fame represents a crowning achievement for Barbara Bonnette . Her accomplishments extend beyond her exceptional career as an auctioneer. Her significant contributions to the auction community include being inducted into the Louisiana Auctioneers Hall of Fame in 2014 and serving on the National Auctioneers Association's Board of Directors, Foundation Board, and Education Committee. Her dedication to the industry's growth and education has left an indelible mark on aspiring auctioneers.

Barbara's unyielding commitment to excellence has earned her company numerous national and state marketing awards, solidifying Bonnette Auction Company's position as a leader in the auction industry.

"I am humbled and deeply honored to be inducted into the National Auction Hall of Fame," said Barbara Bonnette . "It has been an incredible journey from being a first-generation auctioneer to achieving such recognition in the industry. I am incredibly grateful to my team at Bonnette Auction Company, our loyal clients, NAA and everyone who has supported me throughout my career."

The entire team at Bonnette Auction Company and Louisiana Outdoor Properties congratulates Barbara Bonnette on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to continuing their tradition of excellence under her guidance.

Barbara Bonnette is deeply grateful to her family for their unwavering support throughout her career. Their belief in her and encouragement have been invaluable in her pursuit of excellence, and she attributes her success to their love and presence in her life.

About Barbara Bonnette and Bonnette Auction Company:

Barbara Bonnette is a first-generation auctioneer who founded Bonnette Auction Company in 1987. With her unparalleled expertise, passion, and dedication, Barbara has taken her company to great heights, earning numerous awards along the way. From winning the 2006 International Champion Auctioneer title to being inducted into the National Auctioneers Hall of Fame, Barbara's journey has been an inspiration to many within the industry.

Bonnette Auction Company is a renowned auction firm that specializes in a wide range of auctions, including real estate, equipment, business liquidations, and more. With a focus on professionalism, integrity, and innovation, the company has established itself as a leader in the auction industry, serving clients across the world.

For more information about Barbara Bonnette and Bonnette Auction Company, please visit www.BonnetteAuctions.com

Media Contact:

Wendi Ford

Auction Manager

Bonnette Auction Company

Phone: 318-443-6614

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.BonnetteAuctions.com

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SOURCE Bonnette Auction Company
Iran remains one of the main pillars for Russia in its war against Ukraine. And the military partnership between the two countries is only getting stronger.

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This was stated by Deputy Press Secretary of the US State Department Vedant Patel on Tuesday, 25 July, during a briefing in Washington.

Patel was asked to comment on US intelligence information that Iran is helping Russia build a drone manufacturing plant.

"Iran remains Russia's main military backbone," the State Department official said in response.

He recalled the military assistance Iran had already provided to Russia after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

"Russia has received hundreds of disposable strike UAVs from Iran, as well as equipment for the production of drones," Vedant Patel stated.

In this context, the State Department representative noted that Russian forces used Iranian drones to strike Kyiv to terrorise the Ukrainian population.

According to Patel, Iran has not stopped providing military assistance to Russia, and the partnership between the two countries is only growing.

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"This military partnership between Russia and Iran continues to deepen," the State Department spokesman stressed.

It is worth reminding that Russia recently managed to spoil relations with Iran by questioning the ownership of certain territories. In response to Russia's provocation, Iran said it supported the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL:

US intelligence has indicated that Iran is helping Russia build a UAV manufacturing plant that could start operating as early as next year. Thus, Tehran is helping the Kremlin to establish a steady supply of weapons for the war in Ukraine.

It has also been reported that Tehran uses Chinese components to produce Shaheds for Russia. Details of China's production were found in Iranian kamikaze drones shot down in Ukraine.

Only verified information is available in our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The addition of Melton & Weihman establishes a new group for the firm as part of a broader expansion strategy for BGL's Infrastructure & Environment vertical

NEW YORK , July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL), a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Nick Melton and Owen Weihman as new Managing Directors within its Infrastructure & Environment vertical where they will establish BGL's new Digital Infrastructure investment banking team. Based in New York , they also contribute to BGL's growing presence on the East Coast .

Based in New York , they also contribute to BGL's growing presence on the East Coast .

"BGL represents an ideal platform to serve companies and financial sponsors in the digital infrastructure space," said Mr. Melton . "Clients in this sector place a premium on independent advice, industry knowledge, and longstanding relationships. BGL's strong Infrastructure & Environment team, full-service advisory and capital markets capabilities, and experience in the middle market will position the firm to capitalize on the market dynamics that matter most to digital infrastructure players."

Nick, who will lead BGL's investment banking activities in Digital Infrastructure, has nearly 30 years of experience in the telecommunications and digital infrastructure industries, and has advised on landmark M&A, restructuring, and capital markets transactions. He has held Managing Director roles at Lazard, Rothschild, and Greenhill, and was most recently Head of North America at Rubicon Capital Advisors, an infrastructure focused advisory firm. Nick graduated Beta Gamma Sigma from the University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce.

Owen has over 15 years of experience in strategic advisory, digital infrastructure, and renewable energy. During his career, he has served as a Director in the Mergers & Acquisitions Group at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, where he advised on more than $25 billion of announced public and private M&A transactions, and held a senior operating role at Safari Energy, where he led teams developing commercial-scale renewable energy projects. Prior to joining BGL, he was a Director at Rubicon Capital Advisors. Owen graduated from Williams College and holds an MBA from the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business.

"We are pleased to welcome Nick and Owen to our firm and excited about the experience and relationships they bring to the firm's capabilities in digital infrastructure," said Effram Kaplan , Head of BGL's Infrastructure & Environment vertical. "Their impressive backgrounds and extensive expertise in strategic advisory will help us expand in this high-growth and strategically important sector."

BGL's new Digital Infrastructure group is one of several sectors within the firm's Infrastructure & Environment vertical, which also includes Environmental Infrastructure, Energy Transition, and Transportation & Logistics Infrastructure. Nick and Owen augment the addition of Craig Decker earlier this year, leading investment banking efforts in Transportation & Logistics Services and Infrastructure.

About Brown Gibbons Lang & Company

Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL) is a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm focused on the global middle market. The firm advises private and public corporations and private equity groups on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, financial restructurings, business valuations and opinions, and other strategic matters. BGL has investment banking offices in Chicago , Cleveland , Los Angeles , and New York , and real estate offices in Chicago , Cleveland , and San Antonio . The firm is also a founding member of Global M&A Partners, enabling BGL to service clients in more than 35 countries around the world. Securities transactions are conducted through Brown, Gibbons, Lang & Company Securities, LLC, an affiliate of Brown Gibbons Lang & Company LLC and a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. For more information, please visit www.bglco.com.

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SOURCE Brown Gibbons Lang & Company
The Two-Day Celebration Features Sips, Bites and Feline Festivities for International Cat Day

ST. LOUIS , July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fancy Feast, the most popular brand of gourmet wet cat food in the U.S., is taking its culinary-inspired approach to connecting with your cat to a whole new level with a first-of-its-kind celebration, "Fete du Feline by Fancy Feast," on International Cat Day . Building on the excitement and success of last summer's pop-up Italian trattoria, " Gatto Bianco by Fancy Feast," the brand is returning to the foodie epicenter of New York City to give cat lovers an opportunity to try even more delightful bites  pate included  inspired by the delectable range of Fancy Feast offerings.

For two days in Madison Square Park on August 7 and 8, guests can indulge in cat food-inspired culinary experiences (for humans) and celebrate all things feline with hand-drawn pet portraits, custom engraved serving ware, insights from one of Purina's pet behaviorists and a coveted meet-and-greet with the iconic Fancy Feast cat.

The first evening features the Fete du Feline Grand Tasting, an intimate, ticketed experience headlined by a pate tasting from Fancy Feast's in-house chef, Amanda Hassner , and culinary entrepreneur Andrew Rea , the self-taught foodie filmmaker behind the Babish Culinary Universe known for his recreations of famous foods from TV and film. Rea will recreate a human version of Fancy Feast Gems, a layered pate with a halo of gravy.

"Pate is such a classic presentation in both fine dining and cat food," said Rea. "I recreate famous dishes every day, but taking on my cat Bucky's favorite food was a fun, new challenge for me."

In addition to the pate tasting, Chef Hassner has created a variety of sips and bites to help showcase all the delicious ways Fancy Feast delights your cat, including a savory basil lemonade served "Fancy Feast-style," and a globally-inspired Panzanella with braised beef.

"In creating the menu for Fete du Feline, I wanted to play with all the things that make Fancy Feast so appealing to cats and bring those to life for cat lovers," said Hassner. "Serving food, whether to other people or our pets, is such an act of love, and I want humans to get a taste of the delight cats experience when eating."

Limited tickets for the Fete du Feline Grand Tasting, which takes place Aug 7 from 5:00 to 6:30pm ET , will open on July 31st at noon ET at FancyFeast.com/CatDay. Interested attendees can register free of charge for tickets for themselves and one guest. For any cat lovers who can't secure a spot for night one, the full, free experience will be open to the public on International Cat Day , August 8 from 11:00 a.m. ET to 5:00 p.m. ET .

Cat lovers everywhere can join in the International Cat Day celebration on social media with a custom A/R experience that celebrates their love of cats, or they can bring a taste of Fete du Feline into their own kitchens by downloading recipes from the event.

To learn more about Fete du Feline by Fancy Feast, visit FancyFeast.com/CatDay.

2023 $ Share of Wet Cat in Combined Nielsen AOC + Pet Retail + ECOM + VET L52 weeks ending 1/7/23.

About Nestle Purina PetCare

Nestle Purina PetCare creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations. Purina manufactures some of the world's most trusted and popular pet care products, including Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Fancy Feast and Tidy Cats. Our more than 10,000 U.S. associates take pride in our trusted pet food, treat and litter brands that feed 46 million dogs and 68 million cats every year. More than 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians, and pet care experts ensure our commitment to unsurpassed quality and nutrition.

Purina promotes responsible pet care through our scientific research, our products and our support for pet-related organizations. Over the past five years, Purina has contributed more than $150 million towards organizations that bring, and keep, people and pets together, as well as those that help our communities and environment thrive.

Purina is part of Nestle, a global leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness. For more information, visit purina.com or subscribe here to get the latest Purina news.

About International Cat Day

Custodianship of International Cat Day belongs to cat welfare charity International Cat Care . Since 1958 the group has challenged cruelty, ignorance and misunderstanding to affect positive change in the lives of cats. This year, International Cat Care is using the holiday to encourage people to play with their cats for five minutes daily.

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SOURCE Purina
SUNRISE, Fla. , July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Enhance Health, a digital health insurance brokerage and care navigation platform, is excited to announce the acquisition of JET Health Solutions, a premier Enhanced Direct Enrollment (EDE) platform. The acquisition reinforces Enhance Health's commitment to serving its members and scaling its operations effectively through technology.

"We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of JET Health Solutions," said Matthew Herman , CEO and President of Enhance Health. "Since Enhance's founding, we've been committed to leveraging technology in new ways to simplify the enrollment process. JET's advanced EDE platform improves our already best-in-class member and agent experience."

With hundreds of thousands of members enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans as well as Medicare Advantage plans, Enhance Health has established itself as a trusted partner in the healthcare industry. The acquisition of JET empowers Enhance Health to fully own the enrollment process, enhancing its capabilities and expanding its services with one of the few CMS-certified Phase 3 EDEs available in the market.

"Joining forces with Enhance Health is an exciting opportunity to drive meaningful change in the healthcare industry," said Asad Shamim, Founder and Managing Partner of JET Health Solutions. "Together, we are well-positioned to revolutionize the enrollment process and improve healthcare access for individuals and families across the nation."

Since its establishment in 2008, JET Health has equipped healthcare payers and providers with cutting-edge tools to excel in the ever-evolving healthcare marketplace.

"Integrating an EDE into our technology stack solidifies Enhance as the leader in the digital health insurance space," said Jeff Tang , CIO of Enhance Health. "Fully integrated with our CRM and other agent systems, this platform will fundamentally change the way we interact with our members through streamlined agent workflows, actionable data, and enhanced data security."

About Enhance Health: Founded in 2021 by industry veteran Matt Herman and backed by Bain Capital Insurance, Enhance Health has experienced rapid growth due to the record number of Americans enrolling in ACA health plans in 2022. Enhance Health has grown its membership base to hundreds of thousands, and is rapidly expanding into other insurance business lines.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/enhance-health-expands-capabilities-with-acquisition-of-jet-health-solutions-301885570.html

SOURCE Enhance Health
WASHINGTON , July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today's ruling by Federal District Court Judge Jon Tigar effectively negates any impediments to foreign nationals seeking to abuse our nation's asylum laws, and will trigger an even more massive surge of people crossing our borders illegally, charges the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR).

The Circumvention of Lawful Pathways rule implemented by the Biden administration in May bars some migrants who enter the U.S. between ports of entry from seeking asylum. Today's ruling essentially says that no matter how many people cross the border illegally, regardless of how many countries they may have transited along the way, it has no effect on the availability of asylum which must be available without restriction.

"If Judge Tigar's injunction of the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways rule goes into effect two weeks it will serve as an invitation for people to further abuse our asylum process," commented Dan Stein , president of FAIR. "With Title 42 gone and no mechanism in place to promptly expel even some of the people who enter between ports of entry, a new surge of people crossing illegally could well exceed the records set earlier this year.

" Judge Tigar's ruling threatens even greater chaos, ignoring the real harm that is being done to the nation, based on a specious assertion that the 30-day public comment period was insufficient and 'unreasonable,' for opponents of even minimal immigration enforcement to weigh-in. In fact, what is unreasonable is that communities all across the country are reaching the 'breaking point' trying to cope with the 2.3 million new illegal aliens the Biden administration has already allowed to enter the country," Stein concluded.

Contact: Ira Mehlman , 202-328-7004 or [email protected]



ABOUT FAIR

Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With over 3 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.

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SOURCE Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)
The new brand builds on exponential growth and the company's commitment to providing an all-in-one platform to optimize corporate travel spend and AI-powered automation tools for travel agencies.

TEL AVIV, Israel , July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FairFly, the leader in Travel Spend Optimization, has announced the launch of its new name  Oversee  and an overall new look. The switch to a new company name comes during exponential growth for Oversee (formerly FairFly). Its outstanding customer base testifies to the business success of Oversee currently serving 29 of the Fortune 100, 86 of the Fortune 500, and 38 of BTN Corporate Travel 100 companies.

"Oversee" perfectly captures the company's dedication to helping customers control and optimize corporate travel spend with comprehensive and tailored solutions.

In addition, the name reflects its best-of-breed solutions for travel agencies to optimize their business processes and outcomes with AI-powered automation.

"Since we launched FairFly, our customers have relied on the innovation, excellence, and commitment we bring to optimizing their travel spend," said Aviel Siman-Tov , Co-Founder & CEO of what was formerly FairFly, now Oversee. "As we constantly expanded our platform to address companies' broader business travel requirements, we wanted a new name and look to communicate our broader vision and new capabilities effectively.

"Oversee" indicates how we build the future of Travel Spend Optimization while staying true to our roots. We have a long-standing reputation in the industry for independently serving customers directly or via TMC partnerships. In this sense, the rebranding also highlights our extended relationships with travel agencies, TMCs, and OTAs and the tailored offering for our partners.

We are rebranding strategically and in preparation for soon-to-be-announced new exciting partnerships, along with a range of innovative products. "

The rebrand reinforces the company's position as a leader in the travel tech market and an integral part of the business travel ecosystem.

"We keep ourselves to the highest standard, constantly optimizing every piece of our solution. Exactly this skill and mindset empowers us to offer essential solutions to our customers and partners," said Ami Goldenberg , Co-Founder & CTO of Oversee. "We take pride in seeing how our price assurance solutions, travel data analytics, AI-driven automation, and expertise generate invaluable savings, reliable business intelligence, and new heights of efficiency."

About Oversee

Oversee (formerly FairFly) is the leading provider of Travel Spend Optimization, serving 29 of the Fortune 100, 86 of the Fortune 500, and 38 of BTN Corporate Travel 100 companies worldwide.

For nearly a decade, customers have relied on Oversee's AI-powered air & hotel travel price assurance and travel data analytics to optimize their travel program, supplier relations, and travel spend, seizing exceptional savings and increasing their return on travel investment.

Oversee also offers dedicated solutions for travel agencies, TMCs, and OTAs to boost automation, optimize business processes, and increase profitability.

For more information about the rebranding initiative, please visit www.oversee.biz .

Media Contact:

Dr. Ursula Ron | Director of Marketing | [email protected]

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SOURCE FairFly
WASHINGTON , July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite President Biden's assertion that "the pandemic is over" and the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration, the federal government is still seeking the authority to implement a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for all federal workers.

"... the federal government cannot even point to an ongoing pandemic to justify its obvious overreach."

Mandatory vaccinations for federal workers have been blocked since January 2022 , when a district court issued an injunction in the case of Feds for Medical Freedom v. Biden. However, on Friday (7/21) the federal government petitioned the Supreme Court of the United States asking them to dismiss the case.

Feds for Medical Freedom President Marcus Thornton issued the following statement in response to the latest filing:

"This administration's COVID vaccine mandates have always been immoral, unscientific, and unconstitutional. With the end of the emergency declaration, the federal government cannot even point to an ongoing pandemic to justify its obvious overreach. It is clear the executive branch is now simply working to expand its own power at the expense of the rights of federal employees and contractors. That is wrong, and we will continue to fight them in court until we have won the day."

In addition to Feds for Medical Freedom v. Biden, the group has filed three lawsuits in 2023 challenging the vaccine policies of the Navy , the State Department , and the Department of Justice . Each seeks damages for federal employees who faced a hostile workplace environment and religious discrimination. For further information, visit www.feds4medfreedom.org.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/feds-for-medical-freedom-federal-government-seeks-to-reassert-power-to-mandate-covid-19-vaccines-after-losses-in-lower-courts-301885485.html

SOURCE Feds for Medical Freedom
The Region is Considered Ideally Suited as a 'Living Lab' for Innovation and

Collaboration Given its Leadership in Sustainability

SANTA ROSA , Calif. , July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition that climate impacts and marketplace dynamics are becoming more frequent and extreme for farmers, the Sonoma County Winegrowers invited experts from some of the country's most iconic and innovative companies to gather in Sonoma County last week for its inaugural Farm of the Future Summit. These leaders answered a call to action to collaborate with farmers in Sonoma County to ensure the future of agriculture. They convened to plan, identify challenges and discuss potential collaborations and pilot projects that will be tested throughout Sonoma County's certified sustainable vineyards.

The summit, hosted by Sonoma Winegrowers and facilitated by a leading professor from the Wharton School of Business, provided ample proof that the county has become a global leader for sustainability and regenerative agriculture. In fact, Sonoma County's certified sustainable vineyards are already serving as "living labs" for a host of pilot efforts and programs. In addition, there are more than 50 farmers who have already expressed interest in piloting technology and farming practices that will ensure the longevity of agriculture and specialty crops in Sonoma County and across the country. Companies that participated included Wilbur-Ellis, John Deere, Alaska Airlines, Pellenc, Agrology, NASA, PG&E, Wells Fargo, American AgCredit, Jordan Energy and Zenith Insurance Company among others.

"As one of the world's most sustainable winegrowing regions, Sonoma County has drawn the attention from visionary scientists, engineers, financers, designers, manufacturers, and more who see great potential to work together in a real-world environment towards climate stewardship," said Karissa Kruse , president and chief executive officer of the Sonoma County Winegrowers. She added, "This new collaboration is one of the most significant developments in Sonoma County's agricultural history. It signifies our commitment to farming for future generations which will not only protect our open space and maintain our rural lifestyle, but is recognized and shared by leading companies who will help drive the region's economy through their actions and effort."

What began two years ago with the Sonoma County Winegrowers' first-of-its-kind collaboration with Ford Pro, has expanded significantly since then with new pilot projects and partners. Earlier this year, Wilbur-Ellis began working with growers to assist them in becoming more efficient in addressing soil health, biodiversity, resource diversity and utilization, carbon and climate action and water utilization. Specifically, the company is working with seven pilot farmers to increase organic soil matter, map soil variability, conduct soil chemistry, develop prescriptive nutrition and soil health treatments, monitor and optimize soil moisture, identify optimal cover crops, monitor vine health and put new technology into real world trial work.

"This project is unique in that we will be working with winegrape growers throughout Sonoma County to establish pilot farm blocks of 10 to 50 acres in size so we can address soil and vine nutrition, soil balance, soil health and more  all of which can benefit agriculture in the near future," said Willie Negroni , vice president of Supplier Relations at Wilbur-Ellis. He added, "We are inspired by the sustainability leadership and vision of Sonoma County winegrowers, and we are excited that Wilbur-Ellis was invited to play a role in the Farm of the Future initiative."

The Wilbur-Ellis collaboration with Sonoma County Winegrowers will expand to growers around the county with different soils and climates to get a robust understanding of best practices that can be modeled throughout winegrape growing and beyond to other crops.

Another new innovative partnership was just announced with one of the country's leading ag tech startups, Agrology. The ag tech company has installed real-time carbon monitoring systems in two local vineyards including an Agrology Arbiter Carbon Monitoring System which was installed in the vineyards surrounding the Sonoma County Winegrowers' office. Those vineyards have evolved into a demonstration site for healthy soils, water monitoring and technology advancement. These monitoring systems will enable growers to monitor, measure, and qualify soil carbon emissions, irrigation, extreme weather and more.

"From the trucks that growers drive to the health of the soil, the Farm of the Future is setting an incredible example of how to apply technology to mitigate climate impacts and lower carbon emissions," said Adam Koeppel , co-founder and CEO of Agrology. "At the soil level, carbon plays a huge role in the health of our planet. Sonoma County is now the first wine region to showcase this proof of concept in a living lab. We are honored to partner with them on this endeavor."

These partnerships are the start of what is expected to be many more partnerships linked to Sonoma County Winegrowers' Farm of the Future and builds on the organization's role as a global leader in sustainable farming.

"By providing a living lab, we can pilot 'proof of concept' learning, like soil carbon measurement. This could eventually result in game-changing solutions that we can share with farmers across the country and around the world," added Kruse.

The Farm of the Future is a forward-thinking effort that is based in scenario planning to respond to climate impacts and changes in the marketplace effectively and quickly. It will serve as an innovation accelerator where businesses can share new technologies and put them into real-life practice. Partners and collaborators can leverage Sonoma County Winegrowers sustainability leadership and a network of climate stewards and forward-thinking change agents.

"Given Sonoma County's global leadership in sustainability and regenerative agriculture, this region may become as important an innovation hub for agriculture as Silicon Valley has been to technology," said George Day, professor emeritus at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and the Summit moderator.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-farm-of-the-future-summit-held-in-sonoma-county-301885404.html

SOURCE Sonoma County Winegrowers
BEIJING , July 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- It is an unremarkable tombstone that looks like the stone used in the stairs in front of mansions during ancient times. However, it is actually the remaining evidence in Beijing of the Ryukyuans burial sites in Zhangjiawan, the capital's eastern Tongzhou district.

Although chiseled and damaged due to social changes and wars over hundreds of years, the inscription on the tombstone is still clear.

With its head engraved with "The Ryukyu Kingdom," the tablet has several Chinese characters that say "Tomb of Wang Daye , official Chenqingdutong." Both sides of the tombstone are also inscribed with the date of his death.

"Chenqingdutong is Wang's official title in China as he, a royalist from Kume Village who belonged to the scholar-official class of the Ryukyu Kingdom, came to [ China to] tell the truth and plead for help," Liu Jiangyong, vice dean of the Institute of Modern International Relations at Tsinghua University, told the Global Times.

Wang traveled across the sea to Beijing in the hope of seeking help from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) to save the Ryukyu Kingdom from Japanese annexation.

He died from an illness in 1888, nine years after the "Ryukyu Disposition," when the Ryukyu Kingdom was annexed by the Meiji government of Japan in 1879.

"Nine years after the Ryukyu Kingdom was invaded and annexed, he was still actively traveling in China as part of the Ryukyu Kingdom Restoration Movement," said Liu after showing the Global Times the tablet that is now part of the Tongzhou Museum's collection.

"More and more Ryukyuan and Chinese people have paid visits to it," a staff member of the museum said. A rubbing of the stone is also placed next to it.

A witness

The tomb stone is not just a precious cultural relic, but also a witness to the 500-year-old friendship and exchanges between Chinese and the Ryukyuan people.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty, China and Ryukyu had very frequent cultural exchanges and trade ties as kings of the Ryukyu were consecutively conferred by the Chinese emperors.

"Envoys were sent to China to pay tribute and acknowledge allegiance to China . Not just them, students and merchants also hoped to visit Beijing for further study and trade," Liu said.

However, it was not an easy task to travel across the sea from the Pacific islands to the capital of ancient China thousands of kilometers away.

According to Chinese scholars including Liu, the Ryukyuans would travel long distances through harsh conditions like strong winds and storms, taking as long as six or seven months before arriving in Beijing.

They took ships to Fuzhou in East China's Fujian Province and then changed to a road trip toward Hangzhou in East China's Zhejiang Province , after which they would return to a boat to travel along the Grand Canal to their destination in Zhangjiawan, Tongzhou.

For various reasons, some of these officials, overseas students and merchants died in China . The cemeteries of the Ryukyuan people were built in four major areas in China , Cangshan in Fuzhou , Zhangjiawan in Tongzhou, Beijing , the road from Fuzhou to Beijing and the southeastern coastal area in China .

Historical records show that the cemetery of the Ryukyu Kingdom in Zhangjiawan was approved by the Kangxi Emperor himself as he appreciated the Ryukyuan officials and people.

Due to its location along the Grand Canal , Zhangjiawan was "the ideal place to allow the Ryukyuan people who were coming and going to pay respects to those who had unfortunately died and been buried."

Preserving cultural relics

A total of 14 people were buried at the Zhangjiawan cemetery, including Wang and Lin Shigong, or Rin Seikou, whose life story as a Ryukyuan patriot has touched many people since ancient times.

In 1880, Lin, a Ryukyuan official who was stranded in Beijing , repeatedly went on hunger strikes as part of requests for the Qing Dynasty to send troops to help restore the Ryukyu Kingdom. However, as his efforts came to naught, he killed himself with his own sword.

"Why do we need to get more people to learn about the stories of the tombstone of Wang Daye and Li Shigong's patriotic story?" Liu asked.

"Because it is history that is not well known and an untold story we need to know to remember the friendship between China and the Ryukyu Kingdom."

The historical grand occasion of friendly exchanges between China and Ryukyu "has lasted for 500 years," says a document from Sho Tai , the last king of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Their people have left footprints across China and their stories "need to be told."

An exclusive source told the Global Times that a big archaeological investigation will soon be carried out at the Zhangjiawan cemetery by China's national cultural relic authority.

"That's really exciting news. Finally we can better preserve these relics and the precious friendship and cultural exchanges between China and the Ryukyu Kingdom that lasted for 500 years," said Liu.

"In the future, hopefully many descendants from the Ryukyu Kingdom will come, pay tribute and continue our story of friendship."

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SOURCE Global Times
NEW YORK and PARIS , July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hivebrite, the leading community management and engagement platform, has announced a new partnership with moka.care, the online mental health platform, to provide support for its employees in the European Union. The partnership aims to enhance Hivebrite's effort to protect its employees' mental health and well-being.

The partnership with moka.care will enhance Hivebrite's effort to protect its employees' mental health and well-being.

In the United States, Hivebrite already offers its employees an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Trinet and FEI Workforce Resilience. The new partnership brings the same mental health support to its employees in the European Union, which will help them to access mental health resources and support in their local language.

The new online platform offered by moka.care includes features such as teleconsultations with psychotherapists and psychiatrists, access to self-help programs and a chatbot for immediate support. Additionally, moka.care's platform offers frequent educational content and personalized behavioral support to employees.

"We are thrilled to partner with moka.care in offering our EU employees access to essential mental health support and resources. Protecting and promoting employee well-being as well as personal development is a constant commitment at Hivebrite," said Jean Hamon , CEO of Hivebrite.

With this new collaboration, Hivebrite has taken an essential step towards providing its global workforce with a workplace that prioritizes their mental health and well-being and takes into account their diversity. In doing so, the company continues to set itself apart as a leading advocate for employee wellness and as a great place to work for employees around the world.

About Hivebrite

Hivebrite is an all-in-one community management and engagement platform.

It empowers organizations to launch, manage, and grow fully branded private communities. Hivebrite is completely customizable and provides all the tools needed to strengthen community engagement.

Over 900 organizations worldwide, including CERN, The Channel Company, Shell Alumni , NYSE, and WWF, use Hivebrite to build and engage vibrant communities.

About moka.care

Founded in 2019 by Pierre-Etienne Bidon and Guillaume d'Ayguesvives, moka.care is the complete mental health prevention solution for companies.

moka.care takes care of your teams' mental health:

at the individual level, by supporting employees who feel they need it,

at the company level, by training managers and better anticipating psychosocial risks

for HR teams, by helping them to respond to emergency situations with the right support

Press contact

Logan Sachon

[email protected]

https://hivebrite.com/

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SOURCE Hivebrite
Addition expands firm's civil litigation practice

HOUSTON , July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Trial law boutique Paranjpe Mahadass Ruemke LLP, or PMR Law, is pleased to announce the arrival of personal injury attorney Austin Ningneng Xu.

Mr. Xu expands the firm's growing civil litigation practice. With extensive insight into both trial and appellate matters, Mr. Xu is a fierce advocate for those who are injured by the negligence of others. His practice focuses on a wide range of civil litigation and personal injury matters such as car and truck wrecks, defective products, workplace accidents, premises liability and others.

" Austin's experience has given him a great understanding of the legal system, and we view that as a huge asset," said firm co-founder Raj Mahadass. "We are excited to have his mind and expertise as part of our growing team of skilled attorneys."

Born and raised in China , Mr. Xu pursued higher education prior to his legal career, earning bachelor's and master's degrees. He then earned his J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center. Early in his career, Mr. Xu clerked at the 157th District Court with Judge Tanya Garrison and the Texas First Court of Appeals with Justice Evelyn Keyes before joining PMR Law.

Mr. Xu holds active memberships in organizations such as the Houston Trial Lawyers Association and the Houston Bar Association, further demonstrating his commitment to the legal profession and community.

"I am excited to join a group of renowned attorneys who have a reputation of success in the courtroom," said Mr. Xu . "I look forward to collaborating with the entire team and to keep up the fight for justice on behalf of our clients."

Paranjpe Mahadass Ruemke LLP, or PMR Law, is driven by compassion and focused on results. The firm has helped thousands of clients receive the compensation they deserve in personal injury litigation and business disputes. PMR Law's priority is to provide personalized attention, professionalism and tireless representation.

Visit: www.pmrlaw.com.

Media Contact:

Alyssa Woulfe

800-559-4534

[email protected]

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SOURCE PMR Law
The Public Prosecution's decision to release 33 pre-trial detainees, including political activists Youssef Mansour and Ahmed Hassanein and economist Omar El-Shenety, was highly welcomed by Egyptian political parties and MPs.
KARAMAY, China , July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from GLOBAL TIMES ONLINE:

The first "Hello, Silk Road" International Conference on Internet Communication was held on July 23 in Karamay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region .

Over 200 guests, including experts and scholars from more than 20 countries, Chinese and foreign journalists, and online influencers gathered together to envision future cooperation between China and countries along the Belt and Road in the field of international communication.

Wang Jianxin , director of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Committee in Xinjiang , sincerely invited Chinese and foreign journalists and online influencers to visit Xinjiang , discover a beautiful Xinjiang and tell stories of people-to-people connectivity along the Silk Road well.

Mederbek Shermetaliev, head of the Kabar News Agency of Kyrgyzstan, said Central Asian countries enjoy a bright prospect of development thanks to BRI cooperation. The media should extensively convey information about the aims and objectives of building high-level strategic partnerships between China and Central Asian countries to the general public in a way which is easy to understand.

"We need to stay focused and engage in in-depth exchanges to promote cooperation and win-win results," Argentine Ambassador to China Sabino Vaca Narvaja said in a video speech.

Chen Kai , mayor of Karamay, noted that the city will contribute to the realization of the dream of integration of diverse cultures in the world, the dream of connecting the world and making progress together under the BRI, and the great dream of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

During a roundtable discussion on international communication & value shaping and cultural envoys & common prosperity, the guests shared their views on international communication and other topics.

Zhang Weiwei, director of the China Institute of Fudan University, pointed out that compared to traditional media, the threshold of participating in international communication has been lowered today and thanks to cultural diversity, good stories are told everywhere.

The first "Hello, Silk Road" International Conference on Internet Communication was co-hosted by the information office of the government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region , the government of Karamay and Global Times Online, and supported by the Special Fund for Positive Online Communication of the China Internet Development Foundation.

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SOURCE GLOBAL TIMES ONLINE
The program will select and fully fund proofs of concept for new ideas leveraging advanced computing in the cloud, including generative AI and complex systems modeling and simulation, to help solve some of the biggest challenges in the fight against climate change

LJUBLJANA , Slovenia , July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI), an organization under the auspices of UNESCO, and Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS) today announced the launch of Compute for Climate Fellowship , a first-of-its-kind global program supporting entrepreneurs and startups applying advanced cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) to create new solutions that address the climate crisis. The Compute for Climate Fellowship will select startups with innovative ideas in this space and fully fund the building of their proofs of concept (POC). Applications open today and submissions will be accepted and selected on a rolling basis. Applications received by August 31, 2023 , will be selected for development still this year.

"Artificial intelligence is quickly developing as both an academic and practical discipline. At IRCAI, we aim not only to be a guiding post in the development of these new technologies, but also to ensure they are a force for good for humanity," said John Shawe Taylor , Director at IRCAI. "Through this collaboration with AWS, we want to find some of the most innovative startups out there and help them ethically leverage AI and advanced computing to build groundbreaking solutions that address some of the key challenges created by the climate crisis."

IRCAI and AWS will select proposals that think big, have the most innovative use of advanced cloud computing, and the biggest promise for global impact within six key problem areas in the fight against climate change:

climate risk and resilience

food security

biodiversity and conservation

climate-related health

circular economy

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) analytics

Through the fellowship, global climate tech startups will have access to a variety of technical resources to build their POCs. Both IRCAI and AWS will provide selected startups with a team of experts in AI, sustainability and ethics, as well as access to advanced computing services, such as high-performance computing (HPC), and technologies including AI, generative AI, and machine learning (ML). AWS will also provide participants with credits to cover the POC build. In addition, all POCs will be designed under the guidelines of UNESCO's Ethics Impact

Assessment for Artificial Intelligence to ensure that each solution is built with safe, trustworthy technology.

Climate change has created some of the most complex and pervasive problems of our time. Earlier this month, the world recorded its hottest day ever with the highest average temperatures across the globe, according to data from the U.S. National Centers on Environmental Prediction. Wildfires, floods, droughts, and rising sea levels have been consistently ravaging different parts of the planet for years now, posing a real threat to food security, health, and biodiversity. As we continue to see an increase in the effects of the climate crisis, thousands of tech startups are creating new and innovative approaches to help delay and reverse its impacts. The Compute for Climate Fellowship will help selected startups accelerate the research and development process for these solutions with comprehensive technical guidance and access to AWS advanced computing services to bring their POCs to life.

"Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our generation and our message to the innovators out there with this program is: bring us your boldest, most visionary ideas and we'll help you build them for free," said Howard Wright , VP and Global Head of Startups at AWS. "By offering computing capabilities and access to new technologies, such as generative AI, to startups tackling climate-related challenges, the Compute for Climate Fellowship will continue our mission of driving sustainability through the cloud and hopefully help us change the course of the climate crisis."

Advanced computing and artificial intelligence have already shown great promise in helping create solutions to fight climate change. IRCAI is mapping AI solutions across the world that are contributing to the advancements of the UN Global Sustainability Goals. AWS is currently supporting customers developing early-warning systems for food insecurity, analytics for health equity in the context of climate change, intelligence to power the circular economy, and modeling and simulation capabilities using HPC to identify and mitigate climate-related fires, floods, and heat waves. The advent of generative AI has also sparked ideas for new solutions in this space. AWS is helping customers explore how Large Language Models can help remediate biodiversity loss, support mental health interventions in impacted populations, and foster innovation among automotive manufacturers focused on reaching net-zero goals, electrification, and circularity. By supporting startups developing innovations in these spaces, the Fellowship hopes to advance IRCAI's goal of applying ethical and cutting-edge research in AI, as well as provide new solutions to AWS customers interested in becoming more sustainable.

Applications for the Compute for Climate Fellowship are now open. All applications submitted before August 31, 2023 will be considered for development still this year and may have the opportunity to be showcased at AWS' re:Invent conference in November 2023 . Applications submitted after September 1, 2023 will be considered for development in 2024.

Startups that apply but are not selected to participate will have access to up to $5,000 in AWS credits through the AWS Activate program, as well as free workshops and training on how to use AWS Advanced Compute services to build their solutions.

For more details on fellowship applications and eligibility, visit: https://ircai.org/compute-for-climate-fellowship .

About IRCAI

The International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence is an AI-dedicated research UNESCO category 2 centre, committed to bridge both artificial intelligence and sustainable development following the UN's ethical principles in AI and ensuring via any available means be it research, policy or technology, that the public is the main beneficiary of our actions. We've built an international network and inclusive environment of scientists where collaboration is encouraged and learning is shared freely. With a particular focus on equity, inclusion, and diversity, we develop insights, frameworks and tools to help both us, the public, and the broader AI community create AI that represents the diversity and development concerns of people across the world.

About UNESCO

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is the agency of the United Nations contributing to building peace through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture.

Media Contact

Davor Orlic , COO, [email protected]

Mihajela Crnko, CCO, [email protected]

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2161294/IRCAI_and_AWS.jpg

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SOURCE International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI)
Growth capital investment will support Magnolia's continued expansion

CHARLOTTE, N.C. , July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Magnolia Wash Holdings ("Magnolia" or "the Company"), a leading and fast-growing organization of express car washes committed to reinventing the consumer experience through technology and innovation, today announced it has received a growth capital investment from funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. ("Oaktree") to fuel the company's long-term growth strategy. As part of the transaction, Oaktree has acquired a majority ownership position in the Company. A&M Capital Opportunities Fund ("AMCO") will maintain a material minority ownership stake in the enterprise.

Magnolia Wash Holdings today announced a growth capital investment from Oaktree Capital Management , L.P.

Magnolia currently operates 93 car wash locations in eight states, with 25 additional locations under construction, and more than 200,000 members in its Wash Club Membership Program.

"As we explored potential investment partners, Oaktree stood out for its proven track record of fostering rapid growth, its unique partnerships with management teams, and its value creation for stakeholders," said Jose Costa , CEO of Magnolia Wash Holdings. "We expect Oaktree's resources, experience and track record will be invaluable to us as we continue to expand our presence in the fast-growing express car wash category. I can't wait to see where we'll be in a few years with this outstanding partnership."

"Magnolia and its management team have an impressive track record, and with our investment, we believe they are poised to grow into a preeminent operator in the industry," said David Quick , managing director and assistant portfolio manager at Oaktree. "This is a special opportunity to partner with an experienced management team at a company that is well positioned to take advantage of the significant runway ahead."

"We have enjoyed a fantastic partnership with Magnolia Wash Holdings, beginning with our initial investment in 2020 when the business had just seven locations," said Sean Epps , partner at AMCO. "As a result of the Company's continued growth, we have recognized that now is the time to expand Magnolia's capital partnerships. Our firm has a close institutional relationship with Oaktree, and we share a common vision as stewards for the Company as it enters an exciting next phase of growth."

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC served as the exclusive financial advisor to Magnolia in connection with this transaction and Harris Williams served as exclusive advisor to Oaktree.

About Magnolia Wash Holdings

Magnolia Wash Holdings operates several express wash brands throughout Alabama , South Carolina , North Carolina , Florida , Georgia , Virginia, Ohio and Tennessee all of which deliver a premium on-premise experience including its Unlimited Wash Club Membership Program, free towels, free vacuums and free mat washing stations. The Charlotte, North Carolina -based company is working to consolidate its operations under the Whistle Express banner in the coming months, debuting a new brand look and feel. For more information, visit www.magnoliawashholdings.com .

About Oaktree

Oaktree is a leader among global investment managers specializing in alternative investments, with $172 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2023 . The firm emphasizes an opportunistic, value-oriented and risk-controlled approach to investments in credit, private equity, real assets and listed equities. Oaktree has over 1,100 employees and offices in 20 cities worldwide. For additional information, please visit Oaktree's website at www.oaktreecapital.com .

About A&M Capital Opportunities

A&M Capital Opportunities, with assets under management of approximately $500 million , is Alvarez & Marsal Capital's lower middle-market growth strategy, focused on shared control and structured minority equity investments in North America . AMCO partners with business owners and management teams to help recapitalize and grow businesses, leveraging deep operational capabilities and industry relationships to position them for accelerated long-term growth. AMCO has significant experience with all types of transactions, including growth equity, growth buyouts, recapitalizations, and consolidations of fragmented sectors. More broadly, Alvarez & Marsal Capital is a multi-strategy private equity investment firm with over $4.65 billion in total assets under management across four investment strategies, which maintains a strategic association with Alvarez & Marsal, one of the largest operationally focused advisory firms in the world. For more information, visit www.a-mcapital.com/opportunities .

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SOURCE Magnolia Wash Holdings
HONOLULU , July 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Matson, Inc. (NYSE: MATX), a leading U.S. carrier in the Pacific, has published its 2022 Sustainability Report, which describes the company's progress toward achieving its environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals.

The report also provides detailed information on the company resources and attention focused on upholding high ethical standards; reducing environmental impact; and supporting the wellbeing of its employees and communities.

A downloadable copy of Matson's 2022 Sustainability Report is available on the company's website at: https://www.matson.com/sustainability.html

About Matson

Founded in 1882, Matson (NYSE: MATX) is a leading provider of ocean transportation and logistics services. Matson provides a vital lifeline of ocean freight transportation services to the domestic non-contiguous economies of Hawaii , Alaska , and Guam , and to other island economies in Micronesia . Matson also operates premium, expedited services from China to Long Beach, California , provides service to Okinawa, Japan and various islands in the South Pacific , and operates an international export service from ports in Alaska to Asia . The Company's fleet of owned and chartered vessels includes containerships, combination container and roll-on/roll-off ships and custom-designed barges. Matson Logistics, established in 1987, extends the geographic reach of Matson's transportation network throughout North America and Asia . Its integrated, asset-light logistics services include rail intermodal, highway brokerage, warehousing, freight consolidation, supply chain management, and freight forwarding to Alaska . Additional information about the Company is available at www.matson.com.

Contact:

Keoni Wagner

Matson

510-628-4534

[email protected]

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SOURCE MATSON, INC. - PR
The brand's new store smashed records for both first-day and first-month sales.

NEW YORK , July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifestyle brand MINISO (NYSE: MNSO; HKEX: 9896) recently hosted its 2023 Second Half Global Partners Strategy Summit in New York , highlighting the brand's achievements and future ambitions as it works on becoming a global lifestyle super-brand. During the summit, MINISO founder and CEO, Mr. Jack Ye , revealed that the brand's recently opened store in Times Square , New York , had shattered previous sales records. In fact, the new store set new records for both first-day and first-month sales among the brand's over 5500 global stores. During its inaugural month, the Times Square store recorded sales with over 60,000 consumer visits, equating to approximately eight times higher than the average sales of the other nearly 80 stores in the United States .

The exceptional early success of the store, located in the heart of one of the world's most iconic shopping and leisure destinations, sets a new benchmark for excellence among MINISO's global network. As well as setting a new sales record, the unprecedented performance also reflects a significant growth of MINISO's profitability in the US market.

During the summit, MINISO shared its assessment that the remarkable sales performance of the Times Square store could be largely attributed to the popularity of the brand's diverse range of products, with the new store offering over 2,500 individual SKUs. The selection of attractive, useful, and fun items includes IP licensed products, blind boxes, and toys, which contributed significantly to the store's overall sales. Notably, a significant portion of the products available at the Times Square store are unique creations from MINISO's collaborations with renowned IPs such as Sanrio, Disney, and Pokemon. Meanwhile, a number of products on sale are MINISO's original designs comprising blind boxes, plush toys, fragrances, and more.

The exceptional sales records of the Times Square store also reflect the positive trends within MINISO's product sales structure in the US market. The brand's remarkable growth can be attributed to the higher proportion of sales from on-trend IP licensed products and original designs, which MINISO categorizes as " interest-driven consumption." These products carry higher unit prices, profit margins, and overall profitability. To capitalize on this, MINISO continues to place great importance on actively collaborating with renowned IPs, launching new authorized cooperations regularly. Notable IP collections include the hotly anticipated upcoming Barbie series, and other prominent series such as Snoopy and Winne that have garnered significant attention.

Besides IP licensed products, MINISO's new global strategy, which aims to transform the company into a lifestyle super-brand, also places significant emphasis on continually strengthening investment in original designs. This will be achieved through the brand's newly established "Global Product Innovation Centers". These centers of creative excellence, with locations in the United States , China , Japan , and South Korea , will serve as a hub for innovating and originating trend-setting designs that contribute to MINISO's continuous growth.

Mr. Jack Ye emphasized that MINISO's new store, as the first in Times Square to be opened by a Chinese brand, has achieved outstanding results during its debut month. The performance milestone reflects the brand's growing influence in the United States and strengthens its confidence in expanding further. MINISO has locations in 17 states, and has established partnerships with high-profile real estate developers such as Simon, Macerich, Brookfield , Westfield , and Taubman. By the end of 2023, MINISO plans to have stores in 28 states and expand its presence to over 100 locations across the nation, bringing its fun and joyful brand to an even wider audience.

About MINISO

MINISO Group is a global lifestyle brand offering a variety of design-led lifestyle products. The Company serves consumers primarily through its large network of MINISO stores, and promotes a relaxing, treasure-hunting and engaging shopping experience full of delightful surprises that appeals to all demographics. Aesthetically pleasing design, quality and affordability are at the core of every product in MINISO's wide product portfolio, and the Company continually and frequently rolls out products with these qualities. Since the opening of its first store in China in 2013, the Company has built its flagship brand "MINISO" as a globally recognized retail brand and established a massive store network worldwide.

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SOURCE MINISO
3-Year Project Will Deliver Ultra Reliable Low Latency Wireless Service for the First Time in History

SYRACUSE, N.Y. and CAMBRIDGE, Mass. , July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- JMA Wireless (JMA), a global leader in wireless communications, today announced a three-year research partnership to deliver true ultra-reliable low-latency (URLLC) wireless service with Muriel Medard, NEC Professor of Software Science and Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a leading voice in reliable network communications.

Historically, the industry has traded performance to achieve reliability  making wireless URLLC impossible. MIT and JMA are working to make URLLC a reality without sacrificing performance  delivering wirelessly what could previously only be done with a hard-wired connection.

The collaboration will focus on two critical research areas. The first is how to deliver ultra-reliable low-latency wireless service to make mission-critical applications. Medard and JMA also will research how to make wireless networks greener and more efficient without sacrificing performance.

While smart applications such as autonomous driving are promising in their ability to change lives for the better, their adoption has been limited due to a lack of reliability. Professor Medard's research has created techniques that simultaneously improve reliability and reduce latency.

"Together with JMA, we will drastically reduce the types of legacy inefficiencies that currently stymie URLLC," said Professor Medard. "These lead not only to delays, but also to wasteful energy consumption through needless retransmissions and palliative measures such as over-use of bandwidth. We are teaming up with JMA's unique expertise in radio networks to apply network coding in a 5G standard-compatible way, also opening the way for 6G innovation in the area."

"Today, nearly seven out of ten 6G patents belong to countries other than the U.S. ," said Joe Constantine , JMA's Chief Technology and Strategy Officer. "With Professor Medard, we are working to advance critical R&D right here in the U.S. with one of the greatest minds in our field, as we restore wireless leadership to this country and control our technology future."

This partnership builds on Professor Medard and Joe Constantine's panel at Mobile World Congress Barcelona, where they discussed the power of network slicing. For more information about MIT's Reliable Communications Group, please visit: www.rle.mit.edu/ncrcg/.

About Dr. Medard

Muriel Medard is the NEC Professor of Software Science and Engineering in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) Department at MIT, where she leads the Network Coding and Reliable Communications Group in the Research Laboratory for Electronics at MIT. She is a member of the US National Academy of Engineering, of the German National Academy of Sciences (Leopoldina), and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, of the US National Academy of Inventors, and of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. She obtained three Bachelor's degrees (EECS 1989,

Mathematics 1989 and Humanities 1991), as well as her M.S. (1991) and Sc.D (1995), all from MIT. She holds Honorary Doctorates from the Technical University of Munich (2020) and from The University of Aalborg (2022), and has over sixty US and international patents awarded, the vast majority of which have been licensed or acquired. For technology transfer, she has co-founded CodeOn, for which she consults, and Steinwurf, for which she is Chief Scientist.

About JMA Wireless

Founded in 2012, JMA is restoring U.S. leadership in wireless technology at a critical time in the transition to 5G. Based in Syracuse, New York , JMA makes the world's most advanced and only all-software-based 5G platform, which it designs, codes, and manufactures in the United States . JMA's cutting-edge technologymost notably a revolutionary software solution called XRANis ushering in a new era of innovation and connectivity for businesses, workers, and ultimately consumers. For more information, visit www.jmawireless.com .

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SOURCE JMA Wireless
WASHINGTON , July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study from the BlueGreen Alliance on economic impacts of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) supplemental methane rule released in November 2022 found the adoption of leak reducing technologies and practices at new, modified, and existing oil and gas facilities would create over 136,000 job-years through 2035. A job-year represents an increase in demand for employment sufficient to employ one person for a full year.

The analysis highlighted positive employment impacts from the proposed standards from investments in emissions reduction technologiesspecifically in leak detection and reduction systems, which are more labor intensive than current leak detection technology and practices used by the oil and gas extraction industry. The assessment found that over 10,000 net direct and indirect jobs will be created annually in a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, construction, and operations and maintenance. This is a two-fold increase in jobs compared to our analysis of the 2016 rule.

"The EPA's proposed rule will prevent unnecessary methane leaks in our nation's oil and gas industry, resulting in good jobs for workers, reducing methane emissions driving climate change, and protecting workers and communities," said BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director Jason Walsh . "However, we still need to ensure that the jobs created are good-paying, safe, accessible union jobs. This means supporting and growing pathways into good union jobs."

Methane is a greenhouse gas that is many times more potent than carbon dioxide and one of the largest contributors to climate change. In addition to the economic benefits for workers, the anticipated investments discussed in the report could bring about emission reductions equivalent to the natural gas consumption of nearly 19.7 million households each year from 2023 to 2035.

"Unnecessary methane leaks in the oil and gas industry represent a health risk for workers and communities around facilities," said BlueGreen Alliance Legislative Director Dr. Katie Harris , a co-author of the report.

When methane is emitted from oil and gas infrastructure like wells, compressor stations, and processing plants workers and communities are exposed to other dangerous compounds, such as volatile organic compounds (commonly called VOCs) and carcinogens like benzene, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde. Across the country, nearly 14 million people face cancer risk due to oil and gas operations.

"The EPA has proposed a rule and now we need them to follow through and finalize it. The technology exists to find and fix these unnecessary leaks and doing so will benefit workers, the environment, and public health," said Harris.

The White House will be convening leaders from around the country tomorrow in Washington, D.C. to discuss methane mitigation. Jason Walsh will be speaking on a panel at the event.

Plugging the Leaks: Protect Workers, Reduce Pollution, and Create Quality Jobs by Reducing Methane Waste in the U.S. Oil and Gas Industry can be found online: https://www.bluegreenalliance.org/pluggingtheleaks .

CONTACT:

Justin Jackson , [email protected], (951) 214-9108

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SOURCE BlueGreen Alliance
Local staffing company invites job seekers to attend free experience that will provide them with resumes, headshots, on-site hiring opportunities, and career confidence.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. , July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Insight Global, a leading national staffing company dedicated to empowering people through opportunity, is inviting all local residents to attend an immersive, completely free experience on Saturday, July 29 , aimed at providing personalized, one-on-one career counseling. All Charlotte job seekers who want to gain confidence and access to job resources like resume writing, interview skills and professional headshots, are encouraged to register and attend. Free childcare and lunch will also be available.

"We're committed to inspiring and empowering job seekers with the skills they need to create a brighter and better future," said Bert Bean , CEO of Insight Global. "Whether you're looking for a job or simply want to get ready for your next career move, we are thrilled to bring this transformative experience to Charlotte to inspire and encourage people to pursue what is possible."

This first-of-its-kind experience will take place on Saturday, July 29 , from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the AvidXchange Music Factory headquarters building (1210 AvidXchange Ln., Charlotte, NC 28206). It will be full of experts, technology and tools that will help job seekers as they look for jobs or think about a career. Whether it's needing more access to resources, technology or even the childcare that a job search often requires, Insight Global is working to remove these barriers and meet people where they are to enable a better future for them.

The mobile career event will have local onsite corporate and hiring partners including Coca Cola, Floor & Decor, Indeed, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Tarkett, Flexential, Pike, Domtar, Sunbelt, Kintegra Health, KCI, Sonic Automotive/EchoPark and Moody's. Numerous community partners will also be onsite, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Best Buddies, Operation Warm, Dudley's Place, Year Up, Dress for Success CLT, Alston & Bird, Road to Hire and United Way. AvidXchange has graciously donated the location space for the event, helping to make the event accessible for job seekers in Charlotte .

Attendees can take advantage of the following free services:

One-on-one consultations with Insight Global experts who will provide a personalized experience based on attendees' career goals.

with Insight Global experts who will provide a personalized experience based on attendees' career goals. Career Readiness Workshops on resume writing, technology, interview skills and job hunting.

on resume writing, technology, interview skills and job hunting. Headshot Studio complete with a wardrobe stylist, hair and makeup touch-ups, and a professional photographer who will take photos and upload to LinkedIn profiles (and create a profile).

complete with a wardrobe stylist, hair and makeup touch-ups, and a professional photographer who will take photos and upload to LinkedIn profiles (and create a profile). Career Networking with recruiters from Insight Global and client partners who will be on hand to offer tips, tricks and best practices for job seekers and share opportunities that may be available.

with recruiters from Insight Global and client partners who will be on hand to offer tips, tricks and best practices for job seekers and share opportunities that may be available. Childcare Services staffed by qualified childcare professionals.

staffed by qualified childcare professionals. Additional supportive services, including assistance for Spanish speakers and the hearing and physically impaired.

including assistance for Spanish speakers and the hearing and physically impaired. Food for fuel with locally-sourced, free culinary options.

with locally-sourced, free culinary options. Merchandise Checkout where attendees who complete the day will earn free swag. Registered attendees will also have the chance to take home Chromebooks and gift cards.

Everyone Is Welcome

The Be The Light tour is open to anyone looking to better their job or career. In particular, first-generation college grads, unhoused individuals, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQIA, justice impacted, single-income families, veterans, AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander), BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color), women, and young adults. Throughout the country, many communities face challenges when it comes to entering the workforce or career bettermentfrom social and economic inequality to disenfranchisement. Insight Global is on a mission to change that, and in turn, change lives.

Insight Global is setting a goal to positively impact 5,000 job seekers in the first year of the tour, and 15,000 job seekers by 2025, creating economic sustainability, bridging the gap by breaking generational poverty and providing equal access and opportunity for all.

Space is limited, so registration is highly encouraged.

Contributors that Make These Dreams a Reality

A number of local and national corporate and charitable organizations are working in partnership with Insight Global to make the Be The Light tour possible. For a full list of partners, visit www.insightglobal.com/careerstart.

About Insight Global:

Insight Global is a national staffing and services company dedicated to empowering people. We relentlessly pursue opportunities for others, because when we all work together, anything is possible. We specialize in sourcing information technology, accounting, finance, and engineering professionals, and delivering service-based solutions to Fortune 1000 clients. Our team spans across more than 70 offices throughout the world and placed more than 50,000 people in jobs in 2022. Insight Global's services extend far beyond just filling roles. In addition to staffing services, we provide culture consulting, DEI training, specialized healthcare staffing and resources, and an array of managed services through our managed services division called Evergreen. To learn more about Insight Global, visit insightglobal.com.

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SOURCE Insight Global
O.A.T. is #4 Best Intimate-ship Ocean Cruise Line

BOSTON , July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.), the leader in personalized small group and solo travel, announced that it has been named #4 in the Best Intimate-ship Ocean Cruise Lines category in the Travel + Leisure 2023 World's Best Awards.

"This award reflects our commitment to providing exceptional experiences for our travelers," said Brian FitzGerald , Chief Executive Officer of O.A.T. "We are honored to be recognized by Travel + Leisure again this year and thank our travelers for making this possible."

According to Travel + Leisure, the Best Intimate-ship Ocean Cruise Lines category honors the smallest oceangoing vessels  those with fewer than 150 cabins. Travelers rate ships on cabins/facilities; food; service; itineraries/destinations; excursions/activities; and value.

Small ships, access to lesser-visited ports

The intimate nature of the company's Small Ship Adventures defies traditional ideas of ocean cruising. O.A.T.'s small ships can access smaller, more unique ports that others cannot.

With its small group size of no more than 16 travelers by land and 25 by ship, O.A.T. takes travelers off the beaten path where big tour groups cannot go. O.A.T. travelers stay in intimate lodgings unique to their destination, travel like locals do, and slip seamlessly into local life. Local Trip Experience Leaders offer firsthand insights and support to travelers throughout the journey.

O.A.T. itineraries are designed to focus on cultural connectionsfrom sharing meals with families during Home-Hosted Visits and spending A Day in the Life of people who live in the regions visited, to discussing modern-day Controversial Topics with local experts and visiting Grand Circle Foundation sites such as schools, women's co-ops, and more. Travelers enjoy the choice to personalize their experiencefrom arriving early to extending time abroad with trip extensionsto make the most of their vacation.

Leader in Solo Travel

Solo travelers with O.A.T. enjoy unmatched value with its Free or low-cost Single Supplements. More than 130,000 solo travelers have explored with O.A.T. since 2015. Solos may also join O.A.T. through its free roommate matching service if single spaces are filled.

To learn more about O.A.T., visit www.oattravel.com or call 1-800-955-1925.

ABOUT OVERSEAS ADVENTURE TRAVEL

Established in 1978, Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.) is part of Boston-based Grand Circle Corporation's family of travel companies, which also include Grand Circle Cruise Line and Grand Circle Travel. In 1992, owners Alan and Harriet Lewis established the nonprofit Grand Circle Foundation to support communities in which Grand Circle works and travels, including some 300 humanitarian, cultural, and educational endeavors worldwideamong them, 100 schools, in 50 countries. The Foundation is an entity of the Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation, which has pledged or donated more than $250 million since 1981.

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SOURCE Overseas Adventure Travel
SHANGHAI , July 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Panlin Capital, a leading venture capital firm focusing on Chinese technological innovation, announced the successful closing of its 12th RMB-denominated main fund, "Chengdu Panlin Xiangxu Fund". This fund is the first established by Panlin Capital in Chengdu , and it is another highly institutionalized RMB fund established by Panlin Capital after its Shanghai Science and Technology Innovation Flagship Fund.

Panlin Chengdu Xiangxu Fund is a strategic move made by Panlin Capital in Chengdu against market trends, with the support of both new and old investors. In addition to reinvestments from entrepreneur-represented veteran investors, the fund has also garnered support from institutional investors such as government-guided funds, national master funds, market-based financial institutions, and listed companies. These include local Chengdu institutions such as the Chengdu Productivity Promotion Center, which is a municipal-level science and technology start-up angel investment guidance fund, Chengdu Science Service Group, as well as CICC Genesis, a national emerging industry venture capital fund. Listed companies like Luzhou Laojiao (000568) and Eurocrane (603966) are also among the supporters.

In recent years, the structure of investors in Panlin Capital has been continuously optimized, especially with a significant increase in the proportion of institutional investors in the Panlin Chengdu Xiangxu Fund. This is of milestone significance for Panlin Capital: with entrepreneur-represented veteran investors serving as the cornerstone, complemented by government-guided funds, the two form the basis of Panlin's fund-raising efforts. On top of this, listed companies and financial institutions are also introduced. The support from these different types of investors validates Panlin's capabilities in terms of returns, reinvestment, and investment matching with industries. All of this is the result of Panlin's deep cultivation and professional accumulation in the field of technological innovation.

Li Yuhui , the founding managing partner of Panlin Capital, said: "I want to thank both our new and old investors for their trust and support, and for accompanying Panlin in supporting technological entrepreneurs to participate in the magnificent cause of national scientific and technological innovation. Over the past several years, Panlin has also accompanied and witnessed numerous science and technology enterprises growing into industry leaders, helped scientists successfully transition to entrepreneurs, and brought tremendous momentum to the translation of scientific research and industrial progress. We will continue to delve into the field of technological innovation, creating substantial returns for our investors while continuing to support the entrepreneurs among scientists."

Panlin Chengdu Fund focuses on To B and technology fields, guided by demand and technology. It mainly invests in To B companies (software, intelligent equipment, industrial aggregation platforms) that meet the demand for cost reduction, efficiency improvement and quality enhancement of B-end, as well as hard technology enterprises that have autonomous control over domestic replacement or key technology (critical components, equipment category). As of now, the fund has completed investments in several tech projects including Percipio.XYZ, Chipanalog, Terapark, AIPlanck, Easylogic, Ruiyun Cold Chain , Ele007.com and O-cubes.

This investment strategy has evolved from "To B" to "To B and Technology". It is largely a deeper understanding by Panlin of China's industrial transformation and upgrading, as well as China's future development. "To B" is based on the emergence of personalized needs from China's emerging consumer groups, which forces the B-end to respond quickly and produce corresponding products or services. At the same time, the arrival of China's aging society and the demand for macro-industrial upgrading in China are forcing the B-end to reduce costs, improve quality, and increase efficiency. "Technology" is based on the great strategic backdrop of China's national economic development safety and autonomous control over high-end sophisticated technology, the breakthrough in autonomous research and development of key technology is in line with the national will.

Based on their early experience in Chengdu , Panlin Capital is planning a new comprehensive fund in Chengdu in conjunction with industries and listed companies. The main investment direction will cover Panlin's two major areas: Healthcare and To B and Technology. They hope to excavate and accompany more resilient growth of China's independent innovation technology companies with greater momentum.

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SOURCE Panlin Capital
Egypt's trade deficit grew by 4.3 percent to $3.74 billion in May 2023, compared to $3.57 billion in the same month last year, owing to a plunge in natural gas exports and a surge in wheat imports.
TAIPEI , July 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MSI, a global leader in high-performance computing solutions, has launched its Mini PC line-up, including the Cubi 5, Cubi N, PRO DP10, and PRO DP21 series. These mini computers are designed to cater to a wide range of industries, such as SMBs, offices, hostels, restaurants, educational institutions, medical facilities, science labs, and kiosks. With their miniature chassis, powerful processors, exclusive software, and Thunderbolt 4, the Cubi and PRO DP series have redefined the world of compact computing.

Cubi 5 & Cubi N: Unleashing Power in a Compact Package

The Cubi series boasts remarkable power within a small 0.66-liter footprint, providing easy access to high-performance capabilities. Equipped with the latest Intel Core i7 processors, the Cubi series rivals many full-sized desktop computers in terms of performance. Additionally, Cubi 5 offers an impressive selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort, making it highly versatile.

What sets the Cubi series apart is its exceptional customization and expandability options. Users can easily upgrade and maintain the mini PCs, allowing for memory and storage expansion, ensuring adaptability to evolving needs.

PRO DP10: An Astonishingly Powerful Mini PC

Despite its compact size of less than 1.1 liters, the PRO DP10 is packed with advanced technology. With its strong processor choices, exclusive MSI Cloud Center software, and Thunderbolt 4 capabilities, PRO DP10 maximizes efficiency and productivity. The mini PC offers a wide range of IO ports, allowing users to connect up to four displays simultaneously, enhancing multitasking capabilities.

PRO DP21: Strong Foundation for Business with Elegance in Design

PRO DP21, with its compact 2.3-liter Small Form Factor, fits seamlessly into any workspace while meeting the demands of modern businesses. The exclusive MSI Center software and diverse IO ports enhance efficiency and productivity, making it an ideal tool for connecting POS devices and other modules in an intelligent factory.

Ecosystem with Enhanced Security Design

MSI's Mini PC series comes with top-notch security features, including TPM 2.0, Kensington Lock , and VESA mountable design. The TPM 2.0 ensures a secure environment for business information, while Kensington locks prevent equipment theft in public areas. The VESA mountable design allows for easy attachment to any desired location, providing efficient space management.

MSI Cloud Center, an exclusive feature, enables secure data transfer between smartphones and Mini PCs within the same network domain. This comprehensive Ecosystem & Total Solution ensures the safety of private data, as files are stored solely on Cubi or PRO DP series desktops.

Conclusion

MSI's Cubi and PRO DP series have revolutionized compact computing, offering powerful performance, impressive connectivity, and advanced security features in a miniature form factor. Whether for business or personal use, these mini PCs provide a comprehensive computing solution for diverse industries and workspace setups. Explore the links below for more information on each model:

Cubi 5 12M: [https://msi.gm/S736AD38]

Cubi N ADL: [https://msi.gm/S606C528]

PRO DP10 13M: [https://msi.gm/S08DE310]

PRO DP21 13M: [https://msi.gm/S5372B95]

Over the past years, MSI has supported worldwide customers from various industries, including education, health care, sports, government tenders, restaurant & hotel facilitation, and professional office projects.

Find more details about case sharings on: https://msi.gm/SC3768F3

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SOURCE MSI
GOTHENBURG, Sweden , July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TATAA Biocenter AB (the "Company" or "TATAA"), a leading global CRO for high-quality molecular analysis, announced the promotion of Sofia Adolfsson to Head of Bioinformatics and Scientific Officer. In her new role, Sofia will support the Company's leadership team in its continued growth and long-term ambitions. She will spearhead the advancement of TATAA's offerings in the realm of precision medicine, define strategic objectives and execute the implementation of new technologies for the Company.

Sofia earned her PhD in 2009 from ETH Zurich and has a broad research background in many disciplines, spanning from evolutionary biology to cancer diagnostics. Sofia previously held roles at the Uppsala University, the Karolinska Institutet, and Lund University before joining TATAA Biocenter in 2021 as Head of Bioinformatics.

"Sofia has been an invaluable member of our team since she joined us in 2021," said Mathias Hallin , CEO of TATAA Biocenter. "We are thrilled to promote her to this new role and are confident that she will continue to drive innovation and deliver exceptional results for our company and the biopharmaceutical industry as a whole."

Contact for more info:

Martin Cooke , TATAA Biocenter, Marketing & Comms Specialist.

Email: [email protected]

The following files are available for download:

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tataa-biocenter-promotes-sofia-adolfsson-to-scientific-officer-and-head-of-bioinformatics-301884850.html

SOURCE Tataa Biocenter
BALTIMORE and BRIDGEPORT, Conn., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle , Jonathan Klein is acknowledged as a Top Pinnacle Professional 2023 for his contributions to the Field of Law.

Mr. Klein pursued higher education at Yeshiva University in New York where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, magna cum laude, in 1977. In addition to earning a Doctor of Jurisprudence at Fordham University School of Law in New York City in 1980, the attorney is a Distinguished Military Graduate of the Army ROTC program at Fordham University. The attorney capped his scholarship by graduating from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

A leader in the field, Mr. Klein is licensed to practice law in Connecticut , New York , and Maryland and may also practice before the Supreme Court of the United States; the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the 2nd, 5th, and 11th Circuits; the U.S. District Court for the Districts of Connecticut, Maryland , and D.C.; the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York ; and the Southern District of Georgia ; the U.S. Tax Court; the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; and the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals. The attorney specializes in commercial litigation and has focused his practice on a wide variety of other areas of the law.

Mr. Klein represents corporate and individual plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal courts and also briefs and argues appeals before the Connecticut Appellate Court and Supreme Court and the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Prior to joining Parlatore Law Group, LLP as a partner in 2020, he maintained a private solo practice, Jonathan J. Klein , Attorney and Counselor at Law, in Bridgeport, Connecticut between 1995 and 2020 and was an associate and principal at two local law firms in Connecticut between 1987 and 1995. He was also Senior Special Counsel for the Department of Enforcement of the New York Stock Exchange from 1984 to 1987 and was a trial defense counsel for the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps between 1981 and 1984.

In addition to his commercial work, Mr. Klein practices general civil litigation, white-collar and general criminal defense, and tax litigation. He has resolved issues regarding state and federal administrative law; securities law; labor and employment law; zoning law; and military law.

Alongside his professional practice, Mr. Klein developed and taught military criminal law and law of war courses for the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program at the University of Connecticut. He also served on a disenrollment board and was an investigating officer. He later retired as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve after serving on active duty and as a reservist in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps from 1981 to 2004.

A civic-minded leader, Mr. Klein served on the Board of Fire Commissioners of the City of Bridgeport from 2004 to 2014 and as its President from 2013 to 2014. He also served as a board member of Hillel Academy in Fairfield, Connecticut ; is on the board of the Pikesville-Greenspring Community Coalition in Baltimore County, Maryland ; is a member of the Veterans and Military Affairs Section of the Connecticut Bar Association and serves on the Section's Executive Committee; and is a member of the Greater Bridgeport Bar Association.

Reflecting on his career, Mr. Klein attributes much of his success in law to listening to his clients and crafting cost-effective, realistic solutions for them.

Contact: Katherine Green , 516-825-5634, [email protected]

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Mid-to-large cap companies bear the brunt of the plaintiffs' bar

SAN FRANCISCO , July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Woodruff Sawyer's 2023 Mid-Year Databox Report, tracking Securities Class Action (SCA) lawsuits, highlights an intriguing trend. Current economic conditions have dramatically slowed the pace of IPOs, SPAC IPOs, and de-SPAC activitypopular sources of litigation for the plaintiffs' bar. However, SCA filings have increased slightly in the first half of the year and settlements, clocking in at $2.1B (excluding Wells Fargo's recent $1B settlement) are the highest they have been in a decade.

Excluding the $1 billion settlement by Wells Fargo & Company, the remaining top nine settlements comprised 67% of total settlement dollars ( $1.4 billion ). The average time to settlement for those cases was 4.1 years.

Why are settlements so large? Priya Huskins , Senior VP, Management Liability, explains, "Some of these settlements represent years of litigation, and it is usually the case that the longer a case takes to settle, the higher the settlement amount. We're also seeing settlements surpassing dismissals. With over 450 cases yet to be resolved, we anticipate that this be another expensive year for settlements. Unsurprisingly, insurance underwriters are watching closely."

As far as the impact on the cost of D&O insurance, which typically pays settlement costs, younger public companies are enjoying reduced D&O premiums compared to the very high rates they were paying in 2020 and 2021. Mid-to large-cap companies are not seeing the same rate of rate reductions, but then again, they also experienced much less severe increases during the D&O hard market.

Huskins cautions, "Insurance risk management is an inherently cyclical businessthe uncertainty in the frequency and severity of losses creates hard and soft market cycles. Don't forget that the systemic unpredictability due to macro socio-political factors can further impact those cycles. However, today, if you're not seeing savings in the cost of your D&O insurance, you should contact your broker to explore possible options."

About Woodruff Sawyer

As one of the largest independent insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the US, Woodruff Sawyer protects the people and assets of more than 4,000 companies. We provide expert counsel and fierce advocacy to protect clients against their most critical risks in property & casualty, management liability, cyber liability, employee benefits, and personal wealth management. An active partner of Assurex Global and International Benefits Network, we provide expertise and customized solutions where clients need it, with headquarters in San Francisco , offices throughout the US, and global reach on six continents. For more information, call 844.972.6326, or visit woodruffsawyer.com.

Contact: [email protected]

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By Ahmed Kingimi

MAIDUGURI (Reuters) - At least 34 people, including seven soldiers, were killed in an attack by a gang of armed men in Nigeria's northwest Zamfara state, the head of a vigilante group and residents said.

The attack in the remote Dan Gulbi district of the Maru local government area of the state occurred on Monday afternoon, Ismail Magaji, the head of the local vigilante group, told Reuters.

Lawali Zonai, a resident, said, "27 villagers were killed in the attack while seven military personnel were ambushed on their way to aid the community from the gruesome attack."

A spokesperson for the Zamfara state police did not immediately respond to calls seeking to confirm the incident.

Gangs of heavily armed men, locally referred to as bandits, have wreaked havoc across Nigeria's northwest in the past three years, kidnapping thousands, killing hundreds and making it unsafe to travel by road or farm in some areas.

The attacks have confounded Nigeria's security forces that are overstretched combating a 14-year Islamist insurgency in the northeast, violent farmer-herder and sectarian clashes in the central region and rising attacks by a separatist group in the southeast.

(Reporting by Ahmed Kingimi; Editing by Elisha Bala-Gbogbo and Jonathan Oatis)
(Reuters) - Belarus applied in May to join the BRICS club of five leading developing economies, Russia's RIA Novosti news agency reported on Tuesday.

"This decision was an absolutely logical step in the context of... expanding cooperation in multilateral formats with traditional partners and friendly states," the Belarusian Foreign Ministry said, according to RIA.

The BRICS countries Brazil, India, China and South Africa have all declined to join Western economic sanctions against fellow member Russia over its war in Ukraine, which Moscow calls a "special military operation". They are due to hold a summit in South Africa in August.

Belarus, a close ally of Moscow also subject to Western sanctions - for suppressing dissent and allowing Russia to use its territory as a platform for the invasion of Ukraine - said 25 states had already applied to join the BRICS club.

It said the BRICS members were discussing whether to set criteria for membership, or perhaps to establish a parallel forum of BRICS partner countries.

"The importance and influence of BRICS in the world will steadily increase," the ministry was quoted as saying.

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Kevin Liffey, Editing by Angus MacSwan)
U.S. President Joe Biden arrives to Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Washington, U.S., July 22, 2023. REUTERS/Julia Nikhinson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden's administration will cancel $130 million in debt for 7,400 student borrowers who enrolled at the now-defunct CollegeAmerica in Colorado from 2006 through July 1, 2020, the Education Department said.

CollegeAmerica, a private institution, shut down in September 2020 after an investigation by Colorado's attorney general found it made widespread misrepresentations about the salaries and employment rates of its graduates, the department said in a statement.

Biden said in a statement that borrowers at CollegeAmerica "were lied to, ripped off, and saddled with mountains of debt." He said his administration has approved $14.7 billion in relief for 1.1 million borrowers "whose colleges took advantage of them or closed abruptly".

Biden has made addressing mounting U.S. student debt a top priority since taking office in January 2021, including by pursuing a plan to provide $430 billion in loan relief.

The Supreme Court blocked that plan in a June 30 ruling. Biden has vowed to pursue the relief through new measures.

(Reporting by Rami Ayyub; Editing by Chris Reese and Jonathan Oatis)
FILE PHOTO: China's Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi meets with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto (not seen) in Budapest, Hungary, February 20, 2023. REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo/File Photo

(Reuters) - Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has called for joint efforts to address global security challenges, Chinese state-run media agency Xinhua reported on Tuesday.

Wang made the remarks at the 13th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security in Johannesburg, South Africa, Xinhua said.

BRICS is an acronym for five emerging economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

China named the veteran diplomat its new foreign minister on Tuesday, removing former rising star Qin Gang after a mysterious one-month absence from his duties barely half a year into the job.

Qin's successor Wang was also his predecessor, holding the post from 2013-2022 as ties with the United States frayed to a point Beijing described as an all-time low.

Wang, who is also the director of the Office of the CPC Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, called to resist external intervention and safeguard political security.

He also highlighted the need to abide by the purposes and principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter, respecting all countries' legitimate security concerns and their right to choose their political systems and development paths, Xinhua reported.

Wang said efforts should be made to resolve disputes and differences through dialogue and consultation, while acts of "decoupling" and "double standards" should be opposed.

He also underlined common security and opposed zero-sum thinking and the Cold War mentality.

China is willing to work with its BRICS partners to carry out more practical cooperation in addressing international security challenges, Wang said, according to Xinhua.

At the meeting, member nations agreed to carry forward the BRICS spirit, support multilateralism, oppose unilateral sanctions and jointly cope with global challenges, including terrorism, extremism and cross-border crime, Xinhua added.

(Reporting by Roushni Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Pooja Desai)
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy listens as he attends a meeting with Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar (not pictured) at Horodetskyi House, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine July 19, 2023. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne/Pool/File Pho

(Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday he would tolerate no corruption or treachery in affairs of state while his country is struggling to find the means to defend itself against Russian invaders.

Zelenskiy made anti-corruption appeals in his nightly video address as two landmark cases came to light - the arrests of a military recruitment official accused of mass embezzlement and of a parliamentarian accused of collaborating with Russia.

The president last month announced plans to audit military draft offices to try to eliminate corruption.

That measure was part of longstanding policy to clean up the military and government departments to show Ukraine's Western supporters he was serious about tackling deep-rooted graft, measures that are a main element in the long process of securing European Union membership.

Ordinary Ukrainians who support the war effort were enraged by corrupt practices, Zelenskiy said.

"Let me warn all members of parliament, officials and everyone working as a civil servant," he said.

"When you spend days on end looking for weapons for the country, when everyone's attention is fixed on whether there is artillery, missiles and drones, you feel the moral strength our soldiers have given Ukraine.

"No one will forgive members of parliament, judges, military officials or any other officials for placing themselves in opposition to the state."

Russian forces invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and since then the war has killed thousands of civilians and military personnel, displaced millions and pulverised Ukrainian cities.

Zelenskiy, addressing members of parliament, said he would no longer tolerate those who "because of some sort of personal gain" refuse to back legislation needed for Ukraine to begin its long campaign to secure EU membership.

"I no longer want to see any such refusals," he said. "No one wants to see that. Ukraine has no more time for that."

CORRUPTION, TREASON CHARGES

Earlier, legal authorities said the head of a military recruitment centre in southern Ukraine accused of corruption and embezzlement had been ordered held in pre-trial detention, with bail set at the equivalent of just over $4 million.

Ukraine's National Agency on Corruption Prevention said Yevhen Borysov, head of the military recruitment office in Odesa, stood accused of acquiring without explanation funds equivalent to a little more than $5 million.

Ukrainian media had reported in recent months on how his family had acquired property in Spain.

Novikov told a news conference that initial investigation showed that Borysov had acquired large sums through loans from business partners while Ukraine was being subjected to daily Russian shelling.

And the prosecutor general's office said parliamentarian Oleksandr Ponomaryov, suspected of collaborating with Russia in the occupied southeast, had been arrested pending trial on treason charges.

Ponomaryov, a lawmaker elected for a now-banned party accused of ties to Russia, was placed in detention without bail by Kyiv's Pechersk district court.

He has denied collaborating with Russia in the past.

(Reporting by Ron Popeski and Nick Starkov; editing by Grant McCool)
DUBAI (Reuters) - Egypt summoned Sweden's charge d'affaires to condemn incidents where copies of the Koran have been burned, the foreign ministry's spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Five anti-Islam activists set fire to a Koran in front of the Egyptian embassy in Copenhagen on Tuesday, the third such incident in Denmark in less than a week, following Koran burnings in nearby Sweden.

Egypt informed the charge d'affaires of its "strong condemnation and complete rejection ... of the unfortunate and repeated incidents of burning and abuse of copies of the Holy Koran," the statement added.

(Reporting by Clauda Tanios, Writing by Ahmed Elimam, Editing by Andrew Heavens)
Hundreds of protesters attempted to storm Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses foreign embassies and the seat of Iraq's government, early Saturday following reports of the burning of a Quran carried out by a ultranationalist group in front of the Iraqi Embassy in Copenhagen.

They were pushed back by security forces, who blocked the Jumhuriya bridge leading to the Green Zone, preventing them from reaching the Danish Embassy.

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. Protesters occupied the diplomatic post for several hours, waving flags and signs showing the influential Iraqi Shiite cleric and political leader Muqtada al-Sadr, and setting a small fire. The embassy staff had been evacuated a day earlier.

Hours later, Iraqs prime minister cut diplomatic ties with Sweden in protest over the desecration of the Quran.

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 Thursday but ultimately stopped short of setting fire to the book. He did, however, kick and step on it, and did the same with an Iraqi flag and a photo of Sadr and of Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

On Friday afternoon, thousands protested peacefully in Iraq and other Muslim-majority countries.

Also on Friday, according to Danish media reports, members of ultranationalist group Danske Patrioter burned a copy of the Quran and an Iraqi flag in front of the Iraqi Embassy in Copenhagen and livestreamed the action on Facebook.

The incident prompted the protests in Baghdad overnight. Chanting in support of Sadr and carrying images of the prominent leader 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.

In a statement on Saturday, the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned 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.

Another protest is scheduled to take place in Baghdad at 6 pm.

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By Milana Vinn and Anirban Sen

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Broadcast Music Inc (BMI), the music rights company representing top songwriters such as Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Rihanna, is once again exploring options including a sale after it ditched its non-profit model, people familiar with the matter said.

BMI has turned to Goldman Sachs Group, the investment bank that also advised it on deal discussions last year, for guidance as it fields interest from potential acquirers, including private equity firms, the sources said, cautioning that the company may still decide not to sell itself.

The company also explored a sale last year when it was run as a non-profit and handed the vast majority of its profits to music artists and their publishers.

For interested parties who submitted offers last year, the fact that BMI did not keep more money for itself made it more difficult to justify the price tag of more than $2 billion that the company was seeking, the sources said.

BMI reported revenue of about $1.57 billion for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2022, and paid out about $1.47 billion to its songwriters, composers and publishers, according to its last annual report.

The company generates about $145 million in 12-month earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, according to the sources.

The sources asked not to be identified because the matter is confidential. Spokespeople for BMI, which is controlled by several TV networks and radio broadcasters, and Goldman Sachs declined to comment.

In a memo to employees last year, BMI Chief Executive Mike ONeill said it was important for the company to be more commercial going forward.

Since switching to a for-profit model, BMI has been investing the money it earns to accelerate growth in its business. For example, it has invested in upgrading technology, launching new offerings, while also setting aside money for partnerships and acquisitions.

Created in 1939, BMI represents the public performance rights in more than 20 million musical works created and owned by more than 1.3 million songwriters, composers, and music publishers. The songs are licensed to digital streaming services, radio and television stations and other music users.

Under an 82-year-old consent decree with the U.S. Justice Department, BMI is required to license to anyone upon request, with pricing disputes settled by a judge. The Justice Department undertook a review of its consent decree with BMI, as well as the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), four years ago, but decided to leave the arrangements in place.

BMI and ASCAP jointly account for more than 90% of the music licensing market.

While the predictable royalties generated by these companies make them attractive to private equity firms, buyout negotiations for them have been fraught. Michigan's retirement system explored a sale of its majority stake in Concord Music Royalties last year, but could not fetch the $6 billion valuation it was seeking.

(Reporting by Milana Vinn and Anirban Sen in New York; Editing by Nick Zieminski and Sonali Paul)
FILE PHOTO: Judge Elizabeth Scherer reads the verdict in the trial of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooter Nikolas Cruz at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S., October 13, 2022. Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Senti

By Nate Raymond

(Reuters) - Florida's top court has publicly reprimanded the judge who presided over the trial of Nikolas Cruz, who killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland in 2018, for appearing partial to the prosecution.

Monday's decision by the Florida Supreme Court came after the 15-member Judicial Qualifications Commission concluded in June that Broward County Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer violated judicial conduct rules during last year's trial.

That trial ended with a jury in October sparing Cruz from the death penalty and him receiving a life sentence for using a semi-automatic rifle to kill 14 students and three staff members at Parkland when he was 19 years old.

The commission found Scherer "allowed her emotions to overcome her judgment" by unduly chastising defense counsel, wrongly accusing one of Cruz's lawyers of trying to threaten her children and embracing victims and prosecutors after sentencing.

The panel said regardless of the emotional and contentious nature of the trial, judges must ensure due process, order and decorum, and act always with dignity and respect to promote the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary."

Scherer, a former prosecutor appointed the bench in 2012, resigned at the end of June. Her lawyer did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.

Her decision to hug members of the prosecution and the victims families in the courtroom after sentencing Cruz in November prompted the Florida Supreme Court to remove her from another death penalty case involving a different defendant, Randy Tundidor, in April.

Scherer admitted her treatment of defense lawyers was times not patient or dignified, though she said she offered to embrace defense counsel too, according to court records.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston, Editing by William Maclean)
FILE PHOTO: Evan Greenberg, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Chubb Ltd speaks at an S&P Global Ratings conference in New York City, New York, U.S., June 7, 2018. REUTERS/Suzanne Barlyn/File Photo

(Reuters) - Insurance company Chubb beat estimates for quarterly profit on Tuesday as higher returns from its investments cushioned a hit from catastrophe-related claims.

Investment income, which had slumped for most insurance firms that invest a chunk of their profits across classes, has recovered this year as markets rally. The benchmark S&P 500 Index has risen about 18% year-to-date.

NYSE-listed shares of the insurer rose 3.09% in extended trading, after results.

Chubb's core operating income rose to $2.04 billion, or $4.92 per share, for the quarter ended June 30, from $1.79 billion, or $4.22 a piece, a year ago.

The Zurich-based company also benefited from strong underwriting activity in the quarter, with net premiums written climbing 16.1%, to $11.95 billion, from last year.

"Our investment income run rate will continue to grow as we reinvest cash flow at higher rates and compound income," Chairman and CEO Evan Greenberg said in a statement.

Chubb's pre-tax net investment income rose about 30% from last year, to $1.14 billion.

Analysts on an average had expected a profit of $4.41 per share, according to Refinitiv IBES data.

The company reported a current accident year combined ratio, excluding catastrophe losses, of 83.1%, compared with 83.4% a year earlier. A ratio below 100% means the insurer earned more in premiums than it paid out in claims.

The upbeat results helped cushion higher catastrophe-related claims due to severe storms and hail in several parts of the U.S. during the quarter.

Extreme weather across the U.S. caused the insurer's catastrophe losses net of reinsurance to jump to $400 million, from $291 million a year earlier.

(Reporting by Pritam Biswas in Bengaluru; Editing by Pooja Desai)
FILE PHOTO: Protesters block Ayalon Highway during a demonstration following a parliament vote on a contested bill that limits Supreme Court powers to void some government decisions, in Tel Aviv, Israel July 24, 2023. REUTERS/Corinna Kern

By Parisa Hafezi, Laila Bassam and Nidal al-Mughrabi

DUBAI (Reuters) -The crisis sweeping Israel has become a focal point for its enemies across the Middle East who have convened top-level meetings to weigh the turmoil and how they might capitalise on it, sources familiar with the discussions say.

Foes including Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah have been crowing at the sight of Israel fractured by the crisis ignited by government moves to overhaul the judiciary, especially threats by reservists to stop showing up for military service.

Away from the propaganda being broadcast by groups eager to see Israel's demise, these factions have also been devoting special attention to the crisis at closed-door meetings, perceiving this as a potential turning point for Israel.

The subject was discussed at a three-hour meeting last week involving a senior commander from Iran's Quds Force, the arm of its Revolutionary Guards that funnels military support to Tehran's allies, two Iranian security officials and officials from Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, an Iranian diplomat said.

After concluding that the crisis had already weakened Israel, they agreed they should refrain from any "direct interference", believing this could give Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the chance to shift blame to foreign adversaries.

A Hamas source declined to comment on the account, saying there are ongoing discussions between Hamas, Iran and the Quds Force "over the whole situation and to discuss ways to upgrade the work of resistance".

Iran's foreign ministry and the Guards' public relations office could not be immediately reached for comment.

HEZBOLLAH ON PATROL

The upheaval marks one of the most serious domestic crises since Israel was established in 1948, ushering in decades of conflict with Arab countries and Palestinians who want to establish a state in territory occupied by Israel.

Israel's parliament on Monday ratified a first bill of the judicial overhaul, limiting the powers of the country's Supreme Court, prompting more protests by Israelis who see the moves as a menace to their democracy.

The divisions have seeped into the Israeli military, which has fought numerous conflicts with Lebanon's Hezbollah and the Palestinian factions Hamas and Islamic Jihad, both backed by Iran.

Israeli protest leaders have said thousands of volunteer reservists could abstain from duty if the government stays the course, and former senior military officials have warned that Israel's war-readiness could be at risk.

A video shared on social media on Tuesday showed elite fighters from Hezbollah mounting a rare patrol directly at the fenced Lebanese border with Israel, according to a Lebanese source familiar with the deployment.

The source said the patrol along the rugged frontier, where tensions have been running high of late, had nothing to do with events in Israel. Hezbollah's media office declined to comment.

The source said however that Hezbollah officials have discussed the crisis in detail at the highest levels. The group views the crisis as a development to be exploited in the future, the source added.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Tuesday the Israeli military "is combat-ready and will remain combat-ready" despite the protesting reservists, whom he accused of trying to "put a gun to the head of the government".

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, in a speech on Monday, said Israel was on a "path of collapse and fragmentation".

Iranian Foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani referred to Netanyahu's recently fitted pacemaker when tweeting about the crisis, saying "the heart of the Zionist regime is in deeper crisis than the crisis in the heart of its prime minister".

The crisis has come at a time of surging violence between Israel and the Palestinians, particularly in the West Bank, where Israeli troops killed three militants who opened fire on them from a car on Tuesday.

Hamas identified them as its members.

Sources close to Hamas and the Islamic Jihad say the two groups are monitoring closely the protests in Israel, enjoying the images, and hoping the tensions worsen.

But they are also wary of the risk of Netanyahu seeking to divert attention from the domestic crisis through conflict against Israel's enemies that could unite its people.

They are following it seriously to assess how this could reflect on them and whether Israel could export its internal crisis, Gaza political analyst Adnan Abu Amer said.

(Additional reporting by Tom Perry in Beirut and Ali Sawafta in Ramallah; writing by Michele Kambas and Tom Perry; editing by Mark Heinrich)
ROME (Reuters) -Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday the poor showing by her Spanish far-right ally Vox was expected in Sunday's general elections, but noted that conservatives overall made strong gains.

Spain's conservative People's Party (PP) and Vox, who were touted as potential coalition partners, earned a combined 169 seats in the 350-seat lower house, but fell short of the 176 lawmakers needed to secure a parliamentary majority.

Meanwhile, the ruling Socialists and far-left Sumar won 153 seats - a better-than-expected performance.

"Vox's result was expected... we knew that it was going to lose seats," Meloni said in comments to the Rtl 102.5 radio, adding that the main election outcome "is that the centre-right is growing by a lot in Spain."

Vox's share of seats in the Spanish parliament fell to 33 from 52, slightly below a projection of 36 based on average of polls published until the week before the elections.

Meloni actively participated in Vox's electoral campaign, sending a video message in Spanish to a rally fronted by party leader Santiago Abascal.

The Italian premier, who is the leader of the European Conservatives and Reformists Party (ECR), said the PP was the leading force in the right-wing camp in Spain just like her Brothers of Italy party in Italy.

"I hope Spain can form a government as soon as possible. We are friends regardless of who is in charge," she said.

(Reporting by Angelo Amante, editing by Alvise Armellini)
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits the Chinese People's Volunteer Army Martyrs' cemetery in this photo released on July 26, 2023 by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). KCNA via REUTERS

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a cemetery for Chinese soldiers who fought in the Korean War, state media KCNA reported on Wednesday.

His visit, accompanied by his powerful sister, Kim Yo Jong, comes ahead of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War truce on Thursday, which is celebrated as "Victory Day" in North Korea, often with a grandiose military parade.

The move comes as the nuclear-armed, reclusive state has been gearing up for the upcoming ceremony, inviting Chinese and Russian delegations as the first such public visitors since the start of the pandemic.

South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities were "closely monitoring" the situation and there had been an increase in manpower and equipment, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff told a briefing on Tuesday when asked about the ceremony.

Kim also visited the Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs Cemetery on Monday, KCNA reported, as he touted the soldiers as "inflicting defeat" on U.S. imperialism.

The Great Fatherland Liberation War is a name used by Pyongyang to refer to the Korean War.

(Reporting by Hyunsu Yim; Editing by Sandra Maler)
FILE PHOTO: U.S. Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin holds a news conference on the day of a NATO Defence Ministers' meeting at the Alliance's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium June 15, 2023. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called for political consensus in Israel on Tuesday in a call with his Israeli counterpart, in the latest sign of strain between the allies over an Israeli judicial overhaul triggering major protests.

Israel's parliament ratified an initial bill aimed at curbing the Supreme Court's powers, despite months of internal unrest over the proposal and appeals from the U.S. and other countries to hold off and negotiate with the opposition.

The protests may be affecting the Israeli military. Protest leaders cite growing numbers of military reservists who say they would no longer report for duty if the government pressed ahead with its judicial reform plans.

Former Israeli top brass have warned that Israel's war-readiness, with Arab and Iranian enemies spread across the Middle East, could be at risk.

"Austin underscored the United States' belief that broad consensus through political dialogue, especially in the coming weeks and months, are critical elements of a resilient democracy," a Pentagon readout of the call said.

The readout did not directly address protests by Israeli reservists, and Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh declined to say during a news conference whether Austin raised any concerns he might have about impacts on Israeli military readiness in the call.

She also declined to elaborate on Austin's comments regarding settler violence in Israel.

A Pentagon readout said Austin urged Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant "to address extremist settler violence against Palestinian civilians."

The White House on Monday called it "unfortunate" that Israel's parliament ratified part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's contested judicial overhaul.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
A woman passes by The Federal Reserve Bank of New York in New York City, U.S., March 13, 2023. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The New York Federal Reserve was sued on Tuesday by a Puerto Rican bank that said its access to the U.S. central banking system could be improperly cut off following a federal crackdown on banks with links to Venezuela.

Banco San Juan Internacional (BSJI) said in a complaint in Manhattan federal court that the Fed's New York branch informed the bank earlier this year that its "master account" - which lets banks access the Fed's electronic payment systems - would be terminated due to concerns about its compliance with U.S. sanctions and anti-money laundering rules.

The bank asked the court to bar the New York Fed from terminating its master account, without which it said it "cannot effectively function as a depository institution."

A spokesperson for the New York Fed declined to comment.

BSJI said it improved its compliance program during a previous 22-month suspension of its master account between 2019 and 2020 in the wake of a federal money laundering and sanctions evasion investigation into its 2016 and 2017 credit agreements with state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela.

BSJI agreed in 2020 to pay $1 million to resolve the probe. Federal prosecutors dismissed a civil forfeiture complaint and returned $53 million in seized funds to the bank.

BSJI says the loan agreements were lawful.

Puerto Rico's banking industry has historically had close ties Venezuela, an OPEC member. The New York Fed in 2019 said it would stop approving master accounts for some Puerto Rican banks due to U.S. sanctions on Venezuela aimed at ousting socialist President Nicolas Maduro, Reuters reported at the time.

"Improper targeting of BSJI because it was founded by a Venezuelan national more than 12 years ago ... is, of course, patently unreasonable (and unlawful)," BSJI wrote in the complaint, citing the Reuters story.

The bank said its founder, Marcelino Bellosta, has lived in the United States and Europe for much of the last 25 years.

(Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; editing by Grant McCool)
Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting on economic issues via a video link in Moscow, Russia, July 25, 2023. Sputnik/Alexander Kazakov/Kremlin via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY.

(Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to visit China in October, planning his visit to coincide with a "One Belt, One Road" forum, Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yury Ushakov told reporters on Tuesday, according to the Russian state news agency TASS.

China has become Russia's most significant ally since early last year, when the West's already strained ties with Moscow were chilling further as Putin was preparing to send his armed forces into Ukraine.

Putin last visited Beijing just before the invasion, which Russia calls a "special military operation", and together with Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a "no limits" partnership that has extended into economic, trade, political and military areas.

China has declined to blame Moscow for the war and condemned Western sanctions on Russia, even as it has profited by securing discounts for oil and gas that Russia no longer sells to Europe, and watched Russia increasingly use its yuan as a reserve currency, in preference to the U.S. dollar.

Xi in turn came to Moscow in March, sealing a series of economic and other agreements with his "dear friend" Putin.

China presented a paper in Moscow calling for a de-escalation and eventual ceasefire in Ukraine, but Kyiv and its Western allies rejected the plan, saying it would lock in Russian territorial gains.

(Reporting by Felix Light; Writing by Kevin Liffey, Editing by Angus MacSwan)
KYIV (Reuters) -Russia launched new drone strikes on Kyiv and parts of central and northern Ukraine early on Tuesday, but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

There were also no reports of new attacks on southern Ukraine, which had been struck almost every night since Russia pulled out of a deal allowing the safe export of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea on July 17.

Russia used Iranian-made Shahed drones to attack Kyiv for the sixth time this month, but all were shot down, said Serhiy Popko, head of the Kyiv military administration.

Air raid alerts blared for more than three-and-half hours over the Kyiv region. Regional governor Ruslan Kravchenko said there had been no reports of damage or casualties although falling debris set off a fire in a field.

Air force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said air defences had been engaged in three regions in the north of the country.

"About 10 drones were recorded, the information is being clarified," he told Ukrainian television, adding that up to five were destroyed.

Regional officials said an unidentified infrastructure object was hit in the northern region of Zhytomyr, two drones came down in fields and one in an empty hangar in the central region of Cherkasy, and one drone was shot down in each of the central Poltava and northern Sumy regions.

Separately, the governor of the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine said two people had been killed, including a 10-year-old boy, and seven wounded in Russian shelling of the town of Kostiantynivka on Monday evening.

Russia, which sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, had spoken of taking harsh retaliatory measures against Ukraine after two drones damaged buildings in Moscow early on Monday.

(Reporting Anna Pruchnicka, Lidia Kelly in Melbourne and Kyiv newsroom ; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore and Timothy Heritage)
Egypt denied recent rumours that the largest gas field in the Mediterranean, Zohr, is experiencing a decline in production due to technical issues that could jeopardize its operation.

Zohr field operates with the highest efficiency and at its full production capacity in accordance with the latest global standards and without any technical issues, the Egyptian cabinet said in a statement.

The cabinet has announced ongoing efforts to drill the 20th well at the Zohr gas field, with a $70 million investment aimed at boosting production. According to the cabinet, this new well is expected to increase the daily production by an average of 2.3 billion cubic feet.

The government has projected that investments in the Zohr field will increase from the current $12 billion to $15 billion over the next three years.

Discovered in 2015, the Zohr gas field is a significant energy asset that is estimated to contain around 30 trillion cubic feet of gas. Its exploitation has enabled Egypt to achieve self-sufficiency in natural gas and eliminate the need for gas imports.

According to the cabinet, early gas production at the Zohr field began in 2017 with a capacity of approximately 350 million cubic feet per day, and it has gradually increased as more wells have entered service.

The Zohr field partners, which are Italys Eni, British BP, Russian Rosneft, UAEs Mubadala Petroleum and Egypts EGAS, have consistently invested in maintaining production levels since the start of operations, the cabinet stressed.

The government urged citizens "to report any rumours or misinformation" through calls (01155508688  01155508851) or emails to ([email protected]).

Power outages

Amid a scorching heatwave that has affected many regions worldwide, rumours of declining gas production at the Zohr field emerged. Egypt has been facing a gas shortage to power the nation's grids due to increased power consumption.

Last week, Egypt implemented a load-shedding programme in response to the gas shortage.

Minister of Petroleum Tarek El-Molla announced earlier this month that Egypt has temporarily suspended liquefied natural gas exports this summer due to increased local consumption. However, the country plans to resume exports in October.Zohr field operates with the highest efficiency and at its full production capacity in accordance with the latest global standards and without any technical issues, the Egyptian cabinet said in a statement.

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. military said a Russian fighter jet hit a U.S. drone with a flare and "severely" damaged its propeller over Syria, the latest in a series of closer interactions by Russian military aircraft in the region.

Over the past several months, U.S. officials say, Russian jets have increased the pace of dangerous encounters with U.S. military aircraft over Syria, where forces from both countries operate.

"One of the Russian flares struck the U.S. MQ-9, severely damaging its propeller," the U.S. military said in a statement on Tuesday.

"Fortunately, the MQ-9 crew was able to maintain flight and safely recover the aircraft to its home base," the statement added.

U.S. military officials have said it is unclear what has led to the uptick in aggressive Russian moves over Syrian skies.

"There is a bit of an uptick, but I wouldn't overstate it too much. I think that our forces have adequate rules of engagement and authorities provided to defend themselves," General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters earlier this month.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali in Washington. Additional reporting by Kanjyik Ghosh.)
FILE PHOTO: Military aid, delivered as part of the United States of America's security assistance to Ukraine, is unloaded from a plane at the Boryspil International Airport outside Kyiv, Ukraine February 11, 2022. REUTERS/Serhiy Takhmazov/File Photo

By Mike Stone and Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Department of Defense announced $400 million in additional security assistance for Ukraine on Tuesday, including air defense missiles, armored vehicles and small drones, as Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russia grinds on.

The new aid package, which was first reported by Reuters, will include for the first time U.S. furnished Black Hornet surveillance drones made by Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies.

The Norwegian-built Hornet is being used in Ukraine through donations by the British and Norwegian governments, the company said. FLIR Unmanned Aerial Systems was awarded a $93 million contract in April to provide the small reconnaissance drones to the U.S. Army.

In addition, the weapons aid package includes munitions for Patriot air defense systems and National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASMS), Stinger anti-aircraft systems, more ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), Stryker Armored Personnel Carriers and a variety of other missiles and rockets.

The assistance is funded using Presidential Drawdown Authority, or PDA, which authorizes the president to quickly transfer articles and services from U.S. stocks without congressional approval during an emergency. The material will come from U.S. excess inventory.

This is the 43rd security assistance package approved by the United States for Ukraine. More than $43 billion in U.S. military aid has been provided since Russia's invasion in 2022.

Commenting on the aid announcement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted Russia's attacks on Ukraine ports and Ukrainian infrastructure since withdrawing from the Black Sea Grain Initiative last week.

"Russia could end this war at any time by withdrawing its forces from Ukraine and stopping its brutal attacks against Ukraine's cities and people. Until it does, the United States and our allies and partners will stand united with Ukraine, for as long as it takes," Blinken said in a statement.

The Black Sea grain deal was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey a year ago to combat a global food crisis worsened by Russia's invasion. Ukraine and Russia are both leading grain exporters.

Russia, whose invasion of Ukraine has resulted in the deaths of thousands and the displacement of millions of civilians, denounced the new U.S. package.

"The actions by Washington ... are beyond morality and common sense," Russia's ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov said in a post on the embassy's Telegram messaging app.

Britain said on Tuesday it had information indicating Russia's military might start targeting civilian shipping in the Black Sea, while the European Union pledged to help Ukraine export almost all its farm produce via rail and road.

(Reporting by Mike Stone and Patricia Zengerle in Washington; Additional reporting by Ismail Shakil in Ottawa, Katharine Jackson in Washington and Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Grant McCool and Stephen Coates)
By Gustavo Palencia

TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) - The United States has resumed providing Honduras with radar information used for the surveillance and pursuit of aircraft suspected of transporting drugs, a Honduran military chief said on Monday.

The United States suspended radar information cooperation with Honduras in 2014 after the Honduran Congress passed a law that authorized its air force to shoot down aircraft suspected of transporting drugs.

Honduras shot down two suspected drug-running planes in 2012, and in response, the U.S. suspended cooperation, arguing it violated a bilateral agreement prohibiting attacks on civilian aircraft.

The head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Honduran Armed Forces, Vice Admiral Jose Fortin, posted on Twitter a letter from the U.S. embassy in Honduras indicating that the State Department had lifted restrictions to "allow the U.S. government to resume the exchange of real-time air tracking data with Honduras."

"Honduras has demonstrated that it can employ adequate security procedures," the embassy said in the letter, addressed to Defense Minister Jose Manuel Zelaya.

The embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Zelaya said in a post on Twitter that the policy change was a "clear sign of President Xiomara Castro's commitment in the fight against drug trafficking and in the security of the region."

Honduran lawmakers passed reforms in 2020 preventing aircraft from being shot down if there are indications that people who are not participating in illicit drug trafficking are on board.

Honduras, an important leg in the smuggling of cocaine from South America to the United States, seized 7,134 kg of cocaine in 2022 after seizing 17,832 kg in 2021, according to information from military authorities.

(Reporting by Gustavo Palencia; editing by Robert Birsel)
FILE PHOTO: ChatGPT logo and AI Artificial Intelligence words are seen in this illustration taken, May 4, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Both Democratic and Republican senators expressed alarm on Tuesday about the potential for a malevolent use of artificial intelligence, focusing on the possibility of AI being used to create a biological attack.

In a hearing before a subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Dario Amodei, chief executive of the AI company Anthropic, said that AI could help otherwise unskilled malevolent actors develop biological weapons.

"Certain steps in bioweapons production involve knowledge that can't be found on Google or in textbooks and requires a high level of expertise," said Amodei, whose company worked with biosecurity experts on a study of biological risks arising from AI. "We found that today's AI tools can fill in some of these steps."

Amodei said that AI was not yet capable of helping to build a biological weapon, calling it a "medium-term" risk.

"By enabling many more actors to carry out large-scale biological attacks, we believe this represents a grave threat to U.S. national security," he said.

Subcommittee chair Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, expressed alarm.

"The experts building these systems are warning of human extinction," he said in opening remarks. "The goal for this hearing is to lay the ground for legislation. To go from general principles, to specific recommendations. To use this hearing to write laws."

Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican, called for safeguards "that will ensure this new technology is actually good for the American people."

The hearing takes place days after AI companies including OpenAI, Alphabet and Meta Platforms made voluntary commitments to the White House last week to implement measures such as watermarking AI-generated content to help make the technology safer.

Since generative AI, which uses data to create new content like ChatGPT's human-sounding prose, made headlines early this year, lawmakers around the world began considering how to mitigate the dangers of the emerging technology to national security and the economy.

(Reporting by Diane Bartz; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
A Russian fighter jet in Syria flying at close range fired flares at a U.S. drone and severely damaged its propeller, the Air Force said in a statement Tuesday.

The Reaper MQ-9 aircraft was able to be flown back to its base following the harassment early Sunday morning, the U.S. Air Forces Central statement said.

Footage released Tuesday by the Air Force appears to show an Su-35 Russian fighter jet approaching the drone before flying ahead of it and releasing several flares.

The chief U.S. Air Force commander for the Middle East on Tuesday accused Russian forces of blatant disregard, echoing complaints over the last year of harassment of U.S. aircraft in the region.

We call upon the Russian forces in Syria to put an immediate end to this reckless, unprovoked and unprofessional behavior, Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, head of U.S. Air Forces Central, said Tuesday.

Since late February, fighter jets and surveillance drones from Russia have buzzed U.S. bases in Syria and violated protocols that were developed to prevent fighting between American and Russian forces, Grynkewich told Stars and Stripes in June.

These flights risk unintended escalation and miscalculation, said Army Gen. Michael Kurilla, head of Central Command, on Tuesday.

Russian and U.S. forces are in Syria with the declared mission to fight the Islamic State group. Their backing of opposing armed groups in Syria has led to deconfliction protocols meant to avoid a direct conflict.

Under the protocols, Russian and U.S. troops are supposed to notify each other prior to transiting certain areas. U.S. complaints about violations by Russia have been increasingly ignored, Grynkewich said in June.

Russian military leaders, meanwhile, accuse U.S. pilots of violating agreements that separate Syrias airspace, the Saudi Arabia-based Al Arabiya English reported June 1.

The Pentagon in June accused Russia of 85 protocol violations since March 1, including 26 flights over U.S. bases by armed and loaded aircraft.

Last week, the Air Force said a Russian Su-35 fighter jet had cut in front of a U.S. MC-12 turboprop surveillance plane, risking the lives of the four crew members, who were forced to fly through the jets turbulent wake.

Grynkewich in June attributed the uptick in aerial aggression to the personal motivations of some Russian officers. He noted that Moscow gave awards to the pilots of an Su-27 fighter jet that caused a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone to crash into the Black Sea in March.

The U.S. has roughly 900 troops in Syria, according to the Pentagon. These troops, along with contractors, work with Kurdish fighters to battle the remnants of ISIS.

Russia is a staunch backer of Syrian President Bashar Assad and a partner with Iran. Both countries seek to drive U.S. troops from the region, analysts have said.
The soldier killed last week in a vehicle accident at Fort Bliss was a 24-year-old cavalry scout originally from Northern California, officials at the west Texas Army base said Monday.

The crash happened Friday morning at the Army installation in El Paso, during a troop movement, the 1st Armored Division said. Five other soldiers were injured.

The division identified the dead soldier as Sgt. Joel Sanchez of Vallejo, Calif. The division said he enlisted in the Army in 2016 and arrived at Fort Bliss four years ago. Vallejo is located about 25 miles northeast of downtown San Francisco.

[Sanchez] died in a non-combat related vehicle accident near the Fort Bliss training area, according to the 1st Armored Division, which is based at Fort Bliss. All injured soldiers were treated and are now released.

Army officials said the crash happened at about 9:30 a.m. and involved a tactical vehicle. No other details about the accident have been revealed. The crash is under investigation, they said.

Sanchez was a cavalry scout assigned to the 1st Armored Division, a unit thats nicknamed Old Ironsides and is part of the Armys III Armored Corps. A cavalry scout performs various military tasks in the field, such as gathering information about enemy positions and activities, according to the Armys website.
Three Marines based at Camp Lejeune were found dead Sunday inside a car parked near the North Carolina base, military and local officials said Tuesday.

Pender County Sheriff's Office deputies who were responding to a missing person's report at about 9 a.m. found the three Marines dead inside a private vehicle at a gas station in Hampstead, N.C., the sheriffs office said Tuesday in a statement. The Marine Corps identified the deceased individuals as three lance corporals, all assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 2, which is part of 2nd Marine Logistics Group at Camp Lejeune.

Base officials identified the deceased Marines as Lance Cpl. Tanner J. Kaltenberg, Lance Cpl. Merax C. Dockery and Lance Cpl. Ivan R. Garcia. All three Marines were motor vehicle operators responsible for driving various tactical vehicles.

My deepest sympathy and condolences are extended to the family, friends and colleagues of Lance Cpl. Kaltenberg, Lance Cpl. Dockery and Lance Cpl. Garcia, Brig. Gen. Michael McWilliams, who commands 2nd Marine Logistics Group, said in the statement. Our focus is on providing the necessary resources and support to those impacted by their tragic loss as they navigate this extremely difficult time.

The deaths are under investigation by the Pender County Sheriffs Office and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service is helping, according to the Marine Corps.

The sheriffs office provided few details in its news release, including how the Marines died. Police told the Port City Daily that foul play was not suspected in the deaths, the Wilmington, N.C.-based newspaper reported.

Kaltenberg, 19, was from Madison, Wis., and entered the Corps in May 2021. He had served at least one sea deployment and earned the Navy Arctic Service Ribbon indicating he had served at least 28 days above the Arctic Circle, according to the Marines.

Dockery, 23, was from Pottawatomie, Okla., and entered the Marine Corps in June 2020, according to the Marines.

Garcia, 23, was from Naples, Fla., and entered the Marines in July 2019, the service said.
(Tribune News Service)  History was given a salute under the State House dome.

With Monday marking 75 years since President Harry Truman ordered an end to segregation by race among the nations armed forces, Gov. Maura Healey called together members of the states National Guard and veterans of past conflicts to celebrate the occasion and call for a further commitment on fighting racism and inequity.

Healey, flanked by Tuskegee Airman Brig. Gen. Enoch Woody Woodhouse and the states newly appointed and first Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Dr. Jon Santiago, juxtaposed the occasion with this weeks start of the first National Association for the Advancement of Colored People National Convention to be held in the city in over four decades.

We thought that there was no better way to begin this historic week in the city of Boston, in the state of Massachusetts, than by honoring the veterans of color, who not only fought for their own rights, but whose service made all of our freedoms possible, she said.

Santiago, a medical doctor who is also a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve, said that though the country has made strides towards equality both in and out of uniform, the work continues.

It was on this day, 75 years ago, that President Truman issued that remarkable order, Santiago said. While weve come a long way in racial issues, theres still so much more to do.

Truman ended segregation of the armed services with the signing of Executive order 9981 on July 26, 1948, though it would take many more years for the various branches to institute the order.

Citing a need to carry the promises of the Constitution into public service, Trumans order is said to have paved the way for following decades of civil rights advancement.

Whereas it is essential that there be maintained in the armed services of the United States the highest standards of democracy, with equality of treatment and opportunity for all those who serve in our countrys defense  it is hereby declared to be the policy of the President that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin, the order read.

Rep. Bud Williams, chair of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, reminded the audience that desegregation had not prevented minorities from participating in armed service, where they had served their country for centuries without equal treatment in or out of uniform.

This integration has made America, Williams said. Integration works, it makes us better, it makes us stronger.

It fulfills what the Constitution is supposed to be all about, he said.

Woodhouse, 96, straight-backed and squared away in his service uniform, thanked Gov. Healey for the recognition of the occasion.

I was reluctant to do this because its not protocol. But Governor, youre not protocol  you do the right thing, the oldest living Tuskegee Airman said.

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Outdated weapons lead to disasters, as Russia is demonstrating to the world. Seeking to gain the advantage, Ukraine begs for more-modern aircraft to defeat its invaders. In particular, they want the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

But as valuable as F-16s would be to Ukraine, they are no longer cutting-edge.

The U.S. Air Force has been flying the F-16 since 1979, with about a thousand still in service, plus similar numbers flown by American allies. Its a great fighter with proven value and durability, aided by numerous upgrades during its 44 years of use.

Yet America is replacing its F-16s because they are last-generation. Were transitioning into 5th-generation stealth fighters, in particular the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II.

Advances and constant updating are key to Americas military superiority, in high contrast to the rapid obsolescence demonstrated by Russia. The U.S. complements the best weapons systems with the best-trained men and women of any military in the world.

This superiority is expensive, of course. Developing and deploying the F-35 is the Pentagons largest procurement program. Since going operational, the Lightning II has become the Air Forces second-largest fleet, second only to the F-16, which the F-35 will gradually replace. (NATO and other U.S. allies are purchasing F-35s in bulk to share the costs and benefits.)

As expensive as they are, each F-35 costs significantly less than an F-22. The Raptor is awesome at air superiority, but it cannot serve multiple roles with the Lightnings versatility. Only the F-35 has three variants: the F-35A for fixed-base operations, the F-35C configured for Navy carriers, and the F-35B used by the Marine Corps to support assaults with its STOVL (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing) capability.

Congress now has an important decision regarding the F-35, crucial because that aircraft is becoming the backbone of our fighter jets. At stake is the domination of the skies, which is the key to success for Americas military, coupled with highly-flexibility capabilities.

The problem, simply put, is that the F-35s engines overheat. Although not restricting performance and mission capability, the overheating increases maintenance costs and limits the service life of each F-35. The core issue in Congress is whether to upgrade the existing Pratt & Whitney F135 engines to solve the overheating through a modernization program known as the Engine Core Upgrade (ECU), or to start developing a new engine with other contractors.

Upgrading the engines maintains all three F-35 versions. But the other approach (known as the Adaptive Engine Transition Program  AETP), instead would start a new multibillion-dollar program not focused on the F-35, but also intended to be used in other not-yet-designed future aircraft. It would, crucially, not work in the Navy or Marine Corps variants of the F-35.

The Pentagon has asked Congress for the upgrade but not the AETP. But the recently passed House version of the 2024 defense authorization bill would fund the AETP for $588 million in 2024. This threatens the F-35s flexibility while taking funds away from other military needs. A May report by the Government Accountability Office confirms that only the upgrade option will be useful for all three variants of the F-35, buttressing the Pentagon decision to go with Engine Core Upgrade.

The upgrade also costs significantly less than the AETPs new engine design. With limited budgets, upgrading is financially most prudent.

Tight budgets mean tough decisions for Congress. But the clear advantage both in cost and in maintaining the versatility of the F-35 is going with the engine upgrade, to extend the service life of our future mainstay fighter. That will mean Americas military can continue to dominate the skies.

Ernest Istook, a Republican, represented Oklahomas 5th congressional district in the House of Representatives from 1993-2007. He was on the House Appropriations subcommittee on national defense that approved funding for the Joint Strike Fighter that became the F-35.
(Tribune News Service)  On a recent sunny afternoon, Joshua Radebe patted down asphalt into a neatly filled pothole on a busy Johannesburg street as a motorist tooted and waved to him. Radebe works not for the government but for insurance company Discovery Ltd.s Pothole Patrol.

Like Discovery, which also pays for some of the fire engines in the South African commercial capital, precious metals producer Sibanye-Stillwater Ltd. ensures that water near its mines is safe to drink and roads are maintained and well lit; it upgrades schools and clinics. Food producer Tiger Brands secures water supply for the town thats home to its fruit-processing business, and Investec Plc powers a traffic light near its offices during blackouts in Johannesburg. Glencore Plc, Anglo American Plc spinoff Thungela Resources Ltd. and other owners of an export terminal spend about $1 million a month to protect trains transporting their coal from cable thieves.

Its not altruism, said Lungisa Fuzile, chief executive officer of the South African unit of Standard Bank Group Ltd., the continents biggest lender. You cant run a successful private business in a sea of chaos.

Government incompetence, corruption and policy paralysis have left critical infrastructure in Africas most-industrialized nation in tatters, forcing companies to step into areas that are within the purview of the state in most countries.

Power cuts of as many as 12 hours a day have driven schools, hospitals and businesses to generators. Water in some communities is unsafe to drink. A dilapidated sanitation system triggered a recent cholera outbreak near the capital, Pretoria. Outside of some national highways, paved streets have more potholes than road. Poorly maintained state schools are keeping a whole generation from access to a decent education. Theft of everything from copper cables to solar panels are common, and crime has soared to such an extent that the private security industry now employs more people than the police force and military put together.

We are indeed, as many have said, running the risk of becoming a failed state because were already on borrowed time, Daniel Mminele, chairman of Nedbank Group Ltd. and a former deputy central bank governor, said in April.

This isnt how it was supposed to be. When the African National Congress came to power in South Africa in 1994, Nelson Mandelas Rainbow Nation held out the promise of an efficient state-led economy that would uplift the downtrodden Black majority. And for a while, it did.

But three decades on  while many ANC leaders still cling to that vision, referring to each other as comrades and trotting out the trope of White Monopoly Capital when they talk about business  the governments role as a provider of basic services is virtually non-existent in large swaths of the country.

With an election next year and polls indicating that the ANC may lose its national majority for the first time, the party is leaning even more on the private sector to do the governments job in a bid to stay in power. Business participation is being sought in electricity, rail and water against the wishes of some of the governments biggest allies  labor unions.

Vincent Magwenya, a spokesman for President Cyril Ramaphosa, declined to comment except to say that the president is facilitating partnerships with the private sector to meet the needs of the economy. Mahlengi Bhengu, an ANC spokeswoman, didnt respond to calls or messages seeking comment.

The government has failed South Africans in terms of what its supposed to do, which is provide services for citizens, said Thabi Leoka, an independent economist and member of Ramaphosas Economic Advisory Council. Businesses are unlikely to provide for those not directly linked to their operations, leaving many behind, she said.

The divide between rich and poor is widening in what is already the worlds most unequal nation, according to the Thomas Piketty-backed World Inequality Lab, turning South Africa into a tinderbox. There were 122 major protests across the country in the first six months of this year over the failure of the government to deliver services like electricity and water, on course to beat the 2018 record of 237, according to data collated by Municipal IQ, which monitors the performance of the countrys municipalities.

Protests have become increasingly violent and lawless, said Kevin Allan, managing director of Municipal IQ. The root cause is the exclusion of the protesters and their communities from services, political representation and economic opportunity.

The inability of state-owned power utility Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd.  struggling with cable theft, corruption and old, poorly maintained coal-fired plants  to meet demand has prompted private companies to step in. They plan to build more than 10 gigawatts of capacity for their own electricity needs, freeing up power for others.

Inefficiencies at the countrys freight rail network and ports have forced the government to open them up to private participation. Last week, state logistics company Transnet SOC Ltd. said it sold a stake in Durban Container Terminal Pier 2, part of Africas biggest harbor, to the Philippines International Container Terminal Services Inc.

The South African Post Office and South African Airways have collapsed. And although the flag carrier has restarted some flights, private couriers and airlines have largely stepped into the breach.

Miners often provide all public services in areas where they operate, turning them into mini states. Take Marikana, a town in South Africas North West province, for example. Platinum miner Sibanye-Stillwater runs the show here.

Alphina Komane, a nurse at Sonop Clinic, says the miner expanded and partially equipped the government medical facility. Nurses now have their own consulting rooms, rather than cubicles divided by sheets, and theres a waiting room so that sick patients no longer queue in the parking lot. Sibanye-Stillwaters assistance has helped Dora Thlapane, 73, grow cabbages and carrots in neatly tended and fertilized trenches, selling them at affordable prices to her neighbors.

We are taking a stance to solving the problems we see around us because we believe that the success of these municipalities will mean better living conditions for employees, said Thabisile Phumo, Sibanye-Stillwaters executive vice president for stakeholder relations in southern Africa. Were telling government that you have to get involved in learning how to solve problems so you arent stuck when the mines eventually close.

South Africas main platinum mining belt, about 60 miles north of Johannesburg, has attracted migrants seeking work from poorer provinces like the Eastern Cape and impoverished neighboring states such as Lesotho. Theres only work for a fraction of them, and the area is now a sprawling slum of hundreds of thousands of people living in shacks and modest houses clustered around mines and on the edge of the few remaining farms. Roads are deeply potholed and theres little evidence of government activity.

Our workers are community members, Phumo said. If there are no roads, no schools it has a direct impact on them.

But theres just so much the private sector can do. With a global annual turnover of more than 10.6 trillion rand ($590 billion)  about double South Africas gross domestic product  the private sector already employs some three-quarters of the countrys workers and accounts for over two-thirds of investment, research and development expenditure, according to the latest government figures.

The public sector meanwhile is languishing, hurting the poorest. About half of South Africas population of about 60 million lives in poverty and receives at least one monthly welfare payout. About a third of the countrys workforce is unemployed, a situation likely to worsen with persistent blackouts hurting the economy, which will barely grow this year. About 70% of South Africas municipalities are in financial distress, mostly because they lack credible financial management, budget data shows.

At the core of it is skills, said Phumo. People are politically appointed to managerial positions in municipalities that they arent qualified for, she said.

While the evils of apartheid are well documented, the international isolation it brought created a robust home-grown private sector in South Africa. Limited foreign competition and imports drove local companies to develop a wide range of industries. In some cases, they became behemoths like Anglo American that operated everything from mines to banks and paper mills.

The ANCs first 13 years of rule further bolstered their balance sheets as the party set about supplying electricity and clean water to the houses of Black South Africans, building millions of new dwellings and creating a Black middle class with money to spend.

Under the rule of first Mandela and then Thabo Mbeki the economy grew for 40 consecutive quarters starting at the end of 1998. Yields on the countrys generic, rand-denominated 10-year debt, which date back to December 1999, almost halved by end the of 2005.

For 10 or 15 years, the ANC governed South Africa much better than it was ever given credit for, said Frans Cronje, chairman of the Social Research Foundation, a think tank that conducts opinion polls. And life got better.

Then, Jacob Zuma came to power in 2009 and a near-decade of corruption scandals and economic stagnation followed. Skilled workers left the civil service and state-owned companies like Eskom, ports and rail company Transnet accumulated debts, neglected infrastructure and were riven by graft. Ramaphosa, who succeeded Zuma in 2018, promised to crack down on corruption and restore the public sector, but has disappointed.

The Ramaphosa regime has failed to rebuild that state capability resulting in a dire need for the private sector to come in to ensure that those sectors are revived, said Ongama Mtimka, a political analyst and lecturer at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha.

Ramaphosa initially had strong support from business leaders, who were quick to help during the pandemic. Now, hes demanding more from companies, said Martin Kingston, the chairman of the local unit of Rothschild & Co., who led Business for South Africas coronavirus steering committee.

Some executives are heartened by the government's acknowledgement that it doesn't have the skills needed to manage key infrastructure and is willing to draw on the expertise of companies.

If this is a genuine shift in attitude towards the private sector and a move away from the heavy hand of the state, then there is reason to believe that some of the most urgent challenges in energy, logistics and safety and security can be more rapidly turned around, Gareth Ackerman, chairman of Pick n Pay Stores Ltd., the countrys third-biggest grocer, said in a statement last week.

That said, business is no longer willing to quietly work in the background and let the government take credit for the improvements it brings. Company executives are also openly attacking the government for its failures.

We dont want the public to be left with the impression that business isnt coming to the party, so now we will talk about it and we will hold governments feet to the fire, said Cas Coovadia, the chief executive officer of Business Unity South Africa.

Trust in the government has plummeted. In the wake of deadly flooding last year, more than 60 companies pledged aid to the prominent charity Gift of the Givers, rather than the government.

It is a great source of shame that when this disaster struck, the most burning public debate was around fears that the resources allocated to respond to this disaster would be misappropriated or wasted, Ramaphosa told lawmakers at the time.

With the state failing in its fiduciary duty to provide basic services, companies will probably continue to play a bigger role in tackling problems, said Busi Mavuso, the CEO of Business Leadership South Africa, a corporate lobby group.

The government is currently a leaking bucket, she said.

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Revenue from the Suez Canal and tourism in Egypt rose by 22.3 percent and 25.7 percent, respectively, during the first nine months of the fiscal year (FY) 2022/2023, while remittances from Egyptian expats dropped over 26 percent, according to a report published by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) on Tuesday.

Suez Canal revenues reached $6.2 billion during the period between July 2022 and March 2023, compared to nearly $5 billion a year earlier, according to the Balance of Payments performance in July/March.

As for the entire fiscal year, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Chairman Osama Rabie announced in June that the revenues had surged to $9.4 billion in FY 2022/23 up from $7 billion in the previous year.

Rabie added that the SCA is currently reviewing the canal's transit tariffs and will announce in October whether there will be any increases. Any changes would take effect in January 2024.

10 million tourists



Tourism was the second major factor boosting revenues after growing by 25.7 percent to $10.3 billion in the first nine months of FY 2022/2023 against $8.2 billion in the same period a year earlier.

The rise is due to a 26.8 percent increase in the number of tourist nights to 110.5 million nights, and a 32 percent rise in tourist arrivals to Egypt totalling 10 million.

Egypt has been working to ensure the recovery of the tourism industry, one of the countrys leading economic sectors, after hits from the coronavirus pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

The government expects record revenues by the end of this fiscal year given that Egypt received a record-breaking 1.35 million tourists in April.

Remittances drop



Egyptian workers remittances drastically decreased by 26.1 percent to only $17.5 billion in the first three quarters of 2022/2023, down from $23.6 billion in the same period for the previous fiscal year.

Remittances are a major source of foreign currency for Egypt, a country already straining its foreign reserves.

The state-owned National Bank of Egypt (NBE) and Banque Misr are issuing two US dollar-denominated annual-yield certificates of deposit (CDs) in an attempt to attract more inflows into the country.

Another factor that curbed the improvement of the current account is the investment income payments that went up by $ 2.9 billion to register $ 14.7 billion up from $ 11.3 billion the year before. According to the CBE, the increase is due to interest payments on external debt and earnings on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Egypt.

FDI and oil



Egypt's trade deficit tumbled by 29.8 percent to only $23.6 billion. Petroleum exports decreased to $11.7 billion from $13 billion, while petroleum imports rose to $10 billion from around $9 billion.

Net inflows of FDI in Egypt increased to $7.9 billion against $7.3 billion in the previous year.

FDI inflow in the oil sector increased to register $4.2 billion (against $3.8 billion). FDI in non-oil sectors registered a net inflow of $8.9 billion.

It is worth noting that Egypt's current account deficit fell by 77.2 percent to around $1.8 billion during the first half (H1) of FY 2022/23, compared to about $7.8 billion in the corresponding period a year earlier.

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CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  Japans Defense Ministry wants to place surveillance radar on a tiny island off Okinawas east coast to monitor Chinese ships and aircraft passing through nearby waterways.

Ministry representatives unveiled their plans Thursday to residents of Kita-Daito Island, 225 miles southeast of Okinawa, at the islands personnel exchange center, according to a ministry document posted on the villages website the next day.

Under the proposal, the ministry would purchase two parcels of village land in the islands north and south for mobile surveillance radar, including a data exchange system, antennas and radio infrastructure, according to the document. Approximately 30 Japan Self-Defense Forces troops would be assigned to the island to operate and maintain the equipment.

Chinese activities in the airspace and sea around our nation are getting active rapidly and are escalating, the document states. The surveillance of aircraft that pass through the Miyako Strait and Bashi Channel is an urgent task.

The strait, an international waterway, separates Okinawa and Miyako Island 175 miles to the southwest; the channel separates Taiwan and the Philippines.

Japan has 28 surveillance radar sites around the country and the Kita-Daito facilities would be used to address gaps in that coverage, according to the ministry document.

The two parcels total about 20 acres, the document said. The radar and troops will be based on the northern parcel while radio-wave measuring devices and towers would be constructed in the south.

The facilities would help counter new fighting methods and prevent China from changing the status quo by force, according to the document.

Kita-Daito, at just over 7 square miles, is the easternmost island in the Ryukyu chain. It is known for its sheer cliffs and the fact that visitors and cargo must be lifted onto the island by crane.

The plan is not yet approved, Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada told reporters July 14 at a press conference in Tokyo.

We think that conducting vigilance and surveillance regularly in the airspace of the Pacific Ocean side, which was a blind spot, is an extremely important task for us, he said.

There is no timeline yet for approval of the proposal. A spokesman from the Okinawa Defense Bureau, which represents the ministry on Okinawa, did not return a call seeking comment Tuesday.

A Kita-Daito village spokesman was unavailable for comment.

China in recent years has stepped up provocative activities in the East and South China Seas. Its coast guard frequently enters seas claimed by Japan around the disputed Senkaku chain, a small group of uninhabited rocks and islets northeast of Taiwan. Chinese naval vessels frequently traverse the Miyako Strait for carrier landing drills.

Japanese officials expect these activities to increase in the Sea of Japan and Pacific in the years to come, the document said.
A star-spangled kangaroo adorned an Independence-class littoral combat ship when it became the first U.S. Navy vessel to be commissioned in Australia.

The USS Canberra was commissioned Saturday at the Australian navys Fleet Base East in Sydney. The dockside ceremony coincided with the start of the biennial, multinational Talisman Sabre drills, involving more than 30,000 personnel training Down Under until Aug. 4.

Video posted online by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service showed Canberras commanding officer, Cmdr. Will Ashley, reporting the ship ready, and ship sponsor Marise Payne, a former Australian foreign affairs minister, giving the order to officers and crew to man our ship and bring her to life.

The warship is destined to serve throughout the Indo-Pacific with one of Americas closest allies, U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro said at the ceremony. Guests included U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Richard Marles and U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday.

"I am confident that wherever USS Canberra is sailing, and whatever challenges her crew may face, they are ready, as reinforced by this warships motto: 'Can Do,'" del Toro said.

Canberra departed Naval Base San Diego, its homeport, on June 13, visiting American Samoa and Fiji before arriving in Sydney, U.S. Pacific Fleet said in a statement Saturday.

The Independence-class littoral combat ships USS Jackson, USS Manchester, USS Oakland and USS Mobile are also operating in the Indo-Pacific, according to the statement.

Today marks a proud moment which our Royal Australian Navy is privileged to share alongside our allies and friends in the United States Navy, Australian navy Vice Adm. Mark Hammond said at the commissioning. The connection between our navies, forged in battle during the Second World War, is reflected in the name USS Canberra.

Canberra is the second Navy ship named for Australias capital. The first, a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser, commissioned on Oct. 14, 1943, was named in honor of the Australian heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra, lost at the Battle of Savo Island in World War II.

Independence-class littoral combat ships are fast vessels that operate near shore and in open ocean to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control and deterrence missions, according to the statement.

However, the ships have been criticized as outdated in a world where conflict with well-armed potential adversaries such as China and Russia is a growing concern.

The LCS is on trend to meet design requirements for the [mine counter measures] and [surface warfare] missions as they were established 20 years ago, states a Navy report cited in a Politico story published June 15, 2022. At issue is the warfighting contribution those capabilities will provide in a changed strategic environment.

The Navy wants 21 littoral combat ships, including 15 Independence-class vessels, built by Austal USA in Alabama. Thats down from 50-plus ships planned in the early 2000s, Politico reported.

The latest vessels cost around half a billion dollars each, almost twice as much as their original estimates, the report said.

LCS has military value, the Navy report states, but it has less military value than other platforms if employed in a high-end fight with China, in the Pacific.
ODESA, Ukraine  If the largest cathedral in this besieged port city survived Joseph Stalin, it will survive Vladimir Putin, said Myroslav Vdodovych, the chief priest of Transfiguration Cathedral, less than a day after a barrage of Russian missiles ripped the church apart, along with 24 other architectural monuments across the city.

Odesa, a critical southern port city, has been under nightly missile attacks since Russia's president last week canceled a deal brokered by the United Nations and Turkey that allowed Ukraine to export its grain, lessening a global food crisis that had put a strain on the developing world.

Ukraine has responded with defiance  launching drone attacks on buildings in Moscow and on an ammunition depot in Crimea  while cleanup crews and parishioners cleared debris from the cathedral's littered floors.

"You can damage a church, you can kill a man but you can't destroy the faith," said Vdodovych, wearing a black robe and hard hat as dust swirled through a hole in the cathedral's roof left by a missile still buried two stories beneath the altar.

At the start of his brutal war, Putin harbored hopes of occupying Odesa, a historically Russian-speaking city known as the "pearl of the Black Sea" for its beautiful architecture and history as a vibrant, multiethnic cultural center. But Russia's military faltered and failed even to seize Mykolaiv, the capital of the region directly east of Odesa and the two cities have become symbols of resilience. Instead, Moscow blocked the ports, aiming to strangle Ukraine's agricultural sector until the grain deal brought relief.

The Kremlin had threatened for months to kill the deal and finally did so last week, days after Ukraine carried out a strike on the Crimean Bridge, destroying part of its roadway with an attack using naval drones.

The latest wave of Russian strikes in Ukraine destroyed grain warehouses along the Danube River on Monday, an export route that has become more important since the demise of the deal allowing Ukraine to ship its grain through the Black Sea.

The Russian strikes, carried out by drones, sent global wheat and corn futures rising on fears that Russia's latest offensive will undermine grain exports. U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres called on Russia to return to the deal because of the devastating impact it was having on "vulnerable countries struggling to feed their people."

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis denounced the strikes. "I strongly condemn the recent Russian attacks against the Ukrainian civilian infrastructure on Danube, very close to Romania," Iohannis tweeted, adding that the attacks posed "serious risks to the security in the Black Sea."

In Odesa, the missile barrages killed at least one person and injured several more while wrecking cars, blowing out windows and damaging other sites including Zhvanetsky Boulevard, the House of Scientists and a number of historical mansions.

"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," said Oleh Kiper, head of Odesa's regional military administration.

The Transfiguration Cathedral was first destroyed in 1936 during a Stalinist campaign to rid the Soviet Union of religion. "They tried to blow it up multiple times but the walls were so thick they couldn't do it," Vdodovych, the chief priest, said.

Instead, authorities filled an adjacent clock tower with explosives "then blew it up and the clock tower fell onto the church," Vdodovych said.

The Soviets' persistence was only matched by a stoicism that the people of Ukraine carry with them today, he said. "Stalin killed so many people, thousands of them priests, but the Church didn't disappear because we have the support of God," he added.

The Russian Ministry of Defense denied responsibility for the cathedral strike, saying it only attacked areas where "terrorist acts" were plotted. "All targets scheduled for attack were destroyed," it said. (Russia has repeatedly hit civilian targets in Ukraine including residential buildings and hospitals.)

Ukraine, which has received missile defense systems from the West but has to ration their use because of shortages, has struggled to block Russia's repeated strikes on Odesa. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned Russia's attacks, saying "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," Zelensky said Sunday. "They will feel this retaliation.'

Hours later, drones struck buildings in Moscow, a rarity given the limited range of most of Ukraine's unmanned aircraft. Shattered glass fell from the 17th and 18th floors of a tall building in Russia's capital, Russian officials said. The wreckage of a second drone was found on Komsomolsky Prospect, a thoroughfare in central Moscow. Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said two nonresidential buildings were struck but there were no casualties.

Additionally, the Russian Defense Ministry said Ukraine attacked Crimea, the peninsula invaded and annexed by Russia in 2014, with 17 drones but the ministry said most were disabled by air and electronic defenses. Three drones fell on Crimean territory, and there were no casualties, the ministry said. The Washington Post could not independently verify the account. Russia uses Crimea as a base for its forces and the Crimean Bridge as a crucial link for supplies coming from Russia.

The wreckage in Odesa was far worse than in Moscow or Crimea. Parishioners of Ukraine's cathedral, young and old, worked diligently to clean the floor of the church's less damaged entryway so it could be used for upcoming services.
Wheat futures pared some of their recent gains as it emerged that Russia has failed to severely damage a key port that is allowing Ukraine to export grains by river into neighboring countries.

Russian drones attacked the port of Reni in the night leading to Monday, driving up grain prices as it threatened to choke off Ukraine's last major hope of getting its crops to buyers. But Reni was operating at maximum capacity on Tuesday, with seven ships due to enter, according to Romanian official Gabriel Covrig, who is responsible for ship piloting in the area.

Chicago futures, the most traded global benchmark, retreated by as much as 2.2%. On Monday, they jumped by 8.6% as traders tried to figure out the repercussions of damage to the river port. Shipments by river have become the last major route for grain to leave Ukraine after Russia exited a deal allowing passage through the Black Sea last week.

Ukrainian exports have historically made an important contribution to global food supply, and escalations in the war have triggered price volatility throughout the conflict. While the world still has a large buffer of wheat stockpiles, the latest events highlight the vulnerability of global food security since the start of Russia's invasion, and as climate change wreaks havoc on certain crops.

"Russia's bombing of port infrastructure along the Danube river in Ukraine has pushed grain prices significantly higher," according to ING analysts Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey. "This escalation risks spilling over into other parts of the commodities complex, particularly energy."

At least four grain hangars were damaged or ruined by Russian drone strikes, according to Ukrainian prosecutors who launched an investigation into the attack. Reni, along with the port at Izmail, is one of Ukraine's biggest river ports for grain and is located on the Danube at the border with Romania. Local traders had been expanding capacity there in response to Russia's sea blockade.

Still, the strikes will make ship owners and crew more wary of calling at the river ports. "The ports can operate, but the problem is that some crews are not willing to go there for the time being," Constanta-based grain broker Andrei Balasoiu said. He owns barges that sometimes call at Reni. "Some are willing to go, but most are afraid of getting hit by missiles"

The risk to the Danube route has left traders assessing the viability of remaining Ukraine grain export routes. Shipments by land have caused tensions with its Eastern European neighbors. Five countries including Poland and Romania are seeking to extend a ban on purchasing Ukrainian grain after declining prices spurred protests from local farmers. Grain can still transit through those countries.

Lithuania's agricultural minister wrote to the E.U. on July 21 to suggest that Baltic ports be used as an alternative route for transit of Ukraine's agricultural exports, according to a document seen by Bloomberg. While Baltic railways and ports have an annual capacity of 25 million tons, it's unclear how realistic this option is and how quickly this could help boost exports, given the need to switch tracks to a different gauge at the border and insufficient rail cars.

"We proposed to the Polish side an action plan to ensure that the grain will not stay in Poland, and to encourage a tracking system. We hope to have solidarity from the Polish side," Lithuanian agricultural minister Kestutis Navickas said on Tuesday.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Baltic countries have the right to ship Ukrainian grain but Russia will fight any attempts to use the channels for any military purposes, according to Interfax.

Bloomberg's Piotr Skolimowski, Irina Vilcu, Sofia Gerace and Daryna Krasnolutska.
An airman who was found guilty of murder after punching and shaking his 6-month-old son to death lost an appeal of his 18-year sentence in a ruling by the militarys highest court.

The decision released Friday by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces upheld the prison term that Senior Airman James Cunningham received at his 2021 court-martial, in which he was convicted of killing his infant son Zachariah.

Cunningham, who was 26 and stationed at Ellsworth Air Base in South Dakota at the time of the killing, argued a slideshow presented during the trial was prejudicial.

The slideshow, which was made by the boys mother, included somber music, videos and stock photographs of what the childs future might have been like.

However, the appellate court ruled the slideshow images did not offer any information beyond what was presented during sentencing testimony.

There is no indication in this record that the military judge allowed the emotional aspects of the presentation to affect him to a point that he departed from his duty to determine an appropriate sentence in a fair, objective and unbiased manner, Judge John Sparks wrote in the majority opinion, which included three of the five judges.

Cunninghams lawyers also argued prosecutors made improper sentencing arguments at trial and his right to a unanimous verdict had been violated.

In rejecting the claim regarding the sentencing arguments, the majority wrote they had no reason to decide on that question because Cunninghams lawyers did not raise any such concerns at trial.

In a partially dissenting opinion, two judges agreed Cunningham had waived his objections to the sentencing arguments of the prosecution in the court-martial. But they differed regarding the slideshow.

I agree that the PowerPoint presentation might have been more prejudicial if it had presented more new information, Judge Gregory Maggs wrote. But that does not make the PowerPoint presentation any less material or negate its tendency to influence the sentencing decision.

The court opinion did not delve into Cunninghams claim of a right to a unanimous verdict, continuing a string of defeats for military defendants arguing convictions based on split jury verdicts are unconstitutional.

The standard is different in the civilian justice system. A 2020 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Ramos v. Louisiana invalidated state laws that allowed split verdicts to result in a conviction. Federal courts long have required that guilty verdicts be unanimous.

The 18-year sentence given to Cunningham was slightly less than the 20 to 25 years sought by prosecutors. In addition, Cunningham was sentenced to a dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances and reduction to the rank of E-1.

Prosecutors said at trial that Cunningham lied three times before confessing to punching his son at their home in Rapid City, S.D. Medical evidence showed the baby died from being shaken and hit multiple times, they argued.

The defense argued the baby suffered injuries when he fell from a kitchen counter where Cunningham had placed him.
Egypt has returned to its historical role as a keystone of stability in the Middle East, Africa, and the Mediterranean region since the 30 June Revolution, writes Ioannis Kotoulas

Egypt celebrated the tenth anniversary of the 30 June Revolution recently, an event which restored the real political legacy and historical trajectory of the country as an independent state and the true soul of the Egyptian people.

The 30 June Revolution has proven to be a seminal event for the international order and a geopolitical landmark of the utmost importance not only for the Egyptian people, but also for Egypts neighbours and diplomatic partners in the Mediterranean and beyond.

On an ideological level, the 30 June Revolution was essential in safeguarding the principles of an ordered state and in promoting meaningful changes both at home and in the broader Islamic world. It was also pivotal in assisting other countries facing internal challenges, such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan and Tunisia, to evolve beyond hurtful dichotomies.

It was the decisive revolution of the Egyptian people and its validation by the Egyptian Armed Forces that led to the dismantling of the Muslim Brotherhoods influence both in the wider region and in Europe and led to structural reforms in many states of the region. This is a lesson that should always be borne in mind in EU decision-making circles.

On a geopolitical level, the New Egypt under the prudent leadership of President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi has risen to become a regional hegemon in three circles: Africa, the Arab world, and the Mediterranean.

In Africa, Egypt is pivotal in stabilising war-torn states like Libya and Sudan and in promoting internal cohesion across the continent. In the Arab world, Egypt, with its historical legacy and geopolitical weight, remains the natural leader of the Arab world and an example for future developments in internal stability.

In the Mediterranean, Egypt is an essential diplomatic partner for EU states such as France, Italy, Greece, and Cyprus. Egypt initiated the East Mediterranean Gas Forum and has taken a leading role in multiple agreements that safeguard stability, such as the partial demarcation of the Exclusive Economic Zones with Greece.

Especially for Greece and Cyprus, the continuing cooperation with Egypt is a top strategic priority. In early July, Egypt, Greece and Cyprus co-signed another useful military initiative, the Common Plan of Action for 2023, in Nicosia in Cyprus. This allows for common military exercises, joint drills of special forces, and cooperation in the fields of cyberwarfare and search and rescue operations. These are all essential aspects of multilateral cooperation in the light of recent developments in the Mediterranean and on a global scale.

Regarding the EU, Egypt has risen to become both an essential energy provider in the global energy market and a reliable partner in rationalising migration flows.

The New Egypt has been a trusted international power over the last ten years since the 30 June Revolution. It is a keystone of stability for the Middle East, Africa, and the EUs southern borders. The EU needs to grasp this self-evident reality by safeguarding its special relationship with Egypt with further economic cooperation and diplomatic support.

The writer is a lecturer in geopolitics at the University of Athens in Greece.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 27 July, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service)  After half a year in control of the House of Representatives, Republicans are divided over how they should wield the powers that come with the majority.

For the first two years of President Joe Biden's tenure, Democrats controlled both the House and Senate, leaving the locus of GOP power in the upper chamber, where Republican senators could filibuster most legislation pushed by the White House. Now, the House majority gives them the authority to cut federal spending, investigate the Biden administration, impeach the president  and perhaps even expunge the impeachments of former President Donald Trump.

"This is what our founders envisioned, that there would be this balance of power and a check and balance in place, and that's part of our constitutional role," Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers said in a July 11 interview. "It's the power of the purse and oversight. And that's how we ensure that the government is accountable to the people and to Congress."

As chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, the Spokane Republican has embraced her oversight role, leading an investigation into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic and summoning administration officials and the CEO of TikTok to be grilled by her panel.

Other GOP committee leaders have been more aggressive, with Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan of Ohio and Oversight Committee Chair James Comer of Kentucky issuing subpoenas to demand documents and testimony from the FBI, Biden family associates and the Departments of Justice, Education and Homeland Security.

But that power has its limitations, as Jordan  who defied subpoenas himself during the previous Congress  knows well. Rep. Russ Fulcher, who represents North Idaho, said the House's oversight authority is "woefully inadequate" because the majority has limited leverage to force the target of a subpoena to testify or hand over documents.

"Congress doesn't have the teeth to actually perform all the oversight duties," said Fulcher, a member of the right-wing Freedom Caucus co-founded by Jordan. "What I mean by that is we can subpoena, we can hold in contempt, but we can't enforce  unless it's through appropriations."

As part of the agreement House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., struck with Republican hardliners in January, the House reinstated the "Holman rule," a 19th-century tool that lets lawmakers amend the annual appropriations legislation that funds the government to eliminate funding for officials or whole positions. Some on the GOP's restive right flank have proposed cutting the salaries of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Attorney General Merrick Garland, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other officials over objections to administration policy.

"Obviously, it's got to be selective and we've got to look at those case by case," Fulcher said of the Holman rule. "That's kind of a last-resort deal, but sometimes money is the only hammer we have.

McMorris Rodgers declined to say whether she would vote to defund any official's salary, although she suggested she was open to such a move.

"I think that when an agency secretary is not being responsive to Congress," she said, "Congress must exercise the power of the purse, and that's one tool."

Rep. Mike Simpson, a Republican from Idaho Falls who has spent two decades on the Appropriations Committee, left no ambiguity when asked about using the Holman rule.

"I don't think you can defund a cabinet secretary's salary," he said, adding that it is possible but not appropriate. "That, to me, is beyond the pale."

Frustrated by the administration's stonewalling, and seeking revenge after the House twice impeached Trump when it was under Democratic control, some Republicans favor impeaching Biden or members of his cabinet.

On June 22, the House voted along party lines to refer articles of impeachment against the president to the House Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees, thus avoiding a potentially embarrassing vote on the floor. Those articles, introduced by Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., focus on Biden's asylum policy for migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Sunnyside, has sharply criticized the administration's border policy but said that doesn't necessarily warrant impeaching the president. Newhouse was one of 10 House Republicans who voted for Trump's second impeachment, and the only one of them who survived a Trump-endorsed primary challenge.

"You can't impeach somebody just because you disagree with them," Newhouse said, and McMorris Rodgers noted that the Constitution reserves impeachment as punishment for "high crimes and misdemeanors."

Some Republicans have also proposed impeaching Mayorkas over those same policy complaints, but Simpson suggested they're putting the cart before the horse.

"I think Mayorkas has been one of the worst secretaries I've ever seen in my life," Simpson said. "But to impeach him, I've got to have a reason, not just that he's a bad secretary."

Neither impeachment nor withholding pay from top officials stands a chance of surviving the Democratic-majority Senate. But the influence of the most strident House Republicans could make compromise on annual spending bills  a necessity in divided government  far harder this year. That raises the risk of a government shutdown, which would occur if the House and Senate can't both pass at least a stopgap spending bill by the start of the new fiscal year Oct. 1.

Soon after McCarthy struck a deal with Biden to raise the nation's debt limit, House Republicans announced they would mark up their appropriations bills at a lower level than what their leader had agreed to.

"I really don't think a government shutdown is something anybody wants," said Newhouse, an Appropriations Committee member, while adding that the gap between House Republicans and the Senate Appropriations Committee  led by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.  "makes it more likely that the House bills will be at levels that are unacceptable to Democrats."

Rep. Derek Kilmer, a Democratic appropriator from Gig Harbor, said the culture in the Appropriations Committee has changed since he joined the panel.

"We are wasting time by voting on things that aren't going anywhere," Kilmer said. "That increases the likelihood of a government shutdown."

Simpson said that while there are better working relationships between Democrats and Republicans on the individual Appropriations subcommittees, "the debate in the full committee is getting a little more partisan than it has in the past." Still, he said he's confident most Republicans want to fund the government.

"It doesn't matter whether it's our fault or not, we're gonna be the ones who get blamed for it," he said. "And I've always said it's never good policy and it's never good politics to have a government shutdown."

The 2024 presidential race  in which Trump is the GOP front-runner, despite facing multiple indictments  looms large.

On Thursday, Politico reported that McCarthy privately promised the former president that the House would vote by the end of July to expunge both of Trump's impeachments  in 2019 for pressuring Ukraine's president to investigate Biden, who was then running against Trump, and in 2021 for inciting the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol.

Such a vote, if it happens, would force Republicans to face another litmus test based on their loyalty to Trump.

(c)2023 The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, Wash.)

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WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service)  The U.S. State Department said theres been no communication since last week with North Korea about the American soldier who bolted across its border and hasnt been heard from since.

Earlier reports of bilateral communications about Private Second Class Travis King may have resulted from a misinterpretation of a statement by the U.S.-led United Nations Command, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters in Washington Monday.

Its been almost a week since King, 23, made the unauthorized crossing, with the regime in Pyongyang making no public mention so far about the fate of the man it whisked away in a van surrounded by North Korean military personnel.

The U.N. Command contacted North Korea on the day King crossed the border and my understanding is that the North Koreans acknowledged they received the message but havent responded to further communications, Miller said.

A different impression was left in a briefing a few hours earlier in Seoul by Lieutenant General Andrew Harrison, the deputy commander for the U.N. Command.

The first primary concern is Private Kings welfare and the conversation has commenced with the KPA through the mechanisms of the Armistice Agreement, Harrison told reporters, using an abbreviation for the North Korean Peoples Army and referring to the cease-fire deal that ended fighting in the 1950-1953 Korean War.

But Miller, the State Department spokesman, suggested Harrison was referring only to the initial contact last week. The U.N. Command didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

King may be facing intensive interrogation by North Koreas security apparatus as it decides whether hes an asset worth keeping for a while, or someone with little information who may be sent back before he could become a burden on the state.

The case is the first unauthorized border crossing by an American during the Biden administration, which is looking at ways to engage with Pyongyang at high levels after Kim Jong Uns regime has shunned repeated requests for talks.

Political judgments

King has probably been transfered to Pyongyang for questioning by a joint investigation team, according to Cho Han-bum, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification based in Seoul.

Theyre making political judgments, said Cho. They havent had a face-to-face negotiation with the outer world since the pandemic, so its going to take time to sort out their internal positions.

It also comes amid continuing tensions, with North Korea conducting ballistic missile tests and the U.S. dispatching a submarine capable of carrying nuclear weapons to the region.

Pyongyang fired two, short-range ballistic missiles overnight that flew about 250 miles each and splashed down in waters east of the country, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said. This was the third barrage Kims regime has fired in the past two weeks, which included a new intercontinental ballistic missile designed to deliver a nuclear strike on the U.S. mainland.

Kings crossing is different from the approximately 20 other Americans detained by Pyongyang since the end of the 1950-1953 conflict. Those detained previously have included Christians who went there for what they saw as humanitarian reasons, university students on tours and a pair of reporters, most of whom crossed from China or were in the country for other reasons.

King, a cavalry scout in the Army since January 2021, probably wasnt privy to sensitive information that would be of high interest to North Korea. He was also facing expulsion from the U.S. military after hed been jailed for nearly two months in South Korea for assault.

Those Americans who have been held custody by North Korea have said they faced relentless questioning, intimidation and violence that pushed them to their mental breaking points as they were held in isolation.

If King actually defected to North Korea, the state would probably try to find a way to use him for propaganda. In the Cold War, it cast a handful of American soldiers who crossed over as villains in movies, often overseen by Kim Jong Il, the cinephile former leader, father of Kim Jong Un and author of On the Art of the Cinema.

Kim Jong Il also arranged the kidnapping of a top South Korean actress and director to help his movie projects.

Its certainly possible that the DPRK will attempt to gain some propaganda value from his crossing, but what exactly will that propaganda be? said Martyn Williams, a senior fellow with the Stimson Center, referring to North Korea by its formal name. A low-ranking US soldier crossed the border to avoid punishment? Its hardly a ringing endorsement of North Korea.

With assistance from Philip Glamann.

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WASHINGTON  The Pentagon will send Ukraine another aid package worth as much as $400 million, which will include equipment such as missiles, vehicles and surveillance drones, U.S. officials announced Tuesday.

Todays commitment in security assistance  includes additional air defense munitions, artillery and other ammunition, armored vehicles, anti-armor weapons and other equipment to help Ukraine counter Russias ongoing war of aggression, the Pentagon said.

Included in the package are more missiles for the Patriot air-defense systems in Ukraine, National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, or NASAMS, and shoulder-launched stinger systems  as well as artillery and mortar rounds, officials said. Also included are almost three dozen Stryker armored personnel carriers, more than 28 million rounds of small arms ammunition and Hornet surveillance drones.

The United States will continue to work with its allies and partners to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs, the Pentagon said.

The military aid announced Tuesday is being provided through presidential drawdown authority, which means the weapons and equipment will come directly from Pentagon shelves and will likely be in Ukraine within days or weeks.

The new round of U.S. aid to Ukraine is the third in less than three weeks. The Pentagon announced a package worth up to $800 million on July 7 and a longer-term tranche of equipment on July 19 worth $1.3 billion. The latter will come through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, meaning its being procured at the industry level and will take longer to reach Europe.

In total, the United States has committed more than $43.7 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden administration, including more than $43 billion since the beginning of Russias unprovoked and brutal invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the Pentagon said.

The new aid comes at a time of increased Russian aggression  inside and outside Ukraine.

The Air Force said a Russian fighter jet harassed a U.S. MQ-9 drone over Syria on Sunday by dropping flares that damaged the drones propeller. The aircraft was able to make it back to its U.S. base, but the confrontation strongly resembled another incident in March in which a Russian jet clipped a different U.S. drone over the Black Sea and caused it to crash into the water.

We are seeing an increase in that [type of behavior], Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters Tuesday. Its just yet again another blatant disregard of how to operate and flies in the face of operating safely and professionally.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials said Russian forces on Tuesday attempted another drone attack on Kyiv, but failed. Military authorities in the capital city said all the Russian drones were detected and destroyed. They said it was the sixth attempted drone attack on Kyiv this month.

Ukrainian officials also said Russia has launched new airstrikes on port infrastructure in southern Ukraine with exploding drones. The area has been targeted by Russian forces several times in the past week, they said.

Ukraine has also accused Russian forces of attacking grain storage centers Monday in the south Ukrainian port city of Odesa on the Black Sea. Moscow has denied it intentionally targeted grain facilities.
The remains of a Marine Corps general who fought in World War I and II that had been buried for decades in India are now interred at Arlington National Cemetery, marking the end of a long saga for his family.

Today, we bring a hero to these hallowed grounds remembered by his family, to the Marine Corps he loved and the nation that owes him a debt of gratitude, Rear. Adm. Carey Cash, a Navy chaplain, told dozens of relatives and friends gathered at Arlington for the reinterment ceremony. He was a good man, a fine soldier and a great Marine. After six decades, [he] has finally come home.

Maj. Gen. Harry Kleinbeck Pickett was buried with full military honors at the cemetery just outside Washington on July 19. The ceremony involved service members from the United States Marine Band and the services Washington barracks. After the service, Picketts casket was given an official funeral escort to his plot in Section 52, which is in the northeastern corner of the historic cemetery not far from the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial.

At the end of the ceremony, cannons were fired to honor Picketts 31 years of service and three V-22 Osprey aircraft flew overhead. Also, a firing party shot three volleys and a bugler sounded taps. Picketts granddaughter Sandra Sharpe received the American flag that draped Picketts casket.

Marine Maj. Gen. Roger Turner said Semper Fi  the Marine Corps motto that means always faithful  has special meaning in Picketts case.

We saw it played out today in reality, 58 years later, Turner, the Marines acting deputy commandant for plans, policy and operations, said at the burial service.

Born in Ridgeway, S.C., in 1888, Pickett attended The Citadel military college and later joined the Marines at 25. In the years that followed, he served on Guam, where in 1917 he participated in the capture of the German boat SMS Cormoran just after the U.S. entered World War I. Many years later, on Dec. 7, 1941, he was the commanding officer at the Pearl Harbor Marine barracks when hundreds of Japanese planes launched a surprise attack that forced the U.S. into World War II. During the aerial assault, Pickett and his Marines fired on enemy planes with small arms. For his actions, he was awarded the Legion of Merit  an honor given for exceptionally meritorious conduct.

While on vacation in West Bengal, India, in 1965, Pickett died of a heart attack at the age of 77 and his remains would stay buried there for decades. Later, when the family sought to bring them home, it became a time-consuming and complex procedure, partly because pinpointing the graves exact location was tough  the headstone had long been stolen. Also, getting the necessary permits and approvals from the Indian government proved to be a lengthy process.

So happy that we accomplished the mission in getting a great American hero home and getting the long overdue honors he was so deserving of, said Bob Mebane, a retired Army Nurse Corps officer and fellow Citadel graduate who worked for years to help Picketts family find the remains. For me, its an enormous sense of satisfaction and elation. It was also a great team effort.

Picketts remains were given an official sendoff ceremony in India in May that was attended by U.S. and Indian officials.
WASHINGTON  Members of the 720th Military Police Battalions B Company had been sent to Vietnam to provide security for fighting troops.

But for three years, they joined soldiers on the front lines, conducting patrols and ambushes, participating in search-and-destroy missions and defending local villages.

Their unique service from 1967 to 1970 marked the first time a U.S. military police battalion took part in infantry duties, according to unit accounts. Officially, however, it went unacknowledged by the Army.

That changed Monday in a long-awaited ceremony in the U.S. Capitol, where 35 former Bushwhackers, as the military police members called themselves, were awarded Bronze Stars for their service. The medals also honored the scout dog handlers of the 212th Military Police Company.

Today marks a milestone when our history at last meets official recognition of who we were and what we did, to officially set the record straight for our posterity and how we should be remembered, said Steven Aurilio, a former specialist in B Company. This will help bring our members and families a sense of identity and closure and out of the shadows of obscurity.

The 55-year oversight ended due to a mailing blitz several years ago by a group of former military policemen from the unit, who sent out 55 letters to congressional representatives in 25 states asking for assistance in obtaining recognition. Rep. Bob Latta, R-Ohio, answered the call.

In 2021, he contacted the Defense Department and the Army, which began extensive searches at multiple personnel records facilities to find documentation of the military police's infantry actions. The former Bushwhackers wanted to receive the Armys Combat Action Badge or Combat Infantry Badge but both requests were denied.

Unit members instead were offered Bronze Stars, a decoration for meritorious service in a combat zone that Aurilio said the military police never considered or thought we earned.

Latta deemed it a step in the right direction in winning recognition for an estimated 600 military police members who were deployed by the Army to perform duties outside what they signed up for.

They rose to that occasion, he said.

Lattas office has collected 56 applications from former military police since January, receiving Bronze Stars for all.

The medals were distributed Monday to standing ovations in the Members Dining Room of the U.S. House of Representatives, where Bushwhackers and their family members from across the country filled every seat. Several Bronze Stars were awarded posthumously, including to Thomas Watson, a former B Company squad leader largely credited with bringing the story of the 720th Military Police Battalion into the light.

Watson and Robert Bogison, a former member of the battalion and author who publicized his comrades exploits in the book Up-Close & Personal, met in 1998 and spent years researching details of the units operations.

The Bushwhackers served in South Vietnam and were tasked with protecting a sprawling American logistics base called Long Binh Post, a frequent target for enemy sappers. The 720th Military Police Battalion, under the 18th Military Police Brigade, were assigned ground soldier duties and given a flotilla of patrol boats to guard against infiltration and rocket attacks.

We didnt drive around in jeeps and direct traffic as people think, said Donnie Thomas, a former staff sergeant. We walked around during the day trying to get someone to shoot at us so we could shoot back at them.

Dean Wetzler, 80, described his two years of serving in Vietnam as a constant state of unease.

You never knew what was going to happen and when, he said.

The battalion was awarded 24 Purple Hearts during the three-year infantry mission known as Operation Stabilize, 13 of them posthumously.

War cares not what a soldiers [Military Occupational Specialty] is, Aurilio said, referring to the militarys code for specific jobs. In the field for tactical operations such as ours, the risk and the battle station were the same.

Thomas said he was disappointed his fellow Bushwhackers did not receive the Combat Infantry Badge, an award for those who fought in active ground combat. But he said a Bronze Star helped bring much-needed attention to B Company and "that means a lot."

"A lot of people now are aware of what we did," Thomas said.

The average age of the units surviving members is 76. Latta said he hoped word-of-mouth would lead to commendations for many more Bushwhackers. The Armys Human Resources Command is reviewing four additional former members for medal eligibility.

Aurilio, the former B Company specialist, said the men were not pursuing self-aggrandizement but rather recognition for meaningfully contributing to a war that changed their lives.

Its important to us that the record be set straight, he said.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Tribune News Service)  The man arrested in connection with the shooting last month in Annapolis that killed three and injured three others now faces hate crime charges handed down Friday by an Anne Arundel County grand jury.

Three counts of the 42-count indictment allege that Charles Robert Smith, 43, was "motivated in substantial part" by the victims' national origin during the June shooting on the 1000 block of Paddington Place that killed his neighbor Mario Mireles, 27, as well as Mario's father, Nicholas Mireles, 55, and friend Christian Segovia, 25.

The shooting was the deadliest act of violence in Annapolis in several years. In addition to those who were killed or wounded, three more were "assaulted, but uninjured," prosecutors said.

Police believe the shooting was the result of a parking dispute, an extension of the troubled history between the neighbors. In the wake of the bloodshed, the Mireles family advocated for authorities to pursue hate crime charges against Smith, an Army veteran who is white. Mireles' family is Latino.

"I'm beyond happy with the extra charges. I feel like justice is being served. It's good news," Nelcy Goss, Mario Mireles' sister, said. "Nothing can bring my brother back but at least the judicial system is seeing what's right and is doing the right thing for us."

The indictment also charges Smith with three counts of first-degree murder and six counts of attempted first-degree murder. When Smith was arrested after the shooting, he was charged with second-degree murder for each of the three people killed.

Smith did not have an attorney listed Monday in online court records for the new case. Mark Howes and Peter O'Neill, attorneys who represented Smith on the original charges, said Monday that they were no longer involved in the case.

Anne Arundel State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess is listed as prosecuting attorney. Leitess, a Democrat who was unopposed when reelected last year, occasionally tries cases, most recently when prosecuting the gunman who murdered five Capital Gazette employees in 2018. Assistant State's Attorney Jason Steinhardt will prosecute the case alongside Leitess.

Smith is scheduled to appear in Anne Arundel Circuit Court for an initial hearing on the new slate of charges July 31.

Annapolis Police officers responded about 8 p.m. June 11 to the private residence in the southeast Annapolis neighborhood of Wilshire and found the six people with gunshot wounds. Mario Mireles, of Annapolis, his father and Segovia, who lived in Severn, all died at the scene. Rosalina Segovia, Paul Johnson and Enner Canales-Hernandez were taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore with injuries.

The elder Mireles, an Odenton resident who owned a landscaping business, was a hardworking fighter who died trying to defend one of his kids, his wife said.

A week after the shooting on Father's Day, a few hundred family, friends and neighbors gathered along the water at City Dock to mourn the dead, all of whom were fathers.

In the aftermath, investigators determined the shooting began after neighbors got into a disagreement about a vehicle parked in front of the house that Smith shares with his mother. According to charging documents, Shirley Smith called in a complaint to the city, saying her driveway was blocked. Twelve minutes later, her son surrendered to police at his front door after the shooting.

Separate peace orders filed in September 2016 indicate Mario Mireles and Shirley Smith had several disagreements  with Mireles reporting Smith directed racial slurs at him and his family. The 65-year-old mother of the suspect said that Mireles had struck her car with a large wet towel or blanket, and had thrown rocks at street signs and hit nearby vehicles in the past. Both peace orders were dismissed by a judge who found neither met the necessary burden of proof.

Charles Smith faces a maximum sentence of life without parole if he is convicted of first-degree murder. Each of the hate crime charges could bring additional time, up to 20 years each.

The Center of Help, an Annapolis-based nonprofit focused on supporting the county's immigrant community, has been aiding the families impacted by the shooting. Executive Director Gabriel Rodriguez said while the organization is "profoundly saddened" by the incident, it's not going to speculate on the legal proceedings.

"The ongoing investigation and subsequent charges laid by the grand jury, including the consideration of hate crime charges for Charles Smith, are in the hands of our justice system," Rodriguez said in an emailed statement Monday. "We firmly believe in due process, and we trust that justice will be served accordingly."

Echoing this, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman said in a statement that he looks "forward to seeing justice served for the families and the entire community devastated by the loss of Mario Mireles, Nicholas Mireles, and Christian Segovia."

Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley thanked the grand jury, state's attorney and law enforcement officials for their work on the indictment.

"No one should live in fear in their own neighborhood," Buckley said in a statement. "The process may take months or even years to play out in the court system. It is my hope that this brings the families of the victims one step closer to peace."

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While some members of the political opposition have urged withdrawal from state-sponsored processes, the correct response is negotiation and engagement, writes Bassel Adel

Some political opposition members and human-rights activists resort to withdrawal whenever a political situation in fact calls for reasoned dialogue.

Such individuals firmly insist on their right to withdraw while at the same time demanding that the state show restraint. At the same time, other opposition figures employ rational democratic tools in the political engagements that are offered to them, using these to hone their negotiation and dialogue skills.

Today, some human rights advocates have also announced their withdrawal from participating in the National Dialogue sessions in response to the judicial ruling against activist Patrick George. Their withdrawal appears to be part of a political stance against a judicial verdict.

As a result, negativity can easily prevail instead of positive political action and the exerting of pressure on political events rather than withdrawing from them. We in the Dialogue Bloc have always been proponents of positivity and engagement and the rejection of extremism and withdrawal.

The judiciary can all too easily be placed in the position of handling paperwork rather than engaging in political compromises in the wake of a decision to withdraw by political actors. Paperwork triumphs over compromises.

Moreover, blurring the line between political action and criminal referral in cases related to freedom of speech is disheartening. But it does not justify withdrawing from the negotiating table or severing communication with the state, and neither does it warrant donning the cloak of Caesar and presenting oneself as a warrior in a battle.

The state has opened the door to a National Dialogue, a first in the history of Egypt, and it has offered unprecedented freedom under its auspices. President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi has responded positively to several of the outcomes agreed upon by all the parties involved in the dialogue, such as acceding to judicial oversight, reconsidering the guardianship laws, and reviewing the prosecutorial system and the freedom of information law.

All these steps were taken before the conclusion of the relevant dialogue sessions and the dispersal of the participants, and they were taken in addition to the releases of some individuals detained after arrests and judicial rulings.

I must emphasise that I am against imprisoning anyone for their opinions, no matter how different they might be from mine. But I also oppose opposition figures attacking the state whenever disagreements arise. Does a withdrawal from the dialogue help to resolve issues?

Following the George verdict, the Dialogue Bloc immediately called upon the president to use his constitutional powers to pardon him and all prisoners of conscience in Egypt. We also urged the Attorney General to lift the prolonged pretrial detention of political activists without valid reasons.

We consistently emphasise the need to limit pretrial detention to six months at most, and we strongly discourage any attempts to prosecute activists on unrelated charges after two years of pretrial detention. This is our permanent political stance on this matter.

The state promptly acted and issued a presidential pardon just 24 hours after the Patrick George ruling. George had previously spent 18 months in pretrial detention. The pardon also extended to our blocs president, Mohamed Al-Baker, and to two other individuals who were unjustly detained due to their political opinions and activism.

Urging the president to exercise his powers to pardon prisoners of conscience is not a fault. His response is not a sign of concession either, but is rather a manifestation of positive action in favour of the nation, its citizens, and its political processes.

Engaging in a rational dialogue through political negotiation and utilising the National Dialogue platform to express diverse views, cooperate in resolving issues, and propose alternatives are all far more constructive than withdrawal or insisting on extremist measures.

Let us strive for positivity in our political engagements rather than resort to competition among ourselves. Effecting change and improving our situation is more beneficial than merely blaming it on others and going over its details.

Withdrawal may convey a message of objection, but it is proactive interaction that brings about real change and leaves a lasting impact, opening doors for individuals who would otherwise remain bound by difficult circumstances. In this way, they can breathe fresh air and gradually widen their horizons until a beam of light turns into a radiant sun.

We have seen more than our fair share of an opposition that curses the darkness but fails to light a candle. It fails to understand that victory in the battle for freedom comes through gradual steps, not a single decisive blow. It also fails to understand the reasons behind the states decisions, leaving them unable to unravel supposed puzzles.

The political system in Egypt is shifting from a closed political arena to a more open one, and we must encourage it and push for further political and economic reforms. We need to build bridges of trust, dispel doubts and suspicions, and find a balance as political actors.

The state should also loosen its political muscles, allowing for a more open and a brighter future for us and our children.

The writer is the head of Egypts Dialogue Bloc.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 27 July, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Derek McGee (38) had a Falling Down moment after he was sacked

Derek McGee of North Circular Road, Phibsborough, Dublin was given a four-month suspended sentence for the incident at a Mizzonis pizza restaurant in 2020

A pizza delivery driver had a Falling Down moment when he grabbed a knife and used it to take a restaurant till after he had been fired, a court heard.

Derek McGee (38) was insanely irate and looking to have it out with the owner when he told frightened female staff to leave, then got the knife to jimmy the cash register.

The incident happened during the Covid lockdown. McGee had taken up delivery work because he lived alone and felt stressed and isolated, a court heard.

Judge Joanne Carroll gave him a four-month suspended sentence.

McGee, of North Circular Road, Phibsborough, Dublin, pleaded guilty to robbery, criminal damage and producing a knife while committing an offence.

Dublin District Court heard the incident happened at Mizzonis Pizza, Shanard Road, Santry, on October 3, 2020.

The staff recognised him as he was unmasked and clearly identifiable

Garda Sergeant Derek Spain said the accused went in and told the two young women working there he was going to rob the shop.

After they ran out, he went behind the counter and got a knife which he used to remove the till, causing damage to a computer and the CCTV system.

The staff recognised him as he was unmasked and clearly identifiable.

McGee tried to leave but was apprehended by others and was held until the gardai arrived. There were no injuries or threats to the staff and the knife was not brandished while they were there.

McGee had been working in a garage, had separated from the mother of his child and was living in a bedsit when Covid struck, his solicitor Kate McGhee said.

He was a quite hyperactive gentleman who found the isolation very difficult so he became a delivery driver to get out and about.

He was with an agency and worked for Mizzoni, but was fired after a day when he made a mistake delivering food. The court heard he was also described as having talked too much.

He was taken off the agencys Whatsapp group, was out of work, extremely isolated and suffered from anxiety and depression.

He took a number of Xanax because he thought it would even him out

He became insanely irate about the fact that he had completely lost his employment, Ms McGhee said.

He took a number of Xanax because he thought it would even him out. He then went to have it out with the owner.

When the owner was not there, he said he was robbing the place, told the female staff to get out and got a knife from the wall. While accepting the robbery charge, he was more focused on smashing the till up, the court heard.

The men who intervened were from the chipper next door, the solicitor said, and McGee never made it out of the shop at all. He was incredibly sorry for what happened.

Hes a lovely man who had a Falling Down moment, Ms McGhee said.

Judge Carroll took account of the fact that McGee did not disguise himself, was acting erratically and did not imprison any staff or suggest they were at risk. She imposed the suspended sentence on the robbery charge, took the criminal damage into account and struck out the weapons charge.
Niall Kennedy (32) denied the charges and did not accept the jury's verdicts.

A former soldier who was jailed for 10 years for a cynical and cold campaign of rape and harassment against a woman he had been dating has lost his appeal against his conviction after arguing that the trial judge should have warned the jury about the dangers of uncorroborated evidence.

Niall Kennedy (32) of Standhouse Lawns, Newbridge, Co Kildare, was convicted by a jury in December 2021 at the Central Criminal Court of 12 counts of rape on eleven different occasions in August 2017.

He was also convicted of harassment on multiple occasions between February and August 2017 and of making threats to kill or cause serious harm to the woman and others in June 2017 and twice in August 2017.

Kennedy, who has no previous convictions, denied the charges and did not accept the jury's verdicts.

While they continued in an on-off sexual relationship, the court heard that Kennedy continued to harass the woman, including following her when she was on nights out with friends.

On one occasion outside a Dublin nightclub, he showed up and threatened to kill one of her male friends. Kennedy also sent images of an indecent nature to her mothers phone.

In August 2017, Kennedy told the woman to come to his house where he raped her, while calling her a slut and a whore and telling her that she deserved it.

He told her that the only way to make things up with him was to be in a threesome and that she had to have sex with him 24 times, and also for every time he said she had sex with another man.

At the Court of Appeal in May, Kennedy's lawyers submitted that a warning about the woman's evidence in the case should have been issued by the judge to the jury before they began their deliberations.

Roderick O'Hanlon SC, for Kennedy, said that the woman admitted to lying in the past about her relationship with Kennedy and that the jury should have been told to approach her evidence with caution and "not jump to conclusions".

The trial judge refused the request which the defence said would go towards the reliability and credibility of the woman as a witness.

A corroboration warning may be given by a judge to a jury to highlight the dangers of convicting a defendant on the basis of uncorroborated evidence.

Mr O'Hanlon said the complainant gave evidence of her dealings with a male friend of hers, whose life she claimed Kennedy had threatened to "destroy".

"He told me that he knew [the male friend] was a druggy and that he would destroy his career.

"I did not know that [the friend] was into drugs and I don't believe that even now," said the woman at trial.

Mr O'Hanlon said the complainant had texted another friend to the contrary, saying she asked [the male friend] about using drugs and that "he had been doing coke and weed for a while".

"It was put to her that she had told lies to the jury about her belief that [the male friend] was using drugs," counsel said, submitting that the complainant accepted that she had told lies.

Mr O'Hanlon said the woman also lied to her parents about the relationship and to her employer about being off sick when she was with the accused.

In dismissing the appeal today, Mr Justice George Birmingham submitted that the appellant said the woman had lied to her family and friends over a prolonged period and did not inform her parents that the two had recommenced a relationship.

Mr Justice Birmingham said that the State "simply asserts that, in every case, and this case was no exception, the judge will direct the jury that they can accept some, part, or all of the evidence of a witness and therefore, there was no need for a particular caution along the lines suggested".

Mr Justice Birmingham said that the trial judge, Mr Justice Paul Burns, was "fully on top of all the authorities in relation to the question of whether a corroboration warning should be given".

Mr Justice Birmingham said the trial judge was making his decision against giving the jury a corroboration warning against the background of having seen the "lengthy evidence over a number of days".

"We do not find his decision to decline to give a corroboration warning at all surprising.

"Certainly, we are quite satisfied that it was a decision which was fully open to him," said Mr Justice Birmingham in dismissing the submission.

Mr Justice Birmingham also rejected a ground of appeal that the concept of recklessness had not been adequately explained to the jury in the context of a rape case.

It had been submitted that the trial judge erred in failing to adequately explain the subjective and objective elements for recklessness regarding consent in establishing mens rea - the intention or knowledge of wrongdoing - in a case where the accused and the complainant had been in an on and off relationship.

Mr Justice Birmingham said the trial judge was to be applauded in not resorting to legal language which is "understood by lawyers but is of little assistance to laymen".

Mr Justice Birmingham said the judge had rightly addressed the jury that the test for them to decide was where the appellant, "in his own mind, believed he had consent from the complainant to engage in sexual acts which ran concurrently to when the relationship was being characterised as a coercive one when non-consensual sexual acts were said to have occurred".

Mr Justice Birmingham said the jury "received the assistance to which they were entitled from the trial judge" and dismissed the ground of recklessness.

In dismissing the appeal, Mr Justice Birmingham said "we have not been persuaded that the trial was unfair or unsatisfactory in any respect, nor have we been persuaded that the verdict was unsafe".

At the appeal hearing, Vincent Heneghan SC, for the State, said the woman had explained why she told lies about the relationship.

"She was trying to protect herself and her family from the accused, a person who had come back into and out of her life.

"She was afeared and embarrassed by it. It was not a plan to fool the jury," said Mr Heneghan.

Also at that hearing, Mr Justice John Edwards said the woman had said she had forgotten about describing her friend as a drug-user and did not accept she lied in that she "stood over what she said - she did not believe he was into drugs".

Mr Justice Edwards said the woman accepted that she told something different to the jury regarding the male friend but that "a lie has to be a conscious decision, in that you can't lie if you forget something - it's not a lie. She claims she didn't remember the text exchange".

Mr O'Hanlon said the lack of the warning "doesn't properly address the manner in which a jury should address her evidence. The court ought to have issued a caution alerting the jury to those aspects of the complainant's evidence".

At the trial, Mr Justice Burns said the case was characterised by a "more than usual degree of degradation and abuse of trust" of the woman and set a headline sentence of 13 years.

He said Kennedy had carried out a of a cynical and cold campaign of rape against the woman.

He imposed a sentence of 12 years with the final two years suspended for five years on strict conditions.

The trial heard that the woman was in her early 20s when she met Kennedy in December 2016 on the Tinder dating app and soon began a relationship.

However, the court heard that Kennedy then began turning up outside her place of work, or in a nightclub when the woman was out with friends.

He would turn up uninvited, was constantly texting her and demanding that she send him photographs, a garda witness said.

The woman found the level of communication unbearable and wanted to end the relationship.
It is alleged Mark Dolan (48) could be seen on CCTV smiling as he returned to his car after masturbating in front of the children

PROSECUTORS have been given more time to prepare their case against a father-of-three accused of exposing himself and performing a sex act in front of a group of young girls on a Dublin street.

It is alleged Mark Dolan (48) could be seen on CCTV smiling as he returned to his car after masturbating in front of the children who were out playing.

Judge Treasa Kelly remanded him on continuing bail at Dublin District Court today, for the directions of the DPP.

Mr Dolan, formerly of Andrew Heights, Dun Brinn, Athy, Co Kildare, is accused of intentionally masturbating in the presence of children in Dublin on a date last May.

The charge alleges this was for the purpose of sexual gratification or corrupting or depraving a child.

The accused was arrested and charged in May and was back before the court today.

Garda Sergeant Deirdre McInerney said the directions of the DPP were not available yet and sought an adjournment.

Defence barrister Emily Walker said an application to change bail conditions would be made by the accused on the next date.

The judge adjourned the case to a date in September. Mr Dolan, who has not yet entered a plea, was not required to address the court.

At his contested bail hearing in May, gardai alleged four girls were out playing on a street when the accused drove past them before parking his vehicle further down the road.

Mr Dolan was allegedly seen on CCTV exiting his car and walking back towards them on the other side of the street, a garda said.

According to the prosecution, on the footage, he unzips his trousers and keeps his hands on his genital area as he walks towards the girls, who are in his line of sight.

He can be seen looking around, the garda said. At one point he is facing a wall. It can be seen that his hand moves a lot in his genital region, the garda said.

The accused is seen walking away, looking over his shoulder at the girls who are also looking at him, he continued.

He is seen moving up and down the road three times and when he walks back to his car, his penis is exposed and he appears to be smiling, it was alleged.

At the time, Judge Brendan OReilly ruled Mr Dolan could not be identified, but another judge, Cephas Power later lifted that order when it was challenged by lawyers for RTE.
Vasilii Birca (32), Ion Mustesta (19), Gheorge Onila (32), Nicanor Ionas (29) and Ion Soponari (24) pleaded guilty to one count each of affray

Five men who were led to believe their friend had been assaulted have all been handed suspended prison sentences.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Vasilii Birca (32) of Drumcondra Road Lower; Dublin Ion Mustesta (19) of Walnut View, Dublin 16; Gheorge Onila (32) of Wellington Raod, Dublin 6; Nicanor Ionas (29) of Beechdale, Dunboyne, Co Meath and Ion Soponari (24) also of Beechdale, Dunboyne. Co Meath pleaded guilty to one count each of affray at Golden Lane, Dublin, on April 3, 2022. None of them have any previous convictions in Ireland or any other jurisdiction.

Garda Colm McCarthy told Laura Cunningham, BL, prosecuting, that a couple (husband and wife), and a friend, were out socialising in Dublin City when they saw an altercation between a man and a woman at approximately 2 am, and they intervened to help the woman. The male of the couple was assaulted in the process.

The court heard that the couple and their friend began to move away from the man who then began following them and talking on his mobile phone. A group of five men then approached the victims. The woman was pushed to the ground, and her partner called the gardai.

While he was on the phone to gardai, the woman's husband was knocked to the ground and assaulted. He believes he was in and out of consciousness. When he tried to get up, he saw a garda car coming toward him. When the gardai arrived, he noticed his mobile phone was missing.

The woman said a group of males ran towards her husband and their friend. She saw the group start to punch and kick them. She asked both men if they were okay, but they did not respond, and they were not moving.

Her husband was brought to the hospital, and x-rays showed he had fractures to his wrist and nose. He also sustained bruising to the body. The woman had two black, swollen eyes and nose pain. Their friend required five stitches to his chin and felt intense pain in his face.

Another witness who saw the assault from her apartment said there was an initial altercation between the womans husband and a man, and then a number of other men arrived. The men carried out a violent attack on the husband and his friend, which she said lasted for about 30 seconds. The men then fled to a nearby van, which the witness took a photograph of.

The woman was able to track her husband's phone, and the van was stopped by the gardai. Six men in total were found in the van: the five accused and the man who was involved in the original altercation. Her husbands phone was also found in the van,

Gda McGrath said that during interview, the five men said they had been contacted by a friend who said he had been assaulted. When they arrived at the scene, they saw their friend, the man who had been involved in the original altercation was bleeding. They believed they were coming to help their friend and got involved in a fight with the two friends.

All five men who made admissions to the gardai said they were unhappy that their friend misled them. The five men have offered 26,000 in compensation to the injured parties in this case. They have offered apologies to the injured parties and shown genuine remorse.

The court heard that the probation reports for all five men put them at low risk of reoffending.

Gda McGrath agreed with Marc Thompson BL, defending Birca, that his client has pleaded guilty, fully accepts what he did was wrong and was misled by his friend on the phone.

He said that his client has no previous convictions, was cooperative, offered a sincere apology and confirmed his regret and genuine remorse.

Jennifer Jackson BL, defending Musteata, said her client was only 18 at the time of the assault and entered an early guilty plea. She said he was under the mistaken belief that his friend had been attacked.

Gda McGrath agreed that Musteata made admissions, was cooperative and made several apologies to the victims throughout the process.

Ian Woodland, BL, defending Onila, said his client waived his right to a solicitor when questioned by the gardai and was fully cooperative. He offered an early guilty plea and apologised throughout his interview saying, If I can help, then I will. He said his client was misled by his friend.

Nicola Cox, BL, defending Ionas, said her client is a 29-year-old man who was misled and shocked by his friend. She said her client had abided by all bail conditions and entered an early guilty plea.

Ms Cox said her client came to Ireland to work in the construction industry and is highly skilled. He has now set up his own company.

Simon Matthews, BL, defending Soponari, said his client was the first to offer a guilty plea, has a good work history and was misled by his friend. He handed a letter to the court outlining his remorse, which he said was also demonstrated in the probation report.

Passing sentence yesterday, Judge Pauline Codd said that three people were set upon, including one woman, by a group of six men. She said the injured parties were doing the right thing in trying to help a woman who they believed was in difficulty.

Judge Codd said she accepts that the five accused men were led to believe that their friend had been assaulted. She set a headline sentence of two and a half years for each of the accused.

The judge said she would take into consideration the lack of previous convictions, the early guilty pleas, and the apologies and remorse shown by the accused. She said that this offence seems out of character for the accused, who are all first-time offenders and all in stable full-time employment.

Judge Codd sentenced Birca, Onila and Ionas to 18 months in prison, suspended in full for 18 months. She sentenced Musteata to one year in prison, suspended in full for one year, and Soponari to 16 months, suspended in full for 16 months. They must all keep the peace and be of good behaviour during this time.

The sixth man is still before the courts.
Gardai in balaclavas were policing the eviction of housing activists when Aaron Keohane began shouting

A political protester who hurled abuse at gardai during a controversial eviction in central Dublin has been spared a criminal record.

Gardai in balaclavas were policing the eviction of housing activists from a building when Aaron Keohane, a qualified teacher, shouted on the street: F**k off, you criminals, youre a disgrace.

Keohane (36), of Cabra Park, Dublin 7, had denied threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour, saying he was only chanting slogans to raise awareness of the housing crisis. Judge John Hughes had found him guilty at Dublin District Court and told him to pay 1,000 to charity.

When the case came back before the judge, defence barrister Lydia Daly said the 1,000 had been donated to Fr Peter McVerrys Trust.

Judge Hughes dismissed the charge under the Probation of Offenders Act.

Previously, the court heard gardai were on duty at North Frederick Street on September 11, 2018, when Keohane crossed the street and was told to stay on the footpath with the other protesters. He began shouting at the garda, using expletives and saying: F**k off, you criminals, you are a disgrace.

This was repeated and Keohane was arrested.

Denying using any abusive language, Keohane had said there were masked private security men and gardai and it looked like they were working together in an orchestrated operation.

We were there to exercise our right to protest in a non-violent fashion and to raise public awareness of the housing crisis, he told the court.
"Many people dont feel safe in our city and we need to acknowledge that, Jack Chambers TD said

Minister for State Jack Chambers has said he would not feel safe walking through parts of Dublin city at night.

The Fianna Fail TDs comments came after a number of his government colleagues  including Justice Minister Helen McEntee  had claimed the city is safe

However, speaking on Virgin Medias The Tonight Show last night, Dublin West TD Jack Chambers said he would not advise people to walk through parts of Dublin at night.

"Many people dont feel safe in our city and we need to acknowledge that.

There are parts of Dublin city that I wouldnt walk down, I wouldnt advise anyone to walk down.

"There is that sense of fear among people, Im not going to deny that.

"Im not going to deny peoples real lived experience in Dublin city. We have seen concerning levels of intimidation and a rise in assaults.

The assault of a 57-year-old American tourist on Talbot Street on Wednesday night has sparked a major debate on the safety of the capitals streets.

Stephen Termini, from Buffalo in New York, remains in intensive care at Beaumont Hospital.

Yesterday, the Lord Mayor of Dublin has said an urgent response is needed to address the anti-social behaviour in the city centre in recent weeks.

Daithi de Roiste said the number one message is that there is a need for high visibility policing on the streets of Dublin.

Mr de Roiste is the chair of the citys joint policing committee. He believes that Dublin is a safe city, but the perception is that its unsafe at the moment and there is a lot of anti-social behaviour on the streets.

We have a real issue in terms of whats happening on the streets of our capital city at the moment, and we need all the agencies but in particular the gardai to do a lot more, he told RTEs Morning Ireland.

Stephen Termini with his sons Mike and Jesse Rizzuto

We see these incidences in recent weeks and its simply not good enough and we need an urgent response to address this.

There were 615 gardai last month in Dublin North Central Division, so thats one of the highest crime rates in the country.

Thats 24 fewer than the start of the year and thats a real, real issue in terms of what we had.

Also, we hear over the past week that weve more guards coming out of Templemore. There are 222 recruits being sworn in but thats versus 150 that retired and 59 that have resigned.

So, theres a net increase of about 13 guards, we need a lot more to make Dublin a much safer place both for people coming into the city from abroad but also for ordinary Dubliners coming in to enjoy the city.

Mr de Roiste said removing the maximum recruitment age limit of 35 is definitely something to be looked at.

Maybe we should start making it more enticing for people to go into An Garda Siochana to make a career out of it, he said.
Like all Arab and Muslim nations, along with the leaders of Abrahamic religions worldwide, Egypt has condemned in the strongest terms the repeated desecration of the Muslim holy book, the Quran, in both Sweden and Denmark.

Such acts are not only provocative for nearly 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide, but open the door to deepening the rift separating the worlds different religions and cultures, and threaten to inflame the kind of violence we have recently seen in Iraq and other Muslim countries.

The fact that such incidents have taken place in Sweden and Denmark, which have generally been more balanced in their approach to issues related to the Middle East, namely the right of the Palestinian people to have their own state and end Israeli occupation, has shocked followers of the Muslim faith, including those who believe in and defend freedom of expression. Both European nations have enjoyed strong commercial and trade ties with Arab and Muslim countries, and were known for their humane treatment of the refugees who reside there.

However, the repeated incidents of burning the Quran as well as the Iraqi flag, which has the words God is Great inscribed on it, go beyond freedom of expression to hate discourse, provoking millions of Muslims who were offended by the intentional violation of the book they hold sacred.

The fact that the governments of both countries have condemned the burning of the Quran was a positive stand, but their insistence that they can do nothing to stop such deliberate attacks remains unconvincing.

In the case of Sweden, both the government and police insisted that they never issued a permit to burn the Quran, but claimed they could not stop such acts because those who carried them out had a court order. They also pointed out that they do not have laws that can stop individuals from carrying out such acts.

Yet laws can easily be drafted, especially if the freedom of expression is being abused as a cover for hate speech and Islamophobia, portending severe repercussions for security, stability and human rights.

From this perspective, states must assume responsibility to confront and prevent such crimes, as well as hold the perpetrators accountable. Different countries should also respect their international responsibilities, and work to foster peaceful co-existence, social harmony, tolerance and acceptance.

Instead, acts like burning the Quran in Sweden and Denmark create more tension and hatred, and open the door to extremist rhetoric to win over hearts and minds. Offending believers is less about free speech than deepening existing tensions and misunderstandings among different parts of the world, with different religions and ethnicities.

Within the current, rising wave of Islamophobia and xenophobia in several European countries, as well as the United States, what is needed is a defense of the right of every person to practise their faith regardless of religion. Instead, what we have been seeing in recent years has been a rising trend in unjustified attacks against followers of the Islamic faith, attacks on women wearing hijab and on mosques, with little if any action to stop the perpetrators.

The burning of the Quran is a deliberate violation of Muslim belief and identity, and an attack on all people of faith. Acts of provocation against the faith of other religions are especially irresponsible at a time when we are all called upon to be bridge-builders, and to strengthen and spread bonds of understanding and respect.

Arab and Muslim countries have repeatedly been asked and pressured to show more respect for minorities, whether religious or ethnic. Several measures have been taken to ensure we are on the right track, and there is no question that more needs to be done.

Yet that does not prevent us from demanding respect for Muslim minorities worldwide, not just through laws and regulations, but also through a clear stand on the part of decision makers and governments in Western countries that champion freedom of speech. Muslims are totally entitled to ask why the so-called civilised world will rush to condemn violations committed against minorities worldwide, except for followers of the Islamic faith. If Muslims were deemed equal to other minorities, like Jews or members of the LGBTQ community, there would be a stronger world reaction, if not an urgent UN Security Council meeting.

But Muslims worldwide are not too helpless to stand up for their rights. Calls to boycott exports from countries that fail to show respect for the Islamic faith are an increasingly important tool. The strength of such actions is that they reflect popular feelings, regardless of official and diplomatic stands. No government can force its people to buy products, visit or trade with countries that show no respect for the symbols of their identity.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 27 July, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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The programme will be available to couples who do not have children and where the woman is under 41 years old.

The State will pay for a full cycle of IVF for couples seeking to give birth under a new scheme to be introduced in September. Photo: Getty

The State will pay for a full cycle of IVF for couples seeking to give birth under a new scheme to be introduced in September.

The programme will be available to couples who do not have children and where the woman is under 41 years old.

Along with age limits, there are also criteria around the body mass index (BMI) of women applying to the scheme.

Couples with clearly known clinical causes of infertility such as; severe tubal disease and/or moderate/severe endometriosis and/or failed ovulation induction, or when sperm is deemed as sub-optimal or when there is no known clinical cause, will qualify for treatment.

If a consultant deems that IVF or ICSI is in the only viable treatment they will also qualify.

Where there is no known clinical cause of infertility, patients will be treated, on referral by a GP, at a regional fertility hub and provided with all appropriate advice, screening testing and procedures and then, if still unresolved after all explorations, can be offered referral to IVF/ICSI.

The criteria for access to the scheme were recommended by a working group of clinical experts.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly. Photo: Brian Lawless

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly secured 10m for the scheme in last Septembers Budget and is expected to seek around 30m to continue the programme into the new year.

Mr Donnelly took a memo to Cabinet this morning, setting out the detail of the programme.

Couples will be able to apply to the scheme this September, with the HSE currently finalising arrangements with IVF private clinics.

Under the scheme, women who have had either no privately funded IVF treatment or have had one full treatment will be entitled to a full IVF cycle funded by the State. The cost of advanced fertility treatments for a cycle is more than 4,500. Up to three cycles of the less invasive fertility programme IUI (intrauterine insemination treatment) will be covered by the State for those deemed clinically determined for such treatment.

It is estimated about 3,000 couples could be able to take advantage of the scheme in a full year.

The access criteria for the scheme will be announced by Mr Donnelly once he gets Cabinet approval.

Access criteria form part of public funding in other jurisdictions where such public-funded services are in place, a government source said.

The source said a number of regulatory and clinical issues in respect of some assisted human reproduction (AHR) treatments remained to be addressed, and therefore public funding was being introduced in a structured and phased basis.

Treatments involving the use of donated materials, for example, will not be funded in September, but will become available as soon as possible after necessary legislation and regulation is passed, the source said.

Mr Donnelly previously said couples would be referred by their GPs to fertility hubs operated by the HSE which would decide whether they meet the criteria for the free IVF scheme.

There are five regional fertility hubs currently operating.

They are located at Cork University Maternity Hospital, the Rotunda Hospital, the National Maternity Hospital, the Coombe Hospital and University Hospital Galway. A sixth hub is under way.

It is planned to develop the first national advanced fertility centre delivering IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection through a wholly public clinic early next year.

Subject to future funding, the aim is to develop these public clinics on a phased basis elsewhere in the country.
I wont miss the new chance of life they just gave me. A very different girl going forward

Newstalk presenter Teena Gates praises Dublin Fire Brigade after getting a stent inserted in her heart last night.

The well-known radio newsreader, also a popular journalist and author, took to social media last night to show appreciation to the Dublin paramedics team.

On Twitter, she wrote: Big [thanks] to @DubFireBrigade A-Watch paramedics Andy & Darren who began treatment to unblock my heart while transferring live data directly to The Mater Hospital, en-route to theatre, where an on-call surgical team fitted a stent through my wrist & saved my life in 1.5 hrs.

I wont miss the new chance of life they just gave me. A very different girl going forward, she added.

Dublin Fire Brigade has since responded to the journalists tweet this morning wishing the presenter well.

Successful call last night for Firefighter/Paramedics in Blanchardstown, thank you for sharing your experience @TeenaGates, we wish you all the best with your recovery and hope to hear you on the airwaves soon.

Teena Gates in hospital

The post has also gathered more than 100 positive comments and well wishes overnight.

@HilaryGough4 said: Brilliant! Great to see your sunny smile and the fact you took photos throughout.....Hope you are back to yourself asap!

You defo had a lucky break Teena with @DubFireBrigade paramedics so quick to respond, you had an angel watching over you good things happen to good people hope you have a quick recovery, another comment from @carfylnn said.

@MsEdwina said: Oh Teena so good to see you smiling. I hope you will be ok and have a speedy recovery. So glad you were well looked after.

The broadcaster has spoken about her struggle with her weight and how she gained 15 stone when she became a carer for her father eight years ago.

During this difficult time, Teena adopted a German Shepherd dog from the DSPCA, who she named Google Dog because she said the dog is great at at searching and finding things.

Teena Gates currently lives in Blanchardstown with her father who has demantia, Terry, 98.
Weather Eye

with John Maunder

The following data sets and comments are from the climate4you.com website developed by Professor Ole Humlum who is a Danish Professor Emeritus of Physical Geography at the University of Oslo, and Adjunct Professor of Physical Geography at the University Centre in Svalbard.The website climate4you.com which he edits endeavours to provide an ongoing climate data website which is updated monthly.

It uses data from significant national and global sites such as NASA, WMO, NOAA, UEA, NCDC, IPCC, BoM, SIDA, UAH, NIWA. The objective of the website is to provide information on meteorological and climatological issues of general and specific interest.

All temperature diagrams shown below have 1979 as the starting year. This roughly marks the beginning of the recent period of global warming, after termination of the previous period of global cooling from about 1940. In addition, the year 1979 also represents the starting date for the satellite-based global temperature estimates (UAH and RSS).

For the three surface air temperature estimates shown (HadCRUT, NCDC and GISS) the reference period differs. HadCRUT refers to the official 'normal WMO period 1961-1990, while NCDC and GISS as reference instead uses 1901-2000 and 1951-1980, respectively, which results in higher positive temperature anomalies.

For all three surface air temperature records, but especially NCDC and GISS, administrative changes to anomaly values are quite often introduced, even for observations several years back in time.

Some changes may be due to the delayed addition of new station data, while others probably have their origin in a change of technique to calculate average values.

It is clearly impossible to evaluate the validity of such administrative changes for the outside user of these records. In addition, the three surface records represent a blend of sea surface data, moving ships or by other means, plus data from land stations of partly unknown quality and unknown degree of representativeness for their region.

Many of the land stations have also moved geographically during their existence, and their instrumentation changed.

The satellite temperature records also have their problems, but these are generally of a more technical nature and therefore correctable.

In addition, the temperature sampling by satellites is more regular and complete on a global basis than that represented by the surface records.

It therefore is realistic to recognise that the temperature records are not of equal scientific quality. At the same time the big efforts being put into all five temperature databases should be gratefully acknowledged by all interested in climate science.

On this background, the present website has decided to operate with three quality classes (1-3) for global temperature records, with 1 representing the highest quality level:

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The satellite records (UAH MSU and RSS)

Global monthly average lower troposphere temperature since 1979 according to University of Alabama at Huntsville (UAH), USA. This graph uses data obtained by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) TIROS-N satellite, interpreted by Dr Roy Spencer and Dr John Christy, both at Global Hydrology and Climate Center, University of Alabama at Huntsville, USA. The thick line is the simple running 37 month average, nearly corresponding to a running 3 year average. The cooling and warming periods directly influenced by the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo volcanic eruption and the 1998 El Nino, respectively, are clearly visible. Reference period 1991-2020.

Global monthly average lower troposphere temperature since 1979 according to Remote Sensing Systems (RSS). This graph uses data obtained by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) TIROS-N satellite, and interpreted by Dr. Carl Mears (RSS). The thick line is the simple running 37 month average, nearly corresponding to a running 3 yr average. The cooling and warming periods directly influenced by the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo volcanic eruption and the 1998 El Nino, respectively, are clearly visible. Click here for a description of RSS MSU data products.

The HadCRUT surface record

Global monthly average surface air temperature since 1979 according to Hadley CRUT, a cooperative effort between the Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research and the University of East Anglia's Climatic Research Unit (CRU), UK. The thin line represents the monthly values, while the thick line is the simple running 37 month average, nearly corresponding to a running 3 year average. An introduction to the dataset has been published by Brohan et al. (2005). Base period: 1961-1990.

The NCDC and GISS surface records

Global monthly average surface air temperature since 1979 according to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), USA. This time series is calculated using land surface data from the Global Historical Climatology Network (Version 2) and sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies from the United Kingdom MOHSST data set and the NCEP Optimum Interpolated SSTs (Version 3). The thick line is the simple running 37 month average, nearly corresponding to a running 3 year average. Base period: 1901-2000.

Global monthly average surface air temperature since 1979 according to the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), at Columbia University, New York City, USA. GISS is a laboratory of the Earth-Sun Exploration Division of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and a unit of the Columbia University Earth Institute. The thick line is the simple running 37 month average, nearly corresponding to a running 3 yr average. Discussions of reasons why the GISS temperature estimate differs from other estimates can be read by clicking here, here and here. Base period: 1951-1980.

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For further information on a range of weather and climate matters see my recent book "Climate Change: A Realistic Perspective.. The fall of the weather dice and the butterfly effect" . Available from Amazon.au.
Hours of practice, years of study and one big goal is making Whakatane musician Luke Spences dream a reality.

The 27-year-old euphonium player has been accepted to study a masters of music performance of euphonium at the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music, based in Manchester.

Excited about the incredible opportunity, Luke says he is keen to learn from some of the top brass musicians of this generation, such as Steven Mead and David Thornton, who he says have performed extensively all over the world.

This has always been my biggest musical dream; to be surrounded by the top players in the world. My goal is to get my name out there, and try to get as many great musical opportunities as I can over in England.

[England] is home to some of the top concert halls in the world, so playing at those venues is something Im really looking forward to.

Luke says he is from a family where playing music is the primary hobby. His father, Alan Spence, even taught him music at Trident High School in Whakatane, and his mother and siblings all play music together.

Its a bit of a family affair really, weve always had fun playing music and have even done weddings together playing as a family.

Since 2014, Luke has been based in Wellington, and finished studying music at Victoria University in 2017. His plan initially was to work in New Zealand until 2020 and then head overseas to pursue his master's, but was stopped due to Covid-19.

According to Lukes GiveALittle page, the costs of study fees and living costs combined to complete his degree are substantial and are in excess of $100,000.

Luke currently plays in the Wellington Brass band and is a member of the National Brass Band of New Zealand. Photo: Supplied.

To help aid himself on his journey overseas, Luke has set up both the online fundraising page and a series of concerts to help him get started for his trip.

Last weekend, Luke played a concert in Whakatane, where he says has been practicing upwards of two to three hours a day to prepare.

At the concert, Luke says he was overwhelmed with the support of the community.

We had a big afternoon tea and I got to catch up with loads of people. Its always quite overwhelming the support I get from Whakatane. Theyre a tight knit community and really back their locals.

Luke says in August, he is heading to Australia with the National Brass Band of New Zealand, marking the bands first tour.

He then is hoping to catch up with his father, who now teaches music in Brisbane, before heading to Manchester on September 12.

Luke says when he returns to New Zealand after his master's, he hopes to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of kiwi musicians.

For more information on Lukes journey to Manchester, or to donate towards his fundraiser for his studies, visit the GiveALittle page.
A patient says her dentist asked her to put household bleach in her water flosser, and paid $16,000 for treatment which left her teeth in a worse state than their original condition, the health watchdog has heard.

Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Dr Vanessa Caldwell found a dentist breached the patients rights code through his substandard treatment of a woman over a three-year period.

She complained that she endured unbearable physical and psychological suffering and hardship over that time.

The dentist has been referred to the Director of Proceedings  who can lay a disciplinary charge  for care that was severely below the appropriate standards in all areas and for dishonest conduct in altering the womans records.

The woman underwent dental care at a clinic between 2016 and 2018, including implants, teeth extraction, periodontal care, and purchase of dentures.

The woman had a history of periodontitis, a type of gum disease, and had lost teeth to it previously.

Consultation records noted she saw her mouth as ugly and wanted to smile again  it was decided shed have her upper teeth extracted, and get two implants.

Her clinical notes did not show any assurance her periodontitis was under control before her teeth were removed and implants installed.

The report noted that ongoing alterations to her dental prosthesis and hygienist appointments throughout 2017-18 were making no difference to [her] pain and discomfort.

Caldwell was very critical the dentist did not address this lack of progress, and left [the woman] in significant pain for over a year.

The woman said the dentist asked her to use household bleach in her water flosser to clean her mouth and teeth, and she disliked the taste of it.

The dentist told HDC that sodium hypochlorite (the active ingredient in bleach) was a clinically appropriate treatment, and that the treatment recommended was inexpensive and effective.

Independent advice said such use was unusual and not recommended as a standard practice.

Caldwell sought the womans clinical records to understand treatment provided, but said this process had been impeded by the dentist providing two different versions of records.

Dr Vanessa Caldwell recommended the dentist comply with all restrictions and supervisions of practice imposed by the Dental Council, and that Total Health Dentistry Limited arrange an inspection by an approved evaluator. Photo: Supplied.

She was concerned the dentist altered clinical records, without identifying clearly that he did so, and the reasons why.

The multiple alterations of the clinical records casts doubt on [his] credibility.

The nature of the changes is concerning, and [his] conduct in this regard is unacceptable.

Caldwell was very concerned about many aspects of the dentists practice.

I find that the treatment of the womans periodontitis was not of an appropriate standard and that overall the dentist failed to provide services with reasonable care and skill.

He was also found in breach for not accepting the womans written and verbal complaints about his care, and not facilitating a fair, simple, speedy and efficient resolution of her complaint.

The dentist is registered in the general dental scope of practice.

Although he was cautioned by the Dental Council in 2013 and 2014 not to promote himself as a periodontist  as it is a legally protected title  he appeared to have continued to do so during the period of this womans treatment, the HDC report stated.

A periodontist is a dentist who specialises in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease and in the placement of dental implants.

He told HDC he has a postgraduate certificate in periodontics and, although not registered as a specialist periodontist in New Zealand, his claim to speciality in periodontology is reasonable.

In addition to referring the dentist to the Director of Proceedings, Caldwell recommended he apologise to the woman in writing, and cease referring to himself as a periodontist as long as he remains unregistered with the Dental Council for this specialist area of practice.

The Dental Council register also currently states that he [m]ay not practise in the General Dental Practice Scope of Practice.

-Hannah Martin/Stuff.
A world-leading UK volcanologist says the risk of a tour group being on Whakaari when the island erupted was hugely higher than would normally be acceptable.

Professor Sir Stephen Sparks, an emeritus professor at the University of Bristol, said his calculations were based on figures he had been given that groups would have visited Whakaari on about 1350 hours out of the 8736 hours in a year.

The calculation included a risk of an eruption of something like 30 per cent in a year, which is a sort of reasonable figure, Sparks said as he gave evidence at the Whakaari White Island trial in Auckland.

For an individual tourist spending an hour and a bit on the island, there was roughly a 1 in 10,000 chance of that person being present during a highly threatening hazardous eruption, with quite a high chance that they might die or be seriously injured.

For tour groups, which may each have around 40 members, he calculated about a 5% chance that a tour group on the island might be affected. That was about a 1 in 20 chance.

So thats a very high societal risk, Sparks said.

The risk for an individual of 1 in 10,000 would be pretty well at the borderline in the UK. That would be regarded as going from a just about tolerable risk to an unacceptable risk for an individual.

For the risk of a mass casualty event involving a tour group, the risk was hugely higher than what was normally regarded as an acceptable risk for a group.

In the UK there were rule of thumb thresholds for industrial facilities, where the limit was something like a 1 in 100,000 risk of a mass casualty event.

From a societal risk point of view, its way into what would be regarded in the UK as an unacceptable risk.

The trial, before Judge Evangelos Thomas, is focused on alleged health and safety failings related to having staff and tourists on the island in the lead-up to the eruption in December 2019.

Brothers Andrew, James and Peter Buttle  who own and manage the island through Whakaari Management Limited  and tour operators Tauranga Tourism Services Ltd and ID Tours New Zealand, are facing WorkSafe charges.

Forty-seven people were on the crater when it erupted, 22 of them dying from extreme burns and blast injuries.

Whakaari was persistently active, and during the past 200 years there was almost no evidence for any overall increase or decrease in eruptions, Sparks said.

From 1976-2000 more than 256 small explosive eruptions were recorded at Whakaari, including 45 that ejected large projectiles.

Eruptions sometimes happened in clusters, and there could be periods of many intervening years with little activity.

Even without understanding the causes of such fluctuations, it was reasonable to assume that chances of another explosion over a 10-year period was quite high.

There had been no single warning sign in the hours or minutes before the December 9, 2019 eruption that would have indicated an eruption was imminent, Sparks said.

It was notoriously difficult to get patterns of activity that could be used to predict eruptions like the event at Whakaari.

Witness accounts indicated two or three pulses during the eruption. Ash, steam, gas and rocks were propelled in a dark cloud to several hundred metres above the vent.

The main hazard was a pyroclastic density current base surge formed by the collapse of that eruptive mixture onto the ground, Sparks said.

The current swept down the valley within the main crater towards the sea. The surge was confined by the crater walls and flowed downhill under gravity towards the wharf.

The victims were in two groups about halfway between the vent of the explosion and the sea, along the tourist paths. They were thus directly in the path of the surge.

The surge was fast moving  Witnesses described it being like a strong wind. Some witnesses were thrown to the ground suggesting speeds of a few 10s of km per hour, Sparks said.

He estimated it would have taken about 2 minutes for the surge to inundate much of the crater, including the walking path.

The current was hot and contained volcanic ash and small rocks, and was likely to have contained some acid liquids.

The explosion was triggered when the pressure of hot pressurised water and magmatic gases trapped underground got too high. The surrounding rocks failed, enabling the material to accelerate violently and rapidly, Sparks said.

In the weeks before the explosion, elevated seismicity included episodes of seismic tremor, some ground deformation, elevated gas sulphur dioxide emissions and geysering, leading to increasing concern.

That increasing concern was shown by GNS increasing its estimate of the probability of an eruption, and the change to volcanic alert level 2 on November 18.

Overall, the probability estimate of an explosion had been increased by a factor of about 3.5 from late September to early December.

Such estimates were highly uncertain, and that uncertainty was illustrated by a large range of probability values at meetings of experts.

-Michael Daly/Stuff.
A farmer has set up a petition calling on the government to only use wool carpets in its buildings.

It comes after the Ministry of Education's decision to fit-out hundreds of rural schools with US-made nylon carpet.

The decision caused outrage in rural areas where farmers are struggling to garner good profits off their wool clip.

Ange Blair, who farms sheep, beef and deer near Woodbury, started the petition out of sheer frustration.

"I just can't get my head around how the government is not using a New Zealand product. It just blows my mind when we are one of the finest wool and carpet producers in the world, that we're importing synthetic carpet from the USA. It's just a completely bizarre decision to me."

Ange says it's odd the government is investing millions into helping the strong wool sector, but at the same time not supporting it by buying carpets.

"They've put millions into Bremworth and millions into Woolworks, the scourer in Timaru, and yet they're not supporting their own investment."

Since 2021 the government has sinked millions into helping the wool sector get better value for wool, including $4.5 million dollars to set up Wool Impact, a "connector and a catalyst to create new demand for New Zealand strong wool", according to the Ministry for Primary Industries website.

It said that this would meet the needs of consumers and "also support the wool ecosystem with core services to help the sector become market fit and responsive to market-led growth and sustainability".

So far, nearly 2000 people have signed Ange's petition.

In 2020, South Otago farmer Amy Blaikie did exactly the same thing - she gathered more than 15,000 signatures in a month, calling for New Zealand wool products to be used in public-funded buildings and KiwiBuild homes.

She says the petition has gone through the select committee and has been referred to a minister - but she's struggling to get updates.

"Someone needs to front from the government, I've emailed my local MPs and even other MPs and nothing - there's no forward movement from anybody.

"Why is it so hard to get a response? Even if it's 'no', it would be good to get some answers."

RNZ has reached out to Minister of Agriculture Damien O'Connor for an update.

The Ministry of Education previously told RNZ that none of the potential suppliers put forward a locally manufactured carpet. Just one was made from New Zealand wool, but manufactured overseas.

Spokesperson Scott Evans says primary school carpets need to endure heavy use and plenty of dirt as well as last for a substantial length of time, so the ministry chose the most suitable and cost-effective option.

The full list of wool projects supported by the government can be found here.

-Sally Murphy/RNZ.
Z Energy is calling on Bay of Plenty charities and community groups to get in quick and apply to its Good in the Hood programme, for the potential to receive a share of the $60,000 Z has allocated towards Bay of Plenty community donations this year.

The Bay of Plentys share comes from $1 million Z is donating across New Zealand.

As part of Good in the Hood, each of Zs 12 service stations across the Bay of Plenty will give away a total of $5,000. From the applications, each Z service station chooses four community groups to participate, with $4000 distributed amongst those groups based on community voting.

Customers who shop in store are provided an orange token to pop in one of four boxes, voting for their favourite local group. The money is split between the four groups based on the number of votes each receives.

A further $1000 for each service station is earmarked to support community events and initiatives throughout the year.

Its been a challenging year, and smaller organisations and charities are playing a really important role in our local communities. We look forward to working with our local community groups to do what they do best, making an impact with local people, say Bay of Plenty Z Energy retailers Dave and Lynette Gillies.

Im proud this comes on top of the $140,000 Z has already donated to regions hit by this years cyclone and floods, says Dave.

This year, Z will reach a significant $10 million milestone in contributions to community groups, helping hundreds throughout Aotearoa since 2011. This has largely been achieved through Zs annual Good in the Hood programme.

Z GM Customer, Andy Baird says that Good in the Hood empowers Kiwis to engage with initiatives in their communities and choose where additional support goes in their town.

The spirit of Good in the Hood is to share Zs community support with the people living in those communities  to give people a choice about where the money goes, he says.

Extra focus will this year be given to regions hit hard by Cyclone Gabrielle, bolstering its community support provided earlier in the year.

Weve already given more than $140,000 to cyclone- and flood-affected communities so far this year, with $70,000 going to the Northland/Auckland flooding, $50,000 to small community groups affected by Cyclone Gabrielle around the Northland, Tairawhiti Gisborne, and Hawkes Bay regions, plus donations to the Red Cross and Bike for Blokes," says Andy.

Its immensely satisfying to be able to confirm another million dollars in support across the country, including providing additional funding for Z stations in some of the harder-hit communities.

Andy encourages community groups to apply for the 2023 round of Good in the Hood funding as soon as possible, with applications closing 31st July before the in-store voting period commences in September 2023.

Z and its retailers care deeply about our communities, and for us Good in the Hood is a reinforcement of our pledge that Z is for New Zealand. Focusing on smaller community groups gives us the opportunity to support groups which may find it more difficult to access funds compared to larger charities or groups who have existing relationships with donors.

For anyone who has considered making an application for funding in the past, now is the time to get your application in.

Good in the Hood was initially created in response to the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, and Z ran several similar community giving programmes before Good in the Hood officially commenced in 2013.

We looked at ways to best support the Christchurch community in the wake of the disaster and decided to leverage the knowledge of our local retailers and their communities to ensure funds were going where they were needed, says Andy.

The $10 million milestone represents Zs long-term commitment to helping Kiwis and what matters most to them.

Eligibility criteria:

-Applications must meet all the following criteria:

-The group or project must be active in the local area around a specific Z service station; and

-The group or project must demonstrate they are providing support or help to people who need it or the environment; and

-The request must be for a specific project or to fulfil a specific need.

-The person submitting the application must be from the neighbourhood group or project on whose behalf they apply for funding.

Applications from the following groups and projects won't be eligible:

-groups or projects which don't actively help people who need it or the environment

-nationwide organisations which don't have a branch in the neighbourhood around the station they're applying for funding from

-applications for the promotion or benefit of one individual

-commercial ventures

-completed or retrospective projects

-local or central government activities or projects

-festivals, shows or events.
Taurangas $306 million civic precinct, aimed at reviving the citys heart, has been given the greenlight but there could be a $91.6 million funding shortfall.

Touted as the most significant investment in community facilities Tauranga may see, the project aims to generate $500m in economic output for the city and wider Bay of Plenty by 2035.

Te Manawataki o Te Papa, meaning the heartbeat of Te Papa, will include a library and community hub, civic whare (public meeting house), exhibition gallery and museum.

It will be located on the site of the former council chambers and library, between Wharf Street and Hamilton Street.

The programme of work also included upgrades to Baycourt and Tauranga Art Gallery, along with the landscaping of public spaces in the area and upgrading Masonic Park.

The commission approved the full programme of works at a Tauranga City Council (TCC) meeting on Monday, after considering the updated costs and designs along with the business case and financial strategy.

Initial costings for the precinct were $303.4m, but the latest design, prepared by project partner Willis Bond, came in at $306.3m.

Increased costs were related to the exhibition gallery and museum, and included a 10 percent contingency.

Willis Bond managing director Wayne Silver said they were extremely confident they could deliver the project within budget and the increase was minimal.

Commission chair Anne Tolley said the community had told council it was time for action on the civic precinct. Photo: John Borren/SunLive.

Commission chair Anne Tolley said a 1.15 per cent increase in cost from preliminary design to detailed design was an excellent result.

There was a degree of cynicism in the community that the project was going to end up costing more and more so the 1.15 per cent increase was really important, she said.

The ratepayer contribution to the precinct would be capped at $151.5m. This was likely to be raised through an Infrastructure Funding and Financing (IFF) levy from the government and be paid back by ratepayers through a targeted rate.

The balance of $154.8m would be funded through local and community grants, $12.1m in Better Off funding from the government, other government grants and developer contributions.

TCC strategy, growth and governance general manager Christine Jones told the meeting current estimates showed a shortfall of funding required at $91.6m

Jones said the government had signalled funding that would have been available was likely to be reduced or redacted because of recent flooding events caused by Cyclone Gabrielle and Hale.

Figures presented to the meeting showed initial estimates of government funding were $49.1m, this was now down to $14.2m.

Tolley said the council had been really conservative in its estimate of government funding and she hoped they would get at least three times that.

If we only get $14m from government, to  the fifth largest city, that's not really put its hand out for help with anything like a museum or big community facilities, then they are really miserable because Tauranga is owed.

Tolley said there was more work to be done on funding but council was confident that a sound financial strategy exists and there is sufficient funding available to proceed.

The library and community hub is estimated to attract 800,000 visits each year. Image: Tauranga City Council.

She also thanked TECT (Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust), who came aboard as a founding funder last week, approving a $21 million grant to the precinct.

Jones said if the council was seeking to maximise external funding but if that and the ratepayers portion was insufficient then the council could use an Asset Realisation Reserve.

Commissioners approved the reserve - a fund that helped council manage its properties and assets.

These included the potential sale of the two council owned CBD parking buildings, the Marine Precinct, Smiths Farm and other assets that had an estimated value of $146.3m.

The council could also use $13m of profit from the Tauranga Airport toward the information centre that would be located in the library.

Jones said work was still being done on cash flows for the capital works and a decision about asset realisation wouldnt be needed until year three of construction.

Construction of the library and community hub will begin next year, and the whole precinct is expected to be delivered by the end of 2028.

Any decision around the asset reserve or using an IFF levy would require consultation with the community, she said.

Commissioner Stephen Selwood said a museum was fundamental to the development of Tauranga. Photo: John Borren/SunLive.

Commissioner Stephen Selwood said the asset reserve was good governance.

This is about understanding what it is the council has and whether or not it is using those assets to best advantage.

The Te Manawataki o Te Papa Business Case showed a target of $500m in GDP from the precinct by 2035 with $550m in wider benefits over the life of the buildings.

It also aimed to have 2 million visitors a year to the city centre and 317,000 domestic and international visitors to Te Manawataki o Te Papa per year. The library was expected to attract 800,000 visits each year.

Edward Guy managing director of Rationale consultants, who prepared the business case with the council, said: These are not just purely economic investments, these are investments that come down to public benefit.

Tolley said the precinct had been talked about by previous councils since 2014.

While that discussion happened the the heart of the city was hollowed out, she said.

Taurangas CBD has a number of empty shops and one retailer told Local Democracy Reporting he left the city centre in May to survive.

Council data shows current foot traffic counts in The Strand and Wharf Street were 1,600 people a day.

Weve been told by the community its time for action, today marks the start of that, said Tolley.

The new civic precinct will located on the site of the former council chambers and library. Image: Tauranga City Council.

The precinct and costs were criticised by former councillor John Robson in the meetings public forum. He claimed the costs were an enormous burden on ratepayers.

Make no mistake that if the right people, in my view, are elected in next year's election, a lot of this will be reversed.

Commissioner Stephen Selwood said he did not support the view of Robson and labelled it a negative approach.

He said the state of the CBD was a legacy of just looking at the costs and not the wider benefits.

Conceptually its the right thing to do for the city, to give the city back its true meaning.

The city has a significant and important role in the history of New Zealand and how we came together as two cultures. To have a museum will help to educate our young... its fundamental to the development of this city.

Silver said Te Manawataki o Te Papa was a city shaping, transitional project that we can all be rightly proud of when it's delivered in six years time.

Commissioner Shadrach Rolleston said: This is a significant day for us, we are committing to this Te Manawataki o Te Papa and we are going to deliver this.

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.
The Australian Museum in Sydney is set to be the fourth stop on the Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition tour, Nevine El-Aref reports

In November the international touring exhibition Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs will open at the Australian Museum in Sydney where visitors can explore the life and accomplishments of one of the most remarkable and celebrated rulers of ancient history, King Ramses II, dubbed Ramses the Great, the third pharaoh of the 19th dynasty  regarded as the mightiest pharaoh of the New Kingdom, Egypts Golden Age, when it had a wealthy and powerful empire  who ruled the country for nearly 67 years.

The exhibition features an interactive museum experience as well as bringing a collection of 181 dazzling objects to the city, many of which are newly discovered and have never left Egypt before. The exhibition features exquisite sculpture, precious gold treasures, sarcophagi, magnificent jewellery and amulets. Carefully selected from museums and historical sites across Egypt, these objects offer a captivating glimpse into the life and achievements of Ramses II.

Alongside the exhibits, visitors can enjoy state-of-the-art multimedia reproductions that vividly depict the opulence and splendour of ancient Egyptian civilisation. Ramses and Nefertari: Journey to Osiris, installed in an adjacent gallery, is a virtual reality tour of King Ramses IIs magnificent monuments, such as the temples of Abu Simbel and Nefertaris Tomb. Drone photography, immersive video settings, multimedia productions, and photomurals are used to recreate such events as the Battle of Kadesh, the largest chariot battle ever fought.

Egyptian treasures have dazzled the world for centuries, said Mostafa Waziri, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities. He added that mystery surrounds Egypts origins, religions and monumental architecture, many of which were built during the reign of Ramses II. This ability to transcend time has ensured the Egyptians have an eternal place in history, and I invite visitors to discover for themselves why Ramses II is often regarded as the greatest, most celebrated and most powerful pharaoh of all time.

Hon John Graham, New South Wales (NSW) Minister for Arts, Music, Night-time Economy, Jobs, and Tourism, emphasised that Sydney is the exhibitions exclusive host city in the region, a development made possible by funding from the NSW government.

Egypt was once among the most influential civilisations at the centre of the ancient world, and we are delighted that some of the greatest Egyptian treasures are coming to Sydney with this magnificent exhibition, which is set to inspire a new generation of young Australian Egyptologists, Graham remarked. He encouraged all Australians to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Kim McKay, Director and CEO of the Australian Museum, expressed her excitement about showcasing historical objects of exceptional significance and astonishing beauty. Ancient Egypt holds intrigue and fascination for all age groups, and I am confident that Ramses and The Gold of the Pharaohs in Sydney will introduce the mystery of the pharaohs to new generations of locals and visitors alike.

CEO John Norman of World Heritage Exhibitions, which designed the exhibition, reported that Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs has been breaking attendance records worldwide. Our team has created an extraordinary experience to celebrate the greatest Pharaoh in Egypts history, and the response from people has exceeded our highest expectations. We are thrilled to bring the exhibition to Sydney, and we believe Australians will be equally amazed.

The exhibitions international tour began in November 2021 in Houston, Texas. It later travelled to San Fransisco, and is currently captivating audiences in Paris.

The exhibition reveals the fabulous wealth of the pharaohs, the astonishing skill of ancient Egyptian tomb builders, and the superb workmanship of Egyptian artists. It also includes recently discovered animal mummies, including those of small cats, lion cubs, and a mongoose, from the Saqqara Necropolis, on view for the first time, as well as treasures discovered in the royal tombs in Dahshur and Tanis, many of which had never travelled before, as well as precious objects from several other periods of Egyptian history, much of it from intact royal tombs of the Middle Kingdom and the 21st and 22nd dynasties, Egypts Third Intermediate Period.

This is an opportunity to experience ancient Egypt like never before, said Norman, adding that visitors will not only see priceless historical artifacts, but will also be transported to Egyptian temples in an electrifying virtual reality journey across the sands of the Sahara. We are proud to bring these immersive, one-of-a-kind experiences to visitors across the globe.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 27 July, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Scientists and a Jobs for Nature team are on a race against time to save vulnerable native species under threat from myrtle rust in the Rotorua lakes area.

With fears mounting that species endemic to New Zealand could be wiped out by the fungal disease, researchers are urgently developing best practice methods for propagating plants from cuttings in the first stage of a long-term resistance breeding programme.

Scion forest pathologist Darryl Herron says myrtle rusts spread had created a sense that conservation efforts are already at a critical stage.

The population size of Lophomyrtus trees around the lakes area is quite small, and without any interventional management, were likely to lose them completely.

With myrtle rust impacting these populations, weve realised how important it is to propagate cuttings before myrtle rust decimates them and we lose all access to their fruit or seeds in the future.

The full impact of myrtle rust on the health of ramarama, rohutu and their hybrids was revealed over spring and summer.

This followed efforts to identify species populations around lakes Rotoiti, Rotoma and Okataina by the Scion-led Myrtle Rust Jobs for Resistance programme - Te Rata Whakamaru last year.

Recruits to Te Rata Whakamaru have spent their first year learning new environmental monitoring skills and applying their knowledge in the field. Photo: Scion Research.

The trees belong to the Lophomyrtus genus and are part of the myrtle family that is at risk from the infectious airborne fungus. Regular field visits confirmed the presence of myrtle rust in targeted populations and an overall decline in tree health.

Where myrtle rust was found, the Te Tira Rata (field work team) identified parts of the tree that were most affected and how the disease was impacting its reproduction.

The disease targets new leaf growth, says Darryl. If a tree is constantly impacted by myrtle rust it will start to die back and eventually it will stop producing fruit or seeds that would usually fall to the ground.

"Youll see fewer young saplings emerge and those that do are vulnerable to infection - thats when you stop getting natural regeneration in the forest.

Complicating conservation efforts have been high water levels at Lake Rotoma that have cut off access to some monitoring sites since February.

With so many trees now under water, the teams ability to take cuttings has also been restricted  a task that is critical for kickstarting a resistance breeding programme.

Te Rata Whakamaru started in April 2022 and is delivered in partnership with Rotoiti 15 trust. It is funded by Jobs for Nature/ Mahi mo te Taiao through the Department of Conservation  Te Papa Atawhai.

With support from Scion scientists, 10 full-time staff have been trained as field technicians and are employed to carry out surveillance work in Bay of Plenty native forests and at Scion for three years.

While during their first year they have focused on forests around the three lakes, surveying will be extended to other areas following engagement with hapu.

Engagement with mana whenua has been a core part of the programme so far. Before cuttings of ramarama, rohutu and their hybrids could be removed from the field, Scion and Te Rata Whakamaru sought permission from hapu and explained how cuttings could be used to preserve the genetic diversity of the local populations and breed for myrtle rust resistance.

Project technical lead Dr Jacqui Bond says that while the outlook for the species appeared dire, a positive has been the relationships built with mana whenua and the trust they have in the team to take cuttings.

At the beginning of December, our team observed hundreds of flowers in the field but when we went back after Christmas there were no flowers and very little fruit development. We are not sure of the cause of this yet, she says. Thats one nail in the coffin of this species if you cant get fruit to collect seed from.

Homiromiro (field technician) Otaki Grant says the message received from mana whenua was clear.

They dont want to idly stand by and watch the species decline. Their permissions for us to take cuttings have been pivotal in allowing the next phase of the project to begin for tree breeding.

Rotoiti 15 Trust chairperson Arapeta Tahana says mana whenua are deeply concerned about the impact that myrtle rust is having on the Lophomyrtus species in Rotorua.

From a Maori world view, we are connected to nature, so these species are our family. Not only do we, as guardians, have an obligation to look after the natural world, but we also feel an innate obligation to look after our older brothers and sisters that came before us in the ngahere. We see the trees as part of our whakapapa and identity, so we are very motivated to help them.

Working in the forest was restoring lost connections with their whakapapa, and helping to unlock a sense of purpose for many employed in the Te Rata Whakamaru programme, Tahana adds.

Part of our journey as Rotoiti 15 is about reconnecting people to nature and letting them feel that love. Out of that builds a passion for conservation and that desire to find solutions.

Cuttings are taken during cooler months when the disease is less likely to spread. Scion propagation scientists with experience in taking cuttings from trees in South America, where myrtle rust originated, have supported Te Tira Rata by advising on the best techniques.

Nursery manager Matt Dunn and senior nursery technician Anita Wylie have also provided propagation support.

The team visits the field in the morning to collect plant material suitable for cuttings. In the nursery they prepare them for propagation and will closely monitor their growth over the coming months.

Darryl says the teams learnings could form the basis for cutting protocols that could be applied to other indigenous species as well. The long-term aim is to grow trees from cuttings and seeds that demonstrate a natural resistance to myrtle rust infection.

Its unclear why some trees are infected and others arent. Is it because the disease hasnt reached them in the field, or is it because they have some tolerance? These are the questions we want to answer."

Another major challenge facing researchers is the time it takes to breed for resistance, as native trees grow very slowly compared with commercial species like radiata pine or eucalypts.

Its our hope that we identify some myrtle rust-tolerant individuals in the field and protect them by taking cuttings, propagating them and growing them into a tree, says Darryl.

Together with our partners, we hope to grow the seed, plant them and keep screening those individuals.

As you do with traditional breeding, well keep repeating that process to find the strongest and most disease-tolerant individuals. But this process requires a multi-year programme that will operate beyond the terms of what Jobs for Nature is currently funded for.

The Te Rata Whakamaru programme is among a suite of research involving more than 30 Scion scientists who have been working towards protecting our most vulnerable myrtle species from myrtle rust since the disease was discovered on mainland New Zealand in 2017.
The Desert Road, also known as State Highway 1, is closed today.

Both police and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency have issued alerts saying the road is closed due to weather conditions.

"State Highway 1 (Desert Road) is closed between Rangipo and Waiouru due to weather conditions," says a police spokesperson.

"Motorists are advised to plan accordingly and follow diversions."

Waka Kotahi says due to snow, SH1/Desert Rd is currently closed.

"People should detour via SH49, SH4, SH47, SH46 and back onto SH1. Reverse for SB. Please allow at least an extra 40 minutes for this detour. Our next update is expected by 9am."

SH1 RANGIPO TO WAIOURU (DESERT ROAD) - SNOW - 5:50AM

Due to snow, SH1 Desert Rd is currently CLOSED.

NB detour via SH49, SH4, SH47, SH46 and back onto SH1. Reverse for SB. Please allow at least an extra 40 minutes for this detour.

Our next update is expected by 9am. ^CS pic.twitter.com/Sjy15nBile  Waka Kotahi NZTA Central North Island (@WakaKotahiCNI) July 25, 2023

A road snowfall warning is currently in place for the Desert Road.

The MetService says snow is forecast to lower to 700 metres early Wednesday morning, and 5 to 10 cm of snow may settle on the road near the summit, with lesser amounts down to 700 metres.
Hot 'terral' wind will leave a high of 39C on the Costa today, with a yellow weather alert in place Yesterday, Malaga Airport's weather station recorded the second highest maximum temperature in the whole of Spain, with a scorching 41.6C

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Spain's state meteorological agency (Aemet) yesterday forecast a drop in temperatures in Andalucia of up to ten degrees for Wednesday or Thursday. But, until this long-awaited releief arrives, the hot 'terral' wind blowing from inland will raise temperatures in Malaga again today to 39C.

In fact, the province is under a yellow warning; more specifically, the Costa del Sol, Malaga city and Guadalhorce valley until 9pm this Tuesday, 25 July. In the case of Malaga city, Aemet forecasts that the maximum temperature will reach 37C and the minimum 27 degrees, but in areas of the Costa del Sol and Guadalhorce valley the mercury could reach 40C.

As for the skies, the Aemet forecasts that they will be partly cloudy or clear in Andalucia, with maximum and minimum temperatures dropping in the eastern third, and slight changes in the rest. Winds will blow from the west, more intense in the western Mediterranean.

Temperature record

On Monday, the Malaga Airport weather station recorded the second highest maximum temperature in Spain, with 41.6 degrees at 5pm. Another notable high in one of the hottest months of July in living memory and which has forced the activation of three red warnings for extreme risk from the heat.

In fact, last week saw two days of extreme heat where the Costa del Sol and Valle del Guadalhorce recorded extreme temperatures. In towns such as Alora and Coin it also reached 44C. Malaga Airport equalled its all-time record maximum temperature last Wednesday, reaching 44.2C. And it also registered the warmest night since records began in 1942, with 34.1 degrees at 7am. In towns such as Alora and Coin it also reached 44 degrees Celsius.
Worker trapped under rubble after collapse of school in north of Spain is found dead A dog unit and a drone with a thermal imaging camera searched for hours in the wreckage of the building Logrono for the missing man

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There has been a tragic outcome: the worker trapped under the rubble at the construction site of a school in Logrono, northern Spain, was finally found dead at around half past one this Tuesday afternoon (25 July).

Early this morning, two construction workers were injured and another trapped in a partial collapse at the building works being carried out at the old Adoratrices school in the city. The building under construction, located on one side of the old school, collapsed for unknown reasons.

According to Francisco Iglesias, councillor for Security, the building collapsed "in a cascade": the third and top floor collapsed on top of the other two, which fell one after the other.

Ampliar

At the time there were three workers on the site; two of them were rescued alive and taken to a local hospital. But a third person was trapped inside the building.

The emergency services called in rescue experts: first a dog from the canine rescue unit was involved, and later another one from the Guardia Civil was added to search for the worker; meanwhile, the National Police used a drone with thermal imagingcameras.

Firefighters from Logrono also worked at the site to try to locate the trapped person, but it was not easy as "it was in an area where there are remains of a slab hanging down and it is difficult to access", Iglesias pointed out at the time.

The work began by pulling down the remains of the floor slabs, which were hanging, "with a serious danger of collapse", according to Iglesias. Subsequently, the rubble was be removed by hand, "to try to reach the place where the trapped person seemed to be," he added.

In addition, the local official pointed out, "the buzzing of the mobile phone" of the worker could heard while rescuers continued their efforts t locate him.

During the search operation the nearby residents of Juan XXIII and Calvo Sotelo were asked to vacate their homes during the clearing of the rubble and surrounding shops were asked to lower the shutters.

Total demolition

The investigation, said the councillor, is now in the hands of the National Police to discern "the causes of the collapse". At first it was suspected, due to the strong smell that flooded the area and which caused the surrounding streets to be cordoned off, that it could have been a gas explosion. But that has now been ruled out: investigations now point to a structural collapse due to unintentional damage to the pillars of the building. It is known, however, that the building's lift was being replaced during the work.

In any case, the building is doomed: the collapse has seriously damaged the structure and, Iglesias confirmed, "that wing of the building will be completely demolished".

The municipality is already consulting the construction file to check that all licences, as it appears after a first examination, were in order. The subsequent investigation will determine whether there has been any negligence.

The building works

The empty building next to the Adoratrices school was being refurbished to open as a university residence. The building, sold by the religious congregation after being separated from the school, will accommodate up to 120 rooms with an investment of 3 million euros.

The project, which for the moment is the basic one, proposed the reform of the building, preserving the serving the current facade to which ceramic tiles would be fixed, and the partial demolition and gutting of the interior to adapt it to modern student accommodation for the 21st century.
Madison County, NY  A 39-year-old man has died after a lightning strike Monday while on a roofing job near the village of Canastota.

Lauro Zhunaula Saca, of Middleton, Orange County, took shelter under a tree with two other co-workers from The Roofing Guys company while a quick-moving storm passed.

The sun was shining again when the lightning struck at 6904 Forbes Road in the town of Lincoln, Mike Flynn, owner of The Roofing Guys, told Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard on Tuesday.

The lightning travelled down a nearby flagpole around 2:28 p.m. and struck all three men, according to Madison County Sheriffs Office.

The skies were sunny. You could see the storm off in the distance, Flynn said he learned later from those at the job site. Its just a crazy, crazy thing.

Saca was unconscious and not breathing when deputies arrived. They were able to revive him, and he was taken to Oneida Hospital before being transferred to St. Elizabeths Hospital in Utica. He later died.

The other two co-workers, Ronaldo Zhunaula, 25, and Wilfrido Zhingre, 35, were not seriously injured and have been released from Oneida Hospital, deputies said.

Ronaldo and Lauro were brothers, Madison County spokesperson Samantha Field said.

Flynn said hes not sure how close the men were to the flagpole.

I feel terrible, he said. Its the worst news I could ever receive here.

Madison County deputies recommend that people caught in a lightning storm seek shelter in a sturdy building or a hard-top motor vehicle. Avoid open spaces, trees, isolated objects, high ground or metallic objects. Get out of any boats and stay away from bodies of water.

Staff writer Douglass Dowty can be reached at ddowty@syracuse.com or 315-470-6070.
In his book The Egyptian Family in Ancient Times, Abdel-Aziz Saleh describes the status of women in ancient Egypt by drawing on evidence found in ancient papyri and inscriptions in tombs and temples.

Ancient Egyptian society gave both women and men moderate rights, he says, shown through images of a man fishing with his son and assisted by his wife and daughter, for example. Such images carry a religious and social significance, according to Saleh, and can tell us much about how family life was organised.

One legal document from the third century BCE states that the share of a daughter in an inheritance was one third and that she had the right to inherit from brothers and sisters who had died without leaving children, just like her brothers.

These rights changed slightly according to each period of ancient Egyptian history, though it is difficult to tell because of limited information.

One of the oldest texts that proves that women had the right to own and distribute property is a text written in the form of a will by the mother of Mshn, a high-ranking official serving King Senefro in the middle of the second millennium BCE, that entitled him to 50 shsb of land (about 30 feddans).

Despite the fact that education was mainly for men in ancient Egypt, some women also had their share. Some would learn to read and write at home, and this was apparent in the letters women would sometimes write to each other. One letter written by a woman who lived in the Ramessid period describes the city of Memphis to a friend living in the city of Thebes, for example.

Other women worked as writers or even letter-writers for the queen. During the Ramessid period, women working for the court were involved in educating foreigners, for example. During the last phase of the Old Kingdom, some women worked as judges and others as assistants to male officials.

The Egyptian throne was also inherited by six Egyptian princesses, the most famous of them being Hatshepsut who ruled in the middle of the 18th Dynasty and Cleopatra who was of Greek origin and ruled in the Ptolemaic era.

Professor of Museums and Heritage studies, specifically women's heritage, Nagwa Bakr has been working on the role of women in ancient Egypt and particularly on correcting misconceptions.

The roles of Egyptian women have been described by colonialist writers in a limited way, focusing on motherhood and beauty. For instance, if they speak about Cleopatra, they only mention how she would care for her looks, as if that was the only role of Egyptian women, Bakr said.

However, many historical references show that Egyptian women played many roles.

During the ancient Egyptian First Dynasty, for example, Egypt was ruled by a queen called Merneith. A painting in the Egyptian Museum calls her the loved one of Neith, the goddess of war, indicating a role in warfare.

According to Bakr, there are also signs of gender equality in the sources. Egyptologists have found pottery with women and men shown as being the same size on it, indicating that they had the same status and rights, she said. The ancient Egyptian literature respects women, as most texts talk about them with respect, unlike the Ptolemaic literature that depicts women as second grade, she added.

Family life in ancient Egypt had ideals that included religious practice and justice in inheritance between the sexes. It was not only men in ancient Egypt who were keen to serve the gods, as women also had their role to play in temple service, Saleh says.

Women were given jobs of great status and could serve to legitimate ruling dynasties. In the Old Kingdom, there were priestesses and female doctors, and the transition of the throne was not legitimate unless it was through a female, Bakr said.

A king of Egypt was not given the throne unless his mother was of royal blood, as the transition was through women.

The ancient Egyptian kings did not marry off their daughters to foreign princes because they believed that the royal blood was sacred.

Women in ancient Egypt were also allowed to play a political role. In the Middle Kingdom, there were queens who had prominent political roles. However, it was not until the New Kingdom that the role of women was most apparent because Egypt had passed through a transitional period in which the Hyksos Wars had occurred, Bakr said.

The women of Upper Egypt played a big role in these, among them figures like Tetisheri, Eyah Hotb, and Ahmose Nefertari. They represented a model of Upper Egyptian women in terms of being part of the resistance to the invaders.

The wife of King Akhenaten, Nefertiti, also had a prominent role to play as she believed in the new religion introduced by her husband and supported him in it. His mother Queen Tiye maintained Egypts relations with the rulers of other countries while her son was busy with his religious innovations.

Women in ancient Egypt also had many financial rights, being able to inherit their husbands and parents belongings and write contracts without male guardianship, Bakr said.

Parents would distribute their wealth equally among their children, whether males or females, according to the needs of each. Some documents prove that a husband and a wife would share their wealth during the husbands lifetime and that a wife would be entitled to one third of his wealth after his death, Saleh said.

Daughters were given ample wedding supplies by their fathers, according to the financial status of the family. A form of dowry or brides present would be paid by the bridegroom either before the marriage or after it to secure the brides financial status during the marriage, and this varied according to the social status of the bride, Saleh said.

Before a marriage, a written agreement by the future husband would be sought that included all the belongings that the husband would buy, even down to wigs and skin-moisturising oils. The document would also make provisions for divorce. Women were later denied some of these rights in the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, Bakr said, adding that it was not until the Coptic era that they were regained by women.

Women who got divorced were allowed to take back the fortunes they had shared with their ex-husbands and their wedding supplies. The same thing was true of widows. These were given financial compensation and in some cases a third of their ex-husbands fortune if they had had children together.

Guarantees from the family of the husband would make sure he met his financial obligations. During the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, women were also given the right to sign their own wedding contracts and to ask for a divorce, Saleh said.

There was no such thing as polygamy in ancient Egyptian society, although male members of the ruling family were allowed more than one wife to maintain the royal blood line, Bakr said.

There are also some literary texts that include tips for men on how to maintain a healthy relationship with their wives. Some of these include the advice that a man should feed his wife well, put clothes on her back, and look after her if she is sick.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 27 July, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Wolcott, N.Y.  A daughter has been accused of drunkenly killing her mom with an SUV in Upstate New York.

Lindsay M. Naab hit her mother Annette M. Naab with a 2024 Chevy Trax around 12:40 a.m. Sunday on East Port Bay Road in Wolcott, the New York State Police said. The crash happened at the Twisted Creek Campground, where the Naab family was vacationing, the camps owner told WHAM.

State police and EMS tried to revive Annette Naab, troopers said, but she could not be saved.

Annette Naab, of Derby, Erie County, died at Newark-Wayne Community Hospital, troopers said. She was 57 years old.

Lindsay Naab, 26, also of Derby, was arrested at 1:40 a.m.  about an hour after the deadly crash, state police arrest logs show. She was charged with second-degree manslaughter and first-degree vehicular manslaughter.

The daughter was also charged with felony-level driving while intoxicated due to having a previous DWI conviction within the last 10 years, according to state police arrest logs. She was arraigned and later released from the Wayne County Jail.

The investigation into the deadly crash is ongoing, troopers said.

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Central New York is gearing up to celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of the biggest concerts of all time.

An estimated 600,000 people attended Summer Jam, featuring the Allman Brothers Band, the Grateful Dead and The Band at Watkins Glen on July 28, 1973. Approximately 150,000 tickets were sold, but an additional 450,000 fans were admitted for free after overwhelming the small Finger Lakes site and creating a miles-long traffic jam.

Anniversary concerts are taking place in New York City, Vermont, Washington D.C. and Florida  but the real party is here, near the original site. And wouldnt you know it? Youve got two options to choose from.

Summer Jam 50 will take place July 28-29 at Wonderland Forest, a brand-new 500-acre venue in Otisco, N.Y. The two-day event, taking place 15 miles south of Syracuse, will pay tribute to the original performers with Dark Star Orchestra (Celebrating the Grateful Dead Concert Experience), Daniel Donatos Cosmic Country (A Celebration of The Allman Brothers), and The Weight Band (Celebrating the Music of The Band) on both nights.

Summer Jam 23: Celebrating 50 Years since Watkins Glen will take place Saturday, July 29, at Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua, N.Y. Doors open at 3 p.m., music starts at 3:30 with performances by Friends of the Brothers - Tribute to Allman Brothers Band, Terrapin Flyer - Tribute to the Grateful Dead, and The The Band Band (Tribute to The Band).

Both events are less than 100 miles from the Summer Jam 1973 site in Watkins Glen. Neither expect to draw anywhere near as big of a crowd as 50 years ago  Wonderland Forest has a capacity of just 5,000, according to promoter Dan Mastronardi  but thats not the point. The point is to celebrate a historic event and celebrate the music.

Tickets for Wonderland Forests grand opening event have been sold to fans in 20 different states, Mastronardi said. Many of them were at the original concert, he added.

At Wonderland, Daniel Donatos Cosmic Country is planning to bring some special guests that were involved in the Allman family, and the Dark Star Orchestra will play a full two-set recreation of the Grateful Deads original show at Watkins Glen. The Weight Band also features guitarist Jim Weider, who performed at the original Summer Jam, according to Mastronardi; Weider also replaced Robbie Robertson in the reformed The Band in 1985.

Its going to be pretty cool, Mastronardi said. If were going to recreate something, we wanted to recreate something special.

Alan Paul, bandleader for Friends of the Brothers and author of Brothers and Sisters: The Allman Brothers Band and the Album That Defined the 70s, told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard that his group wont try to perfectly imitate the Allman Brothers Bands Summer Jam set at the Lincoln Hill Farms concert.

This is just special for us... Ive seen some tribute bands theyre a little too precious, like try to play it exactly like the band, Paul said. I dont know if this makes any sense but to us, its holy... like the only way to honor the music is to put yourself into it. ... Because thats what they did they didnt play the same things every night the same way.

Im really excited about it, Paul added.

The Allman Brothers Band perform at Summer Jam in Watkins Glen, N.Y., on July 28, 1973. (AP Photo)

Paul told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard that he started Friends of the Brothers for a tribute to Butch Trucks in 2017, but kept the music going because it meant so much to them.

It was emotionally satisfying to do it for Butch and we all had fun playing together and playing the music, Paul said. I mean, we just really love it so every time we play, even though weve played a lot more now, we try to bring that same spirit like were playing in memory of Butch and Gregg and Duane... The music is just timeless.

Summer Jam history

In 1973, Summer Jam overwhelmed a small village of 3,000 people when hundreds of thousands of people showed up at The Glen, the home of Watkins Glen International racetrack. The estimated crowd of 600,000 ended up in the Guinness Book of World Records for largest audience at a pop festival, holding the record for years.

By comparison, the original 1969 Woodstock festival drew a smaller crowd of about 450,000 people to Bethel. Woodstock organizer Michael Lang planned a Woodstock 50 concert at Watkins Glen in 2019, but the event fell apart due to financial and organizational issues.

Despite having a larger crowd, Summer Jam doesnt have the same reverence as Woodstock. Part of that is due to the larger three-day lineup at Woodstock  which included Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, Jefferson Airplane, Sly & The Family Stone, and, yes, the Grateful Dead  but also how well Woodstock was documented, including an Oscar-winning film and soundtrack recording that launched then-unknown artists like Joe Cocker and Santana into the stratosphere.

I think Woodstock in 1969 was sort of an earthquake to the mainstream culture because hippies were considered sort of a fringe countercultural movement and the size and scope of what happened. There was a little bit of a wake up call to mainstream America of just how viable it was and just how large it was, Paul said.

Alan Paul performs with Friends of the Brothers, a tribute to the Allman Brothers Band. (Photo by Michael Jon Neff)

Andy Aledort, who co-wrote another of Pauls books, Texas Flood: The Inside Story of Stevie Ray Vaughan, pointed out that many teens who were too young to go to Woodstock likely seized on the opportunity to go to the next big festival in Upstate New York four years later, according to Paul.

Those kids who were that age, say 14 to 18, were too young to go to Woodstock four years earlier but old enough to be really aware of it, Paul said. [It] was like looking through the plate glass windows and they all were sort of determined. Like, Well if anything like this happens again, you know, Im going. And they went and so that was a big part of it... its just kind of incredible.

According to New York State Police, Summer Jam was generally peaceful despite having a city-sized crowd estimated as high as 650,000. Troopers made 13 felony arrests, 71 misdemeanor arrests, and 49 vehicle and traffic arrest (14 for driving while intoxicated). No violence was reported, but Willard Smitty Smith Jr., a 35-year-old skydiver from Syracuse, died when two flares he was holding ignited while attempting to parachute into the concert grounds; his body was found in the woods about a half-mile away.

This is a bird's eye view of some of the estimated 600,000 music fans who turned up for the Watkins Glen Summer Jam at the Watkins Glen, N.Y., Grand Prix Raceway, July 28, 1973. (AP Photo)

Paul said Summer Jam could have been a book by itself, but he learned a lot of stories beyond the concert during interviews for his new book, Brothers and Sisters: The Allman Brothers Band and the Album That Defined the 70s. For example, theres a chapter on how Gregg Allman went to drug rehab in Buffalo after the band broke up in 1976 and performed at a Canisius High School assembly with a local bar band after some students wrote him letters; his then-wife Cher attended, too.

How to attend Summer Jam anniversary concerts

Tickets for Summer Jam 50 at Wonderland Forest are available through wonderlandforest.com. Single-day tickets start at $75, two-day passes start at $125; camping options are also available.

Wonderland Forest is located at 4812 South Cook Road, LaFayette, N.Y., near Beak & Skiff Apple Orchard and the site of the LaFayette Apple Festival. Gates open Friday at 11 a.m. Friday, July 28 (with music starting at 4 p.m.) and gates open at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 29 (with music starting at 1).

Tickets for Summer Jam 23 at Lincoln Hill Farms are on sale through tixr.com. Prices are $35 in advance and $45 on the day of the show; additional fees may apply.

Lincoln Hill Farms, located at 3792 NY-247 in Canandaigua, is about three miles from the CMAC (Constellation Brands - Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center) amphitheater. Doors open at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 29; music begins at 3:30.

Brothers and Sisters: The Allman Brothers Band and the Album That Defined the 70s, by Alan Paul, is available through Amazon.com and other book retailers.

Brothers and Sisters: The Allman Brothers Band and the Album That Defined the 70s, by Alan Paul,



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Phish celebrates Syracuse homecoming by sucking on vacuum cleaner (review)

Barbie movie could push Syracuse concert to become a hot ticket this week
Syracuse, N.Y.  A Chicago company spent $13 million to buy the troubled Skyline Apartments from notorious landlords Tim and Troy Green, and $5.5 million more to acquire the Greens equally neglected Vincent Apartments, according to real estate filings.

The buyer, Clear Investment Group, assumed roughly $15.5 million in mortgages on the two properties. That suggests the Greens may have walked away from the transactions with as much as $3 million in cash.

But that doesnt guarantee they made a profit from the sales.

For one thing, the Greens sold Vincent Apartments for about $800,000 less than they paid for it seven years ago, deeds show. Public records do not show how much the Greens paid for Skyline Apartments when they acquired it in 2016.

For another thing, Clear Investment Group spent an undisclosed sum on the buildings before the sales closed, an amount that was likely deducted from the Greens proceeds.

Troy Green did not respond to a request for comment. Amy Rubenstein, the CEO of Clear Investment Group, said she was prevented by a nondisclosure agreement from discussing terms of the sale.

The transactions valued the Skyline, 753 James St., at nearly $37,000 per apartment. The Vincent, located off Jamesville Avenue, brought in less than $21,000 per unit.

The sales mark what city officials hope will be a new era for the properties. The Skyline, Vincent and two other Green-owned complexes were so plagued by code violations and crime that the city earlier this year sued to have them run by a court-appointed receiver.

A few weeks after the lawsuit was filed, Clear Investment Group, or CIG, agreed to buy the properties. A judge appointed the Chicago company to manage the properties while the sales were completed.

CIG finalized the purchase of the two largest properties  Skyline, with 352 units, and Vincent, with 267  last week. Closings for the remaining properties  The James, with 62 units, and Chestnut Crossing, with 133  are expected later this month.

When it took over management in April, CIG submitted to the court its plan to invest at least $4.6 million fixing up the Skyline and up to $3.1 million more on The James and Chestnut Crossing. A month later, the company submitted plans to invest $7.5 million fixing up Vincent Apartments.

Its not clear how much of that was spent before the sales of Skyline and Vincent were completed.

The Skyline currently is not fit to live in, according to city officials. Code inspectors on Monday issued a notice to CIG that the Skyline is unfit for human occupancy.'

The city cited trash and debris littered throughout the building, along with urine and filth on the walls and floors. CIG was ordered to clean all walking surfaces and walls and to remove trash from all common areas in the building and the grounds. Inspectors also issued a violation for insect and rodent infestation and ordered CIG to bring in an exterminator.

One of the challenges now is finding new homes for tenants of the Skyline and Vincent while renovations are under way. Rubenstein has consistently said that both properties are in such bad condition that they must be vacant before substantial renovations can be made.

CIG notified tenants at the Skyline that they must move out by July 1, but roughly 100 people still lived there as of a couple weeks ago, Rubenstein said.

CIG has offered apartments at The James and Chestnut Crossing to a few Skyline tenants who are still under lease and current with their rent. City employees, Catholic Charities, the Greater Syracuse Tenants Network and others are working with the remaining tenants to try to find them new apartments.

Its a slow process, said Sharon Sherman, executive director of the tenant network. Theres a severe shortage of affordable apartments.

CIG has warned that Skyline tenants may be served with eviction papers if they dont move. Now that the company owns the building, Sherman is worried that CIG will begin taking tenants to court.

The company has notified tenants at Vincent Apartments that they must leave by July 31. Rubenstein said she does not know how many people live there, because security at the complex is inadequate for her employees to canvass the eight buildings.

Until the buildings are vacant, CIG is obligated to make them livable, said Jake Dishaw, the citys deputy commissioner for code enforcement.

Clear Investment Group has acknowledged challenges in removing remaining tenants as the company works to correct violations. Regardless, Clear must ensure that those still in the property are provided with safe living conditions,' Dishaw said.

Do you have a news tip or a story idea? Contact reporter Tim Knauss: email | Twitter | | 315-470-3023.
Parents of elementary school students in another Central New York school district wont have to rush to buy school supplies for their children as fall approaches.

This is the first year the Central Square school district is providing school supplies free of charge to younger students.

Central Square School Superintendent Thomas Colabufo said the district is starting with elementary-age children, from pre-Kindergarten to fifth grade. The district plans to expand the program in 2025 to include middle and high school students.

Why? Colabufo said the district can take advantage of discount for buying in bulk, making the supplies much less cheaper than what parents would spend.

Parents pay school taxes, and we figure we can buy these in bulk, its one thing less parents have to worry about, he said.

This fall, an estimated 1,650 kids will get the supplies at a cost of about $45 per child. That represents a total of $74,240, which is coming from the districts general fund budget, Colabufo said.

The supplies include items such as notebooks, glue sticks, pens, tissues, folders, crayons and scissors. The district will not purchase calculators, though students can borrow ones as needed, Colabufo said.

The Syracuse City School District will again provide free school supplies to more than 20,000 students, said Michael Henesey, speaking for the district. This is the second year for the program.

In 2022, the city district bought $1 million worth of school supplies for students and some for teachers. The money came from American Rescue and Recovery Act funding the district received. At that time, the district also provided $250 for every teacher to buy classroom supplies, so they didnt have to dip into their own pockets.

Elizabeth Doran covers education, suburban government and development, breaking news and more. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact her anytime 315-470-3012 or email edoran@syracuse.com
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Mohamed Bayoumi, who died on 15 July 60 years ago, worked at the dawn of the moving picture when, within years of the invention of the Cinematography, Egypt became the first country in the region to make cinema. His memory is an opportunity to remember that era.

The majority of historians believe the first screening of the Lumiere Brothers film in the Middle East took place in Alexandria on 5 November 1896, less than a year after the worlds first screening, which was on 28 December 1895 at Salon Indien du Grand Cafe in Paris. Then, 23 days later, the second screening was held in Cairo. In 1897, the Lumieres sent their colleague, the French-Italian photographer Alexandre Promio, to make a few short documentaries at different locations in Egypt, mainly Alexandria and Cairo. The result of this shooting campaign was 35 short films.

It is no surprise that the Lumieres chose Alexandria  a cosmopolitan hub, home to Turks, Greeks, Italians, French, English as well as Egyptians  to be their primary destination in the region.

In the first decade of the 20th century, both residents of Egypt and representatives of European companies joined the new industry. The first studio in the Middle East, Aziz and Dores, was established in Alexandria in 1906 by two photographers, the Turkish Aziz Bandarli and the Italian Umberto Malfasi Dores. Their first film, shot in 1907, documented a visit by Khedive Abbas Helmi II to inaugurate an educational institute in the Morsi Abul-Abbas Mosque. The film was screened in the same year after they opened their first film theatre in Alexandria, Cinemaphone Aziz and Dores.

Some critics believe this film should be seen as the first Egyptian film, but others  even though the concept of nationality did not yet exist  feel that only a film made by Egyptians is worthy of the title. Among the famous production companies in Europe who thought Egypt had great potential in the field was the French company Pathe Freres who, in 1908, opened a film theatre in Cairo. By 1911 there were about 11 cinemas spread across most Egyptian cities, and after ten years that number rose to 50.

In the first few years of the film industry, whether internationally or in Egypt, most productions were documentaries. The first couple of attempts to make narrative films in Egypt were flops. In 1918, Mohamed Karim (who was to become a famous filmmaker and the first dean of the Egyptian Institute of Cinema in 1959), became the first Egyptian actor to appear in a film, Charaf El-Badawi (The Honour of the Bedouin), filmed in the Hadra studio in Alexandria. In the same year he also acted in the The Deadly Flowers, but the latter was banned by the censors because it included a scene in which the Holy Quran was upside down. In 1919 an Italian filmmaker, Leonard Ricci, directed Madame Loretta starring the Alexandrian actor Fawzi El-Gazayerli (later famous for his comedic alter ego Mr Bahbah).

These first films were shorter than an hour, and they were directed by non-Egyptian filmmakers. One of the few first narrative films directed by Egyptians was Mohamed Bayoumis Barsoum Yabhath Aan Wazifa (Barsoum Looking for a Job) in 1923. It stars Beshara Wakim (who later became a famous screen and stage comedian, dying in 1949) as sheikh Metwalli, and Adel Hamid as Barsoum. The silent comedy, a short film (15 minutes) illustrates the poverty and the hardship of the unemployed among young middle class Egyptians, and includes images of the 1919 Revolution and the Muslim-Christian solidarity it involved.

Bayoumi was born in Tanta in 1894. In his youth he was interested in art and photography, but he joined the Military School and graduated as an artillery officer in 1915. In 1919 he was made a reservist as punishment for being involved in the nationalist movement. During the revolution, he wrote poems and issued a magazine called The Scissors agitating against the British occupation. After the revolution, along with Wakim  a close friend  Bayoumi founded a theatrical troupe called Valley of the Nile (Wadi Al-Nil), which started its performances on 22 July 1919 in Alexandria.

Later, he travelled to Italy and Austria to study cinematography, and continued his studies in Germany where he worked as an assistant cinematographer. He said in an interview in Al-Kawakeb magazine in 1951 that he worked in Berlin in cinema, mentioning that Germans were fascinated by Egyptian cigarettes at that time. It was those cigarettes that made him friends with German director Wilhelm Carol who made him an intern at Diva Studios. They also helped him to befriend the German photographer Boehringer who asked him to become his assistant.

Bayoumi returned to Egypt in 1921, establishing the first cinematic newsreel called Amoun, to cover important events in Egyptian society such as: the return of Saad Zaghloul and his colleagues from their exile in Seychelles in 1923, the opening of Tutankhamuns tomb in 1924, and the Funeral of Saad Zaghloul in 1924.

In 1925, while shooting a documentary on the construction of the new building of Banque Misr, Bayoumi convinced Talaat Harb to establish a cinema department affiliated with the Misr Advertising Company. The founding of Misr Acting and Cinema took place in the same year and Harb appointed Bayoumi as its director. They travelled to Austria in order to purchase equipment for the new company. After accomplishing their mission, Bayoumi decided not to return to Egypt with Harb and stay in Austria for a while, to receive training under the supervision of the expert Leopold Swoboda. He was awarded a certificate from the Central Cinema Centre in Vienna. After this trip it seems that the relationship between Bayoumi and Harb deteriorated as Harb did not acknowledge Bayoumis effort in establishing the Misr Acting and Cinema Company and as a result the latter resigned after a couple of months.

In 1932, Bayoumi founded the first Egyptian cinema institute, the Egyptian Cinematographic Institute in Alexandria, and managed with his students to make his second narrative film Al-Khatib Nimrah Talatach (Fiance Number 13) in 1933. He continued working as a cinematographer and actor in several films, but in 1937 returned to the army following a royal order from King Farouk, only to resign after a few years. In 1948 Bayoumi joined the fighters against the Zionist militias in Palestine. In 1956 he returned to Austria to study colour cinematography, and when he returned to Egypt he joined the resistance against the Tripartite Aggression during the Suez War.

The first attempts at creating Egyptian films has been a subject of debate among critics and film historians since the last quarter of the 20th century, especially the question of the first long narrative film. In 1927, two films were produced and screened. The first, Qobla Fil-Sahara (A Kiss in the Desert) produced and directed by Badr and Ibrahim Lama (the Lama Brothers), and the second, Layla, was directed by Turkish-Egyptian filmmaker Wedad Orfi (Vedat Orfi), and starred by the first actress in Egyptian cinema, Aziza Amir. Amir, who was also the producer of the film, disagreed with Orfi, which made the latter leave the location, then Amir asked Stephan Rosti to complete the film as a director.

In the end the film was screened before Lamas film, and that is why most historians count Layla as the first long narrative Egyptian film. The birth of the Egyptian film industry remains an interesting question, but the truth is that it was a cumulative pile of events and experiments that lead to the formation of one of the most prominent arts that formed Arab consciousness throughout the 20th century. No one can deny Bayoumis vital role in the field.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 27 July, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Kochi Posts: 13 Thanked: 108 Times

My Modified VW Polo | Journey from yet another GT TSI to a 1.5 TDI project car .



Let's get started from the beginning shall we?



The itch to move on from my Candy White 2017 Polo 1.2 GT TSI began somewhere around mid 2022. Up until that point, the car was mostly stock and didn't have anything done to it. I started looking at my options on OLX and stumbled upon a few 1.8 TSI's that were marked up exorbitantly. The recent jump in the used market for Laura TSI's was definitely not helping my case.



The next option I looked for were good used Jetta's. But finding Jetta's that were low run was like looking for a needle in a haystack. Every car I came across were run above 100k kilometres (Speaks to what a work horse the 2.0 TDI can be if treated well).



After a couple weeks of searching, another thought popped into my head. People were building 1.2 TSI's left and right. I could take a run at it maybe? That was it. I decided to build the car without messing up its reliability and comfort.



After sweeping through almost all the GT TSI threads on here, I decided upon the following mods :

A stage 1 remap

A performance airfilter

A downpipe

Custom exhaust system (Catback)

Euro Spec air intake channel

Intake plumbing from the Fabia VRS

OEM Steering with Paddle shifters

Paddle Shifter extenders

Better brakes

Yes, a BBK (Big brake kit) seems obvious, but couldn't afford it at the moment so I started searching for cheaper alternatives and keep it for another day. And I was not a very aggressive driver either, I only gave it the beans during safe overtakes and from stop lights (when its completely safe to do so ). And I almost always let off when I near the speed limit. I loved the acceleration that the GT TSI offered during those situations but the the pull wasn't consistent towards the higher end of the rev-band given the SOHC engine.



I am not going in depth into the build as this platform is already filled with a lot of GT TSI build threads and this thread is about my 1.5 TDI. What I ended up with on the TSI, was a Stage 2 tune from Etuners Greece with crackles/subtle pops, and all the other mods I mentioned in the list above. The car became a joy to drive. The exhaust sounded amazing and the acceleration was so seamless and enjoyable when mated to the DSG. I could not afford a TCU tune at the time but I somehow felt like the shifts and drivability of the gearbox had improved as well with the just the ecu map (Maybe just in my head).



So why did I let go of it?



1) The DQ200 gearbox



Yes the gearbox from the GT TSI is infamous for its failures. But in the 75000 odd kilometres I drove the car, it never gave me any troubles. But all the horror stories about the DQ200 tends to always stay in the back of your head every single day. Every time I drove the car or pushed it, there always some anxiety in my head that the gearbox could fail at any given moment. Nothing happened thankfully, but what use was your daily driver if you didn't have peace of mind while being in it?



2) The glass wall



The 1.2 TSI though a beautiful engine always had its limitations, after all the mods I had done, the only things remaining was TCU tune and suspension mods. It felt like I would maybe hit a glass wall on my build journey. Because going stage 3 on the engine would not yield a lot of effect I realised.



3) The itch for something new



Yup, who doesn't like a new project?



What pushed me over the edge to sell the car, was when one fine day I got the chance to experience my local tuners Stage 2 Jetta 2.0 TDI MT. I had gotten pretty close to him at this point after having tuned a couple of my friends car's through him and my GT TSI. The Jetta had me lost for words. The way it pushed me into the back of my seat. The relentless pull. The monstrous torque. The way it shot of the line like a rocket launching. God. It was eye opening. This experience was followed by the words "You could get a similar output and feeling from a Polo 1.5 TDI with a stage 2 setup". I realised TSI's could never give me that feeling unless I go stage 3 on a 1.8 or 2.0 TSI. That push was something I could never attain on my 1.2 TSI.



I started craving for it. It haunted my dreams . And finally after careful consideration and discussion with my tuner I decided, why not try a different taste of the Polo? A 1.5 TDI. Preferably a GT TDI, but a 1.5 TDI would suffice too.



Found a solid 1.5 TDI on OLX run only 45k kilometres within my budget, and within a few weeks the 1.2 TSI was sold! It was hard to let go of her after years of bonding but I was excited for what was to come. Before I start with the 1.5 TDI, here are a few parting pictures of my beloved GT TSI.















Within a week of selling the TSI, I had gotten my hands on the TDI. A Reflex Silver Polo 1.5 TDI Highline. I always had a thing for silver Polo's and it was in perfect condition mechanically though it needed some love on the paintwork. I built a good relationship with the previous owner as well.



Before I even got my hands on the car, I had already ordered a pre fabricated downpipe through my tuner and had planned out the project pretty well.



So what was in the cards for my "GTD" build? A stage 2 tune

Downpipe

Performance Air filter

Euro Spec air intake and channel

Turbo Muffler Delete

OEM type 3 tail lights (GTI like)

GTI Spoiler

Lowering Springs

Bilstein B6/B8

Good rubber

16 inch wheels

BBK



Looking clean after the GTI spoiler and GTI tail lights.



I wanted to get better rubber on it before I do the tune as the exorbitant amount of torque going to the front wheels post the remap would need sticky rubber for sure. But putting new tyres on the rather plain jane looking 15 inch stock wheels was not even something I was considering. I needed to source good wheels first. And what I really wanted were either the OEM 16 inch GTI wheels or the OEM 16 inch wheels from the MK1 Octavia VRS. Both were very hard to come by. And I was unfortunately put on a time constraint on the tune front as my tuner was going off for vacation to Dubai within that week and would not be returning until the next month. So had to prioritise the tune first for then.



The downpipe had already arrived and one fine day morning I took the car to my friendly neighbourhood FNG and from there to a local exhaust place to get the downpipe fitted. The stop at the FNG was to pick up a mechanic from there as putting the downpipe on the 1.5 TDI meant the axle had to come out.





The downpipe after its delivery.



They started out in the morning but stumbled upon a hiccup very soon. The downpipe I recieved had a 3 inch diameter at its exhaust end. Presumably with the assumption that I would be going for a full system exhaust. But I wasn't planning to. So they had to figure out a way to weld it to my stock exhaust pipe. They had to fabricate a hinge and cone to progressively convert the 3 inch pipe to the 2 inch stock pipe (Forgive me if I am using the wrong terms but that was my understanding of what was happening).





The stock catalytic converter VS the downpipe.





Downpipe going in.



That took the whole day. By around 8 PM at night we went back to the exhaust place with the mechanic again to fix the axle again and get the car out. We drove back to the FNG and in went the air filter and air intake while my tuner scanned the stock map and sent it to the master tuner. I should mention by the way that my tuner had switched from Etuners to Venom Performance by that point with the infamous Sreeram Kasaraneni as the master tuner.



All 3 of us were working on the car at the same time. The mechanic with the air filter and intake, My tuner in the process of the remap and I myself was trying to fit an RCD340 that I had sourced along with an auto headlight switch too.



This RCD340 wasn't the same as the one from the indian version of the Polo. It was made in Poland and it lacked a 3.5 mm jack. In place of the mic that the indian version possessed on the left side, this one had a "scan" button for the radio. The mic had been moved to where the aux jack was. I was told this would be of superior quality when compared to the ones produced in China that were present in the Indian spec Polos. And so far I am completely content with its performance.





Made in Poland sticker on top





Looking clean on the dashboard.



By around 10 PM, the new map was ready to be flashed and we went ahead with it.



And oh boy did the car transform. If somebody told me I was sitting in a car with a stage 3 setup, I would have blindly believed them. The push back into the seat. The wheelspin. The drama. The acceleration. It was utter craziness. The need for slicker tyres was made very evident by the wheels relentlessly spinning until 3rd gear. The 0-100 figures even on the stock JK Tyres were 9 seconds flat. And those were sure to be cut down by a lot when I have better rubber. The map by Venom Performance was out of this world.



http://youtube.com/watch?v=iZqtanEz594

The dirty torque monster after the remap.



http://youtube.com/watch?v=qL-p7tRJ298

The logs showing the magic from the folks at Venom Performance India.



I was feeling a little bit of remorse for selling the TSI but it was all thrown out the window while we were taking logs and doing dragy runs for the map. After we wrapped up everything, I went home with a huge grin on my face.



Three weeks passed with that setup, the need for better tyres and better brakes were made more and more evident every single day that I drove the car. And the search for the wheels were still going on. Thankfully my tuner found a neat example of the 16 inch MK1 Octy VRS wheels which were incidentally produced by Borbet. I was sure its a safe bet as they were OEM wheels and I was in love with them from the pictures I was shared. It was recently given a fresh coat of gunmetal silver and boy oh boy was it shiny.



There was no looking back. Got the wheels delivered within 2 days and kept it on a carpet in my bedroom to give it adequate cushioning from the floor .





Squeaky clean.



I got caught up in work and had to wait until the weekend to get them on the car. Approached a local tyre shop I was previously in contact with and settled on 205/50 R16 Yoko Earth 1s as PS4s in 16s were non existent at that point :(.



The tyre shop bought back the stock wheels and tyres from me for a decent ish price and reduced it from the cost of the tyres. Win win. Also got the brake callipers painted to blue as an experiment to see if theyd look good. I didnt wanna go the generic red or yellow route and thought maybe blue would look cooler along with the gunmetal shade wheels and silver car.





The tyres put on the wheel.



And it did. It was love at first sight. The car was getting cleaner and cleaner with every mod that went on it. Attaching some pictures below for you guys to enjoy as well.

















So what was next? Lowering springs of course. With the new wheels on, the horrible wheel gap was made very very evident.



The only previous experience I had with a lowered 1.5 TDI was when I went to look at a used one before settling on my current car. It was a white car with Cobra lowering springs installed. I did not like its stance nor did I like the ride. It was very bouncy and flat out uncomfortable. The car looked like a hunchback. Too low at the front and too high at the back (I suspect a lower load capacity rated springs meant for the TSI were put on this car). So after that I was kinda skeptical about lowering my own car.



But one fine day I happened to meet up with a fellow friend of mine who owns a Wolf tuned stage 2 1.0 TSI Polo AT thats running on Eibach lowering springs. I sat in his car for a bit and even drove it around and found the ride to be completely acceptable. Yes it was not as comfortable as the stock suspension but it was not even close to how bouncy it was in the other car I checked out. I am not sure whether it was owed to the cobra springs or whether he put the springs meant for a GT TSI with a lower load capacity on his 1.5 TDI that made it so uncomfortable.





The GTD build alongside the 1.0 TSI.



http://youtube.com/watch?v=u2oG3oespmk

A small drag race with the Stage 2 1.0 TSI Automatic. (Don't worry we did it on a private stretch of road that had been closed off due to some construction going on in that area, and as it was a Sunday the construction works had also been halted. So the area was completely deserted). Look at the GTD fly. Both cars had two passengers. Running on the exact same specification and brand tyres.



After realising Eibach is a safe bet, the search began again. I was on the look out for Eibach springs and about one week later my friend / tuner again calls me up and says, hes found a pair of used springs, they were not exactly Eibach but were OEM VW Springs imported from Europe.





The springs finished in dark blue (coincidentally matching with the painted callipers).



As per the VW Accessories Brochure in Germany, there was an VW OEM Lowering Spring Kit available for the Polo 6R. This offered a 30mm drop on all four corners and for a fairly decent price. These were available in 3 differents weights, 830kg (6R0071677A), 860kg (6R0071677) and 960kg (6R0071677B). They were dark blue in colour and were manufactured by Eibach in collaboration with VW. The springs he found were the highest load rated ones. Best of both worlds much?







Took the leap. Acquired them asap. Headed straight to my FNG within a couple of days to get them installed.





The springs going in.



http://youtube.com/watch?v=XMMAAVwd4TE

Moment of truth.



The car looked so damn good. The drop was perfection. The added handling benefits were great as well. Definitely worth the money spent. It was not very bouncy, it handled like a charm and wasnt uncomfortable at all. The car was absolutely turning into a OEM+ build xD.









The clean drop after the springs.



I wasnt done with the build but my bank account sure was at this point. The build was pretty silent for a couple of months until my beloved S/O got me a pair of EBC yellow stuff brake pads for our anniversary. It was a much needed, upgrade considering all of the other upgrades I had done to the car. Yes I know a big brake kit would have made more sense but all in good time .









The pads going in.



The Yellow stuff pads were doing an amazing job at stopping the car. I still havent gotten to use the entire potential of it as its still in its break in period. So taking it easy for now.



That was the last thing added to the build list. It has been a fulfilling journey so far and I am beyond excited for what is in store.



So whats left in the build?

Big brake kit

Turbo muffler delete (coming very very soon)

Bilstein B6 or B8

Anti roll bars

GTI like tartan seat covers

And in the far out future, maybe a 2.0 TDI or 2.0 TSI swap along with a DQ250 gearbox? A man can dream



Before I end my post, I wanted to give a HUGE shoutout to my dear friend Mr. Jyothirgosh from Venom Performance Kerala. He has been the literal backbone of this entire build having sourced 99% of everything for me. I can't thank him enough for being there for me throughout this entire journey. And ofcourse I have to thank Sreeram from Venom Performance India for the absolute magic he has done with the remap. From a puny 90 bhp ecobox to a literal monster that punches waaaay about its weight.



http://youtube.com/watch?v=BY3iFovYQ_E

GTD.



So thats it guys, bit of a long one I know but thanks for taking the time to go through my journey. Ill part ways for now with a few pictures of my GTD build. Be sure to be on the look out for more.



























Yes, I know it probably seems like a very odd switch. From a sweet turbo petrol with a lightning quick DSG to a dirty diesel. Most people I have known and seen have mostly switched from their GT TSI's to Laura 1.8 TSI's. But I went a different route clearlyLet's get started from the beginning shall we?The itch to move on from my Candy White 2017 Polo 1.2 GT TSI began somewhere around mid 2022. Up until that point, the car was mostly stock and didn't have anything done to it. I started looking at my options on OLX and stumbled upon a few 1.8 TSI's that were marked up exorbitantly. The recent jump in the used market for Laura TSI's was definitely not helping my case.The next option I looked for were good used Jetta's. But finding Jetta's that were low run was like looking for a needle in a haystack. Every car I came across were run above 100k kilometres (Speaks to what a work horse the 2.0 TDI can be if treated well).After a couple weeks of searching, another thought popped into my head. People were building 1.2 TSI's left and right. I could take a run at it maybe? That was it. I decided to build the car without messing up its reliability and comfort.After sweeping through almost all the GT TSI threads on here, I decided upon the following mods :Yes, a BBK (Big brake kit) seems obvious, but couldn't afford it at the moment so I started searching for cheaper alternatives and keep it for another day. And I was not a very aggressive driver either, I only gave it the beans during safe overtakes and from stop lights (when its completely safe to do so). And I almost always let off when I near the speed limit. I loved the acceleration that the GT TSI offered during those situations but the the pull wasn't consistent towards the higher end of the rev-band given the SOHC engine.I am not going in depth into the build as this platform is already filled with a lot of GT TSI build threads and this thread is about my 1.5 TDI. What I ended up with on the TSI, was a Stage 2 tune from Etuners Greece with crackles/subtle pops, and all the other mods I mentioned in the list above. The car became a joy to drive. The exhaust sounded amazing and the acceleration was so seamless and enjoyable when mated to the DSG. I could not afford a TCU tune at the time but I somehow felt like the shifts and drivability of the gearbox had improved as well with the just the ecu map (Maybe just in my head).So why did I let go of it?Yes the gearbox from the GT TSI is infamous for its failures. But in the 75000 odd kilometres I drove the car, it never gave me any troubles. But all the horror stories about the DQ200 tends to always stay in the back of your head every single day. Every time I drove the car or pushed it, there always some anxiety in my head that the gearbox could fail at any given moment. Nothing happened thankfully, but what use was your daily driver if you didn't have peace of mind while being in it?The 1.2 TSI though a beautiful engine always had its limitations, after all the mods I had done, the only things remaining was TCU tune and suspension mods. It felt like I would maybe hit a glass wall on my build journey. Because going stage 3 on the engine would not yield a lot of effect I realised.Yup, who doesn't like a new project?What pushed me over the edge to sell the car, was when one fine day I got the chance to experience my local tuners Stage 2 Jetta 2.0 TDI MT. I had gotten pretty close to him at this point after having tuned a couple of my friends car's through him and my GT TSI. The Jetta had me lost for words. The way it pushed me into the back of my seat. The relentless pull. The monstrous torque. The way it shot of the line like a rocket launching. God. It was eye opening. This experience was followed by the words "You could get a similar output and feeling from a Polo 1.5 TDI with a stage 2 setup". I realised TSI's could never give me that feeling unless I go stage 3 on a 1.8 or 2.0 TSI. That push was something I could never attain on my 1.2 TSI.I started craving for it. It haunted my dreams. And finally after careful consideration and discussion with my tuner I decided, why not try a different taste of the Polo? A 1.5 TDI. Preferably a GT TDI, but a 1.5 TDI would suffice too.Found a solid 1.5 TDI on OLX run only 45k kilometres within my budget, and within a few weeks the 1.2 TSI was sold! It was hard to let go of her after years of bonding but I was excited for what was to come. Before I start with the 1.5 TDI, here are a few parting pictures of my beloved GT TSI.Within a week of selling the TSI, I had gotten my hands on the TDI. A Reflex Silver Polo 1.5 TDI Highline. I always had a thing for silver Polo's and it was in perfect condition mechanically though it needed some love on the paintwork. I built a good relationship with the previous owner as well.Before I even got my hands on the car, I had already ordered a pre fabricated downpipe through my tuner and had planned out the project pretty well.So what was in the cards for my "GTD" build?Looking clean after the GTI spoiler and GTI tail lights.I wanted to get better rubber on it before I do the tune as the exorbitant amount of torque going to the front wheels post the remap would need sticky rubber for sure. But putting new tyres on the rather plain jane looking 15 inch stock wheels was not even something I was considering. I needed to source good wheels first. And what I really wanted were either the OEM 16 inch GTI wheels or the OEM 16 inch wheels from the MK1 Octavia VRS. Both were very hard to come by. And I was unfortunately put on a time constraint on the tune front as my tuner was going off for vacation to Dubai within that week and would not be returning until the next month. So had to prioritise the tune first for then.The downpipe had already arrived and one fine day morning I took the car to my friendly neighbourhood FNG and from there to a local exhaust place to get the downpipe fitted. The stop at the FNG was to pick up a mechanic from there as putting the downpipe on the 1.5 TDI meant the axle had to come out.The downpipe after its delivery.They started out in the morning but stumbled upon a hiccup very soon. The downpipe I recieved had a 3 inch diameter at its exhaust end. Presumably with the assumption that I would be going for a full system exhaust. But I wasn't planning to. So they had to figure out a way to weld it to my stock exhaust pipe. They had to fabricate a hinge and cone to progressively convert the 3 inch pipe to the 2 inch stock pipe (Forgive me if I am using the wrong terms but that was my understanding of what was happening).The stock catalytic converter VS the downpipe.Downpipe going in.That took the whole day. By around 8 PM at night we went back to the exhaust place with the mechanic again to fix the axle again and get the car out. We drove back to the FNG and in went the air filter and air intake while my tuner scanned the stock map and sent it to the master tuner. I should mention by the way that my tuner had switched from Etuners to Venom Performance by that point with the infamous Sreeram Kasaraneni as the master tuner.All 3 of us were working on the car at the same time. The mechanic with the air filter and intake, My tuner in the process of the remap and I myself was trying to fit an RCD340 that I had sourced along with an auto headlight switch too.This RCD340 wasn't the same as the one from the indian version of the Polo. It was made in Poland and it lacked a 3.5 mm jack. In place of the mic that the indian version possessed on the left side, this one had a "scan" button for the radio. The mic had been moved to where the aux jack was. I was told this would be of superior quality when compared to the ones produced in China that were present in the Indian spec Polos. And so far I am completely content with its performance.Made in Poland sticker on topLooking clean on the dashboard.By around 10 PM, the new map was ready to be flashed and we went ahead with it.And oh boy did the car transform. If somebody told me I was sitting in a car with a stage 3 setup, I would have blindly believed them. The push back into the seat. The wheelspin. The drama. The acceleration. It was utter craziness. The need for slicker tyres was made very evident by the wheels relentlessly spinning until 3rd gear. The 0-100 figures even on the stock JK Tyres were 9 seconds flat. And those were sure to be cut down by a lot when I have better rubber. The map by Venom Performance was out of this world.The dirty torque monster after the remap.The logs showing the magic from the folks at Venom Performance India.I was feeling a little bit of remorse for selling the TSI but it was all thrown out the window while we were taking logs and doing dragy runs for the map. After we wrapped up everything, I went home with a huge grin on my face.Three weeks passed with that setup, the need for better tyres and better brakes were made more and more evident every single day that I drove the car. And the search for the wheels were still going on. Thankfully my tuner found a neat example of the 16 inch MK1 Octy VRS wheels which were incidentally produced by Borbet. I was sure its a safe bet as they were OEM wheels and I was in love with them from the pictures I was shared. It was recently given a fresh coat of gunmetal silver and boy oh boy was it shiny.There was no looking back. Got the wheels delivered within 2 days and kept it on a carpet in my bedroom to give it adequate cushioning from the floorSqueaky clean.I got caught up in work and had to wait until the weekend to get them on the car. Approached a local tyre shop I was previously in contact with and settled on 205/50 R16 Yoko Earth 1s as PS4s in 16s were non existent at that point :(.The tyre shop bought back the stock wheels and tyres from me for a decent ish price and reduced it from the cost of the tyres. Win win. Also got the brake callipers painted to blue as an experiment to see if theyd look good. I didnt wanna go the generic red or yellow route and thought maybe blue would look cooler along with the gunmetal shade wheels and silver car.The tyres put on the wheel.And it did. It was love at first sight. The car was getting cleaner and cleaner with every mod that went on it. Attaching some pictures below for you guys to enjoy as well.So what was next? Lowering springs of course. With the new wheels on, the horrible wheel gap was made very very evident.The only previous experience I had with a lowered 1.5 TDI was when I went to look at a used one before settling on my current car. It was a white car with Cobra lowering springs installed. I did not like its stance nor did I like the ride. It was very bouncy and flat out uncomfortable. The car looked like a hunchback. Too low at the front and too high at the back (I suspect a lower load capacity rated springs meant for the TSI were put on this car). So after that I was kinda skeptical about lowering my own car.But one fine day I happened to meet up with a fellow friend of mine who owns a Wolf tuned stage 2 1.0 TSI Polo AT thats running on Eibach lowering springs. I sat in his car for a bit and even drove it around and found the ride to be completely acceptable. Yes it was not as comfortable as the stock suspension but it was not even close to how bouncy it was in the other car I checked out. I am not sure whether it was owed to the cobra springs or whether he put the springs meant for a GT TSI with a lower load capacity on his 1.5 TDI that made it so uncomfortable.The GTD build alongside the 1.0 TSI.A small drag race with the Stage 2 1.0 TSI Automatic. (Don't worry we did it on a private stretch of road that had been closed off due to some construction going on in that area, and as it was a Sunday the construction works had also been halted. So the area was completely deserted). Look at the GTD fly. Both cars had two passengers. Running on the exact same specification and brand tyres.After realising Eibach is a safe bet, the search began again. I was on the look out for Eibach springs and about one week later my friend / tuner again calls me up and says, hes found a pair of used springs, they were not exactly Eibach but were OEM VW Springs imported from Europe.The springs finished in dark blue (coincidentally matching with the painted callipers).As per the VW Accessories Brochure in Germany, there was an VW OEM Lowering Spring Kit available for the Polo 6R. This offered a 30mm drop on all four corners and for a fairly decent price. These were available in 3 differents weights, 830kg (6R0071677A), 860kg (6R0071677) and 960kg (6R0071677B). They were dark blue in colour and were manufactured by Eibach in collaboration with VW. The springs he found were the highest load rated ones. Best of both worlds much?Took the leap. Acquired them asap. Headed straight to my FNG within a couple of days to get them installed.The springs going in.Moment of truth.The car looked so damn good. The drop was perfection. The added handling benefits were great as well. Definitely worth the money spent. It was not very bouncy, it handled like a charm and wasnt uncomfortable at all. The car was absolutely turning into a OEM+ build xD.The clean drop after the springs.I wasnt done with the build but my bank account sure was at this point. The build was pretty silent for a couple of months until my beloved S/O got me a pair of EBC yellow stuff brake pads for our anniversary. It was a much needed, upgrade considering all of the other upgrades I had done to the car. Yes I know a big brake kit would have made more sense but all in good timeThe pads going in.The Yellow stuff pads were doing an amazing job at stopping the car. I still havent gotten to use the entire potential of it as its still in its break in period. So taking it easy for now.That was the last thing added to the build list. It has been a fulfilling journey so far and I am beyond excited for what is in store.So whats left in the build?And in the far out future, maybe a 2.0 TDI or 2.0 TSI swap along with a DQ250 gearbox? A man can dreamBefore I end my post, I wanted to give a HUGE shoutout to my dear friend Mr. Jyothirgosh from Venom Performance Kerala. He has been the literal backbone of this entire build having sourced 99% of everything for me. I can't thank him enough for being there for me throughout this entire journey. And ofcourse I have to thank Sreeram from Venom Performance India for the absolute magic he has done with the remap. From a puny 90 bhp ecobox to a literal monster that punches waaaay about its weight.GTD.So thats it guys, bit of a long one I know but thanks for taking the time to go through my journey. Ill part ways for now with a few pictures of my GTD build. Be sure to be on the look out for more.
A hot potato: The Harvard physicist who claims that the small fragments he found on the ocean floor could have alien origins isn't finding much support from fellow scientists and experts, whose responses to Avi Loeb's theory have ranged from skepticism to anger.

We heard earlier this month that Loeb, who serves as Frank B. Baird, Jr. Professor of Science at Harvard University, had set off on an expedition to recover fragments of a meteor, IM1, that exploded near Manus Island on January 8, 2014.

According to a study led by Loeb and Amir Siraj, an astrophysics student at Harvard, the meteor's speed and the fact it exploded much lower in the Earth's atmosphere indicated "a possible origin from the deep interior of a planetary system or a star in the thick disk of the Milky Way galaxy."

"There are about 850 spoken languages in Papua, the most linguistically diverse place on Earth," Prof Loeb wrote on Medium. "Yet, if the expedition recovers a gadget with an extraterrestrial inscription, we will add a new language to this site."

The voyage recovered several tiny spherical objects of sub-millimeter size and sub-milligram mass made of a steel and titanium alloy stronger than what is found in other meteorites. Loeb said they could be part of a spacecraft from another civilization, or some technological gadget.

But Loeb's enthusiasm isn't shared by many of his fellow scientists. "People are sick of hearing about Avi Loeb's wild claims," said Steve Desch (via The New York Times), an astrophysicist at Arizona State University. "It's polluting good science  conflating the good science we do with this ridiculous sensationalism and sucking all the oxygen out of the room."

Desch added that several of his colleagues were now refusing to engage with Loeb's work in the peer review evaluation process. "[Loeb's claims are] a real breakdown of the peer review process and the scientific method," Desch told the publication. "And it's so demoralizing and tiring." He also argues that if IM1 really was traveling as fast as the data shows, which is taken from the US DoD, it would have burned up in our atmosphere.

Peter Brown, a meteor physicist at Western University in Ontario, also questioned Loeb's methods. He said that although several events detected using ground-based radar and optical networks appear to be interstellar, nearly all of them are due to measurement error. Loeb responded that the government was likely to "know what they are doing," and US Space Command said in a letter that it was 99.99% certain of IM1's interstellar origins.

6/ "I had the pleasure of signing a memo with @ussfspoc's Chief Scientist, Dr. Mozer, to confirm that a previously-detected interstellar object was indeed an interstellar object, a confirmation that assisted the broader astronomical community." pic.twitter.com/PGlIOnCSrW  U.S. Space Command (@US_SpaceCom) April 7, 2022

"I like wild and crazy ideas  they make us all think  occasionally one of them might be right. But I'm extremely skeptical about this one," said Dan Werthimer, chief technologist of the SETI Research Center at the University of California, Berkeley.

The spheres have been sent to Harvard University, the University of California, Berkeley, and the Bruker Corporation in Germany for more in-depth analysis. Loeb says the results will be published in a scientific paper that will be submitted for a peer-reviewed journal.
The Centre for International Law Research and Policy (CILRAP), a leading academic centre in Brussels, recently honoured Justice Adel Maged, Vice-President of the Court of Cassation, for his significant contributions towards combating hateful expression and extremism.

This recognition coincides with the release of Religion, Hateful Expression, and Violence, a comprehensive anthology comprising 31 chapters by 40 leading authors, including two chapters authored by Justice Maged. The e-book can be accessed freely at https://www.toaep.org/ps-pdf/41-bergsmo-manocha/.

The book extensively examines hate speech in the name of religion through case studies from India, Myanmar, and the former Yugoslavia.

The anthology's central focus is on the international problem of hate speech leading to violence and systemic discrimination. It explores international laws regarding religion and hate speech and emphasizes the measures available to religious leaders to effectively reduce or prevent it.

Karim Khan, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) (Middle) with Justice Adel Maged (Right)



In a letter dated 21 July 2023, Professor Morten Bergsmo, CILRAP's Director and one of the book's editors, acknowledged the rarity of accepting two chapters from a single author in an anthology. Nevertheless, Justice Maged's submission was deemed exceptional, owing to the significance of his chapter titled Incitement to Religious Hatred: An Examination of the Approaches of Extremists to Islamic Shariah.

This chapter examines the progression towards violence in individuals, starting from dogmatism and fanaticism to extremism, and ultimately, violent extremism, which is often expressed through acts of terrorism.

The chapter provides a comprehensive exploration of Shariah sources relevant to extremism and hate speech. It denounces extremist ideologies and clarifies how radical Islamists manipulate Shariah provisions to justify criminal violence, which is emphasized by Professor Bergsmo.

In his second chapter in the book, Justice Maged presents an English translation of his study titled The Role of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif in Combating Extremism and Hate Speech in Light of International Instruments.

Prominent scholars and practitioners have praised these chapters for raising awareness about how the Shariah prohibits hateful expression and highlighting the crucial role of a moderate counter-narrative that is well-informed about religious principles and sentiments.

Professor Mohamed E. Badar, a professor of comparative and international criminal law at Northumbria School of Law in Newcastle (UK), commended Justice Maged's work and disclosed that a defense team at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has cited Justice Maged's recent research.

In the anthology, Professor Badar, who previously served as the Legal Consultant for the Defence Team of Al-Hassan's Case before the ICC, has contributed a chapter titled How Should Responsible Religious Leaders React to Hate Speech in Their Community? Additionally, the book features contributions from other Egyptians, including Dr. Mona Elbahtimy and Fathi M.A. Ahmed.

Egyptian readers may find several chapters particularly relevant, such as those that discuss hate speech against Muslims in Myanmar (by Al-Haj Khalifah U Aye Lwin and Kyaw Tin) and against Bosnian Muslims (by Professor Svein Mnnesland and Dr Majda Halilovic), as well as the situation in Iran (by Bani Dugal.)

Justice Maged was appointed as a member of CILRAP's Advisory Board due to his extensive judicial expertise, unblemished reputation for integrity, and unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of the rule of law and justice, as emphasized by Professor Bergsmo. In addition to his distinguished service as a judge in Egypt, Professor Bergsmo highlighted Justice Maged's contributions to international discourses.

Justice Maged addressed attacks against religion in his book Responsibility of States for Defamation of Religion and Religious Figures, published by the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research in 2007. He has also represented Egypt at international conferences and contributed to drafting legal frameworks to combat armed terrorist groups that distort Islamic Shariah provisions to achieve their malicious goals.

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A hot potato: There are fears that AI could impact many jobs, including, it seems, newsreaders. In India, AI presenters appeared on TV for the first time in April, prompting concerns that these multilingual, cheap, and untiring anchors offer a better alternative for companies than their human counterparts.

The first of these generated humans that appeared was Sana in April. According to The South China Morning Post, the AI reads highlights on Hindi-language news channel Aaj Tak, owned by one the country's largest media houses.

After Sana's arrival, another AI chatbot presenter, this one called Lisa, appeared on East Indian station Odisha TV, reading the headlines in the local language of Odia.

Lisa could easily be mistaken for a real person when looking at a still image, but the stilted, monotone speaking, unusual blinking, stuttering image, and repeated hand movements make it obvious that this is an AI  she's like a modern Max Headroom.

However, the chatbots' ability to read the news 24/7 without needing a break, not require a wage like a human would, and speak many different languages in a country that has 22 official ones suggests AI newsreaders could become a common sight in India.

It's not just India that has introduced AI presenters. These types of digital humans are especially popular in China, which revealed what it claims was the first-ever AI news anchor back in 2018.

Other countries across Asia and the Middle East, including Indonesia, Taiwan, Kuwait, and Malaysia have also introduced AI news anchors.

It's unclear how much the use of these artificial intelligences has impacted human jobs. Aaj Tak owner India Today and Odisha TV both claim the chatbots are there to complement human presenters and journalists, and are not a substitute for humans.

"It's a question of more efficiency in the newsroom and enhancing the creativity of our staff by removing mundane and repetitive tasks. Sana can speak in multiple languages, switch between topics with ease, and is never tired," said Vivek Malhotra, head of marketing and strategy at India Today.

The next step is to train the chatbots to take part in televised debates.

India is seeing some of the fastest adoption of AI across multiple industries. Emad Mostaque, CEO of Stability AI, believes few professions will be hit as hard as the country's outsourced coders, most of whom will see their jobs wiped out by 2025.
TL;DR: In addition to being the largest reservoir of Earth's fresh water, the Antarctic region plays a vital role in the planet's ecosystem and climate cycle through its sea ice packs. However, this year, sea ice levels haven't rebounded as scientists had anticipated, and this could signify a critical "tipping point" leading to irreversible changes in the climate cycle.

The Anthropocene is here, and the planet may already be beyond the point where climate change can be effectively mitigated, ensuring a decent chance of survival for most of humankind. This, at least, is one potential interpretation of a phenomenon observed by scientists earlier this year when the sea ice formations around Antarctica failed to recover as they typically do during winter.

Antarctic sea ice, typically a few meters thick, forms when seawater freezes during winter and retreats in the summer. However, in 2023, researchers discovered that Antarctic sea ice failed to "substantially" return to usual winter levels. The amount of frozen seawater around the South Pole reached "all-time low" levels in 2016, 2017, and 2022, but 2023 marked an entirely unprecedented milestone.

According to physical oceanographer Edward Doddridge, labeling this new milestone as "unprecedented" is insufficient. He emphasized that it qualifies as "a five-sigma event," meaning it is five standard deviations beyond the mean. Doddridge explained that, if nothing had changed, we would expect to witness a winter like this approximately "once every 7.5 million years."

Sea ice plays an important part in keeping Earth's climate balanced and, well, survivable for human beings and other living species, as it helps the planet regulate its temperature by reflecting part of the Sun's energy back into space through a process known as ice-albedo feedback. Furthermore, the annual cycle of freezing and melting drives global water currents which transport nutrients throughout the oceans and keep entire ecosystems alive.

If there is no Antarctic sea ice anymore, the scientists warn, sunlight will be absorbed by the ocean and temperatures will rise even faster than they are currently. Entire habitats like penguin and seal colonies could die out, while the lifecycle of smaller yet important organisms like krill could be disrupted.

Scientists are trying to understand why sea ice formation around Antarctica has come to a virtual standstill this year. Two significant potential factors have emerged: natural phenomena or human-induced climate change. Doddridge suggests that the latter is likely to blame, and the current situation may worsen in the near future.

According to Doddridge, changes in sea temperature likely disrupted sea ice formation. However, sea ice physicist Petra Heil believes the phenomenon results from a combination of atmospheric changes and warmer seawaters. Heil emphasizes that the entire system is "strongly coupled," and the root cause of the problem lies in human activity. The scientists caution that we might be heading towards a new state for our planet, which could be "quite concerning" for the sustainability of human conditions on Earth.
California's truck depot is considered the busiest container port in the country, and the shift to electric is a massive focus now, with WattEV debuting its first electric charging stations to answer its needs. The company opened up a 26-port electric truck charging station that will service both the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles.

These ports are situated across each other and are known to be the busiest ports in the western hemisphere, with thousands of trucks operating in the area.

WattEV Debuts 26-Port Charging Station for the US' Busiest Ports

(Photo : PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

Electrek reported that WattEV already opened its previously announced project to service both the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles with its 26-port charging station in California. The electric truck chargers also saw interoperability capabilities to service different kinds or make of these trucks, ensuring that all those who are using clean energy are eligible to use them.

The current stations employ 13 dual-cord 360 kW CCS chargers that output 5 MW for the depot, with the company looking to up it to 8 MW with the Megawatt Charge System (MCS) implementation soon. The company is looking to expand its capabilities come 2026.

WattEV's charging stations can charge an electric truck in about 2 to 3 hours, significantly longer than the 30 to 45 minutes for traditional diesel trucks.

Read Also: Houston's Arch of Time: World's Largest Sundial to Generate 400,000 kWh of Electricity Annually

California's Ports are Getting the Clean Energy Treatment

California imposed a regulation for these trucks, asking for a shift to clean energy starting January 1, 2024, which is less than six months from now, giving its operators only a short time for the changes. With WattEV's initiative and soon expansion, these electric trucks would have the chance to charge up from the ports to bring them to their destinations.

Moreover, it would help reduce the smoke blown to Los Angeles, as the current truck industry contributes to the city.

Electric Trucks Are Doing Their Part for the Environment

Light and passenger cars are already known for being in the now, towards the shift to clean energy, but the focus of many automakers and those concerned with cleaning up the world is to have other types of vehicles also see the electric shift. Now, various companies are looking to bring their electric trucks, with one startup in the UK, Tevva, soon to mass produce its TEV75.

Back in November 2022, Tesla also unveiled its first and only electric cargo truck known as the Semi, with the company first fulfilling the orders from different companies who already purchased. Elon Musk also demonstrated the truck's capabilities to the world in doing a 500-mile trip with 81,000 lbs. of cargo hauled in its test.

Electric trucks are now the focus, as thousands of these cargo vehicles go around the country for their deliveries and are considered to be among those who contribute to air pollution. In California alone, these trucks are massive pollutants, and with the shift to clean energy, WattEV is doing its part to fulfill the charging needs to keep the monumental shift going.

Related Article: Renewable Solar Energy Could Purify Water, New Study Shows

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A federal jury in Waco, Texas brought down its decision against Google for allegedly infringing three patents of Touchstream Technologies pertaining to its Chromecast devices. Alphabet is now asked to pay as much as $339 million in damages for its alleged copying of the streaming technology that turns the television into a streaming device.

Google continuously denied the allegations but is now compelled to pay the company regarding its patent breaches stemming back to 2013.

Google Chromecast Patent Infringement to Pay $339M to Touchstream

(Photo : Paul Abraham (Deepaul) from Pixabay)

Google's Chromecast was allegedly copied from Touchstream Technologies' 2010 invention, now seeing a $338.7 million settlement charge against the Big Tech company.

Reuters reported that Google was recently handed the verdict by the recent court proceedings in Texas, asking it to pay a total of $338.7 million for the damages it caused against Touchstream Technologies. The patent infringement case which started in 2021 now met its end, with the company getting what it stood up for, for almost a decade.

As per the verdict, Google allegedly infringed three patents from Touchstream, centering on the Chromecast device. Touchstream claimed that it first presented Google with the idea back in 2011 but was dropped by the Big Tech after two months.

In 2013, Google then released the first edition of Chromecast to the world, sporting the allegedly same features.

Read Also: New Google Chromecast Appears on the Google Home App - Could it be a Higher-End 'Pro' Option?

Touchstream Claims Google Copied its Streaming Tech

Touchstream fought against Google in the courts, serving them up with a formal complaint back in 2021 for their alleged infringements on the company's patents in creating the Chromecast. Two years later, Touchstream got the verdict it wanted, but this seems to not be the end of this altercation as Google is looking to appeal the decision of the court.

The Chromecast Device and Google's Infringements

Google's Chromecast is one of the most innovative devices of its time, as it allows users to cast their content from the smartphone directly to the television via the device and the mobile app. Throughout the years, Google debuted significant developments for the Chromecast that allows better experiences and more services to link.

However, in this recent lawsuit, Alphabet and Google were outed by Touchstream that this idea is not originally theirs.

This also includes other of its devices and services that feature the same capabilities like the Google Nest and Home smart speakers that the company debuted in the past.

Now, Touchstream is getting what it deserves, and the software company is pleased with the turnout of the case, from a New York startup against the Big Tech company from California. Google still denies that it copied Chromecast from Touchstream Technologies' developments, but the company is now asked to settle for the damages in the years-long case.

Related Article: Google's Chromecast to No Longer See Updates, Ends Support for TV Tech from 2013

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The UK plans to investigate harmful ads on popular platforms, including Google. This comes as it says it would force social media companies and services like Google Ads by Alphabet to stop these harmful ads.

The UK is Trying to Crackdown on Scam Ads, Especially Inappropriate Ads that Children Could See

According to the story by BNN Bloomberg, the type of ads that the UK wants to crack down on includes scam advertisements, which involve fake celebrity endorsements or age-restricted ads regarding drinking and gambling.

This comes as they take a more significant stance to ensure that children don't see the ads while underaged, as highlighted by the Gov.uk.

The Department for Culture, Media, and Sport stated via email regarding the situation, explaining the risks of these advertisements. Aside from the dangers of people believing the fake ads, it was also explained that there could be negative cybersecurity implementations.

Major Concerns Shared by the Department Include Pop-Ups that Look Legitimate but Include Malware

Some of the significant concerns they shared were regarding the endorsement of financial scams and how legitimate-looking pop-ups contained hidden malware. The agency was also looking against promoting products prohibited under UK law.

The department also highlighted the different products prohibited under UK law, including illegal substances, weapons, fake ticketing, and even counterfeit fashion. They have decided that a range of targeted legislative and non-legislative measures will be in place to address the most severe risks when advertising online.

It was noted that the laws impose extra responsibilities regarding the complex digital advertising supply chain. This covers significant platforms for simple website owners and other field players.

The Law Would Cov er Ad-Tech Intermediaries Like Influencers and Other Players in the Digital Advertising Space

The new law would cover ad-tech intermediaries and even influencers, as highlighted in an article by the Financial Times, and ensure that the standard is upheld by all the players online. The measures will also be targetting what was referred to as the "so-called ad-tech supply chain."

The department said that the new law would complement the Online Safety Bill as it would try to address scam ads on social media and search engines.

Read Also: UK Launches First Bad Credit Comparison Website

The UK Government has Yet to Design Which Government Body Would be Responsible for Enforcing the New Law

It was noted that part of what the UK government already calls its Online Advertising Programme. This would allow officials to consult regarding the details of the potential legislation, including what type of regulator should be tapped to oversee the new rules.

With a potential regulator in place, they would enforce fines or punishments on companies that do not uphold the UK's ad standard. However, this remains to be seen when an agency would be tapped as the regulator or watchdog for digital advertising.

Related Article: Google to Integrate its AI to Assistant, Will Help Summarize Web Pages, Sites, and MORE

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The next low-Earth orbit (LEO) destination may not be a space station, but one of the world's largest spacecraft that has been repurposed to lock in the planet's orbit and serve as a hub for knowledge and information. SpaceX's Starship is best known to be a large spacecraft that promises to bring humans to the Moon or Mars and back, but it may have more to give soon.

This is alongside the previous confirmation that the International Space Station's (ISS) upcoming decommissioning come in the next decade.

SpaceX Starship to be the Next Space Station, LEO Destination

(Photo : SpaceX via Twitter)

NASA's Collaborations for Commerical Space Capabilities (CCSC) announced last month that SpaceX's Starship is a part of its program for its plans on developing it to be the next space station.

As a space station, the Starship would not be going anywhere, as it would stay locked in on the low-Earth orbit for different missions to come and go.

This would also be a part of SpaceX's plans to turn the Starship that is locked in orbit to be the next LEO destination as part of its plans for commercial space activities for the public.

SpaceX's plans for the Starship are different from the other ventures from the likes of Blue Origin, Nanoracks, and Northrop Grumman each has its plans to build the next space station, says Ars Technica.

Read Also: NASA Partners With SpaceX, Blue Origin, and 5 Other US Companies to Advance Space Capabilities

NASA Providing Technical Support to SpaceX

In this CCSC initiative from NASA, it will provide technical and expert support to SpaceX in its plans to repurpose the Starship into the next space station. This also means that SpaceX would not get monetary support from NASA, as this is out of the budgeting from the space agency's allocations for commercial space projects.

SpaceX's Starship Developments

SpaceX is one of the most successful but also ambitious companies in the world that have massive stakes in the space industry's expansion. The company is currently developing the Starship for its future flight, with plans of making as many as 1,000 Starships in the future for multiple flights to bring humans to other surfaces commercially, like the Moon and Mars.

For now, the company is back to its Boca Chica facilities to improve and fix the current problems of the Starship, especially as it exploded in its initial fully-stacked test in April.

Despite the many roadblocks to its massive plans, SpaceX is still looking to complete its Starship for future missions, and other plans for the spacecraft.

Apart from its significant plans to bring humanity to Mars and other deep space ventures, SpaceX is also a contender in bringing an upcoming space station that will continue what the current brings. With NASA's support for the company, there would be massive developments in the future, alongside the different developments for the future of space studies in orbit.

Related Article: SpaceX Seeks Dismissal of Environmental Lawsuit, Denying Allegations for Leaving Destruction to Wildlife

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The growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-enhanced social media has sparked concerns about their potential to manipulate reality and influence public opinion.

In response to this, a neuroscience expert from Rice University's Baker Institute of Public Policy, Harris Eyre, advocates for a digital self-defense system to protect individuals and communities from AI-driven misinformation and its impact on collective intelligence.

'Neuroshield' to Protect the Public from AI

In a new report, Eyre emphasized the need for regulatory measures to control advanced AI and AI-enhanced social media platforms, which have the potential to distort reality and spread false information, thereby challenging the democratic functioning of societies.

The rise of deep fakes, especially during election seasons, has further amplified the urgency to address these concerns and safeguard the integrity of information.

Eyre proposed the development of a "neuroshield," a multifaceted approach to counter the negative effects of AI on our cognitive processes and collective well-being. The neuroshield would involve three key components: a code of conduct for information objectivity, regulatory protections, and an educational toolkit for citizens.

The first aspect of the neuroshield focuses on establishing a "code of conduct" among publishers, journalists, media leaders, and opinion makers to support the objectivity of information.

While acknowledging the importance of social and political freedom in interpreting facts, Eyre emphasized the need to protect undeniable truths from being distorted by ambiguous or misleading narratives.

The second aspect revolves around implementing regulatory protections to ensure that AI model providers are held accountable and maintain transparency. Drawing inspiration from the proposed European AI Act, Eyre advocates for policies addressing AI technologies' potential biases and vulnerabilities.

Read Also: Christopher Nolan Says AI Creators Are Facing Their 'Oppenheimer Moment,' Warns of 'Terrifying Possibilities'

Educational Toolkit for Citizens

The third component of the neuroshield entails creating an educational toolkit for citizens, especially young people heavily engaged on social media platforms.

This toolkit, developed in collaboration with neuroscientists, aims to enhance cognitive freedom and empower individuals to discern factual information from disinformation.

By equipping people with fact-checking skills and an awareness of cognitive biases, the toolkit serves as a defense against the manipulative tactics employed by AI-driven misinformation.

"It is critical for both policymakers and brain scientists to advance this policy approach," Eyre said in a statement.

"The proposed European AI Act is an example of foreseeing how AI model providers can be held accountable and maintain transparency. By closely involving neuroscientists in planning and rolling out the Neuroshield, the US can ensure that the best existing insights about the functioning of our cognition are taken into account," he added.

Related Article: Computer Scientists Develop 'De-Stijl' Tool With Adobe to Help People Use Color Better in Graphic Design

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Microsoft's Bing Chat, an AI chatbot similar to ChatGPT, is expanding its availability to non-Microsoft browsers, including Google Chrome and Apple's Safari. The move comes after reports of some users spotting Bing Chat in these browsers, and Microsoft has now confirmed the expansion to TechCrunch.

"We are flighting access to Bing Chat in Safari and Chrome to select users as part of our testing on other browsers," Caitlin Roulston, Microsoft's director of communications, told TechCrunch. "We are excited to expand access to even more users once our standard testing procedures are complete.

Bing Chat on Non-Microsoft Browsers

Users who accessed Bing Chat on Windows were presented with a pop-up in the taskbar of Windows 10 or 11, inviting them to try the Bing AI in Chrome. Alternatively, users can go to Bing.com on their preferred browser and click the "Chat" icon to experience Bing Chat.

But according to TechCrunch, Bing Chat was accessible in Chrome but not yet available in Safari, possibly due to the ongoing testing phase limited to a select group of users.

Bing Chat employs OpenAI's GPT-4 model to deliver a ChatGPT-like experience. While some users tried the AI chatbot in other browsers, they noticed certain limitations compared to the original version.

For instance, Bing Chat in Chrome allows only five messages per conversation, whereas Microsoft Edge supports 30 messages. Additionally, Chrome restricts the character count to 2,000, while Edge supports up to 3,000 characters.

Microsoft has not officially confirmed these differences or provided more information about the various versions of Bing Chat. The company also has not disclosed when the expansion to other browsers started, which platforms are supported, or whether users in various countries will be included in the testing.

Read Also: Microsoft Expands Windows 11 Hardware Compatibility to Include Newer CPUs From Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm

Bing Chat's Integration

Bing Chat is currently undergoing testing for compatibility with Chrome and Safari and is also experimenting with a native dark theme, although this feature is not yet widely accessible, according to TechCrunch's report.

Since its initial launch earlier this year, Bing Chat has made significant strides in integration across various Microsoft products. It is already available for users of the Bing mobile app and Edge browser on iOS, Android, and desktop devices and has been seamlessly integrated with Skype.

Recently, Microsoft unveiled its plans to expand Bing Chat into the enterprise market by introducing a version that includes business-focused data privacy and governance controls.

In conjunction with the announcement, Microsoft introduced Visual Search, empowering Bing Chat to deliver responses to inquiries pertaining to uploaded images.

The company continues to explore and integrate novel features and improvements into Bing Chat, intending to reach a wider user audience and deliver a more diverse AI experience across various platforms and devices.

Related Article: Microsoft Store to Bring AI Tab Featuring All Apps with It, AI-Generated Reviews to Summarize Insights

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Elon Musk did not think that his controversial tweet in 2018 will someday be a subject of a Supreme Court trial.

Recently, the Tesla CEO has appealed to the US Supreme Court over the "SEC funding secured" post. The entrepreneur said that the judges should reevaluate the case to see if SEC has abused the decree in harassing him over the tweet.

Elon Musk Believes SEC Went Too Far on His Tweet

Musk's lawyer Alex Spiro announced on Tuesday, July 25 that Musk is planning to appeal to the Supreme Court so he could ask him about SEC's authority.

The Securities and Exchange Commission, as Musk told Spiro, has "overstepped its authority" to the point that his free speech was suppressed, per Yahoo.

Moreover, Musk claimed that he was pushed into the decree and he couldn't do anything but challenge the terms that SEC proposed in the settlement.

Eventually, a truce was made and a $40 million fine is waiting for Musk and Tesla. SEC said that the tech billionaire should vacate his position as a board chairman and he has to seek legal approval especially when posting information about the company's financial standing.

Related Article: Elon Musk Still Has Plans to Bring His 'Everything App' X to Life, but Twitter Needs to Be Fixed First

SEC Calls Musk's Tweet a Fraud

The context behind Musk's tweet in August 2018 has caught the attention of the SEC to act swiftly on the subject, per Engadget.

When Musk claimed that the funding was already secured for Tesla's plans to go private, many shareholders thought that this was wrong on all levels.

Because of this, the shareholders did not acknowledge the quick transition of Tesla going private. The SEC noticed this and argued that Musk's tweets could fall under fraud.

The Tesla chief pointed out that it's not a requirement for people to respond to his tweets. He gave an example where the stock price of Tesla skyrocketed following another tweet that said that its value was "too high."

At the moment, no one knows if the Supreme Court will listen to Musk's request or not. At the end of the day, he can't dictate what the judges can do to his case. One thing is guaranteed: the court's decision will most likely affect Musk's blemished status on social media.

In other news, Musk announced that Twitter's iconic bird logo, which has been running for several years, will soon be replaced by an "X" symbol.

As Tech Times reported, this is what Musk has been envisioning for the overall improvement of the long-time-running microblogging site.

While some favored this change, other users think that this won't fare for too long. With Meta's Threads on the surge right now, Twitter needs a major overhaul to stand out and be different in the social media space.

Read Also: ElonJet Creator Migrates to Threads to Revive His Musk Flight-Tracking Account

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In a recent liftoff to add to Starlink's 4000-strong satellite constellation, Elon Musk's SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on July 19.

While the mission aimed to propel a payload into orbit, it has since sparked concern among scientists. Independent.co reports that a new analysis suggests that such rocket launches may be punching "holes" in the Earth's ionosphere.

As global rocket launches increase, so do the instances of these ionospheric disruptions, with potential impacts on radio communications and navigation systems.

The Ionospheric "Hole" Phenomenon

According to NASA, the ionosphere comprises electrically charged particles that sit 10-400 miles above the planet's surface. Consisting of plasma with electrically charged particles, it plays a crucial role in enabling radio communications and GPS signals on Earth.

It is a dynamic layer affected by solar conditions and divided into sub-regions known as D, E, and F.

Rocket launches, mainly when engines burn at altitudes of 120 to 190 miles above the Earth's surface, can create "holes" in this vital layer.

Experts explain that the exhaust flames from fast-moving rockets, which release water and carbon dioxide, interfere with the ionization process, especially in the F-layer, which has the highest electron density.

This disruption is evident in the signature red color emitted as oxygen ions react with rocket exhaust electrons, akin to the red-auroras.

Read Also: China's Next-Gen Spaceship to Carry 7 Astronauts, Eyeing Maiden Voyage by 2028

Rockets' Shockwaves

As rockets propel through the ionosphere, they generate shockwaves and disturbances that move faster than the speed of sound.

According to the study at hand, this motion can trigger shock acoustic waves (SAWs), as seen in a previous SpaceX Falcon 9 launch in August 2017. During that mission, carrying Taiwan's FORMOSAT-5 satellite, circular SAWs were observed approximately five minutes after liftoff.

The shockwaves covered an expansive area from 114 to 128 degrees west in longitude and 26 to 39 degrees north in latitude, spanning around 1,500 kilometers in diameter.

While the circular SAWs from the Falcon 9 launch did not significantly affect Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), experts note that the plasma hole resulting from the rocket's exhaust did introduce minor positioning errors.

According to researchers, the ionospheric irregularities caused by the hole could lead to discrepancies of up to 1 meter in positioning. While this might not pose a major concern for daily navigation, it emphasizes the need for further study and consideration as rocket launches become more frequent.

Growing Concerns and Previous Incidents

The phenomenon of rocket-induced ionospheric holes has raised concerns among scientists, notably as rocket missions surge in number worldwide. SpaceX alone has already launched 49 rockets this year.

Independent reports that space physicist Jeff Baumgardner from Boston University acknowledges the possibility of the Falcon 9 launch causing an ionospheric hole, echoing a sentiment observed during the FORMOSAT-5 satellite launch.

Scientists urge space agencies and private enterprises to continue researching and monitoring the consequences of rocket launches on the ionosphere.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: SpaceX's Falcon 9 Rocket Achieves Record-Breaking Launch of 143 Satellites

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Egypt condemned on Tuesday a suicide bombing that targeted a military targeted a military training camp Somalias capital, Mogadishu on Monday killing dozens and injuring many more.

The bombing left 30 dead and 73 injured, as reported by news agency Reuters.

The bombing was claimed by the Al Qaeda-linked Al Shabab terrorist group, which has been carrying out attacks since it had been forced from many territories in the southern area by the Somalian army in 2022.

Egypt expressed its sincere condolences and sympathies to the government and people of the Somalia as well to the families of the victims.

Finally, Egypt wishing a speedy recovery for all the injured, and affirming its stand by brotherly Somalia in confronting all forms of violence, extremism and terrorism

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In order to keep up with the rising demand for microchips in smartphones, servers, data centers, and storage applications, international organizations are expanding their semiconductor production capacity.

The CHIPS and Science Act in the US and the Chips Act in the EU both seek to increase local production, lessen reliance on outside sources, and foster a bright future for science and technology.

(Photo: VIRGINIA MAYO/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton speaks during a signature ceremony regarding the Chips Act at EU headquarters in Brussels on February 8, 2022.





The European Chips Act

By 2030, the European Union's Chips Act seeks to increase Europe's capacity for chip manufacture, spending 43 billion ($47.5 billion) to reach a 20% share of world microchip output.

The Act, which was introduced in February 2022, intends to encourage innovation, draw in investment, and get ready for any supply issues. Increasing domestic production and preparing for any supply disruptions are the EU's main objectives.

With the Chips Act, the EU hopes to become a world leader and less dependent on Chinese chip producers. The program has already resulted in new manufacturing facilities, greater R&D, and a rekindled sense of pride in European industry.

Hector Gomez Hernandez, the Spanish Minister for Industry, Trade, and Tourism, believes this initiative will bring a renaissance to the EU's tech industry, reducing foreign dependencies and enhancing domestic prowess.

Read Also: EU Supports US on Blocking Exports of Chip-Making Supplies to China

Its Use for The Industry

The CHIPS and Science Act passed in 2022, allocates $52 billion in funds and tax incentives to support America's semiconductor sector. The legislation was adopted by President Biden with an emphasis on measures for semiconductor manufacturing.

The additional funding seeks to improve the country's capacity to lead in chip manufacturing and promote innovation.

The Spring 2023 announcement of the CHIPS and Science Act aroused interest and rivalry among businesses and academic organizations. The legislation intends to boost domestic semiconductor production, advance R&D, and establish a dynamic ecosystem of chip-related businesses.

It ensures the safety of the country's supply chain and upholds the US's leadership in semiconductor technology, giving it a competitive edge in the international market.

Global Chip Race

To improve the state of the global semiconductor industry, the EU and the US are concentrating on domestic chip production. Foreign organizations may encounter difficulties when big economies bolster their positions, such as a decreased reliance on manufacturing capacity.

A decentralized supply chain, on the other hand, may increase global resilience and lessen vulnerabilities. The requirement for major investment to promote research and development and expand manufacturing capacity is one of the challenges.

The competition for supremacy in the semiconductor industry may increase geopolitical tensions, which might result in trade conflicts or supply chain limitations.

The CHIPS and Science Act in the US and the EU both seek to support regional chip production and position economies in the semiconductor sector. These programs lessen reliance on foreign aid, encourage research, and foster economic expansion.

However, smaller economies have difficulties due to global rivalry, investment, geopolitical conflicts, and competition, which creates an unfair playing field.

Related Article: EU Agrees with $44 Billion Plan to Fund Semiconductor Production, Reduces Reliance with US and Asian Manufacturers

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This day in history: NASA's Viking 1 spacecraft took a stunning photograph of Mars on July 25, 1976, sparking a global debate over alien life. The photo, nicknamed "Face on Mars," seemed to depict a sculpture of eyes, a nose, and a mouth near the Red Planet's Cydonia region.



The mysterious "face," about two miles long, seemed to be looking back at the cameras, arousing widespread interest and skepticism. The photograph caused a commotion, spawning media headlines and books pondering the possible secrets of Mars, even though several scientists rejected it as just a simple Martian mesa with peculiar shadows.

NASA anticipated that publicizing the image would engage people and spark enthusiasm for exploring Mars. However, the "Face on Mars" also sparked several conspiracy theories, with some believing it was proof of life on Mars being concealed by the US space agency, according to Fox News. In addition, many who supported the space agency's spending plans hoped to find evidence of a former Martian civilization.

It's Not a Face

The Viking 1 spacecraft, launched on August 20, 1975, made history as the first mission to successfully land on Mars. In the case of suspected Martian microbes, both landers were outfitted with sterilizing procedures. Viking 2's counterpart launched on September 9, 1975.



NASA subsequently determined that the Face on Mars was just an ordinary mesa, dispelling theories of alien life as technology evolved. The visage nonetheless made its way into mainstream culture, appearing in movies, video games, comic books, and more.

Read Also: Geologists Explain Mysterious 'Gravity Hole' in Indian Ocean





The first study was supported by more precise photos of the area taken by NASA's Mars Global Surveyor in April 1998. It was discovered that certain light ray angles striking the rock's surface and wells were what created the optical appearance of a face, per CNET.

Clearer Photos Reveal More Details

Later, further pictures were shot. In April 2001, the Mars Global Surveyor returned, and in 2007, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter got a high-resolution photograph. Mars Express, a European Space Agency mission, contributed photos.



An intriguing location between Mars' cratered southern highlands and smoother northern plains is the Cydonia region, where the face is located. It may have formerly been close to a large Martian ocean if the planet's atmosphere had been suitable for retaining water on its surface.



There are numerous aesthetically remarkable structures on Mars' surface, yet the Face on Mars is still one of its most recognizable features. Mars Express and Viking captured images of additional strange shapes, such as smiling faces, skulls, and more, per Space.com.



On this day, the 47th anniversary of the discovery of the Face on Mars, astronomy fans take a look back on the intriguing story of a Martian mystery that ignited humanity's curiosity about the secrets of the cosmos and the possibility of life beyond Earth.

Related Article: NASA Telescopes Unveil Striking Eagle Nebula Brimming with X-ray Hot Stars

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President Biden has revealed his intention to nominate Harry Coker, a former official of both the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), as the next national cyber director.

The position has been vacant for about five months following the departure of the first-ever national cyber director, Chris Inglis, in February.

New National Cyber Director

The absence of a national cyber director has raised concerns among lawmakers, former officials, and tech industry groups, who have been urging the administration to fill the crucial role swiftly.

Axios tells us that the nomination of Harry Coker, pending Senate confirmation, is expected to bring much-needed leadership to the Office of the National Cyber Director, created by Congress in early 2021, to harmonize and spearhead the government's cybersecurity strategies.

Why Coker?

Coker's background aligns with other top cybersecurity officials within the administration, having served nearly two decades in the intelligence community.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Coker held key positions, including the executive director at the NSA and roles within the directorate of science and technology at the CIA. His extensive experience makes him well-suited to take charge of the nation's cybersecurity initiatives.

Currently, Coker operates as a partner at C5 Capital, a venture firm in the Washington, DC area. Interestingly, his predecessor, Chris Inglis, also returned to government service after spending time at Paladin Capital and graduating from the US Air Force Academy.

Read Also: UK Wants Stricter Ad Monitoring Policies as It Plans to Initiate Crackdown on Harmful Ads

Notably, Coker was part of the agency review team during Biden's transition, specifically tasked with creating a short-list for intelligence community positions.

This experience further highlights his familiarity with the intricacies of the intelligence landscape and positions him as a credible candidate for the national cyber director role.

The Office of the National Cyber Director

The Office of the National Cyber Director has already made significant strides in its short existence, including leading the formulation and implementation of the administration's inaugural national cyber strategy.

Additionally, the office has hosted several forums covering topics such as electric vehicle cybersecurity and workforce issues, showcasing its potential for driving cybersecurity progress across various sectors.

However, amid its accomplishments, the office has encountered challenges, as reports of political infighting and senior staff departures surfaced in recent months.

The nomination of Harry Coker, if confirmed by the Senate, is expected to reinvigorate the Office of the National Cyber Director and its vital mission. An aide for Senate Homeland Security Committee Chair Gary Peters (D-Mich.) confirmed the committee's intention to expedite Coker's nomination process, underlining the urgency to address cybersecurity concerns.

Yet, the nomination was not without controversy. The White House reportedly declined to nominate Kemba Walden, the acting national cyber director, citing her personal debts as the reason.

The debts allegedly included mortgage payments and private school costs for her children. Despite receiving support from bipartisan lawmakers and even Inglis, the decision to bypass her nomination has raised some eyebrows.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: FTC Chair Defends the Agency's Record After Microsoft-Activision Ruling

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The Free Egyptians Party (FEP) has expressed support for incumbent President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's potential candidacy in the 2024 presidential elections with the possibility of five potential candidates.

In television remarks on Monday, Essam Khalil, the FEP leader since 2015, expressed the party's full support for El-Sisi's potential bid for another presidential term

The FEP is willing to actively participate in his campaign if invited, both within Egypt and abroad.

Khalil added that the party will discuss the preliminary campaign framework for supporting El-Sisi's candidacy in the 2024 elections.

Although he has not made an official announcement, President El-Sisi, who was elected in May 2014 and re-elected in June 2018, has not ruled out the possibility of running for a third presidential term.

The Homat Watan Party (Protectors of the Nation) announced on Monday its unanimous decision to not field a candidate and called for El-Sisi to run in the 2024 elections.

The party attributed this decision to its desire "to enable President El-Sisi to continue his remarkable efforts and successes in leading the country on both internal and external levels since assuming office."

Legal experts, including Mahmoud Fawzi, Secretary-General of National Dialogue, suggest that the registration period for candidates in the 2024 presidential elections is expected to open later this year.

Aside from President El-Sisi, five potential candidates, including Abdel-Sanad Yamama (head of the El-Wafd party), Fouad Badrawi (a former MP and member of the El-Wafd party's Higher Council), Hazem Omar (head of the People's Republican Party), Ahmed El-Fadaly (chairman of the Democratic Peace Party), and Ahmed Tantawi (a former MP), have expressed their intention to compete in the upcoming presidential election.

Egypt's constitution restricts presidential terms to two consecutive terms. However, in 2019, constitutional amendments were passed to extend the presidential term from four to six years. As a result, the current president can run for another six-year term until 2030.

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The two countries look forward to deepening cooperation in areas such as the Belt and Road Initiative to generate more benefits for the two peoples.

Wang Yi, head of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met with Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Akbar Ahmadian in Johannesburg on Monday.

During the meeting, Wang said China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Iran to implement the important consensuses reached by the two heads of state and to promote the steady and long-term development of bilateral relations.

China will continue to support Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty and dignity, pursuing a development path in line with its national conditions, and safeguarding its national security, Wang said noting that China opposes external interference in Iran's internal affairs.

The Chinese diplomat also said that China is willing to strengthen synergies with Iran in implementing the China-Iran comprehensive cooperation plan, push forward Belt and Road cooperation, and help Iran improve people's quality of life and promote its economic and social development.

#China #Iran



"China is willing to help Iran improve people's livelihood and promote its economic and social development".



 Senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi told  Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian at a meeting in Johannesburg on Monday. pic.twitter.com/wBN4hSYR4b   PhoenixTV News (@PhoenixTV_News) July 25, 2023

For his part, Ahmadian said that Iran attaches great importance to its comprehensive strategic partnership with China and stressed that he hopes the two sides will tap their potential for cooperation and deepen cooperation in such areas as the Belt and Road Initiative to generate more benefits for the two peoples.

Ahmadian said the Iranian side appreciates the important role played by China in bringing about reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia and welcomes China's continued positive contributions to regional peace.
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The United States on Tuesday announced a new $400 million military assistance package for Ukraine featuring ammunition for artillery and air defense systems.

The announcement on the aid, which will be drawn from US military stocks, comes as Ukrainian troops press ahead with a slow-moving counteroffensive against invading Russian forces.

The package includes munitions for both Patriot and NASAMs air defense systems as well as Stinger missiles, 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds, 32 Stryker armored personnel carriers, and more than 28 million rounds of small arms ammunition and grenades, the Pentagon said in a statement.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the assistance is aimed at "strengthening Ukraine's brave forces on the battlefield" and "helping them retake Ukraine's sovereign territory."

"The people of Ukraine continue to bravely defend their country against Russia's aggression while Russia continues its relentless and vicious attacks that are killing Ukrainian civilians and destroying civil infrastructure," Blinken said in a statement.

The United States has spearheaded the push for international support for Ukraine, quickly forging an international coalition to back Kyiv after Russia invaded and coordinating aid from dozens of countries.

Washington has committed to providing more than $43 billion in military aid to Kyiv since Russia invaded in February 2022.

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Israeli occupation troops killed three Palestinians in the West Bank city of Nablus on Tuesday, the Palestinian health ministry said.

"Three Palestinians have been killed by Israeli bullets in Nablus," the ministry said, adding the identities of those killed remain unknown.

According to a correspondent from the Palestinian news agency WAFA, quoting security sources, the Israeli forces hindered ambulances from reaching the site, detained the bodies of the victims, and confiscated their vehicle.

An eyewitness reported that the forces intentionally targeted surveillance cameras at the location in an apparent effort to conceal details of the alleged execution crime, as per WAFA.

The Israeli army imposed a closure on the area for several hours, restricting access for medical personnel and the press. The iron gate at the entrance to Mount Gerizim was also closed, and citizens were barred from entering or leaving through it.

The deaths are the latest in a surge of violence against West Bank Palestinians. Israeli violence this year has killed at least 198 Palestinians.

Palestine's West Bank, under Israeli occupation since the Six-Day War of 1967, is home to nearly three million Palestinians, as well as around 490,000 Israelis who live in settlements considered illegal under international law.

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The American Anthropological Association (AAA), the world's largest scholarly and professional organization of anthropologists, announced that it has passed a resolution endorsing a boycott of Israeli academic institutions, in a statement on Monday.

Related US defunds science for Israeli universities in West Bank

During the all-member referendum held from 15 June to 14 July, 37 percent of eligible members voted, with 71 percent supporting the resolution and 29 percent opposing it.

The AAA's academic institutional boycott only involves refraining from formal collaborations with Israeli academic institutions and does not affect individual scholars and students affiliated with these institutions. The association is still committed to protecting academic freedom and promoting the dissemination of anthropological knowledge.

Founded in 1902, the AAA has over 10,000 members who are anthropologists from various institutions worldwide, including universities, research institutions, museums, government agencies, non-profits, and corporations.

The Executive Board of the AAA has authorized several actions that align with the association's core values and goals, including barring Israeli academic institutions from being listed in AAA's published materials, advertising in its publications, using its conference facilities for job interviews, participating in the AAA Graduate School Fair, participating in the AAA Departmental Services Programme, participating in joint conferences or events with AAA and its sections, and republishing or reprinting articles from AAA publications in journals and publications owned by Israeli institutions, as per the statement.

Individuals affiliated with Israeli academic institutions can still attend AAA conferences, even if their institutions have paid for their expenses, as the boycott does not prohibit them from registering and participating.

AAA journal articles can still be reprinted or republished in journals not owned by Israeli institutions, which are edited by individuals affiliated with Israeli academic institutions.

Individuals affiliated with Israeli academic institutions can still serve as journal editors or elected officials in AAA, even if their institutions cover the related expenses. Israeli university libraries can subscribe to AAA journals, including AnthroSource.

The resolution has empowered the Executive Board to create an implementation plan, including outlining the process for considering lifting the boycott. The AAA will only end the institutional boycott when a group of experts, commissioned for this purpose, reaches a consensus that Israeli academic institutions have significantly ceased their complicity in violating Palestinian rights, as per international law.

The Executive Board will review and assess the situation every five years or as required and decide whether to maintain the boycott.

This was indeed a contentious issue, and our differences may have sparked fierce debate, but we have made a collective decision and it is now our duty to forge ahead, united in our commitment to advancing scholarly knowledge, finding solutions to human and social problems, and serving as a guardian of human rights, said a statement from Ramona L. Perez, a professor of anthropology at San Diego State University and president of the association.

The resolution also offers a view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stating that The Israeli state operates an apartheid regime from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, including the internationally recognized state of Israel, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank, and that Israeli academic institutions are complicit in the Israeli states regime of oppression against Palestiniansincluding by providing research and development of military and surveillance technologies used against Palestinians.

According to Perez, the actions taken by the AAA can increase critical awareness of peace and conflict dynamics in the region and broaden the scope for dialogue on sensitive and crucial human rights and academic freedom concerns.

The AAA's approval of the resolution marks a significant change in the association's stance on the matter. In November 2015, attendees at the annual meeting overwhelmingly voted in favour of a boycott by a margin of 1,040 to 136. However, when the entire membership was surveyed in 2016, the proposal was narrowly defeated.

Opposing the boycott, certain pro-Israel groups have threatened to take legal action against the AAA.

The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) launched the academic boycott campaign against Israeli academic and cultural institutions in April 2004 as part of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Since then, various academic groups have taken concrete steps to boycott Israel, such as the Middle East Studies Association, which supported the BDS movement in 2020.

The American Studies Association and other academic groups have also backed BDS resolutions.

The academic boycott campaign against Israel has also gained traction in universities and institutions outside the US. In the UK, the University of London, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Manchester have passed resolutions in support of the boycott.

Likewise, the University of Cape Town, the University of Witwatersrand, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa have endorsed the boycott, along with Trinity College Dublin, the University College Dublin, and the Queen's University Belfast in Ireland. Additionally, the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, as well as the University of Leuven and the Free University of Brussels in Belgium, have also adopted resolutions supporting the boycott.

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Theres a lot of news about young people causing havoc, hurting and scaring people, shooting and carjacking people. Intellectually, we know that those individuals are the exception. Most of our children, teens and young adults are good people doing good things  and they stay out of trouble.
More than 7000 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.

Russian law requires any company operating in the country to allow the conscription of workers should they be called upon. Credit: Reuters

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.
Pure play lithium producer Pilbara Minerals has finished its financial year with production of a vital battery ingredient surging 64 per cent, as it prepares to explore new technology to add more value in Australia.

Pilbara Minerals chief executive Dale Henderson said the cracking year, when it produced about 8 per cent of global lithium supply, made the miner a large player in a small industry.

Pilbara Minerals chief executive Dale Henderson. Credit: Trevor Collens

In fourth quarter results released on Tuesday, annual revenue hit $4 billion, leaving the company with $3.3 billion in cash.

Production of spodumene concentrate  a key ingredient for batteries  was up 10 per cent for the three months to June, but the realised price dipped 33 per cent to $US3256 ($4805) a tonne. Even so, this was still way above the average of $US2382 a tonne in the 2022 financial year. Over the year, production rose 64 per cent.
Marneys first thriller, Every Breath, was published in 2013. When I first started writing I went into school libraries and realised there wasnt really any YA crime or thrillers. It felt like it was a gap worth exploring. I think its important for teenagers to see themselves reflected in the literature they read. I grew up jumping from kids books, straight into adult fiction, she says. The books that got passed around were Jaws by Peter Benchley and Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews. TAKE 7: THE ANSWERS ACCORDING TO ELLIE MARNEY Worst habit? I am a terrible procrastinator, and also I get very focused on what Im doing, so when Im on deadline I will ignore everything else ... often to my cost, alas. Greatest fear? Anything related to bad things happening to my kids. I think thats the fear of every parent. The line that stayed with you? For some reason, Ive never forgotten the first lines of The Tryst by Walter de la Mare: Flee into some forgotten night and be/Of all dark long my moon-bright company:/Beyond the rumour even of Paradise, come;/There, out of all remembrance, make our home. Biggest regret? Nothing. Ive reached an age where Ive started letting all my regrets go, which is nice. Favourite room? Any room with a comfy chair by the fire - at present, thats my living room. The artwork/song you wish was yours? A creative work is unique to its creator, so wishing that I had written a certain book would be like wishing I was another person, and I dont wish to be a different person. The book I really wish was mine is the book Ive yet to write (and if that book is hugely popular and bestselling, that would be nice). If you could solve one thing Only one thing? Then, the climate crisis. Thats the one thing we should all be working together to fix quickly. Marney said she wrote None Shall Sleep primarily for herself. I decided to write the book I wanted to read when I was 16 or 17. I actually think thats the best way to write. When it comes to depicting the violence, Marney doesnt hold back. The author of 11 books took Stephen Kings advice and writes with the door closed. As a high-school teacher and a mum to four sons, Marney has access to the inner workings of the teen psyche. Emmas not only trying to stop serial killers, shes also discovering who she is and what shes capable of. Being a teenager is a time of great emotional intensity: first drink, first time you drive a car, first job, first time you fall in love. But Marney captures that intensity on the page and doesnt patronise or romanticise the teen experience. A lot of adults feel nostalgic about their youth, the back in my day attitude. What I do notice as a high-school teacher is how often adults find it difficult to relate to teenagers and how often they find teenagers frightening. Marney suspects this is because a lot of us had a pretty crappy time. Being a teenager can be a stressful, embarrassing time. I think if you asked most people if theyd like to be 17 again, Im confident most of them would say, Yeah, no, pass.

Ive had parents ask me Should my 14-year-old read your None Shall Sleep? And I tell them, it depends on the reader. I do think older teens can handle intense material, but having teen characters who have agency, who drive the narrative, have a purpose and impact the world is really important. In my experience, kids self-regulate pretty well. Marneys readers couldnt put the book down and None Shall Sleep found a spot on the coveted New York Times bestseller list. It was like Id climbed Mt Everest. It took a while for the news to really sink in, she says of that achievement. Despite the accolade, the pressure on authors to promote their work is relentless. But Marney is philosophical. Theres never been a time when authors didnt have to promote their work. Charles Dickens died on tour. I find TikTok more fun than Instagram  but I wont dance. Despite her gory fiction, Marney says shes a complete wimp. Credit: Simon Schluter In None Shall Sleeps sequel, Some Shall Break, Emma reluctantly returns to the Bureau to work with Travis but inevitably gets drawn in by everyones favourite sociopath, Gutmunsson, and his pale, pretty, unhinged twin sister Kristin. As the victims mount, it becomes clear they all share a striking resemblance to Emma. Once again, she is called upon to confront and conquer her worst fears. And what is it that scares Marney the most? Everything! Im a complete wimp. I startle easily. I have a very strong Moro reflex  you know when a baby gets a fright, they fling out their limbs. Im a bit like that, she says. Im OK with blood and cuts. Like most women, I have good instincts. There have definitely been times when I think, I should move away, you know?

Marney was less OK, she says, when, due to the global pandemic, one of her sons was stuck in Denmark for eight months. Anything thats an obvious threat or danger to my family scares me. Talk of fear leads to an exchange about whether some people are inherently evil. Its a philosophical question. I think some are, but I dont want to be absolutist. My research into psychological profiling (of teen killers) suggests the conditions have to be just right in the way kids are brought up and the way they are treated. There is some research that is looking into genetic markers, too. Its the nature versus nurture debate. Work on the third book is under way, and while Marney remains tight-lipped, it is safe to assume readers can expect nerve-shattering suspense, blood, a high body count and the return of the indomitable Emma Lewis, who, when shes not strategising ways to outwit a killer, likes to work through her considerably stressful life by running. Loading When she needs a break from writing, though, lifting weights or kayaking does the trick for Marney. Writers sit on their bums a lot. When youre doing something physical that requires a bit of co-ordination, its quite meditative. I try not to think about plot or problems with characters because its important to have time when youre not actively thinking about your work, she says.
Theres a lot of drama in Hollywood right now and none of it is on screen. This morning I was holding a picket sign, in record-breaking heat, outside the gates of Warner Bros studios alongside a couple of hundred other frustrated writers and actors.

Im a screenwriter, and like many Australian creatives I straddle both countries. But as a member of the Writers Guild of America its been 12 very long weeks since we all stopped work as our union battles to forge a new agreement with the studios. Theyre fighting to protect the future of our profession.

The golden age of television may be coming to an end. Pictured are Walter White in Breaking Bad, Tony Soprano in The Sopranos and Omar Little in The Wire. Credit: Aresna Villaneuva

But a strike is absurd, right? Isnt this meant to be the new Golden Era of prestige television, with A-list talent clambering to be part of it? It began with a raft of creator-driven series in the early 2000s like Sex and the City, The Sopranos, The Wire, Six Feet Under and Breaking Bad. Its why I came here too, to try to tell stories as richly human and meaningful as those. US cable network, HBO, was at the forefront; its slogan: Its not TV, its HBO.

Cut to now, and most writers Im talking to on the picket line arent feeling particularly golden. Many have been working multiple jobs, struggling to earn the minimum amount each year to qualify for health care (because in the US its tied to your employer). Some are quitting altogether. And these are writers whove worked on some of the most beloved films and television series.
The worlds second-largest investment management Vanguard risks becoming a serial infringer for greenwashing in Australia, having now been twice pinged by the regulator for taking excessive poetic licence when marketing its ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance) product credentials.

And the watchdogs crackdown on asset managers misrepresenting financial products as environmentally and socially pristine is still in its infancy.

What investors want to avoid.

The lack of clear and consistent standards of what defines ESG is part of the problem and enables financial consumers to be sucked into a bait and switch. Consumers are being duped into thinking their investments are being directed towards saving the planet, or away from alcohol or gaming companies.

But the screening process is often plagued with holes.
I also gave both my mother and father $1 million each from my personal account in late 2017. Applicable tax was paid on all transfers, Thrupp said. He said his mothers status as a Home Affairs employee has no connection whatsoever to the payments. Two sources with direct knowledge of the payments said one of them was for $300,000 and made via PayPal. PayPal invoices for a number of the payments to Thrupps mother recorded they were for consulting services. Thrupp agreed this was inaccurate, but denied the invoices had been falsified.

The invoices incorrectly state consulting services. They should have stated gift or similar, he said in a statement to this mastheads Home Truths investigation. This is an error as she never worked for or provided consulting services to Paladin. The flow of large sums of money from Home Affairs to an offshore processing contractor and back to a Home Affairs official raises questions about perceptions of conflict of interest. It also underscores the huge taxpayer-funded profits made by offshore processing contractors including Paladin, Canstruct and Broadspectrum. Paladin secured the lucrative Manus contract from the Home Affairs Department without a tender in mid-2017. It was ultimately paid $532 million to run the service. Financial reports show that Thrupp, who owned 80 per cent of Paladin, was paid a dividend of $40 million in 2019. Thrupp said he was transparent with his company about the payments to his mother.

All payments were reconciled as director/shareholder payments on the PNG company account statement, audited ... and applicable taxes paid in PNG, he said. Loading He also insisted he was not aware of the details of any confidential investigation by NACC. Paladin also hired to the company board a former Home Affairs official who had worked on the offshore processing program.

Thrupp said the official was hired because of the deep knowledge he gained while working as a public servant on offshore processing. Earlier this week, Home Truths revealed how the department had paid millions in taxpayer dollars to allegedly corrupt Pacific Island politicians and officials hired as subcontractors by Home Affairs lead contractors in Nauru and PNG. Paladin, Broadspectrum and Canstruct have all been implicated in suspect payments to officials, according to leaked documents and whistleblower testimony. Some of the payments were authorised by Home Affairs despite warnings from Australian law enforcement agencies that some of the companies or foreign officials getting them were allegedly corrupt. A former director of Paladin, Ian Stewart, revealed that in September 2018 Paladin had made multimillion-dollar payments that he claimed were bribes to secure work permits and visas for its offshore processing staff in PNG, and that Home Affairs had failed to act on corruption warnings. Stewart is not connected to the payments involving the Home Affairs official.

Thrupp told this masthead that he was removed from the Home Affairs contract at Paladin in May 2018, before the suspect payments were made. He said he was not aware of any bribes being paid. The revelations have sparked calls by the Greens and crossbenchers for a commission of inquiry. Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil says the Albanese government has a zero-tolerance approach to corruption. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen On Tuesday night, Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil said the claims of improper use of taxpayer dollars by companies contracted by Home Affairs were deeply concerning and she would respond more fully after reviewing information revealed in the investigative series. Earlier, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Opposition Leader Peter Dutton needed to front up over serious allegations that Home Affairs gave a multimillion-dollar offshore detention contract to an Australian businessman just a month after federal police told Dutton, who was then the relevant minister, that the man was under investigation for bribery.

It has been suggested that he [Dutton] was warned ... the people deserve an explanation about these events, Albanese said. This is taxpayers money and Mr Dutton has a responsibility to explain what occurred on his watch as home affairs minister with this scandal. NSW Labor MP Mike Freelander said although he preferred not to second-guess his colleagues, he believed there should be an independent inquiry. Tasmanian independent MP and integrity campaigner Andrew Wilkie called on the government to act quickly to investigate the matter and urged Dutton to address parliament next week. Independent MPs Dr Sophie Scamps, Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall all called for an investigation, with Scamps urging the government to either establish an inquiry or refer the matter to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says government research funding should be distributed using an independent peer-review process, as he mulls changes to the beleaguered $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund.

This masthead revealed last week that the fund spent more than $500 million on ad hoc and non-competitive grants under the Coalition government, some of which went into projects in or near marginal seats. The funds own bureaucrats admit it is perceived as a government slush fund.

The Medical Research Future Fund is worth $20 billion. Credit: Illustration: Richard Giliberto

The government launched a review of the fund last month, with one option considered being to move it out from under government control. Consultation closed earlier this month.

On Tuesday, Butler said he had long held concerns about the level of involvement of government ministers in the huge fund.
The second Russia-Africa Summit takes place in St Petersburg on 27-28 July. This comes at a time of a major geopolitical shift, which African leaders may see as offering beneficial opportunities.

The previous summit, in 2019, led to the signing of 92 agreements, contracts and memoranda of understanding worth over $11 billion.

Several African countries (Nigeria, for one) have benefited from these agreements, especially in areas of energy generation and education.

This time, many countries on the continent are facing a cost of living crisis. But how likely are they to get help from Russia? Its invasion of Ukraine has led to sharp increases in fertiliser and grain prices, pushing up food prices and raising food insecurity on the continent.

The second complication in the engagement is the controversial role of the Wagner group in several African countries. The third is that the state of Russias economy limits President Vladimir Putins ability to offer Africa any meaningful economic assistance.

And African countries are not likely to reap benefits if they fail to negotiate as a block.

A critical look at the previous summits between African countries and China, the US and Japan reveals the fragmentation in African countries negotiations. National interests tend to overshadow collective interests, and this reduces their negotiating power.

The continent has not been able to assert its agency.

The 2023 summit is attracting attention because of the posture of several African countries in relation to the war in Ukraine. About half of African countries have either been neutral or supported Russias action.

Russias weakened position in world politics offers a rare chance for African countries to express their agency. Despite security and economic challenges, the continents potential remains unchanged and this explains the renewed clamour for Africa.

The renewed interest in establishing or redefining relationships with African countries, as seen in other summits, shows how important Africa is in world politics. African leaders must take advantage of that.

What Africa Must Achieve

I believe there are five things Africa must achieve at the second Russia-Africa summit.

First, African countries must speak with one voice. African countries are at different stages of development and therefore have diverse needs. Taking a clear position on issues that affect the entire continent will be more productive.

Second, security is an issue that is of paramount interest to Africa. African countries must agree on an alternative security arrangement with Russia which does not include private military contractors.

Several African countries have been apprehensive about the Wagner group. Ghana has been the most vocal. The group has been accused of gross human right violations.

While some African countries rely on Russia to provide weapons to fight insurgencies in their countries, it is important to cut out private military contractors and deal directly with Russia.

Third, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has had a disproportionate impact on African countries through food prices. Several African countries depend on Russia and Ukraine for grains and fertilisers.

Although Turkey was able to secure a deal with Russia in 2022 to supply grains to Africa, Russia has refused to renew the deal. This poses serious threats to African countries.

The leaders of African countries understand the impact of food security on political stability. This issue must take priority at the summit. African countries need grains and fertiliser, and Russia is desperate not to lose its African allies. Securing a new deal should be on the table in St Petersburg.

Fourth, although it has been reported that the volume of trade between Russia and Africa has increased in the last few years, it remains lopsided. Many African countries have remained importers of Russian products rather than exporters.

They should negotiate for a programme that will allow them to increase their volume of exports to Russia, something like the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act which allowed countries in sub-Saharan Africa to export products to the US tariff free.

Finally, African countries at the summit must seek specific measures to reduce the impact of the war on their nations. A delegation of African countries earlier in the year failed to convince Russia and Ukraine to end the conflict. But they must secure a commitment to reduce the impact of the war on the continent.

They might find it difficult to secure much aid from Russia, but should push for the transfer of technology that will help them to be self-sufficient.

In summary, the most important thing is for the leaders to speak with one voice.

* Olayinka Ajala, Senior lecturer in Politics and International Relations, Leeds Beckett University

** This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here

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Almost half of Victorias public students attended a government school outside their allocated catchment zone last year, raising questions about the relevance of the enrolment model.

Data released to The Age under freedom of information laws shows 41 per cent of government school students attended a mainstream public school other than their local neighbourhood campus in 2022.

Mount Waverley resident Catherine Fung toured her local school but decided to enrol her son Shane for prep outside her catchment at Murrumbeena Primary School. Credit: Eddie Jim

The government moved to crack down on school zones this year, imposing enrolment restrictions on more than 100 of Melbournes most sought-after state schools and geographically smaller non-standard zones on 17 schools in a bid to discourage school shopping.

But the figures have opened a new debate on the ongoing importance of the zones  originally established to guarantee children a place in their local school.
I am beyond distressed that I have had to disclose even a small portion of these details. I sought to create a confidential process that would enable natural justice and provide me with safety as I navigate this process. Martin, who was appointed to the upper house in 2017, has excused himself from the Liberal party room while a senior legal counsel hired by the organisation investigates the matter. He has admitted to using heated words during an ugly and undignified break-up and said there were two sides to every story. Martin worked for Wicks as a staffer before he became the youngest person in state parliament when he was appointed to an upper house seat vacated by Mike Gallacher in 2017. He is a member of the centre right faction. Loading Date stamps show many of the texts to Wicks were sent well after the pair ended their relationship in 2019.

Texts from January 10, 2021, show messages from Martin that included a request for Wicks to Go stay in your world of f---ing make believe you f---ing pig ignorant bitch. Another said Wicks was a f---ing idiot. The complaint lodged with the Liberal Party alleges that on the same day, Martin wrote shut up you dumb slut and listen to yourself, you absolute c--- of a person. In one exchange, Wicks wrote: Think about where we will be as a nation in ten years. Or five. Martin replied in capital letters: This shit is why Im so angry at you  stop talking to me like this while you kill me you f---wit. Wicks replied, Ok. Tay I. Sorry [sic]. Martin responded: You bitch. You dont even try and get it. You f---ing bitch. Listen to yourself. Dont such lies to me you slut. The source, who is unable to speak about the matter publicly due to the investigation, said Wicks first raised the problem with senior factional colleagues in October 2021, well before she lost her seat of Robertson at the May 2022 election. She raised it verbally with senior party officials in February and lodged a written complaint earlier this month.

The source said Wicks was terrified to speak out because he had such control over her. She was terrified of his reaction. She was terrified he would fabricate stories to ruin her career, the support person said. I was young and inexperienced and I found myself involved in a situation that was way beyond me. Taylor Martin, NSW upper house MP Wicks has made veiled references to the situation in the past. On the day of the March4Justice in March 2021, sparked by claims of sexual impropriety in federal parliament, she gave a speech noting that these revelations ... have brought back some horrible memories for many of us, including me, in my personal life and in the workplace.

The same month she backed quotas for Liberal women in an interview with the Herald, in which she also said it had been really confronting to me to look at what we face as a nation, what we as women have faced  what I have faced in my own life. Asked why he used those words and whether he thought they could be considered appropriate in any context, Martin told the Herald: I was young and inexperienced and I found myself involved in a situation that was way beyond me. There were heated words during my attempts to go separate ways that I sincerely regret. It was an ugly and undignified parting of ways. If I could undo any hurt that has been caused I would do it in a heartbeat. I am so sorry and apologise unreservedly to everyone that has been caught up in it. He said he welcomed the Liberal Partys investigation. Im confident that the truth will come out through that process and I will be co-operating fully. Tara Hunter, the acting chief executive of Full Stop Australia, a support group for sexual and domestic violence victims, said she had not seen the texts and could not comment on the specific allegations.

However, in any circumstance, sending someone repeated insulting and offensive messages is a form of abuse, Hunter said. This can have significant impacts on the mental health and wellbeing of the person receiving the messages. This should be taken seriously. The Liberal Partys response to the complaint will be closely scrutinised amid concern about its record on women. There was criticism over the partys response to sexual assault allegations by former staffer Brittany Higgins, and a staffers claim that she was bullied and harassed by ministers in the former Coalition government. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton last month told Senator David Van he could no longer sit in the party room after sexual harassment allegations, which Van denies. Asked about Wicks statement, a NSW Liberal Party spokesperson said it had at all times respected the agency and wishes of the person who has come forward to treat the matter confidentially. Public commentary on this investigation could deny procedural fairness to those involved in this process, the spokesperson said.
A police officer who kept his job after leaking images of former AFL coach Dani Laidley has been sacked after photographs of dead people taken at scenes attended by police were found on his mobile phone.

Detective Leading Senior Constable Murray Gentner was charged with disgraceful and improper conduct by investigators from the Professional Standards Command.

Murray Gentner (right) arriving at the Coroners Court in December. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui

Three other officers have been accused of the same breach but will face disciplinary action at a later date.

A Victoria Police spokesman confirmed that Gentner had been dismissed at a hearing on Monday following his suspension without pay in February.
Christopher Nolans nuclear biopic Oppenheimer has been accused of waging a war on Hinduism by Indian officials outraged over a sex scene that quotes from scripture.

The Hollywood blockbuster tells the story of US physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, often described as the father of the atomic bomb.

Florence Pugh as Jean Tatlock and Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer. Credit: AP

One scene shows Oppenheimer, played by Cillian Murphy, with his lover Jean Tatlock, played by Florence Pugh, in which she asks him to read from the Bhagavad Gita, the most sacred Hindu text.

Murphy reads the line Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds, the quote which Oppenheimer reportedly recalled when the first atomic bomb he invented was detonated.
Jerusalem: Israeli doctors declared a strike and more army reservists have asked to halt service in a public backlash over the hard-right governments ratification of the first stage of a judicial overhaul that critics say endangers democracy.

With long-serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing his gravest domestic crisis, Israels military took its first known internal disciplinary action over the protests. One reservist was fined 1000 shekels ($396) and another given a suspended 15-day jail sentence for ignoring call-ups.

Riot police tries to clear demonstrators with a water cannon during a protest against plans by Netanyahus government to overhaul the judicial system, in Tel Aviv. Credit: AP

There has been an increase in requests to halt reserve duty, Brigadier General Daniel Hagari told Israeli reporters in remarks confirmed by a military spokesman.

If reservists do not report for duty for a long duration, there will be damage done to the preparedness of the military, Hagari said, adding this would be a gradual process.
Washington: He was a 14-year-old African American boy who was abducted, mutilated, and dumped in a river after being accused of whistling at a white woman.

Now, almost 70 years after his brutal killing galvanised the US civil rights movement, President Joe Biden has honoured the memory of Emmett Till and used his story to weigh in on the growing political battle over book bans and how history is taught in schools.

US President Joe Biden signs a proclamation to establish the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument. Credit: AP

On Tuesday (local time), Biden announced a national monument dedicated to Till and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, who famously called for an open casket at the 1955 funeral of her brutalised son to let the people see what they did to my boy.

A picture of Tills disfigured body also appeared in the black media at the time, and an estimated 125,000 mourners attended his burial.
Hyundai Motor Group and Seoul National University Open Joint Battery Research Center













Hyundai Motor Group opens a Joint Battery Research Center at Seoul National University to secure and advance key battery technologies

Successful collaboration towards carbon neutrality and a thriving battery research ecosystem

Center constructed with a scale of 901m 2 spanning three floors, comprising seven research labs for battery development and analysis

spanning three floors, comprising seven research labs for battery development and analysis Collaboration to undertake 22 joint research projects focused on four key divisions, including lithium metal and solid-state batteries

Introduction of advanced research infrastructure, such as precision battery analysis equipment, enabling mass-production-oriented research and development

Hyundai Motor Group to invest over KRW 30 billion by 2030 to facilitate research at the Joint Battery Research Center

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung highlights commitment to lead the way in propelling the transition to electrification through joint efforts



SEOUL, July 25, 2023  Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) today announced the inauguration of its Joint Battery Research Center with Seoul National University (SNU). This collaborative effort between the Group and SNU aims to advance battery technologies and foster industry-academia cooperation to establish global leadership in the battery field.

The opening ceremony of the Joint Battery Research Center took place at Seoul National Universitys main campus and was attended by esteemed guests, including Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group; Yong Wha Kim, President and Chief Technology Officer of Hyundai Motor Group; Heung Soo Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Strategy Office of Hyundai Motor Group; and Chang Hwan Kim, Senior Vice President and Head of Battery Development Center of Hyundai Motor Group.

From Seoul National University, Hong Lim Ryu, President of Seoul National University; Yoo Suk Hong, Dean of Seoul National University College of Engineering; Seung Hwan Ko, Associate Dean of Research Affairs of the College of Engineering; Jong Chan Lee, Head of the School of Chemical and Biological Engineering; and Jang Wook Choi, Head of the Joint Battery Research Center and Professor at the School of Chemical and Biological Engineering attended the inauguration ceremony.

Speaking in a congratulatory speech at the event, Hong Lim Ryu, President of Seoul National University, said: The Joint Battery Research Center will be the starting point for battery technology with improved performance and robust safety in line with Hyundai Motor Groups preemptive innovation in the field of electrification. We expect that the best faculty and graduate students will create synergy with Hyundai Motor Groups competent researchers, laying the groundwork for various innovations ranging from the basics of batteries to applications.

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung highlighted, Our mission to develop a diverse range of mobility solutions equipped with advanced batteries is driven by our strong commitment to a sustainable environment for future generations. Through pioneering joint research and development efforts, we hope to empower all researchers to lead the way in propelling the transition to electrification of the mobility industry.

The Joint Battery Research Center began to take shape in November 2021, when the Group and Seoul National University signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the ?establishment of a joint battery research center and mid- to long-term joint research based on the consensus on realizing carbon neutrality and creating a battery research ecosystem.

To foster close cooperation among researchers, the new research facility will secure a dedicated space for battery-only research within the expanded Institute of Chemical Processes of Seoul National University, spanning three floors (901 m2). It will consist of seven laboratories and conference rooms for battery development, analysis, measurement, and process. This is the first time that a research facility specializing in electric vehicle (EV) batteries has been built within Seoul National University.

With the opening of the Joint Battery Research Center, the Group will work with top battery experts in Korea to lay the groundwork for research and development of battery-related technologies. The Joint Battery Research Center aims to focus on advanced research into leading next-generation battery technologies that can dramatically increase EV driving distance and shorten charging time, as well as research on battery condition monitoring technology and innovative process technology.

Specifically, a total of 22 joint research projects will be carried out in four divisions, including lithium metal batteries, solid-state batteries, battery management systems (BMS) and battery process technology. A total of 21 professors and masters and doctorate-level talents from eminent Korean universities will participate in the research. 14 of the 22 research projects will be related to lithium metal and solid-state batteries, focusing their core capabilities on developing next-generation batteries.

In the field of lithium metal batteries, research will be conducted on high-durability lithium-electrolyte material element technology and shape analysis to minimize deterioration, while in the field of solid-state batteries, research will be conducted on sulfide-based anode materials, electrode/electrolyte coating methods and ultra-high energy density cathode active materials.

A key feature of the Joint Research Battery Center will be its focus not only on theoretical research, but also research and development that considers mass production. In the case of general industry-academia research, additional time and cost are inevitable to apply the results to mass-produced products.

To that end, the Joint Battery Research Center has the same level of research infrastructure as the state-of-the-art equipment applied to the Hyundai Motor and Kia R&D centers, such as precision battery analysis equipment, high-precision rheometers, cell manufacturing equipment, and impedance measuring devices, so that the universitys research results can be quickly applied to products.

Furthermore, the Group has appointed Professor Jang Wook Choi, an esteemed expert in battery science, as the head of the Joint Battery Research Center. Professor Choi will oversee the overall research projects and management of technology development.

The Group will have a fully-fledged support system to help the Joint Battery Research Center secure capabilities to develop next-generation batteries that lead the industry. To support the centers smooth research activities, the Group will invest over KRW 30 billion by 2030. The investment includes the establishment of the center and preparation of experimental equipment.

In addition, researchers from Hyundai Motor and Kia will be dispatched to the center to participate as members of the joint research team, maximizing research synergy through close communication and sharing of expertise. Through consultations and seminars on battery technology, insights and development directions will be discussed, alongside a consultative body that will be formed regularly to share information on global battery industry trends and results.

Above all, the Group expects to pave the way for South Korea to become one of the worlds leading battery technology houses by fostering outstanding talent in the battery sector. Meanwhile the Group is also actively promoting next-generation talent by operating various industry-academic cooperation programs in collaboration with eminent universities in Korea.

Hyundai Motor Group accelerates development of next-generation batteries, including solid-state, aiming to produce 3.64 million EVs by 2030

Hyundai Motor Group recently announced through Hyundai Motors CEO Investor Day that it plans to secure global top-tier leadership by producing a total of 3.64 million EVs by 2030.

Based on its long-standing experience in developing and mass-producing EVs, the Group is also actively seeking to secure bold investment and development capabilities in the key battery sector. In particular, the Group plans to encompasses all areas of batteries by stabilizing material supply, strengthening battery design and management capabilities and developing next-generation batteries.

Hyundai Motor will invest KRW 9.5 trillion over the next 10 years to actively improve battery performance, develop advanced technologies for next-generation batteries, and build infrastructure.

In comparison to 2018 prices, the cost of batteries will be lowered by 75 percent in 2026, and 45 percent in 2030 to enhance the affordability and practicality of EVs. Around 2025, lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are jointly developed with battery companies, will be applied to new EVs for the first time.

In order to accelerate the development of lithium metal and solid-state batteries and verify their mass production capabilities, Hyundai Motor and Kias Uiwang Research & Development Center will complete construction of the Next-generation Battery Research Building next year. The batteries developed in the new building will be used for various mobilities, beyond EVs, such as robotics and advanced air mobility (AAM).

The Group is also focusing on securing battery management capabilities that can optimize EV performance. The Group will push to implement EVs with longer driving ranges, longer life cycles, and safety by upgrading battery management systems (BMS) as well as battery conditioning technologies, such as battery preheating and cooling.

In the mid- to long-term, the Group will additionally establish a system to recycle waste batteries and recycle raw materials to protect the environment and secure sustainable raw materials. The Group plans to complete a sustainable ?battery life cycle in which batteries are safely recovered and raw materials are extracted and reused for battery manufacturing.

The Group is steadily expanding external cooperation to secure battery capabilities, by establishing joint ventures with major battery companies, such as SK On and LG Energy Solution, to ensure stable supply and demand of batteries.

Working with companies, such as Solid Power in the U.S., to secure solid-state battery elements and process technologies; Solid Energy System (SES) to develop lithium metal batteries, the Group continues to conduct joint research with startups as well as investing stakes for next-generation battery developments. The opening of the Joint Battery Research Center is an extension of the Groups continued efforts to cooperate in an open manner to the benefit of all.
GM Mary Barra's Letter to Stockholders







General Motors Non-GAAP EPS of $1.91 beats by $0.08, revenue of $44.75B beats by $2.39B

To Our Shareholders:

I am pleased to share with you that General Motors automotive operating results continue to demonstrate strong growth. Were building momentum thanks to incredible customer response to our new trucks and SUVs, and strong execution of our business plan by the GM team, our dealers and our suppliers.

Together, we delivered $3.2 billion in EBIT-adjusted in the second quarter, which includes a $792 million impact from new agreements with LG Electronics and LG Energy Solution.

The charge reflects the conscious decision we made during the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV recall to serve our customers in ways that go beyond traditional remedies, and we are taking new steps that will reduce GMs costs and improve our EV margins over time.

The biggest driving force behind our financial results is customer demand for our vehicles, which have now led the U.S. industry in initial quality for two consecutive years. We have earned four consecutive quarters of higher retail market share in the U.S. versus a year ago with continued strong pricing and incentive discipline, were leading in both commercial and total fleet deliveries calendar year to date, and were growing profitably in international markets such as Brazil and Korea.

For example, half of customers in the U.S. for the new Chevrolet Trax and two-thirds in Korea are new to GM. In just four months, the Chevrolet Montana, our first compact pickup for the Brazil market, has earned one-third of its segment. We also continue to lead the full-size pickup market in the U.S., with the new Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD adding to our momentum.

In the electric vehicle market, we met our target to produce 50,000 EVs in North America in the first half of the year. With both cell and vehicle production increasing, we continue to target production of roughly 100,000 EVs in the second half of this year and well grow from there.

At the same time, we are focused on strong cost discipline and were taking steps to lower our capital spending.

The impact on our bottom line and our outlook is clear, so we are raising our full-year EBIT-adjusted guidance by $1 billion and our adjusted automotive free cash flow guidance by $1.5 billion. We now expect earnings per share to be between $7.15 - $8.15 per share.

Were also spending less and lowering our capital spending guidance because were focusing on the most strategic internal combustion engine and EV programs, and our highest impact growth initiatives, including Cruise, BrightDrop and software-defined vehicles.

This is the second time weve raised guidance this year and it assumes that we successfully negotiate new labor agreements without a work stoppage.

Id like to close this letter by addressing our labor negotiations with the UAW, which just kicked off, and with Unifor.

First and most importantly, I want to say how proud I am of our manufacturing team. Together, weve built a broad base for continued profitable growth.

We have a long history of negotiating fair contracts with both unions that reward our employees and support the long-term success of our business. Our goal this time will be no different.

Thats the best possible outcome for all our key stakeholders, including our team, plant communities, dealers, suppliers and investors.

Thank you for your continued confidence in GM.

mtb
The number of people entering Ethiopia from conflict-affected Sudan has exceeded 68,000, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) said on Monday.

The UNOCHA, in its latest situation update, said the population movement to Ethiopia since the onset of the crisis in Sudan in mid-April this year had reached 68,601 as of July 20.

Among the total arrivals, the number of Ethiopian returnees account for about 49 percent while Sudanese nationals make up 30 percent, according to UNOCHA figures.

Crossings through various points of entry continue, but the total number of arrivals has shown a decrease in the past week, the UNOCHA said.

Sudan has witnessed deadly armed clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in the capital city of Khartoum and other areas since April 15, with the two sides accusing each other of initiating the conflict.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has recently expressed concern over gaps in addressing the flow of people from Sudan into Ethiopia, citing challenges to onward transportation, inadequate access to life-saving services including food, non-food items, water, sanitation and hygiene as well as healthcare services.

Heavy rains have made the conditions and terrains very difficult for aid workers to provide timely support, the IOM said.

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The state-owned National Bank of Egypt (NBE) and Banque Misr announced issuing new three-year US-dollar certificates of deposits (CDs) with seven percent and nine percent yields to be paid quarterly or annually in US dollars or Egyptian pounds.

The banks also offered a special package of loans and pensions to Egyptians working abroad.

Here is all that you need to know about the new certificates:

What are the new USD-denominated CDs?

The new CDs are Al Ahly Plus and Al Ahly Fawran from the National Bank of Egypt (NBE), and Al Qimma and Elite from Banque Misr.

What are the minimum purchase amounts for the new certificates?

$1,000 and its increments.

What are the yields of the new CDs and how they will be disbursed?

Al-Ahly Plus (NBE) and Elite (Banque Misr): Seven percent yield to be disbursed every three months in USD.

Al-Ahly Fawran (NBE) and Al Qimma (Banque Misr): Nine percent annual yield to be disbursed in advance in EGP (equal to 27 percent of each certificate's total value).

What do the new CDs provide for Egyptian expats?

NBE's new certificates offer multiple facilities for Egyptians working abroad, including loans, CD purchasing facilities, and pensions.

Egyptians abroad who do not have a foreign currency bank account can buy Al Ahly Plus and Al Ahly Fawran CDs through bank transfers. NBE will then open foreign currency subaccounts for them.

When will the new certificates be available?

As of Wednesday, 26 July 2023.

How can Egyptians buy the new certificates in Egypt?

Clients in Egypt can buy the certificates through the websites of NBE and Banque Misr, mobile applications, online branches in and outside Egypt, and ATMs. CDs will be available on online banking services including BM Online, Al Ahly Net, and Al Ahly Mobile.

NBE specified that clients in Egypt can only buy the new CDs online if they have bank cards issued from abroad.

What do I do if I want to buy a certificate but I am not a client of either bank?

Non-clients can buy the NBE's CDs through transfers to bank accounts that will be announced on the bank's website.

Banque Misr has not announced procedures for non-clients.

Will I redeem the certificates at the time of their maturity in USD or EGP?

All the certificates will be paid in USD at the date of their maturity.

Can I apply for loans against the certificates?

Only holders of Al Ahly Plus and Elite certificates can apply for loans. They can apply for loans up to 50 percent of the value of their certificates for investment purposes at a maximum value of EGP 10 million ($323,124) and at an interest rate of 2.25 below the main interest rate of the Central Bank of Egypt.

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META launched WhatsApps latest Channels feature in Egypt and other six countries worldwide on Tuesday.

According to an announcement from METAs WhatsApp on Twitter and Threads earlier on Tuesday, the new feature has been launched in Egypt, Chile, Malaysia, Morocco, Ukraine, Kenya and Peru.

WhatsApp Channels are a one-way broadcast service that allows admins to send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls to an unlimited number of followers.

Channels are a private way for users to follow information from people and organizations important to them and are separate from personal chats and calls.

Channels messages will show up on WhatsApp in a new tab labelled Updates.

META rolled out the feature last month in Singapore and Colombia with partners including Heart Foundation and fact-checker Colombia Check.

The feature will be rolled out for the rest of the world in the next few months.

According to Egypts Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, there are 51.45 million active WhatsApp users in the country.

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The Egyptian Exchange suffered negative performance for the second day in a row on Tuesday, and the market cap lost EGP 5 billion. Gold prices inched lower.

Stock market

The leading index EGX30 inched lower by 0.4 percent to end at 17,479.94 points.

The EGX70 index shrank 1.25 percent to close at 3,396.75 points.

EGX100 declined by 1.17 percent to close at 5,051.53 points.

Market capitalization decreased by nearly EGP 5 billion on Monday to a total of EGP 1,172 billion.

Top gainer was Gadwa For Industrial Development surged 10.08 percent to close at EGP 1.3 per share.

Top loser was International Co For Investment & Development after falling 7.53 percent to close at EGP 7.25 per share.

Gold prices

The price of 24-carat gold decreased by EGP 11.5 to EGP 2,451.5 per gram.

21-carat gold declined by EGP 10 to EGP 2,145 per gram.

18-carat gold was down EGP 9.25, standing at EGP 1,838.5 per gram.

The gold pound price decreased by EGP 80 to EGP 17,160.

*Prices reflect updates recorded as of midday.

Currencies

The official dollar exchange rate was stable, with a buy rate of EGP 30.83 and a sell rate of EGP 30.96.

The euro was bought at EGP 33.2 and sold at EGP 34.33.

The Saudi Riyal was priced at EGP 8.22 to buy and EGP 8.25 to sell.

*Sources: The Central Bank of Egypt's official exchange rates, the Egyptian Exchange, and iSagha.

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Batavia, NY (14020)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 79F. Winds WSW 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.
TotalEnergies announced Tuesday it had started drilling wells for oil in Uganda as part of a huge project condemned by environmental and rights groups.

The French oil major and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) signed a $10-billion agreement last year to develop Ugandan oilfields and ship the crude via a 1,445-kilometre (900-mile) pipeline to Tanzania's Indian Ocean port of Tanga.

Drilling began in July "to start production in 2025", TotalEnergies said.

In Kampala, however, the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) said "the drilling of development wells" began on June 28.

Over 400 wells "are expected to be drilled... to produce about 190,000 barrels of oil per day at peak when production starts in 2025," the PAU said in a statement to AFP.

"Three rigs have been lined up for drilling operations," said Alex Nyombi, PAU's director of development and production.

"We currently have one rig up and running... the second rig is undergoing final test and checks... while the third rig components are being assembled and is expected to start operations in October 2023," he said.

"The rigs in Uganda are designed to minimise the environmental footprint by adding sustainable technologies and practices and ensuring responsible resource extraction for future generations," PAU's legal and corporate affairs director, Ali Ssekatawa, said in a separate statement to AFP.

'Greenwashing'

But Friends of the Earth France and Survive said the drilling was underway "in the very heart of the Murchison Falls national park, Uganda's oldest and biggest protected natural space."

"Total continues its greenwashing, trying to convince that its oil wells will not affect the local fauna thanks to the beige colour of the drilling towers 'to look like the surrounding savannah'," the two groups said in a statement.

They noted that one third of the 400 wells due to be bored will be within the park.

"While the ravages of climate change are being felt more than ever, Total is going beyond all imaginable limits by starting oil extraction in one of the places with the greatest biodiversity in the world," said Friends of the Earth's Juliette Renaud.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) says the project will have dire consequences for local communities and the environment.

The pipeline is "a disaster for the tens of thousands who have lost the land that provided food for their families and an income to send their children to school, and who received too little compensation from TotalEnergies," HRW said.

The company said it had offered fair compensation and would "continue to pay close attention to respecting the rights" of the communities concerned.

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Between approximately 2009 and 2020, you may remember being told the Krusher machine was broken, to come back tomorrow, or even that it was too late or early. This is because the dessert beverages ingredients (e.g. the real bitz) made the machine a genuine nightmare for employees to clean - one that would last hours according to accounts from former K-Fry workers.
Resentment among farmers for not issuing notification of PMFBY





Staff Reporter

RAIPUR,

Due to the non-issue of the notification of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for Kharif crop this year by the State Government, huge resentment is growing among the farmers of the entire State, said State convener of Bharatiya Janata Party Cooperative Cell Shashikant Dwivedi while calling Congress Government anti-farmer. Shashikant Dwivedi stated every day new decisions are being taken by the Central Government in the interest of the farmers, but the State Government is not implementing them on time. Due to which the farmers have to bear heavy losses.

Dwivedi said that due to the State Government not yet issuing the notification of the Central Governments Kisan Hitasi Mahati Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, a situation of doubt has prevailed among the farmers. In the past, notification was issued before July 1 and provision was made to deposit the premium from July 1 to July 15 to the loaned and non-loaned members, but due to non-issuance of the notification yet this year, there is a possibility of huge loss to the farmers. Dwivedi informed that earlier Tehsil was considered as the unit of assessment of farmers compensation under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, but while giving relief to the farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, the Modi Government at the Centre has now made a provision to compensate the damage by considering the village as the unit.

Under this, farmers are given compensation in case of crop failure due to any kind of natural calamities. After insurance, if a farmers crop gets damaged due to natural calamity, a provision has also been made to give compensation to him. But when the notification of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana has not yet been issued by the State Government, then the question of compensation does not arise. Dwivedi has urged the State Government to immediately issue notification of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in the interest of the farmers, else he has also warned of agitation in the entire State by taking the farmers along.
Water storage to be built in Kochi barrage in June 2024





Staff Reporter

As much as 90 per cent of the civil works of Kochi barrage on Kanhan river have been completed and plans are afoot to build water storage in the reservoir in June 2024, said Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister, in the State Legislative Council on Monday. Fadnavis was replying to an unstarred question raised by MLCs Shashikant Shinde, Vikram Kale, Amol Mitkari, and Satish Chavan. The MLCs alleged that though the project work was nearly complete, there was delay in building water storage in the project that had potential to be a boon in mitigating water scarcity in Nagpur city. They also sought to know if the State Government had initiated any enquiry into the matter of delay in building storage in the reservoir. In reply, Fadnavis stated that 90 per cent of the civil works of the Kochi barrage project on Kanhan river in Saoner tehsil of Nagpur district were completed. The work of erecting the gates is in progress, and is expected to be completed till October 2023. The rehabilitation of three villages has been proposed. These villages are Kochi, Dhalgaon Khairy, and Raywadi (Juni). The works of providing civic amenities at Kochi Bawangaon relocation site have been completed and the rehabilitation-related works are in progress. The rehabilitation-related works of Raywadi (Juni) are in the final stages, and work was in progress regarding rehabilitation of Dhalgaon Khairy.

Due to expenditure in excess of second revised administrative approval to the project, there are limitations on expenditure for remaining construction works, said Fadnavis. The procedure of second revised administrative approval is in progress at the field level. Once the proposal for revised administrative approval gets nod, the remaining works will be done. The plans are afoot to build water storage in Kochi reservoir in June 2024, he added. For the project, an allocation of Rs 50 crore has been made in 2023-24, Fadnavis stated in reply to another unstarred question. Kochi barrage project is important for Nagpur city. It required 51 hectares of forest land, of which 38.97 hectares was categorised as Zudpi Jungle and 12.03 hectares was protected forest. In 2014, a proposal for final approval was been submitted to the Central Government in this regard. After various issues involved were addressed subsequently, the work on the project began. Once the Kochi barrage project is completed, it will help in addressing water woes of Nagpur city. At present, much of Nagpurs water supply depends on Pench irrigation project.

Replying to another question by Chandrashekhar Bawankule, MLC, Fadnavis stated that the work on bridge at Lohari Sawanga distributary under Kar river project in Nagpur district was completed. A special proposal has been prepared for repairs of canal system on Jam river project. Proposal for second revised administrative approval has been submitted for completion of canal work on Chikhli project. In case of Thadipaoni lift irrigation project, however, it is not possible to submit proposal for administrative approval as it comes under Upper Wardha projects watershed and there was no water available for new scheme. The work on Pimpalgaon Wakhaji project has been completed and provision is being made for some works relating to canals. Similarly, provision is being made for repairs of 11 weirs including Bhishnur, Inderwada, Kharbadi, Khairgaon, Tara Utara in Narkhed tehsil, and Bhagimahari KT weir in Saoner tehsil etc. In Narkhed tehsil, under Water Conservation Department,m administrative approval has been granted to total 39 works. Of these, 30 works are in progress and there is stay on nine other works, Fadnavis stated.
LeT terrorist Afsar Pasha was funded by PFI inside jail





Staff Reporter

The Dhantoli police have made a shocking revelation that the arrested Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Afsar Pasha alias Bashiruddin Noor Mohammad (45), who had colluded with Jayesh Pujari alias Kantha for threatening Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, had been receiving financial support from the Popular Front of India (PFI) in the jail. Sources claimed that Pasha, known to have established an extensive network within the jail, utilised the funds to promote anti-national activities and religious conversions. Preliminary investigations suggest that Pasha played a significant role in radicalising inmates and encouraging them to engage in activities against the country. One of such jail inmates influenced by him was Jayesh Kantha, who made the threatening call to Nitin Gadkaris office under Pashas guidance. Sources revealed that the PFI transferred a substantial amount of Rs 5 lakh to Pashas account several months ago. The funds originated from the account of a person identified as Abdul Jalil, highlighting potential links between PFI and terrorist activities.

After the initial police custody ended, Pasha was brought before the Special NIA court. The police sought an extension of Police Custody for five days for further investigation, presenting evidence of Pashas communication within the jail. The police discovered that Pasha and his gang used various Android phones, which were easily accessible to multiple prisoners. During the investigation, it came to light that Pasha was utilising the mobile phone of an inmate named Ayyappa Naidu, while another inmates named Azim Ali provided technical assistance. Azim Ali is believed to be the mastermind behind several terrorist activities, including attacks in Bangladesh and Bangalore. His association with Pasha raised concerns about cross-border links in the case. Moreover, the police suspect that Pasha had established connections with some persons in Arab countries, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, using Android phones and applications to communicate with them, claimed sources. While the police sought a five-day extension of Pashas custody, his lawyer strongly opposed the move. After due consideration and cross-examination of both parties, the court ordered Afsar Pasha to remain in police custody until July 27 to allow for a thorough investigation into the terror network operating from within the jail.
The Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA) has undergone major changes over the past few years, among them digitisation and the introduction of the electronic invoicing and receipt system.

Another challenge has been to change the mentality of people used to dealing in person with tax officials and paperwork and to familiarise them with online transactions. Implementing the changes has necessitated a major overhaul of the ETAs infrastructure and staff structure.

The global economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and then the war in Ukraine have compounded the pressures on the ETA, which accounts for about 75 per cent of the states revenues.

Fayez Al-Dabaani, who took over as the new head of the ETA just over a month ago, spoke to Al-Ahram Weekly about how the authority has managed the challenges.

His predecessors initiated various positive developments that he has followed through on, such as the ETAs contribution to the drive to stimulate higher foreign and domestic investment by streamlining bureaucracy.

The ETA has created three large and medium taxpayers tax centres in Alexandria and Hurghada, and it has merged Cairos first and second tax departments, completing the merger of seven offices located in Cairo, Giza, and the Canal Zone, with plans to merge four more at the Greater Cairo level.

This involves bringing income tax and VAT processing into one office, storing taxpayer information in a single place, and uniting staff, who will include specialised tax officers trained in reviewing tax returns.

Completing the transition to digitisation is also complex and means comparing written with digital files, double checking these with online invoices and receipts, and then conducting field inspections to sort out any irregularities or discrepancies in the information.

The system will help to minimise tax evasion, with violators subject to the legally stipulated penalties that can include jail.

The ETA is one of the main economic pillars of the state, Al-Dabaani said, adding that Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait faced resistance following the 2019 decision to introduce the new electronic declaration system.

Taxpayers feared that the process would be complicated and were worried by the inability to communicate in person with officials at the ETA. However, once the system was applied, it proved very successful, and within its first years the ETA received three million tax returns in digital form.

Al-Dabaani said that once the system is fully operational and all taxpayers are registered online, the ETA will no longer require them to file because their information will already be stored with the ETA.

One common concern has been that the government intends to introduce new taxes to meet its target for the next fiscal year. But according to Al-Dabaani, this is out of the question. The general budget set a target of LE1.5 trillion in tax revenues for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, while the total estimated revenues for the fiscal year that has just ended are expected to come in to LE1.2 trillion.

To reach the target, the ETA must do more to broaden the tax base and close off avenues to evasion. Al-Dabaani noted that the current tax law, which came into force in 1991, lowered corporate taxes from 40 to 20 per cent, made the submission of a tax return voluntary, and abolished arbitrary assessments.

The purpose was to generate more revenues and increase trust between taxpayers and the ETA.

Nevertheless, the ETA still needs to find new sources of tax revenues, and for this reason it has become more vigorous in applying the law regarding rental incomes. Real-estate owners must report their income from rented properties on their annual tax returns.

The rent for some properties in the North Coast can be LE30,000 a day, Al-Dabaani noted. The law on taxing this income, not new, exempts half the value of the rent and calculates the tax owed on the other half.

Real estate, whether commercial or residential, can only be taxed as income if it generates revenues. If it is rented out, the owner will be taxed on revenues from the rent. If the owner decides to sell the property, he will be required to pay a 2.5 per cent tax on the value of the sale.

The value of the rent can be ascertained from owners associations in some areas, such as the North Coast, Al-Dabaani said. While the real estate tax levied on properties is a form of wealth tax, rental or sale income is treated as income tax, so there is no risk of double taxation.

Should a taxpayer fail to report rental revenues, he could be prosecuted for tax evasion.

The ETA follows established procedures to ensure tax compliance, just as it complies with legally stipulated provisions regarding exemptions. It is conducting campaigns in the North Coast region to raise awareness on the need to report residential units that are being rented out and on which tax is due.

According to Al-Dabaani, more that 151 million e-receipts, or an average of more than 17 million a month, have been filed in the electronic system since it went into operation.

An e-receipt is a way to digitise transactions that do not involve invoicing clients. A medical practitioner would not normally invoice a patient and instead would issue an e-receipt in exchange for payment, for example. If the practitioner performs services for an organisation, he would issue an e-invoice for charges.

To date, 420,320 taxpayers are registered on the e-invoicing system, and the total number of invoices they have issued exceeds 686 million.

The new e-invoicing system is a useful tool for protecting consumers end eliminating fake companies. But some types of tax evasion are harder to check.

An example is the so-called tutoring centres. In 2009, the ETA department specialising in the liberal professions began to track the activities of these centres, warning them that if they did not register, they would be charged with tax evasion.

As it is difficult to ascertain how much money teachers in such centres charge, the ETA has generally accepted self-reporting.

In 2022, the ETA found that the owners of YouTube channels and the like could earn sizeable sums that had remained unreported. It set up a special unit to track online content creation, and hundreds of content creators, such as YouTubers and bloggers, are now registered with the authority and have opened accounts on the online system.

They will also be required to submit monthly VAT returns if their earnings exceed LE500,000.

The ETA hopes to earn LE500 million in tax revenues from online content creation this year and to gradually increase revenues annually. VAT began to be applied to Google services in Egypt at a rate of 14 per cent on 1 July this year.

This situation is different from collecting income taxes from companies such as Google and Amazon. They are subject to taxation under international agreements, and the G20 group of countries is working on mechanisms to tax them that will then be applied to all state parties.

Any revenues gained from a profession or activity are taxable in Egypt, regardless of whether the revenues are earned abroad, as long as Egypt is the base for practising the profession or activity concerned, Al-Dabaani said.

Everyone must comply with the provisions of the tax laws, the most important of which is to register with the ETA and then submit returns on the stipulated dates. Any changes, such as cessation of activities, change of premises, or the death or departure of a partner, must be reported to the ETA.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 27 July, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Manipur violence: Logjam in Parlt persists; AAP MP Sanjay Singh suspended





NEW DELHI,

HOME Minister Amit Shah asked the Opposition on Monday to allow a debate on the Manipur issue to begin in Parliament but the deadlock persisted in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha as both sides refused to budge from their stand, with Congress and its allies insisting on a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi first. Relentless protests from Opposition members marred proceedings in both the Houses and Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh, one of the more vocal voices in Rajya Sabha, was suspended for the rest of the Monsoon Session for repeatedly violating the directives of the Chair. The suspension came after Leader of the House Piyush Goyal moved a motion in this regard and it was adopted by the House by voice vote. Before that, Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar named Singh for his unruly behaviour and cautioned him.

Opposition parties condemned the action against Singh and accused the Government of trying to throttle their voice.

With protests ruling the day inside both Houses despite attempts by Dhankhar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to end the impasse, charge and countercharges flew thick and fast outside Parliament as the two sides targeted each other. Since the session began on July 20, little work has been done in Parliament. Opposition members have seized on the viral video of two women stripped and paraded by a mob from another community in the violence-hit state to corner the Government. While the Government has expressed its willingness to a debate on the situation in the BJP-ruled State, the Opposition has made a statement from Modi a precondition for any discussion on the issue, accusing him of insulting Parliament by speaking to the media on the matter and not in either of the Houses. As slogan-shouting by Opposition members, many of whom were in the Well, continued in Lok Sabha, Shah spoke briefly, questioning their intent despite his willingness to debate.
Online gaming fraud: City Police to pursue extradition of fugitive fraudster Sontu





Staff Reporter

With an aim to bring the elusive on-line gaming fraudster Ananth alias Sontu Navratan Jain to Nagpur, the City Police, in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, have intensified their efforts to secure his arrest. A staggering Rs 17 crore in cash, 14 kg of gold and 294 kg of silver collectively worth Rs 27 crore were seized from Sontus house in Gondia on Saturday. He was accused in a case of Rs 58 crore on-line gaming fraud case. Sources claimed that the City police are conducting relentless efforts to apprehend Sontu and hold him accountable for his alleged crimes. Sontu, after defrauding a rice trader, managed to evade the polices grasp by fleeing to Dubai on a tourist visa for a month. Following this discovery, the police swiftly issued a look-out circular, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of the fugitive.

The gravity of the case prompted the City Police to seek assistance from the Ministry of Home Affairs, leading to contact with the Ministry of External Affairs for Sontus extradition from Dubai. Sources believe that Sontus days of evading arrest are short, and he is expected to be extradited from Dubai soon. The investigation has unveiled another twist. It has come to light that Sontu had borrowed huge sum of money from thirteen of his acquaintances, some of whom were close friends. The police are now probing the reason behind these financial transactions, investigating whether the loans were genuine or not. Furthermore, the police are recording statements from seven of Sontus relatives to ascertain any possible leads in tracking him down. So far, the city based rice trader is the sole complainant, but police are appealing victims to come forward and lodge complaint against Sontu. The seized cash was deposited in the bank on Monday while the gold was to be sent to an auditor to check its genuineness. The police are trying hard to track the servers of Sontus on-line application called Diamond Exchange dot com.

The fraud came to light after a victim approached the police. The businessman had affection for gambling. 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 lakhs. 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. 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. Depresed over the deteriorating financial situation, the victim attempted suicide by consuming sleeping pills. Finally, the police registered the case on the complaint of the victim.
Oppenheimer Gita row: Anurag Thakur seeks CBFC explanation





NEW DELHI,

TAKING serious note of an objectionable scene in Christopher Nolan-helmed Oppenheimer, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur has sought an explanation from the Central Board of Film Certification and asked it to take corrective action. Thakur is understood to have asked the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to get the scene where Oppenheimer appears to indulge in a sexual intercourse while reading verses from the Bhagavad Gita deleted from the movie. He has also asked the Board to fix accountability on persons responsible for clearing the movie with the scene in question.

Information Commissioner Uday Mahurkar had written an open letter to Nolan, terming the scene a disturbing attack on Hinduism and appealed to the film director to remove the scene worldwide. In the film, Oppenheimer -- played by Cillian Murphy -- is shown having intercourse with psychologist Jean Tatler (Florence Pugh) as she asks him to read a verse from what appears to be a Sanskrit book, whose title or cover is not visible. On Tatlers insistence, a confused Oppenheimer reads out the verse she points at: Now, I am become Death, destroyer of the world.

According to reports, the CBFC gave the film a U/A rating, making it suitable for viewers above 13 years, after studio Universal Pictures cut some scenes to reduce its length. In the United States, the movie has been rated R Restricted, which means viewers under 17 would require accompanying parent or adult guardian. This is Nolans first R rated film. In his post, Mahurkar said he was perplexed as to how the Central Board of Film Certification could approve the movie with the scene.
Protests in Bastar division against Manipur incident





Our Correspondent

JAGDALPUR/DANTEWADA/

BIJAPUR,

Sarva Adivasi Samaj across the Bastar division staged a massive protest against appalling incident in Manipur where two women were paraded naked and gang-raped in front of a camera. The entire tribal community observed a day-long bandh, expressing their outrage and terming it an insult to entire female fraternity. The heinous incident in Manipur has sparked widespread criticism and condemnation, with protests erupting across the nation. Now, the echoes of these atrocities against tribal women in Manipur have been heard in Chhattisgarh, prompting the Sarva Adivasi Samaj to call for a bandh in the Bastar division on Monday.

The office-bearers of Sarva Adivasi Samaj voiced their strong condemnation of the abominable act, expressing deep embarrassment at the incident in Manipur. The Bastar Chamber of Commerce also extended its support to the bandh, joining hands in protest against the heinous crime. The impact of the bandh was visibly profound in Bijapur district, where local traders united in solidarity by keeping their establishments closed from morning till 2 am. A similar scene unfolded in Bijapur, Bhopalpatnam, and Madded, with shops shuttered in response to the protest.

Traders in Sukma and Dantewada also stood united in their protest, choosing to keep their shops closed to draw attention to this horrific incident. However, in Kondagaon district, the effect of the bandh remained negligible, with businesses operating as usual. In Narayanpur district, local traders extended full s upport to the Sarva Adivasi Samaj bandh, standing in solidarity by keeping their establishments closed till 1 pm on Monday.
NEW DELHI,

THE Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a plea by the West Bengal Government challenging the Calcutta High Court order handing over the probe of incidents of violence in March and April this year during Ram Navami celebrations in the State to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud noted the validity of notification issued in May by the Centre under section 6(5) of the NIA Act has not been challenged in the matter. Section 6 (5) of the NIA Act says if the Central Government is of the opinion that a scheduled offence has been committed which is required to be investigated under this Act, it may, suo motu (on its own), direct the agency to investigate it. The bench, also comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, observed that at this stage, the court is not called upon to either decide on the sufficiency of the allegations or their veracity.

The remit of this court would be to determine as to whether exercise of its jurisdiction by the Central Government under section 6 (5) is so completely extraneous to the powers conferred upon it by section 6 (5) so as to warrant intervention by this court, the bench said. It said the precise contours of the investigation which should be carried out by the NIA cannot be anticipated or restricted at this stage. Against this backdrop and, particularly, in the absence of a challenge to the validity of the notification issued under section 6 (5), we are not inclined to entertain the SLP (Special Leave Petition), the bench said. It clarified that the observations made by the high court in its April 27 order should be confined to the question as to whether the exercise of jurisdiction by the NIA under the special statute was warranted. The West Bengal Government had assailed the High Court order transferring the probe to the NIA, saying no explosives were used and the direction was passed on a politically-motivated PIL filed by the leader of the opposition in the state assembly Suvendu Adhikari.

On April 27, the High Court had ordered a probe by the NIA into the incidents of violence at Shibpur in Howrah and Rishra in Hooghly districts during and after the Ram Navami celebrations. The High Court order was passed on a PIL by Adhikari and three other petitions seeking an NIA probe into the violence at these two places. In its order, the apex court said six FIRs were registered by the state police in connection with the violence. It noted the submissions advanced by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranaraynan, who appeared for West Bengal, that the state police had duly acted following the alleged incidents which took place during the Ram Navami celebrations, and so the high court direction for transfer of probe to the NIA was not warranted and would demoralise the police. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the NIA, said on the last date of hearing the apex court had asked the probe agency to examine how many of the six FIRs had reference to the Explosive Substances Act. He said two of the six FIRs have reference to the Act.
Shahpura police solve blind murder of elderly woman within 24 hours





Staff Reporter

Shahpura police have solved the blind murder mystery of an elderly woman within 24-hours of the incident and apprehended a delinquent child for killing her. A 16-year-old teenager killed the elderly woman by attacking her with an axe after being annoyed with her abusing. Superintendent of Police, Tushar Kant Vidyarthi disclosed this while addressing a press conference, on Monday. He informed that receiving the information of murder of a woman in Magarmuha village, Shahpura police reached the spot and learnt that the body of an elderly woman Rati Bai Patel (80), a resident of Magarmuha village was found near farm of Sunder Patel situated at around 50-metre distance of his house.

In prima facie of the investigation, police found that the elderly woman was killed with a sharp-edged weapon as she sustained critical wounds on her face and neck. Senior police officers were informed about the incident and SDOP, Patan, Sarika Pandey and FSL Officer, Dr Neeta Jain and Additional SP (Rural), Shivesh Singh Baghel reached the spot for further investigation into the case. Taking a serious note into the case, Superintendent of Police, Tushar Kant Vidyarthi constituted a team under the supervision of Additional SP, Shivesh Singh Baghel, SDOP Patan, Sarika Pandey and SHO, Shahpura, S L Verma for further investigation to identify and apprehending the accused. Police found some evidences through dog movement and other physical evidences.

On the basis of evidences, police questioned a 16-year-old boy who was sight near the spot of finding the body. The suspected boy confessed to the killing of woman. He disclosed that the woman directed him to giving fodder and water to cattle but he refused. But the woman started abusing him and manhandle him. Annoyed with this, he picked-up an axe and killed her and dragged her body to the farm. On his identification, police have seized the axe from bushes near the spot and produced the delinquent boy before Juvenile Court, Gokalpur, Jabalpur.
SIT report on Trimbakeshwar temple incident in one month: Fadnavis tells Mah Council





MUMBAI,

THE Special Investigation Team (SIT) will submit its report within a month into the incident wherein a procession of Muslims had entered Trimbakeshwar temple, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Monday. Speaking in the Legislative Council, Fadnavis, who holds the Home portfolio, said the Government will not allow anybody to behave uncontrollably in the name of following certain traditions. Nationalist Congress Party MLC Shashikant Shinde raised a question on issue on Monday. The State Government will not tolerate anybody behaving irresponsibly and creating a ruckus in the name of following traditions. The crux of the controversy is whether a tradition in which Muslims offer dhoop (frankincense) to the Trimbakeshwar temple exists or not. The SIT appointed to look into the matter will submit its report in the next one month, Fadnavis said. The incident of a procession of Muslims allegedly trying to enter the famous temple of Lord Shiva occurred in May this year, creating a huge controversy following which the Government set up an SIT.

Fadnavis cited video footage to say that in 2022 a procession was taken inside the Trimbakeshwar temple and selfies were taken. Some people were even seen shooting with their phones. Against the backdrop of this incident, trustees of the temple complained that there is no such tradition (of offering dhoop), and such an act could hurt religious sentiments of people, the BJP leader said. Fadnavis said a meeting was held between people from both sides after the incident (which occurred in May). Those who had gone inside (the temple) have admitted that they had no intention to hurt sentiments. They even apologised for it. There is peace now, he said. Fadnavis said some men, who were part of the procession, instead of restricting themselves to the north door of the temple, went inside, took selfies and did some other things. This unnecessarily created communal tension between the two religions, he said. Fadnavis also said the people against whom cases were registered in connection with the May 2023 incident have been issued notice under CrPC 41 (to appear before the local police station).

There is no government ban on following any kind of faith or tradition. The Government will not come in the way, he said. Nothing better than Hindus and Muslims being accommodative to each other. But if some mischievous acts are pushed in the name of traditions at some place, then we need to understand the sentiments of both sides, he added. Fadnavis also shared his personal experience about a dargah in his hometown Nagpur. Several Hindus have been visiting the Tajuddin Baba dargah for the last many years. Nobody had any issue with that. In fact, I have given some funds for its development, he said. Fadnavis said all should respect the sentiments of each other, which would mean that Constitutional rights given to us are being followed in true spirit.
Traders demand strict action against online gambling websites





Business Bureau

The recent incident of online fraud wherein a businessman lost Rs 58 crore in online gambling seems to have sent ripples of fear across the traders community who are now demanding the policy makers to block online gaming formats and take a stricter stance on gambling websites. The traders under the banner of Nagpur Chamber of Commerce Limited (NCCL) on Monday said the rising number of businessmen losing money in online gaming is a big threat for the society and thus it must be controlled. Highlighting that a large number of innocent citizens, including businessmen, are falling pray to the deceptive allure of easy money, President of NCCL Govind Pasari said the new mode of gambling is a worrying trend that the country has been witnessing. Addressing a press conference held here, Pasari also cautioned the traders to stay from the online gaming formats. When a trader is involved in online gaming, he not only loses his own money but also the borrowed money. This affects many other traders who are indirectly associated with the victim, he explained.

Past President of the body Kailash Jogani said the law to govern online betting and gambling in the country needs to be made stringent. Though online gaming is legal in India, there is a very thin line which differentiates what is legal and what is not. Many online gaming platforms take undue advantage of it and cheat innocent people, he said. Jogani further pointed out that there are many illegal gaming and betting apps that are transferring money through hawala channels. This is also encouraging many anti social elements to invest their black money in such activities, he said. Jogani further said that the Government should also set up a regulatory body to monitor online gaming apps and introduce strict rules to block prohibited gambling websites.
Two held for kidnapping at gunpoint, extortion





Staff Reporter

BHILAI,

TWO were arrested on charges of kidnapping at gunpoint and extortion at Chouhan Town in Bhilai. In this connection the police also recovered a country made pistol, three live cartridges and the car used for committing the crime. Police sources informed that the accused have been identified as Bajeet Sathiya (46), a resident of Chouhan Green Valley, Khamariya Road, Bhilai and Malkit Singh (35), a resident of Ramnagar, Bhilai. The police said that in his complaint the victim Sarkar Tandon (33), a resident of Sector-7, Bhilai alleged that on July 18, the accused Baljeet Sethiya and Malkit Singh took him forcibly in a car at gunpoint and demanded Rs 5 lakh while threatening with life. Afterwards they released him but they again approached him and threatened of dire consequences if he failed to make the payment.

He also alleged in his compliant that he paid Rs 1 lakh to the accused online on July 19. After complaint in the matter the police arrested the accused and registered offence against them under sections 365 and 386 of Indian Penal Code and sections 25 and 27 of Arms Act. Shalabh Sinha, Superintendent of Police (SP), Durg told the mediapersons that after complaint in the matter police teams swung into action and nabbed the accused with erecting barriers. The police have also recovered arms and ammunition on instances of the accused and the investigation is in progress in the matter for establishing the charges.
Unidentified miscreant snatches gold chain from woman in broad day light





Staff Reporter

An unidentified bike-borne miscreant targeted a woman pedestrian and snatched her gold chain worth over Rs 32,000 said police. The victims husband was walking behind her when the incident occurred around 3 pm, on Sunday. Police said that victim Pinki Chouhan (21) is a resident of Laukhedi. She was heading towards Aditya Avenue near Data Colony with her husband to meet their friends. The womans husband stopped to talk to someone while woman was still walking. She said that a bike suddenly stopped near her and the accused lay his hand on her chain. Before, she could understand anything he had snatched it and fled. Her husband tried to chase the accused but in vain.

The couple then reached police station and lodged a complaint. The Kohefiza police booked the accused and launched a search for him. Sub Inspector (SI) Mahendra Tripathi said that there was one person on the bike. He said that accused was wearing a skull cap and had not covered his face. The cops have released the footage of the biker who is on the run.
Several faculties of medicine in Upper Egypt have seen an unprecedented low percentage of passing grades among freshmen.

Parliaments Ethics Committee has raised concerns regarding the results of a number of students at some Upper Egypt faculties of medicine. The committee has requested an immediate investigation into why more than 70 per cent of the freshman class of medical students at a number of faculties in Assiut, Luxor, and South Valley failed.

The percentage of freshman medical students in Assiut University who failed was around 60 per cent; 720 students out of 1,207 failed. Around 70 per cent of medical students in South Valley University failed their exams this year, while in the Faculty of Dentistry in the same university, in the Qena branch, only 52 students out of 249 passed, a fail rate of 80 per cent. In Luxor University, only 61 per cent of first year students passed.

MP Samira Al-Gazzar noted that the unprecedented grades mirror the crisis in the countrys overall educational system. Al-Gazzar called for an immediate investigation into the incident by forming a committee comprising veteran professors of medicine in Cairo University which would require all students  those who passed and failed  to take the exam again.

Ministry of Higher Education Spokesman Adel Abdel-Ghaffar said the success rate of students in the first year of medical faculties usually ranges between 75 per cent and 90 per cent. The percentage increases as they progress from one year to the other. There are 25 faculties of medicine across the country; nine are in Upper Egypt governorates, Abdel-Ghaffar said.

Vice Dean of the Faculty of Medicine in Assiut University for education and student affairs Amany Omar noted that the failing percentage was the first in the facultys history since its creation in 1960. Half the failing students were expatriates, mainly Sudanese. Only 11 Sudanese students out of 350 passed. Those who failed were not attending lectures regularly, Omar said.

Some Egyptian students who failed the first year exams, according to Omar, hail from secondary schools which had mass cheating incidents in Thanaweya Amma (grade 12 high school) exams last year. When the students files were screened we noticed they belonged to specific schools where last years mass cheating took place, Omar said.

President of South Valley University Youssef Al-Gharabawi said in a TV interview that one of the basic requirements to succeed in the Faculty of Medicine is for students to have a good command of English, however, he said exams in medicine have proven that in some cases they lack basic knowledge of the language.

Their answers on the exam papers are incomprehensible, Al-Gharabawi said, adding that the problem lay in a faulty academic educational system, as the success rate of previous years used to hover at around 90 per cent.

Luxor University President Hamdi Hussein cited the new evaluation system in faculties and teaching methods as additional problems. The evaluation system now has become more rigorous and merciless. Sympathising with medical or engineering students means major problems in the future with patients and facilities, Hussein said.

The university, according to Hussein, has adopted a continuous evaluation system this year which includes students sitting for exams after they finish each unit of the curriculum. Also, there has been a change in the exam format in that 75 per cent of the grade comes from multiple choice questions (MCQ) and the rest essay questions.

The MCQ style teaches students to choose the most accurate answer among several correct choices, thus enabling them to be more attentive. Also, it trains them on comprehending what they are studying, not only rote memorising, explained Hussein.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 27 July, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Youth Congress stages massive protest to condemn incidents against women in Manipur





Staff Reporter

To vent ire against recent incidents of violence and atrocities against women in Manipur, a number of senior office-bearers and members of Madhya Pradesh Youth Congress, on Monday staged massive protest at Civil Lines Square and demanded President rule in the State. Irked YC men also raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not taking strict action against the culprits. Speaking on the occasion, Youth Congress leaders said Manipur has been engulfed in violence for the last three months due to wrong policies and decisions of Manipur and Central Governments. The grave situation in Manipur came to light when a video went viral on July 19, shaking the entire nation.

YC men said the video showed two women from Manipur being stripped naked by a mob. Although the video showed two women, according to the womens complaints, three women were allegedly forced to walk naked in front of the crowd and one of them faced sexual harassment. They said despite more than two months passed, Manipur is still reeling under violence and hatred, which may lead to even more dangerous consequences in the future. The current situation in Manipur is enough to show that N Biren Singh Government has utterly failed to control the situation.

Therefore, YC leaders Raghu Tiwari, Ajay Rawat, Shrikant Vishwakarma, Shiv Agrawal, Anubha Sharma, Rahul Baghel, Ravi Khatri, Om Yadav and others have demanded that President rule should be imposed in Manipur at the earliest possible.
Last week, Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman hosted Gulf and Central Asian leaders for a Jeddah summit. Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan (the C5 countries) thus conferred with the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations at the highest level with a view to greater cooperation and stronger ties.

Relations between the GCC and the C5 countries have been gathering momentum in recent years since most are fellow members of the Islamic Cooperation Organisation (ICO), but it is now clear that the de facto leader, Saudi Arabia, is keen to take those relations to the next level. The summit approved a Joint Action Plan for Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation between GCC members and Central Asian states.

Trade between the two blocks has the potential to grow from its current volume of about three billion dollars a year. Moreover, foreign direct investment  mainly by Gulf countries and businesses in Central Asia  is also poised to grow. Some Gulf investors and companies, especially from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, have reasonable presence in the C5 countries. The talks were therefore an opportunity to build on existing foundations, especially with those countries going through an economic revival.

Some commentators were sceptical about the outlook for cooperation between the two blocks as both are still reliant on natural resources. Both the GCC and the C5 countries are big exporters of oil and gas, with Turkmenistan for example resting on one of the worlds major natural gas reserves while Kazakhstan and Tajikistan are also oil and refined oil product exporters. Their energy exports became additionally significant after the war in Ukraine last year. As Europe banned energy imports from Russia, it increased reliance on Kazakh oil and refined products, along with gas imports from Turkmenistan along with other new sources.

Two energy-reliant blocks might more plausibly compete against each other. But Saudi Arabia, as an OPEC kingpin, appears to have chosen a path of alliance rather than rivalry with global energy producers and exporters. Even though there is no indication of an imminent widening of the coalition of OPEC+, which brings in nearly a dozen non-OPEC producers including Russia.

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries have another energy-related issue in common with Central Asian and other oil producers. Fighting climate change is at the forefront of current affairs and, fossil fuels being the main perpetrator of global warming, climate activists are adamant on weaning the world economy off oil and gas. In the process of resisting these efforts and striking a balance for the energy transition, galvanising efforts with other producers and exporters looks logical.

But areas of mutual benefit between the two blocks are not confined to energy. C5 countries are rich in mineral resources, for example, and the GCC imports copper and other metals from them. Central Asian countries are big exporters of gold and copper. But they also contain good reserves of other minerals like mercury, uranium, and aluminium. The mining sector could be a promising target of Gulf investments.

Another factor that favours cooperation over competition is that economic transformation being paramount is a common element between the two blocks. Various phases of plans to diversify the economy and move away from reliance on energy and raw materials are underway, and cooperation might be a catalyst for speeding up diversification to the benefit of all parties.

The C5 countries began the process of economic restructuring to transform the model they adopted when they were part of the former Soviet Union. Some have left the socialist economy behind while others continue with the slow transformation. Gulf money would be another window of opportunity for them to increase the foreign investment needed to speed up the transformation.

Sectors other than energy, from agriculture to tourism and services, are vital areas of cooperation. Even in energy transformation away from fossil fuels and renewables, Central Asian countries can benefit from established experiences in some Gulf countries.

Yet, cooperation is not only economic. Both blocks have joined forces before in combating terrorism and Islamist extremism. It could also be apposite to enhance such security cooperation while the world faces greater geopolitical and security challenges. Ultimately, and probably most importantly to the Gulfs relatively young leaders, cooperation with the C5 block is another step towards diversifying strategic alliances away from the US and the West. Gulf leaders are building good relations with China, India and other rising powers, and Central Asia is a significant addition to that roster.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 28 July, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi was due to arrive in St Petersburg on Thursday to head Egypts delegation to the second Russia-Africa summit.

The first summit of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum convened in 2019, ending in promises for enhanced cooperation which have so far failed to materialise.

Russian investments in most African countries remain low and Russia has significant trade relations with only five  Egypt among them  of the 54 countries in the continent.

According to Egyptian government sources, in St Petersburg Al-Sisi will be looking for guarantees of continued Russian support on several strategic issues. First, the sources say, Cairo wants to ensure continued wheat supplies on terms that accommodate Egypts current shortage of foreign currency.

Egypt imports around half its annual wheat needs from Russia and concern over supplies has been growing in Cairo since Moscows decision last week to end the UN-brokered grain deal which Russia claims has benefited European rather than African countries. In an open letter published ahead of the summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin promised that his country will continue to supply Africa with grain and make it up to countries that have suffered a drop in supplies and increased prices over the last two years.

We understand the importance of uninterrupted food supplies for the socio-economic development and political stability of African states, Putin wrote. He said that despite facing economic sanctions over the war in Ukraine, Russia had provided Africa with over 11 million tons of grains. Today, Putin said, I want to give assurances that our country is capable of replacing Ukrainian grain, both on a commercial and free of charge basis.

Government sources say that while Egypt is hoping to benefit from this promise on both counts there is no such thing as a free lunch and Moscow will want something in return.

Given its relations with the West, especially with the US, Egypt has had to slow down or else cancel planned cooperation with Russia. And while Cairo sympathises with Moscows concerns over the growth of NATO influence in Ukraine, cited by the Kremlin as the cause of the war, it has withheld full support for Moscows position, voting instead for UN General Assembly resolutions calling for an end to the war and respect of Ukrainian sovereignty.

We just stick to the reasonable line of calling for a negotiated end to the war, a position shared with many African countries, said one source.

Egypt, he added, will join several other African countries in sharing with their hosts some ideas to end the conflict in a way acceptable to both sides, including contributing to peacekeeping forces under the umbrella of the African Union once a ceasefire is in place.

Cairo has consulted with African and other capitals on the details of what a possible reasonable offer might involve.

Ultimately, if we want the Russians to show interest, we have to take their interests into account. The idea is to appeal for as prompt an end as possible to this war on the sidelines, not during the sessions, of the summit in St Petersburg, said the source.

The conflict in Sudan will also be high on the agenda of President Al-Sisis sideline meetings in St Petersburg.

Egypt is already heavily invested in an initiative to secure agreement among Sudans neighbours to encourage Abdel-Fattah Al-Borhan, leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces, and Mohamed Dagalo, leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), to end their conflict, and a ministerial meeting of Sudans seven neighbours is scheduled to meet in Chad within days.

On Monday and Tuesday, Egypt hosted a meeting of civilian Sudanese forces and also played host to Al-Borhans second in command Malik Agar, who spoke with participants at the meeting and other Cairo-based Sudanese politicians.

Government sources say Cairo is working to establish a political corps capable of supporting a sustainable ceasefire, on which the Americans and Saudis are working, and to encourage Sudans neighbours to support such a ceasefire. To this end, Egypt is in close coordination with the US and is keeping open channels of communication with Saudi Arabia, and Russia could play a vital role in supporting the initiative.

The Russian mercenary group Wagner has been instrumental in supporting the RSF and despite last months aborted march on Moscow by Wagner fighters, Russia and Wagner have both said the groups operations in Africa  focused on supporting African regimes against alleged rebel groups  will continue.

In the last five years, Wagner has expanded its activities in the continent, including in the Sahel and Sahara, allowing Russia to compete with Western countries, especially France, in terms of influence vis-a-vis countries rich in natural resources. According to European diplomatic sources, access to gold deposits in Sudan has been at the core of Wagner operations.

European diplomats note that while in Moscow in June for talks with Russian officials, Agar said Al-Borhan was willing to relaunch negotiations over a possible Russian base in Port Sudan. Russia has long coveted a series of African bases, most military but some commercial, as a springboard to expand its presence on a continent that has been subject to growing international competition, a strategy that could see it at odds with its otherwise close ally China.

While Cairo is unhappy about any foreign military expansion in the Horn of Africa, and especially in Sudan, it is also cautious about supporting, even implicitly, any deal that dismays China, a close development partner and one to which Cairo is looking for the economic support it needs to accommodate the growing number of Sudanese fleeing their country.

In Rome this week for a summit on undocumented migration, Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli said that the world needs to address the root causes behind migration and work to consolidate sustainable partnerships that achieve mutual benefits.

As one senior Egyptian official noted, President Al-Sisis attendance at the St Petersburg summit was subject to very careful consideration.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 27 July, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Every day brings us another piece of news of the brutal violations against civilians in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, yet no one cries out or calls for sanctions.

The West, the self-proclaimed defender of human rights, is deaf to the screams of mothers and the groans of innocent wounded in Palestine, focused as it is on sanctioning Russia for its alleged human rights violations in Ukraine.

On top of the flagrant hypocrisy, the West has produced online tourism websites touting tours to illegal Israeli settlements whose inhabitants have been perpetrating vicious attacks against Palestinians in nearby towns and camps.

Mark Dummett, Amnesty Internationals Business and Human Rights researcher, explains that major tourism sites like Airbnb, TripAdvisor, Expedia and Booking.com are fuelling human rights violations against Palestinians by promoting accommodation and activities in Israeli settlements regarded as illegal by the international community, including Israels staunchest supporter, Washington.

Even a segment of Israeli public opinion has called for dismantling them. Moreover, as AI observes, the transfer of Israeli civilians to these settlements is illegal under international law. In fact, it is a war crime according to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

Yet, for example, TripAdvisor had no compunction about advertising tours to Susiya, a historic village occupied in 1967. The occupying power expelled 300 Palestinian families from that village, demolished their homes without paying a penny in compensation, and forced them to live in camps outside their village where they are victims of constant harassment by the people who stole their land.

Moreover, the settlers are now managing the heritage site that was once the Palestinians village, profiting from tourists that come that way thanks to the online tourism giants.

The callousness has reached a point where one online firm advertised training courses with Israeli soldiers, despite the crimes the Israeli forces have committed against the people they occupy.

Companies engaged in businesses in the illegal settlements are profiting from and contributing to systemic human rights violations against Palestinians by the settlers, the Israeli army, and the occupying power.

Surely this applies to companies promoting such businesses as well, which should give us pause for thought.

Should we, as Arabs, continue to deal with such companies?

* A version of this article appears in print in the 27 July, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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A man dubbed the "Geneva patient" is the latest person with HIV to be declared in long-term remission -- however he did not receive a transplant with a virus-blocking gene mutation like previous cases.

Five people have previously been considered "cured" of HIV: the Berlin, London, Duesseldorf, New York and City of Hope, California patients.

All had bone marrow transplants to treat serious cases of cancer, receiving stem cells from a donor with a mutation of the CCR5 gene. This mutation is known to block HIV from entering the body's cells.

In 2018, the Geneva patient similarly received a stem cell transplant to treat a particularly aggressive form of leukaemia.

But this time the transplant came from a donor who did not carry the CCR5 mutation, French and Swiss researchers told a press conference in the Australian city of Brisbane as part of an AIDS conference that begins at the weekend.

This means that the virus is still able to enter the patient's cells.

However, 20 months after the man stopped taking antiretroviral treatment -- which reduces the amount of HIV in the blood -- doctors at Geneva University Hospitals have not found a trace of the virus in his system, the researchers said.

While they cannot rule out that the man's HIV will return, the researchers said they consider him to be in long-term remission.

"What is happening to me is magnificent, magical," the Geneva patient said in a statement.

The patient, a white man who chose not to be named, was diagnosed with HIV in 1990.

He had been on antiretrovirals until November 2021, when his doctors advised him to stop taking the treatment after the bone marrow transplant.

'Promising'

Two previous cases, known as the Boston patients, had also received normal or "wild type" stem cells during their transplants. But in both cases, HIV returned a few months after they stopped taking antiretrovirals.

Asier Saez-Cirion, a scientist at France's Pasteur Institute who presented the Geneva patient case in Brisbane, told AFP that if there was still no sign of the virus after 12 months "the probability that it will be undetectable in the future increases significantly".

There were a couple of possible explanations for why the Geneva patient remains HIV free, Saez-Cirion said.

"In this specific case, perhaps the transplant eliminated all the infected cells without the need for the famous mutation," he said.

"Or maybe his immunosuppressive treatment, which was required after the transplant, played a role."

Sharon Lewin, the president of the International AIDS Society holding the HIV science conference in Brisbane, said the case was "promising".

"But we learned from the Boston patients that even a single" particle of the virus can lead to HIV rebounding, she cautioned.

"This particular individual will need to be watched closely over the next months and years."

While these cases of long-term remission raise hopes that one day HIV can truly be cured, the brutal and risky bone marrow transplant procedure is not an option for the millions of people living with the virus around the world.

It is instead a last-ditch attempt to treat life-threatening cancer in people who also have HIV.

However, there are hopes that the remission cases could point towards new avenues of research, such as the potential role played by immunosuppressive treatments.

Saez-Cirion said the case had also encouraged the researchers to continue studying innate immune cells, which act as the first line of defence against various pathogens, and could help control the virus.

For his part, the Geneva patient said he was now "looking to the future".

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The deputy commander of the UN Command said Monday it has started conversations with North Korea over an American soldier who ran into the North last week across the Koreas' heavily armed border.

General Andrew Harrison said the process has started through communications line set under the armistice agreement that stopped the fighting of the 1950-53 Korean War. He said the well-being of Private Travis King remains the command's primary concern, but refused to provide more details, citing the sensitivity of the discussions.

North Korea has remained publicly silent about King, who crossed the border last Tuesday while he was supposed to be heading to Fort Bliss, Texas.
In your most recent interview as the Spokesman for the Northern Elders Forum, you expressed your expectations from the Tinubu Administration on good governance, secure country, and compassionate government. You went on to advocate restructuring as a necessity, saying that  The North cant carry 19 governors, 19 legislatures, and 19 judiciaries. When people talk about the cost of governance, it is a mistake to talk about the size of civil servants. We have 19 governors, including the weight of the Federal Government. So, governance alone just takes a huge part of the resources of the North, and until we can find a solution to that  common policies, common strategies, an awareness of their own worth to the North, an awareness of their value to the rest of the country and an informed strategy forengaging the rest of the country .

The Yoruba Referendum Committee condenses your response into two broad categories, to wit: cost of governance and the method of achieving Restructuring as the preferred answer to the cost of governance while venturing into issues about faith and corruption.

Hence, we say as follows:

(i) As it is now clear, the current economic state of the country brought about mainly by the removal of fuel subsidy as well as the merging of the foreign exchange regimes show that the cost of governance is central to the Nigerian economy, where the government admits over 50% of Nigerias revenue is used to service debtexternal and internal. Although the government also says this implies a revenue problem, meaning the more the revenue, the less the percentage used to service debt, the issue cannot be limited to servicing the debt without addressing the type of debt, such that servicing it does not become the majorpursuit of the Nigerian Government.

(ii) This is because the debts incurred by the government leave no room for any trickling down of investable funds by which the cost of production and consumption, including taxes, are reduced to such an extent that Nigerias reliance on oil exports for almost 70% of her revenue will be drastically reduced. This is further buoyed by the central governments reduction of allocation to the states, with the aim of ensuring savings, as a distinct measure from the previous allocation regime, without negatively impacting on the operations of the central or state governments, thereby providing additional savings towards investable funds that will be released to the economy.

(iii) Yet, Nigeria cannot continue with this type of reduction in allocations mainly because these options are anchored on keeping existing architecture of governance, which is the problem that must be resolved via restructuring. Furthermore, the state governments will also have to cut their costs of governance, to be able to adjust to the new reality of reduced allocations. The conclusion from the above is that the cost of governance is the fundamental question that must be addressed if restructuring is to be meaningful.

(iv) While these may be considered temporary or initial steps, a permanent approach to drastically reduce the cost of governance is a desirable goal of economic restructuring. This will lead to an economy and governance anchored on the principle of Derivation, which places the exploitation and development of mineral and land resources under the auspices of the Federating Units with an agreed Tax schedule with the Central Government. With this, there will be no need for an increasing reduction of allocations based on any parameter.

(v) Furthermore, questions about remuneration for public and elected officials, the type of political representation (parliamentary or presidential), taxation in both local and central governments, economic philosophy, cultural imperatives, transparency, accountability, reduced monetization of politics and elections, as well as other existential questions will be embedded in the Derivation regimen.

(vi) This is more so in your placing the fight against corruption in its real context, to wit:  it is about societal corruption which percolates down to every other sections of governance . It is well known that each society/nationality already has its shared values, regardless of the individual profession of faith and which mediates and modulates social relationships, and which affects its leadership. To drastically remove corruption must therefore entail and embrace the particular social values of each Nationality. Hence the emphasis must be on arriving at inter-Nationality shared values, which can only be achieved by recognizing the realities of current Intra-Nationality shared values whose relevance will be brought onto the sphere of the architecture of the Nigerian State, thereby enhancing Inter-Nationality shared values which also forms the bedrock of Federalism, without which the contest for power pits these values against each other.

(vii) The question now becomes how to achieve the above. For you, it is by way of convening  some kind of forum that will genuinely look at what Nigeria needs to be, either incrementally or in one gulp, including changing the Constitution.

(viii) The Yoruba Referendum Committee takes the opposite view, to wit: what is needed are Nationality Referendums as the informed strategy because (a) various governments in the past convened forums for Restructuring and nothing came out of them. (b) The APC Government and party also set up the El-Rufai Committee on Federalism and, so far, nothing has come out of it. (c) Yet, it is possible that the Tinubu Administration will be different, that is, it can convene such a forum, and something will come out of it. (d) The problem with this is that we cannot afford to rely on such an assumption, mainly because such forums become substitutes for the People. Despite the characterization of such representatives as representing the people, the people, i.e. the citizens are prevented from exercising their veto power on decisions that may negatively impact them. (e) The answer is not in convening any forum as a first step but in ensuring that the wishes of the citizens are made manifest through the Referendum process after which any negotiations would commence. (f)The Referendum Process is what we call, for the Yoruba, the Yoruba Referendum. (g) These Referendums will result in a new Constitution and the composition of the Center, which the Yoruba Referendum Bill has defined as a central Legislature made up of an equal number of representatives from the Federating Units(Nationalities) and superintended by a Presidential College consisting of one representative selected or elected from each Federating Unit and from which a primus inter pares will be selected/elected to hold the office of the President on a rotational basis. (h) This will permanently alter the over-reliance on the Center, thus reducing inter-Nationality conflicts and thereby making Nigeria become the expression of African post-colonial aspirations for functioning multinational federal democracies.

(ix) The Yoruba Referendum is predicated on a Yes or No question as to the desirability or wish of the Yoruba in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti States to govern themselves under one regional government, with adequate provision for the Yoruba in Kogi and Kwara States to determine by which values they want to be governed. The Regional Government will decide the organization of the Region into a desired number of states.

(x) Therefore, when you stated the undesirability of a 19-state structure for the North, the reduction or abolition of which will drastically reduce the cost of governance in the North, the onus is on the North to prepare the grounds for their Nationality Referendums to decide how they want the North to be governed. This will aid the efforts towards not only Restructuring but also reducing the cost of governance for Nigeria.

(xi) For the Yoruba, the Yoruba Referendum Committee not only started a Petition to the Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo State Houses of Assembly (which is to be found here: http://chng.it/ybwX2ZR6Tt ) but has also sent a Bill for a Referendum to each of the states. The Northern Elders Forum can join the process within the context of their realities.

Editorial Board,

Yoruba Referendum Committee


Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on political parties in the country to caution their supporters against violence ahead of off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States.

The INEC boss, who categorically decried disturbing reports of clashes between opposing parties with claims and counter claims of innocence or culpability in various states, urged political parties to call their supporters to order.

Prof. Yakubu made this call on Tuesday during a meeting with leaders of political parties in the attempt to Review the 2023 General Elections.

While noting that the review of the general elections was important to identify some of the lessons learnt to improve the Commissions performance in the forthcoming elections, Prof. Yakubu said INEC is focusing, among other issues, on election technology, recruitment and training of ad hoc staff, the conduct of some of our regular and ad hoc officials, security, logistics in particular and our relationship with other service providers in general.

He said, For the 2023 General Election, political parties played a leading role in the election and the electoral process. Collectively, they sponsored 36 presidential candidates and their running mates; 837 governorship candidates and their running mates; 1,100 senatorial candidates; 3,127 candidates for federal constituencies (i.e. House of Representatives) and 10,231 candidates for state assembly constituencies. The Commission also printed identity cards for 1,642,385 polling and collation agents nominated by political parties to represent them at polling units and collation centres. Following the conclusion of the election, seven political parties won senatorial seats, eight parties in the House of Representatives and nine parties in the State Houses of Assembly. While the Commission is working on the electronic register of election results as provided by Section 62(2) of the Electoral Act 2022, a comprehensive list of elected candidates for the 1,491 constituencies distributed by name, constituency, political party and gender will be uploaded to the Commissions website this afternoon for public information.

The Commission appreciates the role of political parties through the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in voter education within the limits of available resources both during off-cycle and the general election. Your robust engagement with the National Assembly contributed a lot to the 4th and 5th alterations to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2022.

Working in partnership with us, political parties also supported the expansion of voter access to polling units and many innovations introduced by the Commission, including the online pre-registration of voters, nomination of candidates and the accreditation of party agents. You also supported the Commissions effort to deepen the use of technology in voter accreditation and result management as well as the provision of assistive devices in aid of persons with disability during elections.

However, the Commission is aware that while there were many positive developments from the 2023 General Election, there were challenges encountered which must be addressed. The Commission is aware that many aspects of the electoral process are currently being litigated at the various election petition tribunals. Nevertheless, we must review them broadly without touching on the merits of the cases in court. Our hope is that at the end of the review process, a comprehensive report will be prepared that will serve as a basis for further engagement with stakeholders focusing on specific actions necessary for the improvement of future elections and electoral activities.

As we review the general election, we also need to focus our attention on the forthcoming bye-elections and the three off-cycle Governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States. For the Commission, we are looking at some of the lessons learnt from the general election to improve our performance in the forthcoming elections. We are focusing, among other issues, on election technology, recruitment and training of ad hoc staff, the conduct of some of our regular and ad hoc officials, security issue, logistics in particular and our relationship with other service providers in general. I also appeal to party leaders for similar introspection on the conduct of your candidates and their supporters. The use of thugs during elections to harass election officials, intimidate voters and disrupt processes, sometimes resulting in the destruction of election materials or even worse must be addressed. Campaign in public by parties and candidates in the three States commenced on 14th July 2023 as provided in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Governorship elections. Sadly, there are already disturbing reports of clashes between opposing parties with claims and counter claims of innocence or culpability. These claims help no one. Call your supporters to order.

At the same time, I must also acknowledge the perennial complaints from some political parties that the power of incumbency is used in some States to restrain some parties and candidates from access to public facilities for media campaigns and outdoor advertising through exorbitant fees or outright denial. This often leads to the mutual destruction of advertising materials such as billboards, resulting in altercation and violence involving supporters of opposing political parties. This matter will be discussed at the next meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) scheduled for Friday this week.
Reacting to news that Ghanas Parliament voted to remove the death penalty from the 1960Criminal and Other Offences Act and the 1962 Armed Forces Act, Amnesty Internationals West and Central Africa Director Samira Daoud said:

Todays parliamentary vote is a major step by Ghana towards the abolition of the death penalty. It is also a victory for all those who have tirelessly campaigned to consign this cruel punishment to history and strengthen the protection of the right to life. Although a landmark decision, the total abolition of this draconian punishment would not be complete without revising the Constitution, which still provides for high treason to be punishable by death.

Now that the 2022 Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill and 2022 Armed Forces (Amendment) Bill have been passed by Parliament, President Nana Akufo-Addo should, without delay, sign them into law, commute all death sentences to prison terms, and establish an official moratorium on executions.

Amnesty International is also calling on the Ghanaian authorities to take steps to remove the death penalty from the Constitution. Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all cases without exception because it violates the right to life as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The death penalty is the ultimate cruel, inhuman, and degrading punishment which has no place in our world.
The number of travelers using Korea's main gateway Incheon International Airport is expected to peak during the first weekend of August.

Incheon International Airport Corporation on Monday said it expects 3.9 million passengers over the next three weeks of the summer vacation season -- an average of 178,130 daily travelers, up nearly 183 percent on-year. Aug. 6 will likely be the most crowded day with more than 191,000 travelers.
Aussie MP cautious over Phukets cannabis state

PHUKET: A Member of Parliament of the Australian state of Victoria has voiced his concerns over lack of awareness regarding the laws regulating the use of cannabis and how the availability of marijuana on the island may land tourists, especially Australians, in trouble.

Cannabis

By The Phuket News

Tuesday 25 July 2023 10:00 AM

Wayne Farnham, State Member for Narracan in the Victorian Parliament in Australia, meets with local officials and police in Patong to discuss the cannabis situation in Phuket and its impact on tourists. Photo: The Phuket News

Wayne Farnham, State Member for Narracan and also Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Opposition in Victoria John Pesutto, is in Phuket to observe the state of the islands cannabis industry, and its effects.

The Victorian Parliament looks like it is going to introduce a bill to legalise the consumption of cannabis in Victoria, a bill that will be put forward by the Cannabis Party, Mr Farnham explained.

Mr Farnham made his position clear on decriminalising marijuana: On a personal level I am against the blanket legalisation of cannabis in Victoria. I am not against cannabis use prescribed by medical officials.

I have been coming to Phuket since 2009 and in this time I have seen many changes to the Island, but I was very curious as to why the change of heart on the consumption of drugs in Thailand, when [previously] it was such a very strict country when it came to the consumption of drugs in this country, Mr Farnham told The Phuket News.

I was also curious to see how it has affected the tourism industry in Phuket and the general attitude of the tourists in the country to the legalisation of cannabis, he added.

Since his arrival in Phuket, Mr Farnham has met with the Australian Consul-General Matthew Barclay, police officials and health officials. I have also spoken with many tourists on the island and have received some very interesting feedback, he said.

It is clear to me that from the start the legalisation of cannabis was more intended for medicinal use only, a tradition that health officials told me was around 100 years ago and that it was a forgotten practice, a practice that could really help those suffering from pain with terminal illness.

In conversations with the local police it seems as though the laws around cannabis have not been finalised yet, although there are laws around the consumption of cannabis (basically only in your own home) and the selling of cannabis. It seems at the moment they seem like guidelines rather than the law, he noted.

The ubiquity of cannabis stores and cafes across the island and the casual attitude by tourists who think smoking marijuana in public areas is legal are two key concerns.

I have not noticed on any store a sign that states, Do not consume cannabis in the street and I have witnessed many tourists smoking as they are walking around. I feel more education for tourists needs to happen so they understand it is not a Wild West of consumption, Mr Farnham said.

In my conversations with tourists they say things like, How good is this We can smoke weed on the street. But when I tell them that it is illegal to do that, they are genuinely shocked and often comment, No, its legal here. Its okay.

I feel more education of tourists needs to happen before someone lands themself in jail and then has the nightmare of getting out, Mr Farnham urged.

Mr Farnham noted that in his conversation with cannabis vendors and local Thai residents, It is very clear to me that the average person is not really in favour of the practice [smoking marijuana], but nearly all agree on the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes.

I feel it is too early to tell if the addiction to cannabis has had an impact on the local community and I will be watching the data carefully on that, he added.

I really hope that they get the laws sorted out sooner than later because my real fear for the island is that it may get out of control and spoil what is so great about Thailand and Phuket in particular, Mr Farnham said.

I will be watching the data in the future, but if I have to make a decision based on this visit, it will not be something I will be supporting in the Victorian Parliament unless it is only for medicinal use only, Mr Farnham concluded.
MFP told not to meddle in Pheu Thai post-poll efforts

BANGKOK: The leader of the Seri Ruam Thai Party, Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, is warning the Move Forward Party (MFP) and other parties in the coalition not to interfere with Pheu Thais efforts to garner support for its PM candidate.

politics

By Bangkok Post

Tuesday 25 July 2023 08:59 AM

Sereepisuth: Slams weekend protests. Photo: Bangkok Post

Pol Gen Sereepisuth said the MFP and the six other parties in its alliance should let Pheu Thai do the job, saying the priority right now is to ensure the blocs candidate has the support required to become Thailands next prime minister, not forming a government.

Seri Ruam Thai is one of the eight parties allied with the MFP, reports the Bangkok Post.

He said when he previously said the MFP has to make sacrifices, he meant the MFP should step aside and let the other parties take charge in the process.

I didnt mean the MFP should be an opposition party. If theyre not going to help their friends out, must they also hold their friends back? he said.

Step aside and let Pheu Thai have a shot at having its candidate elected as PM. If [Pheu Thai] fails, then it will be on them. Dont meddle in their efforts, he said.

If the people believe Pheu Thai isnt acting properly, then dont vote for it in the next election. But its wrong to hold demonstrations. Thats too much, Pol Gen Sereepisuth said.

He was referring to a group of protesters who gathered outside Pheu Thais head office on Sunday (June 23) while the partys executives were meeting the Palang Pracharath Party.

The protesters demanded Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew honour the promise he made on behalf of Pheu Thai on the day it came together with seven other parties to sign a memorandum of understanding agreeing to work together.

Meanwhile, Chaowarit Kachornpongkirati, a list MP and leader of the Plung Sungkom Mai (Social New Force) Party, which is part of the eight-party bloc, said that since Pheu Thai is now in charge of forming a government, the MoU signed by the eight parties should be annulled to give Pheu Thai the freedom to do so.

He said he will raise the issue at a meeting of the parties today.

He also said two other micro-parties - the Thai Teachers for People Party and the New Party - would back a Pheu Thai candidate for prime minister as long as the lese majeste law is left alone.
Phuket small hotels ready to register

PHUKET: Wirintra Paphakityotphat, head of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) Region 11 branch, which represents Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi, has urged Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew to instruct relevant government agencies to facilitate small hotels being able to legally register.

tourismeconomics

By The Phuket News

Tuesday 25 July 2023 09:00 AM

One of the slides presented by Ms Wirintra yesterday while explaining the benefits of allowing small hotels to register, a legal right they have had for more than a month already. Photo: PR Phuket

One of the slides presented by Ms Wirintra yesterday while explaining the benefits of allowing small hotels to register, a legal right they have had for more than a month already. Photo: PR Phuket

Ms Wirintra delivers her very convincing argument for Phuket officials to not delay the legal registration of small hotels any further. Photo: PR Phuket

Ms Wirintra delivers her very convincing argument for Phuket officials to not delay the legal registration of small hotels any further. Photo: PR Phuket

Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew has yet to offer any explanation for the delay in allowing small hotels to legally register. Photo: PR Phuket

The call came at a meeting held at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (July 24) to explain to operators of small guest accommodation businesses the conditions under which they may now finally legally register as small hotels.

The meeting yesterday came two months after Ms Wirintra made the same urgent request to Governor Narong in April, when she pointed out that three major revisions of existing laws that allow many small hotel operators to legally open had been approved by two sessions of Cabinet, on Mar 7 and on Mar 14.

However, at that time, the revised regulation had yet to come into effect on publication in the Royal Gazette.

The Ministerial Regulations Prescribing Other Types of Buildings for Hotel Business Operations (No. 4) 2023 was signed as approved by caretaker Minister of Interior Gen Anupong Phaochinda on June 7.

The new ministerial regulation came into effect with its promulgation in the Government Gazette on June 20, with heavy emphasis on structural and fire safety requirements that operators must comply with in order to be legally registered as hotels under the new ministerial regulation.

Yet, more than a month later, Governor Narong yesterday offered no explanation for the delay in bringing the new ministerial regulation into effect in Phuket.

In Phuket, there are 4,600 hotels in operation, 900 of which are legally licensed and 3,700 are unlicensed, Ms Wirintra said yesterday (July 24).

Allowing small hotels to register will allow small hotels to accept more tourists as guests, Even at an average of 60% occupancy, that will provide accommodation for more than 10,000 more people a day, she said.

The economic benefit spoke for itself, Ms Wirintra noted. Using the same 60% occupancy projection would account for 2.19 million guest stays per year, generating income of B16.202 billion a year for Phuket, she said.

Small hotels earn only 10% of their room revenue from tourists, thats over B1.62bn baht a year, and will result in money flowing to more than 2,500 other businesses. Altogether generating over B14.585bn a year [for the local economy] and creating more than 25,000 jobs, Ms Wirintra said.

Ms Wirintra called for legitimate, licensed small hotels to be registered in a government system that can regulate and control/encourage small operators to increase their income from their assets. Doing so would support families, create employment and develop careers, she said.

As a result, the family, society and community will become strong and stable. People will be able to support themselves. It will reduce reliance on government assistance and help promote the grassroots economy from the beginning by distributing income to other supply chains, such as taxis, boats, tours, restaurants, laundry, shops, among others, she said.

Citing statistics from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) directors for Singapore and the Philippines, Ms Wirintra said that tourists from both countries per trip abroad spend at least at least B6,000 per day, and more than 70% [spent] will be distributed to the community network.

Allowing small hotels to register will increase taxes and the total income of Phuket, and the country, and it will prepare the tourism industry on the supply side so Phuket can be a good host to welcome foreign tourists who come to travel here during the coming high season, and it will help the TAT to achieve its goal of increasing the number of tourists in 2023 to 30 million people, she said.

Therefore, on behalf of small hotel operators, we would like to ask for cooperation from relevant government agencies to facilitate them. Small hotels have submitted the necessary documentation to ensure that they are on time to welcome visitors during the peak season, Ms Wirintra said.
Earlier in the day the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Annapolis docked at Jeju Naval Base to replenish supplies, the South Korean Navy said.

The missiles were fired from near Pyongyang at around midnight, the Joint Chiefs of Staff here said, and flew for about 400 km before dropping into the sea. The JCS condemned the launch as a "grave provocation" that threatens regional peace and stability.

North Korea fired another two missiles into the East Sea on Monday night, hours after a U.S. nuclear-powered attack submarine arrived on Jeju Island.

The Annapolis is a nuclear-powered submarine whose main duty is anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare. The 49th of 62 Los Angeles-class submarines, it was commissioned in 1992.

With 7,100 tons displacement, it is 109 m long and 10 m wide. It carries a crew of some 140 and has 12 vertical launch systems to fire 12 Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of hitting targets up to 2,300 km away with pinpoint accuracy.

Last September, the Annapolis also took part in anti-submarine drills staged by South Korea, the U.S. and Japan in international waters of the East Sea.

"We are strengthening our combined defense posture and engaging in joint activities [with the U.S. Navy] on the 70th anniversary of the Korea-U.S. alliance," the Navy here said.

Last week, a nuclear-armed U.S. submarine, the 18,000-ton USS Kentucky, docked in South Korea for the first time in four decades as Washington ramps up its military presence in the Pacific. That arrival was also greeted by a volley of North Korean missiles.
Noting illegal immigrants Focus on valid issues

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Let it be very clear. Any discussion on the ongoing violence in Manipur can never be complete without referring to the large scale illegal migration from across the border. It should also be very clear that the May 4 nude parade of two Kuki girls cannot be central to the narrative of the ongoing conflict between the Meiteis and the Kukis. It is also not a clash along religious divide and in as much as places of worship have been desecrated, it should be noted that it is on either side. To put it short, it is not only Kuki Churches which have been burnt or razed to the ground, but also places of religious importance to the Meiteis just to cite the example of Kondong Lairembi at Moreh. Churches belonging to the Nagas have been left untouched. The Tangkhul Baptist Church continues to stand tall in all its majestic splendour while the Kuki Baptist Church which is located nearby has been destroyed. Just bang opposite to Tangkhul Baptist Church, the Manipur Baptist Convention Church, which is not identified with any particular ethnic community, has not been targeted at all and continues to dispense with its service today. Likewise there are numerous other Churches at Lamphel and Langol areas, belonging to the sub-tribes of the Naga community which have not been touched. Trying to dub the ongoing clash as one between the Hindu/Sanamahi majority Meitei with the Christian Kuki minority would amount to playing mischief with the ongoing clash and give it a totally wrong interpretation. This is about negating the dangerous attempts to give the ongoing clash a religious hue and far from concentrating on the religious affiliation or composition of the different ethnic groups in Manipur, it would be that much more meaningful if the illegal migration from across the border is made an important cog of discussion in the ongoing violence. Long before Manipur went up in flames on May 3, reports of large number of illegal immigrants being detected at Churachandpur made it to the front page of all newspapers published from Imphal. As recently as June 6 this year, the IGP (Intelligence, Narcotics and Affairs of Border) submitted a report to the State Government which stated a verification drive conducted at Tengnoupal, Chandel, Churachandpur, Pherzawl and Kamjong in the first phase of April had detected over 2000 illegal immigrants from across the border. This comes close on the heels of the UNCHR report which said that about 18,27,000 people have been reported displaced in Myanmar in February 2021. Out of this total displaced people, 53,000 people, mostly from Chin State and Saigang region are reported to have crossed into Manipur and Mizoram till May this year.

The figures given here pertain to the detected folks, but the possibility of many more going undetected cannot be ruled out. Remember Manipur shares a long, unfenced boundary with Myanmar. It is unfortunate that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has still not talked anything of substance on the ongoing clash that has sent Manipur up in flames since May 3 evening. The lone words he has spoken referred to the nude parade of two young girls on May 4 but as noted here earlier, this cannot be central to any discussion on the ongoing violence in Manipur. The Prime Minister, the whole of India, the whole of Manipur and anyone with sense of humanity have come out strongly against the May 4 incident, but this cannot be central to the ongoing violence in Manipur. Any discussion on the violence should address the unchecked and illegal entry into the soil of Manipur, the large scale incursion in the Forest and Reserved Forest, the large scale poppy plantation and its nexus with the drug trade. Delhi should also ideally discuss the political move behind leaking the said video footage two months after the nude parade and just one day ahead of the Monsoon session of Parliament. The way to move forward should involve studying why the May 3 Tribal Solidarity March was organised at all and question why gun wielding elements took part in the rally. The ST for Meiteis demand was just a smokescreen.
Amid widespread criticism that civic volunteers are being used for regular police duties in West Bengal, especially in state capital Kolkata, the West Bengal Cabinet on Monday finally approved the appointment of 2,500 constables in Kolkata Police.

An announcement in this regard was made by minister of state for finance, Chandrima Bhattacharya, soon after a Cabinet meeting. The appointments will be made through the state police recruitment board. Recently, the administration had faced criticism from various quarters over the alleged use of civic volunteers for police duties.

Even the Calcutta High Court had recently specified the areas in which the services of civic volunteers could be used, clearly stating that they cannot be deputed for regular police duties like maintaining law and order. Yet there were allegations that civic volunteers were used for regular police duties during the recently-concluded panchayat polls.

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Recently, chief minister Mamata Banerjee had expressed dissatisfaction over the casual and lethargic approach among a section of the police and directed that the process of pending recruitments should be completed at the earliest
The burning question in Bengals political circles since June 23 has been, But what about these political parties deep-rooted rivalries in the state? Those keeping a close watch on the political developments in the country would know that this refers to the decision taken by Trinamool, the Congress and CPIM, sworn enemies in the state, to be a part of the same alliance of Opposition leaders which has joined hands to take on the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre in the Parliamentary elections next year. The decision was taken during the first Opposition alliance meeting in Patna on June 23, which was hosted by Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and reaffirmed in the second meeting held in Bengaluru on July 18.

A clarification is needed: by sworn enemies it is of course meant that the Trinamool is sworn enemies with the Congress and the CPIM. Though the Congress and the CPIM too had once been bitter rivals, when they were the two chief political parties (not counting the Left partners of the CPIM), it is well-established, that they have forged a political friendship which has been taking on ruling Trinamool every election that has taken place in the past decade.

The alliance at the Centre, point out the political experts, is bound to create problems in the state, where the Congress-CPIM combine has not just been fighting Trinamool tooth and nail but has refused to see eye to eye on any issue in the state.

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Leaders of the CPIM and the Congress in the state have been scathingly critical of the West Bengal government from issues ranging from alleged corruption in the education sector to the recent violence and attacks on their party supporters during the just-concluded rural polls, points out Tarun Ganguly, veteran political commentator. The camaraderie at the Centre could be interpreted to be a letdown as far as the supporters of the Congress and Left combine as well as supporters of the Trinamool is concerned, he says.

The leaders of the political parties claim that the equations dont change as far as the state is concerned. CPIM leader Sujan Chakraborty told The Statesman, It is not that the CPIM has joined hands with the Trinamool. The CPIM is in the alliance because it is an alliance which has been formed to fight the BJP in the Parliamentary elections of 2024. The Trinamool happens to be a part of the alliance. 

However, the power dynamics will be put to the acid test during the Parliamentary elections of 2024 when the Congress-Communist combine will possibly have to concede ground to the Trinamool or vice versa in seat-sharing arrangements.
The initiative taken by chief minister Mamata Banerjee to improve the quality of roads and set up new roads under the Rastashree project has received a jolt due to some officers, who started repairing roads during monsoon. This has led to wasteful expenditure worth crores of rupees.

As a result, the tar which is used for the upgradation of roads, gets washed away creating creators and potholes. Recently, steps have been taken to repair Netaji Subhas Road near Kalibabur Bazar in Howrah.

The important thoroughfare goes towards Ramrajatala in the west and GT Road in the east. Buses, totos, cars ply along one of the busiest thoroughfares in Howrah. The mixture that is used for road upgradation is brought and offloaded on the stretch under repair. As there are intermittent heavy showers, the top soil is getting washed away.

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Local residents said they had approached Arup Roy, state cooperation minister seeking his intervention. There is no board in Howrah Municipal Corporation from December 2018. Dr Sujay Chakraborty is the administrator and as there is no elected body, the Howrah Municipal Corporation is in doldrums. Local residents said it is not possible for the chief minister to keep a tab on everything.

She is being criticized for some officers who are taking advantage of the situation. She has not instructed the officer to take up road repair work during monsoon. If the repairing work is done during the dry season, it would have lasted for five years but now it will last for one to one-and-a-half years at the most, local people maintained.
BJPs West Bengal unit chief Suvendu Adhikari left for Delhi after concluding the legislative party meeting in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. He had returned from Delhi only last night. His second visit in quick succession triggered speculations in political circles in the state.

Adhikari had left for Delhi on Sunday night to attend a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) meeting. At the conclusion of the meeting on Monday, he returned to Kolkata at night before boarding the 3 am flight On Tuesday.

Responding to media questions while leaving the assembly, Adhikari said he was going to Delhi for some important work without specifying the work. However, it is believed that the purpose of his visit to the national capital is to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

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The Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly left the funeral of his fellow MLA Dhupaguri BJP MLA Bishnu Pada Roy midway, well before the cremation. He left the funeral ceremony for a meeting with the BJP parliamentary party in the assembly. Soon after the meeting, he left for Dumdum Airport for the flight to Delhi.

It is being speculated that the meeting he was supposed to have with the Union home minister in Delhi on Monday could not have taken place. Therefore, Shah summoned him again on Tuesday for an urgent meeting. Hence the second visit to Delhi in haste.

Besides Suvendu, state BJP president and a Member of Parliament from Balurghat, Sukanta Majumdar, may also be present in the meeting with the Union Home Minister. The leader of the Opposition may not participate in Wednesdays Assembly session due to his trip to Delhi. Therefore, he has entrusted the responsibility of the Assembly to Manoj Tigga, the chief whip of the BJP Parliamentary party.

Apart from this, the BJP parliamentary party has submitted a proposal to state Speaker Biman Banerjees office to discuss the situation arising from the violence against women in West Bengal. Before leaving the Assembly, Suvendu said, We have asked for a discussion on this issue. If the matter is not allowed to be discussed, we shall take the next course of action.
Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, left for Delhi after concluding the legislative party meeting in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.

While leaving the assembly, in response to media questions, he stated that he was going to Delhi for necessary work. It is believed that Suvendu went to the capital to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

He flew to Delhi on a 3 pm flight. Earlier, he had returned from Delhi on Monday night. Suvendu had left for Delhi on Sunday night to attend the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) meeting.

It is believed that the meeting he was supposed to have with the Union Home Minister in Delhi on Monday could not take place. Therefore, Shah summoned him to Delhi again on Tuesday for an urgent meeting.

Besides Suvendu, the state president of BJP and Member of Parliament from Balurghat, Sukanta Majumdar, may also be present in the meeting with the Union Home Minister.

The Leader of the Opposition may not participate in Wednesdays Assembly session due to his trip to Delhi. Therefore, he has entrusted the responsibility of taking care of the work of the Assembly to Manoj Tigga, the chief whip of the BJP Parliamentary party.

The BJP Parliamentary party has submitted a proposal to Speaker Biman Banerjees office to discuss the situation of violence against women in West Bengal. Before leaving the Assembly, Suvendu said: We have asked for a discussion on this issue. If the matter is not allowed to be discussed, then we shall decide the next course of action.
A student of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Hyderabad, who went missing last week, was found dead here on Tuesday.

The body of Karthik (21) was found at a beach here. He was suspected to have died by suicide

Police shifted the body to King George Hospital for autopsy and took up investigation.

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A student of B. Tech (Mechanical) second year had left the campus on July 17. His phone was also switched off.

On receipt of the information from the IIT authorities, his parents rushed to the institute on July 19. They lodged a complaint with the Sangareddy rural police.

Police and the students family members had searched him at various places.

During the investigation, police traced the mobile phone signal to Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

A team of policemen along with Karthiks parents left for Visakhapatnam. The student hails from Miryalguda in Nalgonda district.

IIT Hyderabad is located at Kandi in Sangareddy district.
A view of the damaged building is seen after a reported drone attack in Moscow, Russia, Monday, July 24, 2023.

Russian authorities accused Ukraine of launching a drone attack on Moscow early Monday that saw one of the aircraft fall near the Defense Ministrys main headquarters, while the Russian military unleashed new strikes on port infrastructure in southern Ukraine.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said there were no casualties when the drones struck two nonresidential buildings in Moscow. Separately, a Ukrainian drone struck an ammunition depot in Russian-annexed Crimea, forcing a halt in traffic on a major highway, Russian authorities said.

In Moscow, Russian media reported that one of the drones fell on the Komsomolsky highway near the capitals center, shattering shop windows and damaged the roof of a house just about 200 meters (just over 200 yards) away from the towering riverside Defense Ministry building. The ministrys main headquarters has Pantsyr air defense systems placed on the roof.

It wasnt immediately clear whether the drone targeted the Defense Ministrys headquarters, which is located 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) away from the Kremlin, or was heading to some other target in central Moscow.

Another drone hit an office building in southern Moscow, gutting several upper floors  more visible damage compared to earlier drone strikes on the Russian capital.

Emergency workers were inspecting the damage and traffic was halted on sections of highways where the drones fell.

Ukrainian authorities didnt immediately claim responsibility for the strike, which was the second drone attack on the Russian capital this month.

In the previous attack on July 4, the Russian military said four of the five drones were downed by air defenses on the outskirts of Moscow and the fifth was jammed by electronic warfare means and forced down. The raid prompted authorities to temporarily restrict flights at Moscows Vnukovo airport and divert flights to two other Moscow airports.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted Monday that the intensity of attempts to attack our regions with drones has grown.

So measures are being taken, a very intense daily 24-hour work is underway, Peskov said, without offering any details about whether Russias air defence systems have been enhanced because of the increased attacks.

Russian authorities said that another Ukrainian drone attack early Monday struck an ammunition depot in northern Crimea and forced a halt in traffic on a major highway and a railway crossing the Black Sea peninsula that was illegally annexed by Moscow in 2014. Railway traffic was restored several hours later.

The Moscow-appointed head of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, said that authorities also ordered the evacuation of several villages within a five-kilometer (three-mile) radius of the depot that was hit.

Aksyonov said the military shot down or jammed 11 attacking drones, while the Defense Ministry claimed later that 11 of the 17 attacking drones were jammed and crashed into the Black Sea and another three were shot down.

Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraines digital transformation minister, noted on his messaging app channel that Mondays drone attacks on Moscow and Crimea signaled that Russias electronic warfare means and air defenses are less and less able to protect the skies of the invaders, adding that there will be more of it.

Ukrainska Pravda reported that the drone attack on Moscow was a special operation by Ukrainian military intelligence.

On Saturday, a previous drone attack on Crimea hit another ammunition depot, sending huge plumes of black smoke skyward and also forcing the evacuation of residents,

Russian forces, meanwhile, struck port infrastructure on the Danube River in southern Ukraine with exploding drones early Monday, wounding seven people and destroying a grain hangar and storage for other cargo, Ukrainian officials said. Ukraines military reported downing three of the attacking drones.

French international news agency Agence France-Presse said one of its video journalists was wounded by a drone attack Monday while reporting at a Ukrainian artillery position near Bakhmut.

Dylan Collins, a U.S. citizen based in Beirut, Lebanon and working on assignment in Ukraine, sustained multiple shrapnel injuries and was evacuated to a nearby hospital where he was being treated. The agency said Collins, 35, is conscious and speaking to colleagues. Doctors say his condition is not life-threatening, the agency said.

Collins colleague, AFP video journalist Arman Soldin, was killed by Russian rocket fire near Bakhmut in May.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on Monday strongly condemned the attack on civilian port infrastructure on Ukraines side of the Danube river which he said was very close to Romania. Iohannis said on Twitter that the incident poses serious risks to security in the Black Sea region.

The strike was the latest in a barrage of attacks that has damaged critical port infrastructure in southern Ukraine in the past week. The Kremlin has described the strikes as retribution for last weeks Ukrainian strike on the crucial Kerch Bridge linking Russia with Crimea.

Since Moscow canceled a landmark grain deal a week ago, Russia has launched repeated attacks on Odesa, a key hub for exporting grain.

Wheat prices rose more than 8.5% on Monday after the attack on the Danube, which is a key thoroughfare for Ukraines grain exports amid the war. It shows the markets anxiety about Moscow expanding its targeting of Ukrainian grain shipments.

The attack also raises questions about a crucial alternate route after Russia exited the accord that provided protections for grain ships in a bid to ease a global food crisis. Russia and Ukraine are two of the worlds major wheat, barley and vegetable oil suppliers.

Other routes by road and rail through Europe will heap on transportation costs and likely lead to lower production by Ukrainian farmers, analysts say.

On Sunday, at least one person was killed and 22 others wounded in an attack on Odesa that severely damaged 25 landmarks across the city, including the Transfiguration Cathedral.

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 Moscows pledge to take precautions to spare World Heritage sites in Ukraine.

The Russian military denied that it targeted the Transfiguration Cathedral, claiming without offering evidence that it was likely struck by a Ukrainian air defense missile. Peskov on Monday echoed that claim, insisting without any evidence that the accusations against Russia are an absolute lie.

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The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday organised widespread protests across India to denounce the escalating violence and atrocities perpetrated against women in Manipur.

AAPs Delhi State Convenor and cabinet minister Gopal Rai led the protest at Jantar Mantar, criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

AAP supporters echoed the demands for justice in various states, including Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Bihar, West Bengal, Karnataka, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh to put immense pressure on the BJP-led central government to address the dire situation in Manipur.

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Rai called upon the PM to address the Manipur crisis effectively or step down from his position.

AAP also led a candlelight vigil in the evening at Jantar Mantar.

Rai said Modi has the time to campaign and travel abroad, but remains conspicuously absent as the crisis unfolds in Manipur.

Nations demand is unequivocal: break the silence or face the consequences. Manipurs suffering has persisted for three months, and silence and avoidance from the Prime Minister is unacceptable. The pain of Manipurs people cannot be overlooked any longer, Rai said.

He said that the BJP leaders were attempting to divert attention by suggesting discussions on other states like Rajasthan and compared the BJP government with British rule.

AAP MLA Dilip Pandey said that there was an increase in crimes against women across the nation.

AAP MLA Rakhi Birla called for unity in raising voices against the governments inaction and neglect towards the safety and dignity of women in the country.

She stressed on the importance of demanding accountability from the government through the Parliament.
According to information, Anju lived for some years in Bona village that comes under Dabra Tehsil in Gwalior.

This village is located just about 2.5 kilometres away from the Border Security Force (BSF) academy in Tekanpur.

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Sources said that Anjus paternal grandfather was in the BSF and presently one of her paternal uncles is also serving in the BSF and he is posted in Tekanpur academy as a Head Constable.

Anjus father, Gaya Prasad Verma had converted to Christianity many years ago and he is now known as Gaya Prasad Thoman.

The father is presently living in his house in Bona village and he told some media persons that he came to learn about Anjus travel to Pakistan from his son.

The father also claimed that Anju is mentally disturbed and eccentric. He said he had married Anju 20 years ago to Arvind Meena of Bhiwadi in Rajasthan and since then he has had no connection with her.

Some residents of the village told media persons that Anju had lived in the village till the age of 15-16 years and after that the family went away from the village.

Sources also claimed that Indian Intelligence agencies have possibly started to ascertain the probability of a connection, if any, between Anjus travel to Pakistan and its link to some information about the BSF.
Alleging that his predecessor was building a museum in memory of Aurangzeb in Agra, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, Our government is preserving the memories of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by building a grand museum in his name in the same district.

Yogi Adityanath said this while participating in the lecture series on the accomplishments and personality of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj organized by Haridwar-based Divya Prem Seva Mission at the Indira Gandhi Institute here on Tuesday on the occasion of the 350th anniversary of the establishment of Hind Swaraj.

The chief minister emphasized that an Indians connection could not be with the Mughal invaders. This is the reason why, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government has adopted the same symbol for the Indian Navy that belonged to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, he added.

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During the event, he said behind Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, there were two divine influences. The first was his mother, Jijabai, and the second was his mentor, Samarth Guru Ramdas.

He said that under the guidance of a worthy mentor, Shivaji Maharaj continued to challenge Mughal rulers and shook the foundations of foreign rule. He also mentioned that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs message was to respond to others in the language they understand.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has significant relevance to Uttar Pradesh from two perspectives. Firstly, the priest who conducted his coronation was Ganga Bhatt from Kashi. Secondly, the great poet Bhushan, who was born in Kanpur, composed poetry praising Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs valor, the Chief Minister said.

Yogi said that todays map of India represents the political landscape, but thousands of years ago, there was a vast and culturally rich India, which finds mention in the countrys scriptures. He mentioned that when a persons perspective becomes solely political, they often forget to understand their own culture.
The district police of Leh took cognizance of the assault on two policemen who were beaten up by a group of around 10 boys who were called for help on the intervening night of July 23 and July 24 at around 12-1 am, the Leh Superintendent of Police PD Nitya said.

So far, eight culprits have been identified. The police received a call reporting a fight between some persons at the KC restaurant at Changspa road. Taking cognizance of the call, two police personnel Sub-Inspector (SI) Mohd Jani and Head constable (HC) Ghulam Rasool of Police Station Leh were deputed to the spot to look into the matter, police said.

When they reached the spot, they found that one person namely Jigmat Dorjey (resident of Saboo) was beaten by one Stanzin Nyangtak (son of Sonam Angduk, resident of Rumbak in Skalzangling) over some matter.

When the police party intervened and warned him not to fight and started recording the incident, the group of 8-10 boys led by Stanzin Nyangtak attacked the two police men with stones and sticks causing them grievous injuries and damaged the police vehicle, police said.

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While SI Mohd Jani received injuries on his right hand and head HC Ghulam Rasool received injuries on his face and head. While the former is being treated at SNM hospital, the later has been referred to SKIMS Soura for further treatment.

All possible assistance including financial, attendant support, and best medical treatment is being given to the brave police officers who sustained injuries while discharging their duties, the police said, PD Nitya said.

Taking cognizance of the barbaric act an FIR has been filed under sections 307, 353, 332, 336, 147, 148, 427 of the Indian Penal Code, registered in Leh police station.

The police said that till now, eight persons have been identified as the culprits. They have been identified as Stanzin Nyangtak, Tashi Angdu, Stanzin Sangdup, Stanzin Chospel, Stanzin Otsal, Kunkhep Dorje, Rinchen Spalzang and Stanzin Spalbar.

All the accused persons identified are on the run and efforts are on to nab them. There is a possibility that more persons may be involved in the crime.

The Ladakh police has constituted various teams which have been dispatched in all the probable locations where the accused persons may have taken shelter. It has been learnt that the accused persons are using the silver color I10 with no. JK 10A 1385.

The Ladakh police has appealed to the general public to share any information on the whereabouts of the accused persons on run. Any person giving the culprits shelter after being aware of the facts shall also be liable for punishment as per law.

The police will take strict action against the culprits who have brutally assaulted policemen on duty.
Lok Sabha was adjourned till 2 pm on Tuesday soon after it met for the day as opposition parties continued their protests over the demand for a detailed discussion on Manipur violence and a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Opposition parties began their protest soon after the Question Hour commenced. Speaker Om Birla urged opposition members to resume their seats and said they should allow the House to function as Question Hour helps fix the accountability of the government. Birla said showing placards and raising slogans was not a solution to any problem and was against the parliamentary traditions.

Maintain the dignity of the House, he told the members.

As the opposition members persisted with their protests, he adjourned the House till 2 pm.

Congress and other opposition parties have been demanding discussion on the situation in Manipur by doing away with other listed business of the day and a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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The House has witnessed adjournments since the beginning of the monsoon session of Parliament on July 20.

Floor leaders of opposition parties held a meeting on Tuesday morning to discuss their strategy amid the impasse in Parliament.

The meeting was held in the chamber of Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge.

The government has made efforts to reach out to opposition leaders to break the impasse.
Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill with Home Minister Amit Shah stating that Modi government has taken several steps to revive the Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) to make them viable and multi-dimensional.

The Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022, was passed after a brief debate amid sloganeering by opposition MPs over their demands for a detailed discussion on the Manipur situation and a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Amit Shah, who is also Minister of Cooperation, said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet has given approval to the bill aimed at increasing transparency, accountability and profit in multi-state cooperative societies.

The minister, who replied amid continuous sloganeering by opposition MPs, said that a provision has been made for the Election Authority to conduct fair elections and the Authority will be as powerful as the Election Commission and there will be no government interference.

In addition, if one-third vacancies are created in the Board, a provision has been made to hold elections again for the vacant posts. Along with this, there are also provisions for discipline in board meetings and smooth functioning of cooperative societies.

The chairman, vice-chairman and members of the committees will be required to call board meeting in three months. He said that in order to bring transparency in the governance of the cooperative societies, a provision has been made to give majority to the equity shareholders.

Amit Shah said that reservation to one Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe and one woman in the committees has been provided in the bill. He said that non-compliance of various constitutional requirements can lead to disqualification of the board members.

Shah said that in the recruitment process of employees, no one will be given job in blood relations or distant relations. He said that the Right to Information has also been included in this bill. The Minister said that with the passing of this bill, a new era will begin in the countrys cooperative movement.

The Union Minister of Cooperation also informed the Lok Sabha about the various steps taken by the Ministry of Cooperation to strengthen cooperatives in the country. He said that since independence, all the people associated with cooperative sector in the country wanted that cooperatives should be given importance by the Central Government and a separate Ministry of Cooperation should be formed.

He said that fulfilling this decades-old demand, Prime Minister Modi formed a separate Ministry of Cooperation. Noting that cooperative movement in India is about 115 years old, he said this movement has given the country many important enterprises like Amul, Kribhco, IFFCO, which are source of employment for lakhs of people.

He said that no attention was paid to cooperatives in the last 75 years nor was there any brainstorming on this in the countrys parliament at the national or state level. Shah said that in the next 25 years, the cooperative sector will once again strongly contribute to the development of the country.

The Union Minister said there have been many major changes in the cooperative sector of the country in the last two years. He said that Prime Minister Modi has taken initiative towards computerization of 63,000 PACS across the country at a cost of Rs 2500 crores.

This will ensure the linkage of the PACS with District Cooperative Banks, State Cooperative Banks and NABARD. Shah said that after computerization, the process of audit of PACS will be completely online and they will be able to do many different kind of businesses.

He said that the Modi government prepared model bye-laws for PACS and sent them to all the states and, except Bengal and Kerala, all the states have accepted them and today PACS across the country are running under a similar law.

Shah said that now PACS will be able to do the work of FPO as well and 1100 PACS have already been registered as FPO. The minister said that PM Modi has given gas cylinders to crores of people of the country under initiatives launched by the Centre and now PACS will also be able to do the work of LPG distribution.

PACS will also be able to function as retail outlets, run Janaushadhi Kendras and do the work of water distribution by functioning as a water committee and will be engaged in the storage, as well. The Modi government, he said, has ended the injustice done to cooperatives for years and brought cooperative and corporate taxes at parity.

He said that farmers of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh sell their sugarcane to cooperative sugar mills but 30 percent income tax was imposed on it. He said that PM Modi has completely abolished the tax on the profit of the farmers and not only this, he has also made a provision to refund the tax paid earlier.

Shah said the Modi government decided to form three new multi-state societies to strengthen cooperatives. The first society will act as a platform to export the produce of the farmers. The second society will associate small farmers with the production of seeds and through this farmers with one acre of land will also be able to associate with seed production.

The third society will provide suitable price to the farmers for their produce by marketing their organic products across the country and the world. Shah said that apart from this, Modi government has also decided to set up a cooperative university for cooperative education in the coming days. The National Cooperative Database will also be started soon.

He said that there was never a national cooperative policy in the country between 2003 and 2020, but before Diwali this year, the new national cooperative policy will be formulated which will put the map of cooperatives in front of the country for the next 25 years.

Amit Shah said that Modi government has striven to free crores of people of the country from poverty in last 9 years. Detailed provisions for reforming the election process of members, bringing transparency in the society, strengthening the monitoring system and ease of doing business have been made in the Bill.

A release said that provisions have also been made in the bill, regarding discipline and professionalism among the members of the society, representation of weaker and marginalized sections in the board of directors.

The Bill also provides for redemption of government shares with the prior approval of the government, liquidation after providing an opportunity of being heard to the multi-state co-operative society, and enforcement of the Banking Regulation(BR) Act, 1949 on co-operative banks.

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Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday said that when the Opposition parties were talking about Manipur the Prime Minister was talking about the East India Company.

While speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Kharge said, Several MPs have given notice under section 267 for discussion for the last four days on Manipur. It is not the first time, earlier also notices were given. Today Manipur is burning and rapes are happening. And we are talking about Manipur and the Prime Minister is talking about the East India Company.

He took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for referring the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) with East India Company.

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On the other hand, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that the government is also ready to discuss the atrocities against women and children in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

Across the country, if there is any crime against women, the government is ready for discussion. We should discuss these issues, Goyal added.

Kharge then said that when he was speaking in the House, the Leader of the House Goyal interrupted him.

Kharge said, I have one point, 50 people wanted a discussion under 267, and they (BJP) are ready under 176.

And if they want to have a discussion under 176 for two and half hours, then why are they not ready to have a discussion on this (Manipur issue) why the Prime Minister is not coming here and why he is not making a statement inside the House? He speaks outside about the East India Company and why not speak about Manipur? Kharge quipped.

Leader of the House Piyush Goyal interrupted Kharge and said that there should be a discussion on incidents of atrocities against women in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and West Bengal and Manipur. And we want all state governments to be accountable, he said.

RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha hitting out at Goyal said, Leader of the House is equating Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan and there is no genocidal impact, but Manipur is genocidal.

Earlier in the day, speaking to the media after the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting, former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that while addressing the MPs in the Parliamentary Party meeting, the Prime Minister said that the name INDIA has a strange coincidence.

He (Modi) told that Prime Minister Modi said that the East India Company and the Indian National Congress were created by the British, he said, adding, The Prime Minister said the Indian Mujahideen was founded by the terrorists and organisation like the Popular Front of India also has INDIA.

The Prime Minister in the meeting said that he has not seen such directionless Opposition till date, the senior BJP leader quoted Modi as saying, in an apparent reference to Oppositions INDIA.

The Rajya Sabha was then adjourned till 2 p.m.

The Opposition parties have been demanding a detailed discussion on Manipur in Parliament and also a statement by the Prime Minister in the House.
The BJP-led NDA on Tuesday said that the oppositions efforts to bring a no-confidence motion against the government will only lead to the ruling coalition winning more than 350 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Reacting to the opposition coalition INDIAs plan to bring a no-confidence motion against the government, Parliamentary affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said, During our first term also, the opposition had brought a no-confidence motion against us, and in 2019 our seats increased from 282 to 303. Let them bring a no-confidence motion this time also and we will win more than 350 seats in 2024.

Indicative of the growing political acrimony between the government and the opposition coalition over logjam in Parliament over the situation in Manipur, Joshi while quoting the prime minister in the BJPs Parliamentary party meeting held earlier today, said, In the meeting, the prime minister said that the behaviour of the opposition shows that they permanently want to remain in the opposition for coming years. It is a matter of pride for us that the world is trusting us. He also said that we will be the third largest economy during our third term.

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The opposition coalition during a meeting held with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in his chamber in Parliament earlier in the day, had decided to bring a no-confidence motion against the government in Lok Sabha.
President Droupadi Murmu, on a three-day visit to her home State, on Tuesday laid the foundation stone of Kalinga Atithi Nivas in Raj Bhavan premises in presence of Governor Ganeshi Lal and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Murmu later interacted with beneficiary students of the ATUT- BANDHAN family. This is Murmus third visit to Odisha since assuming the countrys highest office on 25 July, 2022.

Earlier, she was accorded a rousing welcome when she reached Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, the day she completed a year in office. Folk artists performed at the airport and along the road which she took from the airport to Raj Bhavan.

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Governor Ganeshi Lal and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik received Murmu at the airport after her arrival.

The president will travel to Cuttack on Wednesday, during which she will offer prayers at the famous Shakthi shrine Chandi Temple and visit the residence of Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das and pay floral tribute to his statue.

She is also scheduled to visit the birthplace of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the Netaji Museum.

Murmu is scheduled to be present at the valedictory function of the 75th-year celebrations of Orissa High Court in Cuttack and address the annual function of SCB Medical College and Hospital on Wednesday. She will also grace the convocation of National Law University, Odisha, on the same day.

On Thursday, before returning to Delhi, the president will interact with the members of particularly vulnerable tribal groups at the Raj Bhavan.

She will also launch Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya theme for 2023  The Year of Positive Change, and lay the foundation stone for its lighthouse complex at Dasabatia in Bhubaneswar.
The virtues of a democratic system, even a flawed one, never fail to attract the most ruthless of despots. Thus a democratic endorsement is sought even when it is abundantly clear that the processes followed are autocratic and authoritarian. Thus it will be when 70-year-old Cambodian strongman, Hun Sen, announces to the world that his Cambodian Peoples Party, has once again been swept to power following Sundays general election. But the details that will not feature in any official announcement are chilling.

The main opposition grouping, the Candlelight Party, was barred from contesting citing defective paperwork. In the build-up to the election, critics of Hun Sen were arrested and thrashed on the streets. One media outlet that tried to be independent was ordered shut earlier this year after Hun Sen alleged it had attacked his son and him, and hurt the dignity and reputation of the government. Last month, the websites of three news portals were blocked because their reporting could make confusion, affect the governments honour and prestige, and fail to fulfil the operating conditions of the Information Ministry.

These are sweeping charges but an autocratic regime can make them stick. With the opposition and the media reined in, citizens are left with few avenues available to express displeasure but the regime is blocking even these. One is to not vote in protest, but the government has announced that those who do not do will be ineligible to contest in future elections.

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Another is to deliberately deface the ballot paper to register protest, but the government says that those doing so, or encouraging others to do so, will face punishment. Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge commander, has held power for nearly four decades in Cambodia and is one of the worlds longest serving leaders. While he has faced opposition from time to time, he has been quite ruthless in crushing it. Following the 2013 elections, when he and his principal rival both claimed victory, Hun Sen orchestrated a brutal crackdown on protestors and perpetuated his grip on power. He first took steps to abolish the post of Minority Leader in parliament to diminish the oppositions role.

He then barred opposition members from questioning his ministers. Finally, he took steps to ensure the dissolution of the principal opposition party and the resignation of its leader. It is widely expected that he will hand over the reins of power to his son, Hun Manet, over the next few years. Human rights groups have often criticised the manner in which the Cambodian regime has dealt with its opponents, but their counsel has always been ignored. This brings us back to the question posed at the head of this comment. Why should a man like Hun Sen, who had once endorsed the candidature of Donald Trump, seek democratic trappings for his authoritarian ways? Cambodia, despite the charade of an election, is a dictatorship for all intents and purposes.
A grain warehouse destroyed by a Russian drone strike is seen in a seaport, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Odesa Region, on July 24, 2023. UKRAINIAN ARMED FORCES (via REUTERS)

The U.N. chief on Monday urged Russia to resume the internationally brokered deal so that grain can be shipped from Ukraines Black Sea ports, saying that otherwise, the worlds most vulnerable among the hungry will suffer the worst consequences. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made the appeal during a speech in Rome at the opening of a three-day food summit.

With the recent collapse of the Ukraine-Russia grain deal, the most vulnerable will pay the highest price, Guterres said. He lamented that there are already negative effects on global wheat and corn prices.

Wheat prices have risen more than 14% since Monday, when Russia pulled out of the grain deal, and corn prices are up more than 10%.

Both Russia and Ukraine are essential to global food security, the U.N. leader said. He noted that they have historically accounted for 30% of global wheat and barley exports, a fifth of all maize and more than half of all sunflower oil.

For my part, I remain committed to facilitating unimpeded access to global markets for food products and fertilizer from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation and to deliver the food security every person deserves, Guterres said.

I call on the Russian Federation to return to the implementation of the Black Sea Initiative, in line with my latest proposal, Guterres said, urging the international community to stand united to find solutions for the issue.

Russias refusal to renew the accord triggered the deals collapse earlier this month. It said the Black Sea Initiative would be suspended until demands to get Russian exports of food and fertilizer to the world are met.

The accord had been brokered by the United Nations and Turkey as a way to keep grain flowing to developing countries, especially in Africa and the Middle East, despite the war unleashed by Moscow against Ukraine in February 2022.

When the grain deal was struck, the U.N. World Food Program regained a top supplier, allowing 725,000 metric tons of humanitarian food aid to leave Ukraine and reach countries on the brink of famine, including Ethiopia, Afghanistan and Yemen.

The deals suspension as well as Russian attacks on the Black Sea ports of Ukraine have irked Russian ally China and as well as developing nations heavily dependent on the shipments to feed their people.

Besides the grain deal, the effects of climate change on food production and distribution will figure in discussions at the Rome summit.

We need food systems that can help end this senseless war on our planet, Guterres said. Transformation means new, sustainable food systems that can reduce the carbon footprint of food processing, packaging and transportation.

Such transformation also demands that governments and businesses take stronger and faster action to tackle the climate crisis and deliver environmental and climate justice, he added.

Pacific island nations are particularly vulnerable to rising sea-levels caused by climate change.

We need to be able to grow what we eat and eat what we grow, Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa told the summit. But that simple construct is so far-reaching and presupposes that we can adequately support the actions that lead to the right outcome.

It is not too late to protect what we have, she said. All it requires is determination and tenacity. Climate action must be at the forefront of all our endeavors.

The way food is grown and produced is contributing to climate change, weakening the agriculture-food system, according to Corinna Hawkes, director of the division of food systems and food safety at the Rome-based U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, which is hosting the summit.

The gathering aims to take stock of progress and setbacks since the first food systems summit was held in 2021.

According to FAO, the summit has drawn participants from 161 countries, including 22 heads of state or government, and 150 non-governmental organizations.

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The recent debate over the governments decision to restrict freedom of expression brings back the memory of 1950s when decisions of three State Governments to curb freedom of expression triggered fierce controversies. The apex courts decisions in this case impacted the Nehru governments move of the first amendment to the Constitution. The first Amendment made the fundamental right to freedom of speech more restricted. A brief look into the past is necessary. In 1950, the Bihar Govt. clamped restrictions on Bharati Press, which published a Bengali pamphlet, Sangram. These restrictions were imposed by using the Indian Press (Emergency) Act.

Bharati Press was ordered to deposit a security amount of Rs. 2,000 which would be forfeited, if any of its publications was believed to be inciting violence. Smt. Shailabala Devi, the proprietor of the press, challenged the decision in Patna High Court arguing that Section 4(1) of the Press Act which empowered the government to demand security deposit and seize it, militated against the right to free speech. Patna High Court declared the concerned part of the Press Act unconstitutional.

It should be mentioned that the Supreme Court had already curtailed the powers conferred by the Press Act by enumerating certain principles in the cases of the journal, Crossroads, and the weekly, Organiser. The Supreme Court declared that the provision authorising imposition of restrictions for public safety or maintenance of public order are outside the scope of the limitations which Article 19 (2) authorised and as such, it was unconstitutional.

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Thus, Patna High Court, declaring the impugned part of the Press Act unconstitutional, followed only the apex courts decision. It is widely believed that Patna High Courts Judge Sarjoo Prasads observation led to the Nehru governments decision to propose the first amendment. Justice Prasad said, as quoted in Granville Austins Working a Democratic Constitution, if a person were to go on inciting murder or other cognizable offences either through the press or by word of mouth, he would be free to do so with impunity because he could claim freedom of speech and expression. But a close reading of Justice Prasads statement gives us a different picture. In the concluding paragraphs of the judgment he said,  the conclusion appears to be unavoidable on the authority of the Supreme Court judgments.

Justice Prasad, in so many words, wanted to point out that freedom of even inciting murder in speeches was only an extension of logic inherent in Supreme Courts judgments. Nehru used Justice Prasads comments, while introducing the amendment bill, to add more restrictions to the existing ones on freedom of expression. He did not refer to Justice Prasads conclusion. Why was he so desperate to curb free speech?

It has frequently been propagated that Nehru was a champion of the highest democratic values. But history tells us something entirely different. He was always intolerant of the presss scrutiny of his government. He was also deeply annoyed with the courts resistance to restrain critical observations made in the press. He complained to Bidhan Chandra Roy, we have been putting up with the most virulent writings in the press, because we were told we could do nothing about it since our judges have interpreted the constitution.

[Nehru to B.C. Roy, 18 December1950: Selected Works of Nehru edited by S. Gopal, Vol. 15/2 p.257] With this purpose in view, the Nehru government brought the First Amendment to put the fundamental right to freedom under fetters. It was fiercely objected to by men like Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and Hari Vishnu Kamath. Kamath said, what needed amending was not the Constitution, but the policies of the Government. The debates ultimately focused on two major issues viz, whether the proposed restrictions were really necessary and whether the word reasonable should be added to the restrictions.

Shyama Prasad Mukherjee asked why the existing laws prohibiting acts offending decency and morality and undermining security of the state were not found sufficient to regulate freedom of speech and expression. He pointed out, in this connection, that the restriction in the interest of relations with foreign states was in fact, targeted at his criticism of Pakistan and desire to annul Partition. He argued that democratic freedom implied circulation of any viewpoint in the country as long as it did not advocate violence and chaos.

Eventually, scrutinising the amending bill, Nehru decided to insert the protective word reasonable in the draft bill of amendment to qualify his proposed limitations on the freedom of speech. This was a compromise he made, apprehending resentment over any sweeping decision to do away with the scope for judicial review. After the First amendment was enacted, Parliament passed the Press (Objectionable matter) Act in October 1951.

Objectionable Matter referred to, among others, incitement to violence for the purpose of overthrowing the government and incitement to the committing of murder. In a way, the legislation was a reaction to Bihar High Courts observations. The Act was repealed in 1957. But, the controversy over regulation of free speech did not subside. The recent efforts to apply Sedition laws have revived it once again. Sedition laws were used by the British Indian government to suppress Indias freedom movement. There is ample justification for discarding this relic of the colonial period.

Nevertheless, one cannot just ignore the circumstances under which it is invoked time and again. One should also examine how some utterances have been found not only seditious, but also treasonous. All these and a lot more have to be looked into.

The writer is former Head of the department of Political Science, Presidency College, Kolkata
Successful visits by the Prime Minister to the US, Egypt, France and UAE displayed Indias growing global status. Defence deals, which largely come with multiple riders and restrictions, as also technology which is shared with close allies, were cleared by both France and the US, without restrictions.

No other dignitary was received the way the Indian PM was in Papua New Guinea, displaying that nations respect those who stand by them in times of trouble. India is a permanent invitee to the G7, heads G20, is a member of multiple western groupings including the Quad, I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and US) etc. Simultaneously, it is a member of anti-West organizations including the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) and RIC (Russia, India, China trilateral). BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and south Africa) currently has a mix of both camps. The future path of BRICS will be determined by Indo-China ties. India has its own voice, as was evident by its refusal to endorse Chinese-backed proposals in both the SCO and NAM (Non-Aligned Movement). India is also seeking to be the voice of less developed, post-colonial nations (referred to as the Global South), having travelled the route herself. These nations continue to face food security challenges, debt and climate issues.

They lack a voice and have been exploited by loan sharks like China, which grant them unsustainable loans and in return grab strategic mineral resources and assets. India which rose from their status understands their concerns and challenges. Indias Voice of Global Summit, held earlier this year, drew 125 participants from the Global South. In the G20 summit in September, India will push for greater support to these nations. In Africa, India has invested heavily and is a partner in their development. The foreign minister, S Jaishankar, regularly visits the continent. Post paying homage to the leaders of Mozambiques freedom struggle, Jaishankar tweeted, Paid homage at the Heroes Square this morning. Remembering them brings the Global South together.

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PM Modi has suggested that the G20 consider admission of the African Union, making it G21. The intent is to give a voice to the Global South as also make the G20 more inclusive. The suggestion has garnered reasonable support. This will enhance Indias image. In South Asia, India has been supportive of its neighbours. India was the first to come forward to assist Sri Lanka in its debt restructuring, despite the current President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, not maintaining the best of ties with India in his previous tenure as PM.

With Sri Lanka facing an uphill task it is seeking greater economic integration with India. On India, Wickremesinghe stated that it was now Indias time in the Indian Ocean. Simultaneously, India has stood by its other neighbours in their moments of crisis. The first BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) foreign ministers retreat was held in Thailand last week. This grouping includes Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal. Post the summit, Jaishankar tweeted, Food, health and energy security are common concerns.

Technology solutions can be subject for both collaboration and exchange of best practices. Our common objective is to enhance growth and promote prosperity. Nations which team with India have always gained. Other groupings where India is an active and respected participant is the Asean (Association of South East Nations), East Asian Summit, Asean Regional Forum and the Indian Ocean Rim Association. New Delhi has made SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) defunct because of its deteriorating ties with Pakistan, yet ensured that nations that are members of this organization are individually addressed or included in other forums like BIMSTEC. Afghanistan, shunned by most, has received food aid from India. Militarily, India is a recognized power. The world looks towards India being a net security provider in the Indo-Pacific. Its boosting military power, supported by the West, to challenge Chinese misadventures, gives it the ability to dominate its areas of interest in the Indian Ocean.

Thus, nations seek to partner India. Indias joint military exercises have witnessed a quantum leap in the past few years. The US seeks military alliance for the Indo-Pacific while France desires it for the Arabian Sea. Instead of providing military equipment, as was the norm till recently, Western nations are encouraging their companies to establish assembly or manufacturing units in India, with transfer of technology.

Major global concerns are also making India the hub for MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) for their equipment in service in the region. Airbus has chosen India as an MRO hub for various variants of its C 295 aircraft employed in the region. Manufacture of C 295 aircraft in India would commence by 2026. India is considering opening an MRO facility for Russian origin aircraft as Moscow currently faces sanctions. L and T recently signed the Master Shipyard Repair Agreement with the US. This was approved in the last 2+2 meeting between the two countries.

Executive Vice President of L and T, Mr Ramchandani, stated, This agreement marks a global recognition of our unmatched capabilities and facilities to undertake quality ship repairs and refits. The worlds changed approach to India is not without reason. In an aptly titled article, Western leaders are making a sensible bet on India, Martin Wolf, chief economics commentator at the Financial Times, states, It is quite reasonable to assume that India will become a great power. It is not that hard to imagine that its economy will be of a similar size to that of the US by 2050.

He builds his assessment on Indias market, demography and structural reforms. A sign of Indias arrival is global acceptance of Indian UPI. World Bank president Ajay Banga stated while in Delhi, Indias opportunity is to cash in on the China-plusone opportunity.

This is a three-tofive-year opportunity. He added, one thing that is going for India is that a very high share of its GDP comes from domestic consumption, which is very helpful at a time like this. The Indian growth story is the result of its democratic credentials and elected governments adopting the right path over decades. This cannot be allowed to falter.

(The writer is a retired Major-General of the Indian Army.)
Apaella is a classic Spanish dish made with rice, saffron, vegetables, chicken and seafood cooked and served in a single pan. In some respects, it shares characteristics with the Indian khichdi. The similarities will strike political observers in the context of the outcome of snap Spanish elections that have thrown up an intriguing level of possibilities, and yet no clear outcome. The elections were called by leftist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez after he had faced sharp reversals in local body polls.

They were expected by many to bring to power a right-wing government headed by the Peoples Party with the support of the farRight Vox party, and mark a decisive turn in Europe towards such politics. The two parties between them needed 176 seats in Spains parliament to stake claim, but have ended up tantalisingly short with 169. The Spanish Socialist Workers Party of Mr. Sanchez has claimed 122 seats and its far-left ally 31, for a combined tally of 153. This means the two main groupings will have to find the numbers each needs from smaller parties. And if neither succeeds in doing so, fresh elections will have to be called. Mr. Sanchez though has reason to feel satisfied that his gamble to call elections has not boomeranged.

As he told supporters, his partys vote share had actually improved, but more importantly, the retrograde, reactionary block that sought to undo the advances of the past four years had failed. While Mr. Sanchez will not be offered the first crack at forming a government ~ that privilege would be extended to the Peoples Party ~ he may believe he has a more credible chance because of several reasons, the most important of which is that smaller parties would be reluctant to midwife the ascension of a far-right party to power for the first time since the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. The Basque Nationalist Party had said before the election it had no agreement with PP and Vox and the Teruel Existe had said it would never support such a coalition. But while Mr Sanchez may fancy his chances, he will have to be prepared to pay a price for the support of smaller parties.

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The Catalan separatist party Junts has already announced that it will seek a fresh vote on Catalan independence as its price for support to him. Other demands will be raised as a precondition for support, and it is likely that Spain will see a considerable amount of negotiations before its next government begins to take shape. One observer has already dubbed the election outcome a catastrophic tie. Spaniards in particular and Europeans in general must hope that the catastrophe causes as little damage
Meet Aditi Tripathi, a 10-year-old globetrotter who has already explored an impressive count of 50 countries, and whats even more remarkable is that she has never missed a single day of school. As she is making headlines, let us get to know who Aditi is.

Aditi Tripathi lives with her parents in London, who migrated to the United Kingdom in search of a better future. Alongside these adventurous parents, Aditi has roamed around Nepal, Singapore, Thailand, and many parts of Europe, soaking in diverse cultures and experiences.

Her parents meticulously plan their travels during school vacations, bank holidays, and inset days to ensure Aditis education remains uninterrupted.

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Aditis family invests close to Rs 21 lakh annually in these explorations, considering it a priceless investment in their daughters growth and understanding of the world.

This young adventurer began her travels at a tender age of three and attended school for two and a half days each week. The result of her escapades has been an enriched sense of friendship and self-assurance. On Fridays, they whisk her away right after school, and Sundays find them returning home in the evening. Sometimes, on Mondays, she heads straight to school from the airport.

Recently, Aditis father, Deepak, shared a momentous milestone on Facebook. The Tripathi family had set a goal for Aditi to visit 50 different countries before she turned ten, and they achieved it with two weeks to spare. Deepak and Aditi embarked on a nine-day journey to Romania, Moldova, and San Marino, fulfilling their dream, albeit without Aditis mother, who couldnt join them on that particular trip.

Deepak thinks that it is evident that Aditis passion for travel has nurtured her into an open-minded and confident young individual, and with her parents guidance, she has become a citizen of the world, cherishing each cultural encounter as a gift.
India firmly told China yet again that the prolonged military stand-off in eastern Ladakh has eroded strategic trust and underlined the importance of resolving the stalemate at the border to normalise bilateral ties.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Political Bureau and Director of the Office of Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi yesterday on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs meeting in Johannesburg last evening.

During the meeting, the NSA (Doval) conveyed that the situation along the LAC in the Western Sector of the India-China boundary since 2020 had eroded strategic trust and the public and political basis of the relationship. The NSA emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to fully resolve the situation and restore peace and tranquility in the border areas, so as to remove impediments to normalcy in bilateral relations, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said today.

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The two sides agreed that the India-China bilateral relationship was significant not only for the two countries but also for the region and world.

Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had met Wang, the top diplomat of China, in Jakarta on the margins of the ASEAN engagements and conveyed to him the importance of resolving outstanding issues related to peace and tranquility in border areas.

Official Chinese news agency Xinhua quoted Wang telling Doval that the two sides should enhance strategic mutual trust, focus on consensus and cooperation, overcome obstacles and bring bilateral relations back on track of sound and stable development as soon as possible.
India firmly told China yet again that the prolonged military stand-off in eastern Ladakh has eroded strategic trust and underlined the importance of resolving the stalemate at the border to normalise bilateral ties.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval yesterday met Wang Yi, Member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Political Bureau, who has since been named as Chinas Foreign Minister, on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs meeting in Johannesburg last evening.

Advertisement During the meeting, the NSA (Doval) conveyed that the situation along the LAC in the Western Sector of the India-China boundary since 2020 had eroded strategic trust and the public and political basis of the relationship. The NSA emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to fully resolve the situation and restore peace and tranquility in the border areas, so as to remove impediments to normalcy in bilateral relations, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said today.

The two sides agreed that the India-China bilateral relationship was significant not only for the two countries but also for the region and world.

Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had met Wang, the top diplomat of China, in Jakarta on the margins of the ASEAN engagements and conveyed to him the importance of resolving outstanding issues related to peace and tranquility in border areas.

Official Chinese news agency Xinhua quoted Wang telling Doval that the two sides should enhance strategic mutual trust, focus on consensus and cooperation, overcome obstacles and bring bilateral relations back on track of sound and stable development as soon as possible.

The rise of China and India would determine the future of the world and Beijing would not follow the path of some countries seeking hegemony and was willing to work with developing countries, including India, to support multilateralism and development of a just and reasonable global order, Wang is believed to have stated.
The 1975 band has been in the spotlight lately as they were forced to cancel shows due to a same-sex kiss controversy involving their bass player, Ross MacDonald. The incident took place during their performance at the Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and quickly stirred up a backlash in the predominantly Muslim country. Let us look at who Ross MacDonald is.

Ross MacDonald, aged 34, plays bass, keyboards, and provides backing vocals for The 1975. The band, formed in 2002 in Wilmslow, Cheshire, also consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Matty Healy, lead guitarist Adam Hann, and drummer and primary producer George Daniel. They are known for their work in Indie Pop, Indie Rock, Electropop, Synth-Pop, Pop Rock, and Alternative Rock genres.

To keep the band together, Hann, MacDonald, and Daniel attended university in Manchester, while Healy briefly pursued music school. They juggled gigs and recorded their own music while working as delivery boys at a local Chinese restaurant.

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Ross MacDonald, like his bandmates, gained fame with the release of The 1975s self-titled debut album in 2013, which reached number 1 on the Scottish Albums Chart and UK Albums Chart. Besides his musical pursuits, Ross is quite active on Instagram, where he shares behind-the-scenes images of the band members.

The controversy in Malaysia arose when Matty Healy made an impassioned speech on stage, denouncing the countrys anti-LGBTQ+ laws, which criminalize homosexuality. The moment that particularly sparked controversy was when he kissed Ross MacDonald during the performance, a gesture that further ignited debates over LGBTQ+ rights in the country.

Malaysias stance on homosexuality has been a subject of concern for human rights groups, who have highlighted the growing intolerance against the LGBTQ+ community in the Muslim-majority nation.

As The 1975 band faces the consequences of this controversy, many eyes are now on Ross MacDonald, a key member of the group, and his role in the events that unfolded during their performance in Malaysia.
In a heartbreaking incident in Turkey, a woman named Yesim Demir tragically lost her life shortly after her fiance proposed to her. The couple was very excited as they planned to celebrate their engagement. They had chosen a picturesque sunset picnic in Canakkale, a city in northwestern Turkey for the same.

However, Yesims joyous moment took a devastating turn. She slipped and fell over 100 feet off a steep cliff at Polente Cape on July 6. Her fiance, Nizamettin Gursu, had briefly left the spot to retrieve food and drinks for the celebration when he heard her scream. Rushing back to the cliffside, he found her in a critical condition.

Despite immediate efforts to save her, Yesim couldnt survive her injuries. Gursu quickly sought help, but tragically, after 45 minutes of resuscitation, medics declared her deceased.

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Gursu mentioned that they had chosen the spot to create a romantic memory after the proposal. He stated that they had consumed some alcohol, and then everything happened suddenly. According to him, Yesim lost her balance and fell down.

According to friends of the couple, the cliff where the accident occurred was a popular spot for people to witness the breathtaking sunset. Many tourists visited the place in the evenings to witness the sun going down. The friends expressed concerns about the lack of safety measures in the area, suggesting that a fence should be installed to prevent such accidents.

Following the incident, the authorities closed off the area for further investigation. The site authorities reopened it again in a controlled manner on July 15. They have requested the visitors to be mindful of going towards the edge, to not repeat the similar incident again.

The couple had chosen the location for its romantic setting, intending to create cherished memories after the proposal. However, this tragic accident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety precautions in such picturesque but potentially hazardous places.
Former Republican Senator Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire speaks at a campaign rally, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020, at Lanconia Municipal Airport in Gilford, N.H. Ayotte has announced Monday, July 24, 2023, she'll be running for governor, days after fellow Republican Chris Sununu said hes not seeking reelection to a fifth term in 2024.
A demonstrator waves a colored Israeli flag during a protest against plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to overhaul the judicial system, outside the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem, Monday, July 24, 2023.

For seven months, tens of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets to protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus plans to overhaul the judiciary and weaken the Supreme Court.

On Monday, the first piece of that legislative package passed: Lawmakers approved a measure that prevents judges from striking down government decisions on the basis that they are unreasonable.

Heres a look at what the overhaul is  and why it has drawn the most sustained and intense demonstrations the country has ever seen.

Whats in the overhaul?

The overhaul calls for sweeping changes aimed at curbing the powers of the judiciary.

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.

Netanyahus ultranationalist and ultra-Orthodox religious allies say the package is meant to restore power to elected officials  and reduce the powers of unelected judges.

Protesters, who make up a wide cross section of Israeli society, fear the overhaul will push Israel toward autocracy. They say it is a power grab fueled by various personal and political grievances by Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption charges, and his allies.

On Monday, parliament approved a bill that takes away the Supreme Courts power to override government decisions that the court finds 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.

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.

Netanyahu has 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 protesters so determined to protect the judiciary?

Given Israels relatively weak system of checks and balances, the judiciary plays a large role in checking executive power in the country.

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.

Didnt Netanyahu put this plan on pause?

In the months since Netanyahu unveiled his plan, 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. But talks broke down last month, and 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 dull 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.

What happens next?

A civil society group announced it would challenge the new law in the Supreme Court.

Fuchs said said the court could issue a temporary writ preventing the law from taking effect until it can conduct a proper review.

He said the government would likely honor any such order. But if they wont, we will have a constitutional crisis right away.

In the meantime, the protests that have rocked the country will likely grow in intensity.

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Covered with rust and freshwater mollusks, it rests on the sandy shore of the Dnipro River, rocked by a slight swell. At first glance, it does not look like a FAP-50 bomb from a World War II German aircraft, explains Ruslan Anikalov, head of the bomb squad in the city of Zaporizhzhia (southern Ukraine), who came to remove it. There is no doubt, he asserts after confirming what the ordnance is. To move it, they use a military canvas stretcher like the ones used to carry the wounded from the war front. The two men carrying the device, which weighs around 40 kilos (88 pounds), have to make a stop on their way to the truck into which they are loading it. On the same beach, a hundred meters away, a family is keeping an eye on their fishing rod. A little inland, a group of people wait for the charcoal flame to die down before starting to put meat on the barbecue.

The destruction on June 6 of the Nova Kakhovka dam, some 200 kilometers (124 miles) downstream from the town of Zaporizhzhia, not only took the lives of several dozen people. In the Ukrainian-controlled area alone, the death toll rose to 29, Interior Minister Igor Klimenko announced on Thursday. The destruction of this infrastructure also lowered the water level to such an extent that dozens of bombs like this FAP-50 have emerged after remaining underwater since the 1939-1945 conflict. Over the past few weeks, security forces in Zaporizhzhia have received an average of two or three calls every day from citizens who come across such weaponry while taking walks or fishing on the shore, Anikalov explains. The instruction, he adds, is not to touch them because they are potentially dangerous, although he admits that it is difficult for them to explode without being manhandled. In fact, the fate of all of them is to be detonated and destroyed.

After World War II, those unexploded bombs sat underwater. Just think, 1943 and 1944, without the necessary equipment to locate them, divers and such... when everything was destroyed, says historian Svitlana Volodimorivna, an employee of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Museum. Its a problem that has remained submerged all these years, she concludes. Volodimorivna explains that the Germans tried to benefit from the large hydroelectric plant, as well as the metallurgical factories in Zaporizhzhia, and that is why they did not bombard the city at first. But in their retreat, in 1943, they destroyed everything at once. At that time it was normal in our ranks as well as in the German ranks to fire artillery or bombard from the air with shells that fell, but did not explode, she adds.

Emergency services remove a bomb from the Dnipro River near the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia. Luis de Vega

About 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Zaporizhzhia, in another point of the river where another bomb was found, human bones have also recently emerged. The emergency services  which showed the photos to EL PAIS  do not know if they belong to soldiers of the Soviet or Nazi army who fought in the area. It is easy to see the effects of low water in the area. The river has a kind of new beach on its way through the city, which has become an attraction for the local residents. It is not a very pleasant place because instead of sand, the terrain is made of mud and large drainage pipes are visible. Next to them lies a young boys library card that expired a decade ago.

I have never seen the river in such a terrible state, laments Grigori Markov, 76, as he and his grandson survey the area. I see this that our brothers [referring to the Russians] have done and I have to feel offended, insulted and hurt. People used to come here to relax, to fish, and look at what its become, the rocks sticking up there, impeding navigability, he says as he turns to view the full panorama, contemplating the large portion of land sticking up in the air.

Remnants of an Iranian-made drone bomb launched by Russia against Zaporizhzhia last February on display at the Regional Museum. Luis de Vega

As part of that battle that Zaporizhzhia experienced during World War II, local troops, in an action similar to that of Nova Kakhovka, blew up the large dam built on the Dnipro. Tens of thousands of people, up to 100,000 according to some sources, died in the operation carried out on August 18, 1941. According to Svitlana Volodimorivna, everything was flooded, including some of the ammunition. Many shells were submerged after the detonation of the DniproHES, as the hydroelectric power station, the largest in Ukraine and one of the largest in Europe, is known today.

It was Josef Stalin who called on his secret agents of the NKDV  later the KGB  to blow up the dam to stop the Nazi advance. There was an order from Stalin to destroy everything, as he himself wrote then, whether they were bread barns or factories. Everything had to be destroyed. Such was the policy of a mentally ill man like him. There is a lot of evidence of this in Russian history for which no human explanation can be found, says the expert.

The recent destruction of Nova Kakhovka was not as lethal as that of 82 years ago. But it is similar in that this one has also dangerously moved the explosives in minefields in an area where the Dnipro separates the positions of the two armies. In fact, the facilities of the Nova Kakhovka dam and hydroelectric station were in the hands of the invading troops and the available data suggests that the destruction was caused by explosives placed by the Russians.

Grigori Markov with one of his grandsons visiting the land that has emerged on the banks of the Dnipro River in Zaporizhzhia. Luis de Vega

At the headquarters of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Museum they are not interested in the fate of the finds that war archeology is bringing to light these days by the receding waters of the Dnipro. They are more concerned about their permanent collection. In fact, a large proportion of the pieces have not been on display for months, as they were removed and transported to safe places for fear that the Russians would occupy the city, explains Irina Anatolivna, an employee of the exhibition.

It would not be the first time that invaders have attacked museums and galleries or simply destroyed them. By the end of 2022, more than 1,100 elements of Ukraines cultural heritage (architecture, museums, schools, universities, and cultural centers) had been damaged and more than 400 destroyed, according to the Ministry of Culture. In Kherson, the result of the occupation was, among many other tragedies, the plundering of the two major museums of this southern city, which the local army liberated last November.

Package of a Russian army food ration on display at the Regional Museum of Zaporizhzhia. Luis de Vega

However, Irina Anatolivna unlocks a room that shows the history of Ukraine from its independence from the USSR in 1991 until today, almost literally. It is surprising to see a space that is bustling with so much life, as only a few weeks ago the museum installed part of an S-300 missile that was launched by the Russians only last May over the town of Vilniansk, just outside the regional capital. The kids are amused because it looks like a washing machine to them, the museum worker notes.

Also on display are tributes to the fallen during the present Russian invasion and during the Maidan revolution in 2014, weapons interspersed with paintings by local artists. On the ground a few meters away lie the remains of an Iranian-made drone launched on February 10 against the DniproHES hydroelectric facilities. Look at that cynicism, Anatolivna points to the message the Russians left written in black marker next to one of the devices wings: Lets turn on the lights.

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A Petroleos de Venezuela gas station in Maracaibo in June 2023. Henry Chirinos ((EPA) EFE)

The businessman Luis Mariano Rodriguez Cabello is an unassuming 58-year-old man from Caracas who manages Inverdt Business Advisors, a company offering enigmatic supplier search and strategic alliance services. But his low-key profile has been spotlighted by revelations that he was a key player in the scheme that plundered $2 billion from his countrys most important state-owned company  Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA).

While all the media attention focused on the political leaders of the corruption network  Nervis Villalobos and Javier Alvarado (both former deputy ministers of Energy)  Rodriguez, a certified public accountant, quietly played a key role in the money laundering operation. The corrupt PDVSA officials and their collaborators raked in millions by charging a 10% commission for facilitating contract awards by the energy giant.

According to a confidential report from the Financial Intelligence Unit of Andorra (UIFAND) obtained by EL PAIS, Rodriguez controlled 11 secret accounts in the Banca Privada dAndorra (BPA), where the corrupt network parked $1.14 billion between 2007 and 2015.

According to UIFAND investigators in Andorra (a microstate nestled between Spain and France that was long considered a tax haven) Rodriguez is the frontman for Diego Salazar, a cousin of Rafael Ramirez, Venezuelas former Minister of Energy, former president of PDVSA, and former ambassador to the United Nations. Rodriguez concealed his connection to the BPA accounts through several Panamanian shell companies. Only one account was registered in his name.

Rodriguez used one of the most obscure pieces of his business to move $616 million. He deposited $121.3 million into the Highland Assets Corp account from a payment by Sinohydro Corporation Ltd, a large Chinese engineering company that operates in 72 countries. Sinohydro was awarded two phases of the La Cabrera thermoelectric plant in the Venezuelan state of Aragua, which was inaugurated in 2014 and cost $603 million to build.

The following companies also paid into this BPA account, which the frontman opened in 2007: China Machinery Engineering Co. ($70.5 million); China CAMC Engineering Co. ($51.7 million); Shandong Kerui Petroleum Equipment ($17.1 million); Cici Venezuela ($25.1 million); and Yutong Hong Kong Limited ($11.8 million).

The transactions were a component of a $20 billion agreement finalized in 2010 between Venezuela and China, enabling Chinese engineering firms to obtain contracts in the Latin American nation. The corrupt group purportedly exploited the treaty for financial gain.

Ten million dollars of the $616 million in payments from Asian companies was later transferred in 2009 to a Swiss account held by Omar Farias, a Venezuelan insurance tycoon accused in Andorra of involvement in the scheme.

Extravagant spending

Rodriguez diverted part of the loot to pay for the networks extravagances. One account was used to settle $604,034 in bills from Paris Four Seasons Hotel George V in 2009 and 2010. According to UIFAND documents, Diego Salazar, a cousin of former minister Rafael Ramirez, indulged in luxurious stays at the famous hotel, which offers expansive suites with views of the Eiffel Tower and three Michelin-starred restaurants. The customer is sending 270,000 [$300,348] for accommodation [at the Four Seasons in Paris] in August, reads a 2009 email from a BPA employee.

Rodriguez also used this account to pay bills from the French wine store Lavinia ($307,889) and the Ritz Hotel ($553,923).

The insurance tycoon

An analysis of Rodriguezs second account in BPA reveals that a company called Surplus Sociedad de Corretaje de Reaseguros was one of the main depositors to the account. Between 2011 and 2012, the company transferred $52.8 million to the BPA account from the Dutch Antilles. Reportedly, this was undertaken based on alleged consulting work by Rodriguez regarding the allocation of international reinsurance risk.

Rodriguez also received the substantial sum of $26.3 million from Cedisa Consultores Inc., an intermediary insurance company also located in the Dutch Antilles. Between 2011 and 2012, this company was granted nine contracts by PDIVC, the insurance subsidiary of the Venezuelan state oil company.

Insurance companies also funded the third BPA account  Antigua Omega  with $217.7 million from 2008 to 2012. The main contributors were CGA LTDA INC ($203.7 million) and ISB Sociedad CSSA ($14 million), companies represented by Farias and Rodriguez.

Rodriguez informed the BPA that he transferred $3.3 million in 2008 from the Antigua Omega account to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), an arm of the World Bank, to pay for a property in Venezuela purchased from the IBRD.

Rodriguez also used another BPA account  DT Investment and Consulting CV  to deposit $9.5 million from the Asian China Machinery Engineering Corp in 2012. The money was a commission for awarding the Chinese firm a contract to build a 241,335 KW power plant in Zulia (Venezuela). According to Andorran records, the money corresponded to a 5% commission, excluding taxes for this estimated $508 million project.

Investigators describe Rodriguez as a crucial component of an intricate mechanism to conceal financial transactions. About 30 companies with links to tax havens like Switzerland and Belize facilitated the flow of funds into the Andorran bank accounts. Until 2017, Andorra, with a population of 78,000, maintained banking secrecy.

Rodriguezs name was not the only one on some of the BPA accounts. The Spain-born Venezuelan citizen Estibaliz Basoa, 50, was also listed on an account containing $6.4 million. And a 69-year-old engineer from Caracas named Jose Enrique Luongo showed up on an account containing $21 million.

In the group of 30 individuals prosecuted in Andorra (which includes Basoa and Luongo) the name Nervis Villalobos stands out. He was the Deputy Minister of Energy and Petroleum in the first phase of the Hugo Chavez administration (1999-2013). Villalobos transferred a total of $124 million to the European country.

Villalobos was arrested in Madrid for a different crime than the PDVSA embezzlement, but Spanish authorities denied the United Statess request for his temporary extradition. Venezuelan prosecutors have linked him to a corruption network that includes Javier Alvarado, the once highly influential former Deputy Minister of Energy and Petroleum and director at the state-owned National Electric Corporation (Corpoelec). Alvarado controlled $46 million in Andorran bank accounts through a complex financial network. Venezuelas Ministry of Justice claims an astonishing $4.2 billion was looted from PDVSA.

The Andorran judge presiding over the case has also prosecuted several former executives and employees of BPA. In March 2015, Spanish and Andorran regulators took over control of BPA for suspected money laundering. During the investigation, it was discovered that the bank had opened multiple accounts for corrupt networks with Politically Exposed Persons (one who has been entrusted with a prominent public function) who should have been subject to special anti-money-laundering monitoring.
In a first for the country, the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (LuxSE) and GICE&SDGs (Krystahl) have partnered to strengthen sustainable finance education in India.





LuxSE, launched by the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, is the worlds first platform dedicated entirely to sustainable securities (such as green energy investments). As part of it, the LGX Academy offers sustainable finance courses to financial professionals and market participants from all around the world. Its mission is to support emerging markets in their transition towards more sustainable economies.





As part of this partnership, Krystahl, a joint venture of the Global Institute for Circular Economy and Sustainable Development Goals, and Sanshodhan (an e-waste exchange private company), will facilitate access for the Indian market participants to online courses on sustainable finance in capital markets delivered by LuxSEs LGX Academy.





The partnership covers both the regular courses organised by the LGX Academy twice a year, on the topics of fundamentals of sustainable finance, debt products, standards, and best market practices, as well as tailor-made courses addressing the specific needs of certain sectors or geographies.





Laetitia Hamon, head of Sustainable Finance at LuxSE, said an increased knowledge of sustainable debt products and internationally recognised standards for such issuances would foster sustainable finance developments and mobilise more financing for sustainable investment projects in the region.





We are delighted to collaborate with GICE&SDGs - Krystahl to better reach impact-conscious financial professionals in India and contribute to the transformation of the local financial sector, said Hamon.





Shalini Sharma, director at Krystahl, described the agreement as a great opportunity for industries, organisations, banks and investors in India and Southeast Asia to grow their ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance)-based investment and green finance knowledge, to innovate in green fin-tech.





It will help develop the economically beneficial mechanism to ease out import-export, and to climate-proof their businesses. In India, some of the latest policies, such as the draft on Green Credit Programme (GCP) implementation rules 2023, and the gazette notification for Carbon Credit Trading Scheme 2023, opened new opportunities for businesses and investors to leverage green incentives. Collaborating with the LGX Academy will open up new avenues to amp the sustainable finance ecosystem in India, Sharma said.





As ESG impact assessment and reporting are key requirements today, and as assurance mechanisms emerge, sustainable finance and transparent incentives systems will play a key role. ESG parameters are increasingly being applied by investors as part of their analysis process to identify material risks and growth opportunities.








The threat of flooding looms in Delhi as river Yamuna continues to flow above the danger level on Tuesday. As of 7 am on Tuesday, the water level stays at 205.45 meters.

The Central Water Commission expected the water level to dip to 206.22 metres by 2 am on Tuesday. The level on Monday was 206.56 metres.



The swelling of Yamuna has added to the woes of the people and the Delhi government as the heavy rain in the river's upstream areas will affect the rehabilitation of the affected families in the inundated low-lying areas. This means they will have to stay at relief camps longer.



Delhi Water Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Monday inspected the treatment plant at Chandrapal. "Yamuna's water level has started rising again. In view of this, on the orders of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, preparations were reviewed at the Chandrawal water treatment plant," he said in a tweet in Hindi. He added that however, the water treatment plant will continue to operate even after the Yamuna's water level crosses 209 metres.



The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rain in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand till July 25.



Meanwhile, the river Ganga too is in spate after incessant rainfall lashed Haridwar. The water level was recorded at 293.25 metres at 9:00 pm on Monday against the danger mark of 293 metres in Haridwar, reported ANI.



This could affect some districts in Uttar Pradesh as the river rises in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand and passes through various districts of Uttar Pradesh.



Shivkumar Kaushik, SDO, Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department said low-lying areas can get affected. "Water level of Ganga has increased at 9:00 pm, the water level was recorded at 293.25 metres. Low-lying areas can get affected, and districts like Bijnor, Muzaffarnagar can get affected. But the situation is not very serious and there would not be any major damage", he added.



Orange alert for Mumbai



The India Meteorological Department's (IMD) Mumbai centre has issued an 'orange' alert for the Maharashtra capital and neighbouring Thane and Raigad districts.



The IMD Mumbai in its "district forecast and warnings" on Monday afternoon issued an 'orange' alert for the city, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over the next 24 hours, the civic official said. The weather bureau has also issued the 'orange' alert for Raigad and Thane districts, and a 'yellow' alert for Palghar district, he said.

The island city, eastern and western suburbs received an average rainfall of 30.81mm, 55.78 mm and 55.20 mm, respectively, in the 24 hours ending at 8 am on Tuesday.


Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin wrote to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday urging him to find permanent diplomatic solution with Sri Lanka regarding the arrests of fishermen. He said the arrests strain bilateral relations between the countries.

The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested nine Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu for allegedly violating its maritime boundary, a state Fisheries department official here said on Tuesday. Two mechanised boats were also seized.

The fishermen, belonging to Mandapam in Ramanathapuram, set sail for fishing on Monday morning and were apprehended late last night between Katchatheevu and Neduntheevu, the official added.

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government said Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will attend a state conference of fishermen's associations here next month, that will discuss the issue of arrests and impounding of boats.

Fisheries minister Anitha R. Radhakrishnan said that Stalin will participate in the meeting scheduled on August 18, based on an invitation from the fishermen representatives.

An official release quoted him as saying that the CM has repeatedly taken up the fishermen issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar through written communication as well as over the telephone.

He recalled that Stalin had written last week to the PM, urging him to take up with the then visiting Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, protecting the traditional fishing rights of the Tamil Nadu fishermen.

Following the arrests, CM Stalin wrote to Union Minister Jaishankar highlighting the plight faced by fishermen and urged the latter to find permanent diplomatic solution to the issue. Even after my recent request to step up diplomatic efforts to resolve this long-standing issue, despite the high-level interactions between the two nations, the situation on the ground remains unchanged," Stalin said in the letter.

"I had urged the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) to take up the matter with utmost importance during the visit of the President of Sri Lanka to our country. I had hoped that this visit would provide an opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue and find a lasting solution that respects the rights and livelihoods of both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen," he added.

"These incidents strain bilateral relations and inflict severe socio-economic repercussions on the affected families. I, once again, request you to take all possible diplomatic efforts to ensure the release of the apprehended fishermen, secure the return of their seized boats, and re-emphasise the significance of finding a lasting and mutually acceptable solution to the issue of fishing rights in the Palk Bay region," Stalin told Jaishankar in the letter.
Former Haryana minister Gopal Goyal Kanda was acquitted on Tuesday in a case of abetment of suicide of air hostess Geetika Sharma.

The co-accused Aruna Chadha was also acquitted by Special Judge Vikas Dhull. It was pointed out that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond all reasonable doubts.

The accused were facing charges under various sections, including 306 (abetment of suicide), 506 (criminal intimidation), 201 (destruction of evidence), 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 466 (forgery).

Kanda was also framed under charges of rape (376) and 377 (unnatural sex).



However, later the Delhi High Court had quashed the charges under IPC 376 and 377.

Sharma was found dead on August 5, 2012 at her Ashok Vihar residence in North West Delhi. She was an employee in Kanda's MLDR airlines.



She had written a suicide note blaming harassment by Kanda and Chadha on August 4.

Following the allegations and case, Kanda was forced to resign from his post.
The one who has left home is good as dead for me, Gaya Prasad Thomas, father of Anju reacted angrily to reports about her marriage with her Facebook friend Nasrullah in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, after converting to Islam and adopting the name Fatima.

Thomas, who has been reluctant to talk about the issue and often lost temper while responding to questions from the media, reiterated that he had no information or knowledge whatsoever about what was happening with Anju. He especially lost his cool when he was asked about the religious conversion of Anju and refused to comment on it.

Let her die there, he said, refusing to appeal to the Indian government to bring her back from Pakistan. To a question on the expiry of her visa in August, he said "I have got nothing to do, whether her visa expires or she expires."

On questions of any possible conspiracy or security concerns as Tekanpur (where Thomas lives) also houses the Border Security Forces (BSF) Academy, a sensitive establishment, Thomas said that his children were not of criminal nature and yet he was ready for any probe as everything was clean and fair on their part. I have lived in Tekanpur for the past 42 years. No one (authorities) has asked me any such questions even in this issue. You are the one asking it; why dont you investigate if you have doubts, Thomas told a media person.

On the question that Anjus uncle (Thomass brother) worked with BSF, Thomas said that he stayed separately from his brother, who had nothing to do with the issue.

He however said that a woman who could leave her two children, let alone her husband, to engage in such an activity, was no one to him and he did not want to keep any relationship with Anju or communicate with her. Thomas said that he was ready to take care of Anjus children if such circumstances arose and it was about them he was worried about. Anju, who married Arvind Meena of Bhiwadi about 17-18 years ago, has two children  a daughter aged 15 years and a son aged eight years.

On Monday, Thomas termed Anju as an eccentric woman, who would sometimes hit her children, which was the reason why he did not maintain a regular communication with Anju. On Tuesday, Thomas said that Anjus mother was in touch with her and Anju came on and off to her maternal home, especially for social occasions like marriage, but he did not speak much to her.

Thomas had told media persons that Anju was eldest of his five daughters and a son and was mainly raised by her maternal uncles family in Jalaun of Uttar Pradesh. She worked in a private firm in Bhiwadi, apparently as a security guard.

Thomas had said he was unaware of Anjus Pakistan travel, but said that she might not have done it out of love for a Pakistani man. She is of good character and nature that way, he said. He praised his son-in-law as a good simple man and added Arvind had called him up on Sunday night to inform the matter.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday that he has written to opposition leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, seeking their cooperation to discuss the Manipur violence issue in parliament. Kharge is the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Chowdhury is the Congress leader in Lok Sabha.

"I want to reiterate that I have written letters to leaders of opposition in both Houses that we (government) are prepared for a discussion for as long as they want. The government is not afraid of anything. Those who want to debate the Manipur issue can debate. We have nothing to hide," Shah said while replying to a short debate on the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha.

Proceedings in both Houses of Parliament remain disrupted from day one of the Monsoon session with the opposition parties demanding a statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Manipur violence before a discussion.

According to reports, some parties of the opposition INDIA alliance are likely to move a notice for a no-confidence motion against the government in the lower house in an attempt to make the prime minister speak in Parliament on the Manipur violence.

A proposal to submit the notice was discussed at a meeting of the constituents of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) on Tuesday morning, PTI reported.

"I am not aware of their move but if they are doing so they should know that last time they brought a no-confidence motion, BJP came back to power with a stronger majority of over 300 seats and the same will happen again and we will get more than 350 seats," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said in response.

Earlier, the Opposition lawmakers continued their sit-in protest near the Gandhi statue through the night to Tuesday morning.

"We are sitting here since yesterday. Our only demand is that PM Modi should speak on the Manipur issue. We will keep protesting here and I am still requesting PM Modi to come to the Parliament and talk on Manipur," AAP MP Sanjay Singh told ANI on Tuesday morning.

The Opposition wants a debate under Rule 267, a statement from the PM followed by the suspension of all regular proceedings to discuss the Manipur issue, while the Centre is only willing for discussion under Rule 176, which would be a short interaction not exceeding two-and a-half hours.
The opposition parties who are part of the I.N.D.I.A. Alliance are likely to submit a notice for a no-confidence motion against the government in parliament in an attempt to make Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak on the Manipur violence issue. Floor leaders of these parties will hold a meeting on Wednesday morning in the chamber of the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge at 10 am.

Quoting sources, PTI reported that the Congress has issued a whip to all its MPs, directing them to be present in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The party MPs will also hold a meeting in the office of the Congress Parliamentary Party at 10.30 am.

The I.N.D.I.A. alliance has already drawn up a draft of the notice and is in the process of getting the necessary 50 signatures of MPs. The group has to submit the notice before 10 am for it to be read out by the speaker in the House on Wednesday.

Though a non-confidence motion against the government is bound to fail the numbers test, the opposition hopes to win the battle of perceptions by cornering the government over the ethnic violence that has killed more than 160 people over the last three months in the northeastern state.

Proceedings in both Houses of Parliament remain disrupted from day one of the Monsoon session with the opposition parties demanding a statement by the prime minister on the Manipur violence before a discussion.

The Opposition wants a debate under Rule 267, a statement from the PM followed by the suspension of all regular proceedings to discuss the Manipur issue, while the Centre is only willing for discussion under Rule 176, which would be a short interaction not exceeding two-and a-half hours.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday that he has written to opposition leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, seeking their cooperation to discuss the Manipur violence issue in parliament. Kharge is the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Chowdhury is the Congress leader in Lok Sabha.

"I want to reiterate that I have written letters to leaders of opposition in both Houses that we (government) are prepared for a discussion for as long as they want. The government is not afraid of anything. Those who want to debate the Manipur issue can debate. We have nothing to hide," Shah said while replying to a short debate on the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha.

The violence erupted in Manipur on May 3 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
As the monsoon session of Parliament enters day 4, the Opposition is unlikely to back down from its demand that Prime Minister Narendra Modi open the debate on Manipur in the Lok Sabha, dousing any hopes of breaking the current impasse.

The Opposition lawmakers continued their sit-in protest near the Gandhi statue through the night to Tuesday morning. The MPs have refused to budge despite the government stating that Home Minister Amit Shah will reply to any such debate on the Manipur issue. "We are sitting here since yesterday. Our only demand is that PM Modi should speak on the Manipur issue. We will keep protesting here and I am still requesting PM Modi to come to the Parliament and talk on Manipur," AAP MP Sanjay Singh told ANI on Tuesday morning.

#WATCH | Delhi | Opposition MPs of the Rajya Sabha continue their sit-in protest over the suspension of AAP MP Sanjay Singh for the current session of the Parliament as well as the Manipur issue. pic.twitter.com/VnQo48qkok  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2023

This comes as Amit Shah expressed willingness to debate the issue. "I am willing for discussion in Lok Sabha on the situation in Manipur but do not know why the Opposition does not want it," Shah said on Monday. He added that the opposition leaders should allow a debate, saying it was important for the truth to come out before the country on the Manipur issue.

The Opposition wants a debate under Rule 267, a statement from the PM followed by the suspension of all regular proceedings to discuss the Manipur issue, while the Centre is only willing for discussion under Rule 176, which would be a short interaction not exceeding two-and a-half hours.



Congress chief and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said that Opposition had every right to question in the Parliament. "Are you comparing any one state to Manipur (situation)? There is no law and order there...Has this been happening anywhere else? It is not right to take someone else's example to hide their weakness. You have the right to speak there (in the states concerned), you have your people there. We have the right to question here in the Parliament, so we are doing it..."



Meanwhile, the BJP parliamentary party is set to hold its weekly meeting on Tuesday. The party senior leaders, including Modi, may speak on the ongoing logjam, reported PTI.



According to BJP sources, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has spoken to Opposition leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge of the Congress and DMK leader T R Baalu, to break the impasse but failed to yield a result.



Rajya Sabha Chairman Dhankhar also reportedly held a meeting with Opposition leaders from the Upper House, including Jairam Ramesh, BRS' K Keshava Rao, BJD's Sasmit Patra and AAP's Raghav Chadha, in this regard as well. The meeting ended within minutes, as the opposition walked out and said they were "boycotting it".



(With PTI inputs)
Scientists from Sandia National Laboratories and Texas A&M University have observed metals repairing themselves for the first time, overturning long-held scientific theories. This phenomenon, witnessed in the nanoscale cracks of copper and platinum, holds the potential to bring about an engineering revolution, where self-healing machines, bridges, and airplanes could reverse damage caused by wear and tear, significantly increasing their safety and longevity.

Fatigue damage, caused by repeated stress or motion, is a major concern for industries worldwide, leading to unpredictable failures and costly replacements. However, the new research unveils that metals possess an intrinsic, natural ability to heal themselves in the nanoscale, a phenomenon known as "cold welding." When subjected to repeated stress, microscopic cracks form within the metals, but under specific conditions, the crack flanks compress and weld back together, effectively healing the material.

Lead-author Brad Boyce, a materials scientist at Sandia National Laboratories, expressed his excitement, stating, "This was absolutely stunning to watch first-hand. What we have confirmed is that metals have their own intrinsic, natural ability to heal themselves, at least in the case of fatigue damage at the nanoscale."

While self-healing materials, mostly plastics, have been previously developed, self-healing metals were considered a realm of science fiction until now. This discovery opens up vast possibilities, from creating self-repairing airplane wings to automotive suspensions, potentially saving billions of dollars lost to structural failures each year.

However, before celebrating the prospect of Terminator-like robots, it's essential to understand that the self-healing mechanism works only on certain metals and at extremely small scales, for now. The research team observed cold welding in nano-size copper and platinum but hasn't yet explored other metals widely used in engineering applications, such as steel.

Furthermore, the process was studied within a vacuum to avoid interference from atmospheric atoms, leaving open questions about whether the self-healing would occur outside of such controlled conditions. The researchers are also uncertain if larger metals can exhibit the same self-repairing behavior as the nanoscale counterparts.

Despite these uncertainties, the scientists remain cautiously optimistic about the potential applications of their discovery. They believe that this self-repair process might already be occurring to some extent in ordinary metals and alloys, particularly for subsurface cracks shielded from oxygen exposure.

The research paper describing this groundbreaking discovery was published in the journal Nature on July 19, 2023.

The implications of this research could be far-reaching, paving the way for a new era of material engineering and design. If harnessed effectively, self-healing metals could revolutionize various industries and have a profound impact on spaceflight applications, where exposure to atmospheric particles is not a concern.

The prospect of self-healing metals has ignited excitement among engineers and scientists alike. As the researchers begin to understand the process better, they hope to explore intentional engineering approaches to implement self-healing metals in various structural applications, ushering in a future of safer, longer-lasting, and more resilient technologies.
On July 17, the court in Varamin in the Tehran province sentenced a woman to choose between jail or spending a month washing corpses  a ritual that includes the genitals and anal area  in Irans largest cemetery: Behesht-e Zahra. The crime that earned her this conviction was driving her car without wearing a veil, according to Iranian media in exile and activists who have circulated a copy of the verdict on social networks. Another court, also in Tehran, sentenced a medical doctor to clean the Interior Ministry for 270 hours on the same grounds a few days ago if she did not want to spend two months in prison.

Like these, other Iranian women who have dispensed with the hijab  obligatory from the age of nine  are being sentenced to prison or other, unusual punishments often accompanied by an order to undergo psychological therapy for an alleged antisocial personality disorder whose only symptom is not covering their hair. Last week, the Iranian website Vaklapress published another ruling by a third criminal court in Tehran defining not wearing the veil as a contagious mental illness that causes sexual promiscuity. The defendant was sentenced to two months in prison and ordered to pay for six months of psychological treatment.

There are just two months to go before the September 16 anniversary of the start of anti-regime protests sparked by the death in police custody of a 22-year-old Kurdish woman  Mahsa Amini was arrested in Tehran by the morality police for wearing her veil incorrectly. The Iranian authorities are stepping up repression against the many women who no longer cover their hair. It is viewed as a gesture of civil disobedience that keeps demonstrations for change visible, and which the regime has harshly suppressed. At least 500 people have been killed by members of the security and paramilitary forces, according to Iranian NGOs in exile, and more than 22,000 detained. Seven men have been hanged in connection with the protests. One of them in public, using a crane.

The latest official move to force Iranian women to put the hijab back on came on July 16, when a police spokesman confirmed that the morality police had been redeployed on the streets to arrest hijab-less women, seven months after a regime official alluded to their alleged disappearance. It was an announcement Iranians greeted with disbelief. On July 15, a viral video on Iranian social media showed a terrified teenage girl screaming help as a female police officer tried to drag her into a police van.

Lawyer and womens rights activist Shadi Sadr, co-founder of the NGO Justice for Iran, explains from her exile in London that the main reason for resuming the deployment of this police force is due to September 16. With two months to go before the anniversary of Jina [Kurdish name for Mahsa] Aminis death, the regime aims to avoid another wave of protests... They plan to achieve this by repressing women and instilling fear throughout the nation.

This lawyer  sentenced in absentia in 2010 to six years in prison and 74 lashes for defending human rights in Iran  believes that her countrys regime intends to convey to those who participated in the protests the message that, despite the deaths of more than 500 people, thousands of wounded, numerous arrests, forced disappearances and executions, their efforts have not been successful. Even the small achievement of being able to go out on the street without wearing hijab has now been crushed.

Threats have been constant in recent months, recalls Sadr, who alludes to how the attempt to intimidate women by identifying them with cameras on the street proved ineffective. Subsequently, they resorted to employing their [paramilitary] Basij or other plainclothes forces in the cities, who filmed women without hijab and reported them to the police. Now, as a last resort, they have redeployed the morality police, she adds.

Public faces arent exempt from persecution

The Iranian regimes strategy of branding unveiled women as mentally ill extends to cultural personalities. Two well-known actresses, Afsaneh Bayegan and Azadeh Samadi, have also been forced by the courts to undergo therapy to treat alleged antisocial personality disorders. The former has also been given a two-year suspended prison sentence, while the latter will not be allowed to use her social networks for the next six months, according to Iranian human rights organizations in exile.

Another actress, Leila Belukat, has been sentenced to ten months in prison, a two-year ban from working as an actress and a five-year ban from using social networks for disseminating a photo of herself wearing only a hat. Actor Mohammad Sadeghi was arrested at his home on July 16 for criticizing the return of the morality police during a live video broadcast. Iranian activists fear he will be accused of promoting homosexuality because he had painted fingernails in the images.

The modernity conveyed by the image of a man with nail polish in an Islamic society contrasts with the extreme conservatism of the Iranian regime. Political scientist exiled in the United States Saeid Golkar highlights the gulf between the Islamist regime and an increasingly secularized society in which a growing number of women are willing to go out on the streets without hijab.

The Islamic Republic has already lost in its project to Islamize society and achieve an Islamist utopia. They [the regime] know that civil disobedience is going to continue, but they dont care about the population; what they want is to satisfy the small social base that supports them, Golkar says. With measures such as the deployment of the morality police, the political scientist asserts that they are trying to take advantage of religious sentiment and secure the support of their religious and conservative base. This comes at a time when Moharram (one of the sacred months of the Muslim calendar) has just begun and, at the end of July, the religious day of Achura will be observed. It is one of the most important in Shiism, the branch of Islam of the majority in Iran.

Will they achieve their goal? the expert asks rhetorically, I think it will be very difficult for women to return to how things used to be. Attorney Sadr concurs, Brave Iranian women remain determined not to return to the state of affairs they refer to as before Mahsa [Amini]. Since the return of the morality police, many women have shared photos of themselves in public spaces without hijab, with a declaration: we will not go back.

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China on Tuesday replaced its foreign minister Qin Gang with his predecessor Wang Yi. According to reports, Qin Gang was removed following his lack of appearance in public since June.

In an announcement on Tuesday evening, state media gave no reason for Qin's removal, but it comes after he dropped out of sight almost one month ago amid speculation over his personal affairs and political rivalries.

The ministry has provided no information about Qin's status in keeping with the ruling Communist Party's standard approach to personnel matters within a highly opaque political system where the media and free speech are severely restricted.

The ministry made no comment at its daily briefing on Tuesday. The move comes amid a foreign backlash against China's increasingly aggressive foreign policy, of which Qin was a chief proponent. According to reports, Wang, who has been serving as the director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission has been standing in for the foreign minister for the past few weeks.

Wang, who was the foreign minister in XI's first and second cabinet attended the BRICS summit representing China. Wang also met with India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on the sidelines of the summit. Wang during the meeting with Doval said the two sides should enhance strategic mutual trust, focus on consensus and cooperation, overcome obstacles and bring bilateral relations back on track of sound and stable development as soon as possible.

South China Morning Post reported that according to China's foreign ministry, Qin was last seen in public during a meeting of senior diplomats from Russia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka on June 25. SCMP reported that Qin rose rapidly through the ranks and was appointed Chinas ambassador to the United States in July 2021, and was elevated as foreign minister 17 months later, He was made state councillor in March, a position that ranks above a cabinet minister.

(With PTI inputs.)
Despite efforts made by the government to calm the protesters by offering a dialogue with the opposition over the judicial reform bill, thousands gathered at Knesset clashed with the police.

Jerusalem and Tel Aviv witnessed massive protests and demonstrations by people protesting against the bill, that was passed in the Parliament on Monday.

Police has to use water cannon to disperse the protesters blocking the highways in Tel Aviv. Israel has been witnessing protests over the bill since few months now with the people concerned over democracy.

The opposition repeatedly argued that the change would be a blow the rule of law, and rights of the citizens.

However, Netanyahu had insisted that the law was necessary for the government to "carry out policy in line with the decision of the majority of the citizens of the country."

The government coalition argued that the courts were increasingly intervening in political matters and the reforms would pave way for the smooth functioning. Judiciary was a threat to the democracy, argued the opposition.

Protesters had marched around 70 km from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and set up a protest camp neat Knesset opposing the bill.

The bill strips Israel's Supreme Court of the power to overturn government actions and appointments it deems "unreasonable", a practice that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing governing coalition says has effectively given the court veto power over the will of the majority, reported the New York Times.

"From today, Israel will be a little more democratic, a little more Jewish, and we will be able to do more in our offices," Itamar BenGvir, the national security minister told reporters.

Meanwhile the Opposition criticised that the move was to obstruct the potential possibility to derail the Netanyahu government.

The reform bill would be curb the rights of non-Jews, expand the power of rabbinical leaders, and also allowing discrimination against LGBTQ people and women, argued the opposition.

Though Netanyahu had said that individual rights will be protected, people don't seem to believe him.

"In front of us lies a clear and immediate danger: continuing oppressive legislation, the appointment of political judges, trampling on the gatekeepers and dismissal of the attorney general" said Benny Gantz, leader of the opposition Blue and Whit party.

The measure won final passage by a vote of 64 to 0 after opposition members in the 120 seat Knesset walked out.

Even over 10,000 military reservists threatened to resign as well that would affect functions of the armed forces. We have one country, one home, one people, said Netanyahu in a televised address while appealing to the reservists not to leave the service.

"In the coming days the coalition will approach the opposition with the aim of holding a dialogue between us," the prime minister added.

"We are ready to discuss everything, immediately and during the recess, and if more time is needed, until the end of November, he said.

Meanwhile, the Israel opposition said that it would petition the Supreme Court to strike down the law, and a rights group said it had already asked the court to step in.
On July 22, Russian war reporter Rostislav Zhuravlev, who was working for the country's RIA news agency was killed, and three other Russian journalists were wounded in a Ukrainian artillery attack near the frontline in Zaporizhzhia region. The Russian defence ministry said Zhuravlev died during the evacuation journey. Zhuravlev is reportedly the 13th journalist killed in Ukraine since the start of the war in February 2022.



The Russian Army said in its statement that the journalists were wounded in various levels of severity in a strike by the Ukrainian army using controversial cluster munitions. On July 23, Russia's Investigative Committee launched a criminal probe into the killing of Zhuravlev. Though the committee alleged that armed Ukrainian formations targeted and deliberately fired at the journalists, it did not specifically say the type of weapons or munitions used. It was on July 13 that the Pentagon confirmed that the cluster munitions arrived in Ukraine. Ukraine reportedly had vowed to use the controversial weapon only to dislodge concentrations of Russian soldiers. However, within 10 days of the US shipment's arrival in Ukraine, Russia made the allegation that Ukraine used it against journalists.



This is not the first time allegations about the use of cluster munitions are being raised in the Russia-Ukraine war. In May 2022, Human Rights Watch released a 20-page report which said ever since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Russian armed forces have used at least six types of cluster munitions in attacks that have caused hundreds of civilian casualties and damaged civilian objects, including homes, hospitals and schools. Evidence indicates that Ukrainian forces have also used cluster munitions at least once, the report said.



Issues with cluster bombs



Cluster bombs, designed to disperse numerous "mini-bombs" known as sub-munitions across vast areas, disregard any differentiation between civilians, civilian infrastructure, and military targets. So, there is an international convention preventing its use in wars.



According to the United Nations, cluster munitions are not only dangerous in the short term but pose severe long-term risks as well. According to reports, up to 40 per cent of cluster munitions fail to detonate upon impact, leading to sporadic explosions and long-lasting disruptions that can span decades. The impact of these remnants remains evident, as all 149 new cluster bomb casualties reported in 2021 were a result of unexploded cluster munitions from the past, underscoring the persisting effects they can have.



The Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM)



CCM is an international treaty that imposes a complete prohibition on the use, transfer, production, and stockpiling of cluster munitions.



Initially adopted on May 30, 2008, the treaty was later signed on December 3, 2008, and officially took effect on August 1, 2010. Its primary objectives are to provide a comprehensive framework for victim assistance, clearance of contaminated areas, risk reduction education, and the destruction of stockpiles. Today, 103 nations, including the UK, France, and Germany, are party to the Convention, and another 17 more countries are signatories.



Under the CCM, member countries were obligated to clear areas contaminated by cluster munition remnants within 10 years and to eliminate their existing cluster munition stocks within eight years. Moreover, the treaty mandates the provision of assistance to victims of cluster munitions.



NGOs such as the Cluster Munition Coalition and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines were instrumental in mobilising public opinion and lobbying governments to support the treaty. The International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations also played key roles in the creation of CCM.



As per the 2022 Cluster Munition Monitor report, since the convention's enforcement, 35 state parties have successfully destroyed 1.5 million cluster munition stockpiles, which encompassed a total of 178 million sub-munitions.



Non-signatories of CCM



Since CCM came into existence, 18 countries that formerly manufactured cluster munitions have ceased doing so. However, there are sixteen countries todayincluding India, Pakistan, the United States and Russiathat either produce or has a significant stockpile of cluster munitions, according to the Cluster Munition Monitor Report 2022. None of these countries are signatories to CCM. Today only 47 countries are left as non-signatories in CCM.



Indias position



Through a non-signatory, India acknowledges the humanitarian concerns associated with cluster munitions. However, the country views them as legitimate weapons. India has never made a statement detailing its position on acceding to the ban convention or has never attended a meeting of the convention, according to the civil society initiative, Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor (LCMM). India received an invitation to CCMs Eighth Meeting of States Parties in Geneva which was held in September 2018. However, India chose not to attend it.



In December 2018, India also abstained from the vote on a key UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution on the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which urges states outside the convention to join as soon as possible.



India is believed to be an importer, producer and exporter of cluster munitions, but it is not known to have used them. India has not disclosed information on its stockpiled cluster munitions, either.



India has imported cluster munitions from the United States and other countries. The US announced a sale to India in 2008 of 510 air-delivered CBU-105 sensor-fuzed weapons. The CBU-105 is a 1,000-pound (450 kg)-class freefall cluster bomb unit that was used by the US during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The submunitions of CBU-105 are designed to self-destruct if they fail to detonate on impact, reducing the risk of unexploded ordnance. In 2010, Textron, which manufactures CBU-105 announced a US$258 million contract to provide India with 512 CBU-105. In May 2019, Indian Air Force Jaguar aircraft tested CBU-105 bombs at the Pokhran Test Firing Range in Jaisalmer. According to Janes Information Group, a global open-source intelligence company, India also possess United Kingdom-made BL755, France-made BLG-66 Belouga, Soviet-produced RBK-250-275, and RBK-500 cluster bombs. The country also possesses Soviet-era KMG-U dispensers, which have been criticised for their indiscriminate nature and the harm they can cause to civilians and infrastructure. In 2006, India bought 28 launch units for the Russian-produced 300mm Smerch multi-barrel rocket launchers with rockets equipped with dual-purpose and sensor-fuzed submunitions.



In 2018, NGO Paxs report, 'Worldwide Investments in Cluster Munitions: A Shared Responsibility', put four Indian banksHousing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC), Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI), State Bank of India (SBI), and Yes Bankon the hall of shame for financing the cluster munitions producers. Together, these four banks have invested around $173.5 million in cluster munitions. All four banks financed state-controlled Bharat Dynamics Limited, according to the report.



According to LCMM, India produces cluster munitions delivered by ground-launched artillery projectiles, rockets, and missiles and it is not known to have developed or produced air-dropped cluster munitions. Today, only a handful of state-owned companies promote their cluster munitions at defence industry arms fairs. In June 2022, Munitions India Ltda state-owned defence company headquartered in Punemade a controversial display of a cluster munition variant of the Pinaka missile system at the Eurosatory Arms Fair. Omega Research Foundation, a UK-based organisation researching the manufacture, trade-in, and use of, military, security and police technologies, had then called out this as a breach of Eurosatory rules and had asked the organisation to ban Munitions India Ltd from any future arms fair.


A day before National Handloom Day, on August 6, about 500 women will walk the streets of London wearing sarees. The women will walk past some historical landmarks while wearing sarees from different states of India to celebrate National Handloom Day, which falls on August 7. The walk has been organised by the British Women In Sarees group and is supported by the Inspiring Indian Women group.

The walkathon will begin from Trafalgar Square, from where they will head to No.10 Downing Street and move to the historic Parliament Square in Westminster.

Deepti Jain, one of the organisers of the event had also organised an event at the Ladies Day Royal Ascot Races on June 16, 2022 in Berkshire, where several women from the Indian subcontinent turned up in sarees. The proceeds of the event were given to a weaver community in Nanoor, West Bengal. The British Women in Sarees group is a not-for-profit organisation which likes to organise events to promote India's national heritage.

At the upcoming event, 30 women from Kerala will wear the traditional Kerala saree bought directly from the weavers.

National Handloom Day came to be observed in solidarity with the Swadeshi Movement, an integral part of the Freedom Movement in Kolkata, which was then known as Calcutta.

The modern Indian woman of today believes in traversing the world beyond her cocoon and she does all that and more, in a saree while redefining the codes of power dressing. The British Women in Sarees group was formed out of this idea, Jain told ukmalayalee.com.
Kolkata, Jul 25 (PTI) The first Rupee trade shipment from West Bengals Petrapole border to Bangladesh took place on Tuesday, an official said.

Petrapole, located in North 24 Parganas, is the major land port for bilateral trade with the neighbouring country.

The Indian government has been promoting Rupee trade with several countries to save forex, aiming at reducing dependence on the US Dollar and strengthening regional currency and trade.

This will have a similar impact on the neighbouring country.

"It was a shipment of vehicle chassis from Tata Motors, and the value of the shipment is Rs 1.23 crore," said Kamlesh Saini, the manager of the Land Ports Authority of India (ICP Petrapole), speaking to PTI.

"This shipment is in Indian Rupees, and it will give further fillip to exports," he said.

Banks in Bangladesh and India have been given permission to open nostro accounts. It is an account in a bank of another country for the purpose of foreign currency transactions.

Earlier this month, at the Rupee trade launch event in Dhaka, Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder described the start of trade settlement in rupees as the "first step in a great journey."

The governor of Bangladeshs central bank had said the transaction costs during trade with India would reduce with the introduction of the Taka-Rupee dual currency card, which was "almost ready to be launched from September."

According to the latest data, Bangladesh's imports from India are worth USD 13.69 billion, and exports to India amount to USD 2 billion.
Srinagar, Jul 25 (PTI) The Jammu and Kashmir Bank will launch another one-time settlement scheme for defaulters to bring down its non-performing assets, MD and CEO Baldev Prakash has said.

The Jammu and Kashmir Bank is already following a humane approach towards loan recovery, Prakash told PTI.

"We are doing it within the law. We have already given two OTS schemes for the defaulters and a large number of them have benefited already.

"We will be launching another OTS very soon which shall remain in force for at least three months. My appeal to the people (defaulters) is to avail the scheme and settle their dues, " he said.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said both public and private banks have been instructed that harsh steps should not be taken when it comes to the process of loan repayment and that they should handle such cases with sensitivity.

Prakash said the bank has almost doubled its profits at Rs 326 crore in the first quarter of the current fiscal compared to Rs 166 crore in the corresponding period of the last year.

He said the bank has shown good performance on all parameters by bringing down the gross NPA below six per cent to 5.77 per cent. The gross NPA in the corresponding period last year was 9.09 per cent.

Similarly, net NPAs, or bad loans, declined to 1.39 per cent, as against 3.02 per cent in the year-ago period.

On the future strategy, Prakash said the bank is progressing steadily towards achieving the target of Rs 2.5 lakh crore business this fiscal.

According to the Bank's regulatory filings, the total income in the first quarter of the current fiscal rose to Rs 2,885 crore, from Rs 2,306 crore in the same period a year ago.

Interest earned by the bank improved to Rs 2,657 crore, as against Rs 2,103 crore in June 2022.

As a result, provision for bad loans came down to Rs 56 crore, as against Rs 135 crore allocated in the same quarter a year ago.

Capital adequacy ratio of the bank increased to 14.83 per cent, as against 13.02 per cent at the end of June 2022.
CHANDIGARH, India, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chandigarh University (CU), Gharuan is all set to host a multitude of legal experts, academicians, and supreme court judges from different countries in its third edition of the Global Law Conference to be held on July 29, 2023, which will be inaugurated by the Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.



The much-awaited event, which is on the theme 'Environmental Laws & Constitutional Rights: A Global Perspective', will be attended by policymakers and legal experts from India, Nepal, Hawaii, Philippines, Brazil, Brussels, and other countries. India took up the Presidency of G-20 with the theme of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'  the concept of a planetary family  aiming to unite nations across the globe to work together to address the climate crisis and make the world a better place to live in.



The conference will be presided over by Justice BR Gavai, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, in the esteemed presence of Shri R Venkataramani, Attorney General of India. Other important dignitaries will be Justice Ananda Mohan, Judge of the Supreme Court of Nepal; Justice V. Kameswar Rao, Judge of Delhi High Court; Justice Arun Palli, Judge of Punjab & Haryana High Court; Justice MS Ramachandra Rao, Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court; Justice Rajesh Bindal, Judge of the Supreme Court of India; Prof. (Dr.) Ranbir Singh, Founder & Former Vice Chancellor of National Law University, Delhi; Joginder Keshari Ghimire, Principal Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, Asian Development Bank; and Prof. Md. Zafar Mahfooz Nomani, Professor, Aligarh Muslim University.



Apart from this, retired judges of Punjab & Haryana High Court, members of the Bar Council of India (BCI) and Punjab Pollution Control Board, judicial academicians, and students from various law schools will also attend the conference. Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, Chandigarh University; Prof. (Dr.) R.S. Bawa, Pro-Chancellor, Chandigarh University, and Prof. Himani Sood, Senior Vice President, Chandigarh University will also be present on the occasion.



During the conference, deliberations will be held on environmental issues, sustainable development, and effective policies, laws, and international agreements to address the global climate crisis.



This international conference aims to sensitize the youth, professionals, social workers, community members, and people from all walks of life about environmental diversity and environmental jurisprudence. It will help the understanding of various issues, to mitigate climate change and find solutions for protecting the environment among all to build a sustainable future together.



Chandigarh University organized the first edition of Global Law Conference in 2019. The second edition of the conference was organized in 2022 on the theme  'Climate Change, Environmental Law and Constitutional Rights'. This is the third edition of Global Law Conference, which will explore legal frameworks that safeguard constitutional rights and promote sustainable development and environmental justice.



About Chandigarh University



Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by the UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.



For more information, visit https://www.cuchd.in/



Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2160936/ThirdInternationalLaw_Conference.jpg



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
Bengaluru: 25th July 2023: Presidency University, Bangalore is buzzing with excitement and pride as more than 135 students make their way towards extraordinary international opportunities. These talented individuals have secured prestigious research internships, semester exchanges, summer programs, and direct progression to master's degrees across 12 countries through its Office of International Affairs. The University's proactive approach to creating awareness and fostering global connections has also resulted in more than 70 students independently securing admissions to renowned institutions worldwide. What makes their achievement even more remarkable is the exceptional financial support they have received, opening doors to transformative experiences.



In a significant milestone for the Office of International Affairs at Presidency University, Bengaluru, India, the number of students seizing international opportunities has seen exponential growth year after year. The University's commitment to fostering global engagement and empowering students is evident through this latest success story.



Among the 135+ students, an impressive 35 have secured fully funded internships with stipends ranging from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 80,000 per month. Standing out from the crowd, 15 students have been awarded an exceptional stipend of Rs. 80,000 per month. This financial support not only covers their living expenses but also provides them with the means to thrive and make the most of their international experiences.



The combination of these extraordinary international opportunities and the substantial stipends awarded to the students speaks volumes about their exceptional achievements and the recognition of their potential. It showcases their talent, dedication, and commitment to their chosen fields of study.



To celebrate this momentous achievement, Presidency University had organized a grand event where esteemed Chief Guest for the occasion was Mr. Richard Chen, Director General of TECC Chennai. Mr. Chen felicitated the outstanding students and extended his best wishes, commending their remarkable achievements and inspiring journeys. While addressing the students, Mr. Chen explained the growing ties between India and Taiwan and the growth of Taiwan Industries setting up their units in India.



Mr. Richard Chen had the honor of presenting the 3rd International bulletin of Office of International Affairs - a testament to the dedication and hard work of the students.



The success of these Presidency University students is not only a testament to their own determination and passion but also to the invaluable support provided by the Office of International Affairs. Under their guidance, students have not only secured life-changing international opportunities but have also saved an astounding amount of tuition fees, amounting to Rs. 5.46 Crores. Furthermore, they have received significant financial support in the form of monthly stipends and accommodation worth Rs. 96 Lacs.



Dr. Nissar Ahmed, Chancellor, expressed his pride in the achievements of the students and the university's commitment to providing them with transformative experiences. He stated, "We are thrilled to witness the remarkable success of our students as they embark on these international opportunities. It is a testament to their exceptional talent and dedication, as well as the support and guidance provided by our Office of International Affairs. We are proud to be at the forefront of globalization efforts and will continue to nurture global connections for our students."

The Vice Chancellor, Dr. D. Subhakar welcomed the Gathering, and the Registrar Ms. Sameena delivered the Vote of Thanks. The Director for International Relations, Dr. S. Sivaperumal presented a brief report about the ceremony. Pro Vice Chancellors, Registrar, Deans, Directors, and Staff members were also present.



About Presidency University



Presidency University Bangalore was established in accordance with the Karnataka Act No 41 of 2013. It is a privately owned University that has received approval from AICTE, UGC, and BCI. The promotion of Presidency University, Bangalore is overseen by the A.H. Memorial Educational Trust. The University offers Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and various other courses through its diverse schools of studies. These courses span across fields such as Engineering, Law, Management, Commerce, Design and Media Studies. Presidency College under Presidency group of institutions is Accredited with NAAC A+ and is a member of AIU. According to the Times Engineering Newspaper, the School of Engineering at Presidency University has been ranked among the top 45 engineering institutes in India and is part of the top 170 ranking for 2023.To know more about Presidency University, please visit, https://presidencyuniversity.in/



(Disclaimer: The above content is a press release and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

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New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) The number of groups searched by the Income Tax Department and the resulting seizure of assets has shown an increasing trend over the last three financial years, according to a government data placed in the Parliament on Tuesday.

Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said, in a written reply, to the Rajya Sabha that a total of 741 groups were raided by the tax department and assets worth Rs 1,765.56 crore seized during the 2022-23 fiscal.

Similarly, 686 groups were searched by the I-T department during the 2021-22 fiscal and properties worth Rs 1,159.56 crore were seized preceded by 569 groups raided in 2020-21 and assets worth Rs 880.83 crore were seized.


New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) The government will release two commemorative coins of Rs 100 and Rs 75 to mark India's G20 presidency.

According to a gazette notification issued on July 24, the commemorative Rs 100 coin will bear the Lion Capitol of Ashoka Pillar in the centre with the legend Satyamev Jayate in Devnagari on its obverse side.

It will also be flanked on the left periphery with the word 'Bharat' in Devnagari script and on the right periphery with the word 'India' in English.

The reverse side of coin will have the design of the logo of India's G20 Presidency in the centre and Vasudhev Kutumbkam will be written in Devnagari script on the upper periphery of the coin and the inscription 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' in English will be written on lower periphery of the coin, as per the notification.

These features will also be there on the Rs 75 coin.

The standard weight of both the coins would be 35 grams each and they will be of 44 millimetres in diameter.

India's presidency of the G20 is from December 1, 2022 to November 30, 2023. The G20 is an inter-governmental forum of the world's major developed and developing economies.

Under India's presidency, the leaders' summit is scheduled to be held on September 9 and 10.

Commemorative coins are typically issued by the government to mark a special occasion.
The news spread like wildfire across the globe. On June 16, 2009, drug-sniffing dogs handled by the Mexican Marines discovered something unsettling in a shipment of frozen sharks. The crew tried to brush it off, claiming that the dogs were smelling preservatives. But the Marines were suspicious, and when they decided to X-ray the sharks in a small town on the Yucatan Peninsula, they found a ton of cocaine inside the fish.

It was the early days of Mexicos war on drugs and the stunning discovery faded over time only to resurface in 2020 when Gerardo Gonzalez Valencia was extradited to the United States. Also known as Lalo or Silverio, Gonzalez was the leader of the Los Cuinis criminal organization and the brother-in-law of Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera, the capo of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (JNG). Once extradited, the 2009 shark incident evolved from a curious criminal anecdote into crucial evidence in the case against the drug lord in a Washington, D.C. court.

In mid-2021, Gonzalezs lawyers tried to exclude the evidence from the case, arguing that prosecutors aimed to sensationalize their client and tarnish his reputation. They also claimed that U.S. authorities were unable to establish the chain of custody after the cocaine seizure by the Mexican Marines, and that the confiscation itself was invalid since most of those involved were acquitted. The prosecution aims to establish that the objective of presenting the evidence is to demonstrate the defendants involvement in the transportation of cocaine concealed within shark bodies, by means of testimony from cooperating witnesses, countered the prosecution.

Mexican Marines open frozen sharks filled with cocaine in the Yucatan (Mexico). REUTERS

Much of this testimony hadnt previously surfaced as Gonzalez had already admitted to cocaine trafficking in late 2022. After months of delays, the drug lord was finally handed a life sentence in late July. His sentence shows the commitment to hold cartels and criminals accountable to face justice, said U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar this past Monday.

The United States pursued Gonzalez for decades. Before the rise of the JNG, the Sinaloa Cartels current main rival, Gonzalez had been arrested in March 1998 for distributing methamphetamine. He was convicted and sentenced to a four-year prison term, during which he served time in both a California jail and a facility on the Texas-New Mexico border. While still incarcerated, the authorities permitted this dual Mexican and American citizen to temporarily leave for work, under the condition that he would return to his cell. One morning, Gonzalez casually walked out of a correctional facility in Oakland, California, never to be seen again. His escape was publicly revealed in January 2001.

Gonzalez was on the United States wanted list for the next 15 years. From 2003 to 2016, Gonzalez held a prominent role within Los Cuinis, a clan with close ties to JNG under the leadership of El Mencho. His brother, Abigael Gonzalez Valencia, the longtime head of Los Cuinis, was apprehended in Mexico in 2015. Despite facing charges for organized crime, drug trafficking, possession of firearms and murder, Gonzalez Valencias extradition to the United States has been repeatedly delayed.

Following his brothers arrest, Gerardo Gonzalez took over Los Cuinis alongside his brother, Jose La Chepa Gonzalez Valencia, and formed a powerful alliance with JNG. Los Cuinis became the JNGs financial managers and militia. The bond became even stronger when Nemesio Oseguera married Rosalinda, the oldest sister of the Gonzalez Valencia clan that is believed to include at least 18 siblings, all closely watched by Mexican and U.S. authorities. Throughout the years, the children, siblings, and even El Menchos wife have been arrested multiple times, as authorities systematically closed in on the drug lord. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has placed a hefty $10 million reward for the capture of Oseguera.

Gerardo Gonzalez coordinated and financed drug shipments from Mexico and Central and South America to the United States and Europe. He also procured weapons for the JNG and laundered their profits. Los Cuinis are known for transporting significant amounts of drugs and using brutal intimidation tactics against their rivals. It is an extremely violent organization, and its members routinely commit murders, kidnappings, robberies and other attacks, said U.S. authorities. The prosecution has information that personally implicates the defendant in these acts.

In 2016, Gonzalez was apprehended in Uruguay after local authorities investigated him for money laundering. The United States quickly requested his extradition. During the arrest, Gonzalez deliberately smashed his iPhone to prevent Uruguayan authorities from accessing its information. The arresting officers searched his vehicles and found one loaded with suitcases, important documents, counterfeit IDs and birth certificates, electronic devices, as well as 75 pieces of jewelry and watches  everything he needed for another escape.

Before his extradition to the U.S., Gonzalez spent four years in a Uruguayan jail where he was accused of making a death threat against Eduardo Bonomi, the Minister of the Interior at the time. Lets hang him from the highest bridge in Uruguay, he wrote from prison. He also poured chlorine on a guard and threatened to strangle another with his handcuffs. Meanwhile, his brother Jose was arrested in 2017 in Brazil at the request of the same Washington, D.C. court that has led the pursuit of Los Cuinis and JNG. Jose Gonzalez Valencia also pleaded guilty in December 2022 to drug trafficking.

The authorities closely monitored the brothers, convincing their former associates to betray them. They intercepted communications and established connections to other advanced methods of cocaine trafficking, like using semi-submersible vessels and mobile satellite transmission units similar to those used by television stations. Some methods were less sophisticated but still effective, such as smuggling drugs on commercial flights. Gonzalez Valencia is also implicated in orchestrating the assassinations of rival drug traffickers while facilitating the supply of weapons to further the drug conspiracy, reads a statement from the U.S. Department of State. According to U.S. authorities, under his leadership, Los Cuinis transported massive amounts of cocaine to the United States.

The Gonzalez Valencia brothers are responsible for several murders. One victim was a former partner, accused of stealing a $12 million cocaine shipment, who was gunned down on his ranch in Chiapas (southern Mexico) along with six others. Another victim was a member of Los Zetas, killed in 2007 after a horse race. The murder was retaliation for Los Zetas throwing three grenades into the crowd attending a cockfight. Gerardo Gonzalezs brother-in-law, who trafficked drugs to Europe, was also killed by Los Cuinis. Innocent relatives of members of another cartel, La Familia Michoacana, also suffered the same fate. A witness testified that Gonzalez had been drinking heavily when he callously ordered the killing of a couple and their young children.

Due to his escape over 20 years ago, Gerardo Gonzalez was classified as a high-risk inmate. Concerns were raised regarding the ability to apprehend him if he were to return to Mexico. The Jalisco Cartel and Los Cuinis exert significant corrupt influence over multiple municipalities and states in Mexico, potentially enabling his freedom if he were to return to the country, warned U.S. prosecutors when asking for extreme security measures and confinement during the trial.

Gerardo Gonzalez pleaded guilty without an agreement for a reduced sentence. He persistently denied being the leader of Los Cuinis or responsibility for the acts of violence attributed to him. A life sentence is necessary to ensure public safety by preventing the defendant from re-offending, said the prosecutors. The judge agreed and handed down a life sentence on July 21. Sentencing for Jose La Chepa Gonzalez is scheduled for September.

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Beijing, Jul 25 (AP) Pan Gongsheng was named China's central bank governor Tuesday in the widely anticipated final major appointment of the ruling Communist Party's once-a-decade change of power.

Pan, a deputy central bank governor and veteran of China's state-owned banking industry, succeeds Yi Gang, an American-trained economist who held the post for five years. The endorsement of Pan's promotion by the ceremonial legislature, the National People's Congress, follows other Cabinet-level appointments announced in March.

The governor of the People's Bank of China is the most prominent Chinese figure in finance circles but the post's powers are limited. The bank is controlled by the ruling Communist Party.

Pan, who turns 60 this month, met July 8 with visiting US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, indicating he was being promoted. He was widely assumed to be in line for the job after he was named Communist Party secretary for the central bank.

In 2015, Pan was appointed head of China's foreign exchange regulator, usually a stepping stone to the top central bank job. Earlier, he was a vice president of the Agricultural Bank of China Ltd, one of the country's four major commercial lenders.

Pan earned a PhD in economics from Renmin University in Beijing and did research at Cambridge and Harvard Universities. (AP) SCY

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Mumbai, Jul 25 (PTI) Human beings are nothing but "data" for multinational tech companies, says debutant director Sudeep Kanwal who explores the concept of surveillance and loss of privacy to technology in his first film "Privacy".

Advancement in technology has its pros and cons and the director said he highlights ill-effects of it in his film, which is headlined by Rajshri Deshpande of "Trial by Fire" fame.

A neo-noir thriller, "Privacy" follows the story of a distressed Mumbai surveillance centre operator (Deshpande), who ignores protocol and begins to investigate incidents happening on her watch.

"The movie is showing how much information you can get from the camera or what they can view, do you really have privacy or not. It is about surveillance cameras but we've gone beyond in terms of data privacy. Now, technology has gone to the level where it can predict or shape your behaviour or it can force you to search for certain things.

"Each person has several thousand data points. That's how tech companies see us as 'data', and not as people," Kanwal, best known for his 2013 short film, "Silent Wave", told PTI in a virtual interview.

According to the director, in the age of social media, it is hard to stay private but one can try and avoid sharing personal details.

No matter what you do, you will end up using a browser or end up on some social media platform. There is no getting around it. The only thing you can do is make yourself aware that this is happening, talk to children when it comes to pressure of social media, what to share and what not to share.

"At least, what information we are giving that's something we could stop. There are cameras (everywhere) so everything is captured and recorded. I don't see us as humans ever going back to a space where we will have absolute privacy. It's just not happening, we are going to lose more and more."

The seed of the idea for "Privacy", Kanwal said, came from newspaper articles in 2015-16 about cameras being doubled up in Mumbai. He said he was surprised that there was no discussion on how it might affect the privacy of people.

"There were so many articles about how technology is going to solve all the crimes, and it is going to help people, which is all true. But there was no coverage about whether there could be an issue with someones privacy, or someone monitoring people. So, that led to the idea of looking into or investigating the other side of technology," Kanwal, who took about five years on the film, said.

The film is set in Mumbai, which the director refers to as a socio-economically layered city, where a section of people struggle to sleep on streets while the wealthy live in mansions.

Kanwal said he began researching on the film and visited several CCTV control rooms including in Pune, Navi Mumbai and Mumbais Crawford market to understand the nitty-gritties of how it works. He added that Privacy is not based on any particular incident but is rooted in reality.

"I can't give plot points away, but there are many incidents that became part of the story. It's a realistic neo-noir thriller. There are some parts that are fictional but it is based on facts, like how much cameras can see around us, and how many cameras are around us," he added.

The director is all praise Deshpande and her understanding of the script.

"This is a multi-layered role, and if your lead actor can understand where the character is coming from, what the character is thinking internally, it really makes my job as a director easy on set," Kanwal said.

"When we were prepping for the role, we were sitting in a cafe, she started watching people and would analyse what they were talking about, etc. If you're signing up for a role, if you start to internalise, you start to think like the character, it shows on screen, he added.

Through the eyes of a surveillance centre operator, the movie touches upon themes like mental health and voyeurism.

"Mental health is a big part of this film. What if somebody who has a mental health issue is behind the technology, like what could that lead to. Also, if someone has a stressful job, they should be able to see a shrink or they should be able to get breaks, Kanwal said.

The bigger theme, according to the director, is how privacy issues are overlooked. "The way things are right now with social media, like how much we are willing to put out there, and we are not thinking where that might end up or how somebody can use the information, he said.

Ask him about the release plan of Privacy and Kanwal said it might most likely come on an OTT platform.

So, right now, we're still in the festival circuit. We're in South Korea at Bifan. Next month, we are in Sydney and a few other places.

"For about six-seven months, we will give it a festival run and then eventually, it's going to end up on OTT. I don't think we're thinking theatrical but you never know, he said.

Produced by Navin Shetty and Shlok Sharma of Fundamental Pictures, in association with House of Talent Studio, Privacy also features an ensemble cast including Sandesh Kulkarni, Abhilash Thapliyal, Chhaya Kadam, Rushad Rana, and Sagar Salunke.
Singapore, Jul 25 (PTI) India's new High Commissioner to Singapore Dr Shilpak Ambule on Tuesday presented his credentials to President Halimah Yacob at The Istana (Presidential Palace).

Ambule, 46, started serving as High Commissioner to Singapore from July 23. He succeeded P Kumaran who left for Delhi earlier this week.

Ambule grew up in Pune and did his graduation from BJ Medical College. He did a Masters degree programme in Translation and Interpretation (T&I) in Chinese-English from MIIS, Monterey, California, according to his profile on the High Commission website.

He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 2002 and after learning Chinese language, spent eight years in Beijing in the Indian Embassy working as Third Secretary, Second Secretary and First Secretary in the Political Wing and as Chief of Staff to Ambassador.

He then served in Headquarters as the Deputy Head of the East Asia Division and as the Chief of Staff of the Indian Foreign Secretary from January 2015 to August 2018.

After a brief stint as Deputy High Commissioner of India in Colombo from August 2018  July 2019, he returned to Delhi and served as Joint Secretary in the External Affairs Ministers office till June 2022 when he took over as Joint Secretary (East Asia) and continued to hold dual charge till July 22, 2023.
Karachi, Jul 25 (PTI) The minarets of a worship place of the minority Ahmadi community were destroyed by unknown men in Pakistan's Sindh province and "hateful" graffiti was drawn on its walls, a spokesperson of the community said on Tuesday.

The incident occurred on Monday in one of Karachis most populated areas.

Around a dozen men forcibly entered the worship place on Monday evening, destroyed the minarets with hammers and put hateful graffiti on the walls", Amir Mahmod, a spokesperson for the community, said.

Noting that this is not the first time Ahmadi worship places have been attacked in Karachi, he said, Two months back, two of our worship places in Saddar and Martin Quarters areas were also vandalised.

Asserting that the place of worship on Drigh Road had existed since Pakistan's creation, Mahmod said, "The government has utterly failed to provide security to Ahmadi places of worship.

The police had filed FIRs on our complaint, but so far, there has been no progress, he said.

Senior police official Tariq Nawaz said that the police received a complaint about a worship place of the Ahmadis being vandalised on Drigh Road and were investigating the matter before registering an FIR.

Initial reports suggest that around four people climbed up and damaged the minarets with hammers, he said.

The members of the Ahmadi community have faced more persecution and attacks in the Punjab province, where their number is said to be higher than in the rest of Pakistan, according to Mahmod.

He said the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) openly propagated a campaign to destroy the minarets of worship places of the Ahmadis.

Posters and banners by the TLP, calling for the demolition of the minarets at these worship places were openly visible in Punjab province, he said.

Last week, the minarets of an Ahmadi worship place were destroyed in the Jhelum of Punjab province by TLP workers as the police watched on, he said.

Last month, the Ahmadis were banned from holding gatherings, sacrificing animals and celebrating Eid al-Adha in Pakistan.

Ahmadis are usually referred to as Qadianis in Pakistan, which is considered a derogatory term for them.

Pakistans Parliament in 1974 declared the Ahmadi community as non-Muslims. A decade later, they were banned from calling themselves Muslims. They are banned from preaching and from travelling to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage.

Although the number of Ahmadis in Pakistan is around a million, unofficial figures put their population much higher.

In Pakistan, around 10 million out of the 220 million population are non-Muslims. The minorities in conservative Muslim-majority Pakistan often complain of harassment by the extremists.
London, Jul 25 (PTI) A UK-based womens organisation is planning a first-of-its-kind celebration of Indian weaves in time for National Handloom Day next month with a Saree Walkathon.

The walkathon will take place in central London, starting at Trafalgar Square towards Parliament Square, on August 6  a day before National Handloom Day in India.

Around 500 women representing different states of India and draped in diverse colourful weaves are expected to walk past some of the UK capitals most iconic landmarks.

The modern Indian woman of today believes in traversing the world beyond her cocoon and she does all that and more in a saree while redefining the codes of power dressing, said Dr Dipti Jain of the British Women in Sarees group, which is organising the walkathon with the backing of Inspiring Indian Women (IIW).

The British Women in Sarees is a group of empowered women who take pride in flaunting handloom sarees and representing the unique cultural melting pot that is India. It is a not-for-profit organisation which likes to organise events to promote our national heritage and make everyone around the world aware of the toil, handwork and artistry which goes behind weaving each of these masterpieces, she said.

The group organised a colourful saree event for Ladies Day at the Royal Ascot horse races in Berkshire, England, in June last year, when hundreds of women from the Indian subcontinent combined their colourful sarees with the traditional English headgear associated with the event.

The Ascot is a symbol of fine British pageantry and elegance. As residents of the UK, we felt elated and proud of the inclusivity that the stage provided us to pay homage to our roots, India, added Jain.

A team from Kerala is being coordinated by Dr Deepa Hegde, Dr Hema Santhosh and Shirley Gibson alongside 30 other members. They plan to showcase the traditional handloom Settu Mundu and sarees bought directly from the state's weavers.

They also plan to perform a traditional dance from Kerala at Parliament Square, where the walkathon will conclude with a tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

National Handloom Day takes place annually on August 7 as a tribute to the handloom-weaving community of India and highlights the contribution of this sector to the socio-economic development of the country.

The date connects with the independence struggle when Mahatma Gandhi launched the Swadeshi Movement in 1905 to encourage indigenous industries and in particular handloom weavers.
Johannesburg, Jul 25 (PTI) National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has met top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi and discussed bilateral ties with him.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Friends of BRICS meeting here in South Africa on Monday.

The meeting came days after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Wang, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in the Indonesian capital Jakarta, and discussed outstanding issues relating to peace and tranquillity in border areas.

India has been locked in a military standoff with China for more than three years, with Jaishankar describing it to be the most complex challenge in his long diplomatic career.

India has maintained that the bilateral relationship cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border area.

During the meeting with Doval, Wang said the two sides should enhance strategic mutual trust, focus on consensus and cooperation, overcome obstacles and bring bilateral relations back on track of sound and stable development as soon as possible, China's state-run news agency Xinhua reported.

Wang stressed that China will never seek hegemony, and stands ready to work with developing countries, including India, to support multilateralism and the democratisation of international relations, and promote the more just and equitable development of international order.

Earlier on Monday, Doval called for collective efforts to deal with challenges emanating from cybersecurity at the Friends of BRICS meeting.

The NSA also held several bilaterals with his counterparts from and Friends of BRICS countries.

South Africa is hosting the BRICS Summit next month.

BRICS is a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Cairo, Jul 25 (AP) An international team began siphoning oil out of a decrepit oil tanker off the coast of Yemen on Tuesday, the United Nations chief said, a crucial step in a complex salvage operation aiming to prevent a potential environmental disaster.

For years, many organisations have warned that the neglected vessel, known as SOF Safer, may cause a major oil spill or even explode.

The ship-to-ship transfer of oil which has started today is the critical next step in avoiding an environmental and humanitarian catastrophe on a colossal scale, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement.

More than 1.1 million barrels of oil stored in the rusting tanker were being moved to another vessel the UN purchased, he said.

The oil transfer operation came after months of on-site preparatory work and was scheduled to be completed in less than three weeks, the UN said.

The Safer tanker was 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 metres (1,181 feet) long with 34 storage tanks.

It is moored 6 km (3.7 miles) from Yemen's 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 recognised government.

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 Associated Press in June 2020.

For years, the UN and other governments as well as environmental groups have warned if an oil spill  or explosion  happens, it 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 world's worst ecological catastrophes, according to the UN.

"The potential clean-up bill alone could easily run into the tens of billions of dollars," Guterres said.

The replacement vessel, now named the Yemen, reached Yemen's coast earlier this month and the salvage team managed on Saturday to safely berth it alongside the Safer.

The transfer of the oil to the Yemen will prevent the worst case scenario of a catastrophic spill in the Red Sea, but it is not the end of the operation, said David Gressly, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, Monday while on board of the salivate vessel, Ndeavor.

After transferring the oil, the Yemen vessel would be connected to an under-sea pipeline that brings oil from the fields, Achim Steiner, administrator of the UN development programme, told the AP on Sunday.

Steiner said the Safer tanker would be towed away to a scrapyard to be recycled. (AP) SCY

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Paris, Jul 25 (AP) US first lady Jill Biden attended a flag-raising ceremony at UNESCO in Paris on Tuesday, marking Washington's official reentry into the UN agency after a controversial five-year hiatus.

The Stars and Stripes was hoisted up outside UNESCO's headquarters with the Eiffel Tower on the skyline to rousing applause and a rendition of the national anthem. Before the flag-raising, Biden made remarks about the importance of American leadership in preserving cultural heritage and empowering education and science across the globe.

I was honoured to join you today as we raise the flag of the Unites States, the symbol of our commitment to global collaboration and peace, Biden said. She said that this move was an example of President Joe Biden's pledge about restoring our leadership on the world stage.

We are so proud to rejoin UNESCO, she proclaimed, acknowledging that as a teacher I'm a little biased.

The United States had announced its intention to rejoin UNESCO in June, and the organisation's 193 member states earlier this month voted to approve the US reentry. Tuesday's ceremony, which also featured a speech by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, formally signified the US becoming the 194th member  and flag proprietor  at the agency.

We are putting the Star Spangled banner back where it belongs, Azoulay said.

In the time of divisions, rifts and and existential threats, we reaffirm our union here today," Azoulay also said, referring to current global political instabilities. Together we will be stronger."

"The return of the United States has a meaning that is bigger than UNESCO," she added.

Azoulay emphasised the significance of the move for multilateralism and universality as a whole  in a speech that name checked the war in Ukraine. She said the momentum of UNESCO will grow with the reintegration of the US, thereby strengthening the organisation's initiatives throughout the world.

The UN agency's special envoy Forest Whitaker, the American actor, also gave a speech praising the spirit of peace through education that could not have been possible without UNESCO.

The US decision to return to Paris-based UNESCO was based mainly on concerns that China has filled a leadership gap since Washington withdrew during the Trump administration. This development underscores the broader geopolitical dynamics at play, particularly the growing influence of China in international institutions.

The US exit from UNESCO in 2017 cited an alleged anti-Israel bias within the organization. The decision followed a 2011 move by UNESCO to include Palestine as a member state, which led the US and Israel to cease financing the agency. The US withdrawal became official a year later in 2018.

In preparation for its return, the Biden administration requested USD 150 million for the 2024 budget to go toward UNESCO dues and arrears, with plans for similar requests in the ensuing years until the full debt of USD 619 million is paid off.

This represents a significant portion of UNESCO's annual operating budget of USD 534 million, highlighting the substantial financial role the US played in the agency before its departure.

Before its withdrawal, the US was the single biggest funder of UNESCO, contributing 22 per cent of the agency's overall funding.

This is the second time the US has returned to UNESCO after a period of withdrawal. The country previously left the organisation in 1984 under the Reagan administration, citing mismanagement, corruption and perceived advancement of Soviet interests. It rejoined in 2003 under George W. Bush's presidency.

Jill Biden, who teaches English and writing at a Virginia community college, brings with her a passion for education and personal experience in the field to represent the United States in Paris. In the following days, her visit will also serve to pay tribute to American history and cultural heritage in France.

On Wednesday, Biden will go to the Brittany American Cemetery to honor the US soldiers who lost their lives during World War II. This tribute will serve as a solemn reminder of the shared history and sacrifices that bind the US and France together.

She will conclude her trip to France at the renowned Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO world heritage site, to underscore the importance of preserving heritage locations around the world. Her visit to the iconic site will serve to highlight the shared global responsibility in safeguarding global cultural treasures, according to her programme. (AP) GRS

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London, Jul 25 (PTI) An Indian-origin lawyer who was convicted over a decade ago on fraud and money laundering charges has now been ordered by a UK court to pay over 28 million pounds associated with criminal activity.

Bhadresh Gohil, 58, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2010 after being convicted of money laundering, prejudicing a money laundering investigation and conspiracy to defraud in connection with a corruption case involving a client who was a politician in Nigeria.

At the conclusion of lengthy confiscation proceedings at Southwark Crown Court in London on Monday, the UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Gohil was found to have benefited in the sum of 42.4 million pounds and the judge determined that he has available assets of 28.2 million pounds to pay a Confiscation Order or serve six additional years in prison.

This was one of our largest international cases and illustrates how robustly the CPS tackles international illicit finance and corruption, said Adrian Foster, Chief Crown Prosecutor in the CPS Proceeds of Crime Division.

The amount that both defendants have benefited from their criminality has been highly contested, but thanks to the hard work of our dedicated team and that of the National Crime Agency (NCA), we have been able to uncover the full extent of their corruption.

"This has led to the making of Confiscation Orders of over 128 million pounds, which will ultimately result in the return of funds back to the people of Nigeria, he said.

Gohils client James Ibori, 61, was found to have used his position as Governor of Delta State in Nigeria to steal millions to fund a lavish and luxurious lifestyle, buying properties in London, Washington DC, and Texas, as well as a Mercedes and a Bentley.

His case concluded on Friday, when the judge determined he systematically defrauded the state and its citizens of millions of pounds, was ordered to pay over 101 million or face an additional eight years in prison.

This very significant amount of money was confiscated following an extensive investigation. Ibori was powerful and influential, but he was not above the law. Now the life he built from criminal enterprises has been taken from him, said Suzanne Foster, the Branch Commander of NCA.

Iboris funds will be returned to the Nigerian government where they will be reinvested into public services We will continue to work with partners to tackle the global threat of money laundering, and target anyone that undermines the integrity of our financial system, she said.

The court heard that Ibori laundered the proceeds of his crime through a complex scheme that involved his associates, including his wife, his sister, and his lover.

He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering, money laundering, conspiracy to defraud, and conspiracy to make false instruments in February 2012 and was sentenced to 13 years in prison.

The Metropolitan Police investigated allegations of corruption and theft of state funds while Ibori was Governor of Delta State.

A focus was on the fraudulent sale and purchase of shares in Iboris mobile phone company V mobile to Delta State and Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria.

Money was also found to have been laundered by Gohil through a myriad of offshore companies and bank accounts as well as UK-based entities, the NCA said. Gohil was found to have helped Ibori hide his criminal proceeds and to defraud the people of Delta State, Nigeria.

During the ensuing confiscation proceedings, Ibori disputed that he had benefitted and the court was told that he went to great lengths to disguise the assets he owned. The CPS argued that Iboris claims of legitimate wealth were fabricated to pretend that they were not the proceeds of crime.

After a conviction, the CPS can ask the court to make such a Confiscation Order where the judge considers the total financial benefit that a defendant made from their criminal activity and the total value of the available assets the defendant currently has to pay the order.
Colombo, Jul 25 (PTI) Sri Lanka's opposition parties on Tuesday stood divided over their participation in the all-party conference called by President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday on the National Reconciliation Programme that seeks to address the thorny issue of ethnic reconciliation of minority Tamils in the island nation.

While invitations were extended to leaders of all political parties and independent groups with representation in parliament to attend the all-party meeting on national reconciliation, some of the opposition parties have claimed that they are not aware of the exact agenda.

We have not been informed of the agenda for the meeting. But we will attend for the sake of the people, Sajith Premadasa, the main opposition leader in the Sri Lankan parliament, said.

He said his party the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) reserved the right to walk out of the meeting if it proved to be a political gimmick rather than a genuine effort.

According to a notice issued from the office of President Wickremesinghe, who recently returned from his India visit, an all-party conference has been scheduled for July 26 and invitations have been extended to leaders from all the parties.

While the second largest opposition group Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) said they would not attend, other political parties said they would take part.

We will be going, Dayasiri Jayasekera of the former President Maithripala Sirisenas Sri Lanka Freedom Party said.

The stance of the several other fringe opposition groups was unclear.

The all-party move happens closely on the heels of the presidents two-day visit to India last week where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Wickremesinghe prior to his Delhi visit had agreed to the full implementation of the 13th Amendment (13A) to the Sri Lankan Constitution with all-party consensus without the police powers being granted to the provinces.

This was at a meeting with the Tamil parties represented in the north and east provinces.

The 13A was India's pioneering move in 1987 to try and bring in a settlement to the issue of political autonomy to the Tamils in Sri Lanka. It created nine provinces as devolved units with a temporary merger of the north and eastern provinces.

Prime Minister Modi during his talks with Wickremesinghe had expressed hope that the Sri Lankan leader would be committed to implementing the 13A and holding the provincial council elections. He urged to ensure a life of respect and dignity for the Tamils.

Sri Lanka has had a long history of failed negotiations to end the Tamil claim of discrimination by allowing some form of political autonomy.

The Tamils put forward their demand for autonomy after gaining independence from Britain in 1948, which from the mid-70s turned into a bloody armed conflict.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ran a military campaign for a separate Tamil homeland in the Northern and Eastern provinces of the island nation for nearly 30 years before its collapse in 2009 after the Sri Lankan Army killed its supreme leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.

According to Sri Lankan government figures, over 20,000 people are missing due to various conflicts, including the three-decade brutal war with Lankan Tamils in the north and east, which claimed at least 100,000 lives.
A mural with the image of Brazilian councilor Marielle Franco, assassinated in 2018. Isaac Fontana (EFE)

A former military police officer named Elcio de Queiroz, one of two individuals arrested for the 2018 murder of the Brazilian councilor and human rights activist Marielle Franco, has revealed details of the crime as part of a plea bargain with the justice system, which is seeking to find the masterminds who ordered the politician killed.

This is an important step to answer the big question that many Brazilians have been asking for the last five years: who ordered Franco to be killed, and why. The countrys Minister of Justice and Public Security, Flavio Dino, gave a news conference on Monday but did not share details about the exact nature of the information that Queiroz had provided, in order to safeguard the ongoing investigation. But the official did imply that it was quite relevant. Elcios confession provides information that will lead to clarifying the entire dynamic of the crime and obvious participation by others. The minister added that in the coming weeks there will be new police operations that could reach the individuals who ordered the murder. He also mentioned the role of the militias and organized crime in Rio de Janeiro, the main hypothesis that has always been handled by investigators to explain this political assassination.

Queiroz, a former member of the Military Police, was driving the car that chased Franco through the streets of downtown Rio de Janeiro on the night of March 14, 2018. In the back seat was Ronnie Lessa, another former military police officer, who fired four shots into the councilwomans face with a submachine gun. The blast also killed her driver, Anderson Gomes. Both Queiroz and Lessa, the two perpetrators, were arrested just a year after the murder, and since then they have remained in a maximum security prison awaiting a trial with no set date yet. As part of his plea bargain, Queiroz confessed to the crime, gave details of how it was planned and how they disposed of the vehicle afterwards, and presumably provided information that could lead to the masterminds. That agreement with the justice system will bring him some penal benefits, but the Minister of Justice has noted that Queiroz will remain in prison.

Queiroz decided to speak out after he realized that the police were already connecting the dots that led to a third person: Maxwell Simoes, known as Suel, a former firefighter who showed off a life of luxury on his social media accounts and who considered himself the best friend of Lessa, the murderer. Simoes had already been arrested and sentenced to four years in prison for obstructing the investigation, but he was on probation. On Monday he was arrested again and accused of having hidden the murder weapon and instructed collaborators to dispose of it by throwing it into the sea, in front of the Barra da Tijuca beach. In addition, it is now known that Simoes worked with Lessa planning the murder for months: he kept an eye on the councilwomans daily routines and waited for a window of opportunity. He would drive the car and Lessa would shoot. In late 2017 they were about to kill her, but Simoes claimed a mechanical failure in the car that aborted the operation. Lessa viewed this as an excuse to pull out of the job and got Queiroz to replace him.

The councilors sister, Anielle Franco, who is now the Minister of Racial Equality, said on Monday on her social media accounts that she trusted the investigation led by the Federal Police, but added: I repeat the question I have been asking for five years: who ordered Marielle to be killed and why. Following her sisters murder, she founded the Marielle Franco Institute, dedicated to promoting policies to defend women, Brazilians of African descent, the LGBTQ+ community and the residents of favelas and peripheries. One of the organizations goals is also to encourage Black women like herself to take the leap into politics.

During the years that former president Jair Bolsonaro was in power, Francos family did not want the investigation to be passed on from the Rio Civil Police (where it appeared to be stalled), which answers to the central government. The Federal Police began handling the case in February of this year, barely a month after Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took office as the new president and gave orders to prioritize solving this crime.
Bangkok, Jul 25 (AP) Myanmar's military-controlled government plans to transfer the country's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi from a prison in the capital, Naypyitaw, to home confinement.

The move is part of an act of clemency to prisoners in connection with a religious ceremony next week, a security official said Tuesday.

There has been no official confirmation of the plans, though journalists working for outlets friendly to the military government said they had heard the same information. News about Suu Kyi is tightly controlled by the military government, and even her lawyers are banned by a gag order from talking to the media about her cases.

Suu Kyi, who was arrested on February 1, 2021 when the army seized power from her elected government, has been sentenced to a total of 33 years in prison after being convicted on a range of charges brought by the military government that are widely seen as contrived for political purposes.

Several of her cases are awaiting final appeals. Her National League for Democracy party won a landslide victory in the 2020 election and was about to begin a second five-year term in office.

The official in Naypyitaw, who is familiar with Suu Kyi's situation, told The Associated Press that the military government will announce Suu Kyi's transfer on the occasion of consecrating a new giant statue of a sitting Buddha it has had built, a symbol of devotion in the majority Buddhist nation. The ceremony is due next Tuesday.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he risks punishment since he is not authorized to release information, said he did not know exactly where she would be moved to or when.

The official said he was unable to confirm a report by the BBC's Myanma-language service that she has already been transferred from the prison to a residence in Naypyitaw assigned to a deputy minister-level Cabinet official.

She was initially held after her arrest at her official residence in the capital, then moved to an undisclosed location widely believed to be on an army base before being transferred to prison on June 22, 2022.

The military's 2021 takeover and the crackdown on the armed resistance to it plunged the country into deadly chaos that some UN experts have called a civil war. Western governments, including the United States, have imposed sanctions on Myanmar's military government and demanded the immediate release of Suu Kyi and other political detainees.

The reported plans for the 78-year-old Suu Kyi's release have been circulating two weeks  since Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai met her in prison, becoming the first foreign visitor to be granted access to her since she was detained. Don told journalists she was in good health and conveyed her willingness to engage in talks to resolve the crisis gripping her strife-torn nation.

Suu Kyi has been unable to give her version of the July 9 meeting, said to have lasted about an hour-and-a-half. Myanmar's military confirmed the meeting had been held, but said it had no details because its was one-on-one between the ousted leader and the Thai diplomat.

Don revealed the event when he was attending a meeting in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. ASEAN, has been seeking to mediate an end to the violent conflict in Myanmar, which some members believe destabilises the region.

ASEAN has also been trying to enforce the plan it forged with Myanmar's top general in 2021, which calls for an immediate end to the violence, the start of talks brokered by a special envoy among contending parties, and the delivery of aid to displaced villagers.

But Myanmar's military government has done little to enforce the plan, prompting ASEAN to ban its representatives from top-level meetings. The generals accuse ASEAN of violating the bloc's bedrock principles of nonintervention in each other's domestic affairs.

Suu Kyi, the daughter of Myanmar's martyred independence hero Gen. Aung San, spent almost 15 years as a political prisoner under house arrest between 1989 and 2010.

Her tough stand against military rule in Myanmar turned her into a symbol of nonviolent struggle for democracy, and won her the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize. (AP)



GRS

GRS
Puducherry, Jul 24 (PTI) The N Rangasamy dispensation here has decided to give a 10 per cent horizontal reservation to students of government schools for admission to undergraduate medical courses in the Union Territory.

A Cabinet meeting, held on Monday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister N Rangasamy, decided to introduce the 10 per cent horizontal reservation for the students of the government schools.

Later, Rangasamy told reporters that formal approval of the Lieutenant Governor has been sought in the matter.

There have been demands from various quarters that the government introduce a 10 per cent horizontal reservation in medical education for the benefit of the students passing out of the government schools here.

The AIADMK had presented a memorandum to the chief minister recently seeking the horizontal reservation for the benefit of students in rural areas and also from the poorer sections of society.
Mumbai, Jul 25 (PTI) A high-level inquiry will be conducted into the money spent by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on the desilting of Mithi river which flows through the city, Maharashtra Industries Minister Uday Samant stated in the Legislative Council on Tuesday.

Hitting back, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena said a probe should also be conducted into the ongoing crisis in Manipur.

Notably, the BMC was being controlled by the undivided Shiv Sena headed by the Thackeray family during 1997 to 2022, the period for which the inquiry was announced.

Prasad Lad of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised the issue in the Council, claiming that more than Rs 1,300 crore were spent on desilting between 2005 and 2022 and there should be a probe into the work done.

In his reply, Samant said, Who was the contractor, how much silt was removed, how much widening was done, what happened to Rs 1,160 crore, who were the officers at that time.... Everything will be probed. A high-level inquiry will be conducted."

Shiv Sena (UBT) member Anil Parab said the probe should also cover financial year 2022-23. The BMC is under an administrator's control as civic elections have not been held for over a year.

Speaking outside the legislature, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said a probe should also be conducted into the ongoing violence in Manipur.





Many probes have been ordered to defame Mumbai and Maharashtra, Thackeray claimed.
Mumbai, Jul 25 (PTI) A white paper bringing out facts on big-ticket projects choosing other states over Maharashtra will be presented before the legislature in the ongoing Monsoon session, industries minister Uday Samant said on Tuesday.



A white paper is a kind of government report on a particular subject giving details and context.

In a written response to a question in the legislative council, Samant said directions have been given to present facts about projects like the Vedanta-Foxconn, Tata-Airbus, and Bulk Drugs Park.

A white paper will be presented on big-ticket projects choosing other states over Maharashtra in this Monsoon session, Samant said.

The opposition has blamed the Eknath Shinde-led government for many big projects choosing other states, especially Gujarat, over Maharashtra. The government has hit back and blamed the earlier Uddhav Thackeray government for the migration.
Shillong, Jul 25 (PTI) Meghalaya police arrested TMC leader Richard M Marak for instigating the crowd that attacked Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma's office in Tura town, Director General of Police LR Bishnoi said on Tuesday.

Marak, a close aide of former chief minister Mukul Sangma, was arrested after a manhunt was launched following the vandalism, arson and an attack on the chief minister's office on Monday night.

With Marak's arrest, the number of people arrested in connection with the incident has risen to 19 including two women who are members of BJP Mohila Morcha.

"We have arrested Richard M Marak. He is among the 19 people arrested till date for their role in vandalism, arson, and attack on Chief Minister's secretariat yesterday night," the DGP said.

Marak was behind instigating the crowd besides distributing money on July 23, a day before to create trouble, he said.

Marak had contested the Assembly election against Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma as a TMC candidate and lost the election.

A mob of over 1,000 people gheraoed and pelted stones at CM's Secretariat on Monday evening when Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma was holding a meeting with the Achik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK) and those of the Garo Hills State Movement Committee (GHSMC) who were on fast to demand the state government's adopt Tura town as the winter capital of the state.

According to police, preliminary investigations have led to the arrest of some BJP functionaries and several members of the opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC) who were at the site when the incident took place.

The two women arrested were identified as Belina M Marak and Dilche Ch Marak. Both are members of the BJP Mahila Morcha in the West Garo Hills district.

Two Trinamool Congress leaders who were also part of the crowd and who had instigated the mob to turn violent have been identified but they are on the run, the police officer said.

Eighteen armed police personnel were injured in the attack. The chief minister has announced Rs 50,000 ex-gratia relief to the injured policemen.

A night curfew was also announced in Tura town on Monday night.

District Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Chelani has asked all educational institutions within Tura Municipal Area to remain shut on Tuesday as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order in view of the volatile situation, a district official told PTI.

Meanwhile, BJP president Ernest Mawrie has issued a statement condemning the incident and said a disciplinary committee will be asked to submit a report against those involved within 15 days time.

"The party did not endorse any form of violent protest and neither had the party issued any directive to its mahila morcha to participate in any such protest," Mawrie said.
Ranchi, Jul 25 (PTI) The Jharkhand government on Tuesday gave its nod for preliminary enquiry (PE) against five former BJP ministers in the state for allegedly acquiring assets disproportionate to their known sources of income.

The main objective of a PE is to ascertain the availability of substantial evidence, which will sustain a departmental enquiry or disciplinary proceedings or registration of regular cases as the case may be.

The decision was taken in the state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren.

The BJP described the move as a political stunt and alleged that Soren himself faces charges of corruption.

Of the five, who were part of chief minister Raghubar Das cabinet between 2014 and 2019, four are members of the current assembly.

"Permission was granted by the cabinet to file preliminary enquiry against former ministers - Amar Kumar Bauri, Randhir Kumar Singh, Neera Yadav, Louis Marandi and Neelkanth Singh Munda - in disproportionate assets cases," a government spokesperson told reporters after the cabinet meeting.

The state government had earlier ordered the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to investigate into alleged disproportionate assets of the five former ministers in the wake of a public interest litigation filed before the Jharkhand high court in 2020.

Soren in November last year had given a go-ahead to the ACB to register a preliminary enquiry into alleged disproportionate assets of the five BJP leaders. The ACB, however, had sought separate PE against each of the five former ministers following confirmation of the allegation after an initial investigation.

Reacting to the Cabinet nod for preliminary enquiry against former ministers, BJP state president and former chief minister Babulal Marandi said it is a "political stunt."

"The chief minister should set an example by getting the properties of his family investigated by the ACB. If the CM is so sensitive about corruption, he should get the investigation started from his home," Marandi said.

Soren was accused by the opposition of being involved in corruption as he had allotted a mining lease to himself and a plot of land to his wife.

One of the five former ministers, Randhir Kumar Singh, had earlier said the action is nothing but a political vendetta.

"Since the chief minister is facing corruption charges, he wants to malign the image of the BJP. I am not scared of any inquiry, said Singh, the MLA of Sarath constituency and former agriculture minister.
Bhubaneswar, Jul 25 (PTI) President Droupadi Murmu, who has completed a year in the country's highest office, will pay a three-day visit to her home state Odisha from Tuesday.



The President is scheduled to reach here on Tuesday at 6.10 P M from Delhi and reach Raj Bhavan at 6.30 PM. On Wednesday she will visit Cuttack, officials said. She will return to Delhi on July 27.

At the Raj Bhavan she will have an half-an-hour interaction with the medical student beneficiaries of Atut Bandhan.



The Atut Bandhan family is a platform where the people from different walks of life come forward to financially assist poor medical students. As many as 52 students of different medical colleges in the state are being helped by Atut Bandhan, a non-profit organisation.



During her visit to Cuttack on Wednesday she will offer prayers at the Chandi Temple and visit the residence of Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das and pay floral tribute at his statue.

The president will also visit the birth place of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Netaji Museum in the millennial city, the official said.

Murmu is scheduled to be present at the valedictory function of the 75th year celebrations of Orissa High Court in Cuttack and address the annual function of SCB Medical College and Hospital on Wednesday. She will also grace the convocation of National Law University, Odisha, the same day.



On Thursday before returning to the national capital, the president will interact with the members of particularly vulnerable tribal groups at the Raj Bhavan.



She will also launch Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya theme for 2023  'The Year of Positive Change' and lay the foundation stone for its lighthouse complex at Dasabatia in Bhubaneswar, the official added.



Bhubaneswar DCP Pratik Singh said elaborate security arrangement has been made in the twin cities for the presidential visit.



This will be the third visit by Murmu to Odisha, since assuming the country's highest office on July 25, 2022.
Patna, Jul 25 (PTI) The Bihar government on Tuesday announced a waiver on pending liabilities of vehicles older than 15 years which are scrapped at the Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs).

The decision to this effect was taken in the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar here on Tuesday.

This proposal was mooted before the cabinet by the transport department.

"The cabinet has approved a 100 per cent waiver of pending liabilities on government vehicles older than 15 years which are scrapped at RVSFs. While commercial and non-commercial vehicles will be given a 90 per cent waiver in taxes, 100 per cent penalties imposed on them will be waived off. This scheme is valid for a year only", Bihar Chief Secretary Amir Subhani, told reporters immediately after the cabinet meeting.

The move will certainly accelerate the state government's effort of phasing out the old and polluting vehicles in the state, he said.

The cabinet also approved a proposal pertaining to salaries and allowances given to chairman and members of different Commissions and Boards of the state government.

"The Cabinet approved a proposal which makes it clear that now chairman and members of different commissions and boards of the state government will get the same salaries and allowances given to the chairman and members of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC)", said Subhani.

Besides, the cabinet also approved the dismissal of three senior government doctors, posted in different districts and hospitals in the state, from service for "unauthorisedly" remaining absent from their duties for several years.

"The dismissed doctors include: Ashok Kumar Singh (primary health centre, Singhwalia, Gopalganj), Ravi Kumar (district hospital, Kaitihar) and Anand Kumar Sultanbi (Referral hospital, Gopalganj)", said the chief secretary.
New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) A day after fire was reported at a factory making plastic items in northwest Delhi's Samaypur Badli, a charred body of a 25-year-old man was recovered from its premises, police said on Tuesday.

The factory caught fire around 11.15 am on Monday injuring four persons. The fire was brought under control at 12.50 pm.

After further investigation and search operation by police and fire staff on Tuesday, a charred body was found in the factory. The deceased has been identified as Dabloo Yadav, a resident of Swaroop Nagar and a native of Bihar. He was employed at the factory and was missing since Monday, Deputy Commissioner of Police (outer north) Ravi Kumar Singh said.

Accordingly, IPC Section 304A (causing death by negligence) has been added in the present case and further investigation is in progress, he added.

Police had earlier lodged a case under IPC sections 285 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter) and 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) against the factory owner. The fire broke out due to a short circuit, they said.

The four injured persons have been identified as Dinesh Kumar Yadav (24) and Rakesh (26), both residents of Swaroop Nagar, and Jitender Kumar (42) and Subhita (46), both Siraspur residents. They were taken to Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Three of them have been discharged from the hospital after treatment, while Subhita was referred to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital (LNJP) Hospital.
New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) Delhi government-run hospitals are "on alert" to deal with cases of conjunctivitis, fungal infections and vector-borne diseases, Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said on Tuesday.

Cases of conjunctivitis and other eye infection are on the rise in Delhi, with many doctors cautioning that it is "highly contagious" and proper hygiene behaviour needs to be maintained to check its spread.

Doctors at both government and private hospitals said they have been receiving cases largely from the younger population in the city.

"These cases are coming up due to humidity in the air. Our hospitals are on alert, especially related to cases of conjunctivitis, fungal infections and vector-borne diseases," Bharadwaj told PTI Video.

Asked if any advisory has been issued by the government in the wake of the rise in cases of conjunctivitis and other eye infection, he said, "There are constraints in getting a government advisory published in a newspaper". He alleged it was due to the central ordinance on control of services in Delhi.

On the dengue situation in Delhi, he said, school students have been asked to wear full-sleeve uniforms, and girls can wear slacks or tights.

"If a student is needy and does not have a uniform, he or she can wear plain clothes to school too," the minister said.

Nearly 190 dengue cases have been reported in the national capital this year till July 22, the highest for the period since 2018, according to a civic body report released on Monday.

The report by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) also said that 61 cases of malaria have been recorded in the same period.

As many as 187 cases of dengue have been reported in Delhi this year till July 22. The number of dengue cases reported in July so far stood at 65. It was 40 in June and 23 in May, according to the report.

In 2022, Delhi reported 159 dengue cases between January 1 and July 15. During the same period in 2021, the city reported 47 dengue cases, 26 in 2020, 34 in 2019 and 49 in 2018.

Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi recently said that there is a possibility of a rise in dengue and malaria cases in the national capital this year due to flooding in several areas.

She added that departments concerned have been directed to take steps to check mosquito breeding and clear the silt and sludge left by the flood waters.
The person responsible for stealing 23 computers from Giorgio Jackson's ministry is a 24-year-old criminal who made a video call from jail.

Last Wednesday night, a 24-year-old criminal named Miguel Angel Apablazanicknamed Negro chicocarried out an unusual robbery against Chiles Ministry of Social Development. He did so from inside the Puente Alto penitentiary, in the south of Santiago, the capital of Chile. Using just two cellphones (commonly used in Chilean prisons), he pretended to be Giorgio Jackson, the Minister of Social Development and President Gabriel Borics main political ally. Apablaza called the buildings two security guards at night and managed to steal 23 laptops, a safe deposit box and other items from Jacksons own office inside the ministry building. The robbery has shaken Chilean politics and Borics leftist government.

In an operation that lasted three hours, between 8:30 p.m. and 11.30 p.m., three of Apablazas criminal accomplices moved freely through the ministry building, demonstrating the ease with which the security of some of Chiles public offices can be breached.

The details of the robbery were made public on Friday afternoon during the initial hearings of the two participants who have been identified so far: Apablaza himselfwho is currently serving a prison sentence from 2018 to January 2027 for robberyand his 60-year-old grandmother, Elena Rojas, who received the computers; she was placed under house arrest, at the request of prosecutor Maria Jose Grez, of the North Central Prosecutors Office.

Minister of Social Development and Family Giorgio Jackson Drago. ANDRES PEREZ CUENCA (MIDESOF)

According to the prosecutors version of events, on Wednesday night there were two security guards working at the reception desk inside the ministry building on Catedral Street. A 61-year-old employee named Lasso, from the private security company HM, answered the call on the ministrys landline at about 8:30 p.m. Hello, I am Giorgio Jackson, and Ive had an accident, said a man on the other end of the line. Apablaza then proceeded to explain having had an accident in the southern area of Santiago, Chile, in the municipality of San Bernardo, and said that he needed a tow truck to pick up his car.

The alleged minister explained that he did not want his wife to find out what had happened, and that he preferred to communicate via cell phone and WhatsApp (the real Jackson is unmarried and does not have children). Lasso and his colleague, whose last name is Guzman, were convinced that they were talking to the minister, but they did not have the Whatsapp application on their own phones, so they looked for the ministrys security companys cellphone and gave him the number.

On a video callwhich only displayed a mans photograph (you could only see the picture of a person wearing a cap, with a white complexion and eyeglasses, who actually looked just like Minister Giorgio Jackson)the impostor began to give orders to the two night workers. First, he instructed the security guards to remove 50 laptops from different floors of the ministry; he claimed that the machines had to be updated. Guzman went up to the offices and, obeying instructions, removed the laptops; because they were tied down with chains, he had to use a chain cutter, which he got in the same building. He managed to take 23 computers and put them in two black plastic garbage bags that he requested from a member of the cleaning crew. One of the computers belonged to Jackson himself. According to the prosecutor, nine people, including the two guards and a cleaning lady, were working inside the building at the time.

The guard also put a medal and three pins from the ministers office in the bags. According to the instructions he had received, he was supposed to take 15 medals from the office.

The security workers were also instructed to give the bags to a driver who would arrive to pick them up. Shortly before, an Uber driver had received a text message that said: Hello, good evening, I am Giorgio Jackson, Minister of Social Development and I am waiting for you at the ministry. Please wait there; the whole trip is going to be paid for. (On Friday, the prosecutor explained that the driver was not connected to the crime.) The Uber driver then transported the computers to a street in the municipality of Renca, in the northern part of Santiago, where Apablazas grandmother collected them. Three other peopletwo men and one womanjoined Rojas, and she paid for the Uber through a bank transfer from her personal account.

Still pretending to be Minister Jackson, the perpetrator informed the guards through the WhatsApp video call that he would send his nephews to the ministrys premises to fumigate the building. He made it clear to the guards that they were trustworthy. Then, three men wearing white overalls and light blue surgical masks covering their faces arrived at the building on Catedral Street with a loading cart.

According to the instructions, prior to the fumigation, the guards were to remove the safety deposit box located on the Ministrys fifth floor. They did just that. According to information from the Ministry, the safe contained financial guarantee documents, checks and corporate bank cards, all of which have since been blocked.

The three criminalswhose faces were barely visible, according to the prosecutors accountcovered the box with a garbage bag and put it on the loading cart; then they left in another car. There has been no trace of them or the safe deposit box.

A cleaning worker named America became suspicious of the unusual movements in the building at night, and of a minister talking with a security guard for so long. She contacted her bosses at the cleaning company by telephone, who instructed her to call the Carabineros [police]. America then alerted the rest of the people in the building, including the security guards, that they were being scammed. When security guard Guzman received the alert, he was still on the video call with the supposed minister Jackson and confronted him about it. The thief answered: Look, motherfucker, I just screwed you over and hung up. It was around 11:30 p.m. Shortly thereafter, the police arrived from a nearby police station.

That same night, Apablaza called his grandmother and asked her for photographs of the bags with the computers. Then he ordered her to go to the same corner as the previous night again and deliver the merchandise to another Uber car that would arrive to pick it up on Thursday at 2 p.m. But two police officers showed up at her house and recovered the 23 computers. Rojas, who has a criminal record for drug trafficking, told the prosecutor that her grandson must have received orders from someone. Through her, prosecutors confirmed that the two numbers used in the robbery belonged to her imprisoned grandson.

On Friday, Apablaza was transferred to a high security prison.

A minister in the spotlight

The crime has put Borics government against the ropes and had important political consequences. Jackson is one of the leaders and founders of the Democratic Revolution party, a political force in Borics Broad Front that has been at the epicenter of the so-called Convenios [Agreements] Case.

The Convenios plot emerged last June and involves investigations by the Prosecutors Office into the transfer of millions of State funds to non-profit foundations, primarily linked to the Democratic Revolution party. This Friday, the Independent Democratic Uniona traditional right-wing party and one of the most important members of the oppositionfroze its talks with the government and will not resume them unless President Boric removes Jackson from his Cabinet. This move comes amid political negotiations over tax and pension reforms, in which the oppositions votes are crucial because the executive does not have majorities in Congress.
Shimla, Jul 25 (PTI) The Himachal Pradesh Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission (HPPEIRC) has directed the Maharishi Markandeshwar University (MMU) to refund the excess fee charged by it from two former MBBS students and also slapped a fine of Rs 1 crore on the university.

The education regulator in the hill state directed the MMU and Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College and Hospital (MMMCH), Kumarhatti (Solan) on Monday to refund the excess tuition fee, university charges and hostel charges amounting to more than Rs 36 lakh to Dr Nivedita Rao and Dr Yamini and imposed a fine of Rs 1 crore on the university for charging the excess fees.

It passed an order to this effect on complaints from the two medical practitioners, who were MBBS students of the university's 2013-14 batch, directing the respondent university and college to refund Rs 14,45,500 to Dr Nivedita and Rs 22,45,500 to Dr Yamini.

A copy of the order was uploaded on the HPPEIRC website on Monday evening.

Observing that excess fees and other charges were recovered from 1,200 students of eight batches (2013-14 to 2020-21), the commission calculated the excess charges at Rs 103.96 crore on the basis of the documents submitted by the university and government agencies, and said the students can approach the college for a refund of the same.

The two-member bench of the commission, headed by chairman Major General (retired) Atul Kaushik, said the order will come into force with immediate effect and directed the respondents to deposit Rs 1 crore as penalty in the commission's bank account within three months.

According to the records and evidence placed before the commission, the university charged tuition fee for six-and-a-half years for the four-and-a-half-year MBBS course as well as hostel, university and developmental charges for five years, without an approval from the state government.

According to the fee structure for the 2017-18 to 2020-21 sessions placed before the commission, the tuition fee would be charged annually in two equal instalments and the fee towards the building fund, infrastructure fund and development fund would not be charged from the students in compliance with court orders.

The commission had earlier issued an order against the university and the college on June 9, 2022, imposing a penalty of Rs 45 lakh, and directed them to refund the excess fees or charges amounting to Rs 103.96 crore to the MBBS students.

The university moved the high court against the commission's order. The court remanded the case back to the commission, observing that the order was signed only by the chairman, while the other member had refused to sign it and therefore, there was no quorum.
Mathura (UP), Jul 25 (PTI) A POCSO court here on Tuesday awarded a death sentence to a man for raping and killing a minor girl and also imposed a fine of Rs 1.30 lakh on him.

Elaborating further about the case, Jamunapar SHO Suraj Sharma said that the matter pertains to August 31, 2020, when a resident of a village had lodged a complaint with the police that her daughter along with her cousin had gone to a village shop, but had not returned.

The convict -- Banvari -- had lured the nine-year-old girl and her body was found in a jungle the next day.

When Banvari was questioned, he admitted to his crimes, saying that he raped the girl and then killed her fearing that he could be identified.

A case was registered against Banvari under various sections of the IPC and POCSO Act.

Special prosecutor Alka Sharma said that after hearing the matter, Additional Session Judge Ram Kishor considered the matter as "rarest of rare" case, and sentenced Banvari to death.

Sharma also said that the court imposed a fine of Rs 1.30 lakh on Banvari, of which 80 per cent amount be given to family members of the deceased.
Hubballi (K'taka), Jul 25 (PTI) As torrential rains continue to batter many parts of Karnataka hampering normal life, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said he and his Cabinet colleagues will be touring different parts of the state in teams to assess the situation.

The Chief Minister has convened a meeting of Deputy Commissioners of all districts and Zilla Panchayat CEOs on Wednesday evening via video conferencing, to assess the weather and crop condition in the state.

"There has been rain in many places across the state. In June there was deficit rain, but in July it is slightly above normal," Siddaramaiah said.

Speaking to reporters here, he said he will review the situation in Haveri district today and added that he and the other Ministers will be touring in teams in districts, which have received heavy rains and there was flooding, in the days to come.

"I will go to Udupi, Mangaluru (Dakshina Kannada), Uttara Kannada and other districts. Krishna Byre Gowda (Revenue Minister) has gone to Kodagu, Agriculture Minister (N Cheluvarayaswamy) is accompanying me," he added.

Responding to a question on reports that money is being collected from women during the registration for "Gruha Lakshmi" scheme, which promises Rs 2,000 per month to women head of the family, Siddaramaiah said, it is free for everyone, and if anyone is collecting money and if there is evidence for it, a criminal case will be booked against them.
Bengaluru, Jul 25 (PTI) At least four people lost their lives in Udupi and Vijayapura in rain-related incidents, the authorities said on Tuesday.

There was also widespread destruction of property and damage to houses in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, official sources said. Vehicular movement was disrupted at many places with roads getting flooded.

According to Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda, between June 1 and July 24, as many as 27 people have died, most of them due to lightning strikes.

He also said that the state is on the alert in the wake of the heavy rains and floods.

According to information received, three rain-related deaths have been reported in Udupi district in the last two days. A 12-year old girl in Shedimane village of Hebri taluk died after falling into a river near her house on Sunday.

The body of an elderly woman, who was missing since July 11, was found in Annalu river on Sunday. She was identified as Kurumbilu (80) of Shirlalu in Karkala taluk.

A 53-year old man, Gokuldas Prabhu (53) of Karkunje village in Brahmavar taluk drowned after falling into a stream on Monday.

Continuing downpour has caused widespread destruction in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada district. A portion of the Kindi dam at Lingottu was washed away.

More than 15 houses were submerged in flood waters, forcing people to move to safer places.



Portion of a hill caved in on the house of Vishwanath at Irvathur village. Another house at Naduvalachil was also damaged in the rains and the residents have moved to houses of their relatives, sources said.

At Kannur in Vijayapura district, a 60-year old woman Shivamma Savalgi died when a house wall collapsed on her.

According to the Deputy Commissioner of the district T Bhoobalan, 20 houses had collapsed so far in the district and a few were injured.

In Chikkamagaluru, the Tunga river is flowing dangerously whereas in Shivamogga, the Bhadravati river is swollen.

The swollen Krishna river and its tributaries Malaprabha and Ghataprabha have wreaked havoc in Belagavi inundating many low-lying areas.



According to the authorities, many dams and major lakes of the state are filled to the brim. Several low-lying areas are inundated in the rain-affected districts.

In view of the heavy downpour, the India Meteorological Department on Tuesday issued a red alert for all the three coastal districts namely Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada and Chikkamagaluru district in Malnad region of Karnataka, predicting heavy rains in the next 24 hours.

Apart from the four districts, Kodagu, Shivamogga, and Belagavi have been put on orange alert, while a yellow alert has been sounded for Bagalkote, Bidar, Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, Ballari and Hassan.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said he and his cabinet colleagues will tour different parts of the state in teams to assess the situation.

He said he has convened a meeting of Deputy Commissioners of all districts and Zilla Panchayat CEOs on Wednesday evening via video conferencing, to assess the weather and crop condition in the state.

"There has been rain in many places across the state. In June there was deficit rain, but in July it is slightly above normal," Siddaramaiah said.
Faridabad, Jul 25 (PTI) A 30-year-old Delhi-based property dealer was shot dead on Tuesday during an argument with two men near the Badarpur border, police said.

The incident took place in front of a liquor vend. Police have registered a case of murder and arrested the duo accused, they said.

According to police, it was around 2 am on Tuesday when Inspector Vinit Kumar, the SHO of Sarai police station, found a man lying unconscious during patrolling.

He was alive and bleeding from head. He was rushed to hospital where doctors declared him dead, the SHO said.

The deceased was identified as Ravi Kumar, resident of Mithapur in Delhi, who used to work as a property dealer.

He was identified through his mobile phone which was kept in his pocket. The police registered a case and scanned CCTV footage of the nearby area. In the footage, three men were seen arguing and manhandling Ravi Kumar. Later, two o them sped away on a scooty.

"The police have arrested both the accused, Jagdish alias Jaggi and Charan alias Chand, who are residents of Jaitpur. We are questioning the accused," said Faridabad Police spokesperson Sube Singh.
Ghaziabad, Jul 25 (PTI) A 42-year-old woman, who had come to see her house in Ataur Nangla village on Tuesday after flood water receded, died after she slipped and fell on a roadside pit, a police official said.

ACP Nandgram Ravi Kumar Singh said Meenu Kumar (42) had gone to see her house in the village, where the water level had reduced.

While moving towards her house she slipped in and fell on a roadside pit around an 8-feet deep pit filled with flood water.

She was rescued, but by that time she died, Singh said, adding that her body has been sent for post-mortem.
Jammu, Jul 25 (PTI) The Army has constructed a "fruit and vegetable" sale point in a forward village near the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir to facilitate border residents to buy and sell their produce.

The sale point was inaugurated at Hamirpur village in Bhimber Gali sector, the Army said on Tuesday.

In a tweet with a 1.20 minute video on its Twitter handle, PRO, Defence, Jammu, said "A fruit and vegetable #salepoint was inaugurated at Bharwiyani Gali area of #BhimberGali, #JammuAndKashmir for the local villagers residing ahead of fence for #sale of their yield."

The Army said the sale point is facilitating locals living near the LoC to buy and sell fruits, vegetables and ration.

In the video, sarpanch of Bharuti village Arif Khan lauded the Army for the initiative. "It has proved very beneficial to us," he added.

Another villager said people come with their produce like potatoes, onions, tomatoes and garlic and dump it at the sale point

"Earlier, the fruit and vegetables were used to get spoiled (at our homes) but now the people are bringing it to the sale point, where from it is easily getting customers moving along the road," he said.

Thanking the Army for the initiative, he said the sale point has benefited both the people living near the LoC and ahead of the border fence.

Locals lauded the Army for the "pro-people" initiative.
New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday ticked Congress MP P Chidambaram off for his "intemperate and inappropriate" choice of words against the Chair after the former Union minister questioned why Dhankhar was not giving priority to notices under Rule 267.

Opposition parties have given a slew of adjournment notices demanding a statement from the prime minister and a discussion under Rule 267 on the Manipur issue. Under the rule, MPs can give notice seeking suspension of listed business to discuss an issue of national importance.

Dhankhar said Chidambaram raised the issue with his own experience of having got into Parliament in the mid-1980s, noting that his question "How could you do this?" was not appropriate as it insinuated aspersions on the chair.

"I was a little surprised and stunned when he said - 'How can you do it?'

"Now coming as it does from a man of experience who has held senior positions in the cabinet, I would appeal to him to look into the rationale as to why I have done it and I am sure you will find a way out of it.

"But such kind of extreme intemperate, inappropriate expression for the chair emanating from such a senior member of the house, surely was not wholesome," the chairman said in the House during Question Hour.

Chidambaram said his remarks should be seen in context and the entire record should be checked as it was not intended negatively.

Some opposition members including Tiruchi Siva of DMK and Jairam Ramesh of Congress sought to support Chidambaram, saying he has instead lauded the chairman.

Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, who had last week first taken up notices given under Rule 176 and later disposed of notices under Rule 267, had later agreed with TMC's Derek O'Brien that the 267 notices have to be given precedence as acceptance of them also leads to suspension of rule 176 notices.

On Tuesday, Chidambaram said the 51 notices under Rule 267 received on Tuesday should have been taken up since it has now been accepted that they have precedence over those received under Rule 176.

But this was objected to by the treasury benches and the chairman said a decision has already been taken to take up notices under Rule 176. Chidambaram then asked how the chairman could do such a thing, to which Dhankar objected.

Dhankhar later said he has also learnt good things from the members.
Westerly, RI (02891)

Today

Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 83F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear skies. Low 62F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Opinion articles written in the style of their author." These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. shall feature, along with the author's name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed

The last thing Martin Luther King did in this lifetime was ask for a song. Leaning on the railing of his room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, he called out to his friend, saxophonist Ben Branch, who was in the parking lot, waiting with other friends for King to come downstairs. Branch was to play that night at an event in support of a janitors strike. In his sonorous preachers voice, King asked him to play his favorite negro spiritual, Take my Hand, Precious Lord. Mahalia Jackson had sung it many times for him. King was wearing his usual dark formal suit. Someone told him to put on a coat. As King turned to enter the room, a single shot rang out. Suddenly King was on the balcony floor, hunched over, on his side, bleeding profusely from the wound that tore into his jaw and neck. When his friend Ralph Abernathy knelt over him, his eyes were wide, but he had already passed out.

I have read these details once more in a new biography of King, by Jonathan Eig, which in the account of Kings final hours becomes more laconic, a bare statement of the facts. It was April 4, 1968. King had turned 39 on January 15. He was much younger than in the photos and documentaries. He was also quite a bit shorter than he appeared in them. A few years earlier, he had had a conversation with a screenwriter interested in writing a film about his life. The writer asked him, when they were discussing possible plot lines, And how does the story end? And King replied matter-of-factly: With my death.

There are a few novels that I continue to read over and over again throughout my life. With the same insistence I return to certain biographies, to readings about periods of the past, almost always the same ones, those that comprise that brief 20th century that according to Eric Hobsbawn began in 1914. In the civil rights movement in the United States there were many figures, men and women, known and unknown, apart from King, who reached an admirable stature. But Kings very short life, the 12 years of his incessant activism, from the boycott of segregated buses in Montgomery in 1956 to that workers strike in Memphis, sums up a tragic experience that brings together heroism and the incurable anguish of a human being as fragile inside as any other, subjected to internal and external tensions that often dragged him above his will and expectations, due to the overwhelming role of leadership that had fallen upon him by chance. In Kings biographies, historians rigor has sometimes stopped at the limit of reverence for his figure. But his streaks of promiscuity had always been known, exploited to the point of slander and blackmail by the FBI, which for years had been spying on his every step and recording his telephone conversations.

Now those infamous tapes, now declassified  a few remain to be made public in 2027  are a prime source for historians, though in some cases they also confront them with the sobering evidence that Martin Luther King was not a pious, heavenward-eyed saint, but a man with a taste for lifes earthly pleasures, including food and sex. He was also an old-fashioned Baptist minister, with stale ideas about the different roles of men and women in the family and in public life.

The lives of the past change with each reading, as times change. Jonathan Eig is more sensitive than other biographers to the subservient role King assigned to his wife, Coretta, despite his love and intellectual respect for her, and to the collective reluctance of the movements male leaders to recognize the value of the women in it. Rosa Parks, who had ignited the first spark of the rebellion by refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger, never got the credit she deserved. Jonathan Eig recounts that at the final act of the March on Washington in August 1963, at which all the speakers were men, Parks was allowed little more than the time to say good afternoon, welcome to all.

In our narcissistic age there is very little interest in studying history, although much effort goes into erecting courts of accusation over the characters of the past. Originating in Southern Baptist churches, the civil rights movement left little room for women and was hostile to homosexuals, which is why James Baldwin was not allowed to speak at the final act of the march on Washington. Coretta Scott King largely gave up her singing career to raise her children and offer unconditional love to a husband who loved and admired her and needed her encouragement. He was also repeatedly unfaithful, FBI spies attested with sordid satisfaction. Those spies never bothered to investigate the daily death threats he received, nor were they able to protect him from his killer. It is instructive to observe the prejudices and mistakes of admirable people from the past, especially if it helps us not to feel superior, but to accept the possibility that we too suffer from prejudices that seem invisible to us. We must be very careful not to feel superior to people who suffered much more than us and whose effort, heroism and sacrifice made there be a little less injustice and cruelty in this world.

The cause of justice and equality is expansive. When Martin Luther King joined the Montgomery bus boycott, the protesters demands were modest: that Black travelers be allowed to sit anywhere on the bus, that the company hire some Black drivers. The authorities refusal and the brutality of the police ignited the protests spirit. Martin Luther King began by aspiring to the legal equality that the end of segregation would bring: little by little he realized that poverty and social injustice were even more powerful forms of segregation and demanded profound social changes beyond just legal measures. His growing radicalism was fueled by the prophetic enthusiasm of his faith, and by a kind of personal fatalism that disillusionment and exhaustion aggravated in his later years. He felt that the injustice and the violence, the sheer racial hatred, were more powerful than he had imagined, and that the fight would never end. He had no strength left. In the last sermon of his life, the night before he died, he said that he was not afraid of anything or anyone and that he had seen the promised land from afar. I dont know how many times I have seen his serious and sweaty face that penultimate night. His words shake like the voice of Mahalia Jackson singing Take my Hand, Precious Lord.

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In an upcoming congressional hearing before the House Oversight Committee, Devon Archer, the former best friend of Hunter Biden, is expected to testify about several meetings where then-Vice President Joe Biden was allegedly dialed in on speakerphone by his son during interactions with overseas business partners, the NY Post reports.

Archer, 48, currently facing charges related to a $60 million bond fraud, is scheduled to detail instances where he witnessed Joe Biden participating in meetings either in person or via speakerphone when Hunter introduced him to foreign business partners and prospective investors.

According to Rep. James Comer, the committee chairman, there is eagerness to hear Archers account of these meetings. He stated, We are looking forward very much to hearing from Devon Archer about all the times he has witnessed Joe Biden meeting with Hunter Bidens overseas business partners when he was vice president, including on speakerphone.

One such meeting occurred in Dubai on the evening of December 4, 2015, after a board meeting of the Ukrainian energy company Burisma, which was paying Hunter $83,000 a month as a director. Archer, who was also a director, will reportedly testify that he and Hunter met with Burisma executive Vadym Pozharskyi at the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach after a dinner with the Burisma board. During this encounter, Pozharskyi urgently asked to speak to Hunters father. Hunter then called Joe Biden and introduced him to the Ukrainians by name as Nikolai and Vadym, mentioning that the Burisma bigwigs need our support.

Archers testimony is expected to include details of other similar speakerphone meetings, such as one at a restaurant in Paris, where Hunter reportedly put his father on speakerphone to impress prospective investors. Tony Bobulinski, another former business partner of Hunter Biden, has also recalled an incident where Hunter offered to get his father on the phone during a meeting at the Chateau Marmont in LA.

Congressional investigators are particularly interested in exploring the reasons for Zlochevsky, the owner of Burisma, requesting the urgent phone call with Joe Biden. This occurred three days before the then-vice presidents scheduled trip to Kyiv to address the Ukrainian parliament on poison of cronyism, corruption, and kleptocracy. At the time, Ukrainian prosecutor general Viktor Shokin was investigating Burisma for corruption and was later fired following Joe Bidens threat to withhold $1 billion in US aid to Ukraine.

Archer is expected to testify in light of his civic duty and has stated that he has nothing to hide. However, since news of his testimony broke, his family has received death threats and warnings to remain silent.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




A recent Yahoo News/YouGov poll sheds light on the differing views regarding racism in America, particularly among Trump voters and Republicans. The survey, conducted from July 13-17 and involving 1,638 U.S. adults, highlights a striking divide in perceptions of racism against White and Black Americans.

Despite President Joe Bidens decisive victory in the 2020 election, with repeated confirmation of the results by state officials, the poll showcases the contours of support for former President Donald Trump. Notably, Trump won a majority of White voters, and the survey reveals the distinct perspectives among this group.

According to Yahoos Marquise Francis and Andrew Romano, a slim majority of all White respondents in the poll acknowledged that anti-White racism is a problem. However, a significantly larger proportion of White respondents recognized anti-Black racism as a problem faced by Black people.

Specifically, among 2020 Trump voters, 62% acknowledged that racism against Black Americans is a problem in society today, while 73% stated that racism against white Americans is also a problem.

When asked to assess the magnitude of the problem, only 19% of Trump voters described racism against Black Americans as a big problem. In contrast, twice as many (37%) Trump voters considered racism against white Americans a significant issue.

Interestingly, Trump voters and self-identified Republicans were the only demographic groups identified by Yahoo News and YouGov who were more likely to view racism against white Americans as a problem than racism against Black Americans. Although a majority (51%) of white Americans recognized racism against people who share their ethnicity as an issue, a far larger number (72%) acknowledged that racism against Black Americans is also a problem.

The poll also revealed a striking contrast in perceptions among Black respondents. A significant 82% of Black participants stated that racism against Black people is a problem. However, only 27% believed that racism against Whites is a problem.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




President Joe Biden is tapping Shuwanza Goff  a veteran congressional aide who also served as his main point of contact to the House at the start of the administration  as his new director of legislative affairs, making her the first Black woman to be the White Houses chief emissary to Capitol Hill.

Goff succeeds Louisa Terrell in the role, a position that is especially vital for a president who spent more than three decades in Congress and takes pride in his connections to lawmakers. Goff comes into the job with deep relationships not just with Democrats but with Republicans, including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., that were honed over more than a decade on Capitol Hill.

In a statement announcing the hire, Biden called Goff a proven leader and trusted voice on both sides of the aisle who played a key role in the biggest legislative accomplishments from the first two years of his presidency, including COVID-19 relief, a major climate, tax and health care package as well as the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Before joining the Biden administration, Goff was a senior aide to Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., eventually becoming his floor director when Hoyer served in House Democratic leadership.

Shuwanzas close partnership with my decades-long friends in the House and Senate, and her expertise, instincts and deep respect for the United States Congress will continue to serve our Administration and the American people well, Biden said.

Goff, 38, previously served as the White Houses deputy director of legislative affairs and House liaison, making her the main point of contact to House lawmakers. She left the administration earlier this year for the private sector before rejoining the White House.

Goff enters the role with no shortage of immediate challenges. In the coming weeks, Congress will have to determine how to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration, ensure passage of a sweeping defense policy package and avert a government shutdown while juggling numerous confirmation fights in the Senate. Throughout those legislative battles, Goff will be tasked with ensuring Bidens agenda remains intact while managing relations with a confrontational House Republican conference with vastly different priorities  a challenge that those who know her say shes well-equipped to handle.

Shuwanza is a friend and members of Congress on both sides of the aisle know that she is a policy professional with the experience and institutional knowledge of both the legislative and executive branch, McCarthy told The Associated Press. The White House is lucky to have her back.

In her role as Hoyers floor director, Goff coordinated legislative activity in the House chamber which put her in constant contact with Democratic and GOP leaders, the Senate and the White House. She was the first Black woman to serve in that position.

Hoyer, who said he was ecstatic over Goffs appointment, said her intelligence, credibility among both Democrats and Republicans as well as her straightforward demeanor will serve Biden well as the White House navigates the upcoming challenges.

Shes just an easy person to work with and shes smart as she can be, Hoyer said. She doesnt show off smart, you know what I mean? She is smart, people know shes smart but she also has empathy and patience to listen to others point of view.

Goff holds degrees from the University of Tennessee and American University and is a Virginia native.

(AP)




North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into its eastern sea, South Koreas military said Tuesday, adding to a recent streak in weapons testing that is apparently in protest of the U.S. sending major naval assets to South Korea in a show of force.

In its third round of launches since last week, North Korea fired the missiles consecutively between around 11:55 p.m. local time Monday and midnight from an area near its capital, Pyongyang, according to South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff. It said both missiles traveled around 400 kilometers (248 miles) before landing in waters off the Korean Peninsulas eastern coast and that the South Korean and U.S. intelligence agencies were analyzing the launches.

Japans Coast Guard urged vessels in affected areas to watch out for falling debris but there were no immediate reports of damage.

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff in a statement condemned North Koreas missile launches as a grave provocation that threaten regional peace and stability, and said the South Korean and U.S. militaries are working together to tighten their monitoring of North Korean military activities.

The launches came hours after South Koreas navy said a nuclear-propelled U.S. submarine  the USS Annapolis  arrived at a port on Jeju Island. That underscored the allies efforts to boost the visibility of U.S. strategic assets in the region to intimidate the North.

Last week, the USS Kentucky became the first U.S. nuclear-armed submarine to come to South Korea since the 1980s. North Korea reacted to its arrival by test-firing ballistic and cruise missiles last week in apparent demonstrations that it could make nuclear strikes against South Korea and deployed U.S. naval vessels.

Also on Monday, the American-led U.N. Command said it has started a conversation with North Korea about a U.S. soldier who ran into the North last week across one of the worlds most heavily fortified borders.

Andrew Harrison, a British lieutenant general who is the deputy commander at the U.N. Command, refused to say when the conversation started and whether the North Koreans responded constructively, citing the sensitivity of the discussions. He also declined to detail what the command knows about Pvt. Travis Kings condition.

None of us know where this is going to end, Harrison said during a news conference in Seoul. I am in life an optimist, and I remain optimistic. But again, I will leave it at that.

It wasnt immediately clear whether Harrisons comments referred to meaningful progress after the command last week confirmed its initial outreach, saying it was working with its North Korean counterparts to resolve the incident.

The U.N. Command, which was created to fight the Korean War, has remained in South Korea to supervise the implementation of the 1953 armistice that stopped the fighting in the conflict.

The contact happened through mechanisms set up under the armistice, Harrison said. That could refer to the so-called pink phone, a telephone line between the command and the North Korean Peoples Army at the border truce village of Panmunjom, where King crossed.

The Koreas are still technically at war since a peace treaty was never signed. The U.S., which fought alongside the South Koreans and other allies during the war, never established diplomatic relations with the North, but the line is a common way they communicate.

North Korea has remained publicly silent about King, who crossed the border during a tour of Panmunjom while he was supposed to be heading to Fort Bliss, Texas, following his release from prison in South Korea on an assault conviction.

U.S. officials have expressed concern about his well-being and said previously that North Korea ignored requests for information about him.

Analysts say North Korea may wait weeks or even months to provide meaningful information about King to maximize leverage and add urgency to U.S. efforts to secure his release. Some say North Korea may try to wrest concessions from Washington, such as tying his release to the United States cutting back its military activities with South Korea.

Kings crossing came at a time of high tensions in the Korean Peninsula, where the pace of both North Koreas weapons demonstrations and the United States combined military exercises have intensified in a tit-for-tat cycle.

In between the ballistic and cruise missile launches last week, North Koreas defense minister also issued a veiled threat, saying the Kentuckys docking in South Korea could be grounds for the North to use a nuclear weapon against it. North Korea has used similar rhetoric before, but the statement underscored how strained relations are now.

The United States and South Korea have expanded their combined military exercises and increased regional deployments of U.S. aircraft and ships, including bombers, aircraft carriers and submarines to counter the nuclear threats posed by North Korea, which has test-fired around 100 missiles since the start of 2022.

The Annapolis, whose main mission is destroying enemy ships and submarines, is powered by a nuclear reactor but is armed with conventional weapons. The Annapolis mainly docked at Jeju to load supplies, but Jang Do Young, a spokesperson for South Koreas navy, said the U.S. and South Korean militaries were discussing whether to arrange training involving the vessel.

The armistice becomes 70 years old on Thursday, an anniversary South Korea plans to mark with solemn ceremonies honoring the dead that will involve invited foreign war veterans.

North Korea, which celebrates the day as victory day for the great Fatherland Liberation War, is preparing huge festivities that will likely include a military parade in the capital, Pyongyang, where leader Kim Jong Un may showcase his most advanced nuclear-capable missiles designed to target regional rivals and the United States.

North Koreas state-run Korean Central News Agency said Monday that a Chinese delegation led by Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the standing committee of the countrys National Peoples Congress, will travel to North Korea to attend the celebrations.

Visits by foreign guests to North Korea have been extremely rare since the start of the pandemic, which prompted the North to seal off its borders to protect its poor healthcare system. North Korea since last year has been gradually reopening trade with China in an apparent effort to salvage a crippled economy damaged further by the previous two years of pandemic-related border controls.

(AP)




An Israeli bus passing through the Arab town of Huwara came under fire from terrorists on Monday, but miraculously nobody was injured.

The bus was struck by at least 8 bullets. Medics rushed to the scene, but there was nobody to treat  everyone on the bus were physically fine, though their nerves were rattled, while the responsibile terrorists had fled.

The IDF is reportedly now hunting for the miscreants who shot at innocent Israeli civilians on the bus.



(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




As President Joe Biden campaigned for the presidency, he promised to maintain an absolute wall between his official duties and his familys private business interests. This pledge came into focus when Hunter Bidens artwork debut in a New York art gallery in 2021 garnered attention with prices soaring up to $500,000. At the time, the White House asserted that Hunter Bidens team employed a stringent vetting process for art buyers to ensure no political ties influenced the transactions.

However, an explosive expose by Business Insider indicates that Hunter Biden did, in fact, learn the identity of two buyers, contrary to previous claims. One of these buyers is Elizabeth Hirsh Naftali, a Los Angeles-based real estate investor and philanthropist, well-known for her influence in California Democratic circles and significant donations to the Biden campaign and Democratic National Campaign Committee.

Notably, Naftali was appointed to the Commission for the Preservation of Americas Heritage Abroad by President Joe Biden in July 2022. This unpaid position is often filled by campaign donors, family members, and political allies. While an administration official stated that Naftalis appointment came at the recommendation of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and had no connection to her art purchases, the timing of her purchase raises eyebrows.

The lack of transparency around the timing and details of Naftalis art acquisition, coupled with her significant involvement in Democratic circles, raises questions about potential conflicts of interest or perceived favors.

When questioned about Hunter Bidens involvement in the appointment or the timing of the art purchase, neither the White House nor Hunter Bidens counsel provided an answer.

The insider information also revealed that Hunter Bidens art gallery documents showed a single buyer purchasing $875,000 worth of his artwork. The identity of this buyer remains a mystery, but is believed to possibly be Kevin Morris, a wealthy Hollywood lawyer who became a confidant and financial backer.

Morris did not return a request for comment by Business Insider.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




The U.S. Department of Education has opened an investigation into Harvard Universitys policies on legacy admissions, which give an edge to applicants with family ties to alumni.

Top colleges preferential treatment of children of alumni has been facing new scrutiny since the Supreme Court last month struck down the use of affirmative action as a tool to diversify college campuses.

The department notified Lawyers for Civil Rights, a nonprofit based in Boston, on Monday that it was investigating the groups claim that alleges the university discriminates on the basis of race by using donor and legacy preferences in its undergraduate admissions process.

An Education Department spokesperson confirmed its Office for Civil Rights has opened an investigation at Harvard and declined further comment.

The complaint was filed July 3 on behalf of Black and Latino community groups in New England. The group argued that students with legacy ties are up to seven times more likely to be admitted to Harvard, can make up nearly a third of a class and that about 70% are white. For the Class of 2019, about 28% of the class were legacies with a parent or other relative who went to Harvard.

Qualified and highly deserving applicants of color are harmed as a result, as admissions slots are given instead to the overwhelmingly white applicants who benefit from Harvards legacy and donor preferences, the group said in a statement. Even worse, this preferential treatment has nothing to do with an applicants merit. Instead, it is an unfair and unearned benefit that is conferred solely based on the family that the applicant is born into.

A spokesperson for Harvard on Tuesday said the university has been reviewing its admissions policies to ensure compliance with the law since the Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action.

As this work continues, and moving forward, Harvard remains dedicated to opening doors to opportunity and to redoubling our efforts to encourage students from many different backgrounds to apply for admission, the spokesperson said.

Last week, Wesleyan University in Connecticut announced that it would end its policy of giving preferential treatment in admissions to those whose families have historical ties to the school. Wesleyan President Michael Roth said a students legacy status has played a negligible role in admissions, but would now be eliminated entirely.

In recent years, several schools, including Amherst College in Massachusetts, Carnegie Melon University in Pennsylvania and Johns Hopkins University in Maryland have also eliminated legacy admissions.

Legacy policies have been called into question after last months Supreme Court ruling banning affirmative action and any consideration of race in college admissions. The courts conservative majority effectively overturned cases reaching back 45 years, forcing institutions of higher education to seek new ways to achieve diverse student bodies.

(AP)




Israels chief enemy took advantage of the health woes of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to take a jab at the Zionist regime.

Irans foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said on Sunday: News reports said that the doctors implanted a pacemaker in the heart of the prime minister of of the Zionist occupation regime.

But it is clear that the crisis in the heart of the Zionist regime is deeper than the crisis in the heart of its prime minister.

Fortunately, Netanyahus surgery was successful and he was released from the hospital on Monday, traveling directly to the Knesset to join the coalition in the vote for the reasonableness bill.

Sadly, the health woes of the Israeli people cannot be so easily repaired.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Truck driver Jadarrius Rose is handcuffed by an Ohio State Highway Patrol officer as a police dog is held back after Rose was attacked by the animal during a traffic stop south of Columbus, Ohio, on July 4, 2023. OHIO STATE HIGHWAY PATROL (via REUTERS)

Several Ohio agencies are investigating why an officer allowed his police dog to attack a truck driver who was surrendering with his hands raised, despite State Highway Patrol troopers urging the officer to hold the dog back.

The lengthy pursuit on July 4 and the ensuing attack were captured on a police body camera. Authorities said the chase began on state highway 35, when officers from the town of Circleville tried to stop a commercial semitruck that was missing a mudflap and failed to stop for an inspection.

State troopers were called in to assist, authorities said. The driver, Jadarrius Rose, 23, of Memphis, Tennessee, who is Black, initially refused to get out of the truck and later defied instructions to get on the ground, according to an Ohio State Highway Patrol incident report made available to The Associated Press, along with the body cam video.

The suspect failed to stop for marked patrol units with lights and sirens activated, the incident report said. He eventually got on his knees and raised his hands in the air.

The name of the Circleville officer has not been released, and officials in that department have not said if hell face any disciplinary action. They also declined to comment on the investigation. However, the K9 officer was identified in the incident report as Officer Ryan Speakman of the Circleville Police Department.

The body cam video shows Speakman holding back the K9, and a trooper can be heard off-camera repeatedly yelling, Do not release the dog with his hands up! However, Speakman deployed the dog, and it can be seen in the video attacking Rose.

Then the trooper can be heard yelling: Get the dog off of him! Rose appears to be in pain and yelling, Get it off! Please! Please! before the attack ends. Rose was treated at a hospital for dog bites.

Rose was charged with failure to comply, and he did not respond to an emailed request for comment. Messages were also left with attorney Benjamin Partee, who was identified in media reports as Roses lawyer.

Its not yet clear why he refused to stop for the inspector and police. He told The Columbus Dispatch that he couldnt talk about why he didnt stop but, when asked about the video, told the newspaper: Im just glad that it was recorded. What you saw is what, pretty much, happened.

Audio recordings of 911 calls that were released by the Ross County Sheriffs Office show Rose told emergency dispatchers that the officers pursuing him were trying to kill him, and he didnt feel safe pulling over. He also said he was confused about why the officers were trying to stop him and why they had their guns drawn after he briefly stopped the truck before driving away.

The dispatcher repeatedly told Rose he should stop and comply with police, and also told him the officers were not trying to harm him.

Ross County Prosecutor Jeffrey Marks said Monday that Rose was charged there based on the events that happened in the county. Marks office is now reviewing materials in the case and will ultimately decide whether any charges should be brought before a county grand jury. However, Marks said his office has no say in whether the Circleville officer is charged since that episode didnt happen in Ross County.

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Following the passing of the reasonableness bill by the Knesset on Monday afternoon, angry anarchists continued protesting outside the Knesset.

Some of the protesters headed toward Begin Highway, Jerusalems main highway, and blocked traffic at the height of rush hour near the Kiryat Moshe intersection.

At the same time, protesters in Tel Aviv blocked major intersections there.

Over 20 protesters have been arrested since Monday morning, including one protester who bit a police officer. Three police officers were injured and evacuated to Shaare Tzedek Hospital for treatment.

 'N12'    . pic.twitter.com/eryOufKOZS   . (@Haskupim) July 24, 2023

Police attempted to disperse the protesters with water cannons, to no avail.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




Former prisoner Ehud Olmert told UKs Channel 4 News on Monday evening that the Israeli left is starting a civil war following the passing of the reasonableness bill in the Knesset earlier in the day.

This is a serious threat, he lied. Its never happened before. We are going into a civil war now. The interviewer interjected, questioning in an astonished voice: Civil war!?

Olmert then decided to tone down his incitement a bit, continuing by saying: Civil disobedience with all of the possible ramifications to the stability of the state and the ability of the government to perform, and to the obedience of the large part of the Israeli population to a government that is perceived by a large part of the population to be illegitimate.

The government has decided to threaten the foundations of Israeli democracy, and this is not something that we can accept or tolerate.

Of course, Olmert did not even attempt to provide proof of his claims as they are completely false.

Last week, Olmert called on the Biden administration to reevaluate its relationship with Israel.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
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Unilever has reported solid half-year revenue growth after further price hikes by the Ben & Jerry's owner made up for declining volumes.

Underlying sales at the consumer goods giant rose by 9.1 per cent for the first half of 2023, following healthy demand for its 'billion-plus euro' brands and strong trade across all five core business segments.

Prices increased by 9.4 per cent, offsetting a modest fall in sales volumes as the FTSE 100 consumer giant sought to counter the effects of spiralling input costs.

Results: Unilever's first-half underlying sales rose by 9.1 per cent, following healthy demand for its 'billion-plus euro' brands and strong trade across all five core business segments

Its personal care division - home to brands like Dove and Rexona - registered the biggest expansion in underlying revenues of 10.8 per cent, thanks partly to rising deodorant sales in Europe and the Americas.

Sales of nutrition brands also leapt by double-digits, supported by bumper demand for Hellmann's mayonnaise and a revival of its food service business in China.

Lockdown restrictions severely affected Unilever's revenues the previous year in China, which is its third-largest market, but they grew by 'high-single-digit' levels this time around.

Total turnover at the firm ticked 2.7 per cent higher to 30.4billion (26.2billion), held back by adverse currency fluctuations and losses related to disposals, as net profits shot up by over a fifth to 3.9billion.

The group now anticipates annual underlying sales will exceed 5 per cent, which is ahead of its multi-year range, while price increases are set to continue abating.

Hein Schumacher, who became chief executive earlier this month, said: 'My early immersion in the business has confirmed my belief in Unilever's strong fundamentals.

'The task ahead is to leverage these core strengths - supported by our simplified operating model - to drive improved performance and competitiveness.

'This is our absolute priority, and it will mean bringing greater focus and sharper execution, with science-backed innovations and investment behind our brands.'

Unilever shares were 5.1 per cent up at 42.22 on Tuesday morning, although they have flatlined over the past five years.

Schumacher's predecessor, Alan Jope, faced investor criticism over the firm's sluggish share price, sales performance relative to its competitors and focus on sustainability credentials.

The Scottish-born boss endured further ire after Unilever failed to acquire GSK's consumer healthcare arm for 50billion, with one fund manager comparing the failed acquisition to a 'near-death experience'.

Charlie Huggins, manager of the Quality Shares Portfolio at Wealth Club, said the new CEO has two major priorities ahead of him.

He explained: 'Get margins back up to where they were pre-pandemic. And tackle the underperforming parts of the portfolio, especially Europe, to improve brand competitiveness and sales growth.

'In Schumacher's own words, this will require 'greater focus and sharper execution' which is much easier to say on paper than to do in practice.'
The Bank of England has fined Credit Suisse a record 87m over major failings that saw it lose billions when private investment firm Archegos Capital Management collapsed.

It was part of a global settlement - as the bank was also fined by the US Federal Reserve, taking the total penalty to around 300m.

Credit Suisse lost 4.3bn when Archegos defaulted in 2021.

Bank of England deputy governor Sam Woods said: 'Credit Suisse's failure to manage risks effectively were extremely serious.' It 'created a major threat to the safety and soundness' of divisions that were at the heart of the episode, Woods said.

Credit Suisse lost 4.3bn when Archegos defaulted in 2021.

It was one of a succession of scandals that plagued the bank leading up to a mass exodus of depositors this year, which pushed it to the brink of collapse.

Credit Suisse is now a subsidiary of one-time Swiss rival UBS after an emergency takeover.

The collapse of Archegos, which invested the money of financier Bill Hwang, sent shock waves around the world. It used risky financial instruments to make big bets on a handful of stocks. When they started to fall Archegos was unable to meet obligations to lenders such as Credit Suisse.

The Prudential Regulation Authority levied the 87m fine.

It said risk management 'fell well below the regulatory standards required' and that the failings were 'symptomatic of an unsound risk culture within the business that failed to balance considerations of risk against commercial reward appropriately'.
Adidas has been inundated with orders for Yeezy shoes following the end of its ill-fated partnership with Kanye West.

The German sportswear giant stopped selling the products in October after the rapper - who is now known as Ye - made a series of antisemitic comments.

On the front foot: Kanye West and, left, the Yeezy shoe

But the company has put the shoes back on the market because destroying them would have cost it hundreds of millions.

Adidas has now received orders worth more than 440m for 4m pairs of the trainers, better than its most optimistic forecast, according to the Financial Times.

Adidas said it now expects to make an operating loss of 390m this year - far better than the 600m it was previously expecting.

The company had said in May it would donate some of the proceeds from the sales to organisations fighting antisemitism and racism.

Discussions over how much will be donated to individual charities are ongoing, the FT reported, adding that the company has chosen five charities in the US and China as a first step.
The UK's largest commercial news publisher has blamed a shake-up of Facebook's content priorities for a major slump in half-year profits.

Reach, which owns The Mirror, Daily Star, Daily Express and Manchester Evening News, posted statutory operating profit of 11.1million in the 26 weeks to 25 June, down 67.8 per cent on the same time last year.

The group's revenue slipped by 6.1 per cent year on year to 279.4million, as digital revenues collapsed 16.1 per cent to 14.1 billion.

The company also saw its page views down by 16.1 per cent over the same time period to 60.1m

Jim Mullen, chief executive of Reach, said: 'Digital growth for the period has been materially affected by lower referral traffic across the sector, particularly following Facebook's deprioritisation of news content, which has driven page view declines for publishers.

'In spite of this and continued macroeconomic uncertainty, our focus on customer data means we're driving more diversified, higher performing revenues, with greater exposure to directly sold, higher value advertising.'

It is not the first time Reach has attributed falling income to Meta's crackdown on news circulation on Facebook

In April, Facebook owner Meta shut down Instant Articles, a mobile-friendly format that allowed users to read entire articles on the social media website's app without having to leave the platform to access them.

It forms part of a broader shift away from news-focused products at Meta.

Last year, Meta spokesperson Erin Miller claimed that only 3 per cent of Facebook feed posts contained links to news pieces, adding that 'it doesn't make sense to over-invest in areas that don't align with user preferences'.

But Reach's print titles were also not immune from a broader advertising slowdown.

Circulation revenues rose 2.4 per cent over the six months, but an 18.3 per cent drop in ad revenues saw overall revenue for the segment fall 2.7 per cent.

Mullen said: 'Our scale audience and base of registered customers supports the growth of first party data, a key advantage in a market moving closer to a future without third party cookies.

'The ongoing resilience and predictability of print underpins continued investment in a strong digital offering, with circulation revenue growing and newsprint costs starting to decline.

'Cash generation is supported by a focus on driving efficiencies, with cost reductions on plan and expected to support a stronger second half performance. '

Despite the slump in profits, Reach shares soared by more than 17 per cent to 80.3p on Tuesday morning.
Mullen Group (OTCMKTS:MLLGF  Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by Raymond James from C$17.00 to C$18.00 in a report released on Friday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports.

Other analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price target on shares of Mullen Group from C$14.00 to C$15.00 in a research report on Friday. CIBC upped their price target on shares of Mullen Group from C$16.00 to C$16.50 in a research report on Friday. BMO Capital Markets upped their price target on shares of Mullen Group from C$15.00 to C$15.50 in a research report on Friday, April 28th. National Bank Financial upped their price target on shares of Mullen Group from C$18.50 to C$19.00 in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Finally, TD Securities upped their price target on shares of Mullen Group from C$17.00 to C$18.50 in a research report on Friday.

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Mullen Group Stock Performance

MLLGF stock opened at $12.12 on Friday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $11.58 and a 200-day simple moving average of $11.09. Mullen Group has a 52 week low of $9.56 and a 52 week high of $12.19.

About Mullen Group

Mullen Group Ltd. provides a range of trucking and logistics services in Canada and the United States. The Less-Than-Truckload segment delivers general freight consisting of smaller shipments, packages, and parcels; and pharmaceutical and package products. The Logistics & Warehousing segment offers full truckload, specialized transportation, warehousing, and fulfillment centers that handle ecommerce transactions and transload facilities for intermodal and bulk shipments; technology solutions, including transportation management, inventory management, and warehouse management systems; and warehousing and distribution services.

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Minera Alamos (OTCMKTS:MAIFF  Free Report) had its target price cut by National Bank Financial from C$0.80 to C$0.75 in a research report report published on Friday, FlyOnTheWall reports.

Minera Alamos Stock Performance

MAIFF stock opened at $0.26 on Friday. Minera Alamos has a fifty-two week low of $0.22 and a fifty-two week high of $0.41. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $0.25 and a 200 day moving average price of $0.28.

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About Minera Alamos

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Minera Alamos Inc, a junior mining and exploration company, acquires, explores for, and develops mineral properties in Mexico. The company explores for gold, silver, molybdenum, and copper deposits. Its property portfolio includes the 100% owned Santana project consisting of 9 mining claims with an area of approximately 3,100 hectares located in the east-southeast of Hermosillo, Sonora; 100% owned Cerro de Oro project covering an area of 6,500 hectares situated in Zacatecas, Mexico; and 100% owned La Fortuna project covering an area of 6,100 hectares located in Durango State, Mexico.

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Danske upgraded shares of Kesko Oyj (OTCMKTS:KKOYY  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note released on Friday, FlyOnTheWall reports.

Kesko Oyj Price Performance

Shares of KKOYY stock opened at $9.83 on Friday. Kesko Oyj has a 12-month low of $8.51 and a 12-month high of $12.82. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $9.65 and a 200 day moving average price of $10.49.

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Kesko Oyj Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 13th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, June 21st were given a $0.0875 dividend. This represents a yield of 3.13%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, June 20th. This is a boost from Kesko Oyjs previous dividend of $0.08. Kesko Oyjs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 56.00%.

Kesko Oyj Company Profile

Kesko Oyj engages in chain operations in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. It operates through three divisions: Grocery Trade, Building and Technical Trade, and Car Trade. The Grocery Trade segment comprises wholesale and B2B trade of groceries, and retail of home and specialty goods under the K-retailer brand; and operates store retail chains under the K-Citymarket, K-Supermarket, K-Market, and Neste K grocery brand.

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Migrants who crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico walk past large buoys being deployed as a border barrier on the river in Eagle Pass, Texas, on July 12, 2023.

Wrecking ball-sized buoys on the Rio Grande. Razor wire strung across private property without permission. Bulldozers changing the very terrain of Americas southern border. For more than two years, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has escalated measures to keep migrants from entering the U.S., pushing legal boundaries with a go-it-alone bravado along the states 1,200-mile (1,930-kilometer) border with Mexico. Now, blowback over the tactics is widening, including from within Texas.

A state troopers account of officers denying migrants water in 100-degree Fahrenheit (37.7 Celsius) temperatures and razor wire, leaving asylum-seekers bloodied, has prompted renewed criticism. The Mexican government, residents and the Biden administration are pushing back, with the U.S. Justice Department threatening to sue Texas unless steps are taken Monday to begin removing the floating barrier.

Abbott, who cruised to a third term in November while promising tougher border crackdowns, has used disaster declarations as the legal bedrock for some measures.

Critics call that a warped view. There are so many ways that what Texas is doing right now is just flagrantly illegal, said David Donatti, an attorney for the Texas American Civil Liberties Union.

Abbott did not respond to requests for comment. He has repeatedly attacked President Joe Bidens border policies, tweeting Friday that they encourage migrants to risk their lives crossing illegally through the Rio Grande, instead of safely and legally over a bridge.

The Biden administration has said illegal border crossings have declined significantly since new immigration rules took effect in May.

Altered border

I also really see a very strong correlation to the Trump and post-Trump era in which most of the Trump administrations immigration policy was aggressive and extreme and very violative of peoples rights, and very focused on making the political point, said Aron Thorn, an attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project. The design of this is the optics and the amount of things that they sacrifice for those optics now is quite extraordinary.

Jessie Fuentes stood with the environmental advocates, watching as state troopers restricted access to the water, where he holds an annual kayak race. Shipping containers and layers of concertina wire lined the riverbank.

The experienced kayaker often took clients and race participants into the water through a shallow channel formed by a border island covered in verdant brush. That has been replaced by a bulldozed stretch of barren land connected to the mainland and fortified with razor wire.

The river is a federally protected river by so many federal agencies, and I just dont know how it happened, Fuentes told the Eagle Pass City Council the night before.

Neither did the City Council.

I feel like the state government has kind of bypassed local government in a lot of different ways. And so I felt powerless at times, council member Elias Diaz told The Associated Press.

The International Boundary of Water Commission says it was not notified when Texas modified several islands or deployed the massive buoys to create a barrier covering 1,000 feet (305 meters) of the middle of the Rio Grande, with anchors in the riverbed.

The Justice Department has warned Texas that the buoy wall is unlawful and the Biden administration will sue if the state doesnt remove it. Abbott tweeted Friday that the state has the sovereign authority to defend our border after the Justice Department sought a commitment by Monday afternoon to remove the barrier.

The floating barrier also provoked tension with Mexico, which says it violates treaties. Mexicos secretary of foreign relations asked the U.S. government to remove the buoys and razor wire in a June letter.

Fuentes sued over the buoys, arguing that border crossings are not covered by the Texas Disaster Act.

As for the river islands, the Texas General Land Office gave the state Department of Public Safety access starting in April to curb the ongoing border crisis.

Additionally, the General Land Office will also permit vegetation management, provided compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations is upheld, said a letter from the offices commissioner, Dawn Buckingham.

The Texas Military Department cleared out carrizo cane, which Buckinghams office called an invasive plant in its response to questions from the AP, and changed the landscape, affecting the rivers flow.

Environmental experts are concerned.

As far as I know if theres flooding in the river, its much more severe in Piedras Negras than it is in Eagle Pass because thats the lower side of the river. And so next time the river really gets up, its going to push a lot of water over on the Mexican side, it looks like to me, said Tom Vaughan, a retired professor and co-founder of the Rio Grande International Study Center.

Fuentes recently sought special permission from the city and DPS to navigate through his familiar kayaking route.

Since they rerouted the water on the island, the water is flowing differently, Fuentes said. I can feel it.

The state declined to release any records that might detail the environmental impacts of the buoys or changes to the landscape.

Victor Escalon, a DPS regional director overseeing Del Rio down to Brownsville, pointed to the governors emergency disaster declaration. We do everything we can to prevent crime, period. And thats the job, he added.

Trespassing to stop trespassers

For one property owner, the DPS mission cut him out of his land.

In 2021, as Eagle Pass became the preferred route by migrants crossing into the U.S., Magali and Hugo Urbina bought a pecan orchard by the river that they called Heavenly Farms.

Hugo Urbina worked with DPS when the agency built a fence on his property and arrested migrants for trespassing. But the relationship turned acrimonious a year later after DPS asked to put up concertina wire on riverfront property that the Urbinas were leasing to the U.S. Border Patrol to process immigrants.

Hugo Urbina wanted DPS to sign a lease that would him from liability if the wire caused injuries. DPS declined but still installed concertina wire, moved vehicles onto the property and shut the Urbinas gates. That cut off the Border Patrols access to the river, though it still leases land from Urbina.

They do whatever it is that they want, Urbina said this month.

The farmer, a Republican, calls it poison politics. Critics call it deja vu.

I also really see a very strong correlation to the Trump and post-Trump era in which most of the Trump administrations immigration policy was aggressive and extreme and very violative of peoples rights, and very focused on making the political point, said Aron Thorn, an attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project. The design of this is the optics, and the amount of things that they sacrifice for those optics now is quite extraordinary.

DPS works with 300 landowners, according to Escalon. He said it is unusual for the department to take over a property without the landowners consent, but the agency says the Disaster Act provides the authority.

Urbina said he supports the governors efforts, but not in this way.

You dont go out there and start breaking the law and start making your citizens feel like theyre second-hand citizens, he added.

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Hydro One (OTCMKTS:HRNNF  Free Report) had its price objective reduced by CIBC from C$41.00 to C$40.00 in a research note issued to investors on Friday, FlyOnTheWall reports.

HRNNF has been the subject of several other reports. BMO Capital Markets lifted their target price on shares of Hydro One from C$40.00 to C$42.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 6th. Raymond James lifted their price target on shares of Hydro One to C$38.50 in a research note on Monday, May 8th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company downgraded shares of Hydro One from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 19th.

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Hydro One Trading Up 1.4 %

Shares of Hydro One stock opened at $28.96 on Friday. Hydro One has a 1 year low of $22.49 and a 1 year high of $29.85. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $28.28 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $27.99.

About Hydro One

Hydro One Limited, through its subsidiaries, operates as an electricity transmission and distribution company in Ontario. The company operates through three segments: Transmission, Distribution, and Other. It owns and operates high-voltage transmission lines and primary low-voltage distribution network.

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Dunelm Group (OTCMKTS:DNLMY  Free Report) had its target price reduced by Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from GBX 1,313 ($16.84) to GBX 1,310 ($16.80) in a research note released on Friday, FlyOnTheWall reports.

A number of other brokerages also recently weighed in on DNLMY. Berenberg Bank boosted their target price on shares of Dunelm Group from GBX 1,240 ($15.90) to GBX 1,330 ($17.05) in a research note on Wednesday, May 3rd. Royal Bank of Canada downgraded shares of Dunelm Group from a sector perform rating to an underperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 4th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of Dunelm Group from GBX 1,150 ($14.75) to GBX 1,190 ($15.26) in a research note on Wednesday, June 28th.

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Dunelm Group Price Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS DNLMY opened at $14.51 on Friday. Dunelm Group has a 1-year low of $7.87 and a 1-year high of $15.15. The company has a quick ratio of 0.26, a current ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18. The company has a 50-day moving average of $14.17 and a two-hundred day moving average of $13.82.

About Dunelm Group

Dunelm Group plc retails homewares in the United Kingdom. The company offers furniture and beds products, which include bedroom, living room, dining room, and other furniture, as well as bed and mattresses, and sofas and chairs; bedding products comprising bed linen, dorma, baby and kid's bedding, and duvets, pillows and protectors; curtains and rugs; and venetian, roller, roman, vertical, and made to measure blinds.

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Sampo Oyj (OTCMKTS:SAXPY  Get Free Report) and Sun Hung Kai Properties (OTCMKTS:SUHJY  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.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent ratings and price targets for Sampo Oyj and Sun Hung Kai Properties, as provided by MarketBeat.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Sampo Oyj 1 2 2 0 2.20 Sun Hung Kai Properties 0 0 0 0 N/A

Sampo Oyj currently has a consensus price target of $48.50, indicating a potential upside of 120.60%. Given Sampo Oyjs higher possible upside, equities research analysts plainly believe Sampo Oyj is more favorable than Sun Hung Kai Properties.

Volatility & Risk

Dividends

Sampo Oyj has a beta of 0.89, indicating that its stock price is 11% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Sun Hung Kai Properties has a beta of 0.47, indicating that its stock price is 53% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Sampo Oyj pays an annual dividend of $0.85 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.9%. Sun Hung Kai Properties pays an annual dividend of $0.28 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.3%. Sampo Oyj pays out 69.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend.

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.

Profitability

This table compares Sampo Oyj and Sun Hung Kai Properties 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% Sun Hung Kai Properties N/A N/A N/A

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Sampo Oyj and Sun Hung Kai Properties top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Sampo Oyj $8.66 billion 2.59 $1.50 billion $1.23 17.87 Sun Hung Kai Properties $9.96 billion N/A $3.27 billion N/A N/A

Sun Hung Kai Properties has higher revenue and earnings than Sampo Oyj.

Summary

Sampo Oyj beats Sun Hung Kai Properties on 7 of the 10 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 Sun Hung Kai Properties

(Get Free Report)

Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited develops and invests in properties for sale and rent in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and internationally. It develops and sells properties, including residential estates, offices, shopping malls, industrial buildings, and hotels and serviced suites. The company's land bank comprises 57.1 million square feet of gross floor area in Hong Kong; and 70.6 million square feet of gross floor area in Mainland China. It also provides property management services; construction-related services, including landscaping, electrical and fire prevention systems installation, wooden doors production and installation, and construction plant and machinery leasing; and insurance products to individuals and businesses comprising householder's comprehensive, fire, employees' compensation, travel, personal accident, motor vehicles, contractors' all risks, third party liability, and property all risks. In addition, the company offers voice, multimedia, and mobile broadband services; and data center services, including infrastructure, facility management, and other value-added services. Further, it manages car parks, tunnels, bridges, and toll roads; offers transport facilities for private and the public sectors; operates an expressway; provides public bus transportation services; and offers airport freight forwarding and aviation support services. Additionally, the company provides container handling and storage, container freight station, and other port-related services; operates department stores and supermarkets; and offers mortgage and other loan financing facilities, as well as offers asset and project management, architectural and engineering, cleaning, and secretarial services. It also engages in the club and road management business. The company was formerly known as Sun Hung Kai (Holdings) Limited and changed its name to Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited in March 1973. The company was incorporated in 1972 and is based in Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

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Bank of the Philippine Islands (OTCMKTS:BPHLF  Get Free Report) is one of 284 public companies in the BanksRegional industry, but how does it contrast to its competitors? We will compare Bank of the Philippine Islands to related companies based on the strength of its valuation, risk, analyst recommendations, dividends, institutional ownership, profitability and earnings.

Dividends

Bank of the Philippine Islands pays an annual dividend of $1.70 per share and has a dividend yield of 89.7%. Bank of the Philippine Islands pays out 42.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, BanksRegional companies pay a dividend yield of 12.8% and pay out 18.7% of their earnings in the form of a dividend.

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Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current ratings and target prices for Bank of the Philippine Islands and its competitors, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Bank of the Philippine Islands 0 1 0 0 2.00 Bank of the Philippine Islands Competitors 1118 3585 3440 40 2.29

Insider & Institutional Ownership

As a group, BanksRegional companies have a potential upside of 287.62%. Given Bank of the Philippine Islands competitors stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Bank of the Philippine Islands has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors.

13.6% of Bank of the Philippine Islands shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 36.3% of shares of all BanksRegional companies are owned by institutional investors. 15.3% of shares of all BanksRegional companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Bank of the Philippine Islands and its competitors top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Bank of the Philippine Islands N/A N/A 0.47 Bank of the Philippine Islands Competitors $27.42 billion $810.10 million 236.63

Bank of the Philippine Islands competitors have higher revenue and earnings than Bank of the Philippine Islands. Bank of the Philippine Islands 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.

Profitability

This table compares Bank of the Philippine Islands and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Bank of the Philippine Islands N/A N/A N/A Bank of the Philippine Islands Competitors 33.52% 10.82% 0.96%

Summary

Bank of the Philippine Islands competitors beat Bank of the Philippine Islands on 12 of the 13 factors compared.

About Bank of the Philippine Islands

(Get Free Report)

Bank of the Philippine Islands, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services to retail and corporate clients in the Philippines. It operates through Consumer Banking, Corporate Banking, and Investment Banking segments. The Consumer Banking segment offers deposit taking and servicing; and consumer lending, such as home mortgages, auto loans, and credit card finance, as well as remittance services to individual and retail markets. The Corporate Banking segment provides deposit taking and servicing, loan facilities, trade, and cash management to corporate and institutional customers, such as high-end corporations and middle market clients. The Investment Banking segment offers corporate finance, securities distribution, asset management, trust, and fiduciary services, as well as proprietary trading and investment activities. The company also provides financing, securities dealer, investment management, land holding, operations management, business systems, foreign exchange, real estate, pre-need, non-life insurance, leasing, and rental services. As of December 31, 2021, it operated 1,176 branches, and 2,457 automated teller machines and cash accept machines. The company also serves its customers through alternative electronic banking channels, such as telephone, mobile phone, and the internet. Bank of the Philippine Islands was founded in 1851 and is based in Makati City, the Philippines.

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Pacer Advisors Inc. grew its position in The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA  Free Report) by 1,749.6% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 46,759 shares of the aircraft producers stock after purchasing an additional 44,231 shares during the quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc.s holdings in Boeing were worth $9,933,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of BA. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its stake in Boeing by 109,667.8% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 16,055,730 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $3,058,456,000 after acquiring an additional 16,041,103 shares in the last quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC raised its stake in Boeing by 734.7% during the 1st quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 4,359,740 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $926,140,000 after acquiring an additional 3,837,422 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley raised its stake in Boeing by 11.7% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 8,321,871 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $1,585,234,000 after acquiring an additional 872,795 shares in the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC acquired a new stake in Boeing during the 1st quarter worth $135,429,000. Finally, Toronto Dominion Bank raised its stake in Boeing by 13,008.8% during the 4th quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 686,246 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $130,646,000 after acquiring an additional 681,011 shares in the last quarter. 60.22% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Boeing Trading Up 1.9 %

BA stock opened at $215.87 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $129.87 billion, a P/E ratio of -31.20 and a beta of 1.41. The Boeing Company has a 52 week low of $120.99 and a 52 week high of $223.91. The companys 50-day moving average price is $210.93 and its 200 day moving average price is $208.66.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Boeing ( NYSE:BA Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 26th. The aircraft producer reported ($1.27) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.98) by ($0.29). The company had revenue of $17.92 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $17.56 billion. The companys quarterly revenue was up 28.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted ($2.75) earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts expect that The Boeing Company will post -1.42 earnings per share for the current year.

Several brokerages have issued reports on BA. 888 reissued a maintains rating on shares of Boeing in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Boeing from $230.00 to $237.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price objective on shares of Boeing from $225.00 to $220.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. StockNews.com raised shares of Boeing from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, June 26th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group raised their price objective on shares of Boeing from $200.00 to $220.00 in a research report on Monday, April 10th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Boeing presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $223.14.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, EVP Howard E. Mckenzie sold 412 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $204.36, for a total transaction of $84,196.32. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 17,181 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,511,109.16. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 0.15% of the stock is owned by insiders.

About Boeing

(Free Report)

The Boeing Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, sells, services, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight and launch systems, and services worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; Global Services; and Boeing Capital.

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Yousif Capital Management LLC trimmed its position in Life Storage, Inc. (NYSE:LSI  Free Report) by 0.7% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 46,232 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 315 shares during the period. Yousif Capital Management LLC owned approximately 0.05% of Life Storage worth $6,061,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other large investors have also made changes to their positions in LSI. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. increased its position in Life Storage by 116.1% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 8,125 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,141,000 after buying an additional 4,365 shares in the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of Life Storage by 23.4% in the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 4,423 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $621,000 after purchasing an additional 840 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC boosted its stake in Life Storage by 30.1% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 2,834 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $398,000 after purchasing an additional 655 shares in the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. grew its position in Life Storage by 2.9% during the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 208,609 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $29,266,000 after purchasing an additional 5,831 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Allianz Asset Management GmbH grew its position in Life Storage by 2.5% during the 1st quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 348,298 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $48,911,000 after purchasing an additional 8,469 shares during the last quarter. 90.28% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on LSI shares. Raymond James lifted their price objective on shares of Life Storage from $140.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 4th. Truist Financial raised their price target on shares of Life Storage from $120.00 to $122.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 15th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price target on Life Storage from $140.00 to $145.00 in a research note on Friday, May 12th. Wolfe Research lowered Life Storage from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a report on Wednesday, April 12th. Finally, KeyCorp raised their price target on shares of Life Storage from $136.00 to $154.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 5th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Life Storage presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $128.63.

Insiders Place Their Bets

Life Storage Trading Down 0.8 %

In related news, Director Stephen R. Rusmisel sold 2,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $129.92, for a total transaction of $324,800.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 17,801 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,312,705.92. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website . In other news, Director Stephen R. Rusmisel sold 2,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $129.92, for a total transaction of $324,800.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 17,801 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,312,705.92. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink . Also, CEO Joseph Saffire sold 5,036 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $131.03, for a total value of $659,867.08. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 83,780 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,977,693.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold a total of 10,161 shares of company stock worth $1,320,037 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 0.40% of the companys stock.

Shares of NYSE LSI opened at $133.10 on Tuesday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $131.25 and a 200-day simple moving average of $126.17. Life Storage, Inc. has a twelve month low of $94.02 and a twelve month high of $146.66. The company has a current ratio of 0.42, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95. The stock has a market capitalization of $11.33 billion, a PE ratio of 30.88 and a beta of 0.65.

Life Storage Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, July 19th. Investors of record on Thursday, July 13th were paid a dividend of $0.90 per share. This represents a $3.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.70%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, July 12th. Life Storages payout ratio is currently 83.53%.

Life Storage Profile

(Free Report)

Life Storage, Inc is a self-administered and self-managed equity REIT that is in the business of acquiring and managing self-storage facilities. Located in Buffalo, New York, the Company operates more than 1,200 storage facilities in 37 states and the District of Columbia. The Company serves both residential and commercial storage customers with storage units rented by month.

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Rossmore Private Capital decreased its holdings in Visa Inc. (NYSE:V  Free Report) by 0.8% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 32,998 shares of the credit-card processors stock after selling 265 shares during the period. Visa makes up approximately 1.2% of Rossmore Private Capitals investment portfolio, making the stock its 20th largest position. Rossmore Private Capitals holdings in Visa were worth $7,440,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in V. Waters Parkerson & CO. LLC increased its holdings in Visa by 0.7% in the 1st quarter. Waters Parkerson & CO. LLC now owns 341,047 shares of the credit-card processors stock valued at $76,892,000 after purchasing an additional 2,314 shares during the last quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in Visa by 2,193.4% in the 1st quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 122,465 shares of the credit-card processors stock valued at $27,611,000 after purchasing an additional 117,125 shares during the last quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. increased its holdings in Visa by 11.9% in the 1st quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 225,355 shares of the credit-card processors stock valued at $50,809,000 after purchasing an additional 23,938 shares during the last quarter. Jackson Creek Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Visa in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $430,000. Finally, Moody Lynn & Lieberson LLC increased its holdings in Visa by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. Moody Lynn & Lieberson LLC now owns 40,066 shares of the credit-card processors stock valued at $9,033,000 after purchasing an additional 170 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.92% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Tullier Kelly Mahon sold 54,146 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $232.55, for a total transaction of $12,591,652.30. Following the sale, the insider now owns 26,674 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,203,038.70. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In other Visa news, insider Tullier Kelly Mahon sold 54,146 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $232.55, for a total value of $12,591,652.30. Following the sale, the insider now owns 26,674 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,203,038.70. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Rajat Taneja sold 22,700 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $240.21, for a total transaction of $5,452,767.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 232,112 shares in the company, valued at approximately $55,755,623.52. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 165,727 shares of company stock valued at $38,891,141. Corporate insiders own 0.21% of the companys stock.

Visa Trading Up 0.6 %

NYSE V opened at $240.69 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a quick ratio of 1.50 and a current ratio of 1.50. The firm has a market cap of $450.89 billion, a PE ratio of 32.18, a P/E/G ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 0.97. Visa Inc. has a one year low of $174.60 and a one year high of $245.37. The firms fifty day moving average is $231.45 and its two-hundred day moving average is $227.67.

Visa (NYSE:V  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 25th. The credit-card processor reported $2.09 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.97 by $0.12. The firm had revenue of $7.99 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.79 billion. Visa had a net margin of 50.95% and a return on equity of 50.21%. The firms revenue was up 11.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.79 earnings per share. Analysts expect that Visa Inc. will post 8.59 earnings per share for the current year.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts have commented on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on shares of Visa from $262.00 to $265.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 26th. BMO Capital Markets raised their price target on shares of Visa from $253.00 to $263.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 26th. 22nd Century Group reissued a maintains rating on shares of Visa in a research report on Wednesday, April 26th. Citigroup raised their price target on shares of Visa from $270.00 to $273.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 26th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Visa in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating for the company. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and sixteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $264.50.

About Visa

(Free Report)

Visa Inc operates as a payments technology company worldwide. The company operates VisaNet, a transaction processing network that enables authorization, clearing, and settlement of payment transactions. It also offers credit, debit, and prepaid card products; tap to pay, tokenization, click to pay; Visa Direct, a real-time payments network; Visa B2B Connect, a multilateral B2B cross-border payments network; Visa Treasury as a Service, a cross-border consumer payments business; and Visa DPS that provides a range of value added services, including fraud mitigation, dispute management, data analytics, campaign management, a suite of digital solutions, and contact center services.

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Yousif Capital Management LLC decreased its stake in Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR  Free Report) by 3.5% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 53,398 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 1,915 shares during the period. Yousif Capital Management LLCs holdings in Digital Realty Trust were worth $5,250,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Concord Wealth Partners bought a new position in Digital Realty Trust in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $26,000. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC bought a new position in Digital Realty Trust in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Clear Street Markets LLC lifted its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 28,900.0% in the 4th quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 290 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 289 shares during the last quarter. Affiance Financial LLC bought a new position in Digital Realty Trust in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Finally, Lindbrook Capital LLC raised its stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 97.3% during the first quarter. Lindbrook Capital LLC now owns 432 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 213 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 97.76% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms have recently issued reports on DLR. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $115.00 to $105.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, April 21st. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $125.00 price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research note on Monday. BMO Capital Markets downgraded shares of Digital Realty Trust from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and dropped their price target for the company from $121.00 to $100.00 in a research note on Monday, March 27th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $113.00 to $112.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 7th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a sell rating for the company. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $113.33.

Insider Activity

Digital Realty Trust Trading Up 2.5 %

In other news, CAO Peter C. Olson sold 700 shares of Digital Realty Trust stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.67, for a total transaction of $73,969.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 7,134 shares in the company, valued at $753,849.78. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link . In related news, CAO Peter C. Olson sold 700 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.67, for a total transaction of $73,969.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 7,134 shares of the companys stock, valued at $753,849.78. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website . Also, Director Jean F. H. P. Mandeville sold 1,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $97.47, for a total transaction of $146,205.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 10,176 shares in the company, valued at $991,854.72. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Corporate insiders own 0.39% of the companys stock.

NYSE:DLR opened at $123.19 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05. The stock has a market capitalization of $36.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 110.98, a PEG ratio of 2.86 and a beta of 0.55. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $106.96 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $103.91. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a 12 month low of $85.76 and a 12 month high of $138.09.

Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.19 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.65 by ($1.46). The company had revenue of $1.34 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.41 billion. Digital Realty Trust had a return on equity of 2.34% and a net margin of 7.61%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 18.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.67 earnings per share. Analysts expect that Digital Realty Trust, Inc. will post 6.67 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Digital Realty Trust Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, May 30th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 15th were issued a dividend of $1.22 per share. This represents a $4.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.96%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, June 14th. Digital Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio is currently 439.64%.

Digital Realty Trust Profile

(Free Report)

Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data "meeting place" and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges.

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The extreme heat in Arizona continues without respite. A record-breaking heat wave has turned the states capital, Phoenix, into an inferno. For the past 21 days, the temperature has been over 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3C) every single day. And on Monday, the thermometers hit 116.6F (47C). The extreme heat, compounded by tropical nights where the temperature does not fall below 86F (30C), has turned the city into an unlivable oven. And it will remain that way for at least another week. Meanwhile, the extreme heat is taking a toll on the health of residents, with emergency rooms in Phoenix hospitals filling up with burn victims.

In Phoenix, the fastest growing city in the United States, and the fifth-largest economy in the United States, the high temperatures have become dangerous to health. This is evidenced by data from the Arizona Burn Center in Valleywise Hospital, which shows how extreme heat has become a growing health problem. At the Arizona Burn Center, patients are coming in with increasingly complex wounds due to the heat. According to data from the center, between June and August 2022 as many as 85 people were admitted to the center for burns (26 of them homeless), and seven of them died from those injuries. And this year, the centers 45 beds are at full capacity.

Among the symptoms presented last year were burns that covered between 5% to 23% of patients bodies, as well as hyperthermia and extreme body heat, which occurs when a persons body temperature exceeds 107.6F (42C). The data reveal the scale of the injuries that can be caused by the extreme heat. The average stay for burn patients at the Arizona center was 16 days; one in three patients required intensive care, and of the 85 patients, 70% required assisted ventilation. According to the 2022 data, patients underwent an average of two surgeries, but one required as many as 18. Seven out of 10 patients required further care and had to be seen other specialists. One in four also required readmission to the hospital.

As the temperature continues to soar in the state, the director of the Arizona Burn Center, Kevin Foster, has called on the public to exercise extreme caution. In a blog post on the hospitals website, Foster warned of the dangers posed by hot surfaces such as concrete and asphalt. External surface temperatures can reach 180 degrees Fahrenheit, and deep cutaneous burns can happen with only brief contact, Foster said. Such contact can cause painful injuries, especially for vulnerable patients such as the elderly, infants and children.

Showers and icy treats help animals endure Arizona's historic heat wave. STAFF (REUTERS)

Last year, 257 people in the state of Arizona died from exposure to excessive natural heat, according to a Financial Times article on climate change, which showed that heat-related deaths have risen exponentially in the past few decades. Between 1990 and 2015, the average number of these deaths rose to 38.

Speaking to CNN, Foster said that summers are their busy season, and that they tend to have an idea of what to expect. But this is really unusual  the number of patients that were seeing and the severity of injuries  the acuity of injuries is much higher, he said. The numbers are higher and the seriousness of injuries are higher, and we dont have a good explanation for it.

According to the doctor, half of the patients admitted to the ICU have serious burns just from falling on the ground. On a hot day, asphalt can easily be 40 to 60 degrees hotter than the air, according to some studies. Its just a little below boiling, Foster said.

The doctor told CNN that it only takes a fraction of a second to get a deep burn, and that people who have been on the pavement for 10 to 20 minutes can suffer third-degree burns: The skin is completely destroyed.

This was confirmed by Dr. Frank LoVecchio, who also of the Arizona Burn Center. Depending on where they are, if they have a knee on the asphalt and it is in the open sun, then it takes just minutes and unfortunately were seeing that quite often, LoVecchio told CNN. It only takes a few seconds for you to get a third-degree burn.

He warned that the has treated people with reduced mobility who fell on the ground, patients who work outside in the heat and fainted, and homeless people sleeping on the pavement.

The meteorologist of the local Phoenix station Jeral Estupinan told EL PAIS that when the body temperature rises above 37C [98.6F], it overheats, and there can be permanent damage to the liver, brainyou have to avoid exposure to that heat, and drink lots of water.

People who live here think they are used to this heat, but just because you are used to it does not mean that your body is not affected by these temperatures, added Estupinan, who warned that in these conditions, the ground becomes hotter than the air, especially in such urbanized areas.

Caution is also needed with respect to pets. Dogs must only be taken for a walk when it is safe, explained Maria Jose Delgado, a member of the Veterinary Association of Cordoba in Spain. Dogs cannot sweat to eliminate the heat as we humans do, so they pant to lower their temperature, she said.

Dogs can also burn their skin and paws, just as humans can burn the soles of their feet. For this reason, dog owners must look for suitable place to go for a walk, wait for the temperatures to fall and even opt for protective boots.

Animals can also suffer from heat stroke, so they must never be locked up in places exposed to the sun, without ventilation or water, such as balconies and cars.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
KYODO NEWS - Jul 25, 2023 - 15:33 | All, World, Japan

The Group of Seven major economies, other U.N. members and the European Union have urged Beijing to help stop North Korean activities aimed at evading U.N. sanctions in Chinese waters.

The parties said in a letter to China's U.N. ambassador Zhang Jun that they have concerns regarding the continuing presence of oil tankers "that use your territorial waters in Sansha Bay as refuge to facilitate their trade of sanctioned petroleum products" to North Korea.

The signatories also said they are ready to provide Beijing with "satellite imagery that clearly indicates these practices continued to occur within China's jurisdiction in 2022 and have continued in 2023."

A Security Council panel of experts on sanctions against North Korea confirmed in a report earlier this year that vessels linked to the country involved in illicit ship-to-ship oil transfers were anchored in the bay off Fujian Province.

The imagery showed several vessels identified by the panel or designated by the Security Council for illicit petroleum deliveries to North Korea or ship-to-ship transfers with North Korea-flagged vessels anchored in the bay in 2020 and 2021, the letter dated July 6 said.

The Chinese mission to the United Nations tweeted Monday that the country "has always been strictly implementing" Security Council resolutions and seriously fulfilling international obligations.

The letter was signed by the G-7 -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States -- Australia, New Zealand and South Korea as well as the European Union.

"The international community is closely watching China's commitment to upholding its U.N. obligations and its execution of the duties it has been endowed with via permanent membership" on the Security Council, the letter said.

The United Nations has imposed a series of economic sanctions on North Korea that are binding on all members since Pyongyang's first nuclear test conducted in 2006.

Related coverage:

North Korea tests 2 short-range ballistic missiles

North Korea fires cruise missiles toward Yellow Sea: S. Korea

Biden to host 3-way summit with Japan, S. Korea on Aug. 18: sources
KYODO NEWS - Jul 25, 2023 - 13:17 | All, World

North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast late Monday, South Korea and Japan said, as tensions remain high over Pyongyang's frequent weapons tests.

The first missile flew about 350 kilometers and the second around 400 km, both reaching an altitude of some 100 km, Japan's Defense Ministry said, adding the projectiles apparently fell outside the country's exclusive economic zone, which extends around 370 km from its coast.

The South Korean military's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missiles were launched from near Pyongyang between 11:55 p.m. and midnight.

On Tuesday, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida condemned North Korea for violating U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban it from conducting ballistic missile launches, saying Pyongyang's provocations threaten the "peace and stability of Japan, the region and the international community."

Kishida also said Tokyo had lodged a protest with Pyongyang and there were no reports of damage to aircraft or ships as a result of Monday's firings.

The latest launches came after the U.S. submarine Annapolis made a port call at Jeju Island, southern South Korea, on Monday as part of apparent efforts by Washington and Seoul to strengthen deterrence in the region.

Ahead of the 70th anniversary of the July 27 signing of a cease-fire for the 1950-1953 Korean War, North Korea launched several cruise missiles toward the Yellow Sea on Saturday and, in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions, two short-range ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan on Wednesday.

In Washington, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre condemned the launches as violating the U.N. resolutions and posing a threat to the international community.

"Our commitment to the defense of (South) Korea and Japan remains ironclad," she said during a press briefing, while urging North Korea to engage in dialogue.

Related coverage:

North Korea fires cruise missiles toward Yellow Sea: S. Korea

Biden to host 3-way summit with Japan, S. Korea on Aug. 18: sources

North Korea launches 2 ballistic missiles toward Sea of Japan
KYODO NEWS - Jul 25, 2023 - 14:04 | Arts, All

Messages from world leaders written in the guest book of Hiroshima's peace museum during the Group of Seven nations' summit held in the western Japan city in May were put on display Tuesday, in an exhibition of objects related to the meeting.

The "G7 Hiroshima Summit Reminiscences" exhibition at the International Conference Center Hiroshima aims to offer visitors a chance to reflect on the recent summit, as well as leaders' thoughts on achieving a "world without nuclear weapons."

Amid rising nuclear tensions worldwide, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pitched the vision as a central theme of the summit. Kishida represents a constituency in the city, which suffered the world's first atomic bombing by the United States on Aug. 6, 1945.

As part of the theme, the G-7 leaders, which among them include the nuclear powers of the United States, France and Britain, as well as the heads of invited nations such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and met a survivor of the bombing during the summit.

The free exhibition will run until Aug. 31, with its main exhibits including two origami paper cranes symbolizing peace brought by U.S. President Joe Biden to the museum, the round table used in summit talks and 18 guest book entries written by figures including the leaders of G-7 countries and invited nations.

For preservation purposes, the genuine guest book entries will be replaced by replicas after Aug. 7.

Kairi Sato, a 16-year-old high school student visiting with family from Matsumoto in central Japan's Nagano Prefecture, said that "seeing the leaders' thoughts written directly, I've been able to think deeply about peace. I want to take what I've seen today with me as an experience."

Among the messages, Biden's reads, "May the stories of this Museum remind us all of our obligations to build a future of peace. Together let us continue to make progress toward the day when we can finally and forever rid the world of nuclear weapons. Keep the faith!"

Zelenskyy said in his entry, written in Ukrainian, "The threat of the use of nuclear weapons has no place in the modern world."

Related coverage:

Hiroshima survivor who met G-7 says visit was step to nuke abolition

Biden brought paper cranes symbolizing peace to Hiroshima museum

G-7 leaders given replicas of paper crane made by A-bomb victim girl
KYODO NEWS - Jul 25, 2023 - 23:33 | All, Japan

The decapitated head of a man found dead in a hotel in Sapporo, northern Japan, earlier this month has been discovered at the home of a doctor and his daughter, who were arrested on suspicion of mutilation of a corpse, police said Tuesday.

The head was discovered Monday during a search of the property of the psychiatrist, Osamu Tamura, 59, and his daughter Runa, 29, in Sapporo. Also arrested Monday was Tamura's 60-year-old wife, Hiroko, who lived in the home, on suspicion of collusion.

The police are investigating the relationship between the daughter and the victim, identified as 62-year-old Hitoshi Ura, an office worker who was found naked and decapitated in the bathroom of a hotel room on July 2.

Investigators said they plan to conduct an autopsy of the head. An earlier autopsy of the body revealed that the cause of death was hemorrhagic shock.

There were no signs of a third person entering the hotel room, with the daughter believed to have committed the act on her own.

Osamu, a psychiatrist at a hospital in Sapporo, is suspected of being actively involved from planning stage of the crime, beyond dropping her off and picking her up, investigative sources said.

They say that the father and daughter bought a saw together, and a suitcase that may have been used in the crime.

The hotel's security camera footage showed a person believed to be Runa leave the hotel with a suitcase, and the police are investigating whether it is identical to the one they found at the Tamura home.

Ura and an individual believed to be the daughter checked into the hotel around 10:50 p.m. on July 1, with the other person leaving alone at about 2 a.m. the following day, according to police.

Ura's body was discovered later on July 2 by a hotel worker who went to the room to see why he had not checked out by the afternoon.

Security camera footage showed no one else entered or left the room between 2 a.m. and 3 p.m. on July 2.

Police have yet to find Ura's belongings, including his clothes, phone and identification.

The incident occurred in the Susukino area of the city where many short-stay "love hotels" are located.

Related coverage:

Doctor, daughter arrested for beheading, carrying head out from hotel

Headless body found at Sapporo hotel, person seen with victim sought
Irish customers of music streaming platform Spotify are facing higher charges, it has been confirmed.

"So that we can keep innovating, we are changing our Premium prices across a number of markets around the world. These updates will help us continue to deliver value to fans and artists on our platform," Spotify confirmed on its website.

Ireland is one of the markets facing higher charged. Over 50 countries will see the cost of subscriptions increase.

Existing Spotify Premium plan subscribers will be notified via email and given a one-month grace period before the new price becomes effective, unless they cancel before the grace period ends.

Spotify also provides a free, ad-supported service.

Customers can cancel at any time, but were reminded to do it before their next billing date.

"Since launching in 2008, Spotify has innovated and invested to build the best audio experience for you and your favorite artists and creators. We have continually revealed new opportunities for fans and creators to connect through the power of our platform, from discovery tools like our new AI DJ, to fan-favorite shared experiences like Blend and the introduction of podcasts and audiobook content," Spotify said on its website.
Ireland's chief medical officer has said she is "very concerned" about the rise of measles in the Irish population.

"I am concerned about measles in our population as were seeing an increase in cases across Europe. The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine that protects your child against measles. Find out more at immunisation.ie," Prof Breda Smyth said.

She said there has been a significant increase in the number of cases in Europe in the first six months of the year.

"So much so, that it is equivalant to all of the cases that were in the 12 months of 2022," Prof Smyth said.

"If I was travelling to Europe with my children this year, its really important that my child would be protected against measles.

"This can be achieved through the vaccine," Prof Smyth said.

Uptake of the first MMR dose  recommended for babies at 12 months  was 89.2% in the first quarter of this year, down three percentage points on what it was before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Uptake of the second dose in junior infants has also dropped by three points to 88%. The HSEs target is 95% immunisation, the level recommended by the World Health Organization to ensure community-wide protection.
A HURLING fan who was injured after trying to put up a Limerick flag was beaming after receiving a special visit in the hospital this morning.

Captain Cian Lynch, Barry Nash, Tom Morrissey and manager John Kiely stopped by Michael ODonogue's hospital room who fell off a ladder after putting up a Limerick flag at home before the All-Ireland semi-final.

Surrounded by family, the Corbally man also watched the historic win from his hospital bed, as he suffered from serious injuries after the fall.

Michaels daughter, Jennifer ODonoghue, said: We watched the match in the hospital with dad and my nephew Shane.

He couldnt believe it, you can tell by his face. Its great for him, he deserves it. Hes on the mend, but hes got a long road for recovery. Hes in serious damage, hes very lucky. Hes emotional because he wasnt there, but were gonna head for the five-in-a-row so hell be there next year, she added.

Speaking of the match, she said: It was unbelievable. The second half was amazing.

She noted Its great for everyone and the city. The flags are all over the room here, and pictures too, the whole lot.

As word got around UHL, Michael also had received a lovely visit from star Limerick forward and radiographer at the hospital, Seamus Flanagan, ahead of the semi-final against Galway.

When Limerick defeated Waterford in 2021 for the All-Ireland semi-final, a misadventure might have saved Michaels life.

When Limerick played Waterford in the semi-final, my dad got a bad turn in Croke Park and ended up in the medics room. After that he got himself checked out and little did we know he actually had to get stints put in so not only did Limerick win the All-Ireland that year, they saved Mikes life, said Jennifer.

Speaking of his favourite hurling memory, Michael said: Winning the All-Ireland in 2018 and the days after around Limerick, Ill never forget it, the city was buzzing.

From now on, Michael might have an even better hurling memory to share!
The government has today (July 25) confirmed the start date for publicly-funded assisted human reproduction (AHR) treatment such as IVF.

According to the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, eligible patients across Ireland will be entitled to one full cycle of IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) treatment from September 2023.

Treatment will initially be provided in HSE-approved private clinics, with the first public National Advanced AHR Centre due to open next year.

Eligibility will be determined by a number of factors, including the body mass index (BMI) of the female patient, the number of existing children, and the number of previous IVF cycles conducted.

Patients with known clinical causes of infertility and patients where there is no known clinical cause will both be eligible for treatment.

However, a couple/ individual will not be eligible for publicly funded AHR treatment if either partner/individual has had voluntary sterilisation.

Additionally, there must not be more than two intending parents of a child born as a result of AHR treatment, and they must be in a relationship for at least one year.

The intending birth mother must be a maximum age of 40 years plus 364 days at time of referral to a regional fertility hub, while the maximum referring age for males is 59 years plus 364 days.

The BMI of an intending birth mother must be within the range of 18.5 kg/m2  30.0 kg/m2.

Minister Donnelly said, "This government recognises the difficult circumstances faced by so many people who long to have a child but who are unable to do so without clinical intervention.

"That is why a commitment to introduce a publicly-funded model of care for fertility treatment is included in the Programme for Government.

"Today marks a very important milestone in achieving that objective."

He continued: "The service were announcing is one that involves highly complex issues, and we are committed to ensuring that patient safety and regulation lie at the heart of service provision.

"Work is continuing on the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill which will ultimately allow us to improve accessibility to AHR treatments, while at the same time embedding safe and appropriate clinical practice and ensuring the cost-effective use of public resources.

"I look forward to progressing this Bill and to ultimately expanding advanced AHR services to wider categories so that we can help more people to fulfil their wish of starting a family."

Under the Model of Care for Fertility, people with fertility-related issues should first be treated through the public health service at the lowest level of intervention necessary.

Minister Donnelly added: "In establishing eligibility criteria, we have considered an array of factors to ensure that public money is being used to fund clinically-safe care that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of the child and mother.

"In developing these services in a careful, phased manner, I am committed to ensuring that we can expand eligibility criteria as soon as possible.

"Today we are taking a significant first step and I would like to thank all involved in getting us to this stage. In particular, I would like to acknowledge the work of officials in my department, the HSE, clinicians and the private providers who agreed to provide the treatment in their facilities."

Public funding of a number of specific services is being commenced on a structured and phased basis, such as treatment involving the use of donated gametes (sperm and eggs).

This will not be available in September for heterosexual couples, same-sex couples or single female patients.
A review on expansion of the railway network across the island of Ireland has recommended widespread changes, including increasing top train speeds and reviving abandoned lines.

The All-Island Rail Review, published on Tuesday, recommended reinstating the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris and Athenry and the South Wexford Railway.

It also recommended extending the railway into Co Tyrone  running from Portadown to Dungannon, Omagh, Strabane and Derry, on to Letterkenny in Co Donegal.

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said the analysis of the line shows that it does stack up, it makes real sense, theyre all significant towns, they would hugely benefit by being connected by rail.

So Im hopeful, subject to agreement with the Northern Ireland administration, that that line can and will be built.

It would also seek to reinstate the Antrim to Lisburn line with a station at Belfast International Airport.

The 25-year plan examines electrification of the rail network, for faster and more frequent trains as well as new routes for passengers and freight.

If all 30 recommendations were implemented in the coming years, it would cost an estimated 36.8 billion euro (31.5 billion), with 27.6 billion euro (23.6 billion) to be provided by the Irish government.

The Department of Transport said this was an annual capital investment of a billion euro (860 million) a year above existing plans, and roughly equivalent to peak annual investment in the motorway network in the late 2000s.

After bringing the report to Cabinet, Green Party leader Eamon Ryan told reporters: Its a new age of rail.

This country, back in the 1920s, had probably the most dense rail network in the world. Were going to add to whats existing and bring back high-speed rail, frequent rail, rail freight, better balanced regional development.

Its not cheap, but at the same time, not doing it would be incredibly expensive. Our country would be gridlocked, our emissions would be rising  this gives us a better alternative, a transport system that works for everyone.

The review also recommended developing the railway to boost connectivity in the North Midlands, from Mullingar to Cavan, Monaghan, Armagh and Portadown.

Short-term recommendations include hourly services between major cities across the island and one train every two hours between other centres.

Although upgrading railways to major cities was recommended to ensure that train journeys are faster than the car, the review found that benefits of a 300kph network would be significantly outweighed by the cost.

Two tracks or four tracks should also be implemented in some areas, and rail freight access at Dublin Port should also be developed, it said.

Mr Ryan, speaking to reporters after Cabinet approved the publication of the report, said he had a meeting on Monday with Irish Rail which is confident it can revive the Foynes line the year after next.

A lot of what this is doing is using the existing assets that are not being used.

That section for Wexford to Watford, weve maintained that line for the last 10 years when it wasnt being used, and the line from Watford to Limerick Junction, its there in name, but not really in reality.

Well, lets use that service, lets use that line. By reintroducing that we connect to the port, we go to every single business along that line and say, Do you want your goods transported out of the country in a low-carbon, sustainable way? And Im absolutely convinced the answer to that will be yes.

The review was launched by Mr Ryan and Northern Irelands then minister for infrastructure Nichola Mallon in April 2021.

Mr Ryan said a Northern Ireland Executive would be needed to agree the full document, as some of the big spending elements are in that region.

A strategic environmental assessment is out for consultation and expected to be finalised next year, and rail freight analysis will be needed for Dublin Port, Rosslare and Limerick Junction.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday morning, Mr Ryan said a new Atlantic rail corridor would bring low-carbon transport for businesses.

The Green Party leader said: Early parts of the last century, we probably had the best rail network in the world. Weve let it lapse.

Weve lost lines, weve given up on rail freight. We dont have connection to the north west. And what the report says is, we bring back rail. We bring back rail as a way of getting better balanced regional development.

Mr Ryan said rail freight could be running within the next year or two and the Waterford-Rosslare and Claremorris-Athenry lines could reopen by the end of the decade, adding that they are the missing pieces in the jigsaw.
[July 24, 2023]

Southern California-based Artists, Scientists, Engineers, and Creators Make Their Impact at SIGGRAPH 2023

From Startups and Major Studios to Universities and Corporations, These Local Contributors Encompass the Pioneering Spirit of SIGGRAPH

CHICAGO, July 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SIGGRAPH 2023, the premier conference and exhibition on computer graphics and interactive techniques, marks its 50th year of breakthroughs and innovation. Several Southern California-based contributors will be showcasing their works and projects at this year's conference in Los Angeles. These contributors span different conference programs, including Art Gallery, Panels, Production Sessions, Immersive Pavilion, and Real-Time Live!, among others, to highlight the latest developments in their respective fields. The 50th annual conference runs 610 August 2023 in person in Los Angeles, with a companion Virtual Access component.

Running the gamut of what SIGGRAPH has to offer, these Southern California-based contributors have a broad spectrum of works at the conference including virtual reality and artificial intelligence projects as well as having a hand in productions such as DreamWorks Animation's "Ruby Gillman Teenage Kraken" and Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Strange World."

"I'm exceptionally proud that SIGGRAPH is a global community, and how everyone is so involved with the conference every year," said Erik Brunvand, SIGGRAPH 2023 Conference Chair. "However, I'm particularly excited and proud to have so many of our creators be from the Southern California area and take part in this year's celebration in Los Angeles. They can show off their works in their own backyard as they represent their local communities."

"Cluster: #069" in te Art Gallery is a unique installation that was created by Mario Klingemann, Simon Hudson, and Julia Thompson of BottoDAO in Los Angeles. Botto creates works of art based on collective feedback from the community. To create "Cluster: #069," a clustering algorithm was applied to the entirety of Botto's body of work to organize it into common artistic themes. From 128 themes within Botto's works, 64 were chosen from the categories and clustered by the algorithm based on common features. This process resulted in a sort of style swatch, creating a mosaic from the fragments. Style grids were created for each of these 128 themes, upon which Botto's community voted to select the most popular piece. This process was the final step in the production of "Cluster: #069."







One of several presentations includes a session from the Glendale team at DreamWorks Animation titled "Those Flowing Locks  Creating Large Scale Water Hair for 'Ruby Gillman Teenage Kraken'." Mark Newport, David Chow, Chris Michael, Andre Pradhana, and Lawrence Lee will lead the discussion around how the water hair element of a 150-foot-tall monster was realized. Another from the Burbank, California, team from Walt Disney Animation Studios involves "Creating Creature Chaos: The Methods That Brought Crowd to the Forefront on Disney's 'Strange World'." The film contains more than 65 million crowds elements, both in the background and as part of the key foreground performances. Nathan Devlin, Yasser Hamed, Alberto Luceno Ros, Jeff Sullivan, and D'Lun Wong will talk about how new crowds tools and pipeline optimizations were introduced to meet the film's challenges and bring the world to life.

With the Production Session "Bringing Opportunity to Mars: The Visual Effects of 'Good Night Oppy'," Douglas Ellison, MSL IPE team chief of the Pasadena, California-based NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, will be part of the presentation discussing the challenge of bringing the journey of twin Mars Exploration Rovers Opportunity and Spirit to life. The inspirational true story of Opportunity is about a rover that was sent to Mars for a 90-day mission but ended up surviving for 15 years. The film follows this groundbreaking journey, from crafting a photo-real Martian environment, merging it into a full-length documentary, and, in the process, creating the most accurate visualization of the journey that has ever been committed to film.

Apples and Oranges Arts, based in Irvine, California, will show the installation "The Calling VR" in the Immersive Pavilion. Alani iLongwe, Christopher Sepulveda, and Tim Kashani take viewers on a journey where they can march with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the thousands who journeyed to Memphis in support of the 1,300 sanitation workers striking for higher wages and better working conditions in this musical VR experience.

From the startup Ozone Story Tech based in Corona, California, comes a Real-Time Live! demonstration that involves an innovative software technology enabling the authoring and real-time performance of 3D poses, deformations, and animations. Rich Hurrey, Eric Soulvie, Kai Husen, Clifford Champion, and Shane Griffith will demonstrate "Feature Film Quality Characters Anywhere" and how their technology leverages layered deformers without the limits of a traditional bone and skin weight system.

Learn more about these Southern California-based contributors, their backgrounds, stories, innovations, and the programs they are participating in by checking out the full program. To get more information about the conference, opportunities, or to register to attend in person or online, go to s2023.SIGGRAPH.org/register.

About ACM, ACM SIGGRAPH, and SIGGRAPH 2023

ACM , the Association for Computing Machinery, is the world's largest educational and scientific computing society, uniting educators, researchers, and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources, and address the field's challenges. ACM SIGGRAPH is a special interest group within ACM that serves as an interdisciplinary community for members in research, technology, and applications in computer graphics and interactive techniques. The SIGGRAPH conference is the world's leading annual interdisciplinary educational experience showcasing the latest in computer graphics and interactive techniques. SIGGRAPH 2023, the 50th annual conference hosted by ACM SIGGRAPH, will take place live 610 August at the Los Angeles Convention Center, along with a Virtual Access option.

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SOURCE SIGGRAPH
[July 24, 2023] Global Transportation Management System (TMS) Market Analysis 2023-2028: Revolutionizing Logistics Efficiency - Exponential Growth Amidst e-Commerce Sector Boon Tweet

DUBLIN, July 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Transportation Management System (TMS) Market by Offering (Solutions, Services), Transportation Mode (Roadways, Railways, Airways, Maritime), End-user, Solutions (Consulting, Implementation & Integration), Services, Vertical & Region - Forecast to 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global transportation management system (TMS) market is on the cusp of exponential growth, poised to surge from USD 13.5 billion in 2023 to an astounding USD 33.3 billion by 2028, at an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 19.7% TMS proves to be a game-changer for businesses, empowering them to optimize their transportation processes through efficient route planning, load consolidation, carrier selection, and freight auditing. With the promise of significant cost savings through improved operational efficiency, reduced empty miles, and minimized transportation-related expenses, the TMS market is anticipated to witness unprecedented expansion. This comprehensive market study delves into various segments of the transportation management system market, estimating its potential growth across offerings, transportation modes, solutions, services, verticals, end-users, and regions. Additionally, the study includes a rigorous competitive analysis of key market players, their company profiles, noteworthy product and business offerings, recent developments, and key market strategies, providing valuable insights for industry stakeholders. Based on services, the consulting segment is expected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period In the transportation management system market by services, consulting segment is expected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The best performance from internal workers can be ensured at a reasonable price with the help of consulting services. Additionally, it's crucial for end-users because some businesses lack the knowledge necessary to comprehend the complexity of TMS configuration. These services play an important role in the implementation of TMS solutions. Consulting service providers guide companies in the deployment of TMS that help address specific business-process requirements most feasibly. By region, North America is expected to hold the largest market size during the forecast period The market for transport management systems is predicted to be led by North America, which is also expected to account for the biggest market size during the forecast period. Improvements in machine-to-machine (M2M), mobile, and cloud technologies in transportation are the main causes of increased business process efficiency. As major corporations andsmall and medium-sized businesses concentrate on creating cutting-edge TMS solutions combined with technical breakthroughs like analytics, AL, and ML, North America is expected to promote market growth.



Additionally, due to its superior IT infrastructure and early adoption of cloud and mobile technologies, North America is able to minimise operational costs across all industries. Competitive landscape

In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies and service offerings of leading players like Oracle (US), SAP (Germany), Manhattan Associates (US), C.H. Robinson (US), Trimble (US), WiseTech Global (Australia), and Descartes (Canada). Premium Insights Increasing Demand for Transportation Management Systems to Tackle High Demand from e-Commerce Sector

Retail Segment and US to Account for Large Shares in North American Transportation Management System Market in 2023

Roadways Segment and China to Account for Large Shares in Asia-Pacific Transportation Management System Market in 2023 Market Dynamics Drivers Cloud-based SaaS Solutions to Drive Transportation Management System Market

Mergers & Acquisitions of Top-Tier TMS Product Players with Startup Solutions

Strengthening Bilateral Trade Relations Between Various Countries and Growth in Global Trade

Technological Advancements in Transportation and Logistics Industry

Exponential Growth in Ecommerce Industry

Need to Replace and Update Existing Conventional Transportation Management Systems Restraints Growing Concerns Over Data Security

Inaccuracies in Data Sets Opportunities Evolving 5G to Transform Transportation Management System

Autonomous and Connected Vehicles to Transform Transportation and Logistics Industry

Rising Adoption of Cloud-based Technology and Industry 4.0 Challenges Slow Adoption of TMS Solutions due to High Capital Investment

Lack of Awareness of Benefits of TMS Among End-users Industry Trends Transportation Management System Roadmap Till 2030 Short-Term Roadmap (2023-2025)

Mid-Term Roadmap (2026-2028)

Long-Term Roadmap (2029-2030) Ecosystem Analysis Transportation Management System Solution/Service Providers

Transportation Management System Integrators

Transportation Management System Freight Forwarders

Transportation Management System Technology Enablers TMS Integrations WMS-TMS Integration

ERP-TMS Integration

e-Commerce TMS Integration Technology Analysis Adjacent Technologies

Big Data and Analytics

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

Blockchain

5G

Internet of Things

Related Technologies

Cloud Computing

Geospatial Technology Case Study Analysis Case Study 1: Unilever Cut Transport Costs with Implementation of Oracle Solutions

Case Study 2: Xiwei Built Efficient Transportation and Delivery Platform with SAP Transportation Management

Case Study 3: Implementation of Manhattan TMS Solution Resulted in More Efficiency

Case Study 4: Celestica Deployed MercuryGate TMS Solution to Reduce Global Transportation Costs

Case Study 5: Brown Trucking Selected Truckmate TMS by Trimble to Get Crucial Data for Its Operations

Case Study 6: Avery Dennison Adopted Transplace TMS to Save Cost and Simplify US and Mexico Customs Compliance

Case Study 7: Crowley Relies on 3GTMS to Manage Defense Dept. Contract Without Missing Deadline Company Profiles Major Players Oracle

SAP

Manhattan Associates

C.H. Robinson

Trimble

WiseTech Global

Descartes

E2Open

Generix Group

MercuryGate International

Blue Yonder

Uber Freight

Alpega Group

Worldwide Express

Infor

Kinaxis Startups/SMEs 3GTMS

Shipwell

3T Logistics & Technology Group

RateLinx

oTMS

nShift

Bluerock Logistics

Elemica

Tesisquare

DDS Logistics

vTradEx

Shiptify

GlobalTranz

InMotion Global

Logistically

One Network Enterprises

IntelliTrans

Allotrac

Revenova

Princeton TMX

CTSI Global

PCS Software For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/vxiqje About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets

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[July 24, 2023] "From Vision to Action: EdHeroes Catalyzes Collaborative Solutions in Education" Tweet

TRIESEN, Liechtenstein, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- EdHeroes, a global network of education operators dedicated to improving access to quality education, proudly announces its latest initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration and addressing challenges in education globally. Started from family during the pandemic, expanded to various educational sectors: early childhood, literacy in rural sectors, ed-tech, innovation and more. In a momentous development, EdHeroes is delighted to participate at the AVPN Conference held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 21st 2023. Along with other participants, EdHeroes CEO Alina Baimen,who recently listed as Forbes Kazakhstan 30 under 30, speaks about the importance of collaborative philanthropy efforts to find solutions in tackling various challenges in education as well as to learn from collaborative philanthropy practitioners in Asia. "When collaborating, we are able to pull resources that otherwise wouldn't be available to only one person or one organization and we can amplify our impact significantly" Baimen said.



One of the highlights of this conference is a roundtable discussion that explored existing methods in catalyzing collaborative philanthropy efforts in the education sector across Asian countries. By delving into the power of collaboration and its role in addressing the scale and complexity of various issues, EdHeroes showcase the significance of collaboration in achieving holistic societal development. Furthermore, EdHeroes also explores existing solutions and novel approaches for organizations to work together. Additionally, EdHeroes continues to expand its reach globally, recently establishing four new hubs in Nepal , Peru , Kazakhstan , and Cameroon . Previously, EdHeroes successfully established Indonesia and Myanmar hubs. These hubs serve as essential centers for educational initiatives, facilitating the delivery of quality education to underserved communities and contributing to the organization's mission of improving access to education worldwide.

EdHeroes remains dedicated to its core values of collaboration, personalized approaches, and equitable access to quality education. With a focus on opening access to quality education, the network strives to bring together stakeholders from various backgrounds to create a brighter future for all. About EdHeroes: EdHeroes is a global network that committed to improving access to and the quality education for people of all ages, aims to create an equitable future for everyone. As the world envisions progress, EdHeroes serve as catalysts to empower individuals through education, connecting the dots of knowledge and igniting a light that fosters positive change. SOURCE EdHeroes Network

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[July 24, 2023] Kazutoshi Hashimoto appointed as Managing Director, Toshiba Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. Tweet

SINGAPORE, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. today announced the appointment of Mr. Kazutoshi Hashimoto as the new Managing Director, effective July 20, 2023. Mr. Hashimoto succeeds Mr. Hiroshi Fukuchi, and he will be responsible for overseeing and expanding Toshiba's group-wide business presence in Southeast Asia, India, and Oceania. Toshiba Group aims to promote comprehensive and cross-sectional business strategies to achieve business growth in global markets. Mr. Hashimoto will work closely with the newly established organization in Toshiba Corporation - Global Strategy and Business Development Division. This division will be directly under the President to formulate Toshiba Group's global business strategy, support the launch of new businesses in global markets, and strengthen the governance of subsidiaries worldwide. Over the years, Mr. Hashimoto demonstrated remarkable dedication and expertise. Since joining Toshiba in 1992, Mr. Hashimoto has devoted his career to focusing on semiconductor and storage products businesses, responsible for System Large-Scale Integration (LSI). Seeking new challenges and international exposure, Mr. Hashimoto ventured into the Chinese market and joined Toshiba Electronics (China) Co., Ltd. in 2012. Upon returning to Japan, he dedicated most of his career to semiconductor businesses, specializing n Discrete Devices & Optoelectronic Devices.



Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Hashimoto is known for his unwavering dedication, integrity, and passion for excellence. He has continually committed to fostering innovation and building strong relationships with customers and partners. Mr. Hashimoto graduated from Kumamoto University with a Bachelor of Laws.

About Toshiba Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. Toshiba Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (TAPL), a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, was established in 1995 as Toshiba's regional headquarters for operations in Southeast Asia, India and Oceania. Apart from its head office in Singapore, Toshiba Asia Pacific has overseas offices in Bangladesh and Vietnam. TAPL supports Toshiba companies in the Asia Pacific region with a strong focus on expanding our business in Energy Systems, Social Infrastructure Systems, Devices & Storage and Digital solutions. TAPL's commitment aligns with Toshiba's unwavering drive to solve global social issues by advancing the quest for carbon neutrality and resilient infrastructure by creating integrated value-add solutions. Find out more about TAPL at www.asia.toshiba.com About Toshiba Toshiba Corporation leads a global group of companies that combines knowledge and capabilities from almost 150 years of experience in a wide range of businessesfrom energy and social infrastructure to electronic deviceswith world-class capabilities in information processing, digital and AI technologies. These distinctive strengths support Toshiba in building infrastructure that everyone can enjoy, and a connected data society, and in achieving the Company's ultimate goal, a future that realizes carbon neutrality and a circular economy. Guided by the Basic Commitment of the Toshiba Group, "Committed to People, Committed to the Future," Toshiba contributes to society's positive development with services and solutions that lead to a better world. The Group and its 110,000 employees worldwide secured annual sales of 3.4 trillion yen (US$25.1 billion) in fiscal year 2022. Find out more about Toshiba at www.global.toshiba/ww/outline/corporate.html View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/kazutoshi-hashimoto-appointed-as-managing-director-toshiba-asia-pacific-pte-ltd-301882828.html SOURCE Toshiba Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.

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KYODO NEWS - Jul 25, 2023 - 21:59 | World, All

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang was removed from his ministerial post and top diplomat Wang Yi was reinstated to the portfolio at a parliament session Tuesday, the country's state media said, in an unusual move that may deal a blow to leader Xi Jinping.

Qin, who was seen as handpicked by Xi to become foreign minister last December, disappeared from public view in late June, fueling speculation about his downfall.

The Foreign Ministry had cited unspecified "health reasons" in explaining why Qin skipped recent international conferences, but the official Xinhua News Agency did not report on the reason for his removal, approved Tuesday at a Standing Committee session of the National People's Congress.

After being selected as a member of the ruling Communist Party's 20th Central Committee last October, Qin, 57, succeeded Wang, 69, who had served as foreign minister since 2013. In March this year, the former ambassador to the United States was promoted to state councilor.

It remains unknown whether Qin was stripped of his state councilor status.

Qin's last public appearance was on June 25, when he held talks with the foreign ministers of Sri Lanka and Vietnam as well as a Russian deputy foreign minister.

After a Hong Kong newspaper reported Qin had contracted COVID-19, Taiwanese media said he had been questioned about an extramarital affair with a Chinese journalist by the Communist Party's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

The Foreign Ministry had not provided detailed explanations about Qin's long absence. At a press conference Tuesday afternoon, spokeswoman Mao Ning repeatedly said she had "no information to offer" and maintained that China's diplomatic activities are "moving steadily forward" even in the minister's absence.

The ministry also did not post answers to media questions regarding Qin on its website, apparently to keep the public from knowing his situation.

Related coverage:

Extramarital affair behind Chinese minister Qin's absence: media
[July 24, 2023] China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City unveils plan on carbon peaking and neutralization Tweet

TIANJIN, China, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City in north China's Tianjin Municipality has issued an action plan on carbon peaking and neutralization in the bilateral project's latest move to boost green development, according to China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Administrative Committee. With a focus on four key areas of industry, construction, energy and transportation, the action plan seeks to build a pioneering demonstration zone for carbon neutralization, and create a batch of low-carbon and zero-carbon demonstration carriers and carbon reduction landmark projects in a bid to set up models for the whole country and even the world. By 2025, the per capita carbon emissions in the eco-city will be significantly lower than the average level of Tianjin. By 2030, carbon dioxide per unit of regional GDP and carbon emissions per capita will be among the lowest in China, according to the plan. The science park in the eco-city's south, the information park in the middle and the industrial park in the north will form major carriers for the region to build a green and low-carbon industrial cluster featuring a focus respectively on innovation, industrial transformation and manufacturing in different parts. The southern part of China-Singapore cooperation zone and the Linhai New City area focus on developing technology-based and service-oriented low-carbon industries such as biomedicine, software and cultural tourism. The coopertion zone's central area will highlight software and hardware integration to support the transformation and application of scientific research outcomes.



The northern part of the cooperation zone and the northern part of the Binhai Tourism Zone will develop solid low-carbon manufacturing industries like intelligent manufacturing, medical devices and intelligent connected vehicles. The central fishing port area will build a green industrial chain integrating warehousing, processing, trade and finance. As the first national green development demonstration zone, the eco-city advocates ultra-low energy consumption, near-zero energy consumption and zero-energy buildings, seeking to construct low-carbon residential buildings and zero-carbon public buildings. The region will push for the implementation of ultra-low energy consumption standards for all new residential buildings and near-zero energy standards for new government-invested public buildings.

Besides, the eco-city will enhance the operation efficiency of the heating pipe network, cut the heating energy consumption per unit area, integrate building construction with photovoltaic development by supporting complete coverage of installation of solar energy facilities in residential buildings. "The eco-city will accelerate the development of renewable energy, increase its integration with urban construction, explore the development and utilization of diversified clean energy, and increase the proportion of green electricity use, and make full use of the roofs of new buildings and existing buildings for distributed photovoltaic installation," according to an official with the eco-city ecological environment bureau. The plan also formulates specific tasks on green intelligent travel system, such as building a suitable and comfortable slow travel system, laying high-quality pedestrian lanes, and advocating green and low-carbon development through the whole process of transportation infrastructure planning, construction, operation and maintenance. The China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City is a major cooperation project between the two countries. It is the world's first eco-city jointly developed between countries and seeks to address global climate change, strengthen environmental protection, save resources and energy, and provide a model for sustainable urban development. It began construction began on September 28, 2008. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/china-singapore-tianjin-eco-city-unveils-plan-on-carbon-peaking-and-neutralization-301883658.html SOURCE China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Administrative Committee

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[July 24, 2023] Business intelligence market in the healthcare sector to grow by USD 8,991.58 million from 2022 to 2027 | Improved efficiency of business intelligence tools to boost the market growth - technavio Tweet

NEW YORK, July 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The business intelligence market in the healthcare sector is set to grow by USD 8,991.58 million from 2022 to 2027. However, the growth momentum will progress at a CAGR of 17.02% during the forecast period, according to Technavio. The business intelligence market in the healthcare sector is fragmented, and the vendors are seeking strong partnerships with automotive, industrial, and commercial companies to compete in the market. Accenture Plc, Alphabet Inc., Board International SA, Domo Inc., Hexaware Technologies Ltd., Idera Inc., Infor Inc., International Business Machines Corp., Microsoft Corp., MicroStrategy Inc., Open Text Corp., Oracle Corp., Perficient Inc., QlikTech International AB, Salesforce.com Inc., SAP SE, SAS Institute Inc., Sisense Ltd., Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., and TIBCO Software Inc. are some of the major market participants -. To know about the vendor offerings - Request a sample report Business Intelligence Market in the Healthcare Sector 2023-2027: Scope Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. The business intelligence market in the healthcare sector report covers the following areas: Business Intelligence Market in the Healthcare Sector Size

Business Intelligence Market in the Healthcare Sector Trends

Business Intelligence Market in the Healthcare Sector Industry Analysis

Porter's Five Forces Analysis

Customer Landscape The business intelligence market in the healthcare sector is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate. The improved efficiency of bi tools will offer immense growth opportunities. However, the Presence of open-source BI vendors will hamper the market growth. Business Intelligence Market in the Healthcare Sector 2023-2027: Drivers & Challenges One of the key drivers supporting the growth of the healthcare business intelligence market is the improved efficiency of BI tools. Business intelligence tools provide real-time information that helps end users avoid process delays, centralize control, and improve market response and decision-making. BI helps hospitals and other end users to transform raw sales, service, marketing, and patient data into useful information consistently and efficiently. Furthermore, in healthcare, business intelligence has a wide range of uses, including analysis of social media conversations, fraud detection, management information systems, and disease diagnosis. The use of business intelligence in healthcare helps stakeholders track and store real-time health record information related to patient care and medication. Hence, the improved efficiency will fuel the healthcare business intelligence market growth during the forecast period. One of the key factors challenging the healthcare BI market growth is the presence of open-source BI vendors. Open-source BI vendors offer software solutions that are free to use, and users can modify them as per their needs. Vendors such as Pentaho, BIRT, SpagoBI, KNIME, and JasperReport offer BI solutions for free. One of the challenges with the existence of open-source BI vendors is that it can be difficult for large-scale vendors to monetize their products. This is because customers may choose to use a free, open-source solution instead of a commercial BI product that costs high. Therefore, commercial BI vendors may need to offer additional features and services to attract customers. Furthermore, another challenge is that open-source BI vendors may have strong communities of developers and users who continually improve and update their software. This makes it difficult for commercial players to keep up with the latest trends and technologies, and they may fall behind in terms of product development and innovation. Besides, open-source BI vendors may have a larger user base than commercial vendors, which can make it difficult for commercial vendors to compete on price. Thus, this factor will hamper the growth of the healthcare BI market To learn more about the trends impacting the future of market research, download a PDF sample Business Intelligence Market in the Healthcare Sector 2023-2027: Segment Analysis Component

Software



Services

Deployment

Cloud-based



On-premise

Geography

North America



Europe



APAC



South America



Middle East And Africa Business Intelligence Market in the Healthcare Sector 2023-2027: Segmentation Highlights The market share growth by the software segment will be significant during the forecast period. The software segment is further segmented by component into the following categories BI platforms, Dashboard and reporting software, Data analytics software, Data warehousing software, Mobile BI software, Self-service BI software, and Cloud-based BI software. Furthermore, the software components of the healthcare business intelligence market include various types of software such as query and reporting, performance management, and analytics solutions. These software tools are designed to help healthcare enterprises to improve their operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes by providing data insights. Hence, insights into their data will support driving the growth of the market during the forecast period. North America is estimated to contribute 30% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. With the majority of the market share, the North American market is dominated by the US. Rising demand for healthcare services, the need to reduce healthcare costs, and the availability of advanced technologies are the key factors driving the growth of the market in North America. Healthcare uses business intelligence solutions to improve patient outcomes and streamline clinical operations. Business intelligence tools analyze data from electronic medical records, patient satisfaction surveys, and other sources to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for advancement. These insights can be used to design targeted interventions and improve patient care. Thus, such factors will grow the market in this region during the forecast period. The competitive scenario categorizes companies based on various performance indicators. Some of the factors considered include the financial performance of companies, growth strategies, product innovations, new product launches, investments, and growth in market share, among others Buy the Report Business Intelligence Market in the Healthcare Sector 2023-2027: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2023-2027

Detailed information on factors that will assist the business intelligence market in the healthcare sector growth during the next five years

Estimation of the business intelligence market in the healthcare sector size and its contribution to the parent market

Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the business intelligence market in the healthcare sector across North America , Europe , APAC, South America , and the Middle East and Africa

, , APAC, , and the and Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors

Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of the business intelligence market vendors in the healthcare sector Get Instant access to 17000+ market research report Technavio's Subscription Platform Related Reports: The business intelligence (BI) and analytics platforms market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% between 2022 and 2027. The business intelligence and analytics platforms market size is forecast to increase by USD 17.99 billion. Furthermore, this business intelligence (BI) and analytics platforms market report extensively cover market segmentation by end-user (BFSI, healthcare, ICT, government, and others), deployment (on-premise and cloud), and geography (North America, APAC, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The rising need to improve business efficiency is notably driving the market growth during the forecast period. The business intelligence market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.49% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 12,144.6 million. Furthermore, this business intelligence market report extensively covers market segmentation by end-user (BFSI, healthcare, ICT, government, and others), deployment (on-premise and cloud), and geography (North America, APAC, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The growing demand for BI in retail is notably driving the market growth during the forecast period.







Business Intelligence Market In The Healthcare Sector Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 17.02% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 8,991.58 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 16.6 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 30% Key countries US, China, India, Germany, and UK Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled Accenture Plc, Alphabet Inc., Board International SA, Domo Inc., Hexaware Technologies Ltd., Idera Inc., Infor Inc., International Business Machines Corp., Microsoft Corp., MicroStrategy Inc., Open Text Corp., Oracle Corp., Perficient Inc., QlikTech international AB, Salesforce.com Inc., SAP SE, SAS Institute Inc., Sisense Ltd., Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., and TIBCO Software Inc. Market dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

Table of Contents 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market overview

Exhibit 01: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Overview



Exhibit 02: Executive Summary  Data Table on Market Overview



Exhibit 03: Executive Summary  Chart on Global Market Characteristics



Exhibit 04: Executive Summary  Chart on Market by Geography



Exhibit 05: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by Component



Exhibit 06: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by Deployment



Exhibit 07: Executive Summary  Chart on Incremental Growth



Exhibit 08: Executive Summary  Data Table on Incremental Growth



Exhibit 09: Executive Summary  Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem

Exhibit 10: Parent market



Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition

Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis

Exhibit 13: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2022 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027

Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 4 Historic Market Size 4.1 Global business intelligence market in the healthcare sector market 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size  Data Table on global business intelligence market in the healthcare sector market 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.2 Component Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size  Component Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.3 Deployment Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size  Deployment Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.4 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size  Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size  Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 5 Five Forces Analysis 5.1 Five forces summary

Exhibit 23: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2022 and 2027 5.2 Bargaining power of buyers

Exhibit 24: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers  Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027 5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers

Exhibit 25: Bargaining power of suppliers  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.4 Threat of new entrants

Exhibit 26: Threat of new entrants  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.5 Threat of substitutes

Exhibit 27: Threat of substitutes  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.6 Threat of rivalry

Exhibit 28: Threat of rivalry  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.7 Market condition

Exhibit 29: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027 6 Market Segmentation by Component 6.1 Market segments

Exhibit 30: Chart on Component - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 31: Data Table on Component - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Component

Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by Component



Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by Component 6.3 Software - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 34: Chart on Software - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 35: Data Table on Software - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 36: Chart on Software - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 37: Data Table on Software - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.4 Services - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 38: Chart on Services - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 39: Data Table on Services - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 40: Chart on Services - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 41: Data Table on Services - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.5 Market opportunity by Component

Exhibit 42: Market opportunity by Component ($ million)



Exhibit 43: Data Table on Market opportunity by Component ($ million) 7 Market Segmentation by Deployment 7.1 Market segments

Exhibit 44: Chart on Deployment - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 45: Data Table on Deployment - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 7.2 Comparison by Deployment

Exhibit 46: Chart on Comparison by Deployment



Exhibit 47: Data Table on Comparison by Deployment 7.3 Cloud-based - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 48: Chart on Cloud-based - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 49: Data Table on Cloud-based - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 50: Chart on Cloud-based - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 51: Data Table on Cloud-based - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.4 On-premise - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 52: Chart on On-premise - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 53: Data Table on On-premise - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 54: Chart on On-premise - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 55: Data Table on On-premise - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.5 Market opportunity by Deployment

Exhibit 56: Market opportunity by Deployment ($ million)



Exhibit 57: Data Table on Market opportunity by Deployment ($ million) 8 Customer Landscape 8.1 Customer landscape overview

Exhibit 58: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 9 Geographic Landscape 9.1 Geographic segmentation

Exhibit 59: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 60: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) 9.2 Geographic comparison

Exhibit 61: Chart on Geographic comparison



Exhibit 62: Data Table on Geographic comparison 9.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 63: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 64: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 65: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 66: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 67: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 68: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 69: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 70: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.5 APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 71: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 72: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 73: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 74: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 75: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 76: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 77: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 78: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.7 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 79: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 80: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 81: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

and - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 82: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.8 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 83: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 84: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 85: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 86: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.9 China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 87: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 88: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 89: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 90: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.10 Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 91: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 92: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 93: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 94: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.11 UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 95: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 96: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 97: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 98: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.12 India - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 99: Chart on India - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 100: Data Table on India - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 101: Chart on India - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 102: Data Table on India - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.13 Market opportunity by geography

Exhibit 103: Market opportunity by geography ($ million)



Exhibit 104: Data Tables on Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10.1 Market drivers 10.2 Market challenges 10.3 Impact of drivers and challenges

Exhibit 105: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027 10.4 Market trends 11 Vendor Landscape 11.1 Overview 11.2 Vendor landscape

Exhibit 106: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 11.3 Landscape disruption

Exhibit 107: Overview on factors of disruption 11.4 Industry risks

Exhibit 108: Impact of key risks on business 12 Vendor Analysis 12.1 Vendors covered

Exhibit 109: Vendors covered 12.2 Market positioning of vendors

Exhibit 110: Matrix on vendor position and classification 12.3 Accenture Plc

Exhibit 111: Accenture Plc - Overview



Exhibit 112: Accenture Plc - Business segments



Exhibit 113: Accenture Plc - Key offerings



Exhibit 114: Accenture Plc - Segment focus 12.4 Board International SA

Exhibit 115: Board International SA - Overview



Exhibit 116: Board International SA - Product / Service



Exhibit 117: Board International SA - Key offerings 12.5 Idera Inc.

Exhibit 118: Idera Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 119: Idera Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 120: Idera Inc. - Key offerings 12.6 Infor Inc.

Exhibit 121: Infor Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 122: Infor Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 123: Infor Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 124: Infor Inc. - Key offerings 12.7 International Business Machines Corp.

Exhibit 125: International Business Machines Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 126: International Business Machines Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 127: International Business Machines Corp. - Key news



Exhibit 128: International Business Machines Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 129: International Business Machines Corp. - Segment focus 12.8 Microsoft Corp.

Exhibit 130: Microsoft Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 131: Microsoft Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 132: Microsoft Corp. - Key news



Exhibit 133: Microsoft Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 134: Microsoft Corp. - Segment focus 12.9 MicroStrategy Inc.

Exhibit 135: MicroStrategy Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 136: MicroStrategy Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 137: MicroStrategy Inc. - Key offerings 12.10 Open Text Corp.

Exhibit 138: Open Text Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 139: Open Text Corp. - Product / Service



Exhibit 140: Open Text Corp. - Key news



Exhibit 141: Open Text Corp. - Key offerings 12.11 Oracle Corp.

Exhibit 142: Oracle Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 143: Oracle Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 144: Oracle Corp. - Key news



Exhibit 145: Oracle Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 146: Oracle Corp. - Segment focus 12.12 QlikTech international AB

Exhibit 147: QlikTech international AB - Overview



Exhibit 148: QlikTech international AB - Product / Service



Exhibit 149: QlikTech international AB - Key offerings 12.13 Salesforce.com Inc.

Exhibit 150: Salesforce.com Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 151: Salesforce.com Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 152: Salesforce.com Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 153: Salesforce.com Inc. - Key offerings 12.14 SAP SE

Exhibit 154: SAP SE - Overview



Exhibit 155: SAP SE - Business segments



Exhibit 156: SAP SE - Key news



Exhibit 157: SAP SE - Key offerings



Exhibit 158: SAP SE - Segment focus 12.15 SAS Institute Inc.

Exhibit 159: SAS Institute Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 160: SAS Institute Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 161: SAS Institute Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 162: SAS Institute Inc. - Key offerings 12.16 Sisense Ltd.

Exhibit 163: Sisense Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 164: Sisense Ltd. - Product / Service



Exhibit 165: Sisense Ltd. - Key offerings 12.17 TIBCO Software Inc.

Exhibit 166: TIBCO Software Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 167: TIBCO Software Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 168: TIBCO Software Inc. - Key offerings 13 Appendix 13.1 Scope of the report 13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist

Exhibit 169: Inclusions checklist



Exhibit 170: Exclusions checklist 13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$

Exhibit 171: Currency conversion rates for US$ 13.4 Research methodology

Exhibit 172: Research methodology



Exhibit 173: Validation techniques employed for market sizing



Exhibit 174: Information sources 13.5 List of abbreviations

Exhibit 175: List of abbreviations About Us

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/business-intelligence-market-in-the-healthcare-sector-to-grow-by--usd-8-991-58-million-from-2022-to-2027--improved-efficiency-of-business-intelligence-tools-to-boost-the-market-growth---technavio-301883194.html SOURCE Technavio

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[July 25, 2023] Creative Group Introduces New Turnkey Corporate Gifting Solution Tweet

TORONTO, July 25, 2023 /CNW/ -- Creative Group, a full-service meeting, incentive, and recognition company, announced today the launch of its innovative new corporate gifting solution. Creative Group's new corporate gifting platform empowers businesses to build brand value, show gratitude, and build connections and trust with ease. With a mission to optimize the performance of people through engagement solutions and lasting experiences, Creative Group is poised to transform the way companies show appreciation to their customers, employees, and partners. "Whether it's for work anniversaries, holidays, or just to say 'Thanks!'  gifts leave a lasting impression. We understand the power of thoughtful gestures and the positive ripple effects they have on business relationships," said Janet Traphagen, President, Creative Group. "This new solution gives our clients a unique, memorble way to give gifts in a variety of price points  and it gives the recipients the freedom to choose their favourite gift."



What sets Creative Group's corporate gifting solution apart is its unique blend of top-brand merchandise and experiences, allowing recipients to choose exactly what they want, based on their interests and lifestyle. The gifting solution offers: A wide selection of top brands and premium products

Curated collections by price point or category

One site with gift selections customized by audience type

A fun and easy user experience

All site management, communications, gift fulfillment, and customer service

Custom branding

Holiday themes with a quick-turn setup

An experience that is fast, easy, and affordable

One solution for all; perfect for top customers, highly valued employees, and supplier partners "With today's highly dispersed workforce, organizations are looking for ways to create a culture of gratitude and recognition," said Jamie Schwartz, Senior Director, Performance Solutions Strategy. "Our gifting solution allows businesses to express appreciation and strengthen relationships without the hassle of traditional one-size-fits-all gift giving."

To find out more about holiday gifting, visit https://www.creativegroupinc.com/corporate-holiday-gifts/. To learn more about Creative Group's new corporate gifting solution and how it can elevate your organization's culture of appreciation, get in touch here https://www.creativegroupinc.com/contact/. About Creative Group Creative Group, a Direct Travel company, is a full-service event marketing agency specializing in engagement, incentive and recognition solutions, and end-to-end meeting and event management. An industry leader, Creative Group has been honoured with multiple SITE Crystal Awards and the CMI 25 Award, which recognizes the top 25 most influential meeting and incentive management companies in the U.S. Creative Group was founded in 1970 and serves clients in technology, financial services, life sciences, insurance, manufacturing, retail, automotive, hospitality and more. Employing over 200 people, the company is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, and maintains offices in San Francisco (Emeryville), Detroit, Appleton, Wisconsin and Toronto, Canada. For more information about Creative Group, visit https://www.creativegroupinc.com SOURCE Creative Group Canada

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[July 25, 2023] Advantech Partners with Leading Robotics Engine Platform MOV.AI to Accelerate Autonomous Mobile Robot Development Tweet

TAIPEI, Taiwan, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Advantech, a leading provider of industrial computing platforms, is pleased to announce its partnership with MOV.AI, a mobile robotics software solutions provider. The goal of this collaboration is to streamline the creation of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) by providing robot manufacturers and integrators access to both cutting-edge industrial computing technology and a powerful software platform for building, deploying, and running intelligent robots. The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing labor shortages have created a surge in demand for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), which offer operational efficiency and flexibility. According to Interact Analysis, shipments of mobile robots increased by a staggering 53% in 2022 and are projected to grow at an annual rate of approximately 50% through 2027, resulting in a total of 4 million installed units. Furthermore, revenue is expected to grow by 30-40% annually between 2022 and 2027. The potential for further expansion is significant, as only 14% of warehouses had adopted at least one order fulfillment AMR as of 2021. Advantech's rugged hardware can be integrated with MOV.AI's Robotics Engine Platform, making it easier to develop and deploy Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) for businesses. This collaboration provides a solution to address the growing need for faster time-to-value, flexibility, improved efficiency, and higher productivity in manufacturing and logistics. The MOV.AI ROS-based Robotics Engine Platform provides AMR manufacturers and automation integrators with the necessary enterprise-grade software and tools for advanced automation, including navigation, localization, and calibration. The platform features a visual Integrated Development Environment (IDE) based on ROS, as well as off-the-shelf algorithms and integrations. Additionally, the platform offers interoperable fleet management, flexible interfaces with warehouse environments such as ERP and WMS, and cyber-security compliance. Advantech offers edge computers that are optimized for computing performance, functionality, and ease of deployment. These computers are powered by the latest Intel processors and offer strong I/O flexibility to deliver optimal efficiency in multiple vertical markets, including automation, manufacturing, logistics, retail, and transportation. One such product is the UNO-238 V2, a compact IoT edge computer featuring a 12th Gen Intel Core i Processor and DDR5SODIMM for high-speed multi-task computing and data transfer. This device inherits the compact form factor and optimized I/O design of its predecessor, making it ideal for most factory scenarios. The UNO-238 V2 features a fanless and ruggedized design, making it suitable for challenging industrial environments. It can withstand a wide operating temperature range of -20 to 60 C (-4 ~ 140 F), ensuring durability. With compatibility for terminal blocks, the UNO-238 V2 offers excellent flexibility for electrical wiring. Additionally, it incorporates CANBus and supports M.2 B/M/E-Key for storage and wireless communication. This enables seamless and zero-latency data exchange as well as a stable connection between edge devices and the cloud. The UNO-238 provides a robust and reliable solution for the AGV/AMR industry.



Another product, Advantech's MIC-770 V3, is a compact fanless system powered by a 12th Gen Intel Core i socket-type (LGA1700) processor with the Intel R680E chipset. It provides high-performance computing, multiple I/O interfaces, and flexible expandability with the integration of i-Modules and iDoor technology. As an example, the MIC-770 V3 equipped with the MIC-75GF10 expansion module is compatible with the SKY-MXM-A2000 MXM GPU card. This provides machine vision and autonomous navigation capabilities for various machine automation applications, including wafer box handling, material handling, robotic arm operations, and more. MIC-770 V3 also supports WISE-Edge365, which enables remote management for status monitoring and anomaly detection. With these features, the MIC-770 V3 can be deployed for various Edge AIoT applications as a data gateway or industrial controller. "Advantech is excited to cooperate with MOV.AI and we look forward to providing an advanced state-of-the-art AGV/AMR solution in the robotics segment worldwide," David Jen, Associate Vice President of Advantech's Industrial IoT Group, commented. "The key aspect of our collaboration is to ensure the interoperability of AMR ecosystem offerings and provide more comprehensive solutions to our customers."

"The growing demand for automation creates a need for secure interoperable systems that can be easily deployed and easily adapted to changing business needs," said Motti Kushnir, CEO of MOV.AI. "We are excited about the collaboration with Advantech, as it provides our customers with comprehensive solutions that fit into a wider automation environment, providing continuing high value." Advantech and MOV.AI are speeding up the time it takes for service providers and manufacturers to deploy the most effective Automated Mobile Robot (AMR) solutions for a wide variety of applications. Advantech will contribute its competencies in hardware design and manufacturing, while MOV.AI will contribute its expertise in ROS-based software. This collaboration will expedite the AMR time-to-value, resulting in quicker and more efficient deployment. About MOV.AI MOV.AI is changing AMRs as we know them. It provides AMR manufacturers and integrators with the software and tools they need to create enterprise-grade robots quickly, allowing users to benefit from automation products that are as flexible as the age we live in. Born out of an unmet need, MOV.AI is a robotics engine platform based on ROS and packaged in an intuitive web-based interface. It contains everything needed to build, deploy and operate intelligent robots. MOV.AI completely changes the way autonomous mobile robots are developed in terms of time to market, cost and flexibility. https://www.mov.ai/ About Advantech Founded in 1983, Advantech is a leading provider of trusted, innovative products, services, and solutions. Advantech offers comprehensive system integration, hardware, software, customer-centric design services, embedded systems, automation products, and global logistics support. We cooperate closely with our partners to provide complete solutions for a wide range of applications in diverse industries. Our mission is to enable an intelligent planet by developing automated and embedded computing products and solutions that facilitate smarter working and living. With Advantech products, the application and innovation potential becomes unlimited. (Corporate website: www.advantech.com) Media Contact:

[email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/advantech-partners-with-leading-robotics-engine-platform-movai-to-accelerate-autonomous-mobile-robot-development-301884947.html SOURCE MOV.AI

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[July 25, 2023] Pluribus Company The Learning Network launches VR FireWise - Hands-On Fire Extinguisher Safety Training Tweet

TORONTO, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - The Learning Network (TLN), an innovative learning solutions partner, and part of the Pluribus Technologies (TSXV: PLRB) family, has announced the launch of FireWise: Hands-On Fire Extinguisher Safety Training, a virtual reality (VR) learning application designed to train users on fire extinguishers and emergency response. FireWise's Hands-On Fire Extinguisher Safety Training is set to transform the way individuals learn about fire safety and emergency response. Fire safety is a critical aspect of any workplace and proper fire extinguisher training is an essential aspect of an emergency response plan. Traditional training methods often fall short in providing engaging and realistic hands-on experiences, resulting in limited knowledge retention and inadequate response during emergencies. There are several key features and benefits of the FireWise VR application: Immersive Training : This VR training offers immersive and realistic environments that replicate various fire scenarios. Users can navigate virtual spaces, interact with fire extinguishers, and practice extinguishing fires in a safe and controlled virtual setting.

: This VR training offers immersive and realistic environments that replicate various fire scenarios. Users can navigate virtual spaces, interact with fire extinguishers, and practice extinguishing fires in a safe and controlled virtual setting. Cost-Effective Solution : FireWise significantly reduces training costs associated with traditional logistics, such as organizing physical fire drills or hiring external trainers. With our application, organizations can provide comprehensive fire extinguisher training to their employees at a fraction of the time and cost.

: FireWise significantly reduces training costs associated with traditional logistics, such as organizing physical fire drills or hiring external trainers. With our application, organizations can provide comprehensive fire extinguisher training to their employees at a fraction of the time and cost. Remote Accessibility : Easily accessible from anywhere, enabling organizations to train gographically dispersed teams efficiently. Users can access the application through VR headsets, ensuring flexibility and convenience.



Caroline Dupuis , SVP of XR Products at TLN. "Learners can practice using fire extinguishers without the danger of real pan fires, smoke or potential injuries. We developed it so that participants can build confidence and develop their skills in a safe and controlled virtual environment without the need for an elaborate real-life setup that past fire extinguisher training sessions use." FireWise walks learners through the steps required to use many different types of fire extinguishers that may be found on industrial sites, offices, retail settings, and other environments. It trains the learners to use the PASS Method  Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep  to extinguish fires completely. Learners can choose to extinguish fires with different ignition sources, including gases, liquids, and electrical sources. They can also alter settings for the size and location of the fires they are interacting with. FireWise includes a tutorial where the users can learn about the different types of fire extinguishers and what situations they should be used in.

"XR training programs have the capability to reach learners across so many different industries, and that's why our FireWise VR Training program is so exciting for us," adds Richard Adair, CEO of Pluribus Technologies. "By bringing ROI-driven XR use cases to our clients, we are establishing ourselves as innovators in this rapidly growing market." TLN remains committed to advancing education and safety through innovative technology. FireWise VR represents a significant leap forward in fire extinguisher training, empowering individuals to develop the skills needed to respond effectively in fire emergencies. About The Learning Network

The Learning Network (TLN) is your learning partner with deep in-house expertise offering best-in-class traditional and digital learning solutions to meet your business needs. Partnering with some of the world's largest and most dynamic organizations, TLN creates high-impact products with targeted learning objectives. Specialties in online learning, video and motion graphics production, augmented reality and virtual reality, and 3D development and eco learning systems. For more information about FireWise, please visit: https://info.learning.net/learn-more-about-firewise. About Pluribus Technologies Corp.

Pluribus is a technology company that is a value-based acquirer of small, profitable business-to-business technology companies in a range of verticals and industries. Pluribus provides its acquisitions access to experienced sales and marketing resources, strategic partnership opportunities, a diverse portfolio of customers in different geographical markets and enabling technologies to create new revenue streams and provide the opportunity for these companies to grow in their respective markets. For more information, please visit: www.pluribustechnologies.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pluribus-company-the-learning-network-launches-vr-firewise---hands-on-fire-extinguisher-safety-training-301884584.html SOURCE Pluribus Technologies Corp.

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[July 25, 2023] Watch Communications Expands Business in Four Midwestern States with Tarana ngFWA Tweet

Watch Communications and Tarana announced today the deployment of Gigabit 1 (G1), Tarana's next-generation fixed wireless access (ngFWA) platform, to deliver fiber-class internet service to an estimated 1.4 million households and businesses across Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725122952/en/ Watch Communications and Tarana announced today the deployment of Gigabit 1 (G1), Tarana's next-generation fixed wireless access (ngFWA) platform, to deliver fiber-class internet service to an estimated 1.4 million households and businesses across Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. (Graphic: Business Wire) Watch Communications is an innovative internet service provider (ISP) that has served midwestern residents with various communications services for more than 30 years. Watch is also one of the 250+ ISPs across 19 countries that have adopted G1 since its commercial launch in late 2021 - now leveraging ngFWA's superior performance and a rapid "months-not-years" deployment model to reach underserved communities efficiently and cost-effectively. Before deploying G1 to their service areas, the Watch team had to resort to fiber for ultra-high speeds, as they often encountered the well-known challenges of connecting wireless customers without direct line-of-sight to a communications tower. However, their new ngFWA network has been a "game-changer," allowing for up to 400 Mbps service plans at scale, even in non-line-of-sight (NLoS) paths utilizing unlicensed spectrum. G1, a truly fiber-class wireless broadband solution, has enabled significant upgrades for many of Watch's legacy customers previously limited to typical plans between 5 and 25 Mbp.



Click here to view real-world link examples from Watch's ngFWA network. In March, Chris Daniels, CEO of Watch Communications, joined Tarana representatives on stage at the WISPAmerica conference to share his team's experience with G1. He outlined his "10 Primary Considerations for Wireless Solutions", which he has gathered through three decades of experience on both the vendor and operator sides of the industry. His top-10 list included a variety of performance must-haves and technical requirements, and he concluded the segment by stating, "Only Tarana checks all of these boxes."

Daniels then summarized the main benefits Watch is realizing with Tarana G1, which include 4-6x faster link speeds, expanded coverage range, and much lower total cost of ownership (TCO) than other wireless solutions. He shared, "I ignored Tarana's calls for a year, but I really wish I'd called them back sooner!" Tarana Chairman and CEO, Basil Alwan, noted, "For championing the Tarana story, we can't thank Chris and the Watch team enough. We are very proud to be a part of all they are accomplishing with ngFWA. Together we can bring high-speed internet to communities still stuck on the wrong side of the digital divide." About Watch Communications Founded in 1992, Watch Communications is a wireless communications company specializing in wireless broadband internet, fiber internet, TV, hosting, and VoIP phone services to both residential and business customers in the rural Midwest. Watch has an experienced management team with extensive wireless broadband and ISP expertise to bring customers the best possible product. Their network utilizes the most recent technologies, always-on connections, and high-speed connectivity. Watch is equipped to provide service to almost any home in their service area, and pledge to do whatever it takes to provide clients with quality services. Visit https://watchcomm.net/ to inquire about service in your area. About Tarana Tarana's mission is to accelerate the deployment of fast, affordable internet access around the world. Through a decade of R&D and more than $400M of investment, the Tarana team has created a unique next-generation fixed wireless access (ngFWA) technology instantiated in its first commercial platform, Gigabit 1 (G1). It delivers a game-changing advance in broadband economics in both mainstream and underserved markets, using either licensed or unlicensed spectrum. G1 started production in mid-2021 and has since been embraced by more than 250 service providers in 19 countries. Tarana is headquartered in Milpitas, California, with additional research and development in Pune, India. Visit www.taranawireless.com for more on G1. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725122952/en/

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[July 25, 2023] UnitedHealthcare Donates $1.4 Million To Nine Nonprofit Organizations in Massachusetts Tweet

UnitedHealthcare, a UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) company, is awarding $1.4 million in Empowering Health grants to nine community-based organizations in Massachusetts to expand access to care and address social determinants of health for uninsured individuals and underserved communities. In total, UnitedHealthcare is donating more than $11.1 million in grants through its Empowering Health program across 12 states. The grants will assist people experiencing challenges such as food access and nutrition, social isolation, and behavioral health issues, and support local health education efforts. Grant recipients in Massachusetts include: Community Servings, statewide - $300,000 to research, design, pilot and test a Step-Down Program that will support clients as they transition off medically tailored meals.

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston - $230,000 to expand a sober home pilot initiative with targeted social services to help patients experiencing homelessness successfully transition onto their next steps.

Fathers' UpLift, statewide - $230,000 to fund retention and performance incentives for therapists, and to hire a new clinician and a new Male Engagement Institute manager to help an increasing number of fathers overcome behavioral health and addiction-based barriers that prevent them from remaining engaged in their children's lives.

Mass General Brigham, Greater Boston - $155,000 to implement a Women, Infants and Children (WIC) pilot program coordinating referrals and linking patients and community members to local WIC resources, and to provide produce prescription cards to patients with food insecurity.

Found in Translation, Greater Boston - $150,000 to support the Language Access Fellowship, a program that propels low-income-earning bilingual women into the medical interpreting profession by providing training, wraparound support and ongoing career advancement ervices.

a program that propels low-income-earning bilingual women into the medical interpreting profession by providing training, wraparound support and ongoing career advancement ervices. American Heart Association Greater Boston - $100,000 to continue and expand the Have Faith in Heart health education and awareness initiative in partnership with churches, community-based organizations and federally qualified health centers, focusing on neighborhoods with the highest rates of hypertension.

FriendshipWorks, Boston, Brookline, Newton, Somerville and Cambridge - $100,000 to support the "Friendly Visitors" matching and one-to-one home visiting program for older adults.

Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, Boston - $90,000 to grow the CitySites program by reaching new public affordable senior housing sites, senior centers, and local college and university volunteers, with a focus on cultural and linguistic matches.

La Colaborativa, Chelsea - $70,000 to purchase refrigeration and food pantry equipment for the new Chelsea Survival Center serving the Latinx community.



According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, approximately 80% of what influences a person's health relates to nonmedical issues, such as food, housing, transportation and the financial means to pay for basic daily needs.

Identifying and addressing social determinants of health needs is a core aspect of how UnitedHealthcare serves its members. Last year, UnitedHealthcare screened 4.9 million members, made 2.4 million referrals to community resources, and ultimately closed the loop and confirmed that 84% of members had at least one of their social needs met. Since launching its Empowering Health commitment in 2018, UnitedHealthcare has now invested more than $62 million in Empowering Health grants, reaching nearly 11 million people through partnerships with community-based organizations in 30 states and the District of Columbia. UnitedHealth Group, including UnitedHealthcare and Optum, and its affiliated companies, is dedicated to advancing health equity and building healthier communities by supporting programs to improve access to care and address key determinants of health. In Massachusetts, this includes more than $3.7 million in contributions over the last three years representing its businesses, foundations and employees. Additionally, UnitedHealth Group has invested more than $800 million in affordable housing communities since 2011, partnered with food banks and meal-delivery services, and in 2019 joined with the American Medical Association to standardize how social determinants of health data is collected and used to create more holistic care plans. In June 2022, the United Health Foundation, the philanthropic foundation of UnitedHealth Group, made a $100 million commitment over 10 years to advance health equity, furthering its efforts to eliminate health disparities. This was the largest single philanthropic commitment ever made by the United Health Foundation. About UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making the health system work better for everyone by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. In the United States, UnitedHealthcare offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 1.6 million physicians and care professionals, and 8,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. The company also provides health benefits and delivers care to people through owned and operated health care facilities in South America. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified health care company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @UHC on Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725794009/en/

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[July 25, 2023] EFG Companies Ranks as a National Standard for Employee Engagement, Reflecting Company Vision and Delivering Value for Clients Tweet

EFG Companies employees ranked the company as one of the most innovative, engaged employers among business service companies in north Texas. Based on annual employee survey results administered by Energage, the company that powers the nation's premier employer recognition program Top Workplaces, EFG Companies ranks as a national standard once again for culture and career opportunities, while the executive team scored among the highest in the industry. Over the last seven survey years, EFG has been recognized as a National Standard Top Employer four times, and as a Top 100 Workplace within the DFW area once. Learn More: https://bit.ly/43FLEsq This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725580102/en/ EFG Companies employees (left to right) Verlecia Washington, Talya Bell and Cody Castillo represent the organization's culture of giving back during a recent community volunteer session supporting the North Texas Food Bank. EFG Companies employees ranked it as one of the most innovative, engaged employers among business service companies in north Texas, citing high employee engagement, strong company vision, and commitment to delivering value for clients. (Photo: Business Wire) In 2023, the company experienced its highest response rate yet with 96.1 percent of team members participating in the survey, giving EFG an 82 percent engagement rate. At 82 percent, EFG's 2023 engagement rate is 156 percent higher than the national average. According to Gallup, Inc., the percentage of engaged employees in the U.S. was 32 percent in 2022. EFG's engagement rate is also 12 percent higher than the average engagement among Gallup's best practice clients. "Our team comes to work every day ready to meet the challenge of living up to our values of dependability, respect, integrity, visionary and excellence," said John Pappanastos, CEO and President of EFG Companies. "By fostering a respectful, connected, and inclusive environment rooted in teamwork, we will continue to mobilize a talented team to engage intensely, reliably, transparently, and innovatively to drive profitable results for our clients." Survey results reflect company values EFG partners with Energage annually to evaluate the company's pogress on employee engagement initiatives. Survey results help company leaders determine go-forward priorities designed to positively impact team member experience, and in turn deliver greater value to clients.



Survey results reflect that overall EFG team members feel well informed about important decisions. They are given the space to learn and grow. New ideas are encouraged, and they feel connected to EFG's strong values. When describing EFG, team members used the words: Integrity

Respect

Inclusive

Caring

Teamwork "With results like these, it's clear to see why our median tenure is 5.57 years," said Sue Jewell, the Director of Human Resources at EFG Companies. "At EFG, we show strong tenures across all age groups. We understand the value of creating a place where people want to work, and we endeavor to ensure that all employees feel heard and respected."

The private sector has seen average tenures steadily decrease as the generational make-up of employees has changed. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median tenure for workers ages 25 and up is approximately 4.3 years for men and 3.8 years for women as of January 2022. Work-Life balance scores high In terms of work-life balance, the third edition of the McKinsey American Opportunity Survey reported that as of spring 2022, 58 percent of Americans reported having the opportunity to work from home at least one day per week. Only 35 percent reported having the option to work from home five days a week. These statistics show a dramatic increase in companies returning to office environments regardless of employee wants or needs. EFG took a strategic approach toward a flexible work environment, evaluating team members' effectiveness, productivity and engagement while working from home over the last three years. As a result, EFG offers a more flexible work environment, with approximately 24 percent of employees working remotely 100 percent of the time. The remaining 76 percent work remotely more than 80 percent of the time. Aside from work-life benefits for individual team members, this structure gives EFG the flexibility to employ people across the country. "One thing about EFG is that the ability to quickly evolve is in our DNA," said Jennifer Rappaport, Chief Operating Officer of EFG Companies. "While the pandemic forced companies to take their workforces remote, we decided to take advantage of the opportunity and closely measured collaboration, culture, productivity, and employee development. Because of our talented team managers, we found that quality assurance and productivity stayed strong, while employee satisfaction went up. We have permanently adopted a hybrid remote working model, which is not only positive for our existing team members, but it also puts us at a competitive advantage for recruiting high quality talent as we grow." A culture of giving back The 2023 Employee Engagement survey also reflects the company's continued strengths in community engagement and leadership. Employees have embraced company initiatives centered around career advancement, work-life balance, and philanthropy. In fact, the entire EFG team logged over 750 community volunteer hours during the past year, with most of those hours logged with the North Texas Food Bank. The company plans to return to the popular organization later this year. "Creating more opportunities for community engagement has been a priority for me since I joined EFG," said Ellen McGee, Senior Manager of Corporate Culture and External Communications. "Over the years, we have supported different causes, like Toys for Tots. The feedback after each initiative is that team members want to volunteer more. That's why we put such a heavy emphasis on community engagement by creating a formal community service effort. Each spring, we now conduct a donation or monetary drive for a different charitable organization. Each fall, we give our time to the local community." Earlier this year, EFG conducted a tornado relief donation drive to support a Mississippi community hit by a devastating tornado. The 150-person company collected critical items needed by displaced residents, enabling the hard-working Americans to focus on rebuilding their community. "I grew up in that part of the U.S. and still have family in the area," said Dann Young, Senior Claims Manager at EFG Companies. "I can personally attest to what it means to be hit by a natural disaster, and how important community outreach and aid is to families who've experienced significant loss. You cannot underestimate the difference it makes, and I'm very proud of EFG surpassing its donation goals for this effort." EFG operates from the standpoint that providing a great place to work leads to excellent execution, market differentiation, and ultimately financial success. Initiatives like EFG's corporate volunteerism and yearly engagement reviews demonstrate the company's dedication to the mantra from its founder, Robert W. Moore. "Take care of your people. They will take care of your customers, and your customers will take care of success." About EFG Companies For more than 45 years, EFG Companies has provided consumer protection programs for vehicles and residences across seven market channels. The company's strategic intent is to build sustainable market differentiation and profitability for its clients and partners, including dealers, lenders, manufacturers, independent marketers, and agents. EFG's award-winning engagement model is built upon the belief that the company serves as an extension of its clients' management teams, providing ongoing F&I development, training, product development, compliance, and nationally recognized product administration with an ASE-certified claims team. Learn more about EFG at: www.efgcompanies.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725580102/en/

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[July 25, 2023] Kalorex Group Introduces MAYA: The AI Clone & Avatar of Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff, Harnessing Technology for Educational Advancement Tweet

~ The introduction of MAYA, the AI Clone & Avatar of Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff, highlights The Kalorex Group's dedication to AI and harnessing technology for educational advancement. ~ MUMBAI, India, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kalorex Group (https://www.kalorex.org), a renowned name in quality education and innovation, has taken a momentous leap into the future by introducing MAYA, the AI Clone & Avatar of Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff, the visionary founder. Through this groundbreaking innovation, the Kalorex Group is embracing AI and harnessing cutting-edge technology. It represents a momentous breakthrough in the integration of AI power in education, revolutionizing content generation and fostering a closer bond with students and educators worldwide. MAYA the AI CLONE & AVATAR of Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff (https://manjulapoojashroff.com), founder of Kalorex Group, is a name synonymous with quality education and innovations in K-12 education. Kalorex has always strived to be at the forefront of technological advancements. Keeping with this vision, Kalorex is harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence to revolutionize content generation and reach out to students and teachers around the globe.



As the driving force behind Kalorex Group, Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff has been instrumental in managing premier schools for decades. Expressing her excitement about MAYA's launch, Dr. Shroff said, "The creation of MAYA, my AI Clone & Avatar, exemplifies our unwavering commitment to AI and harnessing technology, paving the way for the next frontier in education. With this cutting-edge technology, we can connect with students and teachers on a more personal level, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for learning. It's an incredible opportunity for us to engage with learners worldwide, stepping into a new era of personalized and immersive learning experiences." Kalorex Group has long been synonymous with professionalism and excellence in schooling. Under Dr. Shroff's leadership, the group manages over 55+ premier educational institutions, including Delhi Public Schools and Calorx Olive International School. The group also emphasizes inclusivity through projects like Visamo Kids and Prerna, a school for dyslexics, making a positive impact on the lives of countless learners.

MAYA's introduction reinforces Kalorex Group's position as a leading institution in education and technological innovation. Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff's wisdom and passion for education will now reach far beyond geographical boundaries, inspiring learners worldwide. As MAYA continues to advance education and engagement, Kalorex Group remains dedicated to fostering the brightest minds and providing top-notch education. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2161043/Kalorex_Group_Introduces_MAYA.jpg

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[July 25, 2023] Perfect Balance Bookkeeping and Tax Services is Expanding to Nashville Tennessee in July of 2023 Tweet

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With an unwavering commitment to helping clients achieve financial clarity and control, Perfect Balance Bookkeeping and Tax Services is making its mark as a women-owned business that prioritizes excellence, efficiency, and client satisfaction. The company's founder, Mary Stefano, brings a wealth of expertise in multi-faceted bookkeeping and tax service disciplines, and her proven ability to streamline operations and maximize organizational profitability makes Perfect Balance an ideal partner for businesses of all sizes. Perfect Balance Bookkeeping and Tax Services specializes in a range of financial solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. The company's comprehensive bookkeeping services ensure that clients can track their income, expenses, and financial transactions with ease, providing them with a clear understanding of their financial health. As a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, the team at Perfect Balance is well-equipped to assist clients in setting up, using, and mastering the powerful QuickBooks software, empowering them to make informed financial decisions. As tax season approaches, Perfect Balance stands ready to alleviate the stress associated with tax preparation. Their team of seasoned professionals will work diligently to ensure that clients are well-prepared, mximizing deductions and minimizing tax liabilities. With their assistance, clients can navigate tax complexities confidently and focus on achieving their financial goals.



Perfect Balance Bookkeeping and Tax Services is thrilled to bring its esteemed services to the Nashville, Tennessee area. As a trusted partner in financial success, the company is excited to contribute positively to the growth of businesses and individuals in the region. Whether you are a small business owner seeking to optimize your accounting processes or an individual in need of reliable tax solutions, Perfect Balance is here to provide the expertise and personalized attention you deserve. For more information on how Perfect Balance Bookkeeping and Tax Services can support your financial needs, visit their website at www.perfectbalancebooks.com or contact them directly at (972) 703 - 9567 to schedule a consultation. Join the growing list of satisfied clients who have achieved financial harmony with Perfect Balance.

About

Perfect Balance Bookkeeping and Tax Services is a woman-owned business founded by Mary Stefano, a highly qualified accounting professional with over 28 years of experience. As a QuickBooks ProAdvisor, Mary's expertise in forecasting and budgeting processes, P&L analysis, process improvements, and payroll administration has earned her a stellar reputation in the industry. The company's mission is to empower clients to take control of their finances and achieve their financial goals through top-rated bookkeeping and tax solutions. Media Contact: Mary Stefano

(972) 713-0137

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KYODO NEWS - Jul 25, 2023 - 21:09 | All, Japan

Japan is considering lifting an export ban on weapons jointly produced with other countries, paving the way for shipment of fighter jets being developed with Britain and Italy to other nations, sources close to the matter said Tuesday.

To realize such weapon sales, the working group of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner, Komeito, is planning to restart their discussions on relaxing the country's strict rules for defense equipment exports in the latter half of August, instead of the fall as initially planned, according to the sources.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told lawmakers of the working group that his government will soon present its view on the transfer of defense equipment and technology and asked the group members to resume their talks on the matter.

Japan aims to ease its stringent "three principles" on defense equipment and technology transfer before it signs a treaty, possibly by the end of this year, on the three-way development of the fighter jets by 2035 and seeks Diet approval next year, the sources said.

The treaty will stipulate the setup of a coordinating body between Tokyo, London and Rome that will be tasked with managing the project's progress and is also expected to discuss the export of developed jets, according to the sources.

The move came as the working group of Kishida's LDP and Komeito compiled a report on July 5 on reviewing the three principles of defense equipment transfers under the war-renouncing Constitution.

The report said the parties would agree to Japan exporting defense equipment with lethal weaponry, including non-combat vehicles and ships, to nations with which Tokyo collaborates on security matters, provided the purpose is for rescue, transportation, vigilance, surveillance or minesweeping.

Meanwhile, the report also suggested that the working group members remain divided on whether Japan can export fighter jets jointly developed with other countries to third nations.

The LDP has been eager to relax the restrictions on arms exports, but Komeito has been reluctant to change them, fearing that selling weapons to the world could exacerbate armed conflicts and run counter to Japan's postwar pacifism.

The government has been aiming to bolster the domestic defense industry and expand support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion.

So far, Japan has maintained its position that the three principles ban lethal weapons exports, except for items jointly developed or produced with other countries that can be transferred among themselves.

The government is leaning toward abolishing the prohibition on weapons exports since the next-generation fighters are sure to be shipped by Britain and Italy to third nations regardless of Japan's policies, the sources added.

Against a backdrop of tight regulations, Japan has provided Ukraine with such defense products as bulletproof vests and helmets, though Western countries have supplied missiles, tanks and fighter jets.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a press conference earlier Tuesday that the government and the ruling bloc will work together in fostering a desirable security environment for Japan and establishing rules for supporting countries under military invasion, calling the defense equipment export "an important political tool."
[July 25, 2023] Quobyte's High-Performance Storage System Advances Cryo-EM Research at Oregon Health & Science University Tweet

Dr. Yoshioka employs Quobyte's technology to address the large data storage needs of cryo-EM research, enhancing performance, capacity and outcomes. SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Quobyte Inc., a top-tier provider of versatile software-defined storage solutions, proudly revealed today that Dr. Craig Yoshioka, Director of one of the three national cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) centers funded by the National Institutes of Health and Research Associate Professor at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), has successfully implemented Quobyte's high-capacity, high-performance storage technology. This innovative technology advances cryo-EM research by addressing its massive data storage needs. Dr. Yoshioka employs Quobyte's technology to address the large data storage needs of cryo-EM research. Cryo-EM, a pioneering technology that enables detailed study of cells, viruses, and protein assemblies, produces an average of 8 to 16 terabytes of data daily at the OHSU Center. Managing and accessing such an enormous quantity of data necessitates a robust and resilient storage solution. Dr. Yoshioka remarked, "Given the large datasets we handle, stemming from numerous daily experiments, we need a storage system that offers both extensive capacity and superior performance. These requirements are often difficult to satisfy simultaneously." The OHSU Center, which services about 900 researchers and oversees over 200 active projects, was previously reliant on a system that, while capable of large data storage, struggled with real-time processing and was prone to systemic slowdowns. Therefore, it was crucial to increase both processing power and storage closer to the microscopes to boost performance and capacity. After careful consideration of several options, Quobyte emerged as the optimal parallel storage solution. Working with leading integrator Advanced HPC, the transition to Quobyte was completed within months, facilitating more consistent performance for the Center. Dr. Yoshioka affirmed, "Quobyte has met all my performance expectations." Bjorn Kolbeck, CEO of Quobyte, stated, "Our scalable solutions empower the OHSU team to focus on their research instead of data management. Our commitment to delivering advanced solutions for high-demand enironments is confirmed by the positive feedback from Dr. Yoshioka."



The application of Quobyte has considerably impacted the cryo-EM research process. The storage system can maintain high performance even under extreme loads, guaranteeing uninterrupted real-time data processing. Moreover, its distributed file system effectively eliminates single points of failure, allowing for smoother data-related workflows. In the future, Dr. Yoshioka intends to leverage Quobyte for transferring large datasets over the internet. Its compatibility with Amazon S3 and its capacity to provide granular access controls make it an exciting prospect for cloud environments.

Dr. Yoshioka concluded, "Quobyte is the cornerstone for data storage across our facility. Now, researchers can dedicate more energy to unraveling the mysteries of life at a molecular level instead of dealing with data storage issues." Boosting Efficiency for Data Transmission and Processing

In the old set up the electron microscopes transmit data at a rate of 10GbE to a NAS system that exclusively consists of HDDs. On the other end, the processing components such as the CPU and GPU establish bi-directional communication with the NAS system at the same 10GbE speed, but only one component at a time. This sequential communication created significant bottlenecks and throttled overall efficiency. Now with a Quobyte cluster consisting of N servers, the electron microscopes can still transmit data at 10GbE, but now they can do so to each individual server. On the processing side, each processing unit has the capability to transfer data with the Quobyte cluster at speeds of up to 100GbE, enabling bidirectional communication and granting each processing unit simultaneous access to every server. Furthermore, the Quobyte cluster facilitates the utilization of both HDDs and SSDs, combining them for optimal performance. For additional information about Quobyte's hardware-agnostic, deploy-anywhere software and its Free Edition for use in data centers with a 150TB capacity, please visit https://www.quobyte.com/. About Quobyte Founded in 2013 by former Google employees and high-performance computing experts, Quobyte is dedicated to bringing HPC scale-out and hyperscaler operations to the enterprise. Backed by over a decade of research, Quobyte's next-generation parallel file system core serves low-latency and high-throughput workloads within a single system. Quobyte offers enterprise IT the benefits of modern storage for generation scale-out with unlimited performance, automatic transparent failover, and non-disruptive updates. Please visit www.quobyte.com for more information. Follow Quobyte https://www.twitter.com/quobyte https://www.linkedin.com/company/quobyte https://www.facebook.com/quobyte View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quobytes-high-performance-storage-system-advances-cryo-em-research-at-oregon-health--science-university-301884491.html SOURCE Quobyte

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[July 25, 2023] Harpak-ULMA Opens West Coast Customer Experience Center Tweet

Harpak-ULMA, the industry leader in smart, connected packaging solutions, announced the opening of its new state-of-the-art Customer Experience Center (CXC) in Costa Mesa, California. The new technology center expands Harpak-ULMA's national support coverage by replicating its popular CXC based in Taunton, Massachusetts. The expansion represents a significant investment designed to bolster Harpak-ULMA's reputation for top-notch customer service and support, regardless of location. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230724102199/en/ Harpak-ULMA's new Customer Experience Center (CXC) in Costa Mesa, California, offers a variety of customer-centric interactive services, from machine demonstrations to training and expert guidance for packaging solution designs. (Photo: Business Wire) The Center is easily accessible from the western US, located 10 minutes from Orange County's John Wayne Airport. The facility will serve as a hub for sales, services, support, and training and a regional parts distribution center. The new CXC will further enhance Harpak-ULMA's presence in the West, offering a variety of customer-focused experiences and services currently available at the company's flagship CXC in Taunton. The Center will host liv demonstrations of Harpak-ULMA's most popular packaging and automation solutions, including tray sealing, flow wrapping, thermoforming, robotics, vision inspection, and stretch wrap equipment. Additional features include the company's newest lines of smart, connected machines and demonstrations of advanced digital connectivity for packaging operations. The Western CXC offers enhanced convenience for customers to test and experience the latest technologies, helping them make informed purchase decisions.



In addition to demonstrations, customers can schedule meetings with expert Harpak-ULMA resources on various packaging topics. Expert advice is available for package or solution design guidance, evaluation of different packaging styles, and packaging strategies. In addition, Interactive services such as sample development, training, and prototyping will be available. "Our expansion to the West Coast enables us to more directly and efficiently offer our services and solutions to our growing customer base in the region," said Kevin Roach, Harpak-ULMA's CEO. "The combination of additional, west coast-based customer service staff and technicians, along with launching a second CXC, sends a confident message to the customers who benefit significantly from our enhanced presence in the region and our commitment to further expanding the best possible customer experience service and technology services, support, and solutions available to the industry."

For more information about Harpak-ULMA's new Customer Experience Center located at 3303 Harbor Boulevard, Suite D2, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, or to experience the Center's live machine demonstrations, call (508) 884-2500. Be sure to visit Harpak-ULMA at PACK EXPO, September 11-13, at Booth #6101 or Booth #6188 in the Las Vegas Convention Center. About Harpak-ULMA Harpak-ULMA is the North American arm of ULMA, a $1B industry leader in complete packaging line solutions for Food, Medical, Bakery, and Industrial products. Harpak-ULMA provides smart, connected packaging systems utilizing Rockwell Automation's controls and information platforms to deliver greater efficiency, uptime, and throughput, as well as better package quality and reduced waste. Well-designed, reliable solutions reduce customers' total cost of ownership, help them overcome the challenges of an aging and evolving workforce, and improve control of maintenance expenses with competitive parts sourcing. In addition to offering ULMA primary packaging systems and comprehensive automation solutions, Harpak-ULMA is the exclusive North American distributor of G. Mondini tray sealers. Harpak-ULMA joined the Rockwell Automation Partner Network in 2018 as part of its initiative to build and deploy smart, connected packaging solutions. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230724102199/en/

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[July 25, 2023] MIT Professor Muriel Medard and JMA Launch Groundbreaking 5G Research Partnership Tweet

3-Year Project Will Deliver Ultra Reliable Low Latency Wireless Service for the First Time in History SYRACUSE, N.Y. and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- JMA Wireless (JMA), a global leader in wireless communications, today announced a three-year research partnership to deliver true ultra-reliable low-latency (URLLC) wireless service with Muriel Medard, NEC Professor of Software Science and Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a leading voice in reliable network communications. Historically, the industry has traded performance to achieve reliability  making wireless URLLC impossible. MIT and JMA are working to make URLLC a reality without sacrificing performance  delivering wirelessly what could previously only be done with a hard-wired connection. The collaboration will focus on two critical research areas. The first is how to deliver ultra-reliable low-latency wireless service to make mission-critical applications. Medard and JMA also will research how to make wireless networks greener and more efficient without sacrificing performance. While smart applications such as autonomous driving are promising in their ability to change lives for the better, their adoption has been limited due to a lack of reliability. Professor Medard's research has created techniques that simultaneously improve reliability and reduce latency. "Together with JMA, we will drastically reduce the types of legacy inefficiencies that currently stymie URLLC," said Professor Medard. "These lead not only to delays, but also to wasteful energy consumption through needless retransmissions and palliative measures such as overuse of bandwidth. We are teaming up with JMA's unique expertise in radio networks to apply network coding in a 5G standard-compatible way, also opening the way for 6G innovation in the area."



"Today, nearly seven out of ten 6G patents belong to countries other than the U.S.," said Joe Constantine, JMA's Chief Technology and Strategy Officer. "With Professor Medard, we are working to advance critical R&D right here in the U.S. with one of the greatest minds in our field, as we restore wireless leadership to this country and control our technology future." This partnership builds on Professor Medard and Joe Constantine's panel at Mobile World Congress Barcelona, where they discussed the power of network slicing. For more information about MIT's Reliable Communications Group, please visit: www.rle.mit.edu/ncrcg/.

About Dr. Medard

Muriel Medard is the NEC Professor of Software Science and Engineering in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) Department at MIT, where she leads the Network Coding and Reliable Communications Group in the Research Laboratory for Electronics at MIT. She is a member of the US National Academy of Engineering, of the German National Academy of Sciences (Leopoldina), and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, of the US National Academy of Inventors, and of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. She obtained three Bachelor's degrees (EECS 1989, Mathematics 1989 and Humanities 1991), as well as her M.S. (1991) and Sc.D (1995), all from MIT. She holds Honorary Doctorates from the Technical University of Munich (2020) and from The University of Aalborg (2022), and has over sixty US and international patents awarded, the vast majority of which have been licensed or acquired. For technology transfer, she has co-founded CodeOn, for which she consults, and Steinwurf, for which she is Chief Scientist. About JMA Wireless

Founded in 2012, JMA is restoring U.S. leadership in wireless technology at a critical time in the transition to 5G. Based in Syracuse, New York, JMA makes the world's most advanced and only all-software-based 5G platform, which it designs, codes, and manufactures in the United States. JMA's cutting-edge technologymost notably a revolutionary software solution called XRANis ushering in a new era of innovation and connectivity for businesses, workers, and ultimately consumers. For more information, visit www.jmawireless.com . View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mit-professor-muriel-medard-and-jma-launch-groundbreaking-5g-research-partnership-301885250.html SOURCE JMA Wireless

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[July 25, 2023] Mobiveil and InPsytech Announce Successful Inter-Op Verification of Enterprise Flash Controller Design IP and ONFI 5.1 PHY IP Tweet

Unparalleled Performance Achieved during High-Speed Data Transfers to and From External NAND Device

Additional information available at Flash Memory Summit August 8-10 in Booth #839 MILPITAS, Calif., July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mobiveil, Inc., a fast-growing supplier of silicon intellectual property (SIP), platforms and IP-enabled design services, today announced successful inter-op verification of its production-proven Enterprise Flash Controller (EFC) Design IP and InPsytechs ONFI 5.1 PHY IP. The inter-op verification with Mobiveils production-proven, highly flexible and configurable EFC IP and InPsytechs ONFI-PHY IP achieved unparalleled performance during high-speed data transfers. The inter-op verification was performed using industry-standard verification IP and models. Additional information of Mobiveils EFC design IP and other SIP will be shown at Flash Memory Summit (FMS) Booth #839 August 8-10 at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, Calif. Attendees can stop by the booth to schedule meetings by sending email to [email protected]. From the moment we kicked off EFC IP development, our IP engineering team focused on delivering high-performance, high-quality IP, which was proven by completing inter-op verification with InPsytechs ONFI 5.1 PHY, comments Ravi Thummarukudy, Mobiveils CEO. Engineering groups are now benefiting from availability of an ONFI 5.1 Controller PHY combo to help them accelerate performance of SSD devices used in client and enterprise storage applications. We are thrilled with successful completion and performance achievement of the inter-op verification of our ONFI 5.1 PHY IP with Mobiveils EFC IP, adds Scott Yang, Vice President of InPsytech. InPsytech's ONFI 5.1 PHY IP has been adopted by multiple chip design groups across various advanced nodes with speeds reaching up to 3600MT/s with many having proceeded directly to mass production design or tape out. Mobiveils Enterprise Flash Controller Design IP

Mobiveils EFC is used to access external NAND flash for high-speed transactions of multiple pages of read or write data, taking advantage of the pipeline performance of newer enterprise NAND flash devices. Its architecture allows control of ONFI 5.1 and toggle devices with flexible addressing schemes. The controllers simple architecture takes advantage of the high-performance needs by allowing all device command sequences defined in software.>



Additional features include support for volume addressing, suspend and resume functions, two pass programming, and multi plan and asynchronous plane read commands. One configurable feature is support of the SerDes interface that can be configured to asynchronous with the Flash interface.

Mobiveils enterprise Flash controller uses sequences that can be changed according to the needs of the device in the field. It provides high performance for any device including special functions provided by the device. Commands along with sequencing are also software defined to provide the user with control of the device. The controller supports independent and pipelined interfaces for the command, data, and report phases. It offers the ability for multiple commands queued and in progress to different chip selects or logical unit numbers (LUNs) while simultaneously providing parallel access to all devices attached to the bus. Up to 256 LUNs per channel are supported and a virtual LUNs feature limits the EFCs gate count based on maximum possible simultaneous LUN operations in the end-user system. The controller has DBI support and can configure warmup cycles through CSR. Mobiveils IP team has more than 20 years of experience developing IP blocks for memory and storage solutions. IP designed by Mobiveil are integrated into hundreds of system-on chip (SoC) designs and shipped to millions of devices worldwide. Availability

Mobiveils Enterprise Flash Controller IP is available for licensing now. It can be targeted to ASIC, FPGA, eASIC and structured ASIC technologies. Pricing is available on request. More information on Mobiveils Enterprise Flash Controller IP is found on the Mobiveil website or email at [email protected]. About InPsytech, Inc.

InPsytech, Inc. is a silicon intellectual property company based in Zhubei City, Taiwan, that offers a portfolio of interface intellectual property, such as DDR, LPDDR, D2D and ONFI. Team members come from world-class firms, and most engineers have advanced process mass production experience. The company is a renowned industry leader specializing in the design, development, and licensing of intellectual property solutions for the semiconductor market. The Intellectual Property offerings from InPsytech have been widely embraced by prominent multinational corporations across the globe, cementing its position as a trusted industry leader. Moreover, the company has garnered long-term endorsements and unwavering support from its valued clientele. For more information, visit www.inpsytech.com or email [email protected]. About Mobiveil, Inc.

Mobiveil is a fast-growing technology company that specializes in development of Silicon Intellectual Properties, platforms, and solutions for the networking, storage and enterprise markets. Mobiveil team leverages decades of experience in delivering high-quality, production-proven, high-speed serial interconnect Silicon IP cores and custom and standard form factor hardware boards to leading customers worldwide. With a highly motivated engineering team, dedicated integration support, flexible business models, strong industry presence through strategic alliances and key partnerships, Mobiveil solutions have added tremendous value to the customers in executing their product goals within budget and on time. Mobiveil is headquartered in the Silicon Valley with engineering development centers located in Milpitas, Calif., Chennai and Bangalore, India, and sales offices and representatives located in US, Europe, Israel, Japan, Taiwan and Peoples Republic of China. Engage with Mobiveil at:

Website: www.mobiveil.com

Twitter: @Mobiveil

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/2725746/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mobiveil Trademarks

All registered trademarks and other trademarks belong to their respective owners. For more information, contact:

Nanette Collins

[email protected]



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[July 25, 2023] ServiceMaster Recovery Management Announces ServiceMaster Restoration Services' National Growth Tweet

ATLANTA, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ServiceMaster Recovery Management  is excited to announce the continued growth of ServiceMaster Restoration Services (SRS). On 6/13/2023, SRS expanded its footprint by adding ServiceMaster St. Cloud to its portfolio, with east coast operations in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, Maine, Vermont, Virginia, Florida and now Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota in addition to their west coast operations in California, Nevada, and New Mexico. ServiceMaster Restoration Services is the largest franchise in the ServiceMaster Recovery Management network, and this acquisition allows for enhanced capabilities and a greater capacity to serve its customers nationally from the west to the east coast across 27 operating branches. "ServiceMaster Restoration Services has worked hard to build long-term partnerships across the SRM network to enhance capabilities and its footprint," said John Tovar, President, ServiceMaster Restore. "This represents a substantial step forward for the ServiceMaster Restore and ServiceMaster Recovery Management networks in accelerating growth." >



Bryan Gelnett . Current CEO, Charles Hoage , will transition into a board seat and serve in a hands-on advisory role. Bryan joins the team with over 20 years of business management and team leadership experience, most recently for distributed service businesses in the healthcare sector. He has spent the past 6 years as an operating partner at Thomas H. Lee Partners, a private equity firm focused on growth investments in the middle market. During this time, Bryan held executive leadership responsibilities for three different businesses in the physical therapy, behavioral therapy, and home hospice sectors. Each business had around 2,000 employees spread across a national footprint, with similar growth strategies of building out a scaled service provider via a combination of organic growth and territory expansion through acquisitions and new facilities. Prior to this experience, Bryan held leadership roles in operations functions at Wayfair, McKinsey & Company, and Light Photonics. He began his professional career as a nuclear submarine officer in the U.S. Navy, where he completed four overseas deployments aboard the USS Kentucky submarine. Bryan holds a B.S. in Mathematics from the United States Naval Academy, and an M.B.A. from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.

For further comments, please contact Bryan Gelnett at 503-719-2257. This partnership and new leadership will expand market share not only through the development of the SRM presence in the industry but the amount of growth it will cultivate for its network. Elite Restoration Holdings, LLC is a progressive disaster restoration company specializing in water damage and fire damage restoration. Looking for residential and commercial restoration services? Reach out to us by calling (844) 993-0527. About ServiceMaster Recovery Management

ServiceMaster Recovery Management is among the nearly 1,000 franchised and licensed ServiceMaster Restore locations around the world. ServiceMaster Restore and ServiceMaster Recovery Management (SRM) serve customers through a global network of franchises available 24/7/365 to provide residential and commercial restoration services resulting from damage caused by water, fire, smoke, or mold. SRM is the large-scale commercial catastrophic disaster restoration unit of ServiceMaster Restore. ServiceMaster Restore and SRM are business units of Atlanta-based ServiceMaster Brands, a leading franchise provider of needs-based residential and commercial services. More information can be found at srmcat.com . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/servicemaster-recovery-management-announces-servicemaster-restoration-services-national-growth-301885186.html SOURCE ServiceMaster Brands

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[July 25, 2023] Great American Insurance Group's PolicySweet Teams Up with Landy Insurance to Offer PolicySweet for Agents Tweet

Great American Insurance Group's PolicySweet, a digital insurance platform for small commercial customers, announced that it has teamed up with Landy Insurance. Landy is now part of the PolicySweet for Agents program, allowing agents to utilize the PolicySweet platform on Landy's agency website. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725077840/en/ The PolicySweet for Agents platform uses technology to evaluate limits and coverage needs to quickly generate a quote, helping agents save time compared to traditional methods of gathering client information. Clients can be connected to a tailored policy within minutes, so they can focus on operating their business with peace of mind knowing that coverage is in place. "Agents are a crucial component of helping small businesses get the coverage they need. The Professional Liability Division of Great American has worked with Landy for several years, and we are excited to build upon that existing relationship," said Kristen Mielcarek, Divisional Vice President, Great American Alternative Distribution. "By working with trusted agents, we can help deliver a seamless experience where small business owners like to shop for insurance." PolicySweet is committed to helping small businesses across the U.S. acquire Business Owner's Policy, Workers' Compensation and HomeHQSM coverage. Agents can produce quotes for clients 24/7 and track lead activity in real-time from their agency dashboard to help their customers at any point during the buying process. "We are thrilled to now offer a quick, easy and affordable way for small businesses and professionals to purchase Business Owner's and Workers' Compensation Insurance. Prospective customers can quote, bind, pay and have a policy issued online in less than 10 mintes, or they can contact us directly for more hands-on support through the process," said Stephanie McNamara, Vice President of National Sales & Marketing, Landy Insurance Agency. "In either case, PolicySweet is a natural fit with our existing suite of products, which includes our exclusive National Errors & Omissions programs with Great American for Accountants, Real Estate Appraisers and Real Estate professionals."



For more details on PolicySweet for Agents or to apply for an appointment, please visit PolicySweet.com/agents. Policies are underwritten by Great American Insurance Company, Great American Assurance Company, Great American Alliance Insurance Company, and Great American Insurance Company of New York, authorized insurers in all 50 states and the D.C. To learn more about PolicySweet, visit PolicySweet.com.

About Great American Insurance Group Great American Insurance Group's roots go back to 1872 with the founding of its flagship company, Great American Insurance Company. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, the operations of Great American Insurance Group are engaged primarily in property and casualty insurance, focusing on specialty commercial products for businesses. Great American Insurance Company has received an "A" (Excellent) or higher rating from the A.M. Best Company for more than 115 years and is currently rated "A+" (Superior). The members of Great American Insurance Group are subsidiaries of American Financial Group, Inc. (AFG), also based in Cincinnati, Ohio. AFG's common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFG. About Landy Insurance The Herbert H. Landy Insurance Agency is a national leader in providing professional insurance coverage. Since our founding in 1949, our mission has remained the same: to provide our clients and insurance agency partners with an exceptional combination of coverage, service, and cost. Our commitment to the traditional values of personalized customer care is matched only by the same commitment to innovation so that we can meet the evolving insurance needs of today's businesses. We offer more options for coverage than ever before, including insurance plans for Professional Liability/Errors and Omissions, Privacy, Cyber, Crime, Business Owner Plans, Workers' Compensation, Bonds and much more. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725077840/en/

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[July 25, 2023] Cenlar Appoints Gabe Rinaldi Vice President of Enterprise Project Management Tweet

Cenlar FSB, the nation's leading mortgage loan subservicer, announced today that Gabe Rinaldi has joined the company as Vice President of the Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725538013/en/ Cenlar Vice President of the Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO) Gabe Rinaldi. (Photo: Business Wire) In this position, Gabe will lead the EPMO, as well as build a process engineering team that will identify and lead initiatives to enhance end-to-end processes with a focus on delivering excellent service to our clients and their homeowners. Gabe has more than 20 years of experience in leading organizations and teams through rapid growth. He has a proven track record of establishing and maturing project management office groups and leading complex mission-critical projects. "We are excited to welcome Gabe to the Cenlar team. His background in project management is not onlyimpressive, but critical to the company as we continue to modernize mortgage servicing. We are transforming the way mortgages are serviced and Gabe will be a valuable part in driving these efforts," said Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rob Lux.



Before joining Cenlar, Gabe was Vice President of Operational Excellence & Transformation at SIRVA BGRS Worldwide, Inc. Gabe held multiple leadership positions at Webster Bank. Most recently, he was Senior Vice President of Deposit Operations at the bank. He was also Project Director, Six Sigma Black Belt, and led the Process Excellence PMO at The Hartford. "I look forward to working with the team and engaging with a diverse group to meet a mutual goal of helping Cenlar to further transform the business," said Gabe.

Gabe earned a Master of Science in Organizational Communication from Fairfield University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting from the University of Connecticut. He also holds several certifications in project management, including a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certificate, a Prosci Change Management Certification, a Project Management Professional (PMP), Human-Centered Service Design from IDEO and Leading SAFe from Scaled Agile. About Cenlar FSB Cenlar FSB is the nation's leading subservicer, servicing loans in 50 states and its U.S. territories. Cenlar boasts a loyal and growing client base including banks, credit unions and mortgage bankers. Our employees, strategically located throughout the United States, are dedicated to customer satisfaction and teamwork that drives client solutions unparalleled in quality, flexibility and innovation. Headquartered in Ewing, NJ, Cenlar is industry rated and audited regularly by independent third parties. For more information, visit www.cenlar.com.

Find us on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cenlar-fsb/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725538013/en/

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[July 25, 2023] Crowe LLP and FloQast Announce Strategic Alliance to Deliver Best-in-Class Accounting Workflow Automation Tweet

Collaboration empowers accounting teams with technology-driven transformation, improved communication and enhanced efficiency CHICAGO, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Crowe LLP , a leading public accounting, consulting and technology firm, and FloQast , a provider of accounting workflow automation software created by accountants for accountants, have announced a strategic alliance to offer an innovative accounting workflow automation solution, aimed at improving the performance and synergy of accounting teams. The alliance will leverage Crowe's extensive expertise and national presence to offer the seamless implementation and integration of FloQast's innovative software to clients across multiple industries. Crowe has a proven track record and wide industry experience in delivering transformative solutions to organizations seeking to optimize their financial processes. With deep-industry experience in leading ERP systems, Crowe is well-positioned to introduce FloQast's accountng workflow automation to its national client base.



"We are excited to team with Crowe, a trusted industry leader known for its exceptional consulting services," said Mike Whitmire, co-founder and CEO at FloQast, CPA. "This strategic alliance will enable us to extend the reach of FloQast's innovative software, empowering more organizations to streamline their accounting workflows and enhance productivity. We are confident that Crowe's extensive experience and deep industry knowledge will provide immense value to our mutual clients." "The alliance with FloQast underscores our commitment to delivering innovative and future ready solutions to our clients," said Simon Little, partner in the Crowe accounting advisory practice. "By incorporating the FloQast accounting workflow automation software into our service offerings, we are providing our clients in key sectors such as private equity, banking, healthcare and manufacturing with enhanced accounting, advisory and financial management services. This enables us to provide a more comprehensive suite of solutions that optimize our clients' financial operations, establish stability, reduce costs and improve decision-making capabilities."

For more information, please visit www.crowe.com/services/advisory/accounting-advisory About FloQast

FloQast, a provider of accounting workflow automation software created by accountants for accountants, delivers an Accounting Operations Platform that enables organizations to operationalize accounting excellence. Trusted by more than 2,300 accounting teams  including Twilio, Los Angeles Lakers, Zoom, and Snowflake  FloQast was built by accountants, for accountants to enhance the way accounting teams work. FloQast enables customers to streamline and manage the Financial Close, Finance and Accounting Operations, and Compliance Programs. With FloQast, teams can manage every aspect of the month-end Close, reduce their compliance burden, stay audit-ready, and improve accuracy, visibility, and collaboration throughout the financial function. FloQast is consistently rated #1 across all user review sites. Learn more at FloQast.com. About Crowe LLP

Crowe LLP is a public accounting, consulting and technology firm with offices around the world. Crowe uses its deep industry expertise to provide audit services to public and private entities. The firm and its subsidiaries also help clients make smart decisions that lead to lasting value with its tax, advisory and consulting services, helping businesses uncover hidden opportunities in the market  no matter what challenges the markets present. Crowe is recognized by many organizations as one of the best places to work in the U.S. As an independent member of Crowe Global, one of the largest global accounting networks in the world, Crowe serves clients worldwide. The network consists of more than 200 independent accounting and advisory services firms in more than 130 countries around the world. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/crowe-llp-and-floqast-announce-strategic-alliance-to-deliver-best-in-class-accounting-workflow-automation-301885355.html SOURCE Crowe LLP

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[July 25, 2023] DataShapes and Carahsoft Partner to Provide Powerful, Interoperating Signal AI Solutions for Government Use on Land, at Sea, in the Air, and in Space Tweet

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., and RESTON, Va., July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DataShapes, the leading signal and waveform AI, analytics, and intelligence company, and Carahsoft Technology Corp., The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, today announced a partnership. Under the agreement, Carahsoft will serve as DataShapes Master Government Aggregator making DataShapes products available to the Public Sector through Carahsofts reseller partners and NASA Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) V, Information Technology Enterprise Solutions  Software 2 (ITES-SW2), National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance (NCPA), National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) ValuePoint and OMNIA Partners contracts.

Carahsoft and its reseller partners will speed implementation of our vital, breakthrough signal, waveform, and video intelligence solutions, said Logan Selby, PhD, DataShapes President and Co-Founder. DataShapes is pleased to join other industry-leading companies in the Carahsoft network, and we look forward to getting real-time, signal and waveform AI intelligence to those who are defending our great country. DataShapes closes the gap between the collection and analysis of signal and waveform data from weeks to minutes with mission-ready, interoperable products that are available at the edge, on premises, or in the cloud. These capabilities dramatically increase the warfighters ability to defend against attacks. Government analysts and operators use DataShapes productsWaveShaper, GlobalEdge, InfiniteLoop, and SNIPRto ingest, monitor, search and analyze any type of signal or waveform, on any platform, anywhere on earth and in space. DataShapes products autonomously monitor operating environments and filter any type of sensor data so that much smaller amounts of relevant data are transmitted. They detect, classify, analyze, and report on data at the far edge, on-premises and in the cloudall in real time. With the addition of the DataShapes products to our offerings, we are able to bring auditable, AI-driven signal and waveform intelligence to customers wh have been eagerly anticipating this capability, said Edward Walinsky, who manages Carahsofts AI and Machine Learning Solutions. DataShapes uniquely focuses on extracting the intelligence locked inside the massive amounts of waveform and signal data produced by the Government. By partnering with DataShapes and our reseller network, we can expedite the process to get the critical intelligence information to those who need it. We look forward to working with DataShapes to bring these innovative products to the Public Sector.



"When you make it possible for people to query waveforms and signals as easily as they search Google, it is a gamechanger," said Jon Myers, DataShapes Executive Chairman and Co-Founder. "Our products are force multipliers that let analysts and operators extract actionable information from signals and waveforms in minutes, not weeks. Joining Carahsofts network will expand DataShapes presence and simplify acquisition for Government customers." DataShapes products are available through Carahsoft SEWP V contracts NNG15SC03B and NNG15SC27B, ITES-SW2 Contract W52P1J-20-D-0042, NASPO ValuePoint Master Agreement #AR2472, NCPA Contract NCPA01-86 and OMNIA Partners Contract #R191902 . For more information, contact the DataShapes team at Carahsoft at (703) 581-6713 or [email protected].

Carahsoft is helping Government agencies connect technology and industry partners with best-of-breed artificial intelligence, machine learning and high performance computing capabilities to meet mission needs. Learn more about Carahsofts AI and Machine Learning solutions here. About DataShapes DataShapes is a veteran-founded company offering AI-powered, signal and waveform SaaS, on premises, and edge software products and solutions for the warfighter, the public sector, and for commercial enterprises. DataShapes has offices in Charlottesville, VA and San Francisco, CA. Visit us at www.datashapes.com. Contact: Logan Selby

(866) 422-2060

[email protected] About Carahsoft Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator for our vendor partners, we deliver solutions for Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Big Data, Open Source, Customer Experience and Engagement, and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Visit us at www.carahsoft.com. Contact Mary Lange

(703) 230-7434

[email protected]



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[July 25, 2023] Stephen J. Harper to Deliver Keynote Address at GoSec Conference Tweet

We are thrilled to announce that The Right Honourable Stephen J. Harper, 22nd Prime Minister of Canada, will be delivering a keynote address at this year's GoSec '23 Conference, one of the leading cybersecurity events in the country. The conference is scheduled to take place between September 13th and 14th at the Palais des congres de Montreal in Montreal, Canada. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725034993/en/ The Right Honourable Stephen J. Harper to deliver keynote address at GoSec Conference September 13-14th 2023). (Photo: Business Wire)



For nearly a decade The Right Honourable Stephen J. Harper led Canada through the world's most complex geopolitical, economic and security challenges as the country's 22nd Prime Minister. As a prominent figure in Canadian politics, Mr. Harper is a long-time champion of the Canadian technology sector. In his keynote address at GoSec Conference, he will share his invaluable expertise on navigating geopolitical trends, technology, and business.

"We are honoured to welcome Mr. Harper to our GoSec Conference as our esteemed keynote speaker," said Anne-Marie Faber, GoSec Conference Organizer. "As we celebrate our 20th GoSec, Mr. Harper's unparalleled experience will undoubtedly provide invaluable insights to our attendees, and we eagerly look forward to his keynote address." GoSec is an annual cybersecurity event that brings together cybersecurity professionals, government officials, industry experts, and thought leaders to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing and address the latest challenges and opportunities in the cybersecurity realm. This year's conference will feature engaging panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, offering attendees a platform to explore cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and how to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. For more information about the GoSec Conference and to register for the event, please visit www.gosec.net. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725034993/en/

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KYODO NEWS - Jul 25, 2023 - 11:18 | Others

The Japanese government is considering appointing Masataka Okano, a deputy head of the National Security Secretariat, as vice foreign minister, government sources said Tuesday.

Okano, 59, who also serves as the assistant chief Cabinet secretary in charge of foreign policy, would succeed Takeo Mori, 62, as the top bureaucrat at the Foreign Ministry.

The appointment is expected to be approved by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's Cabinet soon, the sources said.

Entering the ministry in 1987, Okano took up his current post in September 2022, after serving as director general of the ministry's International Legal Affairs Bureau and director general of its Foreign Policy Bureau.

Mori became vice foreign minister in June 2021.

Related coverage:

China proposes high-level talks with Tokyo, Seoul, with eye to summit

Japan's export curbs on chip-making equipment to China take effect

Biden to host 3-way summit with Japan, S. Korea on Aug. 18: sources
[July 25, 2023] JK Moving Tips Help Make College Move-Ins Successful Tweet

One of the biggest logistical events many families will face is moving their college bound students into dorms or other college housing. With 16 million students heading back to college this fall, many families are facing the excitement and stress of change. JK Moving Services, the nation's largest independently owned moving and storage company, has a list of tips to help make the move easier for college-bound kids and their families. "With more than 40 years moving experience, we have background helping students as well as universities prepare for move-in days. Based on our learnings, we wanted to share great ways to make college moves less stressful as your student heads to school," explained David Cox, president, JK Moving. Here are JK Moving's top five tips for college moves for on- and off-campus housing: Connect: College students should connect with their future roommats to plan what shared items - television, mini-fridge, shelves, etc. - each will be bringing to avoid duplication, as well as know when they will be moving in. Also, many parent Facebook groups exist for each school and can be a great source of information and tips. Make a List: Create a checklist of what to pack. Sort items into essentials and non-essentials and leave the non-essentials at home to eliminate clutter in the new space. Label boxes to make it easier to locate items. Winter clothes can be brought back over the holidays and other non-essentials can be shipped or retrieved later as needed. Wait to buy supplies until settling into the dorm room or apartment to determine which items are actually needed. Coordinate Move In: Dormitory rooms or college apartments are often small, so it is a good idea to move in before or after the roommate. Colleges will often have protocols and move-in instructions, including designated drop-off areas and assigned move-in times so check in with the school, landlord, or housing complex before showing up. Be Safe: When unpacking, make sure items such as candles, aerosol sprays, and certain electronics are unloaded first as these items can melt, explode, or suffer damage from the extreme heat of being locked in a car. Know ahead of time what is acceptable to bring into a dorm or even off-campus housing as some schools and landlords ban certain items, such as microwaves or candles. Go Pro: If moving from a long-distance or from a dorm to off-campus housing, a professional mover may make sense to assist with moving and storage needs. Check the local chamber or school for a list of movers that can help or contact JK Moving.



ABOUT JK MOVING SERVICES For more than 40 years, JK Moving Services - the largest independently owned and operated moving company in North America - has provided local, long distance, and global relocation services to a variety of commercial, residential, and government clients. Headquartered in Sterling, Virginia and voted Independent Mover of the Year by the American Trucking Association, the company maintains a full-time, professionally trained staff of relocation and move management experts committed to providing the highest level of customer care. www.JKMoving.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725346037/en/

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[July 25, 2023] Passport Appoints Jim Parks as President Tweet

Mobility software company looks to Jim Parks to guide the company through the next phase of growth.

Brian Mooney named interim Chief Executive Officer CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Passport, a mobility software and payments company that builds solutions to centrally manage demand at the curb, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Parks as its President, effective July 26, 2023. Parks, who has served as the company's Chief Operating Officer for the past three years, will oversee all client facing and revenue generating operations of the business including the continued development of Passport's digital platform with a focus on customer service and client delivery. David Evans, who has served as the company's Chief Executive Officer since spring 2021, has transitioned away from the business in order to focus on personal matters. Brian Mooney, an Independent Passport Board Member, will assume the role of interim CEO. Mooney has been on the Passport Board of Directorssince 2019 and has extensive prior management and operating expertise.



"Jim brings deep industry and operational knowledge to the role of President," said Mooney. "He knows our clients well, and I'm excited to see the company continue to grow and deliver on our promise to help cities more efficiently and equitably manage the demand at the curb." Prior to Passport, Parks served as Senior Vice President of Operations at Flexential, an IT solutions company, and as a management consultant for JCMR Technology, an IT services and consulting firm. His work extends across enterprise and municipal clients where he has developed and implemented infrastructure strategies focused on business continuity and growth.

"Passport has a great track record in helping cities solve complex mobility challenges," said Parks. "I am excited about the ongoing opportunity that lies ahead to become the single point of integration for our clients as they look for a frictionless way to run their parking and mobility operations." By centralizing data through Passport's platform, clients are able to operate more efficiently, increase revenue and improve the overall parking experience. To learn more visit passportinc.com . About Passport

Passport is a mobility software and payments company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Passport is trusted by more than 800 cities, universities and agencies, including Chicago, Toronto, Los Angeles and Miami. Passport's mobility management platform helps cities manage parking and mobility infrastructure, creating more livable, equitable communities. One of the fastest-growing companies on the Inc. 5000 and Deloitte Technology Fast 500 lists, Passport was also the 2021 Fintech category winner for the NC Tech Association's Industry Driven award. Media Contact:

Allison Guthrie

[email protected]

(818) 523-8581 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/passport-appoints-jim-parks-as-president-301884872.html SOURCE Passport

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[July 25, 2023] Nubank reaches 80 million customers in Brazil Tweet

Nu Holdings Ltd. ("Nu" or the "Company") (NYSE: NU | B3: NUBR33) surpassed 80 million customers in Brazil, as of July 2023. Along with its operations in Mexico and Colombia, the company reached 85 million customers across Latin America. This number has more than doubled in two years, since June 2021, when Nubank had a base of 41 million. Based on official data from the end of Q2'23, the Brazilian Central Bank also positioned Nubank as the fourth-largest financial institution in the country in number of customers. In October 2022, the company had reached the 5th position, quickly moving up the rank in comparison to long-established incumbent banks. Nubank also remains in the top three institutions with the lowest rate of complaints in the country, reinforcing the company's focus on putting the customer first, through its awarded service and innovative products. "The sustained growth in our customer base continues to reinforce the inherent efficiency and potential of our digital business model. This makes it possible to grow at scale while providing high-quality and low-cost financial services. We have robust activity levels above 82% and rising capabilities to cross-sell and upsell, which have been fueling the company's revenues. We continue to invest in growth as we believe there is still a huge potential to increase market share in several products", says David Velez, Nubank's founder and CEO. Internationally, the company now serves 4.5 million customers in Mexico and Colombia, as of July 2023. Mexico was Nu's first international operation, and now offers credit and debit cards, having recently launched a digital account. Cuenta Nu attracted over one million people just one month after its official release, offering 24/7 liquidity and one of the most competitive yield rates on the market, 9% per year. Nu's digital account in Mexico allows access to local deposits and unlocks more growth opportunities by expanding the customer base at an even faster pace. This product will also allow Nu to better understand a larger customer base and thus improve its credit models, an important competitive advantage. The launch of a digital account is also in the company's 2023 roadmap for Colombia - Nubank's most recent, but < rel="nofollow" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=https%3A%2F%2Finternational.nubank.com.br%2Fcompany%2Fnu-colombia-is-nubanks-fastest-growing-market%2F&esheet=53480041&newsitemid=20230725769905&lan=en-US&anchor=fastest-growing&index=3&md5=d7a057bef334d596c82bda244750d90b" shape="rect">fastest-growing geography, which now offers La Moradita, our no-fee credit card.



Growing portfolio in Brazil Nubank's market share in almost all verticals it operates still allows a lot of room for growth through cross-sell and up-sell. So far in 2023, the company has launched over 25 products and features in Brazil - from new insurance options (Nubank Auto, Nu Vidas Juntas, and Parcela Segura) to the company's debut in payroll loans with NuConsignado.

"Almost half of the Brazilian adult population is already a Nubank customer. To keep growing our base in this scenario is a statement to the quality of our products and services", says Livia Chanes, Country Manager of Nubank in Brazil. "We're always carefully assessing our portfolio to offer the best options that eliminate complexity and empower people with the tools and the autonomy to make the best decisions about their money", she adds. The portfolio is also growing for business customers (PJs), which are now more than 3 million. Beyond an account, and credit and debit cards, individual microentrepreneurs (MEIs) can count on Nubank to simplify their business management, with new features that facilitate tax payment and organization, for example. Almost 60% of active SME customers have Nubank as their primary account, according to research conducted in May. Among the company's customer base, there are 10 million entrepreneurs, which represents great potential for even further growth in the PJ segment. Improving financial trends S&P Global Ratings has recently upgraded Nubank Brazil's rating from brAA to brAA+ with a stable outlook. The decision was based on the company's consistent improvement of operational trends, as reinforced by our most recent Q1'23 financial results. Nu posted a net income of $142 million in Q1'23, with revenue nearly doubling year over year, reaching $1.6 billion. The Brazil operation has consistently showcased the compounding effects of the company's business model, reaching a net income of $171 million and an ROE of 37%, also in the first quarter of the year. S&P further highlights Nubank's strong capitalization (Basel Index in Brazil of 18.7%) and efficiency ratio (at 39% in Q1'23), which position the company as one of the most efficient and well-capitalized players in Latin America. Nu also registered a robust liquidity position in Q1'23, with a 33% loan-to-deposit ratio. S&P anticipates further improvement in financial results throughout 2023 and 2024 and expects the company to continue to outperform in the industry. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725769905/en/

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[July 25, 2023] Altruistic and Magnet forge groundbreaking partnership for amplified social impact across Canada Tweet

TORONTO, July 25, 2023 /CNW/ - Altruistic Innovations (Altruistic), and Magnet, an initiative out of Toronto Metropolitan University, are excited to announce a new partnership. Combining a global talent outlook with deep knowledge of Canada's business landscape, Altruistic and Magnet will participate in potential data-sharing activities to gain deeper insights and identify trends to accelerate and improve economic development in Canada. Altruistic and Magnet will join forces to explore innovative AI solutions for workforce development The strategic partnershp will allow Altruistic and Magnet to maximize their combined impact through Altruistic's advanced AI technology capabilities alongside Magnet's deep-rooted community empowerment initiatives. The collaboration will optimize existing programs from both organizations and develop new, innovative solutions to address systemic challenges in an increasingly digital world.



As part of this partnership, Altruistic and Magnet will join forces to pilot, test and evaluate Altruistic assessments and technology and explore innovative AI solutions for workforce development. By leveraging AI algorithms and predictive modeling, Altruistic and Magnet can shape a vibrant future for workforce and economic development across the country. The strategic partnership between Altruistic and Magnet represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of leveraging technology for workforce development in Canada.

"We're thrilled to embark on this partnership with Magnet, a pioneering Pan-Canadian organization that shares our passion for social impact and community empowerment," said Robert Maguire, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Altruistic. "By combining our AI expertise with Magnet's extensive network and deep-rooted experience, we can make a substantial difference in communities throughout Canada." Mark Patterson, Executive Director of Magnet, expressed equal enthusiasm about the partnership. "Altruistic's AI capabilities present an exciting opportunity for us to scale our impact and reinforce our commitment to a lasting positive impact on Canada's employment and training ecosystem. By collaborating closely with Altruistic, we will harness their AI capabilities to create solutions that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and build a more equitable future," Patterson said. About Altruistic Altruistic is a mission-led development firm helping clients to achieve significant transformations through the power of data science, digital experiences, and advanced A.I. technologies. With a global presence in London, Milan, Boston, and Washington D.C., their expert team of data specialists excel in transforming strategies into viable solutions. They address unique challenges and effectively scale technological solutions, from infrastructure management to advanced modeling techniques and performance monitoring. They successfully drive AI algorithms and predictive modeling for workforce and economic development. www.altruistic.io About Magnet Based at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), Magnet is Canada's only Digital Community Workforce System. Magnet connects labour market supply and demand to support the vision of an effective and well-coordinated employment and training system in partnership with a community of government, employment, industry, and enterprise organizations. Magnet's innovative approach brings together various technologies, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving digital solution that inclusively connects organizations and businesses with talent and abundant opportunities. www.magnet.today SOURCE Magnet

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[July 25, 2023] Irish EdTech, SEAtS Software celebrates their expansion into the Australian market Tweet

SYDNEY and DUBLIN, July 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SEAtS Software, an Irish Education Success Software company, has officially marked their expansion into the Australasian market at Enterprise Ireland AN/Z's Annual Business Lunch in Sydney earlier this year. The lunch was attended by Irish Government Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, Simon Coveney, along with Dr Orlaigh Quinn, Secretary General of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; H.E. Tim Mawe, Ambassador of Ireland to Australia; and Consulate General of Ireland to New South Wales, Rosie Keane. SEAtS Software is known for being the first to develop and use intelligent AI tools to rapidly surface potential underlying issues affecting student wellbeing, retention and outcomes at the scale and speed large institutions need. The SEAtS platform has expanded to include surfacing actionable scheduling and space utilisatio insights to drive sustainability and energy cost reductions across campus. They currently support a number of leading institutions across Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.



With the expansion, SEAtS hopes to partner with more institutions in the region to improve student success outcomes and campus management processes. In collaboration with their strategic partners, SoftwareOne, SEAtS' modern education technology enables institutions to reach their goals. Benefits include improving access and inclusion, student engagement and student retention, as well as enhancing campus systems and sustainability. Commenting on the expansion, SEAtS CEO Noel Dooley said "SEAtS success and expansion is further evidence of the global application and benefits of our software for universities, colleges, schools, and their students. We would like to thank Enterprise Ireland and our local partners for their invaluable support and assistance."

"The response to the value that SEAtS Software can provide to third level institutions and their students in the local market has been really positive and we expect great success for them here. The higher education market in Australia and New Zealand is highly competitive, especially for international students, so being able to offer a superior support experience for students is a great advantage" said Enterprise Ireland's Judith Harrington, Market Advisor in Digital Technologies. SEAtS are now supporting multiple employees working within the region, with a goal to recruit more as their operations grow. About SEAtS Software SEAtS build education success software to manage learning, wherever it happens. Whether in the classroom, lecture hall, or online; our mission is to empower our customers to help their students and learners to achieve to their true potential and best possible student experience on a safe and sustainable campus environment that embraces and supports diversity. SEAtS is a Microsoft Education Alliance and Gold Preferred Solution Partner. Find out more: www.seatssoftware.com About Enterprise Ireland Enterprise Ireland is Ireland's national export agency. With over 30 offices worldwide, our local sectoral specialists work with customers to understand their unique challenges and match them with Irish suppliers that can deliver leading edge products and services. Our goal is to simplify and enhance the purchase process for customers and build successful, long-term business relationships between international companies and Irish suppliers. Find out more: www.irishadvantage.com Contacts:

Australia - Ciara Reilly, +61493495207, [email protected].com



UK & IRE  Rodrigo Osorno, +353 834 235 917, [email protected].com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/irish-edtech-seats-software-celebrates-their-expansion-into-the-australian-market-301885097.html SOURCE SEAtS Software

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[July 25, 2023] Australian Government Hails Digital Trust Provider Privy's Entry Into Australian Market Tweet

JAKARTA, Indonesia, July 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Indonesian Minister of Trade, Zulkifli Hasan, inaugurated the first overseas branch of Privy in Sydney, Australia on July 3rd, 2023. Privy is a startup company that offers digital identity and certified digital signature services. Being the first Indonesian SaaS (Software as a Service) company to export its services to a developed market, the Australian Government welcomes and supports Privy's expansion to Australia as one of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) manifestation. On Monday, July 24th, 2023, the Australian Minister for Industry and Science, The Hon Ed Husic MP, and Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, HE Penny Williams PSM visited Privy Office in Jakarta, Indonesia. The visit of the Australian Government Delegation is aimed to better understand Privy's digital identity and certified digital signature services, cyber security, and the management team, as well as to appreciate Privy's recent investment in Australia. "Indonesia's digital ecosystem is dynamic and growing rapidly. I am excited by the opportunities to grow the Australia-Indonesia relationship in this area. Digitalisation is not just about the technology and the people who work in it, you also need confidence and trust. So what Privy is doing here is very important. Privy is one of the innovative Indonesian tech companies blazing a trail for more digital partnerships under the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement", says Minister Husic during his visit to Privy Jakarta Office, Monday (24/7/2023). On behalf of the Indonesian Government, the Vice Minister of Communication and Informatics, Nezar Patria, and the Director General of Informatics Application, Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan appreciated the Australian Government Delegation visit by welcoming the Delegation to Privy Jakarta office. The Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) also expressed its full support for the international expansion of Privy, which is one of the Rooted Certificate Authority (CA), registered an supervised by Kominfo.



At the event, the Vice Minister of Communication and Informatics, Nezar Patria conveyed, "It is an honor for the Government of Indonesia to have a partnership with the Australian Government especially to strengthen the digital economy ecosystem. We are proud of Privy's achievement as the first Rooted CA to expand its business overseas. We hope this progressive step can motivate other Indonesian startup companies to continue growing and expanding overseas. We are confident that Privy and other Indonesian startup companies have the quality to compete globally." Marshall Pribadi, CEO/Co-Founder, and Guritno Adi Saputra, CTO/Co-Founder of Privy expressed their appreciation to both the Australian and Indonesian Governments for their continuous support. Privy is confident to enter the Australian market as it has successfully introduced and reached a critical mass adoption of its User-Centric Digital Identity and Certified Digital Signature in Indonesia. As of today, Privy has more than 40 million individual users and 3,000 enterprise users, and more than 150 million electronic documents have been signed using Privy's web and mobile apps.

"We are determined to strengthen the business partnership between Australia and Indonesia. Privy's presence in Australia is not only aimed to enhance trust and security in the digital transaction among users but also to collaborate with Australian talents and its digital ecosystem in creating cutting-edge technology for the global market", said Marshall Pribadi, CEO and Co-founder of Privy. Among the attendants, Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Meghan Quinn PSM, Senior Advisor to the Minister, David Masters, and Media Advisor to the Minister, Tom Iggulden. As well as, Ichwan Makmur Nasution, the Head of the International Relation of the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, Republic of Indonesia. About Privy Founded in 2016, Privy is the leading digital trust company in Indonesia that provides digital identity and certified digital signature services. In 2018, Privy became the first non Government institution to be licensed as a Certificate Authority (CA) by Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Informatics. As the first Indonesian company to join the FIDO Alliance, an International Industry Association whose mission is to create a safe and user-friendly global authentication standard, Privy attained the Webtrust for CA certification since 2021. In addition, Privy attained certification of ISO/IEC 27701:2019 for the privacy information management system. Privy is the first officially listed e-KYC provider of the Indonesia Financial Service Authority (OJK). In addition, Privy is the only digital trust provider that successfully passed the Central Bank of Indonesia's regulatory sandbox. Privy has had an official agreement since 2019 with the Indonesian Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration, Ministry of Homeland Affairs, Republic of Indonesia to verify demographic and biometric information to the population and civil registration database. Since October 2022, Privy has received the Finance Minister of the Republic of Indonesia decree to serve individual and institutional taxpayers in signing their tax-related documents digitally. Privy is an alumnus of Google for Start-up Accelerator. Privy's CEO, Marshall Pribadi, is currently serving as the Chairman of Indonesia Regtech and Legaltech Association (IRLA), Vice Chairman of Indonesia Fintech Association (AFTECH), an Endeavor Entrepreneur, and listed in Forbes Asia 30 under 30 in 2017. For further information, please be connected to:

Ratu Rima Novia Rahma

Vice President, Marketing & Communications

Mobile : +6289611651505

Email : [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/australian-government-hails-digital-trust-provider-privys-entry-into-australian-market-301885011.html SOURCE Privy

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There's lots to cover in this local crime reporting update . . . From national debates to neighborhood news we share a great deal of info on police action, pending cases and political implications.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

One left with critical injuries following shooting on East 44th Street, Agnes Avenue in Kansas City The shooting happened around 7:42 p.m. on Monday evening.

Homicide on near East 8th street in KC, KCPD investigates The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department is investigating a homicide Sunday evening.

Missouri court to hear oral arguments in ex-KCPD officer's appeal A Missouri appeals court will soon hear arguments from ex-Kansas City detective Eric DeValkenaere, who was convicted of killing Cameron Lamb.

Kansas forms new task force, including the KBI and Homeland Security, to battle fentanyl The task force, launched by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, will include members of several agencies, ranging from the KBI to Homeland Security.

Suspect vehicle photos released in June hit-and-run that killed Grandview man The Missouri State Highway Patrol released photos Monday of a possible suspect vehicle involved in a hit-and-run crash last month that left a Grandview father of three dead.

New Kansas Highway Patrol superintendent says patrol can do better in 'a lot of areas' Colonel Erik Smith took over the post earlier this month.

St. Louis Rep. Cori Bush tops half a million in private security funding while clinging to defunding police that protect the public It's difficult to imagine many prominent public figures don't receive threats in today's weird, wired world. But U.S. Rep. Cori Bush seems to have set up her own private protection racket. Th...

Bonnie Gooch, 78-year-old woman accused of robbing Missouri bank, arraigned in court Bonnie Gooch appeared before a judge on Monday for her formal arraignment.

Violent crime hits close to home "I was personally reminded again of the impact violent crime has on our community by two instances."

Developing . . .
To start . . . Our 2nd favorite peek at how to beat the heat . . .

Meanwhile . . . . . .

Here's the morning MSM mandate that might or might not earn local agreement . . .

The role of climate change is absolutely overwhelming in producing all three extremes, said Friederike Otto, a climate scientist at Imperial College London, who contributed to the new research, which was published Tuesday by the World Weather Attribution group. (

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Preparing for extreme heat: Where to find cooling centers in KC metro The Kansas City metro area is in a heat watch, we will be under a watch until Sunday, July 30 as temperatures reach triple digits.

Heat waves hitting U.S. and Europe 'virtually impossible' without climate change, researchers say The heat waves simultaneously broiling the southwest United States and southern Europe would have been "virtually impossible" if not for climate change, according to a group of scientists who study the probability of extreme weather events.

Video Global July heat waves virtually impossible without climate change: Study ABC News' Ginger Zee takes a look at how climate change is amplifying record-breaking heat across the globe.

'No one wants to be right about this': climate scientists' horror and exasperation as global predictions play out As the northern hemisphere burns, experts feel deep sadness - and resentment - while dreading what lies ahead this Australian summer

Heat waves in US and Europe would have been 'virtually impossible' without climate change, new report finds | CNN Extreme heat waves across three continents this month were made significantly more likely by the human-caused climate crisis, according to a new analysis released Tuesday as temperatures are still blazing in parts of the Northern Hemisphere.

Developing . . .
After checking with quite a few online & insider sources . . . We'll share a quick spoiler that hopefully resonates with our more rational readers.

Sealing the Jackson Mahomes case was a bad idea because it opens the door to social media mudslinging and prevents any kind of media fact checking in order to prevent misinformation.



With that out of the way . . . We want to share a glimpse at recent reporting and the online discourse.



Today's newspaper coverage was incomplete and echos the same sentiments we blogged last week.

Here's the link for those who haven't read it:

Accuser endures threats, business losses and harassment as Jackson Mahomes awaits trial



Cool story but there's a lot more to this discussion.

Amongst social media . . . There are growing questions about why local newsies aren't noting connections to a local daycare that has also endured recent media reporting.

We want to unpack all of this with no prejudice and merely with an effort to report the facts as best as we understand them.

Both Mahomes & Aspen are power players rank who far above TKC and we're merely attempting to document their glamorous and sometimes dangerous life now that it's the subject of a widely reported criminal complaint.

First . . . Let's consider the name game . . .

The Star and other outlets have reported the accuser's name as Aspen Vaughn. That's correct.

However . . . Quick use of the Kansas Secretary Of State's Business Entity Search reveals the name "Aspen Ricks" as owner of Aspen's Restaurant & Lounge . . . The spot were the alleged misdeeds occurred.

And then . . .

Searching Aspen Ricks . . . In the February 2020 edition of the Johnson County Gazette, we learn that she earned national honors for starting the Children's Lighthouse franchise locally . . .



Now . . . Mudslingers will attempt to connect the recent troubles endured by this daycare to Aspen but that's not really fair . . . She's not charged with any wrongdoing.

And yes, a quick check of Johnson County Court dox reveals Aspen's Restaurant & Lounge is confronting a great deal of tax trouble . . .

But I think most adults realize that the restaurant biz is a losing game and none of this has a direct impact on the alleged events of the evening.

Meanwhile . . . Many strident defenders of Jackson Mahomes via social media suggest a financial motive for Aspens' allegations. Defenders of Aspen and/or critics of Jackson answer: Video evidence trumps alleged motive that's merely speculation and doesn't have any bearing on criminal accusations.



Again, this is all up to a the court to decide even as news of the case resonates across the nation and the globe.



For the record, a lot of this info can be found and cross-checked at Aspen's Instagram page which remains online and public. TKC isn't going link it because the page features her youngsters.



Now . . .

The point here is that the JoCo decision to seal court records only leads to a great deal of speculation in the court of public opinion.

In this digital age there are no secrets . . . That's why TKC always tells my current lady friend whenever a former lady friend sends a text . . . Because she's gonna find out anyhoo . . . Even if most of 'em are just Nigerian catfishing scams.

But I digress . . .



The Mahomes case continues . . . Locals are, in fact, entitled to their opinion given that corporate media continues to put this story on blast.

One more time for the cheap seats . . .

We only filed this post so that the online rumor mill can have an objective bloggy source when these facts are discussed . . .

Yeah . . . Our little corner of the Internets has clowned Jackson Mahomes in the past but also contend that he's entitled to his day in court and the public deserves as much context as possible beyond softball interviews with the accuser that clearly don't provide news readers with all of the info surrounding this court case that's quickly turning into he said/she said drama.



Developing . . .


The Jackson County Property Crisis is only going to get worse as eye-popping assessments turn into bank busting bills.



To wit . . .

JACKSON COUNTY INSIDERS LOOKING FOR ANSWERS HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO EARN MUCH COOPERATION FROM EXEC FRANK WHITE'S OFFICE & THE RELATIONSHIP IS QUICKLY SOURING!!!

A bit more explanation . . .



It didn't take long for things to go south with so much public pressure and criticism over property tax assessment.

Moreover . . . Here's an open secret . . .

The Executive has checked out. He's not running for reelection and he's really not a factor in daily operations. The Legislature deals with Caleb and that's a familiar recipe for impending disaster.

Accordingly . . .

We're right back were we started before the recent election.

The Legislature seems hostile to toward the Exec's office and the feeling is likely mutual amid rising taxpayer complaints.

The public & local newsies earned a peek at the Exec's "hands off" approach when he walked out of a recent presser.

Now . . .



As voters & residents put more pressure on the elected official . . . There are a lot of questions, concerns & complaints confronting the courthouse that elected leaders could/should address . . . The only trouble is . . . Exec Frank White has always been HORRIBLE at interviews and/or cross-examination.

And so . . . Here's a sign to look for if this situation hits the tipping point . . .

The Legislature is now low-key warning the Executive's office that they have the power to subpoena Exec Frank White into an open session in order to talk about property tax problems.

The move is still in the planning stages . . . However . . . If outcry over the property tax crisis persists. Insiders tell TKC this will be one of the first power moves the public might witness.



Developing . . .


KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Unknown armed men gunned down a sportsperson in northern Afghanistan's Kunduz province on Monday, the provincial police spokesman Jumadin Khaksar said Tuesday.

Without providing more details, the official added that an investigation has been initiated into the incident and efforts are underway to bring to justice the culprits.

In the meantime, a family member of the late athlete, who declined to be named, said Ali Ahmad Qati, the victim, went missing on Monday and his body was found later in the day. 
Andrew Palamarchuk is a reporter with Metroland Media Toronto and toronto.com. He has been covering the crime beat since 2002 and has a passion for giving a voice to those affected by tragedy and looking at societal issues that may have contributed to it.
Tamara Shephard is a journalist in Etobicoke reporting hard news, politics and health and human-interest stories. Tamara loves to travel and is a fan of foreign and independent films.
Scarborough-Guildwood summer byelection brings just 3.6% of voters to advance polls

Ballots can be cast from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 27
Scarborough RT service may not resume for several days after train derailment, says TTC

The transit agency said dozens of shuttle buses will run until it is safe to resume train service on Line 3.
The TTC said some passengers required medical attention after being shaken around and banged up on Monday evening
Embrace the tranquility of the turquoise waters and golden shores during your stay in a Desaru resort. Visit Anantara Desaru Coast Resort Official Site.



(TRAVPR.COM) MALAYSIA - July 25th, 2023 - Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas in Malaysia has expanded its CSR programme with new initiatives to protect the land and water ecosystems on Desaru Coast.

The resort rolled out the brand-wide CSR programme Dollar for Deeds in June, which matches guests donations ringgit for ringgit, with money raised going to ReWild Desaru, a not-for-profit organisation focused on resident wildlife protection.

The resorts on-site bottling plant helped in removing 154,000 plastic bottles from circulation in 2022

This effort joins the resorts on-site water bottling initiative, achieved through its own bottling plant established in 2022, as well as its food sustainability commitment that sees it sourcing from its own hydroponic farm, run by a local vendor. The resort also partners with Rainforest Alliance, a certified fair-trade supplier, which supplies coffee beans for the restaurants. Coffee pods used in guestroom coffee machines are sent back to the manufacturer to be recycled, while food waste is turned into fertiliser for crops.

Christian Gerart, general manager at Anantara Desaru Coast, said team members were mindful of conservation, and would regularly recycle aluminium cans and paper products as well as switch off the lights when leaving the room.

The resort also promotes a love for nature among guests with activities such as birdwatching and daily nature walks.

More Information - https://www.anantara.com/en/desaru-coast

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Introduction of new 8-day land-based Galapagos Family Adventure provides a budget-friendly tour for Galapagos visitors. Families can meet the wildlife and explore towns in the Galapagos for only $3,999US per person.



(TRAVPR.COM) ECUADOR - July 25th, 2023 -

For Immediate Release

Increasing demand for family tours and intergenerational travel to the Galapagos Islands is a sign that tourism is strengthening and returning to normal in the Galapagos.

We have received so many custom family tour requests over the past year, that it was time to finally launch a dedicated family adventure tour for everyone, said Laura Ward, Sales Manager and Head Adventure Specialist at Galakiwi.

At the heart of the new tour is the classic Galapagos Adventure, Kiwi Spirit style that Galakiwi has provided for Galapagos tourists since 2005. Galakiwis active land-based adventures allow travelers to explore by kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking across multiple islands; but also allow for free time to experience daily life in the islands by staying in small, family-owned hotels.

About this Galapagos Family Adventure

The new 8-day Galapagos Family Adventure is suited for grandparents, parents and children 6 years of age or older, and visits Santa Cruz and Isabela islands, with an optional add-on to explore even more islands. With a private guide throughout the trip, and a multitude of included activities, this Galapagos family tour offers exceptional value.

This tour starts at $3,999US per person, with monthly departures on select Saturdays in 2023 and 2024. Numerous departures are already guaranteed, and full tour details are available at https://www.galakiwi.com/our-tours/galapagos-family-adventure-tour.

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About Galakiwi

Based on San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos, Galakiwi is a pioneer in operating land-based adventure tours in the Galapagos Islands, having started the concept back in 2005. With an emphasis on green travel, Galakiwi tours include a mix of active adventures, wildlife discovery and cultural appreciation. Visit Galakiwi at: www.galakiwi.com

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UNITED NATIONS, July 24 (Xinhua) -- President of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) Csaba Korosi said on Monday that 27 armed conflicts are persistently devastating lives, urging member states to boost funding to the Peacebuilding Fund with the aim of saving more lives.

"As we look around the globe today, 27 armed conflicts continue to devastate lives," Korosi told a joint debate on the UN Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Fund at the UN headquarters in New York.

The UNGA president said that two decades ago, about five countries each year suffered more than one simultaneous war or insurgency. "Now 15 do. Three-fold increase."

"The number of conflict-related deaths has reached a 28-year high and over 100 million people have been forcibly displaced," he added.

Korosi noted that conflicts have become more complex, and civil wars have a significantly stronger foreign involvement.

"And an increase of one degree in local temperature raises the chance of intergroup conflict by more than 10 percent," he continued.

"These realities should be a wake-up call," stressed the UNGA president.

"Unless we place the prevention of conflict at the core of our peace efforts, our 2030 promise of a safe, sustainable future will slip beyond the reach of many of our communities," he said.

Speaking of the Peacebuilding Commission, he said that 18 years after its creation, the commission "is strategically placed to help the UN keep pace with today's evolving threats."

As an advisory body to two key UN institutions, he said, the commission has unique chances to advance coherence and assist both the General Assembly and the Security Council in fulfilling their mandates.

"The General Assembly could benefit from more substantive advice on specific situations, as well as on cross-cutting issues, such as the water crisis, which are major drivers of violence," he said.

"For this end, I suggest that the PGA (UNGA president) and the chair of the Peacebuilding Commission should hold regular consultations, similar to those with the presidents of the Security Council and Economic and Social Council," he added.

Korosi said that from war and violent extremism to the triple planetary crises of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, "global developments are demanding that we invest more in the peaceful future we aspire to achieve."

"The suffering we see - from North to South, and East to West - offers clear proof that the costs of our inaction far outweigh the price of proactive investment in prevention," the UNGA president stressed.

In 2022, the Peacebuilding Fund approved record levels of support to 37 countries, according to Korosi.

He further mentioned that in the previous General Assembly resolution, member states confirmed their commitment to exploring all possibilities for sustained financing in peacebuilding. "In this spirit, I urge you to contribute to the fund."

"To reflect that, if no progress is made today, our goal to save lives will remain elusive tomorrow," said Korosi. "We know we are paying too steep a price for conflict."

He expressed the hope that the debate would inspire innovative ideas to strengthen collaboration among all stakeholders at every stage of the peace continuum. 
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration on Tuesday jointly issued a yellow alert for mountain torrents in some areas.

From 8 p.m. Tuesday to 8 p.m. Wednesday, mountain torrents are expected to occur in parts of Hubei, Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan, according to the alert.

Local authorities have been advised to strengthen real-time monitoring, flood prevention and early warning, and evacuate residents when necessary.

China has a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. 
A 25-year-old Belmont woman who had been detained by police is to be charged with killing ac
Drones hit an ammunition depot of the Russian invaders in the Dzhankoi district in temporarily occupied Crimea on the night of July 23 to July 24.

The Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, Mykhailo Fedorov, reported a drone attack on the peninsula on his Telegram channel, according to Ukrinform.

"Last night, drones attacked the capital of the 'orcs' and Crimea. Electronic warfare and air defense systems are less able to protect the skies of the occupiers. Whatever happens there, there will be more of this," he wrote.

Sergey Aksyonov, the so-called head of the occupation administration in Crimea, wrote on Telegram that drones had hit an ammunition depot in the Dzhankoi district. According to him, in the sky over Crimea, 11 UAVs were allegedly shot down by Russian air defenses and suppressed by electronic warfare systems.

"An ammunition depot in the Dzhankoi district was hit. A private house in the Kirovske district was also damaged by UAV debris," the post said.

Serhii Bratchuk, an adviser to the Odesa region governor, said on Telegram that according to the occupation authorities in Crimea, traffic on the railways in the Dzhankoi district and on the Dzhankoi-Simferopol highway had been halted.

According to the Telegram channel Crimean Wind, some sources report that three missiles, not a UAV, struck an ammunition warehouse near the village of Vilne, after which a fire broke out.

Two explosions were also reported in the Krasnohvardiiske district. The Telegram channel Crimean Wind, referring to its subscribers, reports that a strong detonation can be heard in the Krasnohvardiiske district.

"In the village of Donske, Simferopol district, powerful explosions were also heard at intervals of ten minutes," the post said.

Collaborator Aksyonov said that the decision had been made to evacuate residents of villages within a radius of five kilometers from the scene of the accident in the Dzhankooi district to places of temporary accommodation. According to preliminary information, there are no casualties.

This is already the third evacuation announced in Crimea in the last five days.
Damage to the illegally built bridge across the Kerch Strait is a significant blow to Russia.

That's according to Vadym Skibitskyi, a representative of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate, Ukrinform reports, citing the Ukrainian intelligence agency.

According to the report, Skibitskyi called the recent destruction of the Crimean bridge a "significant blow to Russia" as it disrupts the supply lines of the Russian occupation forces.

"The bridge is a complex structure, but there is an opportunity to strike it and hinder, first of all, logistical military supplies to Russian troops on our territory," he said.

He recalled that Russia had started the construction of an illegal structure across the Kerch Strait after the failure of a "Novorossiya" plan that provided for the creation of a land corridor from Russian territory to the peninsula in the first years of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

"(The Crimean bridge) is a strategic object that supplied the Russian group of troops first in Crimea, and today it supplies the entire southern group of troops, which is located both on the peninsula and in our temporarily occupied territories of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions," Skibitskyi said.

Early on July 17, a span of the Kerch Strait Bridge collapsed following an explosion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the illegally built bridge across the Kerch Strait must be neutralized.
The key battles in eastern Ukraine are taking place in the Bakhmut sector, in particular, outside the settlements of Klishchiivka, Andriivka and Kurdiumivka.

Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said this on national television, Ukrinform reports.

"The enemy's key task is to stop our advance, and the key battles are taking place in the Klishchiivka-Andriiivka-Kurdiumivka area, if we are talking about the Bakhmut direction. And this is the main theater of action in the east," she said.

According to her, on the eastern front, the enemy uses about 400,000 shells per week, or about 60,000 per day.

"That is, it is a continuous wall of shelling, which our Armed Forces are overcoming and are advancing despite this," Maliar said.

She said that the Bakhmut sector was successful for Ukrainian forces in the past week, as they advanced daily on the southern flank of the city.

"We freed about four square kilometers of territory there. If we talk about the Bakhmut sector in general, about 35 square kilometers have been freed there," Maliar said.

At the same time, on the northern flank of the Bakhmut sector, battles for positions continue without any fundamental changes.

"The enemy clings to every centimeter and does not want to give up the positions they occupy," Maliar said.

According to her, in general, in Bakhmut, the enemy "is in a trap and its maneuverability there is limited by our armed forces."

She added that during the past week the enemy has been trying to advance on the eastern front.

"Here they were expanding their directions that [they have attempted to expand] since the beginning of the year - Lyman, Bakhmut and Marink and they have been trying to go on the offensive in the Kupiansk sector for more than a week, but they are unable to advance there. On the other hand, fierce battles continue in the Kupiansk direction too. During the past week, they tried to push our units beyond the barrier line of the Oskol River, but their attempts failed," she said.

Maliar clarified that the enemy is trying to drive Ukrainian troops out of the Serebrianskyi forest in the Lyman direction. Fierce fighting is currently going on there.

In the Melitopol and Berdiansk sectors in southern Ukraine, offensive actions were carried out last week outside the settlements of Novodanylivka, Verbove, Robotyne, Novodarivka, Pryiutne, Mala Tokmachka, and Staromaiorske.

"In this direction, our Armed Forces are engaged in mine clearance, inflict damage on the enemy and are ready to move forward," Maliar said.

In total, in the past week, Ukrainian soldiers liberated 12 kilometers of territory on the southern front, which is more than 192 square kilometers since the beginning of the war, she said.

Photo: Kostiantyn Liberov
Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has detained Yevhen Borysov, the former head of the Odesa Regional Center for Recruitment and Social Support.

The agency's press service told this to Ukrinform.

"A former official tried to escape from the investigation. At the same time, he used elements of conspiracy - he changed his phone numbers, cars, and location. Active searches for him lasted for two days, but as a result of comprehensive operational and investigative measures, he was found and detained in Kyiv," the report reads.

Video: State Bureau of Investigation / Facebook

According to the report, the SBI will petition the court to choose a measure of restraint for the ex-official in the form of detention without the possibility of posting bail.

The agency said that investigators collected evidence that testifies to the illegal enrichment of the ex-military commissar.

Also, the investigation will study the materials of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention that revealed signs of illegal enrichment of the former Odesa military commissar for more than UAH 188 million.

In addition, the SBI recalled that journalists had conducted an investigation showing that the mother of the military commissar last year became the owner of a residential building in Spain worth more than EUR 4 million. It also turned out that, in addition to elite foreign real estate, this year she also bought a Mercedes-Benz EQV for almost UAH 3 million.

Later, the law enforcement officers established that in the past few years, the mother-in-law of the ex-military commissar had also become the owner of expensive cars, including a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, a Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG and a Toyota Land Cruiser.

The ex-military commissar's wife also purchased property abroad  an office space in Spain worth 737,000 euros, also without having a sufficient number of legally obtained assets and income for this.

On Saturday, July 22, the ex-official was charged with illegal enrichment for hundreds of millions of hryvnias and deliberate evasion of duty.

The former military commissar is suspected of acquiring assets the value of which exceeds his legal income by more than 6,500 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens (Article 368-5 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), failing to report for duty on time without valid reasons (Part 5 of Article 407 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), and evading military service by deception committed under martial law (Part 4 of Article 409 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

The articles provide for up to ten years of imprisonment.

The investigation is ongoing.

Photo: armyinform.com.ua
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- China's meteorological authorities on Tuesday evening renewed a blue alert for rainstorms.

From 8 p.m. Tuesday to 8 p.m. Wednesday, heavy rain or rainstorms are forecast to hit parts of Tibet, Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Chongqing, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian and Taiwan, according to the National Meteorological Center.

Some of these regions will experience heavy rainfall, with maximum hourly precipitation exceeding 80 millimeters, as well as severe convective weather conditions, such as thunderstorms and gales, the meteorological center said.

It has advised local governments and residents to take appropriate precautions. Schools and kindergartens have been asked to ensure the safety of students and children, while drivers have been advised to be alert and cautious due to road waterlogging and traffic jams.

China has a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. 
The explosions in the temporarily occupied Crimea are part of a plan to bring the de-occupation of the peninsula closer.

Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people Refat Chubarov said this in a video address on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

Chubarov noted that from July 17, Russian military targets in the temporarily occupied Crimea have been attacked daily.

"Two explosions that occurred on the night of July 17 severely damaged the Kerch Bridge. Even then, we assessed them as part of a holistic plan to bring the liberation of Crimea closer. As you can see, we were right. A few days later, powerful ammunition depots were destroyed at the Kirov district training ground. And this morning, explosions continue at the ammunition depot in the village of Vilne, 25 kilometers from Dzhankoi. Also, a number of other attacks on military facilities in Crimea have been carried out these days," noted Chubarov.

In his opinion, there is not a single person left on the peninsula who does not realize that the liberation of the peninsula is inevitable.

Chubarov called on Crimeans who are loyal to the Ukrainian state to take care of themselves and support each other.

"If you live in a rural area, fortify cellars and basements, prepare food, water, and medicines. You may need it for some time. The main thing is not to be afraid. The liberation of Crimea is coming soon," Chubarov emphasized.

Head of the Mejlis said that the colonists who illegally settled in Crimea "should not tempt fate".

"You see, the bridge is very damaged, but it is still standing. It is very difficult for you to leave, you are being sent via an 'alternative route'. Soon, the Ukrainian Armed Forces will also cut this corridor. For now, the ferry is still running, so you can cross the bridge, but you have to wait in line. Do not delay. Pack your things and leave Crimea for the places you came from," he advised.

Chubarov added that collaborators should do the same.

"By leaving Crimea, you will relieve the Ukrainian special services and Ukrainian courts of their worries. We will find you, but later, when Russia capitulates to Ukraine and its partners. But it is better for you to leave Crimea now. Otherwise, no one will deal with you in the first days. Tomorrow it will be too late. The bridge will collapse, the ferry will be sunk, the corridor will be cut. You will be left in a sack," he said.

As reported, on the night of July 24, drones hit an ammunition depot of the Russian invaders in the Dzhankoi district of the temporarily occupied Crimea.

On July 20, explosions were heard near the airfields in the villages of Hvardiisk and Novofedorivka in the temporarily occupied Crimea.

On the night of July 17, a section of the bridge across the Kerch Strait collapsed. It was preceded by explosions.
With the help of long-range missile systems ATACMS, Ukraine could destroy Russian coastal missile systems and ships in enemy ports.

Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat said this on the air of the nationwide telethon "United News", Ukrinform reports.

"The ATACMS system we dream of is capable of destroying, first of all, ground targets. Now the Defense Forces can reach any point in Crimea, but they need the means to do so," Ihnat said.

According to him, it is also necessary to have intelligence data, to understand where Russian systems are located to destroy them effectively.

As Ukrinform reported, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine is negotiating with the United States and other countries to transfer ATACMS and similar missiles.

Resolution H.Res. 488 calling on the Biden administration to provide Ukraine with ATACMS missiles was introduced in the US Congress in the first half of June. The text of the document emphasizes the need to provide Ukraine with long-range missiles immediately while maintaining the combat readiness of the United States.

Deputy Defense Minister Volodymyr Havrylov stated that the Ukrainian Defense Forces need long-range precision weapons to achieve victory over the Russian invaders.
Moscow has already imported $100 million worth of drones from China this year -- 30 times more than Ukraine.

That's according to Politico, Ukrinform reports.

Chinese exports of ceramics, a component used in body armor, increased by 69% to Russia to more than $225 million, while dropping by 61% to Ukraine to a mere $5 million, Chinese and Ukrainian customs data show.

"What is very clear is that China, for all its claims that it is a neutral actor, is in fact supporting Russia's positions in this war," said Helena Legarda, a lead analyst specializing in Chinese defense and foreign policy at the Mercator Institute for China Studies, a Berlin think tank.

Were China to cross the red line and sell weapons or military equipment to Russia, Legarda said she would expect the EU to enforce secondary sanctions targeting enablers of Putin's war of aggression. But, she added, equipment like body armor, thermal imaging, and even commercial drones that can be used in offensive frontline operations are unlikely to trigger a response.

China's Shanghai H Win, a manufacturer of military-grade protective gear, has enjoyed a surge in business since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. One of its buyers is Silva, a company headquartered in the remote Eastern Siberian region of Buryatia. It ordered 100,000 bulletproof vests and 100,000 helmets.

According to public records, Silva was registered only last September. It reported zero revenues for 2022. A Google Street View search of its address in Ulan-Ude, the capital of Buryatia, takes visitors to a dilapidated apartment block.

Another Russian company called Legittelekom, whose homepage reveals it to be a Moscow freight forwarding company, also appears as a buyer of 100,000 items of headgear and 100,000 suits of outerwear from Deekon Shanghai, according to filings dated last November 24.
Twenty-three military clashes have occurred between Ukraines Defense Forces and Russian invaders 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 Melitopol and Berdiansk directions, Ukrainian forces continue the offensive and are gaining foothold within the re-captured frontiers, attacking the detected enemy targets with artillery and conducting counterbattery measures.

In the past 24 hours, Ukraines Air Force has launched eight strikes on Russian personnel, ammunition and military equipment clusters, and four strikes on enemy surface-to-air missile systems.

Ukrainian missile and artillery units hit four enemy command posts, three air defense missile systems, nine artillery systems in firing position, and four electronic warfare systems.

The Ukrainian military also shot down three Shahed-136 loitering munitions.

Meanwhile, Russian troops launched one missile and 58 air strikes, and opened fire with multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) 26 times. Following Russian terrorist attacks, casualties among civilians were reported, as well as the damage caused to port infrastructure and grain storage facilities in southern Ukraine, residential houses 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.

In the Siverskyi and Slobozhanskyi directions, Russian troops are maintaining military presence. The enemy launched air strikes near the Kharkiv regions Huriv Kozachok and Pishchane. Over 15 settlements were affected by Russian mortar and artillery strikes in the Chernihiv, Sumy and Kharkiv regions.

In the Kupiansk direction, Russians launched air strikes near the Kharkiv regions Terny, Vilshana and Kyslivka, as well as artillery and mortar strikes on the Kharkiv regions Krasne Pershe, Fyholivka, Dvorichna, Zapadne, Kupiansk and Odradne.

In the Lyman direction, Russian troops launched air strikes near the Luhansk regions Bilohorivka, and the Donetsk regions Lyman, Yampil, Siversk, Spirne and Rozdolivka. Russiana artillery strikes affected the Luhansk regions Nevske and Bilohorivka, and the Donetsk regions Torske, Verkhniokamianske, Spirne and Rozdolivka.

In the Bakhmut direction, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled Russian attacks to the northwest of the Donetsk regions Orikhovo-Vasylivka, to the south of Ivanivske and to the west of Klishchiivka. The enemy launched air strikes on the Donetsk regions Dyliivka and Predtechyne. 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 the Donetsk regions Pervomaiske. Over 10 settlements were affected by Russian artillery strikes. The enemy launched air strikes near the Donetsk regions Novokalynove, Avdiivka and Nevelske.

In the Marinka direction, Ukrainian forces continue holding back Russias onslaught near Krasnohorivka and Marinka. Over 10 settlements were affected by Russian shelling.

In the Shakhtarske direction, Russian troops conducted unsuccessful offensive actions near the Donetsk regions Rivnopil. Over 10 settlements were affected by Russian shelling.

In the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson directions, Russian occupiers are focusing efforts to prevent Ukrainian forces from advancing. Over 30 settlements were affected by Russian artillery strikes. The enemy launched air strikes near the Zaporizhzhia regions Mala Tokmachka, Orikhiv and Lobkove.

In the temporarily occupied areas, Russian invaders continue looting and using civilian health infrastructure for military purposes. In the Kherson regions Radensk, Russian occupiers set up a field hospital in a local kindergarten. Dozens of Russian soldiers are undergoing treatment there.
Ukrainian aircraft launched one strike on the enemy's command post, eight strikes on military personnel concentration areas, and six strikes on the enemy's anti-aircraft missile systems over the last 24 hours.

That's according to the Facebook page of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.

"The Russian Federation continues to kill the Ukrainian civilian population and continues to ignore the laws and customs of war, using terror tactics. Last night, the Russian Federation launched another attack on Ukraine involving Iranian-made Shahed attack UAVs. Information about the consequences is being clarified. Over the past 24 hours, the enemy launched 1 missile strike and 72 air strikes and carried out more than 50 attacks from multiple rocket launchers on the positions of our troops and populated areas. Unfortunately, there are dead and wounded among children and civilians. Port infrastructure and grain storage facilities in southern Ukraine, as well as residential buildings, were destroyed and damaged," the post said.

The probability of missile and air strikes on targets across Ukraine remains high, the General Staff warned.

In the past 24 hours, more than 35 combat engagements were recorded.

On the Volyn and Polissia axis, the operational situation has not changed significantly.

On the Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axis, the enemy carried out air strikes outside Huriiv Kozachok and Pishchane in the Kharkiv region. More than 30 settlements came under mortar and artillery shelling, including areas northeast of Leonivka, Chernihiv region, Seredyna-Buda, Boiaro-Lezhachi, Bilopillia, areas east of Uhroidy and southeast of Popivka in the Sumy region, as well as Strilecha, Ohirtseve, Bochkove, Nesterne and Budarka in the Kharkiv region.

In the Kupiansk sector, airstrikes were recorded near Terny, Vilshana and Kyslivka, while Krasne Pershe, Fyholivka, Dvorichna, Zapadne, Kupiansk, Odradne and Kyslivka in the Kharkiv region were hit by enemy artillery and mortar fire.

On the Lyman axis, the enemy carried out airstrikes near Bilohorivka, Luhansk region, and Lyman, Yampil, Siversk, Spirne and Rozdolivka, Donetsk region. The settlements of Nevske and Bilohorivka in the Luhansk region and Torske, Verkhniokamianske, Spirne and Rozdolivka in the Donetsk region came under artillery fire.

In the Bakhmut sector, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled enemy attacks in areas northwest of Orikhovo-Vasylivka, south of Ivanivske and west of Klishchiivka. The enemy carried out airstrikes outside Dyliivka and Predtechyne in the Donetsk region. More than ten settlements, including Klishchiivka, Chasiv Yar, Kostiantynivka, Kramatorsk, Pivnichne and New York in the Donetsk region were came under enemy artillery shelling.

On the Avdiivka axis, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled attacks by Russian troops near Pervomaiske. The enemy carried out airstrikes near Novokalynove, Avdiivka and Nevelske. At the same time, the enemy carried out artillery shelling of more than ten settlements, including Avdiivka, Lastochkyne, Vodiane, Pervomaiske and Karlivka in the Donetsk region.

In the Marinka sector, Ukrainian defense forces continue to hold back the advance of Russian troops near Krasnohorivka and Marinka. The enemy shelled more than ten settlements, including Krasnohorivka, Mariinka, Pobieda, Heorhiivka and Maksymilianivka in the Donetsk region.

In the Shakhtarske area, the enemy carried out unsuccessful offensive actions near Rivnopil, Donetsk region. The enemy shelled more than ten settlements, including Paraskoviivka, Novomykhailivka, Vuhledar and Blahodatne in the Donetsk region.

On the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axis, the enemy is concentrating its main efforts on preventing the further advance of Ukrainian troops. The enemy carried out airstrikes outside Mala Tokmachka, Orikhiv and Lobkove of the Zaporizhzhia region. More than 35 settlements were hit by artillery fire, including Novodarivka, Levadne, Stepove, Lobkove and Kamianske in the Zaporizhzhia region, as well as Burhunka, Lvove, Tiahynka, Mykilske, Dniprovske and Stanislav of the Kherson region and Kherson city.

At the same time, Ukrainian defense forces continue to conduct an offensive operation in the Melitopol and Berdiansk sectors and are entrenching themselves on the achieved lines.

"In the past 24 hours, the aircraft of the Defense Forces launched a strike on the enemy's command post, eight strikes on personnel concentration areas and six strikes on the enemy's anti-aircraft missile systems. In the past 24 hours, our defenders destroyed three Shahed-136 attack UAVs of the enemy. In the past 24 hours, units of rocket troops and artillery hit four command posts, three air defense systems, nine artillery pieces at firing positions and four electronic warfare stations of the occupiers," the General Staff said.

Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
A drone attack in downtown Moscow on July 24 is the result of a brutal war that Russia started and that the Kremlin can stop at any moment by withdrawing its troops from Ukraine.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said this at a press briefing in Washington on July 24, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"This is a war that Russia started," she said, commenting on the latest developments, including two drone strikes in central Moscow.

Jean-Pierre said that the Kremlin could end this war at any time by withdrawing its forces from Ukraine instead of launching brutal attacks on peaceful cities. She recalled that Russia has been striking civilian objects in Ukraine almost every day for more than 15 months.

Read also: Noisy night in Moscow as authorities report drone attack

"Russia has been bombarding the Ukrainian port of Odesa; killing and injuring Ukrainian civilians; devastating UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites, [] and destroying tens of thousands of tonnes of grain that were going to be shipped to countries around the world," she said.

Jean-Pierre also noted that the United States did not support strikes by Ukrainian forces inside of Russia. At the same time, she recalled that Crimea is part of Ukraine.

In this regard, she said that the United States, together with its allies and partners, would continue to provide security assistance to Ukraine as it is fighting for freedom and sovereignty.

Earlier reports said that a drone attack on Russia's capital, Moscow, early on July 24 had damaged a building located next to the Russian Defense Ministry and the building of the Leroy Merlin business center.

According to Russian media reports, about 25 drones attacked Moscow and its suburbs.
Ukraine's defense forces killed about 243,220 Russian invaders between February 24, 2022 and July 25, 2023, including 600 in the past 24 hours.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said this in a post on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.

In addition, Ukraine's defense forces destroyed 4,174 (+12) enemy tanks, 8,131 (+13) armored combat vehicles, 4,705 (+30) artillery systems, 698 (+1) multiple rocket launchers, 454 (+2) air defense systems, 315 warplanes, 310 helicopters, 3,977 (+14) tactical UAVs, 1,307 (+9) cruise missiles, 18 warships/cutters, 7,194 (+11) trucks and fuel tankers, and 703 (+4) units of specialized equipment.

Data on enemy losses are being clarified.
As a result of Russian aggression in Ukraine, 497 children were killed and 1077 were injured.

The Office of the Prosecutor General reported this on Telegram, according to Ukrinform.

"More than 1574 children have been injured in Ukraine as a result of Russia's full-scale armed aggression. As of the morning of July 25, 2023, according to official information from juvenile prosecutors, 497 children were killed and more than 1077 were injured of varying severity," the statement said.

These numbers are not final. Work is ongoing to establish them in the areas of hostilities, on the temporarily occupied and liberated territories.

Most children were affected in the Donetsk region - 481, Kharkiv - 298, Kyiv - 129, Kherson - 116, Zaporizhzhia - 97, Mykolaiv - 89, Dnipro - 83, Chernihiv - 71, Luhansk - 67.

On July 24, a 10-year-old boy died and four children aged 5 to 12 were injured as a result of an enemy attack on the town of Kostyantynivka in the Donetsk region.

A 12-year-old boy was injured as a result of Russian shelling of Pishchane village in the Kupyansk district of the Kharkiv region.
The occupation administration of Zaporizhzhia NPP put power unit 4 into a hot shutdown state. This is a gross violation of the requirements of the license to operate this nuclear facility.

Energoatom reported this on Telegram, Ukrinform says.

"On July 24, 2023, despite the requirements of the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine (SNRIU) and Energoatom, power unit 4 was put into a hot shutdown state at the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP pursuant to the order of the illegitimate management. Such actions are a gross violation of the requirements of the license to operate this nuclear facility. The operation of ZNPP unit 4 should be carried out exclusively in the cold shutdown state," the statement said.

Energoatom reminds that after Russia blew up the Kakhovka HPP dam on June 6 and the actual disappearance of the Kakhovka reservoir, there are real risks of insufficient cooling water supply to ZNPP. This blocks the ability of the plant to operate at full capacity, and the Russian occupation administration and Rosatom representatives are aware of this. This means that it is an undeniable risk to nuclear and radiation safety due to the long downtime of the power unit equipment and lack of proper routine maintenance and repair of equipment.

The commission of illegal actions containing signs of criminal offenses provided for by the following articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine is observed:

- Art. 267 (Violation of the rules of handling explosive, flammable and caustic substances or radioactive materials);

- Art. 274 (Violation of nuclear or radiation safety rules);

- Art. 14 (Crime preparation);

- Art. 258 (Terrorist act).

In this regard, the president of Energoatom Petro Kotin appealed to the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine.

"The occupiers continue to commit criminal acts. They violate the requirements of the operating license issued by SNRIU (to transfer all units of the station to a cold shutdown), as well as the requirements of the IAEA. This is a deliberate and intentional violation of the norms of Ukrainian and international legislation. Inevitable punishment awaits the Russian invaders," the message states.

Read also: About 500 Russian military personnel and Rosatom employees are at ZNPP

As Kotin emphasized, by using the plant as a military base and by putting the reactor into a hot shutdown state, the Russian occupation administration violates all the norms of the plant's nuclear and radiation safety.

Also, the president of Energoatom appealed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, emphasizing the need to call on the IAEA to take measures to influence the occupying administration of ZNPP to transfer all power units of the plant to a cold shutdown state and to spread a corresponding note among the IAEA's member countries.

As reported, the IAEA's Director General, Rafael Mariano Grossi, said that IAEA experts have observed directional anti-personnel mines at ZNPP.
One of the units of the Ukrainian Armys Special Operations Forces, acting in conjunction with the artillery, destroyed Russias Tirada and Leyer-2 electronic warfare complexes on the Bakhmut axis.

Thats according to the General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces, Ukrinform reports.

The Ukrainian defenders ran an aerial reconnaissance mission over the Russian positions, and after identifying the targets, successfully informed and spotted the Ukrainian artillery fire.

"In general, in a short period of time, nine enemy targets were hit with high-precision strikes," reads the statement posted on Facebook.

Read also: Enemy loitering munitions attack infrastructure object in Zhytomyr region

In addition to electronic warfare systems, the Ukrainian strikes also decimated Russian artillery systems and armored vehicles.

Together with scouts, FPV drone operators work out their tasks, targeting enemy hardware and manpower, as well as destroying Russias observation capabilities.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, referring to the General Staff, from February 24, 2022 to July 25, 2023, the Ukrainian Defense Forces eliminated 243,220 Russian invaders.

Photo: General Staff
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The China Great Wall Museum on Tuesday began seeking cultural relics from home and abroad in a move to further promote the research, collection and protection of the cultural heritage of the Great Wall.

Cultural relics include objects, photographs, documents and construction tools that reflect the construction and development of the Great Wall during various periods of Chinese history.

The museum is also seeking material evidence documenting major events, important people and key works related to the Great Wall, as well as various types of related publications.

"The Great Wall of China is a symbol of Chinese civilization," said Ren Jianghao, deputy head of Beijing's Yanqing District, noting that the museum needs to enrich its collection of cultural relics further to display the full history and culture of the Great Wall.

The museum, located in the scenic area of the Badaling Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been closed for renovation and upgrades since April 2022.

The renovation project covers a land area of approximately 27,000 square meters and a construction area of about 16,000 square meters.

Opened in 1994, the museum has since received about 10 million visitors from home and abroad. 
The fact that Russia deployed a number of nuclear warheads in the territory of Belarus does not fundamentally change anything for Ukraine.

Thats according to Andriy Yusov, a spokesman for the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraines Defense Ministry, who spoke at the national telethon, commenting on whether earlier reports of such deployment are true, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Everyone, in principle, has already said that this is a reality. Why should we deny it? But the main thing is that what does this fundamentally change for Ukraine? The answer is simple: nothing," he said.

Answering the question of why this was done and for whom it was intended, Yusov expressed his opinion regarding the repetition of, in particular, the Caribbean crisis, only closer and smaller in scale.

"Russian nuclear weapons might remain on the territory of Belarus. But globally, in terms of security, it does not change anything for either Europe or Ukraine," said the GUR spokesman.

As reported earlier, Ukraines defense intelligence warned that the Russians would continue to employ nuclear blackmail as one of the elements of pressure on Ukraine.
Poland is seeking to join the steering committee of the G7 Multilateral Donor Coordination Platform to provide assistance to Ukraine.

For this purpose, Jadwiga Emilewicz, the Polish government's commissioner for the reconstruction of Ukraine, is visiting the United States on July 25-26, according to Ukrinform, citing Dziennik Gazeta Prawna.

According to the Ministry of Foundations and Regional Policy of Poland, the main purpose of Emilewicz's visit to Poland is "the possibility of cooperation between Poland and the United States in the process of rebuilding Ukraine, as well as the issue of Poland's inclusion in the work of the steering committee of the G7 Multilateral Donor Coordination Platform."

In Washington, the Polish official will, in particular, hold talks with Maria Longhi, coordinator of the U.S. State Department's Office of European and Eurasian Assistance, and with David De Falco, deputy assistant secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs at the Department of Commerce. Emilewicz will also meet with representatives of USAID and J.P. Morgan in Washington, DC. The Polish Government Commissioner for Ukraine's reconstruction will participate in an expert discussion on the Polish approach to Ukraine's reconstruction.

As you know, the Multi-Stakeholder Donor Coordination Platform for Ukraine was established in accordance with the decision of the G7 leaders on December 12, 2022. The Steering Committee of the Platform consists of senior officials from Ukraine, the G7 countries and the European Union. The Committee meets regularly and manages the Platform by consensus.

As reported, Poland is working on a 'white paper' on controversial issues in economic relations between Kyiv and Warsaw.
If Western F-16 fighter jets are handed over to Ukraine, the country will not depend on Russian blackmail in terms of the export of Ukrainian grain.

The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, stated this in an interview with the France24 channel, Ukrinform reports.

"Absolutely, if we have F-16s, we will not depend on Russian blackmail in exporting Ukrainian grain to global markets. So the sooner we receive them, the sooner we will be able to launch a new (grain - ed.) corridor  protected, efficient, and that will function without any hindrances. And then millions of tonnes of Ukrainian grain will make it to the global market, stabilizing prices, lowering them, helping people to avoid famine," he said.

According to Kuleba, the most important consequence of this will be that Russia will lose the opportunity to blackmail the world.

The minister also stated that the demand of a number of EU countries to extend restrictions on Ukrainian agricultural imports after September 15 is unacceptable.

"The demand coming from certain countries to extend the application of EU restrictions (on Ukrainian agricultural imports - ed.) beyond September 15 also goes against their own interests. And we should also be mindful about the fact that one of the reasons why Russia is destroying Ukrainian agriculture grain infrastructure is because they want to provoke additional tensions between Ukraine and respective neighbors. And we should not play into the hands of Putin. We should not play his game. And we are working closely with our partners, friends, neighbors to avoid the situation where Putin will be sitting and laughing in the Kremlin, observing how other countries insist that Ukrainian grain should not enter their countries," Kuleba added.

As reported by Ukrinform, the European Union extended until September 15, 2023 the exceptional and extraordinary precautionary measures that were adopted in May regarding the import of Ukrainian grain to five EU countries bordering Ukraine.
Iran remains Russia's top military backer in its war against the Ukrainian people, and the military partnership between the two countries is only deepening.

U.S. State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said this at a briefing in Washington on Tuesday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"Iran remains Russia's top military backer," he said, commenting on reports from U.S. intelligence that Russia is building a drone manufacturing facility with Iran's assistance.

"Russia received hundreds of one-way attack UAVs, as well as UAV production related equipment from Iran," Patel said.

In this context, he recalled that Russian forces had been using Iranian drones to strike Kyiv to terrorize the Ukrainian population.

"This military partnership between Russia and Iran continues to be deepening," Patel said.
Berlin has confirmed that they reached an agreement with Polish colleagues regarding the maintenance of German-made tanks, which had been damaged on the front in Ukraine.

The relevant statement was made by Spokesman for the German Federal Ministry of Defence Mitko Muller during a briefing in Berlin, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

We welcome the fact that now Ukraines Leopard 2A4 tanks can be also repaired in Poland, Muller said.

In his words, the German-Polish efforts in this regard were successful. The amount and throughput capacity were not disclosed.

Earlier, it was announced that German enterprises started operations with the 2A5 and 2A6 models. The spokesman did not rule out that such tanks would further be repaired not only in Germany.
With its missile and air strikes on Odesa and other cities and regions of Ukraine, Russia purposefully seeks to deprive the Ukrainian economy of its main source of income, and unconditionally destroys peaceful residences and historical heritage.

The spokesman of the U.S. State Department, Matthew Miller, stated this emphasizing that the West's support for Ukraine will remain unwavering, Ukrinform's correspondent reports.

Missile attacks and drone strikes, which began last week after Russia withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, led to the deaths and injuries of dozens of civilians, the destruction of UNESCO heritage sites, including the historic Cathedral in Odesa, the destruction of port infrastructure and grain stocks, which could affect hundreds of thousands of people around the world, the State Department representative noted.

Read also: UK intel explains why Russia intensifies missile attacks on southern Ukraine

He said that Russia has also attacked grain warehouses on the Danube River, a vital export route for grain, after the Kremlin blocked Black Sea ports.

These malicious strikes once again illustrate Russia's readiness to use food as a weapon in its illegal war against Ukraine, the representative of the State Department emphasized.

He stressed that the Kremlin thus wants to deprive the economy of Ukraine of its main source of income and neglects the food needs of people all over the world.

The United States, allies, and partners will maintain unwavering support for Ukraine as it defends itself and fights for the return of its sovereign territory. The U.S. will continue to support Ukrainians working on recovery and reconstruction, Miller stated.

However, according to him, the Kremlin continues to destroy Ukraine.

Until Russia withdraws its troops and demonstrates that it is interested in peace, it is our shared responsibility to demand that the Kremlin cease attacks on Ukraine and its people, help Ukraine defend its territory and protect its own people, and hold Russia accountable for the suffering it has chosen to inflict on so many people, a U.S. State Department official noted.

As Ukrinform reported, on Monday, July 24, the European Union condemned Russia's shelling of Ukraine's port infrastructure.
Enemy trucks with stolen Ukrainian grain from the Crimean direction do not decrease, traffic on the roads remains dense.

As Ukrinform reports, Petro Andryushchenko, adviser to Mariupol mayor, announced this on Telegram and published a corresponding video.

"Grain remains the main commodity that Russians transport by road from Crimea. There are more and more trucks. If you look at the traffic of stolen grain, it becomes clear where Putin's statement about the 'abnormally high grain harvest' came from, Andryushchenko wrote.

As reported, the invaders transported the stolen grain from the grain terminals in the port of Mariupol in military trucks to Russia. Ammunition was brought into the city, and grain was taken back.

Also, the Russian invaders near Mariupol, temporarily captured by them, have resumed work in quarries and are stealing Ukrainian granite, which is exported to Russia and the temporarily occupied Crimea.
In view of Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Lithuania considers it expedient to make wider use of the Baltic route for Ukrainian grain export. It involves Baltic ports in export operations with Ukrainian food. Customs and border clearance procedures for such cargoes should also be done there.

Lithuanian Minister of Agriculture Kestutis Navickas stated this in Brussels before the start of the EU Council of Ministers on Agriculture and Fisheries, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

One of the key areas of discussion today is the situation in Ukraine, after Russia's destruction of the Black Sea grain initiative. It is necessary to discuss more intensive use of the infrastructure of the EU and its ports. Lithuania proposed a Baltic route to facilitate the transportation and export of Ukrainian grain, a Lithuanian government official said.

According to him, the Ukrainian side also supports this idea. As Navickas noted, the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Mykola Solskyi sent a letter to European Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis, in which he offered to consider transferring customs and border clearance procedures for cargoes with Ukrainian food, as well as relevant phytosanitary measures, from the physical borders of Ukraine to EU ports.

It can be the port of Klaipeda or the Latvian port in Liepaja. Secondly, there is a proposal to develop a system of subsidies for European carriers, in particular, for railways, to support the export of Ukrainian grain to other European ports, the Minister of Agriculture of Lithuania said.

He noted that during the bilateral meeting he discussed such proposals with his Polish colleague, namely, an action plan to ensure the controlled transit of Ukrainian food to the Baltic ports, which will guarantee that this grain does not remain on the domestic market of Poland. Given the modern system of e-accounting and control, from a technological point of view, according to the Lithuanian government official, this is not difficult to do, including a system for tracking the movement of such cargoes and exchanging information.

Navickas also hopes for the solidarity of the Polish government. Procedures at the borders are time-consuming and complicated. It would be more efficient to transfer all customs and border procedures to European ports that have more checkpoints and more capacity to quickly process such cargoes. If an agreement is reached, particularly with Poland, such a system could be implemented within hours.

He noted that Russia, destroying the grain agreement, is trying to achieve several goals at once. The EU should maintain unity and solidarity to avert the possible consequences of such actions.

First, Putin uses food as a weapon. Second, the Russians are also fighting for the African market. Ukraine and Russia are rivals economically, as Russia is also a major exporter of food to Africa. After the suspension of the Black Sea Corridor, grain prices increased, albeit not as dramatically as last year. Another goal of Putin is to destroy the unity of European countries. That is why EU must find joint solutions at the level of the member states, together with the "frontline" states. In this, export is the key word, the Lithuanian government official noted.

As reported, in May 2023, the European Commission banned the import of wheat, corn, rapeseed, and sunflower seeds from Ukraine to Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Romania at the insistence of these countries. On June 5, the ban was extended until September 15, 2023. The governments of the mentioned countries, in particular, Poland, insist on the extension of such a ban on the import of Ukrainian food, at least until the end of 2023. But the transit of Ukrainian grain through solidarity lanes to other EU countries and to the world market is preserved.
By blocking Ukrainian grain exports to foreign markets, Russia cynically hopes to increase its own export profits in order to finance its war of aggression against Ukraine.

The Delegation of the European Union to the International Organizations in Vienna said this in a statement delivered at a special meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

Since Russia's withdrawal [from the Black Sea Grain Initiative], wheat and corn prices have soared. The simple truth is that Russia has made a cynical calculation: without regard to the global food insecurity crisis it has created through its war, by blocking exports from Ukraine it hopes to increase its own export profits in order to finance its war of aggression against Ukraine," the statement said.

The EU also condemned Russia's bombing of Ukraine's port infrastructure and Moscow's threats to attack grain shipments passing through the Black Sea.

According to the statement, the EU and its member states "remain committed to address the needs of countries vulnerable to food insecurity, including through the EU's Solidarity Lanes."

The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine earlier published a classified report for the Kremlin leadership, which indicates that the actions of the Russian Federation, aimed at disrupting the Black Sea grain export deal, are part of a pre-designed plan.

Since July 19, Russia has been carrying out targeted air attacks on grain terminals in Ukrainian ports. The infrastructure of international and Ukrainian traders and carriers was damaged. In addition, Russia threatened to attack civilian ships that will head for Ukrainian ports.

Photo: TRT Haber
President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed with the Prime Minister of Great Britain Rishi Sunak in a phone call the Russian shelling of Ukrainian ports and the city of Odesa, as well as Ukraine's current defense needs and the issue of security guarantees.

Thats according to Zelenskys tweet, Ukrinform reports.

"Spoke about Russia's daily attempts to destroy Odesa's historic center and port infrastructure. We must defend Odesa. Ukraine urgently needs to strengthen its air defense to protect its historical heritage and continue the Black Sea Grain Initiative. We discussed our further defense cooperation, the course of Ukrainian offensive operations. I outlined the current defense needs of Ukraine," Zelenskyy informed.

The president of Ukraine and the head of the British government also noted the adoption by the Group of Seven of the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine at the NATO Summit in Vilnius and the subsequent accession of other countries to it.

Zelensky and Sunak also coordinated future steps to fill it with concrete security guarantees on a bilateral basis.
Nearly 100,000 tourists and locals gathered on the grassland in Xilinhot City, north China's Inner Mongolia to celebrate the 33rd Naadam Fair that kicked off here on Monday.
President of the Centre for Global Studies "Strategy XXI" Mykhailo Gonchar predicts that no radical decisions will be made at the July 26 meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council regarding the transportation of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea due to Turkey's special position in the Alliance and the Black Sea region.

President of the Centre for Global Studies "Strategy XXI" Mykhailo Gonchar said this opinion in a comment to Ukrinform.

"I don't have high expectations (of the NATO-Ukraine Council meeting - ed.) From my point of view, it will most likely be limited to moral, psychological, political and diplomatic support for Ukraine. And here, perhaps, the problem is not so much with the Alliance as with Turkey's special position both within NATO and in the Black Sea region. I assume that Turkey may insist that it will resolve this issue (transportation of Ukrainian grain - ed.) later in the course of a certain dialogue with Russia," Gonchar said.

According to him, the rhetoric, which has changed in recent days on both the Turkish and Russian sides, means that the parties are now negotiating.

In this context, the President of the Centre for Global Studies noted that there should be no illusions, Turkey is simply trying to make money both literally and figuratively on both sides of the armed conflict.

Gonchar noted that this has happened before, and now Turkey wants to continue this line and not only get another discount on grain from us and on oil and gas from Russia but also demonstrate that the country is indispensable in the Alliance and can solve all issues in the Black Sea on its own.

According to the expert, this is convenient for NATO, which has traditionally taken a restrained position on the Black Sea, and for Romania and Bulgaria, which feel protected and do not feel a great need for active action in the region.

Summing up, Gonchar predicted that tomorrow's meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council will result in a statement in support of Ukraine and a call for Russia to return to the grain deal.

"And what they (NATO member states - ed.) basically have to do is to take the UN "umbrella", get concerned about the problem of possible hunger in Africa and solve the issue of creating a humanitarian corridor, that is, organize a cargo escort operation. They have an appropriate NATO mine countermeasures group in the Mediterranean Sea that regularly conducts exercises, they can do this, and Russia can do nothing about it," the president of the Centre for Global Studies "Strategy XXI" is convinced.

As reported, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is convening a meeting of the newly created NATO-Ukraine Council on July 26 to consult on Russia's latest actions and discuss the transportation of Ukrainian grain across the Black Sea. The meeting will be held at the ambassadorial level.
A meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council will take place at the ambassadorial level on Wednesday, and the Ukrainian side has a clear plan to launch its work at all levels.

The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Telegram, following his meeting with the representatives of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and government officials regarding the implementation of the decisions of the Vilnius Summit, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

We have a clear plan to launch the NATO-Ukraine Council at all levels. We will see its work at the ambassadorial level tomorrow during an urgently convened meeting on the situation in the Black Sea, Zelensky wrote.

The President of Ukraine also mentioned that the country is starting to jointly prepare an interoperability plan with the Alliance.

Photo: Volodymyr Zelensky, Telegram
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly believes that Russia may attack Ukrainian civilian ships in the Black Sea.

The relevant statement was made by British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly on Twitter on Tuesday, Ukrinform reports.

"The UK believes that Russia may escalate its campaign to destroy Ukraines food exports by targeting civilian ships in the Black Sea," Cleverly said.

The Foreign Secretary added that the issue of such "unconscionable behaviour" by Russia will be discussed at the UN Security Council.

"Russia should stop holding global food supplies hostage and return to the deal," Cleverly emphasized.

As reported, on July 17, Russia announced its withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Deal, which concluded last July in Istanbul. After that, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that it would treat ships sailing to Ukrainian ports as military targets.

Photo: James Manning/PA
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has addressed all MPs and officials, stressing that they should work in Ukraine and for the interests of the Ukrainian people.

The head of state said this in his daily address, Ukrinform reports.

"No one will forgive deputies, judges, 'military commissars' or any other officials for opposing themselves to the state. For someone, these are islands and resorts during the war, for someone, these are earnings in a 'military enlistment office,' and for someone, these are bribes in the courts. For any public officials, this is a betrayal of state principles, this is a betrayal of public interests," he said.

Zelensky said that millions of Ukrainians, day after day, are maximally focused on one thing - not on themselves, not on their own desires, but on the protection of the state and life.

At the same time, it seems to some people that the war is far away from them, he said.

"I want all deputies, all officials to hear me now. You have to work. In Ukraine and for the interests of the Ukrainian people. I am grateful to deputies who are really engaged in the interests of the state. As for those who think about how to spend more time abroad and are looking for 'profitable' business trips, so that they can be combined with business, with friends or 'beaches,' there will be none of you," Zelensky warned.

Earlier reports said that Kyiv's Pechersky District Court on July 25 chose for Yevhen Borysov, the former head of the Odesa Regional Center for Recruitment and Social Support who is charged with illegal enrichment, a measure of restraint in the form of detention with the possibility of posting UAH 150 million bail.

On July 25, Servant of the People MP Yurii Aristov, deputy chairman of the Verkhovna Rada committee on national security, defense and intelligence, tendered his resignation after he was seen vacationing in the Maldives.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine
07/24/2023

By Marlon Pitter

CeCe Allen loves playing the trumpet and performing with other musicians. The opportunity to develop her skills and improve as a performer is what brought her back to UMass Lowell's Mary Jo Leahey Symphonic Band Camp for the third year in a row for another music-intensive week with other student musicians from around the country.

The biggest thing for me is that every time I come to camp, I know that by the end of the week, I will be better, said Allen, a recent high school graduate from Woburn, Massachusetts, who will attend UMass Lowell in the fall to study biology.

After the students honed their craft through hours of rehearsals and classes each day, the weeklong overnight camp culminated in a performance at Symphony Hall in Boston on July 22 to commemorate the camps 25th anniversary.

The Symphony Hall performance, a first for Band Camp, generated a buzz among the students.

I'm so excited, said Miqueas Pita, a second-year camp participant from Methuen, Massachusetts, who will attend Gordon College in the fall to study music education. I know it'll be completely different being on stage, and I just can't wait.

UMass President Marty Meehan 78 joined the camps Symphony Hall performance of J.F.K. in Memoriam to read quotes from President John F. Kennedy. Meehan performed the piece, which was composed by James Curnow, with Band Camp several years ago during his tenure as UMass Lowell chancellor. To prepare for the Symphony Hall performance, Meehan came to campus and rehearsed with the student musicians.

It was great to come back to Durgin Hall and participate in the camp again, he said. President Kennedy and the Kennedy family were an inspiration to me growing up, and I'm happy to participate and perform the piece.

While the camp participants  eighth-graders through high school seniors  may change from year to year, many of the camp staff members return year after year. The instructors range from current UMass Lowell music students and faculty to band directors and music teachers in local school districts who come together to share their love of music and their expertise.

The students have a great experience because that's what they're experiencing: people who love what they do, says Band Camp executive director Deb Huber, who is the universitys director of instrumental music outreach and associate director of university bands.

Accomplished composer and trumpet player Rossano Galante, whose credits include orchestrated scores for films such as Fantastic Four, The Wolverine and Charlies Angels, served as artist-in-residence at the camp, teaching classes and working with the young musicians. Galante also performed with the students at Symphony Hall, including the debut of his composition Midnight Ride, a piece inspired by Paul Reveres historic journey on horseback in April 1775. Huber commissioned the piece to commemorate Band Camps 25th anniversary.

Pita, who plans to become a band director, said the opportunity to learn from various music instructors will enrich his skills as a teacher.

Being able to come here and work with all of these different teachers and all these different professional musicians, it broadens my perspectives and makes me think of how I would do things differently in my own classroom. I get to see all of these different teaching styles and these different methods and skills being used, he said.

Huber said the endowment from Mary Jo Leahey, a 1937 UMass Lowell graduate who was a beloved music teacher and philanthropist, was paramount in launching the program. Leahey remained involved with the camp until her death in 2011.

She was an ardent supporter of music, of children and of UMass Lowell, Huber said. When she was growing up, she really wanted to go to a music camp, but the cost was just too much. But in the back of her head was this opportunity to make a difference, and she chose to make a difference by investing in this camp.

The camp did not operate in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it ran as a day camp at a reduced capacity in 2021. Despite these recent challenges, Huber said the program has rebounded and thrived due to the dedication of the staff.

Having that persistence that we're so used to as musicians, always kind of working through difficult things, it just goes to show how important we think this camp is, said Kevin Goddu 16, 17, a UML music education alumnus and member of the camps staff.

Huber said she hopes the camp sparks students musical passions for decades to come.

I hope we continue to inspire students and give them a new perspective on what's possible in music and what's possible here at UMass Lowell, she said.
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government has announced key tasks for deepening the reform of medical and healthcare systems for the second half of the year.

The tasks include expanding the availability of quality medical resources and ensuring they are evenly distributed among regions, and deepening reform of public hospitals to ensure that they truly serve the public interest, according to a document jointly issued by government departments, including the National Health Commission.

The country will also promote the orderly linking up of medical insurance programs at different levels, advance reform and innovative development in the field of medicine, improve the public health system, and build up the ranks of medical and healthcare personnel, according to the document. 
HEFEI, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A new international passenger flight route will be launched on Aug. 14, connecting Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, and Singapore, according to Hefei Xinqiao International Airport.

China Eastern Airlines will operate two flights a week on each route. The outbound flights will depart from Hefei every Monday and Friday, while the inbound flights will run every Tuesday and Saturday.

The route will be serviced by Airbus A320neo aircraft, known for their environmentally friendly features and reduced noise compared to the Airbus A320.

The new route will help build an "air bridge" for economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation between Hefei and Singapore, the airport said. 
(@FahadShabbir)

MANILA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jul, 2023 ) :Five people were killed after a steel bridge under construction collapsed in Davao City in the southern Philippines, police said on Tuesday.

Police said the victims were installing the bridge's side panel using a boom truck when the structure collapsed at around 3:30 p.m. local time on Monday, burying seven workers.

Two were critically injured but survived. An investigation has been launched into the accident.
San Francisco, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jul, 2023 ) :Elon Musk killed off the Twitter logo on Monday, replacing the world-recognized blue bird with a white X as the tycoon accelerates his efforts to transform the floundering social media giant.

Musk and the company's new chief executive Linda Yaccarino announced the rebranding Sunday, scrapping one of technology's most iconic logos in the latest shock move since the tycoon took over Twitter nine months ago.

Musk's connection to the letter X goes back 24 years when he founded X.com, which later was renamed PayPal despite his objections. His space company is called SpaceX and the parent company of Twitter was changed to X earlier this year.

He described the logo as "minimalist art deco," and updated his Twitter bio to "X.com," which now redirects to twitter.com.

The Tesla CEO also tweeted that under the site's new identity, a post would be called "an X," challenging the public to stop referring to "tweeting" or "tweet." Since the takeover, Musk has said his acquisition was "an accelerant to creating an "everything app" inspired by China's WeChat, which would function as a social media platform and also offer messaging and payments.

"You basically live on WeChat in China because it's so usable and helpful to daily life, and I think if we can...get close to that at Twitter, it would be an immense success," he told a company town hall meeting in June last year.

The new logo was projected onto the facade of Twitter's San Francisco headquarters on Sunday night.

"Powered by AI, X will connect us in ways we're just beginning to imagine," Yaccarino tweeted.

Yaccarino, a former advertising sales executive at NBCUniversal who Musk hired last month to be Twitter's CEO, said the social media platform was on the cusp of broadening its scope.

"X is the future state of unlimited interactivity... creating a global marketplace for ideas, goods, services, and opportunities." The logo change was greeted with criticism as well as nostalgia for what had become a symbol for the social media age.

Martin Grasser, one of the original designers of the blue bird logo, wrote that it was intended to be "simple, balanced, and legible at very small sizes.

" Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, who signed off on the design in 2012, replied to Grasser with an emoji of a goat, meaning "greatest of all time." - Brand suicide? - Esther Crawford, a former head of product at Twitter, said the change amounted to a form of "corporate seppuku," referring to the Japanese ritual suicide for samurais.

Such a move was "usually committed by new management in pursuit of cost-savings due to a lack of understanding about the core business or disregard for the customer experience," she added.

Vanitha Swaminathan, professor of marketing at the University of Pittsburgh, warned that there was a real risk of further damage against the company.

"Every time there is a name change, customers generally don't like change of any kind," she said.

"But in this case, if they really want to move in a different direction, or they want to lose some of the negative PR, this is a good way to give yourself a new start," she added.

Since Musk bought Twitter for $44 billion last October, the platform's advertising business has collapsed as marketers soured on Musk's management style and mass firings at the company that gutted content moderation.

Musk last week said Twitter has lost roughly half of its advertising revenue since he took the reins.

In response, the billionaire SpaceX boss has moved toward building a subscriber base and pay model in a search for new revenue.

Many users and advertisers alike have responded adversely to the social media site's new charges for previously free services, its changes to content moderation, and the return of previously banned right-wing accounts.

Twitter is thought to have around 200 million daily active users, but it has suffered repeated technical failures since Musk sacked much of its staff.

Facebook parent Meta this month launched its text-based platform, called Threads, which has up to 150 million users, according to some estimates.

But the amount of time users spend on the rival app has plummeted in the weeks since its launch, according to data from market analysis firm Sensor Tower.
WASHINGTON, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jul, 2023 ) :Reaffirming a "productive U.S.-Pakistan partnership", Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a phone call with Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Monday, stressed that democratic principles and respect for the rule of law were central to that relationship.

In a statement on the Blinken-Bilawal conversation, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said that the U.S. top diplomat underscored Washington's "steadfast commitment to the people of Pakistan, highlighting that the economic success of Pakistan remains a top priority for the United States." Apart from discussing the state of Pakistan's economy, the two leaders also deliberated on Afghanistan-related issues.

"The Secretary noted that the United States will continue to engage with Pakistan through technical and development initiatives and through our robust trade and investment ties," the State Department said.

"He also welcomed the International Monetary Fund's approval of a programme to support Pakistan and encouraged continued reforms to promote economic recovery and prosperity" In this regard, the statement added, "Secretary Blinken stressed that democratic principles and respect for the rule of law are central to the U.S.-Pakistan relationship and these values will continue to guide this partnership forward.

Facing a growing number of cross-border attacks, Pakistan has been calling on the Taliban to rein in the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other terrorist groups operating from safe havens in Afghanistan.

"The Secretary noted the Pakistani people have suffered tremendously from terrorist attacks and affirmed the United States' commitment to continued partnership with Pakistan on counterterrorism," the statement said.

"The Secretary and Foreign Minister also discussed the destabilizing effects of Russia's war against Ukraine as well as the United States and Pakistan's shared interest in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan." The Blinken-Bilawal phone call took place hours after US Central Command (Centcom) chief, General Michael Erik Kurilla, discussed the regional situation with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir during a meeting in Rawalpindi.

Among the new adverse effects of the Moscow-Kyiv conflict, Russia last week terminated a breakthrough wartime deal that allowed grain to flow from Ukraine to countries in Asia, the middle East, and Africa where hunger is a growing threat and high food prices have pushed more people into poverty.

The termination marks the end of an accord that the U.N. and Turkey brokered last summer to allow shipments of food from the Black Sea region after Russia's invasion of its neighbour worsened a global food crisis. The initiative is credited with helping reduce soaring prices of wheat, vegetable oil, and other global food commodities.
ADEN, Yemen, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Two soldiers of Yemen's government forces were killed on Tuesday in a bomb blast in the southwestern province of Taiz, a military official told Xinhua.

The official, who asked to remain anonymous, said that seven others were also injured when the improvised explosive device exploded in the Al Maqatirah District of the province, adding that the device was placed strategically along the military patrol route.

The district holds significant importance as it connects major roads between the provinces of Taiz and Lahj and further leads to the southern port city of Aden.

The identity of the perpetrators responsible for the blast remains unknown, but authorities deployed a military force to comb the area to collect evidence and apprehend any suspects involved, according to the official.

Yemen has been grappling with an armed conflict between the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and the Houthi militia for nearly nine years, which has led to widespread security chaos across the impoverished Arab country. 
(@Abdulla99267510)

The latest reports say that State Departments Spokesperson Matthew Miller has confirmed that the call reaffirmed a productive US-Pakistan partnership.

LAHORE: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-July 17th, 2023) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held discussions with his Pakistani counterpart, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, focusing on Pakistan's economy and matters related to Afghanistan.

The State Department's spokesperson, Matthew Miller, confirmed that the call reaffirmed a "productive US-Pakistan partnership."

During the conversation, both Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Bilawal addressed the destabilizing impact of Russia's actions in Ukraine. They also emphasized their shared interest in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.

Secretary Blinken reiterated the United States' unwavering commitment to the people of Pakistan, underscoring that fostering Pakistan's economic success remains a top priority for the US. He expressed support for continued engagement through technical and development initiatives, as well as through strong trade and investment relations.

Blinken welcomed the approval of a program by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) aimed at supporting Pakistan. He encouraged ongoing reforms to promote economic recovery and prosperity in the country.
A lower court on Tuesday summoned the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) chairman for recording his statement under section-342 as the cross-examination of two prosecution witness was completed in the Toshakhana criminal case

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jul, 2023 ) :A lower court on Tuesday summoned the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) chairman for recording his statement under section-342 as the cross-examination of two prosecution witness was completed in the Toshakhana criminal case.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Hamayun Dilawar heard the Toshakhana case.

The PTI leader's lawyer Khawaja Haris resumed cross-examination of prosecution witness District Election Commissioner Waqas Malik.

To a lawyer's query, the witness said the ECP had served notices to the PTI chief and sought details about the purchaser and receipts of Toshakhana gifts.

Amjad Pervaiz, counsel for the Election Commission of Pakistan, said the witness had never been part of the proceedings in the ECP regarding the matter, and the defence lawyer was asking the questions to mislead the court.

He said the PTI chairman had never told the details of the purchaser of the gifts to the ECP. The ECP's proceedings were never challenged before any court, he added.

Amjad Pervaiz said the witness had not prepared the documents, rather he just received the same from the ECP.

The judge remarked that neither the facts about the Toshakhana gifts were being heard by the court nor the ECP's decision was challenged here. The witness had repeatedly told that he was not part of the ECP's proceedings, he noted and said if something was not written in the attached documents then the witness was not responsible for it.

To a query, the witness said that he knew that tax returns used to be submitted to the ECP by the members of the Parliament every year before December 31.

Every member had to disclose their assets, which were transferred or purchased till June 30, through Form-B, he added.

The defence lawyer said that the witness was wrong as a member was supposed to submit the details only related to the transferred assets.

He also said that his cross-examination was based on the documents which were attached with the complaint.

The witness said that the PTI chairman had not attached any proof regarding the Toshakhana gifts with Form-B for the years of 2019-20, and the said form was itself a proof. The documents of 2020-21 mentioned the details of five gifts including a carpet, jewelry, a Rolex watch, a ring, a bracelet, a dinner set etc.

Lawyer Amjad Pervaiz said six challans had been submitted regarding the purchase of gifts.

The witness said that an amount of around Rs 1,16,68,000 was paid deposited for the gifts, but he did not know whether it was was mentioned in the tax returns of 2020-21. His complaint was not about the tax returns, he added.

Waqas Malik said that it was totally wrong that the complaint was not filed by a competent authority and that it was filed on political grounds.

The defence lawyer then conducted cross-examination of second prosecution witness Musadaq Anwar, who said that he himself had verified the tax returns of PTI chairman.

The tax returns submitted by the members of Parliament were public documents, he added.

The court also granted one time exemption from attendance to the PTI chief and adjourned the hearing till Wednesday summoning him to record his statement under section-342.
The United Nations has started a complex operation to transfer crude oil from a decaying supertanker stranded off the coast of Yemen since 2015

UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jul, 2023 ) :The United Nations has started a complex operation to transfer crude oil from a decaying supertanker stranded off the coast of Yemen since 2015.

The 19-day operation will pump more than one million barrels out of the rusting vessel, the Safer, which was abandoned over eight years ago, to a nearby replacement vessel.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the UN has taken on the delicate operation as a spill would spell environmental catastrophe for the region.

"United Nations has begun an operation to defuse what might be the world's largest ticking time bomb. This is an all-hands-on-deck mission and the culmination of nearly two years of political groundwork, fundraising and project development" said the UN chief.

Lying north of the Yemeni port Hudaydah, UN officials have warned for years about the possibility that the 47-year-old tanker could crack and explode.

The supertanker holds four times the amount of oil spilled by the Exxon Valdez  enough to make it the fifth largest oil spill from a tanker in history.

UNDP warned that a massive spill from the Safer would destroy swathes of marine life in the Red Sea.

Speaking to reporters in Geneva, spokesperson Sarah Bel expressed concern for the fishing communities on Yemen's Red Coast, already living in a crisis-wracked situation, as a spill would like 'wipe out 200,000 livelihoods instantly" and "fish stock would take twenty-five years to recover." Describing the operation as the first of its kind, she exercised caution during this "emergency phase" but assured reporters that everything had been put in place to "secure success." The FSO Safer has been moored some 4.8 nautical miles southwest of the Ras Issa peninsula on Yemen's west coast for more than 30 years. In 2015, production and the maintenance of the tanker stopped due to the eight year conflict between a pro-Government Saudi-led coalition, and Houthi rebels. As a result, the vessel is now beyond repair.
The United States is providing up to $400 million in new security assistance to Ukraine, including munitions for air defense and artillery systems, the US Defense Department said on Tuesday

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 25th July, 2023) The United States is providing up to $400 million in new security assistance to Ukraine, including munitions for air defense and artillery systems, the US Defense Department said on Tuesday.

"Today's commitment in security assistance, valued at up to $400 million, includes additional air defense munitions, artillery and other ammunition, armored vehicles, anti-armor weapons, and other equipment to help Ukraine counter Russia's ongoing war of aggression," the Defense Department said in a statement.

The new package includes munitions for Patriot air defense systems and National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS), as well as ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and 155mm artillery pieces, the statement said.

The US, its allies and partners will stand with Ukraine for "as long as it takes" to take territory from and defeat Russia, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on the package.
(@FahadShabbir)

Wang Yi was appointed as foreign minister of China by the country's top legislature on Tuesday

BEIJING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jul, 2023 ):Wang Yi was appointed as foreign minister of China by the country's top legislature on Tuesday.

China's top legislature also voted to appoint Pan Gongsheng as central bank governor, as it convened a session.

Qin Gang was removed from the post of foreign minister he concurrently held; Yi Gang was removed from the post of governor of the People's Bank of China, according to a decision adopted at the fourth session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC).

Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a presidential order to effectuate the decision.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over the session, which opened on Tuesday morning.

A draft amendment to the Criminal Law was reviewed at the session, Chinese media reported.

The amendment focuses on better implementing the Party Central Committee's principles and policies regarding the fight against corruption and the protection of private enterprises in accordance with the law.

It refines stipulations concerning the crime of offering bribes as well as corruption conducted by private enterprise personnel.

On Tuesday afternoon, Zhao presided over a meeting of the Council of Chairpersons of the NPC Standing Committee before the closing meeting of the session.

The closing meeting, attended by 169 members of the NPC Standing Committee, approved the personnel appointments and removals.
I would like to thank the committee and its co-chairs, Tracy Cowden and Lisa Montoya, and our many community partners from across San Antonios rich arts ecosystem who helped make this search a success, said Glenn Martinez, dean of the college. I have great confidence in Libby Rowes ability to lead the new School of Art during its formative years, building on the strong foundations established by the Southwest School of Art and the UTSA Department of Art and Art History. Libbys deep understanding and appreciation of these foundations will ensure that the new School of Art emerges as a coveted destination for students seeking top quality instruction in studio art, art history and art education.

Rowes appointment, which became official just a few days before the one-year anniversary of UTSAs integration with the Southwest School of Art, opens an exciting new chapter for the School of Art and its students. The schools additional resources and expanded classroom, studio and exhibition space has created new opportunities to expand course offerings in the arts for students and the broader community.

Under Rowe's guidance, the School of Art will actively seek partnerships with local, national and international art organizations. These connections will provide students with valuable experiential learning opportunities such as internships, exhibitions and artistic exchanges.

Rowe's expertise, commitment to community involvement, and passion for providing opportunities for students make her an invaluable asset to the UTSA community. With Rowe at the forefront, the UTSA School of Art is poised to continue its tradition of excellence while exploring new frontiers in art education and creative expression.

Our faculty and staff have worked hard to set a strong foundation for the school over the past year, building on the many years of dynamic arts education at UTSA, said Rowe. This year has already provided new opportunities to engage with local galleries and exhibitions and we look forward to developing further relationships with partners across the region, the country and internationally.

After an extensive national search, we have found that the best talent for the COLFA School of Art founding director position is right here at home. Libby Rowes ability to lead and work collaboratively with all in our community for the benefit of our students was evident in her key role throughout UTSAs integration with the Southwest School of Art, said UTSA Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Kimberly Andrews Espy. I am especially grateful to our search committee and our community partners whose experience and expertise were so important to the success of the search. I have no doubt that under Libbys leadership, the School of Art will flourish and provide a vibrant learning experience to prepare UTSA students well for their bold futures.

Rowe received her B.F.A. from the University of Northern Iowa and her M.F.A. from Syracuse University. As an artist, Rowe works in photography, sculpture, interactive installation, and performance. Her artwork explores sociological, physiological and psychological aspects of femininity and ideas of identity and belonging through self-definitions informed by social and domestic constructs. She has been exhibited across the United States and abroad, most recently in Mexico City at Casa Lu Gallery. Her work also resides in permanent collections at the Light Work Gallery in Syracuse, New York, at the Hoffman Gallery in Portland, Oregon, and in private collections across the nation.
Amy Peterson

An assistant professor with the Division of Communication Disorders in the University of Wyomings College of Health Sciences is a recipient of this years American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Advancing Academic-Research Careers (AARC) Award.

Amy Peterson, whose research focuses on intervention for adolescent students with language-related learning disabilities and implementation of evidence-based practices for speech-language pathologists, applied for the $5,000 award in April with the support of Mark Guiberson, director of the UW Division of Communication Disorders. Peterson will work with accomplished mentors in communication sciences and disorders to complete research and teaching projects through March 2025.

I am humbled and extremely grateful to the ASHA-AARC Award committee and reviewers for the opportunity to be a part of this program -- and to work with experienced mentors in teaching and research who will facilitate meaningful growth in the early years of my career at the University of Wyoming, Peterson says.

The AARC Award is a competitive award for early-career scholars in communication sciences and disorders to provide mentorship that enhances their research and college-level teaching skills.

Im excited to apply my teaching and research experiences afforded by the award with the UW students in the courses that I teach and advance my research career at UW to benefit the people of Wyoming, Peterson says.

Peterson, an alumna of the speech-language pathology masters program at UW (2010), joined the Division of Communication Disorders in fall 2022.

Dr. Petersons firsthand experience as a speech-language pathologist in Wyoming uniquely positions her to address the challenges in the field, and we are highly optimistic that her teaching and research will pave the way for future practitioners, Guiberson says. The ASHA-AARC Award acknowledges her immense potential, and we look forward to seeing the impacts of her research and contributions to Wyoming and the broader field.

During her first year, Peterson has sought out training and experiential learning opportunities to enhance her teaching. She is enthusiastic about learning more and applying active-learning principles to her courses through the award. Her enthusiasm for evidence-based practice and applied clinical skills is prominent in all courses that she teaches, as she shares her own clinical experiences in class to highlight different parts of the communication sciences and disorders professions.

We are proud of Dr. Peterson for receiving this prestigious recognition for her excellence in research and instruction, UW College of Health Sciences Dean Jacob Warren says. She is an outstanding example of the dedication our programs have to providing hands-on training from experienced professionals.

About the College of Health Sciences

UWs College of Health Sciences trains health and wellness professionals and researchers in a wide variety of disciplines, including speech-language pathology, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, social work, kinesiology, community and public health, and disability studies. Additionally, it is the home of the UW Speech and Hearing Clinic and the American Sign Language Studies Program.

The college also oversees residency and fellowship programs in Casper and Cheyenne, as well as operating primary care and speech/hearing clinics in Laramie, Casper and Cheyenne.

With more than 1,600 undergraduate, graduate and professional students, the college is dedicated to training the health and wellness workforce of Wyoming and conducting high-quality research and community engagement, with a particular focus on rural and frontier populations.
UNITED NATIONS, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Fighting in Sudan began 100 days ago and thousands of civilians have been killed or wounded and millions more displaced, UN humanitarians said on Monday.

"One hundred days of fighting have exacted a devastating toll on the civilian population," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. "It is a senseless conflict, and it must stop now."

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported that during that same period, on average at least one child was injured or killed every hour of the conflict, OCHA said.

"That's based on credible reports that at least 435 children have been killed and more than 2,000 injured in the past 100 days," the office said. "As these are just the numbers reported to UNICEF sources, the true figure is likely to be far higher."

The humanitarian office said the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) report concentrated on the rapidly escalating numbers of displaced people in Sudan fleeing for safety.

The UNHCR also warned of a serious health and nutrition crisis unfolding in White Nile, where their teams on the ground said nearly 300 South Sudanese refugee children have died from suspected measles and malnutrition since the conflict began on April 15.

The World Food Programme (WFP) supported more than 1.4 million people across Sudan with food and nutrition assistance, hoping to scale up assistance to 5.9 million conflict-affected people in Sudan by the end of this year, the office said.

The WFP warns that over 40 percent of Sudan's population, more than 19 million people, face hunger due to the conflict. It is the highest number of hungry people ever recorded in the country, OCHA said.

"Sudan is one of the most complicated humanitarian responses in the world right now," OCHA said of the conflict brought on by fighting between opposing factions of Sudan's military. "Still, we and our humanitarian partners are doing everything we can to respond to the crisis, despite the continued fighting and access restrictions." 
The ruling party of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen claims it has won a landslide in Sundays general election, securing almost all of the 125 seats in parliament. The election was unopposed by the main political opposition group, the Candlelight Party, according to Sok Eysan, the spokesman for the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party, or CPP.

Sok Eysan said the party won by a margin of 78% to 80%. The National Election Committee said that voter turnout for the balloting was 84% among the 9.7 million people registered to cast ballots.

One or two seats may be won by other parties, Sok Eysan told VOA Khmer. This is a great success and [a] landslide victory, he added.

The election shows the willingness of people who want peace and development in the country.

There were around 300,000 spoiled ballots, according to Sok Eysan.

In an audio message, Hun Sen said the turnout means Cambodians participated in democracy by hitting back at Sam Rainsy, the exiled leader, who called for people to spoil the ballots by destroying, defacing or voiding them.

People truly want happiness and progress under existing peace, and they want to get away from the extremists who always destroy [peace], Hun Sen said.

Rainsy, the exiled leader of the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party, or CNRP, said there were irregularities in the electoral process, noting the doors and windows of most voting stations were closed as ballots were being counted.

If they [CPP] maintain such secrecy, the results which are announced will have ZERO credibility, he said in a Facebook post Sunday.

This is the second time that Cambodia has conducted an election without a main opposition party. In 2018, the CNRP was dissolved by the Supreme Court and couldnt participate in the election. The ruling CPP controlled all 125 seats in parliament in 2018.

Eighteen parties participated in Sundays election, but none proved competitive for the CPP. The CPPs landslide victory ensures that Prime Minister Hun Sen will extend his 38-year grip on power as he prepares to hand power to his son, Hun Manet, a West Point graduate. Hun Sen hinted that his son could become the prime minister just after Sundays unopposed election.

In a video interview with Chinas Phoenix TV, which was released Thursday, the prime minister said there were two leading candidates for the ruling party  himself and Hun Manet.

It is also possible that in just three or four weeks, Hun Manet can become the prime minister. Lets see what other people say, said Hun Sen, who turns 71 next month.

I am the one who makes the biggest sacrifice. Right now, I have an absolute power, but in about a month, I won't have the power to sign any bills the same way as I do today, said Hun Sen, who is drawing closer to China. He added that the changeover was under consideration not for my son but because his family needs to continue to maintain peace in the Southeast Asian country.

Samrith Sophea, 44, a voter, said that the election process was biased due to the absence of the main opposition Candlelight Party.

I think it is biased that the party which has a right to contest election is not registered to contest, he said.

Authorities disqualified the Candlelight Party from participating in the election because its original paperwork was missing.

Kimsour Phirith, spokesperson for the party, said the move to ban the Candlelight Party from competing in the election was unreasonable, saying the election was not democratic, free or pluralistic.

Sroy Chheng, an activist with the Candlelight Party, said he voted because he wanted to be able to stand in the next election as required by a new amendment to the election law. The amendment, proposed by Prime Minister Hun Sen, required politicians to vote in this Sundays election so that they can run for office in the next election.

I am not happy with this election. I just fulfilled my obligation, he said.

Meach Huon, a voter in Kandal province, said he came to vote to choose a leader. However, he said he wants to see a real democracy in Cambodia.

We want real democracy, but it is impossible now, he said.
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.
The United States said it was pausing some foreign assistance programs in Cambodia and imposing visa bans on individuals it says undermined democracy after the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) declared a landslide victory in elections on Sunday.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement that Washington was "troubled" that the elections, in which Prime Minister Hun Sen's CPP faced no viable opponent were "neither free nor fair."

"Ahead of the elections, 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.

"In response, the United States has taken steps to impose visa restrictions on individuals who undermined democracy and implemented a pause of certain foreign assistance programs," he added.

Miller called on Cambodian authorities to restore genuine multi-party democracy, end politically motivated trials and reverse convictions of government critics and allow independent media to operate without interference in order to "improve the countrys international standing."
Tensions are rising in Botswana between the LGBTQ and Christian communities after members of the evangelical church community organized a march Saturday against a bill that could decriminalize same-sex relations. A 2019 High Court ruling supported LGBTQ rights in Botswana, sparking a backlash by conservative groups.

The ongoing tensions come ahead of a National Assembly debate that is expected to begin this week on the controversial bill.

But members of the LGBTQ community are not pleased with efforts by religious leaders to influence legislators.

Thato Moruti is the chief executive of the group Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana, or LEGABIBO. I believe that the church might be starting a very dangerous trend by manipulating the legislators and the courts," said Moruti. "It is important that we understand that the churchs move may be causing some sort of destabilization of democracy in the country because they are trying to push this Christian fundamentalism on Batswana."

Moruti said that there is a need to find common ground instead of confrontation between the church and the LGBTQ community. It is important that we push for non-combative approaches especially with all organizations and institutions," said Moruti. "This, I believe, will allow for trust with stakeholders and also foster progress on common justice goals. It is also important to focus on issues of prevention and not redress. It is very important that we seek to prevent human rights abuses before they occur. 'Action will open floodgates of immorality"



Handing a petition to parliament during the weekend protest, Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana chairperson Pulafela Siele urged legislators to vote against the measure.



The EFB believes that if parliament is to act as required by the bill, such an action will open floodgates of immorality and abomination in the nation such as same-sex marriage, changes of school curriculum to teach our children such practices," said Siele.

Botswanas High Court ruled in 2019 that laws criminalizing consensual same-sex relations were unconstitutional. Tshiamo Rantao, the lawyer who represented the LGBTQ community in the 2019 case, said parliament has no mandate to debate the bill, but instead must respect the judgement.

But legislator Wynter Mmolotsi, who received the petition on behalf of the National Assembly, told VOA it is now up to parliament to decide.



The laws that we make are for the good governance of the republic and therefore I do not think the court can tell parliament what to do," said Mmolotsi. "What parliament can do is to make laws that are guided by the values of the country, the values of the people. If parliament wants to agree with the court, they can make the law to align, and if they want to disagree with the court, they are also free to come up with a law that will reflect the values of the nation.
The top decision-making body of Chinas rubber-stamp parliament voted Tuesday to oust foreign minister Qin Gang and reappoint his predecessor Wang Yi to the role.

Analysts say the surprising personnel reshuffle weeks after Qin disappeared from public view reflects turmoil in Chinas diplomatic system and expect it will have a negative impact on Beijings engagement with other countries.

The 57-year-old career diplomat has long been viewed as one of Chinese leader Xi Jinpings trusted allies. Qin was appointed as Chinas foreign minister last December, after serving as the ambassador to the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic. He disappeared from the publics view after meeting officials from Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Russia on June 25.

Qins political career is over and I believe Wang will only play a transitional role amid this simmering crisis in Chinas diplomatic system, Wu Qiang, an independent academic in China, told VOA. He added that Qins removal and the rumors that have been associated with his disappearance reflect the level of uncertainty within Chinas top leadership.

Chinas state media have not elaborated on Qins removal but it follows weeks of speculation over his prolonged public disappearance. The lack of information about Qins situation follows the Chinese Communist Partys long-standing practice of not discussing sensitive issues.

There is no explanation of his removal, which creates an impression of lack of due process, uncertainty and arbitrariness, said Ian Chong, an expert on Chinas foreign policy at the National University of Singapore (NUS).

Qin, viewed as an outspoken representative of China around the world, was believed to have played a pivotal role in facilitating the restoration of communication between Beijing and Washington in recent weeks. As of Tuesday evening local time, China had removed information about Qin from the foreign ministrys website.

Some observers say Qins rapid rise through the ranks reflects the risks that come with Xis one-man politics, as personnel appointments are no longer determined through a robust internal review process.

China used to be very rigorous on personnel appointment, which includes reviewing candidates background and consultation with different stakeholders, said Alfred Wu, an expert on Chinese politics at the National University of Singapore.

He told VOA that Xi Jinpings centralized decision-making process has disabled the checks and balances that used to exist in the Communist Party.

Chinas system is broken, Wu said.

An attempt to minimize the impact of Qins removal

Analysts think the decision to replace Qin with an experienced figure such as Wang reflects a wish by Chinas top leadership to minimize the impact of the sudden personnel change.

At this point, the leadership might not be confident in Qins deputies, so they hope to appoint someone who represents a certain degree of continuity as Chinas foreign minister, Chong from NUS told VOA.

Independent Chinese expert Wu adds that Beijing hopes to minimize the impact of Qins removal by appointing a familiar figure like Wang to the role of foreign minister.

Beijing wants to do some damage control to its interaction with other countries, and replacing Qin with Wang can avoid creating more uncertainty, he explained.

Wang, who was Chinas foreign minister between 2013 and 2022, is now both the Communist Partys director of foreign affairs and Chinas foreign minister, which some experts say could be counterproductive to Chinas foreign policy implementation.

Wangs appointment may be seen as a transitional arrangement, which may compromise the effectiveness of Chinas international outreach, said Wen-ti Sung, an expert on Chinese politics at the Australian National University. He believes predictability and transparency are essential to regularizing dialogues and trust-building.

No change in Chinas foreign policy direction

Qins removal comes amid Chinas efforts to restart its diplomatic activities after emerging from the three-year-long zero-COVID lockdown. In recent months, Xi has held bilateral meetings with dozens of world leaders and Beijing has organized several international meetings with allies in different parts of the world.

Chinese expert Wu believes the surprise shakeup in Chinas diplomatic system wont affect the direction of Chinas foreign policy, as foreign ministers serve mainly to execute, not decide foreign policy in China.

No matter who is the foreign minister, China will stick to the head-of-state diplomacy in the near future, and its priority will be the APEC Summit held in the U.S. at the end of 2023, he told VOA.

Even though Chinas foreign policy direction will remain unchanged, Wu thinks there will be less personal style once Wang assumes the role of foreign minister.

Wang will likely have to modify his tough diplomatic style and adopt a more moderate approach because thats what China needs when dealing with the wide range of diplomatic challenges it faces, he said.
China asserted Monday that it "strictly" implements U.N. sanctions on North Korea, reacting to a letter from the Group of Seven, European Union and others that urged Beijing to stop Pyongyang from evading the measures by using Chinese waters.

The letter sent Friday expressed concern about "the continuing presence of multiple oil tankers ... that use your territorial waters in Sansha Bay as refuge to facilitate their trade of sanctioned petroleum products" to North Korea.

It was signed by G-7 members  the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Britain  plus Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and the EU and came ahead of a visit to North Korea this week by a high-level Chinese delegation.

"China has always been strictly implementing #UNSC resolutions and seriously fulfilling international obligations," China's U.N. mission spokesperson posted on Twitter in response to a Reuters report on the letter to China's U.N. envoy Zhang Jun.

"China urges relevant parties to fully implement UNSC resolutions on the DPRK, especially provisions related to resuming dialog, strengthening diplomatic efforts, and promoting political settlement," the spokesperson said.

North Korea, formally named Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has been subject to U.N. sanctions since 2006 over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. So-called six-party denuclearization talks  between North Korea, South Korea, China, the United States, Russia and Japan  stalled in 2009.

Talks between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and then-U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018 and 2019 also failed. China and Russia have since pushed for U.N. sanctions to be eased for humanitarian purposes and to entice Pyongyang back to talks.

China said last year that the key to solving the issue of North Korea's ballistic missile and nuclear programs was in the United States' hands, urging Washington to show "more sincerity and flexibility" if it wants a breakthrough.

At a U.N. Security Council meeting earlier this month on Pyongyang's latest launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, deputy U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Jeffrey DeLaurentis said the United States was committed to diplomacy.

"Publicly and privately, and at senior levels, we have repeatedly urged the DPRK to engage in dialogue. We have made clear that we have no preconditions for engagement, and we are prepared to discuss any topic of concern to Pyongyang. The DPRK has not responded to our offers," he told the council.
Chinese surveillance ships are moving in to monitor the largest ever military drills involving the US and Australia. Defense officials expect the high-tech spy ships to remain outside Australia's territorial waters during "Talisman Sabre."

Thirty thousand military personnel from more than a dozen countries are participating in "Talisman Sabre," including troops from Canada, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

Australia is monitoring two Chinese surveillance ships. One is reported to be stationed in international waters off Shoalwater Bay in the state of Queensland where it's closely monitoring the drills.

Australia has made contact with the Chinese vessel, which gave a courteous response according to a senior Australian military officer.

Professor John Blaxland, head of International Security and Intelligence Studies at the Australian National Universitys Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, believes that surveillance of the war games has become routine for China.

He told VOA that it will make Australia and its allies more alert to any potential threat in the future.

China is a potential adversary," he said. "China is looking to collect information and that in doing so it plans to be in a position potentially to use it against us. That is having a very much a sobering effect on military practitioners in the army, navies and air forces of all those participating nations. So, yes, it is sobering, yes, it is plausible that it could be used against us and it is to a certain extent meant to intimidate. But it is in a sense part of healthy competition, really.

Drills are taking place in the states of Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales, as well as the Northern Territory.

"Operation Talisman" began a decade ago. This years event is the largest in terms of its geographical area and the number of countries taking part.

It includes amphibious landings, ground force maneuvers, air combat and maritime operations.

Soldiers from Australia, the United States, Japan, and South Korea carried out a joint live-fire demonstration at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland on July 22 to launch this year's war games.

United States Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, said in a July 21 statement that the exercise increases our ability to work together in the countering challenges we may face here in the Indo-Pacific region.
A Congolese soldier accused of gunning down 13 people, most of them children, in the northeast of the conflict-plagued country has been arrested and will stand trial Tuesday, a military source said.

According to witnesses to the killings in Nyakova village on Saturday, the suspect couldn't bear the fact that his own child had been buried in his absence.

Nyakova is a fishing village in the Djugu territory, about 65 kilometers (40 miles) east of Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, one of eastern DR Congo's violence hotspots where deadly attacks are common.

The angry soldier had returned home and "fired on civilians" gathered "at the place of mourning, on the grounds that... his child had died and been buried without him being informed," army spokesperson Lieutenant Jules Ngongo told AFP.

The death toll of 13 was said to include nine children, including two of the soldier's own offspring, the spokesperson said.

Magistrate Colonel Joseph Makelele, senior military prosecutor at the Ituri province military court, told AFP that the 32-year-old suspect named Babby Ndombe Opetu would be prosecuted "for murder and violation of orders" Tuesday.

Ngongo said the suspect was a noncommissioned member of the 332nd naval force based at Tchomia, just two kilometers (1.24 miles) from Nyakova on the shores of Lake Albert bordering Uganda.

The military spokesman said the suspect had fled the scene of the attack and gone into hiding in Tchomia, where he was found late Sunday and "handed over to the courts for trial.
June was one of the driest months on record for the state of Illinois, a time when farmers like David Meiss need water to help their corn and soybean crops sprout from the earth early in the growing cycle.

Here you are at the end of June, with all the money and most of the work [done]  other than the harvest part in a crop  and you are seeing it wither away, said Meiss.

The drought conditions occurred as Meisss initial costs for seed and fertilizer were more expensive than ever. We were running out of gas, literally, he said.

Then the weather changed and so did conditions for his family farm in Gridley, which went from almost no rainfall to 18 centimeters of precipitation in just three weeks. Thats unheard of to get that much rain, Meiss explained to VOA during an interview in one of the sheds on his farm.

But as he inspects the crops still growing in his fields under the July sun, Meiss worries the damage might already be done. We know weve got some damage, some yield loss, and some of the crop is not where we had intended it to be, being one of the most expensive crops, or the most expensive crop weve ever put in the ground. On a year like this, we need more revenue than we normally do.

While drought conditions at home are fueling uncertainty in the U.S. agricultural sector, conflict abroad could give farmers like Meiss an unexpected income boost this year.

As the war in Ukraine drags on, Russia terminated a 2022 U.N. brokered agreement, which allowed commodities to flow through Ukrainian ports and shipping channels in the Black Sea.

The deal allowed nearly 33 million metric tons of grain to leave Ukraine in the last year, with a large volume of it reaching poorer countries. Interruptions to the flow of wheat and corn are stoking new fears of food shortages in countries where its needed most to prevent starvation.

Its important to the market because Russia and Ukraine account for about 20% of the worlds wheat and corn exports, so if some of that supply is shut off, there is going to be a shifting balance of trade demand and potentially some that might benefit the U.S. exporter, said Joe Camp, director of managed programs for CommStock Investments, an agriculture risk management firm. Now the focus is shifting back towards demand wondering if the U.S. export trade can benefit from some of these trade flows shutting off from some of this key Black Sea region.

Camp told VOA it could bring other buyers into the marketplace for U.S. supplies. Ukraine is top supplier of customers like China, and so that will have an impact of whats ahead in terms of U.S. trade demand.

Ive heard people say that this is going to be good for us eventually in the long run, because our commodity is going to be worth more, said Meiss, who wont know the full impact of the drought on his crops until he harvests in September. Regardless of the outcome, he is keenly aware that if demand and prices soar, one mans gain is anothers loss.

I think about the humanitarian aspect of it, Meiss admitted. People are starving already. Suddenly removing that big a portion of the food supply it gets alarming and, quite frankly, its really quite sad. So I would probably literally gladly trade my increased price if I knew people werent starving over something like that.

Wheat prices are down about 50% from all-time highs during the first month of Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Corn prices are also lower this year after reaching a ten year high last April. But prices for both crops are rising as Russia steps up attacks on Ukraines Black Sea shipping ports, a key avenue for Ukraines crops to reach international markets.
MEXICO CITY, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Mexican Foreign Affairs Ministry said Monday that the Mexican government hopes its lawsuit against gun manufacturers and distributors in the United States will proceed after it was initially dismissed.

"The Mexican government is confident that its arguments will be well received by the court," the ministry said in a press release.

In August 2021, Mexico filed a lawsuit in the United States against gunmakers and sellers, saying their negligent business practices have led to an influx of weapons into organized crime groups.

According to official estimates, more than 500,000 weapons are smuggled across the border each year, leading to violent crimes.

In September 2022, the suit was dismissed by the District Court of Massachusetts. Mexico appealed that decision and on Monday presented its oral arguments for the case to proceed.

"Mexico will continue its efforts and actions to combat the harm caused to the Mexican people by illicit arms trafficking," the ministry said. 
A former U.S. Marine who was freed by Russia last year in a prisoner swap has been injured while fighting for Ukraine against Moscow's forces, the U.S. State Department said Tuesday.

Trevor Reed, who was held by Russia for more than two years before winning his freedom in April 2022, sustained shrapnel wounds after stepping on a landmine about two weeks ago but now is recovering at a German hospital, according to U.S. news accounts.

The U.S. has repeatedly warned Americans to not visit Ukraine during the war, let alone join Ukrainian forces in the fight against Russia. At some point, however, Reed became one of what is believed to be several thousand U.S. fighters who have joined Kyiv's forces.

But State Department spokesman Vedant Patel, while acknowledging Reed's battlefield injury, said Reed "was not engaged in any activities on behalf of the U.S. government."

With the help of a nongovernmental organization, Reed "has been transported to Germany, and he is receiving medical care," Patel said.

Reed's condition was not immediately clear.

Reed was arrested in 2019 for violence against a Russian police officer and later sentenced to nine years in prison. Following his arrest, his family engaged in an extensive public advocacy effort to get him freed.

Eventually, the administration of President Joe Biden secured his release, swapping Reed for Konstantin Yaroshenko, a convicted Russian cocaine smuggler serving a 20-year sentence in the U.S.
The French president is pressing his country's interests in the South Pacific this week and trying to make France's voice heard in a region shaping up as a prime geopolitical battleground for China and the U.S.

President Emmanuel Macron's trip to Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and New Caledonia starting Monday comes as French forces take part in massive U.S.-Australian-led military exercises in the region. With troops, citizens and resources spread across its Pacific territories, France wants to protect its interests and project its power alongside like-minded democracies worried about China's growing assertiveness.

The most strategically important stop is Thursday in Papua New Guinea, which has seen growing Chinese influence and signed a new security cooperation pact with the U.S. in May. The most populous Pacific Island nation is also negotiating a security treaty with Australia.

Macron's office insists the trip is not aimed at pressing an ''anti-China policy," but at encouraging regional powers to diversify their partnerships beyond Beijing and Washington. He felt the trip was needed because of "new, more intense threats'' to security, institutions and the environment in the region, according to an official in Macron's office who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

His chief diplomatic adviser, Emmanuel Bonne, speaking at the Aspen Security Forum last week, said "China is a global challenge. It is a challenge for the U.S. as well as for the EU," adding that "there is kind of a strategic awakening in Europe today" of the need for tougher policy toward China.

But he insisted that Europe shouldn't "delegate" its global security needs to the U.S. and should craft its own strategic policies. "If we want to remain relevant in today's world and to tomorrow's world as France, as Europeans, we need to be much more robust," he said.

Macron's office says he plans to visit a French patrol ship in the area and offer infrastructure projects and a partnership to save forests and mangroves while ensuring jobs in Papua New Guinea, where France's TotalEnergies is leading a liquefied natural gas project.

The French tour is coinciding with trips by some top U.S. officials to the region, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Tonga, New Zealand and Australia this week after a visit to Papua New Guinea in May.

Macron began Monday in the French archipelago of New Caledonia, trying to rebuild trust after voters rejected a string of independence referendums that exposed entrenched frustrations of native Kanaks and inequalities with the mainland, and divisions over management of the region's rich nickel reserves. Negotiations are underway for a new status for the territory and its institutions.

"I am at our compatriots' side to define the basis of this new path," Macron said in a televised interview after arriving.

Coastal erosion and other impacts of climate change top the agenda at each stop on Macron's trip, in a region replete with islands that see periodic tsunamis and risk disappearing to rising seas, according to his advisers.
As monsoon rains battered India early in July, authorities released excess water into rivers that flow into neighboring and arch-rival Pakistan. While this process is normal, Pakistanis who were also facing intense rains were taken by surprise as the water came much earlier than expected, prompting mass evacuations. VOA Pakistan bureau chief Sarah Zaman visited villages along the banks of the Sutlej River. Camera: Wajid Asad
JAKARTA, Indonesia  Representatives of Afghanistan's Taliban government traveled to Indonesia earlier this month on an unofficial visit, the foreign ministry in Jakarta said Tuesday, despite Kabul saying they held meetings with politicians in the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation.

The Taliban administration that took back power in August 2021 is trying to shore up recognition of its rule across the Islamic world, including courting Indonesia to boost political and economic ties.

But Indonesia has not recognized the legitimacy of the Afghan Taliban government since it resumed its rule two decades after U.S.-led forces toppled its regime.

"My understanding is that they were in Jakarta informally for internal matters with the Afghanistan mission here," Indonesian foreign ministry spokesman Teuku Faizasyah told AFP.

Disagreement on terms

He said the visit could not be described as a delegation as that could imply "some sort of formality.

But the Afghan deputy foreign ministry spokesperson, Hafiz Zia Ahmad, tweeted on July 14 that one of the government's top diplomats led a "delegation" to Indonesia.

"The delegation held useful meetings and discussions with some scholars, politicians and businessmen in Indonesia for strengthening bilateral political and economic relations," he wrote.

The official did not disclose which Indonesian politicians met with the Afghan delegation.

Faizasyah said there were no official meetings between Afghan and Indonesian government officials.

Religious solidarity

Relations between the two Muslim-majority nations have long been based on religious solidarity, and in 2018 President Joko Widodo visited his then-Afghan counterpart, Ashraf Ghani, the leader who fled as the Taliban took control of Kabul.

Ahmad in his tweet said Afghan representatives also met with diplomats from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Singapore while in the Indonesian capital.

The Taliban government is not officially recognized by any country or world body, and only a handful of nations has a presence in Afghanistan.

Jakarta reopened its embassy in Kabul last year after closing following the Taliban takeover.

In recent months, Taliban authorities have shuttered women's beauty parlors and carried out at least two public executions as they move to fully implement all aspects of their interpretation of sharia, or Islamic, law.

A report to the U.N.'s Human Rights Council last month by special Afghanistan rapporteur Richard Bennett said the country's rulers may be "responsible for gender apartheid," exacerbating the plight of women and girls under its austere version of law.
Thousands took to the streets in Israel in protest of a vote to limit judicial power. Russia targets Ukraine grain warehouses and accuses Kyiv of drone attacks on Moscow. Wildfires continue to rage on the Greek island of Rhodes as thousands are airlifted out overnight. Districts in Australia are close to the United Nations' target for ending transmission of HIV.
Israeli doctors began a 24-hour strike Tuesday, while black ads covered newspaper front pages to protest a parliamentary vote ratifying the first part of a move by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus hard-right legislative coalition to enact curbs on judicial review of governmental actions.

The physicians walkout covered most of the country, though not Jerusalem, where thousands took to the streets Monday night and scuffled with police. Authorities responded by firing water cannon and a foul-smelling spray at protesters, with nearly 40 demonstrators arrested. Ten officers were injured, they said.

Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Tel Aviv, burning tires, setting off fireworks and waving national flags.

The ads on the all-black fronts of four major newspapers declared Mondays parliamentary vote "A Black Day for Israeli Democracy." The ads were paid for by a group describing itself as worried high-tech workers.

The 120-member Knesset, Israels parliament, voted 64-0 in favor of the first part of sweeping changes that call for curbing powers of the judiciary, from limiting the Supreme Courts ability to challenge parliamentary decisions to changing the way judges are selected. In the Monday vote, lawmakers backed by Netanyahu approved a provision that would prevent judges from overturning government decisions on the grounds that they are unreasonable.

The vote came after a raucous debate and opponents shouting Shame! at the majority. The 56 opponents of the measure stormed out of the chamber before the vote.

Protest leaders say that growing numbers of military reservists would no longer report for duty if the government continued with its plans to change the judiciarys role in Israel, the Middle Easts only democracy. Former top military leaders have warned that Israel's war readiness could be at risk.

One reservist was fined $270 and another was given a suspended 15-day jail sentence for not heeding call-ups for training, the military said, in what Israeli commentators said were the first disciplinary actions stemming from the protests.

The Histadrut public sector union, with 800,000 members, threatened to call a nationwide strike. The parliamentary action also drew a rebuke from Israels closest ally, the United States, with the White House calling Mondays vote "unfortunate.

Britain urged Israel to maintain the independence of courts, build consensus and preserve robust checks and balances. Further Knesset action now could be delayed, with parliament in recess.

A political watchdog group and the Israel Bar Association have filed challenges to parliaments initial move to rein in judicial power.

The chief justice of the Supreme Court, Esther Hayut, along with five other senior justices, cut short a trip to Germany to return home to deal with the crisis. But how they might rule on legislation curbing their own authority was uncertain.

The Israeli Medical Association, which represents nearly all of Israels doctors, called for the Tuesday strike across the country, with only emergencies and critical care in operation.

"The vast majority of physicians know they will not be able to fulfill their oath to patients under a regime that does not accept the role of reason," said Hagai Levine, chairman of the Israeli Association of Public Health. The new law restricts the power of the courts to overrule laws that they consider unreasonable.
Israeli troops killed three Palestinians in the West Bank Tuesday.

The Israeli military said Palestinian militants shot at its troops from a car in the city of Nablus, prompting the troops to return fire and kill the militants.

Israels military also said it recovered three rifles along with ammunition and other military equipment from the car.

The shootings are the latest in a wave of violence in the West Bank that has included Israeli raids, attacks by Palestinian militants and rampages by Israeli settlers in Palestinian villages.
A jury on Tuesday found six people guilty of terrorist murder for extremist attacks in Brussels in 2016 that killed 32 people and were claimed by the Islamic State group, in Belgium's deadliest peacetime violence, according to Belgian media.

Among those convicted for their role in the suicide bombings at Brussels' airport and a subway station was Salah Abdeslam, who already is serving a life sentence without parole in France over his role in attacks that hit Paris cafes, the Bataclan theater and France's national stadium in 2015.

The verdict was reported by public broadcaster RTBF, newspaper Le Soir and news websites HLN and Nieuwsblad.

The chief judge read out the verdict and explanations by the 12-person jury, who made a clear connection to IS and its extremist ideology. The reading of the verdict was expected to take a few hours. Sentencing will be decided in a separate process, not before September.

In addition to the six people convicted of terrorist murder, four others on trial were acquitted or facing other charges.

The biggest trial in Belgium's judicial history unfolded over seven months in a special court to address the exceptional case. Survivors and families of victims hoped the trial and verdict would help them work through what happened and find closure.

The morning rush hour attacks on March 22, 2016, at Zavantem Airport and on the Brussels subway's central commuter line deeply shook the city, which is home to the headquarters of the European Union and NATO and put the country on edge. In addition to the 32 people killed, nearly 900 others were wounded or suffered serious mental trauma.

Jamila Adda, president of the Life4Bruxelles victims' association, gathered a group of survivors at the special courthouse to hear Tuesday's verdict. Among them was a man named Frederic, who said the ''atrocious crimes'' of March 22 still haunt him.

"We have been waiting for this for seven years, seven years that weighed heavily on the victims. ... We are waiting with impatience, and with some anguish" for the verdict, he told The Associated Press. Frederic, among the commuters who survived the attack at the Maelbeek metro station, spoke on condition that his last name not be published to protect his identity as a victim of trauma.

Survivors have supported each other through the proceedings, some coming every day. "It is important to be together, to hear the decision of justice," Frederic said. And then, they hope "to be able to turn the page."

The 12 jurors had been deliberating since early July over some 300 questions the court asked them to consider before reaching a verdict. Tuesday's expected decision will address whether or not each of the suspects is guilty of various charges and may take several hours to be read out.

Eventual sentencing will be decided in a separate process. If convicted, some could face up to 30 years in prison.

Abdeslam was the only survivor among the Islamic State extremists who struck Paris in November 2015 and were part of a Franco-Belgian network that went on to target Brussels four months later. After months on the run following the Paris attacks, Abdeslam was captured in Brussels on March 18, 2016, and his arrest may have prompted other members of the IS cell to rush ahead with attack plans on the Belgian capital.

Also convicted of terrorist murder at the trial in Brussels was Mohamed Abrini, childhood friend of Abdeslam and a Brussels native who walked away from Zaventem airport after his explosives failed to detonate.

Oussama Atar, who has been identified as a possible organizer of the deadly attacks on both Paris and Brussels, was convicted of terrorist murder in absentia. He is believed to have died in the Islamic State group's final months of fighting in Iraq and Syria.
Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga says a wave of protests against high taxes and the rising cost of living will continue, despite a cancellation of Wednesday's demonstrations. While he didn't say when the protests will resume, Odinga accused the government of using brutality against protesters and said officials are not willing to sit down and negotiate a way out of the crisis.

Addressing the international media on Tuesday in Nairobi, Odinga said the issue is no longer a party issue but a Kenyan issue.

"The most important discussion in our country today is the high taxes, rising cost of living and the ensuing protests," he said. "Although the tax protests have been initiated by Azimio, it has since gone beyond the party. After the passage of the finance act, Kenyans have defied party, political divides and united to resist punitive taxation and demand the lowering of the costs of basic commodities."

The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance leader said he didn't anticipate the treatment people received from the police, noting that violence should never be used to disperse protests.

"The unprecedented horrors of police brutality against the protesters. With constitutional guarantee for protests, we never imagine that police would outlaw protests, confront protesters, and kill so many as is the case now," Odinga said.

In a statement on Tuesday, the interior ministry said that 305 law enforcement officers have been injured and one has died while protecting lives and property. In addition, more than 850 businesses were broken into and looted.

Last week, Human Rights Watch accused Kenyan government officials of using hostile rhetoric against protesters and asked Kenyan officials to respect the demonstrators' rights to assembly and to peaceful protests. The organization said it has documented 16 people killed, either shot or beaten, by police between March and May.

Collins Orono, a child rights activist, said what's happening is unfortunate.

"This time around has actually [gone] too far because to an extent where tear gas can be lobbed into schools and in people's houses and people can be dragged from their houses and all that, that tells you that the cops and the government have been emboldened enough to continue doing this," Orono said.

But Orono also put blame on both sides, saying: "I think it all starts with our leaders recognizing that the nation is bigger than them; our politicians recognizing that we have over 50 million Kenyans and the politicians are very few  we've given a lot of power to the political class to the point that they can do whatever they want, at all costs; whether we are losing lives or not, whether children are being tear gassed or not, they don't care."

The Azimio political alliance said about 50 people have been killed since the protests started in March, but official numbers bring it down to about 20 people.

Police insist the protests are illegal and arrested 300 demonstrators last week.

Odinga said he doesn't want to be part of this government, but the government is not serious about negotiating a solution. He said there's even been outside intervention recently to mediate the crisis.

"The president from Tanzania came here two weeks ago at the invitation of President [William] Ruto to mediate and she was kept waiting not from our side, we were available, but the other side wasn't available. She spent two nights here, all in vain," Odinga said.

He also said other people have tried, and Ruto is the one who is resisting.

Odinga said he called off Wednesday's planned demonstrations to pray for those who have died and were injured during the protests. He didn't say when the protests will resume.
Air strikes and artillery barrages from Sudan's warring generals killed at least 16 people in a Khartoum neighborhood on Tuesday, a neighborhood group reported.

After more than 100 days of war, the latest bombardments added to a toll of at least 3,900 killed nationwide.

"Sixteen citizens died today in this senseless war" when shells hit civilian homes in the Ombada area of Khartoum's northwest, the neighborhood group said.

It is one of many pro-democracy "resistance committees" that have cobbled together supplies over the patchy internet, land lines, or by risking their own lives to venture out since the war began.

The total number of casualties from the latest strikes was still unclear, the committee added in statements provided to AFP.

Mohamed Mansour, a local resident, told AFP he "helped pull eight bodies" from the rubble of homes destroyed by the blasts.

"Four people were killed in the house next door, including two children," said another resident, Hagar Youssef.

The war that began on April 15 between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has uprooted more than 3.3 million other people from their homes.

SEE ALSO: WFP: Growing Number of Refugees from Sudans Darfur Region Crossing Into Chad Much of the fighting has taken place in densely populated neighborhoods of the capital Khartoum, where residents on Tuesday reported a renewed RSF attack on the army's ammunition corps in the city's south.

Pro-democracy lawyers said late Monday that civilians in the city's south and center were again being "forcibly evacuated from their homes, to be used by fighters" as bases.

Mediators from the United States and Saudi Arabia have previously accused the RSF of "occupation of civilian homes, private businesses, and public buildings."

'Catastrophic humanitarian crisis'

For more than three months, millions have been rationing water and electricity in the stifling heat, shielding their families from blasts and unable to reach the few health care facilities still functioning.

The World Health Organization warned Tuesday of the "catastrophic humanitarian crisis" facing Sudan, "with more than 67 percent of the country's hospitals out of service."

SEE ALSO: Reuters Report: Sudan Slipping Deeper into Hunger, Poverty Health care and aid facilities have themselves frequently come under attack or been looted by both forces.

Fighters have also been accused of rampant sexual violence, reports which the WHO said it was "appalled by."

Alleged sexual and gender-based crimes are a focus of a new investigation announced earlier this month by the International Criminal Court into alleged war crimes in Sudan.

SEE ALSO: 'Alarming' Rise in Rape, Abduction from Sudan War, Aid Agencies Say The WHO reiterated demands for an urgent response to help prevent outbreaks of disease during the rainy season, which began in June and brought increased reports of malaria, cholera and other water-borne diseases  particularly in remote areas.

"Outbreaks are likely to claim more lives unless urgent action is taken to halt their spread," said Ahmed al-Mandhari and Matshidiso Moeti, WHO regional directors for the Eastern Mediterranean and Africa, respectively.

On Monday, the U.N. children's agency said it had documented "2,500 severe violations of children's rights  an average of at least one an hour" since the fighting began, with at least 435 children killed and 2,025 injured.

More than half of Sudan's 48 million people are in need of aid and protection, the U.N. says, but only a fraction of those have received assistance because of the security challenges, bureaucratic hurdles and other obstacles cited by aid groups.

The U.N.'s World Food Program said it has reached more than 1.4 million people with emergency food aid as needs intensify.

Civilian talks

Although there is no sign an end to the war is near, peace attempts have taken place.

SEE ALSO: Egypt Holds Conference With Sudan's Neighbors on New Cease-Fire The Forces for Freedom and Change, Sudan's main civilian bloc, attended a two-day civilian meeting, which began Monday in Cairo and sought to "restore the path of peace and stop the war in Sudan," according to FFC spokesman Jaafar Hassan.

The FFC was ousted from power in a 2021 coup orchestrated by Burhan and Daglo, and which derailed the country's transition to democracy.

The two generals later fell out in a feud that exploded into war.

US- and Saudi-brokered cease-fires were systematically violated, before Washington and Riyadh adjourned talks.
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- China's meteorological authorities on Tuesday renewed a blue alert for rainstorms.

From 2 p.m. Tuesday to 2 p.m. Wednesday, heavy rain or rainstorms are forecast to hit parts of Tibet, Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Chongqing, Hubei, Hunan and Taiwan, according to the National Meteorological Center.

Some of these regions will experience heavy rainfall, with 20 mm to over 80 mm of hourly precipitation, as well as severe convective weather conditions such as thunderstorms and gales, the meteorological center said.

It has advised local governments and residents to take appropriate precautions. Schools and kindergartens have been asked to ensure the safety of students and children, while drivers have been advised to be alert and cautious due to road waterlogging and traffic jams.

China has a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. 
Authorities in Nigeria's Lagos state have acknowledged that at least 103 protesters died in clashes with security forces during 2020 protests over police brutality, a higher figure than previously given. State officials also said they will conduct a mass burial for the bodies, which they say haven't been claimed by relatives despite public announcements.

Survivors and rights groups accuse authorities of trying to cover up the true extent of the casualties and crimes committed by security forces and are calling for an investigation.

Human rights group Amnesty International is among those calling for a new probe into the October 2020 deaths of protesters and told VOA Monday that it is investigating the government's claims.

On Sunday, the Lagos state government said it plans to bury 103 people who died in the state during the various protests and relieve overcrowding in the morgue.

The official statement came after a memo about the planned mass burial was leaked to the media. Activists are now accusing authorities of trying to cover up the extent of the casualties at the Lekki toll gate, the site of a heated clash between protesters and military forces. Authorities say bodies unclaimed

In response to critics, Nigerian government officials said Monday the bodies to be buried were rounded up from various clashes that erupted across the state, not solely at the toll gate.

Lagos state officials said critics are trying to "misinform the public, stir sentiment and cause disaffection against the Lagos State government."

Authorities said the measure was a routine exercise to decongest the public morgue and that the bodies remained unclaimed for nearly three years after being deposited there despite public notices. Authorities added that none of the bodies were retrieved from the Lekki toll gate incident.

Aminu Hayatu is Amnesty International's lead conflict and crises researcher in Nigeria.

"The leaked memo has really triggered our intention to revisit this case of police brutality, especially [given] the fact that we're the first that came out to expose during the End SARS [protests] the nature of [the] army's assault on protesters and the eventual killing of some of them which was denied by the Nigerian government," said Hayatu. "We have just been vindicated by the leaked memo."

Lekki toll gate protest

In October 2020, thousands of young Nigerians poured onto the streets for two weeks to demand an end to what they called "systemic police brutality" and the notorious SARS unit of the police.

The protests climaxed at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos on October 20 before security forces arrived and opened fire on protesters.

In late 2020, during a hearing of an independent panel of inquiry, the military initially denied being at the toll gate, then later admitted soldiers were deployed  who fired blanks in the air to disperse the crowd.

End SARS activist Obianuju Iloanya cast doubt on authorities' claim that the newly discovered victims were not from the toll gate shooting.

"All of this is a cover up, if we check we might even see bullet wounds on them proving that they were victims of [the] 2020 massacre," said Illoanya. "So this is a clear case of covering up for the police and inadequacies of the government. This was a figure not made public for a long time, it is unfair, it is unjust."

Hayatu said human rights must always be respected by authorities.

"Amnesty is insisting that human rights must be respected in all the ramifications whenever the government has a business to engage the civilians," said Hayatu.

Nigerian officials had previously said 51 civilians and 18 security personnel were killed during the unrest in Lagos and other parts of the country.
Latest Developments:

Between 3,450 and 3,650 Wagner group mercenaries have arrived in Belarus since the groups short-lived rebellion, a military monitoring group said Monday. The fighters are camped close to Asipovichy, a town 230 kilometers north of the Ukrainian border. The Wagner mercenaries are training Belarusian troops as part of an agreement to end the Wagner revolt brokered by the Belarusian president between the Kremlin and Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin.

The Russian defense industry says it is now producing more munitions per month than it did in the whole of 2022, the RIA news agency reported.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said its staff saw directional anti-personnel mines located on the perimeter of Ukraines Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

The IAEA said in a statement the mines were seen Sunday in a buffer zone between the sites internal and external perimeter barriers. The agency said no mines were seen within the inner site perimeter.

Russia has controlled the site since the early stages of its invasion of Ukraine. The IAEA has repeatedly warned of the potential for a nuclear catastrophe as it advocated for safety and security measures at Europes largest nuclear power plant.

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said was told the placement of the mines was a military decision and done in an area controlled by the military.

But having such explosives on the site is inconsistent with the IAEA safety standards and nuclear security guidance and creates additional psychological pressure on plant staff  even if the IAEAs initial assessment based on its own observations and the plants clarifications is that any detonation of these mines should not affect the sites nuclear safety and security systems, Grossi said.

IAEA experts are also continuing to monitor the availability of water to cool the plants reactors following the June destruction of the Kakhovka dam that affected a reservoir near the plant, the agency said.

The site continues to have sufficient water for some months, the IAEA said.

Grain exports

The U.S. Treasury Department said Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson will address how Russias exit from the Black Sea Grain Initiative will hurt African states as he makes a visit this week to Kenya and Somalia.

A Treasury spokesperson said Nelson will argue that Russia abandoned the grain deal despite U.S. efforts to facilitate the flow of Russian grain and fertilizer exports.

Russia withdrew from the grain deal last week, arguing it was not benefitting enough from a parallel initiative allowing Russian food and fertilizer exports despite Western sanctions.

"He will highlight the exemptions in U.S. sanctions that have always allowed the continued flow of food and agriculture transactions," the spokesperson said.

Putin courts African leaders

Nelsons trip comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to host African leaders in St. Petersburg Thursday and Friday promising them free Russian grain "to replace Ukrainian grain."

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to Russia to revive the U.N.-brokered grain deal to allow the flow of grain exports from Ukraines Black Sea ports.

During his speech at the opening of a three-day food summit in Rome, Guterres said the world's hungry will be the most adversely affected if the deal is not renewed. "The most vulnerable will pay the highest price, he said.

Some information was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters
Latest Developments:

A former U.S. Marine who was freed by Russia last year in a prisoner swap has been injured while fighting for Ukraine against Moscow's forces, the U.S. State Department said.

Russia's prosecutor-general declared independent TV channel Dozhd to be an undesirable organization, continuing the crackdown on news media and groups regarded as threats to Russia's security. Dozhd, which is often critical of the Kremlin, closed its operations in Russia soon after the beginning of the Ukraine conflict, moving first to Latvia and then to the Netherlands.

The European Union is considering helping fund the costly transportation of grain out of Ukraine after Russia halted a deal that allowed Black Sea exports of Ukrainian grain vital to global food security.

The United States will send Ukraine an additional $400 million in military aid, including air defense missiles, small drones and armored vehicles, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.

The weapons are being provided through the Presidential Drawdown Authority, which allows for the speedy delivery of defense articles and services from U.S. stocks, sometimes arriving within days of approval. The materiel will come from U.S. excess inventory.

The aid announcement comes at a time when Ukrainian troops are involved in a slow-moving counteroffensive against invading Russian forces.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the assistance is aimed at "strengthening Ukraine's brave forces on the battlefield" and "helping them retake Ukraine's sovereign territory."

"The people of Ukraine continue to bravely defend their country against Russia's aggression while Russia continues its relentless and vicious attacks that are killing Ukrainian civilians and destroying civil infrastructure," Blinken said in a statement.

The new aid package includes an array of ammunition, ranging from missiles for Patriot air defense systems and National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASMS), Stinger anti-aircraft systems, more ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), Stryker armored personnel carriers, and a variety of other missiles and rockets.

It also will include for the first time U.S.-furnished Black Hornet surveillance drones  tiny nano drones used largely for intelligence-gathering. Ukraine has previously received these drones from other Western allies.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the U.S. has provided more than $43 billion in military aid to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Ukraine said their air defenses intercepted Iranian-made Shahed drones that Russia fired at Kyiv overnight. It was the sixth drone attack on the capital this month.

Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv regional military administration, said no casualties or damage were reported.

The Russian Defense Ministry said a Russian patrol ship destroyed two Ukrainian sea drones that attacked it in the Black Sea early Tuesday.

Ukrainian officials said Russia used cluster munitions in an attack on Kostiantynivka, in the eastern Donetsk region, late Monday.

Also Tuesday, Russian lawmakers approved a bill extending the upper age limit for the compulsory military draft from 27 to 30, a move that appears aimed at expanding the pool of recruits for the fighting in Ukraine.

The measure was quickly approved by the lower house on Tuesday. It will need to be approved by the upper house and signed by President Vladimir Putin to become law.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said its staff saw directional anti-personnel mines located on the perimeter of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

The IAEA said in a statement late Monday that the mines were seen Sunday "in a buffer zone between the site's internal and external perimeter barriers." The agency said no mines were seen "within the inner site perimeter."

Russia has controlled the site since the early stages of its invasion of Ukraine. The IAEA has repeatedly warned of the potential for a nuclear catastrophe as it advocated for safety and security measures at Europe's largest nuclear power plant.

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said the agency was told the placement of the mines was a military decision and done in an area controlled by the military.

"But having such explosives on the site is inconsistent with the IAEA safety standards and nuclear security guidance and creates additional psychological pressure on plant staff  even if the IAEA's initial assessment based on its own observations and the plant's clarifications is that any detonation of these mines should not affect the site's nuclear safety and security systems," Grossi said.

IAEA experts are also continuing to monitor the availability of water to cool the plant's reactors following the June destruction of the Kakhovka dam that affected a reservoir near the plant, the agency said.

"The site continues to have sufficient water for some months," the IAEA said.

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
Amid the ongoing culture wars over LGBTQ rights, the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, is rediscovering the history of a deadly arson attack that took place 50 years ago.

The attack was largely forgotten in part because it happened at a local gay bar, but memorial events taking place in the Southern city, as well as virtual events open to the public like this one hosted between the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana and the American LGBTQ+ Museum, are introducing a new generation to the tragedy and its victims. Ricky Everett was one of the survivors of the June 24, 1973, fire.

Id carried a lot of pain for a very long time, he told VOA. I saw so many people, my friends, burn alive that night. And for decades we werent able to talk about it.



Before the events of that Sunday in 1973, Everett attended services at Metropolitan Community Church, which was one of the first pro-LGBTQ Christian fellowships. He and other congregants then headed to the UpStairs Lounge on Iberville Street in New Orleans French Quarter for a beer.

It was just a really nice, clean, friendly place, he recalled. People from all walks of life were there. Professionals like doctors and lawyers all the way down to people having a little tougher time. Black people, white people. Gay people, lesbians, and straight people and heterosexual couples, too. Everyone just got along, he added. People came to the UpStairs Lounge to laugh together, dance together, sing together. It was special.

That evening was a lively one at the second-floor bar thanks to a weekend beer special. At 7:56 p.m., bartender Buddy Rasmussen heard a buzzer that usually meant a taxi was waiting downstairs. Rasmussen sent a regular patron to check, and when the door opened, flames shot up the stairwell into the crowded bar.

I was at a table with my friends when all of a sudden I saw a bright glow shoot straight across the room, Everett told VOA. It was chaos, but I just froze.

Rasmussen jumped over the bar and yanked Everett by the arm. He yelled for people to follow him through a back exit to the roof where they could cross to the next building.

When Everett saw that one of his friends was not with them, however, he says he ran back in.

There were dozens of people who didnt come out with us, but when I entered the bar again, there was no movement. No sound, Everett said. Just flames swirling everywhere.

I should have been one of the people who died there that night, he said. But God saved me. Proof He loved gay people, too. 'Bigotry, nonsense and homophobia'

Thirty-two people would perish that night in what was the largest attack on the gay community before the 2016 shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. When I began researching the fire, I thought I was looking into an anti-gay hate crime, Robert W. Fieseler, author of Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation, told VOA ahead of Tuesdays virtual panel discussion, which he is attending.



It turns out it was far more nuanced. While the case remains open, the man generally believed to be the prime suspect, Roger Nunez, was bisexual with a history of mental illness and was involved in a confrontation at the UpStairs Lounge earlier that night. Nunez committed suicide a year later. This wasnt a hate crime, Fieseler said, but the response by the police, the media, and the city certainly was clouded by bigotry, nonsense and homophobia.

New Orleans institutions suppressed news of the attack, particularly that its target was a gay bar. Some of the victims families were ashamed to claim their bodies. Local talk show hosts and police officers openly mocked the victims sexuality. Even the LGBTQ community was mostly quiet, not wanting to draw more negative attention.

World War II veteran Ferris LeBlanc died in the fire, and Fieseler believes what happened to his remains is just one poignant example of the authorities mishandling of their response to the attack.

This man was an American hero, and he deserved to be buried with the same honors others who served had, Fieseler said. Instead, in its haste to brush the tragedy under the rug, the city didnt make adequate efforts to find his family. They left his remains in a potters field  it looks like a cow pasture. His family is still trying to find him. Years later, an apology

In recent years, however, more New Orleanians have rediscovered the arson and its victims. Attitudes have also changed. The New Orleans City Council issued an apology last year for its actions at the time of the fire.

Choreographer Monica Ordonez says a friend introduced her to the UpStairs Lounge fire, and not only had I never heard about it, but nobody else I knew had either.

How could so few people know about this? Its one of the most important events for the gay community in the 20th century, she added. I wanted people to know  about the fire, but also about the beautiful souls we lost that day.

Ordonez is artistic director of the Melange Dance Company. On the 50th anniversary of the fire, the dance company staged New Orleans Museum of Art performances of The UpStairs Lounge, depicting the events of that night.
Iranian authorities have arrested several followers of the Baha'i faith accused of spying for Tehran's arch-foe Israel, local media in the Islamic republic reported on Tuesday.

The Baha'is, Iran's largest non-Muslim religious minority, are not recognized by the state and often targeted over alleged ties to Israel  home to their most important shrines and world headquarters.

"A number of members at the core of the Baha'i spy party have been arrested in Gilan province" in Iran's north, said the Fars news agency, citing an intelligence services statement.

Fars reported the group was alleged to have links "with the Zionist center known as Bayt al-Adl located in the occupied Palestinian territories," referring to the Baha'is' Universal House of Justice in the coastal Israeli city of Haifa.

The report did not specify how many had been arrested.

The intelligence services also accused the group of "promoting Baha'i teachings," particularly among children, according to Fars.

Iran, where Shiite Islam is the state religion, recognizes some minority faiths, including Christianity, Judaism and Zoroastrianism.

Baha'is, however, are branded "heretics" by the Islamic republic.

In August, authorities arrested a group of Baha'is and 12 more followers the following month, all on similar charges relating to alleged links to Israel.

Baha'is consider Baha'u'llah, born in 1817 in modern-day Iran, to be the latest prophet sent by God and founder of their monotheistic faith.

The group has complained of discrimination in Iran since the emergence of their faith in the second half of the 19th century, well before the 1979 Islamic revolution.

The Baha'i community claims to have more than 7 million followers worldwide, including some 300,000 in Iran.
ABUJA, Nigeria  Nigeria's main opposition party on Monday called for an investigation after security forces arrested two alleged Boko Haram militants believed to be plotting to attack the party's presidential candidate.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it believes attackers were planning to kill the partys presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in his home, slay innocent citizens and cause chaos.

The arrests Sunday came amid continued court battles over the outcome of Nigeria's February presidential election. The PDP alleges that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party won through election fraud, which it denies.

The PDP also alleged that the arrests might be connected to the ruling party's recent warning to the judiciary. The APC last week urged the judiciary to be careful with any ruling on the February elections, saying a wrong decision could unleash anarchy in Nigeria.

The PDP claimed the ruling party was trying to start violence as an excuse to impose emergency rule in Nigeria.

On Sunday, Adamawa state police operatives arrested two men inside Abubakar's residence. Police said the men admitted to being members of Islamist extremist group Boko Haram on a mission to bomb the place.

The police have handed the suspects over to the military for more investigation.

Phrank Shuaibu, Abubakar's spokesperson, said Abubakar is a target because the PDP has presented a strong case in court against the February election results.

"We don't see it as a coincidence, Shuaibu said. We do not need the services of a clairvoyant to assert a case as to what is happening. We're sure that they're stuck, we're sure that they're frustrated by the trove of evidence we have before the court. The only thing they have on their plate right now is to see how they can attack the life of Atiku Abubakar."

The PDP and the Labor Party have been challenging the election that put the ruling party's Bola Tinubu in the presidents office.

The PDP accused the APC of manipulating the election process to retain power and is calling for security reinforcements around Abubakar.

But the ruling party dismissed the claims. APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said the PDP is making baseless accusations.

It's very unfortunate that the Peoples Democratic Party will trivialize something as serious as suspected terror attack to politicize an incident that is still at the early stages of investigation, Morka said. It just shows the depth to which the PDP has descended in its utter confusion and loss. I think that's just the height of irresponsibility.

Abubakar has not commented on the alleged assassination attempt.

The Presidential Election Petition Court, meanwhile, is expected to rule soon on the PDPs challenge to the election.
North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into its eastern sea, South Koreas military said Tuesday, adding to a recent streak in weapons testing that is apparently in protest of the U.S. sending major naval assets to South Korea in a show of force.

In its third round of launches since last week, North Korea fired the missiles just before midnight from an area near its capital, Pyongyang, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said. It said both missiles traveled around 400 kilometers before landing in waters off the Korean Peninsulas eastern coast.

Its statement called North Koreas missile launches a grave provocation that threatens regional peace and stability. Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said his government lodged a protest to North Korea over the launches, which is usually conveyed through its embassy in Beijing. He said Tokyo was doing its utmost for surveillance while stepping up trilateral security cooperation with Washington and Seoul. No damage has been reported related to the missiles, which, according to Japan's Defense Ministry, fell outside the country's exclusive economic zone.

The launches came hours after South Koreas navy said a nuclear-propelled U.S. submarine  the USS Annapolis  arrived at a port on Jeju Island. That underscored the allies' efforts to boost the visibility of U.S. strategic assets in the region to intimidate the North.

Last week, the USS Kentucky became the first U.S. nuclear-armed submarine to come to South Korea since the 1980s. North Korea reacted to its arrival by test-firing ballistic and cruise missiles last week in apparent demonstrations that it could make nuclear strikes on South Korea and deployed U.S. naval vessels. Conversation about King

Also on Monday, the American-led U.N. Command said it has started a conversation with North Korea about a U.S. soldier who ran into the North last week across one of the worlds most heavily fortified borders.

Andrew Harrison, a British lieutenant general who is deputy commander at the U.N. Command, which oversees implementation of the 1953 armistice that ended fighting in the Korean War, declined to comment about the state of the inquiry to North Korea or say what the command knows about Private Travis Kings condition.

I am in life an optimist, and I remain optimistic, Harrison said during a news conference in Seoul.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said North Korea had only acknowledged receiving the U.N. message last week and had not provided any information or commented further since then.

There have been no new contacts since last week, Miller said, adding that North Korea also had not responded to messages sent by U.S. civilian or military officials.

North Korea has remained publicly silent about King, who crossed the border during a tour of Panmunjom while he was supposed to be heading to Fort Bliss, Texas, following his release from prison in South Korea on an assault conviction.

The U.S. still has not been able to ascertain Kings condition, a senior administration official said Monday in Washington. Asked if U.S. officials had a better understanding of whether King intended to defect, the official said they still had no indication about what was going on in his mind that day. The official was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Analysts say North Korea may wait weeks or even months to provide meaningful information about King to maximize leverage and add urgency to U.S. efforts to secure his release. Some say North Korea may try to wrest concessions from Washington, such as tying his release to the United States cutting back its military activities with South Korea.

Kings crossing came at a time of high tensions in the Korean Peninsula, where the pace of both North Koreas weapons demonstrations and the United States combined military exercises have intensified in a tit-for-tat cycle. Veiled threat

In between the ballistic and cruise missile launches last week, North Koreas defense minister also issued a veiled threat, saying the Kentuckys docking in South Korea could be grounds for the North to use a nuclear weapon against it. North Korea has used similar rhetoric before, but the statement underscored how strained relations are now.

Farhan Haq, U.N.'s deputy spokesperson, said the U.N. is concerned about the rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The DPRKs continued launches of missiles using ballistic missile technology are clear violations of relevant Security Council resolutions, and, of course, we reiterate the call for de-escalation and for full implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions, he said, invoking the North's formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The United States and South Korea have expanded their combined military exercises and increased regional deployments of U.S. aircraft and ships, including bombers, aircraft carriers and submarines to counter the nuclear threats posed by North Korea, which has test-fired around 100 missiles since the start of 2022.

The Annapolis, whose main mission is destroying enemy ships and submarines, is powered by a nuclear reactor but is armed with conventional weapons. The sub mainly docked at Jeju to load supplies, but Jang Do Young, a spokesperson for South Koreas navy, said the U.S. and South Korean militaries were discussing whether to arrange training involving the vessel.

The Koreas are still technically at war since a peace treaty was never signed.

Their armistice becomes 70 years old Thursday, an anniversary South Korea will mark with solemn ceremonies honoring the dead that will involve invited foreign war veterans.

North Korea, which celebrates the date as victory day for the great Fatherland Liberation War, plans huge festivities that will likely include a military parade in the capital, Pyongyang, where leader Kim Jong Un may showcase his nuclear-capable missiles designed to target regional rivals and the United States.

North Koreas state-run Korean Central News Agency said Monday that a Chinese delegation led by Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the standing committee of the countrys National Peoples Congress, would attend the celebrations. China has confirmed the visit.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday underscored his administration's resolve to defend the country's territory through diplomacy in a key speech but did not mention China, with which it has had an escalating series of conflicts in the disputed South China Sea.

Marcos also announced in his state-of-the-nation speech to Congress that he would offer an amnesty to armed insurgents and would crack down on smugglers and hoarders of agricultural products, whom he blamed for steep spikes in food prices.

Despite an array of problems and uncertainties sparked in part by the war in Ukraine, Marcos said the dedication and patriotism he had seen among Filipino workers in and out of government have kept him optimistic.

"With this in my heart, I know that the state of the nation is sound, and is improving," Marcos said to applause from lawmakers and top government officials in the heavily secured House of Representatives.

Marcos outlined reforms pursued by his administration to boost the economy following the coronavirus pandemic. He cited last year's 7.6% economic growth rate, which he said was the country's highest in 46 years despite weak prospects worldwide.

"We are still considered to be among the fastest-growing economies in the Asian region and in the world," he said. Human rights

Critics, however, hit Marcos for not mentioning human rights issues, including his refusal to cooperate with the International Criminal Court in its investigation of large numbers of killings under his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte's brutal campaign against illegal drugs.

More than 6,000 mostly poor suspects died in Duterte's police-enforced crackdown based on police pronouncements, but human rights groups say the real death toll was much larger. Police have acknowledged that dozens of suspects have been killed in the campaign since Marcos took office in June last year but said they had violently fought law enforcers.

Marcos has refused to bring the Philippines back into the ICC, in a decision that favored Duterte but was attacked by human rights activists.

Duterte withdrew the Philippines from The Hague-based court in 2019 in a move rights activists said was an attempt to evade accountability and prevent an international probe into the killings in the drug crackdown. The ICC, however, continues to have jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed when the Philippines was still a member state of the court.

Marcos, 65, took power in June last year in a landslide victory that was among the most dramatic political comebacks in recent history. His father was ousted as a dictator accused of widespread human rights violations and plunder in a 1986 pro-democracy uprising that became a harbinger of change at the time in authoritarian regimes worldwide. He has refused to apologize and has steadfastly defended his father's legacy.

In February, Marcos approved an expansion of the U.S. military presence in the Philippines to add four new bases from five existing sites under a 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the longtime treaty allies. The move, which Marcos said would boost the Philippines' coastal defense, dovetails with the Biden administration's efforts to strengthen an arc of military alliances in the Indo-Pacific to better counter China.

China warned the move "will drag the Philippines into the abyss of geopolitical strife and damage its economic development at the end of the day." But Philippine officials said the move was not aimed at China.

"Our journey to progress requires not only unity and social cohesion amongst our people. It is also imperative that our nation remains intact and inviolable," Marcos said in a clear reference to Manila's long-simmering territorial disputes with Beijing. "We will protect our sovereign rights and preserve our territorial integrity, in defense of a rules-based international order."

"With our national interest paramount, we will always pursue constant dialogue and diplomatic approaches to the resolution of any issue that may arise," he said. A turnaround

Marcos's moves to reaffirm ties with Washington was a key turnaround from the often-hostile approach Duterte took toward the United States.

On government efforts to deal with decades-long insurgencies, Marcos said without elaborating that he would grant amnesty to rebels who have decided to return to normal life.

That may apply to armed fighters of the largest Muslim rebel group in the country's south, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which signed a 2014 autonomy deal with the government. An unspecified number of rebels in the group still have not been amnestied. Separate peace talks with communist rebels broke down in Duterte's time.

Since assuming the presidency, Marcos has taken more than a dozen foreign trips, including to the United States and China, to seek investments and boost trade. He is scheduled to leave for Malaysia on Tuesday for a three-day visit.

The government said the foreign trips are crucial to back up economic reforms and initiatives, including a bill that Marcos signed into law last week creating the country's first sovereign wealth fund, which aims to pool money for infrastructure and other projects. But opponents said the trips, including one that took him to Singapore to watch Formula One races in October, reflected misplaced priorities given problems at home, including soaring food prices early in his presidency.

Marcos vowed Monday to crack down on smuggling and hoarding, which he blamed for soaring food prices.
The speaker of Somalias lower house of Parliament has strongly condemned Mondays cowardly, merciless and unreligious bombing of a military base that claimed the lives of 25 soldiers and injured more than 70 others.

Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur, popularly known as Adan Madobe, said he suspects traitors may have facilitated the bombing.

I know among the officers there are good, hard-working, dignified people but that traitors have facilitated this. I suspect that a lot. Its intolerable, he said in a video posted by state media.

The al-Shabab militant group claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement on Telegram, al-Shabab said one of its suicide bombers carried out the strike.

Suicide vest used

The bomber detonated a suicide vest as the soldiers lined up after breakfast. The soldiers had been recently deployed to Mogadishu for additional training and re-equipping, officials confirmed.

Nur, who is now the acting president as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre are away from the country, ordered a rigorous investigation into the matter.

I order the officers and all the security personnel in charge of the security, who are honest, to rigorously investigate this, he said.

The criminals who are hiding among the army who are facilitating for the enemy must be apprehended and brought before justice.  I want a satisfactory answer, Nur said.

Meanwhile, two Somali security officers told VOA that agents investigating the bombing have arrested at least three military officers, including a colonel, in connection with the incident.

The officers, who asked not to be identified because they are not allowed to publicly speak to the media, insisted that the three officers are suspects only, and that they will be questioned about how the suicide bomber managed to access the base.

Highly fortified base

One of the officers insisted that the bomber was not a member of the Somali National Army.

But a second officer said that in addition to the soldiers targeted, the base was being used by different units, including personnel from the land forces and military transport sectors of the army.

Its possible the bomber exploited that lack of knowledge among the soldiers at the base, he said.

Nur said he wants answers as to how the bomber was able to access a highly fortified base.

This is not a place you can just show up. Its not a normal place, he said.

He said its disappointing that soldiers who are ready to sacrifice their lives for the country have been massacred at their base.

If they had been killed [on] the battleground, the Somali people would have just said, May Allah bless their souls. But its disappointing they have been massacred [on] their base, he said.
Taliban authorities in Afghanistan enforced a nationwide ban on beauty parlors Tuesday after the expiration of a one-month deadline for owners to close the businesses, leaving tens of thousands of women without work in a country grappling with poverty.

Since returning to power nearly two years ago, the hardline Taliban have placed sweeping restrictions on the rights of women, barring them from education, public spaces and most forms of employment.

Beauty parlors were one of the few remaining employment opportunities for Afghan women, and a rare public place for them to socialize. Many of their workers were said to be the sole source of income for their households.

The ban puts out of business roughly 12,000 female-run salons, including 3,000 in the capital of Kabul, employing an estimated 60,000 women, according to an Afghan association of the owners.

The Taliban Ministry for the Prevention of Vice and Propagation of Virtue had given beauty salons one month to close, saying they were offering services forbidden by Islam.

A ministry spokesman in a subsequent statement explained that parlors caused economic hardship for grooms' families when brides are taken to these facilities during wedding ceremonies. He asserted that too much make-up would also prevent women from proper ablutions for prayer, while implanting hair and plucking eyebrows are against Sharia, or Islamic law.

The edict outraged owners and beauticians, leading to a couple of rare protest rallies, urging authorities not to deprive them of their only source of earning. Last week, Taliban security forces fired shots into the air and used fire hoses in Kabul to forcefully disperse dozens of women protesting the ban.

The United Nations and human rights groups have opposed the restriction on Afghan beauty parlors. The U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan in a recent statement called on the Taliban to reverse the edict, warning it would adversely affect the national economy and undermine support for women's entrepreneurship.

"The Taliban ban on beauty parlors removes another vital space for women's work at a time when they're struggling to feed their families, eliminates one of the few refuges for women outside the home & further transforms the country into a cruel & extreme outlier in the world," Rina Amiri, the U.S. special envoy for Afghan women, girls and rights, said on Twitter after the Taliban announced they would ban beauty salons.

The restrictions on Afghan women's rights to public life have drawn strong international criticism, with the U.N. denouncing the Taliban administration as "gender-apartheid regime."

No country has recognized the Taliban government, citing their treatment of women.

The fundamentalist de facto leaders justify their policies, saying they are aligned with Afghan culture and Sharia, claims scholars in the rest of Islamic countries dispute and reject.
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Tuesday extended congratulations to Samdech Techo Hun Sen, president of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP), on the CPP's victory in Cambodia's 7th general election.

It is good to see that Cambodia, under the correct leadership of the royal government headed by Hun Sen, has achieved political stability, economic development and better living standards, while the country's international and regional status has been continuously promoted, said Xi.

The Chinese side will, as always, support Cambodia in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, Xi said.

He also said that under the strong leadership of Hun Sen, the CPP will make new and greater contributions to national prosperity and people's happiness as well as peace, stability, development and prosperity of the region.

Xi stressed that China and Cambodia belong to one community with a shared future, and the CPC highly regards its friendly cooperation with the CPP.

He also expressed his willingness to work with Hun Sen to strengthen political guidance for bilateral relations, deepen exchanges and cooperation between the two parties and in other areas, and jointly build a high-quality, high-level and high-standard China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era to better benefit the two countries and their people.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang also sent a congratulatory message to Hun Sen on Tuesday. 
Analysts say a spat between Sudan and Kenya is hurting regional efforts to mediate an end to the war in Sudan. This week a Sudanese general accused Kenyan President William Ruto of favoring the paramilitary forces battling the Sudanese army, after Ruto suggested deploying East African peacekeeping troops to Sudan.

Anwar Ibrahim Ahmed, an Ethiopian political analyst who monitors the Horn of Africa region, says a recent uptick in tensions between Sudanese army leaders and the Kenyan government could hinder efforts to restore peace and stability in Sudan.

He adds that members of the East African bloc IGAD will have to consider a grievance raised by Sudan over Kenyan President William Ruto.

Ruto leads an IGAD sub-committee, called the Quartet Group, tasked with mediating an end to Sudan's 3-month-old war. Sudans government has repeatedly accused Ruto of having business ties with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Ruto denies the allegations.

However, Sudanese leaders have refused to cooperate with the Quartet Group until he is replaced.

Ibrahim said IGAD is supposed to have a speedy response to Sudans rejection of Rutos role as head of the Quartet Group, and said IGAD should have intervened with a new mechanism in response to the demands of Sudanese military leaders, in order to prevent further tensions.

On July 10, the Ruto-led Quartet Group proposed deploying a regional coalition of peacekeeping troops in Sudan to protect civilians and secure humanitarian corridors.

Sudanese army leaders rejected the move as an invasion.

Addressing the Sudanese Engineering Corps over the weekend in Omdurman, Lieutenant General Yasser al-Atta, assistant commander-in-chief of the Sudan Armed Forces, criticized Ruto for interfering with Sudanese internal affairs.

He said the Sudanese army is capable of defending its own country and routing what he described as armed mercenaries.

Al-Atta challenged Ruto to face the Sudanese army.

President Ruto should leave East Africa reserve forces alone, and instead he should come along with the Kenyan army to face us," al-Atta said.

On Monday, Kenyan Foreign Minister Alfred Mutua responded cautiously to the remarks, which were reported by the TRT Africa channel, saying that Kenya has yet to get the full context of what al-Atta said.

Mutua indicated the government cannot rely on information shared through social media to respond to an issue with diplomatic implications.

We cannot verify the authenticity of the video or whether the Sudanese army officer actually made these statements, he said.

Zaheer Jhanda, a member of Kenyas national parliament, condemned al-Attas statement.

In a video shared on social media and seen by VOA, Jhanda said Rutos intention is to ensure that peace prevails in Sudan and people have access to aid.

He said Kenya has no interest in who governs Sudan but the people must be protected.

Our business with Sudan is not about who leads Sudan, our business is to ensure that the humanitarian corridor is open so that the people in Sudan should not die. They should be given food; they should be given medicine.

Mekki El Moghrabi, a Sudanese former diplomat to the U.S., downplayed the tensions between the two countries, saying Kenya has enough internal issues to solve.

He said the statement of al-Atta was not a surprise to many Sudanese because of the long military rule in Sudan.

Maybe for Kenyan people this is new. But for Sudanese; because they have long history with war, it is normal for army leader to defend the country by strong speeches, he said.

The United Nations said more than 3 million people have been displaced due to the conflict in Sudan both internally and across the border into neighboring countries.
The United Nations said Tuesday that a long-awaited operation has begun to remove more than a million barrels of oil from an aging supertanker off Yemens Red Sea coast, averting a potential environmental disaster.

As of this morning, we are very pleased to report that the pumps are on, the pipes have been laid between the FSO Safer and the Yemen  the replacement tanker  and the first gallons of oil have in fact been pumped off the Safer onto the Yemen, U.N. Development Program Administrator Achim Steiner told reporters.

The ship-to-ship transfer will continue around the clock and is expected to take 19 days.

The FSO Safer was the subject of more than three years of appeals from the U.N. and environmental organizations who warned that a lack of maintenance during Yemens civil war meant the decaying tanker was at risk of spilling four times as much oil as happened in the 1989 disaster involving the Exxon Valdez off the coast of Alaska.

The Safer is one more casualty in the eight-year war between the Saudi-backed internationally-recognized government and Iranian-supported Houthi rebels. The Houthis control the area where the tanker is anchored, and until last year withheld the necessary permissions and security guarantees to allow an assessment team access to the site in the lead-up to the salvage operation. Raising the funding for the $143 million operation further delayed it.
The U.S. is supporting a report by the special rapporteur of human rights in Myanmar, despite China's objection to findings that Beijing has been exporting arms to Myanmar's military which has used them to forcibly suppress resistance groups since its 2021 coup.

"The United States strongly supports the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and his work illuminating the human rights situation in Myanmar," a State Department spokesperson told VOA's Korean Service on Friday.

The remarks came in response to China's opposition to a United Nations report by Tom Andrews, the special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, that was issued in May. In the report, Andrews said Myanmar's military imported weapons and related material worth at least $1 billion from China and Russia since the military junta's deadly coup in 2021.

The report came up during the regular daily press briefing by China's Foreign Ministry on July 18 when Sky TV asked about China's investment in Myanmar and arms sales to the junta.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said, in part, "The Special Rapporteur actually overstepped his mandate."

She continued, "The report contained smears against normal arms trade between sovereign countries and misrepresentation of facts. China firmly opposes it. We have asked the Special Rapporteur to stay objective and fair and strictly follow his mandate and stop serving any political agenda."

The U.N. report, titled "The Billion Dollar Death Trade: The International Arms Networks that Enable Human Rights Violations in Myanmar," says that out of some $1 billion, the Myanmar military imported more than $267 million worth of weapons and materials from entities in China, including state-owned entities.

The report states, "Numerous private and state-owned companies registered in China, including Hong Kong, continued to supply the Myanmar military with an extensive array of arms, equipment, and raw material between October 2021 and December 2022."

The report said the shipments of arms included jets, attack aircrafts and upgrades to tanks and fighter jets, as well as raw materials, such as aluminum, cooper, steel, rubber and lubricants essential for manufacturing weapons. China seeks 'friendly country,' says expert

David Maxwell, vice president of the Center for Asia Pacific Strategy, said China has been exporting arms to the Myanmar military because it wants "a friendly country on its southern border" to "access the Bay of Bengal to the Indian Ocean to the East of India."

He said that Beijing has "no concern for the human rights of the people in Burma" as it "seeks to export its authoritarian political system around the world in order to dominate the region."

To achieve this goal, Maxwell said China also seeks to "coopt or coerce international organizations, create economic conditions favorable to China alone, and displace democratic institutions."

Bruce Bechtol, a former intelligence officer at the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency who is now a professor at Angelo State University in Texas, said Myanmar is going to be viewed as "a pariah to the international community" and its "only real friend is going to be China."

He added that China might consider that to be an "advantage" because Beijing wants to prevent a democratic country emerging at its border. 'Indiscriminate use of artillery'

Myanmar's military has been using deadly weapons to suppress oppositions groups that have resisted its rule since the overthrow of the democratically elected government led by de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi in a violent coup in 2021.

Human Rights Watch pointed out in its 2023 World Report that the Myanmar military makes "indiscriminate use of artillery and airstrikes," which has killed and injured civilians and destroyed civilian properties.

The U.N. report by Andrews said that since the coup, the military killed at least 3,500 civilians, detained as much as 22,000 political prisoners, and forcibly displaced more than 1.5 million people.

On Friday, two villagers said the Myanmar military killed 14 people in the village of Sone Chaung in the Sagaing region during a raid to search for the leaders of a resistance group known as the People's Defense Force, according to The Guardian citing AFP.

In June, the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on Myanmar's Defense Ministry and two state-run banks used by the military to purchase weapons.

Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank and Myanma Investment and Commercial Bank allowed state-owned Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise to access international markets to generate revenues used to import weapons and material, according to the Treasury.
In Ukraine, even in the face of Russian shelling, some people are staying in cities to rescue pets. Volunteers from Kharkiv are trying to help. Anna Kosstutschenko has the story. This video contains images of injured animals that may be disturbing to some viewers. Camera  Pavel Suhodolskiy
Latest developments

Ukraines military said it recaptured 16 square kilometers (10 square miles) of territory from Russian forces during the past week.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country is capable of replacing Ukrainian grain exports to Africa after Russia left a deal allowing for safe shipments from Ukraine through the Black Sea amid Russias invasion.

The Russian defense industry says it is now producing more munitions per month than it did in the whole of 2022, the RIA news agency reported.

Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev alleged Monday that the U.S. is planning cyberattacks against Russia's "critical information infrastructure," according to state media reports. Reuters could not verify the claims.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to Russia to revive the U.N. brokered Black Sea grain deal to allow the flow of grain exports from Ukraines Black Sea ports.

During his speech at the opening of a three-day food summit in Rome, Guterres lamented that the world's hungry will be the most adversely affected if the deal is not renewed. "The most vulnerable will pay the highest price, he said.

The grain deal had been keeping grain exports flowing to developing countries, especially in Africa and the Middle East since Moscows invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Wheat prices have risen more than 14% since Monday, when Russia pulled out of the grain deal, and corn prices are up more than 10%.

Russia refuses to renew the accord until sanctions on Russian exports of food and fertilizer are raised.

Earlier Monday, Russian airstrikes hit Ukrainian grain warehouses on the Danube River impairing the alternative shipping route of Ukrainian grain there and wounding seven people. Almost 30 ships are stranded near Ukraines crucial Izmail port terminal.

"Russia is trying to fully block the export of our grain and make the world starve," Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper said on Ukrainian television.

A French trader called it a "major development and a major blow" to Ukrainian exports, adding: "Without the Black Sea corridor and now with attacks on alternative routes, it will be hard to take Ukrainian grains out of the country." Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba accused Russia of trying to extract concessions "by holding 400 million people hostage" and called for "a united global response to food terrorism."

The Danube has been a key alternative export route for Kyiv since Russia pulled out of a deal allowing Ukraine to ship wheat, corn and other products via the Black Sea.

On Monday, the Ukrainian grain traders union, known as UGA, urged the European Union to increase the capacity of so-called solidarity lanes to allow the flow of Ukraine grain exports and other agricultural products by providing alternative transit routes via rail, road and inland waterways after the collapse of the Black Sea grain deal.

This will lead to a significant reduction in the cost of grain transportation and will enable Ukrainian farmers to export surplus grain without losses to countries that need Ukrainian grain and stabilize global food security," the UGA said.

Five central European countries want the EU to extend the ban of Ukraine imports after its expiration on September 15 claiming that such imports are hurting their local farmers. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called such a request "unacceptable."

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal last week urged Kyivs partners and the executive European Commission to ensure the unimpeded export of all Ukrainian agricultural products to the EU.

Aerial attacks

Russia reported Ukrainian drone attacks Monday targeting Moscow and Russia-occupied Crimea, while Ukraine said Russia carried out its latest aerial attack on the Odesa region.

Russias military said it downed the two drones that attacked Moscow. The citys mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, said two nonresidential buildings were damaged, but that there were no reports of casualties.

Russian news agencies said fragments from a drone were found in the Komsomolsky area, near Russias defense ministry.

In Crimea, the Russia-installed governor said a Ukrainian drone strike hit an ammunition depot, while air defenses downed 11 drones.

Russia on Monday denied targeting civilian infrastructure, including churches. The denial from Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov followed a Russian attack Sunday on the city of Odesas historic center, a UNESCO world heritage site, which damaged the historic Transfiguration Cathedral.

Zelenskyy used part of his nightly address Sunday to decry the attacks. He vowed to retaliate, saying, They [Russia] will definitely feel this.

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, Zelenskyy 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.

Destruction of the historic monument has caused outrage and Zelenskyy pledged to restore the historic church.

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.

The airstrikes killed two people and wounded at least 19 others, including children.

Residents said the missiles hit only residential areas and small businesses.



Some information was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
Netanyahu and his allies in Israels right-wing government say the changes are needed to limit the power of unelected judges in a country that has no written constitution. But the changes have deeply split Israel, with more secular people in the Jewish state opposing the overhaul and more religious segments favoring it.

The changes have drawn the ire of business leaders, military reservists and legal officials. Some see it as a power grab spurred by the personal grievances of Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption.

Opponents of the overhaul say the legislation would damage the system of checks and balances among the branches of government and push the country toward authoritarian rule.

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in the streets near parliament in recent days to oppose the Netanyahu plan, with Israeli authorities Monday firing water cannons at the protesters in Jerusalem to keep them under control.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu's supporters thronged central Tel Aviv  normally the setting for anti-government protests.

In Washington, U.S. President Joe Biden late Sunday had urged Israel to hold off on a vote until greater consensus could be reached.

After the vote, the White House said, It is unfortunate that the vote today took place with the slimmest possible majority.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre added, We understand talks are ongoing and likely to continue over the coming weeks and months to forge a broader compromise even with the Knesset [the Israeli parliament] in recess. The United States will continue to support the efforts of President [Isaac] Herzog and other Israeli leaders as they seek to build a broader consensus through political dialogue.

Netanyahus leadership in the dispute was interrupted by his being hospitalized. He was discharged on Monday after having a heart pacemaker implanted on Sunday and was in parliament to lead support for the changes.
HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP)  In a large hall at the headquarters of Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party, women responded with roaring cheers when President Emmerson Mnangagwa described them as the party's "backbone" whose votes are vital to victory in elections scheduled for August.

At a recent opposition rally, women with the face of their male party leader emblazoned on dresses and skirts sang, danced and promised to vote for change  never mind that the election again represents a status quo where women are largely limited to cheerleading.

It appears worse this year because the number of women candidates has plummeted, despite women constituting the majority of the population and, traditionally, the biggest number of voters.

"We have some of the best laws and policies on gender equality and women representation, but that's just on paper. The reality on the ground is that the role of women in politics is restricted to being fervent supporters and dependable voters," said Marufu Mandevere, a human rights lawyer in the capital, Harare.

The shortage of women candidates puts Zimbabwe at odds with trends on the continent. According to a report released in March by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the number of women in national parliaments in sub-Saharan Africa increased from 10% in 1995 to about 27% in 2022. The IPU describes itself as a global organization of national parliaments established in 1889.

In Zimbabwe, a patriarchal southern African nation of 15 million people, gender-based biases are still rampant. Men have historically dominated the political, economic, religious and social spheres. The Aug. 23 election suggests that change could be beyond the horizon, despite vigorous local campaigns and global pressure for increased female participation in decision-making.

In the last election, in 2018, there were four female candidates for the presidency, a record. When registration closed on Jun. 21 this year, there were 11 male candidates  and no women.In the end, one woman did manage to qualify for the ballot, but only just. Elisabeth Valerio was one of two women, along with Linda Masarira, who were rejected because they had failed to pay the $20,000 registration fee on time, up from $1,000 in 2018. In July, Valerio successfully challenged the decision in court.

A young boy leans near campaign posters with images of male candidates in Harare, Zimbabwe, July 16 2023.

For the National Assembly, there are 70 women candidates against 637 men in 210 constituencies. This represents 11% of candidates, down from 14% in 2018.

Parliamentary candidates must pay $1,000 to register, compared to $50 in the previous election  and that's before the huge amounts necessary to compete in a country where vote-buying is rampant.

"Women have historically been squeezed out of the economic arena  That deprivation is now being used to elbow us out of the race for public office," lamented Masarira. "Political leadership is a preserve of rich men."

Many women chose to stay away rather than try to raise such "exorbitant fees," she said.

Pressure groups are disappointed, especially after campaigning hard ahead of party primaries.

In February, major political parties signed a "Women Charter", pledging action to increase the number of women candidates under a #2023LetsGo5050 campaign driven by a coalition of women's rights groups.

When candidate registration closed, the biggest political parties had fielded less than 12% women candidates each for the National Assembly, said Women's Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence or WALPE, a local non-governmental organization.

WALPE described the numbers as a "slap in the face," accused the parties of "tokenism" and threatened to campaign against them "as the only way" to demonstrate women's determination for a seat at the table. The group is now running a campaign urging women voters to elect fellow women where they appear on the ballot.

Those women who do run for public office also endure derogatory stereotypes.

Take Judith Tobaiwa, an opposition politician, and the first female MP for a politically volatile constituency in central Zimbabwe. She is seeking re-election. But for her opponents, gender seems to trump the 35-year-old's track record.

"What is so special about Judy  How different is she from other girls?" thundered a ruling party campaigner during a recent rally in her constituency. "If it's about being a prostitute, we also have prostitutes in ZANU-PF," he said to applause for the comments captured on video and later widely criticized by activists.

Yet, according to Mandevere, the human rights lawyer, females have proven to be effective leaders through many decades of multiple crises in Zimbabwe. These range from the HIV/AIDS pandemic that killed millions, to the coronavirus outbreak that left many women and girls as household heads, and a prolonged and debilitating economic meltdown that catapulted women to the forefront of fending for families.

"That's the sad part. We are fine with women taking care of us at home during times of crisis, but we frown upon their ambitions when it comes to national politics," he said.
GENEVA  HIV/AIDS can end as a public health threat by 2030 if nations can muster the political will and critical financial support to completely defeat it, a new report published Thursday says. The deadly disease has killed 40.4 million people since the start of the epidemic in 1981.

"The data in this report show that the path that ends AIDS is not a mystery, but it is a choice. It is a political and a financial choice," said Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAIDS.

"The report shows that HIV responses can succeed when they are anchored in strong political leadership," she said.

The report released by UNAIDS, the United Nations AIDS program, finds that in 2022, 39 million people worldwide were living with HIV, 1.3 million became newly infected and 630,000 died from AIDS-related illnesses.

While new infections have been declining globally over the past 10 to 12 years, rates remain high in several regions. Data show that two-thirds of all people living with HIV are found in sub-Saharan Africa, the hardest-hit region in the world. Other heavily infected regions include Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

The report says women and girls are still disproportionately affected, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

"Every single week, 4,000 adolescent girls and young women were newly infected with HIV globally; 3,100 of those are from sub-Saharan Africa. It is a sub-Saharan crisis," Byanyima said.

At the same time, she noted that eastern and southern Africa, the region with the highest burden of HIV, is also where resources have been well-deployed and have achieved positive results.

"We see that since 2010 to now, new infections have been reduced by 57 percent. It is the region with the sharpest decline in new infections," she said.

She said that since 2000, millions of lives have been saved through antiretroviral therapy. The number of people receiving this life-saving treatment worldwide "has risen four times since 2010 from 7.7 million to 29.8 million last year," Byanyima said.

Another notable success has been in nearly doubling the number of pregnant and breast-feeding women living with HIV who were accessing antiretroviral treatment in 2022. Byanyima said that number has risen from 46% in 2010 to 82% last year.

"This has led to a reduction of 58 percent in new infections among children over the past 12 years," she said.

Still, Byanyima noted that significant issues remain to be resolved before the prospect of ending AIDS can be realized. She said it is critical for governments to reach out to society's most vulnerable, marginalized groups, including men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender women, drug users and prisoners.

"Tackling inequalities is key to making progress," she said, noting that several countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, the Cook Islands, Barbados, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Singapore, have decriminalized same-sex relations.

"Unfortunately, Uganda, my country, took the opposite direction, and that is not positive," she said, referring to the country's new anti-LGBTQ law that includes the death penalty.

She added that stigmatizing people serves to drive the infection underground where it can blossom and grow.

The report highlights several countries as diverse as Botswana and Cambodia, as well as Eswatini, Rwanda and Tanzania, that have made considerable progress toward ending HIV/AIDS.

Sheila Tiou, Botswana's former health minister and co-chair of the Global HIV Prevention Coalition, said the countries have succeeded in doing this "by scaling up proven interventions, addressing inequalities, enabling communities, and investing in resources."

"We have already heard about countries that have succeeded, but countries like Cameroon, Nepal, Zimbabwe have achieved major reductions in new HIV infections thanks to focused and scaled-up comprehensive prevention programs," she said.

But she underscored that inequalities and inequities are blocking quicker and wider access in protecting people against HIV.

"Doing the right things will drastically improve the health and well-being of societies, it will reduce HIV vulnerabilities, and indeed, it will avert new HIV infections," she said.

Tiou said AIDS can be ended if world leaders are courageous, tackle stigma and discrimination, empower and work with communities, and invest in what is needed.

"The data is clear. The evidence is all there," she said.

Byanyima echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the opportunity for successfully ending the epidemic is dependent upon action.

"The facts and figures shared in this report do not show that as a world, we are already on the path."

However, she said they show that the world can get on the right path "to save millions of lives and protect the health of everyone by putting a stop to the world's deadliest pandemic."
BAGHDAD, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Jordanian Prime Minister Bisher al-Khasawneh and his Iraqi counterpart Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, at a meeting on Monday, discussed enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation in various areas.

"Jordan is a complementary and integrated arena with the Iraqi economy, and we aspire to expand cooperation between the two countries," said the Iraqi prime minister at a joint press conference with Al-Khasawneh, who paid an official visit to Baghdad on Monday.

There are promising projects and proposals that will benefit Iraq, Jordan and other countries in the region, said al-Sudani. "The Iraqi government emphasizes the policy of balance in the region."

For his part, the Jordanian prime minister stressed the importance of military coordination to combat terrorism.

He said his country and Iraq "suffer from drugs, and cooperation must be strengthened to confront this threat."

"We have discussed Iraq's renewable energy needs, while the second phase of electrical interconnection with Iraq is progressing rapidly," he added.

According to a statement issued after the meeting, their talks focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, investment and energy as well as enhancing the volume of trade by supporting the private sectors of the two countries.

The two sides also discussed the latest developments in building a pipeline to export Iraqi oil via the Jordanian port of Aqaba on the Red Sea, it said. 
Landscape fabric covers the ground at a legal cannabis farm near Brewster, in north-central Washington state, on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, in this photo provided by Terry Lee Taylor. Taylor, who operates the Okanogan Gold and Kibble Junction marijuana companies, recently installed the fabric in hopes of keeping dirt and dust contaminated with remnants of the long-banned pesticide DDT off his plants.
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A police officer in Fargo, North Dakota, who was ambushed and fatally shot by a heavily armed man was laid to rest on Saturday. Twenty-three-year-old Jake Wallin was killed July 14 when a man armed with 1,800 rounds of ammunition, multiple guns and explosives began firing on officers who were responding to a traffic crash. Two other officers and a civilian were wounded before a fourth officer returned fire, killing gunman Mohamad Barakat. Authorities say Wallin was cremated in his police uniform. The Fargo Police Department escorted his cremains Saturday to Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, where his funeral service was held.
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Kahramanmaras (238.7 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) : i was in my bed, my bed started shaking. i heard my mom and uncle talking about how the house just shook and i went on google straight away to see if it was true and it was. | 8 users found this interesting.

Mersin, Merkez mah (157.1 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 30-60 s :    ,  ,   .    .     .     ,       .     1-     | 5 users found this interesting.

Talas, Kayseri (135.1 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) : I was laying on the bed , but suddenly the bed and the desk next to me and the water bowl on the desk started to shaking light for 3-4 seconds | 3 users found this interesting.

Trikomo, Ammochostos (317.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s : I was seating at the desk when felt the chair started vibrating. also my room plant which was quiet before started shaking. It was very obvious because it lasted for a while and stopped in few moments. | 2 users found this interesting.

Kayseri develi (98.3 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) : I was sleeping on the couch and was thinking my dad is shaking the couch to joking with me but after I opened my eyes I saw the lights also shaking | 2 users found this interesting.

Gaziantep, Aktoprak (125.3 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) : In dieser Zeit um 08:45 Uhr lag ich auf dem Sofa und habe um diese Zeit ein leichtes schwingen und rutteln gespurt. Dieses hat ca. 1min. gedauert. | 2 users found this interesting.

Aksaray / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / 5-10 s : Our lamps were shaked. | 3 users found this interesting.

Erdemli (182.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) : Lightly shaking on chair and hanging door was slightly moving | 2 users found this interesting.

Aksaray (192.6 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 15-20 s :   4  ,   | 2 users found this interesting.

Urgup,nevsehir / not felt : I dont feel it because i was sleeping but my mother and father feels a little bit. | 2 users found this interesting.

Pinar Mah, Adana / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s : Weak swing | 2 users found this interesting.

Gaziantep / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : The room started shaking. The hangers in the closet were rattling. | 2 users found this interesting.

Kayseri (137.3 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / 2-5 s : Littli shaking | One user found this interesting.

iskele, cyprus (316.8 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : I felt shaking and saw the lamb was shaking. | One user found this interesting.

Gaziantep turkey (136.1 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) : It feels like a baby bed i have think that my dad makes it | One user found this interesting.

Frenaros (333.1 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) : Felt a noise under the floor and the a vibration | One user found this interesting.

27 km of Kilis (166.4 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / 2-5 s Jdjdjdj | One user found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / 2-5 s

Yenisehir Mersin (152.3 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) : Little shake I was on my bed and it begins to shake for 2 seconds | One user found this interesting.

Naveshir Turkey (158.5 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I was in hospital we felt it for few seconds kapadokya hastanesi

Aslanbey Cifligi, Goksun Kahramanmaras (68.9 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s

Yenisehir Mersin (152.3 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) : Little shake I was on my bed and it begins to shake for 2 seconds

Al Umari, Zarqa (704.1 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) / complex motion difficult to describe : bad

Ceyhan (61.9 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II)

Mersin (182.3 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s

Adana (74.3 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Al Qanatir al Khayriyah, Qalyubia (931.5 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s I was at hone (reported through (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Adana (83.9 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt : I was sleeping

Eskisehir (519.4 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

Gaziantep (138.3 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) : Light shake

Gaziantep (137.6 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s

kayseri keykubat (131.7 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)
Photo: Jeff Christensen

If youve just gotten back from seeing Greta Gerwigs Barbie-approved Barbie, chances are you might have some questions. For example, can you buy the I Am Kenough hoodie? (Yes.) Are you the only one who thought Allan was iconic? (No.) And hey, who was that old woman slash ghost who created Barbie? Ruth Handler, played by Cheers star Rhea Perlman, is the real inventor of Mattels most famous doll and thus the first person to ever say, Hi, Barbie! My whole philosophy of Barbie was that through the doll, the little girl could be anything she wanted to be, she wrote in her 1994 memoir Dream Doll. Barbie always represented the fact that a woman has choices.

Born Ruth Mosko in 1916, she married her high-school boyfriend, Elliot Handler, in 1938. The partners in marriage also became business partners, making and selling items like bowls and clocks from their garage in California. In 1945, the couple co-founded a toy company with industrial designer Harold Mattson. Although Ruth was not represented in the Mattel name (a combination of Mattsons Matt + Elliots El), she served as the companys first president. Per the New York Times, she was largely responsible for Mattels 1955 decision to spend $500,000  nearly its entire net worth at the time  on Mickey Mouse Club ads, a marketing gamble that pushed the company to nationwide success. In Barbie, Ruths ghost tells Barbie that she made Barbie for her daughter, had a double mastectomy, and ran into tax issues with the IRS. How does the movie monologue compare with Handlers real life? Find the (t)ruth below.

Why did Ruth Handler create Barbie?

Growing up, her daughter, Barbara, played with paper dolls with her friends. Ruth was fascinated by the way that they imagined the dolls as their older selves. Every little girl needed a doll through which to project herself into her dream of her future, she later told the New York Times. If she was going to do role playing of what she would be like when she was 16 or 17, it was a little stupid to play with a doll that had a flat chest. So I gave it beautiful breasts. In a market of baby dolls, however, Mattel wasnt initially interested in making a grown-up alternative. Ruth said in a BBC interview that she actually gave up on the idea until 1956, when she saw a voluptuous German doll named Lilli while on vacation in Europe. She returned home to finally create Barbie Teen-Age Fashion Model. Named after Barbara, the doll debuted in a black-and-white swimsuit at the 1959 American Toy Fair in New York City. According to Ruth, male buyers thought that wives wouldnt get their daughters a doll with such a grown-up body (read: breasts and a skinny waist). But just like girl dinner, women ate her up. Per the Los Angeles Times, Barbie ended up recording more than 350,000 first-year sales. By the early 1960s, Barbie was reportedly responsible for most of Mattels sales profits. She was supplemented with many accessories, including her boy-toy boyfriend, Ken, named after the other Handler child, Kenneth. Barbies resume (and closet) eventually expanded to encompass pretty much every career.

Did Ruth Handler actually get accused of tax fraud?

Yes. But if it makes her ghost feel any better, that means she has something in common with with Shakira? Ruth allegedly girlbossed too close to the sun in the 1970s, when reports surfaced that Mattel higher-ups had lied on financial reports to make it seem like earnings were strong when the company was actually losing millions of dollars. She ended up resigning as president in 1973. According to Biography.com, she and her husband both fully cut ties with the company they co-founded by 1975. Still, she couldnt evade a tax-evasion investigation: In 1978, a grand jury indicted Ruth and several other former Mattel execs on charges of conspiracy, fraud, and false reporting to the Securities and Exchange Commission. According to the New York Times, they were accused of falsifying business records to influence the market price of Mattel stock to their own benefit. Ruth pleaded no contest, was fined $57,000, and received a community service sentence of 2,500 hours.

Per the Los Angeles Times, Ruth later suggested that her Mattel downfall was precipitated by health issues, explaining that illness caused her to be unfocused about a corporate reorganization at the company. Ruth was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1970 and had a mastectomy that same year. When she returned from a leave of absence, she said, people looked at her differently but would not talk about why she had been gone. I was never able to get back in and grab hold of things as I should have, she reportedly told USA Today in 1994.

Still, her breakup with Mattel didnt stop her from getting down to business elsewhere. As the founder of Ruthton Corporation, she made and marketed silicone breasts to fellow mastectomy patients, including former First Lady Betty Ford. While Barbie suggests that Ruth had a double mastectomy, only her left breast was actually removed. How do we know? According to the New York Times, she used that fact as a marketing technique, often popping her blouse open during interviews and asking the press to feel her chest to see if they could tell which side was fake. The Los Angeles Times reported that Ruth sometimes acknowledged her inventions of both busty Barbies and prosthetic boobs by quipping, Ive lived my life from breast to breast.

Is Ruth Handler still alive?

No. She died at age 85 on April 27, 2002, at a hospital in Los Angeles. Handlers husband told the Los Angeles Times that the cause was complications following a colon surgery she had undergone three months before. Now, did the Barbie creator go on to become a ghost with an office on the 17th floor of Mattels headquarters? That we Ken not confirm or deny.
Was Lewis Strausss confirmation hearing derailed by a scientist who looked a bit like a Bond villain? Photo: Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal Pictures

Few films have ever been more based on a book than Oppenheimer. Christopher Nolans adaptation of Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwins biography, American Prometheus, manages the astonishing feat of distilling almost every single one of the books 591 pages onto celluloid. Seemingly no bit of dialogue, nor stray anecdote, about the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer goes unused.

In fact, Nolans chief creative license comes not in the films content but its form. While American Prometheus is told in rough chronological order, Oppenheimer skips around the timeline thanks to a pair of nesting framing devices built around a pair of 1950s hearings. Nolan also frequently cuts to fantastical imagery that attempts to dramatize what it was like inside Oppenheimers head. As Matt Zoller Seitz notes in his review, this method recalls the experience of getting through a book like American Prometheus: It paradoxically captures the mental process of reading a text and responding to it emotionally and viscerally as well as intellectually.

Nevertheless, Oppenheimer is still a movie, which means that even this most rigorous of biopics must at times employ shortcuts and shorthand. With American Prometheus as our guide, heres a rundown of whats fact and whats fiction.

Did Oppenheimer poison his Cambridge tutors apple?

The early scene of Oppenheimer poisoning an apple belonging to Patrick Blackett, his Cambridge tutor, is so bizarre that it seems unlikely to have been a screenwriters invention. Indeed, it did happen: In the fall of 1925, Oppenheimer really did inject chemicals from the school lab into Blacketts apple. No one, not even Oppenheimer himself, seemed to know why he did this. As American Prometheus notes, Robert liked Blackett and eagerly sought his approval. The attempted poisoning appears to have been a case of misdirected feelings of inadequacy and intense jealousy. Luckily, Blackett never consumed the offending fruit, though in real life the university found out about the incident. Oppenheimers parents intervened to prevent him from being expelled, and the young scientist was put on probation and sentenced to mandatory psychiatric counseling.

There are disparate opinions on whether the apple was truly poisoned with cyanide, however. Noting that instead of being tried for attempted murder, Oppenheimer got off with a relatively lax punishment, Bird and Sherwin conclude it was more likely he had laced the apple with something that merely would have made Blackett sick.

When youre also the father of black holes. Photo: Universal Pictures

Was Oppenheimer one of the first people to theorize about the existence of black holes?

In the film, one of Oppenheimers first scientific breakthroughs is his theorizing about the potential of dead stars collapsing inward with such gravity that even light could not escape  what we now know of as black holes. Oppenheimer and his student Hartland Snyder really did publish such a paper, and that paper really did come out the same day Hitler invaded Poland. But Oppenheimer the film makes a slightly bigger deal of this than Oppenheimer the man did. While brilliant, Oppenheimers intellectual temperament often prevented him from embracing all the possibilities of his discoveries. Oppenheimer never took the time to develop anything so elegant as a theory of the phenomenon, leaving this achievement to others later, American Prometheus states. Having made the initial creative leap  [he] quickly moved on to another new topic. A footnote adds that, when approached about the subject decades later, Robert expressed no interest in what was rapidly becoming the hottest topic in physics.

How tumultuous was Oppenheimers romance with Jean Tatlock?

As in the film, Oppenheimer met a med student named Jean Tatlock at a Communist party (with a lowercase P) hosted by his landlady. Within months, they began a romance. American Prometheus describes Tatlock as a free-spirited woman with a hungry, poetic mind  always the one person in the room, whatever the circumstances, who remained unforgettable. She was also an official member of the Party, though she admitted to Oppenheimer that she found it impossible to be an ardent Communist. It was this relationship, as much as the Depression and the Spanish Civil War, that pushed him to embrace left-wing social causes.

Although Oppenheimers friends later described Tatlock as his true love, their romance was as stormy as depicted in the film; the running bit about her hatred of flowers comes directly from the book. (Well never know whether she ever interrupted coitus to make him read from the Bhagavad Gita.) Robert Serber claimed she disappeared for weeks, months sometimes, and then would taunt [him] mercilessly  She seemed determined to hurt him, perhaps because she knew Robert loved her so much. However, while the film shows Oppenheimer as the one who ended their on-again, off-again relationship, American Prometheus states that in the end, it was Tatlock who made the final break. What this says about Nolans filmmaking vis-a-vis female agency, Ill leave you to debate. However, it was not a completely clean break, and Oppenheimer really did leave Los Alamos in 1943 to spend the night with her. They never saw each other again.

How did Jean Tatlock die?

On January 4, 1944, Tatlock was found dead in her bathtub by her father. She had taken sleeping pills and left an unsigned note. Her death was ruled suicide, motive unknown. Bird and Sherwin agree that much of the evidence aligns with the accepted story. The night before her death, she told a friend she was feeling very depressed, and those close to her reported she was struggling with her sexuality. Still, the authors leave room for a seed of doubt. Noting the existence of chloral hydrate in her system, they open the possibility that Tatlock might have been slipped a Mickey and then forcibly drowned, quoting a doctor who says, If you were clever and wanted to kill someone, this is the way to do it. As a nod to the uncertainty around Tatlocks death, Oppenheimer depicts both the official version and the conspiracy theory.

Was Kitty Oppenheimer an alcoholic?

Most of the supporting characters in Oppenheimer are sketched with only a single trait: Jean Tatlock is naked; Richard Feynman plays the bongos; Edward Teller stopped worrying and loves the bomb. Emily Blunts frustrated wife Kitty gets more screen time than most, but even she is defined largely by her ubiquitous martinis. American Prometheus features plenty of unflattering character witnesses for Kitty  her sister-in-law calls her evil  many of whom discuss her heavy drinking. However, her drinking only seems to have become a problem once Robert was ensconced in Princeton after the war. A free-spirited, whimsical woman, Kitty found it impossible to fit into Princetons stiff, small-town, high-society scene, the authors write. And what the film doesnt spotlight is that Robert was hardly a teetotaler himself. His martinis were strong and he drank them with pleasure, Bird and Sherwin say, and a friend remembers parties at which Oppie made everyone drunk quite consciously.

Did Oppenheimer try to give away his child to a friend?

No one would award the Oppenheimers the Nobel Prize of parenting. The scene in Oppenheimer when Robert suggests giving away his son to his best friend, Haakon Chevalier, is based on a real conversation, but the circumstances were different. After the birth of daughter Katherine in 1944, Kitty went home to see her parents, taking 2-year-old Peter with her. (She likely suffered from what we today would call postpartum depression.) Baby Katherine was left with Kittys friend Pat Sherr; Robert visited twice a week. A few months in, Robert asked Sherr if she wanted to adopt Katherine, saying, I cant love her. She declined, later telling the authors of American Prometheus that she felt Oppenheimer wanted his daughter to have the fair deal that he felt he couldnt give her.

Did Chevalier really ask Oppenheimer about passing nuclear secrets to the Soviet Union?

The Chevalier Incident looms large in Oppenheimers security hearing, and the actual events played out the way they do in the film. Shortly before Oppenheimer left for Los Alamos, Chevalier casually informed him that their mutual acquaintance George Eltenton was available to pass confidential technical information to the Soviets. Oppenheimer called the proposal treason, and that was that. Whether the conversation was cut short by Kitty bursting in and saying, The brats down  wheres my martini? is unknown, as is whether Eltenton was an official Soviet spy or merely an enthusiastic amateur. (Bird and Sherwin lead toward the latter.)

Oppenheimers first mistake was in waiting months to disclose the conversation to security officers. His second mistake was not telling them the whole truth. He refused to name Chevalier and made up what he later called a cock-and-bull story about Eltenton approaching multiple people. For his postwar enemies, this was irrefutable proof that Oppenheimer could not be trusted.

Blowing up a slice of New Mexico. Photo: Universal Pictures

Was Los Alamos uninhabited before the scientists moved in?

In addition to the Los Alamos mesa finally being a way to combine his two great loves, New Mexico and physics, the films Oppenheimer pitches it as the perfect tabula rasa for a secret nuclear lab: The only traces of humanity are a nearby boys school and the Natives who use the location as a grave site. However, there were rural communities living in the vicinity of Los Alamos as well as the Trinity test site. Early screenings of Oppenheimer have been met with protests meant to call attention to the harm the U.S. government inflicted on these downwinders, many of whom later developed cancer as a result of radiation exposure.

Was there 11th-hour drama before the Trinity test?

It would not be a movie if the scientists at Los Alamos did not face a last-minute obstacle before the Trinity explosion. Oppenheimer gives us two: a late-night storm and a failed implosion test. Both really happened. The night before the test was marked by thirty-mile-an-hour winds and severe thunderstorms, raising the agonizing possibility that Trinity would have to be delayed. Unlike in the film, Oppenheimer was not the only voice assuring everyone the storm would pass; the Armys meteorologist agreed. During the event, the test was delayed but only by 90 minutes, from 4 to 5:30 a.m.

The drama over the failed implosion test was less intense. The previous day, the team had pinpointed the culprit: blown circuits in the tests wiring. The actual gadget would be fine.

Were the scientists worried they might accidentally ignite the Earths atmosphere?

The film features a dark running joke in which the scientists reassure themselves that the possibility of the bomb igniting the atmosphere and thereby destroying all life on Earth is near zero. This comes from a real fear, first raised by Teller, of an unstoppable chain reaction sparking nitrogen in the atmosphere. In real life, Oppenheimer sought reassurance not from Albert Einstein but MITs Karl T. Compton, who later wrote, Better to accept the slavery of the Nazis than to run a chance of drawing the final curtain on mankind.

As in the film, Hans Bethe was the one who made the calculations to produce the near zero figure. But there was still enough suspense on the eve of the Trinity test that Enrico Fermi really did take side bets beforehand on the possibility of a nuclear apocalypse.

Men in rooms. Photo: Universal Pictures

How complicit was Oppenheimer in the decision to target Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

Oppenheimer features a chilling scene of the United States top military and scientific minds discussing how and where to drop the atomic bomb. While he was sympathetic to Niels Bohrs argument that the threat of the bomb should usher in an age of openness and cooperation, in practice Oppenheimer took the side of military brass, rationalizing that it was not scientists responsibility to decide how the weapon should be used. He refused to support Leo Szilards attempts to block the bomb from being dropped on Japan, and in the pivotal meeting, he silently gave his blessing to the decision to target Japanese civilians. Oppenheimer played an ambiguous role in this critical discussion, Bird and Sherwin write. He had won nothing and acquiesced to everything.

Much of this scene is taken directly from the official record of the meeting. However, the moment when Kyoto is removed from the list of targets because the secretary of State honeymooned there was a last-minute addition to the script, inspired by actor James Remars own research into his character. It has this bureaucratic quality of a group of men discussing massive destruction and how theyre going to do these awful things. And youre suddenly seeing a human face to these negotiations, Nolan told Vulture.

Did Oppenheimer tell Harry Truman he felt he had blood on his hands?

Oppenheimers infamous meeting with Truman took place in October 1945. It did not go well: Oppenheimer failed to convince the president of the need for international control of atomic energy, while Truman confidently stated the Soviets would never get the bomb. Getting nowhere, Oppenheimer really did confess his guilt over the Manhattan Project, which turned Trumans stomach. His quip in the film Dont bring that crybaby into my office again is inspired by real remarks Truman made afterward, as is Oppenheimers line about giving Los Alamos back to the Indians.

Okay, Einstein. Photo: Universal Pictures

What was Oppenheimers relationship with Albert Einstein like?

Tom Contis Einstein functions as the moral center of Oppenheimer, popping up every so often to provide words of wisdom. The films portrait of Einstein and Oppenheimers relationship is largely accurate. Scientifically, they were at odds: Einstein never got onboard with the quantum revolution, leading Oppenheimer to consider him a relic of an earlier age. Thus American Prometheus calls their relationship always tentative, though Einstein eventually acquired a grudging respect for the younger scientist. The specific interactions seen in Oppenheimer never happened, though the pivotal 1947 meeting that recurs throughout the film seems to refer to a real birthday celebration  which included a commemorative book full of backhanded compliments  that the Institute for Advanced Study threw for Einstein in 1949.

Was Klaus Fuchs the reason the Soviets got the bomb?

Klaus Fuchs was a German Communist who fled the Nazis and settled in England, where he became an acclaimed theoretical physicist and, thenceforth, a Soviet spy. (Funnily enough, actor Christopher Denham also played a spy at Los Alamos in the show Manhattan.) As a member of the British contingent, he passed detailed written information to the Soviets about the problems and advantages of the implosion-type bomb design. When Fuchss espionage came to light in 1950, Oppenheimers enemies naturally blamed the labs director and demanded renewed scrutiny of Oppenheimers left-wing past.

While the most famous, Fuchs was not the only spy at Los Alamos. A technician named Ted Hall, who feared a U.S. nuclear monopoly, passed detailed reports on the labs workings to the Soviets. As American Prometheus states, Hall was the perfect walk-in spy; he knew what the Russians needed to know about the atomic bomb project; he needed nothing himself and expected nothing. A technician named David Greenglass, the brother of Ethel Rosenberg, also passed secrets to the Soviets, which ended poorly for the whole family. Historians recently uncovered a fourth spy, engineer Oscar Seborer, who might have been the most important of them all. According to the New York Times, His knowledge most likely surpassed that of the three previously known Soviet spies.

Why did Lewis Strauss hate Oppenheimer?

After hiring Oppenheimer to run the Institute for Advanced Study, why did Lewis Its Pronounced Straws Strauss devote years of his life to ruining the man? American Prometheus notes that, while the men were initially cordial to each other in Princeton, the seeds of a terrible feud were born. (Oppenheimer was not wholly innocent; at one point, he prevented Strauss from buying a house nearby by having the institute purchase it instead.) As the film depicts, Oppenheimer really did humiliate Strauss in front of Congress when the two men disagreed about exporting radioisotopes, a scene that is taken largely verbatim from the book. Afterward, the authors write, Strauss was angry, and he would stay angry until he had settled the score  Oppenheimer had made for himself a dangerous enemy who was powerful and influential in every field of Roberts professional life.

Still, while Strausss feud with Oppenheimer was in many ways a petty power struggle, the men did have a very real disagreement about the hydrogen bomb. Strauss convinced himself that Oppenheimer was sabotaging the project and had paranoid visions of the doctor poisoning the scientific community against him. The film condenses the years of debate over the H-bomb, but the broad strokes are accurate, as are beats like Oppenheimer snubbing Strausss son and daughter-in-law at Strausss birthday party.

Who gave Oppenheimers security file to William Borden?

A WWII veteran obsessed with the Soviet nuclear threat, William Borden in the early 50s became the favorite attack dog of Oppenheimers enemies. Oppenheimer treats the question of who provided him Oppenheimers security file as a big mystery, but if youve read American Prometheus, youll know the answer from the start: It was Strauss! (The film skips over the fact that H-bomb enthusiast Teller played an equal role in setting Borden against Oppenheimer, whispering in Bordens ear about delays in the thermonuclear program and Kittys previous marriage to a Communist.) The book includes a pivotal meeting in April 1953, in which Borden and Strauss seemingly agreed Borden would do the dirty work and Strauss would provide him access to the information he needed. After examining the record of withdrawals of the file, the authors conclude the sequence was surely coordinated; it could not have been a coincidence.

Was David Hills testimony the thing that turned the Senate against Strauss?

The framing device around Strausss Commerce-secretary confirmation hearings is Nolans one major departure from American Prometheus, which devotes less than a page to Strausss comeuppance. While its true that a Manhattan Project scientist named David Hill, portrayed in the film by Rami Malek as a kind of Chekhovs Eyeball, testified about Strausss obsession with destroying Oppenheimer, he was far from the only witness to provide negative testimony. As Slashfilm notes, Los Alamos scientist David Inglis had previously delivered his own scathing words about Strausss personal vindictiveness.

Furthermore, the scientists werent the only ones against him. Like Oppenheimer, Strauss also had made a powerful enemy: New Mexico senator Clinton Anderson. A contemporary report from Time called the confirmation battle the inevitable result of the blood feud between Strauss and Anderson, which has gone far beyond the personal quarrel between two men; it has widened out to involve their friends and their associates, strained old ties and old loyalties, brought charge and countercharge, insult and counterinsult, rumor and counterrumor. Rather than a stirring congressional speech, it was intense backroom lobbying from Anderson that truly doomed Strausss confirmation. But the bit about John F. Kennedy voting against him is real.
Photo: Universal Pictures

Robert Downey Jr. is one of the most successful performers of the past couple of decades, having starred as Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes in two huge film franchises. But it does feel like its been a while since hes had a deep, layered role of the kind that once marked him as a staggering acting talent. Now hes back in Christopher Nolans Oppenheimer, playing Admiral Lewis Strauss, the businessman turned government official who locked horns with the physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer in the years following World War II. The director says that the push-pull between Oppenheimer and Strauss reminded him of the relationship between Mozart and Antonio Salieri in Amadeus.

And you could even say that Downey is the films second lead: The movies framing device interweaves Oppenheimers 1954 security-clearance hearing and Strausss 1959 Senate confirmation hearing, flashing back to show how the physicists growing concerns about the nuclear arms race set him on a collision course with the U.S. security apparatus. It turns out Downey himself, as a student of American history, was familiar with Strauss even before Nolan asked him to do the part. Maybe thats why his performance, which goes from chummy to snakelike over the course of the film, is one of the movies most fascinating and riveting elements. Last month (before the SAG-AFTRA strike), we talked about what drew Downey to the role and what it was like working on Nolans film.

What were your initial conversations with Christopher Nolan about this project and this role?

He asked if Id like to come over to his house and read a script. There is no version of an answer to that question that doesnt start with a y, and I dont mean why with a question mark. Then he asked me if I was at all familiar with the character or the subject matter. It has been a longtime contemplation, verging on obsession, of mine: mid-century Cold War and all the characters involved. I had a previous fair understanding of Strauss because I was fascinated with the mechanics of warfare, particularly in the Pacific theater in World War II. The first time I saw his name in print was regarding the proximity fuze and its development.

Then I challenged a little bit the Mozart-Salieri of it all. I said, Im not sure in some ways that Strauss isnt a bit the hero here, which kind of raised an eyebrow on Chris. I half-jokingly challenged him on whether Admiral Strauss hadnt done everything that any patriotic American wouldve done. And he said, Well, this will be a wonderful ongoing dialogue. So, will you do the film? And hes Chris Nolan, so hes not asking your fricking agent.

So you knew beforehand about Strauss. How do you approach research and preparation? Obviously, theres the guy on the page, theres the historical record, but then theres a certain amount of imaginative creative work you have to bring to it, I assume?

Technically it wasnt really about what to add on; it was about what to remove so that aspect of all of us can emerge  a nose-to-the-grindstone public servant. Someone who is conservative for all the right reasons. One who has a very strong moral psychology, but also someone who is human and does not like to be slighted, does not like to be taken lightly, does not wish to be unnecessarily embarrassed, even if were in the presence of a genius.

In terms of stripping away, what wasnt necessary?

In a time when there were a lot of dynamic figures, all kind of battling to be a voice of their generation and/or binding together to overcome the darkest forms of fascism, we still want to be thought of in a favorable light. Someone like Strauss really was the American Dream incarnate  putting himself through school, being an assistant to President Hoover. The many, many things he did were behind the scenes. It reminded me a little bit in a strange way of my wifes experience working with me where shes the one on the other side of the camera, making sure that Mr. Smartypants doesnt blow himself up while hes charming the chrome off the bumper in the parking lot.

Oftentimes Chris would just come in and say, Robert, great. Now next time just do nothing. I was like, Nothing? Okay! And sometimes that was the one hed print. Sometimes he liked what happened in the takes before or after that. There was just this ongoing dialogue between a master filmmaker and someone who is open to a new experience. Sometimes  and Im sure we can all relate to this  by the time youre looking at the back nine, youre in your mid- to late 50s, youre wondering, How many more new experiences am I likely to have? And this was exactly that in practical terms, while still having all the fundamentals of making a film that youre proud of.

I feel like Strauss in some ways has the broadest and most pronounced character arc in the movie. He seems to change more than just about anybody, at least in our eyes.

Ill take it. [Laughs] I mean, look, the arc is Oppenheimers. I was really pleased because in being Salieri to his Mozart, its cool to see what happens when theres that turn and were finally in a position to make a statement and change the status of someone that you feel has wronged you. Its a very dangerous threshold to cross. I think that as much as I admire Strauss for everything he did right, I think like many of us hes also a cautionary tale.

In some ways, he becomes a symbol of the politicization of nuclear technology and science. Theres this push-pull between science and conscience and ego. I thought that was a fascinating note to end it on: These forces are going to keep fighting each other and were all going to get killed as a result.

Its that thing when there is either too liberal or too conservative a disposition, its us, the citizens, that wind up paying the price for these frictions. Lewis  consciously or not, solely or not, maybe just as a sign of the times  succeeded in getting Oppenheimer canceled. Then, those who felt Oppenheimer was wronged waited for the perfect moment to cancel Strauss, right when he was about to be at the precipice of his lifes achievement. Obviously, Oppenheimers achievement was global. Strausss achievement had been personal. And still, to this day, many will never know all the earlier contributions that Admiral Strauss made that were significant and have made this a better, safer world. But there you have it, buddy. Nothing new under the sun.

Nolan told me that the actors really got into their roles. It sounds like it was very rewarding for him to put everybody in a room together and let them interact almost as their characters. Can you describe that vibe on set?

Theres a scene where Cillian is particularly haunted as its being understood that he may not have had all the data on the hydrogen bomb proliferating via espionage. And youve got Matthew Modine, youve got Josh Hartnett knocking it out of the park. Youve got Cillian as our lead, really, really sticking to his guns and becoming more and more haunted, this iconic character. Youve got David Krumholtz nailing it. And it seemed like an entire generation  actually, several generations of actors  were coming together at the top of their game. We all knew that this was a critical moment. And now that were talking about it and people are starting to see it and really feel affected by it, I go, Wow, that was kind of a profound little film shoot we had. Turned out pretty darn well.

The film is very dense; theres a lot of information, a lot of characters. But its also very fast. Its never boring. Its almost like an action movie about people talking. Were you guys trying to accelerate or do things faster? Was that ever a concern?

No, because the crazy dichotomy is Nolan is not about control. Hes about experience. So you look down, theres no marks on the floor. You wonder if you shouldnt pace it up. And he says, Dont worry about that. Thats my problem. If I didnt write it correctly, then its going to be a problem later. I think sub-intentionally, some directors can burden the situation with their own neurosis, and that is not him.

What were your impressions of the final cut?

Im experiencing it, of course, as a more than occasionally self-centered guy watching it: Oh, there I am. Wait. I was looking at Susan Downey quite a bit because she actually went to film school. And we were just having this kind of crazy ride together. I need to see it again. I have a feeling this is going to be like one of those yearly watch films. When they come on, you dont change the channel. Or you want to share this with other folks. I intend to try to sneak into as many Imax theaters as I can over the summer and beyond, and just experience other people experiencing it.
From The Cottage at the Hayes Theater. Photo: Joan Marcus

Theres a fizz that bubbles up near the end of a door-slamming farce when the characters, one by one, have to explain to one another whats actually going on. Well, you see, I was having an affair with your husband, the colonel, but I thought he was a chimney sweep, and look, here he is now, stuck in the fireplace  that sort of thing. Its fun to watch someone untangle a mess and return things to order in the same way that its fun to watch someone solve a Rubiks cube or clean a room on TikTok. The more convoluted the machinations, the better the payoff.

The Cottage tries to emphasize the fizz, but nobody remembered to shake the soda can beforehand. Its full of explanations, light on mess. The play, by Sandy Rustin, whose adaptation of Clue is regularly produced around the country, is a riff on Noel Coward, and its full of characters who are a little too aware of the genre they happen to inhabit. Things kick off with Sylvia (Laura Bell Bundy) and Beau (Eric McCormack) in the afterglow of a tryst at the titular country cottage, both speaking in their best Downton-era upper-class British trill. Shes married to his brother, but after a sex-filled weekend, she has decided to throw away her marriage, telegram both their spouses, and announce that she and Beau are really meant to be, no matter how much it upsets their lives. The telegrams lead to the arrival of Sylvias husband (and Beaus brother), the tweedy fop Clarke (Alex Moffat, playing him a little Biden-esque), as well as Beaus very pregnant wife, Marjorie (Lilli Cooper), both of whom have secrets of their own. Soon, the cottage is stuffed to the brim as people just keep knocking on that big front door, including a ditzy young woman named Dierdre (Dana Steingold) and a more menacing man named Richard (Nehal Joshi).

Rustin tries to up the ante as each new character arrives a little more batty than the last, but instead of building tension, the plot feels like one extended denouement, gently diverting but never challenging. Its not un-fun to guess at how everyone is related, but youll never be wrong in your first assumptions. Its an enjoyable unraveling instead, and it needs the melancholy that tends to ground the actual Cowards flights of chaos or Oscar Wildes hyperdense, your smartest-meanest-friend-ranting-on-Adderall mania. Even in the second act when Rustin introduces the potential for an Agatha Christiestyle murder plot, theres little real menace. Nothing here will surprise, let alone maim, anyone.

As if trying to keep air pumping into a plot that tends toward deflation, director Jason Alexander  yes, of Seinfeld and Merrily  has encouraged the actors to make their performances as big as possible. Bundy, back on Broadway for the first time since Legally Blonde (frankly, its rude that we let this much time pass), looks inches away from belting out any given punch line. She wrenches every laugh she can out of the script, coming up with seemingly endless variations of ways to fall back in shock on the ornate upholstery of the sets by Paul Tate dePoo III. McCormack, the shows putative straight man, amps up a Jeeves-and-Wooster huffiness to try to keep up with her. Moffat will do whatever it takes for a laugh, whether its goofy dancing or elaborate swishing of his elaborately coiffed period forelock. Steingold, with a dazed stare and an intentionally slippery accent, ping-pongs between animated and sedated. Only Cooper tends not to overplay her bits, which pays off when she does go nuclear and launches into an immense fart joke that nearly brings down the house.

The overlarge performances come along with the meta-self-consciousness of Rustins script, and thats a problem. She specifies, for example, that the characters are always finding and lighting cigarettes with random objects. Its funny when a miniature version of Michelangelos David, for instance, emits a flame from its penis, but the more you comment on the genre from the outside, the more unstable the thing itself becomes. Thats a good premise for something like an SNL sketch, where you can burn through a comedic game and wrap things up in a matter of minutes. Over the course of an evening, the characters continual wink-and-nudge reminders of the goofiness of their world make it harder to maintain investment. Either the jokes need to sharpen and pile up into high absurdity (as in something like Noises Off or The Play That Goes Wrong), or the characters need to seem more flesh and bone.

The most interesting thread of The Cottage involves Rustins trying to work against the knee-jerk sexism of the genre as Sylvia slowly discovers that her happiness shouldnt depend on the men around her. Fittingly for the 1920s setting, Rustin even weaves in a few references to the womens-suffrage movement. But because the characters, for the sake of the comedy, have already become so abstract, Rustins points remain abstract too. As is true of so much in the play, you can see the turn coming as soon as Rustin starts laying out hints about it. Sylvias burgeoning consciousness arrives just in time to help usher in a tidy resolution of the plot, one in which almost everything (marriages, rediscovered romances, property ownership) gets sorted out. Like a lot of The Cottage, it all fits together pleasantly and too neatly. Youd think, or hope, that upending the status quo would involve a bit more mess.
HOUSTON, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The Joe Biden administration on Monday filed a lawsuit against the state of Texas over deploying water barriers in the Rio Grande aimed to block migrants from crossing into the United States from Mexico.

In the lawsuit, the Department of Justice is asking the U.S. District Court in the Western District of Texas to force the state to remove the existing marine barriers and stop building more in the border river.

The department alleged that Texas and its Republican Governor Greg Abbott violated the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act by building a structure in U.S. water without permission from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The marine barriers "constitute an unauthorized obstruction to the navigable capacity of waters of the United States," according to the lawsuit.

"We allege that Texas has flouted federal law by installing a barrier in the Rio Grande without obtaining the required federal authorization," Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said in a statement.

"This floating barrier poses threats to navigation and public safety and presents humanitarian concerns. Additionally, the presence of the floating barrier has prompted diplomatic protests by Mexico and risks damaging U.S. foreign policy," Gupta continued.

Abbott said earlier on Monday that he would not order the removal of the floating barriers as required by the Justice Department.

"Texas will fully utilize our sovereign authority to respond to the border crisis," the governor tweeted.

"The U.S. Constitution grants Texas sovereign authority to protect its borders because the President refuses to enforce federal immigration laws," said Abbott in a letter sent to Biden on Monday in response to the lawsuit.

"Texas will see you in court, Mr. President," the governor announced, highlighting Texas's right to defend its borders.

Under the federal law, it's prohibited to create "any obstruction to the navigable capacity of waters of the United States, and ... any structure in such waters without authorization from the United States Army Corps of Engineers."

In the wake of the end of Title 42 in May, Abbott said his government plans to install a floating water barrier, with the use of buoys, to deter migrants from crossing the border in heavily trafficked areas of the river.

The first 1,000-foot stretch had been placed by July 7 in Eagle Pass, western Texas, which shares the border with the Mexican city of Piedras Negras. A canoe and kayaking company based in Texas already filed a lawsuit against the water barrier installation earlier this month.

The governor is facing a separate scrutiny on the treatment of migrants since Texas Department of Public Safety has received several complaints saying that Texas troopers were told to push back migrants into the Rio Grande and ordered not to give them water in spite of the current cruel heatwave.

The alleged mistreatment has drawn criticism from the White House and a number of Democratic lawmakers, though Abbott's office denied any orders have been given that "would compromise the lives of those attempting to cross the border illegally."

"What you see the governor doing is dangerous and unlawful," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters later on Monday. "The one person that is sowing chaos is Governor Abbott. That's where he continues to do political stunts in an inhumane way."

The three-term governor has been fiercely slamming Biden's border policy since the first day when the president took office. 
Performers dance at a music and food festival in Zhaxizom Township, Tingri County, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, July 23, 2023. (Photo by Tenzin Nyida/Xinhua)

LHASA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Applause resounded through an open space in Zhaxizom Township, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, on Sunday night. The air was filled with excitement as performers presented enchanting songs and dances to the delighted crowd.

The performance marked the beginning of a monthlong music and food festival in the township. Zhaxizom is situated approximately 4,200 meters above sea level at the foot of Mount Qomolangma, the world's highest peak. It is under the jurisdiction of Tingri County and is located about 49 kilometers from Mount Qomolangma's Base Camp, making it a frequent stop for people traveling to the mountain.

"I planned to head straight to Mount Qomolangma Base Camp, but when I arrived in the small town, the amazing festival caught my attention. I decided to stay in the town for several more days to enjoy the music and cuisine here before continuing my journey," said a traveler surnamed Zhang, who is from northeast China's Liaoning Province.

"The festival can help people learn more about our town. It not only enriches our lives but will also become a new attraction for tourists," said Migmar Lhamo, a college student residing in the town.

Migmar Lhamo believes the festival will play a positive role in promoting the development of local culture and tourism.

According to the county government, more events such as live music shows, fireworks displays, special delicacy fairs and bonfire parties will be held during the festival to provide both residents and tourists with an impressive experience of local culture.

Almost three decades ago, China's central government made a major decision to rally support for Tibet's development. A pairing assistance policy was established in 1994 to link specific areas of Tibet with central state organizations, provincial-level regions and state-owned enterprises.

Tingri County official Zhu Dongfeng said that in recent years, Tingri has been working with a pairing-policy group from Shanghai to boost the town's development, with the goal of achieving rural revitalization.

"The music and food festival will contribute to boosting the local economy further," Zhu said. 

A tourist poses for photos with performers at a music and food festival in Zhaxizom Township, Tingri County, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, July 23, 2023. (Photo by Tenzin Nyida/Xinhua)

People watch a performance at a music and food festival in Zhaxizom Township, Tingri County, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, July 23, 2023. (Photo by Tenzin Nyida/Xinhua)
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One key metric of the health of a commercial real estate market is net absorption: how many square feet are occupied at the end of a period compared with how many were occupied at the beginning. Not surprisingly, given the rise of remote and hybrid work, net absorption of office space nationwide is currently negative. In the US markets tracked by brokerage firm Cushman & Wakefield, 76.9 million fewer square feet were occupied in the second quarter of this year than in the second quarter of 2022, about 1.4% of office inventory. Only 15 of the 89 markets for which net absorption data is available for the past four quarters put up positive numbers.(1)

The US office market with far and away the most net absorption over this period may surprise you. Its Midtown Manhattan, at 3.3 million square feet. In percentage terms, Midtown came in seventh, behind Brooklyn, Nashville, Jacksonville, Memphis and the very small markets of Savannah, Georgia, and Fredericksburg, Virginia  which is still pretty impressive.

This does not exactly match the apocalyptic tones in which Manhattan commercial real estate is usually discussed these days. WORTH LESS, reads the cover of the latest New York magazine. Manhattans office buildings are dangerously empty and crushed by debt, and their owners are in over their heads. The accompanying article, about RXR Realtys Scott Rechler, is great, and its true that lots of Manhattan office buildings are (1) worth less than they used to be, (2) pretty empty and (3) carrying unsustainable debt loads.

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Another key metric of the health of a commercial real estate market is the office vacancy rate, and at 22.4% as of the second quarter, Manhattans rate is about twice what it was just before the pandemic and the highest it has been since Cushman & Wakefield started keeping track in 1984. Even the net absorption numbers dont look too good if you zoom out from just Midtown and just the last four quarters. Negative net absorption in Manhattans other two office markets, Downtown and Midtown South, almost exactly canceled out Midtowns gains over the past year, and in Midtown net absorption since the beginning of 2020 is still negative 17 million square feet.

All in all, then, the gloomy view of the Manhattan office market is not wrong. Its just that Manhattans challenges are far from unique, and it has recently shown signs of life that other cities have not. Its office vacancy rate, for example, isnt all that far above the national rate of 19.2% and trails not only obvious problem cases San Francisco (27.1%) and Chicago (23.8%) but also Phoenix (26.1%), Houston (25.2%), Austin (25%), Atlanta (23.2%) and Salt Lake City (22.5%). And Midtown Manhattans positive net absorption numbers over the past year truly do stand out.

One thing thats unique about Midtown Manhattan is that it has recently added about 17 million square feet of office space  the equivalent of one Boise, or almost half a Miami  in Hudson Yards, Manhattan West and the Spiral on the far West Side and One Vanderbilt next to Grand Central Terminal. These very new, very tall, very expensive buildings have been filling up with corporate tenants, which serves as an indication of Manhattans continuing appeal as a gathering place and status symbol even as it poses big headaches for owners of existing buildings elsewhere in the city. The new buildings have also begun filling city coffers, with City Comptroller Brad Lander noting last month that Hudson Yards was bringing in about $200 million more a year in property taxes than he had expected.

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Lander also put out a report last month on the effect on city revenue if office values followed the negative trajectory outlined in the much-discussed urban doom loop paper by economists Arun Gupta of New York University and Vrinda Mittal and Stijn van Nieuwenburgh of Columbia University, finding that as of fiscal year 2027 it would knock property tax revenue down 3% relative to the baseline forecast and overall city revenue down 1%. That kind of shortfall would be bad news. Its just not exactly  apocalyptic.

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More From Bloomberg Opinion:

 How Wall Street Turned Into a Fancy Residential Area: Justin Fox

 New Yorks Choice Cant Be a Toll or Subway Angst: Liam Denning

 Are Offices Worth as Little as REITs Imply?: Jonathan Levin

(1) For those trying to replicate this at home, Cushman & Wakefields national Marketbeat report doesnt have Q1 2023 data for Omaha, but the Omaha report does, so I used that data.

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This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Justin Fox is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering business, economics and other topics involving charts. A former editor and writer at the Harvard Business Review, Time and Fortune, he is author of The Myth of the Rational Market.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion

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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
Heres your five-minute guide to the trading day, and how the experts saw it.

The numbers

The Australian sharemarket finished the day on a positive note as investors cheered the news of cooling inflation following a solid lead from Wall Street overnight.

The S&P/ASX200 closed Wednesdays session nearly 0.9 per cent or 62.3 points higher to 7402 points as most sectors moved into the green, bar real estate, utilities and healthcare.
The Art of Breaking Ice

Rachael Mead, Affirm, $34.99 Credit: Snuck on to an Antarctic expedition led by her husband Phillip in 1961, Nel Law became the first Australian woman to set foot on Antarctica. Women were not allowed to do this at the time, and this historical novel imagines Nels pioneering journey, sharply capturing the misogyny of the male-dominated enterprise, as well as the scope of Nels achievement. Nel wasnt content with being relegated to or defined as an explorers wife. She was an artist and the trip to Antarctica liberated her to paint more than 100 oils and watercolours of the icebound continent. The plot has some pacing issues, but its great to read fiction based on polar expeditions (another male-dominated field) told from a different vantage. Its clear, too, from her vivid descriptions of its inhospitable beauty that Rachael Mead has made her own voyage to Antarctica.

NON-FICTION PICK OF THE WEEK

Border Crossings

Mohammad Chowdhury, NewSouth, $34.99 Credit: Mohammad Chowdhury is being grilled at a border crossing between Jordan and the West Bank. Since the September 11 terrorist attacks, he has become all too familiar with this kind of prolonged interrogation. His subtle account of the 10 hours spent in this Israeli immigration hall is as tense as any thriller, encapsulating the many ironies of his status as both global citizen and perennial outsider. Born in Britain to Bangladeshi parents and educated at Oxford, Chowdhury grew up caught between cultures. For all the trials of being treated as a foreigner in his own country, it is apparent from this searching memoir covering decades of living and working in 85 countries, that outsiderdom has granted him enormous adaptability, tolerance and a deep understanding of cultural and religious complexity. A tale that is cosmopolitan yet down to earth, poignant yet comic, and above all, humane.

What An Owl Knows

Jennifer Ackerman, Scribe, $35 Credit: If anyone knows anything about anything, says Winnie-the-Pooh, its Owl who knows something about something. Sadly, Owl cant tell us directly. But as scientists become more adept at interpreting owl behaviour, their unique evolutionary characteristics and habitats, the inner life of these haunting creatures is revealing itself. As nocturnal predators, owls are known for their keen vision, but equally vital is their silent flight and acute hearing. Owls flat faces operate as feathered satellite dishs, enabling them to hunt hidden prey by homing in on their aural traces. Scientists are also learning more about owl psychology, their subtle emotions, sensitivity, and stoicism. This enchanting exploration of the only bird with front facing eyes like our own is as much about ancient human fears, fascinations and desire to know, as it is about the birds themselves.

Rental Person Who Does Nothing

Shoji Morimoto, Picador, $29.99 Credit: There is something very culturally specific about the concept behind this book. A Japanese man decides to rent himself out to people who want a neutral presence to accompany them somewhere, watch them do something or just listen to them. He refuses, however, to do anything that violates his do-nothing ethos. As Shoji Morimoto conceives it, this is his dream job because it involves no stress or obligation. Its not until more than halfway through the book that we learn he does not take payment, as this would create expectation and therefore stress. This is when Rental Person emerges as a quietly intriguing, egoless disruptor of the capitalist contract  although he would probably contest this description. Much could be written about why he is in demand, but Morimoto is not interested in such reflection. He is not-doing what he pleases and he wishes everyone else could, too.
The mining industry has been put on notice with a parliamentary inquiry to examine whether it is contaminating NSW residents and if regulations should be strengthened in response.

The NSW upper house inquiry will investigate the current and future impacts of gold, silver, lead and zinc mining on human health, as well as the effects on land, water and air quality.

An inquiry into mining impacts on community health and environment has been announced, following concerns from several community groups over nearby mines. Credit: Brook Mitchell

The catalyst for the investigation arose from Central West residents concerns that pollution from the Cadia Mine  one of Australias largest gold mines, just outside Orange  was affecting their health, as reported by the Herald this month.

Some in the community believe dust from the mine has been allowed to drift across the region and pollute local drinking water. Residents tested their tank water earlier this year and found, of the 68 samples, 15 were 10 times the safe lead level recommended by the Australian drinking water guidelines.
A Melbourne father whose two-year-old boy was snatched when an opportunistic thief stole his car while he argued with another motorist says he is relieved and thankful after being reunited his son  partly thanks to the driver he was quarrelling with becoming an unlikely ally.

Massoud Massoud was driving to Dandenong Plaza in Melbournes south-east with his son Mohammad on Monday afternoon when he says another driver cut him off in traffic.

Massoud crossed an intersection and says the driver cut him off again  almost causing a collision  and gave him the finger, prompting Massoud to stop his car on Cleeland Street, Dandenong, and exit to speak with the other motorist.

He left his child inside his parked, unlocked car nearby and was arguing for about 20 seconds before he realised there was something amiss.
MOGADISHU, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has condemned a terrorist attack on a military academy in the capital, Mogadishu, which killed at least 25 soldiers on Monday.

An al-Shabab suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest blew himself up at a military training academy on Monday near the Ministry of Defence, according to a government soldier who declined to be named.

The ATMIS extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery in a statement issued on Monday evening.

Increased attacks by the al-Shabab terrorist group across the country will not deter efforts by the international community to stabilize Somalia, it said. "The AU Mission remains committed to the fight against terrorism and will continue working closely with the Federal Government in securing Somalia."

The ATMIS has started to withdraw its troops from Somalia and hand over security responsibilities to Somali forces. The AU mission has withdrawn 2,000 troops by June 30 and is expected to draw down another 3,000 in September in compliance with the UN Security Council Resolutions 2628 and 2670. 
The kingmaker who struck the deal to hand Labor its first major industrial relations overhaul is being wooed by dozens of business and union leaders months before the next tranche of reforms, as the government canvasses crossbench support for its controversial changes.

Independent senator David Pocock will hold a roundtable on Wednesday to hear arguments for and against proposed changes to labour hire laws, the gig economy and casual work, after Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burkes plan to legislate a definition of casual workers sparked another dust-up between unions and employers.

Independent senator David Pocock is meeting with a large group of businesses and unions over the next round of industrial reforms. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Ive been engaging with Minister Burke and his office as this next tranche of industrial relations reforms is being developed, emphasising the need for detailed consultation with all stakeholders, Pocock said.

This roundtable is an opportunity to hear directly from impacted workers, businesses and their representatives and get feedback on the proposed reforms.
Jakarta: An overloaded passenger boat capsized off Indonesias Sulawesi island, killing 15 people, rescuers said on Monday. Authorities said that the 33 other passengers survived.

The vessel was travelling from Lanto village in Buton Central regency in Southeast Sulawesi province to nearby Lagili village when it capsized just after midnight on Monday, local search and rescue agency head Muhammad Arafah said.

Residents and members of the National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) search for survivors after an overloaded ferry capsized off Indonesias Sulawesi island on Monday. Credit: AP

The wooden boat was designed to carry 20 people.

A search and rescue team initially found 15 bodies and rescued six people, and had continued their search for the others. But the operation was later called off when officials determined that all on board had been accounted for.
Tallinn: Thousands of Russia-linked Wagner group mercenaries have arrived in Belarus since the groups short-lived rebellion, a military monitoring group says.

Between 3450 and 3650 soldiers have travelled to a camp close to Asipovichy, a town 230 kilometres north of the Ukrainian border, according to Belaruski Hajun, an activist group that tracks troop movements within the country.

Belarusian soldiers attend a training by mercenary fighters from Wagner private military company near Tsel village, about 90 kilometres southeast of Minsk, Belarus. Credit: AP

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko welcomed Wagner forces into the country after brokering a deal between the Kremlin and mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin last month, ending the groups failed revolt against Russian military leaders.

The Wagner chief called the mutiny a march of justice to oust the top military leaders. The mercenaries faced little resistance and downed at least six military helicopters and a command post aircraft, killing a number of Russian troops.
On July 19, 2023, the World Customs Organization (WCO) in partnership with the COMESA Business Council (CBC) held an awareness webinar on AfCFTA rules of origin under the framework of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin (RoO) Africa Programme funded by the European Union. The webinar was attended by over 90 participants from the region and across the African continent and aimed to equip the CBC private sector with essential skills and knowledge on the technical and administrative aspects of the AfCFTA Rules of Origin.

During his opening remarks, Mr. Teddy Soobramanien, Chief Executive Officer of CBC, expressed gratitude to the EU-WCO RoO Africa Programme for engaging with the CBC. He highlighted the COMESA business community's welcome of the region's efforts and initiatives on international capacity building. Emphasizing the importance of harmonizing the region's rules of origin with the AfCFTA to facilitate smoother business transactions, Mr. Soobramanien encouraged active participation in discussions to grasp the significance of AfCFTA Rules of Origin.

Ms. Christiane Haziyo, Programme Manager at the EU Delegation to Zambia and COMESA, expressed appreciation for the work done by the WCO under the EU-WCO RoO Africa Programme. She emphasized the specific focus on rules of origin as a key enabler of international trade, granting goods their economic nationality. The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to supporting African economic integration and the COMESA region's capacity-building initiatives.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Balness Sumani, Senior Customs Affairs Officer from COMESA Secretariat, thanked the EU, WCO, and CBC for organizing the awareness webinar. She stressed the need for special attention to rules of origin within the continent, emphasizing the importance of understanding AfCFTA rules of origin for the business community and clearing agents to accrue the benefits of the AfCFTA and access larger markets outside the region. Ms. Sumani encouraged participants to make the most of the opportunity and gain valuable insights from the discussions.

The webinar featured detailed presentations by the WCO on AfCFTA rules of origin, including illustrations of AfCFTA Origin criteria and administrative arrangements and implementation procedures. Participants engaged actively in discussions during the event and expressed sincere appreciation to the WCO,EU,and CBC for organizing this informative virtual workshop.

The EU-WCO RoO Africa Programme will continue its engagement and partnership with CBC to ensure seamless implementation of rules of origin by private sector stakeholders.

For further information, please contact EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org.
Police disperse protesters near the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on July 24, 2023. Mass rallies broke out across Israel on Monday after lawmakers passed the first law limiting the Supreme Court's power, an important step for the far-right government's controversial plan to overhaul the country's judicial system. (Photo by Muammar Awad/Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Mass rallies broke out across Israel on Monday after lawmakers passed the first law limiting the Supreme Court's power, an important step for the far-right government's controversial plan to overhaul the country's judicial system.

The law passed with 64 in favor and zero veto in the 120-seat parliament, as opposition lawmakers boycotted the final vote.

The law cancels the Supreme Court's power to overrule decisions by the government that it deems "unreasonable." It is a key part of the far-right government's contentious plan to weaken the Supreme Court and reshape the judicial system.

Protesters blocked major highways in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other cities across the country. Police clashed with protesters and used water cannons to disperse them. In Jerusalem, the police also used "the Skunk," a vehicle that emits foul-smelling liquid with a strong odor, to drive away the protesters. At least 34 protesters have been arrested since Monday morning, according to the police.

David Ben, a 45-year-old teacher who attended the rally in Tel Aviv, said he felt sad and worried after the approval of the law.

"This legislation is led by the most extreme wing of the government, consisting of religious-nationalist parties of settlers. Today I feel that my government doesn't represent us anymore," he told Xinhua.

Simon Shostovich, a 52-year-old painter from Tel Aviv, told Xinhua that he fears that "dark times" are ahead for the country to which his parents, survivors of the Nazi's Holocaust, immigrated after World War II.

The Israel Bar Association and other organizations and individuals filed at least four petitions to ask the Supreme Court to overturn the law.

The White House said in a statement that it was "unfortunate that the vote today took place with the slimmest possible majority."

In a televised statement, Netanyahu said the new law was "necessary" to enable the government "to rule" and called for "unity."

The judical overhaul has triggered nationwide protests that last for 29 consecutive weeks. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis took to the streets to voice their objection to the government's plan to overhaul the judicial system. More than 11,000 military reservists, including pilots, announced they would resign, raising concerns that the military's preparedness would be affected.

Netanyahu, 73, Israel's longest-serving leader, returned to office in late December as the leader of a coalition that is composed of far-right and ultra-religious parties. The coalition government has made the judicial overhaul an important agenda since its formation. 

Police disperse protesters near the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on July 24, 2023. Mass rallies broke out across Israel on Monday after lawmakers passed the first law limiting the Supreme Court's power, an important step for the far-right government's controversial plan to overhaul the country's judicial system. (Photo by Muammar Awad/Xinhua)

Police disperse protesters near the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on July 24, 2023. Mass rallies broke out across Israel on Monday after lawmakers passed the first law limiting the Supreme Court's power, an important step for the far-right government's controversial plan to overhaul the country's judicial system. (Photo by Muammar Awad/Xinhua)

Police use a water cannon to disperse protesters near the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on July 24, 2023. Mass rallies broke out across Israel on Monday after lawmakers passed the first law limiting the Supreme Court's power, an important step for the far-right government's controversial plan to overhaul the country's judicial system. (JINI via Xinhua)

Police use a water cannon to disperse protesters near the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on July 24, 2023. Mass rallies broke out across Israel on Monday after lawmakers passed the first law limiting the Supreme Court's power, an important step for the far-right government's controversial plan to overhaul the country's judicial system. (JINI via Xinhua)

Police use a water cannon to disperse protesters near the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on July 24, 2023. Mass rallies broke out across Israel on Monday after lawmakers passed the first law limiting the Supreme Court's power, an important step for the far-right government's controversial plan to overhaul the country's judicial system. (JINI via Xinhua)
HEFEI, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Zhou Jiangyong, a former senior official in east China's Zhejiang Province, was on Tuesday handed a suspended death sentence for accepting bribes in excess of 182 million yuan (around 25.49 million U.S. dollars).

Zhou was formerly a member of the Standing Committee of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and secretary of the CPC Hangzhou Municipal Committee.

The Intermediate People's Court of Chuzhou in east China's Anhui Province sentenced Zhou to death with a two-year reprieve for bribery, revoked his political rights for life and ordered the confiscation of all his property. All his illicit gains will be confiscated and handed over to the state treasury.

The court established that between 2001 and 2021, Zhou took advantage of his various posts in Zhejiang to assist other individuals and units in matters such as project construction and project contracting.

Zhou accepted particularly large sums of bribes, and his actions caused significant losses to the interests of both the state and the people, the court said.

It added that in light of the fact that Zhou has confessed to all of his crimes, showed repentance, and been cooperative in returning his illegal gains, he was granted a lenient sentence. 
Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, holds talks with the Speaker of Pakistan's National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf via video link at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji on Tuesday held talks with the Speaker of Pakistan's National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf via video link.

Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that China is ready to work with Pakistan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields and push forward the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership for new and greater development.

Hailing Pakistan for giving firm support to China on issues concerning China's core interests over a long period of time, Zhao said China is willing to strengthen strategic coordination with Pakistan and promote the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community of shared future in the new era.

It is hoped that the two sides will deepen all-round practical cooperation, push the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to a new level, strengthen friendly people-to-people exchanges, continue to closely coordinate and cooperate on international and regional issues and make global governance more just and equitable, he added.

China hails Pakistan for taking the lead in supporting the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and joining the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative, Zhao said.

"We welcome Pakistan's support for and participation in China's proposals and initiatives, and jointly promote the effective implementation of relevant initiatives," he added.

Zhao said the NPC is willing to work with Pakistan's National Assembly to strengthen exchanges, carry out exchanges on governance experience, timely issue and approve legal documents conducive to bilateral cooperation, and provide legal guarantee for the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Ashraf said Pakistan firmly supports China's core interests and stands ready to work with China to strengthen the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and jointly build the Belt and Road.

The National Assembly of Pakistan is willing to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning with the NPC of China, and play a positive role as a legislature in promoting cooperation in various fields and promoting the development of bilateral relations, Ashraf added. 

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, holds talks with the Speaker of Pakistan's National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf via video link at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)
HARRISBURG, Pa. - Attorney General Michelle Henry announced Tuesday that the first of more than a dozen men charged with child sexual assault crimes while they were members of Jehovahs Witnesses congregations has pleaded guilty.

Jesse Hill, formerly of Berks County, pleaded guilty to two felony counts of rape related to the sexual assault and exploitation of two minors whom he met through the Jehovahs Witnesses community in the 1990s.

Investigators said Hill used his milling business to attract young boys from his Jehovahs Witnesses congregation to his property for parties. He promised the boys alcohol, marijuana and pornography, and relied upon his familys trusted name within the religious community to gain the children's trust. At his house, Hill exposed himself to children, groped them and forced them to perform sex acts.

Hill's sentencing was deferred so he can undergo evaluation to determine whether he is considered a sexually violent predator.

Through this guilty plea, the defendant admitted that he used his good standing within his religious community to access potential victims, gain their trust, and then sexually assault them, said Attorney General Henry. These crimes are abhorrent, and we are wholeheartedly committed to holding those accountable who hurt children. To any victims who have not yet disclosed their stories to law enforcement, I want you to know that if you speak up, our office will listen.

Since 2022, investigators have used the Statewide Investigating Grand Jury to secure charges against 14 men who allegedly assaulted children while they were members of Jehovahs Witnesses congregations across Pennsylvania.

The Office of Attorney General set up a hotline at 888-538-8541 for victims and family members to provide information to investigators.
READING, Pa.  During its Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday night, Reading City Council said it wants the city's administration to schedule a town hall meeting to have public discussions on crowds and noise at gatherings along the riverfront and on Skyline Drive.

Councilwoman Marcia Goodman-Hinnershitz raised the issue of crowds at the riverfront, which has been dubbed "Penske Beach," as it is near Penske Truck Rental at 255 Riverfront Drive.

"I'm not going to call it 'Penske Beach' anymore because I think that makes it appear as if this is a beach area, which it is not," Goodman-Hinnershitz said.

"It's occurring on city property with misuse, trespassing, and with large crowds that are dangerous," she said of the gatherings. "And we're starting to see a resurgence of problems again up in the Skyline Drive area."

Goodman-Hinnershitz said the city needs to look at the matters strategically.

"I really wish the mayor were here to be able to have some dialogue on this," she added. "I've attempted to text him, but haven't received responses back."

Mayor Eddie Moran does not necessarily attend council meetings on a consistent basis.

"I really feel we need to have a special meeting to discuss both this and also the number of shootings that are occurring," Goodman-Hinnershitz said. Now, it seems it is almost on a daily basis."

"We do not have a safe city anymore," she continued. "And for us to pretend that we're going to bring in business and economic development. and yet we can't feel safe walking our streets, is just delusional."

Councilman Chris Daubert said the answer can no longer be about educating the offenders.

"We received a report from the riverfront today about the trash that was strewn and left all over the place," Daubert said, "and I keep thinking that this really goes beyond education because there's no conceivable way that someone would think that it was OK to leave our natural area in such disrepair."

"I think the only way that you change behavior has to be enforcement," he said.

Councilman Wesley Butler said that with the amount of people that are coming to the riverfront, the city should start making money from it.

"I think we definitely can start making money off of a bunch of people who come from New Jersey  where there's a bunch of beaches  but they rather come here for some reason," Butler said.

"Start charging for parking," he proposed. "Maybe have some food vendors there and start making money off of it instead of always just complaining about it."

The issue of crowds gathering along the riverfront was first brought to the attention of council last summer when officials from West Reading made complaints to the city regarding the noise coming from across the river.

Council President Donna Reed said she agreed that there should be a town hall meeting, with the mayor present and at a location that can accommodate a large gathering of people.

Reed asked the administration to come up with possible dates and locations and requested that Managing Director William Heim get members of the administration to attend.
READING, Pa.  During his annual report to Reading City Council, the zoning hearing board chairman was questioned on a recent decision that gave a Brooklyn, New York-based developer zoning relief to convert the former Santander office building at 601 Penn St. into a 207-unit apartment building.

Reading City Council to appeal zoning board's ruling on former Santander building Members of Reading City Council object to the high density of residential units proposed for the apartment building on Penn Street.

The decision proved controversial, as it involved granting variances from the zoning code that will allow the developer to design a mix of efficiencies and one- and two-bedroom apartments that are considerably below the city's minimum requirements for square footage.

Zoning Hearing Board Chairman Phillip Rabena said the board had many people in favor of the project as well as many people against it, and no matter how the board ruled, it was inevitable that someone would challenge the decision in a court appeal.

Two weeks ago, council voted unanimously to appeal the decision in the Court of Common Pleas.

Councilman Chris Daubert challenged Rabena, saying the decision issued in June was "totally incongruent" with what he had said in his report earlier on Monday night.

During his report, Rabena told council that one of the things that concerns the zoning board is undersized apartment units and the overcrowding of sites.

"This is counter to the city's plan to try and reduce density for a better life quality," Rabena said. "We kind of take exception to this International Building Code that doesn't, in our opinion, reflect adequate size housing for individuals, (even though) it might work in Singapore and Hong Kong or Philadelphia or New York."

Reading's former Santander building gets zoning relief for 207 apartments A Brooklyn-based developer got the OK from Reading zoners for an adaptive reuse of the 10-story office building at 601 Penn St.

At the June meeting of the zoning hearing board, the variance granted for the Penn Street building allowed for dimensions of 224 square feet for efficiencies, 250 to 350 square feet for one-bedroom units and about 490 square feet for two-bedroom units.

The city's ordinance requires a minimum space of 400 square feet for efficiencies, 550 square feet for one-bedroom apartments and 700 square feet for two-bedroom apartments.

"You said that many times you guys have followed the stated size requirements," Daubert said Monday night. "What was different in this case?"

Rabena answered, saying the board had a letter from the mayor and other people in city government asking for it to support the project.

"It's not our job to do their planning for them (the applicants)," Rabena explained. "And that's why I made that statement (when the decision was rendered) that people needed to work together."

"What we were thinking is that instead of winding up in court, all the parties would sit down together and try to figure out what's the best way to make this work," he said. "It doesn't appear that that's the way it's going to go."

"Any time that we must make a decision or a judgment, we're not infallible," Rabena continued. "If somebody appeals a decision that we have made and we're overruled, I take no offense to it. That's the process, and I think that's kind of what we looked at."

Rabena admitted that the board was not 100% pleased with its decision.

"But we just felt that downtown Reading might be able to pull this off, and it might be an asset, and that's pretty much what we decided," he concluded.

Councilwoman Melissa Ventura also questioned Rabena as to why the zoning solicitor tried to silence her when she attempted to testify against the project at the hearing in May.

"Councilwoman Marcia Goodman-Hinnershitz testified first, but then when I was speaking, I was interrupted and was told that it wasn't my district and that I didnt live in the neighborhood," Ventura said. When you sign up for public comment, it doesn't ask you those questions, so I felt that was rude."

Rabena said that although there are rules that a speaker must have a direct interest in a case, someone can testify as a member of City Council.

"If somebody wants to come as a member of City Council and say, 'I'm here representing City Council,' you don't necessarily have to be in that particular district," Rabena said.

"However, if you are saying, 'I'm a councilperson, but I want to speak tonight, just as a person, not as a member of council,' I think sometimes it's how you say what your interest is," he said. "We try not to be offensive to people, and we try to let people have their say, and I'm glad that you felt free to speak up."
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, Pa. - Pennsylvania State Police say a man and woman are facing charges for their roles in a December 2022 fatal crash in Jefferson Township.

Authorities have charged 27-year-old Justin Porter of Bern Township and 52-year-old Michelle Walter of Upper Tulpehocken Township with homicide by vehicle in the November 6, 2022 death of 55-year-old Roger Miller of Blandon.

Police were dispatched to a report of a three-vehicle crash on Shartlesville Road in the area of Lonesome Valley Road just before 8 p.m.

Authorities say Walter was travelling northbound on Shartlesville Road when she attempted to pass Porter on his driver's side, crossing the double yellow line and entering the southbound lane. Court documents state this is a posted "no passing zone."

Miller, who was travelling in the southbound lanes, was struck head on by Walter, pushing Miller's vehicle backwards into an embankment. He died at the scene.

In an interview with investigators following the crash, Walter told police that, prior to the crash, she was being tailgated by Porter, who eventually passed her in the no passing zone.

Once in front of her vehicle, Walter told police that Porter hit his breaks suddenly, causing her to swerve left into the opposing lane out of fear of rear-ending his car.

Walter told police the next thing she remembered was seeing headlights coming at her.

In a separate interview, Porter confirmed Walter's account of what happened and told police he passed her in the no passing zone. When Walter attempted to pass him in the southbound lane, the crash occurred.

Both are charged with homicide by vehicle, reckless driving, illegal racing, passing where prohibited and related offenses.

Walter is free on $50,000 unsecured bail.

Porter is free on $15,000 unsecured bail.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Artificial intelligence is taking the world by storm. Experts are saying it has the potential to impact nearly every aspect of our lives.

This week, 69 News Reporter Priscilla Liguori is digging into what computers are really capable of and how AI is making a difference in our communities.

She starts by exploring AI in law.

"Write a letter to my landlord," Andrew Novick of Phillipsburg typed in AI software.

It's easy and quick.

"It's generating it, and there it goes," said Novick.

Novick is using artificial intelligence in an ongoing legal battle with his landlord. It's saved him lots of money.

"A couple of thousand dollars," said Novick.

For the last year, he's not had to hire a lawyer.

"I know what the word means," Novick said as he looked at legal terms.

Novick experiments with different types of software, depending on what he's trying to do. Among his favorite websites: Legalese Decoder. It translates law talk into layman's terms.

"See where it says 'decode,'" said Novick.

All this being said, could a computer really make you successful in court?

Novick says it worked in his closed case; online court records back that up. He tells us it's looking good for his open one too.

"Immediately, attorneys stood at attention and realized that I know what I'm talking about," said Novick.

"I'm always talking about AI," said Daniel Lopresti, a computer science and engineering professor at Lehigh University.

Lopresti warns if you call on AI in law, you're going to need to double or triple check everything.

"The current gen of AI is just as likely to spit out something that's incredibly useful and insightful, but also something that's completely wrong, based on background material, precedents that it completely makes up," said Lopresti.

That means it's a must to take the time to ensure the cases, books, and references AI cites are actually real.

A New York lawyer just got in big trouble for referencing nonexistent, AI-concocted court decisions.

That being said, Lopresti adds, "I think there are going to be big changes in the legal profession, because of what AI can do now with text, and analyzing complicated and bringing together information from different sources....for some of the research, that background research that an attorney or paralegal might need to do, I think it'd be incredibly powerful for that."

Novick meticulously reviews whatever he gets from AI, noting he'd never recommend it in a criminal case. He's constantly researching the newest programs.

"They're getting better and better," said Novick.

AI is saving people time and money in the legal field, but still lacks trust. The jury's still out on whether that formula may be perfected.

Wednesday, 69 News will share how AI is being used to screen local child abuse cases.

Thursday, we'll give a look at new AI technology in medicine.

Friday, we'll dive into how AI may affect America's workforce.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A federal judge threw out portions of a lawsuit that a former middle school assistant principal filed against the Allentown School District.

Former Harrison-Morton Middle School Assistant Principal Joseph LiCausi had sued the school district over a host of issues, including an allegation that another administrator shared photos of minors engaging in sex acts. He said police failed to prosecute District Equity Coordinator Lucretia Brown.

"After an extended period of discovery, he has facts to support only a narrow subset of his claims," the judge wrote in a July 11 memorandum.

The judge dismissed a portion of the lawsuit in which LiCausi said he was retaliated against for his speech.

"His speech-based retaliation claim fails because he didnt engage in protected speech and he cant show retaliation," the judge wrote.

LiCausi said he spoke as a citizen on matters of public interest, including the districts alleged discrimination in hiring and disciplinary practices; Lucretia Browns alleged failure to adhere to United States Department of Justice mandates and potential crime of disseminating child pornography; and the districts alleged failure to adopt and/or enforce adequate safety policies related to students bringing weapons and drugs onto school grounds, the judge wrote in the July 11 memorandum.

The judge wrote that "The record is unclear about the details of when, where, and to whom Mr. LiCausi spoke about these matters."

According to the judge, LiCausi did not provide any specific dates or times for his speech, though an amended complaint alleges that he began speaking against the district in October 2016.

The judge said his intentional infliction of emotional distress claim fails "because he has not shown that anyone acted in a sufficiently outrageous manner to support the claim."

LiCausi did have evidence to support his claim that the district retaliated against him for filing a lawsuit by transferring him from a position as an assistant principal at a middle school to a position as an assistant principal at an elementary school, the judge wrote.

On that narrow claim, which the defendants did not address in their summary judgment motion, a jury will have to resolve the dispute, according to the judge.

The district terminated LiCausi's employment on April 30, 2020.
The huge warehouse proposed for Bethlehem Township threatens to cause traffic problems, members of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission said Tuesday.



Trammell Crow, the developer of warehouses on the site of the former Dutch Springs waterpark, proposes an 866,350-square-foot building at 1600 Freemansburg Ave. The building would be split diagonally by the Bethlehem Township/Freemansburg border. Township zoning allows for warehouse development at the site and the developer is part of a company with immense resources.



Unlike many warehouse proposals, this is not a big box that will cover a farm field that commuters drive by. It will occupy a 45-acre tract near the City of Bethlehem and on a major east/west corridor, potentially adding traffic in Lower Saucon Township and Hellertown.



There are at least 15 intersections on Freemansburg Avenue between the site and Route 33 to the east, Stephen Melnick, chairman of the LVPC's Comprehensive Planning Committee, said at a meeting Tuesday.



"Obviously, Freemansburg Avenue is going to become a major artery heading east," Melnick said, forecasting "a major, major traffic problem."



The route east includes the double T-junctions of Freemansburg Avenue and Farmersville Road, dubbed "the worst intersection in Bethlehem Township" in 2021 by John Merhottein, president of the township's board of commissioners. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is working on a better crossing at the site, perhaps in 2027.



Warehouses are an allowed use on the land, which has been a quarry and a dump for "clean fill" such as dirt. The current owner is Barnsdale Associates, based in Bethlehem. The late Angelo Villani once owned the property, according to Northampton County records.



Developer Trammell Crow is a subsidiary of CBRE Group Inc., the largest commercial real estate company in the world and a financial powerhouse. CBRE's 2022 revenue was $30.8 billion. Bethlehem Township's spending plan for 2023 totals $20.4 million, while the Borough of Freemansburg's annual budget is $1.6 million.



In other words, CBRE's revenue in seven hours exceeds the combined budgets of the two towns.



Trammell Crow has submitted a 61-page plan for the site, showing more than 500 parking spaces and 74 truck-docking positions. The traffic estimate is for 1,481 daily vehicle trips: 961 by passenger cars, 520 by trucks.



In Freemansburg, there is concern about big trucks using Main Street to reach I-78.



While most traffic would head east, LVPC Commissioner John Gallagher, who is also a Bethlehem Township commissioner, said trucks could take Freemansburg Avenue west to Stefko Boulevard, then to Route 412 to reach I-78. That would keep some traffic out of Bethlehem Township.



Freemansburg Avenue is already busy, Gallagher said.



"It's so congested that we get complaints all the time from residents," he said. Crossing the intersections at rush hour is difficult now, he said.



The review of the project by the LVPC's professional staff said the plan must address the visual and noise impact of the development. It will be a few hundred feet from homes on Washington Street in Freemansburg, Livingston Street in the City of Bethlehem.



The city is also concerned, Darlene Heller, Bethlehem's director of planning and zoning, said at the meeting.



"It abuts the city, it abuts a residential development and obviously we sould be concerned from the point of view of traffic generation," she said.



The committee passed the staff review of the project to the full commission, which will meet Thursday at 7 p.m. The meeting agenda and a link to attend will be available on the LVPC website.



The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission is an advisory body that has a professional staff that reviews plans, and appointed commissioners from Lehigh and Northampton counties who discuss and sometimes change staff recommendations.



The commissioners vote on the staff reviews, not on whether projects can proceed. Final land-use decisions are up to municipalities.

The warehouse plan is being reviewed by Bethlehem Township.



The LVPC also reviewed plans for a warehouse in Allen Township and an expansion of St. Luke's University Health Network's Bethlehem Township campus.
HANOVER TWP., Pa - Pennsylvania State Police out of the Bethlehem Station are asking for help identifying the above pictured female.

According to a media release, the photo is of a woman accused of stealing seven pairs of sneakers from the Famous Footwear located on Airport Center Drive in Hanover Township.

The theft happened on July 18 just before 10:30 a.m.

Police say the accused concealed the shoes in a Target shopping bag, and exited the store.

Anyone with information is urged to contact PSP Bethlehem at (610) 861-2026 or anonymously contact the Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers Toll Free at 1-800-4PA-TIPS (8477).

Tips can also be made online, here.
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 25 (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.

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)

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.

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)

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. 
FRANKLIN TWP., N.J. - Authorities in central New Jersey say a school bus monitor was looking at a cell phone with ear buds on while a 6-year-old special needs student sitting behind her became entangled in a seatbelt and was strangled to death.

Now, 27-year-old Amanda Davila is facing a second-degree manslaughter charge in Somerset County.

The girl died last week while riding on a bus for an extended school year program in Franklin Township.

The prosecutor says the girl was secured in her wheelchair in the rear of the bus.

The vehicle hit a series of bumps that caused the girl to slump. That's when investigators say a harness that secured her to the chair tightened around her neck and blocked her airway.

The prosecutor says while this was all happening, Davila was sitting toward the front with ear buds on, when she should have been monitoring the child.
MOSCOW, Id. - Bryan Kohberger's defense counsel suggested Tuesday they'll present an alibi for their client during his upcoming trial.

"Because either you were there, or you weren't. That's what an alibi defense is. I wasn't there. It wasn't me. It was someone else. You can't convict me, because I didn't do it, said John Waldron, Criminal Defense Attorney at Waldron & Williams.

Prosecutors will receive information on an alibi for Idaho murder suspect Bryan Kohberger, according to a court filing Tuesday. The 28-year-old Poconos native is charged with four counts of first-degree murder in the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students.

69 News spoke with local defense attorney John Waldron to break down what the strategy by Kohberger's defense counsel could be.

"There was what is called an alibi defense that has been filed, although they haven't revealed a lot of names of witnesses and other evidence from the defense to support that, said Waldron.

The defense council had a deadline to pass the information along on Monday but Kohberger's attorney says they are still investigating and preparing his case. Waldron said the filing notes that the crime occurred but Kohberger's defense council will argue during the trial that he was not present at the off-campus University of Idaho house when the murders happened.

The court document does not say where Kohberger was during the killings.

"The defense is going to use Commonwealth state witnesses to and maybe some expert witnesses to produce evidence regarding the alibi, said Waldron.

Waldron said this is a twist in the case, and an interesting point to him in this case is the DNA that was found on scene.

Maybe some expert testimony that may describe why the DNA was there, but it's an uphill battle for them, said Waldron."It was DNA found. That is hard to get around, shall I say. But there's also ways to do that."

According to his attorneys, Kohberger continued to stand firm on his constitutional right to silence and testifying on his own behalf. Waldron said while procedural rules could be different in Idaho an alibi defense will remain the same.
NEW YORK (AP)  An intense police search of the Long Island home of Rex Heuermann is now complete, authorities said Tuesday as they ended a 12-day hunt for evidence that involved ripping up the yard and the discovery of a basement vault containing hundreds of weapons kept by the man accused of killing at least three women more than a decade ago.

At a press conference outside the Massapequa Park home where Heuermann lived with his wife and two kids, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said police had found a tremendous amount of information during their search.

He declined to describe the bulk of the material, but said there was not a singular piece of evidence that jumped out to him.

The search turned up at least 279 weapons kept inside a thick basement vault large enough for a person to walk into, Tierney said. Police took boxes of additional evidence from the house, which he described as a very cluttered environment.

An effort in recent days to dig up the backyard in search of possible clues about where the murders were committed did not yield any large items of evidence, he added.

A coalition of law enforcement agencies have been poring over the property since July 14th, when Heuermann was arrested and charged with killing three women  Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Costello, and Megan Waterman  and dumping their bodies along a remote stretch of coastal highway near Long Island's Gilgo Beach more than a decade ago. Prosecutors identified him as the prime suspect in the death of a fourth woman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes.

Heuermann, who worked as an architect in Manhattan, has denied the charges through his lawyer.

The killings, all of which involved women engaged in sex work, happened while Heuermanns family members were out of town, according to court papers. There is no indication his wife or children had knowledge of the crimes, Tierney said.

During the search, police used a scanning technology to identify disturbances in the ground outside Heuermanns property, Tierney said. An excavator dug up the yard, and investigators with shovels could be seen scraping through freshly upturned earth.

There was nothing of note taken from the back yard, he said. As far as remains, there is a whole entire trace analysis we have to go through with the house with regard to hair fibers, DNA, blood, which well have to await the results of.

Police were also seen pulling from the house a large doll encased in glass and a portrait of a woman with a bruise on her face. Tierney said it would be quite some time before all of the evidence could be tested for forensics.

The end of the search comes as police in Las Vegas and South Carolina are beginning their own investigations into whether the suspect may have been connected to any unresolved cases. Heuermann owns a timeshare in Las Vegas and planned to retire in a remote area of South Carolina, where his brother currently lives.

Tierney declined to discuss specifics in the other cases on Tuesday, but noted the investigation is not limited to New York state.

Heuermann is due back in court on August 1st.
BRUSSELS (AP)  A jury on Tuesday found six people guilty of terrorist murder for extremist attacks at the Brussels airport and a busy subway station that killed 32 people in Belgiums deadliest peacetime violence, part of a wave of attacks in Europe linked to the Islamic State group.

Among those convicted for their role in the 2016 Brussels suicide bombing plot was Salah Abdeslam, who already is serving a life sentence without parole in France over his role in attacks that hit Paris cafes, the Bataclan theater and Frances national stadium in 2015. Both the Paris and Brussels attacks were linked to the same IS network.

Wrapping up the biggest trial in Belgium's judicial history, the chief judge listed the names of the victims before reading the decisions and explanations of the 12-person jury. The verdict was reported by Belgian media covering the trial from inside the courtroom, including public broadcaster RTBF, newspaper Le Soir and news websites HLN and Nieuwsblad.

Survivors and families of victims hoped the trial that started in earnest in December would help them work through the trauma of what happened on March 22, 2016, and to find closure.

In total, 10 defendants were on trial. Two brothers were acquitted of all charges. The other eight were convicted of participating in activities of a terrorist group; six of those eight were also convicted of terrorist murder.

Sentencing will be decided in a separate process, but not before September.

The morning rush hour attacks at Zavantem Airport, which is also known as Brussels Airport, and on the Brussels subways central commuter line deeply shook the city  home to the headquarters of the European Union and NATO  and put Belgians on edge. In addition to the 32 people killed, hundreds of others were wounded or suffered serious mental trauma.

The jury made a clear connection between the attacks and IS and its extremist ideology, and found that the attackers clearly wanted to intimidate Belgian society. Jurors also determined there was clear homicidal intention and premeditation, according to the media reports.

The jurors deliberated since early July over some 300 questions the court asked them to consider before reaching a verdict.

The jury found that four additional deaths could be attributed to the attacks, including a survivor who later took his own life because of mental suffering and another who had to stop cancer treatment due to injuries sustained in the attack, according to the media reports.

Survivors gathered at the special courthouse designed for the exceptional trial to hear Tuesday's verdict. Among them was a man named Frederic, who said the atrocious crimes'' committed the day of the attacks haunt him.

He was among the commuters who survived the attack at the Maelbeek metro station and spoke Tuesday on condition that his last name not be published to protect his identity as a victim of trauma.

We have been waiting for this for seven years, seven years that weighed heavily on the victims. ... We are waiting with impatience, and with some anguish for the verdict, he told The Associated Press.

Survivors supported each other through the proceedings, some coming to court every day. It is important to be together, to hear the decision of justice,'' Frederic said. After that, they hope "to be able to turn the page.''

Abdeslam was the only survivor among the Islamic State extremists who struck Paris in November 2015. After months on the run, he was captured in Brussels on March 18, 2016. His arrest may have prompted other members of the IS cell to rush ahead with attack plans on the Belgian capital.

Also convicted of terrorist murder at the trial in Brussels was Mohamed Abrini, a childhood friend of Abdeslam and a Brussels native who walked away from Zaventem Airport after his explosives failed to detonate.

Oussama Atar, identified as a possible organizer of the deadly attacks on both Paris and Brussels, was convicted of terrorist murder in absentia. He is believed to have died in the Islamic State group's final months of fighting in Iraq and Syria.

Philippe Vansteenkiste, who sister Fabienne died in the attacks, told Belgian broadcaster VRT: I hope there will be global recognition and justice. Terror is trying to attack democracy. By showing that we have faith in the jury and democracy, we are sending a signal to terrorists."

The wound has reopened, he said. "It may heal better after this, but the scar will always remain.

Angela Charlton in Paris and Mike Corder in The Hague, the Netherlands, contributed to this report.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into its eastern sea, South Koreas military said Tuesday, adding to a recent streak in weapons testing that is apparently in protest of the U.S. sending major naval assets to South Korea in a show of force.

In its third round of launches since last week, North Korea fired the missiles just before midnight from an area near its capital, Pyongyang, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said. It said both missiles traveled around 400 kilometers (248 miles) before landing in waters off the Korean Peninsulas eastern coast.

Its statement called North Koreas missile launches a grave provocation that threatens regional peace and stability. Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said his government lodged a protest to North Korea over the launches, which is usually conveyed through its embassy in Beijing. He said Tokyo was doing its utmost for surveillance while stepping up trilateral security cooperation with Washington and Seoul. No damage has been reported related to the missiles, which, according to Japan's Defense Ministry, fell outside the country's exclusive economic zone.

The launches came hours after South Koreas navy said a nuclear-propelled U.S. submarine  the USS Annapolis  arrived at a port on Jeju Island. That underscored the allies' efforts to boost the visibility of U.S. strategic assets in the region to intimidate the North.

Last week, the USS Kentucky became the first U.S. nuclear-armed submarine to come to South Korea since the 1980s. North Korea reacted to its arrival by test-firing ballistic and cruise missiles last week in apparent demonstrations that it could make nuclear strikes on South Korea and deployed U.S. naval vessels.

Also on Monday, the American-led U.N. Command said it has started a conversation with North Korea about a U.S. soldier who ran into the North last week across one of the worlds most heavily fortified borders.

Andrew Harrison, a British lieutenant general who is deputy commander at the U.N. Command, which oversees implementation of the 1953 armistice that ended fighting in the Korean War, declined to comment about the state of the inquiry to North Korea or say what the command knows about Pvt. Travis Kings condition.

I am in life an optimist, and I remain optimistic, Harrison said during a news conference in Seoul.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said North Korea had only acknowledged receiving the U.N. message last week and had not provided any information or commented further since then.

There have been no new contacts since last week, Miller said, adding that North Korea also had not responded to messages sent by U.S. civilian or military officials.

North Korea has remained publicly silent about King, who crossed the border during a tour of Panmunjom while he was supposed to be heading to Fort Bliss, Texas, following his release from prison in South Korea on an assault conviction.

The U.S. still has not been able to ascertain Kings condition, a senior administration official said Monday in Washington. Asked if U.S. officials had a better understanding of whether King intended to defect, the official said they still had no indication about what was going on in his mind that day. The official was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Analysts say North Korea may wait weeks or even months to provide meaningful information about King to maximize leverage and add urgency to U.S. efforts to secure his release. Some say North Korea may try to wrest concessions from Washington, such as tying his release to the United States cutting back its military activities with South Korea.

Kings crossing came at a time of high tensions in the Korean Peninsula, where the pace of both North Koreas weapons demonstrations and the United States combined military exercises have intensified in a tit-for-tat cycle.

In between the ballistic and cruise missile launches last week, North Koreas defense minister also issued a veiled threat, saying the Kentuckys docking in South Korea could be grounds for the North to use a nuclear weapon against it. North Korea has used similar rhetoric before, but the statement underscored how strained relations are now. Farhan Haq, U.N.'s deputy spokesperson, said the U.N. is concerned about the rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The DPRKs continued launches of missiles using ballistic missile technology are clear violations of relevant Security Council resolutions, and, of course, we reiterate the call for de-escalation and for full implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions, he said, invoking the North's formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The United States and South Korea have expanded their combined military exercises and increased regional deployments of U.S. aircraft and ships, including bombers, aircraft carriers and submarines to counter the nuclear threats posed by North Korea, which has test-fired around 100 missiles since the start of 2022.

The Annapolis, whose main mission is destroying enemy ships and submarines, is powered by a nuclear reactor but is armed with conventional weapons. The sub mainly docked at Jeju to load supplies, but Jang Do Young, a spokesperson for South Koreas navy, said the U.S. and South Korean militaries were discussing whether to arrange training involving the vessel.

The Koreas are still technically at war since a peace treaty was never signed.

Their armistice becomes 70 years old Thursday, an anniversary South Korea will mark with solemn ceremonies honoring the dead that will involve invited foreign war veterans.

North Korea, which celebrates the date as victory day for the great Fatherland Liberation War, plans huge festivities that will likely include a military parade in the capital, Pyongyang, where leader Kim Jong Un may showcase his nuclear-capable missiles designed to target regional rivals and the United States.

North Koreas state-run Korean Central News Agency said Monday that a Chinese delegation led by Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the standing committee of the countrys National Peoples Congress, would attend the celebrations.

Visits by foreign guests to North Korea have been extremely rare since the start of the pandemic, which prompted the North to seal its borders to protect its poor healthcare system. North Korea since last year has been gradually reopening trade with China in an apparent effort to salvage a crippled economy damaged further by the pandemic-related border controls.

Associated Press writers Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo, Matthew Lee and Aamer Madhani in Washington, and Edith M. Lederer in New York contributed to this report.
Discovery Channel has landed the perfect host this year for Shark Week, none other than Aquaman. Actor Jason Momoa, who in real life dreamed of a life as a marine biologist before Hollywood anointed him a superhero ocean god, is going back to his roots to celebrate all things shark. Momoa will be the weeks recurring master of ceremonies, dipping in and out of the channels some 20 new hours of programs that start Sunday. Viewers will get to see rare sharks off the coast of South Africa and investigate whether sharks in Florida waters are getting high on cocaine.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  The U.S. Forest Services own prescribed burn started a sprawling 2022 wildfire that nearly reached Los Alamos, New Mexico, the agency acknowledged Monday in a report published after a lengthy investigation.

The Cerro Pelado fire burned in dry, windy conditions across more than 60 square miles (155 square kilometers) and crept within a few miles of the city of Los Alamos and its companion U.S. national security lab. As the fire approached, schools closed and evacuation bags were packed before the flames tapered off.

Investigators traced the wildfire to a burn of piles of forest debris commissioned by the Forest Service. The burn became a holdover fire, smoldering undetected under wet snow, with no signs of smoke or heat for months, said Southwestern Regional Forester Michiko Martin.

The revelation prompted immediate rebukes against the Forest Service by New Mexico political leaders, including Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. She said she was outraged over the U.S. Forest Services negligence that caused this destruction." Episodes of extremely hot and dry weather in recent years have triggered concerns about prescribed burns as techniques for clearing forest debris, concerns that Grisham echoed.

The federal government already has acknowledged that it started the largest wildfire in state history, whichcharred more than 530 square miles (1,373 square kilometers) of the Rocky Mountain foothills east of Santa Fe, New Mexico, destroying homes and livelihoods.

The Forest Service last spring halted all prescribed burn operations for 90 days while it conducted a review of procedures and policies. By the end of the moratorium, managers learned that they cant rely on past success, and must continuously learn and adapt to changing conditions, Forest Service Chief Randy Moore recently told New Mexico lawmakers.

Firefighters now monitor pile burns using handheld thermal devices and drones that can detect heat, Martin said Monday.

Examples of prescribed burns that escaped control include the 2000 Cerro Grande Fire that swept through residential areas of Los Alamos and across 12 square miles (31 square kilometers) of the laboratory  more than one-quarter of the campus. The fire destroyed more than 230 homes and 45 structures at the lab. In 2011, a larger and faster-moving fire burned fringes of the lab.

In the spring of 2022, wildfires were propelled by ferocious winds across Arizona and New Mexico, combined with extreme drought and warm temperatures, casting a pall of smoke across the region.

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich urged the Forest Service to be more nimble in its investigations and decisions.

The warming climate is making our forests more vulnerable to catastrophic wildfires. Thats a reality that our Forest Service can and must urgently respond to when deciding when and how to do prescribed burns, he said in a statement. We cannot catch up to this reality if it takes nearly a year to even make the findings on the Cerro Pelado Fire public.

An initial probe into the origin of the Cerro Pelado fire was conducted by a wildland fire investigator from Washington state's Department of Natural Resources and pointed toward an ash pit from the earlier prescribed burn as the likely source, while ruling out other potential sources such as campfires and lightning. But it stopped short of a definitive conclusion.

The Forest Service commissioned a second investigation by its own special agents and concluded that the prescribed burn and its windblown embers were the cause.

The Biden administration is trying to confront worsening wildfires in the U.S. West through a multi-billion dollar cleanup of forests choked with dead trees and undergrowth. Chainsaws, heavy machinery  and controlled burns  are major components of the effort, with Congress in the last two years approving more than $4 billion in new funding to prevent repeats of destructive infernos.
Graball Landing, the spot where Emmett Till's body was pulled from the Tallahatchie River just outside of Glendora, Miss., is photographed Monday, July 24, 2023. President Joe Biden is expected to create a national monument honoring 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 Mamie Till-Mobley. Altogether, the Till national monument will include 5.7 acres of land and two historic buildings. The Mississippi sites are Graball Landing and the Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse, where Emmetts killers were tried. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
SANAA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi rebel group said that peace talks with Saudi Arabia have been put on hold because of a dispute over the payment of Yemeni civil servants in Houthis-held areas.

In a speech to mark the beginning of the new school year in Houthis-controlled regions, Mahdi al-Mashat, the head of the Houthi supreme political council, said that the negotiations had centered on the issue of paying salaries out of Yemen's oil and gas revenues, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

The Houthis rejected the Saudi proposal of providing the funds via the Saudi banking system and accused Saudi Arabia of attempting to "steal Yemen's oil wealth for their own benefits," al-Mashat was quoted as saying.

Al-Mashat appealed to teachers and civil servants in Houthi-controlled areas to continue their work without payment, assuring them that his group will get revenues of Yemen's oil exports from its rivals.

Many teachers and civil servants in Houthi-controlled areas have to look for alternate jobs in order to support their family because of the lack of payment.

There has been no response to the Houthi report from Saudi Arabia.

Currently, Yemen's oil and gas revenues are under the control of the country's internationally recognized government, which is responsible for paying the wages of the civil servants who work in the areas under its control.

In the latest round of peace negotiations, the Yemeni government agreed to reopen the Hodeidah seaport and Sanaa airport, both of which are under Houthis' control, on the condition that the rebel group sends their revenues to the central bank in Aden, the government's temporary seat, for salary payment. However, the Houthis have refused to comply with the request, government sources said.

Yemen has been engulfed in a civil war since late 2014, when the Iran-backed Houthi militia took control of several northern cities, driving the Saudi-backed Yemeni government out of the capital Sanaa.

The Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened in 2015 to support the Yemeni government. 
Welcome Interview for Tayarishas new Postdoctoral Fellow

Dr Maxwel Maseko joined the Wits School of Governance as a Tayarisha Centre postdoctoral fellow in June 2023.

Dr Maxwel M. Maseko holds a PhD in Public Administration from the University of the Western Cape and has 26 years of experience working as a journalist in various news media organisations in South Africa and is currently a Postdoctoral fellow at the Tayarisha Centre.

His research interests lie in the fields of media and governance, particularly in areas of democracy, digitalisation in the public sector, protests, and citizen participation.

Dr Maseko is interested in pursuing new methods of governance and innovation in the public sector during his fellowship and assisting the centre to grow its research output.

Zibusiso Manzini-Moyo interviewed Dr Maseko.

ZM: What is your educational background?

MM: I hold a PhD in Public Administration from the University of the Western Cape and a Civic Innovation Certificate from the Wits School of Governance.

ZM: Tell us about your area/field of interest.

MM: I am interested in researching media and governance, particularly in areas of digitalisation in the public sector, democracy, politics, protests, and public participation.

ZM: Why did you choose the field of study?

MM: I am interested in public life in general and the empowerment of citizens to engage and participate in democratic governments. I also worked as a journalist for 26 years telling the stories of citizens and in turn holding authorities to account for their actions.

ZM: What are some of the key discoveries you made in your work relating to societal challenges?

MM: There is a lack of awareness about the rights of citizens to hold officials to account for their actions, especially in poorer areas. Those people that want to participate in governance and political processes both online and offline seem to lack trust in the system and the officials in charge of government processes.

ZM: Is there any community-based work that you have done or are doing?

MM: I am exploring opportunities to work with high school learners to motivate them about taking up careers in the public service. Digital transformation has created exciting times for people (young and old) to also transform the way government works to benefit service delivery and civic participation.

ZM: What are your next goals?

MM: To do more rigorous research on how South Africans can tap into opportunities presented by online participation and collaborate with other researchers in the field in the country and beyond. Apart from getting my work published, I also want to assist postgrad students passionate about professionalising the public sector.

ZM: Tell us about your experience thus far at Wits.

MM: It has been busy for me since day one with writing papers and attending conferences. I have loved every minute of it. The colleagues have been great and very helpful, and the work environment is positive and encouraging.
The China-UK conference on green, low carbon and remanufacturing industry development was held on Monday in Cangzhou City, north China's Hebei Province.

More than 200 scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry association representatives from China and the UK attended the conference.

The representatives expressed their full expectations for the development of remanufacturing industry in China, and hoped to cooperate with Chinese enterprises in related fields.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Adell Harriman & Carpenter Inc. decreased its position in BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK  Free Report) by 10.7% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 13,023 shares of the asset managers stock after selling 1,564 shares during the quarter. Adell Harriman & Carpenter Inc.s holdings in BlackRock were worth $8,715,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Y.D. More Investments Ltd bought a new stake in shares of BlackRock in the 4th quarter worth $28,000. Steward Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of BlackRock in the 4th quarter worth $31,000. Sugarloaf Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of BlackRock by 168.1% in the 4th quarter. Sugarloaf Wealth Management LLC now owns 47 shares of the asset managers stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 116 shares in the last quarter. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new stake in shares of BlackRock in the 4th quarter worth $34,000. Finally, Tyler Stone Wealth Management grew its stake in shares of BlackRock by 71.4% in the 4th quarter. Tyler Stone Wealth Management now owns 48 shares of the asset managers stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 20 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 79.37% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Citigroup increased their price target on shares of BlackRock from $750.00 to $815.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 14th. Credit Suisse Group increased their price target on shares of BlackRock from $662.00 to $673.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, April 17th. BMO Capital Markets reduced their price target on shares of BlackRock from $583.00 to $542.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, April 17th. Bank of America reduced their price target on shares of BlackRock from $928.00 to $921.00 in a research report on Sunday, July 16th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on shares of BlackRock from $780.00 to $770.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, July 3rd. Four 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, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $767.69.

BlackRock Price Performance

Shares of BlackRock stock traded down $11.16 on Tuesday, reaching $745.42. The stock had a trading volume of 244,307 shares, compared to its average volume of 665,482. BlackRock, Inc. has a 1 year low of $503.12 and a 1 year high of $785.65. The company has a market cap of $111.63 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.27. The company has a current ratio of 4.20, a quick ratio of 4.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. The businesss 50 day moving average is $691.40 and its two-hundred day moving average is $690.75.

BlackRock (NYSE:BLK  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 14th. The asset manager reported $9.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $8.52 by $0.76. BlackRock had a net margin of 29.90% and a return on equity of 14.35%. The firm had revenue of $4.46 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.47 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $7.36 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 1.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts anticipate that BlackRock, Inc. will post 34.98 EPS for the current year.

BlackRock Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 22nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 8th will be issued a $5.00 dividend. This represents a $20.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.68%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 7th. BlackRocks payout ratio is 58.41%.

Insider Transactions at BlackRock

In other news, Director Mark Wiedman sold 2,079 shares of the stock in a transaction dated 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 directly owns 6,160 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,520,331.20. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Insiders own 1.06% of the companys stock.

BlackRock Company 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.

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Aptiv PLC (NYSE:APTV  Get Free Report) has been given an average rating of Moderate Buy by the thirteen research firms that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and eleven have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12-month target price among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $133.00.

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Aptiv in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Wolfe Research upgraded shares of Aptiv from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $130.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Thursday, June 8th. Bank of America raised shares of Aptiv from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their target price for the company from $130.00 to $140.00 in a report on Thursday, July 6th. Barclays dropped their target price on shares of Aptiv from $142.00 to $135.00 in a report on Monday, May 8th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their target price on shares of Aptiv from $136.00 to $128.00 in a report on Friday, May 5th.

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Aptiv Price Performance

Shares of APTV opened at $109.45 on Thursday. Aptiv has a fifty-two week low of $77.96 and a fifty-two week high of $124.88. The company has a market capitalization of $29.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 49.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 2.02. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $100.11 and a 200-day simple moving average of $105.21. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a current ratio of 1.71.

Insider Buying and Selling at Aptiv

Aptiv ( NYSE:APTV Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The auto parts company reported $0.91 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.89 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $4.85 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.59 billion. Aptiv had a net margin of 3.68% and a return on equity of 12.00%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 16.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.63 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Aptiv will post 4.37 earnings per share for the current year.

In other Aptiv news, Director Nancy E. Cooper sold 669 shares of Aptiv stock in a transaction on Thursday, April 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $103.35, for a total value of $69,141.15. Following the transaction, the director now owns 11,515 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,190,075.25. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.41% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Aptiv

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Kentucky Retirement Systems lifted its holdings in shares of Aptiv by 0.4% in the 4th quarter. Kentucky Retirement Systems now owns 21,301 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $1,984,000 after buying an additional 93 shares during the period. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System lifted its holdings in shares of Aptiv by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 17,600 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $1,975,000 after buying an additional 100 shares during the period. Czech National Bank lifted its stake in shares of Aptiv by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 32,022 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $3,269,000 after purchasing an additional 102 shares during the last quarter. Toroso Investments LLC lifted its stake in shares of Aptiv by 3.3% during the 3rd quarter. Toroso Investments LLC now owns 3,320 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $260,000 after purchasing an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. Finally, BSW Wealth Partners lifted its stake in shares of Aptiv by 2.7% during the 1st quarter. BSW Wealth Partners now owns 4,198 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $471,000 after purchasing an additional 111 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.21% of the companys stock.

Aptiv Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Aptiv PLC engages in design, manufacture, and sale of vehicle components worldwide. The company provides electrical, electronic, and safety technology solutions to the automotive and commercial vehicle markets. It operates in two segments, Signal and Power Solutions, and Advanced Safety and User Experience.

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StockNews.com upgraded shares of Autoliv (NYSE:ALV  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report report published on Friday.

Several other analysts have also commented on ALV. Citigroup decreased their price target on shares of Autoliv from $97.00 to $93.00 in a research report on Monday, April 24th. Bank of America decreased their price target on shares of Autoliv from $130.00 to $127.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 7th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on shares of Autoliv from $95.00 to $96.00 in a research report on Monday, July 10th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their price objective on shares of Autoliv from $113.00 to $110.00 in a research report on Monday, April 24th. Finally, Robert W. Baird decreased their price objective on shares of Autoliv from $101.00 to $99.00 in a research report on Monday, April 24th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $102.50.

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Autoliv Stock Down 0.9 %

Shares of Autoliv stock opened at $101.86 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 1.04 and a quick ratio of 0.79. Autoliv has a 1 year low of $65.74 and a 1 year high of $103.99. The firms 50-day moving average is $87.27 and its two-hundred day moving average is $88.05. The stock has a market cap of $8.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.74, a PEG ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 1.68.

Autoliv Dividend Announcement

Autoliv ( NYSE:ALV Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Friday, July 21st. The auto parts company reported $1.93 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.41 by $0.52. Autoliv had a net margin of 3.98% and a return on equity of 19.67%. The company had revenue of $2.64 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.55 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.90 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 26.6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts expect that Autoliv will post 6.39 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 13th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, May 25th were given a dividend of $0.66 per share. This represents a $2.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.59%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, May 24th. Autolivs dividend payout ratio is presently 58.93%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director Jan Carlson sold 2,614 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $88.98, for a total transaction of $232,593.72. Following the sale, the director now owns 77,493 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,895,327.14. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 0.22% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Autoliv

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Meitav Investment House Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Autoliv during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $792,000. Meyer Handelman Co. grew its stake in Autoliv by 39.8% in the 2nd quarter. Meyer Handelman Co. now owns 15,973 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $1,358,000 after acquiring an additional 4,546 shares during the period. Teacher Retirement System of Texas grew its stake in Autoliv by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 189,676 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $16,130,000 after acquiring an additional 915 shares during the period. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System grew its stake in Autoliv by 9.7% in the 2nd quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 22,600 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $1,922,000 after acquiring an additional 2,000 shares during the period. Finally, New Mexico Educational Retirement Board grew its stake in Autoliv by 13.7% in the 2nd quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board now owns 15,800 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $1,344,000 after acquiring an additional 1,900 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 57.29% of the companys stock.

About Autoliv

(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.

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Baillie Gifford & Co. lifted its stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences Co. (NYSE:EW  Free Report) by 7.3% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 467,484 shares of the medical research companys stock after acquiring an additional 31,993 shares during the period. Baillie Gifford & Co. owned 0.08% of Edwards Lifesciences worth $38,675,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 11.4% in the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 9,181 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,081,000 after purchasing an additional 941 shares in the last quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. lifted its stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 34.7% in the first quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 1,738 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $204,000 after buying an additional 448 shares in the last quarter. Covestor Ltd grew its holdings in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 18.2% during the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,223 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $144,000 after buying an additional 188 shares during the last quarter. Mather Group LLC. increased its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 53.5% during the first quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 7,182 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $846,000 after acquiring an additional 2,503 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp raised its holdings in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 3.1% in the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 655,567 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $77,173,000 after acquiring an additional 19,798 shares during the last quarter. 79.78% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of analysts have commented on EW shares. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and set a $102.00 price objective on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a report on Friday, July 14th. UBS Group initiated coverage on Edwards Lifesciences in a research report on Tuesday, March 28th. They issued a neutral rating and a $84.00 price target for the company. 58.com reiterated a reiterates rating on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a research note on Tuesday, June 27th. TheStreet raised shares of Edwards Lifesciences from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Finally, Robert W. Baird began coverage on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a report on Tuesday, July 18th. They set an outperform rating and a $107.00 price target on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Edwards Lifesciences currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $92.89.

Edwards Lifesciences Price Performance

NYSE EW opened at $91.40 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $55.41 billion, a PE ratio of 37.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.26 and a beta of 1.03. The company has a quick ratio of 2.17, a current ratio of 3.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $88.90 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $83.96. Edwards Lifesciences Co. has a 52 week low of $67.13 and a 52 week high of $107.92.

Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The medical research company reported $0.62 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.61 by $0.01. Edwards Lifesciences had a net margin of 27.07% and a return on equity of 25.81%. The company had revenue of $1.46 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.39 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.60 EPS. Edwards Lifesciencess revenue was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Edwards Lifesciences Co. will post 2.55 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Transactions at Edwards Lifesciences

In related news, VP Donald E. Bobo, Jr. sold 3,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, July 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.94, for a total transaction of $325,290.00. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 39,503 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,671,408.82. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, VP Donald E. Bobo, Jr. sold 3,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $92.94, for a total transaction of $325,290.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 39,503 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,671,408.82. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Larry L. Wood sold 8,660 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.94, for a total transaction of $804,860.40. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 213,794 shares in the company, valued at $19,870,014.36. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 228,316 shares of company stock valued at $20,215,378 over the last three months. Company insiders own 1.29% of the companys stock.

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.

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Community Bank & Trust Waco Texas reduced its holdings in shares of Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC  Free Report) by 2.0% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 40,013 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 837 shares during the quarter. Community Bank & Trust Waco Texas holdings in Bank of America were worth $1,144,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. Roundview Capital LLC increased its position in shares of Bank of America by 1.5% during the first quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 135,764 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $5,596,000 after purchasing an additional 2,013 shares in the last quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P increased its position in Bank of America by 150.3% during the first quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P now owns 1,985 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $82,000 after buying an additional 1,192 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Bank of America by 4.2% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 405,098 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $16,698,000 after buying an additional 16,319 shares during the last quarter. First Western Trust Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Bank of America in the first quarter valued at approximately $586,000. Finally, Pearl River Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of Bank of America during the first quarter worth approximately $534,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 67.34% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts recently weighed in on the stock. UBS Group increased their price target on shares of Bank of America from $34.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 19th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Bank of America in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. BMO Capital Markets dropped their price target on Bank of America from $41.00 to $40.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 19th. Oppenheimer increased their price objective on Bank of America from $44.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Finally, Citigroup dropped their target price on Bank of America from $38.00 to $33.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Bank of America presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $36.26.

Insider Transactions at Bank of America

Bank of America Price Performance

In related news, insider Dean C. Athanasia sold 77,806 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $31.48, for a total value of $2,449,332.88. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 353,971 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,143,007.08. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink . Corporate insiders own 0.27% of the companys stock.

BAC stock traded down $0.19 during trading on Tuesday, reaching $32.46. 22,613,194 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 52,300,754. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a current ratio of 0.83. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $28.98 and its 200 day moving average price is $30.62. Bank of America Co. has a 52-week low of $26.32 and a 52-week high of $38.60. The company has a market cap of $258.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.38, a PEG ratio of 1.34 and a beta of 1.36.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.88 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.84 by $0.04. Bank of America had a return on equity of 12.01% and a net margin of 19.97%. The business had revenue of $25.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $24.98 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.73 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 11.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts predict that Bank of America Co. will post 3.4 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Bank of America Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 1st will be given a $0.24 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 31st. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.96%. This is a boost from Bank of Americas previous quarterly dividend of $0.22. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 25.29%.

About Bank of America

(Free Report)

Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. Its Consumer Banking segment offers traditional and money market savings accounts, certificates of deposit and IRAs, noninterest-and interest-bearing checking accounts, and investment accounts and products; and credit and debit cards, residential mortgages, and home equity loans, as well as direct and indirect loans, such as automotive, recreational vehicle, and consumer personal loans.

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Weave Communications, Inc. (NYSE:WEAV  Get Free Report) major shareholder Bessemer Venture Partners Ix L sold 1,200 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, July 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.01, for a total value of $13,212.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 7,432,855 shares in the company, valued at approximately $81,835,733.55. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Large shareholders that own at least 10% of a companys stock are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC.

Bessemer Venture Partners Ix L also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, July 24th, Bessemer Venture Partners Ix L sold 1,500 shares of Weave Communications stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $11.10, for a total transaction of $16,650.00.

On Wednesday, July 19th, Bessemer Venture Partners Ix L sold 8,541 shares of Weave Communications stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $11.13, for a total value of $95,061.33.

On Monday, July 17th, Bessemer Venture Partners Ix L sold 66,580 shares of Weave Communications stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.24, for a total value of $748,359.20.

Weave Communications Price Performance

Shares of WEAV traded down $0.10 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $10.76. 302,953 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 429,882. The company has a market cap of $717.91 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -16.06 and a beta of 2.03. The firms fifty day moving average is $9.07 and its 200 day moving average is $6.44. Weave Communications, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $3.74 and a fifty-two week high of $11.68. The company has a quick ratio of 2.05, a current ratio of 2.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Weave Communications ( NYSE:WEAV Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 3rd. The company reported ($0.12) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.15) by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $39.57 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $37.71 million. Weave Communications had a negative net margin of 29.49% and a negative return on equity of 51.25%. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Weave Communications, Inc. will post -0.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Raymond James boosted their target price on shares of Weave Communications from $6.00 to $13.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, June 30th. Bank of America boosted their price objective on shares of Weave Communications from $7.50 to $14.00 in a report on Friday, June 30th. Finally, Loop Capital raised shares of Weave Communications from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the stock from $5.00 to $13.00 in a report on Monday, June 26th.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in WEAV. Bailard Inc. acquired a new stake in Weave Communications in the second quarter valued at about $276,000. Counterpoint Mutual Funds LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Weave Communications in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $152,000. Crescent Grove Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Weave Communications during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $220,000. Prelude Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Weave Communications during the 1st quarter worth approximately $78,000. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in Weave Communications by 36.7% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 24,192 shares of the companys stock valued at $120,000 after purchasing an additional 6,501 shares during the last quarter. 53.73% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Weave Communications

(Get Free Report)

Weave Communications, Inc provides a customer communications and engagement software platform in the United States and Canada. Its platform enables small and medium-sized businesses to maximize the value of their customer interactions and minimize the time and effort spent on manual or mundane tasks.

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Boston Beer (NYSE:SAM  Free Report) had its target price decreased by Evercore ISI from $330.00 to $320.00 in a research report report published on Friday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Evercore ISI currently has an in-line rating on the stock.

A number of other equities research analysts have also recently commented on SAM. UBS Group reduced their target price on shares of Boston Beer from $364.00 to $349.00 in a report on Friday, April 28th. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on shares of Boston Beer from $270.00 to $260.00 in a research note on Friday, April 28th. Roth Capital upgraded shares of Boston Beer from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 30th. TD Cowen lowered their target price on shares of Boston Beer from $350.00 to $300.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, July 19th. Finally, Citigroup lowered their target price on shares of Boston Beer from $340.00 to $330.00 in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Boston Beer has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $308.69.

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Boston Beer Stock Performance

SAM stock opened at $306.40 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $319.61 and its 200-day moving average price is $329.75. The firm has a market cap of $3.76 billion, a PE ratio of 63.05 and a beta of 1.03. Boston Beer has a one year low of $296.27 and a one year high of $422.75.

Insider Activity at Boston Beer

Boston Beer ( NYSE:SAM Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported ($0.73) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.32) by ($0.41). Boston Beer had a net margin of 2.82% and a return on equity of 7.58%. The business had revenue of $410.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $412.47 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted ($0.16) earnings per share. Boston Beers quarterly revenue was down 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Boston Beer will post 7 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In related news, CEO David A. Burwick sold 1,644 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $326.38, for a total transaction of $536,568.72. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 47,910 shares of the companys stock, valued at $15,636,865.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other Boston Beer news, CEO David A. Burwick sold 1,644 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $326.38, for a total transaction of $536,568.72. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 47,910 shares of the companys stock, valued at $15,636,865.80. The transaction 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 stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $341.35, for a total transaction of $3,413,500.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 5,573 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,902,343.55. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 23.50% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Boston Beer

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Baird Financial Group Inc. grew its holdings in Boston Beer by 1,280.7% during the 4th quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 163,214 shares of the companys stock valued at $53,782,000 after purchasing an additional 151,393 shares in the last quarter. Southeastern Asset Management Inc. TN acquired a new position in Boston Beer during the 1st quarter worth $35,680,000. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P acquired a new position in Boston Beer during the 1st quarter worth $38,859,000. Millennium Management LLC acquired a new position in Boston Beer during the 2nd quarter worth $18,690,000. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP grew its holdings in Boston Beer by 119.6% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 92,524 shares of the companys stock worth $35,943,000 after acquiring an additional 50,384 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.46% of the companys stock.

About Boston Beer

(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.

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Boundary Creek Advisors LP boosted its holdings in Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ  Free Report) (TSE:CNQ) by 50.0% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 150,000 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after purchasing an additional 50,000 shares during the quarter. Canadian Natural Resources comprises 0.2% of Boundary Creek Advisors LPs portfolio, making the stock its 19th largest position. Boundary Creek Advisors LPs holdings in Canadian Natural Resources were worth $8,302,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in CNQ. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership purchased a new position in Canadian Natural Resources in the first quarter worth about $960,796,000. National Bank of Canada FI raised its holdings in Canadian Natural Resources by 831.0% in the 4th quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 12,614,963 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $700,337,000 after acquiring an additional 11,259,955 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia lifted its position in Canadian Natural Resources by 32.8% in the 4th quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 19,845,541 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $1,102,057,000 after acquiring an additional 4,897,414 shares in the last quarter. Capital International Investors boosted its stake in Canadian Natural Resources by 88.2% during the 1st quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 7,930,544 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $491,064,000 after purchasing an additional 3,716,523 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Canoe Financial LP bought a new stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources in the 1st quarter worth $134,719,000. Institutional investors own 71.24% of the companys stock.

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Canadian Natural Resources Stock Up 1.0 %

Shares of CNQ stock traded up $0.60 on Tuesday, hitting $60.30. The stock had a trading volume of 443,583 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,054,974. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $55.96 and a 200 day moving average price of $56.96. Canadian Natural Resources Limited has a one year low of $44.45 and a one year high of $62.57. The company has a market cap of $65.88 billion, a PE ratio of 9.28, a P/E/G ratio of 10.81 and a beta of 1.57. The company has a quick ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 0.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29.

Canadian Natural Resources Cuts Dividend

Canadian Natural Resources ( NYSE:CNQ Get Free Report ) (TSE:CNQ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The oil and gas producer reported $1.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.20 by $0.05. Canadian Natural Resources had a net margin of 20.63% and a return on equity of 29.39%. The business had revenue of $6.38 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.26 billion. Research analysts anticipate that Canadian Natural Resources Limited will post 5.04 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, July 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 16th were paid a dividend of $0.664 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 15th. This represents a $2.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.40%. Canadian Natural Resourcess payout ratio is 41.02%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages have weighed in on CNQ. UBS Group began coverage on Canadian Natural Resources in a research report on Wednesday, July 12th. They issued a buy rating for the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Canadian Natural Resources in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Canadian Natural Resources presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $88.80.

Canadian Natural Resources Profile

(Free Report)

Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO).

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Bright Scholar Education Holdings Limited (NYSE:BEDU  Get Free Report)s stock price traded up 1.5% during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $1.39 and last traded at $1.32. 3,545 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 47% from the average session volume of 6,653 shares. The stock had previously closed at $1.30.

Bright Scholar Education Price Performance

The stocks 50-day moving average price is $1.48 and its 200-day moving average price is $2.14.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of BEDU. Maven Securities LTD lifted its position in Bright Scholar Education by 105.1% in the 4th quarter. Maven Securities LTD now owns 26,145 shares of the companys stock valued at $63,000 after purchasing an additional 13,396 shares during the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC lifted its position in Bright Scholar Education by 16.6% in the 1st quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 337,700 shares of the companys stock valued at $203,000 after purchasing an additional 48,100 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Serenity Capital Management PTE. LTD. bought a new stake in Bright Scholar Education in the 4th quarter valued at about $689,000. 1.78% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Bright Scholar Education

Bright Scholar Education Holdings Limited, an education service provider, operates and provides K-12 schools and complementary education services in China, Hong Kong, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The company also offers a range of complementary education services, including camps and after-school programs, as well as international education consulting services.

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PORT LOUIS, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC), led by Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, wrapped up a visit to Mauritius on Tuesday.

During the four-day visit, Liu met with Pravind Jugnauth, leader of the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) of Mauritius and Mauritian prime minister, Maneesh Gobin, general secretary of the MSM, Alan Ganoo, leader of Mouvement Patriotique and Mauritian minister of foreign affairs, and leaders of the Mauritius Labour Party, the MSM, the Mauritian Social Democratic Party and other political parties.

The two sides agreed to implement the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, harness the strength of political mutual trust, mutually beneficial cooperation and people-to-people bonds, advance inter-party exchanges, promote cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, culture, education, infrastructure and climate change, so as to advance the in-depth development of China-Mauritius relations and China-Africa relations. 
Ceres Power (LON:CWR  Get Free Report) had its target price cut by Berenberg Bank from GBX 1,155 ($14.81) to GBX 1,140 ($14.62) in a note issued to investors on Tuesday, Marketbeat.com reports. The brokerage presently has a buy rating on the stock. Berenberg Banks price target would indicate a potential upside of 209.11% from the stocks current price.

Separately, Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and issued a GBX 600 ($7.69) price target on shares of Ceres Power in a research report on Monday, May 22nd.

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Ceres Power Price Performance

Shares of LON:CWR traded down GBX 21 ($0.27) during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting GBX 368.80 ($4.73). 1,197,925 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 593,078. Ceres Power has a 52 week low of GBX 273 ($3.50) and a 52 week high of GBX 732.80 ($9.40). The companys fifty day simple moving average is GBX 320.17 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is GBX 367.18. The company has a market cap of 710.75 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1,603.48 and a beta of 1.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32, a quick ratio of 12.18 and a current ratio of 10.77.

Ceres Power Company Profile

Ceres Power Holdings plc, a fuel cell technology and engineering company, engages in the development and commercialization of fuel cell technology in North America, Asia, and Europe. The company offers SteelCell, a solid oxide fuel cell that generates power from conventional and sustainable fuels, such as natural gas, biogas, ethanol, and hydrogen.

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Innergex Renewable Energy (TSE:INE  Free Report) had its price target lowered by CIBC from C$16.50 to C$16.00 in a research note issued to investors on Friday, BayStreet.CA reports. CIBC currently has a neutral rating on the stock.

Several other equities research analysts have also recently commented on the stock. CSFB dropped their target price on shares of Innergex Renewable Energy from C$20.00 to C$19.50 in a research report on Monday, April 24th. National Bankshares dropped their target price on shares of Innergex Renewable Energy from C$20.00 to C$19.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 13th. Finally, Scotiabank lowered their price target on shares of Innergex Renewable Energy from C$19.25 to C$17.25 in a research report on Wednesday, June 28th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$18.36.

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Innergex Renewable Energy Price Performance

Shares of Innergex Renewable Energy stock opened at C$12.90 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of C$2.63 billion, a PE ratio of -39.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 20.61 and a beta of 0.30. Innergex Renewable Energy has a 12-month low of C$12.08 and a 12-month high of C$20.46. The company has a quick ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 432.38. The companys fifty day simple moving average is C$13.29 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$14.35.

Innergex Renewable Energy Announces Dividend

Innergex Renewable Energy ( TSE:INE Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The company reported C($0.08) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of C($0.01) by C($0.07). The firm had revenue of C$218.33 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$211.90 million. Innergex Renewable Energy had a negative return on equity of 4.72% and a negative net margin of 6.99%. As a group, equities analysts expect that Innergex Renewable Energy will post 0.2498582 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 17th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 30th were paid a dividend of $0.18 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, June 29th. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.58%. Innergex Renewable Energys dividend payout ratio is currently -218.18%.

Innergex Renewable Energy Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Innergex Renewable Energy Inc operates as an independent renewable power producer in Canada, the United States, France, and Chile. It acquires, owns, develops, and operates hydroelectric facilities, and wind and solar farms, as well as energy storage facilities. The company operates through three segments: Hydroelectric Power Generation, Wind Power Generation, and Solar Power Generation.

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Cohen Capital Management Inc. cut its position in shares of iShares Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:IEV  Free Report) by 10.6% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 8,227 shares of the companys stock after selling 974 shares during the quarter. Cohen Capital Management Inc.s holdings in iShares Europe ETF were worth $412,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Europe ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $27,000. Ahrens Investment Partners LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Europe ETF in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $45,000. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Europe ETF in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $88,000. KCM Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Europe ETF in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $204,000. Finally, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares Europe ETF in the first quarter worth $234,000.

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iShares Europe ETF Price Performance

NYSEARCA:IEV traded up $0.10 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $51.62. 132,340 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 403,541. The firms 50-day moving average is $50.44 and its 200-day moving average is $50.04. The stock has a market cap of $1.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.47 and a beta of 0.92. iShares Europe ETF has a 1-year low of $36.88 and a 1-year high of $52.37.

About iShares Europe ETF

iShares Europe ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P Europe 350 Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P Europe 350 (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the stocks of companies in the countries, which includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IEV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:IEV  Free Report).

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Crescent Grove Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE:ASB  Free Report) by 12.3% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 98,858 shares of the banks stock after buying an additional 10,842 shares during the quarter. Crescent Grove Advisors LLC owned about 0.07% of Associated Banc worth $1,777,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. CI Investments Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Associated Banc in the 4th quarter worth approximately $35,000. Allworth Financial LP grew its position in shares of Associated Banc by 26,450.0% in the 4th quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 1,593 shares of the banks stock worth $37,000 after buying an additional 1,587 shares during the last quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC grew its position in shares of Associated Banc by 74.3% in the 4th quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC now owns 1,685 shares of the banks stock worth $39,000 after buying an additional 718 shares during the last quarter. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new stake in shares of Associated Banc in the 1st quarter worth approximately $32,000. Finally, Fifth Third Bancorp grew its position in shares of Associated Banc by 370.7% in the 1st quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 1,845 shares of the banks stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 1,453 shares during the last quarter. 81.58% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on ASB. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and issued a $21.00 price objective on shares of Associated Banc in a research report on Friday, April 21st. StockNews.com started coverage on Associated Banc in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a sell rating for the company. Raymond James raised their target price on Associated Banc from $20.00 to $21.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on Associated Banc from $28.00 to $25.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 5th. Finally, Stephens raised their target price on Associated Banc from $19.00 to $21.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and two have given 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 $21.69.

Insider Buying and Selling

Associated Banc Price Performance

In other news, Director R Jay Gerken bought 3,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were bought at an average cost of $16.07 per share, for a total transaction of $48,210.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 42,036 shares of the companys stock, valued at $675,518.52. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink . In related news, Director Michael J. Haddad acquired 5,750 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, April 26th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $17.35 per share, for a total transaction of $99,762.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 5,750 shares in the company, valued at approximately $99,762.50. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Also, Director R Jay Gerken bought 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $16.07 per share, for a total transaction of $48,210.00. Following the purchase, the director now owns 42,036 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $675,518.52. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here . 1.49% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Shares of Associated Banc stock traded up $0.06 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $18.28. The companys stock had a trading volume of 237,376 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,758,788. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $16.50 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $18.91. Associated Banc-Corp has a 12-month low of $14.47 and a 12-month high of $25.50. The company has a market cap of $2.76 billion, a PE ratio of 7.18, a PEG ratio of 0.98 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a current ratio of 0.92.

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.

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Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Free Report) and ABN AMRO Bank (OTCMKTS:ABMRF  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, valuation, earnings, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, risk and profitability.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

72.1% of Wells Fargo & Company shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.1% of Wells Fargo & Company shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

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Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Wells Fargo & Company and ABN AMRO Banks top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Wells Fargo & Company $82.86 billion 2.10 $13.18 billion $4.00 11.61 ABN AMRO Bank N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Profitability

Wells Fargo & Company has higher revenue and earnings than ABN AMRO Bank.

This table compares Wells Fargo & Company and ABN AMRO Banks net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Wells Fargo & Company 16.18% 11.15% 0.96% ABN AMRO Bank N/A N/A N/A

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent recommendations for Wells Fargo & Company and ABN AMRO Bank, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Wells Fargo & Company 0 7 7 1 2.60 ABN AMRO Bank 0 0 0 0 N/A

Wells Fargo & Company currently has a consensus price target of $48.13, indicating a potential upside of 3.67%. Given Wells Fargo & Companys higher possible upside, research analysts plainly believe Wells Fargo & Company is more favorable than ABN AMRO Bank.

Summary

Wells Fargo & Company beats ABN AMRO Bank on 9 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Wells Fargo & Company

(Get Free Report)

Wells Fargo & Company, a diversified financial services company, provides banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Consumer Banking and Lending; Commercial Banking; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management. The Consumer Banking and Lending segment offers diversified financial products and services for consumers and small businesses. Its financial products and services include checking and savings accounts, and credit and debit cards, as well as home, auto, personal, and small business lending services. The Commercial Banking segment provides financial solutions to private, family owned, and certain public companies. Its products and services include banking and credit products across various industry sectors and municipalities, secured lending and lease products, and treasury management services. The Corporate and Investment Banking segment offers a suite of capital markets, banking, and financial products and services to corporate, commercial real estate, government, and institutional clients. Its products and services comprise corporate banking, investment banking, treasury management, commercial real estate lending and servicing, equity, and fixed income solutions, as well as sales, trading, and research capabilities services. The Wealth and Investment Management segment provides personalized wealth management, brokerage, financial planning, lending, private banking, and trust and fiduciary products and services to affluent, high-net worth, and ultra-high-net worth clients. It also operates through financial advisors. Its serves to independent offices and consumer banks. The company was founded in 1852 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

About ABN AMRO Bank

(Get Free Report)

ABN AMRO Bank N.V. provides various banking products and services to retail, private, and business clients in the Netherlands and internationally. It operates through three segments: Personal & Business Banking, Wealth Management, and Corporate Banking. The company provides savings and deposits products; labelled residential mortgage products under the Florius brands; and consumer loans under the Alpha Credit Nederland, Credivance, Defam, Moneyou, and ABN AMRO brands. It also issues, promotes, manages, and processes credit cards; provides revolving credit card facilities and pension schemes, as well as consumer credit and mortgages; and life and non-life insurance products. In addition, it offers asset-based solutions, including working capital solutions, equipment leases and loans, and vendor lease services; private banking and wealth-management-related services; and derivatives and equity clearing services. ABN AMRO Bank N.V. was incorporated in 2009 and is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

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DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE  Free Report) had its price target lifted by Morgan Stanley from $120.00 to $122.00 in a research note released on Friday morning, Benzinga reports. They currently have an overweight rating on the utilities providers stock.

A number of other equities analysts have also commented on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on DTE Energy from $120.00 to $121.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 12th. Guggenheim lowered their price target on DTE Energy from $127.00 to $120.00 in a research note on Friday, July 7th. StockNews.com began coverage on DTE Energy in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. BMO Capital Markets upped their price target on DTE Energy from $121.00 to $122.00 in a report on Thursday, July 13th. Finally, Mizuho upped their price target on DTE Energy from $119.00 to $121.00 in a report on Thursday, July 13th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, DTE Energy has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $81.76.

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DTE Energy Trading Down 0.1 %

DTE Energy stock opened at $115.01 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.66, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a current ratio of 0.88. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $103.71 and its 200-day simple moving average is $79.63. The firm has a market capitalization of $23.70 billion, a PE ratio of 20.36, a PEG ratio of 3.11 and a beta of 0.60. DTE Energy has a 52 week low of $100.64 and a 52 week high of $136.77.

DTE Energy Cuts Dividend

DTE Energy ( NYSE:DTE Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 27th. The utilities provider reported $1.33 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.38 by ($0.05). The business had revenue of $3.78 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.79 billion. DTE Energy had a return on equity of 10.59% and a net margin of 6.15%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.31 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that DTE Energy will post 6.17 earnings per share for the current year.

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 issued a $0.952 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 15th. This represents a $3.81 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.31%. DTE Energys payout ratio is presently 67.43%.

Insider Transactions at DTE Energy

In other news, VP Lisa A. Muschong sold 700 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $110.41, for a total value of $77,287.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 5,455 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $602,286.55. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In related news, VP Lisa A. Muschong sold 700 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $110.41, for a total transaction of $77,287.00. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 5,455 shares in the company, valued at approximately $602,286.55. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Joann Chavez sold 4,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.09, for a total value of $452,360.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 14,607 shares in the company, valued at $1,651,905.63. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.23% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of DTE. Millennium Management LLC boosted its position in DTE Energy by 224.8% in the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 2,379,882 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $279,708,000 after buying an additional 1,647,053 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in DTE Energy by 6.6% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 23,028,699 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $3,044,624,000 after buying an additional 1,420,586 shares during the last quarter. Point72 Asset Management L.P. boosted its position in DTE Energy by 459.1% in the 4th quarter. Point72 Asset Management L.P. now owns 1,199,900 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $141,024,000 after buying an additional 985,300 shares during the last quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC boosted its position in DTE Energy by 38.6% in the 1st quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC now owns 3,456,061 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $378,506,000 after buying an additional 962,628 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted its stake in shares of DTE Energy by 34.8% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 2,045,650 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $240,425,000 after purchasing an additional 527,592 shares during the period. 74.33% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

DTE Energy Company Profile

(Get 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.

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Shares of Echelon Financial Holdings Inc. (EFH.TO) (TSE:EFH  Get Free Report) were up 2% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as C$1.51 and last traded at C$1.51. Approximately 2,900 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 94% from the average daily volume of 51,759 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$1.48.

Echelon Financial Holdings Inc. (EFH.TO) Stock Performance

The firms 50-day moving average is C$1.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.78, a current ratio of 0.97 and a quick ratio of 0.85. The company has a market cap of C$18.13 million and a P/E ratio of -7.55.

About Echelon Financial Holdings Inc. (EFH.TO)

(Get Free Report)

Echelon Financial Holdings Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides property and casualty insurance products and services in Canada. It operates in two segments, Personal Lines and Commercial Lines. The Personal Lines segment primarily underwrites automobile and personal property insurance. The Commercial Lines segment designs and underwrites commercial property and automobile insurance.

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Federated Hermes (NYSE:FHI  Get Free Report)s stock had its sector perform rating restated by stock analysts at Royal Bank of Canada in a research report issued on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. They presently have a $39.00 price objective on the stock. Royal Bank of Canadas price target would suggest a potential upside of 6.01% from the stocks previous close.

A number of other research analysts have also recently commented on the company. StockNews.com started coverage on Federated Hermes in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Evercore ISI upped their price target on Federated Hermes from $43.00 to $45.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on Federated Hermes from $48.00 to $46.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 12th. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price objective on shares of Federated Hermes from $41.00 to $38.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their target price on shares of Federated Hermes from $44.00 to $45.00 in a research note on Monday, May 1st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $42.60.

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Federated Hermes Stock Up 0.6 %

NYSE FHI opened at $36.79 on Tuesday. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $36.15 and its 200-day simple moving average is $38.55. The company has a quick ratio of 2.23, a current ratio of 3.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. The firm has a market cap of $3.29 billion, a PE ratio of 13.00 and a beta of 1.05. Federated Hermes has a 52 week low of $30.30 and a 52 week high of $45.55.

Insider Activity at Federated Hermes

Federated Hermes ( NYSE:FHI Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $0.78 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.74 by $0.04. Federated Hermes had a net margin of 16.85% and a return on equity of 27.83%. The company had revenue of $382.20 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $390.85 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.61 earnings per share. Federated Hermess quarterly revenue was up 17.7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Federated Hermes will post 3.27 earnings per share for the current year.

In other Federated Hermes news, VP Paul A. Uhlman sold 995 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $35.39, for a total transaction of $35,213.05. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 369,078 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,061,670.42. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other Federated Hermes news, VP Meter Stephen Van sold 4,480 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $39.39, for a total value of $176,467.20. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 34,388 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,354,543.32. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, VP Paul A. Uhlman sold 995 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $35.39, for a total value of $35,213.05. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 369,078 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,061,670.42. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 199,957 shares of company stock worth $7,300,425 in the last three months. 5.20% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Federated Hermes in the 1st quarter valued at $25,000. Global Retirement Partners LLC lifted its holdings in Federated Hermes by 85.7% during the 1st quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 767 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 354 shares during the last quarter. WealthPLAN Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Federated Hermes during the 1st quarter worth about $40,000. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp purchased a new position in shares of Federated Hermes in the 1st quarter valued at about $42,000. Finally, CENTRAL TRUST Co raised its position in shares of Federated Hermes by 310.8% during the 3rd quarter. CENTRAL TRUST Co now owns 1,520 shares of the companys stock worth $50,000 after acquiring an additional 1,150 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.52% of the companys stock.

Federated Hermes Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Federated Hermes, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. Through its subsidiaries, the firm provides its services to individuals, including high net worth individuals, banking or thrift institutions, investment companies, pension and profit sharing plans, pooled investment vehicles, charitable organizations, state or municipal government entities, and registered investment advisors.

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FirstPurpose Wealth LLC reduced its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Free Report) by 11.3% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 4,166 shares of the companys stock after selling 532 shares during the quarter. FirstPurpose Wealth LLCs holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S were worth $663,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of NVO. Roundview Capital LLC boosted its stake in Novo Nordisk A/S by 0.6% during the first quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 18,803 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,088,000 after buying an additional 106 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. boosted its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 45.4% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 5,035,879 shares of the companys stock valued at $559,235,000 after acquiring an additional 1,571,747 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 0.9% in the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 739,585 shares of the companys stock worth $82,131,000 after purchasing an additional 6,903 shares during the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL increased its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 12.7% in the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 19,466 shares of the companys stock worth $2,136,000 after purchasing an additional 2,194 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sei Investments Co. raised its stake in Novo Nordisk A/S by 17.5% during the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 107,175 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,913,000 after purchasing an additional 15,996 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 6.30% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts have recently weighed in on NVO shares. Credit Suisse Group upgraded shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, April 13th. HSBC assumed coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a research report on Friday, July 14th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a strong-buy rating for the company.

Novo Nordisk A/S Trading Up 0.2 %

NYSE:NVO traded up $0.31 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $162.38. 391,103 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,366,682. The company has a quick ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30. The stock has a market capitalization of $364.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 42.66, a PEG ratio of 1.45 and a beta of 0.47. Novo Nordisk A/S has a 52 week low of $95.02 and a 52 week high of $172.97. The firms 50 day moving average is $160.54 and its two-hundred day moving average is $153.68.

Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The company reported $1.27 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.27. Novo Nordisk A/S had a return on equity of 77.39% and a net margin of 32.53%. The firm had revenue of $7.69 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.86 billion. On average, equities research analysts predict that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 5.22 earnings per share for the current year.

Novo Nordisk A/S Company Profile

(Free Report)

Novo Nordisk A/S, a healthcare company, engages in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceutical products worldwide. It operates in two segments, Diabetes and Obesity care, and Rare Disease. The Diabetes and Obesity care segment provides products in the areas of insulins, GLP-1 and related delivery systems, oral antidiabetic products, obesity, glucagon, needles, and other chronic diseases.

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Flowers Foods (NYSE:FLO  Get Free Report) was upgraded by StockNews.com from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report issued on Monday.

Separately, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their price target on shares of Flowers Foods from $26.00 to $24.00 in a research note on Monday, May 22nd.

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Flowers Foods Stock Performance

FLO traded down $0.02 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $24.71. The company had a trading volume of 1,140,438 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,954,021. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a current ratio of 1.32. The stock has a market cap of $5.23 billion, a PE ratio of 24.71 and a beta of 0.40. Flowers Foods has a 12-month low of $23.87 and a 12-month high of $30.16. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $25.10 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $26.71.

Insider Activity at Flowers Foods

Flowers Foods ( NYSE:FLO Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Friday, May 19th. The company reported $0.38 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.36 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $1.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.55 billion. Flowers Foods had a net margin of 4.35% and a return on equity of 17.95%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.44 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Flowers Foods will post 1.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

In other Flowers Foods news, insider H Mark Courtney sold 14,272 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $24.39, for a total value of $348,094.08. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 41,488 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,011,892.32. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 11.49% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of Flowers Foods

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. raised its stake in Flowers Foods by 28.1% in the first quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 12,607 shares of the companys stock valued at $323,000 after purchasing an additional 2,765 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates lifted its holdings in shares of Flowers Foods by 22.0% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 59,123 shares of the companys stock worth $1,520,000 after acquiring an additional 10,676 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in Flowers Foods in the first quarter worth $539,000. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC increased its stake in Flowers Foods by 60.4% in the first quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 12,920 shares of the companys stock valued at $332,000 after acquiring an additional 4,865 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can raised its position in Flowers Foods by 5.6% during the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 27,286 shares of the companys stock valued at $704,000 after purchasing an additional 1,452 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.27% of the companys stock.

About Flowers Foods

(Get Free Report)

Flowers Foods, Inc produces and markets packaged bakery food products in the United States. Its principal products include fresh breads, buns, rolls, snack cakes, and tortillas, as well as frozen breads and rolls under the Nature's Own, Dave's Killer Bread, Wonder, Canyon Bakehouse, Mrs. Freshley's, and Tastykake brand names.

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Xiao Jie, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), chairs and oversees an oath-taking ceremony held by the 14th NPC Standing Committee to pledge allegiance to the Constitution at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Jie)

BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Pan Gongsheng, newly appointed governor of the People's Bank of China (PBOC), made a public pledge of allegiance to the Constitution at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday.

Pan was appointed at the fourth session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), which was held on Tuesday.

The ceremony was chaired and overseen by Xiao Jie, vice chairperson of the NPC Standing Committee, and senior NPC and PBOC officials were in attendance. 
Galibier Capital Management Ltd. reduced its stake in shares of Enbridge Inc. (NYSE:ENB  Free Report) (TSE:ENB) by 18.8% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 512,393 shares of the pipeline companys stock after selling 118,440 shares during the quarter. Enbridge accounts for approximately 4.6% of Galibier Capital Management Ltd.s holdings, making the stock its 13th largest holding. Galibier Capital Management Ltd.s holdings in Enbridge were worth $19,510,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the stock. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. acquired a new stake in Enbridge during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Industrial Alliance Investment Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Enbridge during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $25,000. WFA of San Diego LLC acquired a new stake in Enbridge during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Richard W. Paul & Associates LLC acquired a new stake in Enbridge during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Finally, Archer Investment Corp acquired a new stake in Enbridge during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $35,000. 45.70% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on ENB shares. Credit Suisse Group upgraded Enbridge from an underperform rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, March 29th. StockNews.com started coverage on Enbridge in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Enbridge currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $57.50.

Enbridge Stock Performance

Shares of ENB traded down $0.37 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $37.35. The stock had a trading volume of 612,721 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,390,226. Enbridge Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $35.02 and a fifty-two week high of $45.21. The company has a market cap of $75.57 billion, a PE ratio of 42.38, a PEG ratio of 2.83 and a beta of 0.84. The company has a quick ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.23. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $36.90 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $38.45.

Enbridge (NYSE:ENB  Get Free Report) (TSE:ENB) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, May 5th. The pipeline company reported $0.63 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.62 by $0.01. Enbridge had a return on equity of 10.23% and a net margin of 5.44%. The business had revenue of $8.93 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.33 billion. On average, equities analysts expect that Enbridge Inc. will post 2.2 earnings per share for the current year.

Enbridge Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 1st. Investors of record on Monday, May 15th were given a dividend of $0.655 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, May 12th. This represents a $2.62 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.01%. This is a positive change from Enbridges previous quarterly dividend of $0.65. Enbridges payout ratio is currently 295.51%.

About Enbridge

(Free Report)

Enbridge Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy infrastructure company. The company operates through five segments: Liquids Pipelines, Gas Transmission and Midstream, Gas Distribution and Storage, Renewable Power Generation, and Energy Services. The Liquids Pipelines segment operates pipelines and related terminals to transport various grades of crude oil and other liquid hydrocarbons in Canada and the United States.

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Hyatt Hotels (NYSE:H  Free Report) had its target price boosted by Wells Fargo & Company from $113.00 to $127.00 in a research report released on Friday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Wells Fargo & Company currently has an equal weight rating on the stock.

Several other research firms have also recently issued reports on H. 22nd Century Group reissued a reiterates rating on shares of Hyatt Hotels in a research note on Friday, June 30th. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on Hyatt Hotels from $142.00 to $136.00 in a research note on Tuesday, June 27th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their target price on Hyatt Hotels from $113.00 to $121.00 in a report on Friday, May 5th. Citigroup reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $122.00 target price on shares of Hyatt Hotels in a report on Friday, June 30th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on Hyatt Hotels in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $122.78.

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Hyatt Hotels Trading Down 0.7 %

NYSE:H opened at $120.19 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $114.07 and a 200-day simple moving average of $112.41. Hyatt Hotels has a 52-week low of $77.70 and a 52-week high of $125.07. The company has a market capitalization of $12.71 billion, a PE ratio of 22.59, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 21.08 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a quick ratio of 0.64, a current ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66.

Hyatt Hotels Announces Dividend

Hyatt Hotels ( NYSE:H Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The company reported $0.41 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.47 by ($0.06). The firm had revenue of $1.68 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.59 billion. Hyatt Hotels had a return on equity of 12.34% and a net margin of 9.31%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted ($0.33) EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Hyatt Hotels will post 2.66 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a  dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 12th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, May 30th were paid a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, May 26th. Hyatt Hotelss dividend payout ratio is currently 11.28%.

Insider Transactions at Hyatt Hotels

In related news, insider H. Charles Floyd sold 6,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $114.00, for a total value of $684,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 32,927 shares in the company, valued at $3,753,678. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 21.24% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of H. First Manhattan CO. LLC. acquired a new stake in shares of Hyatt Hotels in the first quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Quarry LP acquired a new stake in shares of Hyatt Hotels in the 1st quarter valued at $26,000. Parallel Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Hyatt Hotels by 80.4% in the 1st quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 276 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 123 shares in the last quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp boosted its holdings in shares of Hyatt Hotels by 335.2% during the 4th quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 383 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 295 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Captrust Financial Advisors boosted its holdings in shares of Hyatt Hotels by 136.4% during the 1st quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 487 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,000 after acquiring an additional 281 shares in the last quarter. 46.57% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Hyatt Hotels Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Hyatt Hotels Corporation operates as a hospitality company in the United States and internationally. It operates through Owned and Leased Hotels, Americas Management and Franchising, ASPAC Management and Franchising, EAME/SW Asia Management and Franchising, and Apple Leisure Group segments. The company manages, franchises, licenses, owns, and leases portfolio of properties, consisting of full-service hotels and resorts, select service hotels, resorts, and other properties, including timeshare, fractional, residential, vacation, and condominium units.

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Fastly, Inc. (NYSE:FSLY  Get Free Report) EVP Brett Shirk sold 7,000 shares of Fastly stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $18.05, for a total value of $126,350.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 288,267 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,203,219.35. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink.

Brett Shirk also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Tuesday, June 20th, Brett Shirk sold 7,000 shares of Fastly stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.68, for a total value of $116,760.00.

On Friday, June 16th, Brett Shirk sold 4,698 shares of Fastly stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $17.81, for a total value of $83,671.38.

On Wednesday, May 31st, Brett Shirk sold 585 shares of Fastly stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.67, for a total value of $9,166.95.

On Monday, May 22nd, Brett Shirk sold 7,000 shares of Fastly stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $13.42, for a total value of $93,940.00.

On Tuesday, May 16th, Brett Shirk sold 8,783 shares of Fastly stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $13.17, for a total value of $115,672.11.

Fastly Price Performance

Shares of FSLY traded up $0.29 on Monday, reaching $17.49. The stock had a trading volume of 2,438,584 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,752,680. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.22 billion, a PE ratio of -12.49 and a beta of 1.26. The company has a quick ratio of 5.28, a current ratio of 5.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $16.20 and a 200 day moving average of $14.51. Fastly, Inc. has a twelve month low of $7.15 and a twelve month high of $19.98.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Fastly ( NYSE:FSLY Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 3rd. The company reported ($0.31) earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.40) by $0.09. The business had revenue of $117.56 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $116.17 million. Fastly had a negative return on equity of 20.22% and a negative net margin of 38.22%. Sell-side analysts expect that Fastly, Inc. will post -1.27 EPS for the current year.

Several research firms have commented on FSLY. Craig Hallum upped their price objective on Fastly from $17.00 to $20.00 in a research note on Friday, June 23rd. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on Fastly from $9.00 to $11.00 in a research note on Friday, June 23rd. Bank of America upped their price objective on Fastly from $16.00 to $26.50 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 11th. Morgan Stanley raised Fastly from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and upped their price objective for the company from $12.00 to $18.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Finally, William Blair reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Fastly in a research note on Wednesday, April 19th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $17.25.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Fastly

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of FSLY. ProShare Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Fastly by 7.5% during the 4th quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 16,066 shares of the companys stock valued at $132,000 after buying an additional 1,127 shares during the last quarter. Alpine Global Management LLC acquired a new stake in Fastly during the 4th quarter valued at $118,000. Midwest Financial Group LLC acquired a new stake in Fastly during the 1st quarter valued at $290,000. Industry Ventures L.L.C. acquired a new stake in Fastly during the 1st quarter valued at $126,000. Finally, Money Concepts Capital Corp grew its holdings in Fastly by 2.7% during the 1st quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 54,788 shares of the companys stock valued at $974,000 after buying an additional 1,466 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.76% of the companys stock.

About Fastly

(Get Free Report)

Fastly, Inc provides real-time content delivery network services. It offers edge compute, edge delivery, edge security, edge applications like load balancing and image optimization, video on demand, and managed edge delivery. The company was founded by Artur Bergman, Tyler McMullen, Simon Wistow, and Gil Penchina in March 2011 and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA.

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Loblaw Companies (TSE:L  Get Free Report) will be announcing its earnings results before the market opens on Wednesday, July 26th. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of C$1.92 per share for the quarter.

Loblaw Companies (TSE:L  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 3rd. The company reported C$1.55 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$1.56 by C($0.01). Loblaw Companies had a return on equity of 16.73% and a net margin of 3.32%. The business had revenue of C$13 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$13.12 billion.

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Loblaw Companies Stock Performance

Shares of L opened at C$120.60 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.68, a current ratio of 1.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 150.95. The companys fifty day moving average is C$118.64 and its 200-day moving average is C$119.59. The firm has a market cap of C$38.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.01, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.88 and a beta of 0.10. Loblaw Companies has a 12 month low of C$105.57 and a 12 month high of C$129.25.

Loblaw Companies Increases Dividend

Analyst Ratings Changes

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Saturday, July 1st. Investors of record on Saturday, July 1st were issued a dividend of $0.446 per share. This is an increase from Loblaw Companiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. This represents a $1.78 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.48%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, June 14th. Loblaw Companiess dividend payout ratio is currently 31.01%.

A number of brokerages have weighed in on L. Scotiabank increased their price target on shares of Loblaw Companies from C$126.50 to C$128.50 in a report on Monday, April 24th. National Bankshares increased their price target on shares of Loblaw Companies from C$137.00 to C$140.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, April 10th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$139.94.

Loblaw Companies Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Loblaw Companies Limited, a food and pharmacy company, engages in the grocery, pharmacy, health and beauty, apparel, general merchandise, financial services, and wireless mobile products and services businesses in Canada. It operates in two segments, Retail and Financial Services. The Retail segment operates corporate and franchise-owned retail food, and associate-owned drug stores.

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Barnett & Company Inc. lifted its holdings in LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE:LYB  Free Report) by 6.6% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 18,625 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,150 shares during the period. LyondellBasell Industries makes up 1.3% of Barnett & Company Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 28th biggest position. Barnett & Company Inc.s holdings in LyondellBasell Industries were worth $1,749,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Kistler Tiffany Companies LLC grew its holdings in LyondellBasell Industries by 108.1% during the 1st quarter. Kistler Tiffany Companies LLC now owns 770 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $72,000 after purchasing an additional 400 shares in the last quarter. DT Investment Partners LLC grew its holdings in LyondellBasell Industries by 10.7% during the 1st quarter. DT Investment Partners LLC now owns 11,560 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $1,081,000 after purchasing an additional 1,122 shares in the last quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC grew its holdings in LyondellBasell Industries by 58.1% during the 1st quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 10,505 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $986,000 after purchasing an additional 3,859 shares in the last quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP grew its holdings in LyondellBasell Industries by 20.7% during the 1st quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP now owns 23,462 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $2,203,000 after acquiring an additional 4,030 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Miller Howard Investments Inc. NY grew its holdings in LyondellBasell Industries by 23.5% during the 1st quarter. Miller Howard Investments Inc. NY now owns 537,303 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $50,447,000 after acquiring an additional 102,164 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.58% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages have weighed in on LYB. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price objective on shares of LyondellBasell Industries from $100.00 to $110.00 in a report on Monday, May 1st. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of LyondellBasell Industries in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. KeyCorp decreased their price objective on shares of LyondellBasell Industries from $81.00 to $80.00 in a report on Tuesday, July 11th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of LyondellBasell Industries from $109.00 to $100.00 in a report on Thursday, June 29th. Finally, SpectralCast restated a maintains rating on shares of LyondellBasell Industries in a research report on Thursday, June 29th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $97.00.

LyondellBasell Industries Price Performance

Shares of LYB stock traded up $3.08 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $93.89. 976,740 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,987,888. LyondellBasell Industries has a 12 month low of $71.46 and a 12 month high of $101.30. The company has a market cap of $30.54 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.83, a PEG ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 1.21. The companys 50 day moving average price is $90.16 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $92.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 1.05 and a current ratio of 1.85.

LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE:LYB  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, April 28th. The specialty chemicals company reported $2.50 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.80 by $0.70. LyondellBasell Industries had a net margin of 6.40% and a return on equity of 28.95%. The company had revenue of $10.25 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.80 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $4.00 EPS. LyondellBasell Industriess revenue was down 22.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts expect that LyondellBasell Industries will post 8.81 earnings per share for the current year.

LyondellBasell Industries Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 6th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, May 30th were paid a $1.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 26th. This represents a $5.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.33%. This is a boost from LyondellBasell Industriess previous quarterly dividend of $1.19. LyondellBasell Industriess payout ratio is currently 54.11%.

LyondellBasell Industries Profile

(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.

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OLD Second National Bank of Aurora increased its position in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG  Free Report) by 14.3% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 30,416 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after buying an additional 3,806 shares during the quarter. EOG Resources accounts for 1.0% of OLD Second National Bank of Auroras portfolio, making the stock its 29th biggest holding. OLD Second National Bank of Auroras holdings in EOG Resources were worth $3,487,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in EOG. Cetera Investment Advisers boosted its holdings in EOG Resources by 16.0% during the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 16,031 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $1,911,000 after purchasing an additional 2,213 shares in the last quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. acquired a new stake in EOG Resources during the first quarter valued at approximately $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. boosted its holdings 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 purchasing an additional 813 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. boosted its holdings in shares of EOG Resources by 23.7% in the 1st quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 662 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $79,000 after acquiring an additional 127 shares in the last quarter. 89.58% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts have recently commented on the company. Truist Financial reduced their target price on EOG Resources from $152.00 to $150.00 in a report on Monday. StockNews.com assumed coverage on EOG Resources in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on EOG Resources from $139.00 to $144.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, April 12th. The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded EOG Resources from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $137.00 to $130.00 in a report on Tuesday, June 13th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus boosted their target price on EOG Resources from $141.00 to $143.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday. Five equities 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, EOG Resources presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $145.32.

EOG Resources Trading Up 0.8 %

Shares of EOG stock traded up $1.01 on Tuesday, hitting $127.16. The stock had a trading volume of 487,196 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,570,758. EOG Resources, Inc. has a twelve month low of $97.39 and a twelve month high of $150.88. The firm has a market cap of $74.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.92, a PEG ratio of 0.40 and a beta of 1.53. The company has a current ratio of 2.17, a quick ratio of 1.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $114.08 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $117.77.

EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, May 5th. The energy exploration company reported $2.69 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.42 by $0.27. EOG Resources had a net margin of 33.83% and a return on equity of 30.34%. The company had revenue of $6.04 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.28 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $4.00 EPS. The firms revenue was up 51.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts forecast that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 10.88 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

EOG Resources Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 17th will be issued a $0.825 dividend. This represents a $3.30 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.60%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, July 14th. EOG Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 20.64%.

Insider Activity

In related news, COO Lloyd W. Helms, Jr. sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.87, for a total value of $579,350.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 149,689 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,344,464.43. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, COO Lloyd W. Helms, Jr. sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.87, for a total value of $579,350.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 149,689 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,344,464.43. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 2,031 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, July 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $117.26, for a total transaction of $238,155.06. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 37,607 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,409,796.82. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.40% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

EOG Resources Company 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.

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Morgan Stanley restated their equal weight rating on shares of ONE Gas (NYSE:OGS  Free Report) in a report published on Friday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a $73.00 target price on the utilities providers stock.

A number of other equities research analysts have also weighed in on the company. Guggenheim lowered their price objective on ONE Gas from $77.00 to $73.00 in a research note on Friday, July 7th. StockNews.com began coverage on ONE Gas in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Finally, Mizuho lowered their price objective on ONE Gas from $84.00 to $83.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 3rd. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $78.33.

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ONE Gas Stock Up 0.1 %

Shares of ONE Gas stock opened at $80.69 on Friday. ONE Gas has a 1-year low of $68.86 and a 1-year high of $89.01. The company has a market capitalization of $4.47 billion, a PE ratio of 19.68, a P/E/G ratio of 3.91 and a beta of 0.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 0.51 and a quick ratio of 0.45. The business has a 50-day moving average of $78.96 and a 200-day moving average of $79.46.

ONE Gas Announces Dividend

ONE Gas ( NYSE:OGS Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, May 1st. The utilities provider reported $1.84 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.85 by ($0.01). ONE Gas had a net margin of 8.54% and a return on equity of 8.90%. The business had revenue of $1.03 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $688.68 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.83 EPS. ONE Gass revenue for the quarter was up 6.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts forecast that ONE Gas will post 4.13 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, August 16th will be given a $0.65 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, August 15th. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.22%. ONE Gass payout ratio is 63.41%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Mackenzie Financial Corp raised its stake in ONE Gas by 4.5% during the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 2,994 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $264,000 after acquiring an additional 128 shares in the last quarter. Advisor Partners II LLC increased its position in shares of ONE Gas by 1.9% during the 1st quarter. Advisor Partners II LLC now owns 6,963 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $552,000 after purchasing an additional 128 shares during the period. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans increased its position in shares of ONE Gas by 1.0% during the 3rd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 14,329 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,009,000 after purchasing an additional 138 shares during the period. Captrust Financial Advisors increased its position in shares of ONE Gas by 0.5% during the 3rd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 29,561 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,081,000 after purchasing an additional 142 shares during the period. Finally, Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund increased its position in shares of ONE Gas by 0.9% during the 4th quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 15,920 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,205,000 after purchasing an additional 149 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.79% of the companys stock.

ONE Gas Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

ONE Gas, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a regulated natural gas distribution company in the United States. The company provides natural gas distribution services to approximately 2.3 million customers in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas. It serves residential, commercial, and transportation customers.

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Banco Santander-Chile (NYSE:BSAC  Get Free Report) and Intercorp Financial Services (NYSE:IFS  Get Free Report) are both mid-cap finance companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, dividends, risk, earnings, profitability and valuation.

Dividends

Banco Santander-Chile pays an annual dividend of $0.95 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.5%. Intercorp Financial Services pays an annual dividend of $1.12 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.5%. Banco Santander-Chile pays out 56.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Intercorp Financial Services pays out 32.7% 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.

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Risk and Volatility

Banco Santander-Chile has a beta of 0.74, suggesting that its share price is 26% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Intercorp Financial Services has a beta of 1.32, suggesting that its share price is 32% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Earnings and Valuation

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Banco Santander-Chile $5.26 billion 1.90 $871.50 million $1.68 12.61 Intercorp Financial Services $1.33 billion N/A $428.60 million $3.43 7.33

This table compares Banco Santander-Chile and Intercorp Financial Services gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

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.

Profitability

This table compares Banco Santander-Chile and Intercorp Financial Services net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Banco Santander-Chile 14.55% 16.17% 0.95% Intercorp Financial Services 25.75% 16.25% 1.75%

Insider & Institutional Ownership

9.5% of Banco Santander-Chile shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 7.8% of Intercorp Financial Services shares are owned by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of recent ratings and price targets for Banco Santander-Chile and Intercorp Financial Services, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Banco Santander-Chile 1 2 1 0 2.00 Intercorp Financial Services 0 1 2 0 2.67

Banco Santander-Chile currently has a consensus target price of $17.00, suggesting a potential downside of 19.74%. Intercorp Financial Services has a consensus target price of $29.33, suggesting a potential upside of 16.63%. Given Intercorp Financial Services stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Intercorp Financial Services is more favorable than Banco Santander-Chile.

Summary

Intercorp Financial Services beats Banco Santander-Chile on 9 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks.

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.

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.

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Rollins Financial grew its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF (NYSEARCA:SUSA  Free Report) by 29.5% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 13,959 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 3,183 shares during the quarter. Rollins Financials holdings in iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF were worth $1,225,000 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. Moors & Cabot Inc. increased its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF by 4.6% during the 1st quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 2,748 shares of the companys stock worth $266,000 after purchasing an additional 121 shares during the last quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF by 0.6% during the 4th quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 19,957 shares of the companys stock worth $1,643,000 after purchasing an additional 127 shares during the last quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont increased its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF by 2.7% during the 1st quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 5,514 shares of the companys stock worth $484,000 after purchasing an additional 145 shares during the last quarter. Affinity Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF by 4.6% during the 4th quarter. Affinity Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,406 shares of the companys stock worth $280,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Retirement Group LLC increased its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF by 15.1% during the 4th quarter. Retirement Group LLC now owns 1,186 shares of the companys stock worth $98,000 after purchasing an additional 156 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF Trading Up 0.5 %

Shares of iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF stock traded up $0.48 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $97.00. 50,827 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 148,887. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.19 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $91.79 and a 200-day moving average price of $88.38. iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF has a 1-year low of $73.86 and a 1-year high of $97.05.

iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF Profile

The iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF (SUSA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Extended ESG Select index. The fund tracks an index of US companies with high environmental, social and governance (ESG) factor scores as calculated by MSCI. SUSA was launched on Jan 24, 2005 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Rollins, Inc. (NYSE:ROL  Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the six brokerages that are covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $46.57.

ROL has been the topic of several recent research reports. Bank of America initiated coverage on Rollins in a research note on Wednesday, July 5th. They issued a buy rating and a $49.00 price objective on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on Rollins from $45.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, July 13th. StockNews.com cut Rollins from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, July 13th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their target price on Rollins from $37.00 to $40.00 in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Finally, UBS Group initiated coverage on Rollins in a research report on Wednesday, May 31st. They set a buy rating and a $48.00 target price for the company.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Rollins

In other Rollins news, CFO Kenneth D. Krause sold 12,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $40.78, for a total transaction of $489,360.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 82,764 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,375,115.92. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other news, major shareholder Timothy Curtis Rollins sold 17,982 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $41.42, for a total transaction of $744,814.44. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 138,964 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,755,888.88. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CFO Kenneth D. Krause sold 12,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $40.78, for a total value of $489,360.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 82,764 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,375,115.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 70,481 shares of company stock worth $2,953,357 in the last quarter. 4.70% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Rollins

Rollins Stock Up 0.5 %

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Rollins by 1.5% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 25,485,984 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $893,283,000 after purchasing an additional 384,126 shares during the last quarter. Select Equity Group L.P. increased its position in shares of Rollins by 1.5% during the 1st quarter. Select Equity Group L.P. now owns 12,922,308 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $484,974,000 after purchasing an additional 189,977 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Rollins by 1.4% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 5,554,291 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $202,650,000 after acquiring an additional 75,797 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley boosted its holdings in Rollins by 78.8% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 3,221,759 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $117,723,000 after acquiring an additional 1,419,569 shares during the period. Finally, Northern Trust Corp boosted its holdings in Rollins by 0.9% during the 1st quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 3,133,825 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $109,840,000 after acquiring an additional 28,318 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 38.98% of the companys stock.

ROL stock opened at $44.75 on Thursday. Rollins has a fifty-two week low of $33.38 and a fifty-two week high of $44.85. The businesss 50-day moving average is $41.88 and its two-hundred day moving average is $39.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a current ratio of 0.79. The company has a market cap of $22.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 58.12, a P/E/G ratio of 3.64 and a beta of 0.67.

Rollins (NYSE:ROL  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The business services provider reported $0.18 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.17 by $0.01. Rollins had a return on equity of 31.07% and a net margin of 13.77%. The company had revenue of $658.02 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $643.78 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.15 earnings per share. Rollinss revenue was up 11.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts forecast that Rollins will post 0.86 earnings per share for the current year.

Rollins Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Rollins, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides pest and wildlife control services to residential and commercial customers in the United States and internationally. The company offers pest control services to residential properties protecting from common pests, including rodents, insects, and wildlife.

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TEHRAN, July 25 (Xinhua) -- An Iranian top security official met with a chief aide to the Brazilian president in South Africa on Tuesday to discuss bilateral ties and issues of common interest, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported.

The meeting between Ali Akbar Ahmadian, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, and Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim, chief advisor of the Presidency of Brazil, came on the sidelines of the 13th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security held in Johannesburg, said the report.

Ahmadian said the development of all-out relations with Brazil holds special importance in Iran's foreign policy, stressing the necessity of improving bilateral trade relations and agriculture cooperation, especially in the private sector.

He expressed hopes that relations between Tehran and Brasilia would further expand after Iran's accession to the BRICS, the acronym for an emerging-market cooperative mechanism that groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Amorim, for his part, highlighted the two countries' commonalities in key international issues, voicing his country's readiness to boost trade relations and technology and agriculture cooperation with Iran.

The two sides also hailed the BRICS' significant role in promoting multilateralism, reaffirming their determination to support each other in international assemblies. 
Shoker Investment Counsel Inc. reduced its position in shares of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW  Free Report) by 0.7% in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 9,631 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 68 shares during the quarter. Shoker Investment Counsel Inc.s holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $2,345,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Quantinno Capital Management LP boosted its position in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 8.9% during the first quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP now owns 4,006 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $975,000 after buying an additional 329 shares during the period. Aspire Private Capital LLC bought a new stake in Illinois Tool Works during the first quarter worth about $16,798,050,000. Tobam raised its holdings in Illinois Tool Works by 45.1% during the first quarter. Tobam now owns 457 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $111,000 after acquiring an additional 142 shares in the last quarter. LVW Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Illinois Tool Works by 5.5% during the first quarter. LVW Advisors LLC now owns 1,292 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $315,000 after acquiring an additional 67 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Illinois Tool Works by 2.9% during the first quarter. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,284 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $556,000 after acquiring an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. 79.37% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Illinois Tool Works news, CAO Randall J. Scheuneman sold 5,425 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, June 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $239.23, for a total transaction of $1,297,822.75. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 8,870 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,121,970.10. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.78% of the companys stock.

Illinois Tool Works Stock Performance

NYSE:ITW traded up $1.19 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $255.53. 88,522 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,076,244. The stock has a market capitalization of $77.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.45, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.85 and a beta of 1.13. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $240.22 and its 200 day simple moving average is $235.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.78, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 1.20. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $180.27 and a fifty-two week high of $257.80.

Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The industrial products company reported $2.33 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.23 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $4.02 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.98 billion. Illinois Tool Works had a return on equity of 92.13% and a net margin of 19.27%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 2.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.11 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 9.64 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Illinois Tool Works Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 13th. Investors of record on Friday, June 30th were issued a dividend of $1.31 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 29th. This represents a $5.24 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.05%. Illinois Tool Workss payout ratio is currently 52.40%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

ITW has been the topic of several analyst reports. 3M reiterated a maintains rating on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Barclays upped their target price on Illinois Tool Works from $203.00 to $210.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their target price on Illinois Tool Works from $183.00 to $181.00 and set a sell rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, April 12th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on Illinois Tool Works from $236.00 to $250.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on Illinois Tool Works from $235.00 to $240.00 in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $234.92.

Illinois Tool Works Company Profile

(Free Report)

Illinois Tool Works Inc manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment worldwide. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. The Automotive OEM segment offers plastic and metal components, fasteners, and assemblies for automobiles, light trucks, and other industrial uses.

Further Reading

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Smith Salley & Associates boosted its holdings in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:MUB  Free Report) by 43.6% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 5,861 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 1,780 shares during the quarter. Smith Salley & Associates holdings in iShares National Muni Bond ETF were worth $631,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 11.3% during the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 13,927,059 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,469,583,000 after purchasing an additional 1,411,367 shares during the period. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 132,338.1% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 10,393,745 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,096,748,000 after acquiring an additional 10,385,897 shares in the last quarter. Betterment LLC raised its holdings in iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 37.8% in the 4th quarter. Betterment LLC now owns 9,668,221 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,020,191,000 after acquiring an additional 2,650,115 shares in the last quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN raised its holdings in iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 10.8% in the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 6,413,899 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $676,795,000 after acquiring an additional 623,269 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised its holdings in iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 13.2% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 6,323,506 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $667,256,000 after acquiring an additional 739,269 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares National Muni Bond ETF Stock Down 0.0 %

iShares National Muni Bond ETF stock opened at $107.28 on Tuesday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $106.45 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $106.86. iShares National Muni Bond ETF has a 12 month low of $101.35 and a 12 month high of $108.82.

About iShares National Muni Bond ETF

iShares National AMT-Free Muni Bond ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index (the Index).

Further Reading

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Smith Salley & Associates grew its holdings in iShares Russell 3000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWV  Free Report) by 1.4% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 4,246 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 60 shares during the quarter. Smith Salley & Associates holdings in iShares Russell 3000 ETF were worth $999,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. Savant Capital LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares Russell 3000 ETF by 706.1% in the first quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 67,313 shares of the companys stock valued at $15,846,000 after purchasing an additional 58,963 shares during the period. SkyOak Wealth LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares Russell 3000 ETF by 2.4% in the first quarter. SkyOak Wealth LLC now owns 3,313 shares of the companys stock valued at $780,000 after purchasing an additional 79 shares during the period. PRW Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares Russell 3000 ETF in the first quarter valued at approximately $2,540,000. New York State Common Retirement Fund boosted its stake in shares of iShares Russell 3000 ETF by 327.1% in the first quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 426,789 shares of the companys stock valued at $100,470,000 after purchasing an additional 326,864 shares during the period. Finally, Victory Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of iShares Russell 3000 ETF by 9.4% in the first quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 32,466 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,643,000 after purchasing an additional 2,793 shares during the period.

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iShares Russell 3000 ETF Stock Performance

NYSEARCA IWV opened at $261.21 on Tuesday. iShares Russell 3000 ETF has a one year low of $201.82 and a one year high of $262.92. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $248.97 and a 200-day simple moving average of $238.51. The firm has a market cap of $11.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.53 and a beta of 1.02.

iShares Russell 3000 ETF Profile

iShares Russell 3000 ETF, formerly iShares Russell 3000 Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the United States equity market, as represented by the Russell 3000 Index (the Index).

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Dominos Pizza Enterprises (OTCMKTS:DMZPY  Get Free Report) was downgraded by investment analysts at The Goldman Sachs Group from a neutral rating to a sell rating in a research report issued on Monday, FlyOnTheWall reports.

Separately, UBS Group downgraded Dominos Pizza Enterprises from a neutral rating to a sell rating in a report on Tuesday, June 13th.

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Dominos Pizza Enterprises Stock Performance

Shares of Dominos Pizza Enterprises stock traded up $2.02 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $16.87. The companys stock had a trading volume of 3,238 shares, compared to its average volume of 454. Dominos Pizza Enterprises has a twelve month low of $14.35 and a twelve month high of $25.85. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $15.47 and a 200-day moving average of $18.29.

Dominos Pizza Enterprises Company Profile

Domino's Pizza Enterprises Limited operates retail food outlets. The company holds franchise rights for the Domino's brand in Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Japan, Germany, Luxembourg, Denmark, and Taiwan. It operates a network of 3,396 stores. Domino's Pizza Enterprises Limited was founded in 1983 and is based in Brisbane, Australia.

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Morgan Stanley reiterated their equal weight rating on shares of Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV  Free Report) in a research report released on Friday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a $185.00 target price on the insurance providers stock.

Several other equities analysts have also issued reports on TRV. Piper Sandler cut their target price on Travelers Companies from $208.00 to $176.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 6th. Barclays boosted their price target on Travelers Companies from $179.00 to $185.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Roth Capital restated a buy rating on shares of Travelers Companies in a research note on Friday, April 21st. StockNews.com lowered Travelers Companies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, June 19th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price target on Travelers Companies from C$183.00 to C$185.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $194.15.

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Travelers Companies Price Performance

TRV opened at $174.73 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $174.00 and its two-hundred day moving average is $178.08. Travelers Companies has a 1 year low of $149.65 and a 1 year high of $194.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 0.33 and a quick ratio of 0.33. The firm has a market capitalization of $40.00 billion, a PE ratio of 18.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.29 and a beta of 0.60.

Travelers Companies ( NYSE:TRV Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The insurance provider reported $0.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.05 by ($1.99). Travelers Companies had a net margin of 5.77% and a return on equity of 10.75%. The company had revenue of $10.10 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.97 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $2.57 EPS. Travelers Companiess revenue for the quarter was up 10.5% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts anticipate that Travelers Companies will post 13.76 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Travelers Companies declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a share buyback plan on Wednesday, April 19th that authorizes the company to repurchase $5.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the insurance provider to purchase up to 12.2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are usually a sign that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued.

Travelers Companies Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Friday, September 8th will be given a $1.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 7th. This represents a $4.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.29%. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio is currently 42.60%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Travelers Companies

In other Travelers Companies news, EVP Michael Frederick Klein sold 10,246 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred 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 directly owns 14,080 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,574,528. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 1.29% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Summit Global Investments raised its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 2.3% during the 4th quarter. Summit Global Investments now owns 2,365 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $443,000 after buying an additional 54 shares during the period. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 1.9% during the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 3,074 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $562,000 after buying an additional 58 shares during the period. Lindbrook Capital LLC raised its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. Lindbrook Capital LLC now owns 3,822 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $655,000 after buying an additional 59 shares during the period. Quent Capital LLC raised its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 6.6% during the 4th quarter. Quent Capital LLC now owns 1,027 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $193,000 after buying an additional 64 shares during the period. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 25.7% during the 4th quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 323 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $61,000 after buying an additional 66 shares during the period. 81.06% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Travelers Companies Company Profile

(Get 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.

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Barnes Group (NYSE:B  Free Report) had its price target lifted by Truist Financial from $38.00 to $40.00 in a research note published on Friday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Truist Financial currently has a hold rating on the industrial products companys stock.

Separately, StockNews.com downgraded Barnes Group from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 20th.

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Barnes Group Trading Up 1.3 %

Shares of B stock opened at $42.54 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a quick ratio of 1.47 and a current ratio of 2.41. Barnes Group has a 52-week low of $27.93 and a 52-week high of $47.36. The company has a market capitalization of $2.15 billion, a PE ratio of 386.73, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 1.23. The businesss fifty day moving average is $41.18 and its 200 day moving average is $41.43.

Barnes Group Dividend Announcement

Barnes Group ( NYSE:B Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The industrial products company reported $0.47 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.39 by $0.08. Barnes Group had a return on equity of 7.94% and a net margin of 0.48%. The business had revenue of $335.40 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $312.91 million. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.41 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 7.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Barnes Group will post 2.22 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 8th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 24th will be issued a dividend of $0.16 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 23rd. This represents a $0.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.50%. Barnes Groups payout ratio is 581.82%.

Insider Activity

In other Barnes Group news, Director Neal J. Keating bought 2,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 2nd. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $41.59 per share, for a total transaction of $103,975.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 4,872 shares of the companys stock, valued at $202,626.48. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Company insiders own 5.22% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Barnes Group

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Cerity Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Barnes Group during the 1st quarter valued at $664,000. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC purchased a new stake in Barnes Group during the 2nd quarter valued at $31,000. WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new stake in Barnes Group during the 4th quarter valued at $48,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its stake in Barnes Group by 275.3% during the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 1,715 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $69,000 after buying an additional 1,258 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Quadrant Capital Group LLC raised its stake in Barnes Group by 203.4% during the 4th quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 1,860 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $76,000 after buying an additional 1,247 shares during the last quarter. 85.72% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Barnes Group

(Get Free Report)

Barnes Group Inc provides engineered products, industrial technologies, and solutions in the United States and internationally. It operates in two segments: Industrial and Aerospace. The Industrial segment offers precision components, products, and systems used by various customers in end-markets, such as mobility, industrial equipment, automation, personal care, packaging, electronics, and medical devices.

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NANNING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A packet of spicy hotpot flavoring printed in both Chinese and the Myanmar language attracted attention at the 5th Lancang-Mekong Business Forum, which was held in early July in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

The raw materials for the condiment are imported from southwest China's Chongqing Municipality and processed in Myanmar's Yangon to suit the tastes of Myanmar people.

"Spicy Chinese food began to appear in Myanmar 10 years ago," said Sean Yann, 37, a Chinese-Myanmar manufacturer of the spicy hotpot flavoring who is fluent in Mandarin.

Yann said spicy Chinese hot pot was introduced into high-end restaurants in Myanmar after spicy mixed vegetables sold by Chinese people became popular in the local area.

In recent years, Chinese foods with spicy and mouth-numbing flavor known as "mala" have gained ground in Southeast Asia.

This trend was also confirmed by Li Jing, a young man from Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, who went to Yangon University of Foreign Languages to study Myanmar language three years ago. He said Chinese hot pot is very popular in Yangon, with many shops in high streets selling malatang (hot spicy soup) and spicy hot pot.

"Many Myanmar people can say 'hot pot,' 'mala' and other Chinese words, which are also indispensable topics in our conversations with Myanmar friends," Li said.

As Myanmar consumers' love for the "mala" flavor continues to grow, Yann's company is working with the local supermarkets to introduce its spicy hotpot flavoring. Although the products cost 1.5 times the price of local ones, they still sell 20,000 to 30,000 packets a month. Yann said a dozen similar spicy products from other brands are also selling well in the local supermarkets.

According to data from China's e-commerce platforms Meituan and Dianping at the beginning of this year, the searches for "mala" and "hot pot" in Thailand had increased by 700 percent year on year. More and more restaurants featuring mala barbecue and hot pot have sprung up in the popular resorts of Bangkok and Phuket.

Zhuo Bingyue, who runs a Thai restaurant in Nanning, said that compared with the spicy Thai food, the "mala" flavor in Chinese food is more complex and rich, a feature that is attractive to young Thais.

Driven by policies such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the scope of cooperation between China and ASEAN countries has been expanding, with no impediments to trade and logistics. Foods with Chinese flavors such as "mala" are entering Southeast Asia in more diverse and efficient ways.

Infused with a rich aroma, the Yulin International Spice Trading Market in the city of Yulin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, sees an endless stream of trucks loaded with spices such as star anise and cinnamon. The annual trading volume of spices in Yulin is about 800,000 tonnes, and the related industry chain employs more than 100,000 people.

Yulin has grasped the opportunity of the implementation of the RCEP, and continuously expanded its trade with ASEAN countries in the field of spices, exporting more and more Chinese seasoning to Southeast Asia to satisfy the taste buds of local people.

At the 5th Lancang-Mekong Business Forum, more than 100 industry representatives from the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) countries, including China, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, discussed the cooperation opportunities in the agricultural and food processing industries.

Suriyan Vichitlekarn, executive director of the Mekong Institute, said at the forum that in recent years, as infrastructure connectivity among the LMC countries has accelerated and logistics systems have improved, combined with surging food demand, changing consumption patterns and technological advances in food processing and packaging, the market and trade of the LMC countries in the food processing industry has continued to expand, bringing broad room for future cooperation.

"China is a big market with unlimited opportunities, and we look forward to further exchanges and cooperation with Chinese enterprises in the future," said Kitti Supchukun, president of Thailand's agricultural corporation Grenades Biotech Co., Ltd. 
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Based on new data from Redfin, the most flood-prone U.S. counties saw 384,000 more people move in than out in 2021 and 2022--a 103% increase from the prior two years, when 189,000 more people moved in than out.

The same trend took hold in the places most vulnerable to wildfires and heat as the pandemic homebuying boom and a housing affordability crisis pushed Americans into disaster-prone areas.

The counties with the highest wildfire risk saw 446,000 more people move in than out over the past two years, a 51% increase from 2019 and 2020. And the counties with the highest heat risk saw 629,000 more people move in than out, a 17% uptick.

This is according to a Redfin analysis of domestic migration data from the U.S. Census Bureau and climate-risk scores from First Street Foundation. Redfin analyzed the counties in the contiguous U.S. that rank in the top 10% for flood and fire risk and the top 33% for heat risk, as measured by the share of residential properties at high risk.

Remote work and record-low mortgage rates during the pandemic prompted scores of Americans to leave expensive coastal cities like San Francisco and New York for the Sun Belt in search of more affordable housing, warm weather and/or lower taxes. States including Florida, Texas and Arizona exploded in popularity despite increasing risk from storms, drought, wildfires and extreme heat.

Daryl Fairweather

"It's human nature to focus on current benefits, like waterfront views or a low cost of living, over costs that could rack up in the long run, like property damage or a decrease in property value," said Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather. "It's also human nature to discount risks that are tough to measure, like climate change."

Many disaster-prone areas are relatively affordable because homebuyers and renters have a larger pool of homes to choose from. America is increasingly building housing in places endangered by climate change; more than half (55%) of homes built so far this decade face fire risk, while 45% face drought risk, a separate Redfin analysis found. By comparison, just 14% of homes built from 1900 to 1959 face fire risk and 37% face drought risk. New homes are also more likely than older homes to face heat and flood risk.

"The consequences of climate change haven't fully sunk in for many Americans because oftentimes, homeowners and renters don't foot the whole bill when disaster strikes," Fairweather said. "Insurers and government programs frequently subsidize the cost of rebuilding after storms hit, and mortgages mean homeowners are ceding some risk to lenders--especially if their house goes into foreclosure after a storm. But with natural disasters intensifying and insurers pulling out of disaster-prone areas including Florida and California, Americans may start feeling a greater sense of urgency to mitigate climate dangers--especially if their home's value is at risk of declining."

Nearly half (48.7%) of people who moved in the last year believe the increasing frequency or intensity of natural disasters, extreme temperatures, and/or rising sea levels will likely impact home values in their area in the next 10 years, according to a recent Redfin survey. Still, only about 5% of people who moved in the last year or plan to move in the next year listed climate change as a reason for their relocation.

Coastal Florida Is Top Migration Destination Despite Increasing Flood Risk

In the past two years, nearly 60,000 more people moved into than out of Lee County, FL, which includes Fort Myers and Cape Coral and was ravaged by Hurricane Ian in September. That's the largest net inflow of the 306 high-flood-risk counties Redfin analyzed, and represents an increase of about 65% from the prior two years.

Half of homes in Lee County face high flood risk. Still, homebuilders continue to build and homebuyers continue to buy. The Cape Coral metro area has more than made up for the plunge in new listings caused by the storm, and home sales have also rebounded, a separate Redfin analysis found.

"Builders in Cape Coral have not stopped--they're just building like nothing happened," said local Redfin Premier real estate agent Isabel Arias-Squires. "That's largely because there's plenty of demand for new homes. Many folks who moved into Florida from the Northeast or the West during the pandemic are leaving, but they're quickly being replaced by new out-of-staters. Some people just want to be on the water no matter what, and/or they want to move here for family, weather or political reasons. The Cape is not slowing down."

People Are Leaving Storm-Prone Louisiana as Insurance Costs Soar

While people are still moving to Florida, they're leaving flood-prone Louisiana, which has among the largest concentration of high-risk homes. Nearly every home in Orleans Parish and Jefferson Parish--the areas including and surrounding New Orleans--faces high flood risk. Both saw roughly 15,000 more people move out than in over the past two years, adding to outflows from the prior two years.

"The rise in homeowners insurance rates across Louisiana is decreasing the amount of money people have to put toward buying a home, diminishing their purchasing power," said local Redfin Premier real estate agent Jes Menes. "Elevated insurance costs are also driving some landlords to increase rents, making housing more expensive for tenants."

Inland California, Utah and Arizona See Populations Swell as Fire Risk Grows

In Riverside County, CA --home to Riverside and Palm Springs--nearly 600,000 homes face high wildfire risk. That's the most among the 306 high-fire-risk counties Redfin analyzed, and represents two-thirds of the county's total homes. Nearly 40,000 more people have moved into than out of Riverside County in the past two years--the third highest net inflow of the counties Redfin analyzed and a 36% jump from the prior two years.

The Inland Empire has grown in popularity partly because it offers more affordable housing costs than coastal California cities including Los Angeles and San Francisco. Parts of Utah, Nevada and Arizona have seen their populations swell for the same reason.

In Washington County, UT, an area in the southwestern corner of Utah that includes Zion National Park and St. George, 95.5% of homes face high fire risk, and drought is also a major issue. It saw 15,000 more people move in than out over the past two years. The story is similar in Utah County, which is just south of Salt Lake City and includes Provo.

There is at least one part of the country that's seeing a net outflow of residents in the wake of wildfires. Butte County, CA is home to the town of Paradise, most of which was destroyed by the Camp Fire in 2018. It lost nearly 2,000 more people than it gained in 2021 and 2022--one of the biggest declines among the 306 counties Redfin analyzed. During the prior two years, it had a net outflow of 17,000--more than any other county Redfin analyzed.

Fairweather has her own climate migration story. She left Seattle in 2020 to escape wildfire smoke and moved to Wisconsin. It was free from smoke for the first few years she was there, but this June was hit with four days of unhealthy smoke from wildfires in Canada.

"There's nowhere to hide," Fairweather said. "Every place on planet earth will have to deal with the ramifications of climate change. The Midwest may be insulated from sea level rise, but it still faces risk from storms, heat waves and drought."

People Flock to Phoenix for Affordability, Stumbling Into Extreme Heat and Drought

In Maricopa County, AZ, home to Phoenix, 76,000 more people moved in than out during the past two years--the largest net inflow among the 1,019 high-heat-risk counties Redfin analyzed. In all of those counties, roughly 100% of homes face high heat risk.

Collin County, TX, just north of Dallas and home to Plano, saw the second biggest net inflow, at 61,000, followed by Lee County, at 57,000. Many parts of the U.S. are grappling with multiple climate risks at once. Lee County is a good example, facing high risk from both flooding and heat.

The explosion in Phoenix's population has coincided with a dire climate crisis: a lack of water. Arizona recently said it will stop issuing homebuilding permits in some parts of the Phoenix area as migration and extensive development strains limited water resources. That will cap the number of new communities that can be built in the area, which could eventually increase the cost of housing.

Still, Maricopa County gained more residents than any other U.S. county in 2022, attracting scores of remote workers from expensive coastal cities like Seattle, where the cost of living is significantly higher.

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Former US Marine who was released by Russia in prisoner swap injured while fighting in Ukraine, source says
Crime laboratory officers are seen outside Rex Heuermann's home in Massapequa Park on July 18.
One flown to hospital after crash on Lone Oak Road in McCracken County
ATHENS, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A firefighting aircraft with two people on board crashed on Tuesday while battling a forest fire on the island of Evia, the Greek national news agency AMNA reported.

The pilot and the co-pilot were missing, and a search and rescue operation by the air force's helicopters was underway on Tuesday in the area of the accident near the coastal town of Karystos, AMNA said.

Greek firefighters have been battling over 500 wildfires across the country in the past two weeks, officials said on Monday. The fire at Karystos is one of the largest raging since last weekend. 
Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy work by mimicking a hormone that slows the passage of food through the stomach, which helps people feel fuller longer.
Even with the extreme scarcity of available data, there is sufficient information from the limited reporting on levels of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater to conclude a summer surge in COVID infections is well under way in the United States. It began even before mid-May, when President Joe Biden terminated the national COVID emergency response, effectively turning out all the lights on any direct measurement of the state of the pandemic.

As shown by the CDC graph below, in April 2023 levels of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater began to rise steadily, an indirect indicator of community-level spread. Over the month of June, there was a more than 60 percent rise in wastewater levels of the virus, with more than 1,300 sites participating in providing the public health agency with data.

It is worrisome however that in the last two weeks of July there has been a precipitous drop in the number of sites reporting these figures (a 22 percent decline) with a corresponding blunting of the SARS-CoV-2 levels reported. Although the CDC explained that this is a normal lag and data would be added retroactively, given the agencys previous lack of transparency, such assurances cannot be taken as read.

Percent of sites in each percent change category over time, United States. [Photo: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]

For instance, a similar phenomenon occurred in late December 2022 when there was a precipitous drop in SARS-CoV-2 wastewater levels with a corresponding drop in the number of sites reporting, amid an ongoing winter surge of infections.

The CDC blamed the Christmas holiday season for the aberration, but this was completely irresponsible. Precisely when a massive surge in cases was under way, the necessary data to inform the public was conveniently unavailable. There was a huge drop in the virus level, but that is likely due to the sites that contribute most, in metropolitan areas, going dark.

It would not be surprising to see this effective blackout repeated, so that in the next few weeks we might hear the CDC claim that the summer break led to a decline in participating facilities, hiding the advance of another surge.

If one were to extrapolate the end of June projections into July, they suggest not only has the peak in cases not been reached, but that it will match or exceed the level of COVID in previous winter and summer peaks. Data from Biobot Analytics, which is considered more reliable than the limited CDC reporting, confirms the ongoing surge in wastewater coronavirus right up to the present.

Biobot explained that they use statistical techniques that adjust for dilution and population size and, as wastewater-based epidemiology advances, they will adjust to account for the technical factors and introduce the concept of effective concentration as a transparent and future-proof approach that will ensure the data reliably reflects trends in the population-wide COVID-19 burden.

As Biobot noted, the current epicenters for the summer 2023 COVID surge are in the Northeast and South, where in conjunction with the rise in wastewater virus levels, the heat wave and the air pollution from the Canadian forest fires have driven people indoors. In California, Los Angeles has recently reported a rise in COVID cases although their figures, as they note, represent only a fraction of actual COVID cases, suggesting the summer COVID wave is just beginning in the second largest US city.

The reliance by the CDC on wastewater surveillance underscores the reality that such indicators lack any real-time value, are prone to manipulation and provide little clinical guidance to direct local public health authorities and health systems. The agency uses wastewater tracking to inure the population against the threat posed by COVID or any other pathogen, while maintaining the farce that the national public health edifice is functioning to protect the population, although hardly anyone believes that any more.

As data scientist and modeler JWeiland noted on his Twitter social media account, the current wastewater SARS-CoV-2 levels correspond to an estimated daily infection rate of more than 310,000 or a ratio of one in every 1,060 people becoming infected every day and at least one percent of the population currently infected. Irrespective of the current low fatality rate which is still higher than the flu and could skyrocket should viral evolution produce a more deadly variant, as it has in the past, one in 10 people infected with Omicron sub-variants develop Long COVID, regardless of disease severity or age.

US COVID Projections July 18, 2023. [Photo by J. Weiland]

As Dr. Marc Sala of Northwestern University Medicine recently said, You will have many patients come to us still in good numbers to fill up our clinic with maybe the third, fourth, fifth infection and now having finally developed post-COVID syndrome  with symptoms that are enough to be disabling to their lives as previously known. Although these patients are filling up hospitals and ICUs as in the past, the long-term implications are even worse. Long COVID is already the third leading cause of neurological disorders.

In children, the lingering effects after a COVID infection can include various neurocognitive complaints like loss of smell, fatigue, and brain fog. These lead to the inability to think or remember clearly. More serious signs include atrophy of the brains grey matter, which can be associated with cognitive dysfunction and symptoms like anxiety and depression. These findings have been repeated internationally and will have long-lasting consequences and harken back to the lie perpetrated during the first years of the pandemic that children are immune to the ravages of the disease.

Nonetheless, the current surge has finally provided the first clinical glimpse of its impact on the national arena despite the very limited surveillance capacity. Emergency room visits climbed 7.1 percent compared to the previous week. The test positivity rate, which must be considered flawed data due to extremely limited numbers actually being reported, is up a half-percent to 6.3, though it is higher in areas corresponding to the highest wastewater metrics. And according to Weilands modeling, COVID hospital admissions may triple by the end of August.

Despite all this, there is no urgency on the part of the Biden administration to heed the data, as they prefer to tell the country to forget about the coronavirus. Meanwhile, they are amply briefed on the state of these pathogens and take measure to employ every means possible to protect themselves, including using frequent testing, as Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre admitted last week.

A reporter found that a COVID-positive delegation from Israel had recently visited the White House, and asked whether Biden had been potentially exposed. Jean-Pierre replied, As you know we have testing protocols whenever someone meets with the president. So, I can tell you that anyone that meets with the president gets tested. I do. We all do.

As experience at the meeting of the worlds elites at Davos, Switzerland, had shown, no expense or technology is spared to protect the wealthiest. Meanwhile, any talk of future COVID vaccines for the mass of the population has assumed a rhetorical character. Only 17 percent of the US population has received the updated bivalent boosters, meaning population immunity to any of the subvariants is essentially negligible. And rather than bringing attention to the current surge and moving to vaccinate the immunocompromised and the elderly, the shift to a newer monovalent COVID vaccine for the fall using the XBB subvariant is moving at a snails pace.

By the time the latest and greatest vaccines are finally on the commercial market by late September, as is being promised, new strains such as EG.5 and XBB.2.3, which are gaining momentum, will become dominant, making these vaccines outmoded once more.
Early Monday morning local time, Ukrainian forces carried out drone strikes on Moscow, including on a building affiliated with the Ministry of Defense. No casualties were reported. Ukrainian officials boasted of their responsibility for the drone strikes.

The Russian Ministry of Defense on Monday also accused Ukraine of launching 17 drones on the Crimean Peninsula in the Black Sea, which Russia annexed in 2014. The Kerch Bridge, which connects Crimea with the Russian mainland, was attacked by Ukraine last Monday.

Shortly after the attack on the Kerch Bridge, Russia announced its withdrawal from a deal that had been brokered by the United Nations and Turkey between Moscow and Kiev to ensure grain shipments from Ukraine through the Black Sea to international markets. Russia and Ukraine both count among the worlds largest agricultural producers, supplying above all countries in Africa and Asia.

The agreement provided for monitored Ukrainian grain supplies via a planned route through the Black Sea, large portions of which are controlled by the Russian navy and mined by both Russia and Ukraine.

The Kremlin said it withdrew because the obligations toward Russia as part of the deal had not been met. At the same time, Moscow indicated that Russia would consider rejoining the deal if these obligations were fulfilled and if financial sanctions on the Russian Agricultural Bank were lifted. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday that the grain deal had lost its meaning and assured African countries that Russia could make up for Ukrainian grain supplies.

Following the collapse of the deal, the Russian Ministry of Defense declared it would impose ablockade on Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea and that, from July 20 onward, it would consider any foreign ship seeking to enter Ukrainian Black Sea ports a legitimate target.

The Zelensky government has insisted that it would continue grain shipments regardless.

In response, Russia has launched a series of strikes on Ukrainian port cities. Over the past week, Russia launched several missile strikes on Odessa, a strategic port city on the shores of the Black Sea. Missile strikes have also hit the ports in Nikolaev and Chernomorsk. Further strikes since have hit Reni and Izmail, two port cities on the Danube River, which flows into the Black Sea. Russian media reports suggest that a number of both grain and ammunition depots were destroyed in those strikes. The Ukrainian military has confirmed that the grain depot of the Odessa port was destroyed.

Romania, a NATO member on the Black Sea, has declared that it would make its Constanta port on the Danube River available to Ukraine for additional shipments until mid-August.

In addition to its role in the global food supply, the Black Sea is of fundamental geostrategic significance to both the imperialist powers and to Russia, as well as countries like Turkey. The Black Sea forms a bridge between Eastern and Southeastern Europe, Russia and the resource-rich Caucasus and Middle East. In a 2021 webinar by the hawkish Washington D.C.-based think tank Atlantic Council, Alton Buland, the director for European policy at the US Department of Defense, described the Black Sea as Russias geostrategic center of gravity and its gateway south, the gateway to the Middle East [and]  the gateway to Asia.

Because of the immense significance of the Black Sea for Russia, the countrys encirclement by the imperialist powers since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 has centrally involved the incorporation of most countries bordering the Black Sea into NATO. Apart from Russia, the only non-NATO member states on the Black Sea are Georgia and Ukraine, which is heavily supplied by NATO weapons and integrated into NATOs war machine.

The escalating fighting in the Black Sea region also has significant implications for Turkey, which so far has tried to maintain a precarious balancing act between Russia and NATO in the conflict. Over the years, the Erdogan government has developed extensive military ties with Ukraine, and Turkey has never recognized Crimea and the waters off the peninsula as part of Russia. Ankara also recently dropped its previous opposition to Swedish membership in NATO and declared that Ukraine deserves NATO membership.

However, Turkey has not aggressively sided with NATO in the conflict and continues to maintain close economic ties with Russia. Erdogan has announced that he would be speaking with Putin in an effort to rescue the grain deal.

In the wake of the collapse of the grain deal, retired Admiral Cem Gurdeniz declared that conflicts over the grain deal could end Turkeys policy of active neutrality in the Black Sea, i.e., potentially trigger Turkeys direct military involvement in the conflict. He warned that Turkey would commit geopolitical suicide if Ankara were to allow for Ukrainian grain shipments through its straits in the Black Sea, in opposition to Russia.

A meeting between the newly created NATO-Ukraine Council is scheduled for Wednesday to discuss the situation in the Black Sea.

The escalation of the conflict between Russia and NATO in the Black Sea region began just days after the NATO summit in Vilnius concluded in mid-July. Held amidst the debacle of the Ukrainian counteroffensive, which is taking a tremendous human toll and has cost tens of billions of dollars without resulting in any serious military gains, the summit was focused on discussing plans for global conflict in a new imperialist redivision of the world, including an expansion of the war against Russia.

In addition to the infighting in the Black Sea region, the summit has also been followed by growing tensions between Russia and Poland. In the lead-up to the Vilnius summit, former NATO General Secretary Anders Rasmussen had raised the prospect that countries like Poland and the Baltic states might engage even stronger  maybe including the possibility of troops on the ground.

On Friday, in a meeting with his national security council, Russian President Vladimir Putin raised the prospect of a direct military conflict with Poland. Commenting on reports that Poland is planning to deploy a newly founded Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian Corps (LITPOLUKRCORPS) to West Ukraine, Putin said that such a deployment would mark the beginning of a Polish occupation of West Ukraine and that Russia would respond militarily.

In a meeting with Putin on Sunday and Monday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko reportedly showed Putin a map of Polish troop deployments to just 40 kilometers off the Belarusian border city of Brest. In a press conference, Lukashenko hinted that troops of the mercenary leader Evgeny Prigozhin, who launched an insurrection a month ago, are now stationed in Belarus and could be deployed in such a conflict. The Wagner troops were, in Lukashenkos words, in a bad mood and eager to go on an excursion to Poland. Lukashenko then said that he was still holding them back and urged Putin to do the same.

In the weeks following the coup attempt, which Prigozhin launched with an open appeal to pro-NATO forces within the Russian oligarchy and state, Prigozhin and Wagner have effectively been given carte blanche. Neither Prigozhin nor his mercenaries have faced criminal charges, and Putin met with 35 Wagner commanders, including Prigozhin, just five days after the coup attempt.

In an indication of ongoing conflicts within the Russian military and state apparatus, the Kremlin on Friday arrested Igor Strelkov (Girkin), a well-known ultranationalist and longtime separatist leader in East Ukraine, charging him with extremism based on allegations of a former Wagner employee. Strelkov denounced Prigozhins coup attempt as treason but has also long criticized Putins conduct of the war, demanding that the president enact a mass mobilization. Most recently, Strelkov attacked Putin as a nonentity, stating, the country will not survive another six years under the rule of that cowardly mediocrity.
The Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee (PWRFC) met Sunday to discuss the lessons of the year-long dispute at Royal Mail. It was the first Zoom meeting held since the Communication Workers Union (CWU) pushed through its pro-company agreement in a ballot ending on July 11.

A report was given on the looming contract fight by 340,000 UPS workers in the United States by a speaker from the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC).

Royal Mail van at Sheffield City Delivery Office

Tony Robson, a writer for the World Socialist Web Site (WSWS), opened by drawing attention to the committees recent statement, CWU betrayal at Royal Mail: Draw the lessons to organise a fightback.

It has taken a year for Royal Mail to enforce its agenda and overcome the combative resistance of more than 100,000 postal workers who stood in the vanguard of a strike wave from last Summer, he said. The responsibility for this lies squarely with the CWU bureaucracy under Dave Ward and Andy Furey.

The committees statement had rejected the CWUs bogus narrative that a 75 percent yes vote reflected overwhelming endorsement of their pro-company agreement. A third of the membership didnt vote and it was passed by barely 50 percent of eligible members.

For months, the CWU berated those advocating a no vote and violated the democratic rights of members. This included their executive veto of a 96 percent vote in February to renew strikes. They twice suspended balloting to forestall a no vote and worked with the company to enforce key aspects of the surrender document before a single vote was counted.

Postal workers were confronting the full integration of the CWU bureaucracy into management from head office down to local reps. The agreement cements the role of the CWU as corporate partners in the drive for increased productivity and competitiveness, overseen through Joint Working Groups.

The disputes outcome has exposed the lie peddled by union activist groups, such as Postal Workers Say Vote No, who claimed that Ward and Furey could be pressured to reverse their agreement with the company. Andy Young, a union rep and member of Workers Power, had attacked the establishment of the Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee as premature. This was bound up with efforts to conceal the CWUs transformation into an arm of the company.

While workers were denouncing the CWUs agreement as a surrender document, a model resolution drawn up by Young claimed the agreement had pushed back the company in some areas, later describing the 35-page Thatcherite recipe book as sadly not good enough.

After the vote, Young tried to legitimise the sham ballot process, claiming a healthy debate had taken place and that the result should be respectedechoing Ward and Fureys insistence that the members had spoken.

The Committees record

Robson explained, The Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee has established a marker for the struggle ahead. We have brought together workers from delivery, mail centres and Parcelforce. We exposed how hated revisions were being implemented with the CWUs help through the IR framework agreed with Royal Mail. Where rule 13 local industrial action was voted for by members to defend victimised reps, we exposed how these were quashed by CWU HQ.

Our statements and articles published on the World Socialist Web Site have been read in their tens of thousands. We were only established in April and do not command the resources of the CWU bureaucracy, but Ward and his henchman Chris Webb [Head of Communications] were forced to publicly attack us for over influencing workers during the dispute.

This is because we offered an alternative to the CWUs betrayal and its insistence that postal workers must sacrifice to pay for the rampant profiteering by company executives and billionaire shareholders, outlining non-negotiable demands based on the interests of postal workers and the entire working class.

A postal worker from Glasgow told the meeting, We dont trust Royal Mail or the CWU, but where do we turn? Another ridiculed the CWUs call for unity, saying their role as company enforcers would never be forgiven.

Some called for the formation of a new union. Robson said the proposal raised fundamental issues. He explained that the CWUs betrayal was not simply the product of a few rotten leaders and nor was it confined to the CWU. Based on their defence of capitalism and the nation-state system, trade unions all over the world had become integrated with corporate boardrooms and the state.

Report from America

Tom Hall, a writer for the WSWS, brought greetings from the newly formed UPS Rank-and-File Committee, which is also affiliated to the IWA-RFC.

Hall explained that the IWA-RFCs expansion is part of the process by which the international working class is beginning to elaborate a single international perspective against the outmoded and reactionary profit system the world over.

In the United States, the largest strike movement in generations was underway, with combined action by screen actors and writers and opposition snowballing among industrial workers, including an impending battle by 150,000 workers in the car industry, on top of strike ballots at UPS, Yellow and in other sectors.

Workers fighting on the pressing day-to-day issues of pay, working hours and conditions were confronted directly with the role of the state clamping down on their rights, and a nationalist trade union bureaucracy defending a capitalist system based on ever deepening exploitation of the working class.

In nine days, the current 5-year contract expires for 340,000 UPS workers across the country. It was imposed upon them in 2018 by the bureaucracy of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters despite a majority voting against it. It contained massive concessions, including the creation of a second-tier of delivery drivers, known as hybrid drivers or 22.4s

The Teamsters have been working with UPS management for decades to impose concessions, especially since the introduction of part-time work in the companys warehouses in the 1970s. As a result, two-thirds of the workforce today are part-time. They are overwhelmingly young and live from hand to mouth, making as little as $15.50 an hour  about 12  and working between 3 and 4 hours a day.

The UPS interviews published over the weekend in the WSWS give some sense of the situation. One part-timer said he had not eaten in two days. In the United States, which, we are told, is the wealthiest country in the world, the conditions of the working class have been thrown back by a century.

The committee was fighting for the unity of UPS workers with postal and logistics workers across the US and globally. US Postal Services workers are confronting a brutal assault with thousands of post offices marked for closure, 50,000 jobs facing the axe and more than 60 percent of rural letter carriers having their wages slashed by as much as $10,000 to $20,000 based on a new compensation formula.

The UPS rank-and-file committee was holding an online meeting later that night to launch a fightback in defence of 20,000 freight trucking workers at Yellow, a company on the verge of bankruptcy through debts to Wall Street investors and the US government.

Around 300 UPS and Yellow workers had registered to attend, the largest turnout since meetings of the Railroad Workers Rank-and-File Committee (RWRFC) during last years dispute which brought 120,000 rail workers into direct conflict with the Biden administration. As a result of the RWRFCs intervention, the union bureaucracy had struggled to retain control, forcing the Biden administration to intervene to impose the rail contract and outlaw strike action.

Bidens repression of the rail strikes (backed by leading Democrats such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez) had exposed his promotion as the most pro-union president ever. Hall emphasised that rather than being seen simply as an end of the dispute it was a turning point which had underscored the necessity for a worked-out strategy of organised rebellion against the union apparatus.

Workers engaged in the developing struggles including at UPS are aware that the same danger confronts them and have been forearmed, adding to the impetus to develop the IWA-RFC. That same evening the Teamsters Union announced that it had reached a deal with Yellow to avert a strike.

Hall urged Royal Mail workers to make the lessons of their dispute the common property of workers in the UK and internationally. This was welcomed by postal workers in attendance. One said, Thanks Tom for your report and well be watching with interest... Ill be on a mission to recruit, while another added, We may be few, but it only takes one person to strike a match and show the light. As long as we carry the torch many will follow.
ISLAMABAD, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has emerged as a corridor of opportunity, traversing vast terrains to connect the warm waters of the Arabian Sea with the rich landscapes of China's western regions, a government official said Monday.

Speaking at a two-day international conference that kicked off here earlier in the day, Syed Zafar Ali Shah, secretary of Pakistan's ministry of planning development and special initiatives, said CPEC has improved connectivity between Pakistan and China, reduced transportation costs, and increased trade efficiency.

Themed "Decade of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) from Vision to Reality" to mark the 10th anniversary of CPEC, the conference aims to exchange ideas and insights related to economic, social, environmental, and geopolitical impacts of CPEC and the BRI.

Addressing the event, Chairman of Pakistan's Higher Education Commission Mukhtar Ahmed said that Pakistan and China are cooperating in several significant initiatives in the field of higher education and research.

"CPEC has evolved from a visionary concept to a reality of immense importance for Pakistan," he said, adding that China is helping Pakistani students meet their dreams by giving them opportunities of studying in China through scholarships in various fields. 
In a vicious attack that has provoked widespread outrage on social media since the video was released Sunday afternoon, an Ohio cop unleashed a K-9 dog to attack an unresisting truck driver who was surrendering to police and was on his knees with his hands up. The attack took place on July 4, but it took nearly three weeks for the body camera footage to be made public.

Police body camera footage shows officers watching the K-9 dog moments before it attacked Jadarrius Rose [Photo: OSHP Body Camera]

The driver was African American, while the cop, belonging to the Circleville, Ohio, police force, was white. Several Ohio state troopers, also white, shouted at the local cop not to release the dog, because the truck driver had pulled over after a lengthy chase, exited his semi-tractor truck and was now cooperating.

Circleville is a town of 14,000 residents 25 miles south of the state capital, Columbus.

The driver, identified as Jadarrius Rose, 23, of Memphis, Tennessee, said that he initially refused to stop because the state troopers were pointing weapons at him and he feared being shot or otherwise harmed if he stopped. He said that there was no reason for them to stop his truck, since he was driving at a normal speed.

Initial press reports cited police claims that the state troopers had attempted to stop the truck because of one missing mudflap on a rear wheela trivial reason for launching a 30-minute pursuit that ultimately involved a half-dozen police cars.

While there are many questions still remaining about the circumstances of the lengthy pursuit, it is not in dispute that Rose was in fear for his life. He initially stopped his truck when first hearing the police siren. But when armed officers approached and demanded he get out of his truck, he drove off instead.

As he drove down US-35 and then onto US-23, he called 911 in two different counties as he drove through them, pleading with dispatchers to help him avoid being shot and killed. He was not acting as a fugitive criminal, but as a young worker terrified at seeing a mob of heavily armed police pointing their weapons at him for no apparent reason.

A recording of a 911 call was released last week, in which Rose said to the dispatcher, Right now Im being chased by like 20 police officers and they all got their guns pointed directly to my truck  So now Im trying to figure out why they got their guns all pointed to me and theyre all white people.

When he finally pulled over and stopped on US-23, Rose reluctantly got out of his truck with his hands up and followed the instructions of state troopers to move away from the vehicle. At that point, Circleville, Ohio, police, who had been called in as back-ups, intervened with the K-9 unit.

The state troopers told the K-9 officer, identified as Ryan Speakman, not to release his dog. The body camera video records a trooper shouting, Do not release the dog with his hands up!

Speakman nonetheless released the dog and it attacked Rose savagely as he screamed, Get it off! Please! Please! A state trooper yelled, Get the dog off of him!

Eventually, Speakman recalled the dog and Rose was taken to a hospital and treated for dog bites. He was released from the hospital and immediately arrested and charged with failure to comply. He was not finally released from police custody until July 7, three days after the initial mauling.

Rose has told the media that he cannot discuss the circumstances of the pursuit and his reasons for fleeing the state police, presumably on advice of his lawyer. But he told the Columbus Dispatch that he had seen the video. Im just glad that it was recorded, he said. What you saw is what, pretty much, happened.

Details are being withheld by the police and state troopers and appear even more confused because two separate counties are involved. Ross County is responsible for the case against Rose because his initial refusal to stop his truck took place there. Pickaway County is handling the investigation of the dog mauling because that is where Rose stopped his truck, got out of it following police orders and was then attacked.

Speakman was not even removed from active duty for two weeks and is now on paid administrative leave while the attack is investigated. He was reportedly investigated for another incident of misconduct two years ago. Circleville Mayor Don McIlroy and Police Chief G. Shawn Baer said in a joint statement July 21 that a review board would issue a report by the end of this month.

Whatever role racism may have played in Speakmans decision to sic his dog on Rose, this latest attack and the phenomenon police violence in general is ultimately a class issue as seen in the killing of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, Tennessee earlier this year and the fact that the victims of the police are overwhelmingly workers and poor of every race and ethnicity.
A US Postal Service letter carrier delivers mail in Atlanta. [AP Photo/David Goldman]

On May 6, tens of thousands of rural carriers, who deliver mail for the United States Postal Service in rural, suburban and small towns, were put under a new pay system, which has led to arguably the greatest wage theft in US history. The Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS), designed as a new system to measure the amount of time required by carriers to deliver mail for each route, has massively reduced pay for two-thirds of 80,000 rural routes.

The cuts to rural carriers wages are part of a vast restructuring of the Post Office under Postmaster Louis DeJoy, who intends to close thousands of local post offices and lay off 50,000 employees to transform the public corporation into a profitable Amazon-style delivery system.

Unlike city carriers, who are paid for every hour they are on the clock, rural carriers are effectively paid by piece work based on the size of their route, under what is called an evaluated system. Prior to RRECS, the size of a route was determined through a laborious manual count within each delivery facility, in which every piece of mail, every parcel, every step was counted, measured and timed. RRECS, first proposed by the National Rural Letter Carriers Association (NRLCA) union in 2012 contract arbitration, was presented as a way to place the count on a firm engineering standard, using scanners into which values that had been counted by hand were input electronically.

Many carriers reported nonsensical entries into the system which are impossible to challenge.

In May, the union agreed to implement an alternate dispute resolution process  outside the formal grievance procedure for RRECS. This process placed the responsibility for pursuing a corrected evaluation on the individual carrier. It was predictably sabotaged by USPS. According to one carrier, I know my evaluation isnt correct, but like everyone else I am unable to prove it because they wont give me the information.

A protest and march was organized in Washington D.C., not by the union, but by an individual rural carrier.

The World Socialist Web Site received numerous comments from rural letter carriers on several articles written about the situation. Recently, we spoke with a rural carrier from Washington state. To protect her from retaliation, her name has been changed for this interview.

* * *

WSWS: Would you tell us a little about your route and the impact which RRECS has had on you?

Tina: I work in a small office and provide a vehicle to deliver my route. Some of the other routes use LLVs [USPS-provided vehicles], or what I call rolling death boxes. My route is over 40 miles long and includes more than 500 houses. After RRECS, I went from a 45 K to 43 J [route classification]. That means that my pay dropped from around $2,400 per pay period to about $1,500. The RRECS pre-mini count gave me 45 hours in five days. Saturday was my normal day off, or overtime if I worked it. Going from a 45 K to a 43 J means that now I have to work every other Saturdaypreviously my day offfor two hours of pay less. After RRECS, I became the smallest route in the office.

WSWS: The RRECs system introduced an entirely new way of evaluating rural routes. Could you tell us how you prepared?

Tina: RRECs training was up to us to read. The manual was online. They really didnt give us any training, that was left up to us. I downloaded about a 160-page manual and printed it out.

We would call the union with questions. At one point we had listed about 90 questions and answers. Fortunately, we had a Facebook group for RRECs. We were not paid for any of this [self-training] by the post office. There were six scans that we absolutely had to make daily, or we faced an investigative interview. But, there is no way to tell if we pressed the right button on the scanner. Our Manager of Post Office Operations (MPOO) threatened us with discipline for missing scans, yet they give us no way to see for ourselves if we had already scanned.

WSWS: Many carriers complain about the conditions inside the delivery facility. Could you talk about that?

Tina: DeJoy has benefited financially, and the workers risk their lives driving old poorly maintained vehicles, risk getting shot at or robbed for their mail or dying of heat stroke. It is absolutely a joke. Then they use the most ridiculous closing line to so-called safety stand-up meetings: Safety depends on me. Yeah, put the responsibility on the overworked, underpaid worker.

With the hostile work environment, we had one postmaster with so many reprimands that she was reassigned to another facility but then was brought back when things cooled down. We have three clerks in our office, and the PTF [part-time flexible clerk] busts her butt working. She just gets treated so horribly and then was told that she had to go. Their union seemed to do nothing about it.

Its so frustrating. As a mail carrier, I take pride in my work. I do like my job. But there was a [postal worker] suicide on the East Coast, and there is a reason postal carriers go postal. Our manager is a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

WSWS: Would you tell us your thoughts about the union, the National Rural Letter Carriers Association?

Tina: We dont feel the union is working for us anymore. We actually found them in the office together [the union steward and management], and the union said there was nothing we could do about the RRECS results. Conditions are so bad; we cant get subs, its just insane. As rural carriers, we have a contract, and I was told our contract was null and void with RRECS, according to my district rep. So much for a contract!

WSWS: The union initially filed a Step 4 national grievance against the RRECS results. What is going on with that grievance?

Tina: We are not sure where they are on the grievance. They havent said anything.

WSWS: The World Socialist Web Site is calling on postal workers to build rank-and-file committees in order to unite and organize postal workers across crafts, uniting logistics workers across industries in a genuine struggle. What are your thoughts?

Tina: Im absolutely for a committee. I dont engage with the union. I called the union, and he said our contract was out the window. I read your article, and I was on fire. I think we should be able to strike. Everyone in our office has talked about walking out. People need to know that they have a voice.
The following is a statement by the GM Flint Rank-and-File Committee calling on workers to mobilize against the drastic cuts in working hours for temporary workers at the Flint Truck Assembly plant. To contact the committee and get involved, email gm.flint.rfc@gmail.com or fill out the form at the end of the statement. Sign up for text message updates on the Big Three contract fight by texting AUTO to (866) 847-1086.

Brothers and Sisters,

General Motors is driving temporary workers at the Flint Truck Assembly plant to the point of destitution. Many temporary workers have been reduced to just one or two days of work a week. Many of our co-workers are being forced to take on second or third jobs or leave the plant altogether.

Flint GM workers leaving after first shift

One temp worker on the chassis line told our committee, I had my hours cut to just one day. Management made me go down to Saturdays only, but we havent worked on Saturday for weeks! This isnt just me; theyve cut the TPT [temporary part-time] hours for nearly everyone else on our line. I had to get a second job and have to drive half an hour away cause I need money to live and can't pay my bills. Ive been late on my rent twice. We are being given no reason. Management and the union said theyre doing this all over the plant. But thats not explaining anything!

Another temp worker reported, Last month my rent increased by $150 to $700, so I had to move. My new apartment is $650, so Im still paying $100 more plus I had to shell out $1,600 for the first and last month and a security deposit. I had to take out a $1,000 loan! Meanwhile, my hours have been cut to two days a week. On top of this, food prices are going up drastically.

International President Shawn Fain, Vice President Mike Booth and Region 1D Director Steve Dawes have not issued a single word of protest let alone done anything to oppose this. After workers complained about the abuse of temps on the Local 598 app, the UAW chairman replied that he didnt like the randomness, favoritism, and the up and down of TPT hours, but made absolutely no proposals to stop it.

This is further proof that there are two opposing forces in the union: first, the rank-and-file workers who produced GMs $9.9 billion in profits last year with our blood, sweat and tears; and, second, the army of union bureaucrats who live off our dues and enjoy salaries that are five, six and seven times more than an ordinary worker, let alone a part-time worker. These people do not represent us, they represent the company. Their main job is to stamp out our struggle for decent wages, secure jobs, benefits, and safety.

The timing of these cuts is not a coincidence. In the run-up to the expiration of our contract, the company and the UAW bureaucracy want to create as much economic desperation as possible in the hopes they can get workers to swallow another rotten contract by dangling another signing bonus in front of them. We say: Beware! As Clarios workers know from their recently betrayed 40-day strike and as veteran workers know, the bigger the (heavily taxed) signing bonus, the bigger the sellout.

By attacking temps and cutting their hours, management is seeking to weaken and divide all of us. Remember what used to be the First Commandment of the labor movement: An injury to one is an injury to all! The UAW bureaucrats might spit on that tradition but the GM Flint Rank-and-File Committee is deadly serious about defending it. Temps and full-time workers share the same interests, work the same jobs and face the same unsafe conditionsand we must defend each other!

Our committee demands that all temps hours be reinstated so that workers are not being starved of income in the run-up to a potential strike.

Fain claims he wants to abolish tiers and restore COLA. As workers say, He talks a good game, but its a dog and pony show. Fain was on the UAW-Chrysler Negotiating Committee in 2009 that agreed to the elimination of COLA, the vast expansion of the hated two-tier system and the exploitation of SEs (Supplemental Employees) and TPTs (Temporary Part-Time).

While Fain has been talking tough and staging photo-ops ahead of contract negotiations, the UAW president was elected by less than 3 percent of rank-and-file members in a fraudulent election last fall. The new leaders of the UAW showed their true colors by selling out the 40-day Clarios strike and sanctioning the handling of scab batteries at the assembly plants, including ours.

It has recently come to light that the UAW bureaucracy has reinstated the policysuspended during the 2019 GM strikewhereby striking workers who take an outside job paying more than $500 a week will not get a penny in strike pay.

GM workers picket at Flint Assembly during strike

While temps hours are being slashed at GM Flint, Stellantis workers at Warren Truck, Jefferson, Kokomo Engine and other plants have been put on critical status, which allows management to impose seven-day work schedules of up to 12 hours a day. By sanctioning this, the UAW is allowing Stellantis to stockpile vehicles in advance of a potential strike.

Most important, Fain held a private White House meeting with President Biden last week. What transpired has not been disclosed. However, Biden is a highly experienced political representative of big business, who outlawed a strike by 110,000 railroad workers last year and imposed a pro-company contract that the workers have previously rejected. Biden, who is also intervening in the UPS talks, is working with the union bureaucracies to prevent any strike that 1) undermines the profit interests of the corporations and 2) interferes with the war against Russia and preparations for a bigger war against China.

The Big Three and the Biden administration have a strategy to make workers pay the full cost of the transition to EVs through drastic cuts in jobs, wages and conditions. The UAW apparatus is working to accommodate them in order to collect union dues from impoverished workers at EV facilities.

Rank-and-file workers must have a strategy of our own!

A struggle must be waged now to build up momentum for a genuine, not phony, fight to eliminate all tiers, along with the demands for no layoffs or plant closures and bringing back COLA and fully paid pensions for all. Our committee, which is part of the Autoworkers Rank-and-File Committee Network and the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees, also calls for:

An end to all tiers and progression wage schemes

Transfer of all temporary and part-time workers to full-time status, with full pay and benefits

Rank-and-file control over line speed and safety.

Live-stream all negotiations! No backroom talks, no closed-door deals



We urge workers to join and build the GM Flint Rank-and-File Committee to prepare an all out strike by all Big Three autoworkers, and to link up with broader sections of workers in the US and internationally, from the striking actors and writers and the Canadian dockworkers to the UPS and Yellow freight drivers. We urge you to read and distribute the statement What autoworkers need to win the 2023 Big Three contract battle and join the fight to transfer power and decision making from the UAW apparatus to workers on the shop floor. The outcome of this struggle depends upon what workers decide to do. Make the decision to join the movement for rank-and-file power!

To contact the committee and get involved, email gm.flint.rfc@gmail.com or fill out the form below. Sign up for text message updates on the Big Three contract fight by texting AUTO to (866) 847-1086.
Work at Yellow? Tell us what you think about the pension crisis and the last-minute deal with the Teamsters to block a strike. All submissions will be kept anonymous.

A Yellow Freight/Roadway Express truck travels east on I-70, near Lecompton, Kansas. [AP Photo/Orlin Wagner]

Workers at freight trucking company Yellow are furious over the ongoing refusal of the company to pay its pension obligations in the Midwest and South. On July 15, claiming they were on the verge of bankruptcy, Yellow officials refused to pay a contractually obligated $50 million into the Teamsters Central States Pension Funds. Yellow retirees are already paid at a three-quarters reduced rate.

The Teamsters bureaucracy declared it would call a strike by Monday, but on Sunday afternoon it reversed itself, announcing a deal giving the company another 30 days to pay what it owes. But given the fact that the company already unilaterally decided not to pay on July 15, there is no reason to assume it will do so under the new deadline. While the company claims it has no money to pay its pension obligations, all of its remaining cash is being diverted to paying its major creditors. This includes the notorious corporate raiding firm Apollo Global Management, which has half a trillion dollars in assets. The US government is also a major debt holder after issuing Yellow a $700 million pandemic aid loan.

While the deal does nothing to resolve the crisis for workers, it buys the Teamsters bureaucracy crucial time. This week the total focus of the apparatus, under General President Sean OBrien, is getting a tentative agreement at UPS to prevent a strike by 340,000 workers. The union, adapting its rhetoric to rank-and-file anger, has pledged to strike by August 1 if it does not reach a deal. But its last-minute deal with Yellow is a warning to UPS workers that the bureaucracy is prepared to do the exact same thing at UPS. Moreover, the last thing the bureaucracy wanted in the final days before the deadline at UPS was a strike at Yellow, which would only embolden workers at UPS and around the country.

Yellow management is terrible, one worker from Ohio told the WSWS. They are always fighting with union workers. In 2019, there were over 50,000 Teamsters at Yellow. Now? Only 22,000. But management is still the same. After the $700 million bailout from the taxpayers, Yellow management gave themselves a bonus. Can anyone answer why they deserved that? Yellow has destroyed every company they bought up in recent years: Preston, Roadway, Holland, New Penn, etc.

A worker from Alabama, writing before the Sunday agreement, said he believed the Teamsters were prepared to sanction massive job cuts. It is hard to think that both the company and the union are willing to let 22,000 people be put out of work. Thats 22,000 families that will be affected by this. The union is saying that they want Yellow to just disappear. That is people who will be out of work, while the fat cat union bosses still get their paychecks. Unbelievable.

A Yellow warehouse worker from Texas described inhuman living conditions. I make only $16 an hour and work only 16 to 25 hours a week, with no benefits. Im homeless with five kids.

Workers anger was also expressed in the wide turnout for a meeting on Yellow this past Sunday, which was sponsored by the UPS Workers Rank-and-File Committee. More than 300 workers registered for the call from Yellow, UPS and other companies. The meeting laid out a strategy to unite logistics workers with workers in other industries, on the basis of a rebellion against the corrupt union apparatus. The ability of workers to defeat the [betrayals] depends on their unity, the Committees advertisement for the meeting said. Workers real allies are their brothers and sisters in the working class around the world, not strikebreaking Democrats and Republicans.

Reporters from the WSWS spoke with Yellow freight drivers in the Detroit area on Monday afternoon. Tim, a veteran driver, said, I want my damned pension back. Ive been working here and before that at Roadway [which merged with Yellow in 2009 to form YRC] for more than three decades. They need to get rid of the entire upper management. I dont believe theyre really out of money. You dont stay in business this long to suddenly just run out of money.

This agreement doesnt do anything but give them 30 more days. Theres no guarantee theyll pay anything by then. They better resolve this quick. Ive been hearing in the talks with the Teamsters, theyre talking about $11 an hour or so, total. But for what? We dont know how much of that goes to wages, to pensions.

The fact that theyd been paying into my pension at a one-quarter rate affects me a god-damn lot. When I was at Roadway, I was going to retire with a decent pension. Not anymore. But Yellow just buys up other companies just to survive. Thats how they operate.

He continued, Everyone is tired of corporate America getting all of the money. Did [Yellow CEO] Darren Hawkins get his pay or benefits cut? No, he didnt, they say because hes on a contract. But I have a contract too. This company has been around for 100 years. But its worthless if you dont have competent people in charge.

When asked his thoughts on the development of strikes around the country and the world, he replied, The bottom line is, everyone is fed up with corporate greed. You look at whats happening in the auto industry. WSWS reporters pointed out that more than a dozen top former UAW officials have been convicted of bribery and corruption charges. And you dont think that happens here? he asked. And who ends up getting screwed? The workers.

Dennis said the pensions arent fair to the guys who built this company. Without us truckers delivering the pollen to the hive, youve got nothing.

Asked what he thought about the last-minute deal reached by the Teamsters, he said, Im torn about it. On the one hand, a strike would be very difficult for a lot of people here who are living paycheck to paycheck, and they may even end up losing their jobs. But on the other hand, a strike would go a long way to set things straight. The company has tons of money. They got a government bailout. Where did that money go? Why didnt Yellow go to the bank earlier instead of playing the no money game now, last minute?

When a WSWS reporter said that the agreement with the Teamsters did not resolve anything, he replied, No, it doesnt. They have this plan to streamline the company, called One Yellow, into this freight giant. They want to reopen the contract a year earlier to cut even more, when were already the lowest-paid LTL (less-than-truckload) trucking company.

Dennis used to work as a truck driver at General Motors in Flint before switching to Yellow. Years ago, General Motors decided to get rid of their in-house trucking, so those people lost their jobs and instead they outsourced it to third-party companies, which is what I was doing. He spoke with contempt about the United Auto Workers, which has spent years enforcing one sellout after another. The WSWS reporters explained how the UAW bureaucracy, like the Teamsters, has elevated a so-called reformerShawn Fain to refurbish the image of the bureaucracy and try to contain workers opposition. Like OBrien, Fain has a long record of imposing sellout contracts.

The reporters spoke to Dennis about the experience of the UPS Workers Rank-and-File Committee and how committees were being organized by workers around the world to transfer power from the union apparatus to workers on the shop floor. He expressed interest in learning more and took additional flyers to hand to his co-workers.

Christian said, They are laying off a lot of people. At this location, theyve laid off five or six truckers. The people driving the straight trucks have been laid off. So have the casual drivers, who drive the smallest box trucks, and dont have a CDL (Commercial Drivers License). When asked how the layoffs have affected workers inside the facility, he said, I was just wondering that, pulling into the lot and looking at all of the empty spaces. Who is even left among the dockworkers? I may end up having to help load my own truck today.

When WSWS reporters told Christian about the meeting held on Yellow by the UPS Workers Rank-and-File Committee, he said, Thats a good idea. We should unite with UPS workers. In some ways its better there, its a more lucrative company. But I know the workers there are also hurting. They dont have air conditioning in their trucks. Here, they have AC in our trucks and they more or less keep them up.

Work at Yellow? Tell us what you think about the pension crisis and the last-minute deal with the Teamsters to block a strike. All submissions will be kept anonymous.
Two months after the convening of the Joint Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (CPMI) to investigate the January 8, 2023, coup attempt by supporters of Brazils fascistic former president Jair Bolsonaro, its real political content has become clear: the CPMI, supposedly the countrys highest democratic investigative body into that conspiracy, is hostage to the Bolsonaro conspirators themselves and to their protectors in the judicial, military and police apparatus.

Pro-Bolsonaro demonstrators invade Brazilian government buildings. [Photo: Marcelo Camargo/Agencia Brasil]

The anti-democratic character with which the dominant factions of the Brazilian ruling class are dealing with the coup plot is exposed in the CPMI leaderships acceptance that the data used to prosecute and arrest key authorities involved in the coup plot be accessed under draconian rules in a secret room in the Senate, hidden from the population.

The use of the secret room was an imposition of the all-powerful Supreme Court (STF) justice, Alexandre de Moraes, who conducts, without any supervision and with the cowardly connivance of the elected authorities, a secret inquiry upon which all relevant judicial measures against key figures of Bolsonarismo are based.

Committed to securing capitalist stability at any cost and unable and unwilling to make any appeal to the working class, the Workers Party government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of the Workers Party (PT) endorses any measure taken by Moraes in his unchecked inquiry. It operates in the vain hope of neutralizing Bolsonaro, while absolving the rotten political system that created him, of which the PT itself is a crucial part.

According to Moraes demands, in order to access the plethora of evidence of the coup plot already collected by the police and intelligence apparatus under his control, senators and deputies who make up the CPMI will have to access a safe room in the basement of the Senate without any instruments other than paper and pen, leaving their cell phones out. All their activity will be monitored remotelythe room is watched by cameras, and computers with access to documents will monitor who accessed what material and for how long. Members of Congress will be able to appoint only one aide each to assist them in the task.

Such restrictive procedures prevent any serious analysis of the documentation. Justice Moraes, with an army of experts and cops at his disposal, remains the only one to have a complete picture of the conspiracy. Far from using any parliamentary procedure to assert the authority of elected representatives to investigate the highest of crimes against Brazils limited democracy which they all claim to defend, senators and deputies have slavishly accepted the impositions and are so far waiting for the data requested from Moraes to be shared.

The CPMIs request to access the data from Moraes secret investigation is aimed at resolving a contradiction that has become apparent in the first two months of the bodys workits lack of autonomy from the military, from the Bolsonaro loyalists themselves, who make up a fifth of Congress and are represented on the commission, and from the Lula government. The PTs sole aim is to restore public confidence in the security forces implicated in the coup and to appease its more authoritarian elements with the promise of billions of reais in arms purchases and investments in the national arms industry, from which the armed forces extract fortunes in royalties.

As a result, the CPMI has so far followed in the footsteps of the Moraes-led investigation, seeking testimony from figures already publicly indicted by the minister, and thus seen as easy targets. Despite a long list of already approved summonses that include powerful figures in the conspiracy, such as the ultra-reactionary former head of Brazilian intelligence under Bolsonaro, Gen. Augusto Heleno, the main testimony so far has been that of Bolsonaros former aide-de-camp, Col. Mauro Cid. Cid was caught in possession of messages exposing a plan to overturn the power of the electoral authorities and impose a pro-Bolsonaro provisional government.

The example of Cid is emblematic of the contradictions that run through the CPMI. Cid is being held in pre-trial detention by order of Moraes, but when he attended the CPMI hearing he wore his full dress Army uniform and decorations. As was immediately disclosed, the direction for Cid to wear military attire was given directly by the Army high command, in a clear sign of intimidation against the civilian authorities. The former vice-president under Bolsonaro and current senator, Gen. Hamilton Mourao, reinforced the militarys message by posting on Twitter on the day of the hearing that for us SOLDIERS, loyalty and camaraderie are NON-NEGOTIABLE values, that is, above loyalty to the civilian constitution.

During his few weeks in prison, Cid has received no fewer than 73 visits, including from the first army commander appointed by Lula for his third termand sacked a month laterGen. Julio Cesar Arruda.

Cids testimony to the CPMI consisted of remaining silent for seven hours. To cover up their own cowardice, pro-government deputies filled the evening papers with reactionary hysteria about Cids abuse of the right to silence, which did nothing to change the fact that the military remains untouched by the investigation. On the same day, Lulas own Defense minister defended Cids wearing his uniform and denied the involvement of high-ranking military personnel in the coup plot.

The governments cowardice has been a hallmark of the CPMI ever since its preparation. Lulas administration has never hidden its preference for the entire investigation to be left to Moraes; that would keep it behind closed doors and allow negotiations to target convenient scapegoats while guarding the political system.

The political calculations made by the Brazilian ruling class about the benefits of a Bolsonaro dictatorship were so open and broad that a real investigation of the coup plot would amount to an indictment of the entire political order. At the top of the huge queue of indictees would be the PT governments allies in Congress.

Until six months ago, the PT accused its current allies of being accomplices to genocide for blocking the investigation of Bolsonaro for promoting the maximum possible contamination of the Brazilian population since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But, despite such maneuvers, the deep ramifications of the conspiracy in the state apparatus continue to emerge every day. A lengthy June 20 article in the British Financial Times chronicled an unprecedented series of behind-the-scenes visits to Brazil by senior US diplomatic, intelligence and military officials in 2021 and 2022. Based on the testimony of key participants, it reports on several discussions aimed at convincing the Brazilian military not to support a coup led by Bolsonaro.

The article revealed that the then commander of the Brazilian Navy, Adm. Almir Garnier Santos, was the most difficult to dissuade. It also names, according to former top State Department official Tom Shannon, Bolsonaros vice president, General Mourao, as one of the Brazilian officials approached at a July 2022 business event in New York to address the coup threat.

The accounts given by senior US foreign policy officialsendorsed by several other reportshave so far been completely ignored by all investigations into the coup attempt. There is no sign of a call by the CPMI for clarification from General Mourao, Admiral Garnier, or any diplomatic official from Brazil or the US.

At the same time, the FTs article exposes the enormous imperialist pressures on the Lula government. Despite perfunctory claims that Its Brazilian institutions that really made sure that the elections took place, the message from US officials is that Lula is their hostage. As Shannon declares, Washington sees Lulas questioning of its war policies against Russia and China as simply unacceptable: Its as if he doesnt know or doesnt want to acknowledge what we did.

US imperialism, the chief sponsor of coups and bloody dictatorships in Latin America for over a century, wants to make clear that whatever the tactical considerations behind its opposition to a coup by Bolsonaro, the only thing standing in the way of Washington supporting the PT governments overthrow are calculations based upon political expedience.

Such threats are in themselves an additional factor of instability, exposing the PTs fragility not only in the face of its enemies on the far right, but more fundamentally in confronting the Brazilian working class. It is only the working class, independently mobilized on the basis of a socialist and internationalist perspectiveand not the police state being built around the all-powerful Justice Moraesthat will bury once and for all the fascist and imperialist threat to Brazil by attacking its root cause: the rotten international capitalist system.
On Monday, just before the Knessets summer recess, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus coalition, consisting of his right-wing Likud Party, ultra-religious parties and fascist parties based on settlers on the West Bank, rammed through the first in a series of laws aimed at curtailing the powers of the Supreme Court.

The bill passed 64-0 after the opposition boycotted the vote in protest and stormed out of the chamber, chanting shame. There are 56 members in the various opposition parties, so Netanyahus bid for absolute power by ending judicial oversight of his government is based on a narrow majority.

The law, enacted as a Basic Law that is the nearest Israel has to a constitution, ends the Courts power to strike down the decisions of elected officials on the grounds of unreasonableness, by granting the Knesset the power to overturn the Courts ruling with a simple majority.

Demonstrators block the traffic on a highway crossing the city during a protest against Netanyahu's dictatorial measures aimed at the judicial system, in Tel Aviv, Monday, July 24, 2023. [AP Photo/ Oded Balilty]

It will enable Netanyahu to reappoint his key ally, Shas party leader Aryeh Deri, as head of the Health and Interior Ministries, an action the Supreme Court overturned as being unreasonable due to Deris multiple convictions for fraud, bribery and tax evasion, as well as his pledge as part of a plea bargain not to seek public office again.

Even more importantly, the legislation will enable Netanyahu to press ahead with other dictatorial measures, secure in the knowledge that the Courtthe only state institution that is able to hold Israels single-chamber parliament to account and which his right-wing cabal does not controlwill be unable to overturn them. It will also facilitate legal moves that will enable Netanyahu, currently on trial on corruption charges that could put him behind bars for years, to evade conviction or see his case dismissed.

Netanyahus fascistic coalition partners are openly bragging about their power to do whatever they like. They have long railed against the Court for its occasional restrictions on the settler outposts, deemed illegal even under Israeli law. Speaking to reporters after the bill became law, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, a settler leader who heads the fascistic Jewish Power, said the passage of the law was only the beginning and that There are many more laws we need to pass as part of the judicial overhaul.

Netanyahu has pledged to defy international law and annex the West Bank, illegally occupied by Israel since the 1967 war with its Arab neighbours. This land seizure is in pursuit of his coalitions twin aims of establishing a Jewish-supremacist state in both Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories and increasing the power of the religious authorities over everyday life.

Far-right ministers have called for laws banning Arab parties from participating in elections and discriminating against Israels own Palestinian citizens, as well as gay and non-religious people, and enforcing gender separation in public places. Their next step is legislation granting the government greater power in appointing the judiciary.

Mondays passage of the reasonableness override law took place in the face of the largest demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday that Israel has ever seen, a movement that Netanyahu says is endangering Israels democratic system.

Tens of thousands took part in a five-day march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in scorching heat to protest outside the Knesset on Saturday, while more than 100,000 people flocked to Tel Aviv on Saturday evening for the 29th consecutive week of demonstrations, and similar numbers took part in rallies in towns and cities across the country. Israels doctors went on a two-hour strike in protest, while tens of thousands of protesters shut down roads and infrastructure, sparking fears of violent confrontations between protesters and the governments far-right supporters.

More than 10,000 army reservistsincluding hundreds of air force pilots, cyber warfare experts, and commanders of elite units upon which the IDF dependshave announced they will refuse to serve if the judicial coup goes ahead, saying they are unwilling to continue risking their lives for a government that is no longer democratic. Netanyahu has lambasted them for crossing a red line when Israel faces external threats and depends upon a reservist army. Security and defence officials have written to the government warning that this could have a significant impact on the air force and its operational readiness.

The unprecedented opposition to the Netanyahu governments abandonment of bourgeois-democratic norms is fuelled as well by the widespread economic hardships produced by the soaring cost of living, including the sky-high cost of housing, as well as deepening concerns over failing public services, such as education, health and transport, and the increasing role of ultra-orthodox religious groups over everyday life. No less important are the deep fears that the US-NATO-led war in Ukraine against Russia will escalate into a far broader conflagration, even as the government stokes war against the Palestinians, Iran and Irans allies in the region.

It is expected that the Supreme Court will review the legislation and strike it down, leading to a constitutional showdown with the government and a broader political crisis that commentators fear could escalate into civil war.

The Movement for Quality Government argues that the law is unconstitutional, as it fundamentally changes the basic structure of Israeli parliamentary democracy and the nature of the regime, while de facto abolishing the judiciary and seriously damaging the delicate fabric of the separation of powers and the system of checks and balances in the State of Israel. It has petitioned the Court to rule against the law, saying, The government of destruction has raised its malicious hand against the State of Israel; now its the Supreme Courts turn to step up and prevent this legislation.

Mass rallies against the bill continued on Monday, with protesters blocking roads, to which the police responded by using water cannon to disperse them and arresting at least 20 people. Israels Medical Association has announced a 24-hour hospital strike for Tuesday.

The self-proclaimed opposition leaders, including former ministers, generals and security and intelligence officials, many of whom have served under Netanyahu, have pledged to continue the anti-government demonstrations and rallies. They have no fundamental policy differences with the government, but fear that Netanyahu is going too far in establishing a personalist dictatorship based on fascist and ultra-religious groups, which will destabilize the country politically and socially. Israel is one of the most unequal countries in the world, with enormous wealth accumulated by a handful of super-rich families, while most Israeli workers, Jewish and Arab alike, struggle to survive.

Like former Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Defence Minister Benny Gantz, they are no less committed than Israels far-right government to the Zionist state and its oppression of the Palestinian people. They have drowned the mass rallies in a sea of Israeli flags and refused to make any appeal to Israels Palestinian citizens, much less to the Palestinians in the occupied territories, who have long suffered under Israels savage military repression and brazen vigilante and settler violenceall upheld by the Supreme Court and reinforced by the protest leaders when they were in office.

These opposition leaders sought to negotiate with Netanyahufruitlessly as it turned out--after he agreed to pause the legislation at the end of March in the face of the largest outpouring of popular opposition in Israels history, which included massive street protests and a full-scale walkout by large sections of the Israeli working class.

Lapid and Gantz duly fell in line and gave Netanyahu their full-throated support when he used the pause to mount a series of criminal provocations against the Palestinians in the West Bank, which Israel has illegally occupied for 56 years. They also backed his military operations against Iran, Syria and Lebanon, whose aim was to deflect tensions outwards and create a sense of national unity.

Now Lapid has promised to petition the High Court against the new law, calling it an abuse of power, while urging military reservists to wait before pulling out of military service, saying, Dont stop serving, while we still dont know the High Court of Justices ruling.

The working class has the power to bring down Netanyahus far-right coalition through a general strike, which would have the support of the majority of the Israeli population. However, a major obstacle has been the corporatist Histadrut trade union federation, which has from its establishment been committed to the Zionist project. It has refused to mobilise its members against the government, pushing frantically for some kind of mediation or compromise. The only time in the last seven months of mass weekly protests that Histadrut chief Arnon Bar-David called a general strike was in response to Netanyahus sacking of his defence minister Yoav Gallant after Gallant had called on him to abandon the plan to neuter the judiciary because the political conflict over it was splitting the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).

Now Bar-David, who is coming under increasing pressure to call a strike, is preparing a token stoppage to allow his members to let off steam. He declared, From this moment on any unilateral advancement of the reform will have grave consequences, up to and including a full strike of workers unions throughout the country. No trust can be placed in this faithful servant of the Israeli bourgeoisie.

It poses the urgent necessity of breaking the stranglehold of the reactionary Zionist leadership of the protest movement and fighting to unite Arab and Jewish workers, along with workers internationally, in a common struggle to defend jobs, living standards and democratic rights, including those of the Palestinian people. This can only be done based on the programme and perspective of international socialism.
QUITO, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso declared on Monday a 60-day state of emergency in the country's three violence-roiled regions.

"We decided to declare a state of emergency and curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. in the provinces of Manabi and Los Rios, and in the canton of Duran in Guayas province," Lasso announced on social media.

The decree, which will take effect immediately, came after Agustin Intriago, mayor of the coastal city of Manta, was assassinated Sunday in an armed attack.

Lasso called for a meeting on Tuesday with local authorities and the Security Council to discuss how to address the surge of violence, particularly along the coast, which has witnessed a rash of shootings in recent months. 
Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, speaks at a symposium themed "Chinese modernization and the national rejuvenation" in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, July 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

NANJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A symposium themed "Chinese modernization and the national rejuvenation" was held Tuesday in Nanjing, the capital city of east China's Jiangsu Province.

Over 150 representatives from both sides of the Taiwan Strait attended the event.

Speaking at the event, Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, urged compatriots across the Strait to thoroughly understand that all the compatriots can do well only when the country and nation do well.

He emphasized upholding the 1992 Consensus, opposing "Taiwan independence" and adhering to the correct direction for the development of cross-Strait relations, calling for efforts to push the relations back to the right track of peaceful development and make more contributions to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Hung Hsiu-chu, former chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang party who attended the symposium, said the current generation should take on the responsibility of leading cross-Strait relations out of jeopardy and towards peace.

She called on Taiwan compatriots to seize the opportunity and actively take part in Chinese modernization, achieve better development for themselves and help advance national rejuvenation. 

Hung Hsiu-chu, former chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang party, speaks at a symposium themed "Chinese modernization and the national rejuvenation" in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, July 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Bo)
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has stressed the need to strengthen all-around military governance.

Presiding over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on Monday, Xi called for promoting high-quality development of the armed forces with high-level governance.

The session was convened ahead of China's Army Day, which falls on Aug. 1. 
SHIBERGHAN, Afghanistan, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Provincial authorities set on fire three tons of expired and poor quality medicine in northern Afghanistan's Jawzjan province on Tuesday, said Akhtar Mohammad Mansour, an provincial health official.

The poor-quality and expired medicine had been collected from drug stores and private hospitals over the past several weeks, the official added.

Health officials have in the past collected and burned expired medicine and foodstuff in Kabul and Kandahar. 
All four individuals reportedly went missing after their respective vehicles were submerged in the flood waters

Xinhua/Shutterstock

Four people, including two children, have been reported missing after the Canadian province of Nova Scotia experienced extreme rainfall that caused major flooding over the weekend.

According to police, all four people went missing after their respective vehicles were submerged in the flood waters, BBC News reports.

Police said the missing children were the only two of the five total passengers unable to escape from their car, reports the BBC.

Related: Body of 2-Year-Old Girl Found After She and Brother Swept Away by Pennsylvania Flood

The same goes for the other two people missing, a man and another young individual, as the two other passengers were rescued from their vehicle, reports the BBC. Officials have discouraged residents from assisting in the search for the missing individuals because of the emergency weather conditions, the outlet noted.

Xinhua/Shutterstock

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Police said this is the heaviest rainfall Nova Scotia has experienced in 50 years, amid three months of rain falling in some areas within the Atlantic region in just 24 hours, according to BBC News.

There was widespread flooding throughout Lunenburg County, west of Nova Scotia's capital Halifax, reports the Associated Press. In the Hammonds Plains area, the same region where 151 homes and businesses were destroyed by wildfires on May 28, driveways were washed out. Halifax Search and Rescue needed boats to rescue people in the Bedford area, the AP reports.

BBC News also reported that thousands of homes are now without electricity, leaving over 80,000 residents without power, due to the biblical proportions of rain, as Halifax Mayor Mike Savage put it at a press conference.



Related: At Least 26 Dead, Thousands Evacuated Following Landslides and Floods in South Korea

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Several roads were also washed away, along with bridges weakened by the water damage.

"We have a scary, significant situation, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said of replacing or rebuilding seven bridges at a news conference, per BBC.



He added that "the property damage to homes ... is pretty unimaginable, as he estimated it to take several days for the rainwater to recede.

"People should not assume that everything is over. This is a very dynamic situation," Savage said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke to Houston about the flooding, according to a statement from his office. "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 statement read. "He also acknowledged the strength of Nova Scotians, who are coming together in hard times and showing up for each other."

Trudeau also told reporters in Toronto that the federal government "will be there" for Nova Scotia, per Reuters.

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The latest ruling on large cruise ships could disrupt hundreds of cruise plans when it goes into effect

Getty Another Major City Has Just Banned Cruise Ships

The crackdown on cruises is expanding to another major city.

In a multi-step effort to tame what they call nuisance tourism, leaders in this tourist-favorite city are looking to place limits on cruise ships.

Amsterdam city officials confirmed Friday that they voted to ban cruise ships from disembarking passengers in the downtown area or docking at a terminal near the center of the Dutch capital.

The ban comes as the latest effort by city officials to cut down on the high volume of tourists coming into the city each year and to prevent air pollution.

Related: Would You Take a 3-Year Cruise? Ship Will Visit 135 Countries on All 7 Continents for $30,000 Per Year

The political party D66 said in an announcement on Thursday that a majority of the city council voted in favor of the proposal. The liberal political party has a strong focus on combating climate issues.

"Cruise ships in the center of the city don't fit in with Amsterdam's task of cutting the number of tourists," said D66 party leader Ilana Rooderkerk.

Rooderkerk also recently compared cruise tourists to a type of "plague of locusts" when they descend the ship to spend a short time in the city all at once.

Related: These Cruise Ships Have the Highest and Lowest Sanitation Scores in 2023

Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Amsterdam Bans Cruise Ships from City Center

The ban is the latest step in the endeavor to clean up the city. Prior measures include restricting marijuana use in the citys Red Light District and even pleading with male travelers who planned on hosting their bachelor parties there against visiting the city.

Visitors remain welcome, but not if they misbehave and cause a nuisance. Then we as a city say: rather not, stay away, Deputy Mayor Sofyan Mbarki said in a statement earlier this year. To keep our city livable, we now opt for limitations instead of irresponsible growth.

The goal of lowering air pollution levels in Amsterdam is the other motivation for preventing cruise ships from docking in the capital, of which there are more than 100 every year per the BBC. A 2021 study of nearly one 3,000-person cruise ship found that it had produced the same levels of nitrogen oxides in one day as 30,000 trucks.

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Related: World's Largest Cruise Ship Sets Sail for the First Time in Initial Sea Trial  See Photos!

Dick de Graaff, director of Cruise Port Amsterdam said that 114 ships were slated to stop in Amsterdam this year, per the Associated Press. Next year? 130 were expected to pass in.

"There is no immediate closing of the terminal. The councils call is to relocate the terminal  and we await a follow up from the alderman on investigations, he wrote in an email to AP.

Amsterdam is not the first popular tourist destination in Europe to ban cruise ships from docking in their port. Venice banned the ships from cruising through the city center in July 2021.

The Italian citys goal for the block against the ships was similar to Amsterdams hope: to preserve and protect the environmental, artistic and cultural heritage of Venice, per a statement from the government at the time via CNN.

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It's showtime for unusual thievery.

Thieves recently targeted the set of Beetlejuice 2 and made off with an iconic prop. An investigation from the Vermont State Police is currently underway after a lamppost and an art sculpture were stolen from the movie's set in East Corinth.

"The investigation is still ongoing and there are no additional updates at this time," police told EW on Monday.

Michael Keaton in 'Beetlejuice'; a sculpture stolen from the set of 'Beetlejuice 2'

Everett Collection; Vermont State Police Michael Keaton in 'Beetlejuice'; a sculpture stolen from the set of 'Beetlejuice 2'

The police tweeted on July 21 about the series of thefts, writing, "We tried saying the name of this stolen statue three times, but it didn't come back." They also shared photographs of the 150-pound sculpture that was part of the robbery, which fans of the 1988 original will recognize as one of Delia Deetz's (Catherine O'Hara) macabre creations that she is entrapped by twice in the film, first when movers struggle to get it in the house in the beginning and again later when Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) brings her art work to life.

State police received an initial report on July 14 that someone had driven a pickup truck up to a large lamppost topped with a distinctive pumpkin decoration, removed it, loaded it into the truck, covered it with a tarp and fled the scene at high speed. Three days later, a second theft was reported: a 150-pound abstract art statue was somehow lifted and stolen from the vicinity of the set's cemetery.

We tried saying the name of this stolen statue three times, but it didn't come back! We're investigating the theft of this 150-pound sculpture from the "Beetlejuice 2" set in E. Corinth, along with a lamppost topped with a pumpkin decoration. Call 802-748-3111 with any info. pic.twitter.com/3NmKEml1AG  Vermont State Police (@VTStatePolice) July 21, 2023

"We're investigating the theft of this 150-pound sculpture from the Beetlejuice 2 set in E. Corinth, along with a lamppost topped with a pumpkin decoration," the tweet reads. "Call 802-748-3111 with any info."

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This isn't the first Hollywood set to be beset by thieves. Last year, antique props estimating nearly $200,000 in value were stolen from the set of The Crown. But it might be the first Hollywood theft that requires a handbook for the recently deceased.

Tim Burton is directing the sequel to his horror-comedy about a newly dead couple who enlist a devious "bio-exorcist" to help scare off the Deetz family who moved into their home. Keaton and O'Hara are both reprising their roles, while Winona Ryder is also set to return as Delia's daughter Lydia, who now has a daughter of her own played by Wednesday star Jenna Ortega.

The sequel film had been slated for a Sept. 6, 2024 release, but could get pushed back given the SAG-AFTRA strike.

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Bobby Lee says his role in HBO's "Sex & the City" revival helped him sober up. (Richard Shotwell / Invision / Associated Press)

Comedian Bobby Lee, who plays Carrie Bradshaw's podcast co-host Jackie Nee in HBO's "And Just Like That...," says he's been sober for a year and a half and partially credits his role in the "Sex and the City" revival for getting him there.

The actor and podcast host openly discussed his time in rehab and his struggle with drugs and alcohol, revealing on the "Broad Ideas With Rachel Bilson" podcast on Tuesday that there was a Season 1 moment during production that easily could have been a "career ender."

"When I was using  this was the most horrifying thing  so I was in Hawaii and I was blackout drunk and my agent calls and [says,] 'They need you in New York tomorrow,'" he said in the episode, which was recorded prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike that bars actors from promoting their guild contract work.

Read more: 'And Just Like That...' was a jolt for 'Sex and the City' fans. For Season 2, they have suggestions

"This is one of the reasons why I'm sober. So I get on a plane, go to New York," he continued, but on the plane ride, he decided to "get sfaced" because he didn't think he had to work until the next day. Lee said he took 600 milligrams of THC and "was in a blackout" when he landed.

The 51-year-old soon learned that the driver who picked him up was not taking him to his hotel but directly to set to begin shooting. Lee said he didn't even know what he was shooting, and his "face just split open" and he "became drenched with sweat."

"I remember going [to set] being so high and drunk, and when I was reading the paper, the script, I couldn't even understand what the f it was even saying," he recalled. "And it was the most difficult scene too. I had to cross a street with [Sarah Jessica Parker] in the middle of New York."

The actors had to keep waiting for green traffic lights to shoot the scene, then crossing back after to reset, further complicating the dialogue that he had to initiate for the scene.

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"I couldn't say the first line," he said. "It was a nightmare. I remember saying to myself ... I remember going, 'This is never going to happen again.' I had to get sober. This is insane."

Read more: Miranda and Che take L.A. in 'And Just Like That' ... and their actors have some theories about fan backlash

The "Bad Friends" and "TigerBelly" podcast host said he never told Parker  who had to be on a plane to France the next day  but noted that photos from that shoot had circulated online.

"It's how insane our disease gets, you know. That couldve been a career ender," he said. "I know, it was a huge opportunity. It's insane what my disease does to me."

Sign up for L.A. Goes Out, a weekly newsletter about exploring and experiencing Los Angeles from the L.A. Times.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Walk around or near the National Mall in Washington, D.C. and chances are you will see the name David Rubenstein.

The co-founder of The Carlyle Group has funded restorations and expansions of the Lincoln Memorial, The Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument, along with the Kennedy Center, the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Library of Congress. All told, Rubenstein has shaped the cultural landscape of the nations capital perhaps more than any other private citizen in the past century, NPR reported in 2020.

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Rubensteins PBS series Iconic America, an eight-part series that has been running since the spring, expands on his philanthropic passions by delving into the origins and history of the meaning of monuments and symbols of the United States, from Fenway Park to the Statue of Liberty to the Hollywood sign.

The latest episode, debuting Tuesday, is perhaps the most controversial: Stone Mountain in Georgia, where the giant images of Confederate figures Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson are carved into hillside, while the area itself is linked to the rebirth of the Ku Klux Klan in 1915. Should Confederate leaders remain on places like Stone Mountain, or should they be erased? Rubenstein says in a preview.

Deadline spoke to Rubenstein about his hopes for the series, why Americas icons have such complicated histories, and how he views the removal of certain symbols of the past. Rubenstein also talks about the future of monuments and what makes them iconic places. On Tuesday, President Joe Biden is designating the latest national monument to honor Emmett Till and his mother.

DEADLINE: First off, the Stone Mountain episode. You said that this may have been the most exhilarating and even an eye opener. Why is that?

RUBENSTEIN: Its the one I knew the least about in terms of the subject matter, even though I had lived in Atlanta. I worked for the Carter campaign in 1976. So I didnt really know much about Stone Mountain. I never had visited before this. And then I was just amazed to learn that the vice president of the United States, Spiro Agnew, came to dedicate it in 1972. You think back on it today  dedicating a monument to a Confederate war heroes  the vice president of the United States. It does seem a little strange, doesnt it?

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I interviewed a number of people who know much more about it than I did, and I was surprised the chairman of Stone Mountain Memorial Association is an African American preacher and he seems to have no problems with doing that.

DEADLINE: Especially when you look back at the history and how it was connected to the KKK.

RUBENSTEIN: Most of the other episodes I knew something about the subject matter and obviously learned more doing it, but this was a clean slate for me.

The racial consciousness of the country was dramatically increased when the George Floyd death occurred. And although it was the death of one person, not many people, and he had not been exactly a hero like Martin Luther King, it really accelerated the racial concerns in this country, and in ways I wouldnt have expected. So if we put this on the air 10 years ago, or 20 years ago, people would say, Well, whats the big deal? I think now people increasingly realize that the Confederacy was not just a harmless kind of thing that was trying to protect state rights. It was really a slavery related phenomenon.

DEADLINE: What gave you the idea for this series?

RUBENSTEIN: Over the years Ive been involved in buying a lot of historic documents and putting them on display for Americans to see, and fixing a lot of historic buildings. And so I was looking for a way to communicate my interest in educating people about American history, and this was a way that was suggested to me, because Americans dont know that much about our history, relatively speaking. And so I thought this was a good way to convey a history lesson to people, and doing in a friendly way and not in a way thats going to be too controversial.

DEADLINE: Are you surprised by how little Americans know about history?

RUBENSTEIN: A survey was done of about two and a half million Americans recently about the citizenship test that naturalized citizens have passed. In 49 of 50 states, a majority of Americans who are born in this country couldnt pass the basic citizenship test.  Two-thirds of Americans cannot tell you the three branches of government. Twenty-five percent of Americans think that Eisenhower was a general during the Civil War. Its just stuff you just kind of roll your eyes. But we dont teach civics very much anymore. We dont teach American history anymore of any consequence. I think probably in China, people know more about our history than people in the United States.

DEADLINE: Lately weve heard so much about the this debate over monuments and symbols. And I often hear the phrase woke and anti-woke. You have said that you yourself had been labeled as as too woke for for helping finance the renovations at Monticello [the home of Thomas Jefferson]. How much of a concern was there that this series would be dragged into these debates?

RUBENSTEIN: There was an article in the New York Post which basically repeated a criticism that the Heritage Foundation had made. The Heritage Foundation had said that when you do a tour of Monticello and Montpelier now, you hear a lot about slavery, and because I put up the money to help redo those places, they accused me of being Mr. Woke. The truth is I have nothing to do with the tours. I basically put up the money. I did say, though, Make the thing realistic. And if there were slave quarters in a certain place, build them out. And so in Mulberry Row, which is the slave quarter part of Monticello, they did build out the slave quarters. But I think if you say its too woke to show that Jefferson was a slave owner, I think thats carrying things too far. In this world, if you try to do anything, youre always going to be criticized. And the best way to avoid criticism is to do nothing. And if you do nothing, though, whats the point of life? So I always try to say, What can I do that could be helpful to country? And Ill do what I think makes the most sense, and if people are going to be upset, what can I do?

DEADLINE: This is a show that features everything from the Statue of Liberty to the Hollywood sign to the Gadsden flag. I what I think is fascinating is that the meaning of these monuments often is different than what they were intended to be.

RUBENSTEIN: Thats true. As you saw, the Statue of Liberty was intended to be a sign of Franco-American friendship and thanking Americans for getting rid of slavery. It had nothing to do with immigration or welcoming immigrants. Because of the Emma Lazarus poem [later added to the monument] and other things, it became the symbol of immigration. So its amazing how these symbols change.

I should add, by the way, on Stone Mountain. I know that some Confederate monuments have been taken down. Its not that difficult to take down a Robert E. Lee memorial statue, but this is something much more complicated. I think it is probably better to keep it there as a way to have people know that there were people who lived it for a period of time and wanted this up there. I think you dont have to destroy every monument or memorial. Sometimes its a good thing to remember what other people thought, as a warning sign to some extent. Obviously getting rid of the the engravings on Stone Mountain would cost an extraordinary amount of money, probably would be too much controversy and not worth the effort. And so I think in some cases, it may be better to keep some things, but make sure people are educated about the plusses and minuses of the place.

Hollywood Hills

DEADLINE: What has been your thinking on the taking down of many of the Confederate monuments, especially after George Floyds death? And did your view change over time?

RUBENSTEIN: Well, yes. My view has basically been this: If a monument is put up solely because somebody was a slave owner, and you want to actually protect the concept of slavery as a good concept, thats probably not a good thing. But take the Washington Monument. There have been some people saying the Washington Monument or Jefferson Memorial should be taken down. Why? Because those were slave owners. Those monuments were not put up because they were slave owners. They were put up for other reasons. So if youre putting up a statue of Robert E. Lee principally because hes a slave owner, who was protecting slavery, thats not something I think necessarily has to stay. I think like 10 of the first 12 presidents were slave owners, and so if you didnt have any monuments or memorials to any of the first 10 presidents, would that be a good idea? Would it be a good idea to take the Washington Monument down? Probably not. So I think it depends on why the monument was put up. Many of these monuments to Robert E. Lee and other people like him, who fought in the Confederacy, were put up really in the beginning of the 20th century, when The Lost Cause was being developed as a concept.

DEADLINE: The Stone Mountain episodes goes into great depth about the origins of the Civil War. Why was it important this episode to point out that slavery was the reason? You go back and look at actual documents.

RUBENSTEIN: The Lost Cause concept developed in the early 20th century. The concept was that the southerners were trying to protect their way of life, that they were interested in protecting states rights, and that really, slavery wasnt so bad, like the slaves actually kind of liked it. They were treated well. And its not true. In the end, it was the need to protect slavery against the perceived Lincoln effort to get rid of slavery that caused the Civil War, in my view. And I think thats more accurate history than to say that the South was fighting for states rights.

DEADLINE: Shifting a bit to the Hollywood sign episode. Had you been there before and what surprised you about its history?

RUBENSTEIN: I had not gone up to the top of the Hollywood sign before. I did not know that the Hollywood sign had been erected because it was a Hollywood Land development company that was trying to sell houses. And so I learned that, and I found that Hollywood sign is actually over Hollywood, but Hollywood movies are no longer made in Hollywood, if ever they were. Theyre made in Burbank or other parts of the Los Angeles area. And Hollywood just became a symbol of the movie-making world. But if you actually go to downtown Hollywood, theres no movie studios there.

DEADLINE: Do you think the lack of access to the sign has impacted the way it has been perceived?

RUBENSTEIN: Not really. You can get you can get up to the Hollywood sign if you want. It has some fences around it, but you can get pretty close to it. But I dont think thats a big problem. The issue is really, what is it about the movie making world that makes peoples peoples hearts flutter? Why is it when somebody sees a movie star as opposed to somebody that won the Nobel Peace Prize, why people seem to be losing all sense of proportion about the importance of the person. Its amazing that if you put somebodys picture up on a big screen, and theyre an actor, and theyre just playing a role, that all of a sudden people become enamored with these people and want to get their autographs or pictures and and idolize them. Whereas if I introduced the five people that won the Nobel Peace Prize, they probably wouldnt care less.

DEADLINE: Do you think that political polarization will make it more difficult to create new monuments?

RUBENSTEIN: Its certainly harder to build monuments and memorials today because you have people who dont like the person who is being immortalized. They can protest it. It may be blocked. So I think its much harder to build monuments and memorials today than it was 50 years ago, 100 years ago for sure.

DEADLINE: You have helped with the revitalization and repair of so many of these monuments. Are there more on your agenda?

RUBENSTEIN: I have a few that Im looking at that I dont want to mention now because if I dont, I dont want people to be upset, people who worked there. But I have a couple that I hope to be able to do in the near future. Theres an infinite number of monuments and memorials. I wish there were more people doing it, but Im doing it now because I enjoy it and I think its a good thing for the country.

DEADLINE: What do you think will happen to Stone Mountain?

RUBENSTEIN: First of all, its the state of Georgia owns it. And the state of Georgia legislature is not likely to want to make a change in it. My view. So I dont think anything will happen anytime soon, or anytime ever. But I think right now, theres just too much political opposition to getting rid of the memorials. And I think its probably not a good idea to get rid of. I think you should use it as a learning tool, kind of show people what people believed in, in the early part of the 20th century and through much of the 20th century.

DEADLINE: What makes a monument an iconic place for people?

RUBENSTEIN: It means something to them. For example, the Washington Monument, its a very simple building. Its not all that complicated. Its more or less an obelisk, but people flock to it because they kind of identify George Washington as a hero of the country and as our first president, the general that won the Revolutionary War and so forth. And so I think monuments or memorials will continue to be built to honor certain causes, or to honor certain people. Take the Vietnam War Memorial. That was very controversial. Many people didnt want it to be built, certainly in the design. Then it turned out to be one of the most popular monuments in Washington. When the Eiffel Tower was built people thought it was the ugliest building ever built. Now it is sort of a symbol of Paris.

Rubenstein is executive producer of the series, which also is available online and for streaming. Other executive producers are Maro Chermayeff, Jeff Dupre, Joshua Bennett and Sam Pollard for Show of Force. John F. Wilson is executive producer for WETA. Bill Gardner is the executive in charge for PBS.

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doja-cat-j-cyrus.jpg 8th Annual Shorty Awards Red Carpet And Awards Ceremony - Credit: Robin Marchant/Getty Images

Doja Cat stan accounts across social media are going dark, the result of an ongoing battle between the Grammy-nominated, rapper-pop star and her fanbase. The hot war has already brought up thorny issues about what exactly celebrities owe their biggest fans. But another major player has been embroiled in the controversy: Dojas long-rumored boyfriend J. Cyrus, who has been accused of manipulating and emotionally abusing members of his Twitch team and community.

While Cyrus (real name Jeffrey Cyrus), doesnt have Dojas name recognition, the creator has spent a long time on the fringes of fame. The Louisiana native first grew popular on the now-defunct short-form video app Vine, reaching 1 million followers with his heavy rotation of comedy characters, freestyle raps, and high-profile collabs with Viners like Gabbie Hanna and Manon Matthews. During the 2016 Shorty Awards, Cyrus was a finalist for Best Vine Comedian. After the app shuttered in 2017, Cyrus successfully pivoted his content to more streamer-focused content. In the past six years, hes gained a small but consistent following on Twitch, where he streams games like Grand Theft Auto using his own accents and characters. On TikTok, Cyrus has over 700,000 followers, where he still posts short-form comedy sketches, this time with a much longer three-minute time limit.

More from Rolling Stone

Cyrus was first linked to Doja Cat, whose real name is Amala Dlamini, in November 2022 after the Daily Mail published an article saying the two were spotted on a date. While neither have publicly confirmed their relationship, a photographer snapped several shots of them kissing while on a yacht during Dojas vacation to Mexico. (Reps for Cyrus and Doja Cat did not respond to Rolling Stones request for comment.)

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In 2019, his short introduction to Twitch came with accusations of manipulation and emotional abuse from his female moderators. (Moderators make sure the chat meets, as Twitch notes, behavior and content standards set by the service.) Cyrus moderators accused the creator of taking advantage of his position of power by allegedly manipulating and lying to several moderators  allegations that didnt garner mainstream attention because of Cyruss low follower count on the site. Fans also alleged that Cyrus would flirt and message young female fans that were of age, but significantly younger than him. The allegations caused major confusion in the streaming community but pushed big-name talents like Jenna Marbles, Julie Solimita, and Chris Melberger to distance themselves from Cyrus. On December 20, 2020, Cyrus issued a now-deleted apology, acknowledging that he had caused many of his moderators harm, but was working on himself.

There is no excuse nor justification for my actions. I was careless. I was greedy. I was ignorant. I was disrespectful. And I was completely in the wrong. In a position of power and trust, I gave into the temptations and attention of those who looked up to me, Cyrus wrote. These women are special. They are strong. And they are worth so much more than me and my ignorance. And I failed to realize that when it mattered.

Cyrus past allegations have also been a major sticking point for Dojas fans. When one account commented that people were unstanning Doja  or stopping their support  the rapper hit back hard. I DONT GIVE A F*CK WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT MY PERSONAL LIFE I NEVER HAVE AND NEVER WILL GIVE A F*CK WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT ME OR MY PERSONAL LIFE GOODBYE AND GOOD RIDDANCE MISERABLE HOES HAHA! That statement, combined with the resurfacing of Cyrus past alleged misconduct, caused many Doja fans to feel betrayed by her decision to keep associating with Cyrus  deactivating or shutting down their fan accounts on multiple social media platforms.

As for Cyrus, much of the attention on the comedian has come from the nebulous nature of the allegations. While Cyrus had a small following on Twitch when female moderators called him out, he wasnt nearly large enough to attract mainstream attention. All of the allegations he addressed were about inappropriate behavior but not illegal  exacerbated by the fact that many accusers initially refused to name Cyrus. Whats happening now seems less like a petty grab for revenge and more like a community with the potential to hold Cyrus accountable on a mainstream stage.

While Cyrus took a break from social media after posting his apology, he returned less than two years later. His stream was never demonetized and he continues to share his comedy content on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitch  taking an approach he first perfected at the start of his 2020 Twitch controversy: just keep posting.

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In 2003, audiences watched Eddie Murphy drop into Haunted Mansion in Rob Minkoffs poorly received riff on Disneys famous ride. Now 20 years later, Justin Simien, director of Dear White People and a former Disneyland ride operator, is trying his hand at putting the grim, grinning ghosts of the popular theme park attraction on the big screen  and the results are impressive.

Simiens Haunted Mansion is a wondrous blend of horror and comedy, tinged with emotional resonance in its story of grief and how we try to connect with those weve lost. Anchored by a phenomenal performance by LaKeith Stanfield (Atlanta) and a solid ensemble, Haunted Mansion is a worthy take on the ride and a sleeper hit for families looking to find a fun summer film.

Ben Matthias (Stanfield) is a brilliant astrophysicist whos given up on life after his wifes death. When hes asked by Father Kent (Owen Wilson) to come help a young mother and her son who have allegedly moved into a haunted house, Ben is skeptical, but hes swayed by the money to make an appearance. Unfortunately for Ben, once you enter the mansion, the ghosts follow you home until you return.

Right away theres an air of melancholy that permeates the movie, starting with Bens meet-cute with his soon-to-be wife, Alyssa (Charity Jordan, The Wonder Years). This brilliant rocket scientist sounds wonderful, but the next scene shows him leading Alyssas historical walking tour of New Orleans and having a meltdown on how everyone is just dirt.

Katie Dippolds script never forgets the humor, yet understands that it is Bens depression over his wife thats going to anchor the plot. He doesnt want to be pulled into this cast of characters, yet as the group gets closer, Bens arc seems him realizing he has to find life (and friends) amongst the living, not pining over the dead.

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Dippold, who knows how to work with things that go bump in the night after writing the 2016 script for Ghostbusters, crafts something here that is fun and sharp while also paying tribute to Disneys ride and finding fresh new ways into the haunted house genre. Thats coupled with Simiens love for Louisiana, introducing the audience to this world where, as Madame Leota (Jamie Lee Curtis) explains, death can be a time of celebration. Cue the images of funerals with brass bands and dancing.

As everyone congregates at the titular Haunted Mansion, thats when the true fun begins and everything about the Disneyland ride is lovingly rendered by Darren Gilford. The ghosts might scare some of the youngest viewers, but everything is in good fun, and while death is talked about, its always presented in a positive, cathartic way. One scene, wherein Ben talks about Alyssas death, is beautifully filmed and performed only to be punctuated by a pitch-perfect joke from Danny DeVitos professor, Bruce.

Simien works well with an ensemble and everyone here lends not just gravitas to their performances, but a heavy dose of empathy. Rosario Dawsons Gabbie is a character the actress could play in her sleep, but paired with Chase Dillon as her son, Travis, the two make magic. Dillon is a particular revelation, with a Buster Keaton-level of ability to make you laugh. Wilson and Tiffany Haddish as Kent and the psychic Harriet, respectively, give strong comic relief.

But Haunted Mansion is ultimately Stanfields show, and what makes the movie both spooky and soul-searching is how he plays Ben Matthias. When its discovered that a willing soul must agree to become the thousandth ghost and release the spirit of the dreaded Hatbox Ghost (Jared Leto, seen only in photos), the audience is waiting for Bens grief and anger to make him that person. Stanfield, though, crafts a subtle performance where the audience catches him slipping into revery, whether thats playing with Travis or being in a buddy-movie situation with Kent. If you didnt think Stanfield could play a hero, he proves it here.

If theres anything that doesnt work with Haunted Mansion, it comes in the need to appease those who love the original ride. Madame Leota, the disembodied head who conjures the spirits in the ride, is a must for a movie adaptation. But Jamie Lee Curtis feels pretty pointless in the grand scheme of things, showing up for a few scenes of her inside Madame Leotas crystal and two outside of it. Her performance doesnt feel as layered as the other actors.

Overall, Haunted Mansion is a fun summer throwback to the likes of 2003s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Inventive fun for every member of the family with a phenomenal lead performance by Stanfield.

Haunted Mansion haunts theaters beginning July 28.

The post Haunted Mansion Review: Disneys Ride Comes Alive in Sweet Story of Grief appeared first on TheWrap.
The News

Israel has passed a part of the controversial judicial reform bill which will overhaul the countrys Supreme Court. Israelis have protested against the bill for days, and as of Monday had moved demonstrations to the front steps of the Knesset.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government has long pushed for this legislation, which will strip the top court of the power to challenge government decisions. Weve collected insights and analysis about the vote.

Insights

Critics fear that without judicial oversight, Netanyahus government could pass laws targeting Palestinian people, LGBTQ+ people, women, and secular groups. Some members of the government have bragged about their plans. Once the Supreme Court is out of the way, nothing will remain to stop them, notes Yuval Noah Harari, the Israeli historian and philosopher. We are standing in the streets, because we cannot do otherwise if we are to save Israeli democracy, Harari writes.

It might be time to cut off annual U.S. aid to Israel, columnist Nicholas Kristof argues. Each year, the country receives $3.8 billion in assistance, 10 times what is allocated to Niger. That money  which typically goes to military assistance  could be better allocated elsewhere, Kristof writes, especially considering the strength of Israels economy. Wed all benefit by finding the maturity to discuss the unmentionable, he concludes.

There is a divide in how the average American views Israel compared to the policies enacted by the U.S. government. Recent polling found that a growing number of people in the U.S. sympathize with Palestinians, and many dont view Israel as the vibrant democracy U.S. officials describe it to be. Noura Erakat, an associate professor at Rutgers University, said despite their slowness in adapting to the views of Americans, lawmakers would have to have their heads buried in the sand not to see a world changing around them.

Know More

Some businesses have organized a general strike against the government Monday, with gas stations and some shops closing their doors in protest of the governments moves.

Meanwhile, hundreds of military reservists have said they will refuse to report for service if the law passes.

Netanyahu was admitted to the hospital over the weekend following an emergency heart procedure, but has since been released.
TOKYO, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Japan's weather agency said on Tuesday that intense extreme heat is expected to spread across wide areas from western to northern Japan.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said a high-pressure system from the Pacific is covering wide areas, with the mercury being expected to top 35 degrees Celsius in places from western through northern Japan.

Strong sunshine is driving up temperatures, according to the JMA, with daytime highs to reach 37 degrees in the cities of Saitama, Maebashi and Kofu and 36 degrees in the cities of Kyoto, Gifu, Toyama and Fukushima, as well as in central Tokyo.

The weather agency warned that the intense heat and sweltering weather will continue through the week, as the high-pressure system is expected to remain strong.

Weather officials urged people to use air conditioners appropriately, stay hydrated regularly, and avoid nonessential outings and exercise during the day. 
"We wanted to make a statement, and I think we did," said stunt performer Mike Massa

Elena Sanchez/Instagram

A stunt performer in Georgia joined the SAG-AFTRA strike the best way he knows how.

Stunt coordinator Mike Massa was one of many members of Atlanta's stunt community who gathered at Covert Camera Vehicles on Monday to show solidarity with Hollywood actors who have been on strike since July 13. (Writers have been striking since May 2.)

Related: Everything to Know About the SAG Strike and How It Will Affect TV and Movies

According to WSB-TV, the group gathered at the site of the tracking vehicle company and expressed their concerns, including stunt performer Elena Sanchez who read aloud, "Eighty-seven percent of the 160,000 SAG-AFTRA members make less than $26,000 a year. Which means they do not qualify for health insurance."

The event concluded with a stunt by Massa, who walked on the stage holding a "SAG-AFTRA on Strike" sign while being lit on fire. (A "fire team" was nearby to help safely pull off the stunt.)

He proudly shared the moment on his Instagram in a joint post with Sanchez, writing in the caption, "We are tired of being burned by the AMPTP," which is the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.

Massa's participation in the event comes after he spent 10 months working on Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, serving as one of Harrison Ford's stunt doubles.

He chronicled his experience at the film's premiere through a series of Instagram photos, writing that he "worked with some amazing people" and made "memories of a lifetime." His stunt work has also been seen in television projects including the Yellowstone prequel series 1923 and Stranger Things.

Related: Jamie Lee Curtis, Jeremy Renner, Matt Damon Among Actors to Show Support for Imminent Strike: 'Necessary Change'

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Speaking about his reason for taking action in the event, he shared in an Instagram post after the rally, "We wanted to make a statement, and I think we did! It was great to see such a great turnout from our local Stunt community, local leadership, and actors who showed up to support us. It was a great day!"

SAG-AFTRA announced it had initiated a strike after failed contract negotiations with the AMPTP. SAG President Fran Drescher and Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, national executive director and chief negotiator of SAG-AFTRA, shared the news at a press conference, noting it was a unanimous vote.

In a speech, Drescher called the studios "greedy" and said working actors are being "victimized" by them. During negotiations with the AMPTP, SAG-AFTRA has been seeking pay and residual increases, higher caps on pension and health contributions, and regulating the use of artificial intelligence, among other issues.

They plead poverty that they're losing money left and right while giving hundreds of millions of dollars to their CEOs. It is disgusting. Shame on them. They stand on the wrong side of history at this very moment. We stand in solidarity in unprecedented unity, Drescher said.



The AMPTP said in a statement earlier that day, "We are deeply disappointed that SAG-AFTRA has decided to walk away from negotiations. This is the Union's choice, not ours. In doing so, it has dismissed our offer of historic pay and residual increases, substantially higher caps on pension and health contributions, audition protections, shortened series option periods, a groundbreaking AI proposal that protects actors' digital likenesses, and more."

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"Rather than continuing to negotiate, SAG-AFTRA has put us on a course that will deepen the financial hardship for thousands who depend on the industry for their livelihoods. There are 160,000 members of SAG-AFTRA and over 11,000 members of the Writers Guild of America."



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Jen Psaki pinpointed a character trait that connects much of former president Donald Trumps Republican competition in the 2024 presidential primary: They are all Trump apologists who refuse to denounce the top-polling candidates attempted coup.

Right now, they are all on track to be a footnote in the history books, an asterisk in the also-ran category  maybe an answer on Jeopardy on a good day,' Psaki posited, specifically noting former Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott. Nobody remembers the guy who got 2% in Iowa and dropped out shortly after. But they will remember the folks who put politics over country and refused to stand up for our democracy.

The evisceration came Monday night as Psaki filled in for Chris Hayes on MSNBCs All In With Chris Hayes. Responding to an interview Pence gave Sunday, in which he said Trumps words were reckless but hes not yet convinced that they were criminal, Psaki ran through comments made by Pence, DeSantis and Scott as proof that the former presidents main competition isnt willing to go after the twice-indicted opponent.

To me, it seems pretty obvious that the other 2024 Republican candidates might want to jump on these charges. Youd think that some of his opponents would try to maybe land a punch or two or five on the frontrunner, Psaki said. Or maybe they would want to speak up simply because its the right thing to do  wouldnt that be nice? Since when has standing up for American democracy been a partisan thing, anyway? Never really has been before the last couple years. But Trumps opponents clearly do not see it that way.

.@jrpsaki on GOP candidates defending Trump over Jan. 6 and his bid to steal power:



"Nobody remembers the guy who got 2% in Iowa and dropped out shortly after. But they will remember the folks who put politics over country and refused to stand up for our democracy." pic.twitter.com/MzoPw5qsTW  All In with Chris Hayes (@allinwithchris) July 25, 2023

The MSNBC host and former press secretary for the Biden White House then pulled up a clip of DeSantis saying he hopes Trump doesnt get charged in the indictments against him and that he doesnt think it serves us good to have a presidential election focused on what happened four years ago in January.

Then, after calling Scott the supposed middle-of-the-road guy whos worked with Democrats before, Psaki pulled up a quote from him next: I dont hold the former president who didnt show up at the Capitol and threatened my life as responsible, he said.

So it seems that nearly all of the serious contenders to take on Trump have basically made the political calculation that its better to stand by him in the primary, Psaki said. But heres the thing: It is not working. Mike Pence might not even make the debate stage. DeSantis is still running 30 points behind in Iowa despite betting big, according to his aids, on the Hawkeye State. And right now, Tim Scott is losing his own state of South Carolina by nearly 40 points.

Psaki added that the never-Trumpers on the ballot like Chris Christie and Asa Hutchinson arent having much better luck at the polls for speaking out against the former president.

But at least Hutchinson and Christie have clearly made the calculation that they wont be remembered as enablers by the history books, she said. Thats worth something.

The rest of the field, though, is in a position where they are effectively enabling a guy who led an attempted coup. And for what? To maybe win a handful of delegates? Im, like, seriously asking you this: What are they trying to get out of this? Does Nikki Haley want to be the vice president that badly? Is Tim Scott hoping to be made secretary of commerce? What is it? Psaki said, later adding: Right now, they are all on track to be a footnote in the history books, an asterisk in the also-ran category. Maybe an answer on Jeopardy on a good day. Nobody remembers the guy who got 2% in Iowa and dropped out shortly after. But they will remember the folks who put politics over country and refused to stand up for our democracy.

Watch Psakis full All In segment in the video above.

The post Jen Psaki Eviscerates Trump Apologists Pence, DeSantis and Scott: Nobody Remembers the Guy Who Got 2% in Iowa (Video) appeared first on TheWrap.
Leaked texts andrew tate Leaked texts andrew tate.jpg - Credit: AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru

When far-right influencer Andrew Tate was arrested by Romanian authorities on suspicion of sex trafficking last December, the Romanian agency DIICOT argued that Tate and his brother Tristan used the loverboy method to lure women to their compound in Bucharest under the guise of having a relationship with them before forcing them to do sex work. Tate has maintained his innocence, arguing that he never at any point has had to coerce any of his partners into doing sex work for him and recently telling Tucker Carlson that he had no financial motivation to force women to make online content for him.

Newly leaked screen grabs of 2021 messages from the War Room, Tates all-male network of associates, however, are complicating Tates narrative. In the messages, which sources close to the War Room verified to Rolling Stone, Tate appears to be boasting about manipulating one of his girlfriends into doing sex work for him.

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The woman, whose name Rolling Stone is withholding, is listed by Romanian prosecutors as an alleged victim of Tates sex trafficking operation, though she has repeatedly denied this. She did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Tate told Rolling Stone that the woman referred to in the purported screenshots has publicly and categorically refuted any mistreatment from the brothers, and that the release of the screenshots is part of a smear campaign against the Tates. While all statements from the alleged victims, incriminating the brothers, have been unquestioningly accepted by the public, the evidence supporting the brothers innocence has not been given the same fair treatment, the spokesperson said.

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The messages paint a lurid and often disturbing image of the process by which Tate allegedly recruited young women to do his bidding using a combination of lies, manipulation, and coercive tactics, all the while using examples of his conversations as teaching methods for his acolytes and inviting feedback from them.

Tate and his brother Tristan, who also shows up in the leaked War Room chats, were arrested in Bucharest in December 2022 and detained on suspicion of sex trafficking, rape, and organized crime, and are currently on house arrest. The Tate brothers Bucharest compound was initially raided after an American woman and a Moldovan woman placed a call to a U.S. embassy saying they had been lured there under false pretenses and forced to create sexually explicit content online for the Tates financial benefit. The Tates have strongly denied these allegations.

As Rolling Stone previously reported, the Tate brothers are the head of the War Room, an exclusive social network and Telegram channel providing members with access to their teachings on sex and masculinity. Though Tate associates have classified it as little more than an innocuous self-help brotherhood, sources familiar with the War Room have claimed that it served as a forum for coercing women to do online sex work for members.

The screengrabs obtained by Rolling Stone appear to be from a channel titled War Room  PhD, a reference to Tates now-defunct Pimpin Hoes Degree program (My job was to meet a girl get her to fall in love with me to where shed do anything Id say, and then get her on webcam so we could become rich together, read a now-deleted description of the website for the PhD progra.)

In the messages, which are dated from June 2021, a user identified as Tate  Andrews handle on the Telegram chats with his War Room members, according to previously verified messages from the group  starts by expounding generally on the virtues he looks for in female partners. Give me an average moron with no skills whos blind loyal, he writes. I judge basically all females by loyalty. If theyre loyal. And they wont leave. In the end theyll do everything you want.

Tate also posts screengrabs of Instagram photos of other women, referring to them as target[s] and assets to get them to cam. Ibiza asset has agreed to do [OnlyFans]. PhD writeup forthcoming, he writes on June 17, 2021, texting a video of an unidentified young woman.

He later sends a photo of two women he purports to have moved in together, both of whom are currently listed by Romanian prosecutors as alleged victims of the Tates sex trafficking operation.

In the messages, Tate explained how one of the women, who moved from her native country to be with him and has lost her support networks at home, had been begging to see him. So in order to make her more dependent on him, he writes, he made up a story that he had spoken to friends of hers who had claimed she had worked at a sex club prior to meeting him, prompting him to become angry at her and threaten to kick her out. In the texts, Tate appears to explain how this lie succeeds in putting the woman on the defensive and making her more dependent on him.

The real goal is for her to agree to never go anywhere without me. Not even her home town, he writes. I need her working.

Tate then includes what appears to be a screengrab of a text conversation between him and the woman, in which he explicitly tells her, You are never going back to [her hometown] even to visit and you dont need to leave the house in Bucharest.We are together. Always.

Yes. I understand, the woman replies.

According to the anti-human trafficking organization the Polaris Project, isolation is one of the tactics a trafficker uses to distance their victims from anyone who might weaken their influence or contradict the messaging theyre providing. By isolating their victims, traffickers make it more difficult for them to reach out to others for help later on down the line, the Polaris Project writes.

According to the leaked messages, however, War Room members appear to view isolation as key to getting women to do their bidding. That isolation is critical, one user writes.

When reached for comment, a spokesperson for the Tates cast doubt on the source of the leaked messages, saying that some of the accounts that had shared them on social media came from newly created accounts.

The rise of AI and social media as a news source has opened up the opportunity to anonymously present potentially fabricated, or manipulated evidence, while bypassing the burden of responsibility and avoiding consequences, the spokesperson said. These realities raise concerns about the potential for a deliberate and targeted effort to sway public opinion and undermine the credibility of the evidence presented.

In later messages, Tate appears to recount in detail the process by which he recruited the woman to work for him by producing sexualized content online. In the thread, he includes a screengrab of what appears to be a text from her, in which she protests against sending him a sexy photo or camming and doing OnlyFans because my body is intimate and only my husband should be able to touch and see.

In his messages to War Room members, Tate appears to frame this clear lack of consent as both a challenge and a teaching experience for his acolytes. This is about the maximum difficulty that you experience in the business, he writes. If we all agree on that, Ill give you a play by play of what I try. He then solicits feedback from other War Room members, asking them what they would do to convince their partner to do sex work for them  I would try a good cop bad cop ruse, writes one person. Act deeply hurt by her refusal. Flip it on her and get her to start feeling guilty or cry  before Tate says hell be making the play tonight to get her to cam.

Since she moved [to Bucharest] shes been fed. But nothing else, he writes. Shes broke. And she cant go home. And she cant leave the house. Man, I sound almost evil. But Im not. Im a Shephard. Leading the sheep. She doesnt realize that following me makes life better for her.

In later messages, Tate describes how he uses the woman requesting money from him against her, framing camming as a group effort and using his discussions with her as a template for men trying to get their own female partners to cam: Were going to be traveling the world together. Im working from my phone. Were a team youre gonna listen to me,' he instructs them to say. If they dont respond, he says, let her sit broke to think. If in a few days still refuses, then failed attempt. Kick her out.

Understood, good play, another War Room member responds. (The Polaris Project describes the process of exploitation thusly: The way traffickers begin the process of exploiting their victims isnt always transparent. They may start slowly, by pushing their victim to do things they might be uncomfortable with, before convincing them that sex work is a way for them to reach common goals.)

Tate also describes an elaborate ruse by which he convinces the woman to cam by manufacturing a fake conversation between himself and his assistant and so-called bottom bitch, Georgiana Nagel, who is one of two women also being investigated by Romanian authorities for allegedly forming a criminal organization to exploit women. (Nagel has denied the allegations, and did not immediately respond to Rolling Stones request for comment.) The goal of staging the fake conversation, he explains, is to dispel the womans suspicions that he is trying to pressure her into camming while further convincing her to work for him.

In a screengrab of the fake conversation, Nagel asks of the woman, Why doesnt she work for me on OnlyFans she will make a lot of money?

I dont want her to think thats why she came to Bucharest, Tate responds.

Wtf youre rich why would we need her for money? Nagel responds with a smiley face. She can work with me and make 3000 a month and live in Bucharest with you.shes taking pics all the time and make no money, why cant she sell them?

In the War Room chat logs, Tate explains the purpose of staging such a ploy, as well as why he is outlining it in such detail to his followers: Ill do this for every girl I get to work if you guys see the value, he says. [You] guys can use your bottom bitch to do whatever G is doing. He also sends a screengrab of a later conversation between him and Nagel in which he appears to explicitly instruct her to get the woman to do OnlyFans.

Make [name redacted] take her OnlyFans pics. I wanna see them, he writes.

OK, Nagel responds.

Get her on OnlyFans. I want money from her, he responds. No time for drama.

Today she starts doing content, Nagel responds.

A source previously close to the Tates who reviewed the messages said Tates argument to get the woman to do sex work  that he is rich, and therefore doesnt need her income  echoed previous conversations they had had about the topic. This is 100 percent the way [the Tates] mind[s] operates in regards to all females, the source told Rolling Stone. I honestly dont think they feel anything for any woman in terms of real genuine feelings and respect.

According to court documents obtained by Rolling Stone, Tate is under investigation by Romanian prosecutors for bringing the woman to Bucharest in May 2021 and forcing her to create pornographic content for him. On social media, the woman has vociferously denied she is a victim of the Tates. The corruption is disgusting. WAKE UP PEOPLE!, she wrote on Jan. 23. I am not a Victim. There are no Victims in the Tate case.

In a February 2023 court document obtained by Rolling Stone, prosecutors claimed that she and another woman associated with the Tates were taken to Dubai and instructed to make content defending them. Recent photos on the womans Instagram account feature her with another woman who has been romantically involved with Tristan Tate and is based in Dubai, and has been linked to a number of Tate-owned businesses.

On July 18, a Romanian court ruled to continue the Tates house arrest for another 30 days as the investigation into their activities continues. Tate has repeatedly claimed that the allegations against him are part of a larger conspiracy to silence him, tweeting on Tuesday, there are Matrix agents on all sides of the political spectrum.

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After The 1975 frontman Matty Healy went on a rant about Malaysias anti-gay laws and kissed a bandmate during a festival performance, members of the countrys LGBTQ+ community are expressing fears about possible backlash from the government.

The English band performed at the Good Vibes festival in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, which Healy said was a mistake.

When we were booking shows, I wasnt looking into it. I dont see the fucking point of inviting the 1975 to a country and then telling us who we can have sex with, Healy said onstage, as reported by Variety. Im sorry if that offends you, and youre religious but your government are a bunch of fucking r--. I dont care anymore. If you push, Im gonna push back. Im not in the fucking mood anymore.

He proceeded to tell the audience that he was fucking furious, and that they wouldnt be getting a setlist of uplifting songs.

And thats not fair on you, because youre not representative of your government because you're young people and Im sure a lot of you are gay and progressive and cool, he went on. Its ridiculous to tell people what they can do with that and that and if you wanna invite me here to do a show you can fuck off. Ill take your money, you can ban me, but Ive done this before and it doesnt feel good. The singer and The 1975 bassist Ross McDonald then proceeded to share a lengthy kiss onstage.

Like many countries formerly colonized by the British, gay sexual relations are criminalized in Malaysia. While a state law was struck down in 2021, federal penalties remain in place. The Malaysian government itself runs conversion therapy camps targeting Muslim LGBTQ+ people, and the country is one of the few in the world that explicitly criminalizes the existence of trans people, according to Human Rights Watch.

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After playing seven songs and kissing, Healy told the crowd that the band just got banned from Kuala Lumpur, cutting their set short. The organizers of Good Vibes then announced on Saturday that the Malaysian governments Ministry of Communications and Digital had ordered them to cancel the entire festival, per its unwavering stance against any parties that challenge, ridicule, or contravene Malaysian laws.

The 1975 has been banned from performing in Malaysia, and subsequently canceled its planned dates in Jakarta and Taipei.

LGBTQ+ organizers in Malaysia have criticized the government for censoring Healy, while also expressing doubts about the efficacy of Healys actions. Dhia Rezki Rohaizad, the deputy president of LGBTQ+ support group Jejaka, told The Guardian that organizers have been doing a lot of work on the ground, community organizing, and having stakeholder meetings with local government agencies.

Doing it at this scale, with a lot of people who are not aware of the discussions going around with regards to queer activism, that is what is harmful, he added.

Malaysian TikToker Mikhail Hanafi said that Healys attempt to help LGBTQ+ Malaysians was the most narcissistic, self-centered way possible.

He didnt talk to LGBTQ+ groups and NGOs in Malaysia to ask how can I help? What do you need? What would not be helpful and what should I not do? Hanafi told the Guardian. Matty Healy wanted to be a straight white savior to the poor brown gays, but was he?

However, Hanafi maintained that someone should be able to criticize the government on stage. Someone should be able to kiss a man on stage. Today, I am mad at Matt Healy for making the atmosphere and the political environment way more tense at a time when we do not need that tension, he said, while adding that he was also mad at the government because on paper what [Healy] said is true.

Getty Images

Rina Sawayama Calls Out Matty Healys Racist Comments On Stage at Glastonbury

She dedicated a recent performance of her song STFU\! to the controversial frontman of The 1975.

Malaysian state elections are set to take place on August 12, and activists expressed fears about the implications of Healys comments. Malaysian-born creator Indi Tan told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that stunts like Healys make the Malaysian government far, far more harsh to queer expression and queer people in Malaysia, as the countrys LGBTQ+ rights movement is still in its infancy.

He wasn't thinking about, 'Oh, I wonder how this incredibly homophobic government is going to respond once I'm out of here', they told the network. "I don't think the consequences of these actions for the queer people in Malaysia were on his mind, and I think ultimately, that's why for a lot of Malaysians the act itself ultimately rings very hollow. Because the amount of damage that it's caused no matter what, it far outweighs whatever he was trying to do.

Get the best of whats queer. Sign up for Thems weekly newsletter here.

Originally Appeared on them.
MSNBCs Morning Joe backed Republican Sen. Mitt Romneys latest op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, which asked donors to narrow the 2024 GOP candidates in order to prevent a Donald Trump nomination.

The Romney piece titled, Donors, Dont Fund a Trump Plurality, was published on Monday afternoon in the WSJ.

A bakers dozen Republicans are hoping to become the partys 2024 nominee for president, the senator writes. That is possible for any of them if the field narrows to a two-person race before Mr. Trump has the nomination sewn up.

According to Romney, for that to happen, donors should get candidates they support to agree to withdraw if and when their paths to the nomination are effectively closed.

The senator suggested the deadline of Feb. 26, which is the Monday after the primary in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina.

Let to their own inclinations, Romney warned, expect several of the contenders to stay in the race for a long time.

They will split the non-Trump vote, giving him the prize, the prospect of which disappoints the senator who is looking for a younger nominee with character and driven by something greater than revenge.

Morning Joe host Willie Geist asked his panel whether Romneys suggestion has a plausible outcome.

I completely agree with Senator Romney on the practicalities of what hes suggesting, said MSNBC political analyst Elise Jordan. It is the most logical effort to prevent Donald Trump from winning the primary.

But Jordan questioned the feasibility of candidates willingly bowing out of the race. There is a lot of ego involved, she said.

Are people really going to be willing to drop out for the greater cause of preventing Donald Trump from winning again? Jordan continued. Im skeptical.

Regardless of how plausible this suggestion is, Jordan is glad that Senator Romney wrote this Op-Ed.

It gives me such deja vu watching whats happening because it really is the 2016 primary all over, Jordan said.

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The political analyst invoked her recent conversations with GOP operatives involved in other campaigns during the 2016 presidential election who are concerned that its gonna happen again.

Jordan praised Romneys words again, but concluded lets be realistic when the time comes to be realistic.

Watch the full MSNBC segment in video at the top of this post.

The post Morning Joe Praises Romneys Op-Ed Warning of Trump Nomination: Most Logical Effort (Video) appeared first on TheWrap.
Pete-Davidson-community-service - Credit: Theo Wargo/Getty Images

A Los Angeles County Superior judge ordered Pete Davidson to complete 50 hours of community service and attend an 18-month diversion program after he crashed his car into a Beverly Hills home back in March, according to a statement from the district attorney on Monday, the New York Times reports.

The judge also ordered the actor to attend 12 hours of traffic school, pay restitution, and visit a morgue to learn about the victims of reckless driving, per the NYT. Davidson will be allowed to perform his community service with the New York Fire Department and complete traffic school in New York as well.

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Davidsons father, Scott, was a firefighter for the department, and died on Sept. 11, 2001, during the aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks. In the 2020 film King of Staten Island, the actor plays the main character using his fathers first name.

A representative for Davidson did not immediately return Rolling Stones request for comment.

Davidson was riding his Mercedes Benz alongside Chase Sui Wonders when he crashed his car into the side of a house in early March, per KTLA. Following the wreck, police ruled out drugs and alcohol as factors at the time.

We believe that Mr. Davidson engaged in reckless driving, which ultimately resulted in his involvement in a serious collision into a home, the D.A.s office told Rolling Stone in a statement in June. Luckily, no one was seriously injured as a result of this collision. We know that reckless driving can have devastating consequences.

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Pete Davidson is facing consequences in connection to a March car crash.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney ordered Davidson to complete 50 hours of community service after being charged with one misdemeanor count of reckless driving.

The community service will be completed in tandem to an 18-month diversion program, which includes educational visits to a hospital and morgue, the District Attorney's Office told E! News in a statement on July 24. In addition, the Saturday Night Live alum was also ordered to 12 hours of traffic school, pay restitution and "obey all laws."

Davidson can follow through with the court orders in New York, where he lives. Per the District Attorney's Office, Davidson's legal counsel has noted that the 29-year-old would likely complete his community services hours with the New York Fire Department, where his father Scott worked before tragically passing during the 9/11 attacks.

In response, the New York City Fire Department told People, "As the son of a 9/11 hero, we would be happy to provide Mr. Davidson an opportunity to do his required community service."

Pete Davidson and Chase Sui Wonders Vacation in Hawaii

E! News has reached out to Davidson's rep for comment and has not heard back.

Davidson was involved in a single-vehicle crash in The Flats neighborhood of Beverly Hills on March 4. "His car collided with a fire hydrant causing property damage," Lieutenant Chris Coulter of the Beverly Hills Police Department told E! News that month. "No one was injured, and no one was arrested."

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

The Bupkis actor was with his girlfriend Chase Sui Wonders at the time of the crash, according to TMZ, citing law enforcement. At the time, the couple had just gotten back from their vacation in Hawaii.

Davidson was charged in connection to the crash in June. "We believe that Mr. Davidson engaged in reckless driving, which ultimately resulted in his involvement in a serious collision into a home," the District Attorney's Office told E! News in a statement. "Luckily, no one was seriously injured as a result of this collision."

Citing an increase in traffic-related deaths, the office added, "This is an alarming trend that we cannot ignore. As a result, it's crucial that we take all allegations of reckless driving seriously and hold those responsible accountable."

For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
Phish, the band with deep Vermont roots, has added two shows to their summer tour that will benefit flood recovery efforts in Vermont and Upstate New York.

Vermont and parts of the Adirondacks including Long Lake, New York, were hit by substantial rainfall on July 10 and 11, which caused extensive damage to infrastructure, homes and businesses.

The rock band will play two shows at the Broadview Stage at Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, NY, where 100% of proceeds from shows and merchandise will go to the WaterWheel Foundations 2023 Flood Recovery Fund.

The performances will be on Aug. 25 and 26, according to an announcement Tuesday from Big Hassle Media, the band's publicity company.

How to get tickets to the Phish concert in Saratoga

A ticket request period is currently underway and will end Wednesday, July 26 at 12 p.m.

Tickets go on sale to the general public this Saturday, July 29, at 10 a.m. Travel packages will go on sale on Friday, July 28, at 9 a.m.

Phish announced two new Flood Recovery Benefit shows, taking place August 25 and 26 in Saratoga Springs, NY.

A limited number of Phish Foundation tickets, which includes a private pre-show performance with Trey Anastasio and Page McConnell and more, will also go on sale.

'Income ending': Flooded fields leave Vermont farmers with major crop loss

What are Phish's connections to Vermont

The band, formed at the University of Vermont in 1983 by guitarists Trey Attanasio and Jeff Holdsworth, bassist Mike Gordon, and drummer John Fishman, played a flood-relief show at Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction after Hurricane Irene in 2011.

The Irene flood recovery show, sold-out at a 12,000-person venue, garnered $1.2 million. The upcoming shows will be at a much bigger venue, with a 25,000-person capacity.

Phish's Trey Anastasio: Why Vermont is perfect for his substance-abuse treatment center

Where will the money raised by the Phish concert go

Proceeds will go to flood victims, small businesses, and nonprofits, with the aim to aid in both short-term and long-term relief and resiliency, all through the WaterWheel Foundation.

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The foundation began in 1997 to oversee Phishs philanthropy and to encourage the Phish community to incite positive social change.

Contact Kate Sadoff at ksadoff@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Phish to play two VT and NY flood recovery benefit shows: What to know
More than 350 publicists representing the biggest stars in Hollywood grilled SAG-AFTRA leadership on Tuesday about the ongoing strike, numerous participants told Variety. The wide-ranging Zoom Q&A covered topics including the upcoming fall film festivals and more existential matters  like, how are small talent PR firms expected to survive when clients are forbidden to do press?

The call, which was scheduled last week, comes at a sobering time for publicists confronting the financial realities both the SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild of America strikes have presented. The PR landscape has been populated by boutique players in recent years, all of which struggled through COVID-19 closures even with government assistance (which is certainly not available in the case of the strikes).

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Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, chief negotiator for SAG-AFTRA, took queries from a moderator as the publicists silently looked on, one attendee noted. Crabtree-Ireland spent the majority of the call explaining waivers that have been granted to select independent films and TV series, which allows production to continue or, possibly, stars to promote those projects during the strike.

First and foremost, Crabtree-Ireland was insistent that the publicists not refer to these deals as waivers but as interim agreements. There are hundreds and hundreds of applications for these temporary reprieves, he said. None have been issued yet for talent specifically looking to hit red carpets and interview studios at the upcoming Venice, Toronto or Telluride film festivals. There could be exceptions for actors receiving prestige awards like lifetime achievements, which would not focus solely on a specific project the union would consider struck. Crabtree-Ireland said conversations were ongoing with TIFF, but he was not aware of any current talks with Venice.

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After a merry-go-round of similar questions, things took a turn when one publicist asked Crabtree-Ireland about the damaging financial impact the strike would have on the personal publicity sector.

We feel sorry for that impact but were on strike, Crabtree-Ireland responded. Were on strike because our members are fighting for their professional lives but there will be collateral damage.

After receiving a similar question, he told the publicists to take it up with the producers his union is battling with for a better contract. I would say AMPTP bears the responsibility, said Crabtree-Ireland.

Many indie PR companies count on retainer fees from actors as their sole source of revenue. Larger firms like R&CPMK, Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis and ID have broadly diversified businesses, including sports, music and brand representation. This type of shop requires a different kind of experience and business acumen, a scale that often isnt achieved overnight. There are exceptions. The upstart Lede Company, which represents stars like Charlize Theron and Lady Gaga, recently acquired the Paris-based fashion leaning agency OBCM. They also count a considerable music portfolio (Rihanna, anyone?) and corporate communications. Other firms focus solely on corporate comms, working across production, finance and creative enterprise, like Principal Communications Group.

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Update: As THR exclusively previewed on Monday (see below), publicists from Hollywoods PR firms met with SAG-AFTRA representatives via Zoom on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the ongoing strike and its devastating impact on the PR community.

Publicists who spoke afterward with THR described the meeting as disturbing, shitty and pretty horrific, noting that SAG-AFTRA listened to their questions and concerns but ultimately made no accommodations to mitigate the damage that the strikes terms are having on publicists. Said one publicist, They addressed it by basically saying, Sorry you are all losing your jobs, but it is for the good of the actors and our mission,' and faulting the AMPTP for refusing to come back to the negotiating table.

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SAG-AFTRA reiterated to the publicists that they cannot pitch or engage with press on behalf of clients who are members of SAG-AFTRA without repercussions for the clients.

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Print Issue 22 Deadlocked Illustration By Eric Yahnker

For the first two years, Harry [Clein] and I worked from the basement of his house, and we had one assistant and basically no overhead  and we made the same money in those early years as we did when we had 20 employees and two offices 10 years later, says Bruce Feldman, a veteran film publicist who, with his late partner Harry Clein, ran one of the top Hollywood PR firms of the eighties, Clein + Feldman. What I concluded then, and still believe to be true, is that there are two ways to succeed in the movie PR business: One is to stay extremely small and fly under the radar, and the other is to get very big and become part of a larger organization. Its the people who are in that middle area who are fucked when times are tough.

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That, indeed, seems to be the case amid the first simultaneous strike of writers and actors in more than 60 years. With actors forbidden from doing interviews, attending festivals or really anything else to promote new projects, many have opted to go on hiatus from their publicists (who they pay a monthly retainer that can range from $4000 to $20,000, rather than a percentage of their earnings, like agents, managers and lawyers earn). As a result, midsize PR agencies are feeling particularly squeezed, according to the owners of several that spoke to The Hollywood Reporter. One reported that revenue at their firm is already down a devastating 80 percent from what it was before the strikes, and several say they are dreading the end of the month, when clients must notify them if they are going off for the next month.

The consensus among proprietors of midsize firms seems to be that they can only survive without laying off employees until September or October. Says one boutique firm owner, I am just barely covering my overhead, and thats while not paying myself, because I do not want to lay off one person. In the meantime, we are desperately trying to sign new sorts of clients to bring in some business.

Publicists know how to court media attention better than anyone, but many are personally press-averse. That made it all the more noteworthy when Jordyn Palos, founder/CEO of Persona PR  who represents the likes of Quinta Brunson and Justin Hartley, and whose company has 12 full-time staff between offices on both coasts  weighed in about the collateral damage of the strike on her public Instagram. Not many publicists will talk about this yet, especially not publicly, she wrote. We survived the Covid shutdown kept my doors open, kept people employed in LA and NYC, paid the health insurance bills and made those 401k contributions. I paid them before I paid myself, I worked 15+ hour days every day, night and weekends, to survive and keep this train moving. Now we are being told we essentially cannot do our jobs. I am all for the strikes, I support the WGA and SAG, I LOVE my clients, and I want them to be fairly paid However, please dont forget the slew of people outside of SAG that will not be able to work in full force until these strikes are over maybe if enough people make noise here, we can limit the damage of these shutdowns and come to agreements sooner rather than later.

According to one source at a larger firm, its not just the small and midrange firms that are at risk. Even the big guys are feeling it, says a publicist for one of the larger firms. This is COVID again. Its super-triggering.

THR has learned that Hollywoods PR firms have been invited to a Zoom meeting on Tuesday morning with Pamela Greenwalt, SAG-AFTRAs chief of communications/marketing, for a briefing and Q&A regarding the strike. Given the direness of the predicament featuring the PR community, perhaps some sort of accommodation will come out of it.

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BEIRUT, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Parts of the damaged Beirut Railway Station in the Mar Mikhael neighborhood of the Lebanese capital will soon be restored with foreign funding, according to a UNESCO-Italian deal reached Monday on recovery of the industrial heritage site.

Under the deal, the Italian government will finance 2 million euros (about 2.21 million U.S. dollars) through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, a public agency, for the recovery work, according to a statement released by UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Built in 1894, the station was abandoned during the Lebanese civil war, and in 2020 was hit by explosions in the port of Beirut, said the statement, adding that the restoration includes two connected projects, with one public green space to be built by UN-Habitat inside the 10,000 square meters of the railway station area.

Meanwhile, UNESCO will preserve the original function of the site and its cultural value and authenticity, according to the statement.

Costanza Farina, director of UNESCO's Multisectoral Regional Office in Beirut, said "the initiative is a testament to our joint commitment to improve the livability of Beirut and strategically contribute to its revitalization."

"As a space open to the public, the project will support the social and cultural participation of all people, with particular attention to the most vulnerable at times of severe socio-economic challenges in the country," Farina noted. 
PEOPLE spoke with expert Nicole Campoy Jackson about everything to expect and how to avoid major blow-ups

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Celebrities are making 2023 the summer of the super group trip  like Kristen Bells star-studded Idaho escape and Matt Damons Greece getaway with Chris and Liam Hemsworth.

While group trips sound fun at first, theyre not always as effortless as the stars make them out to be. Without proper communication between travelers and boundary setting ahead of time, a dream trip with friends or extended family can end up being a vacation nightmare.

PEOPLE spoke to travel expert, writer and advisor, Nicole Campoy Jackson of Fora Travel, about her top tips for executing a smooth group getaway  from navigating hotel bookings to being courteous to everyone. Keep reading to hear more of her expert advice.



Related: Kristen Bell Shares Star-Studded Vacation Photos with Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox and More Celebs

Robin Roberts/Instagram Cast of 'Good Morning America' enjoying a yacht trip in Turks and Caicos.

PEOPLE: How should groups tackle budgeting during the planning process, especially if one member is more limited than others?

Nicole Campoy Jackson: Money is an awkward topic, but it can be less awkward by communicating clearly and being upfront. If you're feeling like the person in the group with the smallest budget, you should speak up ahead of time and talk about what you're comfortable with. When booking accommodations, give the group a max cost per night that you're okay with or ask if anyone's willing to share a room with you. Stressing about money on vacation is a terrible feeling; communicating ahead of time can really help to mitigate that.

PEOPLE: When dining at a restaurant, should group members split the bill evenly or based on what they ordered?

Jackson: Unless someone eats or drinks far less than the group (no entree, for example, or no alcohol), it's tedious to finish the evening divvying up who had exactly what. Split it. If someone has generously put their card down to cover the group, pay them back as quickly as you possibly can. Don't make them follow up with you to be reimbursed. Remember to tell your server at the beginning if you need to split checks more than three ways rather than wait until they're bringing you the bill.



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Related: Should a Solo Plane Passenger Have to Move Seats So a Family Can Sit Together? A Travel Expert Answers

Kristen Bell/Instagram Kristen Bell dines with pals Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox and more celebs while vacationing in Idaho.

PEOPLE: How should a group handle varying expectations for the hotel or vacation rental?

Jackson: Every group has that person who wants to filter hotels by five stars only and that person who thinks of a hotel for sleeping and nothing more. Before the group text splinters into a lot of snide side texts, remember that youre traveling together for a reason. Is it to bond and be together for the first time in a while? Bear that in mind and compromise. For the five-star friend, find somewhere with a pool or a spa and for the friend who couldn't care less about the hotel, find somewhere in a perfect location for exploring your destination. To that end, factor in your destination! Many hotels and rentals in Europe, for example, don't have air conditioning. Just manage your expectations. Lean into wherever you're going.

PEOPLE: Whats the fairest way to divide rooms if a group is staying in an entire home?

Jackson: Rooms can be treated like seats at a dinner party: if the host wants to divvy them up in a specific way, go for it. And if the host wants everyone to find their spot as they arrive, great. If its a rental house, not the home of someone in the group, that can get a little trickier. First come, first serve still makes sense in this scenario, keeping in mind that the guest of honor, if there is one, gets priority no matter when they arrive. And unless one room is really not on par with the others (a sofa bed versus the big beds in every other room, for example), everyone should still expect to be splitting the cost evenly or however it was decided ahead of time.

PEOPLE: What are some etiquette tips for groups who are staying at someones home?

Jackson: Bring a gift. It doesnt matter how many times theyve said you dont need to Still bring something. Extra beach towels so you dont have to get theirs dirty. Bread from that really good bakery on the way, to share. Money for them to cover a housekeeping service after youve left. It doesn't have to be a big deal, just something thoughtful. Once youre there, dont walk on eggshells. Get your own water, clear dirty plates, pull the sheets up when you get out of bed so it looks a little more put together. Be flexible with the way things work in your host's home.



Related: All the Stars Vacationing Together in 2023

Instagram/chelseahandler Chelsea Handler vacations in London with Dave Grohl, Judd Apatow, Leslie Mann and more.

PEOPLE: How should group members be mindful of touchy subjects, like posting pictures and video on social media?

Jackson: As with budgeting and compromising on big trip decisions, posting on social media should be a quick chat or check-in ahead of time. Everyone has their own relationship to posting, being tagged, or having it known that theyre on vacation at all. It should be known how everyone feels before you take off.



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As earnings season for the major studios ramps up, SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland has an important message for the major studios and their shareholders.

It is bad business and a bad idea to disrespect and say fk you to the talent whose work is your entire source of revenue, the unions chief negotiator told TheWrap during Tuesdays Rock the City for a Fair Wage rally in Manhattan.

Further illuminating his point was the fact that the unions proposals are about basic respect.

Theyre not overreaching, he said. Look at them for yourself. Theyre public, theyre out on the internet. Look at them and ask yourself if it were me, would I expect this as a reasonable thing that any employer should agree to? And the answer is yes.

During his remarks at the rally, Crabtree-Ireland called out the fact that, while Netflixs stock price dropped following its mixed second quarter results, its shares are still up about 45% year to date.

The fact is these companies have been building new platforms that take some investment  but that investment is paying off. Netflix was the first mover in this area, and look how theyre doing now, he explained. So lets none of us be fooled by the fact there is still investment going on at some of these other companies with newer platforms. Theyre going to become successful and they need to share that success in a reasonable way with our members. So investors ought to tell these companies to be fair to the talent, to the creatives who make your business exist.

#SAGAFTRA: #SAG Chief Negotiator @DuncanCI says if the studios presented a fair deal they would have taken it. All they have to do is make a reasonable fair deal with us that respects actors and treats us fairly.#ActorsStrike #SAGstrike https://t.co/sdYUYBr1bS pic.twitter.com/aHDUPLfxe9  TheWrap (@TheWrap) July 25, 2023

Since contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers broke down, talks between the two parties have been stalled, Crabtree- Ireland said. SAG-AFTRA leadership previously told TheWrap that the 12-day extension between the two parties was wasted by the AMPTP.

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In response, the organization has said that the actors union have mischaracterized negotiations and released a chart titled What SAG-AFTRA Failed to Mention. They argue that their counter proposals represented more than $1 billion in wage increases, pension and health contributions and residual increases, as well as protections surrounding artificial intelligence.

Of course, theyre going to try to spin it. Just look at what the public reaction has been to the things that they said. The fact is, I was there and so were 44 members of our negotiating committee and theyve all said and backed up what were saying If there was a fair deal on the table, we would have taken it, Crabtree-Ireland said when asked about AMPTPs latest move. Were not here because we want to be on strike. Were here because they forced us to go on strike. All they have to do is make a reasonable, fair deal with us that respects actors and treats us fairly, treats our members fairly and this thing would have gone away. Thats what we told the CEOs on the last day of negotiations. Heres the road map, heres all youve got to do to avoid a strike. They just werent willing.

He touted the tremendous resolve displayed by both SAG-AFTRA and the WGA thus far.

Im not surprised by the turnout today, but I am encouraged by it. Our members have been so passionate, and this is a grassroots movement thats being driven by our members. Ninety-eight percent of our members voted yes on a strike authorization, he explained. This is not some kind of elite group or anything like that. This is a groundswell of people who are saying it is not OK for these companies to treat actors unfairly, its not OK to try to make them earn less than they made three years ago and its not OK to take their images and voices like this and just abuse it. None of that stuff is ok. Theyre standing up to these companies and frankly everybody around the country ought to do that, too. Stand up to these big corporations when they try to take advantage of you and they try to abuse their power.

While its unclear when the two parties will return to the negotiating table, Crabtree-Ireland emphasized that the AMPTP has an obligation to bargain with us. 

They said it would be quite some time before they would be ready to bargain. I think thats a really irresponsible thing for them to say because the fact is neither of these strikes are going to end without discussions and negotiations happening between the companies and the unions, the executive director said. And for us, weve said from the first day of the strike, we are ready to come back and talk with them unconditionally at any point in the interest of moving this negotiation forward. So I hope theyll take us up on that.

The post SAG-AFTRAs Duncan Crabtree-Ireland Says Studios Will Learn Its Bad Business to Say Fk You to the Talent (Video) appeared first on TheWrap.
Tobey Maguire starred as Peter Parker in Sam Raimi's 2000s 'Spider-Man' trilogy and later reprised the role for 2021's 'Spider-Man: No Way Home'

Sony Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection; Columbia/courtesy Everett

Might Tobey Maguire swing around New York City once more?



Thomas Haden Church, who played the villain Sandman in 2007's Spider-Man 3 and reprised the role in 2021's Spider-Man: No Way Home, recently told ComicBook.com that he believes there is a chance that Maguire, 48, reunites with director Sam Raimi for a direct follow-up to the pair's 2000s Spider-Man trilogy.



Well, back with Tobey, with Tobey, because thats who I started out with," Haden Church, 63, told the outlet, as he was asked which of the three live-action Spider-Men he would like his character to fight if he ever appeared in a future project.

"Theres always been something thats kind of  Ive heard rumors that Sam Raimi was going to do another one with Tobey," he said. "If that happened, I would probably campaign to at least do a cameo.



Representatives for Maguire, Raimi and Sony Pictures, which produces and distributes the Spider-Man movies, did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment Tuesday.

Related: Everything to Know About 'Spider-Man 4'

Maguire famously reprised his Peter Parker alongside Andrew Garfield in No Way Home for a movie that saw the character's previous live-action stars team up with the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Spidey (Tom Holland). At the same time, Sony's animated Spider-Verse movies have established a multiverse that could establish any number of future Spider-Man projects moving forward.

Sony Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection

Maguire recently expressed interest in returning to the role again too. "I love these films and I love all of the different series," he told Marvel.com in January. "If these guys called me and said, 'Would you show up tonight to hang out and goof around?' or 'Would you show up to do this movie or read a scene or do a Spider-Man thing?' it would be a 'yes!'"



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He quipped: "Because why wouldn't I want to do that?"

It's unclear when Holland, 27, may put on the mask again  a fourth Spider-Man movie involving Marvel Studios appeared to be in early development prior to the Writers Guild of America strike that began in May. With Hollywood actors also striking major productions across the industry, any development on future Spider-Man projects  with Holland or Maguire  is on pause until both strikes end.



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Plans to extend the original live-action Spider-Man movies starring Maguire ended in 2010, when filmmaker Raimi left the project that would have been Spider-Man 4 and Sony decided to reboot the franchise, paving the way for Garfield, 39, to take the role. Raimi later returned to superhero movies when he directed 2022's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.



Related: Tom Holland Has a 'Great' Group Chat with Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield Called 'The Spider-Boys'

Columbia/courtesy Everett Collection

In June, Holland revealed during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that he, Maguire and Garfield have a group chat called "The Spider-Boys" that they use to keep in touch with each other.



"Myself, Andrew, Tobey  we have this amazing bond as three people who have been through something that is so unique that we really are like brothers," Holland said.

Related: Fourth 'Spider-Man' Movie Starring Tom Holland and Zendaya in the Works, Producer Confirms

As for the last conversation the trio had in their group chat, Holland recalled, "I was doing a charity event in London for the Brothers Trust and I was asking if they would be so kind as to sign a poster to auction off."

"They were obviously happy to oblige," he added.



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Tiffany Haddish said she had "the healthiest, the funnest relationship" with Common. (Mark J. Terrill / Invision / Associated Press)

Emmy-winning actor Tiffany Haddish is opening up about her breakup with rapper Common  and, no, it wasn't mutual.

It was the healthiest, the funnest relationship Ive ever had, she told the Washington Post in a profile published last week. Haddish revealed that she felt her relationship with the rapper-turned-actor, whose real name is Lonnie Rashid Lynn, was the safest one she'd ever had.

The two met in 2018 when they were filming her movie The Kitchen and became friends, she said. Then, in May 2019, she joined Bumble and got into the dating thing, only to have the app approach her to do something for charity. She enlisted then-pal Common to join her on a virtual date in April 2020 to raise money for frontline workers during the pandemic.

Haddish confirmed the two were an item that summer and revealed they were isolating together during the COVID-19 pandemic. But after about a year of dating, Haddish said the "Silo" actor began to withdraw.

If there's quiet quitting a relationship, it appears that's what Common's approach was. Haddish said she didn't receive an invite to a concert in New York, for a birthday party for former President Obama, and for Commons own birthday before he ultimately broke the relationship off over the phone.

Read more: 'I lost everything': Tiffany Haddish says child sex abuse lawsuit upended her career

It wasnt mutual, she told the Post. It was more him saying, I think this relationship has run its course. And I was like, OK. Like you gonna be a 50-year-old single man. OK?

Common did not immediately respond to The Times' request for comment Monday.

Im a pretty positive person, and Im here to have an experience, Haddish told the outlet. I would love to have a partner to experience it with. But also, I guess Ive been alone for so long. And so used to being abandoned, I expect it. Which is sad, right?

In January 2022, Haddish made a post-break-up virtual appearance on The Tonight Show, and the Girls Trip star addressed the matter by rolling it into a joke about her DUI arrest in Georgia earlier that month.

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Read more: A high-profile breakup and a DUI arrest? Tiffany Haddish can't help but laugh

I can say this, Jimmy ... Ive been praying to God to send me a new man. A good man. And God went ahead and sent me four ... in uniform. I wasnt expecting it. I wasnt expecting that at all, she told host Jimmy Fallon.

And now I got a really great lawyer, and were going to work it out. Ive got to get my asking of things to God a little better! Haddish joked.

Haddish stars in Disney's "Haunted Mansion," a Justin Simien-directed film filled with grim, grinning ghosts that opens in theaters July 28.

In the movie, Rosario Dawson stars as Gabbie, a single mother who moves into a mansion with her son, played by Chase W. Dillon. Upon finding out the house is haunted, the two enlist the help of a psychic (Haddish), a priest (Owen Wilson), a paranormal tour guide (LaKeith Stanfield), a historian (Danny DeVito) and the clairvoyant Madame Leota (Jamie Lee Curtis) to cleanse their new abode of its cursed spirits.

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Update: A24 representatives have confirmed to IndieWire that the studio is not involved with the film even though the poster touts Circus Maximus as produced by A24. IndieWire has reached out to Scotts representatives for comment.

Earlier: Surprise album drops are all the rage in the music industry, but Travis Scott is going further with a surprise movie drop. In preparation for the Friday launch of his album Utopia, the rapper has directed a new film Circus Maximus, and its coming to AMC theaters starting Thursday.

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Scott announced the film on Twitter Tuesday morning (via Pitchfork). In one tweet, he shared a short trailer of the upcoming movie, which features footage of him performing. In a second tweet, he unveiled the poster of the film, featuring an image of him on a motorcycle. According to the poster, Scott wrote and directed the film, with additional high-profile collaborators including Gaspar Noe, Nicolas Winding Refn, Harmony Korine, Valdimar Johannsson, and Kahlil Joseph. According to the poster, A24 produced the film, which was shot in five countries, including Iceland, Denmark, France, Nigeria, and Italy.

Back in 2021, Scotts Cactus Jack Films signed a production deal with A24, per a Variety report.

Although little more information about the film was announced, Scott also linked to a page on his official website listing Thursday screenings for Circus Maximus in almost 200 AMC locations across the United States. The official description for the film on AMCs website implies that it will serve as a music film and preview of Utopia: Prepare to enter Circus Maximus as Travis Scott takes his audience on a mind-bending visual odyssey across the globe, woven together by the speaker rattling sounds of his highly anticipated upcoming album Utopia. The film is a surreal and psychedelic journey, uniting a collective of visionary filmmakers from around the world in a kaleidoscopic exploration of human experience and the power of soundscapes.

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In addition to announcing the film, Scott officially set the release date for Utopia, his long-awaited fourth studio album, for the day after the Circus Maximus' release. Utopia has faced numerous delays over a three-year period: Scott officially announced its title in 2020, on the two-year anniversary of the release of his third album Astroworld. To promote Utopia, Scott released a lead single, K-Pop, featuring Bad Bunny and The Weeknd, on July 21. On Friday, Scott will celebrate the launch of Utopia via a livestream concert in front of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, despite attempts from Egypts Musicians Syndicate to revoke the permit for the show.

Utopia is Scotts first major project since the notorious 2021 Astroworld Music Festival in Houston, where a fatal crowd crush resulted in the deaths of eight concertgoers. The tragedy led to the filing of several lawsuits against Scott for his handling of the incident, and forced the permanent cancellation of the Astroworld Festival, which the rapper founded and ran. Last month, a Texas grand jury declined to indict Scott or anyone else involved with the event on criminal charges.

Later this summer, Scott will also premiere another surprise film, Aggro Dr1ft, directed by Circus Maximus collaborator Harmony Korine, at the Venice Film Festival.

Watch the trailer for Circus Maximus below.

CIRCUS MAXIMUS

IN THEATRES JULY 27

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh FINALLLYYY HEAR

SEE U IN UTOPIA!!!!

Tickets https://t.co/IAE55veLSR pic.twitter.com/EWtDVFeAju  TRAVIS SCOTT (@trvisXX) July 25, 2023

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Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix has entered the Love Island USA villa as the show teased her appearance for Tuesday nights episode.

Ahead of Madix entering the villa of Peacocks reality series set in Fiji, her presence was teased with a video on social media with Madix receiving an iconic text.

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I got a text! Madix says with excitement as she soaks up the sun in a day bed. You could say theres a hot new bombshell entering the villa. Me!

The reality TV crossover you didn't know you needed.



Ariana Madix arrives at the #LoveIslandUSA Villa tomorrow, only on Peacock. pic.twitter.com/YlEeOhq6sZ  Peacock (@peacock) July 25, 2023

At the end of Monday nights episode, Madix got the iconic bombshell slow-mo treatment with a preview of her entrance into the villa. Madix was surely living out her dreams as she is a fan of the dating show. In fact, during one of her feuds with ex-boyfriend Tom Sandoval on the Bravo reality series, he complained that they were not spending enough time as a couple. It was cited that Madix was invested in the Love Island drama with her friends, a show that Sandoval was seemingly not a fan of as it required too much time being that it airs six times a week.

A very special bombshell hits the villa, Love Island USA narrator Iain Stirling says in the preview as Madix makes her way into the villa. Vanderpump Rules Ariana Madix delivers the drama.

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Love Island USA streams Tuesday through Sunday at 9 p.m. ET and 6 p.m. PT on Peacock.

Watch the preview in the video posted below.

Ariana lowkey manifested popping up on Love Island  She ate this entrance! pic.twitter.com/UZUXv7mvpQ  Queens of Bravo (@queensofbravo) July 25, 2023

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It was expected that the Venice Film Festival would program two films from controversy-courting directors this year, Roman Polanskis The Palace and Woody Allens Coup de Chance, already predicted for the event running August 30 through September 9. And whats also expected is the inevitable mix of backlash and appreciation for including the auteurs, who in European countries fare better than in the United States and often comfortably find distribution for new work. Polanski has admitted to, and been accused of, sexual abuse throughout his career and forgiven by his victim Samantha Greiner in the years since he was arrested and charged for raping her when she was 13 in 1977. Allen has denied abusing Dylan Farrow in 1992 and was not charged with a crime.

In an interview with Variety discussing this years Venice lineup, festival director Alberto Barbera reaffirmed his commitment to presenting their new films, saying he does not see where the issue is.

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Luc Besson has been recently fully cleared of any accusations, Barbera said when asked about potential clamor over including films from those directors, as well as Besson, who was recently cleared of longstanding rape charges stemming from accusations in 2018.

Woody Allen went under legal scrutiny twice at the end of the 90s and was absolved. With them, I dont see where the issue is, Barbera continued. In Polanskis case, its paradoxical. Its been 60 years. Polanski has admitted his responsibility. Hes asked to be forgiven. Hes been forgiven by the victim. The victim has asked for the issue to be put to rest. I think that to keep beating on Polanski means seeking a scapegoat for other situations that would deserve more attention. That aside, there is a cultural debate underway about Polanski with less rigid positions being taken. I am on the side of those who say you have to distinguish between the responsibilities of the individual and that of the artist.

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Barbera added, Also, I am a festival director, not a judge. I judge the artistic qualities of films. And from this perspective, I dont see why I should not invite Polanskis film to Venice.

Both The Palace and Coup de Chance screen out of competition this year at Venice. Polanski currently lives beyond extradition in France while Allen maintains his residence in New York, though Barbera said hes only expecting one of them to attend or greet press this year on the Lido: Im not sure [Roman Polanski] will be doing press, but Woody Allen is coming to the films premiere for sure.

Coup de Chance is a French-language thriller starring Valerie Lemercier, Niels Schneider, Lou de Laage, and Melvil Poupaud. Polanskis dark comedy The Palace, set in 1999 Switzerland, stars Oliver Masucci, Fanny Ardant, John Cleese, and Mickey Rourke. Both films have already found distribution homes throughout Europe.

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YouTube brought in $7.7 billion in advertising revenue in its second quarter, reversing the prior trends of a downturn.

This is an increase from the $6.69 billion in the previous quarter, which had been the third consecutive quarter marking a decrease in ad revenue, and above the $7.3 billion brought in during the second quarter of last year. Overall, in the three months ended June 30, Alphabet, the parent company of YouTube, reported revenue of $74.60 billion in revenue and net income of $18.37 billion, or $1.44 per share, beating Wall Street expectations.

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This is the first full quarter under new YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, who succeeded longtime executive Susan Wojcicki in March. In his first letter to the community, Mohan said supporting the success of creators was among his top priorities, and he planned to improve monetization tools and grow creator communities. Focus areas included YouTubes short-form video offering, Shorts, and streaming products such as YouTube TV and Primetime Channels.

On the earnings call, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet and Google, said YouTube Shorts are now watched by more than 2 billion logged-in users every month, up from 1.5 billion a year ago. YouTube itself is reaching more than 150 million people on connected TV screens in the U.S., he said, and is seeing growth and momentum internationally. The company introduced advertising on Shorts late last year.

The executive shared prior numbers on YouTube Music and Premium subscribers, saying the services had more than 80 million as of late last year. CFO Ruth Porat added that the revenue growth in that segment, as well as the companys decision to raise prices on both services, is in response to significant subscriber growth.

Signups for NFL Sunday Ticket programming began in April, but Pichai did not share any early numbers other than to say: We look forward to hosting our first football season on YouTube this fall.

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Alphabet also announced that Porat will assume the new role of president and chief investment officer of Alphabet and Google. She will remain CFO as the company searches for a replacement. She starts in the new position, in which she will be responsible for Alphabets investments in its Other Bets segment and investments around the world, on Sept. 1.

Ruth has worked to drive financial discipline and returns for shareholders, while spearheading investment to create sustainable, long-term value. As todays results show, were making good progress and were committed to continuing this important work, said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet and Google. In her new role, Ruth will strengthen our collaboration with policy makers and shape our corporate investments to have maximum economic impact for people and economies around the world.

Alphabet is coming off of the layoff of 12,000 employees, or about 6 percent of its workforce, in a move announced in January 2023.

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President Joe Biden's administration plans to try to force private insurance companies to offer the same coverage for mental health services as they do for physical health services, improving upon a well-known hole in America's health care system, according to the White House.

The new policy is part of a broader push by Biden to improve mental health care in the United States -- an issue he raised during one of his State of the Union speeches. The proposed rule, which Biden announced on Tuesday afternoon, will attempt to enforce compliance from private insurers with a 2008 law that already requires equality between the way insurance companies cover mental health and physical health -- but is hardly ever adhered to.

"That law was passed to ensure that mental health care was treated by our health care system, like physical care," Biden's domestic policy adviser, Neera Tanden, told reporters during a recent telephone call. "Insurance couldn't make you pay more for a visit to a mental health provider than your physician."

"But in the years since, we've learned that insurers are evading the mandate of law," she added. "Insurers make it difficult to access mental health coverage in-network, and then consumers are often forced to seek care out-of-network at significantly higher cost and pay out of pocket. Or -- and this is this is also a real challenge -- they defer care altogether."

MORE: New national suicide lifeline struggling to keep up with volume, advocates say

The new rule will attempt to crack down on violations of this law by creating more reporting standards and also try to get more mental health professionals to offer in-network care as well as reduce the "red tape" to qualify for mental health coverage, according to senior White House officials.

After monitoring the way the current system works for the past few years, one official called it "incredibly disappointing" and largely not compliant with the 2008 law. Analyses showed that people can access nutritional counseling if they have diabetes, for example, but not if they have eating disorders.

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The proposed policy, an official said, will "put a lot more teeth around how health plans have to actually measure parity."

Exactly when it will be enacted was unclear, though officials said "sometime in the near future." The policy will undergo a 60-day public comment period before implementation. The effectiveness of the rule will be under the watchful eyes of mental health advocates.

On Tuesday afternoon, Biden spoke about the new rule from the White House's East Room and said that his plan would identify the gaps in the mental health care that [insurers] provide.

Insurers would need to collect data on what makes it so difficult to get mental health covered under the current system. That includes how many mental health providers are available in-network, whether insurers are paying them enough to incentivize being in-network, how hard it is to join their network and how much they require patients to prove that they need mental health care in order to get it covered.

"I don't know what the difference between breaking your arm and having a mental breakdown is," Biden said. "It's health. There's no distinction. It's health."

And he lamented the fact that "seeing a therapist can cost 200 bucks a visit or more -- that's $800 a month if you have a session every week, which is often what patients need."

MORE: US surgeon general issues major advisory on social media use and teens' mental health

We have a moral obligation, in my view, to be there for each other," Biden said, "to reach out, reach to our neighbors in grief and stress and trauma and despair, reach out to them to offer help or just a listening ear, to have the courage to ask for help when we need it -- and it's hard."

Tuesdays announcement follows through on a pledge the president made during his State of the Union address in March 2022.

"Let's get all Americans the mental health services they need," Biden said at the time. "More people they can turn to for help, and full parity between physical and mental health care."

Around the same time, the Biden administration began to move nearly $1.7 billion of mental health funding from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which the president signed in June 2022, to schools and communities across the country. That included $240 million for programs increasing awareness of mental health support for school-aged kids, $80 million for grants for children's mental health services and $60 million to train pediatric providers. In addition, that law had $150 million to help implement the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, a hotline for people to contact when they're in need.

It was all part of a major push by Biden to improve the nation's mental health care, including $300 million in grants focused on mental health services that were part of his fiscal year 2022 budget.

In May, the U.S. surgeon general, Dr. Vivek Murthy, issued an advisory about the impact of social media usage on teenagers' mental health -- an issue Biden also highlighted in his State of the Union speech.

White House pushes private insurance companies to cover mental health care originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Twenty people were injured Monday morning after a fire broke out at H&M and Primark supplier Fakir Apparels in Dhakas bustling suburb of Narayanganj and now a factory executive is speaking out.

Although no workers died in the Bangladesh garment factory fire, a fireman driving to the blaze was killed along with a pedestrian and an autorickshaw driver. Several other firefighters were injured in the fire, which they doused by 11:30 a.m.

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Fire service officials told Sourcing Journal they have yet to determine the cause of the fire, but losses and damage included the property, equipment and garment stock. We had 10 units that went into service, and were able to extinguish the fire, a representative said, adding that the fire appeared to originate in the factorys dyeing unit extension.

A Fakir Apparels official told Sourcing Journal the company continues to investigate how the blaze broke out.

Were still trying to investigate the causes of the fire, said Fakir Maniruzzaman, managing director, Fakir Apparels. We are still trying to find what was the cause and origin of the fire. Primary investigation shows this was due to the inverter of a very state-of-the-art machine, but were waiting for the final investigation results to come in.

Maniruzzaman said the fire department, RMG Sustainability Council (RSC) and other separate investigations are working to discover what happened and why it happened.

Maniruzzaman said the on-premise fire brigade quickly leaped into action before the local fire department vehicles and officers arrived. This is the extension where washing and brushing happens, he said. All our units have 20 feet in between the sheds so we can just avoid situations just like this so it doesnt spread from one to the other.

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He also discussed the state of the Fakir Apparels facility, which is also linked to Guess Inc., in the aftermath of the fire. A lot of fabric was damaged, but many of our machines were recovered, he said. Were still noting the extent of the damage.

The executive pointed to Fakir Apparels very strong track record on good practices, adding that our scores with RSC are very high.

The International Labour Organisation picked us to showcase the industry, when the Queen [of Belgium] was visiting and one of the things we highlighted to her was about how far Bangladesh has come since Rana Plaza, Maniruzzaman said. So, obviously this wasnt anticipated. However, there were no casualties, and the factory restarted operation by the afternoon.

Narayanganj is home to an estimated 2,409 facilities across industries, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, and hosts several jute mills and related production plants.

Bangladesh is the worlds second-largest apparel exporter after China, with output rising 10 percent to $46.99 billion in the financial year ending June 30, according to Export Promotion Bureau data.

While investigations into the Fakir Apparels factory fire continue, industry officials said Bangladesh is making factory safety a priority, but warned that no area of the garment-producing world is immune to risk. The fact that there were no fatalities at the factory speaks for itself, they said, asking not to be named as the incident is still under investigation.

Sourcing Journal reached out to H&M and Guess for comment. A Primark spokesperson said the company was concerned to hear of the Fakir fire.

We are in touch with the supplier to offer our support and we hope the workers impacted have a quick recovery, the Irish fast-fashion retailers rep said. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the RSC and once we have more details, our team on the ground will work with the supplier and the RSC to understand what corrective measures can be put in place.

Fakir Apparels is covered under the RSC, which inherited the operations of the Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety in 2020, and has representatives of the manufacturers, trade unions and brands. The organization continues the Accords work monitoring factory safety and carrying out inspections, after the Acord left Bangladesh and has globally as the International Accord, adding a second program country in Pakistan in December 2022.

While the RSC website shows that Fakir Apparels Ltd achieved a 100 percent progress rate and completed the required safety training program, compliance training hasnt started at the factory extension. Fakir Apparels is seen in the industry as one of the pioneers in factory improvements and in moving towards sustainability. Queen Mathilde of Belgium recognized Fakir Apparels carbon-cutting and renewable energy progress when she visited the Narayanganj manufacturing plant in February.

The focus on factory safety has risen over the past decade in Bangladesh, after more than 111 workers died in the Tazreen Fashion Ltd factory fire in Ashulia. The deadly November 2012 incident occurred because fire escape routes were not properly marked, and locked exit gates barred workers from escaping. After the watershed Rana Plaza collapse in 2013 killed more than 1,130 and prompted global brands and retailers to launch fire, structural and worker safety programs, industry watchers believe Bangladesh has blossomed into one of the safest manufacturing countries in the world.

Is it really one of the safest? one non-governmental organization representative said. Or is there still much work to be done?

Additional reporting by Jessica Binns.

Editors note: This article was updated on July 26, 2023 to reflect Primarks statement and on July 27 with Fakir Apparels response.

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Assyrian Group Condemns Treaty of Lausanne, Criticizes Turkey

The Board of Presidency of the Bethnarin National Council issued a condemnation on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Treaty of Lausanne, signed on 24 July 1923, which established the borders of racist nation states in the Middle East, including Kurdistan, defining the treaty as a decisive step in the denial and annihilation of the Syriacs.

The Treaty of Lausanne has long been criticised, not only because it cemented the partition of Kurdistan, but also because it is seen as a continuation of the Armenian genocides and the Sayfo genocide - the Ottoman mass murder of the Syriacs in 1915. The Bethnarin National Council stressed that since it was signed a century ago, not one of the guarantor states has seriously addressed the situation of the Syriac community or prevented the numerous attacks to which it has been subjected.

The statement on Tuesday pointed out that during the past 100 years, the Republic of Turkey has pursued a policy of expulsion, uprooting and condemnation to the diaspora, preventing the Syriacs' return to their country, and implementing a brutal policy of assimilation and self-alienation towards the Syriacs still living there.

The statement noted that atrocities culminated in massacres and mass murders, accompanied by the systematic suppression of cultural and linguistic identity. Syriac schools were closed, and all forms of activities and national work were banned. For the sake of their own interests, the signatory states to the Treaty of Lausanne have turned a blind eye to the repression of the Syriac people and other ethnic identities in Turkey.

The Board of Presidency of the Bethnarin National Council appealed to the states involved, especially Great Britain and France, to assume the responsibility resulting from the agreement and to intervene against the continuing violations of rights and injustices against the Syriacs.

The statement pointed out that the Republic of Turkey has so far not applied Articles 37-45 in paragraph 3 of the Treaty of Lausanne, which deals with 'non-Muslim' minorities, to the Syriacs. These articles granted protection to religious buildings and schools of non-Muslim populations, as well as the right to use languages other than Turkish, including in the press, in primary education and in dealings with the authorities.

"We reject the Treaty of Lausanne due to this historical injustice and inhuman repression it has brought about, and we condemn the racist, fascist, monist and denialist policies. The Treaty of Lausanne should no longer be allowed to continue with this denialist mindset. Our people should focus on continuing their struggle with the utmost vigour to win their status with collective will in the international arena and all platforms, which will determine their future," said the statement.

"As the Bethnahrin National Council, our freedom struggle against historical injustices and the policies of annihilation and denial will continue in all areas. We condemn and reject the powers that have ignored our people with the Treaty of Lausanne and the mentality of the governments in the Republic of Turkey," the statement concluded.
Business insiders have spoken highly of China's role in world economy as the country is striving to realize economic development goals in 2023. #GLOBALink

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Favorite Island Vacay. wooden dock leading out to a bright orange twin standing huts over crystal blue waters

Nothing says vacation like an island vacation. Its where we imagine ourselves on vacation with a drink in-hand, soaking up those sun rays, toes in the sand. Many Black people have roots from the islands and are reconnecting with our roots from the African shores. When youre planning your next vacay or you choosing your next place to work remotely, remember these top three islands in the Travel Noire Awards for Favorite Island Vacay for Black Travelers.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Montego Bay, located on the north shore of Jamaica, is a well-known city among travelers. It is a popular spring break destination and a great vacation spot for couples and friend groups. The tropical city has a vibrant nightlife, cool beaches and an authentic reggae culture. It is also a major cruise port, so visitors can fly directly to Montego Bay or drop in by boat.

While on the island, enjoy aquatic activities, like snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming and fishing. The islands Hip Strip consists of lively restaurants, hotels, bars and a water theme park. Local legend Usain Bolt has a restaurant named Usain Bolts & Records on the strip thats worth a visit. Youll find a little bit of everything in Montego Bay, and there is a wide selection of hotels, activities and adventure all within the city.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar is an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. The two largest islands, Unguja and Pemba, make up the main areas that tourists visit, while Mafia Island is growing in popularity.

Zanzibars waters are a crystal blue and turquoise color making the views breathtaking and great for photography. Tourists can enjoy scuba diving, swimming and snorkeling at Nungwi Beach in north Zanzibar, known for its rich coral reefs and diverse marine life.

There is also much to explore on land. History buffs should check out Stone Town in Zanzibar City. It was once a flourishing spice and trade center with influences from Persian, Arab, Indian and European cultures seen throughout the architecture. Grab a bite to each with the locals at Forodhani Food Market, a buzzing nighttime market where you can get a taste of Swahili culture.

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Maamutaa Island, Maldives

Pullman Maamutaa Island is a resort-island located in Gaafu Alifu Atoll off the southern tip of the Maldives. It is one of the most remote pieces of land in the Maldives and a luxury escape for visitors. The Maldives is known for its stunning water, pristine beaches and tropical weather, and Maamutaa Island is no exception.

Indulge in the villas, bungalows, ocean pools and fine dining during this escape. Maamutaa Island also embraces sustainability, with eco-friendly practices and initiatives in place to preserve its natural wonders. Alongside its natural beauty, the island is home to a luxurious resort and spa that offers unparalleled hospitality, indulgent amenities and world-class cuisine. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or romance, Maamutaa Island promises an unforgettable tropical experience.

The voting for Favorite Island Vacay for Black Travelers is now open.

Read more about the Travel Noire Awards and vote for the finalists!
First two weeks: Mainly severe burns from rays and flames, and wounds (trauma) from the blast and falling structures.

Third week through eighth week: Symptoms of damage by radioactive rays, e.g. hair loss, anemia, loss of white cells, bleeding, diarrhea. Approximately 10% of cases in this group were fatal.

Third and fourth months: Some improvement in burn, trauma, and even radiation injuries. But then came secondary injuries of disfiguration, severe scar formations (keloids), blood abnormalities, sterility (in males and females), and psychosomatic disorders.

Over half a century later: Aftereffects that remain include leukemia, A-bomb cataracts, cancers of the thyroid, breast, lungs, and salivary glands, birth defects, and fears of birth defects in survivors' children. Plus, of course, disfiguring keloid scars.
Fortnite AMD Big Navi GPU

Its been more than half a year since AMD introduced the world to its new RDNA 3 GPUs, led by the indomitable flagship Radeon RX 7900 XTX . Six months later, we got the massively more affordable RX 7600 - and now it looks like we might finally be getting the long-awaited midrange cards from this range.

Previous leaks had placed the launch of at least one more Radeon RX 7000 GPU sometime in September, and a new report from Hardware Times has suggested that we might get two: the Radeon RX 7800 and 7700, possibly as XT models.

Current speculation points to a pre-launch reveal at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany towards the end of August. AMD is hosting a gaming festival at the event on August 25, and it makes sense for Team Red to showcase these GPUs at Gamescom - midrange cards are likely to be more popular among gamers who dont need the raw power of an RTX 4090 , and AMD has long been trying to position itself as the gamers choice for PC components.

Will AMDs midrange cards deliver? I hope so

Weve already seen the RX 7800 crop up in leaked benchmark results online, offering serious competition to Nvidias RTX 4070, though we did note at the time that the generational performance increase against the RX 6800 was modest at best.

The RX 7700 might be a more attractive option, though; we lauded the RX 7600 in our review as a gift for gamers on a budget, and sensible pricing on the 7700 could land it in the same (very agreeable) camp. Ive long been a lover of reasonably-priced 1440p gaming GPUs, so if AMD can stick the landing here and outperform Nvidias RTX 4060 Ti , the 7700 could be the card I find myself recommending to everyone.
Last month, theoretical physicist Avi Loeb made headlines with the sensational claim that tiny spherules recovered from the bottom of the ocean were probably of alien origin. Its most likely a technological gadget with artificial intelligence, he said to The New York Times, which published a story today about the Harvard professors contentious claims. Although the biggest scientific breakthroughs often start with a bold hypothesis, Loebs peers believe the decorated astrophysicists assertions can be called many things  but good science isnt one of them.

Loebs proclamations stem from an object that US government sensors logged on January 8th, 2014: a fireball from space that blazed into the western Pacific Ocean off the northeastern coast of Papua New Guinea. Highlighting its logged speed and direction as an anomaly, Loeb and undergraduate assistant Amir Siraj targeted the otherwise inconsequential planetary entry as an object worthy of further investigation.

Fast-forward to last month, when Loeb led a voyage  funded by a crypto entrepreneur  to recover evidence from the fireballs calculated crash path. Dragging a magnetic sled attached to the expedition boat across the ocean floor, the team recovered a series of tiny spherical objects which Loeb says appear under a microscope as beautiful metallic marbles. Preliminary analysis indicated that the sub-millimeter orbs were 84 percent iron, with silicon, magnesium and trace elements comprising the rest. Loeb believes that as a result of being exposed to the fireballs heat, the surface of the object likely disintegrated into tiny spherules, similar in number per unit area to those recovered by the expedition.

An electron microprobe image of one of the spherules recovered from the ocean's bottom.

Not one to exercise much caution with public pronouncements, Loeb wrote in a Medium post, Their discovery opens a new frontier in astronomy, where what lay outside the solar system is studied through a microscope rather than a telescope. He summarized, in an equally dramatic manner, The discovery of spherules felt like a miracle. Soon after, CBS News picked up on his excitement and published an attention-grabbing article titled, Harvard professor Avi Loeb believes hes found fragments of alien technology. Loeb has sent the mysterious spheres to Harvard University, the University of California, Berkeley and the Bruker Corporation in Germany for more in-depth analysis.

It has material strength that is tougher than all space rock that were seen before, and catalogued by NASA, CBS News reported Loeb as saying earlier this month. We calculated its speed outside the solar system. It was 60 km per second, faster than 95% of all stars in the vicinity of the sun. The fact that it was made of materials tougher than even iron meteorites, and moving faster than 95% of all stars in the vicinity of the sun, suggested potentially it could be a spacecraft from another civilization or some technological gadget.

It all sounds fascinating, especially with the resurgent interest in UFOs and the quest to discover signs of alien life. But theres one problem: The scientific community, by and large, believes Loeb is, if not entirely full of it, practicing something far outside what theyd call science.

Peter Brown, a meteor physicist at Western University in Ontario, said that several percent of detected events appear interstellar at first but almost always end up chalked up to a measurement error. Steve Desch, an astrophysicist at Arizona State University, argued at a recent conference that if the object were traveling as fast as the data suggests  one of the points Loeb uses to indicate its origin was from outside our solar system  it would have been wholly incinerated entering the Earths atmosphere. Brown and other scientists also highlight Loebs lack of engagement with peers who study similar unidentified fireballs.

Brown recently presented data (accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal) demonstrating that NASAs recordings in cases like these often end up being proven untrustworthy. He believes the fireball likely impacted at a slower speed than the recorded data suggested. If the speed was overestimated, then the object becomes, more or less, within the realm of what we see in terms of other bound solar system objects, he said. (Loeb retorted by citing an unbendable trust in government data: They are responsible for national security. I think they know what they are doing.) The New York Times adds that the government is unlikely to declassify the data that would allow the scientific community to learn how precise (or not) it is.

Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb holding a vial while looking at the camera with a proud smile.

Regardless of the spherules origins, researchers are alarmed by Loebs penchant for venturing outside science to make bold (and highly publicized) claims  with his scientific background boosting their perceived legitimacy. The gist of their alarm is that becoming a Harvard-employed astrophysicist doesnt grant you the wizard-like ability to know the answers to questions the scientific method hasnt yet confirmed. On the contrary, its supposed to mean your peers respect you for exercising restraint and doing quite the opposite. [Loebs claims are] a real breakdown of the peer review process and the scientific method, Desch said to The New York Times. And its so demoralizing and tiring.

Loebs views about his peers harsh response can be summarized in his cited quote from philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer from a recent blog post. All truth passes through three stages: First, it is ridiculed; second, it is violently opposed; and third, it is accepted as self-evident. Notably, Loeb seemingly refers to his conclusions about the preliminary findings  with plenty of question marks still intact  as truth.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines confirmation bias as the tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one's existing beliefs or theories. Loebs words and excited tone suggest he knows the answer and that his peers criticism stems from their resistance to the new frontier hes discovered. However, their criticism seems only partially about his specific conclusions; its paired with a larger concern about an esteemed cohort jumping to conclusions that fall far outside of the scientific method. What the public is seeing in Loeb is not how science works, remarked Desch. And they shouldnt go away thinking that.
In her eponymous new film, Barbie asks her friends, "Do you guys ever think about dying?" Because she surely does. (Illustration by Juanjo Gasull; photo: Getty Images)

In Barbie, Margot Robbie's pretty and pink "Stereotypical Barbie" is in crisis. She has cellulite  and she can't stop thinking about death.

That existential concern is what drives much of the drama in the blockbuster film. And though it never quite reaches the level of full-blown pathology for Robbies Barbie or America Ferrara's Gloria, who also struggles with "irrepressible thoughts of death," it certainly raises a question: When does the fear of death  actually called thanatophobia, but also known as a preoccupation with death, having intrusive thoughts of death and death anxiety  constitute a mental-health crisis?

There are many terms which people use to talk about this fear, and often they are used interchangeably, explains Rachel Menzies, psychologist, prominent death-anxiety researcher and director of the Sydney, Australia-based Menzies Anxiety Centre, for the psychological treatment of death-anxiety and related conditions.

There is currently no formal diagnosis for death anxiety, although some people consider it a type of specific phobia, she tells Yahoo Life. However, you can think of death anxiety as a normal and universal part of being human, in that all of us have to grapple with our awareness of death and the discomfort that can come with this. When the anxiety becomes more severe, this is when it is particularly important to seek help.

Menzies stresses that all of us can likely benefit from facing our mortality and normalizing death, which is partly why she so appreciated Barbie, which she recently watched. I thought it did an excellent job at depicting and normalizing death anxiety  I've already had a few conversations with patients about it and it seems to have really struck a chord with people.

In Barbie, both Margot Robbie's lead character and Gloria, played by America Ferrera, struggle with irrepressible thoughts of death. (Photo: Warner Bros./Courtesy Everett Collection)

Death anxiety, in general, she explains, refers to any negative feeling people may have about death or dying. This can include feelings of fear, dread or sadness. It is completely normal to think about death, and death anxiety exists on a spectrum, such that some people will experience only mild discomfort about death and dying, whereas others may experience intense distress.

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It can also, when harnessed correctly, be a positive force in our lives, according to psychologist David Rosmarin, founder of Center for Anxiety in New York and Boston and Harvard Medical School associate professor. "On one hand, its a good thing, because death is inevitable, and being aware of our mortality can have positive effects: It can make us more humble, it can make us think twice before we do certain things, it can make us more cautious, it can make us think about issues of greater meaning and purpose and why were here," he tells Yahoo Life. "So, its a double-edged sword."

Here's what to know about death anxiety.

Take note if anxiety over death disrupts your daily existence

When it becomes invasive and disrupts your normal functioning, or interferes with your quality of life, then its problematic, Elaine Eshbaugh, professor of gerontology at the University of Northern Iowa who has researched death anxiety, tells Yahoo Life.

Other red flags are if it impacts your relationships or work life, adds Menzies, who says, If people are finding that they are routinely troubled by thoughts of their own death or that of others, or that it is impacting their mood, or leading to unhelpful coping behaviors, this is usually a sign that they could benefit from getting professional support.

Rosmarin says that having severe enough death anxiety to warrant treatment is a rarity, noting, "We see more than 1,000 patients a year, but if we see one or two with death anxiety, that would be a lot." Similarly, he says, thanatophobia is a "rare phobia  its not like, snakes, heights, planes, death."

Anxiety around death is typically not the only symptom at play

For people with severe death anxiety, it would be unlikely that theyd only be anxious about that, notes Eshbaugh, who explains that its related to generalized anxiety disorder [GAD], so its rare to have an overwhelming fear of death and no other anxieties.

Rosmarin adds that, with GAD, "people have multiple worries, and often they pertain to death, but typically its not about them but their kids or their loved ones  did their flight land? Do they have a disease?"

While death anxiety is not a mental health diagnosis in and of itself, it would typically present itself as part of a constellation of symptoms, says Eshbaugh  not only of GAD but also possibly part depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which would bring with it a more irrational death anxiety, such as, if I dont [tap the table] 47 times Im going to die, she says.

Menzies, in fact, found in one study that, Across 12 different disorders, death anxiety significantly predicted symptom severity."

There are factors that can make some more susceptible than others

Barbie may or may not find comfort in one of Eshbaughs findings, which is there's a higher rate of death anxiety among females." Also seen in women, and a contributing factor, is a higher rate of ruminative thought, meaning you cant let go of something, and that you tend to ruminate or perseverate on an issue, no matter what that is," she says.

Another factor, says Eshbaugh, is the level of interactions and familiarity with older adults  and that the lower the level, the higher the possibility of having death anxiety seems to be. Similarly, in general, the more exposure you have had to death, the less death anxiety you have. For individuals who actually are closer to death, either through age or illness, she adds, it either goes up or it goes down  some of death anxiety is fear of the unknown, and when youre in hospice, for example, you have a little less fear of the unknown. So sometimes you find the death anxiety is actually going to decrease.

Approaches to treatment

A therapists approach will largely depend on the related diagnosis, says Eshbaugh, so if a patient is dealing with PTSD, for example, then trauma-therapy approaches such as EMDR can be effective. If the anxiety over death is a manifestation of clinical depression, then one would treat the depression, using therapy and maybe medication, because when were talking about obsessive and ruminating thoughts, sometimes medication is really helpful.

But generally speaking, says Menzies, who coauthored Free Yourself from Death Anxiety: A CBT Self-Help Guide for Fear of Death and Dying, it's CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), which is "the most evidence-based treatment for death anxiety. This involves addressing unhelpful beliefs which may underlie the anxiety, as well as managing behaviors which we know drive anxiety, such as avoidance behaviors, reassurance seeking, and so forth.

The clinicians at Rosmarin's center all work with CBT, which he says is "focused on change," as well as DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), which is "a broader approach, but balances change with acceptance, because sometimes you cant make those changes and you have to learn to sit with the fact that were imperfect."

It's something Barbie (spoiler alert!) decided she's ready to sit with, choosing life  with all of its imperfections and promise of death  over her bright pink fantasy world.

"Death anxiety can make life harder, but it can also make life better, and if we use it to have a better sense of meaning, of purpose, and to avoid impulsive, dangerous things, all of that is actually very positive," Rosmarin says. "Barbie decides its better to be a human and have the uncertainty."
As if the UPS contract negotiations hadnt created enough drama across the supply chain before a tentative deal was struck, other contract agreements still hang in the balancecreating new uncertainty on when big employers will reach labor deals with unionized pilots and dockworkers.

On Monday, 57 percent of FedEx pilots represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) rejected a tentative five-year contract. And Tuesday, union dockworkers at the Canada ports will mull over the terms of settlement of the tentative deal that leaders of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Canada agreed on earlier this month.

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FedEx said it was disappointed in the voting results, but pointed out that service wont be affected. The proposed deal included a 30 percent pay increase and a 30 percent increase to the pilots legacy pensions. However, thats lower than the 40 percent increase that ALPA-represented United Airlines pilots received in a new contract agreement earlier this month.

We cant thank the Negotiating Committee team enough for their tireless devotion. While it fell short of the memberships expectations, we are grateful for their tremendous effort, ALPA leadership said in a letter to union members. We will respect the decision of the membership, chart a new path and be ready to re-engage as soon as possible. We ask that you remain unified and trust that the process will ultimately produce an agreement that all FedEx pilots will be proud to support.

Both FedEx and ALPA will restart negotiations under the supervision of the National Mediation Board. There is no timetable for when this meeting would occur.

While the 5,200 pilots cannot strike immediately, 99 percent voted to authorize a strike in May.

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But the Railway Labor Act, which covers both railroads and airlines, has guardrails in place to keep unions from striking. The legislation is designed to prevent the possibility of strikes or lockouts that could cripple the U.S. transportation system.

Before a strike can take place, the National Mediation Board must first decide that additional mediation efforts wouldnt be productive. From there, it must offer the parties an opportunity to arbitrate the contract dispute.

If either side declines the arbitration, both groups enter a 30-day cooling off period. If they cant reach a deal, the union could go on strikebut only if Congress stays out of the situation. It stepped in to avert a nationwide rail strike at the end of 2022.

Our members have spoken and we will now regroup and prepare for the next steps. In the coming weeks, the FedEx ALPA leadership will meet to establish a timeline for assessing pilot group priorities moving forward, said Chris Norman, chair, FedEx ALPA. FedEx pilots remain unified and that will drive a new path that will help produce an agreement that all FedEx pilots will be proud to support.

Ahead of the news that UPS and the Teamsters agreed to a tentative agreement, FedEx also reiterated that it was protecting capacity and service for existing customers in the event of a strike.

With FedEx pilots rejecting a deal, the focus now moves up north where the ILWU Canada is looking to finally end the on-again, off-again labor negotiations at Canadian West Coast ports.

On Tuesday, the British Columbia ports shut down for the morning shift as union leadership recommended the four-year settlement terms to its 7,400 member employees.

The ILWU caucus already has approved the terms, which were proposed by senior federal mediator Peter Simpson and ratified by the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA).

Voting will be held on Thursday and Friday at local ILWU branches.

Like the FedEx deal, there is no guarantee that the union members will agree to the terms that have been agreed on by ILWU leadership.

Theres no timeline on when a deal will be finalized. Five days after reaching a deal on July 13, the ILWU voted down the tentative settlement termseffectively going back on strike. A federal watchdog deemed the strike illegal on July 19, forcing the union to set up a new 72-hour strike notice. But within hours, the union retracted the notice.

The union reneged after Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convened a meeting of the countrys Incident Response Group to bring an end to the work stoppage.

Click here to read the full article.
Beaver Lake is home to a small population of very large paddlefish, according to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

A boater recently came across a large injured paddlefish that was splashing around on the surface of a popular Arkansas reservoir. According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), which described the paddlefish as "a MONSTER" in a recent Facebook post, it had been hit by the propeller of a passing boat. When it was finally hauled ashore, the fish tipped scales at an astonishing 165 pounds and taped out at 6 feet, 3 inches long.

https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FAGFCFisheriesDivision%2Fposts%2F342677211416194&show_text=true&width=500

"The Paddlefish was 75 inches from the tip of its rostrum to the top of its tail," AGFC's July 22 Facebook post reads. "The fish is not an official state record because it was not caught with a rod and reel. It is still a fish of a lifetime."

The boater who found the fish wasn't identified in the Facebook post, but the AGFC said the person swam out and attempted to rescue it before eventually bringing it ashore. "Unfortunately, this beast of a Paddlefish had its soft spinal cord severed [by the boat prop]," the agency stated. "Paddlefish are considered pre-historic fish because they dont have any bones made of hard structures. They are made of cartilage, like a shark."

Beaver Lakewhere the massive fish was foundis located in northwest Arkansas about 20 miles east of Bentonville. It is a tailwater fishery that was formed by the damming of the White River in 1964. In addition to striped bass, walleye, and several species of catfish, it's home to a small population of very large paddlefish, the AGFC said in its post. Fisheries biologists are currently considering implementing a snagging season for the cartilaginous fish, which are prized for the high quality of their roe and their superior flavor when smoked.

Read Next: Montana Bowfisherman Arrows World Record Paddlefish

The standing Arkansas state record paddlefish was caught by James C. Johnson of North Oaks, Minnesota while trolling for striped bass in Beaver Lake back in September 2020. That fish came in just shy of six feet and weighed 118 pounds, 9 ounces. It's girth was 44 inches in diameter, and it measured 49 inches from eyeball to tail.
jessica taylor, long island serial killer

After the recent arrest of Rex Heuermann, the individual connected to the Gilgo Beach murders case that has stumped law enforcement and detectives for years, there has been much buzz in the media surrounding Heuermanns personal life. However, what about his alleged victims?

Unfortunately, many of their names and their stories have been swept under the rug due to their occupations as sex workers. Not much is known about them besides the fact that they were prostitutes at the time of their deaths.

Now, it is time that their individualities, hobbies, who they were, and what they meant to their loved ones are brought to light. Because as long as these stories continued to be ignored by the media, justice will never truly be served.

One of the victims of the Gilgo Beach murders was 20-year-old Jessica Taylor, who vanished in July 2003 while working as a sex worker in New York City. Until now, there were very few details beyond her occupation that were remembered by the public. To her family, she was much more than that.

RELATED: Concerned Neighbors Successfully Rally To Find Mother Who Was Filmed Dragging Her 9-Year-Old Daughter By Her Hair

Jessica Taylor was found murdered on July 26, 2003 in Manorville, New York.

Jessica Taylor was born on July 14, 1985. Originally from Poughkeepsie, New York, she later moved to Brooklyn. At 17 years old, she began working as a sex worker and spent three years under the control of Khalil White, a pimp known as Remy.

Taylor had reportedly expressed her desire to escape her lifestyle and pursue a greater life.

During a trip to Washington D.C., Taylor decided to return to New York City. She left on July 15, 2003, and was reported missing by White later that day.

Taylor was reportedly seen a few days later, between July 18-21, at the Port Authority bus terminal in Manhattan. Although, a few days later on July 26, her mutilated body was discovered by a dog walker at the end of an access road off Halsey Manor Road, just north of the Long Island Expressway in Manorville. Taylor was discovered in a sheet of plastic, nude, decapitated, and missing her hands.

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A medical examiner concluded that she had been murdered about two to three days before her corpse was found. She was later identified by a tattoo on her right hip, a red heart with an angel wing with the words, Remys angel, written inside the heart, a reference to White.

Taylors skull, hands, and forearm were found years later in 2011 on Gilgo Beach.

RELATED: Waitress Takes A Secret Photo Of Man With Black & Blue Baby  She Looked At Me With A Face That Said Help

While many people may only know Taylor as a sex worker, her family shared that she was much more than that and made a profound impact on them.

Like many of the other victims allegedly murdered at the hands of Heuermann, Taylor was a sex worker, with the rest of her backstory being neglected. However, her family and other families who have lost loved ones to similar crimes are changing their narratives and sharing personal stories regarding who they were and the impact they had on their lives.

Lauren Lee Malloy knows all too well the pain that the Taylor family has suffered for nearly two decades. In 1993, her mother, Lori Lee Malloy, was discovered dead in her apartment.

A medical examiner had originally concluded that her death was related to drugs since she had a history of cocaine use and took medication for schizophrenia. She was also allegedly a sex worker.

RELATED: Teen Girl Fined For 'Wasting Police Time' By Reporting Her Stalker  Then He Murdered Her

Malloys daughter Lauren and many others, however, suspect that she had been raped and murdered, and have re-opened the cold case in hopes of finding more definitive answers.

In light of Rex Heuermanns arrest, Lauren has also been thinking much about his victims. One thing I noticed is how many media outlets refer to them simply as sex workers and addicts and how their suspected killers name and face is shared so much more than theirs, she shared in a Twitter post. This bugs me.

When I made my moms cold case public, I chose to share the full reports because I wanted the facts known. These facts included her alleged sex work, substance use struggles, and more, she added. I was afraid people would judge her and not care about her case, so also chose to tell what I learned about her life and who she was as a person in the hopes others would understand.

Ive thought a lot about the LISK victims and their families over the last week.



One thing I noticed is how many media outlets refer to them simply as sex workers and addicts, and how their suspected killers name and face is shared so much more than theirs. That bugs me. pic.twitter.com/tsQzreGXZA  Lauren Lee Malloy (@LaurenLee_915) July 20, 2023

RELATED: Dad Who Killed Daughters Stalker Blamed For Selling His Daughter's Selfies To The Teen Prior To The Incident

To Laurens pleasant surprise, most people who learned about her mothers story were accepting and loving. Now, she wants the same treatment for the Gilgo Beach murder victims, since many of them were sex workers or struggled with drug use as well.

The LISK [Long Island Serial Killer] victims deserve that same acceptance and love, not just [Name], a XX-year-old sex worker, Lauren wrote. If I died tomorrow, I hope my job wouldnt be how I was remembered or defined.

Lauren decided to reach out to @morethanlala, a Twitter account run by Jessica Taylors family, to promote awareness of her story and to remember her.

According to Taylors family, there was much more to her story than her occupation.

She was a true force, one who wouldnt easily take disrespect. She was somebody that I looked up to. I always think of her eyes first when I think of her, so big and beautiful, matching a smile that lit up her face, one of her family members told Lauren about Taylor. We used to have sleepovers all the time where wed drink soda milk and watch Nick at Nite. She taught me how to double Dutch.

RELATED: 7 Reddit Sex Workers Reveal The Saddest Requests They've Received From Lonely People

Through the painful road Taylors family has been on since losing her, they realize that finally having answers will not bring her back.

Its been so hard to process through all of these emotions, its like living it all over again from the beginning, they noted. She is very loved and missed.

jessica taylor long island serial killer victim

The rest of the victims deserve to have their stories heard.

Lauren emphasizes that this is the story that all of Heuermanns victims deserve.

Thats the story that deserves to be told for all the Jessica Taylors and Lori Lee Malloys out there  who they were as people, she shares. Everyone has struggles, but no one deserves to have their life taken. Id like to see the LISK victims names and faces shared more than their suspected killers because they deserve to be known and remembered more.

It is time that we look beyond these womens work and their struggles and learn more about their families, hobbies, interests, and memories rather than their occupations. It is also time we say their names, share their stories and demand justice.

It all starts now with Jessica Taylor.

RELATED: I'm A Sex Worker  And This Is What I'll Tell My Child

Megan Quinn is a writer at YourTango who covers entertainment and news, self, love, and relationships.

This article originally appeared on YourTango
A man holding movie clapper

If you love hiking as much as we do, youre basically always thinking about hitting the next trail. Even when your hiking boots are lying undisturbed next to the front door while you recover on the couch, youre probably clicking through the channels looking for shows and movies with stunning scenery to transport you back out into the wild.

Whether you end up watching Dr Jack Shephard breaking out of a bamboo grove onto a pristine beach or the dashing outlaw Jamie Fraser trying to escape the law, you may find yourself wondering where these gorgeous scenes are filmed. And while its true that some of the most unbelievable scenes these days are actually computer-generated, many of the wildest are shot right here on planet earth and make for some fantastic hiking adventures. Here, weve rounded up eight epic hiking spots that youll recognize from the big screen, and love for real-life adventures.

1. Lost: Kaaawa Valley, Oahu

Panoramic Kaaawa Valley Oahu

Lost fans seeking to get up close and personal with the filming locations for this smash hit are heading for a tropical adventure indeed. The survival show was largely filmed on lush Oahu, Hawaiis third largest island. For some absolutely stunning scenery, head to the Windward Coast where youll find the Kaaawa Valley a lush green valley resplendent with waterfalls and steep cliffs which ends at the Pacific ocean.

In episode two of Losts first season, this is where the survivors go looking for wreckage of the plane, and it's actually one of Hollywoods favorite filming locations, serving as the backdrop for Jurassic Park, Godzilla, 50 First Dates, Pearl Harbor and Jumanji too.

The land, located about a 20 minute drive from Honolulu, is private property, so exploration requires a special permit or you can take one of the tours offered by Kualoa Ranch.

2. Game of Thrones: Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland

Vatnajokull National Park

Game of Thrones was filmed all over Europe, and a lot of it in northern Ireland which is well worth a visit for hiking in locations such as County Derrys Binevenagh, which appeared as the Dothraki Grasslands.

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For the otherworldly feel of the frozen lakes and craters North of the Wall, however, youll want to head further north to Iceland. Many of the wintery scenes for Game of Thrones are computer-generated, but some were shot in massive Vatnajokull National Park, east of Reykjavik, which is home to glaciers, tundra, ice caves and geothermal features. The outlandish scenery is also the setting for scenes in Batman Begins, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Interstellar. Here you can camp, hike and bird watch (so bring your binoculars) as well as go glacier hiking on a guided tour.

3. Outlander: Glencoe, Scotland

A hiker throws his arms out wide as he looks out over Glencoe in Scotland

Its not always the case that beautiful shows set in Scotland were actually filmed there, Braveheart being a prime example, but much of Outlander is. The opening credits of this time-traveling hit show, which have no doubt made you want to jump on a plane and head to Scotland, are filmed in gorgeous Glencoe, one of Scotlands many magnificent glens (valleys) and an absolute mecca for hiking.

Glencoe is a famous valley of volcanic origins located about a two hour drive from Glasgow (or you can take a bus) and is home to mountain hikes like the Pap of Glencoe and Buachaille Etive Mor which is a Munro. Alternatively, you can join the West Highland Way which runs through the glen, and either hike north up the Devils Staircase or head south across the Rannoch Moor.

4. Braveheart: Mamores, Lochaber, Scotland

Taken from Am Bodach on the Ring of Steall showing Loch Leven below

As we mentioned, not much of Braveheart was shot in Scotland, but some of the most breathtaking high mountain scenes were. As news spreads of William Wallaces performance in the Battle of Falkirk, he runs along a high mountain path and reaches a rock cairn.

This mountain is Am Bodach, a fine Munro in the Mamores which you can climb from Kinlochleven. However, the more popular (and grueling) approach is to do it as part of The Ring of Steall, a classic mountain route combining four Munros with scrambling along narrow, rocky ridges. Wear a kilt if you must (though hiking pants are more practical), but try not to paint your face blue or scream freedom! at the top lest everyone knows youre American.

5. Westworld: Monument Valley, Utah and Arizona

Utah - Ariziona border, panorama of the Monument Valley from a remote point of view, known as The Hunt's Mesa

When youre in Utah and Arizona, you often feel like youre in a science fiction movie anyway, so it may come as no surprise that these southwestern states are the real location for much of the dystopian sci-fi series Westworld.

Monument Valley is one such location and this section of the Colorado Plateau in southern Utah and northern Arizona has come to define what many film and TV buffs associate with the wild west, thanks to it being used for so many westerns. When Dolores and Teddy ride off into the sunset amongst those stark, isolated rock formations, youre looking at the buttes of Monument Valley where in real life you can hike the Wild Cat Trail as well as the Lee Cly and Mesa Rim Trails for unforgettable desert views. Because its desert hiking, spring and fall are the best time to go and make sure you avoid the middle of the day.

6. Star Wars: Death Valley, California

Mesquite Sand Dunes

Filming is no longer allowed in US National Parks, for obvious reasons, though its a shame that some of the most spectacular scenery in the country cant be showcased on the big screen these days. Back in the late 1970s and early 1980s, however, it was a different story.

If you want to set foot on Tatooine, you dont need a spaceship, just head to Death Valley, which was the backdrop for scenes in both A New Hope and Return of the Jedi. Some of the best hikes in Death Valley National Park take you to Tatooine, including Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Badwater Basin, Desolation Canyon and Golden Canyon.

7. Broadchurch: West Bay, Dorset

West Bay Cliffs

If youre a Broadchurch fan, youll be familiar with the high cliffs that David Tennant and Olivia Colmans characters frequently walk along as they try desperately to solve the puzzle of the murder of an 11-year-old boy that rocks a small English seaside town. The reality of this location is a lot less grim, set as it is in lovely West Bay, Dorset.

This area is part of the famous Jurassic Coast and situated on the English channel between Plymouth and Poole. Its on the South West Coast Path, a stunning 630-mile long distance trail, but of course you can enjoy fabulous day coast walks along the West Bay without committing to two months worth of walking. The area has recently seen a massive landslip, so check on conditions and access before you go and stay away from the edges and base of the cliffs.

8. Oppenheimer: Ghost Ranch, New Mexico

Rock formations against sky, Ghost Ranch, New Mexico

Christopher Nolan's new thriller details the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, a physicist who played a major role in developing the first nuclear weapons as part of the Manhattan Project. The first nuclear device ever tested during the project was in New Mexico, and it's there that Nolan returns for the filming of Oppenheimer.

The true backdrop to much of the experimentation was Los Alamos, but that town being too modern for this period piece forced Nolan to move instead to Ghost Ranch, a 21,000-acre retreat and education center best known for being the tempoerary home of Georgia O'Keefe, and the subject of many of her paintings.

The area perfectly matches the high drama of the film and is chock full of accessible southwest hiking trails such as Chimney Rock, Box Canyon and Mesa Trail.
2023 seems to be the year of recapturing the vibes of the early 2000s, and that includes how people are celebrating their summers.

Now, TikTok users are filming odes to the 2009s Hannah Montana: The Movie, which saw lead character Miley Stewart  played by Miley Cyrus  move back to Tennessee. Based on the popular Disney Channel series, the movie showed the high school student living a double life as a pop star while settling down and enjoying life as a normal teen in her hometown.

And in honor of the movie and its message of slowing down and enjoying life, TikTokers are sharing their own Miley Stewart summers.

The Miley Stewart Summer girl

Magali Magsie Neiteler (@magalinigellaneiteler), who calls herself the Miley Stewart Summer girl on TikTok, seems to have started the trend with videos of her life full of peaceful summer nights, plenty of horse-riding and lots of country scenes.

She explained in a video from May 2022 that her Miley Stewart summer was beginning  and that her parents actually used to call her Miley when she was little.

Neiteler has a self-portrayed love of looking at cowboys and singing country songs, and in her comments, she revealed she was a fan of Hannah Montana as a child.

Many of Neitelers videos are simply captioned #mileystewartsummer and picture aesthetic shots of her cowgirl boots, horse riding and scenes of her in the countryside life, complete with a cowgirl hat and flannel shirts. And, of course, many of her TikToks are set to Cyrus songs from the movie.

THIS is actually a Miley Stewart summer, one commenter pointed out.

This is the dream, another agreed.

Neiteler is so dedicated to her Miley Stewart summer, in fact, that one keen follower even noticed that she shared a whole outfit with the pop-star actress.

you having the same outfit aaaahh, said one fan.

I know! Its one of my favorite outfits and I didnt even notice it was the same until I rewatched the movie but I think my inner child knew, Neiteler replied.

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Neitelers trend of the Miley Stewart summer has caught on, and other TikTokers  including those who actually live in Tennessee just like Stewarts character  are sharing their own similar summer videos.

More than Hannah Montana

While TikTok user @annewithane.___ aptly noted that Neitelers videos are giving Hannah Montana vibes, the trend of a Miley Stewart summer is even bigger than Hannah Montanas star power.

I didnt know how badly i wanted this until rn, wrote a commenter.

Because like the movies theme suggested, the Miley Stewart summer is about the message of realizing that everyone has worth, no matter what they do or where they work, and everyone deserves a life that prioritizes mental health, rest and relaxation.

You dont have to be a pop star to enjoy downtime, and in fact, the Miley Stewart summer seems to promote that a life spent opposite of hustle culture may be even more beautiful.

I think this life would fill the void for me, one person commented.

this made me cry because being a californian/from the sf bay area is so bland and ill never know what its like to live like this, another added.

Not everyone has access to the wide-open countryside or the know-how to ride and care for horses, but for those who are able to find it, a Miley Stewart summer is about slowing down in ways that can refuel.

Some TikTokers are getting creative in their quest for their own Miley Stewart summer.

Anyone got a farm I can borrow for my Miley summer? one person asked with a laughing emoji.

And if the Miley Stewart summer alone isnt quite your vibe, dont worry  because other TikTokers are already creating the next big trend: The Summer I Turned Pretty x Miley Stewart Summer, which seems to be a little bit of both country and city.

In The Know by Yahoo is now available on Apple News  follow us here!

The post People on TikTok are documenting their Miley Stewart summer appeared first on In The Know.

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BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The Supreme People's Procuratorate has ordered the arrest of Wang Xuefeng, former deputy director of the Standing Committee of the Hebei Provincial People's Congress, for suspected bribe-taking.

Wang's case was investigated by the National Commission of Supervision before being handed over to prosecutors.

Further handling of the case is underway. 
Soon after the turn of the 20th century, rumors began making their way west that man-eating lizards, 10 feet long and weighing up to 350 pounds, with fearsome talons, chain mail scales, and serrated teeth dripping with venom, had been found living on a remote Indonesian island. The source of the reports was Lieutenant Jacques Karel Henri van Steyn van Hensbroek, a Dutch colonial officer, who revealed the existence of Varanus komodoensis, the world's largest extant reptile, in 1910. But it was a 1926 American Museum of Natural History expedition to capture live specimens, led by a flamboyant Vanderbilt scion named William Douglas Burden, that caused interest in the creature to explode in popular culture. Burden's gripping account, Dragon Lizards of Komodo, inspired his friend Merian C. Cooper to dream up the primordial Skull Island for his classic 1933 film, King Kong. Civilization was steaming forward, and yet, in that era, the map still seemed to hold places that hid ancient secrets.

I arrived in Labuan Bajo, on the western coast of the Indonesian island of Flores, to find out if, nearly a century later, there was still anything left to discover. The town is the gateway to the 670-square-mile Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses the forbidding volcanic islands of Komodo, Padar, and Rinca as well as numerous smaller ones. They're home not only to Komodo dragons but also to whales, turtles, dugongs, manta rays, and more than a thousand fish species. I had come to meet Adrien Portier, a young French entrepreneur, who, with his business partner Dimitri Tran, commissioned Vela, a luxurious 164-foot sailboat that is designed to cruise Indonesia's wildest and most beautiful islands.

Vela is a modern take on the phinisi, a two-masted, eight-sailed timber boat. Traditionally, phinisis sailed throughout Indonesia's 17,000 islands, but they were built mostly by Konjo-speaking people from the village of Ara, on the island Sulawesi. The boats fell out of favor as Indonesia's commercial and fishing fleet modernized, but in 2004 American expat Patti Seery pioneered luxury phinisi travel with the launch of a boatship called Silolona. Seery wanted the journeys to be as amazing as the destinations themselves; she also wanted to honor the cultural legacy of her adopted home country. Vela, its descendant, has room for 14 guests and a crew of 18including a mixologist, a yoga instructor, and a photographer on request. It was designed by Tresno Seery, Patti's son. Tran and Portier commissioned the boat after falling in love with phinisi cruising, tweaking the design based on their own experiences as guests on other vessels.

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Komodo_DSCF3364.jpg Andrew Urwin

Tran and Portier took the same sustainable approach to luxury with Vela as they did with Nirjhara, an eco-resort they opened in Tabanan Regency, an administrative district in southern Bali, in 2020. Even though Vela is an Indonesian boat with an almost entirely Indonesian crew, Portier told me, we recognize that we are still guests in these waters. This is one reason the pair sought to keep its footprint small. They shaped Vela's handcrafted ironwood hull in a way that would optimize fuel-efficiency while motoring. They sourced all of the boat's custom teak furniture from sustainable forests in Java managed by the Indonesian government and partnered with the global charity One Tree Planted, committing to plant two trees for each one used in the construction of the phinisi. On board, guests will find only glass bottles and handcrafted ceramics; palm-oil-free, reef-safe toiletries and sunscreen; and drinking water that has been reverse-osmosis-filtered. And while most other motorized phinisis have nonfunctioning masts without sails, Vela is fully rigged. That means way less fuel dependenceand a lot more romance.

Labuan Bajo wasn't as wild as I'd imagined. The airport was upgraded in 2016 to handle its 1.5 million annual visitors. New hotels and resorts were carved into the hillsides surrounding a harbor that teems with luxury yachts. Vela was anchored away from the crowds, beautiful with her painted dark blue hull and polished teak accents. Upon embarking, I was greeted with a welcome drink and some nibbles, then Portier took me on a tour. He and Tran sourced everything, from the sails to the bath towels. The finishes were sumptuous and sophisticated. Sun lounges surrounded a long communal table on the foredeck. The cabins ranged from the opulent owner's suite up top, with its marble bathtub and private patio, to smaller rooms below, all decorated with natural Indonesian fabrics and works by emerging local artists. My cabin on the main deck had a king bed and ample space to unpack, although I spent most of my time in swim trunks. Shoes were always optional.

Komodo_DSCF2601.jpg Andrew Urwin

Komodo_DSCF2143.jpg Andrew Urwin

We left the crowded harbor behind and made for the islands of Komodo National Park. The product of volcanic eruptions that occurred when the Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates collided, the jagged isles loomed dramatically on the horizon. Recent fossil evidence has revealed that Komodo dragons, once believed to be endemic to these islands, originated in Australia and crossed to Indonesia over what was then dry land some 900,000 years ago.

After a couple of hours of cruising, we entered the park's waters and dropped anchor. As the sun set, the cocktails arrived. After dinner I climbed to the roof deck for a nightcap, gazing with wonder at the sheer number of stars that punctuated the ink black sky. I slept like a baby that night, rocked to sleep by currents that flow up from Antarctica and through the Sumba Strait.

Komodo_DSCF4129.jpg Andrew Urwin

Komodo_DSCF2911.jpg Andrew Urwin

The next morning, after croissants and espressos, we sailed to Padar, about five nautical miles southwest of Komodo. Once on land, a small group of us climbed its steep, craggy hills, passing goats and deer grazing on the thorny brush as well as Indonesian day-trippers who paused to take selfies in hijabs and designer gear. From the summit we could see the island's five bays, separated by ridges. The view resembled an enormous splayed hand. As I tried to catch my breath, Yoyok, Vela's affable activities director, thoughtfully handed me a cold drink and a cool towel.

Back on the boat, I made a beeline for the nasi goreng and mee gorengrice and noodles studded with shreds of cabbage, carrot, spring onion, and chicken, stir-fried in kecap manis, that syrupy, smoky Indonesian soy sauce, and topped with a perfectly sunny-side-up egg. It was accompanied by ubiquitous sambal, the bright, glossy Indonesian chili paste ribboned with makrut lime leaves. The rest of the afternoon, we alternated between relaxing on deck and slipping into the sea, a patchwork of different shades of blue, to cool off. I watched as a pair of stingrays cruised the deep water beneath the boat. When the sun began to dip, we took a tender to a mangrove forest near one of the small islands in the park and watched as a stream of Sunda flying foxes, an indigenous bat species, soared into the purple sky.

Komodo_DSCF3606.jpg Andrew Urwin

Komodo_DSCF3438-HDR.jpg Andrew Urwin

That night I slipped out of my cabin to sleep under the full moon. At sunrise I was awakened by a pod of dolphins splashing by the bow as sunrise painted the horizon in cotton candy hues.

We were scheduled that day to swim with reef manta rays in Manta Alley, off Komodo's southern tip. But the moon had done something funky to currents, and the water was too rough. Secretly, I was relieved. I hadn't swum seriously since high school, and I didn't relish the prospect of doing so again in the company of 11-foot-wide leviathans, no matter how gentle or intelligent Yoyok assured me they were. Instead, I got a traditional Balinese massage in my cabin. The next few days were a blissful blur of reading, eating, lazing, and swimming. One memorable afternoon, we visited a beach whose sand was tinted pink by microscopic foraminifera. Only seven of these so-called pink beaches can be found in the world, and this park has two of them.

Komodo_DSCF2741.jpg Andrew Urwin

On our last full day, it was finally time to see the dragons. The main entry point is the rangers station on Komodo, where a large population of Komodo dragons can be found. For millennia they've coexisted with the local Ata Modo ethnic group, whose name translates to forest people of the dragon. Believing themselves to be descended from the same ancestral set of twins as the dragons, the Ata Modo long left a portion of what they gathered from fishing, hunting, and farming for their reptilian relatives. When the park was established in 1980 to protect the dragons, fishing and hunting were prohibited within its boundaries. Since then, many of the Ata Modo have taken jobs in tourism, as guides and as crew members on luxury boats. Komodo, along with Borobudur and Bali, is an Indonesian tourism hot spot, and there's no doubt the park brings much-needed income to East Nusa Tenggara, one of Indonesia's poorest provinces. But there is still work to be done to balance the needs of the local ecosystem and the local economy.

Our guide, Rahman, his face etched by sea and sun, smiled wickedly as he told us that, even with their stubby legs, dragons can sprint 12 miles per hour, take down fully grown water buffalo, and smell blood from more than six miles away. He waved a forked stick to fend off any encroaching reptiles, but I still kept my eyes peeled for unexpected ambushes.

Though the paths we walked were well-trodden, the surrounding jungle felt primeval. Strange sounds echoed here and there. Shadows darted behind the enormous trees. We saw boar, jungle fowl, cockatoos, a sea eagle circling the cloudless sky. But no dragons. Then, as we reached the beach, Rahman called out. Ambling toward us was a young male, around seven feet long, its claws sharp, its jaws dripping with drool. It was thrilling to be so close to a Komodo dragon in the flesheven if we were the same distance from the souvenir shop.

Komodo_IMG_6116.jpg Andrew Urwin

Komodo_DSCF3665.jpg Andrew Urwin

Before we started our final cruise back to Labuan Bajo, Yoyok suggested a last swim in the marine-life-rich waters around Gili Lawa Darat Island, a few miles north of Komodo. I gave myself up to the waves as I drifted above the reef, gazing through my snorkel mask. Below was a dizzying spectrum: harlequin flashes of cobalt and hot pink, gold and silver, as clown fish, trevallies, and parrotfish zigzagged by in a flash. And, gliding serenely through the slip stream like some ancient, scrimshawed monolith, a critically endangered white hawksbill turtle stroked past.

Komodo_DSCF1550.jpg Andrew Urwin

I clambered back onto the tender, flush with joy and the feeling that the world still held a few secrets. I had come to look for the dragons but ended up discovering more.

Indonesia by phinisi

Peak time to cruise around Komodo National Park is May to September, outside the monsoon season. Vela also visits several other Indonesian destinations throughout the year, depending on weather conditions and availability.

This article appeared in the July/August 2023 issue of Conde Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.

Originally Appeared on Conde Nast Traveler
In terms of artistic partnerships, Sebastian Blanck and his wife Isca Greenfield-Sanders seem to be in lockstep.

His first solo show at the Miles McEnery Gallery in Chelsea will bow Thursday and run through Aug. 31. Titled Shes My Best Friend, the exhibition is a reference to Isca, who is also represented by the same gallery.

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Blanck, a Rhode Island School of Design alum, spent a few years assisting the esteemed artist Alex Katz in his New York City studio in SoHo. (He also worked for the British painter Cecily Brown and Nabil Nahas.) More than 20 years have passed since Blanck saw Katz in action on a regular basis but in the few years of working with Katz, a few things stayed with him about how to be a painter  the seriousness with which you should approach the situation, the amount of time you have to commit to it and the consideration of how the paintings surface and the material could potentially give a unique take on a medium thats 500 years old, but still has room for individual expression.

From the beginning, Blanck has had a sharp interest in portraiture and figurative work, according to Greenfield-Sanders, who was an undergrad at Brown University studying painting and math when she met Blanck in his RISD days, 25 years ago at an intramural softball game in Providence. After asking him out, they embarked on what has become a 25-year relationship. Now married with two children, the couple also share a professional union. Isca has been a muse and I have made paintings of her, since we got together, Blanck said.

As Shes My Best Friend demonstrates, his work celebrates lifes small and intimate moments that might go unnoticed otherwise, according to Greenfield-Sanders, who shared a studio and worked side-by-side with her husband for 20 years. We both get really into the weeds of what it means to be a painter, speaking about light, pattern and bringing the technical side to the narrative side.

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Aside from having had the good fortune to stage shows early in their careers, the pair also share gallery representation in Stockholm at the Wetterling Gallery and in Aspen at the Baldwin Gallery. This fall Greenfield-Sanders will unveil her next show, Passing Afternoon, in Munich at the Galerie Kluser and the following one is set for Miles McEnery. Looking for the quiet intimate moments that are shared just by two people or a group of people often surfaces in their work.

Hot Tea is among the work in the new Sebastian Blanck show.

As a visual person, Blanck said he is often connecting with and highlighting the feeling that he gets from something and recognizing the beautiful people that hes with. In some ways, its a practice that keeps me engaged with life and new experiences. But it also reminds you of how special it is that you get to share your life with someone and have a family with someone. With all of the distractions in the world, thats a way to stay connected to your life. And thats not a digital version of it, but one youre living in and experiencing, Blanck said.

His work recently appeared on the cover of L.L. Beans spring catalogue  an illustration of outdoors types out in the wilderness. The only requisites were a dog be featured and that everyone be pictured on the trail  in abidance with the National Park Service guidelines. Blanck recalled being advised that people love dogs. He added with a laugh, If you look at the history of L.L. Bean [catalogue] covers, there are so many dogs.

Sebastian Blancks Ozzy and the Orchid.

The Maine-based retailer didnt specify the type of dog so the artist used a little creative license and modeled the dog after one that belongs to his friend Mandy McCorkle, a RISD grad and graphic designer. She posted some pictures on Instagram. I was doing some research and we dont have a dog. We have a cat Ozzy that we absolutely love.

However, there is a painting of Ozzy in the show at Miles McEnery.

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Long accused of using the de minimis exemption to sidestep tariffs, Shein signaled Tuesday interest in working on a complete overhaul of the statute.

The revelation, shared in a letter addressed to the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), for which it is an affiliate sponsor, arrived a day after Bloomberg first reported that the Swedish fast fashion retailer H&M had sued Shein in Hong Kong for copyright infringement.

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H&M reportedly first filed a writ of summons in July 2021. Details were only made public June 21 at a hearing at the Hong Kong High Court. Another hearing is scheduled for July 31. According to Bloomberg, a court filing included photos of items sold by H&M, including swimwear and sweaters, that the retailer claims Shein copied.

It is correct that we have an ongoing copyright infringement lawsuit towards Shein filed in Hong Kong, an H&M spokesperson told Sourcing Journal. We believe that Shein in multiple cases has infringed on our designs and have therefore filed this lawsuit. As it is still an ongoing case, we choose not to comment further.

A Shein spokesperson told Sourcing Journal that the company does not comment on pending litigation.

H&Ms decision to file the case in Hong Kong is a big distinction from other copyright infringement cases lodged against Shein, Nick Rozansky, a partner at Stubbs Alderton & Markiles in the business litigation and trademark and brand protection practice groups, told Sourcing Journal. This could be because China might refuse to recognize a judgment issued by a Western court, but would have to enforce the ruling of a legal authority under its purview, said Rozansky, who isnt involved with either company.

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News of the litigation comes as Shein faces challenges on multiple fronts. Earlier this month, Temu filed a lawsuit in Massachusetts accusing its fellow Chinese-founded e-tailer of using threats, intimidation and false assertions of infringement to coerce manufacturers in China into exclusive agreements. Days before that, three independent artists filed a lawsuit in California claiming Sheins egregious copyright infringement violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, better known as RICO, which in my experience is a very uphill battle, Rozansky said.

If counsel for the plaintiffs behind the corruption lawsuit can get the case to stick, it can be very, very powerful because there are major penalties associated with RICO, he said, calling Shein the 800-pound gorilla rankling the highest and lowest rungs of the fashion world.

U.S. lawmakers, meanwhile, have accused Sheinand Temuof using Section 321 of the Tariff Act of 1930, known as the de minimis exemption, to skirt tariffs. More recently, criticism of the de minimis exemption has grown as politicians worry packages from Shein and Temu are evading scrutiny from custom officials under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act as well. South Africa is also giving Sheins practices a second look.

Last year, a Bloomberg investigation found traces of Xinjiang cotton in some Shein items imported into the U.S. In June, a Tel Aviv-based supply-chain intelligence firm found at least 10 items made or sold by Xinjiang businesses that were available in the U.S. through Temu.

Now, it appears Shein, which spent $600,000 on U.S. lobbying activities in the second quarter, wants to be in on any potential de minimis reform. In a letter written to the AAFA, Shein executive vice chairman Donald Tang advocated for what he called responsible reform of the de minimis exemption. This reform, he wrote, should create a more level, transparent playing field where all retailers play by the same rules, and where rules are applied evenly and equally.

Critics claim the existing framework has fostered an unfair playing field by disadvantaging American companies that can no longer compete on price, Tang wrote. Yet, the lack of a universal supply chain management standard means American consumers receive goods every day from other retailers that may not adhere to globally accepted responsible sourcing and manufacturing practices. At Shein, we believe consumers are entitled to know that they are not only getting a fair price when they shop online, but that the products they are receiving are authentic and ethically produced.

An upstart Shein critic dismissed the de minimis outcry as hypocrisy, describing the Christian Siriano collaborator as the single largest violator of the de minimis rule and a serial human rights abuser.

Instead of making changes themselves, they want to distract lawmakers and regulators with a meaningless press release designed to calm investors who know a Shein IPO is a bad bet, said Chapin Fay, executive director at Shut Down Shein, which launched earlier this year as a coalition of businesses and U.S. consumers advocating against the ultra-fast-fashion juggernaut.

Shein, Fay continued, can end their use of slave labor immediately, pay reparations to the Uyghur people and start paying the tariffs they have gone to great lengths to avoid, which includes the tariffs on every package they have shipped to America since its inception.

Until then, lawmakers and regulators must keep up their relentless efforts to Shut Down Shein, he said.

Click here to read the full article.
Homepage image: Benjamin Moore French Beret in Advance Satin makes for chic, durable cabinetry in this Texas kitchen designed by Laura Pankonien | Avery Knoll Photography

Partnership |

By Siobhan McGowan

Every design project is built on trust. Shared aesthetics, mood boards and budgets are crucial too, but trustbetween designer and contractors, and between designer and clientis paramount for a beautiful collaboration.

Its no coincidence, then, that once a designer finds a painter with the same values, theyll join forces for decades to come. Partnering with someone who also prioritizes quality is foundational to a successful result, says Laura Pankonien, designer-builder at The Pankonien Group in Austin. Ive been working with the same painter for 10 years, and he and I are on the same page that Benjamin Moore is always worth the investment. To ensure the same product fidelity with your contractors and clients, follow these four steps:

1. Choose your colors



With more than 3,500 shades on offer, Benjamin Moore can match every imaginable palette. Refine your focus with fan decks, free samples and other professional color tools like the Color Portfolio app. We have the complete set of fan decks in our office for reference, says Dane Pressner of DAquino Monaco in New York. The complexity of color offerings ranges from showstoppers to more subtle hues. Theres an entire fan deck just for whites, adds New York designer Gala Magrina.

2. consult with the experts



To get the expert perspective on color, application and performance, connect with your local Benjamin Moore Architectural & Design representativeand consider them an extension of your team. Ours will come to our office for lunch-and-learn CEUs, to swap out or refill our sample bin and paint swatches, and to give us the newest products and tools, says Arianne Bellizaire, a designer based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

3. confirm the formula and finish



Color comes first, but formula depends on the particular needs of the space: Is it a rarely used guest room that could luxuriate in Regal, a high-traffic family den that would benefit from Scuff-X, or a bathroom that could counter humidity with Aura Bath & Spa? Finish determines how light will affect, and reflect off of, the hue you choose. Your rep can advise on both components to make sure the paint product you select provides the perfect coverage for your needs. If I want guidance on how to properly apply a new paint, I can get answers quickly. Its a resource-heavy relationship and my rep is extremely knowledgeable, says Minneapolis-based professional painter Jessica Rowland.

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4. spec it in your contracts



Youve decided on the very best colors, formulas and finishes to realize your design vision and delight your client. Now lock it down before the work begins so you never have to give it a second thought. We specify Aura or Regal, the color names and numbers, the finishes, and theres a line item: No substitutions, says Pressner. Adding such language is even more important when working with a new crew. Some contractors and developers will try to save by using an inferior product, so I line-itemize everything at the proposal stage, says Pankonien. One nonnegotiable? We never do a color-match with another brand; it has to be the gold standard, Benjamin Moore. Bellizaire issues equivalent documentation with an added proviso in case of any pushback: If the painter, contractor or builder wants to deviate from my directives, theyre required to show the client two samples on the wall: of the specd shade and the proposed substitute, she says. The client always comes back to me and says, Thank you, because it would have been a totally different color if it wasnt Benjamin Moore.

That Finishing Touch

Colors subtle partner, sheen affects how a paint reflects light and performs. But which one is the right fit for the job? Baton Rouge, Louisianabased designer Arianne Bellizaire walks us through six key optionsfrom flat and more forgiving to shiny, super durable and easy to cleanand how she balances functionality and style when making her selection.

Flat/Ultra Flat: Primarily for ceilings, this finish covers flaws without calling attention to itself. The ceiling is usually in shadows and has imperfections that flat paint camouflages well, says Bellizaire.

Matte: An increasingly popular alternative to eggshell, matte offers a seductive degree of nuance that designers cant resist. I choose it when I want even more depth from darker colors like Benjamin Moore Gentlemans Gray, says Bellizaire. For lower-traffic spaces like a home office or primary bedroom, it really lets you lean into the pigmentation. Some pros also find it easier for spot touch-ups than eggshella more forgiving and low-maintenance finish.

A matte finish makes Benjamin Moore Gentlemans Gray that much more seductive in this enveloping movie lounge designed by Arianne Bellizaire - Photo Credit Photography by Haylei Smith

Eggshell: A classic for a reason, eggshell, with its subtle sheen, remains the residential standard for walls in any room of the house. You dont have to worry about scratches or fingerprints, and its easy to wipe down, says Bellizaire.

Satin/Pearl: For extra sheen plus durability on hardworking surfaces, satin offers a subtle contrast to matte or eggshell walls. Its a designer go-to for custom kitchen cabinetry, a subtle polish on trim, or any space where theres more splashing and spillage.

Semi-Gloss: In the heightened shine of semi-gloss trim, cabinets and wainscoting stand out against eggshell walls. Its just enough of a differential but provides a seamless transition, says Bellizaire.

High Gloss: High gloss makes a glamorous statement and bounces light around the room. In addition to cabinets and trim, it gives doors a polished gleam.

The Traditional Trio: Typically, three finishes complete a residential room: flat on the ceiling, matte or eggshell on walls, and satin or semi-gloss on trim. Even if the same color is used for all surfaces, the differences in finish will impact how it reads. Progressively, the color appears a little lighter the more shine it has. So even if you want that clean, modern, monochromatic look, Benjamin Moore Simply White in three distinct sheens will still be dynamic and have dimension, says Bellizaire.

This story originally appeared in the summer 2023 issue of BOH magazine and is a paid promotion created in partnership with Benjamin Moore.

Want to stay informed? Sign up for our newsletter, which recaps the weeks stories, and get in-depth industry news and analysis each quarter by subscribing to our print magazine. Join BOH Insider for discounts, workshops and access to special events such as the Future of Home conference.
Two divers vanished while exploring the waters off Hawaiis coast, officials told news outlets. Rescuers discovered their bodies.

On July 23, the two men ages 28 and 29 were free diving in the waters off Oahus North Shore, according to Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Fire Department received reports at 3:40 a.m. of two missing divers who hadnt been seen for hours off Velzyland Beach near Sunset Beach, according to the Star Advertiser.

Rescuers got to the scene 10 minutes later and eventually saw a dive light about 150 feet from the shore, according to KTLA. The light wasnt moving, so officials dove into the water and found one diver unresponsive, the news outlet reported

Rescuers found the other diver in the same area by using a helicopter and dropping rescuers with scuba-diving equipment into the water to search, according to Star Advertiser. He was unresponsive and brought to shore at 6:49 a.m..

McClatchy News reached out to the Honolulu Fire Department on July 24 for more information and is awaiting a response.

The men were pronounced dead at the scene, according to KTLA.

Kayaker found dead in pond days after he went missing from friends, NH officials say

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Jonas vingegaard on the podium at the tour de france 2023 holding his winning bike inthe air

From start to finish the 2023 Tour de France has been nothing short of epic. This year's emotional roller-coaster provided us with many highs and lows - be it Matej Mohoric's emotional victory on stage 19, or the heartbreaking end to Mark Cavendish's quest to break a Tour de France record.

The final chapter of every Tour de France story is always the same though: the iconic sporting spectacle of the Champs-Elysees sprint in Paris. As well as a final showdown for the fast men, it also acts as one final spotlight on the best riders and their equipment.

There's been no shortage of hot tech at this year's Tour de France with special team kits and custom bikes, but nothing quite tops the winning jersey-themed bikes that we see in Paris.

The Competitions

Over the last few years, it has become common for bike brands to provide classification winners with custom livery bikes, in a celebration of their respective successes.

A once subtle tradition that simpy saw yellow bar tape, or polka dot socks being donned for the final stages, has evolved into a far more flamboyant affair, with riders going all in to perfect their outfits for a last hurrah/tear up on the fashionable streets of Paris.

Tadej Pogacar, Jasper Philipsen, Jullio Ciccone, Jonas Vingegaard riding togehter stage 21 of the tour de france

Wearers of the yellow (overall), green (points), and polka dot jersey (mountains) all rolled into Paris on vibrant machines, covered from shifters to cranks in the respective colourways.

The winners

Jonas Vingegaard's yellow Cervelo S5

The 'Danish dynamite' has had what can only be described as a near-perfect Tour de France. Vingegaard took charge of the yellow Jersey on stage 6, and only conceded handful seconds to his main rival, Tadej Pogacar in the entirety of the race.

Jumbo-Visma's bike sponsor Cervelo provided Vingegaard with two different bikes for the road stages, the Cervelo R5 for climbing days, and the Cervelo S5 for the flatter stages. Vingegaard rode into Paris on a pretty special Cervelo S5, complete with custom graphics alongside a stunning yellow paint job.

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Jonas vingegaard on the podium at the tour de france 2023 holding his winning bike inthe air

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Jonas Vingegaard's winning yellow bike tour de france close up

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Jonas Vingegaard's winning yellow bike tour de france close up

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Jonas vingegaard on the podium at the tour de france 2023 holding his winning bike in the air

Beyond a yellow frameset, the 2023 champion's bike was covered in yellow flecks, be it on the SRAM Red AXS groupset, or the Reserve carbon wheels. More graphics on the top tube paid homage to Vingegaard's retention of the title, displaying his 2022 and 2023 victories.

Once again, Jumbo-Visma opted for a 1x setup, which seems to be making a bit of a comeback to the top level of our sport.

Giulio Ciccone's polka dot Trek Madone

When Giulio Ciccone started the Tour de France, questions were asked about his role - stage hunter, or overall GC contender. Whatever he came in as, he has certainly delivered, with the Trek-Lidl rider pipping Felix Gall of AG2R Citroen by just 14 points to claim the polka dot KOM jersey.

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Julio Ciccone's Polka dot themed bike tour de france 2023

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Julio Ciccone's Polka dot themed bike tour de france 2023 close up

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Julio Ciccone's Polka dot themed bike tour de france 2023 close up

This year, Trek went all out when it came to bling, providing the team with some of the most beautiful bikes in the peloton. Project one, Trek's in-house custom paint program allows the consumer to individualize their bikes with a stunning amount of detail, and there's no difference when it comes to Ciccone's bike.

Although most of the Italian climber's points were secured aboard the Trek Emonda (Trek's climbing bike), Ciccone opted for an aero Madone to tackle the final flat stage of the Tour. Beyond more red details, it's interesting to see Ciccone opting for a separate Bontrager XXX bar and stem setup, rather than the Aeolus RSL VR-C integrated bar and stem that most of the team's riders chose.

Jasper Philipsen's green Canyon Aeroad CFR

Jasper Philipsen was without a doubt the strongest sprinter in the 2023 Tour de France. With world-class leadout man Mathieu van der Poel on setup duties, the AlpecinDeceuninck rider racked up an impressive four stage victories, even if there were some hot-headed moments in the last few stages.

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Jasper Philipsen's green canyon aeroad CFR

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Jasper Philipsen's green canyon aeroad CFR

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Jasper Philipsen's green canyon aeroad CFR

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Jasper Philipsen's green canyon aeroad CFR

The revised pastel green colour for the Maillot Vert has been a topic of conversation in this year's Tour, with many people on the face with the new look. Canyon has certainly done it justice though, with this beautiful Canyon Aeroad CFR.

Simple yet classy, Philipsen's bike did not feature any graphics beyond the new colour, but was certainly still a looker. Combined with Shimano's blacked-out Dura-Ace Di2 groupset, and C60 wheelset, we think this is one of the best-looking bikes of this year's Tour, especially complete with a matching green innertube to cover the Belgian sprinter's transponder on the fork.

Tadej Pogacar's Colnago V4RS

It would be a crime not to mention the bike ridden by the man who never stopped attacking, helping to make the 2023 Tour such a memorable one. Tadej Pogacar may not have gone all out with a white bike, but his Colnago V4Rs certainly got some TV time, with the Slovenian attacking countless times on the Champs-Elysees, seemingly just for the love of bike racing.

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Tadej pogacars 2023 tour de france bike side on outside the team bus

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Tadej pogacar and Alberto Bettiol attacking on stage 21 of the tour de france

Although the frameset was black, the UAE-Emirates team mechanics did make some subtle changes to the former champion's bike.

Previously stealth-black logos were swapped out for white ones on his Enve SES 5.6 wheels, and Prologo also provided a white saddle too - which interestingly, looked to be at a slightly different angle when compared to the Slovenian's climbing setup. Topped off with white bar tape, this Italian machine certainly looked classy, even if it didn't gain top spot on the overall podium.
New Yorks sushi scene is losing one of its stalwarts.

Sushi Ginza Onodera, the Michelin one-star Midtown restaurant, will have its last day of service on August 19. First opened in May 2016, the Tokyo import was awarded its first Michelin star in 2017, and it maintained its status every year since.

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We would like to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support over the years, the restaurant wrote in a note to its customers. We are deeply honored to have had the opportunity to serve you and the wonderful community of New York for a fulfilling seven years.

When Sushi Ginza Onodera debuted in New York, it was at the height of the omakase trend. Featuring fresh fish imported from Japan, these restaurants were able to charge eye-popping prices for their ever-changing, multicourse menus. At Sushi Ginza Onodera, the signature omakase costs $450 for dinner (six appetizers, 10 pieces of nigiri, tamago, miso soup, and dessert), while lunch runs from $130 for 10 pieces of fish to $250 for 15 pieces. And the restaurant became well known for serving particularly expensive cuts of seafood, such as from the $275,000 bluefin tuna it bought during the ceremonial first auction of the year at Tokyos famed Toyosu fish market.

The restaurants sushi counter

Since the restaurant opened, though, the New York dining scene, particularly the sushi omakase scene, has undergone significant transformations, Yoko Yamaguchi, the general manager, told New York magazines Grub Street via a representative. That doesnt mean Sushi Ginza Onodera wont try to find some way to adapt, however: While the current location will close next month, the restaurant said in its letter that it is considering relocating and reopening in the future.

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We have shared countless memories together and are proud to have become one of the icons of the sushi scene in New York, the restaurant wrote.

Fans of Sushi Ginza Onodera still have a handful of locations they can visit, although none are located on the East Coast: The chains original Tokyo location is still open, as are outposts in Shanghai, Honolulu, and Los Angeles. And while the New York closure marks the end of an era, the city surely isnt lacking in pricey omakase spots.

Culinary Masters 2023

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Peter Francis Stager has been sentenced to 52 months behind bars for beating a police officer during the Jan. 6, 2021, siege of the Capitol building. Photo courtesy of U.S. Justice Department

July 24 (UPI) -- A U.S. federal judge on Monday sentenced an Arkansas man to more than four years behind bars for beating a prone police officer with a flagpole during the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol building.

U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras sentenced 44-year-old Peter Francis Stager of Conway, Ark., to 52 months' imprisonment, 36 months' supervised release and restitution of $2,000, the Justice Department said in a statement.

Stager -- who was facing a slew of charges connected to the beating of the officer, identified only as B.M., and the Capitol siege -- had pleaded guilty in mid-February to assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers using a deadly or dangerous weapon.

B.M., a Washington, D.C., Metropolitan police officer, was working his evening shift on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of then-President Donald Trump supporters attacked the joint session of Congress in a failed attempt to prevent Joe Biden from being certified as the 46th president of the United States.

During the siege, B.M. was ordered to assist in protecting the Capitol alongside other uniformed law enforcement officers from hundreds of rioters who had assembled near an archway that led to the Lower West Terrace entrance of the building.

Several rioters grabbed B.M. and dragged him down a flight stairs where he was forced into a prone position and beaten about the head and body.

The criminal complaint against Stager states that he was among those who beat the vulnerable police officer.

Prosecutors in the court document pointed to video evidence showing that a bearded Stager had "climbed the stairs while holding a flagpole with a United States flag affixed to it and used the pole to repeatedly strike B.M. while B.M. remained prone on the steps of the U.S. Capitol building."

They said he hit B.M. with the pole at least three times.

In a second video from that day that was retrieved by prosecutors, Stager is captured saying, "Everybody in there is a treasonous traitor," referring to lawmakers inside the Capitol.

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"Death is the only remedy for what's in that building," he said, according to the criminal complaint.

Stager was identified by the FBI after receiving a tip from a confidential source who said they recognized the Arkansan in the two videos of the siege that had been published to Twitter.

The Arkansan was named among nine defendants charged in an indictment concerning the beating of B.M., who was hit with a baton, a crutch and a flagpole.

According to the Justice Department, more than 1,000 people have been arrested on charges related to the siege of the Capitol building, including nearly 350 accused of assaulting or impeding law enforcement.
Migrants have been crossing the Rio Grande placing their own lives and those of local law enforcement at risk for some time. A few weeks ago, four migrants and an infant died. To deter other, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered buoys with razor wire on them to stretch across the river.

On Monday, President Joe Bidens Justice Department sued Abbott and the state, over the structures in the river, claiming their placement violates federal law.

The lawsuit asks a federal judge in Austin to order Texas to remove the roughly 1,000 feet of buoys in the Rio Grande. The suit claims that Texas unlawfully installed the barrier between the border cities of Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras, Mexico, without permission from the president. A letter sent to Abbott before the suit was filed argued that the buoys poses a risk to navigation, as well as public safety and cited humanitarian concerns.

July 22, 2023; Eagle Pass, TX, USA; Buoys set on the international boundary between Mexico and the U.S. were placed by the State of Texas on the Rio Grande as a measure to prevent migrants seeking asylum from crossing into Eagle Pass, Texas from Piedras, Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. In this drone photo Eagle Pass, Texas is on the left side of the frame looking east downriver. Mandatory Credit: Omar Ornelas-USA TODAY NETWORK

Politics is all fun and games until people start dying trying to reach Texas. Abbott has taken this seriously. This is no time for Biden to play politics with his petty lawsuit. The fact is that the border has become porous, chaotic and lawless, due in part to Bidens policies  such as lifting the Trump-era Remain in Mexico policy.

The question is: Whose responsibility is it to secure the border?

Abbott believes the responsibility falls to Texas to secure our own border if Biden is unwilling or unable to do so  which he clearly is. In a response to Bidens lawsuit, Abbott says as much, pointing out that the Constitution grants Texas sovereign authority to protect its borders because the president refuses to enforce federal immigration laws. Some might say this is an untested legal theory, but in practice, Biden has left Texas no choice.

To end the risk that migrants will be harmed crossing the border illegally, you must fully enforce the laws of the United States that prohibit illegal immigration between ports of entry. In the meantime, Texas will fully utilize its constitutional authority to deal with the crisis you have caused. Texas will see you in court, Mr. President, Abbott says in a letter to Biden.

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Kudos to Abbott for consistently using whatever state and federal resources are available to defend our border when Biden has made doing so harder. The administration interferes as Abbott tries to make crossing the Rio Grande in dangerous places difficult. There are ways to enter the U.S. via Texas, and migrants claiming asylum (or not) should use specified ports of entry, which include bridges that cross the river, to do so.

A nation with a porous border cannot remain sovereign or safe. Bidens lawsuit simply adds fuel to an already-hot flame  our chaotic border and immigration situation.

In suing Texas, Biden shows how petty and frivolous he is and that hed rather have some kind of gotcha than aid Texas in its fight for border security.

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President Joe Biden has made it his mission to wage what he momentously calls the battle between democracy and autocracy. But what to do when the ones he believes are undermining democracy are friends?

In the case of Israel, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday pushed through parliament new curbs on an independent judiciary, Biden has chosen to speak out. The vote in Jerusalem, he declared, was unfortunate, the fourth time in a week he chastised Netanyahu for his drive to enhance his own power.

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But the presidents battle for democracy can be situational when it comes to Americas allies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, who has presided over a wave of Hindu nationalist violence and repression of dissent, was feted at the White House with a state dinner and little public criticism. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia was rewarded with a visit and a presidential fist bump despite his murderous reign.

Consistency is a challenge for most administrations when it comes to democracy and human rights concerns around the world, and this administration is no exception, said David J. Kramer, who was assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights and labor under President George W. Bush. Its easier to speak up when our enemies and competitors engage in authoritarian abuses, he added. Its harder when it comes to friends and allies.

The democracy-versus-autocracy framework has been central to Bidens vision of his presidency since the beginning, fueled by the struggle against his predecessor, President Donald Trump, who tried to overturn an election to hold onto power after being voted out of office. Biden has likewise defined the central foreign policy challenge of his term  defeating Russias invasion of Ukraine  as part of that overall cause.

It is, after all, a politically appealing construct  right and wrong, good guys versus bad guys. But it is one that predictably becomes more complicated in the Situation Room than it seems at the podium during a grandiloquent speech. Given other American interests, like military bases or intelligence cooperation or economic entanglements, deciding when to speak out forcefully for democracy can prove tricky.

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Even some senior officials around Biden privately feel uncomfortable with the duality of his black-and-white approach, noting that some of Americas friends have rule of law without being particularly free (Singapore leaps to mind) while others are even less committed to Western notions of human rights but still are helpful allies (the United Arab Emirates, for example).

Biden has found it necessary to exercise restraint with countries that are unarguably autocratic. While he recently called President Xi Jinping of China a dictator at a political fundraiser, he has said little specifically about Beijings brutal repression of its Uyghur minority or its crackdown on freedom in Hong Kong.

That becomes even harder when it comes to American allies. Thomas Carothers and Benjamin Press of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace last year identified 27 countries that had backslid on democracy since 2005, including friends like Egypt, Georgia, Hungary, India, the Philippines, Poland, Tanzania, Thailand and Turkey.

In Mexico, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador pushed through legislation to curb the power and autonomy of the National Electoral Institute in what critics called an effort to restore one-party rule. Lopez Obrador said he was only trying to make elections more efficient but Mexicos Supreme Court last month struck down a key part of his plan.

Biden has not been especially vocal about democracy in any of those countries. Indeed, he has welcomed to the White House the president of the Philippines and has visited Poland twice and Mexico once while indicating support for the sale of F-16 fighters to Turkey. The reasons are not mysterious  he needs the Philippines to contain China, Poland to help stand up to Russia, Mexico to stem illegal immigration and Turkey to permit Sweden to join NATO.

Of course, pressing other countries on democratic regression is that much more complicated because another backslider on the Carnegie list is the United States itself. When Biden talks about democracy elsewhere, he regularly concedes that America is still working on its own.

Michael J. Abramowitz, president of Freedom House, a nongovernmental organization that promotes democracy, said Biden should get some credit for being willing to exert U.S. leadership on the issue but his rhetoric needs to be backed with concrete actions and financing.

He should also be more evenhanded in the standards to which he holds other nations to, especially U.S. allies, Abramowitz added. Close friends must be able to speak the truth to each other, but President Biden basically gave Prime Minister Modi a pass on Indian democratic backsliding, at least publicly, while properly calling out Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Other presidents have wrestled with the conflict between the ideals they espoused and the realities they confronted, from Woodrow Wilson and Franklin D. Roosevelt to Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. In his second inaugural address, Bush committed to the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world and vowed to condition relations with every ruler and every nation on freedom, a standard he never fully met any more than his predecessors did.

Biden has sponsored two summits of democracy and announced a third to be held in South Korea. In his State of the Union address this year, he declared that since he took office, democracies have become stronger, not weaker while autocracies have grown weaker, not stronger.

Still, after 2 1/2 years in office, Biden does not have a Senate-confirmed assistant secretary of state for democracy. His first choice, Sarah Margon, withdrew after Republican opposition stemming from past tweets on Israel.

Bidens willingness to slam Netanyahus judicial plan while remaining less vocal about issues in places like India underscores the role Israel plays in American politics. Israels treatment of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank has long been a lightning rod for criticism, and support for the country has increasingly become a partisan issue in Washington.

With a long record of support for Israel, Biden maintains he has the standing to offer friendly advice. In the past week alone, he has telephoned Netanyahu to press him to seek compromise and issued three public statements urging him to build broader consensus before proceeding. It is unfortunate that the vote today took place with the slimmest possible majority, a White House statement said Monday.

With Netanyahu defying him, the question is whether Biden will go beyond jawboning. The United States provides billions of dollars a year in security aid to Israel, but Biden appears unlikely to use leverage beyond entreaties to pressure Netanyahu to back down.

So far, Bidens pressure has only been rhetorical, and not only is that insufficient to challenge Netanyahus expanding authoritarianism, it indicates how out of sync Biden is with his own voting base, said Phyllis Bennis, a fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies and a longtime critic of Israels handling of the Palestinians.

The presidents aides said his words were important. I wouldnt say its just rhetoric, said Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary. When the president speaks, it sends a message.

To Netanyahus supporters, the presidents outrage over democratic erosion in Israel feels selective. For one thing, they argue the prime ministers plan to limit the authority of the courts is not anti-democratic but instead puts more responsibility in the hands of elected leaders.

Moreover, Biden has advanced legislation on the slimmest possible majority plenty of times. Indeed, Vice President Kamala Harris just matched the record for most tiebreaking votes in the Senate in American history.

Theres no question Israel is being treated differently, said John Hannah, a senior fellow at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America, a nonpartisan organization in Washington focused on advancing the U.S.-Israel strategic partnership.

He noted that in France, President Emmanuel Macron ran roughshod over parliament to enact unpopular pension changes without the broad consensus Biden has insisted Netanyahu seek, generating strikes, street demonstrations and sporadic violent protests. Yet youll search in vain for even a single word from President Biden of real criticism against his French counterparts handling of these purely internal French matters, Hannah said.

Richard Fontaine, CEO of Center for a New American Security, said Americas approach to promoting democracy abroad has always been a model of inconsistency. Biden is right that the world currently faces a contest of democracy versus autocracy and that the United States should stand up for the former, he said, but he must balance it against other objectives.

The inconsistency and whataboutism are inevitable byproducts of a foreign policy that seeks changes in other countries domestic situations, he said. Thats not ground for abandoning the effort to support democracy abroad  just for understanding that its no easy task.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
"Xinjiang is a very safe and very nice place to visit and I would invite whoever saying bad things to come and visit," said a Bangladeshi blogger attending an internet communication conference in China's Xinjiang. #GLOBALink

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Police have released a Boise woman who was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder over the weekend.

Boise police took 51-year-old Cambria Kirchner into custody on Saturday and booked her into jail, but she was released Monday after detectives located additional evidence while investigating a mans death.

Based on this new evidence, detectives are releasing Cambria Kichner from the Ada County Jail without criminal charges, the Boise Police Department said in a news release.

Officers responded to the 6700 block of West Fernwood Drive after receiving reports of a suicide, according to a Sunday news release. Inside the home, they found a male who had died from a gunshot wound, police said.

During the initial investigation, the scene appeared suspicious, and evidence led detectives to believe it to be a homicide, the department stated.

Kirchner was arrested at 12:01 p.m and booked into the Ada County Jail at 9:04 p.m. Saturday, according to police and jail records.

Haley Williams, Boise police spokesperson, said she could not provide the Idaho Statesman with additional information on the womans arrest and release because the investigation is ongoing.

The Ada County Coroners Office will release the mans name once family members have been notified.
On a sunny and warm July 22, 1978, a Saturday, three members of the Pontiac Correctional Center staff were murdered in what has been described as the worst prison riot in Illinois history.

On July 21, 2023, a pleasant, sunny Friday morning, family members and current and former staff gathered on the lawn in front of PCC to remember that dark day 45 years ago through a memorial service. Among those on hand for the ceremony were Acting DOC Director Latoya Hughes and Warden Mindi Nurse.

We remember the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving this facility, Nurse said. There are 10 in all, dating back to 1919.

Lt. Francis Sorensen, who served in the Army, named the correctional officers and staff members who died at PCC and when death came. After a moment of silence, he went over the military record of the three who died in the 1978 riot.

Lt. William Thomas, who was 49 at the time of his death, was a sergeant in the Army and served in Korea. Correctional Officer Stanley Cole, 47, was an airman in the Air Force and also served in Korea. Correctional Officer Robert Conkle, 22, served as a private first class in the Army in the middle 1970s.

Hughes recognized the three who perished in the 1978 riot, as well as providing an overview of what took place on that historic Saturday.

They lived, they fought, and they served on foreign grounds to protect freedoms both abroad and at home, Hughes said of Thomas, Cole and Conkle. Once they fulfilled their duties to the United States Army and the United States Air Force, they came home.

But they never lost that courage, that perseverance and that call to public service to protect their families, their friends and their communities. Each of them traded in their military uniforms for a correctional officer uniform and served here at Pontiac until they lost their lives in the line of duty 45 years ago."

Each of the men were stabbed to death when the broke out involving more than 1,000 inmates.

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Hughes continued in acknowledgment of those who died while on duty, including Frieda King, the first female law enforcement officer to be killed in the line of duty.

To the loved ones and fellow colleagues who have been touched by the lives that we honor here today, there is no speech or ceremony that can ease your pain, Hughes said. Yet, we come here today, collectively, to pay tribute to their lives and say, 'thank you.'

There were a number of family members in attendance. They were presented with flowers by PCC majors.

Besides family members of Thomas, Cole, Conkle and King, there were a number of dignitaries also on hand, including former correctional officers Tom Bailey, Dan Ramsey, Lyle Howell, Kelly Jones and Rick Jones, who were on duty at PCC on that fateful day in 1978.

Hughes concluded with a reminder those in attendance.

They shall forever be remembered. May all of us find strength in each other and honor their memory by living with purpose.

This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Ceremony held for those who died in 1978 Pontiac riot
Here's a quick look at one of the differences between Americas two political parties: GOP presidential primary candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spent the weekend, right here in the year 2023, arguing that slaves benefited from valuable job training. Democratic President Joe Biden spent the weekend preparing to approve a national monument honoring Emmett Till, the Black teenager whose murder in 1955 sparked the civil rights movement.

See the disparity? I know its subtle, one side trying to whitewash history and the other trying to make sure its always remembered.

Lets start with the Democrats. On Tuesday, Biden is expected to announce the establishment of a national monument to Till, a 14-year-old from Chicago who was kidnapped, tortured and killed by white men in Mississippi after he allegedly whistled at a white woman.

Tills open-casket funeral, which his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, insisted on, showed the world the horrors of white supremacist violence against Black people in America and fueled the nascent civil rights movement. Tuesday is the anniversary of Till's birth.

A 'living testimony' to honor Emmett Till, whose murder sparked the civil rights movement

The Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument will be in three locations: the Chicago church that held Tills funeral; the Mississippi courthouse where an all-white jury acquitted Tills killers; and the spot where Tills body was pulled out of the Tallahatchie River.

Emmett Till was killed in 1955.

Brent Leggs, executive director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and senior vice president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, told The Washington Post: This new national monument is the physical evidence and a living testimony to the legacy of one family whose unimaginable tragedy led our nation one step closer to the arc of justice. We encourage the world to learn from this history, reckon with what caused harm and continue the work to prevent the same trauma from ever happening again.

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Are we really 'both-sidesing' slavery in the year 2023?

Meanwhile, in Florida, where learning from history lately seems to involve a lot of Republicans sticking their fingers in their ears and shouting NEENER NEENER NEENER, DeSantis education department released a new curriculum saying middle schoolers will now learn how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.

Is 'Barbie' anti-man? I won't see the movie, but I will definitely yell about it!

Suggesting slavery provided beneficial skills is like saying a stabbing victim was fortunate to learn a few things about knives. But rather than embrace the always-accurate rule that slavery = bad, Floridas governor, the man presently polling in second place in the GOP presidential primary, decided to lean into the whitewashing.

Asked about the standards Friday, DeSantis said: Theyre probably going to show some of the folks that eventually parlayed, you know, being a blacksmith into doing things later in life.

Defending slavery is generally not an excellent campaign strategy

That prompted headlines  and again, I feel it necessary to restate that the current year is 2023  like these:

DeSantis doubles down on claim that some Blacks benefited from slavery.

Ron DeSantis Accused of Being 'Pro-Slavery' Due to New Florida Curriculum.

Teachers union, DeSantis disagree on whether slavery had any benefits.

Super!

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis campaigns for president on July 15, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn.

Look, no one is arguing that slavery had benefits, but ...

Fox News host Jesse Watters came to DeSantis defense, saying: No one is arguing slaves benefited from slavery. No one is saying that. Its not true.

In the same breath, and somehow without his head rolling off his shoulders and toward the nearest sewer drain, Watters continued: They are teaching how Black people develop skills during slavery in some instances that can be applied for their own personal benefit.

So nobodys arguing slaves benefited from slavery, but they are arguing that slaves benefited from slavery. It makes perfect sense as long as you ignore all the words and what they mean.

DeSantis' education department releases a less-than-smart statement

To further defend this both-sidesing slavery, DeSantis education department released a statement late last week highlighting 16 examples of some slaves who developed highly specialized trades from which they benefitted.

But as the Tampa Bay Times and others noted, Nearly half the figures highlighted by the state were never enslaved and several of those who were did not gain their skills from their servitude.

Accountability. Imagine that: Republicans (apparently) agree Trump should be prosecuted and held accountable

A Texas A&M doctoral student pointed out on Twitter that one of the names on the states list  Betty Washington Lewis, identified as a shoemaker  appears to be the free white sister of George Washington, the first President of the United States.

One party is recognizing history, the other is making up history

So, to recap, there are minute differences between our two major political parties. One is honoring history and making sure we remember the horrors of the past so we dont repeat them.

USA TODAY Opinion columnist Rex Huppke.

The other is incompetently whitewashing the horrors of the past, and apparently needs to enroll in a remedial course called Slavery: Bad, Actually. (Course not offered in Florida.)

Vote accordingly.

Follow USA TODAY columnist Rex Huppke on Twitter @RexHuppke and Facebook facebook.com/RexIsAJerk

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: Florida slavery curriculum doesn't just whitewash past, it makes it up
From the Hot Topics table to the heartland.

Newton native Sara Haines spends her weekdays wedged between Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar on Season 26 of "The View." But last weekend, she made a trip back to Iowa for the Hy-Vee IndyCar Race in her hometown.

Haines travels home at least one week per summer to see her childhood best friend Emily Allen's family.

"When I can coerce Emily into enduring the heat, we head to my favorite: the Iowa State Fair," Haines said.

But this year, the pair traded butter cows for Kenny Chesney songs and race cars. The panel's mild-mannered Midwest moderate opened up to the Des Moines Register about daytime talk and the death of "View" creator Bill Geddie.

More: The View's Sara Haines talks coming home to Iowa, Taco John's, and hosting daytime's biggest show

Her 'View:' How Sara Haines is fairing during the show's 26th Season

In recent years, "The View" has become a ratings success while the daytime talk show production and talent shed its reputation as a hot spot for on-air spats between co-hosts and shifted to a politics-heavy format.

The show's 26th Season features Haines, moderator Goldberg, mainstay Behar, legal expert Sunny Hostin, fan favorite Ana Navarro and the addition of former Trump White House spokeswoman Alyssa Farah Griffin.

Sara Haines on set of "The Chase."

The panel has long been a pit stop for presidential hopefuls from South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott to former Texas congressman Will Hurd. But growing up amid Iowa caucus season didn't prepare Haines for the Hot Topics table.

"I'm not sure I ever had the understanding of what those caucuses were growing up. I just knew it meant extra stickers and pins at the State Fair," she added.

Sara Haines on set of Season 25 of "The View."

Regardless, finding ways to weave her "Iowa Nice" nature into conversations with her fellow co-hosts comes naturally.

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"My favorite part of the show continues to be sussing out where I stand on a topic in a time when the headlines can be misleading. I challenge myself to take the extra steps to source information and, only then, do I come to a conclusion," Haines said.

"The View" creator and longtime Barbara Walters confidante Bill Geddie died last week at the age of 68.

"So many on the show are hurting with this sudden loss. He created this show with Barbara Walters and built its foundation through the staff, so many of whom are still behind the scenes at the show today," Haines said.

Sara Haines details trip home to Newton

Haines meets dozens of Hollywood stars on "The View," but somebody closer to home left her starstruck in Iowa: Newton Mayor Mike Hansen.

"I didn't know what to do with my hands, I was so excited ... he's a Vietnam vet. I was so nervous!" Hansen said.

Hansen proclaimed Sept. 18, her birthday, as "Sara Haines Day" in Newton. The announcement was made last September during an Iowa-inspired live birthday celebration on "The View" featuring Taco John's potato oles, the Iowa State University marching band and an Iowa State Fair-themed set for "The Chase" host.

Haines' trip home was short because she was only in town for the race. During typical visits in Iowa, Haines will pick up farm stand sweet corn, drive through Taco Johns, visit PJ's Deli, and enjoy slices from Giovanni's Pizza.

"The trip revolves around the nostalgia combined with the company of old friends and family, which is at the heart of so much of what my home of Iowa means to me," she added.

For Haines, home is where the heartland is.

"It is heaven," Haines said about her visit.

No, it is Iowa.

Jay Stahl is an entertainment reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow him on Instagram or reach out at jstahl@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa native Sara Haines talks 'The View,' IndyCar race and Bill Geddie
An Alabama mother accused of crushing her 14-year-old special needs daughter's liver in a Pensacola hospital room will face a jury trial this week on charges of manslaughter and aggravated battery.

Jessica Bortle, a 36-year-old woman from Bonifay, Alabama, is set to begin her trial Thursday. Bortle allegedly killed her daughter at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital in 2021 after the child failed to stop breaking and throwing crayons during her hospital treatment.

Here's what you need to know about the trial.

Traffic crash-like injuries: Special needs girl was admitted to Pensacola hospital. Her mom is accused of killing her there.

Medical examiner: Were Medical Examiner's complaints politically motivated? Not so, funeral directors say.

What is Jessica Bortle accused of doing on July 13, 2021?

On July 8, 2021, Bortle took her daughter, Jasmine Singletary, to Sacred Heart Hospital for "a closed head injury of suspicious origins," court documents say. While at the hospital five days later on July 13, Bortle admitted she slammed a hospital table into Singletary's abdomen out of anger after the child broke and threw coloring crayons in her hospital room, according to her arrest report.

Bortle told authorities that after slamming the table, she leaned her weight on it, which is what crushed the child's liver.

What are Jessica Bortle's charges?

Bortle is charged with manslaughter, a second-degree felony, and aggravated battery on a child, a first-degree felony.

If the jury convicts her on both charges, Bortle would face up to 15 years in prison for the second-degree felony and up to 30 years in prison for the first-degree felony.

Who are the judge and attorneys in Jessica Bortle's case?

Circuit Judge Linda Nobles will preside over Bortle's trial. Assistant State Attorney Nathaniel Sebastian will prosecute Bortle on behalf of the state, and Assistant Public Defender Marci McCoy will represent Bortle.

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What were Jasmine Singletary's injuries?

An autopsy conducted by the medical examiner Dr. Deanna Oleske found that Singletary sustained massive internal injuries "similar to those found of traffic crash victims" to her ribs and her liver that were not present when she was admitted to the hospital, the report stated.

"Dr. Oleske found that (Singletary) had two fractured ribs and that her liver was ripped open due to blunt force trauma," Bortle's arrest report said. "Dr. Oleske described the liver as obliterated and that the trauma caused (Singletary) to die within minutes of receiving the injury."

Oleske declared the child's death was caused by the liver injury and she likely died only minutes after the incident.

What happened in the hospital room when Jasmine Singletary died?

Singletary's grandmother told investigators she witnessed Bortle slam her daughter with the table after the girl threw her crayons around the room. The grandmother said she told Bortle to calm down and "that's just how Jasmine is," the report stated.

A few minutes after Bortle's outburst, the grandmother said she heard Singletary say "grandma" and then her eyes rolled back in her head, the report stated. Singletary then unexpectedly lost consciousness and stopped breathing.

Video footage from outside of Singletary's room shows Bortle exit the room while "shaking and flexing her hand as if in pain" moments before hospital staff discovered that Singletary was unconscious, the report added.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Alabama mom trial set for killing daughter in Pensacola hospital
Melissa Magstadt, the Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Health, talks about medication shortages the state is facing at Lewis Drug in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

The number of South Dakota children receiving common childhood vaccinations ahead of starting kindergarten has continued to drop, according to the South Dakota Department of Health.

The lagging number is because of aftershocks from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as growing vaccine hesitancy, DOH Secretary Melissa Magstadt told lawmakers during a Government Operations and Audit Committee meeting Tuesday.

"We've also gotten some loss of trust in the public health in what we do," she said. "We've got to run back some things because I do not want to see that dropping down any further than it is. We used to do really well."

The percentage of South Dakota children receiving the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine has dropped between 2018 and 2022, according to the South Dakota Department of Health.

Between 2018 and 2022, the percentage of children receiving measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines ahead of kindergarten has dropped by about 4%, down from 96.2% to 92.7%.

However, compared with surrounding states, South Dakota continues to lead with higher vaccination rates, according to 2021 data. Iowa, Minnesota and North Dakota had lower percentages of MMR vaccinations at the time.

Magstadt said, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some clinics closed, which left families unable to get their kids preventative care, such as vaccinations. She added confusing public health messaging also existed during the pandemic between the COVID-19 vaccine and childhood preventive vaccines.

According to CDC data, 93.7% of South Dakota children received the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine ahead of starting kindergarten in 2021.

"That muddied the water a little bit," she said.

Even though MMR vaccine percentages have dropped, Magstadt said there has not been an uptick in MMR cases in South Dakota children recently.

More: Gov. Kristi Noem, DOH grow medication stockpiles from 2 to 7 cities in South Dakota

To get families and children the MMR vaccines they need, Magstadt said DOH officials are working with clinics to reach patients and are planning to roll out new mobile clinics that will be equipped to give vaccinations to populations who may be unable to travel to a local clinic. The mobile clinics will have refrigerators inside to stotre vaccines properly. There will also be a new public health campaign, though the cost is currently unclear.

The mobile clinics will allow the DOH "to be able to mobilize and get out to the people instead of spending less time thinking that people should overcome all these barriers to get to us," Magstadt said.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Measles, mumps and rubella vaccine rates for kids drop in South Dakota
Asian Americans who live in Florida fear they may become second-class citizens.

Those are the words Frank Zhou, a Naples resident, used to describe how he and fellow members of the Asian American community feel about a new housing law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

A bill referred to as the Interest of Foreign Countries, SB 264, went into effect July 1. This law prohibits the foreign countries of concern  China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria and Venezuela  and their officers from buying farmland as well as property within 10 miles of a military installation or critical infrastructure facility.

No one connected with the Chinese government is allowed to purchase real estate anywhere in Florida under the bill, nor can anyone who is "domiciled" in China and not a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident.

In short, that means people from those seven countries of concern may not buy property near the U.S. Coast Guard base in Fort Myers Beach, the airport in Naples and any power or water treatment plants in Collier and Lee counties. And non-permanent Chinese residents in the state can't purchase property at all.

In Lee and Collier counties, there are three airports, two in Fort Myers and one in Naples, four power plants, 450 wastewater treatment plants and 141 water facilities. So temporary Southwest Florida residents from China and six other countries can't own property within a 10-mile radius of any of these places.

This constitutes large swaths of Southwest Florida, according to Florida Department of Environmental Protection facility data. It includes the 10 miles around some public schools, mobile home parks and even gas stations that have wastewater treatment facilities.

Foreign principals who obtained property within the 10-mile radius before July 1 can continue to own it.

Travelers move through Southwest Florida International Airport on Tuesday, January 26, 2021. Many Asian Americans in Florida are concerned about a new law, SB 264, that went into effect July 1. It prohibits seven foreign countries and foreign principals tied to those nations from buying a wide range of real estate, including property within 10 miles of a military installation or critical infrastructure facility such as an airport. (Credit: Andrew West/The News-Press, The News-Press)

The Florida Realtors group advises buyers and sellers to consult with attorneys about how the law may impact their legal rights and responsibilities.

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Denny Grimes, a Realtor with 40 years of experience in Southwest Florida, has already begun training via his broker on the new law.

"I believe it's 98% confusion and 2% understanding right now," he said. "That will take time for that to be reversed."

He said real estate contracts have been modified. Above the signature line, a large box reads "attention buyers and sellers," explaining conveyance to foreign buyers and who those buyers are.

"A lot of people out there, they're selling by themselves, by owner; they need to be aware of this," Grimes said.

Throughout his 40 years and 6,000 sales, he doesn't know whether he's ever sold property to someone who would be classified as a "foreign principal" under this law because that's not a question he's had to ask.

Cindy Griesse, a Realtor with Briten Coastal Team, said she plans to take a course about the law in order to do her job properly.

On July 18, a lawsuit challenging the law, Shen v. Simpson, was argued in the U.S. District Court of Northern Florida. The plaintiffs, represented by the ACLU, requested a preliminary injunction to immediately block the law and declare it unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor said he would make a decision as soon as he can but that a ruling would not be super imminent.

SB 264: Chinese Floridians, real estate company sue over DeSantis' foreign land ownership law

Protest in Tallahassee: Florida's Chinese land ownership law debated in court as protesters gather outside

Although the law targets Chinese nationals and other countries, Zhou said it impacts Asian Americans.

He knows of an Asian woman who is a U.S. citizen and works as an office manager at a hospital. She was in contact with a landlord, who requested she provide her passport before continuing with the sale.

The law includes penalties for sellers as well as buyers who violate it: 60 days in prison and a fine of up to $500.

"If I'm a seller and I see a name 'Zhou,' I'm going to say, 'I don't want the headache,'" Zhou said. "So, it puts us in a very awkward or unfair situation."

He pointed out distinguishing nationalities among Asians can be difficult. He is Chinese but fears sellers will be fearful whenever they see an Asian name, even if they are Japanese or Korean and even a citizen of the U.S.

"People who are pro this law say, 'You're a U.S. citizen, you're not impacted.' Yes and no," he said. He provided an analogy of shopping at a grocery store. If the cashier knows they could go to jail for selling products to a Chinese person, they wouldn't want to sell it to them because how could they prove their sale wasn't intentional? Or maybe that cashier could ask them to go home and grab their passport to prove they're a citizen. But they'd sell to a white or Black person with no issues.

"Suddenly, I become a second-class citizen," he said.

The law was created on the basis of protecting national security. Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, who represents Collier and parts of Lee counties, voted in favor of the law.

"This measure is necessary to ensure Florida is safe from foreign threats who look to weaken our security and jeopardize our nations food supply," said Katherine Betta, the Senate President's chief of staff of communications.

Military installations are broadly defined as "a base, camp, host, station, yard or center, encompassing at least 10 contiguous acres under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense or its affiliates," according to the statute. Critical infrastructure includes power plants, water treatment facilities, telecommunications central switching offices like a big AT&T or Verizon building, gas processing plants, seaports, spaceports, airports and more.

Nicholas Warren, a staff attorney for the ACLU in Florida, represents clients affected by this law in the case challenging its legality heard July 18. One of his clients is an asylum seeker from China, and two others are Chinese students on H1 visas. He described the law, which has two sets of restrictions, as overbroad and unconstitutional.

Florida Asian American Justice Association members gathered in Tallahassee to protest the new housing law.

The first set of land ownership restrictions bars people from seven specific countries from owning property within a certain radius of places that are large categories that are broadly connected to the military or infrastructure like electricity, which is a huge swath of the state," he said. "The second set of land ownership restrictions specifically bars people from China from owning or acquiring any property anywhere in Florida.

There are exceptions to these restrictions. People who are domiciled in one of the seven countries who have a non-tourist visa or who have been granted asylum can buy one home, but only if it's outside of the 10-mile radius and is less than 2 acres.

"But there's no protection for someone who has applied for asylum but is waiting for their application, or someone who has a different type of visa like our clients, one of them is on a student visa, two of them are on H1 visas, which are temporary visas," Warren said. "So, that exemption doesn't apply."

Those concerned about the bill include the grassroots organization Florida Asian American Justice Association. What concerns members of the association and others who protested July 18 in Tallahassee are the discriminatory effects for Asian Americans who aren't "foreign principals."

"We are absolutely pro-American because we are Americans," Zhou said. "But also, being American, you've got to be treated fundamentally fair. We have our rights as well."

Emma Behrmann is a breaking news reporter for The Naples Daily News and News-Press. You may reach her at EBehrmann@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @emmabehrmann.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Florida housing law SB 264 bars some foreigners from owning land
BAILEYS HARBOR - A flower that's commonly found in Door County but is rare almost everywhere else is getting some help from the federal government to improve its habitats and expand its numbers locally.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Coastal Program awarded a $73,000 grant to The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor to help implement the nature preserve's Dwarf Lake Iris Restoration Project.

Seen here surrounded by reindeer moss at The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor, the dwarf lake iris is relatively common in Door County but is listed as endangered in Wisconsin and threatened across the country. The Ridges received a $73,000 federal grant to improve the irises' habitats and increases its population.

Dwarf lake iris (Iris lacustris) is a small, brilliant purplish-blue flower that grows almost exclusively along the edges of shoreline forests and dune habitats, often in close proximity to other rare coastal species. It is found in Door and Brown counties in Wisconsin. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it is found in the wild solely on the northern shores of Lakes Michigan and Huron in Wisconsin, Michigan and parts of Ontario. It's become one of the best-known threatened plants in the region and a symbol of plant conservation.

The Ridges plays host to a great number of these irises, but they were listed as federally threatened in 1988 and are listed as state threatened in Michigan and endangered in Wisconsin. Sam Hoffman, land manager at The Ridges, said their numbers have been decreasing at the sanctuary over the past several decades because of forest encroachment, the loss of their dune habitat and the effects of climate change.

"Dwarf lake iris is relatively common on the Door Peninsula. However, its habitat has been greatly reduced by a number of environmental threats, Hoffman said in a news release. By protecting its rare habitat, our hope is to increase the population of this threatened species and maximize genetic diversity over time.

Door County is just one of two Wisconsin counties hosting the federally threatened iris, with The Ridges Sanctuary the countys resident expert in dwarf lake iris conservation and research, said Jade Arneson, biologist with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Ridges has identified opportunities to foster the persistence of viable populations of the small coastal plant across their properties through experimental land management techniques, research, monitoring and education."

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The restoration project aims to study the current dwarf lake iris population, develop a long-term goal of expanding existing populations, and transplant flowers to other areas of the sanctuary that already contain suitable habitat. Forest conditions, including tree removal and canopy thinning, will be manipulated to promote ideal conditions, including increased light availability, for not just dwarf lake irises but also other rare plants. The effort is coupled with tree removal required for maintenance of the Baileys Harbor Range Lights on the sanctuary property.

The project also aims to educate the public about ongoing research and management of this species through outreach opportunities and information signs.

Founded in 1937 as the first nature preserve in Wisconsin, The Ridges Sanctuary is a private, nonprofit preserve that now protects more than 1,600 acres of land, from open beachfront to dense forests. The wide variety of life found on the property ranges from nearly 500 different species of plants, including 25 species of native orchids, to more than 60 species of breeding birds and 12 threatened or endangered species, including the federally endangered Hines Emerald dragonfly. The property also holds the Upper and Lower Range Lights that continue to serve watercraft on Lake Michigan 154 years after they were built.

The Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center at The Ridges is at 8166 State 57, Baileys Harbor. Trail fees are $5 for ages 18 and older, free for Ridges members; those with accessibility issues can hike on the one-third-mile boardwalk or sign up for an all-terrain wheelchair (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only; reservations required at least one week in advance). For more information, call 920-839-2802 or visit ridgessanctuary.org.

Contact Christopher Clough at 920-562-8900 or cclough@doorcountyadvocate.com.

MORE: Green Bay Packers player AJ Dillon and wife Gabrielle are featured in Door County Dining Guide

MORE: Door County community theater company gets new home that also will serve as an arts center

FOR MORE DOOR COUNTY NEWS: Check out our website

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Door County sanctuary wins a grant to preserve the dwarf lake iris
Police Extract Two More DNA Samples in I-70 Strangler Case

Indiana State Police have extracted two DNA profiles from human remains found on the property of the late suspected gay serial killer Herbert Baumeister. Baumeister, a wealthy Republican businessman who was married with three children, was suspected of killing over 20 boys and young men he met at or around gay bars during the 1980s and 90s. Baumeister died by suicide in 1996 at a public park in Canada after police searched his 18-acre Fox Hollow Farm estate in Westfield outside of Indianapolis and issued a search warrant for his arrest.

Theyre now doing the comparison samples and fast-tracking that process now that we have modern DNA, Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison told local Fox affiliate WXIN.

Jellison said investigators believe the over 10,000 charred bones and fragments could be the remains of at least 25 people. During the original investigation in the 1990s, forensics extracted 11 human DNA samples, of which eight, all young men, were identified and matched. The two new DNA profiles will be compared against existing DNA samples provided by the family of young men who went missing in the area from the mid-1980s to 1996.

According to investigators, Baumeister was leading a deadly double life. While he appeared to be a loving husband and father and a successful businessman, hes also suspected of cruising local gay bars for young men hed lure back to his estate and strangle to death.

Police also believe Baumeister was the I-70 strangler, a serial killer who killed 11 young men and boys and dumped their bodies throughout Indiana and Ohio between June 1980 and October 1991. Investigators noted the discovery of bodies from the I-70 Strangler stopped when Baumeister bought his estate in Fox Hollow Farm, leading them to believe he continued killing but used the estate as his new dumping ground.

In 1994, Baumeisters 13-year-old son Erich found a human skull and a collection of bones while playing on the familys Fox Hollow Farms estate. According to a 1996 interview with People, Baumeisters wife Julia said her husband explained the bones were from an old medical skeleton used by his late father, an anesthesiologist. She also revealed the couple had engaged in sexual intercourse only three times in their marriage and that she had never seen him fully naked. The couple ran the successful Sav-A-Lot chain of stores, allowing them to move into the exclusive Fox Hollow Farms.

Julie said she forgot about the incident until November of the following year when police asked for permission to search the property as part of their investigation into a string of killings targeting young gay men in the area. Police said a young man had identified Baumeister as the man who had suffocated him to the brink of death during a sexual tryst at the estate. The Baumeisters refused the request, but Julie later consented while Herbert was out of town in June 1996. His body was found with a single gunshot wound to the head on July 3, 1996, at a public park in Ontario, Canada.

If you are having thoughts of suicide or are concerned that someone you know may be, resources are available to help. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 is for people of all ages and identities. Trans Lifeline, designed for transgender or gender-nonconforming people, can be reached at (877) 565-8860. The lifeline also provides resources to help with other crises, such as domestic violence situations. The Trevor Project Lifeline, for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 24 and younger), can be reached at (866) 488-7386. Users can also access chat services at TheTrevorProject.org/Help or text START to 678678.
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- China urges Japan to stop playing with fire on the Taiwan question, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday when responding to Taiwan-related remarks by a Japanese incumbent high-level official.

Mao said that Taiwan is China's territory and the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair, which brooks no interference by any external force.

Mao said the remarks of the incumbent high-level official of Japan's defence department constitute blatant interference in China's internal affairs in disregard of the basic norms governing international relations and the principles set out in the four political documents between China and Japan and have a damaging effect on the political foundation of China-Japan relations.

China strongly disapproves of and firmly opposes this and has made serious demarches to Japan, Mao said.

For half a century, Japan exercised colonial rule over Taiwan and committed notorious crimes to the Chinese people, Mao said, adding that given the grave historical responsibilities Japan bears for those crimes, it is all the more important for Japan to act prudently and draw lessons from the history.

Mao stressed that the complete reunification of the motherland is the common aspiration of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation and an unstoppable historical trend.

"No one shall underestimate the strong resolve, will and capability of the Chinese people to defend the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the spokesperson said.

"We urge Japan to stop playing with fire on the Taiwan question. Those who play with fire will eventually get burnt," Mao said. 
By Julia Harte and Nate Raymond

(Reuters) -The U.S. Department of Education is investigating whether Harvard racially discriminates by favoring applicants with ties to donors and alumni in its admissions process, according to a letter from the agency.

The department's Office for Civil Rights opened the probe following a complaint filed earlier this month by three civil rights groups, who argued that Harvard's preference for "legacy" undergraduate applicants overwhelmingly benefits white students, in violation of a federal civil rights law.

Many colleges and universities use legacy admissions policies, but they have drawn renewed scrutiny since June, when the Supreme Court struck down race-conscious policies adopted by Harvard College and the University of North Carolina to ensure more non-white students are admitted.

Applicants with legacy or donor ties to Harvard College, the undergraduate school of Harvard University, are nearly 70% white, and six to seven times more likely to be admitted than regular applicants, according to the complaint.

Those statistics were calculated from Harvard admissions data that became public as a result of the case that the Supreme Court decided in June. The Education Department is expected to collect more current data in the course of its investigation.

A Harvard spokesperson said the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Ivy League school is reviewing aspects of its admissions policies to ensure it can continue admitting a diverse student body following the Supreme Court's decision.

"Harvard remains dedicated to ... redoubling our efforts to encourage students from many different backgrounds to apply for admission," the Harvard spokesperson, Nicole Rura, said in a statement.

The Education Department through a spokesperson confirmed it had an open investigation under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars race discrimination for programs receiving federal funds. The agency had no further comment.

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Wesleyan University and the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus announced they would stop using legacy admissions in July, following a handful of other U.S. higher education institutions that have ended them in recent years.

"Simply put, Harvard is on the wrong side of history," said Oren Sellstrom, the litigation director of Lawyers for Civil Rights, the Boston-based group representing the civil rights groups who prompted the Education Department investigation.

Sellstrom spoke at a Tuesday press conference regarding the federal probe, along with representatives for two of the Boston-area civil rights groups represented in the complaint.

"This percentage that's being automatically accepted into Harvard is not fair, and it is leaving our young people of color out of the equation," said Zaida Ismatul Oliva, head of the Chica Project, an organization offering educational and professional mentorship for young women of color.

Edward Blum, the affirmative action opponent whose group Students for Fair Admissions sued Harvard and secured last month's Supreme Court ruling, said his organization too hopes that colleges end legacy preferences.

"However, it is unlikely legacy preferences are illegal since organizations like the NAACP and the Mexican American Legal Defense Foundation would have brought lawsuits challenging these practices many years ago," he said in an email.

(Reporting by Julia Harte; Editing by Nick Macfie and Daniel Wallis)
The heat waves simultaneously broiling the southwest United States and southern Europe would have been virtually impossible if not for climate change, according to a group of scientists who study the probability of extreme weather events. A third heat wave, in China, could have been expected about once every 250 years if global warming werent a factor.

The role of climate change is absolutely overwhelming in producing all three extremes, said Friederike Otto, a climate scientist at Imperial College London, who contributed to the new research, which was published Tuesday by the World Weather Attribution group.

The group is a loose consortium of climate scientists who study extreme weather and publish rapid findings about climate changes role in major events. Their research methods are published and peer-reviewed, but this specific, rapid analysis has not yet undergone a typical academic review process. Previous analyses by this group have held up to scrutiny after their initial release and were ultimately published in major academic journals.

Global warming has increased the likelihood of extreme temperatures so significantly that heat waves as powerful as the ones setting records in places like Phoenix, Catalonia and in Chinas Xinjiang region this July could be expected once every 15 years in the U.S., once every 10 in southern Europe and once every five in China, the research found.

This is not a surprise. This is absolutely not a surprise in terms of the temperatures, the weather events that we are seeing, Otto said at a news conference. In the past, these events would have been extremely rare.

The analysis provides another example of how shifts in global average temperatures can create conditions for new, harmful extremes. The scientists warned that the extremes observed this year are expected to worsen as humans continue to emit heat-trapping gasses and rely so heavily on fossil fuels.

This is not the new normal, as long as we keep burning fossil fuels. As long as we keep burning fossil fuels, we will see more and more of these extremes, Otto said.

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Six climate scientists contributed to the recent study. It evaluated an 18-day stretch of high temperatures across the U.S. Southwest and northern Mexico, a seven-day stretch of high temperatures in Europe and a 14-day stretch of maximum measures in Chinas lowland regions.

The heat has been blamed for record-breaking power demand in China and outages in the U.S. and Europe, as well as crop losses or cattle deaths in all three regions, the report found.

This summer has set records at a staggering pace.

The Earth saw its hottest June in modern times and also experienced its unofficial hottest days on record in July. Phoenix on Sunday marked its record 24th consecutive day of temperatures at or above 110 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Weather Service. A township in Xinjiang, China, hit 126 F and set a national high temperature record. Heat in Europe has shattered records and caused the closure of major tourist attractions.

The heat wave thats dogged the southern U.S. for much of July will soon expand to cover much of the country, according to the National Weather Service.

And its not just heat creating hazards across the U.S. The country has experienced a summer of extreme smoke from record-setting Canadian wildfires, extreme precipitation that caused damaging flooding in the Northeast and extreme ocean temperatures along much of its coastline.

Governments need to better adapt to protect people from heat, Julie Arrighi, of the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, said at the news conference.

They are events that we should be able to manage within our systems, Arrighi said. It underscores the need for our systems to adapt much faster, because the risks are rising faster than we are adapting.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Designers transformed the backyard with a pink slide. HGTV

On "Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge," HGTV stars competed to turn a home into a real Barbie Dreamhouse.

Teams of designers transformed rooms to look like Barbie Dreamhouses from different decades.

The finale aired on Sunday, but you can catch up on the series on MAX.

Barbie-mania is everywhere these days thanks to Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" film. Stars were wearing Barbie-inspired looks on red carpets, brands like Beis and Gap are promoting Barbie collaborations, and HGTV got in on the fun.

The series finale of "Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge," hosted by Ashley Graham, premiered on HGTV on Sunday. It features HGTV stars  and one Food Network star  competing against each other to transform a Southern California home into a real-life version of the Barbie Dreamhouse.

For the series, the designers competed in teams of two on behalf of a Barbie superfan, and the winning team's fan will get to stay in the finished house. Each team was assigned an area of the house to renovate as well as a decade their design should be inspired by.

The teams only had one week to complete their renovations.

Insider rounded up before-and-after photos of the transformations, spotlighting how the designers made a home fit for Barbie. You can catch up on episodes of "Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge" on MAX.

Designers tackled the entryway, living room, dining room, kitchen, and den in episode one.

Antonia Lofaso, Jasmine Roth, Egypt Sherrod, and Mike Jackson. HGTV

In episode one, Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson of "Married to Real Estate" faced off against Jasmine Roth from "Help! I Wrecked My House" and Antonia Lofaso, who has appeared on multiple Food Network series.

Sherrod and Jackson were charged with renovating the dreamhouse's entryway, living room, and dining room with the 1990s aesthetic in mind.

Meanwhile, Roth and Lofaso were tasked with transforming the kitchen and family room in the style of the 1960s.

The entryway had tall ceilings, barren white walls, and wood finishing on the double doors and staircase.

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The entryway before the renovation. HGTV

Sherrod and Jackson filled the room with bright colors and painted zig-zags on the fireplace to evoke the '90s. The room also had an elevator for Barbie.

The designers painted the double doors hot pink. HGTV

HGTV selected the Southern California home largely due to the curved staircase, an iconic part of the Barbie Dreamhouse toy.

The stairs were crucial to the Barbie feel. HGTV

Sherrod and Jackson painted the stairs hot pink with yellow banisters, making them a focal point. They also used purple and blue paint upstairs for a playful look.

The multicolored walls created a toy-like feel. HGTV

The living room's high ceilings were a blank canvas for Sherrod and Jackson.

The ceilings were tall. HGTV

The designers put the Barbie logo on a plaque on the wall, and they filled the room with retro furniture, including a curved, denim couch that screamed 1990s.

The logo makes clear the home belongs to Barbie. HGTV

The dining room was dark and small, though it had a tray ceiling and a large chandelier.

The walls were a lackluster tan before the renovation. HGTV

Sherrod and Jackson used the different layers of the tray to make a rainbow effect. They also painted the walls of the dining room pink, so it's fit for Barbie.

A built-in bench added seating to the space. HGTV

Oversized windows made the dining room feel bigger, though it was shut off from the kitchen.

The dining room abutted the kitchen. HGTV

The room's acrylic furniture and patterned rugs fit the '90s theme. Roth and Lofaso also removed the wall separating the dining room from the kitchen, making the room feel bigger.

The room was full of color. HGTV

Moving on to the 1960s team. Before Lofaso and Roth worked on it, the kitchen had a dated look, including wooden cabinetry.

The kitchen didn't even have a refrigerator. HGTV

The designers bathed the kitchen in pale pink and installed retro, yellow appliances, capturing the '60s vibe. Built-in shelving doubled as a secret entrance to a pantry.

Hot pink stools sat by the island. HGTV

The kitchen lacked seating space before it was remodeled.

The black appliances looked dated. HGTV

But Lofaso and Roth extended the island to offer seating. A teal-and-pink patterned tile backsplash connected the pink cabinetry and teal ceilings.

Dark wood accents on the side of the counters made them fit the 1960s vision. HGTV

The kitchen had big windows, but its overhead lighting was lackluster.

The big windows had potential. HGTV

Roth and Lofaso added retro chandeliers, bringing more light to the room. The counter also featured secret shelves that rose up with the push of a button, revealing Barbie's blender and toaster  which were also pink, of course.

The kitchen had two sinks. HGTV

The family room didn't have much personality before Lofaso and Roth worked on it, with blank walls and a brown ceiling fan.

The off-white carpet was out of style. HGTV

The designers made the room pop with yellow walls covered in pink and white polka dots. All of the furniture had a mid-century modern look, which was fitting for the 1960s-inspired space.

The shag carpet completed the retro space. HGTV

The family room's black fireplace didn't offer much in terms of design.

The room was all-white before the renovation. HGTV

Roth and Lofaso made the fireplace a centerpiece of the room by placing wood paneling and gold accents around it. They also included a human-sized replica of Barbie's original 1962 sofa.

A large, white chandelier tied the room together. HGTV

Episode two focused on the second level of the Dreamhouse.

Kristina Crestin, Jonathan Knight, Ty Pennington, and Alison Victoria. HGTV

"Farmhouse Fixer" stars Jonathan Knight and Kristina Crestin battled Alison Victoria of "Windy City Rehab" and Ty Pennington from "Rock the Block" in the second episode of "Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge."

Knight and Crestin created Barbie's perfect bedroom suite in the style of the 1980s, while Pennington and Victoria worked on the 1970s-inspired Ken's Den, which marks the first time Ken has ever had a space dedicated to him in Barbie's dreamhouse.

The bedroom's yellow walls, brown fan, and dated cream carpet didn't look like a room for Barbie.

The room had no pink. HGTV

But after Crestin and Knight worked on it, the room was bathed in pink, had a glitter ceiling, and featured a four-poster bed decorated with light-up, purple hearts.

The room also had a funky mirror. HGTV

Like the living room and den, Barbie's bedroom had a fireplace built into the wall.

The archway was attached. HGTV

The designers surrounded the fireplace in pink paint to make it fit with the room. They also added an exercise bike and a pink palm tree to the bedroom, nodding to the 1980s.

The fireplace remained a focal point. HGTV

The attached bathroom was spacious, but it had bland walls and dated carpet before the renovation.

The vanity broke up the room. HGTV

Crestin and Knight brightened the space with pink, floral wallpaper. They also made an oversized version of Barbie's brush to decorate the wall in a toy-like way.

They added a shag rug for a pop of texture. HGTV

The bathtub and shower were dated when the designers first saw the room.

The carpet filled the room. HGTV

But the designers upgraded the appliances, and they used deep-pink tiles in the shower to make it perfect for Barbie.

The appliances were brand-new. HGTV

Ken's Den was empty aside from some built-in shelving before Victoria and Pennington worked on it.

The cream carpet was in the den too. HGTV

The designers chose a '70s-patterned wallpaper in hot pink and blue, matching the pink ceilings and blue furniture that filled the space. Dark curtains also gave it a masculine edge.

They used a two-tone carpet to give the room a funky feel. HGTV

The large space was ideal for serving multiple functions, which the designers took advantage of.

The room was bare before Pennington and Victoria changed it. HGTV

The designers added a dance floor that lights up and a spinning tower for Ken to make dramatic entrances, as well as shelving for Ken's wigs and accessories.

The floor lights up. HGTV

The designers transformed the house's exterior in episode three.

Week three focused on the exterior. HGTV

Mika and Brian Kleinschmid of "100 Day Dream Home" faced off against Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas of "Bargain Block" to renovate the home's exterior.

The Kleinschmids were assigned the backyard in the 2000s aesthetic, while Bynum and Thomas decorated the front of the home with inspiration from the 1990s.

The house had a tan exterior with white garages before the renovation.

It looked like a normal house. HGTV

But Bynum and Thomas painted it white, pink, and teal, taking inspiration from the 1995 Barbie Dreamhouse. They added a handle to the roof to make it toy-like, as well as hot-pink details like flower baskets, a fountain, and flamingos.

The flamingos squirt water. HGTV

The backyard's patio was covered, and it had a pool.

The backyard was a blank canvas. HGTV

The Kleinschmids set the tone for the yard with a pink turf walkway and a swim-up drink station, as well as a "Barbie-cue" grill that was actually a toy.

The backyard was transformed with pink details. HGTV

The pool was the centerpiece of the backyard, as it overlooked the area and featured a slide.

A water slide led to the pool. HGTV

The designers added a second, hot-pink slide that attached to Ken's lifeguard stand, as well as a topiary in the shape of the Barbie logo. Retro pool floats completed the space, which ended up winning the competition.

The topiary had flowers on it. HGTV

HGTV stars worked on Barbie's closet and home office in the series finale.

HGTV designers transformed the closet space and home office. HGTV

Michel Smith Boyd and Anthony Elle of "Luxe for Less" and "Rock the Block" worked on Barbie's office, while Christina Hall and James Bender of "Christina on the Coast" transformed Barbie's walk-in closet in the series finale.

Unlike the other competitors, the designers in episode four didn't have to stick to one decade for their projects, so they could encompass Barbie's past, present, and future in their designs.

The canvas for the office was small.

The home office before it was transformed. HGTV

But Boyd and Elle made the most of the space with black-and-white stripes on the ceiling and pink, built-in shelves. A TV folded down from the ceiling, and the designers made the desk double as a fish tank with actual Barbies swimming in it.

The home office was brightened up with pink accents. HGTV

The designers also wanted the room to feel distinctly like Barbie's office.

Barbie had never had an office before. HGTV

So they filled the built-in shelving with books with drawings of Barbie on them, as well as other memorabilia.

The shelves were pink. HGTV

The closet was an important project in the house, as Barbie's clothes are so iconic.

Barbie is known for her clothes. HGTV

So Hall and Bender decided to put Barbie's clothes on display, hanging her most iconic outfits on hot-pink shelves. Patterned wallpaper and a shag rug made the room feel cozy.

The closet displayed Barbie's clothes. HGTV

The designers also had more room to play with the layout since the closet was the size of a room.

The closet was big. HGTV

So they added a sitting area to the space, complete with pink chairs and a fuzzy ottoman.

Barbie can hang out in her closet. HGTV

Hall and Bender also wanted the room to honor the many years of Barbie.

They didn't have to hone in one decade. HGTV

They also displayed Barbie's 50th-anniversary dress from Mattel in a life-size Barbie toy box so the room would truly feel like her closet.

The mannequin wears Barbie's dress. HGTV

Read the original article on Insider
The Mormon Battalion walks in the Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Horses clomped through the streets, accompanied by marching bands, bagpipes and upbeat music. Vintage cars from the early 1900s, decorated floats and dancers dressed in traditional pioneer clothing rewarded the many spectators Monday who watched one of the nation's oldest parades.

Since July 24, 1849, Salt Lake City has hosted a parade on Pioneer Day to honor those who trekked across the plains and made Utah home. In 2023  174 years later  Utah participants and spectators gathered again to celebrate the age-old tradition.

I think it's a very important part of Utah's culture because you have to just remember the people that came here came because they were forced out of their homes  so they were running, looking for somewhere that they could, you know, be the people that they wanted to be, said Marilee Schneider, a member of the Days of 47 Parade committee. They got us here, and it makes it wonderful for us, so I'm grateful.

Eight-year-old Melanie Silva agreed, noting that the parade was so fun and that she especially loved the Days of 47 Parade's reenactment of pioneers dancing.

I think it's important because we get to see our ancestors, Silva said.

Parade participants with the float Pioneer Stories dance on the parade route during the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Emma Stucki, left, and Chloe Kennard dance in the streets during the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Members of the Mormon Battalion march during the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Gov. Spencer Cox and first lady Abby Cox ride horseback during the annual Days of 47 parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints, with his wife Sister Kathy Christofferson wave during the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Sister missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints cheer on the parade participants during the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Kayla Willey, laundress in the Mormon Battalion, ties her bonnet during the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Elizabeth Buell waves at parade participants during the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

The Days of 47 royalty wave to parade attendees during the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

A clown makes balloon animals before the start of the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Evie Page watches the annual Days of 47 Parade from her father Curtis Pages lap in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

The Davis High School marching band performs during the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Sivalu, left, and Winna Fonua blow bubbles from their bubble guns during the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and her husband Kyle LaMalfa wave to the crowd at the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Parade participants with the Butterfield Canyon Stake walk the parade route during the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

A clown blows up a balloon before the start of the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Jacob, right, Emma, and their mom Rachelle Stucki draw chalk art on the parade route before the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

A parade participant with the Sandy Crescent Stake float, winner of the Pioneers Choice award, at the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

The reflection of the crowd is seen in a member of the Mountain Ridge High School marching bands tuba during the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Parade participants wave at the crowd along the parade route during the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

The West Valley City parade float passes at the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Bagpipers from the Utah Pipe Band perform at the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

A Miss Tooele City attendant blows a kiss at the audience at the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

The Murray South Stake float at the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

The Castle Valley marching band performs at the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

The Davis High School marching band performs at the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

A float from Westernstampede.com at the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

The winner of the Sweepstakes award, Peoples Choice award, and Childrens Choice award at the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

The winner of this years Spirt of Faith award at the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Parade participants from the Cobble Creek Stake sit on their float at the Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

A float made by the Stone Creek Stake at the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

The Riverview Stake float rides down the street at the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Winner of this years Theme award, a float goes down the street at the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

A float made by the Murray South Stake at the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

The BYU float at the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Children jump up to pop bubbles being blown from American Heritage Schools float at the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Parade participants walk by with their float at the Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

A float made by stakes from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

A float made by stakes from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Parade participants sit in their pioneer-themed float at the Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

A float made by the Canyon View Stake at the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

A float made by the Grant Stake at the annual Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

The parade had 37 floats and 120 entries, according to Schneider. Some of those entries included vintage cars, handcarts and rides featuring the Salt Lake City Council.

Many other entries featured musical bands and performers, including the Utah Pipe Band and several marching bands from high schools across Utah.

And playing music  while difficult in the hot weather  especially honors Utah's ancestors, according to Amme Swasey, the Copper Hills High School marching band woodwind technician.

"Music got them through walking over here to Utah; they would sing songs and celebrate together, and so I think it's just cool to see how music has carried itself through here to our traditions, especially in Utah," Swasey said.

Along with the marching bands, several parade entries and decorated floats  many sponsored by stakes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  continued to celebrate Utah's pioneer heritage, including the Mormon Battalion Association and the Sons of Utah Pioneers.

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Not all the floats and entries honored just the pioneers who had trekked west; in fact, one particular float celebrated the sacrifices of Tongan pioneers and won the People's Choice Award, the Children's Choice Award and the Days of 47 Sweepstakes Award.

With its outrigger canoe, native Tongan flowers, dancers dressed in traditional Tongan clothing, and a large model of the Nukualofa Tonga Temple, the Salt Lake Utah Tongan West Stake's float garnered cheers and excited waves of the Tongan flag from various participants as the float made its way across Salt Lake Citys streets.

I think it's really special for us as pioneers here in Salt Lake, because a lot of times you think of pioneers coming from the east with hand wagons, going through bad weather  so it's nice to recognize our ancestors coming across the ocean, said Olfa Halaufia, a contributor to the float.

Carl Makaafi, right, shakes hands with a member of the Salt Lake Utah (Tongan) West Stake during the Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Tesia Fakatou, a spectator in the parade with a Tongan flag wrapped around her shoulders, smiled as she noted how excited the float had made her.

I don't feel like we really get a lot of representation, but here in Utah, we're such a big percentage of the people here, and it's awesome to see people come out, Fakatou said.

Fakatou added that seeing Polynesian and Mexican representation helped her recognize that the Days of 47 Parade doesn't just honor the pioneer ancestors who crossed the plains, but all pioneers who immigrated to the U.S. for better lives.

These people have traveled hundreds of thousands of miles, have come from so many miles from home  and they traveled here, Fakatou said. I think the parade is a really great celebration of that and honoring of that.

In fact, for the Fernandez family, recent immigrants from Argentina having attended a U.S. parade for the first time, the Days of 47 Parade exemplified that very concept.

This is a good reminder of all those people that suffered, that had really hard times in the past, and what they had gone through to get here  and I think that's a good reminder. I think Pioneer Day helps remember that, said Shamira Fernandez.

Fakatou agreed, noting that it's important to know where we came from.

I think forgetting history leads to forgetting who we are, Fakatou said. And so I think that it's important to look back on our ancestors, and look back on the people who suffered to put us where we are, to make us grateful.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Sister Kathy Christofferson, ride in the Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Members of the Salt Lake Utah (Tongan) West Stake walk in the Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. The float won three awards: Childrens Choice award, Peoples Choice award and the Days 47 Sweepstakes award. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

A traditional Mexican horseman with the United Charros of Utah rides in the Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Salt Lake City Council members ride a fire truck in the Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Herrimans Butterfield Canyon Stakes float is pictured at the Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Carl Makaafi, right, shakes hands with a member of the Salt Lake Utah (Tongan) West Stake during the Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Gov. Spencer J. Cox and first lady Abby Cox ride in the Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Runners enjoy getting watered down while competing in the Deseret News Marathon races in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Salt Lake City Police officer Rory Carlisle sports a mustache during the Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Members of the Salt Lake County Farm Bureau drives their equipment in the Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

The Viewmont High School marching band participates in the Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

People watch the Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

People watch the Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Raymond Tongolei of the Salt Lake Utah (Tongan) West Stake high-fives Moli Makaafi during the Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. The float won three awards: Childrens Choice award, Peoples Choice award and the Days 47 Sweepstakes award. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Construction workers watch as the Utah Pipe Band passes by during the Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

The Days of 47 Parade moves down State Street in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Construction workers watch as a Utah miniature horse and buggy passes by during the Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Members of the Sons of Utah Pioneers walk in the Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News
Close-up of yellow crazy ant on green leaf Getty Images/afe207

Yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes) are, to put it simply, one of the more well known aggressive 'jerks' of the ant world. And that's saying a lot for any of the countless number of invasive ant species that typically don't have too many fans to begin with.

Outside of Indonesia, A. gracilipes ants have little to no natural predators in the wild. That gives the little bugs an invasive advantage, allowing them to spread to Florida and the American Gulf states, in addition to parts of Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Mauritius and throughout Southeast Asia.

Also known as long-legged ants or Maldive ants, these tiny insects don't have mental illness. Instead, their strange name comes from their infamous frenetic zig-zag scurrying that, to the untrained eye, seems frankly terrifying, especially if you're squeamish about bugs.

But these ants do have extremely bizarre genetics, according to a recent study in the journal Evolutionary Biology which revealed that all male yellow crazy male ants have both maternal and paternal genomes in different cells of their body, making the ants chimeras, which is somewhat different than the lion-goat-serpent combo from Greek myth. A genetic chimera is simply an organism or tissue that contains at least two different sets of DNA. In this case, the ants have haploid cells from two divergent lineages: R and W. Humans, for example, have X and Y haploid cells.

Previously, scientists thought that this kind of reproduction happened very rarely and only by accident. But as the study notes, A. gracilipes ants showing "obligate chimerism" via this unique fertilization and reproduction appears to give advantage to their W genome.

"Chimerism appears to provide two related fitness advantages to the W genome which persists in the population despite its association with female sterility," the study notes.

"If you study the biology of the yellow crazy ant, they are fascinating," said Dr. Hugo Darras, an assistant professor at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, and one of the lead co-authors of this new study, told Salon. Darras explained their years-long research confirmed their hunch that A. gracilipes males don't reproduce the normal way.

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Reproduction that breaks all the rules

Ants in the wild live in colonies, typically with one queen ant and many worker ants. All worker ants are female, but the queen ant is the only one that can lay eggs, the most common form of their reproduction. Drones, the male version of ants, have one function only: to mate.

But when it comes to A. gracilipes, particularly males, all of the basic ant reproductive norms are turned on their head.

"The male usually only has one copy of the genome. The way the ants reproduce is one copy of the genome usually comes from the mother, and another from the father in the case of female ants," Darras explained.

But in this study, the researchers found that the male yellow crazy ants had essentially cloned themselves, something that was highly unusual, Darras said. He quipped that male ants are usually pretty useless when it comes to reproduction, since the queen ant and the female workers often bear the majority of the reproductive-work burden.

The average male lifespan is typically only a few days. In contrast, female worker ants may live a few weeks to a few months on average. Female queen ants live longest, up to a few years in the wild. In lab settings, an ant's lifespan can be extended significantly. There are reports of queen ants living for decades in labs, while the average worker ant may live several years in a lab setting.

Darras notes that yellow crazy ants are polygynous, meaning they have multiple queens  in some cases their reproductive capabilities are essentially limitless. While reproduction in these colonies does happen the regular way, crazy ant males simultaneously exhibit these strange reproductive capabilities as well, making them chimeras.

Darras points out another factor that helps yellow crazy ants' reproductive capabilities is they often cooperate well with other A. gracilipes ants that are not in their native colony  again a very highly unusual trait among these insects. Most ants can be highly territorial and even go to war or enslave other ants.

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Yellow crazy ants have an appetite for everything from nectar, fruit, insects, spiders, all the way to frogs, crabs, nesting birds and other small invertebrates. They will eat whatever is available dead or alive  even other ants on occasion. While the most common form of A. gracilipes ants generally do not bite humans nor do they have stingers, these invasive ants often will swarm in houses, crawl spaces, basements or even electrical units.

Yellow crazy ants can be incredibly aggressive and successful at competing for resources in their new adopted habitats, Darras said. Naturally, ant colonies with hundreds of thousands of ants (up to an estimated million ants per colony) mean that the high numbers of ants take up a lot of resources in their habitat.

Throughout this multi-year study, researchers observed 30 colonies, each with more than 1,000 workers in European lab settings, while also analyzing the ants' cellular and genetic makeup. Normally, A. gracilipes ant cells contain identical genetic material. But in the case of the male ant, they possess a unique genetic composition.

"If you would ever see two different copies of the genome, usually it would happen by accident. But in the case of yellow crazy male ants, this was actually happening all of the time. It was kind of strange and remained a mystery for many years," Darras said. "Before, we didn't understand the 'why' behind it."

"We suspected this was the case, but only more recently with our research were we able to definitively prove it," Darras noted the lab team did granular cellular genetic analysis on the ants to definitively confirm their findings.

"There are so many unanswered questions when it comes to chimera studies, involving the influence of paternal genomes," Darras said. "Sometimes the eggs are fertilized and you get a normal diploid offspring. We have no idea why during the egg stage when it doesn't fertilize as expected, how does this happen?"

Do these male reproductive capabilities have anything to do with the significant increase seen within the yellow crazy ant population? Perhaps not. But when it comes to better understanding ant reproduction capabilities, these ants certainly are covering all of their bases.

The power of one ant vs. a colony

An ant isn't necessarily intelligent from an individual perspective and cannot accomplish much on their own, according to ant expert Dr. Andrew Suarez, who is an entomology professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Ants use very simple decision-making rules, such as where they need to go and forage.

"But when you put ants together, the colony as a whole is doing things that you might not have ever predicted," Suarez, who was not part of the chimera research, explained to Salon. "The colony is dividing labor in ways that are amazing. There is a lot we can learn from ants, ant colonies and invasive species of ants from how they work together and the things they accomplish. Computer programming, efficiency, architecture, you name it. We are just at the tip of the iceberg."

Can we slow the global spread of this pest?

For obvious reasons, most humans aren't so crazy about yellow crazy ants. They don't just impact native ant populations, but they disrupt bird habitats and breeding areas. They are considered so dangerous and disruptive, they've earned a spot in the top 100 of the Global Invasive Species Database's invasive species list.

"I don't know that there is any advantage to having the crazy yellow ant in the United States," Suarez said. Many experts are not exactly sure where A. gracilipes ants come from originally. "My best guess is they are from Southeast Asia ... but we don't really know where they originate from. But at some point hundreds of years ago they spread to Asia, part of Africa, and then Australia and New Zealand, the United States and elsewhere."

But when it comes to their adopted homelands, many believe yellow crazy ants have long overstayed their welcome. Going even further, many humans fear their presence spells ecological disaster. There are some early stage government-sponsored A. gracilipes eradication initiatives that could be brilliant  or completely crazy.

One such initiative, out of the University of Texas, Austin, aims to introduce hump-backed Phorid flies from South America. The idea is the flies will only attack specific species of ants, like A. gracilipes. In lab settings, the experiments have promise, according to emerging research, but there could be off-target effects. If deployed in the wild and things do not go as planned, the fix could be worse than the original problem.

The bottom line is, humans have no idea how to stop invasive A. gracilipes ants from overpopulating any habitat they move to. Many entomologists believe that some ant colonies could be naturally susceptible to viruses and even colony collapse, as is the case with certain bees, but the truth of the matter is this hardy invasive ant species are most likely not going anywhere anytime soon.

Still there are many lessons we can learn from A. gracilipes ants, no matter how unpopular they may be. Since yellow crazy ants consistently outcompete other kinds of ants and other animals for food and other ecological resources, it's possible there are many lessons humans could benefit from, such as social cooperation and how to handle competition.

Some scientists hope chimera-specific research could potentially have real-life value for humans. While there are ethical concerns to consider, potential real-life scientific research breakthroughs involving stem cell research, including perhaps a better understanding of cell response to disease growth, are among the benefits down the road.

At any rate, given the widespread problem these strange, crazy ants pose, it would be worthwhile to invest in research into their truly unique reproductive strategies. Yellow crazy ants have much to teach us.

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about insects
This is a commentary by Charlie Harper, a longtime opinion contributor to the Savannah Morning News and the Georgia USA TODAY network.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp continues to be the subject of rumors, speculation, and even some wishful thinking that he will enter the race to be the Republican nominee for president in 2024. While being strategically coy about his future plans, has tamped down talk that he will become another entrant in an already overcrowded GOP field.

In an interview with CNNs Kaitlan Collins, he seemed to close the door with a comment that he is certainly not running. He also urged the party to close the door on 2020, noting that if former President Donald Trump continues to obsess over his lost presidential election, he would lose Georgia in November.

FILE - Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp delivers the State of the State address on the House floor of the state Capitol, Jan. 25, 2023, in Atlanta. On Wednesday, June 14, 2023, Kemp praised Georgia's recent bond ratings from each of the three main credit rating agencies.

Georgia, it should be noted, is only one of four states currently rated a toss-up by Larry Sabatos Crystal Ball forecast. Arizona, Nevada, and Wisconsin are the other states up for grabs in a projected matchup between President Joe Biden and Trump.

Both presumed nominees have historically high disapproval ratings. This is a matchup that doesnt have to happen, and one most independent voters already dread.

There are better alternatives. For them to get the coverage and attention from voters, theyre going to need some help. The narrative and focus of this campaign must be changed.

GOP governors of America unite?

The country doesnt need another campaign with Americans of both parties hoping to put the other nominee in jail. We need a contrast on governing principles, with the winner having a mandate to move the country forward and beyond our current morass.

This is why Gov. Kemp should go to Iowa, and he should bring friends with him. Specifically, Gov. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia, Former Gov. Doug Ducey of swing state Arizona, Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio, and Gov. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire, where they will join with Iowas governor, Kim Reynolds.

All of these Republican governors have at least two things in common. They are wildly popular in their home states, having won their last elections handily (while receiving a higher percentage of votes than Trump in 2020). Theyve also each been attacked by Trump for having the temerity to disagree with him.

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Charlie Harper

Time to 'elevate the debate'

None of those mentioned are running for president. This gives them standing to say what needs to be said, and draw the contrast the voters must see, without it looking as if it is self-serving campaign rhetoric.

The field of candidates includes quite a few accomplished governors in their own right, including Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Chris Christie, and Doug Burgum. Sen. Tim Scott, while not a governor, has sufficient policy chops that he must be included in this conversation, especially with regards to crime prevention and criminal justice.

It was Trump that turned off suburban independents in 2018, 2020, and 2022 elections. Kemp, Younkin and Reynolds demonstrated the resolve to re-open states  from their economies to their schools  and trust Americans to make their own decisions.

These governors won many of those voters back. They have the potential to re-make the map, moving toss-ups like Georgia into leans-Republican status, while making states like Virginia and New Hampshire competitive again.

When they were on the ballot with Trump or Trump-backed candidates  like Georgias U.S. Senate seat in 2022  these voters split their ticket. They dont like Trump. They do like the stead hands theyve seen from their state capitols.

Its easy for media to dismiss those running for president as second tier candidates when Trump is happy to provide them the narrative they wish to cover. It would be much harder to ignore governors canvassing across Iowa, then New Hampshire, to draw the contrast of conservative governance verses the excesses from the federal government over the past three years.

If the narrative is changed in these early voting states, the polls will follow. As the polls change, the entire coverage of this race, and the debate the country needs to have, will also change.

For their part, Democrats seem to be quietly getting this message too. The New York Times has again directed the ire of their opinion page at Biden, and there seems to be concerted efforts to promote the works of Govs. Gavin Newsom of California and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan. Both are unapologetic progressives, either would be an improvement over our status quo.

The country needs to move forward. The best way to ensure that happens, within the realm of what a group of GOP governors could do, is take the debate straight to early state voters. They deserve a campaign focused on governance and proven results. Gov. Kemp and his friends are well positioned to elevate this debate to where it must be.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Georgia Governor Brian Kemp must influence GOP presidential race
Lawyers for the family of Malcolm X have unveiled new witness testimony that they say corroborates their claim that US authorities were involved in his assassination.

Mustafa Hassan, 84, a former associate of the Black civil rights leader, said in a sworn affidavit that he was present at his leader's murder in 1965 and believes police officers tried to help the gunman escape the scene.

Mr Hassan alleged that one officer asked another whether the gunman was "with us"  that is, whether he was a police informant. Mr Hassan further alleged that he was never interviewed by authorities.

Ben Crump, a prominent civil rights lawyer who plans to sue the New York Police Department (NYPD) and other government agencies on behalf of Malcolm X's family, argued that this was evidence the officers knew one of their moles might make a move against Malcolm X's life.

"When the police first run up to the person who has just shot Malcolm X, are they trying to stop him? No," said Mr Crump at a press conference on Tuesday.

"What they're saying is, 'Is he with us?' Because they don't know if their person was assigned to shoot Malcolm or not."

Malcolm X was a pivotal figure in the struggle for Black civil rights and the nascent Black Power movement, whose assassination at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City sent shockwaves across the world.

Three members of the Nation of Islam, which was bitterly feuding with him at the time, were jailed for his murder. But in 2021, the New York Supreme Court posthumously overturned two of those men's convictions after investigators found that the prosecution had withheld evidence.

Mr Crump is now representing Malcolm X's family in a planned lawsuit against the NYPD, the FBI, the CIA and more, which he accuses of playing a role in the murder.

"What we're saying is, this conspiracy goes up to the top," Mr Crump said, describing Mr Hassan's evidence as "explosive and astonishing".

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Citing statements by former NYPD informants, he argued that there were many government agents in the crowd that day who were kept compartmentalised from each other  meaning individual NYPD officers would not have known all of their identities.

As proof that Mr Hassan was indeed present, Mr Crump showed photos and video from the scene that he said featured a younger Mr Hassan.

Mustafa Hassan points to himself in a photo from the day Malcolm X was assassinated (Ariana Baio / The Independent)

One photo appeared to show Mr Hassan grappling with an NYPD officer as police tried to shield Thomas Hagan  the man convicted of Malcolm Xs murder, and the only one who actually confessed  from an angry crowd.

Mr Hassan said there was "no doubt in [his] mind" that Mr Hagan was working on behalf of the NYPD or another US government agency.

The Independent has asked the NYPD for comment. The FBI and CIA have previously declined to comment on the lawsuit.
A Lexington CEO was sentenced to 10 months in prison last week for selling counterfeit N95 respirator masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, making him nearly $130,000 in a one-month span, according to the Department of Justice.

Nathan Brown, 47, owns a company which specializes in antique wood reclamation. During the pandemic, he directed his company to begin importing and selling medical-grade N95 masks, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

The company, Old World Timber, purchased more than 100,000 masks from a China-based company and resold them to customers in the United States. But Brown acknowledged in his plea agreement that by March 2021, he was aware the masks were misbranded.

According to his plea agreement, Brown instructed employees to remove seals that distinguished the masks as fraudulent.

Brown deliberately ignored these concerns and directed his company to continue selling the masks, misleading customers as to their authenticity, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a news release announcing Browns sentence Monday.

Between March 2021 and April 2021, Browns company sold more than 57,000 masks for a total of $129,353. He pleaded guilty in April to a count of introducing a misbranded device into interstate commerce with the intent to mislead.

Some of Browns friends wrote letters to U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, who presided over Browns case. The letters were filed into court records.

A longtime family friend, Dale Ditto, wrote that Brown had the best intentions. Ditto said in their letter that Brown often helped those in recovery and facing felonies find work at his company.

Another friend of Browns, Reverend Michael Pounds, wrote to Caldwell to ask for a lesser sentence so Brown could continue to help those in recovery find work.

Under federal law, Brown must serve 85% of his prison sentence, according to the DOJ. Hell be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for one year after hes released. Brown was also ordered to pay $129,353 in restitution. He is required to self-report to the Bureau of Prisons in September.
JAKARTA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Tuesday met with John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, pledging facilitation to reduce trade barriers.

Widodo said he has entrusted the protection of more than 140,000 Indonesian citizens in Hong Kong and their welfare to the chief executive, according to Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.

Lee thanked Indonesia for supporting Hong Kong's accession request to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and expressed his hope for further strengthening cooperation in various aspects.

The chief executive also met with the Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Kao Kim Hourn, noting that Hong Kong attaches great importance to its close trade and economic ties with ASEAN.

They exchanged views on possible cooperation to strengthen economic relations between ASEAN and Hong Kong, especially in the areas of trade, investment and digital economy.

John Lee is leading a delegation to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia to further strengthen cooperation between Hong Kong and ASEAN members. 
McIntyre is a losing hand for Portsmouth. Time to fold.

July 20  To The Editor:

I must congratulate Charlie Griffin for stating the obvious. Too often today we fail to state of obvious. The McIntyre situation is a sad one and the blame is not easy to apply. The City Council previous and present bear a lot of this responsibility but the city was never poised or experienced enough to enter into the kind of public/private partnership that they entered into. The stakes were far too high, and the city simply does not have the expertise nor experience to have completed this project.

The pundits blame the developer, The Kane Company, and they are wrong to do so. Kane played with all 52 cards face up and they have proved this, including, but not limited to, releasing private emails with the city, etc. The fact Mr. Jankowski sought an opinion from Holland and Knight was laudable to be sure. But when you hire a white shoe law firm like H & K, one has to be ready to pay. Mr. Griffins letter is true. The budget for a fight against the federal government is not cheap and the city has spent millions to date on an attempt to acquire the McIntyre building and has nothing to show for it. The money spent is a total loss to the taxpayer.

While the possibility of a cost-free acquisition is a pleasant thought, it is far from reality. The city needs to seek a second opinion before jumping into bed with Holland and Knight. They would be extremely well represented by that firm to be sure. The fact is that a law firm is engaged to weigh and mitigate the risks of an acquisition attempt using the means suggested and the fact is there is tremendous risk financially. The self interest groups like the one my friend Bill Downey represents can suggest the city open their checkbook but I suggest they open theirs. They claim they are stakeholders in this and therefore should bear the risks as well.

The current council is more worried about their Facebook image and traffic and lacks the municipal and legal experience to begin to weigh and make decisions regarding such an undertaking. My advice is as Mr. Griffin suggests, let this go and move on.

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T. Stephen McCarthy

Portsmouth

Portsmouth City Council recently voted to try to get the federal building for free and are hoping to reach a consensus on what to do with the building. Mayor Deglan McEachern, left, and councilors John Tabor and Jo Kelley andare at the site.

Commentary on NH policy on gun violence

July 19  To the Editor

New Hampshires current policy on gun violence is to blame it on mental illness.

Meanwhile, our funding for treating mental illness remains inadequate.

We also defend everyones right to have unimpeded access to guns.

Does anyone have a better idea?

Bill Kingston

New Castle

Composting is a small action that can make a big difference

July 18  To the Editor:

Now what really is composting? In short, it is the collection and decomposition of food waste and scraps that can be turned into fertile soil for new and existing plants, completing the food cycle, it is basically controlling the rot of previously living matter. In fact, composting is one of the best things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint and help work towards a cleaner environment.

Approximately one-third of food developed in the world is wasted, contributing significantly to carbon emissions, making composting needed more than ever. Food waste even contributes to about 8% of greenhouse gases. These food scraps not only take up landfill space but also reduces the need for harmful fertilizer and greater water retention in soil. When in the landfill, rotting food scraps releases 50% methane gas and 50% carbon dioxide as the decomposing microorganisms are oxygen deprived.

While many may think they dont waste an awful lot of food, people dont realize how much they dont eat - from the top leaves of pineapples to egg shells all going into the trash to even the greasy pizza box from last nights dinner. It adds up!

Less than 10% of food waste and scraps get composted, but starting with individual levels to corporate and community efforts, composting can largely impact the Earth and its need for help in the climate crisis. From a pile in your own backyard to using companies such as Mr. Fox, which reaches all around the NH seacoast, there are so many ways that make it easy to compost!

Evangeline Alexander

Dover

Republicans want autocracy

July 19  To the Editor:

A coalition of right-wing organizations has announced a plan to empower a Republican president (if elected) to control all federal agencies without constraints from Congress or the courts.

As they have explained to journalists, their goal is to get rid of the nonpartisan civil service, purging all but loyalists. They want to impound funds allocated by Congress for programs that are not in line with their policies. "What we're trying to do is identify the pockets of independence and seize them," said Russell Vought, who served as Donald Trump's director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Republicans currently in the House and Senate do not disavow this plan. It embraces the ideology of Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orban, who say the post-WW2 era of democracy is over. They say ideas such as equality for minorities and women, freedom of speech and academic freedom are destroying "traditional" patriarchal society. They want to use the powers of the government to enforce religious beliefs.

Republicans have been pushing laws to restrict womens rights, ban books, forbid schools and businesses from addressing minority issues, allow people to carry dangerous weapons without a license, and make it hard for opponents to vote. Florida governor Ron DeSantis, who is forming his own militia, has called for using deadly force against migrants.

Although Republicans complain (without basis) that the DOJ and FBI have been weaponized against Donald Trump and his followers, Republicans openly state that their goal for 2025 (if they win the White House) will be to weaponize government agencies in pursuit of their conservative agenda.

In the words of Trump loyalist John McEntee: "Our current executive branch was conceived of by liberals for the purpose of promulgating liberal policies. There is no way to make the existing structure function in a conservative manner. ... What's necessary is a complete system overhaul."

Right-wingers have resented our federal system since the 1930s, when FDR enabled government to promote infrastructure, regulate business, and provide a basic safety net. Those reforms ushered in a period from 1933 to 1981 that economists call the "Great Compression," when disparities of income and wealth were reduced. Since 1982, under the right-wing trickle-down philosophy, those disparities have been drastically increasing to the point where the top one-percent have become fabulously wealthy, the middle class is squeezed, and poverty is rampant.

Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene recently observed that under President Biden, we have made "the largest public investment in social infrastructure and environmental programs, that is actually finishing what FDR started." The White House thanked her for this comment, pointing out that President Biden is indeed investing in programs that enable working people to prosper, which he sees as the best way to strengthen the nation  building from the bottom up and the middle out, rather than pursuing a top-down approach that we have seen does not work.

Three messages should be made clear to voters for the 2024 election:

(1) Be aware that Republicans want to create an autocracy.

(2) Recognize that President Bidens programs are designed to help Americans.

(3) Dont compare Biden to the Almighty, just compare him to the alternative.

Don Nolte

Exeter

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: McIntyre is a losing hand for Portsmouth. Time to fold. Letters
The Nevada Police Department believes a Monday evening shooting that left a male with gunshot wounds was an isolated event, despite no arrests.

Authorities were dispatched to the intersection of 7th Street and R Avenue shortly after 6:30 p.m. July 24 for reports of shots fired, according to a release. Local police found an adult male on the scene suffering from injuries sustained in the shooting.

The police could not locate other individuals involved in the shooting and did not make an arrest, the release said.

The wounded male was transported to a local medical facility with non-threatening injuries. Nevada PD did not reveal the name of the injured male in Monday's press release.

This story is developing. The Ames Tribune will provide more details when more information becomes available.

Brandon Hurley is the editor of the Ames Tribune. He can be contacted at bhurley@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Nevada police investigate Monday night shooting, no arrests made
Rayen Bekri was at home in bed in Hatay, Turkey, when a massive earthquake sent the walls tumbling down around her.

I was sleeping, and I felt shaking, Rayen said, recalling the events of Feb. 6. I wanted to run to my mother, but I heard my brother screaming. I ran to him and held his hand. As we reached the door, the building collapsed.

Rayen, 13, and her brother, 10-year-old Zakaria, became trapped under the rubble of their apartment building. When a search-and-rescue team found Rayen six days later, she was terribly weak and injured. Her left leg had to be amputated. Zakaria did not survive, nor did her mother.

The earthquakes aftermath was a frantic time for many families in North Jersey, who scrambled to find out if their loved ones had survived the 7.8-magnitute earthquake that killed more than 50,000 people and collapsed or damaged more than 160,000 buildings.

In Saddle Brook, Rayens aunt, Rasha Kattan, tried to get through to her family for days. When she heard that Rayen had been found alive, she rushed to Turkey to be at her side during a months-long hospital stay and 10 surgeries.

(from left) Rayen Bekri, 13, holds hands with her cousin Emar, 6, during a visit from U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and Prospect Park Mayor Mohammed Khairullah in Saddle Brook on Monday, July 24, 2023. Bekri is a survivor of the February 6 earthquake in Turkey which killed her mother and brother. Her aunt, Rasha Kattan of Saddle Brook, expedited her entry to the United States with the help of Sen. Booker and Mayor Khairullah.

On July 10, they arrived together in New Jersey, with help from the office of U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., who reached out to officials to expedite her admission as a refugee  a process that their family already had begun because they were Syrian war refugees.

Im grateful for all of you who helped us, Kattan said at her home on Monday.

Rayen is now living with her aunt, her uncle Zakaria Rahmoun, and cousins Emar, Taim and Mohamad, ages 6, 13 and 15.

Her recovery is ongoing. Rayen needs plastic surgery on her leg and will be fitted for a prosthetic. She has a stubborn infection in her hand that needs treatment. She is still coping with the trauma of the losses she endured five months ago.

Her New Jersey relatives, who came to the U.S. from Syria in 2011, have started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for her recovery, rehabilitation and adjustment to her new environment.

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For the young teenager, its not the first encounter with tragedy. Her family is from Ashrafiyat, an area in Aleppo, a city hit hard by the war that broke out in 2011. Her father was killed when a mortar shell landed near him eight years ago. One year later, her mother was shot in the abdomen and taken by ambulance to Turkey.

The family remained in Turkey and applied to the United Nations refugee resettlement program. With the application still pending years later, Rayens two older brothers went to live with an uncle in Lebanon, arriving just one day before the earthquake  a journey that may have saved their lives. They got word, after the earthquake, that the family application for resettlement had been approved.

Rayen Bejri, 13, was trapped in rubble for six days after the earthquake in Turkey in February 2023. now in New Jersey, she awaits more medical care and will be fitted for a prosthetic leg

To her family, Rayen is a hero  her will to survive and the way she took care of her brother are remarkable feats.

In their Saddle Brook home, they surround the young girl with love. Rahmoun works in a local restaurant, and Kattan is a hairstylist. They have pledged to support Rayen however they can.

"All that matters to me is that she's safe in my hands and living a fulfilling life with me and me family," Kattan said. "We're here by her side no matter what."

Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed Khairullah learned about Rayen's plight through his wife and connected the family with Bookers office.

A cellphone photo of the earthquake damage to the building Rayen Bekri lived in with her mother and brother.

Booker told Rayen he was inspired and humbled by her story. I cant think of anyone stronger, more resilient and with more courage, he said.

Her journey is an example of how humanity transcends borders and people can make a difference, said Khairullah, who has helped in refugee support efforts in New Jersey for years.

As she talked about the earthquake, Rayens tears streamed onto her Minnie Mouse T-shirt. But at moments she smiled and laughed, enjoying the company of her New Jersey family. She thanked her youngest cousin for being patient as her mother spent 5 months with her in Turkey.

When she was trapped, Rayen said, she dreamed someone gave her chips and soda. Her mom came to her in a dream, she said, and told her she and Rayen's brother had to leave.

Now, she is trying to put the past behind her.

When she feels sad, she plays games with her cousin, especially enjoying the online game Roblox. Rayen looks forward to school and wants to be a pediatrician one day, just like the doctors who helped her regain her strength.

I want to be the one helping people," she said.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Orphaned in Turkey earthquake, a girl gets a new start in New Jersey
Putin's critics have said his lack of leadership and comprise with Prigozhin have left him vulnerable. Contributor/Getty Images

Putin "just hid" during Wagner's mutiny, a former Russian colonel told The Washington Post.

Chaos in Russian leadership left local authorities without direction during Prigozhin's rebellion.

Putin knew of the rebellion days before it happened and didn't act, Western officials have said.

Before and during Wagner Group's chaotic armed mutiny, President Vladimir Putin was far from the leader Russian elites expected him to be. "He just hid," Gennady Gudkov, a former colonel in the Russian security services who is now an opposition politician in exile, told The Washington Post.

Gudkov told the Post that Putin's inaction during Yevgeny Prigozhin's 24-hour rebellion severely damaged his reputation with top Russian officials.

"Putin showed himself to be a person who is not able to make serious, important and quick decisions in critical situations," he said, adding, "This was not understood by most of the Russian population. But it was very well understood by Putin's elite. He is no longer the guarantor of their security and the preservation of the system."

It's the latest criticism of Putin after the Wagner plot last month left the world stunned. Prigozhin launched an armed revolt he called a "march for justice" on June 24 after claiming that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu had ordered an air strike on Wagner forces fighting in Ukraine, although Prigozhin had little evidence to back up such a claim.

Prigozhin's forces marched through local territories, where authorities were directionless on how to address the Wagner mutineers, the Post said. Putin and the Kremlin hadn't given them any sort of guidance, leaving border guards and local governments in disarray.

Prigozhin, now exiled in Belarus with some of his Wagner mercenaries after Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko brokered a deal to get Wagner to standdown in return for guarantees of their safety, had publicly and unsparingly criticized Russian military leadership over Ukraine.

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He still is, according to new video footage from his camp in Belarus.

And while many of Putin's opponents and Kremlin critics have wound up dead, imprisoned, or exiled like Gudkov, for far less than an armed revolt, Prigozhin  who earned the nickname "Putin's Chef" after the Russian leader began eating at his restaurants and the government favored his catering business with lucrative contracts  still remains at-large with his Wagner Group.

That's left Putin appearing weak. One senior Moscow financier connected to Russian intel told the Post: "Russia is a country of mafia rules. And Putin made an unforgivable mistake. He lost his reputation as the toughest man in town."

Read the original article on Business Insider
PROVIDENCE  A legal challenge to a Massachusetts school districts decision not to inform parents of their childs choice of gender identity, name and preferred pronouns that could settle the legal landscape in similar cases in Rhode Island is soon to be heard by a federal appeals court.

The case, which is being closely watched by LGBTQ advocates in New England, involves four parents allegations that Ludlow school officials violated their rights to direct their childrens upbringing by failing to disclose their childrens' decision to establish a new gender identity at school. It is expected to be considered in the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in the coming months, with other interested parties weighing in, including the State of Rhode Island through Attorney General Peter F. Neronha.

Underpinnings of the case that may define legal landscape for schools, parents and students' gender identity

Two sets of parents sued the Ludlow School Committee and other officials in April 2022 in federal court in Massachusetts, alleging that school officials violated their fundamental parental rights under the 14th Amendment by speaking with their then 11- and 12-year-old children about gender identity; complying with the childrens requests to use alternative names and pronouns; and then opting to not share the information with them.

The parents framed their claims in the context of their rights as parents to make decisions for their children without state interference. The school officials countered that their actions were in keeping with their obligations to provide a nondiscriminatory environment to all their students under Massachusetts law.

A judge granted the schools motion to dismiss the claims last December, concluding that states enjoy a general power to regulate the schools they support.  This includes the power to prescribe a curriculum designed to promote tolerance and provide a safe learning environment for all students.

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While parents do not have to send their children to public school, those who make that choice do not have a constitutional right to direct how a public school teaches their child.  The Commonwealth of Massachusetts recognizes gender identity as a personal characteristic deserving of protection from discrimination, the court continued.

Since 2012, Massachusetts has provided that [n]o person shall be excluded from or discriminated against . . . in obtaining the advantages, privileges and courses of study of [a] public school on account of . . . gender identity.

Chris Erchull, a lawyer with GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), said the ruling is in keeping with others nationwide.

The courts give schools a lot of deference and leeway, Erchull said. Schools have an obligation to provide a supportive environment. ... For students who are transgender and gender nonconforming, its really critical for them to have support in school and everywhere else in their life.

While everyone would agree that ideally its best for students to talk to their parents about such concerns at home, Erchull said some students could face harm in doing so.

The parents have appealed the ruling to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. They are asking the appeals court to overturn the dismissal, arguing that the state cannot use its authority to regulate schools to justify interfering with parental rights to direct the upbringing of their children related to health and well-being.

GLAD, RI, others weigh in

GLAD, the State of Rhode Island and the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents are among the parties backing the Ludlow schools.

Rhode Island joined 15 other states in arguing that schools have broad discretion to shape their environment to ensure student success and have an interest in maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all youth, including transgender students.

We are always concerned that kids always seem to learn best when they are in a safe and supportive environment, Michael Long, general counsel for the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, said of his organizations support for Ludlow.

The ruling will dictate how federal courts throughout New England and Puerto Rico treat similar challenges, Long said.

Smithfield schools considered policy changes

The court case comes as the Smithfield School Committee recently considered changes to the schools Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, and Transitioning Students Policy that would have required school officials to notify parents about students' decisions regarding their gender identity and put in place new rules governing access to gender-segregated bathrooms in the schools.

The issue brought more than 100 people, including LGBTQ+ students and representatives with Parents United Rhode Island, to an at-times heated community forum June 17, according to the Valley Breeze reports.

Ryan Fontaine, a trans health education specialist with Thundermist Health Center and lifelong Rhode Islander, told of experiencing a climate in high school that was hostile to the very few openly queer kids and stressed that the schools are charged with operating in students best interests.

Outing a student to unsupportive parents is not in their best interests, she said to applause.

Ultimately, the committee walked back the changes and approved a policy that was in keeping with Rhode Island Department of Education guidance on transgender and gender-non-conforming students.

RIDE guidance states that transgender and gender non-conforming students have the right to discuss and express their gender identity and expression openly and to decide when, with whom, and how much to share private information. It cautions that schools should not discuss a students gender identity with the parent(s) or guardians(s) if school personnel believe it may jeopardize the students physical or mental safety.

The policy the committee approved acknowledges that some transgender students do not want their parents to know about their status and that situations must be addressed on a case-by-case basis that balances the goal of supporting the student with the desire that parents be kept informed. The schools agreed to put into place measures to work with the student to involve their parent/guardian.

Fontaine, who transitioned in college, said she was pleased with the outcome, but that some of the rhetoric spoken during the forum had harmed students.

In the end we were pleased with what happened, but the process was harmful, which was disappointing, Fontaine said. Thundermist Health Center has helped more than 2,000 patients in transition since its trans health clinic was established in 2015.

Patience Polly Crozier, director of family advocacy at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, observed that in 2001 Rhode Island became the second state in the nation to explicitly prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression, thus protecting transgender people.

Im pleased to see community members stand up and really speak their peace. I think its really great that the School Committee reversed, she said. Rhode Island has a really strong history of supporting and affirming the rights of transgender people.

.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI backs Mass. school in legal fight over parental notification in schools
Here is a Lexington list and guide of the best weekend events around Central Kentucky on Friday, Saturday and Sunday if you are bored and need things to do including live music concerts, theatre shows, musicals, kid-friendly and free events, comedy shows, foodie events, craft fairs, music festivals, art exhibits, nature hikes, block parties and the Lexington Childrens Theatre performing Seussical.

Blue Stallion Brewing Company anniversary

Enjoy special bottle and draft releases, a patio pool party and more during a weekend of festivities celebrating the 10 year anniversary of Blue Stallion Brewing Company on July 21 and 22. Free. 610 W Third St. facebook.com/events/1322476761811418.

Art exhibit: Looking At You reception at John G. Irvin Gallery

Portrait and figurative art from around the state will be on display when the exhibit Looking At You opens at Central Banks John G. Irvin Gallery with a reception on July 21 from 4:30-6 p.m. Free. 300 W Vine St. ArtsConnectLex.org.

Art On The Town at Henry A. Tandy Centennial Park

Observe creations from local artists and craftspeople, listen to live music, make you own chalk art and more during the July edition of the family-friendly event, Art On The Town at Henry A. Tandy Centennial Park on July 21 from 5-9 p.m. Free. 251 W Main St. LexingtonKy.gov.

Frankfort Summer Concert Series: J.D. Shelburne

Taylorsville born, Nashville based country recording artist J.D. Shelburne will perform during the City of Frankforts Summer Concert Series in downtown on July 21 at 6 p.m. Free. 315 W Main St. DowntownFrankfort.com.

Summer Nights In Suburbia concert series at Moondance Amphitheater

Grateful Dead cover band Born Cross Eyed will perform during the next installment of the City of Lexingtons Summer Nights In Suburbia concert series at Moondance Amphitheater on July 21 at 7 p.m. Free. 1152 Monarch St. LexingtonKy.gov.

Musical: Seussical at the Lexington Childrens Theatre

Come face to face with Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, the Whos of Whoville and the Cat in the Hat during performances of Seussical at the Lexington Childrens Theatre through July 30. This weekends show times are on July 21 at 7 p.m., July 22 at 2 and 7 p.m. and July 23 at 2 p.m. $20-25 (7 p.m. show on July 22 is pay what you will). 418 W Short St. LCTOnStage.org.

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Comedian Tony Baker at Comedy Off Broadway

Veteran comedian Tony Baker will perform at Comedy Off Broadway on July 21 at 7 and 9:30 p.m. and July 22 at 6:30 and 9 p.m. $30-40. 161 Lexington Green Cir #C4. ComedyOffBroadway.com.

Bluegrass Community and Technical College Theatre program is collaborating with Antagonist Productions for a Summer Shakespeare run of shows of Merry Wives of Windsor. Katelynn Ralston

BCTC Theatre: The Merry Wives of Windsor at Equus Run Vineyards, Moondance Amphitheater

Bluegrass Community & Technical College and Antagonist Productions will present William Shakespeares The Merry Wives of Windsor at Equus Run Vineyard in Midway on July 21 and 22 and at Moondance Amphitheater in Lexington from July 28-30. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Free. 1280 Moores Mill Rd, Midway. Bluegrass.KCTCS.edu.

Benefit: Sprint For Scoops 3K at Wellington Park

The 7th Annual Crank & Boom Sprint For Scoops 3K benefiting Fayette Eating, Education, & Delivery will take place at Wellington Park on July 21. Activities begin at 7:15 p.m. with a little kids dash followed by the 3K at 7:30. $20-30. 565 Wellington Way. RunSignUp.com.

Three nights of live music at The Burl

Bronx born, New Orleans based Hurray For The Riff Raff will perform at The Burl on July 21 ($25) followed by North Georgia Rounder Pony Bradshaw on July 22 and Lexingtonian Warren Byrom on July 23 ($15). All shows begin at 8 p.m. 375 Thompson Rd. TheBurlKy.com.

Moth Week night hike at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary

Prepare for National Moth Week with a guided night hike in search of moths and other nighttime insects at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary on July 21 from 8:30-10 p.m. Free, with pre-registration required. 3885 Raven Run Way. LexingtonKy.gov.

Country music: Nashville 99s concert at Austin City Saloon

Nineties country cover band Nashville 99s will make its debut at Austin City Saloon on July 21 at 9 p.m. 2350 Woodhill Dr. facebook.com/events/171923422437880.

Pick-your-own blackberries is back at Eckerts Orchard in Versailles, which will host its Blackberry Festival this weekend. Provided

Blackberry Festival at Eckerts Orchard in Versailles

Pick blackberries, listen to live music, take part in a variety of kids activities and more during a blackberry festival at Eckerts Orchard in Versailles on July 22 and 23 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1396 Pinckard Pike, Versailles. Eckerts.com.

Mother & daughter tea time at Manchester Music Hall

Feast on finger foods, pastries and more during a mother and daughter tea time at Manchester Music Hall on July 22 at 4 p.m. $15-30, with children under 2 free. 899 Manchester St. ManchesterMusicHall.com.

Midway Summer Block Party

The second of three sumer block parties will be from 6 to 10 p.m. July 22 on East Main Stret in downtown Midway. There will be arts, craft, food beer and wine vendors, plus shops will stay open late. There will be live music from 7 to 10 p.m. reservewoodford.com/event/midway-summer-block-party-2/

Comedian the Liberal Redneck Trae Crowder at the Lexington Opera House

Comedian Trae Crowder, best known for his viral Liberal Redneck porch rant videos, will bring his Just Me And Yall Tour to the Lexington Opera House on July 22 at 8 p.m. From $29.50. 401 W Short St. LexingtonOperaHouse.com.

Tahlsound Concert Series: Lexington Reggae Fest at Oleika Temple Great Lawn

Music from Mighty Mystic, Rob Dread & The KMA and Club Dub will echo from the Southland Drive corridor when the Lexington Reggae Fest takes over the Tahlsound Concert Series at the Oleika Temple Great Lawn on July 23 at 6 p.m. Free-$150. 302 Southland Dr. Tahlsound.com.

Richmond Arts fundraiser: Blues, Soul, & Bar-B-Que at Chenault Vineyards

Dance to music from Memphis recording artist Elmo Lee Thomas while eating a luau-style pig roast prepared by Straight From Texas Bar-B-Que during the Richmond Area Arts Councils annual Blues, Soul, & Bar-B-Que fundraiser at Chenault Vinayards on July 23 from 6-9 p.m. $40. 2284 Barnes Mill Rd, Richmond. ArtsInRichmond.org.

Matt Wickstrom is a freelancer covering food, music and more. You can follow him on Instagram at @WickstromWrites .
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema said Monday she aims to pass legislation this week that would go after Mexican drug cartel pocketbooks, increase pay for border agents and officers, and to pressure social media companies to do more to protect teens recruited by cartels on their platforms.

Sinema, I-Ariz., who chairs the Homeland Security subcommittee on border management, said she's working to include several of those border management priorities as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, a growing spending bill that the Senate is set to debate this week.

The House's version passed earlier this month, mostly along party lines, after the Republican House majority included several amendments on controversial social issues such as abortion. Once the Senate passes its version, the two chambers will have to reconcile the differences in the bills before a final version moves to the president's desk.

Sinema said she expected the Senate to pass its bill by the end of this week.

"The good news is last week I was able to negotiate what's called a minibus package for all of our Homeland Security bills," she said. "We've got that package ready to go. We're still working on some of the other equities amongst different senators, I expect that that will continue through all of Wednesday."

Already, the defense spending bill includes the FEND OFF Fentanyl Act, which would require the Treasury Department to sanction individual cartel members involved in drug trafficking and to seize their assets. Sinema said it would hit the cartels where they feel it most, financially.

The senator said she is looking to add amendments to the defense bill that would boost staffing and pay for the customs officers working at the country's border crossings, which have long been understaffed, as well as pay for overextended U.S. Border Patrol agents.

Sinema also hopes to add the Combating Cartels on Social Media Act to the defense legislation. It would create a national strategy to take on the issue. Among other things, it would require Homeland Security officials to track cartels' social media use, and creates a process for tech companies to voluntarily report cartel activity.

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Relishing her status as an independent lawmaker and a key negotiator between the two major political parties, Sinema touted her legislative achievements on Monday during a town hall discussion organized by the U.S. Hispanic Business Council at the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University in downtown Phoenix.

Javier Palomarez, the president and CEO of the Hispanic Business Council, said the council wanted to offer Sinema a chance to talk to Latino business owners, especially after her key mediating efforts to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

"For us, it was a real clear indication that Kyrsten Sinema gets it," Palomarez said. "She understands the importance of the American small business community, and we are delighted to support her work and come out here and tell the people of Arizona about it."

During the town hall, Sinema talked about her upbringing and how that has shaped her work as a lawmaker. Last year, Sinema left the Democratic Party to become an independent. She told about 50 people in attendance that that change aligned more closely with how she has approached her work as a politician.

However, she declined to answer whether she would run for reelection in 2024, saying that she is focused on the work she is doing now, with eyes on the defense bill this week and on a government spending bill in September that could lead to a potential shutdown showdown between Republicans and Democrats.

Will voters care? Luxury trips, fine wines are now part of Sen. Kyrsten Sinema's image

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Sinema wants border security amendments in defense spending bill
If the past two years in Florida are any indication, the need to find a silver-lining in slavery is more about white people than Black history. And that misses the point of education.

Is it possible that some enslaved Americans learned useful trades and skills? Was there ever an instance of violence committed by Black people during Jim Crow years? Did slavery exist in other parts of the world?

History isnt just the answer to those questions. Its about giving context, not just regurgitating events that might have happened in the past.

So when teachers tell a middle-school student that, Slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit, as Floridas controversial new Black history curriculum standards require, the state isnt just relaying a fact but creating a context that didnt exist in slavery  that, somehow, slavery had an upside for the enslaved.

Heres another fact: The enslaved were not considered people, they were considered property.

The Florida Department of Education provided 16 examples of historic figures who purportedly learned skills through enslavement, but, as a Tampa Bay Times story pointed out, historic sources show that several of those 16 people were never slaves. So not only is this particular lesson out of context, parts of it are flat-out wrong. The Department of Education should find both as unacceptable as we do.

When students learn about violence perpetrated against and by African Americans in the early 1900s, it creates a false equivalence between the acts intended to terrorize African Americans and prevent them from accessing simple rights, such as voting, and the uprisings that might have happened as a response to the cruelty and dehumanization they faced.

Broader context

Historians, public school teachers, Democratic lawmakers and Vice President Kamala Harris have criticized Floridas new standards. In response, the Department of Education issued a statement defending the indefensible.

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Any attempt to reduce slaves to just victims of oppression fails to recognize their strength, courage and resiliency during a difficult time in American history, part of the statement read. A department spokesperson told the New York Times the curriculum teaches the good, the bad and the ugly of African-American history.

Indeed, singling out a couple of examples doesnt explain the new standards in their entirety. There are modules on African American heroes, such as Jesse Owens and Rosa Parks, Black inventors, African-American oral traditions and the contributions of African Americans to Florida. The curriculum also covers the causes and consequences of the slave trade, the impact of the cotton industry on the expansion of slavery, the conditions under which enslaved Africans were brought to America and the harsh conditions in the Virginia Colony.

Florida has required schools to teach Black history since 1994, but only 11 of the states 67 school districts teach it sufficiently, as the Herald reported.

But instead of addressing that shortcoming, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature made teachers fear talking about race. A law, dubbed Stop W.O.K.E. Act, banned classroom instructions that makes students feel they bear personal responsibility for and must feel guilt, anguish or other forms of psychological distress because of actions, in which the person played no part, committed in the past by other members of the same race, color, national origin.

The goal of teaching of history should never be to blame white children for slavery or segregation. But confronting the dark moments of American history should make students of all backgrounds uncomfortable  to say nothing of more aware and thoughtful.

Lessons for today

The Stop W.O.K.E. Act guarantees that young people wont have to reflect on racial inequalities that started when ships full of Africans in bondage arrived at our shores and, most important, still infect the world in which they live today. Yes, such contemplation can elicit feelings of anguish and even guilt. No one should feel guilty for something they did not do. However, no student should leave a classroom more ignorant than when they entered.

Florida has also banned an AP African American Studies course and instituted a new civics training for teachers that says Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson wanted to outlaw slavery without mentioning that both were slave owners. School districts across Florida have banned books by Black authors or on topics of race, many because the vague wording of the law has made them more cautious about running afoul of it.

In March, Pinellas County Schools temporarily barred elementary school students from watching a historic movie about civil rights pioneer Ruby Bridges. A complaint from a parent stated the film teaches kids that white people hate Black people. Bridges integrated a New Orleans school in 1960, so its only natural that the movie would portray the racism she encountered from whites.

Its not lost on us that, when faced with how adults bullied and harassed a 6-year-old Black girl trying to attend school, some people make the teaching of history all about how they feel.

DeSantis law has ushered a wave of efforts to make Black history about something that it is not  protecting white sensibilities. It should be a given  not a relief  that Floridas history standards include lessons on the conditions of enslaved Americans. But imagine if, instead of skills acquired through bondage, Florida teachers were asked to discuss how Cubans benefited from Fidel Castros authoritarian regime.

Thats unimaginable because it would never happen in Florida. Theres only one group whose history gets exploited  shamefully and shamelessly  for political gain. Its a story as old as America.

Click here to send the letter.
TEHRAN, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian naval forces on Tuesday received a homegrown "Abu Mahdi" cruise missile capable of hitting targets within 1,000 km, the official news agency IRNA reported.

The "Abu Mahdi" missile was handed over during a ceremony in Parchin, a military site located southeast of the capital Tehran, said the report.

According to IRNA, the missile is equipped with a powerful warhead to hit marine targets like cruisers, frigates and destroyers within its designed range.

It can be fired from different fixed and mobile carriers and is capable of receiving updates on the target's final position after being launched, IRNA added.

Among the missile's other features are allowing for management of target selection on the battlefield, evading detection by enemies' air defense systems and being launched from underwater, the report said.

"Abu Mahdi" is equipped with artificial intelligence to avoid natural and manmade obstacles and detection by enemies' radars and defense systems, it added.

Speaking at the ceremony, Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri said the missile is equipped with a dual-mode seeker and capable of pursuing several targets and hitting them from behind.

The missile can also force the enemies' aircraft carriers to stay at least 2,000 kilometers away from the country's coastlines, making fighter jets on board the warships practically "ineffective," Tangsiri added.

Also at the ceremony, Iran's Defense Minister Mohammadreza Ashtiani said the strategic weaponry would significantly expand the country's marine defense range, adding that Iran's defense capabilities are aimed at promoting peace and ensuring regional security. 
When state lawmakers were considering a bill to legalize recreational marijuana, they often described it as allowing Minnesotans to use the drug at home, on private property or at events licensed for on-site consumption.

But earlier this month, after the legislation was signed into law, one of the Democratic legislators who sponsored the bill told news website MinnPost that smoking will also be allowed anywhere that isn't prohibited by the state's Clean Indoor Air Act. That means starting Aug. 1, Minnesotans can smoke in a park, on a sidewalk or outside a restaurant or bar, unless their city passes an ordinance prohibiting it.

That revelation wasn't spelled out in the more than 300-page marijuana legalization law, which lists only the three locations where cannabis products can be used  home, private property, licensed events  and several where they are prohibited.

"We wanted to put as few restrictions on it as we could, understanding that cities could do more," Democratic Sen. Lindsey Port, the legalization bill's Senate sponsor, said of public marijuana use.

Cannabis use is explicitly prohibited under the new law for those who are under the age of 21, in a motor vehicle, in a public school, in a state correctional facility or in the presence of minors who could inhale secondhand smoke. Beyond that, the law doesn't specifically allow or restrict the use of marijuana in public spaces. One provision states that marijuana use is prohibited anywhere that smoking tobacco is banned under the Clean Indoor Air Act, while another states that cities may adopt ordinances banning residents from using the drug in public spaces.

"It was just not a specific thing we wanted 100% protected or 100% banned, so we left it up to the municipalities," Port, DFL-Burnsville, said in an interview Monday. "I don't feel in any way that it was hidden or was something that we tried to obfuscate."

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The League of Minnesota Cities issued a memo Monday advising cities that they will need to pass an ordinance if they want to have an enforcement mechanism to prevent public cannabis use.

"The law is silent on whether cannabis can be smoked in public places other than public places governed by the [Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act]," the League's memo states. "While the law does not specifically authorize the use of cannabis in public places, it does not create any penalty for use in a public place other than those governed by the MCIAA."

Port noted that many cities ban tobacco smoking in their parks and on their property. And some cities are already considering taking a similar approach to marijuana use.

The Duluth City Council will vote next month on whether to ban marijuana smoking in all city parks and in other public outdoor places where tobacco smoking is already banned, such as the Lakewalk.

Alexandria and Detroit Lakes are also working on ordinances, while Lakeville and West St. Paul are considering it, said Alex Hassel, a lobbyist for the League of Minnesota Cities.

"This is probably top priority for many cities, looking at their public-use ordinances for smoking," Hassel said.

Leili Fatehi, campaign manager for the pro-legalization MN is Ready Coalition, worked with lawmakers throughout the year on the recreational marijuana bill. She said cities should think carefully about how their public-use ordinances could affect renters.

Starting in March 2025, Minnesota's recreational marijuana law will ban smoking and vaping of cannabis in multifamily housing building units, including on apartment balconies and patios, except for registered medical cannabis patients. Until then, the law lets property managers decide whether to allow or prohibit smoking in units.

"What we're really monitoring to make sure is that local governments are not prohibiting public use in a way that makes it so that only homeowners are able to smoke and vape and those who are renters end up in a situation where there's literally nowhere where legally they can consume these products," Fatehi said.

Chris Tholkes, director of Minnesota's Office of Medical Cannabis, said that allowing marijuana use in public could have mixed health impacts. On one hand, she said it's likely beneficial to give people an alternative to smoking indoors. But it also could expose more minors to the drug, she said.

"It impacts social norms for sure," Tholkes said.

In allowing public marijuana use, Port and Fatehi said legislators were trying to treat the drug like tobacco. But marijuana is intoxicating, like alcohol, while cigarettes are not. So, is public marijuana use more like cigarette smoking or having an open alcohol container?

Port said it's a "fair question," and that legislators did their best to "thread that needle."

"You can't smoke in your car. You can't have an open container of cannabis even in your car. We put that much more on the alcohol side of it because driving a vehicle while intoxicated is a concern," Port said. "In places where it was about the smoking and the secondhand smoke, the carcinogens and things like that, we tried to put it more in line with cigarette smoking."

Staff writer Jana Hollingsworth contributed to this report.
MARLBOROUGH  An increase in the number of Haitian migrants staying in Marlborough has led to concerns about the citys capacity to handle the surge of new families, particularly those with school-aged children.

Mayor Arthur Vigeant was told last week that the city will soon have 30 new families moving into the Holiday Inn on Lakeview Avenue, bringing the total number of migrant families there to 63, with plans for all 170 rooms to likely be filled similarly.

I just had a conversation with the lieutenant governor (Kim Driscoll), they have told us that 30 more families will be moving into the Holiday Inn today, Vigeant said in a phone interview on Wednesday. They said that we can expect every room at the hotel to be filled. That is on top of about two-dozen additional homeless families that are living at the Extended Stay (America) hotel.

Marlborough Mayor Arthur Vigeant said he's been told that state officials expect to fill the Holiday Inn on Lakeview Avenue with Haitian migrants seeking shelter.

'Pretty different from criminal court': Massachusetts lawyers explain how immigration court works

Why Haitian refugees are coming to the US

More civil unrest in Haiti has increased the number of refugees fleeing violence in the Caribbean nation. In response, the federal government has sought shelter for those arriving. Massachusetts is the only state that has so-called right-to-shelter laws, which means it's obligated to provide shelter for families with at least one child under age 21.

State Sen. Jamie Eldridge, D-Marlborough, said Marlborough has historically been supportive of immigrants, as well as other lower-income residents of Massachusetts.

"Marlborough has always been a city of immigrants, a very welcoming city for those that are less well off," he said. "This has happened before, it happened about eight years ago at a different hotel, and while many of the families are refugees, there are homeless families that have been living in Massachusetts for some time. Twenty-five percent of Massachusetts residents were born outside the United States, the strength of our economy, the strength of our state, is immigration."

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State is increasingly reliant on hotels for shelter

As part of the right-to-shelter program, fees for rooms and meals are guaranteed to be paid for by the state, which in turn makes families attractive to hotel chains. But Vigeant pointed out that municipalities miss out on the hotel room tax revenue that would be paid if the rooms were being rented under conventional means.

I have been told that the hotels have gotten a very high rate for providing this space to the state, the mayor said. The state does not pay any room tax when it rents a hotel room, so the city is not getting any of the revenue it would normally get if those rooms were booked (in the open market).

The state has increasingly relied on hotels as emergency shelter for immigrant families. According to the Department of Housing and Community Development, Massachusetts had just 19 families statewide who were using a hotel as emergency shelter as of last June. But a year later, that number has swelled to more than 1,200, with about two-dozen more entering the system daily.

The Holiday Inn on Lakeview Avenue in Marlborough, July 20, 2023.

'Everything in our power': State plans more 'welcome centers' for migrants, homeless families

Services for migrants are being handled by a pair of regional nonprofits, the Framingham-based South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) and the Lexington-based Eliot Community Human Services Organization.

Marlborough is also seeking interpreters who can work with refugees, many of whom only speak Haitian Creole.

We are looking for anybody, anywhere, that can help with translating for these people," Vigeant said. "Its a difficult language to find translators for, and the issue is that every other city in the state that has this population moving into their city is looking for translators."

Concern for school population

With the number of families growing, and the state not providing insight into how long families will stay in Marlborough, the concern for city officials is how many extra students Marlborough Public Schools will serve this fall. That issue was raised during a June 27 School Committee meeting by Superintendent of Schools Mary Murphy, who noted that as many as 140 families may be coming.

"Right now, we don't have any space for the number of kids that we might be getting," Vigeant said. "What we are looking at is a way to set up a temporary school, at the hotel, to accommodate these new students."

'Uber for public transit': New MWRTA program launches in Hudson, Marlborough

Eldridge acknowledged that while the increase in school population could potentially be a challenge, a school system the size of Marlborough's (nearly 5,000 students in grades K-12) should be capable of absorbing the new students, and that the state provides funding for the education of children that are classified as homeless.

"By law, the state must pay the education costs for any homeless family, and there are also supplemental budgets that get passed to help with costs," Eldridge said. "There is $1,000 per family to help them readjust. There may be 30 or 40 families that create some extra cost for the district, but Marlborough is a very large district that already has thousands of kids, and it already has an extremely high percentage of immigrant students."

In addition to having to provide space, the school district would also potentially be required to provide added transportation and support services for migrant students, many of whom will be in an English Language Learners program.

"There are very few translators, and again, all communities are looking for the same things," Vigeant said. "DESE (the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) needs to step up and give us some relief."

Vigeant says immigration must be solved at federal level

Vigeant believes the state is working to find solutions. But he said immigration is a federal issue that has been ignored in Washington, and the responsibility is falling on local government to find solutions.

"It's a federal crisis, and it's been ignored for too long and our congressional reps don't want to deal with it," the mayor said. "We need immigrants. We need immigrants to come into the city, but there has to be a better way for this to be done."

Vigeant added that it was particularly frustrating given the relative lack of resources provided to Marlborough residents who are struggling with homelessness.

"I have a former town employee that has gone through some tough times and we are trying to find them a place to stay, and we can't find anywhere for them to go," the mayor said. "It's frustrating that we have a hotel now that is full of people, but we also don't have the space to help one of our own."

Eldridge said most of the work being done in terms of placing refugees in hotels is being conducted by the state's executive branch, but that a solution to the long-term impacts, particularly in regards to affordable housing, will have to be made by all parties working together.

"I've been someone who has been very committed to building affordable housing and supporting more shelters, and it's a challenge that all of us  municipal officials, state legislatures and the executive branch, will have to tackle," Eldridge said.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Marlborough sees spike in homeless migrant families
The American Legion Post 124 in Guadalupe was packed Sunday with veterans attending a roundtable about the PACT Act, which was signed into law just over a year ago.

Hosted by Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough, Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., and leadership from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the roundtable gave veterans the opportunity to ask questions about upcoming deadlines relevant to the PACT Act.

The PACT Act expanded eligibility for VA health care for veterans with toxic exposures and veterans of the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and post-9/11 eras. It also adds more presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic exposures.

While there are no deadlines to apply for benefits, veterans who meet two approaching deadlines may be eligible for enrollment advantages:

Veterans and survivors who file by Aug. 9 could be eligible for retroactive compensation backdating to Aug. 10, 2022.

Post-9/11 combat veterans who were discharged more than 10 years ago and aren't enrolled in VA health care who enroll by Oct. 1 can avoid a phased-in enrollment period that includes longer wait times.

The VA has awarded almost $40 million to Arizona Vets. But according to a congressional analysis, only 14,000 out of nearly 500,000 eligible veterans in Arizona have applied for benefits. That's less than 3%.

Rep. Nanette Barragan, D-Calif., the Congressional Hispanic Caucus chair, said one of the most important reasons she came to Arizona was to "get the word out" about benefits.

"We've seen that there are a lot of veterans who have not yet filed, and we want to make sure everyone knows," she said. "That's reaching out in every language possible in every way possible."

Aside from not knowing they were eligible, many veterans said they felt that by applying for benefits, they were taking away from their fellow soldiers. Bob Dalpe, who served as an Air Force weather technician, didn't think the injuries he suffered during his service were "big" enough.

Story continues

"I didn't want to waste the resources on me," Dalpe said. Because of his service, Dalpe said that he has a mission-oriented mindset  one that pushed him to not think of himself, but of others.

"It's serving your brother, serving your sister and making sure that they're taken care of. As a group, we have a mission to perform," he said. "When you get trained so many years on that mission mindset, the mission is more important than the person."

Thanks to motivation from his friends and family, Dalpe filed a benefits claim on the spot during the roundtable. And he wasn't the only person who did. VA staff members were present at the roundtable waiting to assist as many vets as possible. Even if they weren't sure they were eligible, vets were still encouraged to file.

As a result, the VA received 28 "intent to files" and a second full claim submission in addition to Dalpe's, according to a representative from Stanton's office.

Stanton promised to protect funding for the VA in Washington. After Republican leadership didn't originally exempt the VA from federal budget cuts, he and his colleagues are being vigilant about protecting funding moving forward, Stanton said.

"They've taken the position that in the current appropriations process, there cannot be cuts to the VA," he said. "We're going to hold them to account. We're going to fight to make sure that not one cent is taken away from our veterans."

He said that being at the Legion Post in Guadalupe reaffirmed the importance of funding the VA.

Veterans village: Glendale leaders vote in favor of free housing for veterans

"You see an army, literally and figuratively, who are going to fight to make sure that the VA has a budget that represents the values of America," Stanton said. "Supporting our veterans is a high value."

Veterans can find out if they're eligible for benefits and file disability claims by going to the VA website or calling 800-698-2411.

McDonough will remain in Arizona until Tuesday, when he'll speak at the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Convention in downtown Phoenix.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: US officials urge Arizona veterans to apply for PACT Act benefits
The last two years during the last week of July, Northern Colorado residents reveled in the opportunity to hear the roar of F-16 fighter jets and see the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds team up close.

But this year, the skies over Fort Collins will be quiet as the aerial demonstration team is not performing at this year's Wings over Warren Airshow as part of the 127th Cheyenne Frontier Days.

This year's show scheduled for July 26 was canceled in February.

Here's what you need to know:

The Thunderbirds have a long history of flying at Cheyenne Frontier Days

Since 1953, the Air Force aerial demonstration team has only missed performing at the "Daddy of Em All" in 2013 due to federal government budget issues and in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.

A U.S. Air Force Thunderbird jet taxis after landing at the Northern Colorado Regional Airport in Loveland on July 27, 2022. The team performed at the Wings over Warren air show in Cheyenne.

Why has the Thunderbirds team used the Northern Colorado Regional Airport in recent years?

In 2021 and 2022, the Thunderbirds used the Northern Colorado Regional Airport in Loveland to practice and stage on performance day for the Wings over Warren Airshow because Cheyenne Regional Airport was under intermittent construction and the Loveland airport was the next-closest airport that could support the F-16 fighter jets.

Why did the Thunderbirds cancel this year's Wings over Warren Airshow?

Safety concerns.

The 90th Missile Wing at Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne said in a February news release it was canceling the entire airshow for this year due to loss of the headline act, the Thunderbirds.

The Thunderbirds demonstration team determined performing in Cheyenne carries too much risk with the lack of an approved emergency landing airfield nearby, according to the release.

"The closure of the large runway in Cheyenne is a key factor in this decision. After much discussion and consideration, cancelling the show for 2023 is the best way to ensure the safety of our community and the Thunderbirds," Col. Catherine Barrington, 90th Missile Wing commander, said in the release.

Story continues

Thunderbird emergency landing last year at Northern Colorado Regional Airport was cause for concern

While returning to the Northern Colorado Regional Airport last year, one of the Thunderbirds F-16 fighter aircraft conducted an emergency landing at the Loveland airport due to a hydraulic leak.

The jet spilled fluids across the runway after it landed, forcing the rest of the team to divert across Denver International Airport airspace and land at Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, the closest place with safety equipment for F-16 emergency landings.

"The team made the difficult decision, due to safety and logistics challenges operating deployed from Colorado, to not return to Cheyenne's airshow this season," Lt. Col. Justin Elliott, Thunderbird 1 and team commander/leader, said in the release. "While disheartened to part with this important tradition, we hope to see a fully-constructed runway allowing our safe return to Wings Over Warren in the future.''

Terminal takeoff: Officials break ground on new Northern Colorado Regional Airport terminal in Loveland

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Why the Thunderbirds aren't using Northern Colorado Regional Airport
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WA town is sending a delegation to its Mexican 'sister city.' Feds say don't travel there
Becky Tallent retired in 2019 after 13 years as a journalism faculty member at the University of Idaho. She is of Cherokee descent and is a member of the Native American Journalists Association and the Society of Professional Journalists. She and her husband live in Moscow, Idaho, with their two cats. She also writes for the Moscow-Pullman Daily News and Spokane Faith and Values.
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BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A draft amendment to the Criminal Law, submitted for the first reading by national lawmakers on Tuesday, has stepped up criminal penalties on bribers and corruption inside private firms.

The draft was submitted to the fourth session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC).

It adds six severe offenses related to bribing, said Wang Aili, chief of the criminal law department of the Commission of Legislative Affairs of the NPC Standing Committee, explaining the bill to the press.

For instance, those who repeatedly offer bribes, offer bribes to more than one person and to state functionaries, will be given severer penalties, Wang said.

Offering bribes to those involved in the country's key work areas, major national projects, or programs will be severe offenses.

The revision also raises the penalty levels on bribers that are institutions and those offering bribes to institutions.

Reckless attempts made by bribers to "hunt" officials remain a main cause of corruption, Wang said.

In China's judicial practices, bribers tend to face lighter penalties than those taking bribes, and the number of cases prosecuting bribers is fewer than those prosecuting grafters. Such lenient policies do not help curb corruption, Wang said.

The legislature expects law enforcement and judicial agencies to change their working strategy that focuses more on grafters than bribers, Wang added.

Regarding the revision of the provisions on crimes related to corruption inside private enterprises, Wang noted that the revision targets the behaviors of personnel in key positions inside private enterprises that infringe on the interests of enterprises and entrepreneurs due to graft.

Wang said that in recent years, the most prominent manifestations of corruption within private enterprises include embezzlement, misappropriation, bribery, and the breach of trust.

The revision of the Criminal Law adds provisions concerning intentional breach of trust by private-enterprise staff to harm the interests of enterprises, Wang said.

Enterprise staff's illegal operation of the same type of business, illegally profiting for friends and relatives, and practicing irregularities for selfish ends by converting companies' assets to shares at a low price or selling them at a low price are defined as crimes in the draft revision, Wang went on to explain.

The revision further strengthens the equal protection of private enterprises by extending provisions currently applicable to relevant personnel in state-owned companies and enterprises to the staff of private enterprises, Wang noted.

The revision also further improves the crime system related to infringement on the property of private companies, including duty encroachment, embezzlement of funds, and other crimes already stipulated in the existing Criminal Law, as well as three crimes of breaching trust added by the draft revision, Wang said. 
Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 86F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 86F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.

Tomorrow

A mainly sunny sky. High 107F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
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TUNIS, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The Tunisian government set up a crisis unit on Monday to control wildfires that ravaged the northwestern province of Jendouba.

The government said in a statement that Prime Minister Najla Bouden Romdhane made the decision on the instructions of President Kais Saied.

"The crisis unit aims to coordinate the efforts of all intervening parties to control the fires and protect citizens and their property," it said.

On Monday morning, Tunisian authorities evacuated residents from the Melloula village in the province after a wildfire broke out in the forests.

During the past four days, massive wildfires destroyed about 470 hectares of forests in the village, which is located in the coastal city of Tabarka.

Heatwaves baking Tunisia have brought temperatures approaching 50 degrees Celsius in several provinces, according to the National Institute of Meteorology. 
Noul concept electric Opel Experimental: va influenta viitoarele modele de serie

In urma cu cateva saptamani, germanii de la Opel au anuntat numele viitorului lor concept cu zero emisii care va influenta din punct de vedere al designului si al tehnologiilor noile modele ale marcii din Russelsheim. Opel Experimental, caci [citeste mai departe]
A man walks past a house burned down in a wildfire in Bouira Province, Algeria, on July 24, 2023. The death toll from wildfires in northern Algeria has risen to 34, including 10 soldiers, the Interior Ministry said in an update on Monday. (Xinhua)

ALGIERS, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from wildfires in northern Algeria has risen to 34, including 10 soldiers, the Interior Ministry said in an update on Monday.

The ministry said some 8,000 people were battling the blazes across 11 provinces, supported by 529 trucks and several firefighting helicopters.

The fires started overnight on Sunday mainly in the provinces of Bejaia, Jijel, and Bouira, but quickly spread due to strong winds, causing significant damage.

By late Monday, a total of 97 fires have been reported in the forests of 16 provinces, bringing fatalities from 15 earlier in the day to 34. 

Photo taken on July 24, 2023 shows trees burned in a wildfire in Bouira Province, Algeria. The death toll from wildfires in northern Algeria has risen to 34, including 10 soldiers, the Interior Ministry said in an update on Monday. (Xinhua)

Photo taken on July 24, 2023 shows a wildfire in Bouira Province, Algeria. The death toll from wildfires in northern Algeria has risen to 34, including 10 soldiers, the Interior Ministry said in an update on Monday. (Xinhua)

A man walks past a house burned down in a wildfire in Bouira Province, Algeria, on July 24, 2023. The death toll from wildfires in northern Algeria has risen to 34, including 10 soldiers, the Interior Ministry said in an update on Monday. (Xinhua)

A firefighter battles a wildfire in Bouira Province, Algeria, on July 24, 2023. The death toll from wildfires in northern Algeria has risen to 34, including 10 soldiers, the Interior Ministry said in an update on Monday. (Xinhua)

A firefighter battles a wildfire in Bouira Province, Algeria, on July 24, 2023. The death toll from wildfires in northern Algeria has risen to 34, including 10 soldiers, the Interior Ministry said in an update on Monday. (Xinhua)

Photo taken on July 24, 2023 shows a wildfire in Bouira Province, Algeria. The death toll from wildfires in northern Algeria has risen to 34, including 10 soldiers, the Interior Ministry said in an update on Monday. (Xinhua)
Visitors at this years Sziget Festival will be treated to a showcase of four circus troupes on each day of the event being held from Aug 10 to 15, organisers have said.

Under a partnership between Sziget and the European Federation of Professional Circus Schools (FEDEC), two circus schools, Amoukanama of Guinea and Hungarys Baross Imre Circus School, will also get to perform in the Cirque du Sziget area of the festival grounds, the statement said.



Visitors will also get to see Ukrainian circus students who have fled the war perform with Prague-based troupe Cirk La Putyka.



Canadas Cirque Alfonse troupe will be returning to Sziget for the third time, while Australian group Circa will be closing out the show each night.



French trio Das Arnak, Argentinas manoAmano and Moroccos Cirque Colokolo will also be among the performers featured.



Click here for more info re programs
A local court has ordered the detention of a Romanian driver who attempted to smuggle 24 illegal migrants from Hungary to Slovenia, hiding them in his truck under inhuman circumstances, Zala County Prosecutors Office said.

The 39-year-old driver arranged to meet the group of Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan migrants near Arad and hid them in small spaces inside the vehicles compartment.



Hungarian customs officers conducted an inspection at a parking lot on motorway M70 at Csornyefold near the border with Slovenia last Thursday and discovered the migrants squeezed in the compartment without getting sufficient fresh air, water and food, she said.



The Romanian driver was taken into custody on charges of people smuggling and physical abuse over the weekend, Janky said.



Photo: police.hu
If we look at Hollywood blockbusters with open eyes, but especially with open ears, well hear Hungarian words sooner than we think.

Maybe its unbelievable, but actors and actresses speak Hungarian in a lot of films. If Hollywood is looking for a language that is hard and only a few million people know it, often Hungarian is used. So Hungarian has become the language of aliens, terrorists, and even curses. But what are these films?



1. Iron Man

Come here right now! Whats going on in there? Hands up!  say the Hungarian mercenaries working for terrorists in the Middle East, while Tony Starks scientist sidekick works feverishly on the big escape plan with our hero, trying to stall the bad guys with a One minute, one minute against the very unintelligible accented Hungarian bad guys.



2. Blade Runner

The most famous foreign-language Hungarian line of all time is undoubtedly from the Blade Runner: Monsieur, come after me at once, bitte. Bullshit, dont you say that you are the Blade Runner. There are more Hungarian words spoken in the video included below.



It was part of the concept of the film that the inhabitants of the metropolis of the future would speak a mixed language, and since Edward James Olmos is partly of Hungarian descent, thats how the Hungarian words got into this amazing classic.



3. Machete

Our renowned director Antal Nimrod jumped into this badass action film as a bad-humored bodyguard. And how would you like to be killed, you little monkey?  he threats Danny Trejo in Hungarian, then makes the mistake of translating it into English. Dont have to say, he would soon regret it.



4. James Bond

At the beginning of the 1973 Bond film Live and Let Die, an assassination attempt is made at a UN conference while a representative of Hungary is speaking in Hungarian.

The role was played by a Hungarian actor, Vernon Gabor, and he spoke with great passion about various decrees and paragraphs, about nothingness.



5. The Mummy

Imhoteps enthusiastic assistant is played by an American actor, Kevin J. OConnor, but the character is still of Hungarian origin and goes by the name of Beni Gabor.

Unfortunately, this doesnt have much significance in the story, but when Rick catches him interrogating him, he unexpectedly utters a Dirty animal curse, in a not very Hungarian accent of course.



6. Drag Me to Hell

The young bank officer is no help to the needy old lady, and Mrs. Ganush, who has underworld cronies, attacks her viciously in the parking garage.

However, the purpose of the scuffle is not to deal out a few educational slaps, but to curse the girl. The devil take you, Mrs. Ganush says in English, and we shiver in fear.



7. The whole ten yards

We knew the mafioso Gogolak family were of Hungarian origin after the first episode, but we had to wait until the sequel for them to speak Hungarian.

The 108-year-old farting granny who offers Natasha Henstridge a bejgli speaks Hungarian in the Hungarian dub and the original version.



8. The Expendables

In Stallones action movie, theres a relatively quieter, shotless scene in which Stallone and Jason Statham are waiting for someone in a bar and a Latin beauty appears.

Introductions are made, with Statham introducing themselves as Buda and Pest. Nice for a guy who taught Lake Balaton is a sea in another film a few years later.



9. Chicago

The six women convicted of murder tell their stories in a song called Cella Tango, and one of them pleads innocent: the Hungarian Hunyak accused of cutting off her husbands head.

Since the role was given to a Russian dancer, Ekaterine Chtchelkanova, the cruelly strong Slavic accent makes the lyrics almost unintelligible, but the line Its not true. Im innocent is still clearly audible.



10. Chicago

The six women convicted of murder tell their stories in a song called Cella Tango, and one of them pleads innocent: the Hungarian Hunyak accused of cutting off her husbands head.

Since the role was given to a Russian dancer, Ekaterine Chtchelkanova, the cruelly strong Slavic accent makes the lyrics almost unintelligible, but the line Its not true. Im innocent is still clearly audible.



Souce:

Budapest Reporter

- republished with permission
New Delhi: Call it an irony of fate or a tale of serendipity, this Indian Entrepreneurs journey to London and procuring the East India Company is nothing short of an extraordinary narrative.

Who Is Sanjiv Mehta Who Bought The East India Company

Sanjiv Mehta was born in a Gujarati family in October 1961. He had the West connect since his birth. Mehta's grandfather Gafurchand Mehta established a diamond trading business in Belgium in the 1920s. Although, eventually the family had to return to India. Sanjiv Mehta completed his school and college education in India. He attended Sydenham College in Mumbai and is an alumnus of the prestigious IIM Ahmedabad. Mehta also has a degree from Gemological Institute of America in Los Angeles.

In 1980s, Mehta left for London and started his export business. He found profound success in his venture Huggie hot water bottles, which he later sold for 80,000 pounds a capital money he subsequently used for his other businesses. By 1989, Mehta ventured into Warsaw, Berlin, St. Petersburg, Azerbaijan, and Yugoslavia, expanding his business. He attracted big companies like Unilever and Nestle for providing supplies.

Buying Out East India Company, A Tale Of Serendipity

The East India Company was being attempted to be revived as a company selling tea and coffee in 2003 by a group of stockholders who owned it. For several years the East India Company remained dormant, stuck in memories and history books. Mehta became the sole owner of the East India Company in 2005 following a thorough 18-month buying spree.

East India Company, is the trading company with a 400-year-history whose highlight was ruling India the jewel of the Crown.

The company was established in 1600 by Elizabeth I, but on 1 January 1874, it was dissolved after the Government of India Act transferred its powers to the Crown. The East India Company (EIC) is one of the most recognised brands in the world. It once employed a third of the British workforce and was responsible for 50 percent of global trade.

With the acquisition of the East India Company, history had come full circle.

East India Company And Anand Mahindra Connection

In 2011, the Mahindra Group acquired a minority stake in the East India Company, the global luxury brand owned by Indian-origin entrepreneur Sanjiv Mehta, who re-launched the company in London in August 2010.
RABAT, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita has called for shared responsibility in tackling irregular migration issues, the official news agency MAP reported on Monday.

Bourita made the remarks at the International Conference on Development and Migration held in Italy's capital Rome on Sunday.

The conference, initiated by the Italian government, aims to address the root causes of irregular migratory flows and combat human trafficking through cooperation, said the report.

Saying transit countries, particularly those in Africa, where 80 percent of migratory flows take place, have borne a disproportionate burden of responsibility, Bourita called for equal burden and responsibility among concerned parties, so as to forge "balanced partnerships" in dealing with related issues.

Morocco has become a transit country for African migrants seeking to reach Europe. According to official statistics, Morocco foiled 70,781 illegal immigration attempts toward Europe in 2022.

Italy is the main European landing place for migrants seeking asylum in Europe. According to data from Italy's Interior Ministry, more than 75,000 migrants have landed in Italy by sea as of July 15, compared to more than 33,000 over the same period last year. 
In an era of frequent job changes, it's rare to find someone who has remained with one employer for an extended period. One such exemplary individual is TV Narendran, the CEO and Managing Director of Tata Steel, who has proven to be the epitome of commitment, vision, and dedication. Often referred to as Tata Sons' 'Man for All Seasons' in the global steel business, TV Narendran has been steering Tata Steel since 2013. With his leadership, the century-old Tata business has witnessed remarkable transformations, mega acquisitions, and innovative rescue strategies during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Under Narendran's astute guidance, Tata Steel's revenue from operations skyrocketed from Rs 1564.77 billion in FY2021 to an impressive Rs 2433.53 billion in FY2023, propelling the company's market cap to Rs 1.45 lakh crore. Naturally, he was the highest-paid employee, receiving a compensation of Rs 18.66 crore for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, comprising a fixed salary of Rs 5.16 crore and a commission of Rs 13.5 crore.

TV Narendran, 58, is highly esteemed among the business leaders of the renowned steel-to-salt conglomerate led by Ratan Tata. A mechanical engineer from the esteemed Regional Engineering College in Tiruchirappali, now a National Institute of Technology (NIT), Narendran further honed his skills at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kolkata.



As the CEO & MD, TV Narendran has overseen the organic and inorganic growth of Tata Steel over the last few years. He has over 34 years of experience in the Mining and Metals industry. Narendran is currently on the Board of Tata Steel Limited. He is the Chairman of Tata Steel Europe and Tata Steel Long Products Limited. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Governors of XLRI Jamshedpur. He is a member of the Executive Committee and the Board of the World Steel Association.

TV Narendran was the co-chair of the Mining & Metals Governors Council of the World Economic Forum from 2016 to 2018. He is a fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering. He served as the President of the Indian Institute of Metals from 2021 to 2022. He has also served as the President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) from 2021 to 2022.

Having joined Tata Steel straight out of college in 1988, Narendran has dedicated years to working for one of the world's largest steel manufacturers, even spending time in the Middle East. Instrumental in the success of the Tata Tiscon brand, he made history as one of the youngest CEOs in the Tata Group when appointed as the global CEO of Tata Steel.

Under his leadership, Tata Steel acquired the steel business of Bhushan Steel and Usha Martin, valuing an astounding Rs 40,000 crore. Thanks to his and CFO Koushik Chatterjee's diligent efforts, Tata Steel was well-prepared for the Covid-19 lockdown, emerging from a challenging quarter with Rs 1000 crore in free cash flow.
New Delhi: Billionaire Elon Musk's decision to rebrand Twitter as X could be complicated legally: companies including Meta (META.O) and Microsoft (MSFT.O) already have intellectual property rights to the same letter. X is so widely used and cited in trademarks that it is a candidate for legal challenges - and the company formerly known as Twitter could face its own issues defending its X brand in the future.

"There's a 100% chance that Twitter is going to get sued over this by somebody," said trademark attorney Josh Gerben, who said he counted nearly 900 active U.S. trademark registrations that already cover the letter X in a wide range of industries.

Musk renamed social media network Twitter as X on Monday and unveiled a new logo for the social media platform, a stylized black-and-white version of the letter. Owners of trademarks - which protect things like brand names, logos and slogans that identify sources of goods - can claim infringement if other branding would cause consumer confusion. Remedies range from monetary damages to blocking use.

Microsoft since 2003 has owned an X trademark related to communications about its Xbox video-game system. Meta Platforms - whose Threads platform is a new Twitter rival - owns a federal trademark registered in 2019 covering a blue-and-white letter "X" for fields including software and social media.

Meta and Microsoft likely would not sue unless they feel threatened that Twitter's X encroaches on brand equity they built in the letter, Gerben said. The three companies did not respond to requests for comment.

Meta itself drew intellectual property challenges when it changed its name from Facebook. It faces trademark lawsuits filed last year by investment firm Metacapital and virtual-reality company MetaX, and settled another over its new infinity-symbol logo.

And if Musk succeeds in changing the name, others still could claim 'X' for themselves.

"Given the difficulty in protecting a single letter, especially one as popular commercially as 'X', Twitter's protection is likely to be confined to very similar graphics to their X logo," said Douglas Masters, a trademark attorney at law firm Loeb & Loeb.

"The logo does not have much distinctive about it, so the protection will be very narrow." Insider reported earlier that Meta had an X trademark, and lawyer Ed Timberlake tweeted that Microsoft had one as well.
New Delhi: The Goa government has filed a police complaint against Uber India Systems Private Limited accusing the company of illegally operating its services in the coastal state. Earlier last week, Uber announced its services in Goa, including airport pick-up and drop.

State Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho told reporters on Tuesday that his department has filed a formal complaint against Uber for operating in the tourist state without taking any permission.

He said that his department has asked the police to take action against the app-based taxi aggregator. We had sent an email to the cyber crime (cell) last week but on Monday, we gave a formal letter to the cyber crime cell, Godinho said.



The minister said the government has already announced that Goa will not allow app-based taxi aggregators Ola and Uber to operate in the state. Assistant Director Transport Francisco Vaz has filed the complaint against Uber with the cyber crime cell. As per the complaint, Uber has been offering rides in the state without taking permission from the local government.
New Delhi: Cinema is getting popular in Kashmir, as after Shah Rukh Khan's 'Pathaan', it's Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer', a Hollywood film, which has been running housefull since the day of its release in Srinagar's only multiplex.

According to the Inox Multiplex theatre of Srinagar, 'Oppenheimer' is running back-to-back housefull shows making it the first Hollywood film to show such response in the valley. Earlier it was Shahrukh Khan starrer 'Pathaan', that saw a massive response from the public in the valley.

"It's the first Hollywood movie that has got so much response from the public. We had not thought that there would be such a rush for a Hollywood film in the valley. It has definitely surpassed our expectations. It is still going strong even after the houseful weekends," said Vikas Dhar, Owner, Inox Srinagar.

Hundreds of people have seen the movie since the release of the film. Srinagar's lone multiplex is running four shows of the movie every single day and most of them are running houseful. According to the theatre, the tickets for 'Oppenheimer' were sold even before the release of the film.

The filmgoers not only from Srinagar but other far-flung districts of the Kashmir region are coming to the cinema to watch his film on the bigger screen. And for the young generation of the Valley, they have never seen a theatre in their lives. Kashmir had dozens of Cinema Halls till early 1990, but with the start of the insurgency, All the cinema halls in the Valley were shut down.

"We all friends had pre-booked tickets when we heard about this movie. Our friends came to see it. And it's great that we are watching Hollywood movies in a multiplex that too in Srinagar," said one.

The Multiplex located in Srinagar's Shivpora area has three screens and a total seating capacity of around 520 people. And it's the second time after the reopening of the cinema in Valley, that Housefull boards have propped up outside the Multiplex.

The owners at the multiplex are expecting a huge response for the upcoming Karan Johar movie, 'Rani Aur Rocky ki Prem Kahani'. "We are getting huge advance bookings for Rani Aur Rocky ki Prem Kahani. We are hoping to break all the previous records of collections with this movie," said Vikas Dhar, Owner, Inox Srinagar.

Kashmir Valley saw the revival of cinema after three long decades. Earlier in the 80s, Kashmir was having half a dozen cinema halls, but they all got shut after terrorists threatened and attacked them, leading to them shutting down their business.
Imphal: The Manipur Police on Monday arrested one more accused in connection with the stripping and alleged sexual assault of two women. So far, since a purported video of the incident recently surfaced online, the police have arrested seven accused in the case. Officials said that the seventh accused was arrested from Thoubal district.

Earlier, police arrested six accused, including a juvenile, in connection with the horrendous crime that took place on May 4. The incident shook the entire nation.

Meanwhile, irate mobs earlier set ablaze the houses of absconding suspect L. Kabichandra, 20, at Wangjing area in Thoubal and main accused Huirem Herodas Singh at Yairipok village in Thoubal.


NEW DELHI: Anju, the 35-year-old woman from Rajasthan who travelled to the Upper Dir district of Pakistan's tribal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on a valid visa, has now converted to Islam and married her Pakistani Facebook friend Nasrullah, according to Pakistani media reports. Anju has now become 'Fatima' following her conversion to Islam, said reports. Pakistani media also that Anju 'aka' Fatima and Nasrullahs 'nikah' was held at the district courts in Upper Dir, which was attended by several people.





After their 'nikah', the pair also released a video titled 'Anju Weds Nasrullah'. In the video, Anju and Nasrullah can be seen holding each others hands while visiting scenic locations in the region.

Video: Indian girl #Anju with her Pakistani friend Nasrullah Khan in his home district Dir pic.twitter.com/jJJaCmxq1U  Naimat Khan (@NKMalazai) July 25, 2023

Confirming their wedding, Malakand Division Deputy Inspector General Nasir Mehmood Satti said Anju (35) and Nasrullah (29)s 'nikah' has been solemnised and that the woman has taken the name of Fatima after converting to Islam. The development comes a day after Anju, now known as Fatima, claimed that she had no plans to marry Nasrullah and would return to India on August 20 when her visa expires.

PNN News: Indian woman, 'Anju' who travelled to meet her Pakistani lover, Nasrullah, has converted to Islam and married her lover. She has now been renamed Fatima.



- The couple also released a video titled Anju weds Nasrullah. It shows them visiting scenic mountainous spot and pic.twitter.com/1el86BwZEv  PNN News (@pnnnewspk) July 25, 2023

No Plan To Marry Anju: Nasrullah

Interestingly, a day ahead of their reported wedding, Nasrullah had said that he has no plans to marry her. He further said that Anju  his Facebook friend - will return to India on August 20 when her visa expires, dismissing reports of any love angle.

Nasrullah, 29, said that he has no plan of marrying 34-year-old Anju, who was born in Kailor village in Uttar Pradesh and lived in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. Nasrulla and Anju became friends on Facebook in 2019. "Anju is on a visit to Pakistan and we have no plan to marry," Nasrullah was quoted as saying by news agency PTI over the phone from village Kulsho in the district, some 300 km from Peshawar.

"She will go back to her country on August 20 after her visa expires," he said, adding that "Anju is living in a separate room of his home with the other female members of my family," he said.

Indian Woman Anju Crosses Border For 'Love'





In a re-run of the Seema Hider case, the 35-year-old Anju travelled to the Upper Dir district of Pakistan's tribal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on a valid Pakistani visa of Pakistan's to meet Nasrullah. According to an official document of the Ministry of Interior sent to Pakistan's High Commission in New Delhi, the chancery was informed that it had been decided to grant a 30-day visa to Anju, valid for Upper Dir only.

Nasrullah, a science graduate from a University in Sheringal, is the youngest among five brothers. He has given an affidavit to local authorities, stating that there is no love angle to their friendship, and Anju will return to India on August 20. The affidavit also states that she will not move out of the Upper Dir district.

"She will definitely go back on August 20 as per her visa documents," said police officer Mushtaq. District Police Officer Mushtaq interviewed Anju in his office on Sunday and checked her travel documents on the basis of which a no-objection certificate was issued to her.

I Am Safe, Dont Trouble My Family: Anju In New Video





Anju in a new video said that she is safe and sound. She has come to Pakistan legally after proper planning. She also said that she will return to India through a legal process after the expiry of her visa. She also requested the media not to trouble her family and relatives as she is ready to answer all questions.

Pakistan  Anju  .... Seema Haider         ,             .        . pic.twitter.com/GmdcidQkRP  Sami Siddiqui (@siddiquisami23) July 24, 2023

Hopeful Of Her Return: Anjus Husband



Anju's husband Arvind, who is in Rajasthan, is hopeful that his wife will return soon. They have a 15-year-old daughter and a six-year-old son. Anju's husband Arvind told the media in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan that she left 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 has a valid passport, Assistant Superintendent of Police Bhiwadi Sujit Shankar said.

He said that the family did not lodge a complaint after they came to know about Anju's travel to Pakistan. 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 would talk to her and will ask her to return, asserting that he was hopeful that she would return home. He said 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.

Seema Haider Vs Anju



Anju's incident is similar to Seema Ghulam Haider's case. Seema, a Pakistani mother of four, 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.
IMPHAL: As many as 718 Myanmar nationals, including 301 children and 208 women, have entered into Manipurs Chandel district due to the ongoing clashes between the Army and the civil forces in the country, an official said on Monday. The state government has asked the Assam Rifles to push back the Myanmar nationals, Manipur Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi said in a statement, adding that the government has sought a detailed report from the Assam Rifles to clarify on the facts and reasons, as to why and how these 718 Myanmar nationals were allowed to enter into India in Chandel district without proper travel documents.

The state government has strictly advised the Assam Rifles to push back those 718 illegal Myanmar nationals immediately, the Chief Secretary said. He said that the Myanmar nationals entered Manipur on Saturday and Sunday and are now staying in seven locations of the district -- Lajang, Bonse, New Samtal, New Lajang, Yangnomphai, Yangnomphai Saw Mill, and Aivomjang, all villages along the Myanmar border.

Joshi further said that the state government has told the Assam Rifles, being a border guarding force, to take strict action to prevent entry of Myanmar nationals into Manipur on any ground without valid visa and travel documents as per instruction of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.



The state government views the fresh illegal entry of 718 refugees very seriously with utmost sensitivity as the same may have international ramifications more particularly in view of the ongoing law and order issues, he said. The Chief Secretary has asked the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Chandel district to deal with the situation effectively and also keep biometrics and photographs of all such persons.

Meanwhile, after the military takeover in Myanmar in February 2021, thousands of Myanmarese fled to Mizoram with around 35,000 men, women and children from that country now staying in the mountainous state. Around 5,000 Myanmarese also earlier took shelter in Manipur. Manipur has around 400 km and Mizoram has 510 km unfenced border with Myanmar.
Srinagar: Two terrorist associates of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)outfit, along with arms and ammunition, were arrested at Barmulla's Chak Tapper Kreeri village on Monday. A case under UAPA and Arms Act was registered. Based on specific information about the movement of terrorists in Village Chak Tapper Kreeri, joint forces of Baramulla Police and 29 RR set up a MVCP at Bus Stop Chak Tapper Kreeri.

Two suspicious persons who were coming from Chak Tapper towards Main Road Kreeri tried to escape when they saw the joint Naka party, but they were tactfully apprehended.

During their personal search, 2 Chinese pistols, 2 pistol magazines, 14 live pistol rounds, 1 ID card and 1 photocopy of Aadhar card were recovered from them and they were immediately taken into custody. They were later identified as Dayem Majeed Khan S/O Ab Majeed Khan R/O Check Panjigam Bandipora and Ubair Tariq S/O Tariq Ahmad Khan R/O Watrina Phalwanpora Panjigam Bandipora.



During preliminary investigation, both the terrorist associates admitted that they were affiliated with the banned terrorist organisation of LeT outfit and had collected the arms and ammunition for target killing in District Baramulla.

A case under Indian Arms Act and UA (P) Act was registered in Police Station Kerri and investigation was initiated.
New Delhi: Gopal Goyal Kanda, the Sirsa MLA and the ex-Minister of State, Home, in the previous Congress government in Haryana led by Bhupinder Singh Hooda, was on Tuesday acquitted by a Delhi court in a case of abetment of suicide of air hostess Geetika Sharma. Special Judge Vikas Dhull, who passed the order, also acquitted co-accused Aruna Chadha in the case, saying the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond all reasonable doubt. The accused were facing charges under various sections, including 306 (abetment of suicide), 506 (criminal intimidation), 201 (destruction of evidence), 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 466 (forgery).

What Was The Case Against Gopal Kanda?





Geetika Shama, an air hostess employed with Gopal Kandas now-defunct MDLR Airlines, was found dead on August 5, 2012, at her Ashok Vihar residence in North West Delhi. In her two-page suicide note, Geetika Sharma alleged that she was ending her life due to alleged harassment by Kanda and Chadha. Kanda was forced to resign from his post of minister of state for home following the registration of the case.

What Were The Charges Against Gopal Kanda?

The trial court had also framed charges of rape (376) and 377 (unnatural sex) against Kanda. The Delhi High Court, however, later quashed the charges under 376 and 377 of the IPC. This is not the only case in which Gopal Kanda has been named. A case under the Negotiable Instruments Act has been registered against the former Haryana minister. In October 2016, Kanda and his brothers were accused of illegally developing a property in Sirsa.

Who Is Gopal Goyal Kanda?

Gopal Goyal Kanda used to run a small radio repairing shop called Jupiter Music Home during the 1990s. His father was a well-known advocate of Sirsa and an RSS worker, who also unsuccessfully contested the assembly election from Sirsa in 1952. Having met some success with the radio repair shop, Gopal Kanda along with his brother Govind then opened a shoe store in Sirsa. As the Kanda brothers began to mint money, they started a shoe factory. By this time, Gopal Kanda's rising influence made several top traders, businessmen and Haryana politicians his close friends.

In 2007, Gopal Kanda launched an airline, which he named after his father Murli Dhar Lakh Ram (MDLR). Kanda employed Geetika Sharma in a senior role at this airline, which is now defunct.

Kahnd used his fathers RSS links to make his foray into politics. He first made friends with the Bansi Lal family of the Congress. However, he switched to the Chautalas and the INLD after Bansi Lal was ousted from power. With the passage of time, the Kanda brothers became very close to the Chautalas. However, their relationship with the Chautalas strained after the INLD denied him a ticket from Sirsa. Despite not getting a ticket, Kanda contested the election as an Independent from Sirsa in 2009 and won with good margins. It was the time when Bhupinder Singh Hooda sought his support for numbers.

In 2019, Gopal Kanda floated the Haryana Lokhit Party along with his brother Govind Kanda. He was instrumental in helping BJP cobble up a majority to stay in power. It is also said that a senior Haryana cadre IAS officer helped Gopal Kanda in expanding his business outside Haryana. With his help, Kanda shifted his base from Sira to Gurgaon and got into the real-estate business. Gopal Kandas Golden Globe Hotels Pvt Ltd firm operates a casino in Goa.

After his acquittal in the Geetika Sharma suicide case, there is a strong buzz about his possible induction into the BJP fold in Haryana.
Golaghat: A triple murder rocked Assams Golaghat town on Monday where a man allegedly killed his wife, father-in-law and mother-in-law. "The accused has surrendered before police. He confessed that he had committed the crime. Our investigation is on, Pushkin Jain, Superintendent of Police of Golaghat district told ANI over phone. The accused was identified as Nazibur Rahman, police said.

The incident took place at Hindi School road of Goalghat town on Monday. The victims were identified as Sanjib Ghosh, his wife Junu Ghosh, and the accused persons wife Sanghamitra Ghosh.

The accused along with his minor daughter surrendered before the police.



Further details are awaited.
Joseph Nambuzi, a young entrepreneur, unpacks computer accessories shipped from China in Blantyre, Malawi, on July 24, 2023. In the busy Limbe Market of Blantyre, Malawi's commercial city, a sense of anticipation filled the air as 28-year-old Joseph Nambuzi opened the doors to his computer accessories shop.

Nambuzi is among Malawian youth who are harnessing the power of Chinese online shops like Alibaba and Shein to embark on their entrepreneurial journey. (Photo by Joseph Mizere/Xinhua)

BLANTYRE, Malawi, July 25 (Xinhua) -- In the busy Limbe Market of Blantyre, Malawi's commercial city, a sense of anticipation filled the air as 28-year-old Joseph Nambuzi opened the doors to his computer accessories shop.

Nambuzi is among Malawian youth who are harnessing the power of Chinese online shops like Alibaba and Shein to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.

With a background in biomedical engineering, Nambuzi, a graduate of the University of Malawi, combined his passion for business with his technical knowledge during his college years.

Even as a student, he saw the potential in ordering computer batteries from China and selling them locally. After graduation, he continued this venture while working part-time as a biomedical engineer.

"I expanded my inventory, buying different things, including batteries and laptop keyboards," said Nambuzi.

As his business grew, he eventually secured a place at the heart of Limbe Market to establish his own computer accessories store. To keep up with the demands of his store, Nambuzi relied heavily on Chinese online platforms.

"We buy directly from Chinese factories, ensuring authenticity and convenience in our business transactions," he told Xinhua in a recent interview. "Trust has been a crucial factor in making this online business model successful, as many are wary of online scams."

As Malawian youth like Joseph Nambuzi embrace e-commerce and explore avenues beyond traditional retail, they are taking bold steps to make their way in the ever-changing entrepreneurial landscape. With their sights set on expanding their businesses and exploring innovative solutions, the future holds promising opportunities for these ambitious young entrepreneurs.

Looking ahead, Nambuzi envisioned stocking his store with every computer part. However, one significant challenge he faced was foreign exchange restrictions, limiting the amount of money he could spend on imports each month.

"The current forex limitations hinder our business growth, as we are only allowed a small quota to purchase inventories," he said, appealing to the government to consider the needs of small businesses and extend the quota.

Malawi's relationship with China has been marked by long-standing trade ties. Hopkins Kawaye, a lecturer at the Catholic University of Malawi, believed that Malawians can learn from the Chinese model and develop their own manufacturing capabilities.

"By investing in machines from China that can produce goods locally, we can reduce reliance on imports," he said. "Such a shift in approach could lead Malawi toward economic progress and stability." 

Joseph Nambuzi, a young entrepreneur, browses Alibaba.com to buy items from China at his computer accessories shop in Blantyre, Malawi, on July 24, 2023. In the busy Limbe Market of Blantyre, Malawi's commercial city, a sense of anticipation filled the air as 28-year-old Joseph Nambuzi opened the doors to his computer accessories shop.

Nambuzi is among Malawian youth who are harnessing the power of Chinese online shops like Alibaba and Shein to embark on their entrepreneurial journey. (Photo by Joseph Mizere/Xinhua)
NEW DELHI: In a major development, the Union Cabinet on Tuesday cleared the bill seeking to replace the Centre's Ordinance on the control of services in Delhi. The Centre's ordinance issued on May 19 sought to overturn a Supreme Court order which had given executive powers to the Delhi government in service matters, including the transfer and posting of officers.

The legislation was approved by a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi this evening. The bill is expected to be tabled in the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament to replace the ordinance, the sources said.

An ordinance is promulgated by the President on the recommendation of the Union Cabinet when the Parliament is not in session. It is mandatory for the Parliament to adopt a law to replace the ordinance within six weeks of the commencement of the next session.



What Is Delhi Services Ordinance?

The controversial Delhi ordinance was promulgated by the central government on May 19, a week after the Supreme Court handed over the control of services in Delhi excluding police, public order and land to the elected government headed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The ordinance facilitated the setting up of a National Capital Civil Service Authority for the transfer and taking disciplinary proceedings against Group-A officers from the DANICS cadre. Transfer and postings of all officers of the Delhi government were under the executive control of the Lieutenant Governor before the May 11 top court verdict.

AAP Vs Centre Over Delhi Ordinance

Kejriwal's Aam Admi Party had reacted strongly against the ordinance saying the Centre had "deceived" the people of Delhi. The Congress and several other opposition parties have also come out against the ordinance.

Kejriwal, along with party-ruled Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, had visited most of the non-NDA-ruled states and met opposition leaders seeking their support against the legislation.

"This is a deception committed by the Supreme Court and the people of Delhi who have chosen Kejriwal thrice as the chief minister.

"He doesn't have any powers but the LG, who has not even been chosen but forced upon people, will have powers and through him, the Centre will keep tabs on the work happening in Delhi. This is contempt of court," AAP chief spokesperson and Services Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj had said.
New Delhi: Actor Jackie Shroff has expressed his joy on the reduction of popcorn prices in theatres, and remembered fond memories of watching movies in the cinema halls, a nostalgic experience that holds a special place in his heart. Jackie had appealed to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to reduce popcorn prices during the CM's visit to Mumbai earlier this year, and is extremely happy to see this being implemented.

As a true cinema lover, he wanted to ensure that everyone can enjoy the full cinematic experience without breaking the bank. Acknowledging the impact of big stars like Shah Rukh Khan, who have a loyal and devoted fan following, Jackie said how their movies draw audiences to theatres consistently, and such loyalty reflects the true beauty of the theatrical experience, as it did for SRKs recent movie 'Pathaan'.

Jackie, who was present at the special screening of his upcoming short film 'Paath', said he is happy to see that families will now be able to enjoy movies of their favourite actors along with their affordable meal.



"Its good that price has been reduced of the popcorns. Cinema is cinema, now everyone can enjoy the good movies and meals at theatres with their family. This action has been taken for all the good reasons," he said.

He further shared, "What matters is that movies are meant for theatres and no other platform can give you that experience. People will watch the movie regardless of the size of the screen, but their enthusiasm will remain the same to walk into the theatre and see the movie. This change is amazing and I will always support it."

Beyond his work in cinema, Jackie is also recognized for his philanthropic endeavors. On the film front, he has Hindi flick 'Baap', and Tamil movie 'Jailer' in the pipeline.
Mumbai: Actor Kriti Sanon, on Monday, shared a bundle of pictures from her trip to Las Vegas. Taking to Instagram, the 'Shehzada' actor dropped photos where she can be seen enjoying her vacation with sister Nupur Sanon. She wrote, "Chaotic - Super Fun - Memorable. From missing flights to forgetting phones in cabs, to magic shows, pouts, butterflies, songs on streets and incredible nights...Vegas- thank you for a memorable weekend!"

Fans flooded the comment section with sweet and cute comments.

Recently, Kriti started her own production company named 'Blue Butterfly Films.'



Meanwhile, Kriti will next be seen in Vikas Bahl's 'Ganpath -Part 1', 'The Crew' starring next to Kareena Kapoor, Tabu. She also has an untitled project with Shahid Kapoor in the line. She was recently seen in the pan-India film 'Adipurush' opposite actor Prabhas.

Nupur, on the other hand, was last seen in a comical series 'Pop Kaun'. She will also be seen in the film 'Noorani Chehra'. It is a romantic comedy, directed by Navaniat Singh. Neeta Shah, Aarushi Malhotra, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Nandini Sharma, and Bharatkumar Shah have backed the project.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui is also a part of the film. The team wrapped up the film in April this last year.
New Delhi: In the month of August, bank branches will remain closed during certain days in several cities of the country as per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Holiday list. Though branches will be closed for physical operations, online banking activities will continue to work.

While some bank holidays will be observed nation-wide, some others will be local holidays. Several bank branches will remain closed in various states owing to these festivities. Before visiting your bank branch in the month of August, you must note down the list of important days during which banks will remain closed.

Banks will remain closed for total 14 days in the month of August 8 as per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar list and the remaining days are that of weekends and state declared holiday. However, you must note that the banks will NOT be closed for 14 days in all states or regions. This is the total number of days when banks in different parts of the country will remain closed for state-observed holidays.



For example bank branches might be closed for Tithi of Srimanta Sankardeva in Assam but not closed for the same in Goa, Bihar or other states.

Here is an elaborate list of bank holidays falling in the month of August 2023. Check out the list.

Tendong Lho Rum Faat: August 8

Independence Day: August 15

Parsi New Year (Shahenshahi): August 16

Tithi of Srimanta Sankardeva: August 18

First Onam: August 28

Thiruvonam: August 29

Raksha Bandhan: August 30

Raksha Bandhan/Sree Narayana Guru Jayanthi/Pang-Lhabsol: August 31

Weekends and Second Saturdays

August 6: Sunday

August 12: Second Saturday

August 13: Sunday

August 20: Sunday

August 26: Fourth Saturday

August 27: Sunday

August 2023 8 15 16 18 28 29 30 31 Agartala  Ahmedabad  Aizawl  Belapur   Bengaluru  Bhopal  Bhubaneswar  Chandigarh  Chennai  Dehradun   Gangtok    Guwahati   Hyderabad - Andhra Pradesh  Hyderabad - Telangana  Imphal  Jaipur   Jammu  Kanpur   Kochi     Kohima  Kolkata  Lucknow   Mumbai   Nagpur   New Delhi  Panaji  Patna  Raipur  Ranchi  Shillong  Shimla   Srinagar  Thiruvananthapuram    

Reserve Bank of India places its Holidays under three brackets --Holiday under Negotiable Instruments Act; Holiday under Negotiable Instruments Act and Real Time Gross Settlement Holiday; and Banks Closing of Accounts. However, it must be noted that the bank holidays vary in various states as well not observed by all the banking companies. Banking holidays also depend on the festivals being observed in specific states or notification of specific occasions in those states.

Holidays of the mentioned days will be observed in various regions according to the state declared holidays, however for the gazetted holidays, banks will be closed all over the country.
BEIJING: China removed Foreign Minister Qin Gang from his post on Tuesday after a one-month absence from public duties, replacing him with his predecessor Wang Yi, state media said, after weeks of speculation about what had happened to him. Qin, 57, who only took up the job in December after a brief stint as an envoy to the United States, had not been seen in public since June 25 when he met visiting diplomats in Beijing.

After he missed an international diplomatic summit in Indonesia, his ministry later said he was off work for unspecified health reasons, but the lack of detailed information fuelled a swirl of speculation.

It also deepened suspicion about transparency and decision-making among the country's cloistered leadership, analysts and diplomats said.



Wang, 69, who filled in for Qin during his absence, retakes the role he held between 2018 and 2022.

China's foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment about reasons behind the switch.

It comes amid a flurry of international engagements and frayed ties with rival superpower the United States, which Beijing has described as at their lowest point since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The world's two biggest economies are at odds over issues including Ukraine and Beijing's close ties to Moscow, trade and technology disputes, and Taiwan, the democratic, self-ruled island which Beijing claims as its own.

Qin Gang, China's FM who had meteoric rise and swift removal

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang was removed from his post after just seven months in the job on Tuesday, bringing an end to weeks of confusion after the 57-year-old -- once seen as close to President Xi Jinping -- disappeared from public view.

Qin became one of the country's youngest foreign ministers on his appointment in December 2022 after a brief stint as U.S. ambassador, enjoying a meteoric rise to the top that analysts partly attributed to his closeness to Xi.

Born in the northern city of Tianjin in 1966, Qin studied International Politics at one of China's most prestigious schools for aspiring diplomats, the University of International Relations in Beijing.

After graduating, Qin entered the diplomatic service, working in several jobs at the foreign ministry as well as postings at the Chinese Embassy in Britain.

Qin Gang was twice China's foreign ministry spokesman

Qin Gang was twice foreign ministry spokesman, between 2006 and 2014, and chief protocol officer between 2014 and 2018, overseeing many of Xi's interactions with foreign leaders.

As ministry spokesman, he stood out for being one of the first diplomats to speak aggressively in defence of China's increasingly assertive foreign policy, a style that became known as "wolf warrior" diplomacy.

But he also displayed a willingness to work with the United States, declaring upon his arrival in Washington as ambassador in July 2021, after a period of unusual public vitriol between U.S. and Chinese officials, that relations held "great opportunities and potential".

Relations between the two big powers did not markedly improve during his time as ambassador, or afterwards, however. The two sides have been often at odds over issues including trade, technology, and the self-ruled, democratic island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims and Washington supports.

Qin, who analysts said was likely to have been appointed foreign minister to help stabilise relations with the U.S., held a 5-1/2 hour meeting and a dinner with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in June in talks that both sides called candid and constructive.

Qin Gang was not seen in public since June 25

A few days later, on June 25, he held talks with officials from Sri Lanka, Russia and Vietnam in Beijing but then began an unexplained public absence.

His ministry said on July 11 he was unable to attend a meeting in Indonesia for unspecified "health reasons". It declined any further comment on his status, creating an information vacuum in which rumours swirled.

Wang, who was promoted to the politburo of the Chinese Communist Party, one of China's top leadership bodies, filled in for him during his absence.

Qin, who is married with one son, visited various countries as foreign minister including several in Africa in January and in Europe in May where he pushed China's call for a ceasefire in Ukraine, a tough sell given that China has been criticised for not condemning Russia's invasion.

After becoming foreign minister, Qin's comments on hot button issues such as Taiwan and China's relations with Russia did not diverge in any significant way from those of his predecessor.

In his first comments as foreign minister, Qin said in solving challenges common to all mankind, China's diplomacy would offer "Chinese wisdom, Chinese initiatives and Chinese strength".

In an essay published in the American bi-monthly magazine The National Interest late last year, Qin gave an overview of China's foreign policy and reiterated that China-U.S. relations were not a "zero-sum game" with one side gaining at the expense of the other.
Pakistan is facing a severe financial crisis and has been almost dependent on financial assistance from global lenders like the International Monetary Fund (IMF). While the Pakistan government managed to pull off the IMD deal after many delays, the country's Army Chief Syed Asim Munir said on Monday to end dependence on foreign loans. Munir emphasised that Pakistanis need to make the country self-reliant. While addressing the opening ceremony of Khanewal Model Agriculture Farm on Monday, the Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan said, Pakistanis are a proud, zealous and talented nation. All Pakistanis must throw out the beggar's bowl.

Munir also said that Allah is Almighty and no power in the world can stop Pakistan's progress. He said that a country is just like a mother and that relationships between people should be of love and respect. He said that security and economy are related to each other and are necessary for each other. General Munir promised that the army would not rest until Pakistan came out of the present crisis.

This is not the first time that the Pakistan army has hinted at its role in the country's economy. Last week, the Pakistan army vowed to provide all-out support to the government for the economic revival of the country. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir presided over the 258th Corps Commanders Conference (CCC) held at GHQ on July 17 where the forum discussed the Governments economic revival plan and the role of the Army in uplifting agriculture, IT, mining & mineral and defence production sectors under the ambit of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).



The Economic Revival Plan was unveiled during a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Chief Ministers, Federal and Provincial Ministers and high-level government officials. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had recently said that Pakistan has received an additional $600 million loan from China to increase the country's foreign exchange reserves based on the IMF deal. According to the report, the Pakistani government's debt increased to $2.44 billion in July, including China's non-guaranteed debt of $2.07 billion.
New Delhi: Makers of the upcoming romantic drama film Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani on Tuesday hoisted a special screening of the film where several B-town celebs marked their presence.

Lead actor of the film Ranveer Singh arrived in style and was seen donning a white sweatshirt paired with colourful jeans and sneakers. The Ram-Leela actor was seen dancing on the track What Jhumka at the screening and he also clicked pictures with the paps stationed outside the cinema hall.





Ranveers RRKPK co-star Alia Bhatt arrived at the screening along with her husband Ranbir Kapoor. The couple was seen twinning in black sweatshirts with the text Team Rocky aur Rani written on it.

Celebrity couple Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif also attended the special screening of the film in stylish outfits. Vicky was seen in an all-denim look, while Katrina opted for a beautiful white dress paired with black boots.

Veteran actor Jaya Bachchan also attended the special screening along with her son Abhishek Bachchan and daughter Shweta Bachchan.

Actor Sara Ali Khan arrived at the screening along with her brother Ibrahim Ali Khan, who also worked as an Assistant Director in the film.

Shah Rukh Khans wife Gauri Khan was also seen posing in front of the paps at the screening in an all-black outfit. She came along with her mother Savita Chhibber.

Actor Ananya Panday looked beautiful as she attended the screening in a pink floral dress.

Bollywood diva Malaika Arora exuded boss-lady vibes at the screening as she opted for an all-black suit. She arrived at the screening along with her son Arhaan Khan.

Actor Karisma Kapoor also marked her presence at the screening of the film. She donned a pink blazer over black top and matching pants.

Ranveer Singh's parents Jagjit Singh Bhavani, Anju Bhavani and Ritika Bhavani aslo arrived at the screening and were seen posing in front of the paps.

Actor Chunky Panday was spotted at the screening in a blue shirt and matching denims.

Apart from them several actors like Neha Dhupia, Angad Bedi, Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar and Kim Sharma among others also attended the grand screening.

Helmed by Karan Johar, the film stars Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi in the lead roles and is all set to hit the theatres on July 28.

Recently the makers unveiled the songs What Jhumka and 'Tum Kya Mile', Ve Kamleya and Dhindora Baje Re and the official trailer of the film which received massive responses from the audience.

The trailer took us into the lives of Rocky Randhawa and Rani Chatterjee, whose lifestyles are diametrically opposed. While Rocky is a Punjabi lad from a wealthy Punjabi family, Rani comes from a Bengali household where knowledge and intelligence are valued above all else. And they fall in love but soon the couple realizes that their families don't like each other. Then Rocky and Rani decide to 'Switch' and live with each other families to impress them.

'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' promises to be a wholesome, big-screen entertainer, blending Johar's storytelling finesse with an impressive ensemble cast, grandeur and music. There were also many scenes of the two romancings and fighting, celebrating all kinds of festivals with their families, and possibly a wedding.
DU Admission 2023: The timetable for DU BTech Admission 2023 has been released by Delhi University. As a result, the first merit list will be published on August 2. The registration deadline for DU Engineering Admissions 2023 is today, July 25. Candidates who have yet to register should go to the official website and fill out the form.

The JEE Main 2023 result is used to determine BTech admissions to the varsity's Faculty of Education. This year, there are 120 BTech seats available in three Engineering disciplines.

The Btech enrollment window will close at 11:59 p.m. today, July 25. To access the application portal, candidates would need to submit their JEE Main application number and date of birth.The rectification window will be open for already registered candidates from July 26 at 10 a.m. until July 28 (4:59 p.m.). On July 28 at 5 p.m., preferences will be automatically locked.



DU Admission 2023: Steps to check here

Visit the University of Delhi's official website.

Now, go to the admissions portal and select the Bachelor of Technology registration option.

The engineering portal of Delhi University will open in a new tab. Download the Bulletin of Information to learn more about B.tech Admission 2023.

Enter your JEE Application Number, Name, Date of Birth, Email, and Mobile number, as well as a password, in the "New Registration" box.

Check the information you've supplied again, then enter the code and click the register button.

Log in using your credentials and complete the application form.

Make the payment after filling the relevant information and attaching documents.

Download the application that was filed.

The first merit list or seat allotment result will be revealed on August 2, 2023, according to the DU BTech Admission timetable. Candidates who were provisionally assigned seats in the first round must report to their assigned college and confirm their admission between August 3 and 9. The seat upgrade window will be open from August 11 to 12, 2023 till 5.00 PM.

The admissions procedure will consist of three rounds. The second and third merit lists for DU BTech will be issued on August 14 and 23, respectively.
Ultraviolette recently delivered the F77 Limited Edition electric motorcycle to popular Indian actor and television personality - Rannvijay Singha. Choosing the #16 of the 77 limited-run units, Rannvijay was handed over the keys of his newest possession at his Mumbai residence. MTV Roadies fame is also an investor in the electric two-wheeler brand, along with the renowned actor Dalqueer Salman. The limited edition motorcycles also get a special paint scheme - Meteor Grey and Afterburner Yellow, as can be seen in the images. These 77 motorcycles are also based on the top-of-the-line trim - Recon.

Watch Ultraviolette F77 Review:





The electric bike comes in three colour schemes namely, Airstrike, Laser, and Shadow. The Ultraviolette F77 is powered by a 10.5 kWh battery pack that will have an IDC range of up to 307 km (top variant). The new Ultraviolette F77 electric bike comes in an 'aviation-inspired design' and can go from 0-60 in less than 3 seconds and has a top speed of 150.

The Ultraviolette F77 electric bike can cover up to 300 km in a single charge. The Ultraviolette F77 battery pack has an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. Moreover, the Ultraviolette F77 comes with 30 kW power and 100 Nm torque. There are three riding modes on offer - Glide, Combat, and Ballistic.

Talking of ergonomics, the F77 is a thorough super-naked. It gets clip-on bars and high-set pegs, resulting in an aggressive riding posture. For long hauls, it wont be very comfortable, we felt. Also, the saddle sits 800 mm high off the ground. The F77 also gets USD forks on the front and a monoshock on the rear, which offer preload adjustability. The motorcycle uses dual-channel ABS for braking duties with rotors on both ends.
As China fumes at New Delhi for rejecting BYD Group's bid to build a $1 billion facility in India, executives from Elon Musk-led Tesla are reportedly expected to meet Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal as early as this month to chalk out a facility to build Rs 20 lakh electric car, reported IANS. IANS reporting quoting Reuters mentioned that the meeting with Goyal will be the highest-level one since Musk met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the US last month and said he plans to bring Tesla to India as soon as humanly possible.

Tesla was yet to comment on the report. US electric car producer Tesla has proposed setting up a factory in India to build electric cars for domestic sale and export. Tesla has been eyeing to enter the Indian market for a long time, but the high tax structure is pulling back the world's largest electric car maker's entry to India. Nitin Gadkari, said if Tesla wants to enter India, they should make cars here and not in China.

Meanwhile, as the government gears up to welcome Musk's Tesla, the Centre has reportedly rejected Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD Motors' plan to set up a $1 billion four-wheeler manufacturing facility in the country. According to Chinese state-run Global Times, if India treats Tesla and BYD differently, won't it be utter discrimination against China?



In an opinion piece, the newspaper said that it is hoped that India will not be politically biased against Chinese investment, refrain from setting invisible entry barriers for Chinese manufacturers under the disguise of protecting economic security.

In recent years, India has intensified its assault on Chinese companies, which analysts said was blunt bullying, and the theft of Chinese companies' achievements under the disguise of so-called posing security threats, IANS further added.

India's efforts to provide a good business environment for international investment and to continuously attract global companies will be an empty promise, said the publication.
ADDIS ABABA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Millions of people across Ethiopia continue to face dire humanitarian emergencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has said.

The ICRC, in its Ethiopia periodic bulletin issued Tuesday, said since fighting ended in the conflict in northern Ethiopia, significant progress has been made on the humanitarian front. Despite the progress, the ICRC said millions of people across the country continue to face dire humanitarian emergencies.

"More than ever, we feel the need to stay close to those communities which most need our support," it said.

It said the nutritional situation of pregnant and nursing mothers and children under the age of five has become particularly worrying in the Tigray region and has required urgent action to save lives.

According to the ICRC, among the high concern is the situation of the population in certain parts of Amhara, Afar and Tigray, which are littered with unexploded remnants of war -- a risk for the population, particularly children but also for farmers and the tens of thousands of displaced people returning to their homes in former battlefields.

The ICRC said its nutrition program, which supports thousands of malnourished women and children many of whom live in hard-to-reach places, has already seen life-saving outcomes.

ICRC's statement came against the backdrop of an estimate by the 2023 Ethiopian Humanitarian Response Plan that indicated some 4.5 million internally displaced persons (IDP) require humanitarian assistance across the country this year.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, since the beginning of the year, there have been additional displacements, notably due to drought, floods, and insecurity, but also tens of thousands of IDP returns have been facilitated to their places of origin. 
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday wrote to Opposition leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and sought their 'invaluable cooperation' to discuss the Manipur issue in Parliament. In identical letters to Congress' Kharge, who is the Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, and Chowdhury, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Shah said the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre is ready to discuss the Manipur issue and urged all to cooperate, rising above party lines.

The senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader shared the two letters on his official Twitter account and said, "Today, I wrote to the opposition leaders of both houses, Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury Ji of Lok Sabha, and Shri M Kharge Ji of Rajya Sabha, appealing to them for their invaluable cooperation in the discussion of the Manipur issue. The government is ready to discuss the issue of Manipur and seeks cooperation from all the parties, rising above party lines. I hope that all the parties will cooperate in resolving this important issue."

In his letters in Hindi, Amit Shah said in the last six years of the BJP rule in Manipur, the region was experiencing a new era of peace and development.



"But due to some court decisions and some incidents, incidents of violence took place in Manipur at the beginning of May," he wrote.

"Come, let's rise above party lines to find a just and permanent solution for the challenges before the country in a harmonious way," he wrote.

Today, I wrote to the opposition leaders of both houses, Shri @adhirrcinc Ji of Lok Sabha, and Shri @kharge Ji of Rajya Sabha, appealing to them for their invaluable cooperation in the discussion of the Manipur issue.



The government is ready to discuss the issue of Manipur and pic.twitter.com/IpGGtYSNwT  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 25, 2023

Shah said as representatives of the people, it is the collective duty of all MPs that they serve the interests of citizens and work towards the betterment of the country.

"As you know Manipur is a very important border state of the country. The rich cultural heritage of the state is the jewel of the country's culture.

"Lok Sabha has a special place in the democratic structure of the country. Our country is the mother of democracy and the world's largest democracy, Parliament represents the hopes, aspirations, problems and worries of the 140 crore population of the country," he said, adding, "I hope that all the parties will cooperate in resolving this important issue".

"Earlier also our great Parliament has done it. The opposition is demanding that the government gives a statement but I want to tell you that the government is ready not only for a statement but also for a full-fledged debate," Shah added.

Earlier in the day, while replying to a short debate on the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, he said the government has nothing to hide and is ready to discuss the Manipur issue.

"People who are shouting slogans are neither interested in cooperation nor in cooperatives, neither in Dalits nor in women's welfare," the Union Home Minister said amid sloganeering by Opposition leaders.

"I want to reiterate that I have written letters to leaders of opposition in both Houses that we (government) are prepared for a discussion for as long as they want. The government is not afraid of anything. Those who want to debate the Manipur issue can debate. We have nothing to hide," Shah said.

"People of the country are watching you, you have to go for elections, beware of the anger of the people. I request you to create a conducive atmosphere to discuss a sensitive issue like Manipur," he added.

Proceedings in Parliament remain disrupted over Manipur violence

Proceedings in both Houses of Parliament remain disrupted ever since the Monsoon session began on July 20 with the Opposition parties demanding a statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Manipur violence before a discussion.

The Opposition has cornered the government on the Manipur violence after a video of a May 4 incident appeared last week showing two women stripped and paraded naked by a mob. The Manipur Police has arrested several accused who were seen in the video. The police said a case of abduction, gang rape and murder has been registered at the Nongpok Sekmai police station in Thoubal district against unidentified armed miscreants.

Oppn likely to submit no-confidence motion notice against Modi govt

The group of 26 Opposition parties -- Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) -- is likely to submit a notice for a no-confidence motion against the government in Lok Sabha on Wednesday to make PM Narendra Modi speak in Parliament on the Manipur violence, senior leaders of the front said.

The alliance has already drawn up a draft of the notice and is in the process of getting the necessary 50 signatures of MPs. The group has to submit the notice before 10 am for it to be read out by the speaker in the House on Wednesday.

The Congress has also issued a whip in Lok Sabha for its members to be present in its parliamentary office by 10.30 am "to discuss some important issues."

The decision for the motion was taken in a meeting attended by INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) MPs in Parliament on Tuesday morning, the leaders said.

Over 160 people killed in Manipur clashes

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 (ST) status.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts.
NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Tuesday acquitted ex-Haryana minister Gopal Goyal Kanda in a case of abetment of suicide of air hostess Geetika Sharma. Special Judge Vikas Dhull also acquitted co-accused Aruna Chadha in the case, saying the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond all reasonable doubts. The accused were facing charges under various sections, including 306 (abetment of suicide), 506 (criminal intimidation), 201 (destruction of evidence), 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 466 (forgery).

The trial court had also framed charges of rape (376) and 377 (unnatural sex) against Kanda. The Delhi High Court, however, later quashed the charges under 376 and 377 of the IPC. Sharma, who was earlier employed with Kanda's MLDR airlines, was found dead on August 5, 2012 at her Ashok Vihar residence in North West Delhi.

In her August 4 suicide note, Sharma had said she was ending her life due to harassment by Kanda and Chadha. Kanda was forced to resign from his post of minister of state for home following the registration of the case.


Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday alleged that the "problem" with Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) is that it is biased and is speaking only "against the Manipur incident" and not about what is happening in other states. Replying to a tweet by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi that the alliance will help heal Manipur and rebuild the idea of India in the state, the Chief Minister said, "Mr Gandhi, this inherent bias is precisely the problem of I.N.D.I.A. Speak only against Manipur and punish those who speak for others".

"In Bharat, our allegiance is towards each and every citizen-be it Manipur, or Rajasthan or West Bengal or in Assam. BHARAT will win, BHARAT has to win", Sarma tweeted.

Gandhi had earlier tweeted, "Call us whatever you want, Mr Modi. We are India. We will help heal Manipur and wipe the tears of every woman and child. We will bring back love and peace for all her people. We will rebuild the idea of India in Manipur".



Mr Gandhi, this inherent bias is precisely the problem of I.N.D.I.A . Speak only against Manipur and punish those who speak for others.



In BHARAT , our allegiance is towards each and every citizen- be it Manipur, or Rajasthan or West Bengal or in Assam



BHARAT will win, BHARAT https://t.co/Nqau1jZbYI  Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 25, 2023

Sarma has been engaged in constant Twitter jibes against the 26-party opposition alliance INDIA, formed on July 18 at Bengaluru, and had said that the British had given the name India to the country and the fight should be to free the nation from "colonial legacies".

The Chief Minister even went on to change his biodata on the microblogging site to 'Chief Minister of Assam, Bharat' from the earlier Chief Minister of Assam, India.

The Congress had hit back at Sarma for criticising opposition alliance 'INDIA' for choosing a "colonial" name, saying he should tell this to the Prime Minister who gave names such as 'Skill India' and 'Start-up India' for government schemes.
New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his comment about the Opposition coalition and said that she thinks he likes the name 'INDIA'. Speaking to reporters after a brief meeting with West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said the more the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) talks ill about the newly-formed coalition, the more they will prove their liking for it.

"Thanks to our prime minister. I think he likes the 'INDIA' name. Like common people, he has also accepted it. The more they talk bad about the name, the more they will prove their liking for it," Mamata Banerjee said.

Her reaction came after PM Modi slammed the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) as the 'most directionless' the country has ever seen and cited reviled names, such as East India Company and Indian Mujahideen, to assert that people cannot be misled merely by the use of the country's name.



Setting the tone for their 2024 Lok Sabha campaign, 26 opposition parties recently formed the 'INDIA' to unitedly take on the ruling BJP-led NDA.

With opposition parties rallying around the name 'INDIA' for their alliance, Modi, at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Parliamentary Party meeting on Tuesday, cited the history of several organisations, including certain banned extremist and terror outfits, using the country's name and panned the grouping as a collection of corrupt leaders and parties.

Even the Indian National Congress, the main opposition party, was named so by an Englishman, AO Hume, the prime minister reportedly said.

Organisations that wanted to rule and divide the country have used names like 'India' and 'Indian' to mislead people, PM Modi added. People have now matured and will not be misled by such nomenclature, he asserted.

With the BJP accusing opposition parties of disrupting parliamentary proceedings, Modi said they have become more irresponsible, making it imperative for the ruling party to behave more responsibly.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge attacks PM Modi

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also attacked PM Modi and said while 'we are talking about Manipur, which is burning', the prime minister is 'talking about East India (Company) and saying INDIA means East India (Company)'.

Later, in a tweet in Hindi, Kharge said, "While we are talking about Manipur, the prime minister, outside the House, is calling 'INDIA' as 'East India Company'. The Congress party has always been with 'Mother India' i.E. 'Bharat Mata'."

"The slaves of the British were the political ancestors of the BJP. Prime Minister Modi, stop diverting the attention of the country with your rhetoric. Narendra Modiji, speak about Manipur in Parliament, do not belittle the dignity of the post of prime minister by calling INDIA, that is Bharat, good or bad," he added.

      ,      "INDIA"  "East India Company"    !



   ' '  ' '    



         



 -      pic.twitter.com/G6IdqXTyfa  Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) July 25, 2023

The Opposition has been demanding that Modi make a statement on the Manipur issue in Parliament before a debate on the matter can be taken up. With both the opposition and the treasury bench members not relenting, a logjam is prevailing in both houses.

83 days of unabated violence in Manipur requires the Prime Minister to make a comprehensive statement in the Parliament. Stories of absolute horror are now slowly trickling down.



INDIA demands answers from the Modi Govt on Manipur violence.



The situation in Northeast is pic.twitter.com/N8eZTfB9ZK July 25, 2023

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 (ST) status.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts.
New Delhi: 'Singh Is Bling' actress Amy Jackson is in town nowadays and is making headlines for her stylish appearances with boyfriend and 'Gossip Girl' actor Ed Westwick. Now, she has dropped her sizzling pictures on social media and the internet is impressed.

Amy dropped a photo dump from her recent vacation with her boyfriend Ed Westwick to Udaipur, Rajasthan and her pictures are to die for. In the clicks, the actress looks stunning in a white bralette and white shorts whereas Ed can be seen wearing a bathrobe. The photos have grabbed eyeballs with many fans praising Amy for her fit look. Sharing the pictures on Instagram, in the caption, Amy wrote, 'Long, lazy monsoon mornings.'





Fans flooded the comment sections with fire and heart-eye emojis. One user wrote, "So stunning Amy," "Chuck Bass enjoying India," added another.

Amy and Ed were in Mumbai over the weekend, they even hosted a party for their celeb pals. They were also seen heading out on lunch and dinner dates, with Amy showing Ed iconic places of South Mumbai. The couple has been continuously updating about their trip through pictures. Both recently took to their Instagram handles and shared a photo in which they were seen sharing a kiss in front of the iconic Gateway of India in Mumbai. In no time, the photos went viral and fans were seen reacting to it.

Ed Westwick is in India to show his support to Amy's upcoming film 'Mission: Chapter 1 - Achcham Enbathu Illaiyae'. For the unversed, Amy and Ed have been dating for a while now. After months of speculations, the couple publicly acknowledged their relationship by attending the National Film Awards together in London in 2022.

The duo often shares photos with each other on their respective social media handles. Last month, Amy marked Eds birthday with a special post.

For the unversed, Amy Jackson was previously engaged to George Panayiotou, with whom she shares a child. In January 2019, Amy had shared a photo with George Panayiotou and announced her engagement. She also flaunted her engagement ring. A few months later, she revealed she is expecting their first child. The duo welcomed their child, a baby boy in September 2019. They named him Andreas Panayiotou after George's father. The two were supposed to tie the knot in January 2020. However, the couple parted their ways before they could get hitched.
New Delhi: Bollywood star Sonam Kapoor is set to return to the movies after her pregnancy and wants to do two projects yearly! Sonam, who has been a part of many successful films like Neerja (for which she won the prestigious National Award), Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Raanjhana, etc, wants to pick commercial, family entertainers for her comeback to the cinemas.

Sonam says, I have always loved to be a part of projects that have entertained audiences. As I return to the cinemas post-pregnancy, I will endeavour to do just that because it brings me joy to see people forget about their current reality to enjoy cinema and the world that it can create for us.

The actor adds, Im looking to do two projects year on year from here on and Im going to look for scripts that are hugely entertaining & engaging. Im being drawn to subjects that appeal to a wider audience segment so that we can enjoy movies as a family, as a community.

Sonam says she became an actor to entertain audiences with films that can be viewed and enjoyed by all audience segments.

Sonam says, I remember why I wanted to become an actor. Since I was a child, I loved films that I could see with my entire family. It was an experience that I looked forward to. I went through a range of emotions while seeing such films with my family. Those moments are still some of the most beautiful memories of my life. Thats the kind of cinema that I want to be a part of.

She adds, So, for me, commercial films, family entertainers have always been my preferred choice. As I return to the cinemas, I wish to do more such films that everyone hopefully loves.

Sonam already has two projects under her belt that are slated to start in 2024 as she makes her big comeback.
New Delhi: Actress Richa Chadha, who is known for Gangs of Wasseypur, Inside Edge, Masaan, Section 375 and the Fukrey franchise is set to make her international debut this year with Aaina, and she feels like a fresher during the course of filming.

The actress has begun shooting for the film which is set in the UK, and will see her playing the lead character alongside Chronicles of Narnia fame William Moseley. The movie is going to be a drama which is based on real life events. Currently, the shoot of the film is underway in the UK, and after its London schedule will be shot in different locations in India.

Talking about the film, Richa said: I had read a couple of scripts for international projects but nothing was fitting well. When Aaina came my way, I knew this was the one and now, as it is finally happening, I am extremely thrilled. The movie has a very interesting storyline. I have manifested a strong script for my international debut and Aaina was perfect for that.



She further mentioned: The film was completely shot in the UK and they have a very different working culture than ours. So, even with a good number of years of experience in the Indian movie industry, I felt like a fresher.

The actress has wrapped up the shoot for Fukrey 3, where she continues playing the role of Bholi Punjaban. She also finished her other work commitment regarding the maiden project from her production house, Girls will be Girls. The movie, which is about a 16-year-old girl, who shares a very difficult relationship with her mother, stars Malayalam actor Kani Kusruti in the lead and also has debutante Preeti Panigrahi and Kesav Binoy Kiron in prominent roles.
COLOMBO, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Over 700,000 tourists have arrived in Sri Lanka by July 20 this year, an official said on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Priantha Fernando told the media that 89,724 tourists arrived alone in the first 20 days of July.

Only 719,978 tourists arrived in Sri Lanka in 2022, and the number was 194,495 in 2021, official data shows.

Tourism, one of Sri Lanka's leading foreign exchange earners, suffered a setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic and political crises in the country.

However, the tourism industry has made a comeback in 2023, aiming to attract 2 million visitors this year, compared to the previous target of 1.5 million. 
New Delhi: One of Hindi cinema's finest actors, Shefali Shah has penned a note giving an insight about a hilarious incident that took place while she went shopping with her sons and husband.

In a long post on social media, Shefali mentioned how her sons asked her to buy labels as she is an actor.

She wrote: "My family of four decided to go shopping. My sons Extremely style conscious and fashion savy, my husband trusting their choice of clothes and shoes, and me a hobo they've decided to rewamp. I like shopping but my style is comfortable, easy and something I don't have to sell a kidney for."



"But they have decided it's time I start wearing stuff that's recognised (read labels). I don't have anything against brands, I understand getting skin care, walking shoes, slip ons that I would use everyday (but not stuff I'd use once in a year.) And What is the point of buying a LV bag if there's no money left to keep inside it. You can't even live in it or drive it."

She added that her stylish sons like all todays kids know all the brands.

"Theres an onslaught of names that may be charging copyright just for being uttered. Probably that's why I haven't heard of them."

She added hilariously: "Represent, Ferragamo, Supreme, (All supremely expensive,) They don't give up - 'Ok Try Off white' But White is my favourite colour' I say They are exasperated and check if I've heard of Goyyard. I'm an art enthusiast for gods sake ofcourse I know Goya. THey quip - "Yeezys" Did they just tell me to go easy?? I demand an Apology which comes in the form of 'ok 'Bape' 'Vetement' 'Dont babe me, and no I won't wait-a-mint.' I say."

She said how her sons wanted her to get "slides" as she "lives in them" and the actress happily got "chappals".

Shefali shared: "And then my sons add 'You are an actor, you are seen and recognised you should wear brands.' This is one of the conversations I'd replay in my head years later and wish I had given a sharp retort. And Thankgod my wit doesn't fail me this time, and I have a perfect comeback at this perfect time."

Shefali shared the perfect reply. "(not because I belive it but just coz I want to shut them up. And because all of you lovely people, my audience makes me feel so.) I look up at them (not cause they're taller but cause there's a defiance when I raise my chin) and say.... I AM THE BRAND."
All of us have a broad smile on our faces when we receive the salary credited message at the end of each month. However, not many people understand their salary structure and the amount of money that they can save on their tax outgo. Despite having a tax-friendly salary, many people often end up paying a significant amount in taxes and fail to claim all available deductions. A person can reduce their tax burden by being aware of two essential claims  house rent allowance (HRA) and NPS benefit. Additionally, considerable savings can also be achieved by availing food coupons, which are a non-taxable salary component.

If you also want to save all those extra taxes, then you need to know your salary structure better and accordingly plan your taxes.

How to save taxes by claiming HRA?

In case, a person lives in their parents house and doesnt have to pay rent, they will not be eligible to claim HRA exemption. However, if the taxpayer starts paying rent of say Rs 50,000 per month, a significant tax of Rs 1.5 lakh will be shaved off from their annual tax.

While the taxpayers parents will be taxed for the rent that they receive, in this case, of the total of Rs 6 lakh, they will be taxed only for Rs 4.2 lakh after a 30% standard deduction.

Coming under the 20% tax bracket as a part of the old tax regime, the taxpayers parents will have an additional tax liability of Rs 85,000, thus, they stand to save Rs.65,000 in tax.

How to save taxes with NPS benefits?

The taxpayer should also ask their company to provide them with the NPS benefit as under Section 80CCD(2) of the Income Tax Act, up to 10% of the basic salary invested in NPS is tax-deductible.

For example, if a taxpayers company invests Rs 9,528 (10% of the basic pay) in NPS every month, the annual tax will reduce by nearly Rs.36,000.

Apart from NPS, if a taxpayer receives meal coupons worth Rs 24,000 annually, the annual tax will come down further by around Rs 7,500.
New Delhi: Samsung is all set to launch a series of new products in Galaxy Unpacked Event 2023 on July 26, 2023. The company is expecting to unveil the successor of flip and fold phones Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 in Seoul, South Korea.

Fans are waiting impatiently for the much-hyped first smart ring to be unveiled during the event. Along with that, Samsung is reported to showcase the Galaxy Tab S9 series, Galaxy Watch 6 series and new Galaxy Buds.

The event will be live-streamed on the companys official website and YouTube from 4:30 PM IST.



How To Pre-Reserve New Galaxy Device?

You can pre-reserve all the upcoming devices with a few simple steps.

Step 1: Click on the Pre-reserve button to add new Galaxy Pre-reserve VIP Pass.

Step 2: Pay Rs 1999/- using any prepaid payment options available.

Step 3: You will receive new Galaxy Pre-reserve VIP Pass through email & message on your registered mobile number.

Note that referral, welcome voucher, Loyalty points cannot be used for pre-reserve purchase.

What are the Pre-reserve benefits?

Those who pre-reserve one of the devices will receive Samsung.com coupon worth Rs 6999 (i.e. VIP Pass of Rs 1999 and E-Voucher of Rs 5000).

The E-Voucher of  5000 to spend on samsung.com (Selected products, read TnCs) .This benefit will only be availed once main product (New Galaxy) is added in cart and E-Voucher is applied at checkout.

The amount i.e.  1999 for VIP Pass paid to Pre-reserve your new Galaxy would be adjusted against the purchase value of the eligible device.

If Consumer buys Products less than  5000, then the customer will not be able to re-use the E-voucher for the balance amount.
ISTANBUL, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye's 16th International Defence Industry Fair kicked off in its largest city Istanbul on Tuesday with a wide range of new products being showcased for three days.

According to the event's official website, the fair started to be held every two years since 1993 and grew to be one of the prestigious defense industry events worldwide.

The event is hosted by the Turkish Defense Ministry under the auspices of the Turkish presidency, with the last edition attracting 1,238 exhibitors and 68,795 visitors from more than 90 countries in 2021.

Turkish contractors' latest developments, military and technology products, and the Turkish defense industry's breakthroughs will be in the spotlight of the fair, the state-run TRT television reported.

One of the remarkable debuts will be made by Aselsan, Turkiye's leading defense company, with its newly produced air defense missile system GOKSUR and mobile laser weapon system GOKBERK, it said.

In a video address to the event, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkiye's defense export achieved "a record level of nearly 2.4 billion U.S. dollars" in the first six months of 2023 and aimed to reach an annual level of 6 billion dollars.

He expressed hopes that Turkiye could make more arm sales contracts at the ongoing event. 
ATHENS, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The pilot and co-pilot of a firefighting plane have died after their aircraft crashed on Tuesday while battling a forest fire on the Greek island of Evia, the country's Defense Ministry said.

The victims were two Greek Air Force officers aged 27 and 34, according to an e-mailed press release. A three-day period of mourning in the Armed Forces has been announced in their memory.

Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and Prime Minister (PM) Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed condolences to their families and colleagues,

"Our gratitude is enormous and our sorrow deep... Greece is mourning with you," Sakellaropoulou said.

"They sacrificed their lives to save other lives... In their memory, we continue the battle against nature's destructive forces," the PM said.

The bodies of the two men were retrieved from the crash site near the coastal town of Karystos after a search and rescue operation, the Greek national news agency AMNA reported. The Canadair plane was engulfed in flames after it crashed under yet unclear circumstances.

The two officers were the first fatalities of the wildfires that hit Greece this summer.

Firefighters have been battling over 500 wildfires that broke out across the country in the past two weeks, Greek government officials said on Monday.

The fire at Karystos was one of the largest raging since the weekend, the Fire Brigade said. The situation remained difficult in parts of the islands of Corfu and Rhodes, where major blazes burning since last week have caused extensive damage in forested zones and forced the evacuation of over 20,000 locals and tourists from several settlements.

Firefighters from ten countries have already joined their Greek counterparts, and further help is expected to arrive on Wednesday, the Fire Brigade said.

Greek authorities have warned of extreme risk of wildfires in several areas of the country due to the record-breaking heat. Greece has recently experienced its third heatwave this month. 
NEW YORK, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Economic sanctions can be a tool for successful diplomacy for the United States, but, when not employed well, they can ultimately undermine American efforts to promote peace, human rights and democratic norms across the globe, said an opinion article published by The New York Times (NYT).

Policymakers turn to sanctions so frequently -- the United States accounts for 42 percent of sanctions imposed worldwide since 1950, according to Drexel University's Global Sanctions Database -- in part because they are seen as being low cost, especially compared with military action, said the article published over the weekend.

"In reality, the costs are substantial. They are borne by banks, businesses, civilians and humanitarian groups, which shoulder the burden of putting them into effect, complying with them and mitigating their effects," the article noted.

"Sanctions can also take a toll on vulnerable people -- often poor and living under repressive governments, as academics are increasingly documenting," it said.

Officials rarely factor in such costs, said the article, adding that while sanctions are easy to impose, they are politically and bureaucratically difficult to lift, even when they no longer serve U.S. interests.

"What's worse, sanctions also escape significant public scrutiny," it added. "Few officials are held responsible for whether a particular sanction is working as intended rather than needlessly harming innocent people or undermining foreign policy goals." 
Oman, a jewel on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, is a country brimming with captivating landscapes, ancient history, and rich cultural heritage. From the bustling souks of Muscat to the breathtaking deserts of Wahiba Sands, Oman offers an array of experiences for every type of traveler. Let's explore some of the top places to visit in this enchanting destination. Popular places to visit are :

Muscat: Muscat, the capital of Oman, has served as an integral trading link between the east and the west and still remains a major stop for cruises and trade vessels. The city has maintained its old charm with even the newer structures having Arabian details. Not to mention the emerald blue beaches and exciting watersports that attract adventure enthusiasts.

A city among the hills and beaches, this one is a must-visit for culture fanatics as well. In fact, it is the largest city and also happens to be the seat of the government. Nestled between the rugged Al Hajar Mountains and the azure waters of the Arabian Sea, Muscat stands as the vibrant capital city of Oman. A place where tradition seamlessly blends with modernity, Muscat enthralls visitors with its enchanting charm, cultural treasures, and warm hospitality. Let's delve into the allure of Muscat and discover its captivating highlights.

Salalah : Home to the Sultan of Oman, Salalah is a beautiful city with rich culture, history and magnificent beaches! Famous for its Arabian Peninsula and unique climate, this town is full of lush mountains and greenery that comes alive during the monsoon season. Its stunning beaches offer many snorkelling and diving opportunities. Located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, its cuisine is delicious and savoury, with wonderful seafood choices as well. Full of Islamic culture and tradition, the stunning mosques call its residents to pray with chants that can be heard throughout the city.

The rich history and culture of Salalah are evident in its museums, forts, mosques, and souks. Truly a sight to behold, it is unlike any other city in Oman. Nestled along the southern coast of Oman, Salalah stands as a unique and enchanting destination that contrasts sharply with the country's arid landscapes. Renowned for its lush greenery and pleasant climate during the monsoon season, known as Khareef, Salalah offers a refreshing oasis of natural beauty, history, and cultural richness. Let's uncover the allure of Salalah and explore its captivating highlights.

Nizwa: Among the highest and most majestic mountains of Oman, lies the historic city of Nizwa. Known as "The Pearl of Islam", the conservative yet open nature of Nizwa makes it the second-largest tourist destination in Oman! The ancient city was once the hub for trade, education, religion and art. Surrounded by date palms and banana plantations, Nizwa is a diverse city with many historical and agricultural attractions. It is full of attractions like the Nizwa Fort, the Souq, Jebel Akhdar and much more.

Nizwa, with its historical landmarks, bustling souks, and scenic surroundings, epitomizes the essence of Oman's rich cultural heritage. As you wander through its ancient forts, haggle in the vibrant souk, and explore the picturesque mountain landscapes, you'll find yourself immersed in the captivating tales of Oman's past, leaving you with unforgettable memories of this historical gem at the heart of the Sultanate.

Wadi Darbat : A beautiful scenic spot for all nature lovers, Wadi Darbat, has picturesque hills surrounding it and a beautiful waterfall. Wadi Darbat is a splendid lush green valley with the surrounding hills having small caves which people can hike up! It's the perfect spot for a little family picnic or a friendly gathering. During the Khareef (monsoon season), the wadi is packed with locals and tourists that have come to enjoy the green landscaped hills. There are many small stalls and restaurants at the valley selling street food like shawarmas, popcorn and ice cream.

Wadi Darbat stands as a testament to the diverse and awe-inspiring beauty of Oman. As you explore this natural wonder during the Khareef season, you'll be enchanted by the lush landscapes, sparkling waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Whether you're seeking tranquility by the lake, indulging in outdoor activities, or simply savoring the magic of nature's transformation, Wadi Darbat promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you with cherished memories of Oman's mesmerizing natural wonderland.

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Sohar : Rumoured to be the home of the famous sailers Ahmed bin Majid and mythical character Sinbad, Sohar is the perfect blend of culture and contemporary societies. The city has huge malls and skyscrapers, some of the most gorgeous beaches in Oman and souqs and monuments that are full of the country's history. A small drive into the outskirts of the city leads you to beautiful deserts. Sohar is full of things to do, whether it be watching a camel race, shopping for traditional handicrafts or simply exploring the splendid beaches.

At the heart of the city stands the impressive Sohar Fort, a well-preserved structure that dates back to the 13th century. Originally built as a defensive fortress, the fort offers a glimpse into Oman's military history and houses a museum that displays artifacts and exhibits from the region's past. Sohar, with its historical landmarks, bustling souks, and maritime legacy, presents an enchanting glimpse into Oman's vibrant past and promising future. Whether you're exploring ancient forts, wandering through vibrant markets, or simply enjoying the coastal beauty, Sohar promises an enriching experience that combines the allure of the past with the modern charm of present-day Oman.

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Nestled on the banks of the Nile River in southern Egypt lies a remarkable historical treasure - the ancient Temples of Abu Simbel. Built during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BC, these awe-inspiring structures are a testament to Egypt's rich cultural heritage. In this article, we embark on a journey to rediscover the magnificence and mysteries of the Hidden Temple of Abu Simbel.

Abu Simbel: A Brief History

Abu Simbel, also known as the "Temple of Ramesses, Beloved by Amun," comprises two massive rock temples that were hewn into the mountainside. The construction of these temples was commissioned by Pharaoh Ramesses II to demonstrate his power and divine connection with the gods.

The Temples of Ramesses II

The Great Temple of Abu Simbel

The Great Temple stands as an imposing monument, dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah. The most remarkable feature of this temple is the four colossal statues of Ramesses II seated on his throne, each standing at a height of 20 meters.

The Small Temple of Abu Simbel

The Small Temple, though smaller in scale, is no less captivating. It is dedicated to Ramesses II's beloved wife, Queen Nefertari, and the goddess Hathor. The facade showcases six statues, four of which depict Ramesses II and two of Nefertari.

The Relocation of Abu Simbel

With the rising waters of the Nile threatening to submerge these historic temples due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam, an international effort was made to relocate the entire complex to higher ground in the 1960s.

Rediscovering the Hidden Temple

Despite their relocation, the Temples of Abu Simbel have managed to retain their ancient allure. Tourists and historians alike are drawn to their enigmatic presence, wondering about the secrets they hold.

The Architecture and Art of Abu Simbel

Majestic Facades

The temple facades are adorned with intricate carvings and stunning reliefs that depict scenes of battle, religious ceremonies, and the pharaoh's victories. These artistic masterpieces offer a glimpse into the ancient world's grandeur.

Interior Grandeur

Venturing inside, visitors are greeted with a series of vast halls and chambers. The inner sanctums are embellished with colorful frescoes that narrate ancient Egyptian myths and religious rituals.

The Sun Festival

Twice a year, during the Sun Festival, a mesmerizing phenomenon occurs. The temple's interior is illuminated by the sun's rays, illuminating the statues of Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ramesses, while Ptah, the god of darkness, remains in the shadows.

Legends and Myths

The Alignment Phenomenon

The Sun Festival aligns with astronomical precision, showcasing the advanced astronomical knowledge possessed by ancient Egyptians.

Nefertari's Temple

Queen Nefertari's temple is a tribute to the influential role of women in ancient Egypt and symbolizes the importance of love and devotion.

The Myth of Eternal Darkness

Legend has it that during the temple's relocation, a sacred artifact was lost, and it is believed that this loss has brought eternal darkness upon those who disrespect the temple's sanctity.

The Importance of Abu Simbel

The Temples of Abu Simbel hold immense significance not only as architectural marvels but also as a testament to the ancient civilization's religious beliefs and cultural practices.

Challenges in Preservation

Preserving these ancient structures against the test of time, environmental factors, and tourism remains an ongoing challenge for Egypt's authorities and UNESCO.

Modern-Day Tourism at Abu Simbel

Today, Abu Simbel welcomes tourists from across the globe who come to witness this living heritage of Egypt.

How to Visit Abu Simbel

To visit Abu Simbel, one can take a flight from Cairo or Aswan to the Abu Simbel Airport. Guided tours and cruises on the Nile are also popular options. The Temples of Abu Simbel stand as an epitome of human achievement, a testimony to ancient ingenuity, and an enduring reminder of Egypt's glorious past. Visiting these temples is a profound and transformative experience that connects modern-day travelers to the mystique and splendor of an era long gone.

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Amboseli National Park: Adorned by the gigantic Mt. Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is one of the top places to visit in Kenya for wildlife enthusiasts. Visit this place to spectate majestic views of the highest peak of Africa, and witness large herds of African elephants, and an extensive variety of wildlife such as Zebras, Giraffes, Cheetahs, and innumerable bird species. One of the main highlights of Amboseli is the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. Although the mountain is just across the border in Tanzania, Amboseli offers stunning views of its snow-capped peak as a backdrop to the park's savannah and wildlife.

Lake Victoria: Passing through 3 African countries namely Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, Lake Victoria is the largest lake on the whole continent. It is one of the best places to visit in Kenya where one can find peace amidst its tranquil environment, and also explore the extensive variety of aquatic life which includes species like African helmeted turtles, variable mud turtles, Williams mud turtles, and 500 species of fish which include non-native fishes like African tetras, Cyprinids, air-breathing catfish, and bagrid catfish. Lake Victoria covers an area of approximately 68,800 square kilometers (26,600 square miles), making it the largest tropical lake in the world.

Nairobi: Is the capital and the largest city of Kenya. It is one of the most popular Kenya tourist places which is known for its legendary colonial history, sprawling infrastructure, tea and coffee industry, and wildlife parks. One should visit this city to capture a glimpse of the historical heritage of Kenya, peep into its vibrant culture, spectate its vivid wildlife, and witness its stunning contemporary art.

Nairobi is one of the major economic centers in East Africa, serving as a regional hub for finance, trade, and commerce. Many multinational companies and organizations have their regional offices in the city. As of my last update in September 2021, Nairobi's population was estimated to be over 4 million people. The city has experienced rapid population growth over the years, leading to urbanization and development.

Mt. Kenya National Park: Situated at an altitude of 5,199 meters, Mt. Kenya is the second-highest peak in Kenya and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This national park was established to conserve the endangered wildlife of the surrounding areas of Mt. Kenya. It has now developed into a full-fledged tourist attraction and is one of the top Kenya sightseeing places that is known for its exhilarating wildlife safari tours.

The park is situated about 175 kilometers (109 miles) northeast of Nairobi, Kenya's capital city. It covers an area of approximately 715 square kilometers (276 square miles). The park is named after Mount Kenya, an extinct stratovolcano with three main peaks: Batian (the highest at 5,199 meters or 17,057 feet), Nelion, and Lenana. The mountain is a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers seeking to reach its peaks.

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Mombasa: Has a rich history dating back centuries. It has been a prominent trading center and a strategic port for various civilizations, including Arab, Persian, Portuguese, and British traders. Its architecture, culture, and diverse population reflect the city's history. Mombasa is known for its beautiful sandy beaches along the Indian Ocean coastline. It is a popular destination for both local and international tourists seeking beach vacations, water sports, and leisure activities.

Some famous beaches in and around Mombasa include Diani Beach, Nyali Beach, and Bamburi Beach. Mombasa's Old Town is a historic area characterized by narrow, winding streets, ancient Swahili architecture, and historical buildings with intricately carved doors and balconies. The Old Town reflects the city's multicultural heritage and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Overnight Russian drone attack  three hits in Cherkasy Oblast, infrastructure damaged in Zhytomyr Oblast 25 July, 11:40 AM The night sky of Kyiv during an air alert (Photo:REUTERS/Gleb Garanich)

Air raid alarms sounded in a number of Ukrainian regions from the early hours through morning of July 25, as Russia again launched several barrages of drones.

The work of air defence work was heard in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast, though all suicide drones approaching the capital were neutralized.

9:10 am Infrastructure facility damaged in Zhytomyr Oblast due to Russian strike

"Today, the enemy once again attacked Zhytomyr Oblast with suicide drones. According to preliminary data, an infrastructure facility was damaged in the Shahed attack. All emergency services have arrived at the scene and are working. The information about casualties and the scale of the damage is being clarified," regional governor Vitaliy Bunchenk reported on Telegram.

Video of day

8:53 am All Shahed drones approaching Kyiv were intercepted with no damage caused by the debris

"Air defense was working in the oblast during the air raid alarm. All enemy aerial targets were eliminated. No impact reported in the region. No one was killed or wounded. According to the operational data, no fragments fell on Kyiv Oblast's settlements," Kyiv military administration chief Ruslan Kravchenko wrote on Telegram.

Bushes and grass in a field caught fire due to the debris, which was extinguished. Operational groups continue their work identifying and clearing the effects of the attack, Kravchenko said.

8:47 am One Shahed drone was downed over each Sumy and Poltava oblasts

Poltava Oblast Governor Dmytro Lunin and Sumy regional military administration each reported.

8:16 am Shahed drones hit their targets in Cherkasy Oblast

"The enemy strikes our Cherkasy Oblast with attack drones. Three hits were recorded. Two Shaheds struck fields and another damaged an empty hangar. Luckily, they caused no casualties or fires. Clean-up crews are working," regional governor Ihor Taburets reported in the morning.

6:55 am Air raid alarms sounded "all clear" in all Ukraine's regions

Photo: alerts.in.ua

The map of air raid alarms as of 05:45 am.

Photo: alerts.in.ua

5:01 am Air raid alarms sounded "all clear" in Kyiv.

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.

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Paralyzed Putin did nothing despite knowing of Wagner rebellion in advance  Washington Post 25 July, 03:37 PM Vladmir Putin (Photo:Sputnik/Gavriil Grigorov/Kremlin via REUTERS)

Russian dictator Vladmir Putin was made aware of Wagner PMC leader Yevheniy Prygozhins preparations for his rebellion by Russias FSB Security Service at least two or three days in advance, reported The Washington Post on July 25, referencing intelligence assessments.

Some key facilities, including the Kremlin, saw security bolstered and the dictators personal guard was strengthened with additional manpower and weapons, but no further measures were taken, the newspaper reported.

Putin gave no single order during most of July 24 as he was paralyzed and unable to take any decisive steps, European and Ukrainian security officials told journalists on the condition of anonymity.

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"Putin had time to take the decision to liquidate [the rebellion] and arrest the organizers. Then when it began to happen, there was paralysis on all levels  There was absolute dismay and confusion. For a long time, they did not know how to react," one European official said.

Without orders from the top, local authorities, including in Rostov-on-Don, had to decide for themselves what to do and eventually did nothing to stop the heavily armed mercenaries. So, Wagner Group fighters managed to take control of all main military facilities in the city and moved further toward Moscow.

Not receiving any clear commands to stop the rebels, many local officials actually believed the rebellion happened with "some degree of agreement with the Kremlin."

Prigozhin even gained some support within Russian power circles as "a fish rots from the head down." They saw the mutiny as a way of purifying the power.

Some senior Russian figures were ready to accept Prigozhin, should he have succeeded, a top NATO official told The Washington Post. Regular soldiers also desired Prygozhins success as they believed he might be able to reform the army command so it would be easier for them to fight.

"There seem to have been important people in the power structures  who seem to have even been sort of waiting for this, as if his attempt had been more successful, they would also have joined the plot, this official said.

"Many including in the upper reaches of the security services and military supported Prigozhins drive to oust Russias top military leadership," another unnamed European official said, according to the newspaper.

Others were horrified at the mutiny attempt, and at the Kremlins toothless reaction. They see in it a sign of deep turmoil waiting for Russia in near future.

The Kremlin's spokesperson Dmitriy Peskov called these intelligence assessments "nonsense" from people who have "zero information," commenting on the newspaper request.

Prigozhin's munity

Prigozhin announced the beginning of an armed conflict with the Russian Defense Ministry on the evening of June 23, claiming that about 25,000 of his fighters were going to restore justice in Russia.

Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko held talks with Prigozhin as his mercenaries closed in on Moscow, Lukashenkos press office stated, culminating in a deal where Prigozhin agreed to halt his forces advance on the Russian capital  in exchange for dropping charges, and changes at the Russian Ministry of Defense.

In a video address on June 26, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin offered three options to the fighters of the Wagner mercenary company who had participated in the mutiny  return to civilian life, sign contracts with the regular Russian military, or relocate to Belarus.

Prigozhin recorded an audio address on July 3 for the first time in a week, asking for support.

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
Russian ambassador to Moldova summoned after suspected surveillance uncovered 25 July, 07:54 PM Journalists claim that Russian special services are monitoring Moldovan authorities through antennas on the Russian embassy (Photo:Embassy of the Russian Federation in Moldova/Facebook)

Russian Ambassador to Chisinau Oleg Vasnetsov was summoned to the Moldovan Foreign Ministry after the publication of an investigation into the surveillance by Russian special services ofthe country's authorities using antennas on the embassy building, local outlet NewsMaker reported on July 25.

The ministry called espionage and foreign interference in Moldova's internal affairs unacceptable.

The department noted that it is analyzing the nature and scale of espionage activities, "in particular the activities of the persons mentioned in the investigation."

"We consider any espionage and foreign interference in the internal affairs of Moldova, which constitute a direct challenge and threat to the sovereignty and national security of our state, absolutely unacceptable," the Moldovan Foreign Ministry added.

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The Russian ambassador was asked to clarify the situation. Depending on further developments, the Moldovan authorities will consider several options in response.

Earlier, journalists from Jurnal TV and The Insider reported that the number of satellite dishes and tracking devices on the roof of the Russian Embassy in Moldova is growing. Activity on the roof has often been observed ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections or visits of foreign delegations to Moldova.

The surveillance was noticed on the eve of the European Summit on June 1, as well as in May after a hacker attack on Moldovan government networks, when thousands of classified documents fell into the hands of criminals.

Read also: Satellite images could show machine gun nests installed on occupied Zaporizhzhya NPP roof

Journalists managed to identify the people on the embassy roof: they were classified liaison officers from the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Russian General Staff (GRU) and the Foreign Intelligence Service.

They were reportedly closely connected to hacker groups believed to be responsible for hacking the emails of Angela Merkel, Emmanuel Macron, and Hillary Clinton.

GRU officer Pavel Yakunin was spotted on May 14 on the roof of the residential building of the Russian Embassy in Chisinau.

Moldova continues to condemn Russia for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and its war crimes. Chisinau said that Moscow has not given up trying to regain influence in Moldova and is trying to destabilize the political and economic situation in the country.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu stated that Russia's current plans to overthrow the government have failed, but they will certainly try again.

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
El Universal

CIUDAD DE MEXICO, agosto 8 (EL UNIVERSAL).- El ejercitado cuerpo de Maria Leon esta siendo tema de conversacion entre algunos cibernautas que se mostraron impactados y algunos disgustados, por el abdomen marcado que muestra la actriz en el musical "Vaselina" en su papel protagonico de Sandy. En la puesta en escena que arranco el 13 de julio, de la mano del productor Alejandro Gou y con la actuacion de Benny, Alix, Mariana, Diego y Erik, ...
Melissa Rall recently submitted an adorable, super scenic photo of her dog Romeo.

They hiked up Mont Wank, a stunning dog-friendly, cheaper alternative to the Zugspitze, according to Rall. She told us that while the Zugspitze is dog-friendly, it is also the tallest mountain and only glacier in Germany and not really a great environment for pets. Mount Wank has a great grassy meadow summit that was perfect for a romp with her furry family member last May.

Romeo was a rescue dog, adopted by Rall in Texas, who endured numerous moves, lived in two countries and visited nine. Rall says, Romeo was my soul dog that got me through my 20s. He was an emotional support animal, my shadow, my adventure buddy, my protector, and the best family I could ever ask for. Sadly, Romeo passed away in March, but Rall was grateful to reminisce about their day hiking in Garmisch-Partenkirchen when this photo was taken.

Romeo was ecstatic to hop on his first ever cable car ride and looked out the window eyeballing every cow as we passed over top of them. We were blessed with great weather. The mountain air was crisp and puffy clouds moved through the sky as the sun danced behind them. When we reached the top, Romeo sauntered out of the cable car with sparks in his eyes as he took in the sights and smells. The views at the summit are panoramic of valleys and mountain ranges as far as the eye can see. We spent our time walking around the summit meadow and relaxing on the wooden loungers that overlook the town of Garmisch. I snapped more than a few model-like photos of Romeo on my new Canon camera, which I am now forever grateful for. We stopped at the restaurant up top for a quick snack before making our way down the mountain.

Rall misses Romeo, but she encourages other pet owners to travel with their dogs. I think dog vacations should be the new trend. She highly recommends taking your dog on both day trips and longer vacations because, Its a memory that will last a lifetime, and something you will hold dear far beyond their shorter lifespan. You always think you have more time.

Thank you to Ms. Rall for sharing her photo and day out hiking with Romeo. Her submission has inspired us to continue posting pet travel photos each month.
German Comic Con began in 2015 as a Europe-based alternative to the famous Comic-Con International in San Diego. The original vision for German Comic Con found the convention taking place in Dortmund, Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich. Following its cancellation during the COVID pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the convention started up again in 2022 in Dortmund. It is organized by the We Love Conventions GmbH company which also hosts various other small and niche conventions throughout the year at other locations.

A big part of the convention is given over to personal interactions with the actors and personalities. These cost extra.

Click here to read What happens at a Comic Con? to find out what else there is to do.

The stars attending the convention were listed on the German Comic Con website, with the list growing over the months leading into the event as new actors confirmed their attendance.

For any interaction, you sign up and pay for a time slot. At the convention, there is a list detailing which photo booth or meet & greet station is assigned to which actor during that time slot. You go to the correct booth during your purchased time slot. There, your ticket is scanned, and you get in line. There can be lots of other people with the same time slot, but the line goes quickly.

There were three options to meet with them personally, albeit for very short times.

1. Photo Op . Photo booths are setup behind partition walls. When it is your turn, you walk around a corner to see your favorite actor standing in a tiny photography studio. You then have a few brief seconds to say something before the photographer will draw your attention to the camera and snap the shot (yep, just the one, so a bit of practice in a mirror may be in order). You then exit the photo booth and pick up a printout of your picture. Digital copies are also available to purchase on the website afterward, so its helpful to keep your entry ticket.

2. Autograph. For this meet and greet, you have the opportunity to briefly chat with your favorite star while they are standing or sitting at a desk. They will sign whatever you have brought for them to sign. A picture is not included. These take place in the large convention space where other stars are also lined up signing things and taking selfies.

3. Selfies . Much like autographs, these take place in the open hall of the convention. When you reach the end of the line, it is your turn to briefly chat with the star before heading to the side of their counter and taking a selfie with them using your own camera or phone.

One thing that fascinated me were the various costs per interaction. Each actor has a different rate for their interactions, giving an interesting glimpse into how famous each person is on a financial level. Prices ranged from 35 euro for the now-grown cast members of Harry Potter to over 300 euro for extremely popular Star Trek and Game of Thrones actors.

You can attend, too!

Interested in going to a comic con? There are lots of options throughout Europe. Look for our monthly article CON together listing future pop culture events and conventions.

Visit GermanComicCon.com for details on the next large event in Dortmund. The German Comic Con Dortmund Winter Edition is December 2-3, 2023, and Im already excited to go.

It is held at the Messe Dortmund conference center and there is plenty of parking right out front. Google maps is confused about where the parking entry is. Im here to clarify that you can turn right easily from eastbound route 1. Use the Westfalenhallen U bus stop for your navigation since it shares an entry lane into parkplatz A2.

Beginning in 2024, German Comic Con will be rebranded with the expanded name German Film & Comic Con. The spring event takes place May 4-5, 2024, and the winter event will be December 7-8, 2024.
Description

Join us for a magical and rejuvenating weekly yoga class hosted by Kayleen Freyre, founder of Opal's Magnum Opus - art and metaphysical wellness brand. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a curious beginner, this class is perfect for you.

Every Tuesday -weather permitting - from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, we gather on picturesque Washington Blvd Beach in Long Beach, New York. Embracing the beauty of nature, we infuse our yoga practice with enchanting elements of magick.

At Opal's Magnum Opus Yoga, we believe in nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. Our classes delve into ancient practices like mudra and mantra, as well as other transformative wellness techniques. We create a safe and inclusive space where everyone is welcome, celebrating body positivity and diversity.

As we move and flow, we invite you to dress comfortably for the weather and the sandy terrain. Instead of a traditional yoga mat, we suggest bringing a beach blanket or towel that will enhance your connection with the earth beneath you.

This class is especially designed for beginners, and our dedicated team is passionate about assisting you on your yoga journey. We provide gentle guidance, ensuring you feel supported and empowered every step of the way.

Opal's Magnum Opus Yoga is a donation-based class, meaning it's free for all to attend. However, if you feel inspired to contribute, we gratefully accept donations to help us continue offering this transformative experience.

Our movements are slow and intentional, allowing you to build heat and strength while connecting with your breath. As the class draws to a close, we guide you through a blissful meditation and conclude with a restorative shavasana, leaving you feeling deeply relaxed and rejuvenated.

Come and experience the magic of Opal's Magnum Opus Yoga on the beach. For more information and updates, be sure to visit our Instagram page. We can't wait to welcome you into our vibrant and supportive community.
Carlos Sainz judged F1s Alternative Tyre Allocation trialed in Hungary as an interesting proposition for qualifying, but a boring and dull rule for the rest of the weekend.

The format put together by F1 and Pirelli as part of the sport's efforts towards sustainability and limiting waste saw each driver receive 11 sets of tyres instead of 13 for the entire event: 3 sets of the Hard tyre, 4 sets of Mediums, and 4 sets of the Soft rubber.

The rule, which will be trialed again at Monza in September, also calls for drivers to use Hards in Q1, Mediums in Q2 and Softs in Q3.

Lewis Hamilton felt that the format deprived drivers and fans of track time, with Sainz expressing a similar view.

"I find it [the new tyre allocation] interesting for qualifying," said the Ferrari driver. "For the rest of the weekend, very dull and very boring.

"We arrive here on a Wednesday to prepare everything and then on Friday you spend more time in the garage than running because we have no tyres.

"So why even bother doing two one hour practice sessions if you dont have tyres to run?

"Or why even having Friday, if you have no tyres to run on them, to learn from the car, the track and put on a show for the fans.

"So definitely something needs reviewing, either the format or the tyre allocation. The two at the same time, its like youre not doing one thing or the other."

When pointed out that the format catered to Formula 1's sustainability efforts, Sainz said: "It could be for sustainability, but at the same time, there are four sets of inters, three sets of wets that we dont even touch in the whole weekend sometimes.

"Those are seven tyres times 20 teams. There are other things also to look at. Also, if you want cars to run for the fans, I think its something you need to put into consideration."

Hamilton also argued that "there are a lot of tyres that Pirelli throw away after every weekend".

"Maybe they should look at something like that rather than taking time on track away from the fans," said the Mercedes driver.

However, Pirelli motorsport boss rebutted the points expressed by the two drivers regarding the inventory management of the supplier's Wet and Intermediate tyres.

"For the European events, we keep the tyres fitted on rims, and we carry over the tyres that are new," he told Autosport. "So we supply the teams with the same sets [as previous races].

"For overseas events, it is more complicated because the rims have to travel with the teams, while the tyres have to go with us for customs reasons."
StockByM / Getty Images/iStockphoto

If you're looking to stretch your retirement fund a bit further, you might be wondering whether it's a good idea to retire overseas.

It most definitely can be. Retiring as a U.S. expat in another country can allow you to enjoy a higher quality of life for less -- and even allow you to retire earlier as well. But many eschew the idea of retiring abroad when they realize they might have to learn another language in order to get by.

Boomers Prefer To Retire Abroad: Top 5 Places To Retire Outside of the US

Learn: 3 Ways To Recession-Proof Your Retirement

To help you decide whether retiring abroad is right for you, GOBankingRates found the 12 best countries to consider retiring in if you speak only English.

Aleksandar Todorovic / Shutterstock.com

Belize

Average monthly cost: $1,000

Belize is one of the best places to retire for those who speak only English, because it's the official language of the country. The cost of living is just $1,000 per month, making it much less expensive than anywhere in the U.S. Belize is known for its tropical weather, beautiful beaches, rainforests and other natural beauty. It's a tourist destination as well, making English even more commonly spoken there.

Retirement Savings: Here's How Much Cash Baby Boomers Need To Retire in the Next 5 Years

Florida's Retirees Are Fleeing: Here's Where They're Going Instead

Mexico

Average monthly cost: $1,000 to $2,000

Mexico is a vast country that offers multiple inexpensive places for Americans to retire in comfort. From famously cheap health and dental care to the close proximity to the U.S., retiring here can help your dollar stretch even further. While some places in Mexico offer very inexpensive living at closer to $1,000 per month, the more populated English-speaking areas are closer to $2,000 per month. While the cost is higher than some other places on this list, it's a favorite destination for American retirees, and you're likely to find a community of other expats in some of the more popular vacation spots.

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See: 10 Places To Live Abroad So Cheap You Could Quit Your Job

helovi / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Panama

Average monthly cost: $1,200

With the amenities of a big city and the cost of a rural town, Panama offers quite a bang for your buck. From beautiful beaches and sunny weather to a very low cost of living, Panama is a top retirement destination for many expats and has a large English-speaking population. Housing and healthcare are relatively affordable, and the wonderful weather year round keeps retirees busy with outdoor activities. For around $1,200 per month, you can live well in Panama.

bloodua / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Malaysia

Average monthly cost: $1,000

Malaysia is one of the cheaper destinations for English-speaking expats, with monthly costs hovering around $1,000 for an individual. While the official language of the country is Malay, English is widely understood. With its very low healthcare costs, low housing costs, gorgeous beaches, tropical climate and well-developed infrastructure, Malaysia is a popular destination for retirees.

Juergen Sack / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Portugal

Average monthly cost: $1,600

Portugal is probably one of the most popular retirement destinations right now, and it's easy to see why. Beautiful beaches, gorgeous countryside, big city amenities and a temperate climate make it a wonderful vacation spot, and the low cost of living makes it attractive for retirees. You can retire well in Portugal on about $1,600 per month. While Portuguese is the official language, many understand and speak English well.

kavalenkau / Shutterstock.com

Spain

Average monthly cost: $2,000

While some of the major cities in Spain can be expensive, retiring to a smaller city in Spain can cost as little as $2,000 per month. In addition to the rich history, temperate climate and centralized location, most people also speak English, making it a great option for those who only speak it natively.

I'm a Real Estate Agent: Here Are 8 Renovations Buyers Want the Most in 2023

Shutterstock.com

Thailand

Average monthly cost: $2,000

Thailand has been a popular expat country for decades and continues to offer a lost-cost lifestyle with access to modern amenities. There are many expat-populated communities in Thailand, and retirees can live well on just $2,000 per month. Further away from the big cities, costs can be down to around $1,000 per month, including rent costs, which is incredibly affordable.

Inga Locmele / Shutterstock.com

St. Lucia

Average monthly cost: $1,100

St. Lucia is a tropical island paradise that offers breathtaking beaches and a low cost of living for retirees. You can enjoy a slower pace of life for around $1,100 per month. As a tourist destination, St. Lucia has adopted English as its official language. While the healthcare system could use some improvement, it's a safe and cheap place to live your golden years.

Ruth Peterkin / Shutterstock.com

Jamaica

Average monthly cost: $1,000

A stunning island oasis, Jamaica is a tourist-heavy location that is also home to many expats. While some areas offer more amenities than others, living near a larger city in Jamaica gives you access to better healthcare options and big-city perks you're used to, for a much lower cost than the U.S. Many speak or understand English there as well. You can retire for about $1,000 per month on average.

Sean3810 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Vietnam

Average monthly cost: $1,300

Vietnam has become a tourist destination, with its exotic beaches, picturesque countryside and rich heritage. It is also one of the least expensive places to retire for English-speaking expats. With access to cheap housing, cheap healthcare and low cost on daily items, you can retire comfortably there for about $1,300 per month.

I'm a Financial Planning Expert: 9 Things You Should Never Buy If You Want To Retire Early

In Green / Shutterstock.com

Malta

Average monthly cost: $1,400

The Mediterranean island of Malta is a vacationer's paradise but, due to its low cost of living, it is also a great place to retire. You can live well there on just $1,400 per month, and English is the country's second official language. Healthcare and housing is cheaper than most U.S. locations as well.

kirill_makarov / Shutterstock.com

Cyprus

Average monthly cost: $1,500

Another island destination in the Mediterranean, Cyprus has become a popular vacation spot and haven for retirees. While Greek and Turkish are the official languages, most people there speak English, and location signs and menus offer English translation. An individual can retire there on just $1,500 per month, with housing and other costs being significantly lower than the U.S.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 12 Cheapest Places To Retire Abroad If You Speak Only English
After paying $155 million in March for the Palm Beach, Florida, oceanfront estate of the late conservative firebrand Rush Limbaugh, cosmetics billionaire William P. Lauder is tearing it down.

Crews have been at work this week demolishing the estate at 1495 N. Ocean Blvd., which Lauder bought through an ownership company from Limbaughs widow, Kathryn Adams Limbaugh, in an off-market deal.

This isnt the first uber-pricey teardown Lauder has acquired in Palm Beach. Last year, he demolished a six-year-old beachfront mansion down the street after buying it in late 2021 for more than $110 million  a price cited by several people familiar with the private sale. Lauder combined that cleared land with an empty oceanside lot he owned next door and listed the resulting 2.34 acres for a combined $200 million, the most expensive vacant property ever listed for sale in Palm Beach. The two lots are about a mile south of the old Limbaugh estate.

The price Lauders company paid for the former Limbaugh estate briefly set a new sales record in Palm Beach.

Lauder is said to be planning a custom home on the old Limbaugh property, according to people familiar with it. But no plans have been submitted to Town Hall yet for officials to review.

The Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Network, was the first media outlet to report the demolition of the former Limbaugh estate.

Billionaire William Lauder has hired crews to demolish the former Palm Beach estate of the late conservative firebrand Rush Limbaugh at 1495 N. Ocean Blvd. Lauder used an ownership company to buy the oceanfront mansion and two adjacent houses for a recorded $155 million in March.

The 2.65-acre estate was home for more than two decades to Rush Limbaugh, who died there at age 70 in 2021. Facing about 250 feet of beachfront, the property is near the inlet at the north tip of the island. On the east side, it fronts an expansive parcel of federally protected dune vegetation leading to the beach. The beach parcel is not part of the estate but makes the property appear larger than the acreage listed in property records.

Limbaughs two-story house fronting the ocean was built in 1992 with five bedrooms and 21,487 square feet of living space, inside and out. Of that total square footage, 16,629 square feet was air-conditioned space, according to property records.

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Limbaugh also had two smaller houses on the estate, immediately west of his main residence. One of those houses was built in 1951 with 2,590 square feet at 1501 N. Ocean Blvd., while the other  at 108 Mediterranean Road  was built in 1934 with four bedrooms and 3,870 square feet.

The late Rush Limbaugh owned this Palm Beach estate for years at 1495 N. Ocean Blvd., seen here in a file photo. The oceanfront estate is being demolished by cosmetics billionaire William P. Lauder, who bought it through an ownership company for a recorded $155 million in March from Limbaugh's widow, Kathryn Adams Limbaugh.

John O. Pickett III, president of the Palm Beach Board of Realtors, said he was not familiar with Lauders plans for the property.

But Pickett said oceanfront land in Palm Beach has always fetched high-dollar prices  and even higher ones over the past three years because of the real estate boom sparked by the coronavirus pandemic and fueled by Floridas favorable tax picture and other factors.

Premium land commands premium prices, and theyre not making any more of it in Palm Beach, said Pickett, a real estate agent at Brown Harris Stevens.

Pickett added: The cost to renovate can be just as much as much as the cost to build new. People will build what they want to build. Its just a matter of personal preference.

Limbaughs widow had the house homesteaded as her primary residence in the latest tax rolls before she sold it to Lauders limited liability company, 1495 N Ocean Blvd LLC.

More: Top 10 list of most affordable US beach towns for homebuyers in 2023

Lauders family has deep roots in Palm Beach. He is executive chairman of The Estee Lauder Cos., the cosmetics empire named for his grandmother. His net worth is estimated at $3.7 billion by Forbes.com.

His father, Leonard Lauder, has a home in Palm Beach and headed the cosmetics company for 17 years.

William Lauder reportedly has other homes in New York and Aspen, Colorado. He and a spokeswoman for The Estee Lauder Cos. could not be immediately reached for comment Friday.

William P. Lauder, executive chairman of The Estee Lauder Cos.

The old Limbaugh estate was never listed for sale in the multiple listing service but had been shopped quietly since for months before it sold last spring, according to those familiar with the property. The asking price was said to be between $150 million and $175 million.

It was unclear whether any real estate agents were involved in the sale. Premier Estate Properties real estate agent Jim McCann, who holds the $200-million listing for Lauder's vacant land at 1071 and 1063 N. Ocean Blvd., has declined to discuss the matter. But McCann has represented Lauder in other transactions, according to sales records and people familiar with those deals.

Housing market recession?: Not likely. Prepare for hot post-pandemic prices

With architecture influenced by buildings in the West Indies, the former Limbaugh mansion included a beachfront swimming pool along with multiple covered loggias, balconies, windows and glass doors facing the ocean.

Rush Limbaugh for more than three decades hosted the ultra-conservative talk radio program The Rush Limbaugh Show and also was a television pundit. At one point, he broadcast his radio program from his Palm Beach estate but later established a studio across town on Royal Palm Way.

Limbaugh died in February 2021, a little more than a year after revealing he had been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer.

The Palm Beach Daily News last fall was the first media outlet to report that Lauder had quietly bought the mansion on the lot at 1071 S. Ocean Blvd and planned to demolish it. Demolition there began in late October.

Darrell Hofheinz is a USA TODAY Network of Florida journalist who writes about Palm Beach real estate in his weekly Beyond the Hedges column. He welcomes tips about real estate news on the island. Email dhofheinz@pbdailynews.com, call 561-820-3831 or tweet @PBDN_Hofheinz.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Billionaire William P. Lauder razes old Rush Limbaugh Palm Beach home
In this article, we will look at 20 Most Trusted Professions in America. We will also explore the dynamics and trends of trust building today along with some companies that are making some real efforts to build trust with the public. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, head straight to 5 Most Trusted Professions in America.

The trust in professionals is often found be continually evolving, even though it does tend to stay constant for some specific professions. The evolution of trust underscore shifts in societal values, technological advancements, and new challenges that arise over time.

Lack of Trust in Institutions Today

According to IMF, the lack of trust in institutions due to corruption is a pressing global issue. In 20 out of 28 surveyed countries, the average trust in institutions is below 50%. The IMF's research shows corruption hampers economic growth, investment, tax revenues, income distribution, and inclusive growth. To address this, the IMF is enhancing its engagement by deepening, lengthening, and broadening its analysis. It recognizes that criminal enforcement alone cannot cure corruption; instead, it focuses on transparency, robust institutions, and clear regulations.

Digitalization often offers potential solutions, with electronic tax transactions that can somewhat reduce cross-border fraud. However, corruption as a global problem, requires a global response. The IMF emphasizes restoring trust in institutions is crucial to tackling pressing economic challenges such as inequality, climate change, and productivity growth.

Trends Observed for Trust-Building in the Professional World

One prominent emerging trend is the increasing reliance on digital platforms and technology-driven services. In an era where online interactions are more prevalent than ever, professions related to cybersecurity, data Privacy, and online identity protection have taken center stage. Even though hacking is considered one of the least trusted jobs, ethical hacking is equally trusted and well compensated. Thus, professionals in these fields play a crucial role in safeguarding personal and corporate data from the ever-present threat of cyberattacks, and hence, trust in the authenticity of digitalization is built.

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For example, Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) has come up with its "My Ad Center" which is a portal for restoring digital trust by giving users control over ad preferences, personalized content, and insights into ad targeting criteria. Concerns about data access prompted this step and allowed users to block sensitive ads and opt-out of personalization tools. While it empowers users, Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) has been at the risk of potential financial risks if users turn off ads from certain industries. Nevertheless, the initiative shows Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)s commitment to building trust amid evolving privacy concerns and prepares for the changing ad-tracking landscape.

Moreover, there is growing emphasis on sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. With increased awareness of climate change and its impact on the planet, professionals working in renewable energy, eco-friendly businesses, and sustainability consulting are gaining unprecedent recognition. These professions contribute largely to building trust in industries that prioritize ethical practices and eco-consciousness.

We can look at how the Clorox Co (NYSE:CLX)s commitment to sustainability has led to its top ranking on Barron's 2023 100 Most Sustainable Companies list. For five consecutive years, Clorox Co (NYSE:CLX) has demonstrated its dedication to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts which has earned trust from the public and customers. Their remarkable achievements include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, sourcing renewable energy, attaining zero-waste-to-landfill status, and maintaining pay equity across gender and race/ethnicity. These initiatives reflect Clorox Co (NYSE:CLX)s mission to promote well-being and flourishing communities and cultivate transparency and diversity in corporate governance.

20 Most Trusted Professions In America

g-stockstudio/Shutterstock.com

Our Methodology

To list the most trusted professions in America, we have used multiple sources along with a number of reddit threads about the jobs which were most trusted. We made a list of 30 such professions, and only 20 of those most frequently appearing were included in our list.

We gave each job an Insider Monkey (IM) score on the trust level based on consensus. Hence, the highest score indicates the highest trust, which means the profession is the most trusted.

Please note that the list is highly subjective and does not comment on any individuals integrity. The list is purely based on the perception of the common peoples trust in these professions.

Here is a list of the 20 Most Trusted Professions in America 20. Veterinarians

IM Score: 7.80

Veterinarians are highly trusted and respected owing to their contribution to animal welfare and compassion towards animals. They are also considered people with harmless jobs with expertise in providing exclusive medical care for pets and animals. Thus, their humble profession and passion for treating animals earn them the admiration and trust of the wider community, particularly pet lovers. It is one of the most trusted professions in America.

19. Engineers

IM Score: 7.85

Engineers are often highly regarded because of their educated and specialized knowledge in solving complex problems. They design, innovate, and create solutions for various industries, which is considered a huge support to the big organizations and hence, earns them respect. Moreover, their decent approach to projects and their knack for simplifying intricate concepts further their reputation as valuable contributors to society. Hence, we could say it is also considered one of the most ethical jobs.

18. Librarians

IM Score: 7.90

Americans trust librarians because they are considered knowledgeable, reliable, and non-judgmental sources of information. Librarians are trained professionals who assist in research, provide access to diverse resources, and promote literacy and learning. They uphold the values of intellectual freedom, privacy, and equitable access to information which gets them the respect and confidence of the community they serve.

17. Accountants

IM Score: 7.95

Accountants adherence to strict ethical standards, dedication to financial integrity, and commitment to helping individuals and businesses with financial decisions build trust in their expertise. They are seen as highly skilled and honest professionals crucial in managing financial matters, maintaining accuracy, and providing transparent financial information.

16. Pilots

IM Score: 8.1

Pilots undergo extensive training and are experts with responsibility for passengers' safety. They have rigorous educational backgrounds and ongoing evaluations to ensure their skills remain top-notch. Their consistency in adhering to safety protocols and making critical decisions during flights instills confidence in passengers. It is one of the most presitigious jobs in the world.

15. Firefighters

IM Score: 8.3

Firefighters face dangerous and challenging situations with extraordinary bravery, making split-second decisions to protect communities from fires and other emergencies. Their extensive training and readiness to put their lives on the line make their job one of the most respected in the world.

14. Scientists

IM Score: 8.35

Scientists are highly esteemed and trusted for expanding knowledge through research and discoveries. They are trusted for their adherence to scientific rigor and empiricism. Their contributions to sustainability efforts, global challenges, and rigorous education and expertise make them respected figures devoted to advancing society. It is one of the most trusted jobs in USA.

13. Pharmacists

IM Score: 8.4

Pharmacists ensure safe and accurate dispensing of prescriptions, offer valuable drug-related information, and counsel patients. Their commitment to patient well-being, ethical practices, and accessibility makes them highly respected healthcare team members, promoting trust among the public.

12. Paramedics/EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians)

IM Score: 8.5

Paramedics are essential and trusted for their critical role in emergency medical care. They provide rapid response and life-saving interventions during accidents, medical crises, and disasters. Their advanced training, ability to remain calm under pressure, and dedication to saving lives earn them the trust and gratitude of the public. It is one of the most trusted professions in America.

11. Judges

IM Score: 8.65

Judges are trusted professionals owing to their impartiality and legal expertise. Americans are confident that judges will always ensure fair and just outcomes in legal proceedings.

10. Religious Leaders (Clergy)

IM Score: 8.70

Religious leaders are vital in guiding spiritual growth while providing moral guidance. They offer huge support to their believers during challenging times. Their compassion, wisdom, and spirituality instill peace and builds trust among their followers.

9. Teachers

IM Score: 8.9

Teachers are instrumental in shaping the minds and futures of students. They are experts passionate about creating a positive learning environment, and fostering trust and respect from students and parents alike. It is one of the jobs that still offer traditional pensions.

8. Mental Health Counselors/Psychologists

IM Score: 9.1

Mental health counselors offer invaluable support and therapy for individuals facing emotional and psychological challenges. Their expertise, empathy, and non-judgmental approach create a safe space, fostering trust and openness in therapeutic relationships.

7. Dentists

IM Score: 9.3

Dentists have one of the highest paying jobs in the world. They are crucial for oral health and overall well-being of patients. Their skillset and professions allow them to provide ultimate comfort and dental support to their patients, building trust. This makes dental visits less daunting and ensure the best possible care for patients.

6. Social Workers

IM Score: 9.35

Social workers advocate for vulnerable populations and address societal issues. Their empathy and commitment to social justice gains the trust of individuals and communities as they provide much-needed support and resources.

Click here to see 5 Most Trusted Professions in America.

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Disclosure: None.20 Most Trusted Professions in America is originally published on Insider Monkey
In this article, we will look at 25 hardest working countries in the world. We will also explore countries with longest working hours along with some latest trends observed regarding the nature of work today. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, head straight to 10 Hardest Working Countries in the World.

In an ever-evolving world driven by technological innovation and economic prowess, the hardest working people have become the backbone of national prosperity and success. From bustling metropolises to remote rural landscapes, the dedication and work ethic of a countrys people shape the foundation upon which economies grow.

Which Country Has the Longest Work Hours?

In 2022, Colombia stood out with the longest annual work hours, with an average of 2405.4 hours. Following closely behind, Mexico recorded 2,226 hours annually, while Costa Rica ranked third with 2,149 hours of work per year.

According to the OECD, the country with the shortest working week is the Netherlands, with a reported 29.5 weekly working hours. Therefore, Netherlands is often considered to be the least hard-working country in the world.

On the other hand, Singapore is the most hardworking country in Asia followed by China, with Singaporeans working an average of 45 hours per week and the Chinese closely following at 42 hours per week. The overworking has also led to high levels of employee dissatisfaction and burnout in both the countries.

Is Hard Work Related to Economic Growth?

In recent years, an increasing number of countries have recognized the indispensable link between hard work and economic growth. This realization has sparked a global trend towards promoting a culture of hard work and determination. Hence, gone are the days when a college degree was the sole path to enter the job market. Recent trends reveal a decline in the perceived value of college degrees, with fewer jobs requiring them.

Companies like Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL), Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA), Delta Air lines Inc (NYSE:DAL), and Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc (NYSE:HLT) no longer mandate degrees for interviews as they have recognized the importance of life experiences and skills. Some organizations, like Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), offer career certificates, and innovative universities like the Minerva University, emphasize experiential learning. You can also check out our article on 30 high-paying remote jobs without a college degree and experience.

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To exemplify the relationship, we can take an example of Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL). Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL)s products have redefined consumer electronics and have set the standard for user experience, which also reflects the dedication and ingenuity of its workforce. From stringent hiring processes that select top talent to all-nighters to meeting of deadlines, employees are always ready to accept the challenge. Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) ensures their products remain innovative and unparalleled. Therefore, the work environment may be intense, the sense of camaraderie, pride, and the joy of being at the forefront of innovation make it a fulfilling experience for many at Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL).

On the other hand, to mentally challenge the candidates, Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is known to conduct the one of the toughest interviews. Nevertheless, Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)s "20% time" rule encourages employees to spend 20% of their work time on projects they believe will benefit the company. This initiative, popularized when Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) went public in 2004, empowers employees to be more creative and innovative which in turn also benefits the company.

Moreover, the rapid growth of the digital age has created new avenues for productivity. Automation, artificial intelligence, and remote work solutions have revolutionized industries which has led to greater efficiency and productivity in the workplace. However, its actual impact varies across industries. While tech giants are investing heavily in AI-powered tools to streamline work processes, some sectors face unintended consequences.

Clarkesworld, a science fiction and fantasy magazine, experienced a deluge of subpar AI-generated submissions which has doubled their workload. AI implementation has led to increased intensity of work for employees in certain industries which has caused more residual tasks for humans. In fact, media outlets like CNET and Gizmodo also faced challenges when using AI for writing stories. Despite some setbacks, businesses continue to explore AI's potential to augment their operations. You can also check out our article on Jobs That Will Disappear in the Future Due to AI.

25 Hardest Working Countries in the World

Pixabay/Public domain

Our Methodology

To list the 25 hardest countries in the world, we used GDP per Hour Worked in Current USD and Average Annual Hours Worked to shortlist a total of 32 countries. Their rankings in both these metrics were averaged. We then adjusted our rankings for them based on their averaged rankings. Only the 25 highest scoring countries were included in the list. In case where the average rankings for any countries were similar, the countries with higher number of average annual hours worked were ranked higher. The list is in ascending order.

Here is a list of Hardest Working Countries in the World.

25. United Kingdom

Productivity Rank: 16

Working Hours Rank: 34

Average Rank: 25

The UK has a diverse work culture that prioritizes innovation and entrepreneurship. Income levels vary, with major industries in finance, technology, and creative sectors. It is one of the top countries with the best education.

24. Denmark

Productivity Rank: 5

Working Hours Rank: 43

Average Rank: 24

Denmark has a progressive way of working with an emphasis on collaboration and trust. Employees enjoy good work-life balance, generous benefits, and high income levels owing to a strong welfare system. It is one of the hardest working countries in the world.

23. Sweden

Productivity Rank: 6

Working Hours Rank:42

Average Rank: 24

Swedes are seen as hardworking because they have a strong work ethic, with an emphasis on work-life balance, and access to generous benefits. Sweden demonstrates a well-educated workforce, trust in employees, and a progressive, innovative culture which contributes to the motivation of its people to work hard.

22. Austria

Productivity Rank: 9

Working Hours Rank:41

Average Rank: 24

Austria is known for its strong work ethic and emphasis on work-life balance. The average income is relatively high, and the country values quality and punctuality in the workplace. You can also check out our article on the Best Work-Life Balance Jobs to Enjoy Life.

21. France

Productivity Rank: 11

Working Hours Rank: 37

Average Rank: 24

The French find success through hard work and persistent pursuit of excellence. Their emphasis on quality and productivity, along with a strong work ethic, contributes to their achievements in various fields.

20. Norway

Productivity Rank: 2

Working Hours Rank: 45

Average Rank: 23.5

Norway's work-driven society can be attributed to a strong work ethic ingrained in its culture. Their robust social welfare system encourages labor force participation, and a commitment to maintaining a high standard of living through economic productivity. It is one of the countries with highest standards of living.

19. Spain

Productivity Rank: 19

Working Hours Rank: 25

Average Rank: 22

Spanish people may exhibit motivation owing to their rich cultural heritage that values passion, determination, and family ties. Pursuing personal goals and a sense of pride in their country's history motivate them. It is one of the hardest-working countries in the world.

18. New Zealand

Productivity Rank: 25

Working Hours Rank: 18

Average Rank: 21.5

New Zealanders are driven and hardworking because of their "can do" attitude, which stems from their background, where resourcefulness is essential. In a culture that values independence and collaboration, people in smaller businesses work closely with decision-makers, and take on diverse roles while demonstrating "Kiwi ingenuity" to find solutions. Work-life balance is also great that foster motivated and dedicated employees.

17. Turkey

Productivity Rank: 24

Working Hours Rank: 19

Average Rank: 21.5

Turkey's work culture can be categorized as a mix of traditional and modern elements. People are generally hardworking and often put in long hours. However, there's also a strong emphasis on family and social life, and breaks during the day for meals are common.

16. Switzerland

Productivity Rank: 8

Working Hours Rank: 35

Average Rank: 21.5

Swiss people are known for their efficiency and punctuality in work. They value a strong work-life balance, and their work culture emphasizes teamwork and professionalism.

15. Luxembourg

Productivity Rank: 3

Working Hours Rank: 39

Average Rank: 21

People in Luxembourg are known for their strong commitment to their careers and productivity. Motivated by success and financial stability, they strive to achieve their goals and contribute to the country's prosperous economy.

14. Canada

Productivity Rank: 18

Working Hours Rank: 23

Average Rank: 20.5

Canadians are driven by ambition and a desire for personal growth. The country's competitive job market and opportunities for success motivate them to work hard and excel in their careers. It is one of the hardest working countries in the world.

13. Poland

Productivity Rank: 30

Working Hours Rank: 11

Average Rank: 20.5

Poland's work culture is characterized by a strong work ethic and dedication. People are generally hardworking and disciplined. Some workplaces have a hierarchical structure, but teamwork and mutual respect are essential aspects of Polish work culture.

12. Greece

Productivity Rank: 34

Working Hours Rank: 7

Average Rank: 20.5

People in Greece are hardworking, as evidenced by their high annual work hours - 2,109 hours - compared to the OECD average - 1,749 hours. Part-time work is also increasing, and some companies have reduced working hours. It is one of the hardest working countries in the world.

11. Belgium

Productivity Rank: 4

Working Hours Rank: 36

Average Rank: 20

Belgium's work culture varies, but overall, people tend to value work-life balance. They are diligent and productive in their work, but also appreciate leisure time and family commitments. It is one of the countries with the best education.

Click here to see 10 Hardest Working Countries in the World.

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Disclosure: None. 25 Hardest Working Countries in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey.
In this article, well take a detailed look at the 25 Most Visited Museums in the World. For a quick overview of the top 5 famous museums in the world, head over to our article 10 Most Visited Museums in the World.

In the realm of art, history, and culture, museums act as treasuries of the human story, capturing our journey across the vast expanse of time and space. They provide a window into the complexities of various civilizations, the progression of art, the marvels of science, and the mysteries of the natural world.

Museums also play a vital role in the economy, supporting over 726,000 jobs in the US alone. Their annual contribution to the economy is substantial, with an impressive $50 billion infused each year. Furthermore, museums contribute significantly to tax revenue, generating over $12 billion annually, with a third of this sum benefiting state and local governments.

For every job created within the museum sector, an additional $16,495 is generated in tax revenue. It's also notable that each direct museum job supports an additional job in the economy. This multiplier effect outpaces many other industries, illustrating the broad economic impact of museums.

Museums are more than just buildings filled with objects. Each one is a testament to the diversity of human creativity and ingenuity, and each artifact tells its own unique story. The lure of these museums often goes beyond their impressive collections; their architectural grandeur, historical significance, and cultural relevance are equally captivating.

The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., which comprises multiple museums and galleries, each specialized in different fields, has arguably one of the most diverse collections, ranging from natural history to space exploration. The Acropolis Museum in Athens is another marvel, showcasing ancient Greece's rich history and artistic prowess.

Moreover, these museums don't just cater to history buffs or art aficionados. There is something for everyone. Science museums like the National Museum of Natural History or technology-centric ones like the Deutsches Museum in Munich are designed to pique the interest of the scientifically inclined, making learning an engaging and interactive process.

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From the iconic glass pyramid of the Louvre Museum in Paris, which houses the enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa, to the sprawling British Museum in London with its Rosetta Stone, the artifacts contained within these institutions draw millions of visitors annually.

For instance, the Louvre Museum, widely considered the largest museum in the world, attracted 7.7 million visitors in 2022. Likewise, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, one of the most visited museums in the US, welcomes around 3.2 million visitors in the same year.

The way we engage with museums is evolving, too. Technological advancements have led to the growth of virtual tours, which have allowed museums to reach an even wider audience. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic led to a temporary shutdown of many museums, these virtual tours provided a unique opportunity for people to explore museums from the comfort of their homes.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic also brought an unprecedented challenge to museums, resulting in nearly all of them closing their doors to the public. Alarmingly, a third of museum directors expressed fears about the risk of permanent closure of their institutions without immediate support. This represented a potential loss of about 12,000 museums and 124,000 jobs.

While the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) were critical lifelines, a survey conducted in 2022 revealed that attendance was still down by 38%, on average, from pre-pandemic levels. Furthermore, 17% of museum directors still harbored fears of permanent closure without additional financial aid.

25 Most Visited Museums in the World

Pixabay/Public Domain

Methodology

This article ranks the most visited museums in the world based on data gathered from a comprehensive survey report by the Art Newspaper. The Art Newspaper is a reputable source in the art world that provides authoritative, global coverage on a wide range of art-related topics, including museum visitation.

The methodology followed in this article entailed a careful analysis of the data provided in the Art Newspaper's survey report. This report offers a snapshot of visitor numbers for a broad range of museums across the world in 2022.

The museums were then ranked in ascending order, starting from the 25th position, based on the annual visitor count reported. This means the museum at the 25th spot had the fewest visitors among the top 25, while the museum at the number 1 position received the highest visitor count.

Below is the list of the most visited museums in the world.

Top 25 Most Visited Museums in the World

25. NGV International, Melbourne

Total visitors in 2022: 1.58 million

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International) one of the most visited museums in the world. It is the oldest and most visited gallery in Australia. Established in 1861, the museum hosts a wide range of international exhibitions and collections, encompassing art from numerous periods and disciplines. It houses more than 70,000 works of art spanning thousands of years, including a large collection of Australian Indigenous art.

24. Royal Castle, Warsaw

Total visitors in 2022: 1.75 million

The Royal Castle in Warsaw is a castle residency and a symbol of Polish heritage, making it one of the best museums in the world. Serving as the official residence of the Polish monarchs, it's located in Castle Square, at the entrance to the Warsaw Old Town. Its interiors are filled with significant paintings, sculptures, prints, and manuscripts. The museum also houses a rich collection of oriental art, including the largest collection of Chinese paintings in Poland.

23. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Total visitors in 2022: 1.76 million

The Rijksmuseum is the most prestigious and largest museum for art and history in the Netherlands. It displays a large array of the country's historical artifacts as well as works from Dutch masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Hals. The museum's collection, totaling more than one million objects, spans the years 1,200 to 2,000. One of its most famous paintings is Rembrandt's "The Night Watch."

22. Wawel Royal Castle, Krakow

Total visitors in 2022: 1.79 million

Once the residence of the Kings of Poland and the symbol of Polish statehood, the Wawel Royal Castle is now one of the Polands premier art museums. The complex is a fascinating mixture of architectural styles, ranging from medieval, renaissance, and baroque. The museum showcases a wide range of exhibits, including royal chambers, an armory, and a collection of Oriental art.

21. MMCA Seoul, Seoul

Total visitors in 2022: 1.8 million

A central hub for Korean modern art, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) is one of the most popular museums in the world. Established in 1969, it has become a multi-cultural complex where traditional art coexists with the contemporary, fostering an environment of creativity and inspiration. The MMCA's collection includes more than 8,000 pieces that span the gamut of modern and contemporary Korean art  paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, and video art.

20. State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow

Total visitors in 2022: 1.9 million

The State Tretyakov Gallery is the foremost depository of Russian fine art in the world, making it one of the most visited museums in the world. Founded in 1856 by merchant Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov, the gallery's collection covers more than 1,000 years of Russian art, from early religious paintings to a rich collection of modernist works. Its unique collection includes more than 170,000 works of painting, sculpture, and graphics.

19. National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

Total visitors in 2022: 1.97 million

The National Museum of Scotlands broad collection features the wonders of nature, art, design, fashion, science, technology, world cultures, and Scottish history, all under one roof. From the ancient past to the cutting edge of modern science, the diversity of its collections is truly remarkable. Notable exhibits include the famous Dolly the Sheep, the first mammal cloned from an adult cell, and the world's oldest color television. Museum visitors statistics show that it attracted around 1.97 million visitors in 2022.

18. M+, Hong Kong

Total visitors in 2022: 2.034 million

M+ in Hong Kong is a revolutionary museum of visual culture dedicated to collecting, exhibiting, and interpreting art, design, and architecture, moving image, and the Hong Kong visual culture of the 20th and 21st centuries. It is one of the largest museums of contemporary visual culture in the world, boasting a collection of over 6,000 objects. While it officially opened in 2021, it had already been actively acquiring works, staging exhibitions, and developing digital content before the building's completion.

17. Museum of Modern Art, New York

Total visitors in 2022: 2.19 million

With a vast collection that includes works of designs, paintings, architecture, drawing, sculpture, photography, prints, and electronic media, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) has firmly established its role as a leader in the contemporary art world. It showcases works by groundbreaking artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, and Frida Kahlo.

16. Galleria Degli Uffizi, Florence

Total visitors in 2022: 2.22 million

Galleria Degli Uffizi is one of the oldest and most famous art museums in the world. It holds an exceptional collection of priceless works, particularly from the period of the Italian Renaissance. Among the iconic works on display are Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" and "Primavera," along with masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio.

15. Somerset House, London

Total visitors in 2022: 2.34 million

Somerset House is a significant cultural hub in the heart of London, encompassing one of the city's most beautiful courtyards. This Neoclassical building, built on the site of a Tudor palace, hosts a diverse and dynamic array of events, exhibitions, and installations. It is home to The Courtauld Gallery, renowned for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, as well as King's College London's Cultural Institute.

14. Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Total visitors in 2022: 2.37 million

The Victoria and Albert Museum, often referred to as the V&A, is renowned for its expansive collection of applied and decorative arts and design, as well as sculpture, spanning some 5,000 years. It is one of the worlds biggest art museums, housing a permanent collection of over 2.8 million objects, including textiles, ironwork, ceramics, jewelry, costumes, glass, furniture, medieval objects, sculpture, prints, drawings, and more.

13. Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid

Total visitors in 2022: 2.45 million

The Museo Nacional del Prado stands as one of the world's most popular art galleries. With a collection that focuses on European art from the 12th century to the early 20th century, it boasts around 8,200 drawings, 7,600 paintings, 4,800 prints, and 1,000 sculptures. Among its most notable works are masterpieces from artists such as Velazquez, Goya, and El Greco.

12. State Russian Museum, St Petersburg

Total visitors in 2022: 2.65 million

As the world's largest depository of Russian fine art and one of the most visited museums in the world, the State Russian Museum offers a comprehensive representation of Russian artistry, from icons of the 10th century to works of contemporary artists. The museum's extensive collection comprises over 400,000 exhibits, covering the entire history of Russian fine art.

11. National Gallery, London

Total visitors in 2022: 2.72 million

The National Gallery houses an impressive collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900, including works by masters such as Renoir, da Vinci and Van Gogh. Its commitment to preserving and showcasing European painting's breadth and depth continues to make it an essential stop for art enthusiasts worldwide.

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Disclosure. None. 25 Most Visited Museums in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey.
Carriage Crossing in Collierville is hosting a contest for a small business owner or entrepreneur to win three rent-free months of retail space at the shopping center plus an additional $5,000.

The contest, called Pop Local, is being put on by Edwards Realty Company, one of the two companies that partnered to purchase the shopping center back in March for $25 million.

We started Pop Local because we wanted to take away the barriers people have when opening a business, said Ramzi Hassan, president of Edwards Realty Company. There is a lot of risk that goes into opening a permanent business, and this gives people a chance to do so without as much risk involved.

Shoppers stroll outside stores at Carriage Crossing in Collierville on Thursday, April 29, 2021.

The goal of the Pop Local contest is for the winner to become a permanent tenant at Carriage Crossing. Businesses that are encouraged to apply are ones that are already established.

We want to help a business or budding entrepreneur that is on the cusp of needing a storefronts Hassan said.

The winner receives three months to promote their business in a rent-free environment. They will get 1,200 square feet of retail space. The winner also gets promotions on Carriage Crossings social channels, e-blast to more than 31,000 customers and a media relations platform with the shopping center.

COLLIERVILLE NEWS: Could Collierville's Town Square still get a hotel and parking garage?

The contest has been held in St. Louis; Orlando Park, Illinois; and Burr Ridge, Illinois; dating back as recently as 2021. According to Hassan, all three previous winners are still in business in their original Pop Local locations.

Shoppers stroll outside stores at Carriage Crossing in Collierville on Thursday, April 29, 2021.

Our ultimate goal is to have a thriving center at all times of the day, Hassan said. "This is something to help make that happen.

Applications are due Aug. 14, finalists will be announced Aug. 28, and the winner will be announced in early October. Edwards Realty Company aims to have the grand opening for the Pop Local winner in November.

Jordan Green covers trending business news for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached via email Jordan.Green@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @_green_jordan_

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Carriage Crossing's Pop Local offers rent-free space to small business
In this article, we are going to discuss the 30 countries with the highest gas prices. You can skip our detailed analysis of the country with the cheapest gas in the world, the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the oil and gas industry, the rise of biorefineries, and the size of the global oil and gas market, and go directly to 10 Countries with the Highest Gas Prices.

The average price of gasoline in the world is currently around $5 a gallon. However, there is a substantial difference between gas prices in different countries. As a general rule, richer countries have higher gas prices, while the prices in poorer countries or countries that produce and export oil are significantly lower. All countries have access to the same petroleum prices in international markets, but the various subsidies and taxes imposed after can vary significantly.

Country with the Cheapest Gas:

Venezuela is the country with the cheapest gas in the world. Gasoline is available at a subsidized rate of $0.015 a gallon in the South American country, which ranks among the Top Oil Producing Countries in the World.

According to the 2022 BP Statistical Review of World Energy, Venezuela has more proven oil reserves than any other country in the world. Saudi Arabia comes in at close second, but gas prices are relatively much higher in the Middle Eastern country. 1 liter of petrol in Saudi Arabia costs $0.621.

Impact of the Russia-Ukraine War:

Russias invasion of Ukraine caused a global energy crisis and made the already high wholesale gas prices skyrocket, driving historic gains for oil and gas producers. A number of Western industry giants made commitments to exit the Russian market following the invasion but even after more than a year, very little progress has been made.

Russias largest oil company, Rosneft, announced last week that it would pay its shareholders $4.54 billion in dividend payments for last year. One of these shareholders is the British oil major BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP), which despite pledging to sell its 20% stake in Rosneft, still owns the same amount now as it did before the war. BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) stands to earn over $887 million from the Russian oil giant.

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Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL) also stands to net just under $1.41 billion after the Russian gas company, Novatek, bid for its stake in a major oil and gas development in the far east, Sakhalin-ll.

Similarly, TotalEnergies SE (NYSE:TTE) also still owns a 19.4% stake in Russias second-largest natural gas producer  Novatek. At the end of last year, TotalEnergies SE (NYSE:TTE) took a $3.75 billion write-off on its stake in the Russian company.

Biorefineries:

Biorefineries are processing facilities that convert biomass into energy and value-added products, like biofuels, biochemicals etc. The increasing pressure to decarbonize has incentivized several oil refineries to repurpose their refiners to stand-alone biorefineries, that produce lower carbon intensive biofuels.

TotalEnergies SE (NYSE:TTE) announced in 2020 that it would invest around $600 million to convert its refinery in Seine-et-Marne, France, from refining petroleum to refining natural oils and fats. The company plans to complete the conversion by 2024 and produce up to 170,000 tonnes of aviation oil, 120,000 tonnes of diesel, and 50,000 tonnes of naphtha for making renewable plastics per year.

Similarly, Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL) is also building a 820,000 tonnes-per-year biofuels plant in Rotterdam, and has targeted to make about 2 million tonnes per year of sustainable aviation fuel by 2025. But despite the pledges and growth in renewables, big oil only spent 1% of its combined budget on green energy schemes in 2018.

Global Oil and Gas Market:

According to The Business Research Company, the global oil and gas market was valued at $6.99 trillion in 2022, and is expected to grow to $8.67 trillion in 2027, with a CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period.

Major companies in the industry are looking into big data analytics and AI to enhance decision making abilities and thus profits. AI will allow these companies to make better drilling and operational decisions.

If you wish to invest in the oil industry, please refer to our article 10 Best Oil Stocks Under $20.

With that said, here are the Countries with the Highest Gas Prices.

30 Countries with the Highest Gas Prices

Copyright: sifotography / 123RF Stock Photo

Methodology:

To collect data for this article, we have referred to the current prices of gasoline in each country, as displayed on GlobalPetrolPrices. The Countries with the Highest Prices of Gas have been ranked according to their gasoline prices on the 17th of July 2023.

30. New Zealand

Price of Gas per Gallon: $6.68

Gas prices in New Zealand averaged $5.3 per gallon from 2004 until 2023, reaching a record high of $7.71 per gallon in May of 2022 and an all time low of $2.68 per gallon in April 2004.

29. Croatia

Price of Gas per Gallon: $6.7

Croatia is a net importer of petroleum and the country was consuming an average of 10.76 thousand barrels of gasoline per day in 2021. With a price of $6.7 per gallon, Croatia ranks among the countries with most expensive gas.

28. Spain

Price of Gas per Gallon: $6.72

Spain has added its name to the growing list of European countries banning new oil and gas exploration. The countrys new climate change and energy transition law also prohibited the sale of fossil-fuel vehicles by 2040, and made it illegal to produce fossil fuels in the country from the beginning of 2043.

27. Belize

Price of Gas per Gallon: $6.88

Belize has two oil fields, the Spanish Outlook Oilfield and the Never Delay Oilfield, in production with the assistance of Belize Natural Energy Ltd., but both these fields are in decline.

26. Ireland

Price of Gas per Gallon: $6.9

Ireland has witnessed no commercial discoveries of oil to date. In April 2023, petroleum consumption in Ireland was around 169,000 barrels per day. The Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) has a presence in Ireland through its subsidiary Esso.

25. United Kingdom

Price of Gas per Gallon: $6.95

There are 120 onshore oil and gas sites with 250 operating wells in the U.K., producing between 20,000 and 250,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day. BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) is a leading oil and gas producer based in the country and ranks among the Biggest Energy Companies in the UK.

24. Uruguay

Price of Gas per Gallon: $6.97

According to the OEC, Uruguay imported $1.06 billion in crude petroleum in 2021, becoming the 54th largest crude petroleum importer in the world. The country imports crude petroleum mostly from Nigeria and the U.S.

23. Central African Republic

Price of Gas per Gallon: $7.07

The Central African Republic ranks 23rd in our list of countries with the highest gas prices. The country is not an oil producer and relies completely on imports to satisfy its domestic demand for fuel and other oil related products.

22. Sweden

Price of Gas per Gallon: $7.1

The Swedish parliament also passed a law in June 2022, banning any new licenses for the exploration of new oil and gas reserves in the country. Following Russias invasion of Ukraine, Sweden significantly reduced its imports of Russian crude oil.

21. Portugal

Price of Gas per Gallon: $7.15

In Portugal, the consumption of fuel during the first four months of this year hit a record for the past decade, increasing 19% compared to the same period last year. Portuguese oil company Galp Energia posted a record full-year profit of $1.64 billion in 2022, mainly due to higher oil prices and refining margins.

20. Estonia

Price of Gas per Gallon: $7.16

Estonia has no oil refineries of its own and the country is mostly dependent on oil imports from Russia. The Baltic country imported $2.19 billion of refined petroleum in 2021, becoming the 70th largest importer of refined petroleum in the world.

19. San Marino

Price of Gas per Gallon: $7.25

With $7.25 per gallon, San Marino ranks 19th among the countries with the highest petrol prices. One of the smallest countries in the world, San Marino relies entirely on imports for its fossil fuel requirements. Eni S.p.A. (NYSE:E) is a gas distributor in the mountainous microstate.

18. Belgium

Price of Gas per Gallon: $7.28

Belgium has well-developed oil infrastructure, including a large import terminal at the port of Antwerp, several large refineries, notable oil storage capacity, and extensive pipeline infrastructure. Petrofina SA is the largest oil company in the country.

17. Liechtenstein

Price of Gas per Gallon: $7.34

The price of octane-95 gasoline in Liechtenstein is $1.94 per liter. With a staggering GDP per capita of $184,083 in 2021, the country depends entirely on imports for its refined petroleum needs and has no reserves or refineries of its own.

16. Israel

Price of Gas per Gallon: $7.4

Israel began its first-ever crude oil exports earlier this year, with the loading of a cargo of oil from the mainly gas producing Karish field. In April 2021, the UAEs Mubadala Petroleum signed an MoU to buy a 22% stake in Israels Tamar offshore field, in a landmark deal worth around $1.1 billion.

15. Singapore

Price of Gas per Gallon: $7.54

Singapore is among the Countries with the Largest Refining Capacity. With a nameplate capacity of around 592,000 barrels a day, Singapore Refinery is Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM)s largest in the world.

14. Albania

Price of Gas per Gallon: $7.55

The total investment in Albanias oil and gas sector in 2018 was around $1.4 billion, a third of which was invested directly by Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL).

13. Germany

Price of Gas per Gallon: $7.61

Germany is also an important player in the global oil refining industry. In 2021, the country had a refining capacity of 2.12 million barrels per day.

12. Barbados

Price of Gas per Gallon: $7.63

Barbados is among the countries with the most expensive gas. The country produces about 1,000 barrels of oil per day, which is sent to Trinidad for refining.

11. France

Price of Gas per Gallon: $7.7

France currently has seven operating oil refineries, with a total capacity of about 1.15 million barrels a day. The French energy giant TotalEnergies SE (NYSE:TTE) is a major player in the global oil and gas industry and boasted a profit of around $20.53 billion in 2022.

Click to continue reading and see the 10 Countries with the Highest Gas Prices.

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Disclosure: None. 30 Countries with the Highest Gas Prices is originally published on Insider Monkey.
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Summer vacation is upon us and, for many Americans, traveling outside the United States borders is top of the itinerary. There are already thousands of expats living or retiring in Europe, Asia and Latin America due to the financial break in cost of living.

Also Find: 10 Places To Live Abroad So Cheap You Could Quit Your Job

Learn: How To Get Cash Back on Your Everyday Purchases

Even if you are not living outside the United States, there are a lot of things you can buy cheaper when you are not in the good old U-S-of-A.

Some travelers shared stories and insights for the most surprising things you can buy more cheaply abroad. Save up your dollars, book a ticket and make sure to pick up a few on your next trip.

Clothing

Some cities and countries are meccas for fashion, with big designer names and even higher prices, but not quite the costs of what you might spend in dollars.

Luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Prada seem to be reasonably priced in Europe compared to the U.S., said Gary Gray, co-founder of Coupon Chief.

If you have your eye on a designer bag or a stylish accessory, purchasing it in Europe could save you some money. For instance, a classic Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 bag is priced at $1,300 in most European countries, $1,400 in the UK and $1,550 in the U.S.

Boomers Prefer To Retire Abroad: Top 5 Places To Retire Outside of the US

There are other places where the clothes are affordable, fashionable and made by people who live there.

During my last trip to India, I was surprised to see how cheap most clothes were compared to the United States, said Kevin Mercier, the founder of a travel blog called Kevmrc.com.

India is known for its textile industry, and it produces a wide range of clothing options at different price points, Mercier said. I discovered that India had a diverse market with many local brands and small-scale manufacturers, offering a wide variety of affordable clothing options. Some of the actors that contribute to lower clothing prices in India include lower production costs, labor costs and currency exchange rates.

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For example, I was able to find a wide range of jeans at various price points in India, Mercier added. Local brands and non-designer jeans were quite cheap, with prices ranging from around [$7 to $27], while the price of average non-designer jeans in the United States ranges from $30 to $100.

Local Food and Beverages

Exploring the local cuisine is an essential part of traveling, said Eoin Hamilton, a passionate traveler, avid hiker and the co-founder of HiiKER. Consider buying local food products, spices or alcoholic beverages that are unique to the region.

If youre a whisky connoisseur, Scotland is like a dream come true, said Janice Mucalov, a former lawyer turned travel journalist and founder of CaboVisitor. The local production and availability make Scotch whisky relatively cheaper, allowing you to discover unique and affordable options through tastings and tours.

Mexico, too, is known for offering up tequila that is delicious and affordable, often made in local distilleries.

As the birthplace of tequila, Mexico offers a spectrum of high-quality options at more favorable prices than youd find in the U.S., Mucalov said. To get the best, look for tequila made from 100% blue agave.

Jewelry, Gemstones and Artisanal Textiles

If youre in a country known for its jewelry or gemstones, it could be an opportunity to buy a unique piece, Hamilton said. Prices will vary greatly based on the type of jewelry and the quality of the gemstones.

Mucalov noted that the same principle applies when it comes to artisan crafts and textiles that might be made locally and places in the U.S. might charge a lot more for.

The Kashmir region in India and the Himalayan foothills in Nepal are prime sources for superior-quality pashmina scarves and shawls, Mucalov said. The exquisite handmade textiles found here are devoid of boutique markups, offering you an opportunity to own luxury at an affordable price.

When it comes to jewelry, Mucalov highlights the jade pieces that come out of China because the Chinese regard jade as an invaluable gem.

Consequently, you can find jade jewelry at surprisingly reasonable prices, especially in bigger cities known for their reputable markets.

Same for crystal glassware in the Czech Republic, particularly Prague, according to Mucalov.

[Prague] is famed for its Bohemian glassware, Mucalov said. The craftsmanship and intricate designs are unparalleled. Stray a little from the tourist trails, and youll find some amazing deals.

Beauty Products

In the market for a glow-up? Make sure to stock up on the skincare and cosmetics to bring home with you in order to save on markups in the United States.

Europes pharmaceutical companies are celebrated globally for their skincare ranges, said Shelley Marmor, the founder of Travel Blogging 101. Brands like La Roche-Posay, Embryolisse, Bioderma and Nuxe often have a broader selection and more competitive pricing in their home market.

Marmor recalls her fascination with French pharmacy skincare during her time in Provence.

Armed with my limited French, I ventured into a local pharmacy and was met with various products, she said. I decided to stick to European skincare, and its been a game changer.

Personal Services

You might not think to treat yourself to something like a mani-pedi while you are traveling; but, once you see the difference in price, you might think again.

We have both gotten our hair cut all over the world for a fraction of what it costs at home, said Becca Siegel, one half of Becca & Dan at Half Half Travel.

We have paid between $5 and $10 for haircuts in Colombia, China, Myanmar, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Vietnam and Estonia, Siegel said. If you arent particular, go where the locals go, and you could be paying even less than $5 for a no-frills trim, depending on the location and what the cost of services are there. We always get a haircut if we are going to be traveling somewhere with a lower cost of living than New York City.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Surprising Things You Can Buy Cheaper Abroad
Stock pickers are generally looking for stocks that will outperform the broader market. And while active stock picking involves risks (and requires diversification) it can also provide excess returns. For example, the Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) share price is up 76% in the last 5 years, clearly besting the market return of around 55% (ignoring dividends). However, more recent returns haven't been as impressive as that, with the stock returning just 7.7% in the last year , including dividends .

After a strong gain in the past week, it's worth seeing if longer term returns have been driven by improving fundamentals.

View our latest analysis for Abbott Laboratories

In his essay The Superinvestors of Graham-and-Doddsville Warren Buffett described how share prices do not always rationally reflect the value of a business. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement.

Over half a decade, Abbott Laboratories managed to grow its earnings per share at 45% a year. This EPS growth is higher than the 12% average annual increase in the share price. So it seems the market isn't so enthusiastic about the stock these days.

You can see below how EPS has changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image).

This free interactive report on Abbott Laboratories' 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. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. As it happens, Abbott Laboratories' TSR for the last 5 years was 91%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return.

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A Different Perspective

Abbott Laboratories provided a TSR of 7.7% over the last twelve months. Unfortunately this falls short of the market return. On the bright side, the longer term returns (running at about 14% a year, over half a decade) look better. It's quite possible the business continues to execute with prowess, even as the share price gains are slowing. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Abbott Laboratories better, we need to consider many other factors. To that end, you should be aware of the 2 warning signs we've spotted with Abbott Laboratories .

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.

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(Bloomberg) -- An Abu Dhabi asset management firm is planning to raise $250 million for a carbon fund as demand increases for better regulated environmental credits.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Offset8 Capital Ltd. plans to close the initial capital raise for the close-ended fund in the third quarter, subject to regulatory approvals, its co-founders said in an interview. Proposed investments will focus on projects that reduce greenhouse gases in the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia.

Plans for the fund follow Abu Dhabis launch of its own carbon exchange last year. The emirates regulatory framework treats emission credits as both a financial instrument and a spot commodity, which boosts compliance and capital requirements, Offset8s co-founder Ivan Mozharov said.

The moves come as the United Arab Emirates prepares to host COP28, the worlds premier climate event. The country role has been criticized by environmentalists as it continues to pump vast amounts of oil and gas, with plans to expand production further. The conferences president, Sultan Al Jaber, is also the chief executive of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.

Also read: COP28 Host UAE Has Insufficient Climate Plan to Meet 1.5C Goal

Carbon markets are witnessing a shift, with new guidelines and greater oversight after a boom in demand from companies looking to cancel out emissions led to a flood of useless credits. Major commodity traders like Mercuria Energy Group Ltd., Hartree Partners and Trafigura Group Ltd., are expanding emissions trading desks.

When demand grows theres naturally more scrutiny and a lot of projects have not been of a quality standard, said Offset8 co-founder and former MET International trader Jules Maitrepierre. Now corporates understand the need for high-quality credits and the projects understand that in order to attract capital they need to follow strict guidelines.

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Robert Alpen, a trader at Englehart Commodity Partners who was formerly head of natural gas at Gunvor Group, is on the advisory board of Offset8. Energy trader and risk manager Munenori Fernando Horie is also in the panel.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
To find a multi-bagger stock, what are the underlying trends we should look for in a business? Firstly, we'll want to see a proven return on capital employed (ROCE) that is increasing, and secondly, an expanding base of capital employed. Put simply, these types of businesses are compounding machines, meaning they are continually reinvesting their earnings at ever-higher rates of return. So when we looked at the ROCE trend of Airtel Africa (LON:AAF) we really liked what we saw.

What Is Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)?

If you haven't worked with ROCE before, it measures the 'return' (pre-tax profit) a company generates from capital employed in its business. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for Airtel Africa:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.23 = US$1.8b  (US$11b - US$3.6b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to March 2023).

Therefore, Airtel Africa has an ROCE of 23%. In absolute terms that's a great return and it's even better than the Wireless Telecom industry average of 8.0%.

View our latest analysis for Airtel Africa

roce

In the above chart we have measured Airtel Africa's prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you'd like, you can check out the forecasts from the analysts covering Airtel Africa here for free.

So How Is Airtel Africa's ROCE Trending?

Airtel Africa is displaying some positive trends. The data shows that returns on capital have increased substantially over the last five years to 23%. The amount of capital employed has increased too, by 99%. So we're very much inspired by what we're seeing at Airtel Africa thanks to its ability to profitably reinvest capital.

In another part of our analysis, we noticed that the company's ratio of current liabilities to total assets decreased to 32%, which broadly means the business is relying less on its suppliers or short-term creditors to fund its operations. So this improvement in ROCE has come from the business' underlying economics, which is great to see.

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Our Take On Airtel Africa's ROCE

All in all, it's terrific to see that Airtel Africa is reaping the rewards from prior investments and is growing its capital base. Since the stock has returned a staggering 115% to shareholders over the last three years, it looks like investors are recognizing these changes. With that being said, we still think the promising fundamentals mean the company deserves some further due diligence.

If you'd like to know about the risks facing Airtel Africa, we've discovered 1 warning sign that you should be aware of.

Airtel Africa is not the only stock earning high returns. If you'd like to see more, check out our free list of companies earning high returns on equity with solid fundamentals.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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After two decades of dominance, is Googles vaunted internet search business about to be dethroned by A.I.?

Alphabet, Googles parent company, will release its quarterly earnings report after Tuesdays market close, providing investors with some of the first data to help answer the question. The rise of generative A.I. tools over the past several months, and Google rival Microsofts embrace of A.I. in its Bing search engine in particular, make this one of Alphabets most highly anticipated earnings reports in years.

Expectations are far more moderate, in terms of what investors are expecting from Alphabet, so the quarter might actually set up pretty well for them, said Bernstein analyst Mark Shmulik. Still, with Alphabet shares up roughly 40% so far this year, the stock has room to fall.

"Among the key questions for investors are the extent to which conversational A.I. chatbots like Bing Chat and ChatGPT have stolen users and advertising from Google Search, and how the new competition has affected Googles internal spending and profit margins, especially given Googles recent efforts to cut costs, laying off more than 12,000 jobs in early 2023."

When they originally shared the comments around margin expansion at the beginning of the year, that was prior to all this stuff happening around A.I., and so effectively, the investment priorities have changed, Shmulik said.

READ MORE: How Google is trying to fend off the threat generative A.I. may pose to its search business

Wall Street analysts expect Alphabet to report $72.8 billion in revenue for the quarter ended June 30, which would represent a 4.5% increase year over year, and a notable slowdown from the same period last year, when Alphabet grew its top line by 13%. Analysts expected earnings per share of $1.34 for the quarter.

Alphabet generates roughly 80% of its revenue from online advertising, with the ads served up by Googles search engine ranking among the companys most lucrative services. Analysts and investors are worried that new A.I. bots, like Bing Chat, will cut into Googles longtime moneymaker by answering users queries directly and making Googles search page a less central destination on the internet.

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Google has responded by releasing its own A.I. search tool, called Google Bard. And Google cofounder Sergey Brin has reportedly returned to the company to help with A.I. efforts, in a sign of how seriously the company views the opportunity and threat of A.I.

Investors will be looking for more details about these efforts when Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai leads the conference call on Tuesday. In June, Pichai said that Google was better positioned for A.I. than it was during the shift to mobile computing a decade ago.

There have been mixed signals about the state of the search market, with some reports suggesting that the initial excitement around ChatGPT has cooled off and that the impact on Googles search market share has so far been modest. Anything that requires consumer behavior to change Im always very skeptical, Bernsteins Shmulik said.

Shmulik was behind one of the two reports that smacked Alphabet stock with downgrades last month, but now that the bar has been lowered he sees the potential for surpassing expectations.

Search revenue will be keypeople will want to see sequential growth from the first quarter. But search market share is also on investors minds.

Alphabets spending plans as a result of the A.I. wave will also be in the spotlight. The specialized servers and chips required to power A.I. could potentially drive up Alphabets capital expenditures, particularly as competition remains fierce with cloud providers like Microsoft Azure and Amazon AWS.

And the race to hire A.I. talent could push up operating expenses. According to Barclays, however, Googles deep ranks could give it an advantage. Barclays describes Googles employee army as more efficient than that of Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat in an employee-to-user and scale ratio.

The hoarding of engineers that Google has conducted over the past few years will pay dividends, in terms of shipping new products compared to other companies in consumer internet and software, but time will tell, wrote Barclays analyst Ross Sandler in a May report.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com

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Alphabet stocks rose in after-hours trading on Tuesday after the Google parent companys second-quarter profits exceeded Wall Street expectations, amid a rebound in advertising dollars and the growing boom in artificial intelligence.

Related: Its pillage: thirsty Uruguayans decry Googles plan to exploit water supply

The company reported net profits of $1.44 a share for the April-June period, compared with estimates of $1.34 a share. Revenue for the quarter stood at $74.6bn, compared with estimates of $72.82bn, according to Refinitiv data.

That growth is attributed in part to steady demand for Google Cloud services, which is expected to continue to climb as adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tools grows.

Theres exciting momentum across our products and the company, which drove strong results this quarter, said Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Alphabet and Google, in a statement. Our continued leadership in AI and our excellence in engineering and innovation are driving the next evolution of Search and improving all our services.

Advertisers had pulled back spending in recent years amid economic woes. But as they retreat from Twitter  now renamed X  and other more volatile platforms, companies like Alphabet and Facebook-owner Meta Platforms are seeing a rebound.

This is the second earnings report from Alphabet that offered signs of potential recovery after a difficult year for the company  its first-quarter earnings reported in April showed an unexpected increase in revenue. The sunnier forecast comes after the company cut more than 12,000 jobs, or 6% of its global workforce, in January.

Alphabet reported growth across several sectors, stating that its ad revenue had risen 3.3% to $58.14bn from $56.29bn last year. As YouTube faces continued competition from TikTok, the company reported that ads on the platform made $7.67bn, up from $7.34bn the year before.

Despite this, Alphabets recovery from a rough few quarters has been uneven, said Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf, an analyst at market research firm Insider Intelligence, including a tenuous improvement in advertising. Meanwhile, Alphabets other bets sector, which includes its self-driving car firm Waymo, reported a 48% increase in revenue to $285m, but still lost $813m during the quarter.

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Modest growth from YouTube and Search put Google in a strong position as it prepares to defend its dominance in the digital advertising market, she said. Google has the high ground. All it has to do now is keep increasing revenues while executing its carefully laid plans to lead advertisers and consumers into the AI-powered future without any catastrophes.

As the AI race continues, Alphabet has sought to highlight its longstanding work in the space and its ongoing investment in the technology. On a call with investors, Pichai said Alphabet anticipated integrating AI across its portfolio, using the technology to strengthen its cybersecurity capabilities, search products and advertising.

He added that the next model of Android 14 will include generative AI tools. Alphabet has also been hard at work developing its human-like chatbot tool Gemini, its attempt to compete with Microsofts OpenAI after its previous tool, Bard, stumbled.

In keeping with Alphabets focus on future investments, the company announced that executive Ruth Porat would be leaving her role as chief financial officer to helm a newly created position of president and chief investment officer. She will simultaneously remain CFO until the company selects her successor, Alphabet said in a statement.

Reuters contributed reporting
(Bloomberg) -- A CEO whose company says its artificial intelligence products are tools that people can rely on warned senators Tuesday that AI is much closer than anticipated to overtaking human intelligence and even helping to produce weapons of mass destruction.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Dario Amodei, chief executive officer and cofounder of Anthropic, cited the need to reduce AIs short-term risks of bias as well as longer-term risks to humanity. He told a Senate Judiciary Committee panel Tuesday that the medium term poses the most alarming combination of imminence and severity  including the possibility that malign actors could harness AI to make it easier to produce biological weapons.

He urged passage of legislation to avoid global risks from computer systems that he said even their creators might not understand.

Amodei, whose AI company is structured as a public benefit corporation, recommended US policies to secure AI supply chains  from the semiconductors that provide computing power to their resulting models. He told the Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law that those policies would help give America enough growing room to impose rigorous standards on our own companies without ceding ground to adversaries. That should be accompanied by testing and auditing for the most powerful AI systems, a process that should be supported by government funding, he said.

Senator Richard Blumenthal, the Connecticut Democrat who chairs the subcommittee, compared this moment to Congresss past failure to regulate social media or provide the most basic data privacy protections for American consumers.

Recognizing that the pace of AI innovation has far outpaced Congresss ability to pass binding regulation, the Biden administration last week secured a series of commitments from leading AI companies  including Anthropic  to allow external auditing, label AI-generated content and invest in security, among other measures.

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Read More: Biden Vows to Stay Vigilant on AI as Firms Unveil Safeguards

Blumenthal nodded to this pledge, which was endorsed by OpenAI, Alphabet Inc.s Google, Microsoft Corp., Meta Platforms Inc. and Amazon.com Inc.. But he said Congress still needs to step in to regulate the technology.

These commitments are unspecific and unenforceable, Blumenthal said. I know there are doubts about Congress and about our ability to act, but the urgency here demands action.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Apple

Apple has been accused of striking a secret deal to keep the price of iPhone, Beats headphones and its other products on Amazon artificially high.

The two tech giants have been accused of colluding to block independent Amazon sellers offering discounted Apple products in an action filed today in the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal

The case, which is seeking 500m from Amazon and Apple, claims Amazon was offered a financial incentive to block third party sellers of Apple products its website.

The Apple-Amazon deal was allegedly struck in October 2018 and covered Beats headphones, iPhones, iPads and MacBooks.

Christine Riefa, a University of Reading law professor who is leading the class action-style case, said: I believe that big businesses like Apple and Amazon should behave fairly and compete on merits, not by using underhand tactics.



Ms Riefa and her lawyers believe up to seven million Britons were affected by the deal.

A spokesman for Amazon said the claim was without merit and the agreement with Apple allowed customers to benefit from an expanded range with better deals and faster shipping.

The case comes just a day after a separate filing in London accusing Apples App store of being an unfair monopoly.

Announced on Tuesday, that case seeks 785m for 1,500 developers who say Apples 30pc commission on App Store sales amounts to abusive pricing.

The Californian tech company has previously said 85pc of developers distributing apps through the App Store do not pay any commission.



Apples fees have faced repeated criticism and legal challenges in recent years. The iPhone maker was involved in a long-running legal spat with Epic Games, the owner of the popular title Fortnite, over the changes and Elon Musk last year described Apples levy as a 30pc tax on the internet.



Ongoing pressure forced Apple to introduce a lower 15pc commission rate for smaller developers in 2021 to settle a similar US class action.



Apples App Store is the only official source of apps to download onto iPhones and iPads. While the devices can be jailbroken to directly install apps and bypass the so-called fee, doing so is difficult and invalidates the warranty.



In contrast, Googles Android mobile operating system allows anyone to set up a rival to its Play Store.



Apple argues that its high fee is justified because it helps developers reach a wide audience and goes towards keeping customers safe from scams and frauds.



In 2022 the App Store generated $1.1tn in sales for app developers, according to Apple figures. Around $320bn was paid out to app developers between 2008 and 2022.



Addressing the case, Apple said UK developers earned 38bn from its App Store last year.

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The main aim of stock picking is to find the market-beating stocks. But even the best stock picker will only win with some selections. At this point some shareholders may be questioning their investment in Axiata Group Berhad (KLSE:AXIATA), since the last five years saw the share price fall 40%. The falls have accelerated recently, with the share price down 14% in the last three months.

The recent uptick of 4.0% could be a positive sign of things to come, so let's take a look at historical fundamentals.

View our latest analysis for Axiata Group Berhad

While markets are a powerful pricing mechanism, share prices reflect investor sentiment, not just underlying business performance. By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time.

Axiata Group Berhad has made a profit in the past. However, it made a loss in the last twelve months, suggesting profit may be an unreliable metric at this stage. Other metrics might give us a better handle on how its value is changing over time.

It could be that the revenue decline of 3.5% per year is viewed as evidence that Axiata Group Berhad is shrinking. That could explain the weak share price.

The company's revenue and earnings (over time) are depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers).

Axiata Group Berhad is a well known stock, with plenty of analyst coverage, suggesting some visibility into future growth. If you are thinking of buying or selling Axiata Group Berhad stock, you should check out this free report showing analyst consensus estimates for future profits.

What About Dividends?

It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. Whereas the share price return only reflects the change in the share price, the TSR includes the value of dividends (assuming they were reinvested) and the benefit of any discounted capital raising or spin-off. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. As it happens, Axiata Group Berhad's TSR for the last 5 years was -31%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence!

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A Different Perspective

Axiata Group Berhad shareholders are up 0.8% for the year (even including dividends). But that return falls short of the market. But at least that's still a gain! Over five years the TSR has been a reduction of 6% per year, over five years. So this might be a sign the business has turned its fortunes around. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Axiata Group Berhad better, we need to consider many other factors. Case in point: We've spotted 2 warning signs for Axiata Group Berhad you should be aware of.

We will like Axiata Group Berhad better if we see some big insider buys. While we wait, check out this free list of growing companies with considerable, recent, insider buying.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Malaysian exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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There are now 37 states admitted as intervenors in the legal battle over the waiver granted for the California Clean Trucks rule. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

More than half the states in the U.S. are now intervenors in the lawsuit that challenges a waiver granted to California to implement its Clean Trucks rule.

Following a petition filed in early June that allowed 19 states to challenge the waiver granted in April by the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Monday agreed to add 18 states that are expected to back the waiver: Washington, New Jersey, Maine, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Colorado, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, North Carolina, California, Minnesota, Delaware, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. The list of intervenors also includes the cities of Los Angeles and New York and the District of Columbia.

All of the 19 states challenging the waiver have either Republican governors or a Republican attorney general. All 18 states expected to back the waiver have Democratic governors, except Vermont.

Allowing the 18 states to join as intervenors now means that 38 states are participants in the case. But the list doesnt stop there. The decision by the appellate court of the District of Columbia to let the 18 states into the mix also allowed several left-leaning organizations, including the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Environmental Defense Fund.

The case now is known as Western States Trucking Association et al v. Environmental Protection Agency. It is a consolidation of five cases. The list of other parties under the category of et al is a long one made up primarily of oil-related trade groups, such as the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers and the National Association of Convenience Stores.

Parties that are let into a legal action as intervenors have the same status as the original defendants or plaintiffs, according to attorneys connected to the case. The end result is that the number of plaintiffs and defendants in Western States v. EPA will total several dozen.

At issue is the April waiver granted by the EPA that allowed California to adopt its Clean Trucks rule. That rule was formally approved by the California Air Resources Board in June 2020 and given final approval by the states Office of Administrative Law in March 2021. Although approval was announced in March, the waiver was not formally published in the Federal Register until April 5.

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The Clean Trucks rule, which is a mandate on OEMs that sell trucks into California, works alongside the Clean Fleets rule, which governs the owners of trucks, toward a goal of a full fleet of zero-emissions vehicles in the state by 2045.

There has been no waiver granted for the Clean Fleets rule. The state of California has indicated it does not believe it needs a waiver for Clean Fleets, a stance that sources have said may eventually be challenged.

In granting the waiver in April, the EPA, in a Federal Register notice, recapped that going back to 1967, the federal government has allowed California to set its own environmental standards but that in many cases it also needed to seek a waiver from EPA to do so.

That waiver must be granted, the EPA said, if California determines that its standards are, in the aggregate, at least as protective of the public health and welfare as applicable Federal standards.

There is a three-pronged test that the EPA must meet if it chooses to deny a waiver, dealing with whether the standards are necessary or inconsistent. And as attorneys connected to the ongoing litigation have noted, the EPA is not known to have ever denied such a waiver.

I have determined that the waiver opponents have not met their burden of proof, EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in granting the states waiver request.

The request to intervene by the 19 states seen as against the rule do not lay out their argument as to why the waiver should not have been granted. The states seen as backing the EPA waiver also have not been required to file their arguments, as a briefing schedule has not been established yet.

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The post Battle ranks over California waiver for Clean Trucks rule swell appeared first on FreightWaves.
The Education Department and the Colorado attorney general on Tuesday announced $130 million in automatic debt discharge for 7,400 Colorado student loan borrowers who attended CollegeAmerica.

Based on evidence gathered by the Colorado attorney generals office, the Education Department found that CollegeAmericas parent company  the Center for Excellence in Higher Education (CEHE)  made misrepresentations about graduates salaries and employment rates, its programs, and the terms of private loans it offered borrowers.

The move is the latest effort from the Biden administration to provide relief to borrowers caught up in the wrongdoing by predatory schools and is a reversal of the steps taken by the previous administration.

Read more: Will I be taxed on student loan forgiveness?

This announcement means a clean slate for thousands of students hurt by CollegeAmericas widespread misconduct, Richard Cordray, chief of the Education Departments Federal Student Aid, said in a press release. We will continue to work to deliver targeted student loan relief to borrowers whose schools take advantage of them.

New graduates line up before the start of a commencement in East Rutherford, N.J., May 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

Eligible borrowers were enrolled at Colorado-based locations of CollegeAmerica from Jan. 1, 2006, to July 1, 2020. It doesnt apply to borrowers who attended CollegeAmerica campuses outside of Colorado, senior department officials said in a press call.

Discharge also only applies to federal student loans, not private loans or commercial FFEL loans.

Eligible borrowers will receive notification in August and will receive relief even if they have not filed a borrower defense application, a legal ground for discharging federal Direct Loans because a school engaged in certain misconduct related to the making of a federal loan or the educational services it provided, which caused harm, according to Federal Student Aid.

Remaining loan balances will be zeroed out, credit bureau trade lines deleted, and borrowers who made any payments will be refunded, according to the Department.

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US President Joe Biden speaks about his plans for continued student debt relief after a US Supreme Court decision blocking his plan to cancel $430 billion in student loan debt. June 30, 2023. (REUTERS/Leah Millis)

The Colorado CollegeAmerica campuses stopped enrolling new students in 2019 and closed in September 2020 with all remaining CEHE campuses closing in August 2021.

The Colorado AGs investigation found that CEHEs advertisement materials included misleadingly high salaries when the average graduate earned $25,000 five years out of school, or less than the salaries of high school graduates publicized by the school, the press release stated. It also found that CEHE inflated and falsified job placement rates.

Additionally, CEHE told borrowers that its private loan product was affordable when it knew that 70% of Colorado CollegeAmerica borrowers had defaulted on their loans. It also claimed students would get certifications to become X-ray technicians, even though the school did not own any X-ray machines.

CollegeAmerica knowingly took advantage of students by luring them into high-priced, low-quality programs with promises of high-earning potential and job placement that it knew were not attainable, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said in a press release. Protecting borrowers from predatory lending and helping Coloradans navigate through student loan burdens will continue to be a priority for our office.

The Biden-Harris Administration has approved $14.7 billion in relief for 1.1 million borrowers whose colleges took advantage of them or closed abruptly. This includes giving hundreds of thousands of borrowers a fresh start from loans taken out at Corinthian Colleges and ITT Technical Institute.

Borrowers who were misled or whose school "engaged in other misconduct in violation of certain state laws can apply for loan discharge under the Borrower Defense Loan Discharge program.

Those applications surged after the Obama administration cracked down on predatory for-profit colleges in 2015 and created new regulations. But the mechanism for defrauded borrowers seeking debt relief broke down during the Trump administration under former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

That has changed under the Biden administration.

For instance, the Education Department discharged $1.5 billion in student loans for 79,000 former defrauded students who attended for-profit Westwood College. The department has previously announced loan discharges for former students at DeVry University, Corinthian College, and ITT Tech.

Overall, the Biden administration has approved $14.7 billion in relief for 1.1 million borrowers whose colleges took advantage of them or closed abruptly.

Borrowers who think they may qualify for this discharge or other borrower defense relief can call the Education Departments hotline at (855) 279-6207 if they have questions.

Ronda is a personal finance senior reporter for Yahoo Finance and attorney with experience in law, insurance, education, and government. Follow her on Twitter @writesronda.

Click here for the latest personal finance news to help you with investing, paying off debt, buying a home, retirement, and more

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Salt Lake City will soon lose the honor of hosting Costco's largest store because the retailer is planning to build a new largest store, covering an area of 241,342 square-foot, in Fresno, California.

The project site would cover more than 22 acres of land in northwest Fresno, less than 3 miles from an existing store, according to a draft environmental impact report of the proposed Fresno Costco Commercial Center Project released by the City of Fresno's Planning & Development Department.

Costco says that its customer base in the area has outgrown the capacity of the current facility of 134,000 square feet, which has existed in the city of Fresno since 1985, prompting the need for a new store.

The project would allow Costco to expand services in the area to include an additional gas station and a car wash, as well as a loading area to facilitate delivery of purchases directly to homes in the Fresno area, reads the report.

Costco membership: Why is Costco tightening up its membership policies? Here are 3 good reasons.

Sam's Club vs. Costco: Is paying an annual fee worth the savings for shoppers?

What will the world's biggest Costco include?

Basic plans for the store include a main warehouse building of more than 241,000 square feet, in addition, the proposed store would have:

32 fuel pumps at a detached gas station

889 parking stalls

An automated car wash

Optical exams and sales

Hearing aid testing and sales

Pharmacy

Food service prep and sales

Meat prep and sales

Bakery

Alcohol

However, not all warehouse space would be utilized for shopping purposes  about 47,000 square feet would be dedicated to e-commerce fulfillment, which is typically handled at separate locations.

According to Business Insider, combining e-commerce and traditional retail under one roof is a newer move for Costco, one that aims to bring it on par with its competitors including Target, which uses its stores to fulfill orders, and Walmart which has used its stores for e-commerce fulfillment for years.

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A timeline for the construction and potential opening of the store has not yet been specified but the project needs various permits and entitlements before work could begin. Residents have also been asked to share their thoughts on the new project.

One of the major concerns for residents in the area is increased traffic congestion, reported the Fresno Bee. The draft report estimates that the Costco center would generate more than 10,600 vehicle trips on weekdays and more than 14,200 trips on Saturdays and Sundays.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New Costco in Fresno, California will be company's biggest store ever
The market's largest crypto exchange Binance will begin offering full services for Japanese users in August, said its CEO Changpeng Zhaos during a conference in Tokyo on Tuesday.

The announcement follows Binances acquisition of Sakura Exchange BitCoin (SEBC) in an undisclosed deal last November.

SEBC is regulated by Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA), meaning the acquisition enables the crypto exchange to officially re-enter Japan.

A Binance spokesperson told Decrypt in November that Japan has a "huge potential in the emerging Web3 industry" and is going to "play a key role" in the continued adoption of crypto.

Binance Acquires Japanese Crypto Exchange Sakura

According to a notice in May, the exchange planned to discontinue services for Japanese users on its global platform on November 30, offering current users the ability to migrate to the new local platform through a new identity verification process after August 1.

Initially, the exchange planned to offer up to 30 digital assets for spot trading on the new platform.

Binance and the FSA didnt immediately respond to Decrypts requests for comment.

Binance and Japan

In 2017, the FSA introduced a registration process for cryptocurrency companies, operating in the country, requiring them to file with the regulator.

Since then, the agency at least twicein 2018 and 2021warned Binance of operating in the country without necessary permissions. Notably, the second warning was issued despite Binances claims that the crypto exchange had left Japan.

Crypto Exchange Binance Eyes Return to Japan 4 Years After Exit: Report

In September 2022, shortly before the acquisition of SEBC, it was reported that Binance was seeking a license to operate in the country and planned to apply for regulatory approval.

A spokesperson for the exchange declined to comment on discussions with specific regulators at the time, telling Decrypt that the exchange is committed to working with regulators and policymakers to shape policies that protect consumers, encourage innovation, and move our industry forward globally.
Bonita-Springs-based Herc Holdings Inc. (HRI) today said its second quarter revenue increased 25%, while adjusted earnings per share was $2.66. Both missed the average analyst estimate.

Herc, which operates through its Herc Rentals Inc. unit, said its 2Q revenue increased to $802 million. While that was up from $640 million the same quarter a year ago, it disappointed analysts who were expecting total revenue of $814.65 million, according to Yahoo Finance estimates.

Those same eight analysts, on average, estimated Herc to report earnings of $3.13 per share. The stock was down 3.6% and trading at $130.59 on the New York Stock Exchange as of 1:33 p.m. EST. The stock, which was downgraded two notches to underperform from buy last week by BofA Securities, is down 11% in the past five days.

The Herc Rentals Field Support Center at 27500 Riverview Center Blvd. in Bonita Springs, photographed Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021. The equipment rental company said Tuesday its second quarter revenue increased 25%.

Herc reported $702 million in equipment rental revenue, up 16%. Herc rents equipment that includes aerial, earthmoving, material handling, trucks and trailers, air compressors, compaction, lighting, trench shoring, and studio and production equipment. Total fleet at original equipment cost (OEC) was $6.2 billion as of June 30, up 27%.

"Its clear that we continue to significantly outperform the equipment rental industry. ARA (American Rental Association) estimates the industry grew 8% in the second quarter compared with our rental revenue growth of 16%," Chief Executive Officer Larry Silber told investors on Herc's webcast this morning.

Herc reaffirms 2023 EBITDA forecast

The company reaffirmed its EBITDA forecast for the year and still expects net rental capital expenditures of $1 billion to $1.5 billion, which Herc now sees at the lower end of that forecast, according to a slide presentation. EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, a commonly used measure of financial performance.

Herc reported spending $572 million in net rental capital expenditures in the first 6 months of the year. The figures take into account sales of any equipment.

Also in the quarter, Herc declared a quarterly dividend of $0.6325 payable to shareholders of record as of May 26, 2023, with a payment date of June 9, 2023. It bought back about 990,000 shares of its common stock for $107 million during the first half of 2023. As of June 30, 2023, about $174 million remains available under a previously announced share repurchase program.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Bonita Springs-based Herc Holdings 2Q shows rental revenue up 16%
Partnership supports Guyanas launch of their Wellness Initiative to promote a healthier lifestyle among its citizens

BOSTON, July 25, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BPGbio, Inc., a leading AI-powered biopharma that focuses on oncology, neurology, and rare diseases, today announced its collaboration with VELL Health, a technology leader in wellness and holistic health, to introduce a groundbreaking holistic health and wellness application for people with Type 2 Diabetes in Guyana. This innovative initiative is part of Guyana's nationwide pilot program for diabetes clinics which aims to improve healthcare by leveraging mobile technology, data sciences, and holistic health approaches.

This collaboration brings together the VELL Health app, the worlds first holistic health platform and mobile app designed to optimize your health on demand, and BPGbios AI-powered Interrogative Biology platform, to provide patients with comprehensive precision insights customized for the individual on how to best manage their diabetes through nutrition, supplements, fitness, mind, and care activities. The individualized insights are based on the patients lifestyle patterns, symptom statistics, medication usage, and integrative measures such as glucose readings.

"BPGbio is both honored and excited to partner with VELL Health on this very important global health initiative in Guyana. This partnership initiative will help enhance the predictive power of our platform by leveraging new patient data, and to begin to directly benefit patient care," said BPGbio President & CEO, Niven R. Narain, Ph.D. "By combining resources and expertise with VELL Health, we aim to deliver improved outcomes in the area of Type 2 Diabetes across the multicultural and social landscape of Guyana and indeed the broader Caribbean and Latin America."

Guyana is located on the Atlantic coast of South America bordering Venezuela, Brazil, and Suriname and has a population of approximately 800,000 people. Leveraging proceeds from the discovery of oil less than a decade ago, Guyanas economy has developed rapidly, and its government has sought to establish programs to improve living standards for its culturally and ethnically diverse population.

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Among these are Guyanas Wellness Initiative, a national effort aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among its citizens, in which BPGbio and VELL Health are focused on improving outcomes for patients with Type 2 Diabetes. The partnership marks a first step on the journey to utilize health technology to better engage patients and physicians in patient-centered healthcare.

"Vell Health and BPGbio together taking a holistic approach to Type 2 Diabetes perfectly aligns with our Wellness Initiative," said Dr. Frank Anthony, Health Minister of Guyana. "I look forward to seeing positive results from this pilot program and setting the tone to a national strategy that employs the top technology leaders and companies to advance better healthcare for Guyanese citizens."

"The introduction of the Type 2 Diabetes holistic health app marks a pivotal moment in applying technology to empower individuals and healthcare providers," said VELL Health Co-founder Dr. Ken Grey, AP, DOM. "Together, we are privileged to offer a tool that will revolutionize patient care and provide comprehensive solutions for managing Type 2 Diabetes."

For more information about BPGbio and its collaboration with VELL Health, please visit https://bpgbio.com/.

About BPGbio, Inc.:

Headquartered in the greater Boston, Massachusetts area, BPGbio, Inc., is a leading AI-powered biopharmaceutical company with a human biology focus. BPGbio leverages its Interrogative Biology platform, along with one of the worlds largest non-governmental, clinically and multi-omics annotated human biorepositories, to redefine how patient biology can be modeled using unbiased AI. This approach accelerates and de-risks the process of drug discovery across oncology, neurology, and rare diseases. To learn more about BPGbio's therapeutics and diagnostics pipeline, visit www.bpgbio.com

About VELL Health:

VELL Health is a leading provider of innovative health and wellness solutions, dedicated to empowering individuals with curated information and tools to live their healthiest lives. Through its cutting-edge app, VELL Health offers personalized guidance, tracking, and insights, transforming the way people approach their well-being. Available for download now via Apple App Store and Google Play.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725180626/en/

Contacts

media@bpgbio.com
(Bloomberg) -- Warren Buffetts multibillion-dollar purchases of oil and gas investments early in the pandemic paid off when the sector cranked out record earnings in 2022. But instead of selling out for a huge profit this year, the Oracle of Omaha wants more.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is using this years dip in commodity prices to load up on some of Buffetts favorite oil and gas investments, showing that historys most famous investor sees opportunity in a sector long disfavored due to its volatility and effects on the climate.

Earlier this month, Berkshire agreed to spend $3.3 billion to boost its stake in a liquefied natural gas export terminal in Maryland. This year it has also increased its holding in Occidental Petroleum Corp. by 15% and bought more stock in five Japanese commodity traders. Meanwhile, Berkshires energy division is lobbying hard for a bill that would see Texas spend at least $10 billion on natural gas-fired power plants to back up its grid.

On one level, its classic bargain-hunting by Buffett and Berkshire Vice Chairman Charlie Munger. Persistent concerns over the sectors environmental, social and governance performance, poor pre-pandemic returns and the risk of declining demand for fossil fuels in the decades ahead have soured many investors on the industry. Energy trades at the lowest price-to-earnings valuation of any sector in the S&P 500 Index, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. But it also generates the most cash flow per share.

People are missing the economics that Buffett and Munger are looking at, said Cole Smead, chief executive officer of Smead Capital Management, which manages $5.4 billion, including Berkshire and Occidental shares. The returns on capital in coal, oil and gas are off the charts compared with other sectors. And with ESG, you can buy them cheaper than you otherwise would.

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Nuanced Bet

But Buffetts fossil fuel bet isnt without nuances. While Berkshire remains the third-largest shareholder in Chevron Corp., it cut its stake by about 21% in the first quarter. Occidental, Cove Point LNG and Japans trading giants all have unique assets that will play a key role in powering the world no matter what path the energy transition takes, if it occurs at all.

Even Berkshires seemingly straightforward investments in oil have their subtleties. Take Occidental. Buffett invested $10 billion to help Occidental beat Chevron in a bidding war for Anadarko Petroleum Corp. in 2019, and the company now owns an area the size of Jamaica in the worlds biggest and lowest-cost shale oil field.

At this years annual meeting, Buffett stressed how shale is different from conventional crude sources in Russia and the Middle East. Shale wells, which make up the majority of US production, can be brought on quickly and have short lifespans, making operators more flexible in responding to oil demand and prices.

In the United States, were lucky to have the ability to produce the kind of oil weve got from shale, but it is not a long-term source like you might think by watching movies, he said, dubbing it short-lived oil.

Buffett also said both extremes in the climate debate have gotten ridiculous in their arguments.

We will make rational decisions, he said. We do not think its un-American to be producing oil.

Cove Point LNG provides another example of a nuanced energy play. The facility buys gas from the nearby Marcellus shale and chills it into a liquid before shipping around the world. It also has the rare ability to import gas, something rival plants on the Gulf Coast cant do. Global LNG demand has risen substantially in recent years as Europe replaces Russian gas, Asia uses it to generate more power for its growing economies and countries seek cleaner alternatives to coal.

But Cove Point also has several unique advantages. In contrast to the several multibillion projects along the Gulf Coast that have been sanctioned since Russias invasion of Ukraine, Cove Point is well established, having operated since 2018. Its located in Maryland on the East Coast where laws make rival facilities difficult to build, reducing competition. Crucially, its underpinned by long-term contracts with buyers including Tokyo Gas Co. and Sumitomo Corp. Berkshire is Sumitomos second-largest shareholder after the Japanese governments pension fund.

Outside of Buffetts stock holdings, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, which owns utilities, power generation facilities and transmission lines, is in robust shape. Earnings for the division, overseen by Buffetts anointed successor Greg Abel, reached a record high of $3.9 billion in 2022, almost doubling in five years. Berkshire is scheduled to report second-quarter results on Aug. 5.

Its a clear sign that the worlds thirst for energy, both fossil fuels and renewable, is insatiable, even as the climate crisis accelerates. Both temperatures and oil demand are hitting record highs this year and are poised to keep rising through the rest of this decade. Environmental concerns may have prompted others to shun energy, but they may also have left the door open for Buffett to profit, Smead said.

I love ESG because it helps keep oil and gas stocks cheap, Smead said. Im sure Buffett and Munger love ESG as well.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Open AI CEO Sam Altman Brian Ach/Getty Images for TechCrunch

The rise of generative-AI technology could have productivity benefits for many workers.

But OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says some jobs are "definitely going to go away."

New jobs could be created in their place, but not all displaced workers are set to benefit.

Generative artificial intelligence technology such as ChatGPT could boost productivity for many workers in the years ahead. But some people are likely to lose their jobs in the process.

That's according to Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. Altman said in June that AI's development could provide the "most tremendous leap forward" for people's quality of life. But he also said in March it'd be "crazy not to be a little afraid of AI" and its potential to create "disinformation problems or economic shocks."

In a new interview with The Atlantic, Altman pushed back on the idea that the AI boom would have only a positive impact on workers.

"A lot of people working on AI pretend that it's only going to be good; it's only going to be a supplement; no one is ever going to be replaced," he said. "Jobs are definitely going to go away, full stop."

Since ChatGPT rolled out last November, economy experts have spoken about the ways AI could serve as a valuable assistant to workers  helping them become more productive and spend less time on boring tasks. Some experts expressed optimism that AI wouldn't result in the widespread job displacement many Americans fear and said that they should be more worried about their co-workers using these technologies to supplant them.

"You will not be replaced by AI but by someone who knows what to do with AI," Oded Netzer, a Columbia Business School professor, told Insider in early July.

But Altman's comments speak to a harsh reality: Even if most jobs aren't displaced, some are likely to go by the wayside. In March, Goldman Sachs said that 300 million full-time jobs across the globe could be disrupted by AI.

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"History tells us that simplification is often merely a step towards automation," Carl Benedikt Frey, an Oxford economist, previously told Insider. "AI assistants that analyze telemarketers' calls and provide recommendations are being trained with the ultimate goal of replacing them."

The widespread adoption of AI, however, could also create new jobs. Altman told The Atlantic that he expected better jobs would be created in place of any that were disrupted.

"I don't think we'll want to go back," he said.

The question, however, is whether displaced workers would be able to navigate their way to these new positions.

Ethan Mollick, an associate professor of entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, said the late-19th century automation of telephone operators  then a common profession for women  was an example of workers struggling to adapt to technological change.

"When you got rid of operators, then basically young women were able to adjust, find new jobs and were able to adapt," he said. "But older women took a lifelong hit to wages  were never able to find as good a job again."

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Bloomberg) -- Chinas relaxation of natural gas price controls will benefit local utilities and may help spur demand for seaborne imports, according to an executive at China Gas Holdings Ltd.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The major distributor expects to see its gross margin jump 30% this year after regulators green-lighted increases to residential prices to better reflect the cost of purchasing fuel, said Tan Yuwei, general manager of capital management at the Hong Kong-listed company. The move would also allow the development of previously unprofitable projects, he said.

Read More: Chinese Residential Gas Prices Rise After Controls Loosened

Chinas loosening of price controls continues a slow-and-steady approach to gradually introducing more market-based rules to its highly regulated energy system, and allows local utilities to pass on some of the soaring costs for imported gas last year following Russians invasion of Ukraine.

The price reforms will boost household gas sales, as we have a large amount of coal-to-gas projects with growth potential that have long been suppressed by the price caps, Tan said. They will also increase interest in buying more liquefied natural gas, in the spot market and under term deals, he said.

The companys shares rose as much as 3.4% as of 2:49 p.m. in Hong Kong on Tuesday, the most since July 10, paring their year-to-date decline to 25%.

China Gas is hoping to profit from a resurgence in the nations gas demand, which last year fell for the first time in decades. The company nonetheless sold 7% more gas in the year through March, reaching more than 45 million households, but the higher prices helped contribute to a 44% slump in profit.

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China Gas is also a major liquefied natural gas importer  thanks to an alliance with state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corp. It is independently looking to add about 2 million tons more of annual supply after signing deals for 3.7 million tons with US suppliers Energy Transfer LP, NextDecade Corp. and Venture Global LNG Inc., Tan said.

The companys LNG imports could double thanks to a major import terminal in Shandong province thats set to start by the end of next year and minority interests in two other terminals, Tan said.

China Gas is also a beneficiary of Russian gas imports, which enter the nation in the northeast, where the company has the largest market share. Imports from Russia through the Power of Siberia pipeline may reach full capacity in 2024, a year earlier than planned, as a link into Shanghai is almost complete, Tan said.

--With assistance from Abhishek Vishnoi.

(Updates to add share price move in fifth paragraph.)

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(Bloomberg) -- Global investors are locked in a debate over whether Chinas pledges to support its slowing economy will finally revive animal spirits in the market, or fall flat after a fleeting rebound.

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In the more optimistic camp, analysts and money managers see the statement from the Politburo as more powerful with its recognition of key market concerns including the troubled housing sector. But a lack of clear policy actions to repair the economys challenges and deep-rooted market pessimism would make a meaningful rebound hard to come by, the skeptics say.

Initial market reactions suggest optimism outweighs, with Chinese stocks rallying and the yuan strengthening on Tuesday.

READ: Chinas Markets Throw Off Gloom for Now as Xi Offers Lifeline

While Beijing fell short of announcing large-scale stimulus, it signaled more support for the troubled real estate sector alongside pledges to boost consumption and resolve local government debt issues. Heres what analysts and money managers are saying.

The Hopefuls:

Fidelity International (Andrew McCaffery, global chief investment officer)

Markets have been disappointed as they anticipated more rapid improvement, but they are now beginning to rationalize their growth expectations. Our view is that this somewhat unexciting period will eventually give way to a more positive market tone.

The introduction of further short-term measures should stabilize the employment market and underpin consumer confidence. However, international investors are also looking for policy makers to clarify their longer-term policy framework in areas such as demographic and structural housing issues.

Some of this uncertainty could be cleared up in the next few weeks, which would also help investor confidence.

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Kamet Capital Partners Pte. (Kerry Goh, chief investment officer)

What stood out to me was they said targeted but powerful measures can be expected. So far, Ive only heard of modest policy stimulus from the government. So the choice of wording is interesting.

Market will probably be range-bound until first policy announcement.

Lets see how powerful it is. That will determine the market direction in coming months. What I like though is that they are beginning to understand they need to resuscitate real estate.

China is under-owned and theres low expectation on government policy moves. We think theres a need to reallocate to China stocks from the US and other Group of Seven markets following the Politburo statements.

Morgan Stanley (Min Dai and Gek Teng Khoo, strategists)

Overall, we believe that the statement exceeds investors expectations: the reaction in the FX market has so far been muted following the statement but we believe that the market would react more positively in the next few days/weeks.

It effectively gives the green light for the State Council to provide more easing measures in the next few weeks. We believe that bad news going forward could be good news for the market.

The Skeptics:

Leuthold Global Fund (Chun Wang, portfolio manager)

We have seen this movie before. The latest policy signal from the Politburo is not surprising, considering the credit/liquidity crunch Chinese property companies are currently facing. The government knows the size of the property problem is way too big for them to bail everyone out.

With banks already laden with previous bad loans, public debt/GDP surging to record high, the governments ability to put together a large-scale bailout is very limited. In other words, we expect China to only do enough to stem widespread risk contagion, but not much more. Overall, the new policy is not significant enough to serve as a catalyst for a new bull market.

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. (Jennifer Kusuma, senior Asia rates strategist)

Its becoming more obvious that these longer-term measures have to be accompanied with the short-term measures. In terms of the policy measures these are still early days. It will be difficult in our view to see turnaround in the policy direction for longer-term priorities but there is scope for policies to surprise to upside given how low expectations are.

Measures announced wont be able to turn around the structural issues in the economy. Will need to see if the improvement in the sentiment will be followed by policy actions in the coming days or months.

NatWest Markets (Galvin Chia, emerging market strategist)

I definitely think theres too much pessimism priced in, but I also think that the bar for markets to turn pessimism around is higher than what the Politburo was able to deliver.

Expectations by foreigners into the Politburo event have invariably remained high as they hoped for a big, commodity-led stimulus; the measures looks basically like a restatement of the stream of policy easing measures that have been announced in recent weeks.

--With assistance from Abhishek Vishnoi and Wenjin Lv.

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BEIJING (Reuters) - Several Chinese steel mills have received instructions to cap this year's output at the same level as 2022, five people familiar with the matter and analyst reports said on Tuesday, potentially curbing iron ore demand in the world's top steel market.

Three mills owned by the world's biggest steelmaker, state-owned China Baowu Steel Group, were given verbal instructions that output should not exceed that of 2022, said four of the sources, with two adding the orders were delivered yesterday.

None of the people specified which authority issued the orders and all declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter.

A Baowu public relations official said he had no information to share on the matter.

China has mandated zero output growth in its steel sector for the last two years as it seeks to limit carbon emissions by one of its most polluting industries.

In both 2021 and 2022, the state planner announced the zero growth target in the second quarter, but no public announcement has been made this year, leaving the market guessing on Beijing's plans.

China's state planner did not respond to a fax seeking comment on the caps issued at some steel mills.

Some mills in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin were notified to keep steel output below the 2022 level, according to reports by local consultancies Mysteel and Fubao on Tuesday, which did not specify the number of mills.

Some mills in eastern China also received similar instructions, consultancy Shanghai Metals Market said.

However, a dozen mills in northern Chinese cities including Tianjin and Handan contacted by Reuters said they had not yet received any instructions to cap their output.

The most-traded steel rebar contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange closed daytime trading 1.21% higher at 3,857 yuan ($539.93) per metric ton on Tuesday, the highest since April 20.

China produced 535.64 million metric tons of crude steel in the first half of the year, up 1.3% from the same period last year, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed.

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Output in 2022 fell 1.7% on the prior year to 1.018 billion metric tons.

($1 = 7.1435 Chinese yuan)

(Reporting by Dominique Patton and Beijing newsroom; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
City AM

City AM is on the brink of administration after its efforts to find a buyer in the wake of the pandemic failed to bear fruit.

The London freesheet, which has been left reeling by repeated lockdowns and the legacy of home working, is poised to call in administrators at BDO to begin an insolvency process.

Bosses are now hoping to secure a pre-pack agreement, which would see an immediate sale of all or parts of the company after it goes into administration.

In an email to staff, seen by the Telegraph, editor Andy Silvester said administration had always been a possibility, adding that the paper was still in advanced negotiations with one potential buyer.

He wrote: I recognise this is unsettling news but I want you to know that it is business as usual for us and we are working night and day to secure a future for City AM.

Earlier this month the company said it had appointed FRP Advisory to explore a sale after failing to attract new investment.

The announcement sparked an impassioned response from readers including Conservative MP Tracey Crouch, who described the papers struggles as scandalous.

She added: City AM is by far the best freesheet. I hope a buyer can be found quickly so that its excellent coverage and insight can continue for many years to come.

City AM was a major victim of the pandemic as financial professionals stopped commuting into the Square Mile. It moved to an online-only model in March 2020 and remained out of print for 18 months.

The business-focused paper has since struggled to regain its previous audiences amid a shift to home working. It currently reaches around 68,000 readers per day, down by more than 10,000 from pre-pandemic numbers.

The title ceased printing on Fridays in January as it adapted to new ways of working. In October 2021 the paper itself coined the acronym TWATs to describe employees who only go into the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

City AM has shifted its focus to digital output, with its website attracting between 1.8m and 2m unique visitors per month.

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However, it has been left struggling with debts of 1.6m in 2021 and lacks the funds to invest.

In a further blow, City AM has also been hit by a recent wave of Tube and train strikes, as well as soaring newsprint and distribution costs.

City AM is 50pc owned by a consortium of Dutch investors, while managing director Lawson Muncaster and chief executive Jens Thorpe each hold 25pc.

City AM and BDO declined to comment.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis: Why is this man laughing? (John Raoux / Associated Press)

With the news in recent days so irremediably grim  what with the mainstreaming of antisemitic drivel by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the record heat wave traceable to global warming  I found myself looking desperately for a comic interlude to lift my mood.

That brought me inevitably to the Ron DeSantis clown show. He offers dark comedy, to be sure, but comedy nonetheless. Over the last week, it has featured a ham-fisted attempt to whitewash the horrors of slavery in America.

That slavery thing is actually divided into two scenes. We'll take them in order.

Some slaves developed highly specialized trades from which they benefitted. This is factual and well documented.

William Allen and Frances Presley Rice, members of Florida African American History Task Force

Scene One is last Wednesday's approval by the Florida Board of Education of new standards for the teaching of African American history in the state's K-12 schools. What caught the attention of educators and other close readers was a provision that the curriculum cover "how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit."

Critics have concluded, absolutely correctly, that this provision serves to elide the manifold horrors of slavery by searching out its good side.

Its defenders say that's just one item in a 216-page curriculum, so what's the problem? Why, writes Charles C. W. Cooke of the right-wing National Review, the whole package "contains the word 'slave' 96 times, 'slaves' 23 times, and 'slavery' 45 times! The "skills" part, he writes, is only a "tiny (and correct)" piece of the total.

Leaving aside the stupidity of parsing a text by counting words, this evades the question of what the point is of placing this item into the curriculum at all. What's the goal of teaching students that slaves may have learned skills that might have sustained them if they were lucky enough to be freed or escape?

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Is it to show that subjecting human beings to rape, torture, family disruption, starvation unto death, and other brutality is only one aspect of a practice that also has, hey, its good points? That's a bit like saying that Jewish men, women and children may have been marched into the gas chambers at Auschwitz, but at least they got a train trip to the countryside out of it.

In its totality, the Florida curriculum aims to minimize the true character of American slavery.

Read more: Column: In blow to anti-trans bigots, judge finds Florida's treatment ban unconstitutional

Josh Marshall, who holds a doctorate in American history from Brown University but is best known as the founder and boss of the invaluable progressive website Talkingpointsmemo, put his finger succinctly on the curriculum's thrust in a Twitter thread this weekend. In its totality, he wrote, the text "certainly seems geared to deemphasize the backbreaking agricultural labor which was the lot of the vast majority of slaves during the 200 plus years of slavery."

The curriculum spends an inordinate amount of time on "other places where slavery was arguably worse" than the American South, such as Africa and the Caribbean," Marshall writes. "The upshot ... is definitely to soften the image of North American slavery."

The curriculum makes an effort to underscore the achievements of Black Americans in the modern era and civil rights leaders  though most of those it mentions in the latter context are white (presidents Eisenhower, Nixon and Lyndon Johnson, for example). Two Black intellectuals inexplicably included in that group are political scientist Shelby Steele and economist Thomas Sowell, who are widely regarded by their colleagues as hacks.

The real comic element of this whole affair comes in Scene Two: the formal defense. This was provided by two members of the all-Black task force appointed by the state Department of Education to craft the curriculum. Neither is a historian. They're William Allen and Frances Presley Rice.

Allen is an emeritus professor of political science at Michigan State University. Rice is a former Army lieutenant colonel and founder and chair of the National Black Republican Assn. Some years ago, Rice wrote a screed about the supposedly secret racist past of the Democratic Party, which she said had "hijacked the civil rights record of the Republican Party and taken blacks down the path of Socialism."

Sure, Democrats were known for part of their history as pro-slavery, and Republicans freed the slaves, thanks to Abraham Lincoln. But no one with functioning critical faculties thinks of either party as holding to those positions today  just the opposite.

In a statement tweeted out Thursday by Alex Lanfranconi, a publicity flack for the state Department of Education, Allen and Rice asserted that the intent of the "skills" provision is "to show that some slaves developed highly specialized trades from which they benefitted." They wrote: "This is factual and well documented."

Read more: Column: A glimpse into the dystopian abyss of President DeSantis' America

Is that so? Let's take a look. Allen and Rice provided 16 examples, listed by name and trade, to prove their point.

As it happens, nine of the 16 people mentioned never were slaves. Seven are identified by the wrong trade. Thirteen, possibly fourteen, did not learn their skills while enslaved. One, Betty Washington Lewis, whom Allen and Rice identified as a "shoemaker," was white: She was George Washington's younger sister.

A few other examples:

Allen and Rice mention Booker T. Washington in the category "teachers." Washington was 9 years old and illiterate when slavery was banned by the 13th Amendment in 1865. All the skills that brought him to the point of becoming the revered leader of the Tuskegee Institute he acquired as a free man.

Among the four individuals named as having learned blacksmithing as slaves, Ned Cobb was never enslaved, having been born in 1885, and was a tenant farmer; Henry Blair was an inventor born a free man in Maryland; Lewis Latimer was an inventor born free, to escaped slaves, in Massachusetts; and John Henry was a figure of folklore who may never have existed at all.

Of "fishing and shipping industry workers" named by Allen and Rice, John Chavis was born a free Black man in North Carolina who is known as an educator and minister; numerous biographies carry no mention that he was ever employed in fishing or shipping.

William Whipper was born in Pennsylvania to a Black slave and her white owner; he inherited his white father's lumber business and became a noted entrepreneur who helped finance the Underground Railroad. He did at some point own a Lake Erie steamship, which may have confused those indolent researchers Allen and Rice.

Read more: Column: In blow to anti-trans bigots, judge finds Florida's treatment ban unconstitutional

Then there's Crispus Attucks, who is best known as a victim in the Boston Massacre of 1770 and is often portrayed as the first martyr of the American Revolution. He was born into slavery in Massachusetts but learned his trade as a sailor on a whaling ship after escaping, not as a slave.

One great mystery about all this is where Allen and Rice acquired their incredible tsunami of misinformation. The Education Department named two sourcebooks for the Tampa Bay Times. They're "The Colored Patriots of the American Revolution," by William C. Pell (1895) and "The Encyclopedia of African American History, 1619-1895," published by Oxford University Press in 2006. But my online search through both found nothing that could be the source of the versions offered by Allen and Rice  in either book.

Put this all together, and it becomes clear that no one needs an education about African American history as desperately as the members of the Florida Education Department's task force on African American history.

That can hardly come as a surprise, since DeSantis made a special effort to stock it with five reliable Republican stooges (and one conservative Democrat) who happen to be Black but have no expertise as historians.

They include a state representative who is a lawyer, a former chief of staff in the state Department of Transportation, a newly appointed member of the board DeSantis created, as part of his war with Walt Disney Co., to replace the Disney-controlled board that oversaw the site of Disney World, and the head of the state lottery. (Allen and Rice were also among the appointees.)

Make no mistake: This is all part of DeSantis' effort to make himself look like a culture warrior par excellence, with no goal other than to obtain the GOP's presidential nomination.

That's what's behind his war with Disney over its temerity to criticize his "Don't Say Gay" law, his administration's browbeating of the College Board to water down its Advanced Placement course on Black history, and his deliberate destruction of the faculty and administration of New College of Florida, which was a leading public liberal arts college until DeSantis got his mitts on it and replaced its board with a gang of ignorant right-wing toadies.

Given that record, why would anyone be surprised that DeSantis wants to whitewash slavery? It is comic, but don't let anyone say that it isn't also disgusting.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Citizens Community Bancorp, Inc. (CZWI) reported $14.6 million in revenue for the quarter ended June 2023, representing a year-over-year decline of 12.3%. EPS of $0.31 for the same period compares to $0.41 a year ago.

The reported revenue represents a surprise of +2.09% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $14.3 million. With the consensus EPS estimate being $0.28, the EPS surprise was +10.71%.

While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Street expectations to determine their next move, some key metrics always offer a more accurate picture of a company's financial health.

Since these metrics play a crucial role in driving the top- and bottom-line numbers, comparing them with the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated about them helps investors better project a stock's price performance.

Here is how Citizens Community Bancorp, Inc. performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts:

Net Interest Margin : 2.72% compared to the 2.76% average estimate based on two analysts.

Efficiency ratio : 66% versus the two-analyst average estimate of 69.63%.

Total Noninterest Income : $2.91 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $2.47 million.

Net Interest Income: $11.69 million compared to the $11.88 million average estimate based on two analysts.

View all Key Company Metrics for Citizens Community Bancorp, Inc. here>>>



Shares of Citizens Community Bancorp, Inc. have returned +12.7% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +4% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), indicating that it could underperform the broader market in the near term.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report

Citizens Community Bancorp, Inc. (CZWI) : Free Stock Analysis Report

To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

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Using your credit card to purchase goods in stores may be a convenience to you, but it also comes at a price you might not be aware of. In order to accommodate customers preferred payment methods, retailers must pay merchant credit card processing fees of anywhere from 1.5% to 3.5% on every transaction in store. According to Nerdwallet, American Express charges the highest percentage and Visa charges the lowest.

I Work at Costco: Here Are 12 Insider Secrets You Should Know

Learn: How To Get Cash Back on Your Everyday Purchases

That might not sound like a lot of money, but when you do the math and see that its taking between $1.50 to $3.50 on every $100, you see how it adds up. Additionally, most businesses pass part or all of that fee on to their customers, so in the long run you pay more money just by using your credit card.

Costco Strikes a Deal

Warehouse retailer Costco, which aims to offer the lowest prices to its members in all ways possible, has come up with a workaround on the payment processing fee that is designed to save customers money. According to the company website, Costco only accepts Visa credit cards at its warehouse locations and gas stations.

But wait, you might be wondering  thats still a credit card, so surely it still comes with a processing fee? It does, but at a huge discount.

Costcos Best Deals? Employee Reveals 10 Standout Buys for Your Money

Visa Made Costco an Offer It Couldnt Refuse

Visa charges the lowest processing fee of most well known credit cards, such as MasterCard, Discover and American Express. The credit card company knows a good deal when it sees one, too. For the exclusivity of Costco only taking its credit cards, Visa is giving Costco a significant discount on its processing fees to less than 0.4%  an unbelievably low rate.

Its a win-win, though. Costco gets to keep offering its customers the lowest prices because it doesnt have to increase them to accommodate these fees. Visa wins by not losing Costco business to competitor credit cards. And you, the customer, benefits the most.

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Its Not the First Exclusive

If an exclusive partnership with a credit card seems unheard of, Costco has actually been doing this from the beginning. Early on, it teamed up with Discover credit cards exclusively, a card that not as many people were likely to have, then switched over to American Express from 1999 to 2017. However, like any business, Costco looks for the best deal. When American Express stopped offering the best possible rate, Visa won out  along with the Visa and Costco customers.

Costco Has Its Own Visa

If you dont have a Visa card, but still want to shop at Costco, never fear  Costco has its own Visa card (by Citibank) that you can sign up for with no added fees beyond Costcos annual membership. You dont have to purchase the Costco Visa, but if you dont already have one, this makes it easy. The Costco Visa also offers additional perks, such as:

4% cash back on gas and EV charging stations up to $7,000 per year and 1% thereafter

3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel

2% cash back on purchases from Costco and Costco.com

1% cash back on all other purchases

No foreign transaction fees

What using a Visa means for the customer is that not only do you get the great deals that Costco is known for, you also get the special perks that come with a unique Visa card. And feel free to shop around.

Shop for the Best Visa Card With Rewards

If Costco is your go-to, and you have to use a Visa, then you might want to start shopping for a Visa card that has the best perks and rewards.

Two that are considered the best are the Wells Fargo Active Cash Visa  which allows users to earn a $200 cash rewards bonus if they spend $500 in the first three months and unlimited 2% cash back on purchases  and the Chase Freedom Unlimited Card, where you can earn 1.5% cash back on everything you buy and 6.5% cash back on travel.

Costco Has the Brand Loyalty To Accept Only One Card

A lot of retailers dont have the customer loyalty and massive customer base that Costco does. Costco has 858 warehouses, 590 of those in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and in 13 other countries as well. This translates to more than 124 million customers who shop at Costco and who are likely to pick up whatever card Costco requires.

So, if credit is your preferred way to pay, rest assured that Costco and Visa have you covered  and at a rate that will save you money, too.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Costco Only Takes Visa, and This Means Big Savings for Customers
French DeFi platform Atlendis has hit two significant milestones in its quest to reshape the future of finance.

First, it obtained a PSAN, the French equivalent of a crypto services provider license, demonstrating its commitment to complying with France's crypto regulations and aligning with the upcoming European regulations, MiCA.

Notably, the PSAN registration served as a model for these new rules.

Polygon-based Crypto Lender Atlendis Taps Fintech Banxa in New V2 Roll Out

The second milestone was securing a 1 million loan ($1,108,055.00) from the French public investment bank, BPI.

These developments will fuel the growth of its newest product, Atlendis Flow, aimed at simplifying the decentralized lending protocol for institutional borrowers.

The new product allows for direct crypto-to-fiat transactions, providing on-chain liquidity for real-world use cases. The move, like many early blockchain initiatives in the pure finance space, is expected to cut costs and make processes much quicker by automating everything on-chain.

The traditional credit fund structure is also considered opaque, often only open to accredited investors.

Atlendis aims to make that more transparent and accessible to all investors, so long as theyre willing to KYC themselves.

Introducing Atlendis Flow

Atlendis was initially lending funds on-chain to Web3 companies, DAOs, DeFi protocols, and market makers. However, the collapse of FTX and subsequent market turbulence prompted Atlendis to adapt and evolve its offerings.

Last year, the Three Arrows catastrophe and the FTX case showed that the market was immature, Atlantis CEO Alexis Masseron told Decrypt.

Addressing criticisms against DeFi, including comparisons with Ponzi schemes, they opted to move to a new model.

It was just too risky, Masseron said. It was not worth sending up loans that would give you 20% APY, because it would imply a high risk of default. So, we basically closed all our former pools to go towards real-world assets and fintech companies.

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Specifically, Atlendis turned its attention toward the private debt market.

"It's a market that is exploding," said Masseron. "It's already massive, representing more than $1.5 trillion dollars as of today."

The Atlendis Flow product acts as a bridge between the Atlendis protocol and customers' bank accounts, allowing for that bridge to pass on custody and an off-ramp for online customers.

Having a PSAN license was a prerequisite to onboarding these non-crypto companies.

"The PSAN is actually very well perceived in the world," said Masseron. "Because right now, France has one of the clearest jurisdictions and regulations crypto-wise in the world."

The registration will also let Atlendis set up wallets for borrowers to exit or enter directly from their bank accounts.

When we were explaining to our clients that they need to install a wallet, then go to Polygon, they were saying that it was not their core business and they didnt want to hire people just to do that, said Masseron.

Two fintech companies, Karmen and Fluna, are already benefiting from Atlendis' services.

Karmen offers non-dilutive growth financing to digital businesses, while Fluna serves as a pan-African trade finance marketplace, providing access to credit, market intelligence tools, and support for mid-market exporters in Africa.

With many other companies ready to join, this trend is expected to onboard more non-crypto businesses onto the blockchain.

Its not a matter of if but its a matter of when, Masseron said. We are treated seriously now.
Foodies can explore a new treat that takes the concept of sweet and salty to another level.

On Tuesday, Skittles announced on social media the creation of French's Mustard Skittles.

Yes, you read that right. Read on to find out why they were created and how you can win some. (Whether you line them up on top of your hot dog is up you.)

Why were Mustard Skittles created?

A closeup of a bowl of Skittles which are kept on the sidelines for running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field on Dec. 24, 2011 in Seattle, Washington.

Condiment brands French's and Skittles have collaborated on this unexpected product.

The strangest thing is this creation was inspired by the public, Skittles claims.

"You're seeing things right. Because you asked, French's Mustard Skittles are now here," Skittles wrote on their Facebook page.

Skittles ended the post with, "They taste great. Trust me."

According to French's Facebook page, Mustard Skittles are a limited-edition product, and they used the hashtag "#MustardDay," which is celebrated on Saturday, Aug. 5.

Fbcdn

Embedded content: https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/363427603_668412381983078_2125083952552735167_n.jpg?_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=6iDshBt932EAX_6HzFD&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAuH2npy2ZoZdcGaidzlJcQPs3YoVgF-z0ssOGUc6jVLg&oe=64C56F64

Where can I get Mustard Skittles?

Limited packs of these Skittles are available through an online sweepstakes and pop-up events in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and New York.

What did Facebook say about Mustard Skittles?

Reactions on Skittles' Facbook page are mixed.

"Which one of you asked for mustard skittles? I just wanna talk," a snooping detective wrote.

"Withholding their name for their own safety," Skittles responded.

"Yummi," an intrigued user wrote.

"It isn't April 1st so what is this?" a confused person said.

"Normally, I'd be upset and concerned at this, but since you brought back Lime Skittles, I'm gonna let this one slide," another person shared.

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We need pickle next! a daring foodie wrote.

"Now we have to try these," another brave soul said.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT WHITE MARLIN OPEN: White Marlin Open 2023: Everything to know about return of Ocean City's big tourney

What if I prefer ketchup?

Heinz Tomato Ketchup celebrates summer with its "United States of Saucemerica'' promotion.

There are 50 different "sauce'' package designs. Condiments include Heinz Ketchup, Yellow Mustard, Real Mayonnaise, Ranch, BBQ Sauce, Tartar Sauce or Simply Ketchup. Packet art features a dish the company thinks is representative of the state and pairs with whatever is inside.

For details on a related contest, you can check out the Heinz company website.

NEW SHORE BUSINESSES: New Berlin Jersey Mike's, Chincoteague opens barbeque restaurant | What's Going There

Tammy Paolino contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Mustard Skittles? Yes, and here's how to try them, but act fast
Remote work caused a flood of new arrivals to small and midsize cities. And now those cities all look the same. Chelsea Jia Feng/Insider

How every American city became exactly the same

Cities across America are undergoing big changes. The shift to remote work early in the pandemic allowed wealthy residents to ditch big cities in droves and set up shop in smaller cities and towns nearby. This mass reshuffling caused huge spikes and dips in populations, and nearly every locale across the country has felt the impact at some point. For instance, the Hudson Valley  the constellation of small cities and towns north of New York City  saw a massive influx in 2021 of over 30,000 residents who ditched their Manhattan apartments for farmhouses. Midsize cities across the US like Austin, Texas and Charlotte, North Carolina have seen a similar boom in newcomers. Now that the dust is settling, increased rents and the stickiness of working from home have pushed small and midsize cities to adjust to a new normal.

While the surging costs of housing and the new freedom of remote work helped trigger this mass migration, small cities have been laying the groundwork over the last decade to entice these big-city refugees. The new playbook for up-and-coming metros, which I detailed in my book, "The City Authentic: How the Attention Economy Builds Urban America," is to engineer the entire city to produce the kind of amenities that middle- and high-income workers have come to expect from an urban neighborhood  walkable downtowns, diverse restaurants, craft-brew pubs  at a fraction of the price. These cities want to convince potential transplants that they can have it all. "To a growing degree," the New York Times recently reported about those leaving large metros, "what they left behind they can find in Charlotte, Denver, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Dallas or Louisville."

But these urban-renewal projects come with a dark side. Sure, they have been successful in attracting young professionals to what were once considered second- or third-tier cities, but they have also turned cities across the US into replicas of each other. In their attempts to stand out, many places have started to look exactly the same.

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A fight over the creative class

Most people don't think of the 1988 Tim Burton film "Beetlejuice" as a tale about urban development. But the Deetzes, a family who moves into a newly-haunted house, are a classic 1980s striver couple  a real-estate agent and a self-described artist  who can't help but transform everything in their sleepy Connecticut town into some sort of consumable experience for city folk just like them. While perhaps a bit overdone, the Deetzes are the perfect pop-culture example of the type of people cities have been trying to attract for the past 40 years.

As America's manufacturing jobs shifted abroad and city governments cut back on investment in the 1980s and 1990s, the finance, insurance, and real-estate industries emerged as the biggest business concerns in urban America. Unlike factory work, these businesses employed fewer, better-paid, white-collar office workers who had much more flexibility in where and when they worked. This burgeoning "creative class," as the urban-studies theorist and professor Richard Florida called them in his 2002 book, "The Rise of the Creative Class," was composed of graphic designers, web developers, and marketing professionals. The most creative and economically successful cities, Florida argued, were ones that catered to the lifestyles of these highly mobile professionals. In response, cities across the globe sought to establish cosmopolitan downtowns that would be welcoming to upper-class creatives.

Smaller cities, meanwhile, struggled to attract good employers and develop successful entrepreneurs. In 2017, Florida wrote "The New Urban Crisis," which admitted that the approach he spearheaded had significantly contributed to a "winner-take-all urbanism": Big cities grew, but small and medium cities withered.

Then came the pandemic, and remote work suddenly made small cities a viable home for wealthy professionals. The New York Times reported in May that the middle class was being priced out of big cities, which, collectively, lost over 200,000 people in 2021. After a 40-year march to a few major urban centers, the eyes of the "creative class" began to wander across the map. Many workers relocated to cities of less than a quarter of a million people, a class of city that hasn't seen a net increase in population in over a decade. But the cities that were able to capitalize on this shift were the ones that executed on what I call the "city authentic" playbook.

The rise of influencer cities

Beyond jobs, cities also have the ability to attract residents by being, well, attractive. At the turn of the 20th century, the "city beautiful" movement launched: Governments and businesses built massive, ornate buildings in an effort to attract further investment. For example, the Washington, DC we know today  from the grand National Mall to the iconic neoclassical buildings  wasn't formally laid out until 1902 as part of this movement.

The second such movement was the "city efficient" model, which leveraged Space Age technologies to modernize cities with precise engineering and strict use-based zoning laws. The national-highway system is perhaps the most transformative example, but this movement also gave us the modern steel-and-glass skyscraper.

For the past two decades, cities have turned to an economic development strategy I've deemed "the city authentic." The new movement is largely predicated on nostalgia and the fetishization of "the local." The pitch that cities using the "city authentic" playbook make, regardless of their particular amenities, is fairly similar: Their city is the "thrift-store find," compared to the mainstream brand of major metropolises. They have old architecture that has been transformed into new, trendy offerings  all for a cheaper price.

An ad from the Fulton County Industrial Development Agency, or IDA, in upstate New York highlights its "historic, grand buildings that feature distinctive architecture, 100-year-old brick, and hardwood floors, surrounded by plentiful and free parking." In a Southern Living write up from last year, Athens, Georgia  a town of 120,000  boasts that "an old tire company is now a favorite brewery and farmers' market. A kudzu-covered former cotton warehouse returns as an arts district," while the Athens Quality of Life Guide emphasizes that median rents are "$200 less than the national average." Tulsa, Oklahoma even offered $10,000 to anyone who would move there for remote work  touting the city's "revitalized Arts District that boasts hip coffee shops, vegan taco joints, steakhouse speakeasies, whiskey bars, art galleries, coworking spaces, and a software-development school." In other words, these cities offer relative affordability without sacrificing the hip feel of an urban neighborhood.

In a post-industrial economy such as ours, whether a city can attract new residents and investments can mean life or death for its local economy. But the challenge for cities following this playbook is balancing uniqueness and approachability. There is immense pressure to, paradoxically, fit in and stand out. Most square this circle with predictably unique cultural offerings: Craft breweries that offer the same litany of IPAs and lagers, but with each one named after something local; food halls with the same overpriced plates and decadent bloody marys, but everything is made locally; and, as Fulton county's IDA would like us to remember, it is all contained within beautiful brownstones and Victorians that were spared urban renewal's bulldozers. Years of neglect are turned into an asset because the aging buildings' authenticity reassures millennials that they are not living in their parents' cookie-cutter suburbs. They are experiencing something real. Their brunch means something.

This industrial-looking restaurant could be found in almost any US city. This one is in Saint Paul, Minnesota. DAVID BREWSTER/Star Tribune via Getty Images

And, because so much of how we persuade and influence each other happens online, cities are increasingly making that case on social media with the help of influencers. Whether a dive bar or an entire neighborhood is perceived as unique and on-trend has a lot to do with how it circulates online. Social media and its attendant influencer industry have significantly changed how cities promote themselves. Ignoring the conflicting struggles that characterize the history of America's downtowns, the city authentic weathers that history down to a safe, entertaining story told through predictably unique experiences, menu items, and interior designs. All of which are meant to both stand out just enough to recognizably fit into the categories, genres, and vibes organized by social media's algorithms.

Real-estate agents now feel the pressure to up their Instagram game to promote not just their properties, but an entire market. It's considered a dereliction of duty if your downtown Business Improvement District doesn't have a social-media plan and someone to execute it. And, whether they're home-grown or hired from an agency, being featured on an influencer's account is a common tactic to raise a city's profile among young professionals. When the influencer chef Alison Roman needed to escape both COVID and a high-profile spat with Chrissy Teigen, she decamped for upstate New York, and subsequent interviews touted her investments in out-of-the-way Bloomsville, New York. Some influencers have even gone so far as to make their own apartment sponsored content.

Tired replicas

While there is economic relief for those leaving the big cities for chic and affordable spots, it's not all rose brunches and glamping. There are real challenges and even a few dangers to using the "city authentic" playbook. As big-city high-earners move into town, landlords and restaurateurs immediately move to cater to them, raising prices and accommodating new tastes, which pushes out locals. As I demonstrate in my book, in upstate New York, Rensselaer county's population only went up 1% between 2010 and 2019, but median gross rent went up 25% over the same time span. It spiked even more during the pandemic when change of addresses from New York City jumped a whopping 787%.

I used to rent a one bedroom for $600 a month when I first moved to Troy, in Rensselaer County, in 2010. Since then, the availability of housing in that price range has gone down by 36%. And this trend is happening all across the US, threatening to make it impossible for essential workers like nurses, cooks, and teachers to live anywhere near where they work. The nine counties immediately north of New York City may have absorbed a lot of high-earning city folk, but even more people left the region due to rising prices, resulting in a small net loss of population between 2019 and 2020.

Craft breweries are popping up all across the US as part of the "city authentic" playbook. John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images

And as the local haunts are replaced by Instagramable cafes and art galleries, the city feels less like home and more like someone else's lifestyle brand. The pressures to be predictably unique can suffocate the distinctive identity that begat a region's success in the first place  turning cities into tired replicas of each other.

And none of this guarantees financial success, either. City governments, eager to win the all-against-all fight for capital investment, are happy to offer tax-break enticements to developers. So while construction cranes may signal economic success and there may be an influx of cash from building permitting and new residents' spending, cities will eventually find that there's no money to repair the roads and pipes that lead to all this new development. All the emergency calls and trash these new apartment buildings generate need to be dealt with too, and that costs money.

It is worth saying that there is nothing wrong with enjoying your weekend farmers-market jaunt (I know I do). Making a city that's exciting, fun, and inviting is an unalloyed good thing. But the default way cities do it now is creating unaffordable and uninspired cityscapes.

To avoid these challenges, some cutting-edge cities have gotten creative. Newark, New Jersey set up a revolving loan fund to convert privately held small businesses into Employee Stock Ownership Plans, which have been recognized as a great way to keep money in a community after a business owner retires. Other cities could reverse a trend that began in the 60s where satelite communities and suburbs formed their own (usually whiter and wealthier) municipal governments, splitting city resources. Reconsolidating cities would reduce overhead costs of running them and increase the quality of the essentials: water, public safety, and waste disposal.

Housing is also a crucial piece of the puzzle. While some cities definitely need to increase supply, research suggests that this "will never supply adequate housing for low- and moderate-income households." Rent control and public housing are important tools here, but another option that may be less politically contentious is the formation of a neighborhood trust. Unlike renting, neighborhood trusts like the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative in Boston allows residents to manage permanently affordable housing on their own terms while also building up a bit of equity.

Regardless of their approach, cities that have borne the brunt of the large-city exodus will need to manage their sought-after growth sustainably. If they don't, the hype of America's new Generic Towns is certain to fade.

David A. Banks is a lecturer and Director of Globalization Studies at University at Albany SUNY. He is also the author of "The City Authentic: How the Attention Economy Builds Urban America," and the officer for contingent faculty for his union, UUP.

Read the original article on Business Insider
By Foo Yun Chee

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Meta Platforms offered to curb the use of competitors' advertising data for its Facebook Marketplace online classified service in an attempt to settle an EU antitrust investigation but regulators gave it the cold shoulder, people familiar with the matter said.

Its offer also included limiting the use of advertising data to develop products that compete with advertisers, the people said.

Meta's proposal, similar to one made to the UK competition agency in May, suggests that the company will have to do more to counter the EU watchdog's charges if it wants to stave off a possible fine.

However, the sources said Meta was not expected to improve its offer. The UK enforcer in a preliminary view has said Meta's offer addresses its concerns.

Companies risk fines of as much as 10% of their global turnover for EU antitrust violations.

The world's most popular social network sought to settle the EU investigation opened in June last year, other people familiar with the matter told Reuters last December. Details of Meta's proposed concessions had not been previously reported on.

Both the European Commission and Meta declined to comment.

The EU antitrust watchdog last December charged Meta with abusing its market power through two practices, one of which was tying its online classified ads service Facebook Marketplace with its social network Facebook.

The other was allegedly its unfair trading conditions imposed on rival online classified ads services which advertise on Facebook or Instagram. Meta contested the EU charges at a closed hearing earlier this month.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Susan Fenton)
monkeybusinessimages / Getty Images/iStockphoto

The Great Wealth Transfer, which is currently underway, refers to one of the largest transfers of intergenerational wealth in the United States. According to Cerulli Associates, younger generations are set to receive an estimated $72.6 trillion in assets over the next 20 years or so  a significant portion of which is coming from the Baby Boomer generation.

If youre set to receive a significant amount of money or assets in the near future, its important to be prepared. This is because there are many nuances, tax implications and other factors that could impact your inheritance.

Here are some steps to take now so that youre in the best possible situation when the time comes to receive your inheritance.

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1. Understand the Types of Assets Youre Inheriting

One persons inheritance might not be the same as another persons. Depending on how its structured, you could end up with a variety of different assets, such as cash, investment accounts or a life insurance policy. But each asset type has its own tax implications and regulations. Thats why its vital to understand what youre inheriting and how to use it.

You should first determine what types of assets you will receive  business assets, real estate, marketable securities, non-marketable securities, cash, retirement accounts, etc. Once you know the types, you should find out if you will inherit it outright, in trust and/or what rights you will have over those assets, said Scott A. Bishop, managing director and partner at Presidio Wealth Partners.

Then, you should understand any income tax issues you would have holding or selling those assets. Some assets will be tax-free if sold  due to step-up in tax basis  and some will not, like retirement accounts or annuities.

Along with this, certain assets have restrictions placed upon them. A trust fund, for example, might have limits on how you can use it. This is especially common if youre not the trustee. Read through any documents pertaining to your rights carefully. When in doubt, speak with a financial advisor who can help you understand your options.

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Im a Financial Advisor Who Works With Wealthy Families: These Are the Best Ways To Transfer Wealth

2. Consider the Tax Implications

As noted, certain assets are taxable, while others are not. If it is coming from a retirement account such as a 401(k) or IRA (Individual Retirement Account), the money will be taxed, so it is important to discuss the most tax-advantaged way to take the funds with a financial professional, said Amy Colton, Founder at Your Divorce Made Simple. If it is coming from the death benefit of a life insurance policy, it is not usually taxed.

Colton also noted that certain investments  like real estate or certain brokerage accounts  may be eligible for a step-up in basis. This means that you inherit these assets at the current market value. So, for example, if a stock was purchased at $10 per share many years ago and now it is worth $100 per share, you inherit it at $100 per share, which is what it currently is worth. If you were to sell it immediately after receiving it and it didnt go up in value, there would be no capital gains on the sale.

3. Prepare With Your Family

Another vital step is to open the lines of communication with your family. This means talking openly with the person leaving you the inheritance, but also with the people in your household. Doing this can help you figure out what to do with your inheritance moving forward, while ensuring that you  and your descendants  can use it thoughtfully for years to come.

Preparing heirs for transferring wealth is often a result of years of family meetings, financial education, transparency and a collaborative approach resulting in the attainment of a family mission statement for guidance to future generations, said Sharon Olson, CFP, generational wealth specialist and family office founder at 1792 Wealth Advisors. A shared vision and mission models behaviors and eases the angst to make good decisions ongoing.

Cady North, Certified Financial Planner at North Financial Advisors, added, Unless your family member has done a full inventory of all their assets and liabilities and shared it with you, youre never going to be able to understand the big picture in advance. So, its time to start talking about it with them. Slowly but surely, over many small conversations, this money puzzle can unfold. Once you know what to expect, you can think about how this might fit into your own financial plans.

If youre not sure where to start, begin with some open-ended questions about the assets. For example, you could ask how the different accounts are set up. This can pave the way for future conversations and a greater understanding of whats to come.

4. Get a Team of Experts Together

Before you start planning what to do with an inheritance you dont have yet, take a moment to make a plan.

If you expect to receive an inheritance, first take a deep breath and resist the urge to start spending money you dont have yet, said James Allen, CPA, CFP, CFEI and founder of Billpin.com.

Next, get organized by gathering information on your current finances, goals and potential beneficiaries. Then, consult experienced professionals like an attorney, accountant and financial advisor to map out a comprehensive plan that aligns with your values and minimizes taxes. Be sure to include key people like trustees and executors so they understand your wishes.

Its important to review your plan every so often, as your personal situation and regulations may change. Be prepared to update your plan as needed to maximize your inheritance and, ideally, have something to leave behind for the next generation.

5. Start Adjusting Your Mindset

Changing your mindset, especially when it comes to money, can be tricky. But its also a key component of ensuring youre prepared for your inheritance. Sebastian Jania, owner of Ontario Property Buyers, suggested that people who expect to inherit a lot of money should be focused on working on their mindset. [People who] have limiting beliefs around how much money they can make will have a very difficult time saving and investing the money that they inherit.

Jania added, Further, one should be speaking with accountants and wealth advisors to be sure that they have systems in place to invest that money so that they are not susceptible to their own emotional impulses. With such a large amount of money, its important to minimize the amount of emotions that one ties to that money.

6. Consult a Financial Advisor

There are many types of financial experts who can help with your upcoming inheritance, but having a financial advisor on your side can be hugely beneficial as you navigate your situation.

It is always wise to consult a financial advisor to help you put together an investment strategy based on your unique situation and goals, both for tax strategies and, more importantly, for a sound investment strategy, said Colton.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Expecting To Inherit in the Great Wealth Transfer? 6 Steps To Take Now
The danger of natural disasters on the homefront cannot be understated. Whether youve experienced a hurricane, tornado, wildfire or other type of disaster, the rebuilding process takes time and money. An example is Hurricane Ian, a 2022 Category 5 storm that caused hundreds of fatalities and an estimated $115 billion in damages, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information.

Here are some places where you may be able to obtain financial assistance or tap your funds to restore your home, business or other property after being hit by a natural disaster:

Your insurance policy

If you own a home that was damaged due to a natural disaster, you should talk to your insurance company as soon as possible, says Wendy Terrill, a retirement planning counselor at Assurance & Guarantee in Burlington, North Carolina.

The quicker you file a claim, the better. And its important to be proactive if youre in a disaster-prone area. You should make sure you have the necessary coverage depending on where you live, such as hurricane or flood insurance if you live along the coast.

Always be sure to know the extent of your policies and what they do and dont cover, Terrill says. Be aware, there can be time limits on how long you have to file, so its important to act quickly when filing a claim.

In some cases, Terrill adds, its prudent to get a second opinion when totaling up the damage.

Make sure to consult your own qualified public adjuster, not the insurance companys adjuster, as well as an attorney, Terrill says. Not only can this expedite the process, it will also help protect you. Filing insurance claims can help cover costs and shore up cash savings for other things that arent covered by insurance.

Family and friends

Your closest relations may be the most willing to pitch in when disaster strikes, says Justin Nabity, a wealth management advisor at Physicians Thrive in Omaha, Nebraska. One way to get the finances you need would be to ask your friends or family for a loan, Nabity says.

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However, Nabity recommends that you should discuss a reasonable payback plan.

The word loan is key here, Nabity says. Make it clear to them that you intend to pay them back the money in full with interest over a period of time. Your loved ones care for you, and more often than not, they would love to help out someone they love whenever they can. Just dont treat the loan like a handout.

One plus of enlisting the help of friends and family is you can access funding as soon as possible. You could even request that they send the money via a digital payment network like Zelle or Venmo directly to your bank account so that you can get your rebuilding efforts underway quickly.

The federal government

The federal government usually makes resources available to help natural disaster victims. The type of assistance that you qualify for will depend on your unique situation. Here are some of the most common assistance programs and providers:

FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency

FEMA offers a variety of programs to support disaster survivors. As soon as the area is safe, FEMA will arrive to start helping impacted individuals survive the fallout of a natural disaster.

In addition to many on-the-ground programs that provide food and shelter as well as cover expenses like moving, storage and clean-up, you could receive FEMA unemployment assistance. Typically, any unemployment benefits related to a disaster will be paid for up to 26 weeks.

If you want to apply for FEMA assistance or explore your options, head to the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). These mobile offices are set up after a disaster to help the affected residents navigate the crisis. For complete information, go to FEMAs website.

Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance

As a business owner who was affected by a declared disaster, you can access resources provided by the Small Business Administration (SBA). You will find four types of loans available after a disaster: physical damage loans; mitigation assistance; economic injury disaster loans; and military reservist loans. These loans cover things like home repairs, a business owners operating expenses and other financial hardships you might suffer.

If you have a small business affected by a declared disaster, you can take advantage of these loan opportunities to help you weather any financial storm.

IRS: Internal Revenue Service assistance

The IRS, better known for tax collection, is usually not associated with offering a helping hand. But the IRS may be able to help to alleviate some pressing bills. For example, you may receive an extension on your tax payment deadline. That could be a big help if you are running low on funds while rebuilding.

DAIP: Disaster Assistance Improvement Program

DAIP is a lesser-known federal entity that can help you get back on your feet following a disaster. The goal of DAIP is to help you find the resources you need more easily.

If you are tired of reading through an alphabet soup of agency programs to find the pertinent information, then head to DAIPs Find Assistance page. You can enter your information on the site and receive a unique list of resources and assistance programs that could help you  and save you a lot of time.

Your life insurance policy

If you have a cash value life insurance policy, now may be the time to borrow from it. (You cant borrow from a term life policy, as it only pays out upon death.) You could cover necessary rebuilding expenses with the cash that you withdraw from your cash value life policy. And theres no application required to gain use of your money.

If you dont pay back the money you took from your life insurance policy, however, it will reduce the value of your death benefit, notes Sean Fox, chief revenue officer of personal finance company Achieve. Paying the money back is not required, but any amount not paid back will be deducted from whatever goes to beneficiaries, Fox says. So, keep that in mind as you move forward.

CDs, savings bonds and mutual funds

If you have money tucked away in a certificate of deposit (CD), mutual funds or savings bonds, you could pull cash out now. Note that withdrawing money early from some accounts may result in an early withdrawal penalty.

Talk to a bank representative or a financial advisor to better understand your options if you need to pull money out of these savings vehicles.

529 college savings

If you have contributed money to a 529 college savings plan for your child, then you could tap into those savings. However, you may incur a 10 percent penalty on the earnings portion of your account for any withdrawals. With that, a 529 withdrawal should be a last resort.

In addition to the 10 percent penalty, youll have to pay state and federal income tax on these withdrawals.

Retirement accounts

Another place to access needed cash is in retirement accounts, such as a 401(k) plan, notes certified financial planner Kyle Eaton. 401(k) plans allow participants to take out loans, Eaton says. The maximum amount you can borrow from your plan is 50 percent of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less, according to the IRS.

For instance, if your 401(k) had a (vested) balance of $60,000, the maximum loan that you could take is $30,000, Eaton says.

The major drawback of these distributions is that you will have to repay the account that you took the funds from. Additionally, it could delay your retirement by derailing your savings goals.

Non-government organizations (NGOs)

NGOs, which are often non-profit organizations, often show up to provide help when a natural disaster strikes. Many are able to provide the money and resources needed to rebuild.

Take some time to research the NGOs that are offering assistance in your area. You might be surprised to find a helping hand just around the corner. Examples of NGOs include the International Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders and REACT International.

Bottom line

A natural disaster can turn your world upside down, quite literally. However, theres a good chance you wont have to rebuild alone. Many organizations and individuals are available to help you get back on your feet and create a new normal.

 Bankrate writer Karen Bennett contributed to an update of this story.
FILE- In this April 23, 2018, file photo, the logo for General Motors appears above a trading post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. General Motors Co. reports earnings on Tuesday July 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

DETROIT (AP)  Despite taking on a huge chunk of an expensive electric vehicle recall, General Motors posted $2.54 billion in second-quarter net income, a 52% increase over a year ago.

Continued strong vehicle sales and pricing, as well as cost cuts, led to the better-than-expected quarter. The Detroit automaker on Tuesday raised its financial guidance for the full year with one qualification: that it can negotiate union labor contracts without a strike.

Chief Financial Officer Paul Jacobson told reporters that customers paid about $1,600 more per vehicle last quarter than from January through March  with an average U.S. sale price of $52,000. Discounts and inventory remained flat as the company sold 19% more vehicles than a year ago in the U.S., its most profitable market.

GM is being cautious on prices and not counting on them staying high all year, Jacobson said. Were not assuming major increases in pricing or in average transaction prices going forward, he said.

GM raised its full-year guidance for the second straight quarter, saying it will post net income of between $9.3 billion and $10.7 billion. Previously it predicted $8.4 billion to $9.9 billion.

Also pushing up the guidance was another $1 billion in cost savings that Jacobson said GM had found, on top of $2 billion the company promised earlier for the full year. The savings came through lower salaried employee expenses due to 5,000 workers taking early retirement buyouts, as well as savings in marketing and reductions in administrative costs and vehicle manufacturing complexity.

The company said it is looking for further cost cuts in areas such as simplifying its manufacturing with fewer option combinations.

The company took a one-time charge of $792 million as it picked up more of the $1.9 billion cost of recalling Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles because they could catch fire due to battery manufacturing defects.

Jacobson said GM took extraordinary steps to care for Bolt owners by letting them trade in cars and offering loaner vehicles until replacement batteries were available from the supplier, LG Energy Solution. The recall announced in 2021 covered about 142,000 vehicles.

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CEO Mary Barra confirmed Tuesday that a new Bolt is in the works, which she said will be affordable and have great range and technology. No time frame was given for the car, but Barra said GM will bring it to market quickly. GM plans to cease production of the current Bolt, which starts at $26,500, at the end of this year.

The new version will be constructed on GM's latest electric vehicle underpinnings, which CEO Mary Barra said have a 40% lower cost than the current version of the Bolt. This is a very capital-efficient, quick way to build on the strong consumer response we have to the Bolt and get an affordable vehicle out into the marketplace, Barra said.

The company continues to experience strong demand for its EVs, and it can't build Bolts fast enough, Barra said.

Excluding one-time items, GM said it made $1.91 per share, beating Wall Street's estimate of $1.87. Revenue of $44.75 billion soundly beat analysts' estimate of $42.13 billion, according to data provider FactSet.

Shares of GM fell 3.8% to $37.87 Tuesday.

Edward Jones analyst Jeff Windau said investors are cautious on Detroit automakers because of rising interest rates and the possibility of one or more strikes against them by U.S. and Canadian unions.

United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, who represents about 43,000 GM U.S. factory workers, has told members they are poised to make big gains in this year's contract talks, but they have to be prepared to go on strike against the profitable auto companies.

Contracts between the Detroit Three automakers and GM, Stellantis and Ford expire at 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 15.

Barra said the company has a long history of negotiating fair contracts. Our goal this time is no different, she said.

GM also said it met an internal target of producing 50,000 electric vehicles in North America during the first half of the year. With battery cell production and vehicle assembly increasing, GM now expects to build about 100,000 EVs in the second half of the year.

Barra, whose company has been criticized by environmental groups for a slow rollout of new EVs, said GM has experienced unexpected delays due to an automation supplier having trouble delivering equipment to assemble battery cells into modules. GM manufacturing engineers are working with the supplier and the situation has started to improve, she said.

GM has set a goal of building only electric passenger vehicles by 2035. The company reiterated its goal of making profitable EVs by 2025.
Across the nation, a sigh of relief echoed as UPS and Teamsters, the union representing roughly 340,00 UPS workers, struck a tentative agreement on a new five-year labor contract Tuesday morning.

"UPS earnings grew at the height of the pandemic. Now, this agreement will share that success with the workers whose packing, lifting, and delivering met the needs of Americas families and made those profits possible," said Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

With a July 31 expiration date, the two sides were eyeing what would have been the largest single employer strike in U.S. history had this tentative agreement not been reached.

"UPS came dangerously close to putting itself on strike, but we kept firm on our demands," said International Brotherhood of Teamsters Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman. "We stayed focused on our members and fought like hell to get everything that full-time and part-time UPS Teamsters deserve."

Teamsters and UPS have been in contentious negotiations for months with the union declaring a strike was "imminent" at one point. The talks fell apart on July 5 with both sides walking away from the bargaining table at 4:15 a.m.

For the next 20 days, the two sides did not negotiate. Instead, they prepared for a strike. UPS began continuity training for non-union employees while International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien and Zuckerman hit the road on a nationwide rally and practice picket tour.

Fred Zuckerman, General Secretary-Treasurer, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, spoke during a rally in front of the UPS Centennial Hub ahead of a potential strike on August 1st. July 18, 2023

As the expiration date crept closer, O'Brien even asked the White House not to intervene in the stalled negotiations and let the Teamsters walk if a deal could not be reached.

Despite the persistent gridlock, the two entities decided to resume negotiations Tuesday morning. Within hours, a tentative agreement was reached, leaving union workers poised to stay on the job and many will soon see the financial and workplace benefits of the new agreement.

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Together we reached a win-win-win agreement on the issues that are important to Teamsters leadership, our employees and to UPS and our customers, said Carol Tome, UPS chief executive officer. This agreement continues to reward UPSs full- and part-time employees with industry-leading pay and benefits while retaining the flexibility we need to stay competitive, serve our customers and keep our business strong.

The next step for Teamsters is to have their expansive membership ratify the contract, Zuckerman previously told the Courier Journal that ratification is a roughly three-week process.

"While this agreement still awaits final ratification by Teamsters members, todays announcement moves us closer to a better deal for workers that will also add to our economic momentum," said President Joe Biden in a statement. "Ive always said that collective bargaining works by providing workers a seat at the table and the opportunity to improve their lives while contributing fully to their employers success."

As both UPS and Teamsters celebrate the avoidance of a massive work stoppage, officials across the country rejoice with them.

"Todays announcement reaffirms this truth: organized labor is the backbone of our economy and our Democracy," Pelosi said in a statement. "It is my hope that this success will not only benefit the 340,000 Teamsters at UPS  but will provide a model for achieving gains for workers across the industry as well."

Here's a look at what local, state and national officials are saying now that a tentative agreement has been reached.

Local

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg: "This is great news for Louisville and great news for the hard-working men and women at UPS."

Very happy to hear the successful contract resolution between UPS and @Teamsters. Congratulations to all the dedicated workers who help keep our community running strong!  Mayor Craig Greenberg (@LouisvilleMayor) July 25, 2023

Executive Director of Greater Louisville Central Labor Council, Tim Morris: "Teamsters have put forth every effort possible and have shown incredible solidarity in these contract negotiations. The GLCLC is thankful to see gains for every Teamsters union member in the Greater Louisville area and across America."

UAW Local 862 and GLCLC President Todd Dunn: "It is definitely significant and is a generational defining moment ... it's been so long since we've had a significant increase in wages as these companies become more profitable ... I think it's time this did happen and it's happening more because people are seeing the power and leverage of solidarity .... it's a good thing for our community, for the people working there and for UPS."

State

Gov. Andy Beshear: "I applaud the company and the union for working to get this agreement done. It's a win-win for both UPS and Teamsters and means that so many hardworking Kentuckians will have the good wages, benefits and security they deserve."

National

President Joe Biden: "I applaud the Teamsters and UPS for coming together, negotiating in good faith, and reaching a tentative agreement today that will avoid a shutdown at UPS. This agreement is a testament to the power of employers and employees coming together to work out their differences at the bargaining table in a manner that helps businesses succeed while helping workers secure pay and benefits they can raise a family on and retire with dignity and respect."

Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su: "UPS and the Teamsters are a model of what a positive, productive labor-management partnership can achieve. Theyve also demonstrated, yet again, that when the collective bargaining process is allowed to work, the results are invariably good for workers, good for business, and good for America.

U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey: "I applaud UPS and Teamsters historic agreement! This is a win-win: for workers across the country  especially those in Louisville  and for our economy."

I applaud @UPS and @Teamsterss historic agreement! This is a win-win: for workers across the country - especially those in Louisville - and for our economy. Extremely grateful to both parties for coming together and getting this done! https://t.co/0AJ0S3K7Zi  Morgan McGarvey (@MorganMcGarvey) July 25, 2023

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.: UPS has been a union house for more than a century and remains the only national private delivery service with a unionized workforce. In my conversations with leadership of the union and the company, it was clear that both sides were committed to achieving an agreement that respects workers  and the agreement announced today reflects that commitment.

You may like: What to know about the tentative UPS, Teamsters labor contract

You may like: UPS, Teamsters avoid massive strike, reach tentative agreement on new contract

Eleanor McCrary and Joe Sonka contributed to this report. Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@courier-journal.com or on Twitter at @oliviamevans_. Growth & development reporter Matthew Glowicki can be reached at mglowicki@courier-journal.com, 502-582-4000 or on Twitter @mattglo.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: UPS, Teamsters contract update: Officials react to tentative agreement
By Joseph White and Paul Lienert

DETROIT (Reuters) -General Motors is wrestling with costs and struggling to build more electric vehicles, as it reported Tuesday that adjusted pre-tax profit and margins in its key North American market fell from the first quarter, despite a jump in revenue and per-vehicle transaction prices.

Shares were down 4.4% at $37.58 in mid-day trading.

The automaker said it plans to invest less in new products and cut operating costs by an additional $1 billion through the end of next year, and lifted its full-year profit guidance.

Chief Executive Mary Barra, in a call with analysts, said GM has reversed plans to kill its least expensive EV, the aging Chevrolet Bolt, at the end of this year. Instead, the company now expects to introduce an updated Bolt with a newer Ultium battery pack, but did not disclose details about cost, timing or plant location.

"A new Bolt should cost the same or less to produce than the outgoing model" if it shifts to a dedicated EV platform and next-generation batteries, said Sam Fiorani, head of global forecasting at AutoForecast Solutions.

Barra said battery production at the Ultium joint venture plant in Lordstown, Ohio, has been hampered because "our automation equipment supplier is struggling with delivery issues." The situation should be resolved by year-end, Barra said. GM in the meantime is building battery modules by hand on manual assembly lines, she said.

GM said adjusted pre-tax profit and margins in its key North American market fell from the first quarter, despite a jump in revenue and per-vehicle transaction prices. Second-quarter results included a $792 million charge related to new agreements with EV supplier partners LG Electronics and LG Energy Solution.

On a year-to-year basis, GM said net income for the second quarter rose by nearly 52% to $2.6 billion, as revenue grew 25% from the same period in 2022 when production was hobbled by semiconductor shortages.

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GM said it now expects full-year net income of $9.3 billion to $10.7 billion, up from a previous forecast of $8.4 billion to $9.9 billion. On a per-share basis, GM is forecasting net income of $7.15 to $8.15 for the year, up from a range of $6.35 to $7.35.

MORE BULLISH OUTLOOK

The new outlook does not factor in the potential costs of a strike by the United Auto Workers union should it fail to reach a new contract with GM by the Sept. 14 deadline.

The UAW focused on GM's robust revenues and profits, mostly earned from union-made trucks, and a statement that called on GM to offer more in contract negotiations now under way.

"Auto workers and our communities have yet to be made whole for the sacrifices weve made since the Great Recession," UAW President Shawn Fain said.

GM's more bullish outlook comes after six months of stronger demand and richer pricing than expected earlier this year, Chief Financial Officer Paul Jacobson said during a media conference call.

But the decision to cut new product investment and operating costs comes as the automaker's profit margins are under pressure. GM's pre-tax profit margin for the first six months of the year fell to 8.3% of revenue, down from 8.9% a year ago.

GM now plans to spend $11 billion to $12 billion on capital investments this year, down from an earlier plan to spend $11 billion to $13 billion.

"There's a lot of focus on winning with simplicity," Jacobson said.

Barra said GM can cut capital spending by simplifying its product line, reducing the number of different combinations of colors and features offered. GM's goal is to cut the number of feature and color trim combinations by half, Barra said.

In contrast to Tesla CEO Elon Musk's strategy of cutting prices to accelerate demand, GM pushed average transaction prices in North America up by $1,600 to about $52,000 in the latest quarter, Jacobson said.

"We're focused on profitability. Our recent results demonstrate that we're not sacrificing margin for volume," he said.

Barra, in a letter to shareholders, said the automaker is aiming to build "roughly 100,000 EVs in the second half of this year and well grow from there." In the first half, GM built about 50,000 EVs, most of them the older Bolt model, which is priced from $27,495.

GM's earnings statement reiterated a previous target of building 400,000 EVs from 2022 through the first half of 2024, and projected EV revenue of $50 billion in 2025, with pre-tax profit in the low to mid single digits.

A Reuters analysis in May noted that a slow ramp-up of GM battery plants in Ohio, Tennessee and Michigan could limit the automaker's annual EV production to less than 600,000 at mid-decade, even as GM aims to increase capacity to 1 million by 2025.

In a note to investors, CFRA analyst Garrett Nelson said he remains "cautious due to the near-term earnings drag from GM's EV transition and its ability to execute an aggressive production ramp, as well as ultimate demand for its EV models."

(Reporting by Joseph White and Paul Lienert in DetroitAdditional reporting by Ben Klayman in DetroitEditing by Matthew Lewis, Louise Heavens and Nick Zieminski)
(Bloomberg) -- Global grain prices could increase as much as 15% after Russia pulled out of a deal that allowed Ukraine to safely ship its grain through ports on the Black Sea, the International Monetary Funds chief economist said.

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Its very clear that the Black Sea grain initiative was very instrumental in making sure that there will be ample grain supply to the world in the last year, Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas told reporters Tuesday. The same mechanics work in reverse and its likely to put upward pressure on food prices.

While the IMF is still assessing its forecasts on the effects of Russias action, a range of a 10% to 15% increase in prices of grains is a reasonable estimate, Gourinchas said.

Russia ended the Ukraine grain-export deal last week  almost a year into the agreement  heightening uncertainty over global food supplies and escalating tensions in the region. The move jeopardizes a key trade route from Ukraine, one of the worlds top grain and vegetable oil shippers, just as its next harvest kicks off.

On Monday, wheat and corn prices surged after Russia attacked one of Ukraines biggest Danube river ports, ramping up the risks facing Kyivs last major grain export route and global food trade.

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Guardian and Observer newspaper's office

The Guardian has reported a 5m dip in UK sales amid a downturn in the digital advertising market and continued decline in print readership.

Guardian Media Group (GMG), the titles parent company, saw its domestic turnover fall to just over 171m in the latest financial year.

This was offset by growth in international revenues, which rose 17pc to 93m. The publisher, which targets left-leaning readers in the US and Australia, is now seeking expansion on the Continent. A new European edition of its website with a dedicated staff is scheduled for launch in autumn.

It meant overall turnover rose 3pc to 264m. However, the Guardian recorded a 21m cash outflow as it invested more in editorial teams, newsletters and podcasts.

The company did not disclose the financial impact of a cyber attack late last year that exposed employees personal details and forced many staff members to work from home for months.

Charles Gurassa, GMG chairman, said the UK economic outlook remains challenging but added: We will continue to prioritise investments in journalism and our organisational capabilities to offer readers ever richer and deeper coverage, and enable more people to experience and enjoy the Guardian.

GMG is backed by the Scott Trust, an endowment fund established in 1936 to support the newspaper. The value of the fund stood at 1.2bn at the end of March, down marginally from the previous year.

The Guardian also relies on donations from readers, asking visitors to its websites to contribute through either a one-off payment or a regular contribution. It has resisted an industry shift to subscriptions to keep its journalism free to read.

Such reader revenues rose to 82m last year, with more than half coming from outside the UK. Overall digital revenues, also including advertising, now account for 70pc of the total.

Newspaper publishers have been seeking to diversify their businesses away from volatile advertising.

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.
Fact-Checked by: Jeff White | Edited by: Chris Thompson

what happens to debt when you die

Understanding what happens to your debt when you die can empower you to make informed decisions and relieve future financial burdens on loved ones. As U.S. household debt reached a record high of $17.05 trillion in the first quarter of 2023, its vital to understand the types of debt that can be inherited and know how to protect your estate from creditors. A financial advisor can help you manage your debt and create an estate plan for when youre gone.

Who Is Responsible for Your Debt After Your Death?

Location and circumstances play a significant role in debt responsibility after death. In community property states, which include Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin, all of the deceaseds debt may pass on to the surviving spouse. In other states, surviving family members might not inherit debt unless they are co-signatories on loans or share property ownership.

For example, suppose John lives in Idaho and dies, and he leaves behind $20,000 in credit card debt. If his estate does not cover the debt, then his wife Jane would become responsible for the remaining debt.

As daunting as that may seem, determining responsibility for debt after a person passes away requires understanding the general rules and regulations regarding debt inheritance. These rules are primarily influenced by factors like where the deceased lived, whether the debt is co-signed and whether filial responsibility laws apply.

These filial responsibility laws can enforce some financial responsibility onto adult children for their deceased parents debts in dozens of states. These include California, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio and others.

To navigate these complexities, consider consulting with a financial advisor to ensure you and your loved ones are well-informed of the potential implications. Also, keep in mind that applicable laws and regulations, such as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), prohibit debt collectors from using abusive, deceiving or unfair practices to collect debts from the estates of deceased individuals.

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What It Means to Inherit Debt

Its important to understand the difference between an inheritance of debt and the obligation to pay a debt. Inheriting debt refers to becoming legally responsible for repaying the debt after the borrowers death, while the obligation to pay a debt is the contractual duty to repay a loan or fulfill the terms of a credit agreement.

For instance, timeshare contracts may pass on maintenance fees and other financial obligations to the deceaseds beneficiaries. To avoid legal troubles, ensure that you or your loved ones understand the terms and conditions associated with these contracts. Its crucial to consult a legal advisor, review your contract and estate documents and communicate with the timeshare company about potential options.

Secured vs. Unsecured Debts: Key Differences

what happens to debt when you die

When dealing with debt after death, its essential to distinguish between secured and unsecured debts.

Secured debts, which include mortgages and car loans, require collateral that may be subject to foreclosure or repossession after death. For instance, if a person with a mortgage dies, that loan may pass on to their heirs or the property may be sold to pay off to pay the outstanding debt.

Conversely, unsecured debts, such as credit card balances and personal loans, have no collateral. That means they are typically only collected from the deceaseds estate or from co-signers.

What Can Creditors Take From an Estate?

Under certain circumstances, creditors can seize assets such as bank accounts, investments or home equity to recover unpaid debts. This usually involves probate, the legal process for settling the financial affairs of a deceased person.

During probate, the deceaseds assets are identified, debts are paid and the remaining assets are distributed to rightful heirs. Its the executors responsibility to protect the estate and ensure proper handling of the claims.

There are exceptions to what creditors can seize. Certain assets like life insurance policies and retirement accounts may be exempt from seizure.

Safeguarding Your Estate From Creditors

To protect your estate from creditors, consider setting up an irrevocable trust with a trustee. You can also establish a payable-on-death designation for bank accounts, which allows beneficiaries to directly access funds without going through probate and maintaining proper insurance coverage to insulate your estate from claims. To explore effective strategies and tools for asset protection, its recommended to consult with an estate planning attorney and financial advisor.

Bottom Line

what happens to debt when you die

Being knowledgeable about debt after death, including understanding relevant laws, types of debt, and the process through which creditors can claim debts from an estate, can not only ease the burden on loved ones but also ensure the security of your legacy. Proactively protecting your estate from creditors will provide your family with the support they need, helping them navigate any post-death financial challenges with confidence.

Estate Planning Tips

Consider speaking with a financial advisor about how to best protect your assets and ensure theyre distributed according to your wishes. Finding a financial advisor doesnt have to be hard. SmartAssets free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If youre ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Creating an estate plan is important, but updating it throughout your life is nearly as vital. As your life changes and your financial situation evolves, your estate plan should reflect your new circumstances and needs. Here are five mistakes to avoid with your estate plan.

Photo credit: iStock.com/AlexanderFord, iStock.com/PeopleImages, iStock.com/MangoStar_Studio

The post What Happens to Your Debt When You Die? appeared first on SmartReads CMS - SmartAsset.
(Bloomberg) -- The epicenter of Europes heat wave is shifting back to Greece, where a firefighting plane crashed as a number of island blazes were rekindled.

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Firefighters are tackling more than 100 blazes across Greece, as temperatures are set to hit 48C (118.4F) by Wednesday. That forced the evacuation of more villages on the islands of Corfu and Rhodes on Tuesday. A Greek fire department plane crashed just after dropping water on a fire on the island of Evia, east of Athens.

Strong winds are hampering efforts to contain wildfires burning across the Mediterranean from Algeria to Turkey, after the worlds hottest ever June was followed by record heat this month. Extreme weather is devastating southern Europe, from hailstorms and a tornado in Italy, to heavy rainfall and strong winds that left several dead in parts of western Balkans.

Fossil fuel emissions are driving global warming, which is increasing the intensity of summer heat waves across the Northern Hemisphere from Phoenix to Turpan in China. That extreme heat would have been virtually impossible without climate change, according to scientists. Still many leaders are pushing back against curbing greenhouse gas emissions at a faster pace.

In Italy, theres little relief from combating the heat, even as its forecast to cool slightly in the coming days. A temperature of 48C was reported on Sardinia on Monday, just below the European high of 48.8C, set in Sicily two years ago.

In some areas, the heat has been punctuated by violent storms with destructive hail.

The new reality is that we have to face very different emergencies at the same time, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on local radio on Tuesday. Not a single fireman has gone on holiday, we are doing our best to secure the territory.

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On Sicily, Palermo airport was closed in the early part of the morning due to a fire on the surrounding hills. A storm in Milan disrupted transport, while a Delta Air Lines Inc. flight from the city to New York was diverted on Monday to Rome after hail damaged the nose and wings of the plane.

Yesterday evening, a hail storm hit the town of Azzano Decimo, northeast of Venice. One of the hail stones measured 19 centimeters (7.5 inches) in diameter, a European record.

Sicily reported widespread blackouts and water outages on Monday as demand for air-conditioning pushed power consumption to a record. Without basic services and unable to recharge her mobile phone, 92-year-old Rosina Di Marco felt cut off in the small town of Trecastagni.

From my window I could see smokes and fires in the distance, she said. What we are experiencing reminds me of when I was in a shelter during the second world war.

In Athens, ministers attended a cabinet meeting to discuss the crisis, with 125 wildfires in the past 24 hours.

We are already experiencing the effects of the climate crisis and we know that things will probably get worse, not better, with higher temperatures, more drought, strong winds, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said. We have a difficult summer ahead of us.

Read More: Greek Firefighting Plane Crashes Moments After Water Drop

A fire evacuation order was given early Tuesday for the village of Platanistos on the island of Evia, with another issued for Vati on Rhodes. There is a maximum alert for the island of Crete, and on Wednesday the highest wildfire risk will cover 11 areas, including the greater Attica region around Athens.

Across the Mediterranean in North Africa, the toll from the heat has been even higher. Wildfires killed more than 30 people in Algeria as temperatures in coastal cities hit 49C on Monday. Algerian authorities arrested two people on suspicion of arson in the Kabylie region.

Similar heat levels are expected on Tuesday in Tunisia and Algeria. Fires are being worsened in the afternoon by sirocco winds that can reach hurricane speeds as they blow off the Sahara.

Firefighters, supported by 10 planes, are also trying to bring a forest fire in Turkeys Antalya province under control.

Its not just the countries around the Mediterranean that are heating up, but the sea itself. On Monday, average temperatures reached a record 28.4C, with some water as warm as 32.5C. That risks the extinction of some marine life, while encouraging invasive species.

In sharp contrast, moderate conditions are spreading across Northern Europe as a cooler weather system moves in. Temperatures in the UK, Germany, France and Nordic countries will be below seasonal averages. Frankfurt will peak at 18.5C, 5.5C below the norm, according to forecaster Maxar Technologies Inc.

--With assistance from Chiara Albanese, Laura Millan, Sonia Sirletti, Patrick Sykes and Souhail Karam.

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Honesdale Council agreed on July 17 to administer a grant for over $1 million for streetscape enhancements on Main Street from 12th to 11th Street.

Borough council will be applying on behalf of Greater Honesdale Partnership (GHP) for a Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) grant totaling $1,135,803 to begin financing construction on Main Street, starting with the 1200 block.

One component of a revitalization plan for the length of the county seat's downtown, this portion links with the riverfront upgrades on 12th Street and represents the northern gateway to the principal commercial district.

GHP, with the support of the borough and other community partners, is spearheading the project. GHP 1st Vice President Brian Wilken and Executive Director Sandi Levens brought the update and made the request at City Hall.

By the borough being the applicant for the grant, the $350,000 match would be waived, Levens said. Otherwise, GHP would have to provide those funds, which Wilken said could be done but would take away from other projects or funds they may need for future matches.

The 1200 block of Main Street, between 12th and 11th streets, has been picked as the first phase of Greater Honesdale Partnership's downtown revitalization plan. A state grant of over $1 million is being sought for construction of this block alone. New sidewalks, light posts, benches and numerous other sidewalk amenities are planned for the length of Main Street from 12th to 4th streets with the view to improve public safety and aesthetics. A commercial building facade program is also part of the plan, and other aspects including a 12th street pedestrian safety upgrade and a side street pedestrian plaza.

The engineer from Woodland Design, the firm hired by GHP, is nearly finished with the design for Main Street upgrades. The basic design elements and measurements from the survey completed by Riley & Associates is done to create a construction estimate.

Gateway to downtown

"It's a great project for the town and will make a real improvement, especially the gateway area if you come from 12th to 11th," Wilken said.

The upgrade for this and the rest of Main Street includes new sidewalks, stamped concrete walkways, curbing, lighting, utility updates, paving updates, planters, shade tree plantings, benches and trash receptacles. Bump-outs at crosswalks are planned to help pedestrians see vehicles, and drivers see them. Walkways, parking, and amenities provided will meet the Americans with Disabilities Act standards. In a later phase, one of the side streets between Main and Church is expected to be transformed into a pedestrian plaza.

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Connects to 12th Street Trail

Levens said this block was chosen for phase 1, because of the 12th Street Trail project. Another state grant funded public safety improvements to 12th between Main and Church Streets and create a clear connection to the Lackawaxen River Trail at the former Industrial Point at the end of 12th Street, which the county has renamed as Sycamore Point. This site will have improved river boating access and a park-like setting.

The week of July 17, GHP was receiving proposals requested from companies to do the engineering and design work of the 12th Street project. Improvements include returning the connecting street between Main and Church Streets to one-way, adding a sidewalk and bicycle lane and repositioning parking spaces.

Lots of concrete and jobs

"It is over a million-dollar investment in downtown Honesdale. That's a lot of concrete, a lot of jobs," Wilken said, noting that a lot of people will come into town and see "the infrastructure, aesthetic investment in our town." He said this will bring more business into town and create jobs.

Brian Wilken, 1st vice president, Greater Honesdale Partnership, addresses Honesdale Council, July 17, 2023. At left is GHP Executive Director Sandi Levens.

DCED awarded GHP the money to do the study for the overall revitalization program. Wilken stated, "They want to see this project go all the way to fruition because they have a lot of money invested to this point and it will really be a great project for this town."

Accreditation helps

Wilken noted that Honesdale received a boost in being considered for state grants by being accredited by Main Street America. He said GHP is recognized by having an organized plan and system and following through on commitments. GHP worked for three years to bring Honesdale into this program.

GHP was awarded this accreditation at the Pennsylvania Downtown Center conference in Scranton a few weeks ago. GHP was upgraded to Accredited Member status from Affiliate Member of the program.

Levens later explained that this level of recognition from Main Street America came from their work within the community, volunteer hours by the GHP board members and the training programs she attended. The award allows more priority grant funding and resources from the national level of this program.

In August 2022, DCED announced that Honesdale received recognition as a Keystone Communities Main Street. The designation opens the borough up for increased state support regarding business and quality of life improvements.

This is another view of the 1200 block of Main Street, Honesdale, looking west.

More: Honesdale Main Street honored by Pa. Department of Community and Economic Development

Facade program

Levens also reported that the state facade grant received in 2021 totaled $50,000 and will be down to about $1,200 when all the current projects are completed. GHP plans to reapply for another $50,000. She said they have eight or 10 more applications for the grant to upgrade their commercial building facade.

With the matching funds for each project, the facade program will have invested about $157,000 in downtown Honesdale, she said.

For more information about GHP and the Honesdale revitalization program, go to visithonesdalepa.com or call Sandi Levens at 570-253-5492.

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Honesdale looks to revitalize 1200 block of Main Street
Key Insights

The projected fair value for TSH Resources Berhad is RM2.09 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Current share price of RM1.06 suggests TSH Resources Berhad is potentially 49% undervalued

Our fair value estimate is 100% higher than TSH Resources Berhad's analyst price target of RM1.05

How far off is TSH Resources Berhad (KLSE:TSH) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple!

Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Check out our latest analysis for TSH Resources Berhad

The Model

We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM194.3m RM197.9m RM202.4m RM207.7m RM213.8m RM220.5m RM227.6m RM235.3m RM243.3m RM251.7m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 2.25% Est @ 2.65% Est @ 2.93% Est @ 3.12% Est @ 3.25% Est @ 3.35% Est @ 3.42% Est @ 3.46% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 10.0% RM177 RM164 RM152 RM142 RM133 RM125 RM117 RM110 RM103 RM97.2

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM1.3b

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We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 3.6%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 10.0%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = RM252m (1 + 3.6%)  (10.0% 3.6%) = RM4.1b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM4.1b ( 1 + 10.0%)10= RM1.6b

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is RM2.9b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of RM1.1, the company appears quite good value at a 49% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

dcf

Important Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at TSH Resources Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 10.0%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

SWOT Analysis for TSH Resources Berhad

Strength

Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry.

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Dividend is in the top 25% of dividend payers in the market.

Weakness

No major weaknesses identified for TSH.

Opportunity

Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Threat

Dividends are not covered by cash flow.

Annual earnings are forecast to decline for the next 3 years.

Next Steps:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For TSH Resources Berhad, we've compiled three pertinent factors you should further research:

Risks: As an example, we've found 3 warning signs for TSH Resources Berhad (1 shouldn't be ignored!) that you need to consider before investing here. Future Earnings: How does TSH's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Malaysian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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The program will select and fully fund proofs of concept for new ideas leveraging advanced computing in the cloud, including generative AI and complex systems modeling and simulation, to help solve some of the biggest challenges in the fight against climate change

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI), an organization under the auspices of UNESCO, and Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS) today announced the launch of Compute for Climate Fellowship , a first-of-its-kind global program supporting entrepreneurs and startups applying advanced cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) to create new solutions that address the climate crisis. The Compute for Climate Fellowship will select startups with innovative ideas in this space and fully fund the building of their proofs of concept (POC). Applications open today and submissions will be accepted and selected on a rolling basis. Applications received by August 31, 2023, will be selected for development still this year.

IRCAI and AWS Launch Compute for Climate Fellowship to Fund New Tech Solutions Addressing the Climate Crisis

"Artificial intelligence is quickly developing as both an academic and practical discipline. At IRCAI, we aim not only to be a guiding post in the development of these new technologies, but also to ensure they are a force for good for humanity," said John Shawe Taylor, Director at IRCAI. "Through this collaboration with AWS, we want to find some of the most innovative startups out there and help them ethically leverage AI and advanced computing to build groundbreaking solutions that address some of the key challenges created by the climate crisis."

IRCAI and AWS will select proposals that think big, have the most innovative use of advanced cloud computing, and the biggest promise for global impact within six key problem areas in the fight against climate change:

climate risk and resilience

food security

biodiversity and conservation

climate-related health

circular economy

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) analytics

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Through the fellowship, global climate tech startups will have access to a variety of technical resources to build their POCs. Both IRCAI and AWS will provide selected startups with a team of experts in AI, sustainability and ethics, as well as access to advanced computing services, such as high-performance computing (HPC), and technologies including AI, generative AI, and machine learning (ML). AWS will also provide participants with credits to cover the POC build. In addition, all POCs will be designed under the guidelines of UNESCO's Ethics Impact

Assessment for Artificial Intelligence to ensure that each solution is built with safe, trustworthy technology.

Climate change has created some of the most complex and pervasive problems of our time. Earlier this month, the world recorded its hottest day ever with the highest average temperatures across the globe, according to data from the U.S. National Centers on Environmental Prediction. Wildfires, floods, droughts, and rising sea levels have been consistently ravaging different parts of the planet for years now, posing a real threat to food security, health, and biodiversity. As we continue to see an increase in the effects of the climate crisis, thousands of tech startups are creating new and innovative approaches to help delay and reverse its impacts. The Compute for Climate Fellowship will help selected startups accelerate the research and development process for these solutions with comprehensive technical guidance and access to AWS advanced computing services to bring their POCs to life.

"Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our generation and our message to the innovators out there with this program is: bring us your boldest, most visionary ideas and we'll help you build them for free," said Howard Wright, VP and Global Head of Startups at AWS. "By offering computing capabilities and access to new technologies, such as generative AI, to startups tackling climate-related challenges, the Compute for Climate Fellowship will continue our mission of driving sustainability through the cloud and hopefully help us change the course of the climate crisis."

Advanced computing and artificial intelligence have already shown great promise in helping create solutions to fight climate change. IRCAI is mapping AI solutions across the world that are contributing to the advancements of the UN Global Sustainability Goals. AWS is currently supporting customers developing early-warning systems for food insecurity, analytics for health equity in the context of climate change, intelligence to power the circular economy, and modeling and simulation capabilities using HPC to identify and mitigate climate-related fires, floods, and heat waves. The advent of generative AI has also sparked ideas for new solutions in this space. AWS is helping customers explore how Large Language Models can help remediate biodiversity loss, support mental health interventions in impacted populations, and foster innovation among automotive manufacturers focused on reaching net-zero goals, electrification, and circularity. By supporting startups developing innovations in these spaces, the Fellowship hopes to advance IRCAI's goal of applying ethical and cutting-edge research in AI, as well as provide new solutions to AWS customers interested in becoming more sustainable.

Applications for the Compute for Climate Fellowship are now open. All applications submitted before August 31, 2023 will be considered for development still this year and may have the opportunity to be showcased at AWS' re:Invent conference in November 2023. Applications submitted after September 1, 2023 will be considered for development in 2024.

Startups that apply but are not selected to participate will have access to up to $5,000 in AWS credits through the AWS Activate program, as well as free workshops and training on how to use AWS Advanced Compute services to build their solutions.

For more details on fellowship applications and eligibility, visit: https://ircai.org/compute-for-climate-fellowship .

About IRCAI

The International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence is an AI-dedicated research UNESCO category 2 centre, committed to bridge both artificial intelligence and sustainable development following the UN's ethical principles in AI and ensuring via any available means be it research, policy or technology, that the public is the main beneficiary of our actions. We've built an international network and inclusive environment of scientists where collaboration is encouraged and learning is shared freely. With a particular focus on equity, inclusion, and diversity, we develop insights, frameworks and tools to help both us, the public, and the broader AI community create AI that represents the diversity and development concerns of people across the world.

About UNESCO

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is the agency of the United Nations contributing to building peace through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture.

Media Contact

Davor Orlic, COO, davor.orlic@gmail.com

Mihajela Crnko, CCO, mihajela.crnko@ircai.org

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2161294/IRCAI_and_AWS.jpg

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A preliminary site plan for the latest iteration of Sanctuary on the Green was presented to neighbors Monday, Sept. 14, 2021.

An 8th Judicial District Court judge on Monday threw out city approval of the proposed 212-unit Sanctuary on the Green development in northwest Fort Collins, sending City Council's decision back for a new hearing.

The ruling sided with a group of neighbors organized as Sanctuary Field Neighborhood Network who have been fighting the 41-acre development north of Laporte Avenue and west of Taft Hill Road.

The key issue surrounds two city documents: Fort Collins Land Use Code and the 2006 Northwest Subarea plan, created in conjunction with Larimer County, residents, landowners and businesses to "create a shared vision and plan for the future."

A city hearing officer originally ruled the Land Use Code was the guiding document that took precedence over the subarea plan when he approved the project development plan in May 2022. Neighbors appealed to City Council, which upheld the hearing officer's decision and reaffirmed the Land Use Code as the guiding document.

Sanctuary on the Green is proposed for undeveloped land north of Laporte Avenue and west of Taft Hill Road in Fort Collins.

Neighbors sued City Council in October, arguing council lacked the authority to hear their appeal, exceeded its jurisdiction and/or abused its discretion by appointing the hearing officer, interpreting the land use code and approving the developer's plan.

Sanctuary on the Green developers Solitaire Homes East LLC and Solitaire Homes LLC were not named in the suit but intervened as defendants to protect their interest in the property.

In remanding the development proposal back to the city, Judge Stephen Jouard ordered a new hearing in which the city's land use code and Northwest Subarea Plan be considered and evaluated. The court did not limit the hearing officer's discretion or prescribe a particular determination.

The court determined the hearing officer applied the wrong legal standard and abused his discretion in failing to consider the provisions of the subarea plan, but it did not express an opinion whether the plan was compatible or incompatible with the character of the existing neighborhood.

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"The Land Use Code makes it clear that 'compatibility' does not mean 'the same as,'" Jouard wrote in his 33-page decision.

The court also ruled the hearing officer's findings were based on inaccurate applications of the law and a legal determination that the subarea plan "was extraneous, was merely advisory, failed to provide sufficient guidelines as to evaluate and address incompatibility and need not be considered in any way."

There was no clear intent that the city intended the subarea plan to be merely advisory or that it should not be considered as part of a project development plan, according to the ruling. "Indeed, if the city intended that the subarea plan was only advisory and need not even be considered in evaluating development proposals, the city could have so stated in clear and unmistakable language."

Sanctuary Field Neighborhood Network Inc. said in a statement Jouard "clearly listened to arguments from both sides and issued an in-depth analysis and thoughtfully crafted decision.

"We hope that our case not only ensures that this particular development proposal be carefully analyzed and considered by the City of Fort Collins in accordance with applicable law and their own development codes, but that it also sets a clear precedent on the non-advisory nature of Fort Collins subarea plans and their relation to the citys land use code and demonstrates that citizen and community input be considered in development review. We look forward to next steps in the review of this development."

Attorneys for the city and Solitaire were not immediately available for comment Tuesday afternoon.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Judge orders new hearing on Fort Collins residential development
PARIS (Reuters) - KLM, Delta, United and scores of carriers have filed an appeal at the Dutch Supreme Court to overturn a move by the Dutch government to curb traffic at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, the Dutch airline said on Tuesday.

The legal action announced by the airlines is an attempt to overturn a July 7 decision by the Amsterdam Court of Appeal which backed the Dutch government's plans to reduce the number of flights at Schiphol to 460,000 from 500,000.

The lawsuit was also supported by JetBlue, easyJet, Corendon, TUI fly, and trade associations IATA, which has 300 airline members worldwide, and Airlines for America (A4A), which represents 10 U.S. airlines, among others, the statement said.

"The current judgement by the Amsterdam Court of Appeal creates a lack of clarity and causes uncertainty for passengers and the aviation sector," it said. "The judgement conflicts with national, European and international regulations. It is in the interests of all parties to obtain clarity."

The Dutch government had announced the cap in February, calling it a temporary solution to cut noise pollution and to tackle other environmental issues.

Royal Schiphol Group, the operator of airports in the Netherlands, is majority-owned by the Dutch state.

(Reporting by Tassilo Hummel and Anthony Deutsch; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
By John Revill

(Reuters) -Logitech International raised its sales and profit outlook for the first half of the financial year 2024 on Tuesday, sending its stock sharply higher.

The maker of computer keyboards, mice and webcams saw its stock trading nearly 8% higher in Switzerland after its first quarter results beat forecasts.

Sales in the three months to end of June fell 16% to $974 million, ahead of market forecasts for $926 million, while non GAAP operating profit of $109 million also beat expectations.

Chief Financial Officer Chuck Boynton said Logitech had gained market share and improved profitability by reducing inventory levels at both its factories and sales channels.

But the executive said consumer confidence remained fragile in many countries.

"We entered the year with a lot of uncertainty and volatility, and in the last quarter we published quite good numbers relative to expectations," Boynton told Reuters.

"But we are not where we want to be."

Logitech has been suffering a downturn after riding a boom during the pandemic when people stocked equipment to work from home.

Boynton said he did not know if the U.S.-Swiss company had now hit the bottom of its current sales slide.

"We are cautiously optimistic. We don't know if we are at bottom yet, we are still in transition," he said.

Logitech raised its guidance on Tuesday, saying it now expects first-half sales of $1.875 billion to $1.975 billion, up from the previous projection of $1.8 billion to $1.9 billion. It also raised its expectations for full year adjusted operating profit.

In its first outlook for this business year, Logitech also forecast full year sales of $3.8 billion to $4 billion.

Logitech is also seeking a successor to long-standing CEO Bracken Darrell, who stepped down last month to become the CEO of VF Corp, the maker of Vans sneakers and The North Face outdoor wear.

CFO Boynton declined to comment when a replacement for Darrell would be found, with the company saying its search was progressing well.

"This is a dream job for many, many CEOs," he said.

(Reporting by John Revill in Zurich and Shivani Tanna in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu, Varun H K and Christina Fincher)
Rich woman texting a prospective financial advisor

You'd think before they hand a large sum of money over to a financial advisor, wealthy investors would check out and interview a number of candidates to handle their life savings. However, a new study shows you'd be wrong. Consider working with a financial advisor for expert advice on managing assets and creating or updating a financial plan.

What the Survey Found

The Dynasty Connect survey polled 1,000 high-net-worth respondents, all working with a financial advisor and each with a minimum of $500,000 in investable assets, with a 3.1% margin of error.

According to the survey, 57% handed their nest eggs to the first planner they interviewed. Instead of shopping around, they decided not to personally evaluate other advisors.

Its an extraordinary finding that high-net worth families are selecting the first and only advisor they speak with, said Dynasty Financial Partners CEO Shirl Penney. "Its like buying the very first house you look at."

The result of failing to shop around for an adviser is that 61% of respondents under the age of 45 changed advisors. After working with one adviser, they ended up "looking for a different/specific expertise," according to the survey. The result can be wasted time and energy, and disappointing investment results.

How to Find a Financial Advisor

Financial experts recommend interviewing several candidates when considering using an investment advisor before handing over control of money than can represent a lifetime of working and saving. They recommend checking to see if the advisor is a registered professional and asking questions about experience and credentials, types of investment they offer, what fees they charge, whether they receive commissions from the investment products they sell and if they have a disciplinary history with a government regulator or had customer complaints.

Investors also should understand what kind of investment professional they're dealing with, as well as making sure they understand any professional memberships and designations. A certified financial planner (CFP), for example, must pass a rigorous exam and adhere to a code of ethics as well as disciplinary review from a board of professionals. A chartered financial analyst (CFA) designation is even harder to earn. In fact, there are more than 100 investment credentials available that offer an alphabet soup of initialed designations that can be purchased after passing a simple test or earned at a single weekend seminar.

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Checking Credentials of Prospective Financial Advisors

Financial advisor working with a wealthy person

Investors can look up a potential advisor's credentials using the Professional Designations page at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) website. FINRA is a private corporation approved by Congress to act as a self-regulatory organization that oversees brokerage firms.

They can also check the background of financial professionals at Investor.gov and find information on state-licensed advisors at the website of the North American Securities Administrators Association. You can find additional information about vetting advisers, including a suggested list of questions, at the SEC.gov website and from AARP.org.

When it comes to word-of-mouth recommendations, investors still need to conduct additional due diligence. The Dynasty Connect Survey found that when seeking a new advisor, 46% of respondents were referred by "a friend, family member or colleague," while respondents 45 and younger were likely to find an advisor through online searches, social media, blogs or other online sources.

Bottom Line

Many people start looking for a financial adviser after a life change, such as receiving an inheritance, changing jobs, starting a family or dealing with a serious health matter. Despite the sense of urgency around those events, investors should take the time to thoroughly review more than one advisor before making a final call.

Tips for Finding a Financial Advisor

Finding a financial advisor doesn't have to be hard. SmartAsset's free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have free introductory calls with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you're ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

For more tips on how to find a financial advisor that youre comfortable with, check out SmartAssets guide here.

Photo credit: iStock.com/GaudiLab, iStock.com/filadendron

The post How Many Financial Advisors Do Wealthy Investors Meet Before Hiring One? You May Be Surprised appeared first on SmartReads by SmartAsset.
New Hatch Chile & Lime is the First Special Edition Flavor to be Available across Cannabis and Mainline soda brands

SEATTLE, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jones Soda Co . (CSE: JSDA, OTCQB: JSDA), the original craft soda known for its unconventional flavors and user-submitted photo labels, today announced the first crossover special edition flavor release with both the Jones Soda and Mary Jones brands. The new Hatch Chile and Lime soda will be available from both brands this year, marking the first dual special flavor release between Jones and Mary Jones  an industry first in both categories.

Enjoy Jones hatch chili + lime this summer barbecue season, infused or as OG soda.

"Jones was the first mainstream non-alcohol consumer brand to crossover into the cannabis market with Mary Jones in 2022," said Bohb Blair, President Emerging Brands at Jones. "We're blazing the trail again with jointly releasing a special edition flavor across both markets with our new Hatch Chile and Lime sodas."

Mary Jones was the first cannabis product portfolio to leverage 25 years of a mass market-established equity across brand, beverage, flavors and fans. The portfolio was initially launched in California with multiple formats offered in four of the most popular Jones Soda flavors. All Mary Jones products are created by the same ingenious flavor scientists who have made Jones famous for unexpected and bold soda releases for the most robust, delicious tasting products in the cannabis category.

The Mary Jones brand has seen such enormous success in California, it has since announced plans for expansion into cannabis-legal Michigan, Washington and Nevada with additional markets to be announced in the future. Hatch Chile and Lime special release soda combines the bold flavors of smoky hatch chiles with a refreshing zing of lime. The cannabis infused Mary Jones products come in both 10MG single serving and 100mg multi-serving formats. Available now and all summer long throughout California dispensaries.

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"We have cannabis consumers and dispensaries in legal states from across the country contacting Mary Jones about our products," added David Knight, CEO Jones Soda. "Our new Hatch Chile and Lime is just the start of the incredible flavors we'll be bringing to the THC community."

For more information about Mary Jones, visit www.gomaryjones.com .

About Jones Soda Co.

Jones Soda Co. (CSE: JSDA, OTCQB: JSDA ) is a leading craft soda manufacturer with a subsidiary dedicated to cannabis products. The company markets and distributes premium craft sodas under the Jones Soda and Lemoncocco brands, and a variety of cannabis products under the Mary Jones brand. Jones' mainstream soda line is sold across North America in glass bottles, cans and on fountain through traditional beverage outlets, restaurants and alternative accounts. The company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. For more information, visit www.jonessoda.com , www.myjones.com , www.drinklemoncocco.com or https://gomaryjones.com

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The logo for Microsoft, and a scene from Activision "Call of Duty - Modern Warfare," are shown in this photo, in New York, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. Microsoft reports earnings on Tuesday July 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Microsoft reported a 20% spike in quarterly profits Tuesday, helping to fuel its battle to get ahead of rivals like Google, Amazon and Facebook parent Meta in selling the latest artificial intelligence technology.

The software giant said its fiscal fourth-quarter profit was $20.1 billion, or $2.69 per share, beating analyst expectations for $2.55 per share.

It posted revenue of $56.2 billion in the April-June period, up 8% from last year. Analysts polled by FactSet Research had been looking for revenue of $55.49 billion.

CEO Satya Nadella said the company remains focused on leading the new AI platform shift," though its push to add AI features to its existing products  among them cloud computing services, workplace software and its Bing search engine  are not yet making an obvious mark on its financial results.

Microsoft was an early mover in this year's hype around generative AI tools that can help people write documents and create new images and other media. It capitalized on its multibillion dollar investments in ChatGPT-maker OpenAI to launch a Bing chatbot and similar tools tailored to its business customers. It said last week that it would start charging $30 per user for business accounts that sign up for its new AI Copilot that integrates with existing software such as Word, Excel and email.

Organizations are asking not only how  but how fast  they can apply this next generation of AI to address the biggest opportunities and challenges they face  safely and responsibly, Nadella said in a prepared statement.

Despite beating Wall Street analyst expectations for profit and revenues, Microsoft's stock dropped slightly in after-hours trading after it released its financial report upon the market's close Tuesday.

Macquarie analyst Sarah Hindlian-Bowler said investors have been focused on Microsoft's early revenue from those artificial intelligence investments, the performance of the Azure cloud computing platform and the likelihood that Microsoft will close its deal to buy video game company Activision Blizzard, which could help boost gaming revenue and drive more users to the Xbox game system and other Microsoft platforms.

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More than 18 months after announcing the $69 billion deal, Microsoft is still negotiating with a British antitrust regulator over concerns it will harm competition. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission also opposed the transaction but lost a court fight to stop it.

We still expect a successful close as the company works toward an amenable solution that satisfies the U.K.s concerns, Hindlian-Bowler said in an analyst note ahead of Tuesday's earnings.

Quarterly sales were highest in Microsoft's cloud business segment, which the company said grew 15% from the same time last year to $24 billion. Much of that was driven by its flagship Azure platform and other cloud services revenue, which grew 26%.

Microsoft doesnt reveal the total revenue for its Azure business, though a document inadvertently disclosed during its recent court fight with the FTC showed it as $34 billion last year, Hindlian-Bowler said. Microsoft has declined to comment on that number. It's long been seen as the runner-up to Amazon's dominant cloud platform, Amazon Web Services.

Microsoft's second-biggest business segment  centered on productivity software led by its Office suite of workplace products  grew 10% to $18.3 billion in sales for the April-June quarter.

While AI has captivated the attention of the public and investors, Microsoft is also still heavily reliant on its personal computing business centered around the licensing fees paid by the makers of computers running its Windows software.

Microsoft made $13.9 billion from its personal computing business segment in the quarter, down 4% from the same time last year. While that segment also includes other products, including Xbox games and consoles, it's been the Windows revenue dragging the overall numbers down.

Worldwide shipments of PCs from various manufacturers in the April-June quarter dropped 16.6% from the same time last year, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of year-over-year decline, according to market research group Gartner. However, the market is starting to stabilize and demand could grow again in 2024, Gartner said.

With most of its revenue coming from sales to business clients, Microsoft hasn't been as affected by economic troubles that have hit consumer-focused sectors or advertising-dependent tech rivals like Google and Meta. But Microsoft has still laid off hundreds of workers in recent months, including many around its headquarters in Redmond, Washington, according to notices it sent to government agencies. That's on top of the 10,000 employees, almost 5% of its workforce, that it cut earlier this year.
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office awards patent for moomoo's charting tools

SINGAPORE, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent survey on "Singapore Investors' Financial Resilience" sponsored by Moomoo Financial Singapore Pte. Ltd. ("Moomoo Singapore") revealed that savvy investors (8.3%) used advanced financial technology as an essential part of their investment process.

This comes as the moomoo app was awarded a patent for its cutting-edge drawing and customization charts by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Moomoo's line drawing tool is a technical analysis tool that allows technical traders to track movements of their target stocks and discover market trends.

Mr Gavin Chia, CEO of Moomoo Singapore, said: "This patent recognises Moomoo's constant quest to provide our clients with the necessary tools to help them in their trading journeys. Technology is at the core of everything we do, and our tech-driven capabilities will continue to be the unique proposition for our clients."

The patented charting tools allow users to draw lines and shapes on charts, facilitating price movement analysis, pattern recognition, and identification of potential market opportunities from the convenience of their mobile devices  anytime and anywhere.

With 38 drawing tools and more than 60 technical indicators, as well as real-time data that updates every 0.03 seconds, the tool empowers users to create diverse charts to uncover potential trading opportunities and customise technical indicators for optimal investment decisions.

"Technical trading used to be a full-time endeavour given its complex charting and need for multiple desktop monitors and the use of several monitors to keep track of multiple data points. Moomoo's line drawing tool is game-changer as it is mobile-friendly, which allows traders to conveniently utilise it on-the-go. It also supports more than six monitors simultaneously on one screen, providing traders with additional convenience," Chia said.

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Seizing market opportunities

An analysis of Moomoo's data highlighted the real-world applications of the charting tools to capture market opportunities. The use of charting tools to conduct technical analysis on U.S. stocks rose by 50% over the past month, according to data from Moomoo Technologies Inc.

The upsurge reveals global investors actively captured the recent U.S. stocks upcycle, particularly in the tech giants. According to Moomoo data, the most viewed U.S. stocks in the past month were Tesla, Apple, Nvidia, Meta and Nio American depositary shares.

Enagaging the community

"In addition to our tech capabilities, Moomoo believes that education is the bedrock of every successful investment journey," Chia said.

A series of online courses has been introduced on Moomoo's learning portal  Moo Learn  to educate users on drawing techniques for the charting tools. Novice investors are also encouraged to join Moomoo's interactive online community, where experienced investors actively share their insights on technical investing under various discussion topics.

To engage with younger investors, Moomoo Singapore has engaged with several universities in Singapore as part of its education outreach programs. It is currently working with the Singapore Institute of Technology to conduct a study on the use of technology in promoting financial resilience and literacy.

In addition, Moomoo has conducted paper trading competitions with several universities to raise awareness of trading techniques among the younger generation.

"Moomoo Singapore will continue to leverage its data-driven approach to create ever greater value for our clients. We will continually upgrade and introduce new features to empower users with robust tools to navigate financial markets effectively, while pushing out more investor education programs to help our users in their investment journeys," Chia said.

About Moomoo Singapore

Moomoo Financial Singapore Pte. Ltd. (Moomoo Singapore) is an advanced financial technology company transforming the investing experience by offering a digitalised brokerage and wealth management platform  moomoo. Moomoo enhances the user experience with market data, news, and powerful analytical tools. Moomoo also embeds an unique digitalised investment community to connect all users, investors, companies, analysts, media and key opinion leaders.

In Singapore, Moomoo Financial Singapore Pte. Ltd. (www.moomoo.com/sg) offers investment products for trading via the moomoo platform, and it is a capital markets services licence holder regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (Licence No. CMS101000). In June 2022, Moomoo Singapore became the first digital brokerage to receive all five memberships from the SGX Group for the securities and derivatives markets.

For more information, please contact:

Moomoo Singapore

Name: Zavier Ong

Tel: 9457 3075

Email: zavierong@sg.moomoo.com

Mileage Communications Pte Ltd

Patsy Phay / Yap Wy-Lene

Tel: 6222-1678

patsy@mileage.com.sg / wylene@mileage.com.sg

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One of the most recognisable logos on the web, the tweeting blue bird, is no more. Will the black and white X replacing it prove to be a masterstroke or a branding disaster?

When Jean-Pierre Dube saw the news that billionaire Elon Musk was scrapping Twitter's logo in favour of an Art Deco-style X, the marketing professor thought it was a joke.

"Why take a recognised brand, with a lot of brand capital around it and then completely throw it away and start from scratch?" said Prof Dube, who teaches at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. "In the short-term, it seems weird."

But in the long term, could it work?

Mr Musk's takeover of Twitter last year has been punishing for the social media platform.

Advertising revenue has dropped by half, Mr Musk said this month, as big brands pulled back, wary of changes he has made, including how the firm handles verified accounts and moderates content. Abrupt layoffs and unpaid bills have also led to bad press and lawsuits.

Estimates by Fidelity, which has a stake in the company, suggest it is now worth just a third of the $44bn (34.3bn) that Mr Musk paid for Twitter in October.

Consultancy Brand Finance recently estimated that the firm's brand was worth $3.9bn, down 32% since last year - a fall it attributed to Mr Musk's "aggressive business approaches".

Research suggests that rebrands can pay off - particularly if a firm is in trouble or wants to change direction, said Yanhui Zhao, a professor of marketing at the University of Nebraska Omaha.

His review of 215 rebranding announcements by publicly listed companies found that more than half of those businesses saw positive returns after they rebranded.

Twitter logo, old and new

That means Mr Musk's moves could be timely, he said, noting the multi-billionaire's ambition to transform Twitter into an "everything app" similar to China's WeChat, a social messaging service on which users can send money, hail taxis, book hotels and play games, among other functions.

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"This is a much needed rebranding because of the strategic re-direction of Twitter," he told the BBC.

But success becomes less likely when a company is in turmoil, warned Shuba Srinivasan, marketing professor at Boston University's Questrom School of Business. She said it was an especially risky move, given all the social media competitors, such as Mark Zuckerberg's Threads, rushing to fill Twitter's role.

"The rebranding is likely to confirm the fear of many Twitter users that the acquisition by Musk signalled the end of the Twitter they knew," she said.

Nor is it clear that a rebranding addresses Twitter's problems - many of which stem in part from Mr Musk, Prof Dube said.

"I didn't think there was a brand problem and brand identity problem as much as a leadership problem," he said.

In a May interview with satire site, The Babylon Bee, Mr Musk previewed the change, saying he thought he needed to "broaden the branding for Twitter" to help him succeed at pushing the company beyond the short text posts that made it famous.

But some analysts said that the potential of this vision being successful faces long odds.

In June, advisory firm Forrester Research published a report called "The super app window has closed," which argued that tech giants such as Google and Apple currently offer super app-like functions to billions of users in the US and Europe, while tough regulatory hurdles and fierce competition limits opportunities for others.

It noted that WeChat, the example that has been cited by Mr Musk, became dominant in China early, before other payment services emerged - and in part as a result of technical issues, such as limited phone memory, which discouraged downloading multiple apps.

"While Musk's vision is to turn X into an 'everything app,' this takes time, money, and people - three things that the company no longer has," Mike Proulx, a research director at Forrester, wrote after Mr Musk's announcement, adding that he thought the firm would shut or be be bought out in the next 12 months.

Even if Twitter's core users in media, politics and finance stay loyal, as they have in the past, making X successful would require participation from a far broader user base - no small challenge, said Harvard Business School professor Andy Wu.

But Twitter faced difficulties before Mr Musk's takeover and would benefit from some risk-taking, he added.

"We can debate whether those changes are in the right direction, but Twitter does need changes."
FILE PHOTO: A man works on a tent for NXP Semiconductors in preparation for the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas

By Stephen Nellis

(Reuters) - NXP Semiconductors Chief Executive Officer Kurt Sievers said that China's slumping smartphone market remains far from a rebound but that one major non-Android customer's chip orders are still comparing well with historical trends.

Netherlands-based NXP makes a near-field communications chip that goes into smartphones to help with mobile payments and other functions. Sievers did not discuss Apple Inc by name, but analysts believe the iPhone maker is a major customer.

Sievers' comments in an interview with Reuters came a day after the company gave a better-than-expected sales forecast based on a steady recovery in the automotive segment, sending its shares up 4.8% to $221.05 by midday Tuesday.

China's smartphone market has suffered as the country's growth has slowed, with Counterpoint Research reporting that sales declined 8% for the early June "618" shopping season in the country. But Apple has resisted the trend, with sales rising 8% during the shopping period, Counterpoint said.

NXP's forecast suggests that Apple's strength may continue. In an interview, Sievers said NXP expects mobile revenue to increase 23% in the current third quarter, up from $284 million in the just-ended second quarter.

While the Android portion of those mobile chip orders is growing slightly, Sievers said there is no rebound in sight.

"I would still say the (smartphone) build rates are below what they used to be in China. And we also don't see it jumping," he said.

Sievers said most of the 23% increase forecast for mobile chip sales is attributable to a large customer that NXP cannot name. Most analysts believe that company is Apple.

"This increase in itself sequentially from Q2 to Q3 is quite good," Sievers said. "We also compare that seasonally to past years or to more normal years. And I'd say that the sequential increase for that particular customer is on the better side."

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Stephen Nellis in San Francisco)
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Otis (NYSE: OTIS), the world's leading company for elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation, and service, recently unveiled its newly transformed office space in Malaysia. The project is part of Otis' global initiative to redesign how and where colleagues work enabling more collaborations, strengthening community connections, and fueling innovation. It also demonstrates Otis' continuous commitment to reduce the environmental impact from its operations while improving business performance.

From left: Pradeep Nair, General Manager, Otis Malaysia & Brunei; Grant Mooney, Managing Director, Otis Southeast Asia; and Manivannan, K., Managing Director, Otis Malaysia & Vietnam at the inauguration ceremony for the renovated office.

Located at Menara Symphony Petaling Jaya, the renovated office was designed to serve as a hub to cultivate company culture and encourage best practice sharing for over 600 Malaysian colleagues from Otis and its subsidiary brand, Sigma.

Along with a new, modern reception area, the office provides a variety of different workplaces including workstations with monitors, long tables and shared hotdesking tables, to promote agility and support greater colleague interactions and collaboration. Colleagues can also engage in relaxation and wellness activities in designated areas around the office.

The renovated office provides a variety of flexible workplaces and relaxation areas for employees to collaborate and interact.

"The varied use of our office space reinforces Otis' strong commitment to create a diverse and inclusive working environment for our colleagues," said Otis Southeast Asia Managing Director Grant Mooney. "In addition to our new workspaces, we are also promoting a hybrid work arrangement, which gives our colleagues greater flexibility and control over their own schedules. We believe this initiative will promote greater productivity and work-life satisfaction."

Established in Malaysia since 1909, Otis has helped build and transform cities across Malaysia with its safe, high quality and reliable elevator and escalator equipment and solutions. Otis has partnered with customers for some of Malaysia's most iconic projects, including The Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (KVMRT) and The Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems, two of the busiest transportation hubs in the country.

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"Our office transformation project is a testament to our strong commitment to developing our people and culture, so we can provide the best services and solutions for our customers in Malaysia," said Otis Managing Director of Malaysia & Vietnam Manivannan, K. "In addition, we are investing in smart technology by equipping our field professionals with mobile phones and proprietary apps tied to rich data and analytics. This will enable them to work more safely, offer a high level of personalized service, and drive productivity and growth."

Moving forward, Otis Malaysia will continue to introduce new vertical mobility solutions and the latest connected technologies  including Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence and machine learning  to provide customers in Malaysia a predictive, proactive and transparent view of elevator operations.

About Otis

Otis gives people freedom to connect and thrive in a taller, faster, smarter world. The global leader in the manufacture, installation and servicing of elevators and escalators, we move more than 2 billion people a day and maintain approximately 2.2 million customer units worldwide  the industry's largest Service portfolio. You'll find us in the world's most iconic structures, as well as residential and commercial buildings, transportation hubs and everywhere people are on the move. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, Otis is 69,000 people strong, including 41,000 field professionals, all committed to meeting the diverse needs of our customers and passengers in more than 200 countries and territories. To learn more, visit www.otis.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @OtisElevatorCo.

Cision

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SOURCE Otis
Ideally, your overall portfolio should beat the market average. But in any portfolio, there will be mixed results between individual stocks. So we wouldn't blame long term Orica Limited (ASX:ORI) shareholders for doubting their decision to hold, with the stock down 14% over a half decade.

So let's have a look and see if the longer term performance of the company has been in line with the underlying business' progress.

View our latest analysis for Orica

In his essay The Superinvestors of Graham-and-Doddsville Warren Buffett described how share prices do not always rationally reflect the value of a business. One way to examine how market sentiment has changed over time is to look at the interaction between a company's share price and its earnings per share (EPS).

During five years of share price growth, Orica moved from a loss to profitability. That would generally be considered a positive, so we are surprised to see the share price is down. Other metrics may better explain the share price move.

Revenue is actually up 5.8% over the time period. A more detailed examination of the revenue and earnings may or may not explain why the share price languishes; there could be an opportunity.

The company's revenue and earnings (over time) are depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers).

Orica is a well known stock, with plenty of analyst coverage, suggesting some visibility into future growth. You can see what analysts are predicting for Orica in this interactive graph of future profit estimates.

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. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. We note that for Orica the TSR over the last 5 years was -4.1%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence!

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A Different Perspective

While the broader market gained around 11% in the last year, Orica shareholders lost 5.8% (even including dividends). Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 0.8% over the last half decade. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. 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. Even so, be aware that Orica is showing 2 warning signs in our investment analysis , you should know about...

If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on 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.

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Julia Hoggett, chief executive of London Stock Exchange, called for more to be done to address the pay gap between UK and US execs - Hollie Adams/Bloomberg

Low executive pay is the biggest obstacle to boosting the City of London, FTSE bosses have said.

A new survey of 150 directors at London-listed companies found that lower pay for City chiefs compared to rival financial centres was holding back the London Stock Exchange (LSE) as a listing venue.

The research, carried out by investment bank Numis, adds to growing complaints in the Square Mile that Britain is being held back by a campaign against high pay.

Julia Hoggett, chief executive of the LSE, has said a pay disparity between UK chief executives versus their US counterparts has not received enough attention and called for a level playing field to stem an exodus of companies.

Chief executives of S&P 500 companies in the US make on average $10m more than FTSE 100 counterparts, according to data from Equilar and Deloitte published earlier this year.

38pc of executives surveyed by Numis said the need for a more competitive executive remuneration environment was the most important reform needed to improve the LSE.

Meanwhile, 32pc said regulators should ease corporate governance rules and 20pc said making it easier to fundraise on the stock market was the most pressing reform needed.

The Citys stock market has faced a bruising few months after a number of companies left for New York, while new deals have stalled.

Ross Mitchinson, co-chief executive of Numis, said: There is room for additional bold steps to enhance Londons attractiveness  whether that be for homegrown UK businesses or as an international financial centre  though the UK needs to balance that with maintaining the high standards of regulation and governance it has come to be known for.

More than 90pc of the directors polled also said that the Government should go further on pension reforms and force retirement schemes to invest in UK-listed companies.

Mr Mitchinson said that directors would have liked to see Jeremy Hunt, the Chancellor, mandate retirement schemes to support UK Plc and not just private companies, adding: It does seem crazy that many UK pension funds have almost no equity exposure.

Earlier this month, Mr Hunt announced a voluntary compact deal among the countrys biggest pension companies to invest 5pc of their assets in start-ups and private equity, but fell short of mandating funds to back UK assets.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
The San Francisco Police Department told Insider that officers responded to "a possible unpermitted street closure." Justin Sullivan/Getty

Elon Musk's sweeping rebrand of Twitter to X took effect on Monday.

As the new logo debuted on the site, efforts were underway to erase a Twitter sign in San Francisco.

The San Fransisco Police Department told Insider that officers responded to "a possible unpermitted street closure."

Elon Musk spirited the "X" logos onto Twitter's site seemingly overnight, but it may take longer to change the sign outside his company's headquarters.

Police showed up on Monday afternoon during efforts to remove the "Twitter" lettering from the massive sign on the building.

The issue, it seems, was the large worker lift, or "boom lift," used to take the letters down and the space it took up on the street.

The San Francisco Police Department halted the work on Monday afternoon and spoke with workers tasked with removing the sign, according to The San Francisco Standard.

A crane was used to remove some of the letters from the Twitter sign on the company's San Francisco office building. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The San Fransisco Police Department told Insider that officers attended to a report of "a possible unpermitted street closure" because a lift outside Twitter's headquarters in the city was used to remove some of the letters from the Twitter sign. The officers were "able to determine that no crime was committed, and this incident was not a police matter," the statement continued.

A representative for the San Fransisco Police Department declined to comment beyond the statement. An inquiry sent to Twitter's press address received the automated response, "We'll get back to you soon." A representative for Twitter could not be reached for comment, and Shorenstein, the owner of the building, declined to comment.

Two people familiar with the company told Insider that employees were not informed that the sign would be removed. A large lift "showed up," and men began dismantling the sign, one of the people said. The assumption is that the sign is set to be replaced with the new "X" insignia Musk has used to rebrand Twitter, which became part of his X Holdings earlier this year.

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Police officers standing next to the crane used to dismantle part of the sign. Justin Sullivan/ Getty

Employees in the Market Street office could see that the lift was blocking traffic on the cross street, normally a bustling part of San Francisco. The lift was parked in a lane normally reserved for through traffic and, at points, caused traffic to back up. Police showed up in the early afternoon and began directing traffic around the lift, one of the people familiar said.

Given the disturbance, police halted the removal of the signage before it could be completed, the person said. The lift is now gone, the person added. The full "Twitter" name remains on one side of the sign, while the other side shows only the letters "er" remain.

Are you a Twitter employee or someone else with insight to share? Contact Kali Hays at khays@insider.com, on secure messaging app Signal at 949-280-0267, or through Twitter DM at @hayskali. Reach out using a non-work device.

Contact Sindhu Sundar at ssundar@insider.com.

Read the original article on Business Insider
For $22.5 million, you could buy an abandoned town in California, used as a set by director Christopher Nolan, with three schools, a public swimming pool, a few churches and a baseball diamond  or a single house in Alpine.

As we move into the second half of 2023, many of the state's most costly neighborhoods, especially those in our very own North Jersey region, have maintained their status as the most expensive communities in which to live.

Comparing home values across all of New Jersey's ZIP codes, using data from Zillow's Home Value Index, four Bergen County communities and one Essex County community make up North Jersey's five most expensive ZIP codes so far this year, and they have ranked highly overall in the state.

An important note: These rankings are calculated as a weighted average  that's a real term in statistics that takes more than just numbers into consideration  of the middle third of home values in each ZIP code. They are not the median value for a home in the area.

No. 1: Alpine

This home in Alpine was the most expensive home sold in North Jersey overall so far.

Alpine's 07620 has once again ranked as the most expensive ZIP code in all of North Jersey. Overall, it has ranked No. 2 in the state, second only to Deal's 07723 ZIP. Previously, Alpine ranked as the overall most expensive ZIP code in the state for six consecutive years before being dethroned by Deal in 2022.

The smallest ZIP code of the top five by far, with about 1,700 residents, Alpine lacks a downtown area and does not offer local services, which keeps the taxes of the area low.

Because of the general lack of amenities in Alpine and therefore the enhanced privacy of the town, this ZIP code has been called home by many big names, including Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy and Jay-Z.

As of June 30, the typical value of a home in Alpine was estimated at $2.7 million, and the priciest property for sale currently is a $22.5 million mansion on Rio Vista Drive.

No. 2: Short Hills

The reflecting pool terrace at Greenwood Gardens in Short Hills.

Short Hills' 07078 is the second-most-expensive ZIP in North Jersey, ranking No. 6 overall in the state. In 2022, Short Hills ranked as the overall fourth-most-expensive ZIP in the state, but it has fallen two spots in the first six months of 2023.

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This ZIP code has the biggest population on this list, with about 13,700 residents. Like other towns on this list, Short Hills offers visually appealing homes and spacious properties within close commuting distance of New York City. But, in contrast, it also offers many more commercial and luxury shopping locations in the area, notably The Mall at Short Hills.

More: These NJ homes are the most and least expensive homes sold in North Jersey

The typical value of a home in Short Hills  the only ZIP in North Jersey's top five not in Bergen County, by the way  was estimated at $1.9 million, as of the end of June. Right now, the priciest home on the market in Short Hills is a $7.5 million mansion on Sinclair Terrace.

No. 3: Englewood Cliffs

The 07632 of Englewood Cliffs comes in as the third-most-expensive ZIP code in North Jersey, and No. 14 overall in the state.

The second-smallest ZIP code on this list, with about 5,000 residents, Englewood Cliffs sits along the Hudson River and is the only ZIP in the top five to be directly across from New York City. With that, it is known for its desirable proximity to the city, offering views of the skyline and access to riverfront parks.

Typically, the value of a home in this ZIP is $1.4 million. The most expensive house for sale right now in Englewood Cliffs is a $5.1 million home on Chestnut Street.

No. 4: Franklin Lakes

Franklin Lakes' 07417, the westernmost Bergen County ZIP on this list, comes in as the fourth-most-expensive North Jersey neighborhood, and No. 16 overall in the state.

Compared with its counterparts, Franklin Lakes is one of the quieter neighborhoods on this list. This ZIP is the most distant from New York City of the top five, giving residents more of a separation from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Franklin Lakes, with about 11,000 residents, is known for its countryside-like features. With an abundance of nature options, such as High Mountain Park, Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve and Parsons Pond Park, this ZIP attracts those looking for an upscale, quiet community.

The typical value of a home in Franklin Lakes, as of June, is about $1.38 million. Currently, a $7.5 million mansion on High Mountain Road is the priciest property on the market.

No. 5: Upper Saddle River

Coming in fifth is 07458 in Upper Saddle River, which ranked No. 17 overall in the state. This ZIP code, with just over 8,000 residents, offers a quiet, suburban community in close proximity to New York City.

Similarly to Franklin Lakes, Upper Saddle River offers access to places like Lions Park and the Liberty Park Reflection Pond, immersing residents more in nature than in city life.

Upper Saddle River is also known for maintaining spacious properties for each home. Unlike other ZIP codes in North Jersey, which have a tendency to build homes closer together, Upper Saddle River purposely preserves land for each property with one-acre zoning.

Typically, the value of a home in Upper Saddle River is about $1.36 million, and the most expensive property currently for sale is a $3.5 million new-construction home.

Statewide Top 10 most expensive ZIP codes in 2023

While North Jersey did not dominant the charts for the most expensive ZIP codes in the state, many Shore towns did. Here are the overall 10 most expensive ZIP codes in all of New Jersey:

1 - 07723, Deal - $3,252,968

2 - 07620, Alpine - $2,732,815

3 - 08202, Avalon - $2,407,447

4 - 08247, Stone Harbor - $2,264,361

5 - 08738, Mantoloking - $1,958,519

6 - 07078, Short Hills - $1,903,920

7 - 07711, Allenhurst - $1,872,062

8 - 08750, Sea Girt - $1,843,401

9 - 07976, New Vernon - $1,775,826

10 - 07717, Avon-by-the-Sea - $1,601,976

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Most expensive homes in North Jersey: Our list of ZIP codes
FILE PHOTO: The problem with X? Meta, Microsoft, hundreds more own trademarks to new Twitter name

By Blake Brittain

(Reuters) - Billionaire Elon Musk's decision to rebrand Twitter as X could be complicated legally: companies including Meta and Microsoft already have intellectual property rights to the same letter.

X is so widely used and cited in trademarks that it is a candidate for legal challenges - and the company formerly known as Twitter could face its own issues defending its X brand in the future.

"There's a 100% chance that Twitter is going to get sued over this by somebody," said trademark attorney Josh Gerben, who said he counted nearly 900 active U.S. trademark registrations that already cover the letter X in a wide range of industries.

Musk renamed social media network Twitter as X on Monday and unveiled a new logo for the social media platform, a stylized black-and-white version of the letter.

Owners of trademarks - which protect things like brand names, logos and slogans that identify sources of goods - can claim infringement if other branding would cause consumer confusion. Remedies range from monetary damages to blocking use.

Microsoft since 2003 has owned an X trademark related to communications about its Xbox video-game system. Meta Platforms - whose Threads platform is a new Twitter rival - owns a federal trademark registered in 2019 covering a blue-and-white letter "X" for fields including software and social media.

Meta and Microsoft likely would not sue unless they feel threatened that Twitter's X encroaches on brand equity they built in the letter, Gerben said.

The three companies did not respond to requests for comment.

Meta itself drew intellectual property challenges when it changed its name from Facebook. It faces trademark lawsuits filed last year by investment firm Metacapital and virtual-reality company MetaX, and settled another over its new infinity-symbol logo.

And if Musk succeeds in changing the name, others still could claim 'X' for themselves.

"Given the difficulty in protecting a single letter, especially one as popular commercially as 'X', Twitter's protection is likely to be confined to very similar graphics to their X logo," said Douglas Masters, a trademark attorney at law firm Loeb & Loeb.

Story continues

"The logo does not have much distinctive about it, so the protection will be very narrow."

Insider reported earlier that Meta had an X trademark, and lawyer Ed Timberlake tweeted that Microsoft had one as well.

(Reporting by Blake Brittain in Washington; Additional reporting by Sheila Dang; Editing by Peter Henderson and Sonali Paul)
Key Insights

Significant insider control over Magnetic Resources implies vested interests in company growth

A total of 7 investors have a majority stake in the company with 51% ownership

Recent purchases by insiders

Every investor in Magnetic Resources NL (ASX:MAU) should be aware of the most powerful shareholder groups. We can see that individual insiders own the lion's share in the company with 46% ownership. In other words, the group stands to gain the most (or lose the most) from their investment into the company.

And looking at our data, we can see that insiders have bought shares recently. So the news of stock price falling by 11% is not something they might have been expecting soon after purchasing shares.

Let's delve deeper into each type of owner of Magnetic Resources, beginning with the chart below.

View our latest analysis for Magnetic Resources

What Does The Lack Of Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Magnetic Resources?

Institutional investors often avoid companies that are too small, too illiquid or too risky for their tastes. But it's unusual to see larger companies without any institutional investors.

There could be various reasons why no institutions own shares in a company. Typically, small, newly listed companies don't attract much attention from fund managers, because it would not be possible for large fund managers to build a meaningful position in the company. It is also possible that fund managers don't own the stock because they aren't convinced it will perform well. Institutional investors may not find the historic growth of the business impressive, or there might be other factors at play. You can see the past revenue performance of Magnetic Resources, for yourself, below.

We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in Magnetic Resources. The company's largest shareholder is Chimseng Oan, with ownership of 14%. For context, the second largest shareholder holds about 12% of the shares outstanding, followed by an ownership of 6.4% by the third-largest shareholder. Additionally, the company's CEO George Sakalidis directly holds 3.4% of the total shares outstanding.

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We also observed that the top 7 shareholders account for more than half of the share register, with a few smaller shareholders to balance the interests of the larger ones to a certain extent.

While 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. We're not picking up on any analyst coverage of the stock at the moment, so the company is unlikely to be widely held.

Insider Ownership Of Magnetic Resources

The definition of company insiders can be subjective and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. Company management run the business, but the CEO will answer to the board, even if he or she is a member of it.

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 information suggests that insiders maintain a significant holding in Magnetic Resources NL. Insiders own AU$74m worth of shares in the AU$160m company. This may suggest that the founders still own a lot of shares. You can click here to see if they have been buying or selling.

General Public Ownership

The general public-- including retail investors -- own 32% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies.

Private Company Ownership

Our data indicates that Private Companies hold 22%, of the company's shares. It might be worth looking deeper into this. If related parties, such as insiders, have an interest in one of these private companies, that should be disclosed in the annual report. Private companies may also have a strategic interest in the company.

Next Steps:

I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Be aware that Magnetic Resources is showing 5 warning signs in our investment analysis , and 3 of those are concerning...

Of course this may not be the best stock to buy. Therefore, you may wish to see our free collection of interesting prospects boasting favorable financials.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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FILE PHOTO: Bottles of Cointreau are displayed at the Carre Cointreau in the Cointreau distillery in Saint-Barthelemy-d'Anjou near Angers

PARIS (Reuters) -French spirits group Remy Cointreau on Tuesday reported a fall in first-quarter organic sales, reflecting weaker U.S. demand, high year-ago comparables and destocking, and said it was banking on a sharp rebound in sales in the U.S. from the third quarter.

The maker of Remy Martin cognac and Cointreau also stuck to a forecast for flat organic sales and profitability in the full 2023/24 financial year, reflecting a sharp decline in sales in the first half followed by a strong recovery in the second half.

Sales for the three months to June 30 reached 257.5 million euros ($285.1 million), marking an organic fall of 35%, which was in line with the company-compiled consensus of a 35.6% fall from 17 analysts.

Sales in the cognac division alone fell 44.7% on an organic basis in the quarter, as a massive decline in U.S. sales outpaced double digit sales growth in China driven by a recovery in demand in bars and restaurants and e-commerce growth.

The recovery in China, which makes 35% of group sales at par with the United States, was led by all cognac brands including CLUB, VSOP, XO and Louis XIII.

"With 1Q no worse than expected and guidance reiterated, we expect shares to be gently better given commentary the U.S (value) depletions were down Low Single Digit (LSD) in 1Q, with June positive. China is booming and inventories are 'sound'," Jefferies analysts wrote in a note.

For the full year 2023-24, Remy Cointreau said it anticipated "continued strong normalization of consumption in the United States" and "strong growth in the rest of the world, led by major gains in China, a very good showing in EMEA and the rest of Asia, and business similar to levels observed in 2019-20 in travel retail".

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Remy Cointreau and rivals such as Pernod Ricard benefited from people drinking more expensive types of alcohol at home.

There have, however, been signs that spirits industry growth was slowing, notably in the United States, as positive effects from the pandemic fizzle out.

($1 = 0.9033 euros)

(Reporting by Dominique Vidalon; Editing by Varun H K and Stephen Coates)
goodluz / Shutterstock.com

Lets say youre in the market to rent a new place to live but youre not sure what type you want. Both apartments and houses come with unique pros and cons, so its up to you to figure out the best fit for both your lifestyle and budget.

Im a Real Estate Agent: Buy Real Estate in These 10 Cities To Be Rich in 10 Years

Learn: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000

GOBankingrates asked Kendall Meade, a financial planner at SoFi, what consumers should consider when deciding whether to rent an apartment or a house.

Assess Your Needs

Ultimately, the decision will depend on your unique situation, said Meade. Gather as much information as you can about the property youre interested in to know if its truly right for you.

For example, those with kids and/or dogs may prefer a house with a yard, whereas a single person or couple with no pets or kids may prefer an apartment or condo for less upkeep, she said.

She pointed out that it can be more expensive to rent a house than an apartment, but not always.

It is important to speak with your landlord to understand what costs they will cover versus what you may have to pay for, she said. Some landlords may cover yard maintenance, others will require you to do so.

Its also important to consider the cost of utilities. Depending on the size of the home you rent, other bills such as electric or gas can be higher as well, but again it is important to know who covers these bills, she said.

For reference, the average American household has a monthly electric bill of $121.01, according to the U.S. Energy Administration. Similarly, while the average cost of a gas bill tends to fluctuate throughout the year, it evens out to be around $100 per month, according to Inspire Clean Energy.

Gather all the details about the property to assess it before you decide if you want to rent there.

Im a Real Estate Agent: Here Are the 6 Cities Where You Should Avoid Buying a Home This Summer

Average Value of Apartment Amenities

If youre interested in amenities, Meade noted that many apartment buildings come with features such as a pool, gym and clubhouse. For some people that may be important, but others may not use it, she said.

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Therefore, youll need to take the time to consider how often youll actually use the amenities that come with the building. Heres a look at some common apartment amenities and their average price on their own:

Pool membership: Approximately $800 per swim season (or annually) for a family and $450 per swim season for individuals

Gym membership: Approximately $50 per month

Its also important to note that many apartments also include some utilities in the rent  like trash or water  which can also make your monthly living expenses more affordable. However, you might also be charged a monthly rate for features such as parking and pet rent, while having to pay to do laundry in shared facilities, which could add up fast.

Added Costs of Renting a House

Renting a house may come with added responsibilities, some of which might cost you money. The extra responsibilities of renting a house can be worth it if you want a yard or more space, Meade said. Common reasons for this include having kids or pets.

She can relate to this on a personal level. Prior to adopting my dog, I preferred [renting] a condo because I didnt have to maintain a yard and had less to clean, she said. However, once I had my dog I preferred a backyard to allow her to run around in.

As she noted, any added expenses youll face when renting a house can vary largely by landlord. Heres a look at a few costs you might have to pay with a house that you probably wont with an apartment, according to Angi and HomeAdvisor:

General Landscaping: Plan to spend $50 to $250 per visit for lawn mowing. Add another $125 to $450 per visit for any additional maintenance.

Pest Control: The national average cost is $172 per visit.

Security System: Prices vary greatly, but range from $280 to $2,000 for installation and $10 to $65 for monthly monitoring.

Garbage Pickup: Residential garbage collection costs around $25 to $100 per month.

While there may be extra expenses with a house, some other common add-ons of living in an apartment  i.e., paying extra for parking, having to do laundry in shared facilities (and pay extra for it) and pet rent  will likely be non-existent when renting a house.

Housing Costs Vary Greatly Across the Country

Since housing costs vary greatly across the U.S., the area in which you live will likely play a major factor in whether an apartment or house fits your rental budget.

For example, the average monthly rent in California is $1,930, but a much more affordable $1,098 in Minnesota, according to a GOBankingRates study. Therefore, even people with the same housing budget living in different states or cities might find a house fits one persons budget, but the other can only afford an apartment.

Before signing a lease on any type of dwelling, make sure to read the fine print. The last thing you want is to rent a home you think you can afford, only to later realize youre expected to pay additional expenses or fees that dont fit your budget.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Should You Rent a House or an Apartment? Which Is Really Better for Your Budget?
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a digital ruble bill into law on Monday, approving the use of its central bank digital currency for payments starting from Aug. 1.

See related article: Russia delays CBDC pilot to await new law

Fast facts
(Bloomberg) -- Russias seaborne crude flows from Baltic and Black Sea ports slumped to the lowest in seven months as Moscow belatedly implements cuts that it promised for March.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Shipments from the ports of Primorsk, Ust-Luga and Novorossiysk fell to 1.17 million barrels a day in the week to July 23, a drop of 625,000 barrels a day from the previous week, according to vessel-tracking data monitored by Bloomberg and corroborated by other data sources.

The decline was partly offset by higher flows from Kozmino on the Pacific, but nationwide shipments still fell by 311,000 barrels a day from the previous week to 2.73 million barrels a day. They are now down by 1.48 million barrels a day from a peak in the final week of April.

The figures support the notion that Moscow is honoring a pledge to keep supply off the global market alongside its allies in the OPEC+ producer coalition. It is also an opportune time for Russia to cut shipments given a revival in domestic oil refining and soon-to-end subsidies for supplying the local market with fuel.

Russia initially said that it would cut oil production in retaliation for Western sanctions and price caps on its oil imposed after the invasion of Ukraine, using February as a baseline. But seaborne flows continued to rise, only dropping significantly in the last few weeks.

Weekly data are affected by the scheduling of tankers and loading delays caused by bad weather. Port and pipeline maintenance can also disrupt exports for several days at a time.

Four-week average shipments, which smooth out some of the volatility in the weekly numbers, edged up as the very low shipments seen in the seven days to June 25 dropped out of the calculation, though the effect was partly offset by a slump in shipments from Ust-Luga last week. The figure is expected to drop again next week when it ceases to be affected by the very high flow of crude seen in the week to July 2.

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The reduced availability of Russian crude alongside fewer barrels from the Middle East has narrowed discounts offered for ESPO crude deliveries to Chinese buyers for September delivery. Rising prices and a narrowing discount against international benchmarks is also making Russias crude less attractive to Indian refiners, who are in talks with traditional Middle East exporters for increased purchases as Russian imports lose their pricing edge.

Overseas shipments of Russian crude from Baltic and Black Sea ports increased after the output cut was due to come into effect, peaking in late May. The reduction being seen now comes after fellow OPEC+ oil producer extended its own unilateral output cut. Russias export curtailment was hailed as meaningful by Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, who had urged Moscow to provide greater transparency on its oil flows.

Urals prices have breached a price cap set by the Group of Seven nations, which could complicate shipments. Russian crude cannot be transported on Western ships  or make use of Western services  unless it is priced under the $60 a barrel threshold. Prices above that level will force buyers to use the shadow fleet of vessels that operate without Western insurance or other services.

Shipping firms relying on Western services can expect delays from financial and technical service providers to check the shipments werent sold above the G7 price cap, according to the Standard Club, a protection and indemnity provider for shipowners.

Crude Flows by Destination

With few buyers left in Europe, the impact of the lower flows is being felt in shipments to Asia, which remain near their lowest since mid-January.

On a four-week average basis, overall seaborne exports to Asian countries, plus the volumes on ships showing no final destination, have fallen by 720,000 barrels a day since mid-May.

All figures exclude cargoes identified as Kazakhstans KEBCO grade. Those are shipments made by KazTransoil JSC that transit Russia for export through the Baltic ports of Ust-Luga and Novorossiysk.

The Kazakh barrels are blended with crude of Russian origin to create a uniform export grade. Since Russias invasion of Ukraine, Kazakhstan has rebranded its cargoes to distinguish them from those shipped by Russian companies. Transit crude is specifically exempted from European Union sanctions.

Four-week average shipments to Russias Asian customers, plus those on vessels showing no final destination, rose to 2.88 million barrels a day in the period to July 23 from a revised 2.76 million barrels a day in the four weeks to July 16, recovering most of the previous weeks loss.

Most of the cargoes on ships without an initial destination eventually end up in India. Even so, the volumes heading to the country that has become the biggest buyer of Russias seaborne crude are down from their recent highs. Adding the Unknown Asia and Other Unknown volumes to the total for India gives a figure of 1.75 million barrels a day in the four weeks to July 23. Thats down from a high of 2.2 million barrels a day in the four weeks to May 21.

The equivalent of 335,000 barrels a day was on vessels showing destinations as either Port Said or Suez in Egypt, or which already have been or are expected to be transferred from one ship to another off the South Korean port of Yeosu. Those voyages typically end at ports in India or China and show up in the chart below as Unknown Asia until a final destination becomes apparent.

The Other Unknown volumes, running at 197,000 barrels a day in the four weeks to July 23, are those on tankers showing no clear destination. Most of those cargoes originate from Russias western ports and go on to transit the Suez Canal, but some could end up in Turkey, while other cargoes are transferred from one vessel to another, either in the Mediterranean or, more recently, in the Atlantic Ocean.

Russias seaborne crude exports to European countries edged down to 104,000 barrels a day in the 28 days to July 23, with Bulgaria the sole destination. These figures do not include shipments to Turkey.

A market that consumed about 1.5 million barrels a day of short-haul seaborne crude, coming from export terminals in the Baltic, Black Sea and Arctic has been lost almost completely, to be replaced by long-haul destinations in Asia that are much more costly and time-consuming to serve.

No Russian crude was shipped to northern European countries in the four weeks to July 23.

Exports to Turkey, Russias only remaining Mediterranean customer, fell to 151,000 barrels a day in the four weeks to July 23, the lowest since April. Flows to the country had topped 425,000 barrels a day in October.

Flows to Bulgaria, now Russias only Black Sea market for crude, fell back to 104,000 barrels a day after the previous weeks increase. Bulgarias parliament voted to terminate Lukoil PJSCs 35-year lease of a terminal serving the Russian companys refinery near the Black Sea early. The legislation must still be ratified by President Rumen Radev.

Flows by Export Location

Aggregate flows of Russian crude fell to 2.73 million barrels a day in the seven days to July 23, from a revised 3.05 million barrels a day the previous week. A big drop is shipments from Baltic and Black Sea ports was partly offset by an increase in flows from the Pacific.

The slump in flows seen from the port of Ust-Luga may have been affected by maintenance, either at the port or on the pipeline serving the facility. A similar dip in shipments was seen around this time last year, while a four-day gap in the loading program indicates that the slowdown was planned in advance.

Figures exclude volumes from Ust-Luga and Novorossiysk identified as Kazakhstans KEBCO grade.

Vessel-tracking data are cross-checked against port agent reports as well as flows and ship movements reported other information providers including Kpler SAS and Vortexa Ltd.

Export Revenue

Inflows to the Kremlin's war chest from its crude-export duty fell to $41 million in the seven days to July 23, an drop of $5 million or 10%. Four-week average income edged higher to just above $47 million.

Russias government calculates oil taxes, including export duty, using a discount to Brent, which sets the floor price for the nations crude for budget purposes. If Russian oil trades above that threshold, the Finance Ministry uses the market price for tax calculations, as has been the case in recent months. From July the discount is currently set at $25/bbl, but the budget and tax committee of the Russian State Duma has supported a Finance Ministry proposal to reduce the discount to $20 a barrel from September.

The duty rate for July has been set at $2.13 a barrel, based on an average Urals price of $54.57, which was $20.89 a barrel below Brent during the period between May 15 and June 14. The levy will be increased to about $2.31 a barrel for August, based on an average Urals price of $58.03, which was $18.02 a barrel below Brent during the period between June 15 and July 14.

Origin-to-Location Flows

The following charts show the number of ships leaving each export terminal and the destinations of crude cargoes from the four export regions.

A total of 26 tankers loaded 19.14 million barrels of Russian crude in the week to July 23, vessel-tracking data and port agent reports show. Thats down by 2.18 million barrels from the previous weeks figure. With the exception of the week in June when shipments from Primorsk were reduced by maintenance work, its the lowest export figure since December.

Circumstantial evidence suggests that work at Ust-Luga, or the pipeline serving it, may have reduced flows from the port. There was a similar drop in shipments from Ust-Luga at this time last year and a gap of several days in a loading program for the port seen by Bloomberg.

Destinations are based on where vessels signal they are heading at the time of writing, and some will almost certainly change as voyages progress. All figures exclude cargoes identified as Kazakhstans KEBCO grade.

The total volume on ships loading Russian crude from the Baltic terminals dropped below 1 million barrels a day for the first time since December. The slump was concentrated at Ust-Luga, where shipments fell by two-thirds from the previous week. One cargo of Kazakhstani crude was loaded at the port during the week.

Shipments of Russian crude from Novorossiysk in the Black Sea also fell, dropping to their lowest since February. One cargo of Kazakhstani crude was also loaded at the port during the week.

Arctic shipments were unchanged at 286,000 barrels a day. Two Suezmax tankers completed loading during the week ended July 23.

Thirteen tankers loaded at Russias three Pacific export terminals, up from 10 the previous week. The volume of crude shipped from the region rose to 1.28 million barrels a day.

Shipments from the Sakhalin Island terminal remained low last week due to maintenance at one of the Sakhalin 2 projects oil production platforms.

The volumes heading to unknown destinations are mostly Sokol cargoes that recently have been transferred to other vessels at Yeosu, or are currently being shuttled to an area off the South Korean port from the loading terminal at De Kastri. Most of these are ending up in India.

Some Sokol cargoes are now being transferred a second time in the waters off southern Malaysia. A small number of ESPO shipments are also being moved from one vessel to another in the same area. All bar one of these cargoes have, so far, gone on to India. That one cargo was transferred onto a floating storage vessel off Malaysia, where it remains.

NOTES

Note: This story forms part of a regular weekly series tracking shipments of crude from Russian export terminals and the export duty revenues earned from them by the Russian government.

Note: All figures exclude cargoes owned by Kazakhstans KazTransOil JSC, which transit Russia and are shipped from Novorossiysk and Ust-Luga as KEBCO grade crude.

Note: Weeks have been revised to run from Monday to Sunday, rather than Saturday to Friday. This change has been implemented throughout the data series and previous weeks figures have been revised.

Note: The next update will be published on Tuesday Aug. 1, with future updates also to be published on TuesdaysIf you are reading this story on the Bloomberg terminal, click here for a link to a PDF file of four-week average flows from Russia to key destinations.

--With assistance from Sherry Su.

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- The Senate attached a measure to the annual defense policy bill that would subject some US investments in China to new requirements, complementing restrictions being weighed by the Biden administration amid increased concern in Washington over Chinas development of advanced technology.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The measure, approved 91 to 6 on Tuesday, would require firms to notify the government about certain investments in China and other countries of concern, although they wouldnt be subject to review or possible prohibition.

Similar to a planned executive order from the administration, it would focus on investment in high-tech sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence and quantum computing, as well as hypersonics and satellite-based communications.

The legislation, which was introduced by Senators Bob Casey, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, and John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, is an update of a measure they introduced last Congress, and could place additional pressure on the administration to enact the order its been working on since last year.

The White House is aiming to propose the order by the end of August, which puts it on track for 2024 implementation after it winds its way through a review and comment period. Unlike the proposed legislation, the executive order potentially would prohibit some new investments.

Read more: US Plans Narrow China Tech Investment Limits, Likely by 2024

Both senators have pushed the administration to issue the executive order, with Casey advocating for congressional action to bolster the White House efforts, according to a person familiar with the matter.

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Cornyn and Casey have circulated a copy of the bill to the administration, industry and Senate colleagues, the person said.

Asked about the executive order last week, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said last week that she didnt have a timeline for its introduction.

Its a complicated process, she said. We want to make sure that we get this right, and it takes some time.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has said he aims for the chamber to pass the defense bill, officially known as the National Defense Authorization Act, before leaving for August recess next week. The House will take up the amended version when it returns in September.

The proposed legislation would require firms to notify the Treasury Department 14 days in advance of investments and 14 days after secured transactions. It would cover investments including acquisitions, debt, subsidiaries and joint-ventures, as well as technology transfers.

The Senate also voted 91-7 to include a measure aimed at preventing individuals or companies from China, Russia, Iran or North Korea from buying US agricultural companies or farmland of more than 320 acres or valued at over $5 million. The legislation, introduced by Senators Mike Rounds of South Dakota and Jon Tester of Montana, would also make the Secretary of Agriculture an ex-officio member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US, also known as CFIUS.

(Updates with amendment on farmland purchases in final paragraph.)

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
South_agency / Getty Images

Baby boomers wondering about the future of Social Security and deciding what to do about it may want to start by asking themselves one question: Should I really be worried about cuts to Social Security?

The ongoing departure of boomers from the workforce, combined with more boomers grabbing their benefits, is increasingly straining the system. Politicians have some tough decisions ahead of them. Experts say the outlook for boomers is far from grim, however.

Social Security: No Matter Your Age, Do Not Claim Benefits Until You Reach This Milestone

Learn: 3 Ways To Recession-Proof Your Retirement

Despite the recent legislative rhetoric, while there is some likelihood that there could be some means testing of Social Security, the pending demise of Social Security is greatly exaggerated, said Robert Johnson, a professor at the Heider College of Business at Creighton University.

Besides being political suicide, the elimination of Social Security is not consistent with the value system of the United States. Many other government funded programs would be eliminated or cut back before Social Security.

Nevertheless, its a when-not-if situation for the benefits age to be raised and for Social Security taxes to increase, according to Daniel Roccato, clinical professor of finance at the University of San Diego. Everyone knows those things are going to happen, he said.

Roccato concurs with Johnson, however, in noting that boomers  the youngest of whom will turn 60 next year  are far less likely to take the brunt of any significant changes.

Every proposal, every discussion Ive seen by political leaders with regards to Social Security reform starts at (age) 55, Roccato said. Whatever changes are going to happen wont impact you  For 55 and below, watch out.

All that said, no one can predict the future with 100% certainty. Plus, it never hurts to be prepared. Here are a few moves boomers should consider if theyre worried about Social Security cuts.

Story continues

Reconfigure Financial Forecast With Less From Social Security

In other words, practice for cuts in case they happen. Plot your financial future with less coming in via Social Security checks. How much do things change?

If you dont like what you see in terms of your lifestyle, long-term goals or other areas, you can start making adjustments to your finances right now  before its too late. If those Social Security cuts never materialize, youll be that much better off.

Retirement Savings: Experts Say This Magic Number Is the Key  and Its Not $1 Million

Start Taking Social Security at the Earliest Opportunity

But wait a minute  doesnt conventional wisdom call for holding off as long as you can? Isnt full retirement age the goal?

Not necessarily, Johnson advised. Your payments may be smaller if you go early, but if you firmly believe Social Security will be significantly reduced during your window, you can certainly grab it sooner. Dont forget to factor in your health, as well.

When analysts say that the best strategy is delaying taking Social Security, they are making two major assumptions  that the recipient will live a long life, and that Social Security will remain intact, Johnson said. One needs to take ones own health situation into account when drawing Social Security. If you have several mortality factors, it may make sense to start drawing Social Security sooner rather than later.

Beef Up Your Roth IRA

If youre worried about making up for lost Social Security benefits, one of the last things you want during retirement is for big chunks of your savings to go to the IRS. For traditional IRAs, thats exactly what happens.

With Roth IRAs, however, you can withdraw tax-free during retirement. Consider boosting your Roth contributions now, even if it means tightening things up beyond your comfort level in the present. And dont forget that you qualify for catch-up contributions (through which you can exceed the usual limits) at age 50.

Its an effective way to brace for any shortfalls down the road.

Supplement Your Income Before, and Possibly During, Retirement

It may seem obvious, but if youre worried youll be short on money later in life, there are ways to bring in more outside of retirement plans and Social Security.

Whether youve retired from your full-time job or not, it may be time to start bringing in some money with a side hustle. See if that hardware store youve gone to for years is hiring part-time workers. Log some miles with an app-based ride share company. Write or edit online content. Consider turning hobbies like casual jewelry-making into something lucrative.

With the gig economy opening up new opportunities for freelancers and temporary workers, theres no shortage of opportunities. Side gigs can be a fantastic way to increase your financial peace of mind. You might even have a fun time doing it.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Social Security 2023: 4 Moves Boomers Can Make Now If Theyre Worried About Cuts
Spotify (SPOT) reported a wider-than-expected loss for the second quarter even though subscribers surged.

The streaming service posted a net loss of 302 million euros, or 1.55 euros per share, wider than the year-earlier period's loss of 125 million euros, or 0.85 euros a share. Analysts had expected a loss of 0.66 euros per share.

Monthly active users (MUAs) beat estimates of 530 million to hit 551 million  a 27% improvement compared to the year-ago period. Net additions of 36 million represented Spotify's largest quarterly net addition performance in its history.

Premium subscribers also surpassed expectations of 217 million, jumping another 17% year over year to hit 220 million.

The results come one day after Spotify confirmed long-awaited price hikes, which caused the stock to close at its lowest level since mid-December on Monday as investors weighed concerns over what the increases could mean for subscriber numbers.

Spotify's stock plunged 14% on Tuesday following the results.

Here are Spotify's second quarter results compared to Wall Street's consensus estimates, as compiled by Bloomberg:

Revenue: 3.18 billion euros versus 3.21 billion euros expected

Loss per share: -1.55 euros versus -0.66 euros expected

Total monthly active users (MUAs): 551 million versus 530 million expected

The company guided that monthly active users will grow to 572 million in the third quarter, significantly above consensus calls for 548 million, with premium subscribers anticipated to reach 224 million.

It also guided to revenue of 3.3 billion euros, assuming an "approximately 600 basis point headwind to growth year-over-year due to foreign exchange rate movements." Price increases are expected to have a minimal impact on total revenue in Q3, the company said.

Spotify missed gross margin estimates of 25.5% to hit 24.1% in the second quarter amid greater losses from cuts in its podcast division coupled with higher music royalty costs. Spotify guided to a Q3 boost in gross margins to 26% "primarily driven to year-over-year improvement in podcasting and other costs of revenue."

Story continues

In the earnings release, Spotify said gross margins and operating loss, which came in at 247 million euros in Q2 compared to a loss of 194 million euros in the year-ago period, "were both primarily impacted by charges related to our actions to streamline operations and reduce costs."

"Excluding these items, adjusted gross margin of 25.5% was in-line and up 22 bps Y/Y (consistent with how we guided the quarter)," the company added.

Spotify has previously said it expects the metric to come in between 30% and 35% over the long term amid plans to further scale its podcasting and ads business.

Free cash flow, another key metric for investors, declined on a quarter-over-quarter basis but was still positive, coming in at 9 million euros compared to 57 million euros in the prior quarter and 37 million euros in the year-ago period.

On Monday, the music streamer confirmed previously reported price hikes will officially hit subscription plans in the US and a number of other territories, including the UK, Spain, France, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Peru.

Spotify increased the price of its ad-free premium subscription plan by $1 to $10.99 a month  a long-awaited change as the company continues its profitability push. The company's Duo plan will rise by $2 to $14.99 while the family plan will increase by $1 to $16.99. The student plan will also go up by $1 to $5.99 a month.

Existing subscribers will get a one-month grace period before the new pricing goes into effect, Spotify said on its website. The news comes as competitors Apple Music (AAPL), Amazon Music (AMZN), and most recently YouTube Music (GOOGL) have all announced higher prices.

Spotify reported second-quarter earnings before the bell on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

Analysts, overall, have been bullish on Spotify after the audio giant pledged to improve its profitability beginning in 2023 on a gross margin and operating income basis.

The music streamer, which categorized 2022 as a peak investment year, spent $1 billion pushing into the podcast market over the past four years with splashy A-list deals and $400 million-plus studio acquisitions.

That spending took a significant bite out of gross margins and weighed heavily on profitability. Investors punished the company as a result, and the stock was down a whopping 70% in 2022.

Flash forward to today, however, and the company seems to be fulfilling that profitability promise. In addition to the price hikes, Spotify has committed to various cost-cutting initiatives over the past year, which have included layoffs and a realignment of its podcast division.

Last month, Spotify announced a weekly podcast deal with comedian Trevor Noah, days after the company said it was parting ways with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The audio giant also announced it would be eliminating 200 jobs, or 2% of its workforce, within its podcast unit. The company cut 6% of its workforce, or about 600 employees, earlier this year.

The stock, which lost more than two-thirds of its value in 2022, is up more than 100% year to date and up about 50% on a year-over-year basis. Still, shares remain more than 50% below their record close of $364.59 in February 2021.

Alexandra Canal is a Senior Reporter at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter @allie_canal, LinkedIn, and email her at alexandra.canal@yahoofinance.com.

For the latest earnings reports and analysis, earnings whispers and expectations, and company earnings news, click here

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
The Duchess of Sussex Archetypes podcast ended after just one season

Spotify has taken a 39m (34m) hit on podcasts after ditching a string of deals including its high-profile tie-up with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

The music streaming service revealed that it had taken the writedown in the second quarter of the year as a result of write offs and contract termination costs in connection with rationalising our podcast content portfolio.

Spotify has recently been making heavy cutbacks in its podcasting division after spending millions expanding into the market.

Last month Spotify and Archewell Audio, Prince Harry and Meghan Markles podcast production company, agreed to mutually terminate a $20m (16m) deal they signed in 2020.

The Duke and Duchess reportedly failed to meet performance targets to secure the full payout. The commercial arrangements have not been disclosed.

Archetypes, the only podcast that the Sussexes made for Spotify, was cancelled after one season. The partnership was later broken up and Bill Simmons, an executive and podcast host at Spotify, has called the pair f-----g grifters.

Speaking to investors, Daniel Ek, Spotifys chief executive, said the company was stepping out of some deals and relationships that havent worked out and admitted that in some cases we overpaid relative to what we should have done.

Spotify made a series of large investments in podcasting to draw celebrity hosts like Joe Rogan onto the platform - SYFY/Getty Images Contributor

The podcasting write down contributed to a widening 302m loss for the music streaming service, with the company also taking charges on reducing its office space as it makes job cuts.

Spotify invested heavily in podcasts as part of an expansion beyond music, signing up the Sussexes as well as stars such as US host Joe Rogan.

However, the expansion has failed to yield the hoped-for increase in advertising revenue and Spotify laid off 200 staff in its podcast division last month as well as cancelling six true crime podcasts.

It has struggled to make a profit from the operation.

Spotify signed up 10m new paying users in the second quarter of the year, hitting 220m subscribers. Including advertising supported users, it now has 550m people using the app every month.

Story continues

Revenue grew by 11pc to 3.2bn. Its losses widened from 125m to 302m. Spotify said its adjusted operating loss, which strips out one-offs, fell to 112m.

The streaming service raised the price of its main monthly subscription by 1 a month to 10.99 earlier this week, the first such rise in its history.

It is under pressure from record labels to increase payouts to the industry.

Spotify shares were down 6pc in pre-market trading in the US.

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Whats it like to attend the worlds largest cannabis and psychedelics convention?

Prepare for a lot of drugs.

The telltale scent of cannabis was strong even in the entryway. Winding through The Factory St. Pete were a mix of small businesses that sell drugs  some blurring the line of whats legal in Florida and the U.S.

Cannadelic Summer is a gathering of professionals in the cannabis, psychedelics and other similar herbal products industries. The event, hosted for the first time in St. Petersburg on July 15, is a spinoff of Cannadelic Miami, an event that launched last year under the stewardship of Florida cannabis advocate Peter Sessa and his wife, Colleen. Its one of a handful of psychedelic events in the nation.

But why are these advocates coming to Florida, where some products on display are far from legal?

You cant just run to Oregon and run to places that are going to be as friendly to you as possible, Sessa said, adding that the event has been successful in Miami, cultivating an international appeal.

Florida is a notably restrictive state when it comes to recreational drugs. Patients with a medical card can access marijuana products in licensed dispensaries. Those without a medical card who still want cannabis can turn to an array of smoke shops and cannabidiol, or CBD, dispensaries, many of which offer legal, hemp-based products that still produce a high. Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-8 THC, is a chief example.

Psychedelics are another matter. Florida, like 47 other states, prohibits psilocybin, the psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms. Other types of psychedelic mushroom  like Amanita muscaria, a red-and-white mushroom intended for small doses  are technically legal, and local shops like Chillum Mushroom and Hemp Dispensary have started selling products derived from such mushrooms.

Sessas most recent Miami event brought in 13,000 attendees over three days. Thats the highest attendance record for a psychedelics event in the country. People were asking him to come north, he said, so he chose St. Petersburg, where the event drew 3,500 attendees. Sessa once lived in Tampa, and he was drawn to St. Petersburgs open-minded vibe.

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As for vendors, laws dont dictate the appeal of substances to consumers. Florida has the highest number of medical marijuana cardholders in the nation, and some, like Jenny McGarvey and her family, were on the hunt for innovation in Cannadelics laissez-faire marketplace.

They dont sell psilocybin gummies at the medical card place, the Sarasota resident said.

The event was an exercise in contrasts. Surterra, one of Floridas major medical marijuana operators, was the marquee sponsor, its two large booths flanked by above-the-board hemp, CBD and legal mushroom sellers.

Darkened booths near the back showcased the illegal stuff. Some vendors sold chocolate bars or gummies filled with 4 grams of psilocybin. Others lined tables with bags of dried psilocybin mushrooms.

Sessa said all vendors must sign a contract confirming their products are legal, and theyre warned they may be removed from the event for violating the rule. He took a few tours around the halls himself with security and had to ask some vendors to put illegal products away. Discreet packaging was another concern, he said.

We tried our best to put an end to some of that, Sessa said. Some people would rather beg for forgiveness than ask for permission.

McGarvey said she was shocked when she was offered a sample of a psilocybin gummy. I have no idea how they got away with any of that, actually, she said. Its not frowned upon like it used to be, so maybe everybodys turning their head the other way.

Gray areas in the spotlight

Other vendors toed the line, like Green Smith Family Farms, based near Daytona Beach. Owner Jacob Smith has a license to grow hemp plants, though he doesnt own any retail shops. He didnt need a retail license for Cannadelic, so he sold hemp flower and research and development flower.

Its a flower that hasnt been tested, so whos to say whether its cannabis or marijuana? They look identical, Smith said.

Smith is capitalizing on what he calls a gray area under federal and state law. As a grower, hes not required to get all his products tested unless hes preparing them for sale in a retail shop, he said.

Another business, tobacco and hemp retailer Spiritual Highness, advertised products with THCA. Marijuana plants are often rich with THCA, particularly when theyre fresh, but the substance isnt technically federally prohibited. Its only when the THCA is burned that it produces the psychoactive compound delta-9 THC that is mostly banned at the federal level.

What that means, Sessa said, is that hemp growers can get away with growing plants that are chemically identical to marijuana plants and selling the resulting products.

The argument is, This is just hemp until I light it up, he said.

Austin Jones, who owns a hemp lab and retail store called Divine Wellness that ran a booth at Saturdays event, said he sees events like Cannadelic as a training ground.

Cannadelic is more tolerant to some vendors who are maybe operating in a more flexible space, he said. You get a chance to see a market thats developing in anticipation of a changing legal framework. Theyre getting ready for when it becomes more mainstream, more permitted, more distributable.

Why Florida?

Sessa sees Cannadelic Summer as a way to move Florida forward.

This is how change is made, he said. You have to push the envelope in places where its not a mature kind of thing.

For Sessa, the cornerstone of the event isnt the vendors. Its the speakers, who addressed the legal landscape for psychedelics, equity in cannabis and other topics. He wants to normalize cannabis and psychedelics, which he calls plant medicine.

If people can say, See, I told you (this event) was just people trying to get as high as possible, thats the opposite of what were trying to accomplish, he said.

For Kyle Obenberger of Colorado, participating in a Florida event was a principled push for access and addressing cost barriers.

Obenberger founded Full Canopy, a company that sells supplies allowing customers to make their own psilocybin over four to five days. His products are legal in all states but Idaho and Georgia.

In the current wild west of psychedelics, hes seizing an opportunity to make sure the nascent industry centers on health over profits, he said.

The best thing we can do to enhance legislative access (is) set a good example, Obenberger said. Were trying to be as responsible as we can, use science, have good intentions and give somebody something thats reliable and repeatable and reputable.
Tony Rivetti / ABC

Businessman and entrepreneur Mark Cuban likes to be quiet and listen on the hit TV series Shark Tank.

How To Create a Budget Using ChatGPT: A Step-by-Step Guide

Find Out: How To Get Cash Back on Your Everyday Purchases

In an interview on Fireside with best-selling writer Chris Voss, Cuban said his silence gets double-takes from the entrepreneurs and the Sharks. The entrepreneurs start looking at him because theyve heard from everyone else except Cuban, and the Sharks wonder what hes doing because Cuban isnt afraid to pull the trigger on the deal.

Cuban, who said his most valuable asset is his time, uses silence to his strategic advantage. Silence, Cuban said, is money in the bank.

Silence as a Powerful Negotiation Tactic

Silence isnt golden, according to Cuban. Its powerful.

Silence is money. Money in the bank. Most people dont realize that, Cuban told Voss.

One of the most powerful aspects of being silent and listening during a negotiation is it gives you a chance to learn. Cuban uses the example of fellow Shark Barbara Corcoran, who often sits next to him. Cuban said Corcoran has incredible people skills and is so good at sizing up people.

By listening to Corcoran, Cuban receives the rare opportunity to learn how she does it. I want to hear what she has to say, Cuban said. Just getting that input makes me smarter.

Cuban also told Voss people will freak out in silence. A blog post from the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School confirms silence discomforts many people in Western cultures. However, those who practice listening and being silent will be better able to absorb what they are hearing. Often, many people try to have a response prepared immediately after someone finishes talking, but this can signal you were thinking instead of listening closely.

Per the PON blog post, a helpful negotiation approach is to allow a few minutes to go by in silence before you respond. Doing so will help you to deploy active listening skills including paraphrasing, inquiring and acknowledgment.

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Im a Financial Advisor Who Works With Wealthy Families: These Are the Best Ways To Transfer Wealth

Acting Like a Sponge During Negotiations

In the interview, Voss asked Cuban whether he was a sponge during negotiations. Cubans response was you have to be!

What somebody says in a negotiation tells you everything, he said. It tells you their strategy, it tells you what their mission is, it tells you what their aims are. The more you pay attention and the more aware you are, the better opportunity you have to get what you want.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Steal Mark Cubans Trick Thats Money in the Bank
Most readers would already be aware that General Electric's (NYSE:GE) stock increased significantly by 12% over the past three months. Since the market usually pay for a companys long-term fundamentals, we decided to study the companys key performance indicators to see if they could be influencing the market. Specifically, we decided to study General Electric's ROE in this article.

Return on equity or ROE is a key measure used to assess how efficiently a company's management is utilizing the company's capital. In other words, it is a profitability ratio which measures the rate of return on the capital provided by the company's shareholders.

View our latest analysis for General Electric

How Is ROE Calculated?

Return on equity 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 Electric is:

25% = US$8.4b  US$33b (Based on the trailing twelve months to March 2023).

The 'return' is the amount earned after tax over the last twelve months. Another way to think of that is that for every $1 worth of equity, the company was able to earn $0.25 in profit.

Why Is ROE Important For Earnings Growth?

Thus far, we have learned that ROE measures how efficiently a company is generating its profits. We now need to evaluate how much profit the company reinvests or "retains" for future growth which then gives us an idea about the growth potential of the company. Generally speaking, other things being equal, firms with a high return on equity and profit retention, have a higher growth rate than firms that dont share these attributes.

General Electric's Earnings Growth And 25% ROE

Firstly, we acknowledge that General Electric has a significantly high ROE. Additionally, a comparison with the average industry ROE of 27% also portrays the company's ROE in a good light. Therefore, it might not be wrong to say that the impressive five year 51% net income growth seen by General Electric was probably achieved as a result of the high ROE.

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As a next step, we compared General Electric's net income growth with the industry, and pleasingly, we found that the growth seen by the company is higher than the average industry growth of 37%.

The basis for attaching value to a company is, to a great extent, tied to its earnings growth. Its important for an investor to know whether the market has priced in the company's expected earnings growth (or decline). By doing so, they will have an idea if the stock is headed into clear blue waters or if swampy waters await. If you're wondering about General Electric's's valuation, check out this gauge of its price-to-earnings ratio, as compared to its industry.

Is General Electric Efficiently Re-investing Its Profits?

General Electric's three-year median payout ratio to shareholders is 5.9%, which is quite low. This implies that the company is retaining 94% of its profits. So it seems like the management is reinvesting profits heavily to grow its business and this reflects in its earnings growth number.

Moreover, General Electric is determined to keep sharing its profits with shareholders which we infer from its long history of paying a dividend for at least ten years. Based on the latest analysts' estimates, we found that the company's future payout ratio over the next three years is expected to hold steady at 6.2%. However, General Electric's future ROE is expected to decline to 14% despite there being not much change anticipated in the company's payout ratio.

Summary

On the whole, we feel that General Electric's performance has been quite good. In particular, it's great to see that the company is investing heavily into its business and along with a high rate of return, that has resulted in a sizeable growth in its earnings. Having said that, on studying current analyst estimates, we were concerned to see that while the company has grown its earnings in the past, analysts expect its earnings to shrink in the future. To know more about the company's future earnings growth forecasts take a look at this free report on analyst forecasts for the company to find out more.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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On June 30, the Supreme Court officially struck down President Bidens student loan forgiveness plan, one which would have cleared up to $20,000 of debt for tens of millions of Americans. Adding to the issue? The fact that the student loan moratorium  in effect since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic  is ending September 1, meaning that repayments will resume at that time.

See: All of the States That Will Pay Off Your Student Loans

Find: An Ancient Rule Allows Biden To Forgive Student Loan Debt  No Matter What the Supreme Court Says

The collapse of the student loan forgiveness plan is forcing many consumers to pare down their spending. According to a new survey by Quicken, 31% of Americans said if the freeze lifted on student loan payments  which it will, shortly  theyd have to cut down on their spending in the second half of the year.

What exactly will these borrowers reduce or stop spending on? Here are a few possibilities.

Haircuts

We all need a trim now and again (or even a new do altogether), but this is an expense that may be delayed. The average haircut costs anywhere from $20 to $60, Katie Ross  EVP, American Consumer Credit Counseling  told GOBankingRates last May. But anyone in a popular metro area knows that haircuts can go for substantially more than that.

Gym Memberships

Gyms were hard hit by the pandemic, with 22% of them shutting down operations, per the National Health & Fitness Alliance (NHFA). Unfortunately, tough times may not be over for the fitness industry yet, as student loan borrowers are forced to pay back their loans. Ross said that the average gym membership costs up to $60 a month.

Pricey Electronics

The retail revenue from consumer electronics sales in the U.S keeps growing, but it may take a dip now that people are cornered back into paying down significant student loan debt.

Upgrading to the latest and greatest electronics every year can be costly, and it may not be necessary for most people, Hanna Olivas, co-author of Becoming An Unstoppable Woman In Finance: 29 Strategic Financial Experts. told GOBankingRates last May.

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Spa Days

Need a spa day to take the edge off the work week and rejuvenate? This indulgence may have to go out the window as student loan repayments resume.

Americans can save money by opting for more affordable spa treatments or doing beauty services at home, Olivas said.

Student Loan Forgiveness: 10 Expenses To Cut From Your Budget When Payments Resume

Travel

The travel industry has made a roaring comeback since the peak of the pandemic. However, travel costs are soaring and hopeful adventurers may be forced to pare down on spending on this experience given current circumstances.

By cutting back on expensive trips and opting for more affordable options, such as road trips or camping, individuals and families can save a significant amount of money, Percy Grunwald, co-founder at Compare Banks, told GOBankingRates. The savings will depend on the individuals travel habits, but it could easily add up to thousands of dollars per year.

This may not be all that indebted borrowers need to cut down on. According to the Education Data Initiative, 43.6 million borrowers have federal student loan debt, and the average balance is $37,717.

TransUnion exec Liz Pagel also echoed many of the above sentiments in prepared remarks:

The majority of consumers with a student loan have not been required to make payments for the better part of three years. Payment amounts will vary, but many of these consumers have taken on additional debt since the last time they had to pay their student loans. Its important for both lenders and consumers to be prepared for this new payment shock. These additional credit products mean additional monthly payments, the accumulation of which may pose added challenges for households attempting to reintegrate student loan payments into their monthly budget.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Student Loan Forgiveness Collapse Will Force Third of Americans To Cut Spending in 5 Impactful Ways
Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) is the worlds largest maker of electric vehicles and the market leader across many countries. The company reported solid financial results for the second quarter of 2023 last week, with a beat on both the top and bottom lines. However, price decreases and a decline in profitability upset investors and the stock fell by close to 8% shortly after earnings were announced.

Tesla Posts Earnings Beat, but Investors Want More

In this discussion, I will break down its results in detail before reviewing the valuation for the stock. Lets dive in.

Electrifying revenue growth





Tesla reported solid financial results for the second quarter of 2023. Its revenue of $24.93 billion topped analysts' forecasts by $200.35 million and rose by 47.2%. Despite the tough macroeconomic environment, this increase was greater than the prior quarter's 24.4% growth rate. Earnings per share of 91 cents also exceeded estimates of 82 cents.

Despite being often referred to as a technology company, Tesla's core automotive business contributes 85% of total revenue. The business generated $21.27 billion of revenue in the second quarter, which increased by 46% year over year.

Tesla Posts Earnings Beat, but Investors Want More

Sales in its energy generation and storage business grew by a blistering 74% year over year to $1.51 billion. Teslas services and other revenue rose by a solid 47% year over year to $2.15 billion.

Partnerships and developments





During the quarter, Tesla also scored surprising partnerships with both Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:F) and General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM), giving them access to its EV charging infrastructure.

The rival automakers will now have access to 12,000 of Tesla's fast-charging stations. This move was criticized by some analysts, but I believe it will be a positive overall for Tesla, as effectively the company can act as a toll road, charging a commission on usage.

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In addition, GM will install Teslas North American Charging Standard into its EVs starting in 2025.

The company also announced the first production of its Cybertruck at its Austin, Texas facility. This includes over 10,000 unique parts and processes. While CEO Elon Musk admits it is difficult to predict the ramp initially, high volume is expected by next year, with low deliveries starting this year.

Profitability was challenged





Tesla reported profitability challenges as its gross profit margin slid 7% year over year, from 25% in the year-ago quarter to 18%. This was mostly driven by the company reducing its prices in order to meet lower demand.

The company slashed the price of its Model 3 by 11% and Model Y by 20% in the first quarter of the year, with further reductions anticipated throughout 2023. The average price of a Tesla vehicle is now just over $45,000, down from close to $56,000 in the second quarter of 2022.

On a positive note, this made more of the models eligible for the EV tax credit scheme, making the vehicles more affordable for consumers. This is important given competition is heating up. General Motors plans to release its electric Chevy Blazer in the later half of 2023 and its more affordable Chevy Equinox is expected to be launched in 2024.

Ford also launched its F-150 Lightning, which is an EV version of the most popular vehicle sold in the U.S. Luckily for Tesla, the Ford EV had some battery issues, which resulted in disrupted production. However, I expect a solid rebound in the second half of 2023.

Moving onto Teslas operating profit, its margin dropped from 14.76% last year to 9.62% in the second quarter. This was driven by higher costs for its batteries and a lower-valued U.S dollar, which impacted international revenue.

Tesla is ramping up production of its in-house designed batteries, called the 4680, which should help with greater efficiency long term.

Tesla Posts Earnings Beat, but Investors Want More

Self-driving and AI





Teslas research and development costs also jumped to $943 million, up a substantial 41% year over year.

This may seem negative, but I actually think it makes sense given the huge opportunity in the artificial intelligence industry, specifically with its Dojo training computers. The company wrote in a shareholder deck that it is focused on being at the forefront of AI development.

The company aims to develop its Dojo supercomputer to create an Amazon Web Services-style, AI as a service offering.

During the earnings call, Musk took a hit at a lot of AI companies doing large language models. He said, If they are so greatwhy cant they make a self-driving car? Because it is harder!

Musk is known for his optimistic timescales, but admitted he is the boy who cried FSD when he promised a full self-driving car back in 2017.

Teslas full self-driving technology is gradually improving as it has completed more real-world self-driving miles than any other EV maker due to the sheer number of customers that signed up for its beta testing program.

I think we will be better than a human by the end of this year, Musk said.



If or when Tesla does finally achieve full self-driving, that will be a game-changing moment as it could disrupt a multitude of industries, from ridesharing to the railroad.

Valuation





Tesla trades with a price-sales ratio of 9, which is lower than its historic levels of over 30.

Tesla Posts Earnings Beat, but Investors Want More

The GF Value Line also indicates a fair value of around $448 per share based on its historical ratios, past financial performance and future earnings projections. Thus, the stock is undervalued according to this metric. However, GuruFocus does warn of a possible value trap, but I believe this is unjustified as its lower margin is expected.

Tesla Posts Earnings Beat, but Investors Want More

Final thoughts





Tesla is a tremendous company and is truly innovating on multiple fronts. The company has a lot in its pipeline, from its Dojo supercomputer to self-driving vehicles and even robots. As the company stands, it is the market leader in EVs and has a huge opportunity in other areas. Investors will likely experience volatility in the short term due to the tough macroeconomic evironment, but there is huge long-term potential.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


NicolasMcComber / Getty Images

Trader Joes is beloved for its delicious prepared meals for savvy shoppers looking to stay within their budgets. With a wide array of convenient options, this beloved grocery store has won the hearts and palates of many across the nation. From exotic international flavors to comforting classics, these premade meals are carefully crafted to fulfill your cravings and save you precious time in the kitchen.

Check Out: 10 Cheap Aldi Brand Products Better Than the Name Brands

Learn: How To Get Cash Back on Your Everyday Purchases

Heres a roundup of Traders Joes best premade meals that are not only appetizing but also easy on your wallet.

Vegetable Biryani With Vegetable Dumplings

Drawing inspiration from a traditional South Asian recipe celebrated in the Indian region for many years, Trader Joes Vegetable Biryani boasts basmati rice layered with vegetable pan-fried with dried spices, oven-finished and garnished with raisins and cashew spices.

The vegetable biryani with vegetable dumplings  is an excellent vegetarian option you can whip up in no time, said Jake Hill, CEO of DebtHammer. The combination of dumplings and rice makes this meal surprisingly filling. For $2.99 for a 10-ounce package, this is one premade meal you could eat several times a week and not break the bank.

Find: 10 Aldi Brand Products Worth Buying

Mandarin Orange Chicken

A timeless classic, Trader Joes infamous mandarin orange chicken comes at an affordable price of $4.99 for a 22-ounce bag. This comfort food can be quickly prepared in the microwave or over the stove or baked in the oven at 400 degrees, according to Trader Joes recommendation. Its delightful flavors and satisfying crunch make it a delightful addition to rice and vegetables.

This flavorful dish is a customer favorite and is known for its generous portion sizes, said Nathaniel Lee, chef and owner of Meal Prepify, a cooking website that helps individuals meal prep in an easy, inexpensive and nutritious way. It offers a great balance of tender chicken, tangy orange sauce and crispy breading, all at an affordable price.

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Cauliflower Gnocchi

For cauliflower enthusiasts, Trader Joes cauliflower gnocchi is a delightful find, priced at a mere $3.29 for a 12-ounce bag. This Italian delicacy consists of 75% cauliflower, combined with cassava flour, potato starch, extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. To prepare, simply crisp the cauliflower pieces over the stove and toss them with your favorite toppings.

A healthier alternative to traditional potato gnocchi, this versatile option is perfect for those looking to save money without compromising on taste, Lee said. Its a delicious pasta substitute that can be paired with various sauces and toppings.

Chicken Tikka Masala

A long-standing favorite in Trader Joes frozen section, the chicken tikka masala has been captivating taste buds since 2009. This classic dish features cumin-flavored basmati rice in a creamy, spice-filled sauce with tender chunks of white meat throughout. Priced at $4.49 for an 8.5-ounce dish, this frozen entree makes for a satisfying lunch or dinner, ready in under five minutes in the microwave.

This Indian-inspired dish is a crowd pleaser, Lee said. The tender chicken, creamy tomato sauce and fragrant spices make it a fantastic choice for those craving a delicious, budget-friendly meal.

Vegetable and Soba Noodle Stir Fry Kit

Trader Joes vegetable and soba noodle stir fry kit includes most of the makings of Japanese yakisoba and is a vegan and gluten-free tasty and easy-to-make Japanese dish. You can find this kit in the veggies section of Trader Joes and its delicious flavors can be customized to your protein preferences by including tofu, pork or chicken.

This kit offers a combination of fresh vegetables, flavorful sauce and authentic soba noodles, Lee said. Its an excellent option for those looking for an easy and affordable way to enjoy a nutritious stir fry at home.

Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings

A beloved offering at Trade Joes, the pork and ginger soup dumplings are a major crowd pleaser priced at $3.49 for a 6-ounce package. Inspired by the xiaolongbao originating from the Jiangsu province of China, these dumplings are filled with hot soup and boast over 5% ginger, offering a delightful spicy heat in every bite.

These are everyones favorite, but they are worth repeating, said Brian Nagele, CEO of Restaurant Clicks and a former restaurateur. They include 14 grams of protein in a package and are ready from the microwave in minutes. These are great alone, added to soup, or even with some microwaved steamed broccoli for added nutrition.

Chicken Burrito Bowl

The Southwest-style chicken burrito bowl offers 22 grams of protein in each serving and is hearty, delicious and easy to prepare. Whether enjoyed on its own, in a burrito or tacos or atop a bed of greens as a Southwest salad, this $3.49 option delivers a satisfying and cost-effective meal.

This one is more of a complete meal than the famous soup dumplings, Nagele said. You have rice, corn, quinoa, beans, veggies, chicken and slightly spicy chipotle sauce. It is also $3.49, which is wild when you compare it to a burrito bowl from most restaurants. Even if you bought two of these to have a restaurant-sized portion, you are easily saving at least $10 compared to ordering from a restaurant.

Lemon Chicken & Arugula Salad

Trader Joes lemon chicken and arugula salad is a tasty and convenient favorite priced at $4.99 per salad. Inspired by Moroccan flavors, this salad features a delightful mix of parsley, arugula, mint and spicy red pepper dressing, complemented by couscous, red quinoa and sweet currants.

TJ salads are tasty, convenient and loaded with protein, and for $4.99 per salad, they are a cheap but healthy convenience meal, Nagele said. This one is particularly balanced because it is loaded with greens, chicken and grains like quinoa.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Trader Joes 8 Best Premade Meals To Save You Money
Key Insights

TreeHouse Foods' estimated fair value is US$96.17 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

TreeHouse Foods' US$51.97 share price signals that it might be 46% undervalued

The US$58.17 analyst price target for THS is 40% less than our estimate of fair value

In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (NYSE:THS) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. One way to achieve this is by employing the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward.

We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model.

View our latest analysis for TreeHouse Foods

Crunching The Numbers

We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. 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:

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10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$201.9m US$225.4m US$245.3m US$261.9m US$276.0m US$288.2m US$298.9m US$308.5m US$317.5m US$325.9m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Est @ 11.66% Est @ 8.79% Est @ 6.79% Est @ 5.38% Est @ 4.40% Est @ 3.71% Est @ 3.23% Est @ 2.90% Est @ 2.66% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 6.9% US$189 US$197 US$201 US$200 US$197 US$193 US$187 US$180 US$174 US$167

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$1.9b

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 6.9%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = US$326m (1 + 2.1%)  (6.9% 2.1%) = US$6.9b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$6.9b ( 1 + 6.9%)10= US$3.5b

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is US$5.4b. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of US$52.0, the company appears quite good value at a 46% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

dcf

Important Assumptions

We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at TreeHouse Foods as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.9%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.812. 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 TreeHouse Foods

Strength

Debt is well covered by earnings.

Weakness

No major weaknesses identified for THS.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the American market.

Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%.

Threat

Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow.

Annual revenue is forecast to grow slower than the American market.

Moving On:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For TreeHouse Foods, we've compiled three further elements you should further examine:

Risks: Case in point, we've spotted 3 warning signs for TreeHouse Foods you should be aware of, and 1 of them doesn't sit too well with us. Management:Have insiders been ramping up their shares to take advantage of the market's sentiment for THS's future outlook? Check out our management and board analysis with insights on CEO compensation and governance factors. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every American stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Twitter's rebranding of its San Francisco headquarters has been left hanging after police were called.

The Elon Musk-owned platform is changing its name to X, and attempted to remove the outgoing company name from the offices on Monday.

Five letters had been taken down from the office's large vertical sign before work was interrupted.

It now simply reads "er", mirroring the reaction of some commentators to the firm's abrupt corporate makeover.

Justin Sullivan, who took photos of the sign removal for Getty Images, said San Francisco police put a stop to the sign removal "shortly after it began".

Worker removes letters from the sign and puts them on the ground

Twitter has been headquartered in the Californian city since 2012, where its sign has become part of the landscape.

Twitter's new logo - an X on a black background - has replaced the famous blue bird on the social network, and was projected onto the side of the headquarters on Sunday.

Mr Musk says "tweets" will be replaced too, with posts to be called "x's" instead.

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."

Local media previously reported that police were called because Mr Musk did not get a permit for the work. However, police later said this was a misunderstanding.

San Francisco police told media it responded to "a possible unpermitted street closure", but it determined no crime had been committed and it therefore was not a matter for the police.

Nonetheless, work did not continue on taking down the sign despite police leaving, and it is unclear when it will recommence.

Mr Musk's decision to change Twitter's well-known name and bird logo has been met with some criticism.

Marketing professor Jean-Pierre Dube told the BBC he thought it was a joke, asking why anyone would "throw away" such a recognised brand as Twitter's.

It has been announced during a period of turmoil at the microblogging site. Mr Musk said advertising revenue has dropped by half and it has faced lawsuits over a failure to make promised severance payments and unpaid bills.

Mr Musk bought Twitter last year for $44bn and, shortly after the takeover, axed thousands of jobs.
FILE PHOTO: The corporate logos of the state oil company PDVSA and Citgo Petroleum Corp are seen in Caracas

(Reuters) - A U.S. court of appeals on Friday rejected Venezuela's bid to prevent six companies from joining a proposed court auction of shares in a Citgo Petroleum parent to enforce judgments for past expropriation of assets.

The decision allows the six to move ahead with their about $3 billion in combined claims against Venezuela state oil firm PDVSA in a Delaware federal court. That court is in the initial steps of preparing an auction as soon as September.

"For the second time in five years, we conclude that PDVSA is the alter ego of Venezuela, and we will affirm the District Court's denial of sovereign immunity to PDVSA," the three judge panel ruled. It also declined to consider PDVSA's request to bar the attachments from the district court case.

The companies had won conditional attachments to a federal case in which the judge has approved a process to auction the shares to pay a $970 million judgment won by miner Crystallex.

Since March, creditors including a unit of O-I Glass, Huntington Ingalls Industries, ACL1 Investments, Koch Minerals and mining firms Rusoro Mining and Gold Reserve, have been granted rights to seize shares in the parent of Venezuela-owned refiner Citgo, PDV Holding.

(Reporting by Gary McWilliams; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
A British regulator has sounded the alarm over Worldcoin, amid fears about the biometric data that the controversial crypto project is gathering.

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), which champions privacy for individuals, has told Decrypt that organizations need to conduct a Data Protection Impact Assessment before beginning to process "high risk" dataa key component of Worldcoins operations.

Co-founded by AI wunderkind Sam Altman, the crypto project is aiming to offer digital passports to millions of people by scanning their irisesand on Monday, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin raised fears that this could expose someone's sex, ethnicity, and even certain medical conditions.

Worldcoin Launch Supply Mostly Made of Market Maker Loans

The ICO went on to warn that Worldcoin's activities needed to be consensual and freely givenwith those undergoing a scan also able to withdraw from the project without detriment.

"We note the launch of Worldcoin in the U.K. and will be making enquiries," an ICO spokesperson said in a statement emailed to Decrypt.

It's worth noting that the ICO has teeth in the event of serious data breaches. The regulator can issue fines of up to 17.5m ($22.5m) or 4% of a company's global turnoverwhichever is higher. And back in April, it imposed a 12.7m ($16.3m) fine on TikTok amid allegations that the social network misused children's data.

Despite the watchdog's ongoing enquiries, Worldcoin is continuing with its rollout in Britain.

Sam Altman's Worldcoin Protocol Launches WLD Token on Optimism Mainnet

Orbs, the hardware devices that scan a user's eye in exchange for a World ID, have now been installed in three London locations. Given the U.K. has a population of 67.3 million people58 million of them outside the capitaladoption is unlikely to be rapid.

Worldcoin is yet to respond to Decrypt's request for commentbut on its website, the project insists it is "fully compliant with all laws and regulations governing biometric data collection and transfer, including Europe's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)."

To complicate matters further, GDPR technically no longer applies to the UK following Brexit.

However, the framework has mostly been retained in domestic lawsmeaning the country has the independence to keep it under review.
Cargo is offloaded from One Airs inaugural 747 freighter flight at London Heathrow Airport on Monday. (Photo: One Air)

A new cargo airline based in the United Kingdom kicked off operations Monday with a single freighter and the prestige of being the only Boeing 747 operator in the country.

A freight recession would seem to be an inopportune time to launch a single-aircraft airline, but the founders of One Air sound confident the venture will attract shipper interest.

One Air said it completed a charter flight Monday evening for conglomerate Shandong Glory from Jinan, China, to London Heathrow Airport.

One Air is using a 747-400 jet, which started life in 1991 carrying passengers for Air Canada before being converted to a cargo configuration, to perform unplanned charters and transport service for airlines and logistics companies that need dedicated airlift. It eventually plans to become a scheduled carrier, Chief Operating Officer Chris Hope said via email through a media representative.

As well as ad hoc charter flights, we are now also commencing a regular flying program from Asia Pacific to Europe with two 747 freighter flights per week. Work is also under way to add a second 747F to our fleet, which we hope will enter service in early Q4. We are delighted to be open for business, Hope said in the launch announcement.

Industry experts say airlines generally do best with at least six to eight planes to better spread out fixed costs for maximum operational efficiency and cover contingencies such as mechanical breakdowns and scheduled maintenance. The company will likely be hard-pressed to generate a positive return in the short term with demand down nearly 10% in 16 months, rates 50% lower than a year ago and many airlines parking older jets such as the 747-400. But that could change if market conditions improve over the next year and service is good.

One factor favoring the new company is the recent reduction in large freighters and 747 passenger jets in the U.K. Last year, AirBridgeCargo was forced to shut down its U.K. operation and stop flying 17 Boeing 747 cargo jets because of ownership ties to Russia and Western sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine. And CargoLogicAir, also affiliated with Russias Volga-Dnepr Group, and its two 747-400 freighters ceased operation late last year.

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On June 13, the U.S. Department of Transportation granted One Air permission to conduct cargo service to the U.S. for two years while it undertakes a full review of the foreign carrier permit.

It will help fill the shortfall in air cargo capacity generated by the demise of the U.K.s only independent cargo freighter operator following enforced closure by sanction authorities, and provide vital cargo capacity on routes with the U.K.s main trading partners. As trade recovers post pandemic and re-establishes a new normal by adapting to geopolitical issues, secure and reliable air freight logistics and heavy lift capability continues to be vitally important nationally and internationally, the company said in its application.

One Airs first commercial flight receives a water cannon-salute at London Heathrow airport. (Photo: One Air)

One Air is leasing the 747 freighter from Aerotranscargo FZE, a cargo airline based in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, owned by minority shareholder (49%) and nonexecutive director Guneet Mirchandani. CEO Paul Bennett is listed as One Airs majority owner.

The airline said in a recent news release that the second freighter will come from Aerotranscargo. It eventually intends to acquire more modern aircraft, such as the Boeing 777 freighter, according to the filing. Bennett said the company has the financial resources to grow in line with the level of demand we see.

Bennett has worked for several U.K.-based cargo airlines and charter brokers, including Chapman Freeborn. In 2009, he founded Sky Cargo Charters, which was rebranded a second time as Air One Aviation Ltd in 2020.

One Airs ownership structure is connected to partner businesses.

Aerotranscargo is incorporated under a company by a similar name in Moldova, in which Mirchandani owns a 49% stake, and has six 747-400s in its fleet. One of those planes is currently under a services contract with Emirates. Mirchandani, an Indian and U.K. citizen, also owns 80% of Air One Aviation, a U.K.-based sales agent for Aerotranscargo and two small cargo airlines in Sharjah and Romania, according to its website. One Air CEO Bennett owns the remaining shares of Air One, which is serving as One Airs global sales agent.

Reuters reported in September that Aerotranscargo was pursuing a debt sale to be used for fleet expansion.

One Airs affiliation with a larger aviation ownership group might enable it to gain some scale in terms of spare parts pooling, engines or maintenance, but the company has not indicated such linkages exist yet.

The new airline received its air operator certificate and operating license from U.K. authorities in the spring. Last year, One Air crews conducted proving runs that demonstrated they know how to safely operate the 747-400.

One Air said it has 130 employees, including 40 pilots with experience at major airlines such as Cathay Pacific, Emirates and Norwegian.

COO Hope has many years of experience in the passenger sector holding management positions at easyJet, Flybe and other carriers.

Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper articles by Eric Kulisch.

Contact Reporter: ekulisch@freightwaves.com

RECOMMENDED READING:

Ocean carrier MSC adds 2nd cargo jet

The post UK startup One Air launches cargo service with 1 jumbo jet appeared first on FreightWaves.
(Bloomberg) -- Russia is moving to expand its pool of military conscripts by raising the upper age limit to 30 as the Kremlins war on Ukraine extends into its 18th month. While Russia has said draftees wont be sent to fight in Ukraine, the changes approved in the lower house of parliament may create an extra 2.4 million potential conscripts, according to Igor Yefremov, a researcher and specialist in demographics at the Gaidar Institute in Moscow.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Biden administration announced as much as $400 million in new military assistance for Ukraine, its 43rd drawdown from existing Pentagon inventories. The latest package includes Hornet drones and demolition munitions to clear obstacles.

Trevor Reed, the former US marine released from Russia in 2022 as part of a prisoner swap, has been injured while fighting in Ukraine, State Department spokesman Vedant Patel, said. Reed, who wasnt in Ukraine on behalf of the US government, was transferred to Germany for medical treatment by a nongovernmental organization, he said.

Latest Coverage

Russia Seeks More Military Conscripts as Ukraine Invasion Grinds

Wheat Rally Fades as Russia Fails to Disrupt Key Danube Port

Nuclear Monitors Chide Russia Over Slack Safety at Ukraine Plant

Russia Supplies African Ally Mali With Wheat as Ties Strengthen

China, Russia Envoys Make First North Korea Visit Since Covid

Russias Space Program Reels After Putins Ukraine Invasion

Coming Up

Russia Defense Minister Shoigu visits North Korea July 25-27

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is in Africa this week to discuss collapse of the grain deal

Russia-Africa summit opens in St. Petersburg July 27

Story continues

Markets

Wheat futures pared some of their recent gains as it emerged that Russia has failed to severely damage a key port that allows Ukraine to export grains by river into neighboring countries.

Futures retreated by as much as 2.8% on Tuesday after jumping the previous day as traders tried to figure out the extent of the damage from Russian missile attacks.

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U.S. Oral Surgery Management (USOSM)

IRVING, Texas, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- U.S. Oral Surgery Management (USOSM)  a specialty management services company that exclusively serves premier oral and maxillofacial surgeons  welcomes back its surgeon partner Clement Qaqish, MD, DDS, as he returns from Africa, where he spent a week providing patients in need with life-changing oral and maxillofacial treatments.



We're excited to welcome Dr. Qaqish back from Africa," said USOSM President and CEO Richard Hall. USOSM deeply appreciates the passion Dr. Qaqish has for helping those in need."

This year, Dr. Qaqish was part of a team of RESTORE surgeons that went to Yaounde, Cameroon. As a group, the surgeons performed more than 300 procedures, including correcting congenital deformities of the head and neck, maxillofacial tumor excision and pathology services, cleft lip and palate repair, and more. RESTORE is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit medical service organization. It stands for restoring emotional stability through outstanding reconstructive efforts.

Dr. Qaqish has been involved with RESTORE for several years, traveling with them to help people in need in Senegal and Cameroon. In addition, Dr. Qaqish has partnered with several other nonprofit organizations, such as Smile Train and Mercy Ships, for medical mission work. He has been actively involved in surgical philanthropy for the past decade, helping those in need in his community, as well as abroad.

Being able to help people in need, particularly through life-changing procedures like the ones we were doing in Cameroon, is so rewarding. Its so moving to see the difference that were making in peoples lives, noted Dr. Qaqish. Early on in my career, I knew that I wanted to be of service to those in need. Often the surgery that is most interesting and life-changing in our specialty, is more abundantly needed in developing nations, where access to care is a real challenge.

A diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Qaqish has earned and maintains board certifications in oral and maxillofacial surgery, facial cosmetic surgery and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Qaqish is the founder and medical director of San Diego Surgical Arts, a USOSM partner practice located in San Diego, California. He offers a full scope of oral and maxillofacial procedures and cosmetic surgery treatments, where personalized and comprehensive patient care is his number one priority.

Story continues

Dr. Qaqish earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from The University of Western Ontario, where he finished at the top of his class, receiving the universitys prestigious gold medal. In addition, he earned his Doctor of Medicine from and completed his general surgery internship and oral and maxillofacial surgery training through the University of Maryland, graduating with high honors. Taking his education even further, he completed an accredited fellowship in cosmetic surgery under the tutelage of Dr. Angelo Cuzalina, who was president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery at that time.

An engaging speaker, Dr. Qaqish has lectured both nationally and internationally on various topics ranging from dental implant reconstruction and rehabilitation to cosmetic facial surgery. He also has served as faculty at multiple live surgery workshops in cosmetic facial surgery and has authored numerous publications on a wide variety of cosmetic and oral and maxillofacial surgery topics.

Headquartered in Irving, Texas, USOSM has partner practices spanning 26 states. A shared services organization, USOSM collaborates with premier oral and maxillofacial surgeons to offer a partnership solution for continued and accelerated practice success. USOSM provides operational, marketing and administrative support services, reinvests resources, and applies best practices to improve clinical and financial performance and produce steadier, more profitable growth for all. For more information, visit https://www.usosm.com/.

Contact:

Lyle Rountree

U.S. Oral Surgery Management

214-289-3799

Lyle.Rountree@usosm.com




By Elizabeth Howcroft, Anton Bridge and Medha Singh

LONDON/TOKYO/BENGALURU (Reuters) - People around the world are getting their eyeballs scanned in exchange for a digital ID and the promise of free cryptocurrency, shrugging off concerns among privacy campaigners and data regulators.

Founded by Sam Altman, the CEO of ChatGPT developer OpenAI, the Worldcoin project says it aims to create a new "identity and financial network" and that its digital ID will allow users to, among other things, prove online that they are human, not a bot.

The project launched on Monday, with eyeball scans taking place in countries including Britain, Japan and India.

At a crypto conference in Tokyo, people on Tuesday queued in front of a gleaming silver globe flanked by placards stating: "Orbs are here." Applicants lined up to have their irises scanned by the device, before waiting for the 25 free Worldcoin tokens the company says verified users can claim.

Users told Reuters they weighed concerns over data collection against their curiosity about the project, which says it has issued IDs for more than two million people in 120 countries, mostly during a trial period in the last two years.

"There's a risk with having the data of your own eyes collected by a company, but I like to follow the most up to date crypto projects," said Saeki Sasaki, 33.

"I was a bit scared, but I've done it now and cant take it back."

Worldcoin's data-collection is a "potential privacy nightmare," said the Electronic Privacy Information Center, a U.S. privacy campaigner.

Worldcoin did not respond to Reuters' questions on its privacy policies sent via email on Tuesday. The company's website says the project is "completely private" and that either biometric data is deleted or users can opt to have it stored in encrypted form.

'FREE MONEY'

In the lobby of a co-working space in east London on Monday, two Worldcoin representatives showed a small stream of people how to download the app and get scanned, handing out free t-shirts and stickers saying "verified human" afterwards.

Story continues

Christian, a 34-year-old graphic designer, said he was taking part because he was "intrigued". He follows developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and crypto, buying cryptocurrencies "just for fun".

"I think going forward AI will be hard to distinguish from human and I think this potentially solves that problem and thats pretty amazing," he said, declining to give his full name for privacy reasons.

Worldcoin tokens were trading around $2.30 on the world's largest exchange, Binance, on Tuesday. For many users, the promise of financial gains from the crypto coins was enough to make them hand over personal data.

Ali, a 22-year-old chemical engineering student who has invested some of his student loan in crypto, said he calculated that the 25 free tokens could be sold for $70 to $80 at current prices.

"I told my brother about it this morning. I told him 'it's free money, you want to come with me to get it?'"

Both Christian and Ali said they had not read Worldcoin's privacy policy, which says that data may be passed to subcontractors and could be accessed by governments and authorities - though it also says it takes steps to mitigate risks and uses encryption to stop unauthorised access.

"It's quite concerning but I think a lot of companies have our data at this point," Ali said.

UK privacy campaign group Big Brother Watch said there was a risk biometric data could be hacked or exploited.

"Digital ID systems increase state and corporate control over individuals' lives and rarely live up to the extraordinary benefits technocrats tend to attribute to them," senior advocacy officer Madeleine Stone said.

The project also drew attention from regulators, with Britain's data regulator telling Reuters it was making enquiries about the UK launch of Worldcoin.

In a mall in Bengaluru, India, orb-operators approached passers-by on Tuesday and showed them how to sign up. Most interviewed by Reuters said they were not worried about privacy.

One new user, 18-year-old commerce student Sujith, said he did not read Worldcoin's fine print and did not really have privacy concerns. He said he invests the little pocket money he gets from his family in crypto.

"While I was passing they asked me would you like some free coins? So (I thought) why not?" he said.

(Reporting by Elizabeth Howcroft in London, Medha Singh in Bengaluru and Anton Bridge in Tokyo; Editing by Mark Potter)
VIRGINIA BEACH  Investigators found the origin of the blaze that took out three mainstay businesses at the Oceanfront earlier this month.

The fire burned in the void space below the roof that ran the length of the structure, which housed the T-Shirt Factory, Maple Tree Pancake House and King of the Sea restaurant, the Virginia Beach Fire Department said in a news release Tuesday morning.

Investigators werent able to determine the direct cause of the fire and deemed it accidental, the release said.

The fire burned for five hours on July 11, starting in the T-Shirt Factory and spreading to the other two businesses. It took 75 firefighters to subdue the blaze, and one firefighter was burned in the process. None of the occupants of the businesses that night were injured.

Emergency crews blocked off sections of Atlantic and Pacific avenues from 25th Street to 28th Street as firefighters responded and crowds of beachgoers looked on.

Andy Zavolas, owner of King of the Sea, bought the restaurant in 2000 and recently renovated the kitchen and bathrooms.

Roulla and Reino Lindroos owned Maple Tree Pancake House since 1981 and never took days off; they watched in shock as firefighters battled the flames engulfing their business.

The property, valued at over $1.8 million per the citys most recent assessment, is owned by the Vakos family. Matt Vakos manages the property and said they will rebuild it.

Cianna Morales, 757-957-1304, cianna.morales@virginiamedia.com
(Bloomberg) -- Wheat futures pared gains on reports Russia failed to severely damage a key port that is allowing Ukraine to export grains by river into neighboring countries.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Russian drones attacked the port of Reni in the night leading to Monday, driving up grain prices on fears Ukraine would not be able to get crops to buyers. But Reni was operating at maximum capacity Tuesday, with seven ships due to enter, according to Romanian official Gabriel Covrig, who is responsible for ship piloting in the area.

Chicago futures, the most traded global benchmark, retreated by as much as 2.2%. On Monday, they jumped by 8.6% as traders tried to determine the repercussions of damage to the river port. Shipments by river have become the last major route for grain to leave Ukraine after Russia exited a deal allowing passage through the Black Sea last week.

In the US, farmers and traders began an annual crop tour in the top wheat state of North Dakota where dry conditions have hit crop yields and further bolstered crop prices.

Read More: Baked Wheat Fields Draw Scrutiny in North Dakota as Prices Soar

Ukrainian exports historically have made an important contribution to global food supply, and escalations in the war have triggered price volatility throughout the conflict. While the world still has a large buffer of wheat stockpiles, the latest events highlight the vulnerability of global food security since the start of Russias invasion, and as climate change wreaks havoc on certain crops.

Russias bombing of port infrastructure along the Danube river in Ukraine has pushed grain prices significantly higher, according to ING analysts Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey. This escalation risks spilling over into other parts of the commodities complex, particularly energy.

Story continues

At least four grain hangars were damaged or ruined by Russian drone strikes, according to Ukrainian prosecutors who launched an investigation into the attack. Reni, along with the port at Izmail, is one of Ukraines biggest river ports for grain and is on the Danube at the border with Romania. Local traders had been expanding capacity there in response to Russias sea blockade.

Still, the strikes will make shipowners and crew more wary of calling at the river ports. The ports can operate, but the problem is that some crews are not willing to go there for the time being, Constanta-based grain broker Andrei Balasoiu said. He owns barges that sometimes call at Reni. Some are willing to go, but most are afraid of getting hit by missiles

The risk to the Danube route has left traders assessing the viability of remaining Ukraine grain export routes. Shipments by land have caused tensions with its Eastern European neighbors. Five countries including Poland and Romania are seeking to extend a ban on purchasing Ukrainian grain after declining prices spurred protests from local farmers. Grain can still transit through those countries.

Lithuanias agricultural minister wrote to the EU on July 21 to suggest that Baltic ports be used as an alternative route for transit of Ukraines agricultural exports, according to a document seen by Bloomberg. While Baltic railways and ports have an annual capacity of 25 million tons, its unclear how realistic this option is and how quickly this could help boost exports, given the need to switch tracks to a different gauge at the border and insufficient rail cars.

We proposed to the Polish side an action plan to ensure that the grain will not stay in Poland, and to encourage a tracking system. We hope to have solidarity from the Polish side, Lithuanian agricultural minister Kestutis Navickas said Tuesday.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Baltic countries have the right to ship Ukrainian grain but Russia will fight attempts to use the channels for any military purposes, according to Interfax.

--With assistance from Piotr Skolimowski, Irina Vilcu, Sofia Gerace and Daryna Krasnolutska.

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Amid a heat wave in the middle of July 1934, 85 children arrived one afternoon on the train to a cheering crowd of local residents. The newspaper unselfconsciously referred to them as slum kids from New York City, and they were here to spend a few weeks with local families, experiencing traditional summer activities such as swimming and picnicking.

The Fresh Air Fund, which still exists, brought groups of children every year to the Burg, but this years shipment was particularly large. The paper described a sweet, touching scene of wide-eyed children climbing down from the train one at a time, each one equally surprised by the welcoming cheers from the crowd. Perhaps overwhelmed by the reception, some began crying. The assorted bunch of Irish, Scotch, Italian, Greek, and children of other nationalities were soon sorted according to the tags on their clothing and trundled off to their vacation homes in a Virginia season that has been fondly called hells front porch.

Meanwhile, heat wasnt the only wave that the area was experiencing. Some local children, despite being raised in the fresh, slum-free air, had at least temporarily turned to a life of crime. There had been 15 robberies in just over a month, most of them committed by a gang of youths. These included radios stolen from two car dealerships; shoplifting at Montgomery Ward, Newberry, and W.T. Grant department stores; and break-ins at Roxbury Mills, Williss Hardware store, and several others. The take in some cases totaled over $100. Fredericksburgs ace investigator, Night Chief Musselman, was assigned to the cases and soon solved all of them. Several children were arrested and sentenced by Justice Dannehl to the State Board of Public Welfare in Richmond, where they would be committed to a reformatory.

One of them, a 9-year-old boy named Luther, was so small that he managed to squeeze through the bars of his cell and escape. This Kid Dillinger, as the paper called him, was caught when he returned to his cell with a screwdriver, intent on breaking out his older brother and a 10-year-old accomplice, Raymond. The officials thought that clothing him in only a shirt would somehow dissuade him from trying to bust out. Instead, Luthers brother merely tossed him a pair of pants through the window as he escaped again with Raymond. The two somehow made their way back to Fredericksburg, where Luther was apprehended at his home. Raymond remained on the lam, hiding somewhere in the city.

Parts of the story did resemble that of John Dillinger, who had been Public Enemy Number One for about a year by then. The paper was full of stories about his narrow escapes from authorities. Dillinger was gunned down by federal agents in Chicago only two days after little Luther was apprehended. Interestingly, Dillinger had just come out of a movie theater that was showing a film with characters involved in the criminal underworld, and the Free Lance-Star had just run an editorial responding to the comments people must have been making about whether mass media  in the form of movies  were to blame for actions of the youths.

The editorial urged restraint, reminding people not to jump to conclusions, and that many factors may be at work. Referring to the boys as child violators because it would be hard to brand them as thieves, it said, Perhaps they [the parents] have been so engrossed in the bitter task of earning a livelihood that they spared the rod, with the resultant spoiling of the child. It also suggested that, in addition to their desire to indict Hollywood, people should remember that Prohibition, which bred a certain contempt for all laws, also is not guiltless, though emphasizing that certainly the parents should not have allowed their children to be roaming the streets at all hours, plotting robberies.

Most of us will wonder what sort of lives the boys had when they grew up. Some searching on Ancestry reveals that the friend Raymond lived in Fredericksburg as an adult, registered for the draft in World War II but didnt serve, and married and divorced while very young. In his early 40s he was arrested one night for being drunk in public and died of a heart attack in his jail cell. As for Luther and his brother, its difficult to say. There are no records for them in Virginia, and others by that name in Arkansas and Tennessee arent definitive matches. It seems that Luther may have slipped through the historical record as easily as he did the bars of his cell in Richmond.
Three women who were wanted in various area courts were arrested Friday following a drug raid in the Fairview Beach area of King George, police said.

King George Sheriffs 1st Sgt. Kecia Wharton said detectives executed a search warrant at a residence on Somerset Lane. Wharton said a lengthy investigation began as the result of numerous complaints regarding drug activity at the home.

Drugs and firearms were seized, along with three women wanted on probation violation and failure to appear charges in Stafford, Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg and King George. Nicole Kae Delaney, 35, and Ashton Elizabeth Terry, 31, both of Colonial Beach, and Nichole Lee Foltz, 37, of Winchester, were all placed in the Rappahannock Regional Jail. Foltz previously lived in King George and Stafford.

All three women have prior drug-related convictions, court records show, but no drug charges were filed Friday. Wharton said the investigation is ongoing and more charges are pending.
As the summer season hits high gear, swimmers, boaters and others are enjoying the 13,000-acre manmade Lake Anna in Orange and Spotsylvania counties. But, as in past summers, a no-swim advisory remains in place for at least one area of the lake.

The summers first harmful algae bloom on the lake was reported in late June for the Upper section of the Pamunkey Branch. The tests marked the sixth straight year of a no-swim advisory at the lake, a popular recreational destination that also cools the Dominion Energy North Anna nuclear power plant.

Harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can appear when nitrogen and phosphorus pollution combine with warm water temperatures. The toxins can cause a skin rash, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The algae can affect people and pets alike.

The Virginia Department of Health, which monitors the lake along with the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force, has updated recent test results, from July 18. The monitored spots cover the area of the headwaters of the Pamunkey Creek to Runnymede Park.

The upper Pamunkey is the only area in the lake with a no-swim advisory, but the July 18 test showed that area has acceptable levels of cyanobacteria and toxins.

The advisory has not been lifted yet because two such test results are required, at least 10 days apart, before it can be removed.

The health department says people should avoid contact with this specific area of the lake until algae concentrations return to acceptable levels.

The Lake Anna Civic Association has funded treatment studies that have showed promising results and continues to raise funds for new treatments and studies.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality also is heading the states development of a watershed plan for the lake, one of several such studies aimed at harmful algae blooms in Virginia waterways. The estimated $253,028 project aims to fix the harmful algae bloom problems that have plagued Lake Anna in recent years.

The study project is focused on the upper area of the lake, which has been more prone to the harmful algae blooms.

The first phase of the state study seeks to identify causes of impairment and pollution sources or groups of similar sources that need to be controlled to achieve needed load reductions and calculate baseline loads.

After the first phase results are in, the state will develop a pair of models  one on the watershed and the other on the lake. Then the state will determine how to address the problem with the algae blooms, which will include developing a plan and holding public meetings.

The state study officially started this month, with the project slated for completion in December 2027.
Microchip Technology, whose products are found in everything from coffee makers and cars to NASAs James Webb Space Telescope and Mars Rover vehicle, plans to spend $880 million to expand production at its Colorado Springs semiconductor manufacturing plant  an investment that local business leaders and government officials say will add more than 400 jobs and pump $1.4 billion into the areas economy over the next decade.

The global tech company, based in suburban Phoenix, made the announcement during a Friday news conference attended by several local and state officials, who praised Microchips decision to invest in Colorado Springs and beamed over a string of recent economic development successes.

Well folks, it is yet another great day in Olympic City, USA, Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers told about 50 people who attended Fridays news conference, referring to the citys moniker as home to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic movements. Ive been saying that a lot over the last several years and Im very excited to do it again today.

In December, Massachusetts-based Entegris said it will spend up to $600 million to build what it called a manufacturing center of excellence on the Springs northwest side that could add as many as 600 jobs over the next several years. That facility will make critical products used to manufacture semiconductors, company officials said.

Also, while not a semiconductor company, Zivaro, a Denver-based information and technology firm that works with government and national defense partners, said it will bring more than 300 new jobs to Colorado Springs.

Microchips expansion rivals those announcements.

The company operates a manufacturing plant on its nearly 50-acre campus west of Venetucci and Cheyenne Mountain boulevards on Colorado Springs south side. Mircochip, founded in 1989, took over the property when it purchased semiconductor manufacturer Atmel in 2016.

At its Colorado Springs plant, Microchip makes chips used in everyday consumer items and some of the worlds most sophisticated equipment, said Rich Simoncic, Microchip senior vice president of analog businesses.

When you woke up this morning and made coffee, you were probably using a Microchip device in that appliance, Simoncic said. 

When you step into your car and use your keyless entry, you were using a Microchip device to enter your car. Your anti-lock brakes, your seat heaters, your steering wheel heater  all driven by Microchip technology.

More than 100 chips from Microchip Technology were part of the Mars rover that drove around that planet, Simoncic said, while the Webb telescope was outfitted with the companys driver technology that enabled pictures to be taken and sent back to Earth.

The Atlas rocket that just circled the moon? Simoncic said. We had lots of engineers cheering at Microchip because literally hundreds and hundreds of devices from Microchip were on that Atlas rocket.

Microchips work, said Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, president and CEO of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, affects our entire nation. That is why were so glad that they continue to call our region home and will continue to expand.

In Colorado Springs, Microchip employs about 850 people and expects to add 418 more as part of its $880 million expansion, city officials and business leaders said.

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Those jobs will pay an average of $72,000 a year and include production specialists, technical roles in equipment procurement and management, process control and test engineering. Theyll also have a spinoff effect and create an additional 779 indirect jobs at other businesses, Suthers said.

All told, Microchips investment will have an annual economic impact of $144 million or $1.4 billion over 10 years, Suthers said.

Microchips $880 million investment in its Colorado Springs operation, which will play out over the next several years, will include adding more high-tech equipment to develop the companys chips, Simoncic said.

The company produces products from 6-inch wafers or thin slices of semiconductors; new manufacturing technology to be installed will run on 8-inch wafers, which will significantly increase the number of chips produced at the Colorado Springs plant, according to a news release.

We already have a great deal of infrastructure, or buildings, but the insides are being removed, modernized and then new modern equipment is being brought in there, Simoncic said.

City and El Paso County officials, in conjunction with the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, said that Microchip was approved for state and local incentives of approximately $47 million to help fund its expansion.

Microchip, Simoncic said, also is seeking financial assistance through the federal CHIPS Act, which became law last year. The bipartisan legislation  which stands for Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors and Science  was passed to encourage funding for the construction of microprocessor manufacturing facilities in the United States, among other initiatives.

This is Microchips second major upgrade in recent years to its Colorado Springs plant. A year ago, it announced plans to spend $40 million to upgrade the facility new technology and add 50 to 75 jobs.

Microchips announcement Friday conjures up images of Colorado Springs high-tech industrial past  when companies such as Hewlett-Packard, Honeywell, Ford Microelectronics, Ramtron and even Intel had a major presence in the city. Some business and civic leaders even began using the term Silicon Mountain to compare the Springs to northern Californias Silicon Valley.

But much of Colorado Springs tech industry disappeared as overseas competition led to the closing of many local manufacturing operations.

Suthers, however, sought to use Microchips expansion announcement to reclaim the citys high-tech title.

As someone whos lived in Colorado Springs all my life, Ive got to tell you, I am particularly excited to see us return to our high-tech, industrial roots, he said.

We are becoming Silicon Mountain once again.
As 2024 budget discussions get underway, the Colorado Springs Law Enforcement Transparency and Advisory Commission wants City Council to address police recruitment and retention, police response times, and updated technology to improve Police Department functionality.

Next year, the city should continue to set aside money to hire additional police officers, including filling vacancies in sworn police officer positions as well as operational systems experts, police advisory commission Chairman D'Ontay Roy told the council Monday.

In December, the City Council approved a $1 billion 2023 budget that added 15 additional police officer positions and a new civilian criminal investigator and crime analyst. That budget included $20,000 specifically earmarked to address recruitment, an amount Roy said the council should "revisit" with the Colorado Springs Police Department.

The commission did not make recommendations for specific dollar amounts to be set aside for each of the three key areas of focus it highlighted Monday.

When looking at current budget allocations for recruitment efforts, "knowing how many positions we haven't been able to fill, we figure that (number) should actually be increased," Roy said.

The Police Department has 730 sworn officers, and 37 people who are in the academy will join the department later this year, according to figures the department provided July 10.

Colorado Springs has designated enough funding for 818 sworn police officers, but retaining them has been a challenge. In 2021, 78 officers left; 85 left in 2022; and 33 have left this year as of June 30, according to Police Department data. Most of the officers who left this year left for personal reasons, resigned during the training academy, or had a career change. Nine retired, data show.

In a use-of-force study completed in spring 2022 by a third-party consultant, Pennsylvania-based Transparency Matters, police officers indicated the department's staffing issues have resulted in slower call-response times, which they feel have deteriorated public trust in police.

The need to improve response times also took center stage in debates among mayoral candidates during the leadup to the mayoral runoff election May 16, as candidates promised to address public safety citywide.

To that end, the City Council also should "budget for specific measurable operational enhancements that will" improve and enhance emergency response times in 2024, ensuring the appropriate response teams are dispatched to calls for service, the police advisory commission recommended Monday.

For example, the Community Response Team and Alternate Response Team overseen by the Colorado Springs Fire Department respond to mental and behavioral calls in the community, and that can "reduce out-of-service time" for police officers, according to a list of recommendations the commission provided council.

The commission recommended the city work with the Fire Department to transition its Alternate Response Team "from a 'pilot program' to a fully funded and resourced operational function in 2024," Roy said.

Lastly, the commission recommended the City Council prioritize funding to acquire new and updated technologies and qualified personnel to "maximize efficiency and service."

This recommendation also came from the completed use-of-force study, Roy told the council, and should be continually prioritized.

As technology advances, the Police Department must keep up to maximize operations and communications, which will help optimize response times and command, control, communications and intelligence functions, the commission's list of recommendations states.

The recommendations will move forward for consideration by the Colorado Springs police and financial departments as city officials prepare the proposed 2024 budget, which the council will consider for adoption this fall and winter.
An El Paso County man found guilty of manslaughter last month could spend more time in prison after a judge ruled on Monday that his previous felony convictions can be factored into his sentencing.

The court on Monday considered four previous Class 4 felony convictions of Joel Hollendorfer, 47, found guilty of the 2012 murder of 19-year-old Kara Nichols.

Judge William Bain ruled those convictions apply beyond a reasonable doubt as habitual-offender sentence enhancers, thereby increasing his potential sentencing range.

The court will reconvene on Aug. 23 at 4 p.m. for a proportionality review hearing to determine to what extent Hollendorfers earlier convictions can factor into his sentencing. A subsequent sentencing hearing probably will be scheduled at the Aug. 23 hearing.

The prosecution alleges Hollendorfer strangled Nichols after paying her to have sex with him, and that afterward he buried her body at his parents' farm, where it wouldn't be found until February 2022.

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Last month, a jury of 12 found Hollendorfer guilty of manslaughter, a significant downgrade from an initial charge of first-degree murder. The jury reached its verdict following five hours of deliberation.

Whereas first-degree murder carries with it a lifetime prison sentence, a Class 4 felony carries with it just two to six years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.

"We just feel this is an utter travesty. It's outrageous that this predator could murder our daughter, strangle her, degrade her," the victims mother Julia Nichols said following the verdict. "We are so shocked that the jury could not understand this, and we are so beyond disappointed in this judicial system."

Hollendorfers Class 4 felony convictions from the 1990s, which had concurrent sentences, include theft and first-degree aggravated motor vehicle theft, second-degree burglary, attempted second-degree burglary, and theft. Mondays ruling means those convictions can extend his time in prison as a habitual offender.
A fire has been reported in the hills west of Fort Carson on Monday afternoon, sending firefighters supported by a bucket-drop helicopter to the fire's source.

The fire, six miles west of Fort Carson, is close to the Golden Eagle Campground on US Forest Service land. The blaze has been named the "May fire" and was caused by lightning, according to Forest Service officials.

Officials say that the helicopter is cooling the fire, currently at under an acre in size, while firefighters continue to hike to the location.

Responding departments include the Highway 115 Fire Protection District, Ft. Carson Fire and the Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control.

Gazette media partner KKTV reports that as of 6:15 p.m., no progress has been made on containment and no evacuations have been ordered.

Officials say that there are a few structures south of where the fire sparked, but that they were not yet at risk.
The three former Colorado Springs residents found dead at a Gunnison County campsite were attempting to live off the grid  namely, to get as far from civilization as possible, according to relatives who knew them.

Rebecca Vance, 42, Christine Vance, 41, and Rebeccas 14-year-old son were found July 9 at a remote camping area in Gunnison County when a hiker discovered the badly decomposed remains of one of the campers and notified authorities. Gunnison County deputies later found the other two bodies in similarly advanced states of decomposition.

Trevala Jara, Rebecca and Christines stepsister, said the two women told her of their plans last year.

(Rebecca) was fearful of a lot of things with the way she thought the world was going, said Jara, who grew up with Christine and Rebecca. She was actually trying to save her son, and our sister.

In early August, a couple of days before they set off for Gunnison, the Vance sisters stopped by Jaras home in Security to drop off some family possessions and to say goodbye, Jara said. While they were there, Jara and her husband, Tommy, attempted to talk them out of leaving.

We tried to stop them, Jara said. But they wouldnt listen. Their minds were made up.

The campers told no one but Jara and her husband what they were planning to do.

"But they wouldn't tell us where they were going," she said.

Jara was concerned that her sisters and nephew were courting danger, particularly because they had no outdoor survival experience.

You cant go on the internet and watch videos on how to live off the grid, and then actually do it, if you have no experience, Jara said. You just cant do that. They died of starvation because they werent prepared.

In a last-ditch effort to increase their chance of survival, the Jaras offered the use of a remote property they own in Hartsel.

Theres an RV there, and we have a generator, and theres a general store not far away, Jara said. We offered it to them so they could at least practice before going out there on their own.

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Christine seemed inclined to take them up on their offer, but Becky didnt want to, Jara said.

According to Ann Kaskewicz, the sisters' stepmother, Rebecca had been the more dominant of the two sisters, and while Christine might offer token resistance to an idea, she eventually capitulated to her older sister.

"Becky was the leader," Kaskewicz said. "Christine would usually go along with whatever Becky said."

Kaskewicz said she was mystified that the sisters would leave the comforts of shelter and readily available food to forage for themselves in an isolated area in the western part of the state.

"How did they expect to feed themselves?" she asked. "How did they expect to feed a growing 14-year-old boy?"

Jara was notified of their deaths on July 11, two days after they were found, she said.

When I got the call, I didnt want to believe it, she said. I didnt want to believe they were gone.

Jara remembers her sisters as wonderful people with markedly different personalities. Christine was more lively and outgoing, while Rebecca was quieter and more guarded, with a tendency to brood.

Ever since we were kids, she did not like to be around people, Jara said. She was a huge introvert. She didnt trust anybody. She liked to be by herself  and with Christine.

Kaskewicz, who married into the family when the sisters were grown, agreed with Jara's assessment.

"Becky preferred to be alone most of the time," Kaskewicz said. "And she didn't trust anyone, including the government."

Jara said she didnt agree with Rebeccas belief that the world was spinning out of control, but in the end, all I could do was try to support them.

They werent crazy. Becky wasnt crazy, Jara said. She believed she was doing what she needed to do to save her son.
Bryan Kohberger, accused of killing four University of Idaho students, did not provide an alibi after the state demanded one, claiming it would go against his constitutional right to stay silent.

Judge John C. Judge entered a not-guilty plea for Kohberger related to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary on May 22. Kohberger opted to "stand silent" under the Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incrimination.

PROGRESSIVE PETRI DISH: MINNESOTA GOP HITS RESET AFTER RECENT SHELLACKING

Kohberger's defense team said in a court filing on Monday said that offering an alibi goes against his decision to remain silent.

"A defendant's denial of the charges against him does not constitute an alibi, but as soon as he offers evidence that he was at some place other than where the crime of which he is charged was committed, he is raising the alibi defense," public defender Anne Taylor said.

Taylor said the defense is gathering evidence "corroborating Mr. Kohberger being at a location other than the King Road address," which will be disclosed at a later date.

"It is anticipated this evidence may be offered by way of cross-examination of witnesses produced by the State as well as calling expert witnesses," Taylor added.

Prosecutors announced at the end of June that they will seek the death penalty for Kohberger. He is charged with the murders of Ethan Chapin, 20, Xana Kernodle, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, on Nov. 13, 2022.

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CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Kohberger, 28, is a criminology graduate student from Washington State University. Several pieces of evidence led investigators to charge Kohberger with murder. Evidence revealed last month showed that DNA evidence found on a knife sheath near a victim's body matched Kohberger's.

The trial date has been set for Oct. 2 at 8:30 a.m PST.

Original Location: Idaho student murders: Bryan Kohberger fails to provide alibi for quadruple homicides

Washington Examiner Videos
The Colorado Springs City Council gave informal support on Monday for a $24,000 financial incentive request for an unidentified Colorado Springs-based aerospace and defense engineering company considering an expansion that would add an estimated 620 high-paying jobs to the community over the next eight years.

Bob Cope, the city's economic development officer, presented plans for "Project Bullseye" to the council at a work session, recommending the board approve a resolution in August authorizing a 10-year economic development agreement between the city and the unnamed women-owned company with headquarters in Colorado Springs.

The "rapidly growing small business" is contemplating spending $3.4 million over 10 years to expand in Colorado Springs, one of at least three locations the company is considering, Cope said.

The company plans to remodel an existing commercial location, mostly of office space, and will add secure facilities in the future, he said.

If the council approves the agreement next month it would create 620 high-paying jobs over eight years, he said, with the average annual wage estimated to be between $153,125 and $160,484, according to figures Cope and state officials have shared since Thursday. That's more than double the current average annual wage in El Paso County, Cope said.

"These are very good-paying jobs," he said.

An additional 1,053 jobs could be created indirectly or through induced demand over the proposed 10-year agreement term, bringing the total of new permanent jobs up to 1,673. Fifteen additional construction jobs could also be created as part of the agreement, Cope said.

The city of Colorado Springs would offer up to $24,000 in incentives for the project. This includes a $14,000 sales and use tax rebate on the company's purchase of business personal property like machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures; and a $10,000 rebate on its purchase of construction materials, according to a staff presentation.

Cope estimated the agreement would grow the local economy by about $843 million over 10 years and would generate, after incentives, about $9 million in new city revenues during that time.

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The company is already headquartered in Colorado Springs; if its current operations remained here and it expanded locally, Cope said over the proposed 10-year agreement it will result in 2,250 combined permanent jobs, the local economy will grow by $1.4 billion and it will generate about $13.4 million in new city revenues.

The Colorado Economic Development Commission on Thursday approved up to $7,499,388 in financial incentives for Project Bullseye.

If Project Bullseye does expand in the Springs area, it will be the latest in a series of new local economic development efforts.

On Monday, Switzerland-based Meyer Burger, which manufactures solar cells and solar modules, announced it plans to build a manufacturing facility in Colorado Springs. The company expects to bring more than 350 jobs to the area. The state Economic Development Commission last week also approved offering up to $4.9 million in financial incentives for this project over eight years.

High tech manufacturers Entegris and Microchip Technology have also announced their intent to expand their existing Colorado Springs operations in recent months, adding more than 1,000 jobs and making combined investments of nearly $1.5 billion. Zivaro, a Denver-based information and technology firm, has also announced it will bring more than 300 jobs to Colorado Springs.

City Council could vote on a resolution approving an economic development agreement between the city and Project Bullseye at the board's next regular meeting on Aug. 8, Cope said Monday.
Strict compliance with the law is necessary if tenants, who typically lack legal representation, wish to sue landlords for shoddy living conditions, Colorado's second-highest court ruled last week.

In a 2-1 decision, a three-judge panel for the Court of Appeals agreed a Denver man could not hold his landlord liable for an uninhabitable apartment because he did not give specific permission to enter his unit, as the law requires.

"We are not at liberty to rewrite the statute and must enforce clear statutory language as written," wrote Judge Ted C. Tow III in the panel's July 20 opinion, rejecting the argument from plaintiff Allen Anderson that his lease already allowed the landlord to enter for repairs.

Judge Timothy J. Schutz, writing in dissent, emphasized that Anderson originally represented himself in court and, therefore, the appellate panel had an obligation to take a more lenient view of his claims. To Schutz, Anderson arguably did not need to give additional permission to enter, and Anderson's case should have proceeded to trial.

Jack Regenbogen, deputy executive director of the Colorado Poverty Law Project, acknowledged lawmakers intended to ensure that landlords would receive proper notice of hazardous living conditions.

"However, the legislature did not intend for these notice requirements to be weaponized and construed so strictly that they became a hurdle for people to access appropriate redress," he said. "This decision will unduly burden many renters, particularly those with lower incomes who are unable to access legal representation, from being able to communicate with their landlord about unsafe living conditions."

Case: Anderson v. Shorter Arms Investors, LLC Decided: July 20, 2023 Jurisdiction: Denver Ruling: 2-1 Judges: Ted C. Tow III (author) Anthony J. Navarro Timothy J. Schutz (dissent)

An analysis of Denver evictions between 2014 and 2016 found 3% of tenants, at most, had legal representation, compared with the majority of landlords. Comparable statistics do not appear to exist for the type of case Anderson brought  a "warranty of habitability" lawsuit, in which landlords are responsible for keeping their properties fit for human habitation.

Anderson lives in the 2200 block of Downing Street in Denver, at a property owned by Shorter Arms Investors and managed by PK Management. Anderson alleged his apartment was "flooded" with human waste, the ceiling "caved in," the stove was inoperable for more than a year, and the persistent mold resulted in his hospitalization.

In December 2021, District Court Judge Stephanie L. Scoville analyzed whether Anderson complied with Colorado law in providing proper notice of uninhabitability. Anderson pointed out the state's health department had observed a ceiling collapse and "possible mold problem" in Anderson's unit, plus Anderson himself had made numerous maintenance requests.

While Anderson "may well be correct" that the state's warning put Shorter Arms on notice, and that Anderson followed his landlord's protocol for requesting work orders, Scoville ultimately decided Anderson did not fulfill a key requirement of the law.

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There was no "explicit permission for Defendants to enter his apartment," she wrote.

Anderson, now with volunteer legal representation, turned to the Court of Appeals to argue against Scoville's literal interpretation of the law.

"Given the important statutory purpose of ensuring that landlords provide and maintain residences that are 'fit for human habitation' and the power imbalance between landlords and tenants, requiring strict compliance with the notice provisions ... is inappropriate," wrote attorney Katharine E. Lum, who was recently appointed to the Court of Appeals as a judge.

During oral arguments, Schutz slammed Shorter Arms' lawyer for repeatedly observing that Anderson, who is disabled and receives federally subsidized housing, does not pay rent himself.

"Are you suggesting that the plaintiff, because hes in subsidized housing, is not entitled to habitability?" Schutz demanded.

"No, he is," replied attorney Todd E. Likman.

Ultimately, the panel's majority sided with the defendants. Under the law as it existed around the time Anderson filed his lawsuit, he needed to give permission for his landlord to enter the unit at the time he complained. Moreover, even if the state's health department could have put Shorter Arms on notice, calling out "possible mold" was an insufficient way to do so, Tow wrote for himself and Judge Anthony J. Navarro.

Schutz, in his dissent, would have explicitly decided a third party can put a landlord on notice to fix an uninhabitable unit, and a jury could find the state health department did so in Anderson's case. He also believed Anderson did not need to provide permission to enter at the same time he complained to his landlord.

"Anderson attached copies of numerous inspection notices from Shorter Arms by which it exercised its right to enter his unit," Schutz wrote. "One of those notices even quoted the lease term by which Anderson had provided his advance permission for entry into his apartment for 'making reasonable repairs and periodic inspections.'"

Schutz concluded by suggesting the legislature clarify what tenants have to do to mount a viable lawsuit against their landlord.

Joyce L. Walker, vice president of Shorter Arms, said in a statement that the company encourages all residents to contact its office if repairs are needed, and it is "our practice to document and complete all repairs" reported in that way.
For the first time, Colorado's second-highest court has recognized there is a right to effective assistance of counsel for people involved in criminal cases whom the government wishes to forcibly medicate.

A three-judge panel relied on similar decisions from other states, and the principle that involuntary medication proceedings can result in a loss of liberty, thereby implicating a defendant's right to due process.

The panel also specified the right to effective assistance of counsel means criminal defendants who are incompetent to stand trial and who may be subjected to forcible medication can claim they received ineffective assistance under limited circumstances.

However, the Court of Appeals' clarification of the law did not help Jean B. Uwayezuk, whose lawyer only had two days to prepare for an involuntary medication hearing and was unable to meet with Uwayezuk because the sheriff's office denied access. The panel ruled that under the circumstances, Uwayezuk received effective assistance.

Case: People in the Interest of Uwayezuk Decided: July 13, 2023 Jurisdiction: Denver Ruling: 3-0 Judges: Sueanna P. Johnson (author) John Daniel Dailey Katharine E. Lum Background: United States v. Cronic (1984)

Uwayezuk stands accused of robbery and felony menacing in Denver. In late 2021, a judge ordered an evaluation of whether Uwayezuk was competent to stand trial. However, a shortage of treatment beds allegedly left Uwayezuk sitting in jail for a year awaiting the restoration of his competency.

In November 2022, the government sought a judge's permission to forcibly give Uwayezuk anti-psychotic medication. Jail staff had noticed Uwayezuk deteriorating. He reportedly ceased taking care of his basic needs, appeared to be experiencing hallucinations and behaved unpredictably.

A judge appointed a lawyer for Uwayezuk on Nov. 30 and held a hearing on Dec. 2. The lawyer was not allowed inside the jail to meet with his client and had only two days to prepare. After the hearing, Probate Court Judge Elizabeth D. Leith granted the government's request to forcibly medicate Uwayezuk.

Uwayezuk appealed, arguing he did not receive effective assistance of counsel given the minimal time his lawyer had to prepare.

Typically, claims alleging ineffective assistance of counsel in criminal cases are subject to postconviction proceedings, where the defendant must show a lawyer's performance was objectively unreasonable and likely affected the outcome. However, the U.S. Supreme Court provided another route for ineffective assistance claims in its 1984 decision of United States v. Cronic.

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In Cronic, a man accused of financial crimes received an appointed attorney  a real estate lawyer who had never tried a case and who had 25 days to prepare for trial. The Supreme Court rejected the idea the lawyer was ineffective, but acknowledged there were certain situations where harm to the defendant would be clear:

 The complete denial of counsel.

 When a lawyer fails entirely to challenge the government's case.

 If even a fully competent lawyer could not handle the case effectively.

The Court of Appeals panel did not believe Uwayezuk's case fell in any of those categories, even while recognizing the rushed timeline for the hearing.

"We agree that appointed counsels inability to meet with the client before the expedited hearing ... should be a rare occurrence," wrote Judge Sueanna P. Johnson.

However, she pointed out Uwayezuk's lawyer was "experienced," had access to Uwayezuk's medical records and cross-examined Uwayezuk's treating physician. Therefore, the lawyer performed effectively.

The panel originally released its decision on June 1, but reissued it on July 13 as a "published" decision, meaning one intended to set a precedent. The court clerk told Colorado Politics the time-sensitive nature of the case required the opinion to be released before a majority of the court's judges voted to publish the decision.

In the fiscal year ending June 2022, there were 160 involuntary medication cases filed in courts across Colorado.
A group of Gunnison landlords continues to ignore the consent decree they entered into  and now a federal judge's order  requiring them to cease discriminating against families with children in the condo complex they operate.

On July 14, a lawyer for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reported that, to his knowledge, David Welch, John Welch and Ruth Welch had not taken steps to obey a two-month-old court directive to use family-inclusive language when advertising their rental property at 1412 W. Gunnison Ave.

"As recently as May 10, 2023, Respondents have placed print advertisements that do not contain the required language," wrote Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeyen J. Wu.

In late 2019 and early 2020, the Welches signed a consent order in response to allegations that they were denying or discouraging families from renting at Westwood Cove Condominiums, which is a violation of the Fair Housing Act. The consent decree required them to pay $800 to the Denver Metro Fair Housing Center, include the language "families with children welcome to apply" when advertising the property and provide records of rental inquiries and applications to HUD.

But, according to HUD, the Welches ignored the agreement almost entirely.

Last year, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the Welches to fulfill their obligations and restarted the three-year compliance period for the consent decree.

Instead, the Welches sent a letter to HUD accusing the department of "blatant (untruths) and accusations" and "harassment." Last August, after the Welches did not appear in court, U.S. Magistrate Judge N. Reid Neureiter recommended they be fined $150 per day and, if that did not get their attention, potentially arrested.

In an unusual order directed at the Welches, U.S. District Court Judge Daniel D. Domenico confirmed in May that he was giving them a "last chance" to comply with the original consent decree, or he would impose "large fines, jail time, community service, or all three."

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"If you do not follow this Order, I will hold a court hearing where you will need to come in person and explain why you have not done what I ordered," he wrote. "If you do not have a good explanation, or if you do not show up, I will hold you in contempt of court."

Domenico ordered them, by June 12, to incorporate family-inclusive language into their advertising and provide a list of rental inquiries to HUD, as the consent decree requires.

"I understand that you say you do not discriminate against families with children. That is not the problem at this point," he told the Welches. "You have been told multiple times to come to court and explain why you have not changed your advertising or otherwise done the things that you agreed to."

One day after Domenico's order, the Gunnison Country Shopper ran an advertisement for the Welches' property. It did not state that families with children were welcome to apply.

Since then, Wu told Domenico he has called the Welches' phone number many times to no avail. Colorado Politics called the same number and a woman answered, but she hung up instead of responding to questions about Domenico's order.

Alan Wartes, the publisher and owner of the Gunnison Country Shopper, told Colorado Politics the most recent edition also included an advertisement that lacked the required family-inclusive language.

"What I'm comfortable telling you is we were not aware of this issue and now we are taking a hard look at our policy regarding situations like this," he said.
It is a collision of two exigencies.

On one hand, the public revulsion is palpable at the prospect, even the likelihood, of another presidential contest between Biden, the dinosaur, and Trump, the predator. That eventuality has about as much appeal as a root canal, minus the Novocain.

On the flip side, for a huge chunk of the country, the thought of another four-year Oval Office occupancy by Trump, this time even more fueled by rage and retribution, and with the few adults of moderating influence long since kicked to the curb, is unfathomable.

That is where the No Labels effort to present a viable, centrist, third-party alternative enters the equation.

For an upstart operation premised on breaking down political labels, No Labels has become the target of plenty of derisive labels from establishment players, especially those of Democratic mien.

The slurs are coming on a daily basis. No Labels has been accused of naivete and of being a stalking horse for Trump. Just this week, a Washington Post writer ridiculed the whole idea of common sense.

Here 16 months before the election, and a full year before Republicans convene in Milwaukee and Democrats in Chicago for their nominating conventions, there is a No Labels-induced panic in the air.

Even Third Way, a left-leaning think tank that, one imagines, might be amenable to a third way, openly acknowledges its intention of delegitimizing No Labels before it gets off the ground.

The numbers dont lie. Nearly 70% of voters, including a majority of his own Democrats, would prefer that Joe Biden calls it good and steps aside after one term. His public approval rating languishes in the low 40s, danger territory for any incumbent.

Donald Trump, though, is hardly some polling colossus. Time and again, he exerts his magnetism over his unshakeable base. But the reality  not Kellyanne Conways alternative facts  is that Biden beat him handily in 2020. Further, the Trump-led GOP was crushed in 2018 and underperformed badly in 2022. Losing has become his specialty, no matter the denials.

Early polls in advance of 2024 are underwhelming for Trump. While he laps his GOP competitors, he struggles to keep pace with an aging, slowing Biden. Trumps core challenge, beyond staying out of jail, is to attract new voters. Speaking anecdotally, I have yet to meet a single person who did not support Trump in 2020 but is eager to now do so.

No Labels reads the moment and sees the potential for a large swath of the American electorate to reject the tired and stale, describing Biden and Trump as well as their two polarizing parties, in favor of something fresh, different and unifying.

Democratic strategists read those same indicators and recognize that their surest path to is to make this a dreary but ultimately one-sided choice between their frail, boring candidate and the impeached, indicted, injurious menace on the other side.

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Biden does little to generate confidence, but Democrats feel rather secure that he can again beat Trump one on one. They have little interest in introducing a wildcard or seeing what is behind Door Number 3.

In a way, this premature upset about No Labels is another function of Trump. Absent him, but with public opinion being what it is with respect to politics writ large, a moderate, less partisan, third path could rally the country. But, for many, the threat of Trump subsumes all and makes the risk too high.

With a good deal of fanfare this past week, No Labels released a broad statement of principles. Sure, it lacked details. But it begins to have the makings of a platform. Before others get too bothered by the generalities, lets recall that a platform is something Republicans in 2020 decided to totally forgo.

The No Labels principles include an all of the above approach to energy production; full access to abortion during the early months or pregnancy but some restrictions in later months; price transparency on hospital bills; and, a bipartisan deficit reduction commission to develop a plan on which Congress would have to vote up or down without amendment.

There is more than a little resonance to such ideas. Id suggest more than a little responsibility to them, as well.

The leaders of No Labels pledge that this will not be a futile or sacrificial effort, and that they will only move forward next year if there is a clearly viable path to success.

Perhaps we should take them at their word until proven otherwise. Ultimately, that viability will come down to No Labels choice of a presidential ticket and whether it can attract top-tier, bipartisan talent.

Serious names are bandied about. Included among them are Joe Manchin, Jon Huntsman, Larry Hogan, Joe Lieberman, Susan Collins, Liz Cheney, even Mitt Romney and Chris Sununu. The fact that most of those are Republicans of solid bearing and a commitment to governance might allay a bit of the exaggerated Democratic angst.

Manchin has, indeed, become a bogeyman for many true believers of leftward bent. Even if they might consider that there used to be another word applied to all those West Virginia voters who continue to send Manchin to Washington. That description from years past is Democrats. He clearly speaks to a constituency that the Democratic Party used to represent, but has long since forgotten.

It is still a long, windy road from here to the 2024 election. Who even knows if Biden and Trump will be there at the end of that journey?

What if we were to awake to a very diverse contest between Kamala Harris and Tim Scott? Or a faceoff among Gavin Newsom and Glenn Youngkin, a couple of governors with trouble masking their ambition?

Certainly, the history of third-party candidacies is that they fade. But history is made by those who reject the notion that it cant be done. Across the political landscape, there is immense kindling for 2024 to take a different course. Disgust with the process and both parties is boundless. The fastest growing share of voters are those unaffiliated with either party. To go along with the vast numbers of those dissatisfied with both presumptive candidates.

For now, wise counsel would urge that we take a collective breath and see what might unfold. Third parties are spoilers until one day they become trendsetters and history makers.
Its been nearly three years since the 2020 Labor Day fires destroyed around 5,000 homes, and not everyone has recovered from the devastation.

In Linn County, 11 people are still trying to pick up the pieces.

They're among 101 households across Marion and Linn counties that arent finished rebuilding, said Melissa Baurer, director of integrated health and outreach at Santiam Hospital & Clinics in Stayton. The organization has taken on 360 cases, and 259 households have been successfully rebuilt, she said.

Slowing the rebuild effort was the timing of the Labor Day fires, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. That meant many organizations that partner with the case workers were not working in person, slowing communication and the delivery of materials, Baurer said.

Applying for funds can also be a grueling process. It took two years to get a funding application approved, and they had to appeal 10-15 times, she said. The health care provider has caseworkers who have connected fire victims with resources, helping them gain access to aid and services to rebuild their homes.

The red tape of government funding makes it hard for people to move quickly, Baurer said.

Theres also an emotional component to the delays. Sometimes it takes awhile to feel ready and return to the site of where everything was lost, she said.

Close to $100,000 has been allocated to those affected by fires in Linn County, most of which had been donations collected by the county, Commissioner Will Tucker said. Hes been in close contact with case workers to manage what funds may be needed.

Theres also wildfire funds from the state, volunteer organizations that aid in the effort to rebuild, and Linn Countys general fund, which has just under $20,000 set aside for individuals on an as-needed basis, Tucker said.

Theyve been able to help a lot of people, Tucker said.

But three years later, the work isn't done. Not for everyone.

Destruction

Bruce Bailey was used to looking at danger square in the eye. He had been the director of the St. Louis chapter of Americorps for 26 years, on the frontlines of Hurricane Maria, Hurricane Katrina and the California fires in 2018.

On Sept. 7, 2020, Bailey was monitoring a fire across from his 43-acre property on Potato Hill and communicating with officials about the progress. He was calm and felt certain flames wouldn't make their way to his property.

What he wasnt prepared for was a second fire to cross the Santiam River on Sept. 8, and race up the other side of his property to claim the house where his slept.

With windows bursting, glass flying everywhere, together he and his wife, Kathleen Becherer. The tin roof was blowing off.

People dont tell you about how terribly loud fires are, Becherer said. You see what it looks like on TV. You expect the brightness of the flames and the smoke that makes it so you can barely see your hand out in front of you.

But not the noise.

Fire is loud, it roars, and you cant hear anything else, Becherer said. The experience was horrifying and terrifying, but there was also a sense of magnificence in being in the middle of such destruction, like being in the eye of a storm, she said.

The couple fled to their barn to free their livestock, but the goats were too scared to flee. She suffered some burns on her hands, face, back and legs in the process. She would later undergo three surgeries to recover.

Becherer had to leave her beloved goats behind. As she left their enclosure, one goat, named Nutmeg, had followed behind her.

Together, the three took shelter in the only car that hadnt instantaneously blown up. They made their way to a pasture on their property. The grass had already burned, so Bailey considered it the safest place they could be.

In the nearly four hours that passed, the couple watched the destruction of their land from the car windows, keeping the air filters on full blast. They called family members and comforted each other.

It was very sobering, I was too much in shock to feel the pain, and I was just holding onto Bruce being OK with the fact we may die, Becherer said.

As the fire died down, a neighbor came, chainsaw in hand, to clear a walking path for them to leave their property and seek medical attention.

The pair felt lucky to escape with their lives. But they could also feel the weight of a great loss.

You lose a sense of time and space. Its not just stuff. You lose your home, records of who you are and where you came from, Bailey said.

The loss: several buildings, including two houses, the barn, a garage, beekeeping building, multiple chicken coops, agricultural equipment storage and a fruit processing building. They lost 28 goats, around 20 chickens, 12 bee hives and 800 fruit trees.

And nearly three years later, the couple is still rebuilding.

Rebuilding

At the couple's homestead outside of Gates, tree trunks black with fire line the property. The orchard is still scorched, with twisted bare branches that once bore fruit. In the distance on the hills past the Santiam River, tufts of new green growth emerge from trees scarred by fire.

The house is an active construction site, with pencil markings denoting measurements on the walls, gaps in the wooden beams of the porch and stacks of panels not yet laid as flooring.

Were trying to make it as fire-wise as possible, Becherer said.

The couple has stayed in hotels, a tent and an RV on the property while working on the house. Now they have an apartment, but its difficult to afford while they are working on the house. They commute from about a half-hour away nearly everyday to oversee the construction of their property.

Theyve gotten funds from several programs, but they are still coming up short, Bailey said, by about $200,000.

The couple had bought the property in 2014 and expected to have a peaceful retirement in their 70s. Lately, rebuilding has taken much of their time. They havent even gone out to the beach, lamented Becherer.

Its been a long process. Bailey originally thought they may be getting more federal funds from the Department Housing and Urban Development and better support from the Small Business Administration, he said.

But through it all, the couple has had a positive outlook. The fires happened in the middle of pandemic restrictions and social unrest, a time when people werent very connected with each other.

But Becherer and Bailey have felt the kindness of their neighbors and have made friendships through the support group they are a part of, Becherer said.

It was neighbors helping neighbors, Bailey said.

Linn County building inspectors were among the first people to visit the property right after the fires and have been instrumental in their rebuilding process, Bailey said.

They've also received a lot of help from the Santiam Integration Team who took them on as a case, she said.

Bailey held a clear container of strawberries out to the three goats. They nudged their heads, each taking the fruit from his hands.

Shes my little berry queen, he said, while gingerly lowering his hand to the female goat, the smallest of the trio.

It turns out, Nutmeg was pregnant, he said. Maybe that's why she followed them away from the fire while the other goats were scared, he said.

Now the three goats  Nutmeg and her two offspring  are housed in a new enclosure on their property.

We want to make sure the place is good for surrounding animals, Bailey said. He has plans to plant native plants. He wants to replant the orchards too.

Its been a really long journey, and we still got a way to go, he said.

Aftermath

Caseworkers are on the frontlines of how a disaster continues to affect someone, Baurer said. Through it all some survivors' mental and physical health declines. Some are unable to get back in the workforce or are burdened by responsibilities that they didnt have before they lost their homes and financial security.

When the net of stable housing and a support system isnt there, people dont meet their primary needs," Baurer said.

In some cases people have taken their lives or battled deeply with mental illness, she said. Other times, their physical health completely deteriorates.

Lisa Bennett-Long watched it happen to her late husband.

Just before the Labor Day fires claimed their home, Johnny Bennett had returned from the hospital after receiving care for esophagus cancer and was declared cancer-free.

In the stress of losing their possessions and witnessing the damage to their 3-acre property, he couldnt accept it. Then the cancer came back.

Bennett-Long attributes the stress to playing a factor in his demise.

He was heartbroken that he lost everything. It killed him, the 59-year-old said.

Suddenly Bennett-Long was a widow and reeling with loss, having to make some financial decisions on her own. She used some of the wildfire funds to pay off the loans they had because she didnt think she was going to cover it without him, she said.

She had insurance but never really paid attention to it, she said. Some of the application processes for funds were difficult, she said.

It took one loan two years to get an approval, she said.

Right now shes living in a trailer, and her house is under construction. It was supposed to be finished in March, but some of the funding didnt go through, she said.

Still, Bennett-Long is hopeful.

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When she looks across her property, she sees some of the scorched trees she thought were dead starting to come back to life. Like Becherer and Bailey, she sees new green growth popping out of the soot black branches.

One of them is a lilac tree, her husbands favorite, Bennett-Long said. They are sometimes called snowball trees because of the abundance of flowers, she said fondly.

It started showing life a year after he passed, like theres a part of him still here, she said.
NEW YORK  UPS has reached a contract agreement with its 340,000-person strong union Tuesday, averting a strike that had the potential to disrupt logistics nationwide for businesses and households alike.

The agreement was announced after UPS and the Teamsters came back to the negotiating table Tuesday to talk over remaining sticking points in the largest private-sector contract in North America. Both sides had already reached tentative agreement on a host of issues but remained at odds on things like pay for part-time workers who make up more than half of the UPS employees represented by the union.

The Teamsters called the tentative agreement "historic" and "overwhelmingly lucrative" in a prepared statement. It includes, among other benefits, higher wages and air conditioning in delivery trucks.

"Together we reached a win-win-win agreement on the issues that are important to Teamsters leadership, our employees and to UPS and our customers," Carol Tome, UPS chief executive officer, said in a written statement. "This agreement continues to reward UPS's full- and part-time employees with industry-leading pay and benefits while retaining the flexibility we need to stay competitive, serve our customers and keep our business strong."

The company said the five-year agreement covers U.S. Teamsters-represented employees in small-package roles and is subject to voting and ratification by union members.

The union, which had long threatened a strike, boasted about the "historic wage increases" for its members, saying existing full- and part-time UPS Teamsters will get $2.75 more per hour in 2023, and $7.50 more per hour over the length of the contract.

It said the agreement includes provision to increase starting pay for part-time workers to $21 per hour, up from $16.20 today. It also reiterated prior concessions it got from the company, such as making Martin Luther King Day a full holiday for the first time and ending forced overtime on drivers' days off.

Members of the Teamsters, angered by a contract they say was forced on them five years ago by union leadership, clashed with UPS over pay as profits for the delivery company soared in recent years. Union leadership was upended last year with the election of Sean O'Brien, a vocal critic of the union president who signed off on that contract, James Hoffa, the son of the famous Teamsters firebrand.

The two side had reached a tentative agreement early on safety issues, including equipping more trucks with air conditioning equipment. Under the agreement, UPS said it would add air conditioning to U.S. small delivery vehicles purchased after January 1, 2024.

Profits at UPS have grown more than 140% since the last contract was signed as the arrival of a deadly pandemic drastically transformed the manner in which households get what they need.

Unionized workers argued that were the ones shouldering growth at the Atlanta company and appeared dead set on righting what they saw as a bad contract.

The 24 million packages UPS ships on an average day amounts to about a quarter of all U.S. parcel volume, according to the global shipping and logistics firm Pitney Bowes. As UPS puts it, that's the equivalent of about 6% of nation's gross domestic product.

Member voting begins Aug. 3 and concludes Aug. 22.

UPS has the largest private-sector contract with workers in North America and the last breakdown in labor talks a quarter century ago led to a 15-day walkout by 185,000 workers that crippled the company.

If a strike occurred, logistics experts had warned that other shipping companies wouldn't have had the capacity to handle all the packages that would flow their way. Customers who shop online could have faced more shipping fees and longer waits.

The deal averts a big crisis in shipping just as merchants were in the throes of the back-to-school shopping season, the second largest sales period behind the winter holidays.

The Retail Industry Leaders Association, a national retail trade group that counts retailers like Best Buy, CVS Health and Kohl's as members, called the tentative pact "an enormous relief to retailers, who have been navigating the possibility of a strike and the associated uncertainty for weeks."

"We've learned all too well over the last several years the impact supply chain disruptions can have," the group said in a statement. "We're grateful that this challenge, which would have had a price tag in the billions of dollars and a long runway for recovery, was avoided."

Cities with the most delivery drivers per capita Cities With the Most Delivery Drivers per Capita Ecommerce and delivery services skyrocketed during COVID The states with the most delivery drivers per capita Small and midsize metros with the most delivery drivers per capita 15. Kansas City, MO-KS 14. Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 13. Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI 12. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 11. Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC 10. Oklahoma City, OK 9. Nashville-DavidsonMurfreesboroFranklin, TN 8. Raleigh, NC 7. Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT 6. Salt Lake City, UT 5. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI 4. Columbus, OH 3. Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN 2. Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN 1. Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Prime Wine and Spirits on Mason City's North Federal Avenue was host to a well-attended rap concert Friday night featuring local artists.

Seven artists rocked the stage in the parking lot at 1104 N. Federal Ave. By 8:30 p.m. about 70 attendees had filled the lot, blocking the drive up lane.

Kevin Schreur of North Iowa Noise, Michael Hagenow, better known as DJ Mike of TWG Productions and artist Stvcks (DeShawn Stacks) were the masterminds behind the concert. Schreur started his career as a promoter after connecting with Stvcks a couple years ago. DJ Mike came on with his sound equipment and skills. Their first concert together was a rap festival in Garner known as MidFest.

MidFest has been running two years now, and the crew has networked with other artists and producers nonstop in that time. They knew it was time to show North Iowa what kind of talent is out there.

Partnering up with Ishan Singh of Prime Wine and Spirits gave them an excellent venue to debut artists concertgoers haven't experienced yet. While Singh didn't make the decision to host the show  that was done by his predecessor  he wasn't going to cancel a concert already in progress.

"Kevin, Mike and Stvcks have been working hard. They've been so easy to work with, and I'm excited to give a boost and a platform to up-and-coming artists blazing new paths," Singh said.

Schreur and DJ Mike rounded up a lineup of local artists for the gig. Headliners were Suni Boi and Stvcks, both North Iowans. TKO traveled the farthest, coming up from Cedar Rapids, while other Mason City performers drifted in and out right up to start time.

Attendees seemed a bit unsure of where to be on arrival, hanging near the edges of the lot, but by the time the speakers were pumping out beats they had gathered around the stage, where 515 Kevlar (Kevin Strueker) opened the show with a short set before introducing Shreur and DJ Mike.

Performers took turns on stage, dropping rhymes and pumping up the crowd with slick, loud backing tracks. The audience came for a good time, men and women were decked out in their freshest fits. Patrons came and went from inside the store, a few discreetly carrying paper wrapped cans or bottles.

Children hung on parents' legs as they chatted over the music. Attendees grouped together at first with friends and families, but before long everyone was mingled together dancing to the beat.

Cedar Rapids based TKO consists of TKO Joey, OmariTKO, DNNY! and TY. TY couldn't make the performance due to his work schedule, but Joey, OmariTKO and DNNY! still rocked the house with their hip-hop vibe.

TKO's new school-old school music is high-energy fun. TKO Joey describes it as a charismatic collaboration of skilled musicians. The young group hasn't been performing long, but their set was tight and the crowd bounced along through all their songs.

"We're a rap group based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Were looking to change the way people listen to music. Music today is oversaturated with more poison than actual influence. This has created a stigma around rappers as a whole, that we've just thrown our lives away, that we're not actually born for this. We want to change that. We will change that," said a statement from TKO.

Slim Drizzy (Drake Anthony) is another Mason City artist turned professional. Slim Drizzy is part of Pleboy Po$$e, an affiliation of like-minded artists striving for success. Lil Livi the Hood Hippy attended the show but didn't perform. She's featured on a Drizzy track and has an album of her own, "Hungry Ghosts," on Spotify.

Daddy Vik (Vik Anderson) is an 18-year-old Polish-born rapper living in Mason City. Like most of the performers he has only been on stage for a couple of years, but his love of music predates his decision to perform. "I want to be able to spread positivity and make people feel connected through my music," he said.

Collectively the artists are energetic, hungry musicians looking for a shot at the big time. Follow MidFest on Instagram to learn about upcoming performances at North Iowa venues.
After seven years on block scheduling, George Washington High School is switching back to a more traditional seven-period day when students return next month.

In academic circles, block scheduling allows four classes each day that are completed in a half a semester. Then the next semester, four new classes start.

School leaders found pitfalls with the block method and also discovered that 10% more students received failing grades in the fall of 2022 compared with the 2015-16 school year, the last time a seven-day period was in place.

The uptick in failing scores also factors in a new 10-point grading scale that was implemented last year, further compounding the problem. Essentially, a failing grade in 2015 could be one that passes with the new system. Under the somewhat easier to pass 10-point scale, more students still received failing grades versus seven years ago.

A traditional 4x4 block schedule has not produced desired results: increased student achievement and graduation rates, George Washington High School Principal Reyhan Deskins told the Register & Bee.

This year, students will have seven 50-minute classes that stretch the entire school year, allowing more time for teaching and cutting down on the amount of testing, Deskins explained.

When it comes to deciding on schedules, there are three things Deskins said are non-negotiable, First, three hours per month should be dedicated to what he calls collaborative planning.

The other two are the actual teaching times and aligning planning, instruction and assessment.

We wanted to increase classroom instructional time, increase student engagement and provide dedicated common planning time for teachers, Deskins said. Moving to a yearlong schedule reduces the amount of testing and allows more time for instruction and test preparation.

Deskins says having scholars  thats what he calls all of his GW students  in the classes throughout the year will do a better job of building relationships, increasing student engagement and be more in line with attention spans.

This does not negatively impact graduation requirements and credits, Lanie Davis, a spokesperson for Danville Public Schools, said

The Virginia Department of Education establishes the diploma requirements, she explained. That means for a standard diploma, a student needs 22 credits. For an advanced diploma, they need 26 credits.

Over the four-year period at GW, students will have a chance to earn 28.

The also offers something it calls a sunshine period. Thats a time between 7:10 and 8 a.m. for students to take classes or get extra help.

This gives scholars an opportunity for an eighth class, whether it be an extra curricular or remediation, Deskins said.

Davis said students can earn four credits over four years via the sunshine period in middle school with courses like algebra and foreign languages.

Deskins suggests that parents talk with a school council to arrange taking a class in the sunshine period.

Sunshine Period courses were offered based on scholar interest and willingness to participate. Parents should communicate with their scholars school counselor if they are interested in taking a class during the Sunshine Period.

Otherwise, the bell rings to start the school day at 8:30 a.m., just as it did in the block era.

During the fourth and fifth periods, there will be four 25-minute lunch breaks and Students will be dismissed at 4 p.m. this year.

Deskins said after cafeteria renovations are finished  the school is undergoing major upgrades thanks to funding from a 1% sales tax approved by voters in 2021  GW will go back to having three lunch periods and letting students out at 3:30 p.m., a standard practice in the last few years.

When it comes to teachers, they will receive two planning periods, meaning they will only be instructing for five classes each day. One will be a period for personal planning and the other  a common planning period  will be used to collaborate with other teachers in their content area, the principal explained.

These collaborative planning periods are called Professional Learning Communities, where teachers will review student achievement data and develop common plans and assessments aligned to state standards, Deskins said.

Before the changes are implemented, they met with student leaders, faculty and parents to go over the details and hear feedback, he said.

The seven-day schedule will provide more hallway time for students in between classes. Thats sometimes presents an opportunity for altercations or fights to arise.

However, that wasnt a factor in moving off the block method.

We do not create master schedules based on discipline apprehensions, Davis said when asked if leaders are worried about more fights breaking out with increased class changes. We create master schedules to support student achievement, including improving SOL scores and on-time graduation rates.

Galileo Magnet High School  Danvilles other high school  will stay on block scheduling since its working well there, Davis confirmed.
Pittsylvania County assessments are expected  on average  to come in at about 50% higher than the last figures from 2018, but county leaders are asking residents not to panic because supervisors have the power to reduce the tax rate.

The latest reassessments are a do-over after the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors tossed out results by the firm Brightminds conducted in 2021.

The process faced complications even before it started when a February 2021 letter the county termed as poorly edited angered residents who thought it meant they had to allow representatives to come into their homes for the reassessment.

It went downhill from there.

Sticker shock was the next thing to cause outage in November 2021 when residents opened notices to show skyrocketing prices.

Eventually, supervisors threw out that reassessment and have had to rely on the latest figures on the books from 2018 for real estate taxes.

By law, localities with more than 50,000 residents must conduct a reassessment every four years.

In May 2022, the board of supervisors approved a contract with Pearsons Appraisal Services to complete the 2024 reassessment.

With the contract, the county will pay Pearsons a per-parcel assessment fee of $26, which equates to about $1.38 million when spread over the 53,000 county parcels.

Last week, Fred Pearson, of Pearsons Appraisal Service, updated members of the board of supervisors on the process.

He said his firm has visited some 53,000 parcels for inspections and everything is on scheduled.

Resident should expect to receive the notices of the new assessment in October.

He bluntly warned that values are about 50% more than the 2018 rates.

The county is far from alone in this situation and other localities are experiencing higher increases of values, he explained.

Waterfront homes in the Smith Mountain Lake area have jumped even more.

Looking at sales data alone, from 2018 through May, home values across Virginia jumped 61%, according to his presentation at the July 19 work session for the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors.

The most important thing is to listen to property owners, Pearson explained, realizing many may be shocked when they open the notice.

If we have something wrong, were going to change it, were going to do it right, he explained. Im just trying to reflect market value.

However, with the massive jump, questions will be asked.

Youre going to get more appeals than probably youve ever gotten before, he said.

Pearson, who has been doing this sort of thing for 40 years, stressed that its vital to listen to the property owners.

An appeals process will be available either face-to-face, over the phone or via email. Those hearings are planned in October and November.

If that process isnt satisfactory, there will be a board of equalization made up of five property owners appointed by a judge who will hear appeals.In the end, Pearson should have all final values submitted to the county by Dec. 28.

We are going to make sure we have plenty of staff to make sure its done in that time, he said.

Bob Warren, a supervisor representing the Chatham-Blairs district, was pleased to hear this firm will listen to the residents.

I also hope that all of our staff and all of our elected officials will allow this process to work, he said, instead of turning to Facebook to voice criticism, something that happened the last time around.

Warren said not having the latest values for assessments have been detrimental to the countys budget. In fact, if not for federal coronavirus relief funding, they wouldnt have been able to balance the budget.

I can tell you, we were not able to give the departments the amount of money we would have liked to have given them in he last two budget years because we didnt have the reassessment funds, he said.

He also stressed patience over panic for residents.

Because youre hearing a number of 50%, it doesnt mean youre net bill will go up by 50%. Thats because the board has the authority to lower the tax rate.

Give the board time to evaluate and make adjustments, he said.

Ron Scearce, who represents the Westover district, thanked Pearsons firm for their efforts and noted the last reassessment found more than 4,800 structures.
MONETA  Smith Mountain Lake may soon be free of the harmful algal blooms that have led to swimming advisories since June 6. Recent testing by the Virginia Department of Health revealed bacteria levels below the advisory threshold in the remaining advisory locations.

Water sampling was conducted July 13 at five locations in the upper Blackwater River arm of the lake where harmful algal blooms were previously found. In only one location was a water sample found to have detectable levels of microcystin, a toxin produced by cyanobacteria which is commonly known as blue-green algae.

A sampling site near channel marker B22 was the only location with detectable levels of microcystin. While present, the levels were well below the advisory threshold, according to a news release from the Smith Mountain Lake Association.

Toxins were below detectable levels in samples taken at channel markers B16, B28A, B37 and B49.

These results are the first set of samples toward lifting the upper Blackwater River HAB advisory, according to the news release.

The advisory is lifted after two consecutive samples with results at acceptable levels collected a minimum of 10 days apart. If the next round of testing expected sometime next week is positive, Smith Mountain Lake will be clear of swim advisories.

An update to the VDH advisory is expected by mid-August.

The swim advisories were first put in effect for the entire Blackwater River arm of the lake. That advisory was ended for much of the Blackwater River a month later on July 7 following positive sample results. The advisory remained in effect for areas upstream from channel marker B18.

One sample was also taken on the Roanoke River arm of the lake on July 6 near channel marker R35, according to the news release. Cyanobacteria was detected in the sample but was below advisory thresholds and toxins in the sample were below detectable levels. There is no swim advisory on the Roanoke River arm at this time.

Until the swim advisories are removed, the Smith Mountain Lake Association is advising the public to continue to avoid water with surface scum which can accumulate near shorelines. In most areas the scum has a blue-green color, has a foul smell and may have dead or dying animals such as fish.
More than 50 Democrats in the N.C. General Assembly are urging federal regulators to block a planned natural gas pipeline through the Triad over concerns about its impact on the environment, particularly in poor, rural areas where residents lack the financial and political clout to push back on the $500 million project.

The legislators also question whether future demand in North Carolina justifies development of the 75-mile line that would move 375 million cubic feet of gas per day  enough to serve the equivalent of more than 2.2 million average homes  from southern Virginia, through the heart of Rockingham County and to the end of the line in Alamance County.

Over the last five years since the proposed MVP Southgate was announced, we have increasingly heard from neighbors, residents and constituents about the real and significant concerns the (pipeline) poses to our communities, the N.C. House and Senate members tell the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in their letter dated July 21.

The MVP Southgate Extension would connect with the partially completed main Mountain Valley Pipeline, designed to move fracked natural gas from the Marcellus shale fields in West Virginia about 300 miles across nearly 1,000 streams and wetlands before ending in Pittsylvania County, Virginia.

In a June filing with FERC, Mountain Valley requests an extension of its expiring Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the MVP Southgate. If approved, the certificate would give the company until June 2026 to complete the pipeline.

The main pipeline project has been hit with dozens of water-quality violations and hundreds of thousands of dollars in related fines. Opponents insist theres no reason to expect anything different in North Carolina.

From Guilford County, signers of the FERC letter were Reps. Cecil Brockman, Amos Quick and Pricey Harrison; and Sens. Michael Garrett and Gladys Robinson.

Rep. Ashton Wheeler was the only Guilford Democrat not to add her name.

In Forsyth County, Rep. Kanika Brown signed on while Rep. Amber Baker and Sen. Paul Lowe did not.

From nowhere to nowhere

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality rejected water-quality permits for the Southgate project in August 2020, suggesting that doing so would be premature until completion of the $6.6 million main Mountain Pipeline was ensured.

In essence, it would be a pipeline from nowhere to nowhere incapable of carrying any natural gas, and certainly not able to fulfill its basic project purpose, while having no practical alternative, NCDEQ said in explaining its permit denial.

Early this month, the 4th U.S. Circuit of Appeals prevented Mountain Valley from resuming work on its main line in response to a legal challenge of legislation tied to a deal between President Joe Biden and Republicans to raise the federal debt ceiling.

The Fiscal Responsibility Act included a measure requiring fast-tracked approvals for the Mountain Valley Pipeline, whose completion has been held up by regulatory hurdles and legal challenges.

Proponents hoped the legislation would remove the last major hurdle for the stalled project while raising prospects for the Southgate Extension.

But the Wilderness Society, represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center, argued that the provision violated the separation of powers provision in the U.S. Constitution by declaring that no court shall have jurisdiction to review any action related to the pipeline and if anyone took issue with the new law, it had to go directly to U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

A three-judge panel of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay, preventing work on the pipeline until the court issues a ruling expected to be challenged in the U.S. Supreme Court, whatever the outcome.

Environmental injustice

In addition to Mountain Valleys lack of a North Carolina water-quality permit for the extension, the 52 Democratic state legislators note that the company has not obtained an air-quality permit for a Virginia compressor station that would pump gas through the pipeline.

The proposed (MVP Southgate) and associated Lambert Compressor Station are examples of environmental injustice, as their negative impacts would disproportionately affect largely poor, rural areas on the border of Virginia and North Carolina, the letter says.

In 2021, the Virginia Air Pollution Control Board rejected a permit for the proposed compressor station because it did not meet the fair treatment and site suitability requirements of federal and state law.

The North Carolina lawmakers also cited an analysis last month by an energy consulting firm projecting that the Mountain Valley Pipeline would run at half of capacity when completed.

Democrats and critics of the projects insist that new fossil fuel transmission lines will simply become costly stranded assets  paid for by utility customers  as North Carolina moves away from the use of fossil fuels that contribute to climate change and transitions to renewable energy including solar and wind power.

North Carolina Republican lawmakers, meanwhile, have argued that relying solely on the existing Transco Pipeline  which also slices through the heart of the Triad  as a primary natural gas supply puts the states energy production at risk.

Completing the Mountain Valley Pipeline will help bring a second interstate natural gas pipeline to North Carolina, N.C. Senate leader Phil Berger of Rockingham County said in an email to the Journal when asked about the project last year.

Transco has been among the opponents of the MVP Southgate Extension.

Company spokesman Shawn Day said Mountain Valley has no update or estimate on when work on the extension into North Carolina will begin or when the pipeline could be operational.

Mountain Valley remains committed to the MVP Southgate project and continues to evaluate its options to help meet strong residential and business demand for affordable, reliable natural gas, Day wrote in an email.
Words of encouragement and praise echo throughout the Centennial Trail tunnel as Elise Perpignano paints a story of Helena on its walls.

While painting the north side, a child shouted, "Its so pretty, youre so pretty," while passing through the tunnel with her day camp.

In May, the Helena City Commission and Helena Public Art Committee hired Perpignano, a local artist, to paint a new mural inside a Centennial Trail tunnel. Hers was selected from 13 submissions, and officials approved spending $15,000 from HPAC's fiscal year 2023 capital expense budget to fund the project.

She stated in the letter her source of inspiration for the design is Winold Reiss, a portrait artist who worked for the Great Northern Railroad in the early- to mid-1900s. "My mural design takes the viewer on a journey. It features a collage of Helena Railroad history, historical architecture, Blackfeet patterns, local flora and fauna, and ephemera," she wrote.

Perpignano says the mural project helps foster community spirit, as she receives frequent visitors.

Most people just want to be a part of it and offer to help, Perpignano said.

Ron Schumacher is one of those people.

"The mural definitely enhances the citys appearance. And it's going to be here for a long time. I recall when they did a similar one downtown, Schumacher said. That must have been around 40 years ago. I'm amazed that it's still standing."

He regularly walks through the tunnel, frequently visits Perpignano, and offers to help where possible. He volunteered to apply an anti-graffiti coating to the south side of the tunnel in preparation for her upcoming work there next week.

Schumacher said that when he read about Perpignano's project in the newspaper, he felt compelled to help. Although he may not possess artistic skills, he can help with primer without overthinking it.

The north side of the tunnel showcases Helena's historical buildings, the iconic Old Great Northern depot, Native history, the state bird, a bison, and a mountain goat. The design is intertwined with flora and fauna throughout.

The mural takes you on a journey through time, encompassing the town, Perpignano said.

During the research process for the mural, Perpignano stumbled upon some historical advertisements at the library that became the source of inspiration for the theme and design while incorporating the railroad into it.

Perpignano highlighted the importance of Native representation in the mural. She admired the contribution made by Eddie Barbeau, an Ojibway tribe elder known for his efforts to unite the Native community.

Perpignano replicated a tipi on the northside that Barbeau designed during a past festival in Helena. According to Anne D. Grant of the Blackfoot tribe, the bottom represents earth mother, and the top represents the night sky, 'above-beings'. With in the teepee are white circles that represent puffballs called dusty or smoking stars.

Both sides of the tunnel will come together as the train enters a circular tunnel on the north end, leading the train out to the south side.

The south side will depict the Broadwater Natatorium; according to Lifestyles Montana, the Broadwater Hotel and Natatorium stood as a symbol of Helenas wealth and Montanas progressiveness. Perpignano said Charles Broadwater was also an advocate for the passenger trains, inspiring her for the design.

As Perpignano proceeds with the south side, she plans to involve teenagers associated with the Holter Museum in painting bigger areas. Her mother, Lisa Perpignano, is one of her helpers who assists in filling in any unpainted spots.

Its been fun, she is so artistic, and I'm so excited for her, Lisa said. This mural will be here forever, so thats pretty cool.

Perpignano's biggest fan is her partner, Ryan Merkley, a Helena florist. While he is there for moral support, he often helps when he can, taping sections and working on the background elements. Merkley also assisted with putting the bid together.

I love seeing my partners artistic vision come to life for everyone to see, as I've seen every day at home, Merkley said.

Perpignano said she has been painting ever since she could hold a paintbrush. She moved to the Flathead area after completing her bachelor of fine arts in graphic design and studio art. She said she lived as a ski bum and spent most of her time backpacking.

Her goal was to visit glaciers as much as possible, backpacking all over. While exploring Glacier, Perpignano was inspired to start an ongoing project. She handed out disposable cameras to park visitors and asked them to be mailed back to her, with the goal of creating a photo book.

I wanted to capture the park through diverse eyes, Perpignano said.

Perpignano plans to revisit that project, as she plans to involve the Blackfeet tribe. For now, Perpignano divides her time between working at Blackfoot Brewery and painting the mural.

A friend told Perpignano, You are adding color to a town that needed it.
Exploring the history and adventure of paleontology in the Bighorn Basin will be the subject of a free talk on Aug. 3 at noon in the Buffalo Bill Center of the Wests Coe Auditorium in Cody, Wyoming.

Everyone knows there are fossils to be found in the West  especially Wyoming  but what sets the Bighorn Basin apart? asks Paleontologist Jason Schein. What is it that first drew scientists here in the 1800s, and what keeps them flocking to this region from around the world even today?

Schein, whose current home is in Philadelphia, founded and leads the Elevation Science Institute, one of the many groups trying to learn about a future, warmer Earth by visiting the Bighorn Basin and studying its ancient inhabitants and environments.

Those who prefer to attend virtually via Zoom webinar may do so by registering at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Q1dXhXn4RnCNfM6wF6L4Hw#/registration.

Schein will explain Elevation Science Institutes own brand of citizen science  utilizing students, retirees, writers, teachers, bankers, and doctors from around the world who join scientists each summer to help find and excavate 150-million-year-old dinosaurs.

The talk also explores the connection fossils in this region have to the Founding Fathers and the history of paleontology in the New World.

Scheins scientific research projects have led him across the globe, from Alabama to Montana and even to Argentinian Patagonia, to study an array of fascinating creatures, including modern echinoderms, ancient foraminifera, fish and turtles, mosasaurs and dinosaurs.
BUTTE  The Montana Democratic Party over the weekend went with known entities when it selected its officers at a party convention in Butte.

Through acclamation, Democrats re-elected party Chair Robyn Driscoll and Vice Chair Pat Noonan of Butte.

I look forward to trying to help dig us out of this hole, Noonan said after his nomination.

The party held its annual convention in Butte over the weekend and appointed officers, as well as made some changes to its party rules around the line of focusing on diversion and inclusion. Party leaders also made several references to the importance of focusing on rural and red parts of the state, where in some districts Democrats didnt run legislative candidates in 2022.

Next year Montana will be the venue for one of the countrys most intense U.S. Senate races, with three-term Democratic Sen. Jon Tester seeking re-election. Each of the five statewide elected offices, which were swept by Republicans in a dominant performance in 2020, will also be on the ballot.

State Sen. Pat Flowers, the minority leader in the state Senate, spoke to delegates and other attendees on Saturday about training opportunities for rural campaigns hosted by former Maine Sen. Chloe Maxim, a Democrat who flipped a seat in that states Senate, and political strategist Canyon Woodward.

We need to win more seats in rural Montana to get our majority back in the House and Senate, Flowers said, referencing the legislative supermajority Republicans gained in the 2022 legislative elections.

Others who spoke also emphasized their desire to reverse the partys defeats in the last presidential and midterm elections in Montana.

Im all about turning this red state blue, said Linda Schmitt, who was elected western female district chair and head of the Ravalli County branch of the party.

I especially want to emphasize unity and I want us to follow the example of our legislators who hung together and made the right things happen in the last session. I think unity is really important. That doesnt mean that we can have disagreements, but we are capable of resolving them.

After the elections, the partys executive board took a vote to call on Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte to call a special session of the Legislature to address what are expected to be property tax increases in parts of the state following property valuation reports from the state Department of Revenue that jumped an average of nearly 50% across Montana.

The request echoed one from state Senate Democrats earlier in the month.

Additionally, Sen. Brad Molnar, a Laurel Republican, has circulated emails seeking support from 10 legislators necessary to sign onto a call for a special session that would trigger the Secretary of State to poll the full House and Senate to see if theres enough support.
DECATUR  Decatur Public Schools has yet to hear from the Illinois State Board of Education about delaying the first day of school for Dennis Lab School.

Superintendent Rochelle Clark said she's made several phone calls, the most recent on Monday, and still has not heard back.

I have several phone calls out to them as well as the Regional Office of Education, Clark said. They are working with me as to what this will look like as to when those modules will be set up. The goal is to have an answer for you within the next week.

The school board met in special session Monday evening to get an update on the Dennis situation.

The district announced in early June that both Dennis Lab School buildings  the Mosaic campus, 1499 W. Main St., and the Kaleidoscope campus, 520 W. Wood St.  will be closed for at least the 2023-2024 school year due to structural concerns.

The Mosaic campus  the original footprint for Dennis  needs its original staircase fully repaired or replaced, consultants found. At the Kaleidoscope campus, engineers have recommended partial demolition and replacement of the original 1913 three-story building. The future of the Dennis buildings remain in doubt.

The district has since announced plans to house Dennis students at the Garfield Learning Academy building, which will be enhanced with 16 modular classrooms.

Some modular units have arrived at Garfield's building at 300 Meadow Terrace Place. More are expected soon, though not in time for Dennis students to begin their school year on Aug. 14 as the rest of the district will.

While the Dennis students are in the Garfield Learning Academy building, the Garfield program will move to 11 classrooms and offices at Stephen Decatur Middle School in it is own self-contained area.

Meanwhile, the attention being placed on the Dennis issue is delaying planned work at other district buildings, Clark said.

Those projects include data center updates; playground updates at Baum, Muffley, Montessori Academy for Peace, South Shores, Parsons and Johns Hill; a fence at Hope Academy; improved security in vestibules at Baum and Hope; reconfiguration of the office at Hope; ceiling installation in the auditorium at Muffley; boiler demolitions at Parsons, Pershing Early Learning Center, Muffley and South Shores; installation of three-bay sinks at Baum, Harris and Parsons; intercom installation at Hope; and information technology upgrades at various buildings.

Right now, we're in a crisis, Clark said. Those projects will be tackled as soon as time permits.

In addition, Clark said she will seek board approval at its Aug. 8 meeting of a plan for doing structural analysis of all district buildings. Chief Operational Officer Mike Curry said the 10-year building inspections required by the state will be done by BLDD Architects, but the full district analysis will be done by an outside firm yet to be determined.

Once the full district analysis is compete, Clark said, a master plan for the entire district can be developed.

Photos: Special school board meeting on Dennis Lab School plans
DECATUR  The forecast this week calls for high temperatures in the mid to upper 90s most days, with Friday predicted to reach a high of near 100 degrees.

According to the National Weather Service, conditions call for sunny days and only slightly cooler nights, with a 30% chance of rain overnight on both Wednesday and Friday. Temperatures will remain high through at least Sunday. Heat advisories are anticipated later in the week.

In dangerously high temperatures, officials warn that vigorous activity can be dangerous, and even without excessive high temperatures, never leave children or pets in closed vehicles even briefly.

The Macon County Emergency Management Agency released a list Monday of local cooling centers that can offer some relief for people who don't have air conditioning of their own.

The list includes:

Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday;

Oasis Day Center, 243 W. Cerro Gordo St., 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday;

Illinois Department of Human Service, 1027 N. Water St., 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday;

Decatur-Macon County Senior Center, 1430 N. 22nd St., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday;

Decatur Public Library, 130 N. Franklin St., 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday;

Blue Mound Village Hall, 301 N. Railroad Ave., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday;

Forsyth Public Library, 268 S. Elwood St., 9 to 8 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday;

Harristown Village Hall, 185 N. Kembark St., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday;

Macon City Hall, 10539 S. Woodcock, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday;

Mount Zion School District office, 1595 W. Main St., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday;

Whitmore/Oreana Community Center, 407 S. View St., Oreana, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call first at 217-853-2339;

Warrensburg Village Hall, 155 Main St., 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Ukraine is a half a world away. Some people could find it on an unlabeled map, but farmers found it every day last week on Chicagos LaSalle Street at the Chicago Board of Trade.

Ukraine was showing up in the wheat market, where wheat futures were also spilling over to the corn and soybean markets when momentum was fierce.

While drought has been a recent factor in driving a relatively bullish market, Russias war on the Ukrainian grain industry added fuel to the fire. It all began Monday, July 17, when December Chicago wheat bottomed at $6.71 per bushel. On Monday, July 24, the same futures contract topped at $7.77 , more than a dollar higher. And in that span on last Friday, the contract lost 25 cents.

Look what the corn market did. On July 17, December corn futures bottomed at $5.06 per bushel, and on July 24 it topped at $5.68 per bushel, a gain of 62 cents. November soybean contract spanned a 46-cent range in the same time frame. You get the point.

The week began with Russia pulling out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the deal brokered by the United Nations and Turkey to allow Ukrainian grain stored in the big terminal elevators at Odesa to flow to global markets through the Bosporus Straits at Istanbul. Russia said it was being unfairly treated because it could not negotiate similar transactions for its grain.

That spurred the U.S. wheat market because 65% of the Ukrainian wheat was going to hungry nations, and global wheat demand would have to seek alternative markets. The UN says the grain initiative had stabilized grain and food prices, enabling 1.2 billion bushels of grain, including the equivalent of nearly 18 billion loaves of bread.

Tuesday brought word of backdoor negotiations with Russia to return to the bargaining table and the markets settled into a parallel trading range with Monday. But overnight Tuesday and early Wednesday, Russia began to destroy Ukrainian grain terminals at Odesa with missiles that caused damage which could take months or years to repair. The markets exploded upward again.

Creative Ukrainian grain merchants began to ship grain further south to its Danube River ports where that waterway empties into the Black Sea. From those facilities grain could be shipped up the Danube to other European ports for further shipment by rail to other markets.

Then came Monday, when the Russians found out about the Ukrainian plan. Global wheat and corn futures rose sharply on more fighting, including an overnight drone strike on Moscow, that could threaten grain exports and shipping. News website Reni-Odesa cited a local official as saying three grain warehouses had been destroyed in the Danube port city of Reni during a drone attack.

Why is the U.S. grain market so nervous about the Russian war on Ukraine? Ukraine is a breadbasket for Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and supplies about 10% of common grains such as wheat and corn. If Ukrainian farmers are prevented from feeding the world today, just imagine what will happen in the future with their farm fields full of Russian landmines.

Photos: Russia's war in Ukraine reaches the 500-day mark
Photo: Contributed Kelowna-Mission MLA Renee Merrifield

Recently, I had the opportunity to co-host a town hall meeting in Rutland alongside Norm Letnick, MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country.

Rutland residents attending were frustrated and in a word, mad. They have a right to be.

One of the most discussed issues in the meeting was crime. As one of Rutland's representatives, I am aware that the rising crime rates have been a major concern for some time.

Numerous residents spoke about their feelings of unease and insecurity due to escalating petty crimes, burglaries, and drug-related offences. It was clear that there is an urgent need for action.

One of the primary strategies to address crime is fostering stronger local connections between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

I will continue to advocate for the expansion of community-based policing, which emphasizes collaboration and communication with residents and community leaders.

This approach not only enhances the visibility of law enforcement officers in areas most impacted by crime but also fortifies the trust and cooperative spirit amongst residents.

In addition to this, we are committed to pushing for increased support from the provincial government to invest more resources in our local law enforcement agencies. By lobbying for these resources, we aim to equip our officers with the tools they need to provide effective, efficient, and responsive policing services.

The collective efforts of all community members, coupled with a properly funded police force, can make Rutland a safer place for all its residents.

Homelessness was the second major issue on the minds of Rutland residents.

While it is a complex and multifaceted issue, we need compassionate, effective strategies that address its root causes, including mental health issues and drug addiction.

One common government solution is providing supportive housing programs that provide secure, affordable housing coupled with essential support services.

Rutland already has a disproportional amount of supportive housing and, unfortunately, the supportive housing built in Rutland has not been supportive at all. A study this past year by UBCO showed how weak health supports were for the mentally ill in supportive housing.

Simply put, the government is failing on this point.

I believe in the BC United Better is Possible plan, and believe that only this plan will result in a different trajectory for the homeless population. To briefly summarize this plan, it would expand the wrap-around services, like access to treatment and recovery, that the current government-run supportive housing lacks.

I will continue to advocate for this creation of a comprehensive network of services that empower individuals to break the cycle of homelessness, rather than offering temporary, Band-Aid solutions.

Lastly, there was anger expressed with the perceived lack of consultation or recognition of Rutland residents from the government.

Five supportive housing projects have been put in Rutland despite great opposition from the community,

In addition, a social development office was also placed in Rutland and this was the final straw for many residents attending our town hall.

The people of Rutland, and indeed all constituents, have the right to be heard by those in elected office.

But not just heard  listened to. Greater transparency, accountability, and involvement of the community in decision-making processes is fundamental to a functioning democracy.

I am listening, and will continue to ask the questions, and give residents of Rutland a direct line of communication. In addition, we're exploring options for digital communication channels to reach more people and provide them with opportunities to share their views.

Our town hall meeting in Rutland was a significant step in understanding the key issues that our community is grappling with. Norm and I are committed to taking your concerns to Victoria, advocating for our community, and working tirelessly to make Rutland a safer, more prosperous place to live.

I want to express my gratitude to the residents of Rutland for their participation and their passion. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable to our work. Together, we can navigate these challenges and foster a resilient, thriving community for us all.

My question to you is this:

If you are unable to attend the town halls planned over the summer, what would like to share with me?

I love hearing from you and read every single email you send.

Please email me at Re[email protected] or call the office at 250-712-3620.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
When Hoffman began investigating Rockefeller's disappearance, he realized that after the initial search party failed to find Rockefeller in 1961, no one had really given it a good look. There was never closure for the family or the millions of people who wondered what could have happened to the wealthy son of one of America's most powerful families.

"When you type Michael Rockefeller in Google, you get a billion hits or something. But if you start looking at all those hits, they're all regurgitation of the same basic data, which was a lot of conjecture," says Hoffman. "I realized that nobody had ever done a systematic substantive look at what happened."

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In 2012, Hoffman began looking into Rockefeller's story. He hired a Dutch investigator who dug through archives for two years revealing invaluable information. Hoffman interviewed Asmat villagers and former Dutch officers to corroborate the details of Rockefeller's death. He suspected that since 51 years had passed, people might be ready to tell him the truth, and he suspected it wasn't sharks that got Michael.

"In my time as a journalist, I learned that with these things there is sometimes a sweet spot in which people would be willing to talk about it. Maybe even the Rockefellers," he says. After a bit of research and archival digging to find the right people to talk to, Hoffman was right. They were ready to talk. But, to begin with, it's important to know why Rockefeller was in New Guinea in the first place.

" " Michael Rockefeller was the youngest son of New York Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller. T. Nielsen/Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
The grand festival began with the tuneful songs in Miaoling village, and the sound of trees and leaves spread cheerful feelings. On July 23rd, which is the sixth day of the sixth lunar month, a great Sixth Month Sixth Miao Song Festival was held in Heku Town and Luochaojing Town, Fenghuang County. Tens of thousands of Miao compatriots from the Hunan-Guizhou border area and tourists gathered together to celebrate the traditional Miao festival Sixth Month Sixth. They sang songs to greet friends and played the drum to express their good feelings. All of these presented a rich and colorful feast of original ecological folk culture to guests from different places.
Russias invasion of Ukraine last February has had widespread influence on the global agricultural community, stretching from fertilizer shortages and export restrictions that caused higher food prices to impacts on individual farm businesses. Food processors and restaurants have also faced pressure to cease or limit their business operations in Russia; companies including McDonalds, Papa Johns, Dunkin Donuts, and more have since closed stores, stopped supporting franchise locations, or sold assets entirely.

The French-owned dairy processor Danone began the process to follow that trend and sell its Russian business October 14, 2022. Though they say the deal was progressing forward, it had not yet been completed, and last week, foreign-owned stakes in the companys Russian subsidiaries were seized and put in temporary management of the Russian state.

Thats possible because of a rule signed into Russian law in April that allows the country to take temporary control of foreign assets from countries considered unfriendly. Now, the agriculture minister of one of Russias republics has been named general director of Danone Russia.

A story from the BBC describes that Danones Russian operations are the largest of any dairy processor in the country, with about 8,000 employees across 13 facilities. The sale was projected to create a $1.1 billion hit on the asset. The international company has a robust U.S. presence, too. The most recent Dairy 100 list published by Dairy Foods magazine lists Danone North America as the sixth-largest dairy processor on the continent. They have headquarters in New York and Colorado and mainly produce yogurt.

On the same day it took control of Danone, the Russian state also took over the rights to a Danish beer company. That organization said the prospects of the sale have become highly uncertain following the Russian decree.

In a statement, Danone said it is preparing to take all necessary measures to protect its rights as shareholder of Danone Russia, and the continuity of the operations of the business in the interest of all stakeholders, in particular its employees.

To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com.

(c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2023

July 24, 2023
E.G;

Hungary; MOL; Turkey; Ukrainian army; Russian oil;

2023-07-25 10:29:00

The other major source of oil is Turkey, but in addition to our country, the Turks mainly work with Russian crude oil.

Based on the analysis of the German Handelsblatt, Ukraines military machinery is integrally dependent on Hungary, as most of the Ukrainian tanks run on Russian oil, which is purchased from Hungary and Turkey after processing, the Index noticed.

According to the German newspapers article, only one of Ukraines six oil refineries was operating even before the war. The Kremenchuk refinery alone was able to cover roughly 30 percent of the countrys fuel consumption, but in April 2022, this too suffered a blow, so since then it has only been able to operate partially, meaning that Ukraine is constantly in need of fuel imports.

Based on data from the Ukrainian customs office, Handelsblatt wrote that the uninterrupted operation of the tanks of the Ukrainian army is essentially ensured by the diesel exports of Hungary and Turkey, while both countries process crude oil coming from Russia in their oil refineries to a decisive extent, so it can be concluded that the Ukrainian tanks operate indirectly with Russian oil. In addition, according to the article, Mol specifically helps Ukraine a lot, as the Hungarian oil company has almost doubled its exports to Ukraine in the past six months.

The article notes that Mol is greatly helped in this by the fact that Hungary was exempted from the EU embargo on Russian oil, and according to the EUs plans, this will certainly remain so until 2024. Michal Paszkowski, an analyst at the Institute of Central Europe, told Handelsblatt that part of the processed oil arriving in Ukraine comes via Poland by rail, the other part comes via pipelines, Hungary and Slovakia, and they also receive it from Romania, by rail as well as by sea.

Index sent questions on the subject to Mol, but they had not received an answer until the writing of our article.
New Zealand Justice Minister Kiri Allan submitted his resignation on Monday after he caused an accident in the countrys capital, Wellington, and resisted police action on Sunday night, the Guardian reports. The politician was finally taken to the police station, detained for four hours, only then was his alcohol level measured, which showed a level of 0.25-0.4. And this, in proportion to the time that has passed, means that Kiri Allan could have been driving while intoxicated.

Responding to the case, the Prime Minister of the country, Chris Hipkins, said that a person accused of committing a crime should not be the head of the Ministry of Justice, so he accepted Kiri Allans resignation.

39-year-old Kiri Allan had recently been struggling with mental health issues, and had taken a leave of absence for this reason, and only returned to work last Monday, days after the accident. He said he regrets his actions and will take a break to consider his political future. In any case, he could keep his position as a member of parliament.

Allan is the fourth minister to leave Prime Minister Chris Hipkins cabinet. Last month, Transport and Immigration Minister Michael Wood resigned after failing to declare a potential conflict of interest over shares he owned, in March Police Minister Stuart Nash was sacked after it emerged he had leaked confidential information, and in May Customs Minister Meka Whaitiri tendered her resignation to run for the indigenous rights Maori Party in the October election.

Chris Hipkins took over as Prime Minister in January after his predecessor, Jacinda Ardern, resigned. New Zealand will hold an election on October 14.
A lack of mobile coverage can be a barrier for young people to get out on Country. Image: Shutterstock

After two years of consultation, the government released its First Nations Digital Inclusion Plan on Sunday with the optimistic goal of reaching its Closing the Gap target of equal levels of digital inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by 2026.

The plan comprises a framework centred on access, affordability, and digital  the same areas measured by the Australian Digital Inclusion Index  alongside a list of existing and planned actions from state and federal governments, business, and the non-profit sector. It also has a broad set of priorities for further work.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, said it was important for all Australians to be able to access and use digital technologies.

In a world where the technology landscape is rapidly changing to provide greater opportunities to connect with each other, the economy and so much more, Im so pleased that this Government is committed to ensure our First Nations people arent left behind, she said.

Strengthening digital inclusion for First Nations people, especially if they live in regional or remote Australia, provides significant opportunities for increased connections to community, country and cultural identity.

According to the latest Digital Inclusion Index, First Nations people continue to face high levels of digital exclusion  especially in remote communities where there is a serious gap between Aboriginal people and the rest of the population.

As the plan points out, access to digital technologies is fundamental to the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of First Nations people.

While a move toward online service delivery  especially in health and education  has created a greater opportunity for communities separated by space, the lower levels of digital access can make it even harder to use services, thus exacerbating disadvantage.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said connectivity was particularly important for people in communities where the tyranny of distance has the greatest impact, adding that her government wanted to ensure that no one is left behind.

Whats the plan?

The National Indigenous Australians Agency identified that future actions need to involve partnerships with First Nations people and communities, they have to be place-based and localised to tailor the needs of specific communities, they need to be fit for purpose, and they should involve co-ordination between the Commonwealth, states and territories, non-government organisations, and business.

Most of the 167 existing initiatives mentioned in the plan are generalised for the broader Australian population, and there are only 21 planned, or pipeline, activities which shows the need for a more cohesive and direct approach to improving First Nations digital inclusion.

The governments current communications centrepiece is its Better Connectivity Plan, under which sits the Regional Connectivity Program.

That program has already funded two rounds of grants worth more than $250 million.

Only around 10 per cent of that money has gone to projects that directly mention improving telecommunications infrastructure for Aboriginal or Indigenous communities, but the government has said the programs upcoming round will see $25 million dedicated to First Nations communities.

The biggest single beneficiary of the Regional Connectivity Program has been Telstra which pulled in over $108 million for mobile base stations in regional or remote parts of Australia.

In 2021, Telstra was fined $50 million for its unconscionable sales conduct after representatives sold expensive mobile plans to people who couldnt afford them and racked up debts as high as $19,000.

Aboriginal people in remote parts of Australia tend to be mobile-only internet users and are more likely to use pre-paid plans out of economic prudence, the First Nations Digital Inclusion Plan mentions.

But pre-paid plans tend to be more expensive per gigabyte and mobile service generally doesnt offer the uncapped data use you will find with home broadband.

Barrier to Country

A recent Queensland University of Technology research program outlined the difficulties, and importance, of online connectivity on Mornington Island where 80 per cent of the community is Aboriginal.

It noted that a lack of mobile coverage on traditional homelands was seen as a barrier to engagement in activities on Country, effectively limiting the desire for young people to venture far from town.

Telstra is the only mobile network on the island and its 4G reaches just one-fifth of Mornington Island, the research paper says although the island is slated for a $2.6 million upgrade as part of the Regional Connectivity Program.

Increasing the amount of infrastructure is naturally an important step in improving digital inclusion, but just the existence of mobile towers or satellite receivers isnt enough.

Despite residents being eligible for NBNs Sky Muster offering, the researchers said they hardly heard of any homes that were joined up to the service.

In part this is a result of the lock-in nature of service contracts, but also that there was a lack of available technical support.

When hardware like satellite dishes, modems and routers broke, there was often no one available to fix them, the report found, and it could take weeks or months for a technician to arrive.
The partnership is aimed at helping improve the defence tech industry. Image: LAC Samuel Miller/Department of Defence

Over 35 industry partners and two Australian universities have joined forces for a $240 million Defence Trailblazer program to bolster national security and boost employment in Australias defence industry.

Officially launched on Friday by Assistant Minister for Education and Regional Development Anthony Chisholm and supported by the Australian governments Department of Education, the Defence Trailblazer: Concept to Sovereign Capability project sees University of Adelaide and UNSW Sydney partnering up to herald in a new era of innovation for the countrys defence industry.

Delivered in collaboration with more than 35 industry partners, the $240 million program will focus on upskilling and building on defence workforce capabilities, developing cutting-edge science and technologies, and co-designing multi-domain solutions for the Australian Defence Force.

The Albanese Government is committed to supporting collaborative initiatives that produce innovative solutions to bolster our national security, create more employment opportunities and grow the economy, said Chisholm.

Estimates suggest the project will develop 100 new defence products, directly creating over 1,000 jobs and more than 1,400 additional jobs throughout wider defence industry over four years.

Furthermore, Chisholm said the project is estimated to deliver $1.5 billion in terms of net economic benefit for the Australian economy over the coming 10 years.

Aimed at accelerating delivery of leading-edge tech  the program will focus on key areas such as robotics and AI, defensive hypersonics, quantum technologies, cyber and information warfare, and defence space technologies.

This research will directly contribute to an evolving defence sector in which technologies will be developed by Australians and commercialised through local companies and international partnerships, said Chisholm.

During the launch at the National Wine Centre in Adelaide, surveillance technology firm Silentium Defence exhibited its MAVERICK M8 passive radar  a soldier-portable surveillance technology which enables personnel to see without being seen, from ground to space.

Working with industry partners to spearhead faster innovation cycles will be key to the success of the program in meeting the challenges of a rapidly evolving threat landscape, said Defence Trailblazer Executive Director Sanjay Mazumdar.

One of the milestones already achieved as part of the project has been the launch of an Industry Research Program, which offers students opportunities to study research degrees through the University of Adelaide (which has formally merged with University of South Australia in what is being called the worlds largest university merger) and the University of New South Wales.

The Industry Research program will also provide students the chance to work directly with select industry partners.

Funding for the project will be delivered primarily via participating partners  such as Boeing Defence Australia, CAE Australia and Cisco  totalling more than $140 million in contributions over the next four years.

The Australian government is also committing $50 million through the Trailblazer program, matching the University of Adelaide and UNSWs contribution of a further $50 million.

The project arrives shortly after the Australian Universities Accord Interim Report, which recently saw federal government commit to boosting university enrolments via a range of expert recommendations.

Among the recommendations was provision of funding certainty to universities while the accord process rolls out, and an extension of Commonwealth-supported funding to First Nations students.

Another recent Defence-boosting initiative is the Albanese governments release of the Defence Strategic Review 2023, which urgently called for the Australian Defence Force to enhance its cyber capabilities in preparation for a radically different security environment.

The review laid out the controversial AUKUS project as an area of priority, which itself is facing concerns over whether US Congress will block Australias bid to purchase essential American submarines.

University of Adelaides Vice-Chancellor Peter Hj AC described the Defence Trailblazer as an example of true collaboration that will equip the next generation of innovators with specialised knowledge and skills to meet the defence sectors needs now, and in coming decades.




Organizations that do not have a mature data loss prevention (DLP) program to address the physical, human and cyber threats that are unique to the manufacturing sector run the risk of suffering through operational disruptions and production delays that might impact not only their reputation and brand, but also the United States (U.S.) economy and national security. Cyberattacks on manufacturing companies or their supply chains have the ability to bring the production of goods to a standstill. Further, with the increased use of digital 3D modeling, manufacturing companies are also exposed to risks associated with the loss or theft of computer-aided design (CAD) files.

One of the biggest risks to companies operating within the manufacturing space is industrial espionage. This occurs when business trade secrets are obtained through illegal or unethical means for use by a competitor, for the purpose of achieving a competitive advantage in the market. In this blog, I will discuss three capabilities that manufacturing companies should consider when evaluating technology that will prevent data leakage or minimize the risk of a data breach by a malicious actor.

Identify Sensitive Data Anywhere and Everywhere

DLP solutions help mitigate the risks associated with data loss due to insider-related incidents such as employee error (e.g., unintentional file deletion or the unintentional sharing of sensitive data in an email), and data breaches due to malicious attacks. A good DLP tool helps companies identify sensitive data, manage insider threats, understand their regulatory compliance requirements for all data types, and ultimately protect sensitive data (e.g., intellectual property, sensitive customer data, employee data, etc.) from leakage or theft.

Like other large sectors of the U.S. economy, businesses operating within the manufacturing sector (e.g., automotive technology production, chemical and petrochemical manufacturing, food and beverage production, pharmaceutical manufacturing, etc.) face challenges associated with securing data processed by a fully remote and hybrid workforce, as well as challenges resulting from the fact that data no longer lives within a network perimeter, but rather everywhere and anywhere. As a result, companies will benefit from a DLP solution that is capable of identifying all types of sensitive data, regardless of where it is located. Similarly, because manufacturing companies use both structured and unstructured data, its important that the solution have the capability to identify all types of data, regardless of format.

Identifying sensitive data and classifying the data according to its value and the risk to the organization if it is leaked unintentionally or accessed by malicious actors are essential capabilities for a mature DLP program. Properly classifying data not only enables the organization to set policies for each data type, but also supports regulatory compliance requirements and incident response activities.

DLP Policies and Policy Violations

DLP policies describe what happens when a user uses sensitive data in a way that the policy does not allow. Policies are important to control data storage, file transfer and sharing, as well as what activity is permissible on employee endpoints. For example, when a user attempts to print a document containing sensitive data to a home printer, the DLP policy might display a message stating that printing the document to a home printer violates the policy and is not permissible. How does the DLP tool know that the document includes sensitive data? Content inspection techniques and contextual analysis help identify sensitive data.

The inspection capability of the DLP solution is very important. In this regard, its important to note that traditional DLP solutions focus on data-specific content inspection methods. These inspection methods are no longer effective for organizations that have migrated to the cloud because the techniques were developed for on-premises environments. Traditional DLP relies heavily on content analysis and does not always accurately identify sensitive data. Sometimes the traditional tools blocked normal activity. In contrast, a modern DLP solution minimizes false positives by combining content analysis and data lineage capabilities to more accurately understand whether the data is in fact sensitive.

In fact, Gartner recommends investing in a DLP solution that not only provides content inspection capabilities but also offers extra features such as data lineage for visibility and classification, user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA), and rich context for incident response. UEBA is useful for insider-related incidents (e.g., UEBA might help identify data exfiltration by a dissatisfied employee).

Actions in Response to Policy Violations

A DLP solution should be capable of performing actions such as sending out alerts for DLP policy violations, warnings using pop-up messages, quarantining data and blocking data entirely. Organizations should be able to define their policies based on their security policy, standards, controls and procedures.

Incident Response and Recovery Capability

Manufacturing companies need to be able to rapidly recover after a disruption to business operations. An inability to do so may leave the business inoperable. As an example, in 2020, a Pennsylvania law firm employed four attorneys who began secretly copying client files, correspondence, and firm work products to access them after ending their employment with the firm. They also deleted emails and other computer data, and engaged in shredding and destroying physical documents. These actions interrupted the law firms business operations.

While the example relates to a law firm, the lesson here is that this scenario can occur in any sector or industry and not having the technology to manage this type of data loss will result in disruptions to business activities. DLP solutions can help scan and monitor for suspicious activities and facilitate data recovery, as well as help inform the appropriate response for this kind of malicious data loss.

Conclusion

As manufacturing businesses grow increasingly digital, preventing data loss should be prioritized through investments that help mature DLP programs, with a focus on people, processes and technology. Selecting the right DLP solution for the manufacturing sector requires knowledge of the unique threats facing companies that operate in the manufacturing space, supply chain risk management best practices, the gap between traditional DLP tools and modern DLP tools, and the purchasing organizations security initiatives and goals.

In addition, the decision to invest in a DLP solution should be informed by sufficient research and planning with key stakeholders. Given the many options and variables to consider, decision-makers must spend the appropriate amount of time understanding the nuances and distinctions among the many solutions on the market.

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About the Author: Ambler is an attorney with extensive corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and privacy law background. She currently consults on governance, risk and compliance, enterprise data management, and data privacy and security matters in Washington, DC. She also writes about todays most crucial cybersecurity and regulatory compliance issues with Bora Design.
Wiise COO Stephen McNulty said "We are thrilled to introduce a refined and strategic partnership program tailored for our Elite partners. Our Elite partners will enjoy unparalleled advantages, including early access to our product roadmaps and key customer focussed initiatives. With this elevated partnership approach, we endeavour to foster enduring and mutually beneficial relationships that drive unparalleled success for our partners and their customers alike."

Wiise CEO Charlie Wood said "Wiise has enjoyed spectacular growth over the past couple of years. The new partner program will support our continued expansion by having key partners in major cities and geographic markets. Having partners who are really focused on embracing the cloud ERP opportunities using Wiise is a major step towards our goal of becoming not just an Australian success story but a major global player in ERP."

KPMG enterprise Microsoft practice lead said "KPMG is pleased to achieve Elite partner status and would like to congratulate Wiise on the release of their partner program. With almost 100 completed Wiise projects, KPMG has the experience, capability, and resources to provide solutions to the SMB market which fully automate, digitise, and streamline businesses for the operators and owners. With KPMG's focus on right sizing solutions for the SMB market, coupled with the affordability and ROI Wiise represents, it's now well and truly within reach for every Small and Medium sized business to modernise their systems and become even more productive using Wiise and KPMG services."

Momentum Software Solutions managing director Alistair Emery said "Momentum Software Solutions became a Wiise partner almost 2 years ago and created our Wiise team known as the Wiise Guys. Our experience to date with Wiise has been a breath of fresh air, as they are 100% focused on the success of their customers and partners. Being awarded Elite partner status is a fantastic compliment to our team, and means customers are assured of a highly competent team working towards mutual goals. Businesses that benefit from Wiise commonly have outgrown small business software like Xero, QuickBooks, and MYOB, or are stuck with a Legacy ERP solution that is not cloud-based. Momentum and Wiise provide solutions to these challenges with a consultative approach with the customer's goals firmly in mind. We look forward to ongoing success with Wiise and our customers."

Solutions+ CEO Sean Pearce said "Solutions+ was founded with goal of helping businesses realise their potential through alignment of strategy, process, and technology. Our partnership with Wiise is helping us deliver on this promise every day. It's through our collective understanding of what success looks like for a small to medium enterprise which is allowing us to achieve this goal. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Wiise as an Elite partner and bringing more of these benefits to current and new customers."

Stratus Consulting Group managing director Michael Pendred said "Stratus is so excited to be working with Wiise and can't wait to see what the future holds. We have been implementing ERP solutions for businesses for over 20 years and feel that Wiise is the perfect product to take our existing and new clients to the next step. Being part of the Microsoft stack and built with Australian conditions in mind, Wiise will allow Australian businesses to grow and prosper in a modern, easy to use, feature rich application."

Rounding out the comments from the elite partners, Wild Tech CEO Grant Wild said "Wild Tech and Wiise have enjoyed a fruitful partnership for over 12 months, witnessing exponential growth. Our shared emphasis on prioritising customer-centricity, crafting tailored solutions, and delivering exceptional business outcomes distinguishes us from other providers. Wild Tech eagerly anticipates the new partner program, which will further enhance our customers' ability to access the automation, AI, and integration advantages offered by the Wiise platform in the SMB marketplace."
The late Dr Laurence J. Peter, who is known for his seminal work, The Peter Principle, developed the thesis that, given enough ranks in a company bureaucracy, people always tend to rise to their level of incompetence.

It looks very much like Google is aspiring to that final level, given that there are reports the company is trying to develop software to write news articles.

Yes, the same company that evades queries from journalists, and spins everything to make it seem as though the good is the bad and vice versa, now wants to help journalists write the news. Next thing you know, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia will be writing a book on human rights.

According to a report published by the Ars Technica website, the software, known as Genesis, was demonstrated to the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post.

Presumably, the C-suite folks who were treated to this demo were salivating at the thought of cutting down the numbers and raising profits. Which would, no doubt, contribute to their own bonuses.

Had Google been reported to have been trying to create software to write press releases  or even blog posts for security companies  one would have nothing to comment about. Spin, turgid spin, is what Google is best at.

YouTube, one of Google's properties, is a good example of this; some time back, the company stopped posting public numbers when one down-voted a video. Only the up-votes are shown. That is the exact opposite to a news report where the emperor is shown without his clothes. News reports are not nice, comfy compositions.

Anyway, one thought the company would be the best source of information about its own ambitions. So I sent them an inquiry on the day this report ran, 21 July. Alas, the Chocolate Factory has not bothered to respond.

I think the problem is that when one actually writes news reports about Google, one cannot expect to get a response from the company. Reports like this one, this one and this one.

It is logical to expect a company to launch into areas in which it thinks it is competent. Google has what is the best search engine, though its success often comes laden with hints of dubious activities.

That is similar to its success in many fields; just this morning, the British tech site, The Register, has a detailed report about how Google infringed patents belonging to Touchstream Technologies when building its Chromecast devices. The fine imposed, US$338.7 million (A$503.4 million) is, of course, pocket change for the company.

Given that information about Genesis is being restricted, the software may well be junked without being sold. Google will only launch something if it brings in the moolah, and plenty of it.

The Google Graveyard gives an idea of how many products are ditched by this company. One hears rumours that the Google Authenticator may be next on the chopping block.

One never knows. People around the globe are dependent on the whims of American tech barons who have just one aim: anything that makes enough money is just fine and dandy. Jeff Bezos, top of the rich list in the US, refused to give his retail workers time to pee so their productivity did not suffer.

As someone who has seen a great deal of change in the newspaper industry, right from 1979 onwards, one is curious to see if Google really thinks it knows enough about the news business to jump into it.

But then nothing dissuaded Elon Musk from buying Twitter, a business he knows nothing about. And, in many ways, these tech overlords are much the same.
Madison Reeve

The Animal Food Bank is hoping the public can come together to help wildfire evacuees and their pets across the province.

Kelowna's Nicole Frey is the founder of the Animal Food Bank, a non-profit founded in 2019 dedicated to helping people in need feed their animals.

"There is nothing worse than feeling helpless, as you watch all of this happen in your province or in your country," she said.

The Animal Food Bank is hoping to get a shipment of pet food out to Cranbrook after a wildfire sparked back on July 17. The St. Marys River fire has forced the evacuation of dozens of residents in the community along with their four-legged friends.

"One of the most challenging things about this work is that there is not a lot of information through structured, organized emergency services programs for animals and pets. So we are usually flying blind and very reliant on evacuees and or volunteers and people who are going to the ESS centres to see what they need," Frey said.

Residents who wish to donate can drop off food at Total Pet in Kelowna or Kamloops as well as at Ace Courier Services in both Kelowna and Kamloops.

Frey says the non-profit also has a GoFundMe.

The Animal Food Bank also works collaboratively with Four Paws Pet Food Bank in Kamloops and The Good Haul in Vancouver.

Frey says she is hoping the provincial government will hear some of her concerns surrounding regulations around evacuees and their pets.

"I have invited the province to sit down with us collectively and talk about what we see and what we have learned and what we know and take that into account when they are refining and defining their programs."

"They will come back and say the emergency services voucher you get for food... you could use that for pet food, but then we have clients who are choosing between buying themselves food or buying their pets food  that is what we are trying to avoid," Frey added.

Frey says a petition was launched in 2021, but the provincial government denied her request for a round table discussion.

For more information on donations, click here.
Melbournes Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has become home to some of the latest cutting-edge robotic technology and international pioneers of robotic surgery, with the Society of Robotic Surgery (SRS) conference currently in full swing.

One thousand four hundred delegates from 32 countries have filled the MCEC, to learn about the latest advances in robotic surgery technology and education from hundreds of the worlds top surgeons and medical experts.

Victorian Parliamentary Secretary for Jobs Bronwyn Halfpenny officially opened the three-day conference on Monday, and Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care and nurse, Ged Kearney MP will address 50 nurses at the Nursing and Allied Health session.

Its very exciting for Melbourne to be hosting this global robotics conference, in what is the first time its being held in the Southern Hemisphere, said Ged Kearney.

Today, our wonderful Victorian nurses and allied health professionals have a unique opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills by learning from leading robotic surgery professionals from around the world.

Dr Vipul Patel, Executive Director of SRS, said the world's top surgical leaders will present more than 60 abstracts containing groundbreaking research, share clinical experiences, and engage in collaborative panel discussions and workshops that will help shape the future of healthcare.

At a time when the world is facing the most challenging health circumstances in decades, this event will help guide the conversation around the transformative health outcomes associated with robotic surgical interventions, Dr Patel said.

Delegates are able to view live demonstrations, see first-hand the advances in the manufacture and development of synthetic organs, to replace the use of live animals and cadavers in surgical training, and listen to presentations from global health leaders on a diverse range of topics including the place of artificial intelligence in surgery and challenges that cyber security presents.

Professor Tony Costello, founder of the International Medical Robotics Academy (IMRA) and one of the first people in the world to perform robotic surgery, addressed the conference, discussing the significant patient benefits from robotic assisted surgery.

Robotic surgery devices are minimally invasive and increase a surgeons movement, precision and accuracy, Professor Costello said.

Robotic surgery is proven to reduce complications, readmissions, length of hospital stay and blood loss. There is also a reduced risk of surgical site infection. As more surgical robots are introduced to the market, it will become more competitive and affordable, ideally this will allow increased adoption of robotic technology in Australia and the further rollout of surgical robots in public hospitals.

For more information about the conference, including a full list of speakers and agenda, visit: https://srobotics.org/
TERRE HAUTE, Ind.  Community organizations passionate about their community and outreach efforts as well as looking forward to the total solar eclipse Terre Haute will experience next year now have a chance to play a vital role in the natural phenomenon.

The Terre Haute Childrens Museum is pleased to announce its Community Eclipse Ambassador Program, which will provide community organizations tools including educational opportunities, training and equipment in preparation for the eclipse.

The total solar eclipse is slated to be visible in Terre Haute on April 8, 2024. Most of the Wabash Valley will be in the line of totality. The last solar eclipse in Indiana was 819 years ago.

During a total solar eclipse, the Moons shadow is cast upon Earth. There are two parts to this shadow  an outer shadow that covers a wide region creating a partial eclipse, and a much smaller central shadow that creates the total eclipse. The Wabash Valley is mostly in the smaller shadow hence the total eclipse.

Participating ambassadors (and the organizations they represent) will be provided equipment, including a telescope with a solar viewing filter, educational materials, solar viewing glasses and materials for activities. Each organization will receive a $1,000 stipend for participation. This stipend is meant to offset the costs of hosting or participating in events where the Community Eclipse Ambassadors provide educational opportunities.

Ideal participating organizations include (but are not limited to) community centers, youth groups, neighborhood associations, churches and places of worship, businesses that serve a large number of community members, childcare programs, museums, art organizations and those with a family focus.

Once the Community Eclipse Ambassadors have been identified, they will participate in a training session scheduled for mid-to-late September at the Terre Haute Childrens Museum and receive all of their educational and marketing materials.

Those interested in applying for the Community Eclipse Ambassador Program can visit the Terre Haute Childrens Museum website at www.thchildrensmuseum.com/ or the Total Eclipse of the Haute site at www.terrehaute.com/eclipse-2024.html, and fill out the application.

The application deadline is Monday, August 14. There will also be an informational Zoom meeting on Thursday, July 28 starting at noon for those interested to learn a bit more about the program and ask questions. Please contact Stacy Killion for the Zoom link at outreach@terrehautechildrensmuseum.com.

Mattoon-area places through the years Young Radiator Oil well New post office Memorial District Hospital Mattoon Mounters Kozy Log Illinois Central Railroad depot Downtown Downtown
MATTOON  The Lincoln-Douglas debates, including the one in Charleston, and their central argument over whether the Declaration of Independence truly meant "all men are created equal" culminated in the Gettysburg Address.

Lincoln Home National Historic Site Superintendent Timothy Good presented this assessment of Abraham Lincoln's evolving political beliefs during his presentation at the Coles County Historical Society Founders' Day dinner Monday evening.

"You can't understand the Gettysburg Address without understanding the Lincoln-Douglas debates, and vice versa. They are inextricably linked," Good said during this event at Stadium Grill. He also talked about the key role Ulysses S. Grant's early command in Mattoon played in him becoming commanding general of the Union Army.

In 1858, the series of seven debates pitted Republican challenger Lincoln against Democratic incumbent Stephen Douglas during their campaigns for a U.S. Senate seat in Illinois. The Coles County Fairgrounds in Charleston hosted the fourth debate on Sept. 18, 1858, and is now home to the Lincoln-Douglas Debate Museum.

Slavery's future in the U.S. was a main topic of contention. Good, who oversees Lincoln's home in Springfield, said Douglas consistently argued that "all men are created equal" only applied to whites. Good said such arguments had long been used to justify slavery, noting that slave labor was directly tied to 60% of U.S. exports in 1860.

Good said Lincoln's stated support for equality across races fluctuated during the early debates depending on whether the event was being held in anti-slavery Northern Illinois, pro-slavery Southern Illinois, or the contentious central area.

However, Good said Lincoln spoke out for equality during the Oct. 15 last debate in Alton, on the Mississippi River in Southwest Illinois. He said historians have speculated that Lincoln's riverboat ride to Alton brought back painful memories of seeing slavery firsthand during trips on the Ohio River and to New Orleans on the Mississippi.

"He talked about the Declaration of Independence in a way he had never talked about it before, that it was in fact for all men. This was our cornerstone. This was our bedrock, this is what it means to be an American," Good said.

While Lincoln lost the Senate race, the debates raised his national profile that he was able to become the Republican presidential candidate and win the 1860 election.

As president, Good said Lincoln harkened back to the debates' conclusion as part of his Gettysburg Address on Nov. 19, 1863, at the site of this Union victory over invading Confederate forces in Pennsylvania. He said this speech was pivotal as Lincoln marshalled support for its Emancipation Proclamation for slaves in the rebellious South.

Good said Lincoln used the phrase "four score and seven years ago" to subtly reference July 4, 1776, and the Declaration of Independence at a time when slavery was still a contentious issue. The president then said the U.S. was "conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal" in his Gettysburg Address.

"This is the answer Lincoln gives to us about what it means to be an American. Lincoln continued that all the way through the Civil War," Good said.

Regarding Grant, Good said Lincoln's future top general in the victory over the South was working as a clerk at his father's leather goods store in Galena in February 1860 before the Civil War started.

Good said Grant, a veteran officer, re-enlisted at the war's outset and took his first command in spring 1861 at a muster camp in Mattoon. He said that posting led to him commanding the 21st Illinois Infantry and leading it south to Tennessee. He said Grant's subsequent battlefield successes and promotions brought him to Lincoln's attention.

"It all starts here," Good said of Mattoon, which marks this history with a Camp Grant memorial site. "I think Mattoon has a huge part to play in American history because of that fact alone."

The best of Abraham Lincoln on film and TV 'Abraham Lincoln' 'Abe Lincoln in Illinois' (1940) "Drunk History" "The Lego Movie" 'Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure' (1989) 'Young Mr. Lincoln' (1939) 'Lincoln' (2012) 'The Birth of a Nation' (1915) 'Frederick Douglass  In Five Speeches'
The disclosure of a significant engine manufacturing issue overshadowed a slight profit increase for RTX during the second quarter.

Tuesdays quarterly report was the first for the aerospace manufacturer since changing its corporate name and brand from Raytheon Technologies Corp. to its stock symbol.

Investors responded to the engine disclosure by sending the share price on a 16.2% plunge to $81.35 in morning trading before closing down 10.2% to $87.09.

The name change in late June came five months after RTX said it would consolidate its two defense-industry business units  Intelligence & Space and Missiles & Defense  into one unit branded Raytheon.

The other business units are Collins Aerospace, which has about 1,500 employees in Winston-Salem, and Pratt & Whitney.

RTX said about the engine issue that Pratt & Whitney has determined that a rare condition in powder metal used to manufacture certain engine parts will require accelerated fleet inspection. This does not impact engines currently being produced.

RTX said it projects that a significant portion of the PW1100G-JM engine fleet, which powers the A320neo aircraft, will require accelerated removals and inspections within the next nine to 12 months, including approximately 200 accelerated removals by mid-September. The business is working to minimize operational impacts and support its customers.

RTX chairman and chief executive Greg Hayes said in a news release that the manufacturer is lowering its free cash flow outlook from $4.8 billion to $4.3 billion as a result of the Pratt & Whitney engine issue.

The engine disclosure also overshadowed that RTX slightly raised two key fiscal 2023 financial targets: sales range was raised by $1 billion on each end to $73 billion to $74 billion; the low range for adjusted earnings was raised by 5 cents to $4.95, while the upper range of $5.05 was unchanged.

Hayes said the decision to raise the sales and adjusted earnings per share targets is based on the strong performance year-to-date and strong end-markets.

Collins had a 16.7% jump in second-quarter sales to $5.85 billion.

Raytheon said the increase was driven by a 29% increase in commercial aftermarket, a 14% increase in commercial original equipment and a 5% increase in military.

RTX said it repurchased $596 million worth of its stock during the second quarter after buying back $562 million in the first quarter.

It reaffirmed plans to purchase up to $3 billion worth in fiscal 2023.
The shakeup at 22nd Century Group expanded Monday to include the appointment of an interim chief executive and a cost-reduction initiative expected to cut expenses by $15 million annually.

Investors responded to the announcements by sending the share price plunging as much as 45.1% on Monday before closing down 35.6% to $3.13.

In early July, 22nd Century completed a risky 1-to-15 reverse stock to lift its share price from 30 cents to $4.50.

John Miller was named, effective immediately, to the interim chief executive post. He replaces James Mish, who had served in that role since June 2020. Although the company said Mish was stepping down for personal reasons on Aug. 1, he remains on the tobacco and cannabis manufacturers board of directors.

Miller becomes 22nd Centurys fifth full-time or interim chief executive since July 2019.

22nd Century, a New York cigarette manufacturer with operations in Mocksville, said the cost-reduction initiative is intended to simplify operations as it continues to tighten its focus on key end markets and operating strategies.

The manufacturer  which reported a $59.8 million loss in fiscal 2022  could not be immediately reached for additional details on potential local impacts from the cost-reduction initiative.

A $15 million reduction in annual expenses is equivalent to about 26% of its $58.3 million in fiscal 2022 operating expenses.

The latest ripple occurs as 22nd Century is in the process of a major expansion. Its current distribution goal for its very-low nicotine traditional cigarettes is entering 18 states in 2023, primarily through the Circle K and 7-Eleven convenience store chains.

Mish said in a statement that his stepping down as chief executive comes at an opportune juncture to enhance John Millers leadership role to take our (very-low nicotine) business to the next level.

It was also announced that Andy Arno would become a board member. Arno has more than 35 years of experience in corporate and financial matters, most recently serving as vice chairman of The Special Equities Group, a division of Dawson James Securities, along with senior roles at investment banking firms.

Special Equities Group was the sole placement agent for a combined $11.7 million in gross proceeds from issuing on Friday to select institutional investors 4.37 million shares of common stock at $2.67, and warrants to purchase up to 8.75 million shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.42 per share that are immediately exercisable.

22nd Centurys boilerplate comments on the offering in a Monday regulatory prospectus filing included investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk.

On June 21, 22nd Century said it entered into definitive agreements with certain investors for the purchase and sale of 11.2 million shares of common stock and warrants at a price of 47 cents per share.

The gross proceeds to 22nd Century was projected at $5.3 million before deducting the placement agents fees and other offering expenses payable by the company.

By comparison, 22nd Century said in July 2022 it entered into an agreement to sell 17.07 million shares of its common stock at $2.05 a share for a potential $35 million raise.

In June 2021, the manufacturer sold 10 million shares to an unidentified institutional investor at $4 a share for a $40 million raise.

Unless they have something up their sleeve, this looks like throwing good money after bad, said Bowman Gray IV, a local independent stockbroker.

Gray added that what is more telling is that none of the (company) insiders have purchased any stock since September 2021.
Researchers with Wake Forest University School of Medicine are involved in child-focused studies focused on expanding telehealth for primary care physicians and improving how to diagnose ear disease.

The Atrium Health telehealth study is eligible for a $4.4 million funding award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), pending completion of a business and programmatic review.

PCORI is an independent, nonprofit organization authorized by Congress in 2010. Its mission is to fund research that will provide patients, their caregivers and clinicians with the evidence-based information needed to make better-informed health-care decisions.

The goal is giving children and parents another option for addressing complex chronic conditions.

Brenner Children's Hospital in Winston-Salem and Levine Childrens Hospital in Charlotte are collaborating on the study.

Telehealth experienced a rapid expansion during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, researchers said that questions remain about the most effective, evidence-based ways to incorporate telehealth as part of routine care, especially in chronic disease management, but also how best to mitigate health disparities.

In-person appointments can be incredibly challenging for families with medically fragile children, said Dr. Savithri Nageswaran, professor of pediatrics at the medical school and co-principal investigator of the study.

Caregivers often must miss work to attend the many in-person appointments these children need, which can cause a financial strain. Theres also an enormous amount of planning ahead of time, given the medical complexity of the child, with feeding and medicines.

The study involved a multicenter randomized control trial to test the benefits of a telehealth intervention called enhanced primary care (E-PRIME) at 36 primary care pediatric offices across North Carolina.

The research team will evaluate the effectiveness of E-PRIME by measuring hospitalizations, emergency room visit rates and caregiver stress. All participants will be followed for one year.

The plan is to enroll 400 children, who will be randomized to either participate in the first six months of the trial or the final six months.

We would really like to understand health disparities in this population, and we expect to recruit at least 180 children from minority groups," said Sabina Gesell, professor of social sciences at the medical school and co-principal investigator of the study.

Ear disease study

The ear infections study was prompted in part because they are the most common infectious diseases among children under the age of 2, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

However, given the subjective nature of diagnosing ear disease, ear infections are often over-diagnosed and overtreated.

It is estimated that more than 8 million unnecessary antibiotics are prescribed annually, which leads to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

As a result, children with inaccurate, yet frequent, diagnoses of ear infections are often referred to ear, nose and throat specialists for surgical placement of ear tubes, which is often not necessary.

With the support of a $3.2 million grant from the federal National Institutes of Health, Wake Forest medical school researchers are collaborating with Vanderbilt University Medical Center to develop machine-learning applications that will assist with the diagnosis of ear pathology.

This project is highly innovative, both in terms of its clinical impact to shift the field toward a more objective approach to ear diagnosis, as well as the scientific innovations of applying machine learning techniques to ear disease, said Metin Gurcan, director of the medical school's Center for Biomedical Informatics and professor of internal medicine.

Researchers will analyze brief eardrum videos collected with a digital otoscope and combine those videos with tympanometry, an acoustic test that shows how well the middle ear is working.

The resulting computer-assisted image analysis will help clinicians better diagnose ear diseases.

Patients will be enrolled at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Nationwide Childrens Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
A man who was wanted for a shooting death in Winston-Salem was returned Tuesday to the city after being arrested in the Detroit area, authorities said.

Daschade David Bishop, 28, of Freddy Street in Winston-Salem is charged with murder in the death of Ethan Alexander Bain, 30, of Bitting Hall Court, Winston-Salem police said.

U.S. Marshals arrested Bishop in the Detroit area July 5, police said. Bishop was extradited back to North Carolina and is being held in the Forsyth County Jail with no bond allowed.

Bishop is scheduled to appear Wednesday in Forsyth District Court.

Officers went to the 2700 block of Reynolds Park Road at 10:08 p.m. June 10 on a reported shooting, police said. Officers then found Bain with a gunshot wound in a parking lot.

Bain was taken to a local hospital where he died of his injuries, police said.

Investigators determined that Bain was at a party in the area when he became involved in an argument involving several people, police said. Bain was shot while trying to leave.
Slow-moving Tuesday.

Sliding back into the rickety captains chair this morning wasnt easy. Ten bonus hours in two airports two time zones away will do that.

Indulge the first-person story-telling today, but its (probably) worth 3 minutes of coffee time.

No one  the better half and two (mostly) grown kids whove only recently discovered the adult joys of paying too much tax, that is  intended to engage in a weird game of vacation one-upmanship but thats the way things shook out.

Part one involved a grizzly bear in the far western reaches of Yellowstone National Park and the Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana.

The body of a hiker, a woman walking alone on the well-known Buttermilk Trail down the road from where we stayed last week, was found Saturday morning.

A statement issued Sunday by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks said that shed been killed during an apparent bear encounter and that grizzly tracks had been found at the scene.

While exceedingly rare  eight fatalities from bear attacks were recorded from 2020-22 in the United States  it was nonetheless jarring to read about someone whod been killed near where youd just spent most of three blissful days outdoors.

Do you know how many trees we looked at with huge slashed-off bark that I suspect were from bear? the wife asked after I shared the news.

Um, yeah.

Clawed, mangled tree trunks were hard not to notice  especially after the sight of a female moose with two calves caused heightened alertness.

(Now you know why theres one poor photo of three moose attached to Two Things.)

Being helpful  and with a lot of free time using airport Wifi  I also shared the story with the family.

Grown Kid No. 1 was in Montana, too, and mostly nonplussed. A resident of Utah, he spends a lot of time outside and knows well how to be bear aware.

Grown Kid No. 2 didnt find the story, tragic as it was, all that unnerving, either. But for a very different reason.

A lawyer who works crazy long hours, shed spent last week in Mexico  a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the town of Manzanillo on the Pacific Ocean  and had plenty of her own downtime in airports as well.

Her swift response to the grizzly bear story came in a different news story shared via text:

Five bags of human remains found in Mexican tourist resort after drug cartel threats.

The resort? Manzanillo.

Bear spray, it would seem, isnt terribly effective against narco-traffickers.

Its good to be home. Whatd we miss?

Goose the budget with gambling

RALEIGH  That certainly didnt take long.

While its no shock that the honorables in Raleigh blew past an artificial July 1 deadline to approve the states $30 billion budget, word of what they are considering along with it certainly was.

House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, and Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham let slip that negotiations over proposals for  gasp!  $1.5 billion of state-regulated casinos are underway.

A draft of a bill that would bring more legalized gambling to the state shows that the criteria for eligible counties include being east of Interstate 77, a border county or one crossed by Interstate 95, with a population of less than 100,000 and being one of the 40 most economically distressed in the state.

Those counties, in case you were wondering, include Rockingham.

Legislators would award a contract to single business with at least 10 years experience operating casinos to develop at least three new ones.

Without doubt, lawmakers will tout private investment ($500 million at each location), the creation of some 5,250 jobs and revenue generated by a 22.5 percent excise tax on gross gaming revenue.

Less obvious, but equally compelling, is the fact that Virginia has authorized and opened five casinos along the state line including a massive temporary facility operating under a big top tent in Danville.

And with a large percentage of the vehicles in the parking lots bearing North Carolina tags, its also obvious that state lawmakers wont sit around for years watching sin-tax revenue build schools and pave roads in other states.
Whether it was raising money for a new playground or talking with former vice president Al Gore about the effects of coal ash, David Hairston devoted his life to making Walnut Cove a better place.

Hairston, 63, died Monday, touching off a wave of mourning in this town of 1,500 in southeastern Stokes County.

Its almost like losing a celebrity, a legend who will never be forgotten, Mayor Nellie Brown of Walnut Cove said. A mover and a shaker, thats what David was.

Brown grew up with Hairston, and the two remained lifelong friends.

Hairston and his family moved to the unincorporated and predominantly Black community of Walnut Tree, outside the town limits of Walnut Cove, when he was a boy. The president of the Walnut Tree Community Association as an adult, Hairston was among a group of people who regularly petitioned the town to be annexed. When years of petitions proved fruitless, Hairston and others filed a lawsuit against the town in 2017, alleging racial discrimination, pointing out that the town had through the years annexed predominantly white neighborhoods.

The towns Board of Commissioners eventually approved the annexation, giving Walnut Tree residents the opportunity to participate in elections and receive such services as water, snow removal and trash pickup.

For too long, weve been living in a no mans land, Hairston told the Winston-Salem Journal after the annexation vote. This is something weve been fighting for: to be included in a town we love dearly.

Hairston was also involved in Residents for Coal Ash Cleanup, a group of Stokes County residents concerned about the impact of coal ash, the residue left from burning coal. He grew up near the Belews Creek Steam Station, which had about 12 million tons of coal ash sitting in a 350-acre basin as of 2018. He spoke with Gore about those concerns when the former vice president swung through Stokes County in 2018.

Though he may be best known for his pursuit of ecological justice, Hairston pushed to improve Walnut Cove in other ways.

He wrote grants and visited businesses in the town to raise money for a new playground in Walnut Tree; was a member of the Stokes County NAACP; and was recently appointed to the towns library board.

Leslie Brewer and Hairston rode the school bus together when they were children. As adults, they worked with each other on various community projects.

I used to tell him that he should have been a preacher, Brewer said. When he would speak, there was something in his voice that could mesmerize you. There was an element of charisma that grabbed you and you wanted to follow whatever he was doing.

His most recent goal was to build a community center in Walnut Tree. Brown said she hopes that vision will be fulfilled.

He touched so many lives, from children to seniors, Brown said. He was all about community.

Though Hairston moved from Walnut Tree, he stayed in Walnut Cove to care for his late mother. Her house remains in the family.

Hairston had just retired from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco in March, Brown said.

His survivors include his sister, Sandra Hairston, who was appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021 to be the United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina.

She said in a statement that her brother loved Walnut Cove and made it his mission to improve the quality of life for all its residents.

That big heart gave out on him yesterday, but I hope folks know and remember how much he loved them all. My family and I deeply appreciate the outpouring of support and prayers we have received from so many of you.
Photo: Colin Dacre

Editors note: This story has been updated to remove the names of the children, who were found safe.

UPDATE 3:10 p.m.

RCMP say they believe the parental abduction of two children was pre-planned and that the children may have been moved to an off the grid location.

Police said in an update Monday that they have credible information to support that belief.

This information supports that Verity Bolton, Robert Bolton, Abraxas Glazov have moved off the grid with the children and are believed to be living in trailers somewhere in a rural area, RCMP said Monday in a news release.

Since the investigation began, Surrey RCMP say they have received over 180 tips. However, there has not been a confirmed sighting of the kids since July 7, when they attended a gas station in Merritt.

Their mother Verity Bolton was spotted in Kamloops buying groceries on July 15.

Police say they believe Verity Bolton is travelling with her father, Robert Bolton, and her boyfriend Abraxas Glazov, along with the two children.

On Monday, police released more information about Abraxas Glazov and Robert Bolton to advance the investigation.

Abraxas Glazov, 53, is from Nelson, B.C. who has connections to the Deadman Valley and Vidette Lake area outside of Kamloops. He is an outdoorsman who enjoys fishing and he has a history of living off the grid for periods of time.

Robert Bolton, 74, is from the Chilliwack area. On June 30, Verity Bolton met up with her father at his residence and he has not returned since. Robert has health concerns and may present as confused and/or disoriented. The circumstances around this are part of the on-going investigation.

The public is going to play a major role in locating [the children] states Media Relations Officer, Sergeant Tammy Lobb.

We need the public to be alive to the information and photos we have shared and to be our eyes and ears and continue to call us with any tips and possible sightings.

Police have released a new photo of Abraxas Glazov.

Timeline of events

June 28: The children left with Verity Bolton for a planned vacation.

June 30: Robert Bolton was picked up in Chilliwack and the truck was towing a fifth-wheel trailer.

June 30: The children and Verity were all seen at Krafty Kitchen + Bar in Kelowna.

July 7: The children and Verity attended a gas station in Merritt. The truck was towing the large travel trailer at this time.

July 15: Verity was seen in Kamloops grocery shopping. The truck was pulling a horse trailer at the time.

July 17: The children were not brought back to their father in Surrey.

July 18: Surrey RCMP receive a report that the children were not returned to their father on July 17 following a scheduled visit with their mother.

July 19: Surrey RCMP issue an Amber Alert.



July 24: Amber Alert enters day six.

Photo: RCMP Abraxas Glazov

ORIGINAL 12:40 p.m.

The search for two missing B.C. children who have been allegedly abducted by their mother continues on Monday as the family continues to wait for answers.

A provincewide Amber Alert was issued last Wednesday for the children. The children were on a planned camping vacation near Kelowna with their mother but were not returned to their father on July 17 and reported missing the next day.

Verity Bolton, the childrens mother, is believed to be travelling with her father and her boyfriend. Police have identified her father as Robert Bolton, 74 and her boyfriend as Abraxas Glazov, 53.

On Monday morning, police confirm with Glacier Media that they still believe the group is in B.C.

"We have no concrete evidence to suggest they have left the province, but they have access to a vehicle and it is a possibility, says Cpl. Vanessa Munn with Surrey RCMP.



A family member spoke with Glacier Media and provided more photographs of the children with the hopes of them being found.



We are struggling [to] imagine what they must be feeling, says the family member, who shared additional photos of the children with Glacier Media.



Theyve asked not to be named publicly and are pleading with the public to focus on the truck and trailer photographs.

A dedicated tip line has been set up by Surrey RCMP and police are fielding possible sightings from outside of British Columbia.

"To be clear, we have received tips from as far away as Saskatchewan and Alberta; however, none of them have been substantiated at this time, says Munn.

Police remain incredibly concerned for the well-being of the children and the mothers ability to care for them.

Glazov was the subject of a missing person report from Clinton, B.C. back in 2016.

The group of five does have access to several trailers, including a horse trailer, a travel trailer and a fifth-wheel. The vehicle they are using is a dark blue 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 with a British Columbia licence plate, SJ2708.

We know they have been using the same truck and they have been towing three different trailers, and we need the public to keep this in mind, says Sgt. Tammy Lobb.

Numerous agencies are putting resources into the search for the two children. Police officers and investigators from the Southeast District units and the Nelson Police Department are following up on tips and sightings. Search and rescue groups along with BC Conservation Officer Service are conducting ground searches and the RCMP Air Services is doing air searches.

"Our investigators continue to follow up on all tips and avenues of investigation, Munn said Monday morning.

Anyone with information or who thinks theyve seen the group is asked to call 604-599-7676 or email: [email protected].
Ewins' commitment to transparency  which was one of the reasons Gaylor Baird said she hired her  has continued to be a central issue, twice spilling into public view in the week before Ewins' resignation.

Her departure came a week after she announced she would reduce daily press briefings that have been a staple of the department for more than a century and only days after she declined to release bodycam footage from a crash involving a sheriff's deputy in May.

LPD  and public safety in general  was also a flashpoint in the mayoral race this spring. Gaylor Bairds challenger Suzanne Geist  and the PAC supporting her  blanketed the city with ads that included cherry-picked statistics saying Lincolns crime had skyrocketed under Gaylor Bairds administration, and that her administration had silenced whistleblowers.

The Lincoln Police Union, which had endorsed hiring Ewins, also endorsed Geist.

Morrow told reporters Monday that she met with union officials upon her appointment Friday but she rejected the notion that "bridges have been burned with our union" after a reporter asked if the meeting was meant to mend LPD's relationship with the labor group.

"Im not in a position to suggest that they have or havent (been burned)," Morrow said. "I will not speak for the union  the leadership or their members.

"Again, I would just reaffirm that my goal is always to work with our department and all of those that are serving within it. I serve them as much as I serve our community. And that is how well continue to move forward."
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 colors draining out, said Lesneski, who has spent several days on the reefs over the past two weeks. And some individuals are stark white. And we still have more to come.

Scientists with NOAA have 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 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit above the normal maximum for eight straight weeks.

Surface temperatures around the Keys have been averaging about 91 degrees, well above the normal mid-July average of 85 degrees, said Jacqueline De La Cour, operations manager for NOAAs 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 doesnt 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 some 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. "Were 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 suns rays, lowering temperatures.

Because of climate change and other factors, the Keys waters have lost 80% to 90% of their coral over the past 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 underway 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. T

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.

Photos: Coral evolution tweaked for global warming
An Allegiant Air flight from Mesa, Arizona, to Central Nebraska Regional Airport in Grand Island turned around mid-flight Monday night.

Independent reporter Jessica Votipka was on the flight. She said the pilot announced that they were "legally" unable to land the plane in Grand Island. Back at the Arizona airport, Allegiant officials told passengers the flight crew was unable to communicate with the Central Nebraska Regional Airport, leading to the turnaround.

Hall County Airport Authority Executive Director Michael Olson said National Weather Service weather reporting equipment went down.

"Airlines will not dispatch aircraft unless there is active weather reporting at the airport," Olson said.

Votipka said the plane was about 30 minutes from Grand Island. The plane was an Airbus A320, according to Flight Aware. The flight took off, bound for Grand Island, just after 5.45 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (most of Arizona does not observe daylight saving time).

Officials told passengers the flight had been rescheduled to Tuesday morning.

9 unusual things confiscated by TSA 'Someone tried to bring THAT on a plane?!' Boa constrictor Breadfruit...with baby oil Eels and nearly 200 sea creatures Ceremonial scissors Pet turtle Freddy Krueger gloves Maggots in a suitcase Shark in a jar Antique cannonball
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 alleged 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.

Top Journal Star photos for July 2023
A recent decision by the states high court has cast doubt on the constitutionality of bench trials, rather than jury trials, in eviction cases in Nebraska.

In the opinion Friday in NP Dodge Management Company v. Teresa Holcomb, the Nebraska Supreme Court dismissed the Omaha womans appeal without getting to the question at hand, finding the case moot because she already had been removed from the apartment.

And they dismissed the case.

But in a concurring opinion, Justice Jonathan J. Papik said, while he agrees with the majority opinion that the case is moot, he believes Holcomb has identified a potential constitutional problem with the provision of Nebraskas Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (NURLTA), which requires the cases to be tried by a judge, not a jury.

He said he wrote separately to highlight why he believes the bench trial provision may rest on constitutionally fragile ground.

Papik said the longstanding precedent of the Nebraska Supreme Court and the weight of authority from other jurisdictions appears to support Holcombs argument that eviction actions are legal in nature.

And because the constitutional right to a jury trial extends to actions that are legal in nature, the state constitutions right to a jury trial would seem to afford litigants the right to a jury trial for actions brought under the act, Papik said.

NP Dodge and the Nebraska Attorney Generals office, which filed a brief in the case, both defended the constitutionality of the bench trial provision, arguing that jury trials werent required.

But Papik said their argument had flaws.

While the court has not held that the NURLTAs bench trial provision is unconstitutional, neither have we held that it is constitutional. Furthermore, three members of this court, through this concurrence, have expressed doubts about the constitutionality of the bench trial provision. Suffice it to say, the constitutionality of the NURLTAs bench trial provision remains an open question, the justice wrote.

Papik was joined by Justices Lindsey Miller-Lerman and Jeffrey Funke.

Papik said the Legislature may in the future wish to itself consider the constitutionality of, and reassess, the NURLTAs bench trial provision.

Legal Aid of Nebraska, which represented Holcomb, hailed the decision as a positive indication that Nebraskans may in fact have a right to jury trial in these proceedings.

The ACLU of Nebraska, the Iowa/Nebraska NAACP, the Nebraska College of Law Civil Clinic and the National Housing Law Project all filed friend-of-the-court briefs in support of their position.

Ken Smith, Nebraska Appleseeds Economic Justice Program Director, said in 1995, the Nebraska Legislature restricted access to the right to jury trials for eviction proceedings, and that went unquestioned for almost 30 years.

Since that time, generations of Nebraskans have been forced from their homes, he said.

Kasey Ogle, senior staff attorney for Collective Impact Lincoln, a partnership between Nebraska Appleseed and Civic Nebraska, said Nebraskans deserve  and have for too long been denied  a fair process when faced with being separated from their homes.

Although the Court was unable to recognize that Nebraskans have a constitutionally guaranteed right to a jury trial in eviction court proceedings today, the concurring opinion filed has made it more clear than ever that the right to a trial by jury is recognized by our States Constitution. We will not rest until a final authoritative opinion is issued recognizing this critical right, Ogle said.

Top Journal Star photos for July 2023
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 Gilson. 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, Gilson 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, said Gilson. For some people, it can be scary. Maybe they had an injury or a recent diagnosis like Parkinsons. To help them is very rewarding.

Gateway's strong reputation

Gilson said she chose Gateway Technical College 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 Gilson. 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 were the clinicals, Gilson said. 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

Gilson, 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.

Gilson said one aspect she liked about Gateway is its diverse student population.

We had a lot of people in different age brackets, Gilson said. 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.

Learn more at gtc.edu.

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Thousands of dollars worth of Country Thunder wristbands were stolen over the weekend and now criminal charges have been filed against three Illinois adults who allegedly received the stolen property.

Wristbands serve to identify the wearer as a ticketholder for the music event and grant the wearer access to different areas based on the kind of wristband it is.

Thomas C. Bernatek, Amelia M. Miulli and Morgan C. Timmons, all 18 years old and from Park Ridge, Ill., were charged Tuesday in Kenosha County Circuit Court.

Each was scheduled to make their initial appearance at Intake Court Tuesday afternoon. They are each charged with receiving stolen property valued over $10,000 as party to a crime, a Class G felony.

Criminal complaint

On Sunday, July 23, a Kenosha County sheriffs detective was dispatched to the Country Thunder Music Festival grounds for a report of a burglary. The detective met with the festival site manager who reported that overnight someone had broken into the will call booth and took three bags of weekend and daily wristbands valued in excess of $50,000, according to the criminal complaint.

The manager also reported that he had checked the internet and located a male who had posted them for sale. The manager said the front of the will call booth has a wood panel that folds down and covers the front of the building. He said that the cover was folded down when it was closed the night before but someone forgot to lock it, according to the complaint. The will call booth was located along the main entrance just south of 110th Street.

When employees opened up for Sunday the manager said they noticed that someone had flipped up the front cover. He said that they had several items scattered on the floor and three bags were missing.

The manager, according to the complaint, said it appeared that someone had stuck something in the window opening of the booth and pulled the bags toward the opening.

The detective reportedly identified the suspect selling the stolen wristbands as Bernatek. The detective reportedly communicated with Bernatek over social media and told Bernatek he wanted to purchase six wrists bands for $50 each. The detective made arrangements for Bernatek to meet a deputy at the Uber/cab area of the festival grounds, according to the complaint.

A deputy in plain clothes reportedly confirmed that Bernatek had tickets and detained him.

Bernatek, according to the complaint, agreed to speak with deputies and said he was not at Country Thunder the day prior. Bernatek reportedly said his girlfriend, Miulli, was at the festival with Timmons and two other females.

Bernatek reportedly said he was communicating with Miulli all night and that she had sent him a text that she found bags of wristbands in the mud. He said that no one was picking them up and so she grabbed them.

A detective searched the vehicle and located five $20 bills sitting on the front passenger side seat, according to the complaint. Also located in the vehicle was a black plastic bag sitting on the front passenger side floorboard that contained several varying Country Thunder wristbands.

Several more wristbands were reportedly located in the glovebox. In total, 20 reserve wristbands, four Sunday general admission wristbands, one platinum wristband, and 68 weekend general admission were located.

The wristbands removed from Bernateks shorts pocket were reportedly 40 general admission wristbands, four reserve wristbands and two Sunday general admission wristbands.

In one text between Bernatek and Miulli she reportedly asked him how can I sell these and I have so many and Premium (expletive) too, according to the complaint.

Later in the conversation, Miulli reportedly said that she found the tickets outside of a little shack and then said that someone stuck their hand inside and pulled out bags of wristbands. Miulli reportedly advised that a couple of bags taken from inside the shack fell to the ground and she retrieved them.

Miulli allegedly messaged Bernatek about how the sales were going and hoped she did not get arrested.

When questioned by investigators Timmons reportedly advised that she did get a bag of wristbands from a male, but claimed she did not see where he had gotten them from. Timmons also reportedly made the spontaneous statement my hand did not go into the window when questioned.

Miulli, when questioned, reportedly claimed that when they got to the will call booth they found the wristbands on the ground and she picked up wristbands.

When asked about Bernatek selling wristbands, Miulli reportedly said I dont know what he did with them after that and his ideas. She reportedly denied knowing he was going to sell tickets despite being shown her previous messages to him.

Country Thunder is the popular four-day country music festival that draws tens of thousands of music fans and high-profile musicians from across the nation to the Shadow Hill Ranch in Randall every summer in Kenosha County.
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
MUSCAT, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Oman's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday offered condolences to Algeria over the raging forest fires that have killed dozens of people.

In a statement, the ministry extended sympathy to the people and government of Algeria, while offering condolences to the families of the victims and wishing for a speedy recovery for the injured.

By late Monday, 34 people had been killed by wildfires in the northern provinces of Algeria. About 8,000 firefighters were mobilized to bring the flames under control, said the Algerian Interior Ministry. 
Photo: The Canadian Press Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says it's the provincial government's responsibility to help backstop Toronto's pandemic-ravaged finances, offering no new federal dollars in two-page response to Mayor Olivia Chow's request for help. Freeland rises during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Monday, June 19, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow accused the federal government of finger pointing on Monday, as Canada's deputy prime minister placed the responsibility to help the city with its pandemic-ravaged finances on the province's shoulders.

A two-page letter from Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland to Chow in response to Toronto's request for additional help offered no new promise of federal funding on Monday. Freeland indicated the city could dip into its own savings or look to the province.

Freeland, who is also the federal finance minister, said the Ontario government has the constitutional responsibility and fiscal capacity to support Toronto.

"It is our firm expectation that they will do so," she wrote to Chow.

Chow wrote in a statement Monday that the province had signalled its willingness to partner with the city.

"I remain hopeful that the federal government will join us as well, despite today's finger-pointing," she said.

The letter is the latest development in an ongoing saga between the different levels of government over how to tackle Torontos pandemic-related budget shortfall.

Chow inherited a nearly $1-billion budget shortfall, in large part tied to decreased transit revenues and increased shelter costs.

Staff reports indicate Toronto could plug the hole in this year's budget by draining most of its remaining COVID-19 backstop fund, drawn in part from an already stretched capital budget.

But how the city will pay for up to an estimated $927-million budget shortfall next year remains an open question.

The mayor is expected to convene a special meeting of the executive committee next month to tackle the city's long-term financial plan.

Freelands letter says the federal government's ability to provide support had limits. She credited Ontarios "excellent fiscal position" to the federal governments emergency pandemic support.

"Mayor Chow, our government has been  and will continue to be  a committed partner for the City of Toronto," Freeland wrote in the letter.

"However, the ability of our federal government is not infinite  and the emergency support we provided during the pandemic led directly to the excellent fiscal position that the Province of Ontario currently enjoys."

The Financial Accountability Office of Ontario has projected a provincial budget surplus of $10.6 billion by the 2025-2026 fiscal year, more than the government-forecasted $4.4-billion surplus.

In response to the letter, Premier Doug Fords office deflected back to the federal government. A statement from a spokesperson in his office did not mention new support for Toronto's budget shortfall, saying the citys request for additional funding was directed at the federal government.

"We hope the federal government and Toronto can work together to find a solution," the statement read.

Freeland, meanwhile, wrote Toronto's $11.2-billion reserve fund had an estimated $1.6 billion in uncommitted "stabilization" funds available, money set aside for emergencies and unanticipated costs.

But recent city reports have put that number far lower, indicating all but $290 million of the reserve funds were fully committed to support the city's 10-year operations and capital plans.

Chow officially took office earlier this month, coming off a byelection campaign where she pledged to work with other major cities to get a new fiscal deal for municipalities.

Officials have long said Canada's most populous city deserves unique financial consideration given the outsized role it plays in regional services from transit to shelter and housing supports.

Chow welcomed the federal government's commitment last week to provide $97 million to help shelter asylum claimants in Toronto, but said it was not enough to meet the city's needs given an increase in claimants and with the shelter system operating at capacity.

She teamed up with Ford and issued a call for the federal government to add another $26.7 million to the program offering rental housing stipends.

The mayor has indicated the new federal dollars would be used to help open up around 250 shelter spaces for asylum claimants in Toronto.

"Recently, when we worked together sheltering refugees, we saw some immediate short-term successes. That is the kind of continued partnership we need to deliver affordable housing, fast and reliable transit and good public services for the people of Toronto for years to come," Chow said.

Freeland's letter noted last week's announcement and said the federal government had committed $1.86 billion to the city this fiscal year through various programs, such as funding for public transit, infrastructure and addictions programs, with that number projected to rise next year to $2.3 billion.
Cambodian residents of Korea raise their voices against their home country's latest election during a protest held in central Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu



By Bereket Alemayehu



Cambodians in Korea held a protest against the national election in their home country in front of Bosingak belfry in downtown Seoul, Sunday. They voiced their objections to the election, which they said was illegitimately run by the country's dictatorial leadership.



Despite the rainy weather, hundreds of Cambodians, migrant workers, students, multicultural families and refugees from all over the country gathered to participate in the demonstration.



One of the rally's organizers was Ohn Chanthorn, a former representative of the opposition Candlelight Party who has lived for 11 years in Korea.



"I am very upset, angry because our Candlelight Party was strong enough to compete in today's election in Cambodia but illegally disqualified by the National Election Committee (NEC)," he told The Korea Times. "Our party appealed against disqualification to the Cambodia Constitutional Council. However the council ruled that the NEC's decision to prevent the Candlelight Party from standing in today's national election was valid."





Ohn Chanthorn, a former representative of the opposition Candlelight Party, holds a Cambodian flag during a protest against his home country's latest election held in central Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu



The reason, he said was to give a winning chance to the dictatorial regime led by Prime Minister Hun Sen, who stood unchallenged in the election. Hun Sen, 70, has been the leader of Cambodia since 1998.



"That's the reason we, Cambodians in Korea, are here to protest, to say that let alone the results, the election itself is unacceptable," Ohn said. "We have been telling the people to not go to the votes. If you don't vote the government fails. The regime wants to keep the power again and again so it puts all pressures to get the votes, including intimidating and persecuting dissidents. So, we, activists and community leaders, are here to protest against the election, against the dictatorial Cambodian government and to be a voice for the voiceless people in our home country."



He also accused the government of giving away Cambodian land to Vietnam illegally.



A Cambodian woman who wished to be identified only as Huy, a resident of Korea for 11 years, attended the rally with her Korean husband. She said the prime minister is unacceptable to the people and has stayed in power for too long without providing freedom and democracy.





A woman surnamed Huy holds a Cambodian flag during a protest in central Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu



She gave a speech against the regime calling for change, and rejected the election by saying that it was merely for show. Huy called on the Korean people and government to pay attention, and not to support the dictatorial regime.



The main organizer of the demonstration was the Cambodia Peace Forum, a civic organization established in 2023 by Cambodian activists in Korea which strives for freedom and democracy.



Sokhem Ser, its chair founder, explained the forum's reason for organizing the protest on the day of the national election. "To support peace, freedom and democracy in our motherland, Cambodia, we need to foster the spirit of unity and protection of our people wherever we are," he said, adding that the election was "unfair, because we couldn't find any opposition parties to vote for in Cambodia." He acknowledged that Cambodians were staging similar protests in many parts of the world. He called for the Korean government to not stand with and support the Hun Sen government.





Sokhem Ser, chair founder of the Cambodia Peace Forum, speaks during a protest against his home country's latest election held in central Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu
Russian and Belarusian Presidents Discuss Polish Problem

July 24, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko met at the Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg on July 23, where they took up the growing danger of a Polish reaction to the inevitable collapse of the Kiev regime, potentially becoming the new theater of conflict if the Ukrainian one dies down. Lukashenko referenced Putins remarks regarding Poland from his July 21 address in front of the Russian Security Council, where Putin said 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. Continuing, he said: 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. This should not be surprising, Putin said, because Poland has revanchist aspirations, and dreams of seizing parts of Ukraine, Lithuania, and Belarus, as they did after World War I.

With that in mind, consider what Lukashenko said: Theyexactly as you said recentlystarted involving Poland and are actively engaging mercenaries. I have specially brought a map for you, depicting a deployment of Polish armed forces to the borders of the Union State, what you have spoken about, he said. One brigade that was once 500 km from Brest is now just 40 km away, he added. The Poles have also opened a repair center for Leopard tanks and have turned over an airfieldRzeszowto the American military.

Lukashenko continued: Poland raises a question: what does it get in exchange? It is clear: money, armaments, this is clear. But nowyou have also noted thisthere are a lot of speculation about Ukraine gaining admission to NATO piecemeal. What is behind this? Putin responded: Western Ukraine.

Of course, Lukashenko said. They want to chop off western Ukraine and join it to Poland. This is the payment for the active participation of the Poles in this operation, against the forces of the Russian Federation, of course. This is supported by the Americans. But, It is unacceptable to us, Mr. Putin. It is unacceptable to tear off western Ukrainian, dismember Ukraine and hand over these lands to Poland. He promised that if the people of western Ukraine oppose this, Belarus will support them militarily, a point he emphasized a few times to Putin.

While it is not known what else the two Presidents discussed or what plans are being made, it is crystal clear that the two are taking extremely seriously any attempts by Western factions to create a new Poland project as their Ukraine project becomes all used up.
Storm Clouds Are Gathering over the Black Sea, Analyzes Indian Analyst

July 24, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)M.K. Bhadrakumar, a retired Indian diplomat with extensive experience in the countries of the former Soviet Union and environs, warned in a July 21 posting on his Indian Punchline blog that storm clouds are gathering over the Black Sea. The effort of the Kiev regime and NATO to develop new maritime routes in the Black Sea is a serious development, as it seems a precursor to involving the NATO in some way to challenge Russias domain dominance in the Black Sea, he wrote. Indeed, the NATOs Vilnius Summit Communique (July 11) had forecast that the alliance is gearing up for a vastly enhanced presence in the Black Sea region, which has been historically a Russian preserve, where [it] has important military bases.

Four things should be noted in this regard, he says:

1) The Ukraine conflict has been singled out as the context; the focus is on Crimea; 2) Freedom of navigation means an assertive U.S. naval presence; reference to the 1936 Montreux Convention hinted at the role of Turkiye, both as a NATO member country and the custodian of the Dardanelles and Bosporus straits; 3) NATO signals its intention is to enhance its situational awareness, which as a military term involves four stages: observation, orientation, decision, and action. Situational awareness has two main elements, namely, ones own knowledge of the situation and, secondly, ones knowledge of what others are doing and might do if the situation were to change in certain ways. Simply put, NATO surveillance of Russian activities in the Black Sea will intensify; and, 4) NATO seeks closer cooperation with our partners in the region (read Ukraine).

A new NATO maritime route in the Black Sea would cut off Russias garrison in Transnistria; boost Kievs ability to strike at Crimea; and NATO involvement would complicate any future Russian operations to liberate Odessa as well, which is historically a Russian city.

NATO cannot give up Odessa and Russia cannot afford to cede control of the Black Sea to the alliance. Clearly, the entire U.S. project on the new maritime route is intended to pre-empt Russia from gaining control of Odessa. It factors in the strong likelihood that with the Ukrainian offensive floundering, Russia may soon launch its counteroffensive in the direction of Odessa, Bhadrakumar writes.
EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR TUESDAY JULY 25, 2023

Tensions Escalate in Eastern Europe: Join the Fighting Movement for Peace

July 24, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)Escalations over the recent few days have made it clear that the growing danger of war will not go away until a qualitative change occurs among Western nations. Any thought that, because nothing disastrous has happened yet in 17 months of conflict in Ukraine, therefore everything will continue to be fineis absolute idiocy.

Last Friday, July 21, at a meeting of the Russian Security Council, Russias Director of Foreign Intelligence Sergey Naryshkin, put out a warning that the truth of the inevitable defeat of the Ukrainian military is beginning to dawn on many in the West, and new plans are being crafted. According to Naryshkin, Poland is

getting more intent on taking the western parts of Ukraine under control by deploying their troops there. President Putin followed these remarks with a thorough history of Polands territorial aspirations, as parts of Ukraine, Lithuania, and Belarus were incorporated by Poland before World War II, and which many in Poland would eagerly like to swallow up again today. We believe that it is necessary to keep a close eye on these dangerous plans of the Polish authorities,

Naryshkin had said.

When Putin met with Belaruss President Lukashenko on July 23, this danger was put even more at the forefront. Lukashenko warned Putin of major changes in Polands military positions, currently moving eastward towards Belarus and Ukraine, saying: They want to chop off western Ukraine and join it to Poland. This is the payment for the active participation of the Poles in this operation. Lukashenko also told Putin that Belarus would not hesitate to step in to defend against this. Clearly, these scenarios would trigger an entirely new theater in the proxy war between Global NATO and Russia, and a much more dangerous one at that.

Add to this the increased rhetoric around the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called NATO chief Stoltenberg over the weekend to discuss NATOs participation in a security corridor in the Black Sea following Russias withdrawal from the agreement. As one senior diplomat noted of these developments, storm clouds are gathering over the Black Sea, and Russia will only perceive this in one way.

In discussions with associates today, Helga Zepp-LaRouche made the point that the danger of war does not come from developments around Ukraine, or even around Taiwan. Rather the drive for war comes from the previously dominant rules-based order, which is now being confronted with the reality of a whole new system in the emergence of the Global South and the key role of China. The majority of the world is asserting its right to have a new, just world economic system that addresses the fundamental interests of every nation, most importantly economic development. The fact that some refuse to accept this is the core of todays crisis. And dont think the tensions in the Korean Peninsula are not coming from the same place.

At the same time, the existence of this new system is becoming increasingly clear and substantial. President Putin wrote an article in preparation for this weeks Russia-Africa Summit, which appeared all across newspapers in Africa. In it, he stressed Africas worthy place in a new, more just and democratic world order. He went on to elaborate many avenues of economic cooperation that Russia intends to deepen with the continent. At the same time, Chinas top diplomat, Wang Yi, is touring several African countries during his trip to meet with his BRICS counterparts this week in South Africa, and has had many warm and friendly discussions so far at stops in Ethiopia and Kenya. It was also reported that Russia has proposed the creation of a new module for their space station that will be dedicated to scientific cooperation with other BRICS nations, and a special offer has been extended to African and other nations to participate as well.

Western nations and leaders must give up their arrogance at trying to control the world, and work cooperatively with this emerging new system. The Global South can only benefit from the valuable expertise held by the U.S. and Europe.

An all-out mobilization is needed now in the runup to the international peace demonstrations on August 6. Most of the population does not know what is being done in their names, and must be awakened to the dangers faced by the continued use of wars to solve our problems. Also, the release of the new movie Oppenheimer across the world last weekend is causing a heightened mood within the population, that this existential danger is still unresolved. It is up to us to make it concrete, and its solutions known.

Join the mobilization, and become a catalyst for this new policy that is so urgently needed.
VOA Learning English presents Americas Presidents.

Today we are talking about Grover Cleveland. When Americans remember him, it is mostly because he makes writing presidential timelines difficult. Cleveland was the nations 22nd president, and also its 24th.

He remains the only U.S. president to date whose second term did not immediately follow the first.

Cleveland is also notable because of his personal life, and because he held office during one of the countrys worst economic crises.

Early life

Stephen Grover Cleveland was born in the northeastern state of New Jersey and grew up mostly in New York. He was a middle child in a family of nine children. His father was a minister, and the family did not have much money.

As a result, Cleveland had little formal education. He was one of the few presidents who did not go to college. But he was able to become a lawyer. He earned enough money and developed a good professional image.

In time, he became a sheriff, a mayor, and the governor of the state of New York.

In his early life, Cleveland did not marry and have children. Instead, he had many friends, with whom he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and eating and drinking in restaurants.

But Cleveland did have a relationship with a widow named Maria Halpin. She became pregnant and said Cleveland was the babys father.

Cleveland said he was not sure if he was. However, he gave the child some financial support, the name of one of his closest friends, and his own family name. The child was called Oscar Folsom Cleveland.

Shortly after the boy was born, his mother was sent to an institution for the mentally unstable. Doctors quickly confirmed that her mental health was fine, but her son was taken from her and raised by another family.

The story about Halpin and the child became an issue in the election of 1884. The Democratic Party had nominated Cleveland as their candidate for president.

In general, voters liked his message of limiting federal spending, reducing the power of wealthy interests, and stopping political corruption. Some called him Grover the Good.

But Clevelands opponents said his history with Maria Halpin showed that he was an immoral man. At anti-Cleveland rallies, Republicans chanted, Ma, ma, wheres my Pa? Pa is another word for father.

But Cleveland did not comment much on the matter. His defenders said Clevelands honesty as a public official was more important than his bad judgment as a private citizen.

Voters seemed to agree. Cleveland narrowly won the election. His supporters answered the Republicans chants of wheres my Pa? by saying, Gone to the White House, ha, ha, ha!

First presidential term

Grover Clevelands presidency was unusual because he did not want to use the office to propose laws. Instead, he mostly aimed to keep the federal government operating efficiently. He also wanted to limit lawmakers power to help special interest groups.

As a result, Cleveland vetoed many bills in his first term. He set a record at that time for saying no to proposals from Congress.

One of the few ideas that he supported was reducing tariffs.

Many of his fellow Democrats liked that idea, too. But a number of Republicans did not. In the next election, their candidate, Benjamin Harrison, defeated Cleveland.

Cleveland returned to being a lawyer in New York.

In 1892, Cleveland was chosen to run against Benjamin Harrison again. The tariff issue returned: the Republicans protective tariffs had hurt some industries, and voters answered this time by voting Harrison out of office.

Cleveland returned to the White House. But this time he was not alone.

White House wedding

Two years into his first term as president, Cleveland married the daughter of his close friend, Oscar Folsom.

The brides name was Frances Folsom. She was 21 years old at the time. The president was 49.

Cleveland was not the first president to get married while in office. But he was the first one to be married in the White House.

The event captivated the public. Whats more, Americans adored the new first lady. She was known for being social, charming, and beautiful. Historians conclude that she was the most popular first lady since Dolley Madison. She remains the youngest.

Second presidential term

When the Clevelands returned to the White House, the country was entering a severe economic recession. Some of the countrys biggest businesses were failing, including a railroad and many banks.

As a result, investors withdrew their money from the stock market. The withdrawal caused many other businesses to fail. The series of events is known as the Panic of 1893.

Soon, more and more Americans were out of work. Many could not afford houses or food. Some begged President Cleveland to intervene. But he declined. He did not think it was the role of the federal government to create jobs in order to reverse the depression.

However, Cleveland did use the power of the federal government to intervene during a famous labor strike. In that event, workers in Chicago who helped keep the trains operating walked out of their jobs. They were protesting a major decrease in their pay that did not include a decrease in their living expenses.

Since the owner of the company also controlled the price of housing and food, workers appealed to him to treat them more fairly. But the company owner refused even to meet with the workers.

Soon, the workers boycott grew. Workers at other railyards stopped working. Farmers could not get their goods to market, and others could not get the supplies they needed. Even the mail stopped being delivered.

So Cleveland sent federal troops to break the strike.

In the short term, Clevelands actions worked. The trains moved again, and both the courts and most of the public agreed with the presidents decision.

But in the long term, Clevelands handling of the panic, depression, and workers strike lost the support of many voters. At the next opportunity, they voted him out of the White House again.

Clevelands legacy

Cleveland returned to New York, and later settled in a large house in Princeton, New Jersey.

There, he wrote, made speeches, sat on corporate boards, became a trustee of Princeton University and enjoyed the respect of the people who lived in the town.

He died at age 71 of problems with his stomach, heart, and kidneys. Several people said his final words were, I have tried so hard to do right.

Then and now, many people agreed with that idea. Cleveland was generally an honest man who worked hard and tried to act independently as president.

But he is not considered one of Americas best leaders. He did not have a clear idea about how to guide the country.



Yet the opposing party, at least, may have considered Clevelands presidency a success. After Clevelands final election defeat, six of the next seven presidents were Republicans.

Im Kelly Jean Kelly.

Kelly Jean Kelly wrote this story for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.

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Quiz - America's Presidents: : Grover Cleveland Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

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Words in This Story

widow - n. a woman whose husband has died

immoral - adj. not morally good or right : morally evil or wrong

tariffs - n. a tax on goods coming into or leaving a country

captivate - v. to attract and hold the attention of someone by being interesting or pretty

trustee - n. a member of a group that manages the money of an organization
Jill Biden, the first lady of the United States, is in Paris this week to announce her countrys return to UNESCO.

UNESCO is the educational, cultural and scientific organization of the United Nations.

Biden flew overnight and arrived with her daughter, Ashley, early on Monday to be there for Tuesdays ceremony. They will see the American flag raised to mark the U.S. return to UNESCO after five years.

UNESCO is the organization that designates World Heritage sites  noting they should be marked for eternal preservation. Eternal means something that lasts forever. The organization also works to create collaboration among nations in education, science and culture.

UNESCO recently denounced attacks by Russia on Ukraine that have damaged historical places, such as a church in Odesa. The organization noted Russia had earlier agreed to limit attacks to prevent damage on such places.

The Bidens will return to the U.S. on Wednesday, but they plan to visit the famous Mont-Saint-Michel before they leave. The place is a world heritage site in Normandy, in northern France.

Jill Biden will also meet with Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron.

Spokespeople from the administration of President Joe Biden said rejoining UNESCO was part of the presidents goal to strengthen partnerships around the world. The administration also said it shows Americas interest in being a U.N. leader.

Others said Jill Biden was the right person to take part in Tuesdays event because of her experience as a teacher and college professor. Elizabeth Alexander is a spokesperson for Biden. She said the first lady is honored to help celebrate this important milestone.

The U.S. left UNESCO in 2018 during President Donald Trumps time in office. Trumps administration was protesting what it called unfair treatment of Israel by UNESCO.

UNESCO voted earlier in July to approve the United States readmission to the group. As part of rejoining UNESCO, the U.S. will pay more than $600 million over a number of coming years. That amount includes what the U.S. would have paid had it been a member since 2018. Clubs, labor groups and other organizations call these amounts dues.

The U.S. also withdrew from UNESCO in the 1980s during Ronald Reagans presidency. It rejoined the group in 2003 under President George W. Bush. Bushs wife, Laura, announced the move at a UNESCO meeting that year.

Im Dan Friedell.

Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English from reports by the Associated Press.

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Words in This Story

designate v. to officially chose something

collaboration n. to work together with another group

milestone n. an important event in the development of a person or an ongoing activity

readmission n. to be admitted again

dues n. (pl.) a regular payment that is made to be a member of an organization

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A new public opinion study found that 78 percent of Asian Americans have a favorable opinion of the United States. Only 20 percent of those questioned had a favorable view of China.

The Pew Research Center released results of its survey on Wednesday. It questioned more than 7,000 Asian American adults. Pew researchers asked them about their opinions of the United States, their ancestral homeland and other Asian countries.

The participants were from seven origin groups. They had ties to Japan, Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, India or China. Some were born in the United States, while others immigrated to the U.S.

Overall, the majority of participants in each origin group had a favorable view of their homeland. Over 90 percent of Japanese Americans and Taiwanese Americans answered they had a favorable view of their homeland. A lower majority of Vietnamese Americans  59 percent -- said they had a favorable view of Vietnam.

Chinese Americans answered less favorably. Only 41 percent of Chinese Americans said they had a very favorable or somewhat favorable view of China.

Among Asian Americans with ties to other Asian countries, only 14 percent said they had a favorable view of China. By comparison, 67 percent of other Asian Americans said they had a favorable view of Japan. The next-highest was South Korea, with 60 percent.

Pew also asked participants if they would consider moving back to their ancestral homeland. Overall, 26 percent of Asian Americans said they would move back if they had the chance. Three-quarters said they would not consider moving.

Pew found that Indian Americans were the most open to moving to their homeland. Thirty-three percent answered that they would consider moving to India. Among Indian Americans who said they would consider moving, 52 percent said their reason would be to live closer to family.

Only 16 percent of Chinese Americans said they would consider moving to China.

Researchers also asked participants to predict which country would be the worlds top economic power in the next 10 years. A small majority, 53 percent, chose the United States. Thirty-six percent chose China. Participants with Taiwanese, Vietnamese, and Korean ties were the most hopeful in Americas future.

Im Gregory Stachel.

Gregory Stachel adapted this story based on reporting from Voice of America.

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Words in This Story

favorable  adj. showing approval

view  n. an opinion or way of thinking about something

participant  n. a person who is involved in an activity or event

origin  n. the place, social situation, or type of family that a person comes from

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Twitter owner Elon Musk has launched a new logo  the single letter X  to replace the social media services famous blue bird.

The X design started appearing at the top of Twitters computer version on Monday. But the old bird logo could still be seen across areas of the service.

Musk announced in a Twitter message Sunday that he had decided to change the companys logo. He said he had asked his millions of followers to provide logo ideas and if they would favor a change in the services colors from blue to black.

When asked what tweets would be called without the blue bird logo, Musk said they would now be known as Xs.

The latest change is one in a series Musk has carried out since buying Twitter for $44 billion last year.

The billionaire businessman dismissed about 75 percent of the companys workforce soon after the deal closed. Musk said the move was necessary to make Twitter more effective and increase profits. He also announced plans to start charging Twitter users eight dollars a month to keep a verified account.

As Twitter chief, Musk also lifted some existing restrictions on user content. He said those changes were part of a larger effort to protect the free speech of Twitter users. Critics said his plans were likely to increase the amount of harmful content and hate speech appearing on the service.

Musks changes led to drops in the number of Twitter users. Some advertisers stopped doing business with the company, as well.

In a message on Twitter Monday, chief executive Linda Yaccarino wrote, X is here! Lets do this. Along with her message, she published a picture of the logo projected onto the buildings headquarters in San Francisco

Musk also commented on the logo change, writing, And soon we shall bid adieu to the twitter brand and, gradually, all the birds. Musk said the X.com web domain was already redirecting users to Twitter.com.

A three-member team designed the first Twitter logo in 2012. One of those designers, Martin Grasser, described the blue bird logo as "simple, balanced and easy to read at very small sizes.

Matt Rhodes is with the British creative agency House 337. He told news agency Reuters that making changes to such an established brand presents big business risks. "Anything that makes it harder for people to find, or want to open the app on their cluttered phone screens risks harming usage," Rhodes said.

However, Paolo Pescatore, a technology and media specialist who founded advisory company PP Foresight, said the change could be good. He spoke to the Associated Press.

Pescatore said social media users currently can get confused by too many apps and messaging services to choose from. Driving users to one central place will engage more users and could make Twitter easier to use, he said.

Musk has long been interested in the letter X. He had already changed Twitter's official name to X Corp after buying the company.

The billionaire is also CEO of rocket company Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, commonly known as SpaceX. He started an artificial intelligence company this month called xAI to compete with OpenAI. And in 1999, he founded a startup called X.com, an online financial services company now known as PayPal.

Musk's Twitter purchase and rebranding effort are seen as steps toward his stated plans to create what he has called an everything app. Such an app would be similar to Chinas WeChat, which combines video, messaging, streaming and payments.

Yaccarino wrote on Twitter that she sees X becoming the future state of unlimited interactivity  centered in audio, video, messaging, payments/banking  creating a global marketplace for ideas, goods, services, and opportunities.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Reuters and The Associated Press reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the reports for VOA Learning English.

_____________________________________________

Words in This Story

logo  n. to interest someone in something and keep them thinking about it

verify  v. to prove something is true

content  n. information or ideas that appear in books, movies or on the internet

bid adieu  v. say goodbye

brand  n. a kind of product made by a particular company under a particular name

clutter  n. a state of being messy

confuse  v. to mix up someones mind or ideas

engage  v. to interest someone in something and keep them thinking about it

gradually  adv. moving forward in steps or degrees

app  n. a computer program that performs a special function, usually found on mobile phones

streaming  n. the continuous transmission of video files from a server to a viewer

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Photo: The Canadian Press FILE - Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during the Family Leadership Summit, July 14, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. DeSantis has veterans from Texas Sen. Ted Cruzs 2016 campaign working on his behalf. The DeSantis campaign is working to identify local party activists who could serve as delegates but also is specifically courting state lawmakers, who are typically active in their local GOP groups. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was in a multi-car accident on Tuesday as he traveled in a motorcade to campaign events in Tennessee for his 2024 presidential bid but was uninjured.

Traffic slowed down and caused four cars in the motorcade to hit each other, Chattanooga, Tennessee, police told WTVC-TV. One staff member suffered a minor injury, police said.

The Republican White House hopeful and his team are uninjured, campaign press secretary Bryan Griffin told The Associated Press.

Representatives for DeSantis campaign did not answer questions about who was driving the governor or reveal details about the accident. DeSantis was continuing on to his event, spokesman Andrew Romeo said. A spokesman for the Florida governors office deferred questions about the accident to the campaign.

DeSantis was scheduled to hold events throughout central and eastern Tennessee, where he has been focusing a lot of attention in his recent campaigning. Earlier this month, he addressed more than 1,800 attendees at a state GOP dinner in Nashville.

The Florida governor, who has trailed front-runner Donald Trump in the GOP presidential contest, was expected to be at fundraiser at a private home in Chattanooga on Tuesday. Hosts for the fundraiser were to pay $10,000 per couple for the event, while co-hosts were paying $5,000 and other attendees were paying $2,000 each, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

DeSantis was expected to attend additional fundraisers on Tuesday in Knoxville and Franklin.

The Republican candidate has been attending a string of fundraisers lately as his campaign has faced some surprising financial pressures. He was in Utah over the weekend holding fundraisers and in New York last week for an event in the Hamptons.

Just two months after entering the race, DeSantis already has been cutting staff while facing new questions about his aggressive spending, his media strategy and his apparent willingness to brawl with any and all foes except for Trump, the one person he must defeat to claim the GOPs 2024 presidential nomination.

The DeSantis campaign is recalibrating. Its clear it needs to, said Republican strategist Terry Sullivan, who managed Marco Rubios 2016 presidential campaign. But at the end of the day, theyre still better positioned than any other challenger to Donald Trump, times 10.

DeSantis team has quietly expressed confidence for months that voters would eventually tire of Trumps escalating legal troubles and personal baggage. But that same baggage, playing out in the U.S. legal system just as the GOP primary intensifies, is leaving precious little oxygen for his rivals to break through. And Trumps standing with Republican primary voters seems to be growing stronger with every new legal challenge.

Still, DeSantis team has raised a stunning $150 million for his presidential ambitions so far. The vast majority, $130 million, has gone to a super PAC run by allies who cannot legally coordinate with the campaign.

The DeSantis campaign itself raised more than $20 million in the first six weeks he was in the race, though recently released federal filings revealed that he and his team had burned through more than $8 million in a spending spree that included more than 100 paid staffers, a large security detail and luxury travel.
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
LINCOLN  The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is asking the public for help to find ways to strengthen the states food supply chain after harvest. NDA will host virtual listening sessions on Aug. 1 to identify funding priorities for a $3.3 million cooperative agreement with the USDA Agricultural Marketing Services Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program. For those unable to attend, an online survey is available.

The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program develops and administers state coordinated initiatives to help build resilience across the middle of Nebraskas food supply. USDA funds will support expanded capacity for food crops for activities that happen post-harvest and prior to the arrival at a retail market. Activities like gathering, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distributing locally and regionally produced food, including specialty crops, dairy, grains for eating, aquaculture, and other food products. These funds exclude meat and poultry products because those products are funded through other USDA programs.

Listening sessions and surveys are great ways to get constructive feedback from a lot of different people interested and involved in agriculture, said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. Our goal with these sessions is to gather ideas and consider priorities to fund proposals and projects that will help strengthen Nebraskas food supply.

NDA will work in partnership with USDA to make competitive subaward infrastructure grants to Nebraska food and farm businesses and other eligible entities, including nonprofits, local government entities, tribal governments, and institutions such as schools and hospitals. Information on the competitive infrastructure grant proposal process will be released this fall.

Virtual listening sessions will be held through WebEx on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Register here:

For those unable to attend a session, a public comment survey is available here: https://tinyurl.com/RFSI-Survey

For more information, visit www.nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/rfsi/index/html or contact Holle Evert at holle.evert@nebraska.gov or 402-471-6861.
HOLDREGE  The Phelps County Development Corporation (PCDC) Board of Directors expresses its deep concern regarding the current structure of the proposed merger of Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation District and Dawson Public Power.

PCDC is an economic development organization serving Phelps County communities, and it works across corporate boundaries to promote development, growth, and investment in the entire Central Nebraska region. Agriculture and related industries are leading drivers of the economy, so preservation and improvement of those sectors is a top priority for PCDC.

Board members at PCDC recognize that Central-Dawson leaders who support the merger see opportunities consistent with each of their respective missions. Benefits accruing to Phelps County, as the deal is now structured, are much more difficult to identify.

However, the risk to Phelps County is starkly apparent: water and irrigation will no longer be the primary focus of the new organization. Moreover, though paling in comparison to risks confronting farmers, Phelps County stands to lose several jobs now anchored in Holdrege that will migrate to Dawsons headquarters near Lexington.

Decades ago, visionary leaders created Kingsley Dam, Lake McConaughy, and its extensive canal network, for the purpose of providing irrigation to crops in Phelps, Kearney, and Gosper counties. CNPPID owns and operates these invaluable assets that over time have transformed our region into the envy of the agricultural world.

PCDC believes risks to this unparalleled achievement will multiply as years wear on and memories of Centrals core purpose inevitably fade inside the new organizational structure. An imbalance of representation that favors Dawson Public Power on the board of the proposed new organization virtually assures this unfortunate result.

Its not hard to imagine a future where other non-ag water users will fiercely compete over this critical resource, so its perplexing that the merging entities have so far refused to seriously consider compromises designed to protect the rights of water users. Instead, theyve held fast to a structure opposed by an overwhelming majority of surveyed farmers.

PCDC enjoys strong and resilient relationships with each merging organization and intends to continue working with them to add vitality to our economy and enrich the quality of life in Central Nebraska. Mutually beneficial partnerships are the basis of any enduring enterprise.

PCDC believes Dawson and Central are well-intentioned, yet the organizations have not listened or responded adequately to legitimate concerns expressed by farmers for whom Central was originally created. For the future security of Phelps County farmers and the broader economy they help support, meaningful, authentic communication is required.

Consequently, PCDCs Board of Directors urges Dawson and Central leaders to listen more carefully to their customers and work collaboratively to find a workable compromise  one that provides confidence to Phelps County ag producers  to accomplish the proposed merger.

Alternatively, failing to gain support of the farm community, the merging entities must consider achieving their respective goals in a different manner, one that does not put agriculture at risk in Phelps County.
The sound of the explosion startled Charlene Murphy awake.

The sight boggled her mind.

It just sounded like poof, but it was kinda big, and kinda loud, Murphy said. I jumped up, and a whole half of my house was gone. Me, its just the way I think, I thought how am I gonna fix that?

That was a reflexive reaction for the 69-year-old Murphy, a self-described old hippie who was forever fixing or renovating something throughout her nearly three decades in her 104-year-old family home at 3027 Lincoln Blvd. in midtown Omaha.

It took several seconds for reality to sink in after the boom just after noon on July 3. Murphys house had exploded. It was on fire. Forget about fixing it. She had to get out.

Murphy and her roommate scrambled to safety with the help of neighbors, who hoisted them out a first-floor window along with Murphys pit bull-greyhound mix, Axl Rose. Her long-haired ragdoll cat Merlin emerged a couple of days later with singed ears and nose and burned toe pads. Her other cat, Magics, fate remained unknown for almost two weeks.

The house is damaged beyond repair. It will have to be demolished, Murphy said.

She was unable to go in to look for Magic or salvage any of her possessions because the structure is unsound.

They think its going to fall, she said. I guess they were going to have somebody come shore it up because the insurance company wants to investigate.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, said Assistant Fire Marshal Joseph Caniglia of the Omaha Fire Department. He declined to comment on what role natural gas might have played. Neighbors have said they smelled natural gas outside the house in the days and hours before the blast. That includes a couple who said they reported a gas odor to the Metropolitan Utilities District about 11 a.m. on July 3.

Kay Burdwell said she and her husband, Hutch Mathers, called MUDs emergency line shortly after 11 a.m. on July 3. The person who answered the phone told Mathers that MUD was purging gas lines in the area and not to worry about it, Burdwell said.

He gave them the address of Charlenes house, Burdwell said. They said if you still smell it after 12 oclock, give us a call back.

An MUD spokeswoman declined to comment on that or reports of other neighbors calls to the company. In response to questions about purging gas lines, she said in a prepared statement that purging is a standard, necessary and routine effort to either remove air from a pipeline that will be put into service or to remove natural gas from a pipeline that will be abandoned. Both actions were being conducted on July 3 in the approximate area of 33rd and Cuming.

Several neighbors said it has been common for years to occasionally smell natural gas in the neighborhood, and to call MUD to report it. Burdwell estimated that in her eight years living there, firefighters have gone there probably three times to investigate gas odors.

Another neighbor, Leigh Suhr, said she reported a gas odor last fall to MUD.

They came out with their sniffers; they were very nice, she said.

Suhr said she smelled gas about 10 p.m. the night before the explosion while walking up the block.

I didnt call, but I wish I had, she said. I dont call all the time because they always come and say everythings fine. ... Now I will call every time.

Burdwell said her husband wasnt sure of the odor and didnt initially want to call MUDs emergency number when they thought they smelled gas while walking their dogs the morning of July 3.

I said just in case it is gas we have to call it in immediately because someones house might blow up, she said.

The Nebraska State Fire Marshals Office pipeline safety division is assisting in the Fire Departments investigation of the explosion and fire. Murphy said her homes insurance company also is investigating. She said she has been told a natural gas leak was involved, but the source of it has not been determined.

The MUD statement said the utility is cooperating with ongoing investigations by both the Omaha Fire Department and the Nebraska State Fire Marshal. As part of its responsibilities to those investigations, the District declines further comment about the incident in question.

Charlene Murphy, meanwhile, is staying with her daughter, Amber Murphy, and coming to grips with the sad reality of losing her house for good.

Charlene Murphy talked about that last week, while she was sitting on a bench in the front yard in the shade of a young oak tree she had planted, hoping that Magic the cat would come out.

The house has been in the family for decades. Mary Murphy, who lived about a block away, bought it for her son, Mike Murphy, when he was 17 years old. Mike married Charlene, and they had a daughter, Amber. After the couple divorced, Mike Murphy died of leukemia at just 42 years old.

When he passed away, she (Mary Murphy) came to me wanting to know if I wanted to buy the house, Murphy said. And I did because I wanted my daughter to continue growing up here. ... She was just 13 when her father passed away. She took it extremely hard. We moved in here and it kind of calmed her down.

The house was solidly built six years after the Easter tornado of 1913 tore through Omaha. It has beautiful woodwork, Murphy said. She stripped and refinished all the woodwork because a lot of it had been painted, and the rest was dull.

Among other projects, she had gutted and renovated a bathroom, and was working on another.

And the Murphys are antique dealers, so I have a whole lot of antiques in there, she said. Or had.

More important than its features, the home was a gathering place for family. People came by, on holidays when Murphy was younger, but often just to spend time together.

Everybody was just comfortable here, Murphy said. They have memories of Grammy down there, and then all the memories of growing up as kids when they would come down here.

With all the upkeep of a big old house, she had thought about selling it.

But I couldnt part it with it, Murphy said. That would break my daughters heart.

She was planning this summer to have a new roof and gutters put on, and redo the front porch.

I had to call my insurance man and tell him, well, we have a different claim now, Murphy said.

The house has a gas water heater and furnace. But she switched the dryer and stove to electric when she moved in, and had the gas lines for those appliances capped off at the time.

She said she had not smelled any gas in the house. She and her roommate, Alison Fairchild, usually burn candles and often incense in the evenings.

But we always put them out at night because we dont want to have a fire, Murphy said.

On the day of the explosion, Murphy was napping on a living room sofa and her roommate was upstairs. The explosion blew out the entire west wall of the house, some 30 feet from where Murphy lay.

At first, when I woke up, it was kind of smoky, Murphy said. But it didnt smell like smoke. It smelled like dust from lath and plaster. I could hear bits of plaster falling. I guess I was kind of shock looking around.

Then she saw her neighbor running toward the back of his house, climbing over the rubble of what used to be her wall.

She tried to go out the front door, but it wouldnt open. She ran to the staircase for her roommate.

She was on her way down with her cat under her arm, Murphy said. She said, What happened? I said, I dont know but we got to go.

She started climbing out a window.

And all of a sudden theres this big man there, Murphy said. Hes like here, let me get you out of here. He passed me on to his friend and then he got my roommate out.

She had almost given up hope on Magic when she got a call in the middle of the night last weekend that a neighbor had seen the cat outside. Murphy hurried to the house. Magic ran to her yowling. His whiskers were gone, but he seemed otherwise fine.

Murphys not sure what will happen next. Leigh Suhr knows what she wants to happen.

I hope she rebuilds and I hope she stays, Suhr said. Shes a really nice neighbor.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of July 2023
LINCOLN  U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Kate Bolz today announced that USDA is expanding access to health care for more than 5 million people, including thousands of Nebraskans.

In Nebraska, USDA Rural Development is awarding over $8 million dollars in Emergency Rural Health Care Grants to improve health care facilities in rural towns across the state. These grants will help 17 rural health care organizations expand critical services. This announcement is a part of a national initiative assisting over 172 health care providers nationwide.

USDA Rural Development is proud to improve access to health care for rural Nebraskans, Bolz said. USDAs Emergency Rural Health Care Grants are helping strengthen rural Americas health care infrastructure to build for the future.

For example, Pender Community Hospital used funds to increase telehealth capabilities and connect with clinics in Bancroft, Beemer, Emerson and Pender.

Hospitals awarded include Lexington Regional Health Center, Harlan County Health Systems, Jefferson Community Health Center Inc., the Village of Wauneta, Warren Memorial Hospital, Brown County Hospital, the City of Scribner, Antelope Memorial Hospital, Brodstone Memorial Hospital, Howard County Medical Center, Johnson County Hospital, Morrill County Community Hospital, Niobrara Valley Hospital Corporation, Osmond General Hospital, Phelps Memorial Health Center, and Valley County Health System.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming Americas food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
Eleven people were killed when a roof collapsed at a middle school gymnasium in Chinas far northeast, authorities said yesterday.

The incident occurred Sunday in the city of Qiqihar and the last victim was pulled from the wreckage yesterday morning. The official Xinhua News Agency said construction work at the school was the likely cause, after workers stored materials on the gyms roof that absorbed rain water.

Nineteen people had been in the gymnasium of the No. 34 Middle School, Xinhua said, but gave no details on how many were students. Social media and the Baidu news website carried footage of angry parents complaining about what they said was a lack of communication from authorities.

Construction and industrial accidents are regular occurrences in China, largely resulting from companies ignoring safety standards and corruption or a lack of diligence on the part of local government agencies, observers say.

Those problems are especially acute in second- and third-tier cities such as Qiqihar, which lies in the Chinese rustbelt province of Heilongjiang bordering Russia that has seen large-scale economic decline and outward migration in recent years. MDT/AP
The birth of the worlds first test tube baby has been announced in Manchester.

Louise Brown was born shortly before midnight in Oldham and District General Hospital.

Weighing 5lb 12oz (2.61 kg) the baby was delivered by caesarean section because her mother, Lesley Brown, was suffering from toxaemia.

The consultant in charge of the case, Mr Patrick Steptoe, said: All examinations showed that the baby is quite normal. The mothers condition after delivery was also excellent.

Mrs Brown, 29, has blocked fallopian tubes so she and her husband, 39, have been undergoing in vitro fertility treatment.

Last November Mrs Brown had an embryo  of her egg and her husbands sperm  implanted in her womb after it had been fertilized in a laboratory.

The technique is being pioneered by consultant gynaecologist Patrick Steptoe and Cambridge research physiologist Robert Edwards.

This work may be developed in other respects. It may include the reversal of sterilization, Dr Edwards told a press conference at Prestwich Hospital, Manchester.

More than 5,000 couples have applied for the new fertility treatment already and there are 20,000 women in the UK with blockages similar to that experienced by Lesley Brown.

None of the main religions have an official policy on artificial insemination, but the Roman Catholic Church has raised the strongest objection.

The Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, Cardinal Gordon Gray said: I have grave misgivings about the possible implications and consequences for the future.

Louise Browns financial future has been assured by the sale of newspaper rights for her story worth about 300,000.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

Louise Brown celebrated her 21st birthday in 1999, by which time 300,000 women worldwide had conceived through IVF.

Louises youngers sister, Natalie, also born through IVF, became the first test tube baby to give birth  naturally  in 1999.

The success rate for IVF treatment has remained at 17%.

Doctors say social rather than medical factors are the major determinant of success.

More than 70% of IVF clinics are in the UK and 80% of them charge 3,000 for each cycle of treatment.

The process has attracted concern because embryos have been mixed up in the laboratory and the chance of multiple IVF births increased in the 1990s from one in 200 to one in 20.
Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba says it does not plan to sell any shares in its one-third shareholding in financial technology company Ant Group because it wants to retain its stake in an important strategic partner.

Alibaba Group Holdings said in a filing last weekend that it will not participate in Ants share buyback program. It allows shareholders to sell back up to 7.6% of their holdings at an unspecified price that values the company at 567.1 billion yuan ($78.8 billion).

Ant, which operates one of Chinas leading mobile payments services Alipay, has seen its valuation fall nearly 70% from about $280 billion ($38.9 billion) at the time it was planning an IPO in 2020. That was derailed by regulators who conducted an investigation into the firm and then fined it nearly $100 billion for violating laws and regulations in the payments sector.

Given the plunge in Ants valuation, investors who sell their shares to Ant will likely get far less than they would have gotten in 2020.

Given that Ant Group continues to be an important strategic partner to Alibaba Groups various businesses, Alibaba Group has decided that it will not sell any shares to Ant Group under the proposed share repurchase, so as to maintain its shareholding in Ant Group, Alibaba said in the filing.

Alibaba had said earlier that it might sell shares during the program. Singapore state-owned investment firm Temasek Holdings also said it was considering selling some of its shares.

Founded by Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma, Ant Groups Alipay is the primary payment method on Alibabas Taobao and Tmall e-commerce platforms. It serves over a billion users.

Alibaba earlier this year split its businesses into six business groups to try to increase shareholder value. It plans to spin off those businesses into companies that could eventually go public and raise funding.

In May, Alibaba said that its cloud unit, headed by Alibabas former CEO Daniel Zhang, is expected to list within a year. MDT/AP
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. MARK STEVENSON, MEXICO CITY, MDT/AP
Wood-fired and Latin-inspired is how John Manion describes his upcoming restaurant, Brasero. The chef behind the very busy El Che Steakhouse & Bar in the West Loop said the new project will be located in West Town at the former Funkenhausen space. Look for a November opening date.

Like his beloved Fulton Market restaurant La Sirena Clandestina, which closed in 2019 after running for seven years, Brasero will feature a lot of Brazilian influences. Though he spent his early years in Michigan, his family moved to the South American country when he was 8 years old.

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When I was a young chef, I just wanted to cook food that I ate as a kid in Brazil, Manion said. When La Sirena closed it was time because the lease was up, but it felt unfinished.

Of course, it wouldnt be a Manion-helmed restaurant without a wood-fueled grill, and Brasero will have a huge one. All I want to do is stare at fires, Manion said. I dont know that I want to work anywhere that doesnt have a grill. He explained that someone in Texas is building him a very big grill, which will have room for quick high-heat cooking, along with plenty of space for smoking items low and slow.

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The menu is still being finalized, but look out for chicken marinated with tons of garlic and malagueta chiles, a very spicy chile used often in Brazil. Hes also going to be serving moqueca, a Brazilian seafood stew that he thinks is up there in terms of the worlds best dishes. The drink menu will include Brazils most popular cocktail, the caipirinha.

Manion feels especially excited about the project after he was able to show off many of the dishes at a recent pop-up at Sportsmans Club. We didnt really tell people, but we served dishes well have at Brasero, Manion said. Along with the roasted chicken, he dished out a rump cap steak with chimichurri and Brazilian-style black beans and rice. We did 170 plates, and afterward I think everyone on the team was so excited about the response, Manion said.

Brasero is expected to open in November 2023 at 1709 W. Chicago Ave.

nkindelsperger@chicagotribune.com
Chinas government appealed to Japan yesterday not to disrupt the semiconductor industry after curbs on exports of Japanese chip-making technology took effect, adding to technology restrictions Washington and its allies have imposed on China on security grounds.

The Japanese restrictions that took effect Sunday limit Chinese access to tools for etching microscopically small circuits on advanced chips for smartphones, artificial intelligence and other applications. The Netherlands also joined the United States in limiting access to chipmaking tools that Washington says could be used to develop weapons.

We are deeply dissatisfied and regret the act, said a foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning. She urged Japan to prevent relevant measures from interfering with the normal semiconductor industry cooperation between the two countries.

The ruling Communist Party has invested billions of dollars in building Chinese chip foundries but needs Western and Japanese technology to produce the most advanced chips. That threatens to delay Beijings efforts to develop tech industries.

The United States imposed curbs on Chinese access to chips and chipmaking technology under then-President Donald Trump in 2019. The Biden administration broadened those controls to block access to chip design and manufacturing tools.

Chinese government has been slow to respond, possibly to avoid disrupting its fledgling tech industries. Last month, Beijing rattled Japanese and Korea chip manufacturers by announcing an export review process and possible restrictions for gallium and germanium, two metals used in making semiconductors. MDT/AP
Spaniards woke up yesterday to find their country in political disarray after a general election a day earlier left no party with a clear path to forming a government.

The uncertainty deepened as both of Spains two main parties indicated that they hope to take power. The only sure thing seems to be that the country faces weeks, perhaps months, of political negotiations and possibly a new election to sort out the mess.

Alberto Nunez Feijoo s right-of-center Popular Party, or PP, won the most votes and finished with 133 seats. But contrary to nearly every preelection opinion poll, it fell far short of the 176 seats a party needs to secure a majority in the 350-seat Spanish parliament.

Even if it joins forces with the extreme right party Vox, which garnered 33 seats, it wont reach that threshold.

In a nutshell, the PPs decision to consider forming a coalition with Vox didnt pay off with voters.

COULD THERE BE ANOTHER LEFTIST COALITION?

Despite all predictions, Sanchez has an outside chance of staying in office. His Socialist party won 122 seats and his main potential partner, Sumar, has 31.

Since 2019, his leftist minority coalition government has relied on the support of small regional parties in the Basque and Catalonia regions. He could try to repeat that balancing act.

But even if he managed to round up the regional troops again, one major hurdle looms: He would need the support or abstention of the Catalan secessionist party Junts.

The partys leader, Carles Puigdemont, is a member of the European Parliament, living in Belgium. But he is also a fugitive from Spanish justice and faces possible extradition to stand trial for staging an independence push in 2017.

Junts officials have already said they will want something in return for doing a deal with Sanchez. The specter of them demanding an independence referendum for Catalonia as their price would open up a Pandoras box for both Spain and Sanchez.

WHO ARE THE OTHER MAIN PLAYERS?

Besides the conservative Popular Party and the center-left Socialists, the two other principle players are Vox, led by Santiago Abascal, and the leftist Sumar movement, headed by acting second deputy prime minister, Yolanda Diaz.

The prospect of Spain having a far-right party in power for the first time since Gen. Francisco Francos dictatorship has diminished for the moment after Vox lost 19 of its parliamentary seats to finish with a total of 33. Even so, it remains the countrys third political force.

Sumar, with 31 seats, failed to pip Vox for third place, but has said it will seek to form another leftist progressive government with Sanchez.

WILL THERE BE ANOTHER ELECTION?

Spains new parliament will meet in a month. In accordance with official procedure, King Felipe VI is then expected to invite one of the party leaders, Feijoo or Sanchez, to try to form a government.

That leader would then put his candidacy to parliamentary votes. Any candidate getting sufficient support can form a government.

The 350 lawmakers have up to three months to reach an agreement. Otherwise, a new election would be triggered. MDT/AP
The government has decided to suspend the project of building a Kun Iam statue at the Hac-Sa Reservoir Park in the face of public opinion against the project, the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Andre Cheong, said yesterday at a press conference to address the recently presented projects.

Cheong said that while the intention was good, in the light of public criticism of the project the government had decided to suspend the construction of the controversial statue and adjacent structures, vowing to redo the areas damaged by the construction that was already started on the site.

The press conference was held yesterday afternoon at the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM), just a few hours after the Association of Synergy of Macau handed in a petition with nearly 9,000 signatures from residents opposed to the project (see page 2).

Several other sectors of society have also in the last few days expressed opinions against the development of the area and the placement of the statue.

Some residents have opinions on the statue. We have been communicating with several organizations and heard these opinions. There are many different opinions. We had the intention of building a larger space to provide better conditions [for] the residents, Cheong said while advancing that the construction has been suspended.

Cheong also took the opportunity to do a mea culpa in what concerns the communication between the entities responsible for the project, namely the IAM and the public, stating, We have and we will reinforce work related to the communication.

To the many questions from the media, Cheong explained, that the reason that led to the decision to build the statue was as a part of the revamp of this public space, noting, We choose Kun Iam for a symbol of fortune and tranquility. We hoped to bring calm and hope to some residents, namely the elderly, the Secretary remarked, adding that the decision to suspend the project immediately aims to prove that the government is not against peoples opinions.

We heard all the opinions because this is related to the life of the people and we need to hear them. If they dont agree we need to accept that and thats why we decided to suspend [the project]. We dont want something that was being done for the benefit of the population to become a negative thing, Cheong further explained, noting that for the time being they will redo the Plant Labyrinth area at the top of the park and also fix the grass slide zone. Later on, the IAM will come up with a new plan on how to improve the area following the public opinions collected, the Secretary said, advancing that the expansion of the barbecue area is potentially one of the targets.

The government is now studying the best way to terminate the contract with the company that was supposed to revamp the park, a matter that according to Cheong, should not be a big problem as all the contracts have provisions for these cases.
The French president is heading to the South Pacific to make Frances voice heard in a region shaping up as a prime geopolitical battleground for China and the U.S.

President Emmanuel Macrons trip to Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and New Caledonia comes as French forces take part in massive U.S.-Australian-led military exercises in the region. With French troops, citizens and resources spread across its Pacific territories, France wants to protect its own interests and project its power alongside like-minded democracies.

Macron starts today [Macau time] in the French archipelago of New Caledonia, trying to rebuild trust after voters rejected a string of independence referendums that exposed entrenched frustrations of native Kanaks and inequalities with the mainland, and divisions over management of the regions rich nickel reserves. Negotiations are underway for a new status for the territory and its institutions.

After Vanuatu, Macrons last and most strategically important stop is Thursday in Papua New Guinea, which has seen growing Chinese influence and signed a new security cooperation pact with the U.S. in May. The most populous Pacific Island nation is also negotiating a security treaty with Australia.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was to deliver a state-of-the-nation speech yesterday after his first year in office, which saw him allow an expanded U.S. military presence and refuse to rejoin the International Criminal Court in a move aligned with his predecessor, whose bloody anti-drugs crackdown was under an ICC investigation.

More than 20,000 police, backed by other security forces and army troops, were deployed to keep order amid protests and secure the House of Representatives, where Marcos will deliver his speech before a joint session of Congress.

Marcos, 65, rose to power in June last year in a landslide victory that was among the most dramatic political comebacks in recent history. His father was ousted as a dictator accused of widespread human rights violations and plunder in a 1986 pro-democracy uprising that became a harbinger of change at the time in authoritarian regimes worldwide. The president has refused to apologize and has steadfastly defended his fathers legacy.

Marcos told reporters last week that his speech would be a performance report for Filipinos to see if the flurry of pronouncements, the many words, had an impact or were just mere words.

Thats what I want to explain to people  that we have made significant progress. We can see the difference now not only in terms of how the systems work, how the government works. It is also in how we are now seen or judged in the international community, Marcos said.

He was expected to press his campaign call for national unity, although deep divisions remain.

About 6,000 left-wing, labor and human rights groups staged protests ahead of his speech in Congress with diverse demands, including for wage increases, to address attacks against political activists and journalists, and to recall a government program to phase out traditional but aging passenger jeepneys. A group of drivers began a three-day strike yesterday to protest the jeepney phaseout, but no major transport paralysis was reported by midday, police said.

Marcos approved the suspension of school classes and government work in metropolitan Manila due to the planned transport strike and an approaching typhoon.

Despite a police restriction on the burning of effigies, left-wing activists burned a mock giant coin that depicted a smiling Marcos flashing the peace sign with his fingers on one side and as a thief holding a gun and bag of cash in the other.

Pro-Marcos groups separately held a musical concert and displayed congratulatory streamers.

Since assuming the presidency, Marcos has embarked on more than a dozen foreign trips, including to the United States and China, to seek investments and boost trade. He was scheduled to leave for Malaysia today for a three-day visit.

The government said the foreign trips are crucial to drum up economic reforms and initiatives, including a bill that Marcos signed into law last week creating the countrys first sovereign wealth fund, which aims to pool money for infrastructure and other projects. But opponents said the trips, including one that brought him to Singapore to watch Formula One races in October, reflected the presidents misplaced priorities given problems at home, including soaring food prices early in his presidency.

Marcos made himself agriculture chief to directly deal with what he said last year was a looming food crisis caused in part by the war in Ukraine. He has held the post until now despite calls for him to appoint another official so he can focus on other concerns.

In February, Marcos approved an expansion of the U.S. military presence in the Philippines to add four new bases from five existing sites under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the longtime treaty allies. The move, which Marcos said would help boost the Philippines coastal defense, dovetails with the Biden administrations efforts to strengthen an arc of military alliances in the Indo-Pacific to better counter China.

China warned the move will drag the Philippines into the abyss of geopolitical strife and damage its economic development at the end of the day. But Philippine officials said the move was not aimed at China.

Marcoss moves to reaffirm ties with Washington was a key turnaround from the often-hostile approach his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, took toward Manilas treaty ally.

In a decision that clearly favored Duterte but came under attack from human rights activists and Marcos opposition, he refused to take steps to bring the Philippines back to the ICC and said his administration would not cooperate with its investigation into thousands of killings under Dutertes campaign against illegal drugs.

Duterte withdrew the Philippines from The Hague-based court in 2019 in a move rights activists said was an attempt to evade accountability and prevent an international probe into the killings in his anti-drugs crackdown. The ICC, however, has jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed when the Philippines was still a member state of the court. JIM GOMEZ, MANILA, MDT/AP
As Russia seeks more allies during its invasion of Ukraine, longtime U.S. security partner Kenya might not be an obvious choice. But hours after Russia terminated a deal to keep grain flowing from Ukraine, Moscows ambassador saw an opening to appeal to one of the African countries that would feel the effects the most.

In an opinion piece for two of Kenyas largest newspapers, Ambassador Dmitry Maksimychev blamed the United States and European Union for the deals collapse, asserting they had used every trick to keep Russian grain and fertilizer from the global markets.

Now, my dear Kenyan friends, you know the whole truth about who is weaponizing food, he wrote.

Its the kind of brash outreach expected this week at the second Russia-Africa Summit. Grain supplies are in question. The future of the Wagner military group is, too. Its a notable time for Russia to host nearly 50 African countries that rely heavily on Moscow for agricultural products and security. Its not clear how many heads of state will attend.

President Vladimir Putins government is under new pressure to show its commitment to a continent of 1.3 billion people that is increasingly assertive on the global stage.

Africas 54 nations make up the largest voting bloc at the United Nations and have been more divided than any other region on General Assembly resolutions criticizing Russias invasion. If they leave the two-day summit on Friday feeling unheeded, they might distance themselves from Russia, said analyst Cameron Hudson with the U.S.-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.

I think you could see Africans beginning to vote with their feet, he said. This is a decisive moment for both Africa and Putin in their relationship.

Putin has repeatedly said that Russia would offer free grain to low-income African countries now that the grain deal has been terminated. I want to give assurances that our country is capable of replacing the Ukrainian grain both on a commercial and free-of-charge basis, Putin said in a statement yesterday, asserting that Russia shipped almost 10 million tons of grain to Africa in the first half of this year.

The Russian military company Wagner, after its brief rebellion against Moscow, will be an urgent issue for countries like Sudan, Mali and others who contract with the mercenary group in exchange for natural resources like gold. Russias foreign minister has said Wagners work in Africa will continue.

As for a peace proposal for Ukraine that African leaders have tried to pursue, that could be discussed at the summit, Russian ambassador-at-large Oleg Ozerov told the Kommersant newspaper.

Putin himself is a question. He has visited sub-Saharan Africa only once in more than two decades in power. Last week, after considerable diplomatic pressure, South Africa announced that Putin had agreed not to attend an economic summit there in August because of an arrest warrant for him by the International Criminal Court over Ukraine.

South Africas debate over whether to arrest him was another sign of the ambivalence toward Moscow by a once-steady U.S. ally. But President Cyril Ramaphosas office on Friday made clear that African leaders are working for an end to the destabilizing Ukraine-Russia war, saying it would be in the continents economic interests.

The U.S.-backed Africa Center for Strategic Studies has predicted that Russia will try to pull other influential countries including Ethiopia, Congo, Nigeria and Senegal into its orbit. Africa is the most welcoming region for Russia of any other region in the world, the centers Joseph Siegle said.

Like China, Russia tries to appeal to African nations distaste at feeling dictated to by global powers.

A busy tweeter, Russias ambassador to Kenya drew the praise of that countrys foreign minister last week when he objected to a statement by the U.S. and allies expressing concern about live bullets used against Kenyan protests over the rising cost of living. If it is not interference in internal affairs, what is it? Maksimychev asked.

Thank you @russembkenya for this principled position, Kenyas foreign minister, Korir SingOei, replied  just a day after he called Russias decision to end the grain deal a stab on the back.

Despite its high profile in Africa, Russia invests relatively little in it. At the first Russia-Africa Summit in 2019, Putin vowed to double Russias trade with the continent within five years. Instead, it has stalled at around $18 billion a year. Moscow offers less than 1% of what goes to Africa in foreign direct investment, with almost no humanitarian aid.

But Russia can connect with African nations in ways that the West cannot, said Tim Kalyegira, a Ugandan analyst and writer. Russia is one of the few European countries allied with Africa in views about homosexual relations: We are a traditional Christian country. Every time you have an anti-gay bill, were with you, he said.

That could play to U.S. allies like Nigeria and Ghana as well, Kalyegira said.

Uganda faced Washingtons criticism this year for a new law that prescribed the death penalty for aggravated homosexuality. President Joe Biden threatened sanctions amid democratic backsliding by a longtime partner.

Now Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni is listed as a panelist at the Russia-Africa Summit for a discussion on What forms of new colonialism are being imposed on the global majority by the West today?

Uganda also has been one of the largest buyers of weapons from Russia, Africas top arms supplier, along with Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Ethiopia, Angola and Burkina Faso.

Kalyegira said Russia now could broker grain supply deals with individual African nations, weakening any continental stance on the war. CARA ANNA, NAIROBI, MDT/AP
A local woman has lost MOP200,000 to a man whom she thought she knew, who requested loans from her, the Judiciary Police (PJ) announced yesterday.

According to the police, on July 21, the female victim, 70, reported that she got a call from a man on the evening of July 19. Upon answering the call, she thought the man was an interior refurbishment worker whom she knew. The man requested to continue communicating with her over WeChat, which she accepted.

The next day, the man asked the woman on WeChat for a loan of MOP100,000. The woman said she did not have enough money and could only lend him MOP20,000. She then transferred the money to a designated bank account.

Later, the man asked for another MOP130,000 as loan, and the woman lent him MOP100,000. On July 21, the man asked for MOP130,000 and she lent him MOP80,000. Later that day, the man asked for MOP200,000, and the woman started to feel strange and called the real worker whom she knew. The worker told her that he had never added her on WeChat. Thinking that she might have been scammed, she approached the police.

In another case, two local university students in their twenties came across a post on Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu (The Little Red Book) that claimed to be selling tickets to the show of G Idol.

The two girls decided to buy two tickets for RMB3,500 and made the transfer on Alipay. However, the alleged seller said that they had typed the wrong information in the remark section, and asked them to make the transfer again. The alleged seller promised that they would be refunded after the second transfer.

The two girls believed this and so made another transfer. Again, the alleged seller said there was another problem with the remarks and requested another transfer. The two girls then suspected they had been scammed, so they contacted the PJ.

The Public Security Police Force (PSP) managed to apprehend a Korean man, 34, who allegedly stole a handbag from a woman in a shopping mall in the NAPE district on July 20. According to the police, the woman was working on setting up a store at the mall and placed her bag somewhere on the ground. When she finished working, she realized that the bag had disappeared. The woman said that there were HKD3,000 and MOP500 cash in the bag, as well as a pair of headphones.

After viewing surveillance camera footage, the police found a suspect and apprehended the man in the same afternoon at a shopping mall in Taipa, and seized HKD400 and MOP160 cash.
Cambodias longtime ruling party yesterday lauded its landslide victory in weekend elections as a clear mandate for the next five years, but the United States said its stifling of the opposition meant the vote could not be considered free or fair and that Washington was taking punitive measures.

Autocratic leader Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party won 120 of 125 available seats in Sundays elections, according to preliminary results.

The 70-year-old, who has been in power for 38 years, has said he plans to hand the prime ministers job off to his oldest son, 45-year-old Hun Manet, who is Cambodias army chief and won his first parliamentary seat Sunday.

It is part of what is expected to be a broad generational change in top positions for the CPP. And while it is not yet clear exactly when Hun Manet might take over, Hun Sen has suggested it could be as early as within the next month.

On his Facebook page Monday, Hun Manet said the election result showed that the Cambodian people have clearly expressed their wills through votes, adding that he thanked Cambodians for their love and confidence in the CPP and pledged that the party would continue to serve Cambodia and Cambodian people better and better.

Following a challenge from the opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party in 2013 that the CPP barely overcame at the polls, Hun Sen responded by going after leaders of the opposition, and eventually the countrys sympathetic courts dissolved the party.

Ahead of Sundays election, the unofficial successor to the CNRP, known as the Candlelight Party, was barred on a technicality from running in the election by the National Election Committee. MDT/AP
WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana  Wildlife workers put out bear traps for a third night Monday as they try to capture a grizzly bear that killed a woman who was traveling alone on a forest trail near Yellowstone National Park.

Amie Adamson of Derby, Kansas, was killed in Saturday's fatal mauling near the Montana-Idaho border, the Gallatin County Coroner's Office said.

Officials on Monday ruled out a rare predatory attack, meaning Adamson likely died following a chance encounter with the bear as she traveled alone in a wooded area frequented by grizzly and black bears.

Authorities have not decided whether they would kill the adult bear if it's captured or whether they would relocate it, Jacobsen said.
KENOSHA  The father of a Wisconsin soldier who crossed into North Korea says his son is a proud American and a devoted service member who probably made a mistake after a long night of drinking.

Thomas King of Kenosha said his son, Travis King, was never a drinker before joining the Army, but he might have been celebrating his units return to the United States after a two-year stint on the Korean Peninsula.

He probably was drunk, Thomas King said in an interview Tuesday. Thats the only reason I could see.

Travis King, 23, a 2020 graduate of Park High School in Racine, has been missing since July 18, one day after officials say he was supposed to fly back to the United States.

Witnesses have reported that the U.S. Army private joined a tourist group in South Korea and then bolted across the border into the hostile neighboring country of North Korea.

U.S. government officials have been trying to determine why Travis King crossed the border, while also engaging the North Korean government in a discussion about the soldiers whereabouts.

A spokesman at the Pentagon expressed doubts about Thomas Kings theory that Travis King crossed the border because he was intoxicated.

John Supple of the U.S. Department of Defense said Travis King missed his flight back to the United States on the night of July 17 and reportedly crossed the border into North Korea mid-afternoon the next day  a long period of time to remain under the influence of alcohol.

Supple, however, expressed sympathy for Thomas King and the uncertainty surrounding his sons well-being.

I can only imagine what hes going through, Supple said. And thats why the department is working so hard to bring Private King home.

Other news media outlets, some citing anonymous sources, have reported that Travis King was facing disciplinary action and possibly even a military discharge when he decided to avoid returning to the United States and then to flee into North Korea.

The Wisconsin soldier was charged with assault in South Korea and had been jailed until July 10 as a result of the incident.

Thomas King said he believes the assault stemmed from a common barroom brawl, and that his son was not facing any further disciplinary action.

Thomas King described his son as quiet and easygoing.

Hes not a trouble-maker, Thomas King said. He likes to stay to himself.

Supple confirmed that Travis King had served his time in connection to the assault. But the spokesman declined to comment further about the soldiers planned return to the United States  including whether Travis Kings unit was shipping out, as the father suspects.

The situation and its geopolitical implications have thrust Travis Kings family into a national spotlight.

His mother, Claudine Gates, who lives in Racine, has declined interview requests and issued only brief public pleas for her sons safe return.

Thomas King contacted The Journal Times to request an interview. He spoke for 45 minutes Tuesday at OKeefes Automotive, 3314 52nd St., where he works.

He said Travis King was the only child born from a 10-year relationship between Gates and himself. The pair never married, but he said they remain on good terms.

Thomas King also said he has enjoyed a healthy relationship with his son.

OKeefe Automotive owner Duane OKeefe said Thomas King was visibly upset upon learning that his son was missing in North Korea.

OKeefe said he has tried to offer his friend support and comfort during a difficult time.

Its mind-boggling, OKeefe said. Its scary.

Thomas King said he served in the U.S. Army during the 1980s, and that he has two brothers who also served.

Travis King enlisted after high school, and Thomas King said his son called and texted often during basic training.

Before heading to South Korea about two years ago, Travis King returned home for a visit, and Thomas King said the two had lunch together.

Travis King was enjoying the Army, and he was excited about going to the Korean Peninsula, his father said.

Thomas King said he never heard his son express any anti-American sentiments or any regrets about being in the military.

Travis is a good guy. Hes a good solider, Thomas King said. He always wanted to be a soldier.
Back when Funkytown Brewery got its start, the three founders sought to make beer that would appeal to Black communities they felt had been shut out from the industry.

Just a few short years later, theyre brewing in the big leagues.

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The Black-owned Chicago brewery went up against five beer-makers in a Samuel Adams competition and took home the grand prize: the chance to partner with one of the nations largest brewers on a beer collaboration.

Theres not going to be a limit on what our imaginations can come up with a beer with them, said co-founder Zack Day.

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Winning the competition also means Funkytown will get mentorship and access to capital and business resources from Sam Adams to help strengthen its startup operation. Day and co-founders Greg Williams and Rich Bloomfield hope the partnership will stir up interest from investors, as well to help with expanding their brand.

And while their Sam Adams collab will only be sold at the Samuel Adams Boston Taproom, the opportunity to spread the word about Funkytown was huge, they said.

The beer is great, and the beer will sell itself, Day said. But getting in front of people ... and actually showing what Funkytown is all about, because you are the only ones truly representing it? You get a good dosage on what it is and what it can be.

Its a big step for the fledgling brewery, which launched out of Pilot Project in Logan Square in 2021 with a focus on folks who are new to drinking beer, especially in the Black community.

After the trio met in grade school, they attended college together at Grambling State University, a historically Black college in Grambling, Louisiana. They drank cheap beer with their fellow collegians, but eventually graduated into craft beer.

Zachary Day, Gregory Williams and Richard Bloomfield, of Funkytown Brewery at Pilot Project Brewing, a Logan Square "brewery incubator," Sep. 8, 2021. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

At functions, where they were surrounded by Blackness, the three friends would frequently be the only ones drinking beer, they said. It created a lot of questions from curious friends and acquaintances.

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They were genuinely curious, though, like (asking), Why yall drink that? What does it taste like? Williams said. And we wondered why they had such an adverse response to it.

By 2017, they decided to start home brewing, with the hopes of eventually going pro. It was a path theyd largely have to pave for themselves  fewer than 1% of craft breweries in America are Black-owned, according to a 2021 study by The Brewers Association.

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We saw that, yo, there is a lane here for us, Williams said. (What if) we introduce our people to beer the proper way?

[ Black-owned breweries are rare, but more are opening in Chicago. Heres why that matters. ]

In hopes of appealing to new drinkers, Funkytown beers are typically less bitter, and branded to reflect the founders love for their heritage and community  past labels have featured The Fugees, Mary J. Blige and depictions of historically Black college and university homecomings.

Recent creations include the Black Is Beautiful imperial stout, which pairs the beers roasted vanilla notes with caramel and a hint of blueberry. The Stroll, named for a stretch of State Street in the Bronzeville neighborhood, is a brown ale winkingly called a bronze ale in celebration of the corridors history as a hub of Black culture.

And while their plans for the Sam Adams collab are still in the early stages, they hope to bring that same Chicago-born spirit to Boston.

Shelli Nicole is a freelance writer.
A potentially intoxicated motorcyclist struck and killed a 68-year-old man before getting thrown from his bike and dying on East Washington Avenue Friday night, Madison police said.

The bike's operator, 20-year-old Alexis Arias, of Madison, was speeding down East Washington Avenue just after 9 p.m. when he hit 68-year-old Bradley J. Juve, 68, also of Madison, said Stephanie Fryer, a police spokesperson.

Juve did not have a signal to cross the street at Eagan Road when he was hit, Fryer said.

Witnesses told authorities they had seen Arias speeding and driving recklessly on his motorcycle right before the crash, Fryer said.

The Dane County Medical Examiner's Office identified the two men on Monday.

The incident closed outgoing traffic on East Washington Avenue until about 1 a.m. on Saturday.
A home security company called Boundary allows homeowners to hire a burglar to test their home security. The consultation involves the felon explaining how they would gain entry to the owner's home. The ex-burglar will also offer the homeowner tips on how to improve their security against po
A Madison father shot his 25-year-old son to death Saturday night during a fight that started with an argument over 25 cents the younger man demanded, after the father had given his son what he said was his last $2, according to a criminal complaint filed Tuesday.

John C. Shively, 65, told police he grabbed and fired the gun, which belonged to his son, Zachary S. Shively, so that the confrontation would finally end.

I foolishly thought that with a gun right at him that he would just finally give me respite, Shively told police after the shooting, which happened at the Shively home at 2849 Warner St. on Madisons South Side.

It was a big argument for (25 cents), is that insane or ... Shively said.

But Shively said it was not only the 25 cents but the culmination of a lot of bad decisions that had built up over time that caused him to shoot his son with a gun that Zachary Shively owned and had used earlier that night to fire gunshots from a moving car.

Could I have gotten help for him that I didnt? Shively asked a Madison police detective. Probably, but I didnt know what to do.

The complaint charged Shively with first-degree intentional homicide for his sons death, which according to the complaint was caused by a single gunshot wound to his heart and aorta. Medical Examiner Dr. Vincent Tranchida estimated the shot was fired from a distance of between 6 inches and 3 feet.

During a court appearance Tuesday, state assistant public defender Jacob Idlas said self-defense will almost certainly be a factor. He said Shively, who is widowed, has lived his entire life in the Madison area, and he and his wife raised two adopted sons, including Zachary.

It is clear from both the probable cause affidavit and an even clearer picture in the criminal complaint that self-defense will be a central issue in this case. Mr. Shively made admissions that he pulled the trigger of the gun, yes, Idlas said. But there were many other statements indicating self-defense, he said.

Shivelys other son, Robert Shively, appeared in court by video and asked that lesser bail be set for his father than the $1 million usually set in first-degree intentional homicide cases, and that the case be seen more as one of a reckless nature than intentional.

The reason Im here speaking today even though it may not be in the best interest of my father is my father is my best friend and I want to make sure he has adequate help and protection, Robert Shively said. He added later, Im a direct reflection of my dad, and hes a good guy. If you look at his kids and you look at his family, you dont see a bad egg. Even my brother wasnt a bad egg.

Court Commissioner Jason Hanson, recognizing that even though the case against Shively is strong, said its an emotional one involving members of the same family, and that a self-defense argument could be made. He set bail at $300,000, well under the $1 million sought by Assistant District Attorney Kali Zettle.

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According to the complaint:

A roommate of the father and son told police the Shivelys had gone to a family gathering late Saturday afternoon but came home after they had started arguing over money at the gathering.

The roommate said he was trying to leave the house and go to another house across the street when he heard one gunshot. After the shot, he heard John Shively say, Call 911. The man said he ran from the house and went across the street where he called 911.

The roommate said Zachary Shively had bought the gun recently from a gun shop in Oregon, south of Madison.

John Shively also called 911 and told a dispatcher he had shot his son and put the gun down on the floor.

When police arrived, John Shively came out of the house as ordered, with blood on his hands and clothing. In a squad car he told an officer, I pulled the trigger.

Officers found Zachary Shively in a living room type of area at the bottom of the stairs in the basement of the home. A .40-caliber Glock handgun was on the floor in a nearby bedroom. A single fired casing was also found.

Arguing about money

At the police station Downtown, John Shively told Detective Lisa Fahrenbruch that he shot his son after things built up and built up. He said Zachary Shively would not drop the subject of money and kept asking him for money, even though John Shively said he had none.

Shively said he had previously given his son and his sons friends post-dated checks, and that was what his son was demanding again.

He had only $2, which he didnt want to give his son, but he ended up giving it to him. But his son wanted $2.50. John Shively said he only had 30 cents and a few pennies, but his son kept hammering that he needed 25 cents more.

Shively said it wasnt unusual for his son to demand money. But he said he owes taxes on his house and hasnt paid the mortgage for the past two or three months and his credit cards are at their limits, so it was not just about the 25 cents but about a lot of bad decisions.

Fighting escalates

The argument lasted what seemed to Shively like a long time, and at one point before the shooting, Zachary Shively had gone upstairs and come back down to continue arguing. John Shively could have left then through a sliding door, he told police, but he didnt.

Zachary Shively hit his father on the upper arm with a closed fist, trying to intimidate him. Then he began pushing the older man. Shively said his son pushed him into the corner, where he landed in a chair and bumped his head on a wall, but he was not seriously hurt by that.

After being pushed into the chair, John Shively said, he was trying to go upstairs, but his son grabbed him from behind and pulled him backward and continued to hit him.

For reasons the elder Shively said he did not know, Zachary Shively had left the gun on a ledge at the bottom of the stairs.

I cant tell you how much I regret that I picked it up, thinking that he would finally back down, Shively told police, which he didnt do.

He said he pointed the gun at his son who was coming at him and fired point blank.

I wish I hadnt, he said. Im pretty sure I only pulled it once.

Although Zachary Shively was hurling a lot of insults, John Shively said, he didnt make any threats. His son was pushing him, the elder Shively said, but not verbally threatening him.

Asked by Fahrenbruch about his intent in firing the gun, Shively said there was no logical thought behind it, he just wanted the confrontation with his son to stop.

Discover more reporting from Lee's Public Service Journalism team The Public Service Journalism team focuses on producing in-depth and investigative stories on local, state and national issues with significan
Now that the owner of a troubled Madison lounge has vacated the property, a Dane County judge has approved the citys request to drop a nuisance complaint against the Far East Side business where a man was shot to death in May.

Lush Lounge, located in a small strip mall at 3765 E. Washington Ave., had been accused of selling alcohol without a license at private events it advertised on social media. On May 21, Raheem D. Blue, 32, died after being shot in the businesss parking lot following a private event inside. Police said that when they arrived, they found fighting in the parking lot and a chaotic scene, according to the citys May 30 nuisance complaint.

About two weeks before that, according to the complaint, police say they responded to a dispute at the lounge just before 1 a.m. and found about 20 people in a parking lot.

A judge granted a temporary restraining order to close the business in late May and on Monday signed an order dismissing the case after the city informed the court that Lushs owner, Alisa Mae Davis, had vacated the property.

Davis never filed any response to the citys complaint.

Lush had a liquor license until late October, when it was pulled because Davis failed to correct address information on the license, rendering it invalid, according to the citys complaint. Its first day in business on Sept. 24 ended in a large fight in its parking lot.

It then had a provisional liquor license from the end of October until the end of December, but its application for a permanent license was held up twice  first because Davis is being sued by her former business partner and most recently because of concerns about public safety and operations at the business from the areas City Council representative, police and the city attorneys office.

Police did not immediately respond to a request for the status of the investigation into Blues murder.

Who are they? WI children reported missing as of July 1 These are recent reports of missing children made to local law enforcement. If you think you have seen a missing child, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
Wednesday will be a day to keep it between the lines and around the speed limits on Dane County roads.

The Wisconsin State Patrol and 22 Dane County law enforcement agencies on Wednesday will be cooperating on speed surveillance and reminding residents of the dangers of speeding.

The effort comes in support of the Dane County Traffic Safety Commissions observance of Speed Awareness Day, the commission said in a statement.

Commission member Lt. Matt Wagner of the Cottage Grove Police Department said the effort addresses the continuing trend of speeding and hazardous moving violations that in the first six months of this year led to five deaths and 139 serious injuries in Dane County.

In 2022, Dane County drivers were involved in 8,969 crashes that resulted in 44 deaths and 2,262 injuries. A quarter of the fatal crashes involved excessive speed, according to the commissions statement.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Traffic Safety has provided funding for increased staffing to enforce speed limits for 13 of the participating Dane County departments.

Wagner, who is co-chairing a new collaborative law enforcement subgroup of the commission that will identify priority areas for reducing crash deaths and injuries, said speeding is involved in about a third of all motor vehicle fatalities nationally, and drivers who speed also are more likely to engage in other risky behaviors, such as not wearing a seat belt, drinking and driving, and using a cellphone while driving.

And crashes that result in death due to speeding are historically higher from June through September, Wagner said.

Lt. Chad ONeil of the Stoughton Police Department, who co-chairs the subgroup with Wagner, said research has shown that highly visible speed enforcement is an effective way to reinforce driver compliance with posted speed limits. Thats why we are notifying the public of increased enforcement and education on Wednesday and hope it will encourage motorists to better regulate their speed all year long.

The Traffic Safety Commission is a coalition of 48 public and private organizations working together to monitor and improve traffic safety.
New pieces of artwork have appeared on Madisons East Side to commemorate the citys history.

A life-size, gold statue of a Union soldier, holding a rifle and wearing a backpack, stands brightly at the corner of Milwaukee Street and East Washington Avenue outside the Nexus apartments, part of the Union Corners development, an $85 million, 255-unit mixed-use project completed earlier this month after a decade of construction.

The statue was funded by the Wisconsin firm behind the redevelopment, Oregon-based Gorman & Co.

I wanted it to be special, said Gary Gorman, Gorman & Co.s chairman. Not just generic apartments and stores. I wanted people to feel like they were in a special place and have an attachment to it.

The statue honors the importance of the area during the Civil War. Across the street from the development used to be the home of the Union House Tavern, a saloon where men enlisted to fight in the Civil War could visit after training at Camp Randall, leave allotment checks for their wives to pick up and return from war, said Ted Matkom, Gorman & Co.s Wisconsin market president.

While the original Union House Tavern was torn down in 1954, another tavern went up on the corner years later, taking the same name. That Union House Tavern closed in 2007. The Malt House Tavern, noted for its craft and specialty beers, opened in its place and operates today.

The plaque on the statue reads, I am a Young Union Solider from Wisconsin quickly trained at Camp Randall in Madison then sent East to the front battle. A light illuminates the statue through the night and on the rear of the pedestal is a plaque titled My Beautiful Child, recalling a mothers reflections on her son going off to war.

You left for the call of honor, duty and freedom, the mothers note reads.

Picture a 16-year-old coming off a farm, Gorman said. Its a wide-eyed look on his face.

The statue, made of 24-carat gold leaf on a bronze casting, was designed by Becky Ault, an artist from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Its joined by two smaller exhibits  a three-dimensional replica of the tavern and an allusion to Madisons history as an important site for manufacturing batteries.

In the early 1900s, the French battery firm that would eventually become industry leader Rayovac set up shop on that corner. In its honor, Gorman & Co. re-created a small replica of the original factory.

City Arts and Culture Administrator Karin Wolf said it is very encouraging to see that desire of art be a private goal.

Humans are drawn to images of themselves and to stories, to narratives, Wolf said. This gives people a lot to think about.

Across Milwaukee Street from the tavern, Gorman & Co. has been building out the Union Corners development, 13 acres with more than 132 affordable and 123 market-rate housing units, 40,000 square feet of commercial space, a health clinic and more.

Analisa Follensbee, a new Nexus apartments resident and artist, said she is enjoying learning more about Madisons history.

I had no idea about the significance of the neighborhood until these art pieces were installed, Follensbee said, adding that she would like to see more public art that represents all of Madisons history. Starting with the Union soldiers is good, but there were people before the Europeans, so some sort of acknowledgment or representation of the people before is important.

Brett Semenas, another Nexus apartment resident, noted drily that the statue is shiny but said history buffs might want to check it out.

Informative stuff. Its cool, Semenas said.
A judge sentenced a former northern Wisconsin prosecutor to 18 months in prison Monday for secretly recording sexual encounters with two women, including one he was prosecuting in a restraining order case.

A jury found former Burnett County District Attorney Daniel Steffen guilty in April of three counts of capturing an intimate representation depicting nudity. St. Croix County Circuit Judge Scott Nordstrand handed down the sentence.

A state Department of Justice agent began investigating Steffen in early 2020, according to the criminal complaint in the case. A witness told the agent that a woman the witness knew had openly talked about having sex with Steffen in exchange for leniency on her pending criminal cases.

The woman told the agent she had only met Steffen a couple of times in court and denied having a relationship with him. She said she had several cases pending and ended up paying a fine. A few months later she acknowledged a relationship with Steffen, saying she was facing charges for violating a restraining order and he was prosecuting her.

Investigators searched Steffens home in October 2020 and found an iPad in his dresser, according to the criminal complaint. On the iPad were videos of Steffen having sex with the woman in August and September of 2018. The woman told investigators she wasnt aware he was filming them.

Also on the iPad was another video of Steffen having sex with another woman earlier in 2018. They could be heard talking about how she could avoid charges for hitting a mailbox. She told investigators she wasnt aware he was filming them.

Nordstrand, the judge, also ordered Steffen to serve two years of extended supervision and four years on probation after he gets out of prison.

Steffens attorney, listed in online court records as Minneapolis-based Eric Nelson, didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment late Monday afternoon.
Wisconsins Supreme Court will flip from majority conservative to liberal control in August, and Democrats have high hopes the change will lead to the states abortion ban being overturned and its maps redrawn to weaken GOP control of the Legislature and congressional districts.

Democrats in the perennial battleground state focused on abortion to elect a liberal majority to the court for the first time in 15 years. The Democratic Party spent $8 million to tilt the courts 4-3 conservative majority by one seat with the election of Janet Protasiewicz, who campaigned in favor of abortion rights and against the Republican-drawn map in a campaign. Her April victory broke national spending records for a state Supreme Court race.

Still, there are no guarantees. Republicans were angered when Brian Hagedorn, a conservative candidate they backed in 2019 who went on to win his race, turned out to sometimes side with liberal justices.

While the court is widely expected to weigh in on abortion and redistricting, liberals also are talking about bringing new challenges to school choice, voter ID, and Act 10, the 12-year-old law and signature legislative achievement by former GOP Gov. Scott Walker that effectively ended collective bargaining for most public workers.

When you dont know the extent of the battle you may have to fight, its concerning, said attorney Rick Esenberg, president of the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty.

Some issues could take years to reach the court, said liberal attorney Lester Pines, who like Esenberg has argued numerous times before the state Supreme Court. Unlike under the conservative majority, Pines predicted the new liberal court will be unlikely to rule on cases before lower courts have heard them.

Abortion access

There is already a pending case challenging an 1849 feticide law that has been widely interpreted as a ban on almost all abortions since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a constitutional right to abortion last year. A circuit court judge ruled earlier this month that the case can proceed, while also calling into question whether the law actually bans abortions.

The case is expected to reach the Supreme Court within months. Protasiewicz all but promised to overturn the ban by repeatedly speaking out for abortion rights, winning support from Planned Parenthood and others.

When youre a politician and youre perceived by the voters as making a promise, and you dont keep it, they get angry, Esenberg said.

State maps

There is no current redistricting lawsuit, but Democrats or their allies are expected to file a new challenge this summer seeking new districts before the 2024 election.

The state Supreme Court upheld Republican-drawn maps in 2022. Those maps, widely regarded as among the most gerrymandered in the country, have helped Republicans increase their hold on the Legislature to near supermajority levels, even as Democrats have won statewide elections, including Tony Evers as governor in 2018 and 2022 and Joe Biden as president in 2020.

Protasiewicz declared those maps to be rigged and said during the campaign they should be given another look. Democrats also hope for new congressional maps improving their chances in the states two most competitive House districts, held by Republicans.

What we want to see is maps that are fair and that represent the will of the people and the actual make-up of their state, Democratic strategist Melissa Baldauff said.

Election laws

Four of the past six presidential elections in Wisconsin have been decided by less than a percentage point. The outgoing conservative court came within one vote of overturning Bidens win in 2020. The new court will be in control to hear any challenges leading up to the election and in the months after.

That includes voting rules. Courts have repeatedly upheld Wisconsins voter ID requirement, in place since 2011, but some Democrats see a chance to challenge it again, particularly over what IDs can legally be shown. There is also a looming fight over the states top elections administrator.

It seems to me that the most consequential topics that could come before the new court would have to do with elections, said Alan Ball, a Marquette University Law School history professor who runs a statistical analysis blog of the court and tendencies of justices.

Considering comments Protasiewicz made during the campaign, its really hard for me to imagine she would not side with the liberals on those issues, Ball said.

A national Democratic law firm filed a lawsuit on Thursday seeking to undo a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling last year banning absentee ballot drop boxes. The case could make its way to the state high court before the 2024 presidential election.

Governor powers

Other sticky issues that have garnered bipartisan criticism, including powers of the governor, also could come before the new court.

Evers surprised many with a veto this year putting in place a school spending increase for 400 years. Republicans said a challenge was likely.

In 2021, the court struck down three of Evers previous partial vetoes but failed to give clear guidance on what is allowed.

A Wisconsin governors veto power is expansive and used by Republicans and Democrats, but the new court could weigh in on whether it should be scaled back. Esenberg, who brought the previous case challenging Evers veto powers, said he expected another legal challenge in light of the 400-year veto.
Heres how members of Wisconsins congressional delegation voted on major issues last week. Readers can visit www.VoteFacts.com to research other top issues and individual voting records in the current 118th Congress and recent 117th Congress.

House

Declaring Support of Israel: Voting 412-9, the House on July 18 adopted a measure (H Con Res 57) restating U.S. support of Israel and asserting it is not a racist or apartheid state. The vote occurred on the eve of Israeli President Isaac Herzogs address to Congress and three days after Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., stoked furor on Capitol Hill by calling Israel a racist state in its treatment of Palestinians. She later praised the idea of Israel while narrowing her criticism to actions by the extreme right-wing government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

A yes vote was to adopt the nonbinding resolution.

Voting yes: Bryan Steil, R-1, Mark Pocan, D-2, Derrick Van Orden, R-3, Gwen Moore, D-4, Scott Fitzgerald, R-5, Glenn Grothman, R-6, Thomas Tiffany, R-7, Mike Gallagher, R-8

Voting no: None

Five-Year Renewal of Aviation Programs: Voting 351-69, the House on July 21 passed a bill (HR 3935) that would reauthorize through September 2028 a wide range of Federal Aviation Administration programs including measures to enhance flight safety and improve the passenger experience. In part, the bill would fund tens of billions of dollars in capital improvements at airports of all sizes; direct a share of construction funds to companies run by minorities and women; recognize the growing impact of climate change on aviation including its role in flight turbulence; improve in-fight accommodations for disabled passengers; expand ground surveillance to detect and prevent near misses on runways, and incorporate emerging technologies such as drones and electric- or hydrogen-powered aircraft into commercial aviation.

A yes vote was to send the bill to the Senate, which is drafting its own version of the FAA reauthorization.

Voting yes: Steil, Pocan, Van Orden, Fitzgerald, Grothman, Gallagher

Voting no: Moore, Tiffany

Removing Climate Change from Turbulence Research: Voting 206-227, the House on July 19 defeated an amendment to HR 3935 (above) that sought focus a study into reducing air turbulence on weather rather than climate change. Weather describes short-term atmospheric conditions. Climate change is the average rate of change over long periods in conditions including rainfall and temperature in a particular region. The amendment directed federal agencies to ignore climate change in the turbulence research required by the bill.

A yes vote was to adopt the amendment.

Voting yes: Steil, Van Orden, Fitzgerald, Grothman, Tiffany, Gallagher

Voting no: Pocan, Moore

Pilot Training on Simulators: The House on July 19 voted, 243-191, to uphold a Federal Aviation Administration requirement that commercial airline pilots receive 1,500 hours of flight training for certification, with no more than 100 hours occurring on simulators. This removed language from HR 3935 (above) that would have increased to 250 number of simulator hours that could be used to meet the 1,500-hour requirement. As a result of this vote, the allocation will continue to be 100 hours of simulator training to go with 1,400 hours in the sky. The 1,500-hour standard was established in response to a crash in February 2009 of Continental Connection Flight 3407 near Buffalo, N.Y., that killed all 49 people on the plane and one person on the ground. Investigators attributed the crash to inexperienced pilots responding incorrectly to a stall warning.

A yes vote was to adopt the amendment.

Voting yes: Pocan, Moore, Fitzgerald

Voting no: Steil, Van Orden, Grothman, Tiffany, Gallagher

Protecting Cockpits Against Terrorists: Voting 392-41, the House on July 19 adopted an amendment to HR 3935 (above) that would increase the prevalence of secondary cockpit barriers on commercial aircraft to guard against terrorists and hijackers. As a result of attacks on 9/11 in which terrorists took control of cockpits, the Federal Aviation Administration since 2018 has required secondary barriers on newly manufactured aircraft. This amendment would require all commercial aircraft regardless of age to be equipped with secondary barriers within three years.

A yes vote was to adopt the amendment.

Voting yes: Steil, Pocan, Moore, Fitzgerald, Grothman, Gallagher

Voting no: Van Orden, Tiffany

Helicopter Overflights of National Parks: Voting 193-236, the House on July 19 defeated an amendment to HR 3935 (above) that sought to require the National Park Service to consider not just environmental concerns but also the profits of helicopter companies when it sets rules limiting or prohibiting helicopter overflights of national parks.

A yes vote was to adopt the amendment.

Voting yes: Steil, Van Orden, Fitzgerald, Grothman, Tiffany, Gallagher

Voting no: Pocan, Moore

Denying School Shelter to Undocumented Aliens: Voting 222-201, the House on July 19 passed a Republican-sponsored bill (HR 3941) that would deny federal education funds to any public K-12 school or institution of higher education that provides shelter on a temporary basis to undocumented aliens  including those applying for asylum in the United States  who have been relocated to their communities by immigration authorities.

A yes vote was to send the bill to the Senate, where it was likely to fail.

Voting yes: Steil, Van Orden, Fitzgerald, Grothman, Tiffany, Gallagher

Voting no: Pocan, Moore

Senate

Slashing Military Aid to Ukraine: Voting 13-71, the Senate on July 20 defeated an amendment to the fiscal 2024 Department of Defense budget (S 2226) that would have eliminated nearly all of the bills military aid to Ukraine. The amendment sought to reduce the bills proposed level of Ukrainian aid by 98% (to 2%) until such time as all North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries start funding NATO at a level equivalent to 2% of their gross domestic product. The bill remained in debate. A House-passed version of the 2024 military budget contains $300 million for Ukraine.

A yes vote was to slash military aid to Ukraine.

Tammy Baldwin, D, and Ron Johnson, R, voted no.

Key votes ahead

The Senate will continue to debate the fiscal 2024 military budget in the week of July 24, while the House schedule was to be announced.

VoteFacts.com News Reports is a nonpartisan, fact-based news service whose mission is to help civically engaged individuals and organizations track major actions in the U.S. House and Senate. Readers can visit www.VoteFacts.com to research other top issues and individual voting records in the current 118th Congress and recent 117th Congress.
Although its been nearly two years since most Chicago theaters began to reopen for indoor audiences, there are still welcome firsts that come along now and then. One example is the return of Chicago Shakespeare Theaters family musicals  a staple of Navy Piers summer programming  with a 75-minute version of Beauty and the Beast, directed and choreographed by Amber Mak.

As I wove through the crowds of tourists on a sunny Friday afternoon, the pier was as busy as Ive seen it since before the pandemic  a positive sign for the citys economic recovery. When I reached the theater lobby, I was greeted by the sight of cute young fans dressed in Belle costumes, eager to see the beloved princess onstage.

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This straightforward production of the Disney musical has some lovely flourishes, especially in the ways it leans into its French fairy tale source material and the bookish nature of its protagonist. The solid cast features several Chicago regulars  including James Earl Jones II as Cogsworth  and newer faces such as Audrey Hare (Belle), an early-career actress from Aurora, and Jason Michael Evans (Beast). However, the show suffers from the truncated length and small ensemble and orchestra.

Jeffrey D. Kmiecs set is framed by giant books, with one titled La Belle et la Bete prominently displayed at the top of the proscenium, and when Belle appears in her signature yellow dress, she descends a staircase of books. Mike Tutajs projections continue the storybook visuals by flipping through pages of French text during scene changes and alternating backgrounds of soft, warmly colored village landscapes with black-and-white sketches that look hand drawn. These touches are not only a service to the bookworms in the audience but also reinforce the idea that stories have the power to lift readers beyond the troubles of their own lives  as Belle well knows and the Beast comes to learn through reading with her.

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When Beauty and Beast was adapted from the 1991 animated film into a stage musical in 1993, composer Alan Menken greatly expanded on the score. Collaborating with lyricist Tim Rice after the death of original lyricist Howard Ashman, Menken added new songs for Belle, the Beast, Gaston, Maurice and more  lending new depth to these characters (or, in Gastons case, new shallowness) and creating some of the scores most beautiful melodies.

The Beast (Jason Michael Evans) and Belle (Audrey Hare) in "Beauty and the Beast" at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier. (Liz Lauren/HANDOUT)

Having never seen the shorter family version, I steeled myself for significant cuts, and most of the choices were understandable. But in my view, the biggest loss is If I Cant Love Her, the Beasts only full-length solo number. Its a personal favorite, but beyond that, the song provides crucial character development for the Beast. If we dont feel his despair, theres less payoff when he finally finds love and breaks the curse.

Thankfully, Chicago Shakespeare continues to employ live musicians as it did pre-pandemic, but with only four orchestra members (along with electronic music by Ethan Deppe), the score sounds quite sparse. Its no fault of the performers, and orchestrator Heidi Joosten makes the best of the circumstances, but you really miss the orchestral swell when Belle sings, I want adventure in the great wide somewhere, to name one example.

Similarly, due to the small ensemble size, no more than a dozen cast members are onstage during the largest numbers, so the choreography looks thin at times. Scaled-back casts havent mattered as much in previous family shows Ive seen at Chicago Shakespeare, such as Peter Pan  A Musical Adventure (also directed by Mak), with its small bands of Lost Boys and pirates, or The Wizard of Oz, which mainly focuses on Dorothy and her trio of friends. But here, its more noticeable in flashy numbers like Be Our Guest, with its chorus line of cutlery.

Belle (Audrey Hare) and cast in "Beauty and the Beast" at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier. (Liz Lauren/HANDOUT)

That being said, Mak makes innovative choices with the forces on hand, including a fun bit in the song Gaston when Le Fou (Sam Linda) conducts his fellow villagers like a choir as they sing the praises of their favorite egomaniac (David Sajewich). I also admired her graceful choreography for the Enchantress (Emily Ann Brooks), who places the spell on the Beast and his castle. Theresa Hams costume designs add to the charming visuals, especially that of Mrs. Potts (Rebecca Prescott), whose teakettle silhouette actually spouts steam. Im not sure who was more delighted by that detail  me or my 11-year-old guest.

Despite my quibbles with the production, its always encouraging to see an audience full of children and their caregivers, and this bite-sized Beauty and the Beast is a good candidate to help youngsters catch the theater bug. As a bonus, if you stick around after the show, a few cast members will come out to the lobby in costume. For kids who are anything like I was at their age, meeting the actors and taking a photo together will leave them completely starry-eyed.

Emily McClanathan is a freelance critic.

Review: Disneys Beauty and the Beast (2.5 stars)

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When: Through Aug. 20

Where: Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave.

Running time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Tickets: $26-$42 at 312-595-5600 or chicagoshakes.com
Wisconsin lawmakers have agreed to drop out of a multistate lawsuit challenging former President Donald Trumps diversion of billions of dollars from National Guard units across the U.S. to fund a wall on the countrys southern border.

The Legislatures budget committee voted unanimously Tuesday to seek dismissal of a pair of federal lawsuits filed in 2019 and 2020 challenging Trumps decision to shift $6.7 billion committed to National Guard units and other projects to construction of a border wall, according to a memo prepared by the state Department of Justice.

Included in the diverted funds was $8 million to build a small-arms weapons range at the 115th Fighter Wings Truax Field in Madison. That money was restored more than two years ago.

Legislation adopted by Republicans during a lame-duck session in December 2018 requires a legislative committee to sign off on some lawsuit settlements brought by the attorney general. The new laws were passed and signed by former Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican, and curbed the power of Gov. Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul, both Democrats, after they were elected but before they took office in 2019.

Trumps diversion of funds was found to be unlawful by a federal district court, a decision that was later affirmed by the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. The injunction, however, was stayed by the U.S. Supreme Court, pending appeal.

President Joe Biden in 2021 issued an executive order directing federal agencies to halt the use of the funds to construct the border wall. In the following settlement negotiations, states began dropping out of the cases. Wisconsin is the last remaining state to drop its claims in the cases, legislative attorneys said Tuesday.

State officials were notified by the National Guard Bureau in September 2019 that the money allocated to the bases small-arms range would be diverted for border fencing purposes. Truax Field was the only Wisconsin project to see funds diverted. The money was originally set to be awarded in March 2020.

President Bidens administration, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense, announced in 2021 that more than $2 billion in remaining military construction funds will be returned to 66 projects across 11 states, three territories and 16 countries, including an estimated $10 million to the small-arms weapons range project at Truax Field. White House officials said at the time the increase from $8 million was due to an increase in the projects cost.

Photos: F-35 fighter jet at the Wisconsin Air National Guards 115th Fighter Wing
Damond Watkins, a member of an illustrious eastern Idaho political family, has enjoyed a storied political career that has seen him earn respect from those at the highest levels of the national Republican Party.

His father, Dane Watkins Sr., is a longtime Idaho Falls businessman who served more than a decade as an Idaho state senator. His brother, Dane Watkins Jr., was elected Bonneville County prosecutor three times before becoming a 7th Judicial District judge, where he has been elected four times.

Damond Watkins grew up attending Republican National Conventions with his father and brother, but his interest in government and politics focused more on the background. He served as a Senate page, both in Boise and Washington, D.C., was elected student body president at the University of Utah, interned in the Clinton White House and spent years climbing through the ranks of the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee, eventually becoming chairman.

In January 2010, the state GOP unanimously voted to appoint him as national committeeman.

In 2008 and 2012, he helped raise $60 million for presidential candidate Mitt Romney during his runs for the presidency. He later was appointed by President Donald Trump to the Presidents Commission on White House Fellowships.

A sudden resignation

So it was a surprise to see a June 26 news release from the Idaho Republican Party announcing Watkins resignation from his national committeeman role. The releases laudatory tone reflected the tenor of his tenure.

It said Watkins had played a pivotal role in shaping our partys vision and driving positive change and that the party expressed its gratitude for his service and contributions over the years 

However, beneath those glossy descriptions was a not-so-secret monthslong effort by some in the party to force Watkins out.

Two former chairmen of the Idaho Republican Party  Trent Clark and Tom Luna  filed a request June 29 with Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel to investigate the unethical and what we believe to be illegal actions that led to the coerced resignation of Damond Watkins.

Watkins detractors claim he has moved out of state and, thereby, vacated his national committeeman seat under party rules.

Watkins told the Post Register that Idaho Falls remains his home and that the July 2022 purchase of a residence in Oak Ridge, North Carolina, was for a second home to allow him to be closer to his wifes family in the southeast and receive medical treatment from one of the nations top surgeons for his continued recovery from a 2013 plane crash that broke his back. His family had been living with him in a North Carolina hotel.

When you start looking at long winters, I have 9 inches of titanium in my spine from the plane crash, Watkins said.

He said he spends more time in Idaho than in North Carolina.

Watkins said the North Carolina purchase came after he and his wife received a generous, unsolicited offer on their home on Solstice Way in Idaho Falls. For several reasons, it was an offer they couldnt refuse. They sold the home and temporarily moved some of their furniture into his parents home in Idaho Falls, he said.

In Idaho Falls, he said he resides in a home on 11th Street that belonged to his grandmother. He and his wife have been renovating the house with the intent of making it their retirement home, he said.

On Aug. 3, Watkins received a phone call from Mark Fuller, then-chairman of the Bonneville County GOP.

Watkins said Fuller told him he wanted to talk about his residency, because its come up in our Central Committee, and theres some questions about it.

That night, Watkins transferred his voter registration online from the home on Solstice Way to his parents home.

My voter registration  (had) been there before, he said. Ive got mail there.  Ive got furniture thats over there that we packed up. A lot of our furniture is still here in Idaho Falls, waiting for this house to be done.

What the law says

Idaho law makes allowances for residents in such circumstances, whether they be snowbirds, students, missionaries or oil field workers so long as they present intention of returning after a departure or absence therefrom, regardless of the duration of absence. The Idaho Voter Registration Form says that to vote in Idaho, you must have resided in Idaho and in the county for 30 days prior to the day of election.

Bonneville County Clerk Penny Manning told the Post Register her office received a voter registration challenge last summer regarding Watkins and that it was in the process of removing him from the voter rolls when he re-registered at a different address, which people do all the time.

Thats not an unusual thing, Manning said. Due to the information that he provided, we had no reason to believe that he was not eligible to register.

From the election side of things, you have to be registered at your primary place of residence, and thats actually the determination of the voter, Manning continued.  In situations such as this, it may mean that you intend to return to Bonneville County or it is your primary place of residence. You cant ever vote in another state or another area, or that cancels out your voter registration.

A change in approach

Once the voter registration challenge failed, the efforts to remove Watkins from his party role took a different tack.

In September, Idaho GOP Chairwoman Dorothy Moon received a petition signed by 61 members of the State Central Committee from 22 counties asking her to call, within 10 days of the receipt of this petition, for a special meeting of the State Central Committee to consider declaring the National Committeeman position vacant or alternatively, removal of National Committeeman Damond Watkins.

The petition, written by Bonneville County GOP State Committeeman Bryan Smith, alleged that Watkins moved to North Carolina, missed multiple Idaho state GOP meetings, was absent at the August 2022 National Committee Meeting, did not vote in the May 2022 Republican primary and updated his voter registration to his fathers address.

The petition included a copy of the deed to the Oak Ridge, North Carolina home, that stated, The hereinafter described property did [X] did not [ ] constitute Grantors primary residence.

Watkins said the claims were either untrue or exaggerated.

I was elected to serve the state of Idaho at the national level, and in 13 years Ive only missed five meetings, Watkins said. These meetings are expensive. (Idaho GOP National Committeewoman) Cindy (Siddoway) and I pay $9,000 to $13,000 a year to participate in the meetings and were never reimbursed.

As required by Idaho GOP rules, Moon called for a special meeting of the Idaho State GOP Committee on Jan. 7 to consider the petition.

A right to due process

In December, in advance of the meeting, the Republican National Committee sent a letter to Moon, stating we are deeply concerned that efforts to remove him (Watkins) might not be done in accordance with IDGOP rules and that any removal would need to be done in accordance with IDGOP rules following Roberts Rules of Order.

At the January special meeting, state GOP 1st Vice Chairman Daniel Silver hired Al Gage, a Certified Professional Parliamentarian who has consulted with the Republican National Committee, to attend and review the state committees actions.

Gage issued a 17-page opinion that found that the proceeding broke multiple party rules and violated Watkins due process rights.

... There were no charges brought against him in advance, Gage wrote  (There) was no prior investigating committee to support the charges,  the meeting was not held in executive session,  (and) the State (Central) Committee does not have the authority to remove the National Committeeman from office.  Only the State Convention has this authority under the current rules.

Following the January meeting, Moon hired an investigative committee led by Chris Troupis, part of the ultraconservative wing of the state Republican Party who handled the closed primary issue in Idaho.

Watkins said he was not informed of the rules of engagement, who was on the committee or whether he would have an opportunity to defend himself.

A showdown in Challis

That investigation came to a head at the state GOPs summer meeting last month in Challis, where Watkins was scheduled to speak June 24.

Twenty minutes before Watkins was set to take the podium, he said Moon and Troupis pulled him aside.

Dorothy looks me in the eye and says, I need to talk to you, Watkins said.

He said he was led outside to the back of the building where Troupis was holding a report titled, The Investigative Report.

He said the committee members had met in secret and they were going to release this committee report to the entire central committee. He said they had boxes of the reports ready to distribute to the central committee. He said they told him, Weve got you dead rights.

What do you mean? Watkins asked.

Watkins said they told him they had a recording of him speaking at his church in North Carolina, thank(ing) the ward out there for allowing my family to plant our roots into that ward.

Watkins was shocked that hed been recorded at church.

Churches are places of worship not to be used as places of political sabotage, Watkins told the Post Register.

He said he asked for a copy of the report, but that Moon refused.

She says, No, you can have a copy when everybody else gets a copy in 20 minutes  clocks ticking.

The Post Register requested a copy of the investigative report, but Moon refused to provide it.

Watkins said Moon told him his friends had turned against him, including his former boss, Melaleuca Executive Chairman Frank VanderSloot.

He said she told him that Everybody, when they see the truth, whats in this report, theyre going to drop you like flies.

The big jugular for me was when she said, You think Frank is your friend? Hes going to drop you like a fly. In fact, Franks told me that anything that comes out of your mouth should be disavowed, Watkins said.

Im getting emotional at this point, because  after the (plane) accident when I wake up from that surgery, Im in the ICU, my wifes on the floor  and Frank is next to me holding my hand, you know? he said. I had a moment of weakness, and I said, Dorothy, what do you want?

Watkins said Moon told him, I want you to resign. Make it go away. If you resign right now, this report will go away.

A distraught Watkins opened up his phone,  I sent a text message saying I resign. Then he got in his car and drove back to Idaho Falls.

When contacted by the Post Register, VanderSloot issued a statement denying he spoke ill of Watkins to Moon.

I have tremendous respect for Damond. I have heard of the statements that Dorothy Moon claims that I made about Damond. I refute them. Damond no longer works for me, so he is no longer our spokesperson, but I have the highest regard for him. I think what Dorothy Moon and her team did to Damond was abhorrently wrong, immoral, and dishonest. Its extremely sad to me to see any leader stoop to these levels. Its especially sad to me to see this happening in the Idaho Republican Party. We are better than this.

Watkins told the Post Register his resignation came under duress.

No do-overs

The Idaho GOP news release praising Watkins was issued two days later.

However, not everyone was buying it, and Watkins silence in the days that followed was curious.

The current leadership of the Idaho Republican Party has waged a relentless campaign to remove Damond Watkins as Idahos National Committeeman, Luna and Clark wrote in their June 29 letter. They must be held accountable for their actions which we believe are clearly contrary to rule and proper procedure.

But the letter was for naught.

On July 14, Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, RNC General Counsel Michael Whatley and RNC Chief Counsel Matthew Raymer sent a letter to Watkins in response.

We understand there has been a concerted effort to remove you from your position as NCM, and that you have disputed both the purported grounds for that removal as well as whether your state partys rules properly have been followed by those seeking your removal. We understand further that you recently resigned in writing via text message to IDGOP Chairwoman Moon, but that you now seek to rescind your resignation on the grounds that you did so under duress, they wrote.

After consultation with our parliamentarian, from the RNCs standpoint, your written resignation to your state party chair is dispositive, and you are no longer the NCM as of its effective date.

In an interview with the Post Register, Moon disagreed with the representation of events portrayed in Luna and Clarks letter. (Watkins) resigned from his position because he lives in North Carolina. Period. The evidence from this investigative committee proved that. This is all misinformation. That is an absolute lie.

When asked about what happened in the June 24 conversation, she said, Im not going to share with you.  When he resigned, he did not want the report out. He goes, Im going to resign because he knew that the report was very damning.  Some of this isnt anybodys business. Its a private club.

In the June 26 news release the Idaho GOP said that according to state party bylaws, Moon would call a special meeting of the State Central Committee in the next 30 days to fill the national committeeman vacancy.

The meeting will be held July 29 in Boise, Moon said. So far, she said, Bryan Smith is the only candidate she is aware of who is on the ballot.
A judge will consider a motion Thursday on modifying release orders of Jerome County Prosecuting Attorney Brad Calbo, who was charged with two felonies in June after an incident with a woman on the Oregon coast.

Calbo has not been at work since the June 3 incident in which the victim said Calbo strangled her and committed other acts of violence, to the point of putting her in fear of imminent serious physical injury, according to the complaint against him.

The victim works in the Jerome County Judicial Annex, and as a condition of his release from jail, Calbo was ordered to stay away from the victims place of employment, meaning Calbo has essentially been locked out of his job.

The victim has filed a declaration with the Lincoln County, Oregon, court, indicating that she is in favor of the motion, and looks forward to him resuming his job.

I want (him) to be able to continue to work and perform his duties, meaning that he needs to be able to go to the Jerome County Judicial Annex for work purposes, she wrote. There is building security, and I have no concerns regarding (him) going to the Jerome County Judicial Annex.

She said Calbo was very intoxicated when the alleged criminal acts occurred in Oregon and said he is enrolled in an in-patient treatment facility for alcohol abuse and said further counseling and treatment will be needed.

She has completed a domestic violence education and safety class, and she promised to keep the court informed of any future incidents of domestic violence.

Sheryl Bachart, a judge for the 17th Judicial District Circuit Court in Oregon, will hear arguments Thursday morning via video conferencing.

Jerome County Commissioners Ben Crouch and Charles Howell didnt return phone calls to the Times-News on Monday, but in prior interviews said they had been in communication with Calbo and hoped to sit down with him to discuss options, but so far it had not occurred and didnt know for sure where Calbo was living.

Commissioners hired the Jerome law firm Williams Meservy & Larsen in June to discuss legal questions regarding Calbos situation.

Shortly after Calbo was charged, Howell said he was confident Calbo would do what is best for Jerome County residents.

Calbo faces felony charges of strangulation and coercion, and misdemeanor charges of fourth-degree assault and menacing.

The day after the alleged incident, the victim played for police a 20-minute-long audio recording she made in which a male voice, which she identified as being Calbos, is heard yelling and swearing, along with saying, I should just kill you, and similar phrases, while the woman screams loudly to be let go, court documents say.

Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in the Magic Valley, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Times-News app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Your news on your smartphone

Your story lives in the Magic Valley, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Times-News app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
TWIN FALLS  A two-week jury trial has been set in December for a Twin Falls man accused of killing his girlfriends infant in a shaken-baby incident.

Logan Danial Penner, 19, was arraigned in district court Monday with his defense attorney Steven McRae submitting a plea of not guilty on the charge of first-degree murder. Penner faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $50,000 fine, or both, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years.

Prosecuting Attorney Grant Loebs filed a motion in December that he would not seek the death penalty.

The state has standards regarding appointed defense attorneys in capital cases, and Loebs said at the time that the motion helped settle the matter and not complicate the cases prosecution.

The trial, which Deputy Prosecutor Kevin Kohtz said is expected to last two weeks, is set for Dec. 4-15.

Penner admitted to police, according to court records, that on Nov. 25 he was frustrated by the crying, cholicky baby, and shook him, hitting the babys head on the edge of a crib, when his girlfriend was out of the Twin Falls apartment doing laundry.

The baby became unresponsive and was taken off life support Nov. 30.

Penner was initially charged with felony aggravated battery but charges were amended to first-degree murder upon the childs death.

The newer charge, as outlined in Idaho Code, is a result of Penner being accused of perpetuating an aggravated battery on a child under 12 years of age.
Romanias President Klaus Iohannis on Monday warned that security in the Black Sea was at risk after Russia hit Ukrainian port infrastructure on the Danube river at the border with the NATO member.

Amateur footage posted on social media by a Romanian showed an explosion just across the Danube, as drones appeared to hit the Ukrainian port of Reni on the river.

Ukrainian officials reported a four-hour Russian drone attack on port infrastructure in the southern Odesa region.

Reni is a Ukrainian port town where the Danube forms a natural frontier with Romania, and is also near the Moldovan border.

The Danube delta region, which spans Romania and Ukraine, is being used as an export route for Ukrainian grain.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the blast with Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu on Monday, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told journalists in Washington.

We will defend every inch of NATO territory. The secretary made that clear in his call with the Romanian Foreign Minister today, Miller said.

I strongly condemn the recent Russian attacks against the Ukrainian civilian infrastructure on (the) Danube, very close to Romania, President Iohannis wrote on Twitter.

This recent escalation poses serious risks to the security in the Black Sea. It also affects further Ukrainian grain transit, thus the global food security, he added.

Russia last week pulled out of a key deal which had allowed the safe export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea.

Since then Kyiv has accused Russia of targeting grain supplies and infrastructure vital to exports.

We will continue to consult with our partners in the region on how we might find alternative ways to get the grain out of Ukraine, State Department spokesman Miller said, warning there was no perfect solution that could replace the deal.

Following Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a large amount of Ukrainian grain exports have been shipped through Romanias Black Sea port of Constanta.

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu on Monday called on Russia to stop air strikes on Ukrainian port infrastructure.

Romania will continue to support Ukraine in identifying practical solutions for further grain exports to global markets, he added in a press release.

The attacks have sent wheat prices soaring to their highest level for four months, Agritel analyst Arthur Portier told AFP.

After the closure of the maritime corridor, investors are reacting to the intensification of bombardments on alternative grain export routes, he said.

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French defence and technology group Thales announced plans Tuesday to acquire US cybersecurity firm Imperva in a deal worth $3.6 billion to create a global leader in the field.

Impervas customers include 35 percent of Fortune 100 companies  the biggest firms in the United States  and groups in financial services, telecommunications, energy, health care, retail and e-commerce, Thales said.

Thales said the acquisition of Imperva, which is owned by software investment firm Thoma Bravo, would give it an additional $500 million in revenue.

The acquisition of Imperva marks a major milestone in Thaless cybersecurity strategy, the French groups chief executive, Patrice Caine, said in a statement.

With this acquisition, we are seizing a unique opportunity to accelerate our cybersecurity capabilities and are taking an important step towards our ambition to build a world-class global cybersecurity integrated player, Caine said.

Thales expects the transaction to close by the beginning of 2024 once approved by regulators.

Imperva, which is based in San Mateo, California, employs more than 1,400 people. It has a global footprint, monitoring threats across 180 countries, according to Thales.

The deal comes as cybersecurity threats are rising, with players that include governments, criminal organisations and hackers.

The cybersecurity market is expected to rise from $172 billion in 2022 to $267 billion in 2026, according to research company Gartner.

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Guatemala CityGuatemalan protesters took to the streets again on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) demanding that the attorney general and a handful of prosecutors step down over their alleged efforts to impede the upcoming presidential runoff election.

Marchers called for the ouster of Attorney General Maria Consuelo Porras, whose office is seeking to disqualify the Semilla (Seed) Party of Bernardo Arevalo, a social democrat who surged into one of two August 20 runoff spots, shocking many in the nation.

Banners raised at a boisterous demonstration in the center of the capital carried slogans including We want free elections and I refuse to live in a dictatorship.

The people of Guatemala are vigilant and we are going to demand compliance with the laws, the constitution and the result at the polls, protester Allan Ramirez told reporters.

Judge Fredy Orellana and prosecutor Rafael Curruchiche have also drawn the ire of protesters since the June 25 first-round vote.

On Curruchiches orders, Orellana directed the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) to disqualify the Semilla Party, alleging anomalies in how it was created in 2017. The Tribunal did not comply with the order.

In response, judicial agents have twice raided the TSE, and sought to arrest a functionary there. On Friday they searched the headquarters of Semilla in Guatemala City.

Outside the capital, there were protests in the western part of the country, including the city of Quetzaltenango and in Mayan municipalities in the departments of Quiche and Totonicapan, according to local media. AFP

The US State Department last year designated Porras as corrupt and undemocratic, and said she was undermining anti-corruption probes.

Brian Nichols, the head of US diplomacy for Latin America, said Monday it was vital the run-off be held without interference or harassment.

Arevalo is slated to face Sandra Torres, a former first lady who also is center left. Whoever wins will put an end to 12 years of rightist rule in the Central American nation.

The turbulent legal actions by authorities around Arevalos campaign in recent weeks are widely interpreted within Guatemala and abroad as an effort to scuttle Arevalos candidacy. AFPGUATEMALA CITYGuatemalan protesters took to the streets again on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) demanding that the attorney general and a handful of prosecutors step down over their alleged efforts to impede the upcoming presidential runoff election.

Marchers called for the ouster of Attorney General Maria Consuelo Porras, whose office is seeking to disqualify the Semilla (Seed) Party of Bernardo Arevalo, a social democrat who surged into one of two August 20 runoff spots, shocking many in the nation.

Banners raised at a boisterous demonstration in the center of the capital carried slogans including We want free elections and I refuse to live in a dictatorship.

The people of Guatemala are vigilant and we are going to demand compliance with the laws, the constitution and the result at the polls, protester Allan Ramirez told reporters.

Judge Fredy Orellana and prosecutor Rafael Curruchiche have also drawn the ire of protesters since the June 25 first-round vote.

On Curruchiches orders, Orellana directed the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) to disqualify the Semilla Party, alleging anomalies in how it was created in 2017. The Tribunal did not comply with the order.

In response, judicial agents have twice raided the TSE, and sought to arrest a functionary there. On Friday they searched the headquarters of Semilla in Guatemala City.

Outside the capital, there were protests in the western part of the country, including the city of Quetzaltenango and in Mayan municipalities in the departments of Quiche and Totonicapan, according to local media.

The US State Department last year designated Porras as corrupt and undemocratic, and said she was undermining anti-corruption probes.

Brian Nichols, the head of US diplomacy for Latin America, said Monday it was vital the run-off be held without interference or harassment.

Arevalo is slated to face Sandra Torres, a former first lady who also is center left. Whoever wins will put an end to 12 years of rightist rule in the Central American nation.

The turbulent legal actions by authorities around Arevalos campaign in recent weeks are widely interpreted within Guatemala and abroad as an effort to scuttle Arevalos candidacy. AFP

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Chicago police, Cook County Sheriffs deputies and Illinois State police converge on the area near West 91st Street and South Princeton Avenue in Chicago after a police officer was shot and wounded in the 5600 block of South Shields Avenue on July 24, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago police said an officer was shot in the hand Monday evening in the Englewood neighborhood on the citys South Side.

Suspects fled the scene in the 5600 block of South Shields Avenue, and no arrests had been made as of Monday night, according to Tom Ahern, deputy director of news affairs and communications for the Chicago Police Department.

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The officer was transported to University of Chicago Medical Center, according to a tweet by the Chicago Police Department shortly before 8 p.m.

Officer involved shooting in the 5600 block of S. Shields. Officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries and transported to the University of Chicago Hospital. Media staging is the N/W corner of 57th and Cottage Grove. Further details to follow  Chicago Police Communications & News Affairs (@CPD_Media) July 25, 2023

The officer was shot in the left hand, CPD Interim Superintendent Fred Waller said at a 9:30 p.m. news conference near South Cottage Grove Avenue and East 57th Street, at the northwest corner of the hospital.

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Area detectives are investigating. The Civilian Office for Police Accountability is also investigating the shooting.

adperez@chicagotribune.com
Wall Street Alley will be renamed Rob King Alley in honor of the man who committed much of his time and energy to the revitalization now being realized in uptown Martinsville.

King died unexpectedly at the age of 51 on April 28. He was the owner and president of Piedmont Mechanical Systems of Bassett, but may be better known for his involvement in the music scene in and around Martinsville.

The popular Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival got its start at Blue Mountain, Kings property in the Snow Creek community in Henry County.

King became one of the board members of Uptown Partnership when it was formed to help revitalize the uptown area of Martinsville.

What a testament to Rob King that so many of you came out, said Uptown Partnership Board President Christina Slate on a warm Friday evening. Im honestly getting choked up. I thought we were done getting choked up.

About 150 people came together in the newly renovated alleyway between Walnut and Wall Streets to remember King and recognize his wife and three daughters who were among those in attendance.

I came onboard with Uptown Partnership in 2020 and for the past 18 months I served as board president, said Liz Harris. I grew up in the First Presbyterian Church and I love to see so much of our membership here today, so while I knew Rob and the King family growing up in the church, it was with the Uptown Partnership where we became true friends.

The alleyway officially became the Wall Street Alley Activation Project and was funded by grants from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development through their Rural Community Development Initiative Program and Move to Martinsville, an organization committed to encouraging people near and far to consider making Martinsville their home.

As a board member of Uptown Partnership, King became actively involved in the renovation of the alley. After a final design had been decided upon, work began and the unused and unsightly alleyway was transformed into a revitalized gathering place including crosswalks that lead to it, tables, lighting, greenery and other artistic elements.

This project meant so much to Rob, and of course it means so much to all of us, said Slate. I didnt know Rob very long. I met him working with Uptown Partnership and I feel blessed, as all of you do, to have known him.

Henry County Circuit Judge James McGarry spoke in remembrance of King as did Kings wife, Shanna Francisco-King. Drinks and snacks were made available to those who had gathered to remember their friend.

As a testament, everyone here today, he touched you in some way. Rob was full of energy, passion, and love for the causes he believed in and he wholeheartedly believed in Uptown Partnership, but more importantly in revitalization of uptown Martinsville and the greater Martinsville and Henry County area, Harris said. He gave his heart and soul to this district as a property owner, as a volunteer, as a committed board member and a Rotarian. You name it, he showed up.

At the conclusion of the memorial to King, everyone was encouraged to stay for the TGIF concert across the street in the parking lot. The musical event for the night was held in honor of King.

He was a true servant leader and actually I wore my T-shirt today. It says Be the change, so be the change you want to see in the world, Harris said. Every time I wear this T-shirt I think of Rob King because he practiced what he preached, he leaned in, in ways I dont see in many people.
The Lake James Environmental Association will celebrate 50 years of protecting the precious natural resource that exists in both McDowell and Burke counties on Saturday.

Founded 50 years ago in 1973, the mission of the LJEA is to protect and enhance the long-term environmental health and natural beauty of Lake James and its watershed. The LJEA is a 501(3) nonprofit organization and has a long history of protecting the lakes, rivers and streams flowing through Avery, Burke, and McDowell counties into Lake James. The watershed encompasses 247,000 acres, many of them forested, and is threatened by increased development, trash, erosion and sedimentation, among other issues.

Through advocacy, data collection and analysis, education and community engagement, we are working to preserve the natural beauty and clean water of our watershed for future generations, the LJEA website says.

Fifty years is a major milestone for any organization, but it is especially significant for one that has been run solely by volunteers for 45 of those years, Executive Director Sophie McCarthy said. Volunteers and members are the heart and soul of LJEA and this organization would be nowhere near where we are today without them.

To celebrate this milestone, the LJEA will host the Boats and Brews Bash on Saturday. It will start with a boat parade at the Lake James State Park beach (Paddys Creek section) beginning at 10 a.m. It will be followed by a birthday celebration at Fonta Flora  Whippoorwill Farm craft brewery.

The boats will lineup at 10 a.m. and the parade will start at 10:30 a.m. The theme of the parade is Fauna and Flora of the Lake James Watershed, so participants are asked to decorate their boat accordingly. Prizes will be awarded to the top three best decorated boats and the best name (on theme). The entry fee is $50 for motorized boats and $25 for non-motorized boats (such as kayaks, canoes, standup paddle boards).

To register for the boat parade, visit https://bit.ly/472Hwpm.

The birthday party will last from noon to 2 p.m. at Fonta Flora  Whippoorwill Farm. There will be celebratory refreshments, a birthday cake, toasts and prize awards. Fonta Flora will be brewing a special birthday beer for the LJEA, called Lake James Blue, and $1 from every pint sold will go to the LJEA, according to the organizations website.

Businesses and individuals can help sponsor this celebration and there are a variety of levels for sponsorship:

$500  50th anniversary sponsor  Recognition on the website, announcement at the boat parade by parade emcee, and announcement at the birthday party at Whippoorwill Farm. You can have your logo on website event page and logo and recognition on event signs and advertising.

$250  boat parade sponsor  Recognition on the website and announcement at the boat parade by parade emcee. You can have your logo on the websites event page.

If you are interested in sponsoring the event, email sophiemccarthy@ljea.org or call 828-475-2735.

Looking back on the past 50 years, the Lake James Environmental Association has much to celebrate.

Two of our biggest programs, our water quality monitoring program and our flagship environmental education program, Kids in the Creek, are still run almost completely by volunteers, McCarthy said. Our water quality monitoring program now includes monthly chemical monitoring at 12 stream sites across the watershed and five lake sites, as well as yearly stream assessments (biological, habitat and bank assessments) at 12 sites in the watershed.

The Kids in the Creek program now serves more than 1,200 students in the watershed annually, teaching the next generation about the importance of protecting local waterways through hands-on activities that are designed to complement the states science curriculum for eighth graders. Another program LJEA is particularly proud of that has grown in the last couple of years is its University Research Consortium, a network of WNC universities and colleges that they partner with to support student research in the watershed. Some projects to come out of that program include a study of the wetlands in the Lake James watershed and the wildlife found in them, an assessment of riparian buffers on the Catawba River above the lake, and currently, a study of emerging contaminants that may soon pose a concern to the lake and the watershed, McCarthy said.

As a result of this collaborative effort with local higher education institutions, LJEA, in partnership with the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation and Foothills Conservancy, launched the annual Lake James Watershed Symposium at Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton. This day-long symposium brings local environmental non-profits, students and professors, government representatives and other interested parties together to share knowledge and research about the Lake James Watershed, network, and plan for the future. The symposium will be held for the third year this November and is open to anyone who is interested, said McCarthy.

Some other exciting projects by the LJEA include a pilot educational program for high school students to be held this fall. Called the Multi-generational Environmental Science Field Experience (MEFE for short), this program combines environmental field work with outdoor adventure (such as camping, hiking) and brings high school participants together with college mentors and environmental professionals to learn environmental science skills.

There is also the bald eagle monitoring program, led by Warren Wilson Professor Olya Milenkaya. This effort is set to start training volunteers this month to help the LJEA monitor bald eagle nesting on the lake, she said.

This year, we are working on a five-year update to our 2018 State of the Watershed, which is a comprehensive document that compiles all of the data and research on the Lake James watershed. This document can be found on the LJEAs website.

In addition, the association now has office space in Morganton at the Foothills Conservancy of North Carolinas office, along with the North Basin watershed manager from the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation.

Collaboration with those organizations, as well as many others in the area, is critical to achieving our vision of building a collaborative community that understands, appreciates and protects Lake James and its watershed, McCarthy said.

We are all lucky to live with the Lake James Watershed in our backyard, but we cannot take it for granted, she added. It is up to all of us to protect this area for future generations. We ask those who are not already members to please consider joining LJEA and help us continue to protect Lake James and its watershed for the next 50 years and beyond.

For more information, visit www.ljea.org or the associations Facebook page www.facebook.com/ljea.org or email McCarthy at sophiemccarthy@ljea.org.
More often than not, studies of human biology are conducted when the body is under duress from infection or disease. Now, as part of a larger effort to delineate what healthy looks like, two Stanford Medicine teams have unfurled detailed molecular maps of healthy human intestinal and placental tissues. The maps, which capture cell types, cell quantity and other cellular nuances, are just two of a collection of maps that will establish a cellular baseline for the majority of the human body, including where cells in certain tissues congregate, how tissues develop during pregnancy and how cell-to-cell interactions drive human biology.

The studies, which published in Nature on July 19, are part of a larger effort spearheaded by the Human Biomolecular Atlas Program  called HuBMAP  funded by the National Institutes of Health. It aims to fill gaps in our knowledge of how the human body works when its in tip-top shape. Dozens of teams from the United States and Europe contribute to the HuBMAP consortium.

In research, we have a habit of studying things that are abnormal without really understanding what normal looks like, said Michael Angelo, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of pathology who is also the co-chair of the HuBMAP steering committee. Thats created a big gap in our knowledge. HuBMAP is the only effort that is systematically focusing on the spatial architecture of these tissues.
A Ghanaian minister accused of corruption was arrested on Monday July 24 after a scandal revealed that she was holding more than a million dollars in cash in her home.

The Minister of Sanitation and Water, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, who resigned at the week-end, was arrested on suspicion of corruption over large sums of money () allegedly stolen from her home, Attorney General Kissi Agyebeng, said on Monday.

Mrs Dapaah has denied any wrongdoing, but the case has angered the opposition, which wonders why a minister would keep so much money in her family home. According to court documents, two domestic servants stole one million dollars, 300,000 euros and millions of Ghanaian cedis from the ministers bedroom last year.

In a statement published on Saturday, Ms Dapaah tendered her resignation, while denying that such large sums had been stolen. While I can categorically state that these figures do not accurately represent what my husband and I reported to the police, I am fully aware of the significance of such stories surrounding a person in my position, she wrote. I am therefore resigning because I do not want this matter to become a concern for the government and an impediment to its work.

President Nana Akufo-Addo has accepted his ministers resignation while congratulating her on her loyalty and dedication, his spokesman said in a statement. His party, the NPP, is preparing to hold primaries later this year to choose its candidate for the 2024 presidential election.

The scandal comes as the country faces its worst economic crisis in decades, prompting the Government to request a $3 billion loan from the IMF. Former Ghanaian president John Dramani Mahama, the opposition candidate (NDC) in 2024, described the incident as scandalous. One million dollars plus 300,000 euros and millions of GHS in the house of a Ghanaian minister? Outrageous! Even if its a genuine acquisition, why keep millions of dollars at home?, he wrote on his Twitter account.
The PAI  Terra Ranka coalition will propose that its list leader, Domingos Simoes Pereira, lead the new Guinean parliament. Analysts applaud the decision, but point out that the President of the Republic does not come off well.

After presenting himself as the head of the Inclusive Alliance Platform (PAI)-Terra Ranka coalition list, Domingos Simoes Pereira has now been nominated to chair the National Peoples Assembly (ANP). The nomination was authenticated by the PAIGC central committee, through the votes of 396 of the 401 members present at the meeting of the party body.

Simoes Pereira was proposed to the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) by the conference of leaders of the five coalition parties. After being approved in the party, it now remains for the deputies of PAI  Terra Ranka, which holds an absolute majority in Parliament, to approve the proposal.

Mr Simoes Pereira said he was ready for a new challenge in his political career. It is indeed a great responsibility, but it is also a privilege, because anyone who is a militant and leader of a party, especially as President, must be prepared for missions, and I am prepared for that, he said.

I hope I have the capacity and competence to be able to translate this into success, he added.

Domingos Simoes Pereira is popular with the public. Many voters reportedly voted for the PAI  Terra Ranka coalition to make him Prime minister. But given the current political reality in the country  and past disagreements between Simoes Pereira and the President of the Republic, sociologist Diamantino Lopes does not think the population has any reason to be disappointed.

Being in Parliament, Simoes Pereira is responding to the expectations of the people and their wishes, he comments. The President of the Republic, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who during the election campaign said he would not nominate Domingos Simoes Pereira for the post of Prime minister, has gone back on his decision and has said on several occasions that if the party leader was proposed for the post, he would swear him in to work together.
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A report by University of Queensland researchers has warned a global crisis of antibiotic resistance is inevitable, despite promising developments in new antibiotics.

The Center for Superbug Solutions at the University of Queensland's Institute for Molecular Bioscience has monitored the clinical pipeline for more than a decade, with its latest snapshot showing 62 new antibiotics in development. The research was published in The Journal of Antibiotics.

Professor Mark Blaskovich said it was encouraging that 34 of those were based on structures not previously used as an antibiotic.

"It means the resulting medication will be less likely to have existing resistance in the bacteria and potentially it will take longer for resistance to develop," Professor Blaskovich said.

"But it's still a glass half-empty situation compared to other classes of drugs, where pharmaceutical companies stand to gain more profit.

"Sixty-two new antibiotics in development is still very low compared to almost 2,000 in the cancer drug pipeline.

"We're still not where we need to be given the urgency of the situation."

Drug-resistant infections continue to grow, with a 2022 report showing 1.27 million deaths globally in 2019 were directly attributed to resistant bacteria and a further 4.9 million deaths were associated.

Professor Blaskovich said major "push" funding initiatives such as Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator(CARB-X) were appearing to have some impact in the early stages of the antibiotic pipeline, with nearly double the number of candidates in the first stage of clinical testing, compared to the first analysis in 2011.

"But new incentives are needed to help make it financially viable for pharmaceutical companies to advance new antibiotics through the later stages of clinical testing," Professor Blaskovich said.

"These include the Netflix-style subscription payment model recently being tested in the UK, where the government pays for access to an antibiotic regardless of the quantity.

"It means the pharmaceutical company is less interested in sales volume and more likely to invest in developing novel treatments.

"It also discourages doctors from overprescribing antibiotics which leads to resistance."

The researchers said there was also hope from non-antibiotic approaches to combat infection.

"There is renewed interest in vaccines, particularly with mRNA technologies, which have been incredibly effectiveand unlike antibiotics, can be lucrative products for pharmaceutical companies," Professor Blaskovich said.

IMB's Community for Open Antimicrobial Drug Discovery (CO-ADD) is fostering antibiotic discovery by offering researchers free screening of compounds for antimicrobial activity.

More information: Mark S. Butler et al, Antibiotics in the clinical pipeline as of December 2022, The Journal of Antibiotics (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41429-023-00629-8
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Self-reported data from lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) patients shows these groups have poorer health outcomes compared to those who identify as heterosexual, but bisexual people disproportionally experience the worst outcomes in England.

These new findings, published today in the peer-reviewed journal The Journal of Sex Research, indicate that bisexual people face additional health disparities within an already marginalized community.

Experts, from the Brighton and Sussex Medical School and Anglia Ruskin University who led the analysis of more than 835,000 adults in England, suggests the disparities could result from unique prejudice and discrimination that can come from both mainstream society and LGBTQ+ communities.

"Minority stress could put bisexual individuals at increased risk of psychological problems and negative behaviorsand ultimately at greater risk of poorer health outcomes," explains lead author Professor Carrie Llewellyn, Head of the Department of Primary Care & Public Health at Brighton and Sussex Medical School.

"Our results suggest that there is a greater prevalence of long-standing physical health conditions among people identifying as LGB. Furthermore, nearly all LGB individuals across all gender responses in the survey felt less confident in managing their own health."

Llewellyn, a Professor of Applied Behavioral Medicine a behavioral scientist and a Chartered Psychologist, adds, "While it is well-established that persistent health disparities exist among LGB patients, very little is known about the specific experiences of bisexual people.

"Our study goes some way to addressing this gapfinding that bisexual people, especially women, have the worst experiences in health care and the worst health outcomes of any sexuality."

The team's study used data from 836,312 adultsincluding 23,834 people who identified as LGB or 'other'from Ipsos MORI's 2015/16 English General Practice Patient Survey (GPPS), which collects health data from approximately 1% of the adult English population each year.

They compared the health outcomes of people identifying as LBG with heterosexual groups through their self-reported quality of life, physical and mental health, and confidence in managing their own health. After adjusting the data to account for age, ethnic group, working status and socioeconomic status, they found that:

Long-term physical and mental health problems were more than twice as likely to be reported for people within LGB groups compared to heterosexual groupsexcept for bisexual women where the odds were more than four times greater.

Bisexual women reported to be half as likely to be living without a long-term health condition.

LGB groups across the genders felt less confident in managing their own health and experienced significantly worse quality of life compared to heterosexuals.

"It is important to recognize that interventions addressed to the LGB population as a whole may neglect the needs of subgroups further marginalized within this community, such as bisexual people," adds Professor Carrie Llewellyn.

"A better understanding of the different spectrum of health needs across LGBTQ+ subpopulations is required to provide adequate and equitable health care services for all.

"Modification of health care settings to increase perceived accessibility and providing services that better meet these specific health needs are essential."

This cross-sectional dataset had a population sampled from 99% of the adult population in England, which is a key strength of this study. However, it cannot separate marginalized sexual orientations who are cisgender, transgender and non-binary due to limitations with the survey design at the time of data collection (2015/16). It also relies on the self-reporting of health conditions by patients, which may not be clinically diagnosed or accurate.
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Graphical abstract. Credit: Journal of Clinical Investigation (2023). DOI: 10.1172/JCI163105

Researchers at the University of Sao Paulo (USP) in Brazil have identified a new class of molecules capable of stopping the excessive inflammation typical of the severe form of COVID-19 without impairing the immune response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the disease.

The researchers conducted experiments with mice showing that the inflammation triggered by the cytokine storm was reduced when they blocked the link between a peptide called C5a and its cellular receptor, the protein C5aR. The study is reported in an article published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation (JCI).

"We've been studying this pathway for some years in connection with neuropathic pain and autoimmune disorders. When the pandemic began, we suspected that blocking the cellular receptor of this peptide [C5a] could also be a way of mitigating the inflammation associated with severe COVID-19, because it plays an important pro-inflammatory role but is dispensable for infection control. It's a mediator, and blocking it doesn't impair the immune response against the virus," said Thiago Mattar Cunha, last author of the article.

Cunha is a professor at the Ribeirao Preto Medical School (FMRP-USP) and a researcher affiliated with the Center for Research on Inflammatory Diseases (CRID).

During the pandemic, it became obvious that COVID-19 could vary widely in terms of severity. While many patients had mild symptoms or none, a significant proportion suffered from potentially fatal inflammation triggered by an exacerbated immune response known as cytokine storm syndrome. These patients typically spent days in hospital intensive care units, required mechanical ventilation, and had complications such as pulmonary fibrosis and thrombosis.

As Cunha explained, C5 is an inflammatory mediator present in blood plasma and a component of the complement system, the part of the immune response responsible for forming the cascade of proteins that induces inflammation to combat an infection.

When the peptide is activated in response to infection, it becomes C5a and assumes a pro-inflammatory function. "The increase in production of C5a is associated with several inflammatory diseases, such as sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus and psoriasis, and also with the lung damage seen in severe cases of COVID-19," Cunha said.

Previous research by CRID had already shown NETosis, a regulated form of cell death, to be one of the main ways COVID-19 patients suffer lung damage. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), a part of the immune system, are networks of DNA strings released from neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, into the extracellular space during inflammation to defend against invading pathogens. NETosis is NET activation and release.

The researchers set out to elucidate the mechanism whereby C5 participates in the lung damage and exacerbated inflammation observed in severe COVID-19 patients. To do so, they used genetically modified (GM) mice susceptible to COVID-19 but with the gene that encodes for C5 knocked out.

According to Cunha, these animal model trials showed that NETs released in the lungs are harmful to the patient's cells as well as the virus. "This pathway is not only involved in pulmonary epithelial cell death, as shown by one of our first studies on the topic, but also possibly associated with inflammation through thromboembolism in the lungs of COVID-19 patients," he said.

The findings confirm the immunopathological role of the C5a/C5aR1 pathway in COVID-19 and indicate that antagonists of C5aR1 (molecules that prevent binding to the receptor) could be useful for treatment of severe COVID-19.

"Several processes are involved. C5 increases formation of NETs. Neutrophils are recruited to the lungs because cytokine production is intense in this stage of the disease, and C5a further boosts neutrophil activation in the lungs, leading to production of even more NETs. In light of all this, it's likely that the pathway is involved in amplifying lung damage and inflammation," Cunha said.

Before the pandemic, the CRID group was collaborating with Dompe, an Italian pharmaceutical company, to develop molecules that could block C5aR1. Some of their research findings were published in 2014 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"In our latest study, the inflammation improved in the mice that received C5aR1 antagonists. We also showed that infection control was not altered when this system was blocked: viral load was the same in the mice treated with the antagonists and those not treated," Cunha said.

Improving inflammation without affecting viral load is an important property of the novel molecule. One of the main current strategies for treating COVID-19 is the use of corticoids, which are both anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant. This class of drugs, therefore, reduces the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 as well as secondary infections, such as bacterial pneumonia, for example.

Although the CRID group has conducted experiments only on animals, Cunha recalled a study published late last year in The Lancet by European researchers on the benefits of blocking the C5a/C5aR1 pathway in humans. This paper described the results of Phase 3 clinical trials using a monoclonal antibody against C5a, showing that this is an effective strategy to combat exacerbated inflammation in COVID-19.

"When the antibody binds to C5a, it prevents action in the receptor. This means the clinical trials are working on the same pathway as the one our study focuses on and suggests we're on the right track," he said.

The advantage of the Brazilian strategy is that the cost of treatment with C5aR1 antagonists is much lower than the cost of treatment with monoclonal antibodies.

"The findings in this study provide clinical evidence that blocking the C5a/C5aR1 pathway works and is a beneficial treatment. In previous research, we focused on this pathway for autoimmune diseases and pain. I believe the next step is to start clinical trials with the antagonist molecule," he said.
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The cumulative health and economic consequences of the premature loss of a parent may be greater for boys than for girls, suggest the findings of a large long term study published online in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health.

Experiencing the death of a parent before the age of 21, however, is strongly linked to poor mental health and lower earnings/unemployment in adulthood for both sexes, the data indicate.

Previously published research has pointed to a link between premature parental death and the child's subsequent health and prosperity. But no studies have drawn on high quality registry data, and few have looked at the cumulative effects or the potential impact of gender, say the researchers.

They therefore used nationwide registry data from Finland to work out if experiencing the death of a parent before the age of 21 was associated with any of several measures of poor mental health and labor market outcomes between the ages of 26 and 30, and what influence, if any, gender might have.

They included nearly 1 million Finns (962,350) born between 1971 and 1986, who had reached at least the age of 30 by 2016.

The relevant registry data included parental death certificates; and medical and educational records, periods of sick leave, and tax returns for their children, nearly all of whom had completed their education and entered the labor market by the age of 30.

Around one in six (15%; 145,673) people had lost a parent before the age of 31. Less than 5% had experienced the death of their mother; nearly 12% had experienced the death of their father.

The likelihood of a parental death rose sharply with age, from under 1% before the child had reached the age of six to just under 5% when they were aged between 26 and 30. Fathers were nearly three times as likely as mothers to die before their children turned 21.

Some 65,797 people lost a parent before the age of 21, and this was associated with greater odds of a hospital admission for mental ill health than it was for those who experienced this after the age of 30.

Men seemed to be more vulnerable than women. They were 70% more likely to be admitted to hospital; the equivalent figure for women was 52%. Substance use disorders and intentional self-harm were the most common reasons for hospital admission. But this varied by gender.

Boys and young men who lost their mothers prematurely had nearly 2.5 times the odds of a hospital admission for intentional self-harm as those who lost their mothers in their 30s.

Similarly, girls and young women who lost their father prematurely were around twice as likely to have a substance use disorder than those who hadn't experienced this. Early maternal death was also associated with a substantial (88%) increase in stress disorders.

The use of medication for mental health disorders among those who lost a parent prematurely was between 18% and 33% higher for both sexes than for those who hadn't experienced this. Sick leave was also more likely among both sexes.

Losing a parent before the age of 21 was also associated with fewer years of schooling, lower annual earnings, and more periods of unemployment at ages 2630 for both sexes.

The largest reduction in years of schooling (4%)equivalent to more than half an academic yearwas among girls who had lost their mothers prematurely.

The estimated effects on earnings and employment were generally larger for men, among whom the early death of a father was associated with an almost 16.5% reduction in annual earnings and 6% lower likelihood of regular employment. The corresponding estimates for women were 11% and 4%, respectively.

The key strengths of the study lie in the use of nationwide population data, comprehensive monitoring, and both secondary and primary care psychiatric health records, say the researchers.

But they acknowledge that this is an observational study, which can't account for all potentially influential factors, such as personality traits that may have affected the associations found.

And the analysis didn't capture mild mental health issues nor account for (shared) genetic and environmental factors in childhood, all of which may have been influential, they admit.

Nevertheless they conclude, "Early parental death is strongly associated with a higher risk of children's poor mental health in adulthood for both males and females, but the estimated odds ratios are usually quantitatively larger for males."

Similarly, losing a parent prematurely "is negatively associated with children's labor market outcomes (i.e., employment and earnings) in adulthood, and these associations are quantitatively larger for males."

More information: Early parental death and its association with children's mental and economic well-being in adulthood: a nationwide population- based register study, Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health (2023). DOI: 10.1136/jech-2023-220692
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In June, the U.S. Census Bureau announced that the average age of the U.S. population reached a new high of nearly 39 years old. Today, roughly three million older adults who belong to a sexual and gender minority (individuals who self-describe as LGBTQ+ or as having discordant gender and sex assigned at birth) live in the U.S., a number that is projected to grow to more than five million by 2030.

Prior studies have demonstrated that this demographic is at disproportionate risk of chronic conditions, mental health issues, cognitive decline and health risk behaviors compared to the general population. However, there's little data available to characterize the way this population is aging.

In a new study led by Chelsea N. Wong, MD, an advanced geriatric medicine fellow at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, investigators developed an index to describe and compare frailtya measure of physiological reserve or vulnerabilitybetween older sexual and gender minority (OSGM) adults and non-OSGM participants.

Using the frailty index they constructed, Wong and colleagues showed that, overall, OSGM had higher rates of frailty, starting at younger ages and continuing into older age, compared to non-OSGM. The team's work appears in the The Journals of Gerontology: Series A.

"We found that older individuals who belong to sexual and gender minorities have a higher burden of frailty, maintained across the lifespan and a higher magnitude of mortality risk," said Wong, who is also entering a T32 Post-Doctoral Fellowship with the Harvard Translation Research in Aging Training Program at Hebrew SeniorLife. "To our knowledge this is the first study to examine frailty among this marginalized population."

Frailty is the state of vulnerability caused by age-associated decline across multiple functions, and it is associated with an increased risk of falls, disability, hospitalization, and mortality. While no single symptom confirms a frailty diagnosis, it commonly involves muscle loss and weakness, fatigue, slow walking speed and impaired cognition. Taken together, the symptoms of frailty can lead to social isolation or make independent living impossible.

Wong and colleagues constructed their frailty index using data from the All of Us Research Program, a program funded by the National Institutes of Health designed to recruit a diverse cohort of participants who have been historically underrepresented in biomedical research. The team built their frailty index to calculate based on 33 factors where individuals may experience deficits, including cognition, cardiovascular diseases, the ability to bathe or run errands alone, maintain a social life, fatigue, anxiety and depression, hearing and sight.

When the researchers applied the Frailty Index to a sample of more than 76,000 eligible All of Us participants, they saw clear patterns. The 9,110 OSGM participants had a higher burden of frailty than their counterparts, with 41% robust (not frail), 34% pre-frail, and 26% frail. In comparison, non-OSGM participants, 50% were robust, 32% were pre-frail and 19% were frail. Further, the risk of mortality associated with frailty was higher among OSGM compared to non-OSGM.

These disparities, the authors note, are understood through the minority stress theory, which describes how the external stressors of discrimination become internalized. Previous research has demonstrated that minority stress is associated with negative health consequences, including changes in inflammation immune and endocrine function, which in turn contribute to poor cardiovascular, metabolic and immunologic clinical outcomes.

"This current generation of older adults who identify as sexual and gender minorities experienced significant events specific to their minority identity, including homosexuality being officially labeled as a mental illness, the Lavender Scare where there was mass dismissal of SGM workers from U.S. government employment, and the advent of the HIV/AIDS epidemic," said Wong.

"The minority stress experience of chronic additive stress associated with social stigmatization and discrimination may lead to systematic inflammation and contribute to the development of frailty at relatively younger ages. These findings emphasize the need for early geriatric assessment among OSGM and future work should identify potential targets to mitigate frailty."

More information: Chelsea N Wong et al, Frailty Among Sexual and Gender Minority Older Adults: The All of Us Database, The Journals of Gerontology: Series A (2023). DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glad149
Felipe Cabrera Sarabia in custody at the federal organized crime investigations headquarters in Mexico City, on Dec. 26, 2011. (Marco Ugarte/AP)

More than a decade after his arrest in Mexico, a top narcotics distributor for the infamous Sinaloa cartel who was indicted in Chicago after negotiating a heroin deal with West Side twins Pedro and Margarito Flores was sentenced Tuesday to more than 19 years in prison.

Felipe Cabrera Sarabia, 53, a former cattle rancher nicknamed The Engineer, was extradited to the U.S. in 2020 after spending nearly nine years in custody in Mexico, where his attorneys said he was often in solitary confinement and subjected to torture.

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He pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of narcotics trafficking, admitting in a plea agreement with prosecutors that he distributed more than 150 kilograms of cocaine and more than 30 kilograms of heroin for the Sinaloa cartel, then headed by Joaquin El Chapo Guzman and Ismael El Mayo Zambada.

In asking for leniency, Cabreras attorneys noted that in the years before his arrest, Cabrera had become a pillar of support for his rural community in Mexicos Durango region, overseeing the buying and selling of cattle, helping bring fresh water service to his village and enlisting engineers to build a roadway system linking area towns.

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In handing down the sentence of 230 months, however, U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman said that while its all well and good that Cabrera was able to help his community in Mexico, the massive amount of drugs trafficked by his cartel has done horrific and lasting damage to Chicago.

My community up here has been decimated, said Coleman.

Before the sentence was handed down, Cabrera apologized to his wife and children for his conduct and asked for forgiveness from the government of the United States.

I am completely regretful, Cabrera said through a Spanish interpreter. I ask for an opportunity to return (to Mexico) and to be reunited with my family.

Cabrera was indicted in 2009 along with Guzman, Zambada, and numerous other cartel leaders and henchmen in whats been called the largest narcotics case ever brought in Chicago.

The charges alleged the Sinaloa cartel used jumbo jets, submarines and tunnels to smuggle massive amounts of drugs into the U.S., much of which was later distributed in wholesale quantities in Chicago. The cartel members then laundered billions of dollars in proceeds back to Mexico, according to the charges.

Among the cartels top distributors were Pedro and Margarito Flores, twin brothers who rose from the obscurity of the Little Village neighborhood on the West Side to working directly for El Chapo before cutting a secret cooperation deal with the government.

In 2008, shortly before the Flores twins cooperation ended, Cabrera met with El Chapo, Zambada, Zambada Niebla, and Margarito Flores, who agreed that he and his twin brother would purchase 13 kilograms of heroin located in Chicago for a price of $715,000, according to prosecutors.

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The twins later recorded phone calls with Cabrera, including one where Margarito Flores told Cabrera that El Chapos heroin was of higher quality than the drugs from Mayo, according to prosecutors.

Theyre all the same, Cabrera responded, according to his plea agreement. He later told Pedro Flores hed look into it.

Cabrera was also recorded by the twins as they updated him on the delivery of the heroin to couriers, which turned out to be a ruse set up by law enforcement, according to the plea.

The Flores twins both pleaded guilty and were sentenced in 2015 to 14 years in prison. They were released in 2020, but a year later, their wives, brother, and two other relatives were charged with conspiring to launder hundreds of thousands of dollars of their husbands narcotics proceeds, which they spent on lavish vacations and other lifestyle perks.

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Vivianna Lopez, who is married to Pedro Flores, was sentenced last week to 3  years in prison. Margarito Flores wife, Valerie Gaytan, has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

The Flores brothers cooperation, meanwhile, also led to the arrest of Zambada-Niebla, one of El Chapos most trusted associates who was recorded by the twins talking about massive drug shipments, obtaining grenades and explosives, and even attacking government buildings in Mexico in retaliation against law enforcement.

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In his testimony at Guzmans trial in December 2018, Pedro Flores described how he and his brother could barely keep up with the shipments that arrived to the United States via submarine, vegetable trucks and, one time, a load of live sheep.

According to one estimate by federal agents, the twins helped smuggle at least 71 tons of cocaine and heroin and nearly $2 billion in cash.

Zambada-Niebla pleaded guilty in Chicago and cooperated against his former boss. He was sentenced in 2019 to 15 years in prison.

Guzman was convicted in New York in 2019 of murder conspiracy and drug trafficking charges and sentenced to life in prison.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com
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Trend over time of the rate of curative-intent surgical resection and reason for lack of surgery in patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer (20042018). Credit: Journal of Surgical Oncology (2023). DOI: 10.1002/jso.27357

Only 22% of Texas patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer received standard-of-care surgery to remove their tumors, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center report in a new study. The findings, published in the Journal of Surgical Oncology, are a call to action to improve treatment in the Lone Star State for this deadly disease, the authors say.

"We are failing nearly 80% of patients eligible for surgical resection, which can significantly extend survival or potentially even be curative in combination with chemotherapy," said study leader Patricio Polanco, M.D., Associate Professor of Surgery in the Division of Surgical Oncology at UT Southwestern and a member of the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. "Many patients think that this is always an incurable disease and don't pursue aggressive treatment."

Unlike many cancers, which have seen mortality rates decline significantly in recent decades, the prognosis for pancreatic cancer remains dismal, Dr. Polanco explained. Only 11% of patients with this disease survive at least five years, leading to more than 466,000 deaths worldwide each year.

For several decades, the standard of care and only curative treatment option for early-stage pancreatic cancer has been surgery to remove the malignant tumor, typically in combination with chemotherapy. This multimodal treatment has a median survival rate as high as 54 months, according to one recent study.

A previous report by Dr. Polanco and his team found that patients receiving treatment at a facility designated by the National Cancer Institute or one accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer such as UT Southwestern's Simmons Cancer Center were more likely to get the care recommended by national guidelines. These patients also had improved survival rates.

For the current study, Dr. Polanco and his colleagues gathered data from the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR), which collects information on cancer patients from every hospital in the state, to examine surgery rates in early-stage pancreatic cancer patients.

The registry showed 39,157 patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer between 2004 and 2018, including 4,274 with early-stage disease who were eligible for surgery. However, over this study period, only 22% of these patients had their tumors surgically removed. Most alarmingly, the percentage of eligible patients who received this recommended surgery decreased over the study period, from 31% in 2004 to 22% in 2018, Dr. Polanco said.

Patients who received surgery were more likely to survive longer than those who didn't, the results showed. Post-surgical patients lived a median of 26 months after diagnosis compared with only seven months for those without surgery. In findings similar to previous work, one of the factors most strongly associated with getting appropriate care was treatment at a hospital accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.

"Most rural and remote places in Texas have access to local medical oncologists who administer chemotherapy, and often radiation oncologists, but not surgical oncologists specialized in pancreatic cancer surgery," Dr. Polanco said.

He noted that better treatments for pancreatic cancer are needed, and several are currently in development.

"But there is a treatment described several decades ago that can actually cure pancreatic cancer and dramatically extend survival, and that is surgery," he said. "While we are spending millions of dollars to find the next new drug, we should spend at least the same amount and effort to ensure that every patient with pancreatic cancer is seen and assessed by an expert team of physicians to increase the awareness of this potentially lifesaving surgery."

More information: Gilbert Z. Murimwa et al, Factors associated with failure to operate and its impact on survival in earlystage pancreatic cancer, Journal of Surgical Oncology (2023). DOI: 10.1002/jso.27357
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A study led by King's College London has found that people with dementia and their caregivers are frequently met with misunderstanding and social stigma by local community health care services, which is creating a barrier for timely and adequate access to the support they need.

Researchers from the Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation at King's College London conducted a series of interviews with people with dementia and current and bereaved caregivers from across the UK. The paper, "Exploring access to community care and emergency department use among people with dementia: A qualitative interview study with people with dementia, and current and bereaved caregivers," is published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

A participant with dementia said, "I won't say it's insulting, but it is not given the seriousness that I think that the disease should have. It's only when you're the older gentleman or older lady walking down the middle of the road in your pajamas not knowing where you're living that 'argh, argh bless, poor thing, they don't know they have Alzheimer's," or 'they don't know they have some sort of dementia.'"

A bereaved caregiver said, "Mum had a right for her voice to be heard and it wasn't and she was ignored, totally. And my concerns on exactly the same issue were dismissed. Yeah. I mean, very nicely, they weren't rude when they said, but from their point of view, they had no choice."

Researchers found there is a clash between the changing needs of individuals affected by dementia and a health and social care system that does not respond to dementia as a life-limiting condition, with three themes emerging from the study:



Once diagnosed, people with dementia and their families had little guidance when accessing care services, and often had to push to have their needs met, while those with greater resources were better able to gain support than others.



Many people with dementia and caregivers found that dementia was not taken seriously and not seen as a life-limiting condition, due to social stigma that focuses on the neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia.



Emergency department visits were seen as a last resort, as these environments were often confusing and anxiety-inducing for patients waiting for treatment. However, due to poor access to clinical expertise in the community, the emergency department frequently became the path of least resistance to accessing care.

Professor Katherine Sleeman, Laing Galazka Chair in Palliative Care at the Cicely Saunders Institute in King's Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, added, "Like any life-limiting condition, dementia is worthy of dedicated care. Yet the quality of end-of-life care available and accessible to people with dementia varies across regions, ethnicities and levels of deprivation. As the leading cause of death in the UK today, we must ensure efforts focus on better supporting the near-million people living with dementia and the 700,000 family members caring for them."

Previous research has shown that more than 75% of people with dementia had at least one unplanned hospital admission after their diagnosis, and that eight out of ten patients diagnosed with dementia had at least one hospital visit in the last year of their lives, with a quarter of all attendances in the last year of life happening in the final month before death.

More information: Lesley E. Williamson et al, Exploring access to community care and emergency department use among people with dementia: A qualitative interview study with people with dementia, and current and bereaved caregivers, International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry (2023). DOI: 10.1002/gps.5966
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Illustration depicting the concept of the nuclear emergency planning zones formed by the Japanese government (6); here, PAZ refers to the precautionary action zone and UPZ refers to the urgent protective action planning zone (originally drawn by the author). Credit: Frontiers in Public Health (2023). DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1217118

After the Fukushima Daiichi accident of March 2011, he led the effort to assess the exposure to radiation of Fukushima residents, and led the official report on the accident for the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). He now works at Hiroshima University, continuing his research and teaching a new generation of students about radiation sciences.

Yasuda is the author of a new article in Frontiers in Public Health which discusses how best to protect hospital patients during nuclear emergencies, and has kindly taken the time to share some thoughts about his career and research.

What inspired you to become a researcher?

When I was a high school student, I thought a lot about how human society should be. Everything always has both drawbacks and advantages. The more we get convenient and useful technologies, the more we have those negative effects and risks. As our civilization develops and our lives become more prosperous, we would have more serious and hard-to-solve issues.

With such thoughts, I entered the Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Kyoto University, hoping to do a job that could contribute to solving the global-scale problems that were casting a shadow on the world at that time. There, I studied many subjects including engineering, medicine, and social science, and after experiencing the Chernobyl accident, I finally decided to work as a researcher in the relevant field.

Can you tell us about the research you're currently working on?

I am now working as a professor and scientist in the field of radiation biophysics. Currently, I conduct wide-range research efforts with the intention of solving real-world problems. These include the development of novel techniques for radiation monitoring and retrospective dosimetry; health risk analyses in radiological/nuclear emergency and subsequent radioactive contamination; expansion and implementation of radiological protection concepts; cosmic radiation dosimetry for aircraft crew and astronauts, and so on.

I have been trying to deal with these various subjects together, so that we could solve a real problem in the best way by optimizing many factors having different aspects from a broad perspective.

In your opinion, why is your research important?

I have been conducting research that could directly or indirectly solve some issues related to nuclear accidents and long-term space missions. I feel lucky and proud that I'm still engaged in such jobs of social significance. I should note, however, that experts in the field of radiological protection tend to consider only radiation-induced health effects, which could lead to unbalanced decisions on implementation of protection measures in view of justification.

For example, soon after a nuclear accident occurred, we need to decide the evacuation of vulnerable people as carefully as possible, considering not only the radiological protection criteria but also other medical/infrastructure conditions, to minimize the number of victims overall. Regarding this issue, I recently presented a conceptual basis for the evacuation of hospitalized patients during a nuclear emergency in Frontiers in Public Health, based on the lessons learned from the Fukushima Daiichi accident.

As another example, in an opinion article in Frontiers in Nuclear Medicine, I indicated the importance of careful selection of astronauts involved in future deep space missions for which astronauts need to be tough against not only psychosomatic stress including radiation-induced cancers, but also the inevitable aging during a few years travel.

I look forward to seeing/publishing further studies based on such broad perspectives that will effectively contribute to solving the real problems.

How has open science benefited the reach and impact of your research?

I'm sure that open science brings about a preferable change in the way of scientific research, as it fosters prompt sharing of the novel scientific findings. Open science has a large potential of making the scientific research more transparent, inclusive and democratic.

Actually, during the Covid-19 pandemic over the last three years, I have seen that more and more people want to access impartial data and hear candid opinions based on the latest scientific information. Open science will be the key to solve such problems in the real world in the most appropriate way as well as to fulfill the human right to science.

Though I understand that the complete transition towards an effective open science is challenging, I believe that demands from not only scientists but also the majority of the public will make open science give significant, essential impacts on our societies.

More information: Hiroshi Yasuda, Implications of the evacuation of hospitalized patients in a nuclear emergency, Frontiers in Public Health (2023). DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1217118 Journal information: Frontiers in Public Health
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Scientists at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have discovered what they believe to be the central mechanism behind cognitive decline associated with normal aging.

"The mechanism involves the misregulation of a brain protein known as CaMKII, which is crucial for memory and learning," said the study's co-senior author Ulli Bayer, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. "This study directly suggests specific pharmacological treatment strategies."

The study was published today in the journal Science Signaling.

Researchers using mouse models found that altering the CaMKII brain protein caused similar cognitive effects as those that happen through normal aging.

Bayer said that aging in mice and humans both decrease a process known as S-nitrosylation, the modification of a specific brain proteins including CaMKII.

"The current study now shows a decrease in this modification of CaMKII is sufficient to cause impairments in synaptic plasticity and in memory that are similar in aging," Bayer said.

Normal aging reduces the amount of nitric oxide in the body. That in turn reduces nitrosylation which reduces memory and learning ability, the study said.

Bayer said the new research opens the way toward developing drugs and other therapeutic interventions that could normalize the nitrosylation of the protein. He said that holds out the possibility of treating or staving off normal cognitive decline for an unknown period of time.

He pointed out that this would only work in normal age-related cognitive decline, not the decline seen in Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

"We know this protein can be targeted," Bayer said. "And we think it could be done pharmacologically. That is the next logical step."

More information: Nicole L. Rumian et al, Decreased nitrosylation of CaMKII causes aging-associated impairments in memory and synaptic plasticity in mice, Science Signaling (2023). DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.ade5892 Journal information: Science Signaling
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Why is Washington the epicenter of the fentanyl crisis?

U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell posed the question at a Seattle round table she convened Monday about the deadly drug, where speakers talked about innovations happening locally and the challenges that lay ahead. The senator pointed to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention numbers showing the state had the biggest increase in the nationmore than 21%in fatal overdoses reported between February 2022 and February 2023.

One big reason, explained Robert Hammer, a Homeland Security Investigations special agent in charge of the Pacific Northwest region, is that fentanyl is extraordinarily cheap in Washington. The powerful synthetic opioid sells for as little as 80 cents a pill, about 50 cents cheaper than in California.

Compounding the problem, Hammer said, is Washington's position on the Interstate 5 corridor and its ability to serve as a stop-off point on the way to smuggle drugs into Vancouver, B.C.

It might seem obvious that a crisis is at hand, but Congress has not yet officially labeled fentanyl's carnage that way. "Let's get that done," Cantwell told round table participants, including Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, the city's police and fire chiefs, Evergreen Treatment Services CEO Steve Woolworth, University of Washington researcher Caleb Banta-Green, and a mother who lost her 20-year-old son after he bought what he thought was a painkiller that turned out to contain fentanyl.

A congressionally declared crisis would help get support from federal agencies, including needed leeway on Medicaid reimbursement for treatment, Cantwell said after the round table, one of a series held around the state. She is working on a bill with two of her colleagues to that effect.

More federal grants for treatment may also help, the senator added. She noted innovations happening in Washington, like "health engagement hubs," places that offer people who use drugs easy access to treatment and a range of other services in a nonjudgment environment. The state will soon launch a pilot program that will start up two of those hubs.

How widely such hubs spread may depend in part on whether they can get federal money. Current Medicaid rules allow treatment centers to bill for doctors' time but not for that of other providers considered vital to the team, like nurses and "care navigators" who typically have experience with addiction themselves, Banta-Green said.

Brad Finegood, who leads the overdose response for Public HealthSeattle & King County, agreed. "We have a huge Medicaid problem," he told Cantwell. "But our system does not pay for so many services that people will need."

The site of the round table, a Pioneer Square fire station, showcased another innovation. A few weeks ago, the Seattle Fire Department began responding to overdoses with a "Health 99" unit.

The fire department was already running the Health One program to respond to people who frequently call 911 by connecting them with social and health services. Wanting something more focused on overdoses, the department took one of its three units in that program and used it to start a three- to six-month Health 99 pilot program, said fire Chief Harold Scoggins.

Two firefighters and a social worker staff the unit, which sticks around after someone has regained consciousness and other emergency responders have left, with the goal of getting that person into treatment. Following up the next day, and the day after that, is key, Scoggins said.

The fire chief said he knows of no other program like it in the state.

Getting people to a treatment facility isn't necessarily a panacea. Woolworth, of Evergreen Treatment Services, said the nonprofit's three clinics are having trouble keeping patients trying to overcome fentanyl addictions.

The clinics provide methadone to reduce cravings for illicit opioids. But there's a danger of overdosing on the medication, and federal regulations limit the starting dose to a certain levelone that is often not high enough to substitute for fentanyl, which is even more powerful, Woolworth said.

As with the other go-to drug for opioid treatment, buprenorphine, people may go through agonizing withdrawal symptoms and feel worse after taking a starting dose of methadone. They may not come back.

Because of the regulations, Woolworth said, "we haven't been able to adapt and adjust clinic protocols to meet the beast that fentanyl is." He and others have been working to change the federal guidelines.

Others at the round table stressed the need for more treatment beds.

James Lovell, chief community development officer for the Chief Seattle Club and a member of North Dakota's Turtle Mountain Ojibwe tribe, told of a woman who lived in a building operated by the Native American-led housing and human services agency. Every day, she would ask on-site staffers trying to connect her with treatment services if a bed had become available in a detox facility.

There never wasuntil a few days before the woman died of an overdose.

In another sobering tale, Gen Pehlivanian told of how she lost her son when he was suffering from a painful sore throat. He thought he was buying Percocet on the street. The next morning, his brother and a friend found the 20-year-old dead in bed. Pehlivanian said goodbye to her oldest son in a body bag, on a gurney.

The family was told fentanyl was to blame. "What's fentanyl?" she thought.

Since then, she's been working to educate people about the dangers of the drug, and said increasing awareness among young people is crucial.

Lovell took the point. He said the round table inspired him to go home and talk about fentanyl with his 11-year-old.

2023 The Seattle Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Conversations on social media about female genital mutilation (FGM) have not changed dramatically over the five years to 2020, according to an analysis of English Twitter data, though there was a shift from raising awareness to calling for an end to the practice.

Earlier on, users discussing the topic were mainly from the U.S. and UK, but later the majority came from Nigeria and Kenya. The research, published in PLOS Global Public Health, may be useful in informing communication and designing culturally effective campaigns against FGM.

At least 200 million women and girls living in 30 countries have undergone FGM despite it being illegal in almost all of the countries where it happens. FGM can lead to short- and long-term health consequences such as hemorrhage, shock, chronic infections, sexual health challenges and obstetric complications and poor mental health outcomes.

Gray Babbs and Sarah E. Weber of Boston University School of Public Health and colleagues analyzed social media discussion between 2015 and 2020 to assess sentiments, knowledge and attitudes about FGM over time. Surveys do not always elicit truthful answers, and the perceived anonymity of social media can bring private conversations into the public sphere.

They saw increases in conversation related to five news stories in the study period: when stricter laws were set in Eritrea, when the practice was outlawed in Egypt and banned in The Gambia and Sudan, and when a doctor was charged in the U.S. with performing FGM. Although it is not associated with any one religious group, Islam was associated with FGM in all years studied, with some individuals using FGM to justify Islamophobia and connecting it to other practices like honor killings and acid attacks.

There was a shift over time from awareness raising to explicit calls to end FGM. This aligned with movement-based language in the later period, tying FGM to feminism and human rights struggles. Using Twitter data in this way allows public health workers to listen to public discourse, understand perceptions, and develop appropriate communications and effective interventions.

The authors add, "We observed a 17-fold increase in daily FGM conversations on International Day of Zero Tolerance. This suggests there might be opportunity for using social media to educate the public about the FGM practice on or around International Day of Zero Tolerance."

More information: Use of machine learning methods to understand discussions of female genital mutilation/cutting on social media, PLOS Global Public Health (2023). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000878 Journal information: PLOS Global Public Health
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Nursing students pet Jessie, a certified therapy dog, before professor Margaret Bultas class on July 19, 2023. Credit: Sarah Conroy/Saint Louis University

Research at Saint Louis University has found that integrating a therapy dog into the classroom increases mental health support for nursing students.

Margaret Bultas, Ph.D., professor at SLU's Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing, is an experienced nurse educator who currently teaches pathophysiology and has taught courses on growth and development, child health nursing, essentials of therapeutic nursing, and health assessment in the undergraduate and pre-licensure programs.

Bultas says her work at SLU in improving student experiences has stemmed from past research around improving health outcomes for children with developmental delays and disabilities.

"I have to set up my nursing classroom for success by creating a positive and supportive environment," she said.

Nursing education is a stressful major. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has called on nurse educators to increase mental health support for nursing students.

Bultas observed that stress and anxiety levels among her nursing students were increasing. She began incorporating mindfulness interventions into the classroom to improve mental health outcomes. She next explored the feasibility and acceptability of bringing a therapy dog to campus in a pilot study published in the Journal of Nursing Education.

SLU has implemented a policy to allow responsible dog owners to bring their dogs to work to promote employee morale, job satisfaction, and a pleasant work environment. Bultas says bringing dogs to campus for a day reduces stress and anxiety, but only momentarily.

"Students are stressed all semester. We bring a dog in, which calms them for an hour, but next week the dog's gone. It's a short-term fix, not a long-term solution," Bultas said. "I was interested in learning if the regular presence of a dog would reduce stress for my students over time."

The study included 67 baccalaureate nursing students. Bultas taught two sections of a course: one section had a therapy dog and one section did not. At the end of the course, participants in the intervention group showed improvement in stress, anxiety and happiness, whereas participants in the control group did not demonstrate improvement.

Jessie, the therapy dog used in this intervention, is a three-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Cavalier Spaniels are known to be gentle dogs with even temperaments and kind faces, Bultas says, and Jessie was an excellent fit for the classroom.

Students interacted physically with the dog before class, during a break, and after class. To reduce distraction, Jessie remained in her bed at the front of the classroom during class; she did not roam the room. A research assistant was available to remove the dog if she became distracted; however, Bultas says that never occurred. She says students reported positive feelings and benefits from the therapy dog's presence.

"We teach students to care for the whole person and we as faculty model this approach as we teach, and care for our students," Bultas said.

More information: Margaret W. Bultas et al, Evaluation of Dog Presence as a Therapeutic Classroom Intervention, Journal of Nursing Education (2023). DOI: 10.3928/01484834-20230404-04
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There was a time, not long ago, when doctors had national protocols for using a leading opioid treatment drug.

Heroin was the opioid king then, and it was fairly smooth to transition patients onto the medication buprenorphine, usually given as Suboxone, which reduces cravings for illicit opioids. Far trickier has been starting the medication with patients using fentanyl, a drug up to 50 times as powerful as heroin that's taken over the opioid market in the last several years.

Fentanyl's unique properties can send those starting buprenorphine into an agonizing state of sudden, or "precipitous," withdrawal, leaving providers scrambling to devise new approaches. But no universally adopted treatment protocols have taken hold so far.

"It's just kind of word-of-mouth and what's happening in your local community," said Dr. Nate Kittle, who oversees addiction care across HealthPoint, a nonprofit running primary and urgent care clinics throughout King County. "We're still learning the best ways to do this."

Doctors are trying a variety of methods:

Microdosing

Patients slowly build up the amount of buprenorphine they take, so they don't immediately go into an intense state of withdrawal. "The problem with this method is that it's complicated," Kittle said. A patient might start by cutting up a 2-milligram dissolvable strip of Suboxone (a widely used medication containing buprenorphine) into fourths and taking one of those microdoses the first day, maybe two the second and so on.

"The success rates are pretty low," Kittle said.

Aside from the difficulty in keeping track of the regimen, patients typically fear taking too much buprenorphine because they know it might cause withdrawal, he explained. So they get stuck.

There's also a constant choice patients must make: take their next dose or go back to fentanyl.

Macrodosing

Emergency room doctors are leading this method of giving large doses of the medication to patients on day one. Kittle describes the approach this way: "Just give them as much buprenorphine as we can and kind of overcome the fentanyl in their system."

Doctors have been surprised to find patients don't necessarily go into precipitated withdrawal.

"It's hard to explain," said Dr. Mark Duncan, a UW Medicine psychiatrist who treats addiction and co-directs a statewide learning collaborative. "The thing that I have come to appreciate is that a lot of the things that we took as fact were not accurate."

Emergency room physicians sometimes use this method while treating patients who have overdosed and received the reversal drug naloxone, which clears the system of fentanyl and makes it more receptive to buprenorphine.

In an emergency room, Duncan noted, providers can "hold a person's hand" and offer comfort medications.

Dr. Lily Lo said she and her colleagues are considering macrodosing patients at their Centralia drug treatment clinic, operated by Gather Church, where providers could monitor people for a couple of hours. But, she said, they're nervous about introducing the treatment option.

"We don't want to make somebody sick," she said. "Our first role is do no harm," she said.

Long-acting medications

Over the last year, Duncan has been using Sublocade, an injected medication that continuously releases buprenorphine for a month.

"It has been by far the most effective treatment I've seen for people who are using fentanyl," he said.

The big advantage, he and others say, is that Sublocade, which forms a depot of medication under one's skin, can only be surgically removed. So people are more or less committed for a month.

Another bonus is people don't have to fixate on taking their next dose of medication, which can feel eerily similar to feeding an addiction, said Gather care navigator Brooke Reder. Sublocade frees their mind of old habits, she said.

The manufacturer's instructions call for people to be on the short-acting form of buprenorphine for seven days before starting Sublocade, in part to make sure they can tolerate the medication.

"Everyone's kind of quickly realized that you don't really need to be on it for seven days," Duncan said. Maybe just one day or less.

Duncan, who's tracking patient experiences to share with the medical community, might even skip giving an advance dose of buprenorphine if someone has previously taken it without experiencing an allergic reaction.

Likewise, doctors are experimenting with how long to ask patients to abstain from fentanyl before starting on Sublocade. It's tricky because buprenorphine activates the brain's opioid receptors at only a 60% level. If fentanyl remains in the system, activating receptors at a higher level, the medication could make them feel worse, not better.

Duncan may ask patients to abstain for about 24 hours, "but if that's too much, I'll say, 'OK. What can you tolerate?' If it's six hours, 'OK, then, start there.'"

In May, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved another long-acting, injected medication, called Brixadi, which has two versions, one releasing buprenorphine for a week, the other a month.

Adding ketamine to the mix

Some physicians are trying to ease the transition to buprenorphine by using tiny doses of ketamine, an anesthetic sometimes used recreationally because of its hallucinogenic effects.

Dr. Lucinda Grande, a physician at Lacey-based Pioneer Family Practice, had for years prescribed ketamine for chronic pain and depression when she saw research suggesting the drug holds promise for alleviating intense withdrawal symptoms.

Over the past year, she started using the method with addicted patients, refining her approach. "It definitely helps everybody to some degree," she said, adding one patient smiled through the process, with no withdrawal symptoms at all. "I'm really ecstatic."

Accessing and using ketamine adds a complicating factor, though. "It's too early to know if it will have widespread utility," Kittle said.

2023 The Seattle Times.

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: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Water is the world's most valuable natural resource. Although a human can survive weeks or even months without food, going as little as three days without water could spell the end. The effects of water scarcity aren't limited to immediate survival situations, however. Recently published research in Psychological Science suggests that cultures from water-scarce environments tend to be more likely than cultures from water-rich areas to value long-term thinking and to scorn short-term indulgence.

"Individuals from historically water-scarce climates tend to be more long-term oriented and less indulgent," said Hamidreza Harati (The University of Queensland) in an interview. "Even in modern environments with easy access to water, cultural responses shaped by historical water scarcity still influence individuals' decision-making processes."

Harati and Thomas Talhelm (The University of Chicago) reached this conclusion after carrying out four studies on water scarcity, long-term orientation, and indulgence.

The first study focused on a "natural test case" of 331 undergraduate students from two cities in Iran: water-scarce Yazd and water-rich Shiraz. When surveyed about their values, participants from Yazd rated themselves more than twice as high for long-term orientation (e.g., by agreeing more with the statement "Persistent efforts are the surest way to results") than participants from Shiraz. Students from water-rich Shiraz, on the other hand, rated themselves almost twice as high for indulgence (e.g., by rating themselves higher for valuing "keeping time free for fun" than for "having few desires").

Participants also responded similarly when asked about the values of an average person from their city. These differences remained significant when the researchers controlled for participants' gender, age, marital status, and economic status.

Harati and Talhelm also found that water-scarcity-based cultural differences were reflected in people's behavior. In a second study of 182 job applicants, the researchers found that applicants from water-scarce Yazd were twice as likely to apply for a stable position at an established company than for a flexible role at a start-up. Participants from water-rich Shiraz, by comparison, were slightly more likely to apply for the start-up position.

The researchers observed similar short-term effects in an experiment in which they tasked 211 students at the University of Tehran with reading the abstract from one of two fictional scientific studies that made predictions about changes in the availability of water from 2022 to 2032. Students who read the abstract that predicted a severe water shortage reported having a stronger long-term orientation than those who read the abstract that predicted a surplus. Students in the control condition, who completed the survey without reading any abstract, had responses that fell between those of the other two groups. Students who read the abstract that predicted a water shortage also reported being less indulgent, but this was not statistically significant.

Finally, to explore how these findings might apply across cultural contexts, Harati and Talhelm analyzed how the availability of fresh water in 87 countries between 1962 and 2014 correlated with national scores for each population's long-term orientation and indulgence. Numerous ongoing and historic conditionsincluding average temperature, economic development, population density, frequency of natural disasters, corruption, agriculture, religion, disease risk, and warcan influence a country's cultural values. However, when Harati and Talhelm controlled for these factors, fresh water per capita remained a significant predictor of a nation's long-term orientation and indulgence.

"The results add to the growing field of ecological psychology, which posits that the environment plays a role in shaping people's psychology," Harati and Talhelm wrote. Focusing on understudied regions like the cities of Shiraz and Yazd in Iran also contributes to a broader understanding of cultural differences, underscoring the importance of including diverse samples and cultural perspectives in psychological research, Harati told APS.

Future research on water scarcity and culture could help address climate change by identifying more effective policies and other interventions to encourage sustainable behaviors, Harati added.

"There is emerging evidence that groups that value the long term are already investing more in green strategies to fight the biggest environmental threat to our futureclimate change," the researchers wrote. "The cultural value that helped humans adapt to environmental threats of our long-term past might help us adapt to the world's biggest environmental threat of the future."

More information: Hamidreza Harati et al, Cultures in Water-Scarce Environments Are More Long-Term Oriented, Psychological Science (2023). DOI: 10.1177/09567976231172500 Journal information: Psychological Science
STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS OF HIS EXCELLENCY FERDINAND R. MARCOS JR. PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES TO THE CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES ( Deli...
An encampment of at one time 30 unsheltered people grew under the shade of an aspen grove about a mile south of Helena, and its defacto leader  a man named Rad  said the modest stand of trees saved his life and the lives of others.

The encampment on Oro Fino Gulch Road is expected to be cleared out Saturday morning. Lewis and County Sheriff Leo Dutton said the property owner asked they be removed.

People living in the camp range in age from the young to elderly. Two dogs and a cat also call the encampment home. One of the dogs recently gave birth to 11 pups.

The Montanans in the camp are military veterans, Native Americans, recovering addicts.

The camp has four sizeable solar panels connected to an inverter and car battery. The setup is used to charge a couple of cellphones.

About 10 tents of varying sizes donated to the camp dot the narrow strip of gulch, the tops of which can just be seen from the highway. The cat, named Voodoo, lays claim to what one resident called "the smallest tent in camp," a short shade structure made of tree limbs and scrap plastic that covers water and food bowls.

One of the larger tents sits in the middle of the spotless camp, acting as a communal kitchen tent, where food and water are kept.

To the northern end of the camp, at the top of a half dozen tree limb steps, is a more secluded area Rad called the sanctuary.

Twenty-eight people were living in the camp as of Wednesday, most of whom said they have been "86'd" from God's Love, Helena's only shelter, for one reason or another.

Rad said his camp is drug and alcohol free, and he means it. Two men were banned from his camp for having alcohol.

"It's like a family here. At night, you hear everybody inside the tents and it's like 'Good night, grandma.' 'Good night, Marry Ellen,'" Rad said. "We don't necessarily want charity. We just want a place where we can pull up our bootstraps and get back into life."

Nick is a young man in his 20s living at the camp. He said as a gay man, he did not feel safe at God's Love and has not returned since he was removed from the shelter for what he said was being a known associate with another person in trouble with the shelter.

He said while living on the streets of Helena, he started using methamphetamine. He said a friend told him about Rad's camp.

"It's helped a lot," Nick said. "There really aren't any arguments here."

No arguments except for the minor one over spilled oatmeal he left on the floor of the kitchen tent earlier that morning, another camper reminded Nick.

"I never expected any of this. It ain't me; it's the Heavenly Father," Rad said. "I had an a-ha moment."

Rad said he had just about reached his lowest point some 3,119 sober days prior.

"I made the front page of your guys' paper. It said, 'Helena man accused of driving under the influence with near fatal blood alcohol,'" he said. "I'll never forget sitting in jail, reading the papers and people wrote in from all around the community for three months, writing about what a piece of (obscenity) I am. ... Out of all the people who wrote in, only two people had something decent to say. ... That I obviously had a problem."

Eventually, he was released from Lewis and Clark County Detention Center and shortly thereafter, fell into a particularly bad bender one night and got into a scrap in downtown Helena.

"The last thing I remember, they put me in the back of a squad car. I was calling the officer everything under the sun, and I was very disrespectful," Rad said. "I come out of a blackout at an (Alcoholics Anonymous) meeting with a cup of coffee in front of me. I felt like a damn idiot."

He said he simply sat through the meeting until the end when he asked the attendees how he had gotten there. They told him an officer brought him.

"And I remember thinking, 'Boy, that son of a (obscenity) got a sick sense of humor. He's probably laughing his (obscenity) all the way home.' But the fact of the matter is he must have really cared," Rad said.

He said he never met the officer again and could not remember his name.

"I'd like an opportunity to apologize to him," he said.

"I spent the last five years of my drinking up here (in Oro Fino Gulch), and I came up here to die. All I wanted to do was die," Rad said. "But this aspen grove saved my life."

He said he was kicked out of God's Love, "and rightfully so."

Surrounded by the temptations of a deep addiction he was attempting to kick and with nowhere else to go, he headed for his sanctuary in Oro Fino Gulch.

He started attending counseling at Our Place.

"It helps me," he said, adding that during his time there, he started recognizing more and more people without shelter who are unable to stay at God's Love and saw the level of need around him.

"I've been down there, and I've met commissioners and everyone coming to the homeless and wanting to get our input. And I've heard people talking about it and talking about it. They pull out a list and they make a list. Next week, they'll look at it, and they might talk about it again. Maybe add a couple things to the list and talk about it more," Rad said. "In the meantime, nothing gets done."

He also said both Helena Mayor Wilmot Collins and Lewis and Clark County Commissioner Andy Hunthausen visited the camp last week.

Rad said people at the church he attends began dropping off tents at his campsite once they learned that was where he ended up.

"Something compelled me to put 'em up," he said of the donated tents. "Couple days later, I got a couple more. Pretty soon, I'm up to 10 tents and me and my dog are the only ones here."

He said he "finally piped up."

"I said, 'Look, I gotta nice little spot. I could probably stay there 10 years and nobody'd know I'd be there, and it could be literally like my own home," Rad said. "But if anyone needs a place, and they're willing to abide by my rules, I'll take you under my protection. It's just blossomed from there."

There is only one problem, that sanctuary in the aspens is owned by a Butte resident, according to Dutton, the county sheriff.

Dutton said in an interview Thursday his office has received many calls recently from people concerned about wildfire starts in the camp.

Dutton said after the group was removed from God's Love, they set up camp on nearby U.S. Forest Service land, where they exceeded their 14-day limit.

Once moved out by rangers, the group set up shop at their current location.

Rad said he thought it was land that had been donated to the city of Helena and did not realize a portion of his camp was on private land.

Dutton said since notifying the group they have been "deemed as trespassers" Tuesday, they were given three days and wake up before they needed to vacate the area.

"We're probably giving them more time than we would a standard trespass," Dutton said. "We want to handle this as low-key as possible while enforcing the law."

Rad said he did feel as though despite the order, local law enforcement has been supportive of the group.

Helena City Manager Tim Burton said in an interview Wednesday "I talked to the police chief yesterday, and he is in communication with the sheriff."

Helena Police Department officers and sheriff's deputies have reportedly stopped in periodically to check on the group and ensure they will meet the Saturday deadline.

They will not be allowed to return to God's Love, shelter Co-director David Miller said in an interview.

Miller said his shelter now houses about 50 residents, about 75% of its capacity.

He said the shelter implemented a work requirement during COVID in an effort to help reduce the shelter population, something Lewis and Clark Public Health strongly advised.

"We used to have 50 to 60 people in here not doing anything all day," Miller said. "It started affecting our residents trying to hold down jobs."

Miller said the new work requirements "worked so well" that the shelter has kept the policy.

Miller said the work requirements are what lead most of those living in Rad's camp to be removed from the shelter.

He said the shelter has no plans to expand.

"I've seen how expansion in this town implodes on itself," he said. "No, we're comfortable with the level of service we are currently providing."

Dutton said they need to leave the area. Rad said he plans to move back onto USFS land about 200 feet away.

"We will probably have to deal with them again," Dutton said.

Rad said he intends to "see this through."

"There are good people here. I know why they're afraid to have a homeless encampment because of what's going on in the news. You see San Francisco, Portland and Seattle," he said. "C'mon, this is Montana. We're a bunch of God-fearing Christians here. It doesn't have to look like that here."

Rad said he found a military veteran sleeping in a ditch beside Oro Fino Gulch Road who has stayed at the camp since.

He said one man who got released from the jail and was detoxing spent about four days at the camp.

"He was here for four days and got a job. I haven't heard from him since. I hope it worked out," Rad said.

Rad believes he is helping his fellow unsheltered, almost as if to make amends for prior offenses.

"Some of my views and maybe some of my tactics are a little unorthodox, but it's been working, man," he said. "I don't really know what I'm doing, but I wanna see this through. I want there to be some kind of legacy, something besides some asshole getting drunk all the time, being a thorn in everyone's side. I'm gonna go get a teepee and a pot belly stove and stay here and try to help people."
Vacancies among correctional officers at Montana State Prison have fallen by roughly half since the 40% rate that haunted prison officials late last year.

In a presentation to lawmakers on Monday, Montana Department of Corrections Deputy Director Cynthia Wolken said that vacancy rate among correctional officers has fallen to about 20%, with more than 200 correctional officer positions filled of the 256 for which the prison is budgeted.

Wolken and the department credited the new ranks with pay raises approved by the Legislature and the department's recruitment and retention team formed last year to address the staffing gap.

"Obviously that really helps improve the safety of the facility and the types of services we offer inmates," Wolken told the Law and Justice Interim Committee Monday.

Last year, the state suspended visitation at Montana State Prison outside Deer Lodge because the prison could not dedicate officers to oversee visits. Additional measures to make do with the lack of correctional officers included closing down a unit of the facility, condensing inmates into an area the prison could adequately staff, and stretching officer shifts to 12 hours. State lawmakers last year said they had "grave concerns" about the vacancy rate's impact on staff and inmate safety at the facility, calling a meeting with Gov. Greg Gianforte to intervene.

The Legislature earlier this year approved pay raises for all state employees, but held up the prison as a key exhibit for bumping wages as a matter of public safety. Those raises included a $2 increase, as well as a $1.50 raise per hour, or 4%, whichever is greater. Legislation also slates another $1.50 per hour (or 4%) raise for state employees in 2024.

In total, the starting wage for a correctional officer has climbed from $16.46 in January 2021 to $22.51 this month. The starting wage for a correctional officer by this time next year will be $24.01 with the second-year increase.

When fully staffed, the 1,500-bed prison would have 256 correctional officers. The prison had just over 150 correctional officers on staff in December, but now employs more than 200, according to a handout provided to the committee on Monday.

On Monday, DOC spokesperson Carolynn Stocker said officers continue to work 12-hour shifts, but does offer some 8- and 10-hour slots to employees. Regular visitation also remains suspended at Montana State Prison, but noted the facility has hosted special visitation opportunities generally coinciding with holidays such as Father's Day.

"With the gains in correctional officer staffing, MSP is working hard to return to weekend visitation," Stocker said in an email. "The department regularly re-evaluates when it can resume normal visitation while ensuring the safety and security of the public, staff and inmates."

Sen. John Esp, R-Big Timber, applauded Wolken and the department Monday on the turnaround.

"The picture looks a lot different than it did last interim around this time, as far as bleeding employees and correctional officers," Esp said.

The department's recruitment and retention committee work included a streamlined hiring process and outreach to new potential hiring pools, such as graduating high school students and former prison employees. On the retention end, the prison has established a mentorship program with weekly discussions and boosting training opportunities.

The department will look to expand on its work moving ahead, Wolken told the committee.
Its not even August and Montanas world-famous trout streams are being shut down due to low flows and high water temperatures  so high they severely stress or kill fish that rely on enough cold, clean water to survive. Given these are the headwater streams and rivers pouring off the snow-capped mountains of the Continental Divide, Montana is in hot water again  and thats anything but good.

The list of rivers now being limited to hoot owl restrictions is long and growing quickly. Montanas Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks posts those closures and restrictions online at fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions/waterbody-closures.

The Beaverhead, Big Hole, Bitterroot, Jefferson, Lower Madison, Ruby, and Sun Rivers are all too hot and too low to sustain trout. And that says nothing about the species of concern such as the last fluvial Arctic grayling in the Lower 48, quickly disappearing in the dewatered Upper Big Hole and the westslope cutthroat that should have been given Endangered Species Act protections, but were denied that by politically-directed agencies.

Moreover, we are now facing what FWP calls historic low flows in northwest Montana, a part of the state that shouldnt experience those conditions given its on the wet west side of the divide. Heres what the agency says:

The Flathead River basin is experiencing severe drought conditions due to below-average winter snowpack, early runoff, and above-average hot, dry summer conditions. Flows in the North, South, and Middle forks of the Flathead River are roughly one-third of average for this time of year. Water temperatures are already hitting stressful levels for trout, particularly westslope cutthroat and bull trout...fisheries biologists are most concerned about heat-induced stress in Montana's wild trout populations in the following rivers and adjacent tributaries: North Fork Flathead River, Middle Fork Flathead River, South Fork Flathead River, Mainstem Flathead River upstream of Old Steel Bridge in Evergreen, Swan River, Thompson River.

They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome. Yet, despite a flood of concern over the disappearing wild trout fishery in the Big Hole River, the state continues its dereliction of duty to its public trust responsibilities by delegating that responsibility to the Big Hole Watershed Committee  which has now failed to maintain adequate flows for nearly 30 years. The result? The on-going drying and dying of an iconic Montana trout stream.

While all this is very bad news for Montana, the states inability to maintain our headwaters rivers are now cascading downstream. As recently reported in the Hot Water Report 2023,The once-abundant anadromous fish populations of the Columbia-Snake River Basin are on the brink of extinction. These cold-water fish begin to suffer harmful effects when water temperatures exceed 68 Fahrenheit. This July marked the first time in 2023 the lower Snake and Columbia river reservoirs surpassed the 68F harm threshold for salmon and steelhead, and now salmon are migrating through dangerous and lethal water temperatures.

Thats no surprise when the water coming from Montana is 73 degrees or warmer by the time it hits the Columbia. And like so much these days, the dereliction of duty by our politicians is stacking up in ever-more destructive outcomes over larger areas of concern.

At some point in the not too distant future, it will be too late for corrective actions. The damage, as on the Big Hole and now the Columbia, is on-going. And when you consider Montanas majestic headwater rivers are now too low and too hot for wild trout and salmon  it may well be too late already.
From the slaughterhouse to the voodoo bayou, the attractions at Lake Hickory Haunts will be featured in the latest project from an independent filmmaker from North Carolina.

The film is titled Youre It.

Writer and director Ron Rossmann said his idea is to create a psychological slasher movie that follows a paranormal serial killer who stalks the crew of a retro-style horror film.

Rossmann said his inspiration for Youre It bubbled up out of a discussion with Gregbo Watson.

Watson is the executive producer of Youre It. He has also worked drawing for Marvel Comics and Zenescope Comics.

Rossmann said the duo was inspired by John Carpenters film Halloween.

Carpenter took basically no budget and launched the slasher film genre, Rossmann said.

It was prior to the gore era. So, if you watch Halloween compared to Friday the 13th, its scary, but theres not as much gore, Rossmann said. So, we kind of lost that. So, we wanted to go back to those roots.

Watson also wanted to pay homage to films such as Saw and Final Destination. From there, Rossmann said, Youre It was born.

Lake Hickory Haunts actor Clam Sepulveda put Rossmann in contact with Lake Hickory Haunts owner Ryan Settlemyre, which led to filming at the attraction.

Sepulveda is going on his 16th year of haunt acting. He previously worked at Scarowinds.

I had heard of Lake Hickory Haunts, Rossmann said. Its got a huge reputation of being one of the best haunts in the Carolinas.

Rossmann previously directed a season of Stros SINister SINema at the haunt.

Settlemyre said he is excited to welcome Rossmann back to Lake Hickory Haunts to use attractions for film sets.

In the off-season, its like if any other creators or artists can work with us to utilize them, its great, Settlemyre said.

Rossmanns interest in filmmaking started with visits to his uncles house, who is a microbiologist and got him interested in science fiction. The movie that inspired Rossmann to try and start creating on his own was The Thing from Another World.

I said, I want to make movies like that, Rossmann said.

Rossmann said from that point forward he became a cinephile. He said he was a late bloomer when it came to filming, but he started out as an author and then moved toward writing screenplays and plays for schools.

He said he wants Youre It to be different from a typical slasher movie in the sense that he doesnt want it to be just about the gore.

I want you to feel for the characters because most of these (movies) kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, which is fine, Rossmann said. But we want you to go, damn, I didnt want that person to die.

The movie is expected to feature actors Santiago Cirilo and Amber Dawn Fox, who both appeared on the TV series The Walking Dead.

The filming for Youre It is set to start in January 2024 and is expected to take about 12 weekends, Rossmann said.

The budget for the film was $10,000, but Rossmann and his crew raised just over $7,000 through Kickstarter.
A Morganton man who worked for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services in Morganton has been charged with two felony child sex offenses that allegedly happened in the 1990s.

Rodney Shawn Lane, 50, of Morganton, was charged Monday afternoon with two counts of first-degree sex offense with a child, according to a copy of a warrant filed at the Burke County Courthouse. The warrant was issued Monday.

The warrant alleges that on or about Jan. 1, 1999, Lane engaged in a sex offense with a child under the age of 13. Lane wouldve been about 25 at the time.

A first degree sex offense is a Class B1 felony in North Carolina. Lane would face at least 25 years in prison if convicted, according to North Carolina General Statute.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services lists Lane as a community accessibility specialist at the Morganton Regional Center for the division of services for the deaf and hard of hearing.

The News Herald filed a public information request Tuesday morning with NCDHHS for Lane's employment records.

Lane is due in court Thursday. Hes being held at the Burke County Jail under a $200,000 secured bond.
The dust you know might be better than the dust you dont.

A survey commissioned last year by Montana Resources Inc. identified two specific areas within the larger Greeley neighborhood in Butte where residents were especially concerned about the potential impacts of fugitive dust wafting over from the nearby mine.

The dust has long been a thorny topic for some residents.

Montana Resources, which operates the sprawling copper and molybdenum mine, responded to those concerns recently by hiring a contractor to install new air-quality monitoring devices in those two areas.

The new equipment is in addition to monitoring instruments already deployed in the vicinity of the former Greeley School.

Mark Thompson, Montana Resourcess vice president of environmental affairs, said the monitoring equipment focuses on characterizing airborne particulate matter. It will monitor total suspended particulate, or TSP, as well as dust deposition.

An air sampler will collect/measure TSP in the ambient air, and the TSP will also be analyzed for metals, Thompson said. In addition to the ambient air monitors, dust fall jars will measure dust deposition rates and the dust collected will be analyzed for metals.

Thompson said an MRI contractor also will add a dust fall jar at the existing Greeley School monitoring site.

This will assist in our evaluation of spatial distribution of dust deposition within the neighborhood, he said.

The Greeley neighborhood includes about 650 residential homes and 30 businesses. It is just across Continental Drive from some of the mines main processing facilities.

The neighborhood is roughly bounded by Grand Avenue, Continental Drive and Farrell Street and Harrison Avenue.

Thompson said no agency has mandated that MRI deploy the air-monitoring equipment.

None of it is mandatory, he said. Were in compliance with our air quality permit, except for some special circumstances with tailings dust.

Particulates or atmospheric particulate matter are microscopic particles of solid or liquid matter suspended in the air. Coarser particles, sometimes referred to as PM10, can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Smaller, inhalable particles, referred to as PM2.5, are more dangerous because they can get into the deep parts of your lungs  or even into your blood, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Many Montana communities occupy valleys, where air can become stagnant, especially in winter. Woodstoves exacerbate the problem by adding unhealthy concentrations of PM2.5.

Thompson said data collected to date from air quality monitoring equipment in the Greeley neighborhood have not raised red flags.

Fundamentally, everything looks great, he said. But we are still hearing from that community that their cars are covered in dust.

The company has never denied that dust from its mining and milling operations and exposed tailings impoundment migrates off the mines grounds during windy conditions.

Thompson also has acknowledged that some portion of that dust likely ends up in Buttes nearby Greeley neighborhood.

The fears have been, among others: Airborne particles can settle in lungs; dust particles that bear traces of heavy metals could be a health hazard; and, there could be cumulative threats not yet fully understood tied to prolonged exposure.

Ed Banderob and Steve McGrath have been environmental watchdogs for the Greeley neighborhood. On Tuesday, both men said they appreciate that Montana Resources has added more monitoring equipment.

I think that is a positive development, McGrath said. No government agency has taken it upon itself to document dust fall in the neighborhood. As the entity responsible for the dust, I think we have to recognize that Montana Resources is taking its role seriously.

Banderob said he appreciated the willingness of Thompson and Montana Resources to do the testing and studies necessary to determine whether those responsible for airborne contaminants or related monitoring are doing the best they can to provide a healthy atmosphere for the residents of the Greeley neighborhood and greater Butte community in which to live, work and play.
CEDAR COUNTY  The Iowa State Patrol has not released the name of a subject who was killed in an accident on Interstate 80 Sunday afternoon, pending notification of the next of kin.

According to a minimal crash report, at about 5:27 p.m. a subject was driving a 2023 Freightliner Cascadia eastbound at mile post 259, near the interchange with Garfield Avenue north of West Liberty. For an unknown reason, the semi overcorrected and rolled. The driver was unrestrained and ejected from the vehicle.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported by Fry Funeral Home to St. Lukes Hospital.

The Iowa State patrol was assisted at the scene by the Cedar County Sheriffs office, West Branch Fire, and West Liberty Fire and EMS.

What speed limit zones are the most likely to see fatalities? What speed limit zones are the most likely to see fatalities? Interstate, principal arterial Freeway and expressway, principal arterial Collector Local Minor arterial Principal arterial, other
In the midst of new laws and discourse regarding LGBTQ+ rights, a local group hopes to both show their support for the LGBTQ+ community as well as share with others why pursuing equality is so important.

On Thursday, July 27, at 6 p.m., Progress Muscatine will be hosting LGBTQ+ Equality: a Muscatine Community Conversation in room 301 at the Musser Public Library. Following the conversation, guests are invited to attend Almost Friday Fest together.

We just want to address what folks might be feeling and needing right now, Progress Muscatine Board President, Jessica Brackett said. We want to get everybody on the same page with whats happening and see what we might be able to do together.

Although this will be the first time that Progress Muscatine has held an event specifically focused on LGBTQ+ rights, its a subject that Brackett herself is very familiar. She played a major role in the work made to pass previous LGBTQ+ right laws in Iowa.

That work included being the publisher and editor of The Voice of LGBTQA Youth of Iowa, a state-wide magazine that was also an organizing tool used to bring students together to fight for expanding rights. In one issue, the magazine highlighted the Muscatine High Schools Gay/Straight Alliance, which at the time was one of the best attended groups that Beckett had seen.

Afterwards, Beckett managed the field campaign to pass both the Safe Schools Law, which added sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes in public and private school harassment/bullying policies, and the civil rights bill in 2007, which made sexual orientation and gender identity protected classes in the states Civil Rights Code. She was also a director for the Marriage Initiative, helping Iowa to eventually become the third state in the US to allow marriage for same-sex couples.

Personally, this is very important to me, Beckett said.

She said the event was meant as a response to comments made by local legislators, specifically those representing Muscatine County. This includes Representative Mark Cisneros who, at a legislative forum in March of this year, asked if the + in LGBTQ+ included pedophiles.

(Those comments) were pretty scary, and we just want to show the community that these things are being said and have a conversation about how the community is doing in Muscatine, she said.

The event is also meant to respond to some of the anti-LGBTQ+ laws that have recently been passed within Iowa.

In particular, this legislation is trying to erase LGBTQ+ folks from discussion in schools, Beckett continued. The problem with that is that it erases people and families, and thats a serious step towards a very scary path.

Being hopeful about the upcoming event, Beckett said that she and her team hope to continue doing LGBTQ+ events and discussions in the future as they strive towards their main goal of community coming together.

Theres a strong effort to change the tone of Iowa, and its a political effort, she said. Were just fighting to keep the rights that we have and have had for nearly two decades at this point.

To learn more about Progress Muscatine, its events and its continuing efforts, residents can visit www.progressmuscatine.org.

Photos: Clock Inc. LGBT+ Community Center 062119-qct-qca-lgbt-01.jpg 062119-qct-qca-lgbt-02.jpg 062119-qct-qca-lgbt-03.jpg 062119-qct-qca-lgbt-04.jpg 062119-qct-qca-lgbt-05.jpg
UnityPoint Health will continue its community education series next moth with a focus on chronic vein disease and chronic vein insufficiency.

On Wednesday, August 23 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Muscatine Community School District Administration building, UnityPoint Health will be hosting a free in-person event featuring Mark Williams, MD, a local surgeon with UnityPoint Clinic  Muscatine.

Anyone can sign up for the event but the discussion will primarily benefit people who are over 50 years old, people who are overweight, people who sit or stand for long periods of time, those with a sedentary lifestyle, and women/pregnant women who are at a higher risk, as these are the types of people who are most likely to be affected by chronic vein disease/insufficiency.

Chronic vein disease/insufficiency happens when a persons leg veins dont allow blood to flow back up to their heart, Williams said. This can in turn cause blood to pool in the legs causing swelling, feelings of heaviness or pain in the legs.

Of the more than 30 million Americans affected with the disease, only 1.9 million seek treatment annually, with a vast majority of people remaining undiagnosed and untreated. This is a concern, as chronic vein insufficiency can get worse over time if not properly managed and treated, leading to itching, burning, swelling of the legs, lacerations, restless leg syndrome and chronic skin damage.

Were just trying to prevent the chronic wounds that tend to occur in the late stages of the disease, Williams said. Were going to go over the signs and symptoms of the disease, what causes it, the risk factors involved with it, how it can affect your long-term health if symptoms are ignored, and treatment options  which can include medications, surgery and lifestyle changes.

Those wishing to RSVP for the event can do so online at https://bit.ly/3NNDhGE. They can also visit UnityPoint Healths Classes and Events page on its website  https://www.unitypoint.org/patients-and-visitors/classes-and-events/quad-cities  and search for the event themselves.

Ground-breaking for 40-bed UnityPoint Health-Trinity rehabilitation facility 060821-qc-nws-UnityPoint-003 060821-qc-nws-UnityPoint-065 060821-qc-nws-UnityPoint-056 060821-qc-nws-UnityPoint-023 060821-qc-nws-UnityPoint-034 060821-qc-nws-UnityPoint-025 060821-qc-nws-UnityPoint-014 060821-qc-nws-UnityPoint-008 060821-qc-nws-UnityPoint-030
WASHINGTON  The lead prosecutor in the case against President Joe Bidens son Hunter says he is willing to testify publicly this fall, setting up a clash with House Republicans who have demanded he come in soon for a closed-door interview.

In a two-page letter to Rep. Jim Jordan on Monday, the Justice Department offered to make U.S. Attorney David Weiss of Delaware available before the House Judiciary Committee for a public hearing after the August break as Republicans continue to escalate their ongoing investigation into his handling of the probe into Hunter Biden.

The Department believes it is strongly in the public interest for the American people and for Congress to hear directly from U.S. Attorney Weiss on these assertions and questions about his authority at a public hearing, Assistant Attorney General Carlos Uriarte wrote to Jordan.

House Republicans, led by Jordan  chair of the Judiciary Committee  had requested last month for Weiss and nearly a dozen other officials to come in for transcribed interviews with the committee as part of its investigation into claims the Justice Department improperly interfered in the case into Hunter Bidens financial dealings. Weiss' probe ended last month with a plea deal that will likely spare Biden from time behind bars.

The congressional inquiry was opened after testimony from two IRS agents who worked on the Hunter Biden case detailed what they called a pattern of slow-walking investigative steps and delaying enforcement actions in the months before the 2020 presidential election won by his father. The department and Weiss have vehemently denied the whistleblowers' claims.

Over the past several weeks, the Justice Department has gone back and forth with the committee, rejecting one of the more explosive claims that Weiss did not have full authority in the lengthy investigation into Hunter Bidens financial dealings that ended last month with a plea deal that will likely spare Biden from time behind bars.

Uriarte wrote to Jordan earlier this month that due to longstanding department policy, Weiss or any other officials involved in the case would be prohibited from testifying before Congress while the investigation was ongoing. But the committee continued to push for a closed-door interview with Weiss.

The Justice Department, looking to correct the record of what they see as a misrepresentation of the investigation, is now offering for Weiss to come before Congress in a public venue, where he could directly respond to claims of wrongdoing by Republicans.

U.S. Attorney Weiss is the appropriate person to speak to these issues, as he is both the senior Department official responsible for the investigation as well as the person with direct knowledge of the facts necessary to respond to the assertions in which you have expressed interest, Uriarte wrote.

The openness to make Weiss available comes as Hunter Biden is expected to appear before a judge Wednesday to officially plead guilty to the federal tax offenses, opening the prosecutor up to providing some testimony in the case.

It is unclear if Jordan will accept the offer for a public hearing.

Photos: Hunter Biden through the years
A Kisii court has sentenced three suspects found guilty of causing grievous harm to Baby Junior Sagini, the three-year-old child whose eyes were gouged out in December last year at Ikuruma Village.

The trio of baby Saginis grandmother(Rael Mayaka Nyakerario), aunt(Pacificah Nyakerario), and cousin(Alex Maina Ochogo) was found guilty of the gruesome offense a little over two weeks ago on July 7.

They had on January 18 been charged with attempted murder which later changed to causing grievous bodily harm, due to a lack of enough evidence.

On Monday, July 24, Senior Resident Magistrate Christine Ogweno sentenced the main suspect, Alex Ochogo, to 40 years behind bars.

Magistrate Ogweno further sentenced baby Saginis aunt, Pacifica Nyakerario, to 10 years in jail and the grandmother, Rael Mayaka, to five years in jail.

While delivering the guilty verdict two weeks ago, the magistrate described the attack on the minor as barbaric, brutal, savage, and inhuman.

Theres so much he (Sagini) will never see again. One wonders what kind of people these were, who were so heartless to gouge out a childs eyes, put them in a sack and under the bed, Ms Ogweno said.

She added: Society failed Baby Sagini.
The Government is doing everything possible to ensure there are no delays in the disbursement of Cash Transfer Funds.

President William Ruto said the Government will disburse funds for the vulnerable groups on time beginning this month.

The President said the elderly and persons with disabilities will no longer have to wait for long to get their dues.

If there are people who deserve our support, it is the vulnerable in society, he said.

He spoke during an Interdenominational Church Service at Mwatunge Ground, Taita Taveta County.

Present were Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime, Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah and a host of MPs.

The Head of State revealed that the Government has successfully managed to pull the country out of the threat of foreign debt.

He observed that the Government has cut down on foreign borrowing in favor of resources from domestic revenue.

I want to confirm to the people of Kenya that we are doing everything possible to stabilise the economy, he said.

President Ruto noted that interventions in agriculture has boosted morale of farmers to improve food production.

The way to deal with the high cost of food is by increasing production so that we can increase supply and be able to manage prices, he said.

He maintained that the government is investing in housing and value addition to create jobs for the youth.

Jobs are created through deliberate Government policies, he added.

By PCS
Matatu drivers in Nairobi could soon be required to present certificates confirming that their vehicles have undergone fumigation. This in a bid to address the bedbug menace that has infested the city.

Nairobi County Assembly Health Committee Chairman Maurice Ochieng complained that despite complaints from passengers over bedbug infestation, most matatu saccos do not fumigate their vehicles.

There is a lot of outcry from the public that the bedbugs are becoming a nuisance in matatus. We urge public service vehicles that operate within the city to fumigate their vehicles, said Ochieng.

He said fumigation also aims to improve overall cleanliness and hygiene standards.

We need to make sure that the hygiene standard of health in the city is maintained and after that, we are moving to schools for the same purpose, he added.

The Mountain View Ward MCA strongly urged the county government to take decisive action against matatu saccos that fail to comply with the requirement of presenting fumigation certificates.

Ochieng also pointed out that similar complaints are emanating from eateries with regard to cockroaches and rodents.

We are giving a notice to hotel owners to fumigate their hotels; not only to do away with rodents but cockroaches as well, he said.

The CEC for health should move with speed to ensure that matatu owners and hotel operators have certificates once they carry out fumigation so as to make enforcement work easier.
Uhuru Kenyatta has advised his successor President William Ruto to diligently serve the country during his time in office, as he will not hold the countrys top office indefinitely.

During a meeting with news editors on Monday, Uhur advised Ruto that power is transient and urged him to fulfill his duties while he still holds the top office.

My advice to Ruto is power is fleeting and temporary. Do the best for the country, he said, adding that he did his best in the 10 years he was in office.

It is your work to run the country, not mine. Even if I did not support you. I did my best and I handed over when my term ended, Uhuru said.

The retired president at the same time maintained that he is no longer involved in active politics and should not be linked to any demonstrations planned by the opposition.

I am puzzled by claims that I am funding Azimio protest, for what benefit? he posed.

Uhuru challenged anyone linking him to the protests to provide concrete evidence to support their claims. He also noted that he has had discussions with opposition leader Raila Odinga about the protests, which Raila maintained are centered on fighting to lower the cost of living for Kenyans.

The former president also mentioned that Ruto has not made any effort to contact him since assuming the presidency. He said he would be open to engaging with Ruto if the President initiates the conversation.

I cant invite myself to talk with him but if he reaches out to me; he is my president and I will go. I went to Moi and Kibaki regularly to seek advice, Kenyatta told Editors at his residence in Nairobi.
Uhuru Kenyatta has refuted claims that his sons possess illegal guns amid a government crackdown on the former first family.

During an interview with news editors on Monday, the retired president spoke about the challenges his family has faced in recent days due to allegations made by some Kenya Kwanza leaders regarding the supposed misuse of firearms.

Uhuru admitted that his two sons, Jomo and Jaba Kenyatta, have three guns each which were acquitted legally.

Noting that Jomo, in particular, has no interest in guns, Uhuru said his sons were compelled to apply for the firearms after their security details were withdrawn shortly after President William Rutos government assumed office last year.

My son Jomo has never been interested in weapons. He was forced to apply for a gun after his security was withdrawn, he said, adding that his daughter Ngina does not own a firearm.

Uhuru also disclosed that he had requested the Ruto administration to extend the security detail for his children for an additional year to give them time to adjust to their new circumstances, but his plea was rejected.
The National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee has given its approval for the allocation of Ksh 4 billion annually to be disbursed as allowances for village elders.

Under the leadership of Ndindi Nyoro, the committee endorsed the publication of the National Government Coordination Amendment Bill.

If adopted by parliament, the bill will ensure that each village elder receives a minimum of seven thousand shillings per month as part of their allowances.

The National Government Coordination Amendment Bill, sponsored by Kibwezi West Member of Parliament Mwengi Mutuse, aims to make it mandatory for the Government to provide remuneration to village elders for their essential role in coordinating government agendas.

As per the proposed legislation, every village elder will be entitled to a monthly allowance of Sh4,000, which will cover four meetings that are to be conducted with the chief.

Additionally, there will be a transport allowance of Sh 2,000 per month and an airtime allowance of Sh 1,000 per month for each village elder.

The Bill proposes the creation of village councils headed by a village administrator.

The National government shall in respect of every village unit establish village councils headed by a village administrator, and appoint such village elders to the village council as may be necessary for purposes of coordination of National government functions, the Bill reads.

The village administrator will serve as the chairperson of the village council. The council will consist of not less than three and not more than five village elders who will play an active role in the local governance and coordination of government activities within the village.

If the proposal is approved, the responsibility of appointing a village administrator for each village unit will be entrusted to the Public Service Commission.

The village administrator would be the lowest cadre of the NGAO offices, to add to county commissioners for every county, deputy county commissioner for each sub-county, assistant county commissioner for every ward, chiefs, and assistant chiefs.
High on the back wall of the newly relocated Napa Bookmine book store is a textile design, the shape reminiscent of birds wings. The thick teal fabric is patterned in an intricate design. The piece was designed and fabricated by Napa business Yolotli.

Its 100% wool felt, said textile designer Nicole Kelly, owner of Yolotli. Its made by tacking, smocking and folding the material. My designs, such as my embroidered samplers, had always been small, and Id wanted to go large. Bookmine owner Naomi (Chamblin) had asked me about a 3-D design that would be sound dampening. Id like to do more pieces like that.

Perhaps known locally more for her minimalistic clothing line, Kelly said, I cant stop making things.

The name Yolotli means heart, and comes from the Nahuatl, a native language of Mexico. Since her first visit to Mexico in 2003, she has felt a deep connection with the country itself and culture. Her work is even carried by the Carla Fernandez Flagship Store in Mexico City, Mexico.

Kelly grew up in the Black Forest region of Germany, playing with Waldorf dolls, a simple cloth doll with minimal facial features, made with only natural fiber such as wool, cotton or linen, from their stuffing to their hair.

A large part of the German curriculum is crafting, said Kelly. My mom also handmade a lot of things. I sewed, knitted and crocheted. I was the only child in school who did knitting homework by myself. The others had their grandmothers or mothers help or do it for them. Mom had a closet full of linens. Textiles and traditional costumes, famous internationally, interested me.

I like everything about hand embroidery. I also do hand pull, a technique that dates to Medieval times, which is deconstructing fabric by drawing out thread in a pattern Once the fabric is prepped and counted, I can just sit and embroider for hours.

In Germany, its more ridged in what you should do. My sister was artistic and became a master wood crafter. She now does huge restorations in (European) churches. It was made clear to me that she was the artist in the family. I studied business management. When I came to America, I saw there was room here to reinvent yourself.

Kelly has lived and worked on and off in Germany, Mexico, Argentina, Guatemala and the U.S. She settled in Napa after meeting her husband, Mikey, when they both worked for the Gordon Huether Studio in Napa.

Her first crafts show was the Renegade Craft Show in 2014 at Fort Mason.

I sold my pieces and got excited. I started with hand-knit merino wool hats; one of my bestsellers still today. Then, fascinated by the pattern, I started making Japanese denim aprons for children.

She also worked with a factory in San Francisco.

At the end of their denim production, they would have a lot of leftover pieces. These were high-end jeans, and the factory had one to two years worth of fabric in their basement.

"I got a business license. People fell in love with my designs. My adult aprons were used in SHED, an upscale restaurant in Healdsburg. For these, I sourced Japanese denim.

Japanese denim is considered the best in the world due to its construction and the expert craft needed in the denim fabrication. The dyeing process, along with tight weaving, makes Japanese denim a refined art.

She branched out into simple, classic womens wear, blouses, tops, totes and dresses, along with unisex chore coats. All have clean lines, and most are monochromatic colors, black, natural and white. Like the Waldorf dolls she had as a child, the fabrics are linen, cotton and wool.

I only use natural materials in my work. The cotton I use is locally made by Sally Fox. Sally is very well known. She developed Foxfibre cotton, a naturally colored organic heirloom cotton, and has a company called Vreseis Ltd. Her colors are timeless and minimal in natural-based tones.

All was going well in the large studio she shared with her husband, artist Mikey Kelly, until 2019.

Thats when I had my daughter and at about the same time, COVID hit. It all fell apart. Stores closed, the factory had to dial down production and couldnt keep its workers. Because of my daughter, I didnt have time to create.

With the characteristic determination that propelled her to start fresh in America and become an artist, she and her husband left their spacious studio and built two small studios in their backyard.

My studio is 12 by 10 with only enough room for my sewing machine and a little table. I focus on slow, small batch production. My work is carried by Carter & Co. and Station Helena, both in St. Helena and Good Gray in Penngrove, along with the Carla Fernandez store in Mexico City. I do pop-ups at the St. Helena Farmers Market and do a few craft shows a year.

I believe in minimal pieces that last and can be repaired. Thats added value. I try to sew without zippers and buttons, so that everything can decompose if it must. (As a result) most of my designs have ties or are wraps. We should do everything possible not to use plastic. I dont want to leave a trace.

Natural materials should be on our bodies. There is so much toxicity in landfills, its not good for our bodies. The minimal pieces I make last and can be fixed and passed down. It can become a heritage piece thats loved.

To that end, she will repair certain clothes.

I offer a mending service for favorite jeans or shirts. The method I use is called Sashiko, a Japanese way of mending. Its a nice layer of stitching.

Sashiko is a form of sustainable embroidery to strengthen fabric thats been around since the 1600s. It is an example of mottainai, the Japanese philosophy of not wasting anything.

What is her advice to anyone starting out?

Trust your gut. Im 50, and I took a long time to find the way. Creativity is so important. My work is everything that led up to this point to put the pieces together. Dont be shy. Visualize and appreciate the effort to try it yourself. It takes a lifetime of learning, experiencing and experimenting.

Photos: New Napa tile mosaic captures the open road, and classic cars. Classic car mural at Chrysler in Napa. Classic car mural at Chrysler in Napa. Classic car mural at Chrysler in Napa. Kristina Young Classic car mural at Chrysler in Napa. Classic car mural at Chrysler in Napa. Chrysler_building Classic car mural at Chrysler in Napa. Classic car mural at Chrysler in Napa.
The unemployment rate in Napa County was 3.5% in June, up from a revised 3.1% in May and above the year-ago estimate of 3.0%.

That compares with an unadjusted unemployment rate of 4.9% for California and 3.8% for the nation during the same period, the state Employment Development Department reported.

Year-over-year, Napa Countys labor force remained the same: 72,100 workers.

Napa County job categories with the most increases included construction, trade, transportation and utilities, and leisure and hospitality.

Employers with the most job ads were: Providence, Napa Valley Unified School District, Aimbridge Hospitality, Adventist Health, state of California, Constellation Brands, the Estate Yountville, Auberge Resorts, The Meritage Resort and Spa, city of Napa.

Jobs most in demand in Napa County included registered nurses, wait staff, retail sales, customer service representatives, supervisors of retail workers, fast food and counter workers, sales reps, food service managers, hosts/hostesses, and housekeeping staff.

Photos: Go inside the most expensive home sold in Napa County in June. 3880 Silverado Trail 3880 Silverado Trail in Calistoga 3880 Silverado Trail in Calistoga 3880 Silverado Trail in Calistoga 3880 Silverado Trail in Calistoga 3880 Silverado Trail in Calistoga 3880 Silverado Trail in Calistoga 3880 Silverado Trail in Calistoga 3880 Silverado Trail in Calistoga 3880 Silverado Trail in Calistoga
Bubbles and Barks fundraiser at Kitchen Door

Visit Kitchen Door, 1300 First St., Suite 272, Napa, on Aug. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for a festive frolic with your furry four-legged friends and sip sparkling wines in support of local animal welfare programs.

The charity event promises a day of luxury and treats for all guests and their dogs and there are sure to be surprises to make all tails wag with joy, according to the press release. The bubbles will come courtesy of Paula Kornell Sparkling Wine and the canines will crunch on drool. dog cookies, sourced from a local company of the same name creating nutritious and entertaining treats for pups. There will also be Wine Dogs books available for viewing and purchase: the pages are filled with photos of the finest wine industry dogs and their wines of choice.

The event is free to attend and 100% of the funds from sparkling wine and cocktail sales will support three local charities: Compassion without Borders, Jameson Humane, and Napa Humane animal organizations. Compassion without Borders ensures that animals on either side of the border have a bright future, Jameson Humane is a Napa Valley rescue and sanctuary organization which supports the Bay Area and beyond and Napa Humane promotes the welfare of companion animals through protection, advocacy and education, as per the press release. Each charity will have a table at the event for guests to learn more about their organization.

Paula Kornell Sparkling Wine is the premier label of the titular winemaker. A Napa Valley native, Kornell has a diverse portfolio which draws on California's past and attracts contemporary lovers of Champagne, all while paying homage to her familys winery, Hanns Kornell Champagne Cellars. Kornells wines are stylish and specifically engineered to be food-friendly and are thus best enjoyed with friends, family and food from a restaurant such as Kitchen Door. Visit PaulaKornell.com to learn more.

Kitchen Door was founded in 2011 by Chef Todd Humphries, restaurateur Richard Miyashiro and front-of-the-house managing maestro Tim Seberson. The menu features eclectic global cuisine that is local, hand crafted and ingredient driven. Visit KitchenDoorNapa.com to learn more.

D'Ambrosio Vineyards hosts Liz Alessio Harvest Hoedown

Attend the Harvest Hoedown and campaign fundraiser with Napa City Councilmember Liz Alessio on Aug. 19 from 5 to 9 p.m. at D'Ambrosio Vineyards, 2215 West Oak Knoll Ave, Napa. The event will benefit the Monarch Justice Center, which provides free services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, child abuse, and elder and dependent adult abuse in Napa County. Their services come courtesy of private and public professionals and are trauma informed, non-judgmental and dedicated to easing the burden that systems and lack of access to resources place on survivors, as per the press release.

The event will feature bites prepared by Chef Kristine Schug and live music by Jeff Smorgy Fetters. There will be a full country saloon and silent auction, after which a western-themed dinner from Barbecue Champion Pat Burke and Grill Master Dave James will be presented alongside a suite of Napa wines, according to the press release. Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley will give a presentation. The afterparty will feature desserts from Jeannie Cox and dancing to the country tunes of Passn Through.

Alessio has spent her time as a council member intent on resolving issues of affordable housing, public safety and has campaigned for local focused economic development. She works on Napa transportation and environmental concerns as chair of the Napa Valley Transportation Authority and Napa County Climate Action Committee. Alessio has served as Vice Mayor since 2021.

The event is limited to 150 guests and tickets are $135 per person until Aug. 5, and $155 per person afterwards. Guests are encouraged to wear country attire or Napa casual. Sponsorships begin at $400 and grant guests VIP parking, access to special wines, table service and recognition in the program.

For information on the event, tickets or Alessios reelection campaign visit lizalessio.com.

Rock the V returns

Aug. 4 is the 25th Anniversary of the V Foundation Wine Celebration, which has raised $137 million dollars to date for cancer research and related programs, according to the press release. The newest rendition of their event will take place at The Estate Yountville, 6541 Washington St., Yountville, from 6 to 10 p.m.

Rock the V is the party to be at during the Wine Celebration weekend and promises an exciting evening with food from renowned local chefs paired with wines from regional vintners, a barrel auction and music under the stars. Musical guests include Arkai, an electro-acoustic duo who play genre-defying electric violins, and Eightlock Band, who mix Baltimore funk, New Orleans Swing and more. Additionally there is a silent disco from 9:30 p.m. to midnight.

The event is presented by JaM Cellars so visit their website to learn more.